Opening night of the Vancouver International Auto Show is always a special moment for our industry. The energy in the room reflects not only the excitement of the show itself, but also the people who make the automotive sector one of the most dynamic industries in British Columbia.
That is why the New Car Dealers Association of BC Member Awards Gala has become such an important tradition.
Each year, the gala brings together dealers, industry partners, and automotive leaders to recognize the best and brightest professionals across the province. It is an opportunity to celebrate not only the accomplishments of the past year, but also the current and future leaders who will continue shaping the industry in the years ahead.
Behind every dealership are teams of highly skilled professionals who work every day to serve customers, adopt new technologies, and contribute to their communities. The NCDA Member Awards shine a spotlight on those individuals and organizations who are setting the standard for excellence across British Columbia.
One of the highlights of the evening is the Green Star Dealer Awards, which recognize dealerships leading the province in the sale of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These dealerships are playing a direct role in helping British Columbia continue its leadership in cleaner transportation.
Presented by CleanBC and BC Hydro, this year’s Green Star winners included:
Top BEV Sales
- Vancouver Island: Victoria Hyundai
- Lower Mainland: Richmond Hyundai
- Interior BC: Castlegar Hyundai
- Northern BC: Straightline Chevrolet Buick GMC, Terrace
Top PHEV Sales
- Vancouver Island: Kia Victoria
- Lower Mainland: Kia West, Coquitlam
- Interior BC: Kelowna Kia
Additional awards recognized dealerships showing exceptional progress:
- Most Improved Dealership BEV Sales: Sullivan Motor Products, Houston
- Most Improved Dealership PHEV Sales: Courtenay Kia
Across every region of the province, these dealerships are helping customers navigate a rapidly evolving vehicle market and explore the full range of technologies now available – from traditional vehicles to hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric models.
Another highlight of the evening was the Salesperson of the Year Awards, presented by EBlock. These awards celebrate the best of the best in automotive sales – professionals who demonstrate exceptional customer service, deep product knowledge, and outstanding sales leadership.
This year’s recipients included:
- Andy Tsai – Aston Martin Vancouver
- Lachin Ounchi – Capilano Audi
- Valentino Almeida – Brian Jessel BMW
- Mark Harrison – Ferrari of Vancouver
- Treven Smith-Baarts – Dams Ford Lincoln Ltd.
- Robert McLaren – Bannister Chevrolet Buick GMC Vernon
- Leo Chang – Open Road Honda Burnaby
- Saro Vanayan – Boundary Hyundai
- Fan Yang – Jaguar Land Rover Richmond
- John Jubene – Applewood Kia Langley
- Stacy Yang – OpenRoad Lexus Richmond
- Desiree Nicks – Maserati of Vancouver
- Gurtej Dhillon – Wolfe Mazda
- Luc Kwan – McLaren Vancouver
- Patrick Ng – Mercedes-Benz Richmond
- John Zhao – Applewood Mitsubishi
- Brian Teung – Porsche Centre Vancouver
- Kelly Chan – Porsche Centre Vancouver
- Freddy Ghanei – Subaru Northshore
- Elsa Bai – Jim Pattison Toyota North Shore
- Tommy Dao – Morrey Volvo Cars Burnaby
- Mark Petriw – Weissach INEOS Grenadier
These individuals represent dealerships across British Columbia – and each exemplifies the professionalism and expertise that customers experience when they walk into a new car dealership.
Equally important were the dealerships recognized through the Community Driver Awards, which honour businesses that go above and beyond to support the communities they serve through charitable initiatives, sustainability projects, and local leadership.
Presented by BMO, this year’s Community Driver Award winners included:
- Fraser Valley: Wolfe Mazda, Surrey
- Metro Vancouver: Westwood Honda
- Vancouver Island: Kia Victoria
- Okanagan / Interior: Orchard Ford, Kelowna
- Kootenays: AM Ford, Trail
- Northern BC: Northland Dodge, Prince George
These dealerships demonstrate something our industry has long understood – successful businesses are deeply connected to the communities around them. Whether supporting local charities, sponsoring community initiatives, or leading sustainability programs, these organizations show how dealerships can be powerful forces for good far beyond their showrooms.
Together, the award winners recognized at the Awards Gala represent the innovation, professionalism, and community leadership that define British Columbia’s automotive sector. They also remind us that while vehicles and technology may be evolving rapidly, the true strength of this industry has always been its people.
As the Vancouver International Auto Show continues throughout the week, visitors will see hundreds of vehicles and the latest innovations shaping the future of mobility. But behind every vehicle on display – and every vehicle sold – are dedicated professionals who make this industry work.
For tickets and details about the 2026 edition of the Vancouver International Auto Show, visit: Vancouver International Auto Show.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. He can be reached at [email protected]
