Jacques Olivier, a recognized figure in the automotive industry, reached a significant milestone last September when he became President of the Corporation des Concessionnaires d’Automobiles de Montréal (CCAM). With a career that began in 1993 and years of active involvement on the Board of Directors, he is also the owner of seven dealerships in Greater Montreal.

The CCAM represents and advocates for its 213 members — automobile dealers in the metropolitan region. Its primary goal? To enhance the corporation’s visibility and recognition among members and partners while promoting transparency in commercial processes.

Under Jacques Olivier’s leadership, the CCAM has initiated structural changes to meet the expectations of its members. A flagship initiative is the certification process launched last September. This program aims to foster more ethical and transparent practices in the industry through:

• Mandatory training for key company roles
• Adherence to a code of ethics
• A strict pricing policy, prohibiting sales above the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
• Standardized contracts, with clear, itemized details on sales prices, trade-ins, and additional fees.

Already, 100 dealerships in Quebec have adopted this process, marking a significant step toward a more transparent and reliable industry.

The CCAM, known for its educational role, offers training modules for both members and non-members. These sessions address topics such as :

• Best practices to improve the customer’s experience
• New legal requirements, including Law 25 on personal data

Jacques Olivier emphasizes the importance of the CCAM, Quebec’s largest regional automotive corporation, setting an example by adapting to the rapid changes in the industry.

Government measures promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption are driving a major transformation in Quebec. Last month alone, 50% of vehicles sold were electric. This shift reflects the market’s rapid evolution, already clear in Europe, where some countries report an 80% EV adoption rate.

To address these changes, the CCAM is hosting the Quebec Auto Summit on January 15, just before the Montreal Auto Show (January 17–26, 2025). Experts from Quebec, Canada, and Europe will discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with EVs.

The automotive sector is not immune to labor shortages. However, Jacques Olivier highlights a unique aspect: the transformation of the profession.

Once centered on combustion engines, the industry is now shifting toward skills in electronics and programming. Remote diagnostics and troubleshooting are becoming the norm, pushing dealerships to recruit tech-savvy professionals.

To tackle this challenge, the CCAM actively participates in job fairs at schools, promoting these emerging careers for young people.

The CCAM remains active on several fronts, with major events such as :

• The CCAM Members’ Christmas Dinner: To be held on December 5.
• CCAM Summit on January 15, 2025 followed by the Montreal Auto Show from January 17 to 26, 2025
• The SVEM (Montreal EV Show): Scheduled for May 2–4, 2025, at Stade IGA in Jarry Park.
• The Annual Golf Tournament: Bringing together 280 participants in 2024.

Additionally, regular dealership visits enable the CCAM to better understand its members' concerns and tailor its initiatives accordingly.

Jacques Olivier concludes by reaffirming the CCAM’s commitment to strengthening its connection with members and aligning with the initiatives of the CCAQ (Corporation des Concessionnaires Automobiles du Québec).

The goal: to restore the automotive industry’s reputation among consumers and remain a key player in its evolution.

For more information, visit :

https://ccam.qc.ca/

https://www.ccaq.com/