OpenRoad expands into U.S.

VANCOUVER, B.C. – OpenRoad is expanding south of the border with the acquisition of an established luxury dealership in Bellevue, Washington.

The store, which retails Bentley, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, marks the first time the B.C.-based group has grown into the American market.

“This is an incredible opportunity to grow our luxury lineup and expand our dealership group by entering into a new, world-class market that’s only about a three-hour drive from Vancouver – or less if you’re driving a Lamborghini!” said Christian Chia, OpenRoad Auto Group chief.

“We look forward to working with general manager Mark Maakestad and getting into the spirit of the Seattle Seahawks with the rest of his team.”

The acquisition of Bentley, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bellevue was completed on Jan. 19. The brands are not entirely new to Chia and the team as OpenRoad already operates a Rolls-Royce dealership in Vancouver, while Bentley and Lamborghini are part of the VW Group along with Audi and Porsche – three brands OpenRoad has proven to be successful with in Burnaby and Langley.

As demand for luxury and ultra-luxury brands continues to grow, so will production of exclusive new Bentley, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce models.

In 2018, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is slated to launch their flagship, Phantom Sedan and soon after an SUV code-named Cullinan.

Bentley Motors is set to mark its centennial anniversary in 2019 along with the company’s celebrated history as the ultimate British luxury automobile icon.

OpenRoad’s newest dealership is located in an urban centre 16 kilometres outside of Seattle in a region that’s home to many of the world’s leading companies, including Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Paccar, Costco and Amazon.

Bellevue has many of the same characteristics that make the Greater Vancouver area so desirable like its prime location in the Pacific Northwest, its cultural diversity, robust economy, beautiful geography and mild climate.

Financial details of the purchase were not disclosed.