Canadian Automotive Repair and Maintenance in Turmoil
Monday, May 11, 2009 at 10:33AM 
By Derek Armstrong, Correspondent
With the automotive industry in turmoil, and ongoing discussions over “warranty” service — especially in the new reality of automotive manufacturers in restructuring mode — a new fight for market share emerged as independent repair shops in Canada fought back against “barriers to business” implied in automotive warranties. The issue involves consumer choice on one hand — the choice of where to repair automobiles, which inevitably will age as sales of new cars dwindle — government regulation on the other, backed by the implicit threat of warranty validity.
Independent repair shops are fully capable of the service, according to industry sources, but are not getting the training and information required from manufacturers who continue to see repairs and maintenance as critical to profitability. They characterize this as “unfair business practices.” Repair shops such as Mr. Lube, independents and even Canadian Tire are being kept in the dark on new technologies.
The issue is a problem for the government. Industry Minister Tony Clement prefers to see the manufacturers and independent repair shops come up with a private solution, rather than enforce a resolution, although the issue is tabled for debate today in the Canadian House of Commons.
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