Hello Auto Group grows Southern California presence by 2 stores

Hello Auto Group has grown its Southern California presence with two new dealerships: John Hine Mazda Temecula and John Hine Subaru Temecula.

The acquisition was finalized on Oct. 4. The John Hine franchise has been a respected name in California for more than 60 years, while Hello Auto Group is a relative newcomer to the comunity. However, the dealer group’s leadership team have longstanding experience with the Subaru and Mazda brands.

“John Hine and his dealerships have been mainstays in the Temecula community for years,” said Karl Schmidt, Hello Auto president, in the press release announcing the purchase. “We look forward to carrying on the Hine tradition and growing the bond with the local automotive community.”

John Hine, president of John Hine Mazda and Subaru, also noted in the release: “I’ve known Karl for the better part of two decades. We are like-minded in our commitment to the customer experience and the belief that high levels of customer satisfaction can only be achieved through employee satisfaction.” 

Hello Auto Group is based out of Valencia, Calif., and is focused on “being upfront, seamless and devoid of the anxieties associated with auto dealerships,” the company said. Hello Auto Group intends to maintain all employees at the newly acquired Temecula locations, and expand the team for future growth. 

“In developing and growing Hello Auto Group, we’ve been able to do everything we’ve wanted to do elsewhere, but haven’t been able to,” said Schmidt. “Given the overwhelming reception we’ve seen in Valencia, I’m positive we’ll continue the lasting connection John and team have made in Temecula and San Diego.”