INDUSTRY WEB SITE HITS 330,000 HITS IN JANUARY 2006

The Sarnia Lambton County Bodyshop Association (SLCBA) enjoyed their spring dinner meeting at the Huron Oaks Golf Course in Bright's Grove. The association has a discount and purchase program with 25 different companies that provide lower prices and special offers to lower their costs on services and products needed. SLCBA members enjoy special prices on garage insurance (up to 25% off), solvents, uniforms, inspection help, health and
safety needs and office supplies with a 50-770% discount on many Grand $ Toy products, for instance. The local shops heard from one of the guest speakers from Pre-Paid Legal Services that can assist them with legal challenges or questions from their shop.

Shops owners were updated on the CISCO program and the new presentation just made to the province, as well as new changes in building permit requirements for booths and the Ontario Consumer Protection Act.

Special guests from the Ministry of Labour showed their draft Auto Body Repair Compliance Information Centre web site and urged shops to let them know what changes and improvements would be valuable for them. The web site is designed to simplify compliance information and more readily and easily answer the most common problems faced by shops. Shops are asked to assist in identifying key tasks compliance challenges and frequently asked questions.that are performed in their respective facilities so that an industry view can be developed. To assist please contact the association at info@ciia.com or 1-866-309-4272

(see headlines)

Robert Bateman Secondary School in Burlington was the site of the Halton Skills Competition in autobody, collision repair and automotive painting.

Winners of the competition will be competing against the best in Ontario at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition in Kitchener/Waterloo with a chance to advance to the Canadian finals in Halifax on May 23-26, 2006

Pictured on the left is Mark Millson, previous autobody skills winner and guest speaker at CCIF as a judge of the work of White Oaks Secondary School student Mike Borge-Bills

Judges were Mark McIntyre , 3M’s Paul Birchell, Bruce Pudsey from BJ’s Custom Finishes. Sponsors were 3M Canada and Treschak Autobody Supplies in Welland, Ontario

National Winners 2005

Auto Body Gold for Robert Bateman Student

Alex Heaman-Maracle has done an outstanding job in the Halton, Ontario and National Skills Competitions in 2005. Alex has worked steadily in the auto body program at General Brock High School and Robert Bateman High School. When participating in the Skills competitions Alex put forth an excellent effort an earned gold for Robert Bateman High School in the Halton competition. He then proceeded to the Ontario meet in Kitchener-Waterloo where he escelled and won gold. Alex represented Ontario at the National meet in Edmonton, Alberta and while challenged with a technically difficult project continued to persevere and won gold once again. It is a reward for both Alex and the program to earn such a high level of recognition with in the Skills program. The next endeavor Alex wishes to participate in is the World Skill's competition in Japan in 2007

(see headlines)

Join your association for a special SLCBA workshop presentation
Tuesday, April 18, 2006 6:30 p.m.
Huron Oaks Golf, 2587 Lakeshore Road, Bright's Grove, ON
A LIGHT MEAL WILL BE PROVIDED

WHAT COLLISION SHOP OWNERS NEED TO KNOW

· NEW Ontario Business Initiative Presentation (first time in Ontario)
· Updates on what to do when the Ministry drops in
· How to handle a MoL or MoE inspection
· Working for nothing- some customers know the new Consumer Protection Act too well
· New environmental rules that you can easily meet
· The latest updates from CISCO
· Grants and incentives for apprentice and worker hirings for your collision shop
· What worries shop owners

SPECIAL VALUE FOR SLCBA MEMBERS

Special guest speakers will highlight SLCBA's new discount vendor program including discounts and special offers on:

· Shop garage insurance policy · Training discounts
· Up to 70% off on office products from Grand & Toy · Uniform discounts
· Great deals on solvent purchasing · Vehicle history searches
· Collision repair equipment · Gasoline discounts
· Special promotions items for your shop · Phone line cost discounts
· Hardware and software discounts from Carrus and ADP
· Engineering help to get those permits
· Special forms and invoice discounts from NEBS
· Discounted legal help for storage and liens, pre-paid services or MTO problems
· Free health and safety audits and assistance and discounted isocyanate inspections
· Credit programs for cash-pay customers that return 102% of the invoice value to you

SLCBA now offers front office and rear shop production expert firms who get paid only through your increased profits.

Admission: $10.00 for SLCBA members (refunded against membership fee)
$20.00 for non-members

Please call our office for reservations and more information on how to become an SLCBA member 1-866-309-4272

(see headlines)

Soliant received the Environmental Award in the "Emerging Technologies" category at the Global Plastics Environmental Conference in Atlanta, demonstrating a 98% reduction in emissions using paint film compared to traditional vehicle painting. Soliant films are used on a variety of thermoplastics -- including polypropylene, ABS and polycarbonate.

Over 25 million parts with paint film are already in the field, Soliant says. The company said that their paint film products are used by all OEMs on numerous vehicle models. Honda uses paint film on injection-molded parts on its Odyssey minivan, Pilot sport utility vehicle and Acura TL. Toyota uses Soliant's paint film on three different exterior trim parts on its Avalon sedan.

General Motors is building a supplier network to provide thick-sheet thermoformed parts in high volumes with Soliant paint film products. Durakon Industries, Inc. is producing 250,000 rocker panels in 12 different colors for GM's Lucerne sedan. GM is also planning to use Soliant films for thermoformed bumper fascias on the Denali sport utility vehicle.

(courtesy of CollisionWeek)

(see headlines)

Three of the industry's leading experts will present technical seminars on topics vital to the industry at this fall's CarFixWORLD auto collision and repair service industry event in Toronto. Bob Greenwood, Glenn McNally and Craig Van Batenburg are leaders in their fields and highly respected educators.

Hybrid vehicles are a hot topic in automotive service right now, and Craig Van Batenburg has all the answers. Van Batenburg is a Master Hybrid Technician, owns four of them and has been training techs since May of 2000 when he added hybrid technology to his Honda/Acura class. Attendees will learn about the high voltage systems, safety considerations and regenerative braking.

Glenn McNally, an automotive technician and instructor with over 28 years of experience in the automotive trade, will be presenting a demonstration of the diagnostic process used today to pinpoint problems found in automotive fuel and electrical systems. The workshop will focus on the challenges that are facing automotive technicians as well as demonstrating the importance of mastering the use of electronic service information systems McNally will also be highlighting the very serious concern for today's professional shops in Canada faced with limited access to factory tools and information.

Bob Greenwood will speak about the realities of the automotive aftermarket's future, and the incredible opportunities that he perceives. Greenwood has 30 years of business management experience within the independent sector of the automotive aftermarket industry.

CarFixWORLD previously announced that Canada's leading auto industry analyst, Dennis DesRosiers will deliver the keynote address of the event. CarFixWORLD will take place on Friday, September 29, Saturday September 30 and Sunday, October 1, 2006 at the National Trade Centre in Toronto. For more details, visit www.carfixworld.com.

(see headlines)

Several significant players in the Canadian aftermarket and collision industry have signed on for CarFixWORLD, the automotive industry exhibition taking place September 29 to October 1, 2006 at Toronto's National Trade Centre.

The exhibitor commitment continues to grow and an early survey of potential show visitors indicates attendance will exceed initial expectations, according to John McLean, the event's manager.

Exhibitors who have signed on include Carcone's Auto Recycling, Cars Systems Inc., Chicago Pneumatic Tool, Citation, Delphi, Dominion Sure Seal, Fleetchek.com, Global Finishing Solutions, Gojo Industries Inc., Henkel, Hofmann, Inov8, Matco, Transport Canada, RS Finishing Systems Inc. and Thermofluid Technologies.

CarFixWORLD also conducted an email survey to trade publication readers in both the repair and collision sectors. Nearly 1,000 replies were received. The survey indicated consistent enthusiasm for the "one big show" concept from all sectors of the aftermarket community.

Survey respondents indicated an enthusiasm for the show to focus seminars on product training, business management, technology/equipment, tools and recruitment. "This speaks to our extensive schedule of seminars and special presentations at the show.

CarFixWORLD will set a new benchmark for the industry," noted McLean.

Check www.carfixworld.com for more information.

(see headlines)

(see headlines)

TSN's BILL GARDINER BRINGS MOTORING 2006 TO THE COLLISION REPAIR LAB

March 25, 2006

The second annual Total Apprenticeship Conference brought some 80 eager pre-apprentices, apprentices and interested young people to Mohawk College's Stoney Creek campus today,

Almost 90 young people showed up to listen and participate in a variety of skills areas, with a good turnout to see TSN's Motorist2006 filming an episode in the auto body lab.

Bill Gardiner, the host of the show, introduced young people to the value of motive power apprenticeship, and how he now manages and owns his own shop, after working in his father's garage. His story of selling crops to raise monies for his first motorcycle and then buying cars and fixing them generated an interest in the crowd, who kept Bill answering questions well past the closing time of the show.

All attendees also heard an update from a Health and Safety Labour Ministry representative who showed the young people, (who are usually the most likely to get injured on the job) how to better protect themselves from workplace hazards.

Organizers from the Skilled Trades Alliance who sponsored the event at the College were happy with the interest and turnout, and kept the free BBQ of sausages and hamburgers going for seconds!

For more information on the Skilled Trades Alliance please see; www.skilledtrades.ca
For more information on becoming a collision repair technician, please see:
http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/stepstoapp.html

 

(see headlines)

Matthew Kennedy bought a black, 1950 GMC truck last years at an auction of vehicles because he liked its looks , and now has decided to sell the truck used in the motion picture. He wants the money to pay for school.

Bidding on the truck has reached $70,000 so far,compared to the $8000 starting price, fueld by ties to the film.

The movie, centering on the furtive love affair between two cowboys was shot in the Alberta foothills, south of Calgary.

Muray Pomerance, a sociologist and author of several books about cinema compared the pickup truck with items such as Dorothy's shoes from "The Wizard of Oz" and prosthetic masks from "Star Trek".

(see headlines)

Ford says that approved repair procedures are available in vehicle-specific Service Manuals, Body Repair Manuals, Technical Service Bulletins and Instruction Sheets (which accompany factory-supplied replacement parts).

Structural component repair procedures and repair-specific parts recommended by Ford have been validated through testing by Ford engineers to return repaired vehicles to pre-accident condition, the statement explains. Alternative structural component repair procedures and/or parts recommended by others are not endorsed by Ford, and Ford cannot be certain these alternative structural component repair procedures and/or parts will return vehicles to pre-accident condition.

Should alternative structural component repair procedures and/or parts be used, repairers should be aware of the potential liability they incur.

Repairers should contact their Ford-Lincoln-Mercury wholesale parts dealer for information on how to obtain these reference materials. In cases where no specific factory-supplied repair information is available, Ford said that repairs should be made at existing joints or seams with factory-supplied replacement parts using repair procedures that duplicate factory assembly processes/techniques.

(courtesy of CollisionWeek)

(see headlines)

Hemstreet will discuss human resource management and employee retention in a presentation entitled "What Keeps You Awake at Night" and Eric Laport will share BMW repair information.

Megan Sherb will present an introduction to Six Sigma techniques. Six sigma is a lean manufacturing philosophy with a focus on eliminating defects through fundamental process knowledge. Six sigma methods integrate statistics and engineering tools to improve the processes and products of a company.

Jay Perry from ABC Consulting Inc. will address the collision repair industry accreditation effort and the initial step of launching a training database. The Saturday conference will also feature a presentation on a Process for Agreement on Repair Times.

Following the morning presentations, the CCIF body divides into breakout groups to discuss and evaluate the morning topics before adjourning the meeting to enjoy the evening reception that follows.

The CCIF holds four meetings per year in different cities across Canada bringing together members from every segment of the collision repair industry. The group focuses sharing information and the development of best practices and practical solutions to common national issues and challenges.

The CCIF meeting will take place on Saturday, April 22, 2006 from 8am to 5pm at the Delta Edmonton Centre Hotel, 10222 102nd St., Edmonton, AB. Registration and breakfast begins at 7:00 am.

(see headlines)

$20.00 cash per common share, takeover bid unanimously supported by SICO’s Board of Directors

Longueuil, April 5, 2006 – Sico Inc. ("SICO" or "the Company"; ticker symbol TSX: SIC) today announced that it has reached an agreement with AKZO NOBEL N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: AKY; NASDAQ: AKZOY), to support a take-over bid by AKZO NOBEL to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company at a cash price of $20.00 per common share, for an aggregate consideration of approximately $284 million (based on 14,198,387 common shares outstanding on a fully-diluted basis). AKZO NOBEL will also offer to acquire at par value all of the issued and outstanding class B preferred shares of the Company for a total consideration equal to $3.8 million, being the redemption price of such preferred shares. All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars.

(see headlines)

Monday, April 03, 2006 - Toronto

ING Canada (TSX:IIC.LV) announced today the acquisition of Grey Power Insurance Brokers Inc. (GPIBI) of Stouffville, Ontario.

With approximately $68 million in annual premiums, five satellite offices in Ontario and about 100 staff, GPIBI is the largest member in the Grey Power network, accounting for about 50 per cent of its business volume. The Grey Power network is dedicated to serving the home, automobile and travel insurance needs of those 50 years of age and older.

The Grey Power network consists of eight separate brokerages with a total of 14 offices in Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Grey Power insurance products are underwritten by the Trafalgar Insurance Company of Canada, which ING Canada acquired as part of its acquisition of Allianz Canada in 2004. At that time, the Grey Power network was comprised of five independent brokerages and three owned by Allianz Canada. With its acquisition of GPIBI, ING Canada now owns four of the eight Grey Power brokerages.

The transaction is not expected to have any immediate impact on the staff or operations of GPIBI. One of GPIBI's founding principals, Ron Griffiths, will continue to act as President, and the company's management team and staff will remain unchanged.

"We're very pleased with this transaction," said Mr. Griffiths. "We expect both clients and staff to derive benefits through this direct association with ING Canada, which has clearly established itself as a leader in our industry. We look forward to growing with them".

Trafalgar Insurance Vice President Catherine Smola added, "GPIBI will be well positioned to capitalize on ING Canada's strengths, such as exceptional underwriting and claims management, as well as marketing, actuarial and IT support. Access to these resources will certainly enhance the value offered to Grey Power's unique and growing client base. We're making this investment because the Grey Power brand is a valuable asset with a promising future."

ING Canada is the largest provider of property and casualty insurance in the country, offering automobile, property and liability insurance to individuals and businesses through its insurance subsidiaries.

(see headlines)

Boyd Group Income Fund president and CEO Terry Smith describes 2005 as a challenging year for the fund, which owns collision shop consolidator The Boyd Group Inc. The company reported revenue increases of 12.5% to $187.7 million for 2005, compared with revenue of $166.9 million in 2004. The increased revenue is primarily attributable to acquisitions and start-ups.

Boyd Group's net earnings for 2005 decreased to $1.1 million, compared with $1.7 million in 2004.

The Boyd Group Income Fund suspended cash distributions to its investors in December in order to improve its cash position. When presenting the Fund's year end results, Smith noted the suspension of distributions will continue for at least another year.

"Based on current financial performance, and the future potential financial impact of recently announced Direct Repair Program changes, we do not anticipate reinstating distributions within the next 12 to 18 months."

Considering both Canadian and American businesses and excluding the effect of currency fluctuation and acquisition growth, same store sales increased $0.9 million, or 0.5%, for 2005. In Canada, Boyd reports same store sales increases of $1.9 million, or 3.4%, throughout the year. U.S. same store sales declined slightly from 2004 levels.

Sales in Canada for 2005 increased 7.8% to $60.9 million, compared with $56.5 million in 2004.

The Boyd Group Inc. is the largest operator of collision repair centres in Canada. It operates 91 facilities in Canada and the U.S.

(see headlines)

WINNIPEG, March 16 /CNW/ - Boyd Group Income Fund (TSX: BYD.UN) today announced that it has completed an evaluation of the potential financial impact of market pricing changes precipitated by recent Direct Repair Program (DRP) alterations initiated by one of its largest insurance company customers. Through its evaluation, Boyd Group has assessed that these pricing changes may materially impact its operating margins in the near term.

The insurance company customer's DRP changes, which are being tested in a number of U.S. states, including Illinois where Boyd Group has a considerable presence, are aimed at making the insurer's DRPs more performance driven and more competitively priced. While these changes have the potential to be a positive development for Boyd Group over the long term, given the heightened focus on performance evaluation, and the opportunity for Boyd Group to secure more referrals through strong performance metrics, the financial impact of
implementing the required pricing changes under the program is expected to be negative in the near term. Without considering the potential offsetting benefit of any increased repair volume from these program changes, which Boyd Group is unable to accurately forecast at this time, the margin impact of the pricing changes is expected to be in the range of $500,000 to $1,000,000 annually.

(see headlines)

On March 31, amendments to the Highway Traffic Act under Bill 169, the Transportation Statute Law Amendment Act, 2005, will take effect, including doubling fines for speeding in construction zones and creating a new offence for disobeying a traffic control person with a three-demerit point penalty. Fines and ranges generally are also changing across the board.

As such, the fines for being one to 19 kilometres an hour over the posted limit in a construction zone are double the going rate at $6 per kilometre, and for 20 km/h to 30 km/h are $9 per kilometre and a whopping $14 per kilometre for up to 49 km/h over the limit. For those caught doing 50 km/h over the posted limit in a zone, it's a wallet- crushing $19.50 per klick.

Those are the maximums; motorists who plead guilty without going to court can escape with slightly reduced penalities.

A $5 court fee and the Victims of Crime surcharge are always extra, the latter increasing with the fine while demerit points also apply.

The hidden zinger is the creation of a new middle speeding bracket to 20 km/h to 29 km/h from the original 20 km/h to 34 km/h over the limit. Now, getting nabbed between 30 km/h and 34 km/h will cost $7 per kilometre instead of the $3.75 per klick it used to cost because it's been lumped into the new bracket of 30 km/h to 49 km/h. And, of course, the fine is doubled in a construction zone.

There will no media blitz to support the changes since the Ministry of Transportation says it announced the pending changes last year. Pleading ignorance in these cases is no defence, as Val Montgomery of Alberta discovered last New Year's Eve.

Travelling from Canmore to Calgary, she passed an RCMP cruiser that had stopped another vehicle and had its lights flashing. While her speed of 106 km/h was under the speed limit, she'd unwittingly violated a new law that demands drivers slow to 60 km/h when travelling through a construction zone or passing emergency vehicles - police, fire, ambulance and tow trucks - when their lights are flashing.

Despite protestations, she'd never heard of the law, she was handed a $632 ticket.

Sgt. Woolley says police have little discretion. "We can drop it down perhaps to save points but if they have a hard luck story, the best course is to take it to court because the justices of the peace have more discretion with the fines."

CAA's Barnier says in some cases photo radar can be a useful tool when used properly.

"If there are signs notifying motorists they are in a photo zone and that it's treated not as a revenue generator, then we would support it," said Barnier.

"The most effective way to stop speeding is with a police presence. However, we support the doubling of fines in construction zones and we welcome working with ORBA to make those zones safer." (Toronto Star)

(see headlines)

The ART OF EARNING, a collision repair industry recruitment cd-rom was again the basis for presentations to high school students at a career fair.

Over 40 students attended the two workshops on the value of a career in collision repair. Tony Mercanti, a collision shop owner at CARSTAR's Gage Avenue shop in Hamilton, highlighted the need for the industry in hiring intelligent and motivated graduates form science, technology and automotive programs and how apprentices can use programs at high schools to advance their career. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) allows young people to "test-try" a career in auto body and receive credit towards their
apprenticeship agreement. It also allows graduates a fee -elimination for their first session of college apprenticeship training.

For more information on how to become a collision repair apprentice call 1-866-309-4272 or see: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/stepstoapp.html

(see headlines)

Canadians now have access to this scholarship opportunity

March 30, 2006, Ottawa, Ontario – AIA Canada is pleased to announce it is partnering with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) to extend their scholarship program to Canadians. Any Canadian student wishing to apply can download the application form from the AIA Canada website at www.aiacanada.com and submit it to the AIA Canada office. AIA will conduct a preliminary assessment of applicants and forward qualified candidates to SEMA for final judging. The deadline for submissions is April 28, 2006.

Established in 1984, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund has supplied more than $500,000 in scholarship awards over the past two decades. The program rewards only the best and brightest students engaged in studies leading to a career in the automotive specialty equipment industry or a related field. Students attending a college, vocational or technical school received $1,000. University graduates and undergraduates with at least a first year standing in a four year program received $2,000 to $3,000.

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $31 billion specialty automotive industry of 6,466 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) is a national trade association representing the automotive aftermarket industry. The aftermarket is a $15.8 billion industry, and is proud to employ more than 220,000 people. The industry is composed of companies that manufacture, distribute and install automotive replacement parts, accessories, tools, and equipment. AIA represents wholesalers, retailers, warehouse distributors, manufacturers, rebuilders, national distributors, manufacturers’ agents, buying groups and machine shops. AIA’s mandate is to promote, educate and represent members in all areas that impact the growth and prosperity of the industry. Visit us on the web at www.aiacanada.com

(see headlines)

Auto industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers will bring up-to-date information and insight regarding Canada's aftermarket to this September's CarFixWORLD aftermarket and collision event.

DesRosiers is president of DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc., and is considered by the automotive industry as one of North America's leading analysts. He will deliver the keynote address on Saturday, September 30, at 11 am. His talk, entitled "Top Ten Trends the Aftermarket Needs to Respond To" will be free for all attendees.

Since starting his consulting company in 1985, DesRosiers has become literally the "go-to-guy" for interpretive insights into the Canadian and US automotive industry. His thinking is sought not only by automotive executives throughout the supply chain but also by government policy makers and the media.

CarFixWORLD will take place from Friday, September 29, to Sunday, October 1, 2006 at the National Trade Centre in Toronto. The Events Division of Business Information Group, a strong participant in Canada's automotive aftermarket, produces the event.

(see headlines)

March 6, 2006

www.ciia.com in co-operation with Vancouver Community College is offering for their clients and members an online plastics repair course to help meet the needs for industry upgrade training.

The Automotive Plastic Repair course explores plastics identification techniques and repair procedures standard to the collision repair industry using a media-rich format including more than two-dozen videos and interactive animations. Successful participants receive a VCC Certificate of Completion.

An instructor is always available during the course and can be reached by phone or e-mail at any time.

The student on his or her own schedule and time frame can complete this eight-hour course for a cost of $215.00 plus GST.

Course dates:

March 21st to April 4th
April 24th to May 9th
May 15th to May 29th
June 5th to June 19th

View a course demo video at:
https://content.vcc.ca/autocollision/promo/promo-files/vcconlineprogramsdemo_large.wmv

For more specific information contact the college at: www.technologyandtrades.vcc.ca/autocollision/html/online training.html

To register for the course please call 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com

(see headlines)

March 2, 2006

The www.ciia.com collision repair web site has just highlighted another industry record.

With over 330,000 hits on the web site in January alone, the site is the busiest collision repair and autobody information web site in Canada.

The most popular areas for viewers are the employment ads for Canada that are regularly updated, the collision shop index of shops across the country that perform collision repairs and the news/events file that provides industry viewers with the most shop-specific information available.

The industry web site at www.ciia.com, (short for Collision Industry Information & Assistance) carries updated information on training opportunities, insurance and consumer news, and a significant amount of information on aftermarket parts, procesedures on repairing damaged vehicles, and opportunities to report errors in estimating guides. Many other areas of interest are included on the site.

The web set also is the link to local collision repair trade associations across Ontario and the provincial groups in Canada, including the Canadian Collision Industry Forum, the Collision Industry Standards Council of Ontario and other organizations.

Updated environmental and compliance easy-to-understand assistance is also available for members and clients.

For further information please see www.ciia.com or e-mail info@ciia.com

(see headlines)

Mitchell’s 4th Quarter 2005 Report Identifies Shop Trends

March 10, 2006

Mitchell International’s Canadian shop trends report for the 4th quarter of 2005 makes for interesting reading.

Included in the data is:

- A 5.7% decline in average repairable vehicle appraisal values (compared to the same period in 2004)

- A 4.3% decrease in final appraisal value (some $140) to $3,133

- Parts use comprises some 45.7% of the appraisal value (down 1.5%)

- LKQ parts use increased 1.8%, aftermarket by 15% and remanufactured parts by 9.3%. The volume of alternative parts dollars has increased by about 7.6% since the fourth quarter of the previous year.

- Average vehicle age for appraisals was the same as the same quarter in 2003 at 5.6 years with ACV at an upwardly changed $12,697

- Labour currently comprises 44.4% of Canada’s average appraisal value and is up about 2.5% from the same time last year.

-Original Equipment parts represented some 70.8% of all parts used.

Average Body labour rates and changes by province are:

Additional information is available at www.mitchell.com

(see headlines)

Centennial College’s new autobody lab the focus of industry event

Mix over 300 high school students with a Baja 1000 road racecar and a major renovation of the autobody lab at Centennial College and you have an exciting and busy special event.

Centennial Colleges’ Ashtonbee campus (at Warden Ave) is the site of an almost $1 million dollar remodeling of the autobody training and apprenticeship facility.

On February 28, 2006, the College and the collision repair industry hosted a free school tour opportunity at the autobody lab, with a chance to talk to the crew of the PPG Canada-sponsored 2005 Scorelite Racer, the student entry that came 3rd in its class at the 2005 Baja 1000 in Ensaneada, Mexico.

With presentations and displays of collision repair equipment, new paint coatings from PPG Canada, repair estimating software from ADP, Lincoln’s Electric’s new welding lab and products supplied by 3M Canada, the afternoon tour generated a number of requests for apprenticeship in collision repair and autobody. Officials from Job Connect, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, were in attendance to answer any questions.

Employers were invited to the Interview Area to speak with young people looking for employment in the collision repair industry.

Even before the tours, with over 400 young people sending in applications for autobody and apprenticeship training, the future looks bright for the College and young people learning the autobody and collision repair trade.

An evening industry awards dinner recognized those companies and individuals who have donated equipment, services and funds to the upgrading of the autobody lab.

The school that arrived with the most students for the tours won a free car, for their auto shop, courtesy of Toyota Canada and free software courtesy of Mitchell International.

Congratulation to Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School in Aurora who now get to work on a Lexus ES300 with a further donation of another Lexus to Centennial College.

For more information on this special event and on how to become an auto body apprentice in Ontario please see: www.ciia.com or call 1-866-309-4272. For further information on Centennial College, please call (416) 288-5000 or www.centennialcollege.ca

For pictures of this event, please view here

Donated vehicles

(see headlines)

March 6, 2006

Inspection and abatement staffs from the Ministry of Environment and the Sector Enforcement Group are dropping into collision repair shops in the Hamilton area.

In the last two weeks, a number of shops have contacted the HARA office and collision repair industry help line at 1-866-309-4272 with requests for assistance.

In all inspections to date, Ministry staff found that although most activities at the shop were within compliance standards, the facility often did month possess a written Certificate of Approval. In a number of shops the required training was not completed. Any shop that receives a Certificate of Approval after May 2001 must complete a training course. (For further information contact 1-866-309-4272 or log onto www.autobodyhelp.ca under “Mandatory Training”).

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment requires that every autobody or collision repair facility that spray paints vehicles or parts of vehicles possess a valid “Certificate of Approval (Air)”.

This Certificate, issued under Section 9 of the Environmental Protection Act, gives government approval for emissions coming from your shop’s paint booth, spray guns, and in some cases the gun wash stations, prep stations and paint mixing areas.

Shops need to prove that their emissions to the atmosphere are within prescribed limits. Shops use chemicals such as toluene, xylene and isocyanates that can be harmful or cause a nuisance to neighbours and must demonstrate that their emissions are within acceptable levels.

We understand that many shops have found the application package and Ministry requirements far too complex and they hired engineers or environmental consultants to complete and submit the application to the Ministry. Those shops were often charged $3000.00 or more to prepare the application, in addition to the processing fee demanded by the Ministry.

www.autobodyhelp.ca recognized that shops were paying far too much for this service and we have negotiated a streamlined program for shops to save them money and time.

For further information and answers to your questions, please contact us at 1-866-309-4272 or locally 905-664-7888.

(see headlines)

The popular basic estimating collision repair training course is back to help those shop or office employees, new estimators and insurance company staff who may need assistance in estimating collision damage on cars and light trucks in Ontario.

Taught by experienced apprenticeship instructor, Jim Miles, this six night course includes, introduction to estimating, understanding vehicle construction , fundamentals of estimate writing, understanding collision manuals, additional charges and collision damage analysis.

The first course starts March 20 for three weeks in the evening, and is offered in response to shop inquiries. Locations this year are Hamilton, Mississauga and London, Ontario.
Inquiries on courses in Alberta should be directed to Cliff Riehl at Carlson Body Shop Supply, 780.237.0005.

A course outline and student information sheet is available on request. Students on the waiting list will get priority. Classes are from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Class size is limited so please call early to avoid disappointment. Class notes are included.

Course fee is $350 plus GST for trade association members and $450.00 plus GST for non-members.

Students can register by calling the Association and www.ciia.com office at 1-866-309-4272 or by e-mail at info@ciia.com or registering online at www.ciia.com/estimating.html

Hamilton Monday and Wed. evenings March 20,22,27,29, April 3,5 Mississauga Tuesday and Thurs evening March 28, 30, April 4,6,11,13 London Monday and Wed. evenings April 10,12,17,19,24,26

If there are interested students in other communities, please call the office at 1-866-309-4272 to inquire about possible courses in your area.

(see headlines)

By John Norris, Executive Director, HARA

The Collision Industry Information and Assistance (www.ciia.com) web site, operated by the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association, handles over 10,000 hits a day. The phone lines often field 30 calls a day and at least 60 emails. Over 400 shops call regularly for environmental help with training, certification assistance, wage incentive information, hiring questions and inquiries from insurance contact lists to manuals on how to market to brokers all the way to requests for guest speakers at their local schools to getting a fax number to send copies of abusive towing invoices.

This is how a professional collision repair trade association works.

Individual association mandates may be different but their passion and vision should be clear and consistent: Help shops, serve the interests of repairers, represent them and provide opportunities to move member interests forward.

Let's face it -- it's a tough marketplace our there and many shops are struggling to stay profitable. They need more help right now and should recognize that although their voice may not be strong individually, their association's voice can be loud, active and successful.

Why then are there so few shop members in their trade associations? One reason is lack of communications. And it goes both ways. Some repairers only hear from their trade association when once a year an invoice shows up on the fax machine. Good professional associations communicate by holding regular neighborhood style meetings or surveys to gain better incite into shop needs -- yet often shops don't show up at meetings or respond to the very associations trying to help them.

Perhaps, shops haven't yet realized the practical benefits of membership in an active association. Can shop concerns be addressed? What's in it for a shop to be a member?

GAUGE YOUR REPRESENTATION

You should always ask yourself the two basic association membership questions:

What can you do for me now and what can you do for the industry in the future?

Most professional associations can provide you their answers quickly and the better associations have so many answers that it often has grown to a list of advantages for the shop.

For instance right now, do they provide services such as benefit programs, garage insurance, uniform and product discounts, office and stationary products discounts, forms, brochures, posters, manuals, training courses, available tax credits or grants that you can use right now to cut your immediate costs and put more money in your till?

What about down the road? Can they prove to you that they are handling the meetings and writing the letters and building the necessary support with media, insurers, suppliers or government? Does the association have the respect and trust it requires to solve your issues? For instance, can they show you or post on their web site or newsletters the meeting presentations or script or news releases showing their successes in addressing your concerns.

TOUGH SCHEDULE

Many professional associations struggle with the daily frustration that they are taking time away from working on needed industry projects that can help shops and instead, are out trying to raise funds to continue on with their good work- from the very shops they are trying to help. If shops better supported their professional trade associations with their membership dues, because of their recognized value for the industry, associations could solve your industry issues quicker.

If your professional trade association is working that hard for you, you should be working hard for them. Their membership dues are fair and you should not only pay their invoice when it arrives, but be calling them to ask to become a more active member. Volunteer to be school speaker, a letter writer or employer/mentor for young students interested in working in our trade on the association's behalf. Only through your help in adding to the
common strength can your professional association make your voice, join with other voices, and become stronger, more effective and listened to where it counts.

John Norris is Executive Director of HARA, the largest local collision repair and auto refinish industry trade association in North America, operating from Hamilton, Ontario. The association also co-chairs the Environmental Compliance Assistance program with government to reduce costs, improve compliance and provide easier help tools for shops at
www.autobodyhelp.ca and 1-866-309-4272.

HARA's mandate and industry objectives and their successes in meeting those objectives are featured at: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/hara.html

(courtesy of BODYSHOP magazine)

(see headlines)