From apprehension, to regret about leaving, to a retrospect of the last twelve months.

Approximately one year ago I assumed the presidency of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association (T.A.D.A.). This was great! A few meetings, a few cocktail parties, four Board of Directors Meetings, the odd golf game (my game is so challenged that very few will play with me) and of course, a Christmas party or two. I had everything under control.

Collision Repair and Autobody Shops

Chances are that you will need an autobody, collision repair or automotive paint shop to repair your car or truck sometime soon. From 4 to 8 per cent of all motorists will report some damage to their car this year.

Understanding Leases - A Consumer Guide

Comments received on the article of last Saturday (May 3rd), point out the need to revisit "Understanding leases-a consumer guide". One reader in particular went out of his way to tell me that I didn't know what I was talking about, and I should research my subject matter before writing the articles. He stated that a high residual value on lease termination was for the benefit of the dealer and not the consumer.

Car Insurance is Getting More Expensive

I'm quoting from the April 27, 2003 Toronto Star. "Car insurance is getting more expensive, so it's more important then ever to negotiate a good price when buying a vehicle."

Come again? I understand controversial articles sell newspapers; I don't understand why the automotive industry continues to get the bad wrap.

Buying a New or Used Vehicle

When you walk into a supermarket to buy groceries, or walk into a department store to buy a television, you know exactly what you're buying. If it's buying from Holt Renfrew or Harry Rosen or Bay Bloor Radio, you know that part of the purchase is that you are buying into the reputation and commitment of these companies. Now, let's talk about my favorite subject, buying a new or used vehicle? What exactly do you get for your hard-earned money, if you buy from a new car dealer? And what do you feel like when you leave the showroom?

A Larger Than Necessary Repair Bill

"But Ms. Browne, I merely recorded what you told me your car was doing".

"Well I guess I didn't explain myself well enough, I thought the noise was coming from the passenger side, not the driver's side".

Women Sales Representatives

Have you ever asked the question "why are there so few women sales representatives in dealerships?" This is asked in many different ways. The real intent behind the question however is, "why don't you hire women sales reps in dealerships?"

Who is Responsible for the Maintenance of a Vehicle?

From time to time a planned article is replaced by one resulting from a conversation with customers in the sales, service or parts area of the dealership. This is one of those times.

Consider a Career in The Automotive Industry

Consider a career in the automotive industry; I'll give you the good news right now: with full training and credentials, you can be a good technician or salesperson and earn a good wage.

Get the Most Enjoyment From Your Vehicle

Winters in TO are long and dreary and if you don't have the opportunity, to get away for a short break somewhere hot and without snow, the ordeal is almost unbearable. Most of us however have learned to rely on annual events that mark the nearing of the end of winter.

Dealer/Manufacturer Relations on the way up

For the past 14 years, the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) has been surveying dealers across Canada and providing results to manufacturers and dealers. The 2002 Dealer Satisfaction Index Survey Results (DSI) was captioned, "Dealer/Manufacturer Relations on the way up". In an environment where doom and gloom prevails, where almost every article you read provides you with only negatives, the industry as a whole was proud of the results reflective of positive dealer/manufacturer relations.

A 2003 Minivan to the Trillium Gift of Life Network

On Friday February 21, 2003 in the south building of the Toronto Convention Center, during the very busy Canadian International Auto Show, the TADA handed over the keys to a 2003 Minivan to the Trillium Gift of Life Network. Accepting the keys, representing the Ontario Government was the Associate Minister of Health, Mr. Dan Newman. Representing the Trillium Gift of Life Network was the Chair of the Board of Directors, Mr. Brian Flood.

Insurance Shopping with Car Buying

Recently, a father and son entered our showroom. They had come in a couple of times before deciding which automobile best fit their needs. They made their selection and purchased a new vehicle for the son. Needless to say, they were very happy, excited and eager to take delivery.

Canadian International Auto Show

The new car dealers of the GTA and automobile manufacturers present the 30th Annual Canadian International Auto Show, bringing a phantasmagoric kaleidoscope of automotive passion and euphoria, to Toronto.

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How do I Know I am Getting a Good Deal?

A frequently asked question is "how do I know that I am getting a good deal?" What the question really should be is "how do I know that I am getting the most for the least amount of money?" This question is fundamental to the way we have been and continue to be programmed by the forces around us. No one wants to feel that they paid too much for any commodity. The reality is that in today's very competitive automotive world, only a well-informed consumer can ensure that he gets the best "deal."

Dispute Resolution

This article is in response to readers that e-mail me and clearly have not read the author's profile. Each article ends the same:

"Dominic Mesiano is a multi-franchised dealer in the GTA and this year is president of TADA, The Toronto Automobile Dealers Association. E-mail comments to billd@tada.ca"

Large Accidents

With the New Year came our first snowfall, and the inevitable "pile-ups" and "spin-outs" of vehicles in road accidents. One media report cited a recent 57-car pile-up! As a driver, you might wonder how an accident involving so many vehicles can possibly happen. In my opinion, it begins even before you get into your car.

If you Drive Foolishly over the Holidays

For the past several months, I've written about issues that matter to today's drivers from my perspective as an auto dealer. With Christmas coming this Wednesday, I want to speak to you as a husband and a father.

Road Rage

We are so pressed for event reporting that we glorify outrageous behavior. Yes, I said glorify!

Anyone who gets behind the wheel, acts like an immature child, in some cases commits violent acts, and then brushes it off with the phrase "Road Rage," as if he or she were suffering from some type of temporary medical condition over which they had no control, they should not be a licensed driver in Ontario. If I go into a bar, get drunk and start a fight, is that Bar Rage? What utter nonsense!

The Issues Surrounding the Debate on Kyoto

I am not an expert versed in the technological issues of greenhouse gas emissions but I am an ordinary citizen and like you the reader am attempting to understand the issues surrounding the debate on Kyoto. I understand Kyoto calls for reduction in various fossil fuels that contribute to the warming of the planet. Planet warming could pose many negative effects on our weather, our ice fields and our life force. I also comprehend that the implementation of Kyoto will have little effect on creating clean air and eliminating smog with its many side effects.

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Warranty Act, 2002

Last month, Rob Sampson, MPP for Mississauga Center, introduced in the Ontario legislature, for first reading, a private member's Bill "The Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Warranty Act, 2002".

Honesty, Integrity and Consumer Protection

The wheels section of November 16, 2002 was a confirmation that the articles previously appearing under the DEALERS CHOICE Column do in fact get read. The columns by Eric Lai Court fines unregistered Toronto dealer $ 18,000.00 and "Dealer tricked into buying car built from salvaged parts" send a very clear message to the readership of Wheels, that car dealers in general operate under the premise of honesty, integrity and consumer protection.

Storing Your Vehicle Over the Winter Months

What should you do to properly store your vehicle over the winter months? In all probability YOU COULD DO most, if not all of the work, yourself.

Winter Car Care

I learned about winter car care the hard way. As a teenager, I decided to park my very first automobile over the winter. I just locked the garage door and forgot about it. When spring arrived, I learned the hard way that you just don't park a car without proper care. The battery was dead, the alternator was shot and the air conditioning was blowing hot air. After spending over $600.00 (almost half the original cost of the automobile) I got my car back to its original running condition. What a silly move on my part and what an expensive lesson!

Children Under 12 Injured in Vehicle Accidents in Canada

Is there anything more precious in this life than our children? Why then, each year, are some 10,000 children under 12 injured in vehicle accidents in Canada?

Alcohol-Related Vehicle Crashes

Each year in Canada, about 1,350 people die in alcohol-related vehicle crashes while thousands more are injured. Impaired drivers account for about 32% of all fatalities.

Safety Concern on our Roads

There's a growing, new, safety concern on our roads, which is hazardous to our well being. No, I'm not talking about drunk drivers, road rage, poor roads or bad weather conditions. I'm talking about something much more socially acceptable, cellular phones! A must have today.

Attitude to Accidents

I'm upset when I see or hear media coverage of a traffic accident, no matter how "minor" or "routine" it may seem at the time. I truly feel we're getting too cavalier in our attitude to accidents.

Standards of the Auto Repair Business

The Toronto Automobile Dealers Association has taken the initiative, with the support of government, in improving the professionalism and standards of the auto repair business. One of our pressing objectives is to ensure that our standards are applied to the entire industry, not just members of our association.

You Wish to Sell a Vehicle Privately

Our article this week deals with what you need to know and follow should you wish to sell a vehicle privately. By following some very simple "do's and don'ts" you may be spared potential losses and certainly benefit from peace of mind.

What a Disgusting Thought

What a disgusting thought when you learn that fellow dealers are dishonest! Fortunately, this statement applies rarely to members of the T.A.D.A. Why is this so, you ask? Simply because members of the T.A.D.A. always take the high road and even in the case reported on September 13, 2002 in the CONSUMER WATCH column by Robin Harvey, it came through loud and clear that "Dealers stung by scam quietly compensated their customers".

Careers in the Automotive Industry

Today we continue our series on careers in the automotive industry with a look at autobody, collision repair and paint shops.

Here too, the bar is being raised across the province, and there are numerous talents a skilled, knowledgeable professional in these areas must possess.

We Briefly Investigated Career Opportunities

Last week we briefly investigated career opportunities in the sales and administrative areas of the auto industry. I say "briefly" because to do this topic justice, we would need the entire Wheels Section!

The New Employment Era in the Automotive Industry

I'm passionate about the things I do, the people I spend time with and especially the work I
do . . . always have been and always hope to be. My philosophy is simple: we spend more than half our lives working, so why not enjoy what you do and give it 110% every day?

Brush Shoulders with Interesting People

Question: name a workplace where you can brush shoulders with interesting people from all walks of life such as computer experts, bankers, lawyers, designers, accountants, even former pro sports stars; all with different ethnic backgrounds and religious beliefs?

Let's all do our Part to Clean up our Environment

The other day while driving eastbound on the 401 near the 427 the illuminated overhead sign read, "Help air quality tune your vehicle".

WARNING:

WARNING: The following should not be read by consumers, dealers or staff who are not prepared to deal with today's vehicle-buying realities.

The TADA Dealers Fully Support Branding Legislation

I'm sorry, but your vehicle is no longer covered under the original manufacturer's warranty, said the service writer to the customer. A pregnant pause and then the battle royale began.

Safeguards For Private Purchasers

What are some of the precautions you can take to ensure that the vehicle you're buying privately (from someone you don't know) is free and clear of liens, has not been declared a write-off and can be licensed to operate on our roads.

Watch out for Curbsiders

If you could only buy your grandfather's 7 year old automobile, the one that you have been in many times and perhaps even driven on occasion, the one that has been well maintained and never in an accident. This would truly make life less stressful, at least in the department of buying an automobile. The reality is you may not have a grandfather or at least one that is willing to give up his gem.

Pushing For Common Standards for Collision Repair Shops
Here's a scenario few of us want to think about.

You've had an accident. In a perfect world you would have your vehicle towed to the original dealership and have its repair shop do the work. After all, you can be assured it's licensed, has the proper equipment, trained staff, properly disposes of hazardous wastes and so on.

Understanding Leases - A Consumer Guide

All lease contracts written in Ontario are written in "plain language" and are "full disclosure".

Leasing versus purchasing, which is better today?

When leasing was first introduced it was viewed as appropriate for business rather than consumers. Now, with falling lease rates, rising lease end values and the manufacturers embracing leasing, this option has become a very popular choice for individual consumers. In 1999, 50% of new cars and light trucks were leased.

Get that Pre-Owned Vehicle from a New Car Dealer
You're in the market for a new car, but want to consider something pre-owned.

Why not, a quality pre-owned vehicle can be great transportation and great value.

Consumers, and Dealers, Safeguards

Consumers, may feel that, buyer beware, applies to any act of purchasing.

While it is prudent to be a cautious consumer, the automotive industry goes out of its way to be both consumer friendly and consumer protective.

Meet the People, PART II

It is up to our next groups - technicians, parts and service managers, to make sure the vehicle gets on the road and stays on the road.

Meet the people in the dealership

An automobile dealership is a busy place assisting customers in a variety of ways. While the cars and facilities are essential, it is the strong team of individuals who bring their skills to the dealership each day that is the core of a dealer's success. It's the professional staff that attends to the varied needs of customers.