RICHMOND, B.C. (March 12, 2019) – OpenRoad Auto Group has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the seventh year in a row and has been honoured with the prestigious Platinum Club award, the program’s highest level of corporate recognition. As B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group, the company is pleased to be recognized with this extraordinary achievement within the Canadian retail industry.

Now in its 25th year, Canada’s Best Managed Companies is the country’s leading business awards program, recognizing Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $15 million for innovative, world-class practices and excellence in management abilities. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies compete for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates the caliber of their management abilities and practices.

“We are continually striving to offer a better experience and unlimited possibilities for our employees and customers, so to achieve the Platinum level as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies truly validates our efforts to raise the bar within our industry,” said Christian Chia, Chief Executive Officer of OpenRoad Auto Group.

Founded in 2000, OpenRoad Auto Group continues to demonstrate leadership in the areas of automotive retail growth, profitability, and innovation as B.C.’s largest volume dealership group by employing new technologies and programs that improve the overall customer experience. Through new programs like Portfolio by OpenRoad, Canada’s first luxury car subscription service; OpenRoad’s Payment Engine, an innovative digital platform that allows customers to search for new and used cars by payment level; and Club OpenRoad, the company’s successful customer loyalty program offering discounts and access to member-only events.

OpenRoad currently employs over 1,500 associates with one of the highest employee retention rates in the industry. The company offers employees access to a variety of professional development and corporate culture building programs including the OpenRoad Leadership Development Program, a two-year course that gives selected associates the opportunity to gain experience and develop skills through diverse work experiences, education and networking.

OpenRoad currently owns and manages 33 retail and service locations in British Columbia and Washington representing 21 automotive brands, including Audi, BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Land Rover, Infiniti, Lexus, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Genesis, MINI, Karma, McLaren, Lamborghini, Bentley and Rolls-Royce, in addition to OpenRoad Exotics and three Richmond Auto Body locations.

Applicants are evaluated by an independent judging panel comprised of representatives from program sponsors in addition to special guest judges. 2019 Best Managed companies share commonalities that include a clear strategy and vision, investment in capability and commitment to talent.

2019 winners of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies award, along with Requalified, Gold Standard, Gold Requalified winners and Platinum Club members will be honoured at the annual Canada’s Best Managed Companies gala in Toronto on April 17, 2019.

A complete list of Best Managed winners, Requalified winners, Gold Standard winners, Gold Standard requalified winners and Platinum Club winners is available at www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca.

For further information, please contact: 
bestmanagedcompanies@deloitte.ca
www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca

About Canada’s Best Managed Companies
Canada’s Best Managed Companies continues to be the mark of excellence for Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $15 million. Every year since the launch of the program in 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices. The awards are granted on five levels: 1) Best Managed winner (one of the new winners selected each year); 2) Requalified member (repeat winners retain the Best Managed designation for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review); 3) Gold Standard winner (After three consecutive years of maintaining their Best Managed status, these winners have demonstrated their commitment to the program and successfully reapplied for the designation); 4) Gold Requalified member (Gold Standard winners may requalify for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review); 5) Platinum Club member (winners that maintain Best Managed status for a minimum of six consecutive years). Program sponsors are Deloitte, CIBC, Canadian Business, Smith School of Business and MacKay CEO Forums. For further information, visit www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca.

About OpenRoad Auto Group
OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group with over 1,500 associates representing 21 quality automotive brands at 33 retail and service locations. Established In 2000, OpenRoad Auto Group offers car buyers and owners an experiential automotive retail service. With sales and service in multiple languages, OpenRoad Auto Group encourages a car buying experience based on openness, participation and expertise. OpenRoad is proud to be a Platinum Club Member of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program, a CADA Laureate, and the recipient of multiple Canadian Best Employer Awards. openroadautogroup.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tanis Sullivan
Tanis Sullivan Communications
(604) 230-8008
tanis@tanissullivan.com

NOVEMBER 22, 2018 (Vancouver, B.C.) – Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group, B.C.’s largest automotive retail group, unveiled the new dawn of driving today with the launch of PORTFOLIO by OpenRoad, Canada’s first all-inclusive, multi-brand luxury car subscription service offering consumers the freedom to experience luxury on their own terms.

As of today, Metro Vancouver car enthusiasts can sign up for the application-based subscription program and drive up to four new luxury cars per month from brands like Porsche, Land Rover, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Genesis, Infiniti and Audi for one flat monthly fee. The service makes it easier than ever to get behind the wheel of your dream car. Each PORTFOLIO subscription includes comprehensive vehicle insurance, maintenance, pick-up and delivery through a 24-hour concierge service.

With the launch of PORTFOLIO, Canadians will finally have a luxury car subscription that offers variety and a flexible premium driving experience that suits their changing needs and desires on a monthly basis – all with a simple swipe on their smartphone.

“These days consumers are seeking more variety in their driving experience beyond the traditional car ownership model,” said Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “We’re excited to be able to offer a new option that will be attractive to a growing consumer segment – one that delivers more convenience, a lower level of commitment, and flexible access to more dream cars, more often.”

Unlike other Canadian car subscription services, PORTFOLIO is the only all-inclusive, multi-brand car subscription to offer a line up of 25 new model cars, representing over nine different luxury brands . In addition, PORTFOLIO is the only Canadian monthly car subscription to allow more than one flip every 30 days, accommodating up to four car changes per month. Subscribers can choose from three exclusive packages – $2,499 per month for six months, $2,999 for three months or $3,499 for a month-to-month subscription. There is also a one-time initiation fee of $750. Drivers must be a minimum of 21 years old and have a clean driving record. The first cars will be delivered as of January 1, 2019.

Reports show that today’s culture of instant gratification and impulse purchases are driving the car subscription service model with many examples of successful programs in the United States and select manufacturer-driven programs in Canada. OpenRoad believes PORTFOLIO will be appealing to luxury car enthusiasts, affluent professionals and business executives, particularly those with client-facing professions.

OpenRoad partnered with Clutch Technologies, a leading software platform provider with a proven track record for helping many U.S. based companies deploy successful car subscription programs.

Given the success of the program, the company has plans to expand the service from high end luxury to a mid-level line up of cars by next year.

With the launch of PORTFOLIO, OpenRoad Auto Group proves, once again, that it is a leading Canadian innovator. As B.C.’s largest automotive retail company and a multi-award winning, progressive organization led by CEO, Christian Chia, B.C.’s 2018 EY Entrepreneur of the Year, OpenRoad has a track record for innovation and is proud to be leading the pack in this new category within the Canadian automotive industry.

For more information about PORTFOLIO, visit PortfoliobyOpenRoad.com or download the application for iPhone and Android. High resolution, interviews, demonstrations and test drives are available upon request.

ABOUT OPENROAD AUTO GROUP

OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group with over 1,300 associates representing 19 quality automotive brands at 26 full-service retail locations, including 23 dealerships and 3 collision centres. dealerships, OpenRoad Auto Group offers car buyers and owners an experiential automotive retail service. With sales and service in multiple languages, OpenRoad Auto Group encourages a car buying experience based on openness, participation and expertise. OpenRoad is proud to be one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a CADA Laureate, and the recipient of multiple Canadian Best Employer Awards. Visit OpenRoad Auto Group online at openroadautogroup.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tanis Sullivan
Tanis Sullivan Communications
604-230-8008
tanis@tanissullivan.com

July 9, 2018 (Vancouver, B.C.) – The finalists in Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of the Year Awards 2018 Pacific program have been announced and Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group, has been named amongst the prestigious list of B.C.’s entrepreneurial trailblazers. As the leader of the region’s largest automotive retail group, Chia is being recognized for his leadership in business innovation and entrepreneurship in the Business to Consumer category.

“It is a great honour to be recognized by EY as a finalist among such an esteemed group of entrepreneurs,” said Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “At OpenRoad, we’ve worked very hard to stay ahead of competition and to offer a superior car ownership experience at every turn, so this recognition is really a tribute to the dedication of the entire OpenRoad team.”

Each year Ernst & Young recognizes entrepreneurs who drive growth and build their businesses with creativity and purpose. This year, 35 finalists across nine categories had made the list of finalists. Over the past 25 years, the program has recognized more than 3,800 finalists and presented more than 1,000 awards to inspiring Canadian entrepreneurs.

The panel of judges has selected Christian Chia as a finalist based on his demonstrated entrepreneurial leadership in the rapid growth of OpenRoad Auto Group since 2000 to become the largest auto retailer in British Columbia, one of B.C.’s forty fastest-growing private companies, and the operator of 26 retail locations:  23 dealerships, 19 brands, and three collision centres. The company plans to expand further in western Canada and Washington State. Chia now employs more than 1,200 staff and has built the company’s success by investing in strong employee and customer loyalty programs; a premium automotive brand portfolio; excellence in business intelligence; an enhanced customer experience online; and a superior overall car ownership experience.

The Pacific finalists will come together on September 25, 2018 in Vancouver, where EY will name one winner in each of the nine categories selected by the independent panel of judges. One of those category winners will be named the overall Pacific Entrepreneur Of The Year and will later compete with regional winners from Atlantic, Québec, Ontario and Prairies for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Canada title. The Canadian winner will go on to compete with winners from across the globe for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year in June 2019.

For full program details, visit ey.com/ca/eoy.

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About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy

The 2018 Pacific independent judging panel consists of Charles Chang, President & Founder, Lyra Growth Partners Inc.; Debra Hewson, President & CEO, Odlum Brown; Sacha McLean, Partner, McLean Group; Ali Pejman, Partner, Fort Capital Partners; Lisa Shields, Founder & CEO, FI.SPAN Services Inc.; Bill Tam, Co-Chair, Digital Technology Supercluster; Cathy Thorpe, President & CEO; Nurse Next Door; and Marsha Walden, President & CEO, Destination British Columbia.

This year’s program national sponsors are ICI RDI, The TMX Group, The Globe and Mail Inc., Media One Creative, Merrill Corporation, Kira Talent, Air Canada and The Printing House Limited. Pacific regional sponsors are Leone, Canada Wide Media, Hunt Personnel, Rocky Mountaineer and the University of British Columbia.

About OpenRoad Auto Group

OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group with over 1,200 associates representing 19 quality automotive brands at 23 full-service car dealerships. Established In 2000, OpenRoad Auto Group offers car buyers and owners an experiential automotive retail service. With sales and service in multiple languages, OpenRoad Auto Group encourages a car buying experience based on openness, participation and expertise. OpenRoad is proud to be one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a CADA Laureate, and the recipient of multiple Canadian Best Employer Awards. www.openroadautogroup.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tanis Sullivan

Tanis Sullivan Communications

604-230-8008

tanis@tanissullivan.com