Hyundai officially welcomed its newest dealership into the Canadian network last night with a gala event at Stouffville Hyundai.
The new store, located on Highway 48 in Stouffville, Ont., (roughly 15 minutes northeast of Toronto), was born out of a partnership between dealer principal Pieter van der Griend and his partner and head of the Zanchin Automotive Group, Joe Zanchin.
“This is a great day in the history of Hyundai Cars Canada,” said Hyundai president and CEO, Steve Kelleher. “I know they are new to our team, but they [van der Griend and Zanchin] already know they belong.”
The facility is just shy of 14,000 square feet with a large, open showroom, customer lounge and children’s play area near the service department. Van der Griend says the service area has room for eight hoists but have started with three now.
Second floor administrative space overlooks the showroom, which, last night, was full of well-dressed attendees and hot Hyundai product.
One of the biggest headturners was Hyundai’s luxury sedan, the Equus. The only Equus in the country, according to some staff, the new high-end model is expected to debut in Canadian showrooms early next year. Stouffville Hyundai will be one of the chosen dealerships selling the new car.
Van der Griend spoke to the crowd after brief speeches from Stouffville mayor Wayne Emmerson, Kelleher and Zanchin. He took the time to thank everyone who has helped make his “dream” possible, noting how he is looking forward to the future at the new store.