A COMMEMORATIVE SUPPLEMENT TO CELEBRATE AIA CANADA
1942-2017
DRIVING FORWARD 75 YEARS OF INDUSTRY SUCCESS
DECEMBER 2017 A SUPPLEMENT TO
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We’d like to congratulate the Automotive Industries Association on its 75th anniversary and wish many great years to come.
EDITORIAL
CONTENTS
Here’s to 75 more The Automotive Industries Association of Canada picked one heck of a year to kick off its operations. The founding members of the group, then known as the Canadian Automotive Wholesalers’ Association, couldn’t have known how much the year 1942 stands out in automotive history. The Second World War had a direct effect on the industry. It was the shortest year of automobile production as the war forced the shutdown of civilian automobile manufacturing. In Canada, the federal government ordered civilian passenger car manufacturing to stop at the end of March. The U.S. did the same, producing just one million units in 1942, a third of what it did the year before. But that didn’t mean the industry was put on hold. Efforts went towards producing military transport vehicles, some 800,000 during the war. Still, there probably weren’t many repair shops in Toronto calling jobbers for parts for small arms vehicles. The industry has seen a lot since then, but probably nothing as rapid as what has been experienced in the last decade. To think, there are still plenty of people who were around when the 1942 Ford Mercury rolled off the line – the last car the company produced at the time in Canada – and have driven an internal combustion engine for most of their lives. Now they can get behind the wheel of an electric car and it won’t be too long until they’ll be sitting in a car that drives itself. Or so it seems, anyway. It’s scary to wonder where the aftermarket would be without the group’s existence to help navigate change. In recent times, the AIA has gone to bat for the aftermarket to ensure access to OE diagnostic information and tools. Now it’s fighting to keep vehicle-generated data in the hands of the consumer and out of the sole control of OEs in order to keep the industry viable. Of course, more change is on the horizon. Non-traditional automotive companies are continuing to creep farther onto the aftermarket’s turf. But the industry knows it can count on the AIA to come to its defence and ensure a fair playing field for all. Over its existence, the AIA has certainly heeded the words of Ira Bowman, of Saskatoon’s Bowman Brothers Ltd., who spoke to a group of Canadians in Chicago in 1939. “If we will put our shoulders to the wheel and do our part, this Canadian association of ours can become a tower of strength to the industry,” he said, according to former AIA president Tom H. Whellams, who quoted him in a 1983 publication that reflected on the group’s previous 20 years. Put those words on a plaque and stick it up on a wall if it hasn’t been done already. The AIA has been a tower of strength for decades, and will continue to be so, as a strong voice for so many across the country. Cheers to the first 75 years. Here’s to the next 75 and beyond. — Adam Malik, Editor
4 | A message from the prime minister Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulates AIA Canada on 75 successful years.
5 | A Champagne toast Current president Jean-François Champagne toasts to the success of the association.
7 | Time travel A timeline through the years, from 1942 until today in AIA history.
13 | The 30,000-foot view Presidents of the past – Dean Wilson (1983-1998), Ray Datt (1998-2008), Marc Brazeau (2008-2015) and Jean-François Champagne (2015-present) – reflect on their time.
17 | Working for you AIA Canada lends its voice to its members, whether it be hosting events, putting together programs, conducting market research, and so much more.
23 | AIA in Quebec A look at the organization’s work and history in la belle province.
25 | Moving forward Where does the industry – and the AIA – go from here? There’s plenty to be excited about in the future, but the industry needs to be prepared.
Editor Adam Malik
Publisher Kathryn Swan
Project Editor Martha Uniacke Breen
VP Publishing Melissa Summerfield
Contributing Editors Allan Janssen Nathalie Savaria
President Joe Glionna
Art Direction Tim Norton Ellie Robinson
Chairman Jim Glionna A supplement to:
National Sales Juan Diez Denis Arsenault Advertising Production Manager Alicia Lerma Print Production Manager Phyllis Wright
NEWCOM Business Media Inc. 80 Valleybrook Drive Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 (416) 510-5221
Circulation Manager Lilliana Kantor
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NGK AND AIA: PARTNERS Canadian Automotive Wholesalers Association ound is founded 1936
1942 942
NGK Spark ark Plugs Co. Ltd. of Nagoya, Japan is founded
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Manufacturers Name is changed to are welcomed Automotive Industries into the Association bers Cana membership of Canada
1949 NTK Techn Technical Ceramics begins manufacturing
1950 950
1964 964
AIA Canada hosts ďŹ rst annual Canada Night at Industry week
1966 NGK Spark ark Plugs USA is founded
1971 971
1977
1982
NGK NGK Spark ark Plugs joins AIA Canada Canada is founded
1986 NGK introduces oduc the V-Power spark plug to the Canadian market
October 27, 2017 On behalf of th e Automotive In dustries Associ sors for your co ation of Canada ntinual suppor , thank you to ou t of the automot its 75th Annive r members and ive aftermarket rsary, we are ve sponindustry. As AI ry proud of the years. Our acco A Canada celebr m an y successes the mplishments ar ates Association ha e the industry ac commitment to s achieved over complishments the growth and the , and we are grat prosperity of th aftermarket, pr eful for our mem e aftermarket. Th oviding quality be rs’ ey are the back parts, products most 26 million bone of the Cana , and vehicle se vehicles. dian rvice and repairs to Canada’s fleet Their active cont of alribution throug h participation the future profi in councils, comm tability and grow ittees and even th of an ever-cha Thank you for yo ts helps to ensu nging and divers ur dedication to re e in dustry. th e force and for m growth of the ec aking the Cana on om y, co nsumer rights, dian aftermarke and the future w t a strong and vi orkbrant industry. Sincerely yours,
Jean-François Ch ampagne, CAE AIA Canada Pr esident
IN LONGEVITY AND SUCCESS AIA Canada’s Young Executives Society is founded
1991
1999
NGK spark park plug production exceeds 5 billion units
NGK introduces ntrod G-Power platinum spark plugs to the Canadian market
2001 001
AIA Canada launches Be Car Care Aware on pr education program 2003
2004 004
trod NGK introduces rodu full NGK introduces line NTK Oxygen Iridium IX spark plugs to Sensor program the Canadian market
2005
AIA Canada hosts the first annual Women’s eren Conference
ccele ce ele lebr brrat ates tes es ititss 75thth aannni nive ive verssar ary
2014 014
2017
2007
NGK introduces ntrod NGK Spark park Plugs full line Wire Set achieves 50% program share in Canadian aftermarket
2015
NGK mak makes a strategic acquisition to enter the vehicle electronics market
ceelle ce lebr lebr brat ates ates es 3 yea 35 e rs rs iinn Can anad anad ada
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2017 AIA Supplement | 5
A journey through the years 1942-2017 By Martha Uniacke Breen
T
he year 1942 was a difficult time for the still-young Canadian automobile industry. The ongoing trauma of the war meant new car sales were down, and production slowed as the industry adapted to meet wartime needs. Ironically, since many people were choosing to repair their cars
rather than buy new ones, the demand for parts was buoyant. It was in this atmosphere that a handful of Canadian auto parts wholesalers decided to come together, to socialize and to consolidate their position within the industry. It’s been a long road since that ďŹ rst meeting. What would eventually become the Auto-
motive Industries Association of Canada is today one of the most powerful professional associations in the Canadian automotive industry, with more than 4,000 member locations from coast to coast and presiding over an industry worth some $21 billion. AIA is the undisputed voice of the Canadian aftermarket,
growing in step with the challenges and achievements of the industry it serves. And as vehicles inexorably evolve into more sophisticated mobile computers, AIA is well-placed to continue its proactive approach to education, government, business intelligence and industry development, for the next 75 years... and beyond. |
2017 AIA Supplement
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1942 9 2
1971 9
19948 1948
1942
1953
1974
The Canadian Automotive Wholesalers’ Association (CAWA) holds its first annual meeting, with 43 wholesalers attending.
Tom Whellams is appointed Executive Vice President and later promoted to President, a position he serves for the next thirty years.
The Canadian Automotive Service Show (later known as the Canadian International Automotive Show) is purchased by AIA.
1948
1964
1981
CAWA holds its 6th Anniversary Banquet at Hotel Vancouver.
The CAWMA changes its name to Automotive Industries Association of Canada.
1950
1971
AIA introduces the Marion Roberts Scholarship Awards Program, in honour of Marion Roberts, a long-time staff member at AIA’s Ottawa head office.
CAWA changes its name to the Canadian Automotive Wholesalers and Manufacturers Association.
Canada Night is held for the first time in Las Vegas.
2002 00
2004 00
200 2004
200 2005
1993
1999
2003
The first Aftermarket Outlook Study is published for AIA members.
www.aiacanada.com is launched.
AIA successfully lobbies Transport Canada to amend the regulation to allow for the transport of limited quantities of certain products.
1998 Raymond Datt becomes AIA president. CIAS Toronto attracts nearly 25,000 attendees. AIA establishes the Information Technology Committee (formerly called the Electronic Commerce Committee) to promote the use of IT in the aftermarket industry.
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2001 The Young Executive Society (YES) is founded, attracting the input of younger industry members.
2002 The last Canadian International Automotive Show is held in Toronto. AIA successfully lobbies for a Tool Tax Deduction for apprentices.
2004 The Canadian Be Car Care Aware consumer education program is launched. The 1st Annual Aftermarket Conference for Executives is held in Mont Tremblant.
1987 1983 9833
1982
11974 974 1985
AIA establishes the International Council, which helps Canadian companies participate in events all over the world.
Dangerous Goods Transportation Certification inaugurated; new WHMIS regulations formulated with AIA input.
1983
1986
Dean Wilson be comes AIA president, and develops new programs such as correspondence courses, Government Relations Committee, Educational Committee and others.
AIA establishes the Scholarship Trust Fund (renamed the Arthur Paulin Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Awards in honour of distinguished former AIA executive Arthur Paulin).
2007 00
1998 9988
1986 19 9866 1987 The Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council, dedicated to training issues and the setting of training standards, is founded by AIA and other partner organizations. AIA is part of the Blue Ribbon Panel presentation to government on behalf of the aftermarket industry in the Canada-U.S. Free Trade talks (later to include Mexico in an expanded NAFTA Agreement).
2009 009
20008 2008
20 2010 00
2005
2007
2009
The AIA High Fives For Kids, a bold new charitable cause for Canada’s automotive aftermarket industry, be comes operational.
CARS Council president Jennifer Steeves announces the official launch of the CARSability skills assessment service for auto repairers.
After an extensive consultation, the AIA Board of Directors votes unanimously to fully support the CASIS Agreement (known as Right to Repair) recommending the withdrawal of Bill C-273.
The Right To Repair fight is taken to Ottawa. A lobby group led by AIA Canada conducts meetings and a reception on Parliament Hill. The first Canadian Collision Repair Night is held by AIA in Las Vegas.
2008 Marc Brazeau takes over as AIA president.
2010
The first report of the AIA Governance Review is submitted.
I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, and AIA reach a final licensing agreement by which AIA assumes operations of I-CAR training in Canada.
AIA holds the 1st Annual Quebec Grand Forum in Ste-Hyacinthe.
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2011 01
2014 0
2012 2012
2011
2012
2015
Lordco Auto Parts President Ed Coates receives AIA’s Distinguished Service Award, for leadership and innovative thinking.
AIA is one of only 27 professional and economic groups invited to nominate individuals for Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals.
AIA Canada receives project funding by the Status of Women Canada to develop the Advancing Women in Automotive Knowledge Exchange (AWAKE) program.
2012
2014
AIA Canada celebrates its 70th Anniversary with a gala event in Toronto with close to 500 aftermarket industry members in attendance.
First Annual Women’s Conference takes place in Niagara Falls.
AIA donates $250,000 to Georgian College, which it had supported with scholarships since the mid-1990s, to fund the Changemaker multimedia student workspace.
2015 05
2017 0
20 6 2016
2015
2016
2017
After being at 1272 Wellington Street for 35 years, the AIA Canada National office is sold and moves to a larger location at 180 Elgin Street in downtown Ottawa.
The Canadian Collision Industry Accreditation program for the Canadian collision repair industry is launched.
AIA Canada launches the first phase of the Aftermarket Labour Market Intelligence (ALMI) study to track labour in the Canadian aftermarket industry.
The Automotive Service Provider Council is resurrected, bringing together the automotive service and repair sector with the aftermarket industry to develop inclusive and comprehensive strategies to address industry concerns.
AIA Canada is invited to testify before the Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications regarding autonomous and connected vehicles.
Jean-François Champagne, CAE, becomes new AIA President.
AIA celebrates 75 years as a leading voice for the automotive aftermarket industry.
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Over 280 years of combined history SERVING CANADA’S AFTERMARKET SINCE 1943
Coming together to celebrate as members and friends, we’ve been with you almost every step of the way!
Happy 75th Anniversary AIA Canada!
Aftermarket Auto Parts Allianc Alliance is committed to serving you across Canada. Service is the difference – we get it!
The view from 30,000 feet AIA presidents share their memories By Martha Uniacke Breen
DEAN WILSON President 1983-1998 Today’s AIA owes a lot to the first of its present-day presidents emeritus, Dean Wilson. Over his sixteen-year administration, many of the policies and programs that are most familiar to AIA members were brought into being. Under Dean’s watch, AIA underwent a revitalized focus on training and education programs, and internal processes were improved and codified, helping to make it the vital and productive professional association it is today. Dean was born and raised on a farm outside of Red Deer, Alberta. “We all had our jobs on the farm,” he says. “By eight or ten I was driving a tractor, and I had my first car AIA was ripe for at age 16. My dad was a mechanic in World War II, and could fix anything, a shake-up. “When I so I learned pretty much everything joined, it had become a from him.” After high school, he applied to little ‘jaded,’ perhaps; enter University of Alberta’s engiwhenever I visited neering program, but with money tight, he decided to join the air force jobbers, they often instead, where he trained as a fightwondered what AIA er pilot. After serving out a three-year posting, he switched to civil engicould do for them.” neering studies, and later ended up in Ottawa, working with the Canadian Wood Council. “My job was to liaise with civil engineering firms that used wood products. But in the process, I started to become very interested in association management.” What started as a sideline soon became the focus of his career: he joined the Canadian Society of Association Executives – yes, he jokes, there is an association of association professionals – and served on the CSAE board, eventually becoming its chair. Combined with his experience in engineering and his work with the Canadian Wood Council, it was excellent grounding to take the reins at AIA. At the time he was appointed as AIA president, he recalls, AIA was ripe for a shake-up. “When I joined, it had become a little ‘jaded,’ perhaps; whenever I visited jobbers, they often wondered what AIA could do for them.” But the board was very receptive to change; they were eager to get the association on the map, and were ready to listen to his ideas. Wilson and his team overhauled the association’s processes almost from top to bottom. He reworked the strategic planning and budget process, instituting a brand new five-year plan and solidifying the structure of the joint-venture partnership among the chair,
the executive committee and the board of directors, helping to make all three components work together smoothly. The new team focused on developing programs that would be of real value to their jobber members, particularly in the area of government relations and education. One of the jewels in the crown of AIA’s achievements at this time was the inauguration of the Scholarship Trust Fund, later renamed the Arthur Paulin Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Awards program after the distinguished former AIA president. He was also instrumental in bringing leading auto aftermarket retailers on board. “Retailers had never traditionally been part of AIA, but many of our members felt they were an important part of the aftermarket. So we started to develop that area, and companies like Canadian Tire, Midas and others began to join – making it truly representative.” There were many milestones during Dean’s long tenure, but he is quick to point out that the success of the AIA, then as now, relied on the commitment of his staff and the volunteers who presided over its landmark committees and executive councils. “While I was president, I had a new boss every year: the chair. Out of all 16, we never had a bad one, and I salute them.”
RAY DATT President 1998-2008 In Ray Datt’s hometown of Egansville, Ontario, everybody knew each other. So the idea of becoming friendly with neighbours – and as an adult, colleagues – was in his blood from the start. At age 17, he struck out on his own and headed for Toronto, where he landed a job on the assembly line at the GE foundry, picking components and delivering them to “It occurred to workers making heavy-duty transme that one of the formers. But it wasn’t long before prime marketing tools his gregarious personality worked to advance his career. “Several facin our arsenal was the tory divisions all shared the same association, so I began cafeteria,” he recalls, “so before long I got friendly with some of the highto take a more active er-ups.” He was quickly promoted to customer service, and then sales role in AIA.” and marketing. One of the products he sold was engine block heaters, which first brought him into contact with the automotive aftermarket. But then Jack Welch took over at GE, and began his famous purg2017 AIA Supplement | 13
AIA PRESIDENTS
ing of more mature divisions, and a lot of eager young folks like Ray lost their opportunity to advance within the company. He moved on to Purolator, then Wells Manufacturing, eventually becoming its president. “At the time, Wells was number-one in ignition and electrical components, just as the industry was moving towards electronic ignition. It occurred to me that one of the prime marketing tools in our arsenal was the association, so I began to take a more active role in AIA.” As chair of AIA’s marketing and membership committee, he spoke regularly with members about how AIA could help them, gaining first-hand experience in how to make the association more responsive to the interests of the industry. In 1989 he served as AIA chair, and continued to work within the organization. Upon Dean Wilson’s retirement in 1998, he was asked to take his place. It was another time of change for the association, he says, just as it had been when Wilson came aboard. The market was changing rapidly, and the association was struggling to keep up. Under Datt’s leadership, AIA refocused on its most important areas: promoting the industry; education, always one of its core strengths; and intensifying its government interactions. It also was time to take a hard look at the Canadian Interna-
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tional Auto Show, which the AIA had run since early in the Wilson years. “It was a place where members could see new products and interface with suppliers and other members. But some of the bigger buying groups had begun holding private shows for their members – and also sold products, which we didn’t.” It had not only become redundant, but was in effect competing with its own members, so the decision was made to close it. Datt highlights three important breakthroughs during his presidency. First was the successful implementation of the Tool Tax Deduction, allowing apprentices to write off a portion of the costs of their tools, bringing them in line with other skilled professions. AIA also joined the Right to Repair battle, which would be successfully concluded within the next few years. Datt’s team also launched the Auto Repair Council, providing a direct conduit to the customers who actually use AIA members’ products, and to the consumers they serve. He’s retired now, but Ray still keeps in touch with the industry, and is confident about AIA’s future. “We have the advantage of JeanFrançois [Champagne] being from the electronics side, since this may be the next wave in the industry – we have to figure out how to repair these vehicles, or we’ll be right back at square one. But we’re moving in the right direction.”
AIA PRESIDENTS
MARC BRAZEAU President 2008-2015 Under Marc Brazeau’s leadership, AIA came of age as the organized and professional voice of the automotive aftermarket. It was able to communicate effectively not only with its members – who by now reached across a wide variety of specialties, from wholesalers and jobbers to automotive repair professionals, manufacturers, the collision repair industry, and many other interests – but with government and even consumers, through entities such as the Be Car Care Aware program. Marc grew up in the town of Haileybury, in the heart of Ontario’s French-speaking Eastern Townships. “My father was a shadetree mechanic,” he recalls. “He would tinker on his cars and other people’s, so I got to watch and learn from him.” As part of a large family of seven kids, he basically spent his whole childhood outdoors, he says, working under the hood alongside dad or banana-chopping his bikes. Brazeau’s dad was also an entrepreneur, involved in a variety of enterprises in their town, from running school buses to man-
aging garbage collection. Marc saw first-hand what small business owners go through. It was a skill that would serve him well in later life in an association whose core members were small business owners themselves. It was during After studying public relations at Humber College, he went on to Marc’s tenure that earn a degree in communications at the University of Ottawa, and in- the CASIS (Right to terned for a short time in govern- Repair) Agreement ment, where, he laughs, “I soon diswas brought to fruition, covered that government work was not for me!” after years of His communications expertise led him to careers within two sometimes contentious professional associations: the Canegotiations. nadian Advanced Technologies Association, and later, the Transportation Association of Canada. Work with these outfits brought him to the attention of Dean Wilson, who invited him to join the staff of AIA. He thrived within the new association, rising to become vice-president, a position he maintained throughout Ray Datt’s presidency. When Ray retired in 2008, he says, “I was offered the opportunity to run one of the
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AIA PRESIDENTS
best professional associations in Canada.” It was during Marc’s tenure that the CASIS (Right to Repair) Agreement was brought to fruition, after years of sometimes contentious negotiations. This milestone achievement gave the independent aftermarket community the right to create a fairer marketplace, both for themselves and, ultimately, for consumers. Marc is also particularly proud of another achievement, a natural outgrowth of AIA’s longstanding interest in providing education opportunities for its members: the acquisition of the I-CAR training program. “This was a training program that was run out of Chicago, but had been having challenges getting started in Canada,” he explains. “So a number of our members recommended to us that it should be brought under AIA’s umbrella.” After conducting some initial research, AIA launched the Canadian program in 2010, and it has since become one of the greatest success stories in AIA’s history. “But over and above all that,” he says, “I say without reservation, the greatest success for me is to have had the opportunity to work with some of the most professional association management and executives in the industry. Being surrounded by people who are truly passionate about their work is something that will stay with me forever.”
JEAN-FRANÇOIS CHAMPAGNE President, 2015-today Like Marc Brazeau before him, JeanFrançois Champagne brings a lifetime of professional association expertise to AIA, along with a suite of other skills that make him particularly suited to the task of taking AIA into its next 75 years. Jean-François comes from a background that gives him a natural affinity with the idea of public life. His father was first a teacher, then a provincial Member of Parliament; his mother worked for a non-profit. A native of Laval, Quebec, he studied engineering at L’Ecole Polytechnique, then began his career with a move to Toronto to accept a job with a company focused on high-security electronics systems. Having lived all his life in French-speaking Quebec, the 25-yearold Jean-François had to learn English fast. His natural friendliness helped; he eventually rose to sales and account management. One of the best parts of the job, he says, was the opportunity to travel all over Canada; over the course of his career, he became familiar with every corner of the country. Being a part of the high-security electronics profession naturally included membership in its professional association, the Canadian Security Association (CANASA). Jean-François dis16 | 2017 AIA Supplement
covered he had a particular afOne of his greatest finity for association affairs, esrecent achievements pecially training. He became an instructor, and began volunteerwas the opportunity to ing regularly on CANASA comtake part in the Ministry mittees. “Eventually the point came that I was doing less in my of Transportation industry and becoming more inregulation hearings volved with the association!” he says. He certified as a profes- before the Senate sional association executive, and regarding autonomous went on to serve as CANASA executive director. and connected vehicles. Through his involvement with “The process raised the Canadian Society of Association Executives, Jean-François bethe profile of the came friendly with AIA’s then-presaftermarket; it made ident, Marc Brazeau. He was a natural choice to take over when the government Brazeau stepped down in 2015. understand we are not “AIA was very similar to what I had come from in the electronic just an afterthought.” security association field, in many ways. They wanted someone who was bilingual, who knew the country, and was familiar with the areas of government and education.” Jean-François’ expertise in electronics made him a particularly wise choice from AIA’s viewpoint. “In the AIA, they talk a lot about the influence of technology and IT and how it has impacted the industry, so my background was a plus in this area.” One of his greatest recent achievements was the opportunity to take part in the Ministry of Transportation regulation hearings before the Senate regarding autonomous and connected vehicles. “The process raised the profile of the aftermarket; it made the government understand we are not just an afterthought.” Other successes, such as the creation of the Canadian Collision Industry Accreditation Program for the collision repair sector, have aided in broadening AIA’s position as the central resource for initiatives such as this, and has been long awaited by the collision industry. “Also, we have become a trusted source of information through our research into member behaviour, disruption, and other information. We have been shaping the organization to be a knowledge platform; members and government are increasingly coming to us as both an information source and an authority.” Still, Jean-François is keenly aware of the achievements of those who have come before him, and how they have helped to make the association the powerhouse it is today. “I’m so proud of what my predecessors have done,” he says. “It’s gratifying to see how proud people are, how involved and enthusiastic they are about the association. It’s also gratifying to me, as an outsider, how willing they were to educate and share with me. You don’t see that in every industry.”
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AIA TODAY
Keeping its finger on the pulse By Martha Uniacke Breen
1 | Market Research. he Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada is the national trade association that brings together the entire automotive aftermarket, supply and service chain. AIA’s mandate is to promote, educate and represent members in all areas that impact the growth and prosperity of the industry. The automotive aftermarket sector in Canada is a $21 billion industry, employing more than 388,000 people in every community across the country. AIA Canada’s over 4,000 members represent every aspect of the aftermarket industry, including parts wholesalers and distributors, manufacturers and suppliers, parts and specialist retailers, mechanical and collision repairers, and other industry members. Together, AIA is a powerful voice for today’s aftermarket industry.
AIA Canada is the go-to resource for knowledge on the automotive aftermarket. Research at AIA is based on four key areas: the economy, consumers, policy, and innovation. Serial research reports provide valuable and functional information designed to help aftermarket businesses develop and grow. Research projects are supported by aftermarket and other stakeholders’ communities of practice, and participants are engaged through various efforts, including project design, data collection through surveys and focus groups, and project evaluation. AIA’s research projects are created for the industry, and are supported and validated by the industry.
WHAT DOES AIA DO FOR YOU?
AIA’s proactive approach to government relations centres on a fundamental understanding of the government’s priorities and trends, knowledge of industry needs and concerns, and an engaged membership that is willing to participate in meetings, events and consultations with the government. AIA Canada ensures that the aftermarket is an active participant and vocal partner when advocating for consumer choice and access to service and repair information as new technologies emerge. AIA Canada continues to push forward and deliver key messages during government meetings in order to support the growth and prosperity of the aftermarket, addressing skills development, workforce needs, the impact of innovation on the industry, the environment, consumer choice, and the participation of women in the aftermarket.
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As the leading voice and resource for the Canadian automotive aftermarket industry, AIA performs a number of important functions for its members. AIA Canada invests in obtaining data that provides members with comprehensive business intelligence information, including market and consumer research, identifying trends, and recommending strategies to consider when planning for the future. Here are some of the major initiatives the association pursues.
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2 | Knowledge Transfer. AIA’s knowledge transfer strategy involves the interpretation and analysis of research reports in order to develop targeted communication materials that ensure the information is easy to understand and share. One-page fact sheets, customized social media messaging, and iconography are used to make the information exciting and bite-sized for easy consumption.
3 | Advising Government.
4 | Events. AIA recognizes that events are a way to bring members together to network, remain up to date on industry developments and business best practices, and to discuss industry challenges in an open forum. AIA events bring the industry together from coast to coast and across all specialties and levels. Just some of AIA’s regular annual events include: • Canada Night, held in Las Vegas during Industry Week. • CCIF Conferences, held three times a year across Canada. • Knowledge Exchange Series held across Canada to address the issues facing automotive service providers (ASPs). • Student Aftermarket Day, organized in partnership with the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College and the Young Executive Society, to promote career opportunities to students in unique automotive programs that include aftermarket courses. • Numerous members-only and industry events throughout the year.
5 | Corporate Social Responsibility. AIA members strive to be good corporate citizens who like to demonstrate a commitment to industry sustainability, while giving back to their communities and to Canadian society. AIA High Fives for Kids is the only foundation that works for the aftermarket, working through local members to reach communities directly and offer help where it is needed. Under the championship of AIA’s members, the foundation runs a number of campaigns that provide funding to smaller charities that may otherwise be overlooked.
6 | Grants and Scholarships. AIA Canada is committed to building a prosperous future for the automotive aftermarket industry and for Canada as a whole. AIA’s divisions raise funds for scholarships through golf tournaments, reception dinners, and other initiatives. In addition to the division scholarships, AIA Canada offers three different scholarships, all of which were created to benefit distinct groups of students and to encourage careers in the automotive aftermarket industry. 2017 AIA Supplement | 19
AIA PROGRAMS AIA’s many programs form the heart of what the association offers to members and the industry at large. Here’s an overview of AIA’s major current programs.
1 | AutoConnect. Hiring and retaining the right people is always a challenge. How much should you pay? What skills are in demand? Lack of information on the skilled workforce is one of the industry’s biggest challenges. To be released in 2018, AIA’s AutoConnect is an online tool offering real-time information on labour shortages and surpluses, compensation data, skills levels and training, demographic projections, and more. AutoConnect will help you stay current on the latest standards and best practices, ensuring you hire the best people for the job from anywhere in Canada.
2 | Advancing Women in Automotive Knowledge Exchange (AWAKE). AWAKE aims to empower women who are already part of, or considering a career in, the automotive aftermarket industry. The Needs Assessment Report, released in 2016, highlights the current landscape for women working in automotive and makes recommendations for increasing their participation in the trade. The AWAKE mentorship program aims to engage women in the industry in a sustainable career development process that enhances leadership capabilities, builds their strategic network, and provides valuable benefits. The ultimate goal is to increase the number of women in the aftermarket industry by providing them with opportunities to connect with other professionals.
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3 | I-CAR Canada. A bilingual training and recognition program run by AIA, I-CAR Canada aims to update the skills of management and technicians in the collision repair industry to enable them to best repair the Canadian vehicle fleet. I-CAR Canada’s course releases in 2016 covered everything from the modern vehicle and modern repair facility to the modern manager.
4 | Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF). CCIF provides a national venue for the collision industry – comprising collision repairers, suppliers, insurers, associations, OEs and educators – to network, share information, and collaborate on solutions to industry issues and challenges. CCIF meets three times a year in different cities across Canada, with an opening
night reception followed by a full-day agenda of speakers and panel discussions addressing CCIF’s main focus: profitability, collision repair complexity, and people.
5 | Canadian Collision Industry Accreditation Program (CCIAP). A national program managed by AIA Canada, CCIAP was established to accredit collision repair facilities against a collection of core industry standards. The program establishes business, equipment, operational and training standards that are essential to perform modern collision repairs in a safe and efficient manner.
6 | Career Resources. AIA is a valuable resource for comprehensive information on career choices, including an Industry Job Board, helping to launch and further the careers of individuals in the vibrant and fast-changing automotive aftermarket industry.
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1. Pat Gorman and Ted Reevey, 1992 2. Early YES days with Brad Morris, Jeff Van de Sande, and Ezer Mevorach 3. Jubilee Presentation 4. 2017 YES Conference, Derek Chin, YES Chair 5. First woman receives AIA Distinguished Service Award, Shirley Brown, 2015 6. 1272 Wellington Street, home to AIA 1982-2015 7. John MacDonald at the podium in 2012, AIA 70th Gala 8. AIA changes lives with High Five for Kids 9. John Del Vasto and Don Skuce, AIA CEO Roundtable 10. Passing the Gavel – Doug Reevey to Dave Fifield, 2016 and 2017 AIA Chairmen 11. AIA Canada Night at Caesars Palace, 2015 12. A young Gary Ohanian in the shop at AGNA, 1994 13. Jim and John Tennant with mom, Vi Tennant 14. 2003 AIA staff, on the steps of 1272 Wellington St.
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A FRANCOPHONE VOICE within the association By Nathalie Savaria
W
hile the 75th anniversary of AIA Canada is testimony to the vitality of the association and the importance of its mission, it also underscores the strength of its role as a voice for the aftermarket industry. The true power of its efforts lies in its divisions, including Quebec’s, which provide local resources and create a bridge to facilitate communication with relevant stakeholders. “For the Quebec division, it is even more important because our participation ensures not only a French and Quebec voice across Canada, but also across North America,” says Roger Goudreau, executive director for Quebec. It was a pioneering spirit which led to the creation of the Quebec division. A major turning point was the opening of a permanent office in Montreal, under the chairmanship of Luc Champagne (1992–1993). For more than 20 years, from 1993 to 2016, Michel Tremblay served as executive director for Quebec, and Céline Brisebois was the project coordinator. Together they led the office, with help from a board of directors and a host of volunteers. In addition to increasing membership, the association obtained a seat on the board of directors of the Parity Committees of the Automotive Services Industry and increased its representations to government authorities. With a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, galas, golf tournaments, and an annual Grand Forum, the Quebec division distinguished itself. Twice it won
the AIA’s Division of the Year award. In 2016, Roger Goudreau took over from Mr. Tremblay as executive director, and Rachel Leduc took over from Ms Brisebois as project coordinator. Today, the staff and board of directors are more committed than ever to advancing the association and the industry. Last September, 325 people attended the Grand Forum, a record turnout. It was
The Quebec division is also exploring the possibility of organizing an aftermarket day which would bring schools, students and employers together to raise awareness of the industry among the next generation. The Quebec division also plans to support technical workshops, which play a pivotal role in the great technological shift of the automotive industry. “We know that dealers are probably
“We know that dealers are probably ahead of the aftermarket, so it is important to educate our people to prepare for this wave of change, which is going to grow.”— André Latreille, Chairman of the Board clear evidence of the unifying spirit within Quebec’s automotive aftermarket. “It is explained by the work done upstream by the organizing committee, along with the biggest names in the industry, to mobilize mechanical workshops,” says division chairman André Latreille. According to its 2017 strategic plan, the Quebec division is currently focusing on three main areas: succession, adapting to new technologies, and improving the image of the industry. Developing the next generation is central to the concerns of the division, which recently led its first internship fair to connect vocational school graduates with potential employers. “Other fairs will be held soon,” says Mr. Latreille, “and we will expand the activity in 2018. Patrick St-Pierre is in charge of that project.”
ahead of the secondary market,” says Mr. Latreille, “so it is important to educate our people to prepare for this wave of change.” As for the industry image, the Quebec division believes it’s important to make consumers more comfortable with the aftermarket parts, bodywork, and service work they need. “We must project a positive image of our industry so they continue to have their cars repaired in our mechanic workshops,” says Mr. Latreille. The Quebec division is excited by the idea of turning mechanical and collision shops into members, as announced by the association’s president Jean-François Champagne, at this year’s Grand Forum. “If we want to join them, if we want to involve them more, then it would be good if they could become members of the association,” says Mr. Latreille. 2017 AIA Supplement | 23
MOVING FORWARD
Navigating for success AIA Canada concentrates on people and data as it sets a course into the future. By Allan Janssen
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rade associations are not exempt from the turbulence of technological change and demographic shifts, says Jean-Francois Champagne, president of AIA Canada. “The very things that are shaking up the business world are also changing the rules for associations,” he says. “Fortunately, AIA Canada is agile and fully capable of developing new programs and redefining its objectives to continue to meet the needs of its members.” Champagne says the ability to evolve is a critical skill in the association world, just as it is in industry. “Everything is changing these days,” he says. “Some associations have not started reforming their structure, governance, membership, or funding, and I believe they’re on a collision course with the new realities of the marketplace.” AIA, on the other hand, is bracing for the future with energy, creativity, and a bevy of new ideas.
Membership One of the most dramatic potential changes is an openness to accepting automotive service providers (ASPs) as direct members. The topic has been broached several times over the years, but the timing makes sense now, says Champagne, given the converging objectives of aftermarket players, and the pivotal role that automotive service providers play in the health of the industry. “Traditional wholesalers were the founding members of AIA, and at one point they seemed to have different positions than their customers on some issues. But this has changed. We’re at a point now where we are pointed in the same direction,” he says. “We have adapted, one step at a time, to include first suppliers, then retailers, then mass merchandisers, service provider associations, and collision industry players. Slowly, in
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MOVING FORWARD
a piecemeal way, we have opened up. It was time for a full overhaul.” The association commissioned a review of its membership policies, and found that accepting ASP members would not be an uncomfortable stretch. “In most of our activities, products and services, the direct or indirect target of our efforts has always been ASPs anyway, with things like our notice to consumers (about warranty work), right to repair, employment kits, and engagement around apprentices,” he says. “I don’t see a new model as being too disruptive.” He insists the intention is not to replace any other automotive associations that are currently representing service providers, but merely to give a membership option to ASPs that have been associated with AIA Canada in the past.
Demographics According to the American Society of Association Executives, membership in trade associations is declining throughout North America. There are a number of factors, including basic economics and cost-cutting,
“We don’t see that many young shop owners at our events. They don’t join things. They weren’t cub scouts or girl guides. They don’t have that background. Associations have to figure out how to engage them.” -Donny Seyfer, co-owner of Seyfer Automotive in Wheat Ridge, Col., and a former chairman of ASA
knowledges. “People used to pay their dues year after year without thinking about it too much. Now you have to prove value for the dollars spent. And that’s changing how we engage with members and markets.” Demographics is a big driver in developing new programs, he adds. Younger people are not content to do things the way they’ve always been done. In fact, they are slower to engage unless they see that the programs are effective and worthwhile. “The change in engagement among members, due to generational shifts, is something that must be dealt with,” he says. “How do you connect with the next generation? Demographic changes in society suggest new approaches may be necessary to engage membership, particularly young people.” Getting more young people involved in association life and industry networking
is impacting the industry. “When they see what the stakes are, they can decide whether they want to be a part of the association and find new ways for their businesses to thrive.” John Cochrane, owner of Cochrane Automotive in Toronto, and a former chairman of AIA Canada, agrees that introducing members to new technology could be one of AIA’s biggest value propositions. “They could be leaders in understanding the technological advancements,” he says. “They could be the first to tell us about all the things that are going on. Service providers need a resource that is really plugged in to the latest developments.” Cochrane believes such an approach would strengthen the relationship between service providers and other aftermarket players.
Advocacy
“Traditional wholesalers were the founding members of AIA, and at one point they seemed to have different positions than their customers on some issues. But this has changed. We’re at a point now where we are pointed in the same direction.” -Jean-François Champagne, President of AIA Canada
the proliferation of social networks which provide easy ways for companies to find like-minded people, an explosion of online training and information content, and the advent of millennial workers who place less value on traditional networking. The antidote to soft membership numbers, it concludes, is offering new services and programs. Champagne says AIA Canada is determined to earn member loyalty with innovative programs. “The value proposition for membership dues needs to be clearly stated,” he ac26 | 2017 AIA Supplement
is critical, says Donny Seyfer, co-owner of Seyfer Automotive in Wheat Ridge, Col., a former chairman of the Texas-based Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the executive officer of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF). “We don’t see that many young shop owners at our events. They don’t join things. They weren’t cub scouts or girl guides. They don’t have that background. Associations have to figure out how to engage them.” For its part, he says ASA is experimenting with inviting young people to come out and learn about new technology and how it
Member needs are definitely changing, confirms Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Car Care Association – AIA’s U.S. counterpart, based in Bethesda, Md. “With increasing vehicle automation and dramatic technological change, first and foremost they need advocacy.” He says he has often seen AIA Canada step up to the plate when it comes to defending aftermarket interests to government. “The issues are more technical than ever before,” says Hanvey. “The lawmakers are pushing back – particularly when it comes to telematics and embedded software. You have to become much more technical in order to communicate the true issues that are at stake.” It’s the association’s job to educate legislators – not only about the technology that is coming, he says, but about the contribution the aftermarket makes to the economy. “Obviously NAFTA is a big issue right now. We’re a global industry, and a lot of our supply chain has been built around NAFTA,” he
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Years of advocacy, influence and advancement. Thank you for supporting the automotive community. community Mevotech is a proud member of AIA Canada.
MOVING FORWARD
Service providers need a resource that is really plugged in to the latest developments.” - John Cochrane, owner Cochrane Automotive says. “We have to ensure that there is a permissible trade agreement that allows the free flow of goods between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. That’s really important.” He says the three main North American associations representing the aftermarket – the Auto Care Association, AIA Canada and Mexico’s ARIDRA – have been working together in recent months on a harmonized approach. “We’re all on the same page when it comes to NAFTA. As a matter of fact, we signed a memorandum of understanding that unifies our stand. That kind of cooperation will only be more important in the future.”
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Hanvey says keeping an eye on new and proposed legislation is key to meeting member needs in the future. “Government changes require vigilance at the association level,” he says. “Between regulations, and trade, and tax policy, we have to be astute in order to represent our members.” For his part, Champagne sees advocacy revolving around two main issues moving forward: people and data. “We will be laser-focused in our efforts,” he says. On the ‘people’ side of things, AIA has been involved in examining the labor market, the inclusion of women in the industry, retraining and apprenticeship efforts, and skills development. On the ‘data’ side, it has focused on things like telematics, access to repair information, and the proliferation of in-vehicle technology. “Advocacy is all about being good at iden-
tifying opportunities to educate, influence, and engage governments,” says Champagne. “Government needs subject-matter experts who can offer insight that will influence intelligent policy. When it comes to retraining, and apprenticeships in the automotive sector, data access, the Canadian Automotive Service Information Standard (CASIS), and in-vehicle data, absolutely these are areas where the government sees us as subject experts.” He says AIA will continue to weigh in on these topics as it steers government in the direction of consumer convenience and safety. According to Cochrane, ensuring the success of the CASIS agreement would be one of the most valuable things AIA could do for ASPs. “AIA Canada helped bring it about. I believe their future role is to make sure it works,” he says. Among the issues that need to be addressed is an ongoing difficulty in getting
MOVING FORWARD
Changing times
“We will be laser-focused in our efforts.” -J.F. Champagne, President of AIA Canada
vehicle security codes from certain carmakers, and the inclusion of some new players, such as Tesla, in the vehicle arena. “How is Tesla not part of this agreement, yet? Or Smart Car?” he points out. “Why are they not involved? We need someone to tell them that if they want to sell cars in Canada, they need to be part of the agreement. They need to provide service information to the independent repair community.” He points out that Industry Canada has agreed to be a watchdog on this issue. AIA Canada can earn points with ASPs by pushing hard for regular CASIS meetings, and ensuring CASIS compliance.
The association world is seeing a lot of the same stress points that industry is seeing, says Hanvey. “We’re dealing with consolidation, rapidly changing technology, increased use of data, and finding good qualified people,” he says. “We have to change our business model to give greater benefit to the industry and our membership.” Hanvey says he’s worked with AIA Canada for a long time and he has seen firsthand how nimble it can be. “They’re definitely headed in the right direction and we’ve been able to collaborate very well together. I look forward to many more years of great collaboration,” he says. Diane Freeman, executive director of Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario, agrees that associations have to change if they want to continue to repre-
sent the next generation in the automotive aftermarket. “Consumers are changing. Vehicles are changing. The way technicians repair vehicles is changing. We all have to adapt to the changes – associations included – and revamp the way we work,” she says. “AIA has met the needs of its members for 75 years. It wouldn’t have lasted this long if it didn’t,” she adds. “I believe it will continue to evolve.” Champagne says he has great faith that AIA will weather the storms ahead. “We’re in interesting times where there are fast changes, but we have the right volunteers, the right members, and the right team. We have resources. We have brand recognition within the industry, so we are well-equipped to tackle whatever comes down the line,” he says. “Our eyes are wide open and we’re always looking for opportunities.”
Happy 75th Anniversary to AIA Canada! From your friends at
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1. Saskatchewan Division, 1970s 2. Opportunities Unlimited, 1970s 3. Mascot Piston Pete of Piston Ring 4. 1964-65 AIA Board of Directors 5. 1945 Officers and Directors 6. Ed Coats and Ray Lord open the first LORDCO location 7. Raybestos ad of endorsements, 1964 8. On the job with James Tennant Sr. 9. Countermen at Auto Electric – 1950s 10. OK Tire opens, 1953 11. An original wagon jobber, Albert J. Blair 12. Early Auto Shop (Auto Electric) 13. The Gates Water Tower, 1950s
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GREAT ORGANIZATIONS GO THE DISTANCE. 1942 releases its first advertising slogan “The Dipstick Tells the Story.”
1942 (formerly known as CAWA) holds its first annual meeting in Toronto
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