A banner year for the auto industry
Tougher distracted driving law, technological advances among the markers of 2015
As 2015 draws to a close, I want to reflect on some highlights of the automobile industry in Ontario and Canada.
A big story of 2015 actually began in mid-2014 and continues to affect our industry: the dramatic drop in oil and gas prices. Lower fuel prices have resulted in Ontario motorists saving hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in filling up their tanks, and it has prompted higher demand for mid-size cars and light duty trucks.
In February, the Canadian International Auto Show dazzled visitors with an outstanding presentation of new models and accessories. The show featured a handful of new exhibitors representing lifestyle brands, plus an expanded education component with interactive displays and live demonstrations by automotive students.
Prior to the 2015 show, the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association (TADA) launched a new website called carsandjobs.com, which is part of a broader initiative to promote education and career opportunities within the automobile industry.
Carsandjobs.com offers information about automotive education, career opportunities, automotive news and reviews and dealer inventory for sale. The site has seen a steady increase in visitors and interactions since its launch.
In May, I became the 2015-16 president of TADA, the first-ever dealer principal to serve in this capacity from outside the GTA. It’s been an honour serving the association and its 1,100 member dealers across Ontario.
May also represented my start as a weekly Wheels columnist. Writing for Canada’s largest-circulation newspaper has allowed me to explore ideas from a rural perspective.
Every week, I receive messages from colleagues, friends and customers who say, “I saw your column last week.” Some of those calls and emails are from people I haven’t heard from in decades.
TADA has long advocated for safer driving. In September, a tougher distracted-driving law came into effect in Ontario. Under the new legislation, the minimum fine for distracted driving was raised to $490 and three demerit points upon conviction (fines can go as high as $1,000).
One of the big political stories of 2015 was the federal election that saw the Liberals win a majority mandate under Justin Trudeau. During the election campaign, Trudeau acknowledged the importance of the auto sector and said that Canada needs to ensure that it “continues to flourish and is competitive.”
TADA looks forward to working with the provincial and federal governments in furthering the interests of dealers and motorists across the province.
For 2015, the auto industry in Canada is on course to achieve another record year in new vehicle sales. The Ontario economy is expected to grow by 2 per cent this year and the province will be a strong contributor to Canada’s growth, according to the Conference Board of Canada.
No review of 2015 would be complete without acknowledging the impressive advances in automobile design, performance, safety and technology. Many new models now come equipped with features such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, touchscreen infotainment systems, park assist and in-car connectivity.
This year also saw more discussion and investment in autonomous cars. Some automakers (such as Volvo, Toyota, Nissan, Ford and BMW) have vowed to introduce self-driving cars by 2020.
Even Google and Apple are developing autonomous vehicles.
All in all, 2015 has been a good year for our industry in Ontario, and I’m privileged to be serving TADA during a period of such prosperity and hope.
On behalf of TADA, I’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season, and all the best in 2016. Please drive safely. This column represents the views of TADA. Write president@tada.ca or go to tada.ca. Doug Sullivan is president of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association. He is a new-car dealer in Huntsville, Ont.
The Canadian auto industry is on track to achieve another record year in vehicle sales. Ontario is expected to be a strong contributor in advancing the country’s economic growth