MINI Richmond

Basic dealership info: Joachim Neumann, President of the Auto West Group founded MINI Richmond in 2002. In 2011 we embarked on providing our MINI clients a very unique dealership experience and midyear 2012, we opened the largest MINI dealership in Canada located on Cambie road in Richmond BC.

Basic dealership concept: Our MINI Theme park personifies what the MINI brand stands for, fun!  From our MINI that explodes out from both within and outside the showroom walls and our roller coaster track which ties the exploding MINI design together, to the WRC replica sitting atop the sales manager and business managers office, racing through mud and over rocks as if on the track. We incorporated extensive use of LED lighting technology both on the exterior signage which changes color every 60 seconds, to the showroom and guest lounge special effects lighting out to the parking lot lighting which help reduce the power we consume. We designed the first MINI HUB in Canada which is the focal point in the showroom for clients to sit and relax as they “build” their own MINI on the 55” TV via software provided by MINI Canada. We incorporated recycled products like counter tops for the guest lounge, parts front counter and employee lunchroom which are made from recycled paper called Paperstone. We also designed a counter top made out of recycled glass technology for our guest lounge washroom with LED back lighting for a floating effect.

Photovoltaic technology: We installed 168 solar panels is the largest solar panel installation on an dealership in Canada which produce 41.16kw of solar grid power in peak array. That electricity is used to power our green wall, our ghost power with the surplus offsetting our consumption from the hydro grid.

Green Wall: We designed a green wall that is located on the south facing wall of our MINI service shop. Not only does the wall reduce the temperature of the shop, it also generates oxygen and is considered outdoor public art as a honey bee design was incorporated through selected flowers and plants. The green wall uses reclaimed storm water for irrigation as does the surrounding landscape gardens further reducing our water consumption.

EV charge station: We installed a level II Coulomb dual point charge station through Charge Point and have the ability to charge 2 electric cars at the same time. The station is available to the general public and furthers our commitment to helping the community understand sustainability.

Storm Water management: We installed a 20,000 liter tank to reclaim storm water which is used in our washroom urinals and water closets as well, to irrigate both our green wall and landscape.

Reasons behind doing this: We have made all of these investments without the expectation of an immediate financial return, as this is about being a leader in the automotive market place, good corporate citizen within our community by doing what is right for the environment.