Highs, lows for 2014
As 2014 draws to a close, I want to review some of the highlights of a busy and eventful year in the automobile industry.
There have been some victories, a few setbacks, but overall 2014 will probably be viewed as one of Canada’s best years ever in terms of car sales and the health of our industry.
The year began with much fanfare at the 41st Canadian International AutoShow in February. The opening address was delivered by Canadian Sergio Marchionne, the chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC and CEO of Fiat S.p.A.
The AutoShow drew over 300,000 visitors and reflected the enthusiasm for all things automotive among consumers and exhibitors. For me, the AutoShow is Christmas in February!
In May, I became president of the TADA, succeeding Benny Leung. Being president of the TADA is a highlight of my career and a huge honour for me. That fact that my presidency has coincided with a banner year for auto sales in Canada — well, that’s just a bonus.
As president of TADA, I’ve had the privilege of meeting new people, attending auto shows and sharing my views with Wheels readers. I appreciate the many thoughtful letters and emails that I’ve received.
In July, the federal government introduced its controversial antispam legislation (CASL), which has affected all dealers throughout Ontario. As I wrote in July, CASL is a heavy-handed law that is far too broad in its efforts to reduce unwanted electronic messages. It puts a financial burden on dealers and restricts their ability to conduct business.
For the past six years, TADA has opposed the Ontario Drive Clean program. The program has long outlived its original purpose and usefulness and now represents an illegal tax imposed by the province, according to a 2012 auditor general’s report. In April, the provincial government lowered the price of a Drive Clean emission test by a whopping $5 ($35 to $30). Meanwhile, Drive Clean’s testing methods remain a logistical burden for dealers and a headache for consumers.
On the manufacturing front, Ford announced a $700-million investment in its Oakville assembly plant, securing 2,800 jobs and the possibility of more jobs on the horizon; and Honda announced an $857-million investment in its three plants in Alliston, Ont.
In November, Premier Kathleen Wynne said that her government would review the controversial Ontario College of Trades program and hinted that changes may be in order.
The Ontario College of Trades adds an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy to the process of recruiting and training new workers to the trades, and it adds an annual membership tax of $60 for apprentices and $120 for licensed tradespeople.
In December, the Ontario government passed Bill 15, the Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act, 2014. Part of that bill seeks to regulate the towing industry in Ontario, and consumers will soon have legal protection against tow truck drivers and owners who take advantage of unsuspecting motorists.
Other positive news for the TADA in 2014 includes our continuing support of the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, the Trillium Gift of Life Network and Prostate Cancer Canada (TADA has donated a specially-modified 2015 Ford Mustang GT for Prostate Cancer Canada’s Rock the Road Raffle. For ticket details, visit prostatecancer.ca or tada.ca.
Recently, the TADA also made a significant investment in education with the launch of Career Start, a program that aims to develop closer ties with high schools, colleges and universities in an effort to attract more qualified students to this great automobile industry.
On behalf of TADA, I wish everyone a safe and happy holidays, and all the best in 2015. Bob Verwey, president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, is a new-car dealer in the GTA. This column represents the views of TADA. Email president@tada.ca or visit tada.ca. For more Toronto Star automotive coverage, go to thestar.com/autos. To reach Wheels Editor Norris McDonald, nmcdonald@thestar.ca.