Group 1 Automotive Continues Nationwide Brand Alignment with Group 1 GMC Rivertown in Columbus.

Former Rivertown Buick GMC location is among the dealerships now operating under the unified Group 1 name

The former Rivertown Buick GMC has operated as Group 1 GMC Rivertown since April 2025, with the same local team 

COLUMBUS, Ga., Jun. 10, 2026, /PRNewswire/ — More than a year after the Columbus dealership once known as Rivertown Buick GMC began operating as Group 1 GMC Rivertown, the store continues under the Group 1 name with the same local team. The April 15, 2025 change was an early step in a broader effort by Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Houston-based retailer with dealerships across the U.S. and U.K., to unify its network under one brand. 

The dealership has served the Chattahoochee Valley for decades, and its first year under the Group 1 name has left the local GMC team and customer relationships in place while connecting the store to the group’s scale and standards. 

Backed by the scale, resources, and expertise of an international automotive retailer, Group 1 Automotive remains focused on delivering the personalized service and community connections that define the local dealership experience. Learn more at Group1Auto.com.

Better Customer Experience

The transition from Rivertown Buick GMC to Group 1 GMC Rivertown is part of a broader effort to create a more consistent customer experience across Group 1’s U.S. retail network. The rebrand did not represent a change in ownership, staffing, product offerings, or day-to-day operations, and customers have continued to work with the same local professionals throughout the dealership’s first year under the new name.

Group 1 Automotive has owned and operated the Columbus dealership for more than a decade. The Group 1 name formally connects the location to Group 1’s national platform, giving local customers the benefit of a familiar Columbus dealership supported by the resources, technology, and operational discipline of a larger automotive group.

“More than a year after taking the Group 1 name, our customers are finding the same local team they know and trust, now with a clearer connection to the strength and resources of Group 1,” said Stacey Day, General Manager of Group 1 GMC Rivertown. “The name on the building changed, but what matters here has not: a consistent, convenient, and transparent experience, whether someone is shopping for a new GMC truck or SUV, servicing their current vehicle, or considering a trade-in.”

Continuity of Service and Local Commitment

Group 1 GMC Rivertown continues to serve customers from its long-time location at 1661 Whittlesey Road in Columbus, Georgia, supporting drivers throughout Columbus, Phenix City, Opelika, and surrounding Georgia and Alabama communities with new GMC vehicles, pre-owned vehicles, certified service, parts, and maintenance support.

The dealership remains focused on the same local relationships that defined Rivertown Buick GMC, while gaining a clearer connection to Group 1’s broader retail network. Customers can expect continuity in the dealership’s sales and service experience, along with the added benefit of a unified Group 1 brand that makes locations easier to recognize, find, and trust across markets.

Additional Customer Questions

Why did Rivertown Buick GMC change its name to Group 1 GMC Rivertown?

• Rivertown Buick GMC became Group 1 GMC Rivertown on April 15, 2025, as part of Group 1 Automotive’s effort to create a clearer, more consistent naming structure across its U.S. dealerships. The new name reflects the dealership’s connection to Group 1 while continuing to serve customers in Columbus and the surrounding Chattahoochee Valley communities. As part of the Group 1 network — 250 dealerships offering 37 vehicle brands — the dealership connects customers to new and pre-owned sales, financing, service, parts, and collision support, with a consistent experience from transparent pricing to online scheduling at every Group 1 store.

What are the advantages of OEM parts versus generic replacements?

• Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are produced by or for the vehicle’s manufacturer and are designed to match factory specifications for fit, performance, and durability. Generic or aftermarket parts may cost less, but quality and fitment can vary by manufacturer. OEM parts also typically carry a manufacturer warranty.

How can owners verify the correct GM part fitment for their vehicle?

• GM part fitment can typically be verified using the vehicle identification number (VIN) and regular production option (RPO) codes, which identify the specific engine, transmission, and equipment installed at the factory. Dealership parts departments can use this information to confirm the correct component, which is especially important for vehicles where multiple powertrains were offered in the same model year.

What features come with the GMC Sierra 1500?

• GMC Sierra 1500 features vary by trim level and model year and may include available multi-function tailgates, trailering technology, driver-assist features, premium interior materials, and a range of engine options. Shoppers can compare trims to find the configuration that fits their towing, technology, and comfort needs.

Why is GMC Sierra regular cab availability limited?

• Manufacturers allocate production based on customer demand, and crew cab and double cab configurations make up the majority of full-size truck sales. As a result, regular cab models are often produced in smaller numbers and may be primarily oriented toward fleet and commercial buyers, which can limit retail availability.

About Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Group 1 owns and operates 250 automotive dealerships, 310 franchises, and 32 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 37 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships and omni-channel platform, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts.