
The largest Mazda dealership in Calgary and Western Canada, for over 40 years Kramer Mazda has been developing a reputation for uncompromising service quality and outstanding expert repair, distributing both brand new Mazdas and quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs from a variety of brands.
General Manager Dennis Kwan grew up in Calgary, graduating from the National Automobile Dealers Association academy before joining Kramer Mazda in 2001. Throughout his career, Mr Kwan has gained extensive experience in the auto industry, becoming known for his process-driven mindset and providing mentorship to many newcomers in the industry. He prides himself on providing the best customer experience at his dealership. Mr Kwan spoke with us recently to talk about recent improvements made to the dealership, the impact of the Electric Vehicle revolution on the automotive industry, and how Kramer Mazda was able to keep its doors open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crafted in Japan
“Kramer Mazda has been serving Calgary for nearly 50 years,” Mr Kwan explains. “We’re independently owned by Vinay Ruparell. We are part of the Core Auto Group that owns the Mazda dealerships here in Calgary, [as well as] two Mazda stores, two Hyundai stores, and a Kia store in the Toronto area.”
Originating in Hiroshima, Japan in 1920, Mazda is one of the world’s most loved automotive brands, delivering years of passionate research and groundbreaking technology advances designed to enhance each car’s performance and safety, giving drivers the purest sense of driving pleasure.
Between 1974 and 2015, Mazda was controlled and manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, after which it pivoted to being an independent manufacturer, producing its own products, mainly in Japan.
“Mazda is recognized as one of the best brands in the market. Mazda’s top selling model is the CX5. The CX5, since 2013, has scored 4 or 5 or better in the Consumer Report reliability study. Seven of those years, the CX5 has received the highest possible score.”
In terms of reliability, Mazda has recently overtaken giants Lexus and Toyota, a feat rarely matched by other brands. Mazda’s Advanced Safety Technologies have helped cement this reputation, with a suite of features designed to assist the driver, not take away control.
These features include hazard alerts, such as Blind Spot Monitoring and 360-Degree View Monitor, and driver assists to help drivers keep control in an emergency, alongside additional aids like Smart Brake Support that can avoid collisions or reduce their severity.
“Since 2015, Mazda has offered an industry first ‘unlimited mileage’ warranty. Mazda believes you drive as much as you want for the first three years without a limit to mileage on your warranty, and that’s a huge step for Mazda.”
Nearly 50 years serving Calgary
The team at Kramer Mazda takes pride in working hard and having fun, while making a difference within the growing city of Calgary. To accomplish outstanding service and quality, Kramer Mazda employs over 60 people who serve valued customers daily.
“I joined Kramer in 2001,” Mr Kwan says, “starting as a Sales Representative and moving my way up through management. I started as a Used Car Manager, then General Sales Manager, and now I’m the General Manager of this store.”
As the largest Mazda dealership in Western Canada, Kramer Mazda has a huge open lot on which to display its inventory. In the past three years, hail tents have been added to the lot to make sure no vehicles are damaged in hailstorms.
“We have renovated our customer lounge to offer a more comfortable waiting area for our customers to sit in,” Mr Kwan says. “We have a café machine, so they can enjoy a latte while they are waiting.”
Kramer Mazda guarantees that customers will get the best price in town, matching any price on a new Mazda vehicle, and offering competitive pricing on any similar pre-owned or certified used vehicles.
For those locals considering trading in a vehicle, the team will take the time to assess the value of the current vehicle and help get maximum trade-in value. As one of the largest resellers of pre-owned vehicles in Alberta, Kramer Mazda offers the best purchase choices, from maintenance to financing programs.
The dealership has been the recipient of two major industry awards – the Consumer Choice Award 2022, awarded to businesses that provide outstanding service, and the Dealer of Distinction Award, honouring dealerships that have excelled in all areas of their dealership operations, including sales, parts, service, administration, facilities, and customer satisfaction.
Kramer Mazda also offers genuine Mazda parts and quality servicing, so customers are advised to visit the dealership’s after-sales service department to receive the best Mazda repair and maintenance services.
“We all know with the Electric Vehicle revolution, it’s moving fast and furious right now. For us to prepare for that change, Kramer has installed EV stations. We just received our first EV model, the MX30, this month, for customers to test drive.”
For the past three years, the industry has changed massively, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic still being felt by many businesses. Kramer has adapted by making the necessary changes to the business structure and processes to accommodate customers. It was these changes that helped the dealership stay open throughout the pandemic.
“We have never closed our doors,” Mr Kwan concludes. “That’s through the safety processes we have our employees follow, so we don’t get sick. For the safety of all our staff and customers, we were able to move forward even during COVID.”
With the largest selection of new and pre-owned Mazda vehicles in Calgary, and professionally trained staff ready to help customers choose the right model, Kramer Mazda is home to the town’s Mazda experts. Find out more about Kramer Mazda by visiting www.kramermazda.com.