I-CAR Archives - BodyShop News

I-CAR Announces Gold Class For Accident Repair Centre Dandenong

I-CAR Australia has awarded Accident Repair Centre Dandenong (ARCD) in Victoria with I-CAR Gold Class Collision status.

“The team at ARCD entered the Road to Gold programme 12 months ago in order to meet the Holden requirements for their approved repairer network,” said Gary Wood, I-CAR Australia Gold Class Coordinator. “They have been regular participants in the I-CAR online Virtual Classroom courses and training organised through their paint supplier, PPG. It is great to see another Holden repairer gain the Gold Class accreditation and continue to set high standards within the industry.”

“ARCD Repair Centre Pty Ltd are delighted to have successfully obtained the I-CAR Gold shop rating,” said Theo Pagiamtzis, ARCD owner. “We have found the process both informative and challenging due to the changing vehicle structures, metals and repair requirements.

“The team of people at I-CAR, from the office staff to the instructors, have been helpful, supportive and a wealth of knowledge. We as a team found the training a great team-building exercise. It has been educating, refreshing and extremely rewarding both individually and as a company to achieve this accreditation.

“Thanks, I-CAR. We will work together to maintain our current level [of] Gold,” said Pagiamtzis.

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I-CAR Announces Gold Class For Spencer Panels

I-CAR Australia has announced that Spencer Panels in South Melbourne, Victoria has been awarded I-CAR Gold Class Collision status.

“As a Certified Holden Repairer, Spencer Panels entered into the Road to Gold programme 12 months ago with I-CAR,” said Gary Wood, I-CAR Australia Gold Class Coordinator. “They have been regular participants in live and virtual training sessions to meet the Gold Class training requirements. It is credit to all involved that they have achieved the Gold Class accreditation in the timeframe set out by Holden.

“Along with their values of quality and safety, Gold Class will complement the OEM-specific training Spencer Panels are committed to with the multiple badges they hold.”

“Initially the task of becoming an I-CAR Gold Class repairer seemed too difficult and a lot of extra work on top of day-to-day activities,” said David Truccolo, owner of Spencer Panels. “Having now achieved Gold Class Status, I can say that the process was rewarding.

“Not only have we increased the knowledge base of our workforce, but our workers have learnt extra things in the fields they have been working in for years, welding in particular.”

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I-CAR Announces Gold Class For Maddington Smash Repairs

I-CAR Australia has announced that Maddington Smash Repairs in Western Australia has been awarded I-CAR Gold Class Collision status.

“With I-CAR’s guidance, the team at Maddington Smash Repairs have proven that by planning and managing the training themselves, their objective of becoming an I-CAR Gold Class Repairer has been achieved,” said Gary Wood, Gold Class Coordinator.

“Their effective management skills and dedication to performing complete, safe and quality repairs are essential to the success of this accreditation. I-CAR have been impressed with Maddington’s motivation and ability to complete the required training and we believe that the company fully deserves this recognition. Maddington Smash Repairs have now joined the impressive number of Car Craft businesses to achieve the I-CAR Gold Class accreditation.”

“We are so excited and proud to have achieved I-CAR Gold Class accreditation,” said Darren Templeton, owner of Maddington Smash Repairs. “Our staff have embraced their training and shown enthusiasm for gaining knowledge within their specialised areas. The training provided by I-CAR ensures that we are up to date with the latest technology and safety.”

Being a part of the Car Craft group has meant that we have always strived for perfection in providing the best quality repairs to our customers and now we can prove it.”

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I-CAR Announces New Gold Class Insurer

I-CAR Australia has announced that RACQ Insurance, QLD, has been awarded the I-CAR Gold Class Insurer status.

“We’re proud to be recognised for investing in ongoing training and development of our motoring assessors at the highest industry level,” said Brian Woodrow, Manager of Technical Support at RACQ. “Our members’ trust is paramount to us so this endorsement shows they are being looked after by the best in the business. As vehicle and repair technologies continue to evolve, RACQ is committed to equipping our team with leading-edge skills to deliver a seamless repairer and member experience.

“Our partnership with the I-CAR team has been very positive, and we look forward to continued engagement in the future.”

“RACQ Insurance has shown an unwavering commitment to technical training and as a result have achieved I-CAR Gold Class Insurer status,” said I-CAR Australia’s CEO, Mark Czvitkovits. “The I-CAR Gold Class accreditation is the highest level of technical training within the industry and ensures that all assessing staff have the skills, knowledge and expertise to ensure safe and complete repairs for their members. This is a great achievement by everyone at RACQ Insurance.

“As Australia’s fifth insurer to achieve Gold Class, it underlines the importance of training when providing a service to deliver complete, safe and quality repairs on modern vehicles.”

To achieve Insurer Gold Class, a minimum of 75 per cent of an insurance company’s assessing staff must have been awarded the Platinum Individual designation.

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I-CAR Announces Gold Class For DSI Panels

I-CAR Australia has awarded DSI Panels in Victoria the prestigious I-CAR Gold Class Collision status.

“David, Clarissa and Daniel approached us in January to develop a training plan that would see the business achieve I-CAR Gold Class status,” said Gary Wood, Gold Class Coordinator at I-CAR.

“DSI have been regular participants in I-CAR training in recent years so it was not a difficult process to outline the training requirements for them. They have achieved their goal within the timeframe we discussed through regular participation in Virtual Classroom training and the I-CAR Steel Welding Certification.

“The Gold Class accreditation demonstrates the exceptional standards set by DSI Panels and emphasises the commitment to their staff and customers alike.”

“We are so proud to receive our I-CAR Gold Class accreditation,” said DSI Panels’ David Iacobucci. “DSI is committed to employee development and our team found the training well-structured and engaging. I-CAR has made it easy for us to continue improving our employee knowledge and skills to ensure we never compromise on customer service and safety.

“We could not recommend I-CAR training highly enough and look forward to continuing to improve our knowledge of our great industry. Thanks so much to Gary, Jason and the team.”

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I-CAR Australia And Audi Australia Announce Training Programme

Audi Australia is pleased to announce a new training programme for Australian technicians, for local body repair.

This new programme provides an industry-leading development pathway for body technicians, as well as providing a local cost-effective training and certification programme for the Audi Approved Repairer network.

Audi Australia and AUDI AG, in partnership with I-CAR Australia and the SAPE Group, have co-developed a programme that not only includes international Audi recognition, but also, I-CAR international certification and accreditation. The programme utilises a local state-of-the-art training facility in Sydney, with Audi approved special tooling and equipment.

“This partnership not only provides body technicians with the best platform to improve their knowledge and skills, but it supports our Audi Approved Repairer network with a sophisticated programme that ensures our team is equipped with skills that lead the industry,” said Jerome Figuiere, Aftersales Director at Audi Australia.

“I-CAR Australia has a long-standing relationship with Audi and this recent announcement continues to show our mutual commitment to delivering up-to-date, relevant body technician training to all Audi Approved Repairers,” said Mark Czvitkovits, CEO of I-CAR Australia.

Upon completion of the programme, technicians receive joint certifications from Audi and I-CAR Platinum Individual, which supports Audi Approved Repairers to fulfil the requirement to become an I-CAR Gold Class repairer.

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Business

I-CAR Awards Insurer Gold Class To Auto & General Insurance

I-CAR Australia’s Gold Class Coordinator, Gary Wood, announced that Auto & General Insurance has been awarded the prestigious I-CAR Gold Class Insurer status.

“Auto & General is very pleased to be awarded Gold Class Insurer status by I-CAR Australia,” said Anthony Matthews, General Manager Assessing. At Auto & General we realise that our biggest asset is our people, and partnering with I-CAR we are committed to ensuring our assessors are best in class, highly skilled and equipped to manage the ongoing developments in the smash repair industry.

“Auto & General is proud to partner with I-CAR to ensure that our assessors understand our customers’ needs, make the process easy the first time and every time, and with our partner repairers, ensure every car is returned to customers with the required repair specifications.”

“To achieve Insurer Gold Class, a minimum of 75 per cent of an insurance company’s assessing staff must have been awarded the Platinum Individual designation,” said I-CAR’s Gary Wood.

“Auto & General Insurance has shown a great commitment to I-CAR’s Professional Development Program to meet those requirements and as a result have achieved I-CAR Gold Class Insurer status. This will ensure that all assessing staff have the skills and knowledge to provide safe repairs for their members. Congratulations to everyone at Auto & General Insurance on a fantastic achievement.”

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Killen’s Smash Repairs Strikes Gold With I-CAR

I-CAR Australia Gold Class Coordinator Gary Wood announced that Killen’s Smash Repairs in Armidale, New South Wales has been awarded the prestigious I-CAR Gold Class Collision status.

“I am extremely pleased to award Killen’s Smash Repairs I-CAR Gold Class status,” said Wood. “Michael and the team have been regular participants in I-CAR training for a number of years. They made the decision to join the Road to Gold 12 months ago and have now successfully met all the requirements for I-CAR Gold Class status.

Through a combination of virtual classroom sessions, ITA training in conjunction with PPG and participation in the I-CAR welding certification, they fully deserve the recognition. Well done to everyone at Killen’s Smash Repairs.”

“Killen’s Smash Repairs are very proud to have achieved I-CAR Gold Class,” said Michael Killen. “We have valued I-CAR training since it began in Australia and believe that it provides direct benefits to our business, in helping us to ensure that our repairs are completed to the highest possible standard and our clients can be confident that we are delivering the safest possible repair.

“We are also very proud of the fact that as part of our Road to Gold training, all of our panel technicians have achieved structural weld certification. We look forward to continuing our training commitment with I-CAR into the future.”

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Technology - Products

Axalta Services Offers Course To Help Redefine Body Shop Processes

Axalta is offering an I-CAR-approved Lean Foundations Course designed for body shop owners, managers and team leaders to improve processes and reduce waste in their body shop.

With ongoing time and cost pressures from insurance companies and work providers, collision repairers are constantly looking for ways to “do more with less”. Axalta says Lean Foundations is a highly interactive one-day course that allows participants to walk away with an in-depth understanding of tools and techniques to drive efficiency and profitability in their shop. It will also present easy-to-understand concepts and tools that help participants challenge and refine their processes using the knowledge and skills of their own employees.

The company says the principles and tools discussed in the course provide an ideal foundation for removing waste and improving processes within a body shop. While short-term gains or improvements are often made, process improvement either stalls or regresses. That’s where the company says its Axalta Services team excels in its presentation of the course, giving tips on where process improvements become derailed and how to get things back on track.

Axalta’s training alliance with I-CAR means that upon completion of the Lean Foundations course, an attendee will be awarded credit hours that can be applied towards the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals and Platinum Individual designations, or be used to meet role relevant annual training requirements.

The training dates for Lean Foundations in 2019 are:

Adelaide 13 March
Brisbane 20 March
Sydney 27 March
Melbourne 8 May
Perth 15 May

Full details on Axalta Services and the latest courses available can be found at www.axalta.com.au/AxaltaServices.

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I-CAR Australia Awards Gold Class To More Shops

I-CAR Australia Gold Class Coordinator Gary Wood announced that Sommerville Smash Repairs in Nerang, Queensland and Wayne Phipps Smash Repairs in Midland, Western Australia have been awarded the prestigious I-CAR Gold Class Collision status.

“Chris first approached us just over 12 months ago with an interest in becoming Gold Class accredited,” said Wood. “Following the training plan created for his shop, the staff have been regular participants in virtual training sessions and have been a pleasure to deal with. I look forward to continuing the relationship with Chris and the team at Sommerville Smash.”

“On behalf of the Sommerville Smash Repairs team, we are mighty proud of our latest achievement of I-CAR Gold status, we thank all the I-CAR team for their assistance throughout the journey, and a special thanks to Axalta,” said Chris Agnew.

“It has been a great month for everyone involved at Wayne Phipps Smash Repairs,” added Wood. “Along with achieving I-CAR Gold Class status they have also become part of the Holden Certified Repairer Network. Wayne Phipps Smash Repairs join an exclusive group of repairers who continue to set high standards in the industry.”

“Wayne Phipps is extremely proud to have achieved I-CAR Gold status,” said Wayne Phipps. “It has taken some time and energy but has been worth the ride. Staff at Wayne Phipps Smash Repairs have been enthusiastic and competitive during the journey.

“All of us at Wayne Phipps Smash Repairs look forward to working with I-CAR on our journey of continuous improvement.”

Wayne Phipps Smash Repairs.

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