NCDA in the Media

Background
The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) was invited to submit an Abstract research paper for the 33rd Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS33) Portland, Oregon, June 14 – 17, 2020. While the Symposium was cancelled due to COVID-19, the NCDA’s Abstract paper was accepted by presenters and the judging committee. See read your copy of the Abstract, download below.

Abstract Summary
A decade ago, the notion of electric vehicle (EV) sales making a dent in British Columbia’s new car market was viewed by many as a just that – a notion. Today, much has changed because of an approach based on partnerships and collaboration. The CleanBC Go Electric Program (formerly the Clean Energy Vehicle Program) was launched to address key barriers such as vehicle cost, charging and refuelling infrastructure, and public awareness. Partner organizations including the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA), provincial and local governments shared their support and commitment to produce substantial results, making BC one of the world leaders in EV adoption.

View the abstract here.

Author
Blair Qualey, President & CEO
New Car Dealers Association of BC
380-8029 199th Street
Langley, BC V2Y 0E2
[email protected]

As with today’s 21st century shows, early exhibitions featured upcoming models, sentimental classics and cutting-edge technologies

Published by The Province

With the Vancouver International Auto Show celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2020, we’re looking back on its history with a four-part series leading up to the March 25-29 show. In part one today, we cover the years 1920 to 1945, a time of great upheaval and dramatic world events, and also an era when the automobile made the leap from rich man’s plaything to everyman’s conveyance. Read more.

A procession of 20 unique vehicles will be led by industry leader Jimmy Pattison through downtown March 25

Published by the Vancouver Courier – Highlights of the Vancouver International Auto Show!

It was September 1920, when the Vancouver Motor Dealers’ Association decided to show off the must-have cars and trucks of the day at the Pacific National Exhibition.

Looking at black and white photos from those early days, it’s obvious some effort was made to showcase the vehicles at their best. Potted and hanging ferns were set out amongst the cars and trucks in what was likely an attempt to spruce up the building, often used to showcase farm animals…read more here.

Thornhill, ON – July 2019

Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) Chair Perry Itzcovitch announced today that Aziz Ahamed of Destination Auto Group, Burnaby, BC, has won the 2019 CADA Laureate dealer recognition award for Business Innovation.

The Laureate award is considered to be the highest honour a new car and truck dealer can receive over the course of his or her career. Itzcovitch explained that, “Hundreds of nominations are received annually from fellow dealers, automobile manufacturers, and industry suppliers. But only three of the more than 3,200 dealers in Canada win the
Laureate award each year, so it’s an exclusive and prestigious honour.”

Laureate awards are presented each year to one dealer in each of three categories: Ambassadorship, Business Innovation, and Retail Operations. Mr. Ahamed received his Laureate award in the category of Business Innovation, for
initiatives that significantly enhance performance or broaden the scope of business for
new car and truck dealers.

iA Dealer Services, Canada’s leader in finance and insurance consulting to new car and truck dealers, is the Laureate program’s exclusive sponsor. Alnoor Jiwani, Senior Vice-President, acknowledged Aziz Ahamed’s achievement. “Aziz completely changed the structure of his organization in 2016, and set about building a unique culture for his
dealer group. The results have been impressive in terms of revenue growth, along with customer and employee retention. Aziz and his team are constantly introducing new business methods that have a significant, positive impact.”

Laureate award winners are selected by the Ivey Business School at Western University in London, Ontario, from a group of 15 national finalists. Professor June Cotte said, “Leading edge professional human resource management is one of the hallmarks of Aziz Ahamed’s operation. The organization’s ‘professionalism’ is outstanding. They are very
professional in all areas of operations, and they constantly introduce new innovations that contribute to their success.”
Mr. Ahamed received the good news by phone from CADA Chair Perry Itzcovitch, after which he said, “To join this most prestigious family of CADA Laureates, and to have this national recognition, was profoundly humbling. I was overjoyed, and I’m sure my employees will be very happy. The most important thing for auto dealers today is to be reinventing themselves on a continuous basis, whether that be the employees or processes. Our efficiency and responsiveness to the new challenges we face is also key.”

The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association is the national voice of new car and truck dealers in Canada, with headquarters in Thornhill, Ontario, and a government relations office in Ottawa. Its wide-ranging mandate includes helping member dealers improve their overall operations, and implementing initiatives that strengthen the relationship between new car and truck dealers and the communities they serve.

Release Date: July 25, 2019
For more information contact: John White, CADA President & CEO
+1 905 940-4959

Published from CADA
June 25th, 2019

CADA has officially revealed the names of the 2019 CADA Laureate winners: Jamie Massie of Georgian Chevrolet Buick GMC in Barrie, Ont., is the Ambassador Laureate; Aziz Ahamed of Destination Auto Group, Burnaby, B.C., is the Business Innovator Laureate; and Charles Saillant of Ste-Foy Toyota, Québec, Que., rounds out the group as Retail Operations Laureate.

The announcement follows the unveiling of the 15 finalists of the CADA Laureate recognition program, which was delivered by CADA in conjunction with the program’s exclusive sponsor iA Dealer Services on June 10.

“This is always a special time of year,” said White. “We are always proud to announce the winners of the CADA Laureate recognition program. These individuals have made their mark — they have distinguished themselves with their exceptional work in the dealer environment and their service to their community.”

The winners were selected by the Ivey Business School of Western University in London, Ont.

Massie was selected for his extraordinary service to the community and industry. According to the judges: “Amidst an elite group, Jamie Massie stands out for the sheer breadth and depth of his ambassadorship. With the Borden Legacy project, he accomplished an outstanding tribute to past Canadian forces members.” The judges also add that Massie was instrumental in the creation of the Canadian Automotive Institute at Georgian College.

Ahamed was selected for initiatives that significantly enhance performance or broaden the scope of business for new car and truck dealers. The judges said the extent of what his organization calls “professionalism” is outstanding. “There are very professional Finance and HR functions, with some of the interesting innovations including the ‘Under the Hood’ initiative, the Predictive Index (for talent acquisition, on-boarding, and on-going coaching), and the employee-led 80s Tracker.” This is among other innovations that have contributed to the company’s success.

Saillant was selected for his outstanding achievement within an individual dealership. “He simultaneously excelled in both sales and service, which can be difficult to optimize,” said the judges. “He has consistently outperformed his manufacturer’s national index, and the index for Quebec, for both sales and customer satisfaction.” They add that, in such a competitive market, Saillant has consistently exceeded market share objectives and “tops, or is near the top” of most Net Promoter Score lists.

CADA Chairman Perry Itzcovitch, who contacted the dealers to inform them of their new Laureate status, said they were deeply honoured to receive the recognition.

“All three gentlemen were extremely honoured and proud — proud to be part of CADA, proud to be recognized for their accomplishments and what they give back to their store, their customers, and their community,” said Itzcovitch. “Call it a lifetime achievement award for a car dealer, because at the end of the day we are measured through our performance — monthly with the factory, or annually with the dealer award programs, but within our industry this is really the pinnacle award as far as recognizing us for outstanding performance in the field that we are in.”

The CADA Laureate award is the most exclusive recognition a dealer can receive over the course of their career. Only three individuals are recognized annually among more than 3,200 new car and truck dealers across Canada.

The winners, along with exclusive interviews with the 2019 CADA Laureates, will be featured in the next edition of Canadian auto dealer magazine.

Watch the CADA Laureate winners video here.

Posted March 29, 2019
Postmedia News

HEARD INSTINCT: Vancouver International Auto Show executive director Jason Heard’s blood contains more than father Phil’s Y chromosome. There’s gasoline, too. Heard Sr. has been involved with automobiles since 1990, when he launched Vancouver’s Molson Indy races as general manager. He’d already staged boat, floating-boat and RV shows. Inheriting that know-how, Jason began staging successive design exhibitions in 2004. Having formed Heard Productions Inc., father and son operated the Collector Car Show and Auction. The New Car Dealers Association of B.C.’s annual car show then retained them. They’ll likely go full throttle for next year’s its 100th running.

Read more…(click here)

Published by the Prince George Citizen, January 3, 2019

In my position with the New Car Dealers Association of B.C., I travel the province frequently and meet with many people on a host of industry and automotive-related issues. During a recent trip to Terrace, I had an opportunity to spend time with Lucy Sager to hear about what she describes as the best “accidental project” of her life. It’s such a special story, I feel the need to share it with readers. Let me explain.

As someone who has spent much of her life in the Northwest and has had direct involvement in the resource industry, Lucy has been witness to a disturbing trend. Although increasing investment opportunities, including LNG are making their way to the region, there is a barrier to many Indigenous people gaining employment – a valid driver’s license. It’s required to travel to and from work which in many cases may be a remote or isolated community – and it’s also a requirement of working on a job site. For many this may seem like an issue that is inconsequential, so I will try and put this in perspective.

In some indigenous communities, as few as five per cent of the population have a valid driver’s license and in many the number is less than 50 per cent.
Instead of bemoaning the situation, Lucy explored the prospect of bringing in driving instructors from elsewhere, but that was cost prohibitive – so instead, she started the process of developing what is today the All Nations Driving Academy. Word began to spread.

The Haisla Nation called and has now established its own driver training program. Other Indigenous communities also started calling and this month, some 21 Indigenous communities along Highway 16 will be engaged in driver training programming and understanding next steps in operating their own schools. To be clear, Lucy is not selling franchises. She is passing on her knowledge and development model that allows indigenous communities to train themselves.

What began as a venture to help give people a tool they will need for employment, has become something much bigger. As Lucy tells it, “I realized something very special was happening. I started to see on their faces, how important this initiative was. In some cases, this is the most fulfilling thing they have accomplished – and it’s not just young people. We have experienced people in their 40s and 50s who have never driven themselves off of the reserve and now they are doing so for the first time.

“In a remote or isolated community, having a valid driver’s license is essential to accessing food, proper nutrition for your child, seeing a doctor. It’s also vital in an emergency, fleeing an abusive relationship or having an alternative to hitchhiking on a dangerous stretch of highway.

“In your heart you can’t help but ask how did we miss this? At the same time, it’s like we have handed individuals the key to freedom that we are all meant to have. It can’t help but touch you and in some ways I hope it is part of a healing process.”

After spending time with Lucy, and hearing from some of those who have been personally touched by the project spearheaded by her, I can’t help but imagine the prospects and potential impact, if applied on a broader level.

Blair Qualey is the president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of B.C.

For Immediate Release

Canadian Automobile Dealers Association formally joins Chamber-led Coalition to Keep Trade Free

(Ottawa, ON) – August 23, 2018 – Amid the escalating trade dispute between NAFTA signatories, the Canadian Automobile Association has formally joined the Coalition to Keep Trade Free led by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

“As we have seen, the trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada has only escalated over the last few weeks with U.S. President Donald Trump continuing to mount auto tariff threats against Canada,” said John White, President and CEO of CADA. “The continuation of free trade between NAFTA signatories is critical to the success of not only the automotive industry in both the U.S. and Canada, but all three economies at large. This is why we have leant our voice to the fight to keep free trade.”

In July, CADA released a report outlining the consequences of a 25 per cent auto tariff by the U.S. and proportional retaliatory measures by Canada. “Neither Canada nor the U.S. stand to gain from tariffs on an industry that accounts for 20 per cent of all trade between Canada and the U.S.,” said White. “This is not a time for tit-for-tat measures, but rather a time to ensure that we have a strong working relationship with our partners across the border. That is why this Coalition is resonating so strongly with representatives across all industries, and CADA looks forward to continuing to work with Coalition members towards a common goal.”
The Coalition to Keep Trade Free is an initiative driven by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and includes members from across all sectors of the economy. “We welcomed the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association’s participation in the Coalition and look forward to continuing to engage our American counterparts on our common fight to reach a prosperous NAFTA agreement,” said Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The Coalition provides communications support to members, including key messages, outreach templates, and social media support.

“By joining the Coalition to Keep Trade Free, CADA is lending its view and weight to this issue so critical to Canada’s prosperity,” said White. “The Coalition will have done its work if we end up with a more modernized NAFTA agreement, a centralized voice advocating for freer trade, and ultimately a sharpened Canadian economy.” Visit the Coalition’s website for more information by clicking here.

Observations from DesRosiers
Volume 32 | Issue 13 | July 15th, 2018

It is becoming increasingly clear that all roads in the automotive sector lead to electric vehicles. Whether they are pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or Plug-in Hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) or just hybrids can be debated but the vehicle companies are 100 percent committed to developing this technology. It is hard to get a precise estimate of the dollars committed globally by the industry but it is probably, give or take, upwards of a hundred billion dollars. Three or four OEMs alone have announced $10 billion dollar plus investments and just about every OEM has announced a total commitment to developing their own electric powertrain. Those in a position to test drive these vehicles also are raving about their performance.

Read more (click here)…

BC New Car Dealers Foundation funds new student awards 

Kelowna Capitol News

The New Car Dealers Foundation of British Columbia is helping power success with $10,000 annually in new awards for Trades and Business students at Okanagan College.

The annual awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 each will support students in the Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship and foundation programs, plus the Business Administration program.

“The demand for skilled automotive service technicians and business professionals is increasing throughout the automotive sector,” said Blair Qualey, president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of B.C.

“We see partnerships with training institutions like Okanagan College as integral to service delivery and the prosperity of our member dealerships.”

There are 29 new car dealer members in the Okanagan including six dealerships operated by Sentes Automotive.
Adam Rich, Sentes Automotive Group General Manager, says he hopes the awards will encourage more young people to enter the automotive industry and stay local after graduation.

“We’re always looking for more technicians. We know the value of the Okanagan College program, we’ve hired grads in the past, and we’re thrilled to support it,” said Rich.

“We are very grateful to the New Car Dealers Foundation for this investment in our students’ futures,” said Kathy Butler, executive director of the Okanagan College Foundation.

“The creation of these new awards will both help attract and retain students, ultimately connecting them to a vibrant and
expanding industry, especially in the Okanagan.”

“These awards are unique in that they will open doors for trades students while also supporting the next generation of business professionals pursuing careers in the automotive sector.”

The New Car Dealers Foundation presented its first set of awards in Kelowna in April. Among the recipients was Paul Whitlock, a student in the Automotive Service Technician program. Whitlock plans to complete his Red Seal Endorsement and then go on to business school.

“This award will make it easier for me to progress through my apprenticeship with less stress about being able to afford it all,” said Whitlock. “I can’t thank the donors enough for this very generous gift. It will help me achieve my dream.”

Read more (click here)…