FENTON, Michigan – Thursday, June 13 – LaFontaine Automotive Group yesterday held the grand opening of its new Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealership located at 16555 Silver Pkwy., in Fenton, Michigan.
“I couldn’t be happier to have our flagship CDJR dealership located in my hometown of Fenton where my wife and I are raising our five young children,” said Ryan LaFontaine, Chief Operating Officer, LaFontaine Automotive Group. “From building lifelong relationships with customers and local businesses, to being an integral part of our community by supporting organizations making a positive impact, our entire CDJR Fenton team is excited for this new opportunity.”
The nearly 38,000 sq. ft. LaFontaine CDJR Fenton dealership was the second CDJR dealership in the nation and the first in Michigan to incorporate FCA’s new design and technology. As a longstanding practice of the LaFontaine family, they invested heavily on the “green” aspects of the dealership, building on best practices learned in the construction of their two Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) and two Silver LEED certified dealerships. The best green practices used during the build of the LaFontaine CDJR Fenton dealership include:
- A 150,000 watt solar system will be installed in coming months which will generate 65% of dealerships energy requirements. First dealership in state of Michigan with this substantial of a solar array installation.
- Additional roof insulation equal to R-38
- White solar reflective roof
- All LED lighting interior and exterior with advanced control systems
- High recycled content in 90% of building materials
- Waste stream management
- High-efficiency HVAC system and controls, occupancy controls and timers with WiFi system controls and monitoring
- Low flow and measured fixtures for water efficiency
- Sourced materials regionally when possible
“The response and support from the local Fenton community has been tremendous since we opened our doors,” said Kelley LaFontaine, VP, LaFontaine Automotive Group. “From supporting the Fenton Chamber’s initiatives and events, to the Whaley’s Learning Center, to the St. John’s Applefest and many other outstanding organizations, we’ve become deeply engrained in the surrounding communities and only look to future strengthen our relationships.”
LaFontaine CDJR Fenton employees over 110 passionate individuals and is currently looking to grow the team. Openings in sales and service, including technicians, are available and interested candidates can apply here.
Scott Tarwacki, General Manager, LaFontaine CDJR Fenton said, “from the all-new and highly anticipated Jeep Gladiator to the most-awarded minivan in the Chrysler Pacifica, to the grin-inducing Dodge Hellcat and Motor Trend’s ‘Truck of the Year’ in the RAM 1500, we have an amazing lineup of vehicles and look forward to delighting every customer and meeting all of their specific needs.”
LaFontaine CDJR Fenton recently won three top honors from the 2019 My City’s Choice Awards. In addition to the store winning the “Best Dealership” recognition, Ryan LaFontaine won “Businessman of the Year” and Kelley LaFontaine won “Businesswoman of the Year.” Additional details on the awards can be viewed here.
The grand opening featured remarks from Fenton Mayor, Sue Osborn, Michigan State Representative Mike Mueller, along with Shelly Day and Lee Mitchell from the Fenton Regional Chamber. In addition, Will Stiverson will be presenting the LaFontaine family with the Brick Award for the construction of the Fenton store.
About LaFontaine Automotive Group
Founded in 1980 by Michael Sr. and Maureen LaFontaine, the award winning and nationally recognized LaFontaine Automotive Group includes 34 retail franchises, 5 collision centers and 16 Michigan retail locations. The group employs over 1,300 individuals. It’s the mission of the LaFontaine Family to personalize the automotive experience by building lifelong relationships that connect families and strengthen the community. The LaFontaine commitment to customers, staff, and local communities is demonstrated by active participation and contributions to numerous non-profit organizations, educational institutions and charities throughout southeast Michigan. The combination of both the mission and core values provides the basic foundation of our promise … to treat every customer like they are members of our family. From sales, to service to parts, LaFontaine Automotive Group is able to meet any customer’s specific needs. LaFontaine represents the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Fiat, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, KIA, RAM, Subaru, Toyota, Volvo and Volkswagen. The LaFontaine Family Deal; it’s not just what you get, it’s how you feel.
