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AUTOMOTIVE AND TRUCKING TRENDS TO WATCH FOR IN 2025 (STORY ON PAGE 17)
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DEPARTMENTS
EDITOR’S LETTER - Happy New Year (I think) - President-elect Donald Trump has threatened both Canada and Mexico with 25 per cent tariffs even before taking office. How would this impact the automotive industry?
THE ATLANTIC ROAD REPORT - Between 2019 and 2024, 68 collisions resulted in 80 fatalities in P.E.I. alone. Read how MADD, the RCMP and the province have united in a new campaign. • More!
ELECTRIC AVENUE - A new electric highway stretching from Alaska to California will enable British Columbians to drive carefree along the highway.
WOMEN AND WHEELS - The automotive industry’s growth may lie within a secret weapon: women, writes Katie Moore.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD - Wouldja believe Nissan releases a new fragrance to attract fans to all-electric racing? • More!
FEATURES
CHANGING LANES:
AUTOMOTIVE AND TRUCKING TRENDS TO WATCH FOR IN 2025 - Our round-up touches on everything from connected cars to autonomous driving and more. Watch out for some hot apps as well! By Carter Hammett.
SUSTAINABLE CHANGES IN THE CANADIAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY IN 2025No question about it: Canadian car buyers are becoming more eco-conscious and concerned about sustainability as the industry evolves. Sebastien Dorelas explains.
CAR ACCESSORIES WITH BUZZ - Whether it’s smart dash cams or rooftop tents— really!--there’s a slew of accessories your car’s crying out for, writes Rohit Narayan Shonlingur.
BICYCLES GAINING TRACTION WITHIN CITIES - There’s a new buzzword floating around: ‘micromobility’ as more and more downtown city dwellers look towards the humble bike as an alternative to those pesky gas guzzlers. By Kirk Mathieson.
ETC.
FAMILY-ORIENTED SINCE DAY 1 - Whether you’re a blood relative or not, all employees and clients are treated like family at these two Newfoundland NAPA Auto Parts shops, writes Kristen Lipscombe.
CARWASH SEASONAL MAINTENANCE - Fall maintenance is the ideal time to prepare your equipment for colder months, Michael Van Wieren explains.
TO LEAD OR TO LAG - The results of a recent survey conducted by the Commercial Safety Alliance indicate there’s still lots of work that needs to be done writes contributor Jeremy Woolward
HAPPY NEW YEAR (I THINK)
By Carter Hammett
AS I WRITE THIS, WE’RE JUST A WEEK SHY OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON. YOU KNOW: THAT TIME OF YEAR WHERE WE MOMENTARILY FORGET ALL OUR TROUBLES AND HUNKER DOWN WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO CELEBRATE EACH OTHER AND ALL THE PROMISES LIFE HAS TO OFFER.
And as–dare I say it?--Christmas approaches, the talk of the town in Canadian news media, dubious government leadership aside, is the potential threat of 25 per cent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico declared by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump.
Can’t help but think of the devastating consequences such a move would have on both the Canadian economy and that of our neighbours to the south. And specifically how all that would impact the automotive sector.
For starters, Trump’s pronouncements can change on a whim. During his campaign, Trump mentioned introducing a universal 10 per cent tariff on all American imports. According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, this would reduce the size of the Canadian economy by about one per cent, which would result in $30 billion annually in economic costs.
Secondly, a relatively new free-trade agreement exists between the U.S., Canada and Mexico (USMCA) which Trump signed into existence back in 2020 during his first presidency. This allows goods to move across borders duty-free, assuming certain criteria are met. Under the agreement, this criteria depends on the proportion of the vehicle that was produced in North America
and the attending wages paid to staff who built them. There’s no governing body that can impose compliance, so it’s expected that if the U.S. makes good on its threat, Mexico and Canada would strike back with tariffs of their own. Indeed, while not a fan of Ontario’s Conservative government, kudos have to be given to Doug Ford who responded with pledges of his own to cut off power supplied to several states.
Thirdly, an entire supply chain exists between the three countries, with each contributing parts and pieces needed to make the finished product. Indeed, auto parts may travel across borders as much as eight times before a vehicle is considered complete.
The cost of those parts would inflate substantially if these tariffs were implemented and collectively these variables would have a negative impact on just about everybody, not to mention the ripple effects that would reach far beyond the automotive industry.
It’s hard to believe but the average new vehicle costs close to $49,000 (!) If tariffs are applied, the consequences could be devastating. In case you hadn’t noticed, we’re in the midst of an affordability crisis, people.
If there’s any doubts, listen: Over 45 per cent of all Canadians are struggling to meet day-to-day expenses. New condo sales were down by half during the first six months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Over two million Canadians made a trip to the food bank during the first quarter of 2024. And to top it all off over 70 per cent of all Canadians feel that home ownership will never be possible. The bottom line is a 25 per cent tariff would have a huge impact on daily living costs at home.
Those are pretty grim stats. Furthermore, Trump has described the tariff as a negotiating strategy over a perceived notion that millions of dollars in drugs and thousands of illegal immigrants are pouring into the U.S. by way of Canada and Mexico. So ultimately, by the sounds of it, the goal is to not have the tariff in place. And even if it is, such a move may only be temporary.
Let’s also not forget that Trump is known for his bluster and outrageous commentaries–”I’ll have a side of cat and dog with that turkey please and thanks”– and strategically, he knows how to be disruptive, even before he’s taken office. Everyone knows that a 25 per cent tariff would be devastating for all players, all economies, so I remain cautiously optimistic this shall never pass.
Happy New Year folks.
THE ATLANTIC ROAD REPORT
COLLECTED
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Province, MADD Canada and RCMP join forces against impaired driving
Far too often, Islanders feel the effects and impacts from impaired driving. On December 7, the Province joined Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) and RCMP to say no to impaired driving.
As part of MADD Canada’s Project Red Ribbon campaign, representatives from the departments of Transportation and Infrastructure and Justice and Public Safety, MADD Canada, and the RCMP will be performing safety checks and raising awareness about the devastating consequences of impaired driving. They will be stationed on the Trans Canada Highway in Stratford.
“Thanks to MADD Canada, RCMP and our staff for doing their part to end impaired driving. It’s important to remember that everyone of us has a role and a public responsibility to stop it. This preventable issue continues affecting our communities. One life lost to impaired driving is one too many,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Ernie Hudson.
During safety checks, MADD Canada volunteers and public safety officials will be distributing information to raise awareness about the problem and highlight the 2024 Project Red Ribbon national campaign, featuring Jacob Simmons of Point Prim, killed by an impaired driver in 2020.
“Impaired driving is a shared challenge that demands a united response,” said MADD Canada National President Tanya Hansen Pratt, whose mother Beryl, was killed by an impaired driver in 1999. “By collaborating with the Province and the RCMP, we are strengthening our commitment to safer roads, honouring those we’ve lost, and striving for a future where no family experiences the heartbreak of such tragedy.”
Impaired driving is a serious issue in Island communities and one of the highest causes of fatal vehicle collisions. The Province is committed to collaborating with partners such as MADD Canada and RCMP to end tragic and preventable incidents.
FACTS:
Between January 1, 2019, and October 31, 2024, 68 fatal collisions resulted in 80 fatalities.
Impaired driving caused 23 deaths, representing 34 per cent of fatal collisions.
On November 4, 2024, RCMP reported 212 impaired driving arrests so far this year. In 2023, RCMP in PEI made over 230 impaired driving arrests.
NEWFOUNDLAND
Public Advisory: Pitts Memorial Drive Winter Traffic Update
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure continues to rehabilitate the CN Viaduct on Pitts Memorial Drive and is pleased to advise that all work on the westbound lanes has now been completed.
The two eastbound lanes will remain closed, and jersey barriers have been installed to replace the current temporary traffic pylons for the duration of the winter. Traffic will continue to flow in both directions within the two westbound lanes during the winter months. Construction will resume in the spring, with an anticipated completion date of summer 2025.
The department reminds the travelling public that fines for speeding in construction zones range from $100 to $1,500.
Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Federal and provincial governments invest in public transit in northwestern New Brunswick
People living in the Edmundston, Madawaska Maliseet First Nation and Haut-Madawaska area will benefit from accessible public transportation after an investment of more than $1.7 million from the federal, provincial and local governments.
This was announced by MP René Arseneault, Minister Gilles LePage, and Northwest Regional Service Commission CEO Bruno Volpé.
The funding will enable the Northwest Regional Service Commission to purchase a bus, four minivans and related infrastructure, including bike racks, bus shelters, and the establishment of over 200 bus/taxibus stops. These investments will provide the region’s residents, including those with reduced mobility, with transportation options to carry out their daily activities. The transportation service will be called FlexGo.
“Investing in public transit is fundamental to creating inclusive communities and encouraging economic growth. This transit system is a good asset for the communities and the area as it will build resiliency and improve the quality of life of the residents, ” said René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
NOVA SCOTIA
Province has fallen behind
on infrastructure spending,
construction association says
In 2022, 27 per cent of Nova Scotia’s roads were in “good” or “very good” condition, according to Statistics Canada survey data.
New data from Statistics Canada shows the majority of Nova
Scotia’s public roads are crumbling and may be in worse condition when compared to Canada overall.
In 2022, about 62 per cent of Nova Scotia’s roads were rated as being in “fair” condition or worse. Just 27 per cent were in “good” or better condition, with the status of the rest classed as “unknown.”
Statistics Canada defines “fair” as meaning that a piece of infrastructure still functions safely, but there is significant deterioration evident with isolated sections or minor components in need of replacement or repair.
In comparison, 52 per cent of Canada’s roads overall were rated “good” or better. These numbers are collected through a Statistics Canada survey every two years.
Governments and other organizations self-report the quality of their infrastructure based on standardized definitions from the statistics agency. Different organizations may have different methods of assigning the ratings.
The president of the Construction Association of Nova Scotia said he’s not surprised by the road condition figures.
“Nova Scotia … has fallen behind in terms of infrastructure, including our roads, bridges and highways,” said Duncan Williams.
Williams added that there’s a lot to maintain, with Nova Scotia being a largely rural province that has a big network of roads.
“Roadwork and infrastructure spending and maintenance sometimes becomes a can that … has gotten kicked down the road for decades.”
Nova Scotia’s major highways also stand out, with nearly three-quarters being in fair condition or worse in 2022.
About 82 per cent of roads in Nova Scotia are owned by the province.
ELECTRIC AVENUE
COMPLETION OF ELECTRIC HIGHWAY MAKES EV TRAVEL POSSIBLE THROUGHOUT PROVINCE
BRITISH
COLUMBIANS WILL SOON BE ABLE TO DRIVE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROVINCE IN AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE MAKING CLEANENERGY OPTIONS MORE ACCESSIBLE AND RELIABLE THAN EVER.
The Province is completing B.C.’s “Electric Highway,” a comprehensive network of public electric vehicle (EV) fastcharging stations along all highways and major roadways located approximately 150 kilometres apart. Spanning the entirety of the province, B.C.’s Electric Highway will open up EV travel from Alaska all through British Columbia and along the west coast down to California. All B.C. sites will be energized, in service and open to the public before the end of September.
“From unprecedented wildfires, drought and flooding, British Columbians are on the frontlines of climate change. They are seeing the impacts on their communities and making the switch to clean energy – including electric vehicles – in record numbers,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “That’s why we are building out the infrastructure we need to power B.C.’s future with clean, affordable electricity. The completion of B.C.’s Electric Highway is a historic milestone in connecting our province and making clean energy more
accessible and reliable.”
B.C.’s Electric Highway network includes 155 charging sites and more than 310 fast chargers, with some sites offering additional Level 2 chargers. The network’s broad geographic coverage ensures that EV drivers can confidently travel anywhere in B.C., knowing they are never far from a fast-charging station. This helps address “range anxiety” – a concern of potential EV drivers – by guaranteeing that no part of the province is out of reach for EVs.
The completion of B.C.’s Electric Highway by summer 2024 fulfils a key commitment of CleanBC, the Province’s climate action plan. In addition, the Province is working toward an overall target of building 10,000 public charging stations by 2030. As of August 2024, there are more than 5,300 public charging stations in the province, an increase of nearly 350% since 2018.
“Making the switch to an electric vehicle means less pollution, and cleaner, healthier air in our communities in addition to lower greenhouse gas emissions. We know that British Columbians need confidence they can charge up easily when travelling throughout our province,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “By investing in public charging infrastructure and completing B.C.’s Electric Highway, clean travel options will be more accessible for people and businesses as we continue our work to build a sustainable future for all British Columbians.”
Completing B.C.’s Electric Highway was a collaborative effort involving utilities, local governments, Indigenous communities, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and the private sector. The Province has contributed more than $13 million directly to this initiative through the GoElectric Public Charger Program and additional funding through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
In addition to the completion of the Electric Highway, the Province also announced Sept. 6, 2024, a $14-million boost to the GoElectric Home and Workplace Charger Program. This funding will support individuals and businesses to install EV chargers at their homes and workplaces, further expanding the accessibility and convenience of electric vehicles in B.C. and making the shift to electric transportation even more seamless. This initiative, managed by BC Hydro and FortisBC (for their electric utility in the southern Interior), is already accepting applications and is a crucial component of the Province’s broader strategy to make electric vehicle ownership a practical and attractive option for all British Columbians.
In another first for British Columbia, BC Hydro will start rolling out 400 kW charging stations, capable of providing up to 100 kilometres of charge in just two to three minutes, early next year. While no locations have been confirmed, the plan is to place these chargers close to major highways where drivers have the greatest need for charging quickly.
2025 TRAINING PROGRAM
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TH E IN-CLASS TECH TRAINING
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• Sign in or sign up to napaautotech.ca. If needed, go to the Canada Subscription page and subscribe to the premium package.
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• If you have any questions, contact your NAPA Auto Parts store or contact us at napaautotech@matthewscott.com.
WOMEN AND WHEELS
THE CATALYST FOR CHANGE IN CANADA’S AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY IS RAPIDLY CHANGING, AND WOMEN MAY BE THE DRIVING FORCE NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS.
By Katie Moore
AS 2024 COMES TO A CLOSE AND WE GEAR UP FOR THE EXCITEMENT AND POSSIBILITIES OF A NEW YEAR, IT’S A GOOD TIME FOR ALL OF US TO LOOK BACK AND PREPARE FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD IN CANADA’S AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST ABOUT CARS, THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY SYMBOLIZES OPPORTUNITIES AND INNOVATION, AND PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN CONNECTING PEOPLE ALL ACROSS CANADA.
With the continued growth and advancements in the industry, there is much to look forward to in 2025, and a key driver of its ongoing progress is a historically underrepresented demographic: women. Although women face unique challenges in the automo-
tive industry, there are also great opportunities for leading progress in such a growing field, and there are women already in the driver’s seat that are working hard towards diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Statistics Canada data from 2020 states that women remain a highly underrepresented group in the industry at just 25% of all motor vehicle parts manufacturers and 23% of motor vehicle manufacturers, despite representing 48% of the workforce across all industries. The imbalance is even more clear within positions of leadership, making up just 10% of supervisors within motor vehicle assembling in 2019.
There are several explanations for this gender disparity, including what CEO of the Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement (CADIA), Cheryl Thompson, calls “benevolent sexism”. This could also be called “friendly” or “wellmeaning” sexism, whereby men in leadership positions refuse women opportunities with the implicit bias of viewing women as requiring protection. This “protection” however, belittles and disrespects professional women in the process.
“I DIDN’T WANT PEOPLE TO THINK I WASN’T AS COMMITTED BECAUSE I WAS A MOM AND HAD A KID TO CARE FOR.”
In Thompson’s words, “I just felt like I was being coddled sometimes… I didn’t want people to think I wasn’t as committed because I was a mom and had a kid to care for.” She continues by stating that women are taught to keep their personal lives a secret: “Don’t let them know you have kids, don’t have pictures of your kids on your desk, don’t talk about your after-school activities with [coworkers],” as doing so is considered a “career derailer”.
While many of these challenges carry on, there is an ongoing industry-wide shift towards gender equality and inclusion, largely driven by companies’ initiatives, mentorship programs, and women automotive workers that are already leading the path for more to follow. And with the industry racing to work towards vehicle electrification in the face of an increasingly prevalent climate crisis, diversifying by shrinking the gender gap may be exactly the fresh breath of air that the industry needs to succeed.
Organizations like CADIA are leaders in this systematic shift. Founded by Thompson in 2017, CADIA offers mentorship and professional development for women to advance in their automo tive careers, including into leadership positions, by helping “cre ate systemic, organizational change at the company level.”
Amanda Sayers, Director of Skills, Talent and Workforce Development at the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) is an other example of a leader in this effort. The company expects that “there are many exciting years to come for the industry and with that will come many opportunities for women.” Say ers and her all-female team work to appeal to, train, and launch the careers of women in fields like automotives where they are underrepresented.
“tangible benefits, including more holistic decision-making and improved financial performance.”
Research conducted by McKinsey & Company of 366 public companies globally found that those in the top per centile for gender diversity are 15% more likely to have financial returns that are above the median for all national companies in their given industry. As they explain, more diverse companies “are better able to win top talent and improve their customer orientation, employee satisfaction, and decision making, and all that leads to a virtuous cycle of increasing returns.”
The future of Canada’s automotive industry holds a lot of promise for women that are ready to take the wheel. By breaking down barriers and improving diversity, the industry not only empowers women but also strengthens itself. As we drive towards 2025 and beyond, inclusivity through mentorship, education, and training will ensure a prosperous and innovative industry.
For women considering a career in the automotive industry, right now is a great time to start. Diverse teams in the automotive industry would benefit not only women, but also the industry itself, and companies are beginning to realize this.
According to the key findings from Deloitte’s 2020 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Automotive study, companies that make greater efforts into diversifying their leadership teams may see
Katie Moore is an emerging writer with a B.A. in law and business, as well as GIAC certifications in cyber security. Aside from writing, she is highly interested in technology, sustainability, history, art, and animals (especially her cat, Maisie).
Hunter’s new HawkEye® XL commercial aligner measures three axles in four minutes or less.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD
WEIRD, STRANGE AND BIZARRE TIDBITS COLLECTED FROM ALL AROUND THE WEB
HOW A FERRARI EXEC UNCOVERED A SCAMMER POSING AS THE COMPANY’S CEO
Artificial intelligence has made scams so elaborate that it can be difficult to tell what’s real and what’s not. An unnamed Ferrari executive was recently targeted by a scammer who made a pretty convincing impersonation of company CEO Benedetto Vigna until he was outsmarted.
The scammer contacted the Ferrari exec via WhatsApp posing as Vigna, though the phone number and the profile picture didn’t match the ones that the CEO normally uses. The message said “Hey, did you hear about the big acquisition we’re planning? I could need your help,” according toThe Drive. The executive seemingly replied, and the conversation continued until the scammer called his would-be victim.
Stunningly, the person on the other end of the line reportedly sounded exactly like Vigna, down to his accent from southern Italy. It sounds like the scammer used an artificial intelligence-powered software to replicate the CEO’s voice. Something still sounded off to the executive so he asked the alleged Vigna a simple question: “what book did you recently recommend that I read?” The scammer had no clue — AI doesn’t do that yet — and hung up. If you’re wondering, the correct answer was “Decalogue of Complexity: Acting, Learning, and Adapting in the Incessant Becoming of the World,” which was written by Italian author Alberto Felice de Toni and published earlier in 2024.
Ferrari opened an internal investigation into the phone call and discovered that the scammer wanted to talk about “a China-related deal” requiring a currencyhedge transaction, according to The Drive. The person wanted money, but there’s no word yet on who was behind the scam. He would have gotten away with it, too, but it wasn’t a group of meddling kids and a dog traveling in a colorful van that stopped him; it’s quick, acute thinking on the exec’s part.
HTTPS://WWW.AUTOBLOG.COM
V-16 ENGINE MADE FROM 16 CHAINSAWS
Allow us to introduce the Garage 54 crew. These folks are next-level ridiculous, responsible for making pistons out of plastic, using gas struts from office chairs for suspension components, and putting mechanical legs on a Lada. It’s been a minute since we checked in on their wacky antics, and what did we find? Chainsaws. Lots of them.
These are Hüter BS-62 chainsaws, each with a 58cc two-stroke engine making 4.5 horsepower. Multiply that by 16 and you get a 928cc monstrosity that, in theory, should make a combined 72 horsepower. However, after watching the build, we have some concerns about parasitic power loss.
To make this V-16, the team simply fabricated a steel frame so the individual engines could be mounted in a V, eight per bank. A cable connects all the throt-
tles so they operate at roughly the same speed, and geared pulleys are welded to each tiny crankshaft. They turn a power shaft using no less than 16 belts, thus combining all the power into a single point. A hacked-up Lada engine donates a flywheel to the cause, allowing a manual transmission to be bolted up.
We give the Garage 54 crew credit. It’s all bridged together with a single starter and it actually runs. Sure, there are some minor fuel leaks. And some of the engines appear to literally shake themselves loose. The video mentions several trial-and-error sessions trying to get everything dialed in, and honestly, it still doesn’t look entirely buttoned up at the end.
Sadly, we don’t see it installed in a car just yet—that’s promised for a future video. But with the vibrations, the weight of the custom power shaft, the flywheel, the transmission, and all those rubber belts sucking up power, we’d be surprised if even the most threadbare Lada can move without killing the engine. But if anyone can pull it off, Garage 54 can.
HTTPS://WWW.MOTOR1.COM
NEW JERSEY COUPLE’S TESLA GETS DAMAGED BY FISH FALLING FROM THE SKY
Unless you find yourself somehow living through a biblical plague, fish don’t normally fly. At least, that’s what a couple in Atlantic Highlands, N.J., thought until their Tesla was damaged by a falling fish outside their home.
The Tesla was parked in their driveway when the falling fish was caught on camera. The owners, Cynthia and Jeff Levine, said they didn’t know what happened at first. Cynthia said, “The car started honking, it went crazy honking, which we had never heard, I didn’t know how to turn it off. I went out and he was in the yard somewhere, he heard the crash and everything but ignored it. We were like holy crap look at this, and I said to him, it looks like fish scales and blood on the windshield.”
The couple lives about a mile away from the water, where a hawk or other bird could have caught a fish and fumbled it midair. The couple noted that there is an eagle nest nearby.
It’s a story I’m familiar with. I live on a river in Maine, and we have a bald eagle family living in our backvyard. Beyond all the random sticks and materials they drop trying to add to their already VW Beetlesized nest, we’ve had fish rain down, with one narrowly missing a Land Rover Defender I was testing last summer.
I’ve been lucky enough to avoid having one of my cars “fished,” and the damage to the Levines’ car shows just how destructive a direct hit can be. The glass on their car’s roof was shattered, and that’s before they had to clean the scales and blood, but the couple should have gotten the car back from repairs by now.
Despite the damage, the pair has maintained a good sense of humor about the incident. “I lowered my deductibles, so if any birds are listening, please don’t drop it here because I’m covered now,” Jeff said.
SMELLS LIKE....
EAU DE FLAT TYRE?
Nissan’s Formula E team has a strange new ploy to try and interest young Chinese fans in all-electric racing
Hang on, wasn’t April Fools’ Day almost several months ago? We think someone at Nissan might be pulling our leg, because it has just announced a new and exclusive ‘fragrance’ to celebrate this weekend’s inaugural Formula E race in Shanghai.
Said fragrance – which Nissan is calling ‘Smell My Dust’ – will apparently smell like a heady combination of cherry blossom and tyre smoke. We promise we’re not making this up.
“Nissan Formula E Team’s new scent combines tones of Sakura, the flower displayed on the cars, with the smell of tyre remnants from the team’s Nissan e-4ORCE 04 race cars to combine a surprising concoction,” says erm… Nissan.
“A top note of cherry blossom
branches and rosemary were combined with burnt sugar and woody tones. The result is a fragrance that embodies the beauty of cherry blossom with the thrill and grit of a racing team.” What on earth is going on?
Apparently a Shanghai perfumer created the fragrance using real remnants of Formula E-spec tyres, and Nissan tells us the Chinese perfume market is currently booming thanks to “Gen Z’s obsession with niche fragrances”. There’s niche, and then there’s wanting-to-smell-like-a-floralburnout niche.
Anyway, Nissan hopes this stench will connect its Formula E team with a new generation of potential fans, but it also says that “wearing fragrances has been scientifically proven to boost emotions like confidence and self-esteem” so perhaps it’ll get drivers Oliver Rowland and Sacha Fenestraz to splash a bit on before the race this weekend.
HTTPS://WWW.TOPGEAR.COM
CHANGING LANES:
AUTOMOTIVE AND TRUCKING TRENDS TO WATCH FOR IN 2025
WHETHER IT’S AUTONOMOUS DRIVING, CAR CONNECTIVITY OR EVEN CHINESE OEMS LEADING THE WORLD’S INNOVATIONS, THERE’S AN AUTOMOTIVE REVOLUTION UNDERWAY AND WE’RE EXCITED TO OBSERVE AND REPORT ON WHAT’S COMING DOWN THE PIPELINE. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THE COMING MONTHS.
By Carter Hammett
THE CANADIAN AUTOMOTIVE AND TRUCKING INDUSTRIES HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SIGNIFICANT GROWTH–AND GROWING PAINS–DURING THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.
Whether it’s the explosive growth of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, the rise in used car sales, or the mobility revolution within connected and autonomous vehicle technologies, the industry is changing, moving, growing in leaps and bounds.Furthermore Canada is now numero uno in the world for battery supply chain. Our fair nation made it to the top spot in BloombergNEF’s 2024 Global Lithium Ion Battery Supply Chain ranking, due in large part to a healthy mineral sector, and post-Covid commitments to develop a self reliant, end-to-end battery supply chain.
As if that weren’t enough Ontario is also the country’s hotspot for EV production. The province has already amassed over $28 billion in investments for several innovations including transitioning hybrid vehicle manufacturing to full on EV manufacturing.
But this is just one of several trends we see emerging over the next year and beyond. In our latest roundup of emerging trends we spotlight some of the most significant developments happening in Canada right now. So, sit right back, fasten your seatbelt and let us do the driving as we countdown some of the most exciting things to look forward to in the coming months.
CONNECTED CARS
Perhaps the most exciting trend is the explosion of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies. Moving forward, we are now in a position to determine how these vehicles are powered and where they will be produced.
By the end of 2025, pundits project that the North American connected car market size will reach $166 billion.
According to Statistics Canada, ‘the number of commuters reached 16.5 million in May 2024, continuing an upward trend that followed notable declines recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The number of commuters was up 585,000 (+3.7%) in May 2024 compared to May 2023, driven by employment growth (+373,000 or +1.9%) and by an increase in the share of the employed population working at locations other than home.’
Furthermore, ‘commuting is a fact of life for many Canadians. However, it has financial costs, and for those with long commutes, it can be associated with negative health outcomes and challenges maintaining work-life balance.’ It can be easily stated that Canadians spend hundreds of hours commuting every year, and this makes the North American auto market a prime target for connected car app development.
For the uninitiated, ‘connected cars’ basically mean cars with Internet capability. Thus, connected vehicles can swap info, download software for a plethora of needs and connect with IoT devices, among other functions. And whether it’s updates or entertainment, connectivity is fast becoming the new normal.
The biggest perk for connected cars is sharing data and understanding how this works is rather important for comprehending how automotive apps work.
The process occurs on several levels including: Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) where the vehicle interfaces with its environment to obtain intel about weather, road conditions, parking and other factors.
Not to be outdone, Vehicle- to- Vehicle (V2V) communicate with each other about their location and exchange information on unfavourable traffic situations, accidents and more.
Furthermore, Vehicle to Pedestrians (V2P) identify pedestrians and inform other cars about their activities with smartphone notifications while Vehicle to Cloud (V2C) interchanges data with cloud analytics platforms. Vehicle sensors collect info and upload it to the cloud for processing. The platform then sends info, such as predictive maintenance analytics, back to the driver along with other insights.
Finally Vehicle to Everything (V2X) essentially means just that: data interchange occurs between a vehicle and other objects on the street, including traffic lights and road markings.
For drivers, the benefits these apps offer are seemingly endless. For starters, a vehicle’s safety and efficiency are enhanced; drivers can monitor the state of their vehicle and act accordingly when problems occur. Furthermore, third-party tools can augment a car’s capabilities through functions like advanced navigation systems, AI-driven security and
in-car entertainment systems. Smart routing systems enable drivers to reach a location more efficiently and could potentially increase accessibility for drivers with disabilities, among a plethora of other benefits. Finally while these advances can be pricey, the impact of both fuel and time saved overall is hard to debate.
THE ELECTRIFICATION OF EVERYTHING
Like it or not, the march towards electrification remains unstoppable. After a slow start Data provider predicts Canada’s EV market share will hit 16 per cent by the end of 2024.
This is a full per centage increase up from Q1. Additionally, sales have picked up and appear to be outpacing those of the U.S. which claims 10 per cent.
The strong numbers from S&P follow the trend set by Statistics Canada, which released its own tally for Q2 2024, showing zero-emission vehicles ( ZEVs) registrations in Canada hit 12.9 per cent.
In terms of market share, Canada is outpacing the U.S., which has an overall ZEV penetration of 10 per cent, according to S&P. The automotive intelligence provider also predicts Canada’s ZEV adoption rate will reach 16 per cent by the end of the year.
Looking only at battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), Canada’s adoption rate hit 9.9 per cent in Q2 2024 versus 9.2 per cent in Q1.
For plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the Q2 2024 adoption rate is 3.5 per cent, up slightly from 3.3 per cent in Q1 2024.
Across Europe, new car sales could rise by 34% during the continued electrification process - from around 18 million to just over 24 million units.
The shift to emissions-free driving depends heavily on the electrification of drivetrains. A key driver is the
reduction of local pollutants, including harmful emissions, dust, and noise.. The goal is that the power for these vehicles will stem from renewable energy sources, ensuring carbon-neutral mobility for a more sustainable future.
One-in- four UK BMW vehicles in 2023 was fully electric; and in July 2024, the overall sales of Tesla vehicles in Europe were surpassed by BMW.
BMW announced that its Munich plant will begin producing the Neue Klasse in 2026. By the end of 2027, the facility will focus entirely on all-electric vehicles, becoming the first in BMW’s production network to fully transition to electric mobility.
Closer to home, one of the biggest challenges is the availability of EVs. Ontario also plans to secure a supply of EVs that consumers can purchase, particularly those made in Canada.
Once these EV manufacturing facilities get ramped up, this will create more vehicle options and the ability to purchase more vehicles. And with more cars available, its anticipated the price will become more competitive.
A frequently-sited concern is charging infrastructure. Despite a solid plan at both federal and provincial levels, consumers still express range anxiety. Ontario has a $91 million fund to support increasing the number of public chargers that we have on its roads. The federal government also has a number of programs to support charging stations.
This is evidence that both Ontario and Canada are focused on establishing a solid foundation for electrification, encompassing everything from the vehicle to the grid. By supporting the growing commitment to EVs companies are not just making cars and batteries, but also enhancing grid capacity and ensuring that the demand of future transportation needs are not only met, but surpassed.
AI’S UNDENIABLE IMPACT
Smarter. Faster. Safer.
That’s the promise AI intends to deliver as part of the unstoppable ubiquitous march it carries forward as part of the automotive revolution.
Whether it’s advanced driver assistance systems or predictive maintenance, AI is strengthening vehicles across multiple platforms. It is making your car smarter, your truck safer. And how those things occur is diversifying even as these
words are being composed.
Chief among our concerns is driver safety. An AI-safety system can be configured to notify a driver about travelling through an intersection with a particularly high accident rate-–ironically, it’s the smallest province, P.E.I., that has the highest rate of injuries from car accidents with 287 injuries per 100,000 population. New Brunswick comes in second with 8.6 car accident fatalities per 100,000 people in 2021—and even prep the brakes for
most potential emergencies.
Another feature holding a lot of promise is in-cabin monitoring. Imagine a system configured to create alerts or modify music or temperature if a driver becomes drowsy.
Indeed, collision avoidance and driver safety are becoming increasingly more sophisticated. They can proactively avoid accidents in foggy weather, detect a driver’s blind spots. New drivers are also offered protection by AI’s intelligent systems compiled from millions of hours of driving data.
Make no mistake. AI’s time has come and we can hardly wait to see what further changes are coming down the pipeline.
AUTONOMOUS AND AUTOMATION
Inner cities will continue to be the primary focus for automated driving and will be introduced in stages within urban environments as the built environment and infrastructure will buoy the vehicle’s basic deployment.
It’s dazzling to think that thousands of lives might be saved by 2040. In Britian alone, a whopping 44% of Generation Z has expressed interest in adopting these technologies, whereas adults, while slightly more dubious about trusting these types of vehicles still clocks in at a relatively healthy 29%.
With the potential for an enhanced driver experience obtained by smart time management, increased safety and better fuel efficiency, self-driving vehicles hold a lot of promise.
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Indeed, 2025 was the year when 3.5 million autonomous vehicles supposedly hit the road, with a projected increase of 4.5 million by 2030. The impact on manufacturing is undeniable: everything from assembly to design and resource allocation for newly trained workforces will be affected. And while urbanization is creating the environment for these vehicles to proliferate, only time will tell before consumer confidence is in synch with this new addition to the roads.
DRIVE CLEAN
OTHER TRENDS THAT CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION
CHINESE OEMS THE IDEAS LEADER
China is positioned to lead the way in everything from autonomous vehicles to EV production and connectivity. In short, it will be the global leader in enhancing the consumer driving experience.
BATTERY LONGEVITY
Pundits predict that the next generation of batteries will actually outlast the cars that they power, meaning that their residual value will be worth more than the vehicles at the lifecycle’s end.
SUV SALES CONTINUE TO INCREASE
Contrary to the negative messaging of the environmentalists, like it or not, SUVs will be not be disappearing overnight. Don’t be surprised if this upward grows to the point where 65% of all passenger vehicle sales will be SUVs.
MULTI-CYCLE SERVICE PROVIDERS LOOM ON THE HORIZON
Another trend to keep in mind is the direction that OEMs are heading in. These outlets will be offering multi-cycle vehicles (second-and-third hand cars) that will feature integrated features that unify energy, connectivity and vehicle-as-service models, and include subscription plans that go well beyond monthly historical car leasing models.
So there you have it: with all the innovations happening at breakneck speed, it’s clear that the world of transportation is undergoing a profound revolution, the likes of which have never bee n seen before. In fact, I hesitate to say it will have an impact on virtually every aspect of our lives.
Despite some industry hiccups, the threat of 25% tariffs and stratospheric cost of living, the transportation industry’s resilience is something to behold. It’s ability to bounce back is nothing short of incredible and its future is nothing short of celebration.
WITH ALL THE DISRUPTIVE CHANGE HAPPENING IN THE VEHICLE INDUSTRY LATELY, IT’S ONLY NATURAL THAT MANY AUTOMOTIVE BRANDS ARE CREATING THEIR OWN APPS FOR DRIVERS. BUT WAIT, DEALERS, PARTS SELLERS AND MECHANICS ARE ALL BEING TARGETTED TOO. INDEED, THERE’S BEEN A MASSIVE SHIFT IN APP DEVELOPMENT, WHICH MIRRORS THE INNOVATION BEING SEEN WITHIN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. HEREIN A FEW OF OUR FAVE APPS THAT HAVE OUR TONGUES WAGGING.
1. PLUGSHARE
— IS FREE, AVAILABLE BOTH FOR ANDROID AND IOS THAT MAKES FINDING A CHARGING STATION THAT MUCH EASIER. WHETHER THE STATION’S PUBLIC, QUICKCHARGE OR PRIVATE, MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT TELLS YOU WHICH ONE’S IN USE. THE APP MIRRORS PLUGSHARE.COM SITE AND ALSO OFFERS CONTACT INFO, DIRECT MESSAGING WITH CHARGER OWNERS AND EVEN DIRECTIONS.
2. WAZE
— FREE APP AVAILABLE FOR BOTH IOS AND ANDROID. ALTHOUGH THIS ONE ALWAYS MAKES OUR LIST, WOULDJA BELIEVE GOOGLE COUGHED UP A BILLION BUCKS TO PURCHASE IT? WAZE IS A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN NAVIGATION APP THAT FACILITATES USER DATA TO HELP YOU AVOID TRAFFIC JAMS, ACCIDENTS AND EVEN GAS PRICES. IT WILL ALSO INFORM YOU IF OUR BOYS IN BLUE ARE NEARBY. TRUST US WHEN WE SAY YOU NEED THIS APP.
3.
IEXIT
— NEW TO OUR LIST THIS YEAR IS IEXIT, A GREAT NEW APP FOR TRUCKERS THAT INFORMS YOU OF UPCOMING EXITS ON THE HIGHWAY. IT CAN USE YOUR DEVICE’S LOCATION TO DETERMINE YOUR WHEREABOUTS AND THEN SHOWS YOU EXITS IN REAL TIME. FURTHERMORE, IT CAN ALSO TELL YOU AMENITIES LIKE COFFEE AND CAMPING, REST STOPS AND MORE. TRUCKERS CAN USE IT TO FIND BUSINESSES RIGHT ACROSS THE U.S.
4. MIND SHIFT
— EVERY YEAR I TRY TO INCLUDE ONE APP FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND THIS YEAR’S NO DIFFERENT. PRODUCED BY ANXIETY CANADA, MIND SHIFT USES A COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY MODEL TO HELP YOU RELAX AND TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR ANXIETY. THERE IS A COMMUNITY FORUM ALONG WITH PEER-TO-PEER SUPPORT. ESSENTIAL FOR THOSE LONG AND LONELY NIGHTS OF THE DARK SOUL.
AND FINALLY…
5. AUTOMATIC
— IS A CONNECTED CAR THAT IS PRIMARILY FOR AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE. PLATFORMS INCLUDE IOS, ANDROID AND THE WEB. AMONG A PLETHORA OF FEATURES IT OFFERS ARE VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS, CRASH ALERTS, TRIP LOGGING AND PARKING AVAILABILITY. IT ALSO INCLUDES THIRD PARTY INTEGRATION WHICH ALLOWS IT TO DEVELOP A HUGE RESERVOIR OF SERVICES THAT ENHANCE EXISTING FEATURES.
SUSTAINABLE CHANGES IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY IN CANADA IN 2025
WITH THE COST OF LIFE SOARING BEYOND OUR MEANS, VEHICLE PURCHASES ARE BECOMING SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS ACTIONS WITH AN EYE ON SUSTAINABILITY. BUT WHAT EXACTLY DOES THIS MEAN FOR CAR BUYERS OF THE FUTURE?
By Sebastien Dorelas
OVER THE PAST DECADE THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL CHANGES. These transformations are closely linked to the evolution of modern technologies. Drivers noticed the increasing automation, the emergence of intelligent vehicles and the electrification of cars. These modifications brought the industry forward as a whole. One of the most important factors behind this broader shift is sustainability. This approach aims at planning and developing a balance between our environmental, social and economic needs and impacts for the betterment of future generations. In Canada, the interest in sustainability has grown over the last few years. Consumers are paying more attention to organizations and their sustainable approach. A study from Agriculture Canada indicates that 70 per cent of Canadians seek food with environmentally sustainable production. If Canadians are concerned about sustainability when it comes to food, does it mean they have the same interest when it comes to their vehicles?
CANADIANS AND THEIR APPETITE FOR SUSTAINABLE DRIVING
There is an interest from Canadians regarding sustainable vehicles. In fact, the sales are still going strong. According to Volvo Car Canada’s 2024 Mobility Report, six –out- of- 10 Canadians will consider an electric vehicle for their next car purchase. This year, 418,800 new battery-powered electric passenger vehicles have been registered across this country. This cultural shift toward sustainability is also driven by government policies. The federal government offers rebates of up to $5,000 for any Canadian who buys or leases a zero-emission vehicle. This program is available until March 31, 2025. With stricter emission regulations, the major automotive manufacturers are putting their best foot forward to comply with bringing more sustainable technologies to drivers.
ARE CANADIANS READY FOR FULLY SUSTAINABLE VEHICLES?
It is clear that Canadian consumers are witnessing a shift towards sustainable vehicles. While this transition is taking place, several challenges remain. Those are part of the growing pains in establishing a sustainable automotive culture and industry from coast-to-coast.
SWITCHING TO EV COMES WITH A COST BEYOND SUSTAINABILITY
One of the biggest challenges to establish this sustainable automotive culture is the cost. It is true that electric vehicles are getting more affordable as the technology matures, but even with the federal rebates, a brand-new EV can still cost up to $45,000. Additionally, you need to have a home charging station. This adds an amount between $1,000 and $3,000 to the bill. In this economy where the average Canadian is pinching their pennies to make ends meet, the idea of opting for a sustainable vehicle looks great ideally, but not very practical in the day- to- day. Many Canadians have pushed back on the idea of buying a new vehicle. They are also looking at other options, such as mobility services including ride-hailing and car-sharing, in an effort to save money. These new services are drastically changing the once established unique relationship between Canadian drivers and the automotive industry as ownership is no longer the only possible way.
ARE SODIUM-ION BATTERIES THE NEW BLACK?
With advancing technologies such as lithium-ion and sodium batteries, the industry is heading in the right direction when it comes to sustainability. The electric vehicle industry is constantly seeking ways to improve sustainability while reducing its footprint. There is a strong position from experts advocating for switching from Lithium-ion batteries to sodium ones. In fact, researchers estimate that the sodium batteries should be affordable soon, as they predict a cost of $10/kWh by 2028. But there are still a few challenges left to solve. For instance, sodium batteries tend to decline rapidly after being charged and discharged repeatedly.
SUSTAINABLE DRIVING AND SOCIAL HABITS
While technology keeps progressing, social norms are also going towards a more sustainable way of life. Humans are more connected to technology than they have ever been, from smart-
phones to smartwatches to smart homes with state- of- the- art appliances. Cars have also become a product and by default, an extension of this socially connected environment. It’s no longer about the vehicle you drive, but how and why you drive it. The experiential factor weighs a lot more than it ever did for drivers. Telsa cars offer innovation and technology, while being amongst the most sustainable cars on the market right now compared with other internal combustion engine vehicles. Telsa drivers are often in a league of their own because they love cutting-edge technology while aiming to reduce gas emission into the environment.
ECO-RESPONSIBLE DRIVING SOCIAL HABITS APPLICABLE DAILY
Social norms encouraged us to drive a few decades ago, now they push us to be eco-responsible drivers. They appeal to our intelligence and reason for making smarter choices and using alternative means of transportation. Carpooling and ridesharing have become popular in major cities across the country. Biking has become a wallet-friendly way to commute while helping people burn calories. Public transportation systems manage to move thousands of people quickly and efficiently while offsetting the carbon footprint of individuals driving their cars.
As the new year begins, the automotive industry will continue its journey towards sustainability. There are many challenges ahead of us when it comes to making EV vehicles affordable, commercializing sodium batteries or simply encouraging better use of alternative means of transportation. Society can overcome these hurdles by making some changes. After all, sustainability is also thinking about and anticipating tomorrow’s needs.
“RESEARCHERS ESTIMATE THAT SODIUM BATTERIES SHOULD BE AFFORDABLE SOON, AS THEY PREDICT A COST OF $10/KWH BY 2028.”
Sebastien Dorelas is a communication and media specialist with over 12 years of experience creating, curating and managing digital content and stories to build relationships between organizations and individuals.
Sebastien graduated from Communication Studies at Concordia University (BA 09) and has two graduate certificates from Humber College (2018).
CAR ACCESSORIES WITH BUZZ!
NEVERMIND, THE CONNECTIVITY, THE GRID AND THE CONSTANT NEED TO BE ENTERTAINED! OUR WRITER PREVIEWS A SELECTION OF SOME OF THE HOT AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR VEHICLE IN THE COMING YEAR! FASTEN YOUR
SEATBELTS!
By Rohit Narayan Sholingur
After witnessing turbulence for the past few years, the automotive industry will make a full on recovery in 2025. With innovations in technology, shift towards sustainability and constant changes in consumer preferences; the industry is evolving at a rapid pace. As we look towards the future of the automotive industry, several trends are shaping up for 2025, namely trends related to car accessories. In 2025, we’ll see car accessories that are not only smart but those that enhance convenience, safety and sustainability.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP ACCESSORIES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2025 TO ENHANCE YOUR DRIVING EXPERIENCE,
SMART DASH CAMS
The year 2025 will set the new standard for driver safety with modern day AI powered dash cams serving as a reliable tool for insurance claims and security. One such is the AI based Nextbase iQ by Nextbase. The key features include Smart Sense Parking, a dual-technology feature using proximity sensing spatial awareness and G-force sensors to scan the surroundings and provide real-time notifications to the driver’s smartphone device, complete with imagery and video, warning the user of potential hazards. Moreover, it has a Witness Mode which empowers the driver to activate a cloud-saving mode with voice commands, ensuring that a 30-minute video block is securely stored in the cloud while simultaneously notifying an emergency contact.
SMART AIR DIFFUSERS
The next-gen car diffusers come with AI powered vibration sensors that automatically turn on when the driver starts the car and turns off when the engine goes off ,efficiently saving power and saving fragrance waste, a prime example of this would be the Pura Car smart diffuser , which not only is small and compactable but ensures optimal convenience and control for it’s users. In addition, the Pura Car is made with clean and safe ingredients which exude a premium quality fragrance without compromising on safety.
EV
CAMPING PLATFORM BEDS
An innovative setup for camping enthusiasts who happen to own an EV are the modern day camping platform beds which integrate seamlessly with EV interiors , offering a compact and comfortable sleeping space. The Teraglide platform bed, developed by the New Zealand-based startup, consists of s wooden base which despite being lightweight, is strong and sturdy in nature and is capable of being folded when not in use to maximize space.
OFF-ROAD-READY ROOFTOP TENTS
A growing trend among the camping community is the rise in use of rooftop tents which are designed to be mounted on top of a vehicle’s roof rack, making camping in remote and challenging terrains where traditional ground tents might not be practical. The ARB Altitude Rooftop Tent provides a comfortable camping solution for adventure-seeking explorers. The tent provides a comfortable 2.8 inch dual density foam mattress along with a number of tech accoutrements like USB charging ports, a twoway ceiling fan for ventilation and LED lighting.
In summary, the demand for technological advancements mark 2025 as a year for ideas and innovations to introduce trendy new car accessories to the automotive market.
“2025 WILL SET THE NEW STANDARD FOR DRIVER SAFETY WITHMODERN DAY AI POWERED DASH CAMS SERVING AS A RELIABLE TOOL FOR INSURANCE CLAIMS AND SECURITY.”
gur - is a Milton based writer and a graduate from Humber College with a background in Film and Media Studies.
BICYCLES GAINING TRACTION WITHIN CITIES
WHILE THE CAR REMAINS KING IN TERMS OF TRANSPORTATION, ONE 2025 TREND THAT’S GAINING TRACTION IS THE SHIFT TOWARDS INCREASED MICROMOBILITY AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THAT PERENNIAL GAS-GUZZLING FAVOURITE.
By Kirk Mathieson
22 KILOMETRES. $48 MILLION DOLLARS.
That’s the approximate length of the bike lanes the Ford government wants to remove from downtown Toronto, and the estimated cost, according to the city. The province says it wants to address traffic congestion on three of the city’s busiest roads, but critics say the move scapegoats cyclists and could make the current situation worse by discouraging alternate forms of transportation and funnelling even more cars into an already gridlocked downtown core.
How the controversy will be resolved remains to be seen. But perhaps this is a time to reflect on how we think about commuting, and why cars continue to dominate in an era of otherwise reduced carbon footprints.
On the surface, the numbers are encouraging. Two thirds of Canadian neighbourhoods have some form of cycling infrastructure; in 2023, sales of bicycles and related accessories across Canada hit $1.7 billion. In 2022, 6.2% of Canadians walked or cycled to work while 7.7% commuted by public transit. Sales of electric vehicles also rose dramatically, with the number of registrations doubling between 2020 and 2022.
It would seem we are doing well compared to other North American countries; but a look across the Atlantic tells a very different story.
Of the top ten countries with the highest bicycle usage, eight are in Europe. The Netherlands tops the list with a staggering 99% rate of bike ownership, with Denmark and Germany coming in second and third with 81% and 75% respectively. But the trend toward healthy mobility doesn’t stop with ownership; these countries have created a culture around all aspects of cycling –
commuting, recreational and personal.
In the Netherlands, for example, more than 25% of all trips are made by bicycle. The government offers tax incentives for people who cycle to work, and many workplaces have bike storage facilities and change rooms on site. Denmark has also invested extensively in cycling infrastructure, including several “cycle superhighways” in Copenhagen that connect the downtown area with the outlying suburban areas.
“Copenhagen has demonstrated that with a network of simple, safe and connected infrastructure, the bicycle can be a competitive mode of transportation for people of all ages and abilities,” writes James Thoem in the Copenhagenize blog. “Cycle through Copenhagen (and beyond) and you’ll notice that no matter the context, cycling is rather easy in its simplicity. Simpler yet, cycling infrastructure appears in four basic typologies: traffic calmed streets, painted bike lanes, separated cycle tracks and green routes to get you where you need to go.”
The worldwide trend towards sustainability is picking up speed. So why does Canada lag so far behind?
In a word: Geography. As the second largest country in the world, we are spread out over six time zones and nearly 7500 km from coast- to- coast. The challenge of uniting the country and connecting distant communities was critical to our success as a nation. The completion of the Trans-Canada Highway in 1962 opened up a new era in trade and transportation, and much of our economy was built around these industries.
This pattern has extended downward to the local level as well. Cities are designed for cars, and urban sprawl has tied them inexorably to our routines and lifestyles – especially our commut-
ing habits. As the suburbs have migrated outward and upward along with their own roads and local streets, driving has become the norm, while micromobility options such as cycling have been largely shunted aside in favour of the status quo.
The solution? Clearly, more cycling infrastructure is needed, but that’s only part of the story. Fundamentally, there has to be a shift in how we think about travelling and, more broadly, how we approach life and work in the context of our ever- expanding urban environments. There are many grassroots organizations such as Cycle Toronto working to promote increased awareness of the issue, but the power to change ultimately resides in the choices we make on a daily basis.
Making any change requires commitment, and downsizing to two wheels is no exception. The good news is that progress is being made in Europe and many other places, and we can follow their example as we embrace the challenges of modern living and work towards a greener future.
‘FAMILY-ORIENTED SINCE DAY 1’:
WHETHER YOU’RE A BLOOD RELATIVE OR NOT, ALL EMPLOYEES AND CLIENTS ARE TREATED LIKE FAMILY AT THESE TWO NEWFOUNDLAND NAPA SHOPS
By Kristen Lipscombe
At 72 years young, well-known Newfoundland businessman Rex Freake is slowly preparing to pass on his two NAPA Auto Parts shops located in the communities of Gander and Lewisporte onto his trusted staff members, some who are loyal long-time employees who have become adopted-family members, and others who are actually related by blood or marriage.
For Rex, every business he has ever run over about half a century of success has been about treating employees, regular clients and walk-in customers with the kindness and respect you’d expect from others.
“The philosophy I’ve always used is, ‘you’ve always got to look after your employees,’” Rex told Auto and Trucking Atlantic. “And I’ve had a lot of employees over the years, obviously, (including) people who have worked for me for up to 40 years.”
Similarly, “you have to be good to your customers,” said Rex, who serves many small independent garages across the province, always going the extra mile to ensure those businesses get the parts and products they need in a timely fashion.
“And if you have a good customer, you try to keep them,” he said. “Don’t let them go down the road.”
His final piece of advice for those
who will be taking over his NAPA Auto Parts locations, which go by Newhook’s Auto Parts in Gander, which he has owned since 1994 and Lewisporte Auto Supplies, which he purchased in 1980 is to “always pay your bills on time.”
“That brings a lot of success to your company,” said Rex, who would certainly know best. The reason he decided to open up his own auto parts stores several decades ago is because he also ran a private ambulance service and it made simple business sense to service his own vehicles, which totalled about 75 at one time.
He recently sold that business off to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as the province streamlines its ambulance service system, and just within the last couple of years agreed to run his two auto shops under the recognizable and renowned NAPA banner.
The NAPA Auto Parts connection was made by Rex’s son-in-law, Cob Saunders, who is now manager of the Lewisporte location. Cob is married to Rex’s daughter Karen Freake-Saunders, who currently takes care of much of the business operations at both the Gander and Lewisporte shops.
“He introduced me to some of the higher-ups there (at NAPA) and they
popped the question of, ‘would I be interested in moving with them?’ so that’s how it started,” Rex explained.
“I like what I saw; I saw some good numbers,” he said, adding NAPA’s impressive advertising strategy also drew him into the company.
“That was one of the things that sold me,” Rex said. “You turn on your TV, and you watch a hockey game, and you see (the) NAPA (logo) on the ice.” There’s nothing that beats that type of business exposure, he explained.
Cob and Karen got hitched last summer and are now teaming up both in the household and workplace.
“I was a rep on the road for 31 years,” including for the National Automotive Parts Association, i.e. NAPA, Cob said, giving him plenty of expertise in terms of what the company has to offer to its clients.
At the Lewisporte location, Cob manages three other employees, while the Gander shop is a bit bigger, with about eight staff members in total. Unlike most NAPA locations, Lewisporte also serves as a tire distributor, while the Gander store offers parts and paints to suit the needs of old and new clients alike.
“When we switched to NAPA in March of 2022, we doubled in size,” Cob said of rapid growth in recent years, particularly
of switching to NAPA. “It was an easy decision to make because of the volume we would gain in that Gander market.” The two shops are about a half hour apart in the very heart of the friendly Atlantic Canadian province.
“The thing we try to drive home the most is customer satisfaction,” Cob, naturally of course, agreed with his new father-in-law. It’s all about, “getting the right part at the right time and servicing the customer-base as quickly as possible.”
Due to Newfoundland’s isolation from mainland Canada, it can be more difficult to get certain parts, so both Cob and Rex are careful to ensure their shops are wellmaintained and well-stocked at all times – despite the challenge of having to wait for the ferry to arrive on time and drop off products twice weekly.
Thanks to that business integrity and hard work ethic instilled by Rex and carried on by his trusted leaders, such as Cob and Karen, employees tend to stick around for a long time at the two central Newfoundland NAPA Auto Parts stores.
That comes as no surprise, really, since Rex has mentored and overseen hundreds of employees through his various business initiatives, which also include storage solutions and real estate ventures.
Over the years, those employees have included his two other daughters, Kelly and Krystal; his younger brothers, Fred and Dawson; along with nieces, nephews and many others he helped along the way to their own independent career pursuits. Next up might be 30-year-old grandson Joshua, or even his great grandchildren, six-year-old Dawson and two-year-old Bryce, when they’re old enough to learn the NAPA ropes, of course.
“By 75, hopefully I’ll have everything done so that I can walk away and leave it to my (family) to take over,” Rex said, somewhat unconvincingly, his passion for what he does each and every day shining through as he talked proudly about his family’s shared success. “I’m looking at moving on; it’s time for me to retire.”
Walking away is easier said than done for a true businessman who still loves going to work.
“I’ve never sat down and wrote a book on how to run a company,” Rex said, admitting that he always wants to be there to help solve problems and ensure the best possible outcome for his people – staff and clients alike.
But for a business that has “been family-oriented since Day 1,” Rex remains confident he’s leaving his legacy in good hands. We’ll check with him again in
three years to see if he’s finally handed over the reins officially.
Learn more about NAPA Auto Parts products and services at www.napacanada.com
Kristen is a freelance journalist and communications specialist with more than 20 years of experience locally, provincially, nationally and even internationally. She believes that everyone has a story and loves helping others tell them. She’s a writer at heart.
CARWASH SEASONAL MAINTENANCE
REGULAR SEASONAL AND YEARLY MAINTENANCE IS ESSENTIAL FOR KEEPING YOUR CARWASH OPERATING SMOOTHLY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. CONSISTENT UPKEEP HELPS PREVENT COSTLY BREAKDOWNS AND PREPARES YOUR SYSTEM FOR SEASONAL CHANGES, FROM FALL PREPARATIONS TO WINTER’S FREEZING CONDITIONS. TOMMY CAR WASH SYSTEMS OFFERS THIS GUIDE TO HELP YOU BE PROACTIVE IN PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT TO MINIMIZE DOWNTIME AND ENSURE RELIABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE.
By Michael Van Wieren
FALL MAINTENANCE IS THE IDEAL TIME TO PREPARE YOUR EQUIPMENT FOR COLDER MONTHS. PRE-WINTER TUNE-UPS HELP ENSURE YOUR SYSTEM IS READY TO HANDLE FREEZING TEMPERATURES, REDUCING THE RISK OF DAMAGE AND KEEPING YOUR CAR WASH RUNNING EFFICIENTLY THROUGHOUT THE WINTER SEASON.
INSPECT YOUR PLUMBING:
Check all water lines and pipes for signs of wear or leaks. Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
PREPARE YOUR HEATERS:
Test your heat in the wash before the colder weather sets in. Ensuring they’re in good working order now will help you avoid any surprises when you need them most.
DOOR SEALS AND EXTERIOR VENTILATION:
Inspect all weather stripping on bay doors to minimize heat loss and freezing air from entering the wash tunnels. The ideal time to inspect is during evening hours or when you are closed.
DETERGENT ADJUSTMENTS:
If your site is in a colder climate, it is important to adjust your rear bumper blaster function to apply a more concentrated amount of presoak to assist in effectively removing salt and mud from vehicles.
SET YOUR GARAGE DOORS TO AUTOMATIC UP AND DOWN:
Keeping the heat in and the cold out, you can ensure your car wash stays warm and efficient.
PREP YOUR WASH FOR THE COLD:
When winter arrives, maintaining your wash becomes even more crucial to avoid downtime and ensures smooth operation in harsh conditions.
WINTERIZE OUTDOOR MAT WASHERS:
Drain water from any system’s not in use and blow out any lines that could freeze.
DETERGENT STORAGE:
Always ensure your products are stored in a space where the temperature remains above 32°F.
ELECTRICAL PROTECTION:
Inspect electrical components for any damage that could be caused by ice or moisture, and ensure all outdoor systems are waterproof and protected. Replace your Guardian Controller filters to clear out summer dust and debris.
By proactively maintaining your carwash throughout the year, you can prevent expensive repairs, minimize downtime, and consistently deliver dependable service to your customers. Following this guide will ensure your carwash is well-prepared for whatever the weather throws its way, while optimizing the performance and longevity of your equipment.
Michael Van Wieren serves as an inside sales specialist at Tommy Car Wash Systems, bringing nearly 20 years of sales experience across diverse industries, with a strong focus on industrial equipment and technology. Working alongside a dedicated sales team, Michael supports clients with comprehensive car wash solutions.
Michael Van Wieran michaelv@tommycarwash.com
This item previously appeared in Convenience and Carwash Canada.
TO LEAD OR TO LAG
RESULTS OF A RECENT SURVEY BY THE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SAFETY ALLIANCE INDICATE THERE’S STILL SOME WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE...
By Jeremy Woolward
STATISTICS ARE ALL AROUND US. FROM SPORTS STATS TO MATHEMATICAL STATS, TO HEALTH AND SAFETY STATS, AND MORE, THERE’S NO WAY TO AVOID THE WORLD OF PERMUTATIONS AND COMBINATIONS THAT MAKE UP A SIGNIFICANT PART OF OUR DAILY LIVES. THE SAME IS TRUE IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY. STATISTICS ARE TALLIED AND CALCULATED IN DIFFERENT FIELDS AND USED BY VARIOUS PARTIES TO JUSTIFY AND RATIONALIZE ALMOST ANY POSITION.
Statistics either lead or lag, meaning they either are used proactively to implement decisions and processes, or used in a reactionary method after an event. Both are necessary, and you cannot tell a full story without all the details that both leading and lagging statistical indicators provide.
On November 19th, 2024, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) released the results of their annual Operation: Safe Driver awareness campaign. Some of the numbers released included the following:
Total vehicles pulled over in Canada & US (combined, both commercial and passenger): 11050
Total tickets issued: 2712 / Warnings issued: 3228
Warnings (commercial drivers only): 2439 / Tickets (commercial drivers only): 1583
Looking at these numbers, we’re seeing that commercial driver warnings ac-
counted for 75 per cent of the total number of warnings and tickets accounted for 58 per cent of the total number of tickets/ citations. Given the adage that commercial drivers are encouraged to be better trained and more competent behind the wheel of their vehicle, this indicator could represent that despite best intentions, industry still has a long way to go in shoring up compliance and transforming their safety culture where there is no longer a need to cut corners and sacrifice one’s integrity for expediency.
While not all data on the types of violations were available, the 2024 Operation Safe Driver’s focus was on reckless/careless/dangerous driving. Thankfully, this statistic was low with only 31 citations given to drivers out of the total number provided. However, 31 is still 31 too many. The ability to operate a vehicle on a public highway is a privilege, not a right. Reckless driving is indicative of a willfulness to disregard safety. It’s a conscious choice,
“...WE’RE SEEING THAT COMMERCIAL DRIVER WARNINGS ACCOUNTED FOR 75 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF WARNINGS AND TICKETS ACCOUNTED FOR 58 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TICKETS/CITATIONS.”
as well as a selfish one. There’s no job out there worth risking one’s life or the life of others. While the number of violations was small, the potential for it becoming more serious exists and it should be a canary in the coal mine moment for everybody in the trucking industry.
Three other incidents were reported during Operation Safe Driver related back to reckless and careless driving included the following:
■ Speeding (1221 warnings with 502 tickets/citations issued to commercial drivers)
■ No Seat Belt (328 warning sand 473 tickets/citations issued to commercial drivers)
■ Distracted Driving aka texting or using a handheld device (158 warnings and 169 tickets/citations issued to commercial drivers)
These are among some of the most rudimentary rules of the road, and yet the fact that these violations exist should also be alarming to many. When one hires a com mercial driver, one expects the driver is competent enough to operate the vehicle, and that they’ve passed the prescribed re quirements to hold the necessary class of license. However, how many of them are being tested by their own companies once hired? How many are receiving competency reviews or driver assessments on a regular basis? Can a trucking company indicate their due diligence when these types of statistics exist? There are some who can. There are some who cannot. It’s easy to point fingers and say that it’s someone else’s problem. It takes real leadership to take those lagging indicators and make them your own, even if they’re not. Why? Because when one choos-
es to lead and take ownership in a situation, it sets a paradigm and mindset for others to adopt and emulate. These deficiencies, as it pertains to driver performance, are easily managed by paying closer attention to those who drive for you. They’re easily managed by demanding better of oneself and one’s industry. They’re easily managed when you put your foot down and say, “no more”.
The fascinating thing about leading and lagging indicators is that they’re continuously in motion. A leading indicator can become a lagging one while a lagging one can become a future leading one. The role they perform is dependent on the attitude and mindset of the individual or company evaluating them. Indicators tell a story and have reasonable success in predicting future behavior. The opportunity before industry is to decide what story they want to tell. To lead or to lag; that is the question that presents itself.
Jeremy Woolward, NHSA, CTSP is a fleet safety manager and writer living in Calgary, A.B
• Safely maximizes OEM-specified load capacity
• Increases road visibility for the driver
• Improves steering control, brake effectiveness, stability & ride quality while towing
• Restores original suspension geometry — Eliminates “sag”
• Vehicle-specific bolt-on installation
• Remote-mounted Schrader valves & air lines included
• Optional cabin air gauge & under vehicle compressor available
