The more time I spend around automotive retailers, the more convinced I become that they operate one of the most unusual business models in the economy. Most businesses control the products they sell. They determine what those products look like, …

For years, our industry has done a remarkable job of collecting customer feedback. Surveys, call centre logs, online reviews, open-text comment fields — the data has piled up at both the OEM and retail levels. In many respects, that’s a …

Toyota Canada and its dealer network have committed $300,000 to Food Banks Canada through the Toyota Cars For Good program, renewing a national partnership aimed at supporting food security initiatives across the country. Announced July 8, the donation marks the …

Dealerships and auto lenders are facing added pressure from rising consumer delinquencies, as higher borrowing costs, stretched household budgets and longer loan terms continue to affect vehicle affordability. Nick Cherry, Divisional Chief Executive Officer of Ardent Credit Services and Phillips …

A stronger federal greenhouse gas emissions standard for light-duty vehicles could help attract $21 billion in zero-emission vehicle charging infrastructure investment across Canada by 2035, according to a new analysis by the Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council (CCIC). The policy brief, …

Global Automakers of Canada is urging Canada, the United States and Mexico to recommit to tariff-free automotive trade as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement enters its scheduled review period. In a statement, the association said the agreement’s review presents an opportunity …

Canada’s new light-vehicle market posted its first year-over-year sales increase in nine months in June, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC), ending a string of eight consecutive monthly declines. DAC estimates 182,000 new light vehicles were sold during the month, …

The famous navy blue CADA Laureate crested jackets, old stories and an unmistakable reunion energy were everywhere as more than 30 CADA Laureate award recipients gathered in Ottawa and Gatineau to mark the program’s 20th anniversary. The event mixed nostalgia …

Dealers weighing whether to represent a Chinese OEM were urged to look beyond product, pricing and contracts during a business session in Gatineau, Que. featuring a gathering of CADA Laureate award winners. Niel Hiscox, CEO of Clarify Group, and publisher …

The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) has released the names of the 15 finalists vying to become the next recipients of its prestigious Laureate Awards. The association announced the finalists in its CADA Newsline newsletter on Monday, kicking off the …

A practical exercise for dealership leaders to identify wasted time, improve processes, and better support technicians “Gemba” is a Japanese term used in Lean processes. It means “go to where the action is.” In a vehicle manufacturing plant, a CEO …

What lower-cost imports could mean for Canadian dealers Recently, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government signed a significant trade deal with China that opens the Canadian market to lower-cost electric vehicles. The consensus is that companies like BYD, and others, will …

In a volatile market, dealers return to fundamentals I am writing this article just after Canada’s overtime loss to the USA in the men’s Olympic hockey tournament gold medal game. From a hockey perspective, it was an incredibly entertaining and …

From employee benefits to HR to garage insurance, CADA 360 programs are evolving to help dealers better manage risk For dealers, risk management now extends well beyond garage insurance or workplace safety programs. It touches employee benefits, HR compliance, CGL insurance, …

How thoughtful succession and exit planning are shaping dealership value and continuity Consolidation continues to reshape Canada’s dealership landscape, bringing long-term planning into sharper focus. According to Landon Robertson, director of operations and corporate strategy at Templeton Marsh, the current …

Sym-Tech Dealer Services is betting that better-trained people and a better customer experience lead to stronger F&I outcomes In dealership F&I, performance is usually measured in results: revenue, product penetration, and consistency from one manager to the next. But Derek …