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].

Final new car sales figures are in for 2019 – and it will go down as the fourth highest on record in Canada with slightly more than 1.91 million sales transactions occurring.

According to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc., 2019 was the year of the SUV. Subcompact SUVs finished the year with a 28.5% increase – holding on to the title of fastest growing segment in the country—and large luxury SUV sales climbed by 12.4%.

There was no major shake up to the hierarchy of popular Canadian vehicles in 2019, as buyers largely stuck to the tried and true. According to industry statistics website, Statista, the Ford F-Series continued to receive overwhelming support and loyalty from consumers, making it the most popular vehicle in Canada for the tenth year in a row. Approximately 145,000 Ford F-Series were sold in 2019, with the second place Ram pickup selling around 96,500 models. The Ram pickups may not have overtaken the top spot, but they did see an impressive 14% gain.
Rounding out the top three was the Toyota RAV4 with sales in excess of 65,000, and showing an increase of 17.8%..

Zero- emission vehicles (ZEVs) continued to show strong growth across Canada. As reported by Electric Mobility Canada, ZEV sales now account for 3.5% of national vehicle sales, with that number being impressively higher in BC where 10% of all car sales purchased last year were ZEVs.

BC has always had a reputation for having a strong environmental consciousness, but that’s not the sole reason for the rise of ZEV sales in the province. With the introduction of federal incentives last May and the continued support of the CEVforBC™ Program, through which 14, 400+ program transactions occurred in 2019, British Columbians are finding it possible to make the switch to green rides.

If you are an auto enthusiast who has a love for the latest from the world’s biggest auto manufacturers, or you have an affinity for sports cars, pick-up trucks, sedans, supercars, or concept vehicles – the place to be is the Vancouver International Auto Show, March 25-29 at the Vancouver Convention Center West.

Celebrating it’s 100th anniversary, one of the features of this year’s Auto Show will be a focus on the storied history of the annual event and the vintage vehicles on display which will allow visitors to travel down memory lane to revisit vehicles of the past that hold sentimental value.

This year’s Auto Show will have something for car lovers and we hope to see you there! For more information about the Show, and to purchase tickets, please visit here.

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

2019 proved to be another record year for electric vehicle (EV) sales in British Columbia, as the trend towards electrification continues.

Under the CleanBC Program which provides a point of sale incentive of up to $3,000 from the Provincial Government, administered by the New Car Dealers Association of BC, CEVforBC™ applications almost doubled in 2019, surpassing 2018’s record.

While EV sales have steadily increased through 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 CEVforBC™ and the SCRAP-IT® Program, along with investments in vehicle charging infrastructure, many British Columbians are finding that switching to a full or hybrid EV is not only possible – but an attractive option.

For many consumers – right behind the issue of price – the issue of range anxiety, remains a major concern – particularly those who many live outside of well populated areas where charging stations are becoming more common-place. And while building the infrastructure is a process, it’s worth noting that today there are over 1,000 charging stations in BC with that number increasing in 2020.

Although it’s true that many of these charging stations service the southern part of the province, investments are being made in other areas of the province to create a more extensive network. As an example, the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) in Prince George has committed $192,000 towards the creation of EV charging stations across central and northern BC and aims to establish a network of 47 Level 2 charging stations throughout the region. 100 Mile House has also just opened their first electric charging stations, which really shows that more communities are working to make EV’s more accessible.

While it’s encouraging to see an increase in charging stations along major highways and driving routes, ensuring charging stations for consumers at their home is also an important part of the equation. Well, if you chose to install a Level 2 charger at your house there’s an incentive program for that! Customers are eligible to receive a $350 rebate from the BC government for making the switch. You can visit https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca/#rebates for more information.

According to data released by Electric Mobility Canada, 10% of all vehicle sales in British Columbia were zero-emission vehicles at the end of 2019. Bringing the overall total of EVs on B.C. roads to approximately 31,000. Amongst the top sellers in Canada were the Tesla Model 3, Toyota Prius Prime and the Chevrolet Bolt.

In an effort to combat climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, the provincial government passed legislation last April that requires all new vehicles sold to be emission free by 2040.  The transition will take time. After all, the vast majority of all passenger vehicles and trucks sold in Canada continue to be gasoline or diesel powered. Here in BC, the fleet average is approximately eleven years old, underlining that the move to EV’s won’t be a quick one.

Turning over our older fleet on BCs roads, even to newer much more fuel-efficient gas vehicles, remains a huge opportunity for BC to meet its CleanBC targets. Programs such as BC Scrap-It® encourage British Columbians by paying an incentive to scrap their older, more polluting gas vehicle when they purchase a new qualifying EV.
The NCDA wants to ensure consumers or potential consumers are armed with the best and most up to date information so they can make the most educated choice possible. When it comes to the purchase of electric or any other new vehicle, the support and encouragement dealers provide goes a long way towards fuelling the growth of clean energy vehicle adoption, and in doing so, reducing emissions and improving air quality.

For the latest information on car careers in BC’s automotive industry, visit: https://carsandjobs.com/.
The 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 25-29, celebrating its 100th anniversary. Tickets are on sale now. Purchase yours here: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

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

All levels of government face the difficult challenge in finding the resources required to fund the multitude of needs and wants that society demands of them.

However, there are occasions when a government will come to a conclusion without the benefit of research, context or a full understanding of the implications of a decision. The vehicle luxury tax being proposed by the minority Liberal government may be an example of this.

The federal minority government campaigned last fall on a platform that included establishment of a new 10 per cent luxury tax on vehicles over $100,000 – and the implications in British Columbia, where car dealers are already experiencing the impact of a provincial luxury tax, is significant.

The BC luxury tax on vehicles has been in place since the 1990’s and kicks in at a $55,000 purchase price – a cost not uncommon by today’s standards for pickups that are required by many businesses and individuals who live and work in resource communities. In 2018, the provincial government established an additional luxury surtax on vehicles priced at $125,000 and beyond.

The NCDA canvassed its members in December on the impact of the provincial luxury tax and the implications have been substantial. Of the 60 dealer-members that responded (only 15 per cent of our membership), 66 per cent have experienced a reduction in sales – and the drop in sales has had a corresponding impact on employment. Twenty-seven dealerships have cut between 1-5 jobs, eight dealers have cut between 5-10 staff and one has cut more than 10 staff.

Additional taxation in a highly competitive sector like ours is always a concern, as consumers in BC can simply go to other neighbouring jurisdictions with more favourable tax structures for their purchases – putting BC companies and family-supporting jobs at risk.

Now, the federal proposal threatens to impose and tax-on-tax for new car dealers, providing an even greater incentive for consumers to take their business elsewhere

The survey of members underlines how the impact will be significantly compounded should the tax come into force. They use terms such as “absolutely devastating” and “complete disaster” to describe the potential impact – and suggest it means more layoffs and putting on hold any additional staffing being contemplated. In some cases, it means deferring capital expenditures and as a result, spending less on local suppliers. Inevitably this will mean less money for the provincial and federal treasuries.

Our association represents close to 400 new car dealerships doing business in 55 communities across the province. They generate close to $16 billion activity annually, over $2 Billion in net GDP to local economies and employ 36,000 British Columbians, directly and indirectly, in a wide range of high quality, family supporting jobs.

Since the re-election of the Liberal minority government, the luxury tax measure has been put into the Mandate letters of senior ministers, giving every indication they intend on enacting this measure, in the federal budget in February or March.

Our Association, in cooperation with our national Association CADA, is hoping to be able to work with government and ensure the political decision makers understand the additional context and implications so they might reverse or at least limit the impact of this measure – because without their full attention, a great deal is at stake.

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

We’re almost a month into the new decade and it is already proving to be an exciting time for the automotive industry and auto manufacturers have an exciting line up of new vehicle models on offer to kick off 2020.

In many respects, we anticipate this will once again be the year of the SUV. For the first time ever, sales of sport utility vehicles surpassed the 900,000 mark in Canada. We expect to see this trend continue in 2020, especially with all the new models on the market, including the Ford Bronco, one of the most anticipated vehicles in recent years. The iconic nameplate returns after years of speculation and a hiatus since 1996.

New for 2020 is the Kia Telluride, which features a 3.8 liter V6 engine and generates 291 horsepower with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It also comes with family-friendly technologies – an ever-important feature in vehicles, including a spacious third row seating area.

2020 is also going to be a significant year for new electric vehicles (EV) in the marketplace. Last year, a major milestone was realized, as government celebrated the fact that 30,000 EVs are now travelling BC’s roads and highways. And in British Columbia, we have seen transactions recorded through the CEVforBC™ incentive program grow from a modest total of 567 in 2013, but increase substantially in each subsequent year. By 2017, EV sales totaled 3,500 before rising dramatically to 8,500 in 2018. The Program paid out for 14,400+ EVs for 2019.

One of the new EV’s that is sure to be a hot ticket item is the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The design will mimic its iconic Mustang is a 332-horsepower all-wheel-drive, and mileage will range from 210 (AWD) to 230 (RWD) miles. One of the most exciting features, beyond its mileage, is the use of Artificial Intelligence. It will monitor your habits and then make suggestions based on that information. It will also allow users to state various commands in particular with the GPS system. What a future!

In 2020, environmentally friendly vehicles will continue to be important to consumers – as well as new technologies that make the automotive experience more convenient.

Toyota’s GR Supra is a fun car to keep your eye on this year. It pays homage to the vintage Toyota design, but packs 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that channels 335 horsepower.

You can expect to see some of these cars and many more at the special 100-year celebration of the Vancouver International Auto Show – at 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.

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

As we enter a new year and a new decade, there is no denying the ongoing significance of the auto sector in the Canadian economy. In fact, recent statistics by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC), the country’s only dedicated automotive market research company, serve to drive home that point.

Year-end figures show Canada’s new light vehicle sales market finished 2019 with just over 1.9 million units sold, making it the fourth best sales year on record. And while this may represent a decline over 2018, experts suggest part of the reason is that consumers are spending more on vehicles that tend to last longer.

2019 was a success story for SUV’s, with sales topping 900,000 for the very first time – and incredibly close to claiming half of the new light vehicle sales, reaching nearly 48% by the end of the year. The subcompact, large luxury, large, and luxury compact SUV segments outpaced the overall market with a gain of 28.5 per cent over last year. The rise of the SUV underlines the fact that Canadians are increasingly looking for these types of vehicles for practicality, safety, and improving fuel efficiency.

Among the increasingly popular SUV’s is the Canadian-made Toyota RAV4 which claimed top spot with just over 65,248 units sold, an increase of 17.8%. This is a trend we expect to see continuing over the next year, as Canadians are looking for reliable products designed for a wide range of terrains.

The Ford F-Series and Honda Civic continued their dominance in the light truck and passenger car categories – as they topped sales of 145,000 and 60,000 units respectively.

As we near the Vancouver International Auto Show, you can be assured that many of the world’s top auto manufacturers will be displaying their latest models – whether those are cars, pick-up trucks, SUVs, or the latest and greatest in the electric vehicle (EV) category.

While year-end Canadian EV sales results are not yet available, 2019 totals will undoubtedly establish a new record. BC has assumed a leadership position on this front, with more than 30,000 EV’s now travelling our roads and highways.

Of course, you can get a better idea of the future of the automotive industry, just one feature of the 100th edition of the Vancouver International Auto Show at 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.

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

Where does the time go? It seems only yesterday that our team for the Vancouver International Auto Show began the process of starting to draw up plans for the 2020 event – and now we find ourselves only ten weeks away from this very special 100th anniversary edition.

Between March 25 and 29, the Vancouver Convention Centre West will play host to the centennial event – which we will be marking in grand style.

A special procession of vehicles, representing each decade of the Show’s existence, will kick off the Show. And who better to serve as Honourary 100th Auto Show Chairman and Grand Marshall than industry icon Jimmy Pattison, who will lead the procession through the streets of Vancouver before making its way to the event venue, where the vehicles will remain on display.

The centennial event will also include a series of themed displays. The special showcases will provide a walk down memory lane, while promising to create new memories for attendees.

And of course, the auto show team are working to ensure there are additional surprises that will catch the eyes of auto lovers.

The automobile has always been a defining part of culture and societal trends, and a special car or truck can elicit a strong emotional response. For some, it’s the nostalgia associated with autos from the rockabilly 50’s or the muscle cars of the 70’s.

But it’s not all about yesterday.

Many of the world’s top auto manufacturers will be displaying their latest vehicles, concepts and exotic brands from around the Globe. So, whether you or your family want to see some of the finest supercars, exotics, sedans, pick-up trucks, or if advanced technology electric vehicles is more your wheelhouse, there will truly be something for everyone at the 2020 show.

An increasingly popular feature at the Auto Show is the expanded electric vehicle ride and drive event, presented by CleanBC – Go Electric, will be joined by a variety of alternative powered vehicles represented on the show floor in the new “An Electric Future Forward display – from electric, hybrid, hydrogen-fuel cell, to gas, diesel and propane powered vehicles.

The Vancouver Auto show is renowned for creating an atmosphere in which those feelings can be fully experienced. By attracting over 115,000 attendees each year, the show is also the ideal platform to connect participants and sponsoring organizations in many sectors to a proven audience of purchasing consumers, all interested in new vehicles.

The 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 25-29. For more information on the Show and to purchase tickets, please 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].

As we approach the end of 2019, and begin a new decade, it’s a time of year when many families will take to the highway to visit friends and family to ring in the holiday season. In anticipation of the wonderful, and perhaps challenging aspects of a winter road trip, take time to plan ahead to make the journey more enjoyable for you and your loved ones.

As you begin to chart your holiday travel plan, the most important order of business is to ensure your vehicle is in good running condition. The last thing you want is to have mechanical problems in the middle of winter – so visit your new car dealer and ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready. Your new or used vehicle may also be under warranty with your dealer, so there is no excuse to not go in for a tune-up.

If your travel is going to take you to higher elevations or parts of the province with traditional snowfall, ensure you have winter tires. Winter tire and snow chain rules are effect on most of BC’s highways from October 1 to March 31, and not having the proper tires could cost you. Check the province’s online maps (winter tire & chain-up routes on www.drivebc.ca) to find out which highways enforce this rule, and be aware of roadside signs that indicate sections of the highway that require winter tires.

It is important to be cognizant of changing driving conditions that may occur prior to, or during, your road-trip. A great resource to plan your route and check winter road conditions is drivebc.ca, where you can see the latest weather map. They also have an abundance of winter driving tips, so you can ensure you are fully prepared for the potential conditions.

To further put your mind at ease, travel with an emergency roadside safety kit. If you break down on a remote road, the only help you may have is what’s inside your trunk. With a simple roadside survival kit, you can be ready to help both yourself and others you may find in need. Visit bcaa.com for tips on what to include in your kit.

Long winter drives can already be a challenge, but with bored kids asking “are we there yet?” – the tension can increase. Make sure your car is stocked with snacks and activities to keep your children occupied on long drives. With all the new technological advancements that have been made, this is becoming easier in newer car models.

It should go without saying, but if you are the one driving, leave all your electronic devices alone. According to ICBC, 77 people die every year in distracted driving crashes and distracted driving is responsible for more than 25% of car crash fatalities in BC. It is important to resist the temptation of checking your phone – especially if driving in conditions that may be less than ideal.

And a final caution – don’t drive under the influence under any circumstances. A mistake of this kind has the potential to drastically impact lives – as you put everyone at risk.

To all readers, safe driving and have a very happy Christmas holiday season!

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

The 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 25-29, celebrating its 100th anniversary. For more information on the Show and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

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

As we approach the end of 2019, it’s a good time to look back and celebrate the successes we’ve seen in the sales of EV’s and clean vehicles. They are becoming an ever-popular mode of transportation for British Columbians, as consumers look to lessen their carbon footprint with more sustainable vehicle options.

When it comes to EV’s the sale numbers are impressive. The government issued a news release, celebrating the fact that there are now 30,000 EV’s on the road in BC. This huge milestone came just a few days after a study by Electric Mobility Canada, confirming that 10 percent of all passenger vehicles sold in the province are clean energy vehicles.

BC’s New Car Dealers have done extensive work with the government to encourage consumers to move toward green vehicles. It is part of the reason why British Columbia is known around the world for being an environmentally progressive province. In partnership with the Province, New Car Dealers established the CEVforBC™ program which makes clean energy vehicles more affordable.

Through CEVforBC™, the NCDA has also created competition between dealerships across the province to determine who can reach the highest level of sales of clean energy vehicles, across all brands. Recipients of the prestigious CEVforBC™ Green Star Dealer Awards® will be honoured at the annual 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show (March 25-29). The Auto Show will also show case the latest EV technology, and visitors will be provided the opportunity to test drive a variety of clean energy vehicles and learn more about this growing consumer option.

Further solidifying the importance of EV’s to British Columbians, is the introduction of the EV Maintenance Training program at BCIT. The program is intended to ensure that the automotive workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to support more EV’s on the road.

In a resource-based province as diverse as British Columbia, EVs are not an option for every family – but new gas vehicles with better fuel efficiency are. Issues such as affordability, range anxiety, and the fact that electric vehicles do not yet come in pick-up truck models which individuals may be dependent on continue to limit a broader EV adoption, particularly in rural and remote areas.

For those whom an EV is not an option, it’s important to recognize that newer model gasoline powered vehicles can also play an important role in reductions. Manufacturers continue to unveil new internal combustion models that are much more fuel efficient – and this will continue in years to come as we see more technological advancements.

There are several options to choose from when looking at cleaner gas driven vehicles. Whether you need a pick-up truck, SUV, or something smaller, there are many choices available to you from dealers across the province. 2019 really was an incredible year for the introduction of new models that are more environmentally friendly.

British Columbia remains at the forefront of environmental awareness and consciousness and this is especially apparent in the vehicles consumers in this province choose to purchase.

I look forward to the year ahead and continuing to work with the Province on programs and policy decisions that will continue to encourage consumers to make more environmentally conscious choices.

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

The 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show returns to the Vancouver Convention Centre West from March 25-29, celebrating its 100th anniversary. For more information on the Show and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

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

As we truly enter winter and the month of December, it is important to be cognizant of changing driving conditions, and driving in the snow. Weather forecasters predict a harsh winter season in B.C., so now’s the time to start thinking and planning ahead for the snowy season that may soon be upon us.

A recent ICBC survey noted that automobile crashes increased 10 per cent last winter compared to year previous, but even more concerning is the statistic highlighting that less than half of drivers surveyed had vehicles equipped with winter tires.

A quick reminder for British Columbians – winter tire and chain rules are in effect on most of B.C.’s highways run 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 snow tires too.

The ICBC survey also revealed that Lower Mainland drivers, in particular, are significantly more nervous about driving in both snowy and icy conditions. That’s not surprising, given that almost half of those surveyed (47 per cent) witnessed a crash during the winter last year.

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, stay 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, winter 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 winter 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 in your trunk in case you need to dig yourself (or your neighbour) out. Flares, flashlights, 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. Take time to plan your trip ahead – DriveBC is a great resource for the latest road conditions and weather forecasts.

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.

In future years, emerging technologies may prove to be a big safety advantage. Last August, a new high-friction road surface treatment was applied to 14 intersections in Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island to give drivers better control and help keep them from skidding in crash-prone locations. The specialized aggregate and resin treatment coarsens the road surface to boost skid-resistance, decrease braking distances in order to reduce rear-end collisions in intersections – in wet or slippery conditions.

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

The New Car Dealers has provided more than $500,000 in grants and scholarships to help fund the learning and growth of automotive students since 2005.

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