Lessons from Brexit
Looking at the ripple effects of the Brexit crisis Though an ocean separates us from Europe and the serial crises that have engulfed the continent and the European Union (EU) in recent years, it is hard to avoid wondering for …
News
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 …
2016 mid-year report card
The year is on track for another annual sales record but some automakers are ahead of the pack. As has been the case for the past two years, new-vehicle sales in Canada are running at record levels, up six per …
What’s the value of your dealership?
Dealerships that have strong management, a long-term vision and a succession plan might have a higher worth. It continues to amaze me that many of the dealers I speak with still do not have a reliable succession plan. This holds …
Give your customers the luxury treatment
Your new facility should offer top notch services and customer experience I recently walked into one of Toronto’s newest dealerships to get a sense of how automakers and retailers are defining the luxury experience for their customers. It was definitely …
Digital experience could be improved, says study
When it comes to digital performance, dealers have plenty of room to improve, according to the Yahoo 2016 Canadian auto study. Three in four of the 1,100 Canadians surveyed said they want a better experience at the dealership, with many …
Bruce Croxon headlines at TADA event
Dealers got a dose of inspiration at the second Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) Auto Dealers Innovation Series when they heard from Bruce Croxon, a former “Dragon” from the hit CBC reality TV show Dragons’ Den. Croxon, best known as …
Mercedes-Benz Durham names new GM
Mercedes-Benz Durham has a new general manager and partner. Neal Bodack, Vice-President of National Sales at Mercedes-Benz Canada, will be joining the Mercedes-Benz Durham dealership after having worked at the carmaker since 1988. Bodack will also become a key member …
Rifco supports Red Deer Food Bank
Rifco National Auto Finance Corp. announced it has raised $27,000 through its 5th Annual Charity Golf Classic. The proceeds went to the Red Deer Food Bank, the recipient of this year’s fundraising events, said the company. “This has been a …
