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Take advantage of FREE access to a selection of CARS OnDemand courses in order to allow potential subscribers an opportunity to test out this form of online training tailored to the automotive aftermarket. The five demo courses offered are taken from the more than 300 technical and business courses now on offer in English and French. [Full Story] |
June 1st, 2011
Beyond the Service Bay: Why job-specific skills and training aren’t enough
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We’ve all seen them. An employee who’s a wizard with tools, who can identify and fix a problem as well as anyone but who has difficulty working with others or communicating clearly. [Full Story] |
Janurary 18, 2011
Great engines at the Montréal Auto Show
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Obviously, the traditional automotive powerplant is slowly giving way to new configurations, mostly electric motors. Yet, the good old internal combustion engine still has many years to go. Proof positive, there were many new engines in the new cars of the Montréal Auto Show! [Full Story] |
December 8, 2010
An Industry Pro at Bouncing Back
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In one of the industrial sectors of Drummondville, Quebec, a seemingly endless stream of parts parades through bending, painting and assembly lines. Welcome to SPG International. [Full Story] |
November 10, 2010
Pirelli preferred tire supplier to Pfaff Tuning
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Pirelli Tires inc. Canada, Pfaff Tuning and Atlas Tire Wholesales Inc. celebrated a new partnership to be known as the Pfaff Tuning Pirelli branding program. Effective October 2010, Pirelli became Pfaff Tuning’s preferred tire supplier. [Full Story] |
October 26, 2010
Celebrating a Tradition of Excellence
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On Saturday, September 11, the auto repair industry celebrated the Du-So Group’s 60th anniversary. More than 300 customers, partners and Dussault family friends gathered at the Mgr. Marcoux Centre to commemorate this important occasion. The event’s Du-So Flashbacks theme gave guests a fun-filled retrospective of the company’s colourful history - from the 50s right up until the present. [Full Story] |
July 20, 2010
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Twins Nicolas and Martin Tousignant, from La Malbaie, who made Quebec’s team called Sainte Gravelle, won the second edition of the NAPA Rally 5000. |
June 23, 2010
Tenneco Across Canada 2010
Tenneco Tech Tour
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We managed to sit in on the Tenneco Tech Tour session at Seneca College in Toronto, Ontario. It was a very knowledge-presenting session. |
June 9, 2010
Quebec Skills Competitions
2010 Champions – Mechanics
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In the Mechanics segment, Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists of the 11th Quebec Skills Competitions held in May are Julien Dupont, from Saint-Hyacinthe, Claude Côté, from Sainte-Thérèse and Maxime Bélanger, from Beauce. |
March 1, 2010
Ford Mustang’s new V-8 engines
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The Ford Mustang pretty much had it all its way for the few last years. But now, competition is pressing Ford to give its Mustang more power but still gain some better fuel mileage. That's why Ford will soon be introducing a much revised and more powerful version of its 2011 Mustang GT. Under the hood will be a new 5.0-litre DOHC V-8 (thus reviving the 5.0-litre moniker!) that will develop some 412 horsepower (the V-6 will do 306 horsepower!) thanks to its Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing. Two camshafts per head each work on the intake or the exhaust valves with a variation based upon camshaft torque and oil pressurizing. At the same time, Ford will also be introducing the Mustang GT-based Shelby GT 500 with a 5.4-litre supercharged V-8 with aluminum block. This one will pump out 550 horsepower and 510 lb/ft of torque. Here is a little pictorial on the engine components. (ED) [View photos] |
February 16, 2010
Chevrolet’s improved 2011 Silverado Heavy Duty
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The competition is growing stronger in the heavy duty pick-up segment. Dodge has a new generation of Ram Heavies, Ford will soon be coming out with its redone F Series Super Duty and Chevrolet will be fighting back with a redone Silverado Heavy Duty (soon to be followed by GMC). The Dodge is already on the market, the Ford will soon be out and the Chevrolet was just unveiled early February at the Chicago Auto Show. Looking at the «new» Silverado, it seems that only the bumper has been redesigned. But wait. All the work has been done…underneath. First of all, the fifth-wheel trailering capacities will go as high as 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg) with the 3500 dually version. Max payload capacity will be of 6,335 pounds (2,873 kg). That alone explains the needs for major mechanical updates of the 2011 Silverado Heavy Duty. (ED) [View photos] |
December 3, 2009
Tribute to Industry Pioneers, fourth edition
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Two more honourees were inducted to the AIA-Quebec Circle of Pioneers in Boucherville in early December. We paid tribute to Jean-Marc Laroche and Gilles Dussault, and on the same occasion recognized the valuable contribution of Denis Bellemore, who passed away in September. Along with testimonies gathered on video concerning the latter, others were shared personally with those in attendance. Over 300 industry guests accepted the invitation sent by AIA-Quebec and Rousseau Automotive Communication to this fourth edition of the Tribute to Industry Pioneers in honour of these three outstanding contributors. [View photos] |
November 12, 2009
Georgian College Student Aftermarket Day
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Georgian College hosted a special event, Student Aftermarket Day, on Thursday, November 12th at the Holiday Inn, Barrie. Over 120 students had the opportunity to hear industry leaders, join panel discussions about market research, marketing, management and recruitment, globalization and the aftermarket and vehicle technology. There were representatives from Georgian College and several aftermarket companies to answer questions and provide information about the career opportunities that are available in the Automotive Aftermarket. (LB) |
November 4, 2009
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SEMA does not last long—about three days. But it also includes AAPEX, for automotive technicians, and NACE, a special convention for body repair matters. autosphere.ca also spent a few hours at NACE, but we ended the last day at SEMA where we discovered a few points of interest. (ED) [View photos]
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November 1, 2009
Never to busy or too small to have an HR Plan
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Canadian repair and service facilities that have an HR plan on retention issues in place outperform those that don’t. If your shop is not among the 34% that have a plan in place to deal with recruitment and retention and other HR issues... |
October 21, 2009
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October 21 was the premiere in Ontario, as the AIA held a Grand Forum for all vehicle maintenance professionals in Toronto. Under the dollar sign, the theme was based on best business practices for profitability, including leading-edge technologies as well as training aspects. Fifteen proficient guests shared their views on the challenges facing the industry and the benefits to be reaped, by a conference as well as 12 sessions entered on the program. Emphasis was placed on the crucial importance of addressing the matter of sub-maintenance, which potentially generates hundreds of millions of dollars, and what each shop must do to increase its profits on a daily basis.[View photos] |
October 1, 2009
Modest Growth Predicted by Employers
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Preliminary data from a new labour market study commissioned by the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Council indicates that 53% of employers across Canada have experienced revenue growth from 2007 to 2008 and 28% have stayed the same over the same period... [Full story] |
August 26, 2009
Rousseau Automotive Communication Networking Breakfast Series
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It was the third in that city, along with four that have been held in Montreal. “It’s an opportunity for people to get out of the daily routine and network,” said Rémy L. Rousseau. “We want our customers to do business together, and if you can’t come to a breakfast, but you want to be introduced to other customers, contact us and we’ll make the introduction for you.” Two more breakfasts are planned for this year; for information or an invitation, contact Jean Boutzis. [View photos] |
August 20, 2009
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During the celebrations of the long-awaited NASCAR 200 NAPA event, NAPA of Drummondville seized the chance to invite its customers to get together on August 20 with Patrick Carpentier who will be one of the four drivers from Québec to participate. Forever pleasant and generous with his time, Patrick was eager to answer all queries from his fans. [View photos] |
July 10-12, 2009
Vintage engines and race cars at Tremblant
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The world famous Circuit Mont-Tremblant greeted almost a hundred vintage race cars last July 10 to 12 at its annual Sommet des Légendes event. There were more than 15 ex-Formula One cars and many sports and GT cars from the fifties and the sixties at the event. But, as much as racing was spectacular, it was the possibility of closely looking at all that machinery that attracted so many visitors. Here are a few highlights. (ED) |
May 31, 2009
Quebec Towing and Recovery Association of Professionals (APDQ)
Annual meeting and exhibition
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Photos :Éric Descarries |
Ever since SPEED TV’s new show “WRECK” caught the attention of the automotive crowd, the interest for such vehicles has grown in leaps and bounds. So, no wonder that when the Quebec Towing and Recovery Association of Professionals (A.P.D.Q.) decided to hold an annual meeting and exhibition on May 30 at Blainville, Quebec’s Boisvert Pontiac Buick dealership, it drew a lot more visitors than expected. |
April 21-22, 2009
Distinguished guests at Niagara Falls
2009 Aftermarket Conference for Executives (ACE)
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Photos :Marie-Josée Rousseau |
The triple event, which took place April 21 & 22 at Niagara Falls under AIA stewardship, also included a group of four industry leaders. Within the forum dedicated to the top executives of the maintenance and repair industry, Doug Keely, William Pochiluk, Tom Wujec and Odis Lloyd shared their secrets. They addressed performance and predominance, development strategy, power of imagination as well as the influence of NASCAR and its spin-off effects on the industry. |
April 21, 2009
2009 Workshop for Junior Executives
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Photos :Marie-Josée Rousseau |
On April 21, also in Niagara Falls, AIA-Canada held another edition of its annual workshop for junior executives on the topic of Good Practices. Building a team as well as communications were at the forefront: brought to the table by Doug Keeley, renowned North-American communicator and author of the revolutionary program The Mark of a Leader. His program is based on top business performance enterprises such as: ADP, Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Disney, Frito-Lay, General Mills, HP, Lego, Microsoft, Pepsi-QTG, Scotiabank, Starbucks, Universal Studios, Xerox as well as noted institutions and organizations. (GO) [View photos] |
April 21, 2009
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Photos :Marie-Josée Rousseau |
On April 21, the AIA board of directors met MP Brian Masse in Niagara Falls regarding bill C-273 concerning the ‘Right to Repair’ which must be voted on by members of Parliament in mid-May. It was agreed upon that this bill was timely because it was well-founded, and was relevant to free competition, to consumer rights, to safety and the environment, and it’s imperative to keep sending letters to MPs solliciting their total support, even though 5,500 letters have already been sent during Stage 1 of AIA’s campaign. |
April 1, 2009
CARS Council
Complimentary Industry 5-year Preventative Maintenance Inspection
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At the CARS Council, we’re committed to the ongoing development of a highly skilled automotive workforce. Our industry experts can recommend the right professional development and training tools... [Full story] |
April 1, 2009
Innovations in Automotive Technology Are Coming
How Many Will Affect You?
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According to the brand new research, conducted on behalf of the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Council by Convergence Management Consultants Ltd, about 95 distinct technical innovations will be introduced to the Canadian marketplace over the next three to five years... [Full story] |
March 18, 2009
2009 Grand Forum
One-of-a-kind Event
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Photos :Marie-Josée Rousseau |
Some 500 people from all segments of the industry attended the second Grand Forum held in Saint-Hyacinthe on March 18 by AIA-Québec. Aside from topics such as the Right to repairs and the Environment, several aspects relevant to auto repair were the subject of numerous upscale sessions worthy of international events. Focussed on Business Success and Profitability, they dealt with engines and transmissions as well as optimal shop and customer management, and with what’s in store for a future whose components are already in place. [View photos] |
March 18, 2009
2009 Grand Forum
Another all-important day
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Photos :Marie-Josée Rousseau |
AIA-Québec held an exceptionally intensive day for its second year on March 18 in Saint-Hyacinthe, with the valuable assistance of key subordinates. Aside from presentations on the industry’s major challenges, some fifteen topics were addressed in as many upscale sessions. The event, focussed on Business Success and Profitability, drew some 500 participants from auto repair, collision repair, tire, distribution, wholesale, retail and recycling fields... [View photos] |
January 16, 2009
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In the last issue of CASP, we announced that automotive service managers are about to get a major boost in their power to improve productivity and enhance staff development through CARSability... [Full story] |
January 8, 2009
Uni-Select’s 2008 Expo Vente, 15th edition
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Photos :Marie-Josée Rousseau |
The 15th edition of Uni-Select’s Expo Vente, with Extreme Performance as its theme, was held on September 9 and 10, 2008 in St-Hyacinthe. A second storey was set up overlooking the excitement of the exhibition booths. The public was in awe thanks to the ever-increasing market novelties and fantastic benefits offered by the exhibitors. Some representative and members of the Uni-Select network were honoured during the tribute brunch... [View photos] |
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