Toronto, Ontario — This year was surely one for the books, especially when it comes to the news that came to Canada’s automotive landscape.
Amid a global pandemic, the collision repair industry stood strong and weathered the storm. Month after month, Collision Repair shared the exciting news of new shop openings, brand-new tools and services, trend updates and so much more–all while providing information to the repairers responsible for restoring Canadian driver’s vehicles to their pre-accident condition.
Take a look through our top stories for each month in 2020 below. From the pre-pandemic days of Toronto’s Motorama expo to ‘ducking’ Jeeps, 2020 will be a year we remember forever.
Orillia, Ontario — CARSTAR is celebrating the opening of CARSTAR Orillia, located at 4252 Wainman Line, Orillia, Ontario.
Rob Bromley, owner of CARSTAR Orillia has been active in the collision repair industry for more than 25 years. Starting his career working on small repairs, he has since expanded his business, but always prioritized premier repair standards and service levels.
“After speaking with other CARSTAR owners and researching my business opportunities, joining CARSTAR felt like the right fit for my team,” said Bromley. “Orillia is expanding rapidly and we wanted to ensure we had the resources to grow with our thriving community.”
CARSTAR Orillia is a more than 594 square-metre facility, completely renovated and remodelled with the latest state-of-the-art repair equipment. Filled with I-CAR Platinum certified technicians and aluminum ready, CARSTAR Orillia is also a Ford certified facility.
“Being a part of a network with such an exceptional reputation helps our franchise partners, as they can lean on one another for support, accountability and advice,” says Tony Mammone, Ontario zone director, CARSTAR. “Outside of the comradery within the CARSTAR family, our franchise partners have also found great value in the proprietary EDGE Performance Platform, as it helps owners like Rob take their business to the next level while maintaining their community ties.”
CARSTAR has stated that supporting the Orillia community is important to Rob and his team, as they regularly sponsor local teams and charities. As a family-owned business owner, Rob said he is proud to have his daughter Laurie manage the front of the facility and Orillia local Dan Meredith running the repair process in the shop.
Please join the CARSTAR family in welcoming Rob and his team to the CARSTAR network!
Toronto, Ontario — The Ontario government has revealed its redesigned vehicle licence plates featuring changes that are yours to discover.
“Ontario’s Government for the people is introducing updated personal and commercial licence plates along with a new driver’s licence design that reflects a renewed government promise to put people first in everything it does,” said the provincial government early last year.
The most notable change comes in the form of the plates’ new colour scheme—a dark navy blue and light blue background replaces the bright white of current plates. It will mark the first time the province has issued a white-on-blue colour scheme in almost 50 years.
Along with a redesign to Ontario’s trillium logo is a change in slogan. Ontario plates have read “Yours To Discover” since 1982. The new slogan reads “A Place To Grow,” which is a reference to Ontario’s “A place to Stand, a Place to Grow” anthem written back in 1967. As for Premier Doug Ford’s tagline “Open for Business”—it will be reserved for commercial plates only.
The new licence plates are also said to last longer than their former versions, being “materially enhanced” according to the government. Due to “high-definition” sheeting, we could be saying goodbye to the bubbling and peeling paint of yesteryear’s plates. Peter Bethlenfalvy, the president of the Treasury Board, said the new material cost and resizing of the plates will save taxpayer dollars.
“By making this new brand and visual identity a government-wide standard, we are also saving taxpayers’ money by putting a stop to a wasteful practice that we saw taking place across government,” said Bethlenfalvy.
Car enthusiasts almost got their wishes granted when the provincial government also considered removing front licence plates—which would allow for a most aesthetically pleasing look—but ultimately decided for their inclusion to keep communities safer.
Ontario motorists are not required to update their licence plates to this new design but can choose to buy these updated plates for $59 at a Service Ontario location.
Toronto, Ontario — Hundreds gathered Mississauga, Ont.’s International Centre on Friday and Saturday for the sixth annual Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo, which saw plenty of custom builds, classic masterpieces and celebrity guests mingle on the show floor.
The show went on Friday and Saturday despite several conference cancellations due to ongoing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. On Sunday, Motorama officials announced that, after consulting with authorities, the event’s third day would be cancelled.
“After consultation with The International Centre and in consideration of the direction announced by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health to cancel events and gatherings exceeding 250 people, the promoters of the Motorama Custom Car & Motorsports Expo have determined that it’s not possible to open on Sunday, March 15, 2020,” read a news release.
Friday, however, saw the show floor rev up at 10 a.m. as more than 800 students from trade schools entered the colourful exhibition hall.
While many of Motorama’s display vehicles were homegrown entries, some of this year’s must-see feature vehicles were brought in from the United States and viewable on Canadian soil for the first time.
Master-builder Eddie Pettus’ of Illinois’ Eddie’s Rod & Custom showcased a newly completed 1963 Corvette—a retro-mod that looks stock, said Eddie, but has an LT4 motor under the hood coupled to a six-speed transmission. The car sports a dark blue hue, has one-off custom wheels and a black, custom leather interior.
Viv Agresti from nearby Bradford, Ontario brought his 1959 Corvette to the show. The car was not only an attraction at SEMA last November, but was also a part of the backdrop at the SEMA Hot Rod Banquet.
Big names were also present on the show floor—celebrity appearances included Constance Nunes from Netflix’s CAR MASTERS: Rust to Riches, JF Launier (Ridler winner, Motorama Grand Champion and a regular on History Channel’s Rust Valley Restorers, celebrated Canadian automotive artist Ron Gibbs, Grant Schwartz of Schwartz’s Welding and Vegas Rat Rods and builders Eddie Pettus and Chad Martin.
The Pinty’s Stage saw a lot of action on Saturday during the two PANEL JAM events. Painters Ron Gibbs from Burlington, Ont., Danno Drouin of Brantford, Ont., and Rollie Guertin of Guelph, Ont. combined their skills to pinstripe three distinct panels in front of awestruck audiences. The trio wowed crowds all weekend and showcased their award-winning artwork in the show’s ‘Mayhem’ room.
BASF had arranged for Chip Foose, auto designer and star of the television series Overhaulin’ to appear but he cancelled on Thursday evening, citing the COVID-19 health crisis as a concern.
Toronto, Ontario — Three of Canada’s largest automotive suppliers have agreed to assist in the producion of much-needed ventilators during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Magna International Inc., Linamar Corp., Martinrea International, the government of Ontario and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association met last week and agreed that the trio of suppliers will focus their efforts on helping manufacture ventilators.
Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said Friday at a news conference in Toronto that the provincial government has “an active order” for 10,000 ventilators, which the suppliers will help fill.
“This is going to be vital. We need to have these in our hospitals,” she said. “We’re…reaching out to Ontario companies who are actively involved in changing their production lines, doing whatever they can to produce this supply.”
Two weeks ago, Flavio Volpe, president of the APMA called on Canada’s suppliers to assist in the production of needed personal protective gear and medical equipment as health officials warned about a shortage of both, likening the need for the auto industry to retool to that of the industry’s efforts during World War II.
Magna, Linamar and Martinrea will work with three manufacturers in the health-care field; Toronto-based Thornhill Medical to build ventilators, O-two Medical of Brampton, Ont., where they build portable and transportable ventilators, and with General Motors Co., and Ventec Life Systems, which together have agreed to build ventilators at a General Motors factory in Indiana.
“GM, our suppliers and Ventec are partnering to scale up ventilator and Level 1 surgical face mask manufacturing at big volumes, quickly,” GM Canada said in a tweet Friday. “COVID-19 is a global challenge, and working with our partners GM intends to contribute to global solutions wherever feasible.”
Magna says it will be supporting the initiative with some components, logistics and purchasing.
Linamar issued a statement on Friday:
“Linamar is actively investigating the feasibility of manufacturing ventilators working with a variety of partners. We are hopeful that we can play a role in helping to deal with the consequences of this global pandemic. Linamar is working closely with government, industry experts and other manufacturing companies to find a way to expedite expanding capacity for ventilators. It is a top priority project for us at the moment and one we are highly focused on.”
The companies have not said how many ventilators each intends to produce, or when production will start.
Meanwhile, Canadian auto suppliers can now tap into a $50-million fund if they choose to retool to produce medical equipment needed to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), the industry-led organization steering Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, said Wednesday that it will invest the money to support any Canadian manufacturer as they prepare to produce critically needed supplies, such as test kits, gloves, gowns, masks and ventilators.
Calgary, Alberta — For the months of May and June of 2020, certain Calgary CARSTAR locations are offering free detailing to frontline healthcare workers.
“The strength demonstrated by doctors, nurses and healthcare workers is extraordinary and offering this service is our way to express our sincerest gratitude towards these heroes,” says Mark Kharfan, owner, CARSTAR Airdrie, CARSTAR Okotoks, CARSTAR High River and CARSTAR Calgary Heritage. “As they go to and from work in their vehicles, we hope they don’t have to worry about the state of their vehicles’ cleanliness.”
“Our team will thoroughly clean both the interior and exterior of the vehicle,” said Kharfan. “We will also apply a disinfectant in an effort to remove any contamination.”
These CARSTAR facilities are all a part of the MK Group within the CARSTAR system. Actively engaged in their community, this team donates to their local food banks, sponsors teams and regularly raises crucial funds and awareness for its charitable cause, Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
To book a free vehicle detail, frontline healthcare workers can email frontlineworkers@carstarab.ca and for more information, visit CARSTAR.ca.
Toronto, Ontario — May 11, 2020 — If there’s one thing Al Quiring really wants to see his fellow towing professionals do, it is to take their personal safety more seriously.
In fact, when asked what advice he would share with ambitious young people in the towing sector looking to build-up their businesses would be, he says: “Pay attention to what is coming down the road, and make sure it pays attention to you.”
It is good advice. Being struck by a fast-moving vehicle during a roadside operation will end a career far more quickly than any particular business decision.
The Highway Thru Hell star, whose profile on the show has increased significantly in its more recent episodes, has teamed up with U.S. manufacturer J.W. Speaker in order to promote his message—and to promote the company’s own lighting solutions.
It is difficult to imagine a more charming pitchman. Even when promoting J.W. Speaker’s products, Quiring seems absolutely sincere.
“The SmartHeat, is the cat’s meow for keeping the lens clear. I use the Model 8800 SmartHeat Headlights.” explains Quiring. “What is most important to me is that the SmartHeat lets drivers working in adverse road conditions spend less time outside of their cabs, where it is dangerous.”
That’s not to say he doesn’t know his stuff. Even when taken by surprise by a question about the advantages of the SmartHeat lenses over halogens, Quiring doesn’t miss a beat.
“A halogen light generates a lot of heat—most of which is directed inside, not onto the lens. That makes them a big power draw. With my lights, the SmartHeat technology is incorporated into the LED light itself. There’s also a grid pattern on the front, which means nothing is going to stop them from beaming clear down the highway.”
The veteran road warrior, however, can only be held back for so long.
“Look, whether it is a kid chasing a ball, or a herd of wood bison, I don’t want my truck hitting it,” Quiring says. “I could pay $15 for bulbs, but the investment is worth it.”
It is clear J.W. Speaker has no interest in reducing Quiring’s famously frank style into a bunch of agency-approved sound-bites. In fact, long before he was a celebrity, J.W. Speaker had sought out Quiring’s input on product performance.
“I wasn’t featured on the show too much until one episode, when I did something all of the crew thought I wouldn’t pull-off. I did.”
“In fact, when I caught the director’s eye, it was the first time I’d ever used LED seeing lights, which J.W. Speaker had asked me to try out. By the time I got home, I had a set for my partner, Gord. I couldn’t let him go another mile without them.”
Quiring isn’t the only towing professional who has worked with the manufacturer to ensure the quality of its products. The J.W. Speaker team says it relies on the input of towing professionals and members of the other industries it creates products for, in order to make sure it is meeting the market’s needs.
“For towing and a lot of our other markets, we get out in the field. We identify what problems towing professionals, agricultural workers, mining engineers – are having, and then we apply our technologies to finding solutions. The SmartHeat itself was originally designed for forklifts,” says Gary Durian, engineering director at J.W. Speaker.
Durian also says that the company’s relationship with industry members means it sometimes receives its best ideas from tow operators without even asking.
“We are very proud of how many ideas come to us directly from industry professionals. They reach out to our customer care folks on a daily basis,” says Durian. “Recently, we were asked if it would be possible to come up with a light that shifts between white and amber, depending on a driver’s needs. It was simple to do, but it hadn’t been done before!”
That idea led to the design of the Model 234 Flash LED Tail Lights with SmartHeat. The taillights are also available in five different colour options: amber, blue, green, red and clear with programmable strobe patterns.
The technology is exciting to Quiring, who had not heard of the colour-changing system, and the pair immediately begin bouncing application ideas off each other, and discussing emergency lighting conventions in different parts of the world.
While the pair may have moved past their speaking notes, the exchange makes it clear why Quiring is the perfect person to pitch J.W. Speaker’s products. He shares the company’s passion for industrial lighting. He wants everyone to be as passionate about it as well.
As he puts it, “We operate in avalanche zones, flood zones and–generally—in bad driver zones. You have to think about your lighting. You’ve got to check it, and adapt it if you want to get home.”
Toronto, Ontario — CSN Collision Centres (CSN) and 1Collision Network have announced the merger of their business operations.
The companies say the agreement will allow the organizations to offer a unified collision repair experience and claims management solution to the driving public and insurance industry throughout Canada, and the United States.
“Part of what makes the merger so unique is how many commonalities there already are between the networks,” said CSN President & CEO Ryan Bruno. “Both CSN and 1Collision share a similar philosophy and approach to doing business which revolves around trust, loyalty and a commitment to excellence.”
For CSN and 1Collision, the union of their companies is a natural fit. Both organizations were formed in the early 2000s and expanded on the foundation of family-values and a team focused approach to network development. With coast-to-coast coverage in their respective markets each network has solid representation with room for further growth.
“We are committed to adding value for our independent locations in order for them to continue to be market leaders. We believe we’ll be able to combine our strengths in terms of corporate level support through insurance relationships, operations, marketing, vendor relations and business planning and extend that service and deliver more value on both sides of the border,” said 1Collision President Jim Keller.
The CSN and 1Collision footprint now spans 240 locations across North America, with combined network revenue of over CAD$750 million (USD$550 million).
Day-to-day operations in the United States and Canada will continue to be led by Jim Keller and Flavio Battilana, COO, CSN Collision Centres respectively, with Ryan Bruno overseeing both networks.
Toronto, Ontario — Jeep drivers have an unspoken bond, anyone who drives one knows to wave to fellow jeep drivers when they cross paths. However, this bond has been further strengthened with a new trend called ‘Jeep Ducking,’ and it all started in the great white north.
In essence, Jeep owners are purchasing rubber ducks, writing a little note on them and leaving them on other Jeeps as a way to spread goodwill and positivity.
As quirky and fun as this trend is, it has a rather heartbreaking origin. Creator Allison Parliament, 31, said she started ducking in July after she was physically assaulted in Ontario, for having an American license plate, According to the Taunton Daily Gazette.
Parliament works in both Alabama and her birth country of Canada, splitting her time between both countries. She explained that she was driving her car, which has Alabama license plates when she was approached by a man who pushed her into her vehicle and told her to go back to the U.S.
Instead of getting angry, Parliament and her friends decided to react to the situation with positivity. She went to a nearby store, purchased a rubber duck and placed it on a Jeep with a note explaining its purpose.
After that, Parliament and her friends took to Facebook and the trend blew up. There is now a private group on Facebook, called Official Ducking Jeeps with over 14 thousand members from all over the U.S. and Canada. As well, an Instagram account that features people who have participated in the ducking challenge.
Parliament told Taunton reporters Jeep dealerships and mechanics around the country are now participating, and that she’s working to make Ducking Jeeps a nonprofit to help raise money for teachers in need of money for school supplies.
Happy ducking jeep drivers.
Toronto, Ontario — Honda Canada has reached a tentative agreement to resolve the Takata airbag inflator class action litigation in Canada after last week’s settlement in the United States.
The proposed settlement agreement covers recalled Honda and Acura vehicles (automobiles and Goldwing motorcycles) with Takata airbag inflators. The proposed settlement also provides additional service/repair coverage for defective materials or workmanship in non-Takata replacement airbag inflators installed in recalled vehicles.
The proposed settlement also makes provision for the reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Honda Canada customers as a result of the recall. Finally, the agreement also sets out continued activities by Honda Canada to recover recalled airbag inflators from scrap sellers through its Takata airbag inflator re-purchase program.
Honda Canada says it will continue its recall efforts, and take steps to replace recalled inflators in all vehicles affected by the recall. An “ample supply” of replacement airbag inflators are readily available, the automaker said in an online press release.
Last week, the automaker paid US$85 million to put an end to a U.S. investigation into its use of Takata airbag inflators. The settlement marks the end of multiple state probes into allegations that the automaker failed to notify consumers that the automaker knew airbag inflators may be potentially unsafe.
Honda continues to urge owners of Honda and Acura vehicles affected by the Takata airbag inflator recalls to bring their vehicles to authorized dealers for the recall service as soon as possible.
For more information on the class action settlement, visit www.hondaairbagsettlement.ca
Hamilton, Ontario – CARSTAR Canada has announced the addition of five new facilities this fall.
“Our continued commitment to success for our franchise, insurance, and vendor partners is unrelenting,” said Michael Macaluso, paint, collision & glass, group president and EVP, Driven Brands.
“Seeing the strength of our franchise family throughout this challenging time has motivated us, even more, to provide our system with the support they deserve. Having these new owners join our CARSTAR family further validates our momentum and we are excited to see success in the long-term for our franchisees.”
All five of the facilities are located throughout Ontario—adding to the already passive Canadian footprint, with more than 300 facilities across the country.
The new five owners joining the CARSTAR family are, Mike Mulder of CARSTAR Arnprior; Amir Seif, owner of CARSTAR Aurora; Frank Blandizzi and Mustafa Rajab, owners of CARSTAR Eglinton (Donway); Munir Daya, owner of CARSTAR Mississauga North and Alan Shek, owner of CARSTAR Thornhill.
Mulder from Arnprior, a longstanding dealer principal at Arnprior Chrysler Ltd. Is converting his repair centre located down the road from his dealership into a CARSTAR facility. Arnprior Chrysler Ltd. Has been the Ottawa Valley’s award-winning, family-owned Chrysler Dodge and Jeep dealership since 1976, and Mikes looks forward to bringing this same level of premier service to his collision repair customers.
Amir just recently moved his operations from Richmond hill to Aurora into a new facility. He is highly experienced in both mechanical and collision repairs and is thrilled to be apart of Aurora community.
Blandizzi and Rajab have both been in the collision repair industry for several years. This will be Blandizzi second shop, he has owned another CARSTAR facility for the last 10 years before joining Rajab. Rajab is Blandizzi’s partner at the second facility, as Rajab himself has experience with CARSTAR, both working as a technician and with the corporate team for two years.
Daya’s CARSTAR Mississauga facility was first established in 1995 with a strong reputation for fleet repair capabilities. Specializing in passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and van repairs, Daya’s shop will be a strong addition to the family, stated in CARSTAR in their press release.
Lastly, Shek’s Thornhill facility was first established in 1995, he and his team have built a reputation for providing the highest level of excellence in collision repairs for luxury vehicles. CARSTAR believes this facility has a strong team of experienced technicians who are excited to demonstrate their skills on all makes and models.
“We are thrilled to welcome these new owners on board as they are eager to continue providing exceptional repair quality and customer service experiences to their communities,” said Macaluso.
Edmonton, Alberta — Metal recyclers in Alberta may want to brush up on their metal theft regulations—the province has implemented new rules as of Sept. 1, with the second portion of regulations coming into effect on Nov. 1, 2020.
The Sept. 1 regulations state that sellers of metal and metal materials are required to provide government-issued photo ID. Dealers are also now required to record the seller’s ID information and details of the transaction, including the individual’s first and last name; their current address; the unique ID number on the government-issued ID provided by the individual; the name of the person’s business, if applicable; the date and time the scrap metal was acquired; a brief description of the scrap metal along with its weight and any other details of any vehicle in which the scrap metal was delivered.
The Nov. 1 regulations will require dealers to report restricted metal and metal materials transactions to law enforcement, while all payments after this date will need to be made using traceable forms of currency. Cash payments will no longer be an option.
For more details on the new regulations for metal recyclers, click here.
Toronto, Ontario — Mitchell and General Motors have announced the GM Canada Collision Repair Network, which will allow participating businesses to access each company’s business and technology resources designed to streamline repair processes, increase consumer confidence and support the safe return of GM vehicles to the road.
Mitchell will serve as program administrator, overseeing enrollment and verifying that repair organizations meet high standards for facilities, training, tools and equipment. The new Canadian collision repair network closely mirrors GM’s U.S. program, which launched in 2018 and is also managed by Mitchell. Core member requirements—including a list of essential tools and curriculum for technician development—will now be standard throughout the network’s North American facilities.
Additionally, participating facilities will use Mitchell Cloud Estimating with integrated repair procedures to create estimates and repair plans that offer line-level access to GM procedures as the appraisal is written, reducing research time and facilitating proper repair.
Mitchell justified its choice in OEM in an online press release, stating that the GM Collision Repair Network provides a metrics-driven approach that requires participants have training, tools and repair procedures that can help them properly and safely restore today’s increasingly complex vehicles, such as those equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and constructed of special materials.
“Vehicle complexity has skyrocketed in recent years, necessitating expert knowledge, equipment and tools to do the job right,” said Bob Rintoul, vice president of Myers Automotive Group. “With the GM Collision Repair Network, we can be confident we have the resources needed to get vehicle owners back on the road safely. And with the certification, we also have an advantage over the competition.”
Additional information, including how GM Canada dealers can enroll, is available on the Mitchell website. In 2021, the collision repair network will expand to Canadian independent repairers and Multi-Site Operators (MSOs).
“We’re honoured to support GM and its launch of the Canadian GM Collision Repair Network,” said Debbie Day, executive vice president and general manager of Mitchell’s Auto Physical Damage division. “Close collaboration and a joint commitment to proper, safe repair has resulted in a successful program for Network participants throughout the US. Having recently introduced Mitchell Cloud Estimating to the Canadian market, now is the perfect time to expand the program to all of North America.”
For more information, please visit www.mitchell.com.
