History of Howard Wilson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
Howard Wilson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram began as Howard Wilson Chrysler-Plymouth in May of 1979 with just a handful of employees. Initially, the dealership was located at 2131 Highway 80 West in Jackson, MS. The dealership was the creation of its namesake, the beloved Howard Wilson.
In June of 1980, the current owner, Alan Wilson, joined the team.
The first several years were met with many challenges. Chrysler Corporation was near Bankruptcy, the nation was in recession, and interest rates were 20%. To add to the external economic burden, Howard Wilson, had never owned or operated a dealership. But as the economy bounced back, the hard work and dedication of the Howard Wilson team paid off.
In January of 1985, Howard Wilson Chrysler-Plymouth relocated across highway to 1820 Highway 80 W. Jackson, Mississippi. With much larger facilities, increased both sales and service staff, business steadily grew to serve more and more of Mississippi and the neighboring states (i.e. Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, Georgia and Florida).
Three years later, Howard Wilson and Doug Wilson (after four years of employment with Howard Wilson Chrysler-Plymouth) formed Wilson Dodge. This is now the Wilson Kia & Hundai dealership neighbor our current location.
On March 18, 1990, Howard Wilson, unfortunately lost his battle with cancer. He was 63.
After Howard Wilson’s death, Alan purchased all of the outstanding shares of stock in the company to become the sole owner of Howard Wilson Chrysler-Plymouth.
The Jeep Franchise was added to the company in July of 1997 after years of effort to obtain it. This caused the name to be changed to Howard Wilson Chrysler-Jeep. It also paved the way for relocation.
The relocation of operations occurred over Labor Day weekend in September of 1998. The new state of the art building boasts over 35,000 square feet of workspace and a land area over six acres. It is located on Lakeland Drive and Flynt Drive, one of the most centrally located and easily accessed dealerships in the Jackson, MS metro area.
Howard Wilson dealerships have had a colorful and challenging past. But through the efforts and loyalty of the employee team, she has grown and prospered
Now with several brands: Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram. Howard Wilson is recognized as the leader in the automobile business for fair and ethical business and employment practices.