Sutherlin Automotive Group: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Sutherlin Automotive Group, established in 1972, has evolved from a single dealership into a prominent family-owned automotive group operating across the Southeastern United States. The company represents esteemed automotive brands, including Lexus, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, and INFINITI, and is recognized for its commitment to integrity, innovation, and customer-centric service.

Mission and Vision

The group's mission is to deliver a car-buying and service experience rooted in honesty, transparency, and respect, aiming to build long-term relationships with customers, employees, and communities. Their vision is to redefine the automotive retail experience by integrating advanced digital technologies and maintaining a customer-first approach.

Industry Significance

With over five decades of experience, Sutherlin Automotive Group has established itself as a significant player in the automotive retail industry, known for its rapid expansion and innovative customer service strategies. The recent acquisition of McKenna Subaru in Huntington Beach, California, underscores the group's ambition to become a leading Subaru dealership in the United States.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Expansion: Aggressively expanding dealership operations into new markets, particularly in California, to increase brand presence and market share.

Customer Experience: Enhancing the car-buying and service experience through digital innovations, aiming for a streamlined and customer-friendly process.

Operational Excellence: Improving operational efficiency by expanding service capacities and integrating advanced technologies.

Areas of Specialization

Digital Retailing: Implementing cutting-edge digital tools to facilitate online vehicle purchases and services.

Customer Service: Providing exceptional customer service with a focus on transparency and integrity.

Key Technologies Utilized

Digital Retail Platforms: Utilizing advanced digital platforms to offer a seamless online car-buying experience.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: Employing CRM systems to manage customer interactions and enhance service quality.

Primary Markets Targeted

Southeastern United States: Maintaining a strong presence in Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida.

California: Expanding into the Southern California market with the acquisition of McKenna Subaru in Huntington Beach.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Sutherlin Automotive Group is a privately held, self-funded entity, with no publicly disclosed funding rounds or external investors. The company has financed its expansion and operations through internal resources and revenue generation.

Recent Financial Transactions

Sale of Dealerships: In February 2024, the group sold three dealerships in Southwest Florida—Sutherlin Nissan Fort Myers, Sutherlin Nissan Cape Coral, and Fort Myers Genesis—to Krause Auto Group for over $110 million.

Acquisition: In September 2025, Sutherlin Automotive Group acquired McKenna Subaru in Huntington Beach, marking its first dealership in California.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

McKenna Subaru Huntington Beach: The recent acquisition is set to become one of the largest Subaru dealerships in the U.S., with plans to stock over 300 new Subarus and more than 250 used vehicles.

Stages of Development

Operational Expansion: Doubling the size of the service and parts department to enhance service capacity.

Customer Experience Enhancement: Implementing mobile service and pickup-and-delivery options to improve customer convenience.

Target Conditions

Subaru Market: Focusing on the Southern California market to establish a dominant presence.

Anticipated Milestones

Service Capacity Expansion: Completion of the expanded service and parts department.

Inventory Growth: Achieving the target inventory levels of new and used vehicles.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Digital Retailing Tools: Developing and utilizing proprietary digital platforms to facilitate online vehicle purchases and services.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Leveraging data analytics to optimize inventory management and customer engagement strategies.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Employing CRM systems to manage customer interactions and enhance service quality.

Leadership Team

Brett Sutherlin – Owner & CEO

Professional Background: A second-generation automotive entrepreneur with over 28 years of experience in automotive retail, operations, and digital innovation.

Key Contributions: Led the expansion into Southern California with the acquisition of McKenna Subaru and the sale of multiple dealerships to streamline operations.

Eric Brower – General Manager, Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach

Professional Background: Veteran Subaru executive with a proven track record, including successfully leading Sutherlin Subaru in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he more than doubled sales.

Key Contributions: Overseeing operations at the newly acquired Huntington Beach location to establish it as a leading Subaru dealership.

Leadership Changes

Recent Appointments

Eric Brower: Appointed as General Manager of Sutherlin Subaru Huntington Beach in September 2025 to lead the expansion efforts in California.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Market Size and Growth Potential: The automotive retail market in the United States is substantial, with significant growth potential in regions like Southern California.

Industry Trends: There is a growing emphasis on digital retailing and customer-centric service models in the automotive industry.

Competitor Analysis

Asbury Automotive Group: A publicly traded company with 148 dealerships and 198 franchises, representing 31 brands.

Lithia Motors: The largest automotive retailer in the U.S. by revenue, operating numerous dealerships across the country.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Pinnacle Mergers & Acquisitions: Advised on the sale of multiple dealerships, including the sale of Sutherlin Nissan Fort Myers, Sutherlin Nissan Cape Coral, and Fort Myers Genesis to Krause Auto Group.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Market Position: Sutherlin Automotive Group holds a strong position in the Southeastern U.S. and is expanding into competitive markets like Southern California.