Over the Counter March 2007

AIA President Datt Raises Right to Repair at OE Summit

Automotive Industries Association of Canada president Ray Datt raised the issue of Right to Repair at the second annual Automotive Summit held in conjunction with the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ont.

Datt, who was filling in on short notice for a snowed-in UAP president and COO Robert Hattem, took the opportunity to raise the Right to Repair issue in front of a largely automaker-oriented audience at the second annual PriceWaterhouseCoopers Canadian Automotive Summit, sharing the stage with leading executives from Canadian car manufacturers as well as Canadian Auto Workers union president Buzz Hargrove.

Datt spoke of the need to have access to repair information and tools as a result of the fact that consumers deserve choice and that the OE dealer networks could not handle the volume of work required if they had exclusivity.

Challenged on the consumer’s experience with the independent repair sector by co-host Jeremy Cato, Datt was concise.

“If you look from the consumer perspective, the top-rated facilities are those in the aftermarket and have been for the past 10 years.”

After the official proceedings Datt said he welcomed the opportunity to raise the Right to Repair issue. “We aren’t looking to be controversial at an event like this. We just want to keep raising the issue so that everyone is aware of it.”

Canadian Alliance Members form Partnership

Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance members Vast-Auto Distribution of Montreal, Que. and Base Automotive Warehousing of Toronto, Ont. have formed a strategic partnership.

John Del Vasto, president of Vast-Auto Distribution Ltd., and Mark Mandel, president of Base Automotive Warehousing Ltd., announced that they had formed the strategic partnership in Ontario through the acquisition of the business operations of Base Automotive.

“This transaction is an important part of the growth strategy of Vast-Auto Distribution in the Ontario market,” says John Del Vasto. “We want to continue to offer parts stores and professional repair shops the tools which will allow them to successfully adapt to the constant evolution of the automotive aftermarket.”

In addition to synergy and increased efficiency made possible by grouping the activities of the two companies, the quality and flexibility of the combined marketing programs will allow them to better serve their existing customers and develop the full potential of the Ontario market in an optimal way.

“Over the course of a number of years, Base Automotive Warehousing has built solid business relationships with its customers in Ontario. This strategic partnership will allow us to improve the service we offer our customers, particularly through Vast-Auto’s technological applications, which assure optimal management of operations and inventories in stores and value-generating sales and marketing programs to assist them in exploiting growth opportunities,” adds Mark Mandel.

This transaction will accelerate the growth of Auto Value associate and corporate parts stores and its network of professional repair shops in eastern Canada. Mark Mandel will continue to administer the business in Ontario and work in close collaboration with John Del Vasto.

Toronto High School Sweeps Tech Competition

Three teams from Central Technical School beat nine other Toronto high schools to win, place, and show in a skills competition that tested automotive students’ technical knowledge.

Nicholas Harrison and Ricky Lee performed a number of timed technical tasks and also attempted to start a 2007 Volkswagen Passat that had been rigged with a no-start condition by automotive instructors from Centennial College. By finishing first, the pair will be representing Canada at the National Automotive Technology Competition in New York City in April.

In addition to the all-expenses-paid trip, Harrison and Lee collected a trophy and equipment from sponsors. Central Tech was also represented by Janos Mann and Athir Gorgis, who finished second, and Colm Oswell and Shane Riley, who came in third place. The school is a big winner too: its shop class will take delivery of two 2007 General Motors vehicles, a Buick Lucerne and Pontiac Solstice, which will be used for technical training.

This is the first time one school has swept the podium by winning first, second, and third place. This was the eighth year for the contest organized by Centennial College, which promotes automotive technology as a rewarding career path.

Canadian Driver Sets Tone of New Corvette

Canadian racecar driver Ron Fellows was uniquely honoured with the introduction of the special edition “Ron Fellows American Le Mans Series GT1 Champion” Corvette Z06.

Marking his championship tenure with Corvette Racing’s GT1-class domination in the ALMS, Fellows is celebrated with a specially prepared 2007 Corvette Z06 production model. Only about 300 will be built.

An accomplished road racer, Fellows is inextricably woven into the Corvette Racing team’s success. He helped test and develop the first Corvette C5-R racecar and recorded the team’s first win in 2000. Fellows also grabbed the ALMS GTS class championship in 2002 and shared that position in 2003-04.

Fellows has been a part of all six consecutive ALMS GT1 manufacturers’ championships for Chevrolet, and was voted the most popular ALMS driver several years running.

SKF Tech and Training

SKF will continue its Pole Position Program in 2007, providing technicians with the latest industry training and trends. Additionally, SKF will expand the online portion of its program with 24-hour online access to information and e-newsletter distribution.

The Pole Position Program provides automotive technicians with up-to-date technical information, training literature, and product knowledge to help them maintain a profitable repair business.

Akebono Adjusts Identification

Akebono Corporation (North America) has announced that it has changed its name to Akebono Brake Corporation.

A world-renowned leader in brake technology, Akebono made the name adjustment in order to strengthen its global brand positioning.

APPOINTMENTS

Anthony Stadelman has been named director of marketing for Wakefield Canada. Stadelman joined Castrol in Canada, out of which Wakefield was formed, in 1993. He rose through the company to the position of marketing manager in 2002, and is part of the team that was in place during the creation and transition to Wakefield’s stewardship of the Castrol brand in Canada.

Jacques Landreville, president and chief executive officer of Uni-Select Inc., has announced a number of personnel moves and changes. Richard Roy, currently vice-president, administration and chief financial officer, will accede to the position of chief operating officer, a position that has been newly created. As part of his duties, Roy will assume responsibility for the management of each of the business units of Uni-Select. Pending the appointment of a new chief financial officer, Roy will retain those duties. Michel Laverdure has assumed the position of vice-president, corporate purchasing, replacing Russell Sturgeon, who retired at the end of 2006. Michele Raymond has been appointed to the new position of vice-president, strategic planning and market development. Jean-Pierre Beaulieu has been appointed vice-president, management information systems, in replacement of David Alderson who retired in 2006. Michel Charbonneau has been appointed vice-president, PBE market development.

Beck/Arnley has announced that Jim Betournay has joined the company as vice-president of sales, Canada. In his new position, Betournay is responsible for Canadian sales efforts for the company. He reports to Vince McM
ahon, vice-president and general manager of Beck/Arnley. Betournay started in the automotive aftermarket in 1979 as a service representative in Quebec with Goodyear Canada. Most recently, Betournay was national sales manager for ArvinMeritor. In April 2006, with the divestiture of ArvinMeritor divisions, he was transferred to Robert Bosch Canada with the Purolator filter division.

Daryl Foster, president of D. Foster and Associates Ltd., has announced that Ed Lavoie of Montreal, Quebec has joined the sales and marketing agency. In his new role, Lavoie will be responsible for the Quebec territory. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the automotive industry, mainly through the Quebec region.