Pat Koballa

Stevenson Automotive Group is selling its Kia franchise in Wilmington to longtime General Manager Pat Koballa, according to an announcement Monday.

The dealership will be called Pat Koballa's Coastal Kia and will remain in its current location at 6103 Market St.

The announcement came after the news last week that Stevenson Honda of Wilmington will be operated by Hendrick Automotive Group under its new name Stevenson-Hendrick Honda Wilmington. Hendrick Automotive will also operate Stevenson Toyota in Jacksonville. 

Koballa has served as the Stevenson Automotive Operations Manager in Wilmington for more than 30 years, a news release stated. He oversaw daily operations for Honda, Acura, Mazda, Kia, Honda Pre-Owned and the Mazda Collision Center in Wilmington.  

"We will continue to help the Wilmington community and surrounding areas with their automotive needs. I am thrilled to be able to exceed our client’s expectations in my new role as owner," Koballa said in the release

Pat Koballa's Coastal Kia will employ 45 team members, according to the release, and the majority of the staff are existing members of the prior Kia dealership.