Current Events/News: I-CAR Press Releases

August 18, 2006

Hoffman Estates, IL - August 18, 2006 - I-CAR will officially open for business in Australia with the formation of a separate business unit by the signing of a licensing agreement in September. The "signing ceremony" will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Brisbane, Australia on September 20.

For the past year, Richard Pratt has worked tirelessly to get the I-CAR organization established in Australia. As a result, Richard is now the General Manager of I-CAR in Australia.

"For too many years, there have been limited opportunities for technicians to improve their knowledge. The introduction of I-CAR, combined with the changing relationship between auto repair facilities and insurance companies will re-enforce the industry's belief in a standardized process to perform repairs and to follow OEM guidelines. The need for training is clearly here," said Pratt.

"I-CAR has a well-established reputation in the collision industry, so it makes sense for us to license their training model and materials rather than attempt some form of duplication," said Pratt.

"We are excited about the growth that I-CAR has experienced based on the industry's support for I-CAR in Australia, it will be just as successful in Australia as it is in the U.S. There's a definite need for training in all industry segments in Australia that must be filled," said Tom McGee, I-CAR President & CEO.

Pratt and the newly established I-CAR Australia Trust has successfully received financial backing from insurers and collision repair facilities in addition to the heavy financial support of the Motor Trades Association of Queensland, in which Pratt serves as General Manager, to enable the launch of I-CAR in Australia.

A series of I-CAR Live training programs will be licensed to Australia in the first five years and instructors will teach in 12-15 venues around the country.

"The structure of the organization will closely mirror that of I-CAR with the establishment of a board of directors and staff," said I-CAR Director of Business Development, Rick Tuuri. "This will pave the way for the implementation of the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals recognition program for businesses, the I-CAR Platinum Individual recognition program for individuals, the Industry Training Alliance, and the hands-on I-CAR qualification tests," stated Tuuri.

"The five year business plan is in place and we are in execution mode," said Pratt. "We are very excited about the September 20 launch and what's to come in the future."

I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

		I-CAR Press Release (115K) in Adobe Acrobat Format