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FORD TOP SPOT AS EV GOES MAINSTREAM (PAGE
FORD CLAIMS TOP SPOT
LEXUS PULLS AHEAD OF BMW WITH TESLA HOT ON HEELS: KELLEY BLUE BOOK BRAND WATCH REPORT
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ELECTRIFICATION GOES MAINSTREAM AS ELECTRIFIEDVEHICLE SHOPPING HITS ANOTHER RECORD IN Q4 2021
When it comes to the leading automotive brands, the list of who’s hot and who’s not has significantly changed, according to the latest Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch™ Report for Q4 2021. The year closed out with a new leader in non-luxury brand consideration, with Ford – fueled by hot new products and more plentiful inventory – dethroning longtime leader Toyota, which previously held the top spot for nearly four years straight. Among luxury shoppers, Lexus eked past BMW as the most-considered brand, while Tesla remained hot on their heels.
Kelley Blue Book’s Brand Watch Report features data from a consumer perception survey among new-car shoppers that also weaves in shopping behavior to determine how a brand or model stacks up with its segment competitors on a dozen factors key to consumers’ buying decisions. Kelley Blue Book produces a separate Brand Watch Report for non-luxury and luxury brands each quarter.
“The auto industry ended 2021 with some notable shifts in consumer shopping considerations and perceptions, with Ford and Lexus rising to take home top honors in the fourth quarter,” said Vanessa Ton, senior industry intelligence manager for Kelley Blue Book.
“These shifts come amid a backdrop of a year unlike any other, featuring auto manufacturers being forced to shut down production all over the world at various times due to the global computer chip shortage crisis, rising prices and other related challenges. The resulting inventory shortages have been difficult not just for automakers, but for consumers and dealers alike. However, exciting new products and increasing interest in electrified vehicles continue to breathe life into the industry and will lead the way for new-car shoppers into 2022.” FORD TOPS TOYOTA
Popular new products and more plentiful inventory pushed the Ford brand to No. 1 in consideration among non-luxury new-car shoppers in the fourth quarter of 2021, with a full one-third considering Ford. The automaker experienced the largest quarter-to-quarter increase of any non-luxury brand to land the first-place spot – a position Ford last held in 2015. Ford’s shopping consideration was driven by strength for both new and already-established models, including vehicles powered by alternative powertrains as well as traditional gas engines.
The Ford F-150 – the most-shopped vehicle for eight consecutive quarters – enjoyed healthier supply in Q4 2021 compared to earlier in the year, helping consideration to grow 12 percent quarter over quarter. The electric F-150 Lightning, which launches this spring and already is sold out, also helped to boost F-150 shopping. The new Maverick pickup, which comes standard as a hybrid or with an optional gas engine, also aided Ford’s shop-
ping consideration. The Maverick has grown so popular that Ford had to pause orders while it catches up on the backlog. The electric Mustang Mach-E and popular Explorer also saw higher shopping rates in Q4 2021.
After being hit hard by the chip shortage in early summer, Ford enjoyed heftier inventory later in the year, undoubtedly aiding its ascension to the No. 1 spot for Q4 2021. Meanwhile, Toyota was hammered by the chip crisis in the fall, forcing production cuts at plants across the globe which caused extreme product shortages.
LEXUS SQUEAKS BY BMW AS TESLA GAINS ON BOTH
Among luxury shoppers during the fourth quarter of 2021, Lexus eked past BMW to become the most-shopped luxury brand, a title BMW held for the past three years. Lexus won the No. 1 spot by less than a tenth of a percentage point, marking the first time in seven years that Lexus claimed top honors.
However, Tesla is hot on the heels of both Lexus and BMW among luxury shoppers, and it is moving fast toward the top. Thanks in part to growing interest in electrified vehicles, Tesla had the largest shopping consideration increase of any luxury brand in Q4 2021. Notably, that consideration also translated into sales, as Tesla beat other luxury brands in sales in 2021. The increased shopping propelled Tesla ahead of Audi and Mercedes-Benz for the first time in the Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch report after both German automakers each lost a percentage point of shopping consideration. Tesla’s rapid ascent toward the top throughout 2021 is especially remarkable considering the brand ranked No. 7 among the mostshopped luxury brands just a year prior, behind the Germans and Lexus. Tesla’s Model 3 was the most-shopped luxury vehicle in Q4 2021, followed by the Model Y which boasts the titles of No. 2 of all vehicles and the most-shopped luxury SUV.
ELECTRIFICATION GOES MAINSTREAM
Shopping for electrified vehicles – the combined total of electric vehicles (EVs), fuel cells, hybrids and plug-in hybrids – hit a new record in Q4 2021, with 28% of all shoppers considering an electrified vehicle. A fifth of new-vehicle shoppers considered a hybrid, while 13% considered an EV. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, long the most-shopped electrified vehicle, broke into the Top 10 most-shopped nonluxury vehicles in Q4 2021. This marks the first time a hybrid ever has risen into the overall Top 10, signifying electrified vehicles are going mainstream.
Among hybrid vehicles on the Top 10 most-shopped electrified vehicles list, the Ford Maverick rose to No. 5 while the Ford F-150 hybrid made the list for the first time at No. 10.
The Honda CR-V and Toyota Highlander were other hybrid models on the list in Q4 2021. Among EVs on the Top 10 most-shopped electrified vehicles list, Tesla continues to dominate with the Model 3 and Model Y topping the list. Yet other models are gaining traction, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4 and Ford F-150 Lightning.
EV startups Rivian, Lucid and Polestar are beginning to appear on new-car shoppers’ radars and are growing their numbers, albeit they still sit low on the chart. Just 2% of luxury shoppers considered Rivian and Lucid in Q4 2021, while about 1% shopped Polestar. For comparison, Jaguar was at 3%, while Alfa Romeo and Maserati sat around 1%.
For additional information and analysis about the Q4 2021 Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch Report findings, and to access links to view the full reports, visit
https://www.coxautoinc.com/market-insights/q4-2021-kelley-blue-book-brandwatch-luxury-report/ for luxury brand information, and https://www.coxautoinc. com/market-insights/q4-2021-kelley-bluebook-brand-watch-non-luxury-report/ for non-luxury brand information.
For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/ company/kelley-blue-book.
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INDUSTRY INFO FROM AROUND THE GLOBE. NEWS, VIEWS AND INNOVATION COLLECTED FROM NEAR AND FAR…
DRIVER SHORTAGES: HOW TECHNOLOGY IS HELPING TRUCK LEARNER DRIVERS
Learning to drive a truck can be fraught with challenges. Alongside the pressure of busy roads is the precision and skill it takes to maneuver a large and heavy vehicle – often in challenging circumstances, such as down narrow streets or during difficult weather conditions.
In the US, obtaining a truck licence can take on average between six to eight weeks. To be eligible for a truck license, candidates need to be 21 years or older (at least 18 years of age to drive intrastate), submit their state’s CDL Application and fee with proof of identification and undertake a variety of tests.
The increased use of internet deliveries is one factor contributing to a rise in the number of vans and trucks using roads. According to Truck Info, there are 15.5 million trucks operating on US roads. However, the dwindling number of experienced drivers (around 80,000 short) in the US is causing major concern across the country. Without a sufficient level of qualified drivers, supplies could be severely affected and the prices of many goods could climb steeply.
Tackling this shortage is essential to maintaining supply chains, meeting customer demands and sustaining economic momentum.
While training new drivers can be time consuming, having a pool of fully qualified drivers is crucial to helping solve the issue. As experienced drivers retire or move to alternative careers, new drivers are required to take their place. So how should companies be encouraging individuals to gain their trucking qualifications?
Corey Heniser, a road safety expert at Brigade Electronics INC, said:
“Trying to attract new talent is a difficult process. Offering higher wages and more appealing packages are short term measures that have already been implemented by many companies. However, safety and the right level of driver support are also crucial factors in not only appealing to candidates, but ensuring they want to continue with a long-term career in the industry.”
Fitting safety devices and vehicle CCTV to trucks is helping to meet many of the challenges faced by those new to driving trucks.
As the number of safety initiatives for large vehicles increases around the world, technology is proving to be an invaluable resource in aiding drivers, particularly in relation to visibility and eliminating complex blind spots.
Corey continues: “Whether fitted as part of road regulations or to enhance fleet safety, it is essential that learner drivers are taught how to use these systems as more and more fleets adopt this technology.”
“Road safety research has shown that
in the time it takes to scan four mirrors, assess and then react to hazards, a vehicle could travel as far as 33 feet. Cameras, such as Brigade’s Backeye®360, which offer 360-degree visibility via a single incab monitor, allow the driver to see everything in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle, including pedestrians and cyclists, that might be in a blind spot position.”
The size of modern commercial vehicles means they are potentially highly dangerous machines, often driving on narrow streets packed with parked cars where there is limited room to maneuver. The risk of accidents is even greater at night or in wintry weather conditions when cameras may struggle to provide a clear picture.
Ultrasonic obstacle detection systems alert the driver to the presence of obstacles close to the vehicle, whether moving or stationary. An audible and/or visual incab warning is triggered, while external speaking alarms can be added to warn cyclists and pedestrians in the vicinity.
Brigade Electronics’ next generation of collision avoidance systems was developed using artificial intelligence technology and supported by the Knowledge Transfer Partnership initiative with Cambridge University. The result - Sidescan®Predict – was extensively trialed in 2020 with impressive results.
Through the use of AI, the Sidescan®Predict sensor constantly gathers object detection data such as the speed and distance of a nearby cyclist or pedestrian. This data feeds into an algorithm created by Brigade to accurately assesses the risk of a collision. When danger is detected, the driver is instantly alerted in time to take avoiding action.
Sidescan®Predict is always switched on, including at speeds below 18.641 mph. In addition, crucially, the collision protection is active with or without the indicators on. This is particularly important as it is recognized that some drivers become irritated by false alerts, even avoiding use of indicators so their system does not trigger alerts, potentially putting vulnerable road users at risk.
Reversing alarms are another key safety system, with modern iterations, such as Brigade Electronics’ award-winning White Sound range, offering instantly locatable alarms that cause less noise pollution because they are only heard in the danger zone (directly to the rear of a vehicle when backing).
Safety upgrades such as these can all be retro-fitted to a vehicle in a matter of hours. The improvement they can make to road safety is incalculable and the peace of mind they offer drivers invaluable.
Dash cams and vehicle CCTV offer an additional layer of security and support fleet operators with managing drivers travelling long distances for extensive periods.
Corey added: “Commercial vehicle safety technology provides operators and drivers with the confidence that they are doing everything feasibly possible to keep themselves and other road users out of harm’s way.”
AJAC NAMES BEST NEW AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATIONS 2022
The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has once again awarded a trio of technologies with its Automotive Innovation Awards for 2022. Nominations for the innovation awards were made by AJAC members and finalists were selected in each of the three categories. Each automaker selected as a finalist presented its technology virtually to a panel of 10 judges, comprised of some of the most knowledgeable and respected journalists in Canada who regularly cover automotive technologies.
“AJAC’s Innovation Awards represent some of the most important modern advancements in automotive technology,” said Stephanie Wallcraft, AJAC President. “Our jurors assess the nominated technologies through a comprehensive assessment and analysis process and submit their selections by secret ballot to ensure complete objectivity. Canadians can be assured that the vehicles featuring the winning technologies integrate some of the most significant innovations on today’s automotive market.”
The winners for the 2022 Automotive Innovation Awards are:
Best Safety Innovation - 2022 Genesis GV70 - Radar-based Rear Occupant Alert
Genesis captures the award in the safety category for its radar-based rear
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seat occupant alert, providing an alert to make sure that those most vulnerable to being forgotten in vehicle are protected
More accurate than weight or logicbased systems, the radar embedded in the headliner can detect very small movements such as a sleeping child or pet’s breathing. The driver is notified with a warning message and audible alert upon exiting the vehicle. If the warning is ignored, the vehicle’s horn and lights provide another alert, and smartphone notifications are delivered via Genesis Connected Services.
Speed of detection is key to reducing risk, which is why the Genesis radarbased rear occupant alert system is AJAC’s Best Safety Innovation for 2022.
BEST GREEN INNOVATION - 2022 TOYOTA MIRAI FUEL-CELL POWERTRAIN
In the current push towards alternative fuels, the 2022 Toyota Mirai was found to be a standout with its hydrogen powertrain. Converting hydrogen into electricity is a process that Toyota is counting on to move us into the next generation of vehicles, and for 2022 the Mirai’s powertrain has been refined.
The car now carries a smaller, more powerful fuel cell with improved storage capacity, providing increased interior space for its 5 occupants.
A 647-kilometre range on a single tank of hydrogen and the ability to refuel in just minutes means that hydrogen is not tied down with the same burdens that traditional battery electric vehicles are, leaving them with a distinct advantage in this area. HYDROGEN FUEL PRESENTS AN ALTERNATE SOLUTION FOR REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS, WHICH IS WHY THE 2022
Toyota Mirai’s fuel-cell electric powertrain is AJAC’s Best Green Innovation for 2022. Best Technical Innovation - 2022 Genesis GV70 In-Vehicle Fingerprint Reader
Personalization has never been more built-in to our vehicles and Genesis ensures that your vehicle can recognize you with is new in-vehicle fingerprint reader.
Like many of our modern cellphones, a simple scan of the driver’s finger will unlock certain features, while adjustments like seat position, climate and entertainment preferences will be taken care of for you, based on saved settings.
Valet mode is also enabled by the sensor, allowing the driver to lock his or her data away when necessary. AJAC jurors recognized this new technology for its usefulness and future potential, such as keyless vehicle start-up and in-car payments for fuel, charging stations or even the fast food drive through.
For these reasons, the Genesis in-vehicle fingerprint reader is AJAC’s Best New Innovation for 2022.
HYUNDAI MOTOR GROUP TAKES TOP HONOURS IN 2022 J.D. POWER U.S. VEHICLE DEPENDABILITY STUDY
Hyundai Motor Group is the topranked automaker in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) with its Hyundai, Kia and Genesis nameplates taking three of the industry’s top four brand rankings overall, including the top spot.
Kia is the top-ranked brand overall, including all mass-market and premium brands, and Genesis is the top-ranked premium brand and fourth overall. Hyundai Motor is ranked third overall, based on VDS’s PP100 (problems per 100 vehicles) scoring criteria.
Hyundai Motor also took top honours in the midsize SUV and midsize sedan segments with Santa Fe and Sonata, respectively. Kia Sorento took the top honor in the upper midsize SUV segment for the second consecutive year.
“We at Hyundai Motor Group hold long-term ownership satisfaction as one of the key benchmarks for success,” said Seog-ju Cha, Head of Quality Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “The VDS results speak to Hyundai, Kia and Genesis’s dedication to delivering vehicles that not only excel in areas long-appreciated by owners, like design and driving experience, but also across innovative technologies that have become a crucial part of the overall ownership experience. We strive to maintain these high standards in all the vehicles we build.”
Based on the new criteria, Kia jumped two positions to take the top spot overall with a PP100 score of 145, beating the industry average by 47 points. It is the second consecutive year that Kia has claimed the top spot among mass-market brands, coming in third overall last year behind two premium brands. This is the first time that a non-premium brand has been awarded first overall in the ranking in the history of VDS.
Genesis improved four positions overall and three positions in the premium category with a top-ranked PP100 score of 155, beating the industry average by 37 points.
Hyundai Motor improved its rating by four positions overall and one position in the mass-market category to place third with a score of 148, beating the industry average by 44 points and securing its highest-ever ranking in the VDS study.
For the 2022 VDS, J.D. Power surveyed 29,487 customers in the U.S. across 32 automotive brands. Only verified purchasers and lessees of new 2019 model-year cars and light trucks registered for personal use were considered. After the study’s redesign, the industry’s problem levels are 59 percent higher in 2022 than in 2021, with the industry average increasing from 121 to 192 .
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RENTING A CAR FROM HERTZ MAY GET YOU BUSTED
Hertz Corp., which is facing lawsuits from hundreds of car renters who say they were falsely arrested for auto theft, files thousands of related criminal complaints each year against customers, according to claims in newly released court documents.
In one four-year period, the company filed nearly 8,000 theft reports annually, advocates for the falsely arrested customers said late last week in a federal court filing in Wilmington, Delaware. The advocates cited internal data from Hertz that a judge ordered the company to release.
A breakdown of the theft reports isn’t public, so it’s not yet possible to know how many complaints were against customers and how many were for other types of theft. Under certain circumstances, Hertz will tell police that a customer may have stolen a car. Many of those people turn out to have valid contracts and allegedly have been falsely arrested, according to the lawsuits.
Messages left for Hertz representatives weren’t immediately returned. CBS, which hired lawyers to help get the documents unsealed, previously reported Hertz said the “vast majority” of cases involve renters who were weeks or months overdue on returns and authorities are brought in only after “exhaustive attempts” to reach a customer.
In a recent court hearing U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Mary Walrath ordered the annual theft numbers to be made public, siding with advocates for 220 people suing Hertz who argued that more details about Hertz’s internal anti-theft program should be public.
Court documents show that some of the customers who rented cars were jailed, sometimes years after they had rented and returned the cars. At least one allegedly was held at gunpoint just hours after paying for a rental.
“Hertz now admits that it reports thousands of its own customers for auto theft each year,” lawyers for the people suing said in court papers. The problem can be traced to company-wide, systemic problems, they allege.
The false arrest claims often involve long-term rentals, some set up directly by the customer, others through an auto insurance company, according to court documents.
Source: Hertz accuses thousands of car renters of theft, court papers show (autoblog.com)
EIGHT-LEGGED DRIVING COMPANION
If you found a big hairy spider crawling on the dashboard of your car, how would you react? Many people would probably be terrified, let out a loud scream, and run far away.
However, Chris Taylor, a 42-year-old Australian safety manager, did the opposite. In February 2021, he discovered a sixinch spider on the dashboard of his car, as reported by Mirror. Instead of viewing the spider as something to be feared, he looked at her as a driving buddy — and kept her as his pet. The spider has now lived freely in Taylor’s car for a full year.
He feels attached to the eight-legged creature and doesn’t plan to kick her out “anytime soon.”
Despite the spider being a female, Taylor gave the spider a traditionally male name: Steve. Taylor said, “I named him Steve, because why not? I have been told, however, that he is she. When I have passengers in my car they are often startled or scream. Steve is great at keeping me more alert when I drive.”
Taylor and Steve the Spider endured many interesting adventures during their one year together. While Taylor enjoys the companionship of his eight-legged driving buddy, he doesn’t appreciate it when the spider falls into his lap. As detailed by Taylor, “I had her fall on my lap one time and almost hit the Sydney Harbor tunnel wall.” Also, Taylor doesn’t like it when his arachnid driving companion “appears 10 cm above his head” when driving at high speeds. As can be expected from someone that keeps a pet spider in their car, Taylor is not afraid of spiders. However, many other people are — and Taylor sees this as another benefit of his pet spider. He said, “I’ll let her stay. I’m saving money as no one wants a lift anymore.
I like her but wouldn’t say we’re close friends. Yet! I would be a bit sad if she decided to leave. Driving is far more exciting with her in there.”
Would you ever have a pet spider and let it roam freely in your car? As Taylor shows, if you’re not arachnophobic, a spider driving buddy offers multiple benefits.
Source: Man Finds Huge Spider in Car: Now It’s His Pet Companion for All His Drives (motorbiscuit.com)
WOULD YOU CONSIDER BUYING A CAR THAT DOESN’T EXIST YET?
Back in June and July of 2021, Cox Automotive polled nearly 5,000 consumers between the ages of 18 and 72 who either owned, considered buying or rejected buying an electric vehicle. Within that data, it showed that Tesla quite clearly has the most brand recognition for its EVs, while other brands have a whole lot of work to do on the marketing front. Specifically, a whopping 69% of those EV buyers (or rejecters) didn›t even know the Chevrolet Bolt existed despite being on sale since 2016.
Then we noticed something really surprising. A stunning 40% of those 5,000 consumers — about 2,000 people — said they were aware of Toyota’s electric vehicle. Some said they were considering it, some said they were not. Either way, there’s a pretty big problem with that: Toyota did not sell an electric vehicle in June and July of 2021. Nor did it sell one at any time after the 2014 RAV4 EV. And just in case you’re wondering, the Toyota bZ4X EV wouldn’t be revealed for another four months.
Basically, significantly more people were somehow “aware” that Toyota makes an EV that does not exist than those who knew about the Chevrolet Bolt, a vehicle that has existed for more than five years. Or the Nissan Leaf, for that matter, which has been on sale since 2010.
Perhaps people just assumed that Toyota, which pioneered hybrids, must make an EV. Not a bad assumption, but in reality, Toyota hasn›t been too keen on them. Almost hostile, even. Only recently has it announced plans for a variety of future EV models, and again, the bZ4X was only revealed back in November. Then again, perhaps people just don’t fully understand what an electric vehicle is, lumping hybrids and plug-in hybrids in with them (things Toyota does sell). In other words “electrification” equals “fully electric.” It doesn’t. Now, before you get too down on the car knowledge of general automotive consumers, don’t worry, it gets even worse. That same Cox Automotive study said that 17% were not aware that Tesla made an EV. Let that sink in.
Source: 21% of consumers were considering Toyota’s EV ... which doesn’t exist (autoblog.com) THAT OLD VAMPIRE MARKETING TRICK!
Mercedes-Benz’s latest marketing ploy for the G-Class SUV is a bit peculiar. The German marque has made an eightminute vampire movie just in time for Valentine›s Day, calling it «Immortal Love» for obvious reasons.
If the automaker’s target customers are our fanged, immortal friends, we’re not entirely sure – but at least the short film embedded atop is entertaining.
To be fair, the Mercedes G-Class is in line with the lifestyle of vampires. It has a timeless design, so innocent bystanders won’t know from which year the vampire owner’s really from – unless it’s an AMG G65. The G-Class also does carry the monicker “stronger than time,” which resound with how vampires withstand death and aging.
The eight-minute vampire movie features international rising star Rimon. The singer/songwriter, who was born in Eritrea and raised in the Netherlands, plays a globally celebrated star rapper who leads a double life. In line with the short vampire movie, Mercedes-Benz has also opened an exclusive meeting place and experience space for the growing GClass community worldwide: the GClass Private Lounge. Meeting a new vampire friend isn’t guaranteed, though.
Mercedes-Benz isn’t a stranger to making weird marketing materials for its cars. Remember the Concept EQG that made its debut at the Munich Auto Show last year? The electric G-Class was featured with alien-like, Star Trek-ish characters to highlight the SUV’s foray into an electrified future. Whether this marketing works or not, numbers certainly don’t lie. There were 41,174 new G-Class owners in 2021, a new record for the boxy SUV. The G-Class, along with Maybach and AMG, posted record-breaking sales in the same year. Source: Mercedes Makes An 8-Minute Vampire Movie To Sell More G-Class SUVs (motor1.com)
THE ATLANTIC ROAD REPORT
NEWS AND VIEWS COLLECTED FROM AROUND THE ATLANTIC REGION SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO….YER WELCOME!
NEWFOUNDLAND
Paving on Lewin Parkway to continue this construction season
Paving on two sections of the Lewin Parkway in Corner Brook will begin this construction season.
A two-year contract valued at $2.96 million was awarded to Marine Contractors in 2021 to pave sections of the parkway between:
The Trans-Canada Highway and the St. Marks Avenue intersection; and
Main Street and west of the intersection with Curling Street.
Other work in the contract, which included upgrades to road side ditching and a culvert replacement near the St. Marks Avenue intersection, was completed in 2021.
This year’s work concludes paving of the full length of the Lewin Parkway. Other recent work on the Lewin Parkway includes paving between:
Mark’s Avenue and Main Street in 2020;
Pinksen Memorial Drive and O’Connell Drive in 2019; and
O’Connell Drive and west of the intersection with Curling Street in 2017.
When work begins again this year, motorists should watch for traffic control and lane closures while paving is ongoing, and consider using alternate routes.
“The Lewin Parkway is a busy route for anyone travelling from the Trans-Canada Highway to their homes and businesses in Corner Brook and down into the Bay of Islands. We’re excited to see another contract awarded for a safer and more comfortable drive on the parkway from the Murphy Square area on one end to the site of the new hospital at the other,” said the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www. merx.com/govnl.
Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Roundabout to be built at intersection of Brookside Drive and Route 105 in Fredericton
A new roundabout will be built this year in Fredericton between Brookside Drive and Route 105.
“This project has been in the works for many years, and I am pleased our government is moving forward with it,” said
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Jill Green. “With an average of 15,000 vehicles accessing the Route 105 - Brookside Drive intersection daily, this roundabout will provide full access to the commercial and retail area along Brookside Drive and linking streets.”
Roundabouts are designed to improve safety and traffic flow, reduce travel delays, congestion, queueing and idling.
Construction of the $4.6 million roundabout is scheduled to begin in June with a projected opening date in November.
More information about the new roundabout is available online.
NOVA SCOTIA
Province releases 2022-23 five-year highway plan
Nova Scotia will invest nearly $500 million in capital spending on its highways, bridges and roads in 2022-23.
The Five-Year Highway Improvement Plan includes more than 150 major construction and improvement projects for the coming year that will make Nova Scotia’s roads, highways and bridges safer.
“Transportation is critical to ensure safe and connected communities and that’s why we are making one of the largest investments in Nova Scotia’s infrastructure in provincial history,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland. “The plan annualizes the additional $20 million in support for gravel roads we announced last fall.”
Ten major construction projects are planned for 2022-23 with the focus on ongoing twinning of Highways 101, 103, 104 and 107, as well as the Aerotech Connector on Highway 102, the Bridgewater interchange on Highway 103 and continued work to convert the Port Hastings rotary to a roundabout.
The 2022-23 plan includes the construction of 12 new bridges and the replacement of 18 bridges.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
New roundabout in Stratford planned for 2022 construction season
A new dual lane roundabout on the Trans-Canada Highway in Stratford will be built to increase connectivity and reduce traffic congestion for residents.
The project will include a dual lane roundabout and concrete centre median on the Trans-Canada Highway between Stratford Road and Kinlock Road, a connecting street to MacKinnon Drive, and an active transportation trail.
“As the Town of Stratford and surrounding area continues to grow, including plans for a new Stratford high school and community campus, it is important that we have modern infrastructure to support that growth. These highway improvements are an investment in our communities and the safety of our people.” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister James Aylward.
This project is part of the Province of Prince Edward’s Islands $190 million fiveyear capital plan for road and bridge infrastructure in the 2022-2023 Capital Budget.
THE FIFTH WOMEN IN CARWASH™ CONFERENCE WAS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS. OVER 65 WOMEN (AND A FEW MEN) CAME TOGETHER IN BEAUTIFUL FORT LAUDERDALE FOR INFORMATION, LEARNING, LAUGHING, EDUCATION, AND GROWTH.
Guests met and shared a cocktail and dinner before an enthralling special presentation hosted by Connie-Lee Bennett, CEO, and Founder of Meraki Training Academy, who offered an inspiring talk about Authentic Leaders… Now is Your Time to Stand on the Centre Stage of Your Life.
Tuesday kicked off with a fabulous breakfast and moved on into the Authentic Female Leaders of Tomorrow. We learned about being authentically who we are with Clarity, Confidence, and Charisma. What a fabulous and eye-opening start to the day.
We spent the rest of the day learning about PI/Executive Alignment, Employee Evaluation, and The Power of Story to Change Your Business and Your Life, and concluded with Carwash Chemicals 101.
To end the day, guests boarded a coach and set off for a murder mystery dinner theatre event where five guests had been unknowingly incorporated into the plot.
“I enjoyed the Women in Carwash™ conference. A little of every session spoke deep into my heart. I’m returning to my job with much more knowledge that I wasn’t sure that I had within myself. I have a supportive team but always questioned myself whether I’m good enough. After the Bravery Part I & II, I’ll be brave, and have the confidence in myself.” - Maria Gonzalez, GO Car Wash
After a hearty breakfast on Wednesday, Carla Thompson opened the day with a topic about building a mentorship program within your company and the Importance of Female Mentorship and Mentoring Programs in a Male-Dominated
Industry. Gretchen Matthews hosted Writing Anything, Anyone can Read, and the conference sessions concluded with a very interesting session on Carwash Insurance Basics. One significant aspect of the Women in Carwash™ conference is the camaraderie. Businesses are left at the door, and the attendees talk, learn, laugh, and build a community from within.
We asked why a company would send their female employees to attend the Women in Carwash™ conference. Here’s what John Tobias of Kleen-Rite had to say:
“Kleen-Rite continues to support the Women in Carwash™ Conference each year that it is held. We also commit to sending some of the women on our staff to every conference that they hold as we believe this is a great way for the women who work at Kleen-Rite to connect with other women they are trying to serve. In a mostly male-dominated industry, there are a lot of successful women in the car washing business at all levels, and we want to celebrate that and have the women in our company connect with them.”
Before Covid changed the world, Women in Carwash™ hosted a contest where women from across the country were to send us a story sharing why they deserved to win a trip for two to the next Women in Carwash™ conference. Kelly Moroz from Dauphin Co-op in Manitoba, Canada, won the contest by unanimous decision, and here’s what she had to say about the conference:
“I did not know what to expect when I came to my first in-person conference, but I am already blown away. Everyone has been so welcoming; everyone is introducing themselves, and we are not just talking about work but our lives. The speakers are so knowledgeable, and they keep you interested and make you think and reflect. I like that I can take this information to help me back at work and home. I love being part of this experience!” - Kelly Moroz, Dauphin Co-Op
Speakers who presented their knowledge-based educational sessions during the Women in Carwash™ conference offered attendees an opportunity to hear what they had to say and take away information that can be utilized in their daily work lives and build their careers by incorporating new ideas and methods. Of course, there are new relationships and friendships from whom to draw experiences and information too. my first time attending, and I am leaving with a much larger network, pages of notes to enhance the business, and an improved perspective on my leadership style. I am so excited to bring more of my employees next conference, and I already cannot wait to reconnect with my new “family” of Women in Carwash!” - Iona Kearney Guest Engagement Manager, Speedy Sparkle Car Wash
We are excited about the support, encouragement, and valuable input we are receiving from the industry and look forward to seeing everyone again at the sixth Women in Carwash™ conference scheduled for June 20 – 22, at the Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
If you would like more info, please call Brenda at 204-489-4215 or visit www. womenincarwash.com.
THE TIRE AND RUBBER ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (TRAC; TRACANADA.CA) IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF ITS INAUGURAL INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM.
TRAC’s Industry Leadership Awards recognize outstanding individuals and companies for their dedication and commitment to excellence in the tire and rubber industry, including end-of-life tire management businesses and other businesses focused on sustainability. The awards are designed to celebrate achievements and give individuals and organizations a platform to showcase their contribution to the industry, increase their professional profiles, and stand out from the competition.
The nominations are open until April 15, 2022, in four categories listed below. Anyone can nominate a deserving individual or organization and self-nominations are also accepted. Corporate nominees must have a physical presence, e.g., office or facility, in Canada. Nominated individuals can be domiciled anywhere.
The awards ceremony will take place in conjunction with TRAC’s Annual General Meeting of Members on June 15, 2022.
Award Categories’ Details:
LEADER OF THE YEAR:
This award honours an individual who is widely recognized as one who has made important contributions to their business, community, and the tire and rubber industry at large. S/he will currently own or manage a successful and innovative business in the tire and rubber sectors, including end-of-life tire management businesses and other businesses focused on sustainability in the industry. In addition, they contribute their time and resources to community and/or organizations dedicated to creating positive social impact.
YOUNG LEADER:
This award is intended to showcase inspirational and dedicated young (under 40) leaders who demonstrate industry leadership in management, innovation, technology and/or sustainability within their organization or community.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT:
This award is aimed at individuals with illustrious, long-term track records of successfully contributing to their business and industry and who have made outstanding achievements and contributed enduring legacies to the tire and rubber industry and to the community at large.
They are widely recognized by their peers as industry leaders, builders, and supporters.
SUSTAINABILITY:
This award is intended for individuals or organizations who have positively contributed to the sustainability efforts of the tire and rubber industry in an environmental, social, or economic manner, including end-of-life tire management businesses, and other businesses focused on sustainability in the industry.
For additional information please contact Michal Majernik, Manager of Communications, at mmajernik@tracanada.ca.
