CarFixWorld brings together key players in the Canadian aftermarket

The automotive industry as a whole is certainly not one that goes lacking for trade shows. As many are aware, massive shows south of the border, and several considerable events north of it already populate the aftermarket landscape. However, the people flying the CarFixWorld banner, an upstart trade-show scheduled to hit Toronto in late September, feel as though they have picked-up on something that has been overlooked by others.

According to event organizer Carol Bell-LeNoury, the event is an amalgamation of the industry more than a limited group. “We are really excited to have the opportunity of bringing together collision and automotive service providers in this hybrid event,” she said. “CarFixWorld provides a wealth of knowledge, training opportunities, information exchanges as well as some fun — celebrities, pit stop challenges, air bag demos, great prizes and contests — it is three days of intense networking, learning and sharing.”

Whereas many of the continent’s trade events are singularly focused, the organizers of this event say that by bringing the industry together under one roof, they are really filling a void in the business. As we all understand, the automotive marketplace, perhaps more than most others, is really all about connections and personal relationships. It is fostering the kind of atmosphere in which those personal interactions can occur across borders and industry niches. This is the event’s greatest contribution to the aftermarket.

The second major motivating factor according to the event team is education. Report after report in the trade media and others, have identified educational and apprenticeship concerns as being two of the most serious issues plaguing the service and collision business today. In fact, in this very issue of SSGM, the author of the Last Word section, David Dansereau of L.A.D.’s Autopro in Calgary, Alta. mentions: “A lot of owners are former techs themselves and so we know how to work, that’s what we do. We don’t know how to mentor, motivate and retain people. Get that training! Why is it we take courses to learn about new car features, but are not willing to take a course on management?”

As such, CarfixWorld has addressed this issue with an aggressive push in terms of seminars, presentations and employment services. On that topic, Bell-LeNoury noted: “CarFixWorld Career Forum Day is packed full of 18 mini-conference sessions, demonstrations, interviews, games and celebrities,” she said. “Over 3,000 students have been invited to participate, including apprentices from Centennial College. It is sure to be one of the best opportunities for the industry and youth to interact.”

For those interested, industry gurus like Bob Greenwood and Denis Derosiers are on hand to give expert seminars on a wide range of industry areas. Furthermore, for those new to the industry, there are several events specifically catered to individuals looking to break into the market.

We know that trade shows are not all about business. As such, the management team for CarfixWorld also mentioned they were excited to welcome celebrities like “Overhaulin’” beauty Courtney Hanson, Alex and Quentin from the hit show “Pimp my Ride,” and finally the boys from the hugely successful race show “Pinks.” With youth, and the attraction of the next generation to the industry being a major goal of the event, this sort of celebrity involvement should help the attendance numbers for those in that target group. All of these personalities and more will be attending to host Q and A’s, and of course, sign a few autographs for their young fans.

With all of that said, the CarfixWorld schedule appears packed with opportunity. From any angle of the industry, there is likely something of value for attendees, whether that be a hand-shake with a new-found supplier, the discovery of an innovative product, or even a stack of resumes from potential apprentices.

Speakers, Presenters to Tackle Critical Aftermarket Issues for ISPs

Automatic Transmission Diagnostics: Thinking Beyond the Manual and Electronic Engine Control.

Learn to differentiate between a transmission electronic control system malfunction versus a transmission mechanical malfunction, plus various electronic transmission control operating strategies and characteristics; develop your diagnostic strategies in order to facilitate quick and efficient diagnosis of transmission problems; learn how to troubleshoot the toughest driveability problems, comprehend which data is relevant to specific vehicle problems and how to interpret this data in the most efficient manner.

Speaker: Mike Cleary, Owner, Automotive Technical Support Services

Corrosion Control Techniques

For years motorists have been dealing with the issue of corrosion. Even the best automobiles are inclined to corrosion sooner or later. Attend this one-hour presentation and get insight on current applications that are being used for corrosion prevention and what we can expect to see in the future.

Speaker: Freeman Young, President, Krown Rust Control

Emerging Technology

Emerging technologies are changing the face of the automotive industry, as we know it, pressuring automakers to transform cars of today into more sophisticated automobiles. This program explores what’s under development today and that you will likely see in the vehicles of tomorrow. Discover why enabling, blocking and conflicting criteria is used to complete or disable readiness-monitoring testing. Plus, you will learn proper diagnostic procedures for isolating the root cause of DTC’s and monitor failures through the use of tables.

Speaker: Jim Moore, Manager of Educational Services, DELPHI

Hybrids

With more hybrids hitting the road and most OEM’s in the game or planning new hybrids soon, when are you going to get ready? This three-hour class will answer your questions, from jump-starting a hybrid to diagnosing a drivability issue. Register to attend and learn how hybrid systems work and how old diagnostic strategies still work on hybrids and the diagnostics that apply to hybrids. Plus, receive insight on how to handle a dead battery (including Nickel Metal Hydride batteries), as well as re-generative braking … what it is and how it works.

Speaker: Craig Van Batenburg, Owner, Automotive Career Development Center

Training Series: Electronics/ Diagnostics/Scanning Systems

Experience a live demonstration on the diagnostic process used today to pinpoint problems found in Automotive Fuel and Electrical Systems.

Speaker: Glenn McNally, Automotive Technician & Instructor, Advanced Automotive Diagnostic Center

Automotive Technology Trends

Discover what new and emerging technologies and design trends are being adopted by automakers across the globe, such as aluminum and advanced high strength steels. Also learn about the equipment and processes which will be required for future vehicles, and the newest electronic systems that are being developed.

Speaker: Jeffrey Poole, Zone Trainer, I-CAR.

Business Succession Planning

Advance planning is critical to the success of achieving the maximum ROI when you decide to exit from your business. Attend this session and learn how to select professional advisors for your succession planning team, how industrial psychologist play a role for an intergenerational transfer of ownership, and how to select the best time to sell.

Speaker: Doug Robbins, President, Robbinex Inc.

Competitive Advantage of Tomorrow’s Service Industry

With the automotive industry in constant change, how can Service and Repair shops stay ahead of the game? Hear what the future has in store for the service and repair industry, including the competitive landscape, technicians, training as a competitive strategy and training options.

Speaker: Mary-Beth Kellenberger, Sr. Consulting Analyst, Frost & Sullivan

Practical Hands-On Business Solutions

“Are you really maximizing your potential or are you truly just getting by?” Explore business practices such as quantification and orchestration that will open up new opportunities and allow you to understand basic universal laws of success.

Speaker: Randy A. Moore, Vice President, Operations, Mister Transmission

Small Business Solutions

The collision repair industry is changing right before our eyes. What does this mean to small business owner and how can you adapt your business to ensure continued growth? Learn how to win customers, employees and profitable books in a highly competitive marketplace.

Speaker: Jay Perry, Founder & CEO, American Business Consultants, Inc.

The 10 Significant Trends the Aftermarket Needs to Respond To

Dennis DesRosiers, a leading industry guru, will provide an intriguing keynote address on the “Important Trends in the Automotive Aftermarket” and his suggestions on how the industry should respond!

Speaker: Dennis DesRosiers, Owner, DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc.

The Collision and Repair Industry – Next Steps

Interested in knowing the challenges and action priorities that face the Collision Repair industry today? Curious in finding out what efforts are being put in to place by industry players to ensure a more profitable future? This riveting forum will feature collision repair experts from across Canada in an open forum discussion answering theses and other questions pertaining to the future of the Collision and Repair industry.

Moderator: John Norris, Executive Director, Collision Industry Information Assistance, CIIA.com

The Incredible Unspoken Opportunity Around the Corner

Get an in-depth assessment of the future of the Automotive Aftermarket and Collision industry, from the perspective of an independent operator. You’ll receive a glimpse on where the sector is headed and what the issues are, and the financial implications of future changes.

Speaker: Bob Greenwood, President & C.E.O., E.K. Williams & Company

Why Hiring Apprentices Makes Good Business Sense

The skills shortage is real. Many employers will soon be facing major challenges in filling the jobs vacated by aging baby boomers. Unfortunately, young people are not considering careers in skilled trades in sufficient numbers. Learn more about the business benefits of hiring and training apprentices.

Speaker: Beverlie Cook, Project Manager, “Skilled Trades – A Career You Can Build On”

CELEBRITIES

Courtney Hansen

Courtney Hansen from the hit TV Show Power Block and Overhaulin’ will be at CarFixWORLD, Saturday September 30th at 1:00 PM to talk shop and meet Canadian technicians. From 2:30 to 3:00 PM she will be on hand to sign autographs on the Main Stage. Hansen knows a thing or two about cars, having grown up in family owned Minnesota’s Brainerd International Raceway, watching her dad, Jerry Hansen, race cars. A former model, spokesperson for Dodge Motors and Rolls Royce and named one of the “100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005,” she is one celebrity you’ll want to meet.

D.J. Kennington

Don’t miss D.J. Kennington, CASCAR racer, presented by Castrol. D.J. Kennington will be on hand all three days of CarFixWORLD. Inspect his race car and quiz him about the world of racing.

PINKS: Charles Henderickson and Nate Pritchett

Technical Advisors for the hit television show PINKS, Charles Hendrickson and Nate Pritchett will be on the main stage from 12:30 to 1:30 PM to talk about the show, now entering its third season, and their passions – building, customizing and racing anything with an “engine and wheels.”

Pimp My Ride: Alex Pico and Quinton

Alex Pico and Quinton, better knowns as “Q” from the hit television show Pimp My Ride will be rolling with the students at CarFix Career Day Forum. Alex the tire specialist and Quinton the manager of shop, have lots of stories to tell about their business and their newfound television stardom.

PRODUCTS

Carrus offers complete business management tool

Carrus Technologies’ AutoWay Shop Management System is a fully bi-lingual system that offers a complete set of business management tools to independent service providers. The AutoWay system comes with AR, AP, financials and inventory control, and up to four retail pricing levels. It also comes with the ability for a shop owner to upload price lists form Excel, emailing of documents and easy connection to online catalogues from local suppliers.

Carrus Technologies www.carrus.ca

Bear Automotive introduces wireless aligner

Bear Automotive has released into the Canadian aftermarket the SML6008 wireless aligner. The SML6008 features an easy to navigate user interface, full Windows XP integration and high-density CCD imaging.

Bear Automotive www.bearcanada.ca

Protractor offers next generation shop management program

Protractor Software Inc. has released its next generation of Windows-based shop management software. This new Protractor solution is now a true client/server architecture built on the latest Microsoft SQL Server Database and designed for improved Internet integration. The program’s online estimating, invoicing and integrated GL and Internet-enabled CRM module has been simplified, and Protractor can be scaled up to meet multi-location enterprises.

Protractor Software Inc. www.protractor.com

Citation offers Flitz line of polishes, cleaners

Citation Cleaning Equipment if offering to Canadian independent service providers the Flitz line of polishes and cleaners. The Flitz lines of products are made to clean metal, plastic and fiberglass on automobiles and trucks. The Flitz products can remove tarnish, rust, powder residue and oxidation. They use a non-abrasive and non-toxic formula.

Citation Cleaning Equipment www.citationce.com