Will we see a ‘tremendous’ shift to aluminum?
By Mike Pickford Peterborough, Ontario — July 5, 2016 — Lightweighting is still a concern for the OEMs, leading at least one expert to predict there will be a real push over the next decade to revamp the way vehicle exteriors are designed and made. During a recent Auto Care Association webinar, IHS Automotive forecaster […]
Friday Fun: Smokescreen mods, electric heavy trucks and flying cars
Toronto, Ontario — June 16, 2016 — Among the overlooked but fascinating news from the week just passed an important question is asked: What happens when the sheriff’s car is damaged in a crash, but the local autobody shop doesn’t do aluminim repairs? We also take a look at the latest updates on flying cars […]
National Research Council spearheading aluminum vehicle research
Ottawa, Ontario — June 15, 2016 — The introduction of the aluminum-bodied F-150 led to a lot of speculation that soon many major automakers would be turning to this material to decrease the curb weight of their vehicles. While the automotive industry has been slower to adopt aluminum than some were expecting, there is definitely […]
Researchers announce new method for prepping carbon fibre for bonding
By Mike Davey Oak Ridge, Tennessee — May 30, 2016 — Carbon fibre composites are incredibly strong and very lightweight. The material would therefore be almost perfect for both body panel and structural components, but high production costs have helped to limit its use. Carbon fibre also requires a lot of surface preparation prior […]
Future of lightweighting? Look to Lotus
By Mike Davey Hamilton, Ontario — May 4, 2016 — You probably won’t see too many roll into the shop, but it’s worth noting that Lotus has managed to shave another 207 kilograms from its cars. The company’s heaviest model weighs in at just 1,395 kilograms. The company doesn’t produce what most people […]
Minister Murray to auto recyclers: ‘We need you’
By Jeff Sanford Markham, Ontario — May 4, 2016 — Glen Murray is Ontario’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Change. He recently made some remarks on building a “circular” economy and congratulated automotive recyclers on being ahead of the curve. Murray was refreshingly frank about the realities of climate change during an address to […]
Acura Canada launches NSX certification program
By Mike Davey Toronto, Ontario — April 29, 2016 — A new OEM certification is coming to Canada. In fact, it’s already here. Acura Canada has recently rolled out a certification program designed for its 2017 NSX. The NSX series has always been technologically advanced. Originally the vehicle was designed to meet or exceed the […]
Pro Spot offers free I-CAR training with welder purchase
Carlsbad, California — March 31, 2016 — Pro Spot Canada has announced a new promotion which includes a free I-CAR Aluminum Welding Course with the purchase of any SP-2 or SP-5 Pulse MIG welder. Body shops that purchase either an SP-2 or SP-5 Pulse MIG welder from an authorized Pro Spot Canadian distributor will be […]
Car-O-Liner to exhibit OEM certified equipment at NADA Expo
Wixom, Michigan — March 30, 2016 — Car-O-Liner has announced it will exhibit in booth #1267C at the NADA Convention & Expo, taking place April 1 to 3, 2016 in Las Vegas. Run by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the show focuses on dealerships so it’s no surprise that Car-O-Liner will highlight OEM approved […]
Guild 21 and Larry Hults examine the details of aluminum repair
By Jeff Sanford Toronto, Ontario — February 15, 2016 — Guild 21 held its latest conference call recently, hosting guest Larry Hults, Chief Operating Officer of DOXA Enterprises. Hults offered up advice for collision facility owners pondering aluminum repair. Hosted by collision repair consultancy Verifacts Automotive, the Guild 21 Conference Call has become an important […]
