• 468,862 confirmed cases to date in Canada and 13,553 deaths.
• Total recovered: 379,467 (81%).
• To date, labs across Canada have tested over 12.22 Million people for COVID-19 (with an average of 3.5% positive overall).
• In the past week, an average of 80,109 people have been tested for COVID-19 daily across Canada, with 8% of these people testing positive.
• The first COVID-19 vaccine has been approved in Canada and up to 249K doses of the vaccine from Pfizer this month is expected.

Read more about the latest vaccine developments for Canada.

• Read here.

• Read here.

• 84 in the Vancouver Coastal Health region
• 338 in the Fraser Health region
• 7 in the Island Health region
• 56 in the Interior Health region
• 37 in the Northern Health region

Total cases in BC who have tested positive to date: 43,463.

• 361 are hospitalized and 93 are in ICU due to COVID-19.
• 21 new deaths to report today. Total to date: 668.
• 31,866 people with COVID-19 have fully recovered (73%).

• Read it here.

For Immediate Release

December 3, 2020

FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS BY NEW BC MINISTER OF ENERGY, MINES AND LOW CARBON INNOVATION SENDS IMPORTANT MESSAGE, SAYS NEW CAR DEALERS ASSOCIATION

Vancouver, BC – The New Car Dealers Association of BC says the first order of business by the new Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, to double the rebate for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at home and work, speaks volumes about the government’s level of commitment to supporting ongoing adoption of clean energy vehicles among British Columbians.

Today, the Honourable Minister Bruce Ralston announced that the Province is doubling the amount per rebate, to buy and install EV charging stations at home and work. The rebates will be offered through Clean BC’s Go Electric EV Charger Rebate and the EV Ready programs.

“British Columbia has seen the largest uptake of electric vehicles across the country and is currently the largest seller per capita in North America,” explains Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. “The province has rightfully taken notice of this success and has now doubled the rebates for home and workplace EV charging stations to further encourage buyers to make the switch. I’m looking forward to the future and the positive impact it will have on the transition to EVs in the province.”

To help with the up-front costs that come with purchasing EVs, customers can access double the previous rebates available. Homeowners can get a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs of 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 open tomorrow, December 4, and can be found at https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca/.

“While EV adoption continues to grow in this province, we know that access to much needed infrastructure will help convince people to make the leap,” continued Qualey. “Today’s announcement is precisely the kind of initiative required to help incent people to make a decision that will be good for the environment and the economy.”

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.

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC: The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents close to 400 new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association provide over 30,000 family supporting jobs for British Columbians and are responsible for over $16 Billion of retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in BC.

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Contact:
Shona Wercholuk
604-805-4821
[email protected]

For Immediate Release
November 5, 2020

Williams Lake, BC – The New Car Dealers of BC would like to congratulate Brian Garland of Cariboo Auto Group in Williams Lake, BC, who has won the 2020 Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) Laureate dealer recognition award for Ambassadorship.

For more than 15 years the Laureate award has been recognized as the highest honour a new car and truck dealer can receive over the course of his or her career. Although hundreds of nominations are received each year, only three individuals among more than 3,200 association member dealers in Canada win the award each year. Self-nominations are not accepted.

“I am immensely proud of all of the hard work our new car dealers do across the great province of British Columbia,’ explains Blair Qualey, President and CEO, New Car Dealers of BC. “It is a great honour to see such a deserving dealer in BC recognized for all of his incredible contributions to our sector. And I thank CADA for all the work they do and for recognizing the work of amazing dealers like Brian Garland in BC.”

Brian has been instrumental in Cariboo Auto Group’s success, but perhaps more impressively has acted as the unofficial mayor of Williams Lake through all of his community building and initiatives. It is the diversity of his efforts that make Brian so unique, as he has aimed to strengthen community above and beyond the confines of his business.

Brian has created and chaired multiple industry committees in Williams Lake and brought the first agricultural program in BC to Thompson Rivers University. He also established the TRU GRIT group to save the local university, and his initiatives on youth and music education are truly inspirational.

“When I found out I had won the Laureate award, I was overwhelmed with humility, and honoured to be in the special company of previous winners,” says Brian Garland. “People often come up to me and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got an idea for something.’ I think they know that car dealers can make things happen. Nobody’s waiting there to make it easy. You just have to make it work.”

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

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Contact:
Shona Wercholuk
604-805-4821
[email protected]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Over the last several months, our industry, and the world have been experiencing challenges that most of us have never seen before. Even now, it is uncertain when, or if a complete recovery will take place.

So, when we decided to start ADESA Vancouver’s 49th Anniversary with a fund-to-need for the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC, we were uncertain whether it would be a success. Then our friends at First Canadian offered to match donations up to $10,000, and we asked ourselves – can we expect our customers to put themselves before others, and give so much in these turbulent times?

The answer was a resounding yes. Together, we raised $29,450.00 for the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC!
It is hard to put into words, the feelings of warmth and compassion that grew in our hearts, as we watched the bidding screen go up, and up again from your donations. The difficulties we’ve all been facing make your generosity so much more remarkable. By giving back, you’ve showed everyone that you believe in and care about the future of our automotive industry. A special thank-you also goes out to John Wynia, former Chair of the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC, for generously donating his 1993 Harley Davidson Motorcycle to help us raise funds.

Charitable organizations such as the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC, are some of the worst impacted by the Covid19 Pandemic. The lack of fundraising events for the foreseeable future has severely limited the Foundation’s ability to provide grants and scholarships to young people studying to join the automotive industry, as well as supporting local charities such as Special Olympics BC.

Your donations will go a long way in keeping the Foundation on track. Bringing hope and assistance to those in need. If you’d like to learn more about what we do, please visit newcardealersfoundation.ca
From all of us at the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC, THANK YOU!

Sincerely,
Heather Headley
Chair
New Car Dealers Foundation of BC

Matching Funds from First Canadian!

This Thursday July 23, at the ADESA Auction, with every vehicle you buy or sell at ADESA, you will have the option to add a donation to the New Car Dealers Foundation. Our friends at First Canadian will MATCH your donation, up to $10,000!

The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC exists to provide CarCareerBC grants and scholarships to young people for automotive industry programs that lead to work at new car dealerships and supports other charities throughout BC where local dealers are involved.

We have the opportunity to make a huge impact on the lives of Special Olympics BC Athletes and students around the province, but we can’t do it without your support. Thanks for getting involved with this great initiative! For more information or questions, please contact: [email protected]

Thank you for your support!

Check out this short video message from the Foundation’s Chair, Heather Headley, Adesa’s John Macdonald and NCDA’s Blair Qualey.

A special message of thanks from Special Olympics of BC’s President, Dan Howe:

“To all our friends in the automotive community, we wanted to say hello and thank you.

For approximately 35 years, new car dealers have been there to support Special Olympics BC. Now, in these tumultuous times, we wanted to let you know, we haven’t forgotten about you and the tremendous impact you have had on the growth, development, and credibility of Special Olympics and the wonderful athletes that benefit so much for involvement.

One such athlete, Matthew Williams (you might remember him from the numerous times he has spoken at New Car Dealers of BC association events), wanted to say hello and to let you all know that even in these different times, he is able to stay active and connected, in no small part because of your significant support. The feelings Matthew expresses are his, but they represent all athletes, volunteers, and family and friends of Special Olympics BC.

As restrictions ease, we hope that it won’t be long until we can all see you again. Like Matthew, we thank you for your support.

Please click here to see Matthew’s message.”

For Immediate Release

Recommendations to Rev-Up Economic Recovery in the 2021 BC Budget Submission 

Victoria, BC – As British Columbia phases in a re-start of the economy, the New Car Dealers of BC (NCDA) can be a significant part of the solution. And they will be in a better position to do so if government accepts recommendations to further incentivize consumers and address key obstacles – and in doing so, drive local economies across the province.

During a virtual appearance before the Select Standing Committee on Finance, as part of its pre-budget consultation, NCDA President and CEO Blair Qualey made several recommendations to spark consumer spending.

The recommendations include adjustments to the luxury tax on vehicles, which applies to all vehicles over $55,000. Right now, B.C. car buyers pay seven percent PST on vehicles priced below $55,000. That rises to eight percent for vehicles priced between $55,000 and $55,999, to nine percent on a price of $56,000 to $56,999 and 10 percent for vehicles priced more than $57,000. In 2018, additional super taxes were added for buyers of vehicles with MSRPs between $125,000 and $149,000 requiring a 15 percent PST, while cars priced at $150,000 and higher come with a 20 percent PST hit. These luxury vehicle surtaxes have had the unintended consequence of a 33% decrease in PST remittances, as many buyers are traveling out of province to make purchases.

As an urgent measure, the NCDA recommends removing the tax on all work trucks, which applies to pickup trucks starting at this price.

The NCDA is also recommending an ongoing funding commitment to the highly successful CleanBC-Go Electric Vehicle Purchase and Scrap-It BC programs, to incentivize consumers to purchase greener vehicles. BC’s electric vehicle adoption was the highest in North America in 2019, with 10% EV sales compared to all new vehicle sales – compared to 7% in Quebec and 8% in California. The NCDA recommends additional funding to continue this trend and encourage British Columbians to get moving again and drive recovery for tourism, hospitality, and retail industries. In lockstep with vehicle purchase incentives, continuing investments in charging stations around BC where consumers live, work and play continue to be important.

The NCDA also recommended the continued investment in skilled trades training in the province. As more and more consumers are choosing to drive EV’s, cars and trucks are becoming more technically complex, it is imperative that continued funding goes into programs like the newly developed EV Maintenance Training Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

“There is no doubt that the auto industry in BC has endured a significant economic impact because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” explains Blair Qualey, President and CEO. “The auto industry is a huge driver of the economy and acting on these recommendations will help get people and business moving again as quickly as possible.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact for the economy and the auto industry was no exception. Through these challenges all 390 new car dealerships remained open, thanks in part to the tools and guidelines offered by the NCDA – which helped build confidence with consumers and dealers alike.

BC’s New Car Dealers provide over 30,000, well paying, family-supporting jobs and contribute more than $675 million in total tax revenues annually for all three levels of government.

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC: The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents more than 390 new car and truck dealers in 55 communities throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association provide over 30,000 family supporting jobs for British Columbians and are responsible for over $16-billion of retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in BC. The NCDA owns and manages the Vancouver International Auto Show, which was postponed due to COVID-19 health orders.

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Contact:
Shona Wercholuk
604-805-4821
[email protected]

System Updates from ICBC for some Optional products for BC’s New Car Dealers 

Thank you for your ongoing diligence as businesses everywhere are facing stress and uncertainty.

Some commercial vehicle customers have been able to purchase New Vehicle Replacement Plus, Limited Depreciation, RoadStar and Roadside Plus coverages, when in fact these products have gross vehicle weight restrictions. We’re making updates so that as of May 31, 2020, our systems will help ensure these products are not provided for ineligible vehicles.

We are honouring the coverages currently on policies and will continue to do so until the product has been removed from the customer’s policy – at the end of their current policy term or at a mid-term policy change.

Commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 5,501 kg and above are not eligible for New Vehicle Replacement Plus or Limited Depreciation. Similarly, commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 5,001 kg and above are not eligible for RoadStar or Roadside Plus.

Thank you for your support and please speak with your broker if you have any questions.

Temporary system disruption affecting auto retailers

Thank you for your ongoing diligence as businesses everywhere are facing stress and uncertainty. Periodically, ICBC has to make essential upgrades to our systems in order to accommodate new work solutions. These upgrades sometimes require that certain systems be shut down temporarily.

ICBC will be performing critical system changes this week. As part of these efforts, Autoplan brokers will not be able to process certain transactions from Thursday, May 28th at 8:30 p.m., to Friday, May 29th at 4:00 a.m.

The following systems will be impacted by the change:
– CPIC
– Broker Connect and all tools accessible via BrokerConnect (e.g. Vehicle Claims History, Stock Center – Inventory Activity Log, IPRE)
– Policy Centre
– Broker data download
– Customer Premium Estimation Tool
– Vehicle Claims History Report via icbc.com

For customers who may be affected during this time, brokers can issue manual System Wide Outage Temporary Operation Permits (SWOTs) for new vehicle registrations or renewals, providing temporary insurance for a period of up to three days. This allows customers up to three days to complete the transaction with a broker.

We’ve chosen this time frame to help minimize impacts to partners and customers and have communicated to our broker network. Dealerships may hear from brokers they work with about adjustments they are making to reduce any impacts. Dealerships are encouraged to reach out to their brokers if they have any questions.

Thank you for your understanding as we perform these important updates to our systems.

For immediate release

Vancouver, BC – The New Car Dealers Association of B.C. (NCDA) is pleased to honour the best of the BC New Car Dealer industry – those who are going above and beyond to give back to their communities, while also recognizing the next generation of leaders in the sector.

Despite the 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show and Distinction Awards evening postponement, award winners were honoured in several categories: Community Driver Award for Outstanding Community Involvement; Salespeople of the Year; Green Star Dealer Awards for Outstanding Work in the Sale of Clean Energy Vehicles, and; Automotive Dealership Management Graduates from the Automotive Business School of Canada.

“Our Associaton represents more than 390-car and truck dealers across this province, who in turn employ more than 30,000 individuals. Each year, I am amazed by the level of excellence of the men and women in our sector, right across this province. To those who have been recognized, the NCDA offers its deepest appreciation and congratulations,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC.

“What also stands out is the number of people in our sector, across all age brackets, who are demonstrating a remarkable level of commitment to our industry and the communities in which they work and live – and that certainly bodes well for the future.”

Community Driver Awards:
Presented by Black Press Media Group 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.

• Brian Jessel BMW, Metro Vancouver Region
• Glacier Toyota, Northern BC Region
• Castlegar Toyota, Kootenays Region
• Lexus of Kelowna, Okanagan/Interior Region
• Kia Victoria, Vancouver Island Region
• Applewood Kia, Fraser Valley Region

Green Star Dealer Awards:
Thanks to the CleanBC – Go Electric Program, the Green Star Dealer Awards recognize new car dealerships for selling the highest number of Clean Energy Eligible Vehicles (Battery Electric Vehicle Sales (BEV) and Plug-in Electric Hybrid Sales (PHEV) for 2019) annually across all brands, by provincial region, and including the most Improved Dealership Award (Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, Interior and Northern B.C.):

• Vancouver Island Top Battery EV Sales – Campus Nissan
• Vancouver Island Top Plug-In Hybrid EV Sales – Nanaimo Mitsubishi
• Lower Mainland Top Battery EV Sales – Kia West
• Lower Mainland Top Plug-In Hybrid EV Sales – Wolfe Mitsubishi
• Interior BC Top Battery EV Sales – Kelowna Hyundai
• Interior BC Top Plug-In Hybrid EV Sales – Valley Mitsubishi
• Northern BC Top Battery EV Sales – Northland Hyundai
• Northern BC Top Plug-In Hybrid EV Sales – Prince George Toyota
• Most Improved Battery EV Sales – Mertin Hyundai
• Most Improved Plug-In Hybrid EV Sales – Kia West

Top Salespeople Awards:
Presented by Cox Automotive and Post Media to dealer-member salespeople across all classes who have excelled in the front-line position of sales:

Acura. Gurp Mangat. Lougheed Acura
Aston Martin. Andy Tsai. Aston Martin Vancouver
Audi. Tim Cheung. Capilano Audi
Bentley. Mark Cheema. Bentley Vancouver
BMW. Valentino Almeida. Brian Jessel BMW
FCA. Borko Nikolcic. Maple Ridge Jeep Dodge Ram Chrysler
Ferrari. Mark Harrison. Brian Ross Motorsport (Ferrari Maserati Vancouver)
GM. Harry Dhaliwal. Barnes Wheaton North Surrey
Honda. Leo Chang. Open Road Honda Burnaby
Hyundai. Brent Miscisco. Maple Ridge Hyundai
Infiniti. David Chung. Morrey Infiniti
Jaguar. Adam Smith. Jaguar Vancouver
Land Rover. Jane Zhang. Land Rover Vancouver
Kia. Zohreh Layegh. Applewood Kia Surrey
Lamborghini. Patrick Kam. Lamborghini Vancouver
Lexus. Amy Wu. Regency Lexus
Maserati. Eric Chan. Brian Ross Motorsport
Mazda. Justin Kim. Signature Mazda
McLaren. Shaun Donnellan. McLaren Vancouver
Mercedes-Benz. Patrick Ng. Mercedes Benz Richmond
MINI. Katie Chan. MINI Richmond
Mitsubishi. Lance Torkos. Wolfe Mitsubishi
Nissan. Karan Kundhal. Applewood Nissan
Porsche. Brian Yeung. Porsche Centre Vancouver
Rolls Royce. Steven Wu. Rolls Royce Motor Cars Vancouver
Subaru. Freddy Ghanei. Jim Pattison Subaru Northshore
Toyota. Kalim Mohiuddin. West Coast Toyota
Volvo. Jayson Wadud. Jim Pattison Volvo of Surrey
Volkswagen. Nicholas Yan. Cowell VW

Automotive Dealership Management Graduates from the Automotive Business School of Canada: Congratulations to the 2019 Automotive Dealership Management Graduates from the Automotive Business School of Canada:

• Antonio Almeida, Murray GM Fort St. John
• Brett D’Ambrosie, Auto West Group
• Kathleen Harding, MINI Richmond
• Zachery Kenney, Edwards Garage
• Sandro Mati, Volvo of Vancouver
• Derek Rattenbury, Auto West BMW
• Kevin Thai, Richmond Honda
• Christopher Thimer, Abbotsford Volkswagen

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

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Contact:
Shona Wercholuk
604-805-4821
[email protected]

Vancouver Auto Show Postponed

For Immediate Release
March 12, 2020

Vancouver, BC – Organizers of the Vancouver International Auto Show announced today that, due to the
evolving COVID-19 Pandemic, the 100th anniversary edition of the Vancouver International Auto Show
has been postponed.

The event, the best attended trade and consumer show in Western Canada, was set to take place at the
Vancouver Convention Centre West, March 25-29, but the decision to postpone was announced today
by the New Car Dealers Association (NCDA), which owns and operates the Show.

Organizers say that taking the extraordinary step was a difficult decision, particularly as the Show
prepared to celebrate its centennial anniversary, but one that was in the best interest of the exhibitors,
attendees, participants and staff. A future date has not been announced.

“We are very grateful to all of our partners including the Vancouver Convention Centre, automakers,
event sponsors and commercial exhibitors for their understanding and support for this decision,” says
NCDA President and CEO Blair Qualey.

Planning for the 100th year celebration has been years in the making and included Opening Day special
guests Roger Penske and Jimmy Pattison. The show was set to feature a number of never previously
displayed private automotive vehicles and collections along with a number of regional, national and
global auto unveils from the world’s top automotive brands.

Guests who have purchased tickets for the Auto Show can receive a full refund at the point of purchase.

Tickets: Purchased tickets are being refunded. You will receive an email with instructions to obtain your refund. If you have not received this email by March 27th, please check your spam folder, and if it is not there, please contact [email protected]

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

Contact:
Shona Wercholuk
604-805-4821
[email protected]

The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC’s Inaugural 

50/50 Draw Kicks Off on March 1

For Immediate Release
February 28, 2020

Greater Vancouver, BC – For the first time in the history of the New Car Dealers Foundation, a new 50/50 raffle will launch and be featured at the 100th anniversary of the Vancouver International Auto Show. (March 25-29 at the Vancouver Convention Centre). Proceeds from the raffle will go towards supporting the New Car Dealers Foundation’s charitable and educational initiatives, which include financial contributions to Special Olympics BC (SOBC) as well as scholarships and grants for post-secondary students looking to pursue a career with BC’s New Car Dealers.

Tickets will be available for purchase online starting March 1 and will be available for purchase onsite at the Vancouver International Auto Show.

The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC has awarded more than $500,000 in education grants ranging from $500 to $2,500. The grants are then put towards paying for tuition or for things such as the purchase of new tools to support aspiring automotive industry workers. The Foundation, along with BC’s New Car Dealers and Special Olympics BC, have raised over $5 Million together over the years.

“We’re very excited to be introducing a 50/50 draw for the first time at the show this year to help support all the great initiatives the New Car Dealers Foundation undertakes,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association, which operates the New Car Dealers Foundation. “We’re continually reminded of the positive impact the Foundation’s initiatives have on those they touch and that only increases our devotion to raising funds,” he added.

The winning ticket will be drawn at the New Car Dealers Foundation booth at the Vancouver International Auto Show on Sunday March 29th at 5:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased as 3 for $5.00, 7 for $10.00, 50 for $20.00 and 150 for $50.00. Tickets can be purchased by credit card online starting at Noon on Monday, March 1 and then in-person throughout the show until March 29, with credit card, debit card and cash from March 25-29. Sales will cut-off online and onsite at 4 PM, March 29. There is no ticket purchase limit.

Ticket buyers must be 19 years of age or older. If a winning ticket bears a minor’s name, the prize will be lawfully delivered on behalf of the minor to the minor’s parent, legal guardian or trustee. Rules of play available online at https://www.newcardealersfoundation.ca/

50/50 Tickets can be purchased at https://www.newcardealersfoundation.ca/

Tickets to attend the 100th Vancouver International Auto Show are available at www.VancouverInternationalAutoshow.com/

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

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Contact:

Shona Wercholuk
604-805-4821
[email protected]

Budget Investments Continue Nation Leading Electric Vehicle Adoption in BC

Victoria, BC –Today’s balanced provincial budget includes further support for clean energy initiatives that will help ensure BC’s success in electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues, says the President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC.

In total, the 2020 Budget provides over $32 million to support the Go Electric BC program to help more people and businesses transition to electric vehicles.

Of prime importance to New Car Dealers and their customers is the addition of $20 million in operating funding to ensure the continuation of the Go Electric BC Program. This initiative provides British Columbians with savings of up to $3,000 on the purchase of a new battery electric or hydrogen full cell vehicle, and has been administered by the New Car Dealers Association of BC since 2010. BC Consumers can also receive as much as $5,000 in additional incentives from the Federal iZEV incentive program, and up to $6,000 when also combined with the BC Scrap-It incentive, for a potential incentive total of up to $14,000.

In addition to the Clean Energy Vehicle point of sale EV purchase incentives, Budget 2020 provides $5 million for incentives to install home and workplace charging stations, and $2 million to build new public fast-charging and hydrogen fueling stations for zero-emission vehicles. An additional $5 million is being provided to continue incentives for zero-emission buses and heavy-duty vehicles.

“BC is four years ahead of meeting its 2025 mandate of 10 percent new cars and trucks to be zero emission vehicles,” said Blair Qualey, President & CEO. “BC’s New Car Dealers are pleased to see the BC government hasn’t taken its foot off the accelerator in funding the Go Electric BC program. These key investments and the ongoing partnership between new car dealers and government has helped BC assume a leadership role in clean energy vehicle adoption in North America – and the latest funding commitments will help maintain its position.”

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC: The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents more than 390 new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association provide over 30,000 family supporting jobs for British Columbians and are responsible for over $16-Billion of retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in BC. The NCDA owns and manages the Vancouver International Auto Show, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and running from March 25-29 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.

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Contact:
Shona Wercholuk
604-805-4821
[email protected]