The COVID-19 crisis continues to have a profound impact on British Columbia, Canada and the entire globe. Besides the immediate health crisis, the pandemic is having a significant effect on the global economy – and the auto industry is no exception.

Many consumers are feeling the economic sting of the pandemic and this has affected their purchasing power. Consumers are also moving around in different ways due to travel restrictions and changes in how work is being conducted.

Desrosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. (DAC) recently released a study about what we can expect from the automotive aftermarket industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aftermarket is a vast and important area of the automotive parts and accessory industry and employs over 190,000 Canadians, with more than 30,000 of those in BC. These individuals are involved in the maintenance and repair, along with sales, refurbishment and management of used vehicles.

In DAC’s analysis, they note that the aftermarket operates in a different cycle than new vehicle sales. This was clearly seen in the last recession, which saw a decline of new vehicle sales in 2008-2009, while the aftermarket remained resilient.

The aftermarket has multiple and complex variables which include things such as size of vehicle fleet, consumer replacement patterns, used car market refurbishing, kilometers driven, vehicle technology and more.

In regard to this current situation, there is one factor that makes the downturn more striking than previous recessions. This is that there was a sudden and unprecedented drop in kilometers driven, which is one of the key drivers of market demand in the aftermarket along with the age structure of vehicles.

According to DAC, mobility to workplaces was down by 57% for Canadians as of April 30. Workplace data is incredibly important to examine, as it is the preferred method of commuting across the country. An earlier analysis by DAC showed that more than 78% of Canadians prefer to commute to work by personal car.

DAC reports that early data for gas consumption showed a 17% decline for March and that figure would likely continue to deteriorate for April. That being said, as we see things begin to open up in BC and we see consumers going on short road trips and taking drives – all with the necessary precautions – we may see that number start to go up as we get into summer.

We are just in the early stages of analyzing the impact of COVID-19 and its implications for the aftermarket, but this early data is certainly fascinating and offers a snapshot into what is to come. A positive takeaway from this is certainly that privately owned vehicles seem to be the transportation of choice in countries that have relaxed restrictions – so we can safely predict we will see the same in Canada. In fact, amongst working Canadians, more than 78% prefer their private automobile as the preferred method of commuting in Canada!

Though the future is uncertain for the auto industry and for so many other sectors, we will work to get through this together and come out stronger on the other side.

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]

With all that is going on in the world, I wanted to take a moment to congratulate all of our recipients from this year’s Distinction Awards.

Though we were unable to celebrate in typical fashion, due to the postponement of the 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show, award recipients were honoured in several categories. The categories were: Community Driver Awards for Outstanding Community Involvement; Salespeople of the Year Awards; CleanBC Green Star Dealer Awards for Outstanding Work in the Sale of Clean Energy Vehicles, and; Automotive Dealership Management Graduates from the Automotive Business School of Canada.

The Association represents more than 390 car and truck dealers across the province, who employ more than 30,000 individuals. I am immensely proud of the work that each and every one of them do to contribute to the automotive sector in BC. Each individual and dealership, not only those honoured here, demonstrate a remarkable level of commitment to our industry and to all of the communities in which we work and live.

The Community Driver Awards honour those dealerships 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. This year’s recipients include: Brian Jessel BMW, Glacier, Toyota, Castlegar Toyota, Lexus of Kelowna, Kia Victoria, and Applewood Kia.

The CleanBC Go-Electric Green Star Dealer Awards recognizes those dealerships that sell the highest number of clean energy eligible vehicles annually across all brands by provincial region, including Most Improved Dealership Award. This year’s winners across all categories were: Campus Nissan (Vancouver Island – Top Battery Electric Vehicle sales), Nanaimo Mitsubishi (Vancouver Island – Top Plug-In Hybrid EV Sales), Kia West (Lower Mainland – Top Battery Electric Sales), Wolfe Mitsubishi (Lower Maindland – Top Plug-In Hybrid Sales), Kelowna Hyundai (Interior BC Top Battery EV Sales), Valley Mitsubishi (Interior BC – Top Plug-In Hybrid EV Sales) Northland Hyundai (Northern BC Top Battery EV Sales), Prince George Toyota (Northern BC Top Plug-In Hybrid EV Sales), Mertin Hyundai (Most Improved Battery EV Sales), and Kia West (Most Improved – Plug-In Hybrid EV Sales).

The Distinction Awards also celebrates the top Salespeople of the Year in BC – presented in part by Post Media as the Founding Award Sponsor and Cox Automotive – across all classes who have excelled. This year’s awards winners are: Gurp Mangat of Lougheed Acura, Andy Tsai of Aston Martin, Tim Cheung of Capilano Audi, Mark Cheema of Bentley Vancouver, Valentino Almeida of Brian Jessel BMW, Borko Nikolcic of Maple Ridge Jeep Dodge Ram Chrysler, Mark Harrison of Brian Ross Motorsport, Harry Dhaliwal of Barnes Wheaton North Surrey, Leo Chang of Open Road Honda Burnaby, Brent Miscisco of Maple Ridge Hyundai, David Chung of Morrey Infiniti, Adam Smith of Jaguar Vancouver, Jane Zhang of Land Rover Vancouver, Zohreh Layegh of Applewood Kia Surrey, Patrick Kam of Lamborghini Vancouver, Amy Wu of Regency Lexus, Eric Chan of Brian Ross Motorsport, Justin Kim of Signature Mazda, Shaun Donnellan of McLaren Vancouver, Patrick Ng of Mercedes Benz Richmond, Katie Chan of MINI Richmond, Lance Torkos of Wolfe Mitsubishi, Karan Kundhal of Applewood Nissan, Brian Yeung of Porsche Centre Vancouver, Steven Wu of Rolls Royce Motor Cars Vancouver, Freddy Ghanei of Jim Pattison Subaru Northshore, Kalim Mohiuddin of West Coast Toyota, Jayson Wadud of Jim Pattison Volvo of Surrey, and Nicholas Yan of Cowel VW.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize all of the 2019 Automotive Dealership Graduates from the Automotive Business School of Canada. These include: Antonio Almeida, Murray GM Fort St. John, Brett D’Ambrosie of Auto West Group, Kathleen Harding of MINI Richmond, Zachery Kenney of Edwards Garage, Sandro Mati of Volvo of Vancouver, Derek Rattenbury of Auto West BMW, Kevin Thai of Richmond Honda, and Christopher Thimer of Abbotsford Volkswagen.

I would like to congratulate all winners from this year’s Distinction Awards and I look forward to celebrating with all of you in person, when the time is right.

As always, in the words of Dr Bonnie Henry, BC’s terrific Chief Provincial Health Officer, please be calm, be kind and stay safe, and. And remember to wash your hands!

Take care.

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

BC’s Restart Plan lays out a series of steps that we will take together to protect people and ensure that BC can come back from COVID-19 stronger than before.

Read the plan here.

As we continue to battle COVID-19, I want to use this space to offer reflection on the current state of affairs, but also – where possible – inspire hope and instill some sense of normalcy, as long as it remains within the recommendations of Dr. Bonnie Henry and the public health authorities.

With spring in full swing it’s a time for many to begin spring cleaning – it may just provide a welcome distraction in these challenging times.

Spring cleaning is an annual ritual in many households and the same principle should also apply to your vehicle. 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 proper spring cleaning starts with the exterior of your vehicle’s body. 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.

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, social distancing measures, and many 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.

If you would rather tend to your vehicle, you will need a large wash bucket with grit guard (or the two-wash bucket method), wash mitts, soft-material towels and proper car washing soap – which is important as dish washing liquid, as an example, can damage a car’s paint protection. Products used for cleaning a vehicle should be specifically designed for automobiles. While household cleaners may do a great job of cutting grease in the kitchen, they often contain ingredients that can damage the paint finish on vehicles.

Spring is also the right time to touch up any protective coatings you like to apply to your vehicle. A coat of wax after a good wash will bring back the shine back to your paint. It also protects your finish from the hot summer sun, including some protection again tree sap and bird droppings.

The next order of business is the interior, an area where you are likely dealing with smudged glass, salt stains, dust and various forms of grime. Make sure your floors are vacuumed and mats are hosed down with a pressure washer to remove the build-up and, if possible, use upholstery cleaners to clean your car seats and carpet.

While often overlooked, don’t forget to clean your battery. Over the winter, build-up can accumulate and affect your battery life, so ensure the crud is cleaned away using a wire brush and appropriate cleaner. If you’re not sure how to, ensure this is addressed during a regular maintenance. Likewise, make sure a flush and refilling of the cooling system takes place and check the condition and pressure of all your tires, including the spare.

And finally, the trunk tends to act as a general storage facility housing everything from hockey gear to shovels, along with any other winter items you may not use for the next several months. Clean it out and find another storage space. It will free up some room to store things you’ll need in the summer – and for at least the next several months, you can forget about winter.

As always, take care, stay healthy (and remember to wash your hands!).

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

COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on both public health and the economy – and the automotive sector is certainly no exception. As we continue to go through this critical period in history, it is imperative that we listen to the expert advice from our Canadian Public Health Authorities so we can keep our loved ones and communities safe.

Dealerships are a service that people need in order to ensure their cars are running and properly maintained– especially for our healthcare heroes and others who are working in essential services doing such a terrific job in protecting and keeping our province and country operational.

Dealerships have had to modify their operations – as have all businesses – to ensure the health and safety of their staff and patrons. This means enforcing strict social distancing measures, limiting the number of customers inside a dealership at once, and enhanced sanitation precautions. This has also led to businesses operating with reduced hours and only essential staff while moving many business activities online such as booking appointments through web and phone platforms only.

The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) recently conducted a national survey regarding the impact of the COVID-19 health pandemic on automotive dealers. This survey highlights the devastating toll the crisis has taken on the industry. Most dealerships across the country have seen revenue declines of more than 30% and a few have even had to close down entirely. But most dealerships have been able to continue operation to provide essential repair and maintenance work – which is so important in this time when people need their vehicles more than ever.

However, despite these challenges, there is some silver lining. All dealerships are key members of their communities. And in a time when everyone must come together to support one another, dealerships are doing their part.

Dealerships are providing donations to local food banks and other family services, which need our support now more than ever. They are also providing delivery services for the folks that are unable to get around during this time – this includes groceries, prescriptions, and any other necessary supplies. They are also organizing meals for those less fortunate and taking meals to them directly.

As this is a financially trying time for so many, dealerships are also helping people re-finance or downsize their automobiles to better accommodate customers’ ever evolving financial situations.

Dealerships have also found ways to support first responders and food chain employees, giving them priority service, as well as discounts on services. Some dealerships are also providing free car washes and oil changes to those that are on the front lines.

So, though this continues to be a challenging and devastating time, I am so happy to see so many do so much good to help communities – the better angels of our nature as Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says. And I am immensely proud of our dealerships for going above and beyond for their communities at this time.

Take Care, stay healthy (and remember to wash your hands!). Be well.

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

It is an unprecedented time in BC, across Canada and around the world, as we all grapple with the COVID-19 health crisis. Concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus have mounted and we as a society have had to come to terms with the severity of the situation and establish our new normal, at least for the time being.

As we go through this critical period, we must listen and act on the best advice that our health experts can provide, and we must be responsible and thoughtful in our actions. It is a challenge that impacts each of us individually and extends to businesses, corporations and organizations: each of who have a responsibility to take appropriate preventative action to protect staff and customers.

The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA), and our member dealers, take the situation very seriously. Several initiatives have been put into place to protect staff and customers, as we continue to work to provide an important service to British Columbians.

During this time, people still need their cars and mobility continues to be critically important – especially those working in essential services such as health care – along with caretakers, grocery store clerks, and pharmacists. But this also extends to those needing to deliver supplies to people who cannot leave their homes, those who need to get to medical appointments and make other essential trips. It is important that dealer members are able to work on any potential recalls, make necessary repairs, and service vehicles during a time when people may need their cars the most. Many communities in BC do not allow for walking to stores for essential items and vehicles are necessary to get grocery and filling prescriptions.

Dealerships have adjusted their business practices to comply with the BC Public Health directives and ensure the health safety of all customers and staff. This means enforcing social distancing, adhering to a strict limit of people in a dealership at any one-time, enhanced sanitation plans for surfaces, sanitation stations in dealerships, and limiting operations to essential staff.

In-store community safety information is also available, in the form of posters and digital screens, outlining proper hand washing techniques, prevention, and best practices. There is a sanitation plan which includes increased sanitizing on all high-traffic touch points within all dealerships – multiple times a day.

In terms of service work preparation – guest vehicles that are being serviced are outfitted with steering wheel covers and seat protectors prior to maintenance or repair work. Technicians are also required to wear disposable gloves and other protective equipment as they work on vehicles. All dealers continue to work to provide the safest methods of service during this challenging time.

Though our paramount concern is the health and safety of patrons and employees alike, there is a secondary matter: consumers are still looking to purchase vehicles. With this, dealers have had to adapt and create new procedures for transactions. Some dealers have launched a “Buy From Home” program which allows purchasers to browse vehicles online, and email a dealer with their vehicle of interest. From there, the dealer will deliver a fully sterilized vehicle for a 24-hour test drive. If it’s the one for you, all documentation can then be prepared online and over the phone – all from the comfort of your own home!

Though this time can seem anxiety-inducing and overwhelming, it is by taking these steps as part of a larger community that we can get through it together.

Stay safe everyone, and remember to wash your hands.

Take care.

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

Over the past week, the British Columbia automotive and business community lost one of their trailblazers, Sherrold Haddad. For our New Car Dealer Association family, Sherrold was a charismatic and vocal proponent of our sector, a proud Chevrolet and Mitsubishi dealer and a person who represented the Canadian ideal, a true immigrant-turned-business-titan who spent many decades dedicated to philanthropic works throughout our region. Sherrold played a historic role in our local automotive community and was a true business statesman in British Columbia. A particular advocate of his adopted hometown of Surrey, where he famously displayed the gargantuan 3200 square foot Canadian flag he purchased following Expo 86, even renaming his dealership Flag Chev Olds. Sherrold was front and centre of many great causes, including the Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation and Variety Club of BC.

A longtime Chevrolet man, Sherrold began his career in Winnipeg then Medicine Hat, where the Syrian-born Haddad started as a cracker-jack salesman and eventual dealership owner. Relocating to the lower mainland in the early 1970’s Sherrold was the proud owner of the north Guildford dealership which became the patriotically named Flag Chev Olds in the late ‘80’s. It later became Flag Mitsubishi. Still going strong In 2012, at the age of 86, he sold that dealership to the Barnes Wheaton group in order to concentrate on his philanthropic endeavors. At the time I was quoted as saying that Sherrold was one of the legends of the BC auto industry and a pioneer and leader of auto dealerships being the philanthropic hearts of their communities. Those statements are even more true today, as during his eight years of retirement Sherrold continued to be a community leader with significant donations to a wide range of charitable initiatives.

The esteem Sherrold was held in by today’s generation of BC new car dealers is evident, as expressed by Greg Barnes, President of the Barnes Wheaton Autogroup, “Sherrold was a shake the hand, the deal is done type of businessman. His creativity and showmanship were legendary. Only Sherrold Haddad could orchestrate the installation of the world’s highest flagpole as the identity of his dealership. Rest in peace Sherrold, you’ll be missed.”

On behalf of the entire New Car Dealers Association of BC family, our prayers are with Sherrold’s wife Marina and the entire Haddad family.

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 days, concerns about the spread of COVID-19 have mounted, and as a society, we face a situation that is unprecedented. This is a time when we need to listen to the best advice that health experts can provide, and be responsible and thoughtful in how we collectively manage through the days, weeks and months ahead.

This is a challenge that impacts each of us as individuals and our families – and extends to businesses, corporations and organizations, each of whom have a responsibility to take appropriate preventative action to protect staff and customers.

The New Car Dealers of BC (NCDA) takes this matter very seriously and is following the direction of public health officials. This means, each independent member has developed a health and safety plan to protect customers and have full infection prevention and control precautions in place. Each will continue to act upon the latest advice of BC’s health ministry and will adapt operations as necessary and recommended.

As most readers will be aware, because of mounting concerns about COVID-19, the NCDA made the unprecedented decision to postpone the 100th anniversary of the Vancouver International Auto Show. While there is a feeling of disappointment, the decision to postpone the Auto Show was the right thing to do.

The organizing committee had been closely monitoring the escalating situation related to the novel coronavirus for the past several weeks, while also being guided by advice from provincial health officials. With the number of infections dramatically increasing worldwide, and the World Health Organization (WHO) ultimately declaring the outbreak of COVID-19 a global pandemic, the final decision to postpone the show to protect the health of our attendees, exhibitors and all participants became clear.

We are fortunate to live in a society that affords us the luxury of gathering with people from all over the globe to share passions for automobiles, sports, music and culture. Incidences like the one we’re collectively facing at the moment should give us greater appreciation of the joys of everyday life once there is a return to normalcy.

The organizing committee of the Vancouver International Auto Show is very grateful to all our partners including the Vancouver Convention Centre, event sponsors and commercial exhibitors for their understanding and support in this decision. We are equally grateful to everyone who had been eagerly anticipating the show for their cooperation, no matter how disappointing it is to postpone the landmark 100th anniversary edition of the Vancouver International Auto Show.

Until further notice, the onus is on us as individuals and as communities to take responsibility for the health of ourselves and others by handwashing regularly, staying home from work, and making decisions like adjusting major events are some of the steps that we can all take to contain the outbreak of COVID-19—and to make a return to a post-COVID world a reality sooner rather than later.

We will be back – and better than ever !

Until then, take care of yourselves and those around you. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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

More than one hundred thousand attendees are expected to attend the Vancouver International Auto show this month – making it the best gathering place in Western Canada for car and truck lovers who will get a close look at the latest vehicles, classics, modified supercars and specialty one-off builds. The 100^th Anniversary of the Vancouver International Auto Show takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre (West) from March 25-29.

One of the most exciting parts is the first glimpse at many new vehicles in advance of them hitting showrooms across the province. The line-up of 2020 offerings will include some of the luxury and exotic class, finest original and restored vintage automobiles, and some of the newest in technology – all under one roof.

The Vancouver show is known for having a must-see line up and this year is no exception. Whether you’re looking to make an investment in a new vehicle, or coming to see the newly released models, there are many new features for you to check out.

On the list of vehicles you must-see is the one that has auto enthusiasts talking around the world – the 2020 Corvette Stingray convertible. It takes Corvette’s heritage up a notch as the first mid-engine in Corvette’s 66-year history. The fighter-jet inspired design maintains the same storage as the coupe, even with the top down.

A much-anticipated concept is the Lexus LC 500 Convertible. The exterior blends the coupe’s unique roofline with the character of a convertible. Drivers can expect similar performance to the coupe, with the powerful drivetrain combination of the 5.0-litre V8 engine paired with the seamless Direct-Shift 10-speed automatic transmission.

A car that is sure to turn heads in the showroom this year is the 2020 Pagani Huayra Roadster. It may just be the most exciting vehicle in the incredibly competitive world of hyper cars, with a twin-turbocharged V12 engine, a world-first Carbotanium chassis and a total power output of 764 HP at 5500 rpm. This one is named after a South American wind god and only 100 were produced – it is so exciting to have it at this year’s show!

General Motors continues with class-leading technology with the all-new Yukon Denali and the first-ever GMC Yukon AT4. GMC is unveiling its Active Response 4WDTM System, which includes an electronic Limited Slip Differential, to continuously monitor road conditions and react to improve traction, handling and overall control.

And last but definitely not least, the much-anticipated first SUV for the Genesis brand – GV80. It has standard all-wheel drive, suspension tuning, intelligent ADAS camera and in-car connectivity.

To check out all of these and many more, head to the Vancouver International Auto Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 25-29, 2020. For more information on the Show and to purchase tickets, visit www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com. 

Kicking off on March 1^st, the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC (NCDF) will present a 50/50 raffle that will allow attendees of the Vancouver International Auto Show to participate for a good cause. A portion of the funds raised will support education grants and scholarships that are available each year to students studying in careers that lead to jobs with BC’s New Car Dealers. The Raffle starts online on March 1 at http://www.newcardealersfoundation.ca/  and continues onsite at the Auto Show, March 25-29. The lucky winner will be drawn on March 29 at 5 PM at the Vancouver International Auto Show.

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

Preparations are revving up for the 100th anniversary event for the Vancouver International Auto Show, and a noticeable addition to this year’s opening day line-up is automotive and racing great Roger Penske.

As our special guest to the Vancouver International Auto Show, Mr. Penske will take part in a breakfast panel for media and industry attendees on opening day, Wednesday, March 25th. He’ll discuss the global automotive sector and other exciting topics alongside Canadian Automotive Icon Jim Pattison and other industry leaders.

Penske first fell in love with racing after attending the Indianapolis 500 with his father in the 1950s. By the end of that same decade he was a standout race car driver.

Back in 1965, he walked away from his career as a race car driver to focus on business and his success continued as a Chevrolet dealer in Philadelphia, but his passion for the track also continued. The former race car driver assembled his own race team in 1966 and Team Penske has been in the winner’s circle many times since. The team has more than 540 all-time race wins – including a record 18 Indianapolis 500 victories, and 37 national championships.

Penske is well decorated for his career both on and off the track. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fall in 2019, and the Automotive Hall of Fame back in 2015. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom last year, which is the highest civilian honour award in the United States.

He’s made a name for himself in the racing world since he began racing, and over the past 50 years has become one of the greatest leaders and innovators in both the automotive and racing industry. We are thrilled to welcome him to this year’s event!

If you’d like to see a couple of Team Penske’s winning racing cars up close and personal, you’re in luck. He’ll be bringing two to the Auto Show – the Dallara/Chevrolet driven by Josef Newgarden to the 2019 IndyCar Series Championship and the 2018 Indianapolis 500 winning car that was driven by Will Power.

The opening day line-up also includes an 100th Anniversary ribbon cutting ceremony which Roger Penske will take part in.

The 100th edition of the Vancouver International Auto Show rolls into the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 25 to March 29, 2020.

Check out the latest in vehicle unveils and find something that suits your unique lifestyle at this milestone event. For more information on the Show and to purchase tickets, visit www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

Kicking off on March 1st, the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC (NCDF) will present a 50/50 raffle that will allow attendees of the Vancouver International Auto Show to participate for a good cause. A portion of the funds raised will support education grants and scholarships that are available each year to students studying in careers that lead to jobs with BC’s New Car Dealers. The Raffle starts online on March 1 at http://www.newcardealersfoundation.ca/ and continues in person on March 25 at the Auto Show. The lucky winner will be drawn on March 29 at 5pm at the Vancouver International Auto Show.

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

Preparations are revving up for the 100th anniversary event for the Vancouver International Auto Show, and a noticeable addition to this year’s opening day line-up is automotive and racing great Roger Penske.

As our special guest to the Vancouver International Auto Show, Mr. Penske will take part in a breakfast panel for media and industry attendees on opening day, Wednesday, March 25th. He’ll discuss the global automotive sector and other exciting topics alongside Canadian Automotive Icon Jim Pattison and other industry leaders.

Penske first fell in love with racing after attending the Indianapolis 500 with his father in the 1950s. By the end of that same decade he was a standout race car driver.

Back in 1965, he walked away from his career as a race car driver to focus on business and his success continued as a Chevrolet dealer in Philadelphia, but his passion for the track also continued. The former race car driver assembled his own race team in 1966 and Team Penske has been in the winner’s circle many times since. The team has more than 540 all-time race wins – including a record 18 Indianapolis 500 victories, and 37 national championships.

Penske is well decorated for his career both on and off the track. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fall in 2019, and the Automotive Hall of Fame back in 2015. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom last year, which is the highest civilian honour award in the United States.

He’s made a name for himself in the racing world since he began racing, and over the past 50 years has become one of the greatest leaders and innovators in both the automotive and racing industry. We are thrilled to welcome him to this year’s event!

If you’d like to see a couple of Team Penske’s winning racing cars up close and personal, you’re in luck. He’ll be bringing two to the Auto Show – the Dallara/Chevrolet driven by Josef Newgarden to the 2019 IndyCar Series Championship and the 2018 Indianapolis 500 winning car that was driven by Will Power.

The opening day line-up also includes an 100th Anniversary ribbon cutting ceremony which Roger Penske will take part in.

The 100th edition of the Vancouver International Auto Show rolls into the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 25 to March 29, 2020.

Check out the latest in vehicle unveils and find something that suits your unique lifestyle at this milestone event. For more information on the Show and to purchase tickets, visit here.

Kicking off on March 1st, the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC (NCDF) will present a 50/50 raffle that will allow attendees of the Vancouver International Auto Show to participate for a good cause. A portion of the funds raised will support education grants and scholarships that are available each year to students studying in careers that lead to jobs with BC’s New Car Dealers. The Raffle starts online on March 1 here and continues in person on March 25 at the Auto Show. The lucky winner will be drawn on March 29 at 5 pm at the Vancouver International Auto Show.

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

More than 100,000 auto lovers will descend on the Vancouver Convention Centre March 25th to 29th to take part in the 100th anniversary of the Vancouver International Auto Show, where they’ll catch a glimpse of some of the world’s most luxurious, exotic and one-of-a-kind cars and trucks.

Investing in a new vehicle is a major decision, one that should be made with care. And thanks to the low-pressure environment at the Vancouver International Auto Show, prospective buyers can gather all the information they need to make a decision at their own pace, on their own terms.

Show-goers will have the opportunity to take-in this year’s new models featuring the latest cutting-edge technology and safety features—not to mention the beauty and raw power displayed by this year’s batch of vehicles.

Raw power and beauty are two words used to describe one of the featured vehicles: the Pagani Huayra Roadster. This car takes its name from a South American god of wind—and it goes about as fast as the wind. Two twin-turbocharged V12 engines, and a world-first Carbotanium Chassis, allow the Pagani Huayra Roadster to pump out 764 horsepower at 5500 rpm. Only 100 of these engineering marvels have been produced, and those planning on attending the show this year will be able to lay their eyes on one of them.

Drivers looking to ride in the lap of luxury—and move quickly while doing so—should seek out the Lexus LC 500 Convertible (the concept can be seen at the Auto Show). Engineers at Lexus designed this car to build on the outstanding handling dynamics of the LC 500 coupe with additional robust structural rigidity and relocation of structural braces to help make a ride in the LC 500 convertible even smoother. The advanced HVAC system adjusts temperature automatically, meaning that drivers can keep the top down and stay comfortable in every type of weather. Featuring a naturally aspirated V8, 471-horsepower engine, this ride has all the performance and luxury Lexus-admirers have come to expect.

The world of hybrid-electric vehicles is advancing at a rapid pace. That’s why the Ford Escape Plug-In will be at the top of the list for attendees this year. The Escape offers almost 50km of EV range, complementing its patented fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine. Another great vehicle on display will be the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime. New technologies have made it the most powerful RAV4 yet, offering an estimated 302 combined net horsepower. And its Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive offers incredible stability through slippery surfaces.

Naturally, that’s only a small slice of the suite of EVs and hybrid vehicles at the show. CleanBC – Go Electric Test Drives offer a place where curious drivers can test-drive an electric vehicle to get a feel of the future of automobiles.

No 100th anniversary celebration would be complete without a look back through the years—and that’s exactly what attendees of the UNVEILED Gala taking place opening night of the show can expect. Dealer and associate members, vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, government, media and friends of the New Car Dealers Association (NCDA) of BC will be transported back in time 100 years to experience a taste of the glamour and opulence of the roaring 20’s, while enjoying an abundance of food and drink options, all while networking with industry-colleagues.

Just prior to the UNVEILED event, the New Car Dealers Association will be presenting several awards at the DISTINCTION: Celebrating Excellence event. The NCDA, its Board of Directors and Sponsors will bestow the Community Driver Awards, BC Salespeople of the Year Awards, and Green Star Dealer Awards to some of the best and brightest in the industry. and the Automotive Dealership Management Graduates from the Automotive Business School Canada will receive their diplomas.

This year’s Show sponsors include, RBC, Continental Tire, BC Hydro, Autotrader.ca, FILLD, ICBC, Beere Brewing Co, Drive Marketing and The National Association of Automobile Clubs Canada.

The Vancouver International Auto Show is a can’t-miss event each and every year and the 100th anniversary will truly be a memorable celebration of everything the industry has to offer, from past to present and into the future. To learn more about this year’s features, and to purchase your tickets, visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/.

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