Signing off after enjoyable year of informing, debunking
Despite market swings, automotive industry has a dynamic future, says outgoing president of dealers' association |
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Proper maintenance is essential
Winter can be tough on cars, and now that spring is here, it's a good time to perform some proper maintenance. |
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Consumers still wary of green alternatives
Decades from now, historians will look back upon the early 21st century as the true beginning of the green vehicle revolution. |
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Curbsiders Prey On Buyers' Naïveté
These glib, unlicensed sellers are experts in hiding a vehicle's true history and condition |
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Surprising How Often Trade-In Is A Mess
When you buy a new car, the deal routinely includes a trade-in. |
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VW Dealer Was Inspiring
Peter Menzel founded Agincourt Autohaus, but racing and sailing were his true passions |
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Penalties On Gas Guzzlers Will Have Small Impact
The announcement on Monday of the new federal ecoAUTO Rebate Program is important news for the automotive industry and for consumers. |
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Yes or No to Extras? It's Strictly Your Call
Don't get anxious when business manager runs through the choices. That's part of the job |
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Buy or Lease? Decision Demands Study
Should you buy or lease your next vehicle? |
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Don't Neglect Maintenance On Leased Vehicle
Some lease customers assume that new cars are designed to run problem-free and maintenance-free for two or three years. |
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You Asked The Questions; The Dealer Responds
Readers frequently send me questions about the retail car industry and, in today's column, I'd like to respond to some of those questions |
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A Great Car Career Awaits
The auto industry is a key engine of growth and prosperity in Ontario, and to maintain its edge in a global marketplace, it needs to continuously fill its ranks with good, qualified people. |
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Available Here: Great Careers
When I first started working at my father's dealership as a teenager, I fell in love with the car business. It wasn't so much the spiffy new makes and models that attracted me, but the people I worked with and met.
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Be Prepared Before Accident
Know car insurance coverage, repair shop and your legal rights
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Neglected Customers Vote With Their Feet
At a business function a while back, I met Jeremy, a young sales rep for a large technology firm who shared a personal anecdote. |
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Get a Grip On Lease
It's surprising how many consumers won't take time to study their auto leasing agreement
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Good Year Ahead For Sales In Canada
I don't usually make predictions, but in the spirit of the season, I'd like to share some thoughts about where I see the retail car industry going. |
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Travel and Writing and Travel
Becoming president of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association was certainly a highlight for me. This position takes a lot of my time and energy, but it's been a great experience. |
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Hard-Working Staffers Earn Christmas Cheer
Today, I would like to extend some Christmas cheer to new-car dealers and their staff. |
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Easy steps to buying a new car
Every so often in the showroom, I meet college graduates, new citizens of Canada or middle-aged individuals who have decided to buy their first car. |
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New-car store a good place to buy used auto
You know the saying: when you buy a used vehicle, you're buying someone else's problems. |
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It's False Economy To Scrimp On Tires
Car buyers spend hours researching makes, models and price points. That's great. |
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Dealers Offer Clients The Royal Treatment
I recently visited a large retail store, hoping to buy a new power drill. |
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Today's Car Shoppers Are As Savvy As Salespeople
Today's cars and trucks have evolved tremendously in quality, styling and design over the past couple of generations ? and so has the education of auto-buying consumers. |
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Plan Now For Winter, But Forget Candles
Open flame inside car can be very dangerous Check fluids, battery, tires and floor mats |
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Planning, Research Can Help Cut Insurance Costs
California motorists have reason to rejoice these days |
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It Pays To Read The Fine Print In Car Ads
Important details can benefit buyers Price, term, fees must be outlined |
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Dealership Design An Extension Of The Brand
Distinct appearance helps set right image New layouts enhance customer convenience
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Many factors to weigh before going hybrid
Consumers are embracing hybrid vehicles for different reasons. |
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Service bulletins focus on 'less serious' issues
Last week, I discussed automotive recalls and what they mean to consumers and to new-car dealerships. This week, I'll discuss a related topic ...
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Dealers more tech-savvy, but it's still about people
On behalf of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association, I would like to congratulate Wheels for 20 years of excellent automotive coverage. |
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Debunking unfair myths about auto retailers
While preparing today's subject, I kept thinking about the famous line by Rodney Dangerfield: "I get no respect." The retail car industry also gets no respect, at least not as much as it deserves. |
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Georgian car show is a treat
In 1985, the Canadian Automotive Institute at Georgian College in Barrie opened its doors as a premier learning centre and training facility for men and women pursuing a career in the automotive industry. |
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Deals are on now that new model year is coming
Now that summer is ending, you may have noticed an increase in new-car advertising and promotions. |
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Don't be offended by test-drive paperwork
Last week, I overheard a conversation in our showroom concerning our company policy of asking customers for a driver's licence before they take a test drive ... |
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Recalls do a lot of good despite inconvenience
Last week, I received a call from a customer who was upset over a recall notice that he'd received in the mail. |
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Toronto auto show ranked among the best
Excitement grows as opening nears; 1,000 cars, trucks will be displayed
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Client Privacy A Serious Matter At Dealerships
In the past two months, I have received numerous pieces of direct mail pieces trying to sell me everything from credit cards to phone services. |
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Even In Death, Lease Must Be Paid
Car lease obligations must be met, even after a death. |
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Consider An Extra Warranty
Richard drives a four-year-old sedan that is recently out of warranty. |
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Auto Dealership A People Place, Too
In the course of an average day at my dealership, hundreds of customer interactions take place. Hey, we're in the car business and the people business.
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Used-Car Peace Of Mind Possible
Stores' extensive checks protect buyers - Branding plan weeds out rebuilt wrecks
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Auto Repair Could Be The Career For You
Vince is working at his dream job. The certified automotive technician in his mid-20s couldn't imagine doing anything else. |
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Know Your Options After An Accident
I frequently hear stories from motorists who don't know their rights and end up making bad decisions after an accident. |
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Ten Things That Make A New-Car Dealership Great
Throughout my career, I've visited countless new-car dealerships of all shapes and sizes |
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Paying tribute to a giant of the trade
Growing up in this business, you meet certain individuals who leave an indelible mark. One of them is Bill Atkinson of Applewood Chevrolet Cadillac in Mississauga, who retired last month. |
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Safety Standard Certificate Is Not A Guarantee
In a recent letter to the Wheels editor, a reader described an incident that struck a nerve with me. |
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It Pays To Know Car's Past
Mary told me that she had a rude awakening at our dealership when she discovered the true market value of her late-model wagon |
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Student Mechanics Compete For Glory
The Toronto Automobile Dealers' Association is always looking for ways to promote career opportunities at new-car dealerships. |
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Why Hold Off Buying A New Car?
I had the opportunity to speak with federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty on the ramifications of the GST reduction.
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Life Comes Full Circle For New TADA President
Dealer began career working for his father. Now, his own children help out at dealership. |
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