Local auto dealer Ed Hicks, who nurtured a luxury used-car lot into a multi-brand new car dealership, has died.

Hicks passed away early Thursday in Houston. He was 84 — only four days away from his 85th birthday.

Hicks’ history in Corpus Christi automobiles began when he started a new-car dealership with Nissan in 1973. The label then was known as Datsun.

The family eventually developed their business into including Mercedes, Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti and Subaru.

His family has continued to be primary players in managing the dealership group.

Among his business honors included the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s G. Russell Kirkland Distinguished Visitor in Business Administration in 2011.

Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.