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THE longest-running family-owned Harley-Davidson dealership in the US has been sold after over 70 years of successful business.
The Harley-loving owners handed down their legacy to a dealership group as they plan to retire.
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The Cox family has owned and operated the shop in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina, since 1961.
That was until motorbike fan Carson Baker, a rising star in the automotive industry, finally signed the dotted line this past week.
Now, Jan Cox, one of the owners, is looking forward to retirement and hopes that Baker will have the same success her family has enjoyed.
“We had a strong run catering to riders from York County, Charlotte, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and beyond,” Cox told PowerSports Business.
“It is our hope that the new owner will be welcomed as they continue this service.”
Cox expressed her gratitude to their customers and looked forward to keeping an eye on the family’s second store in Asheboro, North Carolina.
“The loyalty and dedication you gave us was abundant and appreciated,” she said.
“We look forward to what the future holds for our Asheboro location.”
Recil Cox founded the family business, but he had to work his day job at a textile mill to keep the doors open.
Once the Harley store started turning a profit, Recil could finally focus on the passion project full-time.
“Three generations of business ownership is hard to find these days,” said Stephen Cox, who manages the family’s other location in Asheboro.
“Unmatched customer loyalty and a team who works with dignity and embraces both the Cox brand and Harley-Davidson, well, that’s pretty special.”
Baker has now renamed the store Dog House Harley-Davidson of Rock Hill and added it to his growing dealership portfolio.
The owner said he “lives and breathes” automotive sales, and has no plans on stopping.
“We’re still looking for more store; still trying to put deals together,” he told PowerSports Business in January.
“I live and breathe this. I work seven days a week. I love it.
“I’m very proud of our team.”
Harley-Davidson closures in 2024
There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across America.
However, multiple stores have closed for various reasons throughout 2024 – if they give any explanation at all.
Below is a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have shuttered this year and why they closed their doors:
The San Francisco location closed in June after 110 years due to ‘chaos’ brought by new management.
Miracle City Harley-Davidson in Titusville, Florida, closed in September with no reason given.
Harley-Davidson’s legacy location in New York City closed shop on September 28, with the owner citing problems with the economy.
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, closed its doors in October after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
Plus, the dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, is temporarily closing for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2024.
Some Harley-Davidson shops are shutting for good, and enthusiasts say it’s bad news for bikers.
Other fans of the dealer were celebrating after new branded car accessories were released.
Plus, there’s a way for Harley fans to get help with purchasing their dream bike.
