Dave and Sharon Williams started Peninsula Automotive in 1985. It began as a full service repair facility specializing in the repair and maintenance of all Volkswagen and Audi models. The operation now includes a parts store featuring a full line of replacement parts and accessories for both air-cooled and water-cooled Volkswagens as well as all models of Audis.
Today our staff includes seven full-time employees to meet the needs of our customers. Dave is our expert service writer with over 35 years' experience. We also have four highly trained, licensed technicians with over 80 years of combined experience. In addition, we have two parts experts to answer any of your questions.
The staff at Peninsula Automotive is a dedicated group of knowledgeable and friendly people who take pride in providing quality service to our customers. We thank them for their efforts in contributing to the success Peninsula Automotive has achieved for over 25 years.
Dave has spent over 35 years in the automotive industry. His first experience in the world of Volkswagens began with the search for a used engine. He found one at a local wrecking yard and, soon after, became an employee of the yard. A couple of years later, he began rebuilding engines for another local business and continued to accumulate Volkswagen experience. In 1980, Dave opened his own Volkswagen repair and machine shop business in downtown San Jose. Five years later, he teamed up with Sharon and together they opened Peninsula Automotive.
Today, Dave spends each day preparing repair estimates, interacting with service customers about their estimates, their repairs, and reviewing invoices with customers. He also oversees the technicians and manages the daily operations of the business. He spends his free time golfing, running, river rafting, and spending time with his family.
Sharon's Volkswagen experience spans the last 25 years. When she teamed up with Dave back in 1985, she had very little knowledge of automobiles and even less about Volkswagens. However, her background in accounting, consumer lending, and business management helped contribute to the early success of Peninsula Automotive. Over the years, she has learned a great deal about Volkswagens and Audis, and has grown to love them as much as the rest of us.
Today you will find Sharon assisting customers with their service and parts needs. Her responsibilities also include marketing, accounting, and inventory control. When she is not working, she enjoys gardening, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.
Mike joined Peninsula Automotive in 1998 as a factory trained service technician. His employment history includes local Porsche, Audi, and VW dealerships and an independent service facility specializing in the repair of Audis. Mike stays updated on the latest technologies and currently holds ASE Master Technician Certification.
Mike spends much of his spare time trading stocks and mutual funds.
Mister Blue has been with us since 2000. He is our resident expert on the early Volkswagens and is responsible for most of the restoration work done here at Peninsula Automotive. He especially loves the pre-1965 Bugs and, in fact, has restored more than he can remember. His earliest restoration was a 1950 split window Beetle.
He is a past president of a local VW car club and is currently working on restoring a 1956 oval window Beetle which he will convert to right-hand drive and install air bag suspension. Check out his project in the Of Interest Restoration section of this website.
Mike McDermott has been with Peninsula since 2002. He is a service technician, engine builder, and machinist. He has owned a VW repair garage and a machine shop offering over 35 years of knowledge and experience to our customers. Mike spends his time off riding his three-wheel trike and enjoying his family and friends.
Dan Wiggins joined Peninsula Automotive in August 2011 as an engine builder and machinist. His knowledge and experience of over 20 years in his field contributes to the quality and workmanship Peninsula Automotive is proud to offer our customers. We happily welcome Dan to the team. When he is not building engines, you will find Dan in his Baja Bug enjoying the sun and sand.
Jason rejoined us in 2010 to assist customers with their parts needs. Always available to answers questions, Jason goes the extra mile to provide quality customer service to all. Jason's love of Volkswagens started back in 1998 with the purchase of his first Bug. Since then, he has owned 10 Bugs and 1 Bus. The restoration of his 1960 Bug is complete and now he has his sights set on a 1956 Beetle. Jason is also working on his teaching credential and plans on teaching science to middle school students. When he is not involved with VWs or studying, he spends his time remodeling his home and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.
Taylor started as a delivery driver for us back in the late 1990s. He left to start a family and career and now returns to us as our Web Technician, doing everything he can to improve and streamline the website, as well as help with our Facebook Page. Taylor is a dyed-in-the-wool English major with graphic arts experience. He also has a serious passion for old VW buses and is a three-time veteran of the epic Shasta Snow Trip - an all-split-bus backroads adventure through Northern California.
When Taylor's not working on the website, he loves taking his 1967 VW Camper up into the mountains and finding where the pavement ends along with his wife and new son.
Ashley is the newest member of our team. She is part of the office staff assisting with bookkeeping and accounts payable. Ashley’s future plans include pursuing a nursing degree. When she is not working or studying, she spends time with family, friends, and her two daughters.