Laval, September 2010
BMW-MINI Laval’s expansion project got underway with a groundbreaking ceremony. Carmine D’Argenio heads this family business, with at least one family member in almost every department of the dealership. All were present, along with many other notables, at this official opening ceremony.
A Little Bit of History
Upon his arrival in Montreal, Gerardo D’Argenio, while still a student, started his career by washing cars and working in a gas station, where his passion for cars grew accordingly. He opened his first gas station in 1965, and then a second one, in 1967.
In 1973, he founded Auto Boulevard St-Martin, which offered a variety of leading car brands. This company, starting with just 4 staffers, rapidly became a very prosperous dealership, which in turn, acquired a BMW franchise in 1975.
The company relocated to 2450 Chomedey Boulevard, Laval, in 2001, a necessary move given its growing size. When the MINI brand was launched in 2002, BMW Laval was among the first to take the plunge. Since then, the company has been renamed BMW-MINI Laval, with a focus on selling and servicing these two luxury brands. Today, the 7,990-sq. m. BMW-MINI Laval has over 180 employees, with 42 hydraulic lifts ready for service.
In 2000, Gerardo’s son, Carmine, became the President and General Director of the dealership. Also, one of Gerardo’s daughters, Ellie, is now the Director of the biggest team of BMW and MINI-accredited technicians and consultants throughout all of Canada. Meanwhile, Gerardo is still active as Chairman of the Board, making sure that the company continues to carry out its vision and values.
Bigger and Bigger
The $7 million project will include a completely independent MINI facility, with a 10-vehicle showroom, 12 service bays, as well as a parts and accessories department.
The project will also feature a new used-car showroom and, on the second floor, a delivery centre capable of holding more than 40 new BMWs.
The existing BMW showroom will be renovated and expanded to receive even more new models.
Finally, this 4,645 sq. m. expansion will increase the facility’s total surface area to 12,542 sq. m. It will also create around 220 new jobs. The opening is planned for April 2011.
Alain Laforest, Regional Director, Eastern Region, BMW Canada,
Gerardo D’Argenio, Chairman of the Board, BMW Laval,
Gilles Vaillancourt, Mayor of Laval, Carmine D’Argenio, President, BMW Laval,
Franz Jung, President and CEO of BMW Canada, Ellie D'Argenio, Service Manager, BMW Laval,
Luc Bouffard C.G.A., Controller and Director of Finances, BMW Laval
Gerry Caputo, Marketing and Communication Manager, BMW Laval,
Gerardo D’Argenio, Chairman of the Board, BMW Laval, Gilles Vaillancourt, Mayor of Laval , Carmine D’Argenio, President, BMW Laval, Rosine Izart, wife of Carmine D’Argenio,
Franz Jung, President and CEO, BMW Canada, Mike Masciotra, Parts Manager, BMW Laval,
Ellie D’Argenio, Service Manager, BMW Laval,
Stéphane Hamel, General Sales Manager, BMW Laval,
Guylaine Dupuis Director of Human Ressources, BMW Laval,
Alain Laforest, Regional Director, Eastern Region, BMW Canada,
Terry Grant, Customer Relations Manager, BMW Laval,
Luc Bouffard C.G.A. Controller and Director of Finances, BMW Laval
