Brad Manning Ford announces purchase of Sycamore Ford franchise assets from Bemis family

SYCAMORE – There is now only one Ford dealership within DeKalb County following an asset purchase announcement this week.

Staff from the Brad Manning Ford dealership wrote in a Tuesday public social media post they purchased the franchise assets of Sycamore Ford from the Bemis family, who owns several local dealerships, effective Tuesday.

"Both dealers have operated successful Ford stores but have been serving a single market," Brad Manning Ford staff wrote. "This agreement is a win-win for both organizations."

Manning Ford staff wrote the family is celebrating 100 years in the automobile business this year.

"We are excited to now be DeKalb County’s only Ford dealer," Manning Ford staff wrote. "At present, we will continue to operate from our current location at 402 Manning Drive in DeKalb, although expanding or relocating remains a future possibility."

Manning Ford staff wrote in a comment on that public post they will not be closing the dealership at the corner of Peace Road and Route 23. They wrote it was just the Ford franchise that was sold and the Bemis auto group will continue to operate Hyundai services out of that location.

Brian Bemis, owner of the Sycamore Ford dealership, said in a Wednesday news release that Sycamore Ford Hyundai, Manning Ford, Ford Motor Company and Brian Bemis Automotive Group Ltd. unilaterally agreed to combine both Ford dealerships under one roof. He said in the release Manning Ford will be the exclusive franchised Ford Dealership for the DeKalb and Sycamore community.

"We wish the Manning family continued success in service and sales of Ford products," Bemis said in the release.

Bemis said in the release Brian Bemis Automotive Group will continue to sell and service Honda, Volvo, Mercedes Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Toyota and Hyundai vehicles. He said in the release the company will be building a new Hyundai facility that will be ultramodern energy efficient facility.

Bemis said in the release the auto group will be supplying increased inventory of new and used vehicles and that Hyundai's current and future products will be completely 'in tune with green technologies and the demands of the consumers.'

"As the business changes and how you the consumer purchase and service vehicles, we will always be at the forefront in innovation, creativity and delivering the best customer experience possible," Bemis said in the news release. "For over 36 years, Brian Bemis has serviced and sold automobiles in DeKalb County. We look forward to the next 36 years. On a personal note, I am exuberant about moving on to 2021. I know that it has been difficult for many of us."