Westlie Motor Company History

WESTLIE MOTOR COMPANY

Since 1921
Celebrating an 85-year tradition of leadership, pride and service.

1921

Henry Westlie started the Ford Dealership in Minot North Dakota.

 1927

Ford Motor Company ceased the manufacture of Model T trucks. Knowing our customers needed trucks, Westlie decided to start assembling them locally from parts ordered from Ford. Westlie set up an assembly line in the second floor of the garage and in 1927 turned out 38 trucks and in 1928 assembled 50.  

1939

Westlie added the Lincoln Mercury lineup.

1946

Ford Motor Company announced that Westlie Ford was the fourth highest in the nation in service sales, selling $1,200,000 worth of service & parts.

1948 

Westlie moved from Central Ave to its location on South Broadway.

1958

Construction of an addition to Westlie Motor Company. The new addition, a one-story wing 170 feet long by 80 feet wide attached to the existing building, will be used for Parts & Service

1962

Westlie builds a 1.7 million shopping center with 165,000 sq feet of lease space connected by 22,000 feet of enclosed mall space. It is described as the largest of its kind in North Dakota.

1975

Westlie’s Truck Center opens. The facility is the largest of its kind between Minneapolis and Billings. Features include 6 – 120 foot bays, 20 x 75 foot body and paint department, parts department and a heavy-duty truck sales and leasing department.

1978

Westlies moves its tire sales and service department to North Broadway.

1989

The newly reconstructed used vehicle facility is built using the latest in concept marketing and lighting.

1990

At a time when many businesses are closing, Westlie Motors totally remodels the new car showroom. Thus, creating a sense of stability and giving back to a community who has given so much to them

1993

The Parts and Service facility is completely remodeled.

1995

Body Shop is remodeled

2004

Westlies earns the Salute To Dealers Award. Only 9 were given out in the entire US. The award is given to Dealers who improve the lives of those in need in their communities while providing outstanding products and services. The program is conducted under the guidance of Edsel B. Ford II, great-grandson of Henry Ford and a member of Ford’s Board of Directors.

 2005

Building for the Future….. Westlie Truck Center
Tearing down the old fueling area and restaurant, Westlie Truck Center Expands, adding an additional 3,500 square feet. With the remodeling of the original sales area, it now gives a comfortable 6,200 square feet for the sales, parts & service write up area and customer lounge.

Steve Blasing, President of Westlie Motor Company is quoted as saying “With the Trucking Industry growing, we felt the need to accommodate our large Customer base. Designing and building the most modern and up to date facility was our goal. Our customers come first, not only at the truck center, but at all Westlie locations.”