LEARN ABOUT THE WEST FAMILY HISTORY
The first member of the West Family to work in the auto business was C. Eckles West. A 2nd generation Blount Countian, and local farmer, West opened a garage in downtown Maryville during the mid-1920's. Basically a gas station with a couple of mechanics' stalls, he also sold Hudsons from the "West Garage."
In 1931 with the onset of the Great Depression, West sought more stability and invested with four other Maryville men, including majority owner, Homer Davis, in the Davis Motor Company; a Chevrolet and Oldsmobile store on Broadway in Maryville. Built in the late 1920's, the Davis store was a very progressive facility for such a small town.
After the conclusion of World War II, Charles T. West, the only son of Eckles West returned from duty in the Pacific and continued his automotive career. By the Mid 1950's Charles and partner Judson Murphy bought out all the other investors and changed the name of the store to Murphy-West Chevrolet Olds. Continuing to grow; in 1968 General Motors encouraged that they split the Chevy and Olds into two stores. It was decided that Murphy would take the Oldsmobile and establish a new dealership, and West would keep Chevy in the existing facility on Broadway in Maryville.
In January 1968 Charles West Chevrolet was born. By the early 1970's Charles West's son, Steve West had assumed a management role in the store and in 1974 General Motors recognized him as the dealer principal. Under Steve West's ownership the company took one of the biggest changes in its history. In spring of 1984 ground was broken for a new facility on Alcoa Highway, across from the Knoxville Airport. In 1985 West Chevrolet, as it was now called, became the 10th dealership on the Airport Motor Mile. Built on 20 acres, car sales tripled and West Chevrolet became one of the top selling Chevy stores in the state.
In 1999 Steve West was elected Mayor of Maryville, by that time his older son, Charles E. West was managing the store. In 2004, GM recognized Charles as Dealer Principal and in 2006 the family celebrated 75 years in the Chevrolet business. As West Chevrolet continues towards its 90th year, the campus has expanded to almost 30 acres and West has been on the forefront of the digital auto sales sector; selling new and used cars to customers all over the southern United States.
While this history focuses on the West family, it's important to note that the successes and good times at West Chevrolet are mainly attributed to the hundreds of men and women that have worked there over those 85 years. Many employees have worked 30 to 40 years, and a couple even reached the 50 year mark. It’s the hard work and good hearts of these people, along with the generosity of thousands of loyal customers, over the years that have made West Chevrolet a success.
Thank you for visiting our website and considering us for the purchase of your next new or used car or truck. It is our goal to provide you with an excellent purchase and ownership experience.
