ATA May / June 2020

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START ME UP! The slow growth of electric vehicles in Atlantic Canada has been largely due to a combination of uncertainty and supply

Page 12

WE’LL WISELY GET THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC – Contributor Bob Greenwood says take care of your staff and your customers will be looked after as well

Page 16

THE CLEANING POWER OF STEAM – Eco-friendly, chemical-free and water-saving: what’s not to love about dry steam cleaning asks writer Tania Moffat

Page 18

PUBLISHER / OWNER Robert Alfers rob@autoatlantic.com

USING COLOUR TO GIVE YOUR CARWASH a New Makeover That Grabs Attention – Changing tunnel wash brushes and hangdown colours says you’re upgrading

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EDITOR Carter Hammett carter@autoatlantic.com

NEWS OF THE WEIRD – What happens when a top auto executive tries to smuggle himself out of the country in a music case? Yeah, we can’t figure that one out either

Page 24

“WE’RE AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE!” Dedicated NB Napa parts supplier soldiers on despite COVID-19’s extendeAid reach

Page 26

SIMULATION RACING TAKES CENTRE STAGE – During these strange days much of the motorsports community has taken their passion online to get that racing fix

Page 30

“I LIKE PEOPLE” Working her way up to an operations manager at Bumper to Bumper, Florence Girrior has accumulated a lot of stories during her long career

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AIRBAGS: CRISIS AND OPPORTUNITY – In uncertain times, effective business leadership becomes essential say writers Katie Stark and Paul D’adamo

Page 34

FEDS ANNOUNCE NEW MEASURES FOR FERRIES and Commercial Passenger Vessels – measures are put in place to deal with Corona virus

Page 36

GM AND HONDA TO JOINTLY DEVELOP Next Generation Honda EV

Page 39

FORD GT SUPERCAR UPGRADED FOR 2020 with More Power, – With increased horsepower among its features, this baby’s poised to come roaring into 2020

Page 40

NOT JUST A BREAKFAST SANDWICH ANYMORE! - NS “Angel” Crystal Blair dishes up free grub for grateful truckers

Page 43

OPPORTUNITY IN COVID-19? With COVID-19 apparently taking over our lives, the past few months have been a time unlike anything in recent history

Page 44

HONDA CANADA RESPONDS TO COVID-19 – Corporate giant benefits local charities as they divide a cool half a million to combat Corona virus.

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Letter from the Editor

#THANK A TRUCKER

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By Carter Hammett

F THERE’S A THEME TO THIS ISSUE, IT IS, OF COURSE, COVID-19. THAT DAMN VIRUS HAS CHANGED THE WAY WE FUNCTION AS A SOCIETY AND THAT’S REFLECTED IN THIS ISSUE. There’s no escaping it, nor the rather dystopian feeling that accompanies it.

From empty streets generated by scores of people trying to come to terms with selfisolation, to police patrolling parks and ticketing people in groups, the very fabric of our culture has changed…just like that.

But there’s one group I want to take a moment to acknowledge, and that’s the 317,000 men and women employed as drivers in the trucking industry whose work is finally being recognized as—wait for it—essential.

Well of course you guys have always been essential, it’s just that most of us have been rather slow in recognizing such an obvious fact. The fact that about 70% of all the goods that are brought into this fair nation of ours may have something to do with it. The fact that your job is bloody tough, often taking you away

from your families for days, weeks, at a time. The fact is many of you work alone for long hours. The fact that your job is perceived with something akin to disdain by a large number of uninformed clods doesn’t make life any easier, either. The labour shortages in the field only add to the struggle. In an often thankless job, these people keep the economy humming and our lives running smoothly. It’s something I think we’ve come to take for granted.

Think about that the next time you reach into your cupboard and extract that roll of toilet paper you’ve been hoarding.

It wasn’t that long ago when truckers found that they had little access to washroom facilities or food as restaurants across the country closed their doors when the virus hit. Some drivers were even denied access to public washrooms.

“Use the bushes” some were even told.

Thankfully, people and companies

across the country, recognizing the contributions truckers make, rose to the occasion. Witness the initiative out of Quispamsis NB called Help A Trucker, that aims to provide 150 hot meals daily.

It didn’t take long for several restaurant chains to sign on, offering services. In Dartmouth NS, Best Western Plus Hotel and Suites is offering drivers 30-minute access to its rooms so truckers can enjoy the quiet dignity of a shower. Eddy’s Restaurant in South Brook, N.L., gave out free meals to truck drivers April 3. Across the country, Tim Horton’s is offering access to counter service and washrooms to truckers only in locations near major highways.

It’s rather ironic that a condition that relies on social distancing to keep potential fatality at bay is responsible for uniting a country from coast to coast to coast.

There’s always some form of good that emerges from a war and it’s beyond encouraging to watch Canadians heed the call and rise up to support their own.

Along with doctors, nurses, paramedics and a host of other frontline workers risking their lives daily to ensure our comfort and access to goods, truckers are emerging as the unsung heroes of this unprecedented horror show. Together, these folks are helping us to keep on trucking.

And somehow “thank you” just seems so inadequate.

As we were about to go to press we were shocked to learn that A n d r e w MacDonald, a long-time friend of this publication and owner of Maritime Auto Parts, was injured during the recent events in Portapique, NS, that, as of this writing, has resulted in 22 deaths. Thankfully, he appears to have escaped the worst and we are told he is on his way to recovery. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all the victims of this senseless and tragic moment in time.

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STAR

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RT ME UP!

WHILE ELECTRIC VEHICLES HAVE GRADUALLY BEEN GAINING POPULARITY ACROSS CANADA, SUPPLY HAS LARGELY KEPT THE MARITIME PROVINCES BEHIND THE PACK. A NEW AND UNIQUE MULTI-SERVICE DARTMOUTH START-UP IS POISED TO CHANGE ALL THAT.

I

By Carter Hammett

T’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT LESS THAN DECADE AGO ELECTRIC V E H I C LE E N THUSIASTS FELT THEY ONLY HAD TWO MAINSTREAM CHOICES: THE NISSAN LEAF OR THE MITSUBISHI MIEV WERE ABOUT IT, MAN. Sure, the Tesla Model S was kicking around but who could afford that paragon of virtue? You were lucky if your mainstream choice didn’t conk out after 150 km and let’s not even get started on that debate about the charging network.

Times sure have changed.

And today that unaffordable Tesla might be just within reach thanks to a new Dartmouth start-up.

At least that’s what the good folks behind Dartmouth-based All EV Canada (allev.ca) promise. With some vehicles’ price points available in the 20K range or less, the fledgling business has been generating an awful lot of buzz. In part, that’s because the multiservice dealership - the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada - is restoring then reselling “lightly damaged” EVs at reduced prices, making these vehicles - desired, but financially out of reach for many Atlantic residents now accessible.

“PREVIOUSLY LOVED” The business also has the distinc-

tion of being the first major EV service centre to open in Atlantic Canada that isn’t run by an automaker.

And while the business features its share of Volts and Bolts, Leafs and Prii (Prius), the star of the show up for grabs is indeed Tesla, says CEO Jeff Farwell.

“Telsa is one of the pure EV companies,” he says. “Their technology is further ahead than anyone else’s and they’re in constant demand.”

The vehicles are acquired mostly through auctions, private owners and insurance companies, although All EV Canada maintains relationships with dealers across the country.

Often, the damage is limited to something relatively minor like a fractured bumper or perhaps, a broken door handle.

“When something is damaged, it’s generally easy to repair,” says Farwell. “If it’s too damaged, the vehicle’s used for parts.”

“We buy used EVs from auctions that may be slightly damaged,” concurs All EV Canada’s vice president Dave Giles. “We bring them here and sell them as used electric vehicles.”

Other cars are damaged, either by accident or theft, and may require more work. That work is conducted out of a state-of-the-art facility. “We have the parts here and we can alleviate the buyer’s fear,” says Giles.

One example he cites is that of a 2019 Model 3 Tesla that arrived in the shop with damage to the front bumper, left fender and broken headlights, among other items. After performing an inspection and reviewing procedures, a refurbished car like that could drop in price from the original price point of $60,000.00 now selling

in the $42 - 40,000.00 range.

“That’s a great deal” says Giles.

Electric vehicles are often priced higher than gas-powered vehicles.

So, in places absent from provincial purchase incentives like Nova Scotia, considering the purchase of a “previously-loved” EV begins to make sense, especially as the market begins to assume more prominence.

TRAINING THE TRAINERS But if you thought sales of used vehicles were it for this business, take a second look. The service offers retrofits from gas-to-electric, collaborates on research projects and even offers parts for electric vehicles.

“People have a lot of apprehension when it comes to buying electric vehicles,” says Farwell. “They’re asking themselves questions about cost, maintenance and a host of other concerns.

“There’s a steep learning curve and it’s nice to appreciate that,” he says. “We are the EV specialists in our area. If buyers decide they want to purchase something in our area that’s great. People need to feel good about their purchase.”

In addition to educating the general public about their purchases, All EV recognizes that front line workers and first responders require education too, as the shift towards electric becomes “the new normal.”

Chief among these is a First Responder Safety Awareness Program, established early on in the game.

Utilizing a range of damaged vehicles from EV’s inventory, paramedics, firefighters and other emergency service workers receive hands-on training while learning how to safely autoatlantic.com

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Future Technologies

address the safety protocols and potential electrical hazards posed by electric vehicles damaged in crashes.

“First responders are the ones in the deal,” says Giles. “We want to make sure they’re protected when they’re handling high voltage systems,” he says.

Participants look at vehicle components and what they do. Giles says learners even get to drive Teslas so they become familiar with these cars.

Perhaps most importantly participants learn how to cut specific cables that depower the vehicle. “The hands-on component gives them the confidence to deal with extracation or fire situations,” says Giles. “It’s a pretty intense experience.

They’re not working through a PowerPoint presentation….it’s all hands-on.”

The end result, is that first responders may just feel confident enough to save lives.

The involvement with education doesn’t end there. Currently, All EV is developing a curriculum to provide certified car mechanics with the training necessary for handling electric vehicles safely.

SMART PARTS Much like the human body, cars need to be looked at holistically so the question of what to do with parts becomes a consideration.

When vehicles have been severely damaged, sometimes the vehicle can’t be

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resold. When that happens, the parts still intact are salvaged and resold elsewhere.

Selling those parts has turned into something of a global enterprise, with demand coming from around the world via All EV’s online marketplace.

Other parts are used on fixing vehicles that have only sustained minor damage. “We’re using the entire car so nothing goes to waste,” says Farwell.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS With all that flurry of activity it’s easy to see that All EV’s partners have positioned themselves to offer something unique in the world of electric vehicles within Atlantic Canada. But the love affair with all things electric goes back almost two decades when Giles recalls being exposed to his first hybrid vehicle back in 2003 or 4.

“After doing some hybrid training I rented one—they were hard to get in those days—and just brought it home and tore it apart and took pictures.”

He was hooked.

Flash forward several years later to 2011 and Giles, then teaching at NSCC, was recruited to work on a successful and innovative braking project for some Harbour Hoppers that were part of a tour company where Jeff Farwell was a partner. The two became friends and stayed in touch. Years later as Farwell, running a successful tourism company, started to

feel the yearning to stretch his horizons and developed itchy feet, Giles, also feeling a need to change direction in his personal life, began talking about an idea he had for a different kind of business.

Like many others Farwell was not an early adopter of EV, but he admired the deliverables it produced as well as the environmental benefits. More than that, he perceived a viable business opportunity and the chance to create “something out of nothing.” Together with third partner Jeremie Bernardin it wasn’t long before the concept became a reality.

Dave Giles estimates that combined EV sales tally around 800 across the Atlantic provinces. A recent Halifax Regional Municipality staff report predicted a quarter of all cars in Nova Scotia could be electric by 2040.

That prediction seems to be on point as sales continue to grow across the country. As of Q3 2019, combined sales of EVs, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) along with some hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles accounted for about 3.5 per cent of all passenger vehicles sales in Canada.

Electric Mobility Canada states that this represents a 2.2 per cent increase over 2018. Buoyed by a federal rebate introduced in 2019 that offers up to $5,000, over 43,000 EVs and PHEVs were sold.

By 2025, Ottawa hopes EVs will count for 10 per cent of all vehicle sales.

Future Technologies

The most popular plug-in car is, unsurprisingly, the Tesla Model 3. This is followed the Toyota Prius Prime with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV rounding out the top 3 spots.As of third quarter in 2019, there were over 136,000 EVs overall on Canadian roads. Compare this to 2014, when a mere 10,000 vehicles were on the road, and it’s easy to see how the concept is catching on with Canadians.

The uninitiated might want to consider that a recent BC Hydro survey found that charging a BEV in British Columbia is roughly equal to about 25 cents a litre, thereby saving big bucks on fuel.

Still not convinced? EVs have emerged with more elegant design and entertainment features than ever before, and a fully-charged unit will easily travel between 300-to-400 km on a full charge.

E-Trucks have been gradually increasing their presence on national roads as well. With a lot of us driving SUVs and trucks, expect to see models from Tesla, GM and Ford on the road by 2021.

Unfortunately EVs have been slightly slower to take off in the Atlantic region.

Dealerships need a license to sell EVs, and that involves investment in specialized tools, training staff and hiring mechanics. Dealerships simply aren’t willing to make that investment .

The lion’s share of new EVs are sold in Ontario, BC and Quebec, with the latter

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two provinces establishing zero emissions vehicle mandates (ZEV). Currently none of the Atlantic provinces offer anything similar. A ZEV establishes targets on vehicle manufacturers on the quantity of cars that need to be electric. This in turn leads manufacturers to establish priority planning for supplying EVs to the provinces.

At present no plans appear to be forthcoming for the Atlantic region on either the provincial or the federal side…

Almost makes you want to consider purchasing second hand…

“We may be considered second-hand but we don’t consider ourselves that,” says Farwell. “We’re just focusing on our plan and where we go from here. We’re learning the business as we do it, and not adapting to competitors’ models.”

“We’re capable of doing whatever needs to be done,” says Dave Giles. “We can convert, repair or sell. We’re sending parts out all over Canada, and even sending parts to Russia and Ukraine.

And as if all that wasn’t enough the fledgling company continues to see how far its reach extends with projects ranging from partnering with Dalhousie university to explore electric conversion for racing vehicles to developing a prototype for a new type of amphibious vehicle. “I really think we have something unique. Our back shop is fully equipped,” says Giles.

We try to give an experience to someone

coming here. We see value in doing something that no one else is doing.”

CANADIAN EV FAST FACTS There are more than 42,000 electric cars on the road in Canada and growing Provincial incentives in British Columbia and Québec can save you up to $8,000 off your vehicle purchase and $750 off your home charging station Driving an electric car can save you between $1,500-$2,000 per year on fuel and maintenance Canada’s electricity is clean with the majority of our power coming from hydro and nuclear Driving an electric car can reduce your emissions by as much as 90% Canada has more than 5,000 public charging stations, 500 of which are Level 3 fast chargers There are 36 models available for sale in Canada with more on the way -Source: https://www .plugndrive.ca/ electric-vehicle-advantage/

EV RESOURCES Great EV Resources PlugShare plugshare.com NextRide nextridens.com EVAssist evassist.ca Pure EV www.facebook.com/PureEV/ Electric Vehicle Association of Atlantic Canada evaac.ca

Bob’s Business Development

BOB SAYS THAT WE WILL WISELY GET THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC

T

By Bob Greenwood

HIS ARTICLE IS PURPOSELY WRITTEN TO DISCUSS THE CORONA VIRUS OUTBREAK AND HOW IT CAN DRAMATICALLY AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS WITH NOT ONLY YOUR CLIENTS BUT ALSO YOUR STAFF. Please review these points and make sure they are being addressed in your business.

There could be a lot of concern with the staff as to how they are “potentially” being exposed to this virus as they could take it home. Their wife or girlfriend, husband or boyfriend “may” be mentioning a concern to them that would play on their mind.

We all acknowledge that having 1 or 2 members of the team get sick could close the entire operation for 2 weeks minimum.

LET’S MAKE SURE WE ARE DOING THE FOLLOWING: 1. Make sure all staff are wearing gloves and change them with every new vehicle and every new client (front counter) entering the building. 2. - IF --- IF

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-- they feel more comfortable wearing a mask - provide it. Also consider “allergy” season and you don’t need staff sneezing around the shop so a mask can help there.

3. Clean thoroughly every vehicle before it enters the building and before it is delivered to the client - don’t skimp here, cover every main exposed feature of the vehicle inside and of course the handles on the outside. 4. Wash the vehicle and deliver a clean vehicle to the client - that could go a long way --- and let them know it has been “sanitised”.

5. Keep plenty of cleaning supplies (Purell / Clorox wipes etc.) all over your building. 6. Clean / wipe down the building multiple times each day and don’t forget the pens clients sign the RO with and all flat surfaces where clients have been as well as interact machines and keyboards.

7. Keep clients limited in terms of space to make sure they are a minimum of 6 feet apart from each other and the staff. Re-examine the waiting area for clients and rearrange the furniture where necessary to make sure it meets the new standards.

This virus can play on the minds of your team. The psychological results can be tremendous so take the time to do your part as the owner to instill procedures that calm the staff down and they feel / know the business is truly taking the steps to protect them.

As I said before, these are trying times but it is creating the “new normal” that we

must learn to embrace.

Look after your team and your clients will be looked after also.

As far as the client is concerned, I recommend the following immediate strategies be implemented if you are not already doing them: 1. Offer free pick-up and delivery of your client’s vehicle. 2. Offer free vehicle sanitization service on all vehicles coming in for a service. 3. Communicate clearly with all clients as to procedures you are putting in place. 4. Find out each client’s situation and see how you can adapt for them. This can be a tremendous value for the client, talk it out. 5. Ensure entire shop is sanitized frequently during the day. 6. All employees (including the front counter) wear protective gloves and change those gloves for each client being served. 7. All staff space yourself between clients and other staff members a minimum of 6 feet. 8. No handshaking - most use elbows now.

REVIEW THIS WITH YOUR TEAM These are trying times for everyone.

Let’s not panic. Keep the communication going with your team and make sure they participate to keep the shop sanitized and executing properly with the client and their vehicles.

We will get through this and these new habits will surely become the standard part of the aftermarket shop business moving forward.

East Coast Road Report

THE ATLANTIC ROAD REPORT BITS AND PIECES OF NEWS YOU CAN USE GATHERED FROM AROUND THE ATLANTIC REGION NEW BRUNSWICK

Spring weight restrictions for roads Spring weight restrictions for truck traffic will come into effect on Monday, March 2, in southern New Brunswick, and on Monday March 9 in northern New Brunswick. Restrictions will continue until midnight on Sunday, May 17 in southern New Brunswick and until midnight, Sunday, May 24 in northern New Brunswick.

The duration of the restriction period is determined by monitoring weather conditions and tracking the progress of the thaw, using sensors located around the province. These dates are dependent upon weather conditions and are subject to change.

“These weight restrictions ensure that our road infrastructure does not suffer damage during the annual frost and thaw cycle,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Oliver. “We provide this notice to the trucking community to allow them to reduce their loads or plan alternate routes during this period.”

For the purpose of these restrictions, northern New Brunswick includes: • The area lying within the Counties of Northumberland, Gloucester, Restigouche, Madawaska and Victoria; • The portion of Route 108 within York County; • The portion of Gordon Vale Road and Holtville Road within York County; • The portion of Route 123 within Sunbury County and Queens County; • The portion of Bloomfield Ridge Road between Holtville Road and Route 625; and • That portion of Route 625 between Gordon Vale Road and Route 8.

Details are available online. Should weather conditions warrant, district engineers are authorized to close roads to trucks or impose weight restrictions on highways or portions of highways at anytime.

NEWFOUNDLAND

Road Safety Improvements a Major Focus as Ministers Responsible for Highway Safety Gather for Annual Meeting Efforts to enhance road safety in the country were top of mind back in Febru-

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clude increased fines and tougher penalties for a number of offenses such as impaired driving; amendments regarding excessive speeding, street racing, stunting and move over provisions; a new offence for driving without due care and attention; introduction of a one-metre rule for cyclists and pedestrians; and changes to enable the use of image capture systems to help “It is important that we use this national forum to discuss and problem solve around road safety issues throughout the country. Enhancing road safety is a priority on our agendas at both a provincial and a national level,” said the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Service. ary at a meeting in Toronto of the Council of Ministers responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety.

Ministers approved the release of the news from the federal, provincial and territorial Task Force on School Bus Safety.

The report reiterated the excellent safety record of school buses in Canada, based on a review of all aspects of school bus safety, including seatbelts.

It noted that 79 per cent of incidents involving a school bus occurred outside the bus, either from the bus itself or passing motorists.

The report also identifies potential technologies that can make school buses even safer, such as camera technologies, automatic emergency braking and extended stop-arms.

As part of the ongoing dialogue around ensuring that commercial drivers across the country have the necessary knowledge and skills to safely operate their vehicles, ministers reached an important milestone by approving a Canadawide training standard.

This standard is for entry-level training of commercial motor vehicle drivers and will be included in the National Safety Code which provides support for all jurisdictions.

These enhancements align with the numerous changes to the provincial Highway Traffic Act that have been made over the last several years in Newfoundland and Labrador, with an aim of improving road safety.

Recent improvements to the Act in-

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Inviting public input into active transportation fund Government is looking for suggestions on how to encourage more walking and cycling in Prince Edward Island communities, through financial support from the active transportation fund.

The active transportation fund is a $25 million investment over five years that will support priority active transportation infrastructure throughout the province.

“We want to hear from Islanders on how we can make active transportation easier – whether that’s through new walking and bike paths, installing or widening paved shoulders, or better connecting existing walking and cycling trails. We know Islanders have great ideas and it’s important to get a full picture of their priorities as we work our way through the planning process,” says Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Steven Myers Government has received initial feedback on active transportation improvements from community groups and municipalities. Early suggestions include: • Shoulder-installation in Mill River, Brackley, North Rustico, Mermaid, Georgetown and Stratford • Cycling path expansions at Gairloch and Cardigan • Bike racks and shoulder-widening in O’Leary • Expanded walking/cycling paths in Charlottetown and Summerside Government will be taking suggestions from Islanders, municipalities, Indigenous communities and community

groups over the next five years. Plans will be updated annually and priority projects will be implemented each construction season. “Sustainable transportation is a priority and we need to begin right away in order to get started during the 2020 construction season,” said Minister Myers. “Together, we can reduce our transportation emissions, while helping communities build much needed infrastructure and helping Islanders get active.”

NOVA SCOTIA

Spring Road Weight Restrictions to Begin Spring weight restrictions on all provincial roads will begin on March 2, starting at 12:01 a.m. Restrictions begin at that time for Halifax Regional Municipality and the following counties, Annapolis, Colchester, Cumberland, Digby, Hants, Kings, Lunenburg, Pictou, Queens, Shelburne and Yarmouth. Restrictions for Cape Breton Regional Municipality and Antigonish, Guysborough, Inverness, Richmond and Victoria counties will start a week later at 12:01 a.m., Monday, March 9.

The department will continue to monitor road and weather conditions to determine when it is safe to remove the restrictions. For inquiries on road weight restrictions, contact the Operations Contact Centre at 1-844-696-7737.

Quick Facts: • Weight restrictions on heavy vehicles are necessary during the spring thaw to protect roads that are weakened by mild and wet weather • Weight restrictions are expected to be in place for about two months • Some roads, including 100-series highways, are exempt from the restrictions Additional Resources: For a complete list of restricted and exempt roads, go to: novascotia.ca/tran/trucking/springweight.aspcc

AXALTA OFFERS VIRTUAL TRAINING DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC COMPANY PROVIDING PAINT AND BODY SHOP TECHNICIANS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES TO STAY ENGAGED WITH THEIR CRAFT WHILE MAINTAINING SOCIAL DISTANCING PRACTICES

A

PRIL 27, 2020 - AXALTA ANNOUNCED IT HAS EXPANDED ITS LIVE VIRTUAL CONTINUOUS LEARNING COURSES FOR REFINISH CUSTOMERS GLOBALLY WHILE THEY FOLLOW SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDERS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.

Each virtual class provides live, interactive instruction from Axalta’s expert training team via webcast.

“We value our customers and are pleased to offer paint and body shop technicians the opportunity to keep their skills sharp while practicing social distancing no matter where they are around the world,” said Troy Weaver, Vice President of Axalta, Global Refinish. “Live virtual training courses are streamed directly to customers and designed to offer technicians insight into new techniques that they can use every day at their collision centres or body shops.”

“With many customers eager to continue learning while sheltering in place,” continued Weaver, “we have modified the format of our live virtual trainings and expanded our course offerings to accommodate as many customers as possible. Since midMarch, we have allowed unlimited participation for each course and have seen a 38% increase in attendance by Axalta customers. It’s another way that Axalta can help keep our employees, customers and communities safe and productive during this unprecedented time.”

Interactive virtual training courses are available for Axalta customers in each of the regions Axalta serves, including the U.S., EMEA and Asia Pacific. The courses are available in different languages with customized content to meet the needs of customers.

Classes offered include: Surface Prep/Un-

dercoats, Basecoat and Blending, Clear Coat Application and Plastic Refinishing. Additional courses are being added to meet growing customer demand.

The China Refinish team has modified and renewed its training materials and is offering virtual training sessions to OEM aftersales, body shops and distributors. Customers can participate in social digital versions of tools / courses about colour formulas, body shop management, and painting skills. These virtual courses have been attended by more than 1,000 China refinish technicians since it was launched in March.

In addition to live courses, Axalta has made a variety of on-demand courses available to our customers at no charge. Our EMEA region is offering free eLearning for three months to customers in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey. In APAC, customers in Australia and the Philippines can also participate in free eLearning classes tailored to their country needs, with other countries expected to join. Additionally, we offer an extensive range of updated online training videos for professional painters with tips on repairing the latest car colours and specific repair techniques.

For more information visit axalta. com and follow us @Axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

At The Car Wash

THE CLEANING POWER OF STEAM

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By Tania Moffat

O YOU REMEMBER THOSE CARPET STEAM CLEANERS YOU COULD RENT FROM THE LOCAL GROCERY STORE? WATCHING THE STEAMY HOT WATER SHOOT INTO THE CARPET FIBRES ONLY TO BE SUCKED BACK UP ALONG WITH THE DIRT AT THE SAME FEROCITY FASCINATED ME AS A CHILD.

When someone mentions steam cleaning, this is typically what comes to mind.

While it’s called steam cleaning, it is more accurately hot water cleaning. A dry steam cleaner, on the other hand, uses hot vapour to lift the dirt, which can then be extracted with a vacuum or simply wiped away.

HOT WATER VS STEAM Those rental carpet cleaners, operate a little like a pressure washer, blowing dirt away with force. They cleaned up some debris but also pushed a lot of it under the carpet. Stains also often required chemical cleaners to remove them and fragrance to cover bad smells.

Dry steam cleaners are useful for cleaning both the interior and exterior of cars. Because steam is not abrasive, it is an ideal way to lift dirt, especially on highend or specialty vehicles. Operating at a temperature of 100 C, the units sanitize as well as clean.

Moneer Korban, CEO of KDetail Plus,

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imports and distributes the Twist Eco Car Wash dry steam cleaner in the U.S. and Canada. “We have three units that have been designed to wash cars. They are equipped with 30-foot hoses and provide continuous, strong even pressure. The units are available in several configurations to provide maximum benefits to any garage or shop application. We can accommodate one to four-bay washes,” he says of their product.

According to Korban, the Twist Eco Car Wash system can significantly reduce cleaning time, “Regular washes require you to rinse, wash with soap, rinse again and then dry the vehicle. With the Twist Eco Car Wash, users spray the car with the steam gun in one hand and wipe it with a microfiber towel in the other.” And, the same unit cleans inside and outside the vehicle.

“On the interior steam sanitizes and deodorizes as it cleans. It dissolves resistant stains and eliminates odours such as smoke from your vehicle without the use of chemicals.

The steam is used with an extractor on the interior – hot steam is injected into the material and vacuumed out simultaneously. It is the high temperature and instant drying elements of this method that kills insects, many bacteria, fungi and mites that cause allergic reactions,” Korban adds.

Another great feature of dry steam is that it can be used to clean and deodorize car heating and air conditioning vents while not harming electronics. It is also an excellent degreaser for the engine com-

partment and wheels.

Steam is a very eco-friendly cleaner; it does not require the use of harsh chemicals and uses less than 10 per cent of the water needed to clean cars normally. Systems can clean a single car with only two litres of water!

Steamericas, an American-based company, also offers commercial and industrial-grade steam generators. “The Optima generator offers continued steam without losing pressure, even with multiple users over extended periods of use. Our customers love it; they tell us that they never run out of steam,” says Yujin Anderson, general manager at Steamericas.

Other benefits Anderson mentions, is the ability to wash cars in cold weather.

“We have a client in Yellowknife, and he loves that he can wash cars in his cold shop and not have issues with freezing.”

Randy Lowen, is an Optima distributor working at Flexo Products Ltd. in Ontario. He states,” The machines are ideal for locations where water usage is an issue. Units use less than a gallon of water for a full exterior wash.”

Dry steam cleaning is still a relatively niche system, but it works well wherever it can be used. The technology is entirely green and is sure to develop further as sustainable cleaning solutions become more sought after.

Tania Moffat is a freelance writer, editor, publisher and photographer. She has worked in the publishing industry for the last 15 years on a wide variety of B2B and consumer publications, both in print and online.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL ATLANTIC NAPA STORE FOR PRICING & INFO

At The Car Wash

USING COLOUR TO GIVE YOUR CARWASH A FRESH, NEW MAKEOVER THAT GRABS ATTENTION CHANGING TUNNEL WASH BRUSH AND HANGDOWN COLOURS TELLS CUSTOMERS YOU ARE UPGRADING YOUR FACILITIES TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF THEIR VEHICLES

F

By Del Williams

OR TUNNEL WASH OWNERS, ONE OF THE EASIEST WAYS TO GIVE THEIR BUSINESS AN INSTANT VISUAL MAKEOVER THAT WILL CATCH CUSTOMERS’ ATTENTION IS BY CHANGING OUT ALL THE CLOTH HANGDOWN, FOAM AND BRUSHES AT ONCE, INSTEAD OF A FEW AT A TIME. When these materials are worn out and need to be replaced anyway, this is a zero-cost proposition. The only choice is which colour best reflects the brand or stands out the most.

The visual upgrade is all the more striking when all the items are changed at the same time, which can give customers the impression that you have invested in brand new equipment to enhance the wash. Even if this means switching out some materials before they are fully worn out, the cost is nominal in comparison to the benefits which can include new customers, return visits and more club memberships.

“When we installed new cloth hangdowns of a different colour throughout in a tunnel wash, a vehicle owner came up to us and thought we had purchased all new equipment,” says Dan Pecora, an expert on brush materials and CEO of Erie Brush & Manufacturing in Chicago, IL—a 18

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brush, cloth, foam and detailing supplier to the carwash industry since 1948. “You don’t actually have to change that much to make a major visual impact. Anytime you replace the foam, cloth hangdowns or wheel brushes with a fresh, new colour people are sure to notice. Customers will also see that you are constantly improving and keeping your materials fresh.”

However, to accomplish such a makeover, tunnel wash owners first need the option of choosing and coordinating their colours on replacement equipment. The challenge is that usually the industry offers few colours, so when the materials are changed out, most of your customers will hardly notice the difference. However, with a complete changeover to a new colour, they will notice.

“Instead of resigning yourself to a limited set of stock colours, carwash owners should insist on having a full range of colour options to choose from when it comes to foam and cloth replacements, hangdowns, and wheel brushes,” says Pecora.

In order to have the greatest impact, Pecora suggests that tunnel wash owners should also coordinate the colours to reinforce their signs, logo, and any corporate or location-specific colour schemes. “The colours should complement those in their operation,” says Pecora, whose company offers one of the widest ranges of beautifully coloured foam, cloth brushes and hangdowns in the industry (red, green, light blue, dark blue, yellow, orange, gray, and black).

For those who want to contrast colours, this can be even more eye-catching if done tastefully. As an example, Pecora’s company offers wheel brushes in combinations such as blue/yellow, dark blue/ light blue, red/blue, and red/black.

While giving a tunnel wash a makeover by changing material colours can offer a distinctive advantage over rivals that do not, so can utilizing a higher quality cloth, foam, or wheel brush to clean vehicles better so customers keep coming back.

Beyond a visual upgrade with new cleaning material colours, avoiding inferior wash products and using quality ones can further raise the bar on the customer’s experience. As an example of what to avoid, tacky threadbare cloths not only result in a sub-par clean, but also reflect poorly on the establishment.

“On hangdowns, the wider slits last longer, but don’t clean as well as the thinner slits, which reach into nooks and crannies better,” says Pecora. “So, it’s a good idea to go with thinner slits, if you can.

But rather than hold onto materials until they become ragged or no longer clean well, it’s best to periodically change them out.”

The bottom line is that tunnel wash owners can impress their customers with an easy, cost-effective makeover by routinely changing the colours of their foam, brushes, cloth hangdowns and wheel brushes when it is time to replace them.

Each time the colours change will be a visual reminder that the carwash is investing in new, fresh, high quality materials to take better care of client’s vehicles. In addition, with the use of quality materials that avoid sub-par washes vehicle owners will have every incentive to become regular, repeat customers and club members.

For more information visit www.eriebrush.com; or write to Erie at 860 West Fletcher St., Chicago, IL 60657.

Del Williams is a technical writer based in Torrance, California.

ATA of Atlantic Canada

ATA GROUP INSURANCE PLAN GROWS

T

HE GROWTH OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY GROUP HEALTH CARE PROGRAM THROUGH MEDAVIE BLUE CROSS CONTINUES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ATLANTIC CANADA’S AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS. THIS INDUSTRY-DEVELOPED-AND-DRIVEN INSURANCE PLAN HAS BEEN VERY WELL ACCEPTED.

The plan is managed by MacLellan & Moffatt Group Consultants with Mr. Mark Denholm overseeing the program.

During 2020 the plan will be expanded in the Maritime Provinces thereby providing Group Health Insurance coverage

PICTURED IN THE ABOVE PHOTO ARE NIKKI BARNETT, OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR ATA, RGDA AND AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR COUNCIL, MARK DENHOLM OF MACLELLAN & MOFFATT, SHANNON TRITES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF RGDA AND AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR COUNCIL AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ATA GRAHAM CONRAD.

to business owners who might not otherwise be able to insure their employees, or provide better coverage and pricing to those already with benefit plans.

Participation in this program will provide significant benefits to many people working in the industry who, for a variety of reasons, may not be able to provide such an important benefit to their business and employees. As well, costs of participating in such a large group plan are normally far less than costs associated with a standalone plan.

Automotive Trades Association Executive Director Graham Conrad fully supports the management of this Insurance Plan with MacLellan & Moffatt Group Consultants. Businesses within the industry are encouraged to contact Mark for complete details about how this very beneficial program can help employers and their staff. Mark can be contacted at 902890-8200 or email MDenholm@MMGC. ca autoatlantic.com

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Carter’s Corner

NEWS OF THE WEIRD BITS AND PIECES OF THE ODD, THE STRANGE AND DOWNRIGHT BIZARRE GATHERED FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE…AND OURS

YAMAHA WARNS TO STAY OUT OF LARGE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CASES AFTER GHOSN ESCAPE Yamaha has warned people not to try and squeeze inside musical instrument cases after reports former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn fled Japan concealed inside of one.

“We won’t mention the reason, but there have been many tweets about climb-

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ing inside large musical instrument cases.

A warning after any unfortunate accident would be too late, so we ask everyone not to try it,” the Japanese company said in a post on its twitter account on Jan. 11.

Ghosn, who is accused of hiding earnings, transferring investment losses to Nissan and misappropriating company funds, escaped from Japan at the end of December for Lebanon. Japanese authorities have vowed to pursue him and have issued an international wanted notice for him and his wife Carole.

The former auto executive and fugitive has declined to reveal how he slipped past Japanese airport security, or confirm media reports accomplices smuggled him through a private jet lounge in Kansai Airport in western Japan hidden in large speaker box that was too large to fit through the facility’s X-ray scanner.

Earlier reports, which Ghosn has dismissed, said he was carried out of his home in Tokyo in a double bass case.

Yamaha, which makes instruments and equipment ranging from pianos and double basses to drums, electronics and heavy duty speakers, thanked people in a

second tweet for liking its first post, which was retweeted more than 50,000 times. It also reminded followers again that instrument cases are designed for instruments and not people.

Retrieved January 14, 2020: https:// www.autoblog.com/2020/01/14/yamahawarns-against-climbing-instrument-cases/

A WHOPPER OF A FISHING STORY Ice fishing. It can be a relaxing way to spend a winter’s day, until you realize your lure isn’t the only thing of yours that’s underwater. That’s exactly what happened to dozens of fisherman in Russia on January 4, after a crack developed on Voevoda Bay in the far southeast reaches of the country not far from Vladivostok. And as the headline already reveals, this mishap wasn’t limited to just a couple of cars.

According to a report from Metro, upwards of 37 vehicles were involved in the incident. Apparently, fishermen had parked just offshore in a neat row, and the ice was clearly a bit too thin for such weight in one area. From what we can gather in video footage, once the ice start-

Carter’s Corner

ed to crack it followed the row of parked cars quite neatly from one end to another.

Some were only partially stuck but other vehicles were completely submerged.

Fortunately, the report states there were no casualties but there’s no mention of possible injuries. It’s unclear if anyone was around – or in – any of the cars as the ice gave way. We suspect it must have been a crazy spectacle to see and hear, as it’s not every day an entire freaking parking lot succumbs to the sea. Emergency workers had freed 27 vehicles as of January 5. The fate of the remaining vehicles is unknown.

Voevoda Bay empties into the Sea of Japan and is just south of Vladivostok. In addition to the weight of all the vehicles, mild temperatures in the region apparently contributed to the ice being a bit soft.

Here’s hoping everyone affected by this chilling experience enjoys slightly better luck as we move forward into the roaring ‘20s. https://www.motor1.com/news/391623/ cars-sick-ice-cracks-russia/

was also an unusual safety feature included — the ability to automatically save a dashcam video clip by honking the horn.

The idea for that novelty apparently occurred to a Twitter user going by the handle “Brandon HW2.5Bernicky.”

In November, Brandon asked Tesla CEO Elon Musk via tweet, “Thoughts on saving dashcam footage when honking the horn?” Musk replied, “Yeah, makes sense.” Six weeks later, it’s a real thing.

The new software began rolling out December 24. On December 28, a YouTube video revealed what could be one of the first real-world applications of honkand-save. Picked up by Inside EVs, and

Thankfully, the hammer only bounced off the windshield and no one in the Tesla was hurt. However, the tool did leave an

autograph in the form of a spider web of cracks almost square in the middle of the glass. No matter what the driver decides to do, a simple toot gives him the footage so that everyone, insurance and authorities included, can deal appropriately with the aftermath. This feature gets two thumbs up. https://www.autoblog. com/2020/01/03/tesla-honk-dashcamvideo-feature-captures-hammer/

ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE STORIES FROM THE DARWIN FILES CIRCA 2019…

THOR WOULD BE PROUD Tesla sent a “Holiday Software Update” to owners just before Christmas that included a haul of tech upgrades and features. Included were hard-news features like the improved Tesla Neural Net for identifying traffic lights and signs and rendering road marking and vehicles, convenience additions like more voice commands and hands-free launching of applications, entertainment options like Twitch streaming and support for farming sim “Stardew Valley” expanding Tesla Theater, and the Easter egg Camp Mode. There 22

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as narrated by the YouTube channel Tesla Revolution, a two-minute clip from a Model 3 dashcam shows a driver minding his own business in the middle lane of a three-lane highway. After a taxi passes the Model 3 on the left, the taxi runs over a hammer that looks to have been left on the road, presumably after falling off a work truck. The hammer skitters down the road a bit, then takes a huge hop and flies into the Model 3’s windshield. As Tesla Revolution tells it, the only reason we have the footage is because the Model 3 driver honked the horn.

And to close out this issue’s installment of weird car news, here’s one of the “greatest hits” from the previous year….

A customer at a supermarket in South America faced the wrath of disgruntled employees when they parked their car in the wrong spot.

According to Fox News, the driver parked their small Peugeot 208 hatchback in the shopping cart area of a COTO shopping centre in Temperley Argentina, in the Buenos Aires province.

That’s a top score in the being-a-jerk department, so employees responded by putting the shopping carts in their rightful spot anyway, all around the vehicle, boxing it in.

A witness, Arnold Angelini, said he noticed the scene at around 11am on his trip to the store. “What I saw generated surprise and indignation because I said ‘park wherever’,” he said. “The weird thing is that the car was really badly parked and the (shopping carts) were put there later.

He parked wherever he wanted.”

Photos of the prank were posted on Facebook, courtesy of Angelini. The post has now gone viral with almost 7,000 shares.

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Around the Atlantic

‘WE’RE AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE’: NAPA TRACADIE-SHEILA PROUD TO SUPPLY SAFE PARTS FOR TRUCKS DELIVERING FOOD AND MEDICATION TO THOSE IN NEED DURING CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

N

By Kristen Lipscombe

ORMALLY AT THIS TIM E OF YEAR, NAPA TRACADIESHEILA WOULD BE BUSY SUPPLYING ALL THE PARTS NEEDED TO KEEP ENTHUSIASTIC SNOWMOBILERS SLEDDIN’ SAFELY THROUGH NORTHERN NEW BRUNSWICK’S VAST TRAIL SYSTEM, STILL SPARKLING WITH THE WINTER WHITE STUFF THEY SO LOVE TO POWER THROUGH. Store manager Ted Duguay (photo at right) and his four staff members would likely even be prepping for the upcoming ATV (all-terrain vehicle) season anticipated to come with the eventual spring melt that attracts plenty of muddy fun for some sunnier off-roading adventures.

During the warmer months, of course, there are also tractors and other farm equipment to source parts for, and no matter what time of year, there are always mechanics, garages, dealerships and tire shops looking to track down specific parts they know NAPA Tracadie-Sheila can turn around quickly.

But the recent COVID-19 crisis has made some serious and important changes to Duguay’s annual and daily business plans.

“We’re an essential service,” Duguay, 49, explained by phone from the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) corporate store he runs nestled in the heart of the Acadian peninsula, where business is done almost exclusively in French, and his team is working hard to supply important “parts for the delivery trucks to keep them on the road.”

“We’re trying our best,” Duguay said.

In fact, his dedicated team is usually able to get parts delivered to the store same day or overnight at longest, usually from Moncton, N.B., about two hours away, ensuring trucks are fixed up quickly and 24

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back on highways fast to deliver “food, drugs and medication” needed to help residents stay supplied through a difficult time not just in New Brunswick but across the country and around the world.

“Everybody is just thinking about getting foods in the stores,” Duguay said, which means keeping his five-man shop in tip-top shape, from hourly store-wide sanitizations to maintaining proper social distancing with customers.

“Everything must be operating the way you need it to now,” he said, especially in times of local and global crises, which means the focus is completely on health and safety and “nobody’s thinking about buying toys now.”

Duguay’s efficient and effective response to the coronavirus business challenge is testament to his 22 years of experience working his way up at the parts store, from parts delivery to management.

Before breaking into the auto parts business though, Duguay spent about seven years working as an electronics technician, mostly working on video lottery terminal (VLT) machines. But when the provincial government took over VLT management, and his manager turned the location at 3747 Rue Principale into an associate auto parts store instead, Duguay jumped at the chance of learning some new skills and eventually climbing the NAPA ladder to run the store himself.

“It’s a challenge every day. We have to try to get the best thing, the best part possible for the customer, at good pricing,” Duguay said of why he loves working in the auto parts business. “If I order today, I have the parts by the day after, overnight (at latest).”

Duguay’s concern for keeping the vehicles he supplies parts for safe while on the fields, trails and roads is real and valid. After all, he was born and raised in the petite town of Hacheyville, N.B., about 15 minutes from his Tracadie-Sheila store. He’s now raising his two teenage daughters, 15-year-old Elyse and 17-yearold Laurence, with his interior designer wife of 30 years, Janie, in the same small community he has always so cherished.

“Today I am stuck here,” Duguay said with a good-natured, French-accented

chuckle of working through what is an extremely challenging time for everyone.

“I can’t get out of the province.”

But that’s just fine with him because whether he’s working in store alongside his NAPA Tracadie-Sheila work family or enjoying the beauty of northeastern New Brunswick with his immediate family, for Duguay this unique Acadian community has always been home.

“It’s a very nice place to be in the summer; there are a lot of activities here,” Duguay said of what he loves most about living in this special place full of beautiful vistas and charming people. “There are lots of things to do, from campgrounds, to hunting, to ATVs.” And of course, living right on the Atlantic coastline is essential for the taste buds, with “good restaurants (serving) seafood (right from) the fishermen.”

But the best part for Duguay is that in Tracadie-Sheila, “everybody knows everybody,” which is exactly why his job as NAPA store manager is so perfect for him.

“It’s every day with customers,” he said with that friendly French-touched laugh.

“You have to like to work with people.”

VISIT YOUR LOCAL ATLANTIC NAPA STORE FOR PRICING & INFO

Atlantic Racing News

SIMULATION RACING TAKES CENTRE STAGE DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

By Tim Terry

I

N AN UNCERTA IN TIM E , MOST OF THE MOTORSPORTS COMMUNITY HAS TURNED VIRTUAL. We have written about sim racing, more specifically iRacing, in the past in this space. Last year, we documented Halifax, Nova Scotia drivers Keegan Leahy and Dylan Duval, who compete in the top level of oval iRacing, the eNASCAR Coca Cola iRacing Series. Leahy came within virtual feet of winning the $40,000 winner-take-all championship finale at Homestead Miami Speedway and in 2020, Leahy kicked off the season winning at Daytona

International Speedway for Denny Hamlin Racing. Yes, that Denny Hamlin, the 2020 Daytona 500 winner. Duval now drives for Stewart-Haas eSports, the gaming division of Stewart-Haas Racing. iRacing is the leading motorsports simulation. With multiple forms of racing from road to oval, dirt to asphalt, there

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is something for everyone. iRacing scans cars and tracks down to the millimetre for precision accuracy, replicating as close to the real life look without having the “seat of your pants” feel of actually being in the race car or truck. With a computer up to the system requirements for the simulation, a stable internet connection, a wheel

and pedal set and a subscription to iRacing, fans can go from the grandstand to the driver seat with a few clicks.

With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world, cancelling social functions left and right including all major sporting events in North American, most of the motorsports community turned to virtual racing.

NASCAR led the way, producing the eNASCAR Pro Invitational iRacing Series.

A majority of the NASCAR Cup Series full time drivers and some special guests, along with a slew of NASCAR Xfinity and Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series, drivers came together for the opening race of the series at the virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway. The race was picked up on network television by Fox Sports 1 in the United States and brought in over 900,000 viewers. The NASCAR on FOX crew, including Mike Joy, Jeff Gordon and Larry McReynolds, called the action, bringing race fans a sense of normalcy within a world that was seemingly all but doing so under the circumstances.

The race finished on a last lap pass, with Hamlin making the move on Dale Earnhardt Jr coming to the checkered flag to capture the win.

With the questions on when life will return to normal as of press time, the Pro Invitational iRacing Series continues on.

FOX has picked up the remainder of the races to broadcast while TSN will show the races on their network in Canada.

In fact, the Series of virtual races will be shown in over 125 countries worldwide, bringing NASCAR action to fans looking for new content in a time when the cars are not on the track.

Several real world racing organizations have also jumped on to iRacing and given their drivers a place to keep sharp during the downtime with COVID-19.

IMSA, IndyCar and the World of Outlaws are all among those that have stepped up to give fans something to talk about throughout the month of March. Formula1 has also provided their drivers and personalities a place to congregate through their own virtual motorsports title.

Locally in Atlantic Canada, the trend is the same.

Maritime drivers on iRacing have had the Maritime iRacing League to race throughout the off-seasons on Wednesday evening for almost ten years now. The league was founded by Tim Terry and Kirby Myers with Ricky Arbeau taking over control of the Series in 2017. While car counts have stayed stable, a small influx of cars brought the car count to almost 30 for the first race during the COVID-19 autoatlantic.com

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Atlantic Racing News

outbreak on March 18th.

With the interest beginning to show in iRacing again, we decided to host some fun runs on iRacing through Tim’s Corner Motorsports. The first hosted session on March 23rd, an open setup Legend division race at the virtual Oxford Plains Speedway in Maine, filled 40 pit stalls

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within five minutes. Two days later, 57 drivers logged on to qualify for 26 spots in a Super Late Model race at Five Flags Speedway. A Saturday evening race to cap off the week at Southern National Motorsports Park drew another 47 entries. In total, over 100 different drivers have expressed interest in competing in the short

track based special series.

In the five races that had been run, four different winners had emerged. Ethan Miller won the first, followed by former McLaughlin Roof Trusses 250 champion Ryan Messer, four time eNASCAR Coca Cola iRacing Series winner Kevin King and multi-time four cylinder winner Matthew Barkhouse each held a checkered flag in the first week of open competition.

Barkhouse was the first repeat winner in the fifth race.

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the situation being so fluid, Tim’s Corner Motorsports is expected to field races a few times a week to keep those occupied until life returns to normal and race cars hit the real tracks in Atlantic Canada.

Simulation racing, and video games for that matter, bring people together especially in a time where they cannot gather face to face. Take the iRacing example for instance, in a time where racing teams and fans have either just experienced a taste of racing season or are nearing the end of their off-season only to see that sport they love taken away or put in limbo, it tests a community. In this instance, those folks are able to log online and partake in their favourite activity. Sure, the smell of burnt rubber and race fuel is absent and those race track cheeseburgers might not have the same taste that the ones at home do but you still get to spend time with like minded people that share the same passion you do. It might be behind a screen instead of behind a windshield or a fence but it is still motorsports.

It also brings together drivers and fans from all skill levels and experience on the track at the same time. Some fans that are in the grandstands on a Friday night at

Scotia Speedworld or a Sunday afternoon at Lake Doucette Motor Speedway might not be able to afford a car or have the space to work on a race car in order to go racing. iRacing allows fans to hop onto the track and race against some of the names they watch during the Summer. Whether that is a Kyle Larson or a Bobby Labonte in the upper echelons of the sport to local Pro Stock heavyweights like Ashton Tucker, Cole and Jarrett Butcher, Nicholas Naugle or Shawn Pierce, it gives a chance for drivers to mix it up while keeping their skills sharp for the season. To that end, you’ve got a mix of divisions when it comes to drivers. Example, Bandolero drivers like Owen Mahar, Ayden Christensen and Caden Tufts get to mix it up with Late Model drivers like Byron Bartlett, Mike Alexander and Ryan VanOirschot when they might not get to on the Maritime circuit.

Video games, whether it is a simulation, first person shooter or Farmville, ultimately give a release from everyday life.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that it is needed more than ever with that normal life not existing. Simulated racing gives motorsports enthusiasts a chance for those to continue enjoying a sport they are passionate about, even if the pixelated smoke doesn’t have the same effect as the real smoke that comes from the tires in victory lane.

Want to hop onto iRacing yourself? Be sure to check them out at iRacing.com and start your new racing career today! Who knows, we may see you on the track duking it out with your favourite short track or NASCAR driver soon! **Note; you can watch Keegan Leahy and Dylan Duval race for their share of a $300,000+ purse every second Tuesday in the eNASCAR Coca Cola iRacing Series.

Visit eNASCAR.com for their schedule, broadcast and all the information you need to cheer on your fellow Atlantic Canadians!

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Around the Atlantic

‘I LIKE THE PEOPLE’: NOVA SCOTIA BUMPER TO BUMPER OPERATIONS MANAGER FLORENCE GIRRIOR’S PASSION FOR AUTO PARTS BUSINESS FUELLED BY HELPING EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS ALIKE

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By Kristen Lipscombe

LORENCE GIRRIOR MAY BE ONE OF THE BUSIEST BUMPER TO BUMPER OPERATIONS MANAGERS IN ATLANTIC CANADA. Overseeing three different Nova Scotia stores, but travelling from her primary location in Antigonish to both New Glasgow and Port Hawkesbury is worth the journey every time so that she can interact directly with both her staff members and customers.

“You get to meet a lot of people,” Girrior said of her favourite part of what has been an incredible 38-year career in the auto parts business. “I like the people.”

The Antigonish native started working as a delivery driver for the local auto parts store as a summer job at just 21 years old, and despite being the only woman she knew of in the area working in what was then a male-dominated industry, she hasn’t looked back since.

Girrior, now 57, has worked her way up the ranks from mixing paint, to serving customers at the counter, to working directly with distribution centres and delivery drivers, to her current management position. She looks at her current position more as a mentorship role, helping her employees – or team members – be the best they can be so that drivers can get their parts installed and back on the roads as quickly and safely as possible.

“I like my job of helping our staff and making sure that everyone is content and happy in their role,” she said, “and I also very much enjoy waiting on the public and helping the customers.”

Girrior still takes on any duty necessary on any given day, from sweeping floors to putting her decades of knowledge to good use by tracking down unique, specific parts from her preferred manufacturers and trusted after-market suppliers.

“You could be cleaning the toilet one day, or going to a conferences the next.

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You just roll with it and have fun with it.”

When she first started out in the auto parts business as a young woman, “I didn’t know the difference between a battery and a tire, hardly,” Girrior said. “But you learn, and you get better; you just take on the work.”

Girrior, whose husband George works for the Town of Antigonish’s public works department, was so dedicated to learning the automotive industry that she started taking accounting and business courses at Nova Scotia Community College to work towards her diploma and beef up on everything she needed to know to make her Bumper to Bumper locations run effectively, efficiently – and very successfully.

In fact, she took her first exam at age 50 – after her daughter, Chelsea, had moved to Champion, Alta., to work as an infection control professional and live on her husband Garret Hagg’s family farm with their now 16-month-old son Anders.

“It is my intention to take more online classes through St. Mary’s University or St. Francis Xavier University in the coming years,” Girrior said. “I have always felt that keeping your mind active is very important. Education is never a waste of time or money!”

“I like challenges,” Girrior added of all the time and effort she has dedicated to a job she could have looked at as a temporary retail gig, but instead took on as a lifetime career that has helped her make her stores some of the most trusted auto parts stores in Atlantic Canada.

“If you’re determined and you enjoy your work and you work hard at it, they respect you for that,” Girrior said. “And I’ve always gotten a lot of respect from people and I give people a lot of respect.”

She credits Bumper to Bumper for believing in her persistence and “drive” – no pun intended – to become that well-respected operations manager she is today.

“I am very proud to work for such an encouraging organization.”

Girrior also points out that the company has since supported plenty of other women in the automotive industry. In fact, she estimates that about 20 per cent of attendees were women at a recent conference she attended in Moncton, N.B.

“Years ago, there were hardly any, but now there are more and more. Our company just hired a couple more store managers that are women.”

Bumper to Bumper prides itself on being a “homegrown collective of car people,” and it’s clear that Girrior’s daily work reflects the company’s primary values of trust, knowledge, attention to detail and human touch.

“One of our strongest values is our human touch,” Bumper to Bumper describes on its website. “We’re not just dealing with rubber and steel; we’re dealing with people. We believe a little humanity goes a long way.” Girrior describes the atmosphere in her stores as both “fun” and “fast-paced,” where “there’s always something different to do, you’re always learning something new … and everyone pitches in.” It’s that team-first attitude, and the people she works with and serves on a daily basis, that continue to “fuel” – pun intended – Girrior’s passion for the auto parts business. “I’ve made some lifetime friends through this work,” Girrior said.

“It’s been a very rewarding, very good career.”

NOTE: Uni-Select Inc. and Canadian Automotive Group President and CEO Brent Windom’s statement on the auto parts industry being considered an essential service during the COVID-19 crisis is available on the Bumper to Bumper website here: https://www.bumpertobumper. ca/en/articles/covid19

At the Recycler’s Yard

AIRBAGS: CRISIS AND OPPORTUNITY YOUR TIME TO SHINE – LEADERSHIP IN GOOD AND BAD TIMES

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By Katie Stark and Paul D’Adamo

HE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WILL SURELY GO DOWN AS THE BIGGEST CRISIS IN OUR LIFETIME. WE ALL REMEMBER THE HOUSING CRISIS IN 2008 AND 911 IN 2001.

Most people are not aware, but we had a Banking Crisis in Rhode Island during the early 90’s where the Governor closed 45 Credit Unions and Banks creating runs on the remaining banks and shutting approximately a third of RI residents out of their bank accounts. Being new to running a business, this one event would prove to be a valuable “Crisis Management Lesson” for the future.

One common thread in each of these crises was that they all passed and each time we came out stronger than we were before.

The COVID-19 Pandemic is more pervasive across most industries than any previous crisis and I am afraid it will get worse before it gets better. We need to rely on ARA for critical information and fellow Recyclers to manage our way one

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day at a time.

As business owners, you bear a heavy responsibility. With COVID-19, keeping your family, employees, and customers safe has become responsibility #1. Fear can be all-consuming in any crisis, but it is in these times when we dig deeper than ever before.

As leaders, we need to project calm, patience, and develop plans on the fly.

Nothing has prepared you for this but that is what business is all about: Situational Leadership. You will make changes and decisions for the current situation that you would not have made pre-crisis.

There are many reasons why we don’t change such as; family traditions, old ways “we’ve always done it this way”, and people that are resistant to change, including you. Now might be the time to disrupt what was the norm and plan for a new way while there is uncertainty. Your employees might be open to new ideas because they fear that jobs are on the line.

Only you can create opportunity when things look bleak.

A number of Recyclers have been calling RAS over the past two weeks inquiring about Takata recalls. Even though

the program has been in existence since 2015, many people have resisted participating for a variety of reasons. I can guarantee that when we bring them on board with our tools, they will realize that they should have been pulling these bags sooner. They will realize that it is easier to do than originally thought and that they have been missing a revenue stream all this time. Especially where we now pay for deployed air bags and you don’t have to pull them. #YANKTHATBAG Housekeeping is another area where we fall behind. It might be busy-work but perception is reality. If your office is a mess with a hundred old radios and parts everywhere, it might be time to scrub the place down, throw some cheap paint on the walls, and get ready for post COVID-19.

The same is true for our indoor/outdoor dismantling areas, shipping, and warehouse space. One of my favourite quotes when cleaning up our operation was “When in Doubt, Throw it Out”. Sorry but this is where my OCD kicks in. I hate messes and I believe our employees and customers would prefer “nice and clean” versus “dumpy and chaotic”. Now is your time.

Inventory shakedown of loose parts inventory and vehicle hulks in the yard.

Inventory is like produce. When fruit and vegetables stay on the vines too long, what happens? They rot.

In my many visits to Recycling facilities, I have seen many parts and vehicles left to rot on the vine. Take charge, make decisions, prioritize your daily work plans to have tangible results. The parts and vehicles that need to go may have value as cores or as scrap.

There will be an end to COVID-19. No one is sure when that will happen, but it will. What you do between now and then could be the deciding factor to the future of your business.

Remember, the entire supply chain of New Original Equipment, Vehicles, and Parts has come to a standstill. Your opportunity is to be ready when customers need parts to repair their vehicles and ROE (Recycled Original Equipment) will be needed to fulfill pent up demand. God Bless and Stay Safe!

For more info on airbag recalls, call Paul the Recall Guy at 401-458-9080 or email pdadamo@coresupply.com.

Around the Atlantic

FEDS ANNOUNCE NEW MEASURES FOR FERRIES AND COMMERCIAL PASSENGER VESSELS

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NSURING THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF CANADIANS IS THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA’S TOP PRIORITY.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, Transport Canada is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, other levels of government, transportation industry stakeholders, and Indigenous peoples to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau, recently announced new measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission on commercial passenger vessels and ferries.

As of April 6, the new measures with mandatory requirements: Prohibit all commercial marine vessels with a capacity of more than 12 passengers from engaging in non-essential activities, such as tourism or recreation.

These measures will remain in place until at least June 30.

Prevent any Canadian cruise ship from mooring, navigating, or transiting in Canadian Arctic waters (including c, Nunavik and the Labrador Coast).

Should any foreign passenger vessel seek to enter Arctic waters, they would need to give the Minister of Transport 60 days’ notice and be subject to any conditions the Minister determines necessary to ensure the protection of marine person-

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nel and local communities. These measures will remain in place until October 31, 2020. Requires ferries and essential passenger vessel operators to: Immediately reduce by 50% the maximum number of passengers that may be carried on board (conduct half-load voyages) to support the two-metre physical distancing rule; or Implement alternative practices to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 (consistent with Public Health Agency of Canada guidelines) among passengers on board their vessels, such as keeping people in their vehicles, when feasible or enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures.

In addition to these measures, Transport Canada is issuing guidelines to ferry operators respecting health screening for all passengers before boarding to better protect their employees and passengers.

These guidelines are based on advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The new measures preventing vessel activity do not apply to: essential passenger vessels such as ferries, water taxis, and medical-use vessels; cargo vessels, barges, work boats, fishing vessels and other commercial vessels who operate to support resupply operations and the movement of goods through Canada’s supply chain; Canadian commercial passenger vessels, without passengers, moving for repairs or repositioning; Canadian commercial passenger ves-

sels that are not in service; and pleasure craft (e.g. non-commercial vessels).

“The safety and security of the travelling public and Canada’s transportation network are my top priorities. These new measures will help reduce the spread of COVID-19, while continuing to support the continued movement of goods through the supply chain, and ensuring Canadians can access their homes, jobs, and essential services in a safe manner.”

- Minister of Transport, The Honourable Marc Garneau

QUICK FACTS These measures follow an announcement made on March 13, 2020, to defer the start of the cruise ship season in Canada until July 1, 2020, at the earliest and apply to cruise ships capable of carrying 500 or more passengers, including crew members.

These measures apply to all of Canada’s coastal and inland waters, including the St. Lawrence River, the Great Lakes, and Canada’s Arctic waters. Examples of inland waters include lakes, rivers, and inlets.

Enforcement action for failing to abide by these new measures could include administrative monetary penalties of up to $5,000 per day for an individual and $25,000 per day for a vessel or corporation, as well as criminal sanctions, which include up to $1 million in fines and/or up to 18 months’ imprisonment.

Future Technologies

GM AND HONDA TO JOINTLY DEVELOP NEXT-GENERATION HONDA EV POWERED BY GM’S ULTIUM BATTERIES

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UILDS ON GM’S PROVEN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY RELATIONSHIP WITH HONDA. HONDA WILL DEVELOP UNIQUE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DESIGNS FOR HONDA CUSTOMERS EVS WILL BE PRODUCED ON GM’S FLEXIBLE GLOBAL EV PLATFORM TO INCREASE SCALE AND CAPACITY UTILIZATION.

General Motors and Honda have agreed to jointly develop two all-new electric vehicles for Honda, based on GM’s highly flexible global EV platform powered by proprietary Ultium batteries. The exteriors and interiors of the new EVs will be exclusively designed by Honda, and the platform will be engineered to support Honda’s driving character.

Production of these Honda electric vehicles will combine the development ex-

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pertise of both companies, and they will be manufactured at GM plants in North America. Sales are expected to begin in the 2024 model year in Honda’s United States and Canadian markets.

GM and Honda have an ongoing relationship around electrification. This includes work on fuel cells and the Cruise Origin, an electric, self-driving and shared vehicle, which was revealed in San Francisco earlier this year. Honda also joined GM’s battery module development efforts in 2018.

“This collaboration will put together the strength of both companies, while combined scale and manufacturing efficiencies will ultimately provide greater value to customers,” said Rick Schostek, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “ This expanded partnership will unlock economies of scale to accelerate our electrification roadmap and advance our industry-leading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

“We are in discussions with one an-

other regarding the possibility of further extending our partnership,” Schostek said.

According to Doug Parks, GM executive vice president of Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, “This agreement builds on our proven relationship with Honda, and further validates the technical advancements and capabilities of our Ultium batteries and our all-new EV platform.

“Importantly, it is another step on our journey to an all-electric future and delivering a profitable EV business through increased scale and capacity utilization. We have a terrific history of working closely with Honda, and this new collaboration builds on our relationship and like-minded objectives.”

As part of the agreement to jointly develop electric vehicles, Honda will incorporate GM’s OnStar safety and security services into the two EVs, seamlessly integrating them with HondaLink. Additionally, Honda plans to make GM’s handsfree advanced driver-assist technology available.

From the Showroom Floor

FORD GT SUPERCAR UPGRADED FOR 2020 WITH MORE POWER, RESTYLED GULF RACING HERITAGE LIVERY

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HE FORD GT IS IMPROVED FOR 2020 WITH INCREASED HORSEPOWER AND UPGRADED ENGINE COOLING. TITANIUM EXHAUST FROM AKRAPOVI IS NOW STANDARD FOR FORD GT; SYSTEM BRINGS PERFORMANCE EXHAUST EXPERT’S SIGNATURE CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH DEEPLY RESONANT, UNMISTAKABLE SOUND.

Restyled Gulf Racing heritage livery pays homage to Ford’s 1969 Le Mans win; plus, supercar’s carbon fibre wheels are now available for the first time with heritage livery.

Ford Performance announced upgrades to the Ford GT supercar for 2020, including increased engine power to 660 horsepower and improved cooling.

Much of the 2020 Ford GT’s advancements are a result of Ford’s continuous technological innovation, especially GT’s 3.5-litre EcoBoost® twin-turbo V6.

“Ford GT continues to be the pinnacle of Ford performance,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief program engineer.

“GT is always the ultimate expression of Ford racing innovation, and as we know from the 1966 Le Mans through today, that means constantly raising our game for our customers as well as earning the checkered flag.”

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turing that deeply resonant, unmistakable sound emanating from the more powerful EcoBoost engine.

UPDATED GULF RACING HERITAGE LIVERY

CONTINUOUS ECOBOOST INNOVATION Beyond 13 additional horsepower compared to 2017-19 GT supercars, the 2020 GT’s EcoBoost engine features a broader torque band and revised engine calibration plus mechan ical upgrades that include gallerycooled pistons and higher-energy ignition coils, thanks to lessons learned from the limited-edition, track-only GT Mk II. Additional engine cooling and airflow updates includes new buttress air ducts designed to increase air flow by 50 per cent while larger intercoolers keep charge air temperatures cooler, preserving peak power for the most strenuous, high-temperature sessions at the track.

Suspension damping is increased in track mode to further enhance handling and body control, particularly for those high-speed transient sections of closed-course circuits. New Standard Akrapovi titanium exhaust Ford Performance is also introducing the premium Akrapovi titanium exhaust as standard equipment for GT. Boasting the signature craftsmanship of these renowned race experts, this exhaust provides a nine-pound weight savings over the previous system while fea-

Ford Performance is also updating GT’s iconic heritage livery with a new design that includes a black pinstripe to divide the distinct blue and orange colours, recalling the 1968-69 Le Mans-winning GT40. The optional carbon fibre number switches from 9 on the 2019 model to 6 for 2020, matching that of the historic back-

to-back winning car, chassis No. 1075. For the first time on a heritage model, carbon fibre wheels are available in lieu of aluminum alloy. “Our team is very focused on delivering a car that exceeds customer expectations,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager.

“The black pinstripe and carbon fibre wheels have been highly requested with the Gulf livery, so we committed to making that happen.”

Deliveries of the upgraded 2020 Ford GT are ongoing, with production wrapping up in 2022.

Around the Atlantic

30 YEAR MILESTONES AT UNI-SELECT UNI-SELECT ATLANTIC PRESENTS 30-YEAR MILESTONE AWARD TO MR. ANDY FOLKINS WITH SHURFIT AUTO PARTS. PRESENTED BY: SEBASTIEN LACHAPELLE VP OF SALES & CUSTOMER CARE, AND JEFF AUSTIN REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR. UNI-SELECT THANKS MR. FOLKINS AND HIS TEAM FOR THEIR DEDICATION THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. UNI-SELECT ATLANTIC PRESENTS 30-YEAR MILESTONE AWARD TO MR. GILLES BASQUE WITH GILLES BASQUE SALES. PRESENTED BY: SEBASTIEN LACHAPELLE VP OF SALES & CUSTOMER CARE, AND JEFF AUSTIN REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR. UNI-SELECT THANKS MR. BASQUE AND HIS TEAM FOR THEIR DEDICATION THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.

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Truckers Corner

NOT JUST A BREAKFAST SANDWICH ANYMORE! NOVA SCOTIA “ANGEL” DISHES UP FREE GRUB TO HUNGRY TRUCKERS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

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By Carter Hammett

E SPITE THE FACT THAT TRUCKERS ARE CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL WORKERS WHO TRANSPORT ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF CANADA’S GOODS, MOST OF THEM ARE HAVE TROUBLE FINDING A WASHROOM AND A HOT MEAL DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

That’s because most restaurants have either shut down or in some cases, are refusing service to truckers because they’ve been travelling.

CRYSTAL BLAIR TO THE RESCUE The demure 45-year-old Blair is the owner-operator of the popular restaurant and truck stop at the Glenholme Loop Petro Pass near Masstown NS. Along with other restauranteurs across the province, she planned to close down her business following orders from the Province March

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18. But that changed after she saw posts from truckers on social media describing how difficult it was to find shower facilities and even a hot meal.

“I said to my husband I can’t do this to my drivers,” she says. “I reached out on Facebook and said I was open for breakfast. Initially I was offering a breakfast sandwich and coffee for $4. I just thought I’d give breakfast and see how this goes.”

She went home, posted the act on her site and before you know it the post went viral.

“The next day someone called me up and said they’d like to pay for 10 drivers’ meals and then another called and said they’d like to pay for 12.”

Then donations started pouring in.

Some were small, some were large she

says. One donation reached $2,000.00.

Before long local businesses hopped on board with donations of fruit, vegetables, potatoes, sausages and even serving trays.

The kindness has been such that Blair finds herself offering almost a full menu now, all of it free of charge.

Keeping social distancing in mind, the food is all take out. Blair keeps a grab-and-go table at the front of her restaurant and truckers help themselves to lunch bags along with coffee and a host of goodies.

With her own self-care in mind, Blair closes shop around 1:30 pm before heading home to rest up for the dinner shift.

The parking lot is normally full by the time she returns at 5 she says.

The restaurant has been part of her

life for three decades, ever since she was hired as a server at the tender age of 15.

Twelve years ago the owners decided to sell and, deciding to take a chance, she bought the establishment.

“I’ve always excelled at my job,” she says. I learned how to bake along the way and everyone called me The Energizer Bunny,” she laughs. “I just thought I should give this a try. I felt I could do it and that I’d make a good boss.”

The fact she was pregnant at the time had no bearing on her decision.

She’s proud of the fact her restaurant, which offers home-made food including turkey dinners and fish and chips, is nearly as popular with the locals as it is with truckers.

“It’s like home here,” she says. “Most of the customers call it their second home.”

And now, apparently, so do a lot more truckers.

“I’ve known a lot of these guys most of my life so it’s natural to support them,” she says. “Their work is on the road and they work long and hard. I’d think twice if there was no washroom or shower available.” It appears her generosity has also been a catalyst for other local businesses

who have chosen to step up to the plate and support the truckers as well. Indeed, some hotels have opened their guest rooms for 30 minutes so truckers can take advantage of the shower facilities while others are offering meals.

And truckers are showing their appreciation. Blair says she’s received phone calls from as far away as Florida, Kentucky and Texas.

“They just call to say that I’m an inspiration to them. It’s amazing to think you’re

reaching people so far away.”

But Blair insists she’s just doing what comes naturally to her.

“I’ve always been a helper,” she insists.

“My friends are afraid I’ll be taken advantage of because I’m so good-hearted and I always tell people I’ll never change.

“Now I’m getting paid back in a big way. So many people say I’ve restored their faith in humanity. But if I touch one heart it’s been worth it. It keeps me going.”

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At the Recycler’s Yard

OPPORTUNITY IN COVID-19?

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ITH COVID-19 APPARENTLY TAKING OVER OUR LIVES, THE PAST FEW MONTHS HAVE BEEN A TIME UNLIKE ANYTHING IN RECENT HISTORY. As I’m sure you’ve all realized, now is not the time for the faint-hearted. For many of us the health of our families and vulnerable loved ones is big concern.

On the personal finance level, we find ourselves scrambling to check our household expenses, forced to backburner costs not considered a priority.

We might even find ourselves looking for ways to supplement our family income as for many, our jobs have been affected.

All this while following social distancing rules.

Surely for each of you that are self-employed the same things are happening in your company. The big question remains: is it enough to carry your business to the other side?

At our company ELV Select Inc., we have taken the time to ask this same question and have come to a conclusion that we feel is the deciding factor for how we both react and recover from this pandemic as a business.

Don’t be afraid to ask your employee where they feel their skills are strongest and try your best to celebrate those skills with appropriate changes.

The second area of opportunity would be the equipment you use daily. Your equipment has a profound impact on the lives of your staff as well as a direct impact on your net profit. Have you taken this opportunity to fully inspect your equipment, repair the areas that you are able to handle financially and if needed order upgraded equipment? Surely now is the best time to secure a good deal on new-or-used equipment.

Third and certainly not least, is our business process. If the above two suggestions are well-followed, this analysis of our process is the organic result. Include

your staff in the discussions. How can we better operate; what are the daily hangups and frustrations; do we need to upgrade equipment?

At ELV Select Inc, we are committed to helping you work through many of these elements. If you are in the metal and vehicle recycling industries, feel free to engage us in your planning and discussions. Daily, we hear about the successful changes implemented by our clients across the country. Let us help you with your equipment needs as well as your staff training in efficient recycling processes that not only reduces double handling of scrap materials but also increases vehicle throughput.

See our website for contact info. www. elvselect.com

IS THERE HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY IN COVID-19 ?

Let me explain.

With our busy lifestyles taking over prior to the advent of COVID-19, each of us can surely testify to having a list of things we always wanted to achieve with our business. I believe many of these goals can fundamentally transform our things for the better.

I would suggest that we need have a good look at three variables.

The first area of opportunity should be our team members. Without a good team we aren’t moving forward at the best of times. What better time to ensure your people are strong? Now is the time to sit with or Zoom call your staff individually, get to know them on a personal level and ask how they are experiencing the dayto-day jobs under their care. This process will allow you to better understand the skills and characters of your biggest assets. Often the transfer of tasks from one employee to the next will prepare each area of your business for future growth. autoatlantic.com

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ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY ADVERTISER

PHONE

INTERNET

PAGE

Adams Car Wash

1-902-497-7260

adams.carwash@ns.sympatico.ca 27

Arnott Industries

1-800-251-8993

arnottindustries.com

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Atlantic Autowash

1-506-459-8878

aautowash@nb.aibn.com

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Auto+Trucking Atlantic 1-902-452-0345

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Auto+Trucking Atlantic 1-902-452-0345

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Cabot Shipping

1-800-565-0606

Dunphy’s Mobile Wash 1-902-210-7279

ELV Select

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halifaxpressurewashing.ca

1-866-SEDA-ELV elvselect.com

Food Banks Atlantic 1-902-457-1900

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1-800-INFO-FIX

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Ideal Equipment Ltd

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fi xauto.com

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MacLellan & Moffatt 1-888-893-0508

mmgc.ca

Maritime Auto Parts 1-800-565-7278

maritimeauto.com

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Maritime Car Wash

1-902-861-4747

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Maritime Pro Stock

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NAPA Auto Parts

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Rust Check

1-888-RUSTIES

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Stark Auto Sales

1-416-654-7222

starkautosales.com

39

Uni-Select (BtoB)

1-506-857-8150

uni-selectcanada.com

31

WCB NS 1-800-870-3331

wcb.ns.ca

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Worldpac Inc. 1-800-888-9982

worldpac.com

47

Valvoline 1-800-TEAM-VAL

valvoline.ca

13

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HONDA CANADA RESPONSE TO COVID-19

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ARKHAM, ON (APRIL 3, 2020) – HONDA CANADA FOUNDATION (HCF), HONDA’S CHARITABLE ARM IN CANADA, ANNOUNCED TODAY A $500,000 DONATION TO SUPPORT ESSENTIAL NUTRITION AND HEALTHCARE NEEDS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19.

This donation is in addition to an initial $1 million pledge from the Honda family of companies throughout North America to food banks and meal programs across Canada, the United States and Mexico.

As part of Honda Canada’s commitment to serve the communities where its customers and associates live and work, organizations local to the company’s head office and manufacturing facilities were chosen to receive funding. The following recipients will receive funds to address food insecurity and purchase necessary medical supplies and equipment for frontline healthcare needs: • $100,000 to Food Banks Canada • $100,000 to Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, ON • $100,000 to Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation in Alliston, ON • $100,000 to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, ON • $100,000 to Markham Stouffville Hospital in Markham, ON “The time is now and we must act quickly to support our frontline healthcare workers and those in need during these trying times,” says Dave Jamieson, Chair and Chief Operating Officer of Honda Canada Foundation. “The Foundation’s pledge is part of a broader Honda effort to address basic community needs by supporting healthcare, nutrition, relief for our customers and inspiration to all.”

Eric Dean, CEO of Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Foundation in Barrie, ON, responded, “This proactive support from Honda will directly impact patients with COVID-19 in our community. RVH is expanding its ICU and inpatient capacity with new equipment including ventilators – these funds will immediately support this needed frontline equipment, putting great tools in the hands of our great caregivers.”

Honda’s full COVID-19 pandemic response in Canada also includes engaging and empowering Honda associates to help their communities through “virtual volunteering” and by supporting organizations focused on food insecurity through a special associate matching gift fund.

For more information, please visit www.hondacanadafoundation.ca.

Crossword Contest

CROSSWORD (ANSWERS IN THE NEXT AUTO & TRUCKING ATLANTIC)

MARCH 2020 WINNER!

Jeremy Stiles of Sea View, PEI is our latest Crossword Puzzle winner!

Congratulations on winning your new Rust Check package of goodies. Deadline for entry is June 25th, 2020

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IT’S SO EASY TO WIN!

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Fill out info below and send your Crossword to us at 608 - 56 Jacob Lane, Bedford, NS B3M 0H5, or Email us at: info@autoatlantic.com NAME:

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CROSSWORD BY MURRAY JACKSON - THECROSSWORDGUY.COM

YOU COULD WIN THIS SWAG BAG OF GOODIES FROM RUST CHECK THAT INCLUDES A JACKET, BALL CAP, TOUQUE AND TWO RUST CHECK PROTECTION PRODUCTS. ENTER WITH YOUR CORRECT PUZZLE ENTRY, AND IT COULD BE ALL YOURS!

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ADDRESS:

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1. Interstate, in trucker slang (5,4)

1. Defunct Toyota-made brand

6. Synthetic substance, sometimes

2. Multi-vehicle collisions

8. Wasted fuel, in a way

3. Speed cop’s gun

9. Dealer’s used car, often (5,2)

4. Jan & Dean’s Pasadena driver (6,3,4)

10. N in PRNDL 11. Roof rack watercraft 12. New car invoice info (4,2,7) 15. Road trip Florida attraction 17. Negotiates car price 20. Heartbeat of ____, Chev slogan 21. ‘60s hippie van symbol 22. Home mechanic’s motto, briefly (1,1,1) 23. They jump from planes

5. Sporty ‘30s Stutz model 6. Nova Scotia plates word 7. Car lien holders 12. Away from the wind, at sea 13. Wins, at car auction 14. Really rural road type (3,4) 16. Bowtie logo ride, briefly 18. German-made ‘70s Mercury 19. Car design details, briefly

IT’S FUN! IT’S EASY! LAST ISSUE’S CROSSWORD 1

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NAPA Guess & Win contest

NAPA GUESS & WIN! BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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uture Technology fans, maybe you can name what this new, and becoming well known type of automobile this is, or anything more about it. Details please and a FREE Stanley 1/4” and 3/8” Drive SAE 123pc Socket Set from NAPA is all yours! The more detail the better!

Send in your answer at autoatlantic.com/Contest.htm or Email us at info@autoatlantic.com, and make sure to include your name, town, province and telephone number. Maybe this time it’ll be you! Deadline for entry is June 25th, 2020.

Best wishes to Darrell Hewey of Dartmouth, NS, who correctly answered . . . “that the tire in the photo is indeed a Whitewall Tire, Originally, automotive tires were off white in colour . . .”

Thank you to all who entered our contest, you could be next!

YOUR NAME: PHONE: CITY / TOWN / VILLAGE: PROVINCE: POSTAL CODE: EMAIL: YOUR ANSWER:

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