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MAY 2008  

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May 30, 2008

  • Class Action Status Upheld In Suit Against The Hartford - The Connecticut Supreme Court has decided that a lawsuit by auto body repairers, alleging The Hartford improperly steers customers to certain repair shops, can proceed as a class action.
  • The New Breed of Autoparts - Aluminum use in auto parts is not restricted to exotic sports cars, meaning the costs of repairs might be going up
  • Automotive Parts and Service Association of Illinois Joins QPC in Support of H.R. 5638 - Introduced in March 2008, the bill would amend Title 35, U.S. Code (Patents) to provide design patent exemption for alternative repair parts used for the purpose of repairing a vehicle to its original appearance, protecting consumers from monopolies imposed by the large automakers in the aftermarket collision parts market.
  • Safety at What Price? - A number of new gadgets to improve vehicle safety are in the works, causing collision repair centres and insurers to wonder how much it will cost to repair the new technology
  • Global Notes, Schedules and Statements Filed in Diamond Glass Bankruptcy Case - glassBYTEs™:  The Global Notes and Statement of Limitations, Methodology and Disclaimer Regarding Debtors' Schedules and Statements has been filed in Diamond Glass' bankruptcy case, though the documents note the potential for amendment in the future because "the Debtors relied on financial data derived from their books and records that was available at the time of such preparation."
  • Carstar branches out - Carstar Collision is expanding to better serve customers with the recent purchase of River Valley Auto Inc. -- According to Carstar owner Dan Williams, the March acquisition is a perfect fit with his auto collision and paint business, which just happens to be located two doors down at 260 Northland Dr.
  • First Class Services Rides PPG-Finished Truck to "Big-Rig Build-Off" Victory - Randy Stroup, president and CEO of First Class Services, Lewisport, KY, was the winning custom truck builder in the 4th annual Stars and Stripes “Big Rig Build-Off” truck beauty contest at the Mid-America Trucking Show held in Louisville at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Stroup said,
  • NCMA Raises $6,500 for the Aftermarket Foundation - The National Catalog Managers Association (NCMA) raised another $6,500 for the Aftermarket Foundation at its 35th annual Knowledge Exchange conference this month in Tampa, Fla. Beginning in 2004, the organization has used its annual meeting as an opportunity to raise money for the Aftermarket Foundation, the industry’s only charity organization.
  • $10,000 College Scholarship Introduced for Goddard School Grads: 2008 winner exemplifies spirit of company founder - The Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship is named for the company's late founder, the entrepreneur who started several well-known franchises including Aamco Transmissions, Inc., and Maaco Auto Painting & Bodyworks, Inc. The scholarship recognizes student achievement in the spirit of Martino, whose life exemplified hard work and dedication.
  • Vo-tech students give police vehicle an "arresting" new look - NJ: The borough's police department received a professional quality paint job on a previously unmarked car, but this was not done by your standard auto body shop.
  • Pull-A-Part brings in the crowds - Armed with wrenches and the will to save some money, Clevelanders flock to the Pull-A-Part salvage yard on West 130th Street. -- Everywhere you look people are smiling. Ask why? They will gladly tell you how much money they are saving.
  • Honda Motor sees higher steel prices but won't hike prices on existing cars - Japan's second-largest carmaker Honda Motor Co. expects a sharp rise in its steel costs but is not planning to hike prices on its existing cars or remodelled products to reflect higher steel prices, the company's chief executive said on Thursday.
  • Honda saving US jobs by switching models - Honda will meet growing U.S. demand for small cars while maintaining North American jobs by moving production of two bigger models from Canada to Alabama, Chief Executive Takeo Fukui said Thursday.
  • 19,000 to take buyouts at GM - Another wrenching downsizing is under way at General Motors Corp. as the struggling auto giant scrambles to reinvent itself into a smaller, leaner company less reliant on pickups and SUVs.
  • Auto woes worsen - After years of restructurings, more cuts needed; $4 a gallon gas is the game changer
  • Quadriplegic Dr. David Garcia to Testify at Senate Hearing on 'Roof Crush' in Rollovers - David Garcia, a complete quadriplegic as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile rollover in 1996, will testify at the Senate Hearing on 'roof crush'scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th from 10 to 11:30 AM in room 253 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. The hearing is open to the public and the news media.
  • Auto Shop Owner Spots Possible Hollywood Hit-And-Run Car - A Lauderhill auto shop owner said the car involved in a hit-and-run in Hollywood that was caught on tape may have turned up in his body shop.
  • Marlboro man and his family's company plead guilty in auto-theft ring - NJ: A Marlboro man and his family's company have pleaded guilty to their roles in a stolen automobile trafficking ring, authorities said.
  • Who Benefits From Higher Gas Prices? Auto Insurers - As the increasing cost of gasoline forces U.S. drivers to cool their love affair with their cars, auto insurers may see a silver lining in the breakup: fewer accidents.
  • DOT: Driving sees sharpest drop on record - “I think there’s more of an active desire to cut trips or do everything with one trip to cover several things,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. The Bethesda-based group published a study on driving habits in November, with 90 percent of respondents saying they were driving less, 31 percent saying they were carpooling more, and 24 percent saying they were taking public transportation more often.
  • Utah Law Can Send Uninsured Vehicles to Impound Lot - A new state law allows police to impound any vehicle that is on the road and not insured. Before, police could only issue a citation for driving without insurance. Now officers can write the ticket and take the car, too.

May 29, 2008

May 28, 2008

  • 2008 Legislation Wrap-Up: Anti-Steering Laws See Both Successes and Failures - glassBYTEs™: As many of the 2008 spring legislative sessions come to a close, the industry has seen a number of anti-steering bills and other industry-related legislation moving through legislative bodies across the United States.
  • AASP-MN Bill Prohibiting Estimating Database Manipulation Signed By Governor - On May 8th, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty signed into law legislation proposed by the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota (AASP-MN).  Senate File 3508/House File 3822 prohibits insurers from unilaterally and arbitrarily disregarding a repair operation or cost identified by an estimating system.  The legislation will become effective on August 1, 2008. 
  • Mid West Collision Industry Forum - June 18, 2008 - Holiday Inn Select - Columbia, MO -- Speakers include: Mike Anderson of Wagonwork Collision Centers - Positioning Yourself in the Collision Industry
  • Travelers and CARSTAR Automotive Canada Partner to Provide Consumer Finance for Collision Repair Nationwide - Under Travelers Automotive Aftermarket Finance Program, the partnership gives CARSTAR Automotive Canada franchise locations point of sale financing for their customers for added choice and a hassle free repair experience.
  • Anderson Receives Chairman’s Award of Excellence - Mike Anderson, Wagonwork Collision, Alexandria, Va., was the recipient of the Chairman’s Award of Excellence presented during the Automotive Service Association’s Celebration of Excellence ceremony May 3.
  • Upon Further Review - glassBYTEs™: "One of this writer's sources of amusement is reading or listening to consumers trying to review an auto glass installation, whether online or on the radio. What is horribly apparent is that the American public knows far more about the social habits of hotel heiresses than they ever want to discern about a common auto repair. In short, most people don't know and really don't care a great deal about their choices of auto glass vendors. To me it makes far more sense to upgrade that ignorance as we try to bootstrap this industry's reputation forward." —Neil Duffy: View from the Trenches
  • Honda Aftermarket Parts Position Statement - NABA: American Honda Motor Co, Inc. has made the following recommendations for repair of Honda and Acura unibody vehicles.
  • R-M launches HB 004 SLOW and HYDROMIX SLOW - By launching two new additives for its Onyx HD line, BASF Coatings further strengthens its position at the forefront of waterborne automotive refinish paint technology.
  • And Baby makes three . . . - BASF Coatings at the world’s toughest car racing event – great success with three cars on the racetrack
  • Sartorius Receives "Excellent Supplier Award" from PPG Industries - Since 2004, Sartorius has been supplying electronic paint-mixing scales to the automotive refinish business of PPG.
  • Beware of fly-by-night mechanics - Kevin Deubach, owner of American Auto Body in Greeley, said there are storm chasers from outside the state who come in, set up repair shops in tents or in small rented spaces, and offer to do repair work at reduced prices.
  • He's hooked on painting autos - Mario Trettenero didn't follow the most direct route to his trade, but he clearly remembers the moment his journey began.
  • Former Loveland man recreates his 1960s-era hot rod - Vehicle will be at Goodguys Colorado Nationals car show
  • April, May showers bring business to mechanics - But some aren't saying rain, rain go away.
  • Auto paint guru visits Waterloo High - The automobile hood custom-painted by nationally renowned airbrush artist Richard Markham proved an inspiration for Tony Biffar's auto shop class.
  • Auto parts store owner offers to buy wrecks - Parkersburg, Ia.— The tornado beat the cars and trucks of Parkersburg into barely recognizable shells. -- A spokeswoman for Allstate Insurance warned that people should be careful about selling ruined cars.
  • Ray Brothers Auto Parts Closing After 53 Years - Chattanooga,TN: In business since 1955 and operating from the 3220 Rossville Blvd. location since 1962, brothers George and Bob Ray have long been the go-to guys when it comes to engine rebuilding components and expert engine rebuilding machine shop services in the Tri-State area.
  • Cost to maintain, drive a vehicle gearing up - Besides gas, motorists face higher costs for maintenance, other products and services.
  • Auto parts supplier adding 50 jobs - IN: A Michigan-based auto supplier announced Tuesday morning it will invest more than $6 million and add 50 jobs in Avilla because of increased business. -- Federal-Mogul Corp. will invest the money to expand automotive lighting production at the Avilla plant, a statement from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. said.
  • Modine Manufacturing sees higher sales in 2009 - Modine Manufacturing Co., which makes auto parts and cooling equipment, said Tuesday it expects net sales in fiscal 2009 to rise as much as 8 percent to between $1.9 billion and $2 billion.
  • Ford to slash up to 12% of salaried jobs - Involuntary layoffs planned as sales slump; Rising gas, steel prices stall turnaround
  • Luxury brands top auto quality survey - Luxury brands once again dominated an annual U.S. automobile quality survey by a California research company, but total quality dropped for the first time in four years, the company said.
  • Congress to review car roof proposal - Panel will check NHTSA's plan for tougher vehicle top strength standards to avoid rollover deaths.
  • Nasty knockoffs: Dangerous fake products enter US at record pace - Between 2001 and 2006, General Motors alone conducted 1000 investigations and seized $44 million in counterfeit auto parts.
  • Body Shop Robbed Four Times in One Week - SC: Mike Stallings is fed up. -- "In my case, four times in one week is a little overkill," said Stallings, the owner of Palmetto Collision.
  • Vandals damage 5 vehicles at Olive Branch body shop - TN: Vandals scaled a fence and caused extensive damage to five vehicles at Cross Roads Auto Center in Olive Branch Sunday.
  • Incentives for greener car repairs - UK: The Co-Operative Insurance has called on the motor industry to repair rather than replace damaged car parts whenever possible. -- The Manchester-based eco-insurer believes that plastic parts such as bumpers and bonnets do not always need to be scrapped.
  • Insurance Commissioner Warns About Scam Artists - On Tuesday morning, the California Insurance Commissioner joined local law enforcement agencies in San Luis Obispo to demonstrate the "Swoop and Squat" technique of staging a vehicle accident in order to commit auto insurance fraud.
  • AutoClaims Direct Announces New Adjusting Division - AutoClaims Direct, the leading strategic development firm to auto claims industry today announced the addition of the corporation's new adjusting division. A product of over two years in the making, AutoClaims Direct's claims administration program focuses with laser like accuracy on preventing leakage and settling claims quickly and efficiently.

May 27, 2008

  • Free workshops in June for auto body repair businesses on environmental health and safety - Next month, on June 4 and 5, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its state and local partners will offer free seminars in Washington, DC and Baltimore, Md. to educate the auto body repair community on the latest environmental regulations affecting their businesses. The workshop will also include demonstrations in best practices by an experienced auto finisher, as well as offer pollution prevention techniques that will save time and reduce waste.
  • Defend Yourself: A Commentary by Dennis Liphardt - AutobodyOnline: If you have been reading my newsletter for very long you know that I am totally against shops saving deductibles, paying for rental cars, paying off tow truck drivers, agents or any other form of payola that is designed to put more cars in a shop.
  • Mechanics start their own blacklist - Over the years, the Internet has been a big tool for consumers to sound off on companies they feel did not provide adequate service or, worse, cheated them. -- Now, auto-repair shop owners, often the focus of such complaints, are trying to use that idea resource to expose customers they say rip them off, typically by not paying for work provided.
  • Oregon Collision Shops Give State Farm High Customer Service Marks - State Farm and several smaller Northwest-based auto insurers continue to be among the best at taking care of their customers after an accident. And some of the other larger, best-known insurers --including Progressive, Allstate, Safeco and Farmers Insurance -- are among the worst.
  • Coalition Calls for Database of Salvaged Automobiles - ASA Joins Industry Groups in Letter to Department of Justice
  • Equalizer Goes Abroad - glassBYTEs™: Equalizer Industries president Eric Asbery, international sales director Henri Goudsmit and senior technical advisor Gilbert Gutierrez recently took a two-week trip to visit distributors across Europe. Among their stops were Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and France.
  • Diamond Auction Moved to June 19 - glassBYTEs™: The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware has approved a consensual order moving the date of the auction for Diamond Glass until June 19. As previously reported on glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine, Belron had filed a motion earlier this week requesting an extension on the time to bid and for the date of the auction.
  • Threat or Opportunity? - ASA President's Blog: Nearly 10 years ago, I attended a seminar in Detroit on the emerging technology of telematics. I remember thinking then that the convergence of communications and transportation technologies made a great deal of sense because many drivers are in their vehicles for extended periods of time.
  • Watchdog: If there's a contract, there's a claim - TX: 1951 MG T-series roadster sits in parts in boxes at auto body shop for four years
  • Mechanics thrive in troubled economy - FL: With a soft job market, struggling housing sales and rising food and fuel costs, it's no surprise that many are maintaining older vehicles instead of buying new ones.
  • Chop shop raided - Lawmen say the lot at 1621 Deep Creek Road, off Clinton Road just east of the Cape Fear River, was being used as a chop shop for stolen vehicles, including luxury vehicles stolen off dealership lots.
  • Police raid Bedford auto-body shop - NY: Bedford and Westchester county police raided a Plainfield Avenue auto-body shop Thursday night, though the reasons for the raid were unclear yesterday. -- The raid took place at IFM Collision Center.
  • Gasoline thieves cutting fuel lines - HI: Company vehicles with big tanks are favored, though risk high for all
  • Ex-cop, 2nd man charged in $1M insurance fraud - PA: The alleged mastermind of an insurance scam that involved a Philadelphia police officer was charged yesterday with defrauding 10 insurance companies of more than $1 million through an elaborate scheme of fake car accidents and fraudulent police reports.
  • Couple sues car dealership after discovering undisclosed damage - After being assured the Mazda 6S they bought for $15,000 had been in no collisions, a Seacoast couple found paperwork in the owner’s manual documenting two crashes and $15,000 worth of repairs to the 2004 sedan, according to a Superior Court lawsuit.
  • Keep Rates Down After Car Crash - A car accident can be a traumatic experience and sometimes it is tough trying to figure out if you should file an insurance claim.
  • Wisconsin insurance complaints above average - According to the 2007 Insurance Complaints and Administrative Actions report issued by the state Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, more than 8,000 consumers contacted the office last year to file a complaint.
  • State Farm expects $52 million-plus in Colorado tornado claims - Hendershot said the expected payout for auto claims is about $22.5 million
  • United Auto Insurance Group CEO and Founder Receives 2008 Ellis Island Medal of Honor - Richard Parrillo Sr. recognized for philanthropy, professional achievement and preserving heritage.
  • Zurich Chief Schiro Says He'd Consider an Acquisition  - Zurich Financial Services AG Chief Executive Officer James Schiro said the insurer would consider buying a smaller rival at the right price to expand coverage of homes and autos on the U.S. East Coast.

May 23, 2008

May 22, 2008

  • Fox Collision bankruptcy nears completion - The bankruptcy of a failed collision repair chain is winding down, the estate's attorney said.
  • Car repairs can dismantle your warranty - A small fender bender could end up costing you a small fortune, and it isn't in the cost of repairs. California law contains a huge potential problem for consumers. You get in an accident, your car is repaired and you think the trouble is past. It usually is, but there is a downside very few consumers know about.
  • Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill Requiring Legislative Approval of Emissions Standards - ASA: Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano vetoed legislation last week that attempted to block state agencies from enacting vehicle emissions regulations. Arizona H.B. 2017 would have prevented the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) or any state agency from adopting government programs that would in any way regulate the emission of greenhouse gas or motor vehicle fuel economy without specific legislative authorization from the Arizona legislature.
  • Online hotel reservations open for NACE - The online hotel reservation for NACE is now open. The International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) runs from Nov. 5 to 8 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. -- Online hotel reservations are offered through Travel Planners Inc., and can be accessed through the NACE web site at www.NACEexpo.com or by calling 800-895-3978.
  • Judge Calls Diamond Glass "Volatile, Competitive," Approves Modified Plan - glassBYTEs™: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Sontchi called Diamond Glass a "very volatile, competitive, people incentive business [that] is really a poster child for a management incentive program" during a recent hearing in the case its bankruptcy filing.
  • Herron Custom Paint and Body does collision repair - With over 50 years of experience between them Tim Herron and Tom Blick work at Herron Custom Paint and Body on Highway K. The shop has produced national award winning show cars.
  • Recycled Rides share stories, seek volunteers - ABRN: The inaugural National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides initiative was launched last Thanksgiving and generated a lot of enthusiasm throughout the collision industry and within the localities of the shops involved.
  • Just Car Clinics 4-mth turnover rises on overall and like-for-like basis - London: Just Car Clinics Group Plc. said turnover for the first four months of 2008 has increased on overall and like-for-like basis, adding it continues to seek suitable acquisition opportunities.
  • America's Service Station Introduces Overnight Car Service - In an effort to assist customers with managing their time, America's Service Station in Atlanta, Georgia has added to their extensive list of customer-friendly benefits.
  • AutoZone 3Q net income jumps 4.6% - Sales of products to mechanics and auto-body shops increased 6.3 percent to $179.8 million, the biggest quarterly hike since the 2004 third quarter. (scroll down page)
  • Cooper City: Students win scholarships via auto repair competition - Two Cooper City High School students won a state title and more than $18,000 each in scholarship money for their ability to find and fix automobile problems during a recent competition in Orlando.
  • Workers remain positive despite strike - Canada: Some 60 automotive workers walked off the job in Oshawa late last week. Employees in the service, parts and body shop departments of Mills Pontiac Buick GMC Ltd. went on strike as of May 16 after talks broke down between the company and the Canadian Auto Workers Local 222 union.
  • Workers hope Axle accord will pave way for return to work - About 2,000 American Axle and Manufacturing Inc. employees in Detroit will finish voting tomorrow on a tentative contract settlement reached late Friday night between the company and the United Auto Workers. About 1,600 workers at other Axle plants have already voted on the deal. If the employees approve the contract and return to work, local auto parts suppliers expect to gear up quickly.
  • Toyota Wants To Export SUVs, From America - Toyota Motor has long used its home base in Japan as the main platform for worldwide export of its cars.
  • Ford To Idle Michigan SUV Plant From June 23 To July 28 - Ford Motor Co. will halt more pickup-truck and sport-utility vehicle production over the next two months, a sign that falling U.S. consumer demand for the vehicles still hasn't bottomed out.
  • Green Autos May Not Save You Money - Rushing to trade in your current car for a smaller, more fuel-efficient model will likely cost more money -- not save it -- according to an analysis by Consumer Reports.
  • Don't Wreck Your Summer Road Trip - AAA offers tips to keep you driving smoothly during summer vacation
  • Traditional Summer Family Vehicle Vacation Better Deal Than Flying - Even if gas prices hit $5 a gallon, the traditional family summer vacation by vehicle costs less, is more convenient and is not as stressful as flying, according to the Car Care Council. The cost for a family of four traveling by car is about the same as one person traveling by air.
  • Subaru Forester Earns Highest Ratings in NHTSA NCAP Crash Tests - The Subaru Forester received the highest possible safety rating - five stars, for both frontal and side-impact crash tests for all seating positions.
  • Police warn of car repair scam - AZ: Prescott police officers are warning the public to watch out for an auto body repair scam possibly circulating around the city.
  • Car $tripped In Minutes - NE: Parts worth more to thief than if vehicle intact -- This past winter, we learned of a major undercover police investigation that exposed a chop shop in Council Bluffs. Police processed property worth more than $1.4 million.
  • Innovation into the red - UK: Insurance services specialist Innovation Group claims to see imminent improvements, after losing £800,000 in the first half year. -- Even without these exceptional costs, which include integrating the £590,000 purchase of parts of Dutch chemical group AKZO Nobel’s Nobilias claims and fleet solutions arm, Innovation’s profits would have been 33 per cent lower at £4 million.
  • Departed agents sue Allstate - Plans to consolidate offices, cut costs and increase market share at Allstate Insurance Co. of Canada have hit a major snag.
  • Insurance Industry Celebrates Women's Achievements - May 18-24, 2008, marks National Insurance Women's Week, a celebration recognizing the contributions women are making in all areas of the insurance industry.

May 21, 2008

  • Consumer Advocates, Auto Coalition Fight to Keep 'Rebuilt Wrecks' Off Nation's Roadways - The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has joined a diverse coalition of consumer protection, law enforcement, and auto industry representatives to urge the U.S. Department of Justice to finalize a critical rulemaking to help prevent rebuilt, wrecked, flooded, or stolen vehicles from unknowingly ending up on a consumer's driveway.
  • ASA Announces Collision Division Operations Committee - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced its 2008 Collision Division Operations Committee. Darrell Amberson, AAM, Lehman’s Garage, Bloomington, Minn., was re-elected as Collision Division director. As such, Amberson serves on ASA’s board of directors and chairs the ASA Collision Division Operations Committee. The position of Collision Division director is a two-year term.
  • ASA Announces Mechanical Division Operations Committee - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced its 2008 Mechanical Division Operations Committee. Rolf Werner, AAM, Werner’s Mastertek Auto Repair, Aurora, Colo., was elected as Mechanical Division director. As such, Werner will serve on ASA’s board of directors and chair the Mechanical Division Operations Committee. The position of Mechanical Division director is a two-year term.
  • ASA Announces New Board of Directors at 2008 Celebration of Excellence - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced its new board of directors, installed during the association’s Annual Convention May 1-3 in Santa Clara, Calif. The installation of the board took place during ASA’s Celebration of Excellence May 3.
  • Get Back on the Road Fast After an Accident; GEICO Opens Auto Repair Xpress in West Chester - PA: GEICO has recently introduced its Auto Repair Xpress (ARX) program to the area at the Faulkner of West Chester dealership, 705 Auto Park Blvd., to help serve local customers with collision repairs. -- “The Auto Repair Xpress program is GEICO’s unique, pain-free approach to collision repair,” said Shawn Burklin, vice president of claims. “Our Auto Repair Xpress program was designed with the customer in mind.”
  • Brief: CJJ Industries offers new Signature Hybrid - CJJ, Inc. of Detroit Lakes is making available its new Signature Hybrid frame straighter. -- The Signature is an automotive frame machine that comes in three-, four- or five-tower configurations. CJJ, Inc., is a longtime manufacturer of frame equipment that makes and sells the Signature frame rack.
  • N.Y. Glass Shop Owner Banned from Continuing to do Business Under Current Name; Neon Barred from Collecting Consumer Debts in State - glassBYTEs™: The state attorney general for New York, Andrew M. Cuomo, announced yesterday that his office has obtained settlements with Neon Claims Advantage LLC of Nebraska and Alan Moore, the former owner of the defunct Quality First Auto Glass, in Amherst, N.Y.
  • Belron Items to be Heard During Diamond Hearing This Friday - glassBYTEs™: The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware issued an order yesterday granting Belron's motion that several of its motions be heard at hearing this Friday, May 23, in the Diamond Glass bankruptcy case.
  • Paint Manufacturer Spies Hecker Recognized for Training and Development Programs - Spies Hecker, a brand of DuPont Performance Coatings, recently received recognition from Investors in People (IIP) for its third consecutive term for providing learning and development training and programs to its employees.
  • PPG Ferrari red finish worn by 2008 Ridler Award winner - A PPG Ferrari Rosso Corsa Red finish from PPG Industries’ automotive refinish business adorns “Ferrambo,” winner of the 2008 Ridler Award, which honors the most outstanding custom car making its debut at the Detroit Autorama held annually in March. This is the second time in three years that a PPG finish adorned a Ridler Award winner.
  • PPG launches paint-sale donation program to support China earthquake recovery - Two days after announcing its donation of RMB 500,000 to the Red Cross Society of China for earthquake recovery efforts, PPG Industries has announced that for each can of Master’s Mark Paint, IVY paint and Seigneurie paint sold in May and June, the company will donate RMB 1 Yuan to aid in recovery efforts in the disaster area.
  • Open house at Automotive Restorations - Automotive Restorations Inc., one of the world's largest and most respected facilities for the restoration, repair, storage and sale of classic, vintage and special interest cars cordially invites automobile enthusiasts to view a fascinating array of vehicles, tour our new 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility, visit our workshops and speak with our expert craftsmen and collector car specialists. --  The event will be on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Hobby starts where job ends for bug-loving county man - As a collision-repair specialist employed at Albert’s Body Shop in Lebanon, Axarlis said he doesn’t do much restoration work.
  • Custom Painting - Basics of pearl, flake, colour shifting and airbrushing
  • In-your-face Flex: Ford Expedition gets hip-hop makeover - Mega-size sport utility vehicles are growing in popularity among the biggest names of hip-hop. Not surprisingly, automakers want in on the action.
  • Platinum fund gets antitrust OK for Delphi unit - Platinum Equity Capital Partners LP received U.S. antitrust approval to acquire the steering business of bankrupt auto parts supplier Delphi Corp, U.S. officials said on Tuesday.
  • Plastech to sell off businesses - Plans to auction property, sale of interior unit likely to spell end for Dearborn-based auto supplier.
  • Honda says to launch hybrid-only car in early 2009 - Honda Chief Executive Takeo Fukui told a news conference the company expected to post annual sales of 500,000 units combined of four hybrid models, adding that the company planned to launch a hybrid version of its Fit subcompact car.
  • Porsche creates 2100 new jobs in Germany - Car manufacturer Porsche plans to generate 2100 new jobs over the next year at its factories in Germany, with the manufacture of its new Sport-Coupe Panamera model.
  • Peugeot’s First Car for China Features Plastics Fenders - SABIC Innovative Plastics Noryl GTX resins provide high performance benefits for front fenders and other automotive body panels.
  • Kbb.com Names 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles - From Sporty to Family-Friendly, Editors Name Top 10 New Vehicles Best  Suited for Road Trips
  • Auto shops suffer theft - Vancouver,WA: In auto repair, there are all sorts of bad news: “We don’t have the part you need,” or “That’s going to cost a little more than expected,” or “We won’t have the car ready on time.”
  • Thieves sawing car parts off in daylight hours - KY: Police are tracking at least five different incidents of catalytic converters being sawed off vehicles parked near Alexandria Pike in daylight hours in recent weeks.
  • Mass. Insurance Agents Vow to Protect Right to Auto Policy Ownership - Massachusetts independent insurance agents are unhappy about a state ruling that they believe erodes their ownership of their customers' auto policies and denies them proper payment on certain high risk policies.
  • Hanging on to the middle ground - With so much trouble and travail in the world these days, it might be hard to muster sympathy for one more forlorn group. But pause, if you will, to consider the plight of an oft-maligned American figure. --The middleman. -- Nowhere was this tension better illustrated than the recent announcement of the sale of Seattle-based insurer Safeco to Liberty Mutual.
  • Allstate considers deals again - In comments following Allstate’s annual meeting Tuesday, CEO Thomas Wilson said the Northbrook-based company is shopping for insurers and other financial services firms. Nothing imminent is on the horizon, he said, but Allstate would be particularly interested in insurance companies that specialize in market segments like policies for owners of boats, recreational vehicles and motorcycles.
  • Allstate vs. Office of Insurance Regulation - Tallahassee, Florida -- There are more developments in the state's fight against one of the largest insurance carriers in the Sunshine State.

May 20, 2008

May 19, 2008

  • 7 On Your Side: Do Insurance Carriers "Steer" Auto Repairs?  - If you're in an accident, your insurance company will often send your car to a "preferred" repair shop.  It's supposed to save time and money, but critics within the auto industry itself claim those shops sometimes cut corners, and put drivers' safety at risk.  7 On Your Side's Chris Coffey investigates.
  • Zeledyne Plans to Bring Three Product Lines Closer Together - glassBYTEs™: With the purchase of Automotive Components Holding Inc. by Zeledyne Inc. last month, many are wondering what this might mean for the company's products and structure. The new ownership plans bring its three brands, OEM glass, aftermarket glass and its architectural line, Versalux, closer together.
  • Boyd Group on growth trajectory - The Boyd Group Income Fund says it intends to add four-to-six new collision repair shops every year for the foreseeable future and to do so without adding new debt or raising new equity.
  • ASA Publishes Report on Telematics Usage, Potential Effects on Independent Repair Market - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has published a report focusing on the potential effects that telematics may have on independent automotive service and repair businesses, including remote diagnostics. The report also explores consumer usage of telematics products and services, how a telematics system functions and its practical applications.
  • Businesses join forces to feed children - Margaret Freer, one of the owners of Freer Auto Body, always has an eye out for charities that help the community. -- She recognized the need for a summer food drive for children and decided to work with a group of business owners to conduct the food drive this spring. The drive started May 1 and runs through Thursday.
  • Business Profile: Big and small, Perry Legend Collision repairs them all - Take a walk around Perry Legend Collision Repair building at the Lemone Boulevard industrial park, and you can see what owner Bill Rajewski means when he talks about "diversification."
  • 'Hard work really does pay off' - Most executives opt for the corner office with the picturesque view, but not Steve and Jimmy Kendrick. -- The brothers and co-owners of Kendrick Paint and Body Shop Inc. prefer to be front and center -- right in the midst of their loyal customers.
  • Garrett builds credentials as site for auto body work - The sun was casting long shadows one late afternoon this spring as a handful of teenagers decked in jeans, T-shirts and other work clothes marked out the bed of a nondescript pickup truck in need of body work and a paint job.
  • Auto shop business booms with storm-damaged vehicles - It's been another day of cleaning up after severe storms hit Central Texas earlier this week. City crews and local residents have been busy cutting down what's left of wind-blasted trees.
  • Father and son take a ride on the business side - Prescott,AZ: Mike and Steven Sapone have a new business specializing in automotive paint and body shop products.
  • Hands-on experience helps South Lyon High School student excel - Because of his success at the Skills USA competition, Cain earned a full-tuition scholarship from WyoTech worth $23,700, a full-ride scholarship from Washtenaw Community College, a $1,000 scholarship from Universal Technical Institute and a $2,000 from the Baran Institute of Technology.
  • BumperDoc Automotive Reconditioning Franchise Develops Environmentally Conscious Techniques for Auto Body Repair - The company utilizes waterborne paint, paintless dent repair, rapid auto body repair, and plastic repair techniques to save customers time and money while minimizing impact on the environment.
  • Local Mechanics May Get All Car Repair Codes - MA: Critics Say Move Would Increase Prices, Bureaucracy
  • Foreign demand puts premium on old auto parts - The last stop before the crusher for the family sedan is often the salvage yard
  • Delphi sues Appaloosa for bailing out - Delphi Corp. on Friday filed suit against an investment group led by Appaloosa Management for refusing to honor its commitment of up to $2.55 billion that would have helped the auto-parts supplier emerge from bankruptcy.
  • Interview with Paul Kim, eCarServices - Our interview this morning is with Paul Kim, founder of eCarServices (www.ecarservices.com), a new startup--funded by friends and family--developing an online site designed to help people research prices for auto repair services. The firm is launching a beta of its web site today, and we thought it would be interesting to hear more about the company.
  • WAI Global Appoints Executive Chairman - Keystone Automotive Industries CEO Purchases Ownership Position in Company
  • Ford invites students to design a 21st Century Model T - It bowed in 1908, but no one likely knows how long it took Henry Ford to develop his Model T -- one of the most important automobiles ever produced.
  • Toyota restarts auto production in China's quake-hit area - Toyota Motor Corp. has restarted auto production at its joint venture in Chengdu, capital of China's quake-hit Sichuan province following a weeklong halt, said reports from the central Japanese city of Nagoya on Monday.
  • Crude Reality: Auto dealers see changes in consumer preferences - With gas prices reaching an all-time high across the state, many central Wisconsin auto dealers are seeing a change in attitude when it comes to buying vehicles.
  • Used truck price drop hurts new pickups - Rising fuel prices and a collapsing housing industry have sent used truck prices into a nosedive that could threaten the launches of the new Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram pickups
  • Vehicle repos in high gear - Loan defaults up sharply in throes of sluggish economy -- Last year's 1.51 million repossessions marked one of the biggest increases in a decade, 10 percent, and the growth is projected to continue this year, to 1.6 million, said economist Tom Webb of wholesale car auctioneer Manheim Consulting.
  • Sheriff Issues Warning Of New Scam - Murray, KY (WKYX) – The Calloway County Sheriff’s Office is warning of another telephone scam hitting the area. Sheriff Bill Marcum is putting the word out to warn people about this particular scam, an automated message which claims to be an auto insurance company and prompts the unwitting to update their personal information.

May 16, 2008

May 15, 2008

  • State Farm Practices Suffer Collision With California Class Action Lawsuit - A class action lawsuit (Case #CV08-03184), was filed today in United States Federal Court, Central District, alleging that State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is enriching itself with payments rightfully belonging to its insureds in violation of California law, particularly the "Make Whole Rule."
  • Iowa Bill to Create Consumer Advocate Bureau in State - glassBYTEs™: A bill that will create a consumer advocate bureau in Iowa was signed into law on April 25 by Gov. Chet Culver. The bill, House File 2555, deals with a number of issues relating to the Iowa Insurance Department.
  • CCAR to Provide Online Training to ARA Educational Foundation - The Coordinating Committee For Automotive Repair (CCAR) has been named to provide online training programs to the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) Educational Foundation. 
  • I-CAR determined to make changes based on industry feedback - I-CAR took an important step towards its goal of being more customer-focused on May 7 with the first meeting of the Collision Repair Facility Industry Segment Advisory Council. I-CAR is diligently gathering feedback from the industry to provide product and services that are effective, relevant, contemporary, and meet the training needs across all industry segments.
  • FIX Auto selects Summit Software as preferred partner - Summit Software Solutions Inc was selected as a preferred provider of shop management and business process improvement software for the FIX Auto collision repair network.
  • ASA Hosts Service Information Workshops in Massachusetts - ASA Continues State Tech Education Program
  • Iowa Auto Body Shop Sells Car to Rock Star - Julie and Bruce Steinberg own the North Iowa Collision Center.  In January they sold their 1969 Chevrolet Camaro at an auction.
  • DuPont Provides Assistance to Earthquake Relief Efforts - DuPont is donating products to the China Red Cross Foundation to assist with relief efforts related to the May 12 earthquake in the Sichuan province of China that has left more than 12,000 people dead and more than 26,000 injured. 
  • German elite university's hot Audi racer sports Glasurit brand paints in white and titanium mat - Carmakers, university and suppliers join in sponsoring BASF Coatings’ technical platform
  • PPG celebrates 125 years of growth, leadership and innovation - “We are very proud of our long heritage and our success over the years,” said Charles E. Bunch, PPG chairman and chief executive officer, during an April 23 webcast to nearly all PPG locations worldwide. “We began with one location, one product and a few hundred employees. Today we have operations in every corner of the world, producing thousands of diverse products in more than 60 countries and employing more than 44,000 people.”
  • Verifacts to add estimator coaching program - VeriFacts Automotive said it will offer a new service: the coaching of insurance estimators much like they currently coach technicians. After field-testing this service in the first quarter, this soon-to-be released addition is designed to help estimators write good sheets and coach them to a higher level.
  • OEConnection Introduces ServiceAdvantage - OEConnection LLC, a recognized technology leader in the online buying, selling and analysis of original equipment parts, today announced its expansion into dealership service lanes with the introduction of ServiceAdvantage to General Motors dealerships.
  • KAR Holdings, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2008 Results -  For the first quarter of 2008, the company reported revenue of $462.1 million as compared with first quarter 2007 revenue of $396.4 million for the combined companies of ADESA, Inc. (“ADESA”) and Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. (“IAAI”), an increase of 17%.
  • Auto parts supplier Visteon picks Stebbins as CEO; Johnston to continue as executive chairman -  Auto parts supplier Visteon Corp. says it has selected Donald J. Stebbins as its next chief executive. -- Van Buren Township-based Visteon said Wednesday the 50-year-old Stebbins will succeed Michael F. Johnston as CEO effective June 1. Johnston will continue with the company as executive chairman.
  • Ford Designers Create Color In Virtual World - The same virtual process that enables Ford designers to create new vehicles without the use of clay is helping designers develop colors without opening a single can of paint.  It’s all part of Ford’s continued advancements in virtual design, which are helping the company bring more products to market faster.
  • GM recalling 1,200 workers at Ohio SUV plant - GM spokeswoman Jessica Peck said Wednesday that the plant has enough parts available to employ the first shift. Peck says about 1,000 workers on the second shift will remain on layoff.
  • More Dealerships ‘Going Green’- Many auto dealers across the country are saving money with a renewed focus on energy conservation. -- More than 500 dealers, for example, are participating in the ENERGY STAR program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency.
  • Ford recalls over 650,000 pickups for brake hose - Ford Motor Co is recalling over 650,000 of its top-selling F-150 pickups as well as a Lincoln-branded truck because of a problem with the brake hose that could cause the vehicles to lose braking power.
  • New database helps track down stolen cars - Cleburne, TX: Deputies crack down on emissions, illegal inspection stickers
  • San Jose woman pleads no contest in check-forgery scheme - Prosecutors accused Christina Tapia of San Jose of embezzling $200,000 from a Milpitas auto body shop where she worked from October 2005 to August 2006.
  • Progressive April profit falls - Property & casualty insurance provider Progressive Corp. on Wednesday reported a 20% fall in its April profit.
  • Main Street America Group Acquiring Michigan's Great Lakes Casualty - The insurer said it has agreed to acquire Great Lakes Casualty Insurance Co., a Michigan-domiciled private passenger auto insurance carrier based in Grand Rapids, Mich., from Newco Financial Holdings Inc., an insurance holding company based in Grand Rapids.
  • Allstate's suspension upheld - The state 1st District Court of Appeal on Wednesday reinstated a January order blocking Allstate Corp. from writing insurance policies in the state, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation announced.

May 14, 2008

May 13, 2008

  • Connecticut Anti-Steering Bill Passed - glassBYTEs™: A Connecticut bill that would require disclosure to consumers that they have the right to choose the repair facility to complete repairs to their motor vehicles was approved by the state's Senate last week.
  • Innovation Auto Continues Expansion of Executive Team with Two New Vice Presidents - Ron Tryczynski to oversee Innovation Auto's internal operations while Bob Cornelius will spearhead company's nationwide network of preferred auto body shops
  • Silly Season - ASA President's Blog: To borrow a phrase from the national political scene, it is officially “silly season” in the automotive aftermarket governmental affairs arena.
  • Seven Tips to Having a Healthy Computer - AutobodyOnline: Whether we are part of a small business, a multinational, or are just trying to find a recipe online at home, we seem to spend just as much time fixing ‘issues' and ‘conflicts' on our computers as we do working on them. For the home user this is merely an inconvenience, but to a business it can add up to tens of thousands of dollars lost to decreased productivity or repairs.
  • Carstar holds yearly Make-a-Wish event - On Thursday evening, Robert and his family were the special guests at Kurt's Carstar Collision Center in Maryville, during a yearly fundraiser for the foundation.
  • Got Grants? - Recent grants have been awarded for: Church Brothers Collision Repair (Marion County): Awarded $63,584 to convert four of their locations to use waterborne basecoat paint. This will replace the current paint that has a higher amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC), reducing VOC emissions into the air.
  • Hail drives car owners to body shops - "We've probably had 25 to 30 calls between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. this morning [with] a lot of damage,” Turn 2 Collision body shop owner Kevin Schoolcraft explained.
  • Street Rodder Road Tour Bound for 2008 Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion - The 2008 PPG Street Rodder Road Tour is traveling to Bowling Green, Ky. for the 6th annual Holley National Hot Rod Reunion. More than 50 cars will drive from San Antonio, Texas to Bowling Green as part of the Vintage Air-sponsored tour.
  • Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2008 Results - Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc., a leading distributor and marketer of automotive aftermarket accessories and equipment in North America, today announced financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended March 29, 2008.
  • OEConnection Messenger: Spring/Summer 2008 - A newsletter for professionals in dealership fixed operations
  • Schnitzer Steel’s Auto Parts Business Named “Recycler of the Year” by Steel Manufacturers Association - Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. annually recycles approximately 300,000 end-of-life vehicles through its Pick-n-Pull and GreenLeaf Auto Recyclers businesses, which are part of its Auto Parts Business (APB). These businesses, which include 53 self-service and full-service auto parts stores across the United States and Canada, purchase vehicles and offer recycled auto parts to consumers and businesses.
  • Insurance Auto Auctions Acquires Joe Horisk’s Salvage Pool in Delaware - The acquisition extends IAA’s footprint in the Northeast and provides additional regional coverage to IAA’s vehicle providers in this important market. The facility features a yard capacity of over 2,000 vehicles and will provide buyers with a greater overall product selection and another convenient location from which to purchase vehicles either in person at the live auction, or soon through I-bid LIVEsm.
  • Aaron Cherrington Moves to VP Corporate and Channel Sales at Identifix - Identifix, one of the nation's premier sources of online and hotline diagnostic and repair information, today announced the appointment of Aaron Cherrington, formerly Director of National Accounts, to Vice President Corporate and Channel Sales.
  • Toyota Loses Bid to Overturn $4.3 Million Prius Patent Award - The U.S. Supreme Court let stand a $4.3 million award against Toyota Motor Corp. for using another company's patented technology in gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, including the top-selling Prius.
  • Plant closing rocks CAW - Canadian union's GM talks now include buyout negotiations after notice Windsor factory will close.
  • Mitchell International Finalizes Acquisition of Fair Isaac Medical Bill Review Business Unit - Workers' Compensation, Auto Casualty and Managed Care Cost Containment Business Unit Significantly Expands Company's Portfolio

May 12, 2008

  • 4 Keys to Increasing Customer Loyalty - AutoInc: As the collision repair market becomes increasingly competitive, it is more important than ever for collision repair facilities to use every resource available to attract and retain customers.
  • Progressive Changes Policy on Partial Paint/Full Clear - ASA Collision Division Meets with Progressive during Annual Convention
  • Applying Group Power to Independent Body Shop Businesses - Autobody News: An Interview with Scott Biggs, CEO of Assured Performance Network
  • Industry Reacts to Belron US AGRSS Statements - glassBYTEs™: Many industry representatives, including AGRSS Council Inc. president Cindy Ketcherside, have expressed concern about statements made by Belron US executive vice president Tom Feeney at the Independent Glass Association's (IGA) Annual Conference in Las Vegas last week and company spokesperson Jenny Cain yesterday on glassBYTEs.com™.
  • Aims to build automotive school - CO: The as-yet-unnamed school will offer courses in automotive collision repair in addition to the technology courses. The auto programs now offered on the Greeley campus will move to the new location south of Windsor and east of Loveland, Kegg said. The automotive program at Aims’ Fort Lupton campus will not move.
  • For 9 months' work, Pep Boys ex-CEO gets $17.2 million - The Pep Boys (PBY) gave its former chief executive a compensation package worth $17.2 million for just over nine months of work in 2007, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Friday. -- Jeffrey Rachor, an executive hired from Sonic Automotive in March 2007, received a salary of $1.04 million and a bonus of $1.2 million. He left Pep Boys last month.
  • Union slams Axle plans - UAW negotiator calls proposed wage rollbacks, plant closures too drastic; supplier defends offer.
  • Ford plant will install spray-on bed liners - As jobs fall away from the Kentucky Truck Plant and truck sales tumble, some of its workers will start spraying bed liners onto heavyweight F-Series Super Duty rigs this summer. -- Ford is not the only automaker taking back some turf from aftermarket installers who apply the rugged bed coatings.
  • Toyota says new US auto plant delayed - Toyota executive says new Mississippi auto plant delayed by worries over US market
  • Ford May Scrap Mercury Rather than Revive It - Last week Jerome York, a former auto executive and advisor to billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian, said giving up Mercury would be a smart move for the struggling automaker, which is trying to boost its Ford and Lincoln brands.
  • The number of rebuilt, salvaged, vehicles is on the rise in Oklahoma - Buying the wrong used car could cost you thousands of dollars and put you behind the wheel of an unsafe vehicle.
  • Car Repair Nightmare - A local car buff says an auto repair shop promised to do major repairs on his car in six months. But after more than four years… and thousands of dollars later… he’s still waiting.
  • When Modifying Vehicles, Upgrade the Insurance - NO matter what improvements you’ve made to your car — fancy wheels, neon glow, or a more powerful engine — one component is almost certain to lag in performance: your insurance policy.
  • You and the Law: Handling that auto accident yourself part 2 - Last week I gave you a picture of auto insurance which could not have made claims adjusters happy.
  • Progressive Defends Online Quoting and Comparison Rating Application - The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) today issued a news release that included inaccurate or misleading information about Progressive’s Web site and its Massachusetts private passenger auto insurance product that the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies would like to correct and clarify.
  • Illinois Auto Insurance: Local Agents VS Online Companies - Traditional methods of acquiring automobile insurance are still widespread; however the choices for Illinois vehicle drivers are now more diverse.

May 9, 2008

May 8, 2008

May 7, 2008

  • Agents group condemns insurer's 'schemes' - The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents yesterday condemned the online sales practices of Progressive, the national insurance company that began selling auto coverage in the state on May 1.
  • Lithia Body & Paint Converts to Waterborne Automotive Refinish System - Lithia Body & Paint of Medford announced today that it is the first auto body repair shop in Southern Oregon to offer an environmentally safer option for paint repair. This comes two months after Lithia Body & Paint was certified as being “Eco-Logical” by the Department of Environmental Quality’s Pollution Prevention Outreach team.
  • CARSTAR Super’Stang Joins Trevin’s Chevy at Cruisin’ the Drag 2008 - The CARSTAR Super’Stang, a restored 1967 Shelby Ford Mustang on a nationwide, 18-month fundraising tour to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, will join more than 600 vehicles of all makes and models on display during the ninth annual Cruisin’ the Drag car show in downtown Great Falls, Mont. on May 10.
  • Birchmount Collision Celebrates 50th Anniversary - Birchmount Collision has fifty reasons to celebrate this year. But instead of popping champagne, its business as usual, at the legendary Scarborough, ON repair and paint shop.
  • Spring Auto Glass Show™ Offers Something for Everyone - glassBYTEs™: The Spring Auto Glass Show™, held as part of the Independent Glass Association's (IGA) annual conference in Las Vegas last week, saw several new brand-new product and tool launches.
  • "We Can't Afford Not to Attend" - glassBYTEs™: "One of the most-talked-about topics on the glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine forum is how shop owners can afford to attend trade shows, how many one-man businesses would have to close up shop to attend, how expensive it is to travel to Vegas, etc. And, I know, I definitely can see some of these points." —Penny Stacey
  • Which Autos Cost Most To Repair? - No matter how solid your vehicle is, chances are high that it'll need some sort of repair within the first five years. Those repairs won't come cheap, and can be quite steep, depending on the vehicle.
  • Solera Holdings, Inc. Schedules Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 Earnings Announcement and Conference Call - Solera Holdings, Inc., an integrated group of leading automotive claims solutions companies, today announced that it will release its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 on Thursday, May 8, 2008 after the market closes. A conference call will be hosted by Tony Aquila, Solera's founder, chairman and CEO, and Jack Pearlstein, the Company's CFO, at  5:00 p.m. EDT that afternoon.
  • C. Huizenga buys auto supplier Nicholas Plastics - When J.C. Huizenga decided to buy troubled auto supplier Nicholas Plastics Inc., it was more than a gutsy business decision in a tough economy. -- It also was a neighborly thing to do.
  • U-Pull-&-Pay Opens Denver Self-Serve Used Auto Parts Store - U-Pull-And-Pay, LLC has opened its newest self-service used auto parts store, this one located in Denver. The location covers close to 15 acres.
  • BASF to strengthen its automotive business in India - BASF announced its plans to expand its offerings for the automotive industry in India with investments in plants and technology. The company will build a new engineering plastics compounding plant at its existing site in Thane, which is expected to come on stream by the second half of 2009.
  • Bayer Materialscience, Ford Motor Co. Bring Self-Healing Polyurethane Clearcoats Into FOCUS - Technical presentation highlights new developments for exterior automotive coatings
  • VinSolutions.com Announces Enterprise CRM/BDC Solution - VinSolutions.com rolls out its new Enterprise CRM/BDC Solution for multi-rooftop dealers nationwide. Now from a single screen, with a single log-in, users in dealer groups can access customer and inventory data from each of their locations.
  • KCK auto workers go on strike - Following days of negotiations, workers from Unified Auto Workers Local 31 went on strike at the General Motors Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, Kan, Monday morning.
  • Tacoma buy back keeps Toyota dealers busy - In March, Toyota announced that it had found problems with some of the frames on its popular Tacoma trucks.
  • The unstoppable Toyota Corolla - Toyota has just launched the 2009 Corolla, the 10th generation of what has become the all-time bestselling car in the world. More than 7 million have been sold in the U.S., and total worldwide sales have surpassed 30 million.
  • Major automaker adopts Microsoft Auto - Microsoft has announced a new design win for its Windows CE-based automotive technology, Microsoft Auto. The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group (HKAG) will use the product in a voice-controlled infotainment system to be available in its 2010 vehicles, the companies announced.
  • Seat belt issues force Toyota to recall 90,189 Highlanders in US - Toyota Motor Corp., Japan's largest automaker, is recalling 90,189 Highlander sport-utility vehicles in the US because third-row seat belts may not lock in some child-safety seats.
  • 11 News Defenders: Deadly weakness on wheels - They are by far the deadliest types of crashes on the road, accounting for nearly 35 percent of all fatalities. But should a rollover accident occur are you protected enough in your vehicle?
  • Record Scrap Metal Prices Making Junk Valuable - A constant stream of men and women –– most driving dinged-up pickups with scarred hands and broken fingernails –– drove onto the scales Monday at Jim's Auto Salvage's scrap metal division.
  • Thieves Steal Radiators from Body Shop - A Car radiators may be the latest target for metal thieves. -- Huntington police say dozens were stolen from Rich's Auto on Madison Avenue.
  • How to drive without burning money - Gas prices have been surging to record highs. But it's not just the gas bill that drivers are getting socked with. The costs of car insurance, tires, licensing and registration are on the rise, too. But there are some strategies you can use to cut the cost of owning your car.
  • Study finds insurance costs, regulation related - Everybody knows fueling a car costs more these days, but what about insuring it? There are new figures out on what you pay and how you might pay less.
  • Insurance Fraud Costing Virginians Thousands of Dollars - Governor Tim Kaine has declared this week "Insurance Fraud Awareness Week" and Virginia State Police want you to know the cost of these crimes.
  • Consolidations ahead for P&C insurance industry - A recent survey released by Chicago-based Accenture Inc. predicts an increase in merger and acquisition activity in the property and casualty insurance sector for this year. For the global survey, more than 100 insurance equity analysts in 14 of the world’s largest insurance markets were questioned.

May 6, 2008

May 5, 2008

  • Smith Coins New Industry Term, Gives Tips on Legislation - glassBYTEs™: Automotive repair lobbyist Bob Smith of Storm Appraisal and Management Services Inc. introduced attendees of the Independents Glass Association (IGA) Annual Conference yesterday to a new term: deceptive referrals.
  • Hemperley Provides Anti-Steering Tips, Asks “Why Do Insurers Care?” - glassBYTEs™: “‘Maybe consumers don’t care where they go—they just want their cars fixed.’ Does anyone remember who said this?’ asked Corey Hemperley of Windshield Doctor in Pocatello, Idaho, yesterday of attendees of the session, “Steering—What You Can Do,” at the Independents Glass Association (IGA) Annual Conference in Las Vegas Hemperley was quoting Sen. Don Benton, who asked this very question at a hearing recently in Washington State.
  • EPA Summit to include Paint Regulation Compliance Session - ABRN:  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold its 2008 Environmental Summit in Washington, D.C. later this month where its Environmental Assistance Network (EAN) will sponsor a special session May 21 to discuss environmental assistance opportunities and needs. The session will focus on the retail sector and paints and coating area sources.
  • Total overhaul sought on auto shops that lack permits, clutter streets - CA: A recent inspection of auto-related shops in National City's Westside neighborhood revealed that only three of 102 have all the required permits to operate, and 37 don't have a valid city business license.
  • Westside Auto Body Businesses By The Numbers - 102 Total number of auto body-related shops in the Westside. -- 37 Number of businesses without a valid city license. --15 Businesses with licenses expired since Dec. 31, 2006. -- 3 Shops operating with all city, county and state permits. -- Business never holding a city license.
  • What kind of auto shop should I use? - For years people have asked me this question quite frequently ... what kind of shop should I use for automotive repairs, a dealership or an independent shop?
  • Hodges Collision Center Opens Location in Oak Ridge - Hodges Collision Center recently celebrated the opening of its second location in Oak Ridge North at 130 Lane Ln., just south of Woodlands Parkway, with an open house and a ribbon cutting ceremony with The South Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.
  • Berli’s Body & Fine Auto Finishes • Pflugerville - Joe Berli meticulously planned every aspect of Berli’s Fine Auto and Finishes, and many would agree the care he put into his company is evident.
  • Collision repair students win at Boise Skills USA - Adrianne Sielaff, Ray Hinshaw, Nick Inman, Andy Rogge and instructor Cal DeHass participated in the competition and Hinshaw won first. He qualified for the national competition in Kansas City, Mo. in June. He earned a $500 scholarship toward travel costs and more than $2,500 in tools.
  • Mechanics show off in Dover - A couple of troubleshooters from Stanton's Delcastle Technical High School -- seniors David H. Snead, 17, of New Castle, and Steven R. Johnson, 18, of Bear -- beat out four other teams Thursday to win the 2008 Delaware Student Auto Skills competition at Dover International Speedway.
  • North School News: North Hills - PA: The North Hills Senior High School technology education department recently received a $1,000 Public Education Leadership Community Grant from the PPG Industries Foundation to support the school's 2007-08 Build Your Dream Vehicle competition. (2nd story down)
  • PPG sees conversion to waterborne gaining momentum across California, Canada - According to PPG Industries’ automotive refinish business, more collision shops are transitioning to waterborne basecoat from solvent-based systems in anticipation of new air quality regulations in California and Canada. Intended to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) atmospheric emissions and improve air quality, the coming regulations have led more than 700 collision shops to adopt Envirobase High Performance and Aquabase Plus waterborne basecoats by PPG.
  • Audatex invites bodyshops to vote on Global Claims Centre (GCC) developments - UK: Many companies claim to listen to the “voice of the customer” but Audatex proved that it means what it says when it invited all its bodyshop customers to attend its Customer Consultative Forums and then asked participants to vote on the developments that they would most like to see to the company’s Global Claims Centre (GCC).
  • Collision Repair Workstation w/ Benefits like a Frame Rack - Video: With the majority of today's repairs being light-to-moderate damage, the Body Buddy is a great tool to repair vehicles without consuming a lot of workspace.
  • LKQ Corp. aftermarket and refurbished parts bring in US$272 million in first quarter - Automotive parts supplier LKQ Corporation has posted revenue of US$491.9 million and net income of US$30.9 million for its first quarter ended March 31, 2008.
  • Fire ravages Keystone Automotive - MN: A fire Friday morning at Keystone Automotive in the Brainerd Industrial Park caused between $75,000 to $100,000 in damages, said Brainerd Assistant Chief Kevin Stunek. -- Richard Monson, plant manager of Keystone Automotive, said he believed the fire started in the grinding department where old auto bumpers are recycled.
  • U.S. Auto Industry Woes To Spread To Canada - The double digit losses suffered by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler in the U.S. will likely have a major negative impact on the Canadian car industry.  
  • Bradshaw named dealer of the year - William Bradshaw, owner of Greer-based Bradshaw Automotive Group, was named 2008 Dealer of the Year by the American International Automobile Dealers Association on Wednesday.
  • Airbag Scams: Dashboard Danger - Airbag scams are on the rise. Here’s what you need to know.
  • Which States Punish Distracted Drivers Most? - Drivers who talk on the phone, play with their GPS system, watch movies, shave or apply makeup while driving may want to start focusing on the road, suggests Forbes.com.
  • University gets money to field test crash-dodging vehicles - A high-tech system to help car and commercial truck drivers avoid crashes by warning them of potential road dangers and assessing their options will get some real-world testing starting this summer.
  • Louisiana takes insurance agent's license - Administrative actions follow theft charges 

May 2, 2008

May 1, 2008

  • Operation Restoration - Houston, TX: U.S. Army Captain Elizabeth McGovney bought her ‘72 Nova in 2003, the year before she graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York. -- She was deployed to Iraq for her second tour, so the car rebuild had to be put on hold. -- While she is away, a local auto shop is working diligently to soup up her ride prior to her late July return to Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
  • BASF joins creative forces with Chip Foose - Partnership aimed at promoting BASF waterborne refinish products and jointly developing “Foose-inspired” BASF automotive refinish colors
  • WMABA Welcomed as Newest AASP Affiliate - The WMABA is a regional collision industry association, currently covering the areas of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. -- Pat Andersen, AASP President, stated, “I am very pleased to welcome WMABA as an AASP affiliate. They are well known for their strong and vocal leadership and will certainly be an asset to the AASP team.”
  • IGA Launches Comic Book: “Don’t Get Steered” - glassBYTEs™: During last year’s Independent Glass Association’s (IGA) annual conference, consumer advocate Ralph Nader advised attendees during his keynote speech that a good way to gain recognition from legislators is to present a topic of concern in a form they could understand easily, such as a comic book. This week, the IGA is making that advice a reality, as it launches its own comic book, “Don’t Get Steered”—an illustrated depiction of what steering is and how it can affect independent shop owners.
  • Rewritten California anti-capping bill continues on path - California’s anti-capping Senate Bill 1371 has passed the muster of a key committee after it was revamped to address various industry concerns. Proponents of the measure expect it to continue wending its way toward becoming law.
  • Spotlight on... Harold Steele - His kindness and calm personality are appreciated by his customers, who by the nature of the collision business often happen to be upset when they come to him. "He's a sweet guy," said the reader who nominated Harold for Spotlight. "He's very accommodating."
  • Body-shop owner says raid cost him $1.2M - Witnesses testified Tuesday in a businessman's lawsuit accusing Orange County deputies of violating his civil rights when they seized more than 100 vehicles from his auto-body business.
  • Price tag for collision repair shops to limit VOC compounds estimated at Cdn$322 million - Environment Canada has released new regulations for limiting concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the use of automotive refinishing products such as paint.
  • DuPont supports environmental initiative - Mississauga-based Dupont Canada says it's supporting the environment by endorsing new government proposals calling for a reduction in car chemical pollutants
  • Colorado's 2008 SkillsUSA collision repair contest adds paint and refinishing to testing repertoire - Parts and People: The primary reason for adding paint and refinishing was to create a test series that parallels those administered at the national SkillsUSA contest, said Richard Turner of PPG Industries, who headed the effort to design a test that would accurately measure student skills in the painting and refinishing category.
  • Panel discussion of waterborne planned for I-CAR meeting - The 2008 I-CAR International Annual Meeting will be an opportunity for the industry receive first-hand information from a number of vehicle manufacturers and other organizations covering emerging technologies and trends within the industry, including waterborne coatings.
  • Bumperdoc Automotive Reconditioning Franchises Switch To Water-based Paints On Earth Day, 2008 - BumperDoc Franchise opportunities continue to lead the industry by being the first auto reconditioning center to switch to water-based paints. The company has a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, and has recognized the need to offer a waterborne paint system to stay in line with their values.
  • Managing Your Phone While You're Out - AutoInc: When you choose to close your business for two or three days while you and your entire staff attend conferences or other learning experiences, consider hiring an off-site temporary staff person to handle scheduling and other repair questions during the time you are gone.
  • Why pay for base coating, when you do not have to - BASF: In recent years, headlamps and lighting technology have become a distinctive design element of automobiles, making lighting a prominent part of a car’s appearance.
  • LKQ Q1 results top Wall Street view - Automobile-parts recycler LKQ Corp posted better-than-expected quarterly results, helped by 109 percent growth in revenue, and also raised its 2008 earnings outlook.
  • ADP Report Says Job Growth Is Stagnant - Employment growth has stagnated for the third straight month, according to the latest ADP report. -- The economy took on a paltry 10,000 nonfarm private-sector jobs in April. March's employment number was revised down by 5,000 to 3,000. And in February, the report shows the economy losing 18,000 jobs. Employment growth has averaged 99,000 jobs per month since the survey began in May 2006. 
  • Auto Parts Makers Beating Odds Thanks To Restructuring - U.S. auto parts makers are reaping the benefits of cost cuts and efforts to penetrate international markets, even as the outlook for sales of cars and trucks in North America deteriorates.
  • Cutting Costs Good for Visteon - Visteon Corporation is focusing on strengthening its non-Ford businesses and reducing costs in order to attain long-term profitability.
  • Troy-based auto parts maker to cut 200 jobs in Ohio - An auto parts plant in northwest Ohio plans to cut 200 of its 270 jobs through the rest of the year. -- Continental Structural Plastics in North Baltimore makes plastic parts including fenders.
  • USAutoPARTs to jump start fuel-economy quest - At least one good thing might come out of the lengthy Delphi Corp. bankruptcy. -- A surplus Delphi research lab in Macomb County's Shelby Township has been donated to an initiative that could help automakers meet stringent new federal fuel economy guidelines.
  • SABIC Innovative Plastics Chrome Plating Materials for Automotive OEMs - One of the hottest trends in automotive design is the resurgence of chrome in trim, door handles, and other decorative touches to impart a high-end, luxury look.
  • XPEL Announces 2007 Financial Results - 73% Increase in Total Revenues - Annualized Revenues of Approximately $10 Million - XPEL’s CEO, Steven J. McAuley, commented, “2007 was certainly a year of great change at XPEL and with that change came significant improvements in our operating results. We are pleased with the improvements in our operating cash flow and the successful acquisitions of Shadow Tinting Ltd., Paintshield Ltd., and ArmoufendCAD Inc. during the year. These acquisitions represent an important step towards establishing ourselves as the industry leader in automotive paint and headlight protection."
  • GM Losses Don't Bother Investors - General Motors didn't manage any miracles this quarter--and it didn't have to. Investors rallied after the company posted an in-the-red report card that wasn't as bad as the Street expected.
  • Volvo's 2020 vision: The injury-proof car - The destruction of the orange sedan with its slapdash paintwork may have been intentional but it was far from wanton. It was all part of Volvo's bid to create an injury-proof car by 2020.
  • Ford recalls pickups for fuel-tank problem - Ford Motor Co. is recalling 65,000 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickups from the 2008 model year to strengthen the fuel tank mounting to prevent a gasoline leak in a head-on crash.
  • BMW Recalls 2008 X5 With Sport Suspension - BMW is recalling certain models of its 2008 X5 for problems with the rear axle stabilizer or anti-sway bar. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says approximately 55 X5s are being recalled so BMW can replace the rear axle stabilizer.
  • New Tool Stops Car Thieves Cold - It's developed by OnStar, the same company that gives drivers directions in their vehicles.
  • NHTSA makes changes to automotive VINs - The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a new ruling that will amend the Vehicle Information Number (VIN) requirement so that the system will remain viable for at least another thirty years. The rule was initiated by a petition from SAE International, which was concerned that the available supply of 17-digit VINs might run out. The new ruling becomes effective on vehicles manufactured on or after October 27, 2008.
  • Farmers offers insurance discount for cars with anti-rollover technology - Beginning May 1, Farmers will offer all of its Texas policyholders with the equipment a 5 percent discount on their collision coverage portion on their car policy, President of Personal Lines Jeff Dailey says.

April 2008 >>>>

 



 
 

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