History & awards

Our history

2023

Expansion into the USA

In January 2023, we acquired our first dealerships outside of Canada - Mercedes-Benz of Bellingham and Toyota of Bellingham in the US. This also expands on our diversity in brands as we welcome Mercedes Benz and Sprinter into the fold.

Go Auto also expands within Canada with a new Stellantis store in the Lower Mainland, Go Richmond Chrysler and an RV location, Go RV Winnipeg. 

Charitable giving is once again celebrated, with a $500,000 donation to the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation in partnership with the Edmonton Stingers 'Fresh Hoops' initiative. 


2022

Two new vehicle brands and eight dealerships added; Go Auto App and new GoAuto.ca launched

Business expansion continued at a rapid pace, with more dealership acquisitions across Canada! These included Bavaria BMW; Dams Ford Lincoln; T&T Honda; Airdrie Honda; Langley Mitsubishi; Langley Subaru; Go Auto Kelowna; and Go Auto Sherwood Park.

These additions gave us two new vehicle brands, Subaru and Mitsubishi, rounding out the new vehicle brand count to 25 and total stores to 57. We launched the new Go Auto App, and the new GoAuto.ca website providing a better vehicle servicing and online buying experience.

Charitable giving passed $7M. This included on-going support for the Kids With Cancer Society. Our program Fuels the Schools, launched in 2018, gives lunches to Edmonton school children in need. More than 300,000 nutritious meals have been delivered!

2021

Vancouver expansion continues

With arguably our biggest acquisition since forming Go Auto in 2009, we purchased the Cowell Auto Group in Richmond, BC, in 2021. With it, we acquired Cowell Volkswagen, Audi Richmond, Jaguar Richmond, and Land Rover of Richmond. Finally, in December, we acquired one additional store, Langley Toyota.

With this expansion, Go Auto hit the 50-dealership mark for the first time in history. Nine of those are located in the Lower Mainland. Audi Richmond now gives us 22 new-vehicle brands, and we now have a footprint in the Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Winnipeg, and Mississauga markets.

2020

Go Auto adds three new brands

Go Auto acquired its first GMC dealership with Go North Surrey GM. In addition to adding another location in the Lower Mainland area, it allowed us to add three new brands to our lineup: GMC, Buick, and Chevrolet.

This brought our total number of brands north of 20 (with 21) for the first time in Go Auto history.

2019

KWC partnership & record breaking expansion

Go Auto pledged $3 million over five years to the Kids with Cancer Society. Effectively, this is a donation of $10 for every vehicle we sell. With the help of our customers, who can also donate during their vehicle purchases, we intend the total monies raised to be more than $5 million.

On the heels of our acquisition of Toyota on the Trail (our first metro Toyota store) in late 2018, Go Auto had its busiest acquisition year in history in 2019. In Alberta, we acquired St. Albert Honda, Spruce Grove Nissan, and Jaguar Land Rover Calgary. In Ontario, we acquired Terrace Ford Lincoln. In Manitoba, we acquired Go Auto Haus Volkswagen and Porsche Centre Winnipeg. Then to cap off our tremendous year, we built Go Auto Outlet Yellowhead and Go RV Edmonton.

2018

Go Auto Fuels Schools lunch program

Unfortunately, one out of five children in Canada does not have a secure source of food. Go Auto will be providing over 61,000 hot lunches to Edmonton area schools. This will help ensure that these children have one healthy meal, which has been proven to improve test scores, reading skills, attendance records, and overall health.

Go Auto also acquired a second Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep location: Go Dodge Don Mills in the Greater Toronto Area. Go Auto has sold over 300,000 vehicles in its history. We've also repaired over 500,000 vehicles, financed over 200,000 drivers, and insured tens of thousands.

2017

GTA expansion

We added two dealerships and two new business units in 2017. The addition of Go Dodge Mississauga and Whiteoak Ford gave Go Auto a domestic vehicle presence in the Greater Toronto Area.

Meanwhile, in Edmonton, Go Mortgages and Yes Plan Financial were established. Go Mortgages, a mortgage broker center provides home financing alternatives to Albertan homeowners and buyers. Yes Plan Financial specializes in financing mortgages and new and used car loans.

2016

Ontario expansion

Go Auto made its first expansion east of Alberta in 2016 by purchasing Jaguar London, Land Rover London, and Volvo London (our 21st brand), all located in London, Ontario. In Red Deer, we purchased Go Dodge Red Deer, and in southern Edmonton, we opened the Go Auto Outlet South.

2015

More NWT & Alberta expansion

Go Auto purchased Aurora Ford dealerships in Hay River and Yellowknife, NWT. In Alberta, we added Spruce Grove Hyundai, our third Hyundai dealer in the Edmonton area. We added our very first Toyota location, Drayton Valley Toyota, as well as our third RV location, Go RV Red Deer.

2014

Go Auto Gives Back

With success came the opportunity to give back to those who helped us make us what we are today. Go Auto is proud to contribute to organizations that help hundreds of thousands of Canadians annually.

In 2014 (and again in 2017), as part of our Random Acts of Kindness initiative, Go Auto gave $1 million to its employees with the condition that the money is used to help those in need. Each employee donated $350 to a person or group in genuine need on behalf of Go Auto. Go Auto also acquired a second Vancouver location: Go Dodge Surrey.

2013

Major Red Deer expansion & sports equipment

Go Auto purchased three new Red Deer locations in 2013: Acura of Red Deer, MGM Ford Lincoln, and Honda Red Deer. Not only did the move add two new luxury brands to the Go Auto family, but with two more brands in the fold, Go Auto officially represented 20 brands for the first time in history.

We also obtained a second Infiniti dealership in Edmonton and branched outside the automotive industry for the first time by acquiring a sports equipment store.

2012

Red Deer, RVs & Marine, more Nissan

Go Auto opened its first Red Deer-based used car dealership, Go Auto Direct Red Deer. Additionally, two RV & Marine locations were opened, one in Edmonton and the other in Red Deer. Lastly, in 2012, we became the major Nissan player in Edmonton with the additions of Go Nissan North and Go Nissan South.

2011

Honda, Insurance, Go Auto stores

Go Auto added two Honda stores, Go Honda and Edson Honda. It also acquired TIG insurance, which was renamed Go Insurance. We sell Auto, Home, Travel, and Commercial insurance and, in many cases, have agents in our dealerships who can provide quotes and write policies on the spot.

With Go Insurance, Go Auto became a true one-stop shop. We opened the Go Auto Outlet, our first location specializing in used vehicles. We also acquired Strathcom Media, an automotive-focused marketing agency specializing in online advertising, inventory syndication, and dealer websites.

2010

Go Auto Finance

Thanks to our success, we created an in-house finance company, Go Finance. With Go Finance, we no longer need the banks to approve our customers for loans and leases. We can afford to lend the money ourselves. This has led to the highest rate of approvals in the Western Canadian auto market.

2008

Go Auto is born

MPAG joins forces with the Ericksen Auto Group to form Go Auto, one of Canada's largest dealership networks, with 20 locations selling both new and used vehicles. The combination with Ericksen Auto Group brought two additional luxury brands and three new import brands: Infiniti, Porsche, Mazda, Nissan, and Volkswagen.

The group, now Go Auto, added Ericksen Infiniti, Porsche Centre Edmonton, Weber Mazda, Ericksen Nissan, and Norden Volkswagen. Go Auto, with 12 locations in Edmonton, finally had the size and scope to change the industry for the better.

2007

The year of seconds

MPAG added its second import brand, Kia, with the addition of Southtown Kia, located in Edmonton. It also added its second Edmonton Hyundai location, Northstar Hyundai, and its second Peace River dealership, Peace River Chrysler. Last but not least, Capital Ford, located in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, was also acquired.

2006

The 10th location

In 2006, MPAG acquired Columbia Chrysler, located in Richmond, BC, our first Vancouver store. It was the fourth Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep location and the 10th dealership to join the group.

2004

First luxury dealership

Land Rover Edmonton, now Jaguar Land Rover Edmonton, joined the MPAG. Jaguar, our second luxury brand, would have to wait another three years to join the group.

2003

First NWT & BC dealerships

Focusing on domestic makes, MPAG acquired Yellowknife Chrysler in the Northwest Territories, Nelson Ford in British Columbia, and St. Paul Dodge, which is located approximately two hours east of Edmonton.

2000

Bring on the imports

At the turn of the new millennium, MPAG purchased two additional dealerships. It added its very first import branded store, Southtown Hyundai, as well as a second Edmonton Ford dealership, Team Ford.

1999

Local expansion

MPAG purchased Edmonton’s Southtown Chrysler, and with that purchase, MPAG welcomed three noteworthy brands into its business: Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep.

1996

Before Go Auto...

...there was the Mike Priestner Auto Group (MPAG). Mike began his journey back in 1996 with the purchase of Kentwood Ford. Many years have passed, and Kentwood Ford has continued to be the backbone of our business. Two years later, MPAG acquired Peace River Ford, its second Ford dealership and first dealership outside of Edmonton.

Recent awards & distinctions

Deloitte's Canada's Best Managed Companies award logo
Canada's Best Managed Companies

In 2022, Deloitte named Go Auto one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the fifth year in a row. Deloitte is one of the country’s leading business awards programs. It recognizes Canadian-owned and managed companies for innovative, world-class business practices. Winning companies demonstrate exceptional, sustained business performance through clear strategy, investment in current and future capability, and a steadfast commitment to hiring and retaining the best talent.

Dealership awards

Photo of the outside of the Jaguar Land Rover Calgary dealership

Award of Excellence Jaguar Land Rover Calgary - 2022

JLR Calgary was recognized as the top performing JLR retailer in Canada with the Award of Excellence title from Jaguar Land Rover Canada. The Award of Excellence acknowledges unparalleled performance in core business categories such as customer advocacy, sales, service, and commitment to the Jaguar Land Rover brands.

Photo of the outside of the Jaguar Land Rover Richmond dealership

Retailer of the Year Award Jaguar Land Rover Richmond -2021, 2022

JLR Richmond won the Retailer of the Year Award from Jaguar Land Rover Canada for 2021 and 2022. This award is reserved for top-tier JLR dealers who display unmatched performance in sales, service, and customer experience. 

Photo of the outside of the Toyota on the Trail dealership

President’s Club Award Toyota on the Trail - 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Toyota on the Trail has been recognized multiple years by Toyota Canada’s Presidents Club Award. This award honours dealers that excel in all facets of their operations. It is recognition for retailers who continue to go above and beyond at each customer touchpoint and represents the best of the best.

President’s Club Award Toyota of Bellingham - 2022

Toyota of Bellingham was awarded the prestigious President’s Award from Toyota USA in 2022. To receive this award is a recognition of exceptional performance across all operational aspects along with a "customer-first" mentality to create unparalleled customer experiences. 

Photo of the outside of the Kentwoord Ford dealership

President's Award Diamond Club Kentwood Ford - 2021, 2022, 2023

Kentwood Ford proudly achieved the Ford Canada Diamond Club President's Award for 2021,2022, and 2023 which recognizes top-performing dealers that excel in both operational excellence and customer satisfaction. This is the highest award presented by Ford Canada and is granted to less than 10% of all dealerships in Canada.

Photo of the outside of the Team Ford dealership

President's Award Diamond Club Team Ford - 2021, 2022, 2023

Team Ford received the Ford Canada Diamond Club President's Award for 2021, 2022, and 2023 which recognizes top-performing dealers that excel in operational excellence and customer satisfaction. This is the highest award presented by Ford Canada and is granted to less than 10% of all dealerships in Canada.

Photo of the outside of the Go North Surrey GM dealership

President's Award - 2022, 2023

Go North Surrey GM was awarded the prestigious President's Award by General Motors of Canada for 2022 and 2023. This award is given to only 30 of the 500 dealers across Canada and is a testament to the dealership's commitment to excellence in sales, customer satisfaction, operations, and more.

Photo of the outside of the Infiniti South Edmonton dealership

Gold Order of Distinction Infiniti - 2020, 2021, 2022

Infiniti Canada recognizes top-performing dealers who provide the highest level of customer satisfaction and performance with their Order of Distinction Award. Infiniti South Edmonton was the proud recipient of the Gold Level Order of Distinction Award for 2020.

Photo of the outside of the Spruce Grove Hyundai dealership

Hyundai Signature Certified Spruce Grove Hyundai - 2020

Spruce Grove Hyundai is the proud winner of Hyundai Canada's Signature Certified Award in 2020. This special certification is awarded to only the top-performing Hyundai dealers in Canada. It recognizes dealerships for consistently providing high levels of customer service including exceeding customer expectations during every single interaction.

Photo of the outside of the Aurora Ford Hay River dealership

ONE Ford Canadian Elite Program Aurora Ford - 2020

Aurora Ford Hay River was awarded the ONE Ford Canadian Elite Program in 2020, which is one of the most prestigious awards offered by Ford Canada. This highlights dealers who qualify across three different programs including the President's Award, Ford Leaders Program, and the Premier Club.

Photo of the outside of the Jaguar Land Rover Edmonton dealership

Retailer of the Year

Jaguar Land Rover Edmonton was awarded the 2015/2016 Retailer of the Year award in recognition of its excellence in the fields of sales and customer service. One of only four retailers in the country to be honoured with this award, this was Jaguar Land Rover Edmonton’s second win in its short history.

Photo of the outside of the Porsche Centre Edmonton dealership

Porsche Premier Dealer

In 2015, the Porsche Premier Dealer Program identified Porsche Centre Edmonton as one of the top three Porsche Centres in Canada that best embrace the ‘Porsche Business Model’ – achieving the highest performance among their peers in brand utilization, product representation, and the development of key ‘Porsche business drivers'.