Ed Morse, founder of the Ed Morse Automotive Group, was posthumously inducted into the Florida Automobile Dealers Association Dealer Hall of Fame in a ceremony Thursday night at the at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando.

Morse, who died in 2012, was among 10 members of the Hall’s second class of inductees. The Hall was inaugurated in 2023 to honor Florida dealers who are industry pioneers and leaders in the community.

The 2024 class also included Hal Lynch Jr., Randy Parks, Vivian Reeves, Ted Serbousek, Preston Hood, Rudy Kraft, Phil Smith, George Williamson and Norman Braman, whose business holdings once included ownership of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles.

Ed Morse

Morse built one of the nation’s most respected dealer groups, which today includes 57 dealership locations in eight states, employs more than 2,800 and generates more than $1 billion in sales revenue annually.

Morse served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a navigator on a B-25 during World War II, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the nation’s highest military honors. Following the war, he worked as a doorman whose job included procuring rental cars for guests at the Coronado Hotel in Miami Beach.

In 1946, he and his father started a 20-car fleet rental company, Morse Motors, which grew and eventually merged with National Car Rental with Morse as CEO. The Morse family bought into its first dealership, Ed Morse Ford, in 1961.

“My grandfather was a war hero, an automotive trailblazer and icon, a generous supporter of the South Florida community… but most important, he loved his family, country and employees above the rest,” Teddy Morse, Ed’s grandson and chairman and CEO of Ed Morse Automotive, said in a news release.

“His induction into the FADA Hall of Fame is a huge honor for the Morse family, the Morse organization and all the employees who blossomed under his leadership. Thank you to the Florida Automotive Dealers Association for this prestigious recognition. My grandfather would have been extremely proud.”

Clay Cooley keeps growing in Arlington

Clay Cooley Auto Group’s sizeable footprint in Arlington, Texas keeps growing.

The Dallas-Fort Worth-based dealership group announced it has acquired Don Davis Nissan, its fourth dealership in Arlington.

In a news release, the company said merging Don Davis Nissan with the Clay Cooley brand “combines a legacy of quality service with a focus on customer satisfaction, innovation, and community engagement.”

“Our acquisition of Don Davis Nissan is a fantastic opportunity to support Arlington,” said Chase Cooley, son of president and CEO Clay Cooley. “This dealership allows us to offer expanded inventory, quality service, and a stronger commitment to the needs of this vibrant community.”

Clay Cooley opened his first dealership — a used-car store in Dallas — in 1998 and founded Clay Cooley Auto Group in 2001 with the purchase of his first franchise store. The company now operates more than 20 locations throughout North Texas.

Earnhardt Chevrolet opens in new location

Earnhardt Chevrolet is getting a new look in a new location.

Earnhardt Auto Centers said the dealership has moved from Chandler, Ariz., to nearby Queen Creek, where it will operate from a new 70,000-square-foot facility.

“This community is growing rapidly and our family-run dealership group is proud to be a part of it,” dealer principal Derby Earnhardt said. “It’s our second dealership here. My parents live here. My siblings and I grew up here. This is where we have roots … and so we look forward to serving Queen Creek and the surrounding areas with our ‘No Bull’ neighborly approach to buying and servicing cars and trucks.”

In a news release, the company said the new facility includes a “state-of-the-art” service department and parts center, as well as a customer lounge with complimentary wi-fi and refreshments.

In addition to serving individual customers, the dealership cater to the business community, offering Chevrolet trucks, vans and other commercial vehicles.

General manager Jason Gourd said the dealership is committed to its new community.

“Selling and servicing vehicles is obviously part of what we do,” he said, “but we also like to get out in the community, supporting those who support us. … So look for our involvement with important community events, along with sponsorships of our schools and athletic programs here in Queen Creek.”

Earnhardt Auto Centers operates 17 dealerships in Arizona.