Niagara Falls, Ontario — The Automotive Conference and Expo in Niagara Falls wrapped up Friday with series of sessions focused on dealership strategy, OEM certifications and the collision industry’s next wave of technology and training.
Sessions led by industry experts delivered insight into revenue potential, operational efficiency and the challenges facing both dealers and repairers as the market evolves.
In Driving Excellence – The Power of OE Certifications, John Niechwiadowicz, owner of QLC Inc. – which provides consulting and management training to automotive businesses across North America – outlined how dealerships without bodyshops can still capture collision opportunities and strengthen profitability.
John illustrated how dealers without collision centres could still unlock significant opportunity. Using a service lane calculator, he showed how an average of 30 daily vehicles with 41 percent showing damage could represent nearly $4 million in potential revenue.
The interactive discussion encouraged participants to share differing viewpoints and ideas for improving capture rates and collaboration with insurers.
Later, consultant Brandon Roy with NCM Associates, which provides dealership benchmarking, consulting and training programs across fixed and variable operations, presented Future-Proof Collision – From Chaos to Confidence. Roy, a third-generation industry professional, examined how consolidation, EVs, ADAS and AI are reshaping the sector – and what collision repair specialists can do to prepare for those changes.
“We need to inspect what we expect,” Roy said, stressing the importance of regular audits and strategies tailored to each market.
On the tradeshow floor, more than 70 suppliers met with attendees throughout the day.
“There’s lots of positive and engaging conversations with both dealerships and groups,” said Doug Sanders, regional manager at Hunter Engineering. “It provides a great sense of partnership, and as always we’re grateful to be here.”
