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Mr.
John A. Rose started business in San Diego in 1948.
Franchises have included Renault, Peugeot, BMW, American Motors, Isuzu,
Subaru, Roots Group/Sunbeam Tigers, Triumph, Clenet and (of course) Toyota.
Other dealers laughed when he said that he was going to take on a Japanese
car line (Toyota). They told him the company wouldn't last. Mr. Rose didn't
listen and became America's First Toyota's dealer.
The first Toyotas (Toyopets) were underpowered and too small for the
American public. They lacked performance and really didn't fit the features
Americans wanted.
When Toyota came out with the Corona, and other Toyota products became more
reliable, everything changed. Now the rest is "history."
Around the mid-1960's Mr. Rose decided to drop the other franchises and
concentrate on Toyota.
Throughout the 44 years, as a Toyota dealer, Rose Toyota was the recipient
of many awards (President's Award, President's Truck Club, Parts Society,
Sales Society, Service Society and Customer Relations awards…just to name a
few).
In November 2001, Mr. Rose decided to sell the Toyota franchise and
concentrate on family and other business interests. The dealership was
still earning more repeat and referral customers and was financially
"rock solid." Though people may wonder why…there's a time for
everything.
Because many of our friends and valued customers were disappointed that we
were not going to be able to sell them vehicles…Mr. Rose decided that he
would continue to be a dealer…on a much smaller scale.
Rose Car Sales was born…and we are continuing to offer the best in
pre-owned (used) cars, trucks, SUVs, vans and pickups. As an auto broker,
we can (also) arrange purchases of many new vehicles with dealers who hold that
franchise.
We've incorporated all our experience into our new facility to make it
"very" customer friendly.
Our customers say it best. See our customer testimonials
or ask someone who has been a Rose Family customer. We feel
"very" confident that you will get high marks from thousands of
our loyal customers.
Give us the opportunity to earn your business!
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Upper
Left:
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John
Rose helps hang the dealership's new sign in October 1962.
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Lower
Left:
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"MOST
WATCHABLE IMPORT OF 1965" award was won by the Toyota Crown sedan at
the International Society of Girl Watchers' annual convention in San
Diego, Calif., last weekend. Evelyn Hippansteel (pictured above) won the
"Watchable of the Year" title. Accepting the automobile award
is John A. Rose, the Toyota dealer in San Diego representing the world's
third largest producer of commercial vehicles, Japan's giant Toyota Motor
Company. The only other commercial manufacturer to win a SIGW award at
the convention was Kraus Originals, exclusive makers of casual footwear
for women. The ISGW award is the 17th major award won by the Toyota Crown
line of passenger vehicles since its debut last October at the Los
Angeles International Automobile show.
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Upper
Right:
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John
A. Rose Imports Main Entrance February 1964.
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Lower
Right:
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John
A. Rose (on right) with new lot display showing the hill climbing prowess
of the Toyota Land Cruiser.
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John A. Rose, President, Rose
Toyota, San Diego, Calif., accepts the President's Award from Shotaro
Kamiya, President, Toyota Motor Sales, Ltd., in 1963. Also pictured,
Seisi Kato, Chairman, Toyota Motor Sales, Ltd.
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