OpenRoad Auto Joins Forces with NewRoads Automotive Group in Strategic Merger
Newmarket, ON, November 5, 2025 – OpenRoad Auto (OpenRoad), one of Canada’s largest automotive dealership groups, has become the majority shareholder in NewRoads Automotive Group (NewRoads), an established Ontario dealership group with deep community roots. Michael Croxon, previously President and CEO of NewRoads, will continue to play an active role and assume the position of President of OpenRoad Auto Ontario.
This exciting news brings together eight NewRoads dealerships with OpenRoad’s four existing Ontario operations – OpenRoad Honda Brampton, Brampton East Toyota, ToyotaTown London, and Lexus of London – forming OpenRoad Auto Ontario, a combined network of 12 retail locations across Ontario.
“NewRoads has built an outstanding reputation in Ontario’s York region and beyond, with a culture of service and community values that align with ours at OpenRoad,” explains Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto. “By combining our operations, we are strengthening our presence in Ontario and enhancing our ability to serve customers across multiple brands, including Toyota, Mazda, Honda, and Subaru – brands that are core to OpenRoad – and iconic brands from General Motors of Canada and Stellantis that are new to our group. We are excited to welcome Michael and the entire NewRoads team into the OpenRoad family.”
OpenRoad also looks forward to welcoming more than 460 existing NewRoads associates to OpenRoad Auto, further expanding the group’s Ontario team.
Founded in 1968, NewRoads Automotive Group has consistently been recognized as a leader and employer of choice in the Canadian retail automotive industry. Its long-standing commitment to customer care and community engagement mirrors many of OpenRoad’s own mission and values.
“In the past few years, I have been approached by many of Canada’s largest auto groups, but ultimately, I wanted to ensure we work with a partner that shares the same values that we do, and that partner is Christian Chia and the OpenRoad Auto team,” says Croxon. “This is an opportunity for me to keep working in the industry that I love while also ensuring the long-term future of NewRoads is in the best possible hands. I look forward to working with OpenRoad and continuing to build upon the strong and trusted foundation we have established here in Ontario.”
This transaction was funded by a syndicate of banks led by BMO and included Scotiabank, CIBC and Desjardins as OpenRoad Auto’s strategic financing partners. The deal was facilitated by Samir Akhavan of dealership brokerage, Templeton Marsh.
OpenRoad Auto now operates 44 locations across Canada, including 37 dealerships (representing 25 automotive brands), seven collision centres, and a growing presence in the Ontario market.
For more information about OpenRoad Auto, please visit openroadauto.com.
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ABOUT OPENROAD AUTO
Founded in 2000, OpenRoad Auto is B.C.’s largest automotive dealership group, employing over 2,500 associates and representing 25 leading brands across 44 full-service locations, including 37 dealerships in B.C. and Ontario and seven collision centres. Offering sales and service in multiple languages, OpenRoad delivers an experiential, people-first approach to automotive retail—building trust and creating better journeys for every guest.
Guided by its vision to “drive possibilities” for all communities, OpenRoad is dedicated to redefining the automotive experience. The company offers free memberships through its Club OpenRoad loyalty program and, in 2023, launched the OpenRoad Foundation to advance its philanthropic efforts.
OpenRoad is proud to be recognized among Canada’s Best Managed Companies, a CADA Laureate, and a recipient of multiple Canadian Best Employer Awards.
Instagram: @openroadca | Facebook: OpenRoadCA | YouTube: openroadautogroup
About NewRoads Automotive Group
Founded in 1968, NewRoads Automotive Group (“NewRoads”) is a multi-dealership automotive retailer headquartered in the York Region, Ontario. NewRoads operates a network of dealerships representing eleven major automotive brands across the Greater Toronto Area and provides financing through NewRoads Financial, supported by comprehensive after-sales services including servicing, parts, and body shop operations.
Media Contact:
Sophia Cheng
OpenRoad Auto
604-828-3102