Auto trendsetter Ernest Boch dies at 76; Longtime Subaru distributor sold other makes, too.(News)(Obituary)

Automotive News, July, 2003 by Harris, Donna

Byline: Donna Harris

Ernest Boch Sr., 76, died of liver cancer on July 13 at his home on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.

The Norwood, Mass., Subaru distributor and car dealer, known in the Boston area for his gimmicky commercials and opulent lifestyle, also had a reputation as an industry innovator.

Ernie Boch, as he was known, is credited with launching the Auto Mile, an automotive shopping district along U.S. Route 1 in Norwood, Mass., where his name still dominates a string of car dealerships.

He found a creative solution to solve overcrowding at his Honda store by building a basement housing his service operations and a car wash.

Boch also claimed that he had inspired Subaru of America Inc. to build a "sport-utility...

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