Volvo Car Canada and Dilawri, Canada’s largest automotive group, opened North America’s first Volvo Retail Sustainable Experience (VRSE) facility, Volvo Cars Richmond, at 338-10700 Cambie Road in Richmond, BC.
A sustainable building
Formerly Volvo of Vancouver, the new location reflects the brands’ shared commitment to sustainability: it is LEED-certified, runs on renewable energy sources, and includes a wide array of environmentally friendly features, from rooftop solar panels to sustainable building materials. The 20,383.4 sq. ft. store is situated on a prominent 2.1-acre site, just off the Vancouver-Blaine Highway (Highway 99) and a ten-minute drive from Vancouver International Airport.
“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do,” said Matt Girgis, Managing Director, Volvo Car Canada Ltd. “This new retail facility is a true reflection of the ambitious steps we are taking to support a greener, electrified future for all. Congratulations to Ajay and the team on the opening of this beautiful, eco-friendly facility.”
In line with VRSE standards, Volvo Cars Richmond is fully equipped to serve electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) customers, with AC and DC fast-charging charging stations. Like the rest of the facility, the chargers are powered by a combination of hydroelectric energy from the grid and solar energy, which is generated directly on-site.
“We could not be more pleased to have opened North America’s first Volvo Retail Sustainable Experience facility,” said Ajay Dilawri, Dilawri Co-founder. “At every stage, we met or exceeded provincial standards for environmental sustainability, and have built a store that reflects our ongoing commitment to deliver unparalleled customer satisfaction through continuous innovation.”
A comfortable experience
On the sales side, visitors will be able to browse the latest lineup in the full-service, six-vehicle showroom, and will take possession in a dedicated new-vehicle delivery bay. Nine cutting-edge service bays and two wash bays will ensure thorough, efficient service appointments. In addition, the dealership is ready to welcome visitors in sustainable comfort, with furniture and flooring made from recycled, non-toxic materials and a VRSE clean water and coffee bar that provides beverages in ways that eliminate the use of single-use plastics.
“The new Volvo Cars Richmond location reflects the commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation that resonates so deeply with our customers,” said Jesse Parker, General Manager of Volvo Cars Richmond. “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to this impressive new facility, which boasts a warm design as well as a broad array of environmentally friendly features, from EV chargers and a living exterior green wall to our clean water and coffee bar.”
Other sustainability highlights include permeable pavers, to help control water runoff, Solera insulated curtain wall panels, automated building systems (i.e., lighting and HVAC), and LED lighting.
