Sunny King Ford - Celebrating 91 Years

SUNNY KING FORD

Anniversary

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THE ORIGINAL never goes out of style

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Same dedicated staff, then and now.

SUNNY KING FORD Grand Reopening and 91 years in Business Celebration

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Sunny King Ford is hosting its 91st Birthday Celebration and Grand Re-Opening on Thursday, September 26 beginning at 10 a.m. at 1507 Quintard Avenue.

AND THE PUBLIC IS INVITED! What does every birthday celebration need? Gifts, of course, and Sunny King Ford is offering a shiny, brand new red 2013 Ford Mustang to one lucky winner. Just stop by the showroom, take a test drive in one of our new Ford products, and register for the drawing to be held Thursday, September 26 beginning at 10:00 a.m. (Some restrictions do apply.)

The festive event will feature tailgate-style refreshments catered by Classic on Noble and welcoming comments by Sunny King management including Patty King, president and CEO, and John Bryan, vice president and CFO. attendance and oversee the ribbon cutting of the renovated dealership, which features a larger showroom, new customer service waiting area, children’s area, sales and Included in the renovation are electric charging stations for the new plug-in hybrids and all electric vehicles. The dealership has added Quick Lane, a service department where all work is performed by factory-trained technicians for all makes and models of vehicles. Customers never need an appointment and service is available while they wait, including evenings and weekends.

For more information, contact Lynn Freeman, Administrative Manager of Sunny King Automotive Group: 256-835-1000, Extension 4124

The year was 1922. The average life expectancy in the United States was 59 years old. The average worker took home less than $1,000 a year, and a Ford Model T cost $348 for a touring car to $645 for a sedan.

E.D. King decided 1922 was the time to open a new business at 110 East 11th Street in downtown Anniston, a time to sell automobiles to a growing city, a time to start what is now one of the oldest continuous family-owned Ford dealerships in the United States, a time for King Motor Company to begin.

Mayor Sidney Reaves and Police Chief Smith with the 1928 Ford A-Models

FOUNDATION

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The dealership, now Sunny King Ford and located on South Quintard Avenue since 1970, celebrates its 91st year with a grand re-opening of a newly redesigned facility and showroom Thursday, September 26, 2013.

The success of Sunny King Ford through the years is contributable to the business philosophy established by E.D. King, cultivated by his successor, son Sunny King, Jr., and continued by Sunny’s wife, Patty after his death in 1990.

1922

E.D. King was a sharp businessman who steered King Motor Company through many historical events, including the Great Depression and WWII, at which time he was compelled to shut down the dealership because all raw materials were being used for the war effort.

The growth and success of his Ford dealership paralleled the growth and success of the City of Anniston. The population of the town almost doubled from the time King Motor Company opened in 1922 until the mid 1950s when E.D. King left the automobile business in the capable hands of his son, Sunny, to become president of The Anniston National Bank, known today as Region’s Bank.

“ Sunny truly loved

Sunny and E.D. King

everything about being an automobile dealer — Patty King

”

FOUNDATION

Sunny proved to be every bit the businessman his father raised him to be. After moving the dealership from what is now a Wells Fargo parking lot on 11th Street to South Quintard, he coined the phrase “Motor Mile� to describe the new location.

Sunny understood the importance of building a relationship with the customer beyond the dealership showroom. He and Patty, and their family, nurtured an everexpanding connection to the local Anniston community, investing in charity events and local arts, schools and churches.

FOUNDATION

Sunny’s zest for the automobile business was never more evident than with his choices for advertising. John Wheeler, Sunny’s cousin and a retired banker, said Sunny

Joe Namath and Sunny King

automobile advertising. He utilized all types of media available at the time – radio, TV, billboards, newspapers – but one choice stands in Wheeler’s mind as being the most memorable, a landmark to those traveling in and around our area.

“Everyone knows about the big white sign in Hollywood,” said Wheeler. “Well we had our own famous sign up on a hill, too. Whitewashed rocks that spelled out ‘WATCH THE FORDS GO BY’ in the woods above the dealership on Quintard.”

The area is overgrown now, but Wheeler says the rocks are still up there.

Grand Opening at Sunny King Ford 1970.

Pictured left to right Debbie King Bryan, Jeff King, Henry King, Dave King, WDNG Announcer, Sunny King, Patty King, Mrs. E. D. King and E. D. King

“

Over all those years, Sunny was a huge part of Nascar racing” said Patty. Sunny would probably say his involvement in NASCAR racing was his best contribution during his years in business, and perhaps his greatest joy, as well.

— Patty King

”

FOUNDATION

Sunny King and Tommy Gale

Victory Lane 1975. Driver, Buddy Baker; Owner, Bud Moore; Sponsor, Sunny King

Sunny combined advertising with his love of racing by sponsoring several Nascar drivers with Sunny King Ford splashed all over the drivers’ uniforms and emblazoned on their Ford cars.

He understood the Talladega Speedway was a boost to the area’s economy and Sunny King Ford was involved from the Speedway’s very beginning. The King family viewed their business as an extension of the speedway.

“Over all those years, Sunny was a huge part of NASCAR racing” said Patty.

Sunny would probably say his involvement in NASCAR racing was his best contribution during his years in business, and perhaps his greatest joy, as well.

But the racing stopped with Sunny’s death in 1990.

Sunny and driver Charlie Roberts

Sunny King and Elmo Langley

FOUNDATION

From Left; Jeff King, Sunny King and Henry King

Sunny King and driver Joey Ridley

John Bryan, vice president and CFO at Sunny King Ford, said when Sunny passed away, they were all scared. “If Patty wasn’t scared, she should’ve been,” said Bryan, who has worked at the dealership for more than 28 years.

Despite not having worked for the family business, Patty took over as CEO and President of Sunny King Ford, maneuvering through those scary times. She said, “It was a leap of faith for me to take this position. Everyone involved said it should continue, and everyone in the area had a stake in us pulling together to continue the future of Sunny King Ford.”

Bryan gives credit to Patty for the business’ success, saying she was very smart and learned quickly. “She got advice from trusted advisors inside and outside of the business. She didn’t make decisions in a vacuum,” said Bryan. “But she discussed and debated each one. She was very methodical.”

Patty says the hardest but most memorable time was right after Sunny’s death. “We were trying to pick up the pieces and continue what Sunny had built,” she said. “But there was a certain amount of fear and concern within the community and local businesses. Fear of the unknown.”

Bryan put it more bluntly. “People didn’t give us a snowball’s chance after Sunny died,” he said. “Now they are just amazed at what we’ve accomplished.”

Alan Mulally, President of Ford Motor Company and Patty King, President of Sunny King Ford

FOUNDATION

Bryan says today’s car dealerships are very different than when he started in the business. One big change is to the local bank, but according to Bryan, the dealership their customers.

Technology has changed tremendously, too. Gone are the Wang computers and typewriters. “Mechanics are now technicians,” said Bryan. “Used to be a good ole boy with a set of wrenches. Now a good ole boy with sophisticated training.”

In years past, the focus was on selling new vehicles but business dictates demand. Bryan says now they focus on all departments and give the customer what they want and need. “We focus on service whether it’s tires, batteries, brakes, or more,” he said. “I don’t know of any other dealership in our area that operates a body shop.”

The constant in the success of the dealership is still the philosophy established by E.D. King 91 years ago.

“We want to be good citizens, and I think we are,” said Patty. “We have gone through good times and tough times and had some success. Everything changes except the relationship the dealership has with the customer, and the trust that we’ve developed. We’re very proud of that trust and the relationships we have built over these many years.”

Debbie King Bryan, Henry King, Patty King & Dave King

Service Department Special:

Anniversary Specials

2013 Ford F150 SuperCab STX Southeast Edition

Anniversary

Vin# D30418 1@ this price

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$ 2014 Ford Fiesta S Sedan

$

OR Finance for

Vin#136044 1@ this price. 36 mos @ $159/mo plus tax. $2999 due at signing. 10,500 miles per year. $.20 per mile over. WAC

Life is better in the Quick Lane 13 Major Brands We Service All makes and Models

2014 Ford Escape SE FWD

$

229/mo

OR Finance for

0% up to 48 months Vin# A57770 1@ this price. 36 mos @ $229/mo plus tax. $2999 Due at signing. 10,500 miles per year. $.20 per mile over. WAC

25,995

FREE

SCAN TEST ON 2000 AND NEWER FORDS.

September 26, 2013 through October 3, 2013 – Call us to set up a time for your FREE Scan Test. Diesel engines excluded.

Trade Assist $250. Net Price $25995. WAC

159/mo

0% up to 48 months

Sale Price

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON?

(256) 241-0119 Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am 6:00pm Saturday : 8:00 am - 3:00pm

MOTORCRAFT BATTERY SPECIAL Ford National Sale Price $109.95, This Weekend Only With Exchange + Tax

$

91

Motorcraft “Tested Tough Max” Batteries To Fit Most Cars And Light Trucks

rices P e ir T t s e w o L in Town

MOTORCRAFT PREMIUM WIPER BLADE SPECIAL

$

9.10

39

95

Works Package includes tire rotation, oil

Each

Plus Tax And Installed For Free These Blades Fit Most Cars And Light Trucks

$

$

91 BRAKE SPECIAL QUICK LANE

Per Axle

All Makes And Models (Trucks: Light Duty Only) Includes New Brake Pads And Labor To Replace Pads On Each Axle,Turning Rotors Not Included, Plus Tax And Env. Fees

LEADING THE WAY IN HYBRID TECHNOLOGY The only one of two dealers in the State to feature Green Stations

THE FUTURE IS HERE

Service Department Special:

Anniversary Specials

2013 Ford F150 SuperCab STX Southeast Edition

Anniversary

Vin# D30418 1@ this price

D REOPE NIN G G RAN

$ 2014 Ford Fiesta S Sedan

$

OR Finance for

Vin#136044 1@ this price. 36 mos @ $159/mo plus tax. $2999 due at signing. 10,500 miles per year. $.20 per mile over. WAC

Life is better in the Quick Lane 13 Major Brands We Service All makes and Models

2014 Ford Escape SE FWD

$

229/mo

OR Finance for

0% up to 48 months Vin# A57770 1@ this price. 36 mos @ $229/mo plus tax. $2999 Due at signing. 10,500 miles per year. $.20 per mile over. WAC

25,995

FREE

SCAN TEST ON 2000 AND NEWER FORDS.

September 26, 2013 through October 3, 2013 – Call us to set up a time for your FREE Scan Test. Diesel engines excluded.

Trade Assist $250. Net Price $25995. WAC

159/mo

0% up to 48 months

Sale Price

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON?

(256) 241-0119 Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00am 6:00pm Saturday : 8:00 am - 3:00pm

MOTORCRAFT BATTERY SPECIAL Ford National Sale Price $109.95, This Weekend Only With Exchange + Tax

$

91

Motorcraft “Tested Tough Max” Batteries To Fit Most Cars And Light Trucks

rices P e ir T t s e w o L in Town

MOTORCRAFT PREMIUM WIPER BLADE SPECIAL

$

9.10

39

95

Works Package includes tire rotation, oil

Each

Plus Tax And Installed For Free These Blades Fit Most Cars And Light Trucks

$

$

91 BRAKE SPECIAL QUICK LANE

Per Axle

All Makes And Models (Trucks: Light Duty Only) Includes New Brake Pads And Labor To Replace Pads On Each Axle,Turning Rotors Not Included, Plus Tax And Env. Fees

LEADING THE WAY IN HYBRID TECHNOLOGY The only one of two dealers in the State to feature Green Stations

THE FUTURE IS HERE

The Sunny King Ford Team

Patty King President Sunny King Automotive Group

Eddie Wheeler General Manager

John Bryan Vice-President Sunny King Automotive Group

Larry Ketchum New Car Manager

Lynn Freeman Administrative Manager Sunny King Automotive Group

Bill McClung Used Car Manager

Mike Giddens Sales

Max Rogers Sales

Ashley Bryant Sales

John McKee Sales

Shannon Petty Sales

Drew Estes Sales

Rick Cowden Sales

Brandon Mundy Sales

Joe Coletta F&I Manager

Gabe Sadi Sales

Stevie Star Detail

From Left: Drew Estes, Brandon Mundy, Shannon Petty

SALES

“

Sunny King Ford is excited and proud to be the local innovators of several new vehicles and programs offered to our community. As for new vehicles, we are actively pursuing the goal of being the technology leader in the southeast market by becoming an electric vehicle dealer. With its hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all electric vehicles, Ford Motor Company has become the industry leader in EV vehicles. Getting an estimated 100 MPGe, the Energi line of vehicles are the hottest on the market and you can now get them here at Sunny King Ford. As for new programs, we are proud to be the local dealer representative for Vets-Cars.com. Vets-Cars is an association of auto dealers who have pledged low pricing and a respectful and transparent automobile purchase and ownership experience. Sunny King Ford is honored to represent Vets-Cars.com in service to our military and their families.

— General Manager Eddie Wheeler

”

From Left: Rick Cowden and Max Rogers

From Left; Byron Midkiff, Ryan Lecroy, Eric Figeuroa

SERVICE

“

Our Service Dept received the Presidential award for customer satisfaction. We currently have 162 years of experienced

— Service Manager, David Bentley

David Bentley (Service Manager) & Rebecca Luker

”

Tim Evans, Parts Manager

PARTS

“

Our parts department here at the new Sunny King Ford offers genuine parts and accessories manufactured especially for your Ford car or truck at prices competitive to the aftermarket. Our factory trained parts staff has over 90 years combined experience and is trained to know your Ford vehicle inside and out.

We have over a quarter of a million dollars of parts inventory in stock, and if we don’t have it we can get it in a hurry! So come by, call (256-835-5310) or e-mail us (timevans6@gmail.com) with all your Ford parts and accessory needs.

We look forward to hearing from you!

— Parts Manager, Tim Evans

From Left: Al Echols and Mark Smith

”

From Left: Chris Reaves and Terry Reese, Quick Lane Manager

QUICK LANE

“

Quick Lane at Sunny King Ford offers a wide variety of services for your vehicle Alignments, Coolant Services, Oil Changes, Tires Rotations and Repair, General Repairs, AC and Heating Repairs and much more. Convenient weekday and weekend hours - Mon. – Fri 7:00am-6:00pm and Sat. 8:00am-3:00pm. We service all makes and models and no appointment is necessary. Home of the $39.95 Works Package.

— Quick Lane Manager, Terry Reese

From Left: Jamie Ford, Michael Brakeman and Justin Campbell

”

“

At Sunny King Ford our Body Shop works on most all makes and models. There is no job too large or too small for our team. The Body Shop Manager, David Burrage has been with Sunny King Ford for over 37 years and our Body Shop personnel have almost 200 years combined experience in auto body work. Sunny King Ford is the only TOP OF THE HILL, behind the dealership on South Quintard Avenue.

— Body Shop Manager, David Burrage

David Burrage, Body Shop Manager

From Left:Willie Fuller and Terrance Borden

”

BODY SHOP

Kim Reaves and Christie Bryan

Teresa Thomas & Vivian Bell

BUSINESS OFFICE

Patty’s favorite car: 1965 Ford Mustang.

“It makes me feel sixteen again!”

John’s favorite car: “I like the Ford Explorer. It’s the perfect size.”

Why were all Fords originally black?

Henry Ford is often quoted as saying you could get a new Ford in any color you wanted as long as it was black. The

TIMELINE 1922—King Motor Company opened on 11th Street in Anniston.

1943-1945—King Motor Company shut down operations due to the war.

of the assembly line and the available quick-drying paint was available only in black. In 1926, more colors were introduced.

1970—Sunny King moved the dealership to its present location on South Quintard – the Motor Mile.

Ford Oops?

Patty King said Ford’s biggest “oops,” was the Edsel, which was named for Henry Ford’s son. “It was an ugly car.”

1985—John Bryan was hired.

Sunny King Ford’s best seller is the Ford F-150.

The Ford F Series continues to hold the top spot for sales across all automakers in the United States.

When the last of the Model T automobile was assembled, in May of 1927, a virtually unbroken line of over 15 million Model T Fords had been produced. (From Here to Obscurity) Henry Ford’s Model T, made and sold between 1908 and the Tin Lizzie.” (Henry’s Wonderful Model T) In 1920 about one millions Model Ts were produced, and half the cars in the United States were Model Ts.

1986—Sunny King Classic golf tournament 1990—Sunny King died from cancer, and Patty King became president and CEO of Sunny King Ford.

2006—Sunny King Criterium 2013—Sunny King Ford celebrates 91st year and the Grand ReOpening of the dealership

Sunny King Ford wishes to thank the following people and organizations: Hale Building Company, Inc. — Steve Hale, President Munroe & Jenkins Architects, LLC — Jay Jenkins, Architect Whorton Engineering — Randy Whorton, President Stan McCarter — McCarter Engineering Potts Marketing Group — Thomas S. Potts, President Major Underwriting Sunny King Charity Classic Sunny King Criterium

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Produced by the Marketing Department of The Anniston Star

Charitable Giving Calhoun County of Chamber of Commerce United Way of East Central Alabama East Central Alabama United Cerebral Palsy The Knox Concert Series American Cancer Society Relay for Life CAST

Music at McClellan JSU Foundation Rainbow Omega Salvation Army Center for Concern The League for Animal Welfare Spirit of Anniston YMCA Boy Scouts Girl Scouts Calhoun Cleburne Childrens’ Center Local schools, churches and civic organizations

The heart of King Automotive, then and now.

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Come Join Sunny King Ford in Celebrating 91 Years on Thursday, September 26 beginning at 10 a.m.

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REGISTER TO WIN

2013 Mustang V6 Coupe Premium 4 Passenger Sports Car 6 Speed Auto Transmission Leather Trim Sport Seats Total MSRP $29,660

SUNNY KING FORD 1507 S QUINTARD AVE, ANNISTON, AL 36201