TORONTO and SASKATOON, Saskatchewan -

Luxury automakers Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are each celebrating new locations meant to serve Canadian customers.

Mercedes-Benz officials gathered to break ground late last week on construction of Langley Mercedes-Benz, a $9.5 million retail facility in the Fraser Valley.

The British Columbia dealership will be located on a 3.8-acre site at the corner of Glover Road and the Langley Bypass.

The 46,500-square-foot building will serve as home for the Mercedes-Benz, AMG and smart brands in Langley, the company said, and will serve the growing after-sales, parts and accessories needs of customers in the region.

The design and layout of the new structure will follow Mercedes-Benz’ proprietary Autohaus concept, including a 16,600-square-foot showroom incorporating the trademark widespread use of glass.

The facility’s service area encompasses nearly 10,000 square feet, and will offer 16 state-of-the-art bays, the company said, including two oversized bays to accommodate the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

And to help streamline the process for new and pre-owned vehicle deliveries, a separate, dedicated area will offer five-car capacity.

“This retail facility represents a new dealer appointment for us, and we are extremely pleased to work with the Dilawri Group to ensure that we are well-represented in this important region,” said Tim Reuss, president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz Canada. “We feel there is an enormous potential for growth in the Fraser Valley, and a beautiful new home for our brands at one of the most high profile corners in Langley will ensure that we are poised and ready to best serve the needs of existing and potential customers alike in the area.”

Langley city leaders joined Mercedes-Benz and Dilawri Group officials in the groundbreaking, which the company noted will create new jobs.

“I’m delighted to welcome the Mercedes-Benz dealership to our community and to the Fraser Valley,” said the Honourable Peter Fassbender, mayor of Langley. “I believe that its location is ideal, and on behalf of our Council, I wish the new Langley Mercedes-Benz dealership much success. This is just one more economic boost for our community.”

“We are very excited to join the Mercedes-Benz Canada dealer network, and look forward to serving our future Mercedes-Benz customers,” said Ajay Dilawri, president of the Dilawri Group of Companies, who also took part in the groundbreaking ceremonies. “The significant investment announced today will ensure that we erect a new facility in Langley that is truly representative of this well-respected mark.”

Plans for the new building were developed by Kasian Architecture, and the project is managed by Ledcor. Construction will begin immediately, the company said, with the dealership slated for a spring 2013 completion.

Porsche Opens First Saskatchewan Dealership

Meanwhile, Porsche of Saskatchewan officially opened on Wednesday as the area’s first and only Porsche dealership, owned by Vaughn Wyant.

The facility is located at 335 Brand Road in the Saskatoon Auto Mall, and manages the purchase, service and configuration of an entire line of premium vehicles, the company said.

“We’re proud to represent Porsche with a facility and team of professionals deserving of both the brand and our customers,” said Wyant. “It’s thrilling to see so many of our vehicles on the streets and roads of Saskatchewan. The timing is right and we’re ready to grow. Our opening (is) a true celebration of years of planning.”

Wyant adds Porsche of Saskatchewan to a collection of brands in the Saskatoon Auto Mall that comprise the Vaughn Wyant Automotive Group. The Auto Mall development began in 2001 when Wyant moved his Ford, Jaguar and Volvo dealerships to the South Circle Drive location, the company said.