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Aylmer Kia

Completely rebuilt with same family-friendly service

Lily Ryan

Aylmerites love community, and Aylmer Kia is no different. A new owner stepped in to continue the tradition of quality service, with a modern twist. Carl and Marc Grenier bought the McConnel Road location in 2018, along with neighbouring property. Their goal was to continue the mission of providing Aylmer with friendly service and top-notch vehicles. Owners of several auto dealerships in the area, they came equipped to upgrade this location, continuing a long tradition of car sales and service established by their father Pierre Grenier.

This mission came with a building project to ensure the automobile sales and service site would be at its best for decades to come. “It was time for a new building,” Mr Grenier told the Bulletin. “We planned big and planned smart.”

The Grenier brothers worked with the city to ensure wetlands were preserved, a water retention basin was re-enforced and updated, a tree lot behind the built area was set aside and for the entirety of the construction, green bands, new trees, hook up to the city sewer and water system, and other measures were included in the build. “We have parking areas that are gravel with smart drainage, other areas are inter-lock, again with drainage and plenty of other measures to build in line with the needs of our people and our environment,” explained Carl Grenier.

The mechanical service area is ample and well-equipped. Some eighteen bays occupy the rear area of the building, with air quality controls for all seasons. The front of building includes a showroom, meeting areas as well as offices. Leaving the center of the building for employee use to contribute to quality of life, including a workout gym, meeting area, generous cafeteria. The Bulletin was treated to a tour of the site, noting the comfortable work conditions, which, as Mr Grenier notes, contributes to an increase in employee satisfaction.  He noted that “the caliber of applicants of people wishing to work here has really gone up – I’m sure it has to do with the quality of the location here.” A father of two teens, Grenier’s vision of a workplace includes looking forward to the next generation.

Kia leading in auto innovation

Another reason for the increase in high-quality personnel is, Grenier points out, the caliber of automobile Kia is putting on the market; “Two outstanding vehicles, the Stinger and the Telluride are making waves. There was a time that Kia was primarily entry-level vehicles. We now offer a full range, with innovations beyond several other more traditional makes.” 

The Aylmer market for electric vehicles and hybrid is in full growth, with Kia offers rating high. And with Aylmer Kia enjoying the position of the only new car dealership in the west end of Gatineau, being community-oriented as a family business means Aylmerites find a familiar level of service at 500 McConnell Road.