TORONTO — Automechanika Canada, which takes place June 19-21, at the International Centre in Toronto, Ontario, will offer seminars designed to help aftermarket professionals succeed in these changing times.
Highlighting the program are a keynote address by Bob Greenwood, an award-winning automotive aftermarket industry expert; seven industry seminars; and nine educational courses.
Additionally, the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) and the Ontario Tire Dealers Association (OTDA), two of the show’s industry partners, will contribute to the seminar program, and OTDA will sponsor the exclusive Tire & Wheel Pavilion within Automechanika Canada.
The following sessions are being announced:
Keynote Session: Defining 10 Objectives That Will Secure a Positive Aftermarket Future
Speaker Robert (Bob) Greenwood, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd. (AAEC) and E.K. Williams & Co. (Ontario) Ltd. (EKW), will share his more than 32 years of experience in business management within the automotive aftermarket industry and address his vision for the automotive aftermarket’s future with a strategic five-year plan that establishes 10 important objectives.
Then, Now and the Need for Change – This is Not Your Father’s Garage! and Start Me Up in the 21st Century – Today’s Successful Garage
Established in 1984, Eccles Auto Service has been built on a commitment to providing exceptional automotive service. Bruce Eccles, the shop’s owner and driving force behind the shop’s award-winning reputation, will present two seminars focused on the business of a successful garage. Drawing on his experience, Eccles will address industry changes and issues, suggest new opportunities and promotions, and share how a customer-centered approach is at the foundation of a successful shop.
Automotive and the Environment
Usman Valiante, senior policy analyst with Corporate Policy Group and Glenn Warnica, president of the Ontario Tire Dealers Association, will present a session on taking a responsible and sensible approach to product stewardship in the automotive industry, focused on free enterprise and incentives to produce higher-value, end-use products versus “new taxation.” Details of the OnTRED (Ontario Tire Recycling and Economic Development Program) will also be discussed.
Advanced Charging and Starting Systems
Changes in newer charging and starting systems, and the challenges and opportunities they create, are the topic of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association’s Mohammad Samii’s seminar. The session’s objective is to enable well-trained technicians to easily diagnose, repair and profit from knowing how these newer systems work and interface, and how the PCM activates, controls and monitors such systems. In this seminar, details of the newer systems will be explained and information and case studies will be presented to help technicians with diagnostics and repair.
Used Tires: Liabilities, Advantages and Dangerous Government Safety Standards
The liabilities and advantages of the sale and purchase of used tires to the tire dealer and to the consumer is the focus of Paul Hyatt’s seminar. In addition, the presentation will cover the low safety standards adhered to and promoted by the Ontario government and the potential high risks to consumers’ safety and to tire dealers’ liability. Paul Hyatt is president of Superior Tire, former president of the Tire Industry Association and a director of the Ontario Tire Dealers Association.
For more information and a full schedule of the seminar and educational opportunities, visit www.AutomechanikaCanada.com.
