DELRAY BEACH, Fla. – The Ed Morse Automotive Group has acquired Motor City Chevrolet GMC at 1511 Railroad Ave. in Kewanee. The new name of the dealership will be Ed Morse Chevrolet GMC.
Ed Morse Automotive Group purchased the dealership from Eric Ellenberger and the transaction was brokered by Paul Kechnie and Mark Shackelford with Performance Brokerage Services.
The week prior, Ed Morse Automotive Group had acquired dealerships in Kewanee and Geneseo. This new dealership in Kewanee will join Ed Morse Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, 303 Tenney St., Kewanee, and Ed Morse Ford at 1041 S. State St., Geneseo.
These three new locations add to the company’s growth in Illinois by joining its multiple dealerships in Red Bud and New Athens, while also close in proximity to
Ed Morse Automotive Group’s Muscatine and DeWitt dealerships in Iowa.
Ellenberger, who will continue to manage the Kewanee dealership, said customers will have access to a broad selection of vehicles, and the dealership will be able to compete on price with dealers in the Quad Cities and Peoria.
“I’ve told people the changes are going to be positive,” Ellenberger said, and he added that the Ed Morse Automotive Group is “one of the fastest-growing and best dealerships in the whole country.
“I’m excited for the future of all three dealerships in Henry County that Ed Morse Auto Group has purchased,” Ellenberger added.
“Obviously with this new acquisition it shows how we are impressed with the city of Kewanee and its surrounding regions,” said Teddy Morse, chairman and CEO of Ed Morse Automotive Group. “These are great people who care about their communities and of course love their cars. We are honored to grow in Kewanee, support the employees there, and continue to provide world-class customer service to everyone who walks into our dealerships.”
The Ed Morse Automotive Group is headquartered in Delray Beach and has been family-owned for over 75 years. This acquisition will add 18 employees to its 2,000-plus employee base, growing their locations to 41 dealerships, 84 franchises and 25 automotive and motorcycle brands.
The Morse family has been in the automotive business since 1946 when Ed Morse founded Morse Motors. Over 75 years later, Ed’s grandson, Chairman/CEO Teddy Morse continues to build on the legacy and family tradition.
The company has dealerships and related businesses in Florida, Texas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and Oklahoma. www.edmorse.com
