Ohio Dealership Sells
Growing group picks up Toyota store in Midwest expansion push.

Toyota of Warren encompasses more than 25,000 square feet on five acres and includes a parts and service center with 18 bays.
Toyota of Warren
A Canada-based auto group picked up an Ohio Toyota dealership in a deal that retains both the store’s name and employees.
Rafih Auto Group in Ontario acquired Toyota of Warren in the dealership’s namesake northeast Ohio city, which sits in the northeast corner of the state.
The transaction was brokered by Tim Lamb Group for seller Jim Whetstone Auto Group, which will continue operating its remaining dealerships in Ohio and New York.
Rafih Auto now has 27 dealerships among 30 brands. The latest acquisition is its first U.S. Toyota store and is part of its growth in the Midwest states of Ohio and Michigan.
Toyota of Warren encompasses more than 25,000 square feet on five acres and includes a parts and service center with 18 bays.
Jim Whetstone Auto Group bought the first dealership that the Tim Lamb Group sold after its 2006 founding. The latest transaction marks the broker’s 120th deal in Ohio.
More Industry

Holman Opens New Lexus Dealership
Located in the heart of Clark County, Lexus of Vancouver features a multi-level showroom, more than 30 service bays, an indoor drive for drop-off and pick-up and a fleet of courtesy vehicles.
Read More →
Denver Ferrari Store in New Group
The recent sale of the dealership by Lithia adds to an expanding stable for a family-owned collection of franchises.
Read More →
Nissan Reports Significant Sales Growth
Following the release of Nissan’s 2025 fiscal year report, the automaker announced that its retail-first approach has led to a significant jump in dealer sales.
Read More →
Dealer Debrief: Effective Safety Features
In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers a positive safety study from GM and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute and a business acquisition by Cox Automotive.
Read More →
Recalled Autos Spike in Q1
The volume of affected units continued to rise as more software-focused models present different types of problems, creating complex risk, Sedgwick reports.
Read More →
Program Brings Wheels to Families in Need
NADA is taking Vehicles for Change’s Keys to Independence Program national so auto dealers can help families in need gain access to reliable transportation.
Read More →
EFG Aims to Help Dealers Face Rising Reinsurance Volatility
Rising claims severity, higher repair costs and delayed reserve adjustments are putting new pressure on auto dealerships' reinsurance programs.
Read More →
Hybrids in Focus
Another automaker announces plans to dedicate more resources in the U.S. to the now popular power train as it also looks to minimize trade tariff costs.
Read More →
IIHS Adds to Safety Rankings
A midsize Hyundai and a small Toyota have joined the nonprofit's 2026 Top Safety Pick+ award rankings, thanks to improved crash test results and crash-prevention measures.
Read More →
Dealer Debrief: FTC and Pricing
In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers long loan terms, the FTC's crackdown on pricing, and disaster prep for dealerships.
Read More →