A storied aftermarket association gets a new name and a new mission.

In December 2025, AARO, which since 1939, had been known as the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario, announced some major changes, following the association’s Annual General Meeting.

Going forward, the association will be known as the Automotive Aftermarket Repair Association (AARO) of Canada. This reflects a change of strategy, as well as representing the interests of automotive service providers across the country, expanding opportunities and advocacy efforts. Autosphere ran a news announcement regarding this major shift on December 10, 2025. 

Now, as we enter a new year, Autosphere had the opportunity to interview AARO’s incoming Chair, Steve Gushie to gain more insight into these big changes and what it means, not only for the association but Canada’s aftermarket auto care industry. 

Autosphere: Can you tell us how the idea of evolving AARO into the Automotive Aftermarket Repair Organization of Canada initially began?

Steve Gushie: The evolution of AARO into the Automotive Aftermarket Repair Organization of Canada developed through ongoing discussions with the Board of Directors, members and industry partners. This has been part of the Board discussions for a number of years. The more it was discussed, the clearer it became that the term “Retailers” no longer accurately reflected the work or professionalism of our members…the independent auto service providers. The rebrand was undertaken to better align the association’s name with its mandate, while preserving the trusted AARO acronym and more than 80 years of industry recognition. The driving force behind the decision to evolve AARO’s name was reinforced at our recent Shift Happens event. During the EV Day, shop owners shared firsthand how dramatically vehicle technology has changed and how the skills required to repair those vehicles have advanced. Those conversations confirmed that our identity must reflect the reality of today’s repair profession and support our members as the industry continues to evolve.

AS: What were some of the thoughts from members in moving forward with the new title and expanding the association’s reach beyond Ontario?

SG: Member input played an important role in the decision to move forward. Members expressed a desire for a name that clearly reflected their role as professional repair service providers. The inclusion of “Repair” was seen as a more accurate and respectful representation of the expertise and responsibilities involved in operating a modern auto service business. There was also broad recognition that many of the challenges facing independent repair shops—such as workforce shortages, access to training, regulatory change, and vehicle technology—are national in scope. While members supported a broader reach, they also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong, member-focused approach which will continue to be the focus for AARO.

AS: How does AARO see the independent auto service provider landscape evolving in Canada, and what key issues will the association focus on going forward?

SG: The independent auto service landscape in Canada is evolving rapidly, driven by vehicle electrification, advanced driver-assistance systems, diagnostics, data access, and increasing regulatory requirements. These changes are placing new demands on shop owners and technicians.

AARO sees a growing need for coordination across the industry. By bringing together other associations, banner programs, educators, suppliers, and government, AARO aims to help align efforts, share insights, and create more cohesive pathways for training, communication, and industry support. The association sees this as an important role in facilitating collaboration across the industry to ensure independent repair businesses remain competitive and recognized as essential to Canada’s repair and service industry. 

AS: What will be the focus on the association’s core areas of advocacy, support, training, and leadership?

SG: AARO’s core pillars—training, advocacy, support, and leadership—remain central to the association’s mission. The rebrand reinforces, rather than replaces, these priorities.

Advocacy efforts will continue to focus on regulatory and policy issues that impact independent repair shops. Training initiatives will emphasize practical, high-quality programs that reflect current and emerging technologies, including EV and hybrid vehicles, advanced diagnostics, and business performance. In addition, AARO will continue to provide leadership by bringing together industry stakeholders to address shared challenges and advance the auto care sector collectively.

AS: Are there any events or initiatives that can be shared as the association heads into 2026?

SG: As the association looks toward 2026, AARO is planning an expanded slate of training programs and regional engagement opportunities. These initiatives will focus on technical training, business development, workforce issues, and industry collaboration. AARO will also continue working closely with industry partners, government and educators on initiatives designed to support independent repair shops as the automotive landscape continues to evolve.

AS: Is there anything else the association would like to mention?

SG: The rebrand is about clarity and alignment, not change for the sake of change. It represents an evolution of the association, not a departure from its roots. AARO’s commitment to its members, its history, and its role as a trusted industry voice remain unchanged. The Automotive Aftermarket Repair Organization of Canada reflects a clear, modern identity that aligns with the realities of today’s automotive repair industry and positions the association to effectively serve independent repair businesses well into the future.