Two longtime Southern California Lexus dealerships have new ownership after their founder's widow and longtime dealer principal died.

Lexus Carlsbad and Lexus Escondido in northern San Diego County are now part of Pierce Automotive Group, which is a partner in Denver, Colo.-based John Elway Dealerships. 

Pierce said it will keep the stores’ names and that it has no immediate plans to change staff.

“This is a long-term commitment where our priority is continuity for employees and customers, and delivering and exceptional Lexus ownership experience from day one,” said Pierce President Mitch Pierce. 

The stores had been operated by the late Judy Jones-Cone, and Pierce said the group is eager to build on her legacy “with integrity and purpose, values and leadership philosophy.”

Jones-Cone's husband, Lou Jones, was one of the first U.S. Lexus dealers with the opening of the Carlsbad franchise in 1989 after operating Toyota Carlsbad for two decades. He died in 1996.

Lexus Carlsbad has won the Elite of Lexus award from the Japanese automaker more times than any of the brand’s San Diego County stores, Pierce said. Each of the two dealerships sits on more than seven acres. 

The Carlsbad Lexus encompasses about 67,000 square feet and was built in 1992. The Escondido store, built in 2010, stretches over about 328,000 square feet, including a three-story parking garage, and boasts the high-end Vintana Restaurant in rented space. Both dealerships underwent renovations in 2021.

Pierce formerly owned Crown Toyota in the city of Ontario east of Los Angeles, which it said is one of that brand’s largest U.S. stores.

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