Kingston, Ontario – While some Canadian auto dealers are about to close doors (or recently have), others are doing the exact opposite. That’s the case of Arnie Mierins, owner of Kingston Toyota, who just helped break ground for what will soon be the only Lexus dealership inside the Montreal-Toronto-Ottawa triangle: Lexus of Kingston.
This 31st Lexus dealership in Canada will adjoin the facilities of Kingston Toyota in the Western part of the city. That’s where Mr. Mierins relocated its business three years ago. "Kingston is expanding westward, so the move made absolute sense," explains Bruce Stuart, Project Manager of Lexus of Kingston and General Manager of Kingston Toyota.
Construction will take place in two stages. "First, we’ll build the sales area, which will cover approximately 10,000 square feet. Then, following stage 2, our new Lexus dealership will spread over nearly 18,000 square feet. There will be a modern showroom that can house up to 6 vehicles as well as a service area with 14 work bays," adds Mr. Stuart.
A large facility
Lexus of Kingston will employ over 20 people when it’s finally 100-percent operational. "We hope to sell up to 130 units in the first year," says the general manager. That number is a realistic one given the current sales volumes and the company’s strong reputation. In 2008, Kingston Toyota almost sold 1,300 vehicles, including a thousand new models and about 300 pre-owned models.
"Buyers are eager to purchase Lexus products. We know because they keep telling us and asking when the dealership will open. It’s a good sign!"
Aside from Van Herpt Motors, which sells Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the Greater Kingston area doesn’t have any other premium car dealership. "Acura, Infiniti, Audi and BMW are all missing around here," confirms Mr. Stuart. "Sure, there’s also a Volvo dealership, but can you really call it a premium brand?"
Significant investment
The Lexus of Kingston project required a $9 million investment. "Community is very important to us and we look forward to creating special moments here where we live and work. We’ve been planning this project for 10 years or so and it’s finally taking shape," says Mr. Stuart.
Construction should be completed by December of 2009, with the inauguration to follow one month later. The timing couldn’t be better as Kingston Toyota will celebrate its 30th anniversary -- and 20 years of Lexus operations in Canada -- in January of 2010!
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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| Last June 19th was ground-breaking time for Lexus of Kingston. For this occasion, Bruce Stuart, Project Manager of Lexus of Kingston and General Manager of Kingston Toyota, was joined by Toyota Canada’s Managing Director, Stephen Beatty. |
This 31st Lexus dealership in Canada will adjoin the facilities of Kingston Toyota in the Western part of the city. That’s where Mr. Mierins relocated its business three years ago. "Kingston is expanding westward, so the move made absolute sense," explains Bruce Stuart, Project Manager of Lexus of Kingston and General Manager of Kingston Toyota.
Construction will take place in two stages. "First, we’ll build the sales area, which will cover approximately 10,000 square feet. Then, following stage 2, our new Lexus dealership will spread over nearly 18,000 square feet. There will be a modern showroom that can house up to 6 vehicles as well as a service area with 14 work bays," adds Mr. Stuart.
A large facility
Lexus of Kingston will employ over 20 people when it’s finally 100-percent operational. "We hope to sell up to 130 units in the first year," says the general manager. That number is a realistic one given the current sales volumes and the company’s strong reputation. In 2008, Kingston Toyota almost sold 1,300 vehicles, including a thousand new models and about 300 pre-owned models.
"Buyers are eager to purchase Lexus products. We know because they keep telling us and asking when the dealership will open. It’s a good sign!"
Aside from Van Herpt Motors, which sells Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the Greater Kingston area doesn’t have any other premium car dealership. "Acura, Infiniti, Audi and BMW are all missing around here," confirms Mr. Stuart. "Sure, there’s also a Volvo dealership, but can you really call it a premium brand?"
Significant investment
The Lexus of Kingston project required a $9 million investment. "Community is very important to us and we look forward to creating special moments here where we live and work. We’ve been planning this project for 10 years or so and it’s finally taking shape," says Mr. Stuart.
Construction should be completed by December of 2009, with the inauguration to follow one month later. The timing couldn’t be better as Kingston Toyota will celebrate its 30th anniversary -- and 20 years of Lexus operations in Canada -- in January of 2010!
photo:Matthieu Lambert