Booked Up and Backlogged: Backlog of repair work in Canada even longer than U.S. reports Crash Network survey
Toronto, Ontario — According to a recent Crash Network survey of Canadian collision repair shops, the average scheduling backlog reported across the country is 6.6 weeks. This average is specifically 2.6 weeks greater than comparative average numbers in the United States (U.S.), where scheduling backlog is only 4 weeks long. Of the approximately 100 owners […]
With Respect to Rates: SAAQ consultation seeks feedback on proposed changes to auto insurance contributions in 2025 to 2027 periods
Quebec City, Quebec — An expert panel put forward by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is seeking public feedback in regards to future automotive insurance rate changes. As outlined in the SAAQ’s “Proposed Insurance Contributions for 2025-2027” information document, an expert panel on automotive insurance contributions made up of Dominique Faribault from […]
Climbing Capacity: Saskatchewan government invests $1 million towards SATCC apprenticeship programs
Regina, Saskatchewan — The Government of Saskatchewan has announced it is investing an additional one million to increase the capacity of skilled trades in the province. With this additional funding, the total investment into the province’s Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) program has reached $22.4 million in the 2023 to 2024 period. The […]
Talent on the Rock: Adam Downey takes autobody repair gold; Blake Burton takes first in car painting at Skills Newfoundland competition
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador — Skills Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador chapter hosted its provincial competition last Friday, March 15, where over 300 regional finalists from across Newfoundland and Labrador, including intermediate, secondary, and post-secondary students and apprentices, competed for medals in more than 40 different areas of expertise. The event had competitors in both […]
Shifting Gears: Advance Auto Parts looking to sell Worldpac in Q2, says CEO
Toronto, Ontario — During the fourth quarter and full-year results call for 2023, Advance Auto Parts CEO Shane O’Kelly provided information on the potential sale of its Worldpac and its Canadian business, operating as Carquest Canada. O’Kelly specifically emphasized in an official release that Advance is still officially referring to the Worldpac and Canadian business […]
Making Motorama History: Osoyoos, B.C. car builder wins Grand Champion at Motorama
Osoyoos, British Columbia — JF Launier, founder of JF Kustoms in Osoyoos, British Columbia has won the top prize at Toronto’s Motorama, taking home the Grand Champion award. Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo—which took place at the International Centre in Toronto, Ontario—judged Launier’s design to be “the cream of the crop” of over 400 […]
Data Broker Breaks: Reports indicate automakers are sharing consumers’ driving behaviour with data brokers and insurance companies
Toronto, Ontario — Vehicle manufacturers share driving information with data brokers such as LexisNexis, who then share the information with insurance companies, states a recent New York Times report. The article specifically describes how Chevrolet Bolt owner, Kenn Dahl discovered how increases to his car insurance were in part related to data broker figures and […]
Building for a Birthday Bash: CARSTAR Canada to celebrate 30 years with July conference in Victoria, B.C.
Victoria, British Columbia — CARSTAR Canada is celebrating its 30th anniversary by hosting the 2024 CARSTAR Conference: Velocity. According to a recent press release, this conference “will honour the many achievements of (the) Canadian CARSTAR franchise network in style while setting the stage for the next 30 years of success.” The conference will be held […]
Tuesday Ticker: Fisker pauses production, aims to raise US$150 million in funds; while Ont. Premier teases ‘banner year’ for auto industry
Toronto, Ontario — In this weekly economics report, Fisker announces its plan to pause EV production amid bankruptcy rumours and other financial decisions from the company, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford teases a “banner year” for the industry, thanks to jobs in the EV supply chain. Fisker’s finances Electric vehicle maker Fisker is pausing EV […]
EV/AV Report: EVs prepare to take off; while Americans lose faith in self-driving vehicles
Toronto, Ontario — Toronto, Ontario — In this weekly electric and autonomous vehicle report, U.K.-based startup, Aervolt, looks to preempt airborne electric infrastructure; while a recent American Automobile Association (AAA) study reveals that American consumers are losing faith in self-driving vehicles. An electric takeoff U.K. startup Aerovolt hopes to preempt airborne electric infrastructure by developing […]