MINI prepares to launch first plug-in hybrid EV
And it will be called the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.
Top three debuts at Chicago Auto Show 2017
Among the announcements, Hyundai dropped arguably the biggest news at America’s largest automotive show.
Canadian EV sales surge ahead
The results are in: electric vehicle sales are up. Way up in fact — as of Q3 in 2016, EV sales in Canada rose by 60 per cent compared to the year previous.
Ontario led the way, followed by Quebec and then British Columbia. B.C.’s numbers (+13 per cent) were good, but nothing compared to the +126 per cent explosion during the same period in 2015 thanks to the reinstatement of Clean Energy Vehicle Program following a one-year hiatus.
Regardless, 2016 was clearly a banner year for EVs here. Before the mid-way mark, the country had already surpassed 20,000 registered plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles milestone. There were over 1,000 EVs sold in June alone.
Part of the reason for the electric interest is that there are simply more choices offered across nearly all segments, by a range of automobile manufacturers from Toyota to Porsche, than ever before. Additional entries are on the horizon as well, like the Honda Clarity that’s coming to North America for the first time.
BMW has been somewhat of a trailblazer in the EV space, with the development of the i3 hatchback and i8 sports car. In addition, the German marque now has the distinction of having the most plug-ins available in Canada with four, recently and somewhat quietly releasing two new models.
In the summer, the first BMW 330e was delivered: a green take on the iconic 3 Series. Utilizing the brand’s eDrive and EfficientDynamics technologies, the compact sedan pairs an 88-horsepower electric motor with a 184 hp four-cylinder engine sending a total of 252 hp to the rear wheels. Drivers can travel up to 40 kilometres on electric power alone, at speeds up to an impressive 120 km/h.
For all the crossover fans, the company also debuted the X5 xDrive40e, its debut plug-in Sports Activity Vehicle. The SAV has all-wheel drive, net 308 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, an eight-speed transmission and a fuel consumption rating of 4.2 Le/100 km.
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
MINI John Cooper Works Countryman: the next generation
The new not-so-mini JCW Countryman is now the brand’s biggest model, and packs an equally large punch.
New Honda vehicles coming as part of electrification initiative
As part of targets to reduce CO2 emissions and produce more alternative-energy vehicles, cars like the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid are coming to Canada.
Top reveals from Salon International de l'Auto de Montréal 2017
EVs and a few performance car surprises were the darlings of the Montreal International Auto Show.
A Night to Support The Pacific Autism Family Centre
OpenRoad Toyota Port Moody and Puzzled Jewelry have teamed up to present A Night to Support the Pacific Autism Family Centre on February 18, 2017. The second annual event will be filled with music, food, drinks, dancing and casino fun, all with the purpose of raising awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a highly complex developmental condition that targets typical brain growth. ASD is characterized by communication difficulties, social behavioural challenges, and repetitive behaviour. ASD is believed to be a lifespan disorder that affects 1 in 68 children.
OpenRoad proudly supports the work of Patricia James, Keri Kennett and Debbie Sui, all of whom came together to create Puzzled Jewelry after autism diagnoses that affected each of their boys. Puzzled Jewelry is a brand with a cause, offering unique puzzle piece jewelry designs that represent autism awareness, made with high quality sterling silver. Proceeds from the sales of their jewelry go towards the Pacific Autism Family Centre, which provides individuals and their families with resources for their children.
OpenRoad sees the importance in supporting organizations such as Puzzled Jewelry and working towards a common goal – to spread awareness and advance research for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Each year Puzzled Jewelry creates a unique item to build awareness for autism. This year Puzzled Jewelry has released special sterling silver puzzle piece earrings available for sale at all London Drugs location throughout BC, and various locations in Alberta, from February 27th to March 31st 2017. All proceeds will go to the PAFC.
Tickets are limited and can be bought online, to purchase tickets for the event or to learn more about Puzzled Jewelry please click here: https://tricitiesbc.snapd.com/#/events/view/1015018
Introducing 2018 Genesis G80 and G80 Sport
Hyundai’s upscale sister brand Genesis has finally launched in Canada, with the flagship G90 executive sedan serving as the first official offering. The next model that will be introduced to customers later this year is the mid-size G80.
There are some exterior similarities shared between the two vehicles for sure, for example the huge hexagonal grille that dominates the front end, but the G80 features unique details as well.
The Bi-Xenon headlight housings are “fuller” and more angular than the ones found on its bigger brother, and a sporty blacked out strip runs along the width of the front bumper. Around back, the LED taillights wrap-around the rear quarter panels and are like more elegant versions of something you’d find on a Hyundai Sonata.
Simplicity is the key to the G80’s spacious interior, designed with keeping controls intuitive and giving the cabin an open feel. Gadget lovers will appreciate the fact that extra storage pockets and cubbies have been added to ensure space for all of a modern-day driver’s stuff. For bigger items, the trunk has a capacity of 433 litres.
A total of three engines are available, all paired to eight-speed automatic transmissions: a 3.8-litre V6, making 365 horsepower; a 420 hp V8, which is the same as the one found in the G90, and just recently announced, a 365 hp, 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 packaged with a Sport edition of the car. HTRAC all-wheel drive is standard across every grade.
The G80 Sport wears a more aggressive front bumper boasting three large lower air intakes and copper-coloured accents. Other additions include 19-inch alloy wheels, bigger front and rear brakes, carbon fibre interior trim and leather sport seats and steering wheel. Under the skin, there is an adaptive suspension system to keep body roll to a minimum.
Look for the 2018 Genesis G80 to arrive this spring.