Auto Blog

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].

 

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]