February 2007

Wednesday - February 28, 2007

N.Y. shop owner files lawsuit against Progressive over alleged steering - Amid widespread cheers from his industry colleagues, a New York collision repairer has filed a lawsuit against Progressive Insurance charging that the carrier has engaged in rampant steering in violation of existing Empire State statutes.

New Jersey State Senate Introduces S-2553, Pro-Consumer 'Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act,' Companion Bill to A-931 - Bill Shows Legislators' Desire to Help Motorists & Small Business, States CARE

Deadline looms for auto repair shops - CA: Displaced mechanics say they need more time

For businesses, electric bills thousands of dollars higher - IL: Tim Freer, co owner of Freer Auto Body and Accessories, 4514 N. Alby Road in Godfrey, said many businesses are restricted in how much they can pass along costs. -- "Our problem is that we're mandated by insurance companies what we can charge people," Freer said. "It's not like I can just raise my rates to cover the payment for Ameren. I'm working for certain labor rates under contracts with insurance companies. -- "Other businesses may be able to pass on this increase to their customers. But for us, the person eating this is me."

SWCC collision repair program achieves gold - IA: Southwestern Community College has gold and platinum in the midst of its collision repair and refinish program.

A Reinforced Thermoplastic Car Hood? - Low-density GMT-cored sandwich construction and novel inductive mold-heating strategy are a viable option for horizontal body panels. -- GE Plastics (Pittsfield, Mass.) and Azdel Inc. (Forest, Va.) — the latter, GE’s 20-year joint venture with PPG Industries (Pittsburgh, Pa.) — have been working to develop a product for horizontal body panels since Azdel’s inception.

Great Designs in Steel Seminar - Where Steel Continues to Strengthen Its Position as the Preferred Automotive Material

Washington State Glass Company Ordered to Stop Rebates - The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) issued a cease and desist order to Cascade Auto Glass of Vancouver, Wash. for Cascade's alleged policy of offering rebates of up to $150 to customers who had their windshields repaired or replaced at the shop.

LKQ Expects 2007 Earnings Growth of Up to 27 Percent, Fueled Mostly by Recent Acquisitions - LKQ Corp., which supplies recycled parts to automakers and retailers, said Tuesday it expects earnings in 2007 to grow by 21 percent to 27 percent, largely fueled by the company's recent acquisition activity.

Equip Auto Adds OEM Networking Opportunity - Key international automotive trade event Equip Auto 2007 has added meetings between original equipment parts suppliers and automakers to its formal proceedings.

IBM works with Original Equipment Suppliers Association - IBM today announced plans to collaborate with the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) to hold the first-ever Automotive Supplier Jam - an unprecedented online dialogue on the North American automobile industry's general strategy, future, and opportunities for innovation.

Lear faces 6 lawsuits challenging Icahn buyout - Lear Corp. said it is facing six lawsuits from shareholders seeking to block the automotive-parts supplier's acquisition by an affiliate of billionaire investor Carl Icahn.

Delphi reports $5.5 billion loss - Bankrupt autoparts maker Delphi Corp. said Tuesday it lost $5.5 billion in 2006, burdened by lower North American vehicle production and charges from its attrition plan.

Magna earnings miss views; auto parts supplier slashes dividend - Canadian auto parts giant Magna International slashed its dividend today following disappointing fourth-quarter results and automotive industry weakness.

Sold on consignment - Auto firm's strategy links car sellers with buyers

ValueAct Capital Announces Sales of Adesa, Inc. Common Stock in Advance of Shareholders Meeting March 28, 2007 - ValueAct Capital ("ValueAct Capital"), an investment partnership and a shareholder of Adesa, Inc. (the "Company" or "Adesa") since August 2005, is participating with Kelso & Company, GS Capital Partners and Parthenon Capital in the acquisition of Adesa, Inc. at a price of $27.85 per share (the "Acquisition").

Sonic Automotive quarterly earnings rise - Car dealer Sonic Automotive Inc. said on Tuesday that quarterly earnings rose, boosted by improved revenue.

Chrysler OKs deal to import Chinese cars here - DaimlerChrysler OK's deal with Chery Motor to have Chinese automaker build subcompact Chryslers for sale in United States, Europe.

Daimler without Chrysler faces more takeover risk - Shorn of Chrysler, the rump DaimlerChrysler AG group could be more of a takeover target for hedge funds and private equity groups awash with cash, analysts say.

Ford-Navistar showdown could threaten truck production - Automaker won't say how long Super Duty pickups may be made if price issue isn't settled.

China firm joins bid speculation - FAW Group refuses comment on report it sent officials to negotiate for stake in Chrysler.

Chrysler workers get $100K to go - Early retirement, buyout packages are part of plan to cut 11,000 jobs; some say it's not enough money.

Lawmakers Push for Auto Safety Upgrades - Lawmakers and safety advocates called for new auto safety upgrades Tuesday that would require rearview cameras for drivers and power windows that automatically reverse as a way to protect children around vehicles.

Farmers debuts new annual automotive policy in Texas - Farmers Insurance Group of Cos. has developed a new annual auto policy in Texas that will give 1 million car insurance customers the option of signing up for a full-year auto policy, instead of the standard six-month policy. -- Farmers' 2,360 insurance agents in Texas began marketing the policy to new and existing customers on Monday.

Auto Insurance Policies May Get Pricier - CT: Legislative Panel Clears Bill That Would Raise Lowest Amounts Of Coverage Required

Liberty Mutual Reports Record Earnings - Aided by lower than expected catastrophe losses and strong underwriting, Liberty Mutual Group reported net income of $455 million and $1.626 billion for the fourth quarter and 12 months ended December 31, 2006, respectively, an increase of $202 million and $599 million over the same periods in 2005.

Judge refuses to disqualify himself from hearing State Farm case - State Farm expressed doubts Judge L-T Senter Junior can be impartial in the case concerning the insurer's handling of claims after Hurricane Katrina. The insurer raised the question because a federal magistrate judge and a federal court clerk in Mississippi could be plaintiffs in a class action against the company.

State Farm Hopeful About Hearings Outcome - State Farm says it has high hopes that Wednesday's federal court hearings will eventually lead to a deal between the company and Mississippi policy holders.

Massachusetts Auto Insurer And Attorney General Agree To New Advertising Guidelines - Commerce will perform internal review of advertisements, instruct agents and groups regarding accurate marketing methods, issue corrective ads, and take remedial steps

Tuesday - February 27, 2007

ASA states position on third-party auditing - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) board of directors has approved a policy and position statement on third-party auditing presented by the ASA Insurance Subcommittee, which drafted the text under the direction of Mike Schoonover, Schoonover Body Works, St. Paul, Minn., who chairs the subcommittee.

I-CAR Education Foundation Announces New Campaign To Assist Career and Technical Schools and Colleges – The I-CAR Education Foundation has announced a new fundraising campaign asking business owners to contribute $100 per year to help area career and technical schools and colleges. The Foundation will allocate 85 percent of the funds raised to collision repair and refinish school programs in the regions where the funds originated.

Colormatch Automotive Refinish Centers reach I-CAR Gold Class Professionals designation - All 14 ColorMatch Automotive Refinish Center locations owned and operated by Hub City PBE, a DuPont jobber, have earned the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals designation.

PPG Named Official Paint Of American Historical Truck Society - "We are very pleased to name PPG as the "Official Paint of the American Truck Historical Society," said Bill Johnson, Managing Director ATHS. "Members of the Society that are restoring trucks will benefit greatly from this relationship by being able to access the resources and knowledge available from PPG."

Winning Westbury Handcrafted Motorcycle Showcasing PPG's Hot Wheels Spectraflame Color To Be Featured On Discovery Channel Biker Build-Off - The bike, which Westbury calls "El Pobre Gringo," wears an impressive paint job utilizing the Hot Wheels® Spectraflame® color, "Medium Sapphire" from the PPG Vibrance Collection™ of custom finishes.

Body shops get busy - PA: Hail, snow and rain make the world go round for Pritz Auto Body in York.

Attention to detail - Underwood’s Lakeside repair owner knows vehicles

Great Bestcam joins CAPA Lighting Program - The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) announces that Great BestCam Co., Ltd., headquartered in Taipei Hsien, Taiwan, has joined the CAPA lighting program. -- "Great BestCam is the latest lighting manufacturer who has demonstrated that they are willing to meet the collision repair industry’s demand for CAPA certified lights," said Jack Gillis, Executive Director of the non-profit association. "We are pleased to be able to announce their commitment to CAPA’s quality standards."

Legislative Day at the Capitol California Autobody Association - Come to Sacramento on March 27th and join automotive collision repairer professionals like yourselves from throughout the state as we speak on our legislative regulatory issues affecting the industry!

Independent Glass Association Offers Members Premiere Benefits - The Independent Glass Association (IGA) has extended to its members numerous benefits for the upcoming 2007 Independent's' Days Conference and Spring Auto Glass Show™.

Ford heads off supplier problems - Sophisticated computer programs, CIA techniques tell automaker who is ailing.

Canada's Magna seen eyeing Chrysler bid - KeyBanc analyst says that the auto parts supplier is considering purchase of the troubled automaker but that a merger is unlikely.

Auto workers wonder what to do - More than a week after executives unveiled a plan they said would provide a clear path to profitability, Chrysler Group workers say they're as confused as ever about the future of their company and their job security.

Report: Toyota plans Mississippi plant - Gov. Haley Barbour plans to announce Tuesday that Toyota Motor Corp. will build a manufacturing plant in northeast Mississippi, a person familiar with the topic of the news conference said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement had yet been made.

Tennesseans can shape future of auto industry - The vast landscape of auto manufacturing is experiencing an earthquake, brought on by changing economics, technology, work-force demographics and environmental concerns. Tennessee has the potential to be a center of change.

Ford cancers: company statement - Ford Southampton communicated to employees that an investigation into six cases of oesophageal cancer among paint shop employees found that no firm link could be made between the disease and their workplace.

VW recalls 790,000 vehicles because of brake lights - The recall involves several vehicles: 1999-2006 model years of the Golf and GTI, 2001-2005 Jettas, 2001-2007 New Beetles and the 2004 R32. It expands upon a recall announced last year of some Jettas and New Beetles because of the same defect.

Smart Cars For Teens 2007 - On Feb. 5, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced that Ford Motor has made changes to its $18,000 Fusion sedan, and better safety ratings--for front and side protection especially--have resulted.safety isn't the only reason the Fusion has made our list of 15 smart cars for teenagers.

Insurers Can Use Metadata Standards For Internal Data - The metadata standards developed for communication between companies can double as models for managing data within a singles carrier.

GEICO Names Bill DeGrocco Assistant Vice President for Auto Damage Claims at the Company’s Home Office - GEICO’s board of directors recently announced that William DeGrocco has been elected assistant vice president of GEICO, with responsibility for auto damage claims at the company’s headquarters in Chevy Chase, Md. He has served as director of the same operation since 2006.

State Farm may show healthy 2006 profit - State Farm Insurance Cos. could report a substantially large 2006 profit this week, after a comparatively light year of claims payouts. -- Northbrook-based Allstate Corp. has already announced a record $5 billion in year-end earnings, nearly triple the $1.8 billion in net income the company reported in 2005.

Connecticut General Assembly to Review Amendments to Auto Insurance Statutes - Last week, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to send a bill to the Committee on Insurance and Real Estate, which would change the wording of two existing statutes regarding auto insurance claims payments.

Monday - February 26, 2007

Project Freedom Car created to assist military families - When a soldier is killed on active duty, their families are left to deal with more than the pain of their loss. In order to help relieve them of some of their financial burden, Terry Del Frate of Fallon set into action, Project Freedom Car. -- Project Freedom Car has already been repaired some aided locally in some way by Crown Towing, The Machine Shop, Custom Towing, Fallon Glass, Digitex, Hendrick Upholstery, Creative Market and KHWG Radio. It is currently located at Orange Koast Kustoms in Rancho Cucamonga, CA due to conflicting schedules among local mechanics and a March 15-17 showing at the Corvette Expo in Knoxville, TN. -- Anyone interested in donating time or services, contact Terry Del Frate at 775-867-5324 or 775-217-3239.

CIC Wrestles With Key Issues for 2007 - What do you get when you ask the industry to list what they see as the key issues they’d like to see addressed?

New Western N.Y. association invites all vehicle repairers to Tuesday meeting - Owners of all vehicle repair shops throughout the Western New York area are being urged to attend a meeting of the recently formed Buffalo-Niagara Group on Tuesday, February 27.

NASTF Board Approves Pilot Testing For Secure Data Release Model - At its February 5, 2007 meeting, the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Board of Directors approved the NASTF Vehicle Security Committee’s (VSC) proposed Secure Data Release Model (SDRM) for pilot testing. A presentation and demonstration of the SDRM will be given during the next NASTF General Meeting on April 17, 2007 at 1:30 pm at the Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan.

Andre B. Lacy Announces Retirement from FinishMaster, Inc. - Andre B. Lacy, age 67, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FinishMaster, Inc., retired December 31, 2006. He will continue to serve as Chairman Emeritus for FinishMaster and as Chairman of LDI, Ltd., the company that owns a majority interest in the publicly traded FinishMaster.

Online Registration Open for ASA Annual Convention in Nashville - ASA's Annual Convention will be held May 3-5, 2007, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. Complete information about this year's event, including online registration, is now available.

Repair Shop Seizes Change - OR: Last June, the owners, managers and technicians of Old Dominion Carstar Collision Center in Eugene began stripping their 33-year-old business down to the chassis.

Car care Research is the key to connecting with the right mechanic - Groveland teen Rob Fitzpatrick lost his innocence last summer. -- The 17-year-old thought earning $15 an hour at a garage would expose him to the ins and outs of the auto repair industry while fattening his wallet. Sadly, what he witnessed there was a culture of rushed mechanics looking for a quick fix instead of tackling bigger issues.

PPG Puts Auto Business on the Block - PPG Industries in Pittsburgh has enlisted Goldman Sachs to explore the sale of its automotive OEM glass and automotive replacement glass and services businesses, including LYNX Service, LLC.

TPA Legislation to go Before Rules Committee in Washington State House of Representatives - A bill before the Washington State House of Representatives, which addresses the role of third party administrators (TPA) with regard to auto glass insurance claims was recently passed by the State Executive Committee, and will now move forward to the State Rules Committee.

Copart: Making Junk Valuable - Copart, Inc. takes junked cars and auctions them for insurers, auto dealers, and car rental agencies.

Delphi to Sell Automotive Interiors and Closures Busness to Renco - Delphi's Interior and Closures business includes products such as instrument panels, consoles, cockpits, door modules and latch systems.

Zetsche meeting adds to intrigue - Is auto supplier eyeing Chrysler?

Why Toyota Is Afraid Of Being Number One - It's overtaking Detroit—with trepidation. Now, the carmaker is relying on ever-savvier PR to avoid the U.S. backlash it dreads

Invention Support Announces a Great New Invention for Automobile Owners Known as the "Remote-Start" - Invention Support has signed a strategic alliance with, Mohamed Fayed, the inventor of the new device known as the "Remote-Start", to offer support for this great new invention and to proudly introduce it into the general automotive market.

Automakers Applaud President Bush's Commitment to Alternative Fuels - Currently manufacturers are offering 60 models of alternative fuel automobiles including ethanol- capable E-85, hybrid electric, clean diesel and more.

Doubt cast on CarFax reports - Millions covered by suit settlement

Amica office here to move, expand staff - Insurer says after transition to Valley, service center will grow to 85 employees.

State Farm seeks to bar judge from cases - State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. is asking a federal judge to disqualify himself from hearing a bid to certify a class action lawsuit against the insurer over Hurricane Katrina damages.

State AG wants to be at State Farm settlement meeting - Parties say they have no problem with request

State Farm(R) Invests More Than $3 Million in Youth-led Projects - Youth Advisory Board addresses social, financial, educational and safety issues with action

Area AAA plans to sell auto, truck insurance - Want more from your AAA membership? Try insurance. -- AAA of Western and Central New York announced Thursday that it will now sell auto insurance to its members, as well as the general public.

Report says Allstate delays on paying claims justified - Allstate Insurance Co.'s delays in adjusting claims in Louisiana after hurricanes Katrina and Rita were justified in light of "severe problems, impediments, roadblocks and hindrances" created by the storms, the Louisiana Department of Insurance said in a report issued Friday.

Allstate Sets CEO's Salary at $960,000 - Allstate Corp. has approved 2007 base salaries for top officers, including $960,000 for Thomas Wilson, who became chief executive for the Northbrook-based insurer last month, according to a company regulatory filing Thursday.

Farmers Insurance Claims Team Assists Victims of Texas Storms - The Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has deployed claims adjusters to assist Farmers’ customers with claims from the storm that struck the state Saturday, February 24.

Auto Insurance Bill Would Hike Rates - (AP) DENVER Senate Republicans have criticized a bill that would raise auto insurance premiums by an estimated $200 a year, saying it would erase much of the savings consumers received when the state switched from no-fault to a tort system.

Friday - February 23, 2007

ASA Signs Coalition Letter to Oppose New Jersey Right to Repair Legislation - The Automotive Service Association has joined with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, and NJ CAR in expressing disapproval of New Jersey Assembly Bill 931.

ASA Urges All Oklahoma Repairers to Contact State Legislators, Oppose Right to Repair - The chairman of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) has contacted Oklahoma automotive repairers, urging them to oppose Oklahoma House Bill 1584, the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act.

U.S. Senate, House Offer Bipartisan Antitrust Law Legislation - ASA Supports McCarran-Ferguson Repeal

Missouri Senate Bill Would Abolish Vehicle Safety Inspections - ASA Encourages Repairers to Express Opposition

LORD Corporation looks back on the life of late Chairman Emeritus Donald M. Alstadt - “Don cared deeply about LORD and made major contributions to the company for more than 50 years as a chemist, as president and as Chairman of the Board,” says Richard L. McNeel, president/CEO.

BASF on course for further success - Record earnings in 2006 – optimistic for 2007

Ralph Nader to Deliver Keynote Speech at IGA Convention 2007 - Noted automotive safety advocate Ralph Nader will be the keynote speaker at this year's IGA Convention and Spring Auto Glass Show, being held May 17-19, 2007 at the Cashman Center in Las Vegas. Nader will discuss consumer/glass safety in auto and architecture.

Glass America Redesigns Web Site - Chicago-based automobile glass replacement and repair company Glass America recently launched a revamped version of its interactive website.

CarSpareFinder Releases Vehicle Salvage Guidelines - UK: This article outlines the various vehicle salvage categories and provides vehicle salvage guidelines that will ensure vehicle salvage can being a profitable business and aims to educated people on what vehicle salvage really means.

Here's a deal on parts - OH: Take it out yourself -- Shade tree mechanics and owners of older vehicles looking to save money on costly repairs have a new self-serve source for used parts, anything from an alternator to a windshield wiper motor.

GM investigates leak of photos of possible Corvette supercar - General Motors Corp. is investigating how photos of a vehicle identified as a top-secret, super high-performance Chevrolet Corvette showed up on several Web sites Thursday.

Top Toyota official leaving - Saying that, even as he leaves Indiana, "in my heart, I will always be a Hoosier," Seizo Okamoto, the top official at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, said farewell to Gibson County on Wednesday.

VW shuns option to buy Chrysler - Volkswagen, Europe's biggest car maker, has become the latest company to say it is not interested in buying Chrysler. -- In the week since DaimlerChrysler said it was considering all options for its US unit, the rest of the industry have been lining up to rule themselves out. -- Earlier in the week, Renault-Nissan, Fiat and Hyundai all said they would not be buying the loss-making business.

Angry car owner hit with $1,390 bill - Dave Everett's company car was parked on 111th Street in Chicago's Mount Greenwood community when it was swiped by a hit-and-run driver.

Fueled by greed, airbag fraud can be deadly - You could be driving a time bomb and not even know it.

Insurers says SB 193 would raise premiums - Insurers say auto premiums would increase nearly $200 a year under a proposed law state lawmakers moved forward Thursday. -- Hospitals, chiropractors, massage therapists and others are backing Senate Bill 193, sponsored by Sen. Lois Tochtrop, D-Thornton, which would require Colorado drivers to carry an additional $50,000 in medical and rehabilitation coverage on their auto policies.

Allstate Chairman Gets Stock Worth $4.9M - Allstate Corp. Chairman Edward M. Liddy received restricted stock valued at $4.9 million and 234,936 stock options, according to a regulatory filing Thursday.

Generations keep Bossier City insurance agency going - LA: In 1946, Bossier City had one insurance agency. -- A.C. Montgomery thought it might be good if there was some competition. On Feb. 1 of that year, he opened Montgomery Insurance Agency, a one-man operation.

Power outage sends State Farm employees home - About 5,000 State Farm Insurance Cos. employees left corporate headquarters early because of a power outage Thursday morning.

State Farm reducing rates for Michigan customers - State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. said it is reducing the overall rate for its Michigan customers an average of 10 percent.

State Farm expects to pay more - Even in the absence of new evidence, State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. told a federal judge Thursday it expects to make additional payments to most policyholders who participate in a proposed class-action settlement.

Wisconsin Court Says Insurance Company Should Pay for Mistreating Trucker - A jury properly awarded a northeast Wisconsin trucker $115,000 to punish his insurance company for how it handled his claim after his semi-truck hit a deer, a state appeals court ruled this week.

Measure Targets Managed Care: Would Shift Burden Of Proof To Insurers - The proposal, aired at a Connecticut legislative hearing Thursday, would shift the burden of proof to insurers that deny coverage, requiring them to show why a particular medical service is not medically necessary. -- Among other bills aired Thursday was a much debated measure meant to strengthen Connecticut's anti-steering law on auto body accident repairs and ensure that repairers get fair labor rates from auto insurers. -- Dozens of members of the Auto Body Association of Connecticut and their backers showed up in support of Senate Bill 1101, which says insurers or their appraisers must not "request or require" customers to use the company's preferred repairer. The current law only says insurers can't "require" it.

Thursday - February 22, 2007

Body Shop Strives to Educate Consumers - Celebrating 26 years in business, Hernandez Collision Center educates consumers about collision repair to make wise choices about getting their cars fixed.

We Need Instructors Too! - We all know about the technician shortage. But what about the shortage of automotive instructors?

Machine masters - One step into Steve Fernandes' body shop will take you back into musical history. -- He has painted on the hood of a car an exquisite copy of the album cover to The Beatles' classic "Abbey Road." The four Beatles look identical to the actual group as they appeared on the 1970 album cover, but it has a twist — a lemon-yellow Volkswagen and hot rods are in the background.

Fix Auto adds to sales, operations teams - Mike Kaplaniak has joined Fix Auto as operations support specialist while Alicia Marsman has taken the position of customer service representative. Both will be working for Fix Auto Ontario in Mississauga, ON. -- Kaplaniak brings to Fix Auto more than 20 years of collision industry experience.

PARS completes annual PDR and certification training - PARS Paintless Dent Repair recently completed its annual training program for contracted technicians, with 80 attendees who are certified annually on estimating, corrosion protection and customer service.

Ohio auto body man and his band pursue CD project - A Peebles auto body shop owner and musician's smile widened and his eyes appeared to gain a starry twinkle at the thought of one day appearing on the stage that is home to some of his favorite stars.

AAIA Publishes 5 Market Research Reports - The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) recently published five market research reports, analyzing trends in the aftermarket industry. Topics range from collision repair and equipment purchasing trends to reports on brakes and filters.

Gold Glass Expands Product Line, Welcomes Bobinger to Company - Gold Glass Group Corp. unveiled its new part-specific moulding program to its customers last week in Orlando, Fla. -- The 488 new part-specific mouldings gives Gold Glass the second largest offering in the country, according to Joseph Gold, president of the company.

Online Registration Available for 2007 Independents' Days and Spring Auto Glass Show - Online registration is now available for this year's Independents' Days and Spring Auto Glass Show being held at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino's Cashman Center in Las Vegas.

GlasWeld Launches New Online Forum - Oregon-based GlasWeld, a complete solutions provider to the glass repair industry, today announced that it has launched a new online discussion Forum.

Solera Files for IPO - President and chief executive officer Tony Aquila, formerly served as president and CEO or Mitchell International, Inc., parent company to the National Autoglass Specifications (NAGS). -- Two other Mitchell alums, John Schwinn and Michael Conley are now serving as senior vice president and vice president, respectively. -- Garen Staglin, known in the auto industry as chairperson and CEO of Safelite Glass Corporation, is a member of the board of directors, and has served on the board of managers since 2005. more>>>>>

Gabelli & Company Discussion on Adesa Planned for March 1 - Gabelli & Company, Inc., as previously announced, will host a meeting on Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 4:30PM to discuss a proposed transaction in which Adesa, Inc. would be acquired by a consortium of private equity firms. -- Despite overwhelming interest from the institutional community, Adesa’s management has elected not to participate in this meeting.

The National Association of Black Automotive Suppliers (NABAS) Scholarship Fund Announces the 3rd Annual Celebration of African American Entrepreneurs - The NABAS will host its 3rd Annual Celebration of African American Entrepreneurs Gala at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Saturday, February 24, 2007 from 8:00PM – Midnight.

Chrysler workers, dealers shaken - LaSorda asks employees to focus on recovery amid angst over sale rumors

DaimlerChrysler and Mercedes-Benz Divorce? - Another American Marriage Gone Bad - The AIADA newsletter published this opinion from Paul Ingrassia, former Detroit correspondent for the Wall Street Journal and vice president of news strategy for Dow Jones.

Report Prompts Investigation Into Pontiac GTO - Department Of Transportation Opens Official InvestigationThe investigation found that the tires suddenly exploded on a Cleveland freeway. -- WEWS found the front struts on the GTO could be actually rubbing against the inside of the tires, causing catastrophic failure on model years 2004-2006.

Madigan files fraud suit to end tow-truck scams - Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan today will seek a court injunction and financial penalties under the state's Consumer Fraud and Business Practices Act against three towing companies operating out of a lot at 3055 W. 131st St. in Blue Island.

Tazewell County gets State Farm grant to aid teen drivers - IL: State Farm has given the Tazewell County Health Department a grant that's intended to teach teens to be more careful behind the wheel. State Farm's Project Ignition is giving the health department $10,000 for a new ad campaign, following a year where 15 teens died in car crashes in Tazewell County. Health

Unitrin Direct Gets a 'Second Life' in Virtual World - With today's opening of its cyber skyscraper, Unitrin Direct has become the first auto insurance company to own a virtual office building in Second Life, the popular online 3D world.

USAA cutting auto premiums in Kansas, Missouri - Property and casualty insurer USAA today said it is cutting Missouri and Kansas auto premiums an average of 14 percent, or about $198 a year.

Auto Insurance Forecast: 2007 - Premiums are expected to drop in 2007 for first time since 1999.

Lawmakers Voice Concerns Over AG's Insurance Proposal - Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood's proposed insurance legislation faces a tough battle at the state capitol. Last week, the AG announced his plan to force State Farm to resume writing new homeowner policies in Mississippi, which includes controversial action from state lawmakers.

Wednesday - February 21, 2007

Lubner: "We Don't Have A Magic Wand" - Glassbytes.com™/AGRR's exclusive interview with Gary Lubner -- Belron's acquisition of Safelite is scheduled for March, pending regulatory approval. Gary Lubner, Belron's president and chief executive officer, sat for an exclusive interview with AGRR/glassbytes.com™ last week.

State Farm’s Susan Hood to speak at Women’s Industry Network (WIN) April conference - A dynamic docket of topics and speakers are in store for those individuals attending the Women’s Industry Network (WIN) conference scheduled for April 29 through May 1 in Phoenix, Arizona.

16 corporate sponsors contribute a WIN for the auto collision repair industry - The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) today announces those corporations that have stepped forward to support the launching of the newest association for the auto collision repair industry.

AASP-MO voices position on state legislative bills - According to the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Missouri (AASP-MO), there are currently four Missouri legislative bills that will affect members, Senate Bill 17 (SB17), Senate Bill 82 (SB82), House Bill (HB99) and House Bill 818 (HB818).

Collision repair rip-offs to be discussed February 20 on Internet radio show - On Tuesday, February 20, Wade Ebert, a second-generation body shop owner in Springfield, Ill., and Danny Wyatt, a collision investigative service firm owner in China Valley, N.C., will be guests on Meeting By Accident, an Internet radio program on the VoiceAmerica network.

PDR making its mark on the industry - Paintless dent repair (PDR) – a technique that corrects exterior dents without the use of any paints, chemicals or Bondo – is becoming better known in the consumer markets and more recognized by insurance companies.

Alberta changes auto body apprentice ratios - A recent regulatory change relating to auto body apprenticeships in Alberta may help ease the industry’s labor situation.

Survey Ranks Auto Insurance Companies - Dynamic Collision Repair owner Larry Dyson said he deals with insurance companies all the time and that there is quite a bit of difference between them.

I-CAR adds new Chrysler Procedure to its Online Training library - I-CAR continues to add to its Online Training library with the introduction of its latest program – the Chrysler 300 Front Lower Rail Partial Replacement procedure.

I-CAR volunteer Steve Saunders - Faith in I-CAR Training - Saunders is general manager of the Gold Class Professionals designated Faith Quality Auto Body in Murrieta, California. "We pride ourselves on our training relationship with I-CAR; being aligned with the organization has established our credibility as a collision repair facility that is capable of making a complete and safe repair.

Sterling Autobody Center utilizes I-CAR Mobile Qualification Test Program - Utilizing the I-CAR Mobile Qualification Test (MQT) program, seven Sterling Autobody Center technicians from Libertyville, Illinois successfully completed the Automotive Steel GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Test on January 17, 2007.

Body Shops Busy After Storm - PA: Icy, slippery roads across our area last week played a role in lots of crashes and fender benders. The wrecks mean headaches for drivers, but big bucks for body shops.

BASF Coatings’ world innovation successfully integrated in automotive OEM coating - Münster. A BASF Coatings’ world innovation has just been launched in automotive OEM coating. The company has developed “Integrated Process II”, a novel, highly efficient coating technology.

Salvage business' second try a go - Atlanta-based Pull-A-Part Inc. plans to invest about $4 million in a do-it-yourself auto parts salvage yard in East Knox County - their second attempt to locate in Knoxville in two years.

Officials target used cars, shops - MA: Ward 2 City Councilor Diosdado Lopez has declared war on improperly run auto repair and used car shops in the city, which he said frequently violate their licenses and city ordinances.

Consumers Being Misled With Chop Shop Cars - When a car is totaled then fixed and resold, the consumer must be told it's a salvage, right? That's what we've all been told, but Michael Finney's been investigating and finds consumers are being misled.

Mary Aichlmayr Managing Editor of Tire Review Magazine to Join the Advisory Panel of Ask Patty - AskPatty.com, Inc., announced today that Mary Aichlmayr, Managing Editor of Tire Review Magazine, will join the automotive advisory panel of industry-expert women for their new woman's portal, Ask Patty. The Ask Patty website that launched June 8, 2006, provides a safe place for women to get advice on car purchases, maintenance and other automotive related topics online.

Auto Club Names New President - The Automobile Club of Southern California has announced that Robert T. Bouttier, currently Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer. Thomas V. McKernan will continue in his position as the Chief Executive Officer of the Auto Club, and Bouttier continues to report to him.

1-2 Ford Departments Hit Hard by Buyouts - Ford Motor Co.'s plan to reduce its white-collar work force has worked too well in one or two departments, with the company losing more people than it wanted, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Nissan to cut factory workers in Tennessee - In a rare move for a major Japanese automaker in the U.S., Nissan Motor Co. said Tuesday that it was offering a cash buyout to employees as it adjusts the product mix at its two Tennessee manufacturing plants.

Honeywell loses seat belt verdict - A federal jury in Texas awards $24 million to the family of a teen who was killed in a crash. -- The lawsuit, resulting in a rare victory at trial for plaintiffs in such cases, is one of several hundred against automakers and seat belt manufacturers claiming inertial unlatching of seat belts.

In 5-4 ruling, Supreme Court curbs punitive damages - The U.S. Supreme Court set new limits Tuesday on punitive damages against makers of dangerous products and other corporate wrongdoers, ruling that jurors can award damages only for harm suffered by the plaintiff and not by other victims of the same conduct.

Solera's instant IPO - Generally, private equity firms focus on established companies -– which are usually underperforming. But, sometimes they will look at start-ups.

Driver Questions Insurance Formula - Kellie Harper-Lee considers herself a good driver. "I've got a perfect driving record, I don't have any accidents," she tells me. -- But Harper-Lee says that didn't keep her insurance company from raising her rates.

State Farm may cut car rates in Florida - State Farm will cut its car insurance rates by about 16 percent if the state's no-fault accident system ends in October as scheduled, the company said in a state regulatory filing.

AssuranceAmerica Corporation Announces Approval to Write Insurance in Its 11th State -- California - Atlanta based AssuranceAmerica Corporation today announced its Managing General Agency (MGA) has been approved by the California Department of Insurance to write automobile insurance on behalf of a licensed insurance carrier in that state.

Calif. Judge Rules Against Auto Insurers in Lawsuit over ZIP Codes - Siding with consumer groups and state regulators, a state judge on Feb. 15 threw out a lawsuit that challenged rules requiring auto insurers to base their rates primarily on drivers' records instead of where they live.

Ohio Schedules 2007 Insurance Fraud Seminar - The 2007 Ohio Insurance Fraud Seminar will be conducted Thursday, March 15 at Quest Conference Centers, located at 8405 Pulsar Place in Columbus.

Tuesday - February 20, 2007

Should Insurers Be Forced To Lay Out Repair Options? - The Nebraska Legislature may be asked next year to consider a law that would restrict auto insurance companies from steering customers to certain auto repair shops.- But it's not certain how far state government could go in requiring insurers to advise customers of their rights when their cars are damaged, State Sen. Mike Flood said Friday.

CIC Study Shows Insurers Defraud Consumers ... and Tax Collectors! - To begin to grasp the depth and magnitude of this headline, a reader should have at least an elemental understanding of the typical auto insurance policy ... an awareness of a pervasive auto damage claim handling philosophy and ... just who or what is CIC.

Dix Auto Body Inc.: "The timing for closing was right" - The auto body business has had tremendous changes. -- "There's been much new technology in repairing cars. Steel fenders are gone. They now use tinplate, a lighter-strength material, for body panels. Cars are lighter and more fuel-efficient," Frankman said.

Mechanics have hands full after storm - PA: After the blizzard comes the flood — of auto body work.

Flying ice shatters windshields, 'bombards' repair - "When it gets sunny and it warms up, the ice slides right off," said Fred Gorham, owner of Boston Autoglass in North Andover. -- Gorham and others in the auto glass repair business have been busy responding to calls from drivers struck by ice blocks. J.N. Phillips Glass even extended its hours at 40 locations statewide today to meet the demand.

Asian PPG buys ICI India unit for 520 mln rupees - Automotive paints maker Asian PPG Industries will acquire the advanced refinish business of ICI India, expanding its presence in India, one of the fastest-growing automobile markets, a company official said.

PPG CEO got $8.89 mln total pay for 2006 - Bunch received $900,000 in salary, a $2.19 million incentive bonus, stock and option awards valued at $4.57 million and a $1.11 million increase in the value of his pension, according to the company's proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

National Auto Glass Conference Wraps Up with Frank Discussion on Real World Versus Theory - The National Auto Glass Conference wound up Saturday February 17. -- The morning started with a session on changing customer expectations that ended up being a discussion on how what happens in the real world collides with the theoretical information often presented in seminars.

National Auto Glass Conference-The Last Roundup - The last seminar on Friday before the exhibitor tabletop was a discussion of how to use windshield repair to grow a business.

AAA Announces Membership of 50 Million at Start of Today's Daytona 500 Race - One in Four Drivers Now Belongs to Nation's Largest Paid-Membership Group

Chicago Area Family Opens 1-800 Radiator Franchise in Hillside - 1-800 Radiator strengthened their position in Illinois' automotive industry last week when Steve Boucher opened the fourth 1-800 Radiator location in the state. Boucher is a local businessman with over 25 years' experience working with customers in the Chicago area. Through his franchise Steve hopes to bring a "Customer Comes First" mindset to the Chicago auto parts market.

Thirty-Year Veteran of the Automotive Industry Opens 1-800 Radiator Outlet - Last week national auto parts distributor 1-800 Radiator joined forces with Jeff DelGreco to open their third Wisconsin Franchise. The outlet, located in Sturtevant, is owned by DelGreco, a thirty-year veteran of the automotive industry and a resident of Pleasant Prairie. 1-800 Radiator has nearly 150 outlets across the country and is the nation's largest independent auto parts distributor.

Chrysler, GM deal would hit area hard - If purchase happens, thousands of white-collar jobs would be at risk.

Honda Begins Limited Hiring for Its New Indiana Auto Plant With Advertising for Non-production Positions - Honda today announced that it will begin hiring for a limited number of positions for the new $550 million auto plant it is constructing near Greensburg. Honda will run a series of employment advertisements beginning this week in newspapers throughout Indiana.

Honda Wants To Settle Odometer Lawsuit - Six million owners of 2002-2006 Hondas and Acuras may be entitled to warranty extensions and, in some cases, monetary reimbursement because the miles on their odometers rolled-up too fast.

Many Cars Designed With Women In Mind - Women love their cars and automakers know it.

Most-Recalled Cars - Examine the most-recalled 2006-model cars, and you will find that a number of seemingly trouble-free vehicles have problems.

Sales of used tires kick up new concerns - Auto safety group seeks stricter regulations for selling worn wheels, which can cause deaths.

Upsurge in Deer-Related Auto Accidents in 2006 - Drivers in the Northeast are no strangers to the experience of having to either slam on the brakes of their pickups or swerve their cars at breakneck speeds, just to avoid ramming into a deer leisurely crossing the road. -- Only now, the situation is reaching menacing proportions, causing over $1.1 billion in insurance claims each year, as per estimates of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Audatex Links to Thatcham’s Escribe - Audatex has announced that it is partnering with Thatcham to provide direct links between its market-leading AudaEnterprise estimating system and Thatcham’s escribe crash repair methods manuals. The link will be available to all Audatex users with current escribe subscriptions in place with effect from April 2007.

Bureau declares open war on fraud - The war on insurance fraud has come to Worcester with the recent arrival of a task force of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts.

Man Charged In Auto Insurance Fraud - Insurance investigators say a Little Rock man organized the most extensive automobile insurance fraud ring in the state's history, involving 44 accidents that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Farmers Insurance Appoints Bryan Murphy Executive Vice President of Claims - Paul Hopkins, chief executive officer of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, has announced the appointment of Bryan Murphy, Senior Vice President and Chief Claims Officer, to Executive Vice President Claims.

Top 10 most and least expensive cars to insure - Of the 10 most expensive cars to insure as listed by Insurelane, only one is American-made, and it's no longer produced. And on the least expensive list, seven are Big Three branded (nine if you count Volvo and Mazda as Fords).

Monday - February 19, 2007

Should you repair damaged custom wheels? - Experts question alloy-repair claims, and there are no federal standards

New York Association starts anti-steering campaign with advertisements aimed at educating consumers - A New York-based collision repair group wants to make sure customers know their rights when it comes to choosing an auto body repairer. The Westchester-Putnam-Rockland Auto Body Association Inc. has begun a print and radio advertising campaign to educate consumers about their rights, and help curtail insurance company steering practices.

LSTC program re-certified - The automotive collision technology program at Linn State Technical College has received re-certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Ft. McMurray auto shop price-fixing case settled - Canada: Six auto-body shops in the booming oilsands city of Fort McMurray, Alta., have agreed to a court order that will ensure consumers benefit from competitive labour charges, the federal Competition Bureau said Friday.

Christian Brothers Opens its 40th Store in Expanding Texas Market - Christian Brothers Automotive (CBAC), one of the nation’s leading full-service automotive franchise organizations, announces the opening of their newest facility in Houston, according to Mark Carr, Founder, President and CEO of CBAC.

Setting a Realistic Marketing Budget - Any activity that brings business in the door could be considered part of the shop's marketing effort. But few shops take the time to tally up the total cost, or to determine what percentage of gross or net income should be allocated to marketing.

Will 110th Congress Open the Door on the McCarran-Ferguson Act? - ASA supports repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act. To accomplish this, several hurdles must be overcome.

How to Write a Mission Statement - The importance of a company's mission statement is not to be underestimated.

Mitchell 1 to hold software workshops - Mitchell 1 will hold the first of its four 2007 Management Training Workshops in Orlando, Fla., on March 8-10, 2007, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel.

It's Not Over 'Til the Big Guy Talks - The big event of the National Auto Glass Conference opened the meeting in Orlando this morning. A panel of industry executives, which moderator Wes Topping, chairman of the board of Belron Inc., called distinguished and put together before the Belron/Safelite acquisition, discussed the current state of the industry and its future.

Missing Persons: Where Is Everybody? - One might have gone into the National Auto Glass Conference in Orlando this week thinking that the big topic of conversation would be the Belron acquisition of Safelite and what Belron's future plans are. -- While, indeed, this has generally come up in conversation, the question heard first and as often if not more so is: Where is everyone? -- It might be called National Auto Glass Conference Lite.

Why GM Is Serious About Buying Chrysler - Outsiders have been skeptical that GM is really interested in acquiring its smaller rival. But sources say both sides are giving the deal careful consideration

Hyundai Denies Report of Chrysler Deal - Hyundai Motor Co., the world's sixth-largest automaker, on Monday denied a British newspaper report that it is interested in acquiring Chrysler, the U.S. unit of German automaker DaimlerChrysler AG. -- "We are not considering to buy Chrysler because our hands are full," Hyundai spokesman Jake Jang said, responding to a report in The Times that the South Korean automaker was among companies interested in bidding for the Chrysler Group.

Workers resolute in face of Chrysler layoffs - Though stung by news, they hope to find ways to keep jobs with automaker.

Chrysler Recalls 86,000 pickups - DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler unit is recalling some 2006 Dodge Ram pickup trucks because their front- wheel bearings may not have enough grease.

Judges balk at suit over tire pressure - Federal appeals court takes hard look at law requiring tire inflation monitoring systems.

Congress Gets Bill to Limit Anti-Trust Immunity in Insurance Industry - Both the Senate and the House of Representatives now have before them a bill introduced to curtail anti-competitive behavior within the insurance industry. If it passes and becomes law, the Insurance Industry Competition Act will give Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission the power to apply anti-trust laws to the insurance industry, effectively overturning the McCarran-Ferguson Act, passed in 1945.

Years later, widow still on a crusade - Since 2001, she has fought to require auto shops to carry liability insurance.

Competition credited with keeping auto, house premiums down in Ohio - The most recent figures from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners show that Ohio has the 14th-lowest auto insurance and seventh-lowest homeowners insurance average premiums in the country. -- Ohio has 412 auto insurance writers, and only one state, Illinois, has more, according to insurance rating and information company A.M. Best.

Big Brother or big savings? - Progressive offers discounts -- if you share driving data

Schoharie pair accused of auto insurance scam - A Schoharie County couple faces insurance fraud charges, accused of crashing an uninsured car on Dec. 31 and then filing a claim for damages days later after a policy was reinstated.

Insurance scammers hit wall - Passengers multiply. Points of impact don't compute. This month's scratch-and-dent crisis looks an awful lot like last month's.

The perfect insurance storm? - The perfect insurance storm could be brewing over the headquarters of State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. in Bloomington, Ill. -- State Farm's communications vice president, Michael A. Fernandez, was too busy Friday to field questions from the Sun Herald about the company's image and long-standing push to maximize profits from its claims operations.

Mississippi fires back at State Farm - State AG will propose legislation to force insurer to write local policies after it tried to pull out following Katrina row.

Judge in Texas Approves Settlement in Allstate Discrimination Case - A federal judge in Texas has given final approval to a class-action settlement in a case accusing Allstate Corp. of discriminating against minority policyholders by using credit reports to set rates.

Friday - February 16, 2007

Investment Group Led by Aurora Capital to Acquire Mitchell International; Reaffirms Commitment to Innovation and World-Class Customer Service - Mitchell International, Inc., a leading provider of information, workflow, and performance management solutions to the automotive insurance claims and collision repair industries, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the company to an investment group led by Aurora Capital Group and including General Electric Pension Trust.

ARA Applauds Senator Lott for His Efforts to Stem Title Fraud and Abuse and Provide Consumers with Access to Total Loss Vehicle Data - The push for VIN Disclosure legislation in 2007 took a major step forward with Senator Trent Lott's, (R-MS) introduction of the "Consumer Access to Total Loss Vehicle Data Act" (S.545). Senator Lott's bill exemplifies his commitment to stem total loss vehicle related fraud, theft and other illegal total loss vehicle activities. ARA applauds Senator Lott for his leadership in the effort to stem the abusive practices associated with title fraud.

Mechanics have a busy day ahead of them - If you were stuck up to your bumpers Wednesday in white, gooey stuff on underscrubbed roads with numbers like 3, 17 and 208 -- or anywhere in a plow-averse place like Hackensack -- you might soon have an unexpected date with a car mechanic or auto body specialist.

Body shops facing big backlog - Canada: Drivers involved in the more than 500 collisions so far this week will likely be spinning their wheels for as long as three months waiting to get their cars repaired, body shop staff say.

Nanaimo body shop a hit with customers - A Nanaimo auto repair shop is among 25 singled out by ICBC for excellence in customer service in 2006.

Assured Performance launches consumer advocacy organization to identify, promote and reward 5,000 shops - Assured Performance Network has announced the official introduction of its separate, non-profit consumer advocate organization called Assured Performance Collision Care.

Hyundai approves PPG refinish products for its global dealership body and paint program - The Hyundai Motor Company has named PPG an approved aftermarket supplier for its new Hyundai Global Body and Paint Program.

I-CAR Develops and Conducts Training for the 2008 Audi TT - Aluminum welding and body and structural repair training for the all new aluminum-intensive Audi TT is being conducted at the I-CAR Tech Centre in Appleton, Wisconsin over the next six weeks.

ECC auto tech program gets lift - Erie Community College received a $25,000 sponsorship gift from BASF through the Adopt-A-High-School program in auto body repair technology.

AASP/NJ Attends I-CAR Awareness Meetings - The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) recently hosted two meetings in New Jersey to better educate professionals on “what’s new at I-CAR.” Both meetings – one held in Mt. Laurel, the other in Saddle Brook – were designed to not only inform collision repairers as well as insurers of new innovations and procedures at I-CAR, but also to answer any questions from the auto repair industry.

Toyota donates vehicles for auto students to learn on - Automotive students at the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center (CCCTC) recently received two additions to their body of work.

Chrysler, GM seen in SUV partnership talks - Two automakers would produce a vehicle that rivals the Chevrolet Suburban if a deal is struck, paper reports.

Chrysler deals suppliers another challenge with cuts - The U.S. unit of DaimlerChrysler AG (DCX) said Wednesday that it will reduce total production capacity by 400,000 vehicles a year, idle a sport utility vehicle assembly plant in Delaware and eliminate a shift at two assembly plants.

Searches target auto salvage yards - Kansas City — Law enforcement agencies trying to crack down on a growing number of auto thefts swept through area salvage yards last week, recovering at least 35 stolen vehicles and arresting a few dozen people, mostly independent tow-truck drivers.

A New Year, A New Career: GEICO Plans to Hire More Than 200 for Tucson Office in 2007 - GEICO plans to hire some 230 associates as policy service and claim service representatives during 2007. Pay levels have increased from $13 to $14 per hour; compensation may be more for candidates who are able to include evening hours in their schedule.

Sick of driving? This robot car takes the wheel - A 39 year-old Stanford professor thinks he's built the Model T of self-driving cars, reports Business 2.0 Magazine.

Connecticut Citizens Fight for Justice from Auto Insurers - Recent and upcoming reports on CNN illustrate how difficult it can be for auto accident victims to get fair compensation from insurance companies, even in seemingly straightforward and minor cases. -- The network's 18-month investigation which aired this week on "Anderson Cooper 360" found that tactics to "delay, deny and defend" form the strategy of many auto insurance companies. -- The story outlined how insurances companies will offer to pay a fraction of actual expenses from an accident.

Drive a hard bargain - Profiling may be unacceptable when the cops do it, but it remains acceptable when the insurance industry does it. Florida is asking whether it should be.

Two Face Four Years for Auto Insurance Fraud Charges - Two Sharon Springs residents have been arrested in connection with a suspected fraudulent automobile insurance claim, New York State Acting Superintendent of Insurance Eric Dinallo and Schoharie County District Attorney James Sackett announced.

Louisiana lawsuit against Allstate is dropped - A Louisiana couple who sued Allstate over Hurricane Katrina damage has suddenly dropped the lawsuit.

Thursday - February 15, 2007

First-ever Women's Industry Network conference to be held in April - The Women's Industry Network (WIN), a new organization formed to develop opportunities for women in the collision industry, will hold its inaugural conference April 29 to May 1 at the Hilton Phoenix Airport Hotel in Phoenix, Ariz.

Auto body worker guilty in car fraud - A prosecutor wants jail time for a Durham police officer and a Mississauga auto body worker convicted of working together in a car fraud scheme.

Auto Repair Prices Investigation - Car need a break job? Perhaps a new muffler? -- Many of us go to a nearby chain shop .... and as long as the price is not outrageous, say OK.

Unlucky Auto Glass Conference - Over the years, the National Auto Glass Conference has had some tough luck. It was scheduled to start the day of 9/11/2001. No one who was in Palm Desert will forget the 110-degree temperatures there … and regrettably over the years two people have passed away during the event.

ROLAGS Votes to Release Standard to ANSI - The Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standard (ROLAGS) Committee voted today on final changes to its Standard about windshield repair and will now send the document to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for a 30 day comment period. Comments will be permitted on substantive changes to the proposed Standard that have been since an initial draft was released for public comment.

GTS Launches First Web Marketing Solutions Specifically for Glass Industry - GTS Services LLC announced it has released the first complete suite of services specifically for glass shops to help enhance the effectiveness of their Internet marketing.

New NOVUS Franchise Opens In Minneapolis, Minnesota - NOVUS, Franchising, Inc. is proud to announce the family team of Jeanne and Stuart Thompson and Michael Groff as the newest members of the NOVUS franchise network.

Gain an Insight in to the China Auto Part Industry - Research and Markets has announced the addition of "China Auto Part Industry Report (Merger & Reform) 2006" to their offering. -- Chinas auto part industry has experienced four historical phases but ever since Chinas entry into WTO, great opportunities and high risks coexist in market competition. Chinas auto part manufacturers cant help seeking solutions to survive, to expand and to win a good market share against foreign rivals. This report analyses the incentives for merger and reorganization, classifies and argues on various companies and related methods with statistics and cases, aiming at satisfying your demand for information about Chinas auto part industry.

Visteon to build local plant - Highland Park auto components factory will create 175 jobs

Auto suppliers face work stoppage - TN: 900 idled after production halt at Spring Hill

GM to be the First Auto Company to Build Hybrid Vehicles in Canada - GM of Canada today announced that its Oshawa Truck Assembly Plant will be the first plant in Canada to produce hybrid vehicles, with the new Two-Mode Hybrid Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra scheduled for sale in the fall of 2008.

Chrysler to cut 13,000 jobs - DCX won't rule out sale or spinoff

Safety of US autos in crash tests rises - Twenty-four cars and sport-utility vehicles, including GM's Saturn Aura sedan, received five-star ratings, the highest ranking, in front and side crash tests of 63 vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. -- The results may boost efforts by GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler to lure US buyers interested in improved safety and reliability, attributes long claimed by German and Japanese automakers

Researcher Says Airbags Pose Threat To Hearing - An airbag might save your life in a car accident, but it could also cost you your hearing.

Nancy Ng Appointed Manager of Insurance Services at PPG Canada Inc. - PPG Industries is a diversified manufacturer that supplies vehicle-related products and services around the world.

MetLife CEO says 2007 profit growth will be strong despite challenges ahead - The chief executive of MetLife, one of the nation's biggest insurance companies, said the company would face challenges this year because of the current interest rate environment, but reiterated that profit growth would be strong.

Insurance post goes to judge - Ex-Patrick law colleague tapped as top regulator

Insurer delays pullout - Allstate planned to stop offering new policies in Md. coastal areas.

Insurance chief appoints figure from industry - California's newly elected insurance commissioner, Republican Steve Poizner of Silicon Valley, promised to create a non-partisan agency that is ``fiercely independent from those being regulated.''

Wednesday - February 14, 2007

Solera files for $460 million IPO - Solera Holdings, an auto claims-processing firm made up of former Swiss Re and Automatic Data Processing units, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Monday to raise up to $460 million in an initial public offering. -- Tracing its roots to 1966 with Swiss Re, Solera was formed in 2005 by CEO Tony Aquila and private-equity firm GTCR Golder Rauner. -- Last April, Solera acquired from ADP its claims-services group for about $1 billion.

Shop Licensing: Where Do We Stand? - No doubt about it, it's one of the key issues facing the independent automotive repair industry. There are a lot of opinions on the subject. But in an Automotive Service Association (ASA) survey of mechanical and collision repairers, ASA members made it clear that they support repair shop licensing.

CARE disagrees with ASA on Right to Repair - The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) feels that the Automotive Service Association (ASA) misrepresented the recently introduced Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act to its Oklahoma membership, wrongly stating that the act will “depend on a state government agency and the Oklahoma court system to assist repairers in acquiring automotive service information,” according to David Parde, CARE president.

911 Collision Centers launches TEAMS workforce development program - Train & Empower Apprentices & Mentors for Success (TEAMS): “Only with a comprehensive workforce development program will we be able to meet our growth goals,” says Marea Turnbull, human resources director.

More shop closures expected in 2007 - In Quebec, Michel Bourbeau, president of the CCPQ, the provincial collision industry association expects a dramatic reduction in the number of shops in that province in the next few years.

Durakon & Soliant Are Changing An Automotive Model - Durakon and Soliant are changing an automotive industry model with cost-effective high volume thermoformed paint film parts. -- Thermoforming with Soliant Fluorex(R) paint film is an effective choice for automotive plastic parts requiring a Class A finish for a number of reasons. Automakers get better quality while achieving major cost saves and greater environmental stewardship by using thermoforming with paint film for high volume plastic parts.

Special automotive coatings for very special cars - Every new Morgan automotive will be covered by Glasurit coatings offering corrosion resistant primers and more durable finishes with a Lifetime paint warranty.

StoneEagle Announces American Financial & Automotive Services Selection of SEcureCard to Automate and Simplify their Claims Payment Process - SEcureCard detects and prevents overcharges associated with paying claims to repair facilities and provides electronic and immediate payment reconciliation.

Silverado lives up to the hype - There's no doubt about it -- Chevy's on a roll.

Quiet hybrids threaten safety of blind pedestrians - For blind people, crossing the street is becoming even more of a challenge. -- Michael Osborn, a blind marketing consultant from Laguna Beach, Calif., and his guide dog, Hastings, were in the middle of an intersection one morning last April when the yellow Lab stopped short. Osborn took the cue and halted - just in time to feel the breeze from a car passing right in front of them.

Allstate Handled Katrina Differently than State Farm - The CEO of Northbrook-based Allstate says the insurer doesn't have much to fear from a Mississippi class-action lawsuit. -- Allstate executive Thomas Wilson says there's a difference between his company and State Farm. Wilson says Allstate didn't deny claims if a house was "totally wiped out."