Motor Vehicle Industry Bulletin Archives From The Motor Vehicle Sales Authority of British Columbia

Archived Bulletins from The Motor Vehicle Sales Authority of British Columbia.

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INDUSTRY BULLETINS FROM THE VSA

If you have comments or questions about the information in our bulletins, please let us know at communications@mvsabc.com

Current Industry Bulletins

Bulletin Archives 2010

December 23, 2010 Issue #19
1. Are your leasing agreements compliant? Lease Disclosure
2. Don't Put Your Dealership, Or Licence, At Risk (Website Salesperson Search Improved - Sidebar)
December 21, 2010 Issue #18
1. Don't risk losing the vehicle or the sale: Lien Checks
2. Don't Put Your Dealership, Or Licence, At Risk (Website Salesperson Search Improved - Sidebar)
November 15, 2010 Issue #17
1. Dynamic action by AutoCanada: Co-operation pays dividends
2. A checklist every dealer should note (Sidebar)
November 2, 2010 Issue #16
1. As of November 1, 2010: ICBC Vehicle History Reports Significantly Improved
2. Motor Dealer Cutomer Compensation Fund, a notable public-private success story
October 25, 2010 Issue #15
1. Is your sales contest an illegal lottery?
October 6, 2010 Issue #14
1. Beware of marketing companies! Sales blitzes by out-of-town "experts"
2. Unlicensed new hires remain a problem
3. New consumer videos on the VSA website (Sidebar)
October 1, 2010 Issue #13
1. Not to reapply for three years: Registrar cancels salesperson licence
2. VSA Annual Report Now Available (Sidebar)
June 30, 2010 Issue #12
1. Reminder from ICBC: New APV9T Transfer Tax Form.
June 11, 2010 Issue #11
1. Claims may total $350,000: Four dealership failures impact Compensation Fund
2. Dealer issued conditional licence
3. VSA "General Guidelines" concerning sales practices (Sidebar)
May 20, 2010 Issue #10
1. 3,218 salesperson licences expire June 1: Dealers must ensure all sales and customer-involved office staff are licensed
April 23, 2010 Issue #9
1. Conference on curbers: Multi-agency effort to thwart illegal auto sales
2. Objectives discussed at the conclusion of the conference (Sidebar)
April 16, 2010 Issue #8
1. Series outlines risks in private vehicle purchasing: VSA "Curber Videos" now on the web
2. Hat's Off to the Morrey Auto Group (Sidebar)
March 24, 2010 Issue #7
1. One-stop shopping for licences: The VSA salesperson licence application now includes a criminal record check fee
2. Hat's Off to the Open Road Auto Group (Sidebar)
March 22, 2010 Issue #6
1. Strict ICBC guidelines re: APV9T forms: Transfer/Tax Form requires complete vehicle declaration
March 16, 2010 Issue #5
1. Recent meeting suggestion: Motorcycle/PowerSports Division of the ARA Proposed
2. Motorcycle and PowerSports Industry Meets to Discuss Issues
3. Motorcycle Dealer Advisory Committee to the Board of Directors (Sidebar)
February 8, 2010 Issue #4
1. Level II salesperson sessions: Discount continues: $375
2. New: Special Level II Course Session for Dealer Principals and General Managers
3. What recent participants have said about Level II (Sidebar)
January 15, 2010 Issue #3
1. Licensing to sell anti-theft insurance: Clarification of Insurance Council requirements
2. Anti-Theft or "etching" insurance must be disclosed as optional (Sidebar)
January 13, 2010 Issue #2
1. "Etching" program sales require insurance licence: Insurance Council publishes guidelines
January 6, 2010 Issue #1
1. Registrar's hearing results: Salesperson banned for a minimum of five years
2. VSA fees (licences and courses) on the website (Sidebar)

Bulletin Archives 2009

November 26, 2009 Issue #19
1. Registrar's hearing results: VSA compliance rulings 2004-09 on website
2. A personal message from Ian Christman: Compliance
November 2 , 2009 Issue #18
1. VSA Annual Report Now Available
2. Advisory Committee Meetings
3. Motorcycle Dealer Advisory Committee (Sidebar)
4. Salesperson Advisory Committee (Sidebar)
October 27, 2009 Issue #17
1. Curber convicted: 31 counts of criminal fraud: Odometer rollbacks total over 2 million kilometres!
2. New policy for vehicle ownership transfers (Sidebar)
September 30, 2009 Issue #16
1. Offloading vehicles to auctions: Originating dealer remains responsible to consumers
2. Attention dealers! This stolen truck may be on your lot! (Sidebar)
September 24, 2009 Issue #15
1. Where did "doc fees" come from?
2. Make sure your selling practices are legal! (Sidebar)
September 17 , 2009 Issue #14
1. Convey your concerns to your representatives: Salesperson & Motorcycle Dealers Advisory Committees
2. Motorcycle Dealers Advisory Committee (Sidebar)
3. Salesperson Advisory Committee (Sidebar)
September 15 , 2009 Issue #13
1. Level II salesperson course fees: Discount available: $375 now, $500 next April
2. Myths and Reality
3. Questions & Answers (Sidebar)
4. Register now for discount (Sidebar)
5. What have participants said about the course? (Sidebar)
July 29 , 2009 Issue #12
1. Registrar advises: The law requires full disclosure of all dealer fees and charges in the advertised price
2. What "fees" must be in the advertised price? (Sidebar)
June 29 , 2009 Issue #11
1. Effective July 1, 2009: Updated VSA Advertising Guidelines
2. Among the highlights (Sidebar)
3. Other notable references (Sidebar)
June 10 , 2009 Issue #10
1. Webinars save travel and time away from the dealership: Select areas offered Level I (basic) salesperson course online
2. Course Requirements (Sidebar)
May 28 , 2009 Issue #9
1. Complex deception involved several licensees: Salesperson/Dealer Principal removed from the industry
2. Licence requirements for RVs & trailers (Sidebar)
April 29 , 2009 Issue #8
1. Unlicensed insurance selling: FICOM intervenes re: sales of ETCHING
2. The two rulings are found here (Sidebar)
April 24 , 2009 Issue #7
1. Salesperson suspended: Tried to extract customer cash to cover commission
2. Licence renewal (Sidebar)
April 20 , 2009 Issue #6
1. New salesperson applications: Online is easier and faster
2. New Consumer Rack Card (Sidebar)
March 24 , 2009 Issue #5
1. Applewood Kia: Judgement against dealer confirmed
2. Advanced salesperson course: a focus on critical legislation
March 19 , 2009 Issue #4
1. Registrar cites forgery, fraud: Salesperson licence cancelled
2. The dealer as victim - work with us! (Sidebar)
March 6 , 2009 Issue #3
1. Response to industry concerns: Six off-site sales now permitted each year
2. "Buyer Beware" - no place in law (Sidebar)
February 16 , 2009 Issue #2
1. Police alert to dealers!
2. New salesperson application now online
January 9 , 2009 Issue #1
1. The VSA website as an industry resource: Important new studies available to all
2. Ipsos Reid Consumer Survey (Sidebar)
3. Malatest Environmental Scan (Sidebar)

Bulletin Archives 2008

December 18, 2008 Issue #20
1. ATTENTION: Dealers, Salespeople, Business Office Staff: Beware of new extended warranty scam!
October 21, 2008 Issue #19
1. Dealer and salesperson suspended for deceptive acts or practices - assessed substantial penalties
2. Complete the seller's copy of the APV9T form! (Sidebar)
3. CAUTION: Pitfalls of Bridging (Sidebar)
September 25 , 2008 Issue #18
1. Dealer gets 3-day suspension
2. Beware of Ghana credit card scam (Sidebar)
September 23 , 2008 Issue #17
1. We've moved! New VSA Headquarters in South Surrey
2. More Level II Salesperson Courses scheduled (Sidebar)
3. Free ICBC vehicle search service (Sidebar)
August 20 , 2008 Issue #16
1. New salespeople: VSA's conditional licence period reduced to 45 days
2. The current conditional licence policy
3. We are moving! (Sidebar)
4. Dealers beware of bank scams! (Sidebar)
July 3, 2008 Issue #15
1. The pilot phase of the new Level II salesperson course nears completion: A big thank-you to the 53 dealerships who have helped so far
2. List of the 53 participating dealers
3. Postscript - Deposits
4. Space available for scheduled Victoria, Kelowna and Prince George pilot classes
June 23 , 2008 Issue #14
1. Registrar targets deposit offenders: New dealer directive clarifies "best practices"
2. Consumers MUST be given deposit details in writing (Sidebar)
May 29 , 2008 Issue #13
1. Off-site sales licence requirements- VSA cracks down on violators
2. REMINDER: many salesperson licences expire June 1 (Sidebar)
May 6 , 2008 Issue #12
1. Bob Clarke joins the VSA: Industry icon accepts consulting position
2. An extraordinary career (Sidebar)
May 2 , 2008 Issue #11
1. Pilot classes well received - Level II Salesperson Certification Course Update
2. Alternate course formats being evaluated
3. Additional pilot sessions scheduled (Sidebar)
May 1 , 2008 Issue #10
1. CPIC service available to everyone - National stolen vehicle database
2. How are we doing? VSA survey at the 2008 auto show
April 28 , 2008 Issue #9
1. It's that time of year again! 4,000 salesperson licences expire June 1, 2008!
2. Vital information (Sidebar)
April 2 , 2008 Issue #8
1. Level II Salesperson Certification Program: First pilot session a major success
2. Level II pilot programs at discounted fees (Sidebar)
March 12 , 2008 Issue #7
1. Salesperson Recertification Course Pilot - One Course full, space available in two
2. Myths
3. One-year appointments to Advisory Committees (Sidebar)
March 6 , 2008 Issue #6
1. VSA enquiry prompts action: Washington State acts against unethical cross-border advertising by U.S. dealers
2. Hands across the border
3. Special Report: VSA relations with U.S. regulators (Sidebar)
February 26 , 2008 Issue #5
1. VSA consumer awareness advertising: Outstanding media co-operation
2. Media partners - the pilot project (Sidebar)
3. Core messaging: targeting curbers and illegal practices (Sidebar)
February 11 , 2008 Issue #4
1. Deputy Registrar Appointed
2. Meet Ian Christman (Sidebar)
February 6 , 2008 Issue #3
1. Professional Development a Priority
2. The redesigned Salesperson Certification Course - 38 classes to date, 900 new salespeople
3. Pilot Project Announced: Salesperson Recertification Course (Sidebar)
January 23 , 2008 Issue #2
1. Changes Coming to VSA's Salesperson Conditional Licence Policy
2. The current conditional licence policy (Sidebar)
January 7 , 2008 Issue #1
1. Motor vehicle leasing: Get a waiver signed re: "one clear day" in dealer's possession
2. Ambiguous disclosure questionnaire

Bulletin Archives 2007

November 16, 2007
1. ICBC's Mobile Road Service: Helping you help your customers
2. We'd like to bring the following to your attention (Services that MRS brokers can provide to customers)
November 8, 2007
1. VSA Annual Report now available
2. Compensation Fund Board changes
3. Welcome Gord Valented
4. VSA seeks Deputy Registrar
November 1 , 2007
1. Advertising Guidelines Revised
2. This bulletin describes specific changes in the following areas (Sidebar)
3. Message from President to Dealers and Advertising Agents (Sidebar)
October 16 , 2007
1. VSA ad campaign emphasizes: "Deal only with licensed dealers & salespeople"
2. VSA Dealer Directives amended: Greater frequency of off-site sales now permitted
3. Know What You're Driving Away (Sidebar)
October 11 , 2007
1. Last chance for volunteers: Salesperson & Motorcycle, Moped Advisory Committees
2. Background Information
3. Advisory Committee Composition
4. Deadline for application has been extended to November 9, 2007
September 13 , 2007
1. A survey of 250 salesperson course participants: Redesigned salesperson course gets high marks!
2. A refresher course for pre-2004 sales veterans (Sidebar)
September 10 , 2007
1. Attention: Motocycle, moped dealers and all motor vehicle salespeople: Are you an industry leader?
2. Advisory Committee Composition
3. Deadline for application has been extended to September 30, 2007 (Sidebar)
August 29, 2007
1. Salesperson licensing policy change: Application first, then Certification Course registration
2. Easy as 1,2,3,4 (Sidebar)
August 14 , 2007
1. Resignation of the Director of Licensing and the Director of Regulatory Services
2. The President says: "This is the end of the beginning" (Sidebar)
July 16, 2007
1. High profile Victoria case resolved
2. Teamwork gets results (Sidebar)
July 6, 2007 - Investigating and prosecuting curbers
1. Investigating and prosecuting curbers
2. Teamwork in Williams Lake (Sidebar)
July 3, 2007
1. Two VSA advisory committees being formed: Attention: motorcycle, moped dealers and all motor vehicle salespeople
2. Advisory Committee Composition
3. Applications now being sought: deadline for submissions is August 3, 2007 (Sidebar)
June 26, 2007
1. News & Bulletin fax service ends
2. Update our e-mail records!!! (Sidebar)
June 14, 2007
1. B.C. Safety Authority advises: Propane inspections mandatory
2. Registered facilities only! (Sidebar)
May 29, 2007
1. Kelowna dealer's imported sales team: Three salesperson licences cancelled
2. Don't let your salesperson licences expire! (Sidebar)
May 17, 2007
1. Auto Show Consumer Survey: Good News, Bad News
2. 4,382 salesperson licences must be renewed by June 1 (Sidebar)
April 24, 2007
1. 4,500 salesperson licences expire June 1, 2007! Renewal notices in the mail
2. Message for Dealers (ensure all salespeople working at their dealership are licensed)
3. It's the law! (Sidebar)
April 19, 2007
1. Dealer payroll records reveal licence evaders
2. The pilot project: payroll audits (Sidebar)
March 30, 2007
1. Announcing: A new name for a new era
2. Warning - Test drive, car thief (Sidebar)

Bulletin Archives 2006

December 19, 2006
1. Industry Summit recommits to MDC vision
2. Legislation change
3. October 2007 priorities
4. Happy Holidays (Sidebar)
November 14, 2006
1. MDC licensing: The Catch 22 Days are Over
2. The service structure (Sidebar)
October 25, 2006
1. Vandalism of MDC property launches RCMP investigation
2. You can help! If you know anything, report it (Sidebar)
October 5, 2006
1. Men's wear retailer assessed $1.2 million in penalties
2. Registrar warns: Similar rules apply to B.C. motor vehicle dealers
August 15, 2006
1. Two North Vancouver "curbers" charged
2. MDC news release: Car "curbers" face criminal charges
July 26, 2006
1. Advertising Bulletin - Notice of Release (Guidelines Update)
2. Advertising Bulletin AD-1: Deceptive or Misleading Advertising
3. Advertising Bulletin AD-2: Advertising vehicle prices - savings claims for used vehicles
  - text format
July 6, 2006
1. Leasing legislation and regulations change
2. For the record (Proclamation of the BPCPA Part 5) (Sidebar)
June 26, 2006
1. View off-site permits on line!
2. See who has a current off-site permit in your area! (Sidebar)
June 7, 2006
1. Industry unites to promote used vehicle history searches
2. CarProof Verified BC (Sidebar)
May 29, 2006
1. Countdown to June 1: Avoid late fees - 2,000 salesperson licences expire
2. Dealers take note (dealers employing salespeople who do not hold a valid licence) (Sidebar)
May 23, 2006
1. Consumers & the MDC to be compensated: Bartram suspension lifted - now on strict probation
2. A questionable history (Sidebar)
May 5, 2006
1. Dealer and sales staff alert! 4,070 salesperson licences expire June 1
2. It's the law! (Sidebar)
3. Renew on-line (Sidebar)
March 30, 2006
1. New Fee Structure Effective May 1, 2006
2. EQUITY became the principal issue in establishing new licence fees
3. Previous Fee Structure (Sidebar)
4. New Fee Structure Effective May 1, 2006 (Sidebar)
March 1, 2006
1. Dealer response saves "SuperSale"
2. Rules for off-site sales (Sidebar)
February 10, 2006
1. Advertising workshops: Saints or Scoundrels
2. Don't use the MDC or the MDSA logo! (Sidebar)

Bulletin Archives 2005

December 16, 2005
1. Happy Holidays: A personal message from Ken Smith, President and Registrar
2. We will hit the ground running in 2006
December 6, 2005
1. MDC enforcement . . . "Compliance is the goal"
2. How do you and your investigators measure success?
3. What do you mean when you say, "we are here to help you help yourself?"
4. The MDC web site, the BCAA, the Better Business Bureau and other agencies provide helpful advice to consumers...surely people must be responsible for themselves?
5. What is "progressive enforcement?"
6. Would an army of inspectors be required to thoroughly investigate everyone selling cars in B.C.?
7. Most who will read this are dealers and salespersons. What can each of them do to help you?
November 16, 2005
1. GST Ruling Affects All Licensees
2. Friendly Reminder: Upcoming training courses with space available
November 9, 2005
1. Unlicensed Staff: Dealers' Roulette
2. Vehicle Sales Staff Must Reside in British Colubmia
3. Upcoming training courses with space available
4. Who must take a course?
November 4, 2005
1. Annual Report Now Available
2. New advertising guidelines to be published soon (Sidebar)
June 2005 Issue #3
1. President's Letter: One year anniversary marks a good start, and a long road ahead.
2. Renew Online - it's fast!
3. Compensation Fund Offers Both Buyers and Dealers a Voice
4. MDC Reminder - Licensing is Part of The Hiring Process
5. MDC Training and Certification Course Dates (Sidebar)
6. Visit us online! www.mdcb.c.com (Sidebar)
April 2005 Issue #2
1. President's Letter: Creating a professional and respected industry is in everybody's best interest
2. MDC Provides Vehicle-Purchase Tips
3. License vs. Course?
4. Salesperson licence expiration and renewal notice (Sidebar)
5. Discipline Kicks In (Sidebar)
6. Class Schedule (Sidebar)
February 2005 Issue #1
1. President's Letter: Communicating with you is a priority for us at the Motor Dealer Council
2. Dealership Inspections - aiming to get acquainted
3. Updates Proposed to BC's Laws
4. Keep your eyes on the Centre Line (Sidebar)
5. Visit us online! www.mdcbc.com (Sidebar)

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