Issuu

SPRING ISSUE (April–June 2021)

Up Close A Q&A with BC Premier John Horgan PAGE 16

Post-Pandemic Considerations Is time up for just-in-time manufacturing? PAGE 12

Riding the EV Wave

A decade of clean energy rebates PAGE 10

A PUBLICATION FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE NEW CAR DEALERS ASSOCIATION OF BC

Fond Farewell SHK’S Rod McCloy retires PAGE 27

ALSO INSIDE

Car Buzz: Features,

Faves and Firsts PAGE 14

NEW CARS SOLD IN BC IN 2021

JANUARY: 12,801 FEBRUARY: 13,845 MARCH: 18,921 YEAR TO DATE: 45,567

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

CONTENTS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

14 We’d love to hear from you! Our vision is for member dealers and the dealer franchise system to be seen by the public as the best choice to fulfill all their automotive needs. We are a small but dedicated and hardworking team of individuals serving all members of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. Should you have any questions, concerns or issues, or if you have any ideas for our organization to pursue, our staff is available to listen and help. Get in touch with us by phone or email at our Langley office.

Signals is THE flagship publication for the NCDA, the industry association that represents close to 400 new car and truck franchised auto retailers in BC. #380–8029 199 Street, Langley, BC V2Y 0E2 Tel: 604-214-9964 // Fax: 604-214-9965 newcardealers.ca // info@newcardealers.ca

NCDA Staff Blair Qualey President & CEO bqualey@newcardealers.ca Shakira Maqbool Manager, Finance & Administration smaqbool@newcardealers.ca Joshua Peters Manager, Member Services jpeters@newcardealers.ca

Ofir Sapoznikov Membership and Operations Coordinator info@newcardealers.ca Roni Sapoznikov CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate (formerly CEVforBC) Program Administrator cev@newcardealers.ca Duy Le CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Coordinator cev@newcardealers.ca

Vancouver International Auto Show Blair Qualey President & CEO bqualey@newcardealers.ca 604-214-9964 Have a topic or story suggestion? Email us! And for article and ad submissions and rate card details, please contact: Joshua Peters | 604-214-9964 EXT 225 jpeters@newcardealers.ca For subscriber inquiries, please contact: info@newcardealers.ca

Penny Sakamoto, Group Publisher 818 Broughton Street, Victoria BC V8W 1E4 psakamoto@blackpress.ca Published in Canada The contents of Signals, such as text, articles, opinions, views, graphics, images, and the selection and arrangement of information (the “Content”), are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws under both Canadian and foreign laws. Unauthorized use of the Content may violate copyright, trademark, patent, and other laws. You must retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the original Content on any copy you make of it. Disclaimer: Information contained within Signals is for general information purposes only and may not be entirely complete or accurate. Use of Signals’ content is done so at your own risk.

COLUMNS

FEATURED ARTICLES

President’s Message

New Members

10 Riding the EV Wave A Decade of Clean Energy Rebates

Industry News Roundup

Government Advocacy

14 Car Buzz Features, Faves and Firsts 22 Legal Line by SHK Implied Warranties 26 Special Olympics BC Meet Athlete Sebastian Gylander

12 Trends Is Time Up for Just-in-Time Manufacturing? 16 Cover Story: Up Close Q&A with Premier John Horgan 20 The Changing Landscape of Auto Insurance Inside the Enhanced Care program 24 Can Employers Require COVID-19 Vaccines? A Look at All Sides of the Issue 27 Rod McCloy Longtime NCDA Counsel Retires

On the Cover: BC Premier John Horgan. See feature story, page 16.

newcardealers.ca

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

There’s Hope on the Road Ahead

News From the Front Seat BLAIR QUALEY PRESIDENT & CEO, NCDA

“Thank you for sponsoring the sports teams, the food banks, the Lions, Rotarians and all the other service organizations that new car dealers are always involved with…The foundations of communities are car dealerships.” —PREMIER JOHN HORGAN IN CONVERSATION WITH NCDA’S PRESIDENT, BLAIR QUALEY

Under normal circumstances, this spring’s edition of Signals would highlight the best of the 2021 Vancouver International Auto Show, but as we all know, these are not normal days and there was no 2021 show. Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is hope ahead in that we are seeing more and more vaccines going into the arms of British Columbians and others across Canada. In fact, according to the BC’s Public Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbians could be living in a “post-pandemic world” by the end of the summer, if things go according to plan.

As the pandemic has evolved, orders have been amended as needed. This creates an opportunity for engagement and open lines of communication with industry and labour to receive reasonable advance notice and to provide advice and input on opportunities, challenges and unintended consequences related to measures taken to address the pandemic. The engagement group also enables a dialogue on planning and next steps in the event circumstances worsen. We have found the opportunity to participate in this group and benefit from direct reports provided by Dr. Bonnie Henry to be very valuable in helping us support and guide our members through the pandemic.

NCDA Participates in BC Government COVID-19 Industry Group

A Conversation with the Premier

I am grateful to Hon. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, for inviting the NCDA to join the government’s BC COVID-19 Industry Engagement Table. Smartly, government recognized that industry associations have an important role to play in reducing transmission and providing expertise to address current challenges. Moreover, industry benefits from the control of the spread of the pandemic to assist in the economic recovery of the province and its citizens now and into the future. So, the time was right to establish a virtual COVID-19 industry engagement working group.

Continuing with the government theme, we were delighted to have Premier Horgan accept our invitation to have a conversation by video conference in mid-March on issues raised by our dealer members. Signals readers can find some of the highlights of the discussion in this issue. A significant portion of the conversation was recorded and available for your viewing here. At such a busy time, we are most grateful to the Premier for taking the time to speak to our members directly. Please note that this issue of Signals was finalized before BC’s April 20 budget announcement, so we will be

2021 New Car Dealers Association of BC Board of Directors

Peter Heppner Chair

James Carter Vice Chair

Anthony Lunelli Treasurer

Jeff Hall Past Chair

Blair Qualey President & CEO

PRESTON GM LANGLEY

CARTER GM N. SHORE

KELOWNA SUBARU

HALLMARK FORD SURREY

NCDA

Justin Gebara

Mike Hacquard

Ryan Jones

COLUMBIA CHRYSLER RICHMOND

WOLFE AUTO GROUP SURREY LANGLEY

MARV JONES HONDA MAPLE RIDGE

Ben Lovie

Joey Prevost

Peter Sia

Peter Trzewik

Jared Williams

Adam Hill

Erik Jensen

OPENROAD AUDI BURNABY

MACCARTHY MOTORS TERRACE

NORTHLAND NISSAN PRINCE GEORGE

GAIN GROUP VANCOUVER ISLAND

JACK CARTER ELK VALLEY CHEVY BUICK GMC

LGM FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA

Member at Large

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

updating our members on any developments of note in our weekly e-news. What we know at the moment: Budget 2021 includes additional funds for the Go Electric program rebates for purchases of electric vehicles and charging stations (see page 8 for more details).

took the opportunity to organize a virtual Chairman’s Tour, where NCDA chair Peter Heppner and NCDA staff provided updates on the association’s work on behalf of our dealer members. Our thanks to our national dealers’ association, CADA, for its sponsorship support of the tour.

WorkBC and BC Auto Career Opportunities

Dealers Make a Difference for Special Olympics—Mark Your Calendar for Online Auction

Your association has been working with WorkBC to have their career coaches gain a better understanding of the overall new car dealer sector and job opportunities from a provincial perspective. We continue to encourage government to make investments in additional training spaces at BC institutions so more qualified service technicians and others are available to our members.

ICBC Changes Big changes are underway at ICBC, including the move to Enhanced Care (learn more about the changes here). The NCDA has a sub-committee of dealers connecting with ICBC on these changes, including the impacts of Enhanced Care for fleet and commercial customers. As more information becomes available, we will share with you and, as always, if you have any questions on these changes, please reach out to our NCDA office.

Virtual Chairman’s Tour As we were not hosting tens of thousands of British Columbia car fans at the Vancouver International Auto Show this year, we

Since 1984, the NCDA has been committed to supporting Special Olympics BC through the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC. Through more than three decades, this inspiring auction has raised over $5 million to support the empowerment, health and skill development of our athletes. Throughout the pandemic, Special Olympics BC has created new virtual training and education programs, including strong Return to Sport safety protocols to allow in-person training where possible. But there is a long road ahead to return to normal operating capacity and they need help to reopen all of the year-round Special Olympics BC programs in 55 BC communities. Last year’s New Car Dealers Foundation and Special Olympics BC auction raised more than $171,000 in silent auction items, cash donations and sponsorships to support the life-changing work of Special Olympics BC. Thanks to all our members for your great support! Please mark your calendar now for the SOBC Online Dealer Auction from May 27 to June 2. Bid high and bid often!

A Fond Farewell to NCDA’s Legal Counsel Rod McCloy If you are a regular reader of Signals, you have likely read Legal Line from Rod McCloy and other lawyers at SHK Law. Rod has worked as counsel to the NCDA for more than 10 years and has worked with countless BC dealers over the decades. Rod was called to the BC bar in 1972 and he will be retiring from SHK Law at the end of April. When I first took on the role of President and CEO in October 2008—just as the financial crisis was hitting our sector hard—Rod was one of the first to reach out and provide his support and counsel. Rod worked closely with the NCDA on many important issues, including developing the VSA-approved Bill of Sale document. On behalf of BC’s New Car Dealers, thank you Rod for your support and great counsel all these many years. Your fingerprints will remain on so many important issues in this sector for years to come. We wish you all the best in your retirement as you continue to travel the world and find some very good wine to drink! Thanks for all you have done to make us better. Stay safe out there! Sincerely,

Blair Qualey, President and CEO New Car Dealers Association of BC bqualey@newcardealers.ca

2021 New Car Dealers Foundation of BC Board of Directors

Amanda Chrinko

Ryan Jones

David Jukes

NCDA

WESTWOOD HONDA COQUITLAM

MARV JONES HONDA MAPLE RIDGE

FIRST CANADIAN FINANCIAL GROUP

Joey Prevost

Larry Ranger

Sharon Rupal

Peter Sia

Zack Spencer

MACCARTHY MOTORS TERRACE

RETIRED

OPENROAD LEXUS PORT MOODY

NORTHLAND NISSAN PRINCE GEORGE

AUTOMOTIVE JOURNALIST, DRIVING TELEVISION

Heather Headley Chair

John Wynia Past Chair

Marnie Carter Founding Chair

James Carter Treasurer

Blair Qualey President & CEO

PACIFIC HONDA N. VANCOUVER

HARBOURVIEW VW NANAIMO

CARTER AUTO FAMILY

CARTER GM N. SHORE

Moray Keith

Anthony Lunelli

John MacDonald ADESA RICHMOND

DUECK AUTO GROUP KELOWNA SUBARU VANCOUVER/RICHMOND

newcardealers.ca

NEW MEMBERS Associate members of the New Car Dealers Association of BC provide vital products and services to dealer members, allowing them to do business with greater cost effectiveness, environmental responsibility and general efficiency. Welcome to our new members: Snap-on, SmartProgram and Frontline Real Estate!

Snap-on

SmartProgram Inc.

Frontline Real Estate

From technicians, shop owners and managers to dealership service and parts managers, Snap-on serves the ever-changing needs of a wide range of automotive professionals. Increasing vehicle complexity and emerging technologies continually spawn new repair problems that demand up-to-date solutions. Snapon helps professionals keep pace with a continuous flow of new innovations in hand tools, power tools, tool storage, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and management systems.

The SmartProgram helps finance managers who want to increase their per-car average and reduce after-sales customer service issues. We do this by providing dealers with high-quality products to ensure customers have lasting value in their purchases. We specialize in pre-paid service agreements for dealerships to sell to customers. These agreements include a variety of cosmetic appearance repairs. We also offer a one-step, 9H hardness, in-house ceramic coating called Ceramx, which offers many benefits to the dealer and buyer.

Frontline Real Estate Services is a full-service real estate firm specializing in the Fraser Valley and suburban Metro Vancouver markets. Based in the Fraser Valley, Frontline is the “across-the-bridge” real estate brokerage, whose thoughtful strategy, personalized approach, proven data-driven methodologies and established relationships have brought our clients success for over a decade.

Learn more: https://shop.snapon.com/ Contact: Ray Lavender, marketing communications manager, Snap-on Tools of Canada: Raymond.W.Lavender@snapon.com

Learn more: thesmartprogram.ca. Contact: Jerrod Lucas, president and general manager, SmartProgram Inc. Phone: 780-9753412, jlucas@thesmartprogram.ca

Learn more at FLRE.ca. Contact: Ande Kuric, director of marketing, Frontline Real Estate Services, 160–8621 201 Street, Langley, BC, V2Y 0G9, direct: 604.295.8641, office: 604687-8300, ande@FLRE.ca

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Dealer and Industry News From Around the Province BY BRUCE CAMERON, BLACK PRESS CONTRIBUTOR

100 Mile House dealership changes hands Tom Bachynski, who has managed and owned the Central GM dealership in 100 Mile House through mill closures, the 2008 financial crisis and the 2017 wildfires, is retiring after 22 years at the helm. The Gustafson family, which owns Dodge Chrysler Jeep and Gustafson Kia dealerships in nearby Williams Lake, will be taking over. Dylan Gustafson is taking charge of the dealership, and he says the first challenge to overcome will be inventory issues caused by the slowdown in production during the COVID-19 pandemic. As for Bachynski, he is looking forward to building his retirement home on Green Lake, and he plans to spend winters in warmer climes. After over two decades of leading the dealership in the Cariboo region, he said, “I think retirement after this year will include retiring my snow shovels.” Source: Patrick Davies, 100 Mile Free Press

New Hyundai/Genesis Dealership to be built in Kelowna Within the next year, a new Hyundai/ Genesis dealership will be built in Kelowna as part of the Kot Auto Group. A family-owned-and-operated business, Kot has six dealerships across BC, including a new Kelowna Kia location. Kelowna City Council approved plans for the new dealership and it should be operating within a year. The company said, “Kot Auto Group dealerships are dedicated to providing exceptional customer experience and have a passion for excellence.”

Nanaimo Honda almost triples its space Originally built in the 1970s, Nanaimo Honda will soon be rebuilt to encompass additional space of almost 25,000 square feet—close to triple the 9,700 square feet it has occupied for over 50 years. While the design met with some resistance at city council due to the height of the new showroom, the plans have now been approved, and construction will get underway in August 2021. A target of September 2022 has been set for occupying the new, improved space located at Bowen Road and Cienar Drive.

SCRAP-IT program expands for 2021

Greyhound bus site makes way for new OpenRoad Mercedes-Benz dealership A new OpenRoad Mercedes-Benz Dealership will rise on the site of an old Greyhound bus depot in Coquitlam by 2023 if a series of variance and rezoning permits can be obtained. The proposed two-storey structure will include almost 60,000 square feet of space where the old Greyhound Canada bus depot operated until 2018.

The SCRAP-IT program, established through private funding and grants from a variety of partners, offers rebates to encourage reduction of GHGs when an old vehicle is scrapped. With the intention of removing older vehicles from BC roads, SCRAP-IT currently offers a rebate (funded through industry) for the purchase of qualifying zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). This rebate may be combined with other ZEV rebates, including those offered under the CleanBC Go Electric program. In addition to offering up to $6,000 toward a purchase of a ZEV, SCRAP-IT program rebates also support the purchase of E-bicycles and scooters, subsidize transit passes and provide credit for membership in car-sharing organizations. For more information go to scrapit.ca newcardealers.ca

GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY

BC LEGISLATURE WIRE

News and Updates From the Capital Government update COVID-19 case numbers remain a challenge throughout British Columbia with a sharp increase in late March, leading to increased restrictions around travel, dining and workplaces. At the same time, the BC government and the Provincial Health Officer announced changes in the provincial vaccination program. The NCDA is working to make sure that whatever happens, members’ businesses remain designated as essential services and open for their loyal customers. Transportation options and vehicle repair remain critical to keeping BC moving through the pandemic.

Legislature news The BC legislature session in Victoria is underway. The session started on March 1 with MLAs back at work and preparing for the highly anticipated April 12 throne speech, which would lay out government priorities for the year. The BC budget followed on April 20, reflecting priorities laid out in throne speech. As always, the NCDA kept a close watch for any announcements in Budget 2021 relating to funding for the CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, or any changes to any taxes, including the luxury taxes. This will be a very long legislative session ending June 17 (typically the session ends at the end of May). In other provincial developments, Hon. Mike Farnworth, BC’s Solicitor General, introduced Bill 5, the Insurance Corporation Amendment Act. The act (if passed) creates an independent fairness officer. The intent is a Fairness Office to oversee and respond to ICBC customer complaints and process issues. The act was expected to pass in April. Also, Minister Farnworth announced that it is official—ordering that bottle of beer or wine from your favourite restaurant was meant to be temporary—but as of now, this is permanent. While you’re enjoying that take-out, tune in to the Western Hockey League or the BC Hockey League, which was given approval to start a limited season.

Question period Among the big topics in question period

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

recently was the government’s cut of $300 monthly COVID-19 assistance for seniors, people with disabilities and people on lower incomes, with the minister alluding to the April budget including some further relief. Childcare was also a big issue in question period and so was recovery funding for not-for-profits and a possible return of the cruise ship industry to BC waters.

Other news The government announced more COVID-19 support measures for businesses with the small- and medium-sized online grant program. This is a $30-million cash injection to help businesses pivot their operations online and improve e-commerce experiences. Tourism operators, hair salons, not-for-profits and a variety of other groups will be eligible for this grant to explore “partnerships with the three pillars of the economy: sustainability, innovation and equality to all communities”. In addition, 30 per cent of program funds are reserved for people of colour, women, and Indigenous-owned businesses. Eligible businesses can access up to $7,500 to help build or expand their online businesses.

Budget briefs Announced in the provincial budget on April 20, British Columbia is forecasting a $9.7-billion deficit for 2021-22 ($5 billion

lower than forecasted), followed by $5.5 billion in 2022-23, then dropping to $4.3 billion in 2023-24. • On the clean energy front, the province continues to invest in the transition to cleaner transportation by making electric vehicles more affordable, investing in charging stations and shifting to renewable fuels. Budget 2021 included $94 million in Go Electric program rebates for purchases of electric vehicles, and rebates for installing charging stations. These investments bring the total funding for CleanBC to nearly $2.2 billion over five years. BC has the highest per capita market share of EVs in North America. “We are pleased to see that the BC government hasn’t taken its foot off the pedal in funding the CleanBC Go Electric program and other important investments that will help continue a positive trend, which is good for consumers, good for the economy and, most importantly, good for the environment,” said Blair Qualey, NCDA’s president and CEO. • On tourism: The tourism sector will receive a $120-million boost, which includes $100 million to support major anchor attractions. • On emergency funding: The BC government is allocating $3.25 billion in pandemic contingency funding that could be used for sectors such as hospitality and tourism based on virus transmission rates over the next few weeks.

With the economy picking up speed, we remain dedicated to ensuring our dealer’s success.”

KAR Global is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of our customers, employees and communities in all we do during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to closely monitor public health and government directives to ensure we’re operating safely. As we emerge from the pandemic and with the economy picking up speed, we remain dedicated to ensuring our dealers’ success. We continue to hold Simulcast auctions via ADESA.ca and the ADESA Marketplace app. Our other digital channels — including private label sites and upstream open (non-auction) vehicles on ADESA.ca and TradeRev also remain open and active to keep your business moving forward. That’s why KAR Global is extending and initiating relief programs and temporary price reductions as well as resuming services to give dealers the confidence to buy and sell anytime, anywhere and emerge stronger than ever: • Waived Simulcast Fees: No Simulcast success fees for buyers through July 31, 2020. • Buyer Vehicle Previews: Most ADESA locations are now offering in-person visits to preview and assess inventory. Contact your local ADESA auction to learn more. • Post Sale Inspections: All locations are now offering PSIs. Contact your local ADESA auction to learn more.

For additional information and all of the latest updates, visit ADESA.ca For additional information and all of the latest updates, visit ADESA.ca and TradeRev. newcardealers.ca

A Decade of Clean Energy Vehicle Rebates

Riding the EV Wave BY BRUCE CAMERON, BLACK PRESS COLUMNIST

The CleanBC vehicle rebate program celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and in its first decade the program has outperformed expectations. Blair Qualey, president and CEO of BC’s New Car Dealers Association, recently explained the importance of that decade milestone. “A decade ago,” he wrote in the article “Shining a Light on the Personal EV Experience” (found on the NCDA website), “the notion of electric vehicle sales making a dent in the new car marketplace appeared to be something that would likely occur far down the road. Today, much has changed. Government support in the form of necessary rebates, improving EV charging station access, increasing vehicle range and product availability and a growing environmental consciousness have all combined to drastically alter the automotive landscape, especially in British Columbia.” Ultimately, the intent of the CleanBC ve-

hicle rebate was to inspire British Columbians to shift to an EV. That goal of shifting a large proportion of the population to EVs remains, but the success of the program has enabled much more to happen in the province, such as kick-starting local production of EVs. An example is Parksville’s Might-E, which is working with CanEV, to produce low-speed work trucks for use on campuses, in malls and in parks. As BC Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Bruce Ralston explained, “Under our CleanBC plan, we are moving to a future where new vehicles produce no air pollution at all. To get there faster, we are supporting smart BC companies like CanEV to develop innovative technology. We are also offering rebates to businesses adopting commercial electric vehicles (EVs) through our CleanBC Go Electric programs.” Due to the success of the Clean BC vehi-

cle rebate program, the economic output of BC’s EV sector is now estimated at over $1 billion, generated by almost 300 companies and over 6,000 employees. In 2011, British Columbia introduced programs to support the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and over the past decade has injected $277 million into consumer and business rebates, as well as infrastructure, charging stations, public education and technician training. By the end of 2020, light-duty ZEV sales represented 9.4 per cent of all new light-duty vehicle sales in BC, with 54,469 registered in the province. Furthermore, in 2020, BC had the highest uptake rates of ZEVs in North America; it had one of the largest public charging networks and the first cluster of public hydrogen fuelling stations in Canada. The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act (ZEV Act), passed on May 30, 2019, requires

Celebrating 10 Years

CleanBC Go Electric and BC’s New Car Dealers

A record $150 million+ provided to BC residents and over 35,000 rebates for Zero-Emission Vehicles!

Celebrating 10 Years

Learn more about purchase rebates and recent program changes here:

www.cevforbc.ca 10

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

automakers to meet ZEV sales targets reaching 10 per cent of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2040. The province is well on its way to exceeding the 2025 ZEV sales targets. In 2020 there were 15,451 new ZEV’s registered in B.C., which represented 9.4 per cent of all new light-duty vehicle registrations in BC. And purchasers are buying into it. In Qualey’s “Shining a Light on the Personal EV Experience” article, he quotes EV owner Dorothy Hiebert of Port Moody, who suggests that the positive experience of owning and driving an electric vehicle doesn’t receive enough attention. The relationship between Dorothy and her vehicle is a special one, writes Qualey. Dorothy asserts that in her 55 years behind the wheel, she finds driving an EV is an experience unlike any other: “The car and I are a team,” she says, “working together effortlessly … The responsiveness of the car’s actions is almost like the car can read my mind. The result is I can drive for hours and not get tired. Without actually getting behind the wheel and experiencing what I am talking about, this aspect of driving an EV is not appreciated like it should be, and that is unfortunate.” Regardless of the potential impact of the program over the next two decades, the first decade of the program has seen a sharp rise in consumer buy-in, and those trends are almost certain to rise further in 2021 and beyond.

What’s keeping What’s keeping your dealership your dealership compliant? compliant?

BC Eager To Go Electric Province releases 2020 update A record number of British Columbians have switched to electric vehicles (EVs) with more than 54,000 light-duty EVs registered in BC, according to the newly released 2020 annual zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) update. “With the highest reported uptake rates of EVs in North America, BC is quickly becoming a leader in the EV industry,” said Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Bruce Ralston. “Despite challenges from the pandemic, our EV sales remained steady in 2020, making it clear that British Columbians are committed to meeting our CleanBC goals and our transition to a clean energy future.” According to the report, British Columbians are also adopting EV technology for less traditional vehicles, such as motorcycles and cargo e-bikes, through

the Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive (SUVI) program. Since the relaunch of the SUVI program in 2017, nearly 550 rebates have been provided for eligible vehicles. “People in communities across British Columbia are increasingly choosing electric vehicles to reduce air pollution, and for a better driving experience and lower operating costs,” said George Heyman, minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “This transition is happening because EVs and charging stations are becoming more affordable and available through CleanBC.” BC is not alone in its push toward greater EV uptake. The United States is setting ambitious new goals around EV manufacturing, deployment and charging, which could lead to even greater access to EV infrastructure around the continent for EV drivers.

QUICK FACTS: • As of December 2020, 54,469 EVs were on the road in BC, leading to an estimated 216,000 tonnes in emission reductions per year. • EV owners see immediate savings on fuel costs—about $1,800 a year for the average driver. • BC has over 2,500 public charging stations. • The Zero-Emission Vehicles Act requires automakers to meet increasing annual levels of ZEV sales to 100 per cent by 2040. • BC is well on its way to exceeding the 2025 targets with light-duty EV sales representing 9.4 per cent of all new light-duty vehicle sales in BC in 2020.

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TRENDS

Post-Pandemic Considerations:

Is Time Up for Just-in-Time Manufacturing? BY BRUCE CAMERON, PRESIDENT OF RETURN ON INSIGHT AND RESEARCH STRATEGIST Just-in-time manufacturing, which reduces the need for keeping a large inventory of parts on hand, was pioneered by Toyota almost 70 years ago. The idea of ordering parts to arrive just as they are needed in the assembly process has now been adopted by many industries around the world to enhance productivity and reduce costs. In theory, the system relies on a finely tuned logistics process and an efficient supply chain to increase profits. In practice, however, the just-in-time process is now facing a reckoning due to supply chain hiccups. The idea is simple: the less inventory you need to purchase, the more profit you can make in a shorter time. As long as the global supply chain kept growing and becoming more efficient, the system worked well. But the events of the past year have thrown that assumption into doubt. COVID-19 disrupted supply chains everywhere, as lockdowns kept workers from their jobs. As if to underline the fragility of just-intime manufacturing, the Ever Given mega container ship got lodged sideways in the Suez Canal, blocking 15 per cent of the world’s shipping, and shooting up global oil prices for weeks. The warning signs of a global over-reliance on just-in-time methods have been growing for years. “Some experts have warned that short-term shareholder interests have eclipsed prudent management in prompting companies to skimp on stockpiling goods,” said Peter S. Goodman, in a March 29 New York Times article on the global shipping industry. Goodman quoted Ian Goldin, a professor of globalization at Oxford University, about the double-edged sword of growing global supply chains: “As we become more interdependent, we are even more subject to the fragilities that arise, and they are always unpredictable.”

Kickstarting local production Supply chains are only as strong as their weakest link, and events of the past year have shown that over-reliance on distant manufacturers comes at a cost. In medical technologies and supplies, there has been a big push to expand or create local production to avoid falling short of PPEs and vaccines. That thinking—to kickstart local production capacity—has also extended to the automotive sector. The new owner of the Central GM dealership in 100 Mile House, Dylan Gustafson, says his first challenge will be to rectify inventory issues caused by the slowdown in production during the pandemic. The Gustafson family is not alone. For many dealerships throughout BC, the most pressing challenge in 2020 was not dealing with the lingering effects of COVID-19, it was finding more inventory. The demand for more specialized manufacturing components continues to increase as sales of ZEVs rise. The slowdown of existing trade routes and supplies has prompted governments in Canada to explore how to boost manufacturing right here at home, for everything from medical parts to auto parts. Two recent examples of the shift toward greater local production in Canada illustrate the trend: • In Windsor, Ontario, provincial and federal governments are

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

collaborating with local development officials to bid on a $2 billion EV-battery plant, seen as an essential part of securing Canada’s automotive supply chain for an EV future. • In Parksville, BC, the Horgan government is helping fund the Might-E Truck, which are small EVs for use in malls and on job sites. This acceleration of EV-related automotive sector jobs is likely to continue in Canada, and a key factor is avoiding reliance on distant supply chains.

Will customers return? Supply chain considerations only matter if customers return to dealerships in a post-pandemic world. According to a PWC survey of consumers featured in the Canadian Consumer Insights 2020 report, most Canadians will return to retail stores when the pandemic ends, although maybe not at pre-pandemic levels. One challenge will be to restart with the lessons of the pandemic in mind. PWC recommends two broad efforts—”reimagine the relationship between you and your customer, which has been changed by virtual opportunities to shop in the past year, and rebalance the need for physical and virtual offerings.” PWC concludes: “As consumer behaviours and tastes evolve, retailers are likely to need fewer physical stores. Determine where and in what circumstances it makes sense to have a brick-and-mortar presence and where you need to repurpose your store format and size to respond to consumer shifts and preferences.” Another analysis of impending changes in auto retailing is offered by Dave Zuchowski, former CEO of Hyundai Motor America, in a feature in Ward’s Auto, March 12, 2021. In short, Zuchowski recommends relying more heavily on the prevailing just-in-time system in place today, with one key twist: “improving operating margins by transitioning from a push-to-pull model.” But what will the pull from consumers look like in a post-pandemic world? For more insights into the “pull” forces that will prompt consumers to change their buying habits, McKinsey Consulting asked Brian Solis, a digital futurist, in a March 2021 interview about changes to retailing. Solis said, “Retailers can no longer just build fixed structures and rely on a business model based on, ‘How much can we squeeze out of this design before we need a remodel?’ The business model is remodeling. It’s about being agile, evolving, staying culturally relevant. It’s about reimagining space and flow. How will people come through this space? What will they feel? What’s the draw? What’s the attraction, beyond just stuff on shelves?” The dizzying world of potential changes, with billions of dollars in inventory and complex dealership design considerations hanging in the balance, could cause anyone to pause. But there are many bold players here in BC building new dealerships or buying and adapting older ones, like Central GM, Nanaimo Honda, Coquitlam Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai/Genesis Kelowna. It’s just in time for a post-pandemic rebound.

SELF-SERVICE

IN SERVICE Boost Customer Satisfaction Offer a 24/7 self-led option for customers to check-in, pay, or drop-off and pick-up keys. Improve Efficiency Reduce wait times by an average of 86%. Increase Revenue Present menus and warranty work to every customer to increase upsells 20%. Promote Trade-Ins Increase trade-in appraisals 11% by letting customers know if their vehicle is in demand.

newcardealers.ca

CAR BUZZ

Features, Faves and Firsts

Ford F-150 PowerBoost

Nissan’s new Frontier redesigned

How do you improve on North America’s 2021 Truck of the Year? Pack in some great new features, like revolutionary Max Recline seats in the redesigned Ford F150 (PowerBoost). The Max Recline seats fold nearly flat, so owners can take a nap on the job site or in a campground. The seats also pack speakers in the headrests as part of the optional B&O audio system. Another feature, called Pro Power Onboard, offers three levels of onboard power for power tools or accessories: a 2.0-kW system, a 2.4-kW system that’s standard on the new F-150 hybrid, and an optional 7.2-kW system, only available on the hybrid.

Midsize pickups are not going to outnumber full-size pickups in Canada anytime soon, but their popularity is rising, and that means at Nissan an all-new 2022 Frontier is on the way. Nissan’s Frontier pickup is undergoing its first major redesign in 17 years as the Japanese automaker re-focuses on a segment it helped pioneer. The redesigned Frontier is powered by a 3.8-litre direct-injection V6 engine that delivers 310 horsepower, with a new nine-speed automatic transmission that delivers improved acceleration and a smoother driving experience.

ULTRA-HIGH PERFORMANCE

FIRST IN OVER A CENTURY

NEW HONDA CIVIC

Cadillac CT4 & CT5 Blackwing!

Aston Martin’s SUV – DBX

Two ultra-high-performance sedans make their debut later this summer, as GM unveils the 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing and CT4-V Blackwing. The limited-availability CT5-V Blackwing uses an upgraded 6.2-litre supercharged V8 that is rated at 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. GM says this makes the CT5 the most powerful production Cadillac has ever built. And what’s even more cool? The V8 engines are hand-assembled at GM’s plant in Bowling Green, Ohio. Each engine is individually numbered and signed by the builder. The CT4-V Blackwing is an evolution of the Cadillac 3.6-litre twin-turbo V6 and features an improved air-intake system coupled with revised control-system software, which creates 472 of horsepower and 445 lb-ft torque.

Aston Martin is building an SUV for the first time in its 108-year company history. A sports car company, Aston Martin is looking for SUV-hungry customers, a proven gambit pursued by the likes of Maserati, Bentley, Porsche and Lamborghini. Welcome DBX. Under the hood is a Mercedes-AMG-sourced twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 (interesting to note that Aston hasn’t designed its own engine since the late ‘60s). Aston Martin first introduced the DBX as a concept at the 2015 Geneva auto show, and since arriving at North American dealerships in late 2020, the Aston Martin DBX has been delivering steady sales.

The next generation of Canada’s favourite compact

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

Built in Canada, the new Honda Civic has been updated. The popular compact arrives this year in its 11th generation, featuring a redesign and a new lineup of body styles. For the first time, the Civic will get a fully digital instrument cluster. The Civic sedan, hatchback and R models will return. The Civic coupe, however, will not return.

All dealership training is not equal. NCMi is different. Our instructors bring deep industry experience to the classroom and engage students with actionable lessons based on proprietary Benchmark® data. With virtual options, in-person learning and lessons for every department and level, driving your dealership forward starts by turning to NCMi. Get started at ncmassociates.com/training.

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COVER STORY

Q& A

with BC Premier John Horgan

The following summarizes an extensive interview of Premier John Horgan by NCDA President and CEO Blair Qualey. Video of the entire interview is available here. Blair Qualey: Thank you, Premier, for taking the time to speak with us today. On behalf of close to 400 new car dealers across 55 communities in BC, we extend thanks to you and your government for your leadership, incredible hard work and the support that you have provided to all British Columbians—businesses, consumers—all of us. From the start of the pandemic, the NCDA has summarized updates from your government and provided daily updates to members. They greatly appreciated all that information, guidance and support. Further, I have to say that provincial health authorities and WorkSafeBC have been terrific partners. Again, thank you so very much from all of us in this sector—and please pass along our thanks from all of us to Minister Dix and the amazing Dr. Bonnie Henry for an incredible job. Premier John Horgan: Thank you. It’s the relationship, the collaboration and the willingness to work together, Blair, that has made this happen, not just with your members but right across the board. This is unprecedented—none of us has ever seen anything like it. Dr. Henry, Minister Dix and I worked very hard on not just shutting things down but looking at how we can operate things.

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

And in sectors like yours, we wanted to keep things going—and I hope that’s been okay. I see sales have been pretty brisk for the lion’s share of the past 12 months! BQ: Many British Columbians will know that you are a sports fan and, particularly, that lacrosse was a big part of your upbringing. We also know you are a bit of Trekkie. Did cars fit into your interests as a young person—and what is the first car you owned? JH: My first car was 1969 Datsun 510. Also, I was part of that generation that had a big appreciation for muscle cars—mid-‘70s into the ‘80s. There was a desire to hang around with muscle cars and while I have zero aptitude, I have huge appreciation for restorations. One of my favourite shows today is Rust Valley Restorations, which is filmed up in the Shuswap and renewed for a third season on the History Channel. BQ: When you were elected Premier, there was no way for you to anticipate the challenges this province and your government would face in 2020 and now into 2021. Can you describe the impact the pandemic has had on you as a political leader and on a personal level? JH: I could not have predicted how we all have responded to the announcement just a year ago by the World Health Organization that we were in a global pandemic. I was very blessed to have people like Dr. Henry—who had just recently been hired in BC and whose ability to communicate is excellent—and my friend Adrian Dix. My response was simple—we have two people who are on top of this, so let them speak to the people of BC. I’ll go back and do

what I do well, which is work with people—the business community, workers and not-for-profits. We set up an economic recovery task force at the front end. We were able to get real-time information about challenges and concerns quickly. I am grateful for the extraordinary people around me: the professional public service and people in the private sector who reached out to offer help and guidance. BQ: The environment is a big part of your government’s agenda and it’s obviously important for British Columbians. Could you speak to the value of the partnership that exists between your government and BC’s new car dealers in helping to put BC in a leadership position with respect to electric vehicle adoption? JH: This is another circumstance of good fortune. We had a relationship with the NCDA of BC when I was leader of the opposition and I was grateful for support at various events at that time. Again, when building relationships, you can talk candidly about how relationships can benefit everyone, and we know that if we are going to meet our climate objectives and be a participant in a global endeavour, we need to have partners. And if you are going to convince people that 35 per cent of emissions come from the transportation sector and that they need to shift their behaviour, who better to assist you than the people who spend their days encouraging others to try new things, new models and new approaches? Putting in place the electric vehicle rebate program with the NCDA as our greatest advocate allowed for the consumer public to have the most confidence. It doesn’t happen very often that you go back to the finance minister to say, “We need more money—this program is wildly popular.” That is a compliment and a tip of my hat to the new car dealers because they bought in right away. I don’t believe we would have had the success we’ve had, quite frankly, if we didn’t have the partnership that exists with the NCDA. You provide the education and we provide the incentive, and the public votes with their feet. BQ: Thank you. From our perspective on behalf of the dealers, the partnership has worked very, very well. We have just celebrated 10 years of administering the program for government and we look forward to continuing the success. BQ: An increasing number of consumers are in the marketplace for EVs, but price remains a determining factor for many. EV rebates in the past have demonstrated that price is the number-one factor for most consumers in considering a purchase of an EV. How do we work on a long-term funding formula so consumers and government can help continue this positive trend and highly successful climate-change initiative? JH: Again, the partnership is critical, and your members need to have confidence they can have product in the marketplace to sell and bring to their customers. So, if we are going to continue to have confidence on the dealership floor, government has to maintain the stream of incentives. Then, dealers can be confident when speaking with their customers, and customers can be confident in your ability to deliver for them. Now, of course, the challenge in uncertain times is determining what are our guardrails in our

budgeting process. If we can get light-duty truck manufacturing in BC, we’d certainly be in a position to assist with that. What we want to make sure of when we are shifting away from combustion engines into EVs as part of our CleanBC plan is that the budget will continue to have dollars in place year after year. Putting in place multi-year budgeting builds confidence in the sector, and I think that you can look for some exciting announcements in the budget that we are tabling in April. BQ: Shifting gears a bit—as you know, the skills shortage is something a number of industries are facing. In our sector, we hear from members that a key challenge is the shortage of all automotive skilled trades including service technicians in general, but particularly in rural areas. Can you comment on the government’s plan to tackle the ongoing skilled-trade shortage and support for service technicians, as well as industry training and education for apprenticeship completion? JH: That is an important question. We need to build and train the next generation of workers, not just in this sector but in a whole host of other places. The transformation in the auto sector is happening so quickly that if you are training the next generation of technicians on equipment for vehicles built in the 1990s, they are not going to be adequately trained when they come out of college. Let’s give people a leg up by making sure that the equipment in our colleges is as modern as it can possibly be, whether it is at BCIT in the Lower Mainland or at a host of our other community colleges around the province. I was recently in Terrace at Coast Mountain College to announce investments in new equipment for auto technicians. I talked to a few people at the event and many of the students were from the Lower Mainland—there were not enough spaces for them to enter school there, so they came to Terrace for the automotive program. This was a signal to me and the Ministry of Advanced Education that we need to create more spaces. We need to have spaces at our community colleges, not just universities, and make certifications easier for employers, so they understand that they are getting the same level regardless of where students train. And that means that there needs to be a level playing field when it comes to ensuring equipment at those colleges. I come across young people all the time who spent some years at university and then decided to go into the trades. They are attracted by the well-paid, family-supporting jobs. BQ: That’s terrific, and you mentioned the college in Terrace—we were up there before the COVID-19 pandemic to present a number of scholarships. The dealers there and our association with dealers around the province have partnered with many institutions to help people who want to find good, family-supporting careers in the automotive sector. BQ: As we continue to manage our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, I know that BC’s new car dealers would like to know if you are considering business or property tax relief in 2021 to help them manage some of the financial challenges they continue to face as a result of COVID-19. Continued on next page newcardealers.ca

COVER STORY Continued from previous page

JH: Initially, we put in place property tax relief and waived BC Hydro fees for a number of months with protections around evictions. We put about $5 billion into the economy in May of last year and another $5 billion in September—so $10 billion between budgets. It’s an unprecedented amount. And that’s not the end—if there’s more to be done, we will do so. Our intention is to stay the course when it comes to taxation and to make sure that we have incentives in place for workers, communities and business. BQ: Given the pandemic and all of the various challenges and demands, if you were to look back three or five years from now, what would you most like to be remembered for? JH: I try to get up every day and do the best that I can. I am living in the here and now—battling the challenges before us and continuing to be grateful for the support that I have had. I hope we continue to meet challenges by doing our best, not breaking anything and leaving it in better shape than we found it. BQ: Given the stress and work involved in managing a pandemic, what do you do to unwind when you can find time to relax? JH: I do a lot of jigsaw puzzles— I am colour blind, so it needs to be a particular kind of puzzle. I used to ride my bike a lot and I

haven’t been. I get most of my satisfaction and relief from being with my wife of 40 years and connecting with our two sons. And I am getting the support I need from my non-political friends too. BQ: Mr. Premier, we would like to thank you for your time, but more importantly for your leadership during a period that is clearly unprecedented. Any final thoughts for the close to 400 new car dealers who operate businesses in communities across the province? And how can we help? JH: Thank you—my statement to your members is first of all, thank you. Thank you for sponsoring the sports teams. Thank you for sponsoring the food banks, the Lions, Rotarians and all the other service organizations that new car dealers are always involved with…the chambers of commerce across the province. The foundations of communities are car dealerships. My connection to the industry comes through my relationship with the people, whether they be mechanics, salespeople or owners. My heartfelt thanks is for the work—and not just of the past 12 months—but for the work constantly, as well as the ongoing support of community by car dealers. Whether a large or small community, car dealers are there for those in the community. Thank you very much!

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Signals Magazine April–June 2021

OFFICIAL SUPPLIER TO

NCDA’s Virtual Chairman’s Tour Is a Wrap This spring’s Chairman’s Tour visited dealer members virtually, covering all regions of the province, including Vancouver Island, the Okanagan, Interior, Northern BC, Kootenays and the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. NCDA’s Chair, Peter Heppner, and NCDA’s President and CEO, Blair Qualey, provided updates on the association’s work on behalf of dealer members. The tour was joined by the CEO of the Vehicle Sales Authority, Stephen Simms, who provided a brief presentation on the VSA’s activities. Topics of discussion covered the CleanBC Go Electric Program and other government advocacy updates including taxation, ICBC, F&I office issues and more. “Thanks to all those members who joined us for one of the sessions,” said NCDA president and CEO Blair Qualey. “We look forward to the day we can return to in-person events and take the tour on the road again.” Qualey also thanked the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association and CADA 360 for making this event possible, includ-

THE NCDA’S

Chairman’s Tour WITH SUPPORT FROM

Peter Heppner Chair, NCDA

Stephen Simms CEO, VSA

ing giving a “significant break on dues for our BC dealers and for their tremendous advocacy with the federal government to

Blair Qualey President & CEO, NCDA

make sure our members qualified for the various important COVID-19 support programs. Thank you!”

newcardealers.ca

SPONSORED CONTENT

The Changing Landscape of Auto Insurance As the auto insurance landscape continues to evolve in BC, drivers are curious about the latest developments being implemented on May 1. What is “Enhanced Care?” and “How does it affect me?” are common questions being asked. Understanding these changes will help you and your teams better inform and serve your clients. Insurance brokers continue to learn about the changes being put into place by ICBC and private auto insurers such as Family Insurance and Stratford Underwriting. Below are some of the changes we can expect to see for BC auto insurance in the coming months.

• extended third-party liability limits for out-of-province crashes where there is a right to sue the responsible driver, non-vehicle property damage such as buildings and fences, and other risks not included under the lawsuit ban. All BC drivers will be transitioned to Enhanced Care on May 1 and pro-rated refunds will be issued for the difference in pricing on what is remaining for their current policy. ICBC will mail letters to drivers outlining their refund details in early May, with refunds being issued shortly afterwards. Refunds will be issued based on how the vehicle owner paid for their current insurance policy.

Enhanced Care

HUB and your customers

BC is shifting to a “no-fault” auto insurance system, meaning drivers will be unable to sue others for vehicle damage, bodily injuries or death resulting from a crash. However, some exceptions will apply to the lawsuit ban. The key objectives of ICBC’s Enhanced Care are: affordable insurance for BC drivers, enhanced care and recovery for those injured in a crash, as well as reduced legal costs.

HUB International’s insurance brokers have been undergoing extensive ICBC training since February and are fully prepared to support BC drivers once these changes come into effect. Our brokers have also been briefed on changes being made by family insurance and Stratford Underwriting in response to ICBC’s new Enhanced Care model. As this is a completely new model of coverage for drivers in BC, it is important to be aware that broker and customer interactions at the dealership could take longer. Autoplan brokers across the province must ensure that customers understand the changes, as well as the new insurance options available to them. You can also expect different conversations to occur between insurance brokers and customers at the dealership. For example, brokers may inquire about customers’ income to see if they require increased wage loss protection. As always, it’s important for insurance brokers and auto dealers to work together to best support their clients. If you have any questions about these changes, any of our team at HUB International will be more than happy to answer them.

What do these changes mean? For starters, drivers who are involved in a crash will no longer have to rely on the responsible person’s insurance coverage for protection. As of May 1, drivers’ own basic insurance will protect them for bodily injuries or death resulting from a crash, regardless of who is responsible, as well as vehicle damage caused by another person. Furthermore, there will be no overall limit on the amount of coverage provided to drivers injured in a crash. This will ensure they receive the care they need, when they need it and for as long as they need it. Drivers will also have access to optional insurance for additional protection for vehicle damage and more, including: • vehicle damage caused by the driver to their own vehicle; • vehicle damage caused by an unidentified (hit and run) driver; • additional wage loss protection for high-income earners who are unable to continue working due to a crash; and

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

HUB International helps bring clarity to a changing world with tailored insurance solutions and unrelenting advocacy, so clients are prepared for tomorrow. Learn more at: https://www. hubinternational.com/en-CA/offices/ca/british-columbia/

Protect what matters most. At HUB International, our specialists provide a fast and friendly insurance experience for your clients, as well as the right coverage for your dealership and employees. We offer a range of products including employee benefits, auto road service, commercial insurance (CADA program), and garage & fleet coverage, so that you’re ready for tomorrow.

Contact us today to speak with a specialist. t: 604.269.1914 e: glenda.ouellette@hubinternational.com www.hubinternational.com

Risk & Insurance | Employee Benefits | Retirement & Private Wealth newcardealers.ca

LEGAL LINE

Implied Warranties Under BC’s Sale of Goods Act

Matthew Wansink

Kerem Tirmandi

BY KEREM TIRMANDI AND MATTHEW WANSINK, SHK ASSOCIATES

British Columbia’s Sale of Goods Act (SGA) implies a warranty of fitness, merchantability and durability for all goods sold or leased in the province. These implied warranties are based on the principle of “strict liability,” meaning that, if a dealership sold or leased a vehicle that fell beneath the implied standards, that dealership would be liable, even if there was no negligence or misrepresentation on its part. This article offers a primer on how these implied warranties impact dealerships, and some best practices you can employ to mitigate risks.

Written versus implied warranty Dealerships can potentially limit the SGA’s implied warranties with an express warranty. For example, courts have found express warranties that exclude, in writing, a specific auto part as having this effect. A clause that provided that any implied warranty was “limited to the applicable warranty duration period” as specified in the written warranty was also held to limit the duration of the SGA’s implied warranties.

Liable parties Generally speaking, the implied warranties under the SGA are the responsibility of the dealership. However, a customer may also be able to sue the vehicle manufacturer, if it was its promotional materials that had persuaded the customer to purchase the vehicle. The dealership, and every other party in the distribution chain, can also rely on the SGA to sue the party from whom it directly purchased the vehicle, all the way up to the vehicle manufacturer. For obvious reasons, however, dealers do not generally make claims against their vehicle manufacturers.

Damages The implied warranties of fitness, merchantability and durability Section 18 of the SGA implies that goods sold or leased in British Columbia must be: • reasonably fit for a specific purpose; • of merchantable quality; and • durable for a reasonable period of time. For car dealerships, “fit for a specific purpose” and “merchantability” essentially mean that a car or car part is roadworthy, although there are a few things to watch out for. The implied warranty of “durability,” however, is more nuanced as it relates to the longevity of the car or car part, and—as the old adage goes—mileage may vary. Reasonably fit: Concerning fitness, the implied warranty would also extend to any unique purpose the prospective customer may have discussed with the dealer (if the customer is looking for a car suited for winter driving and you sell them a car without winter tires, there is a reasonable case that the car would not be fit for its purpose). Merchantable quality: With regard to merchantability, if the customer does not perform a pre-inspection, there is no implied warranty for patent defects (defects that an inspection would have readily revealed). However, latent (those defects that are not readily discovered) defects in the car would still be subject to the warranty. Durability: Concerning durability, courts will compare the condition of the vehicle at the time of the sale or lease (for example, its age, its kilometres, any known defects) to extenuating circumstances caused by the owner (driving habits, road conditions, reckless driving, poor upkeep). Courts have denied a breach of an implied warranty due to a driver’s inexperience with a stick shift, erratic “stop and go” driving, failure to make oil changes and stunt driving.

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

The nature and extent of damages available in respect of a breach of warranty include consequential and pure economic losses. Consequential losses refer to any losses resulting from the breach of the warranty, including personal injury, property damage or loss of income. As you can imagine, these can quickly add up. Pure economic loss means monies expended to repair or replace the damaged vehicle or part. Claims for the repair and/or replacement costs make up the majority of implied warranty actions against car dealerships and—due to the amounts involved—are usually heard by BC’s Small Claims Court or Civil Resolution Tribunal.

Takeaways The SGA’s implied warranties are easy to overlook, but can significantly raise the spectre of liability for car dealerships. Below are some key takeaways that dealers should keep in mind to reduce risk: Always offer the customer an opportunity to perform an inspection. If a customer does not conduct an inspection of the vehicle, the implied warranty of merchantability does not apply to any defects that would have been discovered during the inspection, but would still apply to those that could not have been discovered. Err on the side of caution—bring any known defects to the customer’s attention before entering into the sale or lease. Use your written warranties to limit the SGA’s implied warranties. If there is a latent or patent defect, include language to expressly exclude warranties of fitness for purpose, merchantability or durability. Similarly, any implied warranty or condition as to merchantability or fitness should be limited to the applicable warranty duration period specified in the express warranty.

For more information on how best protect yourself and your business from misrepresentation, please contact one of our lawyers at SHK Law Corporation (shk.ca).

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DRIVING INSIGHTS | The Rules to Maintaining Meaningful Relationships With Your Customers BY DREW HARDEN, MANAGER, CX RESEARCH & INSIGHTS AT CARFAX CANADA As you already know, maintaining relationships with your customers is extremely important. We found that the leading reason customers return to the same dealership is because of a great relationship; yes, even more than getting a great deal. One important part of maintaining a relationship is staying in touch, but there is a thin line you must walk between regular, helpful communications and frustrating spam. To help, we asked customers what they actually want.

Customers are looking for you to contact them After making one of the biggest purchases of their lives, it shouldn’t be too surprising that the overwhelming majority of buyers are comfortable with you staying in contact with them after the fact. Only a mere 2.5 per cent said they don’t want to be contacted at all. This means that possibly every customer who you’ve sold a car to wants after-purchase contact.

What do customers want to hear about? There are plenty of things that your customers are interested in hearing about. The highest interest is related to information on recalls and repairs, followed by information about their warranty expiring, and then maintenance reminders. Customers want dealers to focus on communication that will bring value to their vehicle ownership experience. But don’t delete your holiday greetings

quite yet, as one in three customers are still interested in friendly holiday greetings, event information or promotions.

How do you stay connected? When it comes to how customers want to hear from dealers, email was by far the most popular choice, with 75 per cent requesting email and only 20 per cent being okay with texts. But you should always ask your customers what they would prefer. Customers varied when it came to how often they’d like to hear from you, but if you’re focused on providing high-value communication, the frequency shouldn’t be an issue. Having a communication program that adds value to your customers’ vehicle ownership offered in their preferred method can be the best way to keep communication channels open, while not pestering customers too much. Finding this balance will keep your customers thinking of you when it’s time for their next vehicle.

Driving Insights takes your questions about Canadian car buyers and turns them into answers! Our proprietary research looks closely at the motives and behaviours of today’s car buyers and uncovers exclusive insights you won’t find anywhere else. To date, we’ve surveyed over 5,000 new and used car buyers to identify their biggest pain points when buying, selling, and servicing their vehicles. If there’s a question you’d like us to address, email insights@carfax.ca and we’ll get you some answers!

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Can an Employer Require Employees to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine? BY CHRIS DRINOVZ, PARTNER, EMPLOYMENT & LABOUR GROUP AT KSW LAWYERS (CDD@KSW.BC.CA) Currently in British Columbia there is no specific legislation requiring employees to get vaccinated. However, this could evolve once the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to the public at large. The short answer to whether or not an employer can require employees to get a COVID-19 vaccination is, yes, generally non-unionized employers can require this (with certain exceptions discussed below). BC employers have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of all workers in the office or on the job site under section 21 of the Workers Compensation Act.

Nature of workplace Each employer will have to assess its specific workplace and make a fundamental decision as to whether or not it needs all employees to receive the vaccine or provide a vaccination certificate to make the workplace safer. There may be workplaces

where social distancing, wearing masks and washing hands may be determined to be sufficient protection for all or certain departments or areas. Requiring all employees to receive the vaccine is a fundamental issue that can be controversial and lead to legal action against the employer.

Refusals and terminations Employers can’t physically force employees to get the vaccine, but they can make the COVID-19 vaccination a condition of continued employment. Depending on the nature of the employment and the risk associated with it, certain employers have a stronger case for making the COVID-19 vaccination a condition of employment (for example, hospitals, medical clinics, long-term care, group homes, retail, service industry). The more interesting question becomes whether an employer can terminate an

employee who refuses to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The answer to this is: it depends on the reason for the refusal. If the reason involves a protected ground under the BC Human Rights Code, such as a physical (medical) disability or religious grounds, then the employee may have a human rights claim against an employer who terminates on the basis of the protected ground. If the reason is mere personal preference unrelated to a protected characteristic, then the employer can terminate an employee, provided it offers the appropriate notice or severance pay mandated by the employee’s written employment contract; or, in the absence of a written contract, the common law. In the case of unionized workplaces, the employer should pay special attention to the collective agreement in place and seek advice from an experienced labour lawyer prior to terminating

CHRIS DRINOVZ JOINS THE PARTNERSHIP AT KSW LAWYERS!

Get started with the KSW Employment & Labour Law Group Union Drives Prohibited Action Complaints Dismissal Planning & Advice Employment Standards Claims

Surrey. Abbotsford. Langley. White Rock. Vancouver Christopher Drinovz Michael Weiler cdd@ksw.bc.ca mweiler@ksw.bc.ca 604-507-6192 604-336-7423 KSW.BC.CA 24

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

Human Rights Business Disputes WorkSafeBC Claims

or disciplining an employee (we can help at KSW Lawyers). Mandatory vaccination is not without precedent in Canada. Some examples of mandatory vaccination (or mask) policies include public school settings for some provinces and healthcare settings involving mandatory vaccination policies or “vaccine or mask” policies in relation to seasonal influenza. In an Ontario case, Barkley v Mohawk Council, 2000 CarswellNat 3877, a nurse working as a non-unionized employee on a term contract at a federally regulated adult care facility was terminated for refusing to comply with the mandatory influenza immunization policy on the basis she had never been sick with the flu. The Arbitrator found the decision to impose vaccination was not unreasonable and upheld the termination. While this case dealt with the unjust dismissal provisions of the Canada Labour Code, its principle may be applied in provincial cases.

Privacy, COVID-19 vaccine policy and recommendations Employers should keep in mind that even asking an employee if they have had the vaccination and requesting proof of vaccination or a vaccination certificate is a collection of personal information/personal health information triggering privacy considerations. Any employer should be mindful of the privacy legislation that applies to them. Employers should evaluate whether implementing a vaccine verification program is integral to providing a safe workplace and ensure that such a program does not unreasonably infringe on an employee’s privacy expectations. Once an employer has made a decision, the employer should consider developing a policy on COVID-19 vaccinations. The policy should contain the following: authority for collection, statement of purpose, statement whether or not a vaccination certificate will be required, state-

ment on possible actions taken based on whether employee is vaccinated or not, statement on storage, sharing and destruction of the information. More details available in our article: bit.ly/workplacevaccination.

Takeaways for employers Evaluate your workplace and your workforce to determine whether or not a (mandatory or optional) vaccination policy is advisable or necessary to meet the company’s obligation to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all workers and to protect your clients/customers and the public at large. When facing an employee who refuses to get the vaccine, be sure to ascertain the reasons for the refusal and evaluate whether any human rights obligations are triggered before taking action against the employee. Prior to implementing a vaccine program, seek legal advice and review applicable privacy legislation.

Note to Readers: This is not legal advice. If you are looking for legal advice in relation to a particular matter, please contact Chris Drinovz at cdd@ksw.bc.ca, 604.507.6192.

SCRAP-IT achieved a major milestone in 2020 OVER 50,000 VEHICLES SCRAPPED IN BC!

WWW.SCRAPIT.CA newcardealers.ca

CONTRIBUTED CONTENT

SPECIAL OLYMPICS BC SNAPSHOT

Meet Athlete Sebastian Gylander BC’s New Car Dealers are among Special Olympics BC’s longest-standing champions. It’s our privilege to introduce you to SOBC athletes, whose stories show the difference you make by supporting Special Olympics. You help create experiences of joy, friendship, empowerment, skill development and health improvements for more than 5,200 athletes with intellectual disabilities in 55 BC communities. When Special Olympics BC – Golden cross-country skier Sebastian Gylander headed to Thunder Bay last February for the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, he had his sights set on two goals: winning a gold medal and qualifying for a spot on the national team training squad for the next World Winter Games. On the first day of competition, he had a third goal in mind: “I’m going to bring the thunder to Thunder Bay!” he told his teammates. Powered by his diligent hometown training, Gylander achieved every one of those goals. He brought the thunder: “You were rocking!” an admiring volunteer told Gylander when he hurtled across the finish line in his first race of the national games, the challenging five-kilometre event. He earned not just one national games gold medal, but two, and added a silver and bronze to his medal haul from Thunder Bay. “I’m going to wear them for as long as I can,” he proudly told The Golden Star. And Gylander’s performance earned him a spot on the Special Olympics Team Canada 2022 Training Squad. This is a significant achievement itself and an opportunity to train toward representing Canada at the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games. All this, and Gylander is just 16 years old! Gylander shows remarkable determination and commitment in his training and racing. He demonstrated great dedication in his years of training and competition leading up to the national games, and has remained active during the pandemic,

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

Sebastian racing and with one of his four medals at the 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games.

training on his own and staying connected virtually with Special Olympics where possible. “When he’s racing, he’s just so focused. He trained hard since last June [2019]—he committed to a training plan and he did it,” his mother Dona told The Golden Star in 2020. “He’s inspiring to other athletes, and he has enthusiasm for what he does. Those are important qualities in a Special Olympics athlete.” In Special Olympics, Gylander has found a place where he belongs and thrives. “As a parent, we see him in school, but

he’s a certain way with Special Olympics. He’s more himself,” Dona said. “It’s built his self-esteem, and now even in school he’s known as a great athlete.” Sebastian Gylander says Special Olympics “gives you a goal to achieve and to compete to the best of your ability. You also get to meet new friends that you keep for a long time.” Please visit specialolympics.bc.ca to meet more SOBC athletes, and learn more about the programs in your community and about SOBC’s safe, staged Return to Sport Plan.

Make a difference by supporting the New Car Dealers Foundation / Special Olympics BC Auction! The pandemic has shown that Special Olympics BC’s year-round programs and empowering community matter now more than ever. For many athletes with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is the only place where they have friends, where they are active and healthy, and where they are first and foremost seen for their abilities and talents. For many of them, the pain of exclusion was already far too familiar. Special Olympics BC athletes need the support of our longtime friends in the New Car Dealers community. By supporting the 2021 New Car Dealers Foundation / Special Olympics BC Auction, you can have a lasting impact by helping Special Olympics BC reopen all of its sport and youth programs in 55 communities throughout the province. You’ll help renew all of the friendships and opportunities that matter so much to the SOBC athletes, who are still too often forgotten and left behind by society. This year’s online auction will run May 27 to June 2, making a difference for Special Olympics BC and the life-changing work of the New Car Dealers Foundation. Please consider donating, bidding and spreading the word about the auction and its opportunities to change lives. To get involved, please contact SOBC Fundraising Coordinator Meg Ishida at mishida@specialolympics.bc.ca or 604-314-4535.

SHK Lawyer Rod McCloy Retires The NDCA community has bid a fond farewell to the association’s longtime legal counsel Rod McCloy, who is retiring at the end of April. Readers of Signals will know Rod as one of the SHK lawyers regularly imparting legal wisdom and advice in the magazine’s Legal Line section. Rod, who has been practicing law for 49 years, has been with SHK since 2004; he has been counsel to the NCDA for over 10 years and has worked with countless BC dealers over the decades. Rod completed his law degree at UBC and taught at Kaduna Polytechnic in Nigeria after that. He also lived for two years in Nigeria. In 2012, Rod was the recipient of a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. He has served on the boards of a number of non-profit associations and private organizations, including KidSport Canada, Naval Officers Association of BC, Terminal City Club, Vancouver Business Development Club, Vancouver

Naval Museum & Heritage Society and the Canadian Club of Vancouver, where he served as president. Other than the first loves of his life—his wife, children and granddaughter—his favourite things are wine and travel. Blair Qualey, president and CEO of the NCDA, wished Rod all the best in his retirement as he continues to “travel the world and find some very good wine to drink!” Qualey added, “Thanks for all you have done to make us better.”

Unlock Your Auto Dealership’s Full Potential You deserve maximum performance from your business. The right advisor can help you navigate the challenges of a competitive industry and drive consistent results.

Chris Schaufele, CPA, CA chris.schaufele@mnp.ca | 604.536.7614 MNP.ca

SPONSORED CONTENT

Driving Sales and Building Loyalty in a Socially Distanced World Our lives and the way we interact with family, friends, colleagues and customers have changed. But amid our physically distanced world, there are many ways we can continue to engage customers. “At SiriusXM, we’ve seen how our dealer partners have adjusted and implemented innovative solutions to connect with customers, enhance the car-buying experience and, ultimately, hand over the keys to new customers,” said Andrea Brown, SiriusXM Canada’s regional manager in central Ontario. “Here are some ideas that stand out to us.”

Vehicle handover Once the paperwork is done, handing over the keys is an incredible moment and, although it has become a little more challenging, the small things can really make a difference. At-home delivery, snapping a photo of the happy driver and pre-setting SiriusXM channels are impactful ways to make an impression. Providing a thoughtful care package in the car—with hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and a branded mask—is useful and appreciated. Placing the SiriusXM Channel Guide in the glove box helps customers tailor their presets for maximum entertainment.

The test drive Pre-booking appointments is essential, but extra touches like bringing vehicles to peoples’ homes for test drives, holding meetings outside and establishing branded sanitation protocols are a few ways to make customers feel more comfortable. Some dealers have implemented incentive programs, offering a gift card or other small gift to encourage test drives, while others have pre-set SiriusXM’s most popular channels to ensure drivers have amazing tunes for the experience. With customers taking test drives solo, having drive routes already in the navigation system ensures potential buyers can easily navigate different driving conditions like highways, bumpy roads, city jaunts and more dynamic routes to demonstrate handling.

Follow-up and service Check in with your new customers to see how they’re enjoying their new wheels and their free trial of SiriusXM, and determine how they’re getting along in general. For service customers, enhance their experience with an exterior wash and interior cleaning—with cleanliness top of mind for everyone, it’s appreciated more than ever. “For those of us who work in the field with our dealer partners, we’re really looking forward to seeing you all in person again soon,” added Brown.

For more information on how to provide your vehicle and service customers with the best SiriusXM experience at no cost to you, visit www.sxmdealer.ca.

sxmdealer.ca 28

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

WD Co-Auto supports your dealership by allowing you to focus on what matters. As a member of WD Co-Auto, you gain access to personalized direct programs, competitive prices for the products and services you use every day, and routine equipment maintenance. All of your dealership needs in one convenient integrated service solution.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DIRECT PROGRAMS

COMPETITIVE PRICING ON FACILITY & SHOP PRODUCTS

EQUIPMENT SUPPLY & INSTALLATION

QUARTERLY & EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

CALL US TO TALK TO YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TODAY! 1-800-661-1483 WWW.WDCOAUTO.COM newcardealers.ca

WITH SPECIAL THANKS

The New Car Dealers Association of BC would like to acknowledge these fine companies for their support of your association’s activities. OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

Premier Partners

GOLD LEVEL

CADA 360 programs are unique. Each program is designed under the guidance of a dealer committee, and participating dealers become stakeholders in the programs. “It all comes back to you” is more than a tag line: it’s a guarantee to association members. The end result is a powerful combination of industryleading business solutions for health and wellness benefits and exceptional dealer representation. CADA also supports the development of automotive leadership through its partnership with the Automotive Business School of Canada. Learn more at cada.ca/web/cada/insurance/cada

First Canadian Financial Group is a national, privately chartered life insurance company that has been offering life and disability insurance coverage on consumer loans through automotive dealership financial service offices since September 1988. Since that time, the First Canadian Financial Group has been marketing its insurance, mechanical breakdown protection and protection product programs through automotive, RV and marine dealers across Canada with tremendous success. Learn more at firstcanadian.ca

CARFAX Canada, a unit of IHS Markit, is Canada’s definitive source of automotive information, delivering vehicle history, appraisal and valuation. Drawing on billions of data records from thousands of unique sources, its products enable used vehicle buyers and sellers to make in-formed decisions. Formerly known as CARPROOF Corporation, CAR-FAX Canada is dedicated to transparency, and is trusted to provide im-partial and comprehensive information to dealerships, vehicle manufac-turers, consumers, major auctions, governments, insurance providers and police agencies. Learn more at carfax.ca Cox Automotive is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns and uses cars with industryleading marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. The global company has 34,000 team members in more than 220 locations and is a partner to more than 50,000 auto dealers as well as most automobile manufacturers. Learn more at coxautoinc.ca SCRAP-IT is a not-for-profit society, operating in both BC and Alberta. With a goal of improving the quality of the environment by creating clean places to live, it has successfully delivered provincial, federal and privately funded incentive/rebate programs for over 20 years. Contact: Nicki Lewis, Program Manager SCRAP-IT, Direct Line: 604-2275956, Office: 604-273-8552, Toll Free: 1-855-377-7717. Nicki@scrapit.ca. Learn more at scrapit.ca

SILVER LEVEL ADESA Vancouver’s auctions provide registered dealers, brokers, automobile manufacturers and rental agencies as well as corporate and government fleets with a complete vehicle marketing solution in British Columbia. Learn more at adesa.ca/vancouver

BRONZE LEVEL Michael Mason & Co. has been manufacturing and supplying for the automotive industry since 1967. It has products for every department within your dealership. Michael Mason & Co. fabricate products at factories in British Columbia, Canada. Learn more at michaelmason.ca

SiriusXM is the country’s leading entertainment company. SiriusXM creates and offers commercial-free music, premier sports talk and live events, comedy, news and exclusive talk and entertainment. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company, smart phones and other connected devices as well as online. Learn more at siriusxm.ca

The New Car Dealers Association of BC is a proud member of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA). The CADA is the national association representing new car and truck dealers. Acting as the voice of the dealers at the national level, CADA serves as an advocate to government, industry and the public.

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

ASSOCIATE MEMBER DIRECTORY Associate Members of the New Car Dealers Association of BC provide vital products and services to Dealer Members, allowing them to do business with greater cost effectiveness, environmental responsibility, and general efficiency.

ACCOUNTING Baker Tilly WM LLP Masato Oki // 604-684-6212 // bakertilly.ca

MNP LLP Accounting Darrell Endresen // 604-949-2088 // mnp.ca

AUCTION SERVICES ADESA Auctions Canada John Macdonald // 604-232-4403 // adesa.com

EBlock Nicole Sergio // 416-853-5626 // edealer.ca

Manheim Auto Auction Company (Cox Automotive Canada) Jack Sulymka // 905-875-3522 x5441 // manheim.com

AUTOMOTIVE SCHOOLS BCIT - School of Transportation Mubasher Faruki // 604-454-2234 // bcit.ca/transportation

PRINT AND DESIGN SOLUTIONS

First Canadian Financial Group

primary

Darren Johnson // 250.217.5955 // firstcanadian.ca

Drive Marketing Group

General Bank of Canada

Josh Chow // 604-837-3536 secondary // drivemarketinggroup.ca

Marley Begg // 780-974-2829 // generalbank.ca

One Persuasion

iA Auto Finance

Hamish Marshall // 778-835-3715 // onepersuades.com

Denise Buott // 905-815-9510 // iaautofinance.ca

Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.

Radius Security

LGM Financial

Mike Baxter // 604-232-2405 // radiussecurity.ca

Stephanie Day // 604-806-5300 // lgm.ca

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

My Auto Lenders Teresa Bromley // 877-279-0607 // myautolenders.com

National Bank Catalina Baciu // 778-231-8383 // nbc.ca Aaron Young // 604-656-2965 // rbc.com/canada.html

Scotiabank Western Dealer Finance Centre

Joe Lauzon // 705-728-1968 x1234 // georgiancollege.ca

Karen Stetz // 800-268-0762 // scotiabank.com

Consolidated Dealers Co-Op Janette Tooley Andrade // 905-264-7022 // consolidateddealers.com

Frontline Real Estate Services Ande Kuric // 604-687-8300 // flre.ca

RESEARCH AND SHOPPING WEBSITES

RBC Automotive Finance Group

Georgian College (Automotive Business School of Canada)

CO-OPS

PROPERTY SECURITY

John Eadie // 604-882-8220 // salgroup.com

Scotia Dealer Advantage John Hiscock // 416-288-7800 // scotiabank.com/scotiadealeradvantage

TD Auto Finance

CARFAX Canada ULC Shawn Vording // 866-835-8612 x2966 // carfax.ca

CarGurus Lexi Lipton // 617-315-1137 // ca.cargurus.com

Trader Corporation Randy Shepherd / 403-999-8854 // autotrader.ca

Richard (Rick) Bessex // 778-628-7458 // TDFS.com

TIRE STORAGE

Bob Grewal // 778-773-1727 // larnet.com

HEALTH BENEFITS

Coast Tire Storage

Western Dealers Co-Auto

ZLC Financial

Mike Reid // 780-468-9552 // wdcoauto.com

Fab Biagini // 604-688-7208 // zlc.net

DEALER 20 GROUPS

IDENTITY THEFT AND FRAUD SERVICES

NCM

Patronscan

Leader Auto Resources LAR Inc.

Carolyn Gilmour // 877-216-2510 x141 // coasttirestorage.ca

TOOL SUPPLIER Snap-on Ray Lavender // 416-662-9951 // snapon.com

Kory Suppes // 913-401-2311 // ncmassociates.com

Chad Polski // 877-778-9798 x703 // patronscan.com

DMS PLATFORMS

INSURANCE SERVICES

CDK Global

AllWest Insurance Services

UNIFORM SYSTEMS Unisync Group Limited

Greg Wallin // 778-838-0639 // cdkglobal.com

Renee Nielly // 604-733-7383 // allwestins.com

Reynolds and Reynolds

HUB International Insurance Brokers

Barry Good // 800-668-3243 x505 // unisyncgroup.com

George Schaeffer // 519-317-3400 // reyrey.com

Wayne LeGear // 604-269-1944 // hubinternational.com

Canadian Black Book

Serti Information Solutions

Insurance Insight

Richard Phillips // 905-413-7601 // canadianblackbook.com

Nadine Harvey // 514-493-1909 // serti.com

E-CHAT AND ONLINE TEXT SERVICES Kimoby Alex Wojcik // 877-248-0204 // kimoby.com

ENTERTAINMENT SOLUTIONS Sirius XM Canada Mario DeGrace // 403-629-2953 // sxmdealer.ca

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS SCRAP-IT Nicki Lewis // 604-273-8552 // scrapit.ca

FINANCIAL SERVICES BMO - Bank of Montreal Bradley Warren // 604-417-0229 // bmo.com

BDO Kristen Mundy // 403-205-5760 // bdo.ca

Calla Financial Services

Neal O’Donoghue // 866-603-8666 // insuranceinsight.ca

Commander Warehouse Equipment

Optiom

Brad Daws // 604-574-5797 // commander.ca

Michelle Wong // 800-613-3705 // optiombc.com

Consultant Auto 360 Kim Normandin // 514-394-1955 x508 // solutionsmedias360.com

LEGAL SERVICES

Cox Automotive Canada

KSW Lawyers Michael J. Weiler // 604.336.7423 // ksw.bc.ca

Shannon Newman // 905-290-6414 // coxautoinc.ca

DealerTrack

SHK Law Corporation

Jack Sulymka // 905-875-3522 // us.dealertrack.com

Roderick McCloy // 604-684-0727 // shk.ca

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY Peak Apparel Eric Kazenbroot // 604-445-4405 // peakapparel.com

ProtectCanada

Dealer Solutions North America Rick Kingdon // 778-245-1041 // dealersolutionsna.com

NextGear Capital (Cox Automotive Canada) Jack Sulymka // 905-875-3522 // canada.nextgearcapital.com

Darren Dobson // 416-841-5500 // ProtectCanada.ca

Smart Program Inc.

OFFICIAL NCDA BILL OF SALE PROVIDER

VAuto (Cox Automotive Canada)

Michael Mason & Co. Steve Batchelor // 250-384-7304 // michaelmason.ca

Jerrod Lucas // 780-975-3412 // thesmartprogram.ca Jack Sulymka // 905-875-3522 // vauto.com

VinSolutions (Cox Automotive Canada) Jack Sulymka // 905-875-3522 // vinsolutions.com

Leanne MacKinnon // 604-921-4048 x122 // callafinancial.ca

PAYMENT PROCESSING, MERCHANT SERVICES

CIBC Commercial Banking

Moneris

Xtime (Cox Automotive Canada)

Phil Lehn // 604-665-1318 // cibc.com

Michael Chung // 604-419-8202 // moneris.com

Jack Sulymka // 905-875-3522 // xtime.ca

New Car Dealers Association of BC

NCDA_BC

NewCarDealersAssoc

NCDA_BC

newcardealers.ca

Do your service providers protect your best interests? The answer is yes, if you’re with CADA 360.

CADA 360 products were created to protect your best interests. Each is a leader in its field, because the dealer committee members make sure it addresses dealer needs: • • • • •

Employee Benefits Garage Insurance Group Home and Auto Insurance Retirement Savings HR Automation

Most importantly, CADA 360 products fund CADA advocacy. Recent CADA advocacy includes COVID -19 support and protection, fighting auto tariffs,

Signals Magazine April–June 2021

improving recall legislation, and protecting dealers from tax on insurance commissions. CADA’s legal action committee supports members on precedent-setting issues. CADA research and reports help dealers make better decisions. CADA 360 has been helping Canadian dealers succeed for more than 70 years. And when you buy CADA 360, you fund CADA advocacy. No other products provide this protection for your business.