British Columbia’s top Ford dealer is getting some new digs thanks to its Kelowna customers. Norm Assam opened Orchard Ford in March 1983 and has since grown into one of the most successful vehicle dealerships in Kelowna and the province. Thanks to this success, they are now preparing to celebrate their opening in a new purpose-built building and location on Highway 97. The opening promises to be a fun family event with lots of activities and entertainment for all to thank the customers and employees of the prestigious Ford dealership. Details about the grand opening at the weekend can be found below.
Trevor Pollon is the General Manager at Orchard Ford and explains the motivation behind the new location: “Our old building was almost 30 years old, so we had to do a major renovation to bring it up to the standard required by Ford or to move it to a new location to build. We decided to build a new location that we could move to overnight instead of relocating [our customers] through the inconvenience of having to visit us during construction. “
The new Orchard Ford location significantly increases space by increasing the total number of service bays from ten to fourteen and adding a 6-vehicle drive-through. Customers can now drive up to the service department protected from the weather, check in their vehicle for maintenance and then go to the new web café lounge. This new waiting area offers luxuries like a one-cup coffee maker and specialty coffees, TV and WiFi so customers can relax while they wait for their vehicle to be serviced.
“We have 2 hectares more here, so that will be the biggest improvement,” says Pollon. “We will be able to offer our customers a much better service; It will be a much more relaxed environment for you and better service so that we can actually service your vehicle – more inventory and a better selection in stock. “
Orchard Ford has been a fixture in Kelowna for more than 32 years, and vehicles have undergone major changes and development over the past three decades. While a number of features and safety improvements have become commonplace in modern vehicles, Pollon says that the quality of the vehicles has been one of the biggest changes. According to Pollon, Orchard Ford has seen a dramatic decline in the number of vehicle comebacks and their customers are more satisfied with their vehicles than ever before. While the quality of the vehicles had a huge impact on customer satisfaction, the industry veteran also quickly attributes the success of Orchard Ford and the construction of the new dealership to his employees.
“Everyone builds a good vehicle these days, so people don’t buy our products so much,” explains Pollon. “It’s the service we provide and the customer satisfaction that Orchard Ford delivers to its customers. If our employees are treated well at work, they will pass this on to the customers who will see how happy they are to be here. Our customers, on the other hand, have just as much experience and we would not be able to build this facility if our customers were not supported. It’s all about our employees and our customers – that’s why we did it. “
This weekend, Orchard Ford invites the community to experience the new dealership for themselves. The stunning new building will buzz with excitement when the Kelowna dealer hosts a grand opening event that’s more fun, a family celebration than a company sales pitch. They have even partnered with Festivals Kelowna for family-friendly entertainment. Visit Orchard Ford online for more information on the Orchard Ford Grand Opening event and specials.
Orchard Ford grand opening
Friday September 18th
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Food truck on site: Angelina’s Italian Beef
Festivals Kelowna Entertainment: DJ Embassy
Saturday 19th September
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
10:00 A.M
Food truck on site: Wafelicious Food Truck
Bouncy castle
Family fun
Prices
11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Food truck on site: Surf Side California, Peter Ze German
Noon to 5 p.m.
Festivals Kelowna Entertainment: DJ Embassy, Sista B & The Boyz, Zambian Brothers, Ben Klick
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