COLLISION REPAIR NETWORK EXPANDS
By Adnews Staff
The AutoPLACE Network of Collision Repair Professionals added 33 body shops last week. The new members, all located in Quebec, had previously operated under the Top Match banner. With the additions, the AutoPLACE Collision Network now services all regions of Quebec and is expanding in Ontario and the Maritimes. By the end of 1997, the group hopes to have at least 70 service outlets in place. The collision network is a division of Acklands Ltd., a Canadian distributor of automobile parts, accessories and auto paint supplies. Membership in the network includes a code of ethics, nationwide guarantees, extensive training, centralized invoicing, direct computer links with insurance companies and access to state-of-the-art repair techniques. Advertising for the network, aimed at both consumers and insurance companies, is handled by Toronto-based Griffin Bacal Volny. The agency produces templates which are then localized for specific shops. Media used by network members include print, radio and direct mail. Toronto-based Acklands Ltd. also operates the 187-shop AutoPLACE Automotive Repair Professionals Network.