TORONTO, Dec. 21 /CNW/ - Ontario's new car dealers are calling on the Federal & Provincial governments to offer three or six month tax rebates to drive up sales of domestic and foreign vehicles. The dealers, members of the Ontario Automobile Dealer Association (OADA), say the tax break will dramatically increase the number of customers visiting showrooms and help stimulate sales of new vehicles.
"The Ontario government instituted a similar and very successful tax rebate in the 1980 Ontario budget in order to move 1979 vehicles," says Geoff ilkinson, OADA Executive Director. "Showroom traffic improved immediately and more than 17,500 rebates resulted." Wilkinson adds "And there were no serious repercussions on 1980 model car sales." Ontario's new car dealers employ 50,000 Ontarians and traditionally sell over 600,000 vehicles each year. They contribute to countless numbers of charities, sports teams, community activities and service groups.
The OADA is encouraged by recent announcements from the Provincial and Federal Governments pledging financial support to domestic manufacturers. They are also asking Ottawa to provide assistance in programs that make affordable credit available to consumers and to small businesses such as auto dealers.
"Our members are looking ahead to 2009 with mixed optimism due to the forecasted economic challenges ahead" says Wilkinson. "But if we could see tax
rebates for consumers and affordable credit programs, they'll better cope within this economic climate. New automobile pricing is at unprecedented low levels and manufacturer and dealer incentives make this an ideal time to buy a new car" he adds.
While the OADA provides Provincial advocacy as well as other products and services to its 550 members, their federal concerns are represented through membership in the Canadian Automobile Dealer Association (CADA). OADA members strongly support the CADA in their federal efforts. OADA members are actively engaging their local Members of the Provincial and Federal governments in order to have their voices heard during this difficult time.
For further information: Geoff Wilkinson CAE, Executive Director, OADA, (905)
940-3017, Email: geoffw@oada.ca; Dwight Ryan, DARYAN Communications, (905)
630-9766 (cell), Email: dwight@daryan.ca
