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Turner Volkswagen’s new dealership on Enterprise Way in Kelowna glows at night like a beacon of automotive innovation. “It’s quite impressive,” said general manager Aaron Fanslau with a laugh.
“Generally, the building is very crisp, very clean and understated. But it does have this white-frame exterior that is back lit and glows at night.”
Turner Volkswagen quietly moved from its 8,000-square-foot cramped quarters on Highway 97 at Sutherland Avenue in January to sleek, new 32,000-square-foot premises at 2150 Enterprise Way.
Turner had the former bland rectangular box that used to house NAP Windows & Doors renovated into a showpiece.
A glass showroom was added to display eight cars, much like an art gallery would.
Twelve bays for detailing, maintenance and service with dual-lane indoor drive through, offices and 6,000-square-feet of tire storage was fit in the back.
It will have an official grand opening in the summer after the totally redesigned 2019 model Jetta is released.
“Jetta has always been our bestseller,” said Fanslau.
“And it looks sharp on its whole new platform for 2019 with a 1.4-litre turbo engine that’s both powerful and economical.”
However, this year, the Tiguan crossover SUV is expected to eclipse the Jetta in sales.
“Crossovers are hot and Tiguan is an all-wheel SUV that now comes in two model, the five passenger and the seven passenger.”
Also in the VW line up is the full-size SUV Atlas, Golf sport and hatchback cars and the iconic Beetle.
Ed Turner is the president and owner of the dealership that’s been selling German-designed-andbuilt VWs in Kelowna since 1953.
“I think our key to success is being a single-point
Okanagan Hockey Academy, which already has schools and camps in Penticton, Calgary, Austria and England, is expanding to Whitby, Ont. as Okanagan Hockey Academy Ontario.
Student-athletes interested in trying out for the U18 AAA team in Whitby can do so April 27-29 at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre.
Whitby’s Henry Street High School will host the academic program for the new hockey academy and Elite Training will offer support services like strength and conditioning, sport psychology and nutrition.
Summer hockey camps will also be offered in Whitby.
The academy also wants to set up a skills and abilities showcase to expose young hockey players to Ontario Hockey League major junior A teams.
The academy has a similar program in B.C. with the Western Hockey League.
Steve MacNaull is The Okanagan Weekend’s business and wine reporter and columnist. Reach him at steve.macnaull@ok.bc.ca.