About Us

BILL BROWN FORD INC. ("DEALERSHIP") HISTORY

In 1914, the Brown family started selling Ford automobiles in Sandusky, Michigan located in the thumb of Michigan.  The first dealership was called E. Brown & sons.  It sold not only Ford autos but also farm implements, wire fences, buggies, blankets and robes.

 

In 1924, Elijah Brown wanted to retire.  He sold the dealership to his two sons, Mert and Frank.

 

In 1941, William (Bill) Brown, Mert's son, established Bill Brown Ford Inc. (the "Dealership") on Fenkell Avenue in Detroit.  Before opening the Dealership, Bill Brown worked for Ford Motor Credit for ten years after graduating from the University of Michigan, where he played on the football team. 

 

In 1954, Bill Brown established another Ford dealership at 32222 Plymouth Road in Livonia (the present location).  This dealership was managed by Bill Brown's brother, Gilbert Brown, who retired in 1969.  The dealership on Fenkell was merged with the Plymouth Road location in 1962.

 

In 1962, Bill Brown had a vision of a used car lot with a showroom as nice as a new car showroom.  With this in mind, he built the current used car facility at 35000 Plymouth road (at Wayne Road) in Livonia.

 

In 1975, Bill Brown died very suddenly.  His son, Ed Brown, had worked at the Dealership since 1969 after graduating from college and serving two years in the U.S. Army.  After his father's death, Ed Brown managed the Dealership under a temporary franchise agreement.

 

In 1978, Ed Brown was approved as a Ford dealer and issued a continuing ford franchise agreement and continues as the dealer today.

 

Originally, the Dealership on Plymouth Road had only two acres of land.  Through the 1980's and 1990's, Ed Brown acquired eight different parcels of property.  The different buildings and the original showroom were torn down.  A new service area was built in 1989.  A new showroom and office area were built in 1996.

 

Recently Ford Motor Co. gave special recognition to the Team of Bill Brown Ford for being the #1 Volume Ford dealer in the nation in car sales.  Including being the #1 Fusion, #1 Edge, #1 Focus, #1 Taurus dealer in the United States for 2008.  In addition Bill Brown Ford is also being recognized for winning the President's Award for outstanding customer care in sales and service.  As of November 1, 2009 we are the #1 Ford dealer in the nation in car and truck sales combined.