In a significant automotive industry transaction, Pioneer Honda of Parkersburg, along with two other dealerships, has been acquired by Thomas and Ashley Peden. The sale, brokered by the Tim Lamb Group, marks a new chapter for Pioneer Honda Parkersburg and the other dealerships involved.
The deal, finalized on October 17th, included Pioneer Chevrolet and Family Ford Lincoln in Marietta, Ohio, in addition to Pioneer Honda, located at 1920 Garfield Ave in Parkersburg, WV. For the Pedens, this acquisition represents a substantial expansion of their growing dealership platform, building upon their existing presence in the Ohio automotive market.
Richard Nourse, the previous owner of these dealerships, has been a fixture in the automotive market for over 35 years. With this sale, he will now concentrate his efforts on his remaining five dealerships, all situated in Chillicothe, Ohio. These include Ford, Honda, Lincoln, Nissan, and Toyota brands, allowing him to streamline his operations and focus on the Chillicothe market.
According to Nourse, the decision to sell was not initially planned. However, the opportunity presented by the Pedens was compelling. “I hadn’t contemplated selling, but when I was presented with the opportunity to sell to the Pedens I really had to consider it,” Nourse stated. He further added, “I’ve heard great things about the Pedens and the accomplishments they have achieved in the Zanesville market, and I knew they would be great stewards to continue what we have built in the community.” This reflects his confidence in the Pedens to maintain the legacy and community ties of the dealerships.
Thomas Peden II, a West Virginia native and third-generation car dealer, made his initial dealership acquisitions in Zanesville, OH, in June 2020. His sister, Ashley, joined him in 2020 to manage the Zanesville Honda Toyota dealerships and is now a partner in this latest venture. The proximity of the newly acquired dealerships, all within 15 miles of each other and approximately 45 minutes from the Pedens’ hometown, is a strategic advantage for their operations.
Looking ahead, Pioneer Honda in Parkersburg will be rebranded as Parkersburg Honda. Pioneer Chevrolet in Marietta will retain its current name, while Family Ford Lincoln in Marietta will transition to Pioneer Ford Lincoln. The Pedens have confirmed that all dealerships will retain their existing employees and uphold the community engagement initiatives previously established by Nourse, ensuring continuity and stability for both staff and the local community.
