Vanguard Truck Centers Strengthens Market Presence with the Acquisition of Nacarato Truck Centers

Vanguard and Nacarato executive leadership team
Pictured (L-R) Will Blue, chief financial officer, Vanguard Truck Centers; Lloyd Baldridge, chief financial officer, Nacarato Truck Centers; Mike Nacarato, chief executive officer, Nacarato Truck Centers; Tom Ewing, president and chief executive officer, Vanguard Truck Centers; and Pat Daily, chief operating officer, Nacarato Truck Centers.

January 10, 2024 – Vanguard Truck Centers Acquires Full Ownership of Nacarato Truck Centers

Vanguard Truck Centers acquired the full ownership of Nacarato Truck Centers, a Nashville-based dealer group with 13 locations, including 9 Volvo Trucks dealerships and service centers across multiple states. This strategic move expands Vanguard’s footprint to a total of 39 locations across 12 states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nacarato Truck Centers to the Vanguard team,” stated Tom Ewing, President and CEO of Vanguard Truck Centers. “I have been friends with Mike Nacarato and his team for many years, and I have a tremendous respect for the platform they’ve built. We are grateful for Mike’s trust in Vanguard to steward his company moving forward, something we do not take lightly. Bringing together our dealer groups will be a fun challenge, with enormous opportunity for employees and customers of both organizations. Lastly, this investment indicates Vanguard’s continued belief in Volvo Trucks’ long-term positive trajectory, with best-in-class products and services for our customers.”

Founded in 1976, Nacarato Truck Centers, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, has established itself as a key player in the commercial truck industry. This strategic acquisition not only reflects the value of the Nacarato brand and its expertise in the commercial truck market, but also underscores its role as a trusted partner for customers. Nacarato’s commitment to a holistic sales and service approach aligns with Vanguard’s mission to provide comprehensive transportation solutions and ensure customer satisfaction.

The Nacarato and Vanguard teams will work closely to ensure a smooth ownership transition. Vanguard plans to retain all existing Nacarato employees, with CEO Mike Nacarato continuing to lead Nacarato Truck Centers under its existing brand. “Over time, the groups will look for ways to leverage the combined scale of our network and strength of our teams to achieve more together for our customers and employees”, said Ewing. “For now, our primary goal is to support the Nacarato team as they continue to grow while providing excellent customer service.”

With the completion of the acquisition, Vanguard and Nacarato have more than 1,200 employees across 39 locations, with almost 500 service bays and a lease fleet of over 1,200 units.

“I have been searching for the right partner over the last few years, and through that process it became clear that Vanguard was the best fit for our employees, our customers and our growth aspirations.” said Mike Nacarato, chief executive officer, Nacarato Truck Centers. “Our commitment to customer satisfaction remains unwavering throughout this ownership transition and nothing will change for our customers. Our capabilities and offerings will only be enhanced by this combination, as we embark on this new chapter of growth and success together.”

About Vanguard Truck Centers

Vanguard Truck Centers operates 39 full-service commercial truck dealerships and service centers in the United States, with locations in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Vanguard’s mission is to exceed customer expectations with its entire product and service offering. This includes new trucks, leasing & rental through Vanguard Truck Leasing , premium used trucks, all-makes parts, service & body shops and finance & insurance services.

Vanguard’s primary OEM brands include Mack, Volvo, TICO and Autocar Heavy Duty Trucks as well as Mack, Isuzu and Hino Medium Duty Trucks. Its locations provide authorized parts and service support for other vehicle manufacturers such as GM Medium Duty, Prevost Motor Coach, and UD Trucks, as well as component manufacturers including Allison Transmission, Cummins Engine, Eaton Fuller Transmission, and Meritor Axles and Driveline. Additionally, Vanguard offers all-makes parts, preventative maintenance, and repair services for all major brands of heavy-duty trucks.