Albi Mazda of Mascouche - Phenomenal

VIDEO PRESENTATION

PHOTO GALLERY

That's about the only word that can describe the new facilities built for the relocation of Denis Leclerc's Mazda dealership. No wonder why he's called "Albi the Giant".

The world's largest Mazda dealer
Can you imagine that a dealer from a small Quebec town is actually the largest Mazda dealer in the world? When he purchased his Mazda

Denis Leclerc (Photo: Olivier Delorme, Auto123.com)

dealership in 1997, Denis Leclerc said it would become the largest in Canada in less than a year. As a matter of fact, it did, in 1998. Then Mr. Leclerc set his sights on surpassing the largest Mazda dealer in North America: Longwood Mazda, in Florida. That goal was achieved no later than in 2000. At the time, I did a feature about the event. It was a real neck-and-neck race: "In April, we were 150 vehicles behind. Then, during the summer, we had the same number. November saw us trailing again, this time only by 7 vehicles. It was really in December that we took the lead for good, selling 251 more vehicles," Mr. Leclerc told me back then. As a thank you gift to all the members of his staff, he brought everyone with him for a one-week vacation in Florida, in February 2001.

Still not satisfied, Mr. Leclerc wanted to be crowned as the largest Mazda dealer on the planet. That dream became reality in 2004 with 4,066 vehicles sold. He never relinquished his title since.

His secret?
While Denis Leclerc emphasized the contribution of his team back in 2001, he told me the same thing last Friday night, but he added that the customer service was also responsible for the success of his dealership. "Sure, it's nice to sell the most Mazda vehicles in the world, but you have

(Photo: Olivier Delorme, Auto123.com)

to know how to satisfy the needs of the customers and to keep them onboard. It's the strong bond between our employees and our clients that helps Albi Mazda evolve into something greater."

On that evening, he also confessed to me that his precious collaborators had guided him and helped him to develop such a dynamic approach. He was grateful to all, especially Pierre Lapointe and Loulou, his ex-wife, who's still involved in the dealership's management. Mr. Leclerc pointed out that she was the one who insisted and convinced him to build this new dealership focused on a better customer service. "She made me realize just how important this turnaround was."

A humongous dealership
Albi Mazda moved to 3550, Blériot Street in Mascouche. You have to see it to believe it: the 154,000 foot-square building is planted on a 24-acre

(Photo: Olivier Delorme, Auto123.com)

land. The showroom is two stories high and contains more than 200 vehicles, while the service department has 18 work stations and 80 lifts. However, the welcoming area impressed me the most: during your appointment, you can observe the technicians working on your car while taking a snack or having your hair done!

That's right, Mr. Leclerc incorporated a hair salon into his dealership, L'Image, managed by Sylvie Roy et Joël Enrique. Haircuts for men and women, manicures, nail care and even a jewel exhibit (Roxanne Mantion) are on the menu.

You're hungry? Denis Leclerc added a coffee shop and croissant stand on top of the vending machines in the waiting area. I'm sure the customers who come from out of town will appreciate this idea.