What recession? Vehicle sales set records in 2009 at OpenRoad Auto Group

(Richmond - January 4, 2010) In a year when auto sales appeared to be slowing, OpenRoad Auto Group's nine dealerships have bucked the trend, as OpenRoad dealerships post increases of new and used vehicle sales, with results above last year and well above Canadian averages for 2009.

"We have had a banner year and our Lower Mainland sales have exceeded the Western Canada and national averages for year over year sales," said Christian Chia, President of OpenRoad Auto Group (www.openroadcanada.com). "On top of these outstanding auto sales numbers, our nine dealerships have all achieved all-time service business records, and most have all-time parts business records as well."

From January through November 2009, OpenRoad's dealerships recorded a 3.9 per cent year-over-year increase in total new and used vehicles sold, with a 24.3 per cent increase in used vehicles sold. Service repair orders were up 14.2 per cent and parts sales were up 15.5 per cent. OpenRoad's retail stores were top in BC for retail volume for five manufacturer brands, including Audi, Hyundai, Lexus, Mazda and Toyota.

OpenRoad's Acura sales were 51.6 per cent higher than last year, where the Canadian average was a decrease of 12.5 per cent. Audi sales at OpenRoad were above 60 per cent up from last year, where the western Canadian average was eight per cent. And Hyundai sales at OpenRoad rose 61 per cent, well above the Canadian average of 27 per cent.

OpenRoad Auto Group (www.openroadcanada.com) owns and operates nine dealerships and one auto body shop, with locations across Vancouver's Lower Mainland. A leading automotive retailer known for its people, integrity and innovation, OpenRoad is one of the largest and fastest growing automotive retail groups in Canada.