Rosenthal Automotive

About Rosenthal Automotive

1100 S. Glebe Rd., Arlington, Va. 22204
www.rosenthalauto.com | 703-553-4300 | Founded: 1954

Industry: Retail | Category: Top Private Companies

New car sales were flat last year at Rosenthal, in line with the overall U.S. auto industry. The company said revenue was about even with a year ago, although it reported continued growth on the service side of the business.
Rosenthal is the nation's No. 1 dealer in combined Jaguar and Land Rover sales. The two British luxury brands are owned by Ford Motor Co. Last year, Rosenthal opened a 27,000-square-foot Jaguar/Land Rover showroom in the Chantilly auto park. The new store added 50 jobs. Rosenthal also has a Jaguar-Land Rover store in Tysons Corner, which will be renovated this year, according to Don Bavely, president of privately held Rosenthal Automotive.
Bavely said he wasn't worried about ongoing financial problems at GM and Ford. Both automakers are overhauling operations as they try to stem slides in profits and U.S. market share. "They are going to do what it takes to get themselves back where they need to be," Bavely said.
Bavely said Rosenthal was working on new projects, which included the addition of dealerships and car brands, although he didn't give any names. Bavely said its Acura store ranks third in the region in sales volume and fifth in the nation.
Bavely said Rosenthal's service income has increased by 50 percent over the past five years. Bavely attributed the increase to good customer handling. Customer service is a key metric for dealers who sell to upscale car buyers.
"We keep taking care of our customers, and they keep coming back," Bavely said.
Despite flat sales and revenue, Bavely said he is optimistic about 2006 because of the continued strength of the regional economy.

Chairman and CEO: Robert M. Rosenthal

2005 Financial Data

Revenues: $1,000,603,000
Total employees: 954 | Local employees: 954