Amazon has launched an online hub for car buyers. General Motors has partnered with ride-hailing company Lyft. Technology is evolving at a rapid-fire pace. And consumer expectations have never been higher.
These are some of the forces and changes at work that are disrupting the auto retail industry, and dealers need to be prepared to adapt quickly.
That’s why the theme for the 2017 Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) Summit is, “Change isn’t coming. Change is now.”
“We’ve been talking in the last couple of years about how things are going to be changing. But now, all of a sudden, change is upon us,” said Bonnie Wasser, Industry Relations Officer for CADA, and coordinator for the Summit in an interview with Canadian auto dealer.
The annual event, to be held Feb. 15, 2017, at the Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto, brings in dealers from across Canada to hear world class speakers discuss thought provoking topics that are changing the auto industry.
One of the keynote speakers for 2017 is Robin Chase, transportation entrepreneur and co-founder and former CEO of Zipcar, the largest car-sharing company in the world. Chase will talk about the sharing economy, which is already having a profound effect on mobility, said Wasser.
Other planned topics include trends and developments in technology and how they will impact the dealership, electric vehicles and provincial government policies surrounding them, best retail practices and the future of dealerships, said Wasser. She also confirmed an economic panel, manufacturer’s panel and a luncheon in which the annual DSI awards will be presented.
“We’re excited about the sessions we are developing,” said Wasser. “We know that auto dealers will benefit from hearing what these speakers have to say.”
“Dealers will learn how to adapt to the changes happening right now. It’s not a far off future anymore. Change is here,” Wasser added.
Wasser encourages dealers to continue to check the event website as more details become available. Registration opens online on the event website on Nov. 9, 2016.
Canadian auto dealer will provide ongoing coverage of the Summit.
TD Auto Finance is the exclusive sponsor of CADA Summit 2017.
