Auto Blog

The weather in BC is finally heating up and for many drivers that means getting out and about to enjoy the glorious summer we have here in B.C.

But before you get your car revved up for some summer fun, you should familiarize yourself with a few preventative measures to keep it from overheating. By this I’m not referring to the engine, but rather the inside of the vehicle, which can feel like an oven after sitting in the sun for long periods of time.

If you don’t have access to a garage when parking your vehicle for the day, or even a few hours, try to find a shady area. It may mean walking a bit further to your destination but getting into a car that has been sitting in hot weather can sometimes feel like you’re being cooked alive.

I know it may seem like a good idea to leave the windows rolled down to air out your vehicle as you go to run a quick errand, but it’s important to always lock your vehicle doors and close the windows, even if you’re gone for just a couple of minutes. A couple of minutes is all it takes for theft to occur. Instead, utilize the window visors to block the sun’s rays. If you’re looking for even more protection, buy a sunshade to cover your window. They’re relatively inexpensive and you can find ones to block not only the front windshield, but also the side and back windows, for good measure.

If you want to avoid that feeling of a hot seat when you get back into your car – especially ones with vinyl or leather interiors – consider throwing a towel or blanket across them while you’re away. Another trick is to place a small towel on the steering wheel, which will keep your hands from having to grasp a hot surface when you’re ready to drive off.

It’s also a good idea to keep precious items in the car out of the sun, such as electronic devices or food items that could easily melt and potentially stain the interior. Consider placing these items in the trunk or take them with you when you leave the vehicle.

Plan ahead to have some extra water in the car with you at all times, especially in the summer months. The hydration could come in handy in the event of a breakdown or any other unexpected event on the road.

Finally, make sure not to leave any pets in a heated car (or kids, but that should really go without saying). Every summer there are heartbreaking stories of animals left unattended in stuffy, overheated cars with the windows rolled up. When you take your pet to the beach, and want to stop for coffee or lunch along the way, be sure to take him with you even if it’s “just for a minute.” Even with the windows cracked, temperatures in a hot car can multiply in just a few minutes, which is the same amount of time it would take for you to tie his leash up outside in a shady area.

As always, have fun, stay cool and be safe!

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

The latest national new vehicle sales report by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants provide both some encouraging news, but also underlines some of the challenges the automotive sector faces as it continues to navigate its way through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest vehicle sales report reveals that June saw both a relative improvement in the national sales picture but some wild swings in provincial performances.

While total year to date national sales are down 34.2 percent from last year, BC sales are slightly better off, down about 33 percent– but given the significant hit the sector took when the pandemic emerged, the results are encouraging. It’s an upward trend we hope to see continue over the next several months.

The online publication Driving.ca recently released a list of Canada’s top ten best-selling vehicles. The results show that even a pandemic does not slow the sale of pickup trucks, SUVs and Crossover Utility Vehicles in this country. According DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, large pickups actually accounted for 19.1 percent of total light vehicle sales in the second quarter of 2019 and this grew to 23.1 percent amidst the lockdowns of the second quarter of 2020. Small pickups presented a perhaps even more remarkable story with their share rising from 2.1 percent to 3.5 percent.

Each of Canada’s four top-selling vehicles in the first half of the year were full size pickup trucks. This is a departure from the pre-recession era of 2008 when compact cars were the top selling models in the market. Full-size pickup trucks are actually on track to sell more than 100,000 extra units than in 2009.

In the first half of 2020, out of Canada’s 10 best-selling vehicles only two were cars. Let’s take a look at some of the vehicles that make this year’s top ten list. The Honda CR-V sold 17,661 units in the first half of 2020. This vehicle is a testament to the popularity of vehicles that are built in Canada. The Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling Honda vehicles, known for its well-balanced ride and capable powertrain.

The Toyota Rav4 is another clear favourite amongst Canadian consumers, which managed to sell 20,596 units so far this year. This puts the vehicle on a clear track towards a fifth consecutive year as Canada’s top-selling SUV/crossover.

The vehicles in the top four spots are all excellent pickup trucks, with the Ford F-Series taking the leading spot. They sold 56,466 units – down just 25 percent, compared to the vehicle in the tenth spot being down 51 percent. The vehicle is still on track for a calendar year in excess of 100,000 sales – a feat no other vehicle line has accomplished in Canada. 2020 is on track to be the 12^th consecutive year in which the F-Series snagged the number one position.

It is likely that the COVID economic recovery process is going to take time and will be gradual. A number of auto makers are adjusting and providing various ways to help reduce any buying anxiety consumers may be experiencing. It comes in the form of purchase incentives, payment relief or lease payment extensions – make sure to do some research to establish what particular purchase arrangements may work best for you.

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

By definition, disruption is rarely invited, and is almost always forced upon us unexpectedly. Usually it’s in the form of some kind of evolution that forces substantial change or innovation – but no established industry is likely ever prepared for disruption of the kind that has occurred as a result of COVID-19.

In the span of several months, the global pandemic has presented each and every one of us with new challenges, producing economic, political, and social disruptions many of us have never experienced. It’s changed the way we live and work – upending entire industries, including the automotive sector.

This new reality has changed, perhaps forever, the car buying experience – by hastening the transition of car dealerships into the digital landscape and resulting in a significant change to the way people approach purchasing a new vehicle. However, as many are already well accustomed to making purchases online, this new business model presents unique and exciting opportunities for prospective buyers.

In a business known for its personal interaction, the pandemic forced many dealerships to re-adjust their business models. As we have moved into late spring and early summer, more dealers moved to home delivery and virtual appointments – and there are many who would suggest home delivery, over time will become part of the new normal.
As the health and safety of our customers has always been a key foundational pillar of our industry, direct store-to-door services offer dealers a chance to connect with new customers virtually, thus providing the same stellar service they would find when they walk through our doors. It puts the buyer in the driver’s seat with transparent pricing and more options to browse and consider, all from the comfort of their homes. Those dealers who don’t adapt will be forced to play catch-up while much of the industry has already taken the necessary steps forward.

Mike Stollery, Chairman of our federal association, CADA, suggests the sector has “moved more in the last 10 weeks than we have in the past 10 years.” He also suggests, because customers are at home where they are relaxed, the car buying experience is less stressful. Buyers who may have previously felt some degree of apprehension can now enjoy the thrill of purchasing a new car in a way that suits their individual needs. And perhaps even in their pajamas.

In some jurisdictions, home deliveries have shot up from less than 5% of new-vehicle sales to nearly a quarter of all sales. Certainly this presents a challenge to dealerships who serve rural or more remote locations, but it’s a new reality we all need to adapt to.

In British Columbia, we have been fortunate to be guided by sound, strategic health care leadership – and it’s a credit to the people of this province who have to a large extent cooperated by following health guidelines and demonstrated patience during such a difficult period.

Today, signs of recovery are visible but with it there are also cautions about further turbulence given the volatile nature of the pandemic in many areas of the world. The ever-changing situation underscores the need for automotive companies and as a result, dealers, to remain nimble – while also remaining vigilant in ensuring sanitization and physical distancing are adhered to in their environment.

Obviously consumer confidence and the economy are inextricably linked, and both remain challenged, at least for the foreseeable future.

Through our collective efforts, I have no doubt that auto companies will emerge from this experience with a fresh set of ideas and a new outlook to carry into the future. Of course, in the coming months we’ll have a better idea of how this will look long term, but change is a part of life. And for our creative industry professionals, it’s one we’ll embrace with open arms going forward.

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

Segments of the Market Showing Signs of Improvement

I have said this many times before, but it remains important to reiterate. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on a wide range of things in the lives of so many. It has been a challenging time, and at moments it may seem hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The same can be said for the devastating impact that has been felt on the economy – and the auto industry has been no exception.

According to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, Canadian light vehicle sales were down 74.6% in April and 44% in May. It was hard to see such a decrease in sales during that period. However, we were excited to see that June saw the release of some pent-up demand in the market and we were only down 16.2% for the month with an estimated 155,439 units sold.

There is still plenty of uncertainty in the months to come, but for the time being we have finally seen a positive in the bleak market. It is also interesting to see how consumer preferences have shifted over the past few months.

DesRosiers showcases a few brand-level points of note for the first half of 2020. Year-to-date sales at Kia fell 24.6%, which was the smallest decrease among reporting brands. General Motors also saw a relatively strong performance (down only 26.1%), which pushed the company within a few thousand units of Ford – who is currently in the position of sales volume leader.

It is also important to share some changes in the types of vehicles that consumers are purchasing. Large pickups accounted for 19.1% of total light vehicle sales in the second quarter of 2019 and this share grew to 23.1% in the second quarter of 2020 – even amongst all of the uncertainty.

Small pickups presented an uplifting story with their share rising from 2.1% to 2.5%. SUV’s also saw a market increase from 45.3% to 47.1%, but the performance among specific segments was somewhat mixed.

The luxury side of the market, which includes passenger cars and light trucks, performed well – seeing an increase of 11.5% from 11.2%. This development is especially interesting, considering luxury sales can be especially sensitive to economic downturns.

Though the market is certainly not all sunshine and rainbows at the moment, it is refreshing to see that we are getting our sales back so quickly in these times that continue to be uncertain. I can only hope that these sales continue in an upward trend.

And again, I am proud of the work that has been done in BC through the pandemic and beyond. Our industry has proved to be resilient and helped their communities by giving back during these challenging times.

Continue to stay safe and be kind, everyone.

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

 

As British Columbia adjust to the current Phase 3 of the province’s Restart Plan, we are beginning to see more and more of what the new normal looks like.

In the midst of what is typically the peak vehicle sales season, we are starting the slow return to some level of normalcy and recovery. In April, we saw new vehicle sales numbers crater by over 70 percent, but thankfully over the past two months we are slowly starting to see an increase in sales.

It is no secret that the past few months have been an extremely difficult time for virtually all business sectors, including automotive. While the vast majority of dealers kept their service and parts departments open to continue essential repairs and maintenance work, revenue from those crucial departments has been nowhere close to what is typical.

Now, as we move forward, consumers have made it even more clear that they want service providers they can trust, that can make them feel safe and offer support when so much seems to be overwhelming. As a result, we need to remain vigilant and continue to provide a safe, welcoming environment.

During this time, we are seeing many businesses and corporations reaching out – not in marketing or overt attempts to gain a competitive edge, but to offer genuine support. Initiatives that include payment relief and credit support may be critical for customers in the short term, and the impact will build positive relationships that are bound to last long after the crisis has ended. It makes me relieved to see so much good come out of a very challenging situation.

Customers’ normal patterns of life have shifted remarkably in the last few months. Simple activities like a trip to the grocery store or dining out with friends have been impacted. As a result, digital delivery has become a necessity for many customers, even among the most “digitally resistant” customers. In our world, companies that can make a positive impact by picking up and dropping off vehicles for repair and maintenance will have a positive impact. The same applies to dealers that can increasingly offer customers a choice of how much or little of the car searching, car appraising and car buying process they want to conduct online. I am thrilled to see so many dealers adapting to these needs to ensure safety for customers and employees alike.

The COVID-19 crisis will end at some point and while consumer preferences and business models will likely outlast the immediate crisis, it’s important to recognize that as they become acclimatized to new digital and remote models of service, it will accelerate behavior shifts that were already underway before the crisis.

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

Though summer officially started on June 20, we’re only just starting to see some hot weather here in BC. However, this isn’t always just fun and games! In the dog days of summer, as temperatures rise, traffic increases and drivers need to fight the temptation to drive aggressively.

So how do you counter the heat and frustration and not let it get under your skin?

Condition yourself to the reality that there are some things in your control and others that you have no control over.

We all have our favorite summer destinations, and suffering through traffic jams is the price we gladly pay for getting there. So, plan your route in advance by checking out DriveBC.ca for the latest information on driving conditions, any construction projects that may create delays and weather conditions – and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.

If traveling with the family and/or young ones, carve out time for meals or a visit to a local attraction to break up the monotony of a long trip. Remember to check what is open and what is not – as many restrictions still apply, even in Phase 3 of the BC re-opening plan.

Congested roads make for harder driving conditions and greater potential for aggressive driving and road rage. Likewise, vacationing drivers are often unfamiliar with the roads, which can lead to erratic or unpredictable decisions, so in both cases, give them a wide berth. Though there may not be as many vacationers this year, due to international travel restrictions, it is still something to be mindful of.

We all know that when the summer mood kicks in, we want to drive faster and enjoy the wind, but this rush of adrenaline comes at the great cost of endangering the lives of those around us. Use caution and observe speed limits.

When driving in your own community during the hot summer months, it’s easy to lose your cool as other drivers may cut you off or duck into a parking stall ahead of you. Keep your cool. Take a deep breath – because an accident or potential altercation isn’t worth it.

When you park your vehicle, make sure to take your kids or pets along. Even a few minutes can turn a locked car into a sauna. The vast majority of vehicular heatstroke victims are three-years of age or younger and this is the time of year when adults need to be extra vigilant.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record to those who read these columns on a regular basis, please exercise caution during these hot months when the forest fire danger becomes extreme – and butt out cigarettes appropriately.

Summer is definitely meant to be enjoyed to the fullest, but with a little planning and caution, it should also be safe for everyone.

Have fun, be calm and stay safe out there!

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

 

 

 

 

The Canada Day weekend – that time of year when families from coast to coast celebrate everything that makes this country the best place on earth. And even though things may look a lot different this year, many families will still come together to celebrate in a way that is safe and cautious.

As we have entered phase 3 of reopening, many British Columbians will be looking at traveling a bit farther in the province than previously allowed. Canada Day will involve driving to visit family or embarking on the first road trip of the summer. But in all the excitement of the holiday weekend, and the various sights and sounds that can serve as distractions, be extra cautious when traveling on our roadways. Plan ahead to ensure your journey is a positive one.

The following may appear obvious, but serve as important reminders:

• Make sure your vehicle is in top shape. Have it inspected by your local dealer’s service shop if it hasn’t been for a while. Replace fluids, if needed. Inspect tires and don’t forget to inspect your spare tire.
• Pack lots of snacks and drinks/water.
• Plan your route in advance to avoid unnecessary kilometres and frustration.
• Reduce or eliminate distractions like cell phones.
• Take a deep breath and enjoy the scenery!

Warm weather brings a greater number of road construction projects across the province, each of which involve inherent safety risks – for drivers, cyclists and road construction crew members. As much as road construction delays may be frustrating, give yourself extra time to get to your destination, research alternative routes or plan your schedule around periods when traffic may not be at its maximum. Furthermore, pay close attention to the speed limits in construction zones and use common sense and consideration in a construction area where flag-personnel and other work crew members are simply trying to do their jobs.

If traveling in rural or remote areas of the province, be aware that wildlife is typically more abundant in the summer as their young become more mobile and more likely to join their parents when crossing the road to find new habitat or food.

Cyclists can be an unpredictable element that drivers will encounter more often during the summer. While the expectation may be that cyclists will use hand signals or follow the general rules of the road, that isn’t always the case, so give them plenty of space and observe them with caution. Likewise, when sharing the road with motorcyclists, know that they don’t have the same ability to brake as quickly as you can in a vehicle, so give them lots of space as well.

There are some useful websites such as DriveBC.ca that can be of great assistance in route planning. If driving plans include mountain passes, please prepare for all forms of conditions, given the snowfall at higher elevations only days ago. That aside, summer is the time to create great memories for you and your loved-ones – so make it a holiday long weekend worth remembering for all the right reasons.

Please also be aware of the existing forest fire danger and do not toss your cigarette butts – dispose of them appropriately.

And one final reminder – while you’re enjoying your Canada Day and Canada Day weekend, remember to listen to government health officials and the distance of travel that is recommended.

Have a Happy and Safe Canada Day!

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

 

 

 

 

As our great province moves into the next phase of restarting the economy, the New Car Dealers of BC can be a significant part of the solution. In early June I had the privilege of meeting with the BC Legislature’s Select Standing Committee on Finance & Government Services, as part of its pre-budget consultation, to discuss the ways in which the BC’s New Car Dealers can help drive BC’s economy – should the government accept our recommendations to move forward.

There are a few recommendations related to further incentivizing consumers and addressing key obstacles that will help to drive local economies across the province. Let’s take our foot off the brake and put it down on the accelerator!

Firstly, we recommended adjustments to the luxury tax on vehicles, which currently applies to all vehicles over $55,000.  Right now, BC car buyers pay 7% PST on vehicles priced below $55,000. That rises to 8% for vehicles priced between $55,000 and $55,999, then to 9% on a price of $56,000 to $56,999, and then 10 percent on vehicles over $57,000.

In 2018, an additional supertax was added for buyers of vehicles with Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) between $125,000 and $149,000 requiring 15% PST, and cars priced at $150,000 and higher come with 20% PST. These luxury surtaxes have had an unintended consequence of a 33% decrease in PST, as many buyers make their purchases out of province. More urgently, we again recommend that the Government take the luxury tax off of pick up and work trucks. It just doesn’t seem right that you can buy an $88,000 watch and not pay luxury tax, but if you need a $65,000 pick-up truck for work or your lifestyle, you have to pay luxury tax. Let’s get our priorities right!

We’ve also recommended further funding to the highly successful CleanBC-Go Electric Vehicle Purchase and Scrap-It BC programs, to incentivize consumers to purchase greener vehicles. BC’s electric vehicle adoption was the highest in North America in 2019, with 10% EV sales compared to all new vehicle sales – compared to 7% in Quebec and 8% in California. We recommend additional funding to continue this trend and encourage British Columbians to get moving again.

Finally, we’ve recommended the continued investment in skilled trades training in the province. More and more consumers are choosing to drive EV’s, and cars and trucks are becoming more technically complex, so it is imperative that continued funding goes into programs like the newly developed EV Maintenance Training Program at BCIT. Programs like these will continue to drive workers into the automotive trade and ensure they have the necessary skills and training to properly repair these vehicles.

The automotive industry is a significant driver of the economy in British Columbia and through these added efforts we can work to put the pedal to the metal and rev-up our economic recovery.

Stay safe out there and remember to follow all health guidelines as BC moves into Phase 2 of its Restart Plan.

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

 

Over the last several months, the attention for most British Columbians has been the COVID-19 pandemic – and rightfully so. However, as the BC Government and Public Health adjust health guidelines, the goal is that BC transitions to some level of ‘new normal’. This also brings with it a cautious note to British Columbians.

We are now approaching the time of year that many British Columbians begin to enjoy sunny, warm conditions, beach weather and exploration of the great outdoors. However, the onset of great weather also brings with it other areas that require our attention.

Each spring and summer, medical professionals and first responders reminder drivers about the dangers associated with leaving a small child or pet inside a parked vehicle. Yet, each year, media reports continue that illustrate the tragic outcomes that can often result of forgetting about the precious cargo in vehicles.

The first and only rule is simply to never leave your child or pet unattended in a vehicle during warm weather, period – even for a few minutes. The heat inside a vehicle can quickly rise to become dangerous or fatal, even when the windows are cracked open.

Unfortunately, there are instances when a child is left unattended for no other reason than their presence has slipped the mind of a parent who may be overwhelmed, distracted or exhausted. People often assume that because something is important, it will stay top of mind, but that isn’t always the case. Consider the number of times you might drive to a specific destination but don’t recall every aspect of the journey. It’s muscle memory that at least in part has guided your journey, and many of the functions were simply instinctive.

Police and safety advocates suggest parents develop routines that will help. This may include leaving a personal item you may require at your next stop – like a purse, brief case or cell phone next to the child as an additional reminder. Likewise, it may involve texting the other parent to confirm a drop-off.

Apps have also been developed to remind parents that a child may be in the back seat after a vehicle has come to a stop. Using Bluetooth technology, Precious Cargo, Kars4Kids and Google Maps are some examples of the many apps that connect to a vehicle’s radio and once the engine stops, the driver receives an alert.

Car seat manufacturers are also getting involved and in some cases, offering built-in alarm functions thanks to innovative chest clips that alert parents if the vehicle has turned off or if the driver’s cell phone has left the vehicle, but the child is still clipped in.

As a parent, establish a specific routine, do your research and examine the latest technology that may provide an added level of security because nothing is more important than the health and safety of your loved-ones.

Secondly, on another safety related topic, it’s no secret that forest fires have become an increasing cause for alarm in many areas of the province. Yet, each year many of these blazes are the result of carelessness in one form or another, including drivers who toss cigarette butts from their vehicle windows. Everyone needs to be conscious of the fire hazard and apply common sense. The FireSmartBC provides excellent resources on the precautions to take: https://firesmartbc.ca/

As we enter Phase 2 of the BC Restart Plan and restrictions start to let up, it is still important to observe the advice of Public Health. So, monitor developments and be cautious when planning  summer road trips. At the time of this writing, the government is still asking people to stay close to home. Enjoy a drive and the warmer weather – just remember to remain respectful.

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

In the past two weeks, British Columbia and other jurisdictions have begun the process of re-opening various sectors of the economy – and in a responsible and cautious manner, implementing various health and safety protocols.

BC’s New Car Dealers were identified early on as providing essential services that were important to maintain during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, dealerships have been operating in a safe environment throughout – for vehicle owners requiring maintenance, servicing, and warranty recalls, especially servicing for our amazing front line and emergency support workers. And while not top of mind for many, dealers have also been open and available for consumers looking to purchase vehicles or renew expiring lease agreements.

Given the current environment, it’s only natural that consumers continue to experience some level of anxiety and concern upon entering any business establishment. As a result, when customers enter a BC New Car Dealer, they are greeted with posters or digital screens that outline the COVID-19 safety plans being administered by that particular dealership.

The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) also created a health and safety toolkit for dealer members to ensure all are provided the latest health guidelines protocols laid out by Public Health Officers and WorkSafeBC, intended to protect customers and staff – some of which include:

• disinfection of all frequently used areas such as the showroom, service and parts reception areas, washroom and waiting area – multiples times each day;
• physical distancing at all times, as identified through additional signage on flooring, partitions;
• limiting the number of customers inside at any one time; and,
• conducting meetings with customers, where possible, through video conference or telephone.

Furthermore, recommendations have been provided that all vehicles dropped off for service are disinfected on the driver touch points at the time of drop off and again before pick-up, including keys. Many dealers are also only allowing only one customer per shuttle vehicle, which is then disinfected after each trip, with additional hand sanitizer and gloves made available where possible.

BC’s New Car Dealers welcome the release of the initial set of WorkSafeBC guidelines to assist businesses and organizations develop their plans to operate and re-open safely, as this will help us further strengthen safety plans dealers already have in place.

As we begin to enter what many have coined the “new normal”, BC’s New Car Dealers will continue to adapt and create new procedures to provide the greatest level of confidence and safety to their employees and customers as possible. As an example, on the car-buying front, some dealers have launched a “buy from home” program which allows purchasers to browse vehicles online, email a dealer with their vehicle of interest, who then delivers a sanitized vehicle for a 24-hour test drive. All documentation can then be prepared online and over the phone – all from the comfort of your own home.

One final note – with more warm, sunny weather now upon us, please observe the precautions of BC’s Public Health Officer and resist the temptation to embark on non-essential travel – stay close to home! Our united efforts have had such a positive impact – let’s continue to work together to flatten the curve. Stay safe!

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