MMDA Current Facts & Projects

History

CADA (Canadian Automobile Dealers Association) was formed in 1941 when Canada was at war. The government was trying to prevent chaos in the marketplace by imposing controls on the Canadian Economy. One of their plans was to severely regulate the manner in which automobile dealers could extend credit to their customers. Out of the lobbying done to prevent this happening, FADA (as it was known, Federal Automobile Dealers Association) was formed. Three years later, in 1944, our own MMDA (Manitoba Motor Dealers Association) became the New Car and Truck Franchised Dealers voice in Manitoba. The Winnipeg Motor Dealers Group is a part of the Manitoba Motor Dealers Association and was formed in 1956.

Since 1944, MMDA has added many activities to support and advance the automotive industry, in Manitoba. One of the most significant initiatives was the development of the Sales Certification Program, begun in 1995. In addition to training, a code of ethics was developed, and the program has greatly improved the image of the industry. MMDA also partners with several other companies and organizations. Their support has been crucial to the success and financing of all of the programs and initiatives that the association undertakes.


Charities

Manitoba Special Olympics - MMDA is a major corporate sponsor of the Manitoba Special Olympics. MMDA hosts a Charity Golf Tournament every year. This tournament began in 1988. We have raised over $600,000. The proceeds go to the Manitoba Special Olympics.

Winnipeg Crimestoppers - Since the inception of Winnipeg Crimestoppers in 1984, the Winnipeg Dealers have made a donation every year.


Scholarships & Awards

Gerald Rewucki Memorial Scholarships - In 1999, the MMDA, it’s regular & associate members, and the Rewucki Family contributed to a Memorial Fund and Scholarships are awarded from this fund. We have awarded 16 Scholarships to date. Family of our Sales Certification Program Members are eligible to apply.

Georgian College - Canadian Automotive Institute - Since its inception, in 1998, we have provided Scholarship Money. Currently, we have 2 scholarships of 1,000 each, for Manitoba Students.

Assiniboine College Scholarships - The Westman Area Dealers set up this fund in 1999. Money came from MMDA, the Westman Area Dealers and the Government. A yearly scholarship is awarded to an Automotive Technician.


Government Relations

Ongoing lobbying efforts to improve the automobile industry, eg:

• Tax relief for Apprentice Automotive Technicians
• Dealer Licensing Standards
   

Sales Certification Program

This program was the first of its kind in Canada. It was started in 1995 & to date, we have trained over 1000 Salespeople. The program has improved the image of the industry, and reduced employee turnover rates. It’s goal is to educate the Vehicle Sales Force on the laws on selling vehicles in Manitoba, and to provide a Code of Ethics for the Salespeople to abide by.

Professional Development Breakfasts are held twice annually in Winnipeg and as needed in Steinbach and Brandon.

Conduct on-going MMDA Certification Classes throughout the year in Steinbach, Winnipeg and Brandon.

Took part in several Rotary Career Symposiums at the Convention Centre, plus other Career Days, such as Universities and Community Colleges.

Bi-monthly Newsletter.

Training

Continue with our very successful Sales Manager’s Courses conducted by ISI /P.A.L. Automotivators. Expanded this program to include a Two Day Sales Process Training Course for new or under-achieving sales people. The comments from the participants have been outstanding.

Programs & Committees

Driver’s Ed Revitalization Committee – MMDA’s Executive Director, Shirley Canty, has participated in this committee since 1995. In that time, there has been a steady increase in students of about 20% per year.
Many Dealers provide vehicles for this program.

Dealer Licensing Standards - MMDA has been working since 1994 to get the government to develop & enforce stronger Standards for licensing Automotive Dealers & Automotive Salesmen. The final stages are now nearing completion.

Advertising & Marketing Guidelines - MMDA developed this set of guidelines and distributed them to our members. This is a pro active step to improving Dealer, Customer relations.

MMDA supports the I-Car Program.

MMDA supports the Apprenticeship Program for Automotive Techs.

MMDA supports Skills Canada - This is a competition for Automotive Techs.

Image Building

The Asper School of Business MBA Program did a consulting project for us addressing the question: “How can MMDA improve the image of dealerships and sales representatives within the community?” Two students devoted 150 hours to this project. The results were presented at a special MMDA Board of Directors meeting. The Association continues to implement the recommendations. (This Web Site was one of their recommendations!)

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