Todd Phillips

1 week ago | canadianautodealer.ca | Todd Phillips

When you first arrive at the Lexus Studio in downtown Burnaby, B.C. you know you aren’t at a typical dealership. Media invited recently to a private tour before the official grand opening later this summer were greeted by a welcoming delegation, and handed hot hand towels. Then they were invited to tour the facility and grab a refreshment at the high-end bar at the far side of the studio.

2 weeks ago | canadianautodealer.ca | Todd Phillips

It was a rare sight to see the three Canadian leaders from Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis all sharing the same stage on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at the sold-out CADA Summit. The leaders of the Detroit “Big Three” automakers took part in the annual conference held by the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association. The event is designed to brief CADA’s dealer members about the forces of change impacting Canada’s auto retail sector.

2 weeks ago | canadianautodealer.ca | Todd Phillips

U.S. President Donald Trump didn’t attend the 2025 CADA Summit held Feb. 12 in Toronto, but his presence and the impact of his policies resonated throughout the day nonetheless. The event typically sells out, but this year’s edition boasted record dealer and overall attendance as those in the auto industry — from OEMs, dealers, lenders, suppliers, and industry associations who represent them — try to make sense of the turbulent and chaotic times we find ourselves living through.

2 weeks ago | canadianautodealer.ca | Todd Phillips

As an occupational hazard, and it truly can be hazardous to my health, I can’t just turn off the news. For the better part of 30+ years, I’ve had to stay abreast of current issues, report on them, and even at times make and break news stories. So, the answer for me, with the madness of news headlines bombarding our TV screens, phones, radio talk lines and social media feeds, isn’t to turn it off and just bury my head in the sand — as comforting as that image might well be. So, I dive in.

3 weeks ago | canadianautodealer.ca | Todd Phillips

In the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump imposing punishing new tariffs on Canada’s auto imports, which threatens to destabilize Canada’s auto manufacturing sector, there’s growing interest among Canadian buyers in learning more about which cars are actually made and assembled in Canada. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a $2 billion plan to protect Canada’s auto workers that included shifting procurement of government vehicles to made-in-Canada models.