A Community Staple Since 1995
In 1995, automotive service expert John Hayes left his position with Mercedes Recycling to open Hayes European Automotive. He founded the shop with the goal of offering customers new school technology with old school service, and in 2010, Brian Williams joined him as shop co-owner to help achieve that goal. Since then, the business has done nothing but flourish. Today, our team of skilled mechanics provides friendly service, short wait times, and low prices to vehicle owners in Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas. If your European vehicle is in need of maintenance or repairs, you can trust Hayes European Automotive to handle the job right.
Meet the Hayes European Automotive Repair Team
In addition to co-owners John Hayes and Brian Williams, Hayes European Automotive also employs three certified, highly talented auto repair technicians: Jesus Mendoza, Bruce Vega, and Jesus Ruiz. With 17 years of automotive repair experience between them, these three individuals have the knowledge necessary to fix any problem your vehicle might be facing. Furthermore, they are committed to getting the job done right the first time, and are driven to meet customer needs with friendliness, patience, and professionalism. Our team is truly passionate about European automotive repair, and our technicians are proud to be able to use that passion to help vehicle owners across the Central Coast area.
Brian Williams
Master Automotive Technician
Co Owner
Over 20 years of automotive service experience
16 years ago Brian secured a job at a high end BMW shop and fell in love with German Engineering. Since then, Brian has worked at Mercedes and Volkswagen dealerships as well has high end German automotive repair shops. He always had his eye on the future and some day opening his own shop. In 2010 he partnered up with John Hayes and moved the shop to a customer service-oriented complete German auto Service and Repair facility. Brian is dedicated to the constant improvement of the complete auto repair experience from the clients perspective.
John Hayes
Founder of Hayes European
Over 40 years of automotive service experience
John Hayes is the founder of Hayes European. He has over 40 years of automotive service experience. He was awarded top tech for Volkswagen in 1971. From there his career has taken him to every level of the automotive industry. John owned Len Roach Mercedes in Santa Cruz for 12 years. He then went on to open Mercedes Recycling in Watsonville. In 2004 John opened Hayes European in a modest location on 7th Ave. Over the years, his business has grown and evolved! John is very involved in the business and wants the best for his customers and employees.
Jesus Mendoza
“Young Gun”
Automotive Technician
Jesus has been working on European vehicles for two years. He has an excellent attention to detail, and the ability to grasp new concepts pertaining to auto mechanics very quickly. His love for cars fuels his appetite for knowledge. Jesus is into Drifter cars as well as street bikes.
Bruce Vega
“The Rock”
Automotive Technician
Wyotech Automotive School – Automotive Technologies Program graduate
ASE certification
Bruce has 8 years of automotive repair experience and has ASE certification working towards his Master Technician Certification. Bruce is the rock of the shop. No matter what is going on he is always calm and focused on the task at hand. He has a real commitment to the quality of service we provide our clients and on many occasions has stayed late or came in early to make sure we exceed expectations.
Jesus Ruiz
“The Samurai”
Master Automotive Technician
De Anza Junior college – Automotive Technologies Program graduate
ASE master technician with L1 certification as well as State of California smog and smog repair certification
Jesus has 7 years of automotive repair experience. Jesus’s knowledge base he acquired during his schooling and testing is obvious. Whenever we are discussing a diagnostic procedure or repair procedure it is obvious that the only way he thinks something should be done is the right way. Having his wealth of knowledge and professionalism brings the entire shop up.
Contact Us Today
Whether your Audi needs a tune up or your Volkswagen has a broken radiator, Hayes European Automotive is here to help. With the assistance of our ASE certified technicians and factory-grade equipment, we will gladly get your European vehicle up and running as soon as possible. We are the Santa Cruz area’s go-to shop for all European automotive repairs, so give us a call today or stop by the shop to find out what we can do for you.
Shop Amenities
Here at Hayes European Automotive, our commitment to old school service means we strive to offer each customer an efficient and enjoyable auto repair experience. As such, we proudly provide the following shop amenities:
- ASE certified technicians
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Free shuttle service within ten miles
- After hours key drop box
- Vehicle pick up and drop off
Getting your vehicle repaired can sometimes seem like a hassle, but that doesn’t mean it has to be one. If you’re looking for an automotive repair experience that is quick, comfortable, and convenient, look no further than Hayes European Automotive.
Servicing All Models of
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