Automotive Sector Drives C&W's Expansion

Jeffrey Green will lead C&W’s new Automotive Specialty Practice Group.

NEW YORK CITY—In response to what the commercial brokerage firm says is the automotive sector’s “unprecedented transformation and growth,” Cushman & Wakefield has launched an automotive specialty practice group to service clients both domestically and across the globe. Jeffrey Green, a managing director with Cushman & Wakefield’s global occupier services business, will lead the new effort. The newly formed division includes a global team of real estate advisors to auto manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and retailers, the brokerage firm states. “The world is on the verge of an automotive revolution, sparked by disruptive, technology-driven trends such as diverse mobility, autonomous driving, electrification and connectivity,” Green says. “We believe these trends will result in an increased need for commercial real estate globally.” He adds that in addition to the growth taking place within existing automotive and supply manufacturers, the new group is also looking to take advantage of opportunities in such emerging auto markets as China, India, Brazil and South Africa, as well as from the entry of non-traditional players such as Google, Apple, Microsoft and Panasonic. The automotive specialty practice group will work with other Cushman & Wakefield specialty practice groups such as technology, ports & intermodal, global supply chain, 3PL and build to suit, Green notes. John Morris, executive managing director and industrial services lead for the Americas for C&W, says of the newly formed automotive specialty group, “Our industrial platform is well established on a global basis, with a deep commitment and ongoing investment in growing our presence in key markets for this vital industry. Under Jeff’s leadership, we have the opportunity to establish ourselves as the leading multi-services real estate provider for this market.” C&W’s clients in the automotive industry include Toyota, BMW, FCA, Mercedes Benz, Magna International, Hyundai, JLR, and others.