News Releases

Awarded for Environmental Leadership

For immediate release
October 30, 2019

Langley, BC – The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) is the recipient of the 2019 Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for Environmental Leadership. However, it’s an honour the Association is quick to share with their new car dealer members, the provincial government and consumers – all of whom have helped transform BC into a national leader in clean energy vehicle adoption.

“BC’s New Car Dealers have long been at the forefront of environmental transformations, providing the opportunity for BC consumers to consider more environmentally friendly choices which has helped British Columbia become known for being an environmentally progressive province,” said NCDA President and CEO Blair Qualey. “No single group or association can achieve success in isolation, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Provincial Government and British Columbians to create environmentally sustainable transport options.”

This prestigious award recognizes the partnership between the Province of British Columbia and NCDA, which administers the highly successful CEVforBC™ Program on behalf of the government, through which BC has become a leader in electric vehicle adoption and the envy of other jurisdictions.

New car dealers play a pivotal role in reducing the percentage of B.C.’s greenhouse gases from light duty vehicles (14%). Through the NCDA’s partners such as the BC Scrap-It Program, over 40,000 older and higher polluting vehicles have been scrapped. BC’s new car dealers also play an important role in general education and awareness for consumers.

The Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards celebrate business excellence in the Langley community, help recognize businesses, businesspeople and non-profit organizations who demonstrate outstanding innovation, growth, ethics, customer service and contributions to the community. “The Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce first presented the Environmental Leadership award as part of the annual Business Excellence Awards in 2010” explained Colleen Clark, CEO. “The award recognizes businesses that exhibit significant proactive concern for, and proven success with, conducting better practices to decrease environmental impact. We are proud to add the New Car Dealers Association of BC to our list of worthy recipients.”

The NCDA would like to thank the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce for this honour and the Province of BC for their ongoing support. For more information please visit: https://www.langleychamber.com/business-excellence-awards

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC
The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents more than 390-new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association provide over 30,000 family supporting jobs and are responsible for $16 billion in retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in British Columbia.

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Contact:
Shona Wercholuk – LBMG
604-240-6231
[email protected]

PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Car Dealership Association (PGCDA) and New Car Dealers’ Foundation of BC are launching three new awards at CNC to assist students pursuing a career path in the automotive industry.

The awards, which total $10,000 annually, include three scholarships and a bursary for students registered in the Auto Service Technician Foundation-Level program at CNC. The PGCDA and NCDFBC have also created a scholarship for a CNC student registered in the Business Management or Accounting and Finance program.

“Like many industries, the automotive sector is facing a labour shortage in job professions that include automotive service technicians,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA). “It’s our pleasure to partner with New Car Dealers’ members in Prince George to provide scholarship and bursary opportunities that will help forge meaningful career opportunities in the industry.”

The NCDA represents more than 390 New Car Dealers throughout the province, who generate close to $17 billion in economic activity, pump $2.9 billion net GDP directly into BC’s economy, and employ more than 30,000 high paying jobs in 55 communities it serves. The PGCDA provides services and products within the City of Prince George and B.C.’s northern region.

“Prince George New Car Dealers are proud to be able to assist students in this region pursue career opportunities in the automotive sector,” said Peter Sia, General Manager of Northland Nissan. “Not only does this create greater certainty and flexibility for the local industry, it ensures our young people have a chance to develop the skills that will allow them to launch and maintain a career in their own community.”
CNC provides a comprehensive selection of automotive training, including foundation and apprenticeship level Automotive Service Technician and Auto Body Repair, as well as an Automotive Glass Technician apprenticeship.

“Industry partners have been integral to CNC’s ability to inspire movement forward for both our students and the community,” said Tara Szerencsi, CNC Vice President, Finance and Corporate Services. “We’re thankful to the Prince George Car Dealership Association and the New Car Dealers Association of BC for making this investment in CNC students.”

About the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC: The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC exists to provide CarCareerBC grants and scholarships to young people for automotive industry programs that lead to work at car dealership and supports other charities throughout BC where local dealers are involved. Members and associate members contribute to the Foundation through their participation in certain Association events throughout the year. Visit www.newcardealersfoundation.ca to learn more about the Foundation.

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For more information:

New Car Dealers Association
Blair Qualey
604-897-0852
[email protected]

College of New Caledonia
Dustin Ruth
Media Relations Officer
778-349-0597
[email protected]

Jimmy Pattison Named Honourary Chair of 100th Anniversary Auto Procession

Vancouver, BC: – Six months from today the doors of the Vancouver Convention Centre West (VCC) will open and history will be made as western Canada’s best attended trade and consumer event, the Vancouver International Auto Show, will mark its 100th anniversary.

The Vancouver Auto Show has always been a showcase for new technology, and the celebratory event (March 25-29, 2020) will reflect British Columbia’s rich automobile history, while also showcasing what’s next for the industry.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming auto enthusiasts from across British Columbia and the Northwest to the 2020 event,” says Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA), which also presents the annual Show. “Planning for the 100th event started more than a year ago, and we’re excited to showcase many special vehicles, activations and displays that will be part of the 2020 event. Today marks the official countdown to the start of the celebration.”

Highlights of the 2020 show will include a special procession that will wind its way through the streets of Vancouver, ending at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, to officially open the show.

“We are honoured to announce one of the most impactful contributors to the sector in Canada, Mr. Jimmy Pattison, will be our Honorary 100th Anniversary event Chair and the Grand Marshall of the procession,” added Jeff Hall, Chairman of the NCDA Board of Directors. “The 100th Anniversary procession will include vehicles that represent each decade of the Vancouver Auto Show.”

“I’m very proud of our own involvement in the automotive industry. It’s where our company began back in 1961,” said Mr. Jim Pattison. “Today, the automotive industry remains the heart of our organization.”

Other highlights will include a special invitational Concours style showcase that will include more than fifty special vehicles, some never previously displayed, as well as a Look To The Future display, showcasing emerging and advanced technology options for consumers.

For more detailed information about the Vancouver Auto Show, March 25-29, 2020, and its many features, visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com

About the Vancouver International Auto Show
The Vancouver International Auto Show is owned and operated by the New Car Dealers Association of BC (www.newcardealers.ca). It is British Columbia’s new model showcase for the Canadian automotive industry and represents nearly 40 distinct brands from the world’s leading manufacturers.

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Media Inquiries
Kelly Gleeson
Media Relations
604.240.6231
[email protected]

For Immediate Release

Your New Car Dealers Foundation of BC proudly supports students who are pursuing a career in the automotive sector. In addition to awards established with post secondary schools (including Georgian College, Okanagan College, Vancouver Island University, Coast Mountain College…and more to come!), the Foundation also distributes funds through the CarCareerBC program. Funding assists students with tuition and/or the purchase of new tools.

This year, $10,000 in funds will be distributed via CarCareerBC, and over $55,000 will be distributed through all the various awards. 

Visit www.newcardealersfoundation.ca (click on Education & Careers for award details) for information. Applications for 2020 CarCareerBC awards will open soon. Watch for 2019 award winners to be announced in your NCDA Communications.

Award funding comes from interest income from an endowment fund set up through generous donations by the Carter Auto Family, OpenRoad Auto Group, Harmony Honda, and Jim Pattison, as well as fundraisers organized through the Foundation.

For Immediate Release
June 22, 2019

VICTORIA
With British Columbians eager to get behind the wheel of a clean energy vehicle (CEV), the government is releasing another $26.5 million and making changes to its popular CEVforBC rebate program to meet ongoing demand.

“With federal and provincial rebates now in place, switching to an electric vehicle is more affordable than ever”, said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. Part of our CleanBC plan, the CEVforBC program has been a resounding success.

The changes we are making today will ensure it remains accessible and supports even more British Columbians in getting their first clean energy vehicle. Budget 2019 committed $42.5 million toward the CEVforBC rebate program for this fiscal year, with $15 million having been released. The changes made include lowering the maximum price eligibility threshold to $55,000 – ensuring the program supports the most affordable vehicles.

On May 1, 2019, the federal government implemented a $5,000 CEV rebate in addition to any provincial rebates in the market, which resulted in unprecedented CEV sales across the province. The provincial rebate will be reduced to $3,000 for battery, fuel-cell, and longer range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and to $1,500 for shorter-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, effective June 22, 2019. Vehicles purchased or reserved prior to that date will be
covered by the prior program incentives and rules.

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Learn More:
Electric vehicles available in B.C.: https://pluginbc.ca/wp/wpcontent/uploads/2019/05/Electric-Car-Handout_190523.pdf
CEVforBC vehicle point-of-sale incentive program: https://www.cevforbc.ca/
More information about the CleanBC plan: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: news.gov.bc.ca/connect
Kent Karemaker
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum
Resources
250 952-0628

– The Zero-Emission Vehicle Act (ZEVA) passed on May 30, 2019, requiring all new lightduty
cars and trucks sold in B.C. to be clean energy vehicles by 2040.
– Targets under CleanBC and ZEVA are that CEV sales will increase starting in 2020,
reaching 10% of light-duty sales by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2040.
– There are approximately 44 CEV models available for sale in B.C., most of them priced in
the $30,000 to $50,000 range, before incentives.
– CEVs made up 4% of new light-duty vehicle sales in B.C. in 2018 and were approximately
6% in the first quarter of 2019.
– There are currently more than 20,000 electric cars on the road, and the CEVforBC
program will support an estimated 17,000 more.
– Prices for CEVs start at approximately $29,000, before incentives.
– B.C. has more than 1,700 charging stations around the province.
– The combined federal and provincial incentives have led to high levels of program participation, two to three times higher than in 2018.
– The reduced vehicle price cap and lower incentives will allow more British Columbians to
access CEVs as the market transforms.
– CEVs and internal combustion engine light duty vehicles (cars, sport utility vehicles, and
pick-up trucks) are expected to achieve price parity between 2024-2028.

For immediate release
May 30, 2019

Vancouver BC – Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) issued the following statement after Zero Emission Vehicle Legislation (ZEV) received passage in the BC Legislature this week:

“Government and BC’s New Car Dealers share a collective desire to encourage and accelerate the adoption of clean energy vehicles in this province.

Through a strong partnership between the NCDA and government, BC has attained the highest per-capita sales of clean energy vehicles in Canada – based on point of sale incentives, strategic investments in charging infrastructure, along with consumer education and awareness.

We look forward to continuing to work with government to ensure regulations associated with the ZEV Act provide some level of flexibility to ensure product development lines up with current challenges and realities in BC. These include the issue of affordability, technology and infrastructure developments to counter the issue of range anxiety, and vehicle product development to meet the needs of families or businesses in resource-based communities where an EV is not yet an option.

New Car Dealers look forward to working with government to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the Zero Emission Legislation.”

https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/legislation-debates-proceedings/41st-parliament/4th-session/bills/progress-of-bills

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC
The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents more than 390-new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association directly employ over 30,000 British Columbians and are responsible for $16 billion in retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in British Columbia.

For Immediate Release
May 15, 2019

Vancouver, BC – New Car Dealers Association of BC President and CEO, Blair Qualey, issued the following statement today in response to the BC Government announcing a public inquiry into money laundering.

“The New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia represents 390 of the province’s new car dealers. As such, we are committed to transparent business and reporting practices that ensure the public can continue to have full confidence in the best-in-class practices of our member-dealers.

“Our members agree that illegal funds have no place in BC’s automotive sector and we are supportive of government’s investigations into money laundering.

“New Car Dealers have a long history of working with government and regulators to ensure all new car sales transactions are compliant with applicable regulations. As such, we welcome the opportunity to contribute to the public inquiry process and should there be regulatory changes to any reporting requirements, our members will comply as they always do.”

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Media Inquiries:
Kelly Gleeson
604.240.6231
[email protected]

May 7, 2019

Vancouver BC – Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, issued the following statement in response to the latest report from Peter German on the issue of money laundering:

“The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) applauds BC’s Attorney General for the latest report from Peter German on the issue of money laundering.

The NCDA is an association that represents 390 new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia and as such, we can only speak on behalf of our members – who as franchises of OEMs, are held to their high standards – and have a long history of working with government and regulators to ensure all new car sales transactions they undertake are compliant with all applicable regulations.

New Car Dealers follow the requirements that have been established by the Vehicle Sales Authority (VSA), which provides regulatory oversight of motor vehicle sales in BC. Our members also fully report on qualifying transactions to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), an independent government agency that works to detect, prevent and deter money laundering.

We agree that this review is important for British Columbians, and should there be regulatory changes to any reporting requirements with respect to new car sales, we certainly will comply as our members always do.”

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC: The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents more than 390-new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association directly employ over 30,000 British Columbians and are responsible for $16 billion in retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in British Columbia.

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For Immediate Release
April 11, 2019

Vancouver BC – The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) is pledging to continue to work with the provincial government to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of its Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) plan, with the goal of continuing British Columbia’s nation-leading per-capita record of clean energy vehicle adoption.

The Province has introduced Zero Emissions Vehicle legislation which among other things, will require automakers to meet an escalating annual percentage of new light-duty ZEV sales and leases, reaching: 10 % of light duty sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040.

“Government and BC’s New Car Dealers share a collective desire to encourage and accelerate the adoption of clean energy vehicles in BC,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the NCDA. “We want any government policy to be effective and successful, and welcome the opportunity to play a constructive role in shaping its success.”

“We support a policy of continued point of sale incentives, strategic charging infrastructure investment and consumer education. We also believe the experience of other jurisdictions is an important part of establishing a plan that will work for government and the people of British Columbia. To that end, ZEV regulation in itself may not motivate consumers to purchase EVs in increasing numbers. Therefore, a policy with some level of regulatory flexibility is prudent to allow government to update and revise as required. This would ensure EV product development lines up with the challenges and realities of BC, such as consumer range anxiety, needed charging infrastructure, BC’s geography and climate, along with new battery technology developments – all of which affect electric vehicle adoption in this province,” added Qualey.

Over the last eight years, the partnership between BCs New Car Dealers and the BC Government has played a significant role in establishing BC as a leader in electric vehicle adoption in this country. Through the CEVforBC™ program, more than 6,300 incentive transactions occurred in 2018, an increase of four-thousand over the previous year.

CEVforBC™ is funded by the Province and administered by the NCDA and offers up to $5,000 to B.C. residents who purchase or lease an eligible new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and up to $6,000 for fuel cell (hydrogen) vehicles.

In recent months, the government has continued its leadership on EVs by announcing the CEVforBC™ Program will be topped up by $42 million while a further $30 million will be committed to infrastructure development to charge an electric vehicle or fuel a hydrogen vehicle.

“BC has the highest per-capita sales of clean energy vehicles in Canada,” said Qualey. “It is in large part due to a partnership that is working and one we want to continue, to push EV adoption to new heights in the years ahead.”

BC’s New Car Dealers believe in a three-pillar approach to further the adoption of clean energy vehicles that includes purchase incentives, continued investments in charging infrastructure and ongoing education.

For information about the CEVforBC™ program, visit: www.cevforbc.ca.

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC:
The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents more than 390-new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association directly employ over 30,000 British Columbians and are responsible for $16 billion in retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in British Columbia.

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Contact:
Kelly Gleeson
604-240-6231
[email protected]

Top Industry Awards

For immediate release
April 8, 2019

Vancouver, BC – The New Car Dealers Association of B.C. (NCDA) recently held a night of DISTINCTION during which the industry celebrated its best and brightest, those who are going above and beyond to give back to their communities, while also recognizing the next generation of leaders in the sector.

During the evening of DISTINCTION, award winners were honoured in several categories, including: The Community Driver Award for outstanding community involvement; Salespeople of the Year; Green Star Dealer Awards for outstanding work in the sale of clean energy vehicles, and; also honoured, were Automotive Dealership Management Graduates from the Automotive Business School of Canada.

“Our Association represents more than 390-car and truck dealers across this province, who in turn employ more than 30,000 individuals. Each year, I am amazed by the level of excellence of the men and women in our sector, right across this province. To those who have been recognized, the NCDA offers its deepest appreciation and congratulations,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. “What also stands out is the number of people in our sector, across all age brackets, who are demonstrating a remarkable level of commitment to our industry and the communities in which they work and live – and that certainly bodes well for the future.”

Community Driver Awards:
Presented for outstanding community involvement and achievement of new car dealers throughout British Columbia. Recipients of the Community Driver Award exemplify business strength and community excellence with a focus on making a tangible contribution to the growth and livability of their community and/or region.

• BPL Auto Group, Metro Vancouver Region
• MacCarthy Motors, Northern BC Region
• AM Ford, Kootenays Region
• Kot Auto Group, Okanagan/Interior Region
• Campus Auto Group, Vancouver Island Region
• Wolfe Auto Group, Fraser Valley Region
Green Star Dealer Awards:

Based on the Clean Energy Vehicles for B.C. Point-of-Sale Purchase Incentive Program (CEVforBC™), this award recognizes new car dealerships for selling the highest number of Clean Energy Eligible Vehicles (Battery Electric Vehicle Sales (BEV) and Plug-in Electric Hybrid Sales (PHEV) for 2018 annually across all brands, by provincial region, and including the most Improved Dealership Award (Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Interior and Northern B.C.).

• Top BEV Sales – Vancouver Island – Campus Nissan
• Top PHEV Sales – Vancouver Island – Victoria Mitsubishi
• Top BEV Sales – Lower Mainland – Applewood Nissan Richmond
• Top PHEV Sales – Lower Mainland – Metrotown Mitsubishi
• Top BEV Sales – Interior BC – Kelowna Nissan
• Top PHEV Sales – Interior BC – Kelowna Chevrolet
• Top PHEV Sales – Northern BC – MacCarthy Motors
• Top PHEV Sales – Northern BC – Prince George Toyota
• Top PHEV Sales – Northern BC – Terrace Toyota
• Most Improved Dealership Award (Battery Electric Vehicle Sales): Southside Nissan Vancouver
• Most Improved Dealership Award (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Sales): OpenRoad Hyundai Richmond

Top Salespeople Awards:

Presented to dealer-member salespeople across all brands who have excelled in the front-line position of sales:
Sunny Gill – Burrard Acura
Gurp Mangat – Lougheed Acura
Andy Tsai – Aston Martin, Vancouver
Maggie Zou – Audi Boundary
Jonathan Wang – Bentley Vancouver
Valentino Almeida – Brian Jessel BMW
Borko Nikolcic – Maple Ridge Chrysler
Mark Harrison – Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver
George MacDonald – MSA Ford Sales
Harry Dhaliwal – Burns Wheaton GM North Surrey
Daniel Tung – Open Road Honda, Burnaby
Brent Miscisco – Maple Ridge Hyundai
David Chung – Morrey Infiniti, Burnaby
Adam Smith – JLR Vancouver (MCL Motors)
Zohreh Layegh – Applewood Kia, Surrey
Nathan Chu – Lamborghini Vancouver
Andy Ho – OpenRoad Lexus, Richmond
Robert Willoughby – Steve Marshall Ford Lincoln
Eric Chan – Ferrari Maserati of Vancouver
Kelly Wei – Signature Mazda
Patrick Ng – Mercedes Benz, Richmond
Katie Chan – MINI Richmond
Jason Zhen – Metrotown Mitsubishi
Adam Davies – Morrey Nissan of Coquitlam
Brian Yeung – Porsche Center Vancouver
Steven Wu – Rolls Royce Motor Cars Vancouver
Tom Yeung – Don Docksteader Subaru
Kalim Mohiuddin – West Coast Toyota
Nicholas Yan – Cowell Volkswagen
Jayson Wadud – Jim Pattison Volvo of Surrey

Automotive Dealership Management Graduates from the Automotive Business School of Canada:
• Griffin Jarvis – Heartland Ford
• Terry Kirby – Prince George Toyota
• Jordan Koch – DK Ford Sales Ltd
• Reilly Kuski – Taylor Auto Group
• Wayne McIntyre – Bannister Ford
• Jamie Moffat – Southgate Audi
• Cole O’Connell – Heartland Ford
• Sarra Othman – Jaguar Landrover Edmonton
• Cassidy Palmer-Ruben – Don Wheaton Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Ltd.
• Daniel Peterson – Cam Clark Ford Red Deer
• Bryan Railton – Country Hills Volkswagen
• Dean Rideout – Mercedes-Benz Langley
• Derek Roulston – Nelson Toyota
• Michael Thomas – Valley Toyota
• Andrew Wheaton – Wheaton Auto Group

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC
The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents more than 390-new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association directly employ over 30,000 British Columbians and are responsible for over $16 billion in retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in British Columbia.

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Contact:
Kelly Gleeson
604-240-6231
[email protected]