Beyond Parts Automotive Newsbytes November 2006

November 2006

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November 30, 2006

DuPont's 2006 Color Popularity Report Shows Global Trends in Automotive Color Choice - For the seventh consecutive year, silver has held its lead as the predominant color choice for vehicles globally. Vibrant colors such as red and orange also registered noticeable growth around the world according to DuPont Automotive's 2006 Color Popularity Report. -- Photos Available
CertifiedFirst shops on the path to performance - At the recent CertifiedFirst conference in Montreal, it was clear that collision repair shops in the CertifiedFirst Network are embracing changes to their operating procedures based on the principles of lean production and continuous improvement. This mindset, coupled with new benchmarking and data analysis tools, is the group's key selling point to insurance clients.
Snap-on tool box presented by I-CAR, ASE, I-CAR Education Foundation and NATEF - Clay Fallis, the owner of ProCare Automotive and Collision Inc., in San Antonio, Texas, was the winner of the Snap-on toolbox presented by I-CAR, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), I-CAR Education Foundation and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) during NACE 2006. Fallis qualified for the toolbox by entering and being I-CAR trained as well as ASE-certified; his name was randomly selected in a drawing on the final day of NACE.
I-CAR Gold Class Professionals Designation Earned by All True2Form Locations - In October 2006, True2Form Collision Repair Centers achieved an industry benchmark of training and professionalism – all of its 38 repair centers earned the I CAR Gold Class Professionals designation.
How to find the right auto body shop - WA: There's a good chance your insurance company will give you a list of shops they'd like you to use. Choose one of these pre-approved shops and the insurance company will probably guarantee the work for the life of your vehicle. That's a major incentive and a valuable extra. -- "If the insurance company steers you to a shop that's a good shop, that's fine, " says Robert Krughoff, president of Puget Sound Consumers' Checkbook magazine. "But you want to make sure that they shop is a high quality shop." Don't feel pressured to use them.
Wrecker war seizes Windham - ME: Several Windham towing companies have expressed outrage and frustration over the way the town chooses who gets to remove vehicles from accident scenes.
Automotive Tech students donate van to nonprofit - MD: Seneca Valley High School Automotive Technology students and Thomas Edison High School of Technology Automotive Body students of the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation Inc. reconditioned and donated a seven-passenger van to Team River Runner. -- The Montgomery County non-profit organization helps disabled veterans of the Iraq and Afghan wars to recuperate in health and healing by providing new challenges through whitewater kayaking on the Potomac River.
I-Team Follow Up: Las Vegas Auto Repair Rip-Off - A Channel 8 I-Team investigation of several Purrfect Auto franchises has prompted policy changes within the company. But documents obtained by the I-Team suggest the franchiser isn't being honest about the results of our investigation.
Do you trust your mechanic? - Police hunt auto-theft suspects after cars hauled for scrap -- Woman finds out her mechanic sold her vehicle to a salvage yard when he should have been working on it.
2006 Los Angeles Auto Show - Automotive Youth Educational Systems To Host 'Future Techs'
News Show Highlights Scam Dogging Glass Industry - The problem of thieves using IT Relay programs designed for the deaf to steal millions of dollars was highlighted today on NBC's TODAY show. A report by correspondent Lisa Meyers detailed the scam that is plaguing thousands of businesses in the country, including the glass industry.
Saflex® Interlayer Makes Giuiargo Mustang Possible - As mentioned in an article on yesterday's glassBYTEs.com, a Mustang concept car created by Fabrizio Giugiaro, debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show with one solid piece of glass comprising the windshield, roof and backlite of the car. Giugiaro's company, Italdesign Giugiaro created the roof design with Saflex, a unit of Solutia Inc., which developed the specialty glass roof.
Vinyl nanocomposite 'smart material' - Solvay's vinyls joint venture in Europe, SolVin, has launched NanoVin, an innovative nanocomposite combining polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nanoparticles of clay. -- These applications include for instance bodywork in the automotive industry as well as so-called thick coatings, such as artificial leather.
Ontario recyclers set meeting date for March - The 2007 Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association convention and trade show will take place March 29-31 at the Delta Meadowvale in Mississauga. Among the speakers for this event are Dennis DesRosiers, of the market research firm DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc., and Joe Holsten, CEO and president of LKQ Corp.
Stamping plant gets another life - WV: Here is one small plant that along with the Toyota engine plant in Buffalo can show that West Virginians can help build automobiles without leaving their wild, wonderful state.
TRW Automotive to Supply Chassis Modules to Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler Through New Chinese Subsidiary - TRW FAWER Automobile Safety Systems (Changchun) Co., Ltd. (TFASS), a subsidiary of TRW Automotive Holdings Corp., has established a manufacturing plant in Beijing, China to produce chassis modules for Beijing Benz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co., Ltd.
Toyota kicks up minority purchasing goal - Toyota Motor North America Inc. plans to do more business over the next year with minority suppliers, the company said Wednesday.
Green monsters at the L.A. Auto Show - Competition has eco-friendly concepts, kooky to conceivable
It’s the end of Clink! Clatter!! Clash!!! Smelly! Smokey!! Sluggish and Noisy!!!! - American’s look to Europe for many things – wine, food, fashion and, of course, automobiles – to name just a few. But one European automotive tradition has not made the journey to our shores: diesel engines for passenger vehicles.
GM CEO says not too worried about Kerkorian - General Motors Corp. Chief Executive Rick Wagoner said on Wednesday he is "not excessively worried" about a possible proxy fight with the automaker's largest individual shareholder, billionaire Kirk Kerkorian.
GM Adds Gasoline-Electric Vehicles to Battle Toyota - General Motors Corp. will introduce new hybrid gasoline-electric autos next year to take sales from Toyota Motor Corp., the leader in the fuel-saving technology.
Sales of Prius other Toyota hybrids slip this fall - U.S. sales of the popular Prius and other hybrids made by Toyota Motor Co. slipped this fall when buyers of those vehicles no longer qualified for a full federal tax break, Toyota officials said on Wednesday.
Low-Key Chief Asserts Himself as a Leader at Toyota - When Toyota named Katsuaki Watanabe as its new president last year, many assumed he would be a caretaker chief executive, steering the giant automaker with a steady hand and a minimum of surprises until Akio Toyoda, the 50-year-old great-grandson of the company’s founder, took charge.
Dozens of Chrysler Employees File Lawsuit Against Company - DaimlerChrysler, the International United Auto Workers Union, and Local 1268 face a federal class action lawsuit after Belvidere workers claim they were deceived and forced into an illegal contract. -- The suit claims Chrysler "intentionally and deceptively led" workers to believe they'd receive the same type of benefits and pay other full-time union workers get, only to find out after the pay was only 70 percent of what union workers earned and the jobs were temporary. Francke says, "We did not know until we had already quit jobs and were on their payroll as a full-time employee that we were not full-time employees, that we were temporary employees."
Ford found not liable in Explorer accident - Ford Motor Co ., the second-largest U.S. automaker, isn't liable for a 2002 Explorer rollover accident that killed a mother and her teenage daughter, a New York jury said, handing the company its second win in a week.
Audatex Forms New Unit Focused on Central and Eastern Europe - Collectively, the countries in the CEE have a total of nearly 70 million passenger vehicles, which would rank it behind only the United States in terms of market size and potential. -- Tony Aquila, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Solera, Inc. said, "Audatex can draw upon our unique experience from around the globe to help these clients automate the claims process and to capture these opportunities."
AIAG Backs HHS Secretary Leavitt's Request to Employers on Improving Health Care Quality and Reducing Costs - Organization requesting automotive supply chain support on health care plan
N.Y. auto insurance rates seen too high - Car insurance companies are charging New York drivers steeper rates even though the amount of money they are paying out in claims in the state has dropped, New York City Comptroller William Thompson said Wednesday.
Rewards Offered For Reports Of Insurance Fraud - Tom Gallagher, Florida's chief financial officer, announced that $2,500 in Fraud Fighter rewards have been paid recently to three individuals who provided key information that led to the arrests of four individuals for insurance fraud totaling more than $35,000.
Lawrence Man Pleads Guilty To Auto Insurance Fraud - MA: A Lawrence man pleaded guilty late yesterday to an indictment charging that he participated in an auto insurance fraud scheme to bilk insurance companies out of thousands of dollars in false claims, Attorney General Tom Reilly announced today.

November 29, 2006

I-CAR Mobile Qualification Tests Are Coming Your Way - I-CAR has launched the new I-CAR Mobile Qualification Test (MQT) program and the trucks are now available to deliver all three industry recognized qualification tests to individual business sites.
Insurer’s Fickleness Fuels Fury - American Family’s second recent switch to a different estimating system has shops seeing red.
Addison Auto Center Rewarded for its Past, Plans for its Future - Denver: In addition to a devoted customer base, another reward for Addison Auto Center’s 25 years of integrity, excellence and technological innovation was their recent finalist designation for the 2006 BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics from the Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau. The Torch Award is designed to recognize companies with notable ethical behavior and superior business performance.
Police find parts of dragster at Tampa auto body shop - Parts of a classic 1960’s dragster have been found in a Tampa auto body shop. -- Earlier this month, someone stole the car, deemed the ‘Green Mamba’, from its owner, Doug Rose. He says the car was his pride and joy, and he was devastated.
Granby auto body shop donates truck to class - MA: The students in the Pathfinder Regional High School collision technology course are closer to getting their hands dirty and learning more about new-vehicle repair thanks to Pleasant Street Auto Body in Granby.
Collision Repair Lab Accepting Vehicle Work for Next Semester - PA: Student service advisers are scheduling appointments for students, staff and faculty to receive vehicle estimates in the collision repair and advanced paint lab for the spring semester. Schedule to receive your estimate now so they can get it in first thing next semester.
Mark Your Calendar! - The Independent Glass Association has announced the dates for the 2007 Independents' Days & Spring Auto Glass Show™. The show will be held on May 17-19, 2007 at the Cashman Center with the Golden Nugget as the host hotel in Las Vegas.
Auto Parts Supplier to Build New Manufacturing Facility in Aiken, South Carolina - The company distributes parts directly to its customers, which include Honda Alabama, Honda South Carolina, Honda Power Equipment, Komatsu and Suzuki.
Growing Auto Parts Distributor, 1-800 Radiator, Expands to Cincinnati - 1-800 Radiator recently increased their stake in Ohio's automotive industry with the opening of their fourth location in the state. The outlet, located in Cincinnati, is managed by local businessman Dan Lay and his wife, Anna.
Lear Seating and Interior Innovations Honored at Society of Plastics Engineers' Innovation Awards Gala - The company's products were recognized as the "Year's Most Innovative Use of Plastics" in two recognition categories: Lear's FreeForm(TM) proprietary injection-molding process was a winner in the Process category and Lear's structural blow-molded seatback was a winning submission in the Safety category.
Holden criticized over car parts decision - The Australian Workers Union (AWU) says Holden is turning its back on local jobs by looking overseas for parts. -- Yesterday the car-maker announced it was walking away from the Victorian components maker Ajax Fasteners.
A Thing of Bling - Navigator's chrome grille is in demand
Can Enclave rescue Buick? - GM's latest crossover seen as promising attempt to woo buyers and revive brand in the hot market.
Half Take Ford Buyout - MASS EXIT: More than 35,000 blue-collar workers to leave | SAVINGS: Stunning exodus could fuel comeback | FUTURE: Temporary workers will step in
Chrysler's Joe Eberhardt becomes man in the hot seat - With dealers steaming and new vehicles piling up, executive is at center of tensions
Former GM advisor takes private equity job - Former General Motors Corp. advisor Stephen Girsky has been named managing director of a New York private equity fund. -- Centerbridge Partners, L.P. said Tuesday that Girsky has joined its Centerbridge Industrial Partners LLC subsidiary to focus on investments in the automotive and auto parts sectors.
China Scorecard - Who'll come here first? Here are the players to watch
Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com Announces Winners of 2007 Best Resale Value Awards - Since depreciation (or loss of value) is typically a consumers' biggest expense during the first five years of vehicle ownership, these awards, like all of kbb.com's information services, are designed to help consumers make more informed car-buying decisions.
Overheating in Liberty, Neon prompts inquiry DaimlerChrysler AG’s - Jeep Liberty sport-utility vehicles and Dodge Neon small cars are being investigated by a U.S. safety agency after reports of overheating in dashboards and steering columns.
Vehicle safety device will save lives - Tire pressure sensors soon to be standard equipment
Car safety devices are making drivers less cautious: Study - Researcher is sure air bags, anti-lock brakes exacerbate bad behavior.
IRS Confirms Tax Credit Eligibility for 2007 Honda Hybrid and Natural Gas Vehicles - Buyers Are Eligible for Federal Tax Credits Ranging From $1,300 for Accord Hybrid to $4,000 for Civic GX
IRS announces 2007 standard mileage rates - The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2007 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
Jeff man accused of insurance fraud - Police say he filed 22 claims on his car
About 26,200 Hours of Productivity Are Lost as a Result of the Nearly 550 Car Crashes That Happen in Atlanta Each Day - Drivers Involved In Crashes Report Spending Four Days' Time Managing Claims/Repair Process; Innovative Service from Progressive Cuts That to 15 Minutes
Auto Insurer Kicks-Off Special, First-Of-Its-Kind Discount for New Jersey Mass Transit Riders - New Jersey Skylands Insurance Companies is leading the charge to make auto insurance more affordable for drivers throughout the Garden State.
Insurer Group Urges Supreme Court to Overturn Ruling on Credit Scoring - A national insurance trade group has filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the cases of Safeco Insurance v. Burr and Geico General Insurance v. Edo, which said insurers acted in willful disregard of the law by not sending out adverse action notices whenever a consumer's credit information did not result in the consumer receiving the best possible rate.
Judge rules insurance covers New Orleans homeowners - A Louisiana federal judge has ruled many New Orleans homeowners whose houses sustained water damage after Hurricane Katrina are not excluded from coverage under their insurance policies, a judgment that represents a loss for the insurance industry.

November 28, 2006

Identifix Releases Supercharged Search™: a Highly Tuned Web-Based Automotive Search Engine for Technicians - Identifix, one of the nation’s premier sources of online diagnostic and fix information, today announced the launch of a powerful new search engine called Supercharged Search™ on its award winning website, Direct-Hit. Supercharged Search™ is an extremely powerful web-based automotive search engine for technicians, developed from over 1 million keyword searches submitted by Direct-Hit customers in the last year.
Audatex Announces Worldwide Database Development Group - Estimate and Workflow Provider will offer Industry's largest vehicle database -- Tony Aquila, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Solera Inc., added, "We are fanatical about database. Expanding our database services delivers disproportionate value to our clients and we are committed to continuing this expansion. Our global presence allows us to invest significantly more than our nearest competitors can in database, technology and product development and to deliver unparalleled value to our customers."
WMABA Looks To Fill The Executive Director Position - The Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA), a nationally recognized regional association of collision repair businesses in the Washington-metro area which serves members in MD, VA, and the District of Colombia, seeks to retain the services of an Executive Director. Since the association’s inception in 1965, WMABA has been at the industry’s forefront as an active advocate for collision repair issues representing our members through local programs and legislative representation at hearings on Capital hill, in Annapolis, MD and Richmond, VA.
NABC Announces Winners of 2006 Industry Idea Fair - The National Auto Body Council (NABC) has announced the winners of the 2006 Industry Image Enhancement Idea Fair, which encouraged members of the collision repair industry to come forward and submit their ideas for image building programs or campaigns.
Women's Industry Network Launches - Women of the auto collision repair industry are uniting in order to strengthen and expand opportunities and to encourage new women into the profession. This newly formed effort, to be known as the Women’s Industry Network (WIN), will serve to greatly enhance the collision repair industry through education, networking, and sharing of resources.
ASA names Schlanger Top Recruiter, Chairman's Club Award Winner for 2006 - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) presented its Chairman’s Club Award to Bob Schlanger, owner of British Car Service, Tucson, Ariz., at the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Luncheon Nov. 4 in Las Vegas. The award honors ASA members who recruited or provided leads for prospective shops to become members of the association.
RFID Drives Fight Against Counterfeit Car Parts - MQVP is working to RFID-enable its existing electronic system, which tracks the supply chain for collision-repair automotive parts.
CARSTAR gala tops off year-round support for cystic fibrosis - CARSTAR Automotive Canada celebrated another year of hard work and fundraising at an annual charity gala in support of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF). More than 1,000 employees, partners and friends attended the event, where president and CEO Sam Mercanti presented a cheque for $201,000 to the CCFF.
Carbon car hood: Class A & cost-effective - Resin film infusion, electroformed nickel tooling meet Aston Martin quality and cost targets.
Valley company converts minivans for disabled - It’s a scene that might seem more likely in Detroit than Arizona — long rows of minivans in various stages of construction, welding torches throwing off sparks, power drills whirring, the sounds of motor vehicle manufacturing echoing through a cavernous assembly room.
Copart Opens Baltimore Facility - Copart, Inc., the largest provider of vehicle salvage disposition services in the United States, today announced the opening of a new facility in Baltimore, Md. -- The 30-acre Greenfield facility is owned by Copart and is the company’s second in the state of Maryland.
Tennessee auto parts plant to close - Come next year, 117 people currently employed at the Worthington Precision Metals, Inc., auto parts plant on Beasley Drive in Franklin will lose their jobs when the operation shuts down Jan. 12, officials said. -- County economic development chief Bob Iannacone said the company’s downturn may be tied to the fact that its largest client is troubled Ford Motor Co., which announced plans earlier this year to shed up to 30,000 hourly jobs by 2012.
3M Brings Innovative Professional Solutions to New Line of Consumer Car Care Products - 3M Car Care Solutions for Consumers Unveiled at SEMA/AAPEX Show
2006 SEMA Auto Show Photos & Coverage - Like ants to a picnic, the SEMA Show attracts industry insiders searching for new ways to feed their hunger for all things automotive.
Norsk Hydro to Sell Auto Castings Unit - Norway's Norsk Hydro ASA said Monday it agreed to sell its automotive casting businesses to Mexico's Nemak group and Grupo Industrial Saltillo S.A.B de CV for a total 3.7 billion kroner (US$587 million; euro446 million).
Dongfeng and Minth eye U.S. vehicle suppliers - Dongfeng Motors and Minth Group are among a number of vehicle companies interested in acquiring assets from distressed U.S.-vehicle suppliers Delphi Corp. and Visteon Corp., market sources told the South China Morning Post on Monday.
Automotive Hall of Fame Announces 2007 Distinguished Service Citation Recipients, 2006 Industry Leader - The Automotive Hall of Fame has announced its 2007 Distinguished Service Citation Recipients. The Automotive Hall of Fame's oldest recognition, initiated in 1940, the Distinguished Service Citation recognizes an individual who has significantly improved the industry or their respective organizations. A recipient is either currently employed in the industry or recently retired.
Hyundai vs. Toyota, complete with espionage - Engineer spilled quality secrets
Ford seeks $18 billion financing - Plants among collateral slated for posting
GM sets deal to build Chevrolets in Poland - General Motors has clinched a deal to have Ukrainian automaker UkrAvto build entry-level Chevrolet cars for GM at a plant in Poland, a source close to the matter said.
Jaguar Announces the New Jaguar XF - Jaguar Cars today announces that a new sports sedan, the Jaguar XF, will make its public debut next autumn. Positioned in the luxury mid-size segment, the new Jaguar XF will replace the S-TYPE sedan in the Jaguar model line-up.
The Cobalt Group and Its Dealix Division Re-Launch UsedCars.com -- The First Online Automotive Portal Dedicated to Used Cars - The Cobalt Group, Inc., the leading provider of marketing services to the automotive industry, and its Dealix division, the leader in automotive Internet sales leads, today announced the re-launch of UsedCars.com -- the automotive industry's first portal dedicated solely to used cars.
Allstate's Brune personifies changes in CIO position - In order for customers of Allstate Insurance Co. to remain in good hands, its technical employees must learn how to use all of their good heads.
Countrywide Launches Auto Insurance Product in Colo., Ill., Ind., Nev. - Countrywide Financial Corp. announced that Countrywide Insurance Group's auto insurance product is to consumers in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana and Nevada. The product was first introduced in Arizona in Sept. 2006.

November 27, 2006

Matte becoming the new black for car customizers - At SEMA's trade show, low-gloss and flat black finish is the hottest vehicle customizing trend.
People In Glass Houses …CIC Anti Fraud Committee - Isn’t it funny how people in the collision industry always believe that either the insurers or the public are cheating them? Isn’t it also funny that the insurance industry believes that fraud is running rampant in the collision industry?
GM approves two waterborne systems for collision repair - Sherwin-Williams' AWX and Akzo Nobel's Sikkens Autowave waterborne paint systems have received approval from General Motors for use in North American collision repair centres.
Independent mechanics confronting rising costs - As a result, so are their customers -- if the repair shops stay in business
Repairs Pay the Bills, But Vintage Cars Rev Rob Keenan's Heart - Keenan, 51, owner of Precision Collision, an auto body shop in Winter Haven, said repairing ordinary car wrecks is the bread and butter of his business, accounting for about 70 percent of the work.
Focus On: Fenderz to Fenderz - What started as a desire to restore old cars has led these two brothers into a productive career.
Fiat Auto UK launches approved bodyshop programme - Fiat Auto UK has with Akzo Nobel Coatings Limited and Fusion Management Solutions Limited launched a new approved bodyshop programme in association with with Akzo Nobel Coatings and Fusion Management Solutions, to assure repair standards among the bodyshops used by the dealer network, and to ensure that all potential revenue streams are identified by the dealer network and wherever possible, that these become an integral part of their business.
Auto shops say liquid salt hurts cars - Using liquid salt to keep roads clear of snow and ice may be reducing collisions, but it’s rusting out brake lines and the undercarriages of vehicle bodies, some area mechanics and auto body repair technicians believe.
Auto body instructor recalls early days at vocational school - When Eddie Crum reported for his first day of work as auto body instructor for the brand new Ben W. Hooper Vocational School in 1976, he found an empty shop with not even a screwdriver in sight.
Girls, cars collide in body shop - Teens take to auto-body repair class at J. Everett Light center.
Parts Suppliers: How To Avoid The Fate Of The U.S. Steel Industry - The future state of the automotive industry remains unpredictable, with little end to the volatility in sight.
Parts makers hit by foreign onslaught - Canada's auto parts makers are getting battered in their largest and most important export market as Mexico and China grab an increasingly larger share of sales to U.S. customers.
Visteon staff reject cuts - UK: Unions said they would sue the company for breach of contract, and are holding ballots for industrial action.
Toyota engineer who helped develop hybrid Prius dies in plane crash - David Hermance was an engineering wizard for Toyota with an environmentalist's heart — an executive who championed hybrid gasoline-electric cars years before global warming entered the popular conversation.
Chrysler revival slips into reverse - Too slow to replace once hot-selling cars
Chrysler weighs moving vs. staying - Newark facility vies with Michigan plant
Kerkorian sale could turn up heat on GM's CEO - WSJ - Billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian's decision to sell a big chunk of his General Motors Corp. shares is likely to turn up the heat on the auto maker's chairman and chief executive, Rick Wagoner, the Wall Street Journal reported on its Web site on Friday.
Ford's ties to Iran questioned - SEC tells automaker to detail its business activities with Iran, Sudan and Syria, deemed 'terrorist-sponsoring states.'
Nissan plans to sell electric cars in 3 yrs -Nikkei - Nissan Motor Co. plans to develop and start selling subcompact electric cars powered by self-developed lithium-ion batteries in about three years, the Nihon Keizai (Nikkei) business daily reported on Sunday.
Chinese car makers eye driving to US market - Chinese car makers are competing aggressively to be the first vehicle exporter to the north American market after US-based Visionary Vehicles LLC called off talks on forming a joint venture with Chery Automobile Co.
Volvo, Chrysler and Ford recall vehicles - In most cases, the problems will be resolved by dealers at no cost to owners. -- Volvo Cars of North America, a unit of Ford Motor Co., is recalling vehicle speed controls on some C70, C70 convertible, S60, S70, S80, V70, V70XC and XC70 models. A malfunctioning electronic throttle module may cause the vehicles to unnecessarily go into "limp home" mode, in which the vehicle's speed is limited to 10 to 30 mph, NHTSA said. -- DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group is recalling 127,928 Chrysler Pacificas from the 2005-2006 model years. The crossover vehicles have fuel pump modules and powertrain control module software that could cause the engine to stall under certain conditions, causing a crash to occur without warning. -- Chrysler also is recalling 2,258 Sebring sedans from the 2007 model year with a hood latch part that may break and cause the hood to open while driving. -- Ford is recalling 422 Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis sedans from the 2007 model year to properly secure the windshield to the body, NHTSA said.
Honda to recall nearly 210,000 Mobilio cars for brake light switch - The recall affects 209,898 Mobilio and Mobilio Spike wagons produced from Nov. 28, 2001 to May 13, 2005, because of irregular shape of electrical terminals of a brake light switch, the company and the ministry said in separate statements.
Pep Boys recalls 8,600 tires because of defect - Pep Boys - Manny Moe & Jack, an auto- parts retailer with 593 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, said it's recalling about 8,600 Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. tires because of potential belt separation.
Goodyear Workers Take Strike to YouTube - The union's YouTube posting suggests that using replacement workers during a strike can lead to unsafe tires.
Police use 'black box' data to investigate car crashes - OH: Police say they're increasingly using event data recorders, commonly called "black boxes," to help determine how crashes occurred and whether drivers should face criminal charges.
Allstate takeover talk resurfaces - For the second time in less than six months, Allstate Corp. is being bandied about as possible takeover bait.
Watchdog groups question Wooley's lobbying work - Former Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley has come under fire for working with a group created by Allstate Insurance Co. to lobby for catastrophe money.
Texas Insurance Complaints Lowest in 7 Years, Trade Group Says - Information obtained from the Consumer Protection division of the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) shows the number of consumer complaints with insurance companies is the lowest since 1999, the Insurance Council of Texas reported. Insurance complaints in Texas have come down every year since 2003.
Lower bill? Thank a careful driver - MA: Safety, antifraud measures push auto rates down

November 22, 2006

AASP/NJ Outraged at ASA’s Anti-Right-to Repair Campaign - The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) is outraged at the aggressive actions of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) attempting to kill the recently passed NJ version of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act. The New Jersey "Right to Repair Act" gives motoring consumers the ability to choose where, how and by whom to have their vehicles repaired, whose parts they wish to purchase, even work on their vehicles themselves. The bill was passed out of committee last month after years of effort by AASP/NJ.
Shops Can Steer Too - Despite what you’ve been led to believe, you can legally steer your customers away from ‘problem’ insurers and toward ones that know how to fairly settle claims.
General Motors does not approve of clipping to repair collision damage - General Motors does not approve the use of clipping to repair collision damage to vehicles. In the collision repair industry, clipping refers to cutting two damaged vehicles through the windshield pillars, the rocker panels and across the floor pan and joining the undamaged portions from these vehicles to make the repair. The use of clipping voids GM’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty (and any variety of the GM Protection Plan), as well as GM’s new vehicle service part and corrosion warranties for each part in the clip.
Exterior Panel Straightening-Part One - I-CAR: Some believe that straightening damage to exterior panels is becoming somewhat of a lost art form. In the pre-unibody era, a large percentage of damaged panels were repaired instead of replaced.
I-CAR Offers Advanced High-Strength Steel Program Online - I-CAR is answering the industry's need for training with the new Advanced High Strength-Steel Overview (AHS01) Online Training program. The program addresses the unique repair challenges of new advanced high strength-steels.
Greco Publishing to Take Over Hammer & Dolly Magazine - Beginning with the January 2007 issue, New Jersey-based Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc., will be the new publisher of Hammer & Dolly magazine. -- Hammer & Dolly is the official publication of the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA).
Vegas Luck Smiles Upon NACE $10,000 Winner - Betty Osborn, co-owner of Quality Paint and Body, Inc. in Greeley, Colo., walked away the winner of the $10,000 cash prize.
ASA Collision, Mechanical Divisions presents ASA/ASE Top Score Awards - Held Nov. 2-4 in Las Vegas, CARS is the premier event for automotive service and repair professionals.
Service flags used cars' history - Many used cars have had collision repairs, but the buyer may not be informed at the time of a purchase.
Delphi temps get hired - Under deal with UAW, workers employed to replace those who took buyouts will get permanent jobs.
Car parts supplier sees 80 layoffs by February - As many as 80 workers at Hendrickson Suspension in Kendallville could be laid off by February, according to a workforce reduction notice the company filed.
Auto parts job loss grows - Canada: Three area plants cut more than 180 temporary workers.
2007 TOP SAFETY PICK award winners: award criteria are tougher; SUVs eligible for first time - The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announces 13 vehicles that earn TOP SAFETY PICK awards for 2007. Winners include 4 cars, 7 SUVs, and 2 minivans. This award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute tests. Winners also have to be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC).
Saturn plant's future uncertain - The union president at the Saturn plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., said General Motors Corp. has decided not to build a new front-wheel-drive minivan there, leaving workers wondering whether they will have any vehicles to assemble in the future.
Nissan Is Perfecting the Art of Auto Manufacturing in Mississippi - The next time you get into your automobile you should take a moment and think about what it took to design, build and get it into your hands in the first place. As consumers, we’re familiar with the advertising that created our interest and the sales process that resulted in the purchase decision, but these are a very small fraction of the immense activities that went on before the vehicle was manufactured.
Chrysler reveals 2 concepts - Nassau, Jeep Trailhawk to be displayed at Detroit show
Gettelfinger goes online to answer UAW members' questions - The United Auto Workers, looking for better ways to communicate with its members, hosted on online question and answer session with UAW President Ron Gettelfinger Tuesday.
GM kills plan for minivans - Following Ford's lead, struggling automaker will focus on crossovers.
For GM, it's about Malibu's inner beauty - General Motors Corp. wants its future Malibu to look and feel more sophisticated to drivers and it announced Tuesday that it's starting from the inside of the car.
Bricklin abandons plans to establish Chery in the U.S. - Malcolm Bricklin’s ambitious plan to revolutionize the U.S. car industry with an affordable lineup of models from China’s Chery Automobile has been derailed.
Toyota Camry Is Motor Trend Car of Year - The redesigned Toyota Camry, the hottest-selling car in America, is the winner of Motor Trend Magazine's 2007 Car of the Year award. -- The award, announced Wednesday, went to all Camry variations, including the hybrid, because the car is innovative yet has a broad appeal, magazine Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie said in a statement.
Honda Civics continue to top the list of Canada's Top Ten Stolen Vehicles - Canada's car insurers announced today that, for the second year running, the 1999 and 2000 Honda Civics SiR 2-door hold the dubious distinction of topping this year's most frequently stolen vehicles list.
Ford Loses $15 Million in Lawsuit - The parents of a teenager who died in the crash of a 1995 Ford Explorer Sport have won a $15 million verdict in their federal lawsuit against the automaker. -- A spokeswoman for Ford said Tuesday the company will appeal the verdict. -- A federal jury returned the verdict against Ford Motor Co. Monday in a product-liability lawsuit that claimed the vehicle's roof was not strong enough.
New Device Monitors Young Drivers - Parents can’t keep an eye on their kids all the time, but one device could help do it for them. It tracks a teen driver’s actions behind the wheel so parents know what’s going on when their kids are on the road.
State Farm's claims practices probed - State Farm Insurance Co. will be the first of several major insurers to be investigated by Mississippi's insurance commissioner over their handling of policyholders' claims after Hurricane Katrina. -- Insurance Commissioner George Dale said Tuesday that the probe will begin with State Farm because the Bloomington, Ill.-based company has written more policies on Mississippi's Gulf Coast than any other insurer.
State Farm Insurance Contributes $1.5 Million to TxDOT Vehicle Registration Initiative - State Farm and the State Farm Agents of Texas are contributing $1.5 million through in-kind services to support "Put Texas in your corner," the Texas Department of Transportation's initiative to remind vehicle owners to register their cars, trucks, motorcycles, and trailers on time. TxDOT presented State Farm with a plaque during the college football Mascot Day on November 19 at the
State Capitol.

November 21, 2006

Las Vegas Auto Repair Rip-Off Investigation, Part 3 - The Nevada attorney general's office is going after a car repair franchise accused of ripping off its customers. Representatives for the company were notified Monday that the A.G.'s office has filed a motion to suspend their business licenses.
PLIOGRIP® By Valvoline Finishing Cream Wins Top NACE Award - “Best new product of the year” is a title PLIOGRIP by Valvoline Finishing Cream skim coat can now add to its label. Participants at the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) voted to give PLIOGRIP by Valvoline Finishing Cream top honors among 33 new product entries, according to the company.
PLIOGRIP® By Valvoline Finishing Cream Skim Coat Eases Finish On Plastics - “Feedback from auto body professionals who have tried Finishing Cream skim coat has been outstanding. There’s no rollback on the feather edge and it can be used on one-sided bumper repairs without adhesion promoter or any other special surface pre-treatment,” said John Baetz, marketing manager for PLIOGRIP by Valvoline.
Goldman Sach buys into Chinese auto glass maker - Goldman Sachs Group plans to buy 10 percent of Fuyao Group Glass Industries, the biggest maker of automotive glass in China, for 890 million yuan, or $113 million, Fuyao said Monday.
Automaker Chery to produce auto parts with U.S. company - Chinese automaker Chery said Monday that it will set up a joint venture with a U.S.-based Fortune Global 500 company to produce automotive interiors in China.
DURA Automotive Receives Court Approval to Access Full Debtor-in-Possession Financing - Company Continues Normal Business Operations, Enhances Competitive Position -- DURA Automotive Systems, Inc. announced today that it received Court approval for the $300 million Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) financing it arranged from Goldman Sachs, GE Capital and Barclays, as part of DURA’s Chapter 11 filing, which encompasses the company’s U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries. The company and its lenders will finalize the lending agreements and close the loan facilities next Monday, November 27, 2006.
Lear makes $25M deal with Ross auto group - Lear Corp. has reached a nonbinding agreement to contribute most of its U.S. interior business to an automotive interior operation headed by New York financier Wilbur Ross. -- The Southfield-based auto supplier reported in a U.S. regulatory filing Monday that as part of the deal it would contribute $25 million to Ross' entity, International Automotive Components Group North America, LLC, in exchange for a 25 percent stake.
Automotive Industry faces new battery technology - The Automotive Industry Team of a leading chemicals group is delighted to present a smaller and lighter car battery of the future.
Could Durango, Aspen land in Warren? - As the Chrysler Group works to cut more than $2 billion from its expenses and right its truck-heavy ship, analysts speculate that two assembly plants are in jeopardy. But -- believe it or not -- that may lead to some good news for Michigan.
Chinese cars not ready for U.S. - Some are making big gains in design, finish of models but are scaling back their export strategy plans.
Automotive Turkeys 2006 - When you hear the phrase "automotive failures," you probably think of cars like the Yugo, the Pinto and the Vega--cars that were cheap and riddled with problems. You probably don't think of Jaguars, Mercedes-Benzes and Porsches, but those upscale, desirable names don't just reside on our list of cars on the slide, they sit on top of it.
Toyota Dealership Deploys i-Sight Complaint Handling Software to Ensure Increased Customer Loyalty - i-Sight keeps track of customer feedback and ensures that every complaint is dealt with efficiently and professionally. The result: improved customer satisfaction leading to higher sales, more referrals and more repeat business.
OnStar will soon disconnect from some cars - All models before 2002, and some newer, will lose service due to old technology.
Driving An Expensive Or High-performance Car? Make Sure Your Car Has Adequate Insurance - Repairing an expensive car with non-OEM parts and/or improper workmanship will result in substantial diminished value.
The Secret Auto-Safety Files - For almost three years, the major automakers have shipped voluminous data to U.S. traffic-safety regulators: Eight million consumer complaints, 138 million warranty claims and 5 million field reports on product malfunctions. It's part of an "early warning reporting'' program Congress set up to prevent a repeat of the Firestone tire-failure scandal.
Jurors find four guilty in insurance fraud scheme - Defense attorneys said their clients were unwitting victims of an FBI investigation gone wrong.
Lawsuit against insurer alleges underpayment - Two lawsuits have been filed against a subsidiary of Allstate Insurance Co. by homeowners who say the company underpaid them for claims handled by a former adjuster convicted in a kickback scheme with one of the insurer's vendors.
Side Impact: Improving Driver Safety? - A study out today says side impact air bags can reduce driver death by 37 percent, saving thousands of lives a year.
Flooded Vehicles Pose Safety and Consumer Risk Unless Insurers Share Info - Auto Dealers Seek Insurers' Help in Keeping Flood-Damaged Cars Off the Streets -- Insurance Company Voluntarily Discloses Flood Damage Info
GEICO Consumer Alert: Be Watchful of Auto Theft and Accident Scams During the Holidays - With the holiday season right around the corner, GEICO advises vehicle owners across the country to take precautions while driving and shopping to keep themselves and their autos safe.
Delaware Approves Home, Auto Insurance Rate Reductions - Delaware Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn has approved insurance rate cuts for State Farm homeowner policies as well as for private passenger auto policies from three AIG companies, from Harleysville Insurance and from Westfield Insurance.
State Farm Lowers Auto Insurance Rates by 4.4 Percent - State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., the largest insurer of autos in Arkansas and nationwide, is lowering its overall rate level in Arkansas an average of 4.4 percent effective Nov. 27. This decrease means an annual savings of $13.4 million to Arkansas customers of State Farm.
Driver gets bill for accident responders - PA: When Luke Gutilla slid his motorcycle off Route 56 this summer, he walked away uninjured and viewed the accident as a minor inconvenience. -- Little did he know that five months later he would receive bills of nearly $2,200 for the seven firefighters, an assistant chief, two fire vehicles, three police cruisers and three officers who assisted at the scene.
Crash Cost-recovery Fees Could Boost Premiums, Mich. Insurers Say - Insurers and municipalities in Michigan are squaring off over who should pay for rescue and cleanup crews and heavy equipment used in certain car crashes, and the result could be higher insurance rates for motorists.

November 20, 2006

Insurers Eye Parts Procurement - Shops speculate over insurer plans to set requirements on parts buying
Rhode Island shops to benefit from labor rate survey changes - Rhode Island collision shops should benefit from new labor rate surveys, the results of which could nearly double existing hourly rates by next year.
Getting Some Green to Beat the Holiday Blues - Holidays can be a difficult time for the body shop business. Happy shoppers are focusing on spending their money for sweaters, ties, toys and other gifts -- not auto body repairs.
GM approves new waterborne paint system from Sherwin-Williams - General Motors recently approved the AWX waterborne refinish system from Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes for North American collision repair centers.
Auto-body and glass company sets operations in Tewksbury - MA: An auto-body and glass company has moved from Peabody to a 5-acre parcel on Shawsheen Street, and hopes to expand its operations. -- The Auto Body Clinic, part of the Arena Group of Companies, has been around for 28 years and specializes in collision repair.
GPI Acquires Iowa Glass Depot's Automotive Finishes Division - “CARQUEST is an exceptional organization that has made a commitment to be the leader in the PBE sector. We feel as though this gives Automotive Finishes’ employees an outstanding opportunity for growth and success in the future,” said Steve Dummermuth, CEO of Iowa Glass.
Former Saab chief opens repair shop - Dan Chasins, former president of Saab Cars USA, has opened a MAACO Collision Repair & Auto Painting franchise at 3345 S. Dort Highway, Burton. -- Until May 2005, he was executive vice president for marketing for United Auto Group, an automotive retailer with 171 U.S. franchises.
Repair shop owner gears up to vie for top mechanic title - Elgin's own John Vallely recently joined two of the best mechanics in the country to compete in a head-to-head battle for the coveted title of BP's 2006 Amoco Ultimate Golden Mechanic.
For Morris Tech's car guy, skill is in repair - Teacher who wanted to 'give something back to students' named top instructor of '06
Investigation Part 2: Las Vegas Auto Repair Rip-Off - The Channel 8 I-Team joined forces with the Nevada Attorney General's Consumer Protection Bureau for its first undercover car sting in more than four years.
In the driver's seat - Seven lessons from a Yorba Linda widow's 7-month campaign to get justice after a botched car repair job.
Cactus Towing probe reveals more overcharges - Detectives investigating possible fraud at a Mesa towing company uncovered an additional $107,000 in overcharged fees for tow-related services to customers or insurance companies, according to records released this week.
Bob Bischoff Talks about State Farm's New Customized Offer Program - AGRR Magazine/glassBYTEs.com™ recently spoke with Bob Bischoff, national glass manager for State Farm Insurance Companies, concerning the company's Customized Offer program, which was announced at the recent Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) Conference in Las Vegas.
Glass Doctor® Adds GLAXIS® Certified Dispatching to Internal Software - Glass Doctor has announced that its total business management software, Z-Ware™, has GLAXIS technology included in the latest version.
Automotive refinishing paint systems works for SEAT - BASF Coatings Services is now providing Glasurit automotive refinishing paint systems and sponsorship for the SEAT Sport Poland Team.
Automotive Aftermarket In North American To Reach $58.7 Billion In 2010 - Growth results from improvements in light vehicle reliability and durability.
Know your road when choosing snow tires - Americans spent approximately $20.2 billion on all replacement tires for passenger cars and light trucks in 2005, up from $18.7 billion in 2004, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association of Bethesda, Md. Figures for just snow tire sales were not released.
Visteon in Spin-Off Talks With GKN - Visteon in Talks With British GKN to Sell Some Foreign Operations
Magna, GAZ to Form Car Ventures - Canadian car parts maker Magna International announced Saturday that it would form joint ventures with Oleg Deripaska's GAZ Group and would soon sign cooperation deals with AvtoVAZ.
How Honda suppliers have saved money - Using its approach to manufacturing, Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. has helped its area auto-parts suppliers save money.
Baosteel aims to double automotive sheet output - China's largest steel maker, Baosteel Group Corp, plans to double automotive sheet production by 2010 to tap growing auto demand. -- Output is expected to reach 2.6 million tons this year and grow to more than five million tons in 2010, said Ai Baojun, president of Baoshan Iron & Steel Co, Baosteel's Shanghai-listed unit, on Saturday.
Auto, steel industries in dispute - Big-shot companies in two of Alabama's marquee industries - steel making and auto manufacturing - have found themselves in a bitter dispute that's up to the federal government to decide.
GM's Lutz says open to Ford alliance - No. 1 U.S. carmaker General Motors is open to an alliance with its No. 2 rival Ford, Vice-Chairman Bob Lutz said in a newspaper interview on Sunday.
Winning through relationships Japanese carmakers pin quality on sense of trust with suppliers - One of the most successful weapons in the fierce, global competition between giant car companies may be a little soft talk.
GM considers auto exports from China, production venture in Poland - General Motors Corp. may use China as an export base in a few years, selling Chinese-built cars in other countries -- and it has already exported a small number of vehicles produced at its Chinese joint ventures.
Here’s the short and sweet of it: The Mini Cooper is great little car - The 2006 Mini Cooper Convertible won three distinct honors in the latest Strategic Vision Annual Vehicle Experience Study. It won a Total Quality Award, Total Value Award and was named "Most Delightful Vehicle" in the "Convertible Under $30,000" segment.
Market for subcompact cars grows as styling, features, safety improve - Just a few years ago the subcompact car in America was a tiny, cheap econobox with a noisy engine and no frills that few people wanted to buy.
Auto recall notice comes nine months too late - Nine months after their 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee burned up outside their home, Bob and Christine Dresser got a notice from DaimlerChrysler that the vehicle was being recalled.
Black Boxes Popping Up In Automobiles - Device Records Information Moments Before Crash
Happy Thanksgiving, you're canceled! - Insurance company sends greeting card, terminates policy
Allstate using astrological signs to predict drivers’ accident probability? - Allstate recently published an advertisement stating they did research on which horoscope signs were historically the best and worst drivers. -- They claim they were just using this as a fun ad campaign and won’t use the data to increase rates.
Auto insurance guide available online, too - The New York state Insurance Department has the 2006 Consumer Guide to Automobile Insurance available online and in hard-copy form.
Drivers learn too late their insurance doesn't exist - RI: The state police are investigating complaints filed by customers who bought insurance at a business on Broad Street in Providence.
IBM's Advanced Analytics to Tackle Property & Casualty Insurance Claim Fraud - IBM announced today that it is putting advanced analytics to work zeroing in on fraudulent and abusive claims in the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry.

November 17, 2006

Training for Success: Ways to Meet Your Training Needs - Automotive technologies may change, but the crucial need to keep your technicians up-to-date with the latest training is a constant factor in the long-term success of your shop.
The Spark that Ignites the Passion - Good instructors can ignite passion in students.
CARS 2006 offers 15 Education Sessions, networking, exhibitor showcase - Hundreds of automotive repair professionals gathered Nov. 2-4 at the 2006 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) held at The Mirage in Las Vegas, an event that is held annually during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) that focuses on management and technical education along with networking opportunities and an exhibitor showcase.
Former Employee Says Auto Body Shop Repaired Parts, But Charged Customers For New Parts - Dominic Tocco used to work at Suntrup Ford's auto body shop. He was fired in February, he says because he exposed falsification of bills. -- At least one big insurer has removed Suntrup's auto body from its list of preferred providers, and a second company is considering such action. -- Suntrup says the allegations are completely without merit, but he's conducting an internal investigation anyway.
Investigation: Las Vegas Auto Repair Rip-Offs - Automobile related complaints top the list of consumer concerns and for good reason. And the Nevada attorney general's office is cracking down on crooked mechanics.
Mechanic Advisor Provides Vistors with an Auto Repair Resource for Finding and Selecting a Repair Shop - The website that dropped in early Fall has made all the necessary moves to become the leading online resource for the auto repair industry in the United States.
Safelite® Solutions Employee Honored with Collision Industry Association's Award - Kathy Goddard, a Quality and Assurance Analyst in Safelite's Claims Management Department with 14 years of experience developing electronic billing programs, was recognized by the CIECA with an Outstanding Dedication Award at the organization's annual awards ceremony on Oct. 31. The award is presented to volunteers or volunteer groups that exhibit exceptional leadership, contribution and dedication within the CIECA organization.
Glass America Makes Second AGRSS Donation; Endorses National Standards for Auto Glass Replacement - Glass America, a national automobile glass replacement and repair company, has made its second donation to the Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the safe replacement of auto glass. Glass America's contributions will support a variety of AGRSS-oriented educational opportunities, including its new consumer awareness program.
Scrap Busters: New spin on used parts - Scrap Busters has become more appealing to vehicle owners who are trying to weather economic problems by keeping their cars and trucks longer than they once did.
Officials Try to Appeal to Car Parts Manufacturers - West Virginia developers see more potential in automotive sector.
Magna, Billionaire Deripaska's GAZ to Make Car Parts - Magna International Inc., Canada's largest auto-parts maker, plans to manufacture car components in Russia with billionaire Oleg Deripaska's GAZ Group to supply growing vehicle production in the country.
Compuware Covisint Helps Drive Auto Industry and e-Commerce Standards for Growing China Market - Compuware Corporation today announced that the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) selected Compuware Covisint to support the technology needs of the Chinese automotive industry by delivering EDI training. The six-week Gap Analysis Pilot Program, which is designed to help China-based auto suppliers improve operations, will begin in mid-November 2006.
Foursome partner for automotive door panel - Chrysler, Lear, Kraiburg and Husky Injection Molding Systems partner for an award winning, two material automotive door panel for the 2007 Dodge Caliber.
Chevy Camaro SuperSpeedster From Baldwin-Motion Debuts - Baldwin-Motion is a great name in vintage-Camaro conversions, and its SuperSpeedster, based on the wide-body '69 Chevrolet Camaro, is no exception.
Ghosn May Hire GM, Ford to Make Cars at U.S. Plants - Carlos Ghosn, the head of Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA, stymied in his attempt to find a North American partner, may hire General Motors Corp. or Ford Motor Co. to make cars at their underused factories.
DaimlerChrysler, China's Chery in Talks - DaimlerChrysler AG said Friday it is holding talks with China's Chery Automobile Co. about a possible joint venture that would make cars for the Dodge brand for sale in the U.S.
Porsche's VW Buyup Could Signal Takeover - Analysts Say Porsche's Latest Move to Increase VW Holding Could Signal Sign of a Takeover
Nissan Recalling 4,000 Renault-Made Cars - Nissan Trading Co. is recalling over 4,000 Renault-made "Twingo" passenger cars due to faulty shock absorbers, Japan's transport ministry said Friday.
Toyota Recalls About 54,000 Passenger Cars Because of Engine Problems - Toyota Motor Corp. has recalled about 54,000 passenger cars because of engine problems, Kyodo News agency reported Thursday. -- Subject to recall are 54,217 vehicles in two models, including the Harrier sport utility vehicle. The vehicles have a defect that can cause the engine's computer control system to operate incorrectly and possibly catch fire, Kyodo said.
No Satisfaction - What drives Toyota? The presumption of imperfection--and a distinctly American refusal to accept it.
GM plant celebrates early rollout of pickups - The company launched production of its new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks 13 weeks earlier than first planned after spending more than $200 million on machinery and facilities at the plant over the past two years.
Toyota begins building trucks in heart of pickup country - Toyota Motor Corp.'s latest effort in the U.S. automotive industry is considered its most important, and what a place for it: deep in the heart of Texas, where American pickups have crowded backroads and highways for decades.
Ford Exec Says Louisville Plants Don't Have a Guaranteed Future; May Not Survive Cuts - Two Ford manufacturing plants in Kentucky have no guarantees they will survive cuts planned by the automaker, an executive said Thursday. -- The two Louisville plants employ nearly 9,000 workers, with the Louisville Assembly Plant producing two of Ford's flagship vehicles -- the Explorer and Explorer Sport Trac -- and the Kentucky Truck Plant producing the F-Series Super Duty pickup.
Automotive News World Congress to Explore Life in the Fast Lane - Roger Penske, chairman, Penske Corporation and Rick Wagoner, chairman and CEO, General Motors lead a distinguished roster of business leaders who will explore the drive among automakers, suppliers and dealers to develop products faster and adopt innovative ways to cut costs and get products to customers at the 2007 Automotive News World Congress, Monday - Thursday, Jan. 15 - 18 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn, Mich.
100,000 Will Need Help with Stuck Vehicles This Winter Holiday Season, AAA Predicts - Severe winter weather can make driving a challenge for even the most experienced drivers, says AAA. Extreme cold temperatures make vehicles more likely to breakdown if proper maintenance has not been performed, and heavy snow falls and icy road conditions can lead to vehicles sliding off the road and becoming stuck in the snow.
Safeco Cuts Auto Insurance Rates in Colorado - Safeco announced today it is cutting auto insurance rates in Colorado by as much as 21 percent, with the average Colorado customer experiencing a 4.8 percent decrease. Since July 2004, Safeco has taken rates down more than 17 percent.
Investor Ross Ups Stake in Insurance Sector - Wilbur L. Ross Jr., a billionaire who made his fortune in steel companies and textile mills, is raising his bet on the reinsurance business.
CyberKey Solutions, Inc. Appoints New Vice President of Sales to Increase Awareness in the Automotive and Medical Markets - CyberKey Solutions, Inc. is pleased to announce that Mr. Dan Mertlich has been appointed as Vice President of Sales. Mr. Mertlich will be tasked with increasing the Company's name recognition in the lucrative insurance, automotive, and medical markets. -- Mr. Mertlich previously worked within the property and casualty insurance industry for more than twenty years.
State Farm claims actions under fire - Use of biased reporting found
Insurance commissioner finally gives Lawrence drivers a big break - Since being elected to her first term in 1998, state Sen. Susan Tucker promised her Lawrence constituents she would work hard to lower auto insurance rates that were among the highest in the state.

November 16, 2006

Virginia: Koons Collision Repair Holds Car Hostage - Koons auto body shop refuses to release a customer car unless payment is made for an improper repair. -- Koons Collision Repair Center in Alexandria, Virginia promised that it would restore the Explorer after the vehicle had struck a deer that had attempted to cross a busy freeway. Two months later, the customer was told the SUV was fully repaired -- except when he went to pick it up, he found the SUV had a cheap black plastic grille instead of the original chrome unit.
Mitchell International Selects ViryaNet to Automate Scheduling Adjusters and Processing Insurance Claims - ViryaNet Limited, a leading provider of software applications that automate business processes for mobile workforce management and field service delivery, today announced that Mitchell International, the leading supplier of information products, software, and e-business solutions for the insurance, property and casualty, medical claims, automotive collision repair, and glass replacement industries, has selected ViryaNet Service Hub to integrate with its collision estimation software solution. The arrangement leverages Mitchell's insurance industry expertise, enabling ViryaNet to expand into a new vertical market.
Estimating Systems: What's New? - Learn about the new products and updates available in managing your estimates.
Social event pulls together the Canadian contingent at NACE - Canadian Collision Repair Night at NACE was a tremendous success again this year, with more than 300 people gathering at the Mandalay Bay Conference Center to socialize with fellow Canadians in Las Vegas. Shop owners, technicians, paint and equipment suppliers, insurance representatives and spouses mingled for hours on Friday, Nov. 3.
New Rule May Significantly Impact Auto Refinish Industry - On Feb. 28, 2006, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) finalized the new rule on hexavalent chromium, a rule likely to have a significant impact on the automotive refinish industry. Why this rule and what are its implications?
New venue for IBIS in 2007 - The International Bodyshop Industry Symposium – is moving from Switzerland, where this global gathering of refinish industry leaders has been held for the past five years, to a new location: The Hotel Martinez in Cannes, France. IBIS takes place May 30 to June 1.
10 Lucky Winners Vie for the Ultimate Mustang - Ford Customer Service Division's "When It Fits, You Win," a national sweepstakes for automotive Mechanical Parts Installers, reaches the main event at Homestead-Miami Speedway's Ford Championship Weekend.
Belron Announces US Executive Management Appointments - Belron announced today the appointments of Rich Harrison to the position of chief executive officer (CEO) and Wes Topping to the position of chairman of its United States business unit, Belron, Inc. These appointments will take effect January 1, 2007.
Visteon Seeks Additional Secured Term Loans to Enhance Liquidity - Visteon Corporation today announced that it is seeking an additional $100 million to $200 million in secured term loans under its existing $800 million seven-year secured term loan that expires in June 2013. This action will further enhance Visteon's liquidity as it executes its three-year plan, and allows the company to take advantage of strong financial market conditions.
Thresher Industries President / CEO Recaps SEMA Show - Thresher Industries, manufacturer of aluminum and composite castings, has returned from the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas. Tom Flessner, President / CEO of Thresher, said, "We were overwhelmed with potential customers, we had some attendees who searched the directory and set up meetings with us at the show.
Automotive Bells and Whistles Keep Getting Fancier - Americans love their cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles so much they spend a total of $34 billion a year to put trendy extras on them.
Tower says shutdown of NE Indiana plant to cost $19.6 million - Closing an auto-parts plant next year will cost Tower Automotive Inc. $19.6 million, the company said Wednesday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Dana Unions Object to New Bonus Plan - Unions representing Dana Corp. employees say its proposal to pay millions to executives while it plans to cut health care and retiree benefits should be struck down.
Chrysler Group Steals the Show at SPE(R) Automotive Innovation Awards Competition - * All-new 2007 Jeep(R) Wrangler's Bumper System is Grand Award inner * Company Wins Awards in Six of the Nine Categories
Workers peek at future Ford cars - Ford Motor Co. is taking an unprecedented step to convince employees and retirees that there is light at the end of the automaker's dark financial tunnel.
Brave new world - Carmakers vie for Chinese market
Jaguar Tops Consumer Satisfaction Survey - Ford Motor Co.'s Jaguar unit led all auto brands in consumers' satisfaction with their car-buying experience, according to a survey released Wednesday by the J.D. Power and Associates research firm.
Ex-Volkswagen chief on 44 charges in bribes case - Prosecutors in Germany charged former Volkswagen personnel director Peter Hartz with 44 criminal counts of breach of trust in connection with a corruption scandal at Europe's biggest carmaker.
VW brand boss quits in shakeup of top executives - Wolfgang Bernhard, the head of VW's flagship Volkswagen brand, plans to resign amid plans by designated chief Martin Winterkorn to streamline the company's leadership, a German daily reported Wednesday.
Toyota finally unveils its new plant to the media - Toyota peeled back the veil of secrecy and showed off its brand new San Antonio assembly plant Wednesday to a group of local and national journalists.
Ford takes more time on Edge, MKX - Ford Motor has delayed the launch of its important Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover utility vehicles to iron out supplier and assembly problems at the Oakville, Ontario, factory where the two are built.
Safety concerns mount over third-row car seats - Responding to car buyers' competing demands for more seats and better fuel efficiency, auto makers are cramming third-row seats into increasingly smaller models. Trouble is, the safety of these back rows is largely untested, and some consumer groups worry that as these seats proliferate, so will the number of related injuries.
They might be beneath you but don't overlook your tires - It's amazing how little attention most drivers pay to their tires, considering how important they are.
Don't Get Soaked Purchasing a Flood-Damaged Car - Major Flooding Throughout Western Washington Leaves Car Buyers Vulnerable
Crash test 101 - How crash worthiness is measured and how crash ratings can help you choose your next car
Safeco chief already ranked among the most powerful - After less than one year on the job at Safeco Corp., Chief Executive Paula Rosput Reynolds already is one of the most powerful women in the U.S. -- So says Fortune magazine, which ranked Reynolds at No. 40 on its list of 50 top female business leaders in its Oct. 16 issue.
Mattoon woman wins Mustang in ‘Cars’ contest - IL: Elaine Brutlag was one of 25 nationwide winners of State Farm’s “Countdown to Cars” giveaway.
AG: Suspend civil suit - Whistle-blowers were sued over insurance files
Progressive Reaches ``Concierge Level'' of Claims Service Milestone with Opening of 50th Service Center - What Started as a Simple Idea to Save People Time after Car Crashes Now a Key Company Strategy to Keep Customers Happy
Call center jobs offer $500 signing bonus - FL: The Progressive Group of Insurance Cos. is offering 80 new jobs at its Riverview call center. -- The growth is expected to continue into next year as the company plans on adding 300 employees in 2007, it said in a release. The new hires will complete a training program to help customers who call in purchase policies or report claims.
Progressive Corp. October Profit Rises - Auto insurer Progressive Corp. said Wednesday its October net income rose 73 percent, as net premiums earned edged up.
Solera Completes Acquisition of Insurance Web Services Organization in the Netherlands - This is Solera's first acquisition since the purchase of Audatex from ADP in April 2006. -- Tony Aquila, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Solera, added: "ABZ is leading the way in building global solutions that build collaboration and reduce friction in the claims process.

November 15, 2006

California collision group goes to court over Progressive concierge center enforcement controversy - A court action challenging the registration status of the Progressive Insurance Group’s “concierge” service center in San Diego has been filed against state regulatory officials by the Collision Repair Association of California (CRA). In its “petition for writ of mandate,” CRA contends the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) is providing Progressive an unfair trade advantage by failing to enforce laws mandating that collision shops closely adhere to state registration and licensing procedures.
Community pitches in with concert for body shop owner - Lynchburg, VA: “I kind of owe my life to the community,” Roger Cheek of Huddleston said. “The people of this county showered me with blessings. I don’t know what I did to deserve it.” -- For more information or tickets, visit www.secondflyte.com or call (540) 586-4721.
BASF’s Bodyshopmall offers link to GRC-Pirk for EH&S records management - Advanced paperless tool simplifies compliance and certification for body shops
Ford and BASF Coatings share a vision of the future in the “Way Forward” initiative - Innovative application systems and competences in color design, high-quality coatings and materials-recycling support Ford on the way to the future.
BASF’s Bodyshopmall.com marks 400 thousand online orders - BASF’s Bodyshopmall.com™, the refinish industry’s first eBusiness website, passed the 400 thousand order mark on October 5, 2006. The milestone order was placed by Fletcher Auto Sales of Rogers, Arkansas, a subsidiary of Fletcher Collision Center in Little Rock.
Baltimore Dent-Remover 'Bent on' Dunlop 'Maxxed Out' Awards - One Baltimore man knows ding and bling. During the day, he fixes simple dents, dings and creases, but he is equally passionate about transforming Hondas into bling.
Damaged truck thrills students - MA: Thanks to a donation by Pleasant Street Auto Body of Granby, auto body students at Pathfinder Regional Technical High School in Palmer will get a chance to learn the latest in repair techniques.
PPG Foundation presents $1,500 scholarship to SVC student - Saint Vincent College senior chemistry major Krystle D. Eleamos of Bridgeville was presented a $1,500 scholarship by PPG Industries’ operations engineer Stephen Yanity, C’90, PPG manager of diversity and organizational effectiveness Laura M. Randall, C’87, and Saint Vincent College chemistry department chairperson Dr. Matthew Fisher.
Equalizer Issues 2007 Catalog Featuring Brand New Additions - Equalizer Industry has announced the availability of its 2007 catalog. The catalog has more than 30 new items in it, such as the Big Dawg™ Equalizer® Express®, a 36-Volt tool that provides twice the power of the 18-Volt Express®.
Apogee Enterprises Raises FY07 Earnings Guidance - Equity in affiliates, which reflects Apogee’s portion of the results of the PPG Auto Glass joint venture, is expected to report earnings of just over $2 million (prior guidance was approximately $3 million).