Acquisition adds Ford to i.g. Burton’s growing portfolio and expands the Auto Group’s footprint across Delaware and Maryland
SMYRNA, Del. — i.g. Burton Auto Group, one of Delmarva’s longest-standing automotive organizations, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Willis Ford in Smyrna, Delaware. The dealership will be renamed i.g. Burton Ford of Smyrna, expanding i.g. Burton Auto Group to 16 dealerships across Delaware and Maryland.
The acquisition represents another significant milestone in the continued growth of i.g. Burton Auto Group and adds the Ford brand to its diverse portfolio of automotive franchises.
Founded in 1908, i.g. Burton Auto Group has grown from its Delaware roots into a regional automotive organization serving communities throughout Delaware and Maryland. The addition of i.g. Burton Ford of Smyrna strengthens the company’s presence in Kent County while giving i.g. Burton customers access to one of America’s most recognized automotive brands.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Ford and the Smyrna dealership to i.g. Burton Auto Group,” said Charlie Burton, President and Owner of i.g. Burton Auto Group. “Reaching 16 dealerships is an exciting milestone for our organization, but our growth has always been about more than adding locations. It’s about finding opportunities where we can serve more customers, support more communities and continue building i.g. Burton for the future.”
With the acquisition, i.g. Burton Auto Group now operates dealerships throughout Delaware and Maryland representing a broad range of domestic, import and luxury automotive brands.
“For years, our customers have been able to turn to i.g. Burton for Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, Toyota, Subaru, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and many other brands. Now, we can finally say we have a Ford store for them, too,” said MJ Lofland, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of i.g. Burton Auto Group and Co-Owner and Dealer Principal of i.g. Burton Ford of Smyrna. “Smyrna is a great market, Ford is a tremendous brand, and this dealership is a natural addition to the continued growth of i.g. Burton Auto Group.”
As Co-Owner and Dealer Principal, Lofland will oversee the Ford dealership as it transitions to the i.g. Burton name and becomes part of the Auto Group’s growing network of dealerships.
The acquisition also builds upon the established presence of Willis Ford in the Smyrna community. As the dealership transitions to i.g. Burton Ford of Smyrna, customers will continue to find the local sales and service experience they know while gaining the resources and support of the larger i.g. Burton Auto Group.
Those resources include access to an extensive selection of new and pre-owned vehicles across the organization, expanded automotive services and the experience of an organization that has served Delmarva motorists for more than 118 years.
“Growth only matters if we continue delivering the experience people expect when they see the i.g. Burton name,” Lofland added. “Whether someone visits us in Smyrna or any of our locations across Delaware and Maryland, our goal is the same — earn their business, take care of them after the sale and give them a reason to come back.”
As i.g. Burton Ford of Smyrna, the dealership will offer Ford’s lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs, including popular models such as the F-150, Super Duty, Bronco, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Expedition and Mustang, along with commercial vehicles and a wide selection of pre-owned inventory. The dealership will also provide Ford service, parts and maintenance.
The addition of the Smyrna dealership continues a period of strategic growth for i.g. Burton Auto Group and further establishes the organization as one of the region’s leading automotive retailers.
Customers can learn more about i.g. Burton Ford of Smyrna at igburtonfordsmyrna.com.
About i.g. Burton Auto Group
Founded in 1908, i.g. Burton Auto Group is an automotive organization serving customers throughout Delaware and Maryland. With the addition of i.g. Burton Ford of Smyrna, the Auto Group has grown to 16 dealerships across the two states, representing Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Ford, Toyota, Subaru, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, FIAT, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
In addition to its franchised dealerships, i.g. Burton Auto Group operates collision repair facilities and commercial vehicle operations serving customers throughout the Delmarva region.
For more than 118 years, i.g. Burton Auto Group has built its reputation on customer service, long-term relationships, community involvement and a commitment to the communities in which it does business.