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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