After 100 years in business, a car dealer closes the doors

One of the largest Ford dealers in Canada, located near Highway 25, will close in October to make way for major real estate development.

“I don’t have the words to describe the situation. Similarly, Fortier is my life. Therefore, ”explains the president and co-owner of Fortier Auto, Michel Salotti, who has been working there for 40 years.

“This is a mourning that must be made,” adds Marc Durocher, director of sales, for 17 years. In addition, It’s emotional because there is also a family aspect in all of this. Meanwhile, My old brother-in-law and my nephew work here too. Nevertheless, »»

Mr. In addition, Salotti announced the bad news to his 120 employees, including around fifty union members last Friday. In addition, A committee will be trained to help them find another job. Similarly, after 100 years business, car new As for the clients of Fortier which was founded in 1914. Therefore, they will be served by a new dealer who will soon open its doors in Montreal-Est.

Major changes

The businessman’s decision is the result of a reflection that started in 2018.

“We had to make plans with the manufacturer for a period of 15 years,” says Mr. Salotti. The buildings must be renovated and comply with the new Ford standards. We knew that major changes would be necessary. ”

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after 100 years business, car new Michel Salotti. president and co-owner of Fortier Auto Photo Ben Pelosse

He had taken the steps to modify the zoning of part of his land to make real estate development which would have included the new version of his garage.

“The new concession would have had four floors,” says Salotti. Everything had been approved and a prize on the project was established.

“The investment was important, but the profitability was correct. Then, the construction costs increased by 60% and it became impossible. »»

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Marc Durocher, sales director, who will say goodbye to the garage in which he worked for 17 years. Photo Ben Pelosse

Towards the end of the self -employed?

Seeing that his project fell into the water. he decided to put his concession with an area of 100,000 square feet on sale. Seven groups have demonstrated interest.

“There are four who did not qualify, according to Ford’s criteria, for a franchise transfer,” said Mr. Salotti. Along the way, the other three have withdrew.

“They came to the same conclusion as us and they found that the investment was not going to be profitable. The closure was our last option. “

It is another independent dealer who disappears from the landscape.

“The future is dark for after 100 years business, car new the self -employed in Quebec,” says Mr. Salotti. There were only groups that were interested in buying our concession.

“We see that there are advantages and savings to have a group of concessions. We were a bit the last of the Mohicans. »»

The corporation of Quebec Automobile Dealers (CCAQ) did not want to comment on the closure of Fortier Auto. the situation of independent concessionaires from Quebec.

After the demolition of offices, exhibition halls and Fortier Auto garages, three housing towers will be erected. They will include 865 dwellings distributed in two 20 -story towers and another 16 floors.