Ziebart in Troy, a global leader in premium automotive appearance and protection services, has renewed its 60-year-old master franchise license with Driven Brands Canada, owner of Uniban Canada.
The renewal includes 91 stores across Canada under the VitroPlus and UniglassPlus brands.
In addition, Ziebart signed a new master franchise license agreement for its first 10 stores in Mexico, as well as operations in approximately 40 car dealerships.
Ziebart’s first venture into Canada dates back to a store in Windsor, Ontario, that opened in 1965, six years after the first location opened in Detroit.
“Since the beginning of our relationship in 2020, Ziebart has been instrumental in delivering top-tier automotive protection to Canadian drivers,” says Maurice Filion, president of Uniban Canada.
“This renewal of our master franchise license allows us to continue growing across the country and enhancing our services, while maintaining the quality and trust that our customers have come to expect.”
Today, the brand’s presence includes 29 UniglassPlus/Ziebart stores primarily located in Ontario, as well as 62 VitroPlus/Ziebart stores in Quebec. The contract renewal opens the door for further expansion in Ziebart’s second-largest country by locations.
“Renewing our master franchise agreement in Canada is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the trust Canadian consumers have instilled in Ziebart,” says Larisa Walega, chief growth officer and senior vice president at Ziebart.
“With decades of history in Canada — and a footprint second only to the United States — this agreement reinforces our commitment to supporting our franchise partners and delivering best-in-class vehicle protection services across the country.”
Ziebart’s entry into Mexico is driven by a new master franchise agreement that will establish three locations in Mexico City, as well as seven other stores in key regions across the country, with the first store slated to open later this year.
Under the agreement, Ziebart operations also will be available in approximately 40 car dealerships across Mexico.
Furthering Ziebart’s potential in the market, franchises are instrumental in the success of Mexico’s economy, accounting for 5 percent of GDP and generating more than 1 million jobs across the country. Ziebart states it will introduce and expand its offerings over time.
“Mexico’s supportive franchise sector amidst an increased demand for premium automotive protection services offers an ideal market for the Ziebart franchise model,” says Thomas A. Wolfe, president and CEO of Ziebart. “With a growing number of vehicles on the road, we are confident Ziebart will quickly establish a strong presence in the Mexican automotive aftercare space.”
Founded in 1959, Ziebart International Corp. is the worldwide leader in premium automotive appearance and protection services that extend the life of vehicles. Ziebart operates more than 400 locations, with 1,300 service centers, in 37 countries.
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