As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to grow, independent service providers are racing to build the necessary expertise and infrastructure to cater to this new segment of the market.

Eccles Auto Service in Dundas, Ontario is one such shop that has been proactively preparing for the EV revolution.

Scott and Bruce Eccles share their experience of getting up and running, from installing charging stations to getting training and educating the consumer.

While Eccles Auto doesn’t have a dedicated EV bay at the moment, Scott noted that the volume of EV work simply doesn’t warrant that level of specialization yet. The majority of the work they’re getting and the issues customers are finding are similar to those found on most any other vehicles, including internal combustion engines.

Common issues they’ve encountered include rapid tire wear, suspension component failures and even 12-volt battery problems — typical wear and tear issues that may surprise some EV owners who assume their cars require no maintenance. They don’t realize their vehicle has a typical car battery that needs to be checked.

It’s often a mixed bag of people who understand routine maintenance is still a thing versus those who don’t.

“There’s people who always maintain their car, have done their research and understand that these cars need maintenance. And then there’s those who have been sold the idea that an EV needs nothing,” Scott said. “And educating them is what we need to do — trying to get them to understand. The only thing that changes is how the car moves. Everything else is the same.”

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Nhu Nguyen has always felt the support of her male colleagues, instructors and mentors during her career as an automotive technician, which is why she goes out of her way to make men’s health a focus every year.

She is a classic Porsche technician and has been a passionate supporter of Movember for more than a decade, raising an impressive $21,000 to support men’s health initiatives.

“I’ve been a Mo-Sister ever since I got into the trade,” she says in this episode of Auto Service World Conversations. “For the last 12 years, I’ve been baking cookies, raising money and awareness for November.”

Last year, Nguyen held her first “Nhuvember” event in Toronto, a car meet mixed with a car exhibit that featured live painting, live vehicle repairs and more. It raised more than $8,000 for the cause.

The event will be held this year at Pfaff Tuning in Woodbridge from 6-9 p.m. on November 16. It is sponsored by Canaweld, which will donate 5 per cent of total purchases from the Canaweld website using the promo code ‘Nhuvember’ through the month of November.

Nguyen’s passion for supporting men’s health is rooted in her experience as a woman in the male-dominated automotive industry. She explained that she has been fortunate to receive tremendous support and encouragement from her mentors, teachers and coworkers, and she wants to support those who may not be speaking up for themselves.

“I’m in this male-dominated industry and I know that a lot of women have a tough time — and have had and continue to have a tough time — in this industry. But my personal experience has been one of great support, warmth, encouragement,” she says. “I understand also what this industry is like for men in this industry, what society is like for men in general. I just feel it’s really important for those not speaking up for themselves to have a voice.”

For those looking to support Nhuvember, either by sponsorship, to buy cookies or otherwise, contact her directly through Instagram at @dear_nhu.

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It’s been a year now since Nick Brunet took over as the president of Bestbuy Distributors.

At the company’s annual Buy & Sell event, held in Vancouver this year, Auto Service World Conversations host Adam Malik sat down with Brunet to reflect on his year at the helm and more.

Brunet gives his background on how he made his way to lead Bestbuy, which included a tenure with 3M and what was meant to be a pitstop but grew into more within the mattress industry.

Now back in the automotive aftermarket, he talked about challenges facing the industry, how distributors like his are adapting to change and how the aftermarket is shifting.

Brunet highlighted the “magnetic pull” of the industry, noting the wealth of knowledge and veteran experience. He emphasizes the importance of exposing younger generations to the opportunities in the aftermarket.

“There’s an opportunity for growth within our own industry for those who are interested in a future in automotive,” he said.

He explored challenges around inventory management, a big one over his first year, trying to make sure vendor fill rates in managed fill rates going out.

“With having very little control over that piece of that supply chain, so a lot of learnings there,” he said.

He also explored the “shocking” breadth of products, with “a million active SKUs” in the system that can’t just be eliminated due to the wide range of products in this industry.

Regarding growth, Brunet noted its shareholder base has grown and is trending upwards. He attributed the success to the “communal feel and family” within the shareholder group.

“We’re truly friends,” he explained. “People have seen their kids grow up with each other and it’s infectious when you bring in a new shareholder.”

Looking ahead, Brunet predicted continued consolidation in the industry — and with those that have been acquired, they may be looking for change as they may not fit in well with the new owners and that could lead to new opportunities for growth for Bestbuy.

“So we’re going to see some probably discontent within those who are being acquired,” Brunet said.

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There are four generations in any given workplace in the automotive aftermarket, creating a widely varying dynamic when it comes to getting business done.

You have the Baby Boomers, (born from 1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1980), Generation Y, or Millennials (1981-1996) and Generation Z (1997-2012), many of whom are just getting their feet wet in the working world but making big impacts.

Each group prioritizes different things in the workplace — you can read more about it here and read the full study results here.

And you can tune into the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations to hear from Jeff O’Hara, chair of the Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX) Council, a leadership council for the next generation of aftermarket leaders that is part of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers.

He dives into the survey results, key takeaways for employers to work with the four generations and how each generation can help the other grow and succeed.

“People are willing to stay and grow within an organization, but people are craving that path — what is it going to look like for me?” O’Hara said on the podcast. “And how can companies, especially larger ones, how can you help provide that path to folks with the understanding that you can’t always get everything from an employer — and there are many different paths. But how can you get, especially the younger generation on board with growing within a company?

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It’s not often, perhaps even rare, these days that a technician sets off on their own to open their own shop.

But that’s the plunge Rui Silvestre has taken, opening My Neighbourhood Mechanic in Toronto’s west end.

The 2017 Canadian Technician of the Year from CARS magazine was the lead tech at Master Mechanic High Park, the 2021 Shop of the Year. But after the shop was forced to close, Silvestre set out to be on his own, rather than work for another shop.

It was important for him to stay in the community — after years of searching, he found a location just a couple of kilometres north of his old shop. And he was able to bring the entire team from his previous shop to his new one.

But things are different. He went from working at a location that was highly visible at the corner of Dundas St. West and Howard Park Ave, just north of Roncesvalles to being smack dab in the middle of a residential area at the top end of the West Toronto Railpath.

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He opened the doors on August 1 and took some time to chat in this episode of Auto Service World Conversations. Silvestre talks about his journey to being a shop owner, the changes he’s faced, how he’s staying connected with the community and how he’s looking to grow both his shop and the profession.

“It’s not as mainstream as we once were before, but I don’t think it matters,” Silvestre said of once being at a major intersection to now being in the middle of a neighbourhood. “The whole focus is community. So why not right in the middle of one? To us, that’s perfect. It’s right where we want to be.”

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The Young Professionals in the Auto care sector is the gathering place for the industry’s youngest professionals.

But there’s plenty of room for it to grow.

YPA chair Kari Hann sat down with Auto Service World Conversations host and YPA committee member Adam Malik to talk about her journey into the aftermarket, into the YPA — or as it was known when she first joined, the Young Executives Society  — and what her goals are as chair.

Hann also dives into what the YPA community means for the aftermarket and its young professionals. She discusses the opportunities that are there and why employers should support their younger staff to join.

But the community needs the support of the industry as well. Aftermarket companies should also rally around the group, Hann urged, to provide not only greater chances to network but also learning opportunities.

Listen in as she dives into the value of the YPA, her goals and what’s possibly ahead for the community.

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Think about all the Mercedes-Benz vehicles on the road today. Now think about how many Sprinter vans are out there performing crucial work that keeps commerce moving. What happens when a fleet of those vehicles goes down?

If the operator wants to go to the aftermarket, they may be out of luck.

Michael Waddle is a technician at Precision Auto Service, a shop owned by his father Scott, in Langley, B.C. They service many Sprinters. But there’s a problem: These vehicles are difficult to diagnose, service and repair because Mercedes-Benz Canada is seemingly making it difficult.

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In order to access these vehicles, a nearly-$50,000 tool must be purchased. That’s far beyond other automakers that charge under $1,000 in some cases for similar equipment.

However, Michael pointed out that Mercedes-Benz Canada isn’t necessarily violating the Canadian Automotive Service Information Standard (CASIS) agreement, signed back in 2009. They are making the tool available. But he believes Mercedes-Benz is intentionally being difficult in this area, pricing it at an unattainable level.

The tool is more easily accessible in Europe and the U.S., he says in this episode of Auto Service World Conversations with host Adam Malik. He spoke about the challenges he’s faced, what the aftermarket is up against and why this could be a larger issue.

We reached out to the automaker for comment but didn’t receive a response. When we followed up, a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Canada said they would get back to us but did not.

Michael believes it is fair to pay for such access but the asking price is neither fair nor reasonable. It blocks the aftermarket from obtaining the necessary tools and, Scott noted, puts commerce at risk as dealers are unable to keep up with the repair work due to the volume of vehicles.

He’s also been in touch with various working groups, such as the Automotive Industries Association of Canada to work toward a resolution. AIA Canada told Auto Service World that it has shared information about this issue with the task force for CASIS review and action.

“This is yet another example of how independent shops are left at a disadvantage and illustrates why legislation is needed,” AIA Canada said in a statement to us.

The group echoed Scott’s message about the issue of disrupting business if these vehicles break down and can’t be serviced by a dealer, especially in more remote locations where the aftermarket may be the only viable option for repair.

“The commercial interests at stake and the profits that vehicle manufacturers derive from these methods have resulted in a worldwide awareness that voluntary agreements do not work,” AIA Canada said.

The CASIS agreement is a voluntary agreement between automakers and the aftermarket. It is designed to ensure the aftermarket has access to service information, diagnostic tools and training information.

However, AIA Canada pointed out that the current agreement needs updating.

It “has not kept pace with the rapid advancements in technology and does not meet the needs of Canadians and the vehicles of today and tomorrow,” the group said.  “We are continuing to advocate on behalf of our members, who continue to provide us with feedback on the barriers they are encountering. AIA Canada has identified outdated sections of the agreement that require amendments, along with an enforcement piece, if it is to function as intended.

“In the absence of an updated agreement, AIA Canada will continue to advocate for legislation to ensure fair competition, consumer choice, and continued access to reliable, essential and affordable vehicle service and repair.”

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It can oftentimes be a struggle for shop owners and technicians to get the management and technical training they need. But two shop owners made the trek to Nashville this spring in search of the latest education to stay on top of the ever-evolving landscape.

Rob Lang from Richmond Motorworks in Richmond, B.C., and Louie Solarino from Sam Garage in Markham, Ontario, attended the Worldpac Supplier Training and Expo in the Music City where hundreds of training classes were held, ranging from business management to technical.

During the event, they sat down with Auto Service World Conversations host Adam Malik to discuss the importance of ongoing training to stay up to date on the latest repair techniques for increasingly complex vehicles.

The owners also share the challenges they face running busy shops, including managing workload efficiency and accessing the correct technical information needed to diagnose problems.

It’s an interesting discussion that explores the evolution of selling techniques, the challenges of selling to different generations and the need for adapting to change in the industry.

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A long-time fixture on Toronto’s auto repair scene has shut her doors.

Josie Candito’s Master Mechanic High Park franchise location officially wrapped up business on June 30, ending a 25-year run in Toronto’s west end.

Her shop was recognized with the 2021 Shop of the Year Award from CARS magazine, a recognition Candito proudly displays inside and outside her shop.

The shop’s future was a few years ago when the landowner announced their intention to turn the space into condos. Rather than set up shop elsewhere, Candito is retiring, making the announcement official last month through social media posts.

 

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She joins host Adam Malik to talk about her journey of being a shop owner without an automotive background, her proudest moments, what she accomplished, what she hopes other shop owners keep in mind as they run their shops – especially greater respect for technicians — and more.

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Bruce Eccles has been a technician and shop owner. Now he’s an author.

The semi-retired owner of Eccles Auto Service in Hamilton, Ontario, released a memoir, Don’t Look Back, Look Ahead: 40 Years of Business and Life’s Unexpected Road.

He shares stories of life and business. It’s not a book simply for shop owners — he believes business owners of all stripes can walk away after reading having learned something.

He joins host Adam Malik for an episode of Auto Service World Conversation to talk about his book, how it came together, what you’ll find inside, lessons he’s learned and much more.

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Host Adam Malik talks to Brad Horn from Stellantis Canada about vehicle electrification as his company plans to have 50 per cent EV sales by 2030 at the Canadian International AutoShow.

Horn is the company’s product communications manager. They jumped in the back seat of a RAM truck to talk about public education around EVs, sales goals, repair concerns, marketing strategies, increasing the market share of EVs and more.

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With thousands of technician positions needing to be filled, there is an urgent need for the automotive aftermarket to find ways to tackle the problem.

Enter AIA Canada’s Labour Market Report, released late last year. The report found that the labour gap is expected to worsen in the coming years, exacerbated by the growing trend towards vehicle electrification.

Alana Baker, vice president of government relations and research at AIA Canada, joined Auto Service World Conversations to speak about the study, what they found, what the challenges are, how the industry can approach the issues and more.

She pointed to the high staff turnover shops in the mechanical and collision repair space are facing — many of whom are going to other trades and taking their transferrable skills elsewhere.

“It also indicated that 46 per cent of those technicians left for higher paying jobs or for other reasons, including poor public perception of the industry, or a lack of career development opportunities, and even improved working conditions elsewhere,” Baker said of the report’s findings.

Furthermore, she pointed out, auto dealers are a more appealing destination than the auto care sector.

They discussed challenges like advancing vehicle technology and electric vehicles requiring new technical skills from technicians. Low wages in the auto care sector compared to other trades were also an issue. Baker suggested adjusting employment programs to attract younger workers by offering better work-life balance, such as flexible hours.

Baker identified collaboration between industry, government and training institutions to address challenges.

Baker dives into where the industry goes from here, where large gaps exist and factors for improvement.

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Host Adam Malik talks to national marketing manager of Chevrolet cars and crossovers Holly Broome about the company’s role in vehicle electrification at the Canadian International AutoShow.

The pair talk about educating consumers, supporting customers in their EV transition, adoption strategies and more.

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Host Adam Malik talks to Alexa Desjardins, vehicle line manager for BEV and commercial vehicles, at Ford Motor Company of Canada, about transitioning consumers to EVs and more at the Canadian International AutoShow.

Desjardins explains what Ford is offering, how they’re alleviating consumer concerns, improving range, improving charging experience, education and more.

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Lordco is marking 50 years in 2024 and the celebrations were highlighted at its annual trade show in Vancouver in April.

Join Auto Service World’s conversation with host Adam Malik as he speaks with company president Marlyn Coates, VP of marketing Sarah Durant and VP of human resources Candace Gottschalk about this year’s show and what 50 years means to them.

They discuss the logistics of putting on a show with 15,000 attendees and what makes their trade show unique from all the rest. The trio also reflects on 50 years of the company, why they appreciate every single customer and vendor who has been with them throughout the years and what may be in store going forward.

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Jobber News editor Adam Malik sat down with Ryan Bruno to talk about his role as chair of AIA Canada. His one-year term will officially begin in April following the association’s AGM.

You can read the interview in the March issue of Jobber News. but tune into this special enhanced media segment for more, such as his views on how AIA Canada can help strengthen the industry, creating a standardized experience for customers and the opportunities out there for the automotive aftermarket.

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Host Adam Malik talks to Volvo Canada managing director Matt Girgis Volvo about its plans for electrification and more at the Canadian International AutoShow.

The company plans to be fully electric by 2030 – well ahead of government mandates in Canada or the United States. He talks about that decision, consumer concerns, adoption challenges, education strategies, incentives and more.

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At the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow, we put key questions to several OE leaders.

In this episode of Auto Service World Conversations, we highlight their plans for consumer education on electric vehicles, what they see as the gaps and how they’re working to help bring customers along and prepare them for the transition to electrification.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Holly Broome, national marketing manager of Chevrolet cars and crossovers, Brad Horn, product communications manager at Stellantis Canada, Matt Girgis, managing director of Volvo Car Canada and Alexa Desjardins, vehicle line manager for BEV and commercial vehicles, at Ford Motor Company of Canada.

They all agreed that a large knowledge gap exists for electric vehicles in Canada. They’re working on bridging that gap and making the transition smoother. Click the banner above to hear what they have to say or choose your platform of choice below to hear this episode and find the full Auto Service World Conversations library:

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2023 finished off with some major news: O’Reilly Automotive announced it had acquired Groupe Del Vasto, which operates Vast-Auto Distribution.

We spoke to a few industry experts about the implications of the deal. One of them was Kumar Saha, a columnist with Jobber News and the U.S. vice president and Canadian managing director of global automotive data firm Eucon. He’s also a frequent commentator for the automotive aftermarket, speaking at conferences about the state of the industry.

Saha took some time to chat about what this deal means for the industry in Canada, how O’Reilly’s split retail-wholesale structure would mesh with Vast, the loss of Canadian-owned aftermarket companies, M&A landscape going forward and more.

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Thanks for tuning in to the Enhanced Media segment for the Winter issue of EV World.

Hit the banner above to listen in as we share more from managing editor Adam Malik’s conversation with Darryl Croft, president of the Electric Vehicle Network and co-owner and vice president of OK Tire (Etobicoke), and Mavrene Brooks, EV consultant at the Electric Vehicle Network.

They talk about how the network got started, how they help consumers get more comfortable with EVs, how they help answer questions from skeptical customers and the first steps aftermarket shops should take to prepare for servicing EVs.

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Thanks for checking out the Enhanced Media portion of the CARS December 2023 issue.

We’re bringing you more from Mike Howard, manager of garage operations at Art Turney’s Garage, the winner of the 2023 Shop of the Year.

He chatted with Adam Malik, managing editor of CARS, which presented the shop with the award, sponsored by Milwaukee Tool. Read the full feature in the December issue.

The Enhanced Media segment brings you insights that just couldn’t fit in the feature. Howard discusses training and the challenges he sees around getting his technicians fully trained, especially around electric vehicles.

He also discusses the importance of a clean shop and more on what advice he would give his shop peers.

Tune in and, if you haven’t already, check out the full feature on the 2023 Shop of the Year in the December 2023 issue.

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Bill Hanvey and Adam Malik sat down for their annual chat at AAPEX 2023 in Las Vegas for another must-listen discussion for those working in the automotive aftermarket.

The pair talk about an exciting development in right to repair, industry trends ranging from growing average vehicle age to artificial intelligence and the state of the industry.

He noted how suppliers are confident moving forward. “And supply chains are beginning to stabilize. AAPEX offers a tremendous amount of variation in terms of those supply chains. And we’re really beginning to see that distributors and retailers are looking to diversify their supply chain, which is why AAPEX is so important for the industry,” Hanvey said.

And as vehicle age grows, parts proliferation will only be an issue that continues to grow. Hanvey praised the aftermarket for managing this movement and helping customers get the parts they need.

“I give our distributors and our retailers a tremendous amount of credit, in terms of how they manage those inventories, because you can’t have every part available to every car on the shelves within 30-minute delivery,” Hanvey said. “But they’ve done a tremendous amount of work in terms of creating new distribution models, wheel and spoke and creating master warehouses and adding distribution centers to be able to accommodate the amount of inventory that’s required to meet the 30-minute delivery deadline that the shop owners are used to.”

The conversation explores the past year’s performance of the industry (4:50), the impact of peak new vehicle sales on the aftermarket (5:40), how artificial intelligence can be integrated into the industry (8:50), overcoming OE pushback on right to repair (11:10) and why it’s beneficial to your career to get involved in the industry (13:08).

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Here’s more from this year’s Jobber of the Year Winner, Chieftain Auto Parts and its co-owners, the brother and sister team of Trevor Heizne and Jayne Kelly.

They discuss the importance of inventory, having good relationships with suppliers and future opportunities.

Have a listen to what they have to say and then read more about the pair and the Chieftain in the November issue of Jobber News.

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Teslas are far more expensive to repair than their EV counterparts and even internal combustion engines.

Why? Kevin FitzPatrick, a senior vice president at OPUS IVS, explains.

“The scarcity of talent, which means that you can charge a premium, and I think people are going to take advantage of that for better or for worse,” he tells host Peter Bulmer in this episode of Auto Service World Conversations.

That’s not it. For example, there are tires and suspension components that will need replacement far more often — and come with a heavier price tag for the work.

Another issue is the lack of shops unwilling to get into the game.

“The biggest issue right now, I think, is the willingness of the aftermarket to get involved. You know, if you take 100 shops, you’re probably going to find about 85 of them that are unwilling right now to work on EVs,” FitzPatrick said. “And that’s, that’s just a stark reality. It’s a bit of dedication, you have to get trained — I mean, these vehicles are no joke. They can hurt you. You have to, you have to take some extensive training in order in order to work on them. You have to tool your shop to work on them, you have to have a technician that spent multiple days in training, and it’s a bit of a commitment.

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Thanks for tuning into the enhanced media segment from the Fall issue of EV World.

We dive deeper into a conversation between managing editor Adam Malik and Vision Mobility’s principal consultant James Carter.

They touch on “negative hyperbole,” which Carter sees as some taking a position against EVs and making it bigger than it really is. He also goes into how regional differences between Canada and the United States may impact EVs.

Tune in by clicking the banner above, then read more about Carter’s thoughts in the Fall 2023 issue of EV World.

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It’s no secret that most automotive repair shop owners are closer to retirement age than not.

Eventually, you’re going to want to exit. But how do you do it and do it well?

Owning a repair shop alone isn’t easy, explained Matt DiFrancesco, principal and financial technician for automotive repair professionals at High Lift Financial. And setting it up to be an attractive buy isn’t either.

And it’s harder when the owner is someone who rose through the ranks, was a great tech and took over the business.

“But from a business standpoint, they’re sometimes they’re successful in spite of themselves,” DiFrancesco told host Peter Bulmer in this episode of Auto Service World Conversations.

He told the story of one of his clients whose goal early in his career was to move as many cars as he could through his shop.

“And that’s how they increased revenue. And I find a lot of times as I’m doing a deeper dive into their financial analysis, a lot of these owners have good revenue, but their free cash flow is not so good,” he explained. “And so we spend a lot of time trying to build value in the business because the shop is typically their biggest asset that they have.”

Click the banner above to tune into ASW Conversations: Want to retire? What to do with your shop to hear more about what shop owners need to do to plan their exit. You can find a transcript of the episode here.

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Don’t miss out on thought-provoking discussions and enhanced commentary from industry leaders. Tune into our podcast, Auto Service World Conversations to learn about the latest happenings in the automotive aftermarket and the industry overall.

There are many ways to tune in. Here’s where you can find us:

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With 100 episodes available, there are plenty of interesting insights and discussions to help better understand the aftermarket.

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Perhaps hydrogen hasn’t been forgotten about, but it certainly doesn’t get the same attention as electrification as we move to a decarbonized automotive future. And for good reason: OEMs and governments have decided to hitch their wagon to electric vehicles.

But hydrogen has an important role to play, especially in the freight and transportation sectors. Brent Hartman, director of standards in the fuels and transportation at CSA Group, joins publisher Peter Bulmer in this episode of Auto Service World Conversations to talk about the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel.

The transportation sector accounts for upwards of 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and about 27 per cent in Canada, Hartman says. Furthermore, 80 per cent of transportation sector emissions come from on-road vehicles.

“So hydrogen is one of the solutions that can really help reduce those transportation emissions, which obviously have a bigger impact on all emissions within countries,” Hartman explains. “So batteries are obviously another alternative. But not all vehicle applications are easy to electrify.”

Hartman also explores hydrogen’s importance, standards needed for best practice, challenges faced, how technological changes could impact standards and more.

Tune into the latest episode of ASW Conversations by clicking the banner above or through this link.

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Thanks for tuning into the enhanced media segment from the May/June 2023 issue of CARS.

Get ready to explore key takeaways from the 2023 Annual Jobber Survey results. Your host and managing editor Adam Malik dives into the top concerns jobbers have with the way some shops operate their businesses, how that conflicts with views from the shop owner side and then highlights other findings that couldn’t fit into the main feature.

Have a listen to the segment by clicking the banner above, then read more about the survey results in the current issue of CARS.

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Thanks for tuning into the enhanced media segment from the May/June 2023 issue of Jobber News.

Your host Adam Malik takes a deeper dive into the results of the Annual Shop Survey. While touching on the big change in relationships, he explores how many jobbers stores they want to deal with, their concerns around quality and what they want from their jobber.

Have a listen to the segment by clicking the banner above, then read more about the survey results in the current issue of Jobber News.

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Welcome to the enhanced media segment from the CARS magazine April 2023 issue.

We bring you more of our discussion with Liz Perkins, owner of L1 Auto Group. She explains her passion behind ADAS and why it’s so important for auto care professionals to pay attention to doing the work properly.

Have a listen to the segment by clicking the banner above, then read more about the importance of ADAS in the automotive aftermarket world in the April 2023 issue of CARS magazine.

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In this episode of Auto Service World Conversations, we bring you discussions we had with automaker leaders and a government official from this year’s Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto around electric vehicles.

There is plenty happening around EVs, as evidenced at the show with virtually all exhibiting companies showing off options.

But the aftermarket has concerns. Are automakers and government providing the full picture around electrification? What about the environmental implications? Range is a concern that only grows in cold weather — are consumers fully aware? What is being done to educate them?

Managing editor Adam Malik spoke to: James Hodge, brand director at Chevrolet Canada; Elias El-Achhab, Kia Canada, vice president and chief operating officer; Vic Fedeli, Ontario MPP and minister in charge of economic development, job creation and trade; and Francois Lefevre, senior manager of corporate planning and market intelligence at Nissan Canada.

Tune into the latest podcast by clicking the banner above or through this link.

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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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Automotive aftermarket parts suppliers are increasingly seeing issues around parts warranty fraud — costing the industry $600 million.

To combat the issue, a number of them have banded together to raise awareness among counterpeople, delivery drivers and more professionals more aware of the issue.

They teamed up with the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association to launch www.checkthepart.com to provide info and tips on identifying and reducing fraudulent warranty claims.

Ryan Kooiman, director of training at SMP, Michael Campana, Michael Campana, senior manager for quality at Dorman Products, and Ben Brucato, vice president of engagement at AASA joined Auto Service World Conversations host Peter Bulmer for a roundtable discussion about parts fraud and how the aftermarket is trying to address it.

The first line of defence, Kooiman explains, is to open the box when it’s returned to make sure it’s the parts it says it is, that it’s from the manufacturer it’s supposed to be and that it is indeed a warranty-related issue.

Campana notes that more expensive parts make up a higher percentage of returns. It’s fairly typical to see an OEM part returned with its markings and noticeable wear. The claim is that the part was in service for two months when it failed. “The part clearly has been in service for probably a decade, from the grease and grime.”

And just wait until you hear the types of items found in returned boxes claiming to be a part but are completely different things.

Tune into the latest episode of ASW Conversations to hear more about this “enormous” issue by clicking the banner above or through this link.

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People are spending big money to get an electric vehicle but are taking shortcuts when it comes to charging, putting themselves, homes and buildings at risk.

James Fraser, general manager of the Electrical Safety Authority, which regulates electrical installations in Ontario, joined host Peter Bulmer in the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations to discuss issues his agency is seeing around EV charging station installs.

For example, some run a charging cable across a sidewalk to use their stove outlet to charge their vehicle.

“But people will do anything to try to get some electrons into their battery,” he said. “And it’s both dangerous for them and their family. But it’s also something that’s just plain unsafe. And we want to make sure that people install these in a safe manner.”

As aftermarket businesses look to offer EV charging at their locations, it’s important to ensure it’s done right, Fraser said in the episode. This is a new technology and people are mostly unaware of how to properly set up chargers.

For example, it’s important for a shop to do load calculations.

“An improperly installed EV charger can lead to damage in your electrical panel, specifically on the circuit or the breaker that’s feeding that particular charger,” he said. “We’ve seen this where the car was being charged from a panel, but the circuit was not rated properly for it. And it literally turned the breaker into charcoal. It was like one step away from a fire.”

Hear more about EV charging safety and how you can do it safely by clicking the banner above or through this link.

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Managing editor Adam Malik sat down with Bill Hanvey, president and chief executive officer of the Auto Care Association, during the first day of AAPEX in Las Vegas to get his view on the automotive aftermarket industry.

Hanvey opened up about the challenges facing the aftermarket — notably talent and how to attract people to the industry — right to repair and how consumers have embraced the aftermarket thanks to a lack of new vehicles and are opting to repair and hang on to their vehicles longer.

He also pointed to the importance of training and how it relates to ensuring the aftermarket retains current and future customers.

“It’s incumbent upon us to be able to provide that training either here at AAPEX or through the supplier community or through the distributors so that they can keep up and, and maintain that relationship that they had with the customer,” he says in the latest episode of ASW Conversations.

Tune into the conversation by clicking the banner above or through this link.

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In an autonomous vehicle, safety is paramount. Cybersecurity in particular plays perhaps the most important role in the safety of pedestrians and the vehicle occupants.

A security flaw or attack could be deadly.

Peter Watkins, chief operating officer at QA Consultants, a Toronto-based software engineering services firm that works in the automotive space, highlights the importance and the work being done around cybersecurity in autonomous vehicles — especially as more corporations utilize the technology — in today’s episode of Auto Service World Conversations with host Peter Bulmer.

The key is shoring up key points of vulnerability, which is easier said than done.

“There isn’t one solution for cybersecurity in the vehicle that handles all of these vulnerable points of attack,” Watkins explained.

Another challenge? Overcoming latency.

“Each time you add that type of software to detect what is a good message, what’s a bad message, you introduce extra time in this instructions that go between the various components of the vehicle and could create unintended consequences in how the software and the vehicle works because of this extra layer of cybersecurity that’s being introduced into the vehicle itself,” he explained.

Watkins also dives into liability concerns, challenges around explaining cybersecurity, bias in software, consumer adoption, expectations and trust, why he thinks adoption will be phenomenal — and more.

Tune into the conversation by clicking the banner above or through this link.

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The category known as the aftermarket sweet spot is seeing a major rebound this year — but will it last?

An argument can be made that the jump in sales from $6.6 billion in 2021 to $10.9 billion in 2022 in the four- to 12-year-old vehicle category could be the result of pent-up demand and people putting work into their vehicles as they drive them more again.

That may be true, but there are also other factors driving growth, such as the lack of available new cars, observed J.D. Ney automotive practice lead at J.D. Power Canada in the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations.

He joined host Peter Bulmer to explore the results of the company’s recent Canada Customer Service Index—Long-Term (CSI-LT) Study.

“The impact of the difficulty in buying new cars at the moment, combined with the historically extremely high prices of used vehicles, we think we’re seeing some Canadians hold onto vehicles a little bit longer than they might have traditionally, which obviously then carries with it, usually, some added repair and maintenance bills,” he said.

But what about when new vehicle supply recuperates? Why do dealers still draw in more money than aftermarket shops? And what correction has Ney been waiting to make for the last year since he last appeared on our podcast?

Tune into the latest episode by clicking the banner above or through this link.

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Many tire shops don’t want to display tire prices online because of a perception that their competition will undercut them.

But, explains George Silagazde, vice president of TireConnect at Bridgestone, that’s the wrong way to go about it.

“Statistically speaking, 60 per cent of customers, if they get to your website and they don’t see, if they cannot get a tire quote on the spot, they will just leave. They will not pick up the phone,” he says in the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations.

The mentality of thinking you can make the sale over the phone isn’t true these days, he tells host Peter Bulmer.

Tune into the conversation to learn how tire sales are changing and innovations taking place in the field by clicking the banner above or clicking here.

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Consumer demand for electric vehicles is high — and at a level ahead of schedule thanks in part to spiking gasoline prices.

An already-strained supply chain wasn’t ready to handle the demand and is struggling to keep pace.

But improvements can be made, according to Wouter Witvoet, co-founder and CEO of the Toronto-based EV Technology Group.

A key issue is many companies try to take on the challenges on their own, using their own set ways. So you have multiple players doing things in multiple ways.

“I think where a lot of improvements can be made is just around the standardization on components of battery cells,” Witvoet tells host Peter Bulmer in the latest episode of ASW Conversations. “There will be some winners in this phase, like we’ve always seen when sort of a new industry comes up. I think that’s where we will see real improvements between the various different options that are available in the market.”

Listen in as Witovet shares his impressions on what is needed in Canada along the EV adoption process, the impact of EVs on sustainability, what could impede goals, and more.

Tune into the episode by clicking the banner above or through this link.

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With the gap between demand and capacity narrowing and good work done managing the problems, the issues around supply chain delays are slowly but surely getting better.

“We’re starting to see glimmers of that now. Everybody in supply chain is starting to see an easing up of every aspect of the supply chain,” Tom Cook, managing director of supply chain consultancy Blue Tiger International said on the latest episode of ASW Conversations.

Chatting with host Peter Bulmer for part two of their in-depth conversation, Cook further explained that improvement is indeed on the horizon.

“We’re seeing that every week and every month that the situation is going to get better,” he said.

What does that timeline for recovery look like? Tune into the episode by clicking the banner above or through this link.

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Supply chain professionals have done good work to navigate challenges. As a result, issues are easing and prices are coming down according to a top expert.

Tom Cook, managing director of supply chain consultancy Blue Tiger International, speaks with ASW Conversations host Peter Bulmer in part one of a two-part conversation about supply chain strains, what’s driving them, and what that means for 2023 and beyond.

Cook, who has been a speaker at automotive aftermarket events, explains that experts have spent the last two years working at supply chain disruption and their efforts are paying off.

“So a lot of the betterments and the easing that has occurred is just a result of people who are in positions of supply chain management, learning how to navigate some of these challenges through this period of [the] pandemic,” he says. “But in fact, delays still exist, but they’re not as lengthy as they once were, probably peaked somewhere in the fall of 2021.”

READ MORE: Tom Cook shares key planning considerations for the rest of the year and into 2023

In a sign of more good news, ocean freight container costs are trending downwards. How much? And when does Cook think we’ll “see some real improvement in the supply chain?” Tune into the latest episode of ASW Conversations to hear more.

Tune into the discussion by clicking the banner above or through this link.

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Peter Bulmer talks with Ron Foss about his mission to restore his grandfather’s historic invention, the Fossmobile, with the help of eBay Motors.

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Peter Bulmer, host of ASW Conversations, returns for another chat with Ryan Baltjes, eBay Canada’s head of automotive parts and accessories.

In the second part of a mini-series featuring eBay experts, Baltjes chats about how the best car to enhance is the one you already own. It’s a practical idea for many Canadians these days, Baltjes explains.

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Semiconductors are at the heart of many conversations involving the automotive industry.

Shortages caused by increased demand for electronics during the COVID-19 pandemic are hurting new vehicle sales as this key component can’t be produced fast enough to meet automaker needs.

But government mandates around the world for electrification of vehicles are “compounding” the problem as EVs use far more of the component than gas-powered vehicles, says Lewis Black, CEO of Almonty Industries, a Toronto-based global mining company.

“Car manufacturers are caught between a rock and a hard place: They get their allocation of semiconductors but then what do they do with them? They can produce more regular gasoline vehicles with the semiconductors they have because they use less semiconductors. But then you’re going against the great political push to EVs. So then you’ve got to be showing to the wider world that you are increasing your output of EVs. So you are also, in fact, exacerbating your own problem,” he tells Peter Bulmer, host of AutoServiceWorld Conversations.

Black talks about geopolitical challenges, the strategies some countries are taking, the effects of people keeping their vehicles longer and more.

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The experience of the customer while in your shop is an essential part of the automotive aftermarket industry.

In this special edition of ASW Conversations, host Peter Bulmer hosts a video discussion with Mister Tansmission’s CEO Tony Kuczynski, who discusses the importance of customer service within the company.

A customer trusting Mister Transmission with their vehicle is a responsibility the company doesn’t take lightly, Kuczynski said. Afterall, vehicle repair is often a stressful time in a person’s life.

“And as part of the experience, we want to try to alleviate that as much as possible. We want it to be a comfortable experience from the first phone call,” Kuczynski says.

The conversation also includes a look at the oncoming demand for electric vehicles and how preparations are underway to take those on.

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Peter Bulmer, host of ASW Conversations, has a chat with Ryan Baltjes, eBay Canada’s head of automotive parts and accessories.

The first of a mini-series featuring eBay experts, Baltjes chats about the summer trends in automotive and what consumers are looking forward to when prepping their vehicles for the warm weather.

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The first major live tradeshow in Canada took place in Vancouver last week. Lordco Auto Parts welcomed back customers, suppliers and guests to the PNE Coliseum and Agridome.

It was the first live and in-person show for the company since 2019. COVID forced the cancellation of the show for the last two years.

Managing editor Adam Malik had a chance during the show to sit down with Sarah Durant, vice president of marketing, and Daniel LePage, marketing manager, to talk about the show’s return.

“We’re just excited to get back to doing what I think Lordco does best. And that’s building relationships with these great people that come to our show,” Durant said.

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Tire Stewardship BC is the oldest tire recycling program in the country. The group is responsible for recycling millions of tires every year in British Columbia. More than 100 million tires have been recycled through its program.

In our latest episode of ASW Conversations, host and publisher Peter Bulmer is joined by Rosemary Sutton, executive director, and Glen Ringdal, chair, of Tire Stewardship BC.

With collecting more than five million tires every year, the group is a key part of the automotive industry as it ensures the safe and proper disposal of tires from vehicles so that materials can be broken down and reused elsewhere.

“Those products, and a lot of them — and this is actually a fact that we’re incredibly proud of — actually stay in the province of British Columbia, and are further recycled into products,” Sutton says. “Products such as horse mats, arena flooring, gym flooring, truck bedliners on playgrounds is another big one.”

Sutton and Ringdal also discuss the value of safety in tire recycling, why tires aren’t recycled back into making more tires and more.

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There has been plenty of skepticism about automated vehicles recently. It would appear the technology won’t be ready in the timeframe predicted just a few years ago as automakers shifted their goals.

But it’s not a dead concept, argues Rick Tewell, chief operating officer of AEye Inc. He spoke with Peter Bulmer, host of ASW Conversations, for part two of their conversation about LiDAR technology and its use in the automotive space.

The key for automated vehicles will be proving the technology to an apprehensive public.

“I think that what it boils down to is the technology has to be proven,” Tewell explained in ASW Conversations: What will it take for autonomous vehicle acceptance? “So that means that we need to be able to deploy LIDAR in vehicles and say, ‘Look, in every single case that we can throw at it, the vehicle stops safely. We have a pedestrian going across the road in the rain at night, the LIDAR was able to see that right.’”

Tewell examines how technology is advancing and why it should be able to indeed prove itself to the average consumer.

If you missed part one of this conversation, click here.

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LiDAR, Light Detection and Ranging, is quickly becoming the preferred option for autonomous vehicles.

In our latest episode of ASW Conversations, host Peter Bulmer speaks with Rick Tewell, chief operating officer of AEye Inc.

AEye is a technology company that provides adaptive LiDAR for autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Tewell joined us for a two-part talk on technology for autonomous vehicles and the impact of ADAS on repair shops.

In Part 1 of this discussion, Tewell starts by talking about why LiDAR is the best type of technology as vehicles become more technologically advanced.

Later in the episode ASW Conversations: Examining LiDAR and its impact on shops, he discusses how LiDAR will affect vehicle repair and how shops need to start getting ready for this transition.

“I think that these repair houses are going to have to become much more sophisticated in terms of diagnostics,” Tewell explained. “Because if you’ve got a LiDAR unit that is a higher cost item, or an ECU that is in the $4,000-$5,000 range — which it is in some of these electric cars — you want to make sure that they need to be replaced, as opposed to  maybe they need a firmware update, maybe they need some sort of an adjustment that could be made mechanically, whatever that may be.”

You can tune into the conversation by clicking the banner above or through this link. Our next episode of ASW Conversations will feature part two of our chat with Tewell.

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Autonomous vehicles were all anyone could talk about just a few years ago but the challenges in getting the technology ready and integrated into society are only delaying what’s to come, albeit many years away, says Paul Drysch, chief executive officer of PreAct.

He joined ASW Conversations and told host Peter Bulmer that money is still being invested in the technology to bring things up towards Level 3 autonomy. But going beyond that is a long way off.

“Fully autonomous where most of the cars on the road are fully autonomous is decades and decades away,” he said in the episode, What’s the future of autonomous?

Drysch also dives in to ADAS technology, how it’s come along and why repair shops need to be investing in calibration equipment.

“I know the calibration equipment is expensive and that but after a significant crash, if you want the systems to work correctly, it has to be done.”

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An already strained supply chain has turned even worse thanks to disastrous weather conditions and threats of a strike by unions.

Added on to existing issues, the supply chain is seeing a “perfect storm” of unfortunate events, Tifarah Senkow, VP of sales for Canada and Western USA at Advantage Parts Solutions in Vancouver, tells ASW Conversations host and publisher Peter Bulmer in our latest episode.

“Just recently, I saw an article in Business Insider, and it published an article that talks about the 50 ships that are backlogged off the Port of Vancouver,” she says in the episode ‘Perfect storm’ of supply chain issues. “And the reason that they’re backlogged is because the port is cut off from all major roadways, because of the landslides caused by the recent storms that we had.”

The supply chain is already feeling the pinch. There is a lack of truck drivers, with some voting to strike at two large metro Vancouver port trucking companies earlier this month.

“It’s literally the perfect storm of these unfortunate events that we haven’t been able to control,” Senkow added.

She also gives her thoughts on nearshoring, talent issues and how automotive repair shops can work with her company to source parts.

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The season has changed over, so what do technicians need to make sure they’re advising their customers of as cold weather arrives?

On the latest episode of ASW Conversations, our host and publisher Peter Bulmer speaks with Michael Thomas, technical information specialist at Pennzoil, to get answers on just that when it comes to fluids.

Windshield washer fluid, for example, is one to pay attention to in low temperatures; antifreeze levels need to be at proper levels.

“And then motor oil,” he says on the latest episode of ASW Conversations. “People think, ‘Well, you know what, should I just change my oil immediately before the winter?’ You can if you’d like, but we just say go with the OEM recommendation when it’s time to change it. If it’s time to change it, change it.”

Given the climate of Canada, it’s important technicians check all the usual suspects to ensure their customers’ vehicles are in tip-top shape for the winter.

“You have standard things you need to look at before [winter] gets going, especially up in your area,” Thomas says. “It’s just frigid. Too cold to imagine. So you guys have to look at it, I think, in a whole other way — chains, big snow tires, the whole nine yards.”

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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.

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On the latest episode of ASW Conversations, our host and publisher Peter Bulmer goes behind the scenes of Martins Industries’ latest hire: Marty the Robot.

Lyssa Lajoie, marketing and social media coordinator at the tire equipment manufacturer, speaks to how Marty is fitting in as he begins his career as the company’s official tour guide. In an effort to help customers learn more about how their equipment is manufactured, Marty was brought in to offer a virtual glimpse into the day-to-day operations of the Quebec-based company.

“We all know during these trying times, it’s kind of hard to communicate and stay connected with our customers,” Lajoie says. “And our sales force not being able to visit their customers worldwide thought this would be a great solution to keep in touch with them.”

Marty provides a live look at the office — no video recordings, she adds.

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On the latest episode of ASW Conversations, our host and publisher Peter Bulmer sits down with Al Haberman, an automotive trainer in Winnipeg.

Mandatory certification for automotive technicians has been a hot-button topic for some time. Unlicensed technicians can pose a danger to drivers as they may not have the proper tools and training to service and repair vehicles properly. Given the advancement of vehicles, certification is of greater importance, Haberman says.

“This isn’t your grandfather’s Buick anymore. These are very specialized vehicles and it takes a lot of training and a lot of knowledge to work on these things safely,” he observes. “The guys that are willing to put in the time and the shops that are willing to put in the time and the training and the equipment, they should be compensated properly for that.”

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On the latest episode of ASW Conversations, our host and publisher, Peter Bulmer, sits down with Al Wheeler, CEO at ShopPros, as part of the second installment of the ShopPros series, with the first episode airing on June 17.

Having worked in the automotive aftermarket for nearly 40 years, Wheeler got his start on the commercial side of the business, having worked in shops of all shapes and sizes throughout his career. He’s also served on the board of ASE, as well as be the chairman of the board and the CEO of the Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association.

While he describes his arrival at ShopPros as happening “by accident”, now, Wheeler now focuses on building relationships and fostering business culture to accelerate success and build value for shop owners.

Tune in to this conversation here!

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On the latest episode of ASW Conversations, our host and publisher, Peter Bulmer, sits down with Jack Chapman, Lead Coach/Sales/Success Developer, ShopPros. Based in Atlanta, Chapman got his start in the automotive industry by working in his dad’s garage. After a colourful career that dabbled in service and management, hiring, recruiting, and teaching, Chapman now utilizes those skills to help grow the team over at ShopPros.

ShopPros is an automotive aftermarket solutions company that also does adviser training and marketing. Their biggest focus, though, is accelerating people’s success in the industry. Here, Bulmer and Chapman discuss the importance of business planning for small shop owners, and why there never really room for a “Plan B”.

Tune in to this conversation here!

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Click here to listen to the first half of this conversation.

The post ASW Conversations: Bruce Eccles on changes and challenges in today’s aftermarket (Part Two) appeared first on Auto Service World.

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In the latest episode of ASW Conversations, our host and publisher of CARS magazine, Peter Bulmer, catches up with Emily Pyke, an automotive service technician at Heffner Lexus in Kitchener, Ont.

With a commitment to engage more women in the automotive aftermarket, Pyke started an Instagram account called Featuring Inspiring Women, which spotlights women all around the world who are actively involved in the trades. “I share their stories and experiences to not only bring more awareness to women in the trades, but the trades in general, and I try to get young people encouraged to check it [a career in the trades] out,” Pyke said.

According to the 2020 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Automotive Study by Deloitte, women make up about half of the labor force, but only a quarter of the automotive manufacturing workforce. In fact, additional findings from the study show that nearly half of women surveyed said they would move to a
different industry if they were to start their career today, with a lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion among the top three reasons to leave.

Pyke is also a mentor with Skills Ontario, an endeavor she began at the end of last year.

“I’m loving it so far,” Pyke shared. “I just love what I do, and I wish more people would find their passions,” Pyke added.

Adding to her list of accomplishments, Pyke finished her apprenticeship last year amidst COVID-19, which was a challenge in and of itself, Pyke says.

To learn more about Featuring Inspiring Women, click here.

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April is Earth month!

In a push towards a greener future, Pennzoil recently announced a portfolio of carbon neutral lubricants for passenger car motor oils in North America.

Existing products within the Pennzoil Platinum line of full synthetic motor oils are carbon neutral as a step toward Shell’s target to be a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 or sooner, in step with society and with the company’s customers.

Pennzoil is just one of the brands within the Shell global portfolio of lubricants that is committed to providing motorists with carbon neutral alternatives. The transition to a low-carbon energy future will require a range of solutions and Pennzoil is dedicated to helping drive the future and providing carbon neutral alternatives.

In this week’s episode of ASW Conversations, our host and publisher of CARS magazine, Peter Bulmer, sits down with Jessica Bell, Shell Lubricants sustainability manager, Americas, and Sean Nguyen, Shell Lubricants scientist and technology specialist, to learn more about the ways the Shell is pledging its support to a low-carbon future.

Jessica Bell, Shell Lubricants sustainability manager, Americas, and Sean Nguyen, Shell Lubricants scientist and technology specialist.

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In the latest episode of ASW Conversations, our host and publisher, Peter Bulmer, is joined by autologiQ’s CEO and founder, Jeff Newhouse, and Mike Smolders, head of product sales and marketing.

autologiQ is an online vehicle management company that proactively manages their client’s vehicles with an all-inclusive maintenance and repair premium.

There are no unexpected costs and everything from oil changes, to brakes to tires are covered in the one monthly payment.  The vehicles are serviced through a pick-up and delivery method that returns each vehicle freshly washed and detailed.

autologiQ provides this service for clients who have their own vehicle, or they can shop for and finance a vehicle through autologiQ to be managed under this all-inclusive program.

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ADAS diagnostics and the future of autonomous driving raise a lot of questions in the aftermarket community.

As cars become more and more like mini computers, what do today’s techs need to know about the technology?

LeddarTech, a global leader in Level 1-5 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving (AD) sensing technology, has been incredibly busy over the course of the last few months. In December 2020, the company announced a strengthened collaboration with Renesas by joining the R-Car Consortium, and with a new collaboration on the development and promotion of an automotive ADAS reference platform. One month later, LeddarTech and OSRAM, a leader in automotive lighting and laser systems, announced that they have entered a long-term agreement, in which LeddarTech will provide their industry-leading LiDAR hardware and software components into Osram’s Percept LiDAR platform.

In the latest episode of ASW Conversations, our host, Peter Bulmer, sat down with Frantz Saintellemy, president and COO of LeddarTech, to learn more about the latest developments within the company and how today’s aftermarket professionals can take advantage of the new technology.

Frantz Saintellemy, president and COO of LeddarTech.

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The automotive aftermarket continues to see a steady shift towards a digital revolution, as far as the repairs side goes.

A few weeks ago, Solera Holdings, Inc. launched Guided Image Capture (GIC), a customizable Qapter module part of Solera’s end-to-end artificial intelligence (AI) powered claims platform. Using a simple web-based app, automotive insurance policy holders can now confidently capture images of a damaged vehicle.

From start to finish, the entire process takes only a couple of seconds.

In the latest episode of ASW Conversations, our host, Peter Bulmer, sat down with Atul Vohra, regional managing director, Canada, Australia and India, Solera, to find out exactly how Guided Image Capture works, and how today’s aftermarket professionals can take advantage of the new technology.

Atul Vohra, regional managing director for Canada, Australia, and India, Solera Holdings Inc.

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COVID-19 has existed for more than one year now.

As a result, industries around the world, including the automotive aftermarket, have been forced to adapt to changes in the supply chain.

In our latest episode of ASW Conversations, our host, Peter Bulmer, catches up with AASA president and chief operating officer, Paul McCarthy, to determine what a global recovery will look like for the automotive aftermarket, and how we can expect to get there.

From Feb. 4 to Feb. 5, AASA held its virtual Global Summit, which allowed attendees to strategize with international customers and discuss global business challenges in the current COVID-19 landscape. Thought leaders from around the globe, including Dr. Parker Hudson, M.D., MPH, FACP, assistant professor of internal medicine and infectious diseases at Dell Medical School in Austin, TX, who provided a firsthand view on the status of the pandemic and vaccination, both in North America and globally.

In this episode, as McCarthy points out, a global recovery looks very different in different parts of the world. While some countries have injected millions with the vaccine, other countries won’t see a remedy until at least 2022.

So, what does a global recovery look like in the automotive aftermarket, and how do we get there?

Listen to the latest episode to find out!

Paul McCarthy

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Erin Vaughan, Kinetic Auto Service.

Erin Vaughan, owner of Kinetic Auto Service in Regina, Sask., recently won the 2020 Shop of the Year award from CARS magazine.

More than two dozen shops from across the country were nominated for the annual Shop of the Year award, which recognizes a business celebrating a significant milestone or recent innovation. This year’s unanimous winner was Kinetic, chosen for Vaughan’s visionary leadership through a series of business crises.

In the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations, we caught up with Erin to see how things are going, and to learn more about everything she’s working on for 2021.

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Erin Vaughan, Kinetic Auto Service.

Erin Vaughan, owner of Kinetic Auto Service in Regina, Sask., recently won the 2020 Shop of the Year award from CARS magazine.

More than two dozen shops from across the country were nominated for the annual Shop of the Year award, which recognizes a business celebrating a significant milestone or recent innovation. This year’s unanimous winner was Kinetic, chosen for Vaughan’s visionary leadership through a series of business crises.

In the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations, we caught up with Erin to see how things are going, and to learn more about everything she’s working on for 2021.

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Dan Billie, CEO of Plews & Edelmann, is making waves in the aftermarket by acknowledging the limitations of remanufacturing when it comes to steering components. In the interest of producing reliable aftermarket parts, Plews & Edelmann taking the company in a new direction, abandoning remanufacturing in favour of engineered new solutions.

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Allan Janssen introduces Christine Hogg, the new editor of Jobber News and Cars.  Yes, after 25 years at the helm of these two magazines, Allan is moving into some new projects and is pleased to be able to leave the magazines in the capable hands of an accomplished young journalist with a passion for telling people’s stories.  Tune in and get to know a bit about Christine.

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In the era of big data, automotive telemetry has increasing value. Software company Otonomo has been harnessing a wide array of telemetry for B2B and B2C apps. We called Asaf Weisbrot, Otonomo’s chief commercial officer, for a rundown on what to expect as vehicle data goes even deeper.

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Steve Van Kessel and his sister Susan Peacock are the driving force behind Parry Automotive in Orillia, Ont. — this year’s Jobber of the Year. We talked to Steve about operating during Covid, how the industry is adapting to new challenges and what he and Susan learned from their father, Peter Van Kessel, who put the business on the map in the 1960s.

… and, as promised, you’ll find a link to Steve’s music below!

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In the era of big data, automotive telemetry has increasing value. Software company Otonomo has been harnessing a wide array of telemetry for B2B and B2C apps. We called Asaf Weisbrot, Otonomo’s chief commercial officer, for a rundown on what to expect as vehicle data goes even deeper.

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Allan Janssen introduces Christine Hogg, the new editor of Jobber News and Cars.  Yes, after 25 years at the helm of these two magazines, Allan is moving into some new projects and is pleased to be able to leave the magazines in the capable hands of an accomplished young journalist with a passion for telling people’s stories.  Tune in and get to know a bit about Christine.

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Don Frisby and his team at Frisby Tire in Ottawa, Ont., have reached a rare milestone in our business. The company is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Founded by George Frisby in 1920, the family-owned business has rolled with the changes and challenges of the decades and is as healthy as it has ever been under the third generation of stewardship. We talked about the lessons of the past and the questions of the future.

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In the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations, we’re speaking with Shad Smereka, the general manager in charge of people and store innovation for Edmonton-based Fountain Tire. The chain of over 160 auto service facilities has been an industry leader in designing systems and processes to streamline automotive service and enhance customer experience. The company recently announced it has standardized the use of digital vehicle inspections. We called Shad to find out what led to Fountain Tire’s decision to embrace tablet technology.

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Don Frisby and his team at Frisby Tire in Ottawa, Ont., have reached a rare milestone in our business. The company is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Founded by George Frisby in 1920, the family-owned business has rolled with the changes and challenges of the decades and is as healthy as it has ever been under the third generation of stewardship. We talked about the lessons of the past and the questions of the future.

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In the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations, we’re speaking with Shad Smereka, the general manager in charge of people and store innovation for Edmonton-based Fountain Tire. The chain of over 160 auto service facilities has been an industry leader in designing systems and processes to streamline automotive service and enhance customer experience. The company recently announced it has standardized the use of digital vehicle inspections. We called Shad to find out what led to Fountain Tire’s decision to embrace tablet technology.

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It was once unthinkable that a battery-powered ratchet could deliver the torque necessary for serious automotive work. But that has changed in recent years.  Mike Owen, product manager for power tools at Milwaukee Tool Canada, says there’s been a sea-change in the world of power tools, as battery technology has taken a giant step forward. So, what’s the advantage of using battery-powered tools in a shop environment? What are the limitations? And what’s coming next? Mike tackles all our questions on the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations.

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It was once unthinkable that a battery-powered ratchet could deliver the torque necessary for serious automotive work. But that has changed in recent years.  Mike Owen, product manager for power tools at Milwaukee Tool Canada, says there’s been a sea-change in the world of power tools, as battery technology has taken a giant step forward. So, what’s the advantage of using battery-powered tools in a shop environment? What are the limitations? And what’s coming next? Mike tackles all our questions on the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations.

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Jim Caldwell is president and CEO of Surrey, BC-based OK Tire. During the worst days of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was his job to give leadership, direction, and encouragement to the 350-plus shops in the OK Tire family. He offers his thoughts on how the auto repair and service industry rose to the challenge and what may still lay in store for us.

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Jim Caldwell is president and CEO of Surrey, BC-based OK Tire. During the worst days of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was his job to give leadership, direction, and encouragement to the 350-plus shops in the OK Tire family. He offers his thoughts on how the auto repair and service industry rose to the challenge and what may still lay in store for us.

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In his 50-year career in the automotive repair and service industry, Bob Paff has done it all. He’s worked at dealerships, independent shops, and specialty shops. He’s been a technician, a service advisor, and a shop owner. Fifteen years ago he added another job to his resume: web creator. His vision drives the Automotive Service Business Network (www.asbn.ca). We called him up to find out what his plans are for this unique web resource.

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The Automotive Industries Association of Canada is talking to the Ontario legislators about requiring collision shops to seek government certification in order to do business in the province. If those negotiations well, AIA believes mandatory certification might also be good for the mechanical repair industry — not only in Ontario but across Canada. We spoke to Ontario shop owner Bob Ward about what he thinks of the idea.

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In his 50-year career in the automotive repair and service industry, Bob Paff has done it all. He’s worked at dealerships, independent shops, and specialty shops. He’s been a technician, a service advisor, and a shop owner. Fifteen years ago he added another job to his resume: web creator. His vision drives the Automotive Service Business Network (www.asbn.ca). We called him up to find out what his plans are for this unique web resource.

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We pick a question from our mail bag this week, and dive into what every shop needs to think about as they build their web presence. There are a lot of social media options and landing page ideas… but are there land mines to avoid?  Yes. Here’s one: Not being responsive to customer queries on your website.

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