Simply once we thought it couldn’t get any wilder than 2020 after which 2021, alongside got here 2022 to say, “Maintain my beer.”

Our year-in-review particular recaps the 2022 auto-industry occasions in brief type with the whole lot from $8.6 billion in Stellantis investments, to collapsing car gross sales — but larger income for sellers — to the “billion-dollar blockade” of the Ambassador Bridge that connects Windsor, Ont., to Detroit.

Early within the 12 months, when governments started lifting well being restrictions associated to COVID-19, I believed, “nicely, I’m glad that’s over. Now we will get again to one thing acquainted.”

But, right here we’re. There are few, if any, well being restrictions in Canada, however in lots of respects there’s no getting back from the collateral injury of government-mandated lockdowns, a few of which have continued in different components of the world, corresponding to China.

What’s going to 2023 dish out? We don’t have a crystal ball, however like many firms, Automotive Information Canada has moved ahead whereas coping with the unfavourable results of the pandemic.

First up is the return of Canada Congress. Usually an in-person occasion tied in with the timing of the Canadian Worldwide AutoShow in February, our final dwell congress was in early 2020. Three years later, we’ll be again with quite a few audio system and fireplace chats to offer some perception into the course of the {industry}, significantly with regard to car electrification.

Keep tuned within the coming weeks for a finalized lineup and schedule.

Model new initiatives — both accomplished or within the planning levels — are equally thrilling.

Starting early within the 12 months, we’ll roll out the outcomes of our first retail wage survey. Dealership employees throughout Canada will be capable of evaluate their pay to their friends by area, gender and by automotive model. With out spilling the beans, probably the most encouraging knowledge pertains to {industry} wages which might be a lot larger than the nationwide common. In a decent labour market, the detailed info might present the aggressive benefit sellers want to draw new expertise.

Additionally early within the new 12 months, Automotive Information Canada will start accepting nominations for Range Champions. (Examine this 12 months’s honorees right here) The expanded mission is meant to shine a highlight on people within the {industry} who’re making important strides in variety, fairness and inclusion.

Talking of highlight, 23 Automotive Information Canada All-Stars, {industry} professionals who pulled off “noteworthy, unbelievable and generally audacious achievements” previously 12 months have been honoured in our December print version.

Whereas this editors’-choice initiative consists of reward based mostly on phrases, All-Stars is within the works to turn into an in-person awards occasion in 2023.

Final however definitely not least is the Automotive Information Canada social media awards. Social media is a blind spot for a lot of retailers who’re unclear with what works. The plan is to just accept submissions for out-of-the field pondering for the whole lot from TikTok and YouTube movies, to LinkedIn and Fb posts. The wilder the higher. Finalists can be judged and awarded by social media consultants, and Automotive Information Canada would current the winners’ efforts within the type of finest practices, or on the very least, inspiration.

There’ll seemingly be extra taking place as we intend to broaden operations within the new 12 months. And if 2023 says, “Maintain my beer,” we’ll be masking that, too.