Vann York buys Strider dealership

ASHEBORO — Strider Buick GMC Subaru of Asheboro has been sold to the Vann York Auto Group of High Point.

Transfer of the dealership at 1011 E. Dixie Drive took place on April 4.

Donald Strider had been an owner since January 1991, when he became a partner with Steve Walker. Strider bought out Walker’s share in January 2001. 

The business started out as Hayworth Motor Co. years before.

Strider said he had had several offers to purchase the dealership over the last five years. He said he “looked for a person to take care of my customers and my employees. I felt like Mr. York was a good fit.”

The “Mr. York” Strider referred to is Greg York, son of the late Vann York, who opened his first car dealership in 1973.

Greg York, the current president and CEO of the Vann York Auto Group, appears in a Facebook video announcing the change in ownership, saying that the Asheboro dealership increases the number of Vann York auto sales locations to seven in the Piedmont. The group also operates Freedom Honda in Sumter, S.C.

According to a press release announcing the sale, Chief Operating Officer Bryan Lawlor will oversee the stores’ transition. “We are excited to expand the Vann York Auto Group family and serve a broader customer base, both in terms of geography and vehicle options,” Lawlor said.

General Manager Scott Hooker will lead day-to-day operations of the Asheboro dealerships.

The Strider website says this: “Our family-owned business has been in operation for over 50 years. … We’ve seen children grow into drivers, and loyal Strider Buick GMC Subaru customers. We truly love the Asheboro community, and we are proud to be a part of what makes this area so great.”

In a phone interview, Strider said that counting his years as an independent car dealer prior to joining Steve Walker, he’s been an auto dealer for more than 50 years. 

So, what does the future hold for him?

“I’ve been blessed with wonderful employees and wonderful customers,” he said. “Toby (Strider, his son) and Andy Perdue are running Home Plate Motors on South Fayetteville Street. If they need me, I’m available. 

“I hope they don’t need me much,” he joked.