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 and all models of Audis.
Today our staff includes six full time employees to meet the needs of our customers. There are two service writers with over 60 combined years of experience. We also have three highly trained licensed technicians with over 80 combined years of experience. In addition, there are 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 20 years.
Dave has spent over 35 years in the automotive industry. His first experience into 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 gain 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, discussing details of the estimates, repairs, and reviewing invoices with customers. He also oversees the technicians and manages the daily operations of the business. His personal time is spent golfing, running, river rafting, and spending time with his family.
Sharon’s Volkswagen experience spans the last 24 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 to contribute to the early success of the business. 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 do.
Today, Sharon’s responsibilities include marketing, accounting, and inventory control. When she is not working, she enjoys gardening, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.
Todd has been with Peninsula Automotive for seven years. He and his family have been in the parts business for over 28 years. He spent 18 years managing foreign and domestic part stores. In addition to working in the Parts Department, Todd is now one of two Service Writers in our Service Department. Todd is amazing with part numbers and his knowledge of electronic cataloging systems is impressive.
On his days off, Todd enjoys viewing NASCAR racing, working on this own vehicles and spending time with his wife 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 VW models 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.
He is a past president of a local VW car club and is currently working on restoring a 1956 which he will convert to right-hand drive and 'bag'. Check out his project in the Of Interest Restoration section of this website.
Nick joined our team of technicians in early 2008. He comes to us from Buggy House in Santa Clara where he spent 30 years first as a lead technician then as the owner of the business. Automotive Service of Excellence, ASE, certifies Nick as a Master Technician. As such, he stays up-to-date on the latest information and technologies. Nick is an expert diagnostician with over 35 years of experience servicing all models of Volkswagens and other European imports.
When Nick is not in the shop, he enjoys relaxing and spending time with friends and family.