Signals Magazine, Spring 2024 Issue

CONTENTS

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

Sophie Wright Events, Office and Membership Coordinator info@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, MBA 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: Blair Qualey | 604-214-9964 Ext. 228 bqualey@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

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.

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 40030593.

News From the Front Seat

Auto show draws record crowds

Spring has sprung at the NCDA with a record-breaking Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS) in the books! Following a fouryear hiatus, some 129,034 attendees packed the event as we celebrated the 100th show!

The show set a new overall attendance record for the five-day event, where more than 200 vehicles were featured, including a record number of electrics and hybrids, new offerings from manufacturers never seen before in Western Canada and numerous new highlights and feature displays.

EV test drive record set

A popular feature at the auto show this year was the expanded EV and PHEV Test Drive Experience, presented by CleanBC Go Electric and RBC. Show attendees had the chance to get behind the wheel of some of the newest and most highly sought after electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid EVs in the country. A record 3,425 consumers had the opportunity to climb aboard and participate in an indoor-to-outdoor test drive experience, following a route around the Vancouver city centre.

“The success of this event is a tribute to the automakers, dealers, specialty exhibitors, collectors, staff and, most of all, the car and truck lovers who travelled from throughout British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest to celebrate everything that is automobile.”

This year’s attendance shattered previous record numbers and was buoyed by a single-day attendance record of 39,823 guests on the Saturday. What a way to celebrate the 100th show in our history! The success of this event is a tribute to the automakers, dealers, specialty exhibitors, collectors, staff and, most of all, the car and truck lovers who travelled from throughout British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest to celebrate everything that is automobile.

Exhibitors in the show reported enthusiastic crowds, with attendees eager to learn about the new vehicles, as well as the specialty vehicles on display.

Planning is already underway for the 2025 Vancouver International Auto Show scheduled to take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, March 26 to 30.

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

Government advocacy

With the start of the 2024 spring session of the BC Legislature, another busy year is underway for the New Car Dealers of BC’s government-relations activities.

In February, the session began with great anticipation as the Lieutenant Governor delivered the Throne Speech on behalf of Honourable Premier David Eby’s government. This year, being an election year, the speech outlined the government’s agenda, placing significant emphasis on priorities such as health care, public safety, affordability and environmental initiatives.

The same week in February, the minister of finance, Katrine Conroy, unveiled Budget 2024, marking her second budgetary endeavour in the finance minister role. With global inflation and the spectre of recession looming, the budget forecasts a historic

James Carter CARTER GM N. SHORE

Peter Sia

Peter Heppner Past Chair

Jared Williams Treasurer

Erik Jensen

Darren Johnson FIRST CANADIAN FINANCIAL GROUP Member at Large

BLAIR QUALEY PRESIDENT & CEO, NCDA

Blair Qualey President & CEO NCDA

Mike Hacquard

Anthony Lunelli Past Chair KELOWNA SUBARU

Ann Marie Clark Acting Chair

Kai Hensler Acting Vice Chair

Deryl Griffith SIGNATURE MAZDA

$7.9-billion deficit. Despite its magnitude, the government justified this shortfall by directing substantial spending towards critical areas such as housing and health care, although notably less so towards economic development.

We had access to the 2024 provincial budget in the lockup, where we actively engaged in technical briefings and gleaned valuable insights before the budget’s public presentation. Following the official budget ceremonies, we were invited to attend a special reception with Minister Conroy, Premier Eby, government caucus members and opposition MLAs in the BC Legislature’s Rotunda. This fostered dialogue and collaboration among a diverse group of stakeholders.

BC Budget 2024

Here are some noteworthy spending initiatives highlighted in BC Budget 2024.

» The BC NDP government has allocated nearly $5 billion in this budget for highway enhancements. These funds will primarily target improving infrastructure along Highway One in the Fraser Valley, the stretch between Kamloops and Golden, and on Vancouver Island, aiming to enhance connectivity and safety for commuters and travellers.

» In a move to provide relief to households, the average BC family can expect to see a $100 reduction on their residential BC Hydro electrical bill. This measure seeks to alleviate the financial burden on families and promote energy affordability.

» Furthermore, small businesses stand to benefit from the budget’s provisions, as

the health tax exemption threshold will be raised to $1 million. This adjustment aims to support small businesses by reducing operational costs and facilitating growth opportunities.

These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to addressing key priorities such as infrastructure development, sustainable transportation, household affordability and small business support.

» We are excited by the BC government’s support for the 2024 VIAS with sponsorships from BC Hydro, CleanBC and ICBC. We welcomed Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne and Minister of Environment and Climate Change George Heyman on March 20 for an announcement of a $30-million investment in charging infrastructure, along with a tour of the show. Brenda Bailey, the minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, also toured the show to see the latest technology available to BC consumers.

EV event

On the heels of a successful auto show, the NCDA will reconvene in Victoria on May 15 to host its highly anticipated annual electric vehicle event at the Legislature buildings. This event will showcase a diverse range of electric vehicles, and provide attendees with firsthand experience and insight into the latest advancements in sustainable transportation.

In addition to featuring a variety of EV models, the event will specifically highlight family vehicles that fall within the luxury-tax threshold.

By showcasing these vehicles, the NCDA aims to underscore the challenges faced by consumers in accessing affordable transportation options, particularly in the context of evolving taxation policies.

The association will leverage this opportunity to educate ministers and MLAs about the pressing need to address affordability issues in the automotive sector. By engaging policymakers directly, the NCDA seeks to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote accessibility and affordability for families looking for suitable transportation solutions.

Through this event, the NCDA continues its commitment to driving dialogue and awareness surrounding the importance of sustainable transportation and affordability in BC’s automotive landscape. By fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders and government officials, the association endeavours to contribute to the development of policies that support the needs of consumers and promote the growth of the electric-vehicle market.

The NCDA remains committed to strengthening its government outreach efforts, fostering relationships with both government and opposition MLAs. It is the leading political voice in Victoria for the auto industry in BC. Through ongoing engagement, the association will continue to advocate for the interests of its members across the now 93 ridings in British Columbia.

Sincerely,

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

Heather Headley

Anthony Lunelli

Blair Qualey President & CEO

James Carter CARTER GM N. SHORE

Sharon Rupal

Dave Bare HARRIS AUTO GROUP

Peter Sia

Ryan Jones MARV JONES HONDA MAPLE RIDGE

John Wynia Vice Chair

CleanBC: 2024 Spring Program Update

BC continues its leadership position in Canada ZEV sales on a per capita basis with over 22 per cent of new vehicle sales being ZEVs, as of December 2023.

During the first quarter of 2024, the number of units paid out for vehicle applications was 9,124 vehicles, after taking into account rebate returns and other adjustments.

For the first three months of 2024, there were 6,161 new reimbursement submissions.

New eligible vehicles added since previous issue of Signals

2024 bZ4X (3 trims), 2024 Mirai, 2024 Mustang Mach-E (5 trims), 2024 Ariya (5 trims), 2024 ID.4 (3 trims), 2024 Solterra (1 trim), 2024 Model Y (1 trim), 2024 Prologue (3 trims), 2023 Mustang Mach-E (1 trim), 2025 CX-70 PHEV (2 trims), 2024 MX-30 (2 trims), 2025 Leaf (2 trims), 2024 Q4 E-Tron (2 trims), 2024 Equinox BEV (8 trims), 2024 Outlander PHEV (1 trim), 2023 EV6 (1 trim)

For more information on the latest eligible vehicles, visit newcardealersgoelectric.ca.

New public charging stations will make EVs more accessible in BC

British Columbia’s electric highway will get a supercharge this year with $30 million to add more than 500 public charging stations to more than 5,000 already available across the province.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Josie Osborne made the announcement at the 2024 Vancouver International Auto Show.

“Making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) means less pollution, cleaner and healthy communities, and savings on fuel costs. We know that British Columbians want to have confidence they will be able to charge up easily when travelling across the province,” said Osborne.

“That’s why we are working with BC Hydro and other partners to expand BC’s public charging infrastructure and build an economy powered by clean, affordable electricity.”

To ensure that every community in BC has access to a fastcharging station, the CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program is prioritizing applications for projects that fill geographic gaps in BC’s charging network, that are located in rural, northern and First Nations communities, or that are located in urban areas with high EV uptake.

Luxury. Comfort. Efficiency.

Meet the new kids on the block for 2024

2024 Lexus TX350

The TX is an all-new, three-row SUV for Lexus for 2024, replacing the Lexus RX L. It’s a welcome addition to the company’s lineup, based on the GA-K platform, which is also used by the Highlander and Grand Highlander. The TX is the first Lexus to be produced at Toyota’s Indiana plant.

Powered by a turbocharged 2.4L 4-cyl engine producing 275 hp and 317 lbs-ft of torque, the all-wheel-drive system is front-wheel biased but can send up to 50 per cent of the power to the rear wheels.

The driver-focused cockpit design is dominated by a huge 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson Premium sound system is also available. With plenty of room for either six or seven people, the TX has plenty of cupholders and other storage to complement the seven charging ports and three power outlets.

Lexus also offers the TX as a self-powered hybrid in the form of the TX500h.

The TX350 starts at $72,082.

2024 Honda Accord Hybrid

Comfortable, practical, roomy, easy to drive, efficient. All of these are attributes that family car buyers are looking for.

Now in its 11th generation, the Accord remains one of the best-finished and most space-efficient mid-sized sedans available. There is plenty of front and rear room, a large trunk and great visibility all around. Drivers enjoy a 10.2-inch digital dashboard and an available 12.3-inch infotainment system with Google built-in.

Power comes from a 2L, 4-cyl hybrid power plant producing 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque paired with two electric motors but only frontwheel drive. The hybrid sips fuel at a miserly 5.3L/100 km, impressive given the size of the Accord.

The hybrid boasts more power and better efficiency than the gas-only Accord and has only two competitors now: the Camry Hybrid and the Sonata Hybrid.

With a smooth and controlled drive plus a pleasant demeanour, the latest Accord Hybrid is a solid choice for a family sedan.

The Accord Hybrid starts at $43,462.

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE 4MATIC+

The AMG-tuned version of the EQE mid-sized sedan is supposed to be one of the company’s first cracks at an answer for what the AMG will look like in the future. With 617 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque, the Dynamic Plus package will even over-boost both figures to 677 and 738 respectively, when using the launch control mode.

The 0-100 km/hr performance figures are impressive at around three seconds. Mercedes rates the AMG EQE at 362 km of range from its large 90.6 kWh battery pack. The AMG engineers employed a few tricks to help with the AMG EQE’s agility, including rear-biased power output, rear-wheel steering, and the usual stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.

Still, the AMG EQE feels like it’s hunting for the unique angle that will set it apart from other fast low-centre-of-gravity EVs.

Inside is an available dash-spanning 56-inch Hyperscreen infotainment system, and two sound profiles that can pipe in futuristic noises, depending on the profile and loudness settings. The rear seat is surprisingly roomy for an ovoid-shaped car.

The AMG EQE starts at $121,500.

2024 Lincoln Corsair Reserve

The Corsair may be Lincoln’s smallest and most affordable SUV, but it’s more than an upscale Ford Escape. Although it does share its platform with the former, it feels properly distinct and upscale inside. Lincoln has worked hard to distinguish the Corsair inside and out by way of more Lincolnspecific design elements and plenty of tech features.

With a 2L, 250-hp turbo 4-cyl engine, the mid-trim Corsair Reserve is more than capable of merging and passing maneuvers. While it has enhanced dynamics, the tuning is still biased towards comfort and calmness. If you want a plugin-hybrid model, step up to the more expensive Grand Touring model with 50 kilometres of EV range.

Inside, you’ll find a huge 13.2-inch touchscreen display with a user interface hardly recognizable from Ford’s. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, although the system can be slightly sluggish at times.

The front heated and ventilated seats are offered with class-leading adjustability—three lumbar zones plus adjustable lateral and thigh bolsters. There’s even an in-seat massage function with five programs and three intensity levels.

The Lincoln Corsair starts at $51,495.

Content and images provided courtesy of Andrew Ling. Learn more at techdriven.ca/car-reviews

Green Star Dealer + Salespeople Awards

Excellence honoured at VIAS 2024

After four long years, the Vancouver International Auto Show made its triumphant return with much fanfare, marking its 100th edition with an unforgettable opening night celebration.

The highly anticipated show kicked off with a wonderful opening night gala, where industry stakeholders, media representatives, government officials and friends of the New Car Dealers Association of BC came together to celebrate excellence in the automotive sector.

The glitz and glamour of the gala was a splendid occasion to bring everyone together and to spend time with familiar faces, but it wasn’t just for the show. The gala also served as a charity event benefiting the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC and the crucial work of Special Olympics BC.

Blair Qualey, president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, hosted the event, remarking, “It is only fitting that the return of the auto show after a four-year absence should begin with a celebration of excellence. This was not just a reunion but an acknowledgment of the tireless dedication and unwavering commitment of our automotive community.”

The evening’s centerpiece was the prestigious Green Star Dealer Awards ceremony, recognizing dealerships for their exemplary efforts in promoting clean-energy vehicles. These awards celebrate those dealerships selling the highest number of clean-energy-eligible vehicles annually across all brands, by provincial region, including the Most

Improved Dealership (Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Interior and Northern BC).

The winners included:

» Top BEV Sales, Vancouver Island: Harbourview Autohaus, Nanaimo

» Top PHEV Sales, Vancouver Island: Nanaimo Mitsubishi

» Top BEV Sales, Lower Mainland: Vancouver Volkswagen

» Top PHEV Sales, Lower Mainland: OpenRoad Toyota Richmond

» Top BEV Sales, Interior: Kelowna Chevrolet

» Top PHEV Sales, Interior: Valley Mitsubishi, Kelowna

» Top BEV Sales, North: Northland Hyundai, Prince George

» Top PHEV Sales, North: Prince George Toyota

» Most Improved Dealership, BEV Sales: Cranbrook Kia

» Most Improved Dealership, PHEV Sales: Gustafson’s Kia, Prince George

Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, praised the pivotal role of British Columbia in fostering sustainable transportation solutions. “Congratulations to the award recipients and all new car dealers for helping connect British Columbians

with clean transportation options and a sustainable future,” she said. “British Columbians are embracing zero-emission vehicles at record levels, and the Province is supporting this transition by providing rebates for people, making ZEVs more affordable, and by connecting communities through expanding our fast-charging network.”

The evening also saw the presentation of the Salesperson of the Year Awards by EBlock, recognizing sales professionals who epitomize excellence in customer service and industry knowledge. These individuals exemplify the spirit of automotive excellence.

And the winners were:

» Andy Tsai, Aston Martin Vancouver

» Francis Tan, Audi Downtown Vancouver

» Tom Peng, Bentley Vancouver

» Valentino Almeida, Brian Jessel BMW, Vancouver

» Ken Charnetski, Brown Bros Ford Lincoln Sales & Service, Vancouver

» Robert McLaren, Bannister Chevrolet Buick GMC Vernon

» Leo Chang, OpenRoad Honda Burnaby

» Asher Steven, Hyundai Langley

» Sina Fowzi, Morrey INFINITI Burnaby

» Nathanael Knight, Jaguar Land Rover, Vancouver

» Zohreh Layegh, Applewood KIA, Surrey

» Patrick Kam, Lamborghini Vancouver

» Stacy Yang, OpenRoad Lexus Richmond

» Gurtej Dhillon, Wolfe Mazda, Surrey

» Patrick Ng, Mercedes-Benz Richmond

» Ben Balderson, Victoria Mitsubishi

» Joel Motiuk, Morrey Nissan Burnaby

» Brian Yeung, Porsche Centre Vancouver

» Steven Wu, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Vancouver

» Prince Bhatia, Go Dodge Surrey

» Tom Yeung, Docksteader Subaru, Vancouver

» Elsa Bai, Jim Pattison Toyota Northshore

» Gil Santo, Vancouver Volkswagen

» Pahul Kocher, Morrey Volvo Cars Burnaby

The evening was a fabulous celebration of all the outstanding sales professionals throughout the province, highlighting the very best in the industry and rewarding the hard work of the dedicated and passionate people who make the auto sector in BC such a thriving industry.

With record-breaking sales of zero-emission vehicles and a renewed commitment to sustainability, the future of driving in British Columbia is brighter than ever.

Canada’s most vibrant 24/7, multi-channel, full-service marketplace featuring 60,000 vehicles every month and 15,500 unique buyers and sellers.

Learn more at openlane.ca

GM’s Impressive Lineup at 2024 Vancouver International Auto Show

The “future of automotive excellence”

General Motors (GM) Canada dazzled visitors at the 2024 Vancouver International Auto Show with its spectacular array of vehicles, spanning across its Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands.

Chevrolet took centre stage with its electrifying lineup, featuring the Silverado EV for pick-up truck enthusiasts and the Equinox EV and Blazer EV for families seeking eco-friendly SUV options. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS debuted with a bold new design and enhanced connectivity, while the Chevrolet ZR2 Overlanding Zone showcased rugged off-road capabilities.

Buick presented its popular Encore GX and Envista models, known for their premium amenities and approachable price points. Meanwhile, GMC impressed with the powerful Hummer EV SUV and the luxurious Denali lineup, celebrating 25 years of excellence.

Cadillac stole the spotlight with its innovative Escalade IQ, the first-ever all-electric full-size SUV, and the Lyriq AWD, boasting enhanced performance. The XT4 rounded up Cadillac’s offerings with its luxurious design and advanced technology.

GM’s presence at the Vancouver International Auto Show succeeded in captivating attendees with its diverse and cutting-edge vehicle lineup, showcasing the future of automotive excellence.

ICBC and the BC Lions Team Up for a Safe Drive Home

It’s a winning partnership for

the football season

BY SHABNEM AFZAL, ICBC DIRECTOR OF ROAD SAFETY

As the excitement builds for this year’s Grey Cup in Vancouver, there’s more than just touchdowns and field goals on the minds of the BC Lions and ICBC. With road safety in mind, they’re teaming up to ensure that fans enjoy the game—and make it home safely afterward.

Impaired driving remains a serious concern on our roads, with devastating consequences. On average, 64 people lose their lives every year in crashes involving impaired driving in BC, while an additional 1,400 individuals suffer injuries.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to promote responsible decision-making before getting behind the wheel.

That’s where the partnership between the BC Lions and ICBC comes into play. By leveraging the platform of sports fandom, the partnership champions a culture of safe driving, encouraging fans to plan ahead with a designated driver or alternative transportation when alcohol is part of game-day festivities.

To amplify their message, ICBC and the BC Lions will be prominently featured at the Grey Cup Championship Game, and at every home game throughout the season.

Fans can expect informative and entertaining activities with prizes during intermissions, impaired driving messaging on the jumbotron, and even a section of orange foam fingers serving as a visual reminder of all the ways fans can get home safe.

Additionally, BC Lions players will lend their voices to the cause, sharing insights on two critical road safety topics: the importance of planning ahead for a safe ride home before indulging in alcoholic beverages, and the dangers of distracted driving, particularly the temptation to use mobile devices behind the wheel.

If you’re going to be drinking during the festivities, whether at the stadium, bar or a friend’s place, be sure to plan ahead for a safe ride home. Use a designated driver, call a taxi or rideshare, or take transit. Let’s work together to create safer roads for a safer BC.

As the Grey Cup festivities kick off, let’s celebrate the spirit of competition and embrace the responsibility we all share as drivers and fans. Let’s drive home safety, one game at a time.

Accelerate Auto: Increasing Black Representation in the Auto Industry

Skilled workforce is essential to supporting the auto sector

BY CHRISTOPHER NABETA, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, ACCELERATE AUTO

Canada’s automotive sector is going through its biggest transformation in recent times. Major investments are being made in this industry which is responsible for one in seven jobs in our country.

Although digitization and electrification have become some of the industry buzz words that are driving those major investments, the less-spoken-about need to support this evolving infrastructure is “skilled workforce.”

Over the last several years, our industry has experienced a growing skilled labour shortage. From trades to white-collar jobs, we find ourselves in a situation that has led some dealer associations to establish a recruitment infrastructure abroad to patch the skilled workforce gap. Whether this strategy is sustainable for the long term is yet to be determined.

Launched in 2021, Accelerate Auto is born from a group of a dozen Black automotive professionals, employed in all verticals within the industry, motivated in increasing Black representation in Canada’s automotive sector.

“Why focus on the Black community?” is a question we often get. Out of respect to the other underrepresented groups in the auto industry, we can only speak to our lived experience. Moreover, we understand the need for the overall diversification of our workforce, so we committed ourselves to building sustainable, scalable and adaptable solutions that could also be leveraged to support other communities.

When I spoke to skilled workforce as a need to be supported, it was followed by the demonstrated understanding for the need to diversify its representation through the pursuit of foreign workers.

The work of Accelerate Auto highlights the opportunities that lie domestically, and calls for a focus on under-served communities, from the grassroots levels (grade school, high school, university, college, trade schools) to adults who may not have considered automotive as a career path.

To ensure we built relevant programming, we held consultation meetings with the industry and the potential (future) workforce, as well as associations and other leaders, in order to understand the root cause of the lack of Black representation.

Beyond the need for trade workers, our industry is more tech than ever. We also need lawyers and accountants, among other roles, and there is an untapped talent pool of dreamers in our educational system who could fill the future talent gap in our industry, just by us being present in the spaces they navigate.

With the support of our partners, our organization holds awareness activations in the communities, as well as at our partners’ workspaces, to expose the youth to a whirlwind of opportunities.

Accelerate Auto offers a suite of programming that is geared to drive impact in the communities that we serve, as well as for the industry that we support.

We understand the need for the overall diversification of our workforce, so we committed ourselves to building sustainable, scalable and adaptable solutions that could also be leveraged to support other communities.

As part of our suite of programming, we have developed an internship program that allows these youth to gain valuable work experience in our sector. We have also launched a mentorship program to ensure we retain the talent within the automotive sector by deepening their roots through support from established leaders.

As we invest in new infrastructure to address the changing landscape of Canada’s auto sector and work on solutions to ensure we close the gap in labour force, “diversification” should be added as an essential buzz word. Understanding the competing priorities that exist in our world filled with headwinds, Accelerate Auto’s group of 29 volunteers is committed to continue consulting with willing partners and working on the development of relevant, scalable programming to support the diversification of our employee base.

I encourage you to reach out to our team and find out how we can work together in attracting domestic talent and develop the leaders of tomorrow.

For more information, visit accelerateauto.ca

REBATES FOR FLEET PROJECTS

NRCan funding available for fleet projects

Rebates of up to 50% of your total costs (up to $100,000 projects - Ask us for details)

Funding is available for EV fleet charging projects as part of NRCan’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). Delivery organizations, such as the SCRAP -IT Society, are accepting applications NOW “For this initiative, we have partnered with Foreseeson Technology and ChargePoint to help streamline the sometimes-complicated process for our Ultimate Recipients.” said SCRAP-IT® CEO Diane Roberts.

Foreseeson can help you apply for up to a 50% rebate for projects under $100,000. LIMITED TIME OFFER! (The final approval decision will be made by NRCan)

LEVEL 2

Commercial and fleet Charging Solutions

ChargePoint CPF50 (up to 12 kW power output)

ChargePoint CP6000 (up to 19.2 kW power output)

LEVEL 3

DC Fast Charging Solutions

From 62.5 kW up to 400 kW

Ask about the Express Plus “scalability”

(Increase your output capacity 40 kW at a time)

The Triumphant Return of the Vancouver International Auto Show

Some 130,000 people attend 100th edition, setting attendance records

The Vancouver International Auto Show (VIAS) made its long-anticipated return March 20 to 24, following a four-year hiatus—and there was no better way to welcome auto lovers than through an opening night gala.

The VIP event welcomed dealer members, associate members, manufacturers, government, media and friends of the New Car Dealers Association of BC to mix, mingle and celebrate our sector, and view some of the most beautiful vehicles available.

Celebrating a triumphant return, the 100th edition of the VIAS set record numbers of attendance—the best ever in the history of the event. Guests attending this year’s event shattered the previous record achieved in 2018 (120,847) and was buoyed by a record turnout on Saturday of nearly 40,000 guests. Overall numbers across the run of the show exceeded 129,000.

It was only fitting that opening night kicked off with a celebration of excellence, honouring Green Star Dealer Award recipients for their outstanding work in the sale of clean-energy vehicles, along with Salespeople of the Year award winners, presented by EBlock. (See separate story.)

What made this evening even more significant is that it was a charity event, with funds going to the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC, which provides education grants and supports the great work of Special Olympics BC.

Since 1984, the New Car Dealers Foundation has raised over $5.4 million to support SOBC’s life-changing year-round sport programs for people with intellectual disabilities.

The return of the Vancouver International Auto Show was a fresh and re-imagined experience, featuring an amazing lineup of what’s new, what’s next and what’s fun in the automotive industry.

As western Canada’s best-attended consumer show and one of North America’s premiere automotive exhibition events, more than 200 vehicles were on display in 220,000-plus square feet of space at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Attendees were dazzled by new features and returning crowd pleasers, highlighted by:

» 30 manufacturing brands and dealers displaying their latest vehicles, concepts and technology displays, including a showcase of luxury supercars and exotics, high-powered classics, over-landers and everything in between.

» Supercar Eleganza, featuring an unparalleled showcase of supercars from legacy high-performance auto manufacturers to rare, personal collections.

» Horsepower Heaven—presented by Preston GM, featuring Chevrolet Performance Parts, 360 Fabrication and sponsored by Hagerty—featuring meticulously restored classics and state-of-the-art performance upgrades.

One significant change to the event included incorporating the ever-popular press tour into the pre-event gala. More than 70 industry journalists, mainstream media and influencers were provided a sneak peak of the “must-see” features in various categories.

Among the must-see highlights:

Corvette E-Ray

Making its Western Canadian debut, the E-Ray and its electrified AWD includes technology inspired by the C8.R race car, F1 and Le Mans prototypes, and it’s made to take on the greatest cars in the world.

Tesla Cybertruck

The futuristic-looking Cybertruck, designed to tackle any terrain with a range of up to 547 kilometres on a single charge, made its first-ever appearance at the auto show, and was the centrepiece of a Tesla display.

Maserati MC20

Another showstopper that made its Vancouver debut, the 2024 model continues to push the boundaries of supercar design and innovation. Every element of this luxurious Italian sports car was built with performance in mind, providing drivers with a driving experience that few other cars can match.

INEOS Grenadier

This tough, no-nonsense four-by-four was built from the ground up to be durable, capable and reliable. It also made its Western Canadian debut.

A wide array of specialty feature displays highlighted the latest in vehicle developments, including zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), full-battery electric, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen and fuel-efficient vehicles, along with advanced vehicle safety systems and charging advancements. The EV and PHEV Test Drive Experience was one of the most popular features of the event, featuring more than 46 clean-energy vehicles. The biggest test drive in event history, it provided attendees with the opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of the newest and most highly sought after vehicles in the country.

Seen here, left to right, NCDA President and CEO Blair Qualey, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy George Heyman, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne, NCDA Chair Ann Marie Clark and CVMA President Brian Kingston. The visit by the ministers highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to the ongoing development of a fast-charging infrastructure network, in the form of a $30 million investment.

The Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, attended the event to highlight the provincial government’s commitment to the ongoing development of a fast-charging infrastructure network, in the form of a $30 million investment.

What better way to highlight the significant impact of women in the automotive sector than by welcoming and celebrating BC’s own 17-year-old race car prodigy, Nicole Havrda. Hailing from the Comox Valley, Nicole has swiftly ascended the racing ladder, transitioning from karting to becoming a force in Formula 3 and Formula Pro USA.

At the Women’s Auto Show Corner, BC’s women-founded auto businesses led hands-on workshops, bridging auto literacy gaps to empower smart and confident car owners. This innovative feature provided an opportunity for women to learn about car ownership in a safe and inclusive environment. From “Tires 101” to “EV Charging Q&A,” the workshops offered invaluable insights, all spearheaded by BC women in auto and MAE (Making Auto Easy).

The 2024 rendition of the Vancouver International Auto Show was a special event, bringing together old friends and offering an opportunity to meet new friends and rekindle a common love and appreciation for everything automotive.

We cannot wait for 2025 and the opportunity to share an experience that is bigger and better than ever.

Added Value Equals Happy Customers

Park’N Fly solution available for dealers to pass on to customers

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to explore innovative solutions that enhance the customer experience, while also adding value to the vehicle-purchasing process. Park’N Fly, Canada’s national airport parking provider, is thrilled to offer NCDA member dealers with access to an exclusive savings program tailored specifically to pass down to new-vehicle owners.

Park’N Fly offers convenient airport parking solutions from coast to coast, ensuring hassle-free travel experiences for both business and leisure travellers. With Park’N Fly’s savings program, dealerships can enhance the customer experience, while adding significant value to every vehicle sale. Through this program, dealers can offer an exclusive

Park’N Fly airport parking discount to new owners at the time of purchase, strengthening the relationship between dealerships and their clientele.

Participating dealerships will have access to a convenient discount code, which they can pass on to purchasers. This code can be easily redeemed by customers when booking their parking stays at any Park’N Fly location nationwide.

To support your dealership’s promotion of this valuable offer, Park’N Fly can provide custom creative materials which can be seamlessly integrated into existing new owner sales packages. For more information, please contact eajram@parknfly.ca

The more you park, the more you can earn with Park’N Fly Rewards.* Plus, use NCDA discount code when reserving your next stay and save. It's the most rewarding way to park and y!

Canada’s New Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act

Considerations for new car dealers

BY MATTHEW WANSINK, SENIOR COUNSEL, MEP BUSINESS COUNSEL / SHAHROUZ SHOGHIAN, ASSOCIATE, MEP BUSINESS COUNSEL

Canada’s new Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (the “Act”) came into force on January 1, 2024. All organizations in Canada, that: (a) fit within the definition of an “entity;” and (b) engage in certain categories of business activities, will now have to file an annual report with the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (the “Minister”), the first of which is due by May 31, 2024. Given the scope of what constitutes an “entity,” and the categories of captured business activities, it is very likely that a number of new car dealerships will be subject to this new legislation. Understanding reporting obligations then becomes very important to avoid the significant administrative penalties provided for in the Act.

Do you have to submit a report?

To trigger the reporting obligation, a dealer must first be recognized as an “entity” under the Act. “Entity” includes unincorporated organizations, so dealership groups—even if each dealership in that group is owned by a separate company—could collectively be deemed an “entity” for the purposes of the Act. Beyond this consideration, the two-part test for an “entity” consists of the following analysis:

1| Place of business: If the dealer conducts business operations in Canada, this test is met. It would seem self-evident that all new car dealers in BC will have met this first test.

2| Size of business: If a dealer, based on its consolidated financial statements, meets at least two of the following three conditions, for at least one of its two most recent financial years, then the second part of the “entity” test is met: has at least $20 million in assets; has generated at least $40 million in revenue; and, employs an average of at least 250 employees. For those dealers (or dealership groups) that meet the “entity” threshold, the next question is whether the “activities” requirements of the Act are satisfied. While this analysis may be nuanced for some industries, for new car dealers, the answer is very clear. In short, because “activities” includes the act of producing, selling or distributing goods, or importing goods into Canada, there is little argument that new car dealers engage in the sorts of activities contemplated by the Act. To summarize, if a dealer meets the “entity” threshold, and it also engages in types of activities contemplated by the Act, then the annual reporting obligation is triggered, unless some other exemption can be identified.

Making the report

Satisfying the annual reporting process is a two-step affair. The first step requires qualifying dealers to answer a questionnaire. While the questionnaire itself is mandatory, it contains several optional questions. Filing a questionnaire that contains untrue or incomplete answers can result in time-consuming follow-ups and potential administrative penalties, so dealers are advised to carefully consider their response to each question.

In addition to the questionnaire, qualifying dealers must prepare and submit a report that meets the requirements of the Act. Reports cannot exceed 10 pages or 100 MB in size.

Reports must describe in sufficient detail the policies implemented and steps taken, by the dealer, to prevent and minimize the risk of forced labour or child labour in its supply chains, among other matters.

A properly drafted report will also address, at a minimum, the qualifying dealer’s organizational structure, business activities and supply chains; policies and due diligence processes regarding forced labour and child labour; assessment of its business and supply chains that carry a risk of forced or child labour being used and the steps the dealer has taken to assess and manage that risk; practices that have been taken to remediate any forced or child labour abuses, including remediating the loss of income to the vulnerable families; training practices and protocols provided to employees, in respect of forced and child labour; and processes employed to determine its effectiveness in ensuring that forced and child labour are not used in the dealer’s operations, including its supply chains.

Reports should provide comprehensive information and use clear, straightforward language to describe the dealer’s plan of action for ensuring compliance with the Act. Notably, dealers are also required to make their reports publicly available on their website, in a place and manner that can be easily located. Dealers that are federally incorporated have additional reporting requirements, in respect of shareholder disclosures.

Compliance and penalties

Where a qualifying dealer fails to submit an annual report in the required timeline or submits a questionnaire or report containing untrue or incomplete information, the Minister is authorized to conduct investigations into the offending dealer’s conduct. Dealers found to have breached their obligations under the Act can be compelled to comply with their reporting duties. The Minister has the additional authority to levy fines and penalties of up to $250,000, where an order to comply is disregarded or a report not filed. Importantly, these penalties can also be assessed against a dealer’s directors and officers.

Conclusion

As with most new legislation, it is currently unclear just how Canada’s new Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains legislation will be interpreted and enforced by the Minister and the courts. The obligations placed on “entities” (including qualifying dealers) is not insignificant. The potential consequences for non-compliance are severe and can extend even to an entity’s directors and officers.

For more information on navigating this legislation, or any other business matter, please contact Matthew Wansink (mwansink@meplaw.ca), or one of the business lawyers at MEP Business Counsel (meplaw.ca).

Road Map For Employees Buying a Dealership

A look at the dos and don’ts

Buying the dealership that you’ve worked at for years may initially seem too large and complex to pull off. But this can be done in most cases, even if it requires new and unique approaches. You likely know the ins and outs of the operation and already have a vested interest in the success of the business. But there are six critical considerations to consider:

Ownership and exit strategy: If you’re already part of an employee-share ownership program (ESOP), you’ve likely had many conversations with the owner about their objectives and timelines for handing over the keys. If your employer has expressed interest in developing an ESOP but has not yet done so, MNP’s SMARTshare program offers a comprehensive system for business owners to bring their employees into the ownership and plan for their own future exits.

OEM requirements: Invest the time to understand the role and influence of the OEMs, which typically have very specific criteria on who may be the principal dealer/owner and what percentage of shares they need to own. They also have the final say on many aspects of a sale and can veto a sale if their conditions are not met.

Support team: Having a trusted business advisor will be instrumental in ensuring you are in a good place to make the transaction successful. An advisor can inform about financial side of the purchase, help determine what sort of structuring you’ll need to have in place, if you need to incorporate a new company, and what financing needs to be in place to enable you to buy the business in the most tax-effective manner.

Financing: Knowing where the financing is coming from is obviously a critical step, especially given the high valuations we see in dealerships. Having bank or vendor financing in place is important to provide a clear road map to all stakeholders. The current owner may be willing to structure the sale either partially or entirely as a type of vendor take-back loan that may not require full bank financing. All of this will depend on the timing of the sale, the vendor’s own retirement and tax planning, and clarity around the cash flow required to make it work. If the owner wants to sell and cash out fast, a bank will need to be involved.

Assets vs. shares: Is the purchase going to be an asset purchase or a share purchase? Depending on the answer, there are many variables to be considered, and the structure will need to reflect that, as will the conversations with the current owner. If you’re buying the shares of the dealership, you’re also buying all its liabilities and history. An asset purchase will leave all the history and the responsibility that comes with the past with the vendor.

Due diligence: Don’t rely only on the current owner to do your due diligence. Due diligence ensures that you have everything in place with systems, legal issues, et cetera, to ensure that any transaction is transparent.

For more information and to begin building your team of experts, contact Chris Schaufele, National Leader, Dealerships, at chris.schaufele@mnp.ca.

You deserve maximum performance from your business. For more than 20 years, MNP has been helping auto dealerships of all sizes provide for the present and plan for the future. The right advisor can help you navigate the challenges of a competitive industry and drive consistent results.

EVs: Customer Dealbreakers and Dealmakers

Why are so many Canadians still not positively electrified by EVs?

There’s no disputing that electric vehicle demand is growing in Canada. According to S&P Global Mobility, zero-emission vehicles accounted for one in eight new vehicles registered in Canada in Q3 2023. That’s a new record high, with EVs now representing 13 per cent of the new car market. While recent growth may signify the beginnings of mass adoption, the fact is we aren’t quite there yet.

Our latest research shows most Canadian car buyers are still not ready to switch to electric. In fact, just 15 per cent of buyers say they will only consider an EV for their next vehicle purchase. Used-car buyers are a little more hesitant, with only 12 per cent being purely interested in EVs, compared to 18 per cent of new-car buyers. Hybrids, offering what many buyers see as the best of both worlds, continue to be the slightly more popular choice at 22 per cent.

Why are so many Canadians still not positively electrified by EVs? We asked them for their top three EV dealbreakers:

Car buyers have valid concerns about EVs, and these will likely remain barriers for some. But there are some buyers (26 per cent) who aren’t exclusively interested in EVs right now, but will consider them in addition to internal-combustion-engine vehicles and hybrids. These are the customers that may still be making up their minds by the time they reach out to you. So how can you demonstrate the value of EVs, despite the potentially high price tag and major driving lifestyle changes?

Here are the top three EV dealmakers for car buyers, according to our research:

Fuel savings and concerns about the environment will understandably continue to be top of mind and they are certainly great benefits to highlight with your customers, but don’t sleep on EV dealmaker number three: lower maintenance costs.

When we asked customers about their biggest challenges with owning any type of vehicle, their number one concern was future maintenance and repairs and how they’re going to pay for them. It’s easy to worry about what maintenance and repair bills might be lurking around the corner and, just like a carton of eggs at the grocery store, this work has become more costly.

Focusing on future savings as a selling point should get customers to come around more on EVs. We suspect the reason that only 51 per cent selected maintenance savings as a dealmaker in the first place is that many car buyers might not be fully aware of this key differentiator.

Finally, as the EV market continues to grow, you will start to encounter less informed customers, who may not fully appreciate all the challenges that come with owning an EV. Be upfront with customers on potential dealbreakers and dealmakers to ensure they know what to expect and don’t regret their purchases down the road.

To learn more, head to carfax.ca/insights

The Legalities of Drug Testing at the Workplace

A controversial issue

BY CHRIS DRINOVZ, KSW LAWYERS EMPLOYMENT & LABOUR GROUP

Drug testing is being implemented more and more in workplaces. The subject is naturally controversial given the need to balance the employer’s obligation to maintain a safe workplace with the employee’s right to privacy and other human rights.

In Canada, mandatory drug testing is a grey area. Currently, there is no law requiring or prohibiting drug testing in workplaces. Contrast this with the trucking industry in the US where regulations require motor-carriers to have extensive mandatory drug testing policies.

Canadian employers can legally implement limited substance use and testing policies under their duty to ensure a safe work environment, as long as they are reasonable and non-discriminatory. This includes the potential to have a testing program as part of an accommodation for an employee with substance use issues who has shown objective signs of impairment at work.

Testing for “safety-sensitive” positions that occurs based on objective signs of impairment or after a safety incident is more likely to be allowed. Safety-sensitive positions may include positions where employees are regularly driving vehicles in the lot, as part of a shuttle service, or test-driving with customers. They could also include positions in the service department where mechanics, technicians or advisors are working with and/or supervising heavy equipment and dangerous machinery.

Two of the more controversial areas are pre-employment testing and random testing.

Pre-employment testing engages human rights principles, as an employer cannot discriminate against an employee (or potential employee) based on an actual or perceived medical disability, including substance-abuse disorder. In Milazzo v. Autocar Inc., 2003 CHRT 37, a bus driver filed a human rights complaint when his application was automatically rejected after he failed a pre-employment drug test.

The Tribunal ruled the policy discriminated against candidates who were drug-dependent, since anyone who tested positive wasn’t hired. The employer had a duty to refer positive testers for assessment and accommodate any substance abuse issues to the point of undue hardship.

A similar screening policy was found discriminatory in Alberta v. Kellogg , 2007 ABCA 426, where an applicant tested positive for marijuana and was not hired. The Court said the employer could have accommodated positive-testing employees without undue hardship by implementing grace periods, re-takes and offering drug counselling.

Carefully tailored pre-employment drug testing was approved in a 2018 arbitration decision involving BC Hydro and the IBEW union. The arbitrator held that pre-employment testing for safety-sensitive positions was allowed because it balanced the rights of potential employees—applicants had up to five days to be tested and if they failed,

In Canada, mandatory drug testing is a grey area. Currently, there is no law requiring or prohibiting drug testing in workplaces. Contrast this with the trucking industry in the US where regulations require motor-carriers to have extensive mandatory drug testing policies.

they could withdraw from the posting but reapply in the future or be assessed by a professional at their own cost.

The authority on random drug testing is CEPU, Local 30 v. Irving Pulp & Paper, Ltd., 2013 SCC 34 (“Irving”). Here, the Supreme Court of Canada held that testing is permitted in dangerous work environments in only two scenarios. First, “for cause” testing may occur where: there are reasonable grounds to believe an employee is impaired by drugs; after an accident or other safety incident; or as part of a returnto-work agreement. Second, random drug testing is allowed only if the employer demonstrates a generalized problem of drug abuse at the workplace.

The Court in Irving was clear that even in safety-sensitive workplaces, random drug testing of the entire workforce is not permissible. In that case, eight alcohol-related incidents over 10 years was not sufficient to justify it.

More recently in Alberta, Suncor (a large oil and gas employer) implemented random testing in response to a rampant drug problem at its Fort McMurray facility. The union fought the policy and after several years of litigation, the parties ultimately agreed on a program that included random testing at that facility only.

There is a recent trend towards negotiated drug-testing policies. For example, the Construction Labour Relations Association and BC Building Trades negotiated an industry-wide policy that applies to all unionized construction workers in BC and is used as an example for private and public sector workplaces.

The topic of drug testing remains controversial as parties continue to struggle with balancing competing obligations. In the absence of definitive legislation, it is important to seek advice from your legal professional if you are looking to implement any kind of drug testing or other substance use policy for any of your employees.

Note to Readers: This is not legal advice. If you have any questions about a labour or employment matter or require assistance with workplace investigations, revising your employment contracts or legal disputes, please reach out to Chris Drinovz at cdrinovz@kswlawyers.ca or Mike Weiler at mweiler@kswlawyers.ca

Top Insurance Challenges Faced by BC Auto Dealerships

The importance of taking a proactive approach to risk management

Auto dealerships in British Columbia face a host of challenges every day, and managing insurance needs is a big part of that. From keeping up with market changes to meeting regulations, it’s a complex landscape. But, with the right approach and support from a trusted insurance broker like HUB International, these challenges can be tackled effectively. Let’s explore some common insurance hurdles for BC auto dealerships and consider how to overcome them.

Staying ahead in a changing market: In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, staying ahead of emerging risks is crucial. Whether it’s managing inventory or dealing with cybersecurity threats, being proactive is key.

Protecting assets and inventory: Dealerships invest a lot in their inventory, so protecting it is a top priority. Whether it’s theft, damage or natural disasters, having the right insurance coverage in place is essential.

Guarding against cyber threats: With more business conducted online, cybersecurity is a growing concern for dealerships. Data breaches and cyberattacks can disrupt operations and compromise sensitive information.

Ensuring employee safety: Creating a safe work environment is crucial for both employees and the dealership’s bottom line. Accidents and injuries can disrupt operations and lead to financial liabilities. Comprehensive workers’ compensation insurance, along with proactive safety measures, can help mitigate these risks.

Managing liability risks: Liability exposures are part and parcel of dealership operations. From product liability to premises liability, there are various angles to consider.

Meeting regulatory requirements: Keeping up with BC’s regulations can be confusing, but it’s crucial for auto dealerships. Having the right insurance coverage is a big part of this.

Overcoming these challenges: Working with a trusted insurance broker can assist dealerships in identifying and managing risks more effectively. By collaborating with a broker well-versed in local laws, dealerships can ensure compliance. This partnership enables dealerships to customize insurance packages to their specific needs, safeguarding their assets. HUB’s risk services team has the expertise to tailor policies to address evolving cyberthreats, incorporating prevention techniques to mitigate risks. HUB International also helps in implementing safety programs and securing needed coverage, from a variety of global markets, for peace of mind.

Managing insurance challenges is undoubtedly a critical aspect of running a successful auto dealership in BC. By partnering with HUB International and taking a proactive approach to risk management, dealerships can navigate these challenges with confidence.

To learn more, contact Wayne LeGear, 604.269.1944 / wayne.legear@hubinternational.com / hubinternational.com

BC’s New Car Dealers Power Special Olympics Athletes to Success at National Games

Over 4,000 visitors gathered in Calgary for the event

BC’s new car dealers are among Special Olympics BC’s longest-standing champions. It’s our privilege to share stories showing the difference you make by supporting Special Olympics. You help create experiences of joy, friendship, empowerment, skill development and health improvements for thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities in 55 BC communities.

Special Olympics Team BC 2024 stepped up to the spotlight at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024. From February 27 to March 2, 141 athletes, 50 coaches and 14 mission staff from 31

communities across the province showcased their amazing abilities and formed lasting friendships.

The 2024 National Games saw over 4,000 visitors gather in Calgary, creating lifelong memories of competition, camaraderie and celebration in eight sports.

“The 2024 National Games were an absolute joy to be a part of,” says SO Team BC 2024 chef de mission Michelle Cruickshank. “The athletes gave it their all during competition, as they achieved many personal bests and podium finishes in their sports. To see all of their hard work pay off is truly amazing.

This has been an unforgettable National Games experience!”

After nine months of training and preparation, SO Team BC 2024 showed up to the competition with great confidence. Amid all the victorious podium finishes, athletes embraced this year’s National Games motto, “Together We Can.” They bonded with teammates through sport, connected with new and old friends from across the province, and shared countless memories that will last a lifetime.

Special Olympics BC is deeply grateful to BC’s new car dealers for their longstanding

BC cross country skiers impressed with a podium sweep at National Games!

support for athletes with intellectual disabilities, and helping them have life-changing opportunities like competing in National Games.

“From the bottom of my heart, this is my first National Games, and I want to dedicate it to each and every single one of you: those who have helped me and been there for me,” says SOBC – Quesnel snowshoeing athlete Scott Jonasson. “And I am also dedicating this to my family back home because I know they’re proud of me.”

“It’s been such an amazing experience for them and they’re enjoying every single minute,” says SOBC – Coquitlam alpine skiing coach Isabelle Schnurr. “To see the smile on their faces once they finish the course and being so happy, or standing on the podium, they’re so excited. I think that’s my satisfaction.”

Parent Suni Dunn from SOBC – Prince George wrote, “This is the best experience for us as a family, as friends and as supporters. That is because of the wonderful athletes and their families that we met over the week and especially the wonderful SO Team BC coaches and mission staff. I’m impressed with the athletes’ efforts and results, which is so rewarding as a parent and coach who sees how hard an athlete trains and it really showed with all the personal bests.”

Special Olympics BC’s year-round sport, youth, and health programs continue to empower athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages in 55 communities around the province. There are many rewarding roles within our joyful programs, and everyone who wants to change lives through sport can visit specialolympics.bc.ca to learn more.

The Future of Entertainment Is Here

SiriusXM with 360L

The rollout of SiriusXM with 360L is accelerating. Today, over one million vehicles on Canadian roads are equipped with this technology and, by the end of 2027, this will increase to 75 per cent of new vehicles. Seamlessly switching between satellite and streaming channels, SiriusXM with 360L offers an exclusive, personalized and enhanced listening experience. Combined with the powers of the SiriusXM app, it transforms your ride with the most extensive and personalized radio experience on the road.

What you love, whenever, wherever SiriusXM with 360L provides the most innovative, user-friendly features to your customers, and lives up to SiriusXM’s promise to help listeners dive deeper through a truly personalized entertainment experience. Users can access on-demand audio and video content for the first time ever in their vehicle, including over 1,000 exclusive, never-before-heard interviews, unique shows, live performances and event coverage. With 360L, the more you listen, the closer you get to what you love! Your customers can search less and enjoy more by simply tapping “For You” to explore channels and shows curated to their listening habits,

history and SiriusXM library. They can easily discover new favourites by tapping “Related” to find other channels, shows and programming similar to what they are currently listening to.

The closer you are, the deeper you can go with 360L. Your customers are also able to create their very own ad-free artist stations, starting with their favourites and building curated recommendations by using the thumbs-up and thumbs-down buttons.

How does it work?

Vehicles equipped with SiriusXM with 360L are eligible for a free trial subscription to SiriusXM’s top-tier Platinum package when they purchase or lease a pre-owned vehicle. Once you refresh the radio, your customers can easily access SiriusXM with 360L through the vehicle’s navigation system and then continue listening outside the vehicle using the SiriusXM app.

Contact Mario DeGrace, regional manager of Western Canada (Mario.DeGrace@siriusxm.ca), to learn more about how SiriusXM with 360L features can get you and your customers closer to what you love.

GET CLOSER TO YOUR FAVOURITE ARTISTS

With SiriusXM with 360L, your customers can personalize their experience by creating ad-free music channels based on the artists and songs they love.

Learn more at SiriusXM.ca/360L

TD’s AV Pre-qualify Solves DealerCustomer Pain Point

Streamlines the vehiclepurchasing journey

At TD Auto Finance, our vision is to be Canada’s number one auto lender of choice. That means continuing to provide you with the award-winning support and consistency you’ve come to expect. We saw the lending landscape shift in 2023 and through it all, we were there for dealers when they needed it the most. We pride ourselves on being a consistent and reliable partner to help you grow your business, now and in the future.

This year, we’ve enhanced our support by offering training programs on income, credit, funding, fraud and other topics that are important in our industry. We provide valuable physical and digital resources throughout the year to help understand and navigate our products, and timely, proactive communications to keep you up to date on our market offerings and relevant industry news.

We value your feedback and are committed to streamlining interactions. We continue to improve our self-serve functions to allow customers easy access to their loan information, using our Interactive Voice Recognition, EasyWeb or TD Canada Mobile App.

Now, all this support may be appreciated from a lender, but we want to do more. At TD Auto Finance, we understand the need to continually find ways to enhance a customer’s vehicle-buying journey—all while keeping dealerships as an integral part of the process.

So, we’re excited to collaborate with AutoVerify to support a digital pre-qualification tool to bring dealerships high-quality leads, and ultimately streamline the vehicle-buying process! AV Pre-qualify solves a recurring pain point: customer uncertainty around how much they may be able to borrow for a vehicle. AV Pre-qualify helps customers kick-start the conversations by giving them a better idea of their vehicle affordability and connecting them directly with participating dealers.

The customer experience is enhanced through an understanding of what they can afford before they visit a dealership, and the dealer receives a lead that contains comprehensive and detailed credit information for the Canadian market.

TD Auto Finance is proud to be the exclusive financing source for this tool. As a full-spectrum lender in Canada, we believe we’re in the best position to provide a complete range of financing options. We’re happy to work with a team whose vision aligns with ours: enhancing, rather than disrupting, the vehicle financing process. Dealerships are a critical part of the vehicle-buying journey and our industry.

We’ve recently launched a dealer support program alongside an enhanced version of AV Pre-qualify. This will support eligible dealers in financing these pre-qualified leads with us.

To learn more about this exciting program or any of our products and services, reach out to your TD dealer relationship manager today!

OFFICIAL

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

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

Premier Partners

SILVER LEVEL

OPENLANE 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. openlane.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. carfax.ca

BRONZE LEVEL

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

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

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

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 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.

The New Car Dealers Association of BC is a proud member of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA).

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!

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

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

MDA Auto Solution

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

Keyloop Canada

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

Eric Jensen // 604-656-2963 // 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

Waypoint Insurance Services

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

CapriCMW Insurance Services Ltd

Mike Sanderson //(250) 869-3921 // capricmw.ca

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

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 // 604-308-2812 // 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

Kijiji Autos

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

Trader Corporation

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

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

NCM Associates Inc.

Kory Suppes // (913) 649-7830 // ncmassociates.com

Smart Program Inc.

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