Automotion is Northern Nevada’s dealer alternative for service on domestic, European and Asian automobiles. Serving Northern Nevada since 1975, we’re the region’s largest, most comprehensive independent auto repair facility.
When we opened as Compact Car Repair 32 years ago, our goal was to raise the bar in car service and repair in Northern Nevada. Throughout our history, we’ve worked hard to stay on the leading edge of auto service through training and technology, while providing our customers with the kind of service we’d want to receive.
In 1979, seeing the proliferation of Japanese vehicles, we began servicing Asian imports. In 1995, due to popular request, we began supporting domestic cars, SUVs and light trucks. In August of 2004, we moved to our current location to offer customers more parking, additional service bays and easier freeway access.
Our founder, Fritz Berghofer, was a former district service manager for VW, Audi and Porsche. He valued his relationships with customers above all else and his legacy of service lives on today at Automotion, Compact Car Repair.
1975 – Fritz Berghofer opened Compact Car Repair on Wells Avenue at Vassar. 2-bay facility servicing VW, Porsche and Audi.
1980 – Added parts department and Asian imports to vehicles serviced. Expanded to 6 service bays.
1987 – Became first Northern Nevada shop to service Acura.
1989 – Became first Bosche Service Center in Northern Nevada.
1995 – Added domestic cars and light trucks, expanded to 8 service bays.
2001 – Fritz Berghofer retired and Mark Whittaker, long-time employee purchased the shop with his wife Bonnie.
2003 – Shop was renamed Automotion, Compact Car Repair.
2004 – Moved to current location on Greg St at Telegraph offering 20 service bays.
The Owners
Mark & Bonnie Whittaker purchased Automotion Compact Car Repair from founder Fritz Berghofer in 2001 when he retired. They became the new owners that year, but they were no strangers to the business. Mark had already been working at the shop for 18 years.
Hired to do clean up and stock parts, Mark learned the business from the bottom up and the inside out. During those nearly 20 years working with Fritz, Mark developed a customer service philosophy that continues to distinguish the repair shop to this day: Respect the customer and they will reward you with their business. Today Mark oversees the shop and customer relations while Bonnie keeps the books, and Mark, in line.
Mark and Bonnie have lived in Reno since 1978. They reside in Washoe Valley and their two grown daughters live in Portland, Orgeon.
