B.C.'s largest Hyundai dealership now open for business at OpenRoad Hyundai Boundary

B.C.’s largest Hyundai dealership now open for business at OpenRoad Hyundai Boundary

February 16, 2017 (Vancouver, B.C.) – OpenRoad Auto Group is pleased to officially open the doors to its latest dealership, OpenRoad Hyundai Boundary. The 30,000 square foot retail space is now the largest Hyundai dealership in the province and the premier Hyundai dealership in Vancouver.

“OpenRoad Hyundai Boundary is a spectacular new dealership that sets a new standard for Hyundai dealerships across the country,” said Don Romano, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. “We would like to congratulate Christian Chia and his team on their second Hyundai store and we look forward to our continued success as partners with OpenRoad Auto Group.”

Located at 2395 Boundary Road in Vancouver, OpenRoad Hyundai Boundary employs Hyundai’s Global Retail Design Space, the Hyundai Motor Company’s latest retail store design which features a modernized, open showroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and a bronze coloured roof. The dealership’s interior also features premium furniture, customer lounges, as well as digital kiosks, tablets, and wheel stands to enhance and facilitate a superior customer shopping experience. The new look is part of the Korean automotive manufacturer’s plan to reflect Hyundai’s move towards a more refined and sophisticated brand style.

The new dealership will be OpenRoad’s second Hyundai store. The company has successfully owned and operated OpenRoad Hyundai Richmond in the Richmond Auto Mall since 2005. OpenRoad has appointed Ian Quinn, a 25-year company veteran to the position of General Manager of OpenRoad Hyundai Boundary where he will lead a team of 28 sales and service staff.  Quinn and his team will offer OpenRoad’s signature customer service, loyalty plan and customer perks to OpenRoad Hyundai Boundary customers. 

For more information, visit openroadhyundaiboundary.com and for media interviews and photos, please contact Tanis Sullivan at tanis@tanissullivan.com.

OpenRoad Hyundai Boundary, BC’s largest Hyundai dealership is now open for business.

ABOUT OPENROAD AUTO GROUP

OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group with over 900 associates representing 17 quality automotive brands at 20 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. openroadautogroup.com

MEDIA CONTACT

Tanis Sullivan

604-230-8008

tanis@tanissullivan.com

OpenRoad revs up expansion with first U.S. dealership by acquiring Bentley, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce in Bellevue, Washington

February 3, 2017 (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) – OpenRoad is pleased to announce that it is expanding once again – this time south of the border with the acquisition of an established luxury dealership in Bellevue, Washington that represents a trio of the most iconic automotive brands in the world – Bentley, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“This is an incredible opportunity to grow our luxury line up and expand our dealership group by entering into a new, world-class market that’s only about a three-hour drive from Vancouver – or less if you’re driving a Lamborghini!” said Christian Chia, President & CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “We look forward to working with General Manager, Mark Maakestad and getting into the spirit of the Seattle Seahawks with the rest of his team!”

The acquisition of Bentley, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bellevue was completed on January 19 and will be OpenRoad’s first foray into the U.S. market. The addition of the Bellevue dealership follows OpenRoad’s corporate strategy to expand existing relationships in key markets.  OpenRoad already owns and operates a Rolls-Royce dealership in Vancouver, while Bentley and Lamborghini are part of the VW Group of Companies along with Audi and Porsche – three brands OpenRoad has proven to be successful with in Burnaby and Langley, British Columbia.

As demand for luxury and ultra-luxury brands continues to grow, so will production of exclusive new Bentley, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce models. In 2018, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is slated to launch their flagship, Phantom Sedan and soon after an SUV code-named Cullinan. Lamborghini, the iconic Sant’Agata-based exotic car brand known for their V12 power plants and the iconic Miura sports coupe will continue to produce some of the best super cars in the world. Bentley Motors will mark its centennial anniversary in 2019 along with the company’s celebrated history as the ultimate British luxury automobile icon.

OpenRoad’s newest dealership is located in an urban center just 16 kilometers outside of Seattle in a region that’s home to many of the world’s leading companies, including Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Paccar, Costco and Amazon.  Bellevue has many of the same characteristics that make the Greater Vancouver area so desirable like its prime location in the Pacific Northwest, its cultural diversity, robust economy, beautiful geography and mild climate.

ABOUT OPENROAD AUTO GROUP

OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group with over 900 associates representing 15 quality automotive brands at 19 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

New Flagship Porsche Centre in Richmond, BC To Be Built From OpenRoad and Dilwari Partnership

November 30, 2016 (Vancouver, B.C.) – The Dilawri Group of Companies and OpenRoad Auto Group are proud to announce a new partnership to build and operate a flagship Porsche Centre in the Richmond Auto Mall. Construction of the new state-of-the-art dealership is set to start in 2018, with plans for completion in 2019.

“This is an excellent opportunity to provide our customers with greater access to the extraordinary Porsche line,” said Ajay Dilawri, President of the Dilawri Group of Companies. “We are excited to partner with OpenRoad in this new venture. We share core values and we both believe in providing exceptional customer service.”

While this joint venture is new, it will be the second Porsche dealership for each company. OpenRoad opened Porsche Centre Langley in the Langley Auto Collection in 2015, while Dilawri acquired Porsche Centre Vancouver in 2010 and opened its present day location in 2013.

“Given our success with Porsche Centre Langley and the many brands we already represent in Richmond, we’re confident that there’s tremendous growth potential for Porsche in this new market,” said Christian Chia, President & CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “We’re delighted to collaborate with the Dilawri Group to combine our deep commitment to Porsche and our thorough knowledge of the market to bring this exciting project to fruition.”

The multi-million dollar project will be one of Canada’s largest Porsche dealerships and will feature Porsche’s infamous curved building design, in addition to the latest in customer amenities and the most advanced sales and service technology. The building design will also accommodate a full range of new electric vehicles that Porsche plans to roll out over the next several years.

The new dealership will staff approximately 40 employees in the areas of sales, service, management and administration.

ABOUT OPENROAD AUTO GROUP
OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group with over 1000 associates representing 15 quality automotive brands at 18 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

ABOUT DILAWRI GROUP OF COMPANIES
Dilawri Group of Companies is Canada’s largest automotive group with 60 franchised dealerships representing 30 automotive brands throughout Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. Privately owned and operated by the Dilawri family since 1985, the company continues to expand its footprint in Canada, building on its history of excellence in the automotive industry. With more than 3,000 employees, Dilawri Group of Companies is proud to offer exceptional products and customer service in every dealership. www.dilawri.ca

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

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

 

OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody receives the Lexus Service Management Certificate!

The OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody team is honored to be certified as a Platinum dealer under the “Lexus Service Management” standard.

This achievement of excellence is something our team has been striving for in all aspects of service and parts operations.

This also represents OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody’s ongoing commitment to providing the best car buying and ownership experience for Lexus owners. 

To learn more about the OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody Service & Parts Department, please click here

OpenRoad makes list of Best Employers in Canada for the sixth year!

B.C.’s largest volume dealership group retains Platinum status, according to Aon Hewitt survey

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Nov. 17, 2016) – OpenRoad Auto Group is pleased to be named one of the Best Employers in Canada for the sixth year. The annual survey conducted by Aon Hewitt evaluated employee engagement and satisfaction at 200 Canadian companies. Once again, OpenRoad Auto Group ranked in the top 25 percent, placing on the highest Platinum Employer level category.

“It’s a great honour once again to be recognized as a top Canadian employer,” said Christian Chia, President and CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “We have dedicated many resources to developing a strong corporate culture and ensuring employee satisfaction throughout our organization. So it’s really validating to know that our efforts continue to pay off with our consistently high results in the coveted annual employee survey.”

According to the survey results, employees at OpenRoad Auto Group reported high levels of engagement in all categories, citing examples like strong internal communications, fun employee events and specialized programs that support skills training and professional development. Employees also referred to OpenRoad Hearts, an innovative peer-to-peer recognition app that allows employees to use their smartphones to send and receive hearts for going above and beyond the call of duty. Since the app was launched in 2013, there have been thousands of individual engagements with links to OpenRoad’s social media feeds where employees and customers can comment and provide positive feedback.

Conducted by Aon Hewitt, a global firm specializing in human resource solutions, the 2017 list of the Best Employers in Canada was compiled based on responses from nearly 625,000. Employees at participating firms were surveyed on engagement (whether they feel motivated at work), performance culture (whether success is rewarded), leadership (whether executives treat their team as valued assets) and employment brand (whether they are proud to work at the company). According to Aon Hewitt’s definition, employees are engaged when they “say, stay and strive”. They speak positively about their employer to others, are committed to staying with their current employer and are motivated by their organization’s leaders and culture to go above and beyond to contribute to business success. On average, 80% of employees were engaged at Platinum Level Best employers this year.

Other industry-leading companies that made the Best Employers in Canada list along with OpenRoad are Keg Restaurants Ltd., Edward Jones, Marriott Hotels of Canada, Federal Express Canada, and PCL Constructors, Intact Financial Corp., Mouvement Desjardins and The Co-operators. To view the complete list of the 2017 Best Employers in Canada, click here.

 

 

About OpenRoad Auto Group
OpenRoad Auto Group is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group with over 900 associates representing 15 quality automotive brands at 18 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

About Aon’s Best Employers Program

Almost 200 Canadian employers were assessed this year as part of Aon’s Best Employers studies using the stringent global standards developed for Aon’s Global Best Employer Program. Each participant’s employee survey scores on engagement, leadership, performance culture and employment brand were assessed against Aon Hewitt’s Canadian Survey Database, which includes the opinions of over 735,000 Canadian workers across more than 600 organizations. Organizations that scored in the top 25% of the Canadian database achieved the Platinum level, while those scoring in the top third achieved Gold level. According to Aon Hewitt’s definition, employees are engaged when they “say, stay and strive”: They speak positively about their employer to others, are committed to staying with their current employer, and are motivated by their organization’s leaders and culture to go “above and beyond” to contribute to business success. On average, 80% of employees were engaged at Platinum level Best Employers this year. At the Gold level, 72% of employees were engaged.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tanis Sullivan

Tanis Sullivan Communications

(604) 230-8008

tanis@tanissullivan.com

BMW “POPS UP” IN B.C.

Written by: Jack Kazmierski (Autosphere – August 8, 2016)

OpenRoad Auto Group launched Canada’s first BMW pop-up store at the Oakridge Centre in Vancouver.

OpenRoad’s BMW Pop-Up Shop is a temporary retail location designed to create brand awareness and to drive drive sales back to their BMW dealership. The Pop-Up Shop currently displays the all new BMW 7 Series and BMW X1, as well as a variety of BMW merchandise.

“We’ve already seen that by bringing our product to a venue where our customers are already shopping is proving to be a beneficial marketing strategy for our dealership,” said Dimitri Kotsalis, General Manager, The BMW Store. “We’re seeing great potential by positioning the brand in this non-traditional setting and the response so far has been very positive.”

 

To view the original article visit: 

http://www.autosphere.ca/autojournal/2016/08/08/bmw-pops-up-b-c/

VW Reboot: An onslaught of new cars and improved customer service

Written by: The Globe and Mail – September 29, 2016

 

In the showroom of Canada’s newest Volkswagen dealership, OpenRoad VW in Burnaby, B.C., sits a special car: a 1952 Volkswagen Beetle, one of the original shipment of cars delivered to Canada more than 60 years ago. The Beetle is a cultural touchstone for many Canadians; it defines an era. The clattery little air-cooled Bug defied its roots as a propaganda tool for the Nazis and its humble construction to become an unlikely icon.

 

This little car is why many people love Volkswagens. They buy their kids VW T-shirts, they get together for huge rallies and swap meets. Vancouver’s Great Canadian VW Weekend, which just celebrated its 25th year in 2016, is one such multiday event. Thousands of fans streamed downtown to talk about all things VeeDub.

 

It’s not just the air-cooled stuff either: Across Canada there are squadrons of Westfalia vagabonds, crowds of young kids in lowered GTIs and GLIs. If you judge VW’s health by its passion of its most ardent fans, things are fine. Sales results tell a different story.

If you look at Volkswagen sales so far this year, volume is down. In 2014, the last full year before the stop-sale was issued, TDI models comprised 21 per cent of all Volkswagen sales. Now that VW isn’t allowed to sell them, overall sales have dropped about 15 per cent. Jetta and Passat are slumping, but Golf sales are steady, year-to-date. Volkswagen Canada seems to be stanching the bleeding.

To assist in binding up the wounds, Volkswagen Canada is preparing a new onslaught of product over the next 16 months. First will be the all-wheel-drive versions of the Sportwagen, including the new higher-riding Alltrack trim. Next will be a new seven-passenger SUV, larger even than the Touareg. By late summer next year, there will be a larger version of the popular Tiguan, also available with seven seats.

The launch of the Alltrack also spearheads new technology such as the increasing availability of all-wheel drive in the Golf range. VW’s incoming 1.5-litre gasoline turbocharged engine, which may show up soon in the Jetta, should provide a 10-per-cent boost in fuel economy over the current 1.4-litre engine, suggesting that VW diesel products aren’t coming back to North America.

 

From popular niche products such as the Golf R and Alltrack to mainstream crossovers, VW is readying itself for a comeback. The diesel-emissions scandal hurt the brand immediately, tarnishing claims of German engineering superiority and casting a sooty pall over the TDI badge. However, consumer memory seems short. Thanks to incentives, VW even saw a brief increase in sales in 2015.

Public perception still seems to be that VW represents a semi-premium brand, a stepping stone on the way to buying a BMW or Mercedes. Selling the Alltrack as a heavily optioned single trim represents VW Canada’s bet that its fans aren’t so much cross-shopping against mainstream brands as they are looking for a slightly less-expensive Audi.

To that end, some dealerships are attempting to add a more premium feel to the ownership experience.

“It’s the buying process we’re looking at refining,” says Ben Lovie, OpenRoad VW’s general manager. “The industry is changing, but it’s a little slow.”

 

There are other subtle courtesies, too, including the free loan of bike racks and cargo carriers with its new cars. Pop in if you have a weekend away planned and they’ll help you install it. They’ll also wash any Volkswagen for free. Perhaps most impressively, they’ll even valet-service your car, picking it up and dropping it back off at your work. The servicing costs are clearly displayed at the service counter and the first two years of service are covered at no cost.

While Volkswagen Canada doesn’t force individual franchises to adopt similar practices, many dealers are adapting. Toronto has a half-dozen VW dealerships within easy driving distance of the downtown core: the smart ones are already offering valet service and other side-benefits to VW ownership.

Consider Tesla for a moment. As a company, it sells both a product and an experience. The Model S is impressive, but it’s not without quality issues and reliability problems. Tesla keeps on top of this with excellent customer service, turning its buyers into fans. This is what some VW dealers are doing for the brand.

Fans of the way Volkswagens drive have been waiting for seven-seater options for a while, so both the as-yet-unnamed new three-row crossover and the bigger Tiguan should prove popular. Further, focusing on small car and crossover sales is simply following the market, and should prove successful.

But what will really make the difference for Volkswagen is the way its front-line people handle customers enticed in by new product such as the outdoorsy Alltrack wagon. If a Volkswagen dealership can follow through with customer expectations for the buying and servicing experience, then VW can rely on finding homes for the new cars it has in the pipeline.

 

To view the original article visit: 

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/news/industry-news/the-vw-reb…

OpenRoad execs switch roles

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Written by: Zara McAlister (Canadian Auto Dealer – October 19, 2016)

                   

British Columbia-based dealership group OpenRoad Auto Group has announced changes in senior management. The changes are meant to “keep employees challenged and engaged,” as part of the company’s strategy for workers.

Dimitri Kotsalis has been named the new General Manager of BMW Langley and MINI Langley and is responsible for operations at Porsche Centre Langley, OpenRoad Exotics and Infiniti Langley. He replaces Aly Jiwani with whom he swapped positions, making Jiwani the new General Manager of The BMW Store, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver and MINI Yaletown.

Both Kotsalis and Jiwani are veterans of the auto retail industry, said OpenRoad. Kotsalis has been the former GM of Mercedes-Benz Richmond and Mercedes-Benz Markham, and is a three time winner of the Mercedes-Benz Retailer of the Year award. Kotsalis was also a dealer principal with Mercedes-Benz Australia where he managed three factory-owned dealerships. In 2011, he became GM of The BMW Store, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver and MINI Yaletown.

Jiwani has held a variety of positions at OpenRoad dealerships since 2004, including those at OpenRoad Toyota Richmond and OpenRoad Honda where he received multiple Honda Canada Senior Sales Master Awards and Grandmaster Awards, said the dealership group. In 2010, he became the GM of BMW Langley and MINI Langley and then Porsche Centre Langley, OpenRoad Exotics and Infiniti Langley as they were built and opened.

 

To view the original article visit:

https://www.canadianautodealer.ca/2016/10/openroad-execs-switch-roles/