News Releases

AUTOMOTIVE AND RACING GREAT TO JOIN 2020 SHOW OPENING DAY LINEUP

For Immediate Release

Vancouver, BC — One of the great leaders and innovators in both the automotive and racing industry over the last 50 years will join the opening day lineup for the Vancouver International Auto Show. Roger Penske will help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the popular annual BC show on Wednesday, March 25th.

“We’re thrilled and honoured to welcome Roger to the 2020 Vancouver Auto Show,” says Jimmy Pattison, Honourary Chair and Grand Marshall of the 100th Anniversary of the Vancouver International Auto Show (March 25-29, 2020). “Roger is a legend, he’s an inspiration to countless young drivers as well as business professionals and he’s a true ambassador of the auto sector.”

Born in Shaker Heights, Ohio in 1937, Roger Penske developed a love for cars as a young boy. His passion for racing came to life when he attended his first Indianapolis 500 with his father in 1951. Penske became a standout race car driver in the late 1950s and early 1960s before he walked away from his career as a driver in 1965 to focus on business and an opportunity in the automotive industry – as a Chevrolet dealer in Philadelphia.

His on-track prowess was soon followed by business success, but racing continued to be his passion. He formed his own race team in 1966 and Team Penske has been winning ever since. With over 540 all-time race wins – including a record 18 Indianapolis 500 victories – and 37 national championships, Team Penske is one of the most successful sports organizations in the world. The team’s rich history includes victories in BC as driver Al Unser Jr. won for Team Penske at both the 1994 and 1995 Molson Indy Vancouver on the Pacific Place street circuit.

Penske Corporation is a closely-held, diversified, on-highway, transportation services company whose subsidiaries operate in a variety of industry segments, including retail automotive, truck leasing, transportation logistics and professional motorsports. The company employs more than 64,000 people in over 3,200 locations around the globe. In January, Penske’s company began its newest opportunity, taking over as the owners of the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the NTT IndyCar Series and IMS Productions, a leading video services and production company.

In recent years, Penske has been recognized for his accomplishments both on the track and in the boardroom, including being inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame (2015) and the NASCAR Hall of Fame (2019) and being presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom last year – the highest civilian honour awarded in the United States.

As a special guest of the 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show, Penske will participate in a breakfast panel for media and industry attendees on March 25 to discuss the global automotive sector with Canadian automotive icon and friend Jimmy Pattison, along with a number of other VIP participants. Penske will also join several other special guests in the 100th Anniversary ribbon cutting ceremony. Two of Team Penske’s most recent winning race cars will also be featured at the show – the Dallara/Chevrolet driven by Josef Newgarden to the 2019 IndyCar Series Championship and the 2018 Indianapolis 500 winning car that was driven by Will Power.

For more information about the 2020 Vancouver International Auto Show, March 25-29 at the
Vancouver Convention Centre West, visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.

About the Vancouver International Auto Show
The Vancouver International Auto Show is owned and operated by the New Car Dealers Association of BC (www.newcardealers.ca). As Western Canada’s best attended consumer show, it is British Columbia’s new model showcase for the Canadian automotive industry and represents nearly 40 distinct brands from the world’s leading manufacturers.

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Reference:
Laura Ballance
Media Relations
604-637-6646
[email protected]

EV Adoption Success in BC

For Immediate release

Vancouver, BC – British Columbia’s leadership role in electric vehicle (EV) sales is the result of a positive partnership between new car dealers and the province – one that has collectively encouraged and supported the increasing adoption of EVs among consumers.

Government has issued a news release, celebrating the fact that there are now 30,000 EVs on BC roadways. That milestone comes only days after a study by Electric Mobility Canada confirmed 10 per cent of all passenger vehicles sold in the province are zero emission automobiles.

“A decade ago, the notion of EV sales making a dent in British Columbia’s new car market was viewed by many as a just that – a notion,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. “The strategy we have collectively adopted is to motivate consumers with a carrots, not sticks approach, based on the premise that people will respond to incentives, especially when they also know they are achieving an environmental objective.”

The focal point of the partnership is the CEVforBC™ Program which provides a point of sale purchase incentive on new clean energy vehicles – and is successfully administered by the NCDA and its members. In 2018, more than 8,500 transactions occurred through the Program, a number that will be far surpassed when final 2019 sales figures are calculated.

Through CEVforBC™, the NCDA has also created competition between dealerships across the province to determine who can reach the highest level of sales of clean energy vehicles, across all brands. Recipients of the prestigious CEVforBC™ Green Star Dealer Awards® are honoured at the annual Vancouver International Auto Show, where the latest EV technology is show-cased, and visitors are also provided the opportunity to test drive and learn more about this growing consumer option.

Ongoing collaboration has also helped influence policy decisions by government to create expanded access to charging infrastructure and contributed to ongoing education and public awareness of EV technology for consumers.

“Over time, this partnership has produced results that are substantial and tangible, making B.C. a leader in EV adoption and the envy of many jurisdictions. Perhaps, most importantly, it lays the foundation for accelerated clean energy vehicle adoption for future generations,” concluded Qualey.

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC: The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents more than 390 new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association provide over 30,000 family supporting jobs for British Columbians and are responsible for over $16 Billion of retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in BC. The NCDA owns and manages the Vancouver International Auto Show, this year’s 100th anniversary event will run from March 25-29, at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.

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Contact:
Shona Wercholuk
604-805-4821
[email protected]

Awarded for Environmental Leadership

For immediate release
October 30, 2019

Langley, BC – The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) is the recipient of the 2019 Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for Environmental Leadership. However, it’s an honour the Association is quick to share with their new car dealer members, the provincial government and consumers – all of whom have helped transform BC into a national leader in clean energy vehicle adoption.

“BC’s New Car Dealers have long been at the forefront of environmental transformations, providing the opportunity for BC consumers to consider more environmentally friendly choices which has helped British Columbia become known for being an environmentally progressive province,” said NCDA President and CEO Blair Qualey. “No single group or association can achieve success in isolation, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Provincial Government and British Columbians to create environmentally sustainable transport options.”

This prestigious award recognizes the partnership between the Province of British Columbia and NCDA, which administers the highly successful CEVforBC™ Program on behalf of the government, through which BC has become a leader in electric vehicle adoption and the envy of other jurisdictions.

New car dealers play a pivotal role in reducing the percentage of B.C.’s greenhouse gases from light duty vehicles (14%). Through the NCDA’s partners such as the BC Scrap-It Program, over 40,000 older and higher polluting vehicles have been scrapped. BC’s new car dealers also play an important role in general education and awareness for consumers.

The Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards celebrate business excellence in the Langley community, help recognize businesses, businesspeople and non-profit organizations who demonstrate outstanding innovation, growth, ethics, customer service and contributions to the community. “The Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce first presented the Environmental Leadership award as part of the annual Business Excellence Awards in 2010” explained Colleen Clark, CEO. “The award recognizes businesses that exhibit significant proactive concern for, and proven success with, conducting better practices to decrease environmental impact. We are proud to add the New Car Dealers Association of BC to our list of worthy recipients.”

The NCDA would like to thank the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce for this honour and the Province of BC for their ongoing support. For more information please visit: https://www.langleychamber.com/business-excellence-awards

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC
The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents more than 390-new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association provide over 30,000 family supporting jobs and are responsible for $16 billion in retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in British Columbia.

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Contact:
Shona Wercholuk – LBMG
604-240-6231
[email protected]

PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Car Dealership Association (PGCDA) and New Car Dealers’ Foundation of BC are launching three new awards at CNC to assist students pursuing a career path in the automotive industry.

The awards, which total $10,000 annually, include three scholarships and a bursary for students registered in the Auto Service Technician Foundation-Level program at CNC. The PGCDA and NCDFBC have also created a scholarship for a CNC student registered in the Business Management or Accounting and Finance program.

“Like many industries, the automotive sector is facing a labour shortage in job professions that include automotive service technicians,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA). “It’s our pleasure to partner with New Car Dealers’ members in Prince George to provide scholarship and bursary opportunities that will help forge meaningful career opportunities in the industry.”

The NCDA represents more than 390 New Car Dealers throughout the province, who generate close to $17 billion in economic activity, pump $2.9 billion net GDP directly into BC’s economy, and employ more than 30,000 high paying jobs in 55 communities it serves. The PGCDA provides services and products within the City of Prince George and B.C.’s northern region.

“Prince George New Car Dealers are proud to be able to assist students in this region pursue career opportunities in the automotive sector,” said Peter Sia, General Manager of Northland Nissan. “Not only does this create greater certainty and flexibility for the local industry, it ensures our young people have a chance to develop the skills that will allow them to launch and maintain a career in their own community.”
CNC provides a comprehensive selection of automotive training, including foundation and apprenticeship level Automotive Service Technician and Auto Body Repair, as well as an Automotive Glass Technician apprenticeship.

“Industry partners have been integral to CNC’s ability to inspire movement forward for both our students and the community,” said Tara Szerencsi, CNC Vice President, Finance and Corporate Services. “We’re thankful to the Prince George Car Dealership Association and the New Car Dealers Association of BC for making this investment in CNC students.”

About the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC: The New Car Dealers Foundation of BC exists to provide CarCareerBC grants and scholarships to young people for automotive industry programs that lead to work at car dealership and supports other charities throughout BC where local dealers are involved. Members and associate members contribute to the Foundation through their participation in certain Association events throughout the year. Visit www.newcardealersfoundation.ca to learn more about the Foundation.

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For more information:

New Car Dealers Association
Blair Qualey
604-897-0852
[email protected]

College of New Caledonia
Dustin Ruth
Media Relations Officer
778-349-0597
[email protected]

Jimmy Pattison Named Honourary Chair of 100th Anniversary Auto Procession

Vancouver, BC: – Six months from today the doors of the Vancouver Convention Centre West (VCC) will open and history will be made as western Canada’s best attended trade and consumer event, the Vancouver International Auto Show, will mark its 100th anniversary.

The Vancouver Auto Show has always been a showcase for new technology, and the celebratory event (March 25-29, 2020) will reflect British Columbia’s rich automobile history, while also showcasing what’s next for the industry.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming auto enthusiasts from across British Columbia and the Northwest to the 2020 event,” says Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA), which also presents the annual Show. “Planning for the 100th event started more than a year ago, and we’re excited to showcase many special vehicles, activations and displays that will be part of the 2020 event. Today marks the official countdown to the start of the celebration.”

Highlights of the 2020 show will include a special procession that will wind its way through the streets of Vancouver, ending at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, to officially open the show.

“We are honoured to announce one of the most impactful contributors to the sector in Canada, Mr. Jimmy Pattison, will be our Honorary 100th Anniversary event Chair and the Grand Marshall of the procession,” added Jeff Hall, Chairman of the NCDA Board of Directors. “The 100th Anniversary procession will include vehicles that represent each decade of the Vancouver Auto Show.”

“I’m very proud of our own involvement in the automotive industry. It’s where our company began back in 1961,” said Mr. Jim Pattison. “Today, the automotive industry remains the heart of our organization.”

Other highlights will include a special invitational Concours style showcase that will include more than fifty special vehicles, some never previously displayed, as well as a Look To The Future display, showcasing emerging and advanced technology options for consumers.

For more detailed information about the Vancouver Auto Show, March 25-29, 2020, and its many features, visit: www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com

About the Vancouver International Auto Show
The Vancouver International Auto Show is owned and operated by the New Car Dealers Association of BC (www.newcardealers.ca). It is British Columbia’s new model showcase for the Canadian automotive industry and represents nearly 40 distinct brands from the world’s leading manufacturers.

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Media Inquiries
Kelly Gleeson
Media Relations
604.240.6231
[email protected]

For Immediate Release

Your New Car Dealers Foundation of BC proudly supports students who are pursuing a career in the automotive sector. In addition to awards established with post secondary schools (including Georgian College, Okanagan College, Vancouver Island University, Coast Mountain College…and more to come!), the Foundation also distributes funds through the CarCareerBC program. Funding assists students with tuition and/or the purchase of new tools.

This year, $10,000 in funds will be distributed via CarCareerBC, and over $55,000 will be distributed through all the various awards. 

Visit www.newcardealersfoundation.ca (click on Education & Careers for award details) for information. Applications for 2020 CarCareerBC awards will open soon. Watch for 2019 award winners to be announced in your NCDA Communications.

Award funding comes from interest income from an endowment fund set up through generous donations by the Carter Auto Family, OpenRoad Auto Group, Harmony Honda, and Jim Pattison, as well as fundraisers organized through the Foundation.

For Immediate Release
June 22, 2019

VICTORIA
With British Columbians eager to get behind the wheel of a clean energy vehicle (CEV), the government is releasing another $26.5 million and making changes to its popular CEVforBC rebate program to meet ongoing demand.

“With federal and provincial rebates now in place, switching to an electric vehicle is more affordable than ever”, said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. Part of our CleanBC plan, the CEVforBC program has been a resounding success.

The changes we are making today will ensure it remains accessible and supports even more British Columbians in getting their first clean energy vehicle. Budget 2019 committed $42.5 million toward the CEVforBC rebate program for this fiscal year, with $15 million having been released. The changes made include lowering the maximum price eligibility threshold to $55,000 – ensuring the program supports the most affordable vehicles.

On May 1, 2019, the federal government implemented a $5,000 CEV rebate in addition to any provincial rebates in the market, which resulted in unprecedented CEV sales across the province. The provincial rebate will be reduced to $3,000 for battery, fuel-cell, and longer range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and to $1,500 for shorter-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, effective June 22, 2019. Vehicles purchased or reserved prior to that date will be
covered by the prior program incentives and rules.

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Learn More:
Electric vehicles available in B.C.: https://pluginbc.ca/wp/wpcontent/uploads/2019/05/Electric-Car-Handout_190523.pdf
CEVforBC vehicle point-of-sale incentive program: https://www.cevforbc.ca/
More information about the CleanBC plan: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: news.gov.bc.ca/connect
Kent Karemaker
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum
Resources
250 952-0628

– The Zero-Emission Vehicle Act (ZEVA) passed on May 30, 2019, requiring all new lightduty
cars and trucks sold in B.C. to be clean energy vehicles by 2040.
– Targets under CleanBC and ZEVA are that CEV sales will increase starting in 2020,
reaching 10% of light-duty sales by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2040.
– There are approximately 44 CEV models available for sale in B.C., most of them priced in
the $30,000 to $50,000 range, before incentives.
– CEVs made up 4% of new light-duty vehicle sales in B.C. in 2018 and were approximately
6% in the first quarter of 2019.
– There are currently more than 20,000 electric cars on the road, and the CEVforBC
program will support an estimated 17,000 more.
– Prices for CEVs start at approximately $29,000, before incentives.
– B.C. has more than 1,700 charging stations around the province.
– The combined federal and provincial incentives have led to high levels of program participation, two to three times higher than in 2018.
– The reduced vehicle price cap and lower incentives will allow more British Columbians to
access CEVs as the market transforms.
– CEVs and internal combustion engine light duty vehicles (cars, sport utility vehicles, and
pick-up trucks) are expected to achieve price parity between 2024-2028.

For immediate release
May 30, 2019

Vancouver BC – Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) issued the following statement after Zero Emission Vehicle Legislation (ZEV) received passage in the BC Legislature this week:

“Government and BC’s New Car Dealers share a collective desire to encourage and accelerate the adoption of clean energy vehicles in this province.

Through a strong partnership between the NCDA and government, BC has attained the highest per-capita sales of clean energy vehicles in Canada – based on point of sale incentives, strategic investments in charging infrastructure, along with consumer education and awareness.

We look forward to continuing to work with government to ensure regulations associated with the ZEV Act provide some level of flexibility to ensure product development lines up with current challenges and realities in BC. These include the issue of affordability, technology and infrastructure developments to counter the issue of range anxiety, and vehicle product development to meet the needs of families or businesses in resource-based communities where an EV is not yet an option.

New Car Dealers look forward to working with government to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the Zero Emission Legislation.”

https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/legislation-debates-proceedings/41st-parliament/4th-session/bills/progress-of-bills

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC
The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents more than 390-new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association directly employ over 30,000 British Columbians and are responsible for $16 billion in retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in British Columbia.

For Immediate Release
May 15, 2019

Vancouver, BC – New Car Dealers Association of BC President and CEO, Blair Qualey, issued the following statement today in response to the BC Government announcing a public inquiry into money laundering.

“The New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia represents 390 of the province’s new car dealers. As such, we are committed to transparent business and reporting practices that ensure the public can continue to have full confidence in the best-in-class practices of our member-dealers.

“Our members agree that illegal funds have no place in BC’s automotive sector and we are supportive of government’s investigations into money laundering.

“New Car Dealers have a long history of working with government and regulators to ensure all new car sales transactions are compliant with applicable regulations. As such, we welcome the opportunity to contribute to the public inquiry process and should there be regulatory changes to any reporting requirements, our members will comply as they always do.”

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Media Inquiries:
Kelly Gleeson
604.240.6231
[email protected]

May 7, 2019

Vancouver BC – Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, issued the following statement in response to the latest report from Peter German on the issue of money laundering:

“The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) applauds BC’s Attorney General for the latest report from Peter German on the issue of money laundering.

The NCDA is an association that represents 390 new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia and as such, we can only speak on behalf of our members – who as franchises of OEMs, are held to their high standards – and have a long history of working with government and regulators to ensure all new car sales transactions they undertake are compliant with all applicable regulations.

New Car Dealers follow the requirements that have been established by the Vehicle Sales Authority (VSA), which provides regulatory oversight of motor vehicle sales in BC. Our members also fully report on qualifying transactions to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), an independent government agency that works to detect, prevent and deter money laundering.

We agree that this review is important for British Columbians, and should there be regulatory changes to any reporting requirements with respect to new car sales, we certainly will comply as our members always do.”

About the New Car Dealers Association of BC: The NCDA is the provincial industry association that represents more than 390-new car and truck dealers throughout British Columbia. Members of the Association directly employ over 30,000 British Columbians and are responsible for $16 billion in retail sales in the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to vehicle sales in British Columbia.

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