Walker Automotive Receives 80-Year Award from General Motors

Walker Automotive is pleased to announce that on December 15, 2009 it will celebrate its 80th anniversary as a General Motors partner. The dealership was started in 1919 and ten years later Walker began selling Oldsmobile vehicles. The Oldsmobile franchise was awarded in 1929 and the official name of the company was changed to Walker Oldsmobile Company, Inc. Since then, Walker has sold GM brands including Oldsmobile, GMC, Pontiac, Saturn and Buick.

Steve Kuhl, Zone Manager for General Motors will personally present a recognition plaque to W. Foster Walker III, President of Walker Oldsmobile Company, Inc. The recognition ceremony will be at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 1616 MacArthur Dr. Alexandria.

“In the 80 years since 1929, we have had several GM franchises and have enjoyed a prosperous relationship with GM,” Walker said. “GM has made many changes over the years and, in the last year, has reinvented itself with fewer, stronger and more properly located dealers. We are excited to receive the 80 year recognition and look forward to continuing our partnership with GM for many years to come.”

On June 1 of this year Walker was selected as a General Motors “Key Dealer” for its Buick and GMC brands. 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 year in the car business and its 80th year associated with General Motors.

“We consider all of our employees and customers a part of “Team Walker” and believe that our commitment to honesty, integrity, quality, and excellence help us to maintain lasting relationships with customers over multiple generations. Many of the families we sold to 80 years ago have new generations of family members buying from us today. That is due in large part to the quality of brands that we sell including the long partnership we have enjoyed with General Motors, and our commitment to great customer service” said Mr. Walker.

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.