The world is changing and so must proactive long-time businesses, who are committed to sustain their future success and relevance.

Monika Carmichael, Peterborough’s 17th recipient of the annual Women in Business, “Businesswomen of the Year” award in 2019, and Dealer Principal at Trent Valley Honda, has much to consider and strategize considering the current disruptions instigating change in today’s automotive industry.

The key trends in the marketplace affecting the automotive business include connectivity and the shift to e-commerce, the development of autonomous vehicle technology, the trend toward shared ride options, and of course the consumer and government pressure towards electrification in support of a cleaner environment.

“We have to face the new realities head on” shares Monika “a proactive strategy and plan, will give us the ability to be ready for a new way of doing business and satisfy customer’s changing needs and demands”. “Our market is somewhat protected compared to the large metro markets, so if we act now, we can stay ahead of what we know will come”.

Trent Valley Honda has always taken a proactive approach, and because of this, is proud to celebrating 45 years as a family business, serving the Peterborough and Central Eastern Ontario market this month, January 2020.

We have invested heavily in new technologies for our staff and customers alike to be able to embrace the new connectivity trends. We offer online appointment booking, texting communication options to keep service customer updated with the status of their vehicle while in for service, Mobile Pay. Our e-leads are increasing and our traffic in our showroom is declining. We have created a new role to embrace this trend, a full-time educated E-Commerce/Digital Specialist.

We are fortunate in Peterborough, and with the 407 extension soon to connect to the 115, and Peterborough named the fastest growing city in the country, we know there will still be a strong need for commuters wanting fuel efficient, low emissions vehicles – our brand takes pride in being the best fleet with the best fuel economy in the industry according to the latest Green House Gas (GHG) report by Environment Canada.

Honda introduced the Clarity, a plug-in full electric hybrid, 24 months ago, and also offers an Accord Hybrid, and Insight hybrid in it’s current lineup. They are committed to having 50% of their lineup offered in a hybrid or electric version by 2024 which will meet the current government GHG standards. They will focus on the Battery, Electric vehicle by 2025 and beyond.

We represent a brand that has always been committed to the environment and to offer products that consumers want to exist that better their lifestyles. Honda’s commitment to safety, low emissions, new technology and reliability has been the core and essence of their strategy and key success factor for us since the inception of the brand in Canada, 50 years ago.

Change is inevitable, and we are embracing it with passion and planning. Bring on 2020!