The excellent work done by the Corporation des concessionnaires automobiles du Québec (CCAQ) in preparing a manifesto on best practice is in line with the vision of our members.

I cannot emphasise enough the groundbreaking work carried out by Ian Sam Yue Chi and his entire team at the CCAQ in preparing this manifesto, which was drawn up and adopted at the Summit last April.

This manifesto, which clearly establishes the need to restore the image of our automotive industry, has been very well received by dealers in the Greater Quebec City area. The transparency of our commercial operations, the desire to rebuild trust with increasingly well-informed consumers and the introduction of a code of ethics applied by all are all in line with the aspirations of our dealers and certainly those of the entire province.

In discussions with dealers, it seems clear that the establishment of best practices, aiming at a concept similar to the creation of a professional order, is desirable and expected.

On the other hand, there is a desire for these rules to be applied rigorously to everyone, because it is only a handful of delinquents who are tarnishing the image of the entire profession. Our members would also like to see careful monitoring and sharing of communications concerning the deployment of this manifesto.

All in all, the CCAQ has set in motion a highly stimulating and inspiring development.

Two events, two realities

On a completely different note, as you read these lines, our team will be making the final preparations for the next edition of the Salon du Véhicule électrique de Québec, which will take place at the Centre de Foires from September 15 to 17.

The question of the relevance of organising two separate motor shows often comes up in conversation. Why not combine the two offers into one?

It has to be said that, in practice, these are two very different customer groups. The latest survey by JD Powers shows that only a third of Canadians are considering an electric vehicle as their next purchase. This means that despite government targets, demand for conventionally powered vehicles will remain strong for the foreseeable future.

On the other hand, the same survey points out that more than half of respondents have never tried an electric vehicle.

That’s why it’s so important to me and to all the partners behind the Electric Vehicle Show to present two shows where consumers can discover, under one roof, the depth of the manufacturers’ offering. And particularly in the case of our electric event, it’s the perfect opportunity for motorists, whether early adopters of this technology or not, to find out all about electric vehicles and recharging equipment, as well as test-driving them.