Whether it is for safety, usefulness or simply for pure innovation, the automotive industry is constantly experimenting with new and, at times, even unconventional technologies. Self-driving cars, ride-sharing, green technology, and the likes are taking the automotive world by storm. And not just that, these technologies have the potential to become mainstream in as early as the next five years!

AIA Canada's soon-to-be-released report, "The Changing Automotive Landscape: An Introduction" is a brief report on the major technologies shaping the automotive industry, which will in turn have an impact on the aftermarket.

Don't be left behind in this fast-paced world.  Sign up to our mailing list to make sure you know when the report comes out. 

During the U.S. presidential campaign, the NAFTA, which has created an integrated automotive industry amongst its three signatories - Canada, the United States (U.S.) and Mexico - was a very hot topic.  The now incoming U.S administration  signaled  throughout the campaign that there was the possibility that the NAFTA would be scrapped and/or amended. Comment s made  att ribute d the loss of jobs in the U.S. automotive industry to the NAFTA and pointed to the incoming administration's intention to renegotiate the NAFTA to terms that are more favorable to the U.S.   This leaves the fate of the NAFTA in question.

While no one can know for sure what will happen to the NAFTA when the new administration takes over the White House on January 20, 2017, there are a number of key factors that one can take into consideration to facilitate their own analysis of the issue. We hope this brief overview (in English only) of some of those factors will give you something to think about and we look forward to continuing this discussion with our members in 2017.

On January 10, 2017, it was announced that six federal ministries will undergo leadership changes. Many commentators point to the incoming Trump administration as the key reason behind some of the changes; the idea being that a strong government that can work effectively with the Trump administration needs to be in place.  

 

Chrystia Freeland has replaced Stéphane Dion as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This shakeup is likely tied to the incoming U.S. administration. Freeland, who will leave her post as Minister of International Trade, brings to her new file a strong resume of writing and speaking on international business and economics and important connections in the key regions of the world. Freeland is viewed (by some) as having the right mix of skills, knowledge and experience to work with the incoming U.S. administration.

Read more here.

For more than twenty years, the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) Scholarship Program provided funds to students in the aftermarket. In late 2016, GAAS was dissolved as was its scholarship program. However, we are happy to announce that a similar program has been created by AIA Canada and the University of the Aftermarket Foundation to take its place.

Please note that the scholarship amount, application process and the criteria for the scholarship have not changed. Information on the scholarship program can be found on the AIA website.

Now Accepting Automotive Scholarship Applications!

Click to download the application form

Deadline June 15, 2017

If you have any additional questions about our scholarship programs, please speak to Didina Kyenge ([email protected]).

For more information about the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, visit www.UofAFoundation.com or contact Barbara Cunningham at 816-584-0511 or [email protected].

Economical Insurance recently announced its support for the Canadian Collision Industry Accreditation Program (CCIAP).  The essential function of the CCIAP is to accredit collision repair facilities against a collection of standards which are contributed by participating OEs and/or other stakeholders. The CCIAP is run by and for the Canadian collision repair industry. 

"We applaud AIA Canada for taking leadership on this and are exceptionally proud to be the first Canadian insurer to endorse this new accreditation program," said Rocco Neglia, Vice-President of Claims at Economical. "We will require all of our collision repair facilities to work towards and become accredited through this independent non-profit organization."

Read more here.

2017 is off to a roaring start for the Canadian Collision Industry Accreditation Program (CCIAP). Since its launch in October 2016, over 300 collision repair facilities from coast to coast have registered with CCIAP.  As of January 1st, over 20 of those registered have scheduled their accreditation audit for the coming months. Program administrators hope to see these shops join the ranks of accredited shops alongside the first accredited shop, Fix Auto North Bay, which received its accreditation in December 2016. 

The Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA) believes that sales is the driving force behind every business. Whether you're an owner, leader, sales professional or are responsible for business development, the success of your organization depends on your ability to connect with clients, identify their problems, and deliver solutions.

As Canada's largest national sales organization since 1874, they are your partner in building knowledge and skills to improve sales performance.

CPSA members enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts, top-notch sales and professional training, a wide range of new sales resources, seminars, webinars, and events, and an active cross-country community of sales professionals.

To learn more call at 1.888.267.2772 or by email:  [email protected].