In 2022, the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) enjoyed a number of achievements through its events, initiatives, and partnerships. The ARA looks forward to continuing these efforts in order to further support the success of automotive entrepreneurs in B.C. in 2023. 2022 was a milestone year for the ARA. As COVID-19 restrictions eased across the province, …
In light of labour shortages in the automotive service industry, recruiting co-op students or apprentices who have undergone automotive program training can provide a steady supply of skilled and dedicated workers to maintain smooth operations in the shop. The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) offers the Automotive Service Technician and Operations (ASTO) Co-op Program,1 a …
BCIT’s ASTO Co-Op Students Are Available for Hire Read More »
At the age of 89, John Weston passes away. Weston’s Automotive was one of the founding members of the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) 70 years ago. Photos: Weston’s family archive Shortly before the ARA’s 70th Anniversary Celebration and AGM, Weston’s Automotive Ltd. announced sad news about the passing of its former owner and ARA Honorary …
A blazing Tesla raises questions about towing, storage, repair, safety, training, and more. On May 20, 2022, in North Vancouver, Jamil Jutha was driving his 2021 Tesla Model Y when he received an error message just before his vehicle lost power. The vehicle shut down, smoke filled the cabin, and Jutha kicked his way out …
ICBC recently announced a new three-year deal for the towing industry: a compensation package consisting of a 6.7% increase for the first two years, and a 3% CPI increase for year three. While the announcement falls short of expectations, other structural changes will help move things forward in a positive direction. There is bad news, …
ICBC Announces Rate Increases for Towing and Recovery Read More »
Cover photo: Owner of PJ Collision Mike Martens (L) and painter Dave Litke (R). (Photo: Burhan Osman) It is no secret that the automotive industry is struggling to attract talent, and extraordinary challenges require extraordinary creativity and leadership. These B.C. shops stepped in to provide both through a unique challenge for youth interested in the …
The ARA’s Preferred Supplier Program pays off for both members and industry vendors. Through its Preferred Supplier Program, the ARA connects members with industry vendors in a way that benefits everyone. The way it works is the association engages with leading industry vendors and works out an agreement to provide exclusive benefits for ARA members, …
It is no secret that the automotive industry, like many industries today, is struggling with labour attraction and retention. Some may think this is a result of the two-year pandemic that so intently took a hold of the world. However, this is simply not true. Labour attraction and retention have been ongoing issues in our …
Women in Automotive: The Answer to the Labour Crisis Read More »
The Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) conducted an industry survey on locating and purchasing recycled parts. The survey results are below. In September of 2021, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) announced that it will begin phasing out the Allied Recyclers Parts Locating (APL) system and replacing it with Car-Part.com. The announcement caught everyone off-guard, …
Bill C‑244, an act to amend the Copyright Act (Diagnosis, Maintenance, and Repair), is essentially about copyright, but in simpler terms, it is about the right to repair. On February 4, 2022, automotive and industry critic MP Brian Masse (Windsor West) tabled a new right-to-repair bill in Parliament to protect Canadian automotive car owners’ choice …