LaFontaine Automotive Group announced Tuesday the acquisition of Bill MacDonald Ford in St. Clair, a move that will contribute to the automotive group’s expansion in the state.
Founded in 1980, the family-owned company owns 53 retail franchises, seven collision centers and 31 Michigan retail locations; and employs more than 2,200 individuals, according to a release from the group.
“As we continue to execute our retail expansion plans in Michigan, we remain focused on diversifyingour brand portfolio, personalized guest options for sales, service, parts and body shop, and offering ourLaFontaine team a platform for continued professional growth,” LaFontaine Automotive Group CEO Ryan LaFontaine said in a written statement.
The automotive group has been aggressively acquiring properties in the last five years, adding 18 retail locations in Michigan, the release said.
The former Bill MacDonald Ford dealership, located at 1200 South Carney Dr., comes following LaFontaine’s acquisition of the St. Clair Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership in fall 2021.
“The past year we have really embraced the greater St. Clair and Blue Water community both for sales and service in our body shop and saw a need to continue to grow in this community,” said LaFontaine Automotive Group spokesperson Max Muncey. “When the opportunity became available for Bill MacDonald we hopped on it pretty quickly.”
Ford’s new inventory of gas- and electric-powered vehicles makes it an attractive automaker, Muncey said.
Muncey said the company will keep as many employees from the Bill MacDonald dealership as possible, while also expanding job opportunities for the wider community. The group currently has about 20 positions open between its two St. Clair County locations, with plans to recruit and add additional employees as the group expands its operations.
LaFontaine Automotive Group also prides itself on being involved in the community in a way that uplifts residents and business owners, Muncey said.
The dealership is now named LaFontaine Ford St. Clair following the closing Monday. Ryan LaFontaine will be the dealer operator, according to the release.
Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 or [email protected].