Brandon Twp.- Arrants Ford, a name synonymous with area auto sales for more than 45 years will have a new owner and soon a new building.
Grand Blanc businessman Randy Wise announced on Monday the purchase of the long-time local Ford dealership located at 968 Ortonville Road.
‘The traffic and location on M-15 was very attractive,? says Wise, who also owns dealerships in both Flint and Fenton. ‘Ortonville is a good place to do business in’we plan on expanding our service and emphasize care of our customers.?
Plans for the dealership, says Wise, include razing the current 5,000 square-foot facility and constructing a 16,000 square-foot showroom and service area. The auto inventory and selection will also increase from about 40 vehicles to more than 100.
‘The retail automobile business is great,? said Wise. ‘Everyday the auto business is different meeting our customers? driving and service needs.?
A Waterford Township native, Wise? experience in the automobile business spans more than 34 years, dating back to 1970 when he joined with long-time Flint auto dealer Al Serra Chevrolet group. Wise served in a variety of auto-related positions, including management team president.
In 1989, Wise purchased Randy Wise Chevrolet, G-5100 Clio Road, Flint, formerly Summerfield Chevrolet. In 2001 Wise purchased the Genesee Valley Auto Mall, Lincoln Mercury and Hyundai, 4350 Lennon Road, Flint.
In April 2004 he opened Randy Wise Buick GMC, Olds, 2530 Owen Road, Fenton, formerly Martin Buick GMC Oldsmobile.
Jimmy Arrants opened Arrants Ford in 1959. Local businessman Al Aznavorian purchased part of the business in 1975 and the remaining shares of Arrants in the early 1990s. His son Mark Aznavorian took over the business in July 2001 following the death of his father.