Ross Ford to go out of business

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PIEDMONT -- The only new-car dealership in Wayne County will be closing by the end of the year, according to Richard Ross, owner of Ross Ford Sales in Piedmont.

The announcement of the closing comes on the heels of the closing of the longest continuous family-owned business in Wayne County. Double L Style Shop closed Sept. 29, after 71 years in business.

"Through Ford's encouragement, I have decided to let the franchise go," Ross said. "Effective Nov. 30, I will no longer be associated with Ford Motor Company. This means I will not be able to get new cars from the company or do any warranty work. They have agreed to buy back all of the unsold new cars I have in stock and all parts."

Ross Ford did not immediately close on Nov. 30. The business will remain open and continue to sell its stock. The service department will also remain open. However, the company will no longer be associated with Ford in any way and the service department will not be able to do warranty work.

When asked why he was giving up the franchise, Ross, 77, said he felt it is time to retire. He said Ford offered him an incentive to give up the franchise.

Ross has been the area's Ford dealer for 46 years. He has been in business in Piedmont for 53 years. During his business career, he also had car lots in Ellington and Lesterville and was partners in dealerships in Ironton and Fredericktown.

His decision to give up his Ford franchise means the nearest new-car dealers are in Van Buren, Fredericktown and Poplar Bluff.

During Ross Ford's history, thousands of cars have been sold. According to general manager Mike Ross, the company averaged about $5 million in sales in recent years and had a payroll of about $500,000. At its peak, Ross Ford employed 20 people. Currently, 10 people work for the dealership.