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March 31, 2006

General Motors Adopts CCAR's S/P2 Online Training for GM ASEP/BSEP Schools - The GM ASEP and BSEP are two-year, Associate Degree programs designed to provide competent automotive service and auto body repair technicians to General Motors dealers.
Automotive scholarship applications due April 30 - Christopher Bannister, chairman of the Automotive and Collision Repair Departments at New England Institute of Technology in Warwick, R.I., has announced the availability of the Automotive Technology Outstanding Student Scholarship.
Group 1 Automotive Selects ADP Dealer Services as Sole Technology Systems Provider - Large Automotive Dealership Group to Place All its Stores on ADP's Dealer Management System
I-CAR Adds Adaptive Cruise Control to Its Online Training Library - In this program, you will learn what an ACC system is, how a typical ACC system operates, and which vehicle makers offer ACC systems. Also, various parts related to a typical ACC system will be explained along with damage analysis, diagnosing system problems, and replacing parts.
EU Requests WTO Consultations With China on Auto Parts Tariffs - The EU has today asked China to participate in consultations at the WTO in Geneva on China's tariff rules on parts for automobiles, which the EU believes are not compatible with China's WTO obligations. The consultations are a procedural step that will allow all parties to clarify legal issues and seek a constructive solution to the issue.
ASE to Manage NASTF - Many changes are afoot at the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), the not-for-profit group that takes responsibility for identifying and rectifying gaps in the availability and accessibility of automotive service information and tools to independent repair shops.
Wilbur Ross Says His Auto-Parts Acquisition Spree Has Far to Go - Six months after gambling on his hunch that the auto-parts industry is ripe for consolidation, U.S. billionaire investor Wilbur Ross says his acquisition spree has only just begun.
Insurance institute alters crash test program - Automakers' data on frontal protection to be submitted, verified
Auto sales licensing is a real lemon - A nasty fight is under way at the state Legislature between a Scottsdale auto broker and the influential lobby of the Arizona Automobile Dealers Association.
Indiana Visteon plant laying off 74 workers - A Visteon spokesman says the layoffs are permanent. He says the plant had too many people on temporary layoffs to remain competitive.
Auto parts plant coming to Mt. Juliet - TN: Tacle is a joint venture between Michigan-based Lear Corp. and Japanese parts supplier Tachi-S. It will provide seats for Nissan North America’s Smyrna assembly plant. Tachi-S owns 51% of the company while Lear owns 49%.
Delphi to shed 14 of its U.S. plants - Grand Rapids is only Mich. shop to survive, union says
Pilkington Also Announces Three-Percent Price Increase - With the announcement of the PPG’s 3-percent, speculation ran rampant on the AGRR message boards as to when glass manufacturer Pilkington would make a similar announcement.
ACI Distribution Announces Price Increase - ACI Distribution today announced its own three-percent price increase, becoming the latest auto glass industry related company to implement a pricing change in recent weeks.
Allstate Memo Encourages Use of GLAXIS; Stirs the Talk on the Message Boards - Visitors to the AGRR message boards have been discussing a recent memo from Allstate administrator Carla Holmes recommends that all Allstate Glass Claims Express (GCE) program participants file claims using electronic dispatch.
No parking: SF short on spots - Not having anyplace to park, 600 State Farm Insurance Cos. employees began working from home last week at the company’s request.
Insurance.com Is Rolling Out Two New Auto Insurance Products - The first addition to the Insurance.com family is Dimensions from The Hartford. -- The other new product being added to the mix is Quantum Auto from Travelers.

March 30, 2006

Nebraska Business Owner Receives Glass Professional Of-The-Year Award - Independent Nebraska glass shop owner, Mark Rizzi of Alliance Nebraska receives Independent Glass Association’s Glass Professional Of-The-Year award.
Nebraska Autobody Association presents Collision Industry Day - April 29, 2006, New World Inn, Columbus Nebraska
Advantage Truck Accessories is 2005 Small Business of the Year - Owners Terry Dicke and Ross Weldy started Advantage in October 2002. The two developed new types of tonneau covers and now manufacture the products under such brand names as Torza Top, HardHat and Sure-Fit, and serve such customers as Keystone Automotive, Ford Racing and Nissan Canada. -- When they started in business, Dicke and Weldy decided to use the company to help the less fortunate. -- "In every case, when you try to help others and you try to do the right thing, it makes your company more profitable," Dicke said. "We feel being socially responsible is good business."
Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2005 Results - Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc., the largest distributor and marketer of specialty automotive accessories in North America, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.
Auto Shop Fire Ruled Arson - The state fire marshal's office has ruled Tuesday's fire at Chuck's Auto Body Shop in Harrison County an arson.
Headlight maker recalls over 60,000 lamps - Big lamp recall affects vehicles made by nearly all major automakers
For U.S. makers, brand loyalty keeps slipping away - Influx of foreign cars, with reputations for reliability, is attracting more American buyers.
Visteon to restructure French ops; unions say 204 jobs to go - Visteon Corp said it is planning to restructure its French operations because of 'the significant reduction in the volume of production' of cars in France, but declined to comment on trade union claims that it aims to cut 204 jobs there.
Investor: Global auto industry is healthy - National City adviser is optimistic; business crowd at Ford plant told that the sky is not falling.
Manheim Auction Receives DaimlerChrysler Remarketing Honor - DaimlerChrysler Remarketing has named Manheim's Arena Auto Auction in Bolingbrook, Ill., as the 2005 Auction of the Year. Arena Auto Auction was selected for providing the highest residual values, quality and customer service to DaimlerChrysler and its dealers throughout the past year.
Billionaire Ross Snaps Up Lear's European Unit - Want a lesson on how to use your cash to shake up an entire industry? Look no further than Wilbur Ross for a highly qualified tutor.
New plastics resins from Solvay Advanced Polymers for automotive lighting - Solvay Advanced Polymers introduces two plastics resins that present new options for highly reflective, directly metallized automotive lighting applications.
GE Plastics Drives Bumper-to-Bumper Solutions for Global Automotive Industry - Global supplier of plastic resins, GE Plastics, earns reputation as a leading automotive supplier of bumper-to-bumper solutions in engineering thermoplastics for nearly 50 years.
CarMD.com Puts Automotive Health in the Palm of Your Hand - CarMD.com Corp. has introduced a revolutionary diagnostic tool that gives drivers a fast, convenient solution for monitoring their vehicle's health. CarMD combines an easy-to-use handheld tester with an unprecedented online database to provide consumers with information that, until now, only mechanics could access.
eMachineShop.com Online Factory Boosts Customized Parts Horsepower for Automotive Do-It-Yourselfers - eMachineShop, the world's first online factory for customized parts, is helping gear-heads ready their vehicles for the road and track, restore classic cars and prepare motorcycles for rides in the coming good weather.
Bill seeks delay on auto insurance - The state Legislature is unsure of what to do this session about Florida's no-fault auto-insurance law, which requires every driver to carry coverage that pays medical bills regardless of who's at fault in a crash.
Judge studies State Farm request in for more time in lawsuit - State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. has until May 26 to turn over documents for a grand jury's probe of allegations that the insurer fraudulently denied policyholders' claims after Hurricane Katrina, a Harrison County judge ruled Wednesday.

March 29, 2006

URG Announces Support for ARA Recycled Parts Guide - United Recyclers Group (URG) has announced their support of the newly issued Version 2.0 of the "Recycled Parts Guide: Expectations and Guidelines" from the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA).
Nader returning to auto safety watchdog role - More than 40 years after “Unsafe at Any Speed” shook up the auto industry, Ralph Nader is returning to his roots.
Auto Industry Gets New Fuel Economy Rules - Government Working to Upgrade Mile Per Gallon Average for Light Trucks
Carglass Germany Selects Envision Click2Coach - Vehicle Glass Company to Improve Contact Center Agent Effectiveness
Fire Destroys Auto Repair Shop - WV: The fire tore through Chuck's Auto Body Shop in Liberty Addition near Reynoldsville around 4 a.m. Tuesday.
Arizona Glass Shops Asked to Band Together, Support Senate Transportation Striker to Right to Choose Bill - An observant glassBYTES reader from Arizona e-mailed the news source with the text of a letter that he and other auto glass shops are sending to others in the state to use to rally support for Senate Transportation Striker to House Bill 2063.
Caution: That vehicle collision may not be an accident - Los Angeles is No. 2 in the country for staged crashes -- a dangerous, costly and increasingly common fraud scheme.Caution: That vehicle collision may not be an accident - Los Angeles is No. 2 in the country for staged crashes -- a dangerous, costly and increasingly common fraud scheme.
Hota wins large transmission parts order from U.S. automaker - Taiwan: Hota Industrial Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a leading maker of automotive and motorcycle transmission systems and parts in Taiwan, has recently won a NT$1.5 billion (US$46.15 million at US$1: NT$32.5) order for automotive transmission planet gears from one of Big-Three carmakers in the U.S. -- The company has been receiving increasing orders from major American tier-one auto-parts suppliers, which are actively trying to cut costs.
Allstate CEO 2005 bonus drops to $538,351 vs $3.68M - The CEO also received a salary of $1.16 million, up from $1.12 million, restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards valued at $1.84 million, almost unchanged from the previous year, and 465,878 stock options, up from 272,000.
Stealing Your Car's Identity - A new form of car theft is taking place involving vehicle identification numbers -- and it's costing more than $4 billion a year. Thieves steal VIN numbers to hide the fact that a car is stolen. They then register the stolen car under the new VIN number to hide its history -- and keep it out of law enforcement databases.

March 28, 2006

ProcessClaims Commences National Rollout of New Shop Version after Successful Pilot Phase - After a successful pilot phase ProcessClaims has commenced the rollout of its new workflow module designed specifically from the repairer perspective. ShopFlow is a workflow driven system for improving estimator productivity, cycle time and communication.
PCI Stands Up for Consumers Against Salvage Dealers’ Collusion - The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) today took aim at a bill promoted by salvage dealers in the state that would create an environment of collusion. House Bill 3085 by Bill Case (R- Midwest City) would allow salvage dealers to know winners of Internet auctions as well as the names of the insurance companies that are selling the wrecked vehicles.
Insurance Auto Auctions Announces Improved Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Results - Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc., a leading provider of automotive salvage and claims processing services in the United States, today announced improved financial results and record vehicle returns during both the fourth quarter and full-year 2005. These results were driven by increased buying activity as a result of IAA's live auctions combined with Internet bidding capability.
Carstar adding space in Sycamore - OH: Joe Sanfillipo III, director of store operations, said in a news release that the group purchased the site, formerly the Bob Williams Dealer Group body shop, in 2005 after leasing it for two years. The new building will include an estimating bay, training room and upgraded customer waiting area.
New York Legislative Effort Heats Up - The effort to pass legislation in New York state that would eliminate the exclusion for auto glass in the insurance laws is coming to a critical point as it appears the legislation is likely to come up for a vote soon. Scott Owens, owner of Excel Auto Glass Corp., has led the effort and is calling on all concerned parties to take action to alert their representatives to the legislation and the importance of it being passed.
Making a business between the cracks - MO: It’s not easy for a small business to succeed. Most fail. The ones that succeed do it with persistence, skill and consistent quality.
'Work Together on Global, Customer-Facing Innovations,' Say Engineers Attending the 2006 SAE World Congress - Globalization, customer-facing innovations and cross-value chain collaboration are needed to strengthen the auto industry, according to engineers and designers planning to attend the 2006 SAE World Congress opening here next week.
Automotive deeds should go unpunished - Outta my mind on a Monday Moanin' -- So much emotion over the past several days -- fear, rumors, frustration, relief, confusion, anger, sadness, even jealousy.
AIAG to Support China Automotive Supply Chain with New Shanghai Office - The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), a not-for-profit automotive trade association, is strengthening its first Asian initiative to support the supply chain in China with the opening of a representative office in Shanghai and the appointment of respected scientist and industry pioneer Dr. Yilong Chen to lead the initiative.
Delphi offers $50K bonus for wage cuts - Workers will receive a one-time payment in exchange for losing $11.50 an hour by 2007.
Feds put heat on ex-Delphi executives - Prosecutors, SEC press former officials to testify in accounting errors that cost supplier millions.
DCX will ax 300 jobs in Germany - Automaker will spend $1.2B to integrate Smart division into Mercedes, dump four-seater model.
Salaried GM workers prepare for cuts - Staff reductions will be first of those announced last November
Make Your Website Work for You - Autobody Online: No question about it: the World Wide Web has become a powerful marketing arsenal, responsible for an ever-growing volume of profit in virtually every industry.
Going the Extra Mile - State Farm Agent Ginger Gray and Staff make Old-Fashioned ''House Calls'' in a Fleet of Red VW Beetles

March 27, 2006

Keystone Automotive Industries Names New CFO - Former Senior Executive with NYSE-Listed Auto Parts Retailer
Mild winter puts a dent in body-shop business - Lee Babcock, of Dunshee Body and Frame Inc. in Kalamazoo, said he hasn't seen such a slow winter repair season in his eight years at the KL Avenue shop.
PPG Total Service Solutions Wins Environmental Achievement Award For Eco-Friendly Paint Denaturant - PPG Total Service Solutions was recently honored with the 2005 Environmental Achievement Award by the Environmental Management Association (EMA) at an award ceremony at the Detroit Athletic Club. The company was recognized by the EMA for its unique, environmentally minded paint denaturant, BC4200NP.
Antitrust Modernization Commission Continues Hearings - The Antitrust Modernization Commission (AMC) held a hearing March 21 with Thomas O. Barnett, assistant attorney general for the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, and Deborah Platt Majoras, chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), testifying. The AMC has heard testimony on antitrust laws in the United States from an array of panelists in a series of hearings.
Controversy Arises Over New 'Permissible Exposure Limit' of Hexavalent Chromium Issued by OSHA - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is concerned about the lowering of the permissible level because of the lack of data as to the potential economic impact the lower level will have on collision members.
Connecticut shops rally to help kill legislation deemed harmful to industry, consumers - A good turnout and heartfelt testimony from body shop owners was instrumental in killing a wide-ranging legislative proposal in Connecticut that critics contend would have given the insurance industry almost complete control over the entire repair process - including the power to require aftermarket parts and dictate a collision shop's pricing.
Accessorize that ride - SEMA convention draws car customizing firms
Cops Arrest Two in Body Shop Damage Scams - Long Island: Two automobile body shop owners were arrested for "enhancing" damages and reporting phony repairs to high-end vehicles as part of separate insurance scams, Suffolk police said Friday.
What's Next in the Diamond-Triumph Investigation? Experts Say Even They Don't Know - It's been three months since the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began an investigation of Diamond-Triumph Auto Glass headquarters in Kingston, Pa., for alleged insurance fraud. The FBI conducted an onsite investigation on December 13, 2005, that included the seizure of computer equipment and certain records. Since then, both the Bureau and D-T have been quiet about the progress of the investigation.
Guardian Announces Price Increase - In a letter dated March 17, Guardian announced a price increase of 3 percent "on all tempered and laminated glass parts shipped from our National Distribution Center in Findlay, Ohio." The company stated that increased manufacturing and transportation costs necessitated the change and notes that it is the first increase "in several years."
Local firm faces fight to survive - Competition from China has a Phila. auto parts firm, the city's largest manufacturer, on the ropes.
Matrix System Featured on Fox 2 News - Matrix System Automotive Finishes was featured on Detroit's Fox 2 News as part of a Problem Solver segment that aired during Detroit Autorama on March 3, 2006.
Matrix System Automotive Finishes, Inc. Joins SCRS as Newest Corporate Member - The Corporate Membership Program, founded in 1993, partners SCRS and key corporations serving the collision industry. Corporate Members enable SCRS to maintain and elevate the level of service to its direct and affiliate members while simultaneously working with other associations to better the industry.
Auto suppliers scan globe for customers - IN: Area plants extend base beyond America’s Big 3
Automotive school taking strong steps to rein in students - We strongly applaud the Universal Technical Institute in Exton for taking some real, positive steps to rein in problem students.
Is Camry's shelf life running down? - Model coming to Lafayette is no hit with younger set
Katrina Cars and Rita Rip-Offs - Unidentified Salvaged Vehicles Are a Hazard on the Secondhand Market
Claims board approves auto insurance fee decrease - Michigan motorists soon will pay slightly less per vehicle into a fund that helps support seriously injured accident victims.
Businesses prepare for health bill - Per-worker assessment was lawmaker compromise

March 24, 2006

Byron preserves class action, allows more time for tardy plaintiffs - Madison County Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron granted the Lakin Law Firm three extra weeks to preserve a class action against insurer GEICO, after the firm blamed its tardy response on the departure of Thomas Maag. -- In the suit, plaintiffs Myron Billups and Patricia Singleton accuse GEICO of improperly undervaluing vehicles that the insurer declared as total losses.
California Parts Legislation Harmful to Consumers, Repair Shops - AutoInc: Recap of the recent replacement crash parts legislation introduced in the California Assembly, which overlooks consumer protections and creates unneeded hassles for collision repairers.
PARTnerShipTM Network Announces New Technical Support Offering GCommerce to Support Aftermarket Industry E-commerce Solution – The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) announced that PARTnerShip NetworkTM software will now be supported by GCommerce. The change in support comes at a crucial time as PARTnerShip Network adoption increases with implementations throughout the aftermarket by CARQUEST, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Advance Auto Parts and CSK, as well as system provider Activant Solutions.
Katrina Damaged Cars Hit Local Market - WA: More than half a million mud-caked, water-logged cars damaged by Hurricane Katrina are not even good for salvage. But Instead of being scrapped and sold for parts, some of these cars are turning up for sale. -- Shipments of Katrina cars have recently been spotted in our state. We're talking about cars, trucks, and SUVs that should not be sold to anyone for transportation.
Analysis By CSM Worldwide: The Sky is Not Falling - Majority of Auto Suppliers Are Healthy
Thieves target Toyota models for catalytic convertors - Owners of Toyotas — Tacomas, Tundras, and 4-Runners — are being victimized by catalytic convertor thieves.
China Price Strategy May Backfire on OEM Automotive Industry - The international press has lately found the openly contentious nature of this year’s, traditional annual price negotiations between the major non-Chinese global iron ore mining companies and the large domestic Chinese steel producers to be newsworthy.
GE Bayer Silicones new liguid silicone rubber for automotive parts - New liquid silicone rubber launced by joint venture GE Bayer Silicones delivers sustained high-temperature performance in automotive applications.
Pittsburgh Patents - PPG Industries Ohio Inc. for "Heatable wiper rest area for a transparency, No. 6,995,339." Inventors were James H. Schwartz, Gibsonia, Allen R. Hawk, Pittsburgh. This invention relates to heatable wiper rest area for a transparency and method of fabricating a transparency having a heatable wiper rest area, and in particular to a vehicle windshield having a heatable wiper rest area that is hidden from view from the exterior of a vehicle.
ADESA, Inc. Announces June 1st Analyst Meeting - ADESA, Inc., announced today that it will be holding its second annual analyst meeting at its Carmel, Indiana headquarters on Thursday June 1, 2006. The event, which will begin at 8:00 a.m. local time, will feature presentations by ADESA's senior management and will also be Webcast.
Seat Belts and Airbags a Necessary Combination in Preventing Deadly Car Accidents, Severe Trauma - Study Uncovers Vehicle Safety Restraint Device Effectiveness, Disparity Among Demographic Groups
First pain, then gain - Michigan, GM likely to be stronger after buyouts
S.C. Attorney General Asks Big 'I' Members: 'Help Fight Fraud' - An appeal for independent insurance agencies to assist South Carolina's law enforcement agencies to document and report information on insurance fraud was voiced by Attorney General Henry McMaster during the March 22-23 Spring Conference held in Columbia by the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of South Carolina.

March 23, 2006

Pigments Aren't A Figment Of The Eye - With auto paint pigments developed by San Jose-based JDSU, rest assured that your eyes are not playing tricks on you. JDSU, the formal name of the company also known as JDS Uniphase Corp., is the developer of ChromaFlair, a pigment used for custom paint finishes on vehicles, including the Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne. Simply put, the finishes appear to move and change color as the viewing angle changes.
True2Form Collision Repair Centers Acquires Six in North Carolina - True2Form Collision Repair Centers has acquired the six North Carolina locations of AutoBody America.
Boyd Group Income Fund reports 2005 year end results - For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2005 revenue increased 8.3% to $45.9 million compared to revenue of $42.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2004 (after adjusting 2004 for the effect of discontinued operations during 2005 and 2004). Increased revenue in the fourth quarter of 2005 compared to
the prior year period, resulted primarily from acquisitions and the start-up of new repair facilities in the U.S. during 2005.
How to 'Round Up' a Profit on Sales - AutoInc: I am sure you have read a large number of great articles on analytical formulas to achieve great profits when you write a repair order. I am going to share some of my "secret" formulas later in this article but first I want to discuss the biggest obstacle - you! I am far from an expert, but I have seen more than 3,000 profit and loss statements in the past five years.
Aftermarket Facts at Your Fingertips - AAIA Electronic Aftermarket Factbook Offers Data on the Go
David and Mary Caracci Pledge $50,000 to University of the Aftermarket Foundation - Aftermarket leader David Caracci and his wife Mary pledged $50,000 to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, making them Honorary Trustees. Their pledge is in support of Northwood University and in memory of Marilyn Schwartz, the late wife of Jarmms Associates' Mort Schwartz, past chairman of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA).
White House Bill Signing Ceremony Marks New Anti-Counterfeiting Law - AAIA joined Congressional and industry leaders at the White House March 16, as President Bush signed into law the "Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act" (H.R. 32).
Adesa Buys Fla. Auction - Adesa acquired ABC's South Tampa used vehicle auction, serving western and central Florida. -- ADESA will rename the auction ADESA Sarasota. -- The newly remodeled auction facility includes six auction lanes and full-service reconditioning shops providing detail, mechanical and body shop services.
Praise, caution greet deal - GM, Delphi workers weigh incentives to retire, leave
Visteon Up on Support for Restructuring - Shares of auto supplier Visteon Corp. surged Wednesday after an analyst issued a report reiterating his "Buy" rating for the company on the strength of its restructuring plan.
Better Business Bureau announces top 10 inquiries - The Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan reports that inquiries at this regional BBB were up 20 percent in 2005 as consumers and donors relied on BBB information more than ever. -- Inquiries: #6. Auto repair and service: Always in the top 10 as more people fix up cars, with 6,065 inquiries — up 133 percent. #7. Auto body repair: 3,642 — a record for this industry.
Dana says losses more than doubled in 4th quarter - Bankrupt automotive parts maker Dana Corp. on Wednesday said its fourth-quarter net loss more than doubled due to restructuring costs, sending shares down 5 percent.
Toyota announces supplier award winners - Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TMMNA) on Wednesday announced awards for its top North American suppliers in 2005. The awards acknowledge those suppliers who have met Toyota's highest standards in quality, delivery, diversity and value improvement for parts and materials.
Toyota launches FJ Cruiser - Toyota Motor Sales' sport utility chief gave Valley auto writers a preview of the company's new FJ Cruiser last night on the eve of its national sales launch. -- The FJ belies Toyota's normally conservative design with a two-tone paint job, a wide, flat grille, round headlamps, upright windshield, wrap-around rear windows and rear-hinged suicide door in the back.
Toyota RAV4 grows up, gets pricier - New version roomier, now offering an optional V-6
Throwback Throw Down: Baldwin-Motion's Big-Block Camaros Are Back - Florida-based tuner Motion LLC is offering up a pair of limited-edition Chevrolet Camaros that channel the heavy-duty hot-rod culture of the 1960s.
DaimlerChrysler Partners with Ohio Soybean Growers, Biodiesel Refiner to Promote Use of Clean, Renewable Fuel in Jeep(R) Liberty CRD Diesel SUV - DaimlerChrysler joined with Ohio Governor Bob Taft, the state's soybean growers and the refiner, Peter Cremer North America, to promote the use of clean, renewable, Ohio-made biodiesel fuel.
Insurers profit again at expense of accident victims and consumers - Canada: While Insurers have refused to announce industry-wide figures, sources are reporting the industry may have enjoyed $6.4 billion in profits for 2005, up from $4.2 billion in 2004. Many companies are enjoying a return on equity of over 20%. It seems the insurers' profits have risen to a level where they are embarrassed to talk about them.
Insure.com Reveals Top Ten Least Expensive, Top Ten Most Expensive Cars & Trucks to Insure - Quotesmith.com, Inc. has today released its second annual report revealing the Top 10 Least Expensive Autos to Insure for 2006, along with its companion report -- The Top 10 Most Expensive Autos To Insure.
Miss. Couple Sues State Farm; Claims Probed - A whistleblower _ a "highly placed insider" at a major insurance company _ has given copies of "coerced and altered engineering reports" that companies tried to keep "under lock and key."

March 22, 2006

eAutoclaims, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2006 Financial Results - eAutoclaims, a leading provider of managed collision repair services and insurance claims processing technology applications, announced financial results for the second quarter and six months ending January 31, 2006 for fiscal year 2006.
AAIA, AASP and MEA leave the NASTF planning group - Just prior to the National Automotive Service Task Force’s (NASTF) March 1 planning meeting, three associations pulled out of the meeting: the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) and the Mechanics Education Association (MEA).
Thousands of storm-damaged autos flood insurance companies, repair shops in Midwest - Collision repair shops and insurance companies are dealing with the aftermath of storms last week (March 12) that battered the Midwest with hail, rain and tornados.
Maximizing Profits Through Your Web Site - AutoInc: “As the Internet's presence in the business arena grows, more and more shops are evaluating the many opportunities that exist to use their Web sites to market their businesses and increase profits.”
Few employers taking on apprentices: new survey - Only 18 per cent of Canadian firms doing so -- Don Strong, vice-president of CARSTAR Quality Collision Service, employs between eight to ten apprentices at any given time for his two collision repair shops in Ottawa -- "I call them my farm team."
PPG Appoints Bill Shaw Director Global Color Innovation and John Parran Zone 2 Sales Director - Bill Shaw has been named director, global color marketing and innovation for PPG Automotive Refinish. In this newly created role, Shaw will be responsible for leading future global color strategies and innovations. -- John Parran has been appointed sales director, Zone 2 for PPG Automotive Refinish. In his new role, Parran will be responsible for driving refinish sales within the western region of the U.S.
Pilkington Gets New Contracts - Pilkington Automotive’s Clinton, Mich., operation will be even busier as the company has announced it has won contracts for new products on several different vehicles, amounting to 4.4 million parts.
New Exhibitors for Glass TEXpo™ 2006 Announced - As the date for Glass TEXpo™ 2006 nears, the list of companies which will be exhibiting at the show grows.
In car junkyards, scrap haulers find good profits - As with many American businesses, globalization and technology are changing the economics of junkyards. The industry moves between $5 billion and $8 billion of cars a year, according to the Auto Recyclers Association, a trade group.
Keine appointed Sales Director for BASF Engineering Plastics business - BASF has appointed Joseph Keine, formerly with PPG Industries, as Sales Director for the Engineering Plastics business.
Wounded Jaguar looks like it's hanging on - New XK sports car will raise Jaguar's profile, but does Ford really want to keep this storied brand?
GM Rides to Delphi's Rescue - The carmaker and the UAW are close to a deal that will prevent a strike at its spun-off parts unit. But it won't be cheap.
Auto sales fall in March - Only BMW posts gain; figures for rental cars, fleets should boost the domestics.
GM, Honda Sued by New Jersey Company Over Patents - General Motors Corp. and a Honda Motor Co. unit were sued by a New Jersey-based research company that accuses the automakers of infringing 11 patents for sensors used in car-safety devices.
Honda puts price on Fit subcompact - Honda's newest entry into the growing subcompact battle will be priced below $14,000, a level the company hinted at in earlier discussions about the economy car.
Honda to sue over China ruling on CR-V patent - Honda Motor Co. said Tuesday it will file a lawsuit over the Chinese government's ruling that its patent for the external design of its CR-V sports utility vehicle was invalid.
Consumer Reports Adds Honda Civic, Infiniti M35, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Ridgeline - Consumer Reports announced today that it has named four new models to its Top Picks list for 2006. The Honda Civic, Infiniti M35, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and the Honda Ridgeline are all new entrants into Consumer Reports annual list.
Sharonville Ford plant to lay off 200 - The Ford plant in Sharonville is phasing out a transmission assembly line and will lay off about 200 of its 1,800 workers.
Detroit Mother of Five Receives Surprise Car Gift to Help Medical Care - Golling Chrysler Jeep Dodge Replaces Vandalized Car for Mother of Premature Baby
Ethanol sector braces for unwanted attention - Industry may not be ready for jump in demand, which could cost drivers
Fraud called 'the dark side' of insurance - Have you cheated your insurance company lately?
Geico Under Fire for Pricing Practice - Geico Under Fire for Pricing Practice That Critics Say Can Shortchange Less Profitable Customers

March 21, 2006

Shops Dissatisfied With DRPs - Autobody Online: Just a few years ago, it wasn't difficult to find shop owners who would talk – genuinely – about their company's ‘partnerships' with insurers through direct repair programs. Many shop owners saw DRPs as a chance to get back to repairing cars with fewer delays and less insurer involvement. They viewed the few discounts some DRPs required as a small “marketing” price to pay in exchange for an expected steady flow of work.
Saving Money on Everyday Business Costs - AutoInc: These days many shop owners - whether collision or mechanical - have developed business plans and methods of operating a business that allow them to maximize their profits.
ASA Announces New Education, Training Initiative - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has launched a new education and training initiative, Keep Educating Yourself and Staff (KEYS). Through an ongoing series of regional training events, the KEYS program will deliver quality management education and technical training to automotive service professionals.
ASA Members Receive Rental Discounts Through Hertz - The Hertz Corporation is now offering a discount savings program to members of the Automotive Service Association (ASA). The discounts will be available at all participating Hertz locations and will apply to various car classes. In addition to year-round discounts on rental costs, ASA members are also eligible to save on car class upgrades and other money-saving offers.
I-CAR To Present Technology Showcase At NACE - Who better than the industry's training leader to run these clinics? Having the I-CAR name associated with on-floor education will lend tremendous credibility to these clinics and promote increased attendance," said Dana Teague, NACE Sr. Show Director.
Advantage Online: 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Lower Pillar Casting Now Available - General Motors has developed a procedure for the replacement of the lower cast hinge pillar bracket on the aluminum-structured Chevrolet Corvette Z06 in the event that this part is damaged during a side-impact collision.
I-CAR Training To Be Highlighted At The Ft. Worth Committee Event - Collision industry professionals in the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico areas are encouraged to attend the May 20th "I-CAR Fest" at the Arlington Convention Center. I-CAR training programs will be conducted along with a trade show for attendees.
Technical Information Section Available Online For Industry’s Use - In a continued effort to provide the collision industry with technical information, I-CAR provides a "Technical Information" section online.
Mechanics' papers go under scrutiny - FL: State inspectors visit more than 400 Pasco auto repair shops to check compliance with rules on estimates.
UnitedAuto Group to Participate in Merrill Lynch Retailing Leaders Conference - United Auto Group, Inc., an international automotive retailer, announced today that Anthony Pordon, Senior Vice President, will be a presenter at the Merrill Lynch Retailing Leaders Conference in New York, NY. The presentation is scheduled to occur from 2:00 p.m. until 2:35 p.m. Eastern Time on March 22, 2006.
Pilkington Plc Trading Statement - In accordance with its established policy, Pilkington today issued the following trading up-date ahead of the announcement of its results for the year to 31 March 2006. -- Pilkington Original Equipment (OE) volumes have grown strongly, due in part to several successful new product launches by vehicle manufacturers supplied by Pilkington Automotive. The Group's North American Automotive Glass Replacement (AGR) sales benefited from the acquisition of the Autostock branches, and AGR sales in Europe have improved.
Pilkington's Axe 100 Jobs - UK: More than 100 jobs will be axed through the closure of St Helens glass giant Pilkington's Eccleston automotive plant, the firm has revealed. -- The company broke the news to shocked workers and union officials late on Friday.
Chrysler recalls 268,800 vehicles - DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group is recalling 268,800 vehicles from the 2005-2006 model years to replace a faulty front windshield wiper motor, the company said Monday.
Chrysler takes fight to lawyers - DaimlerChrysler AG will ask a Texas court today to order the disbarment of a lawyer involved in a now-discredited $2 billion lawsuit that stemmed from a 1996 accident in Mexico that killed four children.
Study: U.S. medium- and heavy-duty aftermarket sales increase - Medium- and heavy-duty truck aftermarket sales rose 6.2 percent in 2005 and will continue a three-year growth trend, reaching $73.9 billion in 2006, according to a new study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Heavy Duty Distribution Association (HDDA).
Auto seat maker to create 50 Rocky Mount jobs - R.W. & Able Inc., a Chico, Calif., maker of plastic parts and seats for automotive interiors, has won $25,000 in state incentives to open a facility in Rocky Mount, according to officials in the governor's office.
Dealers Accused Of Selling Dangerous Cars - FL: Hanford Andrew Sutter, owner and operator of Orlando-based Total Fleet Solution and employee Andrew Dinda were charged with engaging in a scheme to defraud in addition to numerous counts of filing false and fraudulent insurance claims, grand theft, and uttering forged documents, according to the news release.
Don’t Be Scammed by a Staged Accident - It is estimated that staged accidents cost the insurance industry as much $20 billion a year and as much as 40 percent of insurance policy premiums go to combating, processing, and paying fraudelent claims.
Insurer Supports Consumer Federation of America's Call for a Nationwide Ban on GEICO's Rating Methods - Statement By: Eric S. Poe, CPA, J.D., Vice President of NJ CURE Auto Insurance
Progressive Direct Launches Pilot Test in Iowa Based on Drivers' Mileage - Iowa-based Progressive Direct Insurance has kicked off a pilot program aimed at providing discounts to policyholders based on the mileage on their odometers. The premise, according to Progressive, is that drivers could control how much they pay for car insurance by controlling the number of miles they drive?
Miami ranks first for accident scams - A new survey from the National Insurance Crime Bureau puts Miami as the top city in the nation for staged automobile accidents.

March 20, 2006

OEConnection drives auto parts business - Software helps dealers make trades on Net
Boyd Group announces significant customer program changes - The insurance company customer's DRP changes, which are being tested in a number of U.S. states, including Illinois where Boyd Group has a considerable presence, are aimed at making the insurer's DRPs more performance driven and more competitively priced.
Spring Comes to Taiwan AM Auto-parts Makers After the State Farm Case Ceases - After a period of six months for appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court rendered a final judgment by allowing no further appeals from plaintiffs in the Avery v. State Farm case, according to Gordon Auto Body Parts Co., Ltd., a leading maker of aftermarket (AM) replacement sheet-metal body parts in Taiwan. -- Encouraged by the favorable news, most local major AM auto-parts makers' stock prices recently rose.
Auto body shops behind due to reckless drivers - COLLIER COUNTY: Auto body shops are backed up for months because of all the accidents caused by impatient drivers.
President Bush Signs Anti-Counterfeiting Bill into Law - SEMA Members Gain Protections for Intellectual Property -- SEMA represents the $32 billion specialty automotive industry.
Court Rejects EPA's Loosening of Air Rule - In California, whose air pollution rules are among the strictest in the nation, it takes less pollution to count as a major emitter than elsewhere. Many smaller facilities, among them some auto body paint shops, bakeries and small-parts manufacturers, fall into that category and come under the regulation.
Opinions solicited as California steers toward changing prevailing labor rate calculations - California lawmakers are intent on going in a different direction regarding provisions of the Golden State's anti-steering regulations, seeking to reform the process of calculating prevailing labor rates used to determine insurance policy payouts.
PPG Raises Prices 3 Percent - PPG Industries sent out a letter to its auto glass customers saying that it will institute a 3 percent increase effective April 10.
S&P concerned auto suppliers will use Chapter 11 strategy - In a Friday research report, the ratings agency said auto suppliers are seeing their peers in Chapter 11 use the process to reduce labor costs, re-negotiate prices with customers and shed pension obligations.
Are All Replacement Car Parts the Same? - What to Look for When Buying Auto Parts Online
NHTSA Releases New Crash Test and Rollover Ratings - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released new crash test and/or rollover ratings for 42 model year 2006 vehicles – 16 passenger cars, 17 sport utility vehicles, four vans, and five pickups – and two early release model year 2007 sport utility vehicles.
Environment is a priority for auto salvager - Tear A Part: The SLC company has been used as a model for its work removing mercury switches
Sonic pays CEO nearly $2 million - Bruton Smith, chairman and chief executive at Sonic Automotive Inc., received compensation of more than $1.95 million last year, excluding stock options.
UnitedAuto to Acquire Motorwerks BMW/MINI - Expanding Geographical Presence to Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan Area
Toyota Is Way Too Smart to Bid for General Motors: Doron Levin - As General Motors Corp. slides deeper into financial distress, it's tempting to imagine rival Toyota Motor Corp. riding in to end GM's miseries by buying it.
Nisson's 'Magic Bumper' Keeps Distance Between Cars - A new safety feature being developed by Nissan Motor Co. causes a car's gas pedal to lift by itself to alert the driver of a possible collision.
Smart Cars: Coming to the U.S. - Good news for the "smaller is better" crowd: The fuel-efficient Smart Car is (finally) on its way to our shores. Smart-Automobile LLC announced today that its Smart For Two Coupe / Convertible, available in Europe since 1998, is ready to be imported to the United States.
Visionary or Not, Entrepreneur Plans to Bring Chinese Cars to U.S. - The automotive industry has its characters. One of the most notable is Malcolm Bricklin, an entrepreneur variously identified as the man who brought Subaru and Yugo to America, a dauntless visionary and an impractical dreamer.
The keys to car care - All automobiles, no matter how new, need regular maintenance. Get your motor running with these tips from local experts.
$1,500 taken in car body repair scam - FL: A car repair scam worked in Sunrise.
Insurer rewards chosen careers with lower rates - Allstate's discount plan riles consumer advocates, prompts legislation in N.J.
Does your job make you a bad driver? - A new Allstate study finds that some professions -- architects and actuaries -- are better behind the wheel. -- Based on the results, the insurer has classified three levels of drivers.
St. Paul Travelers denies merger talks with Zurich - The St. Paul Travelers Cos. on Sunday denied being in talks with Swiss insurance company Zurich Financial Services about a combination of the companies.
Attorneys General announce settlement in insurance case - Massachusetts and eight other states have reached a $171 million settlement with Zurich American Insurance Co. relating to bid-rigging and price-fixing in the commercial insurance market, the states' attorneys general announced yesterday.

March 17, 2006

Caseload still rising for insurers - Body shops in mid-Missouri are swamped with customers who need estimates for hail damage. State Farm, Shelter and AAA have established drive-in locations at body shops. AAA, Liberty Mutual and Safeco insurance companies have drive-in assessments at Joe Machens Rental. -- Callahan said Shelter would have drive-in locations in Columbia and Jefferson City; some locations will have a direct repair shop, where customers can get an estimate and have their repairs done in one trip.
Vehicular visionary makes Hot Rod magazine - Twenty-eight-year-old Kevin Bradley's Kreations Auto Body is the featured customizing body shop on the cover of April's Hot Rod magazine.
Poor Pay More For Automobile Insurance May Get Worse Treatment/Benefits - Annual surveys conducted by the Nebraska Autobody Association are designed to identify the best and worst insurers by having collision repairers rate insurers on the types of repairs insurance companies authorize and how insurance companies treat their customers. These surveys have repeatedly revealed a vast discrepancy in the benefits provided to claimants. Results of the association's 2005 survey revealed that on a scale from one to ten, with ten representing the best rating, insurer averages ranked from a dismal 2.3 to a respectable high of 8.6 with discount insurers rating near the bottom.
eAutoclaims, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2006 Financial Results Conference Call - eAutoclaims announced today that Eric Seidel, EACC's President and Chief Executive Officer, will host a conference call to discuss the Company's financial results for the second quarter 2006, which ended January 31, 2006. -- The conference call will take place at 4:15 p.m. Eastern, on Thursday, March 23, 2006.
Glaxis Awards Mainstreet Computers and GTS Services Gold Partner Status - Glaxis has bestowed retail auto glass software providers Mainstreet Computers and GTS Services with its new Gold Partner status, a recognition given to software companies that fully implement Glaxis technology capabilities in their systems for auto glass retailers.
Court upholds verdict in roof crush case - But GM won't concede defeat in $18.6 million jury award to woman paralyzed in 1997 crash.
7 SUVs get top safety score - NHTSA releases study that gives the vehicles five stars for performance in front and side crashes.
BMW in talks with Chinese carmakers on Rover brand name, Ford has first refusal - Bayerische Motoren Werke AG chief executive Helmut Panke said BMW is in talks with Chinese carmakers who want to acquire the Rover brand name, but that US carmaker Ford Motor Co has the right to acquire it first if it wants to.
GM adds $2 billion to losses - Revised total may signal progress in talks with UAW, Delphi
Ford Names Head of Quality - Automaker Ford Motor Co. on Thursday named Bennie Fowler as vice president, global quality, effective April 1.
Car makers getting rid of spare tires - New cars are increasingly coming without spare tires.
China's Geely starts PR drive to ease US entry - China's Geely Automobile is preparing a campaign to counter protectionist sentiment in the US ahead of launching a Chinese-made car in the world's biggest vehicle market, planned for the early autumn of 2008.
Hail claims keep insurance agents busy - Although the claims are still pouring in and damage estimates are still being made, Mt. Pleasant folks are keeping their insurance agents and local auto body shop operators busy assessing their damage from Sunday's hailstorm.
Area Boxer Charged In Insurance Scam - NY: An entire family was placed under arrest after police say they staged car accidents to cheat insurance companies out of money.
Auto Rate Bills Gain - A legislative panel has approved bills that would increase the minimum amount of auto insurance required in Connecticut and allow auto insurers to raise or lower rates by 4 percent or less without prior approval by regulators.
Tactics anger lawmakers - A lobbying group formed by State Farm, the state's largest insurance company, came under fire for intimidation tactics.
Storms Damage Thousands of Vehicles in Missouri and Kansas - Progressive Offers Six Simple Steps to Getting Back on the Road - Fast
U.S. Senate Breathes New Life into Small Group Health Option - The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee yesterday ended a stalemate over a decade old and voted in favor of a landmark bill to allow business and trade associations to band together to purchase group health insurance.

March 16, 2006

South Carolina Consumer Choice Bill Passes Hurdle - The bill would make it illegal in the state for an entity that does automotive repair work (including auto glass replacement) for insurance claims also to be a third-party administrator.
California's non-OEM parts bill brews up some controversy - A renewed battle over non-OEM parts is brewing in California’s legislature as a proposed bill to establish a state-operated licensing system for aftermarket parts certification has been introduced.
Earl Scheib Announces Its Strongest Fiscal Third Quarter since 1987 - Earl Scheib, Inc. reported its results for the third quarter and nine months ended January 31, 2006 of the fiscal year ending April 30, 2006. Historically, the third quarter has been the most difficult quarter for the Company's industry because of adverse winter weather and the holiday season.
Notice of Boyd Group Income Fund 2005 year end results conference call - Boyd Group Income Fund will release its fiscal 2005 fourth quarter and year end results on March 22, 2006 after market close. Management of the Fund will hold a conference call on March 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. (EST) to review the financial results. The call will be hosted by Terry Smith, CEO.
PLIOGRIP(R) by Valvoline Panel 60 Adhesive Meets GM Specification GM6449G - PLIOGRIP by Valvoline Panel 60 adhesive, a rubber-toughened epoxy from Ashland Specialty Chemical, a division of Ashland Inc., was recently recognized by General Motors Corporation to meet the aftermarket metal bonding specification GM6449G.
Visteon and Automotive Components Holdings Recognized As Finalist In Prestigious Automotive News PACE Award Competition - Visteon and Automotive Components Holdings are being recognized for the Two-Color One-Shot - Mold Flow Control Process.
Cooper probe leads to loan-profit limit for Charlotte auto retailer - A Charlotte auto retailer will become the first in the state to limit the amount of money it can make off new car loans, Attorney General Roy Cooper said Wednesday. -- The Attorney General's probe was prompted by consumer complaints about automobile purchases filed against Sonic since 2000 and a report on NBC's "Dateline" in Dec. 2003.
Alcoa presents future models of Ferrari, with aluminum spaceframes - Twenty cutting-edge models of what the expensive Italian sports car Ferrari might look like in the future – complete with an aluminum spaceframe, were on display Wednesday at the Alcoa Corporate Center on Pittsburgh’s North Side.
Lear CEO tries to dispel fears of bankruptcy - Rossiter sends letter to workers
USTR Portman warns China on auto parts - The United States will take action at the World Trade Organization if China keeps discriminating against imports of foreign auto parts, U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman said on Tuesday.
DuPont to Cut Jobs, Close 4 Facilities - Chemicals maker DuPont Co. said Wednesday it plans to cut 1,500 jobs and close four facilities in Europe in a restructuring of its performance coatings business and raised its overall earnings outlook.
Motor Claims: Management Briefing Plus - Take the initiative - The use of recycled car parts has been one aspect of motor claims that in the past has promised much but has never really got off the ground. -- The future of the use of recycled parts has come under scrutiny with talk of a lack of support from the hierarchy of certain insurers. There has also been speculation that the industry has struggled to get policyholders, car manufacturers and repairers to embrace the use of recycled parts.
Beth Olson Joins Quality Planning as Assistant Vice President - Property/casualty claims veteran to drive QPC's marketing and strategic partnership initiatives -- She was recently director of corporate accounts at ClaimIQ, a division of Mitchell International and a leader of third-party claim decision support software. Olson held various senior management and marketing positions with the Harmon Solutions Group (outsourced claim administration), Cybersettle (a web-based settlement tool for attorneys and adjusters), and JAMS (traditional dispute resolution services).
Early Warning Standards - Decades ago the AIAG helped set standards for electronic commerce when it developed new data interchange standards. Now it's doing similar work with warranty data communications standards, looking for ways to reduce delays, improve accuracy, and cut warranty claims costs.
Insurers Hit Mass. Bill Directing Anti-Fraud Savings Refunds - Some Massachusetts politicians want to make sure that good drivers in communities that crackdown on auto insurance fraud reap the savings.
Lawrence attorney sent to jail for auto insurance fraud - Elias became personally involved in scams to set up staged accidents so he could profit from phony injury claims as part of an illegal enterprise so rampant that Lawrence was once nicknamed "the auto insurance fraud capital of Massachusetts."

March 15, 2006

Mitchell Celebrates 60th Anniversary! - Mitchell International, a leading provider of performance management solutions to the automotive insurance claims and collision repair industries, today announced 2006 as a year of celebration, marking six decades meeting the diverse needs of their industry and business partners.
Principles of Estimating: Which system pays more? - ABRN: This question keeps coming up. Each shop wants to use the estimating system that “pays more.” Most folks believe they have the one that does. That’s one of the reasons they bought their system in the first place and continue to pay for it month after month. It is one of their tools needed to maximize profits.
Strong turnout sought to oppose Calif. parts certification bill - ABRN: Collision industry opposition is mounting against an aftermarket parts-certification bill under consideration by California state legislators. The Assembly's Business and Professions Committee has tentatively scheduled a hearing for April 18, and critics of Assembly Bill 1852 are urging a strong turnout for the session in Sacramento.
Columbia Missouri car dealers survey damage to inventories - Dealers say hail hit most of their cars.
PPG's Goudy to Retire - Garry A. Goudy, senior vice president, automotive aftermarket, announced today his retirement July 1, after 36 years with PPG Industries.
Alexander of PPG's Coatings to Take Over Auto Aftermarket - J. Rich Alexander, senior vice president, coatings, will assume responsibility for the automotive aftermarket when Garry Goudy, senior vice president, automotive aftermarket, retires July 1. Alexander will become responsible for the automotive refinish, automotive replacement glass and insurance and services business units.
Sherwin-Williams Boosts Q1 EPS, Sales Outlook On Better-than-expected Sales - Tuesday, The Sherwin-Williams Company, a company that sells sale of paint, coatings and related products, announced a boost in its expectations for the first quarter of 2006 that were previously announced on January 26, 2006, citing better-than-expected paint-store sales.
Insurance companies begin to tally auto, property claims - The biggest question facing some insurance companies Monday morning was not how much damage was done.
Jury Settlement Brings Attention To Old Tires - A jury in Texas has found Ford Motor Company and Mazda were responsible for failing to warn about the hazards of aged tires.
Superior Industries Gets GM Wheel Deal - Superior Industries International Inc. _ which makes wheels for cars and trucks _ said Tuesday it received new contracts from General Motors Corp. to supply large-diameter aluminum wheels for passenger vehicles and sport utility vehicles.
Nissan Develops Gas Pedal Safety Feature - A new safety feature being developed by Nissan Motor Co. causes a car's gas pedal to lift by itself to alert the driver of a possible collision.
Northwest Targeted By Swindlers - Kadel Auto Body Manager Kevin McLaughlin has seen the damage flooding can do to a car. “We pulled the door off to fix it... we pulled the seat out pilled the carpet back and the floor was almost completely rotted away.”
Body shop owner claims politics has dented his business - The sign supporting Kevin Williams for Kane County Sheriff remains posted in Bob Black's Geneva auto body shop, although, he said, it has cost him business from that office.

March 14, 2006

The collision industry's dear friend, Phil Rack, passed away March 4, 2006. A memorial service for Phil is set for April 1 at 10:30 am at Linworth United Methodist Church - 7070 Bent Tree Blvd. - Columbus, OH 43235
A Safer, Healthier Workplace - Autobody Online - A recent study of Washington state collision shops, conducted by Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP), produced information (Technical Report 69-4-2005) that all within the collision, insurance, and related support industries need to know.
Benz got dents? See Rulison - Fresno shop is among only 25 in the state certified to repair Mercedes vehicles.
Down and dirty where the money is - Pay is good, but few want to do this dirty, difficult work, creating a dilemma for car dealers.
Copart Acquires Facility in Montana - Copart, Inc. today announced that it has acquired an 18 acre facility in Billings Montana. This facility is the second in the state of Montana and brings the total number of salvage locations throughout the United States and Canada to 120.
NeoMedia Deepens Relationship with DuPont - NeoMedia Micro Paint Repair, an innovative developer and international supplier of auto rejuvenation products and processes, and a business unit of NeoMedia Technologies, Inc., announced a more extensive business relationship with DuPont.
Auto Glass Center Purchases Express! Auto Glass - Auto Glass Center, Inc., a subsidiary of privately held Iowa Glass Depot, Inc., has announced the purchase of the assets of Express! Auto Glass, Inc. of Muscatine, Iowa, which Donovan Trana owned previously.
NOVUS Franchising Super Session 2006 Shines in Sunny Florida - The event brought together NOVUS franchisees and management from around the world to exchange ideas and share expertise on how to build stronger and more valuable businesses.
Abram Interstate Offers New Program for Garage Insurance - The targeted classes are: new and used car dealers, private passenger auto repair shops, recerational vehicle (RV) dealers and repair, motorcycle dealers and repair, gas stations with auto repair and convenience store, auto body and paint shops, auto stereo and alarm installers, full-service car washes, auto detailers, new tire dealers, trailer dealers, wholesaler auto dealers and brokers, valet parking, heavy truck dealers and repair, impound yards, and public livery repair.
UnitedAuto Announces Management Changes - Samuel X. DiFeo Retires; Robert H. Kurnick, Jr. Named Vice Chairman
Sonic Automotive Executives to Speak at Investor Conferences - Sonic Automotive, Inc., a leader in automotive retailing, announced that several company executives will present at the Stephens 2006 Consumer Conference and at the Bank of America Consumer Conference.
Group 1 plans $42 million stock buyback - Group 1 Automotive Inc. on Monday said its board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $42 million of the company's common stock.
Toyota, KCTCS partner on automotive manufacturing education center - Toyota soon will allot space at its plant in Georgetown for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to provide automotive manufacturing education and training for its students and Toyota employees.
AAA Wisconsin cuts more jobs - AAA Wisconsin announced that it is cutting four workers - two full-time and two part-time - at its Madison headquarters and 10 others around the state, effective Wednesday.
Chrysler vehicles face safety probe - Safety regulators are investigating about 1.16 million minivans, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks from DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler division for possible defects ranging from faulty airbag sensors to loose steering wheel coupling bolts.
Toyota's new Camry line could be boost for Indiana industry - Toyota Motor Corp.'s announcement Monday that it would build 100,000 Camry sedans at a Tippecanoe County Subaru plant could mean big business for the state's auto parts suppliers.
Kia to build first U.S. auto plant in Georgia - Kia Motors Corp., South Korea's second-largest automaker, announced Monday it will set up its first U.S. plant in Georgia.
Mercedes guns for Escalade - German automaker faces uphill battle, experts contend
Insurance Crime Bureau Lists Top 10 Cities for Staged Accident Scams - While only 10 cities are identified, staged accidents and related insurance fraud schemes occur in every state in the nation.

March 13, 2006

U.S. District Court Finds Texas Insurer-Owned Repair Shop Law Constitutional - ASA Points to Value of Collision Unity
U.S. District Court Judge Affirms Allstate's Right to Free Speech - Allstate and Sterling Autobody Centers Can Communicate Benefits of Its Shops
Read the complete court document
Post your opinion about Allstate winning the right to market repairs
Oklahoma body shops target steering - The Oklahoma Auto Body Association (OKABA) met with the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner in January to air their concerns about insurance company steering practices, and may soon introduce an anti-steering bill in the state legislature.
Our view: 'Fake airbags' bill would save lives; deserves passage - CT: State Sen. Len Fasano, R-North Haven, has introduced a bill to ban the usage of so-called "fake airbags," which serve as affordable cosmetic replacements for airbags that have deployed.
It’s no accident Clifton Heights collision shop keeps expanding - Based in Clifton Heights, with six locations in Delaware County and Philadelphia, the family-owned company makes its name by repairing cars that have been banged up in accidents. Keenan Auto Body draws about 90 percent of its business from direct-repair programs, where insurance companies name them as a preferred vendor and recommend the company to customers.
Albert Automotive Group purchases area dealership - OH: The Albert Automotive Group, owned by Geary, Mark and Albert Teramana, has purchased the former McKitrick-Harms used vehicle lot in Wintersville, as well as Wheeling Nissan. -- The collision center is the largest in the area, with 14,000 square feet of some of the most advanced auto body repair equipment available.
New paints add pizazz to cars, pens, and more - More automakers are using color-shifting paint to make their products stand out in the crowded marketplace.
GM trucks recalled - General Motors said Friday it is recalling about 900,000 pickup trucks worldwide to fix tailgate cables that can corrode and break. -- The recall involves 1999-2000 models of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. GM said there have been 84 injuries, most of them minor scrapes and bumps, but no crashes or deaths linked to the problem.
Opelika Suppliers Ready For Kia - As robots are busy making steering columns, two auto parts suppliers say they're ready to gear up for Kia. Both Maxforma Plastics and Mando America have expansion plans already in the works, and they see a nearby Kia plant as giving them bumper-to-bumper production.
Bad weather means boost for body shops - "March is generally pretty slow, but because of the weather, it’s keeping us busy," said Jeremy Nisbet, manager at Berry’s Auto Body in Phoenix.
Jury awards $794,000 to traffic accident victim - An auto body repairman who was injured in a traffic accident three years ago was awarded $794,000 Friday in the trial of his personal injury lawsuit.
PPG to put $20 million in Shelby plant - PPG will spend $20 million to refit the company’s furnace and make improvements that focus on fiberglass used in wind-energy turbines, pipes, tanks, roofing shingles, automotive parts and more.
Insurers use marketing to fill their niche - Pricing auto insurance has become more complicated in recent years
Beware: Auto insurance 'add-ons' may already exist in your plan - Allstate is selling two premium policies, the Gold Protection and Platinum Protection plans, in 37 states.

March 10, 2006

The collision industry's dear friend, Phil Rack, passed away March 4, 2006. We will give more information as we receive it.
Hearing set on auto claim center plan - After a series of detours, a public hearing on Progressive Insurance's controversial plan to build a $5 million auto claims center in the borough is now set for April 19.
Company-Owned CARSTAR Operations Set January Sales Record - Five of 11 stores post highest sales in company history
I-CAR® to Present Technology Showcase at NACE - The International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) announced that I-CAR, a leader in collision repair training, will develop, plan and implement eight clinics to be offered on the NACE show floor in the I-CAR Technology Showcase.
Canadian Insurers Deny Interest in Direct Parts Purchasing - Several Canadian insurers contacted CollisionWeek to deny any involvement with a software company working to enable direct parts purchasing. -- Included in that group were Allstate Canada, ING Canada, and Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation.
Autoworks International Limited Subsidiary Parts Direct Hires President - Autoworks International Limited ticker symbol "A6Q" traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Europe, today announced that it has appointed Michael Cassidy as President of its wholly owned subsidiary Parts Direct Inc, effective March 2nd, 2006.
Mobile business offers quick auto body repair - Randy Sabin has taken a new auto body and interior repair business on the road.
Body shop caters to customers who want customized cars - When it comes to customizing a vehicle, your imagination is truly the limit, says Mike Godat.
BELRON® to Acquire Maverick Auto Glass - BELRON®, the global leader in vehicle glass repair and replacement, has announced that its US subsidiary, Belron, Inc., has entered into an agreement to acquire Maverick Auto Glass, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. This acquisition will provide Belron with a significantly enhanced presence in this rapidly expanding region of the US.
GM to shift to more local marketing - General Motors Corp. will spend more on marketing in areas of the United States where it has lagged and cut broad incentive spending, as it tries to turn around its money-losing North American operations, a senior GM executive said.
Airbags make a difference in side crash tests - The 2006 Ford Fusion received poor marks in offering motorists' protection in side crashes, according to test results released Sunday by the insurance industry.
Get Gephardt: Flooded Truck Resurfaces - UT: Layton man cannot get a refund for a truck that doesn't run or drive, as promised. -- Bill investigated the exact same truck just 4 months ago!
Geneva Unveils Hit at Core of Automakers' Class, Style - The international auto show featured a variety of cars, from the Hyundai Genus to the BMW Mini
Group 1 Automotive Announces March Conference Presentations - Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 automotive retailer, today announced that executive management has been invited to present at Stephens Inc. and Merrill Lynch conferences in March. The presentations will cover Group 1's financial results and an overview of the company's strategy.
Thyssenkrupp CEO denies plans to sell automotive ops - ThyssenKrupp AG is not planning to sell its automotive division, ThyssenKrupp Automotive AG, said CEO Ekkehard Schulz.
Mdwholesale.com announces newly patented headlight repair, cleaner and restorer - This will be a very hot selling item as it cures a long standing problem in the automotive industry - cloudy, yellow, weathered and worn headlights.
DaimlerChrysler unveils Mexico investment - Automaker DaimlerChrysler AG said Wednesday it will join forces with its suppliers to invest US$1 billion (euro840 million) in its Mexican manufacturing and supplier operations, the latest in a series of investments by the company.
Toyota Auto Body To Increase Prius Output - Toyota Auto Body—one of Toyota’s manufacturing subsidiaries in Japan—is increasing its production of hybrid vehicles to meet growing demand both in Japan and abroad.
Bankrupt Dana pays $250,000/month for two execs - Bankrupt auto and truck parts maker Dana Corp. plans to pay an AlixPartners LLC affiliate $250,000 a month for the services of chief financial and chief restructuring officers, Dana said in court papers.
GEICO plaintiffs fail to oppose Avery motion to decertify class - Plaintiffs in a class action against insurer GEICO have not responded to a motion to decertify their class under the Avery decision of the Illinois Supreme Court, according to GEICO attorneys.
Allstate sells unit - Prudential Financial Inc. said it agreed to buy Allstate Corp.'s variable annuities unit for about $560 million.

March 9, 2006

Consumer News: Counterfeit parts - When you get your vehicle fixed, you trust the mechanic the use reliable auto parts. But counterfeit parts are flooding the market.
Visteon president says management 'culture change' is under way - Money-losing auto supplier Visteon Corp. said Wednesday it is instituting a "cultural change" within its management ranks as the company claws its way to profitability.
SEMA Applauds Congressional Passage of Anti-Counterfeiting Bill - SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, commended Congress for taking an important step in the global battle against counterfeiting.
Boosting awareness of services is SEMA's top task - The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) discussed a number of initiatives this afternoon during its general membership meeting.
Pro-Hobbyist Street Rod and Custom Vehicle Bill to be Considered by Florida State Senate Committees - SEMA model legislation (S.B. 2248) introduced in the Florida State Legislature by State Senator Bill Posey to amend the vehicle titling and registration classifications for street rods and create a classification for custom vehicles will be considered by the Senate Transportation Committee and the Community Affairs Committee. S.B. 2248 defines a street rod as an altered vehicle manufactured before 1949 and a custom as an altered vehicle at least 25 years old and manufactured after 1948.
AADCO announces capital transaction and management appointments - As part of its undertaking of strategic opportunities in the market, AADCO Automotive Inc. ("AADCO") announces additions to its management team and a new financing facility. These actions are the next stage in AADCO's strategy following the restructuring that has taken place in the past 18 months.
BASF Coatings’ master spraypainters already in shape for the World Cup - A "deep forward pass" for world champion creativity: Car painted as a soccer field.
Competitors outpaced local auto supplier, experts say - Dana likely to be allowed to boost some prices
Copart's Q2 earnings fall due to hurricanes - The additional costs related to 2005's Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita are estimated to be at $4.9 million and include additional subhauling, payroll and equipment and facilities expenses. The company also said that approximately 90 percent of salvage vehicles received as a result of the hurricanes remain unsold, although it expects the majority of vehicles to be sold in the next three quarters.
Insurance Auto Auctions Acquires NW Penn Auction Sales/Warren County Salvage in Erie, Pennsylvania - This acquisition represents the fourth IAA location in Pennsylvania, allowing IAA to better serve northern and central Pennsylvania as well as southwestern New York. The auction site will soon offer its customers a Run & Drive(R) facility at its live auctions as well as live auction Internet bidding through the upgraded I-bid LIVE(sm) portal.
Jones aims at Chinese auto tariffs - NC: U.S. Rep. Walter Jones is pushing new legislation to prevent imports of passenger cars from China until a tariff disparity is resolved.
Ford Motor Company Executive Joins Proficiency Board; Dr. Richard Riff Appointment Highlights Importance of Product Data Integration in the Automotive Industry - Proficiency, the leader in OEM & Supplier Product Data Integration, today announced that Dr. Richard Riff, Henry Ford technical fellow at the Ford Motor Company, has joined the company's Board of Directors.
Firm taps experience in auto mold making - Eifel Inc. in Fraser caters to Tier 1 suppliers, specializes in turning out quality industry parts.
Lear Corp. widens 2005 loss by $6 million due to pricing dispute - Auto supplier Lear Corp. said Wednesday that it is widening its 2005 loss by $6 million because of a pricing dispute with a customer.
Groups reach deal on auto mercury switch recovery program - Hoping to reduce harmful mercury emissions, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, auto industry and environmental groups said Wednesday that they have agreed to start a national program to collect mercury switches from scrapped automobiles.
Geico Overcharges the Uneducated Nationwide - Geico is charging 40 percent more nationwide to insure those with blue collar jobs and less formal education

March 8, 2006

Aluminum Surpasses Iron as Second Most Used Automotive Material Worldwide - Automakers increasingly turn to aluminum to improve fuel economy, safety and driving performance
Congress Continues Review of Vehicle Title Fraud - ASA Leaders Examine Options
ASA, Delphi Activate Online Education Tools - The online packages - Career Development, Educational Services and Repair Service Process - are designed to meet the educational needs of ASA shop owners, managers and their technicians.
House passes counterfeit goods bill - The House voted Tuesday to strengthen laws targeting counterfeit goods, aiming at products that drain billions of dollars from U.S. manufacturers and could harm consumers. -- Auto suppliers estimate they suffer about $12 billion in annual losses because of counterfeited goods.
Massachusetts collision groups propose tough new law - The Massachusetts Auto Body Association (MABA) hopes to change the laws covering collision repair issues in the state so that the agencies that oversee those laws won’t be able to skip enforcing them.
Auto suppliers rocked - Bankruptcies ripple throughout industry in transformation that will separate weak from strong.
Salvaging for Auto Parts Investment Bargains - S&P expects the subindustry to remain lackluster, though some improvement may be just around the bend
FinishMaster Announces Year-End Financial Results - FinishMaster, Inc. today reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2005 of $15,647,000, or $2.01 per share (diluted), compared with net income of $13,304,000, or $1.71 per share (diluted), in the prior year. For the three months ended December 31, 2005, net income was $3,844,000, or $0.49 per share (diluted), compared to net income of $3,364,000, or $0.43 per share (diluted), in the prior year period.
Copart Reports Second Quarter Financial Results - Copart, Inc., the largest provider of vehicle salvage disposition services in the United States, today reported results for the second quarter ended January 31, 2006.
Automotive coatings, adhesives and sealants market forecast to exceed $7 billion by 2010 - Demand for automotive coatings, adhesives and sealants in the United States is forecast by Freedonia Group to rise 4.1% a year to over $7 billion in 2010. Growth in OEM demand will be supported by US vehicle production, which will rebound from declines in the 2000-2005 period.
ArvinMeritor sells replacement exhaust parts unit - Auto and truck parts maker ArvinMeritor Inc. said on Tuesday it has sold its light vehicle replacement exhaust parts business in North America to aftermarket exhaust parts maker IMCO for undisclosed terms.
Making the Impossible Possible: AEGIS Tool Allows Single Tech Install Two-Man Sets - AEGIS Tools International has made it possible for the solo auto glass replacement technician to properly perform a two-man set windshield installation and company representatives introduced the system at the Independent Glass Association's (IGA) Spring Glass Show last week in Las Vegas.
How to buy tires to replace originals - Automaker engineers design and specially tune every model's suspension so it works optimally with the original tires.
Automotive Help wanted! - A survey in January by Automotive Retailing Today, an auto-dealer trade association, found 37,329 service jobs open in the United States, 8,461 of them in the Southeast.
Volkswagen says cost cuts are do or die - Volkswagen warned on Tuesday it is doomed unless unionized workers at its loss-making German plants accept a comprehensive restructuring program that entails painful cuts in costs and jobs.
As Michigan loses jobs, Alabama boosts payroll - Tax incentives help automakers as they boost state economy
Ford tries to jump-start hybrid SUVs - Sales have cooled this year as company doubles incentives to as much as $1,000 per vehicle.
Geely Exec Headlines Elite Panel Discussing Next Chapter in Growth of China's Auto Industry at Society of Automotive Analysts' March 15 Event - The program is titled: "China -- After the Gold Rush: The Auto Industry's New Frontier."
Fraud trial moves from Salem to Lawrence - The city once dubbed "the auto insurance fraud capital of Massachusetts" has become host of the first in a series of auto insurance fraud trials.

March 7, 2006

Jury clears auto body shop - An auto body shop owner was cleared of fraud last week, more than a year after his and 13 other auto body shops were targeted in an insurance sting.
CARSTAR Welcomes Seven New Franchises in January 2006 - Two operators have multiple locations in Arizona and Florida
US court lets stand ruling for State Farm on parts - The Supreme Court declined Monday to hear a challenge to a ruling that overturned a $1.06 billion judgment against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. over the parts used in collision repairs.
Supreme Court declines State Farm ethics case - At issue: Legality of judge taking campaign contribution, ruling for firm
I-CAR Training Recognized By Vehicle Makers - I-CAR is proud to announce that the vehicle makers below incorporate I-CAR training programs into their collision repair technician programs. This inclusion of I-CAR Live training programs and hands-on qualifications tests is meant to assist dealers in training collision repair facility employees with the proper collision repair procedures used on vehicles.
Advantage Online: Laminated Steel - Laminated steel is a type of "sandwiched" sheet metal that uses two layers of steel bonded together by a polymer core. Consumer demand for quieter vehicles is the primary reason for using this type of material for automotive parts.
Crash tests: Ford Fusion lags field - Ford requests re-test. BMW 3-series and Lexus IS called "Top Safety Picks."
Industry Focus on Las Vegas Meetings - Las Vegas was the epicenter of the auto glass replacement and repair educational effort last week, with the Independent Glass Association (IGA) and National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) both holding their annual meetings.
IGA Finishes with a Flourish - The Independent Glass Association (IGA) annual meeting and Spring Show wrapped up Friday with attendees getting lots of practical advice in a series of strong educational presentations.
Northwood receives $2 million gift - Northwood has announced a $2 million dollar gift from General Parts Inc. The gift will provide funding toward the university's planned 25,000-square-foot automotive aftermarket facility on its Midland campus. -- This gift, combined with other gifts from major automotive aftermarket companies and associations, totals almost half of the estimated $6 million needed to build the facility to house Northwood's aftermarket program, the University of the Aftermarket, and an executive training center.
Monro Muffler to Buy ProCare for $14M - Monro Muffler Brake Inc., an automotive repair shop owner and operator, on Monday said it agreed to acquire most assets of bankrupt automotive-service retailer ProCare Automotive Service Solutions LLC for $14 million in cash.
Sonic Automotive Executives to Speak at the Raymond James Investors Conference - Sonic Automotive, Inc. a leader in automotive retailing, announced that several company executives will present at the Raymond James 27th Annual Institutional Investors Conference at 1:40 PM on March 6, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida.
Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Announces Stock Repurchase Program - Universal Technical Insti