Bodyshop 2014

November 2014

Plus: NACE | CARS 2014 Takes Detroit Building on Success: Owners Speak Out OE Innovations SEMA 2014 Preview Survey: Refinish Troubleshooting

Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

Custom & Specialty

Finishes

Tips and Trends

Visit www.bodyshopbiz.com

Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

contents

November 2014 l Volume 44, Issue 6

Features 6

NACE | CARS 2014 Takes Detroit

20

Building On Success

23

24

28

More than 6,500 collision and mechanical repair industry professionals flocked to Detroit this summer for the renaissance of NACE | CARS 2014. With celebrities, industry giants, technical experts, live demos, and a wide array of leading industry associations converging in the Motor City, it was an exceptional week.

A progressive auto centre needs to continually fine-tune its operations and efficiencies. Four of this country’s top bodyshops tell us about improvements they’ve made this year to better their businesses.

OE Innovations The modern car is not just a computer on wheels, but the most sophisticated piece of technology that most consumers own. Ninety percent of crashes are driver-caused, and much of that tech is going into reducing the human variable – to the point that, in less time than you probably think, we may not drive them at all.

SEMA 2014 Preview The Specialty Equipment Market Association Show (SEMA) draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Collision repair professionals, jobbers, and other specialty equipment industry enthusiasts attending SEMA 2014 will benefit from the many seminars, product demos, and special events put on throughout the show.

WIN: Supporting Women in the Collision Repair Industry As more women come onto the collision industry scene, what options do they have for educational advancement, mentorship, networking, and resource sharing? And what can we do as an industry to ensure they are supported on their individual paths?

30

6

Survey: Refinish Troubleshooting Nearly half of the respondents to our survey this issue on refinish troubleshooting say that product-related issues are at the core of refinish-related problems, but they define this in a variety of ways that reveal they are still coming to terms with waterborne technology.

Cover 15 Custom and Specialty Tips and Trends Product designers and OE manufacturers often look to the custom market to see what’s attracting attention from enthusiasts and custom artists. Here’s a quick look at what’s new and noteworthy from custom painters and from manufacturers.

COVER: 1933 Ford 2 Door sedan, exhibited by Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes at SEMA 2012. The flame-adorned classic features Planet Color Products NP75 Primer, P30B Primer/ Sealer, Ultra 7000 Basecoat, Planet Color PCLD Concentrates, 11007575 Clear Coat.

Photo courtesy of SEMA.

In Every Issue 4

Publisher’s Comment

29

Internet Directory

8

News

29

Advertisers Index

27 New Products: Abrasives/Refinishing

visit us at bodyshopbiz.com In the next issue: Our annual Canadian Collision Industry Guide and Directory issue features reports on Software and Business Systems, Aftermarket Parts Outlook, I-CAR’s 2015 Training Curriculum, plus SEMA and CCIF event wrap-ups. www.bodyshopbiz.com l November 2014 l Bodyshop 3

Bodyshop CANADA’S MAGAZINE FOR COLLISION REPAIR PROFESSIONALS SINCE 1970

from the publisher

The Long And Short Of It This business is affected by trends great and small: changes over the long term, as well as changes that affect it today.

Over the last couple of years, we have heard quite a bit about the effect that technology will have on collision rates, as well as on the costs to repair those vehicles that are pushed into the repair sector.

Along the same lines, we have also heard about how lower rates of impaired driving and other human factors have driven down collision rates.

And, in the near term, we have heard quite a bit about how the materials that vehicles are being made from will push your operations to new levels of training and investment just to keep pace: high-strength steel, composites, and of course, aluminum, to name just three. And, of course, just recently there has been coverage of the world’s first 3D printed car. The mind reels at what that could mean for this industry.

And, of course, all this in a world where more and more, the ability to influence where consumers go, and how you do business, lies outside your four walls.

It can all be pretty daunting, and that has attracted the extended attention of some of the best minds in this industry. That is a good thing.

But as our admittedly pedestrian survey on refinish troubleshooting at the back of this issue reveals, there is still quite a challenge at the shop level in coming to terms with the here and now.

It’s all well and good to talk about training needs for future technologies, but any expectation that the training message will somehow gain dramatically better traction in the future– it’s just the challenges are big – is naive.

Shops that have a training culture today will continue it into the future; shops that don’t will continue to try to get by with a seat-ofthe-pants, crisis management strategy. And, it is sad to say, that is most shops, at least to some extent.

The reality is that the most cogent argument for training can only come after a pattern of critical failures has occurred. At some point, the tech has to look himself in the mirror and admit that he isn’t able to do his job as well as he thought. And maybe, at the far end of that logic, unless he improves, he won’t get to do that job at all.

As an industry all we can do is provide as much training and as easy access to it as possible. I think that to a very large extent that is the case, though there can always be room for improvement.

The solutions, though, must come from the individual shops themselves. Shop owners and those who work for them must continue to embrace the view that rework is not a solution; nor is laying blame at the feet of the insurer. Proficiency is the solution.

There are tools to ensure colours match; there are processes and procedures to ensure paint adheres; there are ways to make waterborne work, and work within the time allowed. And there is much to learn.

No, it is not easy – but how on earth are your painters and body techs going to come to terms with the technologies of tomorrow if they’re still struggling with the technologies of today? B Andrew Ross aross@bodyshopbiz.com 4 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

PUBLISHER Andrew Ross 416-510-6763 aross@bodyshopbiz.com MANAGING EDITOR Martha Uniacke Breen mubreen@bodyshopbiz.com EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Brian Harper CONTRIBUTORS Nate Hendley L. C. Smith SALES MANAGER Jay Armstrong 416-510-6745 jarmstrong@bodyshopbiz.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Steven Hofmann 416-510-6757 shofmann@bizinfogroup.ca ART DIRECTOR Anne Miron PRINT MANAGER Phyllis Wright CIRCULATION MANAGER Selina Rahaman 416-442-5600 ext.3528 CUSTOMER SERVICE Roshni Thava 416-442-5600 ext 3555 VICE-PRESIDENT Alex Papanou PRESIDENT Bruce Creighton BODYSHOP is published by BIG Magazines LP, a div. of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd. 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 Phone 416-442-5600 Fax 416-510-5140 Subscription rates: Canada – $39.95 (add applicable taxes) per year, $62.95 (add applicable taxes) for 2 years, single copy $7.00. USA and all other foreign – US$61.95 per year. U.S. single copy US$10.00.

All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, either in part or full, including photocopying and recording, without the written consent of the copyright owner. Nor may any part of this publication be stored in a retrieval system of any nature without prior written consent.

US Office of Publication: 2424 Niagara Falls Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-1118. Periodicals postage paid at Niagara Falls, NY. US Postmaster: send address changes to Bodyshop PO Box 1118, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-1118.

From time to time we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations whose product or service may interest you. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact us via one of the following methods: Tel: 1-800-268-7742 Fax: 416-442-2191 E-Mail: privacyofficer@bizinfogroup.ca Mail to: Privacy Officer, Business Information Group, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 ISSN 0045-2319 Online 1923-354X Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069240 Return postage guaranteed. Send change of address notices, undeliverable copies and subscription orders to: Circulation Dept. — Bodyshop Magazine, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 “We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage”.

WE’RE ALL FOR PRODUCTIVITY

DUPONT REFINISH IS NOW CROMAX With the independence of Axalta Coating Systems, our parent company, we’ve seized an opportunity to stand out in an all-new way.

So while the products you know are still as strong as ever, today they’re backed by a bold,

big name and future. We’ll continue to stand for efficiency, clarity, support and growth— from the front of the body shop to the back.

Because from today forward, we are Cromax.

Learn more at www.cromax.ca

Axalta Coating Systems™, the Cromax logo, Cromax® and all marks denoted with ™ or ® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Axalta Coating Systems, LLC and its affiliates, used under license by Axalta Coating Systems Canada Company. © 2014 Axalta Coating Systems Canada Company. All rights reserved.

news

CARS 2014

Takes Detroit Industry Week, July 28-August 2, 2014 Cobo Center, Detroit, Mich.

T

he automotive collision and mechanical repair industry flocked to Detroit this summer for the renaissance of NACE | CARS 2014. More than 6,500 automotive industry professionals visited the Expo, with more than 8,000 throughout Detroit attending NACE | CARS and related Industry Week events.

Partnering with numerous associations, events and groups such as I-CAR, CREF, MERA, CCIF, and CIC to form Industry Week, the show demonstrated there are still significant support and benefits for an industry-specific event.

The 2014 NACE | CARS Conference & Expo, which kicked off July 30, offered a diverse collection of new features, including a larger show floor, a rebranded MSO Symposium (now “CRES,” the Collision Repair Executive Symposium), as well as manufacturer-specific classes and a strong focus on aluminum repair.

Numerous live demonstrations on the show floor included aluminum welding, spraying in two prep booths, rivet bonding, and more. Chip Foose, KC Mathieu, and Hal Loo performed live paint/spray demos for attendees. Charley Hutton and Ryan Evans were also on hand signing autographs. I-CAR hosted a large centre stage with presentations throughout the two-day expo.

On the mechanical service and repair side of the business, CARS brought all-new content to attendees, including the Auto Alliance Technology & Telematics Forum, the Young Technicians Symposium, live demonstrations of scan tool and new alignment technology, and much more.

Real decision-makers and shop owners came from throughout North America and more than 20 additional countries to find the latest tools and technology for their shops. Many exhibitors reported making numerous sales throughout the show.

“The ASA board and management made some bold moves for NACE | CARS 2014. We knew we were taking a risk but we also knew changes had to be made to the event for the benefit of the automotive repair industry, our members, and the association. Although we will continue to make improvements, we are very pleased with the results and we appreciate the support of everyone involved,” said Darrell Amberson, ASA chairman, following the show.

For next year, NACE | CARS 2015 will once again be held in The Motor City, July 23-25. Partnering with industry organizations and associations is key to the success of Industry Week, and that format will continue. I-CAR, CIC, CCIF, MERA, NABC, and CREF have already committed to Detroit next year.

I-CAR will again host the centre stage in the exhibit hall to provide education and awareness on advancing vehicle technologies and related repair and industry trends, maintain a booth for membership, provide live technical demonstrations in the demo zone, and offer add-on I-CAR training sessions in classrooms.

I-CAR CEO and president John VanAlstyne says, “We are very pleased with the results of Industry Week this year. Attendance was up significantly on the NACE floor and the I-CAR Conference was a great success. We are committed to NACE and will continue with a similar footprint in 2015. We also plan to continue holding the I-CAR Conference in conjunction with Industry Week moving forward, shifting to a biennial cadence, so make plans to attend our next Conference in 2016.”

Other highlights of the 2015 event scheduled so far: • CIC will once again host its summer quarterly meeting during Industry Week, following a successful meeting this past July in Detroit.

• CREF will hold its annual golf fundraising event during the week.

• After drawing a larger-than-expected Canadian contingency, and with close proximity to the growing Canadian market, CCIF will be back once again with its education program, sessions, and a keynote speaker.

• MERA will again host a series of sessions.

• NABC will host the Recycled Rides program on the show floor.

Above: More than 6,500 industry members attended NACE’s first Detroit event, held during Industry Week.

Left: Student firefighters taking the Jaws of Life to “crashed’’ vehicles was one of the show floor highlights.

6 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

news

Audatex Chooses Q9/ For Insurance Data Q9 Networks has been selected by Audatex Canada to provide a co-location and managed services solution for its next generation SaaS insurance claims platform powered by AudaNetT technology. Q9 is hosting the new platform’s production and disaster recovery sites in geographically diverse Canadian data centres.

Under the terms of the multi-year contract, Q9 is providing Audatex Canada with a high-availability data centre infrastructure solution consisting of secure physical space, highly reliable power and cooling, and a full suite of managed network infrastructure services, including firewalls, load balancers, switches, and bandwidth.

“By outsourcing our data centre requirements to Q9, we are ensuring the highest levels of security and reliability for our next-generation private cloud platform while also keeping our Canadian customer data and backups locally,” says Anthony Giagnacovo, managing director, Audatex Canada.

“We take our role as stewards of our customers’ information very seriously and have invested heavily in protecting the data entrusted to us. Hosting our new world-class platform in Canada with Q9 means our customers will have the privacy protection and proximity to data they require. Although we evaluated other providers, Q9’s 100% uptime guarantee, N+1 redundancy in all critical data centre systems, and solid ownership structure demonstrated that they are the best choice for our clients and their customers.”

Q9 designs, builds, and operates its data centres to meet the most demanding IT infrastructure requirements, including the increased power and cooling demands of today’s high-density computing devices. Customer equipment and data centre environmental parameters are monitored 7x24 by Q9’s Control Centre, staffed by experts versed in all aspects of IT and facilities management.

“We are delighted to be providing Audatex Canada with the security and reliability it requires to provide an exceptional user experience for its customers,” says David Ralston, senior vice-president, sales, Q9 Networks. “Q9 is a well-known and trusted name in Canada’s insurance industry. By selecting Q9, Audatex Canada is assured of a data centre services provider with an exclusive focus on Canada, fibre routes between data centres that stay within Canada, consistent standards across all facilities, and an exemplary track record supporting mission-critical computing environments spanning almost two decades.”

Introducing...

CROMAX® MOSAICTM A new basecoat line for automotive body shops doing collision work that is designed to provide dependable colour match and a durable OEM quality repair.

Classic coat-flash-reflow technology allows application flexibility and promotes excellent metallic control.

For additional information about this new technology please call your preferred Axalta distributor or the Axalta Customer Care Centre at 1-800-668-6945. www.cromax.ca

AN AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS BRAND The Cromax logo and Cromax® MosaicTM are trademarks or registered trademarks of Axalta Coating Systems LLC or its affiliates, used under license by Axalta Coating Systems Canada Company. © 2014 Axalta Coating Systems Canada Company. All rights reserved.

www.bodyshopbiz.com l November 2014 l Bodyshop 7

news

Foose Wins 2014 NACE / CARS Expo Top Custom Car Award

C

hip Foose of Foose Design was recently presented with the Top Custom Car Award from the Automotive Service Association for his restyled Wes Rydell 1954 Chevy “Cool Air” Bel-Air. The award was presented to Chip as he was joined by members of the BASF Automotive Refinish team at the recent 2014 National Autobody Congress and Exposition & Conference (NACE / CARS Expo) in Detroit. Visitors and exhibitors at the expo voted on their favourite vehicle being exhibited. The Cool Air fea-

Chip Foose, joined by Denise Kingstrom, BASF strategic accounts manager, and Mary Ann Short, BASF marketing services manager, is presented the Top Custom Car award by the Automotive Service Association at NACE.

tures a custom BASF Glasurit 90-Line paint in a rich copper finish.

Appointments

D

an Trahey has been appointed to the role of manager of technical training at Car-O-Liner.

In his new role, Dan will support the Car-O-Liner Academy training initiatives by developing technical education programs, technical writing, as well as supporting Car-OLiner’s distributor and customer network through technical presentations within the North American automotive aftermarket.

Prior to joining Car-O-Liner, Dan was the auto body, automotive restoration and welding program director for Baker College in Flint, Michigan. During his tenure, his responsibilities included curriculum creation, development of budgets as well as management of the programs overall. Trahey has experience in the automotive industry as an auto body technician, insurance appraiser as well as managing a dealership bodyshop. He is ASE Certified as a master collision/refinish technician, estimator, and in steering & suspension and brakes.

“I am very excited to have Dan join the Car-O-Liner team,” says Jeff Kern, president of Car-O-Liner.

Axalta Coating Systems to Invest $10.5 Million in Mexico

A

xalta Coating Systems recently announced it has committed to invest $10.5 million in Tlalnepantla, Mexico, to expand capacity to produce resins used in the manufacture of transportation coatings. The investment is intended to enhance and expand the capability of the Tlalnepantla operations centre, one of three manufacturing locations for Axalta in Mexico, and headquarters of the company’s businesses in Latin America.

Explains Jorge Cossio, president, Latin America for Axalta, “In addition to manufacturing products for Mexico, the expansion also allows Axalta to better serve the broader Americas market.”

The resin facility will use manufacturing technology designed to improve operational efficiencies, reduce 8 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

waste, and further reduce the environmental footprint from the company’s manufacturing operations. The need for additional resin production is a direct response to customers’ growing interest in Axalta’s environmentally responsible coatings that can meet their expanded production in Mexico.

“The Ministry of Economic Development of the State of Mexico is pleased to help sustain Axalta’s longstanding commitment to our community through our program of fiscal and education incentives that help create a favourable climate for global companies to build and expand in the State,” states Adrian Fuentes Villalobos, head of the economic development office. “Our growth relies on, and benefits from, the jobs and skills

creation that companies like Axalta bring, providing an engine for economic expansion.”

The Tlalnepantla facility already manufactures coatings for some of the largest global automotive OEM and heavy duty truck manufacturers, as well as Axalta brands including Standox, Spies Hecker, and Cromax.

“Investing in Mexico reflects not only our commitment to our customers but also our confidence in the country’s OEM’s ability to produce world class vehicles for the global automotive market,” explains Steven Markevich, Axalta senior VP and president of OEM Automotive.

The commitment to invest in Mexico follows announcements over the past 16 months to expand operations in China, Germany and Brazil.

n a c u o y f o Pro s e n i l e h t e d color insitill break and s rules. all t he

With a dazzling palette of colors and an arsenal of special effects, the only limitation is your imagination. So when you’re ready to transform paint and metal into a work of art, spray the choice of iconic customizers and bodacious builders—PPG VIBRANCE COLLECTION. The art of originality. ®

©2014 PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. All rights reserved. www.ppgrefinish.com The PPG Logo and Vibrance Collection are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

news

Letters

Dear editor: I am writing to you today to express my deep concerns with the collision repair industry in Nova Scotia and other eastern provinces in Canada. I am an owner that has been in the industry for almost three decades. I have great concerns that the changes that have been implemented by the insurance industry and the banners programs are so negative that our fragile industry is on the brink of collapse.

As an owner, [I feel] it is such a huge mountain to scale with no support from other shops in the industry, due to being singled out and shunned, no individual company is able to try to make a difference. Knowing that, we are unable to negotiate with the insurance industry (being the largest customers that a shop would have). This leaves us powerless to run our business in a profitable, successful way. It is to the point that we are told what is expected of our companies, with no discussion on what we need or feel that would be of benefit to both parties. There is no respect given to our companies as to what we provide for the industry. Not enough is being done to help the industry grow or to nurture young people to have an interest repairing vehicles.

As a collision shop, we are heavily invested in buildings and the equipment for new-technology vehicles. But we are not being paid properly from our industry insurance partners. The overhead expenses are doubling and the shortage of skilled labour is astro-

nomical. Yet the banner programs and the insurance industry are clawing back labour rates and percentage points from parts and materials that cannot be given, to maintain a quality repair business – leaving the vehicle owner to suffer.

The shortage of skilled technicians is a major problem. Shops cannot afford to pay the apprentice with no skills to learn in a shop environment that has to produce to keep the business open. Technicians are underpaid; most are paid on a flat-rate basis, [which means they have] no interest in helping or educating our apprentice in this hands-on trade. With the door rates so low, the costs directly related to the new apprentice have to come off the bottom line, thus causing no young people to be injected into the shops. The twoyear program for Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing at the community college is a big debt burden for students, with starting pay rates just above minimum wage. Once the students graduate, they are not able to enter the work force with any hands-on skills that would be an asset to the shop.

The “loss of use programs” are ridiculous; insurance companies are making the shops control and pay for their idea of cycle time, never taking into consideration that there are issues of parts delays, chemicals, and of course forgetting that a “person” has to do the actual repair. Again to save the insurance company money, we are now looking after the rentals. With a “like it or

leave it” attitude from the insurance companies, we are being pushed to have the collision shop look after loss of use that we don’t get paid for, [with] the many hours of clerical that this entails. Most times it is a loss leader the shop has to absorb to maintain its relationship with the insurance company.

Banner programs are trying to simplify the insurance companies’ business at a premium that is paid by the collision shops, while yet again, the shop suffers with paying the banner program so the insurance company can save money. Meanwhile, collision shops feel threatened and take these programs to feel secure, but not without paying a price for the business that they already own without the banner program. Banner programs remind me of paying for protection from the mob.

We have forgotten what we do best, and that is fixing vehicles. As business owners we need to step up to the plate and seek our associations out and discuss how we can make a difference in the industry. How can we be successful companies and helpful to one another? To help each other grow in an industry that is ever-evolving by third parties.

Concerned shop owner [Editor’s note: Bodyshop welcomes letters on subjects of interest to the bodyshop industry. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Send correspondence to aross@ bodyshopbizcom.]

DeBeer Launches New Brand Look

V

alspar Automotive has launched a new look for the DeBeer Refinish brand. Customers will begin to receive products with new labels starting in September.

The DeBeer Bear is moving forward as a symbol of DeBeer’s dedication to the fu-

10 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

ture of coatings and colour technology.

The restyled product labels display a deeper chroma and are colour-coded by product type.

The new look will be on display at the Valspar Automotive booths at SEMA, 23513 in the Central Hall and 11066 in the North Hall.

“We are very excited to announce this refreshment of our brand. The DeBeer

Bear has long been a reliable image in the automotive industry; we wanted to honour our heritage but look forward towards the future,” says Gerard Oldenhof, global marketing director, Valspar Automotive.

For additional information about DeBeer Refinish, visit www.de-beer.com.

For more information about Valspar Automotive, visit www.valsparauto.com.

news

Hellcat No. 1 Raises Over $1.6M for Charity D

odge auctioned the first producThe one-of-one special edition 2015 documentation, and more. tion 707-horsepower 2015 Dodge Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, with a The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Challenger SRT Hellcat VIN0001, the 6.2-litre supercharged HEMI V-8 en- Hellcat VIN0001 has a class-exclusive most powerful and fastest muscle car gine and 0001 vehicle identification TorqueFlite eight-speed paddle-shift ever, for $825,000 at the Sept. 27 Bar- number (VIN), has an NHRA-certified automatic transmission with revrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2014 auction quarter-mile time of 10.8 seconds at matching downshifts, 15.4-inch Brembenefiting Opportunity Village, a not- 126 mph with drag radials, 707 horse- bo front disc brakes with two-piece rofor-profit organization that serves peo- power and 650 lb.-ft. of torque on tap tors and six-piston calipers, the largest ple with significant intellectual dis- right from the assembly line. Adding brakes ever offered by Chrysler Group abilities in the Las Vegas area. The to the exclusivity, the donated muscle and 20-by-9.5-inch lightweight matte Engelstad Family Foundation of Las car is the only Dodge Challenger to black forged-aluminum wheels. It will Vegas matched the auction price, ever have a Viper-exclusive Stryker have newly designed interior trimmed bringing the grand total raised for Op- Red exterior, hand-painted at the in premium Black Laguna leather on portunity Village to $1.65 million.

Dodge Viper paint facility, with special performance-oriented seats, a modern “The $1.65 million raised means the Hellcat badging on the instrument dash layout featuring the 8.4-inch most powerful muscle car ever will panel and supercharger, specific VIN Uconnect touchscreen and an authentic forged-aluminum superchargalso have a very powerful impact er plenum cover under the hood. on the people who benefit from The auction package includes the services of Opportunity Vila 6.2-litre supercharger engine lage,” says Tim Kuniskis, presicover and a HEMI Orange paintdent and CEO, Dodge and SRT ed base presentation box with a Brands, Chrysler Group LLC. VIN0001 electronic vehicle build “The VIN0001 muscle car was book and a video documentary not only one of the hottest cars on an iPad mini that shows the that rolled through the Barrettstep-by-step build process of the Jackson auction lanes, it is also car. the ultimate collectible 2015 Additional information on the Dodge Challenger as Dodge is vehicle is available on the news ensuring there will never be anThe first Challenger SRT Hellcat off the line proved a winner feed page of www.driveSRT.com. other one like it.” for Opportunity Village.

I

I-CAR Conference A Success, Goes Biennial

-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair’s 2014 I-CAR Conference, held during Industry Week in Detroit this past July, proved to be an outstanding event with an all-star lineup of speakers including Keynotes Robert Fascetti, Ford vice-president of powertrain engineering, and Larry Burns, professor of engineering practice at University of Michigan and former vice-president R&D and planning for General Motors.

Registrations for the Conference were up 50% over the prior year, and post-survey results showed an unprecedented 96% satisfaction by attendees. Attendees also expressed that I-CAR should continue to co-locate the Conference with NACE and Industry Week in the future.

This was the second consecutive year that the I-CAR Conference brought to the forefront topics that centred on the accelerating vehicle “Technical Tsunami,” this year holding sessions on Ford’s new vehicle development and collision repair programs, the changing DNA of the vehicle, lightweighting, and advanced electronics, communications and safety. When asked what topics I-CAR should cover in future conferences, 86% of attendees requested that I-CAR continue to focus on evolving vehicle technology. In response to this feedback, and to continue delivering relevant and fresh content from an outstanding lineup of senior OEM technology focused speakers, I-CAR is excited to announce that vehicle technology will continue to be the

Conference theme, and that the I-CAR Conference will shift to a biennial (every other year) cadence. Also, based on the success of this year’s Conference, I-CAR plans to hold the event in conjunction with NACE going forward.

I-CAR also significantly expanded its NACE presence in 2014 with the addition of a main stage located centrally on the show floor. Throughout the show, I-CAR collaborated with OEMs to bring topical and relevant presentations to the NACE audience on this stage, as well as through live demonstrations held in the I-CAR Demo Zone, such as welding. Due to positive industry feedback, I-CAR looks forward to continuing to host the main stage and live demonstrations at NACE in 2015 and beyond. www.bodyshopbiz.com l November 2014 l Bodyshop 11

news

Did you know that when you are spraying a catalyzed paint product in a spray booth or prep deck, the proper personal protection equipment is an air-supplied respirator?

Air supplied respirators must be supplied with Grade “D” Breathable Air. Quality Air Breathing Systems are designed to provide Grade “D” Breathable Air from your existing compressed air system, for compliance with current CSA Standards when using an air supplied respirator.

Systems sized from one person to twelve persons at the same time. We offer complete systems, with proper filtration and carbon monoxide monitors, panel mounted, and ready to use. Available in belt mounted, wall mount, and portable versions.

CARSTAR Adds Ontario Locations C ARSTAR Express Smiths Falls, located at 145 Lombard Street in Smiths Falls, Ontario, is the latest in a string of new and revamped locations added to the banner’s roster over the summer.

Express Smiths Falls multi-store owner Arnold Dixon has been with CARSTAR since 2007, operating collision centres in Brockville and Perth. The location is managed by William Patterson, who has over 40 years of experience in the automotive and collision industry. “We started looking at an opportunity to open an Express centre about a year ago when we found this great location,” says William.

After 33 years in business and thousands of repaired vehicles, husband-andwife team Bruce and Cathy Killinger handed over the keys to their CARSTAR Hamilton Midtown and CARSTAR Express Midtown West locations to another husband-and-wife team, Rick and Wendy Yates, who between them possess over 50 years of experience in the automotive/ insurance/operations and customer service industry. As Rick Yates puts it, “We want to grow this terrific business as Bruce and Cathy have over the last 30 years, and to continue with their tradition of excellence.”

T

CARSTAR Port Elgin Appraisal Centre, owned by Scott Rowe, Kim Wheeler and Jamie Rowe, opened in mid-September at Unit 4, 1213 Goderich Street in Port Elgin, Ontario. The Rowe family joined CARSTAR in 2012 when they opened CARSTAR Kincardine alongside their dealership business, Rowe Motors.

The appraisal centre, with its brand new and welcoming office, is managed by Charlie Goar.

CARSTAR Express Auto Care Mississauga Dundas, located at 2292B Dundas Street West, Mississauga, Ontario, is the newest CARSTAR Express Auto Care location to open its doors in Ontario.

Owner Sam Saccoia has 25 years of experience in the industry and joined the CARSTAR family in the 1990s. With two other successful locations in Toronto and Mississauga, Sam felt the time was right to open an Express Auto Care location. Sam also opened CARSTAR Express Toronto Eastern Avenue, located at 344 Eastern Avenue, Toronto, during the summer.

WIN Awards Student Memberships

he Women’s Industry Network (WIN) participated in the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) – Cars, Careers, and Celebrities Expo, a one-day event held in Dallas in August. During the event, WIN Board members Denise Caspersen and Petra Schroeder met with those attending, including a group of young women from South Garland High School in Garland, Texas.

Instructor Craig Baughman is a technical instructor for the Auto Collision Repair Technology program at the high school who encouraged his students to attend. “Every year we have more and more young women enter our Auto Collision Repair program,” Baughman says. “We are excited about the opportunity to have them be invited to join the Women’s Industry Network. I believe 12 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

CARSTAR Smiths Falls manager William Patterson and owner Arnold Dixon (left); Port Elgin Appraisal Centre co-owner Scott Rowe.

relationships which have the potential to develop will influence and encourage their lives more than words ever will.”

Petra Schroeder, WIN Board member and brand development manager at Axalta Coating Systems, donated five WIN student memberships to the group after meeting them. “I was immediately impressed with the positive attitude that these young ladies displayed. We had a great conversation.

That’s when I wanted to ‘capture’ them for WIN, providing all of us with opportunities to learn from each other. I look forward to meeting them again soon.”

WIN offers support for women interested in a career in the collision industry through scholarship, networking and mentoring opportunities. To learn more, go to www.thewomensindustrynetwork.com.

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK. AND HOOD. Genuine Ford Collision Parts are a great choice for your customers, because they’re designed to meet demanding Ford proprietary engineering specifications. That means easy installation, a precise fit and long-lasting reliability. That also means your customers will experience like-new performance and get back on the road sooner. What’s more, Ford sheet metal is protected by a lifetime warranty backed by the Ford Protection Plan.* So, for quality parts and more satisfied customers, choose Genuine Ford parts, available only at your local Ford Store.

* Ford Protection Plan (“FPP”) is only available for purchasers of Ford replacement sheet metal for non-commercial cars and light trucks. FPP provides coverage (part and labour only) beyond the expiry of the standard Parts Warranty. If an FPP-eligible Ford sheet metal fails due to a defect in material that causes rust through, it will be replaced at no charge as long as the original purchaser of the part owns the vehicle on which the part was installed. See your local Ford Store for complete coverage details and limitations. ©2014 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

news

T

ARA Sets Louisiana AG Straight

he Automotive Recyclers Association sent a letter to Louisiana Attorney General James D. “Buddy” Caldwell this week responding to mischaracterizations and disparaging statements made about recycled automotive parts.

In public comments related to a recent lawsuit filed by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office against State Farm Insurance, for allegedly steering consumers to direct repair providers who must comply with insurer requirements for replacement parts, Attorney General Caldwell is quoted as saying, “In some cases, we’ve found that these parts are nothing more than used junk yard parts.”

The Attorney General’s statement leads consumers to believe that salvaged/recycled automotive parts are unsafe and inferior to new original equipment manufacturer parts. Recycled genuine original OEM parts meet

14 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

OEM requirements. They are OEM parts, designed by the OEM, and built to meet the OEM requirements for fit, finish, durability, reliability, and safety.

Attorney General Caldwell’s mischaracterization of recycled automotive parts does a disservice to consumers in Louisiana by seeking to limit their access to safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly automobile repairs.

In the September 8 letter, ARA CEO Michael E. Wilson pointed out that the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals recently affirmed the use of salvage/recycled OEM crash parts in vehicle repairs. The Court also found that neither the West Virginia Automotive Crash Parts Act nor Consumer Credit and Protection Act statute prohibited bodyshops or insurers from utilizing these parts, that aftermarket crash parts and salvage/recycled OEM crash parts are “diametrically” different products and not interchangeable,

and, moreover, applauded the insurers for using measures to reduce premium costs for their customers.

“The West Virginia ruling is a significant step forward for the professional automotive recycling industry and the increased utilization of genuine, recycled OEM parts,” says Wilson.

“Regrettably, not all state attorneys general have done their homework and educated themselves about our industry and the critical role that recycled OEM automotive parts play in the market.”

Since 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) represents an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of “green” automotive parts, and the proper recycling of inoperable motor vehicles. ARA represents the interests of over 4,500 auto recycling facilities in Canada, the United States, and thirteen other countries around the world.

Custom & Specialty

CUSTOM

REFINISHING Tips

By Martha Uniacke Breen

&Trends

The custom world is a small and close-knit community in Canada, and most of the top painters underwrite their passion with more mainstream bodywork. But product designers and OE manufacturers often look to this market to see what’s attracting attention from enthusiasts and custom artists, making it interesting to survey the custom world from time to time. Plus, let’s face it, cool customs are one of the abiding enthusiasms of many who make a living in the bodyshop industry. So we thought we’d take a look around and see what’s new and noteworthy from custom painters and from manufacturers.

The OEs have known since the days of Henry Ford (“Any colour you want, as long as it’s black”) that a cool finish is a great selling tool in a new car. Along with a wider range than ever of shades available, today’s colours are more exotic and vibrant than ever, particularly in models aimed at younger buyers, and finishes that feature an exceptional level of depth and clarity. A dimensional red, like Toyota’s Barcelona Red, or the snazzy finish on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor unveiled in early October at the Paris Motor Show, illustrates how OEs often create their

own combinations of tinted undercoats and spectral grey primers and proprietary paints to differentiate their finishes. This can create challenges for the restorer/refinisher, as many of these finishes require special techniques and materials to reproduce faithfully.

As PPG noted in a recent bulletin, the techniques for achieving these dimensional effects come straight from the custom shop, using translucent pigments and pearls that are designed so that undercoat, basecoat and clear work together to produce the desired effect. To apply, the traditional high-hiding spray effect is replaced by multiple “light-hiding” coats, so the different layers subtly shine through. The result is a paint that almost looks 3D. With such subtle variations, the only way to be sure that you are achieving a perfect match is through a computer-aided system Continues on page 18

Below: Charley Hutton demos a woodgrain finish.

(Inset) Fish scale detail by Chris MacMahan.

Photos courtesy of PPG Refinish.

www.bodyshopbiz.com l November 2014 l Bodyshop 15

Custom & Specialty

Achieving A Tone-on-Tone Effect

After masking, the hood and front bumper were sprayed with Graphic Colour #1, a lighter, coarser variant close to the vehicle OEM paint.

The 5 3/4-inch stripes were masked in the centre of the front hood. The darkest of the variant colours was sprayed from rear to front to create a base.

The fade was built with Graphic Colours #2 and #3, blending towards the front.

waterborne system. For complete instructions on effects like this, along with the latest news and ideas from the world of custom finishing, check out PPG’s online Repaint Reporter Magazine at http://us.ppgrefinish. com/PPG-Refinish/Programs/Promotional-Tools/Repaint-Reporter.

Stoll cut and applied stencils for the vertical dashes on either side of the large centre area.

The angles on the cutouts reinforce the V paint and blend pattern as well as the hood’s natural lines.

After completing the centre hood stripes, the masking tape was removed showing the blended stripes. The stripes were remasked and blended with Graphic Colour #2 to soften the contrast. The stripes continue back over the Black Pearl-painted roof and onto the rear of the car, darkening as they go.

The 5 3/4-inch stripes were masked in the centre of the front hood. The darkest of the variant colours was sprayed from rear to front to create a base.

The fade was built with Graphic Colours # 2 and #3, blending towards the front.

The additional tape shades in graphic #2 were added between the graphic dashes and the edge of the hood.

Clearcoat and pinstripes: The Corvette was cleared with Deltron DC2000 Ultra Velocity Clear, then flat sanded. Black pinstripes were added as a finishing touch.

16 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

photos courtesy of: PPG Refinish

Paul Stoll, a PPG training instructor and accomplished custom painter, created a monochromatic effect on owner John Hayes’ Corvette through the creative use of four tones of grey over the car’s original Switchblade Silver paint finish. The paint used was the Envirobase High Performance

Express Delivery. Unlimited Service.

Mercedes-Benz Toronto Corporate Stores. Your GenuineParts Business Partner.

With close to 60 years of experience in the GTA, Mercedes-Benz Toronto Corporate Stores are a perfect fit for your business. Each of our nine locations offer express parts delivery and feature a team of dedicated wholesale parts specialists who will make sure that you get the right part the first time. Experience for yourself the advantage of working with Mercedes-Benz Toronto Corporate Stores.

Our Wholesale Parts Account Benefits • Access to the largest GenuineParts Inventory in Canada • Same day delivery on any in-stock parts • Next day/express delivery on special ordered parts • Priority service for pick-up at any of our parts counters • Competitive wholesale pricing and group rates available • Your account can be used at any of our nine Mercedes-Benz Corporate Stores across the GTA

Mercedes-Benz GenuineParts - Accept no substitutes • Designed to fit perfectly • Precisely built to manufacturer’s specifications • Quality tested to ensure reliability, durability and longevity • No compromise on performance and safety • All backed by a comprehensive warranty

Midtown

Mississauga

647.426.9891

905.593.2250

mbwholesale.ca

Maple 905.585.9310

Etobicoke

Downtown

647.288.0122

647.426.0780

Markham

905.480.1600

Thornhill

905.695.8300

Newmarket

905.853.6868

Green Lane

905.695.1998

Custom & Specialty

The brand-new Jeep Cherokee SRT Red Vapor (left) sports a snazzy red finish. The latest custom-inspired OE finishes like this are often a challenge to reproduce accurately in the shop.

Continued from page 15

Above: A trio of chips from PPG illustrates the sharp contrast different grey undercoats can have on the same translucent red Toyota basecoat.

OFFICIAL AUTOMOTIVE PAINT OF

STOP by OUr STOrE, Or wE’LL brINg ThE STOrE TO yOU.

Either way we’ll deliver. we’re the only paint manufacturer that is also a full service PbE distributor, so we have everything you need - unmatched product offering, services and expertise to keep you running efficiently and profitably.

Visit a store, give us a call, learn more or share ideas: 800-798-5872 | she rwin-automotive.com    © 2014 The Sherwin -williams Compan y NASCAr® Inc., is a registered tradema rk of the National Association for Stock Car Auto racing, Inc.

18 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

such as PPG’s PaintManager or BASF’s ColorMax. As BASF’s Mary Ann Short points out, “Colour mixing and identification has come a long way since the microfiche viewer and a T99.

There are numerous advancements in computer simulation and ease of identification that have helped to make things quicker, easier and more accurate.”

Custom is the closest thing to fashion in the refinishing world, and experimental techniques and blends have often gotten their start in the custom enthusiast’s shop. JF Launier of JF Kustoms in Osoyoos, B.C., used BASF R-M Onyx HD in a vibrant sunflower yellow colour he created and named Rivieran Sunset Pearl, to drive his 1964 Buick Riviera Rivision to the winner’s circle of the 2104 Ridler Awards last spring.

BASF’s Glasurit (the favourite of the custom industry’s biggest “star,” Chip Foose, who has even developed paint colours for the line) and R-M Carizzma lines (available for both Onyx and Diamont basecoats) are popular with custom finishers for the range of special effect colours and pigments available. “These are special effect pigments that take candy colours a step further,” continues Short. “The kinds of effect you can achieve with the product mean the only limit really is the technician’s imagination.”

Especially when the tech is going for a highly controlled precision spray on a panel, such as stencilling, airbrushing or other effect, proper tools are imperative. According to Vanessa Klay of Sata Canada, European-made Sata tools are especially suitable for creating fine dots, delicate lines and contours, which is the foundation of all airbrushing. “The SATAminijet family has low overspray, making it perfect for blending and design. These guns are perfect for spot repair, small repair jobs and design work, with a fan that can stretch from up to 10 inches right down to fractions of an inch, depending on the model. The SATAjet 20B has a nice round spray for individual design tasks, and a large nozzle range and replaceable air connection allow for unmatched flexibility in use. The SATAgraph family ranges from beginner and medium skill set guns, which are great for precise lines, but allows a little forgiveness when working, to premium airbrushes with external material flow control, for ultimate control and amazing versatility. Quick to clean, easy to maintain, and welldesigned tools allow airbrush artists to be limited by nothing else than their imaginations.” B

Keep it real.

Ordering Kia Genuine Parts is now easier with Auto PartsBridge.

Our hassle-free process offers: •Kia Genuine Parts at competitive prices •Kia Genuine Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) •Improved cycle time •More illustrations than other collision software •VIN-specific orders •One-click parts ordering Auto PartsBridge is available at no cost to body shops. So start enjoying the exceptional fit and finish of Kia Genuine Parts today.

For more information, please contact Alain Daoust at adaoust@kia.ca.

feature

BUILDING ON SUCCESS A progressive collision repair centre must continually fine-tune its operations and efficiencies. Four top Canadian bodyshops tell us about improvements they’ve made this year to better their businesses.

by Leslie Smith

Chris Mario, President/Co-owner Regina Auto Body, Regina, Sask.

Regina Auto Body is a rare survivor from the early days of the automotive industry. Founded in 1924, the facility has always occupied the same city location, although its structural appearance has been transformed several times over the ensuing years. In 1965, the Mario family bought the business and continues to operate it to this day.

Brothers Chris, Mike, and Greg now co-own a modernized centre that specializes in full collision work. Winner of a Torch Award for excellence from the Better Business Bureau, the shop has been run on LEAN management principles for the past 10 years.

“The biggest thing we’ve concentrated on is the ongoing process of improvement with our staff. Specialists from PPG have provided us with White Belt LEAN training and Paint Shop Throughput training to better our production. We’re working on reducing our paint-booth time from 120-plus minutes down to 90. We have also increased our booth spray-time from eight to 10 cars a day by starting a split-shift schedule in June, featuring four 10-hour days with every second Friday off. The staff loves it – it gives

20 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

them flex time and we fulfill our obligation to get vehicles back to the client as soon as we can.

“Within that split shift too, we’ve overlapped the breaks. Instead of everyone taking off at the same time for coffee or lunch, we stagger it so the machines keep running all the time. We’ve increased our average hours per week by just about 10%, and now that summer vacations are over, we think we’re going to do better for the fall. We’ve started a whole-team pay plan for our production staff, where all the hours that are sold are pooled and split between the team.

It’s helpful when we have vacations and split shifts.

“Of course, you can only do stuff like this if you have a good culture of continuous improvement that you work on day to day.

We’re always trying to get better, to give our staff the right info and let them make their own decisions. As management, our obligation to staff is to remove roadblocks and so they’re more capable of running themselves at high speed.”

Mark Regier, Co-owner Prestige Collision, Kelowna, B.C. Prestige Collision is an award-winning (Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Okinawan College Young Alumni Award) auto bodyshop. As an accredited ICBC Valet C.A.R. & Glass Express Shop, they provide complete collision repair and glass replacement services. Brothers Todd and Mark Regier have coowned and managed the business since 2003.

They follow the LEAN system of dedicated employee responsibility.

“Our most notable change would be staff engagement. We knew we had a problem with our work culture, where people were vocally unhappy but unwilling to leave. We didn’t start with an end goal in mind – we just wanted to rectify some small cultural issues and it’s developed from there.

“For the last six months, we’ve been holding weekly meetings with our staff to offer engagement and guidance. We encourage suggestions but we don’t welcome criticism after the fact, so that keeps things positive. We’re very open about the things we need, even the things that embarrass us.

They get to say what they’re really thinking – there are no consequences to speaking your mind. We don’t try to justify that what we’re doing is always right. If someone sees a problem, then we’re open to suggestions about improvements.

“The improvement in shop morale and the progress of the business has been amazing. We’re a medium-sized company.

There’s 14 people here including Todd and myself, and we’re all young – the oldest person in the building is 37. Just yesterday, I was at a round-table discussion that talked about dealing with millennials. So many people believe that young people today are lazy and scattered. However, I feel that, once en-

gaged, they make fantastic employees to have around. You have to take the time to connect with each individual and understand how they want to be engaged. We ask guys who’ve been in the trade only six weeks to give us their opinion, and it really makes a difference in their attitudes.”

Sam Piercy, Partner/General Manager Budds’ Collision Centre, Oakville, Ont. Family-owned Budds’ Collision Centre first opened its doors in 1983. A state-of-the-art bodyshop, the firm has racked up a number of firsts in Canada, including the first aluminum repair room and the first use of Glasurit (BASF) waterborne paint. Specialists in aluminum repairs and replacement for BMW, Jaguar, and Land Rover, they subscribe to the continuous improvement precepts of Six Sigma.

“I’ve been in the industry 43 years as a licensed technician and painter, and I’m on the floor every day. We’re constantly looking for ways to be better, faster, and cheaper, because insurance companies are demanding increased throughput and cycle time.

“Our recent White Belt training from PPG has been very useful. They’ve also given us new charts, materials, and training in Standard Operating Procedures that help us eliminate wasteful procedures in time and material. Norton and 3M are also con-

stantly bringing us new sandpapers and masking tapes that save us money. They’re not cheaper in terms of quality, but they make the job cheaper overall by taking away several steps. For instance, we now save a ton of money by using just three pieces of sandpaper on a job, as opposed to five. We look to our paint companies and suppliers to help us step up production, like using different types of hardeners and clearcoats to move the car along faster. We can now turn around on a scratched bumper in four hours, when it used to take us two or three days.

“The difference I see today is the suppliers and jobbers are now partners, working with us on ways to continuously improve.

Every day I come to work, I learn something new about a product, a new car, something in general that helps me do my job better.”

www.bodyshopbiz.com l November 2014 l Bodyshop 21

feature Domenic Prochilo, Director of Operational Excellence Prochilo Brothers Auto Collision, Toronto, Ont. Prochilo Brothers, in business since 1966, is a family-owned and -operated auto collision service with three dedicated repair facilities in the Toronto area. Winner of our Bodyshop of the Year Award for 2014, the firm follows LEAN/Six Sigma principles.

“What we’ve done specifically this year is invest in personal development and management leadership. We’ve brought in a third-party leadership and accountability coach from LMI Canada, who has assisted

our shop management and executive staff in focusing more on time management and robustness plans for employee career development. We’re now encouraging cross-functional training for our staff, which lets us move employees about when required for assistance and developmental training without their losing their way or us skipping a beat.

“It makes employees, especially the Gen Next, feel valued. Many know they want a

role in the industry but don’t know where.

Cross-functional training makes them more generalists than specialists. They can fill in on various jobs, and this gives them an idea of which direction they might want to head.

They get much broader experience and a solid career path. We’ve changed the compensation plan to reinforce this strategy – rewarding for more skill sets that they develop as opposed to focusing on higher production. Our Gen Next employees appreciate this approach, and it’s taken a lot of responsibility off our senior techs. We’ve decreased our cycle time because more hands are able to touch more cars at the same time.

“That’s the one thing about LEAN/Six Sigma. Everybody’s doing it, but if there isn’t a charted system of career paths for employees and appropriate leadership in the front-end office in place, you just won’t get the results you want. That’s why these things are so important to us.”

MIRRORS HOODS

DOORS

GRILLES BUMPERS FENDERS LIGHTS

2 LOCATIONS / 1 PHONE # 1-866-426-0666 WWW.APT-AUTOPARTS.COM parts@apt-autoparts.com 22 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

”

ER

“J

B OB

OE Innovations & Outlook

Computers on Wheels Innovation Drives Ahead

By Martha Uniacke Breen

T

he automotive industry has long been a leading force in human innovation, on a par with aerospace, high technology, and the military – all of which have borrowed from it at one time or other. The accelerating speed of automotive ingenuity is just as remarkable: consider for a moment how we’ve gone from seeing alternative fuels as a tree-hugging novelty less than a decade ago to a commonplace option today, while government initiatives like CAFE have led to a revolution in lighter, stronger materials, more efficient, powerful engines, and slick, aerodynamic design.

Some of the most notable changes have been in the area of high technology. The modern car is not just a computer on wheels, but the most sophisticated piece of technology that most consumers own. Ninety percent of crashes are driver-caused, and much of that tech is going into reducing the human variable – to the point that, in less time than you probably think, we may not drive them at all.

Already, driver-assist sensors allow the vehicle to “see” in a 360-degree arc around it. Today’s new cars may feature adaptive cruise control (sometimes linked with brake activation), lane departure warning, and collision avoidance systems in the front; side/cross traffic and parking functions at the sides; and blind spot sensors, parking, and rear vision sensors at the rear. These systems deploy relatively established technologies such as radar and ultrasound, as well as lidar, which uses invisible laser beams to create a 3D model of the car’s environs in high detail.

The burgeoning field of nanotechnology has spawned a host of promising materials that will soon find their way into vehicles. New nanocomposite materials that meet the imperatives of extreme durability and light weight are well-suited for use in bumpers and other body components. One particularly interesting new material under development is nanocellulose, which is as strong as carbon fibre but less expensive to produce, as well as being renewable, since its essential element is algae. Nanomaterials lend themselves naturally to a wide range of potential automotive uses, from abrasion-resistant tires to increased scratch resistance in coatings.

Some materials with automotive applications borrow from other industries. Among them is aerogel: developed by NASA, it’s a solid and durable material that is 99.8% air. Gorilla glass, familiar to any smartphone user, is tougher and more scratch-resistant than conventional safety glass but half the weight, making it very attractive for automotive use. And one of the most gee-whiz materials of all is graphene, a type of carbon fibre that is three hundred times the strength of steel, but just one atom thick.

The notion of the connected car is one of the most fertile areas of automotive R&D nowadays, driven by demand from every aspect of the automotive spectrum from consumers to the repair industry to insurance companies. Telematics are currently the most famil-

iar: by 2016, up to 62% of new vehicles will be equipped with factory-installed telematics technology. That’s less than a year from now.

Canadian insurers have already begun offering discounts for telematics-equipped cars that record driving habits and presumably allow good drivers to prove their worth. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg as far as the technology’s potential.

Within a few years, cars will be able to “talk” to each other and the roadway telematically and communicate empirical information such as stopped traffic ahead, lengthening the distance for safe braking. (This technology already exists, to some extent, in large vehicles such as tractor-trailers that require longer stopping distances.) Combined with corresponding advances in infrastructure design, the connected car may be able to communicate with stop signs and traffic signals, changing a red light to green if there is no cross traffic, for example.

Smart sensors and connectivity combined lie at the heart of the driverless car. Google and BMW, among others, have demonstration vehicles in active operation now, and while experts differ on when the technology will be introduced on a wide scale, the consensus is that autonomous cars could be available commercially in less than a decade.

However, many of the thorniest barriers to autonomous technology have less to do with the capabilities of the vehicle itself than with the infinite variables of the world in which it moves. Furthermore, a computer is a human invention; the driverless car is subject to all the same glitches as your desktop computer, ranging from the annoying to the potentially (in the case of the car) fatal. And there are concerns among some that security is a serious issue. Like any connected computer system, it is vulnerable to hacking, with all the consequences that entails.

An industry insider recently suggested that in the not-so-distant future, every repair centre will routinely employ at least one fulltime engineer. Vehicles are basically rolling computers now, requiring a level of sophistication in maintenance and repair that will wreak enormous, and accelerating, change throughout the industry. Since many of these developments depend on the physical state of the vehicle – which is intrinsic to its own “awareness,” if you will, of its relationship to the space around it — the technical precision, not to mention artistry, of the bodyshop will be more crucial than ever before. B www.bodyshopbiz.com l November 2014 l Bodyshop 23

SEMA

2014

SHOW

November 4-7, 2014

Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

T

he Specialty Equipment Market Association Show (SEMA) draws the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to one place, the Las Vegas Convention Center. Last year, SEMA drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers.

With displays segmented into 12 sections, last year’s New Products Showcase featured nearly 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools, and components. Collision repair professionals, jobbers, and other specialty equipment industry enthusiasts attending SEMA 2014 will benefit from the many seminars, product demos, and special events put on throughout the show.

The SEMA Educational Institute (SEI) free and “Pay-to-Attend” courses provide an excellent opportunity to learn first-hand what trends will affect your business. More than 50 free education courses and several “Pay-toAttend” educational events will cover everything from online marketing to customer service, management, and industry trends.

The courses are designed to give attendees the practical tools that they can implement the day they return from Las Vegas. Visit www. semashow.com to see the entire list of educational events. The following is just a small sample of what’s available to show attendees.

Emerging Markets & Trends: 20 Questions: Examining the Economic Climate Presented by Tim Gallagher, The 2020 Network, and Dr. Bill Watkins, Center for Economic Research and Forecasting at Cal Lutheran University When Dr. Bill Watkins starts talking about the economy, no one is checking their Facebook page. And when he’s done, there are dozens of posts you have not read yet, because Bill talks about the complicated world of economics in a way you can understand. A former banker, he has been an economist for the past 20 years and is often cited on CNN, Fox Business News, The Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times. Dr. Watkins is director of the Center for Economic Research and Forecasting at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, Cal. He also chairs the Master’s in Economics program. In this program, Bill will be 24 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

questioned by Pulitzer-Prize-winning former journalist Tim Gallagher.

Last year, SEMA drew more than 60,000 domestic and

international buyers.

Leadership: Hiring Millenials: you great opportunities to share innovation How to find, train and retain expertise and ideas. young people in today’s job market

Presented by John Rosanbalm, Conklin Co.; Karl Klimek, Square One Education Network; Amy Hirsh Robinson, Interchange Group; and Wade Kawasaki, Coker Tire This is a serious challenge. Unlike boomers and even Gen X, Millennials firmly believe that jobs are temporary and that they need to jump around to move forward. This feeling is backed by a weak economy that doesn’t provide much security to inexperienced workers.

This seminar will tackle head-on the challenges an employer faces when hiring and dealing with Millenials, and provide insight into what makes them happy, productive, and stable long-term employees. We envision this will be a panel discussion that includes both managers/employers and young employees who have found success in the aftermarket.

Business Innovation: 10 Economic, Political, and Tech Trends That Will Affect Your Business Tomorrow Presented by Gene Marks, The Marks Group Join Gene for an interactive presentation where he explains what today’s winning companies are doing to make sure they’re earning big profits tomorrow.

Super Session: Innovation Workshop: Innovate Differently to Attract Gen X & Y Auto Customers: 5 Foolproof Rules The world is more complex than ever and the auto world is continuing to evolve, with Gen X and Gen Y consumers becoming increasingly more relevant. Join GfK for an enlightening session introducing “Five Foolproof Rules” to understand culturally and attitudinally what’s different about these cohorts, how to creatively address their needs, and not only how, but why to adjust your innovation process to meet their unique demands. This session is jam-packed with both thought-provoking, short-segment insights and a hands-on, interactive workshop to give

SEMA Ignited – New Friday Night Attraction The world’s most unique and celebrated customized vehicles from the 2014 SEMA Show will gather and be accessible to the public on Friday, November 7 from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m., as the SEMA Cruise finds its way to a new event taking place immediately after the SEMA Show at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. After four days behind closed doors in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), visible only to industry professionals, hundreds of cars and trucks from the SEMA Show will roll out of the building in the SEMA Cruise and, for the first time ever, assemble at “SEMA Ignited,” a celebration that will include food, music, celebrities, iconic builders and exhibitor displays.

“SEMA Ignited is an extension of the SEMA Show that will allow exhibiting companies to gain additional media and consumer exposure for the acclaimed vehicles and innovative gear they bring to Las Vegas,” says Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

Enhanced Transportation Hubs Ease SEMA Show Navigation The 2014 SEMA Show will feature two new transportation hubs that will help showgoers easily and efficiently navigate the annual trade show.

All shuttle and taxicab pickups/drop offs for the LVCC will be at one of the new transportation hubs, which will be specifically designed to make it fast, easy, and safe for SEMA showgoers to get in and out of the event. The locations of the transportation hubs will be: • Gold Pavilion: Located near the LVCC North Hall, just across Paradise Road.

• Silver 4: Located near South Hall, in the parking lot to the east of the Renaissance Hotel parking structure.

Finding the perfect wiper has never been easier The wiping, cleaning and polishing tasks that our wiper products are asked to tackle can range from preparing parts, cleaning before painting, and picking up leaked oil or other lubricants.

Tork delivers high quality results every time. Tork dispensers offer single hand, one-at-a-time dispensing that keeps the product clean and avoids paint contamination issues.

Tork wipers offer just the right solution for the task at hand.

Visit talktork.com for a free trial and see exactly how simple it is.

Wiping

Sanitizing

Task

Polishing Š 2014 SCA Tissue North America LLC. All rights reserved.

TorkÂŽ is a registered trademark of SCA Tissue North America LLC, or its affiliates.

Cleaning

SCORE Brings World’s Top Desert Racers to 2014 SEMA Show SCORE International is bringing the thrill and excitement of its legendary flagship event, the Baja 1000, to the 2014 SEMA Show. Off-road activities will take place in Las Vegas throughout the week of the SEMA Show, culminating with the 2014 SCORE Baja 1000 live race-qualifying event.

The SEMA Show SCORE Baja 1000 Experience will include a 70,000-square-foot desert racing exhibit outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s South Hall. On display

will be dozens of Baja 1000 Trophy Truck and Class 1 race vehicles, exhibits from leading off-road and desert racing companies, the SCORE transporter, a huge stage, a massive SCOREvision where SCORE Dirt Live HD will be streaming, press conferences, autograph sessions and an interactive SCORE Baja pit crew competition area. Trophy Truck qualifying for the 2014 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 will take place on Tuesday evening, Nov. 4, on a specially designed course around Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS). The course will start and finish on the LVMS off-road “Duck Dynasty” star Willie Robertson appeared in the Line-X booth at the 2013 SEMA Show.

track. The 3.6-mile course will incorporate off-road, dirt, and asphalt elements, utilize two race courses, and require the drivers to turn on their lights and qualify in the darkness of the Las Vegas night. As a trade-only event, it is not open to the general public.

All of the festivities will be taped for a special one-hour television show to air on the CBS Sports Network on Dec. 21 at 9 p.m. ET – the week before the actual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 race is shown on Dec. 28 at 9 p.m.

ET.

Celebrities At SEMA Celebrity appearances at SEMA are always a popular draw, and this year’s selection is top-notch. Show attendees can see the likes of Von Hot Rod Pinstriper – Master of the Fine Line; Rich Evans, designer and fabricator from TruTV’s Motor City Masters; Chelsea Meissner, CBS hit show Survivor Season 24 One World Finalist; Dennis Anderson, driver and originator of the Monster Truck Grave Digger; Jonathan Elkins, Pro Lite driver in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series; Casey Currie, Short Course Off Road Lucas Oil and Torc Champion; and many more exciting stars. B

dust free saNdiNg for a HealtHier Work eNviroNmeNt +

+

Mirka Abrasives Canada Inc. T 800-843-3904 F 800-626-6970 www.mirka.ca

26 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

+

= No dust

Gene Simmons of the rock band KISS appeared at the Ford press conference at the 2013 SEMA Show.

products: abrasives/refinishing

Paint Finishing System Compounding can be one of the most difficult steps in the traditional paint finishing process. To improve the process, the new 3M Perfect-It Paint 1 Finishing System replaces messy compounds and heavy polishers with a one-step process that allows you to achieve a high-gloss finishing on today’s automotive paints. The product, which includes an abrasive disc and DA sander, will allow for deeper, glossier finishes, less time with a heavy polisher, reduced rework and comebacks, cleaner jobs, and reduced time for detailing.

3M Canada www.3m.com/canada

Random Orbital Sanders Mirka’s new MRP-550CV & MRP-650CV PROS pneumatic random orbital sanders offer a number of innovative features, including a brake seal designed to brake the rotation of the sander when the throttle is released. The durable brake seal also contributes to improved dust extraction efficiency by minimizing internal suction leakage. The sanders are comfortable to use with either one or two hands, and feature an integrated cover to isolate the operator’s hand from the cold air inlet hose fitting.

Mirka Canada www.mirka.com

Seam Sealers in New Colours In addition to its black and grey offerings, Transtar Autobody Technologies has introduced white and beige to its Ultra Flex Sprayable Seam Sealer product line. Ultra Flex Sprayable Seam Sealer is an iso-free, multi-purpose sprayable sealant that can be applied via caulking gun or spray equipment. The product is tough, elastic, and waterproof. It bonds aggressively to steel, aluminum, galvanized metal, fibreglass, urethane, epoxy, polyester, water-based primers, glass, Styrofoam, and many plastics.

Transtar Autobody Technologies www.tat-co.com www.bodyshopbiz.com l November 2014 l Bodyshop 27

Women’s Industry Network

WIN WIN Supports Tomorrow’s

Women of the Industry

WIN members enjoy the address of one of the Keynote speakers at the latest WIN Annual Conference.

T

he number of women in the collision industry continues to increase, which makes it more important than ever for opportunities that provide personal satisfaction and career advancement be available. In 2013, women accounted for 52% of all workers employed in management, professional, and related occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is evidenced by the growing number of insurers, manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and other related industry service businesses that are recruiting talented female staff within their organizations.

As more women come onto the collision industry scene, what options do they have for educational advancement, mentorship, networking, and resource sharing? And what can we do as an industry to ensure they are supported on their individual paths?

The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) was established in 2006 to enhance the collision repair industry by supporting women who choose a career within it. WIN’s vitality depends greatly on the support and generosity of individuals and organizations through sponsorship, which is why WIN holds an annual sponsorship campaign. WIN recently opened the 2015 Sponsorship Campaign, which will run through January 10, 2015.

Sponsorship support enables WIN to offer opportunities for networking, continuing education, and mentoring for women in the industry, to keep them engaged and support their professional development through a variety of scholarships, programs, and events.

WIN has continued to expand The Sponsor Board from a recent WIN event.

28 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

its reach as membership has increased each year since the organization was founded. In 2014, sponsorships enabled WIN to grant five high school and college tuition scholarships, manage the “Most Influential Women” (MIW) program, and host WIN’s eighth consecutive Annual Educational Conference, which offers timely and relevant industry-related content as well as professional development.

Susanna Gotsch, chair of the Sponsorship Committee, explains, “As an all-volunteer non-profit network, our ability to develop programs to support our members, and ultimately our industry, depends upon the support and generosity of our sponsors across diverse industry segments.”

While sponsors provide the largest percentage of financial support to the organization, WIN actively fundraises through special events and recruitment efforts. In 2014, WIN held a Scholarship Walk and distributed the “There’s A Place For You” recruitment poster to promote and encourage women to explore the many varied career paths available to them in collision repair.

Corporate sponsorships are currently being sought to allow WIN to continue to expand its programs of education, networking, and mentorship. A variety of sponsorship opportunities exist to support the organization’s activities. Sponsors are recognized on the WIN website, in all promotional opportunities, signage and verbal acknowledgments during member functions, as well as WIN activities at NACE and other industry events.

As more young women choose careers in the collision repair industry, we must get involved and pledge our support.

WIN is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging, developing and cultivating opportunities to attract women to collision repair while recognizing excellence, promoting leadership, and fostering a network among the women who are shaping the industry.

To learn more about WIN, please go to www.womensindustrynetwork.com. For information on sponsorship opportunities, visit http:// thewomensindustrynetwork.ning.com/page/become-a-sponsor.

Automotive Internet Directory Visit these companies directly at their web addresses or check out the growing list of Hot Links at www.autoserviceworld.com.

To find out how your organization can be included in this directory and on the web, contact aross@jobbernews.com

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS

AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS Allan’s Automotive Electronics Ltd.

www.allansautomotive.com Phone: 780-469-8060 Your Automotive Test Equipment Repair Specialist Tool Sales and Service.

We provide service and warranty for most makes of automotive test equipment.

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS & ACCESSORIES Aisin World Corp. of America, Inc. (AWA), a leading Tier One automotive components supplier and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aftermarket parts. AISIN’s original equipment technology and know-how is used to ensure product quality and reliability.

To learn more about our products, request a catalogue today. www.aisinaftermarket.com Goodyear Engineered Products www.goodyearep.com/aftermarket Research and testing. Just two of the reasons Goodyear automotive replacement products deliver the ultimate in performance and value.

NGK Spark Plugs Canada Limited www.ngksparkplugs.ca The World Leader in Spark Plugs, Oxygen Sensors and Ignition Wire Sets.

Used by 87% of the World’s OE Manufacturers S.B International Inc. www.sbintl.com “We keep engines humming”

advertiser index

Carcone’s Auto Recycling and Wheel Refinishing www.carcone.com With over 32 years of experience Carcone’s Auto Recycling & Wheel Refinishing is your one stop for quality recycled products and wheel refinishing needs. Call today at 1-800-263-2022 or visit us on line at www.carcone.com Standard Auto Wreckers View Our Online Inventory @ www. standardautowreckers. com or call 416-286-8686.

Experienced Shipping Department to Ensure Parts Arrive Safely.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

REFRIGERANT Duracool Refrigerants

www.duracool.com Nationally Distributed by: Deepfreeze Refrigerants Inc. The Leaders in Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Technology. Guaranteed In writing not to harm any Mobile A/C System. You can feel the Difference that Quality Makes. “Our Formula Never Changes”.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT AIR LIQUIDE CANADA INC. www.airliquide.ca Your one-stop shop for all your industrial gases and welding supplies.

Auto Test Tools.ca

Your one stop for specialized diagnostic The Automotive Aftermarket tools and accessories. Contact; www.auto-know.

E-Learning Centre Ltd com, ronbrown@on.aibn.com, 1-800-665-8773 www.aaec.ca AAEC - BEST - Business Evaluation Support WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTORS & Training - Instructing and Coaching with & BUYING GROUPS the Proven Business Management Tools that drives a shop’s Bottom Line, Team Culture and Bestbuy Distributors Limited Marketplace Credibility. www.bestbuyautoparts.ca Independent buying HAND CLEANERS group and warehouse distributor that allocates GOJO Industries, Inc. its profits to member shareholders and provides www.automotive.gojo.com unbeatable value for independent jobbers.

GOJO is a leading manufacturer of skin care The E.R.I. Group products and services for www.theerigroup.com many marketing including automotive and Canada’s Premier Machine manufacturing. GOJO continues to pursue a Shop Buying Group commitment of creating well-being through hand hygiene and healthy skin.

ADVERTISERS INDEX

Company ............................................................................................................................Page 3M Canada 31 www.3Mcollision.ca # Anest Iwata 2 Expo, www.aapexshow.com) www.ANESTIWATA.com9 AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Auto Parts Trading

22

www.APT-AUTOPARTS.COM

BMW Group Canada

40

www.bmw4ir.ca

Car-Part.com

14 www.CarPartPro.com

Cromax

5,7 www.cromax.ca

Ford Motor Canada

13

KIA Canada

19

adaoust@kia.ca

Martech Service Company

12

www.breathingsystems.com

Mercedes-Benz Genuine Parts

17

www.mbwholesale.ca

Mirka

26 www.mirka.ca

PPG Canada

9

SCA

25 www.talktork.com

Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes

18

www.sherwin-automotive.com

Wedge Clamp

27

www.wedgeclamp.com

JOBBER NEWS / JULY 2013

www.ford.ca

www.ppgrefinish.com

Stay up to date at

www. VOCcompliance.com www.bodyshopbiz.com l November 2014 l Bodyshop xx 29

survey

Refinish Troubleshooting Shops Coming to Grips with Waterborne

N

early half of the respondents to our survey this issue on refinish troubleshooting say that product-related issues are at the core of refinish-related problems, but they define this in a variety of ways that reveal they are still coming to terms with waterborne technology.

Comments such as, “Waterbase is too slow and more susceptible to contamination,” “the nature of waterbase and drying is a constant problem for dust,” and “tougher colours to match and spray. Waterborne paint does not cover as well.

Extra attention must be paid for coverage and blends,” don’t speak to product quality as much as they do to the continuing difficulty that shops have with maintaining a waterborne-optimized environment for their refinish process.

Not following proper procedures and taking shortcuts is noted as the second most common cause of refinish problems, and it is easy to see how this can be closely related to the most commonly stated reason above.

“99% of the time it is a human problem, not the product,” reflects an oftmentioned view. “A lot of reworks, dirt,

runs, sags, and colour issues. Proper techniques are not being followed. Back to basics in most cases solved the issues at hand,” which should serve as a good reminder for all shops to be vigilant in emphasizing that painters adapt their practices to the requirements of waterborne products.

More than two-thirds of shops say that they solved the vast majority of their problems in-house, though they do rely on supplier input too. What they rarely do is talk to each other; peer input might prove helpful if a non-competitive environment could be created.

Two specific problems were noted by a number of respondents. Colour matching due to the exploding number of variants and the difficulty in obtaining up-to-date information was noted numerous times.

Less often, but still notable, was reference to adhesion issues. “No one seems to have the correct answers,” noted one clearly frustrated shop owner. “I have followed the text sheets to a T and above, and am still having the same old issue with adhesion since we did the switch to waterborne basecoat. Not saying the product name

What are the most common issues affecting refinish quality for you?

yet, but soon to come if they don’t solve the problem. As an owner and operator of my collision shop, I take this problem very seriously.”

When asked what could be done to improve the overall situation, it came down to training and a commitment to a quality job.

“With our painter, the excuse was booth and maintenance issues,” said one respondent. “We said that’s an easy fix, and once those issues are fixed can you then guarantee us a flawless finish? He was stuck and couldn’t answer that, but started to look towards himself for the solution. His quality of work in all areas improved immediately. We are all proud to come to work as a result of his efforts on self-improvement.”

“I believe sending the painter to a training centre is helpful, where they can spray and push the products to know what they can do without worrying about the completed job for the company,” offered another. “The freedom to play with the product, see what it does when you put it on heavy versus light, etc., is invaluable.”

How have you most often solved the problem?

Paint finish quality (11%)

Paint adhesion (6.5%)

Problem solved by ourselves (63.2%)

Colour matching/blending (55.8%)

Other (3.9%)

Problem solved by talking to other shops (2.6%)

Surface contamination (18.2%)

Problem solved with help from paint/equipment supplier (22.4%)

Drying-related flaws (3.9%)

Problem solved with help from distributor (11.8%)

30 Bodyshop l November 2014 l www.bodyshopbiz.com

Works faster

Lasts longer

Finishes better 3M™ Cubitron™ II Clean Sanding Disc Introducing the 3M™ Cubitron™ II Clean Sanding Disc, a revolutionary advancement in automotive abrasive technology for body technicians featuring triangular shaped ceramic grain that: • Cuts 30% faster than premium abrasives • Lasts up to twice as long • Delivers a finer, more uniform finish

Visit our NEW Website at www.3Mcollision.ca

“LIKE” us on FACEBOOK www.FACEBOOK.COM/3MCollisionCanada 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division 3M Canada

London, ON N6A 4T1 Call 1-800-3M-HELPS (364-3577) www.3MCollision.ca

3M and Cubitron are trademarks of 3M. Used under license in Canada. © 2014, 3M. All rights reserved.

1404-00819 E BA-14-19012

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES REQUIRES THE RIGHT INFORMATION. FIND THE RIGHT INFORMATION ON BMW4IR.CA. Introducing bmw4ir.ca – BMW Group Canada’s portal for independent repair facilities performing quality repairs on BMWs and MINIs. Service your customer’s vehicle with confidence by having all the information you need – right at your fingertips, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

By signing up for bmw4ir.ca today, you will immediately benefit from: • • • • •

Exclusive special offers/promotions.

Quick access to valuable and detailed parts information.

Access to catalogues to help increase your sales.

Technical information to help answer customer questions accurately.

Informative videos to help you increase workshop productivity.

Visit bmw4ir.ca today to setup your account, and register to enter the Star Approved Tires Promotion for your chance to win a BMW M Watch.

To learn more, contact your BMW or MINI Retailer.

BMW GROUP ©2014 BMW Canada Inc. “BMW”, the BMW logo, BMW model designations and all other BMW related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive property and/or trademarks of BMW AG, used under licence.