This is my final column as President of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association (TADA). A year ago, when I first committed to writing a weekly column, I had no idea how challenging it would be. Who would have thought? Riley - A New-Car Dealer/ part-time columnist.

Exported Used Vehicles

For years Americans and Canadian Exporters have purchased used vehicles in Canada for use or resale in the United States (U.S.).

Test Drive Procedures Help to Deter Theft

Test-drives are an important part of the vehicle-buying process. They offer potential purchasers an opportunity to see, feel and drive a new vehicle. Test-drives also provide salespeople with a chance to demonstrate the features and benefits of a vehicle while it is on the road.

The New Auto Zone

In September 2003, the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) launched an exciting new advertising section in the Toronto Star - Auto Zone. TADA recognized the need for a weekly, informative advertising section for consumers who are interested in purchasing, quality pre-owned vehicles from New-Car Dealers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Importance of Female Car Buyers

Today's New-Car Dealers recognize the importance of female car buyers. When a couple walk into a New-Car Dealership showroom, one should not assume that the male is the main breadwinner and that he alone will be making the purchasing decisions about a new vehicle this does not reflect the cultural reality of today's retail vehicle sales environment.

Car Culture is Changing to Better Accommodate Women salespeople

For a variety of reasons, women have traditionally shied away from careers in automotive sales. Is it because this type of career is believed not to foster an ideal work/family balance? Is it the view of a traditional aggressive male-dominated sales environment? For one reason or another many women have been hesitant in establishing a sales career in this industry.

Undercover Editor Goes Inside U.S. Showrooms

As I read an article that appeared in the March 27th Wheels section entitled "Undercover editor goes inside U.S. showrooms," I could not help but reflect on the inaccuracy of the article. The assumptions made without valid data and the obvious promotion of the author's U.S. based book and car buying website service.

Opinions are divided over Ontario Drive Clean Program

Toronto Star's heading in last week's column may have implied my endorsement of the Drive Clean program in it's current design - this is not so. I do however support a healthier and greener environment.

New-Car Dealers and the Ontario Drive Clean Program

The Ontario government is committed to help reduce smog-causing pollutants by 45% by 2015, and New-Car Dealers are playing an important role in achieving this goal.

Incentives are Subsidized by Vehicle Manufacturers

Today almost all manufacturers are offering low finance rates, lease payments or customer cash rebates. This week I will clarify the benefits of each of these offers to assist you in making a decision that is right for you.

Should I Lease or Buy?

Should I lease or buy? A question asked by many consumers. In this column, I'll be referring to a vehicle manufacturer's purchase/finance arrangement and comparing it to a manufacturer type lease. This lease is the most popular and the most consumer-friendly lease today.

The Evolution of the Dealership

Looking out onto the showroom floor, surveying the dealership, I'm impressed by how far we have progressed. When I say "we", I am not referring to my dealership specifically, but all New-Car Dealerships in the GTA. Over the past decade our industry has evolved considerably, and this evolution has affected all dealership departments'. Some changes have been gradual, taking us in a direction we knew we were going, while others have been almost instantaneous, taking us places we had never imagined. As I focus my attention to the offices lining the showroom floor, I believe a good place to start detailing some of these changes is the sales department.

The Canadian International AutoShow

It's that time of year again when winter seems to be outlasting its welcome. So if the winter doldrums have got a grip on you, there is a solution. The 2004 Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) opened its doors to the public on Friday, February 13th, and is on until Sunday, February 22nd. Once inside the doors of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the SkyDome, you enter a world where the roads are always dry and lightly traveled, the sky is always blue and over a thousand brand new cars, minivans, pickups and SUVs are waiting to take you on the trip of a lifetime.

The World is Coming to Toronto

The Toronto Automobile Dealer Association (TADA) proudly presents the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS).

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Today You're Better Prepared

You're in the market to purchase a new vehicle. You know which make and models you are interested in, the New Car Dealerships you want to visit, and where they are located. You also know which options you want, and what you can afford. You have not seen the inside of a showroom since the purchase of your last vehicle, but that's okay, today you're better prepared.

Branding Part 2

Last week's article shared with you the rationale that motivated the Ontario Government to introduce the mandatory Vehicle Branding program. The program primarily helps to ensure that vehicles being rebuilt are safe for the public to drive and secondly to address one element of auto theft, false VINs.

Branding Legislation is Law

In Ontario alone, it is estimated that organized crime derives $600 million a year from the sale of stolen vehicles. Each year, Toronto Police identify more than 1,000 vehicles that have illegally been given a "new" Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Third-Party Extended Warranties

Whether you purchase a third-party extended warranty, or a manufacturer's extended mechanical warranty, ensure that you read and fully understand the terms and conditions of the warranty agreement.

Fly a red ribbon

New-Car Dealers of the GTA continually support educational programs that, provide information to drivers and promote safe driving on our roadways. As an example, in the early 1980's, TADA sponsored the first "RIDE Program".

New-Car Dealer & Automotive Parts

In recent columns, I've discussed the benefits of servicing your vehicle at a New-Car Dealership. Here's another key benefit: Access to original manufacturers' parts.

Maintenance and Your Vehicle

Once you've purchased a new or pre-owned vehicle one of the more important considerations is your vehicle's maintenance. With a new vehicle, you start with a clean slate. Everything is new and simply following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, is the best way to get the most value from your vehicle for the least cost.

Customer Satisfaction

Is the customer always right? Not necessarily. Should we make the initial assumption that the customer is always right? Absolutely.

Times Are Changing

In the mid 1980's new car manufacturers began to incorporate computers in their engine management systems.

How Often do You Check Your Oil?

Are you aware that it is the responsibility of the consumer (owner/lessee) to maintain their vehicle in accordance with the Maintenance Schedule provided by the manufacturer as outlined in the owner's manual?

Servicing Your Vehicle With Us

Let's face it, vehicle owners are not thrilled about spending money when it comes to servicing their vehicles

Operating a New Car Dealership

Prior columns have focused on the initial financial requirements and costs associated with operating a new car dealership. Continuing with our example of a "typical mid-sized" dealership (one that would employ between 60-70 individuals), in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), this week I will outline some of the basic manufacturer's requirements, including credit requirements.

So, You Want to be a New Car Dealer? [2]

Last week's column focused on the initial investment required in order to acquire a new car dealership. Continuing with our example of a "typical mid-sized" dealership (one that would employ between 60-70 individuals), in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), this week I will outline the costs associated with operating this dealership.

So, You Want to be a New Car Dealer? [1]

So, you want to be a New Car Dealer? How do you achieve this? Today's column will focus on the initial financial requirements of owning a New Car Dealership.

Message of safe schools

The Toronto Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) has an impressive track record of supporting charitable organizations. Each year TADA contributes generously to many charities.

Compare and Shop for Insurance Rates

Whether you are purchasing a new or used vehicle, invest the time to compare and shop for insurance rates.

Did you know that the difference between your lowest quoted insurance rates and the highest rates could exceed 400%?

What to do With Your Present Vehicle

When you shop for a new or newer vehicle (assuming you are not returning a leased vehicle), the question comes to mind "what to do with your present older vehicle?" Should you sell it privately, or trade it in at a dealership? Let me share with you some insight that may assist you in choosing what is best for you.

Why Buy Used From a New Car Dealer?

A well maintained, pre-owned vehicle represents excellent value to a consumer. Used cars have traditionally been an important part of any new car dealer's business. In fact, new car dealers sell approximately 50% of the pre-owned vehicles sold in Ontario (private sales contribute 30% and used car dealers the remaining 20%.

Canadian Automotive Institute

Today's vehicle manufacturers continue to achieve a new level of sophistication to meet the ongoing demands of consumers. The management and staff at new car dealerships are no exception. Higher education improves professional standards throughout the industry, which is absolutely essential for dealership success.

CAMVAP

"Lemon Laws?" currently non-existent in Canada. However, Canadian automotive buyers have the protection of The Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP); the largest consumer product arbitration plan in Canada. CAMVAP was created in 1994 to assist consumers in resolving disputes with vehicle manufacturers in a way that was fair, fast, free, friendly and final.

The Clean Air Partnership

Did you know that the combined emissions of 22 of today's (new) vehicles are approximately equal to exhaust pollutants from one typical 1987 (or older) vehicle.

Cash rebates, Low Lease Rates...

Cash rebates, low lease rates and zero percent financing; it can all be confusing. Let me try to clarify the benefits of each of these offers and assist you in making a decision that is right for you. It is important to note that it is the vehicle manufacturers that offer and provide these consumer incentives, not the new car dealerships. In fact, dealerships effectively finance the value of these incentives as a cost of our vehicle inventory until the vehicle is delivered to the consumer. As a rule, the manufacturer will not lower it's MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price) or the vehicle cost paid by the new car dealership in any given model year. However, to increase sales volume the manufacturer will offer consumer incentives in these various forms. Manufacturers market share expectations and new car dealers' inventory drive the level of incentives. As dealers our margins remain constant regardless whether a manufacturer to consumer incentive is offered or not.

Purchasing from a Private Individual

Consumers can certainly get a "good-buy" purchasing a vehicle privately. If you are comfortable with the process and you do your research, purchasing from a private individual can sometimes provide you with the vehicle you want at a price you are prepared to pay.

Dealer's and consumer's agree that "curbsiding" is a major problem!

A "curbsider" is a person or group who is in the business of buying and selling automobiles without being licensed and registered with OMVIC (Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council), the group that oversees and polices the automobile industry in Ontario.

You appreciate us. Thank you.

Believe it or not, you, the consumer, value salespeople. You appreciate us. Thank you.

You Drive into the New Car Dealership

You're shopping for a new vehicle. You drive into the new car dealership. You walk towards the entrance. You open the front door. You're in unfamiliar territory, so your heart begins to pound and your defense mechanism sets in. A sales representative approaches you. "Welcome to... My name is? May I help you?" Your response is "No, I'm just looking".

When it Comes to Negotiating

When it comes to negotiating, most of you think the new car dealer is the expert, and that he or she has the upper hand when you purchase a new vehicle.

Guidelines for Automobile Advertising

Hard to believe, but before 1990, there were no written standards or guidelines for automobile advertising in the province of Ontario. This included messages in all forms of media, newspapers and magazines, TV, radio, billboards, point-of-sale, direct mail, and so on.

Open to Negotiation?

Which is best for you?

What does the average customer really want? Is it "no haggle, no-dicker, one-price selling?" Or is it "no-holds-barred negotiation?"

A highly regulated auto industry is good for the consumer and good for the new car dealer

Short of the legal and medical professions, I don't know of any other industry in Ontario that is more regulated than the automotive industry.

Should I lease or buy?

Today, the choice should be less confusing. There are only a handful of issues to consider. In this column, I'll be referring to a manufacturer-type lease and comparing it to a manufacturers purchase/finance arrangement.

Confused about leasing?

Is leasing confusing? No kidding! It makes me shake my head (or smile) when I read articles written by self-proclaimed "experts," many of whom have never leased or even sold a vehicle! They seem to "gather" their information from multiple sources, assemble it, and interpret it the best way they know how. Most of these articles are inaccurate, confusing, and are formed from these bits and pieces of information which seem to puzzle one even further. What's that saying? "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.?"

Is NOW the time to buy? The short answer, you betcha!

In my 25 years in the automotive industry, I have never seen finance rates, lease payments, customer cash backs, loyalty incentives, graduate incentives, vehicle warranties, product choice and product availability as good as they are today. Bottom line: The time is right to buy!

Owners of New Car Dealerships

Owners of new car dealerships achieve their position in different ways; some through family succession, some through the car manufacturing industry and others through dealership experience and sheer desire.