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After acquiring Romania’s sole Ferrari dealership, Holand Automotive Group President Gad Bitton shares insights from his firsthand experience in this fast-evolving market.
About Gad Bitton and Holand Automotive Group
Gad Bitton is the President and Founder of Holand Automotive Group, a leading player in the luxury and exotic automotive market. Headquartered in Montreal, Holand operates a portfolio of premium franchises across Canada and the U.S., including Ferrari Quebec, Rolls-Royce Quebec, Lamborghini Palm Beach, McLaren Ville de Québec, and Maserati and Lotus dealerships, and offers vehicle leasing through Holand Leasing. In 2022, the Group acquired Circuit Mont-Tremblant, with plans to develop it into an elite motorsports destination. In January 2025, Holand expanded into Europe with the acquisition of Romania’s sole Ferrari dealership, Ferrari of Bucharest, marking a major milestone in its international growth.
On Expanding into Romania
Bitton shared that Romania offers a unique and fast-evolving market within Europe—one that is growing economically while rapidly transforming in sophistication and taste. What drew him most, however, was not just the market data but the people. Romanians, he said, have a genuine passion for performance, design, and excellence, especially when it comes to Ferrari. Their enthusiasm is authentic, emotional, and deeply rooted—qualities that make Romania stand apart from more saturated European markets.
He reaffirmed his view of Romania as a “hidden gem,” now more refined and ready to shine. Describing it as a “carefully cut diamond,” Bitton praised the country’s drive, creativity, and resilience, emphasizing that its fundamentals are exceptionally strong.
On Doing Business in Romania
Bitton explained that the Romanian business environment is built on personal relationships. Trust, consistency, and credibility are essential foundations for success. Once that trust is earned, partnerships can achieve remarkable things. Though Romania still faces bureaucratic and administrative hurdles, he considers these small trade-offs for a market rich in opportunity and human connection.
Charitable and Cultural Commitment
Holand Automotive Group intends to continue its philanthropic initiatives in Romania, consistent with its values in Canada and the U.S. Bitton noted that for Holand, charity is not merely about giving—it’s about engaging with and supporting the community, viewing such efforts as opportunities to contribute to societal growth.
Approach to Luxury and Market Strategy
Addressing perceptions about selling luxury in an emerging market, Bitton said that luxury is defined by mindset, not by income. Romanian clients are sophisticated, well-traveled, and discerning, valuing authenticity, craftsmanship, and personal attention. Holand’s approach is not to sell luxury products, but to craft experiences that embody excellence, belonging, and emotional connection—values that naturally resonate with Ferrari’s clientele.
Future Investment Outlook
Beyond automotive, Holand Automotive Group is exploring real estate investment opportunities in Romania’s fast-growing urban centers such as Bucharest and Cluj. Bitton noted that these cities are evolving quickly and present long-term potential for high-quality, mixed-use, and premium developments aligned with Holand’s long-term investment philosophy.
Romania’s Strengths and Challenges
Bitton praised Romania’s educated, multilingual, and entrepreneurial people as its greatest strength, supported by the country’s advantageous position within the EU. The main challenges remain bureaucracy and infrastructure, which he views as temporary issues within an otherwise promising landscape.
On the Spirit of Bucharest
Describing Bucharest, Bitton compared its character to global cities known for their energy and spirit. He said that Bucharest has a unique vibrancy and rhythm, a blend of history, ambition, and resilience, and that it is “a city that moves with heart.”
Ferrari for the Romanian Client
When asked which model he would recommend for a first-time Ferrari client in Romania, Bitton chose the Ferrari Amalfi. As the successor to the Ferrari Roma, the Amalfi represents a new era in Ferrari’s grand touring segment, combining elegance, balance, and 640 horsepower. He described it as the ideal expression of performance and refinement—perfectly suited to Romania’s growing community of passionate Ferrari enthusiasts.