Dealer image overhaul
In a world that is increasingly politically correct — which in itself is a really good thing since the world has been incorrect for too long — it seems there’s still one person that can be unfairly targeted, maligned, bullied …
Category: Opinion
Mark your calendars
One of the real pleasures of my role in the industry is the opportunity to assist in the planning of a number of important industry events. Often, I get to participate directly as a conference speaker or panel moderator. I …
Putting the brakes on
It’s easy to get pretty excited about the future. Well, easy for me, at least. That’s because there’s a big part of me that’s never too interested in the status quo, and is much more curious about what the future …
Adventures in Halifax
The Canadian auto dealer team recently returned from a successful CADEX conference in Halifax. CADEX is the annual conference put on by the Nova Scotia Automobile Dealers Association (NSADA) with the goal of bringing leading national figures to the Maritimes …
Let the good times roll
Can record sales continue? It’s tough to predict in these uncertain times. Coming off years of sales and revenue growth, and a fourth consecutive sales record for new cars (just under 1.95 million sold in 2016), it is tempting to …
The data dillemma
I spend a lot of time talking with companies that provide business software to dealers. It’s part of my job to try to figure out who is who at the zoo, what exactly it is that they do, and how …
On the right track
This year marked the fifth time that I have taken to the stage as one of the moderators at the CADA Summit. As I looked out over the crowd, I saw many familiar faces. The attendees that return each year …
Forced behaviour
Consumers are in the driver’s seat when it comes to electric vehicles A government that seeks to pass laws and regulations that swim against the powerful tide of consumer preference and choice is very likely putting itself on the path …
No time for small talk
One of the things I enjoy the most about my job, is talking to smart people who are passionate about what they do. Those conversations happen on a regular basis, doing interviews for stories, meeting people at industry events, or …
The more things change
The more things change, the less they actually do look the same. The funny thing about change, is it doesn’t tend to tap you on the shoulder. It comes in increments. Some small, some massive. But they add up. When …
The tax hike shell game
More transparency is the fairest way to implement the government’s environmental plans The federal government under Prime Minister Trudeau has announced its first major, headline-grabbing, piece of environmental policy: a national carbon tax floor to increase from $10 per tonne …
The end of an era?
A recent announcement from Ford yesterday took me right back to my earliest automotive memories, and produced decidedly mixed feelings for me. My father worked for a pharmaceutical company and drove a company car. GM products, always GM products. I …
