The numbers speak for themselves: 33,000 jobs lost in Canada last March, in addition to the 4,000 workers laid off at the Stellantis plant in Windsor. To me, these are clear signs of an impending recession. 

With 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, I have learned to anticipate crises and spot the opportunities they can hide. First recognized in the aftermarket sector, I discovered how to transform adversity into a lever for growth. Today, my reputation has solidified in the field of bodywork, a sector that I still consider resilient and rich in potential. 

The 2008-2009 recession remains engraved in my memory. Strangely, it turned out to be beneficial for me. With tighter budgets, consumers have relearned how to maintain their vehicles themselves. Rotors, brake pads… everything was flying off the shelves! YouTube, with its countless tutorials, has become a go-to resource for those who wanted to save on repairs.  

Today, several indicators suggest that this scenario could well repeat itself. 

Dealers are likely to suffer from this situation in the short term. In particular, with a slowdown in new vehicle sales and more restrictive financing conditions. On the other hand, in the field of bodywork as well as in the aftermarket, the needs remain. Accidents don’t take a break, and repairs will still be required.  

What will change, however, is the way operations are managed and planned. More than ever, customers will have to be reassured, especially when the time comes to pay their deductible. I remain convinced that those who remain humane, well-organized and open to adaptation will survive this turbulence, and even emerge stronger.  

Every difficult time offers an opportunity. It’s up to us to choose how we want to live it.