Republic Industries Inc.’s fight with two Japanese automakers intensified Tuesday as Republic sued Toyota Motor Co. in Alabama, a Washington state dealer claimed Toyota is illegally interfering with its sale and Honda Motor Co. added to its federal lawsuit.
Ft. Lauderdale-based Republic, which rapidly became the biggest auto retailer in the U.S. through acquisitions, said Toyota has illegally interfered with its purchase of Dobbs Automotive Group in Alabama, which sells Toyota and Lexus.
It also said Appleway Toyota of Spokane, Wash., told state motor vehicle regulators that Toyota is blocking its sale to Republic. Toyota said it would contest the actions.
At the same time, Honda added new claims to its earlier suit against Republic. Toyota and Honda claim Republic is violating agreements that limit the number of their dealerships that can be bought by a single person or company.
Republic, led by Chairman Wayne Huizenga, is battling to expand by taking its case to state courts and regulators, where it sees better chances of success by invoking laws intended to protect dealers’ rights. Those laws could strike down Toyota’s and Honda’s restrictions on dealership sales.
Republic has agreed to acquire more than 150 dealers since December, including 18 Toyota or Lexus dealers and nine Honda or Acura dealerships. Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand, as Acura is for Honda.
