Pioneer Family Ford, a well-established automotive group, has significantly expanded its reach by acquiring Larry Simmons Honda Mazda Volkswagen in Parkersburg. This strategic move, finalized in late 2019, marks a substantial investment in the Parkersburg market and promises enhanced services and offerings for customers across West Virginia and Ohio. The acquisition by Dick Nourse, owner of the Nourse family of dealerships, which already includes Pioneer Chevrolet Cadillac, Family Ford Lincoln, and Pioneer Buick GMC in Marietta, signals a new chapter for auto sales in the region.
Pioneer Family Ford expands in Parkersburg with acquisition of Larry Simmons Honda Mazda Volkswagen dealership
Dick Nourse highlighted the strategic rationale behind this acquisition, emphasizing familiarity with the market as a key driver. “Frankly, what interested me was the opportunity to expand in a marketplace that was already familiar to us,” Nourse stated. With over 30 years of business operations in nearby Marietta, Ohio, the Nourse family dealerships have already established a strong customer base in West Virginia. Notably, over 40% of their Marietta business originates from West Virginia, demonstrating a pre-existing connection and understanding of the local customer needs and preferences. This acquisition allows Pioneer Family Ford to solidify its presence and better serve this significant customer segment.
The transition is already underway with plans to rebrand the Larry Simmons location at 1710 14th Street under the Pioneer banner. Looking ahead, Pioneer Family Ford is committed to substantial infrastructural development in Parkersburg. Construction of two new, state-of-the-art dealership facilities is anticipated, with groundbreaking for the first site potentially as early as April. These new locations are strategically planned to enhance customer convenience and brand representation.
Dick Nourse of Pioneer Family Ford announces plans for new dealership locations in Parkersburg, West Virginia
The expansion blueprint includes a dedicated Honda dealership slated for a 2-acre property on Murdoch Avenue, conveniently located near the Traffic Circle. Furthermore, the Mazda and Volkswagen franchises, along with a comprehensive used car operation, will be consolidated at a site situated between Garfield and Ohio avenues, adjacent to Lee Myles Transmission. While Nourse currently holds options to purchase both properties, the finalization of these deals is contingent upon manufacturer approvals for the planned facilities, a standard procedure in the automotive industry. The existing Larry Simmons used car facility on Seventh Street will be retained and rebranded under the Pioneer name, while the remainder of the original Larry Simmons property is intended for sale.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Pioneer Family Ford’s investment extends to job creation within Parkersburg. Larry Simmons currently employs between 40 and 45 individuals, and Pioneer Family Ford anticipates increasing this number. “We anticipate that we’ll need several additional people, particularly in the sales operations and the parts and service operations,” Nourse explained, signaling a positive economic impact for the local community.
Mayor Tom Joyce welcomed this development, highlighting the significant investment Pioneer Family Ford is making in Parkersburg. “You’re looking at a significant investment into what is currently undeveloped land in the City of Parkersburg,” Joyce noted. The city is actively exploring incentives and assistance to facilitate a smooth transition and integration for Pioneer Family Ford into the Parkersburg business landscape, demonstrating a collaborative approach to economic growth.
Dick Nourse emphasized Pioneer Family Ford’s commitment to community engagement, mirroring their approach in Washington County. “We’ve been active supporters of the community, in addition to doing business there,” he affirmed. This acquisition not only expands Pioneer Family Ford’s business operations but also reinforces its dedication to becoming an integral part of the Parkersburg community, offering enhanced automotive choices and contributing to local economic vitality.
