Perry Lefko

Organizers of the Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) are seeking direction from the Ontario government concerning its COVID-19 rules for indoor and outdoor events before committing to holding the 2022 show. 

The Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) is hoping proposed changes to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act will allow them to finalize automobile transactions at a site other than the point of purchase.

Founded in July, 2018, TRADE X, is set up as a third party to ensure the condition of the cars that are being bought and sold are verified, the money exchanged is secure, the vehicle gets to where it is going and sellers are paid in their local currency with applicable taxes.

Silvia Carfora, CEO of the Weis Group, a Toronto-based architectural firm mediates the "natural tension" between automakers and dealers as image programs adapt to a market in flux.

The new dealership is part of an overall brand strategy the Policaro Group has of building three new stores and moving exclusively to retailing premium luxury brands.

Expansion ambitions are being curtailed because of numerous industry unknowns and a 15- to 20-per-cent rise in building costs.

Greg Carrasco “is making some noise and making people aware” of the Ontario Nissan and Infiniti dealerships, says Saleem Budhwani, whose Prestige Group owns the stores.

Spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic, changing consumer habits have shifted the commercial-property landscape, paving the way to more partnerships with nontraditional tenants such as dealerships

Nearly one quarter of Canadians are thinking about buying a new vehicle in December instead of during the traditional busy purchasing period between March and June, according to a survey released by Kijiji Autos.

In-person auto shows around the globe were forced into cancellation during the pandemic, but are starting to resurface. In China, the Shanghai auto show, which runs from April 21-28, is currently underway.

One Ontario dealership is prepared to buy out lease customers even if means cutting profit margins.

The strategy of offering employees equity stakes quickens expansion and puts a vested individual in the store, proponents of the practice say.

Dealership deals continue to thrive despite the pandemic and slumping sales. 

Trade X says it will be making a “major splash” in the industry in the second quarter of this year with marketing campaigns in Canada and the United States, and will be active in conferences and events.

The program, called Drive Investment Partners (Drive-IP), will be financed by a consortium consisting of participating banks, active or retired dealer principals and Drive-IP, said DSMA CEO Farid Ahmad.