The ARA News is an exclusive publication for members of the Automotive Retailers Association.

Chairman's Message:
ARA accomplishments keep coming!

Last edition I started off by exclaiming, "Hats off to our Association!" Well, my hat is still off because the list of accomplishments and the progress we are making on a number of fronts continue to grow.

When the B.C. 2010 Budget was introduced on March 2nd, we were very pleased to see that the government listened to the ARA and partners when it came to addressing the disparity in taxation between private sales of vehicles and vehicles sold by licensed dealers. GST registered businesses were required to collect GST on used vehicle sales, whereas private sales were not subject to GST. We implored upon the government to seize the opportunity to level the playing field when the HST comes into effect this July. They did, and private sales of vehicles will now be subject to 12% tax.

Our new credit card transaction service from PayLogec is getting off to a great start and many members are already experiencing considerable savings. If you haven't done so already, it is worthwhile for you to check it out.

We just learned that another wing of the government has listened to our advice and there will be changes coming to the Vehicle Impound program. You'll be hearing more about that shortly when the details come in.

We've introduced a great Inventory Broadcast Solution for Licensed Motor Dealers and we've started training dealers on how to maximize their Internet marketing efforts. With nearly 30% of used vehicles purchased being found online, it's a huge market to be missing out on.

The new PowerSports Dealers Division is getting off the ground. See the PDD report for more information.

The new 5-year ARA Strategic Plan has been fine-tuned and by using it as our roadmap, the ARA will remain focused on the key issues necessary to properly represent you, our valued members. Let's keep moving forward together!

Gord Valente