Former Kia of South Austin location is among the dealerships now operating under the unified Group 1 brand

AUSTIN, Texas, July 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing nationwide initiative to unify its extensive network of dealerships, Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Houston-based automotive retailer with dealerships across the U.S. and U.K., today highlighted Group 1 Kia South Austin, formerly Kia of South Austin, which has operated under its new name since April 15, 2026.

The South Austin dealership is one of a growing number of U.S. locations aligned under the initiative, giving customers a clearer connection to Group 1's scale, resources, and operational standards while preserving the local team, Kia expertise, and customer relationships that have served Austin for more than a decade.

Backed by the scale, resources, and expertise of an international automotive retailer, Group 1 Automotive remains focused on delivering the personalized service and community connections that define the local dealership experience. Learn more at Group1Auto.com.

Better Customer Experience

The transition from Kia of South Austin to Group 1 Kia South Austin is part of a broader effort to create a more consistent customer experience across Group 1's U.S. retail network. The rebrand did not represent a change in ownership, staffing, product offerings, or day-to-day operations, and customers have continued to work with the same local professionals under the new name.

Group 1 Automotive has owned and operated the South Austin dealership for more than a decade. The new name formally connects the location to Group 1's national platform, giving local customers the benefit of a familiar South Austin dealership supported by the resources, technology, and operational discipline of a larger automotive group.

"Since taking our new name, our customers have found the same local team they know and trust, now with a clearer connection to the strength and resources of Group 1," said Neal Slocombe, General Manager of Group 1 Kia South Austin. "The name on the building changed, but what matters here has not: a consistent, convenient, and transparent experience, whether someone is shopping for a new Kia, servicing their current vehicle, or considering a trade-in."

Continuity of Service and Local Commitment

Group 1 Kia South Austin continues to serve customers from its existing location at 5306 South IH-35 Frontage Road in Austin, Texas, supporting drivers throughout Austin, Buda, Kyle, and surrounding Central Texas communities with new Kia vehicles, pre-owned vehicles, Kia service, parts, and maintenance support.

The dealership remains focused on the same local relationships that defined Kia of South Austin, while gaining a clearer connection to Group 1's broader retail network. Customers can expect continuity in the sales and service experience, along with the added benefit of a unified Group 1 brand that makes locations easier to recognize, find, and trust across markets.

Additional Customer Questions

Why did Kia of South Austin change its name to Group 1 Kia South Austin?

Kia of South Austin became Group 1 Kia South Austin on April 15, 2026, as part of Group 1 Automotive's effort to create a clearer, more consistent naming structure across its U.S. dealerships. The new name reflects the dealership's connection to Group 1 while continuing to serve customers in Austin and the surrounding Central Texas communities. As part of the Group 1 network — 250 dealerships offering 37 vehicle brands — the dealership connects customers to new and pre-owned sales, financing, service, parts, and collision support, with a consistent experience from transparent pricing to online scheduling at every Group 1 store.

How does dealership or manufacturer financing compare to a bank loan?

Manufacturer-affiliated lenders sometimes offer promotional rates or lease programs that banks do not, while banks and credit unions may offer competitive rates for well-qualified borrowers. Dealerships typically work with multiple lenders and can compare offers in one place. Reviewing the annual percentage rate, term, and total cost across options helps identify the best fit.

What is the driving range of the Kia Telluride?

Total driving range depends on fuel tank capacity and EPA-estimated fuel economy for the specific model year and configuration. Shoppers can estimate range by multiplying the combined MPG estimate by tank size, and a dealership can confirm figures for a particular trim. Real-world range varies with driving conditions.

How can shoppers find a specific model or trim in stock?

Most dealership websites offer searchable live inventory filtered by model, trim, color, and features, and many allow shoppers to reserve an in-transit vehicle or request a locate from other stores in the dealer network. Contacting the dealership directly can also surface inbound inventory that has not yet been listed.

About Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Group 1 owns and operates 250 automotive dealerships, 310 franchises, and 32 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 37 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships and omni-channel platform, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts.

https://www.group1kiasouthaustin.com

Media Contact:

Kimberly Barta
Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications
kbarta@group1auto.com 
503-539-0756

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SOURCE Group 1 Automotive, Inc.