CRAIN'S STAFF Jil McIntosh Toronto Correspondent Jil McIntosh is Toronto Correspondent for Automotive News Canada. [email protected] (905) 213-9475 See All Staff Page Recent Stories Automakers Toyota Prius AWD-e 'really about how it behaves in winter,' company says Even though the Toyota Prius AWD-e costs $1,000 more than the two-wheel-drive version of the all-electric vehicle, Toyota expects it to grab 65 per cent of total Prius sales. Automakers THE UNOBVIOUS ONES: From 'RollerCoaster Tycoon' to Honda's r&d department Carloyn LeBlanc went from wanting to design roller-coasters to joining Honda's r&d team; Alan McClelland is doing all he can to get kids into trades; Infiniti Canada's Alannah David-Clark’s domain is the internet. They are the Unobvious Ones. Retail P.E.I.'s first woman dealer principal an island unto herself Tammy Roach will soon open Mitsubishi’s only store on P.E.I. In doing so, she will also become the island’s only woman dealer principal. Canada Be an F&I consultant, not salesperson, to customers, experts say The industry is entering the home stretch of 2018 marked by slumping sales and rising interest rates. While selling F&I products boosts dealers' bottom line, many customers would rather be anywhere else than the F&I office. Canada She's a truck drivin' woman getting cars from point A to point B Auto-hauler driver Diana Niedzwiedzki keeps on trucking; Leroy Burkhart keeps things rolling in the tire department; and Miguela Sapa gets people paid. They are some of The Unobvious Ones. Canada Intercontinental travel required to work at Continental Okan Sen travelled 8,000 kilometres for a job interview with Continental; Samir Akhavan puts the personal touch in buying and selling; and Steve Kicksee smells money in mildew. They are some of the Unobvious Ones. Canada Crashworthiness tests need to be worthy Alexandre Mailloux's work is vital for collecting and delivering vehicle test data; Alex Gates knows the auto past must be preserved; and Mary Leigh Burrowes knows what Honda customers want. They are some of the Unobvious Ones. Canada An accountant who plays by different numbers David Velasco is an accountant who determines the discounts customers receive; Katie Allanson wanted to be a physiotherapist but has a knack for ergonomics; and Scott Marshall is a driving instructor keeping people safe. Canada A dealership number-cruncher for hire Michael Lewicki focuses on dealership financial consulting because of his love of cars; Ashlee Royal travels to auto shows to be sure vehicles are clean; and Mike Tedesco has a knack for improving a dealer's CSI rating. They are some of the unobvious ones. Canada How writing about protein led to a PR career at Subaru Canada Subaru's Julie Lychak says if she can explain protein powder to an 18-year-old, she can sell Subaru; Nathalie Haché is "the voice" of Hyundai Canada; Mac Fuenmayor optimizes websites. They are this month's Unobvious Ones. Canada GM Canada on the hunt for tech engineers GM Technical Centre Director Brian Tossan says the Markham, Ont., centre is about halfway towards its goal of hiring 700 engineers. The centre develops infotainment systems, active safety systems, and AV software and controls. Canada 'Customers are not always happy, it's my job to calm them down' Jessica Vieira schedules vehicle deliveries, Ewelina Flair helps fleet buyers and Wayne Marshall keeps the lot clean; they are this month's Unobvious Ones. Canada How some female suppliers break down barriers in male-dominated industry In Canada, companies that are at least 51 per cent owned, operated and controlled by women can make critical auto business connections through Women's Business Enterprises Canada. Canada Jaguar Land Rover stays agile in a changing marketplace Jaguar Land Rover isn't a high-volume automaker, but its global chief Ralf Speth thinks that's a benefit. He says the company wants profitable, solid, sustainable growth. It's certainly growing in Canada. Canada New Michigan AV test track to have Canadian connections The chief innovation officer of the American Center for Mobility being built in Ypsilanti, Mich., is Canadian raised and educated, and the facility will be used by Ontario. Load More
CRAIN'S STAFF Jil McIntosh Toronto Correspondent Jil McIntosh is Toronto Correspondent for Automotive News Canada. [email protected] (905) 213-9475 See All Staff Page