Aug 20
CarsWithoutBorders turns 9 months old today!
Well we don’t believe where the time has gone, but today, August 20th 2008, is the 9th month anniversary of CarWithoutBorders.
At this point Serge and I would like to thank all our members, partners, sponsors and supporters and particularly those that have donated to the cause.
It has been a heck of a ride so far. We have had many successes and a few steps back, but generally the movement for fair automobile pricing in Canada has had a tremendous start. Yes, it is just starting.
Every Canadian that purchases a vehicle in the U.S. is striking a blow for freedom of trade, freedom of choice and freedom for the Average Canadian. This average Canadian has for far too long been considered a “sucker” by the Canadian Car Manufacturers and our pro multi-national Canadian Governments.
Even as we speak, these multi-national companies are issuing discriminatory instructions to their U.S. franchises. “Don’t sell to Canadians, or we will punish you with fines or take avay your franchise rights”.
The Canadian Car boys appear to be threatening some media outlets with lost revenues if they dare mention CarsWithoutBorders, the price differences, or other unsavory advertising tactics now being peddled about … “biweekly payments”…? what is this all about..
We have even heard rumors that they are employing several high paid lobbyists to set the Government straight. Threatening to close plants … etc..
So in summary our fight for Fair Pricing is really just beginning. The more concessions we win, the more roadblocks will be put up to stop us from educating all Canadians on this blatant price gouging! ( and we worry about student fees and un-solicited text messages, when the car boys will be picking your pockets for hundreds of thousands of dollars in your lifetime?) Just look at the recent wording that the Car Manufacturers have instructed Transport Canada to use on the RIV list! Just to confuse the average Canadian!
This is a war that Canadians can win if we stick together. Please continue to support CarsWithoutBorders, please continue to convince your friends, relatives and acquaintances to sign our petition. And if possible donate to the cause.
Shortly, Serge and I will be sending out CarsWithoutBorders stickers to anyone that has made a donation of over $20. These stickers will be high quality, environment friendly, and weather proof. They are made to stick on the back of you vehicle, just where the Canadian dealer sticker used to go.
Thanks again for your support over the last 9 months.
Robert Lamb &
for Serge Bergeron.
August 22nd, 2008 at 12:15 am
Keep up the great work guys!
It’s because of CWB that the word is getting out and forcing more and more car companies to do what Mazda Canada has just done. They’ve announced lower prices on their 2009 models. See the “Dividend” link on http://www.mazda.ca for details. The prices may not be as good as the U.S. yet but they’ve taken a step in the right direction and for that I am happy.
I still encourage people to demand fair pricing so don’t take their word for it that they’ve lowered the price. Compare features with last year’s model and also http://www.mazdausa.com to see if they’ve simply removed standard options and hence lowered the price. I heard this is what Lexus Canada did with the IS250 but can’t confirm.
August 22nd, 2008 at 8:01 am
9 months! Congratulations on your bouncing baby
Consumer Advocacy Group! Keep rockin’ the boat!
August 26th, 2008 at 10:36 am
RobW, indeed, that is what Lexus did. The BASE IS250 in Canada is around $31K compared to $30K in the US. On the surface this looks like a great deal, but the kicker is that the Canadian version has 16″ vs 17″ wheels, no leather, not power seats, etc, etc, etc. The comparable Canadian model is the IS250 with Sports Package which works out to around $41K. EPIC FAIL Lexus. Way to Snow the customers!
August 26th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Great works guys, keep it UP! We need someone to call it like it is on the side of the consumer!
RobW, indeed, that is what Lexus did. The BASE IS250 in Canada is around $31K compared to $30K in the US. On the surface this looks like a great deal, but the kicker is that the Canadian version has 16″ vs 17″ wheels, no leather, not power seats, etc, etc, etc. The comparable Canadian model is the IS250 with Sports Package which works out to around $41K. EPIC FAIL Lexus. Way to Snow the customers!
August 26th, 2008 at 10:39 am
The snowing goes farther than just new car Sales!
My father just leased a new EX35 (he got a pretty good deal here in Canada). For his birthday, I wanted to get him the cargo mat (which is an accessory). The dealer quoted me approx $160 here in Canada, and they go for $60 in the USA! To add absolute insult to injury, the mat is actually MADE IN CANADA!!!!!
Of course, I’ve ordered it from the US!
Check out this thread including a picture of the MADE IN CANADA sticker!
http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/335474
August 26th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
John, thanks for confirming the Lexus IS250 comparison! Good call on ordering the mat from the U.S.
I recently purchased a new garage door opener from the U.S. It was half the price it sells here for. I feel sorry for Canadians that don’t live close to the U.S. border because they have no choice but to be fleeced.