Lager's Chrysler World

A Family Tradition

Bill and Gerry Lager grew the business together over the years and added additional operations over time such as a separate alignment shop, a separate heavy duty truck service operation, a car wash facility, and a gas station. In September 1977 Bill and Gerry Lager opened Lager's of Mankato, Inc. in Mankato as a Chrysler /Plymouth dealership. Bill Lager continued to operate Lager's Inc. in St Peter while Gerry Lager managed the new business. The opportunity in Mankato arose from the closing of Dalton Motors in Mankato.

In 1980 the Dodge Car and Truck franchises wer added to both the St Peter and Mankato operations due to the closure of Beutz Motors in Mankato. The Dodge franchises made both stores complete as Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge dealers for the Chrysler Corporation.

In 1985 Lager's of Mankato expanded its building over 5,000 sqare feet to accommodate a growing business. Three additional service bays, a fully automatic car wash and car polisher, a reconditioning center, separate Used Car Sales and Rental offices, a drive through service write-up area, and expanded sales display lot were added to Lager's of Mankato.

Iin 1987 Lager's of Mankato added the AMC, Jeep, Renault franchise from American Motors Sales Corporation. With Chrysler Corporations buyout of American Motors in 1988 the franchise became the Jeep /Eagle Division of Chrysler Corporation

Willim (Bill) Lager passed away in 1989 after serving 25 years in the business as a Dealer Principal and partner to his brother Gerry Lager. In 1989 Gerald Lager and Franklin (Kip) Lager attained management and ownership of Lager's, Inc in St Peter. Kip Lager is also the current President of Lager's of Mankato, Inc. and Lager's Leasing Co. Inc., which operates the U-Save car rental franchise.

In 1998 Lager's of Mankato expanded, adding a building across Bassett Drive to house a full professional car wash and reconditioning facility, Quick Lube service, and U-Save Auto Rental for our customer convenience, as well as additional lot space for an expanding inventory and a growing business.

Due to the dedication and efforts of Bill and Gerry Lager, and all the past and present employees of both Lager dealerships, the Lager name has maintained a quality repuation in St Peter, Mankato, and the surrounding communities for over thirty years.