Fix Auto Australia announced that Fix Auto Wangara, owned and operated by Andy Allen in Western Australia, is the latest shop to join the Australian Fix Auto network, effective October 4. Originally from the United Kingdom, Andy Allen relocated to Australia in the early 1990s, after marrying wife Gail, whom he met when they both […]
Fix Auto Adds Collision Repair Center to Network in Western Australia
Fix Auto Australia announced the addition of Fix Auto Osborne Park, owned and operated by Tony and Steve LoPrestri, to its collision repair network in Australia. Tony LoPresti, a seasoned industry professional, opened his first panel shop in 1971. In 1992, after moving several times as his business continued to expand, he found a permanent […]
Australia’s Capital S.M.A.R.T Launces Collision Repair Apprentice Program
Capital S.M.A.R.T, the Australia-based multiple collision repair facility operator with more than 40 locations in Australia and New Zealand, announced it launched its first dedicated apprentice training site. S.M.A.R.T has created an accelerated program in partnership with PPG and Kangan Automotive Centre of Excellence which will enable its apprentices to develop their skills quickly by […]
Australia Competition Commission Recommends Mandatory OEM Technical Information Access Regulations, Eliminate Parts Sales Restrictions
Competition authority recommends mandatory regulation to assure repair information access, eliminate parts sales restrictions to independent repairers, concerns over high OEM parts margins for vehicle manufacturers compared to other international markets. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) yesterday released the draft report of its market study into Australia’s new car retailing industry. The report […]
Fix Auto Adds Collision Repair Center to Network in Australia
Terry Feehan, Head of Business for Fix Auto Australia announced the addition of Fix Auto Welshpool, owned and operated by Mark Zeyad Damer to its network, effective July 27. In 2003, after ten years of learning and refining his craft, and inspired by his father, Mark opened his own collision repair center, Swan Smash Repairs. […]
I-CAR Australia Adds Charles Darwin University as Education Resource
I-CAR Australia CEO Mark Czvitkovits announced that Charles Darwin University (CDU) will deliver select I-CAR courses to meet the requirements for AUR32116 and AUR32416 training packages for apprentices. Grant Mauger, VET Lecturer/Workplace Assessor – Vehicle Body said, “The newly signed MOU between CDU and I-CAR Australia will expand opportunities for local NT apprentices to undertake […]
Axalta Opens New Training Center in Western Australia
Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE:AXTA) recently opened a new training facility in Bentley, Perth, Australia. The center will become the key training destination for refinishers from the Western Australian region, focusing on the use of Axalta’s refinish and industrial products to help maximize refinishers’ skill-sets and keep them up-to-date with latest technology and techniques. “Axalta’s new […]
Axalta and TAFE NSW Celebrate Inaugural Training Graduation in Australia
Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE:AXTA) celebrated the success of its partnership with educational institute TAFE New South Wales, with the graduation of its inaugural program’s first students. TAFE, or Technical and Further Education, is Australia’s leading provider for vocational education and training courses. The program will help address Australia’s shortage of skilled technicians for auto repair […]
Australia’s AMA Group Acquires Seven Collision Repair Centers, Plans Three Greenfield Locations
The AMA Group provided an update on its expansion announced the acquisition of seven collision repair centers and plans for three new greenfield sites. These acquisitions will be funded using existing financial resources. The total anticipated consideration for the acquisition transactions is AU$6.23 million ($4.85 million) and will provide incremental revenue of AU$22.5 million ($17.57 […]
Fix Auto Australia Adds Collision Repair Center to Network in Burnbury
Fix Auto Australia announced the addition of Fix Auto Bunbury, owned and operated by Ryan Youngman, to the Fix Auto network, effective today. Shop owner Ryan Youngman got his start in the collision repair industry in 2008, by servicing paint shops that did not have their own paint department. In 2012, he purchased one of […]