Buying a new Ferrari, any new Ferrari, can be challenging with the ownership-ladder model Maranello developed. Don't think you are just hopping into a new Ferrari SF90 Spider because you brought a briefcase full of cash or have mad Bitcoins. No, Ferrari ownership is still a club, especially for desirable models and not just anyone can fire up their own Ferrari dealership either.
A Ferrari dealership has to be properly vetted by Maranello and competitors are extremely territorial about their turf. So, it was a massive surprise that the largest dealership group in Canada just scored a Washington DC-based dealership to retail the prancing horse.
The Dilawri Group based in Toronto, Canada was able to secure the purchase of Ferrari of Washington and the related Maserati of Washington to expand the company's vast footprint with a first entry into the US market.
Since 1985, the Dilawri Group has been no stranger to large acquisitions but they were always focused on the car buying market in Canada. In 2019, the company purchased six Mercedes-Benz dealers in one province and operate premium-brand dealerships like Audi, BMW and Porsche as well. However, the company has a portfolio that also includes high-end marques: Aston Martin Vancouver, Bentley Vancouver, and Lamborghini Vancouver. Now with this latest acquisition, the Dilawri Group owns and operates 77 dealerships retailing 37 brands.
Not only does the the group tower in size over competitors, it is also privately owned, which makes any specific financials or future plans off-limits to the public. The closest US-based private competitor would be AMSI Group owned by recluse Terry Taylor in West Palm Beach, FL, which has a reported 115 dealerships in the portfolio.
"Dilawri has built its reputation as an industry leader in Canada by successfully representing the world's most desirable automotive brands," said Kap Dilawri, Dilawri Group Cofounder. "We believe these dealerships will be an excellent opportunity to establish our presence in the US market."
While owning the single Ferrari dealership might seem small change, remember this is one of the oldest Ferrari dealerships in the US and the territory covers all of: Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. There are only 39 Ferrari dealerships in the entire country and its new Maserati dealership also serves a large market while gearing up for deliveries of the new Grecale SUV.
"We are confident that these dealerships will be an outstanding addition to the Dilawri Group," added Cofounder, Ajay Dilawri. "These iconic brands align with our strategy and open the door to exciting new possibilities in the vibrant North American automotive marketplace."