Corwin Automotive Group purchased Friendly Ford, a Springfield dealership founded in 1966.
Jeff McConville, operating partner for Corwin Auto in Springfield, said the company closed on the purchase yesterday for undisclosed terms with the Wise founding family. The acquisition includes Friendly Ford’s 3241 S. Glenstone Ave. property and 470 new and used vehicles, McConville said.
The 50-year-old dealership now is operating as Corwin Ford of Springfield and new signage has been installed.
“We see Ford to just be a good product,” McConville said.
Corwin Ford of Springfield employs 80, bringing Corwin Auto’s Springfield employment to over 160. McConville said Friendly Ford employees were asked to reapply to work at Corwin Ford of Springfield.
“We keep as many as we can that will work within our structure,” he said.
Fargo, North Dakota-based Corwin Auto entered the Springfield market in 2012 through the purchase of another local dealership, Central Dodge. Former Central Dodge co-owner Harold Neely said he previously worked for the Wise family and Friendly Ford before joining Central Dodge and buying it in 1978 with Toby Breeden, according to
Springfield Business Journal archives.
The
company also operates Corwin Public Wholesale at 3250 W. Sunshine St.
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