Allen Automotive

Celebrating 70 Years in Orange County

In 1947, door-to-door bread salesman, Stanley Allen, opened the doors to what is now Allen Family Automotive Group. Echoing a simpler time when Harry S. Truman was President of the United States and a gallon of gas cost 15 cents, Stanley instilled strong family values into every facet of his business. This year, as they celebrate their 70th anniversary, the Allens continue to own and operate one of the the longest family-run automotive groups on the West Coast.

Over the next 25 years, Stanley Allen raised his family in South Orange County and became a fixture in the Laguna Beach community, selling Oldsmobiles and Cadillacs on Pacific Coast Highway. In the early 1970’s, Stanley’s son, Dennis, joined the family business and initiated a move to Laguna Niguel. Many were wary. At the time, Laguna Niguel was considered remote, boasting not much beyond orange groves and a freeway exit. Dennis’ vision proved to be a good one. Shortly thereafter, Allen added GMC to its product lines.

This year, the Allen Family Automotive Group also celebrates over 45 years in Laguna Niguel. They maintain the same core principles on which Stanley Allen built his reputation. His grandsons, Scott and Mitch, managed the dealership for many years before turning over duties to younger brother Cliff Allen.

Cliff Allen and his wife, Devon, keep busy with their own family — with sons Mason and Cooper and daughter Chloe. Cliff considers his team of employees to be his extended family. “We have so many hard-working people on our team who have been with us 20, 30, even 35 years,” says Cliff. “I’ve grown up with these people. I know that our customers feel that family energy when they are here. They feel the deep respect that we have for each other and that naturally spills over into the way our customers are treated at our stores. It’s part of our culture each day we open our doors.”

The Allen’s longevity has also created strong ties to their community. “The backbone of our dealerships is community involvement,” shares Cliff. “We support as many schools and charitable organizations as we possibly can. Our family has always carried a strong sense of giving back.”

These efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Allen was recently named Laguna Niguel’s “Outstanding Business of the Year” and adds this honor to many other accolades, including recognition as “Family-Owned Business of the Year” from the Orange County Business Journal.

The Allen Family Automotive Group is now 4-brands strong featuring Cadillac, GMC, Hyundai and newcomer Genesis. “We have grown into our own auto mall, actually,” says Cliff. “Right now, we offer more than 60 models of cars, trucks, and SUVs in hundreds of different trims and option levels. Add to that our hybrid and plug-in options, and we have something for every buyer, for every taste and every spend level. It’s exciting for us to offer more choices than ever in our 70-year history.”

In this issue of The Local Dish, Allen GMC is in the spotlight. Years ago, GMC primarily sold work trucks and vans. Today, in addition to a full line of light and heavy duty pickup trucks, Allen GMC boasts the full line of GMC’s popular SUVs -Yukon, Acadia, and Terrain — all available in GMC’s ultra-luxurious “Denali” trim.

“There are so many families in our community and people who rely on these SUVs to provide comfort, safety, and room for everyone and their gear,” says Cliff. “They’re the perfect fit for the active market we’re in.”

“Over 70 years of our family serving your family” echoes in the messaging of this family-based business. Generations of Allen customers will tell you that it’s this family and their team that keeps them coming back for more.

Allen GMC  |  28332 Camino Capistrano  |  Laguna Niguel  |  949.485.3700  |  AllenGMC.com