Automotive Newsbytes

MAY 2006

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May 31, 2006

Keystone Automotive Industries to Report Fiscal 2006 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results - Richard L. Keister, president and chief executive officer, and Jeff Gray, chief financial officer, will host an investor conference call the same day at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time to discuss the company's financial results and operations for the fiscal fourth quarter and year end.
Keystone Automotive Industries Appoints Veteran Human Resources Professional - Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc. announced the appointment of Robert E. Hedrick as vice president and chief people officer, based in Nashville.
CCC Information Services Inc. Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire ProcessClaims, Inc. - Company Strengthens Leadership in Integrated Insurance Claims Management
LORD Corporation Announces New Resources for Automotive Body Repair - LORD Corporation, maker of Fusor^® Automotive Repair Adhesives -- the leading metal and composite bonding solution for automotive body repair – has announced the availability of a new selector guide, catalog and wall chart.
LORD Corporation's New Long-Lasting Tire Coating Already Winning Awards - LORD FusorTM 250 Tire Shield took third place in the “New Products Category” at November’s National Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) in Las Vegas.
eAutoclaims Inc. Appoints Austin Lewis IV to the Board of Directors - eAutoclaims announced today the appointment of Austin Lewis IV as an Independent Director to the Board of Directors of the Company effective June 1, 2006. The Board now consists of six members, four of whom are outside directors.
Fuel Prices Not Crisis, New Reality - The $3 gallon of gas, and quite probably the $4 gallon of gas, is not a "fuel crisis," according to reports in the media, but the new reality of what driving costs for consumers. -- For the auto glass replacement and repair industries, this translates into fewer miles driven and a reduction in the number of windshield that will be replaced or repaired. According to some estimates, increased fuel costs have resulted in a 3 percent reduction in the number of miles driven and a 1.8 percent reduction in the number of windshields replaced.
I-CAR Online Training Takes Guesswork Out Of Working With Steel Alloyed With Boron - This frequently misunderstood material is the cause of many challenging repairs when technicians have not been properly trained on how to work with the extremely high strength material.
New I-CAR Virtual Training Classroom Schedule Available - An updated schedule of I-CAR Virtual Classroom training is now available! The I-CAR Virtual Classroom combines the interaction of I-CAR Live training with the added convenience training at a personal computer. Each training sessions lasts approximately two hours and contains an online post test.
Advantage Online: Air Conditioning Compressors On Gasoline/Electric Hybrid Vehicles - Gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles are beginning to employ a different approach to powering the compressor on the air conditioning (A/C) system, and therefore require some special attention during repairs.
Automakers should release same repair data to all mechanics, poll shows - Congress is considering a bill to require automakers such as Ford Motor Co., General Motors Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. to make the same repair data available to independent mechanics as they do for franchise dealers.
Ford supplier award for automotive coatings to BASF - BASF has received Ford Motor Company’s World Excellence Award for exemplary performance during 2005 as a supplier of automotive coatings to Ford in North America and Europe.
Deals of the day -- mergers and acquisitions - German chemical maker BASF has agreed to buy U.S. catalyst producer Engelhard for over $5 billion, clearing the way for the biggest takeover in BASF's 140-year history.
Visteon Begins Production in Slovakia - Strengthens Manufacturing Footprint in Eastern Europe Tuesday
How American is it? - Global industry makes it tough to determine domestic from import
Toyota recall hits 1M vehicles - Faulty parts in 10 models worldwide will be replaced; drivers could lose control of the steering wheel.
New SUVs offer more protection against rollovers, tests find - Passenger cars, which have much lower centers of gravity, have the lowest rollover risk of any class of vehicle, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration found. They're followed by pickups, SUVs and vans.
Do Your Homework When Buying Used Car - PA: "(When you buy a car) everybody is laughing and talking and congratulating on your choice of cars," said Edna Beard, of Germantown. -- However, Beard is not laughing. She said that after the deal was done, she found out she paid $18,000 for a car that was worth $13,000.
GM taps labor expert to lead U.S. operation - General Motors Corp. Chairman Rick Wagoner's life is about to get a little less complicated.
Management Briefing Seminars Announces Additional Speakers - Automotive suppliers face a number of challenges in the global marketplace and insight into how successful firms thrive under these conditions will be part of the agenda at the 2006 Management Briefing Seminars, Aug. 7-11 in Traverse City, Mich.
Progressive opens new N. Texas service centers - Fender benders are costing Dallas-area employers nearly three years of productivity a day, according to a new survey by Progressive Corp.

May 30, 2006

Third Party Parts Procurement - The chairman of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Parts Committee said his group’s research is clear: Insurers will be playing an increasing role in parts purchasing.
Arizona Vehicle Repair House Bill Dies in Committee - An Arizona House Bill that would have made it more difficult for insurers to provide consumers information about automobile and glass repair facilities has died in the Senate Rules Committee, according to Kelly Campbell, western regional manager for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.
Safelite Opposes Language in New York Bill - In the battle to get consumer choice in auto glass legislation passed in New York State to include auto glass as a consumer choice, glassBYTEs.com™ has learned that at the last minute when advocates were waiting for the proposed bill to come out of the House Insurance Committee, Safelite Glass Corp., through its lawyers, sent a letter to the legislators saying that enacting the law would be bad for consumers, increase prices for auto replacement work, and add an unnecessary regulatory burden.
Nova Scotia repairers join forces for marketing - In an effort to positively influence the industry in their local market, six Nova Scotia collision centers have created their own marketing and purchasing group.
Mobile dent-repair venture sign of times in service - His trade is the hands-on work of "paintless dent removal," but don't try to find Chad Seifert's automotive shop.
Automotive Refinish training schedule - BASF announces third quarter 2006 Automotive Refinish training schedule of Advanced technical and OEM certification courses available in nine locations.
Diamond Triumph Changing Name, Revamping Logo, Unifying Brands - glassBYTES.com™ has confirmed that Diamond Triumph has instituted a plan to launch a new brand identity, including a name change and logo for the company on a national level, bringing both the Diamond and Triumph aspects together.
Georgia's Motoring Consumers and Independent Auto Repair Industry Thank U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal - GA Congressman Votes in Favor of Pro-Consumer 'Right to Repair Act,' States CARE
Two Pennsylvania U.S. Representatives Vote to Protect Consumers' 'Right to Repair' and Small Business - U.S. Reps Timothy Murphy and Joseph Pitts Stand United for Motoring Consumers, States CARE
New Jersey's Motoring Consumers and Independent Auto Repair Industry Thank U.S. Rep. Mike Ferguson - NJ Congressman Votes in Favor of Pro-Consumer Right to Repair Act, Says CARE
Manheim Acquires Southwest Florida Auto Auction - Manheim recently acquired the Southwest Florida Auto Auction in Fort Myers, Fla., making it Manheim's 89th North American auction location.
Machinists go on strike at PPG Industries in Lake Charles - LA: PPG Strike Enters 4th Day
Visteon’s Use of Shoplogix Profiled in Manufacturing.net - Manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler profiled Shoplogix’s Plantnode product in a detailed case study of Michigan-based Visteon. According to Cutler, “The Plantnode units are used in Visteon's plant floor machines to test the true efficiencies (and inefficiencies) of each machine.
Corvette tops flying off, leading to recall - General Motors Corp. is recalling more than 30,000 Chevrolet Corvettes because of a defect that allows detachable roofs to fly off.
VW in massive US recall - German carmaker Volkswagen has recalled 362 000 vehicles in the US as a result of faulty brake lights, the company said over the weekend.
Investor to buy Collins & Aikman - Collins & Aikman Corp. is likely to name Third Avenue Management LLC. as the successful bidder to buy and recapitalize the bankrupt auto interiors supplier.
Safer at every speed - Once reserved for the well-wheeled set, lifesaving innovations are trickling down to entry-level cars as automakers respond to competition and consumer demand
Sealant plant doubling production - A Swiss company will spend $17.8 million to double the capacity of its polyurethane sealant and adhesives plant in Lyndhurst. -- Sika Corp.'s 210,000-square-foot complex, on Polito Avenue, includes the company's U.S. headquarters and its largest American adhesives factory.
State Farm penalized in suit over tornado claims - Verdict could affect similar lawsuits involving Katrina
Cracking down on insurance firms - Regulator nixes time limits to file auto claims.
AIA Urges S.C. House to Vote 'No' on Auto Legislation - The American Insurance Association has warned South Carolina drivers that higher auto insurance premiums could result if the South Carolina Legislature approves a bill raising the minimum required auto insurance limits.

May 26, 2006

Despite Car Companies' Attempts to Kill 'The Right to Repair Act' in a Subcommittee Vote, Chairman Joe Barton, Motoring Consumers and Small Business Persevere and Win! - "Despite the attempts by the car companies and their car dealerships to kill 'The Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, HR 2048,' motoring consumers and the independent auto repair industry won the first round in a 14 to 13 vote in the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection," stated David Parde, president, The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE).
Mobile marketing company dips into car paint business - With the patented paint formula, NeoMedia’s paint division has a tremendous advantage in the automotive after-market business
The Clock is Ticking: Shops Must Report Short Pays Within 30 Days - With the announcement last week of changes to its Network Participation Agreement that it is instituting a $13-per-paper invoice charge for replacement jobs and a $9 fee for every paper invoice filed for repair jobs, Safelite also included a clause that requires reporting short pays and errors to the company quickly or risk losing the difference.
Drug dealer's car will be put to use by police - Carlson Auto Body is transforming vehicle into new DARE unit
Building Destroyed In Fire Previously Cited For Violations - NH: Fire investigators ruled Thursday that a fast-moving fire at an auto body shop in Lempster was accidental, but the building had been cited for fire code violations before. -- The auto shop was a recycling salvage operation where cars were stripped and drained of fluids.
Magicians focus on car dents - It could have been a stone, kicked up by the truck in front of you on the 410. Or maybe it was the blue compact, parked too close at the grocery store, which did the damage.
Copart, Inc. to Webcast Third Quarter Fiscal 2006 Results - Copart, Inc. announced today that it will release earnings for the third quarter of its fiscal 2006 after the close of market on Wednesday, May 31, 2006.
Company approved to buy Special Metals - The Federal Trade Commission cleared the way this week for Oregon-based Precision Castparts Corp. to buy the Special Metals plant in Huntington. -- Precision Castparts is a maker of metal components and products for the aerospace, power and automotive markets.
Spike And His Amazing Rebuilt Volvos - Would you buy a wrecked car from a guy named Spike? --Lots of Chattanoogans have, and they are tickled with their "looks-like-new Volvo." -- Spike (real name Curtis Barnes) has been buying wrecked cars and fixing them up since he was in his twenties.
One on One with Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich - AIADA: Among writers and journalists there’s a syndrome known as “beat envy” … the other person’s beat (the industry or topic they cover) is more fun, interesting, perk laden, serious and/or professional than the one you have.
Honda Breaks Ground on Ohio Parts Center - The company said it expects the new center, which will also include a procurement operations support office, to create about 110 full-time jobs.
1992-1995 GM Truck Recall - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has ordered the recall of 7,800 General Motors trucks built between 1992 and 1995 because a replacement fuel injection system sold for the vehicles may develop a fuel leak.
Chevrolet Impala Investigation - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has notified General Motors that a preliminary investigation is underway of the Chevrolet Impala to determine if consumer complaints describing headlight failure with the Impala justify a recall of the vehicle.
Getting on the road - 5 Tips: It's time to prepare your car for a road trip. We'll tell you what you need to know.
Judge rules against State Farm policies - Provisions in a State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. policy that exclude certain damage from Hurricane Katrina are unenforceable, a federal judge in Mississippi has ruled. -- On Thursday, more than 240 Gulf Coast homeowners filed a joint lawsuit against Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. for refusing to cover property damage from Hurricane Katrina.
Insurance agency inspected by state commissioner - Investigators with the State Insurance Commissioner's office stormed an agency in Moultrie. They say the owner of Insurance Unlimited may not have been forwarding premiums to insurance companies, making some clients lapse in their coverage.
Denver resident arrested - accused of Katrina insurance fraud - A former New Orleans police officer living in Denver stands accused of cheating her insurance company out of more than 23-thousand dollars.

May 25, 2006

A Dent in Business - Collision-repair industry struggles with changes
Imitation Auto Parts - If your car is damaged in an auto accident, you want it repaired as quickly as possible. -- And chances are, you want the body shop to use original parts to make it look new.
URG and Keystone Automotive Industries Announce New Partnership - United Recyclers Group (URG) today announced a new partnership with Keystone Automotive Industries. This creates a strategic affiliation between Keystone Automotive, which offers the widest selection of replacement collision parts and supplies in the industry, and URG, representing over 330 independent and industry leading automotive recycling firms.
US lawmakers to vote on car repairs dispute - A US House of Representatives committee is due on Thursday to vote on a hotly disputed bill that would require carmakers to make available to thousands of independent installers and repair shops all the tools and technology required to repair their vehicles.
Troy Aikman to Keynote NACE Opening General Session - The International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) has announced that former NFL quarterback and Hall of Famer Troy Aikman will be the NACE 2006 keynote speaker. DuPont Performance Coatings is the sponsor of the Opening General Session taking place Thursday morning, November 2 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
AGRR Legislation Before New York State Legislature - New York state legislature is looking at legislation this week that could change the face of the auto glass replacement industry in the state.
Subcommittee Vote, National Poll Shows Motoring Consumers Want 'Right To Repair' in Order to Choose Their Vehicle Repairs - National Poll Carries Political Weight, States CARE
Ten Auto Repair Shops Hit By Robbers - TX: A group of robbers has already stolen $15,000 from several auto repair shops, and Police worry they will strike again.
Sika to raise prices to stem raw material costs - Sika will raise prices for number of its products by up to 5 percent to stem a rise in commodities costs, the specialty chemicals maker said on Wednesday.
Adesa Division President to Depart - Adesa Inc., a car financing and auction company, said Wednesday that the president of its total loss vehicle auction business is leaving the company.
Pardus increases stake in Visteon to 9.2 percent - Pardus Capital Management LP has increased its stake in auto-parts maker Visteon Corp. to 9.2 percent from 7.8 percent.
AIAG Conference Spotlights Automotive Best Practices - Best Practices Help Supply Chain Reduce Cost and Variation and Improve Quality and Efficiency
Christian Brothers opens another Houston shop - Christian Brothers Automotive Corp. opened its eighth location in the Houston area Wednesday. -- The newest facility, located at 6935 Atascocita Road, provides full-service diagnostic testing and evaluation, maintenance programs and repair work for all domestic and foreign vehicles.
Just Car Clinics says profitability in line with co's expectations - UK: Collision repair chain Just Car Clinics Group PLC said profitability is in line with its expectations with volumes, during the first four months of 2006, up 6 pct compared with the same period in 2005, in a statement prepared for today's
US may seek WTO ruling after auto parts talks stall - The United States has been unable to resolve a dispute with China over treatment of foreign auto parts and may ask the World Trade Organization to rule on the matter, US trade officials said.
DeLorean Motor Company alive and well in Bonita Springs - A piece of automotive history — long thought to be extinct — is alive and thriving in Bonita Springs.
Lawyers: Auto part maker exaggerating its financial trouble - Lawyers for Delphi Corp.'s labor unions and stakeholders insisted Wednesday that the auto parts supplier has a bigger financial cushion than company officials admit.
Hyundai Debuts ESC Window Decal Alerting Consumers to Life-Saving Technology - Electronic Stability Control is Standard Safety Equipment on 70 Percent of Hyundai Vehicles, More Than Any Other Popular Brand
War games - In secret rooms, Ford tries to outwit rivals
Automobile Manufacturers Urge Americans to Discover Alternative Fuel Automobiles; Public Awareness Campaign Launched in Illinois - The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a trade association including BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen, has launched an initiative in support of alternative fuel automobiles in Illinois.
Honda Develops Bio-Fabric for Use in Automobile Interiors - Honda Motor Co., Ltd., today announced it has succeeded in developing bio-fabric, a plant-based fabric with excellent durability and resistance to sunlight, for use as a surface material in automobile interiors. Bio-fabric offers the benefit of offsetting CO2 emissions produced during incineration in the disposal stage with CO2 absorption that occurs during the growth stage of the plants that are used as raw materials.

May 24, 2006

"Right to Repair" Legislation Marked-Up This Week - ASA members urged to contact their representatives
Bills address labor rates, steering concerns - Two proposed laws now winding their way through the state legislatures in California and Arizona hope to address two issues that continue to put insurance companies, collision repair shops and consumers at odds: claim disputes and alleged steering by insurance companies.
SCRS hosts first-ever Insurer Town Hall Forum - Three insurers — State Farm, AIG Personal Lines and Infinity — participated in the session, held in Portland, Oregon, immediately prior to the Collision Industry Conference (CIC).
Winners Announced in BOCES Auto Body Skills Competition - NY: The skills of seventeen Oswego County high school students were recently put to the test in the Auto Body Skills Competition at the Oswego County BOCES in Mexico, NY. When the judging was completed, the following awards were presented: 1st Place- Justin Prior, Phoenix; 2nd Place- Nate Maynard, Hannibal; and 3rd Place- Nick Smith, Phoenix. The annual competition is open to students enrolled in the BOCES Auto Body Program.
Chamber of Commerce salutes Sarah DeCicco, Action Auto Body - NJ: Sarah DeCicco and Action Auto Body were this year's major award winners at the Greater Hammonton Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards and Installation Dinner.
Leave it to the pros - Once upon a time, gas stations not only sold gas, but they were a place to have your car serviced.
Toyota Develops Cleaner Auto-Body Surface Treatment Agent - Toyota Motor Corp. and Nihon Parkerizing Co., a Japanese manufacturer of surface treatment chemicals, have jointly developed an environmentally preferable surface treatment agent for automobile exteriors. According to the companies, the new agent is the world's first of its kind and can significantly reduce the use of harmful metals and eliminate sludge generated from the surface treatment process.
Auto part talks with China fruitless so far: US - The United States has been unable to resolve a dispute with China over treatment of foreign auto parts and could ask the World Trade Organization to rule on the matter, U.S. trade officials said on Tuesday.
Safelite Issues Memo, Implements Paper Invoice Fee, Requires Proof of Continuing Education, Certification - Shop owners began receiving a memo from Safelite last week stating that amendments to its Network Participation Agreement will take effect on June 1, 2006, including the addition of fees for processing paper invoices. According to the memo, the fees will be $13 per replacement invoice and $9 per repair invoice, while electronic data interchange and web billing will not be subjected to additional fees.
15 Minutes with Belron's Group Sales and Marketing Director - There's been a lot of talk about the lack of branding in the domestic AGRR market and Jeff Boekstein is acutely aware of it.
Speedy Glass Reorganizes Sales Effort - glassBYTES.com™ has confirmed that Speedy Glass is reorganizing its sales team, shifting its focus to more of the flat glass market.
California Auto Dismantlers Partnering with Manufacturers for ELV - The State of California Auto Dismantlers Association and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers have announced a partnership to resolve end-of-life vehicle issues and other matters of mutual concern.
FRAM adds intelligence to automotive safety - Hyundai Autonet of Korea is using nonvolatile FRAM technology for smart airbags and occupant sensors in Hyundai automobiles among others.
Possibility of new Honda plant has communities drooling - Leaders in the two rural towns that the state is offering as sites for a new 1,500-worker Honda automobile plant are giddy with anticipation.
New chief taking wheel at Toyota's W.Va. operations - Yutaka Mizuno, the president of Toyota's West Virginia operations, is leaving this month, Gov. Joe Manchin said.
Sonic Automotive Selects MenuVantage as Exclusive Menu Selling Software Provider - MenuVantage, a fully customizable, web-based menu selling system that integrates seamlessly with major Dealer Management Systems (DMS), today announced that Sonic Automotive has chosen MenuVantage to be its exclusive Menu Selling software provider for all 174 franchises nationwide. Sonic Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 300 company, is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States.
Barbagallo In at Progressive's Drive; Bauer Out at Direct - The Progressive Corporation has appointed John A. Barbagallo as the new president of the company's Drive Group of Insurance Companies and also announced that the president of its Direct Group is leaving the company.
Study hails S.D. city as nation's safest for driving - Motorists in this growing city in southeast South Dakota are the safest in the nation, an insurance study has found, and Midwest cities account for half of those in the top 10.
21st Century Auto Insurance Expands into Pennsylvania - Auto Insurer Expanding as More Consumers Bypass Agents and Purchase Directly from Companies
State Auto Picks SAS for Business Intelligence Services - State Auto, which works with independent insurance agencies in 27 states, is seeking to improve use of corporate data by utilizing SAS analysis software and the SAS Business Intelligence Server.
State Farm refusing appraisal, despite its own policy language - Insurer is urging mediation instead
State Farm taped on appraisal - State Farm policyholder Henry Kuehn called the company April 17 regarding the insurance claim for his Ocean Springs home on Ft. Bayou, which Hurricane Katrina destroyed. -- Kuehn tape-recorded his telephone call to a State Farm catastrophe office. An excerpt follows.

May 23, 2006

I-CAR Restructures Canadian Application Pricing - Effective immediately, I-CAR has reduced its Gold Class Professionals and Platinum Individual application costs in Canada. I-CAR has also reduced the fee to apply for Gold Class points through the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance.
DRP administrative costs, tasks continue to rise - CIC task force created to examine mounting expenses for shops
Fiserv and Scene Genesis Team Up to Deliver a Claims Solution Linking Appraisers, Carriers and Repair Facilities - Fiserv Customers to Eliminate Faxes and Emails, Speed Settlements -- Staff and independent appraisers and adjusters will upload estimates, digital photos and other information to carriers via the SceneAccess ASP. Built-in rules will ensure that body shops use appropriate parts.
500 Hours of Productivity Are Lost as a Result of the More Than 245 Car Crashes That Happen in Houston Each Day - Drivers Involved in Crashes Report Spending Four Days' Time Managing Claims/Repair Process; New Service from Progressive Cuts That Down to 15 Minutes
AttachmateWRQ Speeds Claims Process for LYNX Services - AttachmateWRQ today announced that LYNX Services, a subsidiary of PPG Industries, Inc., is using Verastream(R) host integration software to simplify its insurance claim management system. AttachmateWRQ Verastream integrates critical mainframe functionality into a customer service portal, resulting in a shortened claim process, improved customer service and reduced call center training costs.
Lessons Learned: NGA Auto Glass Conference Management Seminar Opens "Tool Box" - Morning seminars at the National Glass Association's (NGA) Auto Glass Conference last week wrapped up with the rapid-fire presentation "The Manager's Toolkit" by Kraig Kramers of Corporate Partners Inc.
Hail Damages Numerous Cars - TN: The storm made for a very busy Monday at repair shops across Bradley County.
A for-profit school stock worth studying - Universal Technical Institute has seen its share price plummet in the past two years, but we think it deserves higher grades.
Low cost car paint job disappoints Knoxville woman - Mandy Cross showed 6 On Your Side the flaws in the paint job on her 1996 Acura.
Hundreds ride a century for missing children - To make a donation to the National Center for Missing Children - New York, send a check payable to NCMEC-NY/Mohawk valley, with the name "James C. Kinney" in the memo section, and mail to: James C. Kinney c/o Dave Kinney's Autobody, 245 Genesee St., Oneida, NY 13421
People and places - Francis Fistori, who owns a Brockton auto body shop, funds program that teaches youngsters to cook
Pearson worker laid off as jobs piled up - A former employee of Pearson Mustang said he believes Scott Pearson’s actions at his shop were criminal.
Brooke County Students Win Auto Competition - A pair of Brooke High School automotive technology students hadn’t worked together much before competing as a team in the West Virginia Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition.
Upstate N.Y. Auto Parts Couple Charged in Workers' Comp Fraud - The New York State Insurance Fund has reported the arrest of a husband and wife in connection with an alleged workers' compensation premium fraud scheme in upstate Jefferson County, New York. -- According to officials, the Dobbins own and operate Dobbins Auto Parts, Inc., in Adams, New York.
Takes a lot of know-how to do a job just right - Detailing a car is somewhat like giving it a make-over. Experts bring out their tools and potions and make it look pretty.
Demand for Toyota Prius hybrid outstrips production - Just as Toyota is starting to sell hybrid versions of its popular Camry sedan, U.S. sales trends of Toyota’s groundbreaking Prius hybrid are slowing for the first time since consumer demand surged more than two years ago.
GM to close Swedish engine plant; may develop 4 new Opel models - It said about two-thirds of the estimated 60,000 SAAB engine units will be transferred this year to the production facility in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Auto Makers Pressed by Metals Rally - Recent high prices for industrial metals may cause auto manufacturers to try to improve their bargaining power with suppliers, yet are unlikely to result in any large-scale material substitutions, analysts and industry officials said.
Autoliv Opens its Ninth Plant in China - Autoliv, the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, today opened a plant for airbag inflators which is the Company's ninth manufacturing facility in China and its sixth inflator plant globally.
Nationwide Auto Parts Franchise, 1-800 Radiator, Opens Store in Jacksonville - The Jacksonville Location Is the Sixteenth 1-800 Radiator Franchise Launched This Year
Revving up in popularity - Most Americans associate exotic Italian cars with the Ferrari nameplate. But Italy's almost equally exotic Maserati has been making a big comeback in America in the last year or so, despite being gone for a dozen years after pulling out of the U.S. market in 1990.
The Votes are In; 'Interiors' Winners to be Announced at the 13th Annual Auto Interiors Show, June 7-8 at Detroit's Cobo Center - Which automakers are building vehicles with the best interiors? And which OEMs and suppliers are providing the best design and convenience features such as navigation or sound systems, seats, and instrument clusters?
Automakers Warn Consumers About E85 Blend - Automakers said Monday they are trying to get more ethanol-capable vehicles on the road quickly, but warned that consumers in the meantime should not use an E85 ethanol blend in conventional vehicles or try to convert their vehicles to use E85.
Simulating snow, heat and slick, hairpin curves - New Milford test lab puts vehicles through climate, terrain extremes, without shipping them at an expense.
TX Insurance Commissioner Orders Allstate to Reduce Rates - Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin today signed a Commissioner's Order requiring Allstate Texas Lloyds to reduce rates for all Texas policyholders by 5 percent. This action follows a contested hearing at the State Office of Administrative Hearings after which the Administrative Law Judges issued a Proposal for Decision regarding Allstate's rates.
Severe Weather & Soaring Auto Insurance Costs - Between 2001 to 2005, the number of vehicle losses due to hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and severe storms has nearly doubled. The number of reported claims for vehicle loss from natural disasters has also increased by more than 3 million in the past five years.

May 22, 2006

DeFelice & Daughter closes up shop after 74 years - The auto body shop, founded by Patti's father Louis DeFelice 74 years ago, has been sold to a new operator, Supreme Collision Centre. Patti, a town native and 1970 Greenwich High School graduate who lives in Glenville, took over the business when her father suffered a heart attack 30 years ago, just as she earned a master's degree in education.
CAA and Mentors At Work Partner with Techs for Tomorrow - To help Collision repair facilities be effective in attracting, training, and retaining the workforce of tomorrow, the California Autobody Association (CAA) has partnered with Mentors At Work, LLC, to create the “Techs for Tomorrow” apprenticeship system.
Auto-repair bill opposed by Toyota, other car makers - The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, based in Washington, D.C., represents nine car and light truck automakers -- including Toyota. Alliance spokesman Charles Territo says the organization "believes that HR-2048 is unnecessary." -- It's a stance shared by Toyota.
Alternative Fuel Technologies: A Crash Course - A look at the alternative fuel technologies on the market and how those technologies will affect the servicing of cars in automotive shops.
Rough road to success - Growing up on the hardscrabble streets of Paterson, John Salemme learned a few lessons about people.
A little bump can turn into a big (and costly) headache - In the universe of auto accidents, there are high-speed crashes and rollovers at one end of the scale. And at the other end, you have the slow-motion bump.
Coatings partnership paints eight car models simultaneously - BASF Coatings procures all the materials required under one roof for the automotive surface coating process of eight cars at the same time for its customer Magna Steyr.
Tool Reimbursement: Too Good to be True? - The pitch is clearly appealing: Reimburse your employees for their tools with money on which you don’t pay employer-related taxes, and which is not subject to income or FICA tax to the employee.
What are Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and Information Relating to TSBs and Car Recalls - Technical Service Bulletins, or TSBs as they are alternately called, are advisory letters issued by car manufacturers to automotive dealerships to help their technicians resolve problems with a specific make and model of automobile.
Teen car wiz earns $5,000 scholarship - The term hasn't been bandied about much, but by all accounts it would be safe to say that 17-year-old Gabe Garcia is well on his way to becoming an automotive wizard.
No. 29 Goodwrench Expertise Challenge Helps Put Future Automotive Technicians on the Fast Track to a Great Career - It can be a challenge to land a prime spot on a NASCAR pit crew. Yet vehicle dealerships across the country are scrambling to find qualified automotive technicians for their own “pit crews” – even with salaries of $30,000 to $70,000 or more, depending on the market and the technician’s level of training.
After hail, adjusters, roofers scramble - Insurance adjusters and auto body repair specialists, roofers and homeowners -- tens of thousands of Wichitans are still feeling the effects of an April 24 hailstorm that pummeled parts of the city.
House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Right to Repair Legislation - ASA: The U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection held another hearing to further discuss H.R. 2048, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act.
New Corrosion-Resistant Aluminum Die-Casting Alloy Represented by MDW Technologies - A new, more robust die-casting alloy has been developed and patented
Delphi complexity makes process slow - Like a crew inching a ship through icebergs, extreme caution is guiding everyone involved in Delphi Corp.’s bankruptcy hearings that resume this week, an industry expert says.
Toyota's China joint venture raises auto stamping-die output capacity - Toyota Motor Corp. said Monday it has raised its capacity to make automobile stamping dies at a Chinese joint venture with China FAW Group Corp. -- The joint company, Toyota FAW (Tianjin) Dies Co., can now produce stamping dies, such as those used for automobile body panels, for six models a year, up from three.
Auto-parts retailer Advance says net income rose, but on low end of forecast - Auto-parts retailer Advance Auto Parts says that its first-quarter net income rose, but said that results were on the low end of the company's forecast range as same-store sales slowed on a mild winter and lower discretionary consumer income.
Man of Many Lawsuits Says He's Only Trying to Make a Living - When Greer sued Copart, a Fairfield-based company that sells salvage cars to wreckers and dismantlers, for towing and storage fees the company's attorney Greg Adler took a stand. Adler believes Greer is filing the suits purposely against the wrong person in a "scheme of fleecing hundreds of innocent defendants."
Impala headlights faulty - General Motors Corp.'s 2002 Chevrolet Impala sedans are being probed by U.S. safety regulators because of complaints that headlights turn off without warning.
Used car parts can have great value - Getting used car parts is like looking around for a second hand car.
GM Hides Fuel-Efficient Small Cars and Trucks -- in Brazil - Some of the best little vehicles made by General Motors Corp. are not sold in its home market, and therein lies one of the biggest misconceptions about the world's biggest car company.
Federal concern for Katrina-flooded vehicles is stuck in neutral - According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, an estimated 571,000 cars, the vast majority of them in New Orleans, lay beneath Katrina's fetid waters, taking in the toxins and hostile bacteria those waters carried.
Don't call them ‘junkyards' - Wrecking yards are often the final resting place for automobiles, the place where cars and trucks go to meet their doom.
PPG talks to resume - Contract talks between PPG Industries Inc. of Pittsburgh and union workers at its chemical plant in Lake Charles, La., are to resume Monday, PPG spokesman Jeff Worden said.
Speaking Up About Vehicle Safety - If you think there's no use in complaining, think again. Consumer complaints about vehicle safety have sparked a number of auto recalls that have helped keep American roads safe.
Thousands of Iowa's Corn Farmers See the Future in Fuel - Growers Investing In Ethanol Plants Across the State
Firm that filed suit against State Farm in 1999 indicted - A federal grand jury has indicted a top class-action law firm in a scheme that paid more than $11 million in illegal kickbacks to get people to take part in shareholder lawsuits.
The Truth About Your Automobile Insurance Rates - By California Department of Insurance
The truth about insurance reform? It's a matter of which ad you watch - MA: Industry groups jockey for stake in $4b market as lawmakers remain split on need for change
Curbing auto lawsuits - Safer cars and stricter no-fault laws are driving a slowdown in personal-injury suits, lawyers say

May 19, 2006

House subcommittee holds hearing on right to repair legislation - The U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection held another hearing to further discuss H.R. 2048, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act. H.R. 2048 seeks to have the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) responsible for service information in the automotive repair industry.
Myths and Realities of Automotive Service and Repair - Manufacturers and distributors devote a lot of thought, research and energy into trying to understand the mind of the shop owner.
3 vehicles and auto body parts found in raid, police say - Police raided a chop shop along the border of Richmond and Maidencreek townships that had served as a clearing house for vehicles stolen in Kutztown, Reading and Philadelphia, investigators said Wednesday.
Auto Body Scammer Faces Jail - MD: A Bel Air auto body repair owner is looking at up to 40 years after pleading guilty to federal fraud and other charges.
"U.S. Market Toughest in the World," says Belron Chief; Gary Lubner Gives Keynote Address in Tucson - When Gary Lubner, chief executive officer of Belron (the world's largest auto glass replacement and repair company) speaks, people want to know what he has to say.
SynergX Technologies boosts productivity and quality with new generation of automotive glass inspection systems - SynergX Technologies Inc., a global supplier of automated vision technology for the automotive glass industry, announced it has received multiple orders and is now shipping its new generation of automotive glass inspection systems.
Sika Expands to Increase Production Capacity for Polyurethane Adhesive - Sika Corporation announced today that it would invest $17.8 million over the next two years to increase capacity for polyurethane sealant and adhesives production at their headquarters facility in New Jersey.
KPS Special Situations Funds' Portfolio Company Blue Water Automotive Systems Acquires Injectronics' Automotive Business - KPS Special Situations Funds ("KPS") announced today that its portfolio company, BWAS Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Blue Water Automotive Systems, Inc. ("Blue Water"), has acquired the automotive business of Injectronics, Inc. ("Injectronics"), which manufactures highly engineered injection molding products.
Advance profit rises but misses targets - Advance Auto Parts Inc. on Thursday posted a higher first-quarter profit, but shares wavered with results coming up short of Wall Street targets as mild winter and costly energy prices stunted demand.
Adesa gets 18-month permit - The Sherborn Planning Board voted to renew Adesa’s special permit to continue parking cars in town at last week’s hearing, but not before hearing mitigation proposals from residents.
Visteon Supplies Advanced TFT Instrument Cluster on the New Jaguar XK - Visteon Corporation was selected by Jaguar to develop an advanced instrument cluster for the all- new Jaguar XK. The Visteon-designed instrument cluster delivers enhanced vehicle information through elegant styling.
Big Three Look for Help on Capitol Hill - U.S. automakers were on Capitol Hill today looking for help to develop alternatives of gasoline powered vehicles.
Auto Insurance Direct Writer 21st Century Heads East to Fla, Ga. and Pa. - 21st Century Insurance Group, which sells auto insurance directly to consumers, is now selling in Florida, Georgia and Pennsylvania, the latest wave of the California-based company's national expansion in the personal auto insurance market.
State Farm unit seeks to hike Florida auto insurance rates - Florida Insurance Commissioner "deeply concerned" about 71.5% increase
Insurance Industry's $2.4M 'Big Lie' Campaign Begins Today - Big Insurers' TV Ads Air After Garamendi Refused Blackmail Effort
Gov. Bush Urged to Veto Auto Fault Insurance Law - The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies has urged Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to veto a bill that would extend the sunset provision of Florida's current no-fault auto insurance law to Jan. 1, 2009.

May 18, 2006

Lymphoma threat in collsion repair industry? - When Steve Carey was diagnosed with lymphoma nearly three years ago, he had no idea his years working in the collision industry could have been a contributing factor to his condition.
Redefinition of I-CAR Gold Class Professionals And Platinum Individual programs - Since its inception in 1990, the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals recognition program has been a symbol of training dedication.
Legal Action Surrounds Trade Show - The owners of Lil Buddy filed lawsuits against a number of large industry suppliers including AEGIS Tools, C.R. Laurence, Pilkington, PPG and Sommer & Maca, alleging patent infringement and asking that a judge issue a restraining order to keep those companies from displaying their "two-man" set devices at the show.
Making an impact - Scott Hansen is driving toward a top finish in a national automobile collision and repair competition.
ADESA, Inc. Conducts Annual Meeting of Stockholders - ADESA, Inc. conducted its Annual Meeting of Stockholders today. Stockholders re-elected three directors and amended its certificate of incorporation to provide for the phase-in of the annual election of directors.
DuPont to Boost Global Prices Amid Higher Oil Costs - Raw-material costs tracked by DuPont rose 16 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier and 85 percent since 2002, said DuPont economist Robert H. Shrouds.
CEA Urges Swift Congressional Action on ''Right to Repair'' Act - Bill Would Prohibit Auto Manufacturers from Locking Out Aftermarket Consumer Electronics
Numero Uno - Greene's Body & Paint Service
Auto parts company to bring 200 jobs in the next year - GA: An automotive parts company could bring an about 200 new jobs to Dalton in the next year. -- SW Manufacturing is currently hiring 150 employees for its new line of Nissan door frames, and they plan to hire about 60 additional employees for its $15 million facility expansion.
Henkel Sponsors Automotive Engineering Students at 2006 Formula SAE(R) - As a gold sponsor of this year's Formula SAE® event, Henkel Corporation is creating real-world automotive experiences for university students by donating materials and providing counsel. Henkel also is taking the opportunity to gain feedback from the students about its products before they are brought to market.
PPG strike averted; contract extended 10 days - LA: Union workers and officials at PPG industries have agreed to again extend the previous contract until 7 p.m. Monday, May 26th.
Ramtron FRAM Memory Enhances Smart Airbags for Hyundai Autonet - FRAM's unparalleled write endurance along with its fast data collection capability makes it an ideal nonvolatile memory technology for today's sophisticated airbag systems.
Honeywell CEO eyes improvement at auto parts unit - Honeywell International Inc. said on Tuesday it would look to boost growth over the next three years at its lagging auto parts business, rather than selling off the unit.
Financial errors spur GM shake-up - 2 execs out, carmaker hires outside overseer in wake of SEC probe into accounting errors.
Ford, UAW retooling work rules - Changes at Dearborn plant may serve as model for more efficient factories in the future.
One Area Of Ford Truck Plant Evacuated - Dearborn firefighters responded to a fire at the paint shop at the Ford truck plant. It happened just before 11 a.m.
Auto dealer wanted after failing to show up in court - WA: An Auburn auto dealer charged with scamming a finance company out of thousands of dollars failed to show up for a court hearing Wednesday, and now he's wanted by the law.
Tucker to Manage Crawford & Co.'s Atlanta Claims Services - Crawford & Co. is a large independent provider of claims management solutions to insurance companies and self-insured entities, with a global network of more than 700 offices in 63 countries.
Insurance Bills Awaiting Action by Hawaii's Governor - Several insurance-related bills in Hawaii -- including measures involving workers compensation, auto insurance claims and privacy -- have been approved by the Legislature and are awaiting action by the governor.
Auto reps ask doctors for help - They seek ways to limit health costs
Consumer fraud alert - auto theft: GEICO urges consumers to take these steps to prevent auto theft - GEICO advises auto owners in California to take heed of the National Insurance Crime Bureau's (NICB) latest report that says California is home to six of the top 10 auto theft locations in the nation.

May 17, 2006

OSHA Finalizes Regulation on Hexavalent Chromium - Long-term ramifications from hexavalent chromium regulation could be costly to collision repairers. The timeline for implementation of the legislation in collision shops is quickly approaching.
Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2006 Results - Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc., the largest distributor and marketer of specialty automotive accessories in North America, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended April 1, 2006.
A plus for the parrot DaimlerChrysler recommends Glasurit® worldwide - Glasurit® is one of the first world-wide refinish paint brands that has gained an unlimited DaimlerChrysler contract. As from now, the Glasurit brand is not only an approved partner for all DaimlerChrysler bodyshops and dealers worldwide - DaimlerChrysler recommends expressly to its customers the use of Glasurit® automotive refinish paints.
DuPont to open Chinese auto-paint plant - DuPont Co., the world’s largest maker of automotive paints, said it will open a coatings plant in China to meet growing demand as it closes European plants that failed to achieve profit targets.
Visteon gets $1.5 bln in financing from banks - Auto-parts maker Visteon Corp. said on Tuesday that lenders have committed to provide $1.5 billion of secured loan facilities under its plan to refinance debt maturing in 2007 by the middle of this year.
Diamond Triumph's New Management Team Discusses Strategy; Emphasis to Shift to Quality and Service, Not Price. Safelite Hearing Set for June 1 - The new top management of Diamond Triumph Auto Glass, chief executive officer Douglas M. Boyle and president Karen A. Christopher, met with glassBYTES.com™ for an exclusive interview at their offices in Kingston, Pa., on Monday.
Diamond Triumph Announces Appointment of Chief Financial Officer - Diamond Triumph Auto Glass, Inc. ("the Company") announced today that the Board of Directors of the Company appointed Richard A. Wooditch as the Company's Chief Financial Officer.
State Farm ends windshield fixes - Colorado's largest provider says the change will mean savings for all, but some see it as a risky move. -- Other insurers in the state said they will continue to cover windshield repairs for policyholders with comprehensive coverage. -- "We view that as good customer service, plus it prevents those small cracks developing into a glass-replacement claim," said Ken Muth, a spokesman with the state's third-largest auto-insurance provider, American Family Insurance in Madison, Wis. -- "Getting it taken care of is not a big deal," said Melissa Morris, a spokeswoman with Allstate Insurance Co., the state's fourth- largest auto insurer. "It prevents bigger damage to both the insured and insurer down the road."
GM's accessory center shines - Centralized vendor lets dealer salespeople easily research, receive prompt aftermarket parts service.
AIAG Honors Outstanding Volunteers at Annual Awards Dinner - The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) recognized its volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the automotive industry at last night's 20th annual AIAG Outstanding Achievement Awards Dinner at the Troy Marriott in Troy, Mich.
Kia Gasoline Leak Investigated - The analysis is examining the possibility that gasoline might leak from the "steel fuel storage tank on some models" of the Kia Sportage according to NHTSA. -- The investigation was recently expanded to include any Kia Sportage using the same or similar steel gas tanks that are used to equip 1999 and 2000 model year vehicles.
Former AIADA President Marianne McInerney Joins Visionary Vehicles - Bricklin and McInerney Aim for a Dealer Network Which Will Revolutionize the Industry
BMW to triple China purchases - BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd, BMW's joint venture with Brilliance Automotive Corp, said it will increase the value of auto parts it purchases in China from 870 million yuan (US$108.75 million) last year to 3 billion yuan by 2007.
GM Europe's New Design Center - The Rüsselsheim campus, home to the advanced design team, marks the first time all of GM's European brands have been under one roof
Cooper-Standard Automotive Announces First Quarter 2006 Results - The company reported sales of $540.4 million and net income of $5.5 million. The company is a leading global manufacturer of body sealing, fluid handling, and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) control parts for the automotive industry.
Auto Insurance Fraud Target Of Senate Bill - New legislation designed to combat auto insurance fraud which costs New Yorkers more than one billion dollars a year plus legislation that would impose criminal penalties for staging auto accidents has been passed by the New York State Senate and sent to the Assembly.

May 16, 2006

An Open Letter To The Collision Industry - Career And Technical Schools And Colleges Need Your Support
Advantage Online: Night Vision Enhancement Systems - Both types of systems are likely to have parts located in areas vulnerable to collision damage. Certain steps should be followed to ensure that these systems work properly after repairs. There may be some safety concerns as well.
Realizing Your Capacity and Unlocking Profitability - Calculating your shop's 'adjusted capacity' can help you discover your limitations and find ways to overcome them for maximum productivity.
Jaguar XKs Pyrotechnic Deployable Hood Wins Safety Award - Saving Lives Never Looked So Good
New repair info system launched - Thomson Delmar Learning, a provider of lifelong learning products has launched a new electronic automotive repair information system for the professional market. ChiltonPRO, is a new tool covering more than twenty years of domestic and import vehicles in an online or DVD format.
'Right to Repair' bill seeks competitive market - Would you agree that when you buy a vehicle, you and not the car company, should choose where it's fixed?
Major auto-parts makers expand capacities - Several major auto-parts makers in Taiwan are actively expanding their capacities in order to meet expected strong demand resulting from several favorable conditions, including the final ruling in the State Farm replacement body-parts case, increasing outsourcing from big automakers in Europe and the U.S., and recovering automobile sales in China.
Detroit-area auto parts plant closing - ThyssenKrupp Budd Co., an automotive supplier, said Monday it was closing its Detroit-area factory. -- The plant, where about 350 people work, makes metal stampings and assemblies such as roofs, doors, fenders, tailgates, liftgates and body side panels for cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles.
SPX open to sale of auto parts business - Diversified manufacturer SPX Corp. is open to an eventual sale of its low-margin auto parts unit even as it invests in its faster-growing auto service business targeting dealer networks, the company's chief executive said on Monday.
When speed and wealth collide - Money does not buy taste, nor does it buy driving ability. The latter has become increasingly evident with the growing number of exotic car accidents.
Thousands of Volvo Vehicles Recalled - On certain passenger vehicles the outer tie rod ball joint can deform at high loads causing a loss of the clamping force and the nut may loosen, which may eventually lead to a fatigue fracture of the outer tie rod ball joint.
Jim Padilla to Serve As Ford Consultant - Ford Motor Co.'s president and chief operating officer, Jim Padilla, will continue to serve as a consultant for the automaker after he retires in July, the company said Monday in a regulatory filing. - Ford will pay Padilla $592,080 to serve as a consultant to Chairman and Chief Executive Bill Ford from July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007.
Style Reclaimed - How the Civic got its groove back
Exclusive Camaro test drive - GM needs this car to pump up excitement, sales
Best Cars For The Bucks 2006 - Car buyers crave the best deals on their purchases, but the best cars for the bucks are not necessarily the ones that come with the biggest discounts.
Honda Needs Another Auto Plant, Analysts Say - Honda Motor Co. may have to add a sixth North American assembly plant to keep sales growing, according to four industry analysts.
Hyundai chairman indicted - Prosecutors indicted Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-koo on Tuesday in an embezzlement and slush fund scandal gripping South Korea's largest automaker.
Big, militaristic Hummer H1 on its way out - The 2006 model year will be the last for the Hummer H1, the hulking, gas-guzzling status symbol that has attracted celebrities and off-road enthusiasts but has drawn the ire of environmentalists.
Ford Warriors In Pink - Powered by Ford to lead battle against breast cancer

May 15, 2006

New Paint Technologies in 2006 - AutoInc: Technology is becoming the solution in meeting the demands and pressures of collision repair markets in both the United States and Europe.
Shop Owners Comments - AutobodyOnline: Following are comments and correspondence, either sent to me or that came across my desk, concerning the collision repair industry experience from shop owners and techs across the country. Dick Strom
Bill targets auto repairs - Independents seek same resources as dealerships
BASF Coatings announces relocation of its Automotive Refinish business to Deeside - Following consultation with the Didcot based BASF Coatings Refinish team, agreement has been reached to relocate to the organisation’s extensive head office and production facility based at Deeside, near Chester by July 2006.
Wellness for automotive paintwork - Paints protect and decorate the auto body. But they need regular care, whether your car is new or an "old friend". BASF Coatings, one of the world's leading automotive OEM and automotive refinish coatings companies, is now providing tips for paint-finish care.
Burned Hampden auto shop may not reopen - The spot that used to be the home of Bickford Auto Shop remains empty, with no signs of construction after December's devastating blaze.
John's Collision opens in Howard Lake - MN: John Stapel of Winsted collided with his career path a year out of high school – a path that led him to open his own business in Howard Lake May 1.
Vehicle corrosion worries rust away - Remarkable changes improve durability
Slow-motion bump is worth reporting - Big damage could lurk after small accident
AutoZone President Speaks at ASA Annual Meeting - Bill Rhodes, AutoZone president and CEO, was recently the guest speaker at an Automotive Service Association luncheon where he addressed an audience of ASA members and volunteer leaders.
AGRSS™ Takes Center Stage at Glass Expo '06 - Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) Council chair Cindy Ketcherside provided an update about the AGRSS Council, Standard and its registration program during the Americas Glass Association Glass Expo '06 today.
Americas Glass Association Glass Expo Opens in California - Glass Expo '06, sponsored by Americas Glass Association (AGA), opened today at the Anaheim Convention Center with a series of vigorous seminars and two-day trade show. AGA president Donn Harter opened the event with a rousing reflection of its 27 years in existence.
Adesa Retools Management - Adesa, a used car dealer and auction company, is revamping its organizational structure.
Unitedauto Announces Management Changes - United Auto Group, Inc. today announced that Samuel X. DiFeo, its President and Chief Operating Officer is retiring from his position and taking on the responsibility of assisting with certain of our international operations. Mr. DiFeo will be based in Florida as he assumes his new responsibilities.
KIA introduces for the first time in Jordan the Car-O-Liner's alignment machine - National Arab Motors (NAM) has just introduced a new tool to the KIA service center that will enable mechanics to return your car to you with a brand new feel, despite damages from an accident.
Consumers' Right to Repair their Vehicles at Stake - Legislative Hearing, May 17
Ensuring that vehicles have air bags - Connecticut officials have recognized a potential problem with motor vehicle safety and have taken a step toward addressing it.
Health Care Relief for SEMA Members Blocked in U.S. Senate - "It is very frustrating that a minority of lawmakers could not put aside election-year politics to provide health care relief to millions of small-business owners, their employees and their families," said Chris Kersting, president and CEO of SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association.
Study: Electronic Stability Control Is a Lifesaver in Rollovers - One of the most comprehensive studies on electronic stability control to date has found that the relatively new technology can reduce the odds of fatal rollovers by 73 percent in SUVs and 40 percent in passenger cars.
When Ford truck is gone, what will the suppliers do? - One month after Ford Motor Co. said its Norfolk Assembly Plant would shut down in 2008, grim resignation and uncertainty about the future are spreading among workers at some of the massive plant's suppliers.
Chrysler calls back cars with defective windshield wipers from China - The world auto giant Daimler Chrysler has announced that it would recall 532 Grand Voyager LX cars whose windshield wipers have problems from the Chinese market as from May.
Toyota seeks more business with German suppliers - Toyota Motor Corp is on the lookout to expand business ties with German suppliers, including deals on hybrid technology, Toyota Motor Europe President Shinichi Sasaki told reporters on Friday.
South Carolina Car Theft Rate Continues to Rise - The number of vehicles stolen in South Carolina has risen for the seventh year in a row. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau's (NICB) annual report on auto theft rates, Hot Spots, there were nearly 24,000 vehicles stolen in the metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) in South Carolina in 2005.
Five California Residents Arrested for Suspected Auto Insurance Fraud - California Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi announced the arrests of three suspects who were allegedly said to have participated in the staging of auto collisions on the 605 Freeway.

May 12, 2006

'Roof crush' data may go public - Ford argues release of documents would uncover important proprietary information.
Boyd Group Income Fund reports 2006 first quarter results - Boyd Group Income Fund today reported its financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2006. -- The Boyd Group Inc. is the largest operator of collision repair centers in Canada and among the largest in North America.
GEICO relies on 'Avery' for decertifying class - Insurer GEICO wants Madison County Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron to ignore a Lakin Law Firm argument that the Illinois Supreme Court has not changed the law of class action litigation.
Keystone Automotive Industries Announces Plans to Relocate Certain Executive Offices to Nashville - Keystone Automotive Industries Inc. has announced its intention to relocate some of the company's senior executives to new offices in Nashville, Tenn., with a majority of the company's accounting, IT and marketing operations remaining in California.
CCC Information Services Inc. Announces Winners of its Inaugural Outstanding Student Technician Scholarships - CCC Information Services Inc., is pleased to announce the winners of its inaugural CCC Outstanding Student Technician Scholarships. Totaling $25,000, CCC developed the scholarship program to assist collision repair students. Working in conjunction with the I-CAR Education Foundation, students from five select schools have been chosen for their academic achievement, attendance and dedication to the collision repair industry.
Insurance Auto Auctions Announces First Quarter Results - Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc., a leading provider of automotive salvage and claims processing services in the United States, today announced record vehicle returns for the first quarter 2006.
ASA Announces Mechanical Division Operations Committee - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced its 2006-07 Mechanical Division Operations Committee. Earl Dohner, AAM, E&E's Garage, Brookville, Ohio, has been re-elected as Mechanical Division director.
ASA Announces Collision Division Operations Committee - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced its 2006-07 Collision Division Operations Committee. Darrell Amberson, AAM, Lehman's Garage, Bloomington, Minn., has been re-elected as Collision Division director.
ASA Holds Annual Business Meeting - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) held its annual business meeting April 26-29 at the historic Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas.
Senate Agrees to Continue Debate of Small Business Healthcare Bill - Sen. Mike Enzi's (R-Mont.) Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act (S. 1955) was cleared this morning for further debate. S. 1955 was originally introduced in November 2005. Sens. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) and Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) are cosponsors of S. 1955.
A real body of work - If you need evidence that a career in the automotive industry can lead to a fruitful future, look no further than Jesse Yañez.
Conscious consumer - Protect you and your car at the repair shop
Consumers to get more details on car quality - Study expands to gadgets, design
Visteon reveals closings - Visteon Corp. will close, revamp or sell 11 plants this year as part of its restructuring plan, Chief Executive Michael Johnston said. The total is nearly half the 23 factories that will be involved in the three-year restructuring that Visteon announced earlier this year. Johnston didn't provide details about the restructuring.
Couple claims dealership misled them - A man and woman who bought a 2005 Toyota Corolla together say they discovered it had previously been in a collision and that information wasn't given to them prior to the purchase.
Arcelor Files Patent Infringement Suit Against Mittal Steel - Steel giant Arcelor said that it has filed a Patent Infringement suit against Mittal Steel over its Usibor technology. The suit has been filed in United States. -- Usibor is a car-steel technology employed to produced high strength steel for auto-body panels.
Schefenacker Acquires Auto Parts Manufacturer Engelmann and Plans its Incorporation Into the Schefenacker Group - Schefenacker-Erwerbergesellschaft has been awarded the acquisition, which in the future will operate under the name of Schefenacker-Engelmann Spiegel GmbH. Decisive factors in the decision were Schefenacker's vast experience and market knowledge, as well as being an experienced supplier of the automotive industry that is already in good standing and well established with the Engelmann clients.
Automotive glazing 2-shot without rotary tooling - A two-platen press moulds a fixed sidelight of clear polycarbonate overmolded with black polycarbonate bezel - without the cost, complexity or machine size required for rotary tooling.
SEMA names Waraniak v.p. of vehicle technology - The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has hired John Waraniak to fill the new position of vice president of vehicle technology.
Delphi plans white-collar bonuses - 14,000 salaried may get payouts as hourly face cuts; exec says strike this summer better than in '07.
British GM workers walk out over job cut comments - Workers at General Motors Europe's Ellesmere Port plant in Britain walked off the job on Thursday after the company proposed cutting nearly 1,000 jobs at the factory, unions said.
Volvo recalling 108,000 XC90 SUVs because of steering problems - Volvo Cars of North America LLC said Thursday that it was recalling about 108,000 XC90 sport utility vehicles because of problems with ball joints in the front suspension area that could make it difficult to steer the vehicle when parking.
Experts tout stability control for vehicles - A new study provides one of the most enthusiastic endorsements of electronic stability control, the anti-skid/anti-rollover system that is not required by law and which few buyers order if given a choice.
Letter to the Editor of The Detroit Free Press - Foreign auto parts hurting U.S. industry
U.S.-made car claims targeted - Ads aim at efforts of foreign brands
U.S. House panel passes fuel rule reforms - Proposal will give highway safety agency power to revamp corporate standards.
N.M. Regulator Accused of Intervening on Daughter's Auto Insurance Claim - New Mexico State Insurance Superintendent Eric Serna intervened in an automobile accident insurance claim involving his daughter, according to documents obtained by obtained by a local newspaper, but Serna denies any wrongdoing.
Maryland Adopts Some, Not All, Ideas to Aid Urban Auto Insureds - Maryland is moving to address the higher costs of insurance for urban drivers, with passage of recent legislation requiring insurers to regularly review their rating territories and streamlining the process for protesting rates.
Texas Auto Insurance 101 Video Now Available Online - The easiest way to learn about auto insurance in Texas is now just a click away, according to the Insurance Council of Texas. An 18-minute video produced by ICT entitled, Auto Insurance 101, has been video streamed and can be viewed by clicking on ICT's Web site

May 11, 2006

Fixing to wait - IN: The lines to repair damage from April hailstorm could stretch for months. -- One auto body shop is so swamped it has a team of workers from Brazil doing hail-related repairs. The work in some shops is being scheduled as far out as July and August.
First Collision Industry Women's Conference Successful - The first "women only" Collision Industry event was designed to bring professional women to the forefront of the collision industry and nurture their contributions. By all accounts it was a huge success according to all attendees.
CARSTAR adds vice-president of operations - CARSTAR Automotive Canada has appointed David Lush to the newly created role of vice-president of operations.
CertifiedFirst Teams-up with Rollit Management Consulting - The CertifiedFirst Network of PPG Canada and Rollit Management Consulting, Inc. have entered into a strategic relationship to provide Rollit's services to members of the CertifiedFirst Network of collision repair shops across Canada.
The Going Rate: AGRR Readers Asked to "Rate the Insurers" - Following in the footsteps of last year's "Rate the Networks" survey, AGRR magazine is in the midst of polling 2000 of its independent shop readers for feedback for the groundbreaking "Rate the Insurers" survey.
Come By and Say "Hi"-AGRR to Exhibit at NGA Auto Show - If you're attending the National Auto Glass Conference in Tucson next week, stop by booth 610 and meet the staff of AGRR magazine/glassBYTES.com™.
PPG Quarterly Report - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Performance in First Quarter of 2006 Compared to First Quarter of 2005
Adesa Inc. Quarterly Report - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
LKQ Corp. Quarterly Report - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Visteon Corp. Quarterly Report - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Asbury Automotive Group Quarterly Report - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Visteon Wins Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Flexibility - One of nine honorees, Visteon was recognized for its progressive work-life balance programs, which include telecommuting, job sharing or reduced work schedules and compressed work weeks.
ADP Dealer Services Receives Prestigious SSPA STAR Award for Best Practices in Support Technology - The SSPA STAR Award recognizes the best practices of select technology companies across all industries that consistently result in the highest level of customer satisfaction.
OEConnection Named One of 20 'Best Employers in Ohio' - OEConnection LLC, provider of North America's largest online original equipment replacement parts exchange, has been named one of Ohio's Best Employers by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and Ohio Society of Human Resource Management.
Men Not Necessarily More Car-Care Savvy Than Women - Jiffy Lube Survey Shows Both Sexes Fall Short in Preventive Maintenance Knowledge
AIAG Conference Presents Solutions to Confront Escalating Automotive Warranty Costs - OEMs and suppliers reported almost $13 billion in warranty claims in 2005, an 8 percent increase from 2004, according to AMR Research.
Angola-based auto supplier reorganizing in Chapter 11 - Q.C. Onics Ventures LP filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy May 2, claiming an estimated debt between $1 million and $10 million.
EU seeks to resolve China car-parts tariff dispute without WTO ruling - The EU has joined the US in seeking a resolution of a dispute with China over car-part tariffs without resorting to a World Trade Organization ruling, the South China Morning Post reported.
West-metro auto mechanics accept new deal - MN: Striking auto mechanics in the western Twin Cities area have voted to accept a revised three-year contract offer from 39 automobile dealerships. -- President of Teamsters Local 974, Bill Ziembo, said some mechanics could be back on the job as early as Wednesday.
Firestone tire line targeted for recall - Pasadena law firm calls product defective
Korean Auto Parts Co. to Build Ala. Plant - Global Management Business Automotive USA will build a $28.6 million plant to produce powertrain components for the Hyundai factory in Montgomery and supply a Kia factory planned for West Point, Ga., the Opelika-Auburn News reported Wednesday.
J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Vehicle History Reports Are Becoming Increasingly Important to Used-Vehicle Buyers - As last year's hurricanes cause concern about flood-damaged vehicles potentially appearing on the market, vehicle history reports are becoming an increasingly important tool among used-vehicle buyers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Used Vehicle Sales and Certification (UVSC) Study(SM) released today.
The Hartford Settles Fraud Probe for $20M - The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. has agreed to pay $20 million to settle an investigation into claims of fraudulent sales practices in retirement products, the attorneys general of Connecticut and New York said Wednesday.
Auto Injury Claimants in New York City Vastly Different From Claimants in the Rest of New York State, IRC Study Finds - Despite the fact that New York City area claimants