Following a divestment by Mercedes-Benz Canada, the Dilawri Group of Companies has absorbed ownership of six Mercedes locations in Vancouver that previously formed the automaker’s Vancouver Retail Group.
The move was announced Wednesday and was immediately effective. The automaker is conducting a worldwide assessment of its Mercedes-Benz Cars sales and after-sales networks, and this transfer of ownership is part of that.
Mercedes-Benz Canada’s share of corporately owned retail locations was one of the highest globally, the company said in the news release.
That contributed to the automaker divesting the Vancouver stores to trim its overall Canadian corporate retail footprint.
“Throughout this process, our priority was to find a buyer who would maintain the same high standards of sales and service that our customers have come to expect from these well-established Vancouver locations,” Mercedes-Benz Canada president and chief executive officer Brian Fulton said in a news release.
“After a comprehensive review, which incorporated several of the leading Mercedes-Benz dealers across the globe, Dilawri Group of Companies emerged as our retailer of choice. In addition to their excellent retail experience and strong reputation in the industry, we were impressed by their commitment to our retail employees who are integral to creating positive experiences for our customers,” he said.
“We are confident that our customers and employees are in very good hands with Dilawri; they are experienced, reliable, socially responsible and invested in the dealerships’ long-term success. We look forward to supporting their efforts in Vancouver in the months and years to come.”
‘Honoured and thrilled’ to expand
Through this transfer of ownership, Dilawri takes on ownership of five dealerships and one bodyshop, as listed below by the companies:
- Mercedes-Benz North Vancouver (two locations):
- North Vancouver (Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales & Service)
- Bodyshop (Mercedes-Benz Cars Service)
- Mercedes-Benz Richmond (two locations):
- Richmond (Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales & Service)
- Richmond Service Center (Mercedes-Benz Cars Service)
- Mercedes-Benz Boundary (one location):
- Boundary Road (Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales & Service, Mercedes-Benz Vans Sales & Service)
- Mercedes-Benz Vancouver (one location):
- Terminal Avenue (Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales & Service)
Before this transaction, Dilawri already had Mercedes stores in Langley, British Columbia and Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec as part of its portfolio.
The companies emphasized the new ownership will not impact Mercedes customers.
Ajay Dilawri is the dealer group’s principal director, a role he shares with his brothers, Tony and Kap.
“We are honoured and thrilled to expand our partnership with Mercedes-Benz through the addition of these high-profile locations. We are committed to continuing the Mercedes-Benz tradition of delivering exceptional customer service and showcasing the brand’s lineup of world-class vehicles,” Ajay Dilawri said in a news release.
“We look forward to working closely with our new colleagues at the six locations and would like to officially welcome them to the Dilawri family.”
Zanchin Automotive Group is looking for its customized app to be used by customers as much as those individuals might hit their smartphone button to access Amazon or Instagram.
Mobile Einstein, a provider of geo-mobile sales solutions for dealer groups, recently announced that it has partnered with Zanchin Automotive Group, one of the largest dealer groups in Toronto with more than 32 locations and 18 brands.
Officials highlighted the partnership is geared to enable the group to deliver an enhanced omni-channel experience via the Zanchin Automotive Group mobile app.
Mobile Einstein insisted that customers are becoming increasingly mobile and expect to interact with their dealerships of choice through new digital channels. This partnership is designed to provide Zanchin Automotive Group with a branded mobile app for its family of dealerships.
Customers and potential buyers can download the free dealer app to their smartphone, providing a personalized customer and shopper experience with personalized notifications, targeted geo-fencing, easy service scheduling, roadside assistance, live chat, inventory browsing, test drive scheduling, mobile offers, customer referral programs and digital loyalty rewards, to name a few.
“We pride ourselves on delivering an enhanced customer experience, and for years Zanchin has built confidence with our customers who purchase and service both new and pre-owned vehicles from us. The way customers interact with the dealership is changing, and we have to change with it and offer options,” said Andria Zanchin, principal and executive vice president at Zanchin Automotive Group.
“In today’s digital world where every shopper and customer has a smartphone, delivering engaging experiences through a personalized dealer mobile app is key to growing long term customer relationships,” Zanchin continued. “We are excited to partner with Mobile Einstein and take our customer acquisition and service retention to the next level.”
As dealers like the Zanchin Automotive Group look to focus on fixed operations as a principal source of profitability, Mobile Customer VIP by Mobile Einstein can help dealerships optimize service revenue and retention by connecting with customers via their smartphone with timely automated alerts and offers during opportune moments in their vehicle lifecycle, such as an oil change, tire rotation, brake service, maintenance checkup and more.
The growth in GPS technology is giving rise to a trend in localization for the automotive industry. Geo-Mobile Sales by Mobile Einstein can allows dealerships to set a virtual perimeter around their location as well as competitor lots. When customers and potential buyers pass through the perimeter, they trigger a timely and personalized notification to their smartphone, with an effective call-to-action to visit the dealership’s sales and service center.
Creative call-to-actions can foster visits and participation such as a digital scratch and win, a loyalty reward, a virtual tour, a digital coupon, or a pop-up sales event.
With Geo-Mobile Sales, the Mobile Einstein solution can alert the dealer’s sales and service staff when customers and prospects are visiting a competitors’ lot, and prompts them to initiate a timely and personalized follow up based on detailed analytics on the name of the buyer, the dealership they’re visiting and time of day.
With this critical insight, dealerships can boost local awareness among prospects looking to purchase a vehicle and retain customers looking to schedule a service appointment.
And now the Zanchin Automotive Group has these tools from Mobile Einstein.
“While dealerships will continue to play a significant role as primary channels for building personal contact and relationships with customers, they will need to adapt their sales and fixed operations’ infrastructure to a new generation of consumer preferences that necessitate a mix of physical and digital presence,” said Tony della Busa, president and chief executive officer of Mobile Einstein.
“Forward-thinking leaders like Zanchin Auto Group are enhancing their mobile strategy by engaging shoppers at every stage of their buying journey. This targeted form of mobile communications is helping their family of dealerships to gain the ultimate competitive advantage by engaging customers at every key moment in their vehicle ownership lifecycle,” della Busa went on to say.
More details about the company products are available via this video or by going to mobileinstein.com.
AutoCanada said last week it will soon welcome its first Ford store, agreeing to buy Rose City Ford Sales Limited in Windsor, Ontario.
The 65,000-square-foot Rose City Ford dealership includes an 11-car showroom, 28 service bays and a collision center.
Ford Motor Co. of Canada and AutoCanada have signed a letter of intent regarding future operations of the dealership, and the pending deal – which is subject to customary closing conditions – is likely to close next month.
"We are very excited to acquire our first Ford dealership, an acquisition that will advance our strategy of diversifying the brand and geographic mix in our portfolio of dealerships," AutoCanada executive chairman Paul Antony said in a news release. "We would like to thank Rose City Ford and Ford of Canada for their confidence in AutoCanada, and we look forward to building a strong partnership with Ford."
AutoCanada president Michael Rawluk added: "We can't wait to welcome the Rose City Ford team to AutoCanada, and we look forward to continuing to build the Ford brand in Windsor with them.”
The Boyer Auto Group broke ground on its 10th dealership late last month: Boyer Hyundai, set to open early next summer in Pickering, Ontario.
The store will be the group’s second Pickering dealership.
The two-story facility will include floor-to-ceiling glass windows and two customer lounges, the dealership group said in its announcement.
The new dealership will also have a 16-bay service shop with an automatic car-wash system.
“This has been a long time coming,” Jason Boyer said in the announcement.
“A few hurdles to get through and lots of work still to be done. But the reward of a brand-new state-of-the-art facility, and adding the Hyundai franchise to the Boyer Auto Group next year, makes it all worth it!”
A new 22,000-square-foot facility set to be opened in Guelph, Ontario by year-end will serve as a Pfaff Automotive Partners Subaru dealership.
Pfaff Automotive Partners recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new dealership location that included attendees such as Mayor of Guelph Cam Guthrie, Subaru representatives and other community partners.
“Guelph is a growing, vibrant community that presents easy access from all major metropolitan centers and offers a very attractive quality of life,” Pfaff Automotive Partners president and chief executive officer Chris Pfaff said in a news release. “Since making the decision to locate in Guelph, it has been a great ride and we’re excited to join the community.”
The new Guelph dealership that Pfaff has broken ground on is being constructed in the north end of the city at 12 Wilbert Street near Woodlawn Road and Elmira Road.
Pfaff Automotive said that the new dealership will provide more options for Guelph residents on top of its already existing dealerships that are located in the area.
Called on to build the new Pfaff Subaru dealership by December, includes Alliance Roofing and other contractors in the Guelph area, according to the company.
Pfaff Automotive’s Guelph-based Subaru dealership will bring a total of 25 jobs to the area, and there may be room for more employment growth in the near future, the company said.
According to the company, it wanted to build in Guelph because the makeup of the city aligns with its current needs when it comes to key decision criteria such as location and quality of life.
“Guelph’s ideal location paired with convenient access to neighboring communities made Guelph an excellent fit for a new dealership,” Pfaff Automotive said in the news release.
Now that AutoCanada’s top leadership is finalized, the company is turning its attention back to expanding its dealership footprint.
This week, AutoCanada announced that it will be acquiring Mercedes-Benz Heritage Valley, which is one of only two Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Edmonton.
Mercedes-Benz Heritage Valley includes a 78,733 square foot facility, a 22-vehicle showroom, 23 service bays and nine detail bays.
“We are thrilled to acquire Mercedes-Benz Heritage Valley and to expand our luxury brand portfolio,” AutoCanada executive chairman Paul Antony said. “This acquisition is consistent with our strategy of selective and disciplined acquisitions, with a view to superior operational performance and diversification of our portfolio of dealerships.”
The company said the acquisition of Mercedes-Benz Heritage Valley remains subject to customary closing conditions, but AutoCanada expects to close by the end of September.
“With its stunning state-of-the-art facility, Mercedes-Benz Heritage Valley will be a flagship dealership for AutoCanada in our home of Edmonton,” AutoCanada president Michael Rawluk said. “We look forward to the opportunity to continue to build the Mercedes-Benz brand in the Edmonton market, and we are committed to operational excellence at Mercedes-Benz Heritage Valley. I have full confidence in Bobby Ammar, who will be appointed as dealer principal.”
The automaker cheered the acquisition announcement, too.
“Mercedes-Benz is pleased to partner again with AutoCanada,” Mercedes-Benz Canada president and chief executive officer Brian Fulton said. “We would like to thank Tom Wilson for taking Mercedes-Benz Heritage Valley to the stage that it is at today, and we look forward to continued growth and success for its new owners, AutoCanada and dealer principal Bobby Ammar, at Mercedes-Benz Heritage Valley.”
The transformation of AutoCanada’s leadership structure appears to have peaked.
According to a news release distributed on Wednesday, AutoCanada named three more top executives for the company that operates dealerships in both Canada and the United States.
The company said Raj Juneja has been appointed as chief financial officer, while Michael Cunningham has been appointed as vice president of finance and chief financial officer for the United States.
Meanwhile, AutoCanada named Peter Hong as chief strategy officer and general counsel.
Juneja was previously a senior partner with Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg, one of Canada’s leading business law firm. With a core focus on tax and related corporate finance, Juneja was one of Canada’s most distinguished financial and tax lawyers.
AutoCanada highlighted that Juneja has more than 17 years of experience working with public companies, as well as their investors, in solving their most complex problems. He has extensive experience with corporate finance, capital markets, REITs and mergers and acquisitions.
Cunningham was previously the chief financial officer of Potamkin Automotive Group, one of the largest automotive dealer groups in the United States, with 16 brands spread across five states and 34 locations. He was also previously the vice president of finance for the Western region of AutoNation, overseeing more than 70 dealer locations.
Hong also was previously a senior partner with Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg where he was one of Canada’s leading M&A and securities lawyers. Hong has more than 20 years of experience dealing with some of Canada’s most complex M&A, securities and finance transactions, and advising public companies and their boards on strategic and governance matters.
With the appointments announced this week of Juneja, Cunningham and Hong, along with the appointments previously announced on July 3 and Aug. 9, the remainder of the executive management team at AutoCanada is comprised of the following individuals:
• Paul Antony, executive chairman
• Michael Rawluk, president
• William “Bill” Berman, president, United States
“I am very excited that we were able to add such high quality, accomplished and experienced individuals to the AutoCanada executive team,” Antony said. “I welcome Raj, Michael and Peter and look forward to locking arms with the executive team, and more importantly, everyone within the organization as we embark on the next leg and evolution of AutoCanada's journey.”
Rawluk shared, “We have filled out our team with a winning combination of committed and seasoned executives, ready to meet all challenges. I am incredibly energized to continue with our laser-focus on operational excellence, while selectively adding dealerships, in order to deliver long-term profitable growth.”
And Berman added, “I have had the privilege to work with some amazing and accomplished executive teams over the years, and I am extremely proud to be part of the AutoCanada team. I am looking forward to what this team can accomplish.”
Pfaff Automotive Partners has acquired a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Kitchener, Ontario, the group announced early this month.
Now named Mercedes-Benz Kitchener-Waterloo, Pfaff’s newly purchased facility spans 41,000 square-feet and was last owned by Victoria Star Motors, which first launched operations at the location in 1994.
“When I was getting my start in the automotive industry, I worked with the Mercedes-Benz brand from 1982 to 1985,” Pfaff Automotive Partners president and chief executive officer Chris Pfaff said in a news release. “What I learned about premium products and a premium customer experience has stuck with me, and that’s just one reason I’m so excited to be involved with the brand once again.”
Located at 125 Centennial Road, Mercedes-Benz Kitchener-Waterloo is an AMG Performance Center, a Mercedes-Benz van retailer and a smart retailer, according to Pfaff Automotive.
The group also said that the dealership provides both retail and commercial customers a vast selection of vehicle options that fit a variety of price ranges.
“Mercedes-Benz Canada is extremely pleased to welcome Chris Pfaff to our family of retailers,” said Brian Fulton, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. “Chris has successfully represented high luxury automotive brands across the country for many decades. With the support of a highly qualified team already in place, I am very confident that the significant level of commitment and experience that Chris brings to Mercedes-Benz Kitchener-Waterloo will ensure its sustained growth and continued success.”
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the Alkiers for their 25 excellent years of dedicated service at Victoria Star Motors,” said Fulton.
Go Auto has purchased the Toyota on the Trail store that’s located close to the dealership network’s nearby Drayton Valley Toyota location.
The company announced Wednesday that it has begun operations at Toyota on the Trail with new general manager Shane Sutherland, who most recently served as GM at Edmonton's Norden Volkswagen store. The dealership is the top Volkswagen store in Western Canada and the No. 2 store nationwide, according to Go Auto.
“Toyota on the Trail customers are going to love Shane Sutherland,” Go Auto president Jason Smith said in a news release. “He set all-time highs for customer satisfaction at Norden Volkswagen, and he's excited to bring that same customer-first approach to the Toyota brand.
“Despite his success he's remained a humble and fun-loving guy, and his hallmark has always been clean and clear communication. This is exactly what customers expert from their dealerships today," Smith added.
“We couldn't be more excited to continue our partnership with Toyota in a central, convenient Edmonton location,” added Smith. “Toyota is already a world-class brand with class-leading vehicles.
“For us to be able to add the Go Auto advantage to that — our exclusive benefits, our 24/7 customer service, our communication tools — is tremendously exciting, both for us, and, we hope, for the Edmonton car buyer.”
At Toyota on the Trail, Go Auto said that Toyota buyers can now take advantage of several exclusive benefits.
Along with 10 percent off parts and service purchases and up to $500 in referral bonuses, Go Auto offers customers free service loaners, a 30-day exchange privilege, as well as in-house insurance and finance options, according to the dealership network.
A 16,000-square-foot size building in a suburb just west of Montreal is now the home of HGregoire’s second Mitsubishi Motors dealership.
The group announced Wednesday that it invested an estimated $13.5 million to open its new Mitsubishi Vaudreuil dealership in the Quebec town of Vaudreuil-Dorion last week.
In addition to HGregoire’s new Mitsubishi Vaudreuil location and established Laval Mitsubishi store, the group owns six other new vehicle dealerships: a Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-RAM store, Hyundai store, INFINITI store and three Nissan stores.
“Being always ready to diversify our vehicle offerings to our clients, we are pleased to announce the opening of this Mitsubishi Motors banner in the western suburbs of the island of Montreal,” HGregoire president John Hairabedian said in a news release announcing Mitsubishi Vaudreuil's grand opening. “Already firmly established on the north shore of the island, it was logical for us to set up shop in the dynamic town of Vaudreuil-Dorion, to more easily serve our clientele.”
Additionally, HGregoire also explained that though the new store has only been open for two weeks, Mitsubishi Vaudreuil will be upgraded to match Mitsubishi Motors' latest brand image.
“Mitsubishi Canada is proud to once again join with HGregoire, this time at Vaudreuil-Dorion,” said Tony Laframboise, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada. “Given the incredible success of HGregoire Mitsubishi Laval in its very first year of operation, we are certain that this new dealership will be just as successful and will delight clients in the area, particularly with a lineup that includes the all-new Eclipse Cross and the game-changing Outlander PHEV."
HGregoire’s new Mitsubishi store is located at 111 Rue Joseph-Carrier in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec.
