Editor's Message Don't go to your local dealer for information! The Canadian Automotive Service Information Standard (CASIS) became fully operational on May 1st 2010, as planned. Auto manufacturers are now providing the Canadian aftermarket repair industry with access to their OEM service & repair information, training information and tools at a level on par with what their authorized dealers have. This is the voluntary solution to the "Right to Repair" issue agreed to last September by the National Automotive Trades Association (NATA) the Association of International Automobile Manufactures of Canada (AIAMC) and the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association.

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Since May 1st NATA has received a number of calls from independent service providers who wished to report that their local dealer doesn't seem to want to cooperate with them by providing them with repair information.

NATA's response is that CASIS has nothing to do with the dealerships. The auto manufacturers are providing their information directly to you via special websites set up expressly for this purpose. A list of the OEM websites is posted at www.natacanada.ca.

What the CASIS means to the collision repair industry is that you can now complete certain repairs in-house that you previously had to send to a dealer. This includes re-flashing or reinitializing electronic components that were damaged in the collision or that require reactivation following repair. You'll also have better access to information about the various metals vehicles are constructed of and how to safely repair or replace structural parts.

With all the pressures around cycle time, cost control and proper repair procedures, this is something collision repair shops should take full advantage of. A lot of people worked very hard for a very long time to achieve the CASIS. It would be a shame if it were underutilized. Go to the NATA website for more information.

But now that you have this issue of Collision Quarterly open in front of you, let me say that we have once again assembled some first-class articles about training, management and technical issues that I'm sure you find valuable. Business seems to be picking up in many parts of the country, so our tenacity and patience have paid off. Have a great summer!

Rene Young,
Editor, Collision Quarterly,
publish@ara.bc.ca
604.432.7987

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