Jeff Williams of Absolute Results says dealers need to look at new ways to measure success when inventory is tight and demand is high. He also has advice on how dealers should prepare now for a return to normal inventory levels. And, he says, the compensation model absolutely has to change as the digital revolution continues.

Huw Williams, a lobbyist for the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, and Chris Pfaff, CEO of Pfaff Automotive Partners, talk about the “huge detrimental effect” the federal luxury tax will have on dealers. They also vow to keep fighting against the levy, despite it being scheduled to go into force on Sept. 1. They warn it will cost the industry jobs and millions of dollars.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada President Frank Voss explains why Canada is a good place to build vehicles, discusses its trade advantages and talks about how the country’s pledge to carbon neutrality affects decision making.

Nano One CEO Dan Blondal talks about Canada’s “really important role globally” when it comes to EV battery development. He explains why Quebec is so attractive to the EV battery-making process, and, what’s next for the expanding B.C. battery firm.

Leanne Kripp, Kijiji’s head of automotive, says there is a “significant shift to online transactions underway” and that Millennials and Generation X are most likely to buy a new car entirely online. She also let’s us know what gives new-vehicle buyers the most anxiety.

Plug’n Drive CEO Cara Clairman says demand for electric vehicles has never been higher. She explains why electric-vehicle incentives work, and why they aren’t needed for much longer. She also tells us Canada needs fewer EV chargers than many of us think.

Automotive News Canada Toronto Bureau Chief David Kennedy has been covering the race to replace former Unifor president Jerry Dias, since he abruptly retired and found himself under investigation. Kennedy brings us up to speed on who’s in the race, what the next steps are, and when we’ll learn who will be the union’s next leader.

Stellantis COO North America Mark Stewart, Unifor’s Danny Price, Flavio Volpe of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association and Brian Kingston, head of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, all weigh in on the recent explosion of auto investment in Canada.

Canadian Black Book’s James Hancock tells us which used vehicle segments are hot and which are not. He also explains why prices won’t return to pre-pandemic levels until 2026.

Automotive News Canada Tim Dimopolous recently travelled to the VinFast assembly plant in Haiphong, Vietnam to get the story on how the electric-vehicle startup came to be. He also found a Canadian connection and discussed the automaker’s plan for Canada.