Family-owned Century Auto expands its presence in Atlantic Canada with the launch of a new Mazda dealership in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Century Auto’s roots trace back to 1986 when founder Ron MacGillivray established a Chevrolet/Buick/GMC dealership in Antigonish under his own name. His sons, David and Michael MacGillivray carried the business forward; they joined the organization in 2010 and expanded into Truro, adopting the ‘Century’ moniker from a former owner.
“We decided to adopt a brand identity that could grow over time. Using our family name seemed too conventional and difficult to spell,” Michael MacGillivray explained in an interview with Canadian auto dealer magazine.
With David functioning as the managing principal and Michael as the CEO, Century Auto has further diversified by supporting additional brands such as Hyundai, Subaru, Nissan, Honda, and now Mazda. They currently manage two Hyundai outlets, and the Subaru dealership is located in Saint John, New Brunswick, with other operations spread across Nova Scotia.
The recent acquisition of the Mazda dealership marks the company’s most current expansion, taking place nearly 18 months after their last purchase. This interval saw a trend where smaller family businesses were selling off, thus opening up new opportunities for acquisition.
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“Quite often, we’ve taken over other family-run businesses, which has been an interesting aspect of our expansion,” Michael MacGillivray remarked. “We were drawn to the Mazda brand not only for its strong reputation but also for its promising partnerships, notably with Toyota in electrification.”
He also highlighted the strategic value of entering the Halifax market, which is on an upward trajectory with a growth of approximately 35,000 people annually, broadening potential in both new and used vehicle sales.
Looking forward, Michael MacGillivray signaled a potential shift in their geographical focus towards the west if opportunities in their current markets taper off. Despite the expansion, the essence of a family-operated entity that values local community connections remains central to Century Auto’s mission.
“People appreciate the familiar, welcoming atmosphere we provide, reminiscent of the TV show Cheers, where everyone knows your name,” he noted. “Our community-centric approach continues to resonate well within new markets, contributing to our satisfaction and success with each new venture.”
This strategic growth and personal approach look to set Century Auto up for continued success in the auto industry landscape of Atlantic Canada.
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Words by: Craig Clowes
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canadianautodealer.ca
