Grant County Ford in John Day has new owners and a new name: Grant County Automotive.

Matt Edgar and Tom Jones, both employees of Grant County Ford for 13 years, took over ownership of the building on Jan. 1. When previous owner Mike Miller decided to return to building homes, Edgar and Jones saw the opportunity to purchase the building and continue the business themselves.

They emphasize that the main changes are the new name and the fact that the showroom area will now be leased out to Burns Ford, which will sell new and used Ford cars, trucks and the Artic Cats. A new sign for the building might have to wait until warmer weather allows, they said.

The business will continue to have its sales department for Ford parts, as well as the repair service area for not only Ford, but other makes and models of vehicles. Grant County Automotive’s expert staff is well-schooled and knowledgeable in all areas of quality Ford service, the owners said.

Edgar says they want to assure the community and their customers that they still have the “same friendly faces, the same quality service and the same Ford parts” the community has always been able to count on.

Grant County Automotive’s winter hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The business is located at 200 E. Main in John Day. Call 575-0211 for more information.