As the provincial environment Ministry looks at better handling their resources and improving on waiting time for environmental approvals for spray booths and other sources of emissions, a workshop stakeholders meeting was held recently in order to kick-off a consultation process.

This consultation process will look at how approvals and continued assurance programs could be improved.

Shops that spray paint continue to require environmental permitting (Certificates of Approval) to ensure the level of emissions from those activities is within provincial standards. Further assistance to help those shops meet and exceed the province's requirements is available in an easy-to-use format at www.autobodyhelp.ca or by calling toll-free the industry assistance line at 1-866-309-4272.

Collision repair association staff attended the meeting and were involved in discussions regarding:

How can rates of compliance be raised ?
How can the approvals program be improved to ensure greater environmental protection?
How can turn-around times for approvals be improved ?
How can the Ministry better encourage continuous improvement and pollution prevention?
How can Ministry resources be more effectively focused on the most important environmental issues ?

Comments will be forwarded to the Ministry for review and discussion. For further information please call the association's collision repair office at 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com

For shops that require a Certificate of Approval, please call the office for our free assistance package.

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Repair estimates MUST be given

March 29, 2005

The new Consumer Protection Act will become law on July 30, 2005. At the same time, any aftermarket parts must be identified in writing to thecustomer.

Shops will be required to provide a written estimate prior to performing the work. They may charge a fee for giving an estimate. The fee for such as estimate must be reasonable.

Under the current Motor Vehicle Repair Act, estimates are only required if the customer asked for one. Under the new law, if a written estimate is not given, the shop cannot change for the repairs.

An exception exists where a shop may charge for repairs without first providing an estimate if:
-The shop offers to give an estimate and the customer turns down the offer
-The customer specifically authorizes a maximum amount they are willing to pay and the final cost does not exceed that amount

Customers must be told in advance if there is a fee for the estimate, and if the repair is carried out, no estimate fee may be charged under normal circumstances. As with the current law, the cost of repairs may not exceed the estimate by more than 10% unless prior authority has been obtained and properly noted.

Warranty of repairs remains 3 months or 5,000 km on new or reconditioned parts. All new non-original equipment manufacturers parts installed must be noted. There is no automatic warranty on used parts.

Shops must feature signs that explain their pricing levels and policies and how they calculate labour rates. Estimate information must also be posted.

Shops can obtain wall-size copies of the sign by contacting the collision repair association at 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com

Please See: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/reg.html for the regulatory changes coming July 30, 2005

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MOHAWK COLLEGE GRADUATES

This is the graduating class of apprentices for the trade of Autobody and Collision Damage Repairer. They completed the final 8 week advanced portion of in-school training on February 25, 2005. Mohawk College celebrates their significant achievement and wishes them continued success in the industry.

Is Onex (www.onexcorp.com) a Collision Repair Shop Buyer?

After a one hour series of inquiries on the collision repair market in Canada to HARA staff
in March, perhaps Onex is now looking at the collision repair market as a valid investment.

"We spent well over an hour with Onex staff answering questions on vertical integration, marketplace dynamics in a customer-pay environment and the impact of preferred vendor arrangements and towing controls in urban-based Canadian markets" according to HARA's John Norris.

The investment firm has interests in several markets, including electronic manufacturing services, auto products, and healthcare. Key holdings include ClientLogic (customer service management), Celestica (electronics manufacturer), and American Medical Response and EmCare Holdings (healthcare). The company bought troubled theater chain Loews Cineplex in 2002, but sold it in 2004. It also owns 24% of beleaguered healthcare firm Magellan Health Services, which it helped bail out of Chapter 11, and has agreed to buy three aircraft plants from Boeing.

Onex is also active in investment funds and partnerships. Onex employs 102,000 with 2003 sales of $12.3 billion and 2004 sales of 16.5 billion dollars. Chairman and CEO
Gerald Schwartz controls more than half of the voting shares of Onex.

Related Companies:
Subsidiaries:
Bostrom plc (52% ownership interest, 100% voting interest); Celestica Inc. (18% ownership interest, 86% voting interest); Cineplex Entertainment Corp. (60% ownership interest); ClientLogic Corporation (70% ownership interest, 87% voting interest); Commercial Vehicle Systems, Inc. (45% ownership interest, 100% voting interest); Dura Automotive Systems Inc.(8% ownership interest, 68% voting interest); ; Galaxy Entertainment Inc.(67% ownership interest, 73% voting interest); InsLogic Corporation (55% ownership interest, 65% voting interest); J.L. French Automotive Castings, Inc.(37% ownership interest, 81% voting interest); Lantic Sugar Inc.(61% ownership interest, 75% voting interest); MAGNATRAX Corporation (53% ownership interest, 80% voting interest); ONCAP Investment Partners (25% ownership interest, 100% voting interest); Radian Communication Services Corp. (73% ownership interest, 81% voting interest); Trim Systems, Inc. (77% ownership interest, 100% voting interest)

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The carmaker has created an Internet site that includes a database of serial numbers for all replacement airbag modules purchased by Ford and sold to its authorized dealers in the U.S. and Canada since Feb. 1, 2002. Authorized Ford, Lincoln and Mercury parts wholesaling dealers subsequently sell the replacement modules to collision shops.

Ford's concerns with stolen/ salvaged airbag modules

Source of Modules

There is no authorized source other than Ford dealers for Ford-approved replacement airbag modules. The primary sources for alternative airbags are theft and salvage.

· Stolen components are removed with little care, and it is highly unlikely thieves are able to provide accurate vehicle application data for stolen components.

· No one can accurately predict the stresses that undeployed airbag modules and components have undergone in total-loss accidents.

Part Application

Vehicle manufacturers make running changes using different airbag system components for the same model vehicle.

· Most alternative airbag components are identified by make and model year only, not by vehicle build date making it possible for incorrect airbag system components to be installed, which could result in improper performance.

Flood Damage

Flood damage may allow water-borne materials (sand, conductive particles, acidic water) to soak into airbag assemblies.

· Evaporated water may deposit foreign materials that cause short circuits.

· Acidic water can degrade the airbag material over time. Currently, there are no tests to determine if these exposures have occurred.

Storage

Alternative airbag system components may be improperly stored (temperature, humidity, contaminants, etc.).

· Currently, there are no tests to determine if these exposures have occurred.

· Tests cannot identify if improper handling of components (for example, carrying by wire harnesses) has stressed individual components and degraded performance characteristics.

· Expandable gas is used in certain airbag inflators. Helium gas is incorporated for leak testing during the airbag assembly process. The only way to determine if the gas has not leaked is to weigh the container. This requires disassembly of the entire airbag assembly.

Thermal Plastic Doors

The type and thickness of finish on airbag doors allows the airbag to deploy with precise timing. Acquiring alternative airbag components sometimes requires the doors to be re-painted for color match.

· Paint on airbag doors can affect the performance of the doors and possibly result in fragmentation of the doors in a deployment.

· Repairing scratches or marks on airbag doors can weaken the doors and cause improper deployments.

Recalls

The record trail for owner notification of recalls is often broken when alternative airbags are installed.

Participants in the pilot program obtain from the collision repairer the serial number of the module specified for the repair, access the website to verify the legitimacy of the module, and check off the serial number so that its disposition is noted in the database. Serial numbers for modules installed in new production vehicles will not be in the database, thereby alerting investigators to the potential of stolen modules. Repairers unable
to provide module serial numbers also will come under scrutiny.

Ford says that according to law enforcement authorities, airbags have surpassed stereo equipment as the most frequent target of thieves, creating a black market being tapped by unscrupulous repairers. Compounding the problem is a growing number of inappropriate repairs in which legitimate airbag modules are not used. At least two people have died in auto accidents as a result of this practice, according to the Automotive Occupant Restraint
Council (AORC). Carfax.com, the internet vehicle inspection firm, estimates that 1 in every 25 repairs requiring airbag module replacement ends up with installation of a bogus airbag, or no airbag at all.

"Insurers pay the bill for about 85% of collision repairs and damages resulting from theft," said Steve Nantau, Collision Repairs Supervisor for Ford Customer Service Division's Aftermarket Engineering and Remanufacturing Operations. "They have a vested interest in reducing these problems but, up until now, have had very few tools to help them. We believe the website will be a valuable resource insurers can access at will to strengthen existing post-repair auditing processes."

Nantau points to a study conducted completed in 1996 by State Farm, after which it concluded airbag theft alone cost the auto insurance industry $253 million annually. The problem has grown since then, as the carfax.com data suggests, and is one factor that drives up the cost of auto insurance, according to Nantau.

Robert M. Bryant, President and CEO for the NICB, believes information contained in the database will be extremely useful to NICB Special Agents and insurance investigators. The NICB represents the interests of more than 1,000 U.S. auto insurers and serves as the intermediary between the insurers and law enforcement agencies.

"The information in the database will provide those involved in insurance investigations with another resource to validate the adequacy of completed repairs and to better determine the need for potential investigations," Bryant said. "We applaud Ford for addressing this growing problem and see this initiative helping to improve the overall quality of collision repair and policyholder satisfaction."

The program will ultimately serve to protect vehicle owners, who are unlikely to be able to detect problems with airbag systems.

(see headlines)

Boyd Group Income Fund reports year end financial results

WINNIPEG, March 23 /CNW/ - Boyd Group Income Fund (TSX: BYD.UN) ("the Fund") today announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2004.

2004 Highlights

- Completion of $14.0 million private placement
- Acquisition of the Gerber Group, an operator of 16 collision repair facilities based in Chicago, Illinois
- Commencement of Gerber Collision & Glass brand name roll out to all U.S. locations
- Acquisition of the remaining 50% interest in 1st Choice Mobile Auto Glass Dealers Inc., based in Vancouver, B.C.
- Acquisition of two collision repair facilities in Atlanta, Georgia
- Opening of four new repair facilities in the greater Chicago area and one in Scottsdale, Arizona

"The prolonged slowdown in the North American auto collision repair industry continued to impact our operating performance in 2004 and as a result, our revenue and distributable cash generated for the year were below expectations. Despite challenging market conditions, we made steady progress in increasing distributable cash in the second half of the year, and we made progress throughout the year in executing our strategy to position
the Boyd Group for longer term growth," said Terry Smith, President and CEO of the Boyd Group. "Our acquisition of the Gerber Group and its 16 repair facilities in the greater Chicago area represents our most single substantial expansion initiative to date and it has created a strong platform for future growth. Since completing the transaction, we have commenced rolling out the Gerber Collision & Glass brand name to each of our U.S. locations, began the development of five new Gerber Collision & Glass locations in the greater Chicago area and one in Scottsdale, Arizona, acquired an auto glass repair
referral network, and expanded our involvement in the Direct Repair Programs of some of the largest automobile insurers in the U.S."

Financial Results

For the year ended December 31, 2004 revenue increased 38% to $167.7 million compared to $121.2 million in 2003. The Fund's revenue for 2003 has been adjusted to reflect discontinued operations during 2004 and 2003. Year-over-year revenue growth in 2004 was primarily attributable to the acquisition of the Gerber Group in February 2004 as well as the acquisition of two Atlanta-area collision repair facilities and the acquisition of the
remaining 50% interest in an auto glass business in British Columbia during the year, which cumulatively added $54.5 million in new revenue.

Net income for 2004 totalled $2.0 million or $0.16 per fully diluted unit compared to net income of $1.5 million or $0.16 per fully diluted unit in 2003. Net income for both of the 2003 and 2004 years have been adjusted to reflect discontinued operations in 2004 and 2003.

Distributable cash(1) generated for the year ended December 31, 2004 totalled $7.0 million, while distributions paid to unitholders and dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders totalled $9.1 million for the year, representing a trailing twelve month payout ratio of 129.5% (trailing 24 month payout ratio 96.1%). Distributable cash generated for the three months ended December 31, 2004 totalled $2.2 million and distributions paid to unitholders
and dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders totalled $2.6 million for the period, representing a payout ratio of 115.5%.

<<

On a segmented basis, sales in Canada in 2004 increased to $57.2 million from $55.6 million in 2003, while U.S. sales in 2004 increased to $110.4 million from $65.6 million in 2003. U.S. sales growth in 2004 was primarily attributable to $53.2 million in new revenue derived from Boyd Group's acquisition of the Gerber Group and two Atlanta area stores
during the year. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and the Gerber and Atlanta acquisitions, Boyd Group's same store sales declined 7.1% in the U.S. and increased in Canadian stores by 1.9%, with combined same store sales down by $8.1 million or 6.7%. On a sequential basis, excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, U.S. same store sales in 2004 were down 7% in Q1, 10% in Q2, 8% in Q3, and 4% in Q4.

"While it is difficult to determine when the North American auto collision repair industry will resume sustained growth, it remains a multi-billion dollar industry that offers strong opportunities for larger, professionally-managed operators like Boyd Group to consolidate the market and achieve competitive advantage through economies-of-scale and preferred
relationships with insurance companies," said Mr. Smith. "Our growth strategy remains aligned with the best interests of our unitholders. We are focused on maintaining operational excellence; expanding our North American presence through acquisitions and new site developments; strengthening our relationships with insurance companies; and leveraging economies-of-scale to enhance operating margins. We also expect to continue to look for
opportunities, such as our system-wide introduction of auto glass repair, to optimize our capacity utilization and leverage fixed costs. Our primary objective is to maintain istributions at current levels while continuing to reduce our payout ratio."

As at December 31, 2004, the Fund had $0.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to $1.6 million in cash and cash equivalents as at December 31, 2003. The Fund's total debt outstanding increased to $27.1 million as at December 31, 2004, compared to $21.8 million as at December 31, 2003. The Fund's increased debt resulted primarily from a draw down on its $15.0 million acquisition loan facility. The draw down was used to
fund a portion of the Gerber Group acquisition, which closed on February 2,2004.

Conference call & Web cast

Management of the Boyd Group Income Fund will host a conference call to discuss its 2004 fourth quarter and year end financial results tomorrow morning (March 24, 2005) at 11:00 a.m. EST. The dial-in number for the conference call is 416-640-4127 or 1-800-814-3911 (reference No. 21115461). The call will also be audio-cast live and archived for 90 days at
www.financialdisclosure.ca and www.boydgroup.com.

-------------------------

This press release contains forward-looking statements, other than historical facts, which reflect the view of the Fund's management with respect to future events. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Fund's management and are made on the basis of information currently available. Although management believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The
forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to these factors and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the operations, results of operations and financial position of the Fund. The Fund assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements.

(see headlines)

Hamilton Detective Will Mason, who has been working with the provincial auto theft unit, said the new charges stem from the discovery of about 20 stolen vehicles at Clause's Autobody on the reserve near Brantford on Dec. 10, 2004.

Mason said the cars had been stolen throughout southern Ontario and the wrecking yard was used as an illegal "chop shop." The operation involved creating new vehicles from stolen parts and concealing the theft by giving them new VIN or vehicle identification numbers, a practice known as "revinning."

Police allege Manuel Fagundes, 46, who owns a 60-hectare farm on Safari Road, was involved in the operation of the Six Nations chop shop and is charged with five counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000. The registered owner of the wrecking yard, a Six Nations resident, was also charged.

Fagundes and his wife, Valentina, 45, were both on bail awaiting their trial on similar charges relating to a massive police raid at the compound at 1759 Safari Rd. on May 16, 2004.

During the first search, police found at least 60 stolen vehicles and parts from about 200 vehicles that had been chopped up on the site. In a barn, they found a large number of vehicle engines with VINs removed. Police also discovered a John Deere backhoe stolen in 1991 and the cab, engine and doors and an intact trailer stolen from the Fifth Wheel Truck stop in Milton on June 5, 2003. The rig had been carrying a $250,000 shipment of Crown Royal whisky when it was stolen. At the farm, searchers also stumbled upon some cases of whisky that allegedly came from the cargo.

At the time of the raid, police described the compound, which is concealed by trees on all sides, as one of the biggest chop shops in the province. Sergeant Carol Pacey said police found three stolen vehicles and some stolen documents when they raided the farm again on Dec. 10.

Pacey told reporters that investigators, working with Six Nations police, were able to get a warrant for the second raid at the farm as a result of evidence discovered at the reserve chop shop.

As a result of the Dec. 10 search, the Fagundes were both charged this week with two counts each of possession of stolen property under $5,000 relating to the documents and three counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000 for the vehicles. They were also charged with breaching bail conditions imposed upon them when they were released after the first charges in May.

They appeared for a second bail hearing this week and were both released again on similar conditions.

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TOKYO, March 9, 2005 - Toyota Motor Corp. and Daihatsu Motor Co., along with Kansai Paint Co., have jointly developed a new water-based paint and new painting methods. The new painting technology not only eliminates emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) but also reduces emissions of carbon dioxide.

Since VOCs generate photochemical oxidants and suspended particulate matter (SPM), sources of air pollution, many countries are seeking ways to reduce these emissions from products. Various water-based paints had been considered as substitutes for solvent-based ones, but many technical challenges made it difficult to reduce CO2-emissions at the same time.

The new technology is reportedly the first in the world to allow a process of applying one solid coat after an undercoat, by using the newly developed water-based paint. The companies also developed another technology that cuts CO2 emissions by reducing drying time. The new technology makes it possible to use just one drying process after a series of coatings (a second coating and another coating with water-based paint, and clear coat with solvent) eliminating the drying after the second coat,.

These new technologies are expected to reduce VOC emissions by about 70% and CO2 emissions by about 15% compared with conventional processes, resulting in the lowest emission levels in the world.

(see headlines)

I-CAR® CREATES CANADIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

(March 11, 2005) TORONTO, ON - - In recognition of the need to support and expand I-CAR collision repair training in Canada, I-CAR has created a new Canadian Advisory Committee. The inaugural committee meeting was held in November 2004, and there was a clear consensus for the need to support I-CAR training in Canada. Members of the advisory committee represent a wide spectrum of the Canadian collision industry including insurers and repairers.

The I-CAR Canada Advisory Committee will serve as a liaison between I-CAR and the Canadian Collision Industry in an advisory capacity. They will work with I-CAR and provide recommendations that will assist I-CAR staff in the development of long range plans and short term initiatives to improve and increase the delivery of I-CAR training in Canada.

"The Canadian collision industry is now and has always been important to I-CAR," said Rick Tuuri, I-CAR Director of Business Development and North American Operations. "A few years ago, we reorganized I-CAR International and I-CAR Canada to form a single cohesive business unit to deliver training throughout North America. Since that time, we have made some positive strides within the I-CAR organization that have put us in prime position to refocus on and reenergize training in Canada."

Ted Doyle of ING Insurance Company of Canada said, "This is a re-energized I-CAR and we encourage all stakeholders to take another long, hard look at the training program offering. There are new programs and some very innovative delivery methods ideally suited to serve the Canadian marketplace."

Current members of the I-CAR Canada Advisory Committee include

· Mr. Dana Alexander - General Manager of Dana's Collision Centre, NB
· Mr. Wilf Bedard - Vice President Claims for Manitoba Public Insurance, MB
· Mr. Tom Bissonette - Owner of Parr Auto Body Inc., SK
· Mr. Tony Canade - Vice President Operations for Oaktown Collision Centres, ON
· Mr. Lorenzo D'Alessandro - General Manager of CSN-427 Auto Collision, ON
· Mr. Ted Doyle - Director - Property Claims for ING Insurance, ON
· Mr. Phil Fugere - Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Development for Pieces Automobiles LeCavalier Inc., QC
· Ms. Wendy Hillier - Vice President of Claims for Aviva Canada, ON
· Mr. Larry Jefferies - Executive Vice President of CARSTAR Canada, ON
· Ms. Gloria Mann - Director Special Markets for EC Global Dynamics, ON
· Mr. Paul McFarlane - General Manager of Boyd Group, BC
· Mr. Bernard Peloquin - President for Fix Auto Ontario, ON
· Mr. Sam Pezzullo - Estimatics Team Manager for State Farm Insurance, ON
· Mr. Robby Robbs - Strategic Development Manager for Nobilas North America
· Mr. Scott Smith - Manager of Government Relations AIA Canada, ON
· Mr. Rick Yates - National Manager-Claims Services for TD Meloche Monnex, ON
· Mr. Rich Zamperin - Canadian Property Claim Manager for Allstate Insurance Canada, ON.

Tracey Blouin, I-CAR Canada Manager Tracey Blouin said, "I'm excited about this new advisory committee and what it will mean to I-CAR efforts in Canada. We have some of the best, most experienced people that the industry has to offer and some of the top companies in the nation all working together to help I-CAR address the training needs in Canada."

For more information about the I-CAR Canadian Advisory Committee please contact I-CAR Canada Manager Tracey Blouin at 800.422.7456.

I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

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Mark Millson, a Dundas secondary school student attending General Brock Secondary School in Burlington, has won the Skills Canada technological competition for Ontario in auto body repair and the national level event in Winnipeg. HARA and other sponsors assisted Mark and teacher Ron Postma in funding the trip to Winnipeg where Mark won the national championship. In May, he will journey to Helsinki, Finland to compete for Canada. Mark is currently looking for training on new Autorobot equipment and Volvo C70 body shells. If you can help Mark, please contact Ron Postma at the Halton District School Board. Please read Mark's inspiring presentation given to a luncheon meeting of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in Hamilton at their Skilled Trades stakeholder consultation meeting.

I got involved with Skills in Grade 10 at General Brock High School in Burlington, helping my teachers Ron Postma and Debbie Trimble setting up the 2002 Ontario Skills Competition in Kitchener/Waterloo. After experiencing this event, I realized how big skilled trades were and the incredible opportunity it would bring for me. After completing Grade 10 Auto Body class, I knew this was the career I wanted.

In Grade 11 with the expertise, guidance and support of Ron and Debbie, together we set our goals for the Skills Competition in 2003. After succeeding in the school and regional events I moved forward onto the Ontario Skills in Kitchener where I won gold. After receiving my medal and when I was back sitting at our table, I thought Holy Cow!! I won the gold
medal. Then realizing, Holy Cow, I have to compete at the National event in a day and a half.

At the Canadian Skills National Auto Body Orientation meeting (having just completed my four hour national training crash course), I looked around the room and realized the best youth in Canada were here. I decided to set aside the feelings of panic and just try my best. I came out just short of gold, with a silver medal. It was a great eye opening and learning experience for me. I decided then and there that I was coming back to compete in 2004. My goal for 2004 was Gold. And that's what I did; I came back and won the gold
medal at the Canadian National Skills Competition in Winnipeg.

Then the call came; I was going to Finland as a member of Team Canada. My goal for the remainder of 2004 and 2005 is to dedicate myself to my training, so I will be prepared to represent my trade and my country at the International Skills Competition in Helsinki, Finland in May.

The success I have enjoyed over the past 2 1/2 years did not happen all by itself. It started the day I was born when I came out of the hospital and my parents gave me my first toy - A 9/16" wrench - and has continued on by countless people giving of their time, money, talent, heart and expertise to teach me.

People like Gail Smyth and her staff who put in the countless hours, and I'm sure many late nights, to make sure Skills Canada Ontario can be the most successful program there is. And I can't forget my trainer/mentor/teacher and friend Ron Postma. I must also mention my employer Budd's Collision and my boss Sam who have been extremely supportive of me.

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association forecasts a 43% vacancy rate for skilled trades by 2007 - nearly 34,000 jobs will be available, but only 20,000 skilled workers will be available. With fewer students looking at skilled trades as a career option, we need to make skilled trades more attractive to both the students and their parents.

My concern for the future of youth in the trades is that employers must have the time, money and patience it takes to turn a student into a skilled trades person.

When you get students in the door, you need to show them how far they can get in their trade - not how to sweep a floor. I understand new people can't just jump to the top without putting in the time, but they need encouragement and incentive so that they will stay in the trade.

If you as employers can realize the value of us kids and realize that we are your workforce of tomorrow, then we are all working together for the trades that we love.

Mark Millson

(see headlines)

(March 3, 2005) -- Despite mounting reported collision rates and an assumed rise in the non-reported ones, the replacement body collision aftermarket is witnessing a decline in the number of total repair jobs. Factors that contribute to this trend are higher insurance premiums for vehicles with high claims and an escalation in the overall vehicle scrappage rate.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.transportation.frost.com), North American Replacement Body Collision Aftermarket, reveals that component revenues in 2004 totaled $1.71 billion. Revenues are estimated to reach $2.33 billion in 2011.

Rising insurance premiums restrain many people involved in accidents from making claims. Either they choose not to repair the damage or the parties concerned make private arrangements to avoid notifying the insurance company. Moreover, scrappage rates are rising, further restraining collision victims from seeking repair jobs.

"The upside to the rising rates in the aftermarket is greater revenue," says Frost & Sullivan Senior Industry Analyst Mary-Beth Kellenberger. "Collision revenues from mechanical / electrical components, sheet metal, plastic, paint, and labor have experienced a general rise since 1993."

Another factor likely to drive revenue in the aftermarket is the constant rise new vehicle pricing. In 1997, luxury vehicles represented 4.1 percent of the vehicle population. In 2005, luxury vehicles expect to represent more than 10.7 percent of this population.

This shift is viewed as a mixed blessing for the repair industry. Historically, higher value vehicles warranted repair, but currently, higher-end vehicles include many more safety features such as crumple zones, laminated glass, and multiple air bags that, if activated, contribute to the vehicle's propensity to be scrapped.

Repair shops are wary about the participation of insurance companies in the overall process, since their involvement is as high as 90 percent. This is particularly detrimental to the interests of repair shops as the insurance companies usually pay lower rates for repair work through both lower-cost components and by labor rate concessions.

The insurance companies' position of power creates a highly competitive bidding situation for each repair job, and therefore, despite the rising component costs, the repair market is witnessing reduced operating margins.

"According to industry sources, shops participating in insurance company direct repair programs (DRPs) write approximately 42 percent more estimates and perform nearly 56 percent more jobs," notes Kellenberger. "Moreover, DRP shops have a "win" ratio of approximately 60 percent whereas non-DRP shops' job "win" ratio is approximately 50 percent."

DRPs also deal with the reduced availability of technicians. The collision repair industry is worse off due to the decreased value placed on collision repair skills. Skilled body collision technicians earn approximately 20 percent less than their mechanical counterparts. This differential is a major deterrent in attracting new talent to the industry.

"The high cost of equipment, declining availability of skilled workers, and the need to concentrate resources to maximize the economies of scale has resulted in the consolidation of collision repair facilities," observes Kellenberger.

(see headlines)

Environment Canada, has contracted HARA, the collision repair association headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario, to use their profitability audits, surveys and shop help tools to assist a First Nations area autobody and auto refinishing shops in better understanding proper waste management. Shops will be visited and association staff will work with shop managers to provide information and tips for more profitable waste management.

The province of Ontario has also entered into an agreement with HARA to supply simple-to-use assistance and web based tools to improve environmental compliance in the auto refinishing sector. HARA will also work with coating firms in Canada on the establishment of a solvent database that would help better identify new product emissions and speed up approvals of permitting for shops. HARA already provides simplified approvals assistance for auto refinish shops, and was the industry representative in the design of the National Standards and Guidelines for reducing emissions from auto refinish shops.

Association signs two contractor agreements

HARA has signed an agreement with Hine and Associates, a leading provider of auto refinish health and safety information, to provide technical assistance and health, safety and environmental issues help. The company will provide updated information and help expand the shop information features of the interactive elements of the new www.autobodyhelp.ca web site.

Fluid Media Inc., was selected by HARA to help in image branding, marketing and print management in the successful launch proposed for an expanded shop assistance program and to move more shops into better compliance activity and to highlight the advantages to shops in meeting or exceeding current standards.

For more information contact HARA or CIIA.com at 1-866-309-4272 (HARA) or at info@autobodyhelp.ca or info@ciia.com

(see headlines)

Several hundred job seekers and young persons attended career events that highlighted job opportunities and good careers within the collision repair industry.

The collision repair industry trade association, HARA, along with its partners in education across Ontario have been showing attendees, the value of entering an apprenticeship in the auto body and collision repair trade.

With packages of materials on Steps to Collision Repair Apprenticeship of (http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/stepstoapp.html) and showing the cd-rom "Hi-Tech Careers in the Collision Repair Industry) produced by the Canadian Collision Industry Forum and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, many attenders asked about how best to gain employment in the industry.

Employment listings such as http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/employment.html
Showing hundreds of jobs available in the industry and associated areas, such as insurance and paint company, employment areas are listed. Employment incentives like JobConnect subsidies and tax incentives are explained.

Among the career education opportunities that HARA has shown the value of working in collision repair are:

Journey to the Trades Forum, with the Business Education Council of Niagara February 2 at Four Points Sheraton in Harold

Total Apprentice Forum, with the Skilled Trades Alliance February 19 at Mohawk College, Stoney Creek

Skilled Trades Job Fair, partnered with YMCA Career Development in Burlington on February 24, 2005

Coming soon are JobConnect speaking opportunities to young people on March 23 in Hamilton and the Trades fair with the French-language school board in Niagara on April 19
HARA has asked it's members to contact the office at 1-866-309-4272 if they are aware of any other opportunities for the association to highlight this good career choice

Click on thumbnails to view pictures

(see headlines)

BASIC ESTIMATING COURSE OFFERED

Six night course teaches fundamental principles

March 2005

HARA announces that the popular basic estimating training course is back to help those shop or office employees who 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.
Starting mid April for three weeks in the evening, the course is being offered in response to shop inquiries. Location is the Motive Power training facility at Mohawk College in Stoney Creek and Hawley Pontiac Buick Cadillac at 225 Dundas Street East, Mississauga.

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 $350.00 plus GST for trade association members and $450.00 plus GST for non-members.

Students can register by calling the Association office at (905) 664-7888 or 1-866-309-HARA (4272). Students can also register by e-mailing hara@ciia.com or registering online at www.ciia.com/estimating.html

Monday and Wednesday 6:30-9:30 pm Mohawk College, Stoney Creek

April 11, 13
April 18, 20
April 25, 27

Tuesday and Thursday 6:30-9:30 pm Hawley Pontiac Buick Cadillac, Mississauga

April 12, 14
April 19, 21
April 26, 28

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February 25, 2005

Saying that the best feedback is from shops, Tony Nigro, the President of HARA, the largest local collision repair association in Canada, announced five free local meetings designed to showcase the successes and activities of the association and to seek feedback from shops on issues of the day. Strategic plans that are being designed by the association are also open for input from shops.

All shops, not just members, are invited to these free receptions. Food and refreshments are provided.

"Shops need to better understand the activities that their association is actively involved in and the association needs to be fairly representing shop interest and moving on issues of their concern." says Mr. Nigro.

Meetings are free and shop owners, managers, techs, apprentices and those looking for job opportunity information on collision repair can drop in at any time:

Wed. March 2 Holiday Inn, Keefer Court (QEW and Hwy 20), Hamilton 6-9 pm

Tues. March 8 Texas Grill for breakfast, 6592 Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls 7-9 am

Wed. March 9 Monte Carlo Inn, 374 S. Service Rd E., at Trafalgar, Oakville 6-9 pm

Thurs. March 10 Admiral Inn, Dundurn and York Sts., Hamilton 6-9 pm
(Special guest Skilled Trades Alliance on job incentives and training)

Tues. March 15 Holiday Inn, 664 Cologne St., Brantford 6-9 pm
(Special guest on issues of environmental profitability)

For more information please call 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com
For more information on HARA's recent activities please see:

http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/newsevents.html#yearend

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The office at HARA, the collision repair association is a busy place. With over 2.8 million hits on their web site at www.ciia.com, multiple training programs offered across Ontario, provincial and federal government contracts to handle and dozens of phoned-in and e-mailed requests for help every day, hiring an additional staff person was only reasonable.

The office welcomes Michelle Bolan to the office. With five years experience working the front desk and administration duties for a multi-million-dollars-in-sales collision repair shop, Michelle knows the industry and its personnel well. Michelle also was the volunteer co-coordinator of HARA's famous spring/summer golf tournament in the past.

Michelle will be handling communications duties and will be working on special marketing projects as well.

We all welcome Michelle to the office and you will meet her at our next local meeting, our Basic Estimating training course and , of course, HARA's 36th Annual Golden Horseshoe Golf Tournament, scheduled for June 28, 2005

Michelle can be reached at info@ciia.com or 1-866-309-4272

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VANDALISM IN HAMILTON

March 1, 2005

Police are seeking the public's help afar a rash of vandalism at Johnston Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership at 1350 Upper James Street, at Stone Church Road Hamilton, Ontario over the past three weeks.

Police Inspector Bob Buck says someone is using a sling-shot to fire small metal balls the size of a pea at the cars and display windows.

The vandalism has left several cars with broken windows and dented fenders as well as holes in the main display windows.

Inspector Buck said anyone who may have information about the vandalism is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 905 522 8477.

The vandalism will also be the subject of an upcoming CrimeStoppers television segment.

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How did HARA help its members and the industry in 2004?

1) New regulations to control deceptive, unfair practices particularly in towing

2) Aided in six charges being laid against local “chasers”

3) New financial monthly newsletter from SB Partners free to members

4) Instituted regional member newsletters to provide more member assistance

5) Made two $75 manuals available free to members

6) New financing of repairs package free to members

7) Updated supplier discount program for members from NEBS

8) New rules on rebuilt airbags and painting air bag covers

9) Expanded CofA and audit assistance made available to shops

10) New rules on additional pricing for salvage vehicle inspections

11) Introduced brand appeal process for total loss vehicles

12) Web site enhancements on www.ciia.com with 2.8 million hits in 12 months

13) Offering free employment online ads for shops and members

14) Sponsored six Basic Estimating classes with discount pricing for members

15) Set up donations program to link schools with suppliers

16) Provide government with new definitions of service provider

17) Working with Halton police on new towing by-law

18) Started new www.autobodyhelp.ca online free assistance

19) Started local area meetings to assist shops

20) Start of apprentice renewal initiative

21) Working on new isocyanate control review program to better protect shops

22) New sprayc.a.r.e accreditation program proposed

23) Draft price list supplied to shops for review

24) 35th annual golf tournament with donation to local charity

25) Special insurers’ panel at October 7 special event

26) Successful introduction of online environmental training

27) Updated WHMIS training offered

28) Ongoing meetings with cabinet ministers on CISCO and Bill 186

29) Presentations to relevant groups – IBC, PAVE, OABR, CISCO, CAMPE

30) New court ordered tow storage rates set for Toronto

31) Requested to Mitchell for re-keying shop help

32) New equivalency package for trades certification updated

33) Request of ADP for rebate of funds due to October disc error

34) New 25% tax credit for hiring apprentices

35) All members receive free online news events information

36) New MOYAP style auto body course being discussed for secondary school

37) New improved benefit program announced

38) Four day meeting with MTO to update salvage brand and inspection program

39) New help package for salvage inspection for shops

40) Over 1000 students completing new training course

41) Simplified self-survey for environmental profitability now available

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By MARYANNA LEWYCKYJ, TORONTO SUN

BILLING IT as proof "the system is working," Canada's home, business and auto insurers raked in record profits of $4.2 billion for 2004. The combined results are a 61.5% improvement over 2003, a year when profits soared by 673% compared to 2002.

Insurance industry officials said the turnaround -- which follows five years of declining earnings -- is good news for consumers and businesses.

"Drivers across Canada are among the key beneficiaries of this recovery," said Mark Yakabuski, v-p of federal affairs for the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Yakabuski said Ontario auto premiums have fallen by 12% on average over the past year, saving motorists a combined total of $900 million.

He also downplayed the record earnings, saying that over the past five years, insurers only generated 6 cents in profits for every dollar of premium and investment income taken in.

"By any estimation, this is a modest return, especially given the risks that insurers take on in protecting Canadian consumers, businesses and communities from financial disaster," Yakabuski said.

But NDP insurance critic Peter Kormos says the profits have come on the backs of consumers and businesses. He's calling for a "ripoff rebate" to compensate the public.

"Dalton McGuinty has no plan to rein in insurance companies that are jacking up rates and slashing payouts and benefits," Kormos said. "All the premier's managed to accomplish so far is wrestle insurance rates to the ceiling."

Mike Colle, parliamentary assistant to Ontario Finance Minister Greg Sorbara, said the government is pressing for further relief for consumers.

"This is by no means enough," Colle said. "We expect continued reductions to take place."

He said he'll also urge all insurers to be more lenient with motorists who have minor claims.

"People should be allowed to make claims and not fear that their rates will go through the roof," he said.

Auto insurance claims have dropped by 30% in the past 18 months with many drivers too terrified to report collisions.

"Some collision shops have had a 35% decrease in volume," said John Norris of the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association. "It's certainly hurting the business."

Although Ontario's auto claims frequency rate fell by 47.1% between 1993 and 2003, IBC officials say it's too early to say if the pattern of falling claims is a permanent trend.

"We've witnessed this over the last couple of years, but we don't know whether it's a temporary phenomenon or whether it's one that will continue," said Stan Griffin, IBC president and CEO.

Catherine Swift, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, hopes the insurance industry's financial health eases the rate crunch for corporations.

"Firms have been hurt badly and some have not been able to get insurance at all," she said.

(courtesy of the Toronto Sun)

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A major insurance discussion panel with senior insurance industry representatives in October of last year at the HARA dinner event, set the stage for the invitation to present a major collision repair information and request package to the Insurance Bureau of Canada's (IBC) Claims Committee today.

During the half-hour presentation to over 30 senior claims managers from Canadian insurers, collision industry representatives highlighted the efforts the association has made in reducing abuse, providing support for new regulations to be introduced soon on deceptive practices and identified the web site information highlighting HARA's successes in attracting more young apprentices to the industry.

Time was spent on identifying the profit crisis at shops that has lead to reduced hiring of young people and the value of a standardized program for shops as identified in the Collision Repair Standards Act, which although unanimously approved by Queen's Park, remains to be implemented.

The new sprayc.a.r.e accreditation and new www.autobodyhelp.ca online programs were also highlighted.

Insurers were asked to contribute to a major apprenticeship innovation program designed to fill the apprenticeship training classes at auto body and collision repair training colleges across Canada. Some insurers were receptive to the program and requested more information. Further meetings are planned.

This is the not the first time that the association has updated insurers at senior levels and HARA remains the only collision repair industry association that continues to be invited by IBC to better inform claims managers in Canada of our industry's issues.

For more information on the insurance industry presentation please contact the HARA office at 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com

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Member shops are receiving aggressive sales calls from an engineering firm advising that they must file an emissions summary under Ontario Regulation 127/01 and a federal requirement called National Pollutant Release Inventory or NPRI. Shops are told that the shop will be in violation of new federal and provincial regulations and must complete an authorization to hire their consultant at a minimum $600 fee to complete this work. An authorization contract is faxed to the shop, whether requested or not. Shops should be
aware, that work by CIIA has been successful in modifying this regulation. Since 2001, shops that can reasonably be expected to use less than 3,000 kilograms of coating materials during the year or less than 3,000 kilograms of solvents during the year are exempt from this reporting.

The vast majority of collision repair and paint facilities do not meet this threshold and need do nothing to meet the regulation requirement. Shops that emit over 10 tonnes of emissions annually (less than half of one percent of shops),however, need to report. Most shops that have already hired and paid this firm would have received a consultant's report advising them that their shop already meets the regulatory requirements and need do nothing. CIIA has reached an agreement with this firm to cease and desist from this activity and the firm has agreed to contact their current clients and to inform all those that may contact them of this exemption. Member shops are urged to call CIIA at 1-866-309-4272 for more information or access: http://www.autobodyhelp.ca/regulation.html

PRICING ALERT

Complaints are being received that shops are paying from $2800 to $6600 for a provincial Certificate of Approval for their spray booth and paint operations. Facilities that spray paint are required to possess a valid Certificate of Approval issued by the Ontario Ministry of Environment. This Certificate is sometimes called a Section 9 or Air Permit or Booth Permit. This requirement has been in place for over 20 years and CIIA has worked
with the Ministry to provide a one-page simplified application package rather then the current 82-page process. CIIA uses consultants that are "capped" at a $1200 fee for their complete work. Because this lower capped price from CIIA is known in the engineering and consultant marketplace, shops are sometimes quoted this fee and receive a $1200 invoice from outside consultants, marked "Initial Fee". Once the work is accomplished the
consultant sends the shop a much larger second invoice. Complaints have also been received of consultants receiving the cheque for expected work and disappearing. Be aware that other organizations are advertising this service and use consultants that charge $3000 or over for this "service". Please call CIIA for any information or if you need this "permit" work done at 1-866-309-4272 or view: http://www.autobodyhelp.ca/explanation.html

PROVINCIAL OFFENSES ORDERS

Over 200 auto refinish facilities have received an enforcement group generated provincial offense order to obtain this "Certificate of Approval". If an order was issued to you, it can be a very serious legal matter if you do not proceed and obtain that Certificate, however, do not be rushed into using any consultant in the phone book without checking with your industry trade association.. Call CIIA at 1-866-309-4272 for more information or access information on the SWAT team at: http://www.autobodyhelp.ca/swat.html

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February 2, 2005

A number of workers in the autobody and collision damage repair trade have been employed in the trade in excess of the 7000 hours required for a licensed technician. However, they are not registered technicians.

Traditionally the only way to become a licensed technician would be to complete an in-school learning portion of 720 hours for training as a registered apprentice and an approximate time of three years working with a qualified technician, before challenging the qualification exam. An alternative equivalency process is also available. HARA has introduced a free package. Included in the package are:

Process for trades equivalency including application page

Curriculum of competencies required

Pre-license training class information

Fee information for license exam

Grants, incentives and tax deductions to hire an apprentice.

Ten Top Steps to Become a Collision Repair Apprentice

If you need this free package or have an employee who has never completed trades school or completed his/her Certificate of Qualification exam, please contact us.

Please call HARA at 1-866-309-4272 or e-mail info@ciia.com

The online version of the Top Ten Steps to Become a Collision Repair Apprentice can be found at: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/stepstoapp.html

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Presentations and workshops continue across southern Ontario as the collision repair trade association and others highlight good job prospects in collision repair.

From presentations to job seekers in Thorold, Ontario to complete apprenticeship forums in Stoney Creek, HARA, the collision repair trade association, is highlighting events that feature hand-outs, testimonials and cd-rom overviews of industry opportunities. The association is partnering with other skilled trades groups in leveraging the message.

Using the CCIF recruitment cd-rom, "The Art of Earning- Hi-tech Careers in the Collision Repair Industry", young people are urged to consider the collision repair industry for their future vocation.

Events include:

Journey to the Trades Forum, with the Business Education Council of Niagara February 2 at Four Points Sheraton in Thorold

Total Apprentice Forum, with the Skilled Trades Alliance February 19 at Mohawk College, Stoney Creek

Skilled Trades Job Fair, partnered with YMCA Career Development in Burlington on February 24,

Trades fair with the French-language school board in Niagara on April 19

Employment opportunities and help wanted ads for collision repair are featured online with over 50 new collision repair openings posted each week at:
www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/employment.html

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TORONTO, Jan. 18 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada today announced that Ontario auto insurance consumers will save an estimated $900 million this year.

"Consumers can expect lower auto premiums in 2005. This is a direct result of a financially stronger, more competitive insurance industry and essential reforms undertaken by the Ontario government," said Mark Yakabuski, Vice President, Federal Affairs & Ontario, Insurance Bureau of Canada.

"Drivers should shop around and consult with their insurance representatives to make sure they are taking advantage of declining rates. These savings are unprecedented." he said.
Yakabuski was responding to the release by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) of approved auto insurance rate changes for the fourth quarter 2004. FSCO confirmed that approved rates are now 10.6% lower than they were one year ago. This reduction exceeds the government's own commitment.

The approved rate reductions of 10.6% tell only part of the insurance savings story. According to industry data collected by IBC, premiums for private passenger vehicles in Ontario have actually gone down by 12% since November 2003. The average premium has declined from $1,499 to $1,319 during this period. Savings are even greater if commercial vehicles are included.

"This good news is the result of industry working closely together with the government to implement essential reforms to the Ontario auto insurance system over the past several months," Yakabuski said. "Today's announcement shows that the intense work over these months to address mounting claims costs has been well worth it -- for consumers most of all." Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national trade association of the private property and casualty insurance industry. It represents more than 90% of the non-government home, car and business insurance in Canada. To view news releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca.

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Yes, It's true. The industry web site at www.ciia.com operated by HARA, for the one year period ending October 30 recorded over 2.5 million hits

This is the largest use autobody web site in North America and continues to be incredibly popular in our news event, shops and employment sections, says John Norris, HARA's Executive Director.

Hits per day are climbing to over 10,000 per day in November 2004, with over 140,000 people actually making use of the web site during the last 12 months.

Over 35 million kilobytes of information were used in the last year with users of the site reading a total of 302,000 separate pages of information.

Shops and suppliers can advertise themselves on the site by contacting Helena at info@ciia.com

All site use is recorded daily and is open for viewing at www.ciia.com/stats

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