NeoMedia Launches Auto
Rejuvenation Product Line - NeoMedia Micro Paint Repair, a developer and
supplier of auto rejuvenation products and processes and a business unit of
NeoMedia Technologies, Inc., launched a new line of polishes that claim to
reduce the time and improve the quality of automotive detailing, refinishing
and paint preservation processes.
How Well Do You Manage Time?
- AutobodyOnline: Wise sages and time management experts have reminded us for
years that we can never really "save" time. We can only spend it.
Small community banks are
serving Maryland business owners disenchanted with megabanks - Just ask
Steve DeChello, part owner of Marlow Auto Body in Marlow Heights, who said he
was denied financing from Sun Trust Bank when trying to expand his business.
While the megabank helped DeChello start his business, he went to Old Line
Bank, where they loaned him $1.8 million to open his Waldorf location.
Smashing recognition - NH:
Two salvage yards in Kingston have been commended by the state Department of
Environmental Services for exemplary environmental work practices when
recycling vehicles.
Sri Lanka Insurance launches
first state-of-the-art Collision Repair Centre - COLOMBO: Sri Lanka
Insurance, launched the first state-of-the-art Collision Repair Centre in Sri
Lanka - Formula World. -- Formula World is one of the first Collision Repair
Centers in the world managed and owned by an Insurance company providing
exclusive service free of charge to its comprehensive motor policy holders.
Report Cites EPA's Failure to
Limit Most Toxic Air Emissions - ASA: The U.S. Government Accountability
Office (GAO) released a report this week citing the Environmental Protection
Agency's (EPA) failure to adequately execute its program to limit toxic air
emissions.
House Financial Services Subcommittee Approves
Narrow Insurance Reform Legislation - ASA: The House of Representatives
Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and
Government Sponsored Enterprises held a bill markup July 19 and approved H.R.
5637, insurance reform legislation, by a voice vote. The subcommittee is
chaired by Rep. Richard H. Baker, R-La.
OSHA Advisory:
Asbestos-Automotive Brake and Clutch Repair Work - OSHA is issuing this
Safety and Health Information Bulletin to inform employees and employers in the
automotive brake repair industry of the precautions that must be taken when
working with automotive brakes and clutches containing asbestos.
Glass Doctor® Recognizes
Outstanding Franchise Team Members with Awards - Glass Doctor, a
franchising company that provides glass replacement, service and repair to the
automotive, residential and commercial markets, honored its outstanding
franchisees and franchise team members during the company’s 2006 annual
conference in Phoenix, Ariz
Lear narrows second-quarter
loss - Southfield-based Lear Corp. tapered second-quarter losses despite
ballooned raw material cost to post a $4.8 billion net income, announced the
supplier of automotive seating and interiors Friday.
Shedding Benefits - PPG is
just one of an increasing number of healthy, profitable companies -- not just
bankrupt, desperate ones -- that are chipping away at employee and retiree
benefits. To shave millions in costs, companies are shedding health care and
pension benefits and shifting more of the costs onto employees and retirees.
Motorists seeking extra mileage
fill tires with nitrogen - Many motorists seeking to improve their mileage
as gas prices soar this summer are examining everything -- right down to the
air in their tires. And for a growing number, plain old air isn't good enough.
EPA, Auto Industry Reach Deal
on Mercury - Hoping to reduce harmful mercury emissions, the Environmental
Protection Agency, the auto industry and environmental groups said Wednesday
they have agreed to start a national program to collect mercury switches from
scrapped automobiles.
Recalls dent Toyota image - Vehicle
callbacks, probe into handling of defects could hurt No. 2 carmaker's
reputation.
Ghosn rules out hostile bid for
GM: report - The alliance between Renault and Nissan would not mount a
hostile takeover bid for General Motors should talks on a three-way tie-up
among the carmakers fail, Carlos Ghosn told a German newspaper.
The Hartford Reports 21% Drop
in Profits for 2nd Quarter - The Hartford Financial Services Group, one of
the nation's largest financial services and insurance companies, said that
second-quarter profits fell 21 percent as the company took a charge for a
reinsurance settlement.
Industry groups help hold down
costs - The Rhode Island Automobile Dealers Association formed a
self-insured safety group in the early 1990s in response to the rising cost of
workers’ compensation insurance.
Weber denies motion to dismiss
class action - Madison County Circuit Judge Don Weber denied Auto Owners
Casualty and Surety Company's motion to dismiss a class action case filed by
chiropractor Frank Bemis. -- Bemis filed suit in February of 2005, two days
before the enactment of the Class Action Fairness Act, claiming Auto Owners
improperly took a "PPO" discount without providing any channeling, steerage,
or referral of patients to him in violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and
Deceptive Business Practices Act.
Officials say motorists were
sold fake policies - Minnesota fraud investigators say a Brooklyn Park man
with a history of insurance fraud violations has sold fake auto insurance
policies, leaving drivers in the west-metro area without coverage and at risk
for legal troubles.
Three men arrested in
insurance fraud - A former claims adjuster for Automobile Club of Southern
California in San Bernardino was arrested this week, along with two other men,
on suspicion of making $595,000 in fraudulent insurance claims with the
company.
ASA Announces CARS 2006 Keynote
Speaker - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced Tom
Easton, senior partner with Essential Action Design Group, will be the keynote
speaker for the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS). Easton, whose
tasteful humor and down-to-earth style have earned him a reputation as one of
the best keynote speakers in America, is slated to appear during the CARS
Keynote Luncheon, Nov. 4, 2006.
Tualatin’s longstanding goal –
keep it local - OR: Dave Carney has owned Tualatin Autobody for 20 years.
He began with a single employee. Today Carney employs 30 people at his shop.
AAIA Releases Popular
Electronic Aftermarket Factbook - With identical content to the
best-selling Aftermarket Factbook, users of the eFactbook can access
information from the CD-ROM, whether in the office or on the road. Charts and
tables can be printed or copied and pasted into Excel, PowerPoint and other
software packages.
Hella Inc. Opens New Canadian
Sales Office - Hella Inc., the North American aftermarket subsidiary of
automotive lighting and electronics supplier Hella, is opening a new sales
office in the Toronto area.
LKQ 2Q Profit Rises 53 Percent on Sales -
LKQ Corp., a supplier of recycled parts to auto manufacturers and retailers, on
Thursday said second-quarter earnings escalated 53 percent, powered by strong
revenue growth from acquisitions.
ADESA, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2006 Results
- Second Quarter Highlights * Revenues grew 12% at Auction Services Group, as
vehicles entered into auction hit all-time record * Weak retail used vehicle
market adversely affected conversion rates * Realized double-digit revenue and
profit growth at Dealer Services Group
Dow Reports Second Quarter
Results - Dow Automotive reported lower volume compared with the same
quarter a year ago, principally the result of reduced industry builds in North
America. EBIT(1) for Performance Plastics was $412 million, down 17 percent
compared with $498 million in the same quarter last year.
Consumers must be put first in
Allstate battle - Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has been
joined by Gov. Kathleen Blanco in his fight to keep Allstate Insurance Co.
from dropping wind and hail coverage for 30,000 of its insured homeowners in
coastal parishes. -- Allstate says now only homeowners who do not also have
auto insurance with Allstate would lose wind and hail coverage. Coercion?
Car careers: `Nobody's going to turn away a good
technician' - As automobile dealerships nationwide shift their
recruitment efforts into high gear for everything from salespeople to
back-office staff, dealers in the Kalamazoo area are driving home their need
for automobile technicians.
New Equipment From CJJ -
CJJ, Inc. now manufactures and sells the Signature auto body frame machine. --
Twenty-foot-long treadways and a 7-foot-4-inch total bed width allow auto
repair specialists the ability to work on vehicles of many sizes.
6 arraigned in Queens in luxury auto thefts,
prosecutors say - Six men were arraigned Wednesday on charges of
operating a luxury-auto theft ring along the eastern seaboard allegedly headed
by a Special Forces soldier at Fort Bragg, prosecutors said. - The men washed
car titles clean by using Web sites to get vehicle identification numbers, or
VINs, from similar makes and models that had been salvaged, then put new VIN
plates on the stolen cars' dashboards and created matching titles, prosecutors
said.
Does It Work: Auto Cool - Its a scorcher
out there, and nowhere is the heat more searing than inside your car. A new
product advertised on TV claims it can get you out of the hot seat.
Truthful titles: By U.S. Senator Trent Lott- The
“Consumer Access to Total Loss Vehicle Data Act” will make available to
consumers information about automobiles declared a “total loss” by insurance
companies.
United Auto Group eyes expansion following record
2Q - United Auto Group Inc. (UAG) said Tuesday it will utilize a ripe
dealership acquisition market and a newly announced distribution partnership
with DaimlerChrysler AG (DCX) to continue its expansion drive in the U.S. and
overseas.
Autoliv 2Q Profit Down - Auto safety
systems maker Autoliv Inc. said Wednesday its second-quarter profit fell 3
percent on a corresponding drop in sales, but beat Wall Street expectations.
VW Sues Amid Faurecia Corruption Probe -
Volkswagen AG said Wednesday it has sued over a corruption investigation
centered on French auto parts maker Faurecia SA.
GM Reports a $3.1 Billion Loss
- General Motors said today that it lost $3.1 billion over all during the
second quarter and continued to lose money in its North American operations,
the focus of a turnaround effort by its chief executive, Rick Wagoner.
Ford says plant shutdown linked to slumping sales
- Ford Motor Co.'s unusual decision to idle its Norfolk F-150 truck plant for
four weeks spread across the next two months is a response to sliding sales of
big pickup trucks and a pileup of unsold vehicles.
Toyota's 2007 Camry: Reliable, Safe, Boring -
The Toyota Camry may well be the best selling car in America but it is also
head and shoulders above most of the pack in the race to be named the dullest
car in the land.
Cheap Chinese sportster coming to Europe
- Chinese car-maker Geely has confirmed its plans to export its
charmingly-named Beauty Leopard sports car to Europe. Geely, China's largest
privately-owned car-maker, aims to launch the self-developed coupe in 2008.
New System Allows Drivers To Receive And Check
E-Mail In Transit -The Intelligent Mechatronic Systems (IMS) is now
offering the first e-mail solution for in-vehicle use. -- The iLane will allow
drivers to do e-mail correspondence while still keeping their eyes on the road
and their hands on the steering wheel.
DriveSync to Power California State Automobile Association Pilot Program
- Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc. (IMS), a world leader in telematics
systems, is pleased to announce the selection of DriveSync(TM) for a driving
safety pilot program by the California State Automobile Association (CSAA).
CSAA is the AAA affiliate for Northern California, Nevada and Utah.
St. Paul Adding 600 Jobs in Conn. - St.
Paul Travelers has announced plans to add about 600 jobs in Connecticut as it
expands its operations.
David Morse & Associates Acquires ISAC, Expanding
Insurance Claims Service - David Morse & Associates, providers of
third-party administrator services, field adjusting services, specialty claims
services, and fraud investigations, has announced that Insurance Servicing &
Adjusting Company (ISAC) has become part of the David Morse & Associates Group.
Group buys locations of AutoBody America
- AutoBody America, the owner of four Nashville-area collision repair shops, is
getting out of the business with a management buyout of its locations in
Nashville, according to John Hughes, who is taking over operations of the
shops.
AASP MA/RI is new SCRS Affiliate Association -
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts and Rhode Island
(AASP MA/RI), a group founded in 1999 by a coalition representing the
automotive service and related industries, is the newest affiliate association
of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS).
Micro Rim Approved as CAPA Participant -
The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) has announced that Micro Rim
Corporation, a full service Reactive Injected Mold (RIM) and Thermo Plastic
Olefin (TPO) manufacturing facility headquartered in Highland Park, Michigan,
has joined CAPA as a Full Participant.
Consumer Watch 7 - Automotive Repairs -
VA: According to Attorney General Bob McDonnell's office, the best way to avoid
auto repair fraud is to be prepared and educate yourself on the vehicle you're
driving.
Auto scheme nets 3 years in prison - NJ:
A 33-year-old Roselle man has been sentenced to a three-year prison term for
helping an auto body shop employee dispose of a car that had been falsely
reported stolen.
Bodyshopmall appoints Jill MacMahon -
Bodyshopmall has appointed Jill MacMahon to the position of Direct Sales
Representative for the London, Ontario market.
Rohm & Haas second-quarter earnings drop - Chemicals maker Rohm & Haas
Co. on Tuesday said second-quarter profit fell, hurt by a loss at its
automotive coatings business, which it intends to sell.
3M CEO says 'disappointed' in 2Q performance as
demand slows - Growth was below expectations "in three key businesses -
automotive after market, industrial adhesives and tapes as well as the
automotive (original equipment manufacturer) business," he said, due to
softness in the U.S. auto industry.
eDirectglass Becomes Auto Glass Technician
Olympics Sponsor - eDirectglass, the software supplier from Scottsdale,
Ariz., has joined the growing list of software sponsors of the Auto Glass
Technician Olympic (AGTO), the industry’s only competition to foster quality
installations and technician skills.
Automotive high strength steel
demand rises - The demand for high strength steels, including the
dual-phase materials, by vehicle manufacturers is increasing because of a blend
of structural, crash performance and weight benefits.
Ford teams to attack costs - As carmaker
considers cutting jobs and benefits, two groups will reduce product, operation
costs.
Bernhard Calls Volkswagen Future `Disastrous'
Without Job Cuts - Bernhard and his boss, Volkswagen CEO Bernd
Pischetsrieder, have an ambitious program to return Volkswagen to its former
glory as the king of the small-car makers. They want to eliminate as many as
20,000 German jobs.
New federal traffic safety chief faces daunting
to-do list - In Nicole Nason's role, the lawyer, who most recently
served as President Bush's safety-issues lobbyist on Capitol Hill, will be
called on to settle high-stakes conflicts between automakers and safety
advocates.
Auto Crashes - The cost
and crashworthiness of vehicles as well as drivers’ safety habits affect the
cost of auto insurance.
Insurers call storms 'catastrophe' - MO:
Two large insurers are using the term "catastrophe" to describe the extent of
damage from last week's storms, and are providing extra adjusters to handle the
demand in claims.
July 25, 2006
Copart Opens Tenth Facility in Florida -
Copart, Inc. announced the opening of its Tampa East facility, located at 15309
Highway 574, Dover, Florida. This 27 acre facility is the tenth in the state of
Florida, and brings the total number of storage locations to 121 throughout the
United States and Canada.
Maaco Taps Hass MS&L for
Automotive PR - Maaco Collision Repair and Auto Painting selected Hass
Manning Selvage and Lee in Troy as its automotive specialty public relations
partner.
Kirtland receives new Chrysler
for automotive training - Kirtland Community College Automotive Department
instructor Richard Bonk was pleased to make room for a new addition in his
classroom - a 2006 Sebring TSI, donated by the DaimlerChrysler Corp. for
student training.
Atomizer suits automotive coating applications -
Automotive Finishing RMA-303 Indirect robot-mounted atomizer features titanium
bell cup with up to 70,000 rpm rotation speed, and is suited for large volume
coating operations.
Mark your calendars for the SPE Automotive
Composites Conference and Exhibition - The 6th-annual SPE Automotive
Composites Conference & Exhibition (ACCE) – sponsored jointly by the SPE
Automotive and Composites Divisions – provides an environment dedicated solely
to discussion and networking about advances in the automotive composites
industry.
City Council to vote on auto shop funds -
Union Square auto shop owners who keep their businesses in town would share a
$600,000 relocation fund under a proposal before the City Council tonight.
UnitedAuto Reports Record Second Quarter Results
- Total Revenues Increase 12% -- Income From Continuing Operations Increases
15% to $36.6 Million -- Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations Rise 15%
to $0.39
Diamond Glass Companies
Announces AGRSS Registration - Diamond Glass Companies (DGC) has become a
registered company of the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS)
Council, a not for profit organization dedicated to the safe replacement of
auto glass.
Software aids automotive seat manufacturing
- Specialized engineering software specifically addresses the designing and
manufacturing of automotive seat systems and interior components and is
integrated with the major CAD systems.
Delphi exploring sale of auto interiors business
- Delphi, which filed the biggest bankruptcy in U.S. automotive history in
October 2005, had said in March that it expected to phase out production in
those areas among others to focus on more profitable auto parts business.
Magna in overdrive - A solid business
plan and strong guiding principles have helped Magna leave its auto-parts
industry rivals in the dust
Dana May Cut Worker Benefits -
Toledo-based auto parts makers Dana has told creditors it may seek cuts on
retiree benefits as part of its restructuring under bankruptcy protection.
French supplier Faurecia, VW are probed
- Prosecutors said Monday they are investigating French auto parts supplier
Faurecia SA and employees of German car makers including Volkswagen AG on
suspicion that the parts maker paid bribes to secure delivery contracts.
Nissan Quarterly Profit Rises
4.2 Percent - Nissan Motor Co. said Tuesday its net profit rose 4.2 percent
in the most recent quarter on improved sales and a lack of one-time charges
that hurt earnings the previous year.
Insurance For The Un-Insured - If you
don't have uninsured and underinsured motorists' coverage, I've got news for
you. That's the coverage that pays your liability claim in case an at-fault
driver doesn't have any insurance or doesn't have enough to pay your liability
claim.
State Farm® is first Insurance carrier to receive
new CIECA Certification - The Collision Industry Electronic Commerce
Association (CIECA) announced that State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance
Company is the first Insurance Company to become certified under the new CIECA
Certification program.
Online tool assesses estimators
- A new online assessment tool can help insurance companies and collision
repair shops evaluate and hire facility estimators, insurance auto physical
damage appraisers, independent auto appraisers and other staff.
Hail damage puts auto body
shops to the test - Portsmouth – The aftermath of last week’s storm has
body shops along the Seacoast backed up until fall after hail pummeled vehicles
out of commission and into local garages for repairs.
Auto theft hits home for average car owner
- Auto theft is a huge problem worldwide, but stealing specific auto parts and
their re-sale to crooked repair shops is more likely to affect the average
car-owner.
NASTF - Next Meeting During Las
Vegas 'Industry Week' - The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF)
announced today that the semi-annual meeting will be held in Las Vegas during
Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week.
House-Senate Conference
Committee Agrees to Perkins Act - ASA: U.S. House of Representatives and
U.S. Senate negotiators agreed to renew the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and
Technical Education Act (S. 250) for another six years.
Departing Pep Boys CEO to Get
$2.7 Mln - The former chief executive of Pep Boys, who resigned this week
amid shareholder pressure, will be getting $2.7 million to leave.
Firestone asks drivers to turn
in recalled tires - Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire Friday
launched an campaign Friday to get recalled Ford Explorer tires off the roads
in the wake of a series of severe accidents involving the tires.
Nippon deal 'to benefit' of
Pilks - New CBI chief Richard Lambert says St Helens glass maker Pilkington
can only benefit from its takeover by Japan's Nippon Sheet Glass.
Why Kerkorian Can Slug It Out With GM -
GM used to be worth more than 100 times as much as Kerkorian.Why Kerkorian Can
Slug It Out With GM - GM used to be worth more than 100 times as much as
Kerkorian.
Russia's AvtoVAz says may buy GM stake in venture
- Russia's No.1 car maker AvtoVAZ will buy out the stake of General Motors in
their joint venture, if the U.S. partner offers the right conditions, AvtoVAZ's
head said in an interview published on Monday.
CSN adds director of business development
- Collision Solutions Network has appointed Nancy Ng to the newly created role
of director of business development. The position has been developed to help
further the growth of the network throughout Canada.
New DuPont Car Finishes Will Be Tougher Due to
Polymers Made With Renewable Resources - A new generation of tough,
chip-resistant DuPont automotive refinish products, reinforced with newly
invented bio-based polymers, could be available for use in auto collision
repair centers by 2008. The new coatings will be made using renewably sourced
intermediate ingredients that are biodegradable and virtually non-toxic.
DuPont finishes reinforcement of key U.S. Gulf
plant - DuPont Co. , which shut 14 plants last autumn due to damage
from hurricanes, on Thursday said it has strengthened a flood wall at its most
badly damaged chemical facility in DeLisle, Mississippi.
With 35 years of successful
partnership under their belt, the future is theirs - BASF Coatings with its
R-M® automotive refinish brand and Citroën. -- The two companies will also be
working toward meeting objectives together in the future: expanding and
developing body shops, uniform standards, and just as important, the expansion
and consequently increase in business activities relating to accident claims
settlement.
PPG Industries 2Q Profit Up
- PPG Industries Inc., maker of paints, coatings and sealants, said Thursday
second-quarter profit increased, as it raised prices to counter higher raw
materials costs.
Demand, prices boost
Sherwin-Williams - Sherwin-Williams Co. reported on Thursday a
better-than-expected 21% rise in second-quarter profit, bolstered by strong
worldwide demand for its paints as well as price hikes.
ExxonMobil now marketing own compounds -
ExxonMobil Chemical announced it would market a line of compounded
polypropylene for the automotive industry. ExxonMobil Performance Polyolefins
are available from ExxonMobil Chemical facilities in North America, Europe and
Asia.
GDX Automotive Finalist in Best
Plants Competition - IndustryWeek seeks plants that have "a comprehensive
dedication to excellence and manufacturing performances that shine" for the
nationwide contest.
Auto suppliers expecting boost
from new Honda plant - Honda Motor Co.'s decision to build a new assembly
plant in Indiana has some Ohio auto parts suppliers worried about whether they
will have enough capacity and employees to meet the growing demand.
Auto parts makers lose ground - Despite
breathless anticipation over auto-maker alliances, stock and bond investors
still see much of the U.S. car business as a sputtering jalopy.
Lear to Sell Europe Interiors Unit - Lear
Corp. on Thursday said it has agreed to sell its European interiors systems
segment to International Automotive Components Group, in exchange for a 34
percent equity interest in the joint venture.
Ford Blames 2Q Loss on
Dependence of SUVs - Ford Motor Co. dashed Wall Street's hopes for a
profitable second quarter Thursday, blaming its dependence on high-margin SUVs
for a $123 million loss as consumers shifted toward gas-sipping cars.
Nissan Chief Shares Agenda of
GM Talks - The chief executive of Renault and Nissan said Friday that the
initial 90-day talks with General Motors about a possible partnership will be
about advantages in working together, but won't address the possibility of
holding capital stakes.
Authorities reprimand Toyota over recall -
TOKYO: The government will reprimand Toyota for failing to act more quickly in
a recall case that is now under criminal investigation, but authorities
determined no laws were broken and no fines will be imposed, a ministry
official said Thursday.
For Mexico, growth takes form
of new auto plants - For Mexico, the recent groundbreaking of a new $650
million auto factory was worth celebrating. President Vicente Fox and other
dignitaries attended the event. Local executives from General Motors, the
investor, flew in to the central state of San Luis Potosi, where the assembly
plant now under construction is expected to eventually employ up to 1,800
people and churn out as many as 160,000 compact cars a year.
Auto Insurers File Suit Over
New Risk-Assessment Rules - The auto insurance industry fought back
Thursday against Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi, challenging in court
new state regulations outlawing auto insurance rates based primarily on where
a driver lives.
Florida anti-fraud law seen as solution to
unscrupulous shops - Legitimate collision repair operations have little
to fear from tough new legislation in Florida targeting fabricated insurance
claims filed over “staged,” “phantom” and “paper” automobile crashes,
according to industry representatives.
ASA Signs Hexavalent Chromium
Letter to OSHA - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has signed a
coalition letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
requesting compliance guidance with respect to air monitoring and hexavalent
chromium Cr(VI) exposure. The letter was sent to Edwin G. Foulke Jr., assistant
secretary of labor.
Terrence Chambers Named Manager, Color Marketing
N.A. For PPG - Terrance Chambers has been named manager, color
marketing for PPG Automotive Refinish it was announced by Mary Kimbro,
director, marketing North America Automotive Refinish. In his new position,
Chambers will be responsible to plan, develop and implement a color marketing
strategy for all PPG Refinish brands.
Automotive sales, repairs top
list - Problems with purchasing a new or used car and repairing cars
dominated the top 10 consumer complaints handled by the Maryland Attorney
General’s Consumer Protection Office in 2005, according to Rebecca Bowman,
assistant Maryland attorney general.
Wales Selected as Preferred Location for
Production of Smart Cars - Wales has been chosen by Project Kimber, a
consortium of international auto executives, as the preferred location for a
new assembly plant for the production of its re-branded and re-engineered
versions of DaimlerChrysler's smart roadster and coupe sports cars.
Honda Unveils Civic Three-Door for Europe Only
- Honda has unveiled the new Civic three-door, alongside a concept version of
the much-anticipated Type R. The three-door will go on sale in Europe in
January 2007, with the Type R following a little later. At present, Honda has
no plans to bring the car to the U.S., but as one insider told us, "At Honda,
you never say never."
NAACP Recognizes Ford Motor Company With 'Top Honors' on Automotive Industry
Report Card - NAACP votes Ford as one of its highest performers on 2006
Economic Reciprocity Initiative Report Card -- Ford to serve as title sponsor
of Youth Freedom Fund Dinner -- Baton to be passed to Detroit as the host city
for the 2007 NAACP Convention - Ford to serve on host committee
Toyota vows to step up quality amid rising
recalls - Toyota Motor Corp., plagued with a rise in vehicle recalls
and facing a legal probe into past recall practice, vowed on Thursday to step
up quality efforts, saying this was imperative to ensure continued growth.
Toyota Recall Coming Later This Month -
Toyota is planning a recall of more than 360,000 SUVs later this month. --
Officials say the 2004 and 2005 Toyota Highlander and the new 2006 Highlander
Hybrid are included in the recall.
The Hartford Announces Sale of
Omni Insurance Group - The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., one of
the nation's leading providers of investment and insurance products, today
announced a definitive agreement to sell its non-standard property and
casualty subsidiary, Omni Insurance Group, to Independent Insurance
Investments, Inc. (4i's), a portfolio company of Inverness Partners II, for
approximately $100 million.
Rhode Island Governor Throws Monkey Wrench at
Motoring Consumers by Allowing Anti-Consumer Bill to Become Law, States Care
- HB 7705 states that for any automobile which is LESS than thirty (30) months
beyond the date of manufacture, the insurer and the auto body repair shop must
provide a written notice to the vehicle owner that he or she is entitled to
"original equipment manufacturer parts (OEM) in the repair of a motor vehicle
body replacement part. To comply with this provision, written notice may be
provided on the appraisal written on behalf of the insurer and the estimate
prepared by the auto body repair shop.
CIC Database Task Force meets
with CCC and MOTOR - The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Database Task
Force — comprised of representatives from the three largest national collision
repair trade associations: the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP),
the Automotive Service Association (ASA), and the Society of Collision Repair
Specialists (SCRS — met recently with representatives from CCC Information
Services, Inc. (CCC) and MOTOR Information Systems at MOTOR’s headquarters in
Troy, Michigan.
Automechanika Illuminates
Latest Autobody Trends - A series of live events will highlight the latest
in body repair and refinishing technology and techniques at Automechanika in
Frankfurt this September.
Randy Cremeans named manager, collision segment
North America for PPG - Randy Cremeans has been named manager,
collision segment North America for PPG Automotive Refinish said Mary Kimbro,
director, marketing North America Automotive Refinish. In his new position,
Cremeans will be responsible for the strategy and growth of the PPG Automotive
Refinish premium and mid collision segments.
Trade Secrets - Knowing
exactly where every one of your shop's tools can be found prevents hours of
wasted time each year. Having manuals and related paperwork within easy reach
is icing on the cake.
High Gas Prices Hurt Independent Station Owners
- IL: Bob's Auto Body and Repair in Blue Island stopped selling gas after 40
years. He's now focusing on his auto body and repair business. He said
competing with the big name gas companies as an independent just wasn't
profitable.
R&D Magazine Names Dow Automotive Adhesive
Technology Among The Top 100 - BETAMATE™ low energy substrate adhesive
(LESA) from Dow Automotive has been selected by an independent panel of judges
and editors at R&D Magazine as one of the 100 Most Technologically Significant
New Products & Processes of the Year.
Nissan to set up auto parts
export base in Thailand - Nissan Motor Co. said on Tuesday it will set up
an auto parts export base in Thailand that will ship about $300 million worth
of locally procured components to its manufacturing plants around the world in
2007.
Car parts maker Delphi sets up China trading arm
- Bankrupt U.S. auto parts maker Delphi said on Tuesday it had set up a trading
arm in China to help boost its retail operations in the world's second-largest
auto market.
Toyota To Repair Selected Echo, Prius Vehicles
- Torrance-based Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. announced Tuesday that it will
replace, free of charge, the crankshaft position sensor on certain 2001 through
early 2002 model year Echo and Prius vehicles.
Could Toyota's hugs and kisses
for GM, Ford be genuine? - For a guy whose company routinely bashes Detroit
Auto's collective brains in, you've gotta give Toyota Motor Corp.'s Jim Press
high marks for wielding power with grace.
DaimlerChrysler Bribery Claims
Probed - Prosecutors said Wednesday they are investigating former employees
of DaimlerChrysler AG and other people for suspected corruption in the
carmaker's business in Poland and Ghana.
DaimlerChrysler Reaches Deal With Workers
- DaimlerChrysler AG said it reached an agreement Tuesday with worker
representatives to avoid forced changes as it moves ahead with a plan to cut
administrative staff.
Insurance database on hold - TX: The
state delayed expanding a program to verify motorists having auto insurance
while it determines the best way to manage the data of 15 million drivers.
Oregon Activitst Tries to
Prohibit Insurers from Raising Rates - Sidelined for the past four years
because of legal troubles brought on by a racketeering lawsuit, Oregon's most
prolific initiative author -- Bill Sizemore -- is getting back into the fight.
NABC Makes Second Call for
PRIDE Nominations - The National Auto Body Council (NABC) is making a
second call for its 2006 PRIDE Award nominations. The PRIDE Award, celebrating
its 11th year, recognizes those in the collision repair industry performing
extraordinary service to their communities.
Visteon to Release
Second-Quarter 2006 Financial Results by Teleconference and Webcast -
Visteon Corporation, one of the world's leading suppliers of automotive
components and integrated systems, will release its second-quarter 2006
financial results at 7 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, August 1, via PR Newswire. At 9
a.m. EDT, a conference call is scheduled to discuss the results in further
detail, as well as other related matters.
Stamping plant on brink of closure - The
South Charleston stamping plant will likely cease production in October and
close by the end of the year, the owner said today.
6 brands seek delay on airbags
- Federal regulators promise prompt action on requests from a group of
automakers that say they cannot meet advanced airbag rules scheduled to take
effect Sept. 1.
IT: What’s behind the
auto-parts IT gap? - Deloitte Consulting and the Original Equipment
Suppliers Association (OESA) have surveyed auto parts suppliers, and found that
they spend 56 percent less on information technology (IT) than their
manufacturing peers. Is IT simply less a priority for automotive?
Ford to launch new vehicles in
'07 - Wall Street's perception that Ford Motor Co. doesn't have new
products in the pipeline and is too slow to restructure is incorrect, said Mark
Fields, Ford's executive vice president and president of the Americas.
Toyota Recalls 268,000 Vehicles Over Faulty
Engine - The recall affects 268,570 vehicles, including Corollas and
the compact car Vitz, the company said in a statement submitted to Japan's
transport ministry.
The Most Recalled Cars 2006
- From SUVs to sedans, a look at which 2006 model year cars experienced the
biggest recalls
Insurer denies it fired
employee for exposing fraud - In the original pleadings, Klecka, who
worked as an adjuster in the insurer's "fraud unit," alleges he was asked to
investigate a claim as a favor for an Allstate agent manager. In his
investigation, the pleadings allege, Klecka uncovered suspicious claims
activity on the part of an employee working within Allstate's claims
department.
Wis. Gas Giveaway from Allstate
Leads to Crashes, Arrests - Allstate's good intentions turned nasty when two
car crashes occurred and four people were arrested in excitement over a gasoline
giveaway to reward the city of Milwaukee for its safe-driving record.
Claims Software eliminates need
to re-key estimates - As Shoplink® add-on module, ClaimsElement(TM) allows
collision repair facilities to electronically retrieve data from insurance
adjuster estimates prepared using Audatex solutions.
Taking care of car repair - MA: The student from Assabet Valley
Regional Technical High School now working at Ultra Shine Collision, an auto
body service shop in Marlborough, has received a valuable piece of advice from
the company’s owners.
Investigation targets statewide auto parts theft
ring - MI: A statewide theft ring that authorities say specialized in
stealing expensive tires and rims from vehicles on dealer lots has been broken
up following a two-year investigation.
Auto parts company looks to Auburn - AL:
A Dutch automotive products company has selected Auburn as the site for its
first U.S. manufacturing facility.
Six years given for auto-parts
eBay fraud - IN: A Steuben County man was handed a six-year sentence Friday
for making fraudulent online sales of classic car parts, and he must pay
$14,000 in restitution.
Polymers Pre-Show Survey Results - The
need for innovation, new technologies and strategies to manage challenges borne
from a fiercely competitive global marketplace are a few of the themes that
emerged from the results of the DuPont Engineering Polymers survey of plastics
professionals attending the NPE next week in Chicago.
Ohio luring auto suppliers with zero percent
financing - The state of Ohio is offering zero percent financing to
auto-parts suppliers willing to build new factories or expand in Ohio in a bid
to attract suppliers for the new Honda Motor Co. plant that Ohio lost to
Indiana.
GM says hasn't been approached by Toyota on
tie-up - General Motors Corp. said Sunday that the auto maker hasn't
been approached by Toyota Motor Corp. concerning a potential alternative
alliance to one being discussed by GM and other auto makers.
Automotive secrets you should
know - These automotive secrets can help you save money, make smart buying
decisions and keep you safe when you're on the road.
New rules for auto insurance - California regulators approved new rules
Friday that force companies to give more weight to drivers' safety records and
years of experience when calculating insurance rates than to their home zip
codes.
July 14, 2006
Senate Banking Committee
Debates Insurance Reform Legislation - The Senate Committee on Banking,
Housing and Urban Affairs held a hearing July 11 to discuss legislation
introduced by Sens. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., and John Sununu, R-N.H. The
controversial legislation could impact who regulates the insurance industry,
which is currently controlled by the states.
Owner of Las Vegas auto repair
shop sentenced in insurance fraud scam - District Court Judge Sally Loehrer
sentenced Alfredo Gonzalez Foutch, owner of Big Boys Toys auto repair shop, to
six months in Clark County Detention Center for two gross misdemeanor counts of
conspiracy to commit insurance fraud.
Delphi unions object to executive bonuses
- Delphi Corp. employee unions on Wednesday asked Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain
of the Southern District of New York to reject a $60 million-a-year executive
bonus program at a time when the auto parts supplier is moving forward on
attrition programs offered to more than 30,000 union employees.
Ford Finally Gets a Better Idea
- Hoping to tap into the escalating demand for quality aftermarket parts, Ford
is offering a small selection of parts for several of its sedans through
dealerships.
Make sure you understand the
warranty on your used car - Many used car buyers are unaware that Minnesota
has one of the strongest used car warranty laws in the nation, but it doesn’t
cover vehicles with more than 75,000 miles.
Honda says N. American sales
better than expected - The head of Honda Motor Co. said on Thursday that
sales in North America were stronger than anticipated as customers flocked to
its fuel-efficient cars, while demand in the lacklustre Japanese market was in
line with expectations.
Bridgestone Firestone to Close Plant -
Bridgestone Firestone said Thursday it has finalized its decision to close its
Dayton Tire plant which employs about 1,400 people in Oklahoma City.
PPG Industries Appoints Harrington Manager of
Color Styling For Automotive Coatings - In her new position, Harrington
is responsible for creating, planning and managing PPG's annual global color
show - which showcases new color creations and the latest technical advancements
- to support automakers as they select and develop colors that enhance the brand
identity and image of the vehicles they bring to market.
Blazing a Path to New Customers
- Today more than 65 percent of all auto service customers are women ... busy
women. You've probably seen the shift in your customer base, but what have you
changed about your business to accommodate this busy customer?
Exeter aftermath: doused and
dented - NH: Legions of exasperated homeowners and drivers yesterday took
to the streets, and to the phones, beginning to assess and repair the damage
inflicted by Tuesday’s violent hailstorm. -- Insurance companies, contractors
and auto repair shops have been swamped since the storm let up.
Akzo Nobel expanding coatings
production in the Pontiac, MI - Akzo Nobel, the world’s largest coatings
company, underlines its commitment to the North American automotive plastic
coatings market with a state of the art production expansion.
Toyota Recalling 367,500 Toyota
and Lexus SUVs; Nissan Recalling 201,000 Altima and Sentra Sedans - Toyota
Motor Corp. is recalling 367,500 Toyota and Lexus sport utility vehicles in the
United States because a piece in the front console area could come loose and
interfere with the gas pedal. -- In a separate announcement Wednesday, Nissan
North America Inc. said it would recall nearly 201,000 Altima and Sentra sedans
from the 2003 model year to fix a faulty sensor that can cause the engine to
shut down.
Big 3 muscle in on custom
equipment show's top honor - Do you hear the roar already? I do. -- I'm
anticipating the wonderful muscle car sounds that will fill Las Vegas at the
Specialty Equipment Market Association show three months from now.
Ford says it's more than 50% to
buyout goal - Ford Motor Co. said Tuesday that about 850 factory workers
accepted buyouts effective July 1, pushing the total so far this year to more
than half of the company's goal.
Board reviews regulating auto
body repair industry - Hampton, VA: It took H J Coxton nearly a minute to
list all the safety, noise, environmental impact and insurance regulations his
auto body repair shop in York County has to meet. And he may have to add another
as early as next year.
Mainstreet Computers Debuts New Website Design
- "We rolled out our new website about April of this year. It simply was time
for a facelift as our site needed to better serve both our sales and support
objectives. Our first step was to bring it in house to better design, develop
and manage its ongoing usefulness," said Mark Haeck, sales manager for
Mainstreet Computers Inc.
Copart Accelerates Expense
Control With Expensewatch.com - Copart, Inc., the nation's largest reseller
of total-loss vehicles, recently selected expensewatch.com to automate internal
expense controls throughout its 120 facilities in the United States and Canada.
PLURACOAT offers flexibility to
coatings formulators - BASF launches Pluracoat specialty additives for
coatings, adhesives and sealants, a portfolio of functional platforms addressing
a broad range of needs and applications.
Nine auto parts workers facing unemployment in Ind. win $9M - For nearly 16
years, the men - all current and former Delphi Corp. employees - pooled their
money to buy $50 worth of lottery tickets each week. After buying $41,000 in
tickets, they finally matched all six numbers in the July 1 drawing.
EU: To Continue Talks With China On Auto-Parts
Tariffs - The European Union is carrying on consultations with China to
resolve differences over Chinese tariffs on imports of automobile parts,
European Commission officials said Tuesday.
Toyota officials under
investigation - Three Toyota officials are under criminal investigation on
suspicion of professional negligence in allegedly shirking recalls for eight
years and not fixing a defect that may have caused an accident, police said
Tuesday.
NHTSA Investigates Toyota
Scion tC - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is
investigating the 2005 and 2006 Toyota Scion tC following nine reports of
shattered moonroofs.
GE’s New Lexan Xtreme Heat Resins For Auto
Lighting - As space and weight constraints drive more compact, sleeker
forward lighting components, automotive suppliers seek materials that can meet
the challenges posed by these new designs, including higher temperatures from
proximity to bulbs and thinner-wall parts for reduced mass.
Will Ghosn Save General Motors? - When
shareholder Kirk Kerkorian proposed an alliance between General Motors,
Renault and Nissan, investors assumed GM was in trouble and only salvageable
by Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn, Local 4 reported.
Car insurance trade groups vow
to keep fighting rate rules - A trade organization representing some of the
state's largest auto insurers said it will keep fighting proposed rate-setting
rules despite a decision by the Automobile Club of Southern California to honor
them.
July 11, 2006
Popularily of "direct repair"
car centers prompts expansion - An automotive collision repair business in
Troy, N.Y., has built a 6,000-square-foot addition to handle a growing number of
customers who bring their damaged cars to a shop authorized by their insurance
carrier as a "direct repair" center.
State Farm to take
"performance-based" DRP nationwide - The controversial program, which State
Farm tested in four states starting last January, requires shops that are
current part of the company's Service First program to reapply to the program.
State Farm then evaluates the shops and retains those that meet its criteria
New I-CAR Pricing Structure Effective August 1,
2006 - Keeping up with the economic drivers associated with training
delivery, pricing changes are in store for most I-CAR training program delivery
systems effective August 1, 2006.
It's harder to steer clear of
deer - In Joe Wetherington's Atlanta auto body shop, the number of cars
that need repairs because of deer collisions has risen significantly in the
last decade.
CARSTAR adds new location in Nova Scotia -
The newest CARSTAR Automotive Canada location in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia,
officially opened its doors on Tuesday, July 4. Upham's CARSTAR Collision New
Glasgow joins a network of over 100 CARSTAR locations across the country.
A Breakthrough For Powder-primed Automotive Parts
- An OEM-led research partnership recently announced new developments in sheet
molding compound (SMC) that allow SMC parts to be "powder-primed" without
sacrificing Class A surface quality.
