Very few auto dealerships can say that they’ve been growing and flourishing with the community, but Weseloh Chevrolet Kia holds that moniker with pride.

Weseloh’s involvement with the community, its friendly and personalized service, and family-oriented business practices are the main reasons the company continues to prosper.

“It’s rare to find auto dealers these days that are not corporate-owned,” said General Manager Mike Weseloh. “We are really proud to be a third-generation family-owned operation. For us, customer service means making your car buying experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.”

Rising through Adversity

The Weseloh Auto Group’s long history stretches as far back as the Vintage Age of the automotive industry, with C.B. Weseloh opening a garage, service station, and towing service in Ramona during the 1920’s. From these humble beginnings, the company experienced great growth, even surviving the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression that followed.

In 1920, amidst a dramatically falling economy and an air of great financial uncertainty, the company began selling Chevrolets as a sub-franchise of Campbell Chevrolet in San Diego. Times were hard, and many businesses were failing. The auto industry as a whole was suffering greatly, but C.B. Weseloh and his business persevered.

With great struggle, Weseloh Auto Group managed to overcome the hardships. In 1936, four years after Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal began to breathe new life into the dilapidated U.S. economy, the company opened a fully franchised Chevrolet dealership in Escondido. The success and growth of the Escondido location mirrored the recovery of the nation’s economy, and it wasn’t long before the company opened another Chevy dealership in Oceanside in 1940.

Reviving the Golden Rule

The eldest son to C.B. Weseloh, Ben, took up work at the family business in 1950. Having served in the Navy during World War II, Ben was again called upon for a tour of duty in the Korean War. He returned in 1952, and only three years later was promoted to General Manager of the Oceanside dealership.

Drawing upon his experience, Ben worked hard to incorporate his family’s values into the practices of the business, promoting a warm and personalized approach to automotive service. In addition to his family-oriented philosophy, Ben also integrated “The Golden Rule” into the business.

The idea that one should always treat others as they themselves would like to be treated had been passed down to Ben from his father, and it was one that he himself lived by and tirelessly promoted in every aspect of his relationships with customers, employees, and business partners.

“Our business has been successful because we’ve hired great people over the years,” said Operator/Owner Jerry Weseloh. “Whether our staff is in management or other positions, we let them grow, we hold them responsible to do a great job, but we also let them get better and better at what they do.”

By adhering to these principles, the company saw a period of unprecedented prosperity under Ben’s guidance. As the business thrived, so too did the communities around them. Ben was a strong proponent of civic service who donated countless hours to local charities and community organizations, including the Armed Services YMCA, the Oceanside Boys and Girls Club, the Oceanside Little League, and the Tri-City Hospital Foundation.

Economic Prosperity

The Weseloh Auto Group moved their Oceanside dealership to its current location in Car Country Carlsbad in 1976. The following years saw continuous growth, as the company acquired Marina Chevrolet and Hacienda Ford in San Clemente, and then opened Weseloh and Sons Hummer in San Juan Capistrano.

Fast forward to 1991, a big year in American history and the company as well. While the Gulf War was raging, the U.S.S.R. was dissolving, and the World Wide Web was debuting as an internet service, Weseloh Auto Group opened their first Honda dealership in San Juan Capistrano. The company opened more stores in San Diego and further expansion continued into Orange County stores.

Dedicated to Community

Whether you’re looking for a brand new Chevy, Kia or a certified pre-owned vehicle, Weseloh Chevrolet Kia has you covered. With several members of the Weseloh family still working full-time in Carlsbad, the company hopes to continue serving the community and carrying on the Weseloh tradition of family-oriented service for many years to come.