Under the restrictions, dealerships are permitted to be open for in-person shopping by appointment only. Other COVID-19 safety restrictions are also mandated.

Eighty-two per cent of all new-vehicle sales in October were light trucks, says J.D. Power, and demand for anything but sedans appears to be accelerating.

Former NHLer player Rob Pearson is a team player at an Ontario dealership; Jim McAlorum makes sure picking up a new vehicle is exciting and informative; and Dawn Sutherland gets warranty claims processed quickly. They are the latest group of Unobvious Ones, flying under the radar in the Canadian auto industry.

The midsize crossover has been overshadowed recently by newer models such as the Aviator.