Auto Blog

BC is a leader in electric vehicle adoption but as I have suggested previously, one significant challenge is the fact that there are no electric pickup trucks yet offered in the marketplace. After all, many people require a pickup for work or recreation purposes, and in many rural communities where we are resource-dependent, a pickup may be a requirement.

It’s a challenge that will soon be addressed.

While there are no electric pickups from major automakers on the market today, over the next 18 months, it is anticipated that there may be several models to choose from on dealers’ lots.

It is expected that the new start-up brand Rivian will be amongst the first automaker to deliver a fully electric pickup truck to market, with the futuristic R1T expected to be available in Canada as early as this fall. The automaker promises between 250 and 400 miles of driving range.

The all-electric Hummer EV Pickup will be among the first vehicles to be built on GM’s new modular electric battery platform at the retooled Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, renamed Factory ZERO. With up to 300 miles of range, the Hummer will be available in Canada as early as fall 2022.

The Tesla Cybertruck looks like something from a sci-fi movie but is expected to come with an estimated driving range of 500 miles. There’s still a lot we don’t know about the vehicle, but it appears the first versions may go into production as early as late this year.

The Ford Motor Company will also be introducing the highly anticipated F-150 Lightning and it’s expected to be available in 2022, with a range of up to 300 miles. The F-Series of trucks has been around since 1948 and the F-150 is labelled as Canada’s best-selling pickup truck for 11 years running, but the all-new Lightning is causing all-new levels of excitement.

The arrival of EV pickups will help continue a trend that has placed British Columbia as a leader in EV adoption and help put us on a path to meet government’s CleanBC target, requiring all new car, SUV and light-duty trucks sales to be zero-emission by 2040 – a target the federal government has also embraced on a nation-wide basis.

Of course, a factor that will contribute to those in rural communities adopting the EV pickup lifestyle is the corresponding access to charging stations. At present, there are more than 2,500 charging stations in British Columbia but for greater adoption to occur, access to chargers will need to keep pace so all communities can benefit.

Most of these electric trucks will be hugely capable and some come with high price tags, but the selection of upcoming electric pickups will soon be vast enough to suit most budgets and tastes. Of course, some electric trucks have turned out to be more highly anticipated than others, but each model promises to offer something unique and compelling.

There is a great deal of excitement about the onset of electric pickups, but the best news is that they will soon be coming to a dealership near you. I’m all charged up about it!

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

In 1996, the SCRAP-IT® program was established with one clear mission – to remove super polluting vehicles from our roads and highways in favour of newer, more fuel efficient and less polluting vehicles.

Last week, I was proud to join program staff and hundreds of guests at a virtual event to celebrate a pair of very important milestones, the first being 25 years of service, through which the BC New Car Dealers are pleased to have been a partner.

Also celebrated was the fact that SCRAP-IT® is now responsible for the removal of more than 50,000 higher polluting vehicles, which is a very positive environmental and financial success story for the province.

SCRAP-IT® is a not-for-profit society focused on clean transportation initiatives in both BC and Alberta.

The organization is largely recognized for its program that allows approved vehicles to be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner, and in doing so – removing all harmful pollutants such as mercury switches, fluids, and tires. However, they also administer the CleanBC Go Electric Transportation Options Program (TOP) which includes rebates for electric bikes, transit passes and car share credits.

Another important and critical function of SCRAP-IT® is bringing awareness to the issue of vehicle emissions and demonstrating the contribution that retiring older vehicles can have on our carbon footprint.

As Diane Roberts, SCRAP-IT® CEO explained, “lined up bumper-to-bumper, 50,000 vehicles would stretch along Highway 1 all the way from Langley to Merritt. It’s a great achievement. It proves that British Columbians are invested in preserving the environment and working together to create a greener future.”

The significance of the occasion was not lost on BC’s Premier John Horgan, who also acknowledged the significant accomplishment, congratulating SCRAP-IT for reaching the impressive milestone and its positive environmental impacts.

Permanently removing any fossil fuel burning vehicle from our roads and replacing it with an electric vehicle creates a significant GHG reduction which has a positive impact on climate change. Every vehicle scrapped has its components properly recycled, thus providing another layer of positive environmental stewardship.

More than 160 New Car Dealerships around the province are currently partnered with SCRAP-IT® to deliver rebates to customers who scrap their vehicles and purchase new or used electric vehicles. The retail value of the electric vehicles purchased in 2020 alone was $92.4 million dollars (BEFORE taxes). Program and qualification details can be found on the website at www.scrapit.ca.

Congratulations are in order to the great team at SCRAP-IT®. Our partnership is longstanding, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration to create a better and cleaner future.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

Last week’s provincial budget further solidified the government’s stance on helping BC maintain our leadership position in EV adoption. It was a welcome announcement and one that the New Car Dealers of BC were pleased to see.

The province recently announced there are now more than 54,000 EVs on BC roads (the highest per capita in North America!) and a funding commitment to maintain the CleanBC Go Electric program that will help more people and businesses transition to electric vehicles.

The Province continues to invest in the transition to cleaner transportation by making electric cars more affordable, investing in charging stations and shifting to renewable fuels. Budget 2021 includes $94 million in Go Electric program rebates for the purchases of electric vehicles, charging stations and the commercialization of heavy-duty vehicles.

The leadership role that BC currently occupies regarding EV adoption is one that wouldn’t be possible without the thoughtful, collaborative partnership between the province, the Association and BC’s new car dealers. We continue to applaud the government for their continued support of the program, so we can continue the momentum to reaching the province’s mandated goal of all new light duty vehicles being electric by 2040.

The CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program provides British Columbians with rebates of $1,500 for shorter range plug-in hybrids and up to $3,000 on the purchase or lease of a new battery electric, longer range plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. The Program has been administered by the New Car Dealers Association of BC since 2010. BC consumers can also receive as much as $5,000 in additional incentives from the Federal iZEV incentive program, and up to $6,000  incentive when they scrap an older gas vehicles through SCRAP-IT, for a potential point-of-purchase rebate total of up to $14,000.

We all want to be a part of the fight in the climate crisis, and adopting an EV is an every day solution. EV’s remain inaccessible for some, but that shouldn’t be a reason to not look to make the switch – if you’re able. I applaud the continued support from the provincial government, as they prioritize rebate and incentive programs to make EV adoption more attainable.  

For more information on the rebates available, please visit: https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca/

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

I have spoken extensively about the changes that dealerships have gone through to move to an increasingly online environment. This is obviously something we are seeing across many industries, not just in the auto sector, and something that has been accelerated by the pandemic.

This time last year, though dealerships were considered essential and remained open, we as an industry had to make many changes. Dealers needed to ensure that their online shopping platforms were updated and functioning better than they’ve ever needed them to – there was hesitation towards coming into dealers, though our safety precautions were comprehensive.

We saw dealers expanding customer service with delivering new models of sending sanitized cars and trucks directly to homes for test drives and having people do full purchases online. But this begs the question, is there a time when there won’t be a need for in person dealers? And I can confidently say, no.

In a world that is constantly moving online, it becomes harder and harder to get in person or over the phone contact – and this just isn’t good enough when trying to make a sale or trying to help a customer. Consumers still want a personal touch and they always will. I truly believe the personal touch is the difference between a good and bad experience, and it plays a huge part in retaining customers.

Dealers have always evolved in order to meet everchanging customer demands and they will continue to do so to provide the best customer experience. The best service is always the number one priority. Dealers will continue to evolve and adapt, but this doesn’t mean they are going anywhere.

Buying a vehicle is the second biggest purchase that people make after a home and they want actual people to help them make the decision. They need expert advice and that’s not something they can find behind a computer.

With the introduction of Carvana’s ‘car’ vending machine, I can see people questioning the dealerships’ longevity. While new technologies like this can seem exciting and cool at first, not being able to talk to an actual salesperson is always going to be an issue. When making such a large purchase you really need someone you can trust, and that’s where our dealers step in.

But for me, it goes even further. Your BC new car dealers are an important part of your community and they genuinely care. That’s something that technology could never replace. When the pandemic hit, it wasn’t just about making sure our businesses were operating – it was about making sure our communities were coping and thriving in any way they could.

BC’s new car dealers continued contributing to local food banks and other family services and community groups which needed support desperately. They provided delivery services for the folks that were unable to get around – dropping off groceries, prescriptions, and any other necessary supplies. They even organized meals for those less fortunate. They stepped up in their communities when they were in need, and they will continue to do this in the years to come. Dealerships are foundational to communities large and small in BC.

Technology certainly has a place in how we serve our customers, but it won’t be able to fully replace us. We truly care and always will.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].

Last week, the provincial government put out a news release indicating that a record number of British Columbians have switched to electric vehicles. There are now more than 54,000 light duty electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, which is the highest reported uptake in North America.

BC’s New Car Dealers have worked immensely hard with the government over the past decade in this province to encourage and support the adoption of EVs. I feel immensely proud of these new numbers, as it is clear our work is certainly paying off. We continue to solidify BC as a leader in the EV space and I look forward to our ongoing work in the coming years.

In 2019, BC passed legislation that requires all new vehicles sold to be emission free by 2040. BC is well on its way to exceeding the 2025 targets with light-duty EV sales representing 9.4% of all new light-duty vehicle sales in BC in 2020. Given that all vehicle sales dropped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with a dramatic increase in EV models being available, this number is expected to climb in the coming years.

With a growing number of EVs on the roads, the steps the Province is taking through ongoing programs like CleanBC Go Electric and SCRAP-IT® must be acknowledged. The programs provide attractive incentives for vehicles along with charging stations, to make the switch to greener vehicles more affordable for British Columbians. And it is with thanks to these programs that EV sales continue to climb.

One of the main hesitations consumers have in purchasing an EV is range anxiety. Last December, the provincial government made it even cheaper to buy and install electric vehicle charging stations. They doubled the rebate amount through CleanBC’s Go Electric EV Charge Rebate and EV Ready programs. Through this program, they also offer up to five hours of free support services from an EV charging station advisor. It is clear that to continue the increase in EV sales, we must provide education and assistance that goes beyond rebates.

I thank the province of British Columbia for their continued support and efforts, to encourage potential buyers to make the switch to EVs. It is certainly one way that we can pave the way for a greener future.

If you’re interested in making the switch to an EV, you are certainly not alone. For more information on CleanBC and rebates available, please visit here. 

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].

At the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA), it continues to be important to us to support students who are pursuing a career in the automotive industry. The NCDA operates a foundation for charitable activities and that is why I am thrilled to announce that the New Car Dealers Foundation’s CarCareerBC Education Grant applications are now open. The application deadline is April 16.

The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC awards CarCareerBC education grants to eligible students in BC. The grants are for those who wish to pursue post-secondary education or training for a career in the automotive industry. Grants can be put towards tuition credits or purchasing new tools – the Foundation works with approved tool supplier, Snap-on.

But this is not the only way in which we strive to help out the next generation of automotive employees. The New Car Dealers Foundation has additional award funding that comes from interest income from an endowment fund set up through generous donations. Additional support from the Foundation is also provided to educational institutions, offering grants and scholarships for students pursuing car careers.

The NCDA represents close to 400 new car dealers that employ some 30,000 people in family supporting jobs in over 50 communities across this province. The industry also offers many opportunities for growth and career advancement. Our members are guided by industry training programs, as well as programs offered through educational organizations, to provide training for new workers.

Whether you’re just starting your career, or looking for a change, a job at a new car dealership can be both personally and financially rewarding. Dealership opportunities range from sales consultants, service technicians to accountants, marketing and administration staff – whom all share a love for engaging with people, and of course, an enthusiasm for new cars and trucks. With a wave of retirements coming in the next few years, this is a rewarding industry to consider for a career, offering well paying jobs!

However, working at a new car dealer is about more than just money and career advancement. Our members and their employees are actively involved in their local communities. This includes a wide range of local charities and sports groups as well as community and service clubs, charity boards and committees. In fact, many of our members sponsor charities, local sports teams and organizations like food banks, through cash donations and merchandise prizes.

So whether you are already a student or are looking at a training program, the auto industry offers great prospects for you and your future. For more information on grants available, please visit here.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]

As a follow up to last week’s column where I discussed the importance of spring cleaning for your vehicle, I thought now would be a good time to talk with you about spring driving. As the daylight in our days is officially longer, the weather is beginning to be warmer, and the flowers are starting to bloom – the desire to go out on the road increases.

But health restrictions remain in place and, according to a recent statement by Dr. Bonnie Henry, we should not expect these restrictions to be lifted significantly in the next few months until the COVID-19 vaccine rollout progresses further. So, though you should not expect to go on long journeys with friends and family anytime soon, going for a short drive can really be a great way to unwind and get out of your house in a safe manner.

Many families will be eager to take in the beautiful sights and sounds of BC’s springtime, but those who choose to do so must continue to consider social distancing practices and avoid travel to smaller communities for now. By temporarily avoiding travel to vulnerable parts of the province, we can all do our part to protect higher risk individuals and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Getting behind the wheel, when appropriate, can also be a great opportunity to give yourself some much-needed alone time, allowing yourself the chance to reconnect with nature, listen to an audio book, or disconnect from your computer, phone or email. Feeling the cool temperate breeze rush through your window, sunroof, or convertible may lead to a clearer head, free from external distractions that impact our physical and mental health.

With so much going on in the world around us, it’s only natural to feel some level of anxiety and pressure. Taking time for short drives either alone or with members of your household can help reduce the stress and pressures during times of uncertainty. It is by taking these steps as part of a larger community that we can all get through it together.

Hopefully by summertime, we will see more and more people vaccinated and restrictions will continue to lift. Until then, let’s all do our part to ensure we keep our friends, family, and communities safe.

Take care.

Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].