Porsche Centre Langley open house features special guests
Some special guests dropped by the second open house of OpenRoad’s newest store, Porsche Centre Langley, on Nov. 29.
Porsche Macan Turbo performance explained
Porsche has managed to squeeze sports car-like performance out of the new Macan Turbo crossover. Here are the innovations that make it one quick ‘ute.
Hyundai Tucson FCEV: first production fuel cell car in Canada
Hyundai will be the first to offer the Canadian public access to a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, in the form of a new Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle.
Toyota unveils the bold styling of the new, built-in-Canada, 2014 Toyota Corolla
It’s the world’s best-selling nameplate of all time, with nearly 40 million vehicles sold since it was introduced in the 1960s. It’s a perennial favourite in Canada, too ? with more than 1.3 million sold in this country. It’s the Toyota Corolla ? and the Corolla has never looked better.
As Toyota prepares to introduce the 11th generation Corolla through Canadian Toyota Dealers this year, the company unveiled the next generation model today at the Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa.
“The Toyota Corolla has grown up with generations of Canadians, and with each redesign we seek to capture the imagination of these customers and create a remarkable experience,” noted Seiji Ichii, President of Toyota Canada Inc. “Our duty to Corolla owners and drivers defines our company: The Corolla IS Toyota.”
The 2014 Toyota Corolla introduces bold, expressive new styling, a class-up interior and new technologies, even as it remains loyal to Corolla’s DNA ? to provide quality, dependable, reliable and fuel-efficient transportation plus tremendous overall value to millions of drivers. Furthermore, every Corolla sold in Canada is built at our award-winning plant in Cambridge, Ontario, which is how we continue to deliver Corolla’s reputation for quality and value.
New details and standard equipment define the new Corolla, with features such as new engine and power train technologies that improve performance and make Corolla even more fun to drive. Other upgrades include LED headlamps as standard, a new audio system with steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth® capability and additional airbags for even better safety.
A new mix of models and trim levels will provide even greater choice to Canadian drivers.
The Corolla CE offers more standard safety, technology and convenience features;
The popular Corolla LE builds on Corolla CE’s tremendous mix of features and value, enhanced with comfort and convenience amenities;
The Corolla S features unique, dynamic styling and performance to match that includes available paddle shifters with Sport mode for more engaging driving;
The all-new Corolla Eco simultaneously delivers the highest fuel efficiency while offering the most power available in a Corolla.
“Canadians have always expected good things from Corolla, but they also want us to go further. This year, we definitely have ? with dynamic driving performance, striking design, a high quality finish inside and out and new technology that’s almost unheard of in the compact sedan segment,” Seiji Ichii concluded. “We remain committed to offering Canadians a Toyota Corolla that is an easy, rational choice to own. But with this new, 2014 model, we are also offering Canadians a more emotional Corolla ? a Corolla that is easy to love.”
Hyundai, Porsche double category winners of AJAC Car of Year Canada awards
Hyundai and Porsche were among the brands that came up big yesterday, with double wins each, when the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced their “Best New” category winners for the 2015 Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY) awards.
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata took best family car over $30,000 and the Genesis sedan the best luxury car over $50,000, and on the Porsche side the 911 Turbo S won the prestige/performance over $75,000 category with the Macan S receiving the nod for the SUV/CUV over $60,000.
“The Sonata is one smooth sedan, doing all the things it needs to do right. Good power, even from the base 2.4 litre, smooth transmission, quiet and comfortable with plenty of space inside and the trunk. The new interior looks sharp, stereo and controls are easy to use and the seats are comfortable. Much wow for such an unassuming everyday segment,” said one of the journalists that evaluated the car at TestFest. This year, 49 new vehicle models were tested across 15 categories.
Other notable mentions include the Honda Fit (small car under $21,000), the Volkswagen Golf (small car over $21,000), the BMW M235i (sports/performance under $50,000) and the Toyota Highlander (SUV/CUV between $35,000 and $60,000).
The overall 2015 AJAC Canadian Car of the Year and Truck of the Year recipients will be announced at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto in February.
More details about some of the winners (as tested):
2015 Hyundai Sonata
Engine: 2.4 L four cylinder
Horsepower: 185
Torque (lb-ft): 178
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Fuel consumption (city/highway L/100 km): 9.8/6.7
2015 Hyundai Genesis
Engine: 3.8 L V6
Horsepower: 311
Torque (lb-ft): 293
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Fuel consumption (city/highway L/100 km): 14.4/9.4
2015 Volkswagen Golf
Engine: 1.8 L four cylinder
Horsepower: 180
Torque (lb-ft): 185
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 9.3/6.5
2015 Porsche 911 Turbo S
Engine: 3.8 L V6
Horsepower: 560
Torque (lb-ft): 553
Transmission: PDK seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 13.7/9.6
2015 Porsche Macan S
Engine: 3.0 L V6
Horsepower: 340
Torque (lb-ft): 339
Transmission: PDK seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 13.7/10.3
2015 Honda Fit
Engine: 1.5 L four cylinder
Horsepower: 130
Torque (lb-ft): 114
Transmission: CVT
Fuel consumption: 7.3/6.1
2015 BMW M235i
Engine: 3.0 L six cylinder turbo
Horsepower: 320
Torque (lb-ft): 332
Transmission: six-speed manual
Fuel consumption: 11.9/8.5
Tips On Buying Your First New Car
OpenRoad’s step-by-step guide on how to shop for your first new car.
Top five cars from 2014 LA Auto Show
The 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show was full of new model and concept car unveils: here is OpenRoad’s top five list.
Plenty of changes for 2015 Porsche Cayenne SUV
As if the Porsche Cayenne wasn’t a spicy enough SUV already, the mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle gets a significant refresh for 2015.
OpenRoad Auto Group named one of Canada’s best companies to work for
OpenRoad Auto Group named one of Canada’s best companies to work for according to Aon Hewitt’s top employer survey.
VANCOUVER, BC (Nov 20, 2014) – OpenRoad Auto Group has been recognized as one of the best Canadian companies to work for as part of the 50 Best Employers in Canada survey. The annual survey ranked OpenRoad eighth out of 50 top Canadian employers, making this the third time in five years that the B.C.-based automotive retail group has received the prestigious designation.
Conducted by Aon Hewitt, a global firm specializing in human resource solutions, the 2015 list of the country’s 50 best employers was compiled based on responses from nearly 350,000 employees in 259 participating private and public-sector organizations. Sharing the Best Employers in Canada recognition with OpenRoad this year are industry-leading businesses like Cisco Canada, TD Bank Group, McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada and WestJet.
The annual survey measures employee engagement based on their levels of commitment and how motivated they are by their company’s leaders, managers, culture and values. The survey also analyses performance in six key categories that influence employee engagement including Employment Brand (the strength of a company’s reputation as an employer); Leadership (which organizations have highly effective senior managers and leaders); Performance (how well an organization manages, recognizes and provides opportunities for employees); The Work (how well an organization equips employees to do their jobs); Company Practices (leadership development, HR practices, etc.) and The Basics (including supporting work/life balance).
Employees at OpenRoad Auto Group reported high levels of engagement in all categories citing examples of specialized programs that support professional development, along with exemplary systems for employee recognition, internal communications and special employee events.
“At OpenRoad, we not only put our customers first but also our employees,” said Christian Chia, President and CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “For us, it’s a practice that creates positive, supportive work environments which foster happy, motivated employees who, in turn, are building loyal customer relationships at each one of our dealerships.”
Amy Li, Assistant Sales Manager of OpenRoad’s Richmond B.C. Lexus dealership, echoed Chia, saying that the auto group has been able to keep its staff happy and engaged over the years. “I am excited and proud to be a part of a progressive organization. OpenRoad has provided me with countless opportunities to advance and grow,” said Li.
Earlier this month, OpenRoad Auto Group’s newest Porsche retail centre, OpenRoad Porsche Langley, opened its doors to the public. The group also recently announced the acquisition of three Vancouver dealerships, including The BMW Store, MINI Yaletown, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver. In 2015, OpenRoad will also open new Volkswagen, Jaguar and Land Rover dealerships.
For a complete list of the 2015 Best Employers in Canada, visit the Aon Hewitt official results page: https://www.aon.com/canada/products-services/human-capital-consulting/con…
About OpenRoad Auto Group
In 2000, OpenRoad Auto Group formed to offer 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. One of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies, CADA Laureate and multiple Canadian Best Employer Award recipient, the OpenRoad team of over 700 associates represents 12 import brands at 15 dealership locations across B.C., Canada. Visit www.openroadautogroup.com.
For more information, please contact:
Ben Lovie (604-232-5347)
OpenRoad Auto Group Ltd.
Porsche Centre Langley open house
OpenRoad Auto Group welcomed guests in November to Langley’s newest luxury automotive dealership, Porsche Centre Langley.