Rosenthal remained in family hands until last week with Jim Rosenthal as managing director. He and joint dealer principals Andrew and Belinda Stiles left the business on the takeover date of August 1.

Australian Motors Group bought the dealership group for an undisclosed sum. It will retain the group’s three franchises – Mazda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi. It will drop the Rosenthal name to trade as Australian Motors Riverland.

Riverland operates from two properties in Berri, 240km north-east of Adelaide on the Murray River. 

Rosenthal Automotive was founded in 1908 by Mick Rosenthal and until last week had remained a family-owned business.

In its notice of acquisition, the company said it upheld “values similar to that of Australian Motors.”

“The business has grown over time and currently offers customers new and used Mazda, Mitsubishi and Hyundai vehicles, as well as servicing for Holden vehicles and the RAA in the Riverland,” it said in a statement.

“Today the business employs in excess of 20 people in the Riverland, all of which we look forward to welcoming into the Australian Motors family.”

Australian Motors COO Dylan Nunn said in a statement: “For more than 60 years, Australian Motors have set a benchmark for excellence in sales, service and customer satisfaction.

“We have every confidence that through a continuous focus on customer service, communication, community focus and business relationships, we will be able to further grow Australian Motors Riverland. 

“We look forward to supporting the team and customers of Rosenthal Automotive through the transition.”

AMG added that: “We are proud to add Australian Motors Riverland to our dealer network and look forward to providing Berri and the greater Riverland region with the same award-winning level of customer service that our customers know and love.”

Australian Motors Group, which started in 1952, has Suzuki, Isuzu Ute, Mazda and Mitsubishi franchises and the Adelaide 4×4 Outdoor centre. Riverland adds another Mazda and Mitsubishi outlet to the group and, for the first time, Hyundai.

By Neil Dowling