Nissan ends franchise operations in Key West, citing insufficient market demand
Automaker says long-term volumes cannot support local representation; Keys Auto Center will continue non-warranty service, but warranty work shifts to Miami after decades on the island.
Nissan North America has ended its franchise operations in Key West after decades of local representation, determining that the market does not generate sufficient demand to support continued dealership operations, according to a letter distributed to customers this week by the local dealer.
Several Nissan owners contacted Above the Fold after attempting to schedule warranty work on their vehicles, only to be turned away.
The decision, which took effect this week, followed a manufacturer review of market conditions and long-term business volumes, the letter said. The local dealership said it is working cooperatively with Nissan to ensure an orderly transition while maintaining service to the community.
The dealership, operating as Keys Auto Center, is part of the Keys Auto Group owned by the Warren Henry Auto Group, a privately held South Florida automotive company that operates multiple dealerships across the region and ranks among the larger dealer groups in Florida and the Southeast. The company represents numerous major brands and employs hundreds of workers statewide.
“As a locally rooted and family-owned and operated automotive organization, we remain deeply invested in serving the transportation needs of the Key West community,” wrote Daniel Warren, general manager of Keys Auto Center, in the customer notice.
Keys Auto Center said it will continue to provide non-warranty service and support for Nissan vehicles through its service department. However, Nissan owners seeking warranty repairs will now be required to travel to the nearest authorized Nissan dealerships in the Miami area, several hours away by road.
To support existing Nissan customers, the dealership announced transition incentives aimed at encouraging owners to move into other brands it continues to represent, including Toyota, Kia, Chevrolet and Ford. Those incentives include complimentary oil and filter changes on Nissans purchased from the dealership through June 2026, above-market trade-in values, and preferred pricing on other brands.
The dealership said the end of the Nissan franchise will not affect its broader operations at its North Roosevelt Boulevard location and that staff remain available to assist customers during the transition.
Nissan North America did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the decision or whether it plans to re-enter the Key West market in the future.
Nissan’s long presence in the Florida Keys comes to an end
Nissan vehicles have been sold in Key West for several decades, with the brand maintaining a continuous dealership presence through multiple ownership eras, economic cycles and tourism booms and busts.
The Key West Nissan franchise dates back to the late 20th century, serving a geographically isolated market where residents often relied on a single local dealer for vehicle sales, warranty repairs and recall work. Over time, the dealership changed hands as part of broader consolidation within Florida’s automotive retail industry, eventually becoming part of the Keys Auto Group under the Warren Henry Auto Group umbrella.
Industry analysts note that smaller, remote markets such as the Florida Keys have increasingly struggled to sustain single-brand franchises amid rising real estate costs, workforce shortages, and manufacturer pressure for higher sales volumes and facility investments.
Nissan North America has not announced plans to re-establish a dealership in Key West.
What Nissan owners in Key West need to know
Warranty service
Nissan warranty repairs are no longer available in Key West
Owners must travel to authorized Nissan dealerships in the Miami area, roughly 160 miles away
Non-warranty service
Keys Auto Center will continue to provide non-warranty maintenance and repairs
Recalls
Safety recalls requiring authorized Nissan service must be handled at mainland dealerships
Transition incentives
Keys Auto Center says it is offering:
Complimentary oil and filter changes on Nissans purchased from the dealership through June 2026
Above-market trade-in values
Preferred pricing on other brands, including Toyota, Kia, Chevrolet and Ford
Questions
Customers are encouraged to contact Keys Auto Center directly or consult Nissan North America for warranty and recall guidance