Ziebart, a provider of premium automotive appearance and protection services, is accelerating its international growth with the renewal of its 60-year-old master franchise license with Driven Brands Canada, which owns Uniban Canada. This renewal reinforces its market presence of 91 stores across the country under the VitroPlus and UniglassPlus brands. Furthering the brand’s commitment to international growth, Ziebart says that it has also signed a new master franchise license agreement for its first 10 stores in Mexico, as well as operations in approximately 40 car dealerships.
Continuing Expansion in Canada
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 neighboring Detroit, Michigan. Canada’s climate, with harsh winters and road salt exposure, creates a strong need for Ziebart’s rustproofing and maintenance solutions, noted company officials in a press release. The Windsor store was built to keep up with growing demand for Ziebart’s invention of rustproofing to protect vehicles.
“Since the beginning of our relationship in 2020, Ziebart has been instrumental in delivering top-tier automotive protection to Canadian drivers,” said 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.
“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,” said 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 To Open 10 Franchises in Mexico
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 will also be available in approximately 40 car dealerships across Mexico.
“Mexico’s supportive franchise sector amidst an increased demand for premium automotive protection services offers an ideal market for the Ziebart franchise model,” said Thomas A. Wolfe, president & chief executive officer 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.”
Domestic Developments
In addition to its international expansion, new Ziebart franchises continue to open in the U.S. Its first store in Utah will be opened by local entrepreneur Mohammed Giravi, who is targeting Bluffdale for the development of his location. Out East, longtime franchise owner Paul Shur is relocating his Ziebart business from Texas to Whitehall, Pennsylvania, while also acquiring two existing Ziebart stores in the state—one in Scranton and one in Quakertown—leveraging his experience to strengthen the brand’s presence in the region, noted a press release.
The company says that, further building on its momentum in 2024, additional franchise developments include:
- Canonsburg, PA: Nick Lambie and his brother, Mark, have signed a lease at 2599 Washington Rd. for their second Ziebart location.
- Paducah, KY: Franchising group Hygia Automotive LLC has secured a lease at 3525 Park Avenue for their Ziebart store.
“Our continued franchise growth demonstrates the increasing demand for Ziebart’s premium vehicle protection services,” said Wolfe. “Expanding in Utah, strengthening our footprint in Pennsylvania, and seeing franchisees move forward with their new locations reinforces the strength of our business model.”