Flood inspires auto dealerships
Vehicles are designed to get wet.
We get snow, and we get rain — and cars and trucks for the most part are engineered to withstand the elements.
But being immersed in water? That’s another story.
“These are extenuating circumstances,” Erich Wolf, manager of the Chinook Centre Kal Tire location, says of the recent deluge of water in Calgary. “Any vehicle that sits will build up rust and corrosion.”
If your vehicle has been in water, the first call should be to the insurance company.
“Find out what is covered, and what isn’t,” Wolf suggests.
If the car hasn’t been totally submerged, a simple brake and wheel bearing inspection and service might be all that’s needed. If, however, water has reached the level of the dashboard, where most critical electronic components are situated, the vehicle could most likely be written off.
“Don’t try to start the car,” Wolf adds. “Get it towed to a technician, and get it inspected — and know exactly what your insurance policy covers.
“Even if the car is OK mechanically, the other big issue is mould and toxins that could be in the carpet and other interior fibres — I’d be taking the car to a professional detailing shop.”
The worst-case scenario is having to replace the vehicle.
Calgary’s flood has brought out many different automotive initiatives, from discounts to donations.
Several local dealerships are offering relief incentives to owners of vehicles who can prove their rides have been written off.
For example, Valentine Volvo has a $2,500 flood relief incentive toward the purchase of a new Volvo. Shaganappi GM offers $1,000 cash for those affected by flood damage — and for volunteers — when a 2013 vehicle is purchased.
Hyatt Infiniti is offering $4,000 off the purchase of a new Infiniti for those who have experienced a total loss of their vehicle due to the flood waters.
Honda Canada president and CEO Jerry Chenkin was in town in late June to help Village Honda celebrate its grand opening.
During that event, it was announced Calgary Honda dealers, including Greg Churchill of Honda West, Peter Finch and Gerry Wood of Village Honda, Scott Wright of Northwest Acura, Marilyn Sheftel of Silverhill Acura and Tony Dilawri of Calgary Honda, contributed some $50,000 to the Red Cross flood relief fund.
Honda Canada matched that donation, and with some extra funds gathered during the grand opening evening, raised a total of $103,000.
“We have a zone office here. We have a parts distribution centre here. We have many dealerships here whose employees have been affected in some way by the flooding. We wanted to help in some small way,” Chenkin said.
Honda Canada also contributed 25 generators and 50 water pumps to the Red Cross for flood relief. With a value of approximately $120,000, that brings the total contribution from Honda to more than $223,000.
T&T Honda and Airdrie Honda have cancelled their annual staff golf tournament and year-end celebrations. Funds will instead go toward matching donations to the Red Cross — up to $100,000 between the stores.
“No strings attached, donors don’t need to buy a car or anything like that,” said T&T Honda general manager Navroz Jessani. “They simply donate to the Red Cross using a special website (redcross.ca/tthonda). That provides us a tally and at the end of July we can see the donation amount and we will match it up to $100,000.”
Toyota Canada Inc. and Toyota Financial Services have stepped up to help, too. The automaker recently donated $100,000 to the Red Cross.
“It has been heartbreaking to witness the devastating effects of the flooding in Calgary and other Alberta communities,” said Seiji Ichii, president and CEO of Toyota Canada Inc. “It is important that we provide this assistance.”
Edmonton-based company AutoCanada recently added Calgary’s Courtesy Chrysler to its nationwide list of auto retailers.
Pat Priestner, CEO of AutoCanada Inc, said, “Calgary has always been our neighbour and with the addition of Courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to the AutoCanada family, we are now a part of the community; a community that has suffered a devastating event and who are in need of assistance.”
To that end, Priestner and Courtesy Chrysler dealer principal Scott Miranda donated $100,000 to the Red Cross for flood relief.