EDMONTON, Alberta and BOLTON, Ontario -

In a piece of news from one of Canada’s largest dealer groups, AutoCanada Inc. revealed this week it has obtained approval from General Motors of Canada to purchase an 80-percent non-voting equity interest in Peter Baljet Chevrolet GMC Buick located in Duncan, British Columbia. 

The company expects the closing date of the transaction to be March 1.

Peter Baljet currently services the Duncan and Cowichan Valley area of Vancouver Island.

And in 2012, the store sold 416 new vehicles and 372 used vehicles. 

Commenting on the news, Pat Priestner, chief executive officer of AutoCanada said, "AutoCanada is pleased to be approved for its third GM Canada dealership, and looks forward to representing the Chevrolet, Buick and GMC brands in this economically stable and vibrant community and building upon the 26 years of proud success of Peter Baljet."

The company also reported that in accordance with the previously announced terms of the ownership structure for GM dealerships approved by GM Canada, AutoCanada shall purchase an 80 percent  non-voting equity interest through a holding company together with Priestner  and other senior managers.

Priestner will have 100 percent of the voting shares of the holding company and will be named as dealer operator. 

AutoCanada will integrate the operations of the dealership into the company's Lower Mainland platform, officials concluded.

Dilwari Group Adds 2 Dealerships to Lineup

In other news from Canadian dealer groups, The Dilawri Group of Companies recently revealed their expansion into Brampton with the addition of Frost Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac Ltd.

The dealership will retain the Frost name and continue to offer the full range of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles, the company said.

"We couldn't be more proud or excited to offer consumers the quality of products and service that General Motors is known for," said Omar Khan, managing regional director of operations at Dilawri Group. "Backed by our integrity-based approach to sales and our firm commitment of providing exceptional service to every customer who comes through our doors, we look forward to continuing to serve the Brampton community."

The Branton dealership opened in 1966, and the existing store, situated on 320 Queen St. E. ceased operation on Feb. 2 and opened for business at the new location on 150 Bovaird Dr. on Feb. 4.

"In sharing a common belief that consumers should be privy to the highest standards in quality, innovation, and service; the partnership between GM Canada and the Dilawri Group was a natural one," said Kap Dilawri of the Dilawri Group of Companies. "The future for Frost Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac is a promising one.

The company also expanded into Bolton, Ontario, with the addition of Bolton Toyota earlier this month.

"We couldn't be more proud or excited to offer consumers the quality of products and service that Toyota is known for," said Khan. "Backed by our integrity-based approach to sales and our firm commitment of providing exceptional service to every customer who comes through our doors, we look forward to continuing to serve the Bolton community."

The store has been serving the Bolton community since 2004.

Larry Hutchinson, managing director for Toyota Canada said "we are proud to welcome the Dilawri Group to the Toyota family and know they will continue to grow the Toyota brand in Bolton."

Sarah Rubenoff can be reached at srubenoff@autoremarketing.com. Continue the conversation with Auto Remarketing Canada on LinkedIn and Twitter.