New Car Dealers Association of BC

Grants & Bursaries Available for Individuals Pursuing Post-Secondary Automotive Training

2011-04-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

The New Car Dealers Foundation of B.C. will award CarCareerBC Education Grants to eligible students in British Columbia who wish to pursue a course of post-secondary education leading to a career in the automotive industry. The New Car Dealers Foundation of B.C. invites applications from young men and women who have established residence in British Columbia by living in the province for twelve consecutive months during the year prior to applying for the Education Grant.

For the year 2011, there will be several awards, ranging in value between $1000 and $5000. Applications should be submitted by mid-May.

Eligible Programs:
• Courses in all ITA recognized Automotive Apprentice Programs offered at British Columbia Post-Secondary Institutions
• Courses in all ITA recognized Automotive Foundation Pre - Apprentice Programs offered at British Columbia Post-Secondary Institutions
• Courses in all training programs offered in British Columbia by Automotive Training Centres
• Courses in the Canadian Dealership Management Program offered by SAIT and BCIT
• Courses offered by the Canadian Automotive Institute at Georgian College

For additional information, or to download an application, visit: http://www.carcareerbc.ca/financial.htm or contact Christie Morning-Smith at cmorning-smith@newcardealers.ca

New Car Dealers Association of BC welcomes Darren Chura

2011-03-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

Association President Blair Qualey is pleased to announce that Darren Chura has joined the New Car Dealers Association as a Member Services Consultant effective immediately. Darren will be assuming the member relations duties of Jesse Schimmel who has left the employ of the Association.

We are pleased to report Darren is a car guy. His father, Norm Chura, was an owner of the Summit group of companies that owned Fleetwood Mazda for 18 years and Summit Mazda for 30 years. Darren started in the industry when he was just 13 years old as a lot boy and moved up in the ranks to General Manager of Fleetwood Mazda. More recently, in the last 11 plus years he has been an independent consultant/entrepreneur in the automotive industry.

Most recently he was a divisional consultant for the Licensed Motor Dealer - LMD (used car dealers) and the PowerSport Divisions of the Automotive Retailers Association. During his time at the ARA he doubled the membership of their LMD division.

As Darren joins the New Car Dealers of BC, his main focus will be working with our members to assist them with their issues, including concerns around their interactions with the VSA. This area is by far the biggest concern of the membership and Darren will be there to work with you and the VSA to help resolve your issues.

We are pleased to have Darren join our team as he brings an extensive background in the industry and a real passion for the business.

Please join me in welcoming Darren and if you have issues and concerns you would like Darren to investigate, he can be reached directly at dchura@newcardealers.ca.

New Car Dealers Association of BC welcomes Jesse Schimmel

2010-11-17T08:31:00.000-08:00

The New Car Dealers Association of BC is pleased to welcome the Association's newest team member, Jesse Schimmel, Manager of Member Relations & Communications, effective immediately.

"Jesse comes to us with a terrific set of skills and a passion for providing value and service," said Association President & CEO Blair Qualey. "Jesse's mandate is to reach out to our 367 dealer members, to listen to their issues, elicit their suggestions and to communicate to them the valuable work of the Association on their behalf. Our recent Summit in Whistler provided an opportunity to show the level of quality dealers can expect from their Association and our team looks forward to delivering value to dealers every day."

Jesse comes to the Association from a Vancouver-based management consulting firm, where as Marketing Coordinator and Account Manager, he handled a portfolio of clients from large public sector organizations to small private sector start-ups. Jesse's experience in marketing, communications and client management roles will be invaluable in his responsibilities in serving our members. Jesse's experience is enhanced by his BCom from Royal Roads University in Victoria.

Please join us in welcoming Jesse to the Association team.

To contact Jesse:

Jesse Schimmel
Member Relations & Communications Manager
jschimmel@newcardealers.ca
604.214.9964 ext. 224

2010-08-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Don’t miss the BC Auto Industry Event of the Year
Register Now by visiting www.bcautosummit.com
The past two years have been a time of radical change for the automobile sector. After a series of monumental challenges, having input in the future of the industry has never been more crucial. The 2010 Provincial Auto Industry Summit: The Road Ahead will see the New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia bring together automobile dealers from across the province and a host of well-respected industry experts to share experiences and insights into the automobile industry as it heads into 2020.

Delegates to the Summit, taking place September 28th to 30th, in Whistler, BC, will have the opportunity to be engaged in key discussions that will shape their businesses for years to come. Topics include: The latest trends in vehicle sales, Government impact and involvement in the industry, emerging technologies such as alternative fuels, hybrid vehicles, and integrating electric vehicles into the automobile and community grids.

One of the most important topics for discussion is the Industry White Paper on the future of the dealer network. The Summit presents a first industry-wide, cross-brand discussion of the White Paper. Find out what it says, what it means and how it will affect dealerships across Canada.

The Summit program also includes a number of networking opportunities including a Welcome Reception, as well as a Luncheon Session with Premier Gordon Campbell, and free time to enjoy a host of activities that the world class resort of Whistler has to offer.

Featured Speakers

• Hon. Colin Hansen, BC Finance Minister and Deputy Premier
• David J. Mondragon, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company Limited
• Charles Seguin, President, Seguin Advisory Services and author of CADA White Paper on future of Canadian Dealer Network
• Dennis DesRosier, President, DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc.
• Peter Legge, Chairman and CEO, Canada Wide Media Inc.

Luncheon Keynote With Hon. Gordon Campbell

The 2010 Provincial Auto Industry Summit wraps up with a special keynote address from Premier Gordon Campbell who will share his ideas about the industry moving forward toward 2020, as well as its current and future role as a vital component of the BC economy.

Register Now by visiting www.bcautosummit.com

Association President Comments on HST in Op-ed Pieces

2010-07-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

Following-up on the Association’s run of ads across BC detailing how the HST will not affect customers of new car dealerships (detailed in last week’s Monday Morning Message), your Association has been successful in having op-ed pieces run in newspapers across BC further detailing how new car dealership consumers needn’t worry about the HST prior to considering a dealership purchase.

So far, the op-ed piece – which details how vehicle purchases at a new car dealership are no more expensive than they were before the HST, and in some cases, may even be cheaper due to the dropping of the “Luxury Tax” – have run in:

• The Province - Money section
• The Vancouver Sun - Driving section
• Kamloops Daily News - letter to editor
• 100 Mile House Free Press
• Castlegar News
• Cranbrook Daily Townsman
• Golden Star
• The Kimberley Daily Bulletin
• Victoria News/Penninsula News Review - Wheels section
• BIV – August
• Barriere/Clearwater/North Thompson Star Journal
• Kelowna Capital News
• Kelowna Daily Courier
• Nelson Star
• The Trail-Rossland News
• Parksville/Qualicum Beach News
• The Similkameen Spotlight
• Goldstream Gazette

Below is the op-ed piece in it's entirety:

Dispelling Myths: HST Does NOT Affect New Car Purchases
2010 Remains a Great Year to Enjoy Shopping for a New Vehicle

By Blair Qualey,
President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC

With the introduction of the Harmonized Sales Tax in British Columbia on July 1, some misinformation has surfaced as related to the HST and its affect on new car purchases. In fact, the new HST has zero effect on the amount of tax that will be paid on a new car, and some consumers will even pay less for their vehicle under the new tax rules.

New car dealers across BC are receiving phone calls from consumers who are concerned that the new blended tax will make a new car unobtainable. The reality is that both the GST and PST, which are blended together to form the new HST, were already charged on all new vehicle purchases prior to the introduction of the blended tax.

This means that the total tax we must charge on a new vehicle remains exactly the same – 12 per cent – as it did prior to July 1.

Some new vehicle consumers will actually find savings with the HST when they visit our showrooms, in that its introduction means the elimination of the vehicle “luxury tax” of up to 3 per cent on new cars worth more than $55,000.

Consumers who are researching to purchase a used vehicle should also know that the combined tax rate means that private sales are now subject to the same tax as public sales.

This means that, dollar-for-dollar, buying a used car from a private seller will cost the same – if not more, due to the competitive pricing that only an established dealer can offer – than buying from a new car dealership.

Our industry is transitioning out of an undeniably difficult time with exciting technological advances and low sticker prices showcased on the showroom floors of new car dealers across this province. Consumer confidence is returning and we continue to closely monitor the needs and concerns of our consumers to ensure we are offering the clearest information available with regards to perceived impacts of the HST.

The introduction of the HST has no affect on purchases made on new cars in BC, and therefore the current industry climate continues to offer consumers the perfect conditions under which to research and buy a new vehicle.

For more information on the New Car Dealers Association of BC, visit http://www.newcardealers.ca.

“HST Does Not Affect New Car Dealership Customers” Campaign Launched

2010-07-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

With the introduction of the HST earlier this month, the New Car Dealers Association of BC (www.newcardealers.ca) has launched a new ad campaign, with generous support from the Association’s friends at the Vancouver Sun and the Vancouver Province newspapers, getting the message out that indeed, the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) will not affect new car dealership customers. The campaign focuses on the fact that goods and services bought at a new car dealership are no more expensive, and have no more tax on them than they did before the introduction of the HST.

In fact, in some cases, the new HST rules might even save new car dealership shoppers money.

“There’s a lot of misinformation out there right now regarding the HST and how it affects purchases made at a new car dealership,” states Association President and CEO, Blair Qualey. “But in reality, the only thing that has really changed, is the fact that in some cases, less tax might be assessed on a purchase than was assessed before the HST was introduced.”

The campaign encourages consumers to “get the facts on HST and buying from a new car dealership” by focusing on three facts:

Fact 1 - The total tax charged on a vehicle purchase from a new car dealership today is the same percentage as was charged before the introduction of the HST – 12%.

Fact 2 - With the introduction of the HST, dealerships no longer charge the vehicle “Luxury Tax.” That means vehicles over $55,000 are no longer subject to additional taxes, meaning consumers will pay less on those purchases.

Fact 3 - As of July 1, the combined tax rate on private vehicle sales has risen to 12%. That means dollar-for-dollar, buying a used car from a private seller will cost the same as buying from a new car dealership. Better yet, a consumer’s new car dealership purchase is backed by a professional manufacturer-supported business.

The ads are scheduled to run across British Columbia in several insertions through to the last week of July, as well as on the Association's official used car web site, www.Driveway.ca

2010 Special Olympics BC / New Car Dealers Foundation of BC Charity Auction Closes With $152,000 Fundraised

2010-06-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

With the close of the 2010 Special Olympics BC / New Car Dealers Foundation of BC Charity Auction (the New Car Dealers Association of BC's annual charity auction held to benefit its charity of choice, Special Olympics BC), the donated lots raised over $152,000 for Special Olympics BC initiatives – an increase of roughly $6000 over last year!

Thanks again to all of the bidders, and of course, to all of the businesses and new car dealerships that donated lots. Your support has helped the New Car Dealers Association of BC maintain its position as one of the largest financial contributors to Special Olympics BC.

2010-04-12T16:49:00.000-07:00

Strong attendance posted by the 2010 Vancouver International Auto Show (www.vancouverinternationalautoshow.com) indicates returning consumer confidence to British Columbia's automotive sector. New Car Dealers Association of BC President Blair Qualey posted the official announced attendance today of 80,777 for the six-day event, held March 30 to April 4 at BC Place Stadium. That is up six per cent over the 2009 Show.

"Our industry has undeniably faced challenges over the last year, but the success of this year's Vancouver International Auto Show is a strong indication that consumers are recognizing that this is an excellent time to research and buy a new vehicle in British Columbia," Qualey said. "With that, manufacturers stepped up to the plate by offering new technological innovations that I believe will continue to pique the public's interest related to the future of the automotive sector."

Executive Director Paul McGeachie credited the show's strong support to its continued tradition of offering the latest and greatest from the world's top automobile manufacturers. "As the only 2010 event to take place post-Olympics in BC Place Stadium, we were a bit concerned whether there would be resulting confusion in the marketplace," McGeachie said. "However, we're incredibly pleased to announce the six per cent attendance increase from 2009 numbers, proving yet again that this Show is a market leader in terms of offering content that appeals to every kind of auto enthusiast."

In all, more than 400 new models were showcased by world leading auto manufacturers as part of the 90th Vancouver International Auto Show, which became the first Canadian auto show to run a large scale lottery with its Dream Car Lottery. Lucky ticket-buyer Rick Collopy of Nanaimo, BC won the 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet. Lottery proceeds will be distributed to various non-profit and sport organizations by the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC, including to Special Olympics BC for the purchase of a vehicle to assist with its ongoing work to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Planning is now underway for the 2010 Vancouver International Auto Show, happening March 29 to April 3, 2011 at the new west wing of the Vancouver Convention Centre.

The Vancouver International Auto Show is owned and operated by the New Car Dealers Association of BC. It is British Columbia's new model showcase for the Canadian automotive industry and represents over 20 distinct brands from the world's leading manufacturers.

Charity VIP Preview Night Launches 2010 Vancouver International Auto Show

2010-04-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

For the fourth year running, the Vancouver International Auto Show launched
its six-day run with its feted Charity VIP Preview Night. Billed as an
evening of fine food and beverages where "the cars are the stars," the
Charity VIP Preview Night also provided the New Car Dealers Association of
BC, the host and operating organization of the Auto Show, a chance to raise
funds for their chosen charity, Special Olympics of British Columbia. As
well, the event honoured the top automotive producers from 2009, featuring
The Vancouver Sun and Vancouver Province Salespeople of the Year Awards.

This year's event saw over 400 VIPs and automotive aficionados preview the
Auto Show's 16 manufacturer and 56 commercial displays, and in coordination
with the Show's Charity Grand Prize Porsche 911 Cabriolet Draw, raised over
$30,000 for Special Olympics BC needs.

For more information on the show, visit www.vancouverinternationalautoshow.com.

2010 Vancouver International Auto Show Poster Contest Winner Announced

2010-02-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Vancouver International Auto Show selected the work of Capilano University student, Ryan Pequin as the winner of the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in its annual Student Poster Design competition. This is the fourth year of an ongoing program that is part of the Applied Design program at Vancouver Capilano University.

Pequin's goal behind his design was to produce a "playful, engaging image that would present a simple idea: Vancouver loves cars. The poster features the downtown Vancouver skyline and the shape, in lit windows, of a sports car. The imagery is evocative of the sense of excitement that the people of Vancouver feel about the upcoming auto show, and hints at a deeper story – was the arrangement of lights an organized event, or the subconscious result of a community of anxious car lovers?

The fonts used were all within the Neutraface Text family – Demi, Book, and Light Alt. A Sans-serif font was chosen in keeping with the modern look and feel of the imagery".

The New Car Dealers Association and Vancouver International Auto Show Committee would like to congratulate and thank Ryan Pequin for his creative contribution to this year's upcoming International Auto Show, and and have awarded him $1,000!

2010-01-28T18:02:00.000-08:00

The Variety Show of Hearts Telethon is an annual two day event that airs for 23 straight hours on Global BC. One of the biggest fundraisers in Canada, last year's Telethon raised over 8 million dollars. The Telethon features entertainment from world renowned musicians and performers while also sharing the moving stories of children from around British Columbia who have been helped by Variety – The Children's Charity.

This year, New Car Dealers Association of BC President Blair Qualey is participating as a pledge operator, and is encouraging BC's new car dealers to call the dedicated pledge line connecting directly to Blair's phone to make a pledge, and support a great cause.

To make a pledge during Blair's session, call 604-529-3017 between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm on Sunday, January 31.

Thanks in advance for your support!

BC New Car Dealer and Association Board Member Receives Rare Honour

2010-01-28T16:19:00.000-08:00

In today’s Vancouver Sun’s Sports Section, Dueck Auto Group President and New Car Dealers Association of BC Board Member Moray Keith, was honoured in an article noting his recent special award from the Jewish Community Centre of Vancouver for his contributions to community sports, athletics, and recreation in British Columbia.

Mr. Keith, owner of the three Dueck dealerships in BC’s Lower Mainland, and owner of the Langley Chiefs of the BC Hockey League and the Chilliwack Chiefs of the Western Hockey League, becomes only the fourth businessperson to win the award, joining the ranks of Olympic visionary Jack Poole, former Canucks owner Arthur Griffiths, and Vancouver Giants owner Ron Toigo.

The award will be presented at the 2010 Jack Diamond Sports Personality of Year Award Dinner.

On the automotive retailing side, Mr. Keith has been a tireless supporter of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, having acted as Chair of its Board, and being one of the first adoptees of the Association’s used vehicle site, Driveway.ca.

More details are available at the Vancouver Sun web site at http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Auto+dealer+honoured+contribution+sport/2494221/story.html

PST Reduced Alternative and Fuel Efficient Vehicle List Released

2009-12-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

The British Columbian Ministry of Finance has released their list of 2010 model year vehicles that qualify for the Provincial Sales Tax reduction for fuel efficiency and alternative fuel operation.

Originally released in 2000 (updated in 2009), and as part of the BC Government’s Live Smart Plan for a more sustainable province, the Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Fuel Efficient Vehicles Bulletin accompanying the Social Services Tax Act (Bulletin SST-085), gives a British Columbian automotive retail consumer a break on the PST portion of the sales tax if the vehicle being purchased is previously identified as a fuel efficient vehicle, or, an approved alternative fuel vehicle.

In its early years, the list of exempted vehicles contained only a handful of qualifying vehicles. The 2010 list, complete with 34 qualifying cars and light trucks, demonstrates how the automotive industry has reacted to consumer demand for greener and more fuel efficient vehicles.

Visit:

http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/notices2010_Fuel_Efficient_Vehicles_Qualifying_for_PST_Reduction.pdf for the list of qualifying 2010 fuel efficient vehicles,

http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/notices2010_Alternative_Fuel_Vehicles_Qualifying_for_PST_Reduction.pdf for the list of alternative fuel vehicles

http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/bulletins/sst_085.pdf for the original bulletin outlining the tax reduction scheme.

Welcome to the New Car Dealers Association of BC’s Auto Blog

2009-12-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

With a focus on news and information pertinent to the Canadian and British Columbian new vehicle retail industry, the Auto Blog’s goal is to act as the general voice of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, and the BC new vehicle retail industry.

Covering topics spanning consumer-interest stories, government policy relative to British Columbia’s market, the Vancouver International Auto Show, and vehicle manufacturer issues, the Auto Blog is updated as news becomes available.