Mechanics

Long before the internal combustion engine took its place under the hood, steam was paving the way for land transportation. Between 1770 and 1830, engineers and inventors on both sides of the Atlantic competed in ingenuity to create the first steam-powered vehicles, remarkable feats of mechanics in their time.

If you refer back to the previous issue of this publication, you will find an article explaining how members of AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) evaluate new cars and trucks competing for the title of Car or Utility Vehicle of the Year.

Automotive mechanics has never been static, but in recent years, advances in diagnostic technologies have revolutionized the trade. Garages, once dominated by manual tools, are now brimming with tablets, scanners, and other connected systems. But make no mistake, this is no passing trend—digital tools have become indispensable allies for diagnosing problems faster and more efficiently. For today’s mechanic, mastering these tools is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

The automotive industry is evolving at breakneck speed, with vehicles becoming increasingly connected and sophisticated. Yet, behind this technological revolution lies a growing concern: the "VIN Lock" phenomenon. This practice of locking parts to a vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) presents a major challenge, particularly for independent repair shops and the aftermarket industry. Here's why this issue is at the forefront of professionals' concerns.

The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation. At the intersection of technology and safety, more automakers are choosing to lock vehicle systems to ensure better protection against tampering and intrusions. However, this increased security comes at a price. Volkswagen Group (VW), Europe’s automotive leader, recently highlighted this trend with the introduction of SFD (Schutz Fahrzeug Diagnose), a diagnostic protection system for vehicles. Volkswagen is not alone in this practice; Fiat (Dodge) and Nissan also implement similar security measures, charging independent workshops for access.

In the automotive sector, preventive maintenance has become a critical concern for both workshops and their clients. With vehicles becoming increasingly complex, owners now expect comprehensive assessments during their visits. This raises an important question: how can workshops meet these expectations while optimizing their efficiency?

For over 35 years, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has crowned what its members consider the Car of the Year—and, more recently, the Utility Vehicle of the Year. The tradition began in 1987 with the Pontiac Bonneville as the inaugural winner. Now, in 2025, about 60 active AJAC members gathered in October to test over 30 new market arrivals during a three-day event in Mono, north of Toronto.

The inauguration of an AMG Center at a Mercedes-Benz dealership is a rare event. Montreal now proudly hosts one of only 11 such locations worldwide. The Silver Star Mercedes-Benz dealership, part of Groupe Park Avenue, becomes the second site in Canada to feature this unique installation, celebrating the occasion with an event befitting the prestigious German brand.

The Joint Committee for the Automotive and Heavy Vehicle Services Industry recently announced the opening of its new training center in Lévis, located in the Saint-Nicolas sector. This initiative addresses a growing demand from professionals in the region who are eager to access high-quality training without crossing the river. The needs of the South Shore stakeholders have been acknowledged, and significant efforts have been made to establish this center.