New Nissan dealer opens in North Winnipeg
By Myron Love
WINNIPEG, MAN. – It’s a win-win for Jeff Novakoski, his partners, Dale Isfeld and Darrel Endresen, and Nissan Canada.
With the conversion in early May of Novakoski’s AutoWest used-car operation into Winnipeg’s newest Nissan dealer, McPhillips Nissan, the AutoWest partners have realized their goal of operating a new car franchise.
For Nissan Canada, the new store – its fourth in Winnipeg – completes the circle. Nissan had stores in east, west and south Winnipeg and now have one in north Winnipeg as well.
“Nissan was impressed by our outstanding sales and service record over the past two years,” Novakoski says.
AutoWest had been one of Winnipeg's largest used-car dealers, carrying between 200 and 240 late-model vehicles. The dealership had been selling a varied selection of makes and models manufactured between 2002 and 2011.
McPhillips Nissan is located in the former home of the defunct Garden Gate Pontiac Buick GMC.
AutoWest was founded by Lawrence Isfeld in 2004. Isfeld operates a number of new car dealerships in Alberta and British Columbia. Novakoski and his partners bought the business from Isfeld (who is no relation to Dale Isfeld) in early 2011.
Novakoski had been the sales manager at the used-car store for two years prior to becoming managing partner.
McPhillips Nissan will be carrying up to 140 new Nissan models as well as about 100 used models of differing progeny.
“We have a lot of loyal customers,” Novakoski said. “We want to continue to offer them the kinds of choices they are used to.”
Novakoski and his team are excited about becoming a Nissan dealer.
“Nissan sales are growing in both Canada and the United States,” he noted. “Nissan’s market share is growing and the company has introduced a number of new redesigned models over the past few months.”
The first order of business for the new Nissan dealer is going to be a thorough makeover. Renovations will start mid-July with finishing touches expected to be wrapped up by this November.
“We will be replacing the windows, doors and ceiling as we create our new Nissan image look.”
Along with the external makeover, the team said the dealership is hiring, adding more sales rep and technicians.
