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Trotman Automotive Group of Langley, B.C has just added Mainland Ford in Surrey to its collection of car dealerships in British Columbia.
Mainland Ford joins seven other Trotman car dealerships: Langley Chrysler in Langley, Comox Valley Dodge (Courtenay), Alpine Toyota (Cranbrook), Abbotsford Hyundai (Abbotsford), Abbotsford Chrysler (Abbotsford), Langley FIAT (Surrey) and White Rock Volkswagen (Surrey).
“We had wanted a Ford dealership for years,” says company president and CEO Mike Trotman. “Ford is the number one car brand in North America, but their dealerships are very difficult to acquire—there is so much competition for one.” Langley Chrysler, the group’s flagship store, is the cornerstone of the Trotman Automotive Group, which was formed by Mike Trotman and his brothers Mitch and Brad in 2003.
“I had just finished a business degree at University of British Columbia, and was planning a career in finance,” Trotman says. “But I saw an opportunity to improve on the old car dealership business model by introducing and applying modern business methods. So we began to build a team of like-minded people, starting with my partners Mitch and Brad in the late 1990s.”
Trotman’s goal was to transform the way car dealerships do business.
“Instead of focusing on the outcome—selling a car—we focus on the process, the guest and employee experience,” Trotman explains. “We strive to make that experience as fun, friendly and transparent as possible.”
With its latest acquisition, Trotman Automotive will have total group sales of about $275 million, a ten-fold increase since they took over operation of the dealership 20 years ago.
“Trotman Automotive is one of the most progressive and innovative dealer groups in Canada, with a youthful, vibrant culture,” says Trotman. “Our team of over 400 employees is a major contributor to our revenue, growth and success.”