Automotive Newsbytes

August 2006

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August 31, 2006

State Farm Announces Move To Single Repair Program - According to a company press release the new Select Service eprogram will replace Service First as it is implemented throughout the U.S. and three Canadian provinces (Alberta, New Brunswick, and Ontario).
New concept for repairs unveiled in Woburn - Sunday, the focus of all New England was on Woburn as The Premier Insurance Company of Massachusetts, a Travelers Company, unveiled in grand fashion their ConciergeClaim Center -a one-stop shopping auto accident claim center.
Insurance fraud alleged against 8 county body shops - Owners or employees from seven auto body repair shops in Chico, Paradise and Oroville were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of committing insurance fraud. -- "We want to make sure we commend those shop owners who abide by the law," District Attorney Mike Ramsey said, adding that one proprietor actually ran an undercover agent off his lot.
Keystone Automotive Revs Up Server Horsepower to Boost Operations - Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc. has streamlined its operations and made technology a strategic weapon with one of the world's most powerful servers from IBM, enabling 99.9 percent up-time and improving operating efficiencies throughout the organization.
Keystone Automotive Industries to Present at Morgan Keegan Equity Capital Markets Conference - Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc. today announced it is scheduled to make a presentation on Thursday, September 7, 2006, at 8:25 a.m. Central Time at Morgan Keegan's Equity Capital Markets Conference in Memphis at the Peabody Hotel.
CARSTAR franchisees and partners gather to share ideas and information - Delegates from across Canada gathered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan recently for the 9th annual CARSTAR Industry Conference. CARSTAR franchisees and their families, corporate employees, insurance partners, and vendor partners were among those gathered for the three-day conference which took place August 17 to 19.
Mygrant Glass to Host First Annual Product Fair - Mygrant Glass, the California-based distributor has announced the launch of its first annual Mygrant Glass Product Fair. It's scheduled to be held September 22, 2006 from 5-8 p.m. at Mygrant's Las Vegas location.
Auto Recyclers, Pick Your Part Announces 4-Day Sale Sept. 1-4 - Car enthusiasts, get your tools ready. Pick Your Part, the world’s largest self-service auto recycler, announces a 4-day, 50% off sale September 1-4 at all of its California locations.
Car Sparefinder Launches Unique Used Car Spare Parts Website - UK: Car sparefinder is a used car parts locator that allows customers to find car parts in breaker yards across the country without leaving the house. Customers can get the best quality parts at the best prices as all breakers are in direct competion.
Denso invests in US as other auto suppliers cut back - Japanese automotive parts supplier Denso Corp. is stepping up investment in its North American operations at a time when many of its competitors in the U.S. market are struggling.
Wilbur Ross to merge auto unit into textile group - International Textile Group Inc. (ITG) and Safety Components International Inc., both majority owned by billionaire turnaround expert Wilbur Ross, said on Wednesday they agreed merge, creating a company with around $1 billion in annual revenues. -- The deal will allow Ross's textile group to expand its emphasis on engineered fabrics, as Safety Components (SCI) makes automotive safety fabrics and air-bag cushions.
PPG machinists to vote on contract Thursday - Striking machinists at the Lake Charles PPG Industries Inc. plant plan to vote Thursday on a contract proposal from the company.
Sherwin-Williams asks judge to dismiss lawsuit - Lawyers for Sherwin-Williams Co. and two other paint makers have asked a Rhode Island judge to dismiss a lead-based paint lawsuit against them, saying there wasn’t enough evidence to support the verdict that resulted, according to the Associated Press.
New Chrysler plant unique - CEO says automaker may not repeat model used at Toledo facility
UAW deal allows Ford to cut more jobs at parts plant - Hourly workers at Ford Motor Co.'s Woodhaven Stamping plant have adopted a so-called competitive operating agreement that mirrors accords Ford forged with the United Auto Workers at a handful of other U.S. plants and allows the struggling auto maker to cut additional jobs.
Policing Benefits - Big 3 purge over 86,000 ineligible for health care; some workers forced to pay money back
Toyota chief wants to turn car maker into a British home brand - Toyota's UK car manufacturing operations increased profits by 20 per cent last year, confounding the gloom in many other parts of the British motor industry.
Toyota to sell driver-friendlier phones - Carmaker and wireless carrier create phone that taps into navigation, entertainment and emergency services in Japan.
Honda, Nissan, Toyota to procure more auto parts from China to cut costs - The China operations of Honda Motor Co, Nissan Motor Co and Toyota Motor Corp plan to procure more automobile components in the mainland to cut costs, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported without citing its sources.
China hits foreign investors with new hurdles - In automobile production, for instance, a business long dominated by foreign companies operating through joint ventures, the government said in March that it won't approve any new expansion of capacity unless companies meet requirements, as yet unspecified, to make local brands and support domestic product development.
Rotting Flood Cars Should be Banned from California - Despite warnings they should all be crushed, most of them are headed for sale to unsuspecting used car buyers.
Buying a Used Car - Top 9 used car salesmen tricks, and how to avoid them
CNN's Velshi Returns to Slamming Insurance Companies - Business reporter leaves out any industry representation. After all, two days earlier he cited an industry spokesman.
Insurance customers rank service ahead of price: survey - Customers generally gave higher scores to insurers that allowed them to resolve a claim or other issue with one phone call and insurers that gave them a discount for bundling home and auto insurance into one package.
Insurance fraud bills garnering attention - House lawmakers want to do more to counter what they say is a growing problem in Pennsylvania. They are pushing new legislation to toughen penalties for insurance fraud, including revoking driving privileges, and to expand the legal definition of what fraud is. A five-bill package was debated Tuesday at a joint hearing of the House Insurance and Judiciary Committees.
California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi Announces Arrests Of 19 Suspects for Auto Body Insurance Fraud - Owners and employees of various auto body shops in Shasta and Butte counties were allegedly involved in fraudulent insurance claims -- with loss estimates ranging from $2,000 - $4,386 in 19 separate occurrences

August 30, 2006

Body shop grows - Auto Craft plans to open fourth Wichita location. -- Auto body shop chains are a new phenomenon, said Megan Gilligan, a spokeswoman for Fox Collision Centers, with four Wichita locations and 15 in Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
PBES to Host First-Ever Jobber Town Hall During NACE - The Paint, Body & Equipment Specialists (PBES) will hold its first-ever Town Hall breakfast during the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Friday, Nov. 3 in Las Vegas, Nev.
I-CAR Adds New Ford Procedure to Its Online Training Library - In this procedure, you will learn how to remove and replace a partial lower front rail on a Ford Mustang. Similar to other vehicle-specific online training programs, this program covers multiple model years. Refer to your estimating guide for to determine which model years are covered by this procedure.
NATA Partners With Benu for Member Health Benefits; Becomes First Trade Group in OR to Offer Multi-Carrier Health Plan Choices to Members - When the Northwest Automotive Trade Association (NATA) learned that renewal rates for one of its carrier's plans would increase by 25 percent it was determined to find alternatives. NATA wanted to find a way to not only hold down premiums for current members, but to provide alternatives for newer members joining the organization who wanted less comprehensive plans.
A.N. Designs Signs On As Sponsor of AGTO - A.N. Designs, distributor of the UltraWiz tool, has become a sponsor of the Auto Glass Technician Olympics. In addition to sponsorship, A.N. Designs will also provide a tool kit box specially labeled for each contestant. The tool kits will contain a knife laser engraved with the competition logo.
AFS 2006 Adds New Roundtable Luncheon Opportunities - In response to attendee requests, the 2006 Aftermarket Financial Symposium (AFS) will feature roundtable discussions during lunch the first day of the symposium. Hosted by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the 2006 AFS is scheduled for Sept. 26-27 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago, Ill.
ADESA Breaks Ground on New Kansas City Auction Facility - ADESA executives and staff today joined Lee's Summit Mayor Karen Messerli, customers and dignitaries at a ground-breaking ceremony for a major construction project that will replace the existing ADESA Kansas City auction with a new state-of-the-art facility.
Vehicle's black box creates new privacy concerns for drivers - The big question now: How will that information be used?
Ford tests new seat belt ideas - Carmaker developing four-point, inflatable designs to improve safety.
In-car nav device runs Windows Automotive, boasts 30 GB HDD - Clarion has released an aftermarket in-car navigation device running Windows Automotive, based on Windows CE 5.0. The NAX963HD features a 30 GB hard drive for map data, and is just over an inch (28 mm) thick, allowing it to fit beneath car seats, according to the company.
GM to Offer Simplest, Smartest Navigation System in North America - OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation Available on More Than Two Million GM Vehicles in 2007
GM designers see how the other half lives - Engineers at General Motors really know how to get in touch with their feminine side.
If the Auto Industry is Dead What does that Mean for Workers? - In the 1980s Chevrolet proclaimed itself the "Heartbeat of America." Today many would say that the American auto industry qualifies for life support. Last November, General Motors (owner of the Chevy brand) announced that it was cutting 25,000 jobs and closing up to 12 factories by 2008.
Slow August Sales Seen for U.S. Automakers - Some analysts say foreign automakers have more to offer in the current market, and they expect that trend to continue when August sales figures come out on Friday. The biggest beneficiaries of the shift, those analysts say, will continue to be Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp., both of which are expected to have good months.
Managers see leaving Ford as a better idea - Headhunters draw interest from automaker's dispirited officials' ranks as company fortunes fall.
Ford to double Russian car sales - U.S. carmaker Ford's car sales in Russia will double to an estimated 120,000 vehicles in 2006, half of them produced locally, the head of the Russian unit Henrik Nenzen said on Wednesday.
Ford says definitely interested in Romanian plant - Ford Motor Co is "definitely interested" in buying a car plant that the Romanian government intends to sell, the number-two U.S. carmaker said on Wednesday.
UNC gets $100,000 from State Farm - The State Farm Insurance Cos. have donated $90,000 to the Monfort College of Business at the Univeristy of Northern Colorado and $10,000 to the Cumbres teacher education program in the college of education and behavioral sciences.
Katrina Victims Line Up for Lawsuits - Randy Anny was making his fourth trip to the Civil District Court in New Orleans, driving 160 miles round trip from his home in Sorrento, La. - "We're trying to get some money and it looks like suing them is the only way that might happen," said Anny who had been in line for almost two hours on Tuesday waiting to file a lawsuit. His suit centers on a recreational vehicle that was under repair at a New Orleans shop when Katrina struck.
Ernesto stymies insurance policies - State Farm and Allstate also stopped writing comprehensive auto coverage for the areas affected by Ernesto, although other types of auto insurance were available.
J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Providing High Levels of Customer Satisfaction Has Clear Financial Implications for Auto Insurers - Amica Mutual Ranks Highest in Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction for a Seventh Consecutive Year

August 29, 2006

A Case Study in Creative Marketing - Prater Body Works Plus, LLC, is located in Eldon, Missouri, a town of just 5000. The town is close to major resort areas, many miles from any metropolis, and not on any major thoroughfare. There is one dealership in town that has a larger body shop and is the State Farm direct repair shop for the area.
SCRS Welcomes its Latest Affiliate Association, the Jacksonville Collision Repair Education Foundation - The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) is pleased to announce the Jacksonville Collision Repair Education Foundation (JCREF) as its latest affiliate association.
Peddling performance - Networks and franchisors are selling high performance to insurance partners, and using performance-enhancing programs to entice shops aboard. As shops compete for DRP business in the over-supplied Canadian market, measurable performance becomes an attractive tool, providing a defense against the alternative competitive tactic -- discounted rates.
National conference celebrates industry’s best and brightest - Participants from across Canada attend the CARSTAR Industry Conference to share ideas and information
For the love of cars - Women still stand out in auto repair classes
More Glass Companies Reporting Telephone Scam - Last week, GlassBYTEs.com reported that glass companies in the Midwest were reporting a scam involving the use of stolen credit cards and large orders of glass to be shipped to Africa (see Glass Shops Beware of Ordering Scams). As it turns out, it's not a local scheme.
Auto Glass Technician Olympics 2006 Feeder Kits a Hot Commodity - The Auto Glass Technician Olympics (AGTO) 2006 will surely showcase the best and most talented auto glass technicians-feeder kits, which allow companies to hold their own internal competitions to choose the best qualified competitor, who then feed into the national competition, have had a higher request rate than this time last year.
DuPont Ends Traditional Pension for New Hires Starting in 2007, Following Industry Trend - Chemical manufacturer DuPont Co. is changing its retirement plan for U.S. employees to boost participation in its 401(k) plan while lessening dependence on the company's traditional pension plan.
Getting the most value out of your car - Cars and trucks constitute our largest expense, yet worst return on investment. But despite those dollars slipping away, experts say there are ways to stop the bleeding.
VTT Recommends Special Steels for The Automotive Industry - Tests carried out at VTT and at the Ford Research Center indicate that superstructures made from the new special steels retain their durability in varying, long-term stress situations and offer higher safety in crash collisions than structures made of current materials.
Tower Automotive workers accept pay cuts, save plants - Hourly workers at two Tower Automotive plants have voted to accept pay cuts that will ensure their plants remain open as the supplier struggles to emerge from bankruptcy.
Chrysler opens new supplier-driven Jeep plant - Chrysler Group on Monday began production of a new Jeep at the first auto plant in North America where suppliers have taken over key areas of production to help contain costs for a major automaker.
Sales of Alternative Fuel Autos Continue to Rise - Over 700,000 Sold in First Half of 2006
Full Caliber - Good looking, practical, and with excellent fuel economy, the new Dodge Caliber hatchback would be a lot more fun if it weren't so slow
Ford pits plant vs. plant - It demands cost-cutting from UAW
GM keeps rollin' - Despite massive restructuring, thousands of buyouts
The Hottest Rod in Detroit - GM gets bragging rights.
China's Nanjing Auto set up unit to run MG project - Nanjing Automobile Group has set up a 1.8 billion yuan ($226 million) unit to oversee the development of its own-brand cars based on technology bought from failed British car maker MG Rover, state media said on Tuesday.
Society of Automotive Analysts Presents its 3rd Annual STRATEGIC PLANNING SUMMIT - Nine of the automotive industry's top analysts and forecasters are confirmed presenters at SAA's 3rd annual STRATEGIC PLANNING SUMMIT slated for Wednesday, August 30 in Troy, Michigan at the Troy Marriott.
Lawsuit: Auto dealer fired older workers - One of Delaware’s largest car dealerships is being sued by federal regulators for age discrimination.
Customers concerned about problems at auto dealership - Police and prosecutors are investigating fraud involving extended warranties from Discovery Ford in Whitehall. But, they may have to expand their investigation.
California Lawmakers Enter Final Days of 2005-06 Session - The following, by Sam Sorich, president of the Association of California Insurance Companies, is a summary of the bills awaiting action in the Assembly and Senate, measures sent to the governor last week and legislation recently signed into law by the governor.
State insurance agency halts Global Healings Society - The Colorado Division of Insurance on Monday issued an emergency cease-and-desist order against a Washington company for selling fake auto insurance. -- The Division of Insurance launched an investigation after a customer complained Global Healings failed to pay her claims after an auto accident.
High Point Auto Insurance Rate Decrease and Rule Changes Bring up to 15% Lower Rates to New Jersey Drivers - High Point, a leading New Jersey automobile insurer, recently announced a reduction in its automobile insurance rates, as well as changes to its underwriting guidelines.
Auto Club Group Blazes New Trails - When the largest writer of auto insurance in Michigan expanded into neighboring states, management saw the clear need to standardize and automate the organization's disparate and antiquated underwriting processes.

August 28, 2006

ASA Collision Division Operations Committee Holds Meeting in Michigan, Discusses Parts Certification Process - Topics of discussion included updates on the CIC Database Task Force meeting at CCC Information Services/Motor, recent McCarran-Ferguson actions, updates on the State Farm Select Service program and the Progressive Concierge program, as well as various ASA subcommittee updates.
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp. Announces Partnership With Customer Research, Inc. For A-Plus Program - A-Plus Members to Receive Powerful Marketing Materials and Detailed Management Tools from Valuable CSI Program
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes to Present Dynamic Solutions for Body Shop Owners at NACE 2006 - SWAFC Experts to Host Interactive Classes Designed to Boost Profitability and Productivity
Putting art in motion: Industry veteran creates a custom look - Nicholas "Big Nick" Hanzlik has worked in the auto body industry since he was 16 years old, mostly for James Freccia Auto Body Works Inc., which was founded in 1919. -- "Auto body is a tough industry since the body shops are always battling with the insurance companies. It's nice to offset body shop with custom painting, and it works out well for me."
Vickers new voice of Dave's Autobody - New jingle to be recorded Tuesday
Cleanups reduce crime and improve city's pride - In the sun of a summer morning, just down the road from his auto-body shop, Mike West stood at the curb of Highway 99, pulling up weeds. His wife, Donna, swept the sidewalk beside him, brisk with her broom.
Showroom, repair shop in the works for Perry - MO: There’s a whole lot of shakin’ going on along Providence Road from Nebraska Avenue to Interstate 70, where local car dealer Justin Perry plans to build a new showroom and service center for his Perry Nissan dealership and a "state-of-the-art" collision repair center.
Safety check pays dividends - Six-month-old Dylan Manninen is one lucky boy. He survived a roll-over van accident without a scratch thanks to a vehicle safety seat his parents received the day of the accident. -- Dylan's parents, Beth and David Manninen, acquired the safety seat Aug. 12 at a car-seat safety check at Classic Auto Collision in Escanaba. -- Classic Auto Collision received an award honoring the business for hosting the safety check.
Workers ratify contract at Tower Automotive Inc - The ratification has led to a decision by Tower to keep open a plant in Ohio.
Days of true American cars are long gone - After reading once again why I should only "buy American" to help save our auto companies, I felt it was time to speak up. I have been in the automobile supplier engineering and quality manufacturing side of this business for 20-plus years.
Innovation, tracked down - Racing has spawned many an automotive breakthrough.
China to start vehicle crash testing - China will begin its first independent vehicle crash tests next week as the government adopts a new system described as "consistent with the international New Car Assessment Program [NCAP]."
Chevy Suburban lives up to its big reputation - 2007 model maintains first-class status among sport utility vehicles.
Toyota and Lexus earn 8 awards - The study tracks the number and type of problems U.S. owners have with their three-year-old vehicles.
Honda rejects ethanol - Honda Motor Co. doesn't plan to add U.S. cars and trucks that can run on ethanol fuel, focusing instead on diesel- and hydrogen-powered vehicles as alternatives to gasoline models.
Designer revs engines, blazes trails - Honda's chief engineer, one of few women in the field, got rid of lag in turbo-charged systems.
Ford's board loses a member - Robert Rubin has resigned from Ford Motor Co.'s board of directors, citing a potential conflict of interest over his role at Citigroup Inc.
Who Wants Ford's British Brands? - If Ford is forced to sell Jaguar, Aston Martin, and Land Rover, who would be the likely buyers, and why?
Camaro only the beginning for GM - The Camaro reportedly will be joined by the Pontiac G8, a companion to the next-generation GTO due for 2009, as well as high-performance Chevy Impala and Buick sedans.
Honda fits safety into low-priced Fit - Though the Fit is Honda's lowest-priced vehicle, with a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $14,445, it doesn't skimp on safety
20/20 Webcast: Katrina Insurance Fraud - In a Brian Ross investigation, insiders say State Farm cheated Katrina victims.
La. Supreme Court upholds Katrina, Rita insurance claims period - Two new Louisiana laws giving insurance policyholders more time to sue their insurers or file claims over damage from hurricanes Katrina and Rita are constitutional, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled Friday. --Its ruling means that homeowners, renters, condo owners, drivers with auto insurance and other non-federal flood insurance policyholders have up to Sept. 1, 2007, to file lawsuits resulting from Katrina damages and up to Oct. 1, 2007, for Rita damages.
Sisters copied State Farm files - Insurer underpaid on purpose, they believe
State Farm calls ABC's 20/20 report that it cheated Katrina victims grossly unfair - "Kerri and Cori Rigsby, independent adjusters who had worked for State Farm exclusively for eight years, say they have turned over thousands of internal company documents and their own detailed statement to the FBI and Mississippi state investigators," ABC reported.
Jersey proves insurance reform works - New Jersey drivers are doing pretty well for themselves since the state deregulated the auto insurance industry, and if Massachusetts wised up we would be feeling just as good about the money we would be saving.

August 25, 2006

In the USA Non Original Equipment and Used Parts Now Have 24% of the Collision Repair Market Says 2006 Study - This recent research into the fragmented US collision repair parts and service market points to a shake-out in the market for crash repair parts. OE parts suffer as the market stagnates while non-OE parts increase sales. Larger collision repair service providers benefit from consolidation.
Fifteen Years of Accomplishments - I-CAR Education Foundation marks key anniversary in effort to improve entry-level technicians
Come To The 5th Annual Chicago Collision Industry Awareness Tradeshow Event - I-CAR: Industry professionals and local career and technical school and college students are invited to the 5th annual Collision Industry Awareness Tradeshow Event on September 12, 2006 in Naperville, Illinois. Organized by the I-CAR Chicago West Volunteer Committee, this event brings together industry professionals from all over the midwest and funds raised by this event go towards assisting local career and technical schools and colleges.
Use Of Ethanol-Blended Fuels - I-CAR: There are different types of ethanol-blended fuels, and it is important for collision repair technicians to know the differences and what can go wrong when servicing vehicles with ethanol-blended fuel.
States toughening teen driver licensing requirements; shops can help by providing safe-driving programs - With options ranging from marketing “black boxes” that allow parents to monitor teenage driving habits to facilitating driver safety presentations at the local high school, collision shops are in position to help reduce the carnage inflicted by youthful joyrides and other risky behavior.
New Prague hail damage extensive - MN: Two hours after the storm, Tri County Auto Body had already written two dozen estimates for window and body damage.
Hit-and-run driver critically injures boy - WA: Vancouver police are asking the public and auto body shop operators to help find a driver who struck and critically injured a 7-year-old boy late Thursday morning and fled the scene. -- Officers believe the hit-and-run vehicle is a Nissan Frontier pickup or Nissan Xterra SUV, made between 2000 and 2004, and possibly yellow, police said.
Collision Repair Lab Accepting Light Vehicle Dents, Paint Work - PCT student service advisers are scheduling appointments for students, staff and faculty to receive vehicle estimates in the collision repair and advanced paint lab.
Auto Glass Technician Olympics Registers First Fifteen Contestants - The Auto Glass Technician Olympics is on its way to another full field of competitors; with one full month left until the registration deadline, fifteen contestants have already registered to compete for the $5,000 grand prize.
ViryaNet Reports Results of Its Second Fiscal Quarter of 2006 - Mitchell International, the leading supplier of information products, software, and e-business solutions for the insurance, property and casualty, medical claims, automotive collision repair, and glass replacement industries, will market the ViryaNet solution with its existing offering into its growing installed base of customers and new prospects in the insurance industry.
CruiseCam Debuts New Product Line at SEMA 2006 - CruiseCam International Inc., a leading developer of vehicle video integrated technology for law enforcement, commercial, consumer and motor sports application, is pleased to announce the successful launching of several new products.
Toyota Recalls 20,069 Crown Sedans - Toyota Motor Corp. will recall 20,069 Crown sedans made in China because of defective rubber strips that seal the windshields, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China said Friday.
Ford launches Focus hatchback in China, sees sales doubling in 2006 - Ford Motor Co said in a statement that it has launched its Focus hatchback model in China which is expected to help its joint venture there double its full-year sales of Ford brand vehicles in 2006 from the year earlier level.
Toyota Device Aims to Cut Rear Crashes - Cars equipped with the latest safety technology already warn drivers about oncoming cars. Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. said Friday that it had developed the world's first system for detecting rear-end collisions before they happen.
Toyota's newest hybrid has its bases covered - Spacious Camry comes close to being the perfect family car.
Toyota may delay launch of new models - Toyota Motor Corp., Japan's biggest auto maker, is considering delaying the introduction of some new models by as much as half a year amid a series of recalls and quality problems, the Wall Street Journal said on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
GM plans new 'dual hybrids' for 2008 - Two electric motors, a V-8 engine that can work on only four cylinders, a really smart computer and a four-speed transmission that joins them into one package.
Chrysler experiencing rash of recalls -16 issued so far this year, and 12 investigations are under way
Job 1: Reinvent Ford - Everything is on table for automaker
Car Insurance Rates Drop in New Jersey - It is a mammoth change in a state where auto insurance has been a long-running nightmare and it puts New Jersey in line with auto insurance practices in most of the country.
Insurance in Garamendi's crosshairs - CA: After pressuring for a change in auto premiums, candidate for lieutenant governor sets his sights on homeowners' insurers
Man booked for trying to defraud insurance company - LA: A 29-year-old man has been arrested for filing a bogus auto insurance claim in an attempt to defraud his insurance company, state police said Wednesday.
Clinic Owner Convicted In Accident Conspiracy - FL: The owner of a city health care clinic has been convicted of conspiring to bilk insurance companies through staged automobile accidents.
Ruling called big win - State Supreme Court upholds local woman’s $3 million award in case in which she claimed insurer paid less than she deserved in crash.

August 24, 2006

AASP/NJ Holds Certification Meetings for Collision Repairers - The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), the state’s largest association of collision and mechanical repairers, recently held a series of auto body license renewal certification meetings throughout the state. Over 150 members attended meetings in Toms River, Lebanon and Totowa, NJ.
New organization promotes paintless dent repair - The National Alliance of PDR Technicians has launched a non-profit organization called the NAPDRT to provide small business owners and entrepreneurs working in the paintless dent repair industry a platform and a voice that will allow them to address the issues and challenges that are facing the industry.
Collision Plus Auto added to Four Flags - IL: The fourth and newest Collision Plus Auto Body Repair Center has come to Glen Carbon.
Auto collision repair program offered - NV: Mohave Community College will launch an auto collision and repair program this fall.
Late-night Tune-up - At long hours, garage caters to vehicle owners short on time
Travelers' Premier Offers Concierge Auto Claims Service in Massachusetts - The center is designed to assist claimants with the car insurance claims process, including obtaining a damage assessment, getting the car to a repair shop and renting a replacement vehicle.
About 6,700 Hours of Productivity Are Lost as a Result of the More Than 135 Car Crashes That Happen in Las Vegas Each Day - Drivers Involved In Crashes Report Spending Four Days' Time Managing Claims/Repair Process -- New Service from Progressive Cuts That to 15 Minutes
'Angels' repair vehicles for deserving people - Reality television and stock car racing have collided, but will a fiery trackside wreck ensue?
Miami-Dade Police Recover Stolen Tires, Rims Worth $150,000 - "For the past several weeks, individuals have been striking dealerships, taking tires and rims right off the dealership property," said Detective Alvaro Zabaleta. -- The stolen wheels were recovered at a tire retailer in Kendall. -- "They (the thieves) were taking the tires to an establishment nearby where the owner was purchasing these stolen goods," he said.
Got Questions About Restoring Your Vehicle? - Classic Restoration Enterprises answers the most common questions in the restoration process
Viniati.com Launches New Innovative Auto Body Kits - The site specializes in the needs of the aftermarket body kit industry, but can the aftermarket body kit industry really survive with the poor fitment of cheap fiberglass or compete with Polyurethane sky high prices?
PPG Coatings Application Plant for Fasteners, Small Parts Opens on Schedule in Taiwan - Located in the Hsiao Kang District of Koahsiung, the plant coats parts for construction, industrial, electronics and automotive applications, with capacity to serve existing regional customers and room for expansion.
New Developments In PPG Strike - According to union officials the negotiations between the company and the union have taken a new turn.
Ex-Dow Chemical worker charged in trade secrets case - A former employee of Dow Chemical Co. has been arrested and charged with conspiring to steal company trade secrets and sell them in China, U.S. authorities said on Wednesday.
Hail Damage Requires Extra Auto Salvage Inspectors in N.H. - New Hampshire has set up a temporary salvage inspection center to deal with the large number of cars and trucks pounded by hail last month.
RewardStream and US Automotive Parts Retailer CSK Auto Drive Growth in DIFM Market - "The High Gear Getaway Promotion is unique in our industry, having been specifically designed to create loyalty to our brand," states Greg Livingston, Vice President of CSK ProShop, CSK's commercial auto parts business.
Car parts row threatens 10,000 workers - Much of Australia's car manufacturing sector could be crippled by worker stand-downs from today after car makers and unions failed to strike a deal to keep a major component manufacturer from closing.
Nippon Steel Denies Mittal Steel Talks - Japan's largest steelmaker, Nippon Steel Corp., denied a report Thursday that it is in talks with Mittal Steel Co. to build a new automotive steel sheet plant at their U.S. joint venture.
SAIC Finds Going Tough in South Korea - Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., one of China's biggest auto companies, entered the South Korean market in late 2004 full of high hopes, taking control of sport utility vehicle manufacturer Ssangyong Motor Co.
Chinese Copycat Korean Car Designs or More - Ssangyong Motor, GM Daewoo Not Pursuing Legal Action Due to Red Tape
Ford production cuts affecting Indiana workers - Hundreds of workers at Indiana's auto parts plants could face layoffs as a ripple effect of production cuts by Ford Motor Co.
Ford Motor considers going private - Ford Motor is considering taking the company private, a move that could give the ailing automaker time to restructure operations outside the glare of critics, a source with direct knowledge of the discussions said Wednesday.
Renault-Ford link could make more sense than GM - A possible partnership between the Renault-Nissan alliance and Ford Motor Co would make more sense and deliver more synergy benefits than a Renault-Nissan tie-up with General Motors Corp., analysts said on Thursday.
JCB says interested in buying Jaguar - British construction machinery group JCB said on Thursday it was interested in buying carmaker Jaguar from U.S. owner Ford Motor Co.
Chrysler trims truck, SUV output - Durango, Ram production to fall, smaller vehicle inventory to rise as automaker tries to salvage sales.
Used car prices rise, SUV prices decline from a year ago - Used car prices have risen over the past year while slack demand for sports utilities has led to lower prices in the light-truck category, according to recent data from vehicle auction companies Manheim and Adesa
Some automobile, truck thefts preventable, expert says - Approximately every 26 seconds, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States, according to Uniform Crime Reports recently released by the FBI.
SUV Fatality Rate Down 8.7% - Greatest Decline of All Vehicle Types According to Latest Fatality Data
TRW Automotive Forges New Frontier in Active Safety with Advanced Electronic Stability Control Systems - TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. -- the global leader in automotive safety systems -- is pursuing new integration opportunities related to electronic stability control (ESC) to provide customers with smaller and lighter systems that yield greater performance and fuel efficiency.
Auto insurance rates appear headed downward - With Lawrence leading the way, automobile insurance premiums appear to be headed in the right direction for North of Boston drivers - down.
SJC upholds car insurance plan - The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision yesterday to uphold key provisions in a plan to reform the state’s auto insurance system could encourage more insurers to enter the market here, supporters of reform said.

August 23, 2006

Auto body business expands its focus - NeoMedia’s Micropaint division now will be known as Auto Xperience and will serve individual car owners
Peddling performance - Networks and franchisors are selling high performance to insurance partners, and using performance-enhancing programs to entice shops aboard. As shops compete for DRP business in the over-supplied Canadian market, measurable performance becomes an attractive tool, providing a defense against the alternative competitive tactic -- discounted rates.
CCC Pathways(R) Users Laud National User Training Sessions - Since its inception 18 months ago, the responses from people participating in CCC Information Services Inc.'s one-day CCC Pathways(R) Estimating Solution training sessions at CompUSA(R) training centers remain overwhelmingly positive.
AssuranceAmerica Corporation Announces Election of One of Its Key Officers to the Board of Directors of I-CAR - Atlanta based AssuranceAmerica Corporation, today announced that Elise Quadrozzi, Vice President of its claims department was elected to the Board of Directors of I-CAR, at their annual meeting held in San Jose, California.
A Woman’s Place Is In The Gear Housing - Diagnostics Are A Girl’s Best Friend
Glass Shops Beware of Ordering Scams - GlassBYTEs.com has learned that Indiana glass shops have been the target of a recent ordering and shipping scam.
Auto Safety Expert Byron Bloch to Keynote AGRSS Conference - The AGRSS Council has announced that noted auto safety expert Byron Bloch will deliver this year’s keynote address at the AGRSS Conference, November 1-2 in Las Vegas.
Chinese Aftermarket Expected to Triple Over Next 10 Years to $12.2 Billion - China’s automotive aftermarket is currently under developed and ready for market contenders to enter, according to “Market Analysis,” the quarterly newsletter published by the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).
Crash tests: Small SUVs, sedans - Air bags alone do not ensure good crash protection
Car placement call center celebrates 10 years in Clinton - ME: Want to donate a car to be sold for a favorite national charity? -- Go to that charity's Web site and dial the "800" number shown and you will not go direct to Big Brothers, Big Sisters or the National Kidney Foundation, for example. -- The telephone will ring at Adesa Impact in Clinton.
U.S. trade gap in automotive parts grows - The U.S. trade deficit in automotive parts has been widening in the past five years with China emerging as one of the fastest-growing contributors to the gap. -- The U.S. trade deficit in automotive parts was $37 billion last year, up from $13 billion in 2000. -- Europe, Japan and Mexico remain the largest contributors to the deficit, but China chipped in a $4.8 billion trade gap last year, up from $3.2 billion in 2004, according to the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association in Raleigh.
8 auto suppliers draw scrutiny - Credit-rating service to monitor them
Report shows S.C. losing automotive-supplier jobs - Researcher blames national trend on lower-cost labor in China and India
Lear Announces Executive Promotions in Finance and Administration - Lear Corporation, one of the world's largest automotive interior systems suppliers, today announced the following executive promotions in Finance and Administration
DuPont names two executives - Wilmington-based DuPont Co., the third-biggest U.S. chemical maker, promoted Susan M. Stalnecker to treasurer and Barry J. Niziolek to controller to replace retiring executives.
Racer Bobby Hamilton Teams With AutoVantage - Top Stolen Cars, Cities With Highest Thefts
Ford reportedly expresses interest in Nissan-Renault tie-up - Bill Ford Jr., head of Ford Motor Co., reportedly called Carlos Ghosn, the chief executive of Renault and Nissan, and said Ford was interested in joining the Renault-Nissan alliance if talks with General Motors don't work out, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.
Automakers Crush Safety Rule - Even though 7,000 people are severely hurt or killed each year when the roof of a vehicle caves in during a rollover, the safety rules haven't been updated in 35 years.
Fleet Vehicles Cause Ford, GM To Sputter - Stalled American auto giants General Motors and Ford Motor could better revive their anemic businesses by reducing the number of vehicles they sell to rental car companies and other corporations, according to a Monday report by Banc of America Securities.
Norfolk Ford plant to operate just six more weeks this year - The production cutback, outlined in a memo given to employees on Monday, is a reflection of slumping truck sales and a build-up in inventory of the F-150, which the Norfolk plant produces.
DaimlerChrysler, Hino Motors Issue Vehicle Recalls Over Defects - DaimlerChrysler's Japan unit issued a recall for 3,668 Mercedes-Benz minivans over a gas hose defect, while Japan's Hino Motors plans to recall 21,427 light trucks for a front suspension defect, the companies said Tuesday.
Honda builds parts plant in Thailand to meet demand - Honda Motor Co., Japan's third-biggest car maker, said on Tuesday it is investing about 3.8 billion yen ($32.7 million) to build a body spare parts manufacturing plant in Thailand, aiming to keep pace with strong demand for those parts in the growing Asian automobile markets.
Pieroni Joins State Farm - State Farm has appointed Bill Pieroni as Operations Vice President. Pieroni joins State Farm from Chicago-based Aon Corp., where he was senior vice president. Pieroni will assist executive leadership at the nation's largest insurer of autos and homes with strategic planning.
Basing Auto Insurance Rates on Exact Odometer Readings: Another Pricing Innovation from Progressive Direct - The Progressive Direct Group of Insurance Companies Continues to Advance the Science of Auto Insurance Pricing; Expands Driving Discount Pilot to Arizona and Florida Giving Drivers the Ability to Save up to 15 Percent Off Their Premiums
Chubb Slashes California Auto Insurance Rates by an Average of 34%; Introduces High Limits of Liability Protection -Furthermore, Chubb is rolling out new coverage options that address the unmet insurance needs of many Californians, including high limits of liability protection in a state where the number of uninsured and underinsured motorists is among the
highest in the nation.
First Responder, Insurer & Disaster Recovery Experts: AIA Plan is a Car without Seatbelts or Airbags - The Following is Being Issued By: ProtectingAmerica.org: The American Insurance Association has cobbled a catastrophe response plan that is inadequate, incomplete and insufficient, according to the nation's largest coalition of first responders, homeowners insurance companies, disaster recovery experts, and small and large businesses.
SpectoWise Hires Chip Lackey as Chief Professional Services Officer - Mr. Lackey has over 25 years of sales and business development experience. Chip was the Senior Vice President of InsWeb, an online insurance marketplace and one of the first companies to provide financial services on the Internet. Prior to that he was Vice President and General Manager at ADP, where he helped to develop the Auto and Homeowner’s Claims software business for the company.
Crawford Acquires TPA Broadspire Services for $150M - Insurance claims management firm Crawford & Company and Platinum Equity have signed a deal under which Crawford will acquire Platinum'company Broadspire Services, a third-party administrator.

August 22, 2006

CAA Announces New Benefit Company for Regulatory Recordkeeping - The California Autobody Association announced that they are working with Government Regulatory Compliance LLC, a Pirk Management Company (GRC-Pirk) as a member benefit provider for environmental, health and safety services.
Automotive students revved up on life - FL: A host of changed lives affirms the validity of the Youth Automotive Training Center in Deerfield Beach
Coatings producer chalks up success on the Chinese automotive market - The automotive market in China is booming and OEM coatings producer BASF is chaulking up success at the Shanghai site.
Mitchell GlassMate Certified for GLAXIS Technology ClaimLaunch Capability - Mitchell Glass, a division of Mitchell International, has been certified to use ClaimLaunch, or electronic notice of loss by GLAXIS, in an upcoming version of GlassMate® point-of-sale software.
GlasWeld Signs on as First Official Sponsor of the Windshield Repair Olympics - GlasWeld has become the first official sponsor of the Walt Gorman Memorial Windshield Repair Olympics as a platinum level sponsor-the highest level of sponsorship available.
New DOT Rule Requires Automakers to Tell Consumers if New Vehicles Are Equipped with Event Data Recorders - Automakers will be required, for the first time ever, to tell new car buyers if an Event Data Recorder (EDR) has been installed under a new rule issued today by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
6 automotive reminders to help save time, money - Six seasonal automotive reminders with the potential to save you grief, time and money
Visteon, employees see unsure future - Ford Motor Co. announced cuts in its North American production Friday, as part of its efforts in a turnaround. But some employees at Bedford's Visteon Automotive Systems parts division, which manufactures parts largely for Ford cars and has laid off around 120 employees since November, have had their lives turned around already.
Auto Parts Suppliers Brace for Harder Times - Ford's decision to cut its production by the greatest amount in more than two decades reverberated through the industry yesterday, with parts suppliers feeling the brunt of the fallout.
Johnson Controls Announces Interior Experience Executive Leadership Appointments - Dr. Beda-Helmut Bolzenius, 50, has been appointed Johnson Controls' vice president and president, Interior Experience. -- Johannes Roters, 49, has been appointed vice president and general manager for Interior Experience, Europe and will assume Dr. Bolzenius' prior responsibilities.
Dyersburg Gets New Automotive Plant - TN: The plant will supply steering systems and components for Toyota, Honda, Mercedes and Nissan.
Ford reportedly to offer buyouts to factory workers - Ford Motor Co. will take a cue from General Motors Corp. and offer buyouts to all workers in its North American plants, Bloomberg News reported Monday, citing two anonymous people familiar with Ford's plans.
Camaro’s Rebirth to Occur at Ontario Plant, G.M. Says - The Chevrolet Camaro, a classic American muscle car, will be made in a Canadian factory when its production is revived in 2008, General Motors said on Monday.
Chrysler plagued by surge in recalls - '06 totals worst in industry
DCX must pay $295M in suit - Court in Germany gives some Daimler-Benz stock holders the award for the '98 merger stock exchange.
Long term quality survey reveals Detroit's progress and challenges - At first glance the latest J.D. Power long-term quality survey results seem to tell a familiar story; Detroit brands are closing the gap on the Asian automakers but the Japanese still dominate the segment rankings.
Two of the Biggest Launch a Little Car for the U.S. - You don’t get much bigger in the automobile industry than Roger Penske and Dieter Zetsche; they epitomize auto industry success, but with different roads.
Baby, You Can Crash My Car - How automotive safety tests work.
Local family members on trial for insurance fraud - South Bend, IN: Government says claims were substantially misrepresented to bilk company of thousands of dollars
National Safety Council Announces Second GDL Symposium - International forum focuses on effectiveness of Graduated Drivers’ Licensing laws. -- Sponsors for the symposium include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the GEICO Foundation, Nationwide Insurance and General Motors.
The Hartford Offers New 12-Month Auto Insurance Policies - Company's popular 'Dimensions' plan available in select states with guaranteed annual rates on new policies and discounts for auto and home customers
Insurer shifts gears in 'pay as you drive' - Texas isn't yet one of the states where Progressive offers discounts based on mileage

August 21, 2006

The Other Side of the Story - By Sheila Loftus: As the longtime editor and publisher of Hammer and Dolly magazine, I prided myself on getting my facts right. I usually succeeded. When I didn’t, I let my readers know where I’d gone wrong.
Benefits to Resistance Spot Welding… - AutobodyOnline: Terry Acton said that if there’s one deciding factor that prompts a collision repair shop to get its first – or second or third – resistance spot welder, it’s generally the speed advantages the machines offer over traditional MIG welding.
Business traditions: Shelton serves community for 30 years - Thirty years ago Dale Shelton wanted to provide what he felt was a needed service for the Derby community. -- Today, Shelton Collision Repair continues to operate on those same principals.
Body shop wins seal of approval - The CertifiedFirst program was started in 2001 by PPG Industries, a Pittsburgh-based company that produces automotive finishes, after researching factors used by customers to select an auto-body shop.
Restoring the shine - The new yellow paint on the 1971 'Cuda gleams like a shiny umbrella. - It is one of the joys of auto body painter Mark Gomez's day. Crafting a classic paint — without the aid of computers that are widely used to mix newer colors — requires all the skills he's developed over 22 years of repairing and painting vehicles.
A retrospective of the PPG strike - The International Association of Machinists Local 407 organized a strike against PPG Industries that began at 7 p.m. Friday, May 26, 2006 at which time PPG management began operating the plant. The strike continues today.
Carmakers stall roof rules - Safety activists say federal standards are too lax
Congress embraces jobs, growth created by foreign carmakers - Senators whose states have attracted foreign auto plants are proponents of globalizing the U.S. market.
Take a reality check before ponying up for a classic car - Yeah, you may dream of burning rubber, but trust me, after a year or two of owning a "classic," you'll realize that what you're really burning is money.
Recalls leave Toyota at 'tipping point' - Toyota's vaunted reputation for quality has taken a pounding lately.
Ford's Production Cutback Announcement - Ford Motor Company announced an aggressive reduction of North American production as part of its broader efforts to accelerate the pace of its Way Forward turnaround.
GM's Wagoner not dismayed by Ford cutbacks - Ford Motor Co.'s announcement that it will dramatically cut production this year isn't necessarily bad news, General Motors Corp.'s top executive said.
Ford's local stamping plant could idle 200 to 300 workers - Ford Motor Co.'s Woodlawn stamping plant is bracing for the automaker's sharp cut in production.
Volvo's Crash Scene Investigations Lead To Improved Safety Features - A recent accident in the north of Sweden could have been deadly. On a dark winter night, Samir Laadra was a passenger in a friend's Volvo S60 when it was hit by an oncoming car. The impact on the right side was just inches from where Laadra was sitting.
Insurers look to Congress to regulate their industry - VA: Several large insurers, including USAA, State Farm and Allstate, have taken the case for revamping insurance regulation to Capitol Hill, where the Senate has been holding hearings on a bill to create an Office of Federal Insurance.

August 18, 2006

ASA Launches New Blog Web Site - President's Blog Enhances Industry Communication, Commentary
SCRS to Introduce the Affiliate Conference - Inaugural two-day event to create a dynamic environment for industry information exchange and discussion, with a focus on SCRS affiliate associations.
Doctor…How’s Your Car-Side Manner? - Car-Side Manner (kÄr’side’ mann’er) n. a term describing how your retail salesperson handles a customer. A good car-side manner is typically one that reassures and comforts the customer.
Slowing Economy – All the More Reason to Advertise - Your customers’ impression of how your business compares can determine whether they do business with you or not.
Industry Professionals Gather For 2006 I-CAR International Annual Meeting - Over 570 attendees participated in this year's I-CAR International Annual Meeting. Industry professionals covered the gamut from insurers to collision repairers, owners, volunteers, board members, I-CAR program instructors and other I-CAR staff filled the halls of the Fairmont San Jose for tech clinics, meetings, and recognition of achievement over the past year.
2006 I-CAR Awards & Recognition Banquet Honors The Best Of The Best - At the I-CAR Awards & Recognition Banquet on Saturday, August 5, program instructors, volunteers, and others were recognized for their hard work and accomplishments over the past year. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence in training, has resulted in improvements to the industry and consumer safety.
OHSA Issues New Asbestos-Handling Guidelines - OSHA recommends that all service providers that repair brakes and clutches follow the new guidelines to avoid overexposure to asbestos.
NASTF Updates Summary of OEM Service Website Access Charges - NASTF announced today an update listing on its website which summarizes the OEM service website access charges. All automakers have service websites which make service information available on-line. This includes service manuals, technical service bulletins, training materials, reprogramming information, and other related information.
Reader's Speak Out: AGRR to Publish Results of Rate the Insurers Survey - Several months ago, AGRR magazine asked its readership to rate the insurers. Survey takers were asked to evaluate the insurance companies on several different aspects, including how knowledgeable and helpful the customer service representatives are, to how quickly shops get paid. The results are in.
TeleGlass Unveils New Website - TeleGlass National has announced the debut of its new web site at www.teleglass.com. Designed by Boston, Mass.,-based firm Verndale Inc., the new site features information about TeleGlass' service offerings and a collection of useful resources and industry news.
Coatings producer chalks up success on the Chinese automotive market - The Land of Smiles is an important market for multinational BASF Coatings.
Reported Valeo Interest Boosts Visteon - The cost of protecting the Visteon bonds against possible default also plummeted in the wake of report from news service Debtwire, which cited sources familiar with the situation. -- The news report said Valeo is seeking to buy all of Visteon, not just portions of its business.
Delphi hearing postponed - Supplier gets more time to negotiate with unions
Dana investors expand securities-fraud claims - They added allegations about officers' secret vendor agreements.
Auto industry turmoil reduces purchasing of value-added parts - Purchasing of powder metal by parts makers staged a bit of a rally in the second quarter but, overall, the first-half market continued the contraction started in 2005 because of reduced demand from a struggling domestic automotive industry.
Auto parts makers plan joint Washington Co. venture - Japanese auto parts manufacturers Koyo Corporation of USA and Nakatetsu Incorporated of Tennessee will become partners in a joint venture in Washington County that will establish two plants, creating about 150 jobs
Fresh Automotive Web Site Takes Enthusiasts Inside Performance - On the streets and in seductive ads you can see and hear America's passion for automotive performance. We're obsessed with horsepower, with looks, and with making our own personal statement.
Design interns imagine future's high-tech cars - Students working at GM this summer show off concept vehicles for Internet generation.
Consumer Reports rates Mazda3 best amongst four versatile hatchbacks - The Mazda3 outsocred the Audi A3, Saab 9-2x, and the Dodge Caliber in a battery of performance tests at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.
Hyundai Has No Interest in Ford's Jaguar - In a statement, Hyundai said it once studied the acquisition of a "luxury nameplate like Jaguar, but that option was dropped in view of our immediate priorities," described as expanding production at overseas plants and investing in alternative technologies including hybrids and fuel cells.
Insurance industry, consumers continue to wrangle over credit scoring - Both Allstate and Progressive recently settled class action lawsuits involving the use of credit histories, but other legal challenges are currently working their way through the courts, and several states have passed legislation to ban the practice.
St. Paul Cos. mentioned in SEC probe of Berkshire Hathaway - The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating transactions between Berkshire Hathaway Inc.'s reinsurance unit, General Re Corp., and the St. Paul Cos., a predecessor of St. Paul Travelers. According to Bloomberg News, Stamford, Conn.-based General Re's quarterly filings with state insurance regulators said the company briefed SEC investigators in June on contracts with the St. Paul Companies and Prudential Financial Inc.
Safeco Insurance Gives Seven Days Back to Agents and Brokers With Instant Commercial Auto Endorsement Processing - Safeco introduced online technology that allows independent agents to make instant changes to clients' commercial auto policies. The real-time capability cuts a one-week process into a two-minute drill -- saving agencies time and enhancing their customer-service experience.
Specialty insurers keep cars classic - Big, small firms offer coverage
Regional and specialty insurers: Why they matter - Regional and specialty insurers help to stabilize insurance markets and contain the cost of insurable risk.
Former insurance adjuster in San Antonio gets prison - U.S. District Judge Fred Biery on Wednesday also ordered Bruton to pay restitution to Allstate, which lost more than $1.3 million.
Federal judge sends challenge of Louisiana insurance laws to state court - U.S. District Court Judge James Brady has thrown out Allstate’s claim that a federal court should decide whether Louisiana’s new laws granting more time for hurricane victims to settle claims are constitutional.
Insurers OK auto rates based on your record - California's largest auto insurer, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., said it plans to cut premiums 8 percent. It filed a plan Thursday with the Department of Insurance to comply with the law requiring that rates be based mainly on driving records rather than where motorists live.

August 17, 2006

Just Car Clinics wins contract with Fortis Insurance - Just Car Clinics Group PLC, the UK's second largest collision repair chain, said it has won a contract, which will see the whole group acting as a named repairer for Fortis Insurance Ltd.
Ethics panel clears Scottsboro councilman - The Alabama Ethics Commission has cleared Scottsboro City Councilman Jim Helms of any wrongdoing after investigating a complaint he allegedly used his office for financial gain or interest. - Helms also said he was accused of using his office to "steer" work on police cars and other city vehicles to his business, Precision Auto & Truck Collision Repair in Scottsboro.
Penn College Automotive Students Awarded $2,000 Scholarships - Two automotive technology management students at Pennsylvania College of Technology have been chosen from among 410 applicants nationwide for $2,000 scholarships from the Specialty Equipment Market Association.
Mitchell 1 wants to expand its sales team - Mitchell 1 is recruiting independent sales representatives to cover various new territories throughout the United States, according to Karen Wagner, Mitchell 1 marketing manager.
Insurance Auto Auctions to Market Assurant Solutions' Web-Based Auto Lien Payoff System - Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc., a leader in automotive total loss and specialty salvage services in the United States, today announced an agreement to market an auto lien payoff system developed by Assurant Solutions to U.S. insurance companies.
Visteon puts two German parts plants up for sale - Struggling U.S. auto parts maker Visteon has put two of its five plants in Germany up for sale in a move that will halve its German workforce of 2,800 employees, it said on Thursday.
International supply sector demonstrates its powers of innovation: some 2,500 exhibitors in the field of “Parts & Systems” - At Automechanika, the largest international trade fair for the automotive industry, more than half of a total of some 4,500 exhibitors will be presenting innovations in the field of parts and systems.
Dana investors extend claims against execs - Bankrupt auto parts maker Dana Corp. entered into secret agreements with vendors to hide price increases and inflate earnings, shareholders are claiming in an expanded securities-fraud complaint.
Roland Berger Offers Survival Strategies for Auto Suppliers - Automotive suppliers will need to focus on key business strategies to grow, thrive and survive during the next decade, according to Roland Berger Strategy Consultants.
Automakers tackle shift safety issue - Companies promise all vehicles will have child-proof brake-shift interlocks by 2010.
Car-Buying Conundrum: Consumers Say One Thing, But Respond to Another When Buying a Car - Three Out of Four Say They Prefer Low Everyday Pricing, Yet Sales Data Shows Consumers Respond to Incentives
2006 models pack lots - End-of-year clearance efforts not as successful as last year, dealers say
Toyota to Provide Subaru With Small Cars - Toyota Motor Corp., the world's second-largest automaker, is considering providing small cars to the maker of Subaru autos for sale in Europe, where demand for fuel-efficient vehicles is expected to increase, a news report said Thursday.
Market for Subcompacts Grows in U.S. - Just a few years ago the subcompact car in America was a tiny, cheap econobox with a noisy engine and no frills that few people wanted to buy.
BMW ponders Rover brand sale - German automobile firm BMW is considering selling the Rover brand name to the Chinese owners of two former Rover models' technologies, according to media reports.
Chrysler Group Launches Production of All-New 2007 Dodge Nitro at Toledo North Assembly Plant - The Chrysler Group today officially launched production of the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro at its Toledo North Assembly Plant (TNAP) that has been producing the Jeep(R) Liberty since 2001.
Work on Nitro is under fire - Rally to be held over loss of union jobs
Hybrid owners get lobby - Organization will push for the existing and new incentives for users of alternative fuel cars.
Large Investors Sell Chunks of GM Stock - Two of the largest institutional investors in General Motors Corp. have sold big blocks of the company's stock, but others have increased their holdings, according to regulatory filings.
BBB offers advice on saving money on auto insurance - The Better Business Bureau Inc., serving eastern Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont has information to help cut the cost of auto insurance while remaining well protected in case of an accident.
State Farm Trying to Improve its Image After Hurricane Katrina - Representatives of State Farm Insurance Co. are on a media tour in Mississippi to give a more positive image to the company as it and others in the industry fend off lawsuits filed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
State Farm Reacts To Nationwide Verdict - It appears round one of the "Wind vs Water" controversy may have gone to the insurance companies. But State Farm realizes there is still a long fight ahead, even after a judge's ruling in favor of Nationwide.
Progressive's profits climb - The Mayfield Village-based insurance company reported its July earnings were $148.8 million, or 19 cents per share, a 3% increase from earnings of $143.9 million, or 18 cents per share, in profits during July 2005.
Drive Insurance from Progressive Signs Joint Marketing Agreement with Homesite Insurance Group - The agreement paves the way for a test that will allow selected Drive agents in three states -- Ohio, Pennsylvania and Oregon -- to provide their Drive auto insurance customers quotes for homeowners, renters and condo insurance policies underwritten and serviced by Homesite.

August 16, 2006

Pennsylvania Collision Trade Guild: Website Lists Recent Complaints Against Insurers - The Pennsylvania Collision Trade Guild (PCTG) has launched a website meant to help educate consumers about their rights post-accident and "assist the collision repair industry to achieve proper compliance of The Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Physical Damage Appraiser Act, The Pennsylvania Unfair Insurance Practices Act and corresponding regulations."
President Bush Signs Perkins Act Renewal - ASA Thanks Repairers for Contacting Congress, the White House
Mitchell 1 Hosts Annual Meeting of ASA Mechanical Division Operations Committee - The 2006 Mechanical Division Operations Committee meeting was held recently at the Mitchell 1 headquarters in Poway, Calif. Joining the Automotive Service Association (ASA) committee members at the July 28-29 meeting were Denny Kahler, AAM, ASA's immediate past chairman of the board; and national staff members John Scully, executive vice president; Robbie Addison, Mechanical Division manager; and Duancxay Phommachanh, assistant to the Mechanical and Collision divisions.
Perfect Paint System Gives After Market Automotive a Touch Up for Growth - Perfect Paint Systems is providing new life into automotive service providers through the introduction of a micro paint repair system and a rewarding investment opportunity for distributors.
Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2006 Results - "We are pleased with our overall performance for the quarter considering the economic slowdown we are experiencing. We completed the integration of Reliable ahead of schedule, and the benefits of the acquisition are already apparent in the significant increases we reported in both sales and operating income," said Ed Orzetti, CEO of Keystone Automotive Operations.
CCC Information Services Inc. Announces Senior Management Additions - CCC Information Services Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Michael Croxton as its senior vice president of Marketing and Product Management and Paul Marushka as its senior vice president of CCC's National Insurance Market.
Black boxes in vehicles stirring privacy debate - Civil libertarians, law enforcement authorities and some consumer advocates are waging a quiet debate over the growing use of event data recorders in automobiles.
Bugatti profit fear over airbag regulation - Bugatti could be driven out of business if the supercar manufacturer is forced to comply with new US airbag rules which come into force next month, the French subsidiary of Volkswagen has told safety regulators.
Meridian Automotive Systems to File a Revised Plan of Reorganization - In light of the difficult current automotive environment the company has concluded that it should emerge from Chapter 11 with less debt and increased liquidity.
Like GM, buyouts bite Delphi - Auto-parts maker Delphi Corp. reported Tuesday a $2.3 billion second-quarter loss that it attributed to charges related to its employee attrition program.
Ohio plan to lure automotive suppliers, researchers takes shape - The state Department of Development laid bait Tuesday in the form of no-interest financing guidelines with hopes of snagging auto suppliers looking to locate or expand in Ohio.
GM May Sell Western Pa. Parts Plant - General Motors Corp. is trying to sell an auto parts stamping plant slated for closure, but there is no guarantee the property will continue to be used for manufacturing, a GM spokesman said Tuesday.
US cars gain in customer satisfaction - Domestic automakers gained ground on their foreign competitors in customer satisfaction, but a considerable gap remains, according to an annual survey of US vehicle owners.
Fear grows at Ford - Workers worry more job cuts are on the way
Lexus Reveals 2007 SC Pebble Beach Edition Hardtop Convertible - Evoking a color combination reminiscent of history's classic convertibles, the 2007 SC Pebble Beach Edition features a cream pearlescent exterior paint called Starfire Pearl, with a passionate Pimento Red leather interior and black birds-eye maple wood trim.
A special blue PT Cruiser - Limited-edition version to debut today
What Price Fun? 2007 Mazda MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top Priced From $24,350 - Powered by a 170-hp, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, the MX-5 PRHT provides exactly the same trunk capacity as its soft-top cousin, regardless of whether the roof is stowed or over-head -- a feat no other retractable hard top-equipped car sold in North America can boast. This breakthrough system requires only 12 seconds to open or close.
Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Protects Drivers With Pre-Safe System - The anticipatory Pre-Safe protection system is included in the standard safety equipment for the new CL-Class, which makes its market debut in the autumn of 2006. This award-winning technology goes into action if an accident is imminent and protects the occupants of the new luxury coupe against the effects of an impending collision.
State’s largest automobile insurer dropped from board - Boston: The state’s largest locally-based auto insurer, which has frequently locked horns with the Romney administration, has been dropped from the board that oversees how high-risk drivers are apportioned among companies.
17 indicted, accused of staging wrecks to get insurance payments -Shreveport, La. — A federal grand jury has indicted 17 people for allegedly staging car accidents in order to get money from insurance companies, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Tuesday.
Auto Insurance Zip Code Battle Continues - California's auto insurance companies were supposed to file new rate plans, but 7 On Your Side's Michael Finney says the battle over the use of zip codes in determining rates is not over.

August 15, 2006

Knocked down, but not out - By Sheila Loftus: I have published Hammer and Dolly for 31 years, but present circumstances make it impossible for me to continue.
Fixing dings, dents for 35 years - As a Bloomington mechanic for the last 35 years, Kurt Zimmer has seen grandparents, their children and grandchildren involved in the same silly fender benders.
State Farm Insurance Company contributes $50,000 to the I-CAR Education Foundation - The contribution will support five major areas of concentration that include: image and recruitment through the collisionkids.org and collisioncareers.org websites, curriculum distribution, career and technical school and college support, training, placement, mentorship, and administrative services.
New website developed for auto body sector - Canada: A new pilot project is helping small businesses in the auto body sector better understand, manage and comply with provincial legislation.
Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. to Release Second Quarter 2006 Financial Results - Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc., the largest marketer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories in the specialty automotive aftermarket, today announced that it will be releasing financial statements for the second quarter ended July 1, 2006 on Tuesday, August 15, 2006.