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Ohio Dealership Sells

Growing group picks up Toyota store in Midwest expansion push.

May 14, 2025
Ohio Dealership Sells

Toyota of Warren encompasses more than 25,000 square feet on five acres and includes a parts and service center with 18 bays.

Credit:

Toyota of Warren

1 min to read


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.

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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.

DIG DEEPER: Thinking About Selling Your Business?

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

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