“Friendly” Is More Than Just A Name
On the surface, Friendly Auto is comprised of four automotive dealerships: Friendly Honda in Poughkeepsie, NY, and Fayetteville, NY; Friendly Ford in Poughkeepsie, NY; and Friendly Acura in Middletown, NY. But if you dig a little deeper, you'll see that we're much more than that. We're respected members of our business communities. We're proud supporters of our youth sports teams. We're generous donors to our local charities and fundraisers. We're much more than just a company that sells and services cars. Friendly Auto Group is a family of individuals who serve their friends and neighbors with respect and friendliness, and we want you to join us!
Eric S. Kahn - President
Eric Kahn has worked in the automotive industry for nearly thirty years and has participated as a principal or advisor in the acquisition of dozens of automotive dealerships.
Currently, Mr. Kahn is the President and Dealer Operator of Friendly Auto Group (Friendly Honda and Friendly Ford in Poughkeepsie, NY, Friendly Acura in Middletown, NY) and Capital Luxury Cars (Capital Volvo Cars of Albany, Jaguar-Land Rover Albany) in Albany, NY. Additionally, Mr. Kahn will be opening the all-new Friendly Honda of Fayetteville, NY in August 2019.
Friendly Honda (Poughkeepsie), which Kahn acquired in late 2007, is the highest volume dealership of any brand in the mid-Hudson Valley (including Putnam, Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties) and one of the highest volume Honda dealerships in the northeast. Friendly Honda has earned the President’s Award, Honda’s highest honor, seven times and is consistently in the top 75 of all dealerships nationally in the sale of certified used cars.
In addition to his role as Dealer Principal, Mr. Kahn serves as a Board Member of the TriHonda and TriAcura Advertising Associations.
Prior to becoming a car dealer, Mr. Kahn served as a senior executive in the management companies of two national dealership groups, the Potamkin Automotive Group and the United Auto Group (acquired by Penske Automotive). Additionally, he cofounded Bel Air Partners, an M&A advisory firm focusing on car dealerships.
Mr. Kahn is a graduate of Tufts University (magna cum laude, 1985), and the NADA Dealer Candidate Academy. Additionally, Mr. Kahn earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 1993.
Working at the Friendly Auto Group has benefits that extend beyond a weekly paycheck. Our friendly team serves the needs of Hudson Valley car shoppers AND helps support some terrific local causes!
Spackenkill High School Crew Team
We made a donation to help the school purchase new boats, oars, and uniforms.
Arlington High School Admiral Players
Our contributions have helped the school produce exciting theatre shows, like Beauty & the Beast, the Wizard of Oz, and more.
East Fishkill Soccer
Our sponsorship helped cover the cost of hosting the area's annual Memorial Day Tournament.
Ruthie Dino-Marshall 5K 2016
This event raises funds to benefit the Middletown School District Ruthie Dino-Marshall Memorial Fund and the YMCA of Middletown Summer Camp Scholarship Fund.
Roosevelt High School President Players
Our contribution helped the school produce Mary Poppins.
Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation
We made a donation for every car sold and every car serviced during the month of October to help support cancer patients in the Hudson Valley.
Rocky Strong
We host an annual Drive 4UR Community Test Drive event to raise much needed funds for this organization to provide financial assistance to families suffering debilitating illnesses.
Toys For Tots
We are an annual collection site for customers to donate new, unwrapped toys for less-fortunate families throughout the Hudson Valley.
Lunchbox Soup Kitchen
As a team, we volunteered to serve lunch to our hungry neighbors in the community. Altogether, we made over 350 sandwiches and helped nearly 200 men, women, and children.
Arlington Band Boosters
Our donation helps support the bands’ participation in performance competitions across the region, as well as assisting them with instrument repairs and purchases.
Arlington Color Guard
Our donation helps support the bands’ participation in performance competitions across the region, as well as equipment and costume expenses.
Poughkeepsie Little League
We sponsor teams annually, helping nearly 250 kids from our community enjoy America’s pastime on well-maintained and safe fields with up-to-date equipment.
Mental Health America of Dutchess County
Our donation supports MHA’s core cause as they strive to improve mental wellness within our community.
