Thanks for reading, it’s time to move on
This is my final Wheels column as president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association. Writing for Canada’s largest circulation newspaper has been a privilege, a thrill and a learning experience.
Writing a weekly column has given me a keen understanding and appreciation for the role of writers, editors, graphic designers and others who work behind the scenes to meet deadlines and put a newspaper together.
When I read the Wheels section each week, or visit wheels.ca, I am extremely pleased by the quality of automotive coverage and the expertise required in producing such a comprehensive section.
Writing as a columnist, I tried exploring many themes related to new-car dealerships and car ownership. I wrote columns with a decidedly “how to” angle — financing a vehicle, what to do after an accident, buying your first car, and negotiating strategies, to name a few.
I wrote columns that were meant to inform and educate, including the dangers and consequences surrounding distracted driving, the history of horsepower, the evolution of vehicle accessories, virtual showrooms, vehicle consumer reports and the age of digital marketing.
In representing all new-car dealers in Ontario, the TADA now has stronger advocacy with provincial and municipal governments, a greater unified representation among car manufacturers, industry partners, and our governing body, the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC).
As a province-wide association, the TADA has been effective in promoting key issues that directly concern dealers and car owners.
As such, this column has given me the opportunity to discuss these issues and to receive your valued opinions.
Sometimes, readers didn’t agree with my viewpoint, but I was also encouraged by positive feedback
These issues include: The controversial Ontario College of Trades, a regulatory body aimed at adding an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy to the process of recruiting and training new workers, including automotive tradespeople.
Proposed new taxes and tolls meant to pay for new or aging roads and infrastructure, while currently only reinvesting 30 per cent of the total amount being collected from Ontario drivers.
The inefficiencies of the Ontario Drive Clean program, a program that the Ontario Auditor General recommended be eliminated.
I feel very strongly about these issues and, judging from the number of letters I received, so do you. If you wish to learn more about these or any of my other columns, visit tada.ca. One of the pleasant surprises of being a Wheels columnist is the overwhelming feedback I have received from readers. Almost every column elicited many letters and emails. Sometimes, readers didn’t agree with my viewpoint, which is perfectly fine, but I was also encouraged by positive feedback. I quickly realized reader comments — whether good, bad or indifferent — are very important to a columnist. Another pleasant surprise for me is the number of people who read the Wheels section and my column. Almost weekly, whether in the community, at an industry function, or on the showroom floor, friends, colleagues and even complete strangers approached me to say how much they enjoy reading my column. For the next year, my official role at the TADA will be to serve as president of the 2014 Canadian International AutoShow. I’m looking forward to working with the AutoShow team to present an outstanding event next year. Next week, the TADA’s new president, Benny Leung, will assume the role of columnist in this space. Benny is an industry veteran who brings a great deal of passion, leadership and inspiration to this position, and I wish him the very best. Now it is time to sign off. Thank you for all your support. It’s been a great ride! This column represents the view of TADA. Email president@tada.ca or visit tada.ca. Frank Romeo, president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, is a new car dealer in the GTA.