MAKING SENSE OF A WORLD OF ADAS INFORMATION

What’s the role of a collision shop?

With ADAS such a constant topic, there’s plenty of information, good and bad, flying around—and all the more so when it comes to collision shops. Here are answers to a few common ADAS concerns to provide some helpful perspective.

Is ADAS really a collision shop thing?

Not only is it appropriate work for a collision shop; it’s basically tailor-made for collision shops, even if most are currently subletting it.

Here’s why. More than 70 million vehicles on the road today have at least some ADAS functions. Soon all will. Calibrations can be triggered by a number of routine repair procedures, so you can imagine what an actual accident does to ADAS components.

In 2021, the ADAS market was calculated to be $27 billion. One recent estimate places it at $75 billion by 2030. This is work that will never go away.

Isn’t ADAS a huge investment?

If it is, it’ll be because you want it to be. Like any move into new products or services, begin with makes and models you’re familiar with and go from there. There’s no need to obtain elaborate ADAS tools and equipment overnight.

The work will be there when you’re ready to grow. It’s our belief that most shops are at or beyond the break-even point already but haven’t recognized it yet.

Isn’t ADAS really complicated?

ADAS systems are complicated. Calibrating ADAS components is not. It’s usually straightforward.

True, left entirely to your own devices, ADAS work can be quite challenging, requiring a high degree of research and practice. Fortunately, you’re not left alone. You can partner with a provider who can supply you with all the equipment, training and expertise you’ll need to become proficient at this profitable line of work.

Don’t I need extra-skilled techs?

ADAS doesn’t require special expertise. It requires conscientiousness. Solid ADAS tools from a partner you trust will guide your techs step by step through countless calibrations. What’s required of them is diligence, patience and attention to detail. Techs willing to bear down will be your best ADAS people.

Don’t I need a ton of space?

To perform the lion’s share of ADAS work, you likely have sufficient space as it is. A little workaround creativity may be required from time to time, but it’s completely feasible. Just as you don’t need 100 yards to play touch football, you don’t need an “ideal” amount of space to perform many ADAS calibrations.

What’s the next step? Taking advantage of a leading tool from an expert, reliable brand. Namely, the ADASLink® full diagnostic premium scan tool from Hunter Engineering.

ADASLink® introduces you to the ADAS world by removing the confusing guesswork. This complete solution includes secure gateway capabilities and custom integrates with Hunter’s WinAlign® software, providing your technicians with quick and easy access to specific calibration procedures for millions of vehicles, guiding them with clear, onscreen instruction every step of the way.

Drivers in southern B.C. may be familiar with a certain pink car perched atop the headquarters of a Chilliwack irrigation company— well, unless the community can rally together, the famous pink car may be headed to the crusher.

The pink sedan has been tasting fresh mountain air from the top of Southern Irrigation’s billboard for well over 20 years now, but coowner Jeff Oostenbrink feels that the time has come for the car to face its defining challenge and support a good cause along the way.

Oostenbrink has set up several fundraising benchmarks that he is aiming to hit via donations towards the construction of a new Salvation Army facility in the community, though the stakes are quite unique.

“We’ve created a few benchmarks and our first threshold is $50,000. If we achieve that benchmark, we will sell the car to the highest bidder,” said Oostenbrink.

“But if we can’t meet that minimum threshold, the car will be crushed.”

At the $100,000 donation tier, Oostenbrink says the car’s body will be restored and integrated into the business’ landscaping in some capacity.

If they manage to hit their ultimate goal of $500,000 by October 31, the car will be seen in more places than just on top of a sign, as Oostenbrink says they will complete a full restoration and show off the car around the community.

“And we’ll use it in parades, charity events and community events,” he said.

Even if you don’t have any cash to spare, a simple follow of Southern Irrigation’s Instagram page will contribute a dollar to the cause automatically.

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Say Hello To Smith

Simplicity Car Care has announced that Greg Smith is the new owner of the Simplicity Car Care Spruce Grove location.

With over 30 years of experience in the car repair industry, Smith brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Simplicity family and is committed to providing topquality service to the Spruce Grove community.

Prior to joining Simplicity, Smith worked with some of the largest MSOs in the country, running shops and overseeing procedures to ensure excellent service was provided. As the owner of his Simplicity franchise, Smith is extremely excited to take his skills to the next level and continue building a top-performing location in Spruce Grove.

Calling On Kharfan

Mark another one down for CARSTAR, as the nationwide collision repair chain welcomes a new facility, CARSTAR Calgary Crowfoot, into the fold.

Mark Kharfan got his start as a bodyshop owner about 25 years ago and has since become one of CARSTAR’s most prolific MSOs, now boasting 12 shops to his name with this new opening.

“I decided to join the CARSTAR family for the support, structure and ability to foster my vision of growth,” said Kharfan.

“I am incredibly proud to have reached the milestone of 12 locations and I credit my success to my family of team members and their tireless effort for excellence.”

“With 11 stores under his belt already, Mark continues to raise the bar on what success within the CARSTAR family means,” said CARSTAR’s western zone director, Andrew Northrup. “His strong work ethic and family-first approach will undoubtedly bring success to the newest location as well.”

Ata Events

The Automotive Trades Association of Manitoba is hosting its 2023 Trade Show on October 27, 2023.

This year’s event will feature an “Olympic-style conference” and trade show at the CanadInns Polo Park Conference Centre. Daytime attendance is reserved for students in correlation with the ATA’s Youth Attraction Effort, but members of the trade are invited to attend in the evening to connect with exhibitors and enjoy a sponsored dinner.

The ATA also said $10,000 in prizes will be awarded throughout the event.

Visit www.eventcamp.ca/event/ata-conference-with-olympics/ access for more information.

The Man From Manitoba

Skills Canada officially announced its team for the 2024 WorldSkills competition, and Manitoba resident will be representing the autobody trade.

James Bartel of Kleefeld will represent Canada in the autobody repair competition following his win at Skills Canada Nationals in May. He will compete in Lyon, France, in the 47th WorldSkills Competition in September 2024.

Despite the competition date being more than a year away, Skills Canada reps say that competitors have already launched into their training.

Team Canada will have 28 competitors; Gabrielle Leclrec of SaintEustache, Quebec, will represent Canada in the car painting competition.

Set For Electric

With sights seemingly set on cornering the luxury EV repair market, AutoCanada announced that Kavia Autobody in Saskatoon has achieved certification from VinFast. This impressive step forward is a continuation of when AutoCanada saw its Burwell Autobody facility in London, Ontario, become the first repair facility certified by the Vietnamese in North America. Kavia Auto Body now touts OEM certifications from Tesla, Honda, GM, Genesis, Hyundai, FCA, Kia, Nissan, Subaru, Ford, Infiniti, and VinFast.

Saar On Sale

The time has finally come for you to get your hands on a ticket to the upcoming SAAR Fall Conference, set to run over two days at two beloved Saskatchewan venues. From Thursday’s golf tournament at the Dakota Dunes Resort to Friday’s world-class tradeshow at the Prairieland Park conference centre, and so much to do in between, this year’s fall conference from the Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers is sure to deliver a great time come September.

If high-level discussions with industry influencers like Dave Luehr and Ryan Mandell aren’t your thing, this year’s fall conference will also feature virtual welding and painting competitions, an estimating challenge, as well as a skills competition that will pit SaskPolytech students against each other for the prize of new tools. With all the food, golf and industry networking to be indulged in, a ticket to this year’s fall conference is well worth the price.

The SAAR Fall Conference is scheduled for September 7 and 8 and will be split between the Dakota Dunes Resort and the Prairieland Park conference centre.

Lightening The Load

As huge sums of money are currently being floated above Ontario’s burgeoning EV industry, the federal government announced it will be investing $5 million into a Concord auto parts plant specializing in lightweight EV parts.

With this boost in funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), ArcelorMittal Tailored Blanks Americas Limited (AMTB) will be equipped to transition its operations to 100 percent EV component production, while creating 65 jobs in the Concord area in the process.

Showing And Shining

It’s car show season! Collision Repair was at the Centennial College Show and Shine car show on May 28, where more than 1,500 classics, hot rods, tuners, trucks and motorcycles were on display.

Held at Centennial’s Ashtonbee campus, the Show and Shine event was hosted by the college’s School of Transportation and featured hundreds of cars as well as sponsor booths from 3M, Wurth Canada, Paint Source, recent Bodyworx cover star Indy’s 101 Customs and more.

On Ontario Soil

New documents filed with the Ontario government dictate a goal for the government and Tesla to “work to identify opportunities for an industrial facility, mineral extraction and processing project permitting reforms.”

Electric Autonomy contacted Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada regarding the subject, to which a spokesperson replied, “Everyone knows we are talking to everyone. We don’t have anything to add beyond that,” referring to ongoing talks with various companies in the electric vehicle supply chain.

Vanessa De Matteo, press secretary for Vic Fideli, Ontario’s minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said the ministry “does not discuss economic prospects publicly, [but] our government continues to seek out opportunities to promote job growth and ensure Ontario remains a competitive jurisdiction.”

Skills Canada has announced its team for the 2024 WorldSkills competition in Lyon, France, and the autobody paint representative is from Quebec.

Gabrielle Leclerc will compete in the car painting competition next September, representing the nation in the trade and competing against other automotive refinishers from across the globe.

Each Canadian competitor earned their spot on the national team by competing in the 2023 Skills Canada National Competition, which was held in May in Winnipeg. The highest-ranking age-eligible participant in each identified skill area was invited to the international competition.

Team Canada is set to have 28 competitors at WorldSkills 2024, each of whom will go head-to-head with other tradesfolk in search of winning the title of world’s best.