MDC BULLETIN
NOVEMBER 14, 2006

Industry Summit recommits to MDC vision

The first ever "Summit" of BC motor dealer industry leaders held in November was such a success; it is now believed that it could become an annual event.

The Summit was organized to clarify misunderstandings and controversy that seemed to surround MDC's fee structure, mission and operations. While multiple viewpoints and different approaches were aired on some issues, there was no doubt about the consensus achieved on crucial matters, and the commitment of the industry to the MDC vision. Please see the Summit report or the Executive Summary. (pdfs)

This historic meeting brought together the Boards of Directors and executive officers of MDC with the three industry associations: the Automotive Retailers Association, the New Car Dealers Association, and the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association.

MDC Chair Bob Stewart restated at the Summit an excerpt from his preface to the 2006 MDC annual report: "The word 'professional' implies expertise, integrity, the adherence to principles and accepted standards of behaviour."

Legislation change

The need for major updates and changes to the legislation affecting the motor dealer industry - the first in 26 years - is the highest priority of the industry for 2007. Ensuring wholesalers, agents, brokers, financiers, bailiffs or other related trades, who sell motor vehicles are licensed; increasing the maximum amount of Compensation payable by the Compensation Fund Board; and providing clarification regarding definition and terminology; are just a few of the important issues addressed in the review of the legislation.

With the conclusion of the public consultation process, a comprehensive package of recommended changes, the result of two-and-half years of work by MDC's Legislation Review Committee, will be in the hands of government shortly and we are striving to ensure that it becomes part of the Spring 2007 session of the Legislature.

Other 2007 priorities

• two newly hired Dispute Resolution Officers will help to deal with disputes between dealers and customers, and assist in mediating solutions rather than the matters going to court or the Motor Dealer Customer Compensation Fund.
• the creation of advisory committees: initially salespeople and motorcycle dealers; with advertising and general stakeholders, a cross-section of industry and related public organizations, to follow.
• the development of a second-stage professional development course for licensed salespeople, building upon the current certification course that is required to receive a salesperson licence.
• An updated advertising workshop to be offered to industry and media throughout the province.

The Board of Directors, management and staff of the Motor Dealer Council of British Columbia wish everyone in the industry, your families, friends and customers, best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season. We are grateful to the countless many who have worked with us through 2006 to improve the B.C. marketplace and we look forward to an even better partnership in 2007.

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