PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
News From the Front Seat BLAIR QUALEY PRESIDENT & CEO, NCDA
“BC’s new car dealers remain the most entrepreneurial, hardworking and smart business folks I have ever encountered.”
Prepare for the most unique and exciting 100th anniversary Vancouver International Auto Show ever! As we look ahead into the 2020 New Year and reflect on a decade that has now shifted into the rearview mirror, the New Car Dealers Association of BC is preparing for its biggest event in its history. When you are given the opportunity and privilege of celebrating an incredible 100 years of the retail auto sector in BC, as well as the annual gathering of the best of global manufacturers and the technology that continues to change everything in our sector, you want to make sure you have the best people to help you and the most incredible selection of vehicles for our guests to see—both looking back 100 years but, more importantly, to the decades ahead. We are honoured to have the one and only Jimmy Pattison as our Honorary Chairman and Grand Marshal of the 100th show. We also have a passionate and talented NCDA Board of Directors and Auto Show Committee. This group is supported by our incredible NCDA staff team who make miracles happen every day, and a great auto show team with Heard Productions working to support the overall vision. So, we know we have the talent side covered very well! On the vehicle side, our team has been working many long hours—in what has become a very challenging period for auto shows—to make sure we have an unprecedented collection of the most incredible
vehicles you will see under one roof in BC for another 100 years! With competition and cost pressures increasing, vehicle manufacturers continue to battle for their lives, leading to the abandonment of several auto shows in Canada and their brands’ local fans. But we are looking forward to delivering the best auto show ever! With unprecedented media interest, incredible special guests, fantastic vehicles, a wealth of information on the latest technology and vehicle features, an expanded CleanBC Go Electric Test Drive and a whole lot of fun, the 2020 VIAS is going to be something very special and unique. This year’s show will kick off on opening day with a vehicle procession featuring cars from the past 100 years and led by Jimmy Pattison and other special guests, who will join us as we cut the ribbon to open the 100th anniversary show. Later that evening, we will throw a big opening party with a roaring ‘20s theme. Here, we will present awards in several categories and enjoy fine food and beverages with the best view of any auto show venue in the world! I look forward to welcoming you to our very special 100th edition of the auto show —best auto show ever — taking place March 25 to 29 at the beautiful Vancouver Convention Centre West.
Member Survey Late in 2019, we engaged an independent
2019-2020 New Car Dealers Association of BC Board of Directors
4
Jeff Hall Chairman
Ryan Jones Vice-Chairman
James Carter Treasurer
Blair Qualey President & CEO
HALLMARK FORD
MARV JONES HONDA
CARTER GM N. SHORE
NCDA
Peter Heppner
Ben Lovie
Anthony Lunelli
PRESTON GM LANGLEY
OPENROAD VW
ANTHONY’S SUBARU KELOWNA
Signals Magazine January–March 2020
Jim Inskter Past Chairman
Mark Edmonds
Justin Gebara
MCLAREN VANCOUVER
COLUMBIA CHRYSLER RICHMOND
Peter Sia
John Wynia
Adam Hill
Erik Jensen
NORTHLAND NISSAN PRINCE GEORGE
HARBOURVIEW VOLKSWAGEN
LGM FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
