October 2, 2020 – LaFontaine Automotive Group, the fastest-growing dealer group in Michigan, today announced it has acquired Shuman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, located at the corner of N. Pontiac Trail and S. Commerce in Walled Lake (1111 S Commerce Rd, Walled Lake, MI 48390).
“Bob Shuman and his team did a tremendous job growing the family business and becoming engrained in the local community. We look to take that strong, customer-focused foundation and enhance it through our personalized service and ‘Family Deal’ experience we’ve been known for over the last 40 years of business,” said Ryan LaFontaine, Chief Operating Officer, LaFontaine Automotive Group. “On behalf of our entire team at LaFontaine Automotive Group and my family, we are extremely excited to expand and reinforce our presence in Oakland County and surrounding communities. With the addition of our new Walled Lake location, we will be the largest Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer in Michigan, with five locations.”
“I’m excited for the next chapter in my family’s legacy and am grateful to the LaFontaine family for their enthusiasm and commitment to my employees, our customers and the greater Walled Lake community,” said Bob Shuman, Dealer Principal, Shuman CDJR of Walled Lake. “The LaFontaine family is the perfect fit to pass the reigns to, as our principals and focus on what makes a great owner and community partner are aligned. I look forward to watching the dedicated Walled Lake team continue to grow and know that the future is very bright.”
Founded in 1980 by Michael Sr. and Maureen LaFontaine, the nationally-recognized LaFontaine Automotive Group now includes 40 retail franchises, five collision centers and 19 Michigan retail locations. The Group employs over 1,600 individuals. It’s the ongoing mission of the LaFontaine family and passionate team members to personalize the automotive experience by building lifelong relationships that connect families and strengthen communities. The Group sold 35,081 vehicles in 2019 and is ranked as the 52nd largest dealer group based in the U.S. by Automotive News.
“Our Group and dedicated team members have been involved with the greater Oakland County community for nearly forty years, supporting organizations and events such as Jay’s Juniors, Angels of Hope, Children’s Miracle Network, Make-A-Wish, YMCA – Strong Kids Campaign, and many other worthy causes,” said Kelley LaFontaine, Vice President, LaFontaine Automotive Group. “Supporting our local communities and giving back to those less fortunate has been a cornerstone of my mom’s everlasting legacy and know that with this new location, we will be able to explore new opportunities that positively impact the lives of those living and working in the Walled Lake area.”
John Rossi will oversee the new LaFontaine CDJR Walled Lake location. Rossi started with LaFontaine Automotive Group in 2019 and prior to his new position, was the General Sales Manager of LaFontaine CDJR of Fenton. “I am honored to have this amazing opportunity to lead the LaFontaine CDJR of Walled Lake team and deliver the exceptional customer service and community support LaFontaine is known for,” said Rossi.
Joe Zeigler has been with Shuman CDJR for 37 years, most recently as General Manager. Joe will remain on as an integral part management team. “I couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds both for our dealership family and Walled Lake. I’ve been engrained in our local community for decades and know that the LaFontaine family will continue to build on the relationships we’ve established over the years,” added Zeigler.
Shuman CDJR of Walled Lake, was founded in 1955 by Bob Shuman’s father and grandfather. In 1967, they purchased six acres of farmland on the northwest corner of Pontiac Trail and South Commerce and built their current facility. In 1996, they doubled the size of the service department and in 2003, purchased five additional acres across the street on Pontiac Trail, building a separate pre-owned facility. Out of more than 3,000 Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram stores nationwide, their Walled Lake dealership consistently ranked in the top 40 in new vehicle sales volume. Through their commitment to customer service, they’ve been recognized as the national Chrysler Dealer of the Year as determined by DealerRater.com consecutively for the past seven years.
“Through all the adversity and uncertainty this year, we’ve found ways to continue to expand our presence in Michigan, remain committed to growing for our employees and welcome new customers into our LaFontaine family,” added Ryan LaFontaine. “We will be pouring our heart and passion into the community and remain committed to continuing on the legacy Bob and his family have created in Walled Lake over the past 60 plus years.”
As of this announcement, the dealership will be renamed LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Walled Lake.
