Van Horn Motors of Sheboygan

Sheboygan, WI – Van Horn Automotive Group is preparing to say farewell to its longtime dealership location at 3512 Wilgus Avenue, a site that has served the Sheboygan community for more than three decades.

While the dealership is known as Van Horn Motors of Sheboygan, the location has gone by many franchise names over the years, including Oldsmobile, Hyundai, Mazda. As demolition begins on the building, Van Horn honors the history, people, and progress made at this familiar corner of the city.

A Legacy Begins: From Oldsmobile to Hyundai

The automotive journey at this location began in 1989, when Joe Van Horn, along with his daughter Joann and her husband Dan Wieland, purchased the dealership, launching Van Horn Wieland Oldsmobile. That same year, the group made a forward-thinking move by adding Hyundai, then a relatively new brand in the U.S. market.

The introduction of Hyundai also brought in the Tasche family, who played a key role in building the brand’s local identity. Mike Tasche served as General Manager, while his wife Donna and children Travis and Tina all contributed to the dealership’s early success. Mike’s catchy slogan, “How ‘bout a Hyundai?”, became a recognizable part of Sheboygan’s advertising landscape.

Transitions, Growth, and Community Impact

In 1995, General Motors’ realignment led to the loss of the Oldsmobile franchise, but the dealership pivoted and continued to thrive under new offerings. Following the passing of Joe Van Horn, ownership transitioned fully to Dan and Joann Wieland, who later sold the business to Chuck Van Horn in 2000.

The dealership added Mazda during its continued growth, serving as a hub for both new and used vehicle sales while remaining deeply rooted in Sheboygan’s local economy. Generations of families trusted the location not only for vehicle purchases, but also for service, parts, and community engagement.

A New Era: Hyundai’s Growth in Sheboygan

Over the years, Hyundai continued to grow in both reputation and market share, becoming one of Van Horn’s most successful brands. In May 2019, Van Horn Automotive Group ushered in a new chapter by partnering with Quasius Construction to build a state-of-the-art Hyundai dealership and service facility on Racetrack Road. This investment reflected Van Horn’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and the future of Hyundai in Sheboygan.

The Final Chapter and a New Beginning

In 2023, the dealership’s final chapter as Van Horn Motors of Sheboygan focused on pre-owned vehicles and full-service repairs, including the launch of the CarsFor15K program, which provided reliable, affordable vehicles to local drivers.

Now, as the building at 3512 Wilgus Avenue is torn down, the site will transition into the parking lot for the newly completed Van Horn Kia of Sheboygan, located just next door at 3524 Wilgus Avenue. While the physical structure may be gone, the stories, relationships, and milestones created there remain a proud part of Van Horn’s history.

From Oldsmobile to Hyundai to Mazda to Van Horn Motors of Sheboygan—and now, Kia—Van Horn Automotive Group expresses its heartfelt thanks to the employees, customers, and community members who supported this location through every era of change.

To learn more about Van Horn Automotive Group and upcoming developments in Sheboygan, visit www.vhcars.com.

About Van Horn Automotive Group

Van Horn Automotive Group, Inc. is a family born, employee owned automotive group with headquarters in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Founded in 1966 by Joe Van Horn as a single Chevrolet dealership, Van Horn Automotive Group has grown to include 16 automotive dealerships, a finance company, a fleet management division, and a wholesale financial products company. The group employs over 750 people throughout Wisconsin and Iowa. For employment opportunities visit the Careers page at https://www.vhcars.com/careers/.