Chattanooga-based Bowers Automotive Group buys Ford dealership in Valdosta, Ga.

Bowers Automotive Group is stepping back into the domestic brands market with the purchase of a Ford dealership in Valdosta, Ga., a deal expected to add $50 million in annual revenues.

Langdale Ford is the 10th new car dealership for the Chattanooga auto group and the only one that's a domestic franchise.

Nelson Bowers, the group's founder, said Langdale Ford is the type of organization he likes to acquire.

He said the dealership has "a great reputation, long-term employees, a strong product, and a great market."

Nelson Bowers

Brad Cobb, the group's president, said that both the dealership and Ford Motor Co. are well run.

"We felt like it was a good match for the company - the brand and the store itself," he said.

Cobb said South Georgia buyers, just as Tennesseans, like their pickup trucks.

The Ford F-Series is the best-selling vehicle line in America and worldwide, according to market research firm JATO Dynamics. Ford sold 519,000 F-Series trucks globally in the first six months of 2017, edging out the Toyota Corolla, the firm reported.

Cobb said the Ford dealership gives Bowers Automotive more diversity and helps weather the storms in the industry.

"It helps level it out a little bit," he said.

Cobb wouldn't disclose the sale price for Langdale Ford, but noted the purchase adds about $50 million in annual revenues to the group's operations.

"Ever since the government bailout when Ford elected not to take government funds, we have actively been searching for a Ford dealership that met our criteria, and we feel really good that Langdale Ford will fit into our group nicely," he said.

Cobb said the great-grandfather of Langdale's former owners had been selling Ford Model T cars in 1911.

"It has a lot of good history," he said.

David Plummer, Bowers Automotive's chief financial officer, said the group is currently ranked the 143rd largest dealer in revenue and 93rd biggest in new and unit sales in the nation, according to Automotive News.

"This acquisition should move us up nicely," he said about the company that also holds five body shops.

Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.