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INFORMATION ACCESS TO
OEM DATA AN
IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR NATA
The National Automotive Trades Association (NATA) is a
60 year-old federally chartered "association of associations"
formed to provide a unified voice for the Canadian Mechanical
and Collision Automotive Service Industry.
For those independent mechanical and collision repair businesses
not yet aware of the fact, you have organizations and dedicated
individuals working hard on your behalf, behind the scene,
to keep you in business. These people employ the same amount
of effort you put into retaining your customers and keeping
them 100% satisfied.
Some food for thought-
* Where do you think you might eventually be if after
a 15-year business relationship, your best client brought
his/her vehicle to you for some work, but you couldn't
identify or fix the problem due to a lack of information?
* What if your relationship with the local dealer's
parts or service departments soured to the point where
they no longer cooperated with you when you needed to
obtain the information required to diagnose and repair
your client's car?
* What if diagnostic information and equipment were
not available to you because you are not an OEM dealer?
* What if, due to the resulting frustrations of your
technicians, they decided to simplify their lives and
go to work at the dealership, or get out of the trade
entirely?
* And the beat goes on… these are very real questions
in today's very real world.
But how can an independent shop owner fight industry trends
like this on his/her own? The answer is, they can't. But
thankfully, they don't have to because of the organizations
and individuals mentioned above who take on these issues
on behalf of all independent businesses. Your provincial
and regional associations do exactly this kind of work.
They understand the industry, the issues you face, and they
are equipped to take the appropriate actions to make your
life simpler. Hopefully, if you are a shop owner reading
this, and you have a valid reason not to support the people
whose sole purpose is to make it easier for you to improve
your bottom line, you will drop us a line and share your
rationale with us.
Let's try to understand the OEM information access issue
from the dealers' perspective. Why wouldn't the people selling
a vehicle want to be able to assure their customers that
their vehicles can be serviced properly by not only their
own service department, but by any competent independent
repairer, as well? Would that not constitute a selling feature?
What if a breakdown occurs hundreds of miles form the nearest
dealership? What if the customer has a long established
relationship they wish to continue with an independent repairer?
Is it a sound business model for the OEMs to dictate where
their customers can go for service, or should they protect
the consumer's freedom of choice? The latter seems to be
the right thing to do. Confrontation is not the way…
cooperation would seem a much more sensible approach. This
is the automotive industry climate your association is working
to cultivate.
With the interests of shop owners, technicians and the
motoring public foremost in mind, NATA, the Automotive Service
Association (ASA), Industry Canada, and the grass roots
associations from across North America are working together
to resolve the service information and tool access problem.
There is no need to reinvent the proverbial wheel. NATA's
'Vehicle Information and Service Tool Access' (VISTA) approach
is to mirror the accomplishments of the ASA and the National
Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) in the U.S. With less
than a third of the manufacturers still blocking access
to their information in Canada, closure to this issue is
forthcoming. As in the U.S., our voluntary agreement approach
should enable everyone to go abut their business without
encountering years of delay and evaporation of funds while
pursuing a government-legislated solution.
NATA and its affiliated provincial and regional associations
believe that ours is a logical business model that should
eliminate barriers on both sides of the issue. Any person
whose livelihood depends on our success should support us
through membership in the applicable association listed
at www.natacanada.ca.
VISTA is the national task force initiative with the mandate
of restoring full aftermarket access to OEM service and
training information and service tools. The task force consists
of provincial and national trades associations under the
direction of NATA, acting on behalf of aftermarket service
providers across Canada.
"The voluntary approach has been judged preferable
due to the quicker implementation timeline that would accompany
it as compared to taking the legislative approach, which
could be protracted."
Auto Service World, October 5, 2005.
There is too much at stake for inaction…let's all
get involved!
Editor's Note: Our sincere appreciation to Kara Cunningham
and Collision Quarterly Magazine for granting us permission
to reproduce the foregoing article by John Scissons.
(SEE
HEADLINES) |
BASIC ESTIMATING COURSES OFFERED
11th Year Of Offering Popular Training Starts In March
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 evening course starts March 19 for six weeks, and is offered in response to shop inquiries. Locations this year are Hamilton, and Mississauga, with other locations offered based on demand.
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 evenings March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23 and in Mississauga on Wednesday evenings starting March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25.
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)
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Industry Minister Commits To Action On Right To Repair
March 13, 2007, Ottawa , Ontario –Representatives of the aftermarket industry met with the Federal Minister of Industry, the Honorable Maxime Bernier on March 6, 2007 in St-Georges, Quebec , to discuss the issue of right to repair. The Minister offered his support and indicated that he will speak with the car companies in the coming weeks about their refusal to release information, codes and tools to independent service and repair shops in Canada .
The meeting took place at the request of Mr. Marcel Veilleux, President of Beauce Auto Accessoires, a Uni-Select associate member who operates a total of 7 auto parts stores in the Beauce region. Mr. Veilleux was joined at the meeting by Mr. Benoit Fortin, President of Auto Quirion & Drouin, a NAPA associate member with 4 stores in the Minister’s riding. The delegation also included Gary O’Connor, Executive Vice-President, Uni-Select; Denis Mathieu, Chief Financial Officer, Uni-Select; and Marc Brazeau , Executive Vice-President, AIA Canada.
AIA staff will be meeting with senior officials of Industry Canada in the coming weeks to discuss the outcomes of the Minister’s discussions with senior representatives of the car companies and to determine the next steps in resolving this critical industry competition and consumer choice issue.
About the Consumer's Right to Repair
Vehicle manufacturers are restricting access to tools, training and software to the aftermarket industry. Due to the increased sophistication of today’s vehicles, it is gradually becoming more difficult for independent repair facilities to access the information and develop the skills required to service vehicles. By reserving some of this information for dealership networks, vehicle manufacturers are putting the aftermarket industry at an unfair disadvantage. This effectively eliminates consumer choice. To learn more about the issue visit www.righttorepair.ca .
About AIA Canada
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
For further information contact
Scott Smith,
Manager of Government Relations
AIA Canada
Phone: 1-800-808-2920 ext 234
Email: scott.smith@aiacanada.com
(SEE HEADLINES) |
MOTIVE POWER/AUTOMOTIVE TRAINING CENTRE
Is Now Offering WHMIS Training For Your Auto Service
Or Collision Repair Business
DON'T RISK A MINISTRY LABOUR OFFENSE ORDER
If your WHMIS Training is not up to date, please make arrangements to attend this session
Location: 606 Rennie Street, Hamilton
Date: Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $60.00 (GST included), per person
Outline: MSDS, warning symbols, diesel exhaust, batteries and isocyanates.
Included: Workbook, handouts, pocket cards, certificate upon successful completion
Pre-registration and payment is mandatory. If you wish to attend, please contact 1-866-309-4272
SPONSORED BY:
  
(SEE HEADLINES) |
COLLISION REPAIR AT THE TORONTO
INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Industry Looking For Guest Presenters, Speakers
And Shop Owners To Help At Booth
From February 16 to 25, 2007, the Toronto International Auto Show will play host to almost a quarter of a million people. People who will be exposed to the collision repair and auto body industry and the opportunities for young people to find meaningful employment.
Throughout the show, Collision Industry Information and Assistance.com ( www.ciia.com ), working on behalf of their affiliated local collision repair trade associations across the province, will feature:
Ø Computerized job openings and offers from collision repair facilities
Ø How to become an apprentice in collision repair
Ø Grants, credits and incentive application forms and packages
Ø Viewing of the industry cd-rom "The Art of Earning"
Ø Open discussions and small presentations on the value of a career in collision repair
Ø Props and samples of auto body equipment
Ø Brochures, pamphlets and handouts to young people, educators and parents
WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU!!
If you are a shop owner/operator in collision repair, auto body or auto refinishing and can spare a few hours sometime between February 16 th and the 25 th to talk to young people and show attendees about the opportunities in your industry, your help would be appreciated.
Here is a chance to show off your skills, advertise your competence and offer career guidance to young people and tips to car owners (and soon-to-be car owners).
Join your friends at the car show!!
Just call 1 866 309 4272 or info@ciia.com and help yourself and your industry highlight a good career with a great future. (Complimentary tickets for the show are available)
(SEE HEADLINES) |
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MAJOR FIRE AT AJAX AREA
AUTO WRECKERS
March 20, 2007
Clouds of black smoke billowing from the yard of Ajax Auto
Wreckers today forced the evacuation of nearby businesses.
The business is located southeast of Highway 401 and the
Harwood Avenue exit.
A nursing home in the northeast area was told to keep their
windows closed until the smoke cleared.
No injuries were reported but the fire destroyed a 7,500
square foot storage and office building and trailer.
The blaze started about 9:15 am when workers were reportedly
taking apart a vehicle that still had fuel in its gas tank.
The local media reported that a worker at an auto detailing
shop on the property saw smoke, hear a boom and then watched
flames shoot at least 50 or 60 feet in the air. He said
that one of the employees was cutting a gas tank off a car
with a cutting touch. He said the same things happened about
a year ago.
However, owner Steve Monaghan was quoted as saying that
the workers use the "jaws of life" to cut vehicles
apart for scrap metal. While they were torches in the building,
they weren't used often he said. Half a dozen employees
will be out of work until he can rebuild.
(SEE HEADLINES) |
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Smash
Repair Code Of Conduct
Becomes Law Mar 30
On March 30, the new laws aimed at making the smash
repair industry clearer and fairer for repairers, insurers
and consumers will come into effect in New South Wales.
The new Mandatory Code of Conduct, based on a the similar
national Voluntary Code, lays out guidelines for repairer-insurer
relations, as well as a dispute resolution process, and
penalties for non-compliance.
The mandatory Code came about as a result of the potentially
industry crippling dispute between the Motor Traders Association
and IAG-NRMA Insurance in 2006 regarding the tendering of
smash repair business through an online bidding process.
New South Wales Fair Trading Minister Diane Beamer
said, "The Code will provide a new direction in the
way business is done and disputes are settled between smash
repairers and insurers. Consumers will benefit from better
disclosure, improved service from insurers and repairers
and repairs that are done in the most cost effective but
safe way."
"The Fair Trading Amendment (Motor Vehicle and
Insurance Repair Industries) Regulation 2006 enacts this
new Mandatory Code which will provide for fair, timely and
transparent conduct between insurers and repairers," Ms Beamer said.
Ms Beamer said making the Code mandatory for all insurers
and repairers provides clear rules for fair and transparent
business arrangements between them, ultimately ensuring
a better deal for consumers."
The Code has several provisions including:
-up front disclosure on whether insurance policies provide
choice of repairer.
-a transparent and independent external dispute resolution
mechanism;
-the requirement for full disclosure in preferred smash
repairer arrangements;
-retention of preferred smash repair status upon the
sale of a business;
-the requirement for full disclosure in quoting for
work and payment;
standards for the allocation of responsibility for
repair warranties;
"While we expect all parties to adhere to the
Code, strong penalties have also been introduced should
non-compliance be encountered," Ms Beamer said. "The
penalties including court injunctions, orders to disclose
information, trading prohibition orders, civil action for
damages and court orders to compensate for damage.
"These penalties will only be considered as a
last resort when both parties have exhausted all the dispute
settling provisions or if one party refuses to participate," Ms Beamer said.(courtesy of Collisionweek)
(SEE HEADLINES) |
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AUTOMECHANIKA
CANADA
SEPTEMBER 26-28, 2007
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA
When would you be most likely to attend a trade show and/or
conference program at the International Centre in Toronto,
Canada?
Please check all that apply:
Wednesday
10am - 5pm
12pm - 4pm
4pm - 8pm
Thursday
10am - 5pm
12pm - 4pm
4pm - 8pm
Friday
10 - 3
11 - 4
Saturday
10 - 5
(SEE HEADLINES)
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Canada - Friday, March 23, 2007
CCIF Vancouver to Focus on Environmental Issues
The next meeting of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum
(CCIF) in Vancouver is now less than a month away.
The theme of the April 21 meeting is "Environment"
and many of the speakers will make the link between this
highly topical subject and the content of their presentation.
A special feature of this CCIF will be a mini-trade show
for suppliers of the equipment needed when converting to
Low VOC products. The trade show will take place during
the reception following the meeting.
"CCIF is the national voice of the collision repair
industry", says Larry Jefferies, CCIF Chairman. "But
first it is the sounding board for the issues and concerns
of collision repairers. Last year CCIF participants told
us they wanted to see more emphasis on environmental issues,
so that will be our focus at CCIF Vancouver."
CCIF attendees will also hear the latest on the conversion
to Low VOC products, recycling and waste management, attracting
young people to the industry, the national accreditation
initiative, and process and innovation.
The meeting will take place at the Delta Vancouver Airport
Hotel in Richmond, British Columbia. Organizers warn that
the hotel will only hold rooms open for CCIF until March
27.
For online registration or a downloadable registration
form please visit the CCIF Web site.
(SEE HEADLINES) |
AIA Canada Launches Right to Repair Website
Righttorepair.ca Encourages Aftermarket
Industry to Speak Out!
March 8, 2007, Ottawa , Ontario – AIA Canada, with support from its members, has taken the initiative to launch a Right to Repair website. AIA Canada hopes that the website, while educating consumers and government about the problem, will rally the aftermarket industry into action.
The website encourages visitors to take action by submitting a letter to their MP (new technology has automated this process to make it easy for visitors to basically click and send). The site also has an online petition people can sign as well as a feedback area where technicians and consumers can register the access problems they have had in trying to repair vehicles. AIA encourages all visitors to sign up for our new Right to Repair e-Updates to keep current on all Right to Repair initiatives.
“Over 30,000 independent repair facilities in Canada could potentially close, and will certainly lose business and profitability if this issue is not solved. This will have a ripple affect throughout the industry. The auto parts stores and the wholesalers will also be affected,” explained Ray Datt, President of AIA Canada. “This new website is a first step in raising awareness of the problem. We hope it reaches everyone in the aftermarket and encourages them to get actively involved in solving the problem.”
Visit the new website at www.righttorepair.ca and be the first in the industry to send a letter to your MP!
Visit http://www.aiacanada.com/document.cfm?itemid=152641 to download a Right to Repair website banner you can post on your website.
About AIA Canada
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
For further information contact:
Katherine Power
Phone: 1-800-808-2920 ext 235
Cell: 905-808-4345
Email: Katherine.Power@aiacanada.com
(SEE HEADLINES) |
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MAJOR WORKSHOP PLANNED AT
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE MARCH 22nd
Major Meeting Planned For Centennial College, Toronto
Environment Canada is proposing new rules on paint coatings that will change the products you buy and how you will apply them in the future.
It is expected that few of the products you are familiar with now will be available. For some shops, changeover will be easy, other shops may decide to upgrade or purchase new equipment.
New production equipment, products and pollution prevention assistance will also be on display at this workshop. You will also learn about the requirements for a spray booth permit, waste reduction tips and how to reduce your costs with good environmental management.
Environment Canada is interested in your feedback on the proposed content for the regulations. This is your chance to learn the facts, what it means to your business and be heard on the possible impact of these changes to improve air quality.
Date and Time: Thursday March 22, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Centennial College, Ashtonbee Campus (Warden Avenue and Ashtonbee Road.), Scarborough
Admission (Hot Dinner Included): Non-Members $25.00 per person
ciia.com and affiliated association: Members $20.00 per person
Included is a tour of the college's newly refurbished autobody shop and donated spray booth.
This workshop format evening features:
Senior staff from Environment Canada, Gatineau, Quebec
Officials of the Canadian Paint and Coating Association, Ottawa, ON
Paint company staff from all major paint companies
Senior insurance industry representatives have been invited to comment this evening.
New production equipment, products and pollution prevention help will be on display this evening.This meeting will be the most important meeting of the year. It impacts you and your business, so don't miss this opportunity.
To register please call 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com
(SEE HEADLINES) |
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STANDARD FIRST AID, CPR AND WHMIS TRAINING
OFFERED IN MARCH 2007
STANDARD FIRST AID AND C.P.R.
Location: 606 Rennie Street, Hamilton
Dates: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 Day 1 of 2
Thursday, March 15, 2007 Day 2 of 2
Time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Cost: Association Members $90.00 (plus GST), per person
Non-Members $110.00 (plus GST), per person
Included: Red Cross Manual, wallet and wall size certificates in accordance with W.S.I.B. reg. 1101
WHMIS
Location: 606 Rennie Street, Hamilton
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $60.00 (GST included), per person
Included: Workbook, handouts, pocket cards, certificate upon completion
Pre-registration and payment is mandatory. If you wish to attend any of the above courses, please contact 1-866-309-4272
(SEE HEADLINES) |
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2007 I-CAR Canadian National Collision Industry Conference -
"Embracing The Next Evolution"
March 2 - 3, 2007
Industry professionals will be gathering for the I-CAR Canadian National Collision Industry conference that will be held March 2-3, 2007 at the Delta Ottawa Hotel in Ottawa, Ontario. This event will share the latest information on issues that directly affect the collision industry today and in the future with an emphasis on the need for current, ongoing training to meet those needs.
I-CAR volunteers and program instructors will attend a workshop on Friday, March 2 followed by a full day of informational sessions open to the entire industry on Saturday, March 3.
Saturday's topics include:
* How to survive in today's business environment
* Update on the new VOC regulations
* Industry trends “from the eyes of the car manufacturers”
* I-CAR update
The conference will be an excellent opportunity to meet and exchange information with industry professionals from across the country. All information is applicable to: associations, insurers, manufacturers, recyclers, repairers, and other collision industry professionals.
Please note: Hotel reservations should be made as soon as possible, after February 2 the hotel can not guarantee a room for conference attendees without a hotel reservation. Conference attendees are encouraged to register for the conference no later than February 23.
For additional assistance call 800.422.7456 or send an e-mail to I-CAR in Canada Manager Tracey Blouin at tracey.blouin@i-car.com.
(SEE HEADLINES) |
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