John Cochrane Honoured With AIA Distinguished Service Award
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The Automotive Industries Association of Canada announced the prestigious AIA Distinguished Service Award for 2010 has been awarded to industry veteran John Cochrane. Mr. Cochrane, the Owner and President of Cochrane Automotive was presented with the award on April 28nd during the AIA Aftermarket Conference for Executives in Montreal, Quebec.
John Cochrane’s personal contributions to the growth of the aftermarket industry in Canada are well known throughout the industry. John actively supported AIA’s efforts in the Right to Repair campaign during the past decade and his experience and knowledge on this issue was instrumental to the Canadian aftermarket industry.
“John is a true leader and through his tireless efforts that included many presentations across the country to both industry and government, he helped mobilize our industry to ensure that automotive technicians and collision repairers have access to the information they need to properly service and repair Canada’s automotive fleet,” said John Watt, AIA Past Chair.
Since 1972, John has operated a large, well known and successful automotive service repair facility specializing in today’s high tech electronics and computer diagnostics. As a Class “A” Automotive Technician, licensed since 1967, John is a firm believer in continuous ongoing training to keep up to date in all areas of auto repair. Several years ago, John opened Cochrane Training Services to focus on re-training and updating licensed automotive technicians on the latest technology to ensure they are ready for the 21st century.
In addition to his own training, John has been an instructor for the AC Delco Division of General Motors, specializing in today’s high tech electronics and computer diagnostics. John was also instrumental to bringing Lindertech training to Canada.
John was the Chairman of the AIA Board of Directors in 2006-2007, and is currently an active member on several other boards including the ACDelco Advisory Board, the CAA/AARS Advisory Council, and the National Automotive Service Task Force. Today, John also continues to serve on the AIA Government Relations Committee and the Automotive Service Providers Association Council.
In addition to being the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, John also received the Jobber of the Year Award in 2003 from Jobber News magazine.
During his acceptance speech, John spoke about the many changes he has seen over the years including the evolution of the tune up repair, flash repairs and technician training to meet the demands of the sophisticated on-board computers in vehicles today. He also spoke about the need for mandatory vehicles inspections across the country to keep Canada’s fleet safe.
The AIA Distinguished Service Award is presented in recognition of distinguished service and outstanding leadership given to the growth and development of Canada’s automotive aftermarket industry. It is the highest award presented by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada to an outstanding individual within the Association membership.
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