PROGRESS, PROMISE AND PROSPERITY

With a commitment to training and embracing safe repairs, Canada’s collision repair industry is poised for a great new year!

By DARRYL SIMMONS

As we make our way through the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to take a breather and reflect on the year that was and the one quickly approaching. This period is filled with both rewarding milestones and challenging bends in the road, like a stocking that holds both treasured gifts and playful surprises. The most notable achievement this year has been the widespread acceptance and enthusiasm for training and education. This paradigm shift towards continuous learning has been akin to embracing a new gear in our operational mindset. It’s not just about acquiring new skills; it’s about cultivating a culture of excellence and adaptability that keeps pace with automotive advancements. These past years have seen the rising prominence of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The significant increase in vehicles equipped with these sophisticated systems has brought a new dimension to the world of collision repair. This underscores the absolute necessity of adhering to proper repair procedures, particularly post-repair calibrations and scanning. These processes are no longer optional, but essential steps to ensure the safety and functionality of repaired vehicles.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have also taken a front seat this year, marking a significant shift in the repair landscape. Collision Repair magazine’s EV Repair Tour, supported by Fix Network, highlighted this evolution, showcasing our industry’s readiness to tackle the complexities of these high-tech vehicles.

Amidst these developments, the opening of Fix Network’s third training centre and 3M’s Skills Development Center deserve a special mention. These institutions are not just physical spaces; they represent our commitment to upskilling the workforce and staying at the forefront of industry trends. They are tangible manifestations of our dedication to not just keeping up, but leading the charge in automotive repair education.

The Canadian Council of Collision Repairers’ (CCCR) meeting in Las Vegas further exemplified our industry’s collaborative spirit. Bringing together more than 25 shopowners and managers, the meeting was a productive convergence, that set the strategic course for the upcoming year and reinforced the group’s goals, mission statement and values.

The mission of the CCCR is to advocate for the highest standards of safety in collision repair across Canada. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the CCCR aims to elevate the industry’s commitment to safe repairs, safeguarding the well-being of customers and workers alike. As we shift into the new year, the theme echoing through our industry should be: ‘a safe repair is the only repair.’ Championed by the CCCR, this mantra is more than a motto; it’s a commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and quality in every repair we undertake.

In closing, as we embrace the festive season and look towards a new year brimming with potential, I extend heartfelt holiday greetings to our entire collision repair community. May your season be joyous, and the coming year filled with prosperity, safety, and continued success in all our endeavours.

Happy Holidays, and here’s to a prosperous New Year!