Inside the Ford Catacomb: British man finds truck mysteriously buried in his yard
West Yorkshire, U.K. — During the COVID-19 lockdown, John Brayshaw decided that gardening in his backward would be an appropriate way to pass his time. Interestingly enough, Brayshaw’s new hobby led him to find a Ford Popular entombed in his yard. The Ford vehicle was found buried and placed in a lateral position—presumably to allow […]
Responsible Vehicle Retirement
By Steve Fletcher As we start to emerge from COVID-19 lockdowns in both Canada and the U.S., thoughts are turning to how we effectively reopen our economies and some of the strategies we employ to make it possible. A key thing to note, is that the way in which this is done needs to be […]
CAR Coalition warns Congress of OEM tactics
Toronto, Ontario — Allstate, the Automotive Body Parts Association, LKQ Corp and other members of the newly-formed Consumer Access to Repair (CAR) Coalition have penned a letter to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce committee leaders, warning the officials of the “monopolistic and expensive” nature of automaker’s certified collision repair programs. The CAR Coalition is […]
Catalytic Conundrum: 68 charges laid in connection with stolen catalytic converters
Hamilton, Ontario — Hamilton Police have laid 68 charges connected to the recent theft of catalytic converters. A catalytic converter is a key component to a vehicle’s exhaust system, it essentially reduces the emissions of toxic gases and pollutants. The attraction to the converters is due to their “high value metals that can easily be […]
Total Loss Trends: Report unveils COVID-19’s effect on recycling
Toronto, Ontario — According to a report by Mitchell Power detailing COVID-19’s impact on the auto industry, new total loss trends have emerged in the auto recycling industry. The report says there has been declines in average sale prices at wholesale auctions across the U.S. and Canada, which may also mean insurers are seeing less […]
Go for Greenspan: Original One Parts adds new board member
Dallas, Texas — Steven Greenspan, chief operating officer of asTech recently joined the board of directors at Original One Parts. Bringing more than 20 years of experience in the automotive recycling and aftermarket industry, Greenspan will be a valued addition to the board. Beginning his career as plant manager at the Atlanta salvage yard with the […]
Cracking Down on Converters: Alberta’s proposed Bill 25 aims to reduce metal theft
Calgary, Alberta — The Albertan government has introduced a new measure aimed at tackling metal thefts, particularly in the automotive industry. On June 18, Bill 25: Protecting Alberta Industry From Theft Act, 2020, was introduced to establish new measures that will make it more difficult for criminals to sell stolen metal for scrap. “Our government has […]
Environmental Issue: ARA displeased with Ford for ending bumper and lighting recovery program
Toronto, Ontario — The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) says Ford’s decision to end its lighting and bumper fascia core recovery program on June 1 could have a negative environmental impact. ARA Executive Director Sandy Blalock said the organization is concerned about the environmental impact, but it is “confident the replacement parts market will find a […]
Comment: Unretire Retire Your Ride (not Cash for Clunkers)
By Gideon Scanlon Toronto, Ontario — With the slow return to normal life after months of social isolation, American and Canadian politicians will soon turn their head to another problem—a sluggish economy. What role the automotive aftermarket will play in this remains to be seen. In making their policy decisions, lawmakers should turn to the […]
Roundtable Delayed: Hiroshima 2020 held off
Hiroshima, Japan — The next International Roundtable on Auto Recycling has been postponed. The event, which was to be held in Hiroshima, Japan, in October of 2020, will be rescheduled by the Japanese Auto Recycling Association. In a note to members of the Canadian auto recycling community, Steve Fletcher wrote, “It was deemed that the […]
