Scene and heard
It’s been a busy stretch keeping plugged in to the automotive scene I’ve been on the road from Las Vegas to Detroit to Quebec City to Nova Scotia — and parts in between — attending auto shows, industry events and …
Category: Opinion
Housing market spooks economy
Canada’s economic foundations are sound Everywhere you look there seems to be another dire warning on the state of Canada’s housing market. Homes are overvalued by huge margins, screams one headline. Consumers are in debt up to their ears, warns …
Let’s not forget the magic
Our love affair with cars runs deep After having just spent about 18 hours at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for media day, followed by VIP night, and then assorted after-hours parties and photo ops, you might think I’d had …
The incredible shrinking planet
How global events impact us here at home We all have the tendency to live life in our own little worlds. We spend most of our time in a relatively small geographical area. We work within a reasonable distance of …
Paper never refuses ink
Groundbreaking report on social media usage challenges some traditional outlooks. Are you ready to change your opinions? One snowy day, a long time ago, Trish’s grandmother was reading the newspaper. Her reading glasses were precariously balancing on the tip of …
Measuring the pulse of the customer
Survey project to inform dealers about what customers think and feel Canadians have LOTS of ideas and impressions about Canadian auto dealers, automotive brands, and the vehicle purchasing experience. If only dealers could get inside the heads of their customers, …
General Command
General managers are increasingly the “go to” people within dealerships. Canadian auto dealer spoke with some to find out how their roles are adapting. In modern automotive retailing, we’ve seen numerous changes in the way aspects of dealership operations are …
Fresh footprints in new snow
The new year brings change and opportunity I love the way each new year starts in the automotive industry. It’s a familiar cycle of activities that I have come to really enjoy over the years. From auto shows on both …
China’s growth equals our gain
China’s demand for resources has fueled Canada’s economy Bound as we are by geography to the United States, it is easy to assume that our entire economic fate is tied to the Americans. There is some truth to this — …
Analysis: Should Canadian dealers be excited by NAIAS?
Monday January 9th marked the first media day in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show. Most brands have increased their exhibits from the past few years. The show is very upbeat, the brands have invested heavily in their …
What goes up sometimes comes down
It’s never been a better time to be a new car buyer In life there are certain maxims we truly can take for granted: night follows day; lazy summers give way to brutal winters (in Canada, anyway); a decent share …
Man on a Mission
I’m on another call and my phone rings — again. Soon thereafter, an email arrives. It’s Jim Bell, our popular and colourful Focus on Fixed columnist. When he can’t reach me, he calls publisher Niel Hiscox in the office next …
