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December, 2011
Who Does What for the Canadian Collision Sector?
Andrew Shepherd
A recent collision industry think session started as most do – with the hosts explaining their roles in the industry along with the purpose of the meeting. But this was no pro forma explanation. It turns out that there is genuine confusion about I-CAR Canada, its parent organization the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) and the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF).
Over 30 collision repair, insurance and association representatives from across Canada met in Toronto on October 20, most importantly to provide strategic direction for AIA and the I-CAR program.
Current Trends
There was a very strong consensus about the continuing consolidation of shops and insurers - all agreed that this is an international trend which will change the Canadian collision landscape over the coming decade. New automotive technologies (including collision avoidance systems, communications, lighter and stronger steels) will be introduced at an increasing rate with each new model year. One trend which is just now emerging is the introduction of OEM shop qualification – we’ve seen BMW, Jaguar, etc., require training and equipment standards in certified repair shops, but Toyota and even Ford and GM appear to be ready to take the same path – not surprising, given the diversity of manufacturing processes, electronics, parts and repair recommendations for each manufacturer. And finally all recognized the real difficulty in getting OE repair information in anything like a timely manner, with the industry often waiting 6 months to a year for repair data on new models.
 Given these challenges, the group went on to provide detailed advice on the roles of I-CAR Canada, AIA and CCIF in the collision repair world ahead. Overall there was a strong recommendation that I-CAR Canada become a central training clearing house that provides one-stop shopping for the Collision sector. This would include recognizing courses from associations, manufacturers, colleges, universities and trade schools, etc., and building these into a Canadian system for skills recognition. It was also suggested that I-CAR Canada should invest time and resources into augmenting college apprenticeship programs with modern curricula. A larger suite of Internet training offerings was also recommended. And finally the group saw I-CAR as a perfect avenue for OE and dealership training, as well as providing OE repair information to the industry.
 There is certainly less familiarity in the collision sector with AIA Canada’s work as a trade association – including lobbying, providing sector studies and analysis, marketing and promotion, etc. It was strongly suggested that the Paint, Body and Equipment Council of the Association play an action role, taking the discussion points of CCIF, implementing ideas, etc. At the same time, it was felt that insurers need a much stronger voice at the “action table”.
 There was unanimous support among the group for CCIF’s role as a discussion forum and meeting place. Most felt that better bridges need to be built with AIA and I-CAR Canada. Recent successes such as the Recyclers – Repairers meeting illustrate the power of the Forum in bringing parties together.
Conclusion
The day ended with a sincere expression of thanks from the representatives of I-CAR Canada, AIA Canada and CCIF. Discussions were forwardthinking and collaborative, focusing on how different groups can work together to help the Canadian collision industry face a new and challenging world. All participants felt that the large national groups face the same competitive challenge as the smallest shop, and that the answers are similar as well – get lean, share information and work together. | |
