Toronto, Ontario — August 10, 2019 – Worried about what you missed this week in the world of cars, collisions, and automotive news? No need to fear, Collision Repair is here with this week’s review of all the biggest headlines so that you’ll be ready for next weeks lineup of even more exciting industry news.
Best Bay
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has launched a contest asking collision repair facilities pictures of their cleanest, brightest, and best auto bay areas in their “Best Bay Area” competition.
In partnership with AutoInc., ASA began asking for submissions earlier this week. Running through until Aug. 31, the winner will be announced on Sept. 9.
“Our first contest was a major success,” stated ASA executive director Ray Fisher. “We expect this one to be equally or more successful.”
ASA is looking for shops that are clean, bright, and “shine a positive light on the industry.”
Interested shops can apply online with their photos and a brief description of their shop here.
Hyundai Heats Up
Collision technicians may soon find themselves operating on solar-powered vehicles.
Hyundai has designed a roof-mounted solar panel able to provide a vehicle with up to 1,300 km of charge each year– or about 3.5 km of charger-free driving per day.
“Solar roof technology is a good example of how Hyundai is moving towards becoming a clean mobility provider,” said Heui Won Yang, senior vice president and head of the body tech unit at Hyundai.”The technology allows our customers to actively tackle emissions issue.”
The solar roof will be available for the 2020 Sonata Hybrid.
Girl Talk
In 2016, autobody shop owner Hilary Noack launched “Auto Body Gals,” an online Facebook group designed for women looking to connect and expand in the automotive industry.
Despite being online for just three years, the group has already amassed a large following. With nearly 1,000 members Noack believes the group is a great place where women “can share pictures of [they] work, ask tech questions, and get advice from other ladies.”
In fact, it was her connection with other women in the industry that inspired her to get involved in the first place.
Read all about her experience here!
Nemak No More
The news came in mid-July. Nemak, a Mexico-based auto part manufacturing company would be closing their plant in Windsor Ont., – a plant that employs more than 270 people.
“Given our outlook on capacity utilization and volumes in Windsor, we have made the decision to end production at this facility,” stated Armando Tamez, CEO of Nemak on July 16. “We are deeply grateful to the many people who have contributed to our business in Windsor over the years,”
Despite Nemak and the Canadian government’s multi-million investments in the plant in the past few years, creating an estimated extra 150 jobs, Namek has decided to close the plant as it represents approximately one percent of the company’s consolidated revenues.
According to Nemak, the majority of engine parts produced in the Windsor facility are destined for Cadillac vehicles at GM’s Shanghai plant, however, the need for them has dropped dramatically, thus slowing the need for production.
Dent Fix Goes North
Dent Fix has just announced that they’re heading North after partnering with automotive aftermarket company, Speciality Product Sales (SPS).
SPS is a Canadian-based company has been operating for more than thirty years, working in several areas in the aftermarket industry throughout Canada.
From the Atlantic to B.C. and everywhere in between, SPS is incredibly experienced in the Canadian industry and President and Owner, Larry Bergmann is thrilled to be partnering with US-based company Dent Fix.
“We are excited to take on this excellent line of equipment, tools, and accessories,” stated Bergmann. “Dent Fix is a perfect fit for our agency.”
