BYD’s interest in entering the Canadian market wasn’t just the top story of the week, it might go down on as one of the most-read stories of the year. At the same time, a story about Honda dealers preparing a class-action lawsuit over the automaker’s cut to margins wasn’t far behind.
Here's a quick rundown of those and the other stories that were our top five by reader interest:
1. BYD eyes Canada
BYD is preparing to enter the Canadian auto market in a move likely to drastically change the complexion of the electric-vehicle segment but also attract federal scrutiny, as trade officials in Ottawa weigh tariffs on EVs imported from China.
2. Honda dealers lawyer up
Honda dealers in Canada have retained legal counsel and are preparing for a possible class-action lawsuit against the automaker’s Canadian unit, as the company enacts a plan that will significantly reduce dealer profit margin on vehicle sales, according to multiple dealers.
3. JLR, dealers head to mediation
JLR Canada and its dealers have agreed to mediation to settle an ongoing dispute over the automaker’s plan to reduce the number of Jaguar stores in the country.
The two sides will enter the National Automobile Dealer Arbitration Program (NADAP) in the fall, a source familiar with the matter told Automotive News Canada July 25. The dispute resolution process is backed by the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) as well as the Global Automakers of Canada (GAC), which represents import brands in Canada.
4. Umicore hits brakes on new plant
Umicore has slammed the brakes on its $2.76-billion battery materials plant in Eastern Ontario as it continues an ongoing review of its business amid “substantially” scaled-back expectations for the electric-vehicle market.
The Belgium-based company broke ground on the site in Loyalist Township, just west of Kingston, Ont., in October 2023, but said July 26 that it would delay construction spending on the site “pending the outcome of this review.”
5. The 2024 Canadians to Watch
The seventh annual Canadians to Watch program highlights rising stars in the auto industry, key players and influencers who could be considered architects of transformation, from product lines and production, to groundbreaking technology in the supply chain. Meet them all here.
