Imagine 1900 pounds of aluminum and acceleration that goes from 0–60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds. Feel the exhilaration sitting behind the steering wheel of a high–performance roadster. An unequivocal combination of sleek style, lightweight design, powerful speed, racecar handling and world–class recognition. The Lotus has been called a raw, pure sports car, which accounts for its overwhelming popularity throughout more than half a century.
Now, take a step inside Gonzaba Autoplex, a luxury pre–owned and new car Lotus dealership, known for their great vehicles at affordable prices. The dealership is recognized as the #1 Lotus dealer in Texas for sales, and rates #3 across the country.
PERFORMANCE AND PROMISE Forget marketing the Lotus as a conventional car. It’s not built to handle grocery bags or run errands with the kids. “Lotus is not a car for everybody,” admits George Gonzaba, of Gonzaba Autoplex. “It’s a fast, hand–built, street legal track car,” he describes. The Lotus is all about speed, high performance and style. That’s what Colin Chapman had in mind when he created the first Lotus sportscar in Great Britain in 1948.
George entered the auto industry when his father, Dr. William Gonzaba, opened Gonzaba Autoplex in 2000 on Broadway and 410. Two years later, Dr. Gonzaba purchased the Lotus franchise, and six months later, he created Auto Marque Leasing, a car leasing sister company catering to individuals and corporate requests for short and long–term leasing. Dr. Gonzaba also saw the need to implement a service department and George commented that “We save our customers a lot of money and our clients come here because they know we provide a great service.” From the very beginning, Dr. Gonzaba recognized the dealerships potential.
THE STANDARD OF LUXURY The typical Lotus owner is not as typical as one might think. In fact, several women have chosen to go behind the wheel of this luxurious sportscar. However, all ages of professionals from twentysomethings to business executives to retirees are driving in the lush, light interior of this highpowered sleek machine. “People are attracted to it because it’s a light, fast car,” says Gonzaba. “The lighter its weight, the faster the vehicle.”
Catering specifically to high–end cars, George Gonzaba travels all over the country to attend certified auctions. “I buy vehicles at a discounted rate and therefore, I can pass that savings on to our customers,” he explains. There are many factors that come to play when selecting vehicles to join the Gonzaba lot. George only considers completely clean, newer models that come equipped with manufacturers warranty. “I thoroughly research and shop around to find the best prices on the vehicles we choose to offer our customers.”
Another key factor to the success of Gonzaba Autoplex is the core of the company: its people. Initially, the company began with a six employees. It has expanded over the years, now employing 12 caring and knowledgeable staff members. The dealership’s certified technicians ensure proper, on–time service and maintenance on foreign and domestic models. All at at great savings to the customer. “We thrive on customer service,” George emphasizes. However, what would superior customer service be without a superior product? “We’ve definitely got that too!” he adds. In one month’s time, Gonzaba can bring anywhere from 20 to 30 new vehicles to the lot, including Lotus, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Land Rover and Lexus. Gonzaba Autoplex delivers selection, service, and affordability.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? If you haven’t done so, be sure to visit www.gonzabaautoplex. com. Car buyers from as far as the UK travel to San Antonio to buy from the local dealership. “We have a top quality trained staff and the best new and pre–owned inventory in town,” George says proudly. In fact, 45 percent of business is made through Internet sales contacts.
Ever heard of the SA Lotus Club? Lotus owners in San Antonio and Austin join together once a month to spend a Saturday driving through the quiet, open road of the Texas Hill Country. It’s a sight to see 15–20 performance style, luxurious racecar types lined up one behind the other, each engine purring down the roadway.
Gonzaba Autoplex offers more than simply a car, it’s an experience, a lifestyle, and an ideal brought to life. A Lotus or any other luxury high performance vehicle may not be for everyone, but it is for the young at heart, for the adventurous, for the motor enthusiast, and for that individual who simply likes to indulge in something extraordinary. If you’re going to work hard, reward yourself with the utmost in style and sophistication. And remember, at Gonzaba Autoplex, luxury comes affordably, making it the designated alternative to other dealerships.
