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METRICS MATTER

On October 16, CARSTAR Canada hosted an exclusive educational event at CARSTAR Downsview, the latest location under the ownership of MGM Auto Group’s Mike Cherneta and Kapi Komera.

Bill Davidge, CARSTAR Canada’s Director of Innovation and Technology, led a session focused on understanding metrics. Around 80 attendees joined, including personnel from collision repair centers, insurance representatives, suppliers, distributors, and CARSTAR corporate staff. Key topics discussed during the session included the opportunities and challenges associated with repair versus replacement, the essential equipment for performing quality repairs on outer body panels, the significance of electronic measuring, the renewed emphasis on plastic repair, and additional related considerations.

The event also provided a valuable networking opportunity, allowing attendees to connect with industry peers, share best practices, and discuss the latest trends in collision repair. Participant feedback revealed a strong interest in more collaborative events that promote learning and growth within the industry.

“We received plenty of positive feedback from our attendees,” Davidge told Collision Repair at the event. “We certainly plan to keep hosting these key training sessions, continuously addressing all of the markets in which CARSTAR Canada is operating.”

GAINING GLASS

NOVUS Glass Hamilton Central has announced its grand opening under the leadership of Jason Russell, owner and operator of Russell Automotive Repair and Service Inc.

With over 20 years of owning and operating his shop and witnessing growth in the glass and calibration space, he was inspired to establish NOVUS Glass Hamilton Central.

“Performing ADAS calibrations for four years showed me how the glass business could enhance what we already offer,” Russell explained. “I saw an opportunity to elevate customer experiences and set new standards.”

Russell has also been recognized as the first Gold Club Member in Hamilton by NAPA AUTO PRO, having consistently received the Award of Excellence every year since 2015.

The NOVUS Glass Hamilton Central team aims to continue elevating the shop’s auto repair experience by working “in unity, nurturing community ties and building on strong foundations.”

AN ELECTRIC INVESTMENT

On Tuesday, October 15, Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament, Niagara Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, announced a $365,854 investment from the federal government into Niagara College’s Motive Power program.

This funding will be matched by the college through the 2023 Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy ‘Investments in Training Equipment’ program stream. Collision Repair magazine reached out to Wayne Toth, professor and program coordinator of Niagara College’s Motive Power program who commented that it is “an innovative program that is giving students the chance to get hands-on experience analyzing and solving complex motive system programs. With the guidance of experienced faculty, students learn to diagnose and repair mechanical, electronic and electrical motive power components and systems in state-of-the-art labs.”

The college has “purchased an electric Chevrolet Silverado, Blazer, BMW 14, Ford Mustang Mach-E and a Toyota Mirai Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. In addition, the college purchased new battery and charging equipment and will invest in new solar charging and hydrogen filling stations in the lab.”

COLD-WEATHER CLOSURES

After 51 years in operation, General Motors has announced that it is closing the Kapuskasing Proving Ground, a facility used to evaluate the durability of vehicles in cold weather.

The Kapuskasing facility is the largest full-scale cold weather development facility in Ontario, with the site covering 272 acres and including a 3.6 kilometre advanced test track with cells capable of reaching -45 Celcius.

GM communications director Natalie Nankil said in an email to CTV News that “our testing and validation processes prioritize continuous improvement, and we have evolved our testing capability to validate our technology at the component, system and vehicle level.”

While in operation, the facility was used to test “every GM North American vehicle for cold weather-durability testing to ensure they can withstand extremely cold weather conditions,” GM Canada outlined on its website.

Vehicles were tested 24 hours a day, seven days a week in sub-zero temperatures for three to four months. The testing represents two years of customer driving in winter.

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