RLJ McLarty Landers Tops 2013 Auto Dealers List

BETHESDA, Md., July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies and chairman of the board of the automotive group RLJ McLarty Landers Automotive Holdings, LLC (RML) ranked first on this year's "B.E. 100s Auto Dealers" list published annually by Black Enterprise. 

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The automotive group has ranked 1st on the B.E. 100s list for four consecutive years and its rank is based on 2012 revenue among 60 minority auto dealers in the country.

"Thomas 'Mack' McLarty and I created RLJ McLarty Landers with the goal of becoming the nation's largest minority auto dealership," said Johnson. "We continue to grow and expand our dealership base across the country, and I am pleased with this year's top ranking. Being ranked in the leading dealership position for the fourth consecutive year is truly a testament to our talented management team and our proven ability to successfully compete in the automotive industry," he concluded.

"We have a strong track record at RML," added Franklin McLarty, president and CEO. "In six years, RML has grown to volume among some of the most recognized dealership groups in the country. I am confident that if we continue to respond to our customers, listen to our employees, and build on the expertise of our associates and GMs, our company will continue to represent some of the highest quality of standards in the industry. We are excited about today's announcement," he concluded.

RML is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas and is the largest African American owned automotive franchise in the country consisting of 35 automotive franchises and three Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealerships across the South Central, Southeast, and Midwest regions of the country. RML is led by Thomas "Mack" McLarty, who serves as vice chairman, is the former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton and whose family has been in the transportation business for four-generations.

About The RLJ Companies: The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in a publicly traded hotel real estate investment trust; private equity; financial services; asset management; insurance services; automobile dealerships; sports and entertainment; and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Juan, PR; and Monrovia, Liberia. Prior to founding The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET). For more information visit: www.rljcompanies.com.

About RLJ McLarty Landers Automotive Holdings, LLC: Headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, RML consists of 35 automotive franchises and three Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealerships across the South Central, Southeast, and Midwest regions of the country. RML was ranked 19th on the Automotive News annual list of "Top 125 Dealerships in the U.S." and number one on the annual Black Enterprise 100s list. RML is the largest African American owned automotive franchise in the country.

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SOURCE The RLJ Companies