Last month, industry leaders and government officials came together at the BC Legislature for the New Car Dealers Association of BC’s (NCDA) annual Day at the Legislature – an event that continues to showcase the strength, innovation, and economic contribution of British Columbia’s new car sector. This annual gathering provides an important platform for open dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy on behalf of the province’s automotive retailers and the communities they serve.
We were pleased to be joined by the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, along with several MLAs during our visit in Victoria. This annual event is a valuable opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers, raise key industry priorities, and ensure that the perspectives of auto retailers are reflected in public policy discussions.
During our visit, we reiterated our ongoing call for the removal or review of the province’s outdated “so-called” New Vehicle Luxury Tax, which has a threshold of $55,000. With the average price of a new vehicle now exceeding $66,000, this tax effectively functions as a general vehicle tax rather than a luxury one. For example, the average family driving a minivan or SUV for everyday needs – getting children to school and activities, commuting to work, and running errands – would still be subject to this tax, despite the vehicle being far from a luxury purchase.
In addition to raising the issue verbally, the NCDA showcased a BrightDrop electric delivery van wrapped with the message, “Do I look like a luxury vehicle to you?” This served as an effective visual demonstration that vehicles like this should not be subject to the tax.
We also showcased several innovative vehicles, prompting important discussions about evolving auto industry trends – particularly the growing adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles and the transition toward more sustainable transportation.
Looking forward, if we are to make a significant shift toward Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), we must work to ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place, along with policies that drive sales. We have seen that consumers are making decisions on their next vehicle purchase in real-time. For example, the increase in gas prices and the federal government’s reintroduction of its EV purchase rebate through the Electric Vehicle Affordability Program in February led to a surge in ZEV sales.
In February, 2,614 ZEVs were sold in BC – a 36 per cent increase from the month prior, according to Statistics Canada. In the same month, ZEVs also accounted for about 18.6 per cent of all new vehicle sales in the province, up from 13.7 per cent in January.
These were just some topics our dealer participants and partners discussed with provincial leaders. This event provides an uninterrupted opportunity for our members to raise concerns and have productive conversations with some of BC’s leaders.
Overall, it was another great event at the Legislature, and I thank all of our dealer participants and partners for their strong support and engagement as we continue this important work together.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. He can be reached at [email protected]
A wrapped BrightDrop Van from Preston GM with key messaging in front of Legislature.
NCDA Board Members with with Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
