Category: Features

There’s something about Shirley

August 11, 2011

After 29 years, super association executive 
director Shirley Canty gears down Sitting down with Shirley Canty for an interview to talk about her illustrious career, you get the sense that this whirlwind force doesn’t much like sitting down at all. …

The auction advantage

August 11, 2011

Many dealers are finding that bringing cars to auction is proving increasingly profitable The car business presents both some unique challenges and opportunities. The Great Recession of 2008-09 saw many changes. Perhaps the biggest news was the bankruptcy and subsequent …

The big get bigger

May 20, 2011

Dealer groups continue to grow. What does this mean for you? The trend towards large dealer groups is spreading from coast to coast. Beyond the synergies and the economies of scales, what’s behind this? And is there such a thing …

Bodyshop Benchmark

May 20, 2011

How Budds’ Oakville, Ontario, Collision Centre is taking front and center stage in the industry “It’s all about Six Sigma,” says Budds’ Collision Vice President and General Manager Sam Piercey, as he draws a little diagram on a piece of …

Catch a rising star

Dynamic entrepreneur Mike Trotman shares recipe for success When we last caught up with B.C. auto dealer Mike Trotman, he had just been named to the prestigious Top Forty under 40 list by Business in Vancouver magazine. In the course …

Infotainment Systems evolve

April 20, 2011

So-called infotainment systems, which can provide both information and entertainment, have been around in various forms for more than a decade. They encompass a multitude of possible features ranging from satellite radio service to real-time navigation to emergency reporting services …

Impact of Japanese crisis spreads

April 2, 2011

Almost three weeks after a hurricane and tsunami devastated Japan, much of the nation’s auto industry remains shut down and the resulting disruption in the critical global parts supply chain is beginning to impact automakers in the rest of the …

Japan image

VIrtual Inventory Management

March 20, 2011

Digital solutions can help drive success in one of a dealership’s most challenging areas For some dealers, inventory can either be a blessing or a curse. Have the right vehicles in stock and you can often move metal off your …

The year ahead

February 20, 2011

A roundtable discussion with industry experts The participants were in a feisty mood when we gathered in the boardroom of the CADA office for the first in a series of roundtable discussions on the state of the auto industry in …

Creative Compensation

February 20, 2011

Get a pay plan with payback It’s more than just the money, as Canadian dealers know well. A well-designed compensation package addresses several business needs. It supports recruitment, assists in retention, motivates performance and rewards the employee with money (direct …