VIP Tires & Service, also a family-owned business, acquired Lyons Auto Service, a longtime West Hartford business, on Jan. 31, 2026.

By Ronni Newton

The long-time owners of Lyons Auto Service have sold the business, but although a new door is opening they’re not closing the old door, and plan to continue to nurture the high quality customer service and relationship with the community that the Lyons family developed over the past 40-plus years.

VIP Tires & Service announced Monday that the acquisition of the business at 1056 New Britain Avenue was effective Jan. 31, 2026. The West Hartford location becomes the 77th location for the multi-generational family business launched by the grandfather of current Executive Chairman John Quirk in 1926 in Watertown, Massachusetts. VIP is headquartered in Maine, and its footprint extends to New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts, as well as Connecticut.

“We will still keep the Lyons name,” Greg Bagley VIP’s manager of new store operations, told We-Ha.com in a recent interview. The store will now be called Lyons Auto Service by VIP. “We’re not about to change the way these guys have been an integral part of the community,” Bagley said, and although it’s a new chapter, they want to continue to provide the best service, and to have happy customers that will come back.

Lyons Auto, 1056 New Britain Avenue, has been sold and effective Jan. 31, 2026 is now Lyons Auto Service by VIP. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

VIP will be making some upgrades and renovations to the building, including new automotive, tire, and alignment equipment, but don’t expect to see too many new faces. All Lyons Auto Service employees were offered employment – with the exception of Chip Lyons, whose decision to retire was the impetus for the sale.

According to the announcement, Lyons Auto Service by VIP has eight full-time employees, some of whom are certified State of Connecticut Emissions inspectors. Lyons will continue to provide emissions inspections, and also plan to add to staff as facility upgrades are completed.

“Our family would like to thank all the wonderful customers who have trusted us to take care of their vehicles over the last 40-plus years,” now-former co-owner Chip Lyons said in a statement. “Although selling a business is never easy, I believe that family-owned VIP Tires & Service is the company best suited to carry on our family tradition of excellent customer service and quality automotive repairs and maintenance, and I’m confident that VIP will take great care of our employees and customers.”

In a letter sent to customers in January, the Lyons family expressed their thanks to customers and said they have always looked to provide quality repairs and excellent service. “We have strived to do this at fair prices and with the utmost care and concern for your automotive needs,” the letter states.

VIP has also committed to honoring existing Lyons Auto Service warranties, not just at the West Hartford location but at any of their 77 locations, which are spread throughout the region. In Connecticut, VIP has existing locations in Wallingford, Manchester, and Waterbury, and West Hartford is the fourth in the state.

In Monday’s announcement, VIP stated their continued commitment to staffing all locations with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Tire Industry Association (TIA) certified automotive professionals. They plan to offer education and certification opportunities to all employees.

“West Hartford is an important market for VIP, and acquiring Lyons Auto Service allows us to better serve our customers throughout New England,” VIP Tires & Service President and CEO Tim Winkeler said in a statement. “By expanding store hours, adding staff, and investing in new mechanical services and tire offerings, we’re committed to delivering the level of service, convenience and expertise drivers in this community deserve.”

For more information, visit the website VIP Tires & Service.

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