My Name is Art Ona

I’m currently an insurance agent for MetLife Auto and Home division. I grew up in Tucson and graduated from the University of Arizona with a business degree. I have been involved in the insurance industry for over 20 years with different capacities. Before I left Tucson in 1998, I organized a social church group in Tucson.

My first BMW was a 1983 320i which I purchased in 1989. I then upgraded to a 1985 318i in 1991. My first exciting driving experience in a BMW was going from Tucson to Kino Bay Mexico. I was able to utilize the car full capabilities at high speeds. Since then, I have had a total of 9 BMW’s and hope to have more in the future.

In 1992 while driving home, a car made a U-turn in front of me. I tried to avoid the other car but hit it and spun out. My car ended up on the median and sustained minimal damage. My car was drivable, and I had no injuries. Safety and reliability are the major reasons why I like BMW’s.

Like most European automobile, the cost of maintaining it is higher compared to Japanese and American cars. During my high school years, we had 2 European cars, 3 Japanese cars and 2 Ford pick-ups.  I do feel that BMW’s is the “ultimate driving machine” and the cost is well worth the extra cost.

The interest in BMWCCA is growing because of the involvement of the members. I’m a past president of the Sierra Chapter BMWCCA and am currently on the Board of Directors. To me our members are like my extended family. I look forward to seeing them at every meeting and at our various events. As a small chapter, we are trying to develop new activities. Hopefully, these will attract more of our members to participate.  I also encourage my clients that have BMW’s to join the club, or their local chapter, if they live out of state.

My wife, Diane, and I were members of the Porsche club until she sold her Boxster 4 years ago. We are currently members of the Audi Club too. They are currently forming a Sierra Chapter in Northern Nevada and I hope to share ideas with them. The new president of the Audi club thinks very highly of the BMWCCA and especially our chapter.  Her welcomes my input.