MORGANTOWN — The Toyota and Mitsubishi dealership on Don Knotts Boulevard is under new ownership.
Moses Auto Group, with 10 other dealerships across the state, took ownership of Toyota and Mitsubishi franchises on July 1, said Bob Moses, chairman of the board.
The new name is Moses Toyota Mitsubishi of Morgantown.
It bought the franchises from University Motors President Andy Claydon, who retains ownership of Mercedes-Benz of Morgantown, which sits just above the Toyota-Mitsubishi lot on the same campus.
The Moses Group has a Toyota franchise in the Huntington-Charleston market, he said, and they were interested in having one here.
“The Morgantown market has always been a very-attractive market to us. It’s one of the few growing markets in the state.”
This is the group’s first Mitsubishi franchise. “We’re excited to have Mitsubishi,” he said, noting it’s a good brand for people who perhaps are making a first-time purchase or who might not be able to stretch to a Toyota.
Dealership General Manager David Fields said, “We’re excited to be in the community. We’re excited to begin a new family with the folks that work here.”
Moses’ daughter, Suzanne Moses Persinger, is chief operating officer of Moses Auto Group.
“This is our first venture into Morgantown,” she said. “We’re really excited to be here.”
The group will be expanding the hours, she said, staying open later. It will also expand the pre-owned inventory and will keep the collision center going.
Both automakers are giving the dealership special allocations of new cars because it’s a new operation. “We’re going to have a much-bigger selection. We’re going to have a lot to offer.”
Customers will be able to view the inventory online at mosestoyotaofmorgantown.com and mosesmitsubishimorgantown.com. They can start and even complete their purchase online.
And customers can also view their statewide inventory of new and used cars at mosescars.com, she said. They can arrange a purchase and have the vehicle delivered to the Morgantown lot.
Moses Auto Group has been in business for 76 years, Moses said. He’s second-generation ownership and Persinger makes a third generation in the family business.
This marks its 11th dealership. “We think that’s going to bring a positive thing for the Morgantown market.”
The Dominion Post reached out to Andy Claydon but his schedule didn’t allow him to sit down for this story.
EMAIL: dbeard@dominionpost.com
TWEET @DominionPostWV
