The Mercedes-Benz dealership in Langley City just celebrated a year in business and already it’s helped put more than $280,000 into local charity.
Soon after opening, the dealership became a supporter of the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation and is the sponsor for the Denim and Diamonds galas for 2014 and 2015.
“It’s not only a spectacular event but an important fundraiser,†said dealership manager Dean Rideout.
Dilawri dealerships support causes in the communities in which they operate.
“We’re always quite interested in helping children and hospitals,†he explained.
The support for the hospital foundation has been strong even as staff worked to establish the new dealership, said Kate Ludlam, the foundation’s senior donor relations officer.
“Mercedes Langley has been very quick to support us,†she said.
That included the dealership’s May Day float which showcased the foundation, having staff help at the foundation golf tournament and the gala support.
The Langley operation is unique. The dealership is owned by the Dilawri Group, one of the biggest auto sellers in the nation, on land owned by the Kwantlen First Nation.
Despite being surrounded by road construction during its infancy, the dealership has thrived.
The 40-year-old Rideout took over the Langley dealership Aug. 1.
“We have exceeded our planned targets,†he said of sales in year one.
The goal is to sell 50-60 vehicles (new, used and commercial) each month and he said Langley has proven a good addition for the Dilawri Group.
“The grass is green where you water it,†he commented.