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Volkswagen is undertaking aggressive expansion of its dealer network by opening a string of 25 so-called satellite stores in underserved portions of the country.

Michael Ricciuto, 57, director of network development for VW Canada, is spearheading the effort. Nineteen per cent of Canadians lack access to a VW dealership within an hour’s drive, and filling that void is the goal of the company’s satellite model, which is patterned after a “hub-and-spoke” system operating in Europe, Ricciuto said. He said requirements for satellite stores aren’t as strict as for a full-size store, which makes the financial commitment less daunting.

The first satellite — part of Calgary’s Wood Automotive Group — opened in Okotoks, Alta., and it has been working well, Ricciuto said.

“You know the saying, ‘If you build it, they will come?’” he said.

“There’s a lot of truth to that.”