Driving the Future of Mobility: James Ricci on the Evolution of Foss Group of Companies

In this exclusive feature, James Ricci, CEO of Foss Group of Companies, shares insights on sustainable mobility, automotive innovation, and the future of transportation. With over 15 years of industry experience, James was recognized among Automotive News’ Top 40 Under 40 and serves as a Board Member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto.

As CEO of Foss Group of Companies, James is leading a nearly 65-year-old family business through the shift toward electrification, emerging technologies, and evolving customer expectations. Through Landline eBikes, he is also exploring innovative solutions for sustainable personal mobility.

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How has Foss Group of Companies evolved since 1962, and what inspired its recent launch under one organization

It all started in 1962 when my grandfather, Roy Foss, opened our first General Motors dealership. He was a pioneer in Canada’s automotive industry, and what began as one dealership has grown into four divisions: Roy Foss, our GTA dealership group; Foss National Leasing, which manages about 50,000 vehicles nationwide; Foss Ventures, focused on the future of mobility; and our real estate division, which has been the anchor supporting the business over the years. 

With the automotive industry evolving rapidly and new technologies reshaping how people move, it felt like the right time to bring our businesses together under the Foss Group of Companies. This launch formalizes what we’ve built over generations while positioning us for the future.

Technology will continue to change, but one thing remains constant: people will always need to get places. Our role is to help them get there.

What does leading a third-generation Canadian family business mean to you, and how are you balancing legacy with innovation

At 16, I started a car detailing business that grew to six locations and 13 employees by the time I finished university. At 22, with a master’s degree from the London School of Economics, I was selling used cars on my family’s lot. It was humbling, but it’s where I found my purpose: building on what my grandfather, Roy Foss, started and what my mother, Karen Ross, carried forward. I learned a lot about people from the inside of their vehicles back then, and I’m still learning on the front lines today.

My grandfather was always looking for ways to do things differently. When dealerships operated in silos, he saw an opportunity to bring brands together for Canada’s first auto mall, creating more traffic and value for everyone. That same entrepreneurial thinking guides us today.

We’re building on nearly 65 years of experience while exploring new opportunities in EVs, mobility and technology. What makes us different is that we combine national scale with family ownership. We operate coast to coast, but our decisions remain grounded in family values: thinking long-term, staying personal and being accountable.

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How are electric vehicles and emerging technologies reshaping the future of mobility in Canada

I believe EV adoption will be strong over the long term, but we’re in an interesting transition period. The initial pace has slowed, while hybrids are gaining momentum. As EV technology improves, charging infrastructure expands and costs come down, I expect adoption to continue growing.

Ultimately, consumers will determine the pace of change. Right now, it’s about giving people options that make sense for their needs and budgets. We’re seeing strong EV adoption with certain brands. In fact, about 70% of our new Cadillac sales this year have been electric, while hybrids are proving to be an important option for other customers.

Beyond EVs, we’re watching developments in autonomous vehicles, connected technology and new ownership models. These innovations have the potential to change not just what people drive, but how they access and use vehicles.

For us, the priority is understanding where consumers are headed and making sure we’re ready to support them, whatever the future of mobility looks like.

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How is Foss Group of Companies navigating industry uncertainty, including tariffs and changing market conditions

There’s no question the automotive industry is facing uncertainty, from tariffs and shifting market conditions to changing consumer expectations. While we can’t control many of these external factors, we can control how we respond.

For us, that means staying flexible, listening to our customers and looking for new ways to create value. We’re thinking beyond traditional vehicle ownership and exploring new financing and mobility models that give people more choice in how they access vehicles.

Having different divisions under Foss Group of Companies also gives us a broader perspective on how the industry is evolving and where new opportunities may emerge.

We’ve been in this business for nearly 65 years, and change has always been part of the journey. We see this period as another opportunity to adapt, innovate and position ourselves for what comes next.

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Looking ahead, what are your biggest priorities for Foss Group of Companies, and where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth

Our biggest priority is continuing to strengthen and grow our core businesses while investing in new opportunities across the broader mobility landscape. We see tremendous potential in both traditional automotive businesses and emerging solutions that are changing how people access and use vehicles.

With our dealerships, national fleet leasing business and investments in mobility innovation, we’re well positioned to explore opportunities across different parts of the industry. Whether it’s helping families find the right vehicle, supporting businesses with their fleet needs or exploring emerging solutions like micromobility, our focus is on making mobility more accessible and convenient.

Ultimately, we want to build on the foundation established over the past 65 years while remaining open to new ideas and opportunities. The way people move will continue to evolve, and we want Foss Group of Companies to evolve alongside them.

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Our platform is dedicated to fostering dialogue and sharing insights that inspire and empower small and medium-sized businesses across Canada.