The dealership has operated as Group 1 Kia Hub City since April 9, 2026, as the Houston-based retailer extends its unified naming strategy across its U.S. network.
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. said its former Gene Messer Kia dealership in Lubbock, Texas, has been operating as Group 1 Kia Hub City since April 9, 2026, as part of a broader U.S. rebranding effort. The company said the name change is intended to create a more consistent customer experience and make its dealerships easier to recognize across markets, while leaving ownership, staffing, product offerings, and day-to-day operations unchanged. Group 1 said it has owned and operated the Lubbock store for more than two decades and that the dealership continues to serve customers from 6006 19th Street with new Kia vehicles, pre-owned vehicles, Kia service, parts, and maintenance support. Matt Baugher, General Manager of Group 1 Kia Hub City, said customers still work with the same local team, now under a name that more clearly links the store to Group 1's broader resources. Group 1 said its network includes 250 dealerships offering 37 vehicle brands, while its corporate profile lists 251 automotive dealerships, 312 franchises, and 32 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom.