In The News

Open Walls, Open with Customers

December
2009

There are no secret negotiations between salesmen and their managers. A customer who makes an offer on a car won't be kept in the dark, because glass walls and open offices lend the dealership an air of honesty and trust.

That's what David Wilson had in mind when he bought The Honda dealership.

Appointed by Schwarzeneger, He serves on New Motor Vehicle Board.

January
2008

Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneger recently reappointed Wilson to the New Motor Vehicle Board, a quasi-judicial body that adjudicates disputes between automotive dealers and manufactures.

Wilson had interviewed about his philanthropic work and how he went from farm life in Iowa to creating one of the 10 largest dealership chains in the nation.

Local Toyota Employees Help Give $277,000

January
2008

The 1,500 employees of the Wilson Automotive Group, which includes 16 dealerships, are giving their boss a Christmas gift he can't pour over ice, splash on his face, wear, or even drive across town. It is a present David Wilson will never forget.

The employees presented him with a check for $277,000 representing money they individually and collectively contributed to local charities in his name this holiday season. Recipients included Orangewood Children's Foundation, Olive Crest, United Cerebral Palsey and the American Cancer Society.

Team Wilson

2008

The Wilsons' $2 million gift helped fund the latest addition to the Erin J. Lastinger Athletics Complex. Holly and David Wilson Field is the centerpiece of 1,800 seats Ernie Chapman Stadium, scheduled for completion in 2008.

Showrooms That Put on a Show

November
2007

The dealership, owned by Lexus franchisees David Wilson and A.J. D'Amato opened last year Newport Lexus located in upscale Newport Beach in Orange County.

It looks and feels like more like a luxury hotel than a car dealership, reception reached via a walkway lined with palm trees, features a water wall, grand piano, a reading room, a putting green, a cafe, and a menswear boutique.

"We took the Disneyland approach of keeping the work we do 'off stage' and the costumers 'on stage'" says Mr Moznett, the dealership's general manager.

Deal or No Deal

March
2007

David Wilson is a rarity in the auto dealer business, he moved up the dealership ranks to owner with sweat and, strangely enough, a degree in religion and philosophy. He was one of five people honored at the annual Excellence in Entrepreneurship Luncheon.

Wilson's set to open his 16th dealership soon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Wilson said his degree in religion wasn't wasted. "Because of my religion and philosophy education, we've always done business on ethics," he said

Wilson Pays Workers Well to Boost Profits

March
2007

David Wilson, President of David Wilson Automotive Group in Orange, Calif. says the key to his company's success is grooming strong dealership General Managers.

Wilson said "If you don't pay people enough, you get more turnover. Our managers would be training people and interviewing people all the time. Let's sell something instead of looking for people."

Orange County Automotive Group Spreads Holiday Cheer

February
2007

The Wilson Automotive Group announced that their employees donated over $255,000 that will go local Orange County Charities.

In the first year, the 130 employees of Toyota of Orange donated $10,000 to the David Wilson Endowment Fund. This fund now contains over $500,000.

Wilson was overwhelmed. "This is unbelievable" he said."I was astounded! I have the best employees in the world!"

Chapman's Field of Dreams

November
2006

What a welcome home! To mark Chapman University's Homecoming, officials unveiled a new Panther mascot statue and dedicated the Holly and David Wilson Field.

David Wilson Quality Dealer

Winter
2005

Here is the story of a man studying philosophy and religion at the University of Northern Iowa and working in the service department of a car dealership in his home town of Waterloo, Iowa and becoming president and owner of the Wilson Automotive Group, which is comprised of twelve dealerships.

We're On a Roll

June
2005

Wilson enhanced his portfolio by opening six Scion stores, one at each of his five Southern California Toyota dealerships, and one at his Toyota store in Scottsdale, AZ.

"We're on a bit of a roll" exclaims Wilson, who this year was among winners of the prestigious Time Magazine Dealer of the Year award for business excellence and community service.

Toyota of Orange Team Hits the Trail to Rally Support for Cancer Research

2004

David Wilson, dealership owner, rallied staff members to participate in the American Cancer Society's annual Relay For Life fundraiser.

Toyota of Orange Wwner Funds Business Ethics Studies at Alma Mater.

2002

Wilson donated $1 million to establish the David W. Wilson Endowed Chair in Business Ethics at his alma mater.

David Wilson said "I wanted to fund this particular program because there is a direct connection between honesty and success in business."

Toyota Today

January
2002

Wilson honored by Chapman University in Orange Calif. As the "Outstanding Corporate Citizen" of 2001

Member Honored by Passkey's Foundation

June
2000

The Orange Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau announced its selection of David Wilson as its 2000 recipient of the Ethics in America Award program.

He was selected because of his outstanding commitment to ethical integrity in his professional work.

Wilson is the President and owner of eight automobile dealerships, employing over 800 people and totaling sales over $700 million annually.

Business and Running Make for a Winning Combination

September
1999

For David Wilson and the citizens of Orange Calif,. these two activities play a vital role in the lives of local children.

The first year we had 900 runners, the second year there were about 1,500 runners, by the third year, nearly 4,000 runners participated in the "Round Orange Race and the charity made more than $30,000"

Over the years, Wilson has been recognized for his philanthropy and community service.

Mr. Wilson said "If someone helped fill a void for you. Reach out and help fill that same void in another person's life. Learn, earn and return. It's that simple."

David Wilson 1998 AIADA All-Star Dealer

1998

Wilson nominated by the California Motor Car Dealers Association for his remarkable achievements in those areas (business achievements, dedication to their community and the betterment of the automobile industry and country).

He was honored with the award at the All-Star Dealer Award Reception and Banquet in, May 1998 in D.C.

Mr Wilson employs over 500 people at his six automobile dealerships and sales for these corporations now total over $500,000,000 annually.

What a Deal! Workers' Gift Thrills Boss

December
1988

The 130 employees of Toyota of Orange are giving their boss a Christmas gift he will never forget. In Wilson's name, his employees are donating $10,000 to Orangewood Children's Foundation.

Wilson said he was "flabbergasted" by their generosity.

A Slick Transition from Oil Changes to Car Sales

July
1987

He messed up, Wilson said.
He forgot to install an oil filter in a rush job on a telephone company truck. The engine blew and Wilson, in college at the time, had to come up with the money to pay for it.

Wilson was a philosophy major at the University of Northern Iowa. Going to college full time during the day left him evenings to earn money working part time. He got a job changing oil and oil filters on telephone company vans at a car dealership He received $5 for each oil change he did. Tired from classes and studies he forgot in his rush to replace an oil filter.

The dealership told Wilson he had to pay for the blown engine; but he realized that at $5 for each oil change that would take forever.

Wilson suggested they give him a chance to sell cars instead. The owner agreed. That year, he made $29,010 selling cars part time. From there, he knew what he wanted to do.

He now owns Toyota of Orange at age 39; he's recognized by a national automotive magazine as the fifth-largest car dealership in the nation.

The Power of Positive Thinking Puts Him on Top

October
1986

Toyota of Orange was sailing merrily along for 10 years before David Wilson came along. In 1982, its tenth anniversary year. Toyota of Orange, covering 2.2 acres, sold 2000 new cars for a total revenue of $30 million. Now in its fourth year under Wilson's direction, the lot has expanded to cover 5 acres. With projected sales of 7200 new cars and trucks this year, 1800 used cars and $100 million in sales.

Wilson said, "Our people make the difference as they do in all successful business"

All of that prosperity comes down to positive attitude. Wilson is a firm believer in the power of positive thinking and leading by example.

A Lesson In Positive Thinking:

March
1986

Southern California Dealer to compete in pro/celebrity race. David Wilson (Owner of Toyota of Orange) taught his sales staff a lesson they may never forget. Wilson was one of 10 Los Angeles region dealers to earn a trip to Willow Springs International Race-way in Rosamond, California.

The dealers, who competed in groups were chosen as a result of a promotion staged by the region. Each assigned a "fast-start" truck sales objective for the month. At the end of the promotion, the dealers from the top 10 dealerships, one from each group, won the opportunity to compete for a spot in the pro/Celebrity field.

Wilson posted the fastest "qualifying time."

Wilson said "I told my staff that if they would win the promotion, I would win the contest and go to the Pro/Celebrity Race." When he came back from race training, he was able to show their people that if you make up your mind, you can do anything you want.

David Wilson Goes the Distance in Orange

"Going the distance" is a phrase David Wilson holds close to his heart.

Wilson and his employees at Toyota of Orange have gone the distance for battered, abused and neglected children as sponsors of the "Round Orange 5K/10K Run."

Wilson and his team have raised more than $200,000 for the Orangewood Children's Home.

Runners Shake a Leg for Abused Children

Runners start 10 kilometer race in Orange as part of fund-raiser for the Orangewood Children's Foundation, which assists abused and neglected children.

Boy Scouts Honor Toyota Dealer's Community Service

David Wilson dealer principal of Wilson Automotive Group, was honored at the First Annual Automotive Industry Good Scout Award Luncheon during the 2001 California International Auto Show. He received the 2000 Good Scout Award from the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America.

True Stories

Alice Marlin was driving a 10 year old Ford Taurus, and had decided after much research that she wanted a Toyota Corolla. However, her income would not support a loan; so she had read the newspaper ads, gathered brochures and saved her money in hopes of getting an honest, low price on a new car.

Her search has led her to David Wilson whom had a great Idea for his new dealership! THE FIRST CAR FROM THE NEW SOUTH BAY TOYOTA WOULD BE FREE!

Susan G. Komen

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Orange County thrilled to be the first recipient of a free car from the newly opened South Coast Toyota in Mesa.

Dr. Sandy Finestone, Komen President Elect said, "We are so touched that David Wilson, owner of the dealership, selected our organization."

Generosity is a Way of Life

It's not their occupations but the way they live their lives and conduct their daily business, their nominators said.

David Wilson winner of the 21st Annual Holiday Spirit Award to Business owners of good will.