Media Advisory: Automotive Intelligence Series: Diversity in the Auto Sector: The Changing Face of the Industry
TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - The final Automotive Intelligence Series panel discussion – 'Diversity in the Auto Sector: The Changing Face of the Industry'– will take place at the Canadian International AutoShow on Fri., Feb. 23.
If you're interested in attending go here to pre-register.
| WHEN: |
February 23, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. |
| Automotive Intelligence Series: Diversity in the Auto Sector: The Changing Face of the Industry |
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| WHERE: |
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Room 801 |
| WHAT: |
Many people have come to Canada from other countries and have followed their dreams and goals to pursue a career in the car business, owning dealerships or working in automotive-related businesses. While the industry is still heavily dominated by men, there are many women who are becoming influential as dealership owners, managers and sales people, although the numbers are still low for those who want to be technicians or mechanics. |
| Overall, it can best be said the Canadian automotive industry is thriving with people from diverse backgrounds who are literally driven by a passion and love for cars and trucks. |
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| PARTICIPANTS: |
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| Anita Sharma, Anchor, Bell Media – Moderator |
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| Anita Sharma is a television news journalist, multi-media specialist and professional public speaker. She is a freelance news anchor and reporter for Bell Media, regularly anchoring international and national news for Canada's top broadcaster, CTV News Channel and CP24. Anita has also worked with Business News Network (BNN) covering the latest in the business world. She has conducted interviews with newsmakers such as former Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper and former Finance Ministers Jim Flaherty and Joe Oliver. |
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| She also manages a blog with a special focus on health and wellness and is a real estate investor. |
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| Nav Bhatia, Auto Dealer, Mississauga/Rexdale Hyundai |
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| Nav Bhatia is the Owner of Mississauga Hyundai and Rexdale Hyundai and has been the company's top-selling dealer nationwide several times. He came to Canada more than 30 years ago from his native India with a dream to work in the automotive industry and a degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, but encountered discrimination because he wore a turban. Through hard work and a never-ending drive, he worked his way up to become owner of two dealerships, and also developed a reputation as the Toronto Raptors' Superfan. |
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| Shahin Alizadeh, President and Chief Executive Officer, Downtown Automotive Group Inc. |
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| Shahin Alizadeh is the President/Chief Executive Officer of Downtown Automotive Group Inc., which he began in July 1992 and is comprised of a network of automotive enterprises that collectively represent the largest retainer of automobiles in downtown Toronto. He founded his first dealership in 1979. In 2018, he will complete Riverside Square, which will incorporate six automotive sales and service facilities with nine hundred residential condominium units and additional commercial venues, blending an automotive retail environment within an urban setting. |
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| Tahnee Pitter-Duncan, Apprentice, Toronto Transit Commission |
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| Tahnee Pitter-Duncan is a 20-year-old woman apprenticing with the Toronto Transit Commission to become a certified Autobody Repairer. Tahnee represents the low percentage of women who are looking to thrive within the technical and mechanical side of the automotive industry. |
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| Janna Erichsen, Chair of Part-Time Learning at Centennial College |
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| Janna Erichsen is the Chair of Part-Time Learning at Centennial College's School of Transportation. She is a dedicated diversity advocate with management, recruitment, program development and human resource experience. |
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| Mohammad Shahzad, Senior Group Manager – Client and Community Relations, The Brimell Group of Companies |
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| Mohammad Shahzad, Senior Group Manager, Client and Community Relations with The Brimell Group of Companies, including Brimell Toyota and Paint & Collision Center, has been embracing pride and passion in the automotive industry since 1965. The Pakistan native graduated in 1968 with honors as an Automotive Engineer in the United States and came to Canada in 1970. |
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| He is a member of the American Society of Automotive Engineers and also holds an Automotive Service Excellence Certification. He also has various Canadian Multi Automotive Service Certifications. |
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| Shah is an active member and passionate supporter of many non-profit organizations to serve ethnically-diverse communities as an Automotive Transport Consultant. He helps new immigrants to find safe, affordable, reliable vehicles and maintain Canadian road safety standards. |
The Canadian International AutoShow will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre between February 16th and 25th. Please visit autoshow.ca for more information. Follow us on Instagram @cdnintlautoshow, Like us on Facebook and join the conversation on Twitter @autoshowcanada with the hashtag #CIAS2018.
About the Canadian International AutoShow
With more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits, displays and attractions at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the Canadian International AutoShow is not only the largest automotive expo in Canada, it is also the country's largest consumer show — a leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive boasting more than 1,000 cars, trucks, SUVs, concept cars, exotics, classics, muscle cars, fully electric and autonomous vehicles. Nearly 340,000 attended the 2017 show.
SOURCE Canadian International AutoShow
Norris McDonald, Director, Media Relations, Canadian International AutoShow, 647-328-9285, [email protected]
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