Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Long-Lewis Automotive Group announced that it has sold the majority of the interests in its Selma dealerships to Merchant Automotive Group earlier this month.

Don Ouellette, CIO, Ouellette & Associates, Inc., which owned the Selma dealerships, explained why the dealerships were sold. Long-Lewis also sold another small Dealership in Corinth Mississippi last month.

“The main reason we took this action was to focus more on larger markets in other specific areas in the state,” he said. “Smaller markets like Selma & Corinth present unique opportunities that require a different focus and operating platform. We have not abandoned the smaller markets like Selma and Corinth. We have larger stores that are less than one hour from both, and the Long-Lewis Foundation will stay very involved. As many of you know, Selma is our hometown and always will be.”

Ouellette expects a seamless transition with Merchant Automotive from Long-Lewis of Selma.

“We are confident that Merchant Automotive is in a great position to better serve the employees and the community in a great way,” Ouelette said. “They have agreed to retain all of the employees and make the transition as seamless as possible. We are sure you will enjoy working with the Merchant Group. They seem to be very focused on both customer and employee satisfaction.”