Sewell Family of Companies Acquired Willis Automotive

The Iowa-based dealership group has been acquired by the Sewell Family of Companies.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Buying/Selling

Empty, pristine modern automotive service bay with polished concrete floors and organized, professional maintenance lifts in an industrial facility. — The Sewell Family of Companies has acquired the Des Moines-based dealership group Willis Automotive, which will maintain its current branding and leadership. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Sewell Family of Companies has officially acquired the Des Moines-based Willis Automotive. The dealership group, which traces its history back to 1947, will continue to operate under its current name.

Why it matters

The merger combines two long-standing dealership groups, with the acquisition providing new career paths for staff members across Iowa and Texas.

Willis Automotive operates a portfolio of eight brands including Lexus, Volvo, Land Rover, MINI, INFINITI, Nissan, Cadillac, and Chevrolet. Sewell manages a broader selection of 12 brands across its locations in Texas.

The players

Sewell Family of Companies

This organization operates a diverse network of automotive dealerships across Texas, including brands like Ford, BMW, and Kia.

Willis Automotive

Based in Des Moines, Iowa, this automotive group has managed a wide range of luxury and standard vehicle brands since 1947.

Jason Willis

He continues his role as president and an owner of Willis Automotive following the recent corporate acquisition.

The details

Willis Automotive will maintain its existing staff and operations in Des Moines following the transition. Jason Willis will stay on as the president and an owner of the company, ensuring continuity in leadership.

Willis Automotive was founded in 1947.
The Sewell Family of Companies acquired Willis Automotive on October 1, 2026.

Roadmap

This acquisition is part of a larger, ongoing trend of consolidation within the automotive retail sector. By joining forces, these groups are positioning themselves to compete more effectively against larger national dealership networks.

Customers can expect operations at Willis Automotive to continue as usual under the existing staff. The management transition aims to provide greater stability and expanded resources for the dealership network.

The takeaway

The acquisition marks a major change in ownership for a long-standing fixture of the Iowa automotive market. Local vehicle owners should see little disruption as the company integrates into the Sewell family network.