Automotive Newsbytes

November 2005

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November 30, 2005

62-Year-Old Woman Disappears While Delivering Auto Parts - CO: A NAPA Auto Parts worker who went out to deliver parts in Summit County Monday never returned to work and police need your help to find her.
Car Buyers' 'Appetite for Color' Eats Into Silver's Long Reign - 2005 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report Finds Technology Drives Broader Palette
AADCO announces Q1 2006 results - AADCO Automotive Inc., a supplier of LKQ (quality used) automotive parts to the automotive repair industry, today announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2006.
Fundraiser winners drive away with prizes while camp drives away in new bus - Randy Olchefsleo, owner of MAACO in Ham Lake, Minn., has won the grand prize of an all expenses paid trip to the Daytona 500 from the Collision Industry Foundation following the CIF’s 2005 Hop on the Bus Fundraising Campaign.
Farmers nixes pilot program for procurement of airbags - What harm could come from a DRP plan granting an insurer control over procurement of a specific part? Plenty, say members of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers-Minnesota (AASP-MN), who recently opposed a pilot program that would have given Farmers Insurance complete control over purchases of airbag components. Farmers has since suspended that plan, but a wary AASP-MN continues taking steps to counter it and any similar program.
Principles of Estimating: Art vs Science - Collision repair estimating is a combination of art and science. Science consists of provable and repeatable rules for the way things work. Art consists of personal opinion and judgment for the way things are done. Estimating is a little bit of both. The science part is the same for everybody. The art part is different for everybody.

National lawmakers propose bill to alleviate losses from counterfeiting - Automotive suppliers estimate counterfeiting causes $12 billion in annual losses and say they could hire 200,000 additional workers if the problem was eliminated. It comes at a time when the nation’s largest auto supplier, Delphi Corp., is grappling with bankruptcy protection and trying to reach an agreement with labor unions on sweeping reductions in wages and benefits.

Steering ahead - India: General Motors' bulk order to drive Sona Koyo exports

Judge Rules for Delphi in Bankruptcy Case - Delphi Corp. can enter into amended agreements with its critical suppliers, a bankruptcy judge ruled Tuesday, which may help the embattled company cut costs and debt while continuing to supply automakers during its Chapter 11 restructuring.

Many cash in on Delphi - Supplier puts squeeze on workers while richly paying lawyers and clerks to help with bankruptcy.
Delphi gives UAW more time for deal - Bankrupt supplier says it has sped up talks with GM about financial aid.
U.S. auto suppliers face a bleak 2006 - The sharp decline in credit quality of U.S. auto parts suppliers this year will likely continue in 2006 as they grapple with lower production levels and higher raw materials costs, Standard & Poor's predicted on Tuesday.
My TVS trauma care service for cars - India: Like the trauma care centre for victims of road mishaps, MyTVS has launched the 'Collision Repair Services' for cars that are involved in accidents.
State Farm Auto Glass Website Provides AG Information - This year has been one of change within the auto glass industry, especially where the insurance companies are concerned. Starting with the National Auto Glass Specifications (NAGS) rebalancing in February, the interaction between the Insurance companies and auto glass shops has undergone many revisions and many shop owners are left asking questions without an outlet for information.
When it Comes to Car Crashes, it's ''About Time" - Managing the Accident Claims Process Yourself Can Take Days - Now It Takes About 15 Minutes, Thanks to a New Level of Service From Progressive Available to Cincinnati Drivers
How Fair Is Your Car Insurance Rate? - What comes between you and a better car insurance rate? It may not have much to do with your driving record and everything to do with your ZIP code.
Senate Passage of Louisiana Flooded Vehicles Bill Hurts Consumers - In a move that could prove detrimental to Louisiana consumers and insurers, the Louisiana Legislature narrowly passed a bill that would require all vehicles determined to be "total" losses as a result of recent flooding to be crushed.

November 29, 2005

Texas Repair Facility Awarded Car-O-Liner CR500DA Resistance Spot Welder - Precision Headliners and Auto Trim of Pasadena, Texas was the winner of the CR500 welder, donated by Car-O-Liner and presented by I-CAR, ASE, the I-CAR Education Foundation, and NATEF during NACE 2005.
Advantage Online: Carbon Fiber, The Composite Of The Future? - As this new material enters the vehicle production lines, there are a few questions rising from the collision industry. Can this material be repaired? Can the same techniques and repair materials used on other composites be used to repair parts made with carbon fiber?
I-CAR Adds Lexus To Its Online Training Library! - In this procedure, you will learn the specifics of how to properly section the inner and outer panels of the lower front rail. Similar to other vehicle-specific online training programs, this program covers multiple model years. Refer to your estimating guide for to determine which model years are covered by this procedure.
Holiday weekend a busy one for repair shops - It was a busy Thanksgiving weekend for repair shops in West Michigan as the area was hit by winter conditions during one of the heaviest travel times of the year.
Midas Completes First Independent Shop Conversion, Grows Nashville Shop Count to Eight - The number of Midas automotive service shops in Nashville, Tenn., is increasing significantly.
Copart, Inc. to Webcast First Quarter Fiscal 2006 Results - Copart, Inc. announced today that it will release earnings for the first quarter of its fiscal 2006 after the close of market on Friday, December 2, 2005.
RepairOne(R) Expands Headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida - RepairOne(R) Automotive Concepts LLC has completed an expansion of its Daytona Beach, Fla. headquarters. Including the addition of a national training facility, the expansion was initiated in anticipation of increased franchise demand, as RepairOne(R) continues to expand throughout Florida.
Avoiding Buying Flooded Cars - This year, thousands of cars that were flooded by the recent hurricanes may find themselves in the garages of unknowing car buyers. This can happen when unscrupulous people fraudulently "re-title" a car so it hides the fact that it's been flooded. So how can you avoid falling for an elaborate fraud?
Record number of businesses join world's foremost automotive aftermarket trade show - The 2005 SEMA Show in Las Vegas marked a record number for first-time exhibitor participation. These small to mid-size businesses unveiled their newest and most innovative products in what is truly a global automotive event where emerging trends in automotive customization, design and engineering are showcased every year.
DaimlerChrysler Announces New Work for Jeep Plant - DaimlerChrysler AG will produce its new mid-sized SUV the Dodge Nitro at its Jeep assembly plant in Toledo, company officials announced Monday.
Toyota May Build Camry or Highlander at Fuji Heavy's U.S. Plant - Toyota Motor Corp., the world's second- largest carmaker, may make vehicles at Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.'s U.S. factory, boosting its annual North American capacity to 1.93 million units by 2008, said three officials familiar with the plan.
Texas-sized ambition - With new plant coming to San Antonio, Toyota takes aim at the heart of U.S. truck market.
Bill Ford: Get on board or leave - CEO tells employees who have adopted a skeptical stance toward turnaround plans to join him or quit.
Ross to buy most of C&A's operations in Europe - Billionaire investor is building auto parts company, hopes to buy rest of Collins & Aikman.
Delphi says GM to forgo parts price cuts - Bankrupt auto parts maker Delphi Corp. on Monday said it would delay by one month plans to ask a judge to reject its labor contracts, easing fears of a potential strike that could cripple major customer General Motors Corp.
What Do the New Car Sales Add Up To? - GM is touting a "Red Tag Sale," Chrysler wants to take you for "Miles of Freedom" and Ford promises to "Keep it Simple."
Ford Offers Safety Kit for Limo Fuel Tanks - The upgrade, same as that provided to police, comes as the firm faces a wrongful-death suit.
GM selling more vehicles abroad: CEO - For the first time ever, General Motors will sell more vehicles overseas than it does in the U.S.

November 28, 2005

Car-deer collisions rise again, authorities say - NY: Cars and deer are colliding at about the usual rate this fall, according to police and personnel at local auto body shops.
Auto parts plant to start layoffs today - NY: An auto parts plant is expected to begin layoffs today. -- New Process Gear says a combination of high gas and oil prices and an oversupply of vehicles are just part of the reason for the layoffs. Nearly two years ago, 174 workers were laid off.
Flood-Damaged Cars From Hurricane Katrina Get Crushed - Progressive Sends 5,000 Cars Removed From New Orleans' Flood Waters To The Crusher
Hurricane's scars will linger on cars - Auto insurers are awash with claims, and South Florida repair shops are fully booked for weeks.
Auto body shops the target of December OSHA inspections - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will take a hard look at auto body shops in Wichita and across the state. -- Beginning next month, OSHA officials say they'll begin random, unannounced inspections of auto body shops, which, according to its data, number 700 in the state.
Use of Non-Deployed Air Bags - Autobody Online: It's a debate that's been going on for nearly a decade, but neither side seems any closer to backing down. -- Proponents for the use of non-deployed airbags from salvage vehicles say using such parts makes good sense.
Backstory: No paint, no problem - In his autobody shop in Greenville, S.C., Greg Porter creates hot rods that are metallic works of movable art. They sell for as much as three times the price of the finest car to roll off the BMW line here in Greer.
Auto parts maker banks on diversification - With the auto industry and its suppliers falling on hard times, Eaton Corp. is banking on diversification tied more to electrical devices and pumps than car and truck parts.
Auto parts supply workers may face job woes - While General Motors' decision to slash 30,000 jobs and shutter facilities was deeper than expected, the next shoe to drop could be even more devastating to the auto-dependent Midwest economy.
How GM Can Fix Itself - With labor costs bogging it down and Toyota in the passing lane, the world's biggest automaker is in trouble. Will its CEO do the overhaul it needs?
GM to raise India workforce by 30% - New Delhi: America's loss is turning out to be India's gain. Within days of announcing 30,000 job-cuts in the US, automobile giant General Motors Corp will this week unveil plans to increase its workforce in India by nearly 30%.
GM's Saab eyes new models to boost volume - General Motors' loss-making Saab unit is planning to launch three new models in Europe in an effort to boost volumes and break even, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said on Saturday.
Relentless - Toyota is poised to overtake GM, but here's the scariest part: Now it's stepping on the gas.
Toyota reportedly looking again - Toyota hasn't completed an announced expansion at its Huntsville engine plant, but the automaker already is searching for a site for another factory to make engines and transmissions. -- Toyota is looking at sites in Mississippi, Tennessee and other states as it prepares to build its fourth North American engine plant. Toyota also has engine plants in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ontario.
The gods must love Mercury - Ford brand survives another near-death
Pilkington says court rules for price cut in German unit's minority stake buy - Pilkington PLC said the Bavarian Supreme Court has ruled that there should be a reduction in the price payable by Pilkington Holdings GmbH for minority shareholdings in the German unit.
Santa Cruz auto shops fined for paying under the table - Three auto shops in Santa Cruz were fined for allegedly paying workers under the table and not having workers' compensation.
6 Auto Repair Shops Shut Down, 68 Others Cited - Six auto repair shops in Chicago are shut down for license violations and 68 others are cited for deceptive and shoddy work.
23 automobile collision scam suspects arrested - CA: Fourteen suspected grifters from the Inland Valley have been arrested in connection with an auto collision scam that played out for nearly two years on the 60 and 10 freeways, state officials said.
Gridley puts exclamation on Avery - In case anyone missed the message that the Illinois Supreme Court sent in Avery vs. State Farm, the justices added an exclamation point in Gridley vs. State Farm.
Attorney arrested in connected with large auto insurance fraud ring - The leader of a major auto insurance fraud ring that tricked unsuspecting drivers into rear-end collisions has been arrested, state Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi announced Wednesday.
State Farm storm cost reported - Insurer says losses can't be tallied yet -- State Farm is the nation's largest insurer. It had 379,000 claims following Hurricane Katrina, and those broke down to 284,000 property claims and 95,000 auto claims.

November 23, 2005

Body shop owners in New York acquitted in fraud trial - Twin brothers who run a Rochester auto-repair shop were found not guilty Tuesday of bilking an insurance company.
Legislators Adopt Aftermarket Crash Parts Resolution - Concluding a 10-year debate regarding aftermarket crash parts, the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) unanimously adopted at its Annual Meeting in San Diego last weekend a Resolution Regarding Motor Vehicle Crash Parts. The resolution replaces further consideration of a proposed Certified Aftermarket Crash Parts Model Act (substitute amendment).
Auto parts industry has local hero in LKQ - LKQ claims to have saved insurers up to 40 percent on repair costs. -- LKQ manufactures nothing. Each part sold by its 50 centers has been removed, undamaged, from a scrapped car matching the one under repair. -- It surely looks like yesterday's junk yard dogs have a new pedigree and are fast turning waste into wealth.
Restated earnings show wider Visteon loss in '04 - Auto parts supplier Visteon Corp. filed on Tuesday restated earnings for 2004 and results for the first three quarters of 2005 after completing an independent review that uncovered accounting errors.
Delphi: Fix wage inequality or shut plants - Miller says auto firm needs same deal as U.S. competitors to survive.
Angry UAW fights Delphi exec bonuses - The United Auto Workers and United Steelworkers of America filed an objection Tuesday to Delphi Corp.'s executive compensation plan. Delphi's CEO Steve Miller says the plan is essential in retaining key executives. Union officials called it "obscene," especially when Delphi has asked workers to take pay cuts of more than 50 percent.
'Preferred' lists put dent in body shop's bottom line - When most people have wrecks, all they want is for their car to get fixed. They want the work done right, and they want it done quickly. Most times, they will go to the shop that their insurance adjuster recommends.
Cars for coursework - When Luis Gomez, 20, was looking for a technical school, he considered several programs before he settled on Newgate Education and Training Center in Minneapolis. He said all of the programs offered the auto body training he was looking for, but only Newgate's was free.
eAutoclaims, Inc. Appoints Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President - eAutoclaims, Inc. a leading provider of managed collision repair services and insurance claims processing technology applications, announced today that Reed Mattingly has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO)/Executive Vice President of eAutoclaims. Mr. Mattingly will lead and provide strategic direction for eAutoclaims' operational growth.
Toyota Quickens Quest to Unseat GM With Reported Plans to Boost U.S. Output by 100,000 - Word of Toyota's ramped-up production schedule comes just days after money-losing GM said it will close 12 facilities by 2008 in a move that will slash the number of vehicles it is able to build in North America by about 1 million a year.
Toyota to ask Fuji to manufacture 100,000 vehicles at Lafayette plant - Toyota Motor Corp. will ask Fuji Heavy Industries, maker of Subaru automobiles, to manufacture up to 100,000 vehicles at a plant in Indiana, the Asahi newspaper said Wednesday.
Toyota assembly factory in Aichi shut down after fire - Toyota Auto Body Co., an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corp., has shut down its factory in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, after a fire broke out there Monday evening and expects that it will take about a week to reopen the factory, the company said Tuesday.
GM Layoffs Resonate Across U.S. - The massive layoffs at GM, the top car seller in the United States, have many wondering if the American auto industry will ever come back — or even survive.
Ford won't rush downsizing plan - CEO also says government provide incentives for hybrid, alternative fuel vehicles.
Outsourcing is Currently Perceived as Key to Automotive Suppliers' Survival - Outsourcing is currently perceived as key to automotive suppliers' survival, and is being driven by consumers in the price-pressurised global market. In the 1990s Fiat embraced the concept of outsourcing, whereby it only designs, markets and sells its vehicles, leaving the assembly to other partners in the industrial network. In contrast, Japanese carmakers such as Honda continue to believe that no other company can assemble vehicles more efficiently and profitably than they can themselves.
Impact of GM layoffs on auto suppliers - Analysts say the news may not be as dark and ominous for suppliers as you might think.

November 22, 2005

'Preferred' lists put dent in body shop's bottom line - When most people have wrecks, all they want is for their car to get fixed. They want the work done right, and they want it done quickly. Most times, they will go to the shop that their insurance adjuster recommends.
Groups Question Vehicle Roof Crush Idea - Safety groups said Monday a proposed regulation to require stronger vehicle roofs was inadequate for protecting motorists in rollover crashes, which kill more than 10,000 people a year.
Honda Civic Named Top Car for 2006 - Motor Trend Magazine Names All Four New Honda Civic Models As Top Car for 2006
Ford to cut 4,000 white collar jobs in North America by early next year - Move is part of painful restructuring to be announced in January
GM to close a dozen North American manufacturing facilities - General Motors, the world's largest automaker, said Monday that it will close 12 North American manufacturing facilities and eliminate at least 30,000 jobs in an attempt to return to profitability.
Five Vehicles Earn Top Crash Test Honors - Vehicles made by Hyundai Motor Co., Honda Motor Co., DaimlerChrysler AG and Subaru of America Inc. earned top honors in new crash tests of sport utility vehicles, minivans and sedans.
Delphi asks U.S. judge to extend supplier deals - Delphi Corp., the largest U.S. auto- parts maker, asked a federal judge for permission to extend contracts with as many as 11,000 suppliers to avoid a shutdown of its business.
Tower Automotive to employ 200 at Mississippi operation - Auto parts supplier Tower Automotive Inc., which declared bankruptcy earlier this year, has announced plans to build a new plant in Meridian, creating about 200 new jobs.
New twists in metal-forming put curves in all the right places - It's not always easy to build cars with the contours and creases envisioned by designers.
State Farm O&A, Including METRYX, One Month Later - State Farm issued a new Offer and Acceptance letter to glass shops this fall that included asking participants to sign up for the METRYX system and to do so by October 19. A little more than a month later, glassBYTES checked in with the company to find out how things went and found that, as far as the insurer is concerned, the O&A was well accepted.
Vehicles flood area body shops - Damage seen from storms, deer collisions
NAPA Says Motorists Will Be Thankful They Took Time to Prepare Vehicles for Winter - As the first blasts of cold air warn of the coming winter, NAPA AUTO PARTS recommends that motorists winterize their vehicles before they set out on holiday road trips. Falling temperatures place extra stress on cars and trucks, causing the air pressure in tires to drop, batteries to lose their power and fluids to freeze. -- "A well-maintained vehicle is not only safer and more reliable in harsh winter conditions, but it operates more efficiently, will last longer and will likely have a higher resale value in the future," said Michael Lavoie, the 2006 NAPA Technician of the Year and owner of Lavoie's NAPA AutoCare Center in Haverhill, N.H.
"Gold Top" Riviera To Be Unveiled at Detroit Autorama '06 - Cruisin' Customs of West Olive, Michigan, has announced the anticipated unveiling of the "Gold Top" Riviera to occur at "America's Greatest Hot Rod Show"- the 54th Annual Detroit Autorama in March of 2006. -- Owner, co-builder, and designer, Kevin Anderson, of Indianapolis, Indiana, enlisted Cruisin' Customs' involvement due to their long-standing reputation for coach building-type craftsmanship. "A beautiful custom, when designed and built correctly, includes alterations that can become almost indistinguishable", says Anderson. "With Cruisin' Customs' expertise, the 'Gold Top' will become just that." -- "Illustrator, Jeff Allison, has captured the feel of the 'Gold Top' perfectly", says Kouw. Additional project contributors include Jon Wright's CustomChrome Plating (OH), Dichrome Autoglass (CO), Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes, and many others.
Rebate wars: Where the deals really are - Car companies are throwing around rebates and free gasoline. Here are the real bargains.
Pep Boys Shares Spike on Buyout Talk - Shares of Pep Boys bounded higher Monday as investors cheered on calls by a New York-based investment firm that the struggling auto parts giant shake up its management in a bid to increase the company's value.
Auto students in demand - Dealerships work with new intern program

November 21, 2005

Vehicles flood area body shops - Damage seen from storms, deer collisions
GM to close a dozen North American manufacturing facilities - General Motors, the world's largest automaker, said Monday that it will close 12 North American manufacturing facilities and eliminate at least 30,000 jobs in an attempt to return to profitability.
'A Great Shift' - India has leveraged its engineering and design skills to become a hot spot for auto parts.
Experts mixed on Delphi effect - Delphi Corp.'s fight for profitability is a battle that could spill over into other industries, some experts warn.
Emergency talks put a cloud over Visteon’s future - The future of Visteon UK, one of the UK’s biggest car-parts makers, is under a cloud after management summoned union leaders to an emergency meeting in Binley, near Coventry.
Man finds stolen wheels online - The man found his missing rims and tires in an advertisement on a popular Honda Web site nearly two months after they were stolen off his Honda in early September, according to court documents filed two weeks ago.
GM Drops Suit Against Chinese Carmaker - GM Daewoo Auto & Technology said on Sunday that it has withdrawn its lawsuit against Chinese carmaker Chery Automobile for copying the design and parts of its popular small-car model Matiz. -- The two sides have disputed for a year since it was found Chery Automobile plagiarized designs and technologies used for the Matiz, a GM Daewoo compact car model.
New Relationship between Toyota and Subaru Beginning to Take Shape - Now that Toyota has purchased General Motors' divested 8.7 percent stake in Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., maker of Subaru vehicles, Toyota may outsource the development and production of a new model to its new partner Subaru.
Explorer roof called too weak - California firm complains to feds about rollover risk in '99-'01 models; Ford says SUV is safe.
Radiant Ride: PPG Industries Supplies Chrysler Group Toledo North Assembly Plant With TRANSSEAL(R) Film - PPG Industries is helping the Chrysler Group to keep the paint on its 2006 Jeep® Liberty vehicles sparkling and flawless. PPG Total Service Solutions -- a PPG business that provides manufacturers with products and services for the coatings application process and related chemical management -- has announced that it is supplying the automaker with Groco Specialty Products' TRANSSEAL® temporary protective film.
Safelite says lawsuit dismissed - Safelite Group Inc. is claiming victory in a lawsuit brought against it by an auto glass industry trade group that alleged the company steered business to itself.
Pilkington turns to oil as gas prices soar - Pilkington, Britain's leading glassmaker, has been forced to move from using gas to oil to run its UK operations because it could no longer afford to pay its enormous gas bill.
Pilkington backs Triggs to get the Nippon deal done - The board of Pilkington, which recently rejected an initial offer of £2bn from Nippon Sheet Glass as being too low, clearly believes the aphorism that you have to spend money to make it. Jeff Triggs, a partner of City solicitors Slaughter and May, has been invited by Pilkington's management to advise on the deal.
Guardian named Geneva's business of the year - The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce has named Guardian Industries its Business of the Year for 2005. -- “They’ve been such a great company over the years,” said Rob Gladden, president and CEO of the chamber. “Guardian Industries created a lot of quality jobs, and they’ve been supportive of chamber and community programs.”
Local experts study vehicle theft methods - The superintendent of the vehicle research facility for State Farm Insurance Cos. and others in his "playground," a garage in State Farm’s East Oakland Avenue office, peel cars apart and cut away sections of paneling to expose all the weaknesses a thief could exploit, especially on the cars most often stolen.
Quick strippers turn bodies into easy money - In six minutes and 30 seconds, the 1999 Honda Civic went from car to carcass, its frame picked clean.
Advances In Automotive Technology Could Drive Repair Costs Up - Today’s vehicles are engineered with the latest technology that makes driving safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. Virtually every component of a modern vehicle has been carefully reengineered and manufactured after extensive research and development. But what happens when those marvels of technology crash?
Lawmaker asks state to crack down on auto insurance companies - Democratic lawmakers asked the state Division of Insurance on Thursday to crack down on auto insurance companies and fine them $250 a day if they fail to submit timely information to a database that tracks uninsured drivers.

November 18, 2005

When you wish upon a car ... - John Walsh, 17, got his wish Wednesday. The Sun Valley senior received a stripped-down 1979 Mazda RX7 eight months ago and he dreamed of restoring it. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a couple of caring detail specialists, Walsh is now the proud owner of a handsomely refurbished vehicle. -- Chester County Auto Body owner, John Boughman said everyone in the shop was devoted to the job, especially technician Jimmy Rooney, who took a week of his vacation to work on the car. -- Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania was founded in 1986 to fulfill the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The organization has made more than 2,000 dreams come true.
DRPs: Sorting Through Different Requirements - How to decide which insurer is right for your shop when evaluating DRP agreements.
ASA-Arizona Lands First Affiliate of the Year Award - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) presented its first Affiliate of the Year Award to ASA-Arizona for its outstanding accomplishments across a broad range of categories. ASA-Arizona was selected for its excellence in membership growth, educational events, participation in ASA national programs, legislative activity and overall contributions of its membership to the automotive service industry.
World excellence awards go to 52 Ford suppliers - Fifty-two global suppliers received Ford World Excellence Awards at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., for exemplary performance during 2004. Keynote speaker Jim Padilla, Ford president and chief operating officer, told suppliers they are paramount to Ford's success in an extremely competitive global marketplace.
Congressional Support Reaches 70 for 'Right to Repair Act' - Congressional support for the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2048) has reached 70 sponsors, it was announced today by Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).
Ailing GM speeds up fix-it plan - Job cuts, plant closings and other restructuring moves now are expected before Thanksgiving.
GM to boost purchases of Korean auto parts - General Motors Corp., the world's largest automaker, plans to more than triple its purchases of Korean-made car parts in the next three years, and as part of the plan, has formed a task force team to handle Korean parts-related businesses.
Chinese Counterfeits Pose Growing Threat to U.S. Industry - In Beijing, the ABC News team test drove a "Chery" mini-car, a rip-off of a Chevy that was perfect down to the last detail. -- It is such an exact copy that the Chery's doors are interchangeable with the Chevy's. The Chinese company that makes the counterfeit version has even applied for a Chinese patent protecting the design of the fake.
Auto parts firms offer Hyundai path to the top - Behind Hyundai Motor Co.'s recent acquisitions of auto parts suppliers lies a goal of becoming one of the top six global automobile manufacturers within the next five years. -- Chung Mong-koo, chairman of Korea's biggest automaker, is reported to have instructed company officials to follow Toyota's lead and focus on strengthening Hyundai's auto parts affiliates. A crucial part of this strategy is the proposed purchase of Mando Corp., one of the world's leading suppliers of brakes, steering systems and suspensions. -- Mr. Chung believes that the well-documented troubles of General Motors and Ford are partly due to their failure to secure a reliable supply of premium quality auto parts.
Court Orders State Farm Lawsuit Sent To Louisiana - The Illinois Supreme Court says a class-action lawsuit against State Farm Insurance Company over automobile titles should be filed in Louisiana, not Illinois. -- A Louisiana man filed the class-action lawsuit in 2000 against State Farm in Madison County. He contended the company has defrauded thousands of customers nationwide by not getting salvage titles for vehicles involved in wrecks that the company had determined were total losses.
Pittsburgh Consumer Sues State Farm Insurance for Selling Salvage Cars Without Disclosure - Consumer Found Out Pre-Certified Honda Had Salvage History Two Years After Purchase
Study: Court ruling could boost auto insurance rates - NJ: An insurance industry study claims New Jersey's car insurance rates could increase due to a state Supreme Court ruling making it easier for accident victims to sue.

November 17, 2005

Federal Court Dismisses Remaining Claims in Safelite Suit - A federal court judge dismissed the final three claims yesterday in an Independent Glass Association (IGA)-backed lawsuit against Safelite Group, Inc., parent company of Safelite Solutions LLC and Safelite Fulfillment, Inc.

Pilkington Acquires the Auto Glass Assets of Syracuse Glass - GlassBYTES.com: Pilkington announced today that it has acquired the automotive glazing assets of the Syracuse Glass Company, based in Syracuse, N.Y. The acquisition was completed on Monday November 14, 2005.

Ford Motor recalling 235,000 SUVs, pickups over windshield wiper motor - Ford Motor Co. is recalling about 235,000 pickups, vans and sport utility vehicles from the 2006 model year because of potential problems with the windshield wiper motor. -- The models include the E-150, E-250, E-350 and E-450 vans, the Escape, Expedition and Explorer SUVs, F-150 and Ranger pickups and Taurus sedan. It also includes the Lincoln Navigator SUV and Lincoln Mark LT pickup and Mercury Mountaineer and Mariner SUV.
Beware flooded-vehicle scams - WASHINGTON -- Members of the automobile and insurance industry urged senators Wednesday to adopt nationwide measures that would protect consumers from fraud involving flooded and salvaged vehicles.
Ford Ordered to Pay $61M in SUV Accident - Ford was liable in the accident because it sold a vehicle with poor handling and stability, the jury said Tuesday.
Ford recalls over 225,000 cars - Ford Motor Co. said on Wednesday it is recalling more than 225,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada, including its flagship Ford Five Hundred sedan and Freestyle wagon, because of fire risks. -- Ford is recalling 127,493 Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans and Freestyle wagons because the straps that secure the fuel tank to the vehicle body may break, causing the fuel tank and fuel tank heat shield to drop onto the driveshaft or exhaust system, the automaker and U.S. safety regulators said. -- The automaker is recalling 98,444 Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis sedans because on certain vehicles the battery cable may scrape on an attaching bolt and could lead to a fire.
Toyota aiming to make hybrid systems cheaper - Toyota Motor Corp. could begin using a cheaper and smaller hybrid system as of 2008, a spokesman told the Asahi newspaper, which also reported that the company plans to more than double production of the fuel-sipping vehicles by then to 600,000 units a year.
GM CEO faces loss of confidence - As General Motors Corp. prepares to turn its ailing business around by cutting jobs, plants and payrolls, the pressure on its chief executive is mounting amid concerns that nothing short of a change at the top will help the world's largest automaker.
Average cost of new car at 4-year high in quarter - The average cost of a new car during the third quarter was the highest in four years, according to the Comerica Auto Affordability Index. -- The bank says that's because financing costs have been increasing and because consumers have used incentives to upgrade their vehicle choices.
Group 1 Automotive Announces Strategic Alliance with American Auto Exchange - Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 500 specialty retailer, announced today that it has signed an agreement with American Auto Exchange, Inc. ("Auto Exchange") to install Auto Exchange's pre-owned inventory management software in Group 1's dealerships. This specialized software allows automotive dealerships to identify vehicle sales trends, conduct local market analyses and perform current market appraisals.
Seating-parts plant in Archbold to close - OH: Leggett & Platt Inc.'s Young Spring & Wire Division plant, which makes automotive seating components, will close by May 15, eliminating 136 hourly, 26 management, and 7 clerical jobs. Hourly wages average about $16 an hour, a company official said.
Granholm enlists federal help with auto industry - The governor meets with state delegation in Congress to tackle trade, pension, health care issues.
Delphi to ax 24,000, unions say - After learning of supplier's plan to cut jobs, unions say $12.50 an hour offer is "insulting."
Boyd Group Income Fund announces November 2005 cash distribution - Boyd Group Income Fund today announced a cash distribution for the month of November 2005 of $0.0583 per trust unit. The distribution will be payable on December 23, 2005 to unitholders of record at the close of business on November 30, 2005.
CCTC auto body repair program earns national certification - LA: Certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation means students who stay in the program for two years get credit for a year of work experience. After finishing the CCTC program, they can take a certification exam, get another year of on-the-job experience and receive certification.
Right to Repair Talks Fall Short - Members of the U.S. Congress encouraged participants from both sides of the Right to Repair issue to sit down and hold negotiations this summer. Facilitated by the Better Business Bureau, the talks ended recently without an agreement reached. However, progress was made on the issue and a better understanding of both sides was gained.
Information Availability - AutoInc. asks ASA's Washington, D.C., representative how the Right to Repair issue is progressing.

Ford discounts reignite auto price war - The US car price war erupted again on Wednesday when Ford Motor followed cross-town rival General Motors by offering discounts of thousands of dollars on almost all its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.

Are Allstate's new auto insurance promises too good to be true? - Accident forgiveness, auto replacement value available, for a price

November 16, 2005

Pilks talks continue - TOP executives from Nippon Sheet Glass are in London to hold talks with Pilkington as the Japanese company considers whether to raise its 150p per share takeover approach for its UK rival, said sources today. -- The meetings, expected to go on for several days, are aimed at helping the Japanese executives better understand their potential bid target as they seek to justify increasing the value of the possible bid, the sources said.
EPA considers banning auto paint sales to individuals - Here’s an interesting battle brewing on the environmental front - the EPA is considering tightening the restrictions on the sale of automotive finishing paint to ensure that it ends up in the hands of only those that can spray it in a safe environment. That, in itself, doesn’t sound quite so evil. Where the story gets just a bit interesting is who’s behind this push. It’s not environmentalist groups, but rather the auto body industry itself. Now, one might say that it’s only fair that these shops get to protect the investments they’ve made in environmental protection equipment, but one might also say that this is an attempt by a special interest group at using the government to gain a competitive advantage.
Keystone Automotive Buys Reliable Automotive - In a continuation of its national expansion strategy, Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc., the largest distributor and marketer of specialty automotive aftermarket accessories in North America, today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Reliable Automotive. Currently, Reliable Automotive distributes over 300 product lines nationally to over 15,000 customers via ten warehouse facilities and seven sales offices.
Delphi spares salaried workers - They won't pay more for health care in 2006, while factory workers face pay and benefit cuts.
Ranger Group Launches Organikglass(1) with GE's Lexan(2) GLX Resin for Automotive Glazing Solutions - Italy's Ranger Group announced in September that it has chosen GE's Lexan(2) GLX resin to launch its new premium automotive glazing line with the tradename Organikglass(1). -- "Ranger is very excited about developing our new glazing line Organikglass using GE supplied materials. This will make Ranger the first company to manufacture world-class, light-weight, and impact-resistant PC side and rear car windows and especially panoramic roofs for automotive manufacturers. Our focus is on growth and innovation," said Ranger CEO, Matteo Rossini. "Lexan GLX polycarbonate resin will help us meet changing customer requirements for the latest glazing designs, colors, and shapes, while helping to reduce overall vehicle weight as a glass replacement."
British car maker will open plant in Conn. - Bridgeport plant is AC Cars' first in U.S.; move designed to boost American sales. -- Company chairman Alan Lubinsky said the company was attracted to Bridgeport because of the area's skilled workforce and concentration of low-volume suppliers.
GM Bankruptcy Fears Rising on Wall Street - An increasing number of investors are betting that General Motors Corp., the world's largest automaker, may be forced to seek bankruptcy protection within the next six to 12 months as it struggles to overcome slumping sales and the high cost of health care benefits for workers and retirees.
Volvo to extend warranty on stalling cars - Deal covers defective throttles in about 356,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada.
NHTSA Probes Chrysler Minivans, Mercedes Sedans and Hyundai Sonata Sedans - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating potential safety hazards in Chrysler/Dodge minivans, Mercedes sedans and Hyundai Sonata sedans. The investigations are the first step in what could eventually become a recall of any or all of the affected models.
Automobile Aftermarket in Japan Enters 'Age of Recycling' - Yano Research Institute Ltd., a leading marketing research and consulting firm in Japan, has conducted extensive research and surveys on the automobile (automotive) aftermarket in Japan and issued a market report that identifies and describes the latest issues, trends and activities of the Japanese automobile aftermarket based on reliable data and statistics comprised of over one hundred tables, charts and other informative materials.
Auto insurance a wreck - CO: Two years on after Governor Owens’ opposition to auto insurance reform led to the end of no-fault insurance in Colorado, consumers, health care providers, emergency responders and accident victim all have fallen afoul of a broken, unplanned system.

November 15, 2005

NSG to raise Pilkington offer to £2.13bn - Top executives from Nippon Sheet Glass will fly into Britain from Japan today with a raised offer for Pilkington of £2.13 billion, or 162p a share, The Times has learnt. -- NSG’s eagerness to complete the deal is believed to be based on its long-term predictions for global automotive markets and faith in the growth potential of the major Japanese manufacturers, with which it has well-established relationships. -- In order to match its supply of automotive glass with Toyota’s demand around the world, NSG needs the operations of Pilkington — which already operates three automotive glass plants in China, where NSG’s expansion has come to a halt.
Jopari Partners With Mitchell International to Deliver Payment Processing Automation to the Auto Insurance Industry - Mitchell's Decision Point(R) AutoPay(TM) Service, Powered by Jopari Solutions, Will Substantially Reduce Auto Insurers' Payment Processing Costs
I-CAR World Headquarters Opens Its Doors To The Collision Industry - I-CAR and collision industry professionals celebrated the grand opening of the new I-CAR World Headquarters facility during an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony on October 20th, 2005.
Vehicle Collisions and New Technology Support Growth in North American Lighting Aftermarket - The rising number of vehicle accidents, new product introductions, and increase in the total vehicle population will drive growth for manufacturers of replacement lighting in the coming years.
Government opens probe of Chrysler minivans - The government has opened an investigation of the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans after receiving complaints about failure of front air bag crash sensors.
Five Reasons GM Won't Declare Bankruptcy - General Motors recently said that it would have to restate its 2001 earnings by as much as $400 million, spurring fresh downgrades and prompting some analysts to raise the probability that the automaker will declare bankruptcy. The talk about a GM bankruptcy makes for market attention but lacks real substance. Here are a few of the reasons why this is so.
VW's Phaeton will fade out - Failure to meet goals leads Europe's biggest carmaker to end the luxury sedan's sales in America in 2006.
Automotive slump threatens sector's middle class - "The fact is, globalization, technological change, low-cost competition and deregulation mean there is no safe haven anymore, not even for the auto industry," says Robert Reich, an economist and former Clinton administration labor secretary.
Auto parts firms spot a big opportunity in US - With the US auto component maker Delphi Corp making its intentions clear to sell-off some non-core assets, many Indian companies are eyeing to grab the opportunity.
Buyouts drain Big 3 brain power - Analysts fear early retirements at automakers, suppliers will create a shortage of skilled workers.
Stay the course, GM tells suppliers - Purchasing chief seeks to mend fences, vows to award extra business as the company rebounds.
New rules to address car-truck collisions - Auto-industry officials are expected to approve plans today to make vehicles safer in car-truck collisions, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Brian O'Neill and industry officials involved in the effort.
Cars replace cows - MS: Out-of-state corporations have leased farmland in Harrison County, turning cow pastures into gigantic lots of storm-damaged vehicles, including many salvaged from New Orleans. -- Two of the nation's largest auto auction corporations have set up holding yards near Gulfport and Saucier for thousands of vehicles whose owners are waiting on insurance settlements. As property titles clear, the vehicles will be auctioned to auto dealers or salvage yards or dismantled for parts.
Kohlberg Buying Auto Lubricants Maker, Its First Takeover in Italy - Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Company, the buyout firm, agreed yesterday to purchase an Italian maker of automotive lubricants, F. L. Selenia of Turin, for 835 million euros ($976 million).
Battle Over Car Insurance Rate System To Start - MA: Governor Calling For Overhaul Of System

November 14, 2005

Rockefeller Called a Safety Hero - WV: A highway safety coalition says Senator Jay Rockfeller is a safety hero. -- The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety has given the West Virginia Democrat its Safety Hero Award for provisions he added to a recently passed transportation bill. -- One provision increases automobile glass safety standards. The coalition says that will reduce passenger ejections.
“Wake Up Call” From California? - Lack of collision industry shop and association support was what struck home to those few collision repair representatives who did attend two recent California DOI submission statement public hearings (Sept. 22, & Sept. 28, 2005) dealing with issues that have potential to adversely impact California repairers and, potentially, repairers across the county
ASA Collision Division Presents ASA/ASE Top Score Award at NACE - Jim Witt, owner of Jim's Collision in Roscommon, Mich., received the Automotive Service Association's (ASA) National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Top Score Award during the 2005 International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE). ASA presents the award annually to recognize the individual employed by an ASA member shop with the highest score on the ASE master collision repair/refinish test.
ASA Mechanical Division Presents ASA/ASE Top Score Award at CARS - Thomas Piippo, owner of Tri-county Motors in Rudyard, Mich., received the Automotive Service Association's (ASA) National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Top Score Award during the 2005 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) in Las Vegas. The award recognizes the ASA Mechanical Division member with the highest score on the 2005 ASE master automobile test.
Toyota Reaches 10 Million Mark in Engines - Toyota announced last week that its four engines plants in North America have reached the 10 million mark in engine production. Toyota also operates three casting plants to support the company's powertrain operations. -- The milestone was recognized at Toyota engine facilities in Kentucky, West Virginia, Missouri, Alabama and Ontario, where Toyota's engine production now employs nearly 3,500 and reflects investment of $2.23 billion.
Toyota to ramp up US plant capacity - TOYOTA is gearing up to build a new plant in the United States, putting more pressure on General Motors (GM) on its home turf.
Nissan relocation could mean benefits here - TN: Local officials say Nissan Motor Corp.'s decision to relocate its U.S. headquarters to Williamson County is good for the entire state and could lead to spin-off benefits for other counties including Bedford.
Natural gas cars coming soon to more showrooms - Selling cars powered by natural gas to American drivers is no small challenge for Honda Motor Co. Natural-gas stations are few and far between, and until recently the vehicles were nearly as expensive to fuel up as their gasoline-powered counterparts.
Soft sales shut Big 3 factories - Plant downtime jumps almost 70 percent as production far outpaces demand for U.S. autos.
Black October - How one month changed the course of the auto industry
Auto parts official wary on carmaker-supplier ties - A senior European automotive sector official took a wary view on Monday on whether many carmakers and parts suppliers would be able to set aside constant wrangling on prices and forge long-term partnerships.
Woes of Auto Parts Maker Threaten Wages - To the 3,800 plant workers of Lockport, a class war is underway in the auto industry. Many of them believe Delphi’s bankruptcy was orchestrated by auto executives to permanently smash the pay scale of working people. There is a sense here that nobody is holding the people in top management accountable.
Parts for the Sensitive Car - How do you make money in car parts, an industry best known these days for its bankruptcies? By making components no one else offers. That has always been the Robert Bosch philosophy.
Thieves Stealing Car Parts from Harlingen Dealership - TX: Stealing cars has always been a problem, but how does someone just steal the hood of a car? Especially from a car dealer no less. That seems to be a problems facing a Harlingen dealer.
Ex-auto worker gets prison; sold stolen - ST. LOUIS A former DaimlerChrysler worker was sentenced to 13 months in prison for selling stolen auto parts on e-Bay.
Survey shows motorists fed up' with gas prices - The American Automobile Association of Northern California asked regional motorists about their reliance on gasoline, and a recently released survey states drivers overwhelmingly blame oil companies, the federal government and car manufacturers for the current gas situation.

November 11, 2005

DaimlerChrysler Has Agreed to Sell its Stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation - DaimlerChrysler's shareholding in MMC is entered in the balance sheet as a financial investment and currently amounts to 12.4% of MMC's total capital stock. Due to the complete sale of its shares in MMC, DaimlerChrysler's financial income in 2005 will improve by approximately euro 500 million.
Honda recalling 25,000 Civics over pedal - Honda Motor Co. recalled about 25,000 Civics on Thursday because the accelerator pedal was improperly installed on some 2006 models, which could cause a crash.
Katrina-Damaged Cars Pose Problems for Owners, Insurers - It's hard to pin down how many cars and trucks were damaged or destroyed by the powerful end-of-August storm. Many analysts have settled on about 500,000, but the estimates start in the neighborhood of 200,000 and go up to almost 600,000. -- Towing companies, auction yards and auto dismantlers across the region are straining to deal with all the cars and trucks. Consumers nationwide are being warned to watch out for flood-damaged vehicles that get patched up and passed off as undamaged.
CARE Announces Vehicle Right to Repair Act Hearing Before House-Subcommittee, Nov. 10 - CARE and other supporters have repeatedly stated that "the Right to Repair Act is as American as apple pie and that motoring consumers have a right in a free-market society to choose where, how and by whom to have their vehicles repaired, whose parts they wish to purchase, even work on their vehicles themselves." -- CARE is a national organization representing companies in the five million people strong automotive aftermarket, among them: NAPA, Midas, CARQUEST, AutoZone, Advance Auto, Jiffy Lube, O'Reilly's Auto Parts and CSK Auto (parent company of Checker, Schucks, Kragen).
Copart Acquires Central Penn Sales - Copart, Inc. today announced that it is acquiring the salvage pool assets of Central Penn Sales, LLC, a vehicle salvage disposal company with four sites located in York Haven, Chambersburg, and Altoona in the state of Pennsylvania and Salisbury in the state of Maryland. These sites total 255 acres and increase Copart's total locations throughout the United States and Canada to 124. Copart expects the transaction to close on November 11, 2005.
Boyd Group Income Fund reports 2005 third quarter results - Boyd Group Income Fund reported its financial results for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005.
Southwall Technologies Inc. Announces Peter Salas as New Director - Southwall Technologies Inc., a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of thin-film coatings for the electronic display, automotive glass and architectural markets, reported today that Mr. Peter E. Salas has joined the Company's board of directors.
CAW draws line in sand over auto parts - The Canadian Auto Workers union is preparing to declare war on any auto parts maker in Canada that tries to duplicate the effort by Delphi Corp. in the United States to slash wages by 60 per cent and drastically reduce benefits.
Experts Say Proposed Rollover Rules Fall Short - Reverend Harris is among the drivers whose vehicle already meets the standard. He says he is living proof that the change will not make a difference.
Small SUVs can be big problem - Rollover crashes lead to more deaths in those kinds of models than other cars.
Ragtops Get A Pass on New Fed Roof Rules - Federal regulators have decided against applying new roof strength rules to convertibles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has no plans to hold convertibles to the same roof-crush requirements as vehicles with fixed roofs.
30th Automotive News World Congress to Explore Strategies for Prospering in a Climate of Both Uncertainty and Potential, Jan. 16 - 19, 2006 - Steve Miller, chairman of the board and CEO of Delphi Corporation and Consumer Advocate Ralph Nader, author of "Unsafe at Any Speed," lead a roster of nearly three dozen auto industry leaders scheduled to address the 30th Automotive News World Congress, Jan. 16 - 19, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dearborn, Mich.
Chrome is new way for models to shine - Extra flash helps attract buyers
Cars soon may 'talk' to roads, each other - As the Japanese version of a Honda Accord pulls up to a blind intersection, the navigation screen flashes the urgent message "Caution: Oncoming Vehicle!"
2005 SEMA Show Extended Photo Coverage - Big show, big coverage
State adopts tougher rules on emissions from vehicles - NY: Auto industry suit expected over change

November 10, 2005

GM misstated '01 income by up to $400 million - Automaker says it improperly accounted for some supplier credits; SEC is investigating.
More power on less gas: New Ford engine levels field - V-6 will debut in crossovers, eventually power one in five Fords
Toyota may recall one million exported vehicles - Toyota Motor Corp., the world's second-biggest auto maker, said on Wednesday it may recall a further 1.05 million vehicles due to trouble with bolts used in their diesel engines. -- The spokesman said the bolts were not rinsed thoroughly when the vehicles were made between April 1998 and September 2003. In the worst case the bolts may be rusted and broken, disabling the engines.
Nader Writes to NHTSA, Asks for Consumer Advisory Regarding Windshield Replacements and a Revised Roof Crush Standard - Consumer advocate Ralph Nader, who gave the keynote speech at the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS™) Conference in October, has taken his commitment to consumer safety one step further by writing a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requesting that the organization issue a consumer advisory regarding windshield replacements. NHTSA is currently reviewing the roof crush standards.
Herbert Smith trumped by Slaughters on Pilkington bid - Slaughter and May’s famed boardroom connections have snared it a lucrative instruction from Pilkington on its potential £2bn takeover — despite Herbert Smith having already been given the role.
Auto Department, Union speak to Board - CA: The Cerritos College board room was a full house last Monday as members from the Cerritos College Faculty Federation, Automotive Collision students and industry representatives stood before the Board of Trustees expressing their frustrations.
Lou DiLisio receives ABRN leadership award - DiLisio was honored for his work with the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and for his presence in the industry. DiLisio was selected for the Leadership Award for his role in the Database Task Force and in driving efforts to eliminate estimate rekeying.
Visteon struggling despite bailout - Struggling Visteon Corp.'s financial position continued to deteriorate during the third quarter despite a $700 million bailout by the Ford Motor Co. that was supposed to help turn around the company's fortunes. -- Visteon Chairman and CEO Mike Johnston said Tuesday that automotive suppliers are hampered by unstable production schedules and fluctuating prices for basic materials, such as plastic, steel and copper.
Dauch extends agreement to serve as American Axle chairman - Auto supplier American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. said Wednesday that its co-founder has extended his agreement to serve as chairman and chief executive officer until Dec. 31, 2009.
Delphi losses grow to $788 million in quarter - Auto supplier blames drop on lower GM volumes, and high raw materials and labor costs.
American Remanufacturers files for Ch. 11 - American Remanufacturers Inc. said it filed for Chapter 11 protection from its creditors, the latest in a string of auto-parts makers that have filed for bankruptcy this year. -- The auto-parts industry has been hit hard by a downturn in the automotive industry. Major suppliers Delphi Corp., Collins & Aikman Corp., Meridian Automotive Systems Inc. and Tower Automotive Inc. all have filed for Chapter 11 this year. -- Also filing for Chapter 11 were American Remanufacturers affiliates Automotive Caliper Exchange, Ohio Caliper, Car Component Technologies, New ABS Friction and Atsco Product.
HotShot melts away its target - Device uses washer fluid to cut through icy mess on windshield.
Rell OK's Change To Vehicle Registration Stickers - Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced Wednesday that she has accepted a task force report recommending that stickers be placed on the inside of a vehicle’s front windshield. They are now the on the upper right corner of the rear license plate.
Study Blames Bad Regulatory System, Not Bad Drivers, for Mass. Auto Woes - A new study suggests that the high cost of auto insurance in Massachusetts should be blamed on bad government, not bad drivers. -- The study, "High Rates and Little Choice: The Burden of Automobile Insurance Regulation on Massachusetts Consumers," was conducted for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America by Robert Shapiro, an economist with the international consulting firm, Sonecon.

November 9, 2005

Supplier sues GM over price for wheels - A major maker of car and truck wheels threatens to stop deliveries to General Motors Corp. and potentially shut down at least some of its assembly plants if the automaker doesn't pay more for its parts to offset higher steel prices.
GM to source 80 bln usd worth of auto parts from China - General Motors Corp plans to source 80 bln usd worth of auto components in China for a new model of pick-up truck to be launched soon in the North American market, the China Business News reported.
Automakers have chance - Here's an encouraging word for Michigan's economy from auto-industry consultant and author Maryann Keller: -- "Auto companies can come back," Keller says, "if they have the intestinal fortitude to do what it takes."
Chevy may top Ford in annual U.S. sales - As the clock ticks down on a difficult year for General Motors Corp., the company's Chevrolet division finds itself on the cusp of doing something it hasn't accomplished in nearly two decades: overtake Ford Motor Co.'s Ford nameplate as the No. 1 brand in the U.S. market.
Ford targets crossover market with new Edge - Ford Motor Co. is making another foray into the booming crossover sector with the 2007 Ford Edge.
NHTSA Probes Volvo SUVs - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating consumer complaints about battery cables in the 2005 Volvo XC90 SUV. -- The complaints focus on the main cable that connects the battery to the starter. In some cases, a nut may come loose and detach the cable from the starter or the starter fails to operate, according to Volvo North America Corp.
U.S. Auto Parts Appoints Michael McClane as Chief Financial Officer - U.S. Auto Parts, one of the nation's leading e-commerce distributors of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories, announced today Michael J. McClane will serve as the company's new Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. McClane will provide leadership to the company's strategic planning process while implementing a financial and operational infrastructure necessary for the next stages in the company's development.
C&A seeks incentives to keep managers - Collins & Aikman Corp., a Troy-based auto-parts supplier in bankruptcy, is in a desperate fight to keep key managers from leaving during its crucial restructuring. -- So on Tuesday it asked U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit for permission to pay 220 selected managers up to $44.5 million to stay. The court is to consider the request later this month.
Plastal acquires DNK to create automotive moulding giant - The Swedish firm has paid E350m to acquire Dynamit Nobel Kunststoff. -- DNK is a major moulder of plastic and composite parts such as bumpers, dashboards and airbag systems, and famously makes the exterior panels for the Smart car. Based in Germany, it has 5,500 employees at 26 production sites in eight countries.
Notice of Boyd Group Income Fund 2005 third quarter results conference call - Boyd Group Income Fund ("the Fund") will release its 2005 third quarter results on Thursday, November 10, 2005 after market close. Management of the Fund will hold a conference call on Monday, November 14, 2005, at 9:00 a.m. (EST) to review the financial results. The call will be hosted by Terry Smith, President and CEO.
Magna's 20 percent profit jump disappoints - Magna International delivered a lower than expected 20 percent rise in third-quarter profit on Tuesday, squeezed by higher raw materials costs and customer demands for lower prices. -- The big Canadian auto-parts group also offered an uncertain outlook for the fourth quarter, citing the challenges faced by the Big Three North American auto makers, which are its major customers.
Updates from Capital Hill - Bob Redding covered legislative updates during Saturday morning's breakfast at the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service.
The Manager to Work For - "Becoming the Manager Everyone Wants to Work For," sponsored by ALLDATA, was presented by George Witt Saturday morning at the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS). Class participants learned how to develop interpersonal skills that make it easier to manage people.
Belron Canada completes acquisition of the Canadian glass operations of TCG International Inc. - Belron Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Belron S.A., the vehicle glass repair and replacement company, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the assets of the Canadian glass operations of Autostock International Inc., a division of TCG International. The completion of this transaction follows regulatory clearance from the Competition Bureau.
Profitable Growth is PPG's Primary Mission, Chairman Says - PPG Industries' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Charles E. Bunch told analysts and investors today that the nearly $1 billion in cash from operations the company has generated on an annual basis is "being put to work, helping us to generate profitable growth, which is our company's primary mission."
Injunction Expected For PPG - A new injunction order is expected Wednesday in the case of PPG Industries Inc. versus the International Chemical Workers Union, Council of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, which represents PPG workers who are on strike.
AutoByTel's Flat, Tired - Yesterday, auto marketer Autobytel hit the brakes. Quarterly revenues fell. Operating expenses rose. A small profit during last year's third quarter reversed into a quarterly loss. It was yet another forgettable quarter in 2005, a year that now finds the company sporting a $0.15-per-share loss through the first nine months of the year on a modest 8% top-line gain.
TBC Corporation Announces Expiration of Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Waiting Period - TBC Corporation, one of the nation's leading marketers of automotive replacement tires, today announced that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, applicable to the proposed acquisition of TBC Corporation by Sumitomo Corporation of America, has expired.
Mitchell Medical Introduces AutoPay(TM) to Decision Point(R) Suite - Automated Payments Manager Cuts Disbursements Costs -- Mitchell International is a leading provider of information and workflow solutions to the automotive insurance claims industry, serving carriers, collision repair facilities, and other commercial participants in the physical damage and auto-related medical claims processes.

November 8, 2005

SEMA car show rocks Las Vegas - Automobile industry meets for annual accessories show
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes To Be The Official Automotive Finishes of Champ Car World Series - Relationship to Increase Visual Excitement and Participation for Champ Fans
Cars That Brake When You Don't - Japan leads the way in high-tech gadgets that help prevent accidents
Flooded Car Warning - Utah man gets stuck with flooded truck that doesn't run. -- The Car Fax report simply said it had been damaged. So how did he end up with a vehicle that had actually been up to its roof in water?
CarMax Advises How to Avoid Flood-Damaged Cars - In the wake of recent hurricanes and flooding, CarMax, Inc., the nation's largest retailer of used cars, is advising consumers on how to avoid purchasing flood-damaged vehicles.
Making a dent - A Freehold Township business is working with school officials to help boost the training of badly needed auto-body workers.
Program offers teens job options - AYES is in partnership with 398 schools nationwide, according to its Web site. The purpose of the initiative is to encourage students to consider careers in retail automotive services and technology.
The Fabless Car Company - Will the Big Three still be building cars ten years from now?
GM Concerned About Possible Supplier Strike - Despite falling sales last month, General Motors ramped up its vehicle production, suggesting it might be preparing for a strike at auto supplier Delphi.
Unions join to battle Delphi cuts - Coalition fights plans to cut wages, plants as UAW calls for plan that could slow work.
NHTSA Announces Recall of 2,000 Land Rovers for Crash Risk due to Potential ‘Roll-Away’ Problem - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of some 1949 Land Rovers because some of the SUVs may have been manufactures with a defective automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.
Visteon plants stir interest - Potential buyers fuel hopes Saline, Milan operations will get new life
Manufacturer cuts 460 jobs - Australia: The job losses have been blamed on the moves by Holden, Ford and Toyota to buy more components overseas. -- Silcraft makes car components, such as wheel covers, body trim and grilles, as well as other metal and plastic products. It has been supplying car parts since 1960.
Car Thieves Still Favor Imports: NICB - The nation's motor vehicle thieves continue to favor imports over domestic brands as their targets of opportunity, according to the most recent report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
VinStickers.com and AuctionPlus Add Seamless Upload Module from VinStickers Inventory to eBay Motors - Seamless System Allows Dealers Simpler, Faster Way to Sell Vehicles Online; Shows Dealerships Expanded Capabilities on Site.
Visteon quarterly net loss narrows - Auto parts maker Visteon Corp. on Tuesday posted a narrower quarterly loss from a year ago, when it took heavy charges, pressured by North America vehicle production cuts and high raw materials prices.
Toyota Recalls 246,592 Vehicles in Japan - Considers Overseas Recalls -- Japan's top automaker, Toyota Motor Corp., said Tuesday it will recall 246,592 vehicles in Japan, including Crown sedan and Hiace van models produced between 1998 and 2005, due to possible corrosion of parts in the engine.

November 7, 2005

Bill Would Protect Drivers From Black Box Information - A bill to be introduced during Maine's 2006 legislative session would prevent insurance companies from taking information from black boxes and using it against consumers to raise rates or deny claims.
US access for Thai auto parts - Steep production costs of automotive parts in the United States have led major suppliers to increasingly outsource manufacturing to Thai companies. -- The movement is expected to gain momentum with the signing of an agreement to supply Thai-made auto parts to Across America Collision Parts Inc (AACP) of the US.
Bumpy roads for autoparts suppliers - What looks like an increasingly bumpy road for North America's Big Three automakers could throw up danger signs for anyone looking at investing in Canada's large autoparts suppliers.
Proposal to save auto jobs adds loophole to new tax system - OH: A proposal to save auto industry jobs expands a tax credit under Ohio’s new tax code, carving a gap in a system that lawmakers fought to keep free of loopholes. -- Backers of the change, aimed at helping troubled Delphi Corp., say the adjustment helps a crucial Ohio industry and would alter one of the few tax credits retained under the new system.
Delphi in Advanced Planning for Shutdown - The U.S. government must act forcefully to save Delphi, and there have been steps in that direction.
Auto supplier assets draw Indian firms’ interest - Asian auto suppliers, especially Indian companies, are looking at the bevy of U.S. auto supplier assets for sale as a way to get into the North American market. -- Investment bankers say it’s just a matter of time before one of them has an operation or headquarters in the area.
AADCO announces fiscal 2005 results - AADCO Automotive Inc., a supplier of quality used automotive parts to the automotive repair industry and to consumers, announced its financial results for the year ended June 30, 2005.
Toyota, Nissan, Honda Minivans Ace Side-Impact Tests - Ford Freestar, Mazda MPV Do Poorly
Nissan, Honda Scale Back Production of Pickup Trucks for U.S. - Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co., Japan's No. 2 and No. 3 automakers, are scaling back North American production of their newest pickup trucks after falling short of sales goals.
Pilkington close to accepting revised Japanese bid offer - Glassmaker Pilkington is said to be preparing for official talks with its smaller Japanese suitor, which could see it taken over this week for more than £2 billion. -- Last week Pilkington rejected a prospective offer of 150p a share from Nippon Sheet Glass, which valued the company at £1.97bn, but according to reports yesterday, Pilkington chairman Sir Nigel Rudd may be prepared to agree to an offer of at least 165p a share from Nippon - valuing the company at £2.16bn.
Pilkington is pressed to take £1.9bn Japanese bid - Goldman Sachs, the US investment bank, said last week that it expects Pilkington to accept NSG’s bid eventually, but that it believes that NSG may have to raise the price to 155p to “ensure a smooth deal”. -- Pilkington said last month that conditions in most of its markets remain challenging. As well as higher energy costs, two thirds of which Pilkington has passed on to customers, the glassmaker continues to suffer from pricing pressures in the key European building products market and subdued volumes in the US car industry.
“Service First” Program May See Changes - Some State Farm regions may choose to reduce the number of shops participating in the company's Service First program, but when – and how – they decide to do that will be local decisions, according to a top State Farm claims executive.
High-tech car bruises costly to fix - Light-weight front ends on some BMWs difficult to repair after collisions
ASA Presents Its Second Annual "Celebration of Excellence" Event - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) held it's second annual "Celebration of Excellence" event Friday night at The Mirage in Las Vegas. The evening was dedicated to honoring the achievements of ASA members and other industry leaders.
Becoming a Great Leader - Kelly Bennett presented "Be a Better Leader: Leading Your Shop to Greatness," sponsored by CTI Business Solutions and World Pac, Friday Nov. 4, at the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS). Attendees learned how to become better leaders by leading their employees in an effective team environment, developing and implementing unique and outstanding customer service practices, and self-leadership.
Bad Airbags - In the market for a used car or truck? Have one already sitting in your driveway? In either case, we have a consumer alert from Cleveland's Investigative Reporter, Carl Monday.
Klees takes province to task over auto certification practices - Newmarket, Ontario, Canada: A Markham man wants the province to lay charges against a collision centre and dealership that sold his teenage son an unsafe car.
CARE Announces RetireSafe Support of Vehicle Right to Repair Act - A 'Must Pass' for Older Americans, Helps Prevent Unsafe Cars and Stranded Seniors
Auto fraud sentence delayed by new trial request - The San Bruno auto body shop owner convicted of fraud this summer delayed sentencing until next month in hopes of receiving a new trial.
Fishers couple gets prison for insurance fraud - IN: A former insurance adjuster and his wife were sentenced to prison today after admitting a scheme to bilk The Hartford insurance company out of more than $500,000. -- Authorities said that while employed with The Hartford, Ronald Collins falsified auto-accident claims, causing settlement checks for accidents that had occurred to be mailed payable to nonexistent people.

November 4, 2005

Automotive Parts Manufacturer Shutting Down - Workers at Viking Par Industries, located near Delphi on Old Saunders Settlement Road in Lockport, tell News 4 they've been given notice by management that Friday is their last full day on the job.
Nippon Sheet unsure on Pilkington bid - Japan's Nippon Sheet Glass said on Friday it was unsure whether to pursue its bid for glass maker Pilkington, but analysts said its 2 billion pound offer which Pilkington rejected is already too expensive.
Keystone Automotive Launches OrderKeystone.com Website at NACE - Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc. announced today the launch of OrderKeystone.com, a business portal exclusively for use by the company's customers and insurance partners. The Website was unveiled during the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
FinishMaster Announces Third Quarter Financial Results - FinishMaster, Inc. today reported net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 of $4,303,000, or $0.55 per share (diluted), compared with net income of $3,495,000, or $0.45 per share (diluted), in the prior year period. The improvement in net income for the quarter compared to the prior year period was a result of higher net sales and gross margin rate partially offset by higher operating and SG&A expenses.
Ford Considering Closing Four Plants, Union Says - Ford Motor Co., whose North American auto operations lost money in four of the past five quarters, has considered closing as many as four plants in the U.S. and Canada, the president of the Canadian Auto Workers said.
GM, Ford aside, U.S. auto industry is doing just fine - Here, in the epicenter of America's alleged automotive meltdown, grows the belief that the death of the American auto industry is nigh. -- The Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor estimates that foreign-owned automakers and suppliers it dubs "the internationals" could account for nearly 40 percent of the nation's 1 million automotive jobs by 2010, up from 27 percent today.
Honda witness destroyed proof - Court says expert purposely obliterated evidence that suggested crash victim was wearing a seat belt. -- The expert, Robert Gratzinger, is an engineer who worked for General Motors Corp. and Nissan Corp. between 1971 and 1994. He has testified about the safety of roof designs and seat belts for GM, Ford, Nissan, Toyota and Mazda and Isuzu in addition to Honda.
Collins & Aikman to close Nashville plant by end of 2006 - The Nashville plant makes injection molded hard trim interior products for the automotive industry and employs about 350. Those operations will be consolidated into other Collins & Aikman beginning later this year. The company didn't provide details of the scheduled workforce reductions.
Alternative energy: The car of the future? - Honda leased the FCX fuel-cell car to the Spallino family at the end of June, part of an experiment to see how the cars would hold up to daily driving demands. The New York Times reported that the car cost about $1 million, making it far more expensive than even the many luxury cars that populate Southern California roads and highways.
VW's profit triples on improved sales and cost-cutting - Germany - Volkswagen AG, Europe's biggest car maker, said Thursday that its third-quarter net profits tripled from last year because of increased sales and cost-cutting that has its German labor force working more hours for less pay.
Husted announces plans for auto-jobs legislation - Ohio lawmakers are considering legislation designed to help retain the jobs of Delphi workers and those with other auto suppliers and manufacturers in the state.
Ohio Auto Body Shops Show Results of Deer Season - October to December marks the peak period for deer mating season. They're active, on the run, and crossing streets and roads near you. For evidence, look to your local auto body shop.
Salvage Direct to Feature Hurricane Recovery Experiences at 2005 NACE Conference - Salvage Direct's Catastrophic Response Teams Work Day and Night To Meet Insurance Companies Needs

Workfile Transfer Enhancements Serve as Foundation For Release of CCC Pathways(R) 4.3 - New Auto Workfile Entry targets expedition, efficiency of file transfers

CCC Information Services Inc. Marks 25th Anniversary with $25,000 in Student Repair Technician Scholarships - Offered in cooperation with I-CAR Education Foundation; Student applications now being accepted

State Farm(R) Announces Top 10 States for Deer Collisions - Some states experience more collisions with deer than others. According to claim statistics from State Farm -- which insures more vehicles than any other company in the United States -- the states with the highest number of accidents involving deer between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005 were: 1.Pennsylvania 2.Michigan 3.Illinois 4.Ohio 5.Georgia 6.Minnesota 7.Virginia 8.Indiana 9.Texas 10.Wisconsin

Avoiding Insurance Surprises - Does Your New Car Have the Coverage It Needs?

November 3, 2005

State Farm sued over salvaged car settlement - PA: When State Farm Mutual Insurance Co. agreed to pay $40 million to tens of thousands of car owners to settle allegations that it allowed salvaged automobiles to be resold without appropriate titles, the insurer was lauded for being forthright. -- But a lawsuit claims State Farm crafted a sweetheart deal with attorneys general for 49 states, including Pennsylvania, under which it will pay a fraction of what car buyers are out. -- Robert G. Beaves, 51, of Sewickley, said he is being offered up to $2,700 for a Honda Civic he bought 2 1/2 years ago for more than $14,000. -- Beaves' lawsuit claims State Farm had a financial motive for allowing salvage cars to enter the market without appropriate titles and delayed notifying car buyers in hopes of reducing its payout.
AutocheX(TM) Premier Achiever Awards Honor Shop Dedication to Customer Service - AutocheX(TM), a Mitchell International(TM) company and the leading provider of customer satisfaction measurement and performance management solutions to the collision repair industry, is once again holding its Customer Satisfaction Premier Achiever Awards ceremony on Thursday, November 3rd, at NACE. The Premier Achiever Award recognizes collision repair facilities that have consistently demonstrated their commitment to customer satisfaction by providing superior service in 2005 -- well above the norm in their market segment or region.
Mitchell Announces Release of Estimate Review(TM) - Mitchell International, Inc., a leading provider of information and workflow solutions to the automotive insurance claims and collision repair industries, today announced the release of Estimate Review™, an automated self-audit/review tool. Whenever an estimate is saved in UltraMate Premier Suite, Estimate Review quickly analyzes it against user-defined criteria and alerts estimators to any variances that might trigger a partner to reject an estimate, or to items that were simply left off. All of this happens before the estimate is committed and uploaded -- reducing unnecessary supplements for increased shop efficiency.
Sold! Adesa buys auto salvage auction yard - Adesa Inc. said Wednesday it bought an auto salvage auction yard in Grove City and three others around the state, getting it into the Ohio market for the first time. -- The yards sell cars that have been declared total losses. Adesa expects the purchases to add slightly to its 2006 revenue. With the acquisitions, Adesa operates 36 salvage auction lots, 53 used-vehicle auction lots, and 84 auto loan offices.
Leif's Auto Body Experience - Under the hood of a Portland collision-repair business.
Wilbur Ross plans 3 auto part firms - Billionaire investor Wilbur Ross wants to build three multi-billion-dollar vehicle industry components companies from the heap of troubled suppliers that have piled up in the past two years, the Wall Street Journal said on Thursday. -- Ross said he wanted to create at least two major new companies within three years, one focused on auto plastics and one on metal parts.
BorgWarner new business backlog grows for 2006-08 - BorgWarner Inc., the auto and truck parts supplier, on Wednesday said its three-year backlog in new business has grown 14 percent, paced by a focus on components that improve fuel efficiency.
GM, Toyota chiefs meet - General Motors Corp and Toyota Motor Corp reaffirmed Wednesday that they will reinforce their relationship and agreed to extend a bilateral contract on joint research for advanced technology such as fuel-cell vehicles. -- Analysts speculate that the top executives of the world's No. 1 and No. 2 automakers may have discussed key issues, such as a future consolidation of the auto industry, in view of the fact that Toyota acquired GM's shareholdings in Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd for about 35.4 billion yen after a meeting in May in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, between Wagoner and Fujio Cho, Watanabe's predecessor.
Volkswagen, Subaru cars get top crash rating - Volkswagen AG and Subaru 2006 midsize cars received "best pick" designation in a round of crash tests by an insurer-funded group, as the automakers sought early ratings on safety benchmarks used to help win customers.
Mechanics agree - PA: Area mechanics