Fox Motors Opens New, State-of-the Art Dealership on North Side

The new Fox Ford Lincoln of Chicago located at 2501 N. Elston Ave., between Bucktown and Lincoln Park. | Provided

Fox Motors have opened the doors to its brand new, state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Chicago’s North Side between the Bucktown and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, at 2501 N. Elston Ave.

Fox Ford Lincoln of Chicago was previously located on Chicago’s historic Motor Row on South Michigan, where it began operations in February 2013. The dealership broke ground on its Elston Avenue property in June 2014. Working with more than 50 Chicago-area contractors, suppliers and vendors, the 15-month, $57 million project employed more than 200 local residents and quickly earned the support of local businesses and elected officials.

“The new Fox Ford Lincoln facility is truly amazing. With the retail investment and additional jobs that Fox Motors has brought to the area, it is an exciting time for our community,” Alderman Scott Waguespack (32ns) said in a press release. “We look forward to the future and growth opportunities that this new venture will bring to our community.”

The new three-story, 145,000-square-foot LEED certified dealership sits on more than seven acres and is now Ford’s largest dealership in Chicagoland. Approximately 72 new sales, service and management jobs have joined the existing staff of 26 from Fox Motor’s South Michigan Avenue location, and leadership expects to have 125 employees once at capacity. Fox Ford Lincoln is employing cutting edge technology in all aspects of the business, including iPads for all product specialists and service advisors, advanced inspection systems that can execute a full vehicle inspection in under two minutes and state-of-the-art tire and alignment equipment.

Housing more than 375 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, the new North Side dealership promises a sales and service experience unlike anything Chicago has ever seen, including customer considerations such as an outdoor riverwalk, sprawling skyline views and several Wi-Fi-enabled lounge areas, one of which includes a play area for children.

An on-site QuickLane facility will offer routine vehicle maintenance including tire rotations, brake repair and Fox Motor’s signature 30-minute oil change for all makes and models. The front parking lot includes four free electric vehicle charging stations, and a 35,000 square foot live roof has been installed, providing countless environmental benefits.

“We are on a journey to reinvent the car business. We call it the Fox Difference,” said Diane Maher, president and COO of the dealership. “We put a premium on our customers’ time and business. Our focus is customers for life, not one transaction but a series of positive experiences and relationships they can count on.”

Fox Motors has worked closely with Ford Motor Company to bring its urban vision to life.

For Fox Motors owners Dan and Pamella DeVos, choosing Chicago was an easy decision. They have previously committed to opening stores within a three-hour drive from the Grand Rapids, MI home office, which they say promotes collaboration and fosters a sense of community among business partners.

The family has already begun making Chicago home. Dan and Pamella have owned a townhouse in River North for over five years, are limited partners of the playoff-hopeful Chicago Cubs, and own and operate three Harley-Davidson retail locations, one of which is located on the Magnificent Mile. Pamella also sits on the board of directors for the Joffrey Ballet.

Fox Ford Lincoln of Chicago operations will be handled by division director, John Cueter and general manager, Pete Ricards.

Source: Fox Motors