IMPOUND INSIGHTS
The Automotive Retailers’ Association (ARA) has announced significant updates to the Impound Lot Operators (ILO) program, as recently announced by Road Safety BC.
The new rates, as well as a revamped rate-setting methodology and other administrative changes, mark a major milestone for ILOs. These updates specifically include the discontinuation of the order for release of vehicles impounded for 30 days and 60 days, and the discontinuation of the statutory declaration associated with disposals and refuse to issue applications.
The new updates represent part of a ten-year project that first began in 2014 when the ARA lobbied for new administrative fees to be applied to all impound vehicles, both claimed and unclaimed. More recently, in 2020, the provincial government ordered a comprehensive review of the ILO program—a direct result of ARA’s advocacy.
As a result, the ARA encourages non-members to consider joining the association to support ongoing advocacy efforts.
COASTAL CONNECTIONS
In the beginning of August, Uniparts O.E.M. welcomed both Preston Chevrolet and Coast Chrysler to the network as the newest dealerships in British Columbia.
In both instances for Uniparts O.E.M., these partnerships underscore the company’s commitment to providing exceptional service and high-quality automotive parts to collision centres across the B.C. region.
“Welcoming Preston Chevrolet, B.C., to our network is a significant step in strengthening our service offerings,” Territory Manager of UniParts O.E.M., Jason Whitbread said. “We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings to our valued clients.”
BANDING WITH THE BANDITS
Fix Network Canada has announced a recent partnership with the Vancouver Bandits, having presented the team’s Fan Appreciation Game in July. “We are thrilled to share the highlights of our recent partnership with the Vancouver Bandits for their Fan Appreciation game on July 18, proudly presented by Fix Auto.”
The social media post further noted that the game saw 4,205 fans in attendance, with a combined broadcast viewership of 18,000. The game further saw the Bandits securing “an automatic berth to advance to the Western Conference Finals.”
Fix Network Canada concluded that “we are proud to support such vibrant community events and dynamically connect with fans. Thank you to everyone who attended and tuned in!”
FROM THE END ZONE TO THE COLLISION ZONE
CARSTAR Canada has partnered with the B.C. Lions, British Columbia’s Vancouver-based Canadian Football League (CFL) team to support community initiatives.
A recent press release notes that CARSTAR Canada will join the B.C through this partnership. Lions’ commitment to developing life skills for youth through amateur football. With this partnership, CARSTAR Canada has the opportunity to be involved in the B.C. Lions’ amateur football programs; Play with the Pros and Punt, Pass and Kick events.
In June of this year, CARSTAR Canada and the B.C. Lions also kicked off community camps, holding three Play with the Pros camps in Victoria, Kamloops and North Vancouver. Here, according to the press release, “B.C. Lions players were fully engaged in teaching and interacting with the kids, even after a tough game in Winnipeg.”
