OUR HISTORY

We were a young couple who desired to start our own business but more importantly we wanted to have a family. Looking back, how we got into the business is comical: Jim couldn’t find a job using his BA degree in psychology from the University of Denver so he gladly accepted an offer from a friend who had an MA from the Art Institute in Chicago turned mechanic to teach him the trade. Teaching a trade is a generous and commendable act and we are grateful.

In 1980, after learning the trade, Jim was asked by a co-worker if he wanted to start a partnership and open an independent Saab garage. Meanwhile, on the home front, we were up to daughter number two but wanted to try for number three. The partnership provided a good balance: Jim could begin working toward the goal of owning our own business and I (Brenda) could do what we desired for our family, to stay at home with our children for their first years. Jim was in the partnership for two years during which time we had daughter number three. The partner bought out our share and in 1982 we began our own business, The Saab Shop , specializing in Saab repair and service. Those were the golden years for Saab. No other shops wanted to work on these so called “cult” cars.

Other Milestones:

1986: We added Volvo as a repair brand and changed our name to Swedish Automotive.

1991: We purchased the property we are now located and made plans to relocate. 

1995: With future increase capacity and on advice from others in the industry, we chose to begin working on Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Nissan . We once again changed our name to Swedish Asian Automotive .

1999: Our facility was completed. Our major dream is to build into a collision shop as well as a mechanical shop performing service and maintenance.  

2010: We have expanded our paint shop and added new major equipment doubling our paint shop capacity. Our grand re-opening is scheduled for October 2010! 

2014: This year we added a new alignment rack and measuring system along with other major equipment acquisitions to serve you better. Thanks to our valued customers for growing our small business!

2015: Our second paint booth and new prep station has allowed us to speed up our paint departments ability to keep repairs moving in a steady stream.

2017: Our body shop works on all makes and models and our service shop also works on:  Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, GMC, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Mini Cooper, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen.

2019: Tom Wenzel and Dirk Owens take over Addison Auto Repair and Body Shop to allow Jim and Brenda Addison more time to do the things they love: being with their grandkids and spending time in the mountains. Jim Addison remains on part-time and as a Board Member to continue to provide his knowledge and leadership.

2022: Addison Auto celebrates its 40th year in business!