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BRIDGING THE DIVIDE
WHY HONEST DIALOGUE DRIVES SAFER REPAIRS
BY DARRYL SIMMONS
It is a source of constant wonder—and no small frustration—that our industry so often shrinks away from open dialogue with the insurance sector. We, the repairers, carry the duty of restoring damaged vehicles to safe, roadworthy condition. Yet when the time comes to find common ground with insurers on what defines a proper repair—under OEM and I-CAR standards— our conversations too often falter. In that silence, misunderstanding takes root.
Why should open discussion be so elusive when safety and integrity are our shared goals? When a process meets the most rigorous standards, it should serve as the benchmark for all. Collaboration begins with clarity. If expectations are defined plainly at the outset, disputes fade before they surface. The era of the Goldilocks compromise—where insurers and repairers haggle endlessly for a “just right” middle ground between estimates and supplements—has run its course. The modern repair industry demands more discipline, more candour and greater respect. The vehicles we repair today bear little resemblance to those of decades past. They are mobile networks of sensors, cameras and computers—complex ecosystems of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems designed to protect lives. These innovations make roads safer but repairs far more intricate. A single misaligned sensor can cripple the very technology meant to prevent a crash. As a result, every repair has become more challenging and more costly.
There is only one kind of safe repair—the proper one. When we safeguard the repair, we safeguard the driver, the family and the road itself.
Paradoxically, as vehicle technology improves, collisions themselves are happening less often. Each repair that does occur now carries greater scrutiny and consequence. The weight of that obligation falls squarely upon the repair facility. We are the custodians of safety, the ones who must ensure that every vehicle leaving the shop performs exactly as its manufacturer intended—no shortcuts, no compromise.
Education must keep pace with this evolution. When repairers, appraisers and adjusters each follow different standards or interpret procedures in isolation, confusion follows. Consistent training and shared knowledge are not aspirations— they are imperatives. Encouragingly, progress is being made as more professionals gain access to proper education and dependable information. We must continue that advance.
Yet the greatest obstacle remains our own hesitation to speak frankly across the divide separating our industries. It is a divide of habit, not principle—and it can be bridged. The Canadian collision repair sector stands at a turning point. We can cling to division, or we can move forward together, guided by our mutual commitment to safety and professionalism.
There is only one kind of safe repair— the proper one. Every action we take must honour that truth. For when we safeguard the repair, we safeguard the driver, the family and the road itself.
VOLUME 12, ISSUE 3, 2025
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INDUSTRY
FIX NETWORK PACKS BURLINGTON HALL FOR AI AND SUCCESSION HUDDLE
On October 2, 150 repair operators and partners gathered at Fix Network Ontario Regional Mix & Mingle to discuss critical industry issues including succession planning, AI integration, and the evolution of multi-service facilities. Leaders addressed franchisee concerns about U.S. tarriffs and parts pricing, noting the impact has been less severe that anticipated. collisionrepairmag.com/15768501
In September, AutoCanada acquired Doug’s Place Strathcona to expand its Edmonton collision network, increasing local capacity for insurers and drivers. The move bolsters parts integration and improves throughput in Alberta operations. Analysts see it as a tactical expansion amid its U.S. divestment strategy.
collisionrepairmag.com/15768742
PPG UNVEILS ‘SECRET SAFARI’ AS 2026 COLOUR OF THE YEAR
PPG’s 2026 Colour of the Year, “Secret Safari,” is revealed in October to guide paint programs across OEM and refinish channels. The tone aims to translate from concept to repair booth with manageable mix formulas. collisionrepairmag.com/15768737
INDUSTRY
CALIBRATION GROWTH DRAWS FRESH MONEY INTO ADAS SERVICES
The North America ADAS calibration services market, worth $1.2 billion in 2024, will reach $3 billion by 2030, KPMG has found. The growth is being driven by the rapid adoption of ADAS in vehicles which is expected to reach 75 percent penetration by 2030.
collisionrepairmag.com/15768605
CIECA CONNEX HAMMERS HOME ‘FOLLOW THE CAR’ MESSAGE
The 2025 CIECA CONNEX conference in Nashville unified collision, insurer and OEM voices around data workflows, technology and standardization. Panels emphasized that repair ecosystems shift in tandem with vehicle connectivity. “If you want to know where this industry is going—just follow the car,” said keynote Sean Carey.
collisionrepairmag.com/15767977
INSURANCE NEWS
SHOPPING SPREE: 46.6 PERCENT OF U.S. DRIVERS SHOPPED POLICIES LAST YEAR
U.S. auto insurance shopping surged in Q2 2025. Nearly half (46.6 percent) of in-force policies were shopped at least once, up 9.4 percent year over year, creating competitive pressure. LexisNexis’ Insurance Demand Meter report also showed policy filings down four percent as rate cuts were offered to sustain business. The direct sales channel led growth at 22.8 percent, while existing policyholders shopped more than uninsured drivers. Insurers responding via rate flexibility may need to focus on retention. “Policyholders will help determine the growth and profitability outcomes for the industry,” said Jeff Batiste.
collisionrepairmag.com/15753904
COSTLY COLLISIONS: AUTO INSURER LOSSES RISING IN U.S.
The U.S. commercial auto insurance line has posted underwriting losses for 14 consecutive years, including US$4.9 billion lost in 2024 alone, thanks to rising claims severity. Inflation, advanced vehicle repair costs, and labor costs are cited as key pressures squeezing insurers’ ability to offset losses. Canadian repair shops may see the effects through reduced fleet programs, tighter deductibles, or insurer scrutiny of repair proposals. One analyst noted insurers had trimmed about six percentage points off administrative ratios to claw back margins. “Adverse loss development has become a constant drain on commercial auto results,” said Christopher Graham.
collisionrepairmag.com/15767844
SYSTEM SHIFT: MANITOBA ADOPTING OWNER INSURANCE MODEL
Manitoba is replacing the driver based basic auto insurance system with a registered owner model that links coverage to vehicle ownership. The 2025 board approved a 5.7 percent rate increase, raising annual premiums by approximately $50 per vehicle. Proposed changes also hike the basic deductible from $750 to $1,000 and expand the driver safety rating program. The shift is aimed at smoothing volatility in premiums while maintaining access under a public insurer structure.
collisionrepairmag.com/15768820
ALBERTA EXIT: ANOTHER AUTO INSURER DEPARTS PROVINCE
CUMIS General Insurance Company will exit Alberta’s auto insurance market by the end of 2025, citing escalating claim costs and provincial rate caps. The withdrawal adds to insurer pullouts already underway, narrowing coverage options for drivers in that province. Policyholders will retain coverage until expiry in 2026 and receive guidance for replacing policies. “As auto insurers reduce available coverage … brokers are increasingly unable to find coverage options,” said Jhnel Weller Hannaway.
collisionrepairmag.com/15755451
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RECYCLING NEWS
INDUSTRY RALLIES AFTER RANSOMWARE ATTACK: RECOVERY, RESILIENCE AND LESSONS LEARNED
In August, dozens of auto recyclers faced data encryption attacks that disrupted operations across multiple systems. The article details coordinated recovery efforts, backups brought online, and lessons in resilience for industry peers. Vendors and yard operators shared hardened IT protocols to guard against future attacks. The recap urges yards to audit remote access and limit single points of failure.
collisionrepairmag.com/15766423
GLENCORE ACQUIRING LI CYCLE
Glencore announced in August 2025 it will acquire lithium ion battery recycler Li Cycle, bringing its global recycling assets and intellectual property under one umbrella. The deal consolidates control of Li Cycle’s spokes in Ontario and the U.S. under Glencore Battery Recycling. As EVs become more prevalent, that asset consolidation may shift power in the battery recycling supply chain.
collisionrepairmag.com/15766421
RECYCLING INDUSTRY CONVENES IN TORONTO
The Canadian Association of Recycling Industries held its 2025 Consumer’s Night event in Toronto in October. The aim of the event was to bring recyclers, suppliers and industry stakeholders together to facilitate networking and discussion on regulatory, environmental and business issues. According to the organizers, the event “underscores the importance of the recycling supply chain to collision repair in a circular economy era.”
collisionrepairmag.com/15753312
OARA WARNS ONTARIO’S VIN BRANDING SYSTEM RISKS SAFETY
The Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association is flagging critical flaws in Ontario’s VIN branding regime, saying gaps in the program can promote fraud, reduce transparency and harm public safety. The article quotes OARA calling for reforms to vehicle identification policies to protect consumers and salvage markets. The move raises pressure on provincial regulators to address systemic weakness.
collisionrepairmag.com/15766425
AMBITIONS GREEN
BIG IDEAS AND BOLD STRATEGIES AT THE 2025 AUTOMOTIVE SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT
Solera Holdings and Simplicity Car Care brought the collision industry’s brightest minds together on October 8 for the second annual Automotive Sustainability Summit in Ontario—a day devoted to turning climate ambition into practical action. Insurers, repair networks, OEM partners and innovators gathered to share ideas on cutting emissions and improving efficiency across the automotive value chain.
Paul Prochilo, chief executive officer of Simplicity Car Care, opened the event with a call to collaboration. “Our progress is the result of partnership,” he told attendees, urging them to think beyond their silos and embrace circularity—a model where resources, ideas and responsibility flow both ways.
That theme carried through the day. Solera’s Bill Brower, senior vice-president of global industry relations and North American claims sales, emphasized that sustainability is a team effort grounded in data and accountability. “We’re not trying to sell people on the value of sustainability,” he said. “This forum is about how we can execute on it—what’s working elsewhere, and how we can move faster here in Canada.”
Keynote speaker Jeffrey Simpson, co-author of Hot Air: Meeting Canada’s Climate Change Challenge, wove together personal experience and national perspective. After sharing his own positive experience as a Simplicity customer, he reminded the room that no single sector can decarbonize alone—progress depends on coordination between private industry and all levels of government.
“We’re not trying to sell people on the value of sustainability. This forum is about how we can execute on it—what’s working elsewhere, and how we can move faster here in Canada.”
— Bill Brower
Michelle Li, founder and chief executive officer of Clever Carbon, brought energy and urgency to the conversation. “Sustainability is not a nice to have—it’s a must have,” she said, citing IKEA and Apple as examples of how bold corporate leadership can shift global expectations. Li linked climate strategy to profitability and talent attraction, calling sustainability a “licence to operate.” Her interactive Q&A challenged participants to identify concrete, near-term opportunities for emission cuts.
Closing the day, Dominic Napier, managing director of Carbon Neutral Repair, grounded inspiration in practicality. Having partnered with Solera on a full scope 3 emissions assessment for its Sustainable Estimatics solution, he championed measurement before movement: know your data before you act. Even his personal decision to minimise travel to the event, he said, was a small act of alignment. “People need to be doing as much as you possibly can today,” Napier urged.
By day’s end, one message was clear: sustainability in the collision and claims ecosystem isn’t theoretical—it’s operational, measurable and collective. Real progress will come not from individual initiatives but from shared metrics, transparent partnerships and united effort across every level of the industry.
THE WORK OF A FOURTH-GENERATION PROFESSIONAL IN CREATING A RAPIDLY GROWING MSO IN QUEBEC
It should come as no surprise Jean-Luc Rouleau was drawn toward the collision repair business—he is part of the fourth generation of his family to work in the industry.
“My father was a car painter, as was my grandfather and greatgrandfather—so this has always been a part of my life,” he says.
It is a legacy the Montreal-area repairer is carrying forward with gusto—and one that has grown far beyond his initial expectations.
Now the owner of multiple CARSTAR locations in Quebec, Jean-Luc had his big break when he was approached by industry mainstay Frank Tokatlidis about becoming co-owners of CARSTAR Le Cabriolet in 2018. The partnership proved to be a perfect match from the start.
“From my point of view, I believe that Frank saw the same passion and determination in Jean-Luc that he had himself,” explains Arianne Fournier, Rouleau’s wife and directrice of CARSTAR St-Hubert. “They really had great chemistry—so much so that after only eight months, they acquired a second workshop together.”
Jean-Luc has expanded his MSO to include multiple operations in the Montreal area while earning a reputation as an efficient, resultsoriented owner from the CARSTAR franchise team. While Frank would pass away in 2022, he lived long enough to pass on his faith in Rouleau to the broader CARSTAR network. That confidence has proven well-founded as Rouleau has continued expanding his operations.
“Jean-Luc is an incredible owner, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for him and his teams,” said Rémi Michaud, zone director, CARSTAR Canada, after Rouleau’s 2024 acquisition of CARSTAR Greenfield Park in Saint-Hubert, Quebec. “I’m proud to see him expand his business to help serve more customers.”
Since then, Jean-Luc and a new partner have acquired three additional locations, bringing his total to seven. He believes a key aspect to the business’s success comes down to the warm relationship he has with his employees.
“Even today, seven years later, we still have the same team at [our first] workshop,” Jean-Luc says, adding that: “Over the years, we have built a family atmosphere, with loyal employees who are as passionate as we are.”
This commitment to his team extends to genuine mentorship and development. Arianne, who first met Jean-Luc in 2015 when she brought her resume to his then-CARSTAR St-Laurent location, experienced this firsthand.
“I was initially hired to fill the position of panel beater,” she recalls. “After only a few months, I developed an interest in estimating, and Jean-Luc took the time to explain it to me and train me. At the same time, a friendship developed—one that quickly turned into love.”
Like Jean-Luc, Arianne had a strong connection to the collision repair industry. During her childhood, her auto body repairer and business-owner father and her mother would take her to car shows across Quebec and the United States.
It’s already been 10 years since we first met... [Looking back, I think] Jean-Luc’s passion for collision repair—which I share—played a role.”
This familial mindset Jean-Luc adopts extends far beyond the walls of his businesses and to the industry as a whole, including his own family. His son Jessy and nephew Zackary have both joined the business.
“My son Jessy and my nephew Zackary started working with us during the summer when they were 15. And when they finished high school, they started working with us full-time,” Rouleau says. Fournier, who became Jessy’s stepmother when he was just 9 years old, has watched this transition unfold firsthand.
Through a training centre in St. Hubert, Jean-Luc also works with local technical colleges to offer apprentices real-world experience. The training environment mirrors the conditions of his repair centres, creating a smooth transition for students into full-time roles.
Jean-Luc Rouleau was recently featured in Collision Repair magazine’s 30 Under 40 influencial leaders section. collisionrepairmag.com/magazine/31734
“Jean-Luc
is an incredible owner, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for him and his teams. I’m proud to see him expand his business to help serve more customers.”
— Rémi Michaud, zone director, CARSTAR Canada, after Rouleau’s 2024 acquisition of CARSTAR Greenfield Park in Saint-Hubert, Quebec.
“The field of auto repair was said to be boring and redundant. Now we have vacuum cleaners for sandblasting, air induction masks and lifts so that technicians have a better quality of work and can work for many years. Each collision is different, so each repair on a vehicle is a new challenge.”
— Jean-Luc Rouleau
To stay at the forefront of a fast-changing industry, Jean-Luc emphasizes the need for ongoing education and updated tools—particularly as electric vehicles become more prominent on the roads.
“We need to buy the equipment and have ongoing training for ourselves and our employees,” he said. “We certainly have strong support from our CARSTAR banner, which keeps us up to date with the latest industry updates. We also push hard for I-CAR training and purchase state-of-the-art equipment.”
His dedication to continuous improvement is evident in his daily approach to the business. “He is truly passionate about it,” Fournier observes. “Not a day goes by without him learning, observing, and studying everything there is to know about car bodywork. He is always challenging himself to improve and, at the same time, improve our teams.”
While many still underestimate the skill required to safely repair modern vehicles, Jean-Luc sees the sector as a high-tech, evolving industry offering a great deal of long-term career potential.
“The field of auto repair was said to be boring and redundant. Now we have vacuum cleaners for sandblasting, air induction masks and
lifts so that technicians have a better quality of work and can work for many years,” said Jean-Luc. “Each collision is different, so each repair on a vehicle is a new challenge.”
It is a perspective he shares with the most important repair professional in his life—his wife and business partner, Fournier, who continues to work as an estimator while serving as Directrice of CARSTAR St-Hubert.
Recently, Rouleau’s passion for the auto repair sector in Quebec— and the rest of Canada—was honoured in Collision Repair magazine. In September, he was named as one of the top 30 industry figures under 40 years old.
“I am very happy and flattered to be able to share, in a few lines, my vision of the industry for which I have had an immense passion since my youngest age,” he said on receiving the honour.
CARSTAR Greenfield Park boasts 3,700 square feet and is staffed by a team of five full-time collision repair experts, representing just one piece of Rouleau’s growing MSO empire—one built on the foundation of family values, continuous learning, and an unwavering passion for the collision repair industry.
CARSTAR Greenfield Park boasts 3,700 square feet and is staffed by a team of five full-time collision repair experts.
Reception at CARSTAR St-Hubert.
We’ve been proud to be part of the CARSTAR team since 2014. The brand’s strong visibility and trusted reputation have been key drivers in growing our repair volume and revenue, enabling us to expand our shop several times. The ongoing support from CARSTAR — across certifications, marketing, training, and more, has been essential to our continued success and growth.
– Patrick Flibotte, owner of CARSTAR Charlesbourg
GETTING INTERESTED Investors
WHY MONEY MANAGERS ARE GETTING EXCITED ABOUT AUTOMOTIVE TECH
BY GIDEON SCANLON
As the ADAS calibration market accelerates, investors are taking notice. What was once a quiet niche in the collision repair world is fast becoming a magnet for institutional capital, according to KPMG’s new report From Niche to Necessity: The Rise of ADAS Calibration in the U.S.
Driven by the near-universal integration of advanced driver assistance technologies in new vehicles—and the increasing complexity of calibration itself—the sector has entered a wave of mergers and acquisitions. Private equity firms, corporate buyers and large-scale operators are now racing to consolidate what remains a highly fragmented field.
KPMG estimates the North American calibration services market hit roughly US$1.2 billion last year and could top US$3 billion in U.S. revenue alone by 2030. The firm expects compound annual growth of 12.8 percent between 2025 and 2033—momentum fuelled by rising ADAS penetration. In 2020, only 11 percent of vehicles featured ADAS technology; that figure is expected to climb to 50 percent by 2025 and 75 percent by 2030.
The report divides the industry into four main categories of players. Among them are “service providers” such as collision repair MSOs that have added in-house calibration bays, major auto glass chains like Safelite and Driven Brands, and independent mobile calibration centres—many billing “a few hundred dollars per session.” KPMG highlights Safelite’s 2019 acquisition of TruRoad Holdings as an early sign of strategic integration between glass replacement and recalibration services.
Investor enthusiasm, KPMG notes, is not simply speculative. “Calibrations generate consistent recurring income for service providers,” the report states. “This reliable cash flow appeals greatly to investors, with the added advantage that specialized services can command premium prices.” Regulation reinforces the trend: proposed NHTSA rules would require all new passenger vehicles to include Automatic Emergency Braking systems, ensuring steady demand for calibration.
With the global ADAS market expected to bring in annual returns of 12.8 percent between 2025 and 2033, many institutional investment organizations view the space as offering a relatively safe bet for securing market-beating returns – though the risks should not be overlooked.
Still, the path is not without obstacles. “Significant capital investment is required for calibration equipment and facilities,” the report cautions, “representing a barrier to entry.” Technicians trained in ADAS calibration remain in short supply, forcing shops to invest heavily in continuous education. And with vehicle technology evolving rapidly, KPMG warns that “constant adaptation” will be vital to maintaining any long-term edge.
Even so, the firm’s conclusion leaves little doubt: “The ADAS calibration sector is set for significant growth, driven by technological advancements in vehicles and safety regulations mandating ADAS features… as M&A activity continues, we can expect a consolidation of players, shaping the competitive landscape and fostering innovation in calibration services.”
From the bodyshop floor to the boardroom, the message is clear: calibration has graduated from backroom process to business frontier—and the smart money is already moving in.
SURVEY FINDS BROAD SUPPORT FOR FEDERAL
EV mandate
Anew Clean Energy Canada survey finds that two-thirds of Canadians—66 percent—want to keep the federal electric vehicle availability standard in place, though many say it should be adjusted.
Just 27 percent oppose any federal requirement for more electric vehicles, while 16 percent want the policy to be more ambitious, 24 percent want it to stay roughly the same, and 26 percent favour making it less rigid or easier to achieve.
Younger Canadians show stronger support. Among those aged 18 to 29, 58 percent want the policy maintained or strengthened; among those 30 to 44, the figure is 55 percent.
With Ottawa weighing whether to allow more Chinese and European EVs into the market, the survey also asked about prices. More than half of respondents—52 percent—believe Canadians pay more for EVs than drivers in other countries. Twenty-one percent think prices are about the same, while just six percent believe cars are cheaper here.
As part of its 60-day review, the federal government has proposed rewarding automakers who sell EVs priced under $40,000 or offer zero-interest financing. When presented with this affordability-focused version of the policy, 46 percent of Canadians supported it, while 18 percent preferred the current approach and 24 percent opposed it—down from 27 percent opposition to the original policy. Support was highest in British Columbia, where half of respondents backed the affordability plan.
The survey also examined public reaction to Ottawa’s pause of its $5,000 federal EV rebate program in early 2025. Although Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to reintroduce a new rebate, the uncertainty has slowed sales. Among those open to buying an EV, 41 percent said they would delay purchasing until incentives return, 14 percent would buy without one, 36 percent said they would not buy an EV, and nine percent were unsure.
Trevor Melanson, director of communications at Clean Energy Canada, said the findings send a clear message. “A very strong majority of Canadians ultimately support keeping in place a version of Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard,” he said. “The question for Mark Carney is how the policy should adapt, not whether it should exist.”
Carney delayed the 2026 sales quota—which would have required 20 percent of all new passenger vehicles to be zero-emission— citing U.S. tariffs and financial pressure on automakers. Environmental groups warn that the pause risks undermining Canada’s emissions goals.
Canada’s Electric Vehicle Availability Standard was designed to push automakers toward higher sales of zero-emission vehicles. It set quotas for what percentage of new passenger vehicles sold in Canada must be electric over time. The idea: by requiring automakers to shift more of their volume toward EVs, the policy would accelerate the nation’s transition to cleaner transportation.
Under the previous government, the mandate included a goal that by 2026, 20 percent of all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada be zeroemission. That target rested on assumptions about technological adoption, consumer demand, supply chains, and automakers’ ability to scale production and distribution.
When Mark Carney became Prime Minister (and took over oversight of climate and industry policy), he delayed the enforcement of the 2026 quota. Citing pressures on automakers—especially from U.S. tariffs, economic headwinds, and supply chain constraints—Carney’s administration paused the implementation.
“As Canadians rightly realize they’re paying more for EVs than people in other countries, an approach centred on lowering upfront costs would be well received,” Melanson added. “Transportation is the second-biggest expense for households after housing, and lower-priced EVs would unlock major savings both on day one and over the long term.”
The change comes amid a broader reset of federal climate policy. In March, Carney repealed the household carbon tax introduced under Justin Trudeau, calling it divisive during a time of high inflation. Industrial carbon pricing remains, but Canada’s emissions strategy now depends more heavily on targeted subsidies and regulations such as the EV mandate and rebate program.
The online survey polled 2,230 Canadians between September 12 and 17, 2025. Results were weighted to reflect census data. A comparable probability sample would have a margin of error of plus or minus 2.08 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Totals may not equal 100 due to rounding.
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Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. This official White House photo was taken by Daniel Torok.
ALL CLAIMS Dismissed
AIRPRO VS. OPUS—THE LEGAL BATTLE RESHAPING REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS
Along-running lawsuit between two major players in automotive technology—AirPro Diagnostics and Opus IVS—has largely come to a close.
In a September 29 ruling, U.S. District Judge Linda Parker dismissed all of AirPro’s claims against Opus IVS and its affiliates. She also dismissed Opus’s counterclaims against AirPro with prejudice, meaning it can’t refile them. The decision effectively ends years of litigation over how the companies used and shared repair technology.
The case stemmed from a 2017 confidentiality agreement that allowed both firms to exchange technical and business information.
AirPro alleged that Opus, through its affiliate Drew Technologies, violated that agreement by using its proprietary data to create competing remote diagnostic products.
Remote diagnostic repairs let technicians connect to vehicles remotely, running electronic scans, reading fault codes, and even guiding in-shop repairs in real time. It’s a fast-growing part of the collision and service industry, helping shops keep up with increasingly complex vehicles without sending cars to dealerships for calibration or software resets.
AirPro also claimed that Opus engaged in unfair competition by changing software licensing terms related to the Giotto platform. Opus denied all wrongdoing and accused AirPro of breaching agreements of its own.
Judge Parker found that AirPro did not present sufficient evidence to continue its claims and that Opus’s challenged actions were legally permissible under the license terms. She also ruled that the counterclaims lacked merit.
Opus called the outcome a “legal victory,” saying the decision reinforces its leadership in automotive diagnostics and validates its licensing practices. AirPro’s legal counsel, meanwhile, described the dismissal of Opus’s counterclaims as proof that those arguments “had absolutely no merit” and confirmed the company will continue separate litigation in Florida over additional contract and trade secret claims.
With this ruling, one of the industry’s most closely watched legal battles has come to an end—at least for now.
Judge Linda Parker, who recently settled a long-running lawsuit between two remote diagnostic companies.
A greener way to fix cars
How Nitroheat’s Heated Nitrogen helps collision shops and insurance companies
Collision shop owners, managers, and insurance companies are always looking for ways to work smarter and care for the environment. Nitroheat’s heated nitrogen technology is one solution that helps meet these goals.
WHAT IS HEATED NITROGEN?
Nitroheat heats pure nitrogen before it is used in the paint process. This heated nitrogen creates a dry, clean spray when painting cars. Without extra moisture or dirt, the paint goes on smoother and needs less work later.
HOW IT HELPS COLLISION SHOPS
• BETTER PAINT JOBS: The heated nitrogen helps break the paint into very small droplets. This makes the paint stick to the car better and look more even.
• LESS WASTE: More paint sticks to the car instead of being wasted as overspray. This can lower the amount of paint and chemicals used in each repair.
• FASTER DRYING: The heated spray helps the paint dry quicker. This means cars can be fixed and returned to their owners sooner.
SUSTAINABILITY BENEFITS
For both collision shops and insurance companies, reducing waste is a big win. Nitroheat helps in these ways:
• LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT: Using less paint and chemicals means fewer resources are used. This helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of the repair process.
• REDUCED REWORK: With a better finish on the first try, there is less need for extra work. Fewer repair cycles mean less energy is used and less waste is produced.
A SMART CHOICE FOR THE FUTURE
By using Nitroheat’s heated nitrogen, collision shops can improve the quality of their work while also helping the environment. For insurance companies that must meet green standards, supporting shops with these new tools is a step toward reducing harmful emissions. Both groups can benefit from saving money on materials and energy, while also showing a commitment to sustainability. Using Nitroheat is a practical way to boost quality and efficiency in car repairs. It is a tool that not only helps get the job done right but also protects our planet for the future.
For more information about featured products, contact daniel@nitroheat.com or visit www.collisionrepairmag.com/15735849.
Our journalists put you right in the action at major industry events. The biggest trade shows and conferences can be viewed online in the Collision Repair mag flickr albums.
CRAFTING MEMORIES
A CALL TO THE NEXT GENERATION
There has never been a better time to enter the collision repair trade—let me tell you why.
Cars are no longer just metal and paint— they are complex systems filled with sensors, software and safety features, all of them one fender bender away from needing skilled hands to restore them to working order. That’s why today’s collision technicians don’t just straighten panels or spray colour; they calibrate cameras, manage electrical systems and troubleshoot advanced diagnostics.
As a result of the intriguing challenges brought about by ADAS, technicians a required to constantly learn new skills and techniques in order to keep Canada’s roads safe.
Unfortunately, far too few young people are aware of the opportunities found within this industry. As a result, it is facing a shortage of skilled workers at the same
Because so many shops across Canada are struggling to fill technician roles, ambitious entrants have the opportunity to advance quickly in it. What looks like a labour gap is, in truth, an open door.
time it struggles to deal with increasingly complex vehicles, supply chain delays and higher customer expectations.
These aren’t challenges that should deter anyone from entering the industry. Because so many shops across Canada are struggling to fill technician roles, ambitious entrants have the opportunity to advance quickly in it. What looks like a labour gap is, in truth, an open door.
Consider this magazine an invitation to walk through it. In this issue, you’ll meet three young technicians whose careers show what is possible. They began with curiosity, learned by doing, embraced new technology and earned the respect of their peers. You’ll also see how Manitoba is celebrating its next generation of repair professionals, and how the Skills Canada National Competition in Regina is giving young workers a stage to prove what they
can do. These stories remind us that the trades are not fading—they are evolving, and they need people ready to lead them into the future.
This work gives back more than a paycheque. It gives pride, stability and purpose. You restore safety. You rebuild trust. You take something broken and make it whole again. Few careers offer that kind of satisfaction or require that kind of integrity. The people who excel here are the ones who care about doing things right—and who pass that care along to others.
So if you’re looking for a challenge—a craft to master and a future you can grow with, the collision repair industry is ready for you. The tools are close at hand. The training is accessible. The opportunity is unmissable.
The only question left is whether you will answer the call.
GIDEON SCANLON
CWB Automotive Repair Technician Welding Program NOW AVAILABLE
Get the training and welding qualification you need to stay ahead of the game.
Automotive Welding Qualification is a must-have for all technicians that repair and weld vehicles in your collision repair facility. To achieve the highest quality repair, utilize best practices, and ensure vehicles are properly and safely repaired, choose the CWB Automotive Repair Welding Qualification program for your team. For over 70 years, the CWB Group has provided training and testing services to companies across Canada seeking Certification and Welder Qualification.
CWB Automotive Welding Qualification Benefits
• Automotive Welding Training and Qualification at your own facility with your own equipment
• Ensure all your technicians have the training and skills needed for welding
• Satisfies welding certification requirements for most OEM Certification programs
• Third party oversight and onsite training by certified welding specialists
• Enhanced credibility provided by CWB Automotive welding certifications
• Savings when you register multiple technicians to participate
• Technicians receive CWB Automotive Welding accreditation after completing training and testing
A proven business model for over 20 years, ProColor Collision is growing!
Independent body shop owners driving their business forward are choosing ProColor.
Standardized operations, management tools and consolidated technology solutions improve performance. The ProColor team of industry professionals are dedicated to performance excellence offering the sales, operational and marketing support needed to take business to the next level.
ProColor Collision is committed to helping shop owners grow their business locally while leveraging established relationships with global insurers, suppliers, and fleet companies.
