B.C. CAR DEALERS SEE 8.4% INCREASE IN SALES IN 2017
Given recent automotive sales reports, it’s looking like British Columbia’s new car dealers will have another strong year and, as a major economic driver in the province, that’s good news for local economies.
The New Car Dealers of BC, made up of 385 dealerships across 55 communities, generate more than $13 billion in retail sales across the province annually, while employing more than 36,000 British Columbians directly and indirectly.
The sector in British Columbia is currently seeing a sales increase of 8.4 per cent year over year, a significant change over 2016. Nationally, new vehicle sales are up 5.5 per cent in comparison to 2016, which was another record-breaking year for automotive sales in the country. The noteworthy increase in sales is partially from the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across our province. Programs such as CEVforBC help incent drivers to move from older, higher polluting vehicles into more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives.
To date, there are about 40,000 EVs on Canadian roads, and nearly 95 per cent of these sales occurred in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. In B.C. the goal is to hit an EV-selling target of five per cent of light-duty vehicles sold by 2020 (in B.C., March 2017 saw four per cent of new car sales as EVs, so we’re well on our way).
When it comes to the buying trends in British Columbia, it is clear: from commuter cars to high-end luxury brands, we’re seeing cutting edge technology being demanded by consumers in this province. Incentive programs such as CEVforBC also help fuel change by offering up to $5,000 off the pre-tax sticker price of qualifying EVs to give drivers the assistance and incentive they need to make environmentally aware decisions. It’s smart programs such as these, mirrored with needed investments in EV infrastructure, that will support consumers and the automotive sector as we move into 2018 and beyond.
It’s dealers’ continued commitment to sustainable transportation options that helps our province continue to lead the EV charge. Celebrating this leadership, CEVforBC recognizes dealers across the province for significant and improving sales of CEVs through the Green Star Awards.
And as we transition into 2018, a continued area of focus for our industry remains attracting a highly trained, skilled workforce to join the automotive sector. With changing demographics and exciting new technology, the auto industry forecasts an additional 20,000 jobs openingup over the next decade. These jobs represent a wide spectrum of opportunities, from product advisers to financial services and accounting to highly skilled mechanical technician jobs.
DEALERS GIVE BACK
B.C.’s new car dealers recognize that it’s the local communities across the province where we do business every day that make our jobs and our businesses possible, and that keep the industry booming. Dealers have a long history of giving back to those communities, and this year was no different.
This past summer, the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) created a fire relief fund to help support the employees and families of large and small dealerships devastated by the wildfires in the 100 Mile House and Williams Lake areas and other locations in the Interior.
Dealers across the province support a wide range of charitable organizations, including BC Children’s Hospital, Canadian and BC Cancer Societies, SPCA, Salvation Army, United Way, Alzheimer’s Association, Rotary International, local food banks and the Heart and Stroke Foundation are just some of those worthy organizations. Our dealers also support local schools, police forces, fire departments, church groups, educational initiatives and many different local sports teams.
Our member dealers have also contributed to our long-standing relationship with Special Olympics BC. Over the 33 years we’ve been working with this amazing organization, dealers have provided vehicles and volunteers, promoted awareness, and helped raise millions of dollars in support of athletes and events.
From advocating for accessible and eco-friendly vehicle options, to contributing to worthy causes, New Car Dealers of BC are committed to providing excellent customer service and have community top of mind. We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead.