We reached out to a few dealers to find out how they feel about Canadian auto dealer. Turns out they appreciate their magazine!
My, how time flies.
Twenty years ago, Canadian auto dealer debuted with a clear purpose: to create a national magazine and website for and about dealers of new cars and trucks across the country.
Founded by Publisher Niel Hiscox and partner Rick Gauthier, then President of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), the publication has evolved with a steady stream of robust content: news, features, columns, themes, analysis, and photography, all shaped with care by editors including Todd Phillips and his team.
As the industry has transformed, Canadian auto dealer has pivoted right along with it, addressing the issues that matter most to dealers: electrification, government legislation, women in automotive, agency models, one-price shopping, rising interest rates, purchasing and leasing, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, emerging products, and much more.
To mark the 20th anniversary, Canadian auto dealer spoke with dealers across the country to gather their perspectives on the magazine.
Jim Williamson
Jim Williamson
Dealer Principal/General Manager, Williamson Chrysler
I can’t believe it has been 20 years; time has passed so quickly. Canadian auto dealer has always been a staple in our dealership, providing credible and practical information across all departments.
Niel and Todd’s passion for the publication is evident in every issue. The content is timely, relevant, and consistently focused on what matters in the industry. Their ability to identify trends and share insights helps dealers like us stay ahead and better serve customers.
I’ve been fortunate to appear in the magazine a few times over my career, including during my time with the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario. The editorial team has always been professional and thoughtful.
One memory stands out from 2012, when Todd put out a call for stories on young dealers. I emailed him not to pitch myself but to thank him for highlighting the next generation. To my surprise, he asked if Canadian auto dealer could visit our store and feature me in its “Young Guns Blazin’” article. I’m still grateful for that interview. It marked the start of a friendship with Todd that continues today.
Over two decades, the magazine has become a primary source of education and actionable insight for our dealership. Without it, I doubt dealers would be as quick to recognize and adapt to trends shaping the business. For that, I thank Niel, Todd, and the entire team for their dedication and long-standing impact.
Brent Ravelle
Brent Ravelle
President and CEO, Ravelle Group of Companies
Congratulations to the entire Canadian auto dealer team on reaching an incredible 20-year milestone.
The magazine has established itself as a top-tier industry communication tool. Its ability to deliver timely, relevant, insightful content tailored to Canadian dealers is unmatched. The blend of high-level industry trends with the day-to-day operational details of dealership life is invaluable.
Each month, I tear apart my copy: highlighting, marking pages, and sharing content with staff. Whether focused on best practices, customer engagement strategies, or OEM and government updates, the magazine consistently drives meaningful conversations and action.
I value its recurring themes: women in automotive, CADA Laureate stories, and deep dives into dealership acquisitions and transitions. These inspire and inform, reflecting the dynamism of our business.
Niel and Todd’s commitment to the dealer community shines through every issue. Their insights, passion, and advocacy for dealers are truly admirable. I’m proud to support the magazine and look forward to many more years of excellence.
Steve Chipman
Steve Chipman
President and CEO, Birchwood Automotive Group
Every edition is a must-read. The in-depth, timely, practical articles have sparked ideas and conversations within our team for years. I often share pieces as thought starters to help us grow and improve. It’s the only magazine that travels with me on flights and to meetings.
I especially appreciate how dealer-centric the content is, and I’ve always valued the coverage of the CADA Laureate Program.
Through NADA conferences and CADA Summits, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Niel and Todd. Our discussions have always been insightful and encouraging. Their energy, passion, and commitment to the industry are clear. Dealers across Canada join me in celebrating this milestone and wishing the team many more years of excellence.
Rein Knol
Rein Knol
Dealer Principal, Performance Hyundai/Genesis Niagara; Chairman, Hyundai Canada National Dealer Council
Canadian auto dealer has long been my go-to magazine for insightful articles, best practices, and Niel and Todd’s commentary. It’s the only automotive publication with true shelf life in my office.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Niel and Todd both professionally and personally. Whether preparing for a CADA Summit roundtable or discussing industry trends over lunch, time spent with them is always energizing and informative.
Congratulations to both of you on the 20th anniversary of Canadian auto dealer.
Alyssa McKeown
Alyssa McKeown
Managing Partner, Forbes Motors GM
You blink, and 20 years disappear in the car business. I was just entering dealership life when I first noticed Canadian auto dealer on my Dealer Principal’s desk. He always made time to read it. Twenty years later, I’m the one waiting for it to arrive.
I always check the buy-sell details and look forward to dealer spotlights to see familiar faces. The magazine consistently delivers strong content on hot topics in the industry. I also look forward to the CADA Laureate coverage and appreciate the commitment to celebrating women in automotive year after year.
Because the magazine is current, it keeps us current, offering relevant perspectives vital to our business. I regularly share articles with my team, especially the women in my dealership. Those stories inspire, inform, and empower.
Canadian auto dealer provides something essential: a unified platform and credible collective voice for dealers. Individually, we lack the weight to influence OEMs or government bodies. Together, through this publication, our perspectives are heard.
Niel and Todd have done outstanding work. In an era when many print publications have faded, Canadian auto dealer stands out for its longevity, content strength, reputation, and quality. I’m confident it will continue to thrive.
I also want to commend Niel and Todd for their unwavering support of Women in Automotive. Their spotlighting of women’s stories has given people like me a platform and has meaningfully advanced progress in the industry.
Vaughn Wyant
Vaughn Wyant
President and CEO, Wyant Group
Given the ongoing north-south tensions, it’s critical that Canada has its own voice in this industry. We need coverage rooted in Canadian realities and perspectives.
When Canadian auto dealer first launched, I was skeptical. But over the years, it has proven itself relevant and necessary. Celebrating success, identifying headwinds and tailwinds, and contextualizing political and economic forces on both sides of the border all matter deeply to Canadian dealers.
If I have one concern, it’s that OEMs are not always held to task. Positive news is well covered, but disputes often receive less attention. I understand the challenges, but there is considerable acrimony today that deserves balanced reporting.
I appreciate how the magazine highlights awards for individuals and dealerships, which builds pride and credibility. Theft and security is a major issue currently, and continued reporting on prevention practices is important. The country is vast and diverse, and I welcome even more regional perspectives.
Journalism and free speech face pressures today, and reporting is challenging. Keep up the great work.
Jim McManes
Jim McManes
President, McManes Auto Group Council
Although I don’t remember the publication’s exact launch date, I can say that I have read it faithfully from the beginning. It remains informative and probing on the issues shaping our industry.
Todd is knowledgeable and unafraid to tackle sensitive topics such as manufacturer–dealer disputes. He is fair, balanced, and practical. I’ve enjoyed our interactions, including time spent together at the dealer convention in Banff. He cares.
Niel has moderated many dealer events I’ve attended and consistently excels. He cares deeply about dealers and the business.
I hope they both keep going for another 20 years.
