1954
The Walser Legacy Begins
Starting with a small location in South St. Paul, Jack and two other investors purchased Peter’s Oldsmobile, starting up the Walser franchise and later adding Town’s Edge in Hopkins.
Over 70 Years in the Twin Cities
The Walser Automotive Group Story
Where it All Started
Let us take you back to 1954. Elvis was singing on the radio, gas was just 29 cents a gallon, and the world felt a little simpler. Down in South St. Paul, Jack Walser opened up his very first Oldsmobile lot. It wasn’t much to look at, just a small building and a handful of cars lined up in the crisp Minnesota air. But what set it apart was Jack’s promise. He believed that if you treated people with respect, if you listened more than you talked, and if you always did the right thing, you could build something that lasted.
We can still picture those early days. Customers would stop by not just to look at the cars, but to have a real conversation. They knew they’d be treated fairly, no games, no gimmicks, just a handshake and a smile you could trust. That feeling of being welcomed, being cared for, became the heartbeat of Walser.
1968-70s
Acquisition of Ford, Buick, and Mazda Franchises
Growth began quickly after success with the Oldsmobile dealership, as Jack acquired three more brands to add to the Walser name; a Ford location in St. Louis Park as well as the Mazda and Buicks located in Bloomington on Penn Avenue.
1980s
Chrysler-Plymouth and Chevrolet Join Walser
After the previous years' growth, Chrysler-Plymouth joined the Walser umbrella at the same location in St. Louis Park with Ford, and three years later moved to its current site at the Walser Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership. Following that move, Walser purchased a Chevrolet franchise from Baldwin Chevrolet, creating the fifth Walser store in the market.
1990s
More New Dealerships and New Leadership
In 1995, Walser acquired a Chrysler Plymouth Jeep franchise located in Red Wing, Minnesota, approximately 60 miles south of Minneapolis. But more importantly, in 1997, Jack’s sons, Paul and Andrew Walser, stepped in to take over the company from their father who was retiring. Paul Walser became the CEO of the company.
2000s
The Walser Way
Under Paul’s leadership, all dealerships evolve from a typical dealership pricing model, involving haggling and hassling, to the beginning of the ‘one price’ model that we see today. See How We Do Things Differently
2000
Accelerated Growth
Walser Automotive Group starting growing quickly in the new millennium, acquiring Bloomington Quality Lincoln Mercury, Burnsville Nissan Buick, Bloomington Peterson Pontiac GMC, Bloomington Freeway Dodge, Bloomington Toyota, Inver Hills Mazda, as well as a new Cadillac franchise which moved to Apple Valley and another Jeep franchise that joined the Walser Hopkins Chrysler location. Part of these acquisitions were consolidations of the locations, so as to create facilities better suited to giving customers the true Walser experience.
2010
The Walser Legacy Begins
Walser made the greatest expansion at one time in the history of the company by purchasing the Wichita Luxury Collection. Consisting of nine luxury brands, Acura, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, and Porsche, the group has been rebranded as the Walser Auto Campus. We are excited to be your destination for luxury vehicles and luxury experiences!
2017 – Present
Now, here we are more than seventy years later. The cars look different. You’ll find Lamborghinis sparkling under showroom lights in Minneapolis and SUVs ready to take families on their next adventure. The technology is new, the buildings are bigger, but the heart is still the same. At Walser, it has always been about people first. About making sure every customer feels at home, the same way they did on that very first lot in 1954.
From one small Oldsmobile store to a family of dealerships and community programs across Minnesota, the story of Walser has never been just about selling cars. It has always been about taking care of people. And that is why, seven decades later, our story is still being written.
2017
Wayzata Nissan, Polar Chevrolet, and Polar Mazda
In July 2017, Walser acquired Walser Nissan Wayzata in Wayzata, MN. Several months later, it also took ownership Polar Chevrolet Mazda, a longtime dealership in White Bear Lake, MN. The stores were rebranded, with Walser Polar Chevrolet remaining in its current location, while Walser Polar Mazda moved across the street to a new, state-of-the art facility.
2018
Walser Polar Mazda Opens
Walser Polar Mazda’s new Retail Evolution store officially opened its doors in September 2018, marking a new chapter in how car buying could feel. Designed to be more modern, more transparent, and a whole lot more comfortable, it brought the Walser experience to life in a new way. Same commitment to people first, just with a sharper edge.
2019
Introducing Women of Walser
Walser took an important step forward with the launch of Women of Walser, an Employee Resource Group created to support, connect, and empower women across the organization. Built on mentorship, leadership development, and community, the group created space for voices to be heard and careers to grow. It was more than a program, it was a commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive future at Walser. Read More About Women of Walser
2020
Drive With Pride Takes the Lead
Drive With Pride was created to build a stronger sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ team members and allies at Walser. What started as a shared vision quickly became a community, one focused on support, visibility, and creating meaningful connections. It reflects Walser’s ongoing commitment to making sure everyone feels comfortable showing up as their full, authentic selves. Read More About Drive with Pride
2023
Honoring Culture, Building Community
Walser introduced the Asian Hmong Alliance, an Employee Resource Group created to celebrate culture, build community, and support the growth of Asian and Hmong team members across the organization. Rooted in connection and representation, the group creates space for shared experiences, leadership development, and meaningful impact. It is another step forward in building a more inclusive Walser, where every voice helps shape what comes next.
Read More About Asian Hmong Alliance
2024
A New Standard for Toyota
Walser Toyota’s new state-of-the-art facility in Bloomington redefines what a dealership can be. Spanning over 120,000 square feet, the space features a three-story open showroom, a multi-level parking garage, and a fully air-conditioned service center with 40+ bays designed for speed and efficiency. Every detail is built to create a faster, more comfortable, and more seamless experience, bringing the Walser promise to life at its highest level.
Learn More Our New Facility
2024
Walser Launches 4 Day Work Week
Walser Automotive Group took a bold step forward in January 2024, introducing a new 4-day work week. As the traditional 9-to-5 continues to evolve, this shift reflects a focus on giving employees more balance, flexibility, and time to recharge, while still delivering the same great experience customers expect. It’s a modern approach to work, built around people first, just the way it’s always been.
2024
Welcome to the Walser Family, Genesis of Kansas City
Genesis of Kansas City officially joined the Walser Automotive Group on May 2, 2024, marking an exciting expansion into the Kansas City market. Known for its refined design and innovative performance, Genesis brings a new level of luxury to the Walser lineup. From the sporty Genesis G70 to the sophisticated GV80 SUV, drivers now have even more options to explore a modern, elevated car buying experience. Read More About Our Store
2024
Veterans at Walser Launches
Walser introduced Veterans at Walser, an Employee Resource Group dedicated to supporting and honoring team members who have served, as well as those currently on active duty. Built on connection, recognition, and shared experience, the group creates space for veterans to connect, grow, and continue their impact beyond service. It is another step forward in building a culture that values leadership, service, and community. Read More About Veterans at Walser
2025
Walser Mitsubishi Burnsville Opens
Walser Mitsubishi Burnsville offers a modern, customer-first car buying experience in Burnsville, MN, with a full lineup of new Mitsubishi models and quality pre-owned vehicles. Read More About Our Store
2025
Walser Kia Minnetonka Opens
Walser Kia Minnetonka opened its doors in the west metro, bringing a fresh take on the modern Kia dealership experience. Built for simplicity, transparency, and a smoother way to shop, the new location makes it easier than ever to explore new Kia models, find the right fit, and get on the road faster. Same Walser approach people know and trust, just in a brand-new space designed for what comes next.
2025
Walser Earns Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Designation in Minnesota
Walser Automotive Group earned the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon designation, recognizing its commitment to supporting service members, veterans, and their families. This designation reflects ongoing efforts to create meaningful career opportunities, provide strong support systems, and foster a workplace where those who have served feel valued. It is another way Walser continues to honor service and give back to those who have given so much.