April, 2025 

The MDA is sad to announce that our Chair, Greg Stahl, has passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2025, at the age of 52.

Greg was born in Portland, Oregon, and his family later settled in Campbellville, Ontario, before moving to Spruce Grove, Alberta, where he graduated from Spruce Grove Composite High School. He attended Principia College in Illinois and graduated with a degree in Economics.

Greg’s passion for the industry and his leadership left a lasting impact. After returning to his home province of Alberta in 2008, he founded New West Truck Centres in Calgary and Lethbridge, growing the company into a thriving organization that expanded across multiple markets, including Redcliff, Balzac, Taber, Red Deer, and Cranbrook. His vision also helped bring the Western Star brand to several locations in southern Alberta.

More than a leader, Greg was a valued member of the MDA team, and his presence will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held at First Alliance Church (Deerfoot FAC) in Calgary, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM.

The Calgary International Auto and Truck Show returned to the BMO Centre last month, continuing its comeback after several years of pandemic-related cancellations. The week started with the popular Vehicles and Violins Gala, supporting Ronald McDonald House. The evening drew a strong crowd, setting the stage for a great week.

Most major manufacturers were represented, with many Calgary dealers in attendance to connect with potential customers and showcase the latest in automotive innovation. A highlight of this year’s show was the outdoor EV Ride and Drive, where attendees could register to test drive 18 different electric vehicles currently available in Calgary.

Another highlight was Toyota Ladies Night (Day) on Friday, which offered women discounted admission, along with gift bags, flowers, and chocolates.

Planning is already underway for the 2026 show, scheduled for March of next year.

Edmonton, Alberta

The Edmonton Motorshow is pleased to announce that they are launching a new four day event called the Auto Experience. An event where you can see new vehicle models, visit vendors to outfit and customize your vehicle, take in the exotic and hyper luxury vehicles, and even get behind the wheel of your favorite EV model on a closed course track!

For the first time the event is also partnering with The YEG Motorcycle Show. A show that brings together motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages, experience and interest. This is a community-driven show with a single goal of promoting the local motorcycle scene. The motorcycle equivalent to your favourite farmers market with locally grown clubs, dealers and vendors.

“I’m so excited about the opportunity to share with all of Edmonton and the surrounding area what the auto industry is bringing to the table, all under one roof. As much as today’s consumers get the bulk of their information online, nothing beats the ability to sit in and feel all your options, side by side, in one afternoon or evening. I think the event was sorely missed in our community and I can’t wait to see the record attendance that it brings. It’s continued events like this that make Edmonton great, and I hope we continue to support initiatives like this in making our community strong and prosperous.” - Frank Paonessa 

You are invited to participate in an event where the love of driving meets the love of riding all for one ticket.

Keys to Communication - Receptionist Training
Online
April 8, 2025

Dealer Huddle Next 2025
Calgary
April 9, 2025

Effective Communication Strategies for Service Advisors
Online
April 15, 2025

Tariffs may soon become a reality, and the MDA Office has received several inquiries about how to handle All-In Pricing given this possibility.  We've been in ongoing discussions with AMVIC over the past few weeks, and they are preparing a communication to clarify their expectations.

In the meantime, the best approach is to "over-communicate" with your customers throughout the sales process.  It is important to know that price changes will come to you in the form of an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Pricing Letter.  At this stage, we don't expect the price changes to be consistent as each OEM will have their own pricing strategy. 

If a vehicle’s price increases from what was originally advertised, it is essential to include a copy of the OEM Pricing Letter in the customer file. While this won’t necessarily make those conversations with customers any easier, it will help demonstrate compliance in the event of an AMVIC inspection.

Keep an eye open for any additional information from AMVIC in the coming days.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the MDA Office.

An update on provincial sales around Canada.

The provincial sales numbers for February 2025 have been posted at the link below.

Virtual Training

The Importance of Good Communication

Your frontline team are the people your customers see and talk to first. They are the face and voice of your organization. In order to be successful you need every customer to be very satisfied and happy.

Some days you don’t have time to get it all done; or done as well as you would like. Some days you can’t find any staff. Some days the customers are not so friendly, the phones never stop and your computer isn’t computing.

Give your staff the tools they need to succeed! Register today.

In 2024, we witnessed groundbreaking shifts that redefined how dealerships connect with customers and drive success—from AI-powered automation to next-gen digital marketing strategies. It was a year of learning, adapting, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Now, it’s time to push forward.

Join us on April 24, 2025, for the next session of our UnWorkshop series, hosted at PBS Systems HQ in Calgary. This immersive, hands-on event will deliver the latest insights and strategies to future-proof your dealership’s marketing and operations.

Get ready for a full day of expert-led discussions, tactical deep dives, and industry networking—all designed to give you an edge in 2025 and beyond.

Today’s business landscape is full of uncertainties, making it more important than ever to protect your business by getting to know your insurance partner and regularly reviewing your insurance coverage. From unexpected challenges in your industry to the growing demands of a shifting marketplace, having the right insurance in place is critical to protect your business. 

At Federated Insurance, we take pride in being 100% Canadian. We understand the unique risks that businesses across the country face, and we’re committed to helping them stay resilient and protected. Whether navigating new uncertainties or re-evaluating current needs, we’re here to support businesses like yours every step of the way. With 95% of our customers renewing every year, it gives you the peace of mind that we are here for the long term. 

Now is a great time to review your coverage and ensure your business is insured to its full value. For more insights, explore our guide on how insurance companies in Canada, like ours, can help safeguard your business.

As a 100% Canadian-owned insurer, Federated Insurance is here to support you and your business. To learn more, visit www.federated.ca or if you’re a Federated customer, you can contact your Commercial Insurance Specialist with any questions.

Federated Insurance Company of Canada (FICC) is rated “A” (good) by DBRS, and the combined group of companies which FICC forms a part of are rated “A” (excellent) by A.M Best and “A” (strong) by S&P.

Virtual Training

The Importance of Good Communication

Communication is the cornerstone of success in both personal and professional spheres. This 1-day seminar, "Effective Communication Strategies" aims to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of interpersonal interactions that can be applied both in and out of the workplace. The session encompasses a range of topics, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the key facets of effective communication and will lead to enhanced collaboration, improved relationships, and overall productivity and fulfillment in our work and personal lives.

Absenteeism can significantly impact workplace productivity, team morale, and overall dealership operations. Effective absence management and tracking help organizations minimize disruptions while ensuring fairness and compliance.

As we navigate through an increasingly turbulent time in the Canadian auto industry, it’s never been more important for dealers to stay ahead of the curve. Join us for a webinar where you'll learn how to future-proof your business in today’s uncertain environment.

The webinar will be presented by Scott Wilson, Regional Account Manager at LGM Financial Services, a seasoned automotive professional with 25 years of experience across key leadership roles. In the session, Scott will cover three essential strategies and actionable steps to drive long-term, sustainable growth and profitability.

MNP has developed resources and information guides for dealers to help advise them of changes to regulations that govern financial transactions and reporting requirements for vehicle purchases.

The requirements are from FINTRAC, Canada’s anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regulator. The regulations are expanding their regulatory scope to now include financing and leasing entities — including dealerships that provide the option to lease or finance vehicles to consumers and the requirements are coming into effect October 1, 2025.

Additionally, MNP is offering a free webinar to help educate dealers on how to become AML compliant.

Advisors from MNP’s Anti-Money Laundering Services team will discuss what actionable steps your dealership should be taking. They’ll answer questions including:

The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EST.

Calgary, AB

This national, results-oriented program focuses on the current issues, trends and technologies in automotive dealership management which are key to remaining competitive in a demanding Canadian market.

Participants will learn to synthesize management theory with practical, hands-on learning in a program which strives to produce well-rounded and entrepreneurial managers who can contribute to the overall operational growth and success of the dealership.

Some courses provide depth in departmental operations. The majority of courses provide a broader perspective across all departments by teaching the skills needed to manage employees, customers, finances and promote interdepartmental cooperation.

These courses are scheduled for the week of May 5th, 2025 in Calgary Alberta.

To apply, please contact Avery Perrier (Academic Support Clerk) via email at Avery.Perrier@GeorgianCollege.ca or call toll-free: 1-888-331-5343.