Here is a very lengthy, step-by-step guide on how many dealerships Berkshire Hathaway has, designed to engage you from the very beginning.
How to Understand Berkshire Hathaway's Automotive Empire: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Let's start with a little quiz!
Think about the name "Berkshire Hathaway." What comes to mind? Is it stocks, insurance, or maybe a certain famous investor named Warren Buffett? You're right on all counts! But did you know this massive conglomerate also has a huge stake in the automotive world?
Before you continue, take a guess: how many car dealerships do you think Berkshire Hathaway owns?
Is it: a) A handful, maybe 10-20? b) Around 50-75? c) Over 100?
Keep your answer in mind as we journey through this guide. You might be surprised by the end!
Step 2: Unpacking the Acquisition that Started it All
To understand Berkshire Hathaway's presence in the automotive retail industry, you need to know about a pivotal acquisition that took place in 2015.
The Van Tuyl Group: The Foundation of an Empire
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
In early 2015, Berkshire Hathaway acquired the Van Tuyl Group, which at the time was the largest privately owned automotive dealership group in the United States. This wasn't just a small purchase; it was a major move that instantly made Berkshire Hathaway a dominant player in the car dealership market.
The Van Tuyl Legacy: The Van Tuyl Group was a well-established and highly respected name in the industry. It was known for its network of independently operated dealerships across several states.
The Name Change: Following the acquisition, the group was rebranded as Berkshire Hathaway Automotive (BHA). This change solidified its place within the broader Berkshire Hathaway portfolio, sitting alongside other famous brands like GEICO, Dairy Queen, and BNSF Railway.
Step 3: Finding the Numbers - How Many Dealerships?
Now, for the answer to our quiz. How many dealerships does Berkshire Hathaway Automotive have?
A Growing and Dynamic Portfolio
While the exact number can fluctuate slightly due to acquisitions, sales, and the addition of new franchises, publicly available information from sources like the Berkshire Hathaway Automotive website and news reports provide a clear picture.
Initial Acquisition: When the Van Tuyl Group was acquired in 2015, it consisted of over 100 automotive franchises in 10 states. This was a massive starting point.
Current Figures: According to information available on the Berkshire Hathaway Automotive website, the group operates a network with over 100 franchises. Another source states the company had 78 independently operated dealerships with over 100 franchises in 10 states. A more recent report from 2023 indicated over 80 dealerships. The key takeaway is that the number is consistently over 100 franchises across multiple dealership locations.
Key Brands: Berkshire Hathaway Automotive’s portfolio is diverse, representing a wide range of manufacturers. They sell everything from domestic and import vehicles to economy and luxury cars. You'll find dealerships for brands like:
Chevrolet
Ford
Toyota
Honda
Nissan
Cadillac
INFINITI
BMW
And many more!
Why the variation in numbers? It's important to understand the difference between a "dealership" and a "franchise." A single dealership building might house multiple franchises (e.g., a dealership that sells both Honda and Acura vehicles). Therefore, while the number of physical dealership locations might be slightly lower, the number of franchises is consistently over 100.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
Step 4: A Geographic Footprint Spanning the U.S.
So, where are all these dealerships located? Berkshire Hathaway Automotive has a significant presence in several key states across the US.
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Key States with a Strong BHA Presence
The dealerships are strategically located in states where the original Van Tuyl Group had a strong foothold and where there are thriving automotive markets. Some of the major states include:
Arizona
California
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Missouri
Nebraska
New Mexico
Texas
This wide geographic spread allows Berkshire Hathaway to capture a diverse customer base and mitigate risks associated with regional economic downturns.
Step 5: Beyond Just Selling Cars - A Full-Service Model
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
Berkshire Hathaway Automotive's business model isn't just about selling new and used cars. It’s a comprehensive approach to automotive retail.
A Holistic Automotive Ecosystem
New and Pre-Owned Sales: This is the core business, but it's just the beginning.
Service and Repair: The dealerships provide full-service departments for vehicle maintenance and repair, a crucial source of revenue and customer retention.
Parts and Accessories: Customers can purchase genuine OEM parts and a wide range of accessories.
Financing and Insurance: Through partnerships and subsidiaries like MPP Company, BHA dealerships offer a complete suite of financing options, vehicle service contracts, and other insurance products. This creates a powerful, integrated ecosystem that maximizes revenue and keeps customers within the Berkshire Hathaway network.
This is a prime example of Warren Buffett's investment philosophy: buying excellent businesses with strong moats (competitive advantages) and a diversified stream of income.
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| How Many Dealerships Does Berkshire Hathaway Have |
10 Related FAQ Questions and Quick Answers
How to find a Berkshire Hathaway Automotive dealership near me? You can visit the official Berkshire Hathaway Automotive website and use their "Find a Dealer" or "Locations" tool, which provides a list of all their affiliated dealerships across the country.
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
How to apply for a job at a Berkshire Hathaway dealership? Job seekers can visit the Berkshire Hathaway Automotive careers page on their website, which lists open positions across their network of dealerships.
How to sell my car to a Berkshire Hathaway dealership? Many BHA dealerships have dedicated departments or online tools (like "Value Your Trade") where you can get a quote for your vehicle and sell it to them directly.
How to finance a car through a Berkshire Hathaway Automotive dealership? Dealerships within the BHA network offer various financing options through their own finance departments and partnerships with lenders. You can typically apply for financing directly at the dealership or online.
How to service my vehicle at a BHA-affiliated dealership? You can schedule service appointments directly with the service department of any BHA dealership. You can often do this online through their website or by calling the dealership.
How to purchase a vehicle service contract from a BHA dealership? Through their partnership with MPP Company, BHA dealerships offer a range of proprietary vehicle service contracts that you can inquire about and purchase when you buy a car.
How to contact Berkshire Hathaway Automotive's corporate office? The corporate headquarters for Berkshire Hathaway Automotive is located in Irving, Texas. Contact information can be found on their official website.
How to know if a dealership is part of the Berkshire Hathaway Automotive group? The dealership's official website will often have a section about its ownership or a link to the Berkshire Hathaway Automotive corporate site. You can also check the list of locations on the BHA website.
How to understand the difference between a dealership and a franchise? A dealership is a physical location, while a franchise is the brand or manufacturer it is authorized to sell. One dealership building can hold multiple franchises (e.g., a Honda and Acura franchise under one roof).
How to invest in Berkshire Hathaway and its automotive business? You can invest in Berkshire Hathaway Inc. by purchasing its Class A (BRK.A) or Class B (BRK.B) shares on the stock market. Your investment would then be part of the entire conglomerate, including its automotive division.
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