EVERETT — A long-time Ford dealership in Everett has a new owner and a new name.
Swickard Auto Group in Wilsonville, Oregon, purchased Brien Ford at 5200 Evergreen Way in Everett and changed the name of the business to Epic Ford. The deal was completed in December.
“This transaction represents a great opportunity for our customers and employees,” said Jeff Swickard, president and CEO of Swickard Auto Group, in a statement.
Brien Ford has been in operation since 1971. Rock Peterson owned the dealership along with minority partner Casey Salz. Peterson retired from the business and Salz stayed on as general manager. Swickard kept most of the employees. The dealership underwent an extensive remodel last year in anticipation of being sold.
Swickard Auto Group, which has owned and operated Mercedes-Benz since 2014, was looking to expand, but wanted to buy in the same region.
Swickard Auto Group with the two dealerships employs about 200 employees. About 50 of those employees work in Everett.
Plans already in the works for improved service include adding courtesy loaner vehicles for customers having service work performed. Swickard said in the statement that its commitment to service helped the Wilsonville dealership move to No. 1 in new car sales volumes in Oregon. He hopes the same can happen with what he calls the coveted Ford brand in the Puget Sound region.
The Swickard Auto Group also plans to participate in philanthropy in the community. One of the dealership’s first efforts to roll out is to give away a car to a first-responder. The dealership will ask for nominations in the community and turn over the judging to a third-party panel.
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