Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
Automotive Industries Association Of Canada | The voice and the resources for the automotive aftermarket industry in Canada. Supports industry advocacy, compliance, standards and education about best practice. AIA also manage the following institutions:
- Canadian Collision Industry Forum | The CCIF facilitates networking and information sharing among collision industry stakeholders. The CCIF holds three meetings per year in different provinces. Participating businesses receive a copy of the survey results.
- Canadian Collision Industry Accreditation Program | Accredits business in line with industry standards.
Automotive Retailers Association | BC specific organisation representing businesses across the automotive industries, their Collision Repair Division “represents the interest of auto body shop businesses”. They are publishers of the following magazine:
- Collision Quarterly Magazine | Published four times per year, print and digital copies available
National Automotive Trades Association | An “association of associations” representing the Canadian automotive industry at a national level.
International Associations
Library of Congress: Automotive Industry | The Library of Congress has compiled a list of associations and organizations associated with the automobile Industry.
Auto Care Association | The voice of the auto care industry, the Auto Care Association provides advocacy, educational, networking, technology, market intelligence and communications resources.
Automotive Service Association (ASA) | The ASA is the largest not-for-profit trade association dedicated to independent automotive service, repair, and collision professionals, providing advocacy, education, resources, networking, and business support for shop owners and their teams.
Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA) | A not-for-profit trade association, AMRA is an alliance of automotive professionals responsible for standards delivering peace of mind to the motorist.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Automotive News Canada | A more general automotive industry magazine, published 12 times per year, print and digital.
Collision Repair Mag | Published six times per year, free digital subscription and paid print subscription available. You can view past issues here.
Ratchet+Wrench | Published monthly, Ratchet+Wrench empowers auto care and service center leaders with expert-driven insights and strategies to build the shops of the future. Past issues are archived here.
ShopOwner | Published monthly, ShopOwner is a source for business and technical intelligence for automotive repair shop professionals. A digital archive of past issues is available here.
Vehicle Service Pros | A source for latest tools and equipment, service repair, and aftermarket distribution news. Past editions of Professional Tool & Equipment News, Professional Distributor, Motor Age, VSP - Supplements and Guides, and Aftermarket Business World can be found here.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Blogs, Podcasts & Discussion Forums
Blogs
Automotive Training Centres | The Automotive Training Centres’ blog shares news, industry insights, training tips, and practical advice on automotive careers, skills development, and the auto industry to support students and professionals in their journey.
Podcasts
Automotive Diagnostic Podcast | A space to explore the diagnostic & technology side of automotive repair. We discuss tools, techniques, & ideas to sharpen your skills. We'll also interview experts in the automotive field.
Beyond the Wrench with Jay Goninen | Host Jay Goninen, Co-Founder and President of WrenchWay, interviews shop owners, technicians, educators, and industry professionals to share real-world insights and strategies shaping the future of shops and dealerships.
Changing the Industry Podcast | This podcast is dedicated to changing the automotive industry for the better, one conversation at a time.
Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z | Matt Fanslow's Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast is a wide-open perspective on all aspects of the automotive aftermarket from a working diagnosticians' point of view.
Grease The Wheels Podcast | From the perspective of the technicians turning the wrenches, this podcast breaks down the modern automotive industry through hands-on experience, shop-floor truth, and the history and culture behind the cars.
The Jaded Mechanic Podcast | Hosted by Jeff, with more than 20 years of experience, this podcast is a journey of reflection and insight into the tolls and triumphs of a career in automotive repair.
Discussion Forums
International Automotive Technicians Network | A professional automotive discussion forum for technical, shop management, and the auto industry.
AutoShopOwner | The AutoShopOwner forums are an online community where automotive repair shop owners and professionals discuss shop management, business strategy, marketing, operations, technical topics, tools, training, and industry trends to share advice and support each other.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.