2021 Automotive News Canada All-Stars

Under Michael Rawluk’s leadership, AutoCanada’s Canadian operation has been on a tear, growing revenue and markets.

On Dec. 1, the Edmonton-based company, which also operates 18 U.S. dealerships, announced it had acquired Ontario’s Autopoint group, increasing the number of franchised dealerships on this side of the border to 60 from 49. The acquisition doubles AutoCanada’s footprint in the country’s largest market and advances its diversification goals.

In August, AutoCanada acquired Mark Wilson’s Better Used Cars in Guelph, Ont. The move followed the purchase of Haldimand Motors in Cayuga, Ont., near Hamilton. The purchases were part of a strategy to develop a used-vehicle digital retail division.

Used vehicles and the finance and insurance segment were key drivers of the Canadian unit’s 15-percent increase in third-quarter revenue of nearly $1 billion.

But Rawluk, 47, is not resting on his laurels.

“We have been obsessed with strengthening and improving the business, outworking the competition, and expanding our footprint in Canada.”