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Once upon a time, in the bustling world of automotive craftsmanship, there existed a group of individuals who worked diligently behind the scenes. These often unsung heroes, the automotive painters, technicians, and other dedicated staff members, poured their heart and soul into perfecting every detail that graced the sleek surfaces of the vehicles we all admire.
But amid the clattering of tools and the hum of engines, there was a growing sense of frustration. It seemed as though their voices were never truly heard, their concerns left unaddressed.
In hushed whispers, on production floors, a prevailing fear had taken root—a fear that speaking up would invite retribution; that
a vision for a better industry, a stronger community. They understood that respectful complaint held the power to transform their work environment and culture, nurturing an atmosphere of inclusion, growth, and unparalleled excellence.
Now, in this optimistic tale of empowerment, the heroes are not institutions or largerthan-life entities. It’s you and the people you work alongside; the automotive artisans themselves. You are the ones at ground zero of our industry, the folks on the front lines of industry changes that we at this magazine write about. If you’re on the front lines, wouldn’t you agree you have a pretty good perspective of the challenges (and potential solutions!) in this industry? If
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voicing concerns would lead to punishment. It was a belief held by many, rooted in experiences of oppressive work environments that stifled dissent.
Yet, as the artisans and technicians discovered their collective strength, they realized that their perception was not always the reality. In supportive work environments, where the seeds of respect and collaboration were sown, their voices were not met with scorn, but with open ears and receptive minds.
It wasn’t long before a ripple effect ensued; the teams of tradespeople began realizing they were not alone in their common frustrations. The walls that once confined their voices crumbled, giving rise to a symphony of shared experiences and aspirations for their industry. They discovered that their concerns were not isolated, but echoed by their peers, creating a chorus of unity and purpose.
No longer content with the shadows, these artisans and technicians dared to step up in front of the entire collision sector, not in discontentment, but with
yes—why wouldn’t you collaborate with likeminded people to achieve a joint mission, especially if you truly believe it’s for the greater good of our industry.
At Bodyworx Professional and across all of our brands, we strive to celebrate you—the hardworking folks that have their hands on the cars. I’m not suggesting you yourself hold all of the answers to the skills shortage, staff retention, production floor optimization and so on; but you have ideas. And every solution starts as a tiny idea.
As you embark on your own journey within the automotive industry, remember the power that lies within your voice. Embrace the realization that you are an integral part of this intricate ecosystem, worthy of respect, recognition and the opportunity to shape the future. Never let anyone take that from you.
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In hushed whispers, on production floors, a prevailing fear had taken root—a fear that speaking up would invite retribution; that voicing concerns would lead to punishment.
Locally owned and operated, CARSTAR facilities employ certified and dedicated technicians to provide premier repairs to their communities.
Learn why CARSTAR is the leader in collision repair excellence by visiting CARSTAR.ca
You’re a tradesperson; you’ve worked hard to get where you are and you deserve something to carry with you that proves how talented you are—Skilled Trades Ontario agrees, announcing that more than 200,000 certificates and wallet cards will be given out. To serve both as proof of qualifications, as well as a symbol of pride. These certificates will be sent out this summer to about 17,500 tradespeople who earned their initial certification after January 1, 2022. The wallet cards, on the other hand, will be distributed in the fall to certified tradespeople and apprentices alike.
No specific deadlines on the delivery of the certificates or wallet cards has been announced.
The skills shortage in automotive trades has reached a “crisis” level, says a new study outlining Ontario’s industry employment data. The study, title The Labour Market for the Automotive Trades in Ontario, commissioned by the Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario (MVRO), delves into employment and apprenticeship data across compulsory trades. In Q1 2016, there were 830 job vacancies across automotive trades in Ontario. By Q3 2022, there were 4,350 vacancies. That’s a 424 percent increase. In Q1 2023, the latest data from MVRO, there were 3,125 job vacancies. On average, automotive service technicians and mechanics account for 81 percent of job vacancies; auto body collision repairers and estimators make up the remaining 19 percent of vacancies. The report also goes into age distribution of auto body and glass technicians and estimators in Ontario. In 2016, there were 435 workers in this category that were over the age of 65. In 2021, there were 655 auto body and glass techs or estimators aged 65+. Between 2016 and 2021, the number of workers aged younger than 24-years-old grew by less than 100 (860 workers aged under 24 in 2016; 935 in 2021). The number of auto body and glass techs/estimators aged between 25 years and 54 years dropped by 440 people between 2016 and 2021.
The report also says apprenticeship registration is declining; there was a 12.7 percent decline in automotive trade apprenticeship registrations between 2016 and 2021. Across all trades, apprenticeship registrations have dropped 20 percent since 2016.
An exciting new autobody competition is set to kick off in September in Port Coquitlam, B.C. The inaugural Crash of the Titans Collision Repair Competition is set to take place at Kirmac Collision in Port Coquitlam on September 23. Organizers announced that registrations are now open for competitors to throw their name in the ring and earn a piece of the $20,000 in cash prizes up for grabs. Competitors in the autobody category will take on challenges in the fields of plastic repair, sheet metal repair, welding, and frame measuring, event organizers told Bodyworx via email. Refinishers, on the other hand, will be judged on masking, paint prep, painting, and polishing. Alongside Kirmac Collision, PPG, 3M, the Dilawri auto group, Lordco Auto Parts and the West Coast Auto Group are also listed as headlining sponsors for this upcoming event.
If you thought one Trades and Tech truck was a good way to spread the news about Ontario’s skilled trades industry, the government says it is tripling down and building three more trucks to help bolster interest in the trades. First unveiled at an April 2022 event at Fix Network’s Milton, Ontario, training centre, Skills Ontario’s Trades and Tech truck is a mobile classroom that is equipped to provide students the ability to interact with various skilled trades, including welding, auto painting, electrical systems, tire and brake work and much more. The organization’s first truck made the rounds to more than 40,000 students across more than 50 events last year.
Tropicana Community Services brought its class of 17 pre-apprenticeship auto body students to the Canadian Welding Bureau’s newly opened Canadian Collision Repair Academy, which the organization created in collaboration with Volkswagen Group Canada and several suppliers, distributors and industry supporters. Students started the day with a brief presentation before getting a tour of the CCRA bodyshop, directed by the CWB’s collision repair trainer Jean-Marc Julien. They later broke out into groups to perform fit testing with 3M’s reps; talk about estimating with CARSTAR and get hands-on in the bodyshop with BMW. After a pizza lunch, Skilled Trades Ontario taught the students all about certification.
Tesla has changed its standard colour choices for the Model 3 and Model Y from Pearl White Multi-Coat to Midnight Silver. Customers who want a Pearl White Multi-Coat vehicle will have to shell out $1,300 for the colour. It’s been a back-and-forth with Model 3 and Model Y standard colours in recent years. In late 2021, CEO Elon Musk made Midnight Silver Metallic one of the standard colour choices, but only in the United States. Soon after, the brand reverted to white as the standard hue and attached a premium to the Midnight Silver paint shade. Now, more than a year later, Tesla has gone back to offering the steely shade as its default colour. The brand did not give any reason as to why, and no similar changes were made to the Model X or Model S ranges.
Toyota is getting in on the gigacasting game at its assembly plants. Tesla was the first automaker to bring the term “gigacasting” to the electric car enthusiast’s lexicon in 2018, when it began using the massive Italian-built giga press machines to create lower cost, lighter weight frame casts for Tesla vehicles. The gigacasting process, alternatively referred to as megacasting or megapressing, involves an injection of at least 80 kg of molten aluminium into a mould where it is formed into a part, released and then quickly cooled. While Toyota represents the most recent major OEM to embrace the innovative lightweighting method, numerous other companies like General Motors, Hyundai, Volvo/Polestar, as well as Chinese EV-maker, Zeekr, have entered the fray.
David Giles, co-founder of All EV Canada and longtime EV educator, has formed a new business venture: PoweredEV Training and Consulting. “We are a global consulting company with over 20 years of experience in strategic planning and course development for electric vehicles,” Giles wrote on LinkedIn. “We work in the world of electric and hydrogen transportation to build a sustainable future.” Giles told Bodyworx that Powered EV Consulting will consult the industry on “anything to do with EVs.” “We’re working with global automakers, companies from around the world, colleges and universities, technician training and certification groups–there’s been a lot of interest. It’s been almost overwhelming, honestly, just this past week! But it’s great and I’m excited to see where things take us.”
Rivian has opened its first Canadian showroom as of July 28. Located at the Amazing Brentwood in Burnaby, British Columbia, the site is the first place on Canadian soil where Rivian customers can get an up-close look at the new OEM’s vehicles. In late June, Rivian also opened its virtual store to B.C. reservation holders, giving them the first chance to pick up a model—though it may not be the original model they originally ordered. Rivian plans to open locations in Ontario and Quebec in the near future.
A U.K. news source is reporting that a “genius tip” gone viral on TikTok is encouraging drivers to repair unsightly body scratches with nail polish. TikTok user @happywifehappylifehaha is to blame.
“I will show you a trick that dealership workers use,” she captioned the video. “Just use the cheapest nail polish colour of your car to remove all the scratches.” Then, wielding a $2 nail polish bottle, the woman in the video slathers the paint on her car.
What do you do when the sun’s out nearly all day on the Fourth of July? Does the holiday even exist without fireworks? Ask Anchorage, Alaska, locals—there’s a nearby resort that, since 2005, has been celebrating American independence by tossing cars and RVs off a 300-foot (91 metre) cliff. They don’t just roll ‘em off the cliff, either. These cars are fully engaged, transmission on and engines roaring, before they’re tossed off the mound.
Meet Remley—this issue’s featured Pet of the Bodyshop. A 16-year-old border collie-lab mix, Remley has held a variety of roles since joining the team at Burnaby Auto Body, from estimator to shop manager, emotional support rep, model and more.
Brian Borsoff, Remley’s dad and owner of Burnaby Auto Body, says that one of Remley’s most important jobs is mailman patrol. When he’s in the office, Remley makes sure to greet his colleagues and neighbours before he settles in to await the mailman. When someone receives mail, Remley picks it up and delivers it straight to the recipient’s feet.
Remley is also an excellent estimator; he helps Brian with his estimates and abides by the motto, “four eyes are better than two.” He’s highly skilled at engaging the customer, helping ease their stress post-accident (he even gives hugs), and takes great pride in helping his dad sniff out damages.
When Remley isn’t in the shop, you might catch him volunteering at the Port Moody hospice every other Sunday, or in daycare catching up with his dog pals. Thursdays, though, are Remley’s designated off day, when he can be found just being a dog at home with his grandma. No customers, no phone calls—just fetch, treats and a whole lot of relaxing.
Remley is also quite the philanthropist, and has helped his family provide $6,000 worth of pet oxygen masks for different fire departments, saving the lives of countless dogs and cats.
Join Bodyworx in celebrating this month’s Pet of the Bodyshop, Remley of Burnaby Auto Body!
Do you have a hardworking furry friend that comes to work with you? Send us a picture of your shop pet with their name and their “role” in your shop for a chance to be featured in the magazine. Scan the QR code or visit www.collisionrepairmag.com/pet-profile-submissions/
Remley, Burnaby Auto Body
“My mom always jokes that I took forever to walk because I was always on the ground playing with my toy cars.”
— MICHAEL ST. GERMAIN COLLISION CENTRE MANAGER, MERCEDES-BENZ OAKVILLE COLLISION
Today, you might be in the paint booth. Maybe you’re welding. Or maybe you’re busting out some sick new skills you learned at a recent training session.
No matter which corner of the collision centre you’re in, you could already be well on the way to a lifelong career in this sprawling industry—and a happy one, at that. The best part of being here is that we never know what tomorrow, or ten years from now, may hold.
Take Michael St. Germain, for example. When he took on his first industry gig—a co-op role where he spent half his school day in the shop—he never expected he’d one day be the manager of a Mercedes-Benz collision centre.
“I ended up in collision by fluke, really, and because I had decided to take on a new challenge,” Michael told Bodyworx Professional during a shop visit in August. “I felt I had reached my ceiling at my current job, and I wanted more.”
But Michael had long been a member of the automotive industry before entering the collision space. Like many others in this field, he ended up in the industry thanks to a deep-seated love of cars.
“My mom always jokes that I took forever to walk because I was always on the ground playing with my toy cars.”
After his high school co-op, Michael began a professional career in the dealership world and as a tire and lube technician. He worked in a handful of other roles over the years before he decided it was time to secure a role that fit his true potential.
He applied to some dealership positions and stumbled across a role at Mercedes-Benz Oakville Collision Centre. It was December, and the job wouldn’t be ready for Michael until February—but something told him this was his role to take.
“It seemed a no-brainer to take the job from Mercedes-Benz. So,
did.”
IThe advisor staff were ready for their close-up and put on their best modelling faces. Kyle Thrasher, collision centre team lead, and Michael St. Germain, collision centre manager for Mercedes-Benz Oakville Collision Centre.
“I’ve worked for a lot of managers. I didn’t like a lot of things that many of them did. So, I took those unfavourable situations and vowed to never be that type of manager myself.”
— MICHAEL ST. GERMAIN COLLISION CENTRE MANAGER, MERCEDES-BENZ OAKVILLE COLLISION
Michael first began at Mercedes-Benz Oakville Collision as an advisor. After a year in the advisory role, he took a shot at the open collision centre manager slot and got the job.
“Now, 11 and a half years later, here I am.”
When he first stepped into the role, Michael says he took on a “out with the old, in with the new” mantra. He took steps to form relationships with valuable partners that could drive business and made sure his facility was always on the forefront of the future.
His efforts paid off. After ten years as manager, Michael had helped triple production at the collision centre, all while fostering a sparkling reputation across the board.
“One of my biggest drivers is removing the negative stigma in the collision industry—that we’re here to scam you and rip people off. You can be successful and do things by the book. There’s no funny business under the table here, and we get work [orders] because of our reputation and the quality repairs we do.”
To corroborate those claims—MercedesBenz Oakville Collision Centre has a 4.6-star Google rating and a 5/5 on Facebook. That rep extends beyond the public, too—other industry leaders recognize how Michael has helped transform the facility in a true stateof-the-art masterpiece. As a matter of fact, during Bodyworx Professional’s own visit to the shop, an industry rep had stopped by to show off Michael’s facility to some partners.
Michael also has a reputation for fostering a solid work culture among his team, which, by automotive standards, is relatively young.
“I’ve created a culture where our team likes coming to work every day. I want everyone to have fun, to have a good time—but also to remain serious about our work, of course.
“I’ve worked for a lot of managers. I didn’t like a lot of things that many of them did. So, I took those unfavourable situations and vowed to never be that type of manager myself.”
Mercedes-Benz Oakville Collision Centre has three body technicians on its full-time staff; they also have three body tech apprentices.
“Some might think that’s a lot for a shop to take on, especially with our volume, but I’m building a future for our business.
This positive culture is clear after a walk through the collision centre. The work flows seamlessly through the sprawling production floor, but the team was happy to stop and chat with us despite our interruption of their work.
When we ran into Kyle Thrasher, collision centre team lead, in the parking lot, he was all smiles
“Yeah, it’s pretty rare to see a team as young as ours. I mean, I’m 31 and I’m one of the oldest here!” joked Kyle.
Billy, lead technician on the production floor, and Tom, a third-year apprentice, said it’s the little details that add up to make MercedesBenz such a great place to work.
“It’s the only shop I’ve ever worked in that has air conditioning,” said Billy. “On days like today, where it’s almost 30 degrees Celsius, that’s just the best.”
“You should have seen them each on their first day,” teased Michael. “We turned the air conditioning on, and they just looked up in awe.”
Michael is not the type of manager that hides out in a closed-door office. His door is always open, and he makes a point to check-in with his team multiple times a day—but not in a right-over-your-shoulder kind of way.
“Communication is everything. If your team doesn’t feel safe speaking candidly with you, you’ve got a problem. I’m a transparent manager, one hundred percent. I keep our team in the loop on everything we do, and I’m open with them about our financials.
“This business is my baby. And I strive to make our entire team really feel and understand that they are integral to our continued success.”
It’s one small step for Budds’ Collision Services, but one giant leap for productivity.
We’re talking about the recent installation of PPG’s Moonwalk automatic mixing system—Budds’ Collision Centre in Oakville, Ontario, was the first Canadian facility to have the new tech installed.
But that’s not all of what’s new at Budds’— we’ll get to the Moonwalk later.
This constantly growing business has been up to lots since we last checked in. Whether it’s the opening of their second insurance-partnered facility, or the installation of brand-new, stateof-the-art equipment, collision manager J.R. Martino always has something up his sleeve.
“We just opened our third bodyshop here in Oakville,” Martino told us during a visit in August. “It’s an Intact Service Centre—a
dedicated facility for all Intact claims in our market.”
This is Budds’ second insurance-partnered facility; their first, a TD Insurance location, opened in January 2020.
“The companies we’ve teamed up with, we’ve had long lasting relationships and there’s a lot of trust between us. I know that they will not only put us in a position to succeed, but there’s also a familiarity with how they each operate.”
Budds’ is also creating an in-house training centre for its team, so young techs can learn right from the comfort of their workplace.
“We are currently in the process of developing a training center for apprentices. For many years, we have always been believers in developing our own technicians and estimators at the
beginning stages of their careers. This new training center will help us take this process to the next level,” said Martino.
“At Budds’ Collision, we understand the need for development. Talking to local trade schools, all these up-and-coming, potential technicians have a huge desire for continuous development and opportunities to advance their skills. There’s a need, in today’s industry, to have specialized skills in different makes and models through OEM certification.
“This training centre will help keep our pipeline for new technicians open while simultaneously bringing more awareness to this fantastic industry.”
There’s been lots of moonwalking on the production floor lately, with the installation of PPG’s newest refinishing innovation.
“We like to be at the forefront of things,” said Martino.
The Moonwalk automatic paint mixing system was installed in early June at Budds’ Collision, making the facility the first in Canada to house the new technology. When we visited, it had been two months since installation, and lead painter Gabriel Merino said it’s saved him tons of time.
“The best part about it is that I can set it up, walk away and go do something else while it’s mixing. The accuracy has been spot on, and it’s freed up a bunch of time.”
It takes about a minute and a half to set up the colour, said Merino.
“I’ll usually put the car in the booth [while Moonwalk mixes], clean everything and make sure it’s all good to go. By the time I’ve done that, everything is ready.”
Merino stressed that, while it’s cool to watch the paint cup whiz across the machine, you can only make the most of Moonwalk if you’re making use of your new free time.
“Yes, you can mix something by hand faster, but the point is that you’re able to do other things, move on to other tasks.”
And, like Martino said, capacity holds a lot of power in today’s market. As such, demand for the time-saving Moonwalk technology has matched his claim. The technology has already been installed in collision centres across the country.
“There have been installations in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario—and more on the go,” said Scott Spike, PPG sales executive.
All in all, Martino said Budds’ is set to continue full speed ahead, acting on its “always growing” mentality. You can expect plenty more from the business in the years to come.
For the time being, you can just wait for your invite to this year’s iconic Pig Roast.
“Yes, you can mix something by hand faster, but the point with Moonwalk is that you’re able to do other things, move on to other tasks.”
— GABRIEL MERINO, HEAD PAINTER, BUDDS’ COLLISION SERVICESBudds’ Head Painter, Gabriel Merino, said Moonwalk’s match accuracy has been “spot on.” PPG launched the Moonwalk in Europe two years ago. There are 1,000+ units installed in Europe. Moonwalk measures precise amounts to create a match for any job.
The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is taking new steps to show teenagers how fun the autobody trade can be.
The Calgary-based training institute hosted a one-week autobody camp for high school-age students. The program let campers explore a real-life bodyshop and provided hands-on training in the basics of the autobody trade, from raw plastic prep to topcoat application.
SAIT hosts a slew of summer camp programs in the trades and science fields, from welding and carpentry through to AI development, coding and content creation. The autobody course was previously offered in pre-pandemic times, but this year marked its triumphant return to SAIT’s summer programming.
The autobody camp is marketed as an opportunity for young people to gain hands-on experience working on autobody techniques and procedures while also learning the basics of prepping and detailing.
“The current cohort of kids are loving it and having a great time prepping and painting,” Sox said about halfway through the first session in July.
Throughout the week, the students worked hard and learned a lot, Ryan Sox, instructor of the course, told Bodyworx Professional. They were particularly interested in pursuing careers in the autobody trade and asked many questions about how to get started.
The students enjoyed the hands-on activities, which included airbrushing stencils and applying undercoat.
“They were thrilled to be able to keep the projects they worked on and to have a tangible reminder of the skills they had learned,” said Sox.
For more information on SAIT’s camp programming, visit www.sait.ca/youth-programming
BY ALLISON ROGERS
In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, advancements in technology continue to reshape the way vehicles are manufactured and repaired. Among the most notable innovations is the integration of robotics, which has revolutionized collision repair and automotive manufacturing processes. These sophisticated machines have emerged as essential tools, enhancing efficiency, precision, and safety throughout the industry. With their ability to perform repetitive tasks with unmatched accuracy and speed, robots have become indispensable partners in the pursuit of quality, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.
In this article, we delve into the realm of robotic integrations in collision repair and automotive manufacturing, exploring the incredible capabilities and transformative impact these cutting-edge machines have on the industry.
Anyone in a state-of-the-art bodyshop will know that many of the top spot welders sold in today’s market offer pre-loaded automated welds. A trained technician must operate the machinery, but the process of setting up a weld isn’t more complicated than a few presses on a touch screen.
Fully robotic spot welders—i.e., ones that rotate and stretch without manual assistance— are more often seen on the assembly line in the production process. Vietnamese OEM VinFast employs a fleet of ABB-branded robots armed with spot welders and suction cups to weld panels together, one weld at a time. The bodies require 6,000 welds, on average, and VinFast says its Hai Phong, Vietnam factory can pump out more than 250,000 vehicles per year—but the OEM is working toward an even higher number.
This is not to say such technology will never grace the collision centre floor. Today, the biggest barrier to robotic welding is the upfront cost and installation; not to mention a 360-degree-swivelling robot would require a lot of floor space. But who knows what the future might hold.
Today, the biggest barrier to robotic welding is the upfront cost and installation; not to mention a 360-degree-swivelling robot would require a lot of floor space.
The paint mixing machines popping up in collision centres across the world are a real wrist-saver for any refinishing technician, serving the machines the monotonous task of mixing colours. Some systems will even colour-match for you at the same time.
PPG’s automatic mixing machine Moonwalk is said to save labour time, reduce waste and “transform the mixing room,” says the coatings giant. The machine replaces manual mixing processes with an “easyto-use” automated mixing system that takes about three minutes. The user loads the required tinter, additive and thinner bottles into the dispensing rack; the system then checks each bottle’s barcode and automatically dispenses the correct amount of product and even prints a label.
Axalta also has its owner fully automated, hands-free mixing system, dubbed Irus Mix. The product completes the entire three-step process to scan and find the colour before mixing the correct hue. Axalta says Irus Mix can be used by anyone—not just a refinishing tech—freeing up valuable time for painters. The product is currently being rolled out across Europe and will be available globally thereafter, says Axalta.
That’s not all the robots know, though—they’ve even learned how to apply coatings, even intricate pinstriping in some applications.
In May 2022, ABB Robotics used its PixelPaint technology to recreate a monochromatic design with no human intervention. Equipped with 1,000 nozzles, ABB’s robots completed the artwork in less than 30 minutes, according to the company. ABB also said that there was no overspray—100 percent of the paint was applied to the car bodywork—and the robots sprayed approximately 1,000 droplets per second. All in all, the company said it cuts cycle times by more than half, as no masking (or de-masking) was required.
In 2021, BMW unveiled its EcoPaintJet Pro application process for waterborne basecoats and 2K clear coat. In BMW’s convention procedure, paint is atomized by a rotating bell and adheres electrostatically to the car body. The EcoPaintJet Pro method works without electrostatics, relying instead on jet application.
“The paint is applied using an orifice plate that enables high edge definition with a variable paint thickness of between 1 and appr. 50 millimetres,” explained the OEM in its accompanying announcement press release. “This requires maximum precision from both the robot and application technology. It also means two different colours of paint can be used, i.e., for a contrasting roof, and stripes and other designs applied, for instance, on the hood.
“Until now, custom designs like this [could] only be realized using manual masking.”
BMW also says this process eliminates overspray, much like ABB’s own claims.
Clearly, tools are advancing. Researchers work toward new innovative methods each and every day and, while AI may be present in a lot of the tools hitting the market today, hands-on skills and collision repair expertise are still highly sought after. We’re far from the days when a robot can take all your tasks from you—for now, they’re only here to make our lives a little bit easier.
BY ALLISON ROGERS
What’s the difference between yellow and gold cars? Thousands of dollars, apparently.
When sprayed on a vehicle, one of these colours holds its value a lot better than the other—and the result may surprise you.
iSeeCars, a car research company and search site designed for car-buying consumers, recently collected a slew of data on how the colour of car can impact its resale value. Through an analysis of 1.6 million 2020 model year used car listings, the company comprised a list of colours holding the best (and worst) resale values.
Don’t go for the gold when it comes to cars, says the report—gold vehicles see a 25 percent drop in value after three years. That’s a whopping $11,000 difference between MSRP and potential resale price in today’s market.
Yellow cars, on the other hand, only depreciate by about 13.5 percent after three model years. On average, that’s about a $6,500 gap between the MSRP and resale value three years later.
“Yellow cars represent the greatest disparity between how many are produced and how many people want one,” said Karl Brauer, an
analyst with iSeeCars. “Not many people want a yellow car, [but] there are clearly more people who want one than [there are] vehicles [that] exist, which explains why yellow performs so well on the second market.
“The same can be said for orange and green—colours we don’t see often but are obviously higher in demand than in supply.”
Orange and green claim the third- and fourth-best depreciation scores: orange cars lose about 18.4 percent ($7,000) of their MSRP after four years, while green vehicles see resale values drop by an average of 19.2 percent ($8,700).
Beige is the second-best value retainer, says the report, depreciating an average of 17.8 percent ($8,400) after three years.
Kelley Blue Book data says that black, white, gray and silver are the most popular vehicle colours in Canada. Well, a black car depreciates 23.9 percent or $10,000 three years after release; white cars see a 22 percent price drop ($9,700); gray vehicles plummet 22.5 percent ($9,400) and silver cars drop 23.2 percent ($9,200) after three years.
When it comes to bolder hues, blue and red tend to be the timeless choice. Thankfully, they prove to be safe choices, depreciating 22 percent ($9,200) and 20.6 percent ($8,500), respectively.
Breaking it down by vehicle segment—pickup, SUV, minivans, sedans, coupes—yellow remains the top choice for SUV owners with resale values dropping just $4,500, or nine percent, after three years.
For sedans, however, yellow takes a dive to the seventh-ranking position, while brown skyrockets to number one. When all vehicle segments are considered, brown cars depreciate about 24 percent ($10,300) after three years. Brown sedans, however, are worth just 16.8 percent ($5,200) less after a three-year period. Analysts suspect
the SUV owner opts for more conservative hues—something run-of-the-mill that blends in—hence the skewed supply and demand.
“Brown is far less impactful than yellow, [but] it’s not a colour most people associate with strong demand. Yet there are fewer brown sedans in the market than buyers who want one,” said Brauer.
The same rings true for minivans; those with an earthy green coating depreciate at a slower rate than flashier counterparts. It’s also true for pickup trucks, as beige vehicles depreciate at a rate of 7.9 percent ($3,600) after three years. That’s a far cry from the worst depreciating pickup—silver trucks are worth 16.5 percent ($8,000) less than MSRP after three years.
Those known, traditionally, to be flashier— like convertibles and coupes—also match their stereotypes. Yellow convertibles and yellow coupes hold the best resale value.
To create this report, iSeeCars analyzed data from more than 1.6 million 2020 model year used cars between April 2022 and May 2023. The MSRP of each car was adjusted to account for 2023 inflation, then compared
The average car loses 22.5 percent of its value after three years, according to iSeeCars’ research.
Avehicle’s colour can impact its value by up to $5,000,
In collision repair and automotive refinishing, a mere stroll through the bodyshop can expose a person to hazardous chemicals, toxic fumes and airborne contaminants. The importance of breathing protection in this industry cannot be overstated; if disregarded, you face significant risks to your respiratory health.
Every bodyshop has hazardous chemicals under its roof. Paints, solvents and adhesives can release toxic fumes and particles during the repair process. Breathing protection is critical if you want to prevent respiratory issues and long-term health problems, lest you let these substances settle in your lungs.
Many automotive paints and refinishing products contain VOCs, which can evaporate into the air and cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, and even organ damage. VOCs—or volatile organic compounds—are carbon-based compounds that easily evaporate at room temperature, releasing vapours into the air. Exposure to VOCs can occur during the painting, spraying and refinishing processes. They play a vital role in automotive coatings, used as solvents to dissolve and carry pigments and binders as well as providing properties like flow, leveling and quick drying.
Prolonged exposure to VOCs can have both short-term and long-term health effects. Short-term, unprotected exposure can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and irritation of the respiratory system and eyes. Long-term, unprotected exposure to VOCs has been linked to more serious conditions; so wearing the proper protection is absolutely critical.
Isocyanates are commonly found in automotive paints and can cause severe respiratory problems, including asthma and bronchitis. Isocyanates are known for their ability to cross-link with polyols to form polyurethane materials that are strong, flexible and highly durable.
When isocyanates are released into the air, such as during the application of paints or coatings containing isocyanates, they can break down into fine particles or vapour. Inhalation of these particles or vapour can lead to respiratory issues where the body becomes hypersensitive to subsequent exposures, resulting in severe allergic reactions every time you encounter isocyanates. Some commonly encountered isocyanates in collision repair and automotive refinishing include toluene diisocyanate, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate and hexamethylene diisocyanate. Eye protection is also recommended when working with isocyanates.
Hazardous chemicals and dust are not the only perpetrators—air in the bodyshop can be contaminated with exhaust fumes and ultra-fine particles of rust, dust, metal shavings and dried coatings. Breathing protection is a critical barrier, ensuring that workers are not exposed to these—quite literally—abrasive airborne contaminants.
Prolonged exposure to hazardous substances in the automotive repair industry can lead to respiratory disorders such as occupational asthma, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer. By using appropriate breathing protection, workers can significantly reduce the risk of developing these serious health conditions.
Regulatory bodies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have established guidelines and standards for workplace safety. These regulations require employers to develop and implement a written respiratory protection program, outlining procedures, policies and practices related to respiratory protection, including the selection, use and maintenance of respirators. Employers are also required to conduct a thorough assessment of the workplace to identify potential respiratory hazards. Fit testing is also required, completed either annually or whenever a different respirator size or model is used.
Disposable dust masks or filtering facepiece respirators are lightweight and affordable options that protect against larger particles and non-toxic dust. They can be used when sanding, grinding and during basic paint prep.
Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) are battery-powered devices that use a blower to draw in air through filters.
PAPRs provide a constant flow of clean, filtered air to the user, offering higher protection levels against particulate matter, chemical vapours and toxic fumes. PAPRs are suitable for tasks that involve prolonged exposure to contaminants.
Half-face respirators cover the nose and mouth, offering a higher level of protection compared to a disposable dusk mask. They typically feature replaceable cartridges or filters that can filter our smaller particles like dusk, paint overspray and certain chemicals.
Supplied air respirators (SARs) deliver clean breathable air from a remote source, such as an air compressor or cylinder,
Full-face respirators provide the most comprehensive protection, as they cover the entire face and feature fully integrated eye protection. They are ideal for tasks involving exposure to toxic fumes, chemicals or particulate matter. Full-face respirators often have replaceable cartridges or filters for customized protection.
through a hose and to the worker’s respirator. This type of respirator provides a continuous supply of fresh air, making it ideal for environments with high levels of airborne contaminants, and any regulatory requirements should be taken into consideration.
With any breathing protection, it is important to follow manufacturer instructions and ensure a proper fit. Filters or cartridges should be replaced regularly to maintain effectiveness, where necessary.
Do you have fun at work? You’ve obviously heard the saying: time flies when you’re having fun! You cannot tell me that, in your whole entire life, you have never experienced a day or activity feel like it was over sooner than expected...because you were having fun.
If you can tell me that, well, you’re awfully boring and I suggest you enroll in some fun lessons...for the sake of the rest of us. The industry itself can teach you; the trades have a notorious reputation for fun.
I could go on and on about the “fun” elements of this industry, but we only have room for 500 words.
The most important point is the fact that a fun work environment makes for great culture; a well-oiled team that gets along. It helps retention; it helps overall attitude. I’d like to think our workplace at the magazine is fun. I’ve never heard any complaints otherwise, and I also try to cultivate an honest, open environment for communication. I won’t go as far to adjudicate myself, but I will say that, from my perspective, a workday in the office just flies by. I’m having fun.
More than half of this industry ended up here thanks to a deep love for cars. Their careers are rooted in passion for the automobile.
To start, more than half of this industry ended up here thanks to a deep love for cars. For many, their careers are rooted in passion for the automobile. When you care deeply about what you do, it’s about six million times easier to enjoy your time at work.
The visual element of our industry is a significant driver, too. When you’re filling in an Excel spreadsheet or checking off a list of menial tasks, there’s not much to show for your progress. When you’re restoring a vehicle to pre-accident condition, colour matching a tricky hue or PDR-ing a dent like magic, you can physically see the outcome of your work in front of you.
Collision repair is a dream for the always-learning problem-solver; an autobody technician encounters unique problems (often in OEM procedures) that require innovative problem solving. Ask anyone with a history on the production floor—you will never stop learning in this industry, so long as the automobile keeps on advancing.
If monotonous tasks are not your cup of tea, autobody is for you. This trade opens a world of opportunities; if you love Mopars, embark on a career tinkering with them! If you love a good custom paint job, hunker down and train to the top of your game. If you’re a whiz with wires, this new era of electric vehicles will be your bread and butter.
Fun is not a mere frivolity; it’s integral to a long career, and life, if you ask me. It fosters motivation, closeness and collaboration with your peers—plus, back to my first point, it just makes the day go faster.
So, if you’re in a workplace where you’re never having fun... just run.
First stage 1: sintered filter for all SATA filter series
First stage 1: sintered filter for all SATA filter series
the sintered filter eliminates particles > 5 µm
the sintered filter eliminates particles > 5 µm
Exchange interval: every
6 months
Exchange interval: every
Art. No. 22160
6 months
Art. No. 22160
Filter stage 2: fine filter cartridge for SATA filter series 200 and 400
Filter stage 2: fine filter cartridge for SATA filter series 200 and 400
the fine filter eliminates particles > 0.01 µm
Filter stage 3: activated charcoal cartridge for SATA filter series 200 and 400
Filter stage 3: activated charcoal cartridge for SATA filter series 200 and 400
The SATA filter series provide particle-free, clean compressed air for breathing and professional coating.
The SATA filter series provide particle-free, clean compressed air for breathing and professional coating.
A well functioning compressed air circuit also includes regularly maintained compressed air filter units.
A well functioning compressed air circuit also includes regularly maintained compressed air filter units.
activated charcoal seperates oil vapours
Exchange interval: every
the fine filter eliminates particles > 0.01 µm
6 months
Exchange interval: every
activated charcoal seperates oil vapours
Exchange interval: every
3 months
Exchange interval: every
6 months
Art. No. 81810
Art. No. 81810
First stage 1: sintered filter for all SATA filter series
First stage 1: sintered filter for all SATA filter series
the sintered filter eliminates particles > 5 µm
the sintered filter eliminates particles > 5 µm
Exchange interval: every
6 months
Exchange interval: every
Art. No. 22160
6 months
Art. No. 22160
Filter stage 2: fine filter cartridge for SATA filter series 500
Filter stage 2: fine filter cartridge for SATA filter series 500
the fine filter eliminates particles > 0.01 µm
Exchange interval: every
the fine filter eliminates particles > 0.01 µm
6 months
Exchange interval: every
Art. No. 1097999
6 months
Art. No. 1097999
3 months
Art. No. 85373
Art. No. 85373
Filter stage 3: activated charcoal cartridge for SATA filter series 500
Filter stage 3: activated charcoal cartridge for SATA filter series 500
activated charcoal seperates oil vapours
activated charcoal seperates oil vapours
Exchange interval: every
6 months
Art. No. 1098004
Exchange interval: every 6 months
Art. No. 1098004
