Toronto, Ontario -- The Automotive Aftermarket Retailers Association of Ontario is changing its name and calling for increased collaboration between automotive industry associations as the sector undergoes rapid technological change, workforce challenges and evolving regulatory demands.
The change was made following discussions at the AARO's Shift Happens event. Now known as the Automotive Aftermarket Repair Organization of Canada, the rebrand is meant to better reflect a new mandate to work collaboratively across the automotive network.
One group heeding the AARO's call is the Automotive Recyclers of Canada. According to Steve Fletcher, former executive director of the ARC, the association plans to collaborate with the AARO in order to raise awareness about recycled OEM parts within certain aftermarket sectors.
The mandate shift comes as the independent aftermarket faces mounting pressure on multiple fronts.
Between 2022 and 2031, job openings for automotive service technicians are anticipated to reach 54,000 while job seekers are projected at only 44,800, creating a shortage of 9,200 positions. The shortage of automotive service technicians doubled between 2021 and 2022, while automotive apprenticeship program completions declined by nearly 30 percent.
Meanwhile, modern vehicles collect thousands of data points necessary for diagnosis and repair, but automakers increasingly control who can access this data. Over 50 percent of vehicles globally now use telematics systems, a figure expected to rise to 95 percent within six years.
"As vehicles become more advanced, no single segment of the industry can operate in isolation," said Steve Gushie, chair of AARO. "Repairers, recyclers, suppliers, educators and policymakers are all connected. Strong associations working together create better outcomes for businesses, consumers and the industry as a whole."
The AARO, founded in 1939, has long advocated for the independent automotive aftermarket. The organization has been actively involved in right to repair advocacy, including support for Bill C-244, which passed unanimously in the House of Commons in October 2023 and proposed amendments to the Copyright Act for vehicle data access.
"By working together, associations can amplify their voices and better support the businesses they represent," added Gushie. "Our goal is not to replace existing efforts, but to complement them by creating opportunities for alignment and cooperation."
