Curbside Chat: Talking trends, tariffs, and technologies
On the latest episode of Curbside Chat, attendees at the 2025 AIA Canada National Conference at the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference (CAIC) were able to get an exclusive viewing and learn about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in Canada’s auto care sector and what businesses need to do to ensure long-term success.
Our host, Lorraine Sommerfeld, was joined by the CEO of Auto Care Association, Bill Hanvey; President of Piston Ring Service, Trevor Tennant; and independent consultant, Mathew Growden.
Canada’s auto care sector is a period of significant change. As new technologies emerge, the industry faces fundamental challenges—ranging from consumer protection and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) to evolving political pressures.
“Part of the challenge is the average consumer does not understand the good and the bad technology. When you drive to work in the morning, the car knows how much you weigh; it sees you drive to work Monday to Friday every day at 8:15 a.m. That data lives somewhere, and who owns it, or who controls that?” said Trevor Tennant.
In addition to the challenges surrounding emerging technologies, long-standing obstacles remain at the forefront of many conversations, such as the labour market and the importance of creating positive, welcoming workplace cultures. But within this complexity lies a chance to embrace, innovate, and create lasting value.
“If selling cars was a people business, half your staff would be winning. But they are not—so what is wrong? What is going on there?” said Mathew Growden.
On the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Bill Hanvey chimed in to provide insightful remarks on our industry and consumer base.
“It is ironic that we are still having the conversation about DEI when women make over 50 per cent of car-based decisions in the family. My team—we are inclusive, and we support women in auto. We have to stop the nonsense and accept people for who they are. Do a good job, contribute, and be a good teammate—that is all I want.”
Although each of our guests acknowledged the hurdles facing the industry and the need to adapt effectively, they remained optimistic about the future, offering valuable insights and strategies that businesses can learn from and apply.
About Curbside Chat
Curbside Chat is a video podcast series that provides auto care industry professionals a forum to speak about the issues important to the Canadian auto care industry with the people who make things happen. Watch now.