Preston Automotive Group buys Boulevard Ford

The Preston Automotive Group has purchased Boulevard Auto Sales Inc.'s Ford dealership at Midway and its Ford-Lincoln dealership in Georgetown.

Dave Wilson Sr., Preston president, said the sale was finalized April 3.

“It’s a very good fit for us. Boulevard provides a superior consumer experience, and that’s what we’re all about,” Wilson said in an April 8 phone interview.

He said Boulevard owners Jim Blecki and John and Tjark Bateman, approached the Preston group with an offer to sell the dealerships.

Wilson said he didn’t ask why they were selling, and he declined to disclose the selling price. John Bateman will continue to work at Boulevard. John is vice president of operations and will continue in that role for Boulevard.

“We’ll keep the business name, business model and add the frog,” Wilson said, referring to the Preston Frog, a cartoon-like character used in the automotive group’s advertisements. He said the dealerships will hold grand-openings in May.

Boulevard Ford was founded in 1959, Wilson said, and are now the fourth and fifth Ford, Ford-Lincoln dealerships operated by Preston.

Based in Hurlock, the automotive group has had a presence in Delaware since 1987 with its Millsboro Automart on Route 13 in Millsboro.

The company also owns dealerships selling Hyundai, Mazda and Nissan in Denton, Hurlock and Pittsville.

Wilson said sales of all of the group's brands have been good, with 2014 year-to-date sales outpacing those of 2013.

For additional information about Boulevard Auto Sales, visit the Lewes dealership at 18443 Route 1, 645-2801; or the Georgetown dealership at 40 Bridgeville Road in Georgetown, 1-800-869-9968.

For additional information about the Preston Automotive Group, phone 1-877-898-2470, or go to www.prestonmotor.com.