Cox Automotive has doubled down on its Fleet Services business.

The automotive giant, which acquired a majority stake in what was then Dickinson Fleet Services in 2020, has purchased the rest of the company from minority owners Mike Dickinson and Ted Coltrain.

“This acquisition represents our steadfast commitment to the fleet industry and the opportunity to take Fleet Services to the next level,” Cox Automotive president Steve Rowley said. “We are proud to build on the legacy the Dickinson family began, and we’re just getting started. We are in this business for the long term. Not just for this year, but the next 50 years and beyond.”

Coltrain, who currently serves as vice president of operations, will retire from Fleet Services this month, while Dickinson will stay on as a consultant to facilitate a smooth transition, Cox said in a news release.

Dickinson Fleet Services was founded in 1997 by the Dickinson family. Since coming under the Cox umbrella, the company has grown to employ more than 1,500 technicians servicing more than 14,000 clients annually and has acquired Trudell Trailer Sales and regional maintenance providers such as Mobicare and Corcoran’s Mobile Service, expanding its nationwide offerings within medium and heavy-duty fleet parts and service, as well as direct parts sales and semi-trailer sales.

“When we founded Dickinson Fleet Services nearly 30 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined that we would grow it into what it is today — a nationwide industry leader with a best-in-class team,” Coltrain said. “We built a legacy of trust and determination to get the job done right. Cox is ready to build on that legacy and take this business into the future.”

The company said Fleet Services by Cox Automotive is focused on expanding, including broader mobile maintenance and emergency mobile service, with a “vision to safely and efficiently help fleets move across America by having the right technician, in the right place, at the right time, with the right part.”

Clark named interim VP of sales

In the wake of Cox’s acquisition, Kevin Clark has been selected as Fleet Services’ interim vice president of sales. Clark currently leads the company’s Emergency Mobile Service division, as well as FleeTec Academy technician training program.

“After three years with Fleet Services, I’ve seen first-hand the massive growth potential that comes with being part of Cox – for clients, for our people and for the industry we’re in,” he said. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to partner more closely with our clients as we grow together and lead fleets into the future.”

Clark is a veteran of nearly 30 years in the fleet services and maintenance industry, with experience leading operations and driving customer growth. He previously served as executive vice president and general manager of Amerit Fleet Solutions and began his career as shop chief and quality control inspector for the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.