Capital Ford Lincoln

Dealership makes commitment

Neil Scott, The Leader-Post

Published: Friday, April 18, 2008

Bruce Axelson, the owner of the new Capital Ford Lincoln dealership in Regina, was a proud man Thursday as he took visitors around to see his facilities.

"I dragged everybody into the bathroom, it wasn't necessary to take a pee,'' Axelson said, in a speech at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the dealership on Pasqua Street just north of the intersection of Pasqua and Rochdale Boulevard.

Axelson said the 50,000-square-foot building is designed to provide maximum comfort and services to customers -- and that includes washrooms that look a bit like what might be seen in an upscale hotel or restaurant.

Other features include a small movie theatre to keep customers entertained while waiting for car repairs to be completed, a customer cafeteria, and a granite fireplace in the customer service lounge.

There is also a showroom, ample vehicle repair bays, a parts department, and a staff consisting of close to 100 workers.

"The building was truly designed for the convenience of our customers and our staff,'' Axelson said. "We're excited about today and we're excited about our future.''

Capital Ford Lincoln is actually the descendant of the old Percival Ford business that operated for many years on Albert Street. But a decision was made to move to a new location, to expand and to change the name.

While exact figures were not being quoted Thursday, Axelson and other officials with the car dealership said millions of dollars were spent in making the move and constructing a larger building.

"This is a long-term commitment,'' Axelson said, adding the substantial investment in the new facility would not have been made if there was not a commitment to be in business selling Ford cars and trucks in Regina for many years to come.

Among the guests at Thursday's ribbon-cutting ceremony was Barry Engle, the CEO of Ford Canada.

"What you have here in Regina is absolutely incredible,'' Engle said, adding he and other senior Ford officials just said "wow'' when they toured the new facility.

"How about those washrooms?" Engle asked, adding he was very impressed with all aspects of the new vehicle sales and services establishment.

Auto dealerships "are the face of the Ford motor company'' and play a critical role in the success of Ford, Engle said.

While the North American auto industry has suffered its share of trials and tribulations in recent years, Engle said he is optimistic about the future at Ford.

New, exciting and environmentally friendly vehicles are to be brought out by Ford in the near future that will add to the strong line of products already offered by the company, Engle said.

"We've got a great story to tell,'' Engle said, adding the quality of cars manufactured by Ford can match up with anybody else's cars, including foreign competitors.

Coun. Jerry Flegel said the development of the Capital Ford Lincoln will add another "pillar'' to the continuing residential and commercial development of northwest Regina.

"More and more people will get to know that north Regina does exist,'' Flegel said.

A "grand opening sales event'' will be held today and Saturday.

© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008

Dealership makes commitment
	A pancake breakfast was part of the celebration Thursday when the Capital Ford Lincoln dealership had its ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1201 Pasqua St. N. Photograph by : Don Healy, Leader-Post