Capistrano Toyota

Capistrano Toyota
By Shelley T. Hudson

In ith the help of Capistrano Toyota’s familiar “Oh, Baby!” license plates and billboards, Orange County has watched owner Roger Hogan’s family grow from one grandchild to four. An expansion of a different variety is about to get underway and the timing couldn’t be better. Hogan is doubling the size of his operation just as Toyota unveils its most significant style overhaul in company history.

Capistrano Toyota’s sterling reputation for family-friendly service and no-stress sales was built one car at a time by Roger Hogan and his sons Roger, Jr., Stephen and Kyle. Although their strategic expansion into the neighboring property will add 60% more service capacity and double new and pre-owned car inventories, Hogan promises that his commitment to the highest levels of service will remain Capistrano Toyota’s core value. “What once was a small town family business is becoming a big-inventory dealership,” Hogan boasts, “and we’ll be able to offer even faster service and a greater selection for our customers.”

A major renovation of both the existing and new properties will coincide with Toyota’s rollout of several redesigned models, including the Avalon, RAV4 and Highlander. Among these, the fully reengineered Avalon is the most highly anticipated model by far. Toyota’s Chairman of the Board Akio Toyoda, whose wildly successful Scion models brought a youthful, edgy vibe to the brand, has led the Avalon’s transformation. This stylish, more sophisticated full-sized sedan will appeal to technophiles and car enthusiasts alike. An electric hybrid version of the Avalon is planned for release – a move which is sure to further solidify Toyota as the preeminent leader in eco-friendly automobiles.

The addition of overhauled RAV4s and Highlanders makes Toyota’s 2013 lineup the one to watch. Hogan’s enthusiasm is obvious. “This is truly a style departure for Toyota going forward,” he says, “Our vehicles have always been known for quality, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Now design is a reason to choose Toyota. It’s an exciting time to be in the business.” Roger also notes that he’s ordered a new Avalon for himself.

As part of its showroom-to-service-bay remodel and expansion, Capistrano Toyota has strengthened its commitment to the community as well. Hogan’s untethered support for charitable causes large and small seems to motivate him. “We just have to have these close local partnerships. Less money [is available] to go around than in the past and it’s important for the private sector to step it up.” Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort (CARE), the Festival of Whales, the San Clemente Ocean Festival, Meals on Wheels, and the C.A.R.E. Foundation have all benefitted from Capistrano Toyota’s generosity, as well as countless local schools and sports teams. Just last month, the dealership gave away it’s fourth Prius to the Ocean Institute, which educates kids from all over Southern California about the ocean’s delicate ecosystems. Hogan feels an especially strong personal connection with one particular group, however. He beams with pride when recounting his own boyhood days playing basketball at the Boys and Girls Clubs in Garden Grove and Buena Park. “My time at the Boys and Girls Clubs gave me purpose and had a major impact on me,” he recalls, “and I’m happy to do my part for them now.”

Roger Hogan recognizes this phase of his life as a growth spurt. With a new granddaughter—and billboard model—in his life, a retooled product line, an expanding showroom and service center, and his family by his side, he sees nothing but opportunity ahead. With lightning-fast service times and wallet-friendly offers like $10 Oil Change Tuesdays, he’s sure to bring his loyal following of customers on the journey right along with him. Visit Capistrano Toyota and you’ll see for yourself what drives their success.