Ron Tonkin Car Dealerships Sold to Spokane Group Says Report

Ron Tonkin, one of the oldest and best-known car dealerships in the Portland area, has sold itself to Gee Automotive of Spokane, according to the Portland Business Journal. The paper reports that Tonkin dealerships will keep their name.

Under Gee ownership, the trusted Tonkin brand, service and community commitment will continue – and all Tonkin employees’ jobs, pay and benefits are secure,” Ed Tonkin, co-president of Ron Tonkin Dealerships told the paper.

The paper says that the family name will also remain on Ron Tonkin Field, home of the Hillsboro Hops.

The move helps Gee, which currently owns dealerships in Spokane, Kirkland, and Tacoma Washington but only Gresham Subaru in Oregon, expand in the region. Ron Tonkin, who started working at a used-car dealer in Southeast Portland owned by his parents, eventually grew the company to 21 dealerships in and around Portland.

Tonkin died in 2014. His sons Ed and Brad have been running the company.