Three auto dealerships in the Ohio River border area between West Virginia and the Buckeye state changed hands, joining a small but growing group.

The Chevrolet, Ford and Honda stores were sold by Richard Nourse, who’s operated in the market for 35 years, said the Tim Lamb Group, which brokered the transaction for the seller. Nourse will continue to run his five other dealerships in Chillicothe, Ohio.

“I hadn’t contemplated selling, but when I was presented with the opportunity to sell to the Pedens I really had to consider it,” Nourse said in a press release on the sale. “I’ve heard great things about the Pedens and the accomplishments they have achieved in the Zanesville market, and I knew they would be great stewards to continue what we have built in the community.” 

Picking up the trio of dealerships in a 15-mile radius were West Virginia natives Thomas Peden II and his sister, Ashley Peden, who grew up nearby. Thomas bought his first stores with a two-dealership purchase in Zanesville, Ohio, in 2020. The duo are third-generation dealers.

Pioneer Honda in Parkersburg, W.Va, was rebranded as Parkersburg Honda; Pioneer Chevrolet in Marietta, Ohio, will continue operating under that name; and Family Ford Lincoln, also in Marietta, is now Pioneer Ford Lincoln.

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