Auto Blog

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].

 

As we approach the end of March, we can begin to see longer days and the warmer spring weather. Yet we still find ourselves battling COVID-19 and face restriction across the province, limiting what we may do with our free time. As British Columbians look ahead to an unorthodox spring, this may be the opportunity to start on some much-needed spring cleaning in your household. Afterall, individuals have found themselves home more than ever in the past year. 

Spring cleaning has long been a tradition after the long cold months of winter, but your home isn’t the only thing that needs attention after the winter season. Take this chance to give your car the spring cleaning it needs and deserves. Winter finds roads covered in salt and sand to prepare for poor road conditions and your car inevitably picks this up. Without proper care of your vehicle, you could find damage if it’s not treated. Neglecting this could lead to ruining the paint finish which can turn into corrosion.

As you begin your spring cleaning of your vehicle’s exterior, you may want to focus on thoroughly washing the vehicle’s body, panel gaps, undercarriage, wheel, and wheel wells to flush out salt and sand.

To start, you’ll need to find yourself a large wash bucket, wash mitts, soft-fabric microfibre towels, and proper car soap. When using soap on your vehicle, it’s crucial that you use certified car soap rather than dish soap which contains ingredients that may damage the paint finish.

Not only does springtime allow us to catch up on some much-needed cleaning it gives the chance to touch up any protective coatings. Applying a coat of wax to your car after a thorough cleaning helps bring back that lost shine, and will also protect the vehicle from the hot summer sun, bird droppings, and tree sap.

Once you’ve wrapped up the exterior of the vehicle it’s time to tackle the interior. It’s always important to wipe down smudged glass, dust, and other forms of grime around the windows and console to allow yourself a clear windshield and clean driving area. Make sure to give your floors and seat an extensive vacuum, then use a pressure washer on your mats to remove any salt and dirt build-up.

Though it is not commonly thought about, it’s always good to clean your battery. Over the winter, build-up can form which can negatively affect your battery’s life. Make use of a wire brush and appropriate cleaner. Also make sure to do a flush and refilling of the cooling system and check the condition and pressure of all your tires, including the spare.

If you don’t have the time to undertake this yourself, there are other options available.

You could treat your car to complete spring detailing by going to your local new car dealership which will have an array of detailing services. As customers’ and staff safety is a dealer’s number one priority, COVID-19 measures remain in place. Not only will your car come out with a beautiful clean finish, but you can continue to support a local dealership in these times.

As warmer weather approaches, we can get ready for some fun, spring drives ahead. Please ensure you are following the advice of local health authorities and are travelling in a safe and cautious manner.

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

For several years in my role as President and CEO with BC’s New Car Dealers Association, Post Media has published a regular column that provides a platform to highlight many aspects of the auto sector.  A regular topic is that of electric vehicles – and has ranged from the latest in EV technology, sales, trends and initiatives that help support the further adoption of clean energy vehicles in this province.

Following the publishing of a recent column, I received a note from Dorothy Hiebert of Port Moody, who suggested the positive experience of owning and driving an electric vehicle doesn’t receive enough attention. With that in mind, I asked Dorothy to provide some personal thoughts on the issue, and she graciously responded.

Dorothy and her husband are big believers in EVs, particularly since they purchased their first Chevy Bolt 3 and half years ago. They use the vehicle for all of their driving activity in and around the Lower Mainland, and have also taken trips to the Interior and into Alberta. She proudly adds that the odometer reads 97,000 kilometres and counting. Given the amount they drive, the cost they save on gas (at more than $1.50 per litre!) is not lost on them.

The relationship between Dorothy and her vehicle is a special one, suggesting in her 55 years behind the wheel, it’s a driving experience unlike any other. “The car and I are a team,” she adds, “working together effortlessly. It is nearly as simple as the car having a connection to my thoughts, the responsiveness of the car’s actions is almost like the car can read my mind. The result is I can drive for hours and not get tired.”

“Without actually getting behind the wheel and experiencing what I am talking about, this aspect of driving an EV is not appreciated like it should be, and that is unfortunate.”

Dorothy makes clear that she is not trying to make an environmental statement, but will always drive an EV. As a personal booster for electric vehicles, she recently accompanied a friend through a car shopping experience and after hearing so many positive experiences, her friend is now enjoying the same fun and other benefits of driving an EV. And for those who may be on the fence about EVs or simply want more information, she points to the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association (VEVA) https://veva.ca/, as a helpful resource.

Ultimately, everyone wants to love their car and look forward to their own driving experience and Dorothy’s story is not an isolated one. In a recent JD Power study, 82 per cent of EV owners say they will definitely consider purchasing another electric vehicle in the future. According to a recent study commissioned by the Government of Canada, only about 3% of Canadians own an electric vehicle – but 2 out of 5 Canadians say their next vehicle will likely be electric.

A decade ago, the notion of electric vehicle (EV) sales making a dent in the new car marketplace appeared to be something that would likely occur far down the road. Today, much has changed. Government support in the form of necessary rebates, improving EV charging station access, increasing vehicle range and product availability, and a growing environmental consciousness, have all combined to drastically alter the automotive landscape, especially in British Columbia.

EVs have clearly moved from the periphery of the marketplace to a more mainstream option for many reasons. And as Dorothy would suggest, not to be dismissed is the fun factor of owning and driving an electric vehicle.

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

As the automotive retail sector continues to navigate its way through COVID-19, many aspects of how we do business have changed as part of our collective new normal – not the least of which is our BC dealerships’ approach to Finance and Insurance Department (F&I).

Personally, and professionally, the past year has been one of adapting to the evolving nature of the pandemic – but continuing to connect in the most authentic way possible has been critical, both for our own peace of mind and because it’s a key aspect of how we engage consumers. In some respects, our reliance on Zoom or other virtual platforms means that we are communicating in a more personal manner than ever before because, after all, every interaction brings you into someone’s private space.

In the automotive retail sector, the past year has been one in which sales plummeted at the outset of the pandemic, but in the ensuing months, sales trended in a positive direction and today consumers are largely back – buying or leasing vehicles at a healthy rate – which in turn has created a steady surge of demand for new inventory.

However, where sales have traditionally occurred almost entirely on the showroom floor, that process has undergone a dramatic change, with more reliance than ever before on new technologies such as Zoom and online platforms to conduct sales. As a result, the essence of building, nurturing and maintaining a consumer connection, remains a cornerstone.

The fundamentals of a customer relationship start with a review of a dealer’s F&I performance and a list of prospects. Dealers are continuing to be pushed to be strategic and prioritize follow-ups based on those clients who have shown interest but have not yet made a purchase. Customer shopping and buying trends have certainly changed over the past year and will continue to do so into the future.

Dealers have had to create an interactive online presence that mimics in-person shopping, to ensure consumers are having an optimal shopping experience. The digital experience continues to drive change across dealerships, and this includes F&I.

Before the pandemic, we were already seeing a big shift in purchasing trends. There was a push to a more seamless online to instore consumer experience. The pandemic only exacerbated the need for more in depth online tools, and it was great to see so many dealers adapt under the circumstances.

Though we continue to see the shift to online purchases, there is one thing that consumers are always looking for and cannot be forgotten – the personal touch. Consumers still want to connect on a personal level, regardless the amount of digitization involved.

F&I can be complex, but it doesn’t need to be complicated – as long as the sole focus and commitment continues to be thoughtful and transparent client service.

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

Safe Winter Driving Tips – Be Prepared!

Though it may feel like spring is just around the corner, last week’s snowfall in the Lower Mainland and the subsequent accidents on BC highways come as a stark reminder that winter road conditions are still here.

Winter is often a challenging time of year for drivers due to the unexpected road conditions caused by cold weather, rain and snow.

The onus is on us, as drivers, to be prepared for a variety of driving conditions, especially if embarking on routes at higher elevations. Drivers must remember to exercise caution, drive at a reasonable speed based on road and weather conditions, and ensure your vehicle is equipped with appropriate tires. And remember, you should only be driving for essential reasons right now.

It’s particularly important to be cautious and take extra time if you are driving a route that involves mountain passes – because those can be especially unpredictable during the winter months. You may start a trip in the sunshine, but later face stretches of slush, ice, snow or compact snow. Before embarking on a trip, motorists should visit www.drivebc.ca to access the latest road conditions and view the road cameras covering major highway routes.

Having the proper tires cannot be emphasized enough. Equip your vehicle with proper snow tires (snowflake symbol) or winter/all season tires (M&S symbol). Switching out of your summer tires for something more weather-appropriate is not only logical and safe, but it’s mandatory in some parts of the province. From October 1st through April 30, winter tire rules take effect and drivers are required to use winter tires on most BC highways.

Driving in the snow is a simple science – it’s all about friction and traction. Snow tires have a deeper tread to cut through the slush and snow, and are constructed from softer rubber to help with traction. All season tires have reduced traction and stopping power and do not offer reliable braking or cornering on ice or cold weather conditions.

Compared to M+S tires, snow tires offer superior braking and cornering performance on wet and rough ice, soft and hard-packed snow, along with slush. It’s worth the investment for snow tires!

In general, winter driving requires a lot more concentration and care as well – use slow motions, refrain from braking quickly, and use a very soft foot on the accelerator pedal. Driving slower is one of the smartest things you can do. And in rainy or snow weather with lower visibility, use your headlights to be seen by both the vehicles in front and behind of you.

Drivers who don’t slow down or adjust for conditions are always a top concern for others who are sharing the road. Both stopping and turning are actions that take can lot longer, so keep a longer following distance and remember to slow down. If you’re driving a new car with electronic traction and stability control features, ensure they are all turned on in the winter or set to snow mode.

An important reminder for every driver is having an emergency roadside kit which includes flares, a flashlight and a variety of tools – along with water and additional warm clothing and footwear that you may be thankful to have on hand in the event of an unfortunate circumstance.

If you’re in the market for winter car kit essentials, visit your local new car dealer – they’ll make sure you have what you need to shift into winter safely, before hitting the roads.

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

As people become increasingly concerned with climate change, we know that they look toward their everyday activities and evaluate what they can do to contribute towards a greener future. For some, this means a desire to make the switch to an electric vehicle and it is something that is growing increasingly popular in our province.

While EV sales have steadily increased throughout Canada, there is no question that BC has assumed a leadership position. Not only does the province have a history of being environmentally focused, but it’s providing opportunities to make the change to greener transportation options easier. With the continued success of CleanBC Go Electric and the SCRAP-IT® Program, along with important investments in vehicle charging stations, many British Columbians are finding that switching to a full or plug-in hybrid EV is not only possible – but an attractive option.

Last year, the CleanBC Go Electric Rebate Program paid out rebates for 8,619 units in 2020. EV sales in BC have been increasing at an exponential level and it is – in part – thanks to the partnership between the auto sector and government in making EV’s more affordable for consumers.

According to a recent study by J.D. Power, among the early adopters who own an EV, 82% say they will definitely consider purchasing an EV in the future. This study suggests further that the trend to switch to EV’s is not going away anytime soon.

The inaugural study was on overall EV ownership, to measure electric vehicle owner satisfaction. The study was done on a 1,000-point scale in premium and mass market segments, including seven factors: accuracy of stated battery range; availability of public charging stations; battery range; cost of ownership; driving enjoyment; ease of charging at home; and vehicle quality and reliability.

The study found that 95% of EV owners whose satisfaction level exceeded a score of 900 say they will purchase another EV in the future. And of those nearly two-thirds of these owners say they definitely will purchase from the same brand. But as satisfaction declined, less consumers were likely to purchase the same brand again.

As you might expect – as it is a common fear for many looking to make the switch – range anxiety still remains as one of the top concerns amongst EV consumers. Though most owners will drive much less than the battery’s range for their shopping trip or commute to work, it is all about peace of mind. Consumers want to know that they have more than enough battery life, in case they get into a sticky situation.

Building off of range anxiety, the second largest issue that contributes to consumer satisfaction is public charging infrastructure. The study – which is based out of the United States – indicates that satisfaction is highest in the West, but it still only comes in at 616 points. The BC government continues to be dedicated to increasing public charging stations, so I am confident if the study were to have included data on BC EV ownership experience, we would have seen fairly high satisfaction!

As more and more consumers make the switch to EV’s, studies like this one remain increasingly important. They will help manufacturers make the necessary improvements to ensure higher customer satisfaction with the switch to EV’s and contribute to a cleaner future.

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

 

PS Congratulations to BC Parks and ICBC for celebrating their four-year anniversary milestone with over 200,000 park themed license plates sold. Proceeds from the sale & renewals of BC Parks plates are re-invested back into provincial parks. Learn more about the program: https://bcparks.ca/licence-plates/

 

 

 

The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unprecedented decline in driving as many of us did not do the daily commute to and from work – and instead, worked from home. Over the last several months, while an increasing number of individuals have returned to their workplaces, the new normal for many continues to involve working from their own residence, getting their entertainment and purchasing goods from the comfort of their homes as well.

That means many of us are not, at least for the time being, utilizing our vehicles to the extent we might typically do. And while that may mean your car or truck is accumulating less wear and tear, there is still some basic caretaking maintenance required.

So, as you physically distance and spend time indoors, the following (which was included in a recent communication from Nissan Canada to its customers) is a few tips to ensure the health of your vehicle is maintained:

• Start your vehicle at least once a week, and drive it long enough that it reaches operating temperature (check your Owner’s Manual for details). And driving periodically will help maintain the vehicle battery’s charge. Run the air conditioner on occasion to keep all the parts working and air quality fresh.
• Fill the tank with gas to full if you expect the vehicle to be parked for a month or longer and make sure to follow a regular oil change plan. A full gas tank will help prevent moisture from accumulating inside the fuel tank, which could lead to poor operation.
• Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of your tires — the correct pressures can be found in your Owner’s Manual. Then, open the hood and refer to your Owner’s Manual on how to check your vehicle’s fluid levels.
• To avoid flat spots in your tires, be sure to move your vehicle from time to time so that the full weight of your vehicle is dispersed evenly on your tires over time.
• Wash and dry your vehicle. Any contamination like water stains or bird droppings left on the car can damage the paint. Then, vacuum the interior and wipe down the dash and other surfaces. Ensure that high-touch surfaces on vehicles are regularly and thoroughly disinfected.

While we may still be in the throes of winter, an early spring cleaning of your vehicle may be a welcome distraction. After a winter in which your car or truck may still be carrying the lingering effects of salt and sand, both can damage its finish and encourage corrosion if they remain unchecked. A thorough wash is the best way to properly clean and flush the salt and sand from your vehicle’s body, panel gaps, undercarriage, wheels, and wheel wells.

However, if you want to treat your car to the ultimate cleaning and protection, a complete spring detailing and vehicle service by your local new car dealer may be exactly what you are looking for.

Dealerships are taking all of the proper precautions to ensure the health and safety of all patrons and staff with thorough sanitization, physical distancing measures, required mask wearing and many dealerships are offering by appointment only. It is not only a great way to provide intensive cleaning for your beloved vehicle, but a way to support your local dealerships at this time too.

As we continue to make our way through this new normal, take the time to take care of yourself, your family and other loved ones. There is a light at the end of the tunnel as a national vaccination program continues to roll out, and we will get through it by supporting each other.

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

 

 

 

 

In the last several years, BC’s New Car Dealers have highlighted occasions when the province has made funding and policy decisions that influence the ongoing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in this province – and there have been several.

British Columbia has assumed a leadership role, with more EV sales per capita than anywhere else in North America. This is due in large part to initiatives like electric vehicle rebates through the CleanBC Go Electric Program, which involves a point-of-purchase rebate of $3,000 when purchasing electric vehicles in BC and $1,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The latest initiative to be announced doubles the rebate for the purchase of commercial EVs through the Specialty-use Vehicle Incentive (SUVI) and Commercial Vehicle Pilot (CVP) programs.

The SUVI program is receiving $31 million in funding through StrongerBC, the Province’s economic recovery plan, to double the maximum rebates for medium and heavy-duty vehicles available for B.C. businesses, local and regional governments, public sector organizations and non-profit organizations in their adoption of specialty-use zero-emission vehicles.

Those purchasing eligible vehicles will have access to 33% of the cost, up to a maximum of $100,000 per vehicle, up from $50,000 maximum.

Vehicles eligible for SUVI rebates include medium- and heavy-duty vehicles such as battery electric or hydrogen-fuelled passenger buses, airport and port service vehicles and heavy-duty transport trucks, as well as smaller specialty-use vehicles including motorcycles, cargo e-bikes, and low-speed utility trucks.

Organizations in B.C. can also access $11 million in support for piloting unique or large deployments of medium- and heavy-duty or very large electric vehicles (EVs), such as domestic air, marine or rail transportation through the Commercial Vehicle Pilot program. Eligible applicants can compete to receive up to one-third of total costs in rebates for vehicles and charging or refuelling infrastructure.

Of course, purchase rebates remain only part of the equation, and investment and policy decisions that will facilitate greater access to EV charging stations at home, at work and on major transportation corridors are also required to encourage further EV adoption.

In this area, government has also been proactive, announcing late in 2020 that British Columbians can receive double the amount per rebate to buy and install EV charging stations at their home or at work. As a result, homeowners can access a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs for an eligible EV charger to a maximum of $700. Workplaces and residents living in condos or apartments that purchase and install chargers can receive a rebate of up to 50% of costs to a maximum of $4,000.

An ongoing commitment and thoughtful solutions are required for BC to maintain its leadership position and its target of all new light duty vehicles purchased being electric, by 2040 – an ultimate goal that is good for the environment and the economy.

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

 

As of January 2021, ICBC’s road improvement program celebrated 30 years. The program means that ICBC is committed to spending money on roads and this attributes to fewer crashes, fewer injuries, and fewer wrecked cars.

For the past 30 years, ICBC’s road improvement program has created incredible innovations in road safe audits and they have invested over $209 million in more than 7,600 projects. I thank ICBC for their leadership in making our roads as safe as possible and look forward to supporting them in their endeavours.

I share their desire to make sure BC drivers and our roads are safe. When ICBC launched the road improvement program in 1990, it was the first of its kind in North America and became the model for other programs.

In its initial decade of operation, the program helped co-fund a broad range of projects including rumble strips, signals, barrier installations and intersection re-design. ICBC also looked at improving visibility on BC roads with upgraded highly reflective road signs and replacing stop signs.

In the second decade, ICBC continued to work on improving high-crash and high-risk locations. This included major projects on high-risk corridors such as Highway 3 from Princeton to Hope, reviewing sign and pavement markings for upgrades to best practices, expanding the roundabout program to new communities and completing numerous road safety audits.

In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2011-2020 to be the Decade of Action for Road Safety. The goal was to stabilize and reduce traffic fatalities. I know that ICBC has continued to work on road safety to ensure these goals are fulfilled. It is not only because of the new vehicle safety technologies added by manufacturers, but also due to ICBC’s focus on safety that traffic fatalities have continued to steadily decline.

Every year, ICBC invests approximately eight million dollars in road improvement projects and studies in BC. According to ICBC, this has led to a 24% reduction in serious crashes and 15% reduction in property damage claims.

The road improvement program is one aspect of ICBC’s commitment to help make BC roads safer. ICBC’s road safety investments focus on the systemic causes of crashes – drivers, roads and vehicles – and support programs that are proven to prevent crashes and help keep everyone safer.

Road safety is an ongoing issue and one that I hope remains at the forefront. I hope we continue to work on safe roads in British Columbia, for the good of our entire community.

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

As we come to the end of the second week of the new year, I wanted to take the time to reflect on the last year and how far the auto industry has come in terms of sales numbers after nosediving earlier in the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we still await the much-anticipated provincial numbers, we can look to the Canadian sales as a snapshot of the market.

It was one of our most challenging years to date, as Canada saw a total of 1.54 million units sold – which was the lowest market total since the end of the recession in 2009. But I have a glass half full approach and I would like to applaud our industry and look at the positives of the last year.

According to reports by DesRosiers Automotive Consultant Inc, at the end of Q3 we only saw about a 20% decline in sales from where we are at the same time in 2019. As I have said before, this number that would have once seemed alarming – but given where we were at the beginning of the pandemic, this news is quite positive (we were down 75% in sales in April, 2020).

Estimated sales for December only fell 2.6% from the same month in 2019 with a total decline of 19.7% with the month outperforming November in percentage terms. Again, not something we would typically be happy about – but it gives me hope for 2021 and an upward trend that should continue.

One trend from 2019 that carried on in 2020 was consumers moving away from passenger cars to light trucks, with the light truck market (which includes the very popular cross over utility vehicles) share reaching 79.9% – a total that DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. notes is easily a new record.

Ford continues to be a market leader and 2020 proved no different, as they sold 239,368 units. They were down almost 50,000 units from 2019, which marked a close to 17 % decline on par with overall Canadian sales. They have the largest market share coming in at 15.6%, just ahead of General Motors at 14.2%.

Kia and Genesis seemed to come out the strongest this year, seeing declines of only 5.5% and 4.1%. Of luxury brands, Mercedes led the market in total volume with overall brand sales of 35,396 units – a decline of 22.8% from the year end totals of 2019.

These year end numbers are by no means perfect news, but I hope they give us a small glimpse of what is to come. I remain optimistic for 2021, in not only seeing sales numbers back to where they were but seeing a stronger, more efficient industry, even more focused on an improved customer experience.

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