Talk Story with an Advertiser: Big Island Motors
David De Luz Sr. started selling used cars in the Bayfront area of Hilo 61 years ago, naming it Big Island Motors. From those humble beginnings with a small car lot, David expanded his business to selling travel trailers, then opened his first franchise in 1969 with Rambler/Willys Jeep at Big Island Motor’s current Keaukaha location. From there, he acquired more franchises, including Subaru, Chevy, and Toyota and expanded to add Kona operations. David De Luz always prided himself on having the most affordable used cars, and that tradition is still followed, by having the largest selection of pre-owned affordable vehicles in stock at Big Island Motors!
Wayne De Luz, son of David Sr., has run Big Island Motors since 1993. Later, he purchased it from his father, and he added Hyundai to the lineup in 2007. David Sr. always had a knack for buying and selling cars, something that Wayne has inherited as well. Along with attending college with an emphasis in the automotive industry, Wayne learned the car business from his father. Having literally worked in every position, he knows the business as well.
The team at Big Island Motors survived the 2008 recession and most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic, by sticking to the company mission statement of “Real Value, Real People, Real Simple.” Wayne says, “We have been fortunate enough to have had a good supply of new Subaru and Hyundai during this time and as production slowly comes back, inventory levels are looking good for the future. In fact, the Subaru brand has gained tremendous popularity and is the second largest selling brand on the Big Island, based on recent RL Polk reports!
“A lot has changed in the last 61 years, most notably the digital marketplace. The internet has brought the showroom to the customer’s home and now directly to their phone 24 hours, 7 days a week. You can now shop for a car anywhere, anytime and even buy one online!”
The next big change is electrification and Big Island Motors is well prepared to take on this new challenge. Already selling the popular Hyundai Ioniq EV along with home charging systems, they are soon to be selling the Subaru Solterra EV. Wayne shares, “Looking to the future, we are in the process of adding high capacity fast charging stations on our properties, as well.”
Visit Big Island Motors at their Hilo or Kona locations for stellar, old-fashioned service, or shop online at their comprehensive website.
Big Island Motors
Hilo: 1 Keaa St. 808.961.4411
Kona: 75-5793 Kuakini Hwy. 808.329.5274
bigislandmotors.com
