THE NEW CAR DEALERS ASSOCIATION OF BC CONFERENCE BROUGHT MEMBERS TOGETHER TO DISCUSS THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF THE AUTO INDUSTRY
Chuck Seguin, industry guru and Canadian auto
dealer columnist
IT’S BEEN A GOOD YEAR for British Columbia’s auto retail sector.
While that is something dealers can celebrate, there are still challenges ahead that the province and industry will face as a whole.
Dealer members of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDBC) and Canadian auto dealer convened at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in downtown Vancouver on September 20 and 21st, 2015. There, they were able to learn about the issues and opportunities the industry faces.
Conference attendees heard from a number of speakers on topics such as improving the customer experience, dealer group consolidation and other changes going on in the retail industry, digital marketing tools, human resources solutions, and various industry initiatives.
Steve Chipman, CADA Chairman
Vancouver was also the last stop for Steve Chipman, where the Chairman for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) concluded his provincial association presentations.
During breaks in the conference, attendees were also able to visit vendor booths to learn about tools and solutions that could help them.
ECONOMIC OVERVIEW
Carlos Gomes, Senior Economist for Scotiabank, delivered an upbeat presentation on his outlook on the global auto industry and economy.
Gomes, who writes Scotiabank’s Global Auto Report, remains optimistic about Canada’s auto industry — and British Columbia’s, in particular.
Gomes attributed some of the industry’s growth to increased consumer spending in North America and Europe, and some recovery in the U.S. housing market. B.C. is outperforming in Canada, thanks to strong employment and manufacturing base.
But Gomes did say that the growth is occurring at a slower than average rate in both the developed and emerging markets, so he does remain cautious. While short-term interest rates have remained low, he does anticipate that the Bank of Canada will increase rates later this year.
HOT JOBS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Blair Qualey, who jokingly refers to himself as the “Chief Car Washer” of the association, also shared some of the new developments going on at the NCDBC.
One is a new association website that includes an all-new job board for members who are looking for skilled employees.
Conference attendees heard from a number of speakers on topics such as improving the customer experience, dealer group consolidation and other changes going on in the retail industry, digital marketing tools, human resources solutions, and various industry initiatives.
He also said that the association has joined forces with the Automotive Retailers Association in a project called the B.C. Auto Sector Alliance.
Qualey introduced another big industry advocate onto the stage: Hon. Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training for B.C. who was able to make a brief appearance.
“We’re going to work hard to continue to ensure you have those record years,” said Bond.
To make that happen, said Bond, “One of the things we need to do together is tell the story of your industry.”
Tom Harris receives the Lifetime Achievement Award
Blair Qualey at the Chairman’s Dinner Gala
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Seeing as the B.C. government and NCDBC have partnered on the Clean Energy Program, it was only fitting that emissions and climate change were included on the conference agenda.
Mark Nantais, President of Canadian Vehicle Manufacturer’s Association (CVMA) and David Adams, President of Global Automakers of Canada (GAC) and a regular Canadian auto dealer columnist, launched into a thought-provoking discussion on the best ways to go about meeting stringent emissions standards.
They were joined by Chuck Seguin, President of Seguin Advisory Services, regular Canadian auto dealer columnist and moderator for the Manufacturer’s Panel.
Topics ranged from government policies, like California’s heavy investment in R&D and infrastructure to cut emissions, to consumer and government education. While the panelists disagreed on California’s approach to emissions control, they did agree that regulatory consistency is important moving forward.
Hon. Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training for B.C.
Chris Reed, President of DrivingSales
