Automotive News: Autobody, Auto Body, Collision Repair, Auto Insurance, Automotive Industry

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August 2007

Friday - August 31, 2007

Ford Blends Science, Art to Develop New Paint Color Palette to Move Customers, Drive Business - Design and color rank as more important purchase consideration factors than ever before, so Ford Motor Company is planning its biggest paint changeover in company history and leveraging a new collaborative product development process aimed at winning customers.
Right to repair exists - A seventh attempt at passing the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act is being introduced to Congress. With 24 co-sponsors, it is far from its past level of support with 100 co-sponsors.
New programmable DRP-specific estimating system automatically flags issues of concern to carriers - If you participate in several direct repair programs (DRPs), most likely you’re acutely aware that each carrier has differing requirements or KPIs – key performance indicators – that must be met to ensure payment.
The I-CAR Education Foundation and Akzo Nobel's "The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry" Offer Scholarships - For the fifth consecutive year, the I-CAR Education Foundation, in conjunction with Akzo Nobel Coatings Inc. and “The Most Influential Women of the Collision Repair Industry,” is proud to announce an exciting scholarship opportunity for female collision repair students.
San Jose auto body shop to pay $45,000 in harassment case - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission today announced that a San Jose auto body shop will pay $45,000 to settle a sexual and racial harassment lawsuit.

Auto body shop owner says EEOC violated pact - Attorneys for a San Jose auto body shop and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are once again butting heads, four months after the two sides settled a dispute in an alleged employee discrimination suit. -- The latest squabble: The government fired off a press release containing language that the body shop claims broke a confidentiality agreement.

Just Car Clinics says restated FY 2006 pretax up by 89,000 stg under IFRS rules - UK: Just Car Clinics Group PLC said, after it had moved to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), its restated pretax profit for the Dec 2006 year was 869,000 stg, a rise of 89,000 stg from the 780,000 stg reported under UK GAAP rules. -- The collision repair chain said earnings per share fell by by 0.9 pence to 4.6 pence.

Belron US Completes Conversion of 90 Point of Sale Systems - Belron US reached an integration milestone last week with the conversion of 90 former Belron Inc. point-of-sale systems to the Safelite point-of-sale system in just three months.

Phoenix Temps Reach Record High; Techs Work to Beat the Heat - Phoenix set a new record yesterday, as its temperature reached 110 degrees (or higher) for the 29th day this year. As the entire city battles the heat, shops provided some tips on how they're dealing with the high temperatures while on the road conducting mobile installs and repairs.

PPG plant workers say yes to union - For the second time in a little more than a year, a majority of workers at Evansville's PPG Industries automobile glass plant voted to join the United Auto Workers.

BASF inaugurates pilot facility for innovative coating technology - Today, BASF has started operations of a pilot facility for Steron®, a novel coating process, at its Ludwigshafen plant. This technology opens up a wide spectrum of possibilities for the surface coating of diverse carriers.

BASF to increase prices for coatings resins - Effective immediately, BASF will increase prices in Europe for coatings resins by up to 15 %, depending on the product line, as existing contracts allow. Reasons are increased costs for raw materials, transportation, energy, packaging, services and engineering.

Plastics film protects automobile bodies - A reclamable opaque white plastic film protects automobile bodies and parts against external aggressions (such as acid rain, bird droppings, and tool marks) during assembly, transport, and storage

Visteon to Detail Restructuring Progress at Credit Suisse Global Automotive Conference - Visteon Corporation, a leading supplier of automotive systems and technology, will highlight results of its turnaround strategy at the Credit Suisse Global Automotive Conference on Thursday, Sept. 6. Visteon's presentation is scheduled for 2:50 p.m. EDT and will last approximately 40 minutes.

New Ford Environmentally Friendly Technology Cuts Water Use, Nearly Eliminates Paint Sludge - Ford Motor Company is developing a new environmentally friendly anti-corrosion technology that cuts water use in automotive paint shops by almost half and decreases the production of sludge by a full 90 percent.

FORD, U-HAUL eco-friendly painted vehicles log 400,000 miles in first month on U.S. Highways - In their first month on the road, the world’s only vehicles painted with Ford’s environmentally responsible three-wet paint technology logged more than 400,000 miles – and still look fresh from the factory.

Ford back after strike - Australia: The strike that crippled Ford ended yesterday, but the company will not resume producing until Tuesday morning. -- Ford has lost up to $80 million because of the dispute at components supplier Venture Industries.

Romania says hopes to sign Ford deal next week - Romania hopes to finalise a deal to sell its troubled carmaker Automobile Craiova SA (AUCSxm.BRQ: Quote, Profile, Research) to Ford Motor Co next week, a member of the privatisation commission said on Friday.

GM to Cut 1,000 Jobs At Ontario Pickup Plant - General Motors Corp. said Thursday that it will cut about 1,000 jobs in January at a pickup truck plant in Oshawa, Ontario, in order to deal with slumping market conditions in the auto maker's core U.S. market.

Kia Motors says first US plant to open on schedule - Kia Motors Corp. plans to start up its first U.S. factory on schedule in the fourth quarter of 2009, a company executive said Thursday. -- The Kia facility is expected to produce 300,000 vehicles per year at maximum capacity. -- Kia has also said that five to six auto suppliers are expected to set up near the factory, which it says would create an additional 2,000 jobs.

Hyundai Elantra Outpoints Competitors in Consumer Reports' Tests of Four Small Sedans - Mazdaspeed3 becomes CR's top-rated sports car

Consumer Reports Finds Maintaining Cars For 200,000 Miles Can Save Owners Thousands of Dollars - With proper care, many of today's cars can last 200,000 miles or more, and owners seeking to limit repair costs by trading in their vehicle every three to five years may lose out on thousands of savings, says Consumer Reports October issue.

Carfax Advises Used Car Buyers About Shopping Smart - Scam Artists on the Prowl for Used Car “Suckers”; Carfax Experts on Hand at Delta 500 to Assist Consumers

Get your motor running - Are cars more than mere transportation? 10 museums for gearheads

Appeals Court: New Damages for Ford - An appeals court on Thursday threw out a decision that would have given $52 million to the parents of a toddler killed by a rolling pickup truck, and asked for a new jury to set punitive damages in the case.

State investigating Progressive Insurance - Georgia's insurance commissioner has begun an investigation of Progressive Insurance for allegedly sending private investigators into a church confessional to spy on a couple who had filed suit against the company.

Insurance company offers car cameras for parents - Some Colorado teens have more than the police on their trail. An insurance company has offered to set up cameras in their cars to observe drivers.

GEICO Cuts N.J. Auto Rates - GEICO is reducing auto insurance rates for its policyholders in New Jersey by a statewide average rate decrease of 4.1 percent.

4 Insurers Said to Be Eyeing Mass. Auto Market After Deregulation - Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burnes says four insurers not now writing auto insurance in the state have said they will enter if her plan to allow competitive pricing goes forward.

Thursday - August 30, 2007

Dupont Contributes $5,000 to Support the Collision Industry - DuPont Performance Coatings contributed a total of $5,000 to support the efforts of the I-CAR Education Foundation in June 2007. The $5,000 contribution to the Education Foundation General Fund will support many of the programs and services administered by the Education Foundation.
Mitchell International Contributes $5,000 to Support the Collision Industry - Mitchell International contributed a total of $5,000 to support the efforts of the I-CAR Education Foundation in August 2007. The $5,000 contribution to the Education Foundation General Fund will support many of the programs and services administered by the Education Foundation.
Mitchell 1 Holds Shop Management System Training Workshop in Cleveland - Mitchell 1 will hold this year’s fourth Shop Management System Training Workshop in Cleveland, Ohio on Oct. 4 – 6, 2007, at the Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Downtown.
Women's Industry Network Notes - "We are pleased to announce the addition of 5 new board members who will join the WIN board. They are Margaret Knell, Director of Corporate Administration, I-CAR, Mary Kunz, Director of Marketing Services, Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc., Victoria Jankowski, Property and Casualty Consultant, State Farm Insurance, Jeanne Silver, Owner, CARSTAR Mundelein, and Kim White, District Sales Manager, FinishMaster. We are honored to have such an amazing group of women join us." more>>>
Two Canadians shine at Sikkens Acoat selected awards - Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes Americas recently honored the growth and achievements of some of the leading collision repair centers in the US and Canada. The recognitions were given during the closing awards luncheon of the 2007 Sikkens Acoat Conference held in Uncasville, Connecticut, August 8 to 10.
The 'Right to Repair' - We live in an age that has experienced firsthand the impact of technology.

Unlocking the Mystery of Production - Pre-repair management isn’t a new way to repair cars faster, better, cheaper and easier. But it’s been proven to ease the production management workload – and give you time to focus on big ideas.

Collision shops need new approach to recruit, retain Generation-Y workers - Some shop owners have all but given up on hiring anyone under the age of 30.

New NAGS Calculator Takes Effect September 10 with Average Price Increase of .68 Percent - The Fall 2007 NAGS calculator is now available and is set to take effect on September 10, 2007. glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine compared the newest catalog prices on the top 20 most popular parts with the May prices, along with the prices from September 2006, and found that there was an average price increase of .68 percent since the May release.

Deadline for Glass Expo Midwest™ Pre-Registration Approaches - Pre-registration for Glass Expo Midwest™ closes in less than a month. The last day to pre-register is September 21.

BASF Coatings R-M paint brand at world's largest car show (IAA) in Frankfurt - Putting the Mustang through its paces at the IAA

PPG waterborne paint decorates NASCAR car - The No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger, driven by Kurt Busch in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, was painted with the Envirobase High Performance waterborne basecoat system from PPG.

Nardelli tells team quality is priority - Chrysler LLC CEO Robert Nardelli stressed to senior managers Wednesday that the automaker must bolster the quality of its vehicles and outlined other areas where improvements are needed as the company executes a three-year recovery plan to restore profits.

China's Shuanghuan Auto denies copying DaimlerChrysler, BMW cars - Shuanghuan Automobile has denied its 'Noble' is a copy of DaimlerChrysler AG's Smart Fortwo or that its 'CEO' is a copy of an old version of Bayerische Motoren-Werke AG's X5 sports utility vehicle.

'08 auto show adds 5 Chinese manufacturers - In a bold display of intent to become major players on the global automotive scene, five Chinese vehicle manufacturers will bring cars and trucks to Detroit for display at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in January.

Nissan, Posco Prepare Steel Center - Nissan Motor Co. and Korean steelmaker Posco are preparing to set up a center to process steel sheet products in Japan, the Japanese automaker said Thursday.

Toyota Motor Sales Announces Management Changes - Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. announced management changes for its Toyota and Lexus divisions, and Toyota Financial Services (TFS).

New rules for cars to take effect Saturday - Automakers must post crash-test ratings and realistic gas mileage, among other regulations.

Rollin' 'Round for Rolls of Cash - Need a unique advertising method--or money to fund one? Paying everyday people to ad-wrap their cars with a 3M-produced vinyl material that actually preserves car paint is growing in popularity according to this article in The New York Times.

State has a list of don'ts for insurers - MA: Under the proposed regulations, insurance companies won't be able to consider gender, marital status, education, occupation, or home ownership status when deciding whether to cover drivers. The rules also would bar the use of those socioeconomic factors to determine how much drivers pay for insurance. In addition, there will be a one-year ban on the use of credit scores as a factor in setting rates

Wednesday - August 29, 2007

Right to Repair Update - Manufacturers and independent repairers question solution to the proposed Right to Repair Act
ACRA September Seminar Details Released - In September, the two day seminar, Gaining Control of your Business, will be held on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th.
Former ABRA Employees File Class Action Suit Against Company - Two former employees of ABRA Auto Body & Glass have filed a class-action suit against the company alleging that it required customer service managers (CSMs) and customer service representatives (CSRs) to work overtime without pay and that it did so by misclassifying these employees as "managerial," which exempted them from overtime pay.
Glass Technology's Wanstrath Trains Malaysian Body Shops in Windshield Repair - Durango, Colo.-based Glass Technology's president, Kerry Wanstrath, recently spent 10 days in Malaysia teaching technicians about windshield repair. The company says it has a new distributor that distributes to most of Malaysia's 300 body shops.

Important tips on selecting an auto shop for your repairs - Last week, I reported on the Ohio Motorists Bill of Rights but didn't have enough space to dispel some more myths about car repairs and give tips on getting your vehicle repaired. -- Remember, you can take your vehicle to your insurance company's preferred collision repair shops, or you can find your own shop - one which you're sure will make repairs the way you want them.

Zolatone Automotive being relocated to Michigan, Wisconsin - The parent company of Raabe Co. L.L.C. of Menomonee Falls has purchased the assets of Zolatone Automotive, a Los Angeles automotive coatings company and is moving its operations to the Midwest.

Car Bra for the New Millennium - There's nothing worse than washing your car and finding a new nick or scratch in your paint or your headlight. With so many car manufacturers these days turning to expensive one-piece headlight/signal assemblies, it's a relief to see a company develop a product to protect the fragile lenses and plastic trim of today's cars.

Columbia Paint & Coatings Co. to Merge with Sherwin-Williams - Leading Washington State Paint & Coatings Company Will Become a Subsidiary of Sherwin-Williams

Superior Performance at Affordable Prices Drive Demand in the Paints and Coatings Market - The Asian paints and coating markets are poised to grow with buoyant economic conditions and growth in end-user markets.

$1.54B sale of Magna stake OK'd - A proposal by auto-parts giant Magna International to sell a large stake in the company to a Russian billionaire for $1.54 billion sailed through a special meeting of shareholders in about 30 minutes Tuesday without any discussion.

Automakers go hatchback to the future - The next shape in cars comes close to how most people might like to chisel their own bodies — broad shoulders and a shapely rear end.

Motor Age Presents Prestigious Top Shop Award To Peak Automotive in Apex for 2nd Consecutive Year - Motor Age Magazine – a leading provider of print, event, and online media for the powersports, off-road and automotive aftermarket industries – is announcing that Brian and Kim Walker, owners of Peak Automotive, Apex, N.C., is one of the winner’s in Motor Age magazine’s Top Vehicle Repair Shops contest. No other shop in the country has received this honor for two consecutive years!

Chrysler Proposes Sale of Two Units, People Say - The businesses are the Mopar parts operation and Chrysler Transport, according to the people, who didn't want to be identified because the talks are confidential.

General Motors' Done In By Greed Instead of Focusing on Quality Cars, Former Insider Charges in Book - That General Motors lost its spot as the world's perennial number-one carmaker to Japan's Toyota, comes as no surprise to Robert Horvath, a former GM dealer/owner-operator.

GM Ranked As One of the 50 Best Companies for Latinas To Work - General Motors (GM) has been recognized by LATINA Style Magazine as one of the 50 best corporations in America to work for because of its ongoing commitment to helping Latina’s develop their careers.

High-Mileage, Low Emissions - GM revisits sparkless compression ignition engines

CarMax Advises How to Avoid Flood-Damaged Cars - In the wake of recent flooding, CarMax, Inc., the nation's largest retailer of used cars, is advising consumers on how to avoid purchasing flood-damaged vehicles.

Rollover tests show '07 SUVs gained stability - Many new sport utility vehicles, equipped with anti-rollover technology, are less of a risk for rollover crashes than their predecessors, the government says.

Crash-Activated Headrests - In autumn 2007 occupant safety in BMW cars is being optimised through the introduction of crash-activated headrests: All models in the BMW 6 and the BMW 5 Series, as well as the BMW X5 and BMW X3, now come as standard with these newly developed headrests significantly reducing the risk of cervical vertebra injury in the event of a collision from the rear.

Fugitive Arrested in $500,000 Auto Fraud Scam - A Sherman Oaks, Calif., man has been arrested for insurance fraud, grand theft, identity theft, and federal charges, the California Department of Insurance reported.

State Farm sets up shop to expedite vehicle claims - Help for State Farm insurance holders in Northwest Indiana who suffered car damage in the Aug. 15 storm is a short drive away. - The only center of its kind for the region, claims adjusters there have been taking drive-up reports ever since, according to Rosemary Burris, a State Farm adjuster out of Valparaiso.

Allstate to cut 300 jobs in Hudson - An official with the insurer based in Northbrook, Ill., said the company is closing its claims service centers around the country to switch to a new ''express'' format.

Insurers told they can't link home, auto policies - Two insurance companies serving Long Island broke state law when they used auto insurance as a factor to decide whether to renew homeowner policies, the state's top insurance regulator said yesterday.

Vox, Inc. Study Reveals Ongoing Problems with Auto Insurance Websites - Customer Experience Not Measuring up to Expectations

Ohio Sues Marsh, AIG, Ace, Chubb, Hartford for Anti-trust Violations - Department of Insurance, Attorney General Marc Dann has filed suit against the world's largest insurance broker, Marsh & McLennan and four of the nation's largest insurance companies and their subsidiaries for alleged violations of the state's anti-trust laws.

Tuesday - August 28, 2007

Collision Industry Alliance Releases Fraud Awareness Circular - The National Collision Industry Alliance (NCIA) released a circular to raise awareness of the liability associated with performing substandard repairs. The circular reads: “Don’t Fall Into The Insurer’s Fraud Trap…Fix it Right…Bill it Right”.
Ohio Court Ruling Could Impact Auto Damage Claims - An Ohio couple whose vehicle was wrecked are entitled to more than just the money it will cost to repair it, according to a state appeals court ruling that found the couple also should be compensated because the accident reduced the value of their vehicle.
Industry mourns loss of collision repair legend March Taylor - “There is a huge void in the industry,” says Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the National Auto Body Council. “He has done so much for so many people in his own quiet way.”
He doctors dings, dents - Norm Coonfer III employs the firm handshake and look-you-in-the-face approach typical of many new business owners. But his two-month-old body shop is anything but typical, and this is no ordinary entrepreneur.
Christian Brothers expands into Georgetown - Christian Brothers Automotive Corp. has entered a new market with the opening of its newest location in Georgetown, a town about 30 miles north of Austin. -- The facility, located at 3723 Williams Dr. in Georgetown, is the Houston-based automotive repair company's first location in the Georgetown area.

ROLAGS Committee in Early Stages of Resin Standard Development - The committee for the Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standard (ROLAGS) now is working to develop a standard for windshield repair resins.

GlasWeld Launches New Technical Services Division - Acceptance of new ANSI standard for windshield repair spurs formalization of long-time department

Rust and primer are the favorite colors at the Road Agents car show - The "traditional" hot rod is an accurate re-creation or period-correct restoration of a hot rod from the same era. -- Most rat rods appear "unfinished" (whether they actually are or are not), with just the bare essentials to be driven. More recently, however, a trend has arisen of making the vehicle appear "unsafe" or "scary," whether the vehicle actually is or not.

Microsoft Automotive Business Unit Product Manager, Velle Kolde to Address Motor Press Guild - The Motor Press Guild (MPG), America's largest professional automotive media association, announces Velle Kolde, Automotive Business Unit product manager at Microsoft, will address members and guests at the September 4 luncheon. Kolde will discuss Microsoft's role in the automotive industry and the future of technology in the automobile.

U.S. Steel buys Canada's Stelco to expand in automotive market - United States Steel Corp. is buying the Canadian steel maker Stelco Inc. for about $1.1 billion in a move expected to bolster its position as a supplier to the North American automotive industry.

Dana may consider bankruptcy-exit offer - Dana Corp. has invited hedge fund Appaloosa Management LP to submit a firm and final offer by Sept. 21 if it wants a part in moving the troubled auto-parts maker out of Chapter 11.

Delphi settles stock lawsuits - $320M to cover only portion of shareholder, employee losses

Car parts dispute costs Ford $11m a day - Australia: Ford is losing $11.3 million a day in sales because of a strike at parts supplier Venture Industries, the Industrial Relations Commission has been told today.

Honda Achieves Record Monthly Overseas and Worldwide Auto Production - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced a summary of automobile production, Japan domestic sales, and export results for the month of July 2007, including an all-time record for overseas and worldwide auto production for the month of July.

Activists protest Toyota conditions - A group of Kentucky community activists including labor and church leaders will gather outside Toyota Motor Corp.'s oldest and biggest U.S. assembly plant today to deliver recommendations, including limits on the use of lower-paid temporary workers, to improve working conditions at the factory.

Pueblo hailstorm damage in millions - A storm that brought hail the size of half dollars caused at least $19.4 million in damages in the Pueblo area, based on claims made to one insurance company.

Insurance Technology: Then and Now - Whether on paper or online, ten years later, the personal touch still matters.

New York regulators checking insurance practices - The state insurance superintendent is reviewing Allstate and Liberty Mutual insurance companies' practice of taking into account a policyholder's choice of auto insurance when deciding whether to renew homeowner policies, state officials said.

Monday - August 27, 2007

A Brief History of Collision Repair - AutobodyOnline: A look at the industry news 15 years ago may offer some insight into what lies ahead

'Old Dog' offers area family a helping hand - When Ron Lombardo was involved in a serious car accident in January, it sidelined him from work at his High Ridge auto body shop. -- The shop's profits rested upon its repairs business, which came to a halt after Lombardo's accident, he said.

School adds spray paint booth - Students returning to the auto body repair shop at Westfield Vocational-High School next week find a new paint booth designed to improve their safety as well as productivity.

AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship Awarded to SkillsUSA National Automotive Champions - AutoZone, Inc., the nation's leading retailer and distributor of auto parts, today announced the second annual "AutoZone Future Technician Scholarship" winners. The $10,000 automotive industry-focused scholarship was divided among the gold, silver and bronze medal winners of the SkillsUSA National Championship, Automotive Service Technology competition recently held in Kansas City, MO.

Hot Topics to be Addressed at Glass Expo Midwest™ - You won't want to miss the session that show organizers say they could have called "What the $%^&* is Going on in the Auto Glass Business?" at Glass Expo Midwest™ in Grand Rapids, Mich., this October. This session, "Hot Topics in the Auto Glass Business," will be held on October 9 at 8 a.m.

Glass Bot™ Available for Easy Glass Removal - Nelson Marketing in Garden Valley, Calif., offers a new tool for removing windshields that it says removes strain, relieves the weight of using a heavy power tool and doesn't break the glass: the Glass Bot™.

Fuyao stake sale approved - China: The government has approved the sale of a 10 percent stake in the nation's biggest auto glassmaker, Fuyao Group Glass Industries (Fuyao), to the US investment bank Goldman Sachs, the Chinese company said on Friday.

Keystone Automotive Industries Inc. Announces Record Date for LKQ Merger Vote - Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc. announced it has set a record date of August 30, 2007 for shareholders to vote on a previously announced merger agreement with LKQ Corporation in which LKQ will acquire Keystone for $48.00 per share in cash, representing an aggregate purchase price of approximately $811 million on a fully diluted basi

Copart, Inc. Announces DSC Financing for Copart Buyers - Copart is now accepting payments from vehicle buyers through a financing solution supplied by Dealer Services Corporation (DSC), North America’s largest provider of diversified inventory financing for independent dealers. Copart will be accepting financing from buyers utilizing DSC at all 123 Copart salvage auction locations in the U.S., beginning immediately.

BASF wants to enhance auto unit so that it grows 2 pct faster than market - BASF AG wants to further enhance its auto industry business so that its turnover increases by at least 2 pct more than the market average per year, according to an interview with Raimar Jahn, the head of the company's auto parts production unit, in Auto Motor und Sport magazine.

SEMA: The Hot-Rod Attitude - Most die-hard car enthusiasts know all about the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show, the annual aftermarket industry extravaganza held each November in Las Vegas.

2007 SEMA Scholarship Info - Over the past two decades, SEMA Scholarships have supported over 400 students with more than $500,000 in scholarship awards.

GM Says It Would Share Parts With Competitors to Save - General Motors Corp., the largest U.S. automaker, wants to share more parts with rivals to improve quality and save money, purchasing chief Bo Andersson said. -- Chief buyers for Toyota Motor Corp., Ford Motor Co., Chrysler LLC and Honda Motor Co. said at a conference in Novi, Michigan, today that they also are interested in cooperating on components. Andersson made his comments at the conference.

GM upgrades 2008 lineup - General Motors Corp. announced yesterday that it will introduce more than a dozen new or redesigned engines and transmissions in its 2008 lineup of cars and trucks, including the industry's first hybrid light-truck transmission, which is being built at its plant in Baltimore County.

Local assembly workers watching new Chrysler minivan closely - Good minivans are more about function than fashion. So rather than impress consumers with a radical new look, Chrysler's 2008 Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan will try to turn heads in its new vehicle. Or, rather, swivel heads. -- The Fenton minivan plant has been shut since mid-May to retool for the new model. Chrysler has said more than 80 percent of the equipment in the area of trim and chassis assembly will be replaced. Additionally, the paint and body shops will be overhauled.

Ford to idle parts plant in Monroe - Ford Motor Co. plans to idle an Automotive Components Holdings auto parts plant in Monroe that employs about 1,200 people after failing to find a buyer for the facility.

Strike action costing Ford 'millions' - Ford Australia says strike action by one of its suppliers' workers is costing them "millions and millions" of dollars a day. -- The strike action was coming at a "massive cost" to the company in "loss and damage", Matthew Follet, a lawyer for the car maker, told a hearing of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) today.

BMW and DaimlerChrysler threaten legal steps if Chinese copies are shown at IAA - Automakers Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and DaimlerChrysler AG's Smart unit are threatening legal action over alleged cheap Chinese-made knock-offs of some of their models, should the cars be presented at the international automobile fair IAA in Frankfurt reported Automobilwoche magazine.

Kia Motors' Main Plant Halted Due to Strike - Korea: Hundreds of temporary workers at Kia Motors Corp. have halted production at the automaker's main plant for five days on Monday, demanding higher wages, job security and equal working conditions with its full-time workers, both company and union officials said.

10 compact, mid-size cars brought significant changes - According to a poll conducted by the Detroit Free Press, gas mileage was the most important factor shoppers consider when buying a car, topping safety, interior room, and low maintenance costs by a wide margin.

Shelby Auto Chooses Tasca Automotive Group as First Factory Authorized ''Mod Shop'' in the Northeastern US - Drag racing pioneer Bob Tasca and the performance experts at Shelby Automobiles have joined forces to offer high performance versions of current generation Shelby and Ford Mustangs. On Saturday, August 25, 2007, Carroll Shelby and Bob Tasca, Sr. will announce that Tasca Automotive Group will open the first authorized Shelby mod shop at its Cranston, R.I., facility this fall during a celebration at the dealership.

Not doing homework can cost on car repairs - Get referrals about reputable car-repair shops from friends and family. Check with the Better Business Bureau for the shop's record. Search the Internet for complaints. -- Get estimates for parts and labor in writing.

Albany car repair shop wins court fight with Syracuse developer - The owners of an auto repair shop on Broadway in downtown Albany, N.Y., won a court battle against a Syracuse developer that wants to build a $40 million, 11-story apartment building and adjacent offices on the site.

AAA Minnesota/Iowa Presents MN State Patrol with New Rollover Simulator - Minnesotans will see a new rolling attraction at the State Fair this year simulating what happens to occupants who are not properly restrained during a rollover crash.

Honda's Immaculate Airbag Deployment - It was a pleasant evening and a nice conversation. A young woman and her boyfriend were sitting in a nearly-brandpnew 2006 Honda Civic. -- The driver started the Honda, shifted the transmission into reverse, the passenger door closed and the Honda airbags exploded into the faces of the two young people sitting in the front seats.

Motor vehicle crashes top teen killer - Auto crashes are the top killer of U.S. teens and a Pennsylvania insurance company advises parents to set ground rules to prevent auto accidents.

Another Auto Insurer Joins Coalition to Protect Florida's Drivers - Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance Company, an auto insurer that specializes in providing basic coverage policies to Florida drivers, has joined the Coalition to Protect Florida's Drivers.

State of competition - MA: New Jersey may offer drivers here a glimpse of the road ahead if the Bay State loosens insurance restrictions

Insurance Group Spent $2.1M Lobbying - The American Insurance Association, which represents 350 major property and casualty insurance companies, spent nearly $2.1 million to lobby the federal government in the first half of 2007.

Insurers Upgrade Call Center Technologies To Improve Customer Experience - Insurers like Farmers and Esurance are changing their contact center philosophies and upgrading call center technology in an effort to improve customer satisfaction and boost customer retention.

Friday - August 24, 2007

CARS Sells Out Exhibitor Showcase Space - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced all available space for the 2007 CARS Exhibitor Showcase has been sold. CARS 2007 will be held Nov. 1-3 at the Flamingo Las Vegas. The event will provide attendees the opportunity to visit with more than 60 participating companies in the CARS Exhibitor Showcase, featuring the newest technologies, products and services available to automotive repair professionals.

State Farm contributes $50,000 to I-CAR Education Foundation to Support the Collision Industry - State Farm Insurance Company contributed a total of $50,000 to support the efforts of the I-CAR Education Foundation in July 2007. The $50,000 contribution to the Education Foundation’s General Fund will support many of the Education Foundation’s programs and services.

Solera Holdings, Inc. Announces Paul Gange as Vice President, Corporate Marketing - "I am extremely pleased to be working with Paul again," said Tony Aquila, Solera's founder, Chairman and CEO. "He brings a wealth of relevant industry experience to Solera and intimately understands the business and the needs of our associates and clients."

PPG Industries opens research center in Suzhou - China: PPG Industries opened its research center in Suzhou city, Jiangsu Province today, Shanghai Daily reported. -- In May, the company has begun construction on its eighth manufacturing plant in China, which is located in Wuhu, Anhui province, to supply coatings to Chery, a Chinese automobile manufacturer. -- The new factory will begin operation on Jan. 1, 2008, and its output is expected to meet the demand for paint by one million Chery cars. -- PPG's seven other factories in China provide auto paints to BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, General Motor, Dongfeng Citroen and Hainan Mazda.

Industry Reacts to Possibility of Required Windshield Etching for Modifications - Following the announcement by the National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) that it has learned that the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is working on a new updated Z26 standard that may require all "modifications" (including repairs and replacements) to original factory-installed glass be marked on the glass so as to catalogue all alterations, the industry has been filled with a mixture of emotions about the possibility.

NWRA Annual Conference Seminars Set - The seminar program for the National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) Annual conference has been finalized. This year's conference will cover topics from ethics and environmentalism to internet marketing and customer service representative (CSR) training.

Introduction to Alternative Fuels - As the use of alternative fuels continues to grow, there is a growing need for technicians to be properly educated about alternative fuel sources as they relate to service issues.

Car-repair shops get maximum mileage out of their used oil - If you run an auto-repair shop, you need to dispose of a lot of waste motor oil in a way that doesn't hurt the environment. -- And if you run an auto-repair shop in a place with cold winters - Athens, for example - you need to heat your building.

CSK ProShop and NASCAR Launch Co-Branded Program for Auto Repair Shops - CSK ProShop Commercial Customers Can Offer Nationwide Repair Warranty

ALLDATA Releases New Updates - ALLDATA LLC has issued its quarterly release, adding more than 330,000 pages of factory-correct automotive service and repair information to its core product.

Tweedy Browne Buys FinishMaster Inc. - Tweedy Browne initiated holdings in Business Support Services company FINISHMASTER INC. -- FinishMaster, Inc. distributes automotive paints, coatings, and paint-related accessories to the automotive collision repair, automotive dealership, and fleet operator industries primarily in the United States.

KAR Holdings, Inc. to Announce Second Quarter 2007 Results - KAR Holdings, Inc. announced today that it will be releasing its second quarter 2007 financial results on Wednesday, August 29, 2007. KAR Holdings, Inc. is the holding company for ADESA Inc., Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc and Automotive Finance Corporation.

U.S. Automakers Endorse Knollenberg Legislation to Ensure U.S. Industry Voice in Trade Cases - The Automotive Trade Policy Council (ATPC), whose members include Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, has endorsed H.R. 1127, legislation introduced by Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) that would ensure that U.S. automotive companies and other U.S. manufacturers have a voice in anti-dumping and countervailing duty trade cases.

Better Safe Than Sorry - At this time of year, inventories are critical in the auto industry--and I do not like what I see.

UAW workers back House bill on fuel standards - Members of the United Auto Workers and several politicians gathered in downtown St. Louis this morning (Wednesday) to support a House bill on federal fuel standards

Ford to show new small car concept at Frankfurt auto show - Ford Motor Co. will display a prototype next month in Germany of a subcompact it is developing to fill a big gap in its lineup.

'Smart' Cars Could Make Driving Safer, Researchers Say - Cars already automatically lock doors when they sense motion and turn on warning lights if they detect potential engine problems. -- But they are about to get smarter. -- The augmented cognition research team at Sandia National Laboratories is designing cars capable of analyzing human behavior.

New Convertibles Equipped to Handle Rollover Crashes - Scored Well on Recent Crash Tests

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company Introduces Auto Insurance for Owners of Collector Cars - To meet the needs of the growing collector car market, a specialized category of automobiles with risks different from standard vehicles, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company has introduced insurance especially designed for collector car owners.

Progressive CEO sorry for spying on church goers - The head of one of the leading U.S. insurers in non-standard, high-risk personal auto insurance apologized on Thursday for some substandard behaviour - spying in church on people who had the sued the company.

Thursday - August 23, 2007

Insurance companies can dictate car shop repairs in Ky. - If you're involved in a car accident, can your insurance company tell you how your car can be repaired? If you live in Ohio, the answer is "No," yet that's something of which a lot of motorists are unaware.

Nationwide Insurance Renews Shop and Staff Customer Satisfaction Indexing Programs With AutocheX - Mitchell International, a leading provider of performance management solutions to the automotive insurance claims and collision repair industries, today announced a renewal agreement with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company for customer satisfaction indexing (CSI) services to be provided by AutocheX, Mitchell's voice-of-the-customer performance management group.

Cloutier takes on insurance liaison role with PPG - Denis Cloutier has been named Insurance Services Manager, Eastern Canada, for the Automotive Refinish group of PPG Canada.

Storm damaged cars, too - PA: Customers are starting to tell insurance companies and auto body shops how much of a pounding their properties took from Friday’s hailstorm.

NWRA Issues Member Alert Regarding Possible Requirement of Windshield Etching for Repairs and Replacements - The National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) has issued an alert to its membership that it has learned that the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is working on a new updated Z26 standard that would require all "modifications" (including repairs and replacements) to original factory-installed glass be marked on the glass so as to catalogue all alterations.

Come Together - Neil Duffy: "This has been a very tough year for me in the auto glass business. In fact, I think it has been the toughest one out of my entire 26 years as an owner/operator."

More emphasis needed on training and development - Body shops need to put more emphasis on training and development, according to David Lingham, who works in the collision repair industry in UK and Europe.

An open letter to the Industry from Paul Tucker, Managing Director, UK and International Business - Audatex UK: "I understand from the ABP Web Site that some of our repairer customers are unhappy with our recent announcement concerning the re-structuring of our service/support fee."

KE Autospray Leads Continuous Improvement with AudaEnterprise Gold - Audatex UK: Croydon-based approved repairer, KE Autospray is one of the UK’s first bodyshops to go live with AudaEnterprise Gold, Audatex’ latest estimating system. The move is part of the company’s continuous improvement strategy which also includes the implementation of PAS 125, the BSI standard for the body repair industry.

NASTF celebrates first anniversary of incorporation - The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), a group founded in 2000 to address the gap in information availability between OEMs and independent repairers, is celebrating its first anniversary as a 501(c)-6 organization by reviewing accomplishments including ongoing work on the Secure Data Release Model (SDRM), which will give appropriately qualified and registered technicians and locksmiths a means of accessing key codes and other types of security data and service support systems.

AIAG Guidelines Aim To Improve Quality of Automotive Parts - New guidelines developed by the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) aim to improve quality of automotive parts, helping to lower warranty claims and recalls. The automotive industry spent almost $12.8 billion in warranty claims in 2006, according to Warranty Week.

Leading Online Custom Auto Accessories Firm Marks 10 Years on Internet - In 1997 a San Diego-based company specializing in selling custom auto accessories decided it was time to enter the fast lane on the information superhighway. Now AUTOMEGA® celebrates 10 years on Internet.

Federal judge dismisses suit against 2 Dana execs - There is insufficient evidence that two top executives of Dana Corp. knowingly misled shareholders about the firm's financial problems in the months before its bankruptcy filing, a federal judge ruled yesterday.

Ford enlists suppliers - After ranking last in survey, firm will add parts makers to product teams to encourage closer ties.

General Motors Cuts Production Of SUVs, Pickups At Six Plants - U.S. automaker General Motors Corp. has cut production at six plants that make large sport utility vehicles and pickups, including the Chevrolet Suburban SUV and GMC Sierra pickup, reports said on Wednesday. The decision comes in the wake of higher gasoline prices as well as competition, especially from Asian counterparts, which have led to a decline in the company's sales. The decision will remain effective for the rest of the year.

3rd ex-Ford exec joins bid for Jaguar - Bob Dover, former chief executive and chairman of Jaguar and Land Rover , has linked with U.S. buyout group TPG Inc. to make a bid for the two automotive brands, the Daily Telegraph reported, citing bankers close to the matter.

What’s Off the Record at N.H.T.S.A.? Almost Everything - If you want to know something as simple as who heads the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, don’t bother to ask the safety agency’s communications office.

Side air bag rule in works - Stricter standards to be revealed in Sept. require devices by the early part of the next decade, design changes.

Gas station owners allege price fixing - Nearly two dozen gas station owners in California sued Shell Oil Co., Chevron Corp. and Saudi Refining Inc., on Tuesday, claiming the companies conspired to fix prices for 23,000 franchise owners nationwide.

A 'charity' it wasn't, lawsuit says about business - The outfit repaired and resold donated vehicles, but the proceeds didn't seem to help any charities, the suit alleges.

Best Cars for College Students - We looked at price, safety, reliability and fuel economy numbers in choosing the list of the best cars for young adults.

A claims adjuster with no feelings - If you've been banged up in an auto accident, at least you'll be dealing with someone in the insurance business capable of feeling your pain. Or will you?

Farmers Insurance agent receives company’s highest honor - Magaly Brewton-Hight, a Farmers Insurance Group of Silverdale agent, received the company’s highest award for “outstanding overall performance.” Brewton-Hight joins a select group of people as a member of the prestigious Presidents Council.

Wednesday - August 22, 2007

Ford Sees the Light, and It's Not a Generic Import - Is the headlight of a Ford F-150 pickup truck a unique design protected by patent or an easily replaceable generic part? The answer to that question will determine winners in the $16 billion-a-year U.S. market for vehicle replacement parts. -- So far Ford, the second-largest U.S. automaker, has the upper hand, using patents as the latest tool in a 20-year battle to keep imported parts out of the country.
CCC Helps Reinforce Best Practice Decisions in Auto Physical Damage Repair Estimates - Enhanced CCC Accumark(TM) Advisor prompts repairers and insurers to review estimates before submitting; includes reporting functionality
NACE 2007 I-CAR classes filling quickly - New classes expected to sell out - pre-register today - Register online today for two new classes making their debut at NACE 2007.
Madison, Wisconsin I-CAR Volunteer Committee hosts awareness event - Plan to attend the I-CAR Awareness Event hosted by the Madison Volunteer Committee, see vendor exhibits, learn the latest on Automotive Design Trends and the $100 per Collision Repair Facility per Year program, pick up your local I-CAR class schedule, and network with collision industry professionals. It all takes place Tuesday, September 11 from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Women's Professional Development Track Debuts at NACE 2007 Conference Program - The 2007 Conference Program at the 25th annual International Autobody Congress & Exposition will debut the first-ever Women’s Professional Development track.
Final California Regulation Released for OBD-II, Emission Warranty Regulations - The final regulation package for the OBD-II and emission warranty regulations were made available Aug. 13.
Shop helps drivers customize cars - MS: Lakeland Motor Sports has relocated, bringing high-end car accessories and automotive services to Ridgeland.
GlasWeld to Sponsor Windshield Repair Olympics - The Bend, Ore.-based GlasWeld Systems is serving as a Platinum sponsor for the Second Annual Walt Gorman Memorial Windshield Repair Olympics (WRO). This year's WRO will be held in Las Vegas November 1, 2007, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The event is co-sponsored by the National Windshield Repair Association and AGRR magazine.
ITC Votes to Continue Investigation in Titan’s Petition against OTR Tires from China -The International Trade Commission determined on Monday, August 20, that there is reasonable indication to continue Titan International Inc.’s case regarding antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on new pneumatic off-the-road tires from China. Petitions were filed jointly by Titan and the United Steelworkers union in June 2007.
Society of Automotive Analysts Presents its 4th Annual STRATEGIC PLANNING SUMMIT, Wednesday, August 29 in Troy, Michigan - Seven of the automotive industry's top analysts and forecasters are confirmed presenters at SAA's 4th annual STRATEGIC PLANNING SUMMIT slated for Wednesday, August 29 in Troy, Michigan at the Troy Marriott.
Identifix® Direct-Hit™ Reaches Milestone of 50,000 Vehicle Searches in One Week - Identifix®, one of the nation’s premier sources of online and hotline vehicle diagnostic and repair information, announced today that subscribers to the company’s Direct-Hit product looked up information on over 50,000 vehicles in a single week. The number of vehicles looked up by Direct-Hit subscribers per week has doubled in the last 12 months.
ICI: Akzo Nobel has spoken to its major shareholders; confident that simple majority will support deal at EGM - Akzo Nobel the Dutch chemicals groups trying to acquire UK rival ICI, has spoken to its ”major shareholders and is confident it will secure the required approval at its EGM,” said a company spokesperson.
Ford's Test Bed: Brazil's Camagari plant is model for the future - At Camagari, more than two dozen suppliers operate right inside the Ford complex, in many cases producing components alongside Ford's main production line.
Chrysler willing to cut deeper - LaSorda keeping an eye on economy as company launches new minivans.
GM May Make 60,000 Volt Electric Cars in First Year, People Say - General Motors Corp. may build as many as 60,000 Volt electric cars for their inaugural year on the market, four times the sales of Toyota Motor Corp.'s hybrid Prius in its first full year in the U.S., people with knowledge of GM's plans said.
Accord grows up - Redesigned vehicle boasts improved styling, more space, better performance
Auto industry pays $31.2 million for lobbying in 1st half - The auto industry paid about $31.2 million in the first six months of the year toward lobbying federal lawmakers and bureaucrats, according to a newspaper's analysis published Saturday.
CarDomain Revs Up Site With Launch of New User-Generated Car Video Sharing Service - From Showing Off to Showing How-To, "CarDomain Video" Provides Auto Enthusiasts With New Tools to Express and Share Their Passion
Low speed, high cost: Luxury cars prone to costly fender-benders - Eleven 2007 luxury vehicles were put through a series of four low-speed crashes, and the bill for repairing the combined damage was as high as nearly $14,000 for one model. Only three models sustained less than $6,000 in total damage. -- We're talking about accidents that happen at speeds of 3 to 6 mph - typical parking-lot fender benders.
Sliding doors on GM minivans raise safety concerns - General Motors Corp. minivans are being investigated by U.S. safety regulators because of reports that power sliding doors came open on their own while the vehicles were moving.
Flooded cars go to market with little to stop them - Hodgepodge of Rules Makes It Hard to Track Damaged Cars
Car safety videos to compare cars - Consumers now have free access to more than 200 crash test videos as part of a collaboration between Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These online videos bring a new level of research detail to shoppers looking for a new or used car, minivan, truck, or SUV.
Insurance commissioners shut out public: legislators - Kentucky legislator Bob Damron was walking into the June national meeting of insurance commissioners in San Francisco when a burly black-clad security guard with a shaved head blocked the door. The guard read a list of "excluded" state legislators -- including Damron.
Auto Insurers Find Market Dynamic Changing With Falling Prices - Auto insurers that sell policies directly to consumers say they're able to offer lower prices because they don't need to pay agents commissions, but with auto insurance prices falling in many states amid a price war, agent-oriented insurers could be gaining an advantage.

Tuesday - August 21, 2007

Mitchell International Wins a Multi-Year Contract Extension From Progressive Insurance - Mitchell International, Inc., a leading provider of performance management solutions to the automotive insurance claims and collision repair industries, today announced that Progressive Insurance, the nation's third largest auto insurer, has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with Mitchell for auto physical damage (APD) claims estimating solutions.

I-CAR Advantage Online: Collision Repair Overview for the 2007 Jeep Wrangler - The Jeep Wrangler was redesigned for 2007. The changes, especially the new features of the frame, are indicative of other vehicle maker trends in body-over-frame design.

State Farm Insurance contributes $50,000 to the I-CAR Education Foundation to support the collision industry - State Farm Insurance Company contributed a total of $50,000 to support the efforts of the I-CAR Education Foundation in July 2007. The $50,000 contribution to the Education Foundation’s General Fund will support many of the Education Foundation’s programs and services.

Long Island, NY I-CAR Volunteer Committee announce upcoming meeting - The Long Island, New York I-CAR volunteer committee will be hosting an open meeting for all interested industry professionals on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon.

NABC's Recycled Rides program starts rolling - The National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides pilot program launched following a conference call earlier this week with the 10 repair facility members waiting to participate. Recycled Rides is a nationwide awareness project that assists members of the NABC to repair and donate recycled vehicles for families in need. As part of the program, participating members will donate refurbished family-size vehicles on Nov. 19.

NACE 2007 initiates new Partnering Program with 15 industry groups - The 25th annual International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) has initiated a new Partnering Program with 15 industry groups agreeing to promote NACE and its many benefits to their members and supporters.

Jeff Gordon to Race in Michigan Monday - The DuPont Automotive Finishes Hot Hues™ brand appeared on the deck lid of the DuPont No. 24 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS during the race. -- The DuPont Hot Hues™ palette of premium custom finishes can transform vehicles into a unique works of art. Hot Hues™ offers a diverse selection of vivid colors and special effect finishes.

Keystone shareholder says to vote against LKQ merger - Keystone Automotive Industries Inc disclosed in a regulatory filling that its shareholder, Rockhampton Management UK LLP, will vote against LKQ Corp's proposed takeover of the car-parts maker.

City to auction contents of auto business - PA: The city of York will hold an auction Saturday to sell the contents of business property acquired for a redevelopment project. -- Everything from hand tools and a hydraulic lift to fluorescent light fixtures will be for sale at the business known as Weaver’s Auto Body.

Ozark Profile : Comer finds artistic fulfillment in classic car restorations - A quest for fulfillment led Chris Comer to start a business doing what he loves. -- Comer said that while the custom shop can do just about anything, it doesn’t work on insurance claims or perform maintenance on non-classics. It makes it more of a challenge, he said, but it’s worth it.

Texas Entrepreneur Set to Start Building DeLorean Cars - In a nondescript warehouse in east Texas, mechanic and entrepreneur Stephen Wynne is bringing a rare sports car back to life. If he succeeds, he almost certainly has Michael J. Fox to thank.

One Month Left to Register for the Auto Glass Technician Olympics and Windshield Repair Olympics - Registration for the Third Annual Auto Glass Technician Olympics (AGTO) and the Second Annual Walt Gorman Memorial Windshield Repair Olympics (WRO) closes exactly one month from today.

AGRSS Holds First CAP in Rochester, Minn., August 8 - More than 100 insurance agents and a number of local dignitaries came out on August 8 for the AGRSS Council's first-ever consumer awareness program (CAP) in Rochester, Minn., on August 8, in conjunction with the Minnesota Glass Association (MGA), and AGRSS-registered companies Minnesota Glass Co., City Auto Glass, K&M Glass, ABRA Auto Body and Glass and A1 Glass.

PPG Industries Inc. and Atrion Partner to Implement Global Product Stewardship System - Atrion International-the leading provider of solutions enabling compliance of regulated and hazardous materials-today announced that PPG Industries has signed a multi-year contract for Atrion's Materials Compliance solution, which becomes a technology backbone of their Global Product Stewardship (GPS) system.

BASF Catalysis Research supports 'green' research initiatives at Columbia University's School of Engineering and Applied Science - BASF Catalysis Research has made a three-year research commitment of $600,000 to the Earth and Environmental Engineering Department of Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science for graduate and post-doctoral studies into environmentally sound technologies utilizing heterogeneous catalysts.

Automotive Manufacturers Announce Supplier Requirements at AIAG AutoTech 2007 - Automotive OEMs will present new requirements and updates to their suppliers in educational sessions at the Automotive Industry Action Group's (AIAG) AutoTech conference, which runs Aug. 21, 2007 - Aug. 23, 2007, at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Mich.

RFID Solution Fights Counterfeit Tires - A new RFID system by Advanced ID and SkyeTek is being touted as a potential solution to counterfeit and gray market tires.

Consumer Reports rates the Toyota Tundra and Chevy Silverado best among four, full-sized, crew-cab pick-ups - The Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado placed first and second in Consumer Reports’ tests of four full-sized, crew-cab pickups for the September issue. In separate tests of heavy-duty diesel pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 easily outpointed competitors from Dodge and Ford.

US Auto Companies Target Mid-Sized Cars - Just a few miles from Toyota’s U.S. sales and marketing headquarters, George Tasker hasn’t had much luck selling mid-sized Chevrolets against Toyota’s Camry, the most popular car in America. But Tasker, the top salesman at Martin Chevrolet in Torrance, Calif., is looking forward to November when the new Malibu arrives in his showroom.

People buy small cars even though they can be deadly - Americans are buying more small cars to cut fuel costs, and that might kill them. -- As a group, occupants of small cars are more likely to die in crashes than those in bigger, heavier vehicles are, according to data from the government, the insurance industry and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).

AutoCheck(R) Vehicle History Reports Feature Expanded Accident Information - Additional police report and exclusive frame damage information helps used-car buyers to make smarter purchase decisions

“Call Center From Hell:” Disgruntled Call Center Employee Spills All - This is a long report that I hope you will read with interest, because it outlines what I have witnessed and observed during my 10 months of employment at the Audatex Call Center in Ann Arbor - the call center from Hell.

Crawford Named Best Third-Party Claims Administrator by Business Insurance Readers - Crawford & Company has been chosen as the Best Third-Party Claims Administrator in Business Insurance's 2007 Readers' Choice Awards.

Consumer Advocates Help Defeat Allstate's Efforts to Hide its Post-Katrina Pay-Out Procedures - Allstate Insurance Company will not be allowed to hide trial exhibits that include the company's pay-out procedures for Hurricane Katrina claims thanks, in part, to efforts by Public Justice, a national public interest law firm headquartered in Washington DC, and the California-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR).

Monday - August 20, 2007

Used Car Parts - OH: When you take a car in for collision repair, you're not always guaranteed to get new replacement parts. Depending on your state, your insurance company might make you get used parts. Some body shop owners are fighting the policy.

Call for Action: Proposed law could be good news for many car owners - A newly sponsored congressional bill would give all car owners the power of choice when it comes to who repairs their vehicle.

Pitts hears independent stores' pleas for the 'right to repair' - PA: "We may have to tow the car back to the dealer to do something, which can make customers want to just take it to the dealer in the first place," said Barry Burkholder, president of Barry's Paint Shop, a collision repair shop in Ephrata. -- Burkholder said he faces the issue when trying to reset sensors on air bags or anti-lock brakes.

WMABA Collision Industry Awareness Meeting - Doubletree Hotel: Richmond Airport - 5501 Eubank Rd - Sandston, VA: August 23rd, 2007 at 5:00PM

I-CAR Education Foundation tabs Akzo Nobel's Taube - The I-CAR Education Foundation selected Akzo Nobel’s Roland Taube, market manager for the car refinishes Canadian market, vice-chair for the 2007/2008 board of trustees and executive committee.

Group Revs Up Super’Stang to Grant the Wish of Child - The Northwest Indiana CARSTAR Business Group will pit stop its re-creation of a legendary 1967 Shelby Mustang on August 22 during the second annual Northwest Indiana Golf Tournament to benefit local Make-A-Wish® Child Rachel. The tournament will be held at the White Hawk Country Club, 1001 White Hawk, Crown Point, Indiana, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Local shop puts together special thank you for soldier - NH: The instructions for bodywork on Lee Arter’s 2002 Ford Explorer are explicit and underlined on the chart hanging up at GS audiowurks: “Pimp his ride.”

Collision Revision, Inc. Appoints Alex Feliciano to Director of Insurance Relations - Collision Revision, Inc., a Total Vehicle Solution (TVS) Company, is pleased to announce that Alex Feliciano has been appointed to Director of Insurance Relations. Mr. Feliciano is a 17 year veteran of the collision repair industry and has spent the last 6 years on the Collision Revision Management Team.

Special service at Special Touch - PA: No job is too big or too small for Special Touch Auto Body & Customs Shop, which recently opened and is located at 115 N. First St., Connellsville. -- Younkin and staff work exclusively with PPG Global paints.

Solvent caused fatal leukemia - NZ: A young Christchurch painter's death from a rare cancer has prompted the industry to take precautions and "glove up" when handling potentially lethal paint products. -- Wayne Houghton, the chairman of the Collision Repair Association, has used Jason Gibson's story to urge staff at his Christchurch panelbeating business to take care.

Automotive technicians could be in short supply as qualified students seek lucrative tech jobs - People who know cars know that it's getting tougher to find skilled mechanics

Sturgis Police bust illegal auto repair shops - Sturgis, MI: An investigation by the Sturgis Police Department (SPD) has led to criminal charges against mechanics at three local auto repair facilities.

glassBYTEs.com™ Launches Two Blogs - glassBYTEs.com™ is launching two brand-new web-based logs ("blogs") today, "View from the Trenches," written by Neil Duffy, owner of Auto Glass Menders in San Jose, Calif., and "For the Record," written by Penny Stacey, editor of glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine.

A driving force in the auto world - More women are filling traditionally male roles in the industry

Welcome back: Second stint for Adesa exec - Jim Hallett was canned as an executive in 2005 after nine years at Carmel-based Adesa, the nation's No. 2 auto auctioneer. Now he's back as CEO. (2nd story down)

NHTSA administrator will speak at Tire Industry Association event - Jim Ports, deputy administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will be a featured speaker at the Tire Industry Association (TIA) Breakfast with the President on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ford paints 'eco-friendly' at its Avon Lake plant - Ford's Avon Lake plant is using a new painting technology that produces fewer greenhouse gases.

Feds pan systems to prevent cars backing over kids - Data scarce, but some blame SUV designs

Dawsonville man charged in suspected 'chop shop': Property owned by man searched a second time - GA: The owner of a Dawsonville grading company was arrested this week following a second search of his property on Ga. 53 where authorities suspect he operated a "chop shop."

Former Kan. Agent Sentenced for Insurance Theft and Fraud - Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger announced today that the Kansas Insurance Department, along with Johnson County authorities and the Kansas Attorney General's Office, were involved in the case of a former insurance agent convicted of taking money from a Wyandotte County couple for non-existent insurance premiums.

Boost your skills - Insurance and fraud groups are inviting insurance professionals to a half-day Insurance Fraud Seminar on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at the Indiana Government Center. -- The event is being hosted by the Insurance Institute of Indiana, the Indiana Chapter of the National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators (NSPII), the Indiana Chapter of the International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU) and the Indiana Department of Insurance.

Friday - August 17, 2007

MQVP bankruptcy may steer CAPA toward industry-wide parts certification - A more-viable industry-wide aftermarket collision parts certification process could evolve from the pending demise of MQVP, which has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation.

Boise, Idaho home to newest Keystone branch - Keystone Automotive opened a new branch July 30 in Boise, Idaho, where the service area includes the cities of Caldwell, Nampa and Meridian. An open house in honor of the occasion is taking place Sept. 6.

Mitchell Introduces French Language Version of ABS(TM) Management System - This new French language version of ABS will make its market debut at the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE Expo) 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada, from October 31st to November 3rd.

How to Use Estimate Compliance Tools to Your Advantage - Make sure your estimate is right the first time.

ALLDATA Supports SkillsUSA - ALLDATA LLC provided resources and judging for the 2007 SkillsUSA Automotive Service Technology National Championships. The competition was held on June 25-29 in Kansas City.

Audatex Extends Agreement With Aviva Canada, Inc. - Solera Holdings, Inc., a leading provider of software and services to the automobile and insurance claims processing industries, today announced that its subsidiary Audatex Canada ULC has extended its relationship with longtime customer Aviva Canada Inc. ("Aviva"), a leading property and casualty insurance provider in Canada. Audatex has provided Aviva with core estimating solutions that help standardize the automotive claims process for more than 15 years.

DuPont™ introduces productive, easy-to-use waterborne basecoat - Cromax® Pro - DuPont Refinish has launched DuPont™ Cromax® Pro in Canada. Designed specifically for the North American collision repair market, DuPont™ Cromax® Pro is a high-performance basecoat that delivers unequalled productivity and excellent color match. Cromax® Pro will meet strict VOC regulations proposed by Environment Canada.

Roberto Olivas honored for service to his country - OK: Olivas opened and operated the Coachbuilder, an automobile body repair and painting business for 24 years. He also served on the Norman City Council representing the residents of Ward 6.

Court tosses suit against Gilbert auto body shop - A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has dismissed an insurance company’s lawsuit against a Gilbert auto body shop and its former owners.

Despite innocence, you can be hanged - Chris and Carol Ferrante, the former owners of Gilbert Collision Center in Gilbert, Arizona, have had their lives turned upside down since May from a lawsuit brought against them by Infinity Insurance.

Officials: Body Shop Filed False Insurance Claims - CA: In a surprise raid, Pomona police moved in at Sunny Auto Body Repair.

Eleven facing fraud charges - State regulators announced 11 insurance fraud arrests in Miami on Thursday, including a mother-son team that set up an auto-body shop to handle more than 70 fake accident claims in the past four years and a woman who inflated a Hurricane Wilma repair.

Perry man dies in shooting - IA: Auto body shop owner Mark A. Holcomb, 52, was killed by a gun shot Thursday during a confrontation with police at his shop, officials said.

Auto Glass Technician Olympics and Windshield Repair Olympics Registration Continues - GlassBYTEs: Are you the best at what you do? Do you want a chance to prove it? Well, you had better hurry-there is just a little more than a month left to register for the Third Annual Auto Glass Technician Olympics (AGTO) and the Second Annual Walt Gorman Memorial Windshield Repair Olympics (WRO).

Auto suppliers to hit ‘devastating’ stretch, expert says - Hundreds, and possibly thousands, of auto parts suppliers could be forced out of business within five years as Detroit automakers continue downsizing to bring costs under control, Farmington Hills, Mich., consultant Laurie Harbour-Felas told Bloomberg.

AAIA To Go Interactive - Building on the popularity of YouTube and other online public forums that have transformed American politics, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) will incorporate videotaped questions from aftermarket professionals around the country during a special segment of this year's Town Hall featuring Bob Schieffer, anchor of "Face the Nation" and CBS News chief Washington correspondent.

Asian countries may soon discover how much they need the United States - With stock markets plunging around the world because of financial worries clearly marked "made in U.S.A.," and with growing concerns about an economic slowdown in the United States, Asian countries may soon discover whether they really are ready to cope with a diminished U.S. role.

Federal Safety Agency Investigates Lexus - The federal government has upgraded an investigation into the 2007 Lexus ES 350 sedan after at least 12 people were injured when the vehicle accelerated without warning.

Giving parents eyes behind their backs - GPS keeps watch on young drivers

Insurance companies lose $20,000 in alleged scam - Four Silicon Valley men have been arrested on charges of insurance fraud, the state insurance commissioner's office said Wednesday.

Farmers Insurance Introduces Farmers FlexSM: A New Auto Package with Excellent Benefits - Wouldn’t it be great if you knew your insurance rates wouldn’t go up for three years, even if you had an accident? Farmers Insurance Exchange is introducing Farmers FlexSM, a unique package of options that can reward drivers for being accident-free.

Soldier about to be deployed to Iraq wins $10,000 in insurance contest - Timing is everything. -- For one Fort Hood soldier, the old saying couldn't ring more true.

State fines Progressive $150K - Progressive Corp.'s Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, of Mayfield Village, Ohio, was fined by state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler for unlawfully calculating and charging incorrect premiums to more than 62,700 Washington policyholders.

NY AG Warns Insurers on Doc Rankings - Attorney General Andrew Cuomo asked Aetna Inc. and Cigna Corp. on Thursday to explain how they recommend doctors to patients after finding the insurers' physician-ranking programs to be confusing or even deceiving.

Thursday - August 16, 2007

Mom-Pop Shops Say Automakers Aren't Playing Fair - PA: A group of independent repair shops and parts dealers met with a Lancaster politician today to share their concerns that automakers are keeping them in the dark, and that it could affect consumers.
David and the Real Goliath - With all the mixed messages, it's easy to get confused about who really is for the independent shop.
Wage-Hour Standards in the Auto Repair Industry Posted - Is your shop running "according to code?" -- This primer on wage-hour issues will help you decide.
San Bruno auto-repair shops now in tiptop shape - Though most of the city’s 100 auto body and repair shops — hot spots for fire hazards — did not meet state health and safety requirements after an inspection this spring, all but one of the establishments has brought their shop up to code since then, according to a Fire Department inspection report.
Dent doctors bring their skills to Fort Kent after hailstorm - Bangor, ME: For businesses specializing in repairing automobiles damaged by hail, the Weather Channel could just as well be called the employment channel. And if it’s an ill wind that blows no good, at least there’s help right behind it. -- Raymond Cyr, owner of Cyr Auto Body, admitted to being a bit taken aback when the Dent Wizard crew hit town, but was willing to offer space when asked.
CARS makes technical and business training available on-line 24/7 - The Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Council’s new web-based training service, CARS On Demand, is offering collision industry workplace training over the Internet 24/7, whenever and wherever it is needed.
Learn Sales Secrets at Glass Expo Midwest™ '07 - GlassBYTEs: Looking to increase your sales? Need to learn how to close the deal more often when customers call your shop? If so, then you will want to attend "How to Get More Sales Than You Ever Thought Possible" at Glass Expo Midwest™ 2007 (GEMS) in Grand Rapids, Mich., October 9-10.
Glass Just a Click Away for Shops and the 'Do-It-Yourself' Market - GlassBYTEs: Windshieldstogo.com, a website that sells automotive glass directly to consumers and/or shops, was launched in 1999 and continues to grow, according to company president Beau Turner.
Goodyear Considering New Factories - Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. said Wednesday it is considering building new tire factories in Eastern Europe and Asia, using money from the recent sale of its engineered products business.
Defective Tires: We must send a message to China - To borrow a line from Ralph Nader's groundbreaking 1965 book, it doesn't matter how safe your vehicle is, or the number of protective features it has...if you're riding on unsafe tires, your car is unsafe at any speed.
Ford Announces Definitive Agreement For Sale Of Automotive Components Holdings' Converca PTU Operations - Ford Motor Company and Linamar Corporation have signed Definitive Agreements for the sale of the Automotive Components Holdings (ACH) PTU business and Converca I Plant in Mexico.- This sale will be the second for ACH operations. It is more evidence of ACH's progress toward achieving its overall strategy to help Ford reduce its material costs over time by selling or idling its operations.
New side tests of large luxury cars: luxury doesn't always buy safety - IIHS: Three of six large car models earn the top rating of good, but one is marginal in side impact crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Results show a range of performance in how well large cars are designed to protect people in serious side crashes.
Cleared of fraud, car seller wants reputation back - Andrew Sutter was arrested in March 2006, facing charges of secretly selling hurricane-damaged cars. The state claimed he was "endangering the lives of unsuspecting citizens."
Superior Court judge Michael Thomas Joyce indicted - A federal grand jury today indicted a state Superior Court judge for bilking two insurance companies out of nearly a half-million dollars, federal prosecutors said. -- The companies involved were Erie Insurance Group and State Farm Insurance.
A solution to the insurance crisis? - Fed up with soaring premiums, canceled coverage, and random underwriting rules, small companies are banding together to self-insure

Wednesday - August 15, 2007

CCRE announces the upcoming fall seminars to take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nashua NH. October 12th and 13th 2007 - This Summit Conference and Seminar Series covers a wealth of information you need to know in order to run your business independently and profitably. Please contact the CCRE immediately to make your reservations toll free at our office at 1-877-700-7743, or register on-line at www.theCCRE.com, under “Education.”
11th Annual GCIA Golf Tournament - Wednesday, September 19th, 2007 - Send in your sign up sheets today so you can ensure a spot in the 11th annual GCIA Golf Classic Wednesday, September 19th at Chapel Hills Golf Club in Douglasville. You will enjoy a day of fun, fellowship, and golf. You will also enjoy all the food and beverages you want, terrific door prizes, trophies and a chance to win a hole in one cars.
Special Services for International Visitors to the SEMA Show - Taking place Tuesday, October 30 - Friday, November 2, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world.
AIAG Hosts 2007 AutoTech Conference - The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) will hold its AIAG AutoTech 2007 conference from Aug. 21 -- Aug. 23, 2007, featuring a comprehensive program with keynote and educational sessions, OEM supplier updates, technical demonstrations and an expansive exhibit floor united by the theme "Co-opetition: Creating Supply Chain Value."
Pancake Auto Body to open new facility - OH: After 25 years in business, Bill and Betty Pancake have announced they will open a new Pancake Auto Body shop next week.
Shop born from love of cars - CA: Alchemy Auto Painting & Collision Repair Inc. in Corona will celebrate its grand opening on Sept. 20.
Repairman Busted in Auto Body Shop Raid - A raid Tuesday morning on a south Sacramento auto body shop put an unlicensed shop owner out of business and behind bars.
Guardian Auto Glass opens glass repair shop - GlassBYTEs: Guardian Auto Glass, which operates a network of automotive glass repair shops in seven states, recently opened its doors at 200 Guardian Avenue. The shop offers auto glass repair and replacement services to the public and works with all property and casualty insurance companies, auto dealerships and fleets.
Glass Doctor® Announces New Corporate Team Members - GlassBYTEs: Glass Doctor® is pleased to announce the addition of three corporate team members in franchise sales, technical training and franchise support.
New union vote at PPG - IN: Workers at PPG Industries will get a second chance to decide whether to join the United Auto Workers Union.
Global players up footprint - The last few years have seen many of global paint makers entering India or expanding their presence there.
Lear shuffles execs; president leaves - Company is trimming costs in a restructuring after suffering $2B in losses in 2005 and 2006.
American Axle offers buyouts to 650 hourly workers - American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. will offer early retirement or buyouts to 650 union-represented workers at a New York plant where it is halting production at year-end, the company said on Tuesday.
Carmakers hold CAFE rallies - U.S. automakers are taking their fuel economy case to Middle America, warning that too dramatic an increase in federal efficiency standards would cost billions and put jobs at risk if they were forced to stop making their biggest, most profitable models.
Internationaly Owned Auto Makers Continue Investment on American Soil - The AIADA newsletter reported that as Detroit's struggling automakers slash jobs, major European automakers are moving to expand U.S. operations, illustrating how the auto industry's globalization isn't just a one-way street for the U.S. economy.
Limited-Edition PT Cruiser Unveiled - Chrysler LLC said Tuesday it will build its iconic PT Cruiser at least through 2009 but made no promises after that, fueling speculation that the stylish retro wagon hurt by a recent slump in sales could be on its way out.
Ten Ways Ford Leads In Safety - Ford Motor Company is a leader in developing technologies to enhance vehicle safety. The company is committed to designing, engineering and building cars and trucks that provide the highest levels of vehicle safety over the broad spectrum of real-world conditions.
Bill preserves car's insurance history - 'Title-washing' often conceals damage information
Commissioner tells senators she'll keep rein on insurers - Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie S. Burnes yesterday told state senators nervous about the introduction of automobile insurance competition for the first time in 30 years that she would keep a very tight regulatory rein on companies.
Doctors Sue Insurers Over Designations - A Connecticut physicians group has sued three insurance companies, claiming they steer patients to certain doctors designated as elite to cut costs. -- The lawsuit also accuses Cigna and UnitedHealth of seeking greater profits by steering patients to specialists who provide care at a lower cost without regard to quality.

Tuesday - August 14, 2007

Mitchell Releases Summer Industry Trends Report - Report Examines the Relationship Between Aftermarket Parts and Supplements
Legislators Urged to Include Emissions Testing Requirements in Global Warming Legislation - ASA Appeals to Committees Involved in Climate Change Proposals
ASA Invites You to CARS 2007! - Bill Haas, ASA's vice president of education and training, has a special invitation for members and non-members to attend the one event during industry week that is designed specifically for independent automotive service and repair professionals.
NABC seeks unsung heroes for 2007 Pride awards - Nominations are now open for the 13th Annual Pride Awards given annually by the National Auto Body Council (NABC) to identify and celebrate those in the collision industry who selflessly perform exceptional deeds, contributing above and beyond to humanity , exemplifying the giving spirit of the industry and, thereby, improving the image of the collision industry.
Repair shop owner crushed under car - MI: It was not uncommon for 62-year-old Frederick Schmidt, of Grand Rapids, to come to his auto repair and body shop on Sunday, authorities said. -- But no one expected him to lose his life there.
33 auto repair shops fined - State officials Monday cited and fined 33 Palm Beach County auto-repair shops for paperwork violations on the first day of a two-week compliance sweep.
Auto association concerned over disclosure of personal info to ICBC - Canada: An association representing auto body shops and automotive glass repair companies has filed a complaint with B.C.'s information and privacy commissioner about having to hand over customer credit card numbers to the Insurance Corporation of B.C.
Henri Goudsmit, AEGIS Tools International, Inc., to Retire - GlassBYTEs: AEGIS Tools International, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin announces the retirement of Henri R. Goudsmit, General Manager, effective at the end of August 2007.
Brooklyn Auto Glass Shops Stay Busy After Tornado - GlassBYTEs: Some Brooklyn, N.Y., auto glass shops are seeing a surge in business this week, as a result of the tornado that struck the borough last Thursday.
Classic '70 Dodge Challenger Gets Remake as $176,000 Muscle Car - Each car is custom-ordered, and they don't come cheap. Depending on the rarity of the original body (1970 and 1971 'Cuda convertibles shells bring top dollar), the size of the engine (a 6-liter Hemi with 600 horsepower is available), and options ranging from full leather, six-speed transmissions and GPS navigation systems, the cars run from $140,000 to $230,000. It takes six to eight months from start to finish.
Passion for customizing dream cars is a costly affair - The sum of its parts can easily be more than the cost of a classic car.
Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2007 Results - Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc., the leading distributor and marketer of specialty automotive equipment and accessories in North America, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2007.
ICI Agrees to Takeover Offer From Dutch Company Akzo Nobel - Akzo, whose brands include Crown Paints, wants to add ICI's paint business to its own and plans to sell ICI's adhesives and electronic materials businesses for 2.7 billion pounds ($5.4 billion), once the ICI deal closes. -- German company Henkel KGaA said earlier Monday it had signed an exclusive agreement with Akzo Nobel to buy the two ICI units.
GM may receive $5.4B from sale of Allison unit - Funds will be used for costs of plant closings, employee buyouts and vehicle development.
Toyota's customer satisfaction takes a hit - U.S. automakers still trail but make strides against foreign rivals in study
Mahindra's U.S. launch plans beginning to firm up - Indian carmaker Mahindra's plans for a U.S. market entrance are starting to take shape.
China's Chery to open Iran auto factory - The Babol plant will assemble compact S21 sedan in a joint venture with two2 other companies.
Body of a car, brains of a PC - Car buyers usually compare things like horsepower, mileage and warranties. But increasingly, the most important parts of a new car are also the least visible: software.
Tracy hits Marshall courts with four suits against GM - Vehicle liability attorney E. Todd Tracy of Dallas filed four lawsuits against General Motors this past week in the Eastern District of Texas - Marshall Division.
AAA: More Vehicle Breakdowns Expected Due to Triple-Digit Temperatures - With temperatures climbing this week to 100 degrees and above, AAA Nebraska is warning all motorists of the need to prepare a Hot Weather Car Care Kit in preparation for a vehicle breakdown.
China, Companies Have A Lot At Stake Over Major Recalls - While China has been the source of low-cost apparel and furniture for many years, it now produces electrical goods, steel, machinery and automobile parts. -- In the wake of China's product recalls, U.S. companies are racing to ensure that their suppliers are producing safe goods. -- A common practice among some Chinese suppliers is to knowingly cut back on product quality after a few shipments have been made.
State Farm pays out nearly $30 million in Katrina claims - State Farm has given a second look to 934 Hurricane Katrina claims along Mississippi's Gulf Coast, and all but 30 of them have led to payouts so far. State Farm has paid out $29.8 million in the two months since it started reevaluating claims. -- State Farm has originally denied claims, citing that its policies only cover the hurricane's wind -- but not its rising water.
State To Debate Car Insurance Competition - MA: Public Hearing To Be Held Before Senate Committee
Russina Sgoureva Joins Farmers Insurance as California Regional Vice President of Auto - Farmers Insurance Group, Inc., announced that Russina Sgoureva has joined Farmers as regional vice president of auto product management effective immediately.

Monday - August 13, 2007

Stand Up for What? - Collision-Insight: This month’s feature article takes a look at how the State Farm direct repair program has worked for participating collision repair facilities in the year since its nationwide roll-out began. There are definitely mixed reviews on this still number one hot topic.
McCarran-Ferguson Act (Pt 2) - AutobodyOnline: As last week's feature explained, a number of factors have led the nation's lawmakers to consider making changes to the 60-year-old old McCarran-Ferguson Act, which grants the insurance industry some key exemptions from federal antitrust regulations.
Bad legislation - Fear is a powerful motivator. Perhaps that is why a recent "My Turn" essay by Dick Cole entitled "Don't Let Dealers Have a Lock on Auto Repair" resorted to emotion and speculation to make the case for so-called "Right to Repair" legislation. Facts, in fact, undermine his argument and the unhappy future he imagines for car owners and independent service and repair shops.
Saleen Extreme Ford GT Paint Scheme - Paying homage to a legendary race car, Saleen Inc has taken one of their Saleen Extreme Ford Mustangs and applied a beautiful coat of paint to resemble the legendary Ford GT.
The day an old car buff rediscovered his first love - Many residents of Stratford know Vince Gratton from the years he operated Gratton Auto Body in this city.
New auto-repair tax causes hand-wringing by some local shops - VA: Once the 5% fee begins, will customers stay - or take business outside transportation authority jurisdiction?
Palm Beach County: State investigators plan to check auto repair shops - Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson announced investigators will conduct a countywide sweep of auto repair shops starting Monday to make sure they are registered with the state and complying with regulations on estimates and invoices for repair work.
GEMS Session to Offer IRS Secrets - GlassBYTEs: If you've ever been audited, you know that it's a business interruption you can't afford. That's why an upcoming session at Glass Expo Midwest™ 2007 (GEMS) will teach glass shop owners the IRS secrets they need to know.
Bachman Auto Glass Robbed - Bachman Auto Glass in Phoenix was robbed on Sunday, August 5, at around 5 p.m., according to owner Larry Diesbach. -- "We are asking any glass shop in the Phoenix area, of which there are hundreds, to be responsible and report any driver or person and/or persons selling glass that 'fell off a truck' or is from an unknown source," Diesbach says.
Consumer Reports rates seven paint scratch removers - Sometimes you have to pay for performance, especially when it comes to removing unwanted scratches and swirl marks from car paint, according to the latest tests of scratch removers in Consumer Reports September issue.
Akzo Sweetens Bid for U.K.'s ICI to 8 Billion Pounds - Akzo Nobel NV, the world's largest maker of paints and coatings, raised its bid for Imperial Chemical Industries Plc to 8 billion pounds ($16 billion) and won access to the U.K. company's books.
Auto Suppliers Call for End to Steel Tariffs - The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) – representing the nation’s motor vehicle suppliers – today urged the federal government to abolish duties on imported steel, citing the continued hardship the tariffs place on the U.S. automotive industry.
GM Plans To Source $250 Million Of Auto Parts From India In 07 Executive - General Motors Corp. (GM) plans to source auto components worth $250 million from India in the current year, an official from the company's Indian unit said Friday.
Vehicle parts guesses crucial - Go global with care, suppliers are told
Ten Ways Ford F-150 Stands Out From The Pack - The Ford F-150's frame is painted with a high-tech e-coat paint process that was perfected by Mazda and reduces paint waste. The unique paint job reduces the environmental impact by allowing a more uniform and consistent quality coating of paint to be applied to parts. This paint process uses electric energy to attract paint particles to a part, minimizing waste and overspray.
Chevy still admired after all these years - Classic cruiser marks its golden anniversary
Legend in a box - Love it or hate it, Honda's latest Element is one unique SUV
Vermont auto dealers buck national trend - Slumping sales that have hit the automobile industry nationally this summer haven't been as big a problem in Vermont, according to the Vermont Automobile Dealers Association.
Feds doubt Camry in crash had motor flaw - The federal government has dismissed reports that the model of car involved in a deadly, fiery crash on Interstate 280 last month can surge to high speeds when the driver isn't stepping on the gas, as the man accused of causing the accident claimed.
Auto Makers' Total Recalls - A faulty cruise control switch has led Ford to recall more than 10 million vehicles in eight years—a new record. But 2007 has also been a bad year for VW
The dangers of private equity funds - With little government oversight, they control a sizable chunk of U.S. companies -- and their workers.
Automotive Polyurethane Crashpads Reduce Serious Injuries in Accidents - Crashpads made of polyurethane rigid foam are used in automobile interiors to reduce the impact force in case of accidents, thus protecting the driver and passengers from serious injury.
Is Your Car an Oven? - Lauren Fix Provides Tips to Avoid Getting Burned
The Dos and Don’ts of fender benders - When you’re in a car crash, there are many things you need to know, and, assuming emergency personnel don’t need the Jaws of Life to cut you out of your car, there are a few things you need to do.
New Yorker Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison For His Role in Multi-state Auto Theft Network - Attorney General Anne Milgram and Criminal Justice Director Gregory A. Paw announced that a New Yorker was sentenced to prison today for his role in an auto theft ring responsible for thefts of more than $3 million worth of vehicles.
Most Expensive Cars To Insure - It should come as no surprise that the more expensive the car, the more it will cost to insure it. But just how expensive may come as a shock.
Use of credit scores in insurance debated - FL: Worried about discrimination against minorities and poor people, state regulators are considering proposals that could place new restrictions on insurance companies that use credit scores to help set rates.
Insurers Profits Rising Based on Bad Business Practices? - A recent article in the on-line publication Bloomberg suggests that anti-consumer insurance industry practices have led to a stark increase in insurance profits in recent years.

Friday - August 10, 2007

Industry Professionals gather for 2007 I-CAR International Annual Meeting - July 26-28, the collision industry congregated at the Omni Orlando resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando, Florida for the 2007 I-CAR International Annual Meeting. The meeting was heavily populated with collision repair and insurance industry professionals, collision industry media professionals, parts and equipment suppliers, association members, and CIC members, as CIC held its meeting in conjunction with the I-CAR meeting.
I-CAR recognized top Volunteers, Program Instructors, and others - In keeping with a new format and feel for the meeting, industry professionals drew honors from the industry on Friday, July 27 during the Welcome Ceremony and on Saturday, July 28 at the Farewell Ceremony & Luncheon.
Earl Scheib Announces Its Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2007 Results - Net sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 were $12,105,000, a decrease of 6.0% from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. There was one additional selling day in the 2007 fourth quarter, one less retail paint shop in operation and a decrease in car volume. On a same day basis, same shop sales were down by 4.8% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.
Boyd Group Income Fund reports 2007 second quarter results - "For the third consecutive quarter, both our Canadian and U.S. operations achieved strong same store sales growth, leading to growth in the Fund's overall revenue, margins and net earnings," said Terry Smith, CEO of the Boyd Group.
Fix Auto hosts national CSI contest - Fix Auto is hosting a national Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) contest made up of teams of Fix Auto shops from regions across the country. Best-in-class repair facilities nationwide will compete to increase customer service.
CAA Golf Tournament raises $15,550 for CARPAC - The California Autobody Association (CAA) Santa Clara Chapter hosted its Annual Golf Tournament recently to benefit the California Autobody Repair Political Action Committee, (CARPAC) and raised $15,550. The chapter has raised $60,000 the past four years for CARPAC.
DCR Systems, Spray-Tech team up to engineer auto refinish system - Mentor, Ohio-based DCR Systems and Ontario, Calif.-based Spray-Tech have formed a strategic research and development relationship to engineer a cutting-edge automotive refinish system with groundbreaking operational standards unique to the industry, the companies say.
AGRSS CAP Program Answered Agents' Windshield Questions, Offered Windshield Safety Lesson to Rochester Locals - More than 100 insurance representatives came together in Rochester, Minn., yesterday to get answers about safety.
Expansion for AGR in Mexico - Pilkington continues to expand its Automotive Glass Replacement business in Mexico with the opening of a new AGR service center in Villahermosa.
Todd's Body & Glass Doubling Size - Construction on the addition started in June and is slated for completion this fall. That will be just in time for harvest, typically a busy season for a good auto body shop.
JT Auto sets up shop - MA: To celebrate its hard work, JT Auto will hold a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Aug. 11.
New Name For Automotive Business - IL: C & R Automotive changed its name to River City Auto Repair Inc. The business is at 1617 W. Norris Drive, Ottawa.
Bedfordshire firm in demand after Britain's floods - UK: Staff working round the clock to cope with damaged vehicles.-- Universal, which was bought earlier this year by American salvage intermediary Copart in a deal worth £57m, specializes in the repair or disposal of damaged vehicles for the insurance industry.
Excuse Me! Are You Listening? - AutoInc: Good listening is an important skill that separates excellent managers from the mediocre ones.
BASF Catalysis Research supports "green" research initiatives at Columbia University"s School of Engineering and Applied Science - BASF Catalysis Research has made a three-year research commitment of $600,000 to the Earth and Environmental Engineering Department of Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science for graduate and post-doctoral studies into environmentally-sound technologies utilizing heterogeneous catalysts.
PPG receives water quality discharge permit from West Virginia DEP - Plant continues work to reduce mercury emissions
Akzo Given Until Next Week to Negotiate ICI Takeover - Akzo Nobel NV, the world's largest maker of paints and coatings, was given until next week to negotiate a takeover of Imperial Chemical Industries Plc, extending a regulatory deadline due to expire today.
Lear CEO sells more than 20 percent of stake after buyout nixed - Lear Corp. Chief Executive Bob Rossiter this week sold 20,000 shares of the automotive parts supplier, reducing his holdings in the company by more than 20 percent just weeks after shareholders rejected a management-supported takeover.
Lear CFO joins CEO in stock sales - The chief financial officer of auto parts maker Lear Corp. revealed on Thursday that he sold a large portion of his holdings in the company this week on the same day the company's chief executive made a similar transaction.
Lord Corp. commits to region with Cambridge Springs addition - A rectangular-shaped office addition less than one-tenth the size of the existing plant might not seem like a major project at Lord Corp.'s Grant Street facility.
Massive Recall of Chinese Tires - A major recall of hundreds of thousands of defective tires manufactured in China went into effect today. -- In June, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall of 450,000 tires manufactured by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. since 2002. These were purchased by Foreign Tire Sales Inc., which is now responsible for the recall.
Toyota Faces New Hybrid Drought - As safety concerns drive Toyota Motor Corp. to delay the launches of high-mileage hybrids that tap lithium-ion battery technology, the Japanese auto maker will likely face a relatively long drought of new and redesigned hybrids in the U.S. from now through the end of 2010.
GM races ahead with plug-in car - Automaker signs deal for battery, may beat Toyota to market
GM makes quality gains - Buick ties Toyota's Lexus in reliability
2008 Subaru Forester Awarded 5-Star Crash Safety Rating - Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the 2008 Subaru Forester will have the highest rating in the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The Subaru Forester received five stars in both the frontal and side-impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions.
Kerry Vows Action to Get Flaming Fords Off the Road - Senator: "Unacceptable" that numerous recalls have not solved problem
Auto theft database is left to languish - Fifteen years after states were directed to share motor vehicle information in a national database, only nine states have done so, making it nearly impossible to identify hundreds of thousands of stolen vehicles -- including a small but steady number that end up as car bombs in Iraq.
Tow truck owner sues for harassment - CT: John Ortiz, owner of City Line Auto Body LLC and City Line Auto Collision LLC both on Barnum Avenue, has fired back by filing two federal lawsuits in New Haven against Mayor James R. Miron and several police officers, including Cpl. David Gugliotti.

Thursday - August 9, 2007

'Right to Repair Act' Gains More Congressional Support - 24 Co-Sponsors Support H.R. 2694
Car repairs could get more costly, group warns - Joe MacCormack, owner of Absolute Car Care in Belmont, occasionally sends customers to dealerships for repairs because he lacks updated computer codes that he needs from auto manufacturers to finish his work.
Hollywood auto shop guilty of insurance fraud - In the first auto body shop fraud case tried under a 1993 state law, a Los Angeles jury issued an injunction against Hollywood Auto Collision, prohibiting the shop from submitting further false claims to Farmers Insurance Exchange.
I-CAR Announces Zone Managers for Increased Communication and Service - After conducting a thorough analysis of industry needs I-CARredesigned its field support area.
I-CAR Announces 2007-2008 International Board of Directors - I-CAR announced its 2007 - 2008 International Board of Directors and Executive Committee at the 2007 I-CAR International Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
A Park Street Staple - Pete Dottl was a boy who loved cars. Good thing he had a dad who owned a body shop. -- Ideal Body Shop -- a fixture on Park Street for 83 years -- dates back 100 years and was rooted in Dottl 's grandfather 's blacksmith business before cars took the place of the horse and buggy.
For auto repair reassurance do homework before picking a shop - It’s not easy finding a good mechanic. -- The Arizona Attorney General’s Office receives more than 1,500 complaints a year from consumers about auto repair shops across the state. In fact, there are enough gripes about car repairs to put it among the AG’s Top Ten complaint categories.
FinishMaster Announces Second Quarter Financial Results - FinishMaster, Inc. today reported net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 of $4,593,000, or $0.59 per diluted share, compared with net income of $5,371,000, or $0.69 per diluted share, in the prior year period. The decline in net income for the quarter compared to the prior year period was a result of expenses increasing at a faster rate than gross margin dollars.
Audatex Launches AudaEnterprise Gold - Leading claims solutions provider Audatex UK, has announced the ‘go-live’ of AudaEnterprise Gold; a major new development which builds upon the success of the company’s flagship AudaEnterprise estimating system and introduces an extensive range of usability and performance enhancements.
First CAP Event Takes Place in Rochester, Minn. - Nearly one hundred insurance agents came together in Rochester, Minn., this morning for a course in auto glass safety, presented as a joint effort by the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard Council (AGRSS) and the Minnesota Glass Dealers Association (MGDA). This is the first in a series of Consumer Awareness Programs (CAP) AGRSS plans to conduct.
Mopar(R) Performance Parts Chooses Matt Gaisbacher of Charleroi, Penn. as a 'Top Eliminator' Award Winner - Mopar(R) Performance Parts announced that it has chosen the third winner of its 2007 Top Eliminator award. Matt Gaisbacher of Charleroi, Penn. restored a 1973 Plymouth Barracuda that he recently displayed at Chryslers at Carlisle in Carlisle, Penn.
World Leader in Automotive Headlamps Chooses DuPont Polymer for Safety-Enhanced Design - Valeo, the world's leading manufacturer of automotive lighting products, has chosen DuPont(TM) Zytel(R) HTN PPA for use in the company's adaptive front lighting systems that are used on a number of vehicles such as the Volkswagen Passat or the Citroen C4. Such systems provide drivers with enhanced night visibility for improved safety.
PPG and iGlass Collaborate on Dimmable Automotive Sunroofs - PPG Industries and iGlass Projects Pty. Ltd. of Australia announced today they have signed an agreement to develop and commercialize dimmable glazing for automotive sunroofs.
Custom Ford Mustang special street machine - When 54-year-old Doug Hoppe was a teenager, he wanted but never got that special Ford Mustang he sought. -- But Hoppe has that Mustang now. His car, named Reactor, won street machine of the year honors at the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association's recent PPG-sponsored Nationals at Columbus, Ohio.
Hyundai Announces Name of Future Five-Door - Hyundai Announces Name of Future Five-Door - All-New 2009 Elantra Touring Moves a Popular Nameplate in a Sportier, More Functional Direction
States unfriendly to auto industry, lobbyist says - State governments are heaping even more pressure on the auto industry, passing hundreds of laws that will aversely impact U.S. car makers, the industry's chief lobbyist said today.
Expert Advice for Preserving Resale Value of Vehicles; Collision on Wheels Provides "Tips" - Consumers who've turned in lease vehicles with small dents are well aware of the financial "ding" taken on the resale value of their vehicles. More consumers are taking care of minor collision problems to improve resale pricing before selling or turning in a lease vehicle, says Greg Longe, managing partner of Collision on Wheels (CW), We Come to You!, the largest chain of mobile collision repair
specialists in the U.S.
Chinese car flunks crash test - Russian magazine calls on Chery to pull model from market after front end folds up on impact.
New Insurance Fraud Director Installed in Florida - A 30-year law enforcement veteran will run Florida's Department of Financial Services Division of Insurance Fraud – a statewide agency that investigates fraud in all lines of insurance.
NH Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte and Insurance Commissioner Roger A. Sevigny announced today the indictment of Inge Lasut for Insurance Fraud, under RSA 638:20. - Lasut, age 27, of Manchester, NH, was indicted on one count of Insurance Fraud on July 19, 2007 by the Strafford County Grand Jury.
Consumer Groups: Allstate Trying to Hide Katrina Claims Practices - Public Justice, a law firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., and the California-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR), are asking a New Orleans federal court to keep public key documents from a Hurricane Katrina-related lawsuit against Allstate Insurance Company.
Sisters sue insurance companies, claim fraud - Major insurance companies along with the adjusters and engineering firms they employed are being sued in U.S. District Court, accused of fraudulently charging the federal government "hundreds of millions of dollars" for Hurricane Katrina claims the lawsuit says insurance companies should have paid.
U.S. May Join Lawsuit Claiming Insurers Defrauded Government Over Katrina Claims - The U.S. Department of Justice is weighing whether to intervene in a lawsuit that accuses insurance companies of overbilling the federal government for flood damage from Hurricane Katrina, a judge who unsealed the case on Monday said.
National Atlantic to Enter Standard Texas Auto Insurance Market - National Atlantic Holdings Corporation , a provider of specialized property-casualty insurance products and related insurance services based in Freehold, New Jersey, today announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with an A+ rated domestic Texas insurance company, which will underwrite its BlueStar Car Insurance(SM) product to consumers in the standard and preferred market segments.
AIG Reports Second Quarter 2007 Results - American International Group, Inc. today reported that its net income for the second quarter of 2007 was $4.28 billion or $1.64 per diluted share, compared to $3.19 billion or $1.21 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2006.
GEICO Announces Auto Insurance Rate Reduction for New Jersey Policyholders - GEICO announced today that it is reducing auto insurance rates for its policyholders in New Jersey by a statewide average rate decrease of 4.1 percent.
Praying for Better Insurance - Would you trust your insurance policy to a higher power? Meet the GuideOne Insurance Company, self-described as "America's leading insurer of churches, churchgoers, and faith-based institutions."

Wednesday - August 8, 2007

I-CAR Education Foundation Announces 2007-2008 Board of Trustees and Executive Committee - The I-CAR Education Foundation announced the slate of Trustees and Executive Committee for Fiscal 2008. The I-CAR Education Foundation is honored to have the following representatives on the Executive Committee: >>>
Andretti Green Racing Selects Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes As Its Official Paint Provider - Andretti Green Racing, a leading race team that competes in both the IndyCar Series and American Le Mans Series, has chosen Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes (SWAFC), one of the world's leading coatings manufacturer, as its official paint and automotive finishes provider.
Analyze The Market Opportunities In The Coatings And Paint Industry! - Research and Markets has announced the addition of “Global Coatings Industry: Automotive and Powder Coatings Driving Growth” to their offering. -- The coatings and paint industry has matured in the United States. As a result, most of the Western companies are focusing on two markets – Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific.
Cutting Repair Time - New focus on efficiency - MA: The way Bruce King and Jack Lamborghini of King Collision Centers see it, the insurance and collision repair industries have been engaged in a tug-of-war for decades.
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Holds Career Night in Atlanta - ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a national leader in the damaged vehicle repair industry, is holding a career night in Atlanta on August 14, 2007.
CAA Attends Second DOI Workshop on Paint and Material Capping - The California Autobody Association (CAA) participated in the second workshop organized by the California Department of Insurance on August 1st to discuss Paint and Materials costs on Automobile Repair stimates. The basis of this continued discussion has been the arbitrary “capping” of paint and materials by some insurance companies.
CARSTAR announces newest Calgary location - Continuing its growth strategy, CARSTAR Automotive Canada has added another location in Calgary, AB: Autobahn CARSTAR Collision.
Campbell Chevrolet qualifies for gold class - KY: Campbell Chevrolet's body shop at 2151 Scottsville Road was recently recognized for its quality and excellence through training in collision repair by I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. (third story)
Auto Focus - Mechanics are tuning-up the car repair business
Mitchell 1 updates OnDemand5.com to Version 1.8 - Mitchell 1 has updated its OnDemand5.com software to version 1.8. The v1.8 software release further enhances the OnDemand Live feature, which allows technicians to share real world information within a repair article.
Mitchell database editor visits Canadian shops - Rusty Staiton’s job is to determine appropriate time guidelines for various repair and refinish operations listed in Mitchell’s estimating system. To do that, he gets out on the shop floor to watch professionals at work.
Former Auto Glass Call Center to Close - Belron Inc., which acquired Auto Glass Specialists in late 2005, has notified the state that it will be closing its call center and corporate offices at 5225 Verona Road in Fitchburg on or about Sept. 30, eliminating 25 to 30 jobs. (third story)
News Analysis: Connecticut Court Of Appeals Rules Partially In Favor of Glass Shops - Late last year independent glass shops got a small boost of support from the Connecticut Court of Appeals when Judge Gruendel sided, in part, with Auto Glass Experts and Ed Steben Glass Company in a consolidated appeal in which the two glass shops took on Hanover Insurance Co. over the contention of a "doctrine of accord and satisfaction of a negotiated instrument."
Car Care Council sponsors second Automotive Aftermarket Women's Career Day - The Car Care Council Women's Board will hold its second annual Automotive Aftermarket Women's Career Day at the Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del., on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007.
Universal Technical Institute Reports Third Quarter Results for Fiscal 2007 - Universal Technical Institute, Inc. , a provider of technical education training, today announced financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2007, ended June 30, 2007.
ArvinMeritor Announces Sale of Light Vehicle Aftermarket European Exhaust Operations - Completes the Company's Divestiture of the Light Vehicle Aftermarket Business
GM closes $5.6 billion sale of Allison Transmission - General Motors Corp said on Tuesday it closed a delayed $5.6 billion deal to sell its Allison Transmission unit to a pair of private equity firms, The Carlyle Group and Onex Corp.
Auto industry mantra: Innovation - Fresh thinking is stressed at seminar
Fiat Extends Chery Alliance to Boost China Production - Fiat SpA extended a partnership with Chery Automobiles Co. to the production and sale of vehicles in China, as the Italian carmaker targets a market whose sales are expected to rise more than 15 percent this year.
Americans See 100 MPG Cars as Biggest Fix for Global Warming - Sixty-Two Percent of Americans Express Strong Interest in Purchasing 100 MPG Vehicles, According to New Survey Results by the X PRIZE Foundation
Good Question: Why Did Many Survive The Collapse? - Dr. James Kakalios, a physics professor at the University of Minnesota, said luck was not the only force at work last Wednesday. Simple things like seat belts, airbags and a back exit from a school bus likely saved many lives.
Big auto insurer weighs joining Mass. market - Billionaire investor Warren E. Buffett said yesterday he wants to bring the low auto insurance rates offered by Geico Corp. to Massachusetts, the only state where the company does not already sell policies.

Tuesday - August 7, 2007

I-CAR adds Introduction to Custom Painting to its Online Training Library - Introduction to Custom Painting expands a refinisher’s basic skills into the unique and exciting new world of refinishing. This program provides an introduction into different refinish materials and equipment used to create a unique custom finish.
I-CAR Advantage Online: Aluminum and Steel Hybrid-Structured Vehicles; the Design of the Future? - In 2004, BMW introduced the 5 Series with a front structure made from aluminum and a rear structure made from steel.
Mitchell International Releases Summer 2007 Industry Trends Report - CRM News: Mitchell International has released the Summer 2007 edition of its Industry Trends Report, a quarterly snapshot of the auto physical damage collision and casualty industries.
Special service at Special Touch - PA: No job is too big or too small for Special Touch Auto Body & Customs Shop, which recently opened and is located at 115 N. First St., Connellsville.
Chop-Shop Customs chosen for celebrity build of 57 Nomad for Snap On Tools - Lenny Schaeffer of Chop-Shop Customs in Woburn MA, has been chosen to be participating on a celebrity build with Dr.Neon for Snap On Tools in Asheville North Carolina.
Council sets hearing for transient firms - IA: A company plans a mobile scratch-and-dent repair service, but some say it would be unfair.
Scratch removers - Consumer Reports: Many people would assume a product called a "scratch remover" would remove all scratches from a car's paint. But after testing seven do-it-yourself scratch removers, we found they have their limits.
Quality Answers to Popular Car Questions - The auto- facts website is up and running with one hundred pages of valuable automotive and auto repair information.
Ford, U-Haul Launch Industry-first Fleet Of Eco-friendly Painted Vehicles On U.S Highways - Ford Motor Company and U-Haul this week are putting on the road the industry’s first fleet of vehicles painted with Ford’s environmentally responsible new technology, which reduces greenhouse gases by 15 percent and cuts Ford’s production costs. -- The technology combines an advanced chemical formulation of high-solids, solvent-borne paint with an innovative three-wet application process that requires a smaller, less expensive and cleaner paint shop than traditional automotive paint facilities.
Bunkspeed Digital Rendering and DuPont Color Science Partnership Replaces Traditional Paint Swatch - Now DuPont can give its customers in the transportation and aerospace industries a full understanding of color and paint, and an accurate view of a product in real life environments.
Can glass save gas? PPG thinks so - On a hot summer day, PPG Industries Inc. workers at its automotive glass plant near Altoona are fabricating specially coated windows the company says can save motorists money at the gas pump.
IAC Group enjoys expanding reach - Supplier plans to grow rapidly
After 9 years, Chrysler restores pentastar logo - Chrysler dusted the star off after nine years in mothballs during the automaker's marriage to Germany's Daimler-Benz.
Big 3's Share of U.S. Market Drops Below 50% for First Time in History - For exactly a year, those who follow the automotive industry in the United States have been waiting for the other shoe to drop.
The Auto industry, once a cornerstone of the Western New York economy, struggles to survive - UAW contract talks a key to the future
U.S. Car Companies Rank Well Among Experts - I've always rooted for the American car manufacturers for a lot of reasons. Perhaps the most important is that I think we need a strong auto industry as a matter of national defense.
Cars.com Announces Wallet-Friendly Wheels - Editors Identify Best Used-Cars for $10,000
Automotive Retailers Recognize Value of Nitrogen Tire Inflation - Nitrogen tire inflation has been the standard for many years in airplane tires, off-road truck tires and military vehicles because of the numerous benefits.
Buyer beware; flood damaged autos - A study by the internet automobile research service Carfax reports that Oklahoma is among the states with flooded cars and trucks showing up for sale.
Heat Increases Roadside Assistance Calls - With Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky under a heat emergency, auto clubs are getting ready for more assistance calls.
Nissan Shows Safety Technology - Some Nissan cars will soon come with a gas pedal that lifts to warn of possible collisions, while the cars will automatically stop if drivers take their foot off the accelerator in response to the warning. -- Nissan also showed an experimental system that measures alcohol levels in a driver's sweat from sensors in the gearshift. -- Nissan officials said people probably wouldn't buy such an intrusive car, but the technology may have commercial uses such as in delivery trucks and taxi cabs.
Show vendor caught with stolen parts - PA: They weren't customers, those people who showed up to browse Richard R. Doudt's display at Carlisle Events' All-Truck Nationals Saturday morning. -- They were police officers in street clothes, and they were looking for stolen parts.
Putting Insurance Companies To Work For You - Car insurance may be one of the last things that comes to mind when you think about saving time, but the insurance company you choose can actually have a big impact on your time should trouble strike.

Monday - August 6, 2007

Repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act ? (Pt 1) - Repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson insurer antitrust exemption is back in the spotlight
Laws impacting collision repairs addressed in numerous states this year - With many state legislatures winding down for the summer or year, collision repairers are wondering what some newly-passed laws will mean for them.
ACAR is back: Accountability for Collision Auto Repair - Friday, October 19, 2007, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, in the First Amendment room, which overlooks the White House, ACAR participants will adopt a Code of Ethics drafted by those in the room and modeled after a guideline produced by attorney Erica Eversman.
Collision Insight TrendLine Survey - Collision Repair Shops' Use of Aftermarket Parts
I-CAR Education Foundation shifts focus - The I-CAR Education Foundation plans to shift its focus this year from selling and marketing products and services to more philanthropic activities that will help more schools utilize the I-CAR curriculum. The Foundation announced its shift in focus at the recent I-CAR International Annual Meeting in Orlando.
Auto repair shops seek 'right to repair' - NH: If your car's "check engine light" starts glowing on your dashboard, chances are you won't be able to fix it yourself.
Timely service tenet of Great Plains Auto Body - Have a collision, and you don't know where to take it? No problem, Great Plains Auto Body in Council Bluffs will be there to save the day.
Charity fixes more than cars - Utah: About 18 local auto repair shops, an auto parts company and a charitable organization have banded together to refurbish at least 20 donated cars that will be given to victims of domestic violence.
PPG Custom Painted Harley Raffled To Raise Funds For SkillsUSA - A 2007 Dyna Super Glide? Harley-Davidson motorcycle, custom painted with products donated by PPG Automotive Refinish was raffled off at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, held June 18 –24 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Collision Revision, Inc. Announces Establishment of Newest Subsidiary, CR Home & Auto Glass, Inc. - Collision Revision, Inc. a Total Vehicle Solution Company is pleased to announce the establishment of their newest subsidiary, CR Home & Auto Glass, Inc. and the appointment of Tony Combes to Director of CR Home & Auto Glass, Inc.
Insurance claims for hail damage pouring in from last week’s storm - MI: Local insurance agents and auto body shops say damage reports are still coming in from the storm, which dumped golf ball- sized hail on the Adrian area.
Wide Range of Seminars Slated for Automechanika Canada - Automechanika Canada, September 26 – 28, 2007 at the International Centre in Toronto, ON, is committed to providing industry professionals with quality training and education to better their businesses and to remain competitive in the marketplace. -- In addition to hundreds of dynamic products from Canada, the US and around the world, Automechanika Canada has confirmed 13 seminar sessions and 3 workshops to be presented by renowned speakers and field experts.
Nationwide Adds Customer Acknowledgement Factor to OEM Endorsement - Nationwide Insurance is requesting that auto glass shops now require its policyholders who have purchased an OEM endorsement for their vehicles to acknowledge on paper as to whether OEM glass was used in their vehicle, and, if not, that they understand why it wasn't used.
PPG Auto Glass Future In Doubt - Since 1959, Pittsburgh Plate Glass has had an automotive glass division in Crestline. While that's not likely to change soon, other changes, including employee layoffs, are still possible for PPG Crestline by the end of the summer.
ICI tempted by Akzo's sweetened $16 bln offer - Britain's Imperial Chemical Industries Monday said it's received a sweetened 8 billion-pound ($16 billion) takeover bid from Dutch rival Akzo Nobel and opened has its books for due diligence. -- Akzo and its partner, German consumer products group Henkel , confirmed the improved offer of 670 pence a share following media reports over the weekend.
Cerberus Exec to Lead Tower Automotive - Tower Automotive's incoming chief executive, named Friday, served for 18 months as a lead automotive consultant for private equity group Cerberus, its new owner.
Cerberus takes over Chrysler - Chrysler is an American icon, storied home of Lee Iacocca and the minivan, and it's once again in American hands after breaking from Daimler AG on Friday. But industry watchers agree that America isn't where Chrysler's future lies.
Chrysler Announces Leadership Changes - Bob Nardelli Appointed as Chairman and CEO; Tom LaSorda to Continue with Chrysler as Vice Chairman and President
Statement by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. Regarding NHTSA Investigation of LTR tires - The following is a statement by Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co.: As part of our ongoing cooperation with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Co. (HZR) provided the agency with more details and data showing that our LTR tires sold in the United States are safe.
States Recall Chinese Tires - Federal Recall Stalled as Importer Runs Low on Cash
Cruise-Control Switch Forces Huge Ford Recall - Ford recalled 3.6 million passenger cars, trucks, sport-utility vehicles and vans to fix a cruise-control switch that led to previous recalls based on reports of fires. -- Ford said the recall covered more than a dozen models built from 1992 to 2004.
In Ontario, no laws against reusing airbags - Lack of guidelines opens door to lucrative underground market – and risk to consumers
Chop shops thriving in Canada - When police descended on a big used car parts lot in Laval, Que., three months ago, they uncovered what's believed to be the largest "chop shop" ever found in Canada. Close to 900 vehicles, including many luxury models, were crammed inside.
Chop Shop Contains Stolen Cars - WI: Sources tell TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Lauren Leamanczyk they believe there are several other stolen cars that have already been crushed on the lot at Auto and Scrap Recyclers at 38th and Mill Road.
Car lots can be targets for theft - The car looked so safe on the repair shop lot with all the others.
Insurers Prepared for Claims from Fatal Minneapolis Bridge Collapse - The insurance industry is vowing to take care of any claims arising out of the Minneapolis bridge collapse tragedy without delay. -- Insurers expect that claims for auto damage, workers' compensation and commercial property damage will be the bulk of the initial claims to come in, according to Mark Kulda, vice president of public relations for the Insurance Federation of Minnesota.

Friday - August 3, 2007

Kathleen Schmatz: Congress must protect our right to choose car repairman - Imagine if you could no longer do that and had no choice but to return to the new car dealerships for the entire life of your car. This could happen. -- Kathleen Schmatz is president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association.
GM approves PPG waterborne refinish systems for dealership repairs - General Motors has approved Envirobase High Performance (HP) and NEXA AUTOCOLOR Aquabase PLUS waterborne basecoat systems from PPG Industries’ automotive refinish business for all dealership repairs. All products in the Envirobase and Aquabase waterborne basecoat systems are included in the approval and indicated in the “GM Approved Refinish Materials” bulletin, GM4901M.
BASF Coatings: Great Wall Motor’s Partner of Choice - BASF Coatings has recently been chosen by the Chinese automotive manufacturer Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd. to be their supplier of refinish coatings products, targeting overseas market. -- This partnership enables BASF Coatings to support Great Wall Motor’s authorized dealers and auto body shops worldwide with refinish coatings products and services.
BASF posts very strong results in second quarter of 2007 - BASF remains in top form: In the second quarter and first half of 2007, the company again exceeded the record results posted in the same periods of the previous year. In the second quarter, BASF increased sales by 19 percent and income from operations (EBIT) before special items by 6 percent.
Three shop management processes seen as increasingly useful for collision repairers - As the business of collision repair continues to evolve, shop owners and industry consultants cite a number of management trends and techniques they see as keys to success in the coming years. Although none of the techniques are new or revolutionary, they either have not been widely used in the industry or, in some cases, are a return to business basics from which some may have strayed.
Hak's goes green in all colours - Hak's Autobody is the first autobody shop in Canada being supplied by Sikkens Paints with a new water-based car paint, 18 months before federal legislation will require it.
Bumpers on luxury cars aren't luxurious: worst is Infiniti G35; 4 of 11 cars sustain more than $10,000 damage in 4 minor bumps - IIHS: Bumpers, even those on expensive cars, don't resist damage in low-speed impacts. The Infiniti G35, the worst performer, sustained almost $14,000 damage in a series of 4 tests conducted at 3 and 6 mph by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Saab 9-3 was the best, sustaining $5,243 damage. Only 3 cars sustained less than $6,000 damage, while 4 would cost more than $10,000 to fix.
Industry Reacts to Minneapolis Bridge Collapse - As the aftermath of the bridge collapse in Minneapolis continues, those in the area that glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine were able to reach says the effects on the industry as a whole have been minimal, but that it's still early to tell what's in store.
Senate Committee Pushes for EPA Decision on California Waiver - ASA: Deadline for EPA Ruling Set for Sept. 30
Bowling Green plant gets state tax help to expand - A vehicle and equipment product manufacturer will expand its facility in Bowling Green, adding 80 new full-time jobs, the state announced Thursday. -- LORD Corp.'s Bowling Green plant manufacturers shock, vibration and noise-control products for the automotive and industrial equipment industry.
Famed CBS Broadcast Journalist Bob Schieffer to Headline 2007 AAIA Town Hall - Bob Schieffer, anchor of "Face the Nation" and CBS News chief Washington correspondent, will headline this year's AAIA Town Hall in Las Vegas. Hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and sponsored by NASCAR Performance, the Town Hall will be held Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 7 a.m. in the Palazzo Ballroom in the Venetian Hotel.
Nick Porrini Recognized as Aftermarket Visionary Award Presented at Aftermarket eForum™ Recognizes a Career of Contribution - Porrini was recognized for his generous contribution to the industry by advancing catalog data standards. His company, Technologue, is a key partner to AAIA in researching, managing and publishing the detailed vehicle configuration data that forms the cornerstone of the AAIA Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES).
U.S. Launches China Tire Dumping Probe - The Commerce Department formally announced that it was launching a probe into charges that Chinese OTR tiremakers are selling their tires in the U.S. at below fair market prices, and whether Chinese government subsidies allow the offshore tire companies to sell at such prices.
Lear reports $123M profit - Amid failed buyout and lower revenues, Southfield parts maker slashed expenses.
U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2007 Results - Net Sales of $42.1 million for Q2, up 56% over prior year -- Earnings of $0.03 per share -- Adjusted EBITDA of $3.8 million
Antique parts maker moves to multimedia - Don Sommer uses his company to raise funds on Internet, produce a vintage car show pilot.
Big changes loom for new Chrysler - The concept car had been shown publicly and critiqued internally. Business plans had been written, and Chrysler Group executives had debated for months whether to build the flagship luxury sedan.
Minivan makeover - Chrysler needed a hit and gets home run with new family hauler
Welcome Back Taurus - Roomy, powerful sedan fixes Five Hundred's flaws
Acacia Automotive Announces Acquisition of Augusta Auto Auction - Acacia Automotive, Inc. today announced that it acquired the assets of Augusta Auto Auction on July 10th.
Nissan Reveals New 'Pop-Up Engine Hood' Safety Technology - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has developed an innovative "pop-up engine hood" to help reduce head impact injuries in the event of a pedestrian collision. The new safety feature will debut on the new Skyline coupe, set for release this fall in Japan.
Lexus to face lawsuit over their ES350 airbags - Lexus has to be one of the safest cars on our roads today, but their reputation could well face a downhill turn as the Japanese company faces a lawsuit. The class action lawsuit has come about over a law firm in Florida have alleged that the Lexus ES350 has been fitted with a faulty front airbag sensor.
Body shop owner charged in hit-for-hire conspiracy to break partner's legs - NJ: Man was willing to offer $2,000 to get job done, police say
Clinic Owner Charged With Staging Accidents - The owner of a Hialeah medical clinic has been charged with fraud for allegedly staging accidents and then billing insurance companies for treating the so called 'victims.'
Legal Loophole May Allow Car Odometers to Be Rolled - A Spartanburg woman contacted us saying she found out after buying a used car that it's odometer may have been rolled back. That means the car may have a lot more mileage on it than the odometer shows. We looked into it and discovered a legal loophole in some states that may allow odometers to be illegally rolled back ... and you need to know about it.
Delaware Restricts Insurers' Use of Credit Scoring for Auto, Home Renewals - Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has signed legislation restricting the use of credit information in setting auto and homeowner insurance rates, making Delaware's credit scoring law one of the toughest in the country according to the law's supporters.

Thursday - August 2, 2007

Tech college offers collision repair scholarships - ABRN: Lincoln College of Technology partnered with the non-profit Hire A Hero program to award academic scholarships in collision repair and refinishing technology to the military community.
Maaco and Philadelphia academies put the wheels in motion for apprenticeship program - Students enrolled in the Academy of Applied Automotive and Mechanical Science at West Philadelphia High School are doing their best to get signed up for summer school. Maaco, in partnership with Philadelphia Academies, is launching a summer apprenticeship program designed to help industry hopefuls along the fast road to automotive success.
NCIA Releases Hourly Labor Rate 'Fair-Competition Proclamation' - The National Collision Industry Alliance (NCIA), today, released a proclamation on the role of labor rates as a competitive barometer. NCIA’s fair-competition proclamation reads, in part, as follows. "Hourly Labor Rates Are Incomplete Measures By Which To Arrive At Decisions To Favor, Promote, Recommend, Select Or Advocate One Shop Over Another."
U.S. Court of Appeals Affirms District Court Ruling in Allstate Insurance Case - ASA: The U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit, New Orleans, has affirmed the District Court ruling in the case of Allstate Insurance Co., et al., Appellants-Appellees vs. Greg Abbott, Etc., et al., vs. Automotive Service Association, et al.
National Insurance Act Introduced in House of Representatives - ASA: Bill Falls Short of Significant Insurance Reform
Capitol concerns - Dealers travel to Washington to drum up support for Right to Repair, small business health care
Avis Budget Group Selects OEConnection's CollisionLink(R) Speeding Out-of- Commission Vehicle Repairs by One Day - OEConnection LLC announced today that Avis Budget Group, Inc. has selected its CollisionLink(R) technology to provide faster and more accurate online ordering of original equipment collision parts.
Mitchell International Revs Up Partnership With Harley-Davidson(R) Motorcycles - Integration of Harley-Davidson's Parts, Pricing and Factory Accessories With Mitchell's UltraMate(R) Motorcycle Creates Standardized Estimating Platform
Keystone Automotive Industries Reports Record Fiscal 2008 First Quarter Results - Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc. today reported record earnings and sales for its fiscal 2008 first quarter ended June 29, 2007, supported by ongoing industry demand for generic automotive replacement parts and management's continued focus on operating leverage.
U.S. Auto Suppliers Seek Growth Overseas - Although U.S.-based auto suppliers aren't showing uniform gains in their quarterly earnings, the results show that they are showing promise - and in some cases prospering - by moving major operations overseas.
GM to Outsource Windshields from Asia? - glassBYTEs: Despite a report from Ward's Automotive that General Motors Corp. is considering outsourcing its windshield production from Asian manufacturers, Deborah Silverman, manager of GM global purchasing and supply chain communications, says the auto manufacturer is reviewing a number of factors surrounding this possibility.
Mygrant Signs on as Sapphire Sponsor for AGTO - Mygrant Glass Co. has become a Sapphire sponsor for the Third Annual Auto Glass Technician Olympics (AGTO).
Visteon posts quarterly net loss - Auto parts maker Visteon Corp posted a quarterly net loss on Wednesday as its biggest customer, Ford Motor Co. (F.N), suffered market share losses in North America.
Big Three see share of U.S. market fall below 50 percent for first time - Auto sales tumbled in July as weakness in the housing market sapped demand, increasing pressure on Detroit's embattled Big Three and hitting Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. with its first U.S. sales decline in almost three years.
2007 models reveal diversity and ingenuity - Anyone who says the automotive industry's products have become hard to distinguish cannot have been paying attention lately.
GM Daewoo Recalls 75,000 Sedans in U.S. - Some 75,000 units of the Suzuki Lacetti or Forenza made by GM Daewoo and exported to the U.S. will be recalled there. -- Suzuki informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that faulty welding on the buckle may cause seat-belt malfunction.
Telepathx Develops Accident-Detecting System Linked to Auto Airbags - The company's Enterprise Call Box is designed to automatically notify transportation departments and emergency responders.
Las Vegas auto shop busted for scamming customers - What started as a small investigation into auto-repair rip-offs in Las Vegas has now expanded into one of the biggest cases ever. The Nevada Attorney General's Office filed a new complaint Tuesday against the operators of a number of Purrfect Auto Repair shops.
Cars' catalytic converters hot items for scrap thieves - In an ever-changing world of late-night auto parts theft, the catalytic converter - or maybe just some of its metal - is now a prized commodity and increasingly a target for thieves.
New scam hits area mailboxes - If you think you won the lottery and have the $4,500 State Farm check to prove it, put your celebrations on hold because chances are you just got scammed.
State Farm sued in stolen car claim - A St. Clair County plaintiff is seeking in excess of $100,000 from State Farm Insurance alleging a theft claim involving his 2003 Dodge Stratus has gone unpaid.
Safety Insurance Group: Auto Insurer With a Dirt Cheap Valuation - Auto insurers can be great businesses to own, as evidenced by the fortune Buffett made buying and holding GEICO. Here's a look at the unique story of Safety Insurance Group

Wednesday - August 1, 2007

Still Under Review - Views on State Farm’s Select Service Program vary widely one year after its nationwide roll-out began
CARSTAR Names Franchisee of the Year at 18th Annual Conference - CARSTAR Franchise Systems, Inc. held its 18th Annual Conference July 15-17, 2007 at the Lake Las Vegas Resort in Henderson, Nevada. More than 500 participants which included CARSTAR independent owners, insurance partners, vendors, and media, joined together to discover the theme – “Stepping Up”.
Fall Lineup - The AASP-MN fall line-up is starting to take shape.
Ron Kuehn Forms Collision Business Solutions Consulting Firm - Ron Kuehn, a 33-year industry veteran, has established Collision Business Solutions, LLC, a consulting firm focused on administrative and production operations, while servicing the collision repair inter-industry.
Automotive Reconditioning Franchise Launches New Website to Inform Future Franchisees - BUMPERDOC Auto Reconditioning Centers will officially launch a new website on September 1, 2007 to help support the launch of BUMPERDOC Franchise Opportunities, an innovative business specializing in bumper repair, paintless dent repair, rapid auto body repair, and auto reconditioning services.
RECON Mobile Dent & Paint Repair Opens in Las Vegas - After five years in business serving the Spokane Metro Area, RECON Mobile Dent & Paint Repair has opened business in Las Vegas with two technicians.
Gearing up - They raised the roof, knocked down the wall separating the two businesses and created a four-bay auto body shop.
NWTC Auto Collision Repair & Refinish programs receive national recognition at SkillsUSA competition - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) 2007 honors graduate Joel Tolly brought home a gold medal in Collision Repair Technology from the national SkillsUSA Championships held June 28-29 in Kansas City, Mo.
New TPA Company Launched; Works as Warranty Program - GlassBYTEs: National Glass Exchange (NGE) co-founder Jim Pruce says the new Trinidad, Colo.-based company could change the way the industry works. The company is set up to work as a type of third-party administrator, designed to take the insurance company out of the equation.
IGA Issues Cancellation Bulletin - GlassBYTEs: The Independent Glass Association (IGA) has issued a Beacon advisory about an increase in "cancelled" jobs by competitor-administrators (CPAs) for some of its member shops.
Top Supplier Of Recycled Auto Parts Gives New Life To Old Junkers - It traffics in broken down Toyotas, Hondas and Fords. But LKQ has life under its hood. -- Its pending $811 million acquisition of Keystone Automotive Industries will make LKQ a one-stop shop for insurance companies looking for the cheapest way to get crashed cars back on the road.
Those little Deuce Coupes -- still cruisin' after 75 years - Of all the hot cars, and all the gearhead legends that trail along Woodward Avenue, there are few as enduring as the 1932 Ford, known forevermore (thanks to the Beach Boys) as the Little Deuce Coupe.
GM earns $891M; car blitz up next - With strong quarter behind it, automaker faces risks as it moves away from trucks, SUVs.
Toyota will offer a cheaper Prius - Toyota Motor Corp. said Monday it would introduce a new "standard" version of its popular gas-electric hybrid for the 2008 model year with a base price of $20,950, not including destination charges. That's 5.5 percent - $1,225 - less than the lowest-cost 2007 model.
SANYO Rear View Backup Camera System Features Digitally-Corrected Views for Safer Backups - Backing up your vehicle is often a "hit or miss" situation. And relying on guesswork can lead to expensive vehicle damage or even danger to life and limb.
Law Firm of Sheldon J. Schlesinger, P.A. Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against Lexus U.S.A. Inc., Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc., and Others, Claiming Lexus Front Passenger Airbags Are Defective - The Suit Claims Lexus Has Refused to Correct Problems with Airbag Sensor beneath Front Passenger Seats in 2007 ES350 Automobiles
I-Team Exclusive: 11 Purrfect Auto Shops Under Investigation - The Nevada attorney general's Bureau of Consumer Protection has broadened its case to include a total of 11 Purrfect Auto locations. That's up by four from last November.
The Unforeseen Costs of Automobile Accidents - Even a small fender bender can result in hundreds of dollars worth of damage. A small dent on the rear quarter panel of a car will be very expensive to fix at a body shop.
Auto insurance without car - You might not have a car, but that doesn't mean you don't need auto insurance.
State Farm sends interns out into community - State Farm Insurance Cos. is paying summer interns to go away, and for good reason. -- The Bloomington insurer pays 10 Illinois Wesleyan University students to split time working for State Farm three days a week and local nonprofit organizations the remainder of the week.
21st Century Insurance Group Reports Second Quarter 2007 Results - 21st Century Insurance Group reported net income of $22.8 million ($0.26 per basic share) for the second quarter of 2007, compared to $28.3 million ($0.33 per basic share) for the same period in 2006.
MetLife Announces Second Quarter 2007 Results - Auto & Home operating earnings were $108 million in the second quarter of 2007, compared with $99 million in the prior year period.
GEICO Honored for Outstanding Financial Results for 17 Consecutive Years by Ward’s 50 Benchmark Group - For the 17th consecutive year, GEICO, the nation’s fourth largest auto insurer, was named to the selective Ward’s 50 Benchmark Group, a prestigious industry ranking based on financial results. GEICO is one of only five property and casualty insurers to be selected for this recognition for the past 17 consecutive years.
GEICO lowers auto insurance rates - A move by the Government Employees Insurance Company, widely known as GEICO, to lower its rates for good drivers in California by 10.8 percent is being described as an “enormous” and “whopping” rate reduction by the California Department of Insurance.
Safeco's quarterly results beat expectations - For the three months ended June 30, Safeco had a profit of $186.4 million, or $1.75 a share. That was down from $199.7 million, or $1.68 a share, a year ago.

July 2007 >>>>

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