New OpenRoad Audi Boundary dealership embodies Vorsprung durch Technik

OpenRoad Audi Boundary
The new OpenRoad Audi Boundary flagship store is now officially open following a launch party on June 23. Photos by Kim Bellavance.

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. 

Trevor Guthrie

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.

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 Audi Boundary window

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.

More photos:

OpenRoad Audi Boundary Vij's catering

OpenRoad Audi Boundary aluminum artwork

OpenRoad Audi Boundary wine

OpenRoad Audi Boundary painted models

OpenRoad Audi Boundary food

OpenRoad Audi Boundary dessert

OpenRoad Audi Boundary R8

OpenRoad Audi Boundary balcony

OpenRoad Audi Boundary racecar model

Posted by Benjamin Yong

Benjamin Yong is a freelance journalist and communications professional living in Richmond, B.C. He is often found writing about cars and the auto industry, amongst other things, or driving around in his work-in-progress 1990 Mazda MX-5. Twitter: @b_yong Instagram: @popuplights