Jean-Francois Champagne, President and CEO, opened the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference with Shifting Gears, a review of where the organization is today and where it is headed tomorrow. 

The role today 

Jean-Francois Champagne’s presentation of the organization considered where AIA Canada is currently, also looking forward to where the auto care sector is heading. Coordinating the AIA’s staff, board, key volunteers to address trade, government relations, member input, and training, education and labour shortages has never been more challenging. All this while staying on top of rapidly changing technology  

Champagne noted that AIA Canada represents, supports and leads innovation in Canada’s $43.9 billion auto care sector. “Our best practices for the auto care industry help our members keep Canada’s fleet of almost 26.6 million vehicles on the road.” 

Looking Ahead 

Champagne explained that AI is now making a huge impact on the industry making it necessary to “upscale our workforce.”   

That upgrading initiatives include certifying thousands of collision techs via iCAR while working with secondary and post-secondary educational facilities and governments to drive awareness of the auto care industry. A new national, results-oriented Aftermarket Management Certificate program has been recently launched in conjunction with the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College focusing on the current issues, trends and technologies that are key to remaining competitive in the Canadian Market.  The rigorous certificate includes seven mandatory courses. 

Government Relations 

In his presentation, Champagne reviewed the AIA’s consistent message to all levels of government. He suggests that members increase their local MPs and other politicians awareness the auto care sector noting that “for the most part they don’t know about it.”  

His call for action invited member companies to engage with the industry as a whole and to get involved at a local level. “We need you as an important participant to help promote the auto care sector.” 

Rapidly evolving vehicle technology, complicated economic conditions and changing consumer trends mean that there could well be a bumpy road ahead and strong industry participation is necessary. 

Picture credit : L’Association des industries de l’automobile du Canada (AIA Canada) / Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada).