LaFontaine Automotive Group proudly announced today that its Cadillac Buick GMC dealership in Highland was named the number one volume Buick dealership in the nation for 2019.
“This is a true team win and a testament to the passionate and dedicated individuals that each day, strive to deliver an exceptional customer experience,” said Ryan LaFontaine, Chief Operating Officer, LaFontaine Automotive Group. “I’m so proud of our team and what a way to honor my mom’s legacy than to win this prestigious honor. This dealership was her pride and joy and we know she’s smiling down on us all. Back in 1980 my mom laid the foundation for our Group’s culture that was built on treating our employees and customers as family and continually giving back to the community.”
For 2019, LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC of Highland retailed 1,432 new Buicks, an increase of over 60 percent (866 units) from the previous year. Nationwide the overall automotive market was down roughly two percent and this significant increase underscores the customer-first approach and family-focused culture this dealership is best known for.
“At least three-quarters of our sales team in Highland has been with us for over a decade and I can’t stress how important that is for customer retention and cultivating a winning culture,” said Robert Simmons, Executive General Manager, LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC of Highland.
LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC of Highland has received the coveted General Motors Dealership of the Year title for nearly the past decade:
- Buick Dealer of the Year 2010-2016 and 2018
- GMC Dealer of the Year 2010-2018
- Cadillac Dealer of the Year 2010-2017
“At the end of the day, any dealer can sell someone a car, it’s the personalization and after the sale care, that truly differentiates us in a competitive market,” said Joe Hill, General Sales Manager, LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC of Highland. “From our ability to e-contract, to offsite pickup and delivery services, to one of largest vehicle selections around, all play a role in our continued growth and customer satisfaction.”
LaFontaine Cadillac Buick GMC also finished as the 5th largest volume Cadillac and 4th largest volume GMC dealership in the nation, delivering 1,292 Cadillac and 2,283 GMC vehicles.
Back in 1984 Michael Sr. and Maureen LaFontaine, co-founders of the Group purchased a small dealership in downtown Milford that sold only 25 cars the year prior. Maureen’s hands-on approach, with a focus on community outreach and grassroots marketing, fueled the growth of the dealership. The following month after purchasing the dealership, they sold nearly 50 cars and that same dealership, now relocated to Highland, stands as one of General Motor’s standout dealerships in the nation.
The 63,000-square-foot dealership employs roughly 300 people and was built in 2008. The store is LEED-certified at the gold level, which means every item involved in its construction and day-to-day operations was inspected to determine how it would affect the environment and surrounding community. The dealership is General Motors only Gold-LEED certified dealership in the world.
About LaFontaine Automotive Group
Founded in 1980 by Michael Sr. and Maureen LaFontaine, the award-winning and nationally-recognized LaFontaine Automotive Group includes 36 retail franchises, seven collision centers and 17 Michigan retail locations. The group employs nearly 1,400 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. Visit www.familydeal.com for additional details.
