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In good times and bad, you need to be marketing. Heres why you should and how to do it What an interesting time weve been living in these past five years. It seems that as soon as we get comfortable with the new normal, something happens that changes the way we need to do business. I know were all sick of hearing about how we need to pivot, but isnt that whats required to run a long term, successful business in the automotive industry?
The price of new vehicles in Canada has levelled off in the last year but has still seen a significant increase in the last 10 years. DesRosiers Automotive Consultants reported that the average price for a new vehicle at the end of 2024 surpassed $45,000 for a passenger car and almost $55,000 for a light truck. The report suggests that higher vehicle prices could hit the market soon as a result of tariffs.
The light truck market continues to thrive in 2025, accounting for 88.1 per cent of total new light vehicle sales. Sales rose 4.7 per cent in the first quarter, driven by strong performances in the SUV, van, and pickup segments, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, highlighting the ongoing shift in consumer preferences towards light trucks and away from traditional passenger cars.
Lordco Auto Parts is navigating a challenging economic landscape with optimism and strategic innovation, company leaders said in the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations. Speaking at their annual trade show in Vancouver last month, Ian and Samantha Coates noted that while the start of the year has been softer than expected, the industry remains fundamentally strong. “We’ve had a ton of people come through the last couple days and everyone’s excited to take advanta
The economic climate is having an impact on how Canadians spend money. Heres how shops can manage the challenges The mechanical automotive service market in Canada faced significant challenges in 2024 and appears poised for continued turbulence as we head into 2025. As geopolitical, environmental and economic uncertainties continue to unfold, consumer sentiment and purchasing behaviours have become increasingly difficult to predict.
The Mufflerman announced it has acquired 4 Aces Auto Centre in Peterborough, Ontario. The deal closed on April 30. 4 Aces has been in the area for more than 20 years, owned and operated by Darryl Breadner. All employees will remain with the business as 4 Aces will continue to operate as an independent auto mechanical garage within The Mufflerman Group.
The automotive aftermarket is changing fast, and businesses need a roadmap to stay competitive. In a recent webinar hosted by consulting firm Roland Berger, an industry expert outlined five critical strategies for staying ahead in the industry. Elena Yakushkina, partner with the firm, outlined recommendations that include capitalizing on the growing shift to independent repair shops.
Standard Motor Products expanded its Electronic Parking Brake Actuator program. It offers coverage for both import and domestic vehicles. The actuators are designed to match OE performance and integrate with electronic safety systems. Their plug-and-play design requires no additional programming during installation, and many actuators include the necessary O-ring and hardware for a complete repair.
The Pro-Cut match machining rotor resurfacing process provides customers with smooth brakes, a superior surface finish and significant savings. This computerized system allows shops to offer a value-added service to address brake pulsation and reduce the cost of brake service and repair. Match machining restores rotor parallelism and surface finish while eliminating run-out, which is the critical element that ensures rotors will wear evenly.
K-Tool International has a new super duty one-inch air drive impact wrench (KTI81791). The impact wrench features 2,700 ft-lbs of break-away torque and delivers power while weighing 12.4 lbs. The magnesium front and rear housings, along with composite center housing, offer lighter weight and strength. It features a side handle for enhanced control and a variable speed trigger that allows for multi-speed operation.
NRS Brakes announced the expansion of its Galvanized Premium Brake Pad lineup with seven new part numbers, representing 6,525,294 vehicles in operation. Vehicles now under the line include the Chevrolet Traverse, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Acadia, GMC Terrain, Hyundai Elantra and Jeep Grand Cherokee. These brake kits include (where applicable) stainless steel brake caliper hardware and noise cancelling piston inserts The post NRS adds new brake pads appeared first on Auto Service World.
Valentine Performance Detailing (VPD) has more than doubled its offering with new introductions ranging from vehicle finish enhancing products to garage protection solutions and a proprietary brand of spill containment absorbents. The advanced polishing products include high-density foam polishing pads in various sizes and strengths, low lint lambswool orbital detailing pads, glass polishing and microfiber cutting pads, as well as best-in-class polishing compounds and orbital tools.
Midas announce the opening of a new franchise location in Beloeil, Quebec Located at 624 Boulevard Sir Wilfrid Laurier of the Montreal suburb, it is owned by franchisee Claude Martel, who owns and operates two other Midas locations in the area, one in Boucherville and the other in Chambly. With five service bays and a highly skilled team of technicians, we are ready to serve our customers and help them drive with confidence, Martel said.
The future of fuel cell electric vehicles remains uncertain as the automotive industry continues to evolve, a new report highlighted. While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have seen significant growth in model availability, sales, and charging infrastructure, FCEVs have struggled to keep pace. According to a new report by IDTechEx, authored by technology analyst John Li, the year 2024 marked the second consecutive year of declining sales for FCEV passenger cars, with commercial vehicles also la
Suppliers need to give automotive parts distributors better data if they want to sell their parts, a conference panel recently emphasized A distributors ability to sell automotive aftermarket parts and components is only as effective as the data provided by the supplier to help make the sale, attendees of the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Technology Conference heard from industry leaders.
In the world of automotive repair, knowing how to talk to customers can be just as important as knowing how to fix their cars. When you can understand the various personality traits of the consumer, you can better work with clients and effectively communicate with them, said Emily Chung, a former auto repair shop owner. At the Tirecraft 2025 Conference in Blue Mountain, Ontario, she explained to the audience how knowing and understanding consumer behaviour can transform how automotive profession
Why prioritizing your health is more important than you think Running a garage and working in one is no easy task. Its physically demanding, mentally exhausting and often leaves little time for personal well-being. Long hours, exposure to chemicals and heavy lifting take a toll on the body. By the time I am working with shop owners, many have usually pushed themselves to their physical limit, believing that hard work and dedication are the keys to success.
The New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) has expressed concern over the British Columbia government’s decision to pause the CleanBC Go Electric Vehicle Rebate Program. The move comes as the auto industry braces for the impact of massive tariffs, which the group said could potentially push the price of new and used vehicles out of reach for many consumers.
OK Tire celebrated industry achievements and community engagement at its 2025 Annual Conference, held over three days in Cancun, Mexico. The conference brought together dealers, vendors and corporate leaders from across the country for strategy sessions, training workshops and a tradeshow highlighting the latest in automotive products and services. Two new award categories were introduced this year the Community Grassroots Partner of the Year and the Service Partner Award among a full slate of
AI is set to transform vehicle diagnostics, making repairs quicker and more accurate for automotive technicians, according to one automotive aftermarket leader. Pete Bradley, head of international technical training and association affairs at Hella Gutmann Solutions, spoke at the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Technology Conference last fall about the transformative potential of AI in vehicle diagnostics.
NTN Bearing Corporation of America announced the retirement of president and chief executive officer Pete Eich, effective June 1. The company said that, after 42 years of service to NTN, Eich (pictured above) decided to step down from his role. Tom Mohrdieck, currently vice president of the industrial OE business unit, will take over. Eich joined the company in 1982 as an application engineer.
Novis Glass has expanded, adding a location in Dundas, Ontario, helping expand Eccles Auto Service. The new automotive glass repair and replacement location joins a local repair shop that has been in business for more than 40 years near Hamilton. The shop is now owned by Scott Eccles, who purchased the business from his parents Bruce and Claire in 2019.
Ren Ocegueda Aisin Aftermarket & Service of America, Inc., established April 1, 2025 following the merger of the aftermarket division of Aisin World Corp. of America and an Aisin group company specializing in transmission remanufacturing has announced two of its new leaders. Dwayne Bates (pictured above) was named president of AISIN Aftermarket & Service of America, Inc.
The global automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with 2025 poised to bring new developments influenced by key events in 2024. As automakers navigate evolving market conditions, strategic partnerships, electrification, and the rise of new manufacturing hubs will be central to industry growth, according to Frost & Sullivan.
Bill Long MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, announced the retirement of its president and CEO, Bill Long. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers president Paul McCarthy will take over the role. The moves are effective January 3, 2026. The announcement highlighted Bill Long’s leadership that has brought MEMA significant growth and changes. In 2023, the four divisions of MEMA merged into two divisions , one focused on original equipment suppliers and the other on the aftermarket. “Throughou
The post-COVID hangover is real for the aftermarket industry but there’s still growth to be had, according to an industry leader. Speaking at the recent MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Global Summit in Miami, Ben Brucato, vice president of membership and engagement with the group, highlighted the industry’s shift from the double-digit sales growth seen during the pandemic to a more modest growth.
A new survey by Pollution Probe and the Mobility Futures Lab revealed that 86 per cent of electric vehicle owners would purchase another EV. In addition to future purchase intentions, the survey offers an in-depth look at Canadas EV charging landscape, revealing key insights into charging behaviour and infrastructure satisfaction. The 2024 Electric Vehicle Charging Experience Survey gathered responses from more than 2,000 EV owners across the country with funding from Natural Resources Canadas Z
Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across all sectors have come under fire in recent times. But its an area the automotive aftermarket has long supported, even before it became the cool thing to do. Now, as companies revisit their strategies, CARS magazine spoke with leaders in the auto care sector to review what DEI actually is, what its supposed to be and what it means to this industry.
Hamilton Discount Auto Parts welcomed hundreds of guests to its annual trade show last week. Vendors lined the Michelangelos Banquet Centre in Hamilton, Ontario, where HDAP customers were able to meet with tool companies, parts suppliers and partners. HDAP announced that $4,540 was raised at the event for McMaster Childrens Hospital. Check out our highlight reel and photo gallery below.
As electric vehicles move beyond early adopters, the automotive industry faces mounting challenges in convincing mainstream consumers to make the switch. Achieving broader consumer acceptance of EVs is the next major challenge for the industry, according to Todd Campaus insights at AAPEX 2024. With early adopters accounted for, the focus now shifts to convincing mainstream buyers to embrace electric vehicles.
As consumer spending remains high and business investment continues to grow, differentiating among competitors has become more challenging than ever. With consumers open to changing brands, its crucial for brands to find ways to stand out but thats a challenge as customers have less of a connection with products that have better name power in the trades, according to a marketing agency.
Automotive service businesses are on the cusp of a technological transformation, with artificial intelligence offering unprecedented opportunities to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. In the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations, In Motion Brands and Atrium Solutions president and CEO Todd Richardson explored how AI can revolutionize shop interactions, particularly in handling missed communications and after-hours customer engagement but also warned against goi
DJ Kimsey is the new president of vehicle aftermarket for North America at SKF. He will oversee the region’s sales, marketing, operations, and product management and based at the regions headquarters in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. “With over 20 years of experience, DJ brings invaluable expertise to our team, said Olaf Henning, general manager and head of global aftermarket at SKF.
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation as digital technologies reshape the way vehicles are bought and sold and dealers need to keep pace or lose relevancy. The rise of online car buying platforms represents a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour and expectations, according to analytics firm GlobalData, a trend that was further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Celebrating a major milestone while keeping an eye on providing new tools and technology were the focus of the NAPA Now event in Las Vegas last week. NAPA Now was held April 15-17 at the Venetian Expo with thousands in attendance to take part in training opportunities, take in new tools and advanced training technologies, all while marking 100 years since the launch of the NAPA brand.
Bestbuy Distributors Limited has joined the Federated Auto Parts Group. The Toronto-based company is now a member of the major North American automotive aftermarket buying group. The strategic partnership marks a new chapter for Bestbuy, giving it access to access to competitive buying opportunities, exclusive national brand programs and a network of industry peers.
As he steps into the pivotal role as AIA Canada chair, Tony Kuczynski brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the automotive industry, a journey that began as a licensed technician. When someone takes over a leadership role, there is usually one, maybe two, big challenges awaiting them. But as Tony Kuczynski moves in as chair of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, he realizes that there are plenty of obstacles facing the industry.
Its the annual profile of the incoming AIA Canada chair in Jobber News. This year, you can learn all about Tony Kuczynski, president and chief executive officer of Mister Transmission and this years chair for AIA Canada, in the March 2025 issue. Check out the full profile to learn about his journey through the aftermarket, what hes learned and how hes tackling the challenges this industry is facing.
The Motor Vehicles Dealers Act (MVDA) isnt the only regulation Canadian automotive companies must follow. The rules governing the automotive industrys financial operations are varied and complex. Each transaction must comply with federal and provincial laws. The complexities of federal and provincial compliance Overlap between federal, provincial and territorial laws is varied.
Canadian drivers are some of the safest on the road, according to a new study. Rates comparison site Compare the Market surveyed more than 3,000 drivers from Australia, the United States and Canada. It found that 60 per cent of Canadian drivers had not been involved in any vehicle collision in their own car. This is a notable difference compared to Australians at 55.6 per cent and Americans at 49.6 per cent.
The way you approach your communications with staff will go a long way in making sure they stay with you instead of leaving your shop in the dust, said a shop coach. In an industry where skilled technicians are increasingly hard to come by, keeping your best staff has become more crucial than ever, said Rick White, president of 180 Biz, during the 2025 Midwest Auto Care Alliance Hi-Tech Training & Expo in Kansas City.
All shops have a door rate and some are adding in diagnostic rates. But one shop coach wants you to add another: An EV rate. The argument for a diagnostic rate is getting stronger as more vehicles require thorough and time-consuming diagnostic work, noted Alan Beech, an automotive aftermarket coach with Beech Consulting. It’s usually the guy who does diagnostics in your shop is probably your most expensive guy, he said as further justification for having a higher rate.
CARS magazine reached out to leaders in the automotive repair and service sector of the automotive aftermarket to ask them about their thoughts about the industry over the next 12 months. How will the economy impact customer behaviour in 2025 compared to 2024? What role is technology playing in repair shops these days and how can shops use it effectively?
Despite the on-again-off-again-on-again tariff announcements and poor weather across much of the country, Canadians turned out to their dealerships to buy new vehicles at the highest rate in many years. DesRosiers Automotive Consultants estimated that sales for March 2025 came in at 185,000, 11.4 per cent from March 2024 and the best March total since 2018.
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