Two iconic Utah car dealerships — both more than 70 years old — are now one. Ken Garff Automotive Group has purchased Henry Day Ford of West Valley. The deal closed June 1 and financial details were not disclosed.
“We whole-heartedly welcome the Henry Day dealership, its employees and customers into the Ken Garff family,” said John Garff, CEO of Garff Enterprises Inc. “We know each other well, and our businesses complement each other perfectly.”
The two auto companies were established in Utah just two years apart. Ken Garff opened his first dealership in downtown Salt Lake City in 1932 and Henry Day opened his Ford store in 1934.
“We have no plans for a reduction in force,” said Garff, whose company was ranked eighth-largest dealership group based in the country by Automotive News. “Instead, we see growth opportunities as we combine strengths and services of both companies to benefit our customers.”
Henry Day Ford will change its name to Ken Garff West Valley Ford and will offer such Garff services as its pre-paid vehicle maintenance package GarffCare.
“We are excited to join teams and continue to bring excellent service to our customers,” said Winston Bennion, general manager at Day. “The West Valley community is wonderful, and we will continue to deliver the excellent service they have received from Henry Day’s team.”
The announcement about the acquisition indicated that the Day family would be stepping away from the business.
The Ken Garff Automotive Group now has over 50 stores throughout Utah, Texas, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada and California.