A significant shift in Washington County’s automotive landscape occurred as John Sisson Motors Inc., a car dealership with a half-century legacy, transitioned ownership. The dealership, a well-known name in the region, has been acquired by Faisal and Ali Ahmed, a father-son business team based in Florida. This acquisition marks another chapter in the evolving story of auto dealerships in the Pittsburgh area and beyond.
Jimmy Ramirez, the General Manager at John Sisson Motors, has confirmed the change in ownership. However, he indicated that operations at the dealership will remain consistent under the new management. This suggests a smooth transition for both employees and customers of John Sisson Motors, a fixture known for its Mercedes Benz and Nissan franchises, along with a robust used car division. The Ahmeds bring a portfolio of multiple auto dealerships in Florida and have recently expanded their reach, acquiring a Nissan dealership in the Baltimore area in June. Their investment in John Sisson Motors signals continued confidence in the automotive market and the established presence of this Washington County dealership.
Public records reveal substantial real estate transactions associated with the dealership sale. Two properties at 470 and 480 Washington Road, South Strabane, home to John Sisson Motors, were purchased by Washington APA RE LLC for a total exceeding $18.7 million. This real estate deal underscores the significant value of the John Sisson Motors location and its strategic importance in the region.
The acquisition of John Sisson Motors is part of a broader trend of dealership consolidation that has been reshaping the automotive retail sector. While Pittsburgh had been relatively insulated from this wave until recent years, succession challenges and market dynamics are driving mergers and acquisitions. Lithia Motors Inc., a major publicly traded auto group, entered the Pittsburgh market by acquiring Baierl Auto Group in Cranberry in 2017 and parts of Day Automotive Group in Monroeville in early 2018. Further illustrating this trend, Kenny Ross Auto Group, another prominent local player, saw a majority stake acquired by GPB Capital Holdings LLC in 2017, with subsequent sales of Kenny Ross Chevrolet and Kenny Ross Nissan to #1 Cochran in 2019. These transactions highlight the increasing scale and changing landscape of car dealerships in the region, with John Sisson Motors Mercedes now being the latest to join this evolving narrative.
The purchase of John Sisson Motors Mercedes by the Florida-based Ahmed partnership represents not just a change in ownership but also a continuation of a long-standing automotive business in Washington County. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, this acquisition indicates the enduring value of established dealerships and the ongoing investment in the car market within the Pittsburgh region.
