OpenRoad Auto, 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.
In a news release, it was announced that 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.
The move brings together eight NewRoads dealerships with OpenRoad’s four existing Ontario operations 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,” explained 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, said the news release.
“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,” said 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.”
OpenRoad Auto now operates 44 locations across Canada, representing 25 automotive brands, in addition to seven collision centres and a growing presence in the Ontario market.
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