Lyons Family Announce Sale of Lyons Auto Service to Family-Owned VIP Tires & Service

WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford-based Lyons Auto Service has been acquired by New England-based, family-owned VIP Tires & Service, effective January 31st, 2026. The premier automotive service provider in West Hartford is now open to the public as Lyons Auto Service by VIP. The acquisition expands VIP’s footprint to 77 locations throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

VIP announced that it has offered employment to all current full-time Lyons Auto Service employees to ensure a smooth business transition. The store currently has eight full-time employees, including several State of Connecticut Emissions Inspectors onsite, with plans to hire several more employees in the very near future as facility upgrades are completed. The facility, located at 1056 New Britain Ave. in West Hartford, currently has two buildings on the property. Renovations will include new automotive, tire and alignment equipment, new vehicle lifts and many facility upgrades and renovations.

Chip Lyons, Co-Owner of Lyons Auto Service stated, “Our family would like to thank all the wonderful customers who have trusted us to take care of their vehicles over the last forty-plus years. 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”. Additionally, VIP has announced that they will honor all Lyons Auto Service warranties at any of their 77 locations across the region.

VIP is committed to ensuring that all of their locations are staffed with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Tire Industry Association (TIA) certified automotive professionals, offering 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” said Tim Winkeler, president and CEO of VIP Tires & Service. “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.”