Signals Magazine, Summer 2023 Issue

IT’S YOUR JOB TO TAKE CARE OF OUR NATION’S AUTOMOTIVE NEEDS.

The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association is working with your regional and provincial associations to represent your interests at the highest levels.

To learn more about how CADA is working for you, visit CADA.ca

IT’S OUR JOB TO MAKE SURE OUR NATION TAKES CARE OF YOURS.

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 over 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

604-214-9964 Ext. 228

Shakira Maqbool Manager, Finance & Administration smaqbool@newcardealers.ca

Joshua Peters Manager, Member Services jpeters@newcardealers.ca

Roni Sapoznikov

CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Administrator goelectric@newcardealers.ca

Duy Le CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Coordinator goelectric@newcardealers.ca

Vancouver International Auto Show

Eric Nicholl Executive Director enicholl@vanautoshow.ca 778-968-0440

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

Janet Gairdner, Associate Group Publisher 818 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1E4 jgairdner@blackpress.ca

Published in Canada

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On the Cover: New NCDA board chair Ben Lovie at the OpenRoad Lexus Richmond dealership.

Photo by Anna Burns

Meet

News From the Front Seat

As we enter the summer season, the heat is welcomed by many people within this province and those who may be visiting. However, it’s clearly a double-edged sword, and I want to acknowledge those who are actively fighting forest fires to keep residents and communities safe, and those who have been displaced from their homes.

We encourage members to donate to Canadian Red Cross and other organizations helping evacuees and impacted communities.

NCDA and Foundation AGMs bring new leadership

The first half of 2023 has been a very active time for the NCDA with several key events taking place.

NCDA and Foundation hybrid AGMs occurred at the end of May in Kelowna, as well as online, to report to the members on the finances and various activities in 2022.

We extended our goodbyes and appreciation to outgoing NCDA director Justin Gebara of Richmond, and NCDA and Foundation director Joey Prevost of Terrace—while welcoming new NCDA director Deryl Griffith of Richmond, and Foundation director Dave Bare, from Nanaimo. Kai Hensler from Weissach Group, a midterm appointment to the NCDA board last year from Vancouver, was also elected to his first full three-year term.

your 2023-2024 New Car Dealers Association Board of Directors

Chair

I want to extend a BIG thank you to the amazing Marnie Carter who has resigned from the Foundation board after decades of dedicated service. The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC was created with a dual purpose in mind: to provide scholarships and bursaries to students entering automotive industry education programs and to serve as the largest contributor to BC Special Olympics. Marnie and her late husband, Howard Carter, were instrumental in both and Marnie’s fingerprints are all over the important work of the Foundation these many decades. In 2012, Marnie was presented with the second Lifetime Achievement Award from the NCDA (Jim Pattison received the first one). It has been both an honour and pleasure to have worked with Marnie over my almost 15 years with the NCDA. And on behalf of our more than 400 dealer members, we thank Marnie for all of her contributions.

“On May 17, we were thrilled to announce the return of a reimagined Vancouver International Auto Show to the Vancouver Convention Centre West, March 20 to 24, 2024.”

James Carter CARTER GM N. SHORE

Peter Sia NORTHLAND NISSAN PRINCE GEORGE

Peter Heppner Past Chair PRESTON GM LANGLEY

Peter Trzewik GAIN GROUP VANCOUVER ISLAND

Jared Williams JACK CARTER NORTH STAR CHEV BUICK GMC

Erik Jensen ROYAL BANK OF CANADA Member at Large

Darren Johnson FIRST CANADIAN FINANCIAL GROUP Member at Large

BLAIR QUALEY PRESIDENT & CEO, NCDA

Blair Qualey President & CEO NCDA

Mike Hacquard WOLFE AUTO GROUP SURREY LANGLEY

Anthony Lunelli Past Chair KELOWNA SUBARU

Ben Lovie Chair OPENROAD AUTO GROUP

Ann Marie Clark Vice Chair

STEVE MARSHALL FORD LINCOLN / FAMILY FORD VANCOUVER ISLAND

Kai Hensler Treasurer WEISSACH GROUP VANCOUVER

Deryl Griffith SIGNATURE MAZDA RICHMOND

Thank you, Marnie, for your service and dedication!

Marnie Carter Founding

CARTER AUTO FAMILY

The AGM also triggered the automatic rotation of our NCDA board executive, with Anthony Lunelli, from Kelowna Subaru, moving to past chair; Ben Lovie, from the OpenRoad Auto Group, taking on the chair role; and Ann Marie Clark, from Family Ford/Steve Marshall Ford in Nanaimo, moving to vice chair. Kai Hensler joins the NCDA board executive as treasurer and James Carter wraps up his role as past chair.

Thanks to all NCDA members who joined us for the two AGMs and congratulations to our new board members and board executive committee.

Vancouver International Auto Show revs up for return after four-year hiatus

On May 17, we were thrilled to announce the return of a reimagined Vancouver International Auto Show to the Vancouver Convention Centre West, March 20 to 24, 2024.

Following a four-year hiatus, we have taken a step back to reimagine an event that will be unique and exciting for our manufacturer partners and our consumer guests. I believe that we have found the right mix of elements that will appeal to traditional showgoers and those looking to experience the latest technology in a whole new way! Stay tuned for further developments.

NCDA EV Day returns to the Legislature in Victoria

On May 8, the NCDA hosted the popular EV Day at the Legislature with a record number of full electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The minister responsible for the CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, Hon. Josie Osborne, kicked off the event and was joined by the minister of environment, Hon. George Heyman, the minister of transportation, Hon. Rob Fleming, and the minister of municipal affairs, Hon. Anne Kang.

More information on this can be found on page 7 in the Legislature Wire section of this edition of Signals.

NCDA introduces BC Finance Minister at annual BC Chamber Convention in Whistler

On June 2, we were pleased to sponsor the annual meeting of BC’s Chambers of Commerce and provide introductory and thank-you remarks for the opening address by BC Finance Minister Hon. Katrine Conroy. We were happy to meet with leaders of the BC Chamber and Chamber members from across the province to discuss key issues facing BC’s new car and truck dealers and the communities in which they play such an important role.

Meet your 2023-2024 New Car Dealers Foundation Board of Directors

Presentation at the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services for the budget 2024 consultation

On June 8, I was honoured to make a presentation to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services as part of the pre-budget 2024 process. Our three recommendations related to: (1) the Luxury Tax on vehicles, and how the present threshold of $55,000 is not based on reality, given the average price of a new vehicle in BC is now over $61,000; (2) predictable funding to support the CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Purchase Rebate Program and the transition to EVs, as well as ongoing investments in charging infrastructure to ensure access where British Columbians live, work and socialize; and (3) continued investments and policy changes in skills training to help BC’s new car dealers hire skilled employees, including service technicians.

As many vehicles needed by families are hit with the so-called “luxury” tax, including small SUVs to carry kids, dogs, the sports equipment, et cetera, along with pick-up trucks needed by families in many part of the province, we suggested that the tax might be renamed the “necessities tax.”

With so many true luxury items, like RVs, boats and jewellery, to name a few, that don’t

Continued on page 7

Heather Headley Past Chair

PACIFIC HONDA N. VANCOUVER

David Jukes FIRST CANADIAN FINANCIAL GROUP

Moray Keith DUECK AUTO GROUP VANCOUVER/RICHMOND

Anthony Lunelli Chair & Treasurer KELOWNA SUBARU

John MacDonald ADESA RICHMOND

Blair Qualey President & CEO NCDA

James Carter CARTER GM N. SHORE

Sharon Rupal OPENROAD LEXUS PORT MOODY

Dave Bare HARRIS AUTO GROUP

Peter Sia NORTHLAND NISSAN PRINCE GEORGE

Ryan Jones

MARV JONES HONDA MAPLE RIDGE

John Wynia Vice Chair HARBOURVIEW VW VANCOUVER ISLAND

Welcome to Our New Members

FORESEESON EVSE TECHNOLOGY

Foreseeson EVSE Technology, based in Richmond, BC, is an authorized reseller of ChargePoint equipment in the Canadian marketplace. Since 2017, Foreseeson EVSE Technology has been an authorized supplier of ChargePoint DC and Level 2 stations to the Province of British Columbia under a corporate supply arrangement. As such, Foreseeson has worked on many municipal and commercial EV station projects with the City of Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport,

Air Canada, City of Richmond, City of Burnaby, City of Surrey, City of Port Moody, Township of Langley, City of Abbotsford, among many others. More recently, Foreseeson has launched a new line of EV charging products under its own PlugEV brand. Foreseeson provides the full spectrum of services from electrical site surveys to infrastructure guidance, proposals, pricing, delivery and installation. Learn more: foreseeson.com

Associate Members provide vital products and services to dealer members, resulting in greater cost effectiveness, environmental responsibility and general efficiency.

President’s Message

Continued from page 5

capture any luxury tax, it would seem that it’s way past time to do a proper review of the Luxury Tax and at least adjust the threshold for inflation and remove pick-up trucks and other vehicles from the list items. In a time where British Columbians face significant challenges to affordability, changes to this flawed tax is long overdue.

The complete transcript of the presentation is available here

Resources and training for members

The NCDA will be providing a cybersecurity guidebook to members, and we hosted a webinar in mid-June with MNP around the funding available to businesses from government under the Canadian Digital Adoption Program.

NCDA Joins in dealer celebrations

We were pleased to attend the grand opening of the Porsche Centre Richmond Store and celebrate the 75th anniversary of Porsche on June 8. Congratulations to Ajay Dilawri and Christian Chia and their teams on the opening of a spectacular new Porsche store. It’s always a great day when we can celebrate the opening of a new dealership in BC. Visit your Member Login page to access these resources.

The 2023 Auction for Athletes was a huge success once again, raising over $230,000 for Special Olympics BC and the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC. The 2023 auction, held from April 24 to 27, was the biggest yet, with more than 275 sought-after prizes.

We are also pleased to celebrate and congratulate New Car Dealers Foundation board member Ryan Jones on the occasion of 50 years in business for the Marv Jones Honda store. Marv Jones Honda was the first Honda dealership established west of Ontario and has been continuously operating in Maple Ridge since the 1970s.

Thanks for reading this edition of Signals and enjoy summer in beautiful British Columbia. We’ll see you down the road.

Sincerely,

EV Day at the Legislature

The NCDA hosted its annual EV Day at the Legislature at the end of May to celebrate the progress of zero-emission-vehicle adoption in British Columbia—and there is a great story to tell.

There are key reasons for this level of success, but it starts with the partnership and collaboration between our sector and the provincial government. The NCDA represents more than 400 franchised new car and truck dealers in 55 communities throughout the province, and we are proud to administer the CleanBC Go Electric Rebate Program on behalf of the provincial government since its inception in 2011.

Blair Qualey, President and CEO

New Car Dealers Association of BC

bqualey@newcardealers.ca

» It was our pleasure to have the Honourable Josie Osborne, minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, on hand to mark the occasion and highlight some very impressive numbers:

» Last year, zero-emission vehicles represented more than 18 per cent of new light-duty passenger vehicles—the highest percentage of any province;

» In 2022, 30,000 zero-emission vehicles were purchased in BC; and

» The number of registered light-duty ZEVs has increased from 5,000 in 2016 to more than 100,000 today—a 1,900 per cent increase.

Of course, simply having vehicles available is not enough to achieve zero-emission targets. A continued commitment to enhancing consumer incentives, ongoing investments in charging stations, consumer education and creating an electric vehicle battery supply chain are all key elements needed to keep moving forward.

“A great story to tell”

BC Minister of Transportation Rob Fleming, BC Minister of Environment George Heyman and BC Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne were among the ministers seen touring the latest electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle technology on display at the NCDA’s EV Day in Victoria. Photos courtesy of the BC Government

Kia West Spreads the Love with Gift Card Support

Coquitlam dealership hopes to inspire similar good deeds around the globe

BY JOHN ATKINSON

Kia West in Coquitlam is setting a trend for community support after reaching out to a local elementary school and helping 10 families in need.

Every month since March the dealership has donated $250 in gift cards to each family—and it’s hoping to inspire other dealers to do the same, both in Vancouver and further afield.

Kia West marketing manager Jenn Wendell, the driving force behind the initiative, said, “We, as dealers, have the ability to give back to our communities. Not least because, without their support—especially over the last three years (and COVID)—we wouldn’t be where we are today. And a lot of families need extra support beyond what a food bank provides.

“The car industry is busy, especially with the changes and adjustments we’ve had to make with new car production being slower over the past couple of years. So, we know dealers have had to navigate that and ‘community’ may not be at the forefront of their minds.

“But after talking with the principal at the school that we send financial support to, we learned there are more and more families in need with the constant rising cost of everything.”

Wendell said Kia West launched its support initiative earlier this year—and it’s already had a huge impact.

“We started dropping off support for eight families that the principal knew needed some assistance in March, and a couple of months after that he reached out saying he knew of two other families that were struggling,” she said. “So, we added them into the support mix.

The principal has emailed us regularly and told us what a huge impact it’s made on the families and how grateful they are for the support.”

Wendell said communities and community spirit is more important than ever in 2023—

and a driving force behind everything they do at their dealership.

“We value our customers and community more than anything—so much so that our company motto is ‘we can replace vehicles, but we cannot replace customers.’”

Wendell hopes dealers—and society in general—are inspired by their initiative to help others more with kindness, donations and overall community support.

“We want to challenge the dealers in the Lower Mainland—and further afield—to approach schools in their area and get involved. Use your credit card points and buy gift cards and let’s get together to help less fortunate families. Household expenses are out of control at the moment and there are some families who can use all the help we’re in a position to provide.”

She adds: “So if you have spare change and see someone asking for money, don’t judge them, because everyone has a story. Help them out with your change. Spread kindness and support to your local community and remember: one day it could be you. And wouldn’t you appreciate such kindness and support?”

To learn more about the initiative and getting involved, contact Wendell at Kia West at 604-777-1292 or jenn@kiawest.com

Kia West marketing manager Jenn Wendell.

Trust, Confidence and Protection

VSA re-brands and creates new online tools

Last year, the VSA received 3,359 consumer inquiries, complaints and claims. These converted into 867 consumer complaints and 509 investigations. We find that many of these complaints can be resolved by reconnecting the consumer with the dealer and providing access to the right person at the dealership to work out the issue.

BY IAN CHRISTMAN, JD, MBA, PRESIDENT, VEHICLE SALES AUTHORITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

In April of 2023, the Vehicle Sales Authority (VSA) introduced a new brand to better reflect who we are and what we represent for consumers and industry, which is: “trust, confidence and protection.” We are here in BC to create a more confident buying experience through education and regulation, and we feel that our brand now encompasses that sentiment.

As a regulator and educator, the VSA has focused on providing tools to help consumers and dealers successfully work through the complaint process to resolve issues. We have developed our new Online Dispute Resolution Services for consumers to easily access on our new website, vsabc.ca. These new services are called My Self-Help, Connector, and the Consumer Portal.

My Self-Help is an online program where consumers answer a series of questions and receive detailed information about what they can do to resolve their concern directly with the dealer.

Connector is an online dispute resolution program to help structure discussions between a consumer and a dealer to resolve their issue and get a resolution agreement in writing.

In addition to the two consumer self-help tools above, we have created a Consumer Portal to assist consumers through the formal complaint process when necessary.

We note that, for many complaints, emotions often get in the way of having a productive conversation with consumers. In this year’s annual licensing certification course for salespeople, brokers, dealers and wholesalers, we have provided some resources for the industry to use when dealing with difficult situations and enable resolution of the issue before it escalates into a complaint.

The VSA is focused on providing education and tools to assist consumers and industry with issue resolution.

BC Summer Road Tripping Timeless yet changing

BY RICHARD DETTMAN, SIGNALS COLUMNIST

It was really hot even though we were in the mountains, so the windows were rolled down. But the Top 40 songs were still coming through on the AM radio and nature was all around on our annual summer road trip. We’d left Calgary at dawn and after some 900 glorious kilometres (560 miles back then) arrived in Abbotsford in time for dinner with relatives because mom could hustle a car through the mountains. In a silver Mercury fastback or an orange Dodge Charger, she was a rare sight.

Nowadays my road trip goal is British Columbia, where getting there is at least half the fun. My wife and I get out the sports car and hit the road, usually on a circle tour to maximize sights and memories: the pier in Salmon Arm; Numa Falls in Kootenay National Park; fruit stands in Keremeos; McIntyre Bluff; and BC’s many

towns—Ladysmith, Chemainus, Greenwood, Nelson, Naramata and more, amid mountains, lakes, rivers and forests.

Mom prepared for a trip by getting the big V8 tuned up, and packing food, a blanket, a pillow and maps. Paper maps seem quaint now, although they still help when navigation systems get it wrong, wireless service is spotty or an entire network goes down as in 2022 and 2021.

Membership in the BC Automobile Association, or manufacturer’s roadside assistance or mechanical breakdown insurance, should be considered essential.

Cars parked, hood up, along a steep grade remind us that vehicle recovery and repair are not on the list of fun vacation activities. Nor is a bent rim, blown tire, dinged fender or, worst of all, a stolen car, travel trailer, boat or RV. Consider your possible needs, pick from numerous coverages, and keep the paperwork handy. It might never leave the glove box, but fate is not something to be tempted.

Once underway we’re drawn to roads less travelled—but paved—because for us it’s “more lanes, more strain.” Highway 3, the grandly named Southern Trans-Provincial Highway, has its roots in a 19th-century trail. The Coquihalla

Highway is essential, but we avoid the hot-doggers and cruise Highway 5A. Highway 99 from Pemberton to Lillooet, the Duffey Lake Road, is a gem. The list goes on, although like most tourists we stick to southern BC. Yet as I scan a big CAA map other destinations are calling because the “Beautiful BC” slogan on license plates is there for good reason.

That beauty is the backdrop for what seems like an explosion of activities. Indigenous tourism, mountain biking, organized hiking, winery tours and restaurants, farm tours and cultural and historical tourism were nonexistent or little-known back in the day. There are challenges, of course, led by the multi-year pattern of major wildfires.

“Revenge tourism” (or, pandemic rebound tourism) has driven prices higher since pandemic restrictions ended. Tourism businesses are shortstaffed, as is BC Ferries. There’s the perennial scramble for campsites. More recently the demand for electric vehicle chargers has caused lineups, although capacity is steadily being added by BC Hydro, oil companies and savvy operators of accommodations. And yes, the price of gasoline makes us groan but travellers will weigh it against vacation happiness.

Nonetheless, the tourism sector is geared up. One example is Vancouver Island, where 4VI acting president and CEO Brian Cant says, “From most accounts, this summer will see strong returns for tourism businesses across the Island.” He adds, “While the gap between people booking travel and their travel dates is shorter than before, we still see a lot of bookings throughout the summer.”

Whatever your destination, a little planning and preparation can go a long way toward getting that super, natural BC feeling in the good old summertime.

Welcome to New Directors and Thanks to Retiring Directors Highlights from the NCDA and Foundation AGMs

The NCDA and Foundation hosted AGMs in Kelowna at the end of May. Thanks was extended to the retiring board of directors for their service, and a big welcome was given to the new board of directors. A special thank you went out to outgoing NCDA chair Anthony Lunelli for his years of service to the association.

The NCDA welcomed new executive members to the NCDA board, including: chair Ben Lovie, of OpenRoad Auto Group; vice chair Ann Marie Clark, of Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln/Family Ford; and treasurer Kai Hensler, of Weissach Group.

Changes to the board at the 2023 AGM

At the recent AGM in Kelowna, the NCDA had a number of new board members join the association, and saw a few directors retire. New board members include Deryl Griffith, of Signature Mazda (NCDA board); and Dave Bare, of Harris Auto Group (Foundation board).

The NCDA sincerely thanks retiring NCDA board of directors members Joey Prevost (MacCarthy Motors Terrace) and Justin Gebara (Go Auto Richmond) for their years of service to the association. And a big thank you to retiring NCDA Foundation directors

Milestone: 50 Years in Business

Congratulations to Marv Jones Honda on the occasion of 50 years in business. Marv Jones Honda was the first Honda dealership established west of Ontario and has been continuously operating in Maple Ridge since the 1970s. The NCDA was on hand to mark the occasion and presented a Certification of Congratulations to dealer principal Ryan Jones.

Adil Ahamed succeeds father, Aziz, as CEO of Destination Auto Group

Adil Ahamed has taken over the reins of the 40-year-old Destination Auto Group, replacing his father, Aziz, as president and CEO. Adil has been working as managing director. Aziz, who founded the company in 1983, will become chairman of the board continuing to work behind the scenes providing strategy and guidance.

“I knew I wanted to work with the family at some stage. I love cars,” said Adil in an interview with Canadian Auto Dealer

He joined Destination Auto Group in 2012 after completing his Master of Business Administration at Columbia Business School. Previous to that he worked internationally with Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs in New York, as well as the Aga Khan Development Network in Switzerland and Tajikistan. Both father and son are recipients of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association Laureate Award for Innovation. Adil was honoured in 2022, and his father in 2019.

The NCDA’s Blair Qualey shared opening and closing remarks for BC Finance Minister Katrine Conroy’s presentation at the BC Chamber of Commerce AGM in Whistler that kicked off in June.

The NCDA’s Blair Qualey (right) with outgoing NCDA board chair Anthony Lunelli.

Marnie Carter (Carter Auto Group), Prevost and Amanda Chrinko (Westwood Honda) for their service to the Foundation.

The Inside Out Revolution

Opportunities abound as car interiors transform

BY BRUCE CAMERON | SIGNALS COLUMNIST

It’s been almost a century since the first car radios were introduced by Chevrolet, and music and mobility have been intertwined ever since. Everyone has a favourite driving song, whether it was first played on a radio, an 8-track, cassette or CD player, or from your phone via a Bluetooth connection.

Road trips, playlists and driving music are all integral parts of our culture in North America, synonymous with freedom and expression. Now that we are constantly connected, what does the next decade have in store for us inside our vehicles? As the interiors of vehicles become spaces for relaxing, entertaining and working, radical changes are unfolding in the industry, and dealerships need to be ready.

Think of an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience, not just for infotainment, but also to navigate roads, choose a restaurant or work remotely. It’s what some OEMs like Audi and Honda are working to make a reality.

The revolutionary unfolding in vehicle interiors is multi-pronged: with the advent of electric vehicles, the need for a drivetrain tunnel in the middle of vehicles is made obsolete, flattening the interior, and providing more room. Couple that with technological advances in software and VR displays and the possibilities seem endless. And the marketing strategies to entice consumers will shift to adapt to these new realities.

Consider what Audi is calling the “25th hour,” or the anticipated extra time that will be available once autonomous vehicles are commonplace. The 25th hour concept is explained on Audi’s website: “Behind the idea lies the question of how mobility is going to change over the years to come. With entirely autonomous cars, people will gain up to one hour each day.” Audi has partnered with Holoride, a virtual reality software and peripherals company, to develop an infotainment toolkit, complete with a VR headset, in anticipation of the changes made possible by electrification and automation of driving experiences.

But what will those vehicle interior spaces look like and what are the opportunities and challenges this seismic shift will present for dealerships?

One of the starting points for the transformation is the assumption that electrification will make engine power less relevant. This concept is laid out by marketing strategists McKinsey & Company in their ground-breaking article, “The Future of Interior in Automotive,” written in partnership with the German engineering firm Fraunhofer IAO. A vehicle’s processing speed, and the links an OEM has with market-leading software firms, will supersede the need for more horsepower or improvements in the powertrain.

Perhaps that is why major players like Honda and Sony have developed an intriguing partnership. As consumer comfort and connectivity in the cabin become more important, companies that can harness existing capabilities in voice and facial recognition, along with gesture prompted commands (called haptics), will come to the fore. Honda and Sony plan to release their first joint venture vehicle, the Afeela, in 2026, featuring PlayStation-level virtual reality. Other partnerships between OEMs and technology giants are sure to follow.

One of the most lucrative opportunities that will emerge for OEMs and dealerships will be OTA (over the air) capabilities. The breadth and ease of software offerings that can be added to the vehicle at the dealership, or after purchase, will redefine the vehicle buying experience. McKinsey outlines five trends that industry leaders need to watch over the next few years:

With no need for a powertrain tunnel in the middle of vehicles, new vehicle configurations will proliferate due to radically different space requirements.

Connectivity will be crucial. While larger display screens have been introduced recently in luxury vehicles, the next phase will focus upon voice activation, facial recognition, and even potentially holographic systems that can be operated with the flick of a wrist or a simple gesture. It’s called HMI (human-machine interface) technology, and it will redefine driving as we know it.

But what will those vehicle interior spaces look like and what are the opportunities and challenges this seismic shift will present for dealerships?

Comfort will extend beyond seating to encompass lighting, surface and trim functionality (think an armrest with imbedded controls), as well as intuitive lighting and thermal features that adapt to individuals in different seats.

Sustainability will also rise in importance, as new eco-friendly interior materials become inRemove dots above,dustry practice, extending the novel vegan interiors offered in the high-end luxury market into other makes and models.

Cost efficiency will remain a driving concern, according to McKinsey, but it will take a different form. Soon, OEMs may offer only one model of interior, but it will have an almost infinite array of customizable OTA features that can be purchased to individualize the lighting, cabin layout and control features.

According to an international survey with 7,000 consumers and industry experts across the globe (the 2020 ACES survey), the importance of the interior is set to rise. Seven in 10 experts say interiors will become more important, while half of consumers think likewise. The inside out revolution is upon us.

So how will dealerships profit from these revolutionary changes? By selling OTA features, including monthly uploads and packages of software options, some of which may be activated later by the consumer. As the experience within the vehicle “levels up,” consumers will inevitably want the experience at a dealership to improve as well. Titles within the industry like “chief experience officer” will become more commonplace as the industry turns outside in.

But music will remain a key part of the experience, just as it was a century ago.

Selling a Dealership

Goodwill value, expectations and strategy

SECOND OF TWO PARTS

BY CHUCK SEGUIN

Over the past few decades, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to, in some way, be involved with several dealership purchase and sale transactions.

In the last edition of Signals, we looked at a series of items that you, as the seller, must address before you go to market.

The question I get asked most often from sellers centres around the value of goodwill (blue sky), which is the result of deducting

purchase price. In other words, it’s the result, not the starting point. That’s the only time when you know your store’s goodwill multiple.

I often ask sellers, “How much would you pay to buy your store, knowing intimately all its strengths and weaknesses, for the right to earn the income that your store produces?”

From here, consider: does your selling strategy fully align with this?

To be effective as a seller, you need to put yourself in the purchasers’ shoes. What would be their expected return on investment? How long would their payback expectations be? Will they look after the community the way in which you have, and will they carry on your legacy?

The final question centres around likely purchasers. Is there a dealer who has expressed interest and would be a strategic acquirer? Strategic acquirers normally will pay the most because owning your dealership is strategically important to them.

Many sellers have unrealistic timing expectations. It normally takes a year or more to prepare your dealership for sale. In many ways it’s like staging a house. Your financial statements and performance fundamentals must

fully align with your selling price expectations, and sometimes work must be completed to tell your story the right way.

In my experience, successful sellers take time to get their dealership ready for sale to achieve the highest price. Taking shortcuts normally means not achieving the best possible price. There is a trade-off between time to execute and realizing selling price. You should also confidentially assemble a team of independent professional advisors, accountants, tax experts, investment advisors, et cetera, to work with you throughout this process.

It’s only after all these factors are taken into consideration that the goodwill multiple for your store can be estimated.

If you are thinking of selling, take the time to align your store with buyer expectations to maximize selling price. If a short sales cycle is what you are looking for, then be prepared to accept less, unless you have been managing your store with this in mind.

Selling your store might be the single most important business decision you and your family will ever make. Taking the time to get it right is critical to placing yourself in the best position for a successful outcome.

Sell and source inventory anywhere, anytime.

Sell and source inventory anywhere, anytime.

Unsure if you want a digital real-time auction, to casually browse, or go in and kick the tires yourself?

Unsure if you want a digital real-time auction, to casually browse, or go in and kick the tires yourself?

With TradeRev and ADESA* – you don’t have to choose just one. With platforms both digital and physical, the power is in your hands. It is your highway to sell – buckle in and let us help move your business forward.

With TradeRev and ADESA* – you don’t have to choose just one. With platforms both digital and physical, the power is in your hands. It is your highway to sell – buckle in and let us help move your business forward.

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Hit the Brakes!

Check out these snazzy new wheels for 2023

2023 Nissan Versa

SR

Canadians still love their compact cars, despite the prolific advertising on SUVs. For folks who care about safe, reliable and comfortable transportation from point A to B, the refreshed Versa is a good choice.

The 122 hp 4-cylinder engine is surprisingly peppy even with the CVT automatic, though it complains when pushed hard. Still, it better than expected for day-to-day driving.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS580 SUV

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is an all-electric SUV designed as a counterpart to the company’s sleek EQS luxury sedan. The SUV sets itself apart with its optional third row, accommodating up to seven. The cabin feels more spacious due to the increased headroom, and it maintains the same high-end design and materials as the sedan, including the remarkable 56-inch MBUX Hyperscreen.

Luxurious features include headrest pillows, massage functions and arm-neck-and-shoulder heating. Equipped with AWD and a robust 516 hp and 632 lb-ft of torque, the EQS580 is very quick. Powering the EQS is a large 108.4 kWh battery good for about 459 km of range.

Standard features include an adjustable air suspension and rearwheel steering. An Off-Road drive mode raises the air suspension and adjusts the powertrain for better performance on rough terrain. While the handling may not be exhilarating and steering feedback is limited, the EQS SUV promises an uber comfortable and relaxed driving experience.

Pricing starts at $158,500.

Nissan’s recent redesign adds some visual interest that makes the honest sedan less spartan, particularly in the range-topping SR trim with its blacked-out grille. Also included are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 17-inch rims, LED headlights, heated front seats, and remote start. The Versa’s cabin has plenty of soft-touch surfaces on dash and door, and the cabin is comfortable and quiet for four adults. There aren’t many frills, but the Versa has always lived up to being an unabashedly inexpensive car.

Pricing starts at $22,347.

2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD

The Mustang Mach-E marks Ford’s first serious foray into the electric vehicle segment, boldly departing from its muscle car roots to develop a five-passenger crossover.

While it offers an appealing blend of style and practicality, purists may wonder if it lives up to the Mustang name. Regardless, the Mach-E demonstrates Ford’s shift towards sustainable transportation, putting it in direct competition with players like the Tesla. As tested with eAWD and the 70-kWh standard battery, there is 311 hp and around 370 km of range.

The Mach-E’s handling is responsive with minimal body roll; however, the ride tends to be on the stiffer side and rougher road surfaces may result in a somewhat bumpy experience. The cabin features a massive 15.5-inch vertical touchscreen as the centrepiece, consolidating audio, phone, climate controls and even help with locating charging stations, but the menu is quite complicated.

Pricing for the eAWD Mach-E starts at $59,995.

2023 Range Rover P440e Plug-in Hybrid

As a distinguished, state-of-the-art SUV, the fifth generation Range Rover redefines opulence and innovation with its all-new plug-in hybrid model. Enjoyed by royalty and the wealthy elite for decades, the Range Rover pampers its passengers with its traditional chassis feel with a plush and slightly squishy ride, but well-controlled body motions regardless of road surface.

The P440e plug-in hybrid hits the sweet spot in model range with its 88-km EV-only range and a combined 434 hp on tap from both its 104 kW EV motor / 38.2 kWh battery combined with a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine. Unusually, this plug-in hybrid also accepts DC charging for even quicker recharge. The plush interior has a multitude of digital touchscreens decked out with rich leathers and woods. There is a new leather-free option for those who want a more sustainable cable.

The Range Rover P440e starts at $151,120.

2023 Volvo S60 T8 AWD Recharge Plug-in Hybrid

The sports sedan space is a competitive one, and Volvo’s S60 competes against some formidable rivals. Its upgraded plug-in hybrid, the T8 Recharge, is a unique entry in this space with a large 14.9 kWh battery and a more powerful 143 hp (up from 87 hp) rear electric motor. With a light foot, an EV-only range of 80 km is realistic, making the S60 a legitimate daily driver in full electric mode. Now with 455 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque, the S60 Recharge claims the title of the most powerful Volvo in the range, although it still lacks the agility of sports sedans from its German rivals.

The cabin is a nice place to be with supportive seats and plenty of cabin space. Volvo’s interior may be minimalist, but it’s refined, polished and tasteful. The Android Automotive infotainment system is quick, but its settings are perhaps too minimalistic compared to its rivals.

Pricing starts at $59,950.

Content and images courtesy of Andrew Ling.

Signals recently had the opportunity to visit with Ben Lovie—the NCDA’s new board chair—at the OpenRoad Auto Group and Lexus Richmond dealership. Ben was elected as the new chair at the NCDA’s AGM in June and is currently the VP of Regional Operations at OpenRoad Auto Group.

SIGNALS: Thanks for making the commitment to serve BC’s new car dealers! Why don’t we start with a question that we begin every Q&A with—what was the first car you owned?

BL: I shared my first car with my dad. It was a 2WD two-door Toyota Hilux that was converted to run on liquefied petroleum gas. There was a decent sized LPG tank in the bed of the truck.

SIGNALS: What drew you to the auto industry? Is there a family story here? Or was there someone who inspired you to embark on a career in the auto industry?

BL: I arrived in Canada from Australia 17 years ago. Growing up in Australia, my dad always loved cars and my granddad had a dirt lot in the city where he would turn a few cars and fix them up. For me, though, cars meant

Q&A

With Ben Lovie, OpenRoad Auto Group

Meet the NCDA’s Newest Board Chair

freedom and getting my license meant I could do road trips, and that’s how my love for cars really started.

SIGNALS: What motivated you to serve on the NCDA Board and subsequently become the chair?

BL: I have always admired people who choose to give back on a professional level and thought I should too. I also saw the NCDA as a way to meet industry peers and hear different perspectives about the industry. And also, I have always been intrigued by how the government-relations side of the NCDA works.

SIGNALS: Tell us one thing about the work and value of the association that most dealers aren’t aware of—especially its government advocacy on behalf of its members.

BL: I underestimated the relationship and reputation the NCDA has with the BC government. Blair and his team have been measured and organized in dealing with government folks. Recently, at the EV day in Victoria, the meetings we had with key ministers, MLAs and Premier Eby to talk about issues showed the strength and importance of the relationship with government.

SIGNALS: What do you see as the most significant challenges facing the sector at this time?

BL: There are many. We are going to see more change in the next 10 years than the industry has seen in the last 100 years. There is no dealer principal or senior manager in the industry who has not been having conver-

sations about what the future may hold. From the NCDA’s point of view, it’s important we continue to communicate with members the real and possible changes coming and provide a voice, share insights and be available to support members through this time of change. Regarding one specific challenge, the lack of EV charging availability has the potential to have a real impact on the ability to meet the government’s EV mandate targets.

Approximately half of BC homeowners are “garage orphans,” meaning they don’t have garages. Charging an EV at home is the only practical way EV owners will make the switch and stick with EV ownership. This is an important aspect that needs to be considered and addressed by government as it pushes forward with the 26 per cent EV sales mandate by 2026 and 90 per cent by 2030.

SIGNALS: What is top of mind for you in operating your dealership(s)?

BL: Today, a great deal of focus is being placed on attracting and retaining good talent. More is being done on developing our teams to broaden their skills to be better prepared to serve guests in an increasingly experience-led sector.

SIGNALS: Next year, several openings will occur on the NCDA board. What would you say to dealer principals that might encourage them to put their names forward and volunteer on it?

BL: Be curious and play a small role in progressing the industry forward. The time commitment is small and manageable, typically no more than a couple of hours a month

for a board member. We are lucky to have a professional NCDA staff team that welcomes diverse perspectives and can help guide anyone new to the board. Again, change is coming and as someone (Blair) said, “It’s better to be at the table than on the menu.”

SIGNALS: What are your top priorities for the association in the next year during your term as board chair? Please share what you are hoping the NCDA accomplish on behalf of BC’s franchised new car dealers.

BL: Last year’s member survey identified the top issues members were facing. I want the NCDA to step it up and bring more information and practical support to mem-

bers in areas that include hiring, employee retention, labour issues, government and industry relations, work with ICBC and the VSA, luxury taxes and more. There are also going to be issues that emerge, and I am confident the NCDA staff will be ready to keep members informed.

SIGNALS: How do you define success as a prominent person in the car industry?

BL: “It’s progress not perfection.”

SIGNALS: Any other work of note that you could comment on?

BL: It’s time to get back to work. I would sincerely encourage members to stay engaged

ELEVATING The Auto Show Experience

and reach out to your industry peers and the NCDA as we collectively, and successfully, navigate this next phase in the industry.

SIGNALS: What are you most optimistic about in the auto industry?

BL: The entrepreneurial spirit of automotive dealers, the progression to EVs and the role dealers will continue to play a role in educating, selling and servicing these vehicles.

SIGNALS: Thank you for your time, Ben, and for sharing your insights with our members.

Reimagined Vancouver International Auto Show returns for 2024

The Vancouver International Auto Show, western Canada’s best attended trade and consumer event, will mark its much-anticipated return to the Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) in 2024 following a four-year hiatus—and it will be a fresh and re-imagined experience.

Dubbed ELEVATE: Vancouver’s Auto Experience, the show will feature a full lineup of luxury supercars and exotics, high-powered classics, over-landers—and everything in between. With a reimagined format and new “elevated” consumer experience for 2024, show-goers will find the latest technology-leading, environmentally focused EVs coupled with lifestyle features and commercial vendors reflecting all that is the automotive culture.

“Following a four-year hiatus, we have taken a step back, building on 100 years of experience, reimagining an event that will result in a very unique and exciting experience for both our manufacturer partners and

our consumer guests,” says Blair Qualey, president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, which also owns the auto show. “I believe that we have found the right mix of elements that will appeal to traditional show-goers and those looking to experience the latest technology in a whole new way.”

The showcase will highlight zero-emission vehicles, full-battery electrics, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen and fuel-efficient vehicles, along with advanced vehicle safety systems and charging technology. There will be a strong focus on education and new ways for fans and exhibitors to participate and celebrate some of the best the automotive industry has to offer.

“With the support of the industry’s top manufacturers, we’re well underway in the planning process to make this event unlike any auto show this city has seen,” says show executive director Eric Nicholl.

“The entrepreneurial spirit of automotive dealers, the progression to EVs and the role dealers will continue to play a role in selling and servicing these vehicles.”

PLAN AHEAD

To Tackle Impaired Driving

ICBC and the BC Lions partner to promote safe rides home

ICBC and the BC Lions have joined forces for the second year in a row with a campaign to address impaired driving. This collaborative effort aims to promote responsible planning for a safe ride home after a game, emphasizing the importance of road safety and raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.

Throughout the football season, ICBC and the BC Lions will engage with fans at home games. The stadium will feature impaired driving ads, and, during intermissions, informative and entertaining activities will take place on the field.

Building upon the success of last year’s campaign, this year’s campaign introduces an engaging “Beer Goggle Vision” activity. The volunteers wear goggles that simulate being under the influence of alcohol while attempting to complete various tasks. The entire activity will be shown on the big screens and will demonstrate the effects of alcohol on judgment and coordination, emphasizing the point that impaired driving poses a significant risk.

Expanding the message beyond the stadium

In addition to in-stadium promotions, ICBC and the BC Lions are extending their impaired driving message to fans beyond the stadium

through radio advertising, social media ads, bclions.com and a video ad displayed on the Terry Fox Plaza jumbo video board located just outside BC Place. This helps ensure the message reaches fans who are cheering for the Lions outside the stadium, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead for a safe ride home.

ICBC and the BC Lions are posting social media ads featuring BC Lions players. The athletes will discuss two critical road safety topics: the importance of planning ahead for a safe ride home before drinking and the dangers of distracted driving. This enables ICBC and the BC Lions to connect with a broader audience, particularly the younger demographic, and effectively convey the message of responsible road behaviour.

Tackling impaired driving during the summer months

Sadly, impaired driving remains one of the top three contributing factors to fatal crashes in the province, claiming the lives of 64 individuals and injuring 1,400 people annually. In response, ICBC and the police will once again collaborate for the annual summer CounterAttack campaign that will continue to raise awareness. As well, police will have

enhanced impaired driving enforcement throughout the province.

Project Wave is another example of a collaborative effort staged during the summer months. In this campaign, enforcement agencies, volunteers and ICBC educate the public about the dangers of drinking and boating. Enforcement agencies, ICBC Road Safety Coordinators and volunteers set up at boat launches with information booths, interactive experiences and games that educate the public about their legal obligations both on and off the water when alcohol is involved.

Before CounterAttack road-checks began, more than 300 people were killed in impaired driving-related crashes in BC every year. While the average is now 64 people, and progress has been made, impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal death in Canada.

We can all do our part

As the warmer months invite celebrations and gatherings, we can all do our part to keep our loved ones and roads safe. Encourage family and friends to plan ahead—designate a sober driver, opt for public transit, or arrange for a taxi, or rideshare to ensure a responsible and safe journey home.

Accuracy matters.

Wage-Fixing and No-Poaching Agreements and the Competition Act – It’s a Crime

BY VERA SYRMA, ARTICLED STUDENT, AND MATTHEW WANSINK, SENIOR COUNSEL, CLYDE & CO CANADA LLP

Does your OEM dealer agreement contain a “no poaching” clause, whereby the dealership agrees not to hire the OEM’s employees, or those working for other dealerships? Do you have an agreement or an “understanding” with any dealership (whether in the same manufacturing group or otherwise) not to solicit or hire each other’s employees, or to limit employees’ wage and incentive packages?

On June 23, 2023, amendments to Section 45 of the Competition Act (the “Act”) made it an offence for unaffiliated employers to conspire, agree or arrange to: (i) fix, maintain, decrease or control salaries, wages or terms and conditions of employment; or (ii) not to solicit or hire each other’s employees, subject to very limited exceptions.

Application

The prohibitions do not apply to affiliated employers—for example, dealerships operating within the same dealership group—or those controlled by the same parent company. However, under the Act, franchisers and franchisees are considered unaffiliated employers. Third parties, who are not employers, like a trade association member or a former employer, may also be subject to prosecution under the rules of aiding, abetting or counselling an offence of the Criminal Code. Corporations may also be subject to prosecution because of wage-fixing or no-poaching agreements negotiated by their respective employees (for example, HR professionals, directors, et cetera) if those employees were acting as senior officers of the corporation during the relevant period.

Wage-fixing and no-poaching agreements will be per se illegal, meaning that the behaviour is deemed illegal without requiring proof of any actual anti-competitive effects. A mere “conscious parallelism” when a business acts independently with awareness of the likely response of its competitors or in response to the conduct of its competitors is not considered a violation under Section 45 of the Act. However, parallel conduct coupled with facilitating practices, such as sharing sensitive employment information or taking steps to monitor each other’s employment practices, may be sufficient to prove that a wage-fixing or no-poaching agreement was concluded.

Amendments to Section 45 of the Act will apply only to new wage-fixing and no-poaching agreements entered into by employers on or after June 23, 2023 but, importantly, will also extend to any conduct, the effect of which is to reaffirm or implement an older wage-fixing or no-poaching agreement that was previously relied upon by the parties.

Enforcement

The Competition Bureau (the “Bureau”) is an independent law enforcement agency responsible for investigating offences under the Act and may refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (the “DPP”) for further action. Where the parties raise a defence, the Bureau will examine the validity of the defence before deciding whether to refer the matter to the DPP. At the outset of the June 23 changes, it is expected that the Bureau will prioritize its enforcement of wage-fixing and no-poaching agreements, where employers can be viewed as competitors in the purchase of labour, regardless of their business relationship.

The Bureau’s enforcement of the wage-fixing agreements will generally be limited to the “terms and conditions” that could affect a person’s decision to enter or remain in an employment contract. Examples of the “terms and conditions” include the responsibilities, benefits and policies associated with a job, job descriptions, allowances such as per diem and mileage reimbursements, non-monetary compensation, working hours, location and non-compete clauses, or other directives that may restrict an individual’s job opportunities.

While there have been no specific references to any focus on car dealers, vigilance is still recommended, especially given the Bureau’s statements as to its initial priorities.

On June 23, 2023, amendments to Section 45 of the Competition Act (the “Act”) made it an offence for unaffiliated employers to conspire, agree or arrange to: (i) fix, maintain, decrease or control salaries, wages or terms and conditions of employment; or (ii) not to solicit or hire each other’s employees, subject to very limited exceptions.

Defences

In limited circumstances, the parties may be able to rely on the ancillary restraints defence (the “ARD”) when certain desirable business transactions or collaborations require restraints on competition to make them efficient or even possible. The parties will have to demonstrate that: (i) the wage-fixing or no-poaching agreement is ancillary or flows from a broader or separate agreement that includes the same parties; and (ii) the restraint is directly related to and reasonably necessary for achieving the objective of the broader or separate agreement and the broader or separate agreement referred.

Given this test, there is a risk that the ARD would not apply to wage-fixing or no-poaching agreements between franchisees of the same OEM group, on the basis that they are an unnecessary restraint on employees’ job opportunities. Whether the ARD could apply to agreements between franchiser and franchisee will be case specific and depend on whether the employers can prove the no-poaching clause is necessary and flows from the broader franchise agreement.

Penalties

A person found guilty of an offence under Section 45 of the Act may be imprisoned for up to 14 years or subjected to a fine at the discretion of the court, or both. Importantly, “person” can, in certain circumstances, include directors of the offending corporation.

With the Act’s new provisions coming into force, now is the time to review your business practices and HR policies to ensure compliance. Should you have any questions about how changes to the Act will affect your business, please do not hesitate to contact Clyde & Co Canada LLP.

Top 10 Paid Out Vehicles for January to May 2023

Total number of rebates (by unit # and $$ amount) paid out during the January to May period:

» Total rebates: 4,699

» Total amount: $14,683,335

New Vehicle Models Added to the Program

Vancouver International Auto Show Returns March 20 to 24, 2024, RE-IMAGINED

Five Ways the Canada Digital Adoption Program Can Help Taking a digital transformation journey

The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) can provide your dealership with up to $15,000 in refundable cash credits and $100,000 in interest-free loans to fund your digital transformation journey. Here are five ways CDAP can help your dealership:

Enhance the customer experience

Your dealership communicates with customers all the time and it can be difficult to keep track of maintenance reminders, emails about new sales opportunities and other communications to provide your customers with the best possible experience. CDAP’s customer relationship management tools can automate your communications to remind customers to bring in their vehicles for maintenance or suggest a time to renew their vehicle lease—ensuring they never miss an appointment.

Manage your parts and services

Your dealership offers many services to its customers each day and maintains a large inven-

tory base to ensure you have the parts available to support their needs. However, manually tracking items in your inventory and scheduling service reminders can be time-consuming and repetitive. CDAP can help you implement a service management suite to automate service scheduling check-ins. Additionally, inventory management suites can help track your inventory items.

Make data-driven decisions

You need access to the right information to help you make decisions to drive your dealership’s performance. Industry-specific software such as ERPs can help you get started by providing valuable insights into your business and operations.

Through CDAP, a digital advisor can help you find the best platforms to help track productivity and monitor sales in your dealership. These solutions can provide you with data to make informed decisions to increase sales, and improve work processes.

Increase sales

The right suite of digital tools can help your sales associates track leads, predict your customers’ future needs and boost your sales numbers to maximize profits.

For example, you can use CDAP funding to improve your e-commerce platforms to streamline the online sales experience. Marketing platforms can help you identify, track, analyze and nurture leads to achieve results.

Manage your back office

CDAP can help get the tools you need to decrease the time your back office spends on repetitive tasks and increase productivity.

AI-powered workflow automation can help your HR department answer common questions from your employees, increasing the productivity of your back office.

For more information, contact MNP’s Chris Schaufele, CPA, CA, at 604-542-6768 or chris.schaufele@mnp.ca

DRIVING INSIGHTS | Justify the Trade Today to Win a Customer Tomorrow

BY THE RESEARCH & INSIGHTS TEAM AT CARFAX CANADA

Have you ever heard of someone winning a deal and losing a customer at the same time? Winning a trade today is great, but the business of selling cars and getting great trades is quickly becoming more competitive. So how can you create a trade-in process that not only wins deals today but makes that customer excited to come back next time?

Canadians don’t love the trade-in process:

Among Canadian used car buyers who traded in a vehicle, only 65 per cent said their trade-in experience was good or excellent; this is just barely better than their feelings about the negotiation process, which is rated as the worst part of buying a used vehicle. Improving the trade-in process, so it wins cars and creates an excellent experience, will help you sell more today and bring in more customers tomorrow through referrals, reviews and repeat business.

What used car buyers wish you would do:

Improving the trade-in process is all about justifying how your price was determined, then doubling down on that justification. This is what we learned from used-car buyers:

» 48 per cent want you to clearly explain what their trade-in offer is based on (for example, auction values, comparable sales);

» 44 per cent want you to plainly spell out anything that lowers the value of their car (for example, tires need to be replaced, dents need to be fixed); and

» 30 per cent want external validation via a neutral, third-party tool to help reinforce your offer.

We’ve seen the importance of trade-in price justification increase significantly over the last five years.

Justifying your offer is time well spent:

Plain and simple, your customers want to know how you got to the tradein value they’re being offered. Used car buyers who go through a tradein process that includes a vehicle history report, a valuation tool from a third-party service and/or the salesperson showing comparable vehicles, are more satisfied with the trade-in process than average.

Taking the time to justify all the details and breaking it down for your customers in an easy-to-understand way will help them feel confident that they’re getting a fair offer for their vehicle. This may take a little more time, but that’s not a bad thing; when used car buyers were asked how dealerships could improve the trade-in process, making it faster came in dead last.

Getting rid of an old, unwanted vehicle should be a highlight of the used car buying process for your customer. By making clearly justified offers, you can make a trade-in process that drives repeat and referral business to your store.

Driving Insights looks closely at the motives and behaviours of today’s car buyers. Get more insights at carfax.ca/insights

We thank our clients for their ongoing

Important Decision on Family Status Discrimination

How this impacts employers

BY MICHAEL WEILER, KSW LAWYERS EMPLOYMENT & LABOUR GROUP

The British Columbia Court of Appeal recently issued an important decision regarding family status discrimination under the Human Rights Code.

The case, British Columbia (Human Rights Tribunal) v. Gibraltar Mines Ltd., 2023 BCCA 168 (“Gibraltar”), represents both a loss and a win for employers. The decision, which was released on April 21, 2023, has significant implications for businesses.

Introduction: family status discrimination

Family status discrimination is one of the protected grounds under the BC Human Rights Code. However, the test for family status discrimination in British Columbia has been more stringent compared to other parts of Canada due to the 2004 BCCA decision in HAS v. Campbell River and North Island Transition Society (“Campbell River”). The Campbell River test established that a prima facie case of discrimination based on family status is made out when an employer’s change in a term or condition of employment results in a serious interference with a substantial parental or other family duty or obligation of the employee.

Gibraltar Mines Ltd. v. Harvey

In the Gibraltar case, Lisa Harvey, an employee of Gibraltar Mines, sought a workplace accommodation for her and her spouse’s work schedules after she became pregnant. When an agreement could not be reached, she filed a human rights complaint. Gibraltar Mines applied to dismiss the complaint, arguing that the Campbell River test required a change in terms and conditions of employment. The Tribunal dismissed the claim of sex and marital-status discrimination but allowed the family status complaint to proceed to a full hearing. As part of its analysis, the Tribunal held that the Campbell River legal test did NOT require that there be a change in a term or condition of employment.

Gibraltar Mines filed a judicial review challenging the Tribunal’s decision, and the Judicial Review Judge agreed with the employer, and overturned the Tribunal’s ruling, holding

that the Tribunal was bound by Campbell River to dismiss the complaint, as it had not arisen from a change of terms and conditions of employment in this case. The Human Rights Tribunal then brought an appeal to challenge the more stringent Campbell River BC test. The BC Court of Appeal constituted a five-member panel to reinterpret or overrule the Campbell River decision.

BC Court of Appeal

The BC Court of Appeal addressed three key issues. Firstly, it confirmed that the Tribunal had standing to bring the appeal. Secondly, it held that a complainant does not have to prove a change in terms or conditions of employment to establish prima facie family status discrimination. The court determined that a serious interference with a substantial parental or other family duty or obligation of an employee can result from a term or condition of employment or a change in the employee’s circumstances.

Thirdly, the Court of Appeal also affirmed the “materiality” test, which requires a substantial or out-of-the-ordinary parental or family duty to establish discrimination arising from a conflict between work requirements and family obligations. This test serves to preserve the significance of family status as a protected characteristic.

What does this mean for my business?

The elimination of the “changed working conditions and terms” test is unfavourable for employers, as it provided a clear threshold for complaints. However, the Court of Appeal’s endorsement of the materiality test maintains a high bar for complainants. Each case will be decided on its own facts, reducing certainty in the outcome. Employers may face challenges in defending such complaints, as the Tribunal’s backlog will result in delays in processing and impact remedies.

The Tribunal’s aggressive approach in challenging the Campbell River tests raises concerns about impartiality. If the scope of the materiality test expands, the business community may be apprehensive. Nevertheless, the court’s remarks in Campbell River about the difficulty of establishing a prima facie case in most situations involving a conflict between work requirements and family obligations still apply.

Note to readers: This is not legal advice. If you have any questions about an employment matter or require assistance revising your employment contracts or policies, please reach out to Mike Weiler at mweiler@kswlawyers.ca or Chris Drinovz at cdrinovz@kswlawyers.ca

Steering Your Team to a Safe Retirement Group retirement savings packages are a win-win for all

Car dealerships are a key part of BC’s economy, providing jobs to many people. But taking care of employee needs can be hard. One essential benefit that can help both the workers and the dealership is a solid group retirement savings plan. Let’s look at the many advantages such a plan can provide.

Attracting and keeping employees

A robust group retirement savings package acts as a powerful recruitment tool. Job seekers, especially in today’s uncertain economy, consider retirement benefits as a key factor in their decision-making process. Offering a good retirement plan lets car dealerships pull in the best workers. It also helps keep workers loyal, lowers costs of hiring new people and keeps a consistent skilled team.

Boosting employee happiness and engagement

Workers who feel safe about their future are usually happier and more engaged in their

work. A solid group retirement savings plan shows a dealership’s care for its workers’ longterm financial health. It helps workers plan for retirement without worry, lowers stress and lets them focus on their work. This raises morale, work output and teamwork, making a positive, friendly workplace.

The tax advantage

A group retirement savings plan offers big tax savings for both workers and car dealerships. Workers put money into their retirement savings before taxes, which lowers their taxable income. Car dealerships can use tax cuts for their part of the retirement plan, lowering their own taxable income.

Elevating dealership reputation

Providing an excellent group retirement savings package can enhance a car dealership’s employer branding and reputation. Word spreads quickly in the job market, and businesses known for taking care of their employees are more likely to

attract top talent. By showing a focus on employee financial health, car dealerships can stand out from the rest, show a positive image and become an employer of choice in the industry.

Following employment standards and legal requirements

In BC, employers have certain obligations when it comes to worker retirement savings. By starting a strong group retirement savings plan, car dealerships ensure they are following these rules and requirements. This not only keeps the dealership safe from legal problems but also shows a focus on ethical business practices and fair treatment of employees.

By partnering with HUB International, an experienced broker in group retirement savings, car dealerships can design and implement plans tailored to their specific needs.

To learn more, contact Wayne LeGear at 604-269-1944 or wayne.legear@hubinternational.com, or visit hubinternational.com

2023 Auction for Athletes Drives Life-Changing Support Over $230,000 raised to benefit Special Olympics BC

The 2023 Auction for Athletes was once again a huge success, raising over $230,000 for Special Olympics BC (SOBC) and the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC.

The 2023 auction, held from April 24 to 27, was the biggest yet with more than 275 sought-after prizes. The auction was steered to success by new car dealers and supporters, who generously donated the record number of auction items, made cash pledges, bid on items and engaged their networks to join them in making a difference.

“I am so inspired by our industry and the lasting impact they make wherever they come together,” said Blair Qualey, president and CEO, New Car Dealers Association of BC. “This support will make such a huge difference for Special Olympics athletes. I extend my sincere thanks to all the amazing sponsors and everyone who placed bids to provide important support for Special Olympics BC’s year-round sports programs, as well as important car careers grants and scholarships.”

Over the past 35 years, the auction has raised more than $5.8 million to support the life-changing work of SOBC and the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC.

On behalf of athletes like Kayley Hendsbee, SOBC thanks all the Auction for Athletes supporters who are committed to changing lives and building inclusion through the power and joy of sport.

“Special Olympics has immensely helped my physical and mental health and given me something I never would have expected…an entire community of athletes, coaches and volunteers, who are not only friends, but family that inspire you and drive you and give you courage to be the best you that you can be,” Hendsbee says.

For Special Olympics BC–Vancouver athlete Sarah Brown, being involved with SOBC is a great way to make lasting friendships and live healthy lifestyles.

“I’ve been involved in this amazing organization for about 20 to 25 years. I’ve made a lot of new friends from different places, and I’ve learned to be a team player by giving support and cheering on fellow athletes. Being in-

volved with Special Olympics has helped me by eating healthier meals and becoming more active,” Brown says.

We are very grateful to silent auction sponsors First Canadian Financial Group; vehicle donors BC Honda Dealers and Pacific Toyota Dealers; $15,000 sponsor Chevrolet Buick GMC Dealers of BC; $5,000-plus sponsors Bannister Automotive Group, Harmony Honda, W.P.J. McCarthy and Company, and

Heartfelt thanks to the dedicated members of the auction’s organizing committee. Every year, these people give countless hours of thoughtful and compassionate work to make this event a success.

Thanks to:

» Manse Binkley, Harmony Honda and Harmony Acura

» David Jukes, First Canadian Financial Group

» Pamela Keith, Dueck Auto Group

» Brad Osterman, Kia Victoria

» Blair Qualey, New Car Dealers Association

SOBC and the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC extend sincere thanks to everyone who supported the 2023 auction and look forward to another exciting event in 2024. To get involved, please contact Meg Ishida, fund development manager (events), at mishida@specialolympics.bc.ca.

The Jim Pattison Auto Group; and media sponsors CFNR Network, The Province and Vancouver Sun.

Kayley Hendsbee (left) is grateful for Special Olympics BC’s inclusive and empowering community. Below, Sarah Brown (centre) celebrates at the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Antigonish.

Thank you to our valued auction supporters!

Silent Auction Sponsor

» First Canadian Financial Group

Vehicle Donors

» BC Honda Dealers

» Pacific Toyota Dealers

$15,000 Sponsor

» Chevrolet Buick GMC Dealers of BC

$5,000+ Sponsors

» Bannister Automotive Group

» Harmony Honda

» The Jim Pattison Auto Group

» W.P.J. McCarthy and Company

$2,000 - $4,000 Sponsors

» Auto West Group

» CDK Global

» Dueck Auto Group

» Harmony Acura

» Park Shore BMW

$1,000+ Sponsors

» Go North Surrey

» Greg Gardner Motors

» Island Owl Mazda

» Jenner Chevrolet Buick GMC Ltd.

» Pacific Honda

» Richmond Auto Mall

$1,000+ Item Donors

» ADESA

» Alaska Highway News

» Allwest Insurance

» Applewood Auto

» AutoTrader.ca

» BC Honda Dealers Advertising Association

» Bell Media

» Big White Ski Resort

» Black Press Media

» Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene

» Canada’s First Nations Radio

» CARFAX Canada

» Carter Auto Group

» Castanet Media

» Coast Mountain GM

» Dilawri Mercedes Benz

» Dueck Auto Group

» Expand Furniture

» Fairmont Whistler

» Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver

» Harris Auto Group

» Honda Power Equipment Canada

» HUB International Insurance Brokers

» ITS Building Maintenance

» Jack Carter Northstar GM

» Lake Louise Inn

» Lordco Auto Parts

» Michael Mason & Co. Ltd.

» Mountainview Harley Davidson

» Pacific Coastal Airlines

» Pacific Toyota Dealers

» Parq Vancouver

Hand your customers the keys to our latest discount

Help your customers save money with our new distance-based discount. Remind them to record their car’s odometer reading on their insurance policy. If they’ve driven less than 10,000 km when they renew the following year, you may have helped them save 10–15% on their ICBC optional insurance.

For full details visit: icbc.com/distance

» Pattison Media

» Pattison MediaIsland Radio Division

» Signature Mazda

» Spirit Ridge Lake Resort

» Sun Peaks Grand Hotel

» The Daily Courier

» The Okanagan Golf Club

» The Province

» Times Colonist

» Vancouver Sun

» Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour

» Vista Radio Ltd.

» Wagonmaster | BG Products

» Wheaton Precious Metals

Media Sponsors

» The Province

» Vancouver Sun

Supporting BC Dealers with Innovative Solutions

TD Auto introduces new tools and technology

The auto industry has seen significant change at a rapid pace over the last couple of years. The pandemic changed the way we do business, and increased our customers’ expectations for easy-to-use, digital options.

At TD Auto Finance, we were proud to stand by dealers during the pandemic by offering consistent buying practices and competitive pricing and programs, in addition to offering training sessions on key topics like non-prime financing and fraud protection.

As we start to emerge from the pandemic and turn the corner on vehicle shortages, we’re finding new ways to support you by investing in the tools and technology that improve the automotive financing experience for your customers and help you grow your business.

Earlier this year, we enhanced our digital services to help customers better manage their auto loan online. With a refreshed look and increased functionality, customers can now view their next and last payment details and payout balance or defer a payment and more without having to go through our call centre.

We continue to update our industry-first TD WheelsTM app to help streamline the vehicle-buying journey.

With our latest enhancements, the TD WheelsTM app allows users to search for their preferred vehicles, understand the financing options that may be available to them, and apply to pre-qualify for financing. Customers can then share information about their vehicle preferences and

financing information with their dealer of choice before even entering the dealership. You benefit from receiving these free high-quality leads and understanding what your customers are looking for and can afford.

Most recently, we launched our remote electronic signature capability for dealers across the country (excluding Quebec). This capability enables you to request and accept electronic signatures from customers remotely through a wide range of e-sign software applications, including some dealer portals. Electronic signatures will ultimately enhance the vehicle-buying experience for your customers by streamlining the paperwork process and giving all parties a way to conveniently manage the financial documents digitally.

We’re committed to continuing to build digital solutions that will help you achieve your goals and providing you the support you’ve come to expect from us. We’re proud to be the only truly full-spectrum lender in Canada, and to have been rated number one in dealer satisfaction among “non-captive non-prime lenders with retail credit” six years in a row in the J.D. Power 2023 Canada Dealer Financing Satisfaction Study.

Our specialized sales, credit and funding teams are here to help you structure financial solutions for almost every circumstance. Not everyone is the same: their options shouldn’t be either. Contact your local dealer relationship manager today or call us at 1-855-TD AUTO 1 for more information about how we can help you grow your business.

The Relaunch You and Your Customers Deserve

Dealer training program returns with lots of extra perks

With over 425 channels of ad-free music, playby-play sports, hilarious comedy, exclusive news and hot chatter, SiriusXM continues to be the entertainer we want and need all the time—at home, on the road and everywhere in between.

This summer, SiriusXM turns it up a notch with the relaunch of its dealer training program, offering you the very best for your dealership and your customers. This relaunch is bringing you more value than ever through six brand-new videos, highlighting new tools to help you amplify the shopping experience and build long-lasting loyalty with your customers.

Nothing beats BEATS!

The SiriusXM Dealer Training program gives dealers the ability to create long-lasting, personal connections with customers, while showcasing how customers can enhance the best beats in their new ride.

Complete the training and learn some hot tips to enhance your customers’ buying journey, from setting the right mood during a test drive to walking them through key features they can enjoy behind the wheel or at home thanks to the SXM App.

But building customer engagement and loyalty through extraordinary vibes are not the only perks!

Half an hour of watching gets you 18 months of listening

Watch six videos to get 18 months of free listening and a chance to win a $20 Tim Hortons gift card.

Each new training module is under three minutes and for every training module you watch you’ll secure 90 days of free SiriusXM streaming using the SXM App. Complete the six new videos to rack up 18 months of streaming in just under 20 minutes!

So now is the time to refresh, continue or kickoff your SiriusXM Dealer Training and earn yourself some fan-favourite entertainment.Start your training now at SXMDealer.ca/training or contact your SiriusXM regional manager, Darin Boudreau, at darin.boudreau@siriusxm.ca.

To hear more about exciting programs and exclusive contests and stay on top of relevant news and programming updates, follow @SiriusXMAuto on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Complete the six new videos to rack up 18 months of streaming in just under 20 minutes!

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS AND PARTNERS

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

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. cada.ca/web/cada/insurance/cada

Premier Partners

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. adesa.ca/vancouver

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. carfax.ca

First Canadian Financial Group is a national, privately chartered life insurance company that offers life and disability insurance coverage on consumer loans through automotive dealership financial service offices. Since September 1988, 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. firstcanadian.ca

J.D. Power’s Power Information Network (PIN) is the largest source for retail transaction data. PIN has the broadest electronic point-of-sale data from dealerships describing the sale, the vehicle, the buyer and the deal. JD Power PIN has 16,000+ participating franchises, covering 42% of all U.S. and 25% of Canadian retail transactions. jdpower.com

Kijiji Autos has over 6 million unique visitors to its platform each month, making it Canada’s most visited online automotive marketplace. Our strategy of putting the consumer first has resulted in us building a robust and purposeful destination where Canadian’s feel safe to interact. Kijiji Autos makes sure your inventory is being noticed. No matter the size of your dealership, there is a package to help unlock its full potential. kijijiautos.ca

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. michaelmason.ca

BRONZE LEVEL

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. siriusxm.ca

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

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.

ACCOUNTING

MNP LLP Accounting

Chris Schaufele // 604-542-6768 // 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

Georgian College (Automotive Business School of Canada)

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

CO-OPS

Consolidated Dealers Co-Op

Janette Tooley Andrade // 905-264-7022 // consolidateddealers.com

Leader Auto Resources LAR Inc.

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

Western Dealers Co-Auto

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

DMS PLATFORMS

Tekion

Connor McCardle // 1-833-935-4662

CDK Global

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

Reynolds and Reynolds

John Caulfield // 519-319-2264 // reyrey.com

Serti Information Solutions

Pascal Lafleche // 514-493-1909 // serti.com

ENTERTAINMENT SOLUTIONS

Sirius XM Canada

Mario DeGrace // 403-629-2953 // sxmdealer.ca

EV CHARGING SERVICES

FLO

Matthew Watkiss // 604-340-6244 // flo.com

Foreseeon

Julien Gagnon // 1-866-233-0247 // foreseeson-evse.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

BMO - Bank of Montreal

Bradley Warren // 604-417-0229 // bmo.com

Calla Financial Services

Nick Calla // 604-921-4048 // callafinancial.ca

Canadian Western Bank

Gus Masi // 403-570-3200 // cwbank.com

CIBC Commercial Banking

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

First Canadian Financial Group

Darren Johnson // 250-217-5955 // firstcanadian.ca

General Bank of Canada

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

iA Auto Finance

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

iA Dealer Services

Vicki Yan // 604-882-8220 // iasal.ca

LGM Financial

Amanda Tracey // 604-806-5300 // lgm.ca

National Bank

Darren Kiley // 604-209-8957 // nbc.ca

RBC Automotive Finance Group

Aaron Young // 604-656-2965 // rbc.com/canada.html

Scotiabank Western Dealer Finance Centre

Bramin Karsanji // 604-644-1782 // scotiabank.com

Scotia Dealer Advantage

John Hiscock // 416-288-7800 // scotiabank.com/scotiadealeradvantage

TD Auto Finance

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

HEALTH BENEFITS

ZLC Financial

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

INSURANCE SERVICES

AllWest Insurance Services

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

HUB International Insurance Brokers

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

Insurance Insight

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

Optiom

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

LEGAL SERVICES

Clyde & Co Canada LLP

Matthew Wansink // 604-408-2022 // clydeco.ca

KSW Lawyers

Michael J. Weiler // 604-336-7423 // ksw.bc.ca

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

Baker Tilly Dealer Acquisitions

Peter Heasty // 416-368-7990 // bakertilly.com

Dealer Solutions North America

Rick Kingdon // 778-245-1041 // dealersolutionsna.com

National Business Brokers

Amy Burgess // 1-800-576-9875 // nationalbusinessbrokers.com

OFFICIAL NCDA BILL OF SALE PROVIDER

Michael Mason & Co.

Steve Batchelor // 250-384-7304 // michaelmason.ca

PAYMENT PROCESSING, MERCHANT SERVICES

Moneris

Brittney Page // 1-866-836-3375 // moneris.com

PRINT AND DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Harv Craven Design

Harv Craven // 604-476-0435 // harvcravendesign.com

PROPERTY SECURITY

Radius Security

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

RESEARCH AND SHOPPING WEBSITES

CARFAX Canada ULC

Shawn Vording // 866-835-8612 x2966 // carfax.ca

JD Power

Robert Karwel // 416-294-2790 // jdpower.com

Kijiji Autos

Kristin Macintosh // 647-962-1510 // Kijiji.ca

Trader Corporation

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

TELECOM

Bell Mobility

Cameron Gerrie // 289-442-3701 // Bell.ca/EPP

TOOL SUPPLIER

Snap-on

Ray Lavender // 416-662-9951 // snapon.com

VEHICLE ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS

Hunter Engineering

Dan Martin // 780-340-3456 // hunter.com

Canadian Black Book

Dwain Samuels // 416-817-8444 // canadianblackbook.com

Consultant Auto 360

Kim Normandin // 514-394-1955 x508 // solutionsmedias360.com

Cox Automotive Canada

Jack Sulymka // 416-254-4037 // coxautoinc.ca

Smart Program Inc.

Jerrod Lucas // 780-975-3412 // thesmartprogram.ca

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!

CADA 360 IS DESIGNED TO HELP DEALERS IN EVERY WAY.

CADA 360 products not only help with real dealer needs –proceeds from these products are used to fund lobbying and advocacy for our entire industry at both the provincial and federal level. When you buy CADA 360 it’s good for all of us.

CADA 360 Products include:

• Employee Benefits

• HR Automation

• Garage Insurance

• Group Home and Auto Insurance

• Retirement Savings

To find out more call 1-800-463-5289 or visit CADA.ca