SHIFT HAPPENS
It’s time to transform conversations into action By ALLISON ROGERS As we close out another year, it’s a given that we all reflect on conversations we’ve all had about industry change. Those passionate discussions that ignite our hopes for a better future in our industry. Year after year, the collective industry gathers thoughts from the […]
ATLANTIC | REGIONAL NEWS
A CATASTROPHIC CALENDAR The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has released a “One-Year Update Following 2023 Nova Scotia Wildfires and Flooding” report that details that insured losses in the province are now approaching half a billion dollars. The report specifically highlights the aftermath of two storms that affected the province in the late spring and […]
QUEBEC | REGIONAL NEWS
PERSISTENT PEELING A Quebec class-action lawsuit—originally filed in May 2023—over alleged quality issues with the paint on older Hyundai models is seeing renewed support, with complaints having been filed from countries such as the United States and Australia. The suit was originally brought forth by Michel Allard, who bought a used 2017 Hyundai Elantra in […]
REGIONAL NEWS | ONTARIO
METRICS MATTER On October 16, CARSTAR Canada hosted an exclusive educational event at CARSTAR Downsview, the latest location under the ownership of MGM Auto Group’s Mike Cherneta and Kapi Komera. Bill Davidge, CARSTAR Canada’s Director of Innovation and Technology, led a session focused on understanding metrics. Around 80 attendees joined, including personnel from collision repair […]
MANITOBA | REGIONAL NEWS
BUDDY UP Manitoba is reinstating its one-to-one apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio as of Oct. 30, though collision centres may apply for exemption to keep the two-to-one ratio via the Automotive Trades Association (ATA) of Manitoba. “We’re happy to assist shops through this change and help them find the resources they need to hopefully run their business with […]
SASKATCHEWAN | REGIONAL NEWS
PARTNERED PLACEMENTS The Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) has extended partnership agreements with the Saskatchewan Automobile Dealers Association (SADA) and the Saskatchewan Association of Autobody Repairers (SAAR) to help offer work placement options for high school students. Both associations have signed a two-year partnership extension with Sask DLC to enhance learning opportunities through work […]
REGIONAL NEWS | ALBERTA
OLYMPIC EFFORTS On September 14, CARSTAR Ellerslie, part of the CARSTAR Johnny K Group, held an Olympic-themed Staff Appreciation Day–dubbed the JKCG Olympics–where staff competed in a variety of activities to foster team spirit and camaraderie. Johnny Kloeckes, owner of six CARSTAR locations in the Edmonton, Alta., area, spearheaded this event. An advocate for community […]
REGIONAL NEWS | BRITISH COLUMBIA
IMPOUND INSIGHTS The Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) has announced significant updates to the Impound Lot Operators (ILO) program, as recently announced by Road Safety B.C. (RSBC). As noted in a recent press release, 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 […]
TIME CRIMES
DON’T LET YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE INDEX TURN INTO A CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION Column by STEFANO LIESSI Customer service, customer satisfaction index and client service are all familiar phrases we hear every day. They are also words that are often touted boisterously by many that lack the actual skill to provide it. The irony of CSI […]
REPAIR CARE
LIKE A DOCTOR, THE BODYSHOP IS ALL ABOUT PROVIDING A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO REPAIRS Column by CHARLES AUBRY Imagine you’re hammering away on your patio when suddenly—BAM! You hit your thumb with the hammer. What do you do? Off to the hospital, of course. Once you arrive at the ER, the doctor doesn’t just glance […]
