Eric Nielsen purchases Magarino Ford in Sussex

By Laurie Gordon
SUSSEX COUNTY — Magarino Ford has gained a fine reputation in the area for its auto sales. So have the car dealerships owned by Eric Nielsen, which include Dover Dodge Chrylser Jeep in Rockaway; Franklin Sussex Automall in Sussex; Franklin Sussex Genesis in Sussex; Franklin Sussex Hyundai in Sussex; Sussex Nielsen Chevrolet in Dover; Nielsen Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram in East Hanover; and Route 15 Used Car Center in Wharton. On Monday, Aug. 14, the deal for Eric Nielsen to purchase Magarino Ford was finalized. The amount of the sale was not disclosed.
The dealership, located at 375 Route 23 North, in Sussex, will be renamed Nielsen Ford.
“Sam Magarino reached out to Eric Nielsen several months ago, looking to sell the dealership and move into retirement,” said Bill Snouffer, general manager at Franklin Sussex Auto Mall. “They spent several months discussing the deal, and an agreement was finally made. Magarino was well aware of Nielsen's commitment to the community and his customers and believes he is leaving his legacy in good hands.”
On Monday, the dealership keys were turned over, data was transferred, IT was setup, inventory acquisition and restocking began and new accounts were set up, among other tasks.
Snouffer said, "We are extremely excited to have Ford be part of our family of franchises. Ford is a great product and with a wide variety of models that we feel only enhances the other products we currently offer through our other facilities.”
Nielsen, who has been in the automotive sales business for 40 years, is planning to retain a lot of Magarino's employees. Snouffer said, “Plus, we will be bringing in some new management along with the support system of the entire Nielsen Automotive Group.”
Snouffer said, “Our plans are to increase inventories of new and used cars to offer a much better selection and deals to the customer, while maintaining the excellent customer service that has help to grow to where we are today.”