Langley, BC – After a hard-fought provincial election campaign during which the issue of affordability played a central role the new NDP government is being urged to address policy changes that will bring cost relief to consumers.
“We congratulate Premier David Eby and the NDP on forming Government but now, as they say, is when the rubber meets the road. We are urging the administration to take actions that will ensure new vehicles, including zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), are as affordable as possible for British Columbians,” said Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA).
Over the coming weeks, the NCDA will be advocating for two specific policy changes – a more flexible approach to the Zero Emission Vehicle Act and re-instituting previous rebate levels under CleanBC Go Electric Passenger Vehicle Rebate Program, “to help steer us back on a positive path,” added Qualey.
Under its CleanBC plan and Zero-Emission Vehicle Act, the previous NDP administration laid out an ambitious plan to transition away from traditional gas-powered cars by mandating that by 2030, 90% of light-duty vehicles sold in BC are ZEVs – and 100% by 2035. If mandated targets are not met, auto makers face significant penalties (up to $20,000 per vehicle sold outside the mandated targets) – and it can be anticipated those costs will be passed along to consumers of all vehicles.
At the same time, recent changes to the CleanBC Go Electric Passenger Vehicle Rebate Program reduced the threshold for qualifying vehicles, effectively removing 75% of vehicles previously eligible. Early adopters of ZEVs have made their market choice, but regular consumer demand has softened in recent months for a host of reasons, not the least of which is price – along with range anxiety and access to convenient. reliable charging infrastructure.
Other key areas that the NCDA will be communicating to the new administration include the critical issue of power supply to support electrification along with an accessible fast charging network. New Car Dealers believe an increase in programs and spaces to train the next generation of industry workers – including service technicians who repair the more advanced vehicles and ZEVs today, is another important part of the equation.
The Association will also be seeking out changes to BC’s Luxury Vehicle Tax which extends to vehicles that aren’t in any respect a luxury item, such trucks, minivans or SUVs that British Columbians require to shuttle children around or for work.
Over the next several weeks, as the functioning of the new government takes shape, the NCDA will seek out opportunities to underline win-win approaches that support the sector, consumers, and the broader economy.
Qualey concluded by acknowledging Premier Eby and the NDP, John Rustad of the BC Conservatives, Sonia Furstenau of the Green Party, and all candidates who contributed to the democratic process. The NCDA President and CEO also expressed his thanks to Elections BC for their dedicated and diligent service that we should never take for granted.
Blair Qualey, NCDA President and CEO has been advocating for key issues for members. See some of the media coverage here:
Black Press: https://www.langleyadvancetimes.com/local-news/bc-car-dealers-lobby-ndp-for-changes-to-ev-7618919
City News site: https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2024/10/30/bc-new-car-dealers-association-push-ndp/
CKNW segment: https://globalnews.ca/pages/audio-vault-cknw/ (October 30)
