NETWORK IN NASHVILLE
CARSTAR will host the annual CARSTAR Conference 2022, July 13-15 in the Music City at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. CARSTAR Conference 2022 is the first in-person gathering of the U.S. and Canadian operations since 2019. More than 1,000 CARSTAR franchise partners from across North America, corporate team members, vendors and industry leaders will participate in the event.
The CARSTAR Conference 2022 will kick off with a walk for cystic fibrosis on July 13, with opening ceremonies to follow that afternoon and a special opening night activity. The CARSTAR Conference will consist of two days of programs containing information on strategic planning, financial management, marketing initiatives, operational improvements, technical education sessions, panel discussions, motivational speakers, insurance breakout sessions, and a vendor expo and more.
PLUGGED IN
NAPA has announced the launch of its NexDrive banner in Canada, a network of automotive service centers for next-generation vehicles. The banner, which originated in Benelux, is now coming to Canada and will be supported by NAPA’s strong network of stores and distribution centres. “We are very proud to be the first to offer owners of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles a network of certified shops that will be able to meet their maintenance and repair needs,” said Alain Masse, president of UAP. “The growing consumer interest in such vehicles, as well as government efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, are helping to accelerate the shift to these new technologies, and we believe that our position as Canada’s aftermarket leader will allow us to offer a quality alternative to original equipment dealerships.” A specific set of criteria is required for any mechanic shop to achieve NexDrive certification, including accredited technical training, specialized equipment and tools, adherence to strict safety standards, regular audits, and sourcing parts from a certified NAPA store. Currently, 11 shops in the NAPA network are NexDrive-certified in Quebec and 13 others are in the process of obtaining certification. New shops will gradually be added to the banner in the coming weeks and months. The NexDrive program builds on the Mécanique Haute Tension (MHT) program launched in 2020 by Alain and Mathieu Côté, owners of several NAPA Auto Parts stores in the Québec City area.
BY THE BOOKS
CIECA has announced the formation of a new Standards Development Committee focused on OEM repair procedures and build sheet data. All industry stakeholders, including CIECA and non-CIECA members, are invited to join. The new committee will be chaired by Mark Allen, Manager Collision, Equipment & EV After Sales Service at Audi of America, and Phil Martinez, Technical Consultant at Mitchell International. Allen is an active CIECA committee member who participates in the Emerging Technologies Committee and has presented at the CIECA CONNEX Conference. Martinez, CIECA’s current chairman, has participated in and led the development of CIECA Standards since the organization was founded. For the past 27 years, he has represented Mitchell on the CIECA Board of Trustees and Executive Committees and chairs several committees. The committee chairs encourage all interested industry stakeholders to attend the meetings.
RIVIAN’S RIPENING
Rivian has started building its service network in Canada as the electric vehicle maker prepares to deliver its first vehicles in the Canadian market this summer. Automotive News Canada reported Friday that Rivian has begun recruiting staff for its Vancouver service centre, though it would not elaborate on how many services centres it planned for Canada. The company said the service centres will form part of its delivery experience in addition to hosting customer events. In the United States, Rivian touts a network of Rivian-owned and Riviancertified independent collision centres that handle bodywork and exterior damage. Rivian said earlier this year its R1T and R1S vehicles are scheduled to be delivered to Canadian customers this July. The electric pickup and SUV will be the first vehicles to arrive, with a pair of lower-cost versions of each to follow at a later date.
