AARO adopts new national identity

The Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario is transitioning into a national organization with a rename and rebrand.

The group will move forward as the Automotive Aftermarket Repair Organization of Canada. Members unanimously approved the change during the association’s annual general meeting on November 27.

In an announcement, the group said the new name and logo reflect AARO’s commitment to supporting repair shops across Canada with training, advocacy and industry leadership.

“The term ‘Retailers’ no longer accurately reflects the diverse and highly skilled professionals who make up our association,” the board said in a statement. “The new name better represents who we are today — and where we are headed as we continue supporting repair shops with training, advocacy and industry leadership.”

AARO said the move addresses common challenges faced by shops nationwide, including evolving technology, recruitment, regulations and consumer expectations. Website and marketing updates will roll out over the next month.

The AGM also saw the election of a new board of directors. Steve Gushie was named chair, with Bruce Eccles of Eccles Auto Service as vice-chair, Jeffrey Newhouse from mechaniQ Inc. and autologiQ as treasurer and Eric Mileham from Erskines Service Centre as immediate past chair.

Directors completing the second year of their term are Ju Chen from Cochrane Automotive, Darryl Croft from OK Tire & Auto Service, Mark Lemay from Auto Aide and Tyler Rump from Roy Rump & Sons.

Newly appointed directors are Elizabeth Tait from Level5Drive, Kyle Becker from DM Service, Ken Coulter from Specialty Sales & Marketing, Rudy Graf from Graf Auto Centre, Adam Malik from Turnkey Media and Leroy Martin from Leroy’s Auto Care.

AARO recognized outgoing directors Alan Beech and Kurt Hillebrand for their service and congratulated Emily Chung on stepping down from the board to become president of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

The association said the changes mark a new chapter as it approaches its 100th anniversary, aiming to keep Canada’s repair industry strong, united and future-ready.