Autos

The VinFast VF-8 seems like an average player in the EV space, so what will tempt buyers to commit to an unknown vehicle from an unfamiliar brand? The battery leasing should provide some confidence. PHOTO: VINFAST

2023 VinFast VF 8: What will draw buyers to this interesting newcomer from Vietnam?

You have to give credit to VinFast, the Vietnam-based automaker that’s rapidly…

  • Feb 19, 2023
The VinFast VF-8 seems like an average player in the EV space, so what will tempt buyers to commit to an unknown vehicle from an unfamiliar brand? The battery leasing should provide some confidence. PHOTO: VINFAST
There’s no question that new vehicle inventory continues to be a challenge, but those challenges are expected to begin easing through 2023 and into 2024, says Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. AdobeStock

Report on state of zero emission vehicle sales states the obvious – but lacks context

By Blair Qualey The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) takes…

  • Feb 18, 2023
There’s no question that new vehicle inventory continues to be a challenge, but those challenges are expected to begin easing through 2023 and into 2024, says Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. AdobeStock
The Polestar 3 will have front and rear electric motors and will be built alongside the Volvo XC90 in the United States. PHOTO: POLESTAR

The Auto Sleuth: New SUV for Polestar, Honda’s updated HR-V, Blazer goes electric + more

Enjoy this quick look at what’s happening in the auto world! Polestar…

  • Feb 11, 2023
The Polestar 3 will have front and rear electric motors and will be built alongside the Volvo XC90 in the United States. PHOTO: POLESTAR
The Genesis GV60 uses the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, although the GV60 is shorter than both. PHOTO: GENESIS

The Auto Sleuth: EVs from Hyundai, Honda + Volvo; A longer Defender from Land Rover

Welcome to the Sleuth, a look at the hot-of-the-press news from the…

  • Jan 31, 2023
The Genesis GV60 uses the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, although the GV60 is shorter than both. PHOTO: GENESIS
The 2023 Honda CR-V is 7.5 centimetres longer than the current version and the cargo capacity for the hybrid will no longer be less than the nonhybrids. PHOTO: HONDA

The Auto Sleuth: Honda CR-V updates; Walmart picks Canoo + more

Updated Honda CR-V is larger, but the powertrains carry over The last…

  • Jan 19, 2023
The 2023 Honda CR-V is 7.5 centimetres longer than the current version and the cargo capacity for the hybrid will no longer be less than the nonhybrids. PHOTO: HONDA
The base Hornet GT, which has a base price of $40,200 including destination charges, comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive is standard. PHOTO: STELLANTIS

Dodge’s first new model in years is generating plenty of buzz

In North America, there are plenty of new and innovative models from…

  • Dec 29, 2022
The base Hornet GT, which has a base price of $40,200 including destination charges, comes with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that produces 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive is standard. PHOTO: STELLANTIS
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the General Motors CAMI production plant in Ingersoll, Ont., on Dec. 5. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne

Canada moves to mandate electric vehicle sales starting in 2026

One-fifth of all passenger cars, SUVs and trucks sold in Canada in…

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the General Motors CAMI production plant in Ingersoll, Ont., on Dec. 5. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne
In addition to outfitting your vehicle with the right tires – preferably snow tires – it’s essential to slow down, accelerate and brake more slowly, and turn your lights on, day and night, notes Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC.

Plan for a safe holiday road trip

By Blair Qualey As the holiday season takes centre stage, this is…

  • Dec 26, 2022
In addition to outfitting your vehicle with the right tires – preferably snow tires – it’s essential to slow down, accelerate and brake more slowly, and turn your lights on, day and night, notes Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC.
The Kia Telluride, and the Hyundai Palisade (below) are getting revised styling a new trims, but no changes to their powertrains. PHOTO: KIA

Changes coming for the Palisade and Telluride, updates for Leaf, Mustang + more

Changes coming for the full-size Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride Both eight-passenger…

  • Dec 19, 2022
The Kia Telluride, and the Hyundai Palisade (below) are getting revised styling a new trims, but no changes to their powertrains. PHOTO: KIA
Due to ongoing supply chain issues, the New Car Dealers Association of BC has decided to cancel the Vancouver International Auto Show for 2023. Photo courtesy NCDA BC

2023 Vancouver International Auto Show cancelled – but other event options being explored

By Blair Qualey As owners of the Vancouver International Auto Show, the…

  • Dec 12, 2022
Due to ongoing supply chain issues, the New Car Dealers Association of BC has decided to cancel the Vancouver International Auto Show for 2023. Photo courtesy NCDA BC
The Maserati Grecale, pictured, is based on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio platform. Both brands are owned by Stellantis. PHOTO: MASERATI

Maserati’s Grecale, A new-look Escape + more news from the auto world

Maserati officially unveils the Grecale The Italy-based automaker, part of Stellantis, will…

  • Dec 12, 2022
The Maserati Grecale, pictured, is based on the Alfa Romeo Stelvio platform. Both brands are owned by Stellantis. PHOTO: MASERATI
All 2022 NX models come with all-wheel-drive, and only the NX 350 gets a turbocharged four-cylinder, although it isn’t the quickest model. That’s the domain of the plug-in hybrid. PHOTO: LEXUS

2022 Lexus NX: A little more style + a lot more powertrain choices

You might not be able to tell by looking at it, but…

  • Dec 10, 2022
All 2022 NX models come with all-wheel-drive, and only the NX 350 gets a turbocharged four-cylinder, although it isn’t the quickest model. That’s the domain of the plug-in hybrid. PHOTO: LEXUS
Getting home safe is a shared responsibility. Take your turn being the designated driver – your friends and family will thank you. If no one can be a designated driver, there are still plenty of options for you to get home. AdobeStock

Plan ahead for a safe holiday season

By Blair Qualey The holiday season is now upon us and that…

  • Dec 7, 2022
Getting home safe is a shared responsibility. Take your turn being the designated driver – your friends and family will thank you. If no one can be a designated driver, there are still plenty of options for you to get home. AdobeStock
An electric vehicle is charged in Ottawa on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Parkland Corp. says it is doubling the size of its previously announced electric vehicle charging network in western Canada.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

B.C. to benefit as Parkland doubles western Canada EV charging network

50 ultra-fast charging stations coming to highways and destinations from Vancouver Island to Calgary

An electric vehicle is charged in Ottawa on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Parkland Corp. says it is doubling the size of its previously announced electric vehicle charging network in western Canada.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
Hyundai will create a performance-oriented version of the Ioniq 5 electric vehicle, called the N. The Sleuth expects it will get the 576-horsepower system from the related Kia EV6 GT. PHOTO: HYUNDAI

Hyundai’s cool Ioniq 5, Volvo + Lexus share EV news and more

Hot off the press news from the auto world

  • Nov 30, 2022
Hyundai will create a performance-oriented version of the Ioniq 5 electric vehicle, called the N. The Sleuth expects it will get the 576-horsepower system from the related Kia EV6 GT. PHOTO: HYUNDAI
Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, with B.C. Premier John Horgan. The NCDA is administers the electric vehicle rebate program on behalf of the provincial government. Photo courtesy NCDA

Budget wish list summarized

By Blair Qualey The provincial government recently published a report that summarizes…

  • Nov 4, 2022
Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, with B.C. Premier John Horgan. The NCDA is administers the electric vehicle rebate program on behalf of the provincial government. Photo courtesy NCDA
The current Porsche Macan, pictured, will be replaced by a new model later in 2022 and there will also be an electric version, although on a dedicated EV platform. PHOTO: PORSCHE

Porsche’s electric Macan; A new Morgan 3 Wheeler + more news from the auto world

Porsche adds electric Macan for 2023 The automaker’s top-selling model globally will…

  • Nov 4, 2022
The current Porsche Macan, pictured, will be replaced by a new model later in 2022 and there will also be an electric version, although on a dedicated EV platform. PHOTO: PORSCHE
The Toyota Sequoia’s overall dimensions have increased for 2023, which translates into more passenger and cargo space. PHOTO: TOYOTA

2023 Toyota Sequoia: As tough as they come in this class, and now it’s a hybrid

With the price of fuel soaring dramatically, automobile owners are experiencing plenty…

  • Nov 3, 2022
The Toyota Sequoia’s overall dimensions have increased for 2023, which translates into more passenger and cargo space. PHOTO: TOYOTA
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne speaks to reporters at the Liberal summer caucus retreat in St. Andrews, N.B. on September 13, 2022. When Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne gets in front a microphone these days to talk about electrifying Canada’s auto industry, he has a favourite line to sum up his efforts to attract global investment. “Not everyone in the world wakes up thinking about Canada,” he says. His job, as he sees it, is to change that. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Innovation minister on road to making Canada a battery electric and EV powerhouse

Champagne sees the industry as key to Canada’s future

Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne speaks to reporters at the Liberal summer caucus retreat in St. Andrews, N.B. on September 13, 2022. When Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne gets in front a microphone these days to talk about electrifying Canada’s auto industry, he has a favourite line to sum up his efforts to attract global investment. “Not everyone in the world wakes up thinking about Canada,” he says. His job, as he sees it, is to change that. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese
The design of the Volvo XC60 and XC90 Recharge models will derive inspiration from the concept Recharge, pictured, that Volvo debuted in 2021. PHOTO: VOLVO

The Auto Sleuth: Volvo adds electric Recharge versions; Lexus’ first EV + more

Hot off the press news from the auto world!

  • Oct 16, 2022
The design of the Volvo XC60 and XC90 Recharge models will derive inspiration from the concept Recharge, pictured, that Volvo debuted in 2021. PHOTO: VOLVO