5 Shocking Changes After Mazda Of St. Augustine’s Historic Sale To Morgan Automotive Group
The landscape of automotive sales in Northeast Florida has undergone a significant and historic shift. As of late $\text{June 2025}$, Mazda of St. Augustine is no longer under the long-standing ownership of the Hodges family, marking the end of a 35-year legacy that defined the dealership's presence in St. Johns County. This major acquisition by the Tampa-based Morgan Automotive Group promises a new era for customers seeking the latest Mazda models, from the adventurous CX-50 to the luxurious three-row CX-90.
This article dives into the details of this high-profile transaction, exploring the history that made Mazda of St. Augustine a local favorite and detailing the five most impactful changes customers can expect under the new management. The transition affects everything from the inventory focus to the service experience, ensuring the dealership remains a key destination for the "Zoom-Zoom" spirit in St. Augustine, Florida.
The Hodges Family Legacy: A 35-Year Dealership Profile
For more than three decades, Mazda of St. Augustine operated as a cornerstone of the local business community, rooted deeply in family values and customer loyalty. The dealership, alongside its sister store, was owned and operated by the Hodges family, specifically brothers David Hodges and Dan Hodges.
David Hodges, who previously served as CEO of the Scott-McRae Automotive Group in Jacksonville, was instrumental in building the Mazda brand's reputation in the region before opening the St. Augustine location. Their approach focused on a personal, community-oriented style of service, which earned them a loyal customer base across Northeast Florida.
The sale in $\text{June 2025}$ officially concluded the Hodges' 35-year tenure in the Mazda franchise. The transaction involved both the dealership franchises and the underlying real estate properties, signaling a complete exit from the automotive retail business for the family.
5 Major Impacts of the Morgan Automotive Group Acquisition
The new owner, Morgan Automotive Group, is a major player in the Florida automotive market, known for its rapid expansion and high-volume sales strategies. Their acquisition of the St. Augustine and Jacksonville Mazda stores represents a strategic move to solidify their footprint in the region. Here are the five most significant changes and impacts for customers:
1. Expanded Access to New Mazda Inventory and 2025 Models
As a large, Tampa-based group, Morgan Automotive typically leverages its scale to offer a more extensive and diverse inventory. Customers can expect a strong focus on the latest Mazda lineup, including the highly anticipated 2025 Mazda CX-90 and 2025 Mazda CX-50.
- The CX-90 Focus: The flagship three-row SUV, the CX-90, is a major priority, offering a premium experience with comparable fuel economy to its smaller counterparts.
- The CX-50 for Adventure: For customers in St. Augustine who value an adventurous lifestyle and trips to the beach, the rugged CX-50 offers a bolder stance, muscular styling, and slightly more ground clearance than the CX-90, making it ideal for light off-roading.
- Current Offers: New ownership often means fresh incentives. The dealership continues to promote offers such as the $500 Bonus Cash toward the purchase or lease of new 2024, 2025, or 2026 Mazda vehicles.
2. Enhanced Service Center Resources and Technology
The transition to a large group like Morgan Automotive ensures that the service department receives continuous investment in the latest tools and technology. The Mazda Service Center in St. Augustine remains committed to providing professional maintenance and repair.
- Certified Mazda Technicians: The dealership continues to employ technicians who are specially trained to work on the complex Skyactiv Technology and mechanical components unique to Mazda vehicles.
- Genuine Mazda Parts: A dedicated Parts Department is maintained, allowing customers to easily order Genuine Mazda Parts online, ensuring the longevity and performance of their vehicle.
- Latest Diagnostic Equipment: Technicians utilize the latest diagnostic equipment, ensuring accurate and efficient repairs for popular models like the Mazda 3, CX-5, and MX-5 Miata.
3. Modernization of the Customer Experience
While the Hodges family was praised for its friendly staff, some customer reviews under the previous ownership noted a dislike for the "virtual meeting regarding financing." Large dealership groups often streamline the sales process, potentially introducing more digital tools for efficiency.
The new management, led by the dealership's General Manager, will likely focus on optimizing the balance between the friendly, local service St. Augustine customers expect and the speed and convenience that modern buyers demand. This includes a more refined process for financing and trade-ins.
4. A Shift in Dealership Culture and Focus
The move from a 35-year family-run operation to a large corporate group naturally involves a cultural shift. The Hodges family's legacy was built on long-term, personal relationships. The Morgan Automotive Group’s focus is typically on maximizing volume and efficiency.
This change does not diminish the quality of the product, but it may adjust the pace and style of interaction. Customers can expect a more standardized, professional, and high-volume sales environment, focused on moving inventory and offering competitive pricing across the St. Johns County market.
5. Increased Focus on Mazda's Premium Direction
Mazda is currently repositioning itself as a near-premium brand, emphasizing its sophisticated KODO Design philosophy and high-end interiors. The investment by a large group like Morgan Automotive signals confidence in this direction.
The dealership will likely highlight the luxury features of the new models, such as the inline-six engine options in the CX-90 and the elevated craftsmanship found in the CX-5 Carbon Edition and other trims. This commitment reinforces Mazda of St. Augustine's role as the premier destination for premium Japanese engineering in the region.
Navigating the New Era for St. Augustine Mazda Owners
The sale of Mazda of St. Augustine to the Morgan Automotive Group is a defining moment for the dealership. While the Hodges family's 35-year legacy of local service will be missed, the transition to one of Florida's largest automotive groups ensures a future of expanded inventory, competitive pricing, and continued investment in the service department.
For current and prospective owners in St. Augustine, the change means access to the latest and most exciting models—from the nimble Mazda3 to the powerful CX-90—backed by the resources of a major auto retail organization. As the new management takes the wheel, the commitment to the Zoom-Zoom driving experience remains the dealership's core mission.
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