Automotive Newsbytes February 2006

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February 28, 2006

Mitchell International Implements Enhanced Sales Solution With Composite Applications Built With Above All Software - Composite Application Allows Sales Team to Better Manage Opportunities, Improve Customer Satisfaction and Drive Incremental Revenue
New Addition to NACE Show - The event is billed as a special NACE-style event that will feature the cars, trucks and motorcycles (from Hot Rods and Harleys to Classics and Tuners) that are owned by Automotive Service Association members that are both collision repair professionals that will be attending NACE. NACE 2006 will provide exclusive display areas for the exhibitors to show-off these prized possessions.
Auto-parts supplier Dana meeting with banks - Dana Corp.'s stock rebounded 18 percent on Monday after the auto parts maker said it was working with banks and other lenders on its financing plans.
Pacific Auto Salvage, a family-operated business serving Napa Valley since 1957 - Pacific Auto Salvage earned the first Certified Automotive Recycler designation in Northern California from the Automotive Recyclers Association for safety and environmental issues. It is also the only auto salvage yard in Northern California to be Gold Certified by the organization for excellent customer service, quality parts with accurate descriptions, reliable on-time deliveries and written product warranties.
Dare to Be Different - When Three-C Body Shop of Columbus, Ohio, began to lose customers in 1992, Bob Juniper knew it wasn't due to the quality of his company's collision repairs. Since purchasing Three-C from his father in 1984, Juniper had maintained the same high standards that his dad started setting back in 1956.
Court to Notify Those Who Bought Gasoline in Parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, About the Class Action Settlement of Lawsuits Over Damaged Gas Gauges - Lawsuits began in May of 2004, after it was discovered that certain batches of Motiva gasoline were sold with some amounts of elemental sulfur and/or hydrogen sulfide.
Judge OKs $60M settlement against PPG - U.S. District Judge Donetta Ambrose approved the settlement against Downtown-based PPG Industries, the last remaining defendant to settle the case brought by auto body shops and window manufacturers. -- PPG said in its annual report that it settled the suit to avoid the ongoing expense of the class action antitrust suit. Despite the settlement, PPG said its management remains steadfast in its belief the company did not engage in price-fixing.
Nippon charts global expansion - The company, which already owns 20 percent of Pilkington, aims to strengthen its position in automotive glass in Asia, Europe and the United States.
Scene of auto industry transition - Japanese suppliers rise in Indiana, but problems loom
Law probes 'black boxes' - Ted Leonard of the Pennsylvania AAA Federation said that his group, which lobbies on behalf of motorists, has concerns about the devices.
Michigan car parts supplier cuts jobs at Virginia plant - Declining demand for sport utility vehicles has led to layoffs for more than 100 workers at a Virginia plant that makes parts for General Motors cars and trucks.
Riding the auto storm - While the American automotive industry undergoes a painful restructuring, the automotive supply sector in the Blue Ridge Region is staying in the game because of its diversity.
Rebirth of a Classic at Toyota - The 2007 FJ40 Cruiser offers a new take on the cult-status 60's version, and partly thanks to head-turning design, the SUV looks destined to be a hit
Prettier Suzuki may attract buyers - Thank goodness Suzuki's Grand Vitara sport utility vehicle moved closer to the mainstream for the 2006 model year.
US probes Chrysler Pacifica fuel tank punctures - U.S. regulators are investigating complaints of fuel tank punctures from road debris on Chrysler Pacificas, according to a filing on the government's auto safety database on Monday.
Move Towards Active Safety Drives Demand for Obstacle Sensing Technologies - The European automotive industry is witnessing a growing trend towards installing active safety systems in vehicles.
Dispute ensnarls insurance player - For years, Robert Wallach's Bethpage-based insurance firm has made money by providing coverage to high-risk drivers, with a savvy streetwise approach that kept fraudulent claims low and profits high.
Geico charges blue-collar workers more for auto - Education and occupation matter when it comes to what customers of New Jersey's fourth-largest auto insurer pay, according to a published report.

February 27, 2006

Original vs. aftermarket: Insurers, repair shops in tug of war over parts - Give them the real thing. Mid-South automobile body repairmen want authentic parts. But sometimes it's a battle to get them.
Original vs. Aftermarket Parts - Your opinion
Damaged autos being sold at auctions first - The flooded and shattered cars from the Mississippi Gulf Coast could end up on used car lots or sold as parts, but must first be branded as salvage vehicles and sold at auctions, industry experts said.
Visteon sees Asia Pacific as biggest market by end 2008 - Visteon Corp, the second-biggest US auto-parts maker, said the Asia-Pacific region will become its biggest market by the end of 2008, the Shanghai Daily reported, citing an executive.
Competition Growing Among Automotive Metal Fabricators - Executives with Kahlenberg Brothers Inc. say a turf war could be shaping up in the metal-fabrication industry. Companies that do work for the automotive industry are hunting for contracts to replace business they have lost from large auto suppliers such as Delphi Corp.
Ostler opening distribution center for auto after-market - Auto body parts for Hondas, Chevrolets and even models of Mercedes and BMW will soon be shipped out of a new Memphis distribution center to locations across the Northeast and Southeast U.S.
Chuck Lloyd Joins IGA as Co-Counsel - Independent Glass Association (IGA) executive director Marc Anderson has announced that attorney Chuck Lloyd with Livgard and Rabuse has become co-counsel for the IGA.
Dates, Location Set for Second Annual AGRSS Conference, Auto Glass Technician Olympics - The Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) Conference, sponsored by the AGRSS Council, will take place October 28-30 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla.
Toyota keeps costs 'slim' - Foundry workers at a Toyota Motor Corp. plant in Troy, Missouri, laughed out loud back in 2003 when Toyota Executive Vice President Kosuke Shiramizu traveled from Japan and gave them a new assignment: Cut in half the cost of building V-6 engines for the company's Camry sedan by 2005.
Daimler may launch Smart minicar in U.S. - The car manufacturer is also considering selling the unit.
Auto woes cross borders - Like the U.S., Europe faces job cuts, Asian onslaught
Cars become online icebreaker - New Web site helps auto buffs hook up
Car Parts Found At Home Of Man Accused Of Running Chop Shop - Massachusetts police say they have seized a Porsche and thousands of dollars' worth of car parts at the home of a man charged with running a chop shop in New Hampshire.
Firestone tires selected as original equipment for Dodge Caliber - Firestone's Affinity T4 and Firehawk TM GTA03 tires have been selected as original equipment on the 2007 Dodge Caliber.
Car wash decisions clear as mud - Fancy automatics or the hose at home? More drivers turn to touch-free service to avoid damages. -- Auto-body experts and car wash owners say that more car owners are using touch-free power wash because of the potential damage that brushes or even spinning cloth wheels can cause to vehicles.
ZIP code use to set car insurance rates debated - CA: Urban and rural interests clashed Friday at a hearing on proposed state regulations that would bar insurers from using ZIP codes to determine auto insurance rates.
State Farm posts $3.2B profit - State Farm Insurance Cos. reported a 2005 profit of $3.2 billion, down 39 percent from a year earlier, after record-setting hurricane damage in the Gulf Coast.
GEICO Workers Reap Big Bonuses - Good news if you work for GEICO: You just made even more money selling car insurance.

February 24, 2006

Let's talk about it: California auto-body shop owners accuse insurers of steering customers wrong.
Carmakers tout mechanic jobs to young people - Facing a shortage of auto technicians -- people formerly known as mechanics -- the auto industry and the federal government are pumping money into education programs aimed at attracting high school students to the jobs.
Legislators Push To Unseal Car History Reports - IL: There�s a battle brewing in Springfield over whether you have a right to know the accident history of a used car before you buy it.
Auto Club Group cuts 198 jobs - The cuts are part of a previously announced effort by the Dearborn-based automobile club and insurance company to reduce operating costs by 5.5 percent or $50 million, said Nancy Cain, the Auto Club Group�s manager of public relations.
Auto groups poised to merge - Two major Oregon automotive associations are poised to merge and form an alliance covering all aspects of the auto parts and service industry. -- The boards of the Oregon Automotive Parts Association and the Northwest Automotive Trades Association have each voted to recommend a merger to their members, who will meet separately in March to consider the deal.
ADESA Acquires Independently Owned Salvage Auction in Pennsylvania - ADESA, Inc., North America's largest publicly traded provider of wholesale vehicle auctions and used vehicle dealer floorplan financing, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of an independently owned salvage auction in northeast Pennsylvania. The acquisition of the N.E. Penn Salvage Company expands the nationwide footprint of ADESA Impact, the company's total loss vehicle auction business.
ADESA, Inc. Names Ron Beaver as Executive Vice President and CIO - ADESA, Inc. announced that it has appointed Ron Beaver to serve as executive vice president and chief information officer, effective March 15, 2006.
Cycle Time Not Just for Collision Members - AutoInc - One term that is constantly heard during collision events, but not mechanical events, is cycle time. -- Shop cycle time is measured from the time the car first arrives at the repair facility to the time the repairs are completed and the customer is notified that the vehicle is ready for pickup. Do not confuse cycle time with repair time.
Toyota, GM technology partnership nears end - A symbolically key partnership between Toyota Motor Corp. and General Motors Corp. is ending next month just as the leading Japanese manufacturer threatens to overtake its U.S. rival as the world's top automaker.
Visteon shrinks benefits program - Auto supplier's salaried workers will pay more for health care costs and not get annual 3% pay raise.
Ford dangles more buyouts - Sweetened retirement offers are aimed at trimming 3,500 jobs at former Visteon plants.
Aging tires spark new safety concern - Michelin, Continental latest to set 10-year limit
Dana widens more on liquidity concerns - Dana Corp.'s exceptionally wide credit spreads lurched wider on Thursday, leading credit analysts to wonder whether the auto and truck parts maker is having trouble securing a new line of credit from bankers.
GLOBAL TRADE: Tariff on trucks backed - Thailand pact could result in flood of pickups
Asbury Automotive posts higher quarterly profit - Car dealership group Asbury Automotive Group Inc. on Friday posted a slight increase in quarterly profit as new vehicle retail revenue and unit sales rose slightly.
Group 1 Automotive Announces Regional Chief Financial Officers - Adds Key Acquisition Executive; Announces Pending Retirement of John T. Turner
GM announces resignation of North American CFO Boland - General Motors Corp. (GM) on Wednesday said that the chief financial officer for its North American operations, Mary Boland, has resigned from the company in order to take a financial position with another company outside of the auto industry.
China's SAIC to Make Cars Under Own Brand - China's Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., or SAIC, a longtime partner of General Motors and Volkswagen, said Thursday it has won government permission to build its own brand of car for the first time.
'Black boxes' help police probe highway pileup - When the Ontario Provincial Police start today to return damaged vehicles to owners from Friday's pileup near Embrun, crash investigators will have done more than take photos of the damage as part of their search for evidence.
Sequoia Insurance Company Selects Guidewire ClaimCenter - Guidewire's Industry-Leading Web-Based Claims System to Transform Sequoia's End-to-End Claim Process
State warns against insurer - A cease and desist order demanding that the Global Healings Society of Puyallup, Wash., stop transacting any and all insurance business in California has been issued by the state Department of Insurance. -- �These companies are selling fake auto insurance policies and consumers are being warned not to purchase insurance from any of these companies,� says Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi.

February 23, 2006

Getting Dinged - CA: Auto-body shop owners accuse insurers of steering customers wrong -- For nearly two years, Gene Crozat has been blowing the whistle on crooked insurance companies, and now it looks like someone is finally paying attention. The owner of G&C AutoBody, with three stores in Sonoma County, has been steadily complaining about insurers steering customers away from shops of their choice or refusing to pay all of their repair bill.
California Associations Want Auto Aftermarket Competition to Continue - Insurance associations in California are opposing legislation that could deter auto aftermarket parts competition. Competition among manufacturers of quality, replacement crash parts has saved consumers hundreds of millions of dollars over the years, according to testimony delivered before a state legislative committee by Robert Hurns, vice president of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI).
'Billion Dollar Baby:' Right to Repair - AutoInc: Independent shops have everything they need to repair vehicles without unnecessary legislation. Why are parts distributors - who don't even repair cars - behind such legislation?
Congress Assesses Flood Vehicle Problem - AutoInc: The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Product Safety and Insurance held a hearing on "Protecting the Consumer from Flooded and Salvage Vehicle Fraud." The collision industry, state and federal policymakers and consumer organizations have been very concerned about flood-damaged vehicles.
Auto Body Shop Fire Knocks Out Power To Hundreds - Oakmont, PA: Fire Spread To 2 Other Businesses
Good jobs are out there... if you have the skills: A Survey By Manpower Inc. Identifies The Positions Employers Are Desperately Trying To Fill -- KY: Joe Hatley, LYNX customer service center director, said the latest round of hiring is to keep pace with heavy demand for auto-glass insurance claims processing. Hours for the center, in the Paducah Information Age Park, are being extended from six to seven days a week. Employment will exceed 400, compared with 270 when Hatley started 412 years ago. -- Unlike traditional call centers that have many younger part-time employees and high turnover , Lynx has a stable work force and more mature workers, Hatley said. "We stress quality as opposed to just productivity."
GlasWeld Opens East Coast Office - Global Glass Repair Equipment Manufacturer Expands, Adding Location in North Carolina
Auto parts up for grabs - OR: You won�t want to miss the second annual Mild to Wild Motorsports swap meet to be held Saturday at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center. There will be more than 110 booths offering everything from carburetors to hard-to-find chrome trim pieces to collectible toys.
Noble International Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2005 Results - EPS of $0.41 in the fourth quarter and $1.55 for the full year, excluding Impairment Charges and prior to impact of the 3 for 2 stock split
Critical SUVs and pickup trucks safety concerns - Tests reveal key considerations when buying your next vehicle
Lexus GS earns top crash test rating - The CR-recommended luxury sedan performs well in front- and side-impact evaluations
Regulator to probe Hyundai and Kia - South Korea's antitrust agency said on Wednesday it would investigate the country's top auto maker, Hyundai Motor Co., and its affiliate, Kia, over allegations they had unfairly asked parts suppliers to cut prices.
Honda to Sell Low-Cost Hybrid Car in 2007/08 - Honda Motor Co. plans to sell a low-cost hybrid car, a version of its popular Fit subcompact, a Japanese daily reported, signaling the auto maker's long-term commitment to the fuel-sipping powertrain.
Paint makers could face more lawsuits - U.S. companies are having a hard time shedding the ghosts of lead paint, which hasn't been sold in stores for nearly 30 years.
Allstate boosts dividend - Allstate Corp. raised its quarterly stock dividend 9.4 percent, to 35 cents a share. The Northbrook-based insurer said the dividend is payable to shareholders of record as of March 10.
Ohio Auto Insurance Policy Premiums Expected to Fall - Insurance officials and company representatives are predicting that automobile insurance rates in Ohio are likely to drop this year, and homeowner insurance bills should remain mostly unchanged.
Wyoming Litigation Legislation Would Hurt Consumers, PCI Says - Wyoming legislation designed to allow unprecedented insurance-related lawsuits in the state would significantly increase fraud, lawsuits and insurance costs for Wyoming consumers, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). -- Campbell explained that the measure would allow insurance claimants who are unhappy with their claim's handling to file a "second lawsuit" directly against the insurer by alleging a single violation of the state's Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act.
Baton Rouge, La., Man Arrested in Business Auto Insurance Scam - Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., reported that special agents from his office, in a joint effort with members of the fraud section of the Louisiana Department of Insurance, arrested Walter Glenn McMillan, Jr., 4705 Shadeland Drive, Baton Rouge, for his alleged involvement in a car insurance scam.
Five Suspects Arrested in California Auto Theft Ring - The main suspect, Bobrow, who worked for Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., was responsible for listing the five individuals as false claimants into accident claims they were not actually involved in. In return for the claimants' assistance, Bobrow paid each claimant from their respective claim checks -- totaling $15,000, according to the commissioner's office.
Top 10 Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Cases of 2005

February 22, 2006

What SOPs Can Do for Your Collision Shop - AutoInc: Standard operating procedures can help shops maintain professionalism, consistency and efficiency.
How to Keep in Touch with Your Customers - AutoInc: Unless you are very lucky and don't have competition, you need to keep in touch with your customers. As soon as your competitors can, they are going to take your customers from you. In this day and age of uncertainty, you can no longer count on customer loyalty. You have to keep your name in front of your customers.
Dealerships fight used-car legislation - IL: Proposal would end secrecy on crashes
Graduate Giving Back to His School - Cairo, IL: Autobody shop owner comes back, to give back to a school he says gave him so much. -- It's an annual scholarship for a senior who, like Jimmy Ellis, plans to go into the automotive field. -- He hopes the Scholarship will motivate students to chase their dreams.
Winter Weather: Body Shops See Booming - Icy winter weather meant bad news for drivers, but big business for body shops, insurance adjusters and towing companies.
Keystone's "Big Show" Kicks off This Weekend - Performance and accessories distributor Keystone Automotive Operations is holding the first of its two trade shows this weekend. -- Being held in Secaucus, N.J. at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, the event is held February 25 and 26, and is open to the trade only. The organization also holds an event in Kansas City, Missouri March 25 and 26.
Honda to restructure R&D in bid to speed decision-making - Honda Motor Co. said Tuesday that it will introduce in April a new organizational structure for its research and development subsidiary in order to give researchers more authority and speed up decision-making.
TRW Automotive posts 4th-qtr profit vs loss - TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., which makes airbags and seat belts for cars, on Tuesday posted a quarterly profit versus a year-ago loss, when financing expenses pushed net results into the red.
Sales of big pickups are beginning to stall - Half of full-size pickups on the market saw sales decline in 2005; nearly all stumbled out of the gate in 2006
GM to Eliminate 3rd Shift at Ohio Plant - General Motors Corp. has settled on July 17 as the date it will eliminate the third shift at its truck-assembly plant in suburban Moraine.
Michigan Springs Into Action To Help Auto Industry And Workers - With an eye toward improving the global competitiveness of both auto manufacturers and their suppliers, the Mott Foundation has made a $900,000 grant to the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor. A second grant of $300,000 was awarded to the National Employment Law Project (NELP) with the goal of increasing the participation by dislocated workers throughout Michigan in retraining through the federally funded Trade Adjustment Assistance program.
Travelers Offers Hybrid Owners 10 Percent Discount on Auto Insurance - Visitors to hybridtravelers.com May Enter Sweepstakes to Win Getaway Vacation to Sedona, Arizona
Colo. Commissioner to Investigate American Family Insurance - Following a Colorado TV news report, Colorado's insurance Commissioner said he plans to investigate American Family Insurance regarding its claims practices.
When shopping for car insurance, learn from hurricanes - Hurricane Katrina offers many lessons in preparing for disaster, and adequately insuring your car is one of them.
AIIA Supports Alabama Insurance Fraud Bill HB627 - Alabama HB627 defining insurance fraud and make it easier for Insurance Commissioner Walter A. Bell to join in with neighboring states to crack down on fraud has gained the support of the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents. During AIIA's Young Agent's Legislative Conference last week in Montgomery, AIIA issued a position paper supporting five bills and saying it does not support two bills.

February 21, 2006

Enterprise Rent-A-Car partners with FIX AUTO - Enterprise Rent-A-Car announced Monday it formed a partnership with FIX AUTO Network to integrate a proprietary technology to streamline collision repair and rental car status reports.
New roof safety standards legislation prevents future lawsuits - New, more stringent roof safety standards brought forth in August by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) don�t only carry tougher safety standards-- they also shield automobile manufacturers from future roof-crush lawsuits. If passed, the change in legislation would essentially pre-empt state laws, and in most cases ban any legal actions stemming from roof-crush cases.
Get "Revved Up For Training" At 2006 I-CAR International Annual Meeting - I-CAR: Industry professionals and their families will gather for the 2006 I-CAR International Annual Meeting being held August 2-6 at the Fairmont San Jos� in San Jos�, California.
Advantage Online: Welding Aluminum - A Key Aspect To Structural Repairs On Aluminum-Intensive Vehicles - I-CAR: The majority of aluminum vehicle makers require extensive training, especially for aluminum welding. In this article, we will take a look at some of the issues that may arise when welding aluminum.
Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company Extends Contract With eAutoclaims - eAutoclaims, a leading provider of managed collision repair services and insurance claims processing technology applications, today announced Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company has extended their annual agreement.
Study Finds Dashboard Dining Can Affect Vehicle Resale Value - A combined 90-plus percent of respondents indicate auto body (72 percent) and exterior paint (19 percent) are the most important attribute to long-term value of a car, compared to just five percent who named an interior part as most important.
Inspectors go inside auto repair shops to help fight scams - FL: Starting today, all Pinellas County auto repair shops are facing an inspection. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs will be checking to make sure every shop has proper credentials and isn't scamming customers.
Fixing The Dents, Dings After Slick Weekend - Business is booming at Central Texas body shops Monday.
Fixing Cars - ND: "You`re a certified Mr. Goodwrench?" I ask Aaron Schantz, an auto body technician.
Glass chiefs set for �8m Nippon prize - Japanese firm moves close to finalising �2.2bn takeover of Pilkington after initial offers rebuffed.
Wagon in 'advanced' talks on bid for Oxford Automotive - Vehicle body group Wagon PLC said it is in 'advanced' talks on a potential takeover of privately held French auto parts maker Oxford Automotive ApS.
Chinese ELK Automotive Components to Open Office in Detroit - ELK Automotive Components of Shanghai, China announced today that it will open an office in Detroit to sell and engineer Precision Automotive Components for the North American market. Products include: loose piece injection moldings, insert moldings, plastic and rubber extrusions, rubber molded components, small stampings, and sewn leather assemblies.
Ford readies Escape for extreme makeover - Siblings Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute will also get new look after aging fast in stiff market, analysts say.
GM review aims to boost van division - General Motors is reviewing the future of its Portuguese van factory as part of an examination of why its light commercial vehicle division makes far lower margins in Europe than major rivals, according to people familiar with the study.
Naturally Cooled Cars Revolutionise European Markets - Regulators and industry held a worldwide stakeholder consultation on vehicle air conditioning in Saalfelden, Austria on 17 February 2006. During the conference European car manufacturers and suppliers of vehicle air conditioners demonstrated that naturally cooled cars are ready to enter European car markets.
Certified Used Cars: Smart Buys or Rip-offs? - You might call it extra piece of mind, for a price. Millions of Americans have purchased "certified" pre-owned cars, virtually all makes and models.
Sonic Automotive, Inc. 4th Quarter Earnings Soar, Up 29%; Company Announces Full Year 2006 Earnings Target - Sonic Automotive, Inc., a leader in automotive retailing, today reported that its 2005 fourth quarter income from continuing operations was $25.2 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, compared to $19.3 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, in the prior year period. For the full year 2005, income from continuing operations was $101.8 million, or $2.33 per diluted share, compared to $93.3 million, or $2.16 per diluted share, in the prior year.
Auto Insurance Law Loophole - Accidents are just the beginning of the headaches for some drivers filing insurance claims finding those at fault don't have any insurance. -- It's a loophole in the Virginia State law.

February 20, 2006

High-wage jobs may mix with low-cost parts - IN: Price pressure rocks auto parts industry; assembling engines in U.S. could help state
Cars' 'domestic content' isn't always from U.S. - Auto parts makers are using ever more foreign parts. And automakers think nothing of going abroad for major components.
Bankrupt GM? - Company can find ways to beat predictions
Japanese take aim at young buyers with new subcompacts - Automakers hope small, fuel-efficient cars will attract youths who otherwise shop for used cars
Leaders ask Bush to stop unfair trade, save state jobs - Michigan lawmakers have a message for President Bush, who visits today: Read our lips: Save our manufacturing jobs.
GM's Russian joint venture stops production in parts dispute - General Motors Corp.'s Russian joint venture has halted production after a parts contract with its state-controlled partner came under review, the company said Friday.
U.S. Automakers Left Behind - Another sign of the woes of U.S. automakers: Cars from Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia hold 10 of the top 12 spots in the annual "green car" survey released this week by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
Alabama auto jobs continue to climb - Despite industry setbacks, state sees 43.7% boost in '05
Toyota makes offer to settle dispute with workers - KY: Toyota is offering four-and-a-half (m) million dollars in back pay to about one thousand current and former employees. -- The offer is aimed at settling a dispute with paint shop employees at the automaker's Georgetown plant.
It�s Ms. Mechanic - Women finding careers that lead under the hood
Cantech Automotive expands - NY: Cantech offers an alternative to dealer service for owners of expensive European, Asian, and American vehicles. The shop�s technicians are certified to work on most foreign luxury vehicles such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Saab, Ferrari, as well as on expensive and exotic American makes and models.
Shops weigh in on DRP relationships - Mutual respect. Continuous improvement. Ongoing communication. Program consistency � These are some of the findings of recently completed DRP research that indicate collision repair owners share some of the same objectives of their insurance counterparts. And then some.
For some, cars an obsession - Sixty-two percent of tuners are between 18 and 25 years old. About 18 percent of them are women. And unlike the hot rod and custom car drivers, they are ethnically diverse -- 42 percent white, 28.5 percent Asian, 16 percent Latino and 8 percent black, according to the Specialty Equipment Market Association in Diamond Bar, Calif.
Clay Bilyeu's Harleys are drawing praise, more business - KY: Clay's Auto Body in west Russellville deals primarily with collision repair. �I don't want anyone to think we've gone exclusively to motorcycle work, because collision repairs is still the main focus of our business,� he says.
Fire engulfs NCCo auto body shop - DE: Intense blaze destroys building in Newport, totals about 35 vehicles, stalls afternoon traffic
Auto body shop robbed - OH: Break-in first at Bucyrus business in 27 years
Keep Your Car from Getting Stolen - It only takes a thief 10 seconds to break into car, and then less than eight minutes to dismantle it into sellable parts that often are worth more than your car as whole.
ASA Announces Web Design, Hosting Benefits for Members - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announces a new benefit to help members establish and retain an Internet presence. ASA now offers multipage Web site design, hosting and online marketing capabilities for its members at affordable, competitive prices.
Solutia provides Ford with windshields - Solutia Inc.'s automotive division is supplying two Ford Motor Co. vehicles with specialized glass, Solutia announced Friday.
Vermont Senate Holds Hearing on Auto Glass Insurance - The Vermont state Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing on Wednesday, called by the Department of Insurance on automobile glass insurance. It concerned the state's steering law, Title 8: Banking & Insurance. Chapter 129 Insurance Trade Practices. 8 VSA & 4724 Unfair methods of competition or unfair or deceptive acts or practices defined 21.
Call-Center Investors Drop In For 3-Day Visit - A group of business officials interested in setting up a call-center business in American Samoa arrived Tuesday for a three day visit on board a private jet from Philadephia, Pennsylvania. -- The delegation includes Bill Cooney and other officials of Safelite Autoglass and Stan Shumway of Erie Management. They met with local officials and were hosted Tuesday night by Gov. Togiola Tulafono in dinner reception.
DaimlerChrylser Recalling Vehicles - Jeep Commander, the integrated retractor bracket edge on the third row seat may contact the seat belt during certain conditions causing damage to the belt webbing. In the event of a crash, the seat belt may not work properly and the person could be injured. -- Liberty, on certain 3.7 liter engines the left oxygen sensor wiring harness may contact the exhaust pipe which could result in an underbody fire. -- Dodge Dakota, Durango and Mitsubishi Raider, a static electricity spark between the operator and the vehicle can cause the turn signal, headlamps or windshield wipers to malfunction without warning.
Eiland leaves legislators organization post - NCOIL resolved issues including patient safety, claims history databases and aftermarket crash parts under Eiland�s tenure, as well as began investigations into pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and underserved life insurance markets, among other items.
Good policy: Reject claims of insurers - Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) lashed out, calling Allstate's assertions of a local hurricane risk "bogus" and attacking the "rapacious insurance industry" for manufacturing "a false crisis designed to pressure the federal government to create a taxpayer-financed disaster bailout system."
Nebraska Man Found Guilty of Insurance Fraud, Sentenced to Prison - The Nebraska Department of Insurance recently released information about the conviction and sentence of Robert C. Fisher. Fisher, who was doing business as Fisher Auto Glass Inc., was found guilty and sentenced in the District Court of Lancaster County, Nebraska, on two felony counts of insurance fraud.
Police Arrest Two People in Large Scale Fake License Scam in Mo. - Officials believe the fake tags were being printed in a home and sold somewhere in Kansas City. The auto body business owner arrested last fall, Harun Whitley, has been charged with more than a dozen counts of forgery.
26 Indicted In Mail Fraud From Staged Auto Accidents - Four indictments charging a total of 26 defendants with conspiracy to commit mail and insurance fraud have been unsealed. The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury in November and December 2005, and were unsealed Wednesday as agents began arresting those indicted. At least 19 of the 26 were in custody as of Thursday morning.
Geico will hire 100 more workers here to handle sales growth - AZ: The gecko is hoisting a "Help Wanted" sign at the Tucson service center that earned a visit from billionaire investor Warren Buffett last month.

February 17, 2006

General Motors and BASF Coatings: Working together to make life easier for collision repair professionals - What does a car owner do when his brand new model�off the assembly line for only days�gets hit in traffic? Are the repair parts available? Are the correct service procedures available so that a collision facility can repair it properly? And what about paint? Is the color information out in the marketplace so that the matching can be precise?
Metro Toyota Earns Top Toyota Certification for New Collision Repair Center - State-of-the-art collision repair facility, designed and operated by DCR Systems, meets high Toyota standards.
UnitedAuto Group to Participate in Wachovia Consumer Growth Conference - United Auto Group, Inc., an international automotive retailer, announced today that Anthony Pordon, Senior Vice President, will be a presenter at the Wachovia Consumer Growth Conference. The presentation is scheduled to occur from 10:00 a.m. until 10:35 a.m. Eastern Time on February 23, 2006.
The Driving Force for the Ultimate Finish - The Automotive Industry knows the benefits of powder coating and is pushing for an all powder topcoat system. PPG Industries successfully combined a powder basecoat with a powder clearcoat�replacing liquid sprayable coatings to reduce emissions, paint material waste and operating costs. Here's how they did it...
DEQ Nominates ASA of Michigan for Environmental Award - The Department of Environmental Quality announced that it has nominated two candidates, Mackinaw Power, LLC, and the Automotive Services Association of Michigan for the 2006 National Small Business Recognition Awards. -- The Automotive Services Association of Michigan, which was nominated for the Small Business Trade Association Environmental Leadership Award, is a trade association of over 380 independent collision and mechanical repair shops.
Pilkington talks still on despite Nippon profit alert - Pilkington and Nippon Sheet Glass remain in talks despite a profit warning that The Times has learnt the Japanese company quietly issued at the end of last month.
You're going to wait - Wilma damaged thousands of cars, but repairs are slow going -- South Florida auto body shops are reporting weeks- and months-long waits for repairs. Insurance-covered rental car contracts -- in most cases limited to 30 days -- have expired for many South Florida motorists.
Sneak Peek at Cool Tools for Windshield Repair Offered - The National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) Annual Conference is scheduled to take place at the Cashman Center in Las Vegas in two weeks and attendees will be offered a sneak peek at new and innovative tools on the market for the windshield repair industry.
Hall Of Shame - In response to a request on the AGRR Magazine message forum, we have started an online Hall of Shame consisting of photographs of dangerous, unsafe auto glass windshield installations sent in by the shops which have uncovered the shoddy work done previously when they went to replace the windshield again.
Local teens show off skills - Henry Gift was a ringer. -- He finished the competition in automobile collision repair 40 minutes before the contest ended, winning with ease.
Mild winter dents city autobody sales - Canada: This winter�s mild temperatures and a lack of sustained heavy snowfalls have translated into fewer collisions on Manitoba�s highways.
China status as vehicle exporter reflects global ambitions - China's recent transformation into a net exporter of vehicles reflects the growing ambitions of domestic automakers, but does not mean they will easily penetrate mature markets such as the US and Europe, analysts said.
Delphi buys more time to bargain - Supplier, GM, UAW could be making progress
Advance Auto Parts Reports Record Fourth Quarter EPS of $0.36 on 6.3% Comps - Annual EPS Increased 28% to $2.13; Company Initiates First-Ever Cash Dividend
TIA fights for Right to Repair in Canada - The Tire Industry Association (TIA) and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) are pushing for legislation in Canada that is similar to Right to Repair legislation in the United States.
Union Workers At PPG Ratify Contract - After five months of striking, union workers at PPG Industries ratified their contract Wednesday, and while they said they're ready to get back to work, many union workers told NEWS9 they're not happy with the agreement.
Will flashier brake lights reduce accidents? - Mercedes plans to show Adaptive Brake Lights cut rear-end crashes
Mary Ann Wright Joins Collins & Aikman as Executive Vice President Commercial & Program Management - Frank Macher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Collins & Aikman Corporation, announced today the appointment of Mary Ann Wright as Executive Vice President Commercial and Program Management for the North American automotive supplier, effective immediately. -- Wright joins Collins & Aikman from Ford Motor Company where she most recently served as Director of Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Vehicle Programs.
Hurricane-flooded cars end up back on market, experts warn - MT: When a caller phoned into the �Car Talk� radio show to ask Tom Magliozzi and his brother, Ray, if a flooded car was a junk car, their answer was easy.
Man begs for freedom in fraud case - MA: A key player who allegedly "staged" bogus accidents, defrauding insurance companies out of thousands of dollars in one of Lowell's largest auto-insurance fraud rings in the city's history said he's not guilty of what prosecutors say was his role in the scam.
Insurance fraud results in arrests in Tampa Bay - Twenty-one individuals were arrested Wednesday for allegedly staging 10 auto crashes stemming from an investigation that uncovered more than 60 staged crashes throughout Tampa Bay.

February 16, 2006

ABRA Auto Body & Glass Adds Chatfield, CO Repair Center - ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a Minneapolis-based damaged vehicle repair company, announced today the opening of their thirteenth repair center in Colorado. This newly constructed facility, located at 10128 West Chatfield Avenue in Littleton, brings the total number of ABRA repair centers to ninety-two in twelve states.
Lean Guru James Womack Analyzes What Ails GM, Ford - James Womack, currently president of the Lean Enterprise Institute and author of several books, including �The Machine that Changed the World,� about the Toyota production system, wrote a great piece in the Wall Street Journal this week summarizing his views of how the U.S. auto industry (GM and Ford) has lost its way. While supply chain management issues are only one piece of the ills that Womack cites, his observations seem spot on.
Ganging up on Goliath - Smaller auto parts suppliers find strength in numbers
AUTO PARTS: Collins & Aikman names Trenary CFO - Collins & Aikman Corp., a bankrupt auto-parts supplier, named Tim Trenary as chief financial officer. Trenary will help decide whether the company continues as a stand-alone business.
Hyundai enters minivan market - Targets 7,000 sales in first full year; steps up pressure on Detroit-based three
U.S. trade panel begin probe into Toyota's alleged patent violation - The International Trade Commission has decided to begin an investigation into alleged patent infringement by Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. and its U.S. subsidiaries over hybrid vehicles, according to the ITC.
Ford drills employees on target customers - Automaker uses political playbook to identify buyers and wants workers to think like them.
Find Your Business Solutions at Automotive Logistics Europe 2006 - London: Through growth and development, Automotive Logistics Europe has expanded to become one of Europe's leading interactive industry conferences and this year, is set to pave the way for finding new business solutions in the dynamic logistics sector.
Rinspeed and Bayer MaterialScience Develop New Concept Car; ''zaZen'' - Automotive Enlightenment on Four Wheels; Revolutionary Lighting Technique and Transparent Hardtop at the Geneva Motor Show
Ohio auto policy prices expected to fall again - Automobile insurance rates in Ohio are likely to drop this year, and homeowner insurance bills should remain mostly unchanged, experts say.
Former Worker: Insurance Co. Pays Claims When Pigs Fly - Jury Hands Down $3 Million Verdict Against American Family Insurance
Ford Adds Gentex Auto-Dimming Mirrors to 2006 Models - Gentex Corporation, the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry, has announced that it is supplying auto- dimming mirrors to four new 2006 vehicles in the Ford family of brands.
DaimlerChrysler Reports $6.1 Billion Operating Profit in 2005 - DaimlerChrysler today published its preliminary consolidated financial statements and its divisions' results for the year 2005.
Goodyear Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2005 Results - The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company today reported record sales for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2005. The company's full-year net income is the highest since 1998.
Cop Shop: A bad day for auto body shops in Delco - Blazes at auto body shops at opposite ends of the county kept firefighters busy on Wednesday. A fire broke out at A-1 American Auto Sales at 59 E. Baltimore Ave. about 2 p.m. Lansdowne Fire Chief Tom Young said mechanics in the garage were taking fuel out of a gas tank when a light, suspended on a long extensive cord, swung or hit something. The bulb shattered, which caused a spark that set off the gas fumes. There were no injuries, but fire gutted the shop area and destroyed two cars.

February 15, 2006

AutoWorks International Limited Enters Automotive Insurance Industry Software Market with ''PartScan'' - The replacement parts are ordered by PartScan directly from the wholesale parts distributor for the insurer and 'drop shipped' to the appropriate automobile repairer. PartScan's accounting system then invoices the automobile insurer directly for parts purchased and services provided. -- The size of the automobile repair industry in the United States is approximately $35.8 billion U.S. This represents the total industry sales by independent and franchised automobile repairers. In Canada, the automobile repair industry is estimated to be $2.8 billion CDN.
Mitchell Collision Estimating & Reference Guides Include N.A.D.A. Valuation Data - Mitchell International, a leading provider of information and workflow solutions to the automotive insurance claims and collision repair industries, today announced the addition of vehicle valuation data to its Collision Estimating & Reference Guides (CEGs), provided by the N.A.D.A. Official Used Car Guide� Company (N.A.D.A.).
Boyd Group finalizes new trading partner - Boyd Group Income Fund today announced that it has now finalized and closed its new arrangements with trading partners that include a long term exclusive agreement to purchase paint products and a new US $13 million credit facility with a U.S. Bank.
Sonic CEO meets bonus criteria - Sonic Automotive Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Bruton Smith has been awarded between 50 percent and 150 percent of his base salary as a bonus for achieving performance-based criteria last year.
United Auto profit rises 15 percent, shares up - "The strength of our brand mix, our geographical diversity, and our commitment to increasing the service and parts component of (United Auto's) business, remain key differentiators of our company and an integral part of the company's success." company Chairman Roger Penske said in a statement.
Congressional Support Reaches 87 for 'Right to Repair Act' - Congressional support for the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2048) has reached 87 sponsors, it was announced today by Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
Visteon cuts early retirement benefit - Salaried staffers lose pre-Social Security pay
Top VW executives mull sale of parts business: report - Staff and agencies - Senior members of the supervisory board of German carmaker Volkswagen may discuss a possible sale of its car parts operations on Friday, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reported.
Canadian UAW head wary of imports - Hargrove, who was interviewed several days before his Feb. 14 appearance at Canisius College, said the biggest problem for the North American auto industry is unfair trade policies. -- "The problem is with the imports. The Asian makers don't buy the parts from Delphi or the other suppliers. Even when they came here they brought their families of parts-makers instead of buying from American or Canadian producers," Hargrove said.
Auto, steel warring over mercury bill - House Bill 1110, now in the Senate, prohibits steel mills and foundries from accepting mercury-contaminated scrap. Typically, that occurs when mercury-activated convenience lights from vehicles are crushed or shredded by salvage dealers or scrap yards.
Transamerican Auto Parts Acquires Four Wheel Drive Hardware - Transamerican Auto Parts Company, LLC and its affiliated entities are pleased to announce the acquisition of Four Wheel Drive Hardware, LLC. Founded in 1977, the Columbiana, Ohio based Four Wheel Drive Hardware is a leading catalog and internet retailer of Jeep aftermarket parts and accessories. In addition, through its Performance Products division, Four Wheel Drive Hardware is a leader in Porsche, Mercedes, Toyota truck and domestic truck aftermarket parts and accessories. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

February 14, 2006

CRB Newsletter - Published by The Ohio Board of Motor Vehicle Collision Repair Registration -- Articles Inside: Highway Patrol Salvage Vehicle Inspection Facility Locations -- New Chair/Vice Chair Elected for 2006 -- Removing VIN�s from a Vehicle -- Investigator�s Report -- Some Dealerships Shutting Down Auto Body Shops -- Legislative Update -- DeRolph and Sterwerf Complete Final Term -- State Farm Makes Changes to it�s Auto Damage Service Programs -- For Safer Teen Drivers, Read This Before Handing Over the Keys
Keystone Automotive Names Orzetti New CEO - Vor Broker to Retire, But Remains A Consultant
Sonic hires Texas software firm - Sonic Automotive Inc. has hired a Texas automotive-software company to streamline its inventory management.
Car Slides on Ice Crashes into Collision Center - PA: Icy roads usually mean big business for auto body shops, but one garage in Northampton County got a little bit more than it expected.
Insurance provider communication is key in achieving customer satisfaction - Maintaining a comprehensive and consistent dialog with the consumer throughout the claims process is critical for insurance providers in achieving customer satisfaction with the collision repair process, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2005 Collision Repair Satisfaction StudySM.
Outsourced Claims Services - To assist insurers with claims services a unit of the OneBeacon Insurance Group launched AutoOne Claim Services.
Working Capital To Provide More Cash For Visteon In 2006 - Credit Suisse First Boston research analyst Christopher Ceraso lowered his earnings outlook on Visteon after the automotive supplier reported �considerably weaker� operating results than it had projected last month.
Alfed L. Gaspar Receives Distinguished Service Citation Award From Automotive Hall of Fame - Alfred L. Gaspar, former president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), was awarded the Distinguished Service Citation Award from the Automotive Hall of Fame. The honor was awarded during a special luncheon awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 12 at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Auto industry looks for silver lining - Western New York's auto industry might be less at risk in the current shakeout than feared, one Detroit expert suggests.
Henkel Launches New North American Automotive Web Site - The new site features detailed information on Henkel's products and services for automotive body and exterior, interior, powertrain and components applications.
Ford recalls 211,000 pickups for warning lights - Regulators tell of fix for anti-lock brake light; DaimlerChrysler also recalls some pickups.
Limits proposed on access to vehicle data devices - From automobile �black boxes� to Global Positioning System devices, the electronic information collected by cars can be nearly as telling as a fingerprint. -- Virginia law is hazy about who owns all that information, which raises privacy questions that can pit the car owner�s interests against those of the police and insurance and security companies.
Cooper Tire recalling about 288,000 tires - Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. said Monday that it was recalling about 288,000 replacement tires used on passenger cars and light trucks because of concerns about slow leaks and cracking in the tires.
Laid-off auto engineer sues Ford - Salaried employee, 51, claims he was forced from his job due to age discrimination.
GM upgrades Mich. plants, adds 200 jobs - Automaker will invest $500 million in 5 plants in Pontiac, Romulus, Ypsilanti and Lansing.

February 13, 2006

Bogus air bags are big business - If you're driving a used car, you may be missing an airbag that works. 6 On Your Side investigates how easy it is to buy bogus airbags.
Thriving Black Market Drives Rise in Air Bag Thefts - While there are no comprehensive statistics on air bag theft, insurance and auto industry officials say its incidence appears to be rising with the climbing cost of car repairs.
Common Business Mistakes (pt 2) - Autobodyonline: In the second part of this feature, here are some more of what some shop owners view as the biggest mistake they've made in business � and what you can learn from them.
Car restorer turns hobby into business - PA: Talk about Reality TV. -- Working for Vinny Scalavino, says one employee, is like �Overhaulin� � � the TV show in which an automobile designer and his co-host �steal� a car and fix it up. -- Only Scalavino, owner of Carlisle Auto Body and Collision Inc., is live right in Carlisle.
Schools seek to enhance career paths - VA: Instructor Mike Toney knows TV shows such as Monster Garage and Pimp My Ride have helped recruit students for his auto body and collision repair classes at Patrick Henry High School.
ACG Ranks Second in Nation for Collision Repair Customer Satisfaction - The Auto Club Group (ACG) -- holding company for the Auto Club Insurance Association (ACIA) and six AAA affiliates in the Midwest (including AAA Michigan) -- is ranked second in the nation for collision repair satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Associates. -- The rankings are based on 5,679 responses from consumers who had collision repair or body work performed on their vehicles in the past 12 months.
Investcorp Completes Acquisition of CCC Information Services Group Inc. - CCC Information Services Group Inc., a leading supplier of advanced software, communications systems, Internet and wireless-enabled technology solutions to the automotive claims and collision repair industries, announced today that entities affiliated with Investcorp, a global investment group, completed the acquisition of CCC Information Services Group Inc.
Visteon grants raises - Supplier's year-end results improve with help from former owner Ford
Auto-parts maker with local plant reports profits up - BorgWarner, which has a plant just outside Longview that makes parts used in transmissions and transfer cases in Dodge Neons, PT Cruisers and heavy- and medium-duty trucks, reported Thursday that its 2005 profits were up from 2004, although the final quarter saw lower earnings than the previous year.
Delphi wins court OK on executive salaries - $38 million to retain top bosses
J.L. French Automotive Files Chapter 11 - J.L. French Automotive Castings Inc. on Friday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the latest such filing to rock the auto-parts industry.
Japan's influence rises in auto parts industry - Change increases stability in state, but prospects for future remain uncertain
Fortune 300 Sonic Automotive, Inc. to Install aaXchange(R) Software at 177 Franchises Nationwide - Fortune 300 company Sonic Automotive, Inc., one of the United States' largest automotive retailers, will be implementing the latest in technological innovation in each of its 177 dealership franchises nationwide through an agreement with automotive software company American Auto Exchange, Inc. (aaXchange(R)).
Kelley Blue Book Launches New Internet-Based Technologies for Dealers - CDMdata, A Kelley Blue Book Company, Announces Deals With Enterprise Car Sales and Sonic Automotive.
GM, Ford executives say dealer cutbacks may be needed - It probably wasn't a message the National Automobile Dealers Association wants to hear.
Limited recall riles GM owners - NHTSA monitors brake callback in 20 states and D.C. as complaints mount.
VW seeks longer hours for same pay - Volkswagen, Europe's largest carmaker, is planning to make employees work 22 per cent longer for the same pay as it seeks major changes to its labour contract with unions in Germany.
CONSUMER WATCH: Fast-talk among pitfalls in braving auto auctions - Dominique Lovato is considering purchasing a vehicle from an auto auction. She wants to know how to find an auction and not get taken for a ride.
CHP Raids North Highlands Chop Shop - California Highway Patrol officers raided a suspected chop shop at a home in North Highlands Wednesday.
13 Apprehended in N.C. Auto, Motorcycle Fraud Ring - Thirteen Halifax County, N.C. residents, suspected of masterminding a family auto insurance fraud ring that allegedly swindled insurance companies out of $56,000 in fraudulent motorcycle and auto claims has been apprehended by Sheriff's Department and Department of Motor Vehicle License and Theft Enforcement officers.
Insurers and their partners publicly expose themselves - It's time for the seventh installment to Barons in the Buff, a collage of candid quotes from the mind-trust of insurance personnel, those who once walked in their shoes, and from those who know them best.

February 10, 2006

Proposal crimps car insurance service - Vehicle insurance companies in Arizona can offer consumers a list of collision-repair shops that guarantee their work, guarantee the parts they use, provide timely customer service and charge a competitive price. -- If a bill in the state Legislature becomes law, insurance companies may be forbidden from offering names of reputable repair shops to their customers.

Solera to acquire ADP division for $975 million in cash - San Diego-based Solera Inc. announced Thursday it has agreed to acquire Automatic Data Processing Inc.'s Claims Services Group, for $975 million in cash. -- Claims Services is the largest global provider of automotive claims solutions. Solera was formed by industry veteran Tony Aquila, in partnership with GTCR Golder Rauner, one of the nation's leading private equity firms with over $6 billion of committed capital.

CCC Information Services Group Inc. Stockholders Approve Merger Transaction - CCC Information Services Group Inc., a leading supplier of advanced software, communications systems, Internet and wireless-enabled technology solutions to the automotive claims and collision repair industries, announced that, at a special meeting held today, the Company's stockholders voted to adopt the merger agreement with entities affiliated with Investcorp, a global investment group.

UTI posts gain in 1Q earnings - Tuition increases and higher enrollment boosted the fiscal first quarter earnings of Universal Technical Institute Inc., a provider of technical education training.

The grand opening of Car-O-Liner Crash Track - This is an important step to prove that crashed cars are as safe as new ones also after a large structural damage repair. The crash track will not be used to evaluate the crash safety of cars but only to create realistic damages of new and repaired vehicles.

Visteon posts quarterly profit on facility sales - Auto parts maker Visteon Corp on Friday posted a quarterly net profit after recognizing a $1.83 billion gain on the sale of plants and other facilities to former parent Ford Motor Co. in 2005.

Judiciary Committee Approves Limitations on Use of Black Box Data - ME: The Judiciary Committee gave unanimous approval on Tuesday to a bill submitted by Rep. Deborah Simpson that would limit the use of data taken from the "black boxes" installed in most cars and require auto manufacturers to tell consumers if the recording devices are installed.

Car parts theft is big money maker - What may look like a bunch of broken vehicles is actually big business. -- Police say a lack of paperwork is a tell-tale sign of a stolen part and can often lead to the crooks who strip cars like this one for profit.

Carfax to Make Database Available to Orlando Consumers During Industry Conference - 20,000 Auto Dealers Converge on City Feb. 11-14 - NADA 89th Annual Convention and Exposition

Auto workers' fate matters to everyone - Detroit's ills spell trouble for middle-class jobs if government fails to act

Battle Brewing Over Controversial Auto Insurance Changes -18 years after a California ballot initiative sought to create balance in state car insurance rates, a new proposal is pitting city drivers against rural drivers -- super-commuters against short-hop motorists -- over what should matter most in determining how rates are calculated statewide.

State Farm awards local grants - Six area non-profit organizations and Purdue University received a helping hand from more than $103,000 in grants from State Farm Insurance Company today.

Consumer Reports Rates Insurance Companies - The magazine Consumer Reports has rated the top insurance companies in its March 2006 issue, ranking the popular insurance providers according to policyholder satisfaction. According to the magazine, 21,228 magazine subscribers who had filed insurance auto insurance claims between January 2001 through the spring of 2004 were surveyed for customer satisfaction with their auto insurance.

Aftermarket Financial Symposium Registration Now Available - Registration for the 2006 Aftermarket Financial Symposium (AFS) is now available on the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) Web site, www.aftermarket.org. Hosted by AAIA, the 2006 AFS is scheduled for Sept. 26-27, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago, Ill.

February 9, 2006

DuPont Automotive to close Troy paint lab - DuPont Automotive Systems, the Troy-based supplier of paint for new vehicles, said Wednesday it may eliminate 200 jobs in a consolidation of two facilities to save money.
eAutoclaims Experiences Record Growth in Processed Transactions During Most Recent Quarter - eAutoclaims, a leading provider of managed collision repair services and insurance claims processing technology applications, today announced the recent claims volume processed by the Company for the quarter ending January 31, 2006, experienced meaningful growth in the Company's Special Market Division in number of claims processed. The added claims volume was a result of the Co-Marketing Agreement with ADP Claims Services Group.
NACE extends show hours - Organizers for the 2006 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) have announced extended hours on the final day of the show. "Bringing buyers and sellers together is what NACE is all about. In fact, we've expanded the Saturday hours to allow exhibitors even more sales opportunities," states Dana Teague, NACE Sr. Show Director.
Frost & Sullivan Names Keystone Automotive 2005 Market Leader - "Keystone is honored to receive this award and will continue to strive for excellence," stated Christopher Northup, Vice President for Keystone Automotive Industries. "Keystone's goal is to supply our customers with quality products, every time. It's gratifying to hear we are successful in meeting their needs," added Northup.
KEYSTONE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIES INC Files SEC form 10-Q, Quarterly Report - Quarterly Report
GlasWeld Launches New Brand Identity - GlasWeld, an Oregon-based manufacturer and international supplier of glass repair equipment, has announced the launch of its new brand identity. The initiative includes a new logo, web site overhaul, product branding and collateral updates. The visual identity represents GlasWeld's forward movement within the glass repair industry.
UnitedAuto Group Chooses XPEL - XPEL Technologies Corp. announced today that UnitedAuto Group ("UAG"), has chosen XPEL as vendor of choice for UAG's rollout of automotive paint protection products through its family of new car stores. Significant growth of the paint protection film industry over the past few years has created compelling opportunities for car franchises such as UAG to capitalize on the aftermarket sales of a product that delivers true value to the new car consumer.
Ford exec optimistic for ex-Visteon plants - Ford Motor Co. is getting a lot of interest in the facilities it took back from former parts unit Visteon Corp. last year, but is not looking to just jettison the plants, a top executive said on Tuesday.
Ford shows off new Escape hybrid that can run on ethanol - The hybrid prototype is the first to be capable of running on E85 ethanol fuel.
Asians bet on minivan resurgence - Hyundai makes first foray as Nissan takes new direction
Measuring costs from the top down - To get handle on how China makes cheaper cars and parts, start by looking at executive compensation.
Auto Show is candy store for grownups - Those who think skyrocketing gasoline prices have put the brakes on new-car purchases haven't visited the Exoticars showroom in the Brookline section of Pittsburgh.
New Auto Messenger Display Helps Fight Against Road Rage - Autoplas Corp., manufacturer and distributor of the Auto-Messenger Display, today announced its availability to the public.

February 8, 2006

ASA Loses Beloved Collision Leader: Russ Verona - Russ Verona, AAM, a longtime Automotive Service Association (ASA) member and leader, died Feb. 6 of heart failure. Verona owned and operated East Rockford Collision Center in Rockford, Ill., for 41 years and had worked in the industry for more than 50 years.
Auto body shops on alert for hit-and-run vehicle - AZ: Since Friday, the investigation has focused on tracking down two vehicles: the hit-and-run vehicle, and a green and white Dodge Dakota with two people inside.
Copart, Inc. Announces Strategic Investment in Dallas, Texas Based lanelogic, LLC; lanelogic and Copart/VB2 Have Partnered to Bring Dealers the First National Used Vehicle Market Maker - Stated Bruce Thompson, Founder/CEO of lanelogic, "Our exclusive relationship with VB2 gives us an alternative platform to liquidate vehicles in minutes. People don't realize that VB2 sells a vehicle online every 8 seconds to buyers all over the world.
Nissan invests 11 billion yen for paint - Nissan Motor Co. said Monday it will invest 11 billion yen by May 2007 in a new paint application system at its plant in Karita, Fukuoka Prefecture, to boost the efficiency of its auto body painting.
The Good News About America's Auto Industry - Sure, Detroit is hurting. But in the Sunbelt, foreign carmakers are expanding, hiring, and stoking local growth
GM slashes execs' salaries, but total pay unclear - General Motors Corp.'s decision to slash top executives' salaries by up to 50 percent will undoubtedly save the struggling automaker money, but it is unclear whether the executives will see similar reductions in their total compensation for 2006.
Nissan to lose 20% of top managers -12 execs to leave carmaker when it relocates its U.S. headquarters to Tennessee this summer
Nissan changing U.S. benefits plans - New hires won't receive pensions; retirees to see cuts in health coverage
Pilkington, NSG resume talks for possible sale - IL: Ottawa plant workers, EPA watching for takeover bid by Japanese glassmaker NSG
Lear Corporation Sees Minority Supplier Procurement Reaching $1 Billion by 2008 - Lear Corporation, one of the world's largest automotive suppliers, today announced it expects the amount of good and services it buys from minority suppliers to grow to $1 billion by 2008.
ADP Dealer Services Attains Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner Program - ADP Dealer Services today announced it has earned Gold Certified status in the Microsoft Partner Program with two competencies: Networking Infrastructure Solutions and ISV/Software Solutions.
Consumers Can Cut Car-Care Costs - Motorists often overpay for towing coverage offered by insurance companies, car manufacturers and roadside-service companies, says PEMCO Insurance.
Agents Object to Allstate Ads in Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle Mailings - Ohio Governor Bob Taft has asked a state agency to look into a contract that allows an insurance company to advertise in thousands of vehicle registration renewal notices sent to drivers, according to the Associated Press.
Allstate efficiency leads to reduced workforce, 79 lost jobs - FL: Improved technology is causing 79 Allstate Insurance employees to receive pink slips.
Groups seek probe of state Supreme Court justice - Three public interest groups on Tuesday called on the state board that looks into allegations of judicial misconduct to investigate Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier. -- The Illinois Supreme Court ruled in favor of State Farm in August, when the court threw out a $1 billion ruling against the insurance company over replacement parts for damaged cars.

February 7, 2006

Statistics Show Airbags Getting Safer - Government safety statistics show a continuing drop in airbag-related deaths and injuries as technology and seat beat use improves.
I-CAR And Volvo Complete Initial Development Of Vehicle Specific Training - I-CAR and Volvo have completed initial development of the Volvo-specific training programs, which are part of the Volvo Body and Paint Service Center Certification Program.
An Update On Fixture Benches - Unibody vehicles started showing up on the roads of Europe after WWII and collision repair facilities needed a way to repair these vehicles when they were damaged.
I-CAR Qualification Tests: Recognized By Collision Industry Leaders - Recognized and required by many collision industry leaders, the I-CAR QTs stand alone by allowing industry professionals the ability to demonstrate and enhance their professional skills.
Auto body shop owner will dive into Lake Tahoe to benefit Special Olympics - Jumping into Lake Tahoe in February feels like a punch in the chest, said Carson City businessman Ted Rupert. -- Rupert, 35, will take to the lake Feb. 11 as part of the Polar Bear Plunge for the Special Olympics.
Dodge Durango probed over seat fires - DaimlerChrysler AG's Dodge Durango sport-utility vehicle is being investigated by U.S. auto-safety regulators after reports of fires beneath the driver's seat.
A calling for cars - TX: Some Trimble Tech High School students see auto-repair training as their ticket to economic opportunities
AGRR Magazine to Establish Insurance O&A Program Library - The goal is to make all the offer and acceptance letters available to glass shops in one place and to keep the industry updated as new offers are issued.
Tiny mercury switches in cars causing a stir - SC: A pellet-size piece of mercury that helps light the inside of many car trunks and hoods has caused quite a stir at the Statehouse this legislative session. -- While the mercury switch is helpful when getting out the groceries, it can become harmful if left there when the vehicle is no longer needed.
Auto Parts Manufacturer to Expand Operations in East Tennessee - Automotive parts maker Eagle Bend Mfg., Inc. recently announced its intention to expand its Clinton, Tenn., facility from 500 to 650 jobs.
PIES 5.0 Released for Industry Use - AAIA: Latest Version Supports Imaging Best Practice and CARQUEST Enhancements
Thirteen Arrested in Auto Fraud Ring - Commissioner Jim Long and the North Carolina Department of Insurance today announced the arrest of 13 Halifax County residents suspected of masterminding a family auto insurance fraud ring that allegedly swindled companies out of $56,000 in fraudulent motorcycle and auto claims.
No Traffic Ahead for Toyota - The Japanese juggernaut isn't just cruising -- it's picking up speed nearly everywhere it turns. About the only drag is its home market.
Ford offers $100,000 buyouts - Some factory workers could get payouts in exchange for giving up all benefits except pensions.
Painful Cost-Cutting, Layoffs Underway in US Auto Industry - The U.S.-based auto industry is in crisis. Groaning under the weight of billions of dollars of financial losses, collapsing stock prices and unrelenting erosion of market share to foreign competitors, Detroit-based Ford and General Motors are fighting for their lives.
Don't get used to Zephyr -- it's MK Z - Lincoln sedan gets new engine, new name in attempt to differentiate brand from its siblings.
Major conference focus on automotive materials - The latest advances in key materials for automotive interior components, polyurethanes, will open the technical session of the UTECH Europe 2006 conference on 28 March in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Coal makes a comeback as manufacturers consider building power plant - U.S. Steel Corp. is leading a consortium of manufacturers interested in constructing a coal gasification plant, possibly in the Mon Valley. -- Jeff Worden, a spokesman for Downtown-based coatings, glass and chemicals producer PPG Industries Inc., said his company also is interested in the technology and wants to learn more about the U.S. Steel initiative.
Painful lesson - Florida lawmakers can learn a painful lesson from Colorado's no-fault car-insurance debacle.

February 6, 2006

ASA Collision Division Examines Repair Costs of Primed vs. Unprimed Bumpers - The Refinish Subcommittee of the Automotive Service Association's (ASA) Collision Operations Committee is continuing its examination of primed versus unprimed bumpers, with a goal of having all bumpers supplied in a primed state. Currently, replacement bumpers are supplied in both primed and unprimed condition, depending on the source.
McClendon bill would regulate auto businesses - TN: Would-be used auto salesmen and auto repair shop owners will have to cooperate more with their Metro Council members before receiving city permission to open any new shop if Councilwoman Amanda McClendon has her way.
Common Business Mistakes, (Part 1) - Autobodyonline - Nearly everyone in business can point to mistakes they made � and the lessons they learned from them. One of the real benefits of interacting regularly with other shop owners is not to just learn from what they've done right, but also from what they've done wrong.
CAA Continues Fight Against Progressive-backed Concierge Bill - The California Autobody Association (CAA) continues to oppose Assembly Bill 303 (the Concierge Bill), and is providing body shops with a letter of opposition they can send to the California legislature.
Reget�s suit against city dismissed - A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed an equal protection lawsuit by a La Crosse auto body shop owner who claimed the city unlawfully tried to close down his business.
Rising Energy Costs are Focus of AASP-MN Meetings With Insurers - In January, AASP-MN met with the state�s three largest auto insurers � State Farm, Farmers Insurance and American Family � to discuss how rates might be adjusted to provide some relief from these significant cost increases. All of the insurers have opposed the imposition of a "temporary" energy cost surcharge, stating a general unwillingness to provide an add-on for a cost impact that might be short-lived, according to AASP-MN.
AASP-MN Seeking Applicants for Automotive Scholarships - Thanks to the generous response of AASP-MN members during the fundraising drive for the association�s Automotive Education Foundation, AASP-MN will award ten $500 scholarships this fall to students enrolled in post-secondary automotive (mechanical and collision repair) programs.
Word-of-mouth keeps business booming at Steve�s Automotive - WA: When Steve Studebaker was just 5 years old, he began to form an interest in the industry that now supports him and the six people he employs at Steve�s Automotive. He said at that impressionable age, he started to spend time �hanging out with Dad� in the auto shop.
New act sets detailed rules for repair shops - Canada: Covers every aspect of vehicle repairs -- Consumer rights reinforced, expanded
Design changes reduce deaths in vehicles struck by SUVs, pickups - Fatalities drop nearly by half when SUVs are lower in height, with impact-absorbing bumper bars
Mismatch Crash Tests - Mismatch of the front ends of the vehicles in this crash test is a problem. The suv�s front-end energy-absorbing structure rides over the car�s. In a real crash, this could increase injury risks for the car occupants, which is why auto manufacturers have been committed since 2003 to designing the front ends of light trucks (SUVs and pickups) so their energy-absorbing structures overlap those of cars.
Copart changes accounting firms - Fairfield-based Copart Inc., a vehicle salvage company, changed its accounting firm to Ernst & Young LLP from KPMG LLP according to documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company said it did not have any disagreements with KPMG.
Key Chrysler supplier unexpectedly closes - Auburn Hills company, which had been working on redesigned Wrangler, idles 60 Toledo workers.
State Farm cuts auto insurance rates, but not for all users - State Farm is lowering overall rates for auto insurance in Michigan, but not all customers will get a break. -- The overall decrease is the result of fewer claims being filed under nonmandatory collision and comprehensive coverage, which pays for damage caused by vehicle crashes and losses such as theft and vandalism, State Farm said.
Fla. Auto Fraud Taskforce Adds Second Prosecutor; Suggests Reforms - More manpower and legislative remedies are the answer to combating auto insurance fraud according to Tom Gallagher, Florida's CFO. He announced the appointment of a second prosecutor, dedicated to putting criminals who commit auto insurance fraud behind bars, to the Department of Financial Services' task force in South Florida.
Survey: NJM top auto insurer in state - New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Cos. has long prided itself for the level of service it provides customers and a new survey by Consumer Reports magazine says that pride is well deserved. -- NJM, the state's largest car insurer, ranked first in an auto insurance customer satisfaction survey being published in the magazine's March issue, which hits the stands next week, but already may be in subscribers mailboxes.

February 3, 2006

Support keeps growing for Right to Repair Act - Congressional support for the Motor Vehicle Owners� Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2048) has reached 87 sponsors, reports Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
CARSTAR Automotive Canada Signs An Agreement with RIFCO - RIFCO INC. is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with CARSTAR Automotive Canada (CARSTAR) to offer repair loans through over 110 stores across Canada.
Professional organizations support CarFixWORLD Career Forum - Canada: Now scheduled for three days, Sept 29--Oct 1, 2006 at Toronto's National Trade Centre, CarFixWORLD has added a Friday opening to accommodate students at the request of its 22-member industry advisory committee.
Caracci Named Chairman of University of the Aftermarket Foundation - On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation reaffirms its commitment to the educational needs of the aftermarket industry and announces the election of Dave Caracci as chairman of the board of trustees
Consumer Guide(R) Automotive to Announce New Car and Truck Awards at 2006 Chicago Auto Show - Most Significant New Vehicle Introductions to be Honored
Lear Establishes Joint Ventures with Comer Holdings, LLC - Lear Corporation today announced that it has reached an agreement to establish two joint ventures with Comer Holdings, LLC, a minority business, for assembling, sequencing and manufacturing of automotive interior components to the automotive industry.
SEC probes Dana accounting errors - Dana Corp., the largest supplier of light-truck axles, said Wednesday that the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating accounting errors that led Dana to restate more than three years of earnings.
Auto parts shares slip amid ratings downgrades - Shares of several U.S. auto parts makers fell on Thursday, led ArvinMeritor Inc.'s 5 percent drop, amid downgrades by UBS Securities, which cited caution about the 2006 industry outlook.
Headlight Restoration and Windshield Repair Represent Growing Markets for Auto Detailing Businesses - Mobileworks.com, a website for the Auto Detailing Industry has expanded to include Headlight Restoration and Windshield Repair. -- Auto headlights can be restored at a fraction of the cost to replace them. This new feature on Mobileworks offers restoration products, supplies, business opportunities and instruction.
Accident kills Ford plant worker - Longtime employee from Macomb Twp., who won award for money-saving ideas, crushed by machinery.
Ford axes GT, two other cars - Moves to drop sports car, Sport Trac Adrenaline, Lincoln LS will hasten layoffs at Wixom plant.
BFGoodrich to shut down Kitchener tire plant - BFGoodrich is closing its tire plant in Kitchener, Ont., resulting in the loss of 1,100 jobs. -- Goodrich, a unit of French-based Michelin North America (Canada) Inc., said it will shut the plant on July 22 and move operations to plants in Alabama and Indiana.
Man sought in shooting of Wife at his auto body shop - CA: Police believe the suspect, Teodulo Jasso, 42, entered the 8th Street Body Shop on the 8500 block of 8th Street about 9:15 a.m., shot his wife several times, then fled in a black Ford F-350 Dually truck.
Trio Nabbed in Calif. Auto Vandal Scam - Two Sacramento residents and one Galt resident have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a "staged auto vandalism" ring, according to the California Insurance Commissioner's office.
Houston Police Department's 'bait cars' helping snare career thieves - By focusing on vehicle-snatching rings, police say they've been able to reduce thefts
West Virginia man wants $50K from State Farm - A Monongalia County man claims an insurance company has failed in its duty to insure its patrons properly.
Safeco Names LaRocco COO, President - Property and casualty insurer Safeco Corp. said Thursday that Michael LaRocco has been appointed president and chief operating officer of the company.

February 2, 2006

Two firefighters trapped battling blaze at Lower Richland auto body shop - SC: Investigators are trying to figure out why an auto body shop on Cabin Creek Road caught fire early Wednesday in Lower Richland County.
NATA putting policies in action - Canada: Delegates of the National