Thursday, March 30, 2023

Iconic Lou LaRiche car dealership sold to LaFontaine

Members of the LaFontaine Auto Group and owners of Lou LaRiche
Chevrolet celebrate the sale of the Plymouth Township dealership
founded by the late Lou LaRiche in 1971.
The end of an era was finalized in Plymouth last week with the announcement of the sale of Lou LaRiche Chevrolet to LaFontaine Automotive Group.

LaFontaine Automotive Group, the largest family-owned dealer group in Michigan, now owns 34 dealerships across the state, representing 54 automotive franchises

“We are a family-focused business with an emphasis on our guests, family and the communities we serve. My family has had the opportunity to know the LaRiche family for many years and when this opportunity presented itself, we knew it was a perfect match,” said Ryan LaFontaine, CEO, LaFontaine Automotive Group.

“With a key location in Metro Detroit, we are very optimistic for the future growth of this dealership and see it quickly rising through the ranks to be one of General Motors top Chevrolet retail locations in the United States.”  

“My family has poured our heart into the Plymouth community for 53 years. My staff, the community and the business my family has built means so much to myself and family,” said Scott LaRiche. “On behalf of family, we want to thank our guests, employees and community for the countless memories and friendships over the years.

“It was very important to my family to find another family-focused company that is aligned on our values and culture to carry on our legacy, and we found just that with the LaFontaine family. We know that LaFontaine Automotive Group will continue to provide the same high level of service and dedication to our customers that we have always strived for,” LaRiche said. 

The Haggerty Road dealership has been a flagship in the Plymouth community for decades. It was founded by Lou Lariche in 1971. Mr. LaRiche died at the age of 90 last June. 

Founded in 1980 by Michael Sr. and Maureen LaFontaine, the nationally-recognized LaFontaine Automotive Group now includes 54 retail franchises, 9 collision centers and 34 Michigan retail locations. The group employs nearly 2,500 individuals. 

“Community and philanthropy remains a cornerstone of our Group since my mom, Maureen LaFontaine, went door-to-door back in Plymouth in 1984, building lifelong relationships and uplifting the communities that have supported us,” said Kelley LaFontaine, vice president of LaFontaine Automotive Group. “There is a rich sense of community in and around the Plymouth area and we will quickly align ourselves with the organizations and initiatives making a positive impact on fellow residents and business alike.”  

Keith Davey with LaFontaine Automotive Group will oversee the new Plymouth location as general manager. Davey started his automotive retail career in Plymouth more than a decade ago at a different dealership. 

“I'm so excited to be back in Plymouth and have the opportunity to take this store to new heights and deliver a best-in-class guest experience,” said Davey. 

Matthew Bailey, currently general sales manager of LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC of Highland, will transition to GSM in Plymouth.  

Following the closing, the dealership will be renamed LaFontaine Chevrolet Plymouth. 

Financial details of the sale were not disclosed.