Walker Automotive Selected as a Key Dealer By GM

By Lawrence S. Searcy, Jr.

Walker Automotive is pleased to announce that on June 1, 2009 it was selected as a General Motors “Key Dealer” for its Buick and GMC brands. On June 1, 2009 General Motors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with the Federal Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York. In doing so, GM hopes to reinvent itself with fewer, stronger and a more properly located dealer network. GM’s selection of Walker Automotive as a Key Dealer shows the confidence that GM has in Walker being part of the new GM.

Throughout the years, Walker Automotive has endured many changes in the automotive business. This year represents Walker’s 90th birthday and Walker is excited about the next 90 years. GM’s announcement means that Walker will continue to sell and service GMC and Buick vehicles well into the future. The Pontiac brand will be phased out over the next 18 months but Walker will continue to provide sales support, warranty service and parts on the all Pontiac vehicles into the foreseeable future.

“We remain committed to honesty and integrity in every facet of our business and it is this philosophy that has earned our company an outstanding reputation and longevity,” said Foster Walker III, President of Walker Automotive. Mr. Walker emphasized that as a fourth generation family company, Walker Automotive always tries to do what is in the best interest of its customers. “Our customers make it possible for us to be and stay in business and we realize that customer loyalty is the key to generations of success. We believe that we are rewarded for our efforts by the vast majority of our customers who are repeat and lifetime buyers.”

Walker was founded in 1919 as Alexandria Auto Company, Inc. by Foster Walker Sr. After returning from World War I, Foster Walker Sr. began selling Durant, Reo and Star automobiles from a gas station in Downtown Alexandria. That business eventually became Walker Oldsmobile Company and is now run by Foster Walker III. Ninety years after its inception the dealership has expanded from its meager origins to three locations, 8 manufacturers, three service departments and a collision center. Over the last 9 decades, Walker has won numerous national and factory awards for all aspects of its business and offers new and pre-owned vehicles ranging from quality entry level models to German luxury vehicles.