Friday - September 28, 2007

• I-CAR Education Foundation & Collision Industry Foundation Join Forces for "Keys to Speed" Campaign - Keystone Automotive has donated the grand prize, a 1957 Speedster reproduction and will be selling “Keys to Speed” tickets through October 22 at all participating Keystone locations.
• Associations pleased with progress as Mitchell, CCC, Audatex weigh in on DEG project - The architects of the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) project applauded Mitchell International’s decision to collaborate with DEG to collect broad industry data to identify, monitor and analyze wider collision industry trends and issues.
• Legislative Alert: Voice your support for proposed automotive refinishing regulation - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) urges automotive repairers, automotive collision employees, and consumers to contact the U.S. EPA to voice support for the proposed automotive refinishing regulation.
• Earl Scheib Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2008 - Net sales for the first quarter were $12,236,000, a decrease of 3.3% from the first quarter of fiscal 2007. This resulted primarily from a decrease in car volume in the retail paint and body shops, partially offset by an increase in the average transaction value. On a same-day basis, same-shop retail sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 decreased by 2.5%.
• Auto body shop honored for charity - An auto body shop was honored by Florissant for refurbishing cars and donating them to needy families.
• NARPRO Teams up with Two Local Charities to Repair Lives - As part of their ongoing commitment to give back to others, Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals Network (NARPRO) has created unique relationships with Helping Hands for Single Moms and Packages From Home Charities to help make a difference in the community.
• PPG to feature waterborne basecoat systems at NACE - PPG Automotive Refinish will feature its waterborne high performance basecoat systems at NACE, and PPG waterborne U.S. product manager Doug Beuke will be the featured speaker at the NACE seminar Introduction to Waterborne, Friday, November 2.
• Fixmywindshield.com to Allow Multiple Shops Per Zip Code - Fixmywindshield.com recently has received some updates, including the ability to allow more than shop per zip code to compete for jobs with consumers who visit the site in need of work. This new option will take effect on October 28, 2007.
• Avis Offers Vehicle Rental Discounts to ASA Members - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announces a new member benefit agreement with Avis that allows members convenient access to money-saving coupons on top of special weekend, weekly and monthly rates. Discounts will be available at participating Avis locations.
• Daytonabrands, Inc. Launches Revolutionary Paint Protection Coating - Expects 300-Plus Auto Dealerships to Use Product Within 3 Months
• Copart's New Money From Old Cars - One man's trash is indeed another man's treasure. On Thursday, shares of Copart soared, after the salvage vehicle seller said profits rose sharply in the fourth quarter amid strong sales from its recent acquisitions.
• Auto-parts plant Blue Water Automotive Systems plans for new Marysville jobs - Blue Water Automotive Systems is showing signs of growth less than three months after closing its Lexington plant and less than a year after announcing plans to close a plant in St. Clair.
• Court OKs $200M Delphi-GM Settlement - Bankruptcy Court Approves $200 Million Settlement Between Delphi and GM Over Warranties
• GM, Auto Union Agree to Cut New-Worker Pay by Half, People Say - General Motors Corp. and the United Auto Workers agreed to a new class of jobs that would pay about half the current rate, breaking with the UAW's tradition of equal earnings for union members, people with knowledge of the plan said.
• UAW Deal Said to Save GM Billions - If United Auto Workers ratify a groundbreaking new contract with General Motors Corp., its provisions likely will save the company $2 billion to $3 billion per year which it can pump into the development of new products like electric cars, according to several industry analysts.
• From Collision Warnings to Cup Warmers - Today's Cars Go High-Tech - NADAguides.com Reviews Cutting-Edge Cars for Tech-Savvy Drivers
• New Technology Improves Vehicle Crash Tests - For decades, automakers have researched crash safety with controlled experiments. But now, improved vehicle technology is making it possible to study actual crashes.
• SUV hits building in Portage - A Ford Explorer crashed through windows near an employee break area of the State Farm Insurance administration building at 5528 Portage Road, across from the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, at about 8:30 a.m., Portage police said.
• Colo. Releases Tools for Consumers to Check Insurance Company Complaints - The Colorado Division of Insurance has released two references to help consumers make more informed decisions about buying insurance: an Interactive Complaint Ratio search tool and the Consumer Complaint Ratio Report.
• Brooke Franchise Corporation Agrees to Acquire Insurance Agency Network - Brooke Franchise Corporation, a subsidiary of Brooke Corporation, announces an agreement to acquire 60 insurance agency locations from entities associated with Chicago-based J and P Holdings Inc. The acquisition is expected to close on Sept. 28, 2007 and is subject to typical closing conditions.
• AIG says to lay off about 605 workers after buyout - American International Group Inc, the world's top insurer by market value, said on Thursday it plans to lay off about 605 workers following its takeover of auto insurer 21st Century Insurance Group.
• State Farm Ins. donates $20K to schools - Kern County schools will soon receive additional support thanks to State Farm Insurance.

Thursday - September 27, 2007

• Win a business makeover for your bodyshop - Summit Software Solutions, Inc. will give away up to $50,000 in computer hardware, software, training, installation, and business consulting to two qualified body shops at this year’s NACE trade show in Las Vegas, NV.
• NABC urges collision industry to support WorldSkills competitors - The National Auto Body Council (NABC) is coordinating fundraising efforts, through the Collision Industry Foundation, to send two young technicians to compete at the 39th WorldSkills Competition in Japan Nov. 14-21, 2007.  -- Also assisting in the fundraising effort are the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP), the Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) are involved, along with Mike Anderson of Wagonwork Collision Center. 
• Capital Ford Collision Center Wins Extraordinary Customer Satisfaction Rating - Capital Ford, the #1 Ford dealership in North Carolina and the southeastern United States, has been named 2007 Premier Achiever for Customer Satisfaction for its superior customer satisfaction scores.
• Premier Bodyshops wins the Porsche Centre Approved Bodyshop of the Year Award 2007 - BASF: Porsche is recognized throughout the world for quality and innovation.
• BioConcept car captures the interest of trade visitors from the automotive industry and politics - Frankfurt / Münster: BASF Coatings’ R-M brand automotive refinish paints are eco-efficient, with an extensive product portfolio based on highly skilled color expertise. This is proven every day at body and paint centers as well as independent bodyshops.
• CARSTAR Super’Stang Revs Up for Race Fest 2007 - Tour Benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation -- Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 27-30.
• MVTAP Scholarships - The Metropolitan Vocational Technical Assistance Program (MVTAP),  a volunteer body of collision industry professionals from the St. Louis area, has recently made available three $2,000 scholarships for "Outstanding Graduate" award winners from each of three local technial high schools: South County, North County and Lewis & Clark. The scholarships are funded by an annual golf outing sponsored by MVTAP. Ranken is providing a matching scholarship award for any of the chosen outstanding graduates who enroll in Ranken's Automotive Collision Repair Program. 
• Local Oregon Auto Body Shop Sees Big Changes - A number of decades old Northwest businesses enjoy name recognition. But founders pass away, companies are sold, some are inherited by clueless heirs, and many close. But some businesses, fortunately, take the necessary steps to not only endure, but also profit and prosper from the employment of sound strategies.
• Belleville man wins NAPA trick truck award - Belleville resident Jeremy Bach aand his 1934 Dodge truck recently won the NAPA Trick Truck award at the 1st Chicagoland Nationals Sept. 21-23 in Joliet. --The Dodge was rebuilt by Reality Roadshop, Bach's hot rod design shop located within his father's shop, Mike Bach Auto Body in Belleville, according to NAPA.
• Judge rejects defamation lawsuit against Trib - A judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit against the Tribune filed by the former owners of an auto body shop. -- Christopher and Carol Ferrante, former owners of Gilbert Collision Center, had alleged the newspaper defamed them in its coverage of a separate lawsuit filed against them and a number of other tow company and body shop owners by Infinity Insurance, a national auto insurance company.
• Angry Confrontations Draw Cops To Local Body Shop - TX: Last April a violent thunderstorm over northeastern Tarrant County produced a multi-million dollar bonanza for auto body shops. -- The severe weather set off a chain of events that would lead to Julie Brown’s SUV being held hostage by an auto body shop.
• Towing a fraction of Rendel's service - When most area residents hear the name Rendel's, they think of the towing company, which dates back to the early 1900s. -- But the company is so much more and always has been, said Vice President Pat Polcyn. And now it's poised for even bigger things.
• Safelite Launches Ad Program - GlassBYTEs: Columbus, Ohio-base Safelite Glass Corp./Belron US has launched a radio advertising campaign throughout the country to build its brand. While glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine has received reports that there has been an upswing in advertising, particularly in the Orlando, Charlotte, N.C., and St. Louis areas, Safelite/Belron US spokesperson Jenny Cain says this program is part of its ongoing effort to build its brand.
• NWRA Reduced Hotel Rates End This Week - The NWRA Annual Conference room block will close this weekend, Sunday, September 30. In order to access the association's reduced room rates, attendees must reserve their rooms by this weekend.
• LKQ Corporation: Making the Most of Accidents - While it competes against a myriad of small junkyards, the company has built a diversified and expanding inventory of parts that allow it to fulfill requests for specific parts at nearly double the industry rate. This reliability factor makes the company the primary supplier for many large insurance companies who are able to save money by using refurbished parts instead of OEM equipment.
• LKQ CEO Joseph M. Holsten Exercises Options for and Sells 300,000 Shares - The president and chief executive of LKQ Corp., which buys wrecked cars to salvage and sell reusable parts, exercised options for 300,000 shares of common stock, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
• LKQ Corp. Southeast Region Senior VP Leonard A. Damron Sells 1M Shares of Company Stock - The senior vice president of the southeast region at LKQ Corp., which buys wrecked cars to salvage and sell reusable parts, sold 1 million shares of common stock, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
• LKQ Corp. Director Donald F. Flynn Sells 500,000 Shares of Company Stock - A director with LKQ Corp., which buys wrecked cars to salvage and sell reusable parts, sold 500,000 shares of common stock, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
• Solera Holdings, Inc. Announces Jacques de Ladonchamps as Vice President, OEM and Industry Relations - "We are pleased to have Jacques join our team," said Tony Aquila, founder, chairman and CEO of Solera Holdings, Inc. "By coupling Jacques' expertise, wealth of industry knowledge, and worldwide contacts with Solera's global collision data, we can offer automotive manufacturers something no one else is in a position to match - the ability to develop and deliver meaningful data from around the world that can be used to evaluate vehicle design specifications and to build more effective product offerings."
• Solera Holdings, Inc. Announces Investment in Audatex Japan Ltd. - Acquisition of Licensee Shares Further Solidify Commitment in Japanese and Broader Asian Markets
• ADESA, Manheim Announce Acquisitions, Expansion Plans - Jim Hallett, chief executive officer and president of ADESA, announced that the company has acquired the Tri-State Auto Auction in Cicero, N.Y., and it has an agreement to close acquisitions of the Tri-State Auto Auction in West Fargo, N.D., and Sioux Falls Auto Auction in Sioux Falls, S.D., as well as the Transit Auto Auction in Quebec City, Canada. According to Warren Byrd, executive vice president of corporate development, final closings on the Fargo, Sioux Falls and Quebec City facilities should be accomplished by early October.
• Copart Reports Fourth Quarter Financial Results - Copart, Inc. today reported the results for the fourth quarter ended July 31, 2007. 
• ASA Opposes Super Warranties in Florida - Comments Submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
• Auto Service Agreement Launches Online Platform to Sell Warranties - Auto Service Agreement, an auto service plan distribution company, announced it has launched a new online product application that allows dealerships to sell extended warranties to customers after vehicles have been sold.
• AAIA Offers More Education at AAPEX Show - In response to requests from members for more educational opportunities, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is hosting a variety of value-added seminars at this year's Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX). AAPEX 2007 is scheduled for Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nev.
• Mopar(R) Announces Final Four 'Top Eliminator' Award Winners for 2007 SEMA Show - Mopar(R) developed the year-long program to recognize the most passionate and skilled enthusiasts and their restored/modified vehicles -- All winners and their vehicles will attend the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas
• Birthday suits new F-series: Ford to unveil limited-edition pickups in Texas - Ford Motor Co. will unwrap two limited-edition pickups today at the Texas State Fair to celebrate the F-Series' 60th birthday.
• Ripple effect: Auto suppliers recall laid-off employees - With a tentative deal reached and the strike at General Motors Corp. over, relief rippled through the industry, and so did a sense of optimism that a new UAW deal would help make GM a stronger competitor in the United States.
• Historic deal shrinks gap - General Motors Corp. took a giant step toward narrowing the competitive gap with Japanese automakers by agreeing Wednesday to a historic, cost-cutting contract with the United Auto Workers.
• GM deal 'a black day' for Canada's auto sector - Buffeted by soaring loonie, Ontario plants now face stiffer competition from the United States
• Automakers Hit With Canada Lawsuit - North American auto manufacturers have been slapped with a $2-billion class action lawsuit by four Toronto residents who claim the auto industry conspired to inflate the price of automobiles in Canada and also inhibited cross-border vehicle shopping on the strong Canadian dollar.
• Has "Retro" Run Its Course? - Are we hungering for more of the new-oldness or are we ready to move on? -- Niche car styling has been on a retro kick for some time now.
• Moms are in auto marketers' blind spot - Fashion trends often tend to overlook mothers. -- Unfortunately, the same is true in the automotive world. -- Women purchase or influence the sale of 80 percent of all new vehicles sold in the United States.
• Things To Never Say To A Dealer - The dealership experience can be extremely stressful, but it doesn't have to be. You could know everything there is to know about the cars you're considering, but that's only a fraction of the buying process.
• Toyota Recalls 55,000 Floormats, Yes, Floormats - This has got to be the easiest-to-fix recall notice we can remember, even though the problems caused can be severe.
• Doctors fight limit in billing auto insurers - About 100 services, primarily involving chiropractic care or diagnostic testing, already come with price ceilings, imposed by the Department of Banking and Insurance after a 1998 law required the state to set standardized fees for treating injuries covered by auto insurance policies.

Wednesday - September 26, 2007

• ASA Supports EPA's Proposed Auto Refinishing Regulation - Independent Repairers, Consumers Urged to Send Letters of Support before Oct. 17
• Christian Brothers Automotive Recognized as 76th Fastest Growing Company by the Houston Business Journal - Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation (CBAC), one of the nation’s leading full-service automotive repair franchise organizations, was recognized as the 76th fastest growing company on the Houston Business Journal’s Fast 100 List according to Mark Carr, President and CEO, CBAC.
• Mitchell 1 updates Customer Retention Marketing program - Mitchell 1 has updated its Customer Retention Marketing program to include several new features, including the ability to calculate the cost of parts and labor into a repair shop's return on investment. 
• State Farm Testing Electronic-Parts Ordering on Collision Repair Side—Is Glass Next? - Bloomington, Ill.-based State Farm Insurance Co. announced in late summer that in the fourth quarter it would be testing electronic-parts ordering for collision repair shops.
• ABRA Golf Marathon Raises $100,000 for Courage Center - On Monday, September 10, Minneapolis-based ABRA Auto Body & Glass sponsored its twelfth annual Marathon Cup to benefit Courage Center. Twenty-six golfers participated in the event, with each one collecting pledges for playing 100 holes of golf in one day.
• News Following PPG Auto Glass Sale Continues - PPG Industries in Pittsburgh continues to make headlines in the weeks following the announcement that it has signed an agreement to sell its auto glass business to Beverly Hills-based Platinum Equity.
• BASF opens new refinish coatings training center in Shenyang - BASF Coatings announced today that it is opening a new training center in Shenyang, China, for the company’s refinish coatings product users.
• Unwarranted Action? - The Fear of Voiding Factory Warranties May Chase Away Potential Specialty-Parts Consumers
• Appaloosa Bid For Auto Parts Maker Strikes Trouble - Hedge fund Appaloosa Management is making a last-ditch bid for auto parts maker Dana Corp., but the United Auto Workers union isn’t cooperating.
• Toyota Auto Body Co. Ltd. company to open $200 million plant, employ 400 -  Toyota Auto Body will operate under the name Auto Parts Manufacturing Mississippi Inc. and will make stamped body parts, body weld parts and plastic parts for the Toyota Highlander plant.
• Delphi lays off employees to adjust to General Motors strike - Auto parts supplier Delphi Corp. is temporarily laying off workers at its Adrian plant, although an exact number hasn’t been released.
• Magna in talks to expand in India - Parts maker may become supplier for Tata Motors and Mahindra, two of the country's biggest car manufacturers
• U.S. Auto Firms Need One Goal: Build the Best! - In another life, I'd love to run a U.S. auto maker. -- With General Motors on strike, billions in losses, and U.S. auto makers' market share in a seemingly irreversible decline, I can understand why you'd think this is crazy.
• GM, United Auto Workers Reach Tentative Agreement - General Motors Corp. reached a tentative contract agreement with the United Auto Workers, two days after U.S. factory employees went on strike to put pressure on the biggest U.S. automaker.
• GM dealers running low on hot-selling vehicles - If car dealer John Leese had 100 of the newly-launched 2008 Cadillac CTS on his lots, he could sell them all.
• The Fall of Detroit: Insider Sees Errors of 1970s in GM Strike - The news rippled along the assembly line. ``The man says we goin' at 7,'' a worker nicknamed Bird said as he trotted through Fleetwood, a General Motors Corp. plant in southwest Detroit that spanned eight city blocks.
• Winners Get Keys To Carroll Shelby's GT-500 - Gary Harlow of Bullhead City, Ariz., was awarded the keys to a new Ford Shelby GT500 last week after winning the 2nd Annual Win-a-Shelby raffle contest benefiting the Carroll Shelby Children’s Foundation.
• OnStar Data Used to Study Auto Crashes - General Motors Corp. and the University of Michigan Medical School are working on a new study that will try to guide emergency workers and doctors who respond to car accidents — and develop safer vehicles along the way.
• State Farm Honors Wis. Resident at Women Awards Presentation - Bloomington, Ill.-based State Farm Insurance recently honored exceptional women across the country during the Embrace Life Awards luncheon held in New York City.
• Rulings Send Lawsuits Against State Farm, American Family Back to Court - The Colorado Court of Appeals handed State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company a defeat by reversing a trial-court ruling supporting the insurance giant's use of a computer database to determine reimbursements of medical costs. -- The ruling, issued September 20, opens the door for a class-action lawsuit to move forward that would represent physicians and patients who had payments from State Farm unilaterally reduced after the insurance company processed the charges through Sloans Lake Auto Injury Management, a medical database that ostensibly compares physician charges against "same or like services" in a geographic region."

Tuesday - September 25, 2007

• ACAR event at National Press Club on October 19 - Collision repair professionals from around the country are set to meet on October 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the National Press Club, 14th and F Streets in Northwest Washington, D.C., on the 13th floor to discuss a Code of Ethics for collision repair.
• U.S. Lags Behind Europe in Protecting Small Business and Competition - Independent Repair Shops in Europe Receive Protection from European Commission
• Don’t Leave Dollars on the Table - Total losses are often regarded as a loss to a body shop. But the fact is the loss is your customers’ and doesn’t have to be borne in any sense by your business.
• More Than a New Coat of Paint - In China, now the world's third-largest auto producer, PPG owns a growing OEM coating operation as part of a production deal with General Motors (GM). It also has about 50% of the major branded automotive repair market, where it buffs up paint jobs and fixes windshield glass for China's notoriously accident-prone drivers. In fact, about half of PPG's business portfolio is now outside the U.S. That would offer useful diversity if a recession were to hit the U.S. economy.
• Durakon® Industries introduces 'green' bedliners - Durakon Industries, a manufacturer of drop-in bedliners and tonneau covers for trucks, is setting a new standard in "green" corporate initiatives to ensure a healthier, more sustainable world.
• GMAC Insurance Selects Mitchell for Expanded Claims Performance Solutions - Top insurer renews contract and expands relationship to include total loss, claims review and customer satisfaction solutions
• Allstate Announces Pricing Reduction - Allstate Insurance Co. has announced a pricing reduction for all of its Glass Claim Express participants.
• Glass America Joins the Independent Glass Association - Glass America, one of the largest independently-owned automobile glass replacement and repair companies in the country, has joined forces with IGA, the Independent Glass Association.
• Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes Secures Partnership with Great Wall - Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes (ANCR) has secured partnership with Great Wall Motor Co.Ltd, a major Chinese car manufacturer. ANCR, a global player in paint refinish coatings, has been chosen to be Great Wall's supplier for car refinishes products on a worldwide basis. As a committed partner, ANCR will provide a wide range of paint refinish products and related service to Great Wall's franchise dealers and bodyshops.
• Dealers will share secrets at SEMA Show - Twelve of the country's most successful independent tire dealers will participate in the Tire Industry Association's "Successful Tire Dealers Share Their Secrets" panel discussions during this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nev.
• GM to export over $800 mln of cars, parts to China - General Motors Corp said it would export more than $800 million worth of U.S.-built Buick sport utility and other vehicles and components to China starting in 2008 in its second export agreement with China this year.
• 73,000 workers walk in nationwide GM strike - Marathon bargaining session fails to produce deal as 73,000 UAW members start strike; talks set to resume.
• GM Strike to Challenge Parts Suppliers - The United Auto Workers' strike against General Motors Corp. present more challenges for auto parts suppliers, which have struggled with bankruptcies and increased competition in recent years.
• 100,000 Canadians could be idled by General Motors U.S. strike: Hargrove - Tens of thousands of workers at General Motors of Canada and in the Canadian auto parts industry are being hit by the impact of the strike against GM in the United States, Canadian Auto Workers president Buzz Hargrove said Monday.
• Ford CEO Says May Export Small Cars From China - Ford Motor Co. President and Chief Executive Alan Mulally said Monday the company may export China-made small cars to other countries, but will do so only after strong local demand for its cars is met.
• Hyundai's top U.S. executive resigns - Rumors link Wilhite's departure to Ford, which is searching for someone for a high-profile marketing position.
• Volvo Doubles Award Money for America's Top Hometown Heroes - Volvo Cars of North America announced today it is doubling its charitable donation to the top three heroes in its 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards.
• AAA Survey Cites Top-Five Car Troubles, NAPA Offers Solutions - Tire pressure was the number one vehicle issue identified during the most recent nationwide clinics conducted by AAA and its affiliated repair facilities. Results are based on inspections conducted on 6,082 vehicles by 25 different AAA clubs.
• lanelogic Secures $35,000,000 Credit Facility and Announces Oracle Financials Implementation - lanelogic, Inc., the nation's premier used vehicle market-maker, announced today that it has closed a $35,000,000 credit facility with HBK Investments L.P., Cain Capital and Dealer Services Corporation. The facility will be used to process the growing number of dealer-to-dealer used vehicle trades and will grow to $60,000,000 as lanelogic's network expands into the Western states.
• DOT led anti-Calif. CAFE lobby - E-mails show U.S. transportation boss directed campaign in Congress against state setting own mileage rule.
• Three indicted in automobile insurance scam - MA: Suspects allegedly involved in similar scheme in Lowell
• New law takes aim at accident insurance fraud - MD: Beginning next month, restricted access to vehicle accident reports could help cut down on automobile insurance fraud, officials say.
• Campaign under way to combat insurance fraud - The New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud, a cooperative effort by insurance companies in New York, has launched a public campaign to raise public awareness with respect to the forms of insurance fraud, the cost to consumers and the consequences of fraud.
• Study: Washington's Referendum 67 Could Cost Consumers $650 Million - Referendum 67, a heavily debated that would allow consumers to collect triple damages if their insurer unreasonably denies a claim or violates unfair practice rules, is expected to raise insurance rates for Washington businesses and families by as much as an additional $650 million annually, according to a study by national research firm Milliman Inc.
• NAIC Releases 2004/2005 Auto Insurance Database Report - The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) announced the release of its 2004/2005 Auto Insurance Database Report, which provides the average costs associated with personal automobile insurance nationwide.
• Mass. 4th most expensive for auto insurance in '05 - Despite declines, N.J. still costliest
• Erie Insurance Group Announces Plans to Enter Minnesota - Erie Insurance has announced that the company plans to write business in Minnesota beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009. This is the 12th state that will be served by the company, in addition to the District of Columbia.
• GEICO and Partners to Auction ‘GEICO Chopper’ Online for Children’s Charities Oct. 22 – Nov. 1 - The “GEICO Chopper” – built by nationally-known motorcycle builder Rick “Big Rick” Hoffman and which is now on tour across the country – will be auctioned off online to benefit a number of children’s charities Oct. 22 – Nov. 1.

Monday - September 24, 2007

• Celette: world leader in accurate collision repair - Celette North America moved its headquarters from San Francisco to Lombard, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, in May. Now Celette will be even closer to the U.S. auto manufacturers, although such proximity is merely icing on the cake of its influence in the industry.
• NABC Teams Up with Marine Corps Reserves for Next Leave Something Behind Campaign - For the second installment of its "Leave Something Behind" campaign in 2007, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) is teaming up with the United States Marine Corps Reserves in support of its renowned Toys for Tots program.
• CIC Meeting Deals With Issues - Shops need to understand responsibilities in avoiding unfair trade practices, attorney says
• AASP-MN Lights On For Safety Set For October 6th - On Saturday, October 6, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN), in cooperation with the Minnesota State Patrol, will hold its 13th annual Lights On For Safety event.
• Collision Repair Market Grows to $40.4 Billion in 2006 - AAIA: Total collision repair industry sales grew 5.8 percent to $40.4 billion in 2006, according to the 2007 Collision Repair Trends: Industry Statistics & Analysis, recently published by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Independent paint and body repair shops accounted for more than half of the collision repair market at $22.2 billion.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car, CynCast team up to provide new collision repair technology - Enterprise Rent-A-Car has partnered with software company CynCast to develop a new cutting-edge technology offering, that Enterprise says will improve and simplify the lines of communication among collision repair centers, insurance companies and Enterprise.
• 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
• Fargo hail damage keeps insurance agents auto body shops - ND: Some of the hail stones that fell early yesterday were as big as baseballs.
• Why You May Lose The Right To Repair - When deciding where to have their car repaired or serviced, most people choose a repair shop they trust and one that's convenient to their home or work, so they can fit such visits into their already busy schedules.
• Auto repair shop runs like a well-oiled machine - Former backyard mechanic keeps up with technology, competes for clients
• The art of alignment - Drop your car at this garage, and prepare yourself for a spot of tea and spiritual enlightenment
• School offers auto repair class - NC: Some Wake County students have traded pens and paper for welders and saws. They are learning how to repair cars at Wake Forest-Rolesville High School. It's the only auto repair class in the district.
• Small Business Sales Tip: Sell Your Business To An Employee - Maybe you are thinking of selling your business to one of your top employees. Just remember the risks.
• Little Still Known about Windshield Etching Requirement, According to NWRA President - National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) president Paul Syfko took the time out to update glassBYTEs.com™ on the possibility of a windshield etching requirement for modifications in the updated draft of the ANSI Z26.1 standard for automotive glazing under review by the Society of Automotive Engineers' (SAE) safety glazing committee.
• Only Two Booths Left at Glass Expo Midwest™ '07 - There are only two booths still available to exhibit at Glass Expo Midwest™ '07 (GEMS) in Grand Rapids, Mich.
• Auto salon takes car washing to new level - The words “luxury” and “gourmet” aren’t normally attached to a gas station and car wash. But a Detroit family that has relocated to the Valley is attempting to blend the two concepts in a new auto service business under construction in north Scottsdale
• India, a global hub for fake auto parts - Rapid growth in the automobile industry has seen the market share of fake spare parts more than treble from 12 per cent to as much as 37 to 47 per cent in the past seven years, according to a study by the Indian Market Reseach Bureau (IMRB). -- The study, endorsed by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), also shows that India is steadily becoming a hotbed for fake component manufacturing for the rest of the world too, with such products making appearances in US warehouses of car maker DaimlerChrysler.
• 2007 SEMA Show: Lexus To Roll Out Performance Parts - The rollout of its F-series models and performance accessories will showcase the first official appearance of the Lexus brand at the 2007 SEMA show. The premium marque's corporate parent, Toyota, is the official show sponsor.
• Delphi retirees watch, wait - Because they don't get a say, many are anxious for outcome of UAW-GM talks
• Auto workers' union set to strike today if no pact reached - The United Auto Workers set a deadline of 11 a.m. this morning to strike General Motors Corp. if a new contract is not reached, even as the two sides continued bargaining late last night, according to a local union website.
• Honda alliance rescues shop in Grand Rapids - Northwest Tool & Die Co. could have become a casualty of Michigan's troubled auto industry.
• Quality will determine who's really the Big Three - If you've followed this year's auto contract talks, you might get the impression Detroit's carmakers merely have to slash labor and health care costs to better compete with Japanese companies.
• Ford starts production at new China factory - Ford says its newest joint-venture factory in China began operation today and will make small cars under the Ford and Mazda brands for the fast-growing Chinese market.
• Trial bar, insurers roll up sleeves for Ref. 67 fight - WA: Who says an off-year election has to be boring? -- Supporters say R-67 gives consumers a powerful tool to punish bad actors in the insurance industry. Opponents say it's a magnet for unfounded lawsuits that will drive up insurance rates.
• AG: auto insurance rules wouldn't adequately protect consumers - Attorney General Martha Coakley said Thursday that the state's insurance commissioner hasn't gone far enough to protect consumers in proposing rules to open Massachusetts' regulated auto insurance market.
• Insurers Can Pay Less In Claims Against Guest Drivers - The Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday found that "step-down" provisions reducing the amount of insurance coverage for permissive drivers do not violate public policy.
• Mitchell International Announces Creation of Data Centres in Canada for Regulatory Compliance - Canadian Data Centres Protect Canadians' Personal Information From Unauthorized Third-Party Access
• State Farm to honor employees - State Farm Insurance will host an Employee Celebration Day at their Murfreesboro Operations Center on Sept. 28.

Friday - September 21, 2007

• ASA Creates Refinish Worksheet for Members - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announces a new refinish worksheet available to members. The free document was created by ASA's Collision Division and its Refinish Subcommittee. Dan Stander, Jerry Stander's Collision Works, Littleton, Colo., chairs the subcommittee.
• Would YOUR Shop's Repairs Pass an Auto Safety Expert's Test? - Confession: If you are one of the many who believe post repair inspectors get some perverse pleasure out of finding and documenting shoddy repairs, you would be right - I know I do!
• D&D Sponsors Celebrity Golf Classic - TX: When a Fortune 500 company makes a donation of $50,000 to a charity it is somewhat expected, but when a local auto body and collision repair company like D&D Collision Specialist makes a $50,000 donation, you take notice. 
• Keystone Supports CARSTAR Super'Stang Tour - Keystone Automotive Industries announced this week its sponsorship of the CARSTAR Super’Stang Muscle Tour. As a gold level sponsor, Keystone has donated $10,000 to help in the re-creation of a 1967 Mustang Muscle Car. 
• Nobilas Expands Body Shop Network In Germany - Nobilas Claims & Fleet solutions, an Akzo Nobel company, is expanding its auto body shop network in Germany from 330 to 400 shops by the end of 2007 to provide better coverage and enhanced customer service.
• Aftermarket Parts Counterfeiter Arrested in Britain -  British law enforcement has arrested a Chinese national wanted for more than a year in Louisiana on two counts of illegal use of counterfeit trademarks following a sting operation in Livingston Parish, LA, British authorities said Monday.
• Kurz-Kasch acquisition means jobs - Auto parts supplier to acquire assets of MacLean Molded Components, add jobs at Wilmington plant.
• Ford giving buyers a new color palette to choose from - A century ago, Henry Ford declared that his Model T customers could have the vehicle in any color "so long as it's black."
• Ford Motor Company Makes Leadership Changes - Ford Motor Company President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally today announced changes to his senior leadership team with the elevation of two key executives and the retirement of another.
• Ford gives luxury bids more time - Two-week extension on deadline to purchase Jaguar, Land Rover may be due to tight credit.
• Chery Auto says China can combine quality, low price - When Chery Automobile, China's only big carmaker without a foreign joint venture partner, signed a deal in July to supply small cars to Chrysler, it was the first formal recognition that a home-grown Chinese car was good enough for the U.S. market.
• American Iron and Steel Institute Unveils the College for Creative Studies and University of Michigan Summer Internship Concept Cars - Three dynamic automotive forms. Inspired by exoskeletons. Designed “Inside Out.” When cars look this good, you can’t look away.
• GM, auto dealer blamed for passenger's death; suit claims safety belt was defective - WV: A Randolph County woman has filed a suit against General Motors, on behalf of the estate of a woman killed when her safety belt failed in a car accident.
• Pep Boys suit settled for $180,000 - A lawsuit filed against Pep Boys of California alleging a technician at the Pep Boys Automotive Center in Santa Maria fraudulently passed a used car dealer's vehicles through emissions tests has settled, with the company agreeing to pay $180,000.
• HHS official apologizes over newsletter encouraging workers to buy foreign cars - An official with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressed his deep regret today over an energy-saving newsletter to employees that included a list of fuel efficient cars without a single American model on it.
• Referendum 67 deserves a 'yes' vote - WA: The referendum would make it unlawful for insurers to unreasonably deny claims filed by their clients.

Thursday - September 20, 2007

• Congressional Support for 'Right to Repair Act' Reaches 30 - Congressional support for the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act of 2007 (H.R. 2694) has reached 30 sponsors, it was announced today by Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
• American Honda Selects OEConnection's Online Technology for its Auto Dealerships - OEConnection LLC, announced today that American Honda Motor Company and OEConnection will jointly engage to provide its CollisionLink Internet-based parts ordering and fulfillment solution to Honda and Acura dealerships and their collision shop customers nationwide. 
• ICBC Renews Customer Satisfaction Agreement With Mitchell International - Mitchell International, a leading provider of performance management solutions to the automotive insurance claims and collision repair industries, today announced a renewal agreement with Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) for customer satisfaction indexing (CSI) services to be provided by AutocheX, Mitchell's voice-of-the-customer performance management group.
• Designing efficient training courses - What’s the best way to teach automotive refinishing? That’s not an unusual question, but rather a standard issue for R-M, BASF Coatings’ paint brand.
• Sharp's celebrates 55 years in auto body business - In 1952, cars were massive, metal monsters that actually seemed to grin — or grimace — with their large chromed grills. The conventional wisdom was that the more metal around a driver, the safer that person would be. 
• Collision program fixes cars, careers for tech college students - Louisiana Technical College-Hammond Area Campus Dean Sharon Hornsby calls her vocational school the best kept secret in Hammond.
• IGA Fall Conference Pre-Registration Still Open - There are only three weeks left to pre-register for the Independent Glass Association (IGA) Fall Conference.
• Pilkington Opens Phoenix Distribution Center - Pilkington AGR North America has opened a new distribution center in Phoenix.
• Copart Expands in Canada - Copart, Inc. today announced the opening of its second salvage facility in Canada. Located in London, Ontario, the 24.5-acre greenfield facility will serve the area west of Toronto to Windsor.
• LKQ Corporation Announces Pricing of Common Stock Offering - LKQ Corporation today announced that the public offering of 12,000,000 shares of its common stock, which includes 10,000,000 shares being issued and sold by LKQ and 2,000,000 shares being sold by certain selling stockholders of LKQ, has been priced at $31.00 per share.
• NHTSA pledges some safety actions by year-end - The nation's top auto safety regulator pledged action by the end of the year on a number of auto safety issues, including revising the new car assessment program.
• I-Team Special Report: Roof Crush - Tonight, the I-Team's looking into a government safety standard some auto experts call hugely deficient.
• Federal Court Rules Against Car Companies on State Auto Emissions - A Vermont federal judge ruled against car companies in a suit versus the state of Vermont regarding state-mandated auto emissions standards.
• Mopar(R) Offers New Chrome Grille for the Popular Jeep(R) Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - Mopar(R), the Chrysler LLC's original equipment parts manufacturer, announced it offers a new Chrome Grille for the Jeep(R) Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. An Authentic Jeep Accessory from Mopar, the chrome grille kit also includes a Jeep emblem, hood seal and fasteners.
• Toyota, Other Carmakers to Unveil 37 Models at Tokyo Motor Show - Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and other automakers will unveil a total of 37 car models at the Tokyo Motor Show, aiming to stem drop in sales in the world's third-largest auto market.
• Daimler, Chrysler lobbyists stay close - The automakers parted ways, but their lobbying arms plan to stay under one roof in Washington.
• Blackstone considers stake in Anhui Jianghuai Auto - Blackstone Group is considering a stake in Anhui Jianghuai Automobile (Group) Co Ltd, reported today's the Shanghai Securities News.
• $2,255 auto tow sets a new record - Raymond Hummer is a retired Chicago cop, but all his experience on the force didn't prevent him from getting involved with a towing firm that charges excessive fees.
• State Farm Insurance Agent Wally Romero Closed - LA: A veteran insurance agent in Lafayette is now out of business. -- Annette Hays of the State Farm regional office refused to provide any information to TV 10 on Romero's status.
• Farmers Insurance says files secured - AR: Bentonville-based Farmers Insurance agent Greg Wolfe, who was terminated from his position in late August, dumped some files containing personal client information — such as Social Security numbers, canceled checks, copies of driver’s licenses and more.
• Keynote Releases Study Examining Leading Auto Insurance Web Sites - The study contains two parts: an in-depth examination of the online customer experience and service levels (site responsiveness and reliability) of ten leading auto insurances Web sites, including the Allstate, GEICO, Progressive and State Farm sites.
• Ohio Casualty Honored by PIA with National Company Award of Excellence - Ohio Casualty Group, now operating as Ohio Casualty, a regional company within Liberty Mutual Agency Markets, was honored recently with the 2007 National Company Award of Excellence by the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).

Wednesday - September 19, 2007

• Protect drivers from high-cost car parts, Congress urged - Congress should amend patent law to protect drivers from paying high prices to repair damaged automobiles, according to a coalition representing independent auto parts and insurance firms.
• Auto parts companies push change to rules - Keystone Automotive Industries Inc. and other makers of replacement auto parts are pushing Congress to make it easier for them to circumvent patented designs owned by automakers. 
(2nd story down)
• Collision Repairers, Distributors, Manufacturer’s and Industry Professionals elected to CAPA’s Technical Committee - The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) announces the election of Mike Chiu of Pro Fortune, Jim Cochran of Action Crash Parts, Tom Holmes of KSI, David McCreight of Collision Resources, Inc, Mike Schoonover of Schoonover Bodyworks, Inc, and Jeanne Silver of CARSTAR to CAPA’s Technical Committee.
• ASA, EPA Bring OE Tools Forum to Industry Week - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced an informational session preceding the opening of the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS). The OEM Tool Forum will be cosponsored by ASA and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This educational session will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about several OE tools directly from the manufacturer.
• Reminder: CARS 2007 Early-Bird Registration Ends Sept. 20 - Members and non-members who register before Sept. 20 will receive the early-bird discount - the best deal! Register for "The Meeting Place for Automotive Service and Repair Professionals" online, or call Carol Dennis, CARS housing and registration specialist, at (800) 272-7467, ext. 220.
• Drivers in a Fix for Car Repairs Without 'Right to Repair' Legislation - "In the United States, there are nearly 225 million vehicles and only 21,640 car dealerships.  I'm not great in math, but 225,000,000 divided by 21,640 looks like the makings of a disaster for American consumers unless something is done," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). 
• Revving up support for the 'right to repair' - In New Jersey alone, there are more than 7.3 million vehicles and only 623 car dealerships.
• After the market - Replacement parts biz challenging and profitable
• 1953 Plymouth coupe - Different Strokes - Dan's Auto Body in Littlerock, California, handled the bodywork and paint, performing a few requisite custom touches, like a shave, a gaggle of louvers, and a french job on the headlamps.
• From rust to riches - Bassett man builds hot rod truck from ground up
• Midas said it remains on course despite softening in auto repairs - Midas Inc. said Monday that it has seen "continued softness in U.S. retail sales in the third quarter," as a result of what the Itasca automotive-services company called "consumer uncertainty, gasoline prices and deferral of spending on auto repairs."
• Ecology Coatings Strengthens Clean-Technology Platform with New Automotive IP - Novel Intellectual Property Enables Energy Efficient Automotive Coatings
• Pep Boys Director Buys 55,700 Shares - A director of auto parts retailer Pep Boys _ Manny, Moe & Jack bought 55,700 shares of stock, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Monday.
• TRW Automotive unit to buy part of Delphi - Livonia-based automotive supplier TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. announced Tuesday that one of its subsidiaries signed an agreement to purchase part of Troy-based automotive supplier Delphi Corp. for an undisclosed amount.
• Silver, iridescence are favorite car colors - until the next big thing - In two separate surveys by major auto paint suppliers, silver remains the most popular color for new cars of all kinds in North America, capturing 24 per cent of the overall market in 2006 by PPG Industries' numbers; 19 per cent in that year according to DuPont.
• Two Auto Suppliers To Locate Facilities Near New Kia Motor Plant in West Point, Georgia - DaeLim USA and Pretty Products join Hyundai Mobis as automotive suppliers recently announcing locations recently in West Georgia.
• Porsche and VW Battle it Out - Porsche is slowly taking over VW, and the benefits for both sides are numerous. But so far it has not been an easy courtship, with two radically different corporate cultures going head to head.
• DealerTrack Launches Groundbreaking Solution For Auto Dealers To Purchase Customer Leads - The solution enables dealers to take greater control of the leads purchasing process by only buying the leads they need at a market price.
• Class-action lawyer Lerach to plead guilty - Deal comes after seven-year investigation into allegations that Lerach's former law firm paid people to sign on as plaintiffs in more than 150 corporate lawsuits.
• Farmers Insurance Cuts $18M Sale-Leaseback - As part of its nationwide consolidation, Farmers Insurance Group has sold its 157,970-sf Arizona regional headquarters. Working out a sale-leaseback, the Agoura Hills, CA-based insurance company will occupy 81,520 sf for the next five years.
• Allstate building data center in Rochelle - IL; The city’s new tech park is in good hands. -- Insurance giant Allstate announced today it’s building a data center near Interstate 39 and Illinois 38 next year.
• State Gives Allstate Investment Package for Rochelle Deal - IL:  Monday 13 News told you Allstate Insurance would move to Rochelle. Now Illinois wants to sweeten the deal.
• Hail brings downpour of insurance money - "I've hired about 10 new guys who wouldn't be working here today except for that storm," acknowledged Matt Martinez, owner of Pueblo Hail & Dent Repair.
• California's Complex Formula For Auto Insurance - A year ago, California drivers got a new set of rules for auto insurance.
• General Casualty Insurance Extends Agreement With Mitchell for Comprehensive Estimation Solutions - Under the terms of the agreement, General Casualty will continue using Mitchell's UltraMate® estimating solution for automobiles, motorcycles, marine craft and medium and heavy trucks.
• Study Finds that Customer Satisfaction is Just as Important as Price to Many Insureds - Two recent studies of 20 major insurance companies revealed that while 33 percent of consumers shop for insurance based on price, nearly 75 percent of this group ultimately switches carriers due to poor customer service.
• Hartford CFO says insurer to have $140 mln surplus - Hartford Financial Services Group Chief Financial Officer David Johnson said on Monday the insurer will generate $140 million of surplus in the second half of 2007.
• Geico Advertising Spending Tops Among Auto Insurers In '06 - In 2006, auto insurer Geico, a unit of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and the fourth-largest auto insurer, outspent its larger rivals for advertising and spread its money around to more venues, while larger insurers stuck more closely to traditional advertising outlets, according to a study of media spending.

Tuesday - September 18, 2007

• Parts Are Parts, Right? - A look at the parts market, both OE and aftermarket segments, on the collision repair side of our industry.
• Driving Sales Excellence through Qualified Customers - Asking the right questions of prospective customers can help create new business for your shop.
• Keeping pace with the auto industry - Local body shop adds training to its operation
• I-CAR Announces Fall / Winter 2007 Mqt Tour - Pre-register Today - To provide industry professionals the opportunity to complete the industry recognized I-CAR Qualification Tests, the I-CAR Mobile Qualification Test (MQT) trucks will be visiting cities around the United States and Canada this upcoming fall and winter.
• Announcing New I-CAR Customer Care Hours for Greater Service to the Industry - Beginning Monday September 17, I-CAR Customer Care Specialists will extend their hours to the industry from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday Central Daylight Time (CDT).
• Court Grants ABRA Extension for Response - ABRA Auto Body & Glass has been granted an extension to answer the complaint filed against the company earlier this summer in U.S. District Court in the District of Minnesota.
• News Abounds at PPG; Reaction to Auto Glass Sale Continues, along with Plant Death - Over the course of the last week, Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries has been in the news far and wide.
• NWRA Annual Conference Pre-Registration in Full Swing - There are only three weeks left to pre-register for the National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) annual conference and the second annual Windshield Repair Olympics (WRO).
• Solera Holdings, Inc. Files Registration Statement with the SEC for Proposed Public Offering - Solera Holdings, Inc., a leading global provider of software and services for the automobile insurance claims processing industry, today announced that it filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for a proposed public offering of 18.1 million shares, exclusive of the underwriter's over-allotment option.
• Chrysler aims for ‘more agile’ image - Chrysler Group says it will be a "leaner, more agile" business under new private equity owners Cerberus Capital Management, which bought control of the US car marque from DaimlerChrysler in May.
• Source says GM, UAW making slow progress - Contract talks between the United Auto Workers and General Motors Corp. recessed Monday night, slowed by the complexity of issues that may delay a deal for days. Talks are to resume today.
• Redesigned '08 Focus will start at $14,695 - Geared to tech-savvy buyer, compact will be available in S sedan and coupe, SE, SES models.
• Judge tosses Calif. emissions lawsuit against automakers - The Detroit Big Three and Japanese automakers won a court victory Monday in the ongoing battle over vehicle tailpipe emissions and their contributions to global warming.
• Toyota considering building new Japan auto plant - Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki Watanabe, who was speaking at a news conference to introduce a new vehicle, didn't elaborate on details such as the plant's location or how much Toyota would spend.
• Japan's Toyota chief plays down change in N. America management -Toyota Motor Corp President Katsuaki Watanabe said Tuesday he is confident the Japanese auto giant can counter any impact from the recent resignation by Jim Press, the head of its North America operations.
• Toyota eyes move into auto insurance - Company's push into new market is part of aggressive plan to expand Canadian sales

Monday - September 17, 2007

• State Farm negotiates deal with OEMs on parts - State Farm is jumping into the parts purchasing business.
• EPA Releases Proposed Paint Regulation - Collision Repairers Encouraged To Review Proposal
• Cheap Tricks - The culprit of the cheap trick is the same company who our other reader complained about, ABRA (a consolidator), although there may be other companies that are playing similar tricks in other areas of the country.
• Ex-Pingree Grove mayor sells auto shop, set to retire - Verne "Bud" Wester says he isn't the type of man to reminisce. -- Instead, the former village president of Pingree Grove has his eyes on the future --one that doesn't include the Wester Auto Body shop where he's spent 21 years of his life.
• Washington Post: The Week Ahead: Sept. 17-21 - On September 18th, the Quality Parts Coalition will hold an event on how Congress can protect consumers from high auto-repair costs.
• Carmakers told to give data to repair shops - DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, General Motors and Toyota must provide more information about their models to independent car repair businesses to encourage competition, the European Commission ruled Friday.
• Mitchell International Announces Leadership Succession - President, Alex Sun, to become President and Chief Executive Officer and a Member of the Board of Directors; Chief Executive Officer, James Lindner, to become Executive Chairman of the Board
• Platinum Equity Comments on PPG Acquisition; Industry Reacts to News -glassBYTEs.com™ reported earlier this week that there was a possibility the businesses would be sold to a private equity firm, and this speculation proved to be correct.
• PPG's Bialosky Says Sale of Auto Glass Business Expected to be Completed in Fourth Quarter - PPG spokesperson Betsy Bialosky told glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine that she expects the sale of PPG's auto glass business to Platinum Equity to be completed in the fourth quarter, and until then it's impossible to tell what the future may hold.
• Child predators Internet program to be expanded - PPG Industries and Toyota donated $20,000 to Child Watch of Pittsburgh, a nonprofit dedicated to the needs of at-risk children in the county.
• Hot Hues™ Calendar Winners Rev Up the Roadways - DuPont has announced the grand prize winners of the 2007 Hot Hues Awards contest.  The 12 winning vehicles will appear on the 2008 DuPont  Hot Hues Calendar and on-line.
• Cool and custom-made hot rods - Everybody in the hot rod world who's heard about Nacho Gonzalez's latest creation calls it a truck, but it doesn't quite look like a truck.
• Auto body worker finds success as sculptor - NY: Jim Felice loves restoring vintage automobiles and working on custom hot rods, but his creative impulses yearned for something more.
• GloRyder Wheel Light Brings Future Technology to Car Wheels - Now you can light up your wheels in more ways than one. 
• Talks With GM Are Said to Be Breaking Down - Talks between the United Automobile Workers and General Motors appeared close to an impasse Sunday night, nearly two days after contracts covering 73,000 hourly workers expired.
• Former auto workers watch UAW talks with concern - For 35 years, Michael Magnone counted on a steady salary, regular overtime and rock-solid health care benefits as a Ford Motor Co. worker. -- But when the struggling automaker offered him a buyout package, he jumped at the chance this year.
• Chrysler LLC Celebrates the Launch of the All-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan Cargo Van, Chrysler Grand Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country Minivans at the St. Louis South Assembly Plant - Nearly 24 years after Chrysler launched the first minivan and created a new segment of automotive transportation, Chrysler launches yet another new minivan featuring an industry-first all-new Swivel 'n Go(TM) seating system and a center console table.
• Area dealership will sell new Chinese electric cars - NY: With short driving ranges between lengthy rechargings, electric cars have always been a sidebar to the 100-year-story of the automobile.
• Chinese car gets low marks in Russian tests - The Chery Amulet performs so poorly that a leading auto magazine calls for the manufacturer to pull it off the market.
• Jeep Commander and Dodge Nitro Recall - Brake problem forces of 300,000 units
• Honda Recalls 182,756 Civics Over Wheel-Bearing Leak - Honda Motor Co. is recalling 182,756 Civics, the automaker's second-best selling U.S. model, to fix a wheel-bearing seal that may leak and cause the wheel to fall off.
• Amputee starts business to customize cars - Manuel Salazar is not the type of person who gives up.
• Girls Caught Driving 2 of 14 Stolen Cars - Twelve of the 14 vehicles still were missing Tuesday after the weekend theft from Adesa Southern Indiana auto auction, Bartholomew County Sheriff Mark Gorbett said.
• Police: 2 'Chop Shop' Homes Had Car Parts - FL: Two men were arrested on Monday after authorities said they uncovered "chop shops" containing hundreds of car parts at two Volusia County homes.
• Avoiding Auto Repair Rip-Offs - According to the Consumer Federation of America, Americans spend billions of dollars per year on faulty or unnecessary automobile repairs.
• Horace Mann Announces New Directors and Share Repurchase Authorization - Horace Mann Educators Corp. announced the election of two new directors to its Board. Gabriel L. Shaheen and Charles R. "Chuck" Wright were elected by the Board of Directors bringing the number of Board members to nine.
• Progressive August net income drops 37% - Progressive Corp. reported a 37% drop in August net income on Friday, results that missed analysts' estimates as a closely watched measure of claims and expenses edged above the auto insurer's own target.

Friday - September 14, 2007

• PPG to sell auto glass businesses to Platinum Equity for approximately $500 million - Divestiture reinforces PPG focus on coatings, specialty products
• CIC: Responsibilities in Avoiding Unfair Trade Practices - Collision repair shops regularly decry the practice by some insurers of denigrating one shop in order to influence a consumer to select a shop in that insurer’s direct repair program (DRP). But could that DRP shop be found to be engaged in an unfair trade practice based on that insurer’s behavior?
• U.S. Court of Appeals Affirms District Court Ruling in Allstate Insurance Case Posted - 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.
• ASA Announces Member Discount for UniCure Spray Booths - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is pleased to announce that Interstate Marketing Corporation (IMC), manufacturer of UniCure spray booths, is offering a 15 percent discount off list pricing to ASA members, effective immediately.
• BASF to Host Waterborne Seminar in Conjunction with CAA Santa Clara Trade Faire - In response to industry concerns regarding California’s environmental regulation changes, BASF is hosting an hour-long program preceding the California Autobody Association Santa Clara Trade Faire.
• Don't Leave the Back Door Open - Opening your business to the Internet allows small businesses to play at the same level as chains and dealerships. It also exposes shops to the same digital threats to information and productivity.
• CARSTAR Super’Stang Muscle Tour is Ottawa Bound - The 21st Annual Ol’ Marais River Run will feature a special car this year. The re-creation of a legendary 1967 Shelby Mustang, which is now on a nationwide tour for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, will join more than 1,200 classic cars on display Sept. 15 and 16 at Forest Park in Ottawa, Kan.
• Keystone Automotive to Host Two Open Houses in Kansas - Keystone Automotive Industries announced that it will host an open house in Liberal, KS and Wichita, KS.
• PPG Files Counterclaim in Age Discrimination Suit; Alleges Breach of Contract by Plaintiffs - GlassBYTEs: It's been an active week in the case filed against PPG Industries by several former employees alleging age discrimination. PPG, represented by attorneys from Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiffs' claims on Monday, September 10, along with an answer and counterclaim to the original suit.
• Delphi To Close, Lay Off Workers - Delphi will close its major plant in Oak Creek by the end of the year.
• Delphi makes fourth request to reward execs - Delphi Corp. will seek court approval to pay its top 400 executives between $20.2 million to $37.6 million in bonuses through the end of the year, but hasn't disclosed how much its executives might get after the company exits bankruptcy protection.