Accelerate Auto launches today
Accelerate Auto is working with industry partners to attract, develop, and promote Black talent in Canada’s automotive industry.
TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2021 // - Announced today, is the launch of Accelerate Auto, a newly established not-for-profit dedicated to increasing Black representation and opportunities while tackling systemic racism in Canada’s automotive industry.
The Canadian automotive industry lacks Black representation across all sectors: dealerships, manufacturers, suppliers, aftermarket — and at all levels, from entry-level to the C-suite. With one in ten jobs in Canada connected to automotive, there are lots of opportunities and Accelerate Auto’s goal is to see Black professionals better represented in the industry.
The organization aims to attract more Black talent to automotive by building awareness about the great opportunities that exist in the industry, establishing peer-to-peer mentorship networks and developing networking opportunities for Black talent, students and allies. It’s also aiming to develop career pathing resources and promote scholarship opportunities for Black students.
“Across Canada’s automotive industry, there are thousands of car dealers and aftermarket companies, more than 20 vehicle manufacturers, and there are still precious few Black people in ownership or senior leadership positions. It’s time to change that,” said Emiliano Void, Chair of Accelerate Auto, and National Operations Manager at Cox Automotive Canada.
The founding members of the organization are made up of representatives across manufacturers, dealerships, key industry associations, suppliers and the media. With the launch of Accelerate Auto, the group is calling on the automotive industry in Canada to step up and get involved to help them drive this much needed positive change.
To achieve its goals, Accelerate Auto will require the support of allies and supporters, and has already gained support from leaders across the industry:
“Automotive is an exciting industry, filled with opportunity and great people. I applaud Accelerate Auto for its efforts to improve diversity by attracting, developing and retaining Black talent to our industry.”
— Maria Soklis, President, Cox Automotive Canada
“Diversity of opinions and perspectives can only help our educational institution and our industry. The Automotive Business School of Canada looks forward to working with Accelerate Auto to help make a positive change.”
— Jason Dale, Executive Director, Automotive Business School of Canada
“The aftermarket industry is vast and interconnected. That means there is a great opportunity for our members to have the conversations that will spark the action that is needed for positive change. Accelerate Auto can play a key role.”
— Jean-François Champagne, President, Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA)
“Without open conversations, nothing will change. We fully support Accelerate Auto and its leaders, and encourage the rest of our industry to listen carefully.”
— Niel Hiscox, President, Universus Media
“The beauty of Canada is that we are a nation of immigrants, and our diversity is what makes our nation strong. Too often however, the strength of our diversity has not been fully realized. The automotive industry is no exception. I am confident however, that Accelerate Auto has the capacity to break down barriers and fully engage the talent and capacities of our most important resources — our Human Resources in all their diversity.”
— David Adams, President, Global Automakers of Canada
“Change does not come easy, or quickly, nor does it come about without a necessary disruption to the status quo. Real change starts with awareness and education, and we firmly stand behind Accelerate Auto, and their passionate efforts to effect positive change in our industry”
— Alan H. Bird, President & CEO, SCI Marketview
In its inaugural year, Accelerate Auto is focused on building awareness of the organization, and connecting with industry partners. The organization will be reaching out to the industry stakeholders to have a broader conversation about ways to work together and bring about meaningful change.
Accelerate Auto set up a LinkedIn page to help spread the word and a website for anyone looking for more information: www.accelerateauto.ca
To get involved, or to learn more about how you can support, email: info@accelerateauto.ca
Accelerate Auto Founding Members:
Manufacturers
Christina Morris, Manager Product Training, Subaru Canada
Christopher Nabeta, National Manager, Fleet, CPO and Remarketing at Volvo Car Canada
Jennifer Okoeguale, Corporate Special Events, Public Relations at Toyota Canada Inc.
Joyce Tshiamala, District Manager, Customer Experience, Hyundai Canada
Dealerships
Nasir Kamrudin, General Manager at Surrey Honda
Edith Pencil, Head of Employee Services at PAG: Performance Auto Group
Industry Associations
Oumar Dicko, Chief Economist, Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA)
Larissa Karimwabo, Senior Manager, Events & Programs at Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada
Industry Suppliers
Jerome Chinner, Vice President, Business Development, SCI MarketView
Gilles Makanda, Account Manager, Universus Media
Todd Phillips, Editorial Director, Canadian auto dealer (Vice-Chair)
Pako Tshiamala, Lead Media Solutions, Cox Automotive Canada
Emiliano Void, National Operations Manager, Cox Automotive Canada. (Chair)
About Accelerate Auto
Accelerate Auto is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing Black representation in the Canadian automotive industry. We provide Black professionals and leaders with access to mentorship for skills building and peer networking to support professional growth and career development. We facilitate career pathing to attract more Black talent to automotive and build awareness of opportunities within the industry. We are dedicated to creating a stronger and more diverse automotive workforce.
It’s time to Accelerate Change. It's time for Accelerate Auto.
Media Contacts:
For any media inquiries, please contact:
Jennifer Okoeguale, Founding Member, Accelerate Auto
Todd Phillips, Founding Member, Accelerate Auto
