SAINT-EUSTACHE, Quebec -

Canadian auto superstore HGrégoire said this week that it is launching its second Quebec franchise. The store — HGrégoire, Canada’s Car Superstore Estrie — will call Magog, Quebec, home as it serves the Estrie region.

Setting up the franchise is Centre Honda Estrie, a three-store Honda dealership group founded by Christian St-Pierre.

Officials said there will be more than 200 vehicles across numerous makes and models displayed throughout the two floors and interior courtyard of the new dealership. The franchise will also include a detailing center as well as well as an automotive service center.

“Our regional clientele continues to expand and our goal is to meet this growth while maintaining our long-term vision for HGrégoire Superstores,” stated HGrégoire founder and president Greg Hairabedian.

“Our first franchise, which opened in Saguenay in December 2009, has largely exceeded our initial goals,” he added. “For the Estrie region, the challenge was to find a solid, well-established and experienced team that had an excellent reputation.”

Michelle Therrien, vice-president of marketing at HGrégoire, chimed in: “We chose Christian St-Pierre and his partner, Dominic Duhamel, because they share HGrégoire’s values and are known in the market for their expertise and integrity.

“Their experience is well known throughout Sherbrooke and Magog, and their vision of the automotive industry dovetails perfectly with that of HGrégoire Superstores,” Therrien went on to note.

Co-owner Duhamel offered his perspective, as well, sharing: “Being able to offer our customers access to the country’s largest selection of used vehicles is a great success for us.”

Sharing the "depth of demand" for used cars, he added that his store moves more than 600 used units annually.

Officials went on to explain that Centre Honda Estrie has over 125 permanent employees, making it one of the largest employers in Magog. They contend that economic growth in the region will continued to be fostered by adding an HGrégoire franchise in Magog.

“We understand HGrégoire’s phenomenal success and see how well they’ve done,” Duhamel stated. "By joining forces with HGrégoire, we are partnering with a well-organized brand that cares about making sure its customers are satisfied. HGrégoire’s selection of vehicles is so large that we will now be able to offer our customers a range of vehicles that meet both their needs and their budget.”

Claude Sincennes, executive vice president at HGrégoire, shared: “Over the next two years, HGrégoire plans to double the number of its franchises, focusing much of its attention on Outaouais, Québec City, Abitibi, Bas Saint-Laurent and Atlantic Canada regions in order to maintain its growth and consolidate its leadership position in the used-vehicle sales industry."