For Eddie Tso, CEO of Pacer Dynamics Automotive Parts, entering the auto care industry was a natural combination of his professional experience and personal interest in vehicles. Eddie shares his journey from senior management roles in technology and consulting to leading an automotive manufacturing company, and discusses what being part of the Young Professionals in the Auto Care (YPA) Community means to him. 

At a glance:  

Name: Eddie Tso  

Job title and company: CEO, Pacer Dynamics Automotive Parts  

Years in the YPA: One year  

What inspired you to work in the auto care sector?  

My journey into the auto care industry was shaped by both professional ambition and personal passion. After years in senior management roles within technology and business consulting, I felt increasingly drawn to the hands-on craftsmanship I had always enjoyed with vehicles. Growing up, I spent countless hours maintaining and modifying cars and motorcycles, fascinated by how small changes could lead to significant improvements. This passion naturally guided me into the auto care sector, where I could merge my technical expertise with strategic leadership. 

What excites me most about this industry is the balance of tradition and forward-thinking — whether it is the evolution of electric vehicles or advancements in supply chains, there are always new challenges to solve and opportunities to drive meaningful change. 

You are involved in the Young Professionals in the Auto care sector community — what does it mean to you?  

Being part of the Young Professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) community is about shaping the future of the auto care industry. For me, YPA is about creating lasting, positive change by building connections with the people who truly drive the industry forward. The strength of the auto care sector lies in its people, and that is what makes this community so valuable.  

Through our trusted logistics partners at Ziing, we were introduced to AIA Canada, where I have had the privilege of befriending incredible professionals like Noah Smolders from AutologiQ and respected industry advisor Joe Mercanti. The support from these organizations and individuals has been instrumental in our journey, and it is relationships like these that make YPA so impactful.

What advice do you have for someone starting out in the industry?  

For someone just starting their career in the auto care industry, stay curious and dive into as many areas of the industry as possible. Build relationships early, ask questions, and speak with mentors who can guide you. Do not be afraid to get hands-on and learn the technical side, but also develop your business acumen—it will help you see the bigger picture.  

For those, like myself, coming from another industry, leverage your existing knowledge and skills, but also be open to adapting them to fit this unique space. Auto care has its own nuances, so understanding both the technical details and the market dynamics will be key. Coming from another field gives you a fresh perspective, which can be an advantage if you combine it with industry-specific knowledge.

About the Young Professionals in the Auto care sector 

Young Professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) is an Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) community comprising of young executives, of 45 years or younger, in the Canadian auto care sector. They support the career growth of young professionals by expanding their network and assisting them in becoming a thought leader in Canada’s auto care industry. 

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Industry leaders testified before a Senate committee, pushing for swift action on bills adjacent to the right to repair movement last week.

J.F. Champagne, president and CEO of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), Chris Kinghorn, vice president of strategy and growth at UAP and Daryll O’Keefe, president of Fix Network Canada testified before the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy, advocating for the passage of Bills C-244 and C-294.

Bill C-244 addresses digital locks that currently restrict consumers from repairing or maintaining their products. By amending the Copyright Act, the bill would allow Canadians to legally bypass these restrictions without fear of infringing on copyright laws, giving repair advocates a significant victory.

Bill C-294, on the other hand, focuses on enabling compatibility between different systems and devices. This would allow for repairs and interoperability between various technologies, all while remaining within the confines of copyright regulations.

While these bills are not specific to the right to repair of motor vehicles, they do mark a significant step toward securing the right to repair in Canada and ensuring consumers’ ability to choose where and how their vehicles are repaired.

The trio separately urged the Senate to push forward on these bills and right to repair overall as they are critical for consumer choice. Champagne noted other countries as making progress and noted Quebec’s forward movement on right to repair.

Last fall, Quebec passed legislation to allow vehicle owners in the province to have protections in being able to choose the vehicle repair facility of their choice. It forces manufacturers to repair certain goods at “a reasonable price” to avoid having the consumer discard them entirely.

“It is critical that vehicle owners have a choice when it comes to where they get their vehicle repaired and serviced. But this choice could soon disappear if they don’t have access to their vehicle data,” Champagne stated during the testimony.

He further stressed that enacting this legislation will help ensure that independent auto care businesses continue to play a vital role in servicing Canadian vehicles, preventing a monopoly by automakers over repair data and services.

Both bills represent an essential step toward empowering consumers and supporting competition in the automotive service industry, AIA Canada outlined in a recap of the testimony.

However, the group has made it clear that their broader goal is the implementation of standalone legislation specifically for the automotive sector.

“Standalone legislation would affirm that vehicle data belongs to the consumer, granting them full control over where they choose to have their vehicle serviced or repaired,” AIA Canada observed.

“It is crucial that vehicle owners, not automakers, retain ownership of this data. This will ensure that consumers can continue to make independent choices while helping auto care businesses throughout the country remain competitive and serve as vital providers of essential vehicle services to Canadians.”

Image: AIA Canada’s J.F. Champagne speaks to the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy on October 9

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A recent paper has found that Canadians have little knowledge of data access and control in their vehicles.

Fewer than a third (29 per cent) of drivers say they clearly understand who has access to the data their vehicle produces, while most (63  per cent) want to know who controls that data, according to the study, Data dynamics: Exploring vehicle owners’ data awareness, ownership and sharing, published last week by AIA Canada.

The study highlights the growing awareness of the amount of data consumers leave behind as everyday actions — such as shopping, watching videos online and driving habits — produce data valuable to stakeholders for various purposes.

Through a survey of vehicle owners, AIA Canada, in collaboration with Quorus Consulting Group, explored behaviours, attitudes and preferences related to in-vehicle data, including data ownership preferences and expectations, self-assessed awareness of the types and amount of data produced by their vehicles and data-sharing preferences.

The survey allowed the research team to analyze responses across key demographic categories such as age and gender, region and various vehicle profile variables like type, age and warranty status.

Three-quarters of respondents believe the vehicle owner should own the data. Only 10 per cent said the vehicle manufacturer is entitled to it…

In addition to wanting more clarity on who has access to their vehicle’s data, more than half (51 per cent) of respondents said they want a better understanding of how much data is produced. Meanwhile, 39 per cent said they wouldn’t know where to find their vehicle’s data.

Three-quarters of respondents believe the vehicle owner should own the data. Only 10 per cent said the vehicle manufacturer is entitled to it, and just four per cent said the company that developed the technology collecting the data should have ownership.

More than three quarters (78 per cent) of respondents believe vehicle manufacturers have a responsibility to do more to educate owners about vehicle data ownership.

When it comes to sharing data, 74 per cent said they would wirelessly transmit certain vehicle diagnostics to their regular service provider to help keep them updated on repair and maintenance timelines.

Nearly half (46 percent) said they would send their driving behaviour data to insurance companies to adjust premiums accordingly.

The report acknowledged that knowing how much data is left behind and tracked from everyday actions can be concerning or overwhelming for consumers. While some may embrace data tracking by staying up to date with the latest devices and apps, others may not be aware of the extent of data collection or may be concerned about the privacy of their personal information.

The report is free for AIA Canada members or $199 for non-members.

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Brendan Morris

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers announce Brendan Morris as the new chair of the Brake Manufacturers Council.

He is currently vice president of sales at GRI Engineering. He takes over from John Bennett, managing director at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Detroit.

With more than two decades of experience in the automotive and aftermarket braking sectors, Morris, MEMA highlighted his ability to lead the BMC through crucial developments in industry standards, regulatory challenges and technological advancements.

“We are currently facing an unprecedented period in the history of aftermarket braking,” Morris in the announcement. “The importance of BMC is now more apparent than ever. It serves as a platform where industry professionals can collaborate to share insights about market challenges and unite to address regulations. This enables us to navigate the obstacles affecting our business and products, ultimately delivering superior outcomes.”

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the BMC noted its gratitude to Bennett for his leadership and contributions during his tenure. Under Bennett’s guidance, MEMA noted, the BMC has enhanced collaborative efforts among brake manufacturers and tackled pivotal industry issues.

“We are incredibly grateful to John Bennett for his visionary leadership and commitment to excellence,” said Ben Brucato, vice president of member engagement at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “We are confident that Brendan will continue this legacy of proactive leadership and innovation to advance the interests of our members and the industry at large.”

Morris’ appointment is effective immediately. He will preside over his first BMC meeting in November during AAPEX.

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Gary MacCausland

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) announced it elected a current board member to its executive committee.

Gary MacCausland of VIP Tires & Service was voted in as secretary. He has served on the TIA board for two years,.

MacCausland’s term will officially begin on Nov. 4th during the group’s board meeting in Las Vegas prior to the opening of the 2024 Global Tire Expo and SEMA Show. His election as TIA Secretary places him in line to become the association’s president in 2026-27.

A tire industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience in automotive and tire service centers, MacCausland currently works as Senior Vice President of Operations & Merchandising at VIP Tires & Service in Lewiston, Maine. He is a certified Automotive Tire Service instructor since 2017.

“I am honored to be elected as Secretary and look forward to collaborating with this talented team of board members and staff to continue making a positive impact on safety in the tire industry,” MacCausland said.

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MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers hosted the Remanufacturing Roadshow and Annual Conference last month.

From June 25-26 in Greenville, S.C., industry leaders and innovators came together for an event focused on the future of remanufacturing.

Attendees were treated to exclusive tours of Circuit Board Medics, Standard Motor Products and Bosch Rexroth facilities to take in cutting-edge manufacturing processes.

The conference featured sessions, including Innovations & Challenges in High Voltage Battery Life Cycle Management and Emerging Technologies and a Focus on Circularity: Driving Opportunities for Remanufacturing. These sessions offered insights into current trends and technological advancements in the industry. Discussions on effective marketing strategies and industry perceptions took place during Increasing Demand for Remanufacturing Starts with Understanding Perception and Reality.

Attendees took part in networking opportunities, including a dinner at Fluor Field where attendees took in a minor league baseball game. They also had the option to tour the graduate research labs at Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research.

“The Remanufacturing Roadshow and Annual Conference truly showcased the important role of remanufacturing in the automotive and commercial vehicle aftermarket,” said John Chalifoux, chief operating officer of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “The collaboration, innovation, and dedication of our members is inspiring and will drive our industry forward.”

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

The U.S. automotive aftermarket is poised for continued growth, according to new research.

The Joint Forecast Model, a comprehensive analysis prepared by S&P Global and released by the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, revealed that total aftermarket sales grew by 8.6 per cent to reach $391 billion. Dealers’ service centres, auto parts stores, and general auto repair sectors all saw significant growth, surpassing initial estimates.

The model, the announcement explained, provides an in-depth review of the market’s size, growth projections through 2027, and the trends influencing this trajectory. It also highlighted that, despite challenges such as persistent inflation, the U.S. automotive aftermarket showed resilience in 2023.

Several key trends are shaping the aftermarket industry. Rising wages and a strong labour market are boosting consumer spending despite inflationary pressures. The industry’s ability to charge more for services and parts has helped counteract inflation, which is expected to return to the Federal Reserve’s target range by late 2025.

Although consumer sentiment remains low, spending levels have been resilient. However, ongoing pessimism could pose risks to future spending patterns. New vehicle sales are projected to stabilize, contributing to the expansion of the U.S. vehicle fleet. Additionally, there is a continued rise in e-commerce purchases of DIY parts, reflecting changing consumer preferences and the increasing convenience of online shopping.

In 2023, the aftermarket faced similar influences as in 2022, with high inflation and a resilient consumer base driving spending. Despite high inflation hindering potential federal rate cuts, the strong labour market and rising wages kept consumer spending robust, benefitting the aftermarket.

The model predicted that U.S. automotive aftermarket sales will grow by 5.9 per cent in 2024. From 2025 to 2027, the market is expected to see average growth rates of 4.5 per cent, with the aftermarket expanding to $472 billion as inflationary effects retreat.

“Despite inflationary pressures, vehicle owners are investing more in their cars, with an aging vehicle fleet and significant growth in both service and retail sectors supporting our industry’s trajectory,” said Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “The report’s analysis on how these factors are shaping our market provide essential clarity for our members as they strategize for the future.”

Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, also noted the industry’s promising growth prospects.

“As we navigate the evolving market dynamics, industry stakeholders can expect a wealth of opportunities to emerge, driven by consumer demand, the aging vehicle population and technological advancements,” he said.

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Alana Baker speaks at the 2024 AIA Canada National Conference

Alana Baker has left the automotive aftermarket, leaving her position as vice president of government relations and research at the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

Baker posted to LinkedIn that she left as of June 5 and confirmed separately that she was leaving the industry.

“This is, of course, very bittersweet. While I know deep down this is the right decision for me and my family at this time, my heart is certainly heavy to be leaving the association and the team,” she wrote. “It has been a pleasure representing Canada’s auto care industry with government, partners and stakeholders.”

Baker has been with the group since the fall of 2021. She has been a regular speaker and advocate for the industry’s right to repair efforts in Canada and internationally.

Jean-François Champagne, president and CEO of AIA Canada, said in a statement to Auto Service World that the group is sad to see her go but excited for her next chapter. He praised Baker for her work on the right to repair file, both in Canada and globally.

But just because Baker is gone, that doesn’t mean the movement has lost momentum, he noted.

“Our commitment to the R2R initiative remains steadfast. During this transition, we will continue to work closely with our long-standing partners, Summa Strategies and Boudeweel Public Affairs, alongside the AIA Canada team, to ensure the momentum of our government relations efforts is maintained,” Champagne said. “We wish Alana all the best in her future endeavors and are grateful for her impactful work.’’

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The Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) has announced a significant enhancement to their group benefits program.

The group has partnered with OTTO to introduce an array of improved and customized offerings specifically tailored for the automotive sector.

All AARO members now have access to this upgraded group benefits program, which includes several new and innovative features designed to meet their unique needs.

Key Features of the Enhanced Group Benefits Program:

• Lower Administrative Fees: AARO has negotiated reduced administrative fees to make the program more cost-effective and affordable for all members.
• Plan Design Flexibility: With OTTO, members can customize their benefit plans to suit specific needs and preferences, providing greater control over coverage options.
• Improved Health and Wellness Programs: The new program includes enhanced health and wellness initiatives aimed at promoting both physical and mental well-being for members with health coverage.
• Group Retirement Products: The program offers a range of group retirement products designed to help members and their employees plan for a stable financial future.
• Access to HR Service Support: The program provides access to HR service support to help members navigate the challenges of attracting, retaining, and managing talent effectively.

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The latest Consumer Behaviour Series report from AIA Canada shows that dealers are outranking independent automotive service providers in several key areas.

The Dealership versus independent: How Canadian vehicle owners choose a service provider report is available to AIA Canada for free, or $199 for non-members. It explores the factors influencing Canadian vehicle owners’ choices for maintenance and repair services have been revealed, highlighting significant trends and preferences in the industry.

It found that most Canadians (37 per cent) believe dealers outperform the aftermarket. One-third believe the reverse, that independent automotive service professionals outperform dealers. The remaining 30 per cent believe both are the same.

When comparing a few specific areas, dealers ranked higher compared to automotive service providers in:

• • Helpful service advisor: Dealerships 37% vs. ASPs 23%
  • Proactive notifications: Dealerships 46% vs. ASPs 18%
  • Technical competence: Dealerships 36% vs. ASPs 20%
  • Quality of work: Dealerships 33% vs. ASPs 24%

The independents came out ahead in:

• • Value for money: ASPs 20% vs. Dealerships 58%
  • Being trustworthy: ASPs 28% vs. Dealerships 36%

If ASPs want to build greater trust with consumers, they should look to for consistency in matching up technicians with customer vehicles. Two-thirds of respondetns said they would trust their service center more if the same technician always worked on their vehicle.

The same number of respondents said they would trust more if more time were spent explaining the impact of maintenance and repair, while 64 per cent would trust more if they received more help in planning for short, medium and long-term maintenance and repair.

About half (51 per cent) would be more trustful if shops sent videos and websites explaining the scope and importance of maintenance and repair.

The report further dives into where Canadians go for maintenance and repair, the reasons they choose a shop, how they find a new service provider, their perceptions of the independent aftermarket versus dealers and how to increase trust and loyalty.

In its key takeaways and conclusions, the report noted that ASPs must focus on building trust and providing quality customer service to retain customers and justify premium pricing. Transparency, trust, and quality service ensure repeat business, even if price initially attracts customers.

Satisfied customers can become strong advocates for ASPs, generating positive word-of-mouth and online reviews, the report added. Every customer interaction is an opportunity to make a lasting positive impression, encouraging loyalty and recommendations.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Nathaniel Willsie

Eager to grow within Canada’s expansive auto care sector, Nathaniel Willsie of Grote Industries has been working in the industry for eight years. Throughout his career, Nathaniel has been involved with AIA Canada and the Manitoba Division and has contributed to the Young Professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) Committee for five years, making connections and expanding his network at YPA events, learning from others from across the industry. And, if the opportunity presents itself, mentoring those who have just dipped their toes into the industry.

At a glance

Name: Nathaniel Willsie

Job title and company: Western Heavy Duty Sales Manager, Grote Industries

Years of experience: Eight years

Years in the YPA: Five years

What inspired you to work in the auto care sector?

The auto care sector is a major industry that has a broad reach and impact across many critical sectors and services in North America, from suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers. The idea of being involved in such a huge industry excites me and made me want to get involved.

You are involved in the Young Professionals in the Auto care community — what does it mean to you?

As I personally look back on my career within the industry, the YPA has enabled me to grow as a young professional. As someone who strongly believes in the importance of networking—including the opportunity to learn from others and prosper in the industry—the YPA has allowed me to prioritize networking opportunities and ultimately, has supported the advancement of my career. I always value the events that the YPA put on. Finally, I enjoy the opportunity to influence those entering the industry and look forward to continuing to do so.

What advice do you have for someone starting out in the industry?

The auto care sector is a massive industry, yet it is like a family. I encourage those new to the industry to reach out to their colleagues and members of YPA for insight and support. It is a rewarding and challenging career that is opportunity-rich!

About the Young Professionals in the Auto care sector

Young Professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) is an Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) community comprising of young executives, of 45 years or younger, in the Canadian auto care sector. They support the career growth of young professionals by expanding their network and assisting them in becoming a thought leader in Canada’s auto care industry.

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Auto Care Connect brought together hundreds of auto care professionals to provide them with the latest insights, information and trends.

Attended by leaders in various segments from the auto care industry to foster innovation, collaboration and growth, the event featured multiple learning tracks tailored for different community groups.

Sessions were geared to specific areas of the aftermarket: the Young Auto Care Networking Group (YANG), Paint, Body & Equipment Specialists (PBES), Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN) and the Auto Care Association membership as a whole.

 

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The event featured several keynotes, some geared to specific communities like Nick Bontis, director of the Institute for Intellectual Capital Research, who spoke to YANG members about leadership and the threat and opportunity of AI; The Classification Guru Susan Walsh for the ACPN group about the importance of clean data in parts information; and Peter Fader, a marketing professor from the Wharton School, who spoke as part of the Auto Care group.

Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, a fighter pilot and founder of Folds of Honor, gave the final keynote, touching on the importance of leadership and working together, inspired by military principles.

There were many panel discussions for each of the groups as well that ranged from crucial career conversations to industry talent to artificial intelligence to the future of automotive repair.

Attendees also had plenty of networking opportunities through the week, including a trade show.

See the full photo gallery below, highlight reel on Instagram and longer recap on LinkedIn.

Auto Care Connect 2024

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The vast majority of independent repair shops in the U.S. put the right to repair issue at the top of their list of concerns for doing business going forward.

The Auto Care Association — the U.S.-based national body representing sectors of the automotive aftermarket — recently released findings from a nationwide survey of repair shops that underscored the hurdles faced by independent repair facilities in servicing vehicles, often compelling them to decline business.

Key findings reveal that 84 per cent of independent repair shops rank access to vehicle repair and maintenance data as their top business concern, outranking issues such as technician recruitment, retention and inflation. Furthermore, 63 per cent of these shops face difficulties in making routine repairs daily or weekly due to data access restrictions. Notably, 51 per cent of shops reported having to send up to five vehicles per month back to dealerships because of these restrictions.

Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, emphasized the severe impact of these limitations.

“This research sheds new light on the stark reality facing the 273,000 shops and 900,000 technicians in the United States. Without legislative action, local repair shops will increasingly have to turn away business, forcing car owners to pay higher prices at dealerships,” he said.

The financial toll is also significant, with vehicle data restrictions costing independent repair shops an estimated $3.1 billion annually. These restrictions disproportionately harm small independent businesses, making it difficult for them to offer certain services and parts, and often leaving car owners with no alternative but the dealership for some repairs.

This growing issue is highlighted at a time when consumer preference leans towards independent shops over dealerships for vehicle repairs, the association noted.

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The Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) announced a partnership with EEZE, a platform for peer-to-peer auto sales.

The move was made to enhance the safety and reliability of private vehicle transactions in Ontario. The collaboration leverages AARO’s network of over 450 independent repair garage owners and 10,000 technician members across the province.

These shops, many of which are licensed inspection stations, will facilitate the safety inspections and certificates required for registering pre-owned vehicles sold by private sellers. This initiative aims to provide dealer-level service in a market traditionally dominated by private transactions, thereby increasing consumer trust and simplifying the process.

“We are excited to work with EEZE to bring this innovative platform to our members,” said Eric Mileham, AARO chair. “This is a significant step forward in our efforts to unite the independent automotive aftermarket and tackle industry challenges, particularly in safeguarding consumers.”

EEZE aims to secure private auto sales by verifying both people and vehicles and ensuring secure money transfers. With the support of AARO, EEZE will offer consumers reliable service centers for inspection, warranty, repair and maintenance needs throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle.

“By joining forces with AARO, we can promote trusted vehicle exchanges between private parties while ensuring access to reliable service centers for pre-sale and post-sale support,” said Tave Della Porta, CEO and co-founder of EEZE.

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From left, Kumar Saha moderates a discussion with an aftermarket pro (Todd Campau, associate director of aftermarket solutions at S&P Global Mobility), government official (Elizabeth Clark, leader of the automotive team at the U.S. Department of Commerce) and Wall Street analyst (Greg Melich, senior managing director at Evercore ISI) during the 3 Dragons session at the Vision Conference hosted by MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers

One of the top conferences for automotive aftermarket professionals tackled key issues ranging from electric vehicles to supply chains to geopolitical to artificial intelligence and more.

The MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers annual Vision Conference was held at The Henry in Dearborn, Michigan, just outside of Detroit. Attendees included the top minds and professionals from across the industry and beyond.

This year’s event marked 120 years of MEMA under the theme “The New Aftermarket: Embracing Change to Drive Growth.”

A welcome reception was held at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation on April 9 before the jam-packed conference kicked off the next morning.

 

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Things kicked off with a drumline performance with a medley of upbeat music as performers donned glow-up outfits.

The always-popular ‘three dragons’ session featured an aftermarket pro (Todd Campau, associate director of aftermarket solutions at S&P Global Mobility) Wall Street analyst (Greg Melich, senior managing director at Evercore ISI) and government official (Elizabeth Clark, leader of the automotive team at the U.S. Department of Commerce) conversation that looked at industry issues from various perspectives. It was hosted by Eucon Americas vice president and Jobber News columnist Kumar Saha.

Barry Neal and Neury Freitas from Roland Berger gave a presentation based on results from the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers 2024 Landmark Study: Profitable Deployment of AI in the Automotive Aftermarket. The pair looked at how AI can help the industry in a variety of ways and offered real use case examples of where it would be beneficial.

John Baldwin, senior vice president of product at Discount Tire — with locations throughout the U.S. — went through what makes for a good customer experience as well as what they’ve learned about working with EVs.

The Advocacy Town Hall was hosted by MEMA’s Ann Wilson. She touched on significant legislative topics impacting the industry, including right to repair and trade issues.

Wilson, who will be retiring at the end of the year, was recognized by CEO Paul McCarthy on behalf of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers for her contributions to the industry.

After lunch saw a comedian magician perform for attendees before McCarthy then offered a Talk from the Top which featured pointed responses from customer leaders about how they feel their supplier partners are doing.

Prashant Iyer and Rob Pick from Bain & Company Discussed strategies for building a resilient aftermarket supply chain as geopolitical tensions rise.

As more suppliers look to Mexico as a nearshoring alternative, Gino Amador, president Snap-on Equipment, John Hanighen, CEO of Cloyes Gear & Products and Eric Sills, CEO of Standard Motor Products looked at the challenges and opportunities that stand in front of the industry.

Four ‘bulls’ then took the stage — Tim Albritten, director of business development from BG Products, Rosa Meckseper, head of automotive aftermarket in North America at Continental, Dave Miller, vice president of global product line management at Gates and Russ Stebbins, senior director of the global aftermarket business unit at Sensata — about trends that will boost aftermarket business, their thoughts on EVs and how they will supply the EV aftermarket.

The event wrapped up with a celebration networking reception to mark MEMA’s anniversary.

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Vision Conference 2024

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Chris Kinghorn

Ryan Bruno has moved into the role of AIA Canada chair as part of several changes to the association’s board for 2024-2025.

The change to the executive committee means Shannon Spano from Wakefield is now past chair and Mister Transmission’s Tony Kuczynski is first vice chair.

Costa Haitas

Three new directors were also added to the board. The Mufflerman’s Costa Haitas, Craig Jalbert of 3M and UAP’s Chris Kinghorn have joined.

The changes were officially announced during AIA Canada’s 82nd Annual General Meeting on April 10. The meeting was held virtually to ensure high participation.

AIA Canada will host its National Conference on April 23-24 in Toronto.

YPA

The Young Professionals in the Auto care sector also announced new members in addition to Sales & Marketing’s Kari Hann’s appointment as chair.

Hann takes over the two-year term from Patrick Verriet of Mann+Hummell.

Six new members are joining for a two-year term: Andrew Harvey, Recochem Inc., Candice James, Carfax Canada, Adam Malik, Turnkey Media Solutions, Transtar Industries (King-O-Matic), Noah Smolders, AutologiQ and Pragati Upadhyay, Wakefield Canada

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MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers has announced the creation of the Aftermarket Suppliers CEO Council.

This new council is designed to be an exclusive forum for chief executives from various sectors of the automotive industry, including automotive, commercial vehicle and remanufacturing.

In an announcement, the group noted that the council is part of MEMA’s commitment to providing high-value networking opportunities, something members often cite as one of the key benefits of their membership. These platforms are designed enable industry leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on topics that impact their businesses and the sector at large.

Scheduled to convene for its inaugural meeting on April 11 at The Henry Hotel, the council aims to foster deep discussions and provide actionable insights into shared challenges and opportunities within the industry. The event will begin with a networking reception at the Automotive Hall of Fame on April 10, aligning with the 2024 Vision Conference.

Throughout the year, the council plans to host both in-person and virtual gatherings, including roundtable discussions and an executive luncheon during the AAPEX show.

John Chalifoux, COO at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and the council’s lead, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative.

“The launch of the CEO council marks a significant step forward in providing a dedicated and dynamic environment for top executives in the aftermarket sector,” he said in the announcement. “We look forward to fostering a community where industry leaders can come together as a trusted group of advisors.”

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Vehicle kilometres travelled by Canadians have fallen back to Earth and substantially subsided, according to new data from AIA Canada.

The Vehicle travel trends in Canada: Q1 2020 to Q4 2023 report shows that Canadians eagerly got behind the wheel in 2022 before tailing off and hitting a four-year quarterly low to close out 2023.

AIA Canada partnered with Inrix, which manages vehicle traffic data, and researcher Clarify Group on the report. It shows median kilometres travelled, number of trips and average distance travelled compared to a baseline — represented as a fraction of what would be expected without a global pandemic.

“This baseline provides us with a ‘typical’ period before COVID-19 so we can observe if, when, and where mobility trends among passenger vehicles are returning to pre-pandemic levels,” the report stated.

Kilometres travelled in Q4 2023 were down 58 per cent from the same time the year before. Even the middle quarters, which cover the summer months, saw significant reduction in kilometres travelled compared to 2022.

The slowdown was attributed to a weakening economy as higher interest rates, inflation and energy costs take a toll, as well as changing work practices.

“Shorter trip durations compared to other quarters suggests a tendency for drivers to take more local journeys compared to longer drives, especially with work from home,” it added.

It also warned that fears of a recession could result in miles travelled flatlining.

“On the other hand, given that several macroeconomic indicators like employment, immigration, and gross domestic product (GDP) remain stubbornly positive, continued VMT growth remains possible,” the report stated.

The full report includes national and province-by-province breakdowns across the categories as well as further insights. It is available for free to AIA Canada members and $399 for non-members.

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Atlantic Canada’s Coast Tire & Auto Service and Andy’s Tire Group announced they will merge next month.

The joint operation will bring Coast Tire’s 26 commercial and consumer tire and auto retail locations, a commercial retreading plant and wheel refinishing facility together with Andy Tire’s 20 stores, three distribution centres and two retreading plants in the Maritimes, effective March 1.

Andy’s Tire Group operates under the banners of Andy’s Tire Shop, Scotia Tire Service, A-1 Tires, Miller Tirecraft and Fleet Retreading.

In an announcement posted to LinkedIn, the new group — which didn’t note a combined name for the entity — noted the importance of both companies remaining locally owned and operated while expanding each other’s reach.

“We are thrilled to bring together these storied companies. This merger is more than a business decision; it’s a strategic move to create the best commercial tire and automotive service network across Atlantic Canada,” said Andrew Pye, CEO of the new business. “Our combined resources, expertise, and commitment to the Atlantic community will allow us to serve our customers even better.”

The announcement went on to note that the process of bringing together the two sides “will be measured and deliberate, ensuring that the integration of the two companies is as seamless and effective as possible.”

The goal throughout the process is to maintain and enhance service delivery and support for their customers without interruption.

There was no mention made of executive changes. Pye served as president of Andy’s Tire. Terms of the deal were also not disclosed.

According to Modern Tire Dealer, Coast became fully independent in February 2022 after acquiring 49 per cent of its shares from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

Coast has been in business for more than 30 years while Andy’s Tire was established more than 70 years ago.

The post Tire shops announce merger appeared first on Auto Service World.

Adam Malik

Writer, editor and auto enthusiast, Adam Malik is more than familiar with Canada’s auto care sector. Having been in the industry and its periphery for eight years, Adam Malik has found himself a community within the Young Professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) and enjoys every opportunity to get together with the community to network, connect and collaborate.

What inspired you to work in the auto care sector?

I actually fell into it, left, and then came back. While working in trade media in the accounting and legal fields, a position opened up to manage AutoServiceWorld.com. A former colleague was working with a different publication within the same parent company. I emailed him to ask what he thought about me applying — if it was a good group and if I would be a good fit.

He messaged back saying that he talked to the publisher, that she wanted me to send her my resume directly and that I would basically be in. It was, fortunately enough, that simple.

A little more than two years later, the same parent company created a new position with its insurance trade magazine that seemed to be a natural fit based on my past work covering accounting and finance. I left, but not entirely—insurance and the aftermarket are closely linked, so I was keeping in touch with some auto care folks, particularly those at AIA Canada. But the change happened over the pandemic and I never got to sink my teeth into the insurance industry. The opportunity came to return to the auto care sector and I have not looked back.

This is a long way of saying that this great industry has a lot of wonderful, helpful, inspiring, smart, friendly people. I like calling it a big, small town. It is a huge industry but tightly knit, and there is so much happening here to keep you on your toes.

You are involved in the YPA—what does it mean to you?

I joined YPA because it is so important to connect and network. There are so many things you learn by networking, you meet new people, you become part of a community. In an industry that is changing so much, being able to lean on each other and share knowledge is going to be absolutely essential. We also need to grow this network of young professionals in Canada. We have so many brilliant minds and we need to bring everyone together.

What advice do you have for someone starting out in the industry?

No matter the industry: Get engaged. Be part of the YPA. Be involved in your industry, join communities and be part of associations and groups. Not only will you be helping the industry by sharing your ideas, but you also never know what opportunities you may find. Rather than just clock in and out of your job, get involved if you really want to see your career flourish. Just do it.

About the Young Professionals in the Auto care sector

Young Professionals in the Auto care sector (YPA) is an Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) community comprising of young executives, of 45 years or younger, in the Canadian auto care sector. They support the career growth of young professionals by expanding their network and assisting them in becoming a thought leader in Canada’s auto care industry.

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A new partnership aims to boost job opportunities in Canada’s automotive aftermarket.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada announced an exclusive recruitment and human resources services partnership with Auto-jobs.ca. The deal will look to increase accessibility in connecting with qualified automotive talent to fill open positions in the industry.

AIA Canada president and CEO J.F. Champagne noted the need to take action on the aftermarket’s labour issues.

“We aim to elevate the recruitment process in the auto care sector, making it more accessible, efficient, and beneficial for both employers and job seekers,” he said in the announcement.

AIA Canada members in good standing can now take advantage of benefits from this partnership, which includes volume posting discounts, discounts on Atman tests and discounted assisted recruitment services package, which includes job reference, driver’s license validation, and criminal record assessment.

By visiting their membership benefits website, AIA Canada members can find more details and access to the offerings.

The post AIA Canada partners with job site appeared first on Auto Service World.

Kendall Schaus

Kendall Schaus has been promoted to field sales manager with the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance.

The move was effective January 1. In her new role, she will focus on Alliance member sales efforts including national service retail chain accounts and the Auto Value and Confidence Plus Certified Service Centers (CSC) program.

“Kendall works seamlessly with our shareholder members and their sales teams,” said JC Washbish, President of the Alliance. “She is a natural salesperson and understands service is the difference when taking care of the shop customer. We are excited to see her embrace her new management role as she continues to lead the Alliance sales efforts.”

Schaus officially joined the Alliance in October of 2020 as a field sales representative, working directly with Alliance shareholders on national account efforts, sales trainings, CSC banner shop program elements. She will now expand her responsibilities as manager, serving as lead for the Alliance, working alongside Bob Resco of Federated Auto Parts, and Mike Peace of the Pronto Network, with national service retail accounts and partnerships, working as a trio in support of the Federated-Alliance joint venture and Automotive Parts Service Group (APSG) national account efforts.

“I’m excited to continue working directly with our Alliance shareholder members on their sales and business development efforts, particularly with National Accounts and our Certified Service Centers,” Schaus said.

She will report directly to Washbish.

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If you missed out on Industry Week in Las Vegas, here are your highlights.

The week kicked off with an opening night reception at the Sands Expo, where AAPEX was being held. In the foyer of the second floor, hundreds of professionals from across the automotive aftermarket gathered to meet, network and catch up with colleagues before the real work kicked in the following morning.

Wakefield Canada hosted a reception at the Vegas Golden Knights game against the Montreal Canadiens. The group welcomed select partners and guests to take in the game from a private area at T-Mobile Arena.

What a morning it was on the first official day at AAPEX. Industry Week kicked off with Bill Hanvey, president of the Auto Care Association, and MEMA Aftermarket suppliers president Paul McCarthy. The two hammered home the importance of right to repair and why every person in the industry must get in touch with their elected official to ensure they understand the importance of the issue and vote in favour of its passage.

 

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Then legendary basketball player and entrepreneur Magic Johnson entertained the crowd, telling them his story of becoming a basketball star, getting wooed by shoe companies and transitioning from off the basketball court to the business world. For example, he proved Starbucks could work in areas the company never thought of simply by catering to the types of food and atmosphere they expect. He talked about learning lessons in losing and how no one gets where they are without some help. He fielded questions from the audience, ranging from how to cultivate a winning attitude to bringing a divided society back together. And without hesitation, called Michael Jordan the greatest basketball player to ever live.

AAPEX featured two general sessions. One was hosted by S&P Global Mobility’s Todd Campau, who looked at key aftermarket trends. Notably, it appears forecasts that suggested pent-up demand would see new car sales spike may not materialize as lingering economic factors hold back potential buyers — meaning average vehicle age will continue to climb and the aftermarket will be kept busy.

The other was hosted by Circana’s Nathan Shipley. He highlighted that high-income consumer spending is offsetting lower-income consumers deferring maintenance. He also noted that despite many people working in a hybrid environment, vehicle miles travelled is on par with years past, meaning many are still taking part in road trips, made easier by the fact that they can work from anywhere. And, overall, the aftermarket is near the top of the list when it comes to performance, despite economic headwinds.

Canada Night welcomed hundreds of Canadian attendees from AAPEX and SEMA. It was held at the Venetian for a dedicated space for Canadians to gather and network.

A coalition of TPMS manufacturers —Schrader, Bartec, ATEQ and Continental — held a press conference to put out the word about the importance of shops updating TPMS tools. They pointed to the potential service issues and delays that can happen when tools aren’t updated. They urged shops to take the time needed to update their tools, noting that poor Wi-Fi in the shop often holds back adequate updating.

 

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Women in Auto Care held its networking breakfast in the morning and then its annual awards ceremony where it recognized top women in the industry in the afternoon to close out the second day of Industry Week.

Company Ally of the Year was won by Standard Motor Products. The class of four Auto Care Women of Excellence winners were Susan Starnes of Genuine Parts Company, Ashlee Arnold of Arnold Oil Company of Austin, Tanya Hunt from BBB Industries and Jennifer Tio from Maximum Marketing Services, Inc. The Outstanding Leadership Award was won by Jill Trotta of TechForce. Jessica Carrino of Sparks Tire & Auto won Female Shop Owner of the Year. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Tammy Tecklenburg from dott. April Williamson from NAPA was named Champion of the Year.

SEMA’s keynote was hosted by Tim Tebow, former athlete turned entrepreneur and philanthropist. He shared his life message of being “mission possible” as part of the show’s professional development experience. This was a new feature for the SEMA Main Stage, a program that will feature iconic personalities in the automotive industry, thought leaders and entertainers.

Check out our photo galleries

AAPEX 2023 – Day 1

AAPEX – Day 2

SEMA 2023

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Getting right to repair in place on both sides of the border has taken a big step forward in recent weeks.

During Industry Week, it was announced that the REPAIR Act in the U.S. was sent for markup and eventually voted from a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee to a full committee for review — the farthest right to repair efforts have gone in that country.

Members of the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce, of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued no objection to act to push it forward, clearing a major hurdle.

“We are grateful to the subcommittee for recognizing the intent behind this legislation and agreeing to report the REPAIR Act to the full committee,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of Auto Care Association. “I am grateful to Congressman Neal Dunn, Congressman Brendan Boyle, Congressman Warren Davidson and the only repair shop owner in Congress, Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, along with the other 46 bipartisan cosponsors, for their continued efforts to make the REPAIR Act a reality.”

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers also applauded the decision, noting in an announcement of its own that the vote out of subcommittee was a must for vehicle consumers, repair shops, parts suppliers and manufacturers.

“Advances in technology are making it easier to raise barriers between consumers and needed information to repair their vehicles. It has become clear that Congress must act,” its statement said.

CAR Coalition executive director Justin Rzepka also praised the move.

“It’s tremendous to see bipartisan support for expanding vehicle owners’ right to repair,” he said in a statement. “Today’s markup and approval of the REPAIR Act demonstrates the clear desire of Congress to put consumers first. We thank the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing this important legislation and look forward to seeing the bill move forward.”

Now, the REPAIR Act will move to consideration by the full Energy and Commerce Committee. Other stakeholders have brought forward recommendations to alter the current bill. All three groups mentioned have stated they will work with committee members, members of congress and other stakeholders to help further ensure the legislation will continue to progress through Congress.

“While today’s action is a testament to the hard work of our industry’s advocacy of preserving safe, affordable, and accessible vehicle repair, it is also just the beginning of the legislative process,” Hanvey said. “As this fight now moves to the full Committee on Energy and Commerce, I encourage our members to remain diligent with outreach to elected officials to ensure they know that your business depends on the REPAIR Act becoming law.”

Canada

On October 18, the House of Commons unanimously passed Bill C-244, which proposes amendments to the Copyright Act that would give Canadians the right to access their data for the purposes of diagnosis, maintenance or repair of certain types of products, including the vehicles they own.

A statement from AIA Canada noted more work is to be done but this is the starting point to achieving full right to repair legislation in Canada.

“Bill C-244 is a step in the right direction when it comes to levelling the playing field for service and repair of consumer goods,” the group said. “This is why we are continuing to work with the federal government as the Bill now moves to the Senate for further study, to urge its swift passing into law.”

Now the ball is in the court of the federal government, AIA Canada added. “The federal government must proceed with a review on the Right to Repair (as promised in Budget 2023) and go further to introduce standalone legislation for vehicles, which will be needed to help reinforce a manufacturer’s requirement to allow access to diagnostic and repair information, which would address systemic issues around data ownership.”

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I-CAR Canada announced a partnership with the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB Group) to increase welding training opportunities across the country.

The partnership will see CWB lend its training facilities in Milton, Ontario, and Nisku, Alberta, as well as instructors nationwide for training to I-CAR Canada.

I-CAR Canada is a is a training and recognition program run by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

CWB Group will grow in the collision industry and expand its network under the partnership while sharing its expertise.

The deal will ensure that welding training from I-CAR Canada is accessible to all Canadians in a timely manner. Instructors will travel across Canada to train technicians in-shop, ensuring more collision shops in rural and urban areas of the country will be able to offer safe, quality and timely vehicle repairs.

“This is an incredible opportunity to provide I-CAR welding training to rural, sometimes inaccessible, areas of Canada,” said Stuart Klein, vice president of collision programs at AIA Canada. “Working with the CWB Group at these facilities and through their travelling instructors will ensure that all Canadian collision sector businesses, regardless of their location, will have access to the training they need to safely repair vehicles.”

“At CWB Group, we’re committed to enhancing the skills of Canada’s welding community. Partnering with I-CAR Canada allows us to combine our robust training infrastructure with their specialized curriculum, ensuring a brighter, safer future for the collision industry. Together, we’re reaching every corner of Canada,” said Bill Gwynne, vice president of industry solutions at the CWB Group.

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When it comes to big names in the automotive aftermarket, they don’t get too much bigger than this.

Bill Long, president and CEO of MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, Larry Pavey, CEO of the Automotive Parts Services Group (also known as The Group) and John Washbish, president and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance will take part in a “Brewing Brilliance” webinar this week.

The MEMA Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX) will host the event in support of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and its Coffee Club campaign. Naturally, it will be held on International Coffee Day on Sept. 29.

The webinar is being billed as “a thought-provoking roundtable discussion.” Long, Pavey and Washbish will share insights and touch on formative influences, career pathways, innovation and more.

“One of the primary objectives of the MiX council is to give younger aftermarket employees a voice about future aftermarket challenges while also providing development opportunities,” said Ryan Devine, MiX chairman. “Our upcoming Brewing Brilliance webinar will give the entire industry the opportunity to hear how aftermarket legends navigated their careers and what they feel will be critical moving into the future.”

Todd Hack, chairman of the UAF Coffee Club work group highlighted the opportunity to hear from some of the industry’s biggest leaders. “This is a terrific opportunity to gain incredible insight and knowledge, and also ‘pour it forward’ to support the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and its educational mission,” he said.

All industry members are invited to attend the “Brewing Brilliance” webinar. To register, click here.

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That ding-ding-ding-ding noise you hear when you don’t put on your seatbelt or take it off while the vehicle is in motion could get longer and apply to more occupants.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a proposed rule to require automakers to equip vehicles with seat belt use warning systems for the right front passenger and rear seats to increase seat belt use.

The proposal would apply to passenger cars, trucks, most buses and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.

Safety standards in the U.S. require a seat belt warning for the driver’s seat but not for others.

For rear seats, the proposed rule would implement a visual warning on vehicle startup lasting at least 60 seconds to notify the driver of the status of the rear seat belts and an audio-visual change-of-status warning lasting at least 30 seconds if a rear seat belt is unbuckled while the vehicle is in operation.

Up front, the proposed rule would issue an audio-visual seat belt use warning for the right front passenger’s seat, an audio-visual seat belt use warning for the driver and right front passenger seat that remains active until both the driver and right front passenger seat occupants are belted and an audio-visual change-of-status warning for both the driver and right front passenger seats that remains active until the unfastened seat belt is refastened.

NHTSA noted that almost 43,000 people died on U.S. roads in 2021 and half of them were not buckled in.

“This proposed rule can help reduce that number by getting more to buckle up,” said NHTSA acting administrator Ann Carlson.

The proposal has the backing of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

“The small minority of drivers and passengers who fail to use this basic piece of safety equipment account for nearly half of crash fatalities, and our research has shown that if all vehicles had persistent reminders to buckle up, it would save about 1,500 lives a year,” said David Harkey, IIHS president.

Current regulations outline that seat belt reminders must include an audible signal that lasts for four to eight seconds total and a visual alert that lasts at least 60 seconds whenever the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled.

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Several new faces a joining the board of directors at the Automotive Communications Council as changes were announced for the 2023-2024 year.

At the top will be some familiar faces. Shawn Collins, founder of the Extend Group, will serve as incoming president, while John McGrane, marketing communications manager at Acme Manufacturing, will move to the immediate past president role. Peter Bulmer, managing director at Turnkey Media — owner of Auto Service World, CARS and Jobber News, will act as treasurer. Leyla Saad, North America marketing coordinator at Sensata Technologies, will continue to serve as board member.

Joining them is Patrick Cronin, automotive aftermarket marketing manager for NTN Bearing Corporation, who will serve as vice president.

Alyssa McGhee from Mahle Aftermarket, Sheila Sarkozi from RepairPal and Taran Sodhi from Conceptual Minds are marking their first terms on the board.

The post Here’s the ACC board for 2023-2024 appeared first on Auto Service World.

Mueller-Kueps’ new Multi-Cleaner is meant to easily clean brakes, exhaust and more.

It comes with replaceable heads so users don’t need to buy multiple tools. The tool comes with two different sized attachments: 40 mm and 50 mm.

The abrasive reduces the time spent cleaning, quickly removing rust, corrosion and dirt without excessive material removal. The heads are in a trapezoidal shape for multiple cleaning options, either by the angled sides or the flat top.

The 2-component handle provides added comfort.

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More voices in the automotive aftermarket are coming out against a right to repair deal swung by three groups.

Within days of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRA) and Alliance for Automotive Innovation announcing a “landmark agreement” on automotive right to repair, one industry association after another has come out in opposition to the pact.

First were the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. In separate announcements, both criticized the agreement. Auto Care called it a “thinly veiled attempt to confuse lawmakers and drivers” and a response to The REPAIR Act which was introduced last year.

“As a transportation industry, we believe that we have one opportunity to pass federal legislation and that legislation must include the ability to prioritize and protect consumers’ access to both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle repair and maintenance through all iterations of vehicle technology on the road today and to come,” MEMA said in its own statement.

Both noted they were not part of any discussions on this new deal. ASA and SCRS also did not sign nor support the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding — which their new commitment affirms. Auto Care also noted that ASA and SCRS “represent a small fraction of the independent repair market and do not speak for the automotive aftermarket.”

Then the Tire Industry Association (TIA) noted its opposition, saying this agreement “doesn’t go far enough” to address concerns or protect consumers.

All three raised concerns around enforceability, limited access to telematics and diagnostics, consumer protection, the non-binding nature of the agreement and more.

The Auto Care Alliance — which represents repair shops and has 1,300 members in 40 states — followed with a statement of its own, stating its opposition to the deal.

It also wondered why the ASA “has flipped positions after being vehemently opposed to right to repair for over 20 years,” its statement said. “The Automotive Service Association has repeatedly voiced its opposition to right to repair, and their reasons for opposing in the past have not been addressed in this new pact between ASA, SCRS, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.”

Notably, the Alliance is made up of former ASA members, including the Northwest Auto Care Alliance (formerly ASA Northwest), the Texas Auto Care Alliance (formerly ASA Texas) and the Florida Auto Care Alliance (formerly ASA Florida).

“The Automotive Service Association has repeatedly voiced its opposition to right to repair, and their reasons for opposing in the past have not been addressed in this new pact between ASA, SCRS, and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.”

The Alliance called for a deal that every organization agrees to — not a select few. Similar to Auto Care, MEMA and the TIA, the Alliance noted concerns around enforcement and the voluntary aspect of the agreement — an issue that is connected with the 2014 deal.

“This is history repeating itself once again. Their actions are slowing down much-needed legislation and enforcement the automotive industry has needed for decades,” stated Ron Turner, Director for Mid-Atlantic Auto Care Alliance, also a former ASA member as ASA Pennsylvania. “There is no evidence that this new agreement involving different parties provides any remedy to the types of issues that have been reported or which parties are now responsible for enforcement.”

The Alliance pointed to NASTF’s Service Information Request database and the number of outstanding information requests that have not yet been responded to by various manufacturers even though an agreement exists there as well. “It is also increasingly clear that many automakers are restricting repairs by limiting security access and critical diagnostic tool functions available to independent repairers,” the statement added.

“This is a critical time in our industry that associations need to be acting together instead of executing agreements on their own that fail to address important concerns voiced by many throughout the industry, especially when these organizations represent a minority of the industry’s total number,” said Sheri Hamilton, executive director for the Auto Care Alliance and Midwest Auto Care Alliance.

The CAR Coalition, a group of independent automotive parts, management and repair companies, associations, and insurers that joined Auto Care and MEMA in welcoming the introduction of The REPAIR Act, called the new pact “lip-service service and regurgitated platitudes” that attempts to block legislation that is pro-consumer.

A statement from executive director Justin Rzepka said new agreement only pretends to protect customers. “This pact masquerades as pro-consumer but, in reality, does nothing to expand consumer choices and give a vehicle owner access to repair data.”

He went on to call it “window dressing” and note the lack of enforceability in the announcement. “This letter and agreement should be seen for what they really are — an attempt to prevent Congress from advancing consumer-focused legislation like the SMART and REPAIR acts that would break the monopoly on auto parts and protect consumers’ rights to repair options and data access.”

An industry expert also weighed in on the pact. Brian Herron, CEO and president of Opus IVS, a supplier of scan tools and diagnostic services, issued a statement that questioned whether the agreement actually provides access to telematics and the wireless transmission of vehicle repair and maintenance data to independent repair shops.

He doesn’t see it, saying “the OEMs only agree to give access (not direct access) to this telematics data required to diagnose and repair vehicles to independent repair shops, in which these shops may be forced to subscribe to multiple third-party tools to get access to telematics data, rather than through a single direct source.”

This will leave repair shops with limited diagnostic capabilities, force them to rely on general knowledge and experience rather than specific data, reduce their competitiveness with authorized dealer networks, increase costs and raise safety concerns.

Can’t be voluntary

Advocates of a legislated right to repair solution have said this time is the best chance to get a deal done.

Especially important to many aftermarket leaders is a deal can’t be voluntary. AIA Canada is one of the groups pressing for a legislated solution.

“Any solution that’s based on the notion of voluntary compliance and individual responsibility is not going to lead to the envisioned and desired results; it will not achieve the goal as intended,” said Alana Baker, senior director of government relations with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

“In fact, we’ve seen it firsthand that some notable auto manufacturers have refused to join the current voluntary agreement between automakers and the aftermarket, which undermines the agreement’s effectiveness,” she said during a webinar last year.

When companies are not facing any consequences for failing to uphold their end of the bargain, they will likely opt to not comply.

“So voluntary agreements or memorandums of understanding, if you will, are simply legally non-binding expressions of goodwill. And these types of agreements will not result in meeting the policy objectives,” Baker said.

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*Editor’s note: This story has been updated with reaction from the Tire Industry Association

An apparent agreement between three groups representing auto repairers, collision shops and automakers in the U.S. on automotive right to repair is being met with pushback from two of the biggest automotive aftermarket organizations in the country.

The Auto Care Association, which includes representation of the distribution, auto repair, tool and equipment and other sectors, bluntly called the “so-called” pact “a thinly veiled attempt to confuse lawmakers and drivers” in the headline of its press release.

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, which represents the supplier end of the aftermarket, said in a separate statement that the deal “falls short.”

The agreement between Automotive Service Association (ASA), the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRA) and Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) includes promises to guarantee automotive repair choice for consumers across all vehicle technologies while affirming the 2014 national agreement on right to repair.

The trio said the new deal includes access to diagnostic and repair information, education and training and a level playing field for future advancements.

Auto Care Association was critical of the details, noting that as an original signatory to the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding, it was not consulted about this arrangement and “was not a party to and does not support the agreement.” It further pointed out that neither ASA nor SCRS did not sign or support the 2014 MOU.

These groups “represent a small fraction of the independent repair market and do not speak for the automotive aftermarket,” the association noted. “Auto Care Association, on the other hand, is a national trade association representing over 536,000 companies and affiliates that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, services, tools, equipment, materials, and supplies.”

It highlighted “numerous flaws” such as the fact that the agreement is not binding and doesn’t cover all automakers and doesn’t require new OEMs to join. Concerns are also raised around failures to address safety and security concerns of wirelessly transmitted vehicle data.

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers noted that it was a positive sign that stakeholders could and should come together to work on a solution.

“However, the agreement falls short of all the protections necessary to ensure consumer choice now and into the future for all parties, not only signatories of the pact,” its statement said. “As a transportation industry, we believe that we have one opportunity to pass federal legislation and that legislation must include the ability to prioritize and protect consumers’ access to both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle repair and maintenance through all iterations of vehicle technology on the road today and to come.

Legislation for right to repair requires a number of key essentials such as coverage for all vehicles in operation (from light- to heavy-duty), an enforcement mechanism, addressing the risk of repair monopolies and more.

It further noted that, like Auto Care Association, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers can’t be excluded from the discussion.

“The agreement does advance the conversation around right to repair and consumer choice, but if automakers and repair shops are prioritized over consumers, fair competition and a free market would not be realized. As a key stakeholder in protecting consumers’ rights and an essential part of the value chain, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers must be a part of the conversation,” the group said.

Tire Industry Association responds

The pact also doesn’t have the endorsement of the Tire Industry Association (TIA). The group says this agreement “doesn’t go far enough” to address concerns or protect consumers.

“While TIA acknowledges the positive intent and certain aspects of the agreement, the current pact falls short in adequately addressing the concerns of consumers and protecting their rights along with those of the independent automotive repair market,” said Roy Littlefield IV, the group’s vice president of government affairs.

It echoed concerns from Auto Care and MEMA about enforceability and powers of the law when it comes to ensuring compliance. TIA believes this will leave consumers vulnerable to inadequate protection and potential exploitation. It further pointed out a lack of guidelines around telematics as

“TIA firmly believes that any meaningful right-to-repair initiative must possess robust enforcement mechanisms to safeguard consumer rights effectively,” Littlefield said in a statement.

It further called out the agreement as a distraction and one that undermines efforts in U.S. Congress to pass a more robust bill, potentially holding back progress.

The pact “creates confusion and potential harm, ultimately falling short of meeting the pressing needs of consumers,” Littlefield said.

The post Right to repair pact rejected by major players appeared first on Auto Service World.

Interchange Recycling, formerly known as the BC Used Oil Management Association, is marking 20 years of collecting and recycling used motor oil, oil filters, oil containers, used antifreeze and antifreeze containers in British Columbia.

The group was formed in 2003 under the British Columbia Society Act. B.C. residents can recycle these materials throughout the province for free and in an eco-friendly way. More than 880 million litres of used oil have been collected since the group started, in addition to 100 million used oil filters and 26 million litres of antifreeze, which it only began collecting in 2011.

A province-wide ambassador program has been launched the group has partnered with community events across British Columbia that support used oil and antifreeze recycling. Ambassadors will travel to family- and auto-focused events until August 31, 2023 to promote Interchange Recycling, while creating awareness around the importance of recycling program materials.

“We’re proud to celebrate this milestone anniversary. For two decades, Interchange Recycling has provided British Columbians with a convenient, free, and eco-friendly way to recycle used oil and antifreeze materials,” said David Lawes, the stewardship’s CEO. “We are very excited about our Ambassadors being on-site at events across the province—educating participants and spectators on Interchange Recycling, the importance of used oil and antifreeze recycling, and how to find used oil recycling facilities across B.C.”

As for the name change, Lawes said it now better reflects its business and future.

“We look forward to collaborating with more businesses and industries to achieve better environmental outcomes for everyone,” Lawes said. “We continue to be committed to providing all British Columbians with conveniently located recycling centres across the province to recycle their program materials. While our name has changed, our mandate to provide British Columbians with a convenient, free and eco-friendly way to recycle program materials has not. We will continue to collect and recycle used lubricating oil, oil filters, oil containers, used antifreeze and antifreeze containers under the new name.”

Since 2003, Interchange Recycling has collected more than 880 million litres of used oil, 100 million used oil filters, and 26 million litres of antifreeze (they started collecting antifreeze in 2011).

Used oil can be re-refined into new lubricating oil or material inputs for manufacturing or energy products. Used oil filters contain metal, which is recycled into metal products like rebar, nails, and wire. Used oil and antifreeze containers are recycled and used to manufacture new oil containers, drainage tiles, and parking curbs. Used antifreeze is refined and reused as new automotive antifreeze.

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MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers president and CEO Paul McCarthy speaks at the Vision Conference in Chicago in April 2023

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is looking for new technology innovations that will impact the automotive aftermarket as part of a new challenge it will host at its fall conference.

The opportunity is designed for emerging aftermarket technology startups. Three leading venture capital and mobility startup accelerators are co-ordinating and will facilitate the event: Aftermarket Ventures, Capstone Financial Group and Sparker.

The first MEMA Aftermarket Startup Challenge will take place during the Aftermarket Technology Conference, being held October 9-11, 2023, in Atlanta.

The challenge’s objective is to identify new technology innovations that will impact the future of the aftermarket industry and provide an opportunity for established suppliers and emerging technology companies to network.

The emerging technology startups with aftermarket applications will be carefully selected from a pool of applications using key criteria. They will prepare and pitch their companies and their innovations in a Shark Tank-like setting.

Once the pitches have been made, established aftermarket suppliers will network with the startups in a special session

“The MEMA Aftermarket Startup Challenge will enable established aftermarket companies to learn about creative and unique technologies,” said Chris Gardner, senior vice president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “This event will generate opportunities to create business relationships with startups to ensure the traditional aftermarket is prepared for the technologies that will change vehicles and business.”

Applications for this year’s Startup Challenge are due by June 31. Information and application can be found at this link. The agenda for the Aftermarket Technology Conference can be found here.

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The Mobile Air Climate Systems Association (MACS) is adding several new seats to its board to signal its dedication to training.

Four education board member seats will be added to the MACS board of directors, the group recently announced. Two seats will be added in 2024 and two more in 2025. These seats will have a two-year term and are exclusively open to qualified MACS educational members.

The association’s bylaws were amended to accommodate the change.

“MACS recognizes the critical role that educators play in furthering its mission,” said Peter Coll, president and chief operating officer of MACS. By adding education member seats to the board of directors, the association aims to create a platform where the insights and perspectives of educators can be actively incorporated into the association’s strategic decisions and initiatives.”

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Who’s buying parts online? What are they buying? What sites are most popular?

Those questions and more are being answered in AIA Canada’s latest report, Buying parts and fluids online: A look at consumer automotive e-tailing in Canada

Released today, the report looks at key details about the e-tailing public, including whether consumers are installing the parts themselves or taking them to a service and repair centre.  It also looks at shopping intentions.

Along with Quorus Consulting Group, AIA Canada surveyed Canadian vehicle owners about their behaviours, attitudes and preference when it comes to automotive e-tailing. They were asked about their recent shopping activity, how much they spent, what they bought, why they shopped online, what their future intentions are and more.

For example, it found that Amazon was the most popular place to shop for parts and the reason Canadians shopped online was for a better or cheaper price. Their top purchase was motor oil.

The full report with all findings is available through AIA Canada for free to members or $199 for non-members.

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We’re less than five months away from the biggest North American gathering for the automotive aftermarket and a slew of training opportunities have been announced.

Joe’s Garage will return to this year’s AAPEX show, featuring training for shop owners, service advisors and technicians. The area will take up an entire floor at The Venetian Expo during the show, which runs from Oct. 31-Nov. 2 in Las Vegas.

Technical training topics will cover advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) calibration, battery electric and hybrid vehicle services, electronification of the chassis, EVAP diagnostics, J2534 module programming, deciphering gas turbo driveability and communication breakdown: communication issues, U-codes and network diagnostics.

Business management topics include AI language ChatGPT, dealing with overwhelm, executing successful acquisitions, superior service advising, understanding Gen Z and attracting, hiring and retaining employees.

Some familiar names will be at the front of the room for these sessions, such as Bill Haas of Haas Performance Consulting, Greg Bunch of Transformers Institute, Jeremy O’Neal from Advisorfix and more.

The full schedule can be found through this link.

Service professionals can sign up for training when registering for AAPEX. For those already registered, log in to your registration and add the training. The fee per session is US$50.

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A new strategic partnership between JNPSoft OptiCat and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers will offer value-added benefits

MEMA will offer unique incentives on JNPSoft OptiCat licensed products, access to resources and trade information for new members of its aftermarket suppliers group.

“MEMA is excited to provide exclusive benefits for new members,” said Collin Shaw, chief commercial vehicle officer at MEMA, which represents vehicle suppliers in the aftermarket and original equipment segments. “As part of the value proposition new members will have access to industry-leading products and consulting services of JNPSoft OptiCat at a discounted price. ”

Both MEMA and JNPSoft OptiCat noted in the announcement that they aim to improve the flow of information available and provide effective solutions to the heavy-duty industry.

JNPSoft OptiCat will provide discounts on subscription products and consulting services to commercial vehicle suppliers as an immediate benefit.

“MEMA Aftermarket combines the access, legislative and networking support required to be successful in this industry,” said Blake Barson, director of data service and national sales at OptiCat. “We look forward to welcoming new members and helping them sell more parts.”

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Shannon Spano, left, accepts a plaque officially marking her time as chair of AIA Canada from past chair Jason Yurchak

It’s official: The head of AIA Canada’s board of directors executive committee will be known as ‘chair’ with Shannon Spano taking the helm.

The title change will remain in place — new buttons identifying the position denote ‘chair’ instead of ‘chairman’ as in years past have been made.

With Spano, vice president of Sales at Wakefield Canada, sliding into the role of chair, Jason Yurchak, senior vice president at Worldpac Canada, was elected to the role of immediate past chair during AIA Canada’s Annual General Meeting on May 3.

Joining them on the board are Ryan Bruno, president of CSN Collision Centres, as first vice chair and Tony Kuczynski, president and CEO of Mister Transmission as second vice chair.

Four new members of the board were elected to the board. Jasna Smiljcic, senior director and country leader at Gates, Jason G. Herle, CEO of Fountain Tire, Michael O’Callaghan, COO and vice president of operations at Craftsman Collision and Micheline Davies, senior vice president of automotive at Canadian Tire are the newly-elected members and will serve on the board until the 2026 AGM.

According to the announcement from AIA Canada, Smiljcic has more than 20 years of experience in the auto care industry. She joined Gates in 2019 as the Canadian industrial replacement sales director. Since then, she was promoted to Canadian country sales director and her current role of senior director and country leader.

Herle has been with Fountain Tire since 1994 and held a number of positions in Western Canada before being promoted to chief executive officer in 2022. He is currently a board member of Fountain Tire Ltd. and GlassMasters Autoglass and is the past Chair of the Finance Committee for the Western Canadian Tire Dealers Association. He has also been a contributor to the CARS 2023 Executive Outlook. You can read his most recent industry observations here.

At Craftsman, O’Callaghan oversees operations and human resources, with a focus on financial and operational sustainability. He has 35 years of automotive industry experience, both on the shop floor and in the head office. He’s an auto care sector promoter and regularly sits on committees representing the industry.

Davies leads Canadian Tire’s automotive portfolio, which includes Canadian Tire businesses, as well as the Petroleum and PartSource banners. She spearheaded the company’s Women’s Leadership Network, and was a winner of WXN’s Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2020.

AIA Canada thanked former directors Bob Jaworski and Graham Jeffery for their commitment and service to the board.

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It was a day chock full of expertise, insights, tips and knowledge at the Automotive Industries Association of Canada’s National Conference.

Held in Toronto near the airport, speakers in the main hall or in breakout sessions gave the latest information on industry trends, career tips, technological innovations and more.

The day kicked off with AIA Canada’s leadership team of president J.F. Champagne, and senior directors Alana Baker (government relations) Stuart Klein (collision) and Brendan Mullen (digital marketing and communications) providing updates on the association’s goals, the industry’s challenges and what’s ahead.

Concurrent sessions were held under three umbrella themes. Under Women in the Aftermarket, Christine Botham, assistant vice president of automotive operations at Canadian Tire talked about how relationship building drives results. Then Emily Chung, owner of the shop AutoNiche in Markham Ont., talked about the barriers and challenges women face in a male-dominated industry.

The Young Professionals in the Aftermarket hosted sessions looking at increasing your brand and presence on LinkedIn, hosted by Jacki Lutz, senior manager of global marketing communications at Sensata Technologies, while Sabrina Thring, senior vice president of revenue operations in paint and collision, Driven Brands, talked about building winning teams around you.

 

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Under the “Market research and data” theme, Guido Vildozo, senior manager of Americas light vehicles sales forecasting at S&P Global Mobility, gave a global and then Canadian-specific outlook while exploring the impact of battery electric vehicles as the country moves towards an electrified future. He was followed by J.D. Ney, Canadian automotive practice lead at J.D. Power, who talked about how consumer behaviours have changed and the need for the industry to shift along with them.

Back in the main hall, an industry leaders panel with Mauro Cifelli, president and CEO of Groupe Del Vasto, Jasna Smiljcic, senior director and country leader with Gates Canada and Steve Leal, president and CEO of Fix Network World was moderated by Champagne. They discussed supply challenges, adapting to change, training, talent and more.

Mathew Growden, head of auto retail team at Google Canada looked at vehicle buying trends and customer pain points.

The day wrapped up with Andrew Au, a global thought leader on digital transformation and culture change, who challenged attendees to embrace change, understand what lies ahead and evolve.

A pair of big awards were handed out. Brad Shaddick was presented the Distinguished Service Award, AIA Canada’s highest honour. Brad Cochrane was named the Young Leader of the Year by the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket.

The night before, an evening networking reception was held. Please see our photo gallery below and Instagram reel for more highlights.

AIA Canada National Conference 2023

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AIA Canada incoming chair Shannon Spano

You’ll notice a slight change in the description of the lead position with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada’s executive committee.

The position was always held by a man. The term ‘chairman’ has always been applied and never changed despite other companies and industries adjusting the term to be more inclusive. That was modified in 2020 when Susan Hitchon took the helm as the first female in the position and preferred to be called “madam chairman.” While that acknowledged the fact that there was a woman at the lead, once the term was served, it reverted back to “chairman” as Bob Jaworski and Jason Yurchak served in the role following Hitchon.

But the conversation is changing. Language is changing. Referring to the role as ‘chair’ is important to Shannon Spano, who will move into the role this spring following AIA Canada’s Annual General Meeting.

As the second woman ever to lead the group’s executive committee, it was important to her to discuss changing the language to be gender neutral. Using antiquated terminology only hurts the perception of the industry, especially as it faces talent challenges.

“Younger people are very socially conscious. They believe in sense of community. I feel like I’m in a unique position to be a bridge,” Spano told Jobber News. “The world is rapidly changing. And I know in order for us to continue to evolve, we need to think about succession planning; we need to bring more people in with diverse backgrounds and younger people at the table faster.”

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have been corporate focus points for many years now. But the automotive industry as a whole, including the aftermarket, is a male-dominated industry. Last year, as Spano served as first vice chair, she was one of just two women to serve on the board of directors, with the other being Pamela Lee of Mr. Lube, who served as a director.

“I feel very grateful that I’ve given this opportunity,” Spano said of being AIA Canada’s chair. “I believe very strongly in the diversity, equity inclusion agenda that society is driving. And I think that there’s an impact I can have in this role and to liken that to the industry and the voice of AIA Canada.”

She humbly acknowledged that she is a privileged white woman. So while she can’t identify with all the issues around DEI, there are parts with which she can relate.

“To me, it’s about just having impactful conversations, bold, brave leadership, challenging status quo, especially since it’s such a tumultuous journey we’re on as an industry,” she said. “And I think that there’s power and community in that too. So, the DEI agenda to me is really core to my personal values. And I think it’ll live and breathe in the conversations I have in this role.”

“I believe very strongly in the diversity, equity inclusion agenda that society is driving. And I think that there’s an impact I can have in this role and to liken that to the industry and the voice of AIA Canada.”

Path

She’s lived — and is living — the experience of being a female in a male-dominated industry. Working in sales, the imbalance is amplified. By day, Spano is vice president of sales at Wakefield Canada, which distributes the Castrol brand in Canada. She joined the aftermarket from the telecommunications industry.

“Being a female in sales in a male-dominated industry, it was hard for me — especially early on in my career when I was truly trying to understand who I was and what I was going to bring and how was I going to be successful. I was looking for mirror images of that, and I couldn’t really find it,” she said.

That led her to get more involved with the industry, first by joining what is now the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket (YPA) and AIA Canada’s Ontario Division. She got to see how extensive the industry is and find peers who were in a similar boat of trying to find mentors.

Hear more from Shannon Spano about her role as AIA chair. Tune into the enhanced media portion of this feature

“I just really found my voice. The best thing I’ve learned in my career journey up to this point is: You can try to be somebody else but once you centre in on your authentic voice and really find your rhythm in that, then your career starts to sail. Your voice becomes more confident. you become much more open to feedback and perspective,” Spano said. “So I just really took it as a learning journey.”

She saw her career path and journey with AIA Canada move at a similar pace. She was taking on more leadership roles.

“I was building a new mindset, new tools, leaning on different skills. At the same time, I was broadening my perspective, my exposure and my network through AIA Canada through different participatory volunteerism,” Spano said.

“I did a lot of broadening — understanding how the market works, understanding the power of relationships, power customers and influence, what people value as members, how people were in their own careers,” she added. “So, working with younger people that were also trying to progress in their careers. There’s a lot of relatability. I got to learn things that I would never have learned just in my role. So the exposure was excellent for me.”

Leader, mentor

Last fall, she spoke to students from the Aftermarket Business School at Georgian College during Student Aftermarket Day in Barrie, Ontario. She saw that as an opportunity to connect with the next generation and put herself out there as a mentor.

“Mentorship is reciprocal, so you can always get two-way value,” Spano said. But most important to her is to draw more women to the industry and help them and those who are here find their comfort zone and find success.

In 2018, Spano was recognized as the Young Leader of the Year by the YPA.

“I really believe in ‘lift while you climb.’ I feel like it has fostered my career. And I hope to do that for others; be bold and bullish,” she said. “I really value not just women that lead but women that inspire and have a voice. And so I think that’s my duty.”

Challenges she sees for women include trying to avoid the pressure of having to fit in. She attempted that herself but found that trying to match what the industry has been used to for the last 100 years doesn’t work.

“I spent an enormous amount of energy trying to emulate and trying to mirror and trying to fit in and trying to be liked. And I think what I learned in my journey was: You’ll never fully fit in,” Spano said.

The attraction of diversity is the unique perspectives you get, she observed. Having a welcoming space gets you that because people shine as their authentic selves. You don’t need to stand out just because of who you are and feel like it’s an obligation it to do.

“It’s just centering back on confidence and conviction on what you stand for,” Spano said.

“And it’s about bolder conversations, preparedness and attracting and retaining great talent, especially for someone like myself who didn’t necessarily raise their hand as a little girl and say, ‘I want to be in this industry.’”

Industry challenges, goals

Spano hopes to use those convictions to advance the industry during her one year as chair. She wants the aftermarket to take a step forward on economic viability and stability. She wants advancement on other key AIA Canada initiatives like right to repair.

“We’re going to have to keep adapting and moving forward. I like the cycle of learn, adapt and move forward as you’re managing through change,” she said. “And it’s about bolder conversations, preparedness and attracting and retaining great talent, especially for someone like myself who didn’t necessarily raise their hand as a little girl and say, ‘I want to be in this industry.’”

Challenge inspires and excites. “I see this as something that every industry is going through — different sets of change and challenge. The industries that will be the most prosperous are the ones that connect and have community around it.”

To build that community, there needs to be more data and research. That’s something AIA Canada has expanded recently. Greater advocacy is a focus, along with increased training.

“Organizations are going through difficult times where strategic planning and future-proofing companies don’t mean using the same strategy that they might have used three or four years ago,” Spano observed. “Uncertain times call for unique insights that they might not be able to grasp themselves. And so I think AIA Canada can be a powerful, powerful tool, through the research and advocacy lens.”

Focus

Spano wants to ensure that members can focus on quality rather than quantity. Not all problems can be resolved within a year — and maybe none can — but staying focused and moving the ball forward is a priority.

“So, do fewer things and have bolder and deeper conversations. Be very focused on your messages so they can resonate. And find the intersection between personal and professional,” she stated as the advice she’s giving herself coming into the role.

Finding fulfilment and delivering value are other areas Spano wants to focus on. She’s been involved with a number of community organizations, such as being on boards for women’s shelters and working with distress centres.

“I’ve just always tried to find an outlet to create a deeper sense of purpose. And I think connecting one-on-one with people is so powerful in their own journey,” Spano said. “So I just hope that I can reach and meet wonderful people in the industry. I hope I can connect with them. I hope I can learn their stories. I hope they can inspire action and mobilize some change for the future that I think we all need.”

This article originally appeared in the March/April issue of Jobber News.

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Thanks for checking out the enhanced media segment for the March 2023 issue of Jobber News.

We bring you more of our conversation between managing editor Adam Malik and Shannon Spano, incoming chair of AIA Canada.

As chair, she will lead the group’s executive committee. Being the second woman to hold the seat was meaningful to her.

You’ll hear more about her passion for diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as her desire to be a mentor — plus what she has in store for her year as chair of AIA Canada.

Have a listen and then be sure to catch the full feature in the March 2023 issue of Jobber News.

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It was a packed weekend for the Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo 2023, hosted by the Midwest Auto Care Alliance (MWACA).

In partnership with the Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, Texas and Florida Auto Care Alliance groups, the event from March 2-5 saw thousands of shop owners, managers, service advisors and technicians gather in Kansas City at the Overland Park Convention Center to take in training, ranging from technical to management.

The show, one of the biggest annual raining events in North America, drew in many visitors from Canada as well.

 

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Apart from training, two expos were held. At the end of the first day, the Hi-Tech Tool Expo saw companies offering tools ranging from scan tools to scopes. The Vision Expo was held on the second and third days. Here, more than 140 exhibitors — representing tool companies, manufacturers, shop management software, business advisory services, marketing and distributors — were on hand to greet the crowds that packed the hall.

Training included technical courses like diagnostic strategies and communication systems operation and testing. Service advisors could take in sessions on sales and customer service training. For owners, there were courses on leadership, financials, fraud and more.

The event wrapped up with an awards dinner and comedy night party.

Stay tuned to Auto Service World for more coverage of the event as we will bring you highlights from the management sessions.

Please see our Instagram highlight reel, a larger video recap on LinkedIn and our photo gallery below.

MWACA Vision 2023

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The global automotive right to repair movement calling for a legislated solution now has the backing of Canada.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada joined other national bodies in the fight for right to repair legislation.

In an announcement released March 9, AIA Canada said it wants to see “fair and open competition and consumer choice” around vehicle repair and service. The U.S.-based Auto Care Association issued the same announcement backing the same movement.

The Global Vehicle Right to Repair Position Statement — which can be read here — outlines the movement’s core beliefs, along with objectives and intended outcomes it wants to see in a legislated right to repair solution.

“Importantly, the document outlines 10 best practice principles for developing a framework for right to repair legislation that any supporting country can use and adapt to their needs,” AIA Canada’s statement said.

It further noted that the automotive aftermarket performs 70 per cent of repairs after vehicles are no longer covered by warranty.

“Increasingly, automakers are making it more difficult for aftermarket repairers to access vital vehicle diagnostic and repair data — which leaves the customer with limited choices and increased costs to maintain their vehicles,” the statement said. “Without the convenience and choice of independent parts and repair, especially in urban, suburban and rural communities, consumers will have limited access to affordable vehicle service and repair. These restrictions can have catastrophic effects on local economies and the well-being and safety of millions that rely on vehicle transportation daily.”

The global aftermarket contributes US$1.8 trillion to the economy. The Canadian portion of that is CAN$37.8 billion, plus employing more than 480,000 individuals.

“AIA Canada remains committed to working with government to ensure the safety of Canadians through continued access to essential, reliable and affordable vehicle service and repair,” Alana Baker, AIA Canada’s senior director of government relations, said in a statement.

The U.S. auto care industry represents US$492 billion, making up 2 per cent of the country’s GDP.

“Auto Care Association and associations around the globe are aligned in preserving the owner’s choice for vehicle repair,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “This statement represents a herculean effort to protect our industry and the rights of individuals around the world. Vehicle owners deserve the right to maintain and repair their vehicle using the repair location of their choice.”

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A new partnership between the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business will give AARO members free membership to the CFIB.

Members will have access to CFIB offerings, such as business support, savings programs and independent business advocacy.

Specifically, members will get access to things like complimentary and unlimited access to CFIB’s bilingual business counsellors to assist the shop owner or staff with almost any business-related issue, such as human resources, compliance, regulation, employment standards, labour laws and more.

Business owners will also be able to attend CFIB webinars for free. CFIB also has savings programs such as payment processing, payroll processing, worldwide courier/shipping, banking discounts and others that can save members more than $5,000 per year.

Members with questions, please contact Patty Kettles, AARO’s manager of events and programs at 1-800-268-5400 ext. 3, 613-558-5821 or patty.kettles@aaro.ca.

Members are being asked to watch their inboxes for more details from CFIB. A welcome email from CFIB with your individual membership number is on the way with all necessary information to access membership services.

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The Automotive Industries Association of Canada announced the appointment of Stuart “Stu” Klein to the newly created position of senior director of collision.

He will join the senior leadership team and help AIA Canada’s efforts involving the collision sector of the industry.

The appointment was officially announced at the Canadian Collision Industry Forum’s (CCIF) Toronto meeting on February 3

Klein has more than 45 years of collision industry experience, from the shop floor to the corporate office. He is a Red Seal technician. Most recently, he was a technical trainer, running Fix Network’s training facility in Milton, Ontario, when it opened in 2019.

“While my decision to leave the Fix Network training centre is bittersweet, overseeing AIA Canada’s collision programs opens the opportunity to have a positive effect on the industry at large,” he said in the announcement.

The position was created to continue efforts by AIA Canada to strengthen Canada’s collision industry.

“The creation of a new position builds on recent moves by AIA Canada to drive success for the collision sector — including enhanced support for the Canadian Collision Industry Forum and the creation of a Collision Repairers Council,” said Andrew Shepherd, AIA Canada’s senior director, industry programs and executive director, I-CAR Canada. “Stuart will be part of AIA Canada’s senior management team and will be engaging in all facets of the collision repair industry including manufacturer relations, I-CAR training and government advocacy.”

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Will any of your customers actually balk at an increase in your labour rate? One shop owner coach bets very few — and maybe no one — will.

In fact, a number of attendees of a recent webinar reported that they raised their labour rates and no one said a thing. Only one said they had a complaint and the customer was someone who was already a bit of a pain; the type of person who was consistently bringing in their own part for the shop to install.

Those who said they raised their rates did so either in the last quarter of 2022 or at the start of the year. They raised it by either $20 or $25 dollars. Apart from Mr. Bring My Own Parts, not one customer complained, they said.

Kurt Hillebrand of Young Street Garage in Ottawa commented on a recent story about low labour rates that his rates went from $130 to $137.50 to $155 last year — with zero complaints.

“We gave our staff raises each time so that we would stay well ahead of the inflation,” he wrote in his comment. “Some rate differences between shops in an area are manageable. Agreed, it can get problematic if the labour rate differences are always way too large.”

All of this jives with Cecil Bullard’s experience. The long-time shop coach, former shop owner and current chief executive officer of the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence, said he’s hosted thousands of classes with tens of thousands of shop owners. He asks those who have recently raised their labour rates to raise their hands. Then he asked them to leave their hands up if they’ve had someone complain. Virtually every hand goes down.

“Because it just doesn’t happen very often,” he said. “And if it does with one or two, but you raise your rate with the other 1000 [customers], then who cares? It doesn’t matter. You still make the money you need to make.”

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And you can generally keep raising your rates. Inflation is up. Life is more expensive all around — just go to the grocery store, he pointed out. So shop owners can’t be left behind.

“I think you keep raising and until you’re losing 5 per cent of your clients and they’re literally telling you you’re too expensive,” Bullard advised. “If you’re not comfortable with a $20 increase, go up three bucks. And then a month later, go up another three — until you’re getting real kickback.”

Your labour rate should be tied to our business costs, added Kent Bullard, chief operating officer of the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence.

“You should also be looking at what it costs you to do business,” he said. “A lot of shops run into this mindset that ‘I need to be looking at all of the shops around me.’ And that’s maybe the last thing you should do. You should look at what it costs you to run your business and start building off of that.”

And if you do lose a customer, chances are they weren’t doing much to help you anyway. They’re “a bottom-feeder customer,” as Cecil put it. “You don’t have to keep that person.”

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The Automotive Industries Association of Canada launched a new tool that plots tens of thousands of shop locations across the country.

The Auto Care Landscape in Canada tool is an online interactive map that shows locations of more than 25,000 collision repair, mechanical repair and new car facilities in Canada.

The tool is exclusively for AIA Canada members, according to the association’s announcement. Access includes everything from an overview of the auto care sector on a provincial level to a street view look at a particular business’ store front.

For every entry, members can get contact details and information on whether the business is an independent shop or part of a national or regional banner.

According to AIA Canada, information can be customized, allowing uses to identifying expansion opportunities, plan distribution networks, measure saturation and more.

AIA Canada said the landscape project was designed in response to an information gap in understanding the auto care landscape in Canada, especially in the collision, mechanical and new car dealer sectors.

“In particular, data on the number of businesses operating in each of the sectors was sparse and unverified,” the announcement said. “Secondary sources such as Statistics Canada provide an overall number of businesses but do not indicate how many are independent or belong to a regional or national banner.”

It also noted issues around understanding market dynamics and how the sectors interact with each other.

“Through a series of three reports published in 2021-2022, the landscape series provided much-needed insight into some of the trends impacting the auto care industry,” the group said. “Building on the database assets created as part of the landscape series, the Auto Care Landscape in Canada interactive map allows users to explore the data in a visual format.”

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Homer Hogg

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has announced its officers for its 2023 board of directors.

During the annual ASE board meeting held in Arizona, the following officers were elected:

• Chair – Homer Hogg, vice president, truck service, TravelCenters of America
• Vice chair – Tom Trisdale, vice president, quality, Toyota
• Treasurer – Jason Rainey, vice president, NAPA AutoCare
• Secretary – John Wolf, president, Snap-on Business Solutions
• Past chair – Brad Pellman, president of Pellman’s Automotive

“Volunteer leadership is instrumental in helping ASE set an agenda and fulfill the established mission each year,” said Tim Zilke, president and CEO of ASE. “The new officers have dedicated their time and expertise and their depth of knowledge is an invaluable asset to ASE. We thank them for leading the ASE board and working on behalf of all ASE constituents.”

ASE also elected three new governors to its board of governors: Stacy Balzar from Ford, Elisha Huddleston from GM and Gary Uyematsu from  BMW.

Meanwhile, the ASE Education Foundation announced officers for its 2023 board of directors. These positions were elected during the foundation’s recent meeting held in San Diego.

Trey Michael, director of CTE and career pathways at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction is the group’s new chair. Joelle Pollak, director of sales and marketing for NAPA AutoCare, will serve as vice chair while Eric Kenar, global aftersales and engineering and service operations for General Motors Global Technical Center will serve as treasurer. The role of secretary will be held by Dwayne Myers, president and CEO of Dynamic Automotive. Mike Godson, Toyota T-TEN instructor at Clark College in Vancouver, Washington, will be past chair.

Three board members were renominated for additional terms: Howard Abrahams, senior manager at Toyota Motor North America; Mike Hoffman, vice president of facilities, equipment and maintenance at FedEx Freight, and James Sennett, manager of repair programs at AAA.

Beginning terms as new members in 2023 are: Brian Bell, manager of technical training operations at American Honda; Drew Jablonowski, content and curriculum manager at Garage Gurus; Kristy Jordan, director of talent acquisition at CarMax; Jenny Kovacs, senior master technician at C. Harper Ford; Jared Ricart, president of Ricart Automotive Group; Lisa Vassallo, technical training operations manager at BMW North America; and Fay Watts, TSO technician growth manager at Ford Motor Company.

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The group representing automotive aftermarket suppliers has formally announced its new structure.

What was formerly the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) has merged with its sister groups under the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association — Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) and Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association — to form MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers.

A second group has also been formed to align with the original equipment industry — MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers, which will be made up of Original Equipment Suppliers Association and OE members of the HDMA.

What this will see is rather than four membership associations under the MEMA umbrella, there will now be two. Those with similar interests, such as the aftermarket, will work together under one name.

For example, one supplier may have been a member of three different groups based on the markets they serve. Now, they may be under just one. Or, a supplier that was a member of just one group now has access to content, events and partnerships of all three.

“The future clearly will look differently and MEMA must embrace that change much as most of our members have gone through this similar transformation to position their businesses for the future,” said Bill Long, president and CEO of MEMA.

Under the aftermarket group, Paul McCarthy will serve as president and chief executive officer.

“The biggest change may be the simplification,” McCarthy said during a press conference announcing MEMA’s new brand and structure. “It’s now easier and simpler to access all of the value created by MEMA.”

He reiterated the fact that companies won’t have to join three different organizations to access all that MEMA has to offer — it’s all within on group now.

“So the bottom line is very simple: More value more easily for our members,” McCarthy said.

Long noted a number of shared challenges among members that pushed the organization to find a way to simply, such as black swan events, “unprecedented” uncertainty, the advancement of new vehicle technology, sustainability, talent shortages, the regulatory and legislative landscape, electric vehicles and supply chain disruption.

Coming together will help the group enhance members’ abilities to address future needs more effectively, Long said.

“Also, to enable greater access and engagement for members … to have a seat at the table with a broader range of suppliers and leadership strengthens and lifts all boats.

Moving up

Coinciding with the restructuring, MEMA announced a pair of promotions.

Megan Gardner has been named executive director of marketing and communications. Apart from leading those functions, she will also oversee strategy and execution for MEMA’s digital platforms, branding, advertising, event marketing, and media relations. She was most recently senior director of marketing, membership and sponsorship for AASA, MEMA’s former aftermarket division.

Mike Jackson was named executive director of strategy and research.  He was most recently executive director of strategy and research for MEMA’s light duty original equipment division. Jackson’s expanded role will support all segments of MEMA, including the OE, aftermarket, remanufacturing, commercial vehicle and government affairs.

Collin Shaw is now MEMA’s new chief commercial vehicle officer and chief operating officer for the MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers membership group. He most recently served as president and chief operating officer of MEMA’s former heavy duty manufacturers division.

Finally, Liz Goad was promoted to executive director of events at MEMA. She now manages and executes all events for MEMA and its two membership groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers. Most recently, Goad was senior director of events and meetings for MEMA’s former light vehicle aftermarket division.

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From left, Bill Maggs, Larry Pavey, Bob Egan, Roger McCollum, Rusty Bishop and John R. Washbish

The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) board of trustees has elected its officers for fiscal year 2023.

The official confirmation vote was held during the UAF board of trustees meeting at the end of October in Las Vegas ahead of AAPEX.

Robert Egman of Egman & Associates will serve as chairman. Senior vice chairman will be served by John R. Washbish president and CEO or the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. Larry Pavey, CEO of the Automotive Parts Services Group, will be vice chairman.

Rounding out the officers will be William Maggs, executive vice president of supply chain at Parts Authority as treasurer, Roger McCollum, CEO of N.A. Williams Company, as secretary, Rusty Bishop, leadership advisor at Federated Auto Parts as chairman emeritus and Jennifer Tio, president of Maximum Marketing Services as executive director.

Lifetime trustee representatives will serve on the University of the Aftermarket Foundation board of trustees in the coming year:

• Mohammed Al Fayyad, ACDelco
• Michelle Allen, Valvoline
• William Babcox, AAP, Babcox Media Inc.
• Richard Beirne, MAAP, Richard and Lisa Beirne
• Jason Best, First Brands Group
• Marc Blackman, Gold Eagle
• Jeff Blocher, Mann + Hummel MHFT
• Michael C. Buzzard, AAP, The Clay Buzzard Family
• Mike Carr, CARDONE Industries
• Jeff Darby, Dorman Products, Inc.
• Chris Gardner, MAAP, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association
• Duncan Gillis, BBB Industries LLC
• Todd Hack, MAAP, Mevotech
• Bill Hanvey, MAAP, Auto Care Association
• Tim Hardin, Epicor Software Corporation
• Todd Hertzler, Robert Bosch, LLC
• Tina Hubbard, HDA Truck Pride
• Pete Kornafel, MAAP
• Jeffrey E. Koviak, AAP, Tenneco
• Fletcher Lord III, AAP, Parts Warehouse/Crow Burlingame
• Paul McCarthy, MAAP, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association
• Rollie Olson, Rollie & Gayle Olson and Family
• Mark O’Leary, SPS Commerce
• Heather Preu, MAM Software Group, Inc.
• Chris Pruitt, East Penn Manufacturing and Flicker/Langdon/Pruitt
• Jacqueline Rodriguez, Parts Authority
• Robert Roos, The Pronto Network
• Ryan Samuels, AWDA
• Rick Schwartz, The Schwartz Family
• Robert M. Segal, MAAP, Sanel NAPA/The Segal Family
• Eric Sills, AAP, Standard Motor Products
• Bill Stroupe, KIAWA Education Foundation
• Tom Tecklenburg, AAP, Dayco Products LLC
• Jessica Toliuszis, Women in Auto Care
• Chuck Udell, MAAP, Morris/Rupp McCartney Education Trust of APSA

Other industry professionals will serve UAF in a variety of support roles: Mike Blawas, audit committee; Anne Coffin, grants manager; Ryan Devine, MiX representative; Ted Hughes, AWDA liaison; George Keeley, legal counsel; Jacki Lutz, YANG representative; Ken Marker, investment advisor; Nathan Perrine, comptroller; Joe Stephan, marketing committee; and Casey Ventrillo, investment advisor.

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Members from the automotive aftermarket gathered in Toronto to celebrate the holidays.

AIA Canada’s Young Professionals in the Aftermarket Committee hosted its annual Holiday Networking Reception at the Brickworks Ciderhouse in downtown Toronto.

Aftermarket pros from coast to coast attended the event, the first one the committee has hosted since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attendees got to mix and mingle while enjoying a wide array of snacks and hors d’oeuvres, sharing drinks and enjoying being together in person once again.

Please view the photo gallery below…

YPA Committee Holiday Networking Reception 2022

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AASA president and COO Paul McCarthy speaks at the AASA’s 2022 Global Summit in Coral Gables, Florida

One of the oldest trade groups with members that include the automotive aftermarket is restructuring in an effort to strengthen its voice as the industry proceeds to some of the most significant changes it has ever seen.

The 118-year-old Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association is bringing four of its divisions closer together, uniting three of them as the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Group.

This new group will be made up of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Associations (AASA), Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) and Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA).

The AASA is made up of many aftermarket suppliers. Along with The Auto Care Association, it owns and hosts AAPEX in Las Vegas.

“Today, rapid changes are impacting our industry and we must be more adaptive and agile to respond,” said Bill Long, president and CEO of MEMA, in a statement. “These industry challenges are not unique to one market segment but affect the entire membership. We must position MEMA for the future in a way that supports our vision of a growing, profitable, and influential supplier community.”

In a media conference call, AASA president Paul McCarthy explained that the move is an effort to prepare for the future.

“And more importantly, we’re taking steps to better help our members be prepared for a changing future so we can serve them,” he said.

McCarthy cited an increasing number of common issues across many of the member sectors, such as electric vehicles, connectivity and vehicle automation. There are also further challenges such as workforce, diversity, equity and inclusion and sustainability.

“These are places where the challenges, the education and the advocacy are increasingly common for manufacturers in the aftermarket,” McCarthy said. So, with this move, we believe we are positioned to remain relevant far into the future, and most importantly, help lead our members through times of change and towards the bright future that we believe our industry and our supplier members deserve and will enjoy.”

The members of the three previous groups will transition to the larger one. In some cases, companies were members of multiple associations under the MEMA umbrella.

“We think one of the greatest impacts is this gives suppliers a stronger voice and allows us to continue to champion the interests of aftermarket suppliers,” McCarthy said, using ‘right to repair’ as one example. “And this further strengthens their power as we take on this important issue.”

Meanwhile, the fourth group under MEMA, the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, will rebrand as the MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers Group.

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It was a day full of engagement with the aftermarket for students from Georgian College’s Automotive Business School of Canada.

The 15th edition of Student Aftermarket Day was hosted by the Young Professionals in the Aftermarket, a branch of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada. It featured YPA leaders, such as chair Patrick Verriet and YPA Young Leader of the Year winner Shannon Spano talking about their paths to the aftermarket and how they’ve grown their careers through the many paths available.

A panel of Verriet, key account manager at Mann+Hummel, Shannon Tardiff, general manager of field operations in eastern Canada at CSN Collision, and Jeff Auston, regional sales director at Uni-Select, took a deep dive into their aftermarket careers. They told moderator J.F. Champagne, president of AIA Canada, about what the aftermarket has offered them in their career and the many opportunities available as students from the school listened in.

 

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Students also got to hear from Martyn Johns, a national director with NAPA Canada, about emerging vehicle technology. He explained how the aftermarket is responding to the transition to electric vehicles and the challenges that lie ahead. There was also a presentation from Jessi Kessel, co-founder of Beepzz, a talent advisor for the automotive industry, who gave advice on boosting your exposure on LinkedIn to grow your career.

Students crowded around tabletop booths to speak with exhibiting companies to learn about opportunities in the aftermarket and to ask questions about what the industry had to offer.

Check out photos from the day in the photo gallery below.

Student Aftermarket Day 2022

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Both AAPEX and SEMA Show were more or less back to normal.

At AAPEX, attendance was 94 per cent of that of 2019, no doubt buoyed by the nearly 2,000 members of the Auto Value community, made up with the Automotive Aftermarket Parts Alliance. Stores invited shop partners to the event so they could explore what was offered between the two shows.

Trade shows for both events — AAPEX at the Venetian Expo and SEMA at the Las Vegas Convention Center — saw shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. AAPEX ran Nov. 1-3 and SEMA lasted one extra day. Attendees were able to make show-only deals, take in the latest offerings from manufacturers and explore what was being worked on as future solutions in a changing world.

Please enjoy the photo gallery below and the video highlights above

Management and technical training were also available, everything from diagnosing common issues under the hood to managing your shop better. The high-popular 5 Automotive Trends Impacting the North American Aftermarket — formerly known as 5 Trends in 5 Minutes — highlighted what the aftermarket can expect in the coming years, as did the session, Aftermarket Outlook 2023.

The event kicked off with a keynote from political experts James Carville and Karl Rove, moderated by government affairs leaders from the AASA and Auto Care Association, Ann Wilson and Lisa Foshee, respectively. Heads of both association, Paul McCarthy and Bill Hanvey kicked off the morning with a state of the industry update.

Many networking events took place, such YANG, the networking group for those under 40. Canada Night returned to the schedule, hosting hundreds of Canadians with food, drinks and the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues.

 

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SEMA Fest

Because the SEMA Show couldn’t get any bigger, the group announced it would turn the event into a week-long festive event to coincide with the tradeshow.

In an announcement, SEMA said the expansion would see SEMA Fest become a full-week celebration across Las Vegas, commemorating all things automotive and more open to the public.

SEMA Week, the announcement said, would kick off a five-year vision to grow the four-day show to be an experience that creates a passionate and exciting automotive event.

Everything participants know and love about the SEMA Show will remain, such as the show itself with the tradeshow component, SEMA Auction, Ignited Cruise and the show’s afterparty.

“We have been watching the connection between enthusiasts and our industry grow for more than a decade and, as the industry’s trade association, have a responsibility to help facilitate that connection in new and meaningful ways,” said SEMA chairman James Lawrence.

“By creating SEMA Week and SEMA Fest, we will be able to maintain the integrity of the trade show that makes it a must-attend event for automotive professionals while introducing a new platform for enthusiasts and the industry to engage with one another.”

SEMA Fest 2023 will take place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds, up the road from the show’s home at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Unlike the show, which is only open to industry professionals, it will be open to the public. Attendees can take in music, featuring music, car shows, VIP experiences, craft food, automotive celebrities and motorsports. The group will announce more details soon.

AAPEX & SEMA 2022

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The automotive aftermarket’s economic output in Canada took a hit but the industry is on the rebound, according to the Automotive Industries Association of Canada’s 2022 Outlook Study.

The report released last week examined the state of the industry and where it’s projected to go.

Notably, the study found that after hitting a high of $39.7 billion in economic output in 2018 and 2019, everything from supply chain challenges to health restrictions knocked that number down to $35.4 billion in 2020.

But as restrictions have lifted and some supply chain relief takes place, 2021 came in at $37.8 billion. This was equivalent to 1.9 per cent of Canada’s GDP. The industry employed about 481,200, accounting for 2.9 per cent of employment in the country.

Elsewhere, vehicles in operation “increased at a healthy pace,” according to the study — there were 25.7 million vehicles on Canadian roads in 2021. About 59 per cent of VIOs are light trucks, up from about 56 per cent in 2019.

“With consumer preferences shifting away from passenger cars, the growth was entirely attributed to the light truck segment,” the study noted.

The number of kilometres those vehicles travelled returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2021 at 455.3 billion km — on par with 2019.

The study also looked at consumer behaviour — where they went to get vehicles serviced, why, delayed maintenance, and how often various components were replaced — and a look at the global aftermarket landscape, which includes comparisons to the U.S., U.K. and Australia. It also explores vehicle electrification in Canada and how global trends like producer costs and oil prices are affecting business here.

The full study is available through AIA Canada for free to members and $250 to non-members.

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Élisabeth Lambert has been named chair of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada’s Quebec Division Committee.

She’s the first woman to hold the seat in the group’s history. Lambert spent the last two years serving as the committee’s vice president and has been an active member since 2019.

Lambert is the vice president and general manager of Pièces d’Auto Joliette. Apart from representing the parts store sector on the committee, she is also involved in several subcommittees, including the “I am AIA” committee as well as the succession group.

She was also involved with the implementation of the “internship fair” project at the Centre de formation professionnelle de l’Argile in Joliette with students doing their vocational studies diploma in automotive mechanics.

“Her experience and drive will help advance important issues for the automotive maintenance industry,” said the AIA Canada announcement.

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Attendees of the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario Symposium got a front-row seat to learn about the upcoming changes to the province’s Motor Vehicle Inspection Station program.

That was just one of the benefits for attendees who attended the day on Sept. 22 at the Hilton Meadowvale Hotel in Mississauga, Ont. Along with the informative session, attendees were able to meet with vendors and industry partners at the symposium’s trade show.

There were also a series of management training sessions, ranging from increasing your shop’s online presence to boost business, a discussion on digital versus paper inspections, a look at what customers demand and a roundtable on what keeps shop owners up at night. Speakers included coach Alan Beech and industry expert James Channer

The day before, management training was offered by Maylon Newton, an AMI-accredited instructor and CEO of the Educational Seminars Institute, and Mark Lemay, owner and primary instructor for Auto Aide Technical Training.

Following the symposium were two days of technical training, headed up by Scot Manna, owner and operator of MB Automotive near Chicago, and John Thornton, a mechanical engineer, electronics expert and trainer for the past 20 years.

Please see photos of the day below and a video recap above.

AARO Symposium & Lindertech

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The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is celebrating 50 years in 2022 and it’s putting its focus on recognizing automotive service professionals.

Automotive technicians especially proved their importance after the global COVID-19 pandemic took shape. Though many were forced to stay home, automotive repair was deemed an essential service to ensure vehicles of essential workers, emergency vehicles and fleets that needed to keep running did so without an issue.

“They’re the ones that are out in the front line. When COVID hit and everything shut down, these guys were still working,” said Trish Serratore, senior vice president of communications for ASE. “They were out there trying to keep our cars running when they were sitting in the driveway, getting flat spots and dead batteries. They were out there trying to keep us going. So part of what we do is we want to be sure that they get the recognition they deserve.”

Operating since 1972, Serratore estimated that ASE is one of the oldest occupational credentialing organizations in both Canada and the United States.

“And we continue to be the only third-party independent credential for the automotive service and repair industry,” she explained. “The OEMs have theirs and some of the parts companies have theirs, but we’re the only international third party one. It’s the credential created by the industry for the industry. Our mission is really to serve the folks that take the ASE exams.”

She likes to compare ASE to Switzerland. It’s neutral. ASE serves all parts of the automotive industry, from the original equipment manufacturers to the aftermarket to the fleets. In all, the group provides 54 tests in 12 areas.

“We’re covering everybody except the marine guys and the motorcycle guys,” Sarreatore explained. “If you drive a bus or you drive a truck, we were there for you.”

But ASE doesn’t just cover the automotive technician. The organization offers support for those working the parts counter and service advisors.

“So we’re really covering a credential for all the people who are talking or working on behalf of the car owner,” Serratore told CARS. “You come in and you talk to the service guy, he talks to the technician, and the technician is talking to the parts guy. So what’s nice about this is — this credential ties everybody together. And I think that’s important for our industry since we’re all doing our own thing back there, if you will.”

“Our goal in the past has always been: What does the industry need and how can ASE support that?”

But as vehicle technology changes, the challenge grows for the organization to ensure service professionals are kept on top of their learning.

“Our goal in the past has always been: What does the industry need and how can ASE support that?” Sarreatore explained.

And so ASE recently released advanced level testing, identified as L1, L2 and L3. In L1, the focus is on diagnostics; L2 focuses on truck electronics; and L3 is the hybrid test.

“So we’re really trying to be available and be relevant for our folks,” Sarreatore said in an interview.

The group is looking at an ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) test that will probably come out in the summer. ASE is also exploring how to address high voltage in vehicles from a safety perspective.

“We want to be sure that anybody who’s working on those vehicles understands the safety aspects,” Sarreatore said.

Testing is also available in Spanish. For French- Canadian professionals, unfortunately, testing in their language isn’t available yet, though ASE has “dabbled” with it.

“I think we’ll probably have to address that again at some point,” Sarreatore noted.

“But somebody has got to come tell students and make it known to the students, the parents, the counsellors to say that we’ve got lots of opportunities in this training program over here that we support and we’re involved with, that’s the way into the industry.”

Going forward from an educational standpoint, ASE is working more on bridging the gap between what repair and service shops need and what schools are teaching students, explained Mike Coley, ASE Education Foundation president.

“One of the challenges that the local schools have, and I think this is true everywhere, is they need input and support from local employers — the dealers, the independent shops, the fleet shops — to come in and help them understand: What are the skills that are most critical for an entry-level student to have so they can come in?” he told CARS.

It’s part of a strategy to encourage more young people to take up the trades and work in the automotive industry. After all, maybe someone doesn’t want to turn a wrench for their whole life. But the industry has many other career opportunities, like service writers, managers, parts experts. Having an automotive education opens doors to those positions.

“But somebody has got to come tell students and make it known to the students, the parents, the counsellors to say that we’ve got lots of opportunities in this training program over here that we support and we’re involved with, that’s the way into the industry,” Coley said.

Whenever he has a chance, he presses the fact that the businesses in the automotive industry isn’t competing with each other to find talent.

“We’re competing with wind power, with welding, with advanced machining — all the other advanced skilled trades — for the same students that have good mechanical aptitude, enjoy working with their hands and enjoy solving problems for their customers,” Coley said. “So we’ve got to attract those students and show them the career opportunities that are available in our industry.”

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2022 issue of CARS magazine

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The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF) National Leadership Program for Women in Skilled Trades kicked off with tis inaugural cohort this month — and another cohort will soon be funded for next year.

In the first cohort, 18 apprentice tradeswomen are the first participants in the program, which was developed and is being administered in partnership with the Office to Advance Women Apprentices (OAWA).

With so much interest and demand for the program, a second cohort will be added in February. Partners will fund the second group at no cost. The CAF and OAWA will work with the industry, government, trades unions and training schools to support the future development and administration costs of the program.

While in the program, participants will be guided by subject matter experts to learn strategies and gain practical tips to empower them as leaders in their skilled trades workplaces and broader community.

Modules include principles of leadership, communicating with confidence, teamwork, mentoring and more. Those taking part are completing the program online through a learning management system. They can learn at a self-directed pace and an interactive forum with facilitators and tradeswomen coaches.

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High Fives For Kids raised $10,000 from its Ontario Division Golf Day.

With 134 participants out for the day, golfers hit the link at Georgetown Golf Club, about an hour outside of Toronto. After 18 holes, prizes donated from aftermarket suppliers were given away as part of a raffle, along with a 50/50 draw.

High Fives For Kids is the charitable arm of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada. It raises money to support charities through grants and scholarships that benefit children and youth.

Please see photos from the day below, along with a short video recapping the day above.

H54K Ontario Golf Day

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From left, Bill Long, CEO, MEMA; Charley Johnson, CEO, OptiCat, LLC.; Marc Blackman, CEO, Gold Eagle, Co., and chairman of MEMA board of directors

Charley Johnson has been awarded the Triangle Award from the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).

The CEO of OptiCat LLC received the association’s highest honor in the vehicle supplier industry.

“For more than 45 years, the Triangle Award has been given periodically to that person or persons, or organization, whom MEMA and our divisions choose to honor for selfless contribution to the vehicle supplier industry,” said MEMA president and CEO Bill Long.

He further highlighted Johnson’s decades of “exceptional leadership” and noted the dedication he has given to the supplier industry. These qualities represent the spirit of the Triangle Award.

“[Johnson] has never missed an opportunity to promote, protect and advance the automotive industry, the automotive aftermarket and pushback against government over-reach,” Long continued. “Perhaps his most lasting contribution is the work he has done working quietly behind the scenes, to find paths of collaboration and common ground, leading to a win-win for industry stakeholders and businesses.”

The Triangle Award is handed out after a selective process. It is not an annual award but one that is presented when candidates deserve to be recognized. Specifically, those who have worked tirelessly, behind the scenes, out of the spotlight and whose contributions have advanced the supplier industry, MEMA’s announcement said.

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Quebecers will head to the polls in a month’s time and the automotive aftermarket wants to make sure its concerns are at the forefront.

The Quebec division of the Automobile Industries Association of Canada issued a statement this week outlining its concerns. The division represents more than 6,500 businesses in the industry, from repair shops to banner head offices. Almost 91,000 people work in the province’s automotive aftermarket.

“Unlike other Canadian provinces, Quebec does not manufacture vehicles but rather specializes in the aftermarket sector, which covers maintenance and repair, as well as the distribution and sale of parts,” the statement said.

It noted challenges that need to be overcome to ensure vehicle safety and the importance of preparing for the arrival of electric vehicles.

At the top of the list was right to repair. Data collected by vehicles are transmitted to the manufacturer, which then limits what independent repair shops can get and how many can access the data.

“Without access to this data, independent auto repair shops cannot fix a vehicle,” the statement said, adding that this results in higher consumer costs.

“We’re not just talking about engines, transmissions, or other ‘big ticket items’ here, but also the installation of tires, windshields, windshield wipers, etc.,” said Élisabeth Lambert, president of the AIA Canada Quebec Division and vice-president of Joliette Auto Parts.

The group wants to see legislative changes to give vehicle owners free and complete access to data generated while driving, along with the option of sharing access with the shop of their choice, the statement added.

Meanwhile, electric vehicles are gaining in popularity. Quebec has one of two provinces that offer rebates on purchases. In the first quarter of this year, the province saw 13.6 per cent of new vehicle registrations as a zero-emission vehicles.

“For the shift to electric vehicles to accelerate, repairs must be easily and quickly accessible at a reasonable cost here in Quebec,” the statement said.

It observed that new data technologies integrated into electric vehicles create laborious, and expensive, maintenance. This can be a deterrent to buying an EV.

What the group wants to see is an end to EV components and systems included in the fight against programmed obsolescence.

“Electric vehicles already require more sustained maintenance and many owners, faced with complications and very high costs, are disappointed,” said Patrick Saint-Pierre, of the Monaco group and executive member of the AIA Canada Quebec Division. “In addition, they sometimes have to send their vehicle more than 500 km away for a simple repair. The time to act is now”.

Finally, the group is shining a light on workforce training as labour challenges continue to hit the aftermarket hard.

“Every day, we hear from colleagues who are losing income and who are forced to delay making appointments because of a lack of employees,” Lambert said. “Yet winter tire installation or brake replacement, for example, cannot afford to wait. The potential consequences are too serious.”

The group wants to see ongoing support for developing the automotive trade and better access to both skilled and unskilled foreign workers. It also is calling for investments to train EV workers.

The AIA Canada Quebec Division said it is intending to send demands to main political parties, along with a commitment questionnaire. It will also intervene in current events related to industry issues.

“The next elections will be decisive for the development of Quebec and its regions,” the statement said. “The tangible proposals put forward today will allow the automotive aftermarket to continue to fully assume its role of maintaining safety, creating good jobs in Quebec, and making the repair of all types of vehicles on Quebec roads more accessible.”

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The supplier side of the automotive aftermarket is mourning the loss of Steve Handschuh, former president and chief executive officer of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) died Aug. 22

He retired at the end of 2018 with the announcement citing health concerns and a desire to properly transition the organization’s leadership. He also served as president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), a division of MEMA, when he joined the organization in 2006 before taking over as head of the parent organization in 2013.

Upon his retirement, he was succeeded by Bill Long. Like Handschuh, Long was head of AASA and took over as MEMA’s leader.

Handschuh, a Baltimore native, spent more than 40 years in the automotive aftermarket. He started as an outside salesman for Mighty Auto Parts, eventually working his way up to vice president of sales and marketing. He also worked with NAPA Auto Parts/Genuine Parts Co. for 18 years, including serving as president of NAPA from 1998-2004. He was also commercial senior vice president at AutoZone.

In 2018, Handschuh received the organization’s top honour with the MEMA Triangle Award in 2018. It recognizes vision, passion and dedication to the interests of the automotive industry.

“MEMA and our industry have lost a great one. Steve was a dynamic leader, consummate professional, and friend to all who worked with and for him at MEMA, and he left a tremendous legacy from his leadership. He will be mourned by the entire MEMA family, both employees and membership,” Long said. “Steve was a man of integrity and always spoke highly of his wife Joann and children, making them his top priority. He was deeply involved in serving in his local Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall and helping its young community. As a son of Charm City, Steve was a lifelong Orioles fan. Steve was also passionate about music and was undoubtably a superfan of The Beatles.”

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SEMA president and CEO Mike Spagnola, left, and SEMA Garage Detroit general manager Ben Kaminsky cut the ribbon on the new 45,000-square-foot SEMA Garage in Detroit.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association has opened the doors to the new SEMA Garage near Detroit.

The new 45,000-square-foot facility is the first-ever research facility dedicated to testing and understanding how the aftermarket is impacted and can successfully work with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Located in Plymouth, Michigan, the centre features the ADAS technology center and an installation centre. It will expand to include a four-wheel chassis dyno lab, plus another dyno lab capable of testing diesel and gasoline tailpipe emissions. Like the California SEMA Garage, the Detroit location will give aftermarket parts manufacturers access to sophisticated resources that are typically accessible only to large-scale manufacturers.

“The SEMA Garage Detroit is a game changer in helping aftermarket manufacturers develop products for today’s sophisticated automobiles,” said Ben Kaminsky, SEMA Garage Detroit general manager. “We will be collaborating with automakers, suppliers, and key players in the industry to conduct some ground-breaking research. We are really going to be able to take product development and testing capabilities to a whole new level.”

SEMA members will have complimentary access to automotive garage tools and equipment for aftermarket product development, research and development, prototyping, and measuring sessions. The facility is also available for trainings, how-to/installation videos, product reveals and production video and photography.

As for the ADAS Center, manufacturers will be able to obtain static calibration of on-board vehicle ADAS systems (radars and cameras). With access to OEM-quality equipment and procedures, manufacturers will be able to easily troubleshoot software/hardware obstacles, as well as work on dynamic testing in conjunction with local facilities.

“The SEMA Garage Detroit facility opens up new doors and opportunities for our member companies and SEMA,” Kaminsky said. “We will be able to elevate our current offerings by making the services accessible to new members, incorporating new technology, and collaborating with key partners in the area.”

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Millennial Canadians feel more helpless and don’t stay on top of maintenance and repair of their vehicle as much as other age groups, according to new data.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada released information on how the Millennial cohort — those aged 25-44 — view vehicle maintenance and repair, along with data comparing them to the rest of Canadians over the age of 18.

The report, Understanding Millennials: A Quick Profile of Young Canadian Vehicle Owners 2021-2022, found that 42 per cent of Millennials either agreed or strongly agreed that they feel helpless when they bring their vehicle in for maintenance or repair needs. Meanwhile, 32 per cent of Canadians in other age groups felt the same way.

When looking at how they approach maintenance and repair, less than half (44 per cent) of Millennial Canadians believe they stay on top of everything — about three in five (59 per cent) of other age groups do the same.

Millennials are also shopping more online than other Canadians. One in five (19 per cent) said they’ve bought a vehicle part or fluid online, compared to 13 per cent of Canadians in other age groups. A quarter (26 per cent) of Millennials researched online but purchased vehicle parts or fluids in-store — one-fifth (19 per cent) of the rest of Canadians did the same.

The report also looks at how Millennials schedule maintenance and repair, who does the work for them, perceptions of independents versus dealers and more.

The full report is available from AIA Canada for free for members and $99 for non-members.

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AMECA’s web portal data submission process and editing dashboard display.

The Automotive Manufacturer Equipment Compliance Agency, Inc. announced its new program as a third-party registrar for the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association’s (MEMA) LeafMark program.

The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, a division of MEMA, and its Brake Manufacturers Council developed the LeafMar Certification Program. It is designed to certify that brake friction materials manufactured by third parties have passed certain environmental composition standards.

AMECA also introduced a new web portal to certify brake friction material for environmental compliance. The portal allows data submission and test report requests for self-certification. The new database gives manufacturers full control of their data submission with complete transparency throughout the certification process.

Components of brake friction material are regulated by some states, most notably California and Washington. These states have strict registration and use requirements with severe penalties for non-compliance. AMECA is now a 3rd party registrar who can register materials for California and Washington.

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From left, AIA Canada’s J.F. Champagne, Quorus Consulting Group’s Rick Nadeau and James Channer from In Motion Brands

When asked who they think owns data generated by their vehicles, Canadians couldn’t agree on an answer.

About a third (34 per cent) said they own it; a few less (30 per cent) said vehicle manufacturers own it. One in five (21 per cent) had no idea. That’s all according to a new report from the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, Data Awareness, Ownership & Sharing: Vehicle Owner Attitudes Towards In-Car Data.

AIA Canada hosted a webinar to discuss the report, The Data Dilemma: Who Owns the Data Generated by Your Car?

“There’s quite a bit of confusion around who in fact owns the data with very, very little level of confidence around understanding what data is even produced,” observed Rick Nadeau, lead researcher at Quorus Consulting Group, which conducted the research, during the webinar.

However, Canadians are pretty clear about who they think should own the data: Three-quarters of vehicle owners said it should be them.

For James Channer, co-founder and chief operating officer of In Motion Brands, he wasn’t surprised by the findings.

“Consumers are very slow to act and really increase their level of awareness unless there is push of information and clarity,” he said during the webinar, which was moderated by AIA Canada president J.F. Champagne.

Unfortunately for the aftermarket, that push of information is coming from a different party.

“Today, OE manufacturers and the dealership network have done a better job than us in terms of getting their points and interests across,” Channer said. “That really speaks to why we all collectively, in the aftermarket, have to rally behind the AIA and industry collectively to help consumers better understand the data that’s in their vehicle and for them to take more ownership.”

In an “encouraging” sign for the aftermarket, Nadeau highlighted that 65 per cent of respondents want to better understand who controls the data the vehicle produces.

However, “I would actually draw some attention to that 35 per cent as well, who are not engaged and [wonder] what’s going on in their minds,” Nadeau pointed out. “Why aren’t they in fact concerned about who controls their data?”

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

Automotive aftermarket shops and their fleet customers are being invited to learn about how to be ready for a future with electric vehicles.

Sales and popularity of electric vehicles are picking up across Canada. While experts believe the aftermarket won’t be feeling the full effects of EVs until towards the end of the decade, they also agreed that now is the time to start planning how automotive service and repair shops will handle these vehicles.

To help, the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario is hosting Fleet Day in Toronto to help shops and their fleet customers to help plan for an EV future.

It will take place on June 16 at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel. A number of experts will be on hand to speak about how businesses will need to adapt to this change, as well as learn about the skill and solutions needed in the future.

Cara Clairman, president and CEO of Plug’n Drive will host the session Avoiding Mistakes in the Transition to Fleet Electrification. She will provide updates on the benefits of EVs, fact vs. fiction, latest trends and go over rebates and incentive programs available to businesses.

Xavier Gordon, president of Xergy Energy, will share his experience of transitioning fleets over to EVs and servicing these vehicles.

George Balla from Flo and Daryl Witiuk from Northwinds Electrical Supply will explain the different charging levels, hardware and infrastructure needs to meet customer expectations and what to look for when selecting a supplier.

There will also be a presentation from Mevotech’s technical training manager Victor Moreira, who will speak to the impact of the added weight of EVs and how aftermarket parts can address the added forces and wear on these bottom-heavy vehicles.

There will also be a small tradeshow with companies who offer products/services specific to the EV market

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For the last 50 years, ASE — short for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence — has been working to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. ASE has become known as the pre-eminent independent non-profit organization working to uphold and promote high standards of vehicle service and repair.

Today, more than a quarter of a million individuals who currently hold ASE certifications work in every segment of the transportation industry, from automobile and medium/heavy trucks to transit and school bus, collision repair, parts, military and more. The path to ASE certification begins with one or more of 57 different tests. After passing at least one exam and providing proof of two years or relevant work experience, the individual becomes ASE Certified. To remain certified, the professional must be retested every five years.

The tests are no cinch to pass; in fact, usually, only two out of every three test-takers pass on their first attempt. The exams stress knowledge of real-world job-related skills with each test question developed through a strict writing and validating process. ASE test questions are written in workshops by experts in the subject matter of each specific test. The test development teams represent a national cross-section of the motor vehicle service industry, including current technicians, training reps from auto manufacturers and aftermarket, customer service professionals and educators.

Following is a step-by-step look at exactly how the ASE tests are developed:

1. Test questions are developed at test-writing workshops, which typically include 10-20 working service professionals. Separate workshops are conducted for each ASE certification test.
2. At each workshop, the participants review and modify the necessary tasks to successfully perform each particular job category (such as suspension and steering systems).
3. Questions are written to correspond to job tasks. The diagnostic and repair scenarios are updated to reflect the most current and relevant technology and systems.
4. Trick questions and manufacturer-specific questions are not acceptable. Each question is reviewed by the entire workshop for clarity and technical accuracy to ensure there is only one right answer and three incorrect answers.
5. Questions that are accepted are included as non-scored “pre-test” questions and placed in “live” ASE tests to gauge performance. Since test-takers do not know which questions count, all questions are answered.
6. By this point, test questions have been validated. Based on how well a question performs in “pre-test”, it may become a test question or be reconsidered in a future workshop.
7. Even after a question passes “pre-testing”, ASE continues to monitor it. Each question is tracked for proper performance every time it is used in a test.
8. When a question becomes technically outdated, it is removed from the pool of test questions.

ASE recently launched a new website at ASE.com, featuring a centralized online gateway for technicians, employers, consumers, and auto technology students and instructors. ASE.com provides sought-after information and resources and answers to frequently asked questions, plus step-by-step instructions for all users. The redesigned site also describes the expanded automobile test offerings with Spanish-language translations.

Technicians who visit the site can also learn how to access the popular ASE Renewal App that allows service professionals to renew their A-1 through A-9 certifications from their PC or mobile device.

Most technicians and repair shop owners would agree that each year new vehicles are getting more complex and repair technology and diagnostic tools are constantly changing. While this presents a challenge to the vehicle service and repair industry, it also presents a challenge to consumers searching for a competent and knowledgeable professional to care for their vehicle. ASE Certification offers solutions for technicians, their employers and consumers.

ASE helps service professionals prepare for, earn and maintain ASE Certification and grow in their careers.

ASE helps businesses that employ ASE Certified technicians attract customers by marketing knowledgeable and experienced employees, giving them a competitive step up in their respective markets.

ASE helps consumers find a reputable technician by identifying repair shops that employ ASE Certified technicians.

The need for quality and dependable vehicle service and repair continues to grow as the average age of the vehicle on the road increases. Combined with the complexity and sophisticated technology within new vehicles creates a greater demand for qualified technicians. More recently, it appears that another factor is compounding this trend. As a result of the pandemic and its impact on manufacturing and supply chain shortages throughout the world and within most industries, many products have experienced significant price increases. This trend is evident in the unprecedented higher costs of new and used vehicles. As a result, vehicle owners are hanging onto their current vehicles. Thus, greater demand for service and repair.

ASE testing and certification are ideally positioned to meet these and other challenges.

Trish Serratore is senior vice president of communications at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Jason Yurchak, AIA chairman for 2022-2023, speaks at the AIA Canada AGM in Toronto

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada held its Annual General Meeting in person for the first time since 2019.

Professionals across the industry gathered in Toronto on May 11 to hand out awards, discuss business and welcome new members to its executive committee.

Jason Yurchak (Worldpac) officially took over as chairman with Bob Jawarski (Auto Electric Service) moving to the past-chairman role. The executive committee is rounded out by Shannon Spano (Wakefield Canada) as first vice chair and Ryan Bruno (CSN Collision Centres) as second vice chair.

Three new members were elected to the board of directors: Pamela Lee, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Mr. Lube Canada; Joey Miceli, chief operating officer at Group Del Vasto; and James Channer, co-founder and chief operating officer of In Motion Brands.

They will serve on the board until the 2025 AGM.

Graham Jeffrey — who won the 2022 Young Leader of the Year Award — was elected to a one-year term. He is vice president of automotive merchandising at Canadian Tire.

The other directors are Steve Leal (Fix Auto), Bill Hay (Bestbuy Distributors), Craig Jalbert (3M Canada Company), Derek Suen (Dorman Products) and Tony Kuczynski (Mister Transmission).

The association presented its highest honour, the Distinguished Service Award, to the late Bob Greenwood, who died in September.

The night before, attendees took part in the welcome reception that featured a fireside chat with best-selling author Ted Graham.

Check out our photo gallery from the two-day event below.

AIA Canada Welcome Reception & AGM

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Zara Wishloff, of Automotive Parts Distributors, announces Bob Greenwood as the 2022 recipient of AIA Canada’s Distinguished Service Award

The late Bob Greenwood was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award from the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

The award is presented to those who provide outstanding leadership that contributes to the growth and development of the Canadian automotive aftermarket. It’s the association’s highest honour.

Zara Wishloff, president and CEO of Edmonton-based Automotive Parts Distributors,  made the announcement at AIA Canada’s Annual General Meeting on May 11 in Toronto. Long-time Toronto shop owner and former AIA chairman John Cochrane accepted the award on behalf of Greenwood, who died in September, and his family.

Greenwood worked with many jobbers and shops throughout the aftermarket. “In fact, many of the most financially productive successful entrepreneurs within the independent sector today benefited from his mentorship over the years, and I can speak firsthand to that,” Wishloff said.

He noted Greenwood’s passion for the industry and desire for it to improve. Greenwood was a fixture at numerous training sessions and conferences. Wishloff also pointed to Greenwood’s articles in industry publications, such as Jobber News and CARS, as well as a video series he hosted on this website.

Greenwood was also recognized in 2003 by Northwood University’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award and in 2012 with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

His passing was met with much shock and sadness across the industry.

Cochrane spoke to the standards Greenwood tried to set in the industry, from the appearance of the business to the appearance of the shop owner and staff.

“Bob was a big advocate of the independent service repair industry. He wanted to elevate their image and professionalism, and most of all to profitability. He believed you dress for success. You never saw Bob within a suit and a tie, even when he visited repair shops across the country. I’m wearing a suit today, out of respect for Bob,” he said.

And no one in Canada was or is doing the work that Greenwood did, Cochrane noted.

“We need somebody that will take the torch and do the work that Bob did. There’s nobody else that’s doing that depth of work,” he said.

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A new automotive aftermarket industry training project has been announced between the industry and government.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada said it has partnered with the Ontario government and St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario, to tackle issues around the shortage of automotive tradespeople and the need for upskilling to service electric vehicles (EV).

In the announcement, AIA Canada noted the changing landscape of automotive repairs and the need to invest in the skilled trades to meet the demands of new and needed skills for aftermarket professionals, as well as secure gainful employment in the industry.

“It is important that industry, with government support, implement solutions to meet our industry’s labour needs, which includes ensuring that automotive tradespeople are properly trained to service electric vehicles and raising awareness to break stigma and attract more people to the industry,” AIA President Jean-Francois Champagne said in the announcement.

Two training programs are part of the project. One is an EV upskilling training program. It is open to incumbent workers and apprentices in the automotive trades. The training, AIA’s announcement said, will bridge the gap between what’s offered in today’s curriculum and the skills needed to service modern vehicles. The second is an eight-week training program. This will give job-seekers an opportunity to explore a career in the automotive trades.

“For the first time in more than a decade, automotive manufacturing jobs are returning to Ontario as we position the province to be a leader in electric vehicles for generations to come,” Monte McNaughton, provincial Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development said in the announcement. “That is why we are investing in innovative programs like this with AIA Canada, which will ensure workers have the skills to advance in their careers, earn bigger paycheques, and build better lives for themselves and their families. We will once again make Ontario’s automotive sector one of the most competitive in the world.”

AIA Canada added that it is looking forward to collaborating with the government and post-secondary partners to ensure the aftermarket is ready to service the vehicles of tomorrow.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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More Canadian vehicle owners choose to only go to dealerships for maintenance and repair needs than those who only choose to visit an independent shop, a new industry survey has found.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada releases a report last week on what drives some owners to visit dealerships while others choose independent shops.

Dealership vs. Independent: How Canadian Vehicle Owners Choose a Service Provider found that 26 per cent of Canadians will always go to a dealership while 22 per cent would only visit an independent shop. In the middle, 53 per cent said they use both.

The survey reached out to 2,000 Canadians in June 2021.

The report found that 9 per cent of Canadians do all maintenance and repair themselves or have someone close to them do it for them. But 36 per cent said they do at least some and have a professional do the rest. More than half (54 per cent) have an automotive service professional do all of their work.

The most common DIY work are tires (changing or checking pressure) at 42 per cent of respondents, changing oil (36 per cent) and brake systems (19 per cent).

When it comes time to change ASPs, almost two-thirds (64 per cent) listed someone recommended to them as a top priority. Close behind was price (61 per cent) and a place close to where they live or work (59 per cent).

Almost two-in-five Canadians (38 per cent) believe dealership technicians are better trained than those in an independent shop. Furthermore, 31 per cent believe their vehicle’s warranty would be void by vising an independent shop. Another third (32 per cent) feel overwhelmed when bringing their vehicle in for service.

Those who only choose an independent shop said they do so because they feel they are getting a better deal or a more fair price (39 per cent) and that they are cheaper than a dealer (25 per cent). One in five cited trustworthy or reliable service from an independent.

People choose to visit the dealer because their vehicle is still under warranty (25 per cent), feel it’s more trustworthy or reliable (23 per cent) or they believe the dealer is more knowledgeable (14 per cent).

For those who choose both options, they pick an independent for specific repairs (49 per cent), noting oil changes and tire work as top reasons. Canadians choose a dealer also for specific repairs (29 per cent) but with engine issues/repairs at the top of the list, along with oil changes.

When respondents were asked about key performance metrics, value for money received the top score for independent shops. Cleanliness was the top-ranking category for dealers. Other areas where respondents scored dealers better were in parts quality, pro-active notifications and length of warranty. Independents ranked higher in being trustworthy.

Customers said shops can gain more trust from customers if they had the same technician always working on their vehicle, explaining the importance of maintenance and repair and helped them plan for short- and long-term service needs.

The full report with detailed breakdowns is free to AIA member and $199 for non-members.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Jason Yurchak will become chairman of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada for the upcoming year.

Managing editor Adam Malik spoke to Yurchak ahead of this move, which will be made official at the AIA’s annual general meeting in May. Have a listen to some of Yurchak’s key priorities.

And to read the full feature, check out the March 2022 edition of Jobber News.

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The Automotive Communications Council will gather again in person at its 2022 Annual Conference in August.

Marketing and communications from across the industry will be in Savannah, Georgia, from August 9-11.

Passes to the conference are available now at $550 for ACC members and $650 for non-members.

Conference sessions include

• Samantha Stammet, client solutions manager at Meta (formerly Facebook), discusses Delivering Customer Convenience Across Digital to Drive Loyalty and Retention.
• Peg Stookey from Max Potential U will discuss how to Build a Brand Tsunami! Integrate Personal and Organizational Brand Marketing For Faster, Longer-Lasting Results!
• A media panel focusing on how to leverage partnerships in our industry that drive growth.

There will also be networking opportunities for attendees. More information on registration, memberships and agenda is available from the conference website.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) has named Collin Shaw president and chief operating officer.

HDMA is the commercial vehicle supplier division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).

Shaw took on the role effective March 22. He brings 15 years of experience in the mobility industry from the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors, according to the announcement. He has worked for global companies and brands, with roles in marketing, communications, strategy, digital solutions, and business development.

Most recently, he was responsible for North American business strategy at ZF Group.

The industry will need to address technological change over the next decade, including electrification, autonomy and the internet of things, noted MEMA president and CEO Bill Long. So bringing someone in with experience across different mobility sectors to lead the association was key.

“With his unique perspective and skillset, coupled with an already high-performing team at HDMA, Collin will support our supplier members, move the industry forward, and keep HDMA at the forefront of policy decisions,” Long said.

“The suppliers and manufacturers within the heavy-duty vehicle industry are the backbone of innovation and technology, transforming how goods, people and services are transported,” Shaw said. “Now, more than ever, vehicle suppliers need a powerful voice in Washington and a platform for industry dialogue and change. In the wake of worker shortages, inflation, and the transformation in technologies to achieve zero emissions, I am committed to working with the HDMA Board of Directors and staff to build on the strong tradition of our association.”

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The not-for-profit group that collects and recycles scrap tires in British Columbia is planning on marking its 30th anniversary this year.

Tire Stewardship BC is the oldest recycling program in Canada. Since the program first got going in 1991, over 100 million tires have been recycled in the province, according to the group,

Its anniversary was indeed last year but the pandemic forces the group to postpone celebrations. So the stewardship will celebrate throughout 2022 by partnering with province-wide organizations and events that focus on recycling and environmental sustainability. Several community tire collection events are also scheduled across the province throughout the year.

Listen: We chat with Tire Stewardship BC about the program

“Tire Stewardship BC and all our dedicated tire processors, haulers and retailers across the province have worked extremely hard over the years to create an effective and efficient tire recycling program, and as a result it has grown into the most successful recycling program in North America. Every year in B.C. the equivalent of more than five million scrap vehicle tires are recycled into new, durable, and environmentally friendly products, with 100 per cent [of] all scrap tires collected re-purposed within the province,” said Rosemary Sutton, Executive Director, Tire Stewardship BC.

“In celebration of TSBC’s 30th anniversary, we are excited to be partnering with passionate and innovative community organizations that are creating unique events that help to educate British Columbians on tire recycling and environmental sustainability.”

The group will also provide grants to B.C. organizations that are planning to use recycled tire products in their community developments throughout the year. Grants go towards a variety of projects including rubber surfacing for playgrounds, water parks, fitness areas, walkways, running tracks, and playing fields.

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We reached out to a number of leaders and executives from the supply chain to jobber stores and asked them to highlight how business will change in the year ahead, what the biggest challenge for the industry is moving forward and what they see as the top opportunity in 2022. We will present their answers in alphabetical order over the coming weeks…

You can view the full feature in our January 2022 issue.

Bill Hanvey, President, CEO | Auto Care Association

The agility and adaptability of the automotive aftermarket continue to inspire and reassure. As supply chain issues continue, aftermarket companies anticipate raising their prices, if not already. They’re also making significant investments in inventory to support customer demands.

Businesses will need to adjust pay scales, benefits and understand what their employees need to increase retention. Businesses are diversifying their supplier base and exploring new vertical integrations that are out of the box to reduce reliance on external factors.

For the supply and distribution side, having the guts to think outside the box to find solutions can be a challenge for many. Supply chain logistics today present themselves as a puzzle — but there are options like diversification, vertical integration, new partnerships, acquisitions and mergers.

Apathy is our greatest threat. Business is good. We are growing despite a pandemic. Parts supply can’t meet demand. What’s not to like? Well, if you look at the threats our industry is facing from both a regulatory and technological standpoint, we need to all become more activated in preserving our future.

2022 presents numerous growth opportunities. Miles driven are back up. Adverse weather events create opportunities for maintenance and repair. The average vehicle age increased to over 12 years. The longer consumers keep their cars, the more maintenance they need. Couple that with the supply chain challenges and chip shortages for new vehicles and the aftermarket is in prime position to experience continued growth. Delayed maintenance grew 20 per cent in 2020. Not to mention the explosion of e-commerce in our industry. Take your pick.

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A campaign to inform Canadian consumers and policy makers about automated vehicles is underway.

Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE) launched PAVE Canada as a non-profit partnership of organizations raising awareness about the potential and the reality of automated vehicle technologies and self-driving vehicles.

The coalition is supported by a road safety grant from Transport Canada.

PAVE started in the U.S. and this initiative into Canada is backed by Algolux, Audi Canada, Blackberry, CAVCOE, Flir, Gatik,!important, Insurance Office of America (IOA), Liberty Mutual, Quantiv Risk, Stantec Generation AV, Travelers and Toyota Canada.

“PAVE Canada’s members come from a wide variety of interests, but our diverse group shares two key beliefs: that automated vehicles offer great potential to society, and that we won’t achieve that potential without a well-informed public that understands the technology,” said PAVE executive director Tara Andringa. “We work to provide hype-free facts to the public so that everyone can participate in the conversation about the future of transportation.”

The group said it will engage in numerous activities to help raise the level of public understanding of AV technology. In its first year, it Canada will:

• Commission a public opinion survey to establish baselines of public knowledge of automated vehicle technology
• Develop a social media campaign, based on the results of the survey, that addresses the gaps in knowledge and conveys facts about AV technology; and
• Produce hype-free educational materials to help raise the level of knowledge about AV technology and its potential.

“PAVE Canada seeks to bring realistic, factual information to policymakers and the public so consumers and decision-makers understand the technology, its current state and its future potential — including the benefits in safety, mobility and sustainability,” its statement said.

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Bruce Eccles has been named vice president of the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO).

He is the founder and semi-retired owner of Eccles Auto Service Inc. in Dundas, Ontario. The shop, which opened in 1984, remains family-owned with his son Scott.

Eccles has received a number of awards, including “Garage of the Year” from CARS magazine. He received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, awarded by AIA. He has been in numerous trade magazines and has been a supporter of the automotive aftermarket over his career.

“This gives Bruce the opportunity to continue to work with AARO’s board and members to ensure the automotive sector continues to keep up with today’s technology and government relations, which is why Bruce encourages shops to join AARO,” an announcement from AARA said.

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Jason Hafso / Unsplash

A bill focused on ‘right to repair’ is back on the table in Canada.

Legislation was introduced in Canada by Brian Masse, an NDP member of Parliament representing Windsor West in Ontario, as a private member’s bill.

If passed, the bill would ensure OEM-approved tools and parts are available to the automotive aftermarket. This would allow consumers the freedom to choose where their vehicles are repaired as all shops would have access to what they need to repair vehicles.

Automotive Industries Association of Canada president J.F. Champagne issued a statement praising the move as one that will establish “much-needed rights for vehicle owners across Canada. Currently, vehicle manufacturers own the data transmitted by vehicles, limiting options for where consumers can have their vehicle repaired. This important legislation will place that control back in the hands of consumers, allowing them to choose the service or repair shop that is best for them.”

The bill’s main three priorities would:

• Amend the Competition Act to authorize the competition tribunal, to make an order requiring vehicle manufacturers, to provide independent repair shops access to diagnostic and repair information and service parts on the same terms and manner as a manufacturer makes that information and parts available to their own authorized repair providers
• Update Canadian Automotive Service Information Standard (CASIS), the voluntary agreement put in place in 2009, to include the rights of digital software that will cover future innovations and technologies as we move to zero-emissions vehicle standards and EVs
• Ensure that consumers have a right to choose where they get their vehicles fixed, and to help the environment by making sure vehicles with emissions are stronger and cleaner

“Given previous support from all parties to establish a right to repair, we are hopeful this Bill will receive broad support and encourage its swift passage,” Champagne added.

Bill C-11 was on the table in the House of Commons last year but was killed with the call of the fall election. The bill was to include legislation around right to repair.

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With news that legislation has been introduced separately in the United States and Canada on right to repair, American automotive aftermarket leaders know the outcome of the proposed bill in their country will have ripple effects around the world.

Speaking at the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) Global Summit in Coral Gables, Florida last week, Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of AASA, highlighted the importance of getting the proposed Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act passed in the U.S.

“It’s a very exciting and a landmark day,” he said one day after news came out of the bill being introduced. “One thing I do need to mention is this is very much not just a U.S. issue — it’s a global issue.”

AASA president and CEO Paul McCarhy speaks at the AASA’s 2022 Global Summit in Coral Gables, Florida

He noted that his group has worked closely with colleagues at the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) and with peers in Australia. He highlighted the joint consumer campaign “Your Car. Your Data. Your Choice.” with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

Still, no matter with which groups they speak, a similar message is typically sent back.

“Either you guys in the U.S. or you guys in Europe [need to] figure out the rules of the road and we can follow it,” McCarthy described as the response. “Or you guys won’t figure it out and we’re all in trouble.”

Indeed, other countries around the world are looking to the U.S, to lead the way in the fight with automakers.

“So we’re fighting for it here in the U.S., [but] just know we’re fighting for it on a global basis on behalf of our global industry. They’re looking to us for that leadership,” McCarthy said.

The post Why it’s important the U.S. moves on right to repair appeared first on Auto Service World.

A new tool from ProMaxx Tool turns a ratchet into a hex screwdriver to reach tight spaces.

The PowerDrive Hex Adapter converts any type of quarter-inch drive ratchet, including electric, air and hand, into a high-torque hex screwdriver. What differentiates it from others is small, half-inch-tall profile. The compact adapter design allows users to reach limited access areas with an included straight-head or Phillips-head hardened-steel bit.

Additionally, the PowerDrive Hex accepts any quarter-inch security hex shank specialty bit. This allows technicians to use their ratchet for any repair, even in tight sections of the engine compartment.

“Technicians are plagued by having to access stubborn fasteners in difficult-to-reach places,” said ProMaxx Founder and President Jeffrey Del Rossa. “These tasks often require more torque than it is possible to deliver manually with the tooling by hand. Attaching the PowerDrive Hex to a quarter-inch drive ratchet gives techs the torque they need to speed up the process and become more productive.”

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SEMA’s Ky;e Cheng speaking during the SEMA webinar “Outlook for 2022: Industry Forecast, Supply Chain Projections and Changing Consumer Demographics”

The worst of delays in the automotive supply chain is likely behind us but issues will linger past this year, predicted the Specialty Equipment Market Association.

The latest prognostication came in its Future Trends Report, released this month. It reported that more than 80% of industry companies have been severely or moderately impacted by supply chain disruption. Issues are expected to stay the same or improve in the short term, but not get worse.

“Most issues, including transportation delays and supply shortages, should improve through the year and return to more normal levels by the end of 2022,” the report said.

However, it added, lingering issues like elevated prices will continue into 2023.

“All signs suggest that the worst of the supply chain disruption has already passed, and things should be in a better place by the end of 2022. Some things, including price, may take longer and bleed into 2023,” it said.

The report noted that many supply issues centred around shipping, which included port delays. As those ease in the second half of this year, issues will be relieved. But the elevated costs, which are related to freight transport and commodities, will take longer to ease.

Consumers, however, are still spending money. Two-thirds reported that they’ve experienced supply chain constraints in some way. But just because a specific item can’t be found doesn’t mean they’re just putting their money back in their wallet, observed Kyle Cheng, SEMA market research manager.

“When they go to your store and can’t find a product, they’re switching brands or they’re switching retailers. So as a company, if you’re not able to meet demand, you’re losing business. It’s not that they’re not stopping buying it, they’re just looking for other methods to buy it,” he said during the SEMA webinar Outlook for 2022: Industry Forecast, Supply Chain Projections and Changing Consumer Demographics.

“So demand still there. And despite all these supply chain issues, they’re looking for other ways to purchase it.”

Notably, the specialty-equipment industry has faced different challenges around supply chain disruption, SEMA’s report noted.

“Manufacturers and distributors face a wide variety of shipping and production delays, both foreign and domestic, while retailers face more domestic supplier issues,” it said.

“On the bright side, most projections have this kind of delay improving by the end of the year. So by the latter half of 2022, we should be in a better place in terms of getting through these ships.”

Cheng noted that there are about 110 ships waiting off ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach, California.

“So, right now, we’re seeing record numbers of ships waiting,” he said. “On the bright side, most projections have this kind of delay improving by the end of the year. So by the latter half of 2022, we should be in a better place in terms of getting through these ships. Demand should be in a better place and we should have more logistical capacity to handle it.”

Sourcing from different suppliers to get around challenges is easier said than done in most cases.

“Many businesses looking to source domestically have had difficulty finding vendors — particularly ones that can match prices from Asia,” the report said. “Another factor driving companies to find other suppliers: Tariffs. Existing tariffs set in place prior to the pandemic continue to impact international shipping, compounding already high prices for inputs and products.”

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Element5 Digital / Unsplash

Seven students pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket industry have been awarded scholarships by the High Fives for Kids Foundation.

The charitable arm of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada announced the recipients will receive $700 each as part of the Arthur Paulin Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Award.

The winners are Ayan Haqqani, Myungjin Choo, Morganna Sampson, Nicolai Paladi, Gregor Dayman, Madhavkumar Mendapara and Gedeon Ouedraogo Wendfanre.

The award is named after long-time AIA volunteer Arthur Paulin. He served on the association’s board of directors for more than nine years and as AIA president from 1965-1966. He’s the only person to serve as president twice, as he served his second term from 1967-1968.

To be eligible for the award, applicants must be enrolled in an automotive aftermarket industry-related program or curriculum at a college or university in Canada. This includes students pursuing studies as an automotive apprentice or in the auto body, hard parts, heavy-duty or motive power (machinists) sectors.

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Brooke Cagle / Unsplash

The Specialty Equipment Market Association group dedicated to cultivating talent in the automotive aftermarket has been rebranded to the Future Leaders Network (FLN).

It explained changing the name from the Young Executive Network as a more accurate way to describe the network’s membership, which includes employees ranging from entry-level staff to managers, trade workers, executives and business owners. There are 1,142 members.

“The network supports talent and individuals who are aspiring to further their careers in the automotive aftermarket,” explained FLN chair Nick Caloroso. “The Future Leaders Network will continue to offer programs and resources that will help members advance their careers.”

More than half of its members didn’t fall into the category of being an executive, he observed. Furthermore, the term ‘young’ implied inexperience. The group will retain the age requirement of being under 40.

“Regardless of the individual’s role, each member is aspiring to become a more effective and productive leader in the industry,” Caloroso said.

The goal of the group is to grow and support individuals to become successful leaders, regardless of their actual job title or position, SEMA’s announcement noted.

Membership is open at no cost to all employees under 40 who work for a SEMA member company.

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A solid majority of specialty-equipment manufacturers are seeing growth despite supply chain issues, according to a recent report.

The State of the Industry — Fall 2021 report from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) found that 70 per cent of manufacturers reported sales growth even with the back backdrop of a global supply chain shortage.

Most businesses, the group reported, are maintaining a positive outlook for the year ahead. More than 80 per cent of them are expecting sales to be stable or growing over the coming year.

Some key findings from the report include:

• While some businesses struggled at the beginning of the pandemic last year, primarily retailers, most were able to adjust. Manufacturers have done well, reporting an average of 19 per cent sales growth over the past 12 months.
• Supply chain disruptions are creating some uncertainty. In the spring of 2021, 70 per cent of specialty-equipment manufacturers and 75 per cent of distributors expected their sales to grow over the coming year. Those percentages, however, have fallen to 58 per cent and 52 per cent respectively.
• The temporary shifts towards online sales that were made necessary by the pandemic are continuing to reverse. Many specialty equipment parts sales are once again flowing through in-person retail channels.

The post Specialty equipment sales stay strong appeared first on Auto Service World.

A vaccination policy for cross-border travellers will impact the supply chain, as a chunk of the trucking workforce will exit the industry, warned the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

The U.S. and Canada have said all cross-border travellers, including truck drivers, must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination starting in January.

The U.S. government first proposed a mandate requiring all Canadian cross-border truck drivers to be vaccinated by January 2022. Canada followed by announcing the same policy to come into effect on Jan. 15.

Quintin Gellar/Pexels

“The good news is that many trucking companies from across Canada have double vaccination rates in the 85-90% range — well above the provincial averages,” the alliance said in a statement on its website. “However, there are a significant number of carriers moving Canada-U.S. trade that have lower vaccination rates, which are more reflective of the regional rates where their companies are located and their drivers are recruited.”

The group “conservatively” estimated that one-in-five Canadian truck drivers crossing the border and 40 percent from the U.S. “would almost immediately exit the Canada-U.S. trade system should the vaccination mandate take effect in January 2022.”

The group is asking for more time to have such measures implemented. Given that truckers spend much time on the road, ensuring full vaccination prior to the new year would be difficult.

Not to mention the fact that the industry is already facing a driver shortage. Losing 20,000 Canadian truckers would exacerbate the issues already being seen in the supply chain.

“CTA is urging governments for a date-driven, practical implementation timeline that does not further disrupt a constrained supply chain and increase processing times of trucks at the border while also maintaining the need to keep Canadians and Americans safe,” the alliance said.

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A new report released by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada explores the future of vehicle sales at automotive dealerships.

“Aftermarket businesses benefit from knowing the number of new car dealerships and volume of new vehicle sales,” AIA Canada explained in its release of the study, New Car Dealer Landscape 2021.

“It helps them understand what types of vehicles will be coming their way for repair, service, and maintenance in the years to come. The trends that impact the dealer network are also closely linked with those of aftermarket businesses.”

Both the new car and aftermarket sectors are facing similar challenges. But, as the study noted, the aftermarket will have a longer lead time to adapt to some of those challenges.

The list of challenges includes:

• Vehicle Electrification
• New and Non-Traditional Competition
• Digitalization of Operations
• Alternatives to Vehicle Ownership
• Business Consolidation
• OEM Obligations
• Economic Trends
• Climate Change Response
• Autonomous Technology

The study explores the current landscape, including the number of dealerships across Canada and sales levels in 2020.

It also looks at electrification and its timeline and its impact on the service industry. The study examines competitors — both traditional and newcomers that are entering the market. It also looks at digitization. In this section the study, which was carried out by Clarify Group, it is noted that “Many aftermarket shops will be challenged to offer the kind of great online experience that new vehicle dealerships will increasingly deliver.”

The study highlights the fact that with the rapid change in business and products, past achievements are not a guarantee of future success.

The publication is available from AIA at no cost to members or $249 for non-members.

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On the latest episode of ASW Conversations, our managing editor Adam Malik had a Canadian exclusive interview with Bill Hanvey at AAPEX earlier this month.

Hanvey spoke at length about a number of opportunities, challenges, lessons learned and more that the automotive aftermarket seized over the last year.

In particular, Hanvey expanded on the stat that four million consumers engaged with the automotive aftermarket for the first time. They represent an opportunity to grow the industry.

“Some people tried sourdough bread, other people tried pasta, other people went out and bought an oil change kit. And when you buy an oil change kit, it’s not a one-and-done, right? ‘Oh, hey, this isn’t so bad. This is pretty easy,’” he says. “So they continue that and I think that the pandemic gave people that toe into the water, in terms of repairing their own vehicle.”

He also discussed challenges around increasing engagement around ‘right to repair’ and taking auto care collaboration global to resolve issues facing the automotive aftermarket.

You can tune into the conversation by clicking the banner above or through this link.

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More Canadians are equipping their vehicles with winter tires and driver experience appears to be the reason why, according to new research.

The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada’s 2021 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study found that 69 per cent of Canadians outside of Quebec are now using winter tires. That’s up from 65 per cent in 2020.

In Quebec, vehicles registered in the province must have winter tires are from Dec. 1 to March 15.

The reason for the jump seems to be the experience drivers have when using the right tires for the season. Nearly eight-in-10 (79 per cent) said their winter tires winter saved them from loss of control or a collision.

Atlantic Canada has the highest adoption of winter tires at 92 per cent. Ontario is second at 73 per cent.

Still, there is a sizeable number of drivers not using winter tires, TRAC reported.

“The not-so-good news is nearly a third of motorists outside Quebec who choose not to use winter tires still do not understand that the superior traction and stopping power of winter tires is essential for safe winter driving,” said Carol Hochu, president and CEO of TRAC. “Consumer education is very much needed to encourage a higher level of winter tire adoption.”

The biggest reason for not using winter tires are the belief that all-season tires are good enough (59 per cent).

Its study also found:

• 66 per cent of Canadian drivers with winter tires cite protecting their family as their top reason for investing in winter tires
• 28 per cent say cost is the reason for not using winter tires
• 21 per cent say they do not use winter tires because they do not drive much in winter

The study also looked into what effect COVID-19 will have on winter driving. It found that 37 per cent of drivers in Canada reported that they will continue to restrict their winter driving due to COVID fears. About a quarter (26 per cent) plan to return to pre-COVID driving patterns.

Compared to last year, about two-thirds (65 per cent) drove less in winter because of the pandemic.

“This means Canadian roadways will be more crowded this winter and winter tire use is more important to safety than ever,” TRAC said.

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Jeff Kritzer is back for his third one-year term as chairman of the Automotive Lift Institute.

The move was confirmed during the organization’s annual meeting in Las Vegas on Nov. 1.

Jeff Kritzer

Doug Brown of Vehicle Service Group (Madison, Indiana) was elected to a new three-year term on the board of directors. He joins returning board members Buck Gasner of DEKRA North America (Marietta, Georgia), Brian Spikes of Challenger Lifts (Louisville, Kentucky), Allan Pavlick of Stertil-Koni (Stevensville, Maryland), Gary DiAngelo of Total Automotive Lifting Solutions (Oakville, Ontario), past chairman Stet Schanze of Gray Manufacturing Company (St. Joseph, Missouri), and ALI President R.W. “Bob” O’Gorman on the board for 2022.

The Institute’s board of directors includes representatives of vehicle lift manufacturer members, as well as a representative elected by the Automotive Lift Institute Associate Class.

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A new group has emerged to help in the fight for ‘right to repair’ in the automotive aftermarket.

The CAR Coalition is made up of automotive parts companies, repair shops, associations and insurers that are “committed to preserving consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair,” a statement announcing its launch said.

The group is American-based. It describes its campaign as being one is multi-million dollars and in support of the R2R movement and legislative measures

One of those measures is the Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act, a bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Its purpose is to protect consumer choice when repairing their vehicles while also allowing for vehicle manufacturers to protect intellectual property rights.

“We’re excited to kickstart this national campaign in the fight to restore consumer choice, lower auto repair costs, and ensure greater competition in the alternative parts industry,” said Justin Rzepka, executive director of the CAR Coalition. “Consumers and small businesses lose when 15-year design patents keep independent manufacturers from offering safe, quality, and affordable aftermarket repair parts. The SMART Act would combat design patent abuse that restricts choice and drives up prices by reducing the time that car manufacturers can enforce design patents on common aftermarket parts, like side mirrors and bumpers.”

The coalition includes the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA), AutoZone, and LKQ Corporation. The SMART Act has been backed by the Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety Coalition, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), Auto Care Association, RetireSafe, AARP and more.

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Jarret W. Hann has been tapped as the new executive director of Team PRP.

The board of directors of the 150-member group of North American independent automotive recyclers made the decision to appoint Hann to the role on Sept. 10 during the Annual Team PRP Conference in Cincinnati.

Hann is a lawyer and has spent the last 10 years focused on civil litigation, negotiating complex settlements and dispute resolution. His practise also worked closely with the insurance industry

He has been involved with the independent automotive repair industry through Transportation Matters, a non-profit organization that he co-founded. In that role, he helped establish strategic partnerships with major brands, such as AutoZone, Hertz, Jasper Engines and more. Hann has served as corporate secretary and counsel to boards of directors for several organizations.

“Team PRP is fortunate to have found such a qualified candidate as Jarret Hann for its new executive director,” says John Bessler, former president of Team PRP’s Board of Directors and CEO of Bessler Auto Parts. “The PRP Board wanted to make sure that we found a candidate that not only had a wealth of experience in organizational management, but who also fit into our culture. After several months of searching and interviewing several very strong candidates, Jarret stood out above the rest; his fresh perspective and outlook will help guide Team PRP through this unique time in our industry and lead us into the future.”

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Canadians were driving almost as much earlier this year as they did during the same time pre-pandemic, a new report suggests.

According to the latest quarterly numbers from National Vehicle Kilometres Traveled Metrics – 2019 To 2021, the average daily vehicle kilometres travelled was 1.29 billion kilometres on Canadian roads during the second quarter of this year (from April to June).

That’s the most in a quarter since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. A total of more than 117.6 billion kilometres was driven during this time, according to the data prepared by StreetLight Data Inc. The report was released by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

That eclipses the high-water mark set in the third quarter of 2020 when more than an average of 1.25 billion kilometres were driven by Canadians daily, and 116.6 billion kilometres overall.

The April to June 2019 daily average was about 1.33 billion vehicle kilometres travelled, with 120.7 billion total kilometres travelled.

One notable difference is the average distance per trip. In the second quarter of 2019, that number was 12.5 km. In 2021, that number is at 15 — the highest mark of any period since the start of 2019. That’s also up half a kilometre from the first quarter of 2021.

Data from Apple Mobility Trends paints a similar picture. It has been calculating how much people around the world have been driving compared to the months leading up to the start of the pandemic. It shows that driving has been on a steady increase since around mid-May, around when many restrictions finally started easing across the country and the weather improved.

Numbers peaked at 111% higher than the January 2020 baseline on Sept. 3, the Friday of the Labour Day weekend. Following the last long weekend of summer, numbers have come down to about 50% higher, presumably as summer vacations come to an end and children return to school.

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Attendees of next month’s SEMA Show can expect to be fully masked while indoors, organizers announced.

But safety measures stopped short of matching those of AAPEX, which is requiring proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test.

SEMA issues a statement on Sept. 30 outlining that Clark County, Nevada — which includes Las Vegas, where the show will be held — that current indications and trends indicate attendees should expect to be fully masked while indoors at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Nov. 2-5.

“SEMA Show organizers will adhere to the safety measures that are required by state and local health authorities,” its statement said. “Forecasts indicate that masks will continue to be required indoors when the SEMA Show is held in Las Vegas in early November.”

Outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the annual location of SEMA.

It also noted that there is no requirement for trade shows to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. There is also nothing to indicate such measures would be in place in a month’s time. That suggests the show is choosing to not enforce the additional safety measures. Masks will also not be required while attending SEMA’s outdoor portion.

“Las Vegas’ COVID-19 health and safety requirements, currently set by the State of Nevada, are dictated by key indicators, including average number of tests per day, case rates, and test positivity rates,” the statement explained. “Numbers and ratings must reach and maintain specific levels for 14 days in order for requirements to change. While key indicators continue to improve in Las Vegas, the current health and safety requirements are not expected to change before the SEMA Show takes place in early November.

“Therefore, SEMA Showgoers should plan on wearing masks while indoors; masks would not be required at the SEMA Show features located in more than one million square feet of outdoor space.”

The group also went on to note that operators of the convention centre have installed hospital-grade air filtration systems and certification for its cleaning and sanitization of event facilities. The show is also expanding to the new west hall, which allows for more space. The wider aisles will reduce crowing, it added. There will also be hand sanitizing stations available throughout the space and high traffic areas will be cleaned daily.

SEMA’s statement also noted that the organization will continue to monitor the pandemic situation and provide updates if any unexpected changes pop up between now and the start of the show.

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The largest affiliate of the Automotive Service Association in the U.S. has signed up with a new group and changed its name.

The Automotive Service Association of the Northwest will be changing its name to Northwest Auto Care Alliance (NWACA), joining forces with the Midwest Auto Care Alliance (MWACA).

The move came in response to all affiliates having their affiliation agreements revoked by the Automotive Service Association, according to a press release from the MWACA.

“ASA Northwest members deserve to have an association located in this region whose activities are directed and managed by their local board and staff,” the announcement said. “NWACA will continue to serve the independent mechanical/transmission and collision industry as it has for over 50 years.”

The northwest group covers the Washington, Oregon and Idaho territories. ASA Northwest will begin its transition under the name of the NWACA. The changeover will be complete no later than January 1 of next year, according to the release.

“It is with much excitement that I announce a new path for our association,” Bryan Kelley, board chairman of ASA Northwest, said in a statement. “I look forward to the opportunity to serve our members and create value at a much higher level than previously imagined. Our announcement today is that we will be transitioning from ASA Northwest to NWACA (Northwest Auto Care Alliance). Great things are on the horizon for our members.”

The MWACA itself was originally part of the ASA, as the ASA-Midwest Affiliate. It broke away in 2018 to form an independent organization. The NWACA, the announcement said, plans to follow in the footsteps of the MWACA.

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Heading to AAPEX in Las Vegas in November? Here are some key events taking place. Be sure to mark these events off in your calendar.

AAPEX has announced a new Keynote Buyer Panel discussion on Tuesday, Nov. 2, with top executives from four leading aftermarket retailers and two warehouse distributors. Panellists include:

• Tom Greco, president and CEO of Advance Auto Parts,
• Kevin Herron, president and COO, Genuine Parts Co., U.S. Automotive Parts Group,
• Gregory D. Johnson, CEO, co-president, O’Reilly Auto Parts,
• Bill Rhodes, president and CEO of AutoZone,
• Corey Bartlett, president and CEO, Automotive Parts Headquarters,
• Sue Godschalk, president, Federated Auto Parts.

Karyn Schoenbart, CEO of The NPD Group, will moderate the discussion. The annual State of the Industry presentation, led by Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association, and Paul McCarthy, president and CEO, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), will precede the buyer panel discussion.

The Keynote Session runs from 6:30 a.m.- 8:45 a.m. (PDT) and is a ticketed event.

There will also be three new general sessions with the latest automotive aftermarket trends, data, market intelligence and insights on consumer attitudes and behaviours. They are:

• “Aftermarket 2022” by The NPD Group, Nov. 2;
• “Five Trends in Five Minutes” by IHS Markit, Nov. 3;
• “Impact of New Technologies on the Aftermarket Industry” by PwC Strategy&, Nov. 4.

The sessions will take place from 11 a.m. to noon every day local time.

Resiliency in the Aftermarket
To learn about shifts and trends in the automotive aftermarket and how the industry is driving ahead, watch the new AAPEX TV 360 video with insights from Philip Atkins, director of Strategic Research & Planning, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), and Mike Chung, director of Market Intelligence, Auto Care Association.

Second Annual Service and Repair Awards
AAPEX is now accepting nominations for the second annual Shop Owner of the Year, Service Advisor of the Year and Technician of the Year awards. Nominations are due Wednesday, Sept. 1, and should be submitted online at: www.aapexshow.com/serviceawards. Award recipients will be recognized on Tuesday, Nov. 2, during the opening Keynote Session.

Industry Leaders Share Insights on Access to Data and Expertise of Young Professionals
In the recent AAPEX Blog, industry leaders share their perspectives on strengthening our collective success, the battle for access to vehicle data, utilizing the expertise of young leaders and the essential role of warehouse distributors in the supply chain. To read the blogs, visit:

• Safe, Secure, Standardized and Direct Access to Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Data on Display at AAPEX 2021 by Joe Register, vice president, Emerging Technologies, Auto Care Association,
• AAPEX Shapes and Strengthens Our Collective Future Success by Bill Long, president & CEO, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA),
• Drivers Deserve the Decision on Where to Repair Their Vehicles – You Can Help Ensure It by Aaron Lowe, AAP, senior vice president, Regulatory and Government Affairs, Auto Care Association,

• Young Leaders: The Building Blocks of the Future by Ben Brucato, senior director of Engagement, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA),

• AWDA Conference Draws Warehouse Distributors to AAPEX by Larry Northup, AAP, executive director, AWDA.

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Those planning to register for ASE certification tests are being encouraged to do so as soon as possible by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

The reminder, ASE said in an announcement, is so they can be sure to secure a seat at their preferred test center before the summer registration period ends on September 30.

Registration is available at the https://my.ase.com/ web portal. There are more than 50 ASE certification tests being offered for automotive, collision, medium/heavy duty, school bus, transit bus and truck equipment repair. Tests are conducted days, nights and weekends at nearly 500 secured, proctored test centers.

It is recommended that service professionals coordinate testing with their employers and check test center availability before registering.

Those with active automobile certifications (A1-A9) can use the ASE renewal app for recertification, extending the expiration date of their certifications without having to take time off or go to a secure test center for testing.

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The organizers of the premier event for the automotive aftermarket will require attendees to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID PCR test administered before they arrive.

The Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) — co-organizers of AAPEX — announced the requirement to attend the show in Las Vegas from Nov. 2-4 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum on Thursday.

The measures announced will be administered via a third-party verification platform and on-site screening, the announcement said.

Crowds fill the lobby waiting to enter the show floor of AAPEX at the Venetian Expo.

It also noted that Nevada has a mask mandate for all indoor events in Las Vegas. That came into effect on July 30. AAPEX will announce more details soon.

As for SEMA, which runs an extra day to Nov. 5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), it is still determining its next steps. In the same announcement, it was said that “organizers are taking into account that the COVID-19 landscape is changing week to week. The SEMA Show is working with state and local health authorities to announce more in the coming weeks concerning safety measures that will be required in November.”

AAPEX is only open to industry professionals and media. SEMA is as well except for its final day when it hosts its show afterparty, SEMA Ignite, which is open to the general public. The week of both events is known as Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week.

In the joint statement, both shows expressed their full commitment to holding their events and having a successful week.

“As the COVID-19 landscape continues to evolve, health and safety measures will be updated for the respective shows to provide the best business opportunities for those attending,” they said. “With the Venetian Clean Commitment and the LVCC’s GBAC Star Facility Accreditation in place, organizers are looking forward to welcoming the industry back to our live events.

“With combined exhibits of more than 2,000 manufacturers and suppliers slated to participate and very strong buyer registration to date, now is the time to reconnect.”

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