Vanguard Truck Centers has entered into an agreement to acquire Charlotte-based Advantage Truck Centers and Advantage Truck Leasing, the truck dealer group and leasing operation reports. The acquisition of Advantage is designed to expand Vanguard’s footprint from 20 to 25 locations across the country and grows its presence along the I-85 corridor in the Southeast. Details of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 1995, the Advantage dealer group and leasing operation represent Volvo Trucks, Autocar, Isuzu Trucks and Hino Motors. Advantage won North American Dealer of the Year for Volvo Trucks in 2020 and has a consistent track record of success in the Southeast region through both its dealership and lease & rental businesses, according to the deal announcement.
The addition of Advantage will strengthen Vanguard’s position as one of the largest Volvo Trucks dealer groups in North America while growing its Isuzu network and adding Autocar and Hino Motors to its lineup of OEMs. Advantage Truck Leasing’s sizable fleet and operating expertise will accelerate Vanguard’s growth in its full-service leasing business, the buyer said.
The Advantage and Vanguard teams will work closely to ensure a smooth transition. Vanguard plans to retain all existing Advantage employees, with CEO Terry Young and President Ken Adkins continuing to lead the business post-closing.
Upon completion of this transaction, Vanguard will have approximately 900 employees and anticipates sales of over 5,500 new and used commercial trucks annually. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter.