For 50 years, the Hoehn Family of Dealerships has been a driving force in North County San Diego. This year, the family-owned automotive group proudly celebrates a golden milestone – five decades of exceptional service, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in Carlsbad and beyond.
The Hoehn story began in 1975 when T.W. Hoehn, Jr. acquired a small Oldsmobile dealership in Carlsbad with a modest selection of Mercedes-Benz and Honda vehicles. His sons, Bill and Bob Hoehn, joined the business after college, setting the foundation for what would become San Diego’s most respected automotive group.
“In 1974, there were four dealerships out here. North County San Diego was really undeveloped. It was mainly agricultural fields,” Bill Hoehn, President of Hoehn Motors, shared with GB Magazine. “We were in the right place at the right time. Southern California was a boom area.”
The timing could not have been better. As North County San Diego developed, so did Hoehn Motors. The Honda and Mercedes-Benz businesses expanded into their own facilities in 1984, followed by the acquisition of Porsche and Audi franchises in 1985. Today, the company represents seven world-class brands and employs over 400 team members across multiple locations.
What sets Hoehn Motors apart is not just the premium vehicles they sell, but their approach to business. “My dad used to always tell me, our employees were our most important asset,” says Bill Hoehn. “If we took care of our employees, then they would take care of the business.”
“Business has changed tremendously over the last 50 years,” notes Bob Hoehn. “But we have stuck to the core values from the beginning and that is still the way we try to model ourselves. The principle has always been that we wanted to be the place where people aspire to work.”
This philosophy has created remarkable loyalty, with many employees building decades-long careers with the company. “We wouldn’t be here today without our employees, and we would not have the reputation that we have in San Diego without their hard work and customer service,” added Susanah Hoehn, fourth-generation family member.
Community involvement has been another cornerstone of the Hoehn legacy. Beyond selling cars, the family has established a culture of giving back through various initiatives. “We have a corporate chaplain… We have built homes in Tijuana and heated shelters in San Diego,” Bob Hoehn shares, highlighting just some of their community efforts over the years.
The fourth generation – Ted, Jo Hannah, and Susanah – entered the business after 2008, ensuring the family legacy continues. “The cool part of our business is that we are local, family owned and operated in San Diego – so we get to really know our customers,” shared Ted Hoehn.
“It is a privilege to step into a business with such a strong legacy, but also a huge responsibility,” shares Jo Hannah Hoehn. “We strive to continue the culture to make it even stronger, especially in a world where family businesses are becoming scarcer.”
As Hoehn Motors celebrates this golden anniversary, the company reflects on their journey from a small dealership to a cornerstone of the Carlsbad community while looking ahead to the next 50 years. With their commitment to excellence, family values, and community service, Hoehn Motors continues to set the standard for automotive retail in San Diego County.
www.hoehnmotors.com
