Berkeley Auto Repair

(510) 587-9078
Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Our Berkeley Mechanics

Bruce Ackerman - Owner

Bruce Picture

My story started when I was 13 years old and my parents were contemplating a new car back in 1968. An Uncle had a Volvo (which was an influence) and of course I’ll never forget my parents making me feel a part of the decision process to buy one. At the time Volvo was making a reputation for itself as a very safe and well made car (most owners were holding on to them for many years, which at that time, was almost unheard of) and they attracted socially responsible people, Sweden then of course was neutral regarding the Vietnam War and as we all know Volvo is made in Sweden! Many college educated people were zapping them up, especially in Berkeley. So needless to say when my parents purchased their first Volvo 144, with my approval, it became the major influence of my life!

My fondness for the Volvo only intensified later and got melded in with my thorough enjoyment of driving and driving fast. My fascination with speed I blame on a couple of people that are long family friends now but one had a Volvo and was able to show me few ' tricks ' driving his '67 142 and, oh my gosh, off I went to the races to watch Volvos compete!

As a teenager I wasn't particularly focused on any one particular good goal until my parents (again) offered me their old broken down VW, with one condition; if I would learn to work on it myself. Well there you go... One well intentioned condition that my parents had no idea ... turned into a hobby then a career.

After working for a few Volvo shops, gaining experience and earning a name for myself, I was encouraged by a friend and business associate - now my business landlord and still friend - to make the jump and start my own business. That was 1983 the same year my Volvo race car was finally ready to see the track for the first time. How much more fortunate can one be,  so many years later be able to say, I'd do it all again! I'm proud to be one of the Berkeley mechanics servicing this great community.


Adam Anderson - Master Technician

Adam - Berkeley mechanics

Adam really took to automotive training at the College of Marin. With two scholarships he received an A-S degree in Automotive Technology.  He had the opportunity to teach a “special technology” class at the college in the automotive program and it was easy for him to pass all ASE Certified Master Technician exams in one sitting! After working in Marin for nine years, Adam came to Ackerman’s as one of Bruce’s first Berkeley mechanics to work for him. Adam enjoys the great outdoors, raising pastured chickens for their healthful eggs, and growing rare and unusual orchids which take him on great adventures to see orchids grow in the wild.

Ackerman's Servicing Volvo & Subaru is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call Ackerman's Servicing Volvo & Subaru (510) 549-9330 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.