With a noticeable increase in attendance this year, the BMW conference in Palm Springs featured essential updates on BMW certification, the introduction of new parts sale restrictions, and the recognition of exceptional achievements.
Text and photos by Keith Jones, collision strategy & program manager supporting the BMW CCRC program, DEKRA North America
The BMW Certified Collision Repair Centre (CCRC) Conference of the Americas 2024 was held in Palm Springs from February 12 to 15, 2024, under the theme “Breaking Boundaries.” The conference was a great success with over 600 participants from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Germany—a significant increase from the previous year.
The conference kicked off with a welcome reception on Monday evening, giving attendees the opportunity to mingle with colleagues from across the Americas and make new connections.
The following day featured several insightful presentations, including key presentations for the Canadian CCRC network from Chris Castagna, head of collision and wholesale at BMW Canada, and John Cardinale, head of B2B business development and field operations.
Attendees heard about the growth of the BMW Certified Collision Repair Centre Program, with new shops currently going through the certification process, including four new CCRC shops in B.C. expected to be fully certified this year.
Most notable was the announcement that BMW Canada will be implementing a Restricted Parts Program in Canada. Due to the complexity of repairs and the requirement for highly specialized tools, training, and specific repair procedures, BMW Group Canada will be restricting the sale of certain aluminum and carbon fibre structural parts. Only qualified members of the Certified Collision Repair Centre program will be authorized to purchase the restricted parts. This program follows the recent implementation of parts restrictions in the United States. More details will be available as the program is implemented.
An awards gala was held on Wednesday night, where several collision shops were celebrated for their 20 years of dedication and service in the BMW CCRC program. Chapman Auto Body, Budds’ Collision, BMW Carrosserie Laval, and B.C.’s No. 1 Collision were all recognized.
Other notable awards to B.C. shops went to B&D Autobody and Glass (a two-time winner of Canadian CCRC of the year), who received both the Mitchell CSI Ultimate Performance Award and the AutoHouse KPI award.
Dilawri Collision Centre Calgary took home the Paul Bird Memorial Award for Western Canada BMW CCRC of the Year. Dilawri Collision Calgary also won the award for the 2023 Canadian CCRC of the Year.
We are already looking forward to next year’s conference.
