A year ago, I assumed the presidency of the Toronto Automobile Dealers’ Association (TADA), and now my term has come to an end.
Being a Wheels columnist has provided a terrific platform to discuss issues related to new-car dealerships and consumers. It’s also given me an opportunity to receive feedback from readers.
Some of that feedback has been positive, some negative. But all of the letters and emails that I received shared one thing in common: they were undeniably passionate.
Whether the comments focused on vehicles, dealerships or government-related topics, they were always infused with a passion for automobiles and for our industry.
If you’ve worked in this industry as long as I have (40 years!), you can’t help but feel emotionally charged about the products and services that we sell, and about the business side of our industry.
I’d like to thank everyone who read my columns, and especially those who took the time to write. Their feedback was always welcome — and appreciated.
The past year has been a rocky one for our industry, at least from my perspective as a franchised new-car dealer.
A year ago, the retail automotive industry was reeling from huge drops in sales. Two of North America’s largest auto companies (and employers) faced the possibility of closing their operations.
But here we are, a year later, and the auto industry has rebounded with a vengeance. I give a lot of credit to the dedicated men and women who continued to do their jobs with dignity and kept the faith, even during the darkest days of the recession.
As president of TADA, I had many opportunities to meet industry peers from other countries, and to view auto shows in the U.S. and in Europe.
Travelling to other countries made me appreciate what a truly great auto show we produce here in Toronto. Some shows are larger in terms of square footage and number of vehicles displayed, but the Canadian International AutoShow ranks among the best in terms of manufacturer participation, variety of exhibits and overall attendance.
One of the most thrilling moments during my tenure was participating in a cheque presentation on behalf of TADA last September. This wasn’t any ordinary cheque presentation.
TAD (the charitable arm of TADA) presented a cheque for $1 million to Ronald McDonald House Toronto (RMHT), which will go towards the construction of a new wing at RMHT.
TAD has actually pledged $2 million to RMHT, making it the third largest contributor for this campaign.
Toronto automobile dealers have a long and distinguished history of supporting charitable causes and non-profit organizations in the communities that they serve.
In fact, new-car dealerships in the GTA contribute more than $2.5 million annually to local charities and non-profit organizations.
Another important development that occurred during my presidency was the passing into law of the new Motor Vehicle Dealer Act (MVDA) 2002, on Jan. 1, 2010. These new regulations are the most sweeping changes to affect our industry in years.
The new regulations include detailed guidelines for sales contracts, advertising, disclosures, warranties and business practices. They are meant to provide consumers with greater protection and transparency, when conducting business with registered new-car dealers.
Next week, my successor, Joel Cohen, will take over the writing duties for this column. Joel is a highly respected new-car dealer who will bring his formidable experience and expertise to bear in writing this weekly column.
My new role within TADA will be to serve as president of the 2011 auto show — I’m looking forward to it.
It’s been an honour and a privilege writing for Canada’s largest circulation newspaper — it’s been a fun ride!
This column represents the views of TADA. Email president@tada.ca or visit www.tada.ca.
Ron Loveys, president of the Toronto Automobile Dealers Association, is a new-car dealer in the GTA
Ron Loveys, TADA President, TORONTO STAR, May 14, 2010