A $40-million development in London’s east end is now open and has its first occupant.
Leavens Volkswagen is the first of four automobile dealerships to move to the new auto mall, at Crumlin Road and Dundas Street E.
The mall will eventually be able to hold up to six dealerships.
MacMaster Chevrolet, London City Chrysler and a new Mazda dealer will make the move to the new location.
Leavens Volkswagen is relocating after nearly 60 years.
Owner Chris Leavens says his customers are still going to the former location.
“I would say about 25 per cent of the people are still going to the old location, even if they know we've moved."
But, he feels the new location is better.
"There is a benefit to having all our dealers in one location, people can cross-shop and compare and figure out which is best."
For customers, one-stop shopping and more choice is welcome.
“It gives a sense of freshness, and a sense of anticipation that maybe you'll find something different that you didn't find in the other locations,” says Gord Watson.
And it’s good news for east end dealers competing with the upgraded dealerships in the west and along the Wharncliffe auto mile.
Dealers are confident buyers in the north end will switch to the east.
“We feel with the easy access along the highway to the north, we can do a better job servicing, particularly, north London,” Leavens says.
The dealerships had wanted to move north, but couldn’t get the zoning.
Leavens has added staff due to the larger dealership and as more places open, it will also mean more job opportunities.
Most of the dealerships will be expanding to near double the size or their previous locations.
