Safe Winter Driving Tips – Be Prepared!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Late last year, the federal government released their climate action plan, A Healthy Environment and a Health Economy. The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) works closely with the provincial government towards creating a greener future, and we’re encouraged to see these steps being taken at the federal level.

The NCDA, and our close to 400 dealers across the province, are committed to the fight against climate change. More and more auto manufacturers are bringing not only more electric vehicles, but also more gas vehicles with much lower carbon emissions to market, and at the dealership level, staff are educating consumers on the long-term benefits of such purchases. It is important to us that we are doing our part to lower carbon emissions, and the vehicles that we sell are an important part of the puzzle.

Encouraging more consumers to purchase Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), cannot simply be done at the sales level alone. It requires financial incentives, increased investments in charging stations to alleviate range anxiety, and education tools. The NCDA is happy to see the federal government’s commitment to the cause.

According to their plan, the government will invest an additional $287 million over two years to continue the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles program until March 2022. They also plan to invest an additional $150 million over three years in charging and refueling stations across Canada. Both these action items will certainly see an increase in consumer interest over the next few years and move us closer to a greener future.

This proposed plan will not only help make life more affordable for Canadians but will also create jobs for local economies. The initiatives will need more people to take them from plans to actions, so it really is a win-win situation for the sector and post-COVID recovery.

Through plans like this, we will continue to bounce back from the pandemic and look to the future. It will allow for the auto industry to continue to boost local economies, one that makes up over 19% of all retail sales in the province annually ($16 billion).

BC is already doing a remarkable job when it comes to the sale of ZEVs – and it is certainly, in part, due to the government’s commitment. Thanks to the work of the Province, the NCDA administers the widely successful CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program. The program offers up to $3,000 in rebates when purchasing electric vehicles in BC and $1,500 in rebates for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The Province is also committed to offering incentives for those looking to install chargers in their homes and workplaces, another key to consumer purchases. There are also educational tools available for those making the jump, so the switch is as seamless as possible. Visit https://pluginbc.ca/ for more information.

We truly commend the federal government for taking these additional steps towards climate change and boosting the economy. As the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada said, “Canadians don’t have to choose between clean air and good jobs.” And this action plan should further move us in that direction.

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

Resources for Members and Latest Health and Safety Requirements

E-Library

A variety of resources for members are available through the NCDA’s e-library by signing into the Member Login here.

Resources include:

• Manuals including a refreshed Occupational Health and Safety Program
• Toolkits: COVID-19 Safety Guidelines Toolkit, Canadian Anti-Spam compliance, Drug and Alcohol Policy checklists, etc.
• Commonly Used Forms
• Special Offers & Members Stay Safe – savings from TELUS Business, mirror hangers, touchless door opening, face shields and more.

COVID-19 NCDA Toolkit and Guidelines for Members
This is an important reminder to review COVID-19 safety plans. To view the NCDA’s COVID-19 Guidelines and Toolkit for members, login to your member account here (click on the Resource Tab in your account).
Or contact us for your copy.

Latest Health Orders and Screening Requirements

Public Health Orders
The regional public health orders that were place for the Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions have now been extended to the whole province until at least February 5, 2021. View the orders here.

As part of the orders announced November 19, 2020, there are new mask requirements: the wearing of masks are required in all indoor retail spaces (except for when eating and drinking). Anyone serving customers must wear a mask and must wear a mask in common areas at your work place.

• Employers are expected to enforce the mandatory mask policy with both employees and customers.
• A customer can be refused entry or service if they do not wear a mask.

Health Screening Required
All businesses operating in BC must make sure employees conduct daily health symptom checks. It’s critical to make sure everyone coming into workplaces are healthy (this does not constitute legal advice and so please consult with your HR and Legal experts). See the following, provided from WorkSafeBC:

• Prior to daily access, ensure all employees and contractors conduct self-assessments before entering the workplace to confirm that they do not currently meet any of the self-isolation criteria established by their local public health officials.
• What does a self-assessment for employees look like?
  • Screening should already be included in every business’s existing COVID-19 safety plan: this could be done by someone asking workers as they arrive at the workplace, through an app, an online form, or through signage and messaging at the entrance to the workplace.
  • This order is a reminder for employers and employees to take the screening seriously and answer honestly, but it does not require in-person assessment of every employee as they arrive at work.
  • All employees should be reminded that now is not the time to get complacent and come to work with symptoms that could be COVID-19.
  • See helpful FAQ from BC Government – Orders (Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health guidance – here.
• Develop the necessary policies to manage your workplace, including policies around who can be at the workplace, how to address illness that arises at the workplace, and how workers can be kept safe in adjusted working conditions. Communicate these policies clearly to workers through training, signage, and reminders as required.
  • Employers’ policies should prohibit the following people from the workplace:
    Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and painful swallowing.
    • Anyone under the direction of public health to self-isolate.
    • Anyone who has arrived from outside of Canada in the past 14 days.
    • These policies should be communicated to workers so they understand their responsibility to not enter the workplace if any of the above conditions apply to them. Consider posting signs at entry places, setting out the policy requirements, providing a reminder to workers. WorkSafeBC poster sample here.
    • Remind employees to monitor themselves daily and to always stay home if they have symptoms.
    • Workplaces must ensure that all workers and customers maintain appropriate physical distance and wear masks when appropriate.
    • Extra care should be taken in small office spaces, break rooms and kitchens.
    • Review WorkSafeBC COVID-19 Safety plan documentation here.
• BC has developed a self-assessment tool to assist employers and employees with self-assessments (take it here).
  • Note that this self-assessment tool is intended for COVID-19 only. Your symptoms may not be related to COVID-19 and could require you to seek medical attention. If you are uncertain and/or feel very sick, contact your family doctor/nurse practitioner or call 8-1-1 (BC’s 24 hour health information and advice line).
  • If the individual answers YES to any questions in the self-assessment, they have NOT passed and should be advised that they should not enter the workplace (including any outdoor, or partially outdoor, workplaces). They should go home to self-isolate immediately and contact their health care provider or 8-1-1 to find out if they need a COVID-19 test.

Business Solutions for Health Screening
With COVID restrictions fluctuating across the country, HR Automation by DealerPILOT has developed a tool for dealers to screen employees for symptoms or risk factors such as probable contact with the virus. This tool opens automatically each day and notifies a manager immediately if an employee is required to self-isolate. To learn more, email: [email protected]

Other resources available for members also include materials developed by KSW – see their Covid-19 Restrictions and Symptom Checklist Form for Workplaces here.

As we entered into December, the federal government released their climate action plan, A Healthy Environment and a Health Economy. The NCDA works closely with the Province towards creating a greener future, and we’re encouraged to see these steps being taken at the federal level.

The NCDA, and our close to 400 dealers across the province, are committed in the fight against climate change. More and more auto manufacturers are investing in bringing not only more electric vehicles but also more vehicles with low carbon emissions to market, and at the dealership level we always ensure we are educating consumers on the long-term benefits of such purchases. It is important to us that we are doing our part to lower carbon emissions, and the vehicles that we sell are a huge piece of the puzzle.

Encouraging more consumers to purchase Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), cannot simply be done at the sales level alone. It requires financial incentives, increased investments in charging infrastructure to alleviate range anxiety, and education tools. The NCDA was happy to see the federal government’s commitment to the cause.

According to the plan, the government will invest an additional $287 million over two years to continue the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles program until March 2022. They also plan to invest an additional $150 million over three years in charging and refueling stations across Canada. Both these action items will certainly see an increase in consumer interest over the next few years and move us closer to a greener future.

This proposed plan will not only help make life more affordable for Canadians but will also create jobs for local economies. The initiatives will need more people to take them from plans into actions, so it really is a win-win situation for the sector and post-COVID recovery.

Through plans like this, we will continue to bounce back from the pandemic and look to the future. It will allow for the auto industry to further help boost local economies, one that makes up over 19% of all retail sales in the province annually ($16 billion).

BC is already doing a remarkable job when it comes to the sale of ZEVs – and it is certainly, in part, due to the government’s commitment. It is with thanks to the work of the Province that we are able to administer the widely successful CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program. The program offers up to $3,000 in rebates when purchasing electric vehicles in BC and $1,500 in rebates for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The Province is also committed to offering incentives for those looking to install chargers in their homes and workplaces, another key to consumer purchases. There are also educational tools available for those making the jump, so the switch is as seamless as possible. Visit https://pluginbc.ca/ for more information.

We truly thank the federal government for taking these additional steps towards climate change and boosting the economy. As the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada said, “Canadians don’t have to choose between clean air and good jobs.” And this action plan will only further move us in that direction.

Happy holidays, everyone and stay safe.

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

Though this year is very different than past years and with Public Health recommending British Columbians avoid non-essential travel, road conditions – no matter the distance – are sure to get worse. As we enter the winter season, it is important to be cognizant of changing driving conditions and driving in the snow.

A quick reminder for British Columbians – winter tire and chain rules are in effect on most of B.C.’s highways from October 1 to March 31. Given the unpredictability of the weather, it’s a good idea for Lower Mainland drivers to purchase some good winter tires too.

Driving in snowy or icy conditions requires more than just equipping your vehicle with snow tires, although snow tires are the most important aspect of driving in those conditions.

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 snow tires are constructed from softer rubber to help with traction. Lower temperatures in general affects the rubber in summer and all-season tires in a way that lowers traction. The rubber used for snow tires, on the other hand, stays soft and flexible in freezing temperatures in order to grip what’s underneath them. All-season tires have reduced traction and stopping power below seven degrees Celsius, and do not offer reliable braking or cornering on ice or cold weather conditions. Compared to M+S designated 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!

Any combination of snowy, slushy or slick roads and reduced visibility means that drivers need to do more prep work and adjust their driving. 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. Simply driving at a slower speed and exercising caution is one of the smartest things you can do. If you’re driving a new car with electronic traction and stability control, keep them turned on in the winter.

Store snow shovels and kitty litter , for traction, in your trunk in case you need to dig yourself (or your neighbour) out. Flares, flashlights, blankets and a snow scraper are also useful items to have on-hand. Check your antifreeze levels and consider investing in heavy-duty snow wipers to help with visibility.

Drivers who don’t slow down or adjust for conditions are always a top concern for others sharing the road. Both stopping and turning are actions that take a lot longer, so keep a longer follow distance and remember to slow down.

Also remember to check your battery – there is nothing worse than trying to start your car’s engine and hearing your engine struggle to start.

And please – as always – stay safe and do not drink and drive. Stay local and in your household bubble!

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

In the last several years, British Columbia has assumed a leadership role with respect to the sale of electric vehicles, with more EV sales per capita than any other province. This is in large part due to a successful partnership between the Province of BC and the New Car Dealers of BC – most notably based on electric vehicle rebates through the CleanBC Go Electric Program.

However, there are other key investment and policy decisions that influence consumers, including the planning and development of charging stations that will make EV charging convenient and more readily available wherever British Columbians live, work and travel.

Last week, we were pleased to see the first order of business for the new Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation was to announce that British Columbians can now receive double the amount per rebate to buy and install EV charging stations at their home or at work. The rebates will be offered through CleanBC’s Go Electric EV charger rebate program.

To help with the up-front costs that come with purchasing EVs, customers can access double the previous charging station rebates available. Homeowners can get a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs for an eligible EV charger to a maximum of $700. Workplaces and residents living in condos or apartments that purchase and install chargers can receive a rebate of up to 50% of costs to a maximum of $4,000. Applications are now open.

The province is also offering added support for those looking to make the switch. Consumers are eligible for up to five hours of free support services from an EV charging station advisor to help them move from the simple idea to actual installation.

This is a positive step as the province continues to transition to electric vehicles over the coming years to reach its ultimate target of all new light duty vehicles purchased being electric, by 2040.

The charging of EVs – and more specifically, convenient access to charging stations remains a concern for consumers – but incentives such as the one announced are another significant step that can make the decision to purchase EVs easier than ever. Another positive benefit is that it will also support additional work for electricians and other trades.

I am impressed by the work of our province’s dealers, their Association the NCDA, and the BC government to move towards its goal of a fleet of clean energy vehicles. With the current rebates in place, BC reached its goal of 10% of new light duty vehicles sold being EVs, six years ahead of time (yes you read that correctly, six years ahead of time!) – the goal was 2025 and BC surpassed this number late last year.

The new rebates put in place by the province, will only continue to encourage consumers to purchase electric vehicles and I’m excited to see what the future of transportation in the province looks like.

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

BC’s New Car Dealers Continue to Forge Strong Relationships with Government

Last week, the new BC government Cabinet was officially sworn in, and each one of our elected officials should be congratulated for their respective appointments. All British Columbians, regardless of political persuasion, should thank Members for their commitment to public service.

Over the next four years, BC New Car Dealers look forward to working with government and Ministers on several important fronts, acquainting our association with newly assigned ministers and continuing to forge a strong relationship with those we have worked with over the years.

The Honourable Selina Robinson was sworn in as the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Ravi Kahlon as Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, the Honourable George Heyman as Minister responsible for the Environment, the Honourable Bruce Ralston as Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and the Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, now assumes responsibility for ICBC.

At the NCDA, we have been incredibly fortunate to have established a very positive and collaborative working relationship with key Ministers in BC. We have worked together to create programs that benefit the entire province, and our partnership has produced tangible results that have benefited the environment and the economy.

It is with thanks to the work of the Province that we are able to facilitate the widely successful CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program. The program offers as much as $3,000 in rebates when purchasing electric vehicles in BC. The incentives offered, making purchasing an EV much more affordable for consumers and has certainly increased buyers.

Through Budget 2020, the Province invested an additional $20 million in point-of-purchase rebates to make EVs even more affordable, helping British Columbians choose cleaner transport options. We have already surpassed the provincial target of 10% of new light-duty vehicle sales consisting of EV’s by 2025 – a whopping six years early – and I appreciate the work we’ve been able to do on this with the Province. With continued effort and focus, we will continue to work toward achieving other future targets.

We very much look forward to working with the Province to continue growing opportunities and training in a number of disciplines in order to meet future demand. The BC auto industry provides more than 30,000 family supporting jobs in the province and over the next decade, it is anticipated that thousands of openings will occur as the current workforce ages and moves closer to retirement.

Certainly, one area of focus is that of auto technicians who are required to meet the increasing sales of more and more technologically advanced vehicles, including electric ones. A wide range of skillsets will be required to meet the evolving needs of the sector, while also establishing our industry’s future leaders.

I began this column by recognizing BC’s newly minted cabinet and their commitment to public service and I think it’s only fitting that I conclude by expressing our sincere thanks and gratitude to former Finance Minister Carole James for her many years of public service, and the thoughtful and respectful manner in which she has always conducted herself. In a new role as special advisor to the Premier, I know Ms. James will continue to make a valuable contribution to the province.

And, as always, stay safe, calm, and be kind to one another.

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