In a significant shift in the automotive landscape of the Ohio-West Virginia border region, Pioneer Honda of Parkersburg, WV, along with two other dealerships, has been acquired by Thomas and Ashley Peden. The Tim Lamb Group, a well-known broker in the automotive industry, facilitated the transaction, marking a new chapter for the dealerships and the communities they serve. This acquisition, finalized on October 17th, signals the Pedens’ continued growth in the dealership sector and brings fresh energy to Pioneer Honda, now poised to operate as Parkersburg Honda at its current location on Garfield Avenue.
This strategic purchase from Richard Nourse includes Pioneer Chevrolet and Family Ford Lincoln, both situated in Marietta, OH, alongside Pioneer Honda in Parkersburg. For Nourse, a veteran of over 35 years in the automotive market, this sale allows him to concentrate his efforts on his remaining five dealerships in Chillicothe, OH, featuring brands like Ford, Honda, Lincoln, Nissan, and Toyota. Nourse expressed that the offer from the Pedens prompted a serious consideration of selling, citing his positive impressions of their achievements in the Zanesville market and confidence in their ability to uphold the dealerships’ community-focused legacy.
Thomas Peden II, a West Virginia native and third-generation car dealer, made his initial dealership acquisitions in Zanesville, OH, in June 2020. His enthusiasm for expanding his footprint in the automotive world is evident in this latest venture. Ashley Peden, his sister, who joined him in managing the Zanesville Honda Toyota dealerships in 2020, now becomes a partner in this expanded operation. The proximity of the newly acquired dealerships, all within a 15-mile radius and near the Pedens’ upbringing area (approximately 45 minutes away), adds a personal dimension to this business endeavor.
While Pioneer Chevrolet in Marietta will retain its name and Family Ford Lincoln will transition to Pioneer Ford Lincoln, the Parkersburg, WV location will be rebranded as Parkersburg Honda. Crucially, the existing employees across all three dealerships will be retained, ensuring continuity and local expertise. Furthermore, the Pedens are committed to maintaining the dealerships’ involvement in the community organizations that were important under Nourse’s leadership, reinforcing the dealerships’ role as community pillars in both Marietta and Parkersburg. This acquisition promises a blend of fresh perspectives and continued commitment to the values established by Pioneer Honda and its sister dealerships, especially for Parkersburg Honda as it enters this exciting new phase.
