Kunes Auto Group Drives into Twin Cities, Chicago North Shore Markets

DELAVAN, WI – February 03, 2026 – Kunes Auto & RV Group, a family-owned dealership network known for its rapid growth across the Midwest, has finalized three strategic acquisitions, marking its inaugural entry into Minnesota's Twin Cities metro area and deepening its presence in the Chicago suburbs.

The Wisconsin-based company has acquired two Minnesota dealerships from Valley Automotive Group, now operating as Kunes Apple Valley and Kunes Valley GMC in Hastings. Simultaneously, Kunes has taken ownership of a prominent Lake Bluff, Illinois, dealership, now Kunes Lakes Chevrolet, located on Chicago's prestigious North Shore. The moves significantly expand Kunes' footprint, pushing its total number of locations to 45 across the Midwest.

A Midwest Powerhouse on the Rise

These acquisitions are the latest in a string of calculated moves that have transformed Kunes Auto & RV Group into a regional powerhouse. The company's growth has been nothing short of explosive, expanding from just six locations 12 years ago to 45 today. The purchase of the Lake Bluff dealership marks the 53rd acquisition for company President Greg Kunes since he began a concerted expansion effort in 1996.

This aggressive growth strategy places Kunes at the forefront of a broader trend of consolidation within the automotive retail industry. As the global automotive market, valued at $2.75 trillion in 2025, continues to evolve with shifts toward electrification and connected technology, larger, well-capitalized dealership groups are increasingly absorbing smaller, independent stores. Kunes' strategy appears to be a masterclass in navigating this landscape, identifying key markets and executing acquisitions that strengthen its regional dominance.

"These acquisitions represent major growth for us in two very exciting markets," said Scott Kunes, the company's Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director. "We've been eager to enter the Twin Cities market and strengthen our relationship with the Chicago North Shore community. Both acquisitions align perfectly with our commitment to putting people first and building lasting relationships."

A Strategy Rooted in Family and Legacy

While the growth numbers are impressive, Kunes' approach to acquisition appears to diverge from the often-impersonal nature of corporate consolidation. The Minnesota deal, in particular, is being framed as a "compelling succession story." Valley Automotive Group, a family-run business founded in 1986, was reportedly seeking a buyer that would honor its legacy and commitment to its employees.

In Kunes, they found a cultural match. As a fellow family-owned entity, Kunes has built a reputation for prioritizing people. In a move that underscores this commitment, members of the previous owner's family will remain in leadership roles to guide the Minnesota operations. This focus on continuity is a core tenet of the Kunes model, with the company emphasizing its intent to retain existing staff at all three newly acquired locations.

This philosophy is backed by a consistent track record. The company is a perennial recipient of Automotive News' "Best Dealerships to Work For" awards, having garnered over 30 such honors. This suggests a corporate culture that genuinely values its workforce, a critical factor in ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining the local goodwill that made the dealerships attractive acquisition targets in the first place.

Chicago Homecoming and Strategic Positioning

The Illinois acquisition carries both strategic and personal significance. The new Kunes Lakes Chevrolet in Lake Bluff plants the company's flag firmly in the affluent Chicago North Shore, a highly desirable and competitive market. For Greg Kunes, a native of the Chicago area, this move represents a homecoming of sorts, strengthening the company's ties to his hometown.

The dealership, acquired from The Exchange group, is described as a high-end Chevrolet location serving a vibrant community. Its position allows Kunes to tap into a new demographic and compete in a premium suburban market, bringing the company's brand closer to the heart of the Chicago metropolitan area than ever before.

More Than a Dealership: A Values-Driven Approach

Underpinning the company's business strategy is a distinct corporate mission centered on "Faith, Family, and Giving Back." This is not merely a marketing slogan but a core operational principle. Through the Kunes Family Foundation, the group dedicates a remarkable 10% of its annual net profits to charitable causes.

This commitment translates to over $1 million donated annually to a wide range of local and international charities, churches, and ministries. Beneficiaries include organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA), and local food pantries such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society. This deep-seated philanthropic focus allows the company to embed itself within the communities it serves, building a level of trust and goodwill that extends beyond the showroom floor.

By blending an aggressive, data-driven acquisition strategy with a deeply ingrained, people-first culture, Kunes Auto & RV Group has created a unique and formidable model for growth. The latest expansion into Minnesota and the Chicago suburbs is a clear signal that the Midwest auto giant is not just buying dealerships; it is investing in communities and continuing to build its legacy one acquisition at a time.