NATA congratulates Canadian auto manufacturers on reaching CASIS implementation. May 3, 2010 - Following the signing of the CASIS agreement between the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC), the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) and the National Automotive Trade Association (NATA) in September 2009, Canadian automotive manufacturers have been working aggressively towards the stated goal of implementing the CASIS on May 1, 2010. NATA is pleased to announce that this stated goal has been met. Read more...
NATA website updated in conjunction with CASIS implementation
December 31, 2009 - In order to prepare our website for the May 2010 deadline for implementation of the CASIS agreement, we began a complete upgrade in December 2009. NATA's role, as defined in the CASIS agreement requires a number of new features and French translation. Some features will be added over the first few months of 2010, but the new-look site is now up and running.
CASIS announcement video on YouTube:
CASIS announcement video on YouTube PART TWO:
CASIS announcement video on YouTube PART THREE:
Motion to Withdraw Bill C-273 Carried by Committee!
Ottawa ON, October 28, 2009 - Following approximately 90 minutes of witness presentations, questions and answers during the hearing in front of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Science and Technology this afternoon, MP Brian Masse tabled a motion that his private member's bill C-273 ("Right to repair") is sent back to the House of Commons with a recommendation that it proceed no further. Masse and his colleagues on the committee were satisfied with the presentations by witnesses from the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA), the National Automotive Trades Association (NATA), the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association (CVMA) and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC) and by the answers to questions put to those association representatives. It was agreed by all parties that legislation is no longer necessary due to the signing of the "CASIS" voluntary agreement and that the agreement should be given a chance to prove itself. The motion was carried.
Automakers and Aftermarket Call for Withdrawal of Bill C-273
Ottawa ON, October 28, 2009 - Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) supports the CASIS agreement. Read the press release here ►
CASIS Task Force Issues Interpretation Guideline
Ottawa ON, October 14, 2009 - In response to questions raised about the reference to "engine calibrations" within the definition of "Data Stream Information" in the CASIS, the task force issued an interpretation guideline on October 14th to clarify the intent of that clause. This interpretation guideline has satisfied the concerns raised and is an example of how quickly and efficiently the task force can respond to emerging issues. Read the CASIS Interpretation Guideline here ►
NATA signs Voluntary Agreement with Canadian Auto Manufacturers, Solves "Right to Repair" issue
Ottawa, September 29, 2009 - Automakers have partnered with Canadian service and repair shops to enhance consumers' ability to have their vehicles serviced in their local repair shops.
Dale Finch (NATA) announces the agreement as the honourable Tony Clement (left) looks on.
"We are pleased to enter into this voluntary national agreement with Canada's automotive OEMs on behalf of Canada's service and repair industry," stated Dale Finch, National Automotive Trades Association's Executive Vice President. "This agreement ensures that all auto
manufacturers will provide access to service and repair information which will increase competition in the Canada's service and repair industry to the benefit of Canadian consumers." Read the press release here ►
Related information:
The CASIS agreement, backgrounder, Q&A, CASIS vs. legislation comparison chart, portal to OEM technical information websites, etc. Go ►
Other News:
Small Business Financing Now Available for Spray Booths and Other Equipment
May 26, 2009 With small shops facing significant financial burdens in buying new equipment to meet the requirements of water-based paint application, Industry Canada has announced a program that should help.
"One of the issues we continually raised with Environment Canada during the low-VOC paint discussions, was the real difficulties that small shops were experiencing at the bank or their financial institution where credit rules have been toughened," said John Norris, NATA Collision Chair. "This program allows lenders a much high degree of safety and security in lending equipment financing monies to shops."
The program under the Small Business Financing Directorate of Industry Canada (CSBF) will allow small for-profit businesses with gross annual revenues of less than $5 million, to better access up to $350,000 for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property or purchasing or improving new or used equipment (like a spray booth).
Discuss your business needs with a financial officer at any bank, caisse populaire or credit union in Canada. The financial officer will review your business proposal and make a decision on your loan application. Once the decision is made to offer financing under the program, the financial institution will register the loan with Industry Canada.
Loans can be used for financing up to 90% of the cost. You can use the money to finance buildings and lands, commercial vehicles and production equipment. Maximum chargeable rate by your financial institution is the lender's prime lending rate plus 3% for variable rate loans with fixed rate amounts being lender's single-family residential mortgage rate plus 3%.
A registration fee of 2% of the total amount loaned under the program must also be paid by the borrower to the lender, and can be financed as part of the loan. Lenders are required to take security on the assets financed. The registration fee and a portion of the interest are submitted to Industry Canada by the lender to help offset the costs of this program for the government. For more information please go to: www.ic.gc.ca/csbfa ►
