Canadian dealers are working through a new round of cross-border tariffs while still looking for ways to grow sales and service. On today’s CBT Live segment, we’re joined by Glen Trafford, General Manager of Salmon Arm Toyota in British Columbia, to discuss his store’s record year and how tariffs are shaping the Canadian car market.
According to Trafford, Salmon Arm Toyota is heading for an all-time record year and credits a staff with an average tenure of more than a decade and a philosophy called “Good Different,” which builds job descriptions around each employee’s strengths. “When I’m tasked with the thing that I’m good at, it’s easy. It’s enjoyable. I look forward to it. I believe I’ll be successful,” Trafford said.
During today’s discussion, Trafford mentioned that tariffs have had little direct impact on the store so far, although many Canadians are confused about the ongoing trade dispute. He noted that while Toyota has absorbed almost all the additional costs, other brands in his dealer group are feeling more pressure, with some stores receiving fewer vehicles. Although inventory remains tight, the store has finally ended a streak of 19 consecutive months with three or fewer vehicles on the lot. Trafford also noted that fixed operations are growing as customers keep their vehicles longer.
