Kelly Taylor

Whether forced to move to appointment-only selling or touchless drop-offs for vehicle service — which has depended on the level of retail restrictions at any given time — dealers interviewed by Automotive News Canada said they aren’t looking back.

The justification for the “wet signature” — where a seller witnesses a buyer’s signature firsthand — is seen as outdated, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Winnipeg-based Rapid RTC — which manages live chat functions and sales lead management for 4,200 dealers and 27 automakers in North America and Europe — has been sold to U.K.-based software developer Keyloop.

Online vehicle launches build media buzz and create new marketing opportunities, but "there’s no better way than to see and touch the vehicle" than at a live event.

There isn’t a national auto strategy yet, like many in the industry want, but the federal Liberals have made some key deals that align with a mandate to advance technology.

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

Canadian dealers are reporting shortages of anything from trucks to parts and are calling colleagues provinces away just to locate needed vehicles.

The Tucson has typically lagged Elantra sales in Canada. “We expect the new Tucson to surpass Elantra rather quickly," said a company spokesman.

Nissan’s bestseller offers better interior to compete with class leaders.

Ford is likely to remain the market leader among large pickups, "But I also think it has been alarmed at how good the Ram is," says one analyst.

Nissan expects Canadian sales of the new, all-electric Ariya crossover vehicle “to be heavily skewed” towards the optional all-wheel drive system when it goes on sale in late 2021, due to the "rigours of Canadian winters."

It’s been the top-selling pickup truck nameplate in North America for 43 consecutive years, and for 2021 the Ford F-150 gets a complete redesign and a wide range of enhancements — including a hybrid option — Ford hopes will keep it on top.

The Nissan Rogue has been the company’s best-selling vehicle in Canada since 2012, and for its first overhaul since 2014, it is hitting the market with a striking new design and, for dealers, a simplified order sheet.

Communications during a crisis need to be authentic, measured and to the point, says one expert. Mazda Canada immediately let its customers and dealers know it would stand behind a dealer’s decision to close, and that it is open to discussions with customers affected by the crisis. 

Mercedes-Benz has bowed out of Canadian auto shows to focus on experiential events designed to leave a lasting impression with enthusiasts of the brand.