Jiwan Sidhu and Mani Boparai are living proof of the Canadian automotive success story, having recently acquired their first car dealership. Originating from India and settling in Canada over a decade ago, the brothers worked tirelessly in the used-car business to gather the funds necessary to invest in a Mitsubishi dealership in Caledon, Ontario, last month.
Over the past year, Sidhu and Boparai explored various dealership possibilities across Ontario until they discovered the Mitsubishi dealership opportunity in March. They officially opened their doors on October 22. Sidhu shared with Canadian Auto Dealer why Mitsubishi was their preferred choice, pointing out its strong brand recognition in India.
"Their warranties are unmatched in the market, and their pricing is significantly more competitive than other brands," Sidhu explained in an interview with Canadian Auto Dealer. "It’s a solid product delivering true value for the money."
"This venture was our chance to show Mitsubishi that we were capable of elevating their brand. They acknowledged our dedication over the last six years, starting from scratch and working our way up," he added.
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Renaming the dealership, previously known as Parker Mitsubishi, to reflect the local community, Sidhu noted, "We thought Caledon Mitsubishi was a fitting name as it resonates with the town."
The dealership also welcomed new staff members, emphasizing a passion for the automotive industry over prior experience. "We appreciate employees who are driven by their career aspirations and passions. It allows us to mold them as per our standards," said Sidhu.
Sidhu, who moved to Canada as a high school student in 2009, furthered his education at Sheridan College, earning a degree in human resources. The initial goal was to start a business, though the specific industry was initially unclear. Their entrepreneurial journey began earnestly in 2017 when they entered the automotive market with 22G Auto Sales in Brampton, Ontario.
The success of their first dealership led them to expand to a second location to accommodate more vehicles, and they diversified into service repairs and tire sales. The insights gained from the used-car segment enriched their understanding of new car sales. "Selling new cars is fundamentally different – they come without the complications often found in used vehicles. That experience made transitioning to new car sales smoother for us," explained Sidhu.
Sidhu offers guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs: "Persistence is key. There will always be challenges, but overcoming them is part of the journey towards success. Never give up."
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This account of Jiwan Sidhu and Mani Boparai’s rise in the automotive industry illustrates their determination and business acumen, as originally reported by Canadian Auto Dealer.
Words by: Craig Clowes
Credits
canadianautodealer.ca
