Ford Motor Company of Canada announced that it has launched the Ford National Body Shop Network to identify, certify and promote dealership and independent collision repair providers across all of Canada. Ford has selected Certified Collision Care, the Canadian division of Assured Performance Network, as its strategic partner to administer and manage its body shop certification program and national network.

Assured Performance Network states that Ford Motor Company of Canada will be an integral strategic partner leveraging the joint-effort collision repair facility certification services, infrastructure and turnkey program offered by Certified Collision Care. By leveraging the existing certification process, Assured Performance says, Ford is able to eliminate redundant costs, making certification more affordable for their dealerships and independently owned repair businesses that can meet their requirements.

The Ford National Body Shop Network program was created to promote certified dealership and independent collision repair providers to Ford vehicle owners and insurers. The requirements are based upon the essential tools, equipment, training and facilities necessary to repair all Ford and Lincoln vehicles back to manufacturer specifications, including the new high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy used in the F-150 and Super Duty. This new program will provide dealers and independent collision repair facilities that meet the minimum requirements to be certified by Ford Motor Company of Canada and participate in the Ford National Body Shop Network. The program will ensure that Ford vehicle owners can choose a certified collision repair provider to return their vehicle to OEM specifications and ensure that the vehicle’s fit, finish, durability, functionality, value and safety are preserved.

All qualified repair businesses can enroll in the Ford National Body Shop Network certification program starting Dec. 5th, 2016. Certified shops will receive special Ford Certified signage as part of the Certified Collision Care program and a listing on the consumer-facing online shop locators and Smart Apps.

“We are very excited to partner with Ford Motor Company of Canada to add the Ford National Body Shop Network Certifed Program to our Certified shop’s credentials,” said Leanne Jefferies, vice president, Canadian Operations. “Our joint-effort certification program provides top-performing collision repairers an effective means to differentiate themselves in their market by aligning with the most powerful brands in the automotive industry.”