KALAMAZOO, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, July 14, 2023) – Perhaps Zeigler Auto Group will stay in Ottawa County a little longer than two years now.
Two years was the length of time the Kalamazoo-based automotive entity spent in Hudsonville after purchasing a Chrysler dealership off of Chicago Drive there in 2003. That dealership moved to Grandville, off of Rivertown Parkway, in 2005, and the site in Hudsonville has remained vacant ever since.
On Thursday, the Zeigler Auto Group announced the acquisition of the four-franchise Elhart Automotive complex off of Chicago Drive on Holland’s east side. The move rebrands the franchises as Zeigler GMC, Zeigler Hyundai, Zeigler Kia and Zeigler Nissan, and expands the Zeigler brand to 39 stores in Michigan and 82 in the Midwest region (including Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana). It also ends Elhart Automotive’s operations that had been in place since 1965. No terms of the transaction were disclosed.
“To us this isn’t just another acquisition, this is an opportunity to continue a family tradition and carry on a legacy that the Elhart family started nearly six decades ago. Zeigler is proud to welcome our newest members to the Zeigler family as we continue to work towards making Michigan the best place to live and do business.” – Aaron J. Zeigler, president and owner of Zeigler Auto Group.
“As a longtime auto dealer for nearly 60 years, a supporter of people development and care for others, I am extremely excited for our entire team at Elhart Automotive Campus in Holland to become part of the Zeigler family team. The good Lord led our family after careful thought to your great family team of professionals. I’m excited for our nearly 100 associates at Elhart in Holland to continue and carry on our family legacy with the Zeigler Auto Group.” – Jeff Elhart, now former owner of Elhart Automotive.
Zeigler Auto Group also announced plans to upgrade the Chicago Drive campus that currently has five buildings with a total square footage of 86,000 on 22 acres.
