BRITISH COLUMBIA

Kot Auto buys second store on Vancouver Island

The Kot Auto Group is expanding both their brand portfolio, as well as their footprint on Vancouver Island, with the recent acquisition of Woodgrove Chrysler in Nanaimo, a new and used Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Ram dealership and service department. This is the first Chrysler brand under the Kot Auto Group umbrella and its second location on Vancouver Island. Kot Auto acquired Victoria Hyundai in June of 2019.

Canadian auto dealer spoke with Brandon Kot, from Kot Auto Group, who will be running both stores on Vancouver Island, about why buying a second store on the Island was appealing. “The Victoria Hyundai store was a rare opportunity for us, as a store in a great market, he said. “ We are in expansion mode and saw a great opportunity.”

It turns out the new Chrysler store will be returning the Kot family to their domestic OEM roots. “Before I moved to Victoria and before I was working with my dad’s company, I was actually working on my own at Maple Ridge Chrysler.”

And it’s not just Brandon who has a love of domestic brands. “My dad, John, before Kot Auto, he was the vice president of AutoCanada. Before that, in Edmonton, he was all Dodge, all domestic stores. That was kind of his bread and butter. So we’ve been wanting to get into the Dodge Chrysler game, and this was the right score for us.”

MARITIMES

ALL EV by Steele opens new full-service EV store in Moncton

Jérémie Bernardin has had a lot going on this fall, and he’s not ready to share all of it just yet. The Business Manager at All EV by Steele just opened the newest All EV full-service store in Moncton on September 6th and he has more plans in the works.

All EV by Steele has its flagship location in Halifax, and this expansion into New Brunswick is exciting for the company. Why is Moncton a big deal? “It’s a big deal for a couple reasons,” said Bernardin, in an interview with Canadian auto dealer. “One is, it’s our second shop. It’s our second location after Halifax that is a full service location.”

The new full-sized dealership is located just outside Moncton in Dieppe, at 711 Ferdinand Boulevard, and is the latest in a string of new All EV dealerships in the Maritimes. “We’re the largest electric vehicle dealer in the country for the Halifax store. We have a really interesting, nimble approach where we share our inventory and to ship any of our cars to any of our locations. We’re currently in four Atlantic provinces. If in the next two years we’re not in more regions, I would personally be disappointed.” 

Since All EV was acquired by Steele Auto Group, Bernardin has been gratified by their interest and investment in the All EV ethos and brand. “It’s a testament that the Steele Auto Group is really backing this and taking our growth very seriously in our positioning. It’s tremendously exciting.” 

MANITOBA

AutoCanada moseys into Manitoba with Kelleher Ford purchase

As their first foray into the Manitoba market, the North American auto group, AutoCanada, has purchased Kelleher Ford, a large new and used vehicle Ford dealership and collision centre, located in Brandon, Manitoba. 

“This high-quality operation is our second Ford dealership and initiates our presence in Western Manitoba – an attractive truck market, while providing the opportunity to further expand our presence in the market,” said AutoCanada Executive Chairman, Paul Antony. “We are pleased to welcome the team from Kelleher Ford, and we look forward to many opportunities for continued growth as we integrate them into our strong portfolio of dealerships.” 

As the largest Ford dealership in Western Manitoba, Kelleher Ford currently operates more than 35,000 square feet of facilities on seven acres, including a collision centre, all of which is included in the purchase. AutoCanada will maintain Kelleher’s current management team, which will continue to strengthen the dealership’s performance, while this acquisition unlocks additional growth opportunities, including the potential to expand AutoCanada’s used vehicle, finance and insurance, collision and RightRide businesses. 

QUEBEC

In an exclusive edition of only 99 automobiles, a strictly limited number of the M850i xDrive Gran Coupé were created by Jeff Koons and BMW during several years of close collaboration. Only three of THE 8 X JEFF KOONS were available in Canada. BMW Laval was able to get a hold of one of them, the only one in Québec. The car was revealed on Thursday September 8th during a BMW Laval client appreciation event, which also highlighted the dealership’s 47th year anniversary of operations.

The expressive and striking design of the THE 8 X JEFF KOONS combines eleven different exterior colors ranging from blue to silver as well as from yellow to black. The multi-colored interior is comprised of high-end materials, fine leather and a cupholder lid with an edition badging and the artist’s signature. The seats are made up of the striking red and blue which reflects the colors of superheroes from the comic book universe as well as those of the company’s high-performance unit BMW M.

Overall, the energetic and powerful design includes both elements of pop art as well as geometric patterns paying homage to the sporty 8 Series Gran Coupe’s intricate contours and shape. The exploding lines of color at the rear, in turn, are their own unmediated homage to the artist’s 2010 BMW Art Car, while the “POP!” on each side as well as the vapor thrust imagery symbolize the power and speed of THE 8 X JEFF KOONS, according to the artist. Jeff Koons also designed the 17th BMW Art Car in 2010, the BMW M3 GT2, which competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

ONTARIO

Larry Lantz

After 15 years of owning a single-point dealership, during which time he became a President of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association and then the President of the Canadian International AutoShow, Larry Lantz is retiring from the business.

The 71-year-old sold Hanover Honda, which is based in Southwestern Ontario and which he owned with his two sons, Robert and David, to Michael Carmichael’s UpAuto earlier this month.

When Carmichael’s name was presented as a possible buyer, it intrigued Lantz because they both had similar philosophies in running a dealership, including operating a store outside of a major metropolis, a desire to give back to the community and not oversell in the service department.

Lantz said one of the highpoints of his career was being the TADA President and CIAS President. When a person is elected to the TADA executive board, the individual moves to become President a few years later. The following year as Past-President involves a one-year term as CIAS President.

“When I first got involved in the industry 40 years ago, it moved very slowly and the last 10 years things have just sped up like crazy,” said Lantz. “There used to be very few changes every year in the models coming out, and now these changes are fast and furious with new technologies. Every time you turn around, there’s something new coming at you.” 

The post Cross-Canada snapshot appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

Company Executive VP explains why Yewy is their way to keep up with progress

Since launching Yewy, their new online marketplace, on the September long weekend, it’s been a busy couple of weeks for the people at Bruce Auto Group, who are based in Nova Scotia. The company was fortunate enough to have escaped most of the major damage from Fiona, and was able to embark on their virtual marketplace journey, which seems to be going well. Canadian auto dealer talked with Bruce Auto Group’s Executive VP JP Martel about the new platform and the process to get there.

Through Yewy, customers will be able to buy, sell, finance or trade in vehicles from anywhere at any time, without ever entering the dealership if they don’t want to. Yewy is intended to be “an e-commerce extension of their business with the same level of trusted service and expertise.” Yewy enables customers to shop across the Bruce vehicle inventory, with no-haggle pricing transparency, a seven-day money-back guarantee and delivery directly to the customer’s driveway.

Though not a product of the pandemic, Yewy (the informal name for a U-turn) was developed with the future of the industry in mind. “We had an idea that this is where the industry was going, that there was a need for this even prior to Covid,” said Martel. “But Covid definitely accelerated this. Because of Covid of course, we had to sort of adapt very quickly to customers’ needs, and we learned a lot from that.”

Yewy takes the dealership online store to the next level in a couple of ways, said Martel. “The difference would be that a customer through Yewy can purchase a vehicle from start to finish without even talking to somebody at the dealership.” 

The omnichannel platform encompasses trade-ins, financing, and even warranties. But customers can talk to someone at the dealership at any step of the process. “When we talk about omnichannel, I think most people automatically think about a total online shopping or an online experience. But a customer could pick up a vehicle on Yewy, put it in the “garage”, add a few options like warranties, and then they could decide to do the paperwork and the delivery at the dealership, or at their home if they wanted to. So they could flip from one channel to the next at any time during the sales process,” said Martel.

The company knows that the proof is really in the driving, so vehicles purchased on Yewy come with a seven-day, 500 kilometre warranty so buyers can be confident the car they are buying will meet their needs.

The post Nova Scotia’s Bruce Auto Group launches Yewy online marketplace appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

The French-Canadian singer, businesswoman, blogger and busy mom will now use her unique skills to “enrich Hyundai Auto Canada’s presence in the province.”

Inspired by her music, food blog, personal journey, and large social media following, Hyundai Auto Canada has partnered with Marilou, a well-known French-Canadian creator, businesswoman and busy mom, to help promote the auto brand in la belle province as a new brand ambassador.

Marilou is the voice behind the popular Trois fois par jour website, and according to the Hyundai press release, “brings a unique perspective inspired by her personal journey to enrich Hyundai Auto Canada’s presence in the province.” As a cultural trendsetter, Marilou brings this long-term partnership her special social media talents, showing how her aspirational lifestyle fits perfectly with Hyundai’s products and brand aesthetic.

“To be a brand ambassador for Hyundai means a lot. With a hectic schedule, I find myself spending more waking hours in my vehicle than in my home these days, so being able to partner with a brand that combines all the modern luxury, comfort, safety, and functionality is all I could wish for,” said Marilou. “It’s really important for me to align with partners and brands that I feel passionate about and identify with. I’m excited to shine the spotlight on Hyundai in Quebec, and being able to cruise around my favourite city in amazing rides is just the cherry on top!”

The partnership launches alongside Hyundai Auto Canada’s new communications platform, “We make WAH,” with continued emphasis on the Korean expression – “WAH”. The phrase “Wah” or “Wow” in English.

A mom of two and entrepreneur  with multiple projects on the go including the growing Trois fois par jour business, her home renovations and aspirational social life, Marilou will collaborate with Hyundai Auto Canada to highlight her unique lifestyle in ways that bring “WAH” to both Hyundai customers and retailers in Quebec.

“A future thinker who has confidently steered her own career trajectory with independence and integrity, Marilou holds an organic synergy with Hyundai Auto Canada’s values,” said Christine Smith, director of marketing, Hyundai Auto Canada. “As we look to bring ’WAH!’ to our customers across Quebec, we’re thrilled to partner with Marilou, who continues to evolve in her numerous artistic pursuits and always aims to bring joy to her fans.”

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Celebrating excellence in Ambassadorship, Business Innovation and Retail Operations

Ambassadorship

For extraordinary service to the community and the industry

Frank G. Howard
Capital Auto Group,
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Business Innovation

For initiatives that significantly enhance performance or broaden the scope of business

Adil Ahamed
Destination Auto Group,
Burnaby, British Columbia

Retail Operations

For outstanding achievement within an individual dealership

Sonia Koller
Otto’s Subaru,
Ottawa, Ontario

Ambassadorship

For extraordinary service to the community and the industry

Perry Itzcovitch, Hyatt Auto Group,Calgary, AB

Advice to others: Early in my career, I read the book: Passion for Excellence by Tom Peters. It inspired me to bring passion to every job I took on and make it fun. I would give the same advice to young people entering the business now. Do your best, never stop learning, work hard and you will have a rewarding and fulfilling life in this industry. This business is dynamic and always evolving, so embrace the challenges with passion.

What I like most about the business: The people are what I love the most. I have been fortunate to work with high quality dealers who make a huge difference in their communities. There are dealer representatives and current and past employees with whom I share a special connection and friendship with. The personal relationships I have developed during my career and the talent I have helped to develop as a mentor have been very rewarding.

Peter S. MacDonald, MacDonald Auto Group, Charlottetown, PEI

Advice to others: Early on in my career I received a quote from the President of Ford of Canada that read: “Management’s job is to see the company not as it is, but as it can become.” This gave me insight to make changes to move the company forward. It is important to include not just your management team but your whole employee team to bring new ideas to your dealership and the industry.

What I like most about the business: I love the complexity of the different departments, I love the forever changing technology, but without question I most love the opportunities to have met so many wonderful people over the years. From the hundred plus employees and their families, the thousands of customers, and my peers from across the country which I have met in meetings, committees and on boards, I have made friends and acquaintances that will last a lifetime.

Dave Raymond, Raymond Auto Group, Mississauga, ON

Advice to others: There is an immense amount of opportunity in the car business, to be successful and to grow as a businessperson. All you have to do is be a good teammate, work hard and listen to each other. This way, anyone will thrive.

What I like most about the business: I love being the dealer that everyone looks to as a Sales and Marketing leader. We constantly develop innovative processes that dealers try to copy. I take that as a compliment. Dealers always ask me about our website and how we go to market, achieve great reviews and be the largest volume dealer in Canada. We are usually five years ahead of everyone and are often used as a reference by Ford Motor Company.

Gerry Wood, Wood Auto Group, Calgary, AB

Advice to others: Be innovative and be ready to work hard. Foster good relationships and be able to provide exceptional customer service.

What I like most about the business: The great people that I work with and the tremendous customers and colleagues that I have met and gotten to know over the years. They have brought great meaning to my life.

Business Innovation

For initiatives that significantly enhance performance or broaden the scope of business

Daniel Beaucage, Groupe Beaucage, Sherbrooke, QC

Advice to others: It’s never easy to create and innovate in an industry like ours. We are governed by regulations and different rules from the manufacturers. The best advice I can give is to work very hard. The work is the key. In my case, I never keep track of the hours. I recognize this is at odds with a lot of the talk about work/ life balance, but without hard work we won’t reach our objectives. There’s an old proverb that I like: “Work like no other, retire like no other.”

What I like most about the business: I’ve always been passionate about cars. I love seeing all the new technology and vehicle models over the years. I always have the drive to succeed, move ahead and win—just like a car race!

Mark K. Hicks, Sherwood Ford, Sherwood, AB

Advice to others: Success in all fields requires hard work and perseverance that cannot be overstressed. You must have a vision and goal for your future, and you must be relentless in achieving this. The most successful people in both sales and the technical fields of our business demonstrate this behaviour. Ensure your ability to communicate in whatever format required. Communication skills in general can define your life success and is a must in the automotive industry.

What I like most about the business: I love this business for many reasons. It is competitive, sure. Yet your personal dedication and focus create tangible results for your customers, staff and yourself. I love the people, especially their positive approach to problems and challenges. Each day is unique with opportunities to build on existing customer relationships and nurture new ones. It is also rewarding to see the impact of success on the lives of our employees—to build something great together.

Guy Lussier, Lussier Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltée, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC

Advice to others: This business consists of several divisions, and it’s important to develop and encourage employees and department heads to be entrepreneurial in their approach. Make sure to provide the right conditions that promote professional development and personal growth. Rigorously support ongoing training, including training from your manufacturer. Get involved in your community. Your customer is the key element that will determine your success, and recognizing this will deliver tremendous benefits.

What I like most about the business: As an accountant, I appreciate the many facets of the automotive retail business. It brings together several small businesses such as new vehicles, used vehicles, rentals, parts, service and collision repair. Regardless of the department, they all work towards the same goal of satisfying customers and building loyalty.

Pierre Spinelli, Groupe Spinelli, Montreal, QC

Advice to others: Our industry calls on all talents. In workshops, showrooms, administrative offices or research and development centers, the automobile offers exciting prospects for those who are propelled by challenges. Live your passions with the pedal to the floor and be one of those who always wants to go further.

What I like most about the business: In an ever-changing industry where technology evolves at breakneck speed, serving customers who demand the best in automotive services propels everything we do. Choosing a motor vehicle is a major investment. What makes me happiest is knowing that our customers are fully satisfied when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle that comes from or is being serviced at one of our dealerships.

Retail Operations

For outstanding achievement within an individual dealership

Hugues Carle, Carle Ford, Gatineau, QC

Advice to others: To be successful in automotive retail takes discipline and consistency. The great investor Warren Buffet once said, “We don’t have to be smarter than the rest. We have to be more disciplined than the rest.”

What I like most about the business: What I love most about the automotive retail industry is the unpredictability and richness of everyday encounters, both with customers and employees. Having the opportunity to work daily with an enthusiastic team towards a common goal is extremely rewarding, especially when the team that supports us is made up of people who are just as passionate as we are.

Bill Johnston, Johnston Chrysler, Hamilton, ON

Advice to others: My wife and I have a saying with our children, “if you are not a little bit uncomfortable then you are not trying hard enough.” I try to take this attitude to the workplace. We challenge our team to do things a little differently, try new things and accept that having some failure is normal on the road to success. Young people entering our business cannot fear change and discomfort. They need to embrace it.

What I like most about the business: What I love about the automotive retail business is that no two days are alike. We essentially are running four different businesses under one roof and our success is judged by our ability to assimilate them into one. But I also love selling vehicles. Nothing beats the feeling of helping a customer with what is often the second largest purchase they will ever make. It is all about emotions. Satisfying the emotions of your customer is a tremendous feeling.

Jim Murray, Brian Jessel BMW, Vancouver, BC

Advice to others: The growing opportunities in the automotive industry are larger than ever. Nowadays the automotive industry is full of technology and software which requires a long-term commitment to keep learning. The key to success in the industry is to view it as a career path instead of as a regular job.

What I like most about the business: The automotive retail industry is one of the most dynamic businesses in the world, where no two days are the same. This allowed me to witness and learn new business practices and apply strategies to cope with our customers’ demands. Consumer behaviours keep changing and so do we, and that’s what keeps me excited about the industry.

Don Walters, Selkirk GM, Selkirk, MB

Advice to others: As the dealership model is moving more and more towards ownership groups, the value of talented people is becoming more and more evident. Look after your employees and co-workers, treat them with respect and success will follow.

What I like most about the business: It may sound cliché, but I love that every day brings a new experience. It’s a multi-faceted industry that is constantly evolving and presenting new challenges. People love cars and trucks and that excitement is always pervasive in a dealership. I like the fact that as dealership employees we can share in that excitement.

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