Gee Automotive's Mega-Deal Reshapes Western U.S. Auto Market

SPOKANE, Wash. – May 06, 2026 – Gee Automotive Companies has finalized a landmark acquisition of 15 dealerships from two of the most established names in the Southwest's auto retail sector: the Jim Click Automotive Team and the Tuttle-Click Automotive Group. The deal, effective April 28, 2026, dramatically expands Gee's footprint in Southern Arizona and Southern California, positioning the Spokane-based company as a dominant force in the Western United States.

This transformative transaction includes nine dealerships in Southern Arizona, long operated under the venerated Jim Click banner, and six dealerships in Southern California under the Tuttle-Click name. In a move designed to ensure a seamless transition and retain decades of brand equity, Gee Automotive announced that all 15 locations will continue to operate under their existing names and branding.

A Calculated Leap in Key Markets

For Gee Automotive, this acquisition is not a speculative venture but the culmination of a deliberate, multi-year expansion strategy. The company has been methodically building its presence in these two high-growth regions, having previously acquired Tucson Subaru in 2022 and Honda World in Westminster, California, in 2024. This latest deal, however, catapults its regional presence to a new level.

"Since acquiring Tucson Subaru in 2022 and Honda World in Westminster, CA in 2024, we have been looking for opportunities to expand in both the Tucson and Orange County markets," said Gee Automotive President, Jeff Jackson. "The opportunity to purchase the Jim Click Automotive Team and Tuttle-Click Automotive Group in one transaction led to immediate scale and brand diversity in two key markets Gee has targeted for expansion."

The acquisition nearly doubles Gee's presence in both markets. In the Tucson area, its portfolio grows to 10 rooftops representing brands like Ford, Lincoln, Subaru, Hyundai, and Nissan. In Southern California, its footprint expands to seven rooftops, adding key franchises such as Ford, Honda, and Mazda. This diversification significantly strengthens Gee's market position and reduces its reliance on any single brand.

The End of an Era, The Passing of a Legacy

While the deal marks a new chapter of growth for Gee, it signifies the end of an era for the Click and Tuttle families, whose names have been synonymous with car sales in the Southwest for generations. Jim Click Jr., 81, a third-generation car dealer, established his first Tucson dealership in 1971. Along with his cousin, Robert "Bob" Tuttle, he built an automotive empire renowned for its community involvement and customer loyalty. The Tuttle-Click legacy stretches even further, founded in 1946 by Holmes Tuttle, Jim Click's great uncle.

Click, a celebrated philanthropist in Tucson, confirmed he was stepping away from the business to begin his "next chapter" but emphasized his commitment to the community would continue through his family's foundation. The decision to sell was a personal one, marking a transition for the 81-year-old patriarch.

Honoring this deep-rooted history is a cornerstone of Gee Automotive's approach. "The opportunity to grow our presence in both Southern Arizona and Southern California in one transaction under two brand names with incredible legacies in the communities they serve is an opportunity that does not hit the market often," said Ryan Gee, CEO of Gee Automotive. "We're honored to continue their legacies, with our core principle of 'families serving families,' and we consider it a true privilege to do this."

Riding the Industry's Consolidation Wave

This acquisition is a powerful illustration of a sweeping trend transforming the American auto retail landscape. The industry has seen a surge in consolidation, with a record 438 dealership transactions completed in 2024 alone. This wave is driven by several factors, including aging dealer principals like Jim Click looking to exit the business, an influx of private equity capital, and dealership valuations that remain robust despite economic headwinds.

These large-scale acquisitions allow groups like Gee to achieve efficiencies and competitive advantages that are difficult for smaller, independent operators to match. The Automotive News Top 150 dealership groups now account for over 30% of industry revenue, and this deal will almost certainly elevate Gee's standing in those national rankings.

While multi-dealership transactions saw a slight dip as a percentage of total deals in 2024, the sheer scale of this 15-dealership acquisition underscores its significance. It allows Gee to instantly become a major player in two competitive markets rather than pursuing a slower, one-dealership-at-a-time growth strategy.

From a Single Lot to a Western Powerhouse

The story of Gee Automotive is a classic American entrepreneurial tale. Founded in 1983 by George Gee with a single Pontiac dealership in Spokane, Washington, the company has undergone a remarkable four-decade expansion. Under the second-generation leadership of CEO Ryan Gee and President Jeff Jackson, the company has accelerated its growth, transforming from a local dealer into a regional powerhouse.

Before this acquisition, Gee operated 33 dealerships in 2022. With the addition of the Click and Tuttle-Click stores, the company now presides over a formidable network of 75 franchises across 57 rooftops in five states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, and Arizona. This growth reflects a clear vision and an aggressive, yet strategic, approach to M&A.

The challenge ahead for Gee will be to integrate the approximately 900 employees from the newly acquired dealerships and merge distinct corporate cultures while preserving the local identity that made the Click and Tuttle-Click names so successful. By retaining the existing dealership names and management where possible, Gee is signaling its intent to build upon the existing foundation rather than tear it down. This major investment solidifies Gee Automotive's role as a key architect of the West's evolving automotive retail market.