Thank you for Subscribing to Auto Business Outlook Weekly Brief
Auto Business Outlook: Specials Magazine
Magna International
Designing & Collecting Automotive Supply Chain Packaging for Recycling
Leading companies in the automotive industry have announced long-term sustainability goals aspiring to advance positive environmental, economic, and community impacts on the road toward carbon neutrality. Alongside major industry sustainability efforts related to vehicle design and manufacturing operations, we have been working to address additional sustainability impacts and opportunities within a much less visible but still critical aspect of the industry – automotive packaging materials. Many different packaging materials are currently used in the automotive industry to ship parts damage-free through the supply chain. Returnable containers are a staple in the automotive industry for domestic shipments, and the outer container is typically recycled or reused after the life of the program. The internal plastic dunnage – including materials such as cross-link foams, plastic films, and other low-weight plastics – however, can often end up in a landfill today due to mixed material compositions and challenges in economically collecting and transporting these materials from automotive facilities to recyclers. Considering the scale and volume of materials moving through the automotive supply chain, the potential to recapture these plastic dunnage materials presents a significant sustainability and economic opportunity. Working through the industry association, the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP), we are bringing together a team of automakers, component suppliers, packaging suppliers, and recyclers to identify new opportunities to support the development of viable cyclical material recovery processes for these plastic dunnage materials. As a first step, our team recently led the development of new sustainable packaging guidelines for the automotive industry identifying actionable opportunities to minimize automotive packaging waste by addressing potential barriers to recyclability in the design phase and highlighting more readily recyclable al
For automotive dealerships, customer retention does not happen by chance. It is the result of quality protection products and consistent service. Auto Shield is an expert in equipping dealerships with protection programs that incentivize customers to return for service and new purchases. Its slogan—drive with certainty—reflects the belief that a protected customer is always a happy customer. This principle runs through every aspect of its services. It is most evident in the warranty programs offered to multi-store dealers and new-car retailers. “We listen to our dealers,” says Don Miller, founder. “Our focus is on their satisfaction and on helping dealers retain customers, whether for new car purchases or repairs and maintenance.” Programs are created with clear terms and conditions, giving dealers and their customers a straightforward understanding of what is covered and what is not. Clarity is the baseline for innovation, laying the groundwork for a range of premium protection programs. It’s also clear that Auto Shield takes a consultative sales approach with their sales, distribution and dealer partners. This approach strengthens dealer–customer relationships and creates a solid foundation for clients’ long-term growth. Auto Shield Canada’s growing portfolio covers lease and trade wear, road hazard, guaranteed asset and theft protection, graphene protection coating, drive protect extended warranty and job loss coverage. Each product is designed to safeguard customers and empower dealers to serve them better. Every program is supported by a white-glove concierge service across claims handling, customer care and accounting administration, positioning the company as a best-in-class warranty provider. Its proprietary technology underpins embedded products, API integrations, co-branding opportunities and real-time KPI claims reporting. A new white-glove reporting platform is in the pipeline, which will give dealers greater visibility. Dealers benefit from a strong financial base built on an interrelated group of firms, comprising a licensed insurance broker and a nationally licensed claims handler. It is also a Lloyd’s cover holder and backed by an A-rated insurance partner with deep knowledge of the automotive industry. This foundation ensures reliable dealer-focused programs while supporting growth through embedded products, private-label and co-branding solutions, seamless technology integrations and advanced reporting tools..
Electric Vehicle Charging Solution
Miller Electric Company
Bridging the Gap between Tradition and Tomorrow in EV Solutions
Kerri Stewart, Chief Strategy Officer
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is driving a major shift in infrastructure as cities and regions transition from traditional fuel stations to EV charging stations. In North America, ambitious government goals to cut carbon emissions are accelerating this change. Charging stations are now common at malls, offices, and public spaces. The increase in EV adoption has created a need for expanded grids, upgraded utilities, and new approaches to energy generation and storage. Though the transition is complex, the push toward a cleaner, electrified future is rapidly gaining momentum. At the forefront of this transformation is Miller Electric Company, a long-standing leader in energy and electrical infrastructure services. They focus on renewable energy integration and innovative technology to support businesses in adopting EV solutions, with a specialized public testing facility and full project management. “Our 95 years of expertise and comprehensive in-house capabilities allow us to offer a proven end-to-end approach that accelerates our clients’ electrification journey, all while keeping the future in focus,” says Kerri Stewart, Chief Strategy Officer at Miller Electric. A Scalable Workforce and Extensive Experience Miller Electric Company operates as a family-owned business and an IBEW Union shop with 20 offices across the U.S. They employ over 3,500 skilled professionals—3,000 of whom are licensed electricians. This extensive team of skilled trade professionals gives the company the ability to scale quickly for large projects such as data centers, healthcare facilities, and advanced manufacturing construction. Miller Electric handles projects of all sizes in the EV charging space and focuses on serving industries where energy and technology are essential to delivering exceptional value to critical projects. Miller Electric Company offers full lifecycle project management for EV charging infrastructure, providing support at every stage of the project journey—from consultation to design, engineering, and installation. Miller Electric’s consultative approach helps clients, from property owners to charge point operators with networks across North America, navigate the requirements of EV installations. This early involvement minimizes delays and ensures optimal outcomes. Miller Electric also manages permitting, utility coordination, regulatory compliance, equipment procurement, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the long-term success of the infrastructure they build.
Stolen Vehicle Tracking System
TAG TRACKING
Making Auto Theft and Recovery Yesterday’s Challenge
Freddy Marcantonio, Vice President of Business Development
Tag Tracking is championing an advanced layered, customer-focused approach to auto theft prevention and recovery. A North American leader in Prevention, Electronic Identification/Etching, vehicle tracking and recovery of stolen vehicles, it has become synonymous with the excellence of risk management programs in Quebec and Ontario, and it has saved close to 200 million dollars for the damage insurance industry in the region. Leveraging its three decades of industry experience, Tag Tracking has developed a deep reservoir of insights into the complexities of vehicle theft to provide consumers and the damage insurance industry with a very affordable solution coupled with Prevention, Electronic Identification/Etching, vehicle tracking and recovery systems. Its expertise covers the entire spectrum, from the modus operandi of organized crime syndicates to the various methods used for vehicle exportation and Re-Vining. This ability has powered the company to significantly contribute to minimizing auto theft insurance claims and vehicle financial risk. “We’re constantly improving, studying habits, patterns and operations to hinder the auto thief’s ability to disable our product, making it very difficult for anyone to neutralize our multi-level system.” says Freddy Marcantonio, vice president of business development. Layered Protection for Total Security While car theft poses a significant challenge for many, it is no test for Tag Tracking. It employs a sophisticated, multi-level approach to vehicle protection, beginning with prevention. Permanently etching its logo onto vehicles on passenger and driver’s side windows is the first step. This serves as a visible yet discreet reminder of the vehicle’s enhanced security, effectively reducing its appeal to potential thieves. According to insurance industry statistics, vehicles protected by Tag Tracking's system experience a significantly lower incidence of theft of over 90%. Electronic identification forms the second layer of protection. This strategy involves installing a series of cutting-edge Nano-Tags throughout the vehicle. These are miniature, waterproof transponders the size of a grain of rice. The tiny RFID-enabled Nano-Tags are discreetly embedded in vehicle parts, which are highly sought after by thieves. Our miniature transponders each have their own unique serial number. The Nano Tag devices will easily identify the vehicle parts as stolen, making them harder to buy and sell. If the sale of a stolen vehicle part is attempted, these devices act as a warning label, exposing the parts as being obtained illegally. Tracking and recovery form the third layer; Tag Tracking’s trained technicians conceal a varied number of wireless transmitters throughout a vehicle, making it very challenging for thieves to locate and remove. The tracking transmitters are permanently entrenched throughout the interior or exterior of the vehicle. The installation process ensures that the removal of the transmitters (Tags) cannot be done without causing damage to the vehicle. These transmitters are programmed to emit signals that are received daily by the Tag Tracking security central via our encrypted antenna/ infrastructure. All transmissions via the multiple Tag kit units received by our security central are permanently recorded and kept in our protected database. In the event of a theft, these devices are activated in real-time and can be tracked at any time, anywhere in North America.
Aftermarket
How to Stay Ahead in the Automotive Aftermarket
Aaron Shaffer, Director of Marketing Services, Standard Motor Products [NYSE: SMP]
Auto Finance
Aiming for an Energy-Efficient World
Trent Randles, Engineering Manager, BorgWarner [NYSE: BWA]
Auto Finance
Evolving Manufacturing: The Strategic Role of Industrial Fastener Distribution
Blake Ritter, Branded Products Segment Manager, Lincoln Industries
Auto Finance
Securing the Future: Leading Through Complexity and Change
Jeremy Thompson, Senior Director of Security, Highline Warren
Auto Finance
FORVIA's Innovative Software UX Products Enhance Cockpit Experience and Elevates Driver Safety
Tara Akhavan, Executive Advisor, FORVIA
IN MY OPINION
Auto Finance
Safeguarding Data Privacy
Reynaldo Gonzalez, Principal Cybersecurity Architect, Cummins Inc
LAST WORD
Auto Finance
From Corporate Confusion to Career Fulfillment: 45 Years in Automotive
Dan Lovekamp, Director of Training, Auffenberg Dealer Group
IN FOCUS
Key Growth Factors of the Automotive Aftermarket in Canada
The automotive aftermarket is growing due to rising vehicle ownership, digital transformation, e-commerce expansion, and increasing demand for cost-effective maintenance, sustainability, and advanced repair solutions worldwide.
Canadian Automotive Warranties: Adapting to Technology and Consumer Needs
Canadian automotive warranties are evolving to meet technological advancements, increasing consumer expectations, and providing enhanced protection and digital convenience.
EDITORIAL
Where Reliability Meets Road Performance
The Canadian automotive industry is changing fast, and with it, customer expectations around vehicle ownership and protection are evolving too. Warranty protection is a measure of trust between manufacturers, dealerships, and drivers. Businesses are recognizing that reliable warranty support protects assets and strengthens long-term customer relationships.
Across the country, leading warranty service providers are setting new benchmarks in coverage and care. Their focus is shifting from traditional repair reimbursements to proactive support that keeps vehicles on the road and customers confident. Many are using digital tools to simplify claims, offer real-time updates, and predict maintenance needs before they become costly issues. This blend of technology and service is helping dealerships and fleet operators reduce downtime and enhance operational efficiency.
The move toward electric and hybrid vehicles has added another layer of responsibility. Top warranty companies are now extending protection to batteries, charging systems, and advanced vehicle electronics. These changes illustrate a deeper understanding of where the market is heading and a commitment to helping businesses transition smoothly into the new era of mobility.
What truly sets the best providers apart, however, is their human approach. Transparent communication, flexible plans, and responsive service teams are becoming the true differentiators in a crowded field.
In this edition, we highlight how leading automotive warranty protection providers are driving change across the industry through innovation, integrity, and customer focus. Their commitment to reliability and responsive service continues to raise the bar for excellence in Canada’s mobility sector.
We also present insights from expert CXOs like Reynaldo Gonzalez, Principal, Cybersecurity Architect at Cummins Inc. and Dan Lovekamp, Director of Training at Auffenberg Dealer Group, who offer their opinions on the currently used business practices. We hope that the valuable insights from industry leaders and the solutions and services featured in this edition will help you make informed decisions for your business.
