Steve Mertl Vancouver Correspondent for Automotive News Canada [email protected] (604) 551-8653 Vancouver Correspondent See All Staff Page Recent Stories To stay in the city, dealership thinks smaller and taller As urban stores vanish, one in downtown Vancouver uses a tight footprint to maintain a toehold. Parkland to double size of announced EV charging network in western Canada Parkland Corp. of Calgary says it’s received financial support from the federal and B.C. governments to build a network of electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations. Rivian makes 1st Canadian deliveries An R1T pickup and R1S sport utility vehicle were handed over to two of Rivian’s Vancouver staff. Industry wants a course correction in Canadian post-secondary curriculum Automotive executives say postsecondary institutions are falling short when it comes to producing enough candidates to address the skilled-labour shortage plaguing the sector. Meanwhile, schools are up against rapidly changing technology and difficulty finding trade students with the required academic chops. Industry scours the globe for skilled labour The labour shortage only worsened during the pandemic, forcing companies to look outside Canada to fill vital roles. Why fixed ops appear to be at odds with EVs Repair needs will shrink, so dealerships need to stress customer loyalty to retain their business over the long haul. Canadians not ready for autonomous vehicles, study finds Canadians appear unready for the arrival of full-automated self-driving vehicles (AVs) and have a poor understanding of the technology, the J.D. Power 2022 Canada Mobility Index Study concludes. High gas prices aren't influencing car-buying habits, yet High fuel costs have yet to influence car-buying behaviour, but that could change if prices remain above $2/litre beyond the summer-vacation driving season. ‘Right to repair’ law not needed in Canada, say automakers, dealers A Member of Parliament from Windsor, Ont., has floated a federal bill to give independent shops access to proprietary vehicle information; the industry says the voluntary system isn’t broken, so don’t fix it. Why Canada's auto industry can thrive amid global uncertainty Growth in manufacturing to support domestic electric vehicle production in Ontario could trigger a re-expansion of Canada’s middle class after decades of decline due to migration of manufacturing to lower-wage countries, says one prominent economist. EV tires present a dilemma for owners, dealers when it's time for replacement There are some specific EV tires, but there’s little selection when it comes time to replace them. So, can dealers sell regular tires for today's EVs? Online registration: 'The most important policy' by Ontario 'in a generation’ The new system will put an end to the daily grind of standing in line at provincial government offices to get licence plates for the cars dealers sell. David George is the new president of BMW Canada David George began in his new role March 1. Previously, he was director for MINI U.K., where, according to a news release, he “was responsible for restructuring the MINI product portfolio, the successful launch of the MINI Electric and overseeing growth of the brand’s market share in the U.K.” Soaring Canadian gas prices haven't increased EV sales, and here's why Historically, abrupt fuel-price increases have led many car shoppers to look at smaller, more economical models, but this time is different, dealers say. Parts sector to Stellantis: You can’t have your cake and eat it, too Top officials representing Canada’s auto suppliers appear ready to push back against new contract language from Stellantis that fully insulates the company against cost increases and also demands returning any savings. Load More
Steve Mertl Vancouver Correspondent for Automotive News Canada [email protected] (604) 551-8653 Vancouver Correspondent See All Staff Page