I-CAR announced at the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) meeting in Toronto on Jan. 24 that it will be seeking a Canadian firm to which it can transition its Canadian operations for collision repair training.

Robby Robbs, Chairman of the I-CAR International Board of Directors, said that the move is “in response to the International Board of Directors’ mandate that the Canadian market establish the manner in which I-CAR would be best structured to serve the industry” (click HERE for more information).

“Early indications of market interest are encouraging. However, I would strongly suggest that now is the time for industry leaders at a national, regional and local level across all industry segments to step up,” Robbs said, adding that without I-CAR, “the industry is at risk of each repair serving as the training ground for new technology.”

Operations in Canada are continuing as usual while the training organization seeks a potential licensee.

“We are continuing to do what we do – scheduling I-CAR classes, conducting I-CAR training and working to support the training needs of the inter-industry,” said John Edelen, president and CEO. “We intend to continue to do so as we transition to a Canadian industry-supported alternative.”
 
I-CAR says it expects to complete the transition by the end of 2009. Robbs noted that interested parties must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by March 1 to move further in the process and to submit a detailed proposal outlining a business plan that will successfully incorporate the I-CAR vision in future operations in Canada. The I-CAR Canadian Task Force will evaluate proposals in mid-June and hopes to have a recommendation for a licensee in July.

Canadian firms interested in participating in I-CAR’s Request for Proposal (RFP) process can access the EOI document at www.i-car.ca/eoi.