BZ Auto Group was established in 1979 with just five employees. In the decades since, we have expanded to over 55 employees, two certified service and parts departments, a state-of-the-art body shop, a finance department with more than 15 available lenders, on-site car wash and detailing, and two certifications. We proudly offer a variety of Ford and Chevrolet vehicles.
1979
Rick Zollars bought the dealership from Wayne Reed
In 1979, at the age of 26, Rick Zollars and his father-in-law, Bill Burnworth, acquired the Ford dealership from Wayne Reed in Kimmel, Indiana.
1981
Burnworth Zollars moves to Ligonier, IN
Rick Zollars moves Burnworth Zollars from Kimmel, Indiana to Ligonier, Indiana. Their continued growth further allowed them to expand adding a body shop along making the total facilities over 14,000 square feet. Later on, they acquired a separate building for their body shop.
1996
Ligonier Campus was built across the street
With the future of the community in mind, they made a plan to expand their dealership. They decided to construct a new dealership facility across their Ligonier campus. They moved into its 16,000-square-foot facility in September. The new facility was equipped with 18 service bays, a car wash, lounges, a showroom, and a sales area along with a large on-site body shop building.
1998
Rick Zollars acquired the Chevrolet dealership
In 1998, Rick Zollars acquired Chevrolet from Bob Porter and moved the location from downtown Ligonier to the north side of U.S. 6 (across from the Ligonier campus).
2005
A Chevrolet building and body shop were built onto the Ligonier campus
A Chevy building was remodeled from a remodeled to a showroom and a body shop was built, further expanding its Ligonier campus making the new service and sales departments more than 9,000 square feet. Thus moving the Chevrolet dealership next to the Ford building. A new state-of-the-art body was also constructed on the Ligonier campus making the Ligonier campus a total of 34,000 square feet of facilities on seven acres.
2015
Burnworth-Zollars business is purchased
Former sales managers Ken and Jason purchased the Burnworth-Zollars business from Rick Zollars. They continued to keep the same traditions that Zollars had established focusing on customer service and community involvement.
2022
Burnworth Zollars changes name to BZ Automotive Group
BZ Automotive Group LLC changes name from Burnworth Zollars. Although the business is under a new name, the tradition of exceptional customer service and community involvement continues to persevere.
A special thanks to KPC News for helping preserve BZ Auto Group’s history.
