Car Buyers And Dealers Waiting For The GST Cuts
Tory election promise will lower rate to 6%

New Car Dealerships are Closely Monitored at Every Turn
A survey recently crossed my desk that inspired some thoughts about customer satisfaction and new car dealers. The survey, conducted by Automotive Retailing Today (ART), asked new car purchasers whether they would buy again from the same dealership where they made their most recent purchase. Eighty-one per cent answered "yes."

Restructuring is Part of the Continuous Evolution of the Car Industry
Recently, there has been a lot of media coverage about international companies, including the world's largest automaker and its restructuring plans. I find that much of the commentary about this issue has been unfairly critical of corporations that are trying to do the right thing.

Dealerships and Consumers Deserve Greater Tax Relief
As a representative of our Association and as a new car dealer, nothing frustrates me more than the extraordinarily high level of taxation that small and medium-sized businesses, and consumers, are forced to pay. High taxes are not only choking Canada's economy; they are reducing our competitiveness in the global economy as well.

New Car Dealers Offer Protection and Security
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita left a path of destruction in the southern U.S, and we can all sympathize with the thousands of people who have sustained terrible losses and are now prey to unethical individuals who will take advantage of their misfortunes.

Privacy and New Car Dealerships
I get annoyed when telemarketers call me at home, and they always seem to call at dinnertime. They're usually trying to sell windows, doors, vacations or credit cards' products I don't really need. If I needed them, I wouldn't buy them from a stranger at the end of a phone line.

Open Letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin
I am writing to you on behalf of the Toronto Automobile Dealers' Association and our customers across Canada.

Over the past few weeks, we have seen gas prices escalate to unthinkable levels. I am not alarmist by nature, but I feel that we are facing a full-blown energy crisis if current trends continue.

Choosing Wisely When Deciding on a New Vehicle
Labour Day weekend is a time when many people are returning to work and/or school. In the retail car industry, it usually marks the kick-off to a wave of new model introductions, and an exciting season of new car purchases.

The Role of the Service Advisor
There are many individuals in the Service Department who play a vital role in the success and reputation of a new car dealership. This week I want to focus on the Service Advisor - in this case, Robert- and walk you through a day in the life of Robert at a busy Toronto dealership.

First-time Car Buyers Deserve a Break
Last week I discussed how high insurance premiums are affecting Ontario drivers, particularly young drivers. This week, I want to continue with the theme of young drivers and discuss the challenges young people often face when purchasing their first new car.

Did you Know that Your Vehicle is Fingerprinted?
Customers often ask me about the importance of serial numbers on vehicles. In this age of code bars, identification and membership numbers, and access codes, one could easily wonder whether serial numbers on cars could include personal information. Such a case would lead to issues of privacy.

Seeking a Challenging Career? Check out the Auto Industry
My 17 year-old son, Jordan, who is considering his options after high school, recently made a comment during our family dinner that caught me off guard. "Should I seek a career in the auto sector?" he asked.

Automotive Veterans Bring Unique Perspectives and Skills to the Job
My friend Bill and I meet for coffee from time to time, and the conversation eventually turns to cars. Recently, Bill made an interesting observation when he referred to me as a "doctor of automotive.?"