Where we are headed
Change is on the horizon for the auto industry There are lots of other folks that have a much better handle on the market than I do, but after being in the auto industry for almost 30 years, one thing …
Category: Columns
Are you EV-ready?
Follow these handy tips for preparing your facility Electric Vehicles (EVs) are a big part of your future. By some estimates, they will represent 35 per cent or more of new light duty vehicle sales by 2040. Every auto manufacturer …
Change or be changed
Reflecting on changing consumer expectations in the digital era Earlier this fall, I attended the 11th Annual Google ThinkAuto conference in Toronto. Held at Massey Hall, the event had all the makings of a really cool concert, including a last …
Adding fuel to fire
How to have conversations with customers about fuel efficiency This statement from The Telegraph, a major U.K. newspaper, caught my attention recently: “Is there a car buyer left in the country who believes the official fuel economy numbers?” It’s a …
On the edge of change
Consumer preferences are changing, and our business models must match Over the past few decades, shock waves have hit our beloved industry that drives or promises to drive change. It seems to me that we are, once again, on the …
Look back to look ahead
Automotive technology has come a long way We’ve been hearing a lot lately about disruptive technologies. But the fact is, automotive technology doesn’t change overnight. Even if some new feature such as autonomous capability may seem disruptive when it arrives …
It all starts with respect
Treat customers with respect, and they will come back Respect is the backbone of customer service. Respecting your customer is really just about treating them the way you would like to be treated. It’s a known fact that before we …
Driving sales with service calls
How The Car Girls helps dealers make more money Janis Showers was in the middle of a service-call training session when one of the managers at the dealership had a better idea. “Can’t you just make the calls? Can’t you …
Autonomous hype too far, too fast
Fatal Tesla autopilot crash has forced a face off with reality. Autonomous cars — those that truly drive themselves — are coming. On that point there is little argument. But they aren’t here yet, in spite of much media hype …
Electric vehicles are taking off
Growing interest means more opportunities for dealers to capitalize on EVs. In June, I had the honour of attending the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) conference, Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition 29 (EVS29) in Montreal. This year’s conference showcased new …
The power of positive thinking
Having a positive attitude can make a lasting impression on your customers Customers may not remember the colour of the shirt or tie you wore or the exact words you said, but they will remember your attitude. Projecting a positive …
Green with envy
Competition heats up between Ontario and Quebec on climate change I can’t remember what grade I was in at school when I read Hugh MacLennan’s 1945 novel Two Solitudes. Nonetheless, the book made an impression and provided a greater appreciation …
