From February 24 to 26, the Del Vasto Group held its annual convention at the Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie, bringing together 500 people, including members of its various store and shop banners, as well as a selection of suppliers of specialized goods and services, under the theme Stay Connected!

The representatives of the Auto Value Parts Stores, Auto Value Certified Service Centers, Auto Mécano, M 360 Mechanic, Mister Transmission, OCTO Auto Service Plus banners met in person after three years.

The interesting agenda of conferences and presentations, covering two full days, allowed owners and managers of parts stores and service shops to obtain the latest information on the various programs deployed by the Group. Marketing efforts to promote shops to consumers were detailed, as were updates to the management platforms.

A performance measurement tool

The Convention also announced a new partnership with PME GURU in order to set up a digital platform presenting the daily performance results of each shop, allowing them to compare themselves to their objectives, their previous sales and the results of similar businesses. The Shop-Intel tool, exclusive to network members, measures sales, parts to labor ratio, average bill, performance per technician and the comparison between hours billed and hours worked.

Steve Bujold, Eastern Canada Sales Manager for the Del Vasto Group, explained that the entire organization is working together to keep the shop and store network connected to change.

“The automotive aftermarket faces major challenges,” says Bujold. “We are putting a lot of emphasis on our recognition programs to position ourselves with consumers. Our sector must evolve, as Mr. Muffler did when he successfully transitioned to M Mechanic 360, and constantly redefine itself. This is a matter of sustainability for automotive aftermarket shops.”

The “Vérifié électrique” recognition program

An eloquent illustration of the Groupe Del Vasto’s desire to accompany shops in facing the challenges of the future is the launch, during the Convention, of the “Vérifié électrique” (Electric Verified) recognition program. In addition to the Vast-Auto Distribution Academy training program, this specific component, which requires, among other things, the installation of a charging station, will allow shops wishing to do so to obtain the training and equipment necessary to obtain this value-added banner.

“It will take a generation for Quebec to go electric,” says Bujold, “but we have to prepare for it now. Getting these skills is also adding value to our brand image in the eyes of electric motorists.”

A popular trade show

The trade show organized during the Convention included 85 parts and service suppliers. For shop managers, it was an opportunity to reconnect with their partners, but also to gather information on new developments that they may have missed in recent years.

To conclude this Convention, a Gala evening was organized for the guests. In a refined decor and in front of a gastronomic table, the guests had the opportunity to exchange while attending the presentation of the trophies of recognition to the shops and stores having demonstrated their fidelity over many years, in addition to the Representative and Supplier of the year.

Here are the stores, shops and suppliers who distinguished themselves during the gala evening by their commitment.

• AUTO VALUE PARTS STORES of the year for Quebec: Peinture & pièces d’auto DR
• M MECHANIC 360 of the year: M Mécanique 360 St-Vincent-de Paul
• AUTO VALUE CERTIFIED SERVICE CENTERS of the year: Garage Syldan
• OCTO AUTO SERVICE PLUS of the year: Duplessis Mécanique
• AUTO MÉCANO of the year: Multi-Service Automobile CBRC
• Manufacturer’s representative of the year for Quebec: Patrice Lanthier, Gates
• Supplier of the year: Mevotech

Here are pictures of the highlights of this great event.