Lithia Motors
Lithia Motors began in 1946 when Walt DeBoer opened a single car dealership in Ashland, Oregon.The Chrysler Jeep Dodge store moved to the auto mall in September 2007, but the project was put on hold for seven years because the recession hit shortly after.[22] In 2010, it was reported that with the backing of two lenders, "the Commons," a mixed-use building with Lithia Headquarters as the largest tenant, was a "go" and could proceed with construction.According to an article by The Mail Tribune, "Lithia partnered with the Medford Urban Renewal Agency to create The Commons, a revitalization project that includes the headquarters and another $14 million in infrastructure and three park blocks, paid for with MURA dollars.[28] Cox Automotive awarded Lithia Motors' BMW of Ramsey, New Jersey store with the 2019 Cox Automotive Leader in Sustainability Award, citing outstanding community contributions and sustainable programs including waste reduction, water conservation and energy consumption.[29] In February 2021, a source reported Lithia Motors was in talks to acquire the Suburban Collection dealer chain in Michigan.Later in April of the same year, the company acquired New Jersey dealership Planet Honda of Union, which is expected to add $230 million in annual revenue.