I-CAR International, the Inter-industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has announced that it will enter into negotiations with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) to reach an agreement under which AIA would be licensed to provide I-CAR training in Canada in the future.
In 2008, the I-CAR International Board of Directors established a task force of Canadian collision industry leaders to support the Board’s effort to find an appropriate solution to ensure that the Canadian inter-industry would have continued access to I-CAR products after I-CAR closes its current US-based regional operation. In 2009, this work continued. Last week, at I-CAR’s 30th Annual Industry Conference, as a result of the work of the task force and a “rigorous” proposal evaluation process, the I-CAR Board of Directors directed I-CAR staff to work with AIA in an effort to establish a solution that will meet the demands of the Canadian collision inter-industry for continued access to I-CAR training.
“Throughout the past year, the voice of the Canadian industry has been clear – there is a continued need and demand for I-CAR training,” said I-CAR President and CEO John Edelen. “We are glad to have reached this point in the process, and to have the potential to work with AIA on a solution that is the right solution to ensure that I-CAR training remains viable and accessible in Canada.”
Marc Brazeau, AIA President, noted, ”AIA is committed to the long-term well-being of the Collision sector in Canada and training, in this highly complex field, is essential to maintaining professionalism. We are hopeful that the next stage of discussions will result in a mutually beneficial agreement that will set the stage for I-CAR training in Canada for many years to come.”
“We are looking forward to working with AIA to achieve a solution that is right for Canada,” noted Edelen.
