Carbone joins Lithia Motors

UTICA>> Local automotive retailer Carbone Automotive Group has joined Lithia Motors Inc.

“Recently we completed the combination with Lithia and DCHAuto Group we started back in June,” said Carbone CEO Enessa Carbone. “Our shared resources will help us grow while preserving the heritage of the Carbone Automotive Group.

“The Lithia- Carbone combination will provide us additional capital to bring the Carbone experience to more communities and dealerships throughout the Northeast,” Carbone said. “Being part of a nationwide family such as Lithia gives us the ability to share best practices, learn from each other, share resources, and become more competitive. As we enter new markets and add stores it will create more opportunities for each of our associates to advance their careers. “

The Carbone family will continue to operate the Carbone Auto Group as it has since 1929.

The Carbone Auto Group will retain its name, and Carbone family members Enessa and Alex Carbone will con- tinue to lead the local company. “The community will soon see this commitment with several new dealerships and other service facilities being constructed later this year and into 2017,” said Alex Carbone.

“We’re proud of our involvement in our communities and remain devoted to our customers and our neighbors. Our brand reputation is an asset that we intend to leverage in nearby markets by continuing to meet and exceed our customer’s expectations,” said Enessa Carbone.

Carbone Auto Group will continue its tradition of supporting community organizations such as United Cerebral Palsy and participation in local events like the American Heart Association Heart Run & Walk, United Cerebral Palsy’s Color Run, and Utica’s Boilermaker Road Race.

“For over 85 years, Carbone has served local communities in upstate New York. Their people and the reputation they have developed positions them well for growth,” noted Lithia President and CEO Bryan DeBoer.