AMBASSADORSHIP

For extraordinary service to the community and the industry

PETER HEPPNER

Preston Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Ltd., Langley, B.C.

Advice to others:
This business remains one of great opportunities in my view. Where else can someone with little more than a great deal of desire and a hard work ethic be so well rewarded and appreciated? My advice for those starting out would be to not move around to different dealerships. Be patient, develop your clientele over time. Look at your employment as a partnership with your dealer. Pursue your career goals within an organization or group rather than chasing the unknown. You will be rewarded. Make an effort to give back to your industry and community — it will be returned to you in so many ways. Also, everyone claims to be an expert in this business. Before deciding who to listen to, check out their own accomplishments. Choose carefully who you associate with. There are a great many admirable people in the new car dealership world.

What I like most about the business:
The business is ever changing, evolving and ultra-competitive. If you stand still for a moment, you fall behind. I can’t wait to get to work each morning. Seeing the happiness in people’s faces when taking delivery of a new vehicle is most gratifying! I also note that if there is something good happening in a community (fundraising, sports, charity, etc.), chances are a new vehicle dealer is playing a meaningful role. As a result, I am very proud to be part of our industry.

NEIL KALAWSKY

Kalawsky Auto Group, Castlegar, B.C.

Advice to others:
Get involved in committee work with your provincial dealers association. You will meet interesting and engaged people that you can learn a lot from. Also, I would take the time to learn the fundamentals of operating a business, including how to read and interpret financial statements. Running a dealership is complex, busy and challenging. Sometimes all of the tasks and responsibilities and decisions are overwhelming. In midst of all the noise and distractions, understanding the financial position and performance of your dealership will help you focus, reset your priorities, and make better decisions with a clear mind.

What I like most about the business:
I find the business to be interesting, challenging and rewarding. You are empowered to make a direct impact on your business. When you make a decision, you will often see the results of that decision, good or bad, quite quickly. I also enjoy the people that work in this industry. They are interesting, engaged, hardworking and personable, and a pleasure to spend time with.

PAUL WILLIAMS

Centaur Subaru, Calgary, Alta.

Advice to others:
Time is the most important commodity you have, and the most important element you can invest in. Sometimes you will be compensated for your time and sometimes you won’t; that’s okay! Use your time to learn and gain understanding. Volunteer for committees and dealer associations. Participate in factory dealer councils, dealer advertising associations, parts & service advisory boards, etc. Many times, people get asked to serve but say “I don’t think I have the time to do this.” This is a huge mistake. Others trust in your ability and are encouraging you for your insight. The time you invest will be the foundation of your future success.

What I like most about the business:
The innovation. To compare technology and features from vehicles three decades ago versus today is simply astonishing. I work with a brand that has a very loyal customer base. The returning customers are always shocked by the changes they see in the new models.

GERRY WOOD

Wood Auto Group, Calgary, Alta.

Advice to others:
Be innovative and be ready to work hard. Foster good relationships and be able to provide exceptional customer service.

What I like most about the business:
The great people that I work with and the tremendous customers and colleagues that I have met and gotten to know over the years. They have brought great meaning to my life.

BUSINESS INNOVATION

For initiatives that significantly enhance performance or broaden the scope of business for new car and truck dealers

MARK K. HICKS

Sherwood Ford, Sherwood, Alta.

Advice to others:
For young people embarking on a career in the automotive industry, my advice is to find an organization whose business purpose, vision, and values, matches your own, and then cultivate an unwavering commitment to hard work and perseverance in that environment. It is crucial to have a clear and focused vision for your future, and to pursue your goals with dedication and passion. Those who have achieved the highest levels of success in both sales and technical roles in our industry have consistently exhibited these behaviours. Seek out mentors and seasoned professionals who can provide guidance and insight into the industry.

What I like most about the business:
I absolutely love the automotive retail business and the personal daily opportunity to interact with both customers and staff! It is truly a people business, and the people are what make this industry truly special, with their positivity and willingness to tackle any problem or challenge that comes their way. Each day requires focus and brings fresh and exciting opportunities to sharpen your mind while building your team and customer relationships. I enjoy the challenges of fierce competition, and the fact that personal dedication, attention to detail, and work ethic, can create real and meaningful results for myself, our staff, and my family.

MATHIEU LANDRY

Landry Automobiles Ltée, Laval, Qué.

Advice to others:
If you treat customers honestly and your goal is to make their buying experience a simple and transparent one, customers will reward you and your dealer with higher volume, more references, and a good reputation which often also creates better profits and a lot less headaches than when a dealer who chases profit by executing questionable business practices. Also, by being honest you are setting up your store to be in business for a long time and your honest reputation will attract a better class of potential employees.

What I like most about the business:
I love the strategy the most; automotive retail is a competitive sport and it’s a chess game. I get great pleasure working with our dealer’s team members who are motivated and want to outperform and be the best we can be whilst building strategies and executing on them. And to then have those strategies reward us with the success we have lived. It’s a lot of fun.

KYLE ROMERIL

Kaizen Auto Group, Calgary, Alta.

Advice to others:
Prioritize exceptional customer service for long-term success. Put the time in the dealership and learn the business and keep current with market trends. The grass isn’t always greener at another dealership. Seek mentorship from experienced professionals. Develop strong communication skills for building relationships. Embrace technology and digital tools to stay competitive. Cultivate a strong work ethic and be proactive in your role. Embrace a growth mindset, learn from setbacks, and strive for excellence. With dedication, perseverance, and continuous improvement, you can thrive in the automotive retail business.

What I like most about the business:
I love the automotive industry because of the stiff competition and the different challenges it presents every day. The competitive nature of the industry pushes me to constantly strive for excellence, innovate, and find new ways to stand out from the crowd. It’s exhilarating to be part of a dynamic environment where dealerships compete for customers, market share, and profitability. I thrive on the excitement of finding creative solutions, surpassing goals, and delivering exceptional service to customers.

MATHIEU SPINELLI

Groupe Spinelli, Montreal, Qué.

Advice to others:
Regardless of your field of expertise, the automotive retail sector is an exciting and challenging industry that is, more than ever, evolving at full throttle. Let yourself be carried away by your passions, as our business offers career opportunities that allow you to grow to the heights of your ambitions. Always be true to your values.

What I like most about the business:
I’ve always been passionate and fueled by innovation and technology. The dynamic nature of the industry, combined with the opportunity to connect with customers and help them find their perfect vehicle makes every day exciting and fulfilling for me and for all my colleagues.

RETAIL OPERATIONS

For outstanding achievement within an individual dealership

DEAN COOLEY

Dean Cooley Motors, Dauphin, Man.

Advice to others:
The advice I would give young people is to take every opportunity to immerse yourself in the industry. Let the automotive world show you all the exciting ways to have a great career in an ever changing, exciting, and dynamic business. Each role within a dealership is equally as important and should be treated as such. From the detail center, service bay, sales floor, or management team, having a wellrounded knowledge and respect for each role will enhance the success of your career. If you focus and work hard the automotive business will reward you. Don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it.

What I like most about the business:
I love coming to work and helping people. Being a part of that excitement when a first-time buyer gets their own set of keys or providing that sense of relief when a service customer’s vehicle is returned running like new makes what we do rewarding. I enjoy seeing teammates having success; whether it be achieving journeyperson status or having a record sales year. It’s celebrating the individual successes that makes this industry fun.

JASON MILLS

Westridge Buick, GMC Ltd., Lloydminster, Alta.

Advice to others:
Go for it! Get in it and stay in it. This industry is going to be so full of change and challenge for many decades and it is a great career. Work hard, really hard and put in the time to master your craft and the rewards are endless. When you get in, be full speed ahead and live it. Learning how to build quality relationships is a skill you can use in every facet of your life along with the auto business. The world has enough average people so go be great! Make sure to surround yourself with people that are better than you so you see what is available. You are in control of 95 per cent of what you need to be to have great success, don’t get bogged down in the 5 per cent.

What I like most about the business:
The pace and the people. Nothing beats the fast pace of the auto industry. Every minute of the day there are things happening throughout the store. I have said it is like the Las Vegas of work environments, there is never a dull moment! The people make the days even better! The best part is the relationships made along the way with staff and customers.

FRANCESCO G. POLICARO

Porsche Centre Oakville, Oakville, Ont.

Advice to others:
First, build a solid foundation through education. Acquire the necessary knowledge and craft to navigate the industry’s intricacies. Turn your devotion for the industry into a business. Let your enthusiasm drive your efforts and fuel your motivation. Find the sweet spot that aligns interests and capitalize on it. Focus on delivering a complete service from the moment a customer enters the building until your last employee leaves for the day. Strive for excellence in every step of your journey. Prepare to work–hard. Practice discipline and continuous improvement. The industry demands dedication and constant learning. The success and rewards you can achieve surpass your imagination. Witnessing people’s dreams come true is a privilege.

What I like most about the business:
People — whether employees, clients, partners, community members, or colleagues, mean the world to me. Their well-being is of utmost importance, and it’s a privilege to serve. Daily, I wake up excited about witnessing automotive tech advancements that revolutionize traveling. Vehicles are humanity’s greatest invention. The satisfaction felt seeing the joy on customers’ faces is priceless. It’s like living my childhood dream daily in an unparalleled emotional experience. That, for me, is pure magic!

MARTIN TAILLANDIER

BMW Montréal Centre, Montréal, Qué.

Advice to others:
Go for stability, and be patient. The key to success in automotive is perseverance. Many young people change careers and businesses many times over the course of a lifetime. Stability leads to the development of expertise, and this is what can make you stand out today! You have to work hard and obviously love what you do to have fun. You should not be afraid to share your ideas. Value and respect the experience of your superiors, but don’t be afraid to take your place. After all, it is the next generation that will modernize the automotive field!

What I like most about the business:
Each day is never like the previous one. I like the customer contact and the fact that we have the chance to help every customer who comes through the door: whether it is in service to repair their vehicle, or in sales to find what really meets their needs. It is also an environment that is constantly evolving and there is always something to improve upon!

The post The 2023 Laureate Finalists appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

We may have to be prepared for some short-term pain before long-term gains

To say that the past few years have been the catalyst to a ”new normal” would be an understatement. So many different world events since 2018, and especially since 2020, merged to create an enormous melting pot of sorts. Our industry went to places it had never been before. From the reaction of largely unrelated and unthought of ingredients, we are somehow supposed to create a new future. 

At the retail level, the retail car business rapidly became a sellers-market. From a dealers’ perspective, vehicle shortages created a perfect storm as vehicles transacted at or above MSRP, generating grosses per unit not seen for half a century, if ever. 

For some dealers, vehicle selling prices combined with lower human resource requirements combined to rekindle new-found love for the business. Profits soared to unprecedented heights. For other dealers it was a sign that it was perhaps time to cash in and move on.   

As inflation soared to levels unseen by many dealers, and as interest rates rapidly escalated, interest itself became a real expense in our P&L once again. Our costs increased exponentially without the opportunity for any further productivity gains. Those had all come at the beginning of the pandemic. 

Consumers began to walk, some backing out of conditional sales agreements and others walking away from the market due the negative impact on household cash flow. 

The combination of high new and used selling costs and much higher monthly carrying costs began to take hold to reduce vehicle demand. Homeowners with variable rate mortgages quickly changed to fixed ones. 

For those that did not react fast enough, they still today sit on the sidelines waiting to see how long the financial pressures will continue and are banking that their vehicles will last through the looming recession. 

Everything was more expensive. At the same time, the concept of working changed for many employees and business owners. 

Working from home has taken Canadian business by storm. Not only was it deemed healthier, but it also served to counterbalance increasing household budgets by allowing our customers and employees to adopt new tactics aimed at changing historical spending patterns. What used to be a monthly expense, soon turned into monthly savings. Commuting costs, childcare, deferred vacations, and other monthly savings added momentum to the work-from-home migration.

All of that was a lot to swallow in a short period of time, and I sense the turmoil is not yet finished. With 2022 now behind us, what can we expect in the year ahead?  

My hope is that as an industry we have learned from these times. My fear is that we will quickly revert to the old ways.    

Do we need huge amounts of inventory rusting on our lots? Do OEMs need to keep production plants at full capacity to churn out units that many consumers do not immediately want? Can we better match supply with demand to take advantage of the new financial equilibrium we have just lived through? 

As far as I can determine, it was not only dealers that saw profits soar. OEMs did as well. 

Automotive retail, and retail in general, live by market share. OEMs and dealers have chased market share for decades. Will this continue, or will we all focus on profitable growth rather than unit growth at all costs? 

As dealers, increasing market share has the short-term impact of a higher F&I profit pool and a long-term impact of increasing high-margin fixed operations. That’s not all bad, provided we do not give it all away on the front end. 

Hopefully we have learned that if we have the product consumers want, be it new or used, we don’t have to give it away to preserve the fixed operations profits. I believe that many of us have learned a better way to keep our customers happy and satisfied while making the kind of profits our business risks and investments deserve. 

That brings me to the move to electric. I believe this initiative is largely driven by government policy rather than consumer demand. Sure, many of us are concerned about climate change and the environment we are leaving for future generations. I firmly believe that alternative vehicles do have a place in our product portfolios. I also understand that OEMs need a minimum of vehicle activity to make sense of production costs. 

But for the foreseeable future, without government financial support, many consumers will stay away from the perceived high cost of acquisition. This creates uncertainty in the minds of some dealers, who are being asked to up their investment in a “Field of Dreams” approach. 

This also creates geographic differences in a dealer’s retail approach and inventory management. Not all markets function the same. Not all markets will have the infrastructure to support vehicle electrification. 

Serious challenges exist in multi-urban residential dwellings, for instance. In some cases, whole buildings need to be retrofitted at enormous cost, with not all owners or tenants willing or able to absorb increased acquisition costs. 

The concept that every home becomes a charging station sounds great, but a seriously high percentage of buildings cannot easily be converted. History may prove that these were just growing pains to get to where we need to get to as a society.  

My sense is that this will take at least a decade to take hold. In the meantime, who blinks first, the consumer, the dealer, the OEM, or the government? Someone is going to be left holding the bag while the rest play catch-up or don’t change at all. 

Looking ahead is not easy. The playbooks will need to be rewritten and cooperation, partnership and common sense will be required. A solid business plan where all parties share in the growth, founded upon reality and solid business principles is needed. 

Not everyone will be successful, and not everyone will progress in the same direction at the same pace. Eventually, far down the road, things might be different. Perhaps a little short-term pain by all will produce long-term gain by all. 

That might be pie in the sky or the true path to the future. One thing for sure, it likely takes more time than originally thought. Like I said, looking ahead is not easy.

The post Looking ahead is not easy appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

Lana Payne’s victory as the first woman president in Unifor history is considered significant. At the same time, she and several other women executives within the automotive industry recognize that females lag behind males in leadership roles in this sector, and in society in general.

Payne formerly served as the Secretary-Treasurer of Unifor, which is the largest private sector union in Canada, and defeated two male candidates last week.

“If you look at the reopening of the (GM plant in Oshawa), 50 per cent of the new hires are women, so our workplaces are changing and as a result of that so is our union leadership, and that was reflected in my election,” said Payne in an interview with Canadian auto dealer. “I think we also have to understand there are still a lot of barriers that women face in our society, not the least of which is women in leadership and in the workplace itself.”

She said the only way that will change is to knock those barriers down and make sure there is greater representation of women at all levels of the union and society.

“This clearly was a big step in that regard,” said Payne. “If women, non-binary folks, workers of colour, indigenous people and Black members are all encouraged by this, I’m over the moon with that.”

Susan Gubasta, President and CEO of Mississauga Toyota, can relate to what Payne is experiencing. Gubasta made history a few years ago as the first President of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, and a year later as the first President of the Canadian International Autoshow. She said the victory by Payne is a symbol that the “tides are turning” in terms of the advancement of women in the automotive industry.

“When you look at her experience, it speaks for itself,” said Gubasta. “I see this as a step forward for women, and there will come a day when we view this as the right person for the job with zero chatter about gender.”

Laura Zanchin, who along with her sister Andria are the Principal and Executive Vice-Presidents of Zanchin Automotive Group, congratulated Payne on working her way up to the top.

“I support any woman who can get to that level, because we are few and far between and it’s very difficult,” said Zanchin. “I’m thrilled that a female is taking over that position, because I think a female perspective is needed anywhere and she’ll definitely bring more accountability and transparency to Unifor.”

Zanchin said it is imperative for her as a woman in an executive position to support this type of landmark achievement.

“If I don’t support it, then it gets lost and it never happens,” said Zanchin. “That’s why we have to make something like this a big deal and kind of beat her drum, because it doesn’t happen often and it should.”

Yolanda Biswah, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Canadian Black Book, said Payne’s victory is positive for young women hoping for similar roles in the industry. Biswah went through a similar experience as Payne when she was promoted to her position in August 2021. In her case, it was noteworthy both from a gender perspective and becoming the first Black woman in that role.

“We’re still in an industry where it’s always announced when a company hires a woman,” said Biswah. “It shouldn’t be a thing, but unfortunately it still is.” 

The post Lana Payne is Unifor’s first woman President appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

Toronto’s marquee racing event returned to the city last weekend, as fans flocked to the Honda Indy to cheer on their favourite cars and drivers for the first time in two years. In lieu of paid admission, fans were encouraged to make a donation to Make-A-Wish Canada, and over $84,000 was made for the charity. To date, a cumulative total of $905,000 has been raised and each dollar will go toward granting wishes for children living with critical illnesses. There are currently 4,000 Canadian children waiting for their wishes to be granted.

“Everyone at Make-A-Wish was thrilled to learn that the Indy would make its return this summer and clearly, race fans, Honda Canada Foundation and Ontario Honda Dealers Association felt the same excitement,” said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, CEO of Make-A-Wish Canada.  “Our sincere thanks go out to everyone who supports our mission to bring strength and happiness to the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.”

For more than a decade, Make-A-Wish® fundraising activities have been an integral part of Toronto’s marquee racing event. All donations were matched dollar-for-dollar by Honda Canada Foundation.

“It’s heartening to see Honda Indy Toronto fans supporting such an important cause,” said Tony Facciolo, Chair of Honda Canada Foundation. “Honda is a longtime supporter of Make-A-Wish Canada and we’re very thankful that countless race fans, Honda Canada Foundation partners and our dealer network remain committed to bringing joy to the lives of children and families across the country.”

The post More than $900,000 raised for Make-a-Wish as Honda Indy returns to Toronto appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

Canadian auto dealer editor, Stephanie MacDonald, gets a chance to catch up with Francesco Policaro, president of the Policaro Auto Group. Policaro discusses choosing the Kitchener/Waterloo region as the place to expand, the status of the exciting new 75,000 square foot Porsche dealership being built in Kitchener, the luxury market in Southern Ontario, and the future of luxury electric vehicles.

The post Video interview: Dealer Francesco Policaro talks about expansion and electric vehicles appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

The conflict in Ukraine led to a rise in gas and diesel prices in the United Kingdom where they have now reached record highs, according to Auto Express. Simon Williams, a RAC fuel spokesman, said “Russia’s actions will now push petrol pump prices up to £1.50 very soon. The question then becomes where will this stop and how much can drivers take just as many are using their cars more and returning to workplaces.” (Source: Auto Express) Read the original story…

The post U.K. sees rising gas, diesel prices over conflict in Ukraine appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

The 2022 Washington, D.C. Auto Show opened its doors to the public on January 21, offering an in-person event featuring displays of new models, classic cars, electric vehicles, and interactive experiences.

According to a Washington Auto Show news release, the event took place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and included thousands of people through the weekend. The District of Columbia includes mask and vaccination proof mandates.

Displays came from OEMs such as Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, Stellantis, Acura, Honda and Subaru, which “received an increased amount of foot traffic as guests checked out the all-new Toyota bZ4x, Toyota Tundra Capstone, Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, Chevy Corvette Z06, Honda Accord Hybrid, and the Subaru Solterra EV,” said the Washington Auto Show.

The event also included Subaru’s pet adoption event known as Subaru Loves Pets, along with other indoor and outdoor experiences and activities. Consumers were able to test a number of electric vehicles during the show as well.

“Closing out day two of the auto show was a check presentation by the Washington Area Hyundai Dealers who donated a total of $100,000 to both Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Children’s National Hospital to fund pediatric cancer research and COVID-19 testing,” said the Washington Auto Show.

The donation was part of the local Hyundai dealerships and the Auto Show’s efforts to help fight pediatric cancer through the OEM’s Hyundai Hope on Wheels event.

The show will continue through January 30, 2022.

The post 2022 Washington Auto Show opens doors to public in January appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

KAR Global/ NAAA team photo. (Credit: KAR Global)

KAR Global and the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) announced the licensing of KAR’s privacy and security training program, Privacy Pam, for use by NAAA member auctions—including its Canadian members.

The update means that, through the NAAA, all member auctions will get access to the training program that helps both KAR and its employees safeguard the data, information, and business interests of their OEM, dealer, fleet operator, rental company, and financial institution customers.

“As vehicles and our industry continue to evolve digitally, it is more important than ever to give our members the tools they need to keep their auctions—and their customers—safe from security and privacy breaches,” said Tricia Heon, CEO of NAAA. “We’re excited to offer these trainings to our membership and give them valuable tools that protect their businesses.”

Training topics range from understanding the difference between privacy and security to what personal information is located in a vehicle, while also touching on international privacy. Additional topics will be provided as new data privacy and security trends/threats emerge.

KAR Global developed the Privacy Pam program in 2020 and launched it for use by all employees in 2021. The company said the NAAA plans to make the training available in the coming weeks.

The post NAAA members will soon have access to KAR’s Privacy Pam training program appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) recently announced the category finalists of its 2022 Canadian Car of the Year and Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year awards.

“Like in 2021, our 2022 program considered vehicles that are newly redesigned, refreshed, and carried over from previous model years, provided a minimum number of ballots were submitted by AJAC journalists, who test entries on the same roads and in the same conditions experienced by Canadian drivers from coast to coast,” said AJAC in a news release.

They revealed three vehicle finalists for each of the 13 categories, and plan to announce one winning vehicle in each category per day during the month of February. The association will then announce the overall winners on February 28, in partnership with the Canadian International AutoShow.

The category finalists are listed below:

Best Small Car in Canada for 2022

• Honda Civic
• Mazda3
• Nissan Sentra

Best Large Car in Canada for 2022

• Honda Accord
• Kia K5
• Toyota Camry

Best Small Premium Car in Canada for 2022

• BMW 3 Series/4 Series
• Genesis G70
• Lexus IS

Best Sports/Performance Car in Canada for 2022

• Mazda MX-5
• Toyota 86
• Toyota Supra

Best Small Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2022

• Hyundai Kona
• Mazda CX-30
• Toyota Corolla Cross

Best Mid-size Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2022

• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Hyundai Tucson
• Mitsubishi Outlander

Best Large Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2022

• Kia Sorento
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Toyota Highlander

Best Mid-size Premium Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2022

• Genesis GV70
• Jaguar F-PACE
• Lexus NX

Best Large Premium Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2022

• Cadillac Escalade
• Genesis GV80
• Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Best Off-Road Vehicle in Canada for 2022

• Ford Bronco
• Jeep Wrangler

Best Minivan in Canada for 2022

• Chrysler Pacifica
• Kia Carnival
• Toyota Sienna

Best Small Pick-up Truck in Canada for 2022

• Hyundai Santa Cruz
• Nissan Frontier
• Toyota Tacoma

Best EV in Canada for 2022

• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• Hyundai Kona Electric
• Kia Niro EV

The post Category finalists revealed for 2022 Canadian Car/Utility Vehicle of the Year appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

After two weeks of declines and months of growth for used vehicle wholesale prices, the market saw prices flatten for the week ending on January 25, based on Canadian Black Book’s latest update.

“The Canadian used wholesale market saw prices remain relatively flat for the week,” said CBB in its report. “Prices for truck/SUV segments remained flat for the week, while the car segment increased slightly, as buyers/dealers continue to take a wait-and-see approach.”

Overall, prices were up 0.06% for the week, with the car segments increasing 0.13% and truck/SUV segments flattening this week (0.00%) compared to the previous one. In comparison, the overall car and truck segments in the United States were down for a fifth consecutive week, at -0.17%.

For Canadian cars, the near-luxury car segment experienced the largest price increase for the week (+0.75%), followed by sub-compact cars (+0.68%) and sports cars (+0.14%). The prestige luxury car category saw the largest decline in prices—now for the second consecutive week—at -0.43%. This was followed by mid-size cars (-0.26%) and full-size cars (-0.20%).

As for trucks/SUVs, commercial vehicles experienced the largest price increase—now for the second consecutive week—while full-size vans and compact vans saw prices increase 0.98% and 0.79%, respectively. Minivans experienced a price jump of 0.75%.

On the down side, the pickup segments continued to see price declines, with the small pickup category down 0.75% and full-size pickups down 0.67%.

The average listing price for used vehicles for the 14-day moving average is now above $33,000, based on approximately 120,000 vehicles listed for sale on Canadian dealer lots.

“Conversion rates weakened this past week as market demand cooled slightly,” said CBB. “Rates were observed into the 40% range on some lanes last week, with the few low kilometre, good condition units garnering high levels of bidding activity.”

In other news, retail sales increased by 0.7% to $58.1 billion in November 2021, thanks to higher sales at gas stations (+4.9%), building material and garden equipment suppliers (+3.0%), and food & beverage stores (+1.0%).

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was up 4.8% on a year-over-year basis in December 2021, and the Canadian dollar was slightly down against the USD, finishing the week at $0.79.

The post Used vehicle wholesale prices flatten this week appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

“The Canadian light vehicle assembly sector has been through some immense changes and challenges in it’s over 100-year history,” said DAC, adding that “It appeared as though 2020—inundated with pandemic-related concerns as it was—was to join this list of watershed years. However, in 2021, things became even more challenging.”

Limited by supply issues stemming from a global semiconductor shortage, DAC said the Canadian and global automotive manufacturing industry took a serious hit last year, with Canadian light vehicle production falling to just over 1.1 million units—a level they have not seen since 1967. In 2019, production levels were close to the 2 million unit mark, and in 2020 they declined to approximately 1.4 million units.

Canada’s share of continental production fell to under 9 per cent in 2021. Of the five key players in the Canadian industry, Toyota led the way with 427,056 units, while General Motors assembled only 36,465 units in the country last year. However, DAC said GM offers an example of hope, which may provide cautious optimism.

“The GM Oshawa plant, assumed to be as dead as Monty Python’s Norwegian parrot, is again beginning to ship out vehicles,” said DAC. “Moreover, GM’s Ingersoll facility, which has suffered brutally from the semiconductor shortage, will be transitioning to a new product in 2022.”

The plant will undergo a $1 billion investment so the OEM can produce fully-electric commercial delivery vans starting in November 2022.

DAC’s Managing Partner Andrew King said the Canadian industry is going through both short-term transitory difficulties and long-term structural change, thanks to revised mandates from OEMs and more openness to electrification.

“While it seems unlikely that Canada will, in the near term at least, fully recover lost production ground, there does exist a clear opportunity to revitalize and adapt this critically important sector,” said King.

The post Record low for Canadian light vehicle production in 2021 appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.

Global Automakers of Canada President David Adams

To mark his 60th birthday, Global Automakers of Canada President David Adams is seeking donations for a cycling event to raise money for a charity for kids with cancer.

Adams, who turns 60 on February 15, will be among 100 cyclists riding on an 850-kilometre journey that begins in Toronto, Ont., and ends in New York City, NY from September 14-18, 2022.

The money raised will financially support Campfire Circle, which is a Toronto-based privately funded charity with year-round, in-hospital and overnight camp programs for kids with cancer at no cost to their families. Adams, who said he is riding as a challenge and to pay it forward, is hoping to raise $7,500.

“I’ve done the Ride To Conquer Cancer from Mississauga to Niagara Falls and back and a number of other fundraising rides,” said Adams in an interview with Canadian auto dealer. “This will be the longest ride I’ve ever done. The terrain is a lot more challenging.”

He said his perspective towards the event is that, at a certain age, there is not much people really need.

“There’s maybe some wants that we have, but I don’t need anything. I can look back on my own life and say there’s a lot I’ve been the beneficiary of,” said Adams. “I’ve done nothing to really deserve to have all the stuff I’ve had in my life. It just sort of evolved that way and it will be nice to sort of give back. That was kind of my motivation for doing it.”

His partner Sarah is volunteering as part of the support team.

Adams, who is a member of the Beaches Cycling Club, said he has been riding regularly for 15 years. In 2019, he cycled 10,000 kilometres, the most he has done on an annual basis. He estimates he may have covered 4,500 kilometres on his bike last year.

When asked whether he’ll use human power or electric power, Adams replied “My bike will be fully human powered. I don’t have an e-bike yet. Maybe that will be the next stage of my cycling career when I can’t ride a regular bike anymore.”

The link to make a contribution to David can be found here.

The post David Adams to cycle for charity event for kids with cancer appeared first on Canadian Auto Dealer.