TROY – A long-time local automotive dealership, Troy Ford, now carries a new name, Arbogast Ford.

The Troy Ford dealership has been in business since 1977. The acquisition coincides with the retirement of Jim Taylor, the owner of Troy Ford for 41 years. After months of going through the dealer process with Ford Motor Co., upon final approval, the deal was official as of Jan. 29. The Dave Arbogast Group will celebrate 25 years in the Troy community later this year.

“We have been interested in Troy Ford for about 10 years because of the Taylor name and legacy they’ve had in Troy,” said Blake Arbogast, vice president of The Dave Arbogast Group. “The cultures of the two dealerships are very similar, making it a perfect fit. We are excited to have Jim’s son Greg Taylor on board. It is important to me that the Taylor legacy carries on with the dealership.”

“The sale of Troy Ford is certainly bittersweet,” said Greg Taylor, parts and service director at Arbogast Ford. “Our family and this company have been part of this community for the last 41 years. Just like my dad, Jim, Dave Arbogast runs a family-oriented business and also generously supports the community. Dave not only offered me the opportunity to stay on board, but he retained all the Troy Ford staff so our customers will continue to receive the same great service.”

The Arbogast Group retained the entire Troy Ford staff with plans to add up to approximately 50 jobs in the near future. In addition to adding new jobs, the property will undergo a few changes. The existing lot will be expanded to connect with the current facility at the Buick GMC location, which will allow for a large increase in the amount of inventory offered at the Ford store. Model options on the lot will be increased by Ford itself with the expansion of its existing lineup, including the new Bronco and the new Explorer. Arbogast plans its own additions including new Ford conversion vans and new Ford lifted trucks.

“We’ll be reaching out to the customers of Troy Ford to let them know we’ll be taking care of them the same way the Taylor’s did,” Blake Arbogast said.

“On behalf of my father, Jim, and the entire Troy Ford team, I want to thank the community for all the blessings over the last 41 years,” Greg Taylor said. “I’m proud of my father for all he has done in this community. He has been, and will continue to be, a huge supporter of the local churches and all the non-profits. He is not officially retiring – he likes to call it repurposing. He will still be active in the community.”

For more information, visit www.davearbogast.com and www.troyford.com.