CEVforBC Green Star Dealer Awards® Awards
In the past year, British Columbians have experienced record high fuel prices at the pumps and there seems to be no end in sight to the sky-high cost of fuel.
For many, today’s fuel prices are a strong motivator in researching and purchasing clean energy vehicles, and the past year has seen more British Columbians embrace advanced technology and clean energy vehicles than ever before.
I can tell you that BC’s New Car Dealers are working hard to meet the challenge of ensuring consumers or potential consumers are armed with the best and most up to date information in deciding to make a new vehicle purchase. The dealership is often the first point of contact for many consumers and play an integral role in the car purchase process for consumers who rely on their advice and knowledge. When it comes to the purchase of electric or any other vehicles, the options, the support and the encouragement dealers provide can go a long way in reducing emissions
New car dealers also play an important role in educating consumers about the government incentive program, CEVforBCTM which offers B.C. residents up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Administered by the New Car Dealers Association of BC, the Clean Energy Vehicle Point-of-Sale Purchase Incentive Program (CEVforBCTM) is a purchase incentive program that aims to not only provide incentives for consumers, but to inform and educate them as well.
Between April 2015 and January 2018, the CEVforBCTM approved a total number of 4,199 units for incentives, with the number of units approved for 2017 (1,781 units) more than doubling those back in 2015 (830 units).
The success of clean energy vehicles we see in British Columbia is only made possible by vehicle manufacturers and new car dealers and their commitment to clean technology. Through their continued efforts and leadership, British Columbia has become a national leader of automotive green technology by embracing more EVs per capita than any other province. BC also boasts the longest charging network in Canada.
In March at the Vancouver International Auto Show, the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) announced the 2017 recipients of the CEVforBC™ Green Star Dealer Awards® for exceptional commitment and top sales of clean energy vehicles across all brands. The Awards recognize the pivotal role new car dealers play in creating a green economy.
One of our award winners has an eco-friendly carwash, uses geothermal power, includes an all electric shuttle for its customers, has an in-house charging station for your EV, and encourages its patrons to use their courtesy bikes.
The CEVforBCTM Green Star Award is a significant achievement and dealership winners can take pride in their stewardship role in ensuring a greener environment.
The Green Star Award recipients for top Clean Energy Vehicles sold in 2017 (Battery Electric Vehicle Sales (BEV) and Plug-in Electric Hybrid Sales (PHEV)are:
- Top BEV Sales – Vancouver Island – Campus Nissan (BEV)
- Top PHEV Sales – Vancouver Island – Dave Wheaton GM Victoria (PHEV)
- Top BEV Sales – Lower Mainland – North Shore Kia (BEV)
- Top PHEV Sales – Lower Mainland – Dueck Downtown (PHEV)
- Top BEV Sales – Interior – Kelowna Chevrolet (BEV)
- Top PHEV Sales – Interior – Kelowna Chevrolet (PHEV)
- Top BEV Sales – Northern – Terrace Totem Ford (BEV)
- Top PHEV Sales – Northern – MacCarthy Motors (PHEV)
- Most Improved Dealership – Dueck Downtown
View the complete winner list (2015-2017) and information on clean energy vehicles at www.cevforbc.ca
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
