Celebrating 45 Years of Lafontaine Mitsubishi's Community-Focused Growth and Outreach

Lafontaine Mitsubishi: A Legacy of Community Engagement and Growth

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) recently highlighted Lafontaine Mitsubishi, celebrating its remarkable growth over the past 45 years. Situated in the heart of Michigan, Lafontaine is not just a car dealership; it's a beacon of support for the community it serves. With the goal of personalizing the automotive experience, Lafontaine focuses on building enduring relationships that connect families while fostering a strong community spirit.

A Historical Background

Founded in 1980 by Michael and Maureen Lafontaine, the dealership began its journey in a locality dominated by major American automobile brands. Entering the market was challenging, as Mike LaFontaine took his first steps into the automotive retail landscape in Dearborn, Michigan, a place often referred to as the “lion's den” for foreign brands. Despite the odds, Mike and Maureen persevered, laying the groundwork for a thriving business that now represents 58 franchises across 42 locations and employs nearly 3,000 individuals.

Navigating Through Challenges

In its early days, the Lafontaine Auto Group faced numerous obstacles. With their business model emphasizing community engagement rather than traditional corporate strategies, Mike and Maureen carved out a unique niche. Maureen, especially known for her dedication to the community, often led initiatives that extended beyond the dealership's four walls. For example, upon acquiring a small store in downtown Milford, she took it upon herself to personally introduce the dealership to locals, resulting in a remarkable jump in monthly sales—going from 39 cars sold annually to selling the same number in just a month.

Current Leadership and Vision

Today, Lafontaine Mitsubishi stands as a testament to the ever-evolving auto retail landscape. Under the leadership of Ryan LaFontaine, who focuses on the business side, and Kelly LaFontaine, who champions community initiatives, the dealer group has vastly expanded its footprint. From three locations to an impressive 43, the LaFontaine family attributes their success to their commitment to community service and customer satisfaction.

Ryan’s strategic direction emphasizes not just growth, but also the importance of guest experiences across all brands, including the newly opened Mitsubishi stores. His vision aligns perfectly with Lafontaine's mission: to transcend the traditional auto dealership model by prioritizing customer needs and enhancing relationships.

Exciting New Opportunities

As Lafontaine Mitsubishi embarks on its journey with Mitsubishi Motors, they aim to position themselves as the leading Mitsubishi dealer in the U.S. The brand, viewed as relatively unknown in some markets, presents vast potential for growth. The dealership is poised to leverage this opportunity through unparalleled guest experiences—regardless of whether they are dealing with a luxury vehicle or a Mitsubishi.

The LaFontaine team intends to uphold the same high standards of customer care and attention to detail synonymous with their brand. This includes personalized services such as white-glove pickup and delivery, ensuring each guest is treated as a priority.