MORRISTOWN – Doan Ford Lincoln Mercury of Morristown was recently recognized with a 50-year award for its continuous family ownership among Ford franchises in the region.

Doan was the only dealership to receive this award out of 200 Ford and Lincoln dealers in five states, stemming from Western New York, Northeast Ohio, West Virginia and beyond.

Originally established in Barnesville, Doan Ford first open its doors 50 years ago in 1961. The business moved to its current location in Morristown in 1967. At that time, owner Charles R. Doan purchased 25 acres of reclaimed farmland bordering Ohio 149 near Morristown and constructed Doan Ford’s expanded headquarters. That facility reliably served customers in Belmont County and the surrounding areas for 35 years until it was destroyed by fire in July of 2002.

Reconstructed 15 months later, Doan Ford opened the doors of its new, modern facility on Oct. 20, 2003. The new facility was built in accordance with Ford Motor Company’s new brand image.

Doan Ford is located just north of Interstate 70 exit 208 in Morristown.

A portrait of the late Charles Doan – the founder of the company – can be seen upon entering the showroom of the facility. It hangs on the adjacent wall which was constructed of stone recovered from the ashes of the former building.

Janey A. Doan, president of Doan Ford, said the business and its 46 employees are happy to serve the community they have served for the past 50 years.

Doan Ford’s sales department, under the direction of General Manager Steve Mercer, is one of the most experienced in the Ohio Valley – with more than 167 years of combined experience among its friendly, knowledgeable and friendly sales associates.

The parts department also has a knowledgeable staff, with 43 years of combined experience, offering competitive prices for all Ford and Motorcraft parts and accessories. Parts Manager Tom Clark is Ford Master Certified, and the parts department stocks a large inventory of Ford Motor Company car and light and medium duty truck parts and accessories. Most special order, not-stocked parts are available with one-day service, and wholesale delivery service is offered to qualified independent repair shops.

The 7,200-square-foot body shop boasts a 16-bay operation headed by Manager Ron Lucas, who is Ford Quality Care Master Certified. Doan Ford is a direct repair facility for most major insurance companies, and their seven technicians are qualified to repair all makes and models, both foreign and domestic. Free estimates are available with no appointment required.

Service Manager Jay Strous is also Ford Certified, with 16 years of experience in Ford service operations. The service department performs warranty work, full-service and general maintenance, and takes care of all motorists’ needs from tires to batteries and shocks, oil changes, alignments, systems inspections, brakes and more.

Stop in and see why the business motto is “I’m not buying ’til I’ve checked Doan Ford.”

John Schuldt, regional sales manager based in Pittsburgh, who recently presented Doan Ford with the 50-year award, said the new vehicle industry was up about 1 million units by mid-year this year. There was a shortage on used vehicles. Interest rates are still low. The domestic industry is expected to increase by another million units in 2012, from cars, trucks and fleet vehicles.

For more information on Doan Ford Lincoln Mercury, call toll-free (800) 782-1965 or visit online at www.doanford.com.