The approximate English translation of Audi’s slogan Vorsprung durch Technik is “advancement through technology.” The phrase is usually in reference to the German manufacturer’s vehicles, but it is also the perfect way to describe OpenRoad’s latest flagship store, OpenRoad Audi Boundary.

Just down the road from the previous location that operated for over 10 years, the new 113,000-square-foot, $19 million state-of-the-art dealership officially opened last Thursday with a launch party featuring plenty of surprises. 

To name a few, there was a performance by Trevor Guthrie, Juno award winner and former frontman of Canadian pop group soulDecision; catering courtesy of celebrity chef Vikram Vij and his three Lower Mainland restaurants; and an exclusive showcase of aluminum art by artists Noah Deledda and Robert Davidson, complementing the vehicles on display such as the 2017 Audi Q7 that has dropped 700 pounds thanks to use of the lightweight metal in 41 per cent of its construction.

“This building is about advancing your automotive experience. We’ve built this building for you. We’ve built it to make your car buying and servicing experience legendary,” said general manager Brad Beckett, who kicked off a series of presentations by Audi representatives and OpenRoad president and CEO Christian Chia.

“We have a 12-car drive through that I please ask you to visit. Come in out of the rain and get service. We have a 24-bay shop, the most advanced shop in the Lower Mainland. We have this beautiful 18-car showroom — we can exhibit every car in the Audi lineup. And right above me is a brand new indoor, stay dry, used car showroom we’re so proud to have.”

The reimagined store was designed at Audi AG headquarters in Inglostadt, Germany and planned by Vancouver architect Christopher Bozyk. The project utilizes the automaker’s “terminal” concept that, like its products, focuses on sophistication, sportiness and the illusion of movement, translated through prominent application of the colour aluminum, an asymmetrical layout and an abundance of glass and natural light. 

OpenRoad Auto Boundary is located at 3701 Lougheed Highway, and is now the largest dealership in Western Canada and the second largest in the country. For more information, visit openroadaudi.com.

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