April 2020 Northeast Edition by Autobody News

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Market Tsunami Sweeps Over Collision Industry by Autobody News staff

The last month’s all-but-unprecedented plunge in market confidence has prompted the Federal administration to request $850B in support for the economy including $50B for the airline industry and $250B for small business loans. The macro impact to the economy of all the closures is being played out in business pressure on companies large and small. As of March 17, the virus has infected more than 5,145 and killed at least 91 Americans, according to

data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Globally, the virus has infected more than 189,386 people and killed at least 7,504. Given the slow ramp up of testing in the U.S. the numbers are likely far higher domestically. It’s likely that any public event involving more than 50 people scheduled for this spring is canceled or postponed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now urging a nationwide halt to gatherings of more than 10 people for See Market Tsunami , Page 20

Due to the recent cancelations and postponements of events, please check for up to date information on any meetings discussed herein. For updates on all meetings see www.autobodynews.com

U.S. Lawmakers, Trial Lawyers Clash Over Self-Driving Vehicle Rules by Keith Laing, The Detroit News

Lawmakers in the U.S. House on Feb. 11 took to task a trial lawyers’ lobby group that helped kill a bill setting regulations for self-driving cars. The Washington-based American Association for Justice, which lobbies for trial lawyers who typically represent plaintiffs, had objected to a lack of concrete protections that would ensure the right to sue an automaker if someone is hurt or killed in a self-driving vehicle.

The 2018 Senate bill had been championed by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township. A similar measure was approved unanimously by the House in 2017, but lawmakers had to start over when the new Congress began in 2019. Speaking during a hearing of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on Feb. 11, U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-OR, placed blame for the roadblock mostly on trial lawyers, who typically align

AUTOBODYNEWS.COM Vol. 11 / Issue 1 / April 2020

Auto Group Rejected By Supreme Court in Ford Parts Patent Fight by Matthew Bultman, Bloomberg Law

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider an automotive trade group’s challenge to design patents covering parts for Ford Motor Co.’s F-150 pickup truck. The high court’s denial of the Automotive Body Parts Association’s appeal leaves in place a decision that rejected the ABPA’s attempt to block Ford from enforcing patents on headlamp and hood designs against the group’s members. Replacement parts distributors and insurance companies for years

pushed for legislation that would cut the amount of time automakers could enforce design patents against collision repair parts makers.

The ABPA, a trade association representing companies that sell vehicle replacement parts, was among those that backed the legislation, See Ford Parts Patent Fight, Page 26

2020 NADA Expo Brings 23,000 to Las Vegas by Ed Attanasio

The jam-packed aisles at the Las Vegas Convention Center were filled with 23,000 attendees, dealers and suppliers from across the globe at the 2020 National Automobile Dealer Association (NADA) Convention & Expo in Las Vegas, Feb. 14 through Feb. 17.

See Self-Driving Vehicle Rules, Page 18

PERMIT #288 ANAHEIM, CA

PAID

Change Service Requested P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE Northeast_Issue_0420.indd 1

38 YEARS

UpdatePromise was in full force at NADA 2020� Pictured, back row, (l to r) Adam Guizado, Stephen McCallum, Krista Lucchino, Chief Operation Officer Richard Pannazzo, President and CEO Curtis Nixon, Tyler Holman, Brandon Nixon and Taylor Su� (Front row, l to r) TJ Huntington and Chad Genco� Credit: UpdatePromise

The annual NADA Show brings the entire industry together for the world’s largest automotive retail conference and expo, including companies that make products and equipment for the collision repair industry. Thousands of dealers and managers, OEM executives, allied industry, international guests and collision repair professionals connect with their peers and learn about the industry’s innovations. Over the course of four days, attendees were able to visit 500-plus exhibitors, more than 60 workshops, dealer franchise meetings and a lengthy list of keynote speakers at NADA 2020. 2020 NADA Chairman Rhett Ricart said times are good for the nearly 17,000 dealerships in the U.S., but there is still much work to do. “NADA has never been in a more fiscally fit position,” he said. “We want to make sure we can leverage that for advocacy as well as we want to get deeper and better education and tools for all the dealers.” Collision-related companies such as Global Finishing Solutions, SpaneSee 2020 NADA Expo, Page 34

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CONTENTS

Call or Email Now for Rates:

REGIONAL

NATIONAL

AASP/MA Forms Five Committees to Focus

2020 NADA Expo Brings 23,000 to Las Vegas ��1

Al Brodeur’s Auto Body Celebrates 50 Years in Business ��6 Albert Kemperle Inc. Celebrates 80th Anniversary at 2020 Expo ��13 Associations Speak Out On Connecticut Auto Glass Bill ��28 Balise Collision Repair Delivers Repaired Escalade to Heroic Couple from January Abduction of Young Girl ��16

ltedesco@autobodynews.com

800-699-8251

ABPA Denied By Supreme Court in Ford Parts Patent Fight ��1 Auto Glass Industry Faces Calibration Issues ��33 Cadillac To Unveil First Electric Car In April ��56 Canadian Company Takes Aim at ‘Pushy Autobody Shops’ Via New App ��23 CARSTAR Network is Giving Away Free Repairs ��70 CIECA Hiring Technical Project Coordinator ��64 Cox Automotive Presents Woman of the Year Award to Virginia Dealer ��61

CREF’s Instructor of the Year is from NY ��13

DCR Systems Team Creates Fastener Solution ��47

Firefighters Battle NJ Blaze ��6

Dealership-Based Collision Repair Facilities

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

on New Solutions to Industry Issues ��14

AUTOBODY

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Contributing Writers: John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr, Stacey Phillips, Victoria Antonelli, Gary Ledoux Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Bill Doyle, Norman Morano, Andrew Staicer (800) 699-8251 Office Manager: Louise Tedesco Digital Marketing Manager: Bill Pierce Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia Graphic Designer: Vicki Sitarz Online and Web Content Editor: Abby Andrews Accounting Manager: Heather Priddy Editorial/Sales Assistant: Randi Scholtes Office Assistant: Dianne Pray

Serving New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and adjacent metro areas. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2020 Adamantine Media LLC. Autobody News P.O. Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018 (800) 699-8251 / (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com editor@autobodynews.com

Accudraft Paint Booths �� 72

Long Automotive Group �� 54

Acura of Westchester �� 20

Matrix Automotive Finishes �� 7

Albert Kemperle, Inc �� 25

Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 66

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 69

McGovern Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram �� 22

Axalta Coating Systems �� 2

Mercedes-Benz of Atlantic City �� 51

Bical Auto Mall �� 47

Mercedes-Benz of Fort Washington �� 51

BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers ��52-53

Mercedes-Benz of Paramus �� 39

Abandoning Trump’s Emissions Rollback ��64

Cadillac of Mahwah �� 26

Mercedes-Benz of West Chester �� 51

Anniversary with Help of ‘The Humble

GM Reveals New Ultium Batteries for EVs ��30

Car-O-Liner �� 33

Mercedes-Benz of Wilmington �� 42

Mechanic’ ��10

GM Tripling Workplace Electric Vehicle

CCC Information Services, Inc �� 29

Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 63

Central Avenue Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram �� 27

MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 50

Gurreri Motors: Longtime York Garage Soon to Close ��32 NJ Accident Victim ‘Runner’ Admits Role in $3.5M Insurance Fraud ��8 Rockland Auto Tech Students Win State Finals ��12 Second Chances Garage Celebrates 10th

Theft charges against owner of ASAP Autoworx in Washington Township ��26

COLUMNISTS Anderson - Performing All OEM Safety Inspections is Critical—but OEMs Can Help Us Too ��48 Antonelli - Techs of Tomorrow: 16-Year-Old Texas Student Views Collision Repair as Art Form ��42 Ledoux - ADAS for Off-Roaders ��44 Phillips - SCRS Executive Director Shares Free Resources Available for Collision Repairers ��58 Phillips - Uber for Business Offers Collision Shops Alternative for Customer Transportation ��50 Sisk - Driving the Future at WIN’s 2020 Educational Conference, Now Postponed ��38 Sisk - Mike Anderson Discusses “Utilizing Technology to Thrive and Not Just Survive in 2020” during February CIECAst ��54 Yoswick - Long-time Industry Lobbyist Offers Perspectives on Government’s Role in Industry Issues ��62

Projected to Grow ��22 Fatal Tesla Model X Crash: Driver was Playing Video Game ��4 Ford to Offer All-Electric Transit ��23 General Motors’ $20 Billion EV Plan Starts by

Charging ��61 Insurers Win Again—Mostly—in Antitrust

Certified Automotive Parts Association �� 14

MontiPower Americas, Inc �� 13

Lawsuits Filed by Body Shops ��68

Cherry Hill Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram �� 16

MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers ��40-41

Market Tsunami Sweeps Over Collision Industry ��1

Cherry Hill Nissan �� 6

New Holland Ford �� 55

Most Specialty Parts Sold by Independent

Classifieds �� 70

New Holland Toyota �� 18

Retailers ��16 Nationwide, Automakers to Offer Potential Discounts ��8 Owning and Electric Car is More Expensive Than a Gas-Powered Vehicle ��30 Record Attendance at Collaborative Certified Collision Conference 2020 ��31 Subaru Windshield Class Action Lawsuit Continues ��47 Tesla Model Y Delivery Emails are Being Sent to Customers ��4 Toyota Fuel Pump Recall Expanded to Nearly 2 Million Vehicles ��68 Tractable Secures $25M in Funding,

Colonial Automotive Group �� 45

Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 62

Courtesy Mitsubishi �� 24

Northstar Kia �� 44

Criswell Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram �� 8

Nucar �� 49

Eagle Abrasives, Inc �� 9

Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 67

ECS Automotive Concepts �� 31

PPG Refinish �� 15

Empire Auto Parts �� 32

SATA Dan-Am Company �� 5

Equalizer Industries, Inc �� 28

Schultz Ford �� 38

Flemington Auto Group �� 43

Security Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram �� 30

Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 60

Spanesi Americas �� 12

GM Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 57

Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 61

Haldon Company �� 11

Steck Manufacturing Company �� 18

Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers ��36-37

Tasca Automotive Group �� 17

Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 58

Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 66

Infiniti of Norwood �� 46

Tsunami Compressed Air Solutions �� 10

Innovative Tools & Technologies, Inc �� 35

VIP Honda �� 34

CEO Shares Grand Vision for Collision

Jaguar Land Rover Cherry Hill �� 23

Volkswagen of Newtown Square �� 6

Repair Industry ��66

Kia Motors America, Inc �� 21

Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 65

Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 59

Westbury Jeep-Chrysler-Dodge-Ram-SRT �� 19

Kia of Attleboro �� 24

White Plains Volkswagen �� 18

Kundert Volvo �� 48

Yonkers Kia �� 56

U.S. Lawmakers, Trial Lawyers Clash Over Self-Driving Vehicle Rules ��1 VW Will Fund Dealers to Wage Local Marketing Campaigns for EVs ��24

LKQ Corporation �� 71 autobodynews.com / APRIL 2020 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

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Fatal Tesla Model X Crash: Driver was Playing Video Game by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com

A deadly 2018 Tesla Model X crash in the area of U.S. 101 and State Route 85 in California was caused by the driver, Tesla’s Autopilot system, inaction by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and inaction by officials in California. The Model X crash killed 38-yearold Walter Huang, who was playing a video game on his phone when the SUV slammed head-on into a damaged crash attenuator installed to decrease crash forces. In a report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Huang was partially blamed for the 70 mph crash for not paying attention to his surroundings, the road and the Model X. Huang had even previously complained about his Model X steering toward the same attenuator when Autopilot was engaged, yet he still allowed it to happen while he focused on his phone. The NTSB says Autopilot was engaged with Traffic-Aware Cruise Control set at 75 mph when the lane-keeping assist system Autosteer initiated a left steering input while the SUV was about 5.9 seconds and 560 feet from the crash attenuator. Autopilot and other safety systems apparently took a vacation because the forward collision warning system did not provide an alert and automatic emergency braking did not activate. Huang also did nothing

to avoid the crash, not by steering, braking or any other action. Huang may not have taken any actions to avoid the crash, but there is still the issue of why the Model X failed to follow the correct lane in the first place.

Credit: CarComplaints.com

NTSB investigators believe various causes were responsible. These include bright sunlight that interfered with the cameras on the SUV, road lane lines that were faded and because of how close the vehicle ahead was to the Tesla Model X. In its final report, the NTSB found the probable cause of the crash as Tesla’s Autopilot system, which steered the Model X into the barrier. Also listed are the driver’s complete lack of response due to distraction from a game on his cell phone, and his overreliance on Autopilot. The report says the crash attenuator barrier had been damaged in a separate crash more than a week before the Model X crash, and the damaged barrier contributed to the driver’s injuries. The California Highway Patrol

was also blamed for failing to report the previous attenuator damage, and the maintenance department of the California Department of Transportation was named for not repairing the barrier in a timely manner. In addition to blaming NHTSA, which has done nothing to prevent distracted driving, the NTSB said tech companies should do more to create phones and devices that cannot be used while driving unless in emergencies. NHTSA has also allowed automakers to install every kind of distracting infotainment system imaginable while automakers boast of the safety of the systems, even though the devices are incredibly distracting. The NTSB also says Tesla is failing consumers by placing vehicles on the roads with technology in “beta” mode, which means the systems are being tested on public roads and then updated when defects or bugs are discovered. According to the NTSB, it should be obvious that crashes and injuries will likely occur, then Tesla will deny all responsibility by telling the public they were warned the systems were still being tested. Government officials emphasize there is no vehicle that can drive itself, a fact that seems to be lost on many Tesla drivers. Safety advocates have been screaming for years about NHTSA allowing automakers to self-regulate their self-driving cars and technology, primarily by creating voluntary

guidelines that are contributing to crashes and deaths. The Center for Auto Safety says the story may be about Tesla and the NTSB, but the real story is the lack of leadership at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to the Center, NHTSA’s “willing ignorance or extraordinary incompetence” is causing the agency to “fade ever more into irrelevance.” The NTSB crash report blames NHTSA and the U.S. Department of Transporation for ignoring multiple previous safety recommendations and taking a “nonregulatory approach to automated vehicle safety.” The report says NHTSA has failed to protect consumers by failing to ensure automakers install safeguards for systems related to automation. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s approach to the oversight of automated vehicles is misguided, because it essentially relies on waiting for problems to occur rather than addressing safety issues proactively.” - NTSB report According to the NTSB, partial automation doesn’t mean “self-driving,” and a driver cannot read a book, watch a movie, read a cell phone or play a video game without risking their own and everyone’s property and life. The driver’s family filed a lawsuit against Tesla by claiming Mr. Huang believed the technology was safe. We thank CarComplaints.com for reprint permission.

Tesla Model Y Delivery Emails are Being Sent to Customers by Randell Suba

Tesla has begun sending Model Y delivery confirmation emails to early customers, notifying them that their all-electric crossover is coming soon. Customers in Northern California who purchased a Tesla Model Y Performance with Performance Upgrade are being notified that their vehicle is almost ready for delivery. The confirmation email to customers is part of the final step and aimed at preparing customers for any remaining steps needed such as trade-ins or financing prior to taking delivery of their new vehicle. Model Y buyer Howard Feinstein shared on Twitter a screenshot of the email from Tesla. The next step for you is to confirm when

you’re able to take delivery so we can ensure the best experience possible. Once you confirm your availability, we’ll send you an update in the coming days to notify you when you can log into your Tesla Account and complete any remaining steps such as financing or trade-in. Your Tesla Advisor will be available to answer any additional questions you may have. We’re excited to have Model Y join your home and be a part of your transition to sustainable energy. Welcome to the Tesla family. Members of the Tesla Model Y Facebook group corroborated what Feinstein said. Some of the members of the group who also just recently ordered the Performance version of the all-electric crossover and are in North-

ern California also received the email notification. Tesla’s strategy to deliver new products that are fully-optioned to customers closest to its factory in Fremont isn’t a new one. The company adopted a similar priority schedule in 2017 when Model 3 started rolling off the production line. According to the delivery date email sent to customers, it would appear that the first Model Y deliveries will take place no earlier than March 15, 2020. Elon Musk confirmed during the Q4 2019 earnings call that Tesla has started a limited volume production run of the most energy-efficient electric SUV in Fremont last January or roughly 10 months after building a prototype. The full-spec Model Y costs around $67,990 including the Performance Up-

grade and the Full-Self Driving feature. It will cost $1,000 more if one opts for another paint color other than the standard Pearl White Multi-Coat. The Model Y was first expected to hit the production line in the fall of 2020 but was later moved up to the summer of 2020. However, in its Q4 2019 Update Letter, Tesla confirmed that the first deliveries of the Model Y crossover will happen before the end of Q1, marking a significant improvement in the pace of vehicle production. The Fremont factory in California is expected to churn out 500,000 vehicles this year while Giga Shanghai is expected to roll out the electric crossover for the Chinese market starting 2021. We thank Teslarati for reprint permission.

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Al Brodeur’s Auto Body Celebrates 50 Years in Business by Beth Bryant, Marlborough Patch

Al Brodeur’s Auto Body is celebrating 50 years in business. To honor the occasion, the South Street, Marlborough business will be conducting a customer appreciation promotion throughout the month of March. Any customer getting a collision, mechanical, towing or auto detailing service will be given the

month. “We wouldn’t have stayed in business all these years without the loyalty of our customers, many of whom span multiple generations of local families, and our amazing staﬀ, many of whom have been with us for decades,” said Molly Brodeur-Nesbitt, owner and president. “We’ve been blessed to have the support we’ve received from both res-

“Maintaining safety is a chief concern among today’s consumers, which is our No.1 reason for pursuing auto manufacturer certification,” — Molly Brodeur-Nesbitt opportunity to select a card from a full standard deck of playing cards. If the customer pulls an ace, they will receive a $50 bill, but even if they don’t, they will receive a valuable consolation prize. Also, to thank the community for its enduring support, Al Brodeur’s will choose a Marlborough charity each month for the rest of 2020 and donate $500 to the chosen charity that

Firefighters Battle NJ Blaze

idents and businesses across the community and we are excited to share in this milestone and to show our appreciation.” A trusted Marlborough institution since opening in early March 1970, Al Brodeur’s attributes its longevity to its dedication to providing exceptional customer service and taking the time to carefully walk customers through the collision re-

the best vehicle services and the best customer care.” Al Brodeur was 19 when he started the business as a single-bay shop in a building on Maple Street owned by the Vigeant family. Within four years, Al outgrew this location and built a three-bay garage on Felton Street, where the Courtyard Marriott is now. In 1983, the business moved to the space it currently occupies on Route 85. After two additions and realizing it couldn’t expand that location further, Al Brodeur’s purchased a second property at 412 South St., which serves as its main facility and the Customer Care Center. While Al Brodeur’s services vehicles at both locations, the Customer Care Center is where customers bring, wait for and pick up their vehicles. Al Brodeur’s is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment or wish them well on their anniversary, contact Al Brodeur’s at 508-485-1082. We thank the Marlborough Patch for reprint permission.

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by Jerry DeMarco, Daily Voice

Firefighters battled a raging blaze March 16 at a Paterson, NJ, mixed-use building. The fire broke out in an auto body shop in the Market Street building off Route 80 around 9:30 a.m., city Police Director Jerry Speziale said. Flames quickly consumed the first floor, responders said. The fire went to four alarms within 40 minutes, then five alarms shortly after 11 a.m. “We had a firefighter who fell through the roof but was able to self-evacuate and appears to be OK,” Speziale said. Firefighters from Haledon, Passaic, Clifton and Little Falls were among those providing mutual aid. The blaze was considered under control within two hours of igniting, the director said. No serious injuries were reported, he said. We thank the Daily Voice for reprint permission.

pair process step by step, from the insurance claim and repair estimate through final inspection. “Most vehicle owners will only require our services, on average, once every seven years so it’s paramount to earn their trust by a transparent repair process. I built the business on trust and it’s paid off,” said Al Brodeur, who is now enjoying retirement. Al Brodeur’s continues to stand out from the rest as a recognized I-CAR Gold Class facility and a certified collision repair center for several auto manufacturers, including Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Volvo, Fiat-Chrysler, Kia and Hyundai, with Ford and GM coming on board by the end of the year. This advanced training ensures customers’ vehicles are repaired with state-of-the-art technology as well as unmatched craftsmanship. “Maintaining safety is a chief concern among today’s consumers, which is our No.1 reason for pursuing auto manufacturer certification,” said Brodeur-Nesbitt. “At Al Brodeur’s, it’s all about the customer, because it’s our customers’ loyalty that drives us to exceed their expectations and consistently provide

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NJ Accident Victim ‘Runner’ Admits Role in $3.5M Insurance Fraud by Jerry DeMarco, Hudson Daily Voice

A Hudson County, NJ, man admitted in federal court on March 10 he recruited Bergen County, NJ, traffic accident victims for an insurance fraud racket that racked up $3.5 million in bogus medical bills. Luis G. Aguirre, 59, of Kearny, NJ, worked as a “runner,” identifying accident victims whom he then introduced to various chiropractors, medical imaging centers and others who billed PIP insurance plans for medically unnecessary services, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said. Health care providers gave Aguirre $500 in cash for each victim he delivered, the U.S. attorney said. Aguirre and an employee from an auto body shop in West New York found the victims through word of mouth in the community and through relationships with health care providers in North Jersey, Carpenito said. Aguirre then directed the accident victims to visit specific health care providers to obtain medically unnecessary X-rays, MRIs and other

unnecessary exams or services for phony or exaggerated injuries from the crashes, the U.S. attorney said. Aguirre also made sure the victims filed police reports to support subsequent insurance claims, he said. The providers submitted bogus insurance claims to the victims’ PIP insurance plans, Carpenito said.

Aguirre paid an undisclosed amount of money per victim to his accomplice, who, in turn, paid them, he said. In one instance, Carpenito said, a North Bergen resident’s car was rear-ended at a red light in Elizabeth. According to the police report, the North Bergen resident refused medical treatment at the scene. The auto body shop worker

learned the resident “was willing to participate in the scheme in exchange for cash payment,” Carpenito said. Aguirre had the victim visited an MRI center in Rochelle Park for a series of medically unnecessary X-rays that were billed to the victim’s insurance policy. Aguirre’s participation in the conspiracy caused an estimated loss to PIP insurance plans of more than $250,000, with total losses caused by the conspiracy exceeding $3.5 million, the U.S. attorney said. U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler scheduled sentencing July 14 in Newark on Aguirre’s conspiracy to commit health care fraud conviction. Carpenito credited special agents of the Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General and the FBI with the investigation leading to the guilty plea, secured by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould of the Health Care Fraud Unit in Newark. We thank the Hudson Daily Voice for reprint permission.

Nationwide, Automakers to Offer Potential Discounts Nationwide, along with Toyota, Ford and Lincoln, announced partnerships to offer customers insurance options at a potential large discount, based on data collected by their connected vehicles about their driving habits. Nationwide and Toyota Insurance Management Solutions (TIMS) have teamed up to launch TIMS BrightDrive, simplifying the purchasing process while rewarding customers for their safe driving. Ford Insure and Lincoln Motor Company Insure, powered by Nationwide, now offer a simple and convenient way to secure usage-based insurance coverage through Ford Motor Credit Company’s licensed insurance agency. Drivers of all three makes can be eligible for up to a 40% discount on their insurance.

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Second Chances Garage Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Help of ‘The Humble Mechanic’ by Erika Riley

Second Chances Garage, which sits on Market Street at the north end of downtown Frederick, looks like an ordinary auto shop on the outside. But it’s far from it. The shop sells its cars for $500 — plus $280 for titling — to those who need them the most but cannot afford them. Second Chances turns 10 this year. To celebrate, the Second Chances mechanics and their apprentices from Gov. Thomas Johnson High School worked with Charles Sanville of the YouTube channel “The Humble Mechanic” to refurbish a car that Sanville, who has 375,000 subscribers to his channel, donated himself. Cars are usually donated by members of the community and then fixed up by Second Chances mechanics. Depending on the condition of the car and the work it needs, it will either be sold through the LowCost Vehicle Program, or put out on the lot for between $1,000 and $5,000. It’s not exactly big bucks. But it helps the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offset the cost of selling refurbished cars at a reduced price. To qualify for the Low-Cost Vehicle Program, the clients must go through a partner agency such as the Frederick Rescue Mission, Heartly House or the Housing Authority. The car, which Sanville had towed up from his home in North Carolina, is a 2005 Volkswagen Passat that he and his family no longer need. It holds a lot of memories for him, however. “Not everybody loves their car, but I get really attached,” Sanville said. “We bought this car in ’07, so we’ve had it forever. It’s the car my daughter came home from the hospital in, we brought the dog home in, and all that, so it’s cool.” He had been planning to fix it up for a while, and maybe making some YouTube videos with it. Sanville makes videos about cars, repairs and parts. But instead he decided to do something better, once he heard about Second Chances through his partnership with Gearwrench, an automotive tool company. Shimaine Brandford, a Frederick resident who received the car

on Thursday morning, has not been able to fully meet the demands of her job without a vehicle. She works as a caretaker, primarily for elderly people. With a car, she will be able to drive her clients to their medical appointments, and to the grocery store.

Chimaine Brandford reacts after receiving the keys to her refurbished 2005 Volkswagen Passat from Charles Sanville. Credit: Bill Green

“It’ll get me to work, to provide for my son, because I have a son, it can get me back and forth to school to further my career, get my son into sports because he’d like to play sports,” she said. “So I can take him to practice, and to the games.” It’s going to change her life. “That’s really, really cool that she’s doing something awesome for herself, and that’s allowing her to do something awesome for other people,” Sanville said. Ray Brown, the new chair of the Second Chances board, stressed the importance of having a car, especially in the suburbs. “How could you go to school? How could you get your children to sports activities, to get to your job?” Brown said. “That’s how important owning a car is, particularly in Frederick.” Repairs on the Passat included replacing the timing belt and brakes, suspension work, fixing oil leaks and changing engine mounts. Sanville said the car was in good shape, but needed some upgrades in order to pass the Maryland inspection for used vehicles. When the nonprofit started 10 years ago, it was doubtful it would even make it past a few years, said John Frawley, board member and outgoing chair. After the shop started offering low-cost repairs on cars for $50 an hour — which is half the industry standard rate — for low-income residents, the shop started losing money. “And then we waited until we had the right people in the business,

and then we started the program up again, and it’s been wildly successful since then,” Frawley said. The shop now has partnerships with several for-profit organizations including Gearwrench, Dynamic Automotive and Interstate Batteries, which donate a battery for every car the garage gives away. Last year, the nonprofit gave away 50 cars through the program. The program has also benefited from the addition of apprentices from the Frederick County Career and Technology Center, a partnership that began last year. Brett McClavey, a junior at Thomas Johnson High, said he wanted to join the program to learn useful skills. Plus, Gearwrench gives the apprentices $2,400 worth of tools once they graduate. Sanville was particularly excited to work with Second Chances Garage because he knew that the auto body shop worked with apprentices, which he thinks is a practice that’s dying out in the automotive industry. “We in the auto industry do a

lot of complaining that things aren’t right, or this or that... but a lot of the complainers aren’t doing anything about it, and shops like this are actually doing something,” Sanville said. “And so it’s so fun to be able to work with these guys and have fun and teach them the basics, the basics-plus, and things that you’re not going to be able to learn in a school environment.” Joe Hall, head mechanic at Second Chances, works closely with the apprentices almost every day. “The industry is not built around building up technicians at the shop or at the dealer level,” Hall said. “They want to hit a button on a vending machine and have a technician who can work and do anything they want right off the bat.” The learning environment and the low-cost cars allow the apprentices a chance to mess up and learn new skills. Hall said he can always go back and fix any mistakes that are made. “I try to get them into stuff that they’re not going to be working on for years, give them the confidence to

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try something different while they’re here,” Hall said. Brown agrees that confidence is an important skill the students have learned from Hall, who received an award from Automotive Service Excellence on Tuesday night. “As I watched him interact with the apprentices, the one thing that I know that he builds in his apprentices, as well as his knowledge, is confidence,” Brown said. “And that confidence that he builds in his apprentices is going to carry them a long ways in life.” And the work those apprentices do on cars in the program will carry others a long way, too. After Sanville handed the keys to Brandford on Thursday morning, she opened the door and slid in, her smile beaming. She said that it somehow had that new-car smell. We thank The Fredrick News-Post for reprint permission.

www.autobodynews.com

Rockland Auto Tech Students Win State Finals by Lanning Taliaferro, Nyack-Piermont Patch

Two Rockland County students won the New York State Automotive Technology Competition, taking home thousands of dollars in scholarships and winning a chance to compete for some $3 million in prizes at the 2020 New York International Auto Show national championship in April. Peter Moger and Luis Pinto-Samayoa, seniors at Rockland BOCES, coached by Frank Pipolo, took home the gold against 11 other teams from throughout the state, diagnosing and fixing pre-programmed bugs in a Lexus operating system and engine in the shortest time. The timed competition featured teams from New York City, Westchester, Rockland, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Competitors attend Career Technical Education (CTE) and BOCES programs. The competition was held Feb. 11 at the Center for Automotive Education and Training in Whitestone, New York. The Rockland team advanced

to the state finals by placing first in their division in the regional round in January. In April, they will represent New York State against some 29 other teams from throughout North America.

a set of tools. Students worked on a variety of car makes and models after years of training in school and at local and regional franchise new car dealerships following the January competition. There are tens of thousands of auto tech jobs coming open in the coming years and New York’s franchise new car dealers fund the competition to identify auto tech stars of the future. This year was the 30th annual competition sponsored by GNYADA. GNYADA officials said Students Peter Moger and Luis Pinto-Samayo pose that the curriculum for the with their trophies and tools. From left to right, GNYADA competition is adjusted anVice Chair Oliver Brodleib, Coach Frank Pipolo, GNYAnually to respond to changDA Chair Jane Millman and GNYADA President Mark ing automotive technology. Schienberg. Credit: Dominick Totino The skills the competitors Each student was award- displayed will help them as they emed $2,000 in scholarships by the bark on careers as auto technicians, Greater New York Automobile who can earn $100,000 or more Dealers Association, which spon- working at dealerships throughout sored the competition, and schol- the region. arship offers from technical training schools ranging from $7,000 to We thank the Nyack-Piermont Patch $10,000. They were also awarded for reprint permission.

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CREF’s Instructor of the Year is from NY Brian McDonnell, a collision instructor at the Greater Southern Tier BOCES Cooper Education Center in Painted Post, NY, has been named the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s Instructor of the Year.

The award recognizes the achievement of a secondary or post-secondary collision school instructor who has gone above and beyond their role and responsibility as an educator to become a true leader, role model and mentor to the students they teach. “I really found out the caliber of teacher Brian is when I was his mentor,” said Tammy Divens, a registered nurse and New Visions Medical Teacher at the GST BOCES Cooper Education Center. “Brian works tirelessly to pro-

vide the most up to date skills and education for his students.” The collision instructors working at career and technical schools and colleges across the U.S. have one of the most important and challenging jobs, teaching and guiding young men and women toward becoming a successful asset to the collision industry and buidling a thriving and fulfilling career. “The Instructor of the Year Award recognizes an instructor who has gone above and beyond his/ her roles and responsibilities as an educator to become a true leader, role model and mentor of the students they teach,” said Melissa Marscin, director of operations and administration for the foundation. McDonnell received a trip to SEMA 2019 and was honored at the Education Foundation’s evening reception Nov. 5. Source: Collision Repair Education Foundation.

Albert Kemperle Inc. Celebrates 80th Anniversary at 2020 Expo by Chasidy Rae Sisk

Albert Kemperle Inc. will celebrate its 80th anniversary during its 2020 Expo, April 23 through April 25 at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington in Melville, NY. The theme of this year’s event is “Our Vision for the Future is 2020.”

Kemperle’s 2020 Expo will include an exhibition with 65 manufacturers, all of whom will be offering show-only specials on pricing. April 23, Mike Anderson of Collision Advice will present “Positioning Yourself in the Collision Repair Industry,” and April 24, Collision Hub’s Kristen Felder will deliver a workshop, “Repair Documentation—The Ultimate Weapon,” sponsored by BASF. Both seminars require attendees to register in advance. Special guest Chip Foose

from BASF will be on site April 24 for a meet and greet, and Jon Kosmoski, founder of House of Kolor, is also scheduled to make an appearance. 3M’s Shawn Collins will teach a seminar, as will Dave Luehr and Rich Altieri of Elite Body Shop Solutions. Additional topics will include OEM trends, e-learning from BASF and airbrush techniques, among others. Kemperle also has plenty of fun and entertainment on this year’s expo agenda, promising games, a cigar lounge, music, impersonators, magicians and even face painting for children April 25. Kemperle’s 2020 Expo will be open 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday, April 23, and Friday, April 24. It will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25. All attendees must pre-register by contacting their Kemperle sales representative. For more information about Albert Kemperle Inc., visit kemperle .com.

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AASP/MA Forms Five Committees to Focus on New Solutions to Industry Issues by Chasidy Rae Sisk

In a continued effort to address collision repair industry concerns, AASP/MA has created five committees within its Board of Directors to identify new potential solutions focused in specific areas problematic for Massachusetts body shops. Those five committees are the labor rate/BillableGenie, legislative/ ADALB, Vendor Affinity Program (VAP), events and membership/marketing committees. “As the saying goes, ‘Many hands make light work,’” said AASP/ MA President Molly Brodeur. “With functioning committees working on their established goals, we feel the association as a whole can and will be more productive. “The purpose of the committee structure is to have focused efforts within the board,” Brodeur continued. “AASP/MA had used the committee structure in the past but had gotten away from it for the past two years while we focused on redeveloping the chapter format, having local chapter meetings and getting a statewide Labor Rate Survey up and running, and achieving a documentable prevailing rate. “Keeping a lot of the conversations that happen at the committee level outside of the monthly board meetings allows us to function and act quicker, as the issues have already been hashed out and are ready for the full board to vote on.” The Labor Rate/BillableGenie Committee is dedicated to advancing the state’s labor rates and encouraging more shops to subscribe to National Auto Body Research’s BillableGenie program. Veteran AASP/MA shop owner Jack Lamborghini sits on the committee and is excited to help educate fellow association members on the importance of the association’s focus on labor rates. “The labor rate has been an issue going back 30 years,” Lamborghini said. “For the last few years, it’s gotten to the point of literal absurdity. We have one of the highest costs of living and doing business in the country, and we’re getting reimbursed the least amount of money of anyone in the country by far. It’s just

wrong on every level you can imagine. This should be a very galvanizing topic for everybody. There isn’t anybody in the industry who thinks for a moment that what we’re getting paid is anywhere close to fair or realistic. “If we don’t have some entity looking out for the interests of every collision shop owner, manager and technician in this industry, the insurance industry will run us over,”

Lamborghini said. “If people aren’t willing to support the association— at least from a financial standpoint— then we’re not going to have a voice to protect us going forward.” The focus of the Legislative/ ADALB Committee is on promoting AASP/MA’s labor rate bill and its proposed legislation to move the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) from the Division of Insurance to the Department of Professional Licensing. “This committee will also maintain a watchdog position to ensure we don’t get ambushed by any legislative or regulatory changes,” said AASP/ MA Executive Director Lucky Papageorg. “It will also look at how the association can fund a full-time lobbyist position.” “The real focus is on what’s lurking in the shadows and what the insurance companies are trying to do behind the scenes,” At-large Director Adam Ioakim added. “If AASP/MA isn’t out there being the watchdog to defend against the bills they’re trying to pass, our livelihoods could be ruined. We’re there to testify and provide documentation to help make sure those bills don’t go through.” The VAP, events and membership/marketing committees will devote their energy to strengthening relations within the association itself. The VAP Committee’s purpose is to seek out new vendors, as well as to maintain current partnerships with vendors whose sponsorships

support AASP/MA’s efforts and contribute to the association’s success. “I want to make sure that our supporting vendors are being seen at these events and that shops know who they are so they can support them,” said AASP/MA Vice President and committee Chair Kevin Gallerani. “Our goal is to help keep these important relationships going. We’re also looking to invigorate that program and bring more vendors into it as the year goes on.” The Events Committee, chaired by Brodeur, will coordinate the 2020 AASP/MA golf outing and secure venues, sponsors, speakers and topics for the association’s general membership meetings in April and September. Responsibilities of the Membership/Marketing Committee include determining how to increase membership and improve member services as well as “getting the AASP/ MA brand more recognizable using different platforms in social media as well as in traditional print and news

outlets,” said Papageorg. AASP/MA board members are excited about the association’s new direction and hopeful the new committee structure will demonstrate the association’s value as an information source for Massachusetts collision repairers. “Members are going to have a better idea of what’s going on,” AASP/MA Secretary Gary Cloutier noted. “Things at the State House and the ADALB take a long time before they work their way to the surface, so members will continue to get accurate information from us firsthand and in a timely manner.” “If someone isn’t a part of the association, they won’t know about things happening until they happen,” said Rob DelGallo, AASP/MA collision director. “You’re better off informed than having to figure out what happened. If you’re not at the table, then you’re not part of the decision-making.” For more information on AASP/MA, visit aaspma.org.

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Balise Collision Repair Delivers Repaired Escalade to Heroic Couple from January Abduction of Young Girl Balise Collision Repair of West Springfield, MA, and several community donors on Feb. 25 delivered the repaired vehicle to a heroic couple who risked their lives to track down a suspected vehicle in the abduction of a young girl from Springfield in January. The delivery was made at Balise Collision Repair, 1800 Riverdale St. in West Springfield. In the chase that ultimately lead police to returning the young girl home safely, the vehicle belonging to Amanda Disley and her husband, Benny Correa, sustained considerable damage to the undercarriage, suspension, brakes, shocks and struts. After hearing of the story on social media, Balise immediately reached out to the couple to help. Western Mass News and its “Surprise Squad” helped facilitate the meet-up. The damage alone would’ve cost thousands of dollars—all of which Balise planned to cover—but to thank the couple for their bravery, Balise Collision Repair chose to take it a step further.

A full overhaul of the vehicle was performed—including new front and rear bumper, undercarriage suspension components, 22-in. platinum wheels and tires.

Credit: Belise Collision Repair

All dents, dings, rust and rotted areas were repaired and/or replaced, and the vehicle was given a full custom matte black paint job. Before delivery Feb. 25, Balise Collision completed a full lube and oil change, and the Balise Carwash gave the vehicle a full interior and exterior detail. Donors from all over Western Massachusetts reached out to help Balise Collision’s mission.

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Balise Wholesale Parts, Napa Auto Parts and LKQ Keystone all donated parts; Autobody Supplies and Paint donated all the paint materials. Balise Riverdale Car Wash donated a complete interior and exterior detail. The total estimate of work and donated supplies put the overhaul between $20,000 and $25,000. With the help of local partners, Balise was able to go above and beyond with all the repairs and custom work. “We knew right away we wanted to do something special for these two,” said Brian Stone, group collision director for Balise. “Every bit of additional work on their Escalade came from a place of pure gratitude, and we are thankful to the donors who stepped up to assist us in our efforts to deliver this vehicle in like-new condition. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Independent retailers in the automotive aftermarket remain the most used sales channel for getting parts to consumers, according to the new SEMA Industry Perspectives Report, the latest resource for SEMA members to gain insight on the health of the industry on a wide range of business metrics. While manufacturers and distributors sell into a variety of channels, including direct-to-consumer, more than 80 percent of manufacturers report their products sell through independent specialty retailers. While many retailers and installers report selling some of their inventory through online auction sites and marketplaces, these only account for 7% of sales. More than 70% of smaller manufacturers, with less than $1 million in annual sales, sell directly to consumers, while less than 30% have their parts stocked by dealerships or chain stores.

Source: Balise Collision Repair

Source: SEMA

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Continued from Cover

Self-Driving Vehicle Rules with Democrats. “It should be clear from the history of this process that Republicans and Democrats on this panel worked very hard with your organization to get sign off and support when we first moved this bill,” Walden said. “So you might imagine my disappointment when you all asked for more changes in the Senate, despite the deal we had here in the House with your organization. “But it was even more curious that when Senate Republicans and Democrats ceded to the provisions you were seeking, you still didn’t support the deal,” Walden continued. Daniel Hinkle, state affairs counsel for the American Association of Justice, defended the organization for insisting on clear liability rules in any future self-driving legislation. He cited lawsuits filed against General Motors Co. that revealed the company’s flawed ignition switches had been found to be defective years earlier, but nobody inside the company

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had raised the alarm. In all, 2.59 million cars were recalled due to faulty switches that ultimately were linked to 124 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

Silicon Valley robotics company Nuro has been granted approval to run its self-driving R2 delivery vehicle without the steering wheel, brake pedal and other features required of vehicles driven by humans. Credit: Nuro

“The difference between an automated vehicle and a human-driven vehicle is a promise,” he said. “It is a promise from the manufacturer of that automated driving-system that they will operate the vehicle safely on our roads...The key question is whether our laws will hold these companies accountable for that promise.” U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, argued it is essential for Congress to set rules for self-driving testing to ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the global race to de-

velop the technology. “Automated vehicles aren’t just something we read about in science-fiction novels anymore. They’re here, transforming mobility and transportation as we know it,” Dingell said. “AVs are bringing jobs to this country, but we cannot take it for granted,” she continued. “This transformation is an open international competition, and other countries are stepping up. Other countries are in the game and trying to beat us. Automated vehicles will be developed globally, whether we like it or not, and it’s critical that America be at the forefront of innovation by leading the development of this technology.” The push to revive self-driving legislation comes after the federal government gave the green light to the first self-driving vehicle with no steering wheel, brake pedal—or human driver. Nuro Inc., a robotics company based in Mountain View, CA, was given permission by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to put up to 5,000 of its autonomous R2 electric delivery vehicles

on the road over a two-year period. John Bozzella, CEO of the new Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which lobbies for self-driving friendly laws, touted the potential for autonomous vehicles to drastically reduce the number of deaths that occur annually on U.S. roadways. “Unlike conventional human drivers, AVs can’t get distracted, drive impaired or fall asleep at the wheel,” he said. Dingell agreed, saying the rapid development of self-driving technology should spur lawmakers to action. “Safety, including cybersecurity, has to be our top priority here,” she said. “Nobody wants to let unsafe technologies on the road. But we also don’t want to prevent vehicles that would improve safety and mobility… from reaching consumers easier.” “We must in 2020 get this over the line,” Dingell continued. “If you’re a safety advocate, you should want a bill to give NHTSA the authority to ensure these vehicles are safe. If you’re an innovator, you need certainty to know what the rules of the road are.” We thank The Detroit News for reprint permission.

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Market Tsunami the next eight weeks, until approximately the beginning of May, citing the risk of the coronavirus. Stores and other suppliers are also closing at an unprecedented rate as employees are asked to stay home. In the past few weeks iconic events including the Masters golf tournament and the Boston Marathon have been canceled in addition to multiple sports leagues, notably the NHL, NFL and NBA at home and internationally. Major League Baseball has pushed back opening day until mid-May at the earliest. And with heavily populated states like CA, NY and NJ closing or curtailing patronage of bars, restaurants in at least 11 states are stopping group dining, it’s no surprise that almost all collision industry events have been postponed or modified because of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The automotive industry has been particularly hard hit in Hubei province, site of 9% of China’s vehicle production and the epicenter of the outbreak. Hubei is one of five major automotive manufacturing centers in China as well as a hub for auto parts production for U.S. domestic and foreign automakers. Plant closures have already affected global automotive supply chains. And with stocks diminishing rapidly, a global shortage of auto parts looms in 2020. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) Board of Directors postponed the association’s joint CARS (Congress of Automotive Repair & Service), TTF (Technology & Telematics Forum) and annual business meeting until late August or early September. The event, co-located with the Technology & Telematics Forum as well as the association’s annual business meeting, was to have been held May 4-5, in the Dallas-Fort Worth community of Hurst. NORTHEAST has been postponed from March 20-22 to Aug. 21-23. It will likely still will be the collision industry’s second-biggest show, as NACE appears unlikely to occur this year.

AASP-NJ, which hosts NORTHEAST, said it always had August as a backup date since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. “Thankfully, the MEC had a few open dates available for us to choose from,” AASP-NJ President Jerry McNee said. “We wanted to make sure it was far enough in the future so that the COVID-19 danger would pass, but not so far as to be too close to SEMA. We also felt that August would work for us since NORTHEAST is predominantly a ‘drive to’ show as opposed to a ‘fly to’ show.” ATE 2020, sponsored by ASA Northwest, is rescheduled for July 31–Aug. 2 at the DoubleTree Hilton by SeaTac Hotel in Seattle. The International Bodyshop Industry Symposium had been slated to return to the U.S. for a second year April 1-2. However, the organization has instead opted to hold the event virtually instead at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Jacksonville, FL. The agenda will be condensed into a three-hour live webinar. “As a result of the Coronavirus, IBIS USA will now be held as a webinar on 2 April instead,” the organization said. “We will deliver much of the planned IBIS USA industry-leading content in a three-hour live broadcast. Throughout this time, delegates will have the opportunity to interact and ask questions via the soon to be launched mobile app.” Despite being hosted online, the event will remain invitation-only, according to IBIS. For more information, contact suzie@ibisworldwide .com. SCRS decided to re-book significant spring events in conjunction with the July industry meetings taking place in Philadelphia, PA, prior to the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) quarterly gathering, scheduled for July 22 and 23. Calling it a “difficult decision,” the Collision Industry Conference announced it would cancel its April 8-9 gathering in Jacksonville, FL. “The decision was made with the concerns related to public safety and logistical issues due to corporate travel restrictions,” CIC said in an email. “While you may be disappointed, we hope that you can see that this was the right direction giv-

en the circumstances.” CIC also cited the declaration of a national state of emergency over the coronavirus as a contributing factor. CIC had previously declared it would proceed with the event, the same day that the popular NORTHEAST show announced it would reschedule for August. The National Auto Body Council also announced a change in plans. The organization said its Lone Star Parts for Cars event on April 2 in Dallas, Texas, would be pushed back to May 27. NABC cited “travel restrictions for many of the event participants” as well as virus concerns. “This follows the recommended procedures and protocols by the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local authorities.” The organization also pushed back its NABC board meeting to May 28 at the Berkshire Hathaway Automotive headquarters in Dallas. “We thank all of our members and those who registered for this

event for your continued support of the National Auto Body Council,” NABC CEO Bill Garoutte said in a statement. “We appreciate your understanding as we manage through this unique challenge. We hope everyone remains healthy and well in their local communities, and look forward to seeing everyone in May.” I-CAR has said “All unnecessary travel has been stopped, but local training is still going on until further notice.” The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) has announced the cancellation of its 2020 Annual Educational Conference scheduled for May 3-5 in Newport Beach, CA, due to concerns over COVID-19. “After careful consideration due to the coronavirus affecting potential safety and health concerns, the Women’s Industry Network has decided to cancel our Annual Educational Conference for 2020,” said Cheryl Boswell, WIN chair. Full conference registration fee refunds will be issued to all participants—this includes Scholarship See Market Tsunami, Page 24

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Dealership-Based Collision Repair Facilities Projected to Grow CARSTAR, North America’s premier network of independently-owned collision repair facilities, foresees a resurgence of collision repair facilities based in auto dealerships throughout the U.S. and Canada, following the 2020 NADA Show in Las Vegas. This comes in response to changing dealership dynamics, as dealership owners look to improve

• The advent of OEM certifications and the role these will play in collision repair standards going forward • The opportunity for customer retention through comprehensive services, including collision repair • The ability to capture more insurance-pay repair business • The revenue potential for a robust collision repair business that offsets slim dealership margins

their facility performance and profitability. Today, nearly two of every five franchised dealerships operate collision repair centers, the National Automobile Dealers Association reports. But CARSTAR forecasts that could grow. There are several factors driving the renewed interest in collision repair services at auto dealerships, including:

• The availability of dealership real estate and buildings that are vacant after dealership consolidation That’s where CARSTAR comes in. CARSTAR has created partnerships with some 50 automobile dealerships in the U.S. and Canada that combine the local dealer’s brand name with CARSTAR’s proprietary operating procedures, insurance relationships, training and procure-

ment programs. This allows CARSTAR to help deliver best-in-class KPI performance and the highest-quality repairs, while the dealership can focus on selling vehicles. That high-quality repair and customer service experience also helps the dealership retain customer loyalty for future vehicle purchases. For Randy Yockey, owner of Friendly Ford and CARSTAR Friendly in Roselle, IL, the decision to join CARSTAR was a no-brainer, and he encourages other dealerships to look at the partnership model as they evaluate their dealership opportunities. “We knew we were suffering with our collision center at our Ford dealership,” said Yockey. “Our body shop was going nowhere, and after two fires, we had no customers. We knew we needed to do something. “We were approached by CARSTAR, and joined for five years. I’m proud to say we just reupped for 10 years. “We went from no business to about $2.5 million in business in the first five years,” Yockey said.

“We have some 30 DRPs, we’re hiring every day and our shop is filled with work. We’re looking for a better location because we’ve outgrown our current one,” he said. “For other dealership owners, I’d say the partnership with CARSTAR is a no-brainer, I definitely endorse it,” said Yockey. “If you’re willing to work hard and invest in your business, improving your collision repair facility is a great opportunity. Take a look at CARSTAR, talk with local CARSTAR owners, talk to dealership owners like me. “Frankly, you aren’t going to make it unless you are part of a MSO,” he said. Source: CARSTAR

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Canadian Company Takes Aim at ‘Pushy Autobody Shops’ Via New App by Kelvin Gawley, NEWS 1130

A developer of a new app in Canada says he wants to make autobody repairs easier and cheaper for drivers—and take on dishonest body shops in the process. Iouri Ovtchinnikov, co-founder of AutoBuddy Technologies, said he first got the idea for a new app when he owned his own autobody repair shop.

“It was a really bad customer experience so I decided to do something to help people that are in those situations,” he said. Ovtchinnikov said the experience inspired him to provide a service that would experience a thing of the past. With a friend, he developed AutoBuddy, an app that lets drivers upload pictures of minor vehicle damage.

“I was really confused why some shops were doing it so low and why some shops were trying to rip me off,” — Iouri Ovtchinnikov He decided to drive around to his competitors with his own lightly scratched car to see how their rates compared to his. He said he would have charged $700 to $800 but got estimates ranging from $400 to $1,700. “I was really confused why some shops were doing it so low and why some shops were trying to rip me off,” Ovtchinnikov said, adding some of the shops were “very pushy.”

Then body shops in the area can provide estimates, kicking off a bidding process. In addition to saving vehicle owners time and money, Ovtchinnikov said the app keeps shops honest because those overcharging won’t get any business. He cited a 2018 report from insurance company Aviva that estimated auto insurance fraud costs Canadians $2 billion per year, in-

cluding from auto body shops lying to customers and intentionally damaging vehicles. Bridgeport Collision in Richmond is among the first shops using the app. Assistant Manager Mike Wang said he has had two cars come in through the app in the month his company has been on the platform. While it’s been a relatively slow start, Wang said he’s hopeful AutoBuddy will become more popular. Wang said he doesn’t consider autobody shops overcharging to be “fraud” but the result of an “imbalance of information,” which the app can help counteract. He called the app a “win-win” because it brings shops more customers while bringing down costs and hassle for customers, Wang said. As for ICBC, it seems the app is getting some support as the crown corporation said, “Any apps that help to bring greater awareness to consumers are a good thing, as they help people make more informed decisions.” We thank NEWS 1130 for reprint permission.

Ford to Offer All-Electric Transit The best-selling cargo van in the world—Ford Transit—is going digital, with an all-electric version coming for the 2022 model year. With the world’s best-selling cargo van and as America’s best-selling commercial van brand for 41 years, Ford intends to lead the transition to zero emissions in the segment with its all-electric Transit. Ford’s U.S. truck and van fleet sales have grown 33% since 2015 and the company expects continued growth of van sales in the U.S. as e-commerce and “last mile” delivery increase. Ford’s overall van sales delivered their best fourth quarter results since 1978 on sales of 59,930 vans. For the year, Ford van sales totaled 240,529 vehicles. Ford expects electric vehicles to grow to 8% of the industry in 2025 in the U.S. The all-electric Transit, which will be American-built, is part of Ford’s more than $11.5 billion investment in electrification through 2022. Source: Ford

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VW Will Fund Dealers to Wage Local Marketing Campaigns for EVs by Bradley Berman

Dealerships are often the weakest link in the EV marketing pipeline. An automaker can run flashy, expensive ads about EVs at the national level – but when consumers respond with a visit to a dealership, they too often get turned off by disinterested or ill-informed sales folks. Volkswagen is taking steps not only to avoid this problem but to fund EV dynamic marketing at the local level. Volkswagen of America CEO Scott Keogh met with Volkswagen Dealer Advisory Council Chairman Credit: VW yesterday during the national convention of auto dealers. He said that VW will establish a joint marketing fund to support the ID Crozz EV: “It’s intended to do things like dealer events, marketing, traditional marketing – any sort of outreach, anything –because we think a big component of this is to make sure that a dealer is marketing EVs locally, not just on the national stuff that we do.” Keogh is ready to put cash into these campaigns. According to Automotive News, VW will match local marketing funds, maybe even supplying 75% of the resources, depending on the specific market. A cap could be established for each dealer. This approach will be put to the test when Volkswagen introduces the ID Crozz (aka ID4) crossover EV late this year. The ID Crozz will sell in the low- to mid-$30,000 range af-

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Market Tsunami Walk and guest tickets for the WIN Celebration. No action is required on their part. Regional events cancelled and postponed AASP-MN has cancelled all scheduled committee meetings and events, including the Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference on April 23.

ter a $7,500 federal tax credit. It will optimistically offer “up to 300 miles” from its 83-kWh battery pack. The ID Crozz is expected to offer DC fast charging at 150 kilowatts. The specs are good. The design is attractive. The price is right. But VW needs to support its intro-

duction with aggressive marketing, even at the local level. CEO Keogh said: “This is a car that we want to sell in a very transparent, modern, omnichannel fashion. And we’ll make sure our dealers have the tools to do that.” Based on the Automotive New Report, dealers are buying into the idea. VW Dealer Advisory Council Chairman John Luciano said dealers – even those were previously reluctant about EVs – are smelling an opportunity. Luciano believes dealers will jump at the chance to get matched funds for local marketing in a voluntary program. “We had so many people that came up and said, ‘Wow, I was not in for any of this. Zero, not my market. Not my world.’ And now [they are saying] ‘I’m seeing that maybe instead I can own that market be See autobodynews.com for a new category of updates on collision industry events throughout the year. All associations are invited to submit their updates to our list. Please forward to aandrews@ autobodynews.com

cause I think everybody else around me [will be too cautious about taking a chance on BEVs].’” US Volkswagen dealers will also get funding for 50% of the equipment needed to support EV efforts. As we posted, Ford is also preparing its dealers to sell and service the Mustang Mach-E. While Ford appears to be preparing all 2,100 nationwide dealers for the Mach-E electric SUV, Volkswagen acknowledges that interest among its 650 US dealers will be varied. Keogh said: “We have a varied network, from dealers selling 2,000 cars a year to dealers doing 30,000 or 40,000 cars. We know that electrification is not going to be 100% equal in all markets.” Luciano, the VW dealer-council chair, believes that fewer than 10% of Volkswagen dealers will completely sit out from offering the

ID Crozz and other EVs. Electrek’s Take The new wave of EVs, like the ID Crozz and Ford Mustang Mach-E, feels different from when legacy automakers previously offered electric cars. A comparison of long-range, ground-up SUVs with the compliance-oriented VW e-Golf and Ford Focus Electric reveals a big difference in strategy and commitment. Volkswagen’s forethought on engaging dealers in local marketing campaigns also shows how automakers learned from the past. Big national branding exercises without local sales and marketing execution don’t maximize sales. Now, VW, Ford, and others need to start delivering the vehicles. We can’t wait to see what happens when all the dots align – great EVs, attractive prices, and fully engaged dealers. That will be the true first test of mainstream electric-car appeal. We thank electrek for reprint permission.

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Ford Parts Patent Fight which stalled in Congress. ABPA sued Ford in 2013 after certain members were accused of selling infringing parts. The group argued an F-150 owner has the right

to repair a damaged truck, and either make replacement parts or have those parts made for them. A judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan refused to find Ford’s U.S. Patent Nos. D489,299 and D501,685 unenforceable against ABPA members. Buying a vehicle doesn’t give the owner the right to make “new auto-body parts covered by Ford’s design patents,” the judge said. “It follows that the owner lacks the right to have those parts made for

her by ABPA members,” U.S. District Judge Laurie Michelson wrote. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the ruling in July 2019. In appealing to the Supreme Court, ABPA argued the ruling could minimize, or even eliminate, the right to repair in design patent cases. “This result not only will adversely affect the automotive repair industry with its thousands of daily repair part transactions, but also will adversely affect every industry where products or product components have designs or portions of designs covered by design patents and are in need of repair,” the trade group wrote. Ford didn’t file a response to the ABPA’s petition. The case is Automotive Body Parts Association v. Ford Global Technologies LLC, U.S., U.S., No. 19-1002, 3/9/20 We thank Bloomberg Law for reprint permission.

Theft charges against owner of ASAP Autoworx in Washington Township ment, which noted an investigation is ongoing. Torres was arrested Feb. The owner of a local auto 11 after a three-month inbody shop here is accused vestigation, the statement of defrauding customers, said. and investigators are seeking additional victims. The probe began when New Jersey authorities were Ramon Torres IV contacted by Pennsylvania allegedly cheated customState Police about claims ers at ASAP Autoworx, against Torres. New Jersey State Police Anyone who believes said in announcing his ar- Ramon Torres IV they may have been a rest. of Millville victim is asked to contact Torres, 28, of Millville is accused of charging customers State Police Detective II Christofor uncompleted repairs and for pher Scafidi at 609-414-3143 or work on vehicles still under war- lpp7337@gw.njsp.org. ranty, police said in a statement. He is charged with seven counts We thank the Courier Post for reof theft by deception, said the state- print permission. by Jim Walsh

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Associations Speak Out On Connecticut Auto Glass Bill by Emmariah Holcomb, glassBYTES.com

Associations and businesses have begun to speak out—in both opposition and support—of a new piece of auto glass legislation introduced in Connecticut’s General Assembly. The bill, HB 5294, looks to “establish an auto glass temporary license to allow auto glass companies doing business in the state to perform auto glass work in the event of a state disaster or emergency.” The legislation would allow state auto glass companies to hire up to 15 unlicensed auto glass technicians on an emergency basis.

may need to further understand this bill,” said Jessica Olander, CGDA executive director, in a release. “The prospect of Connecticut allowing auto glass companies to use unlicensed technicians who have not been vetted through the State’s normal procedures is of great concern to the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC),” said Seth Maiman, AGSC legislative and government affairs director. “Our concern about safety rises exponentially when we consider how many cars now have Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that require complex re-

“The prospect of Connecticut allowing auto glass companies to use unlicensed technicians who have not been vetted through the State’s normal procedures is of great concern to the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC),” — Seth Maiman According to the proposed legislation, the temporary license “shall be utilized by an auto glass company that employs out-of-state employees who perform automotive glass work, and whose qualifications are substantially similar to, or higher than, those of this state.” If passed, those who obtain an auto glass temporary license will have to provide a list on a form prescribed by the commissioner, stating each out-of-state employee that the auto glass company may use to perform work in this state in the event of a state disaster or emergency. The state’s own Automotive Glass Work and Flat Glass Examining Board (AGWFGEB) is among those opposing the legislation. “The AGWFGEB is against HB 5294 because it appears to put profit over Connecticut driver’s safety,” the examining board said in a release regarding the new bill. The Connecticut Glass Dealers Association (CGDA) also opposed the new bill and calls for legislators to vote against HB 5294. “We ask that you vote against this bill, and put consumer safety first. We come to you asking for your leadership and action, and to call on Connecticut Glass Dealers Association (CGDA) with any questions or resources you

calibration during the replacement of auto glass,” Maiman said. “Connecticut has been a national leader in advancing safety with stringent training requirements and we hope that this legislation will be defeated.” If passed, the bill looks to add the following to the state’s current auto glass law: “The Commissioner of Consumer Protection may, in the event of a state disaster or emergency, and upon payment of an $1,800 licensing fee, grant an annual auto glass temporary license to an auto glass company that employs individuals who perform automotive glass work and does business in the state,” a portion of the proposed bill reads. Safelite Group testified in support of the bill. “We find ourselves in a distinct and difficult position whenever there is a storm or severe weather event in this state. We cannot bring in other highly qualified technicians (who meet or exceed Connecticut’s licensure requirements) for a temporary period of time to help handle large backlogs of auto glass repair claims,” a portion of Safelite Group’s release reads. “The result is that Connecticut consumers are often waiting longer than necessary times to have service

and have their claims addressed.” According to its release, Safelite requested the bill allow other auto glass companies to purchase and hold temporary licenses. “Simply stated, we are asking that any auto glass company be allowed to purchase and hold up to 15 licenses for up to 45 days,” a portion of Safelite’s release reads. “These licenses will be used in cases of severe or unusual weather events. The licenses will be renewable annually and will be purchased and held by the auto glass company regardless of whether or not they are used in a calendar year.” Olander stated the following reasons the CGDA is opposed to HB 5294:

partment has ever received a complaint after a state of emergency. There have been quite a few state of emergencies since the formation of the board in 2000.

1. The governor currently has the ability to lift any trade license requirements in a State of Emergency.

5. The DCP complaint division has had issues with AG1 contractors not using AG2 journey persons (technicians) in the past. Having a surge of technicians entering the state for 14 days would put a burden on the Auto and Flat Glass Exam Board and the inspectors as well.

2. Neither the Automotive Glass Work and Flat Glass Work Examining Board nor the Department of Consumer Protection complaint de-

3. By passing HB 5294, the General Assembly will be setting a negative precedent. No other trade under DCP has an automatic 14-day lift on the law for out of state technicians to invade the state. 4. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) need to be calibrated before and after the installation of a windshield. Allowing unlicensed glass technicians to automatically enter the state after an emergency puts profits over consumer safety.

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Owning and Electric Car is More Expensive Than a Gas-Powered Vehicle by David A. Wood

Researchers find electric vehicle owners overall pay about 8% more over a 5-year period. Owning a new electric vehicle is more expensive than a traditional gas-powered car over a period of five years and 75,000 miles, allegedly by about $600 per year. But according to research from AAA, while the evidence shows the overall expense of owning an electric vehicle is 8% more, in some categories the cost is lower than owning a gasoline-powered vehicle. The electric vehicles used in the study were these 2019 models: Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Ionic Electric, Kia Soul EV, Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen eGolf. The gasoline-powered 2019 models included the Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla. The study says 71% of electric car owners had never owned one before, and consumers seem pleased with their decisions because 96% say they would buy or lease another one if they needed a new vehicle.

About 78% of electric owners also have gas-powered vehicles available in the household, but the majority of the driving is in their electric vehicles.

Previous AAA research found Americans weren’t too hip on electric cars for various reasons, the main two being the ability to charge the vehicles and worries about the batteries going dead while driving. But this latest research found that nearly all owners report they have never run out of a charge and 75% of charging takes place at home. “Range anxiety has been synonymous with electric vehicles from

the beginning. Hearing firsthand from owners that this is no longer a worry may change the mind of those who have otherwise been skeptical to the idea of owning an electric vehicle.” - Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations Researchers say certain aspects of driving an electric vehicle have benefits even with the overall yearly cost higher than vehicles equipped with combustion engines. AAA found that driving a vehicle equipped with a traditional engine 15,000 miles per year would cost more than $1,200, but the same 15,000 miles would cost an electric car owner $545 for electricity. Maintaining an electric car is also typically cheaper ($330 less) than a traditional vehicle because electric vehicles don’t require things like air filters and oil changes. We thank CarComplaints.com for reprint permission.

GM Reveals New Ultium Batteries for EVs As of March 4, General Motors Co. is gathering hundreds of employees, dealers, investors, analysts, media and policymakers to share details of its strategy to grow the company’s electric vehicle (EV) sales quickly, efficiently and profitably. The heart of GM’s strategy is a modular propulsion system and a highly flexible, third-generation global EV platform powered by proprietary Ultium batteries. They will allow the company to compete for nearly every customer in the market today, whether they are looking for affordable transportation, a luxury experience, work trucks or a high-performance machine. GM’s new Ultium batteries are unique in the industry because the large-format, pouchstyle cells can be stacked vertically or horizontally inside the battery pack. This allows engineers to optimize battery energy storage and layout for each vehicle design. Source: GM

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Record Attendance at Collaborative Certified Collision Conference 2020 On behalf of their collaborative partners Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Nissan North America, Assured Performance shared a recap from the Certified Collision Conference “Driving into the Future,” held Feb. 17-20 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL. With more than 700 FCA and Nissan certified collision repair centers represented, this exclusive twoand-a-half-day event provided expert insight into how collision repair businesses can understand and master critical business methods and practices essential to dominate in today’s rapidly evolving market. Key focus areas included collaboration, leadership, transparency, customer service, employee engagement and driving success. During the conference, keynote speakers Chris Voss of The Black Swan Group, Jeff Peevy of AMi, Marie Artim of Enterprise Holdings, Mike Anderson of Collision Advice and Ross Shafer, leadership speaker and change expert, presented compelling strategies and information that could be implemented into every attendee’s shop.

Common themes included employee engagement, retention and culture; advanced training; a fully documented repair process; and an exceptional and seamless customer experience. FCA and Nissan both shared the latest information and visions for their certified collision programs and companies. Assured Performance CEO Scott Biggs spoke on driving the industry towards a new paradigm based on a “certified repair” and following the new certified repair provider model. “We collectively recognize that all of our success is based upon the shop owner’s success,” Biggs said. “The goal of our collective networks is to ensure that every shop is not only OEM certified, but attains and maintains ‘best-in-class’ status as exceptional business operations. The collaborative effort exceeded our goals to ensure the attendees gained new insight and tools to accelerate their success.” Attendees also heard keynotes from Ryan Taylor of Bodyshop Booster and Sheryl Driggers of

Universal Collision Centers, and pre-selected breakout session presentations from 3M, Collision Advice, AMi, CCC, and BETAG, covering topics covered such as advanced training, employee engagement and shop culture, customer service skills, best practices for increasing business performance, the latest industry data trends and simple financial success strategies. As the centerpiece of the conference, attendees learned about the benefits of delivering a unique customer-focused experience for guests by focusing on controllable business functions most companies may dismiss as unimportant or not adding value. Shops embracing employee empowerment, advanced training, local own-your-backyard marketing and transparency will deliver customer-focused results for all stakeholders, including the shops, OEMs, insurance carriers and consumers. A highlight of the conference was an awards ceremony where Nissan and FCA recognized their certified collision legacy Shops—shops that have been with their respective

certification programs since their inceptions. Kathy Mello, owner of TGIF Body Shop in Fremont, CA, said it was refreshing to attend the conference. “I say that because not only were attendees flooded with pertinent industry information and immersed in the Disney culture, but it was awesome to be embraced as repairers who are earnestly invested in the effort to provide proper repairs,” Mello said. “Since the root of a proper repair lies in the hands of manufacturers who build the vehicles, it is ever important to be guided and supported by them. “The information given and tools presented for stakeholder accountability and validation contribute to the next and most important phase of the value of certification,” Mello said. “Kudos to these companies, who understand how important a connection, cooperation and collaboration is to further the cause of safety for the consumer.” Source: Assured Performance

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Gurreri Motors: Longtime York Garage Soon to Close by Joan Concilio, York Daily Record

When I wrote seeking memories of local service stations last fall, I had no idea how many I’d receive. I’ve been sharing them here and there, but today, I have a special one to focus on. This information came to me from Joe Gurreri of York.

Joe Gurreri shared this photo of some of the mechanics at O.K. Service Garage. The one in the white shirt is Joe’s namesake, his uncle Joe, another Gurreri brother. Credit: Joe Gurreri

“My family has been in the automotive business in York City for over 80 years,” Joe wrote. “I own and operate Gurreri Motors Auto Service at 100 E. Princess St. in the Royal Square District of downtown York.” “My father, William A. Gurreri, started G.I. Service Garage in 1952 at North Duke Street and Gas Avenue,” Joe wrote. “In the early 1960s, (it moved) to 1225 N. George St. and then 1018 E. Princess St. “In the early 1970s, he bought a large garage at 147 S. Newberry St. at Princess Street. Unfortunately, in 1972, Hurricane Agnes came along and totally wiped out the contents of the building. “He did reopen at that location for a short time until York City Redevelopment bought him and most of the area out and tore his building down. It is still an empty lot. “He then bought 600 W. Market St. (now Miles Muffler) and named his new garage Gurreri Motors, which had auto sales and service including an auto body shop and gas pumps.” Joe noted this Gurreri Motors location was where he started his auto career. His dad, he said, opened at the E. Princess Street location where the business is now in 1980, and Joe bought it in 1985. Joe had a number of photos and cool stories about his family’s history to share, but I would be remiss if I

didn’t start with one of the most important points: He wrote to me again a couple of weeks ago and told me that he is retiring and will be closing Gurreri Motors at 100 E. Princess St. I received his email only a day or two before I found out Tom’s in Dover had just closed. While that was no longer a service station, it sat at the location of my family’s longtime service station, Ralph’s Exxon, run by Ralph Glatfelter for many years. Hearing about that closure reminded me of Ralph, and then hearing that Joe was retiring made me realize how important it is that I keep collecting these stories! Joe was able to give me even more of his family’s mechanical history. “My dad got his start, as many of my relatives, from his older brother Nicholas Gurreri,” Joe wrote. “‘Uncle Nick’ went to automotive school in New York and brought his knowledge back to York

late 1960s and later built the new car dealership at 1510 Whiteford Road.” And there are more automotive Gurreris!

Joe Gurreri also shared this older photo of one of the Gurreri’s garages. Credit: Joe Gurreri

“My cousin Nick Gurreri Jr. opened Gurreri’s Body Shop in 1960, which he later renamed Colonial Body Shop, at 974 E. Princess St., which he owned and operated for over 30 years,” Joe wrote. “His brother Rodney owns Rodney’s Used Cars, which, along with his son Steve, sells used Jeeps and Jeep parts. “A lot has changed in the auto industry in the past 80 years, with electronic controls on all aspects of the vehicle and now moving into full

electric vehicles,” Joe concluded. “Future training will take a degree in electrical engineering to repair vehicles, which is a long way from a ‘grease monkey.’” Joe, I guess you’re right, and I feel the same way about my chosen industry of computers, specifically my full-time job of web development. I used to be able to actually understand everything my computer did, and now I have this very fixed set of skills and even those consist of a lot of Googling and tweaking! A relevant quote, from Eugene Wigner, an American physicist who lived from 1902 to 1995: “It is nice to know that the computer understands the problem. But I would like to understand it too.” All that said, Joe, I am so glad you were able to share your family’s storied auto history with us. I have seen so many of the businesses you mentioned and had no idea there were so many connections between them! We thank the York Daily Record for reprint permission.

Joe Gurreri sent this photo of one of his father’s garages, G.I. Service Garage. Credit: Joe Gurreri

to train his family in the business, beginning O.K. Service Garage at 200 W. Philadelphia St. doing auto service and even new and used vehicle sales. He then opened a garage at 116 E. Market St. (the former AAA building) repairing cars on the second floor, with an elevator taking the cars upstairs to service. “In the 1950s, Uncle Nick opened up at 1261 E. Princess St. along with his daughter Barbara (Mundis) selling some of the newest cars around and financing them,” Joe wrote. “He then opened up auto salvage yards, which his brother-in-law Harold Gemmill operated on Camp Betty Washington Road, and Gurreri Brothers on East Prospect Road, which his sons Larry and Tom ran. “He then sold 1261 E. Princess St. to my cousin Sam Iacono, who then opened East End Nissan in the

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Continued from Cover

2020 NADA Expo si, Inc., Dr. ColorChip, asTech, Garmat, CCC Informational Services, Pro Spot International and UpdatePromise were exhibitors this year. Public Relations & Event Marketing Specialist Ronnie Guindon at Global Finishing Solutions said his company’s participation in the show was a success. Sending three company reps and three of their western distributors to the show was definitely a good idea, he said. “We got a lot of traffic and met people from dealerships and collision centers who are in the market for our equipment,” Guindon said. “At the NADA Show, we get quality leads as opposed to a large volume of them, like at SEMA. More and more dealerships are investing in their own in-house body shops, which is good news for us.” COO Tim Morgan at Spanesi, Inc. was happy to be an exhibitor at NADA 2020 after waiting for several years, he said. “It’s a popular show and space

Force Base and Nevada Test and Training Range in southern Nevada. This is the second donation in three years that NADA has made to the organization. Assurant, Inc., a global provider of lifestyle and housing solutions that support, protect and connect major consumer purchases like automobiles, contributed $25,000 through its Assurant Foundation to the NADA Foundation’s Workforce Initiative. “Assurant is proud to support the NADA Foundation’s Workforce Initiative Global Finishing Solutions was happy with the show’s traffic that’s committed to develand the leads they gathered at NADA 2020. Credit: GFS oping the next generation Here is a brief recap from all of of auto professionals,” said Assurthe highlights of this year’s show, ac- ant’s Global Automotive president, cording to press releases from NADA: John Laudenslager. “We believe Every year, NADA is well- it is important to invest in the future known for helping nonprofit organi- and encourage the next generation zations in cities that host its annual of innovators, leaders, engineers and show. technology professionals.” This year, they donated $50,000 During NADA Show 2020 in Las to the Nellis Support Team, a non- Vegas, Assurant drove dealers to their profit organization supporting the booth with a pledge to donate $100 30,000 airmen and their families at to the NADA Workforce Initiative Nellis Air Force Base, Creech Air for each dealer who visited. On Feb. is limited, so we were on their waiting list,” Morgan said. “We were able to meet with the decision-makers, which is what you always want from a show like this. Will we participate next year? Absolutely.”

16, Assurant presented NADA with a $40,300 check, representing funds raised during NADA to support the Workforce Initiative’s mission. NADA Foundation launched the Workforce Initiative in 2019 to harmonize industry efforts and offer a brand-neutral tool for recruiting service technicians and sparking an interest in service technician careers. The foundation’s website, nadafoundation.org, includes the first and only interactive U.S. map of training and scholarship opportunities available for aspiring technicians, as well as videos featuring a variety of technicians highlighting their careers and the challenging nature of their work. Once again, NADA backed its bark by raising funds for service dogs from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) over the expo floor on Feb. 16, as NADA Foundation and KAR Global auctioned off a VIP all-access “Epic Experience” package for the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500. Proceeds from the auction benefit the NADA Foundation’s Frank E. McCarthy Memorial Program, which See 2020 NADA Expo, Page 60

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www.viphonda.com

Mon-Fri 7:30am-6:00pm Sat 8:00am-3:00pm

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HONDA CONNECTICUT

NEW

Lia Honda of Enfield Enfield

800-221-3131 860-741-3401

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 jdoucette@liacars.com

MAINE

Berlin City Honda South Portland

800-640-6685 207-774-6685

D sba

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 mmmparts@berlincity.com

Prime Honda Saco

207-391-7910 207-282-0900

Dept. H anth

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Th. 7:30-7; Sat 7:30-4 klavalle@driveprime.com MARYLAND

Criswell Honda

Dept. H ms

Germantown

866-738-2886

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-9; Fri 7-7:30; Sat 8-6 hondaparts@criswellauto.com MASSACHUSETTS

Dep

LIA Honda Northampton Northampton

800-369-7889 413-586-6043

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 dstanisewski@liacars.com

De rt22h

ACURA MASSACHUSETTS

Acura of Boston Brighton

800-254-1169 617-254-5400

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5:30; Sat 8-5 bruce.fisher@acuraofboston.com

Acura of Peabody

NEW

D kristen

Peabody

Dept. Hours: M-Sat 8-5 dbritt@acurapeabody.com

D m

800-878-3600 978-532-9110

D b

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Please contact these dealers for your Honda or Acura Genuine parts needs. NEW JERSEY

NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

PENNSYLVANIA

Clinton Honda

Sussex Honda

Lia Honda of Williamsville

Shadyside Honda

877-657-2787

800-842-0557 973-579-3500

877-659-2672 716-632-3800

800-468-2090 412-390-2908

Annandale

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5 chrish@clintonhonda.com

Honda of Turnersville Turnersville

800-883-0002 856-649-1584

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-4 sbaptist@penskeautomotive.com

Hudson Honda West New York

866-483-6917 201-868-9500

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-5; Sun 8-3 anthony.perrone@hudsonhonda.com

Newton

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5 realhondaparts@sussexhonda.com

VIP Honda

North Plainfield

908-753-1680

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-3 kevinh@viphonda.com

Williamsville/Buffalo

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7:30-8; Fri 7:30-5; Sat 8-5:30 liaparts@liacars.com

Ray Laks Honda West Seneca

716-824-7852

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-8; Sat 7:30-5:30 ekuznicki@raylaks.com

NEW YORK

Brewster Honda

Apple Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 kbennett@liacars.com

800-960-9041 717-848-2600

845-278-4177

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5 shadysidehondaparts@hotmail.com

Shenango Honda Hermitage

800-858-0849 724-981-7106

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 parts@shenangoauto.com

Sussman Honda

PENNSYLVANIA

Brewster

Pittsburgh

Roslyn

800-682-2914 215-657-3301

York

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-1 rendrick@sussmanauto.com

Madison Honda

Dick Ide Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun 10-4 applehondaparts@appleauto1.com

800-648-0293 973-822-1710

800-462-0056 (N.Y.) 585-586-4919

Baierl Honda

802 Honda

724-940-2006

802-223-9700

Madison

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-8; Fri 7-6; Sat 8-6; mschumer@madisonhonda.com

Rossi Honda Vineland

800-893-3030 856-692-4449

Rochester

Dept. Hours: M-Thur 8-8; Fri 8-5:30; Sat 8-5 parts@dickide.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5; Sat 8-Noon hondaparts@802cars.com

Syracuse

Route 22 Honda

Lia Honda of Albany

973-705-9100

800-272-6741 518-482-2598

NEW JERSEY

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 johnryan@baierl.com

315-471-7278

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 9-1 parts@lamacchiahonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7:30; Sat 8-5 rt22hondaparts@route22honda.com

Berlin

Lamacchia Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 6:30-5; Sat 7:30-3 dave@rossihonda.com

Hillside

Wexford

VERMONT

Albany

Dept. Hours: M, T, W, F 7:30-5:30; Thur 7:30-8; Sat 8-5 mjerard@liacars.com

NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

PENNSYLVANIA

Acura Turnersville

Park Ave Acura

Curry Acura

Baierl Acura

888-883-2884 856-516-6060

888-690-7621 201-587-0028

800-725-2877 914-472-7406

800-246-7457 724-935-0800

Turnersville

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 kristen.powell@penskeautomotive.com

Bill Vinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridgewater Acura Bridgewater

908-704-0307

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7; Sat 8-4 mattn@bridgewateracura.com

Elite Acura Maple Shade

856-722-9600

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 bmartinsen@group1auto.com

Maywood

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-3 ron@parkaveacura.com NEW YORK

Acura of Westchester Westchester

914-834-8887

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-8; Sat 8-4; Sun 9-4 acura.parts@yahoo.com

Scarsdale

Wexford

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 parts@curryacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-1 johnsabella@baierl.com

Paragon Acura

Davis Acura

718-507-3990

866-50-ACURA 215-943-7000

Langhorne

Woodside

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5; Sun 9-4 johnp@paragonacura.com

Smithtown Acura St. James

888-832-8220 631-366-4114

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-4 markh@davisacura.com

Sussman Acura Jenkintown

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 parts@smithtownacura.com

800-826-4078 215-884-6285

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-1 rendrick@sussmanauto.com

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Midwest Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

National Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

Chasidy Rae Sisk is a freelance technical writer from Wilmington, Delaware, who writes on a variety of fields and subjects, and grew up in a family of NASCAR fans. She can be contacted at crsisk@gmail.com.

Driving the Future at WIN’s 2020 Educational Conference, Now Postponed

Northwest Associations

The Women’s Industry Network Educational sessions focus on (WIN®) was to host its 2020 Edu- industry issues and professional dewith Chasidy Rae Sisk cational Conference, “Driving the velopment, while networking opporFuture,” May 3 through May 5 at the tunities provide a chance for industry Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach, professionals to get to know one anCA. The event has been postponed. other. This year’s event was to feature several changes to the normal format, beginning with awith returnEd to WIN’s forAttanasio mer tradition of starting the conference on a Sunday. “We are excited to return to a Sunday evening start to the conference, when we will kick off with an engaging networking welcome recepwith Ed Attanasio tion,” said conference organizer Wen- WIN also raises funds for scholdy Rogers. “Look for more changes in arships at the annual Scholarship this year’s agenda, including the 2020 Walk Fundraiser, and the association WIN celebration dinner on Tuesday will honor WIN scholarship recipients evening.” and the 2020 Most Influential Women WIN’s conference provides two (MIWs) during the WIN Celebration Attanasio Dinner. and a half days’with worth Ed of education, On May 3, two WIN member networking and celebration for collision repair industry professionals. orientation sessions will be available

Shop Showcase

Advertising Advantages

Associations Assembling

for first-time attendees, as well as returning attendees, before the conference welcome reception begins at 5 p.m. During the reception, WIN will introduce its 2020 scholarship winners and MIWs. WIN will also partner with NABC to donate two Recycled Rides® vehicles to deserving individuals. The May 4 and 5 agendas are filled with speaker presentations, networking opportunities and breakout sessions. The main stage presenter May 4 will be Neeta Bhushan, who will teach attendees to “Step Into Your Greatness.” Next, attendees will participate in an Hour of Giving during WIN’s charity networking event. After lunch, Mina Starsiak Hawk, star of HGTV’s Good Bones and co-founder of Two Chicks and a

Hammer, will share her experiences living “Life in the Fast Lane.” Each afternoon, attendees will choose a breakout session to attend. This year, there will be three options. Tracy Darrington will explain how to “Make Sure Your Personal Brand is a WINner,” while Marcy Tieger and Jim Webber address planning for the unexpected in “When Disaster Strikes: Is Social Media Your Friend or Foe?” Beth Rutter and Amber Ritter will discuss a different way of looking at the industry’s tech shortage during “What Tech Shortage?? A New Approach to an Old Problem.” The morning of May 5, Kim Hazelbaker of the Highway Loss Data Institute will present “Changes in Auto Safety Technology: Are We There Yet?” The second guest speaker of the final day of the conference will be

Association Meetings with Thomas Franklin

Old School Know How with Ed Attanasio

Old School Know How with Chasidy Rae Sisk

Western Associations with Thomas Franklin

Media Matters with Ed Attanasio

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Fred Gruner-Nvidia, who will discuss “The Seismic Shift—A.I. in the 4th Industrial Revolution.” After a question-and-answer session with Hazelbaker and Nvidia, attendees will take their second breakout session. The 2020 Scholarship Walk will be held the afternoon of May 4 before the evening reception. After the educational seminars end on Tuesday, attendees will take a break to prepare for the WIN celebration dinner, formerly the MIW gala. Each year, WIN uses this opportunity to recognize the winners of their annual scholarships as well as the recipients of the Most Influential Women awards. MIWs are women whose leadership, vision and commitment to excellence have enriched the collision repair industry. Attendees will celebrate with music and dancing after dinner and the awards ceremony. More details about the 2020 WIN conference will be available online as they are confirmed. Registered attendees will receive “Countdown to Conference” emails

every other week, providing more details about the speakers, seminars and other events during the conference. A week before the conference, instructions for downloading the conference app will be sent to attendees, which will include the full agenda as well as a list of other conference attendees.

that there were so many phenomenal ladies!” Mello said. “The welcoming openness to engage has yielded many professional opportunities and lifelong friendships. “Each year we unite by bringing our talents and insights for the good of the industry,” Mello continued. “I encourage you not to miss the oppor-

“Each year we unite by bringing our talents and insights for the good of the industry,” — Kathy Mello Kathy Mello, WIN board member and former MIW honoree, shared her thoughts on the conference. “As a founding member of WIN, I have had the opportunity to attend each of the conferences,” Mello said. “They have all been stellar in content and networking, and have provided growth and improvement to the collision industry. I have seen it evolve from the first conference with no budget and just a handful of volunteers to a well-organized, multifaceted event, which is well worth the reasonable fee. “I knew that there were women through the nation and beyond in this industry, yet I never dreamed

tunity. I hope that you are able to join us for this 2020 event. You deserve it and are sure to prosper from it!” According to WIN’s website, The WIN Educational Conference is a unique opportunity to meet and network with women in the collision industry, and a place where relationships are built that will enrich lives on a business and a personal level. “I look forward to the [conference each year] and have met some of my most treasured mentors and friends here,” said Vice Chair Jenny Anderson. “There is truly a place for everyone at WIN. It’s about inclusivity, support, leadership and educa-

tion. I can’t say enough great things about my experience at conference! I hope to continue contributing to this same experience for other women in the future.” WIN reminds attendees to bring business cards for networking purposes, and prior year attendees should also pack their WIN commemorative pins. WIN also encourages members to get involved with the association by joining a committee. Early bird registration, before March 31, is available for just $300 for members. After March 31, members will pay $475. Non-members will pay $700 to attend the 2020 WIN Educational Conference, but member prices are available for those who join the association first; annual membership to WIN costs $95. For more information about WIN and the latest news about the 2020 WIN Educational Conference, visit womensindustrynetwork.com. www.autobodynews.com

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Techs of Tomorrow: 16-Year-Old Texas Student Views Collision Repair as Art Form was given a damaged piece of sheet metal in class. Ivan Reyes took his first collision re- “Without hesitation I began to pair class in 2018 during his freshman fix it and finished within five minyear at Kingwood Park High School utes,” he said. “It was in that moment in Kingwood, TX. Reyes said he when I looked around the room and wanted a different perspective on the saw my peers still trying to figure automotive industry and believed things out, I discovered my talent.” Reyes described the prothat instructor Jeff Wilson’s cess of metal forming as course would offer that. pretty straight forward. “I feel collision repair is “First you get your palm a form of art because it transdolly and a hammer, typicalforms something damaged ly one with a flat head, you back to looking new again,” place the palm dolly behind he explained. “I’ve always had a love for art, and I feel the metal, apply pressure, Ivan Reyes that collision repair also reand lightly tap the hammer quires the same amount of patience, directly behind the metal while the technique and the right ‘eyes’ for de- palm dolly is supporting the protail.” cess,” he explained. “With caution, Wilson said Reyes is a perfec- you smoothly start making circles tionist on the non-structural side of around the direct damage until it has the collision industry, while most of gone flush.” his students are more drawn to paint- Reyes said he finds this practice ing. appealing because it takes him to a “He has a natural talent for form- “stress-free zone.” “It’s just me and the metal, and ing metal back into shape and making it look new again,” Wilson added. all I can focus on is right in front of Reyes recalls the first time he me,” he added. “It feels natural and by Victoria Antonelli

simple to me.” Reyes said his favorite project so far was working on an SUV trunk door with extensive damage.

Ivan Reyes, sophomore at Kingwood Park High School, is already becoming a role model in his collision repair classes, says instructor Jeff Wilson. Credit: Ivan Reyes

“We got to repair the panel and apply etching primer, 2K primer, base and clear coats to complete the job,” he explained. “Seeing the final product definitely evoked a feeling of

success.” One minor challenge Reyes has come across in Wilson’s class is perfecting his technique when using body filler. “I find this part a bit difficult because of the patience needed to get it right,” he said. “But I know that with Mr. Wilson’s help and mentorship, I will also master this process one day soon.” Reyes said one of his proudest accomplishments was fixing a customer’s 2001 Dodge Ram tailgate. “It had been through years of use and I was able to transform it back to looking brand new,” he explained. “What made that moment special to me was the amount of admiration I received from Mr. Wilson and my peers.” “He is truly becoming a positive role model for the course,” Wilson added. Once Reyes graduates in two years’ time, he said he plans to attend UTI for autobody and collision repair along with automotive techSee Techs of Tomorrow, Page 46

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ADAS for Off-Roaders by Gary Ledoux

Recently, I purchased a 2020 Jeep Wrangler 4WD, and it came with, among other things, an epiphany— at no additional charge, mind you. Now, this is not my first 4WD vehicle, but the last one was purchased more than 30 years ago, certainly before the days of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS.) The Jeep Wrangler arguably has more available accessories than perhaps any other 4WD (or 2WD for that matter) vehicle sold in America. Many new Jeep owners, and those who buy other 4WD vehicles, like the ultra-popular Ford, GM and Ram pickup trucks, start by replacing the factory wheels and tires with a taller accessory wheel/tire combination, for more ground clearance. And then, to make the taller rubber fit, a lift kit is needed. This is followed by side steps to get into the 4WD skyscraper, rock-liquefying high-intensity offroad lights—and the list goes on. And now about that epiphany. ADAS systems, which by now we have all come to know and love, have some flexibility built into them to allow for the wearing and replacement of standard-size tires, and the sagging and replacement of aging suspension systems. What they don’t automatically allow for is a vehicle whose driving geometry has completely changed, being several inches higher than it was originally, or a rate of tire rotation for taller tires, which could affect automated braking systems and speedometer readings. And then of course, you have the accessory bumpers designed to accept a plethora of driving lights (or a winch to get you out of those really tough spots) but that could affect air bag deployment. A trip to a few Jeep-owner social media sites revealed most Jeep owners were pretty much oblivious to the concept of ADAS or other safety features and how various accessories could adversely affect them in an accident. But this is not to target Jeep owners. In their defense, the RAM, Ford and GM pickup trucks, also favorites for four-wheelers, have much more robust ADAS systems.

Of course, no 4WD owner, Jeep or otherwise, would ever think to have their ADAS system recalibrated to allow for the big tires and lift kit when the items are first installed. That responsibility will, by default

Jim Bemis, of Palm Harbor, FL, owns this 2018 Jeep Wrangler, outfitted with a lift kit and taller tires, creating a 3- to 4-in. lift. Credit: Jim Bemis

and for better or worse, rest on the shoulders of the collision shop that repairs that same vehicle after a collision. Chuck Olsen, master technician and now senior vice president of automotive technology for AirPro Diagnostics, said FCA is probably the most attuned to this sort of thing, because of their association with Jeep and the degree to which Jeep owners like to alter their vehicles. “Allowance for ride height, within reason, can be made for Jeep and Ram pickups,” Olsen said. “To do this, the calibration procedure is done with a scan tool and requires values, such as tire size and specific height measurements and even an inclinometer measurement of a camera mounting position, to be input by the technician via the scan tool during some ADAS calibration procedures. “These values also have limitations to a certain tire size or maximum height of the vehicle that the manufacture determines the ADAS system can account for and still operate as intended,” Olsen said. If you are an off-roader looking for a new ride and worried about your ADAS system working properly and concerned about your vehicle’s warranty, think Chevrolet. As stated on their website, Chevrolet offers a lift kit designed, engineered, tested and backed by Chevrolet specifically for the all-new 2019 Silverado 1500.

Chevrolet says the kit was developed by the same vehicle-level engineers that built the truck. The system was tested under the same grueling conditions, and will not void the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The good news is, the kit includes “an exclusive front camera reconfiguration and an Electronic Power Steering calibration so that all driver-assist systems continue to function seamlessly.” The bad news is there is a whole litany of Chevy truck models that the kit will not cover, including the popular Z45 models and those with a snow plow package. And it’s only a 2-in. lift. Jeep also offers a dealer-installed lift kit. For GMC and Chevy trucks, Olsen said, information can be requested from GM to make the necessary allowances for ride height to ensure the ADAS functions within parameters. “To do this, you will need to perform reprogramming of modules with modified vehicle specifications

before re-calibrating any ADAS systems,” Olsen said. “You will need to use special module programming that may be available from a GM service programming system or request an updated programming file from GM technical support. However, you must use genuine GM wheels and approved tires and wheels when making such a request.” For Ford products, Olsen said, Ford can help make the necessary changes, but they will need a VIN number and access to “as-built data” to see exactly how the truck was originally built, and then get other specifications off the truck to know how to make the changes, and to what degree. “To do this, you will need to input any new tire size changes and new ride height measurements from lifts kits that have been installed,” Olsen said. “When this is done the AsBuilt file that is stored for that vehicle with that VIN will be updated. “In turn, these new readings can be changed and used to update calibration of ADAS functions cor-

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recting front camera angle, side object detection readings, park assist functions, active cruise control and TAD readings and other functionality such as steering assist, speedometer, ABS wheel speed and so forth,” Olsen said. These procedures of making vehicle modifications and incorporating them into programming or vehicle module build data requires a high level of vehicle control systems diagnostics, programming and calibrations by the manufacturer. This is not something for the faint of heart or average technician to perform. If a vehicle is modified outside of the ranges or limits that OEMs account for, the performance and expected operation of the vehicle is left in question or will be completely disabled. Regardless of the vehicle you are working on, a “rock-climber” or a “grocery-getter”, Olsen offered the following tips when working on an ADAS system. “First, don’t over-generalize,” Olsen said “Not all ADAS systems are designed and built the same. Steps that are necessary to recalibrate

one system may not be necessary to recalibrate another. “One may require a vehicle have a full tank of fuel. Another may not. One may require all extemporaneous items, like those golf clubs your customer likes to carry around in the trunk, be removed. For others, it may not make a difference,” he said. “Don’t memorize,” Olsen said. “If you know that, say, a 2019 Honda Accord requires steps X, Y and Z, don’t assume that the 2020 Accord will require the same steps. Take the time to look up the steps and requirements for the particular year and model you are working on, especially if it is early in the model year. The vehicle manufacturer may make several changes while the car is still in production. “Speaking of steps,” Olsen continued, “make sure you go through all of them to ensure your recalibration is correct. So many times, I see techs jump halfway through the procedure, ignoring most or all of the prerequisites. “If the vehicle must be on a level surface, make sure it is. If it requires that tire pressure be checked

and adjusted to X lbs., make sure it gets done. Your customer’s life, and the financial wellbeing of yourself and your shop, could be at stake,” Olsen said. Given how far and how fast ADAS systems have evolved, Olsen pondered the future of collision repair and how the industry will deal with ADAS systems. “There will always be room for those shops to make general repairs to most cars,” Olsen said. “However, the time is fast approaching where some shops will specialize in scanning and recalibrating certain brands of cars. “Already we have new specialty shops popping up that only scan and recalibrate vehicles, and do no body work,” Olsen said. “In one case, we found a body shop that specializes in scanning and recalibrating Toyotas. Other local body shops and even Toyota dealers sublet recalibration work to this shop. The face of the industry is really changing.” As for your humble reporter, I’ll keep my Jeep at the stock height with stock tires and stock suspension, thank you very much!

INFINITI OF NORWOOD

Continued from Page 42

Techs of Tomorrow nology training courses. “My dream job in the auto body industry is working for a Porsche or Lamborghini dealership,” he said. Reyes also has a slew of hobbies outside of collision repair, including cycling, drawing, painting and hunting with his dad. “I’ve been a cyclist for a year now and commit to riding at least 125 miles per week, he said. “I started this hobby for fun and as a way to spend more one-on-one time with my dad.” However, when Reyes and his father began comparing his results to those of more experienced riders, the boost of confidence made him want to compete. “Riding in large groups is where I get most of my training, which will benefit me during race season this spring,” he explained. For more information on Kingwood Park High School, visit www.humble isd.net.

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Subaru Windshield Class Action Lawsuit Continues by Emmariah Holcomb

15 new plaintiffs have been added to a class action lawsuit that was originally filed by Christine Powell against Subaru. The suit alleges Subaru of America Inc. (Subaru) was “manufacturing, marketing and selling new vehicles with defective and dangerous windshields that were spontaneously and/or unreasonably cracking, chipping and otherwise breaking.” The plaintiffs are seeking a trial by jury, according to court documents. “Plaintiffs bring this consumer class action lawsuit because the defendants manufactured, marketed, distributed, and sold 2017-2020 Subaru Forester, 2017-2020 Subaru Outback, 2017-2020 Subaru Crosstrek, 2017-2020 Subaru Legacy and 2017-2020 Subaru Impreza vehicles (collectively known as class vehicles) without disclosing that the class vehicles’ windshields are defective and dangerous due to the fact that the windshields are spontaneously and/or unreasonably cracking, chipping and otherwise breaking,” a portion of the consoli-

dated complaint reads. According to a consolidated complaint, filed earlier this month by all of the suit’s plaintiffs, Subaru “failed to disclose material facts and a safety concern to purchasers and lessees of the class vehicles.” The consolidated complaint combines Powell’s original suit with two additional class action cases over the auto manufacturer’s windshields that were filed in California and New Jersey. In its advertising, Subaru emphasizes the safety, quality and reliability of its vehicles knowing consumers rely upon such representations when purchasing or leasing vehicles, according to the consolidated complaint. Several class members allege the auto manufacturer knowingly sold vehicles that did not fit its safety standard. “Selling vehicles with dangerously defective windshields and refusing to take responsibility for the defects is directly contrary to the safety conscious, trustworthy, and reliable image Subaru advertises,” a portion of the consolidated complaint reads. “Nevertheless, Subaru refuses to honor its commitment to

its loyal customers, is jeopardizing the safety of the public, and is forcing its customers to bear the expense of Subaru’s mistakes and malfeasance.” According to court documents, Subaru issued a technical bulletin to its dealers describing the alleged defect in its windshields. The National Highway Transportation Safety Authority also received complaints from Subaru owners who experienced issues with their windshields, according to the consolidated complaint. “Defendants’ failure to disclose the defect at the time of purchase is material because no reasonable consumer expects to spend hundreds of dollars to repair or replace windshields that crack either spontaneously or due to a mild impact that should not result in cracking,” the complaint said. Due to the allegations mentioned in the consolidated complaint, all plaintiffs are seeking a trial by jury. As of press time Subaru has yet to respond, look to a future edition of glassBYTEs for more information on this suit. We thank glassBYTEs.com for reprint permission.

DCR Systems Team Creates Fastener Solution DCR Systems has introduced an innovative new product for the collision repair industry—the DCR Systems Inventory Table. Created by the DCR Systems team to be more effective during the repair planning process and ultimately, the reassembly process, the table was engineered and built by Symach. DCR Systems received a patent for the table’s unique structure in January. The table addresses the issue that much of the hardware, fasteners and clips needed to reassemble a vehicle correctly are often damaged, missing or deemed one-time use by the manufacturers as a result of an accident. DCR challenged its team to come up with a better way to identify, organize and make sound decisions on all of the materials, fasteners, clips and hardware required to repair the vehicle properly. Fastener systems are an integral part of the reconstruction of today’s automobiles, said Michael Giarrizzo, CEO of DCR Systems’ dealer-based collision centers. Source: DCR Systems

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with Stacey Phillips

From the Desk of Mike Anderson with Mike Anderson

Mike Anderson is the president and owner of Collision Advice, a consulting company for the auto body/collision repair industry. For nearly 25 years, he was the owner of Wagonwork Collision Center, an OEM-certified, full-service auto body repair facility in Alexandria, VA.

Performing All OEM Safety Inspections is Critical—but OEMs Can Help Us Too At last November’s SEMA, I had the honor of moderating a session featuring representatives from a number of automakers. The subject came up of the detailed safety inspections most automakers call for being done on vehicles that have been in a collision. In many cases, these inspections require a lot: measuring the steering column, checking seat belt anchors, inspecting wiring and connectors, removing the dash to check the knee bolsters and mounting points, etc. During the discussion, Nicole Riedel of Subaru of America was asked if the detailed, labor-intensive safety inspections that her company—like many other automakers— call for really must be done on every vehicle undergoing collision repairs. “Every time,” Riedel emphasized. “Even if you are in New York City and vehicles are just getting sideview mirrors clipped, you still have to do it (after those repairs.) We will not deviate from that procedure…We need you to do it every single time.” I think it’s critically important that shops research on every job what safety inspections the particular automaker is calling for, to educate themselves, their customer and, if necessary, any insurer involved. I’m getting a lot of calls from both shops and insurance companies about these safety inspections. In some cases, the educated shops that recognize the need to do them are being told by a third party that a dealership or an OEM-certified shop says the inspections are not necessary. My message to you, is that you, as a professional--whether a shop or an insurer—need to understand that whatever an uneducated dealer or shop thinks does not negate the need to follow the OEM procedures, nor remove you from the liability for not doing so. I think too few shops in the industry are doing these inspections, and that makes it tougher for the shops trying to do the right thing. There are generally very sound

reasons why the post-crash safety inspection steps are so important. One automaker explained to me, for example, that measuring the steering column is necessary because that column contains collapsible plastic bushings. If those bushings are collapsed, the steering column needs to be replaced. There’s no other way to know that without measuring it. A vehicle scan isn’t going to tell you if those bushings are collapsed, or if a dash or sensor bracket or seatbelt mounting point is damaged. That all requires a visual inspection. So first and foremost, my message here is that you need to be doing these inspections whenever they are called for under the automaker procedures. I was in a meeting recently with about 30 other industry professionals where one person shared that of 10 steering columns he’d inspected for one particular domestic automaker, three were damaged. Another said his shop had just removed a headliner and found a supplemental restraint system senor had been dislodged. Wow. Think about what may have happened if those issues were not found. The result in a future accident could have had disastrous consequences. But I also have a message for the industry as a whole and for the automakers in particular: We need to develop more clarity on this subject, if only to remove the friction I’m seeing. I salute the automakers looking for creative solutions that reduce the need for the invasiveness of some of these inspections. One OEM, for example, has put a sight glass in the steering column underneath the airbag cover. If you look through that sight glass and see a particular marking, that tells you the steering column has collapsed and needs to be replaced. If you don’t see the mark, you’re good to go. That’s an easier, less labor intensive solution. Some automakers also try to clarify differences in what steps are nec-

essary based on whether airbags have deployed or not deployed. But others use such phrases such as “minor to moderate collision.” I think we need to get a better definition of what qualifies as a “minor to moderate collision.” Just like most of you, I’m not an engineer, so I don’t feel qualified to determine that. If what’s required in terms of safety inspections varies based on the severity of the collision, we need the automaker engineers to help us define that. Perhaps I-CAR can work with the automakers to do that. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed one definition (https://www.nhtsa. gov/car-seats-and-booster-seats/car -seat-use-after-crash) of a “minor crash” in relation to when child safety seats must be replaced. I don’t know if that’s how au-

tomakers would define it in terms of post-collision safety inspections, but it’s one possible starting place for the discussion. I’m by no means saying the safety inspections may not always be necessary. The automakers are the experts. If they say the inspections are necessary every time, then they are. Shops need to continue to research the procedures and follow them every time. But the automakers can play an important role here in clarifying or communicating exactly when and why the safety inspections are needed to help remove some of the friction that is leading both shops and insurers—those trying to do the right thing—to reach out to me on this topic every single day.

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with Stacey Phillips

Tips for Busy Body Shops with Stacey Phillips

Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry. She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications, and is co-author of “The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops.” She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.

Uber for Business Offers Collision Shops Alternative for Customer Transportation When a vehicle is dropped off at a Rather than using the personal duction in risk. coupons shops can hand out to cusbody shop for repair, transporting a Uber app, Bauman encourages col“If you were going to pull a CSR tomers, who can then decide when customer to his or her desired location lision repair facilities to sign up for or technician off the shop floor to get they want to ride. The business sets withMany Stacey Phillips can often be an issue. shops rely Uber for Business, which is the same a customer to work, you lost all of the parameters of the voucher and on loaner cars, rental cars and shuttles. price and offers the same functional- that person’s productivity when they can decide how much of a ride will However, Jim Bauman, auto- ity as the regular Uber app. were giving a person a ride,” said be covered or where it can go. motive partnerships lead at Uber, said Bauman said the vouchers help these options aren’t always conducive businesses enhance customer service “It’s a great way for shop owners to take care of their to every situation. and drive repeat business, as well customers and keep their costs in check,” — Jim Bauman “We’ve talked to a lot of body as remove the customer’s burden of shops—both with independents driving, navigating and parking. Victoriaand Antonelli MSOs—as well as insurance com“There is no contract, no mini- Bauman. “Instead, that employee can “These are going to be great panies, and across the board there mum usage and no premium in terms stay focused on his or her job.” products for collision centers as they is no one, perfect solution for taking of fee for using a business account,” The ride is covered under Uber’s offer a really seamless experience for care of customer mobility,” said Bau- he said. “What it allows a body shop insurance policies in case anything customers,” said Bauman. “We want man. “Obviously, rental cars are a big to do is to control who is allowed to happens, which Bauman said reduces to make sure the collision industry part of the collision industry, but they book an Uber ride for a customer and the risk exposure for body shops. knows we are here for them with don’t solve everywith problem, “It’s a great way for shop own- solutions that solve their problems.” Ed especially Attanasio gives full transparency and accountif a customer doesn’t have rental cov- ability.” For information on how to esers to take care of their customers and erage replacement insurance.” Bauman leads Uber for Busi- keep their costs in check,” he said. tablish an Uber for Business account, In situations like these, shop ness’s strategy and partnership for Currently, there are more than visit this link https://www.uber. owners may ask a customer service the automotive industry, which of- 1,000 car dealerships in the U.S. that com/us/en/business/info/automotive representative (CSR) or technician fers mobility solutions for those op- use Uber Central daily. -solutions/ or contact an automotive to drive a customer in their person- erating large and small businesses. Uber Vouchers are configurable account executive at 415-910-9384. al or shop-owned vehicle. There are two main Uber for with Gary Ledoux Not only can this impact a CSR’s Business products Bauman recomproductivity, but Bauman said it also mends for body shops: Uber Central and Uber Vouchers. Uber Central uses dispatch software to book rides for customers. Riders aren’t required to have the Uber with Stacey Phillips app on their phones and all of the communication occurs via text. “If you know how to use the Uber app for yourself, you’re going to learn how Uber Central, one of the Uber for Business products, uses to use Uber Central with dispatch software to with book ridesMike for customers� Credit: Uber Anderson no problem,” said Bauman. Choose Original MINI Parts. increases the risk exposure for a body “It’s a very similar flow, but it’s a disNew York Maryland shop. patching software so you can set up Recognizing the success car deal- rides for customers to get them from Keeler MINI MINI of erships are having using Uber for Busi- point A to point B.” Latham Montgomery County ness’s tools to address these challenges, There are additional benefits 877-553-3909 Gaithersburg Uber began reaching out to body shops to using Uber Central that Bauman 518-785-4197 Parts 240-238-1204 Parts as well. said business owners don’t have ac(518) 785-4710 Fax (240) 238-1493 Fax M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 Since launching its ride-sharing cess to with the regular app. M-F 7:30-6:30; Sat 8-5 miniparts@keeler.com minipartsmd@ platform in the U.S. 11 years ago, For example, employees can keep keelerMINI.com miniofmontgomerycounty.com Uber has expanded internationally track of the repair number, so they and instituted a variety of programs in know the trip associated with each job. The Dealers Above Are Original the 66 countries in which it operates. Bauman said the company built MINI Parts Distributors In 2014, the company established easy-to-use tools that have an immeUber for Business, which specifically diate, positive impact on Customer ©2020 MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are focuses on the needs of business own- Satisfaction Index (CSI) scores, cyregistered trademarks. ers. cle time, reduction in costs and re-

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Mike Anderson Discusses “Utilizing Technology to Thrive and Not Just Survive in 2020” during February CIECAst by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On Feb. 13, CIECA offered a CIECAst webinar entitled “Utilizing Technology to Thrive and Not Just Survive in 2020” with Mike Anderson of Collision Advice. Topics included eliminating human disruption, how AI will impact collision repair facilities, electronic quality control checklists, text reminders, customer updates using technology, and much more. CIECA Executive Director Ed Weidmann began the webinar by welcoming attendees and introducing Mike Anderson of Collision Advice. After covering antitrust and competition guidelines, Anderson dove into a discussion about eliminating human disruption. “It is no secret that more and more admin tasks are being added to collision repair facilities,” Anderson said. “Due to this fact, we, as collision repairers, must find ways to uti-

lize technology to work smarter, not harder, and improve our efficiencies. “We must also find ways to eliminate human disruption so that we can stay on task and not get side-tracked. Claims count is also declining, and we need to utilize technology to counter this.” Recommending that shops reevaluate their staffing, Anderson pointed out that estimators can’t han-

for reducing this administrative burden. Instead of manually scheduling appointments, shops can use scheduling technology to optimize shop production and consumer demand after hours. Automatic email and text appointment reminders can be sent, and online reservations for rental cars should be used.

Connected cars will spur innovation and growth among automotive and non-automotive industries alike,” — Mike Anderson dle the same workload as they could in the past due to the increased admin time needed to research OEM procedures, source parts due to insurance requirements, meet customer service expectations and more. He urged, “We MUST embrace technology to reduce the workload of your staff.” Anderson identified suggestions

He also discussed electronic QC forms and management system interfacing with vendors to import parts invoices instead of manually inputting those invoices. “There are a lot of things we can utilize technology for,” Anderson stressed. “No matter what segment of the industry you’re in, ask yourself what things you can stop doing man-

ually and start utilizing technology to do. Work smarter, not harder.” Next, Anderson discussed customer service expectations and informed webinar participants that consumers have liquid expectations and no longer compare their experience with a collision repair facility to other automotive services experiences; they are comparing the experience to the ease and relevance of their experience of the best in all industries. Examples he gave were Uber, which provides electronic receipts and Amazon, which is available 24/7. Anderson asked, “Are you using technology to offer your services after hours?” Anderson said more accidents happen on Saturdays than any other day, and 36% of consumers need services outside of normal business hours. “Normally, they want to schedule for an estimate or drop-off, and you have to provide the ability to schedule appointments after hours,” he said.

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“You absolutely need to do this if you want to tap into that 36%.” Emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of their shop’s Google listing, Anderson explained that most consumers search “best” when they are looking for a type of business, and only businesses with four or more stars get listed under that designation. He explained how that listing can be used to receive texts from potential clients after hours, and he discussed how to obtain reviews and link them to a business’s website. Anderson predicted, “Online reviews may become the CSI of the future. We are seeing some insurers using online reviews as their CSI, and some OEMs are also considering this.” Talking about business photos on Google, a shop’s website, Facebook and anywhere else it may be published, Anderson said, “Your first picture should be what your business looks like from the street, so a client recognizes your building while driving down the road. “I would discourage you from including pictures of equipment or disassembled cars—this means nothing to consumers—but include

photos of your waiting room, happy customers and staff.” Moving on to photo estimating, Anderson acknowledged the controversial views many collision repairers have of this tool, but he pointed out, “Photo estimating is not a perfect solution, but we must start somewhere as a way to interact with the customer outside normal business hours. “There’s a difference between settling a claim and a marketing strategy, and claimants like this technology,” he said. “Remember that 36% of people need your services outside of normal business hours, and couples want to make a joint decision when they are both together to discuss alternate transportation, finances and other matters. “Don’t rush to conclusions about photo estimating; there’s a right application for this tool,” Anderson continued. “Offer it as a marketing strategy so customers can reach you after hours,” he said. “Use the photos to triage or schedule work, or utilize them to get a jump start on researching OEM procedures. “You know you can’t write an

estimate without completely disassembling the vehicle, but this isn’t a black and white area,” Anderson said. “Photo estimating is something the industry needs, but we have to set parameters around it.” Noting that ADAS is also starting to have an impact on the industry, Anderson noted that claims were down by up to 7% last year, and he anticipated that trend continuing. Noting that as claims frequency declines, capture rate is and will continue to be critical, Anderson suggested, “Increasing severity is hiding the loss of car count. Scanning and calibration caused severity to increase, hiding the fact that we have fewer cars coming to our shop doors, so it’s important that we use technology to track the car count, not just income produced. “Lots of sales cover lots of sins,” Anderson said. “When sales are up and shops are making money, we quit paying attention to things that make us successful, like capture rate. Are you following up with potential customers?” Anderson urged shops to build best practices now, and onitor where

work comes from monthly. “Referral source reports from many management systems allow you to track where your work is coming from, but the attention is in the detail!” Anderson said. “Make sure you note who referred your customers, and if they are a DRP client, you want to know if they were referred by the insurer or were already planning to use your shop and just happen to be a policyholder for an insurance company with which you have a DRP relationship,” he said. “I want you to thrive, and not just survive!” Anderson reiterated. “In order to do that, you have to provide details that allow you to proactively assess what’s going on,” he said. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a common topic people discuss, and Anderson explored how AI will impact collision repair centers. According to CCC Information Services, the company has been working with deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) technologies since 2011, and the algorithms it has in place show that, today, it is 90% accurate in

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predicting when an insurer will declare a car a total loss through analysis of a photo of the damaged vehicle. “What does this mean to the collision repair professional?” Anderson pondered. “As AI is implemented into our industry, total losses will be identified before the vehicle is sent to a shop. This eliminates the vehicle storage profit center which is huge for some shops, therefore, they’ll have to replace that lost revenue. “On the positive side, shops with DRP agreements will be able to focus on repairable vehicles,” Anderson said. Regarding total losses, Anderson offered a “golden nugget.” “Make sure to ask customers if they want you to delete their personal data from the vehicle before sending it to the salvage yard,” he said. “Customers store cell phone data, garage door codes, GPS information and more in their vehicles, and removing that information benefits the consumer and the insurer. Shops need to offer it,” he said. Anderson then explained that the days of pen and paper QC forms are

gone, and electronic QC procedures are imperative, pointing out that the electronic version records a date, time, and in some cases, a geotag. He explored some of the challenges related to electronic checklists, such as data storage, setting standards and holding staff accountable for accurate completion. The benefits of utilizing electronic QC checklists were also addressed. According to Anderson, “Collision repairers today absolutely must use electronic QC checklists. They create verifiable trust between all parties, including the OEM, insurer and consumer, and it allows the shop to hold everyone to the same standards.” Anderson then explored the opportunities that exist with test drives and the importance of ensuring the shop has a strong WiFi signal that can handle all employees accessing it at the same time. Examining the topic of telematics and connected vehicles, Anderson observed that the age of connected cars began with GM’s OnStar in 1996, and as of 2016, there were 250 companies with over $38.7 billion in funding in that space.

“Today, it is coming at us at lightning speed,” Anderson said. “Connected cars will spur innovation and growth among automotive and non-automotive industries alike,” he said. “For companies willing to invest in the automotive industry of the future, payback could be huge. In 2020, analysts project the global connected car industry to be a $141 billion market.” Anderson urged collision repairers to acquire training now, as he discussed generational preferences related to connected cars and the importance of checking owner’s manuals to learn if a vehicle needs to be placed into service mode prior to disassembly to prevent an alert being sent to the vehicle owner while the car is in the shop. Talking about voice activated search and the frequency with which this is utilized while driving, Anderson pointed out, “The vehicle will be and may already be watching you! As more cars are connected to the Internet in the future, we’ll see more cameras, and it’s important to understand that anything we say or do around the vehicle can actually be recorded on

those cameras.” As the February CIECAst came to a conclusion, Anderson shared his wish list. He’d like to see a genius feature for parts and OEM research where the system is more integrated and makes recommendations, in addition to a search feature to identify one-time use parts and AI to determine best scheduling practices. “The collision repair industry hasn’t scratched 10% of its potential when it comes to utilizing technology,” Anderson said, quoting an “old country song” to add, “We have a long way to go and a short time to get there!” CIECA’s webinars are eligible for AMi credit toward an industry-recognized professional designation and specialty degree. The next CIECAcast is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at 11 a.m. CST and will feature Michael Ortega, Senior Director of Application Development at IAA. The webinar is entitled “The Key to Collaboration: Combining Technology and Communication.” For more information on CIECA and its webinars, visit cieca.com.

Cadillac To Unveil First Electric Car In April by Mark Kane

It will be a midsize electric crossover. According to the latest news, Cadillac’s president Steve Carlisle told dealers on Monday that the brand’s first electric model will be presented in April. The only thing that we know right now is the type, “a midsize crossover”. Almost for sure it will be a long-range battery-electric model, since the plug-in hybrid Cadillac ELR and Cadillac CT6 PHV failed on the market (very low volumes).

As we know, since January 2019, Cadillac is positioned to lead GM’s electrification. The company showed an image of a midsize electric crossover, which seems like it will now materialize within weeks.

Today, the luxury Cadillac brand sells only internal-combustion vehicles, having quite a young lineup (the oldest model is the XT4, launched just over a year ago). Hopefully, now new BEV models will start to pop out. “Cadillac is living in two worlds—an internal combustion present and an electric future,” Carlisle told Automotive News. “The big-picture message [to dealers] is let’s embrace the opportunity with the current portfolio,” Carlisle said. “We enter this decade as an internal combustion engine brand. We want to position ourselves to exit as a battery-electric brand, so we have to manage both at the same time.” It was said previously that the first dedicated all-electric model (on a BEV platform) will arrive on the market in the 2022 calendar year. An all-electric version of the upcoming next-generation Cadillac Escalade is expected too, but not on a dedicated platform. We thank Inside Evs for reprint permission.

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with Stacey Phillips

Tips for Busy Body Shops

with Stacey Phillips

SCRS Executive Director Shares Free Resources Available for Collision Repairers There are many key components to For information, visit degweb.org. running a successful collision repair facility. Body shop owners and man- 2. The Complete Guide to Repair with Stacey Phillips agers often aren’t aware of the free Planning resources available in the industry There are several informational reintended to help them operate their sources offered by SCRS. One of businesses effectively and efficiently. these is the “Complete Guide to Re Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), recently shared some of with the information Victoriathe Antonelli national organization provides the industry free of charge during a presentation he gave at the AkzoNobel North American Performance Group (NAPG) meeting, held in San Diego, CA. “There are with a lot of EdopportuniAttanasio ties for information exchange within the collision repair industry that we Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of SCRS don’t take enough advantage of,” pair Planning.” The PDF document said Schulenburg. Established in 1982, SCRS rep- includes more than 1,000 potentially resents more than 6,000 collision missed operations. repair businesseswith and 58,500 GaryspecialLedoux “It was initially compiled by a ized industry professionals. The mis- shop owner in Hawaii, March Taysion of the organization is to educate, lor, who passed away well before his inform and represent the collision re- time but gave us such great resourcpair professional in all aspects of the es,” said Schulenburg. “SCRS took industry. it to the next level and developed it Schulenburg discussed five free into a resource that the industry could SCRS resourceswith for collision repairuse.” Stacey Phillips ers: The checklist is intended to ensure estimators consider all repair op1. Database Enhancement Gateway erations performed at the facility and (DEG) formulate an accurate repair plan, The Database Enhancement Gateway minimizing the need or expense of a (DEG) aims to help improve the qual- supplement. It does not contain pricity and accuracy of collision repair ing, quantities or labor hours. with Mikefrom Anderson estimates, through feedback the With the length of estimates collision repair industry and other today, Schulenburg said it can often “end users,” to the Information Pro- be cumbersome to go through a PDF viders (IPs) that supply the databases checklist of 1,000 potentially missed for the various estimating products. operations. The next evolution of the It was developed in 2008 and document is SCRS’s Blueprint Optiis currently funded and managed by mization Tool (BOT), which is curSCRS and the Alliance of Automotive rently scheduled to be launched at the Service Providers (AASP), along with end of March. some additional support from spon- Schulenburg said it is essentialsors. ly a digitized checklist to help im “The DEG is a really valuable prove efficiency and provide access tool for businesses in identifying er- to information for estimators. rors, omissions and inaccuracies in While the “Guide to Complete the estimates that you might be writ- Repair Planning” is a free product, ing in the estimate systems,” said the BOT will be a paid subscription Schulenburg. with a discount for SCRS members.

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For information, visit scrs.com/ BOT, or watch a YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=JIuKDe5aZmQ&feature=youtu. be 3. Repairer Driven News In 2015, SCRS launched “Repairer Driven News,” a free online publication that provides insight into what is going on in the collision repair industry. “The news is focused on information that matters to collision repairers,” said Schulenburg. “Our goal is to provide news, information and trends that are going to help you make good decisions in your business and prepare for what’s coming.” To subscribe, visit www.repairer drivennews.com.

4. Technical Resources SCRS also offers a variety of technical resources to the industry, such as links to crash repair and OEM information, refinish manufacturer technical information and I-CAR’s repairability technical support. Schulenburg highlighted two resources available on the SCRS website. The first is a made-to-print one-page sheet containing information about destructive testing on spot welds. “This walks your technicians through how to perform destructive testing on spot welds to make sure they are going through the steps that are necessary to set the welder up, test the weld and see if it is producing a quality weld before they start ‘testing’ welds on consumers’ vehicles,” said Schulenburg. The SCRS executive director also shared information about a flowchart created with CCC to help

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estimators and adjusters navigate the CCC bumper prompt and correctly answer the refinishing question. All of these resources are available on the SCRS website under the Resources tab: https://scrs.com/ technical-resources/ 5. Videos The SCRS YouTube Channel contains a variety of informational videos for the industry and can be found by visit-

vehicles on the roadways and if you don’t plan to work on them and be certified in EVs, you need to have a plan, so your employees know what to do if one comes on your lot,” said Schulenburg. “If you don’t have a plan in place, there are safety ramifications, so I highly encourage shops to watch this video and consider developing an EV plan.” There is also a video on “Test Drive, Road Test and Dynamic Cali-

“The DEG is a really valuable tool for businesses in identifying errors, omissions and inaccuracies in the estimates that you might be writing in the estimate systems,” — Aaron Schulenburg ing youtube.com/scrscollision. In addition, the SCRS website includes years of videos produced to address topics such as welding and refinishing information. Schulenburg recommended collision repairers watch three videos from 2019, all of which are under 10 minutes long. The first is “Electric Vehicle (EV) and High-Voltage System Safety in Collision Repair.” “We’re seeing more of these

brations,” explaining the differences of each and providing detailed information. The brief video “Performing Diagnostic Scans” reviews the steps and considerations involved when performing in-house diagnostic scans. “These are things we hope you are using in your businesses to justify the work that is being done,” said Schulenburg. In addition to the free resourc-

es offered by SCRS, Schulenburg mentioned some of the member benefits, such as the new 401(k) plan, discounts to Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Relearn Charts and discounts for SCRS members and employees who need rental vehicles for personal use. Special rates are provided at locations in more than 100 countries around the world. In addition, merchant card services and financial technology solutions are offered that allow SCRS members to accept all major credit and debit cards nationwide with custom-tailored plans and additional features like automated digital invoices, tracking and reporting, and e-commerce management. “We have a great group of individuals who bring a lot of informational resources to the table,” said Schulenburg. “What we as an association and board of directors do is take this information and the knowledge we have…and turn it into usable resources that can help shops perform quality repairs and capture what they need to build a sustainable business.” For more information about SCRS, visit scrs.com, and to join, visit scrs. com/join-scrs.

Continued from Page 34

2020 NADA Expo supports CCI, a non-profit organization that pairs highly-trained assistance dogs with people with disabilities. With more than 120 educational sessions, attendees to NADA Show 2020 featured top industry experts that included an Intro to NADA Analytics with NADA’S Chad Royston, Orbee Auto’s Daniel Kim and Cox Automotive’s Jason Jager. LinkedIn’s Mariel Lasala discussed why the social platform is a gamechanger for auto dealerships. NADA 2020’s Distinguished Speakers series featured best-selling author and digital expert Erik Qualman. Using practical research, Qualman outlined the five habits that drive success and happiness for employees, partners and customers in today’s highly digital, WiFi world.

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nizassisbili-

onal how perts Anaton, Cox

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Cox Automotive Presents Woman of the Year Award to Virginia Dealer “As our industry evolves, we need people of all genders and races,” says recipient Liza Myers Borches, head of Carter Myers Automotive. Cox Automotive presents its annual Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award to fourth-generation dealer Liza Myers Borches, president and CEO of Carter Myers Automotive. Named after Barbara Cox, the late co-owner of Cox Enterprises and daughter of the company’s founder, the award goes to women who demonstrate business leadership, community advocacy and a commitment to advancing the automotive industry. Cox Automotive President Sandy Schwartz presents the award to Borches at a Northwood University Dealer Education Award breakfast, part of the National Automobile Dealers Assn. convention and expo here. “Liza exempliﬁes this award by sharing many of the qualities and values that we admire in Mrs. Cox,” Schwartz says. “Being part of a multi-generational, family-owned

en leaders in the auto industry becomes a normal part of the conversation and that the diversity of our customers and our country is reﬂected. “As our industry evolves, we need people of all genders and races, with the brightest minds, helping work through solutions for the future.” Also at the breakfast, Cox Automotive presents a $10,000 Barbara Cox scholarship to Hannah Gearhart, a Northwood University junior studying Automotive Retail Management. Fourth-generation dealer Liza Myers Borches Gearhart is a Dean’s List student, a member of She joined Carter Myers Au- the school track team and a member tomotive in 2003 after working at of the National Technical Honors American Honda for seven years. Society. Having a passion for cars since She now serves as president and CEO for all Carter Myers Automo- childhood, she is restoring a 1998 Chevrolet Camaro. She aspires to tive businesses. “There is still work to be done work in the ﬁnance department of to encourage more women to con- a General Motors dealership. sider a career in the auto industry,” Burches says. “I hope that during We thank Wards Auto for reprint permy daughter’s generation, wom- mission. business, Liza shares a close connection with the Cox family story.” Borches oversees dealership operations and is dealer principal for the Virginia-based family auto group that includes 15 dealerships and 17 franchises.

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GM Tripling Workplace Electric Vehicle Charging General Motors is making electric vehicle charging for employees even more accessible with the addition of 3,500 new EV charging plugs throughout its U.S. and Canadian facilities. This will triple the amount of charging locations that GM currently provides. Increasing the number of EV charging locations available to consumers is one of the top contributors to growing EV adoption. GM believes charging should be ubiquitous and is working with charging providers to oﬀer EV owners options on where to charge. With the internal popularity of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, and with the well-publicized GMC and Cadillac models that will roll out in the future, GM is committed to ensuring all employees are able to conveniently charge their vehicles as the employee EV-owner population grows. Source: GM

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Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5 dseward@millertransgroup.com autobodynews.com / APRIL 2020 AUTOBODY NEWS 61

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with Erica Schroeder

Industry Insight with John Yoswick

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon who has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988. He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

Long-time Industry Lobbyist Offers Perspectives on Government’s Role in Industry Issues

Shop Showcase

Bob Redding serves as the industry’s should be able to expect they’ve been eyes, ears and voice in Washington, maintained and repaired properly, D.C. with Ed Attanasio Redding said, but those owning them As the national lobbyist for the may not “have skin in the game” for Automotive Service Association, Red- ensuring that happens. ding helps keep the autobody industry “If your family needs some cash (along with the mechanical service so you’re driving for Uber or Lyft, industry) appraised on legislative and (safe repairs) might not be the first regulatory activities and proposals, thing you have in mind as long as and brings the industry’s viewpoint to the car is blowing and going,” Redwith Ed Attanasio ding said. “We think with new vehicle technologies, somebody needs to be looking at these vehicles. Not just post-repair inspection, but also some type of annual or biennial vehicle safety with Ed Attanasio inspection.” A topic Redding said he thinks the industry should be more attuned to is eminent domain, the right of a Bob Redding serves as a lobbyist for the Automotive local or state government to with Ed Attanasio Service Association. Credit: Sheri LaFlamme expropriate private property table when lawmakers or government for public use. agencies are making decisions. The New York Times recently During a recent interview in his published a special section on the office, just a five-minute walk from many automotive businesses—inkey U.S. Senate office buildings, Red- cluding Joe’s Auto Body—in a secwith Phillips ding talked about someStacey of the topics tion of Queens now owned by the he’s engaged in as part of his work for city and slated for redevelopment to ASA. “become New York’s next gleaming Almost every year, for exam- neighborhood.” ple, the association opposes efforts The city of Austin, TX, is seekto curtail or even eliminate existing ing to update its land development state vehicle inspection programs. code in a way that will effectively with Stacey Phillips This year there are been proposals to zone out some existing automotive scale back the inspection programs businesses. in Virginia and West Virginia. Redding said a section of Alex Redding said in addition to help- andria, VA, that “has a long history ing shops in those states voice sup- of having collision and mechanical port for the vehicle safety inspection shops” could change as a major Amwith Stacey Phillips programs, ASA is supporting efforts azon facility and new subway service to add such programs in those states moves into the area. without them, including California. “How are you going to have a “There’s interest there, but we’ve subway station and Amazon across got to get a study first, and that’s what the street from a mom-and-pop mewe’re working on now,” Redding said chanical shop and a couple collision of the multi-association effort in Calishops,” Redding said. with Stacey Phillips fornia. He said it’s hard to get the in Redding said such programs— dustry motivated on the issue. in place in only about 15 states—are Redding is one of three co-chairs increasingly important as ride-share of the Collision Industry Conference and other trends reduce private own- Governmental Committee, and in a reership of vehicles in use. cent poll by that committee, eminent Those riding in such vehicles domain ranked a distant last on the

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topics CIC attendees said they wanted the committee to address at upcoming meetings. “I almost think it comes down to: If it’s not my shop, I’m not worried about it,” Redding said. “Which is tragic. Because next time it could be your shop.” As a long-time observer of politics, Redding tends not to speak about one party being better for the industry than another. He understands many ASA members share positions relative to taxes as Republicans, but sees Democrats as also being sympathetic toward small businesses and some industry issues. At a state level, for example, he points to a Republican-controlled Senate in Pennsylvania that wanted to kill that state’s vehicle emissions testing program—a program ASA supports for its mechanical shop members— only to have Democrats in the state

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House save it. So Redding mainly focuses on what likely can and cannot be accomplished based on whatever party has control. Looking to this fall’s election, Redding said control of the U.S. Senate is “really up for grabs,” but that Democrats will likely maintain the majority in the U.S. House despite Republicans likely picking up some seats there. “If it stays Democratic, you will see more vehicle safety initiatives, and efforts to put much more money into electric vehicles and electric vehicle infrastructure,” Redding predicts. “If autonomous vehicle legislation has not gone across the finish line by then, they will have another two years (to work on it) and I think it likely would.” Democratic control of the House See Lobbyist Offers Perspectives, Page 67

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CIECA Hiring Technical Project Coordinator The Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA), a non-profit organization that develops and promotes electronic communication standards for the automobile collision industry, is looking to fill the position of technical project coordinator. “With CIECA’s current project coordinator retiring, we are seeking an individual to bring CIECA into the future and to be an advocate for greater standards use and development,” said CIECA board member Phil Martinez, chairman of the Nominating Committee. “The successful candidate will work as an independent contractor and be responsible for managing projects across all business aspects of CIECA’s membership,” Martinez said. “This encompasses all aspects of the collision industry and related technical and non-technical companies for the development of CIECA standards and accomplishment of the organization’s goals.”

executive committees. • Consult on CIECA processes and provide input to the executive committee and other non-SAB committees and task forces. • Assist the executive director and marketing and communications director in their roles. • Coordinate all communication to the board and executive committee with the executive director. • With the executive director, assist in communicating to the executive committee and board the activities and accomplishments of the project teams. • Coordinate standards-based activities with related non-CIECA organizations. Martinez said the successful candidate will work remotely, primarily participating in online meetings. In addition, travel is required to attend quarterly board meetings, to participate in requested industry conferences and for face-to-face SAB-related committee meetings. No medical coverage or other benefits are provided.

Job Responsibilities: • Responsible for the planning, organization, direction and coordination of the overall organization’s committee activities and CIECA’s standards. • Manage CIECA’s committee meetings and activities for long-term objectives. • Responsible for all aspects of planning and facilitating Standards Advisory Board (SAB)-related committee weekly meetings. • Responsible for all aspects of planning and facilitating monthly SAB meetings. • Manage multiple volunteer committee meetings and coordinate all activities across both business and technical committees. • Manage and motivate committee members. • Oversee and report on the organization’s results of committee goals. • Supervise administrative work relating to CIECA standards and tools, and determine areas for development, revision and improvement. • Responsible for awareness of new technology and tools that can impact CIECA standards and operations. • Provide committee and standards-related information and recommendations to CIECA Board of Trustees and

Qualifications / Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills for managing committees. • Ability to speak professionally in front of small and large groups. • A strong understanding of the collision industry. • Ability to work independently. • Ability to manage and motivate volunteer committee members to complete committee goals. • Ability to work with and manage both business-focused and technical-focused volunteers. • Ability and willingness to work with CIECA staff and individual CIECA members. • Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask. • Goal-oriented. • Creative problem-solving skills. • Working knowledge of Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Word, etc.). • Working knowledge of XML and JSON syntax preferred. • Working knowledge of XML and JSON Schemas. • Working knowledge of Web Ser-

vices and REST. • Working knowledge of Git source code control. • Working knowledge of scripting languages such as JavaScript, Python or PowerShell. • Cooperation with related non-CIECA organizations Education, Experience and Licensing Requirements • Minimum of five years of project management experience. • Experience in managing committee work preferred. • An understanding of XML, JSON, and other standards implementation plans, as well as other aspects of data communication. • Bachelor’s degree in computer science preferred. • Collision repair industry experience. To apply, visit https://cieca.wufoo .com/forms/mxqkq0q05vipex/ For more information, email info@ cieca.com. Source: CIECA

General Motors’ $20 Billion EV Plan Starts by Abandoning Trump’s Emissions Rollback by Joey Klender, Teslarati

General Motors has announced its plans to begin manufacturing electric vehicles at scale. To make its $20 billion plan a reality, it has to do one thing: Acknowledge that its alignment with President Donald Trump’s emissions rollback efforts is a lost cause. This is because creating electric vehicles and abiding by an environmentally-harming plan go together like oil and water. When GM decided it would follow along with Trump’s auto emissions rollback efforts and not with California’s Clean Air Act, the state made the decision to halt the purchase of vehicles from the automaker. But on March 4, GM held its first “EV Day,” where it outlined an ambitious plan to dive into and saturate the EV sector, making it evident the company is ready to make a serious push towards the adoption of sustainable vehicles. GM has said to customers for years it will pursue a future that promotes environmental longevity. However, the company’s decision to not abide by California’s environ-

mental plan seems to show it has not been completely dedicated to ideas that could help the Earth. To make its push toward electric vehicles and sustainability a reality, GM has to begin by abandoning Trump’s emissions rollback efforts that would lower the average fuel efficiency requirements of vehicles. If successful, the government’s initiative could result in automakers rolling out gas-guzzling vehicles once more, similar to the rise of SUVs following the death of the EV1, GM’s electric car. The Trump administration’s plan is expected to hike oil consumption in the U.S. by half a billion barrels a day, but it could also reduce automakers regulatory costs by more than $300 billion annually, according to Reuters. This would put more money in the carmaker’s pockets, but more carbon dioxide into the air. While GM is not the only automaker to side with the Trump rollback efforts, it is the only one that is making a big push toward an electric lineup. When asked to comment, the company said, “Regardless of the standards, we are committed to a fu-

ture of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion. The pathway to that future includes continually improving fuel economy year-over-year and our commitment to an all-electric future.” This year, GM resurrected the Hummer, but this time around, the vehicle will be all-electric and won’t boast the same devil-may-care fuel consumption that its gas-powered predecessors did. While GM has notable EVs like the Chevy Bolt, the automaker’s plans for the release of an electric lineup of vehicles must still coincide with the company’s larger goals. Volkswagen, Ford, BMW and Honda have all committed to increases in fuel economy year-over-year. GM can become the next automaker to adopt this pledge, but it must first take a strong stance against the administration’s emissions rollback efforts. If GM cannot do this, then its $20 billion electric vehicle plan may end up being just that—a plan, and very little else. We thank Teslarati for reprint permission.

64 APRIL 2020 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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Tractable Secures $25M in Funding, CEO Shares Grand Vision for Collision Repair Industry by Chasidy Rae Sisk

Tractable, an A.I. photo estimating company, announced Feb. 27 it raised $25 million to expand into new markets and enhance research and development initiatives on its software. The investment was led by Georgian Partners, with participation from existing investors, including Insight Partners and Ignition Partners. Combined with the $30 million previously raised, Tractable has raised $55 million. Tractable currently operates in nine countries but plans to use the recently secured funds to expand into new markets. It also plans to use the funds to invest in research and development to ensure its software is the best available A.I. on the market. “Our mission at Tractable is to bring A.I. breakthroughs to real-world problems and by doing so, make a positive difference to people’s lives,” said Tractable founder and CEO Alex Dalyac. “We’re achieving that every day, as our technology means people across the world are recovering their livelihoods more quickly after an accident. “This new investment from Georgian Partners, who have a standout track record in investing in software companies, shows informed investors believe we will scale our success even further and reach new markets, new clients and new areas to operate in.” Tractable is particularly interested in obtaining new clients from the collision repair industry. “A.I. can benefit the collision repair industry throughout the life of the claim in a variety of ways,” said Ahmed Zifzaf, marketing lead for Tractable. “For starters, it expedites the process and allows for early parts ordering. This technology will be very useful as it pertains to a lot of elements in the collision repair lifecycle.” Julie Kheyfets, head of North American business for Tractable, explained a few ways the company’s software will benefit collision repair facilities. “When triaging vehicles, repairers can use A.I. to quickly determine if the vehicle is repairable or if it’s a total loss,” Kheyfets said. “They can

use the software to create estimates which, in addition to saving time, will help drive consistency and accuracy in the shop’s estimates. “Our software can also instantly audit an estimate to ensure it’s in line with insurer standards. The A.I. processes much of the shop’s operational paperwork and can save shops time and effort.”

Since Tractable announced its A.I. offering for collision repairers at SEMA 2019, Kheyfets said, it has received a significant amount of demand from the collision repair industry, including from repairers. “A.I. is new to the collision repair ecosystem, and as with any new technology, some folks are very ex-

cited by the potential and value they see, while others are more cautious and will wait for widespread adoption before moving forward,” Kheyfets said, “We’re very excited about how much enthusiasm we’re seeing from shops.” Currently, several major MSOs are testing Tractable’s A.I. technology in hopes of streamlining their operations and reducing their supplement rates. Although Dalyac believes it makes a lot of sense to start with these larger companies, he’s happy the company has received interest from independent collision repair facilities as well, and he’s hopeful the most recent round of funding will help Tractable pursue that level of business more actively. “Much of the marketing around A.I. entering the collision repair ecosystem is centered around insurers, but a lot of shops have asked if A.I. is for them too—the answer is yes!” Dalyac said. “We want every player in the industry, including repairers, to have their own A.I., which they

can calibrate to meet the demands of their individual business.” Tractable is also working with the salvage industry and announced partnerships with LKQ and the Auto Body Parts Association in September 2019. “These partnerships are an exciting step forward for Tractable as we aid accident and disaster recovery with A.I.,” Dalyac said. “Auto appraisal is a key decision-making point throughout the auto claim and fulfilment process.” Dalyac said a visual A.I. assessment means many necessary decisions can now occur sooner—for example, as soon as the driver submits photos of their car. “With A.I. and these partnerships, every American consumer can now have an unbiased auto appraiser on their phone, in their pocket,” Dalyac said. Dalyac sees Tractable’s collaboration with salvage yards as having “A.I. training potential,” since seeing what happened under the vehicle’s surface will ultimately train the soft-

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S t.

ware to predict total losses sooner. “Our vision is for all players in the collision ecosystem to have their own A.I. from Tractable and be able to calibrate it as needed,” Dalyac said. “We want Tractable to bring value to insurers as well as collision repairers, parts centers, salvage yards and every other segment of the industry.” Dalyac said different kinds of lighting and other conditions can impact the A.I.’s accuracy, and Tractable wants its software to work accurately in all those conditions. “Tractable’s A.I. can pretty much predict all the necessary operations—R&I, repair times, paint—but we want to continue developing its robustness, so we’ll continue to invest in improving the software,” Dalyac said. “We’re also increasing the auxiliary parts it can read so it will be very precise and shops will love it.” One of the biggest challenges Tractable faces is related to the industry’s perception of A.I. “Many people see A.I. technology as futuristic and deeply technical,” Dalyac said. “Shops insist they are in the business of repairing cars and that this advanced technology isn’t really

part of their daily operations; however, you don’t need to be an A.I. person to test and evaluate A.I. software. You actually need to be able to repair a car to evaluate the software effectively.” Noting that many companies releasing A.I. technology are only offering “smoke and mirrors and a lot of canned visuals,” Dalyac encouraged collision repairers to test Tractable and other A.I. solutions. “You’re in the best position to be able to determine which A.I.s work and which don’t,” Dalyac said. “You can tell if the A.I. is struggling to identify a dent in a photo or if it gets confused by a shadow on the hood. Repairers should test the A.I. and use their expertise to determine if the software yields the correct results.” Tractable invites feedback from shops on the accuracy of its A.I. “Shops’ feedback will help us determine the best way to develop Tractable’s A.I. to the level we want—to a level that benefits every segment of the collision repair industry,” Dalyac said. For more information about Tractable and its A.I. software, visit www.tractable.ai.

Continued from Page 62

Lobbyist Offers Perspectives also would likely ensure the Federal Insurance Office (FIO), created in 2010 within the Department of the Treasury, isn’t dismantled, Redding said. “Now, you might ask, what have they done lately,” Redding said of the FIO. “Well, they have no money and no staff and no authority, so it’s not a lot. But as I keep saying, FIO is the bones of federal regulation of insurance. The only groups that appreciate the potential of FIO are insurance companies, and they hate it.” Redding said the FIO hasn’t focused at all on issues related to property-casualty insurance, but that’s something ASA hopes to change. “The FIO is going to be with us at least another three years, because I don’t think any administration can kill it with either a Democratic House or Senate in place,” Redding said. “But if you have both a Democratic House and Senate, it’s going to get more aggressive,” he said. “If you get a trifecta, with a Democratic

House, Senate and president, then it could really have some meat to it.” If President Donald Trump is reelected, Redding said, “then the tax and regulatory aspect for small business should be good to go.” But the Department of Justice (DOJ) under a Republican administration, Redding said, probably won’t address “most favored nation clauses,” such as those in some direct repair program agreements requiring a participating shop to give the insurer the same or better pricing than the shop offers any other insurer. “We have Democratic support (on that issue) from a House member from the Northwest who brought the head of antitrust at the Department of Justice over for a briefing when Obama was still in office,” Redding said. “So if a Democrat is elected president, the most favored nation clause issue could be back on the table because back in 2010, the DOJ went after Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan,” he said, alleging the insurer’s “most favored nation” clauses in its contract with hospitals were anti-competitive.

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autobodynews.com / APRIL 2020 AUTOBODY NEWS 67

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Insurers Win Again—Mostly—in Antitrust Lawsuits Filed by Body Shops by Jim Sams, Claims Journal

A federal appellate court threw out most of the claims by automotive body shops in Indiana, Utah and Mississippi alleging major insurers violated anti-trust laws and engaged in anticompetitive practices by steering policyholders to “approved” shops. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals found March 6 claims filed by body shops in Indiana and Utah must be dismissed for procedural reasons. The appellate panel also upheld the dismissal of most of the claims filed by the Mississippi body shops, but it revived specific tortious interference claims by two of the Mississippi body shops against Progressive Insurance. The case is Automotive Alignment & Body Service and Alexander Body Shop LLC v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. The panel decision, which was made by three appellate judges, follows last year’s en banc ruling by all seven 11th Circuit judges dismissing separate lawsuits alleging antitrust violations by insurance carriers. That

case was Quality Auto Painting Center of Roselle v. State Farm. Defense attorneys worried a ruling in favor of the body shops in Quality Auto would have allowed plaintiffs to merely cite parallel conduct by competitors as sufficient basis for pleading an antitrust violation.

The decision released March 6 stems from multi-district litigation referred to the federal court for the Middle District of Florida. The body shops claimed State Farm group was the leader of a conspiracy involving several insurance carriers to conduct “market rate surveys” that actually were shams intended to reduce the cost of autobody work. The body shops alleged the carriers refused to pay for necessary repairs and procedures, and required

body shops to use subpar “aftermarket” parts instead of new parts. The carriers also steer their insureds away from noncompliant body shops and toward body shops that comply with their pricing demands and other requirements, the lawsuits alleged. The 11th Circuit said the complaint was very similar to the price-fixing allegations made in the Quality Auto case and must be dismissed for the same reasons. The court found the body shops in Quality Auto did not prove the carriers had colluded on price simply because they used similar practices and each had set the same top rates. The 11th Circuit didn’t address the merit of the complaints filed by the Utah and Indiana body shop’s arguments in the Automotive Alignment case decided March 6. The panel found instead the plaintiffs had not met the deadline to file amended complaints after those suits were dismissed by the district court. The Mississippi plaintiffs did amend their complaints on time, but the 11th Circuit dismissed most of the complaints for the same reasoning stated in Quality Auto.

“We have already held that this allegation of ‘price leadership’—‘following the example set by a competitor, without agreeing to do so in advance’—is insufficient to establish the existence of an agreement,” the court said. On the other hand, the panel said Autoworks Collision Specialist and Walkers Collision Center had adequately played their claims against Progressive Insurance. Each body shop claimed it had lost one customer because Progressive misled customers by telling them Progressive would guarantee the repair work if they used Progressive’s preferred shops, leading those customers to presume their shops would not guarantee their work. The court said the body shops stated a plausible allegation that Progressive had conspired to harm them with malicious intent and without justifiable cause. The 11th Circuit vacated the district court’s decision to vacate those specific complaints and remanded the case for further proceedings. We thank Claims Journal for reprint permission.

Toyota Fuel Pump Recall Expanded to Nearly 2 Million Vehicles by David A. Wood, Car Complaints

A Toyota fuel pump recall is expanded to include nearly 2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, an expansion of a fuel pump recall issued in January.

About 1.8 million of these vehicles are recalled in the U.S. and more than 158,000 are recalled in Canada. The fuel pumps can fail and cause the engines to run rough, stall and fail to restart. Affected vehicles include: - 2013-2015 Lexus LS 460 - 2013-2014 Lexus GS 350 - 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 2014 Lexus IS-F - 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner - 2014-2015 Toyota Land Cruiser - 2014-2015 Lexus GX 460 - 2014-2015 Lexus IS 350 - 2014-2015 Lexus LX 570 - 2015 Lexus NX 200t

- 2015 Lexus RC 350 - 2017 Lexus IS 200t - 2015 Lexus RC 200t - 2017-2019 Toyota Sienna - 2017-2019 Lexus RX 350 - 2018 Lexus GS 300 - 2018-2019 Toyota Avalon - 2018-2019 Toyota Camry - 2018-2019 Toyota Corolla - 2018-2019 Toyota Highlander - 2018-2019 Toyota Sequoia - 2018-2019 Toyota Tacoma - 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra - 2018-2019 Lexus ES 350 - 2018-2019 Lexus GS 350 - 2018-2019 Lexus IS 300 - 2018-2019 Lexus IS 350 - 2018-2019 Lexus LC 500 - 2018-2019 Lexus LC 500h - 2018-2019 Lexus LS 500 - 2018-2019 Lexus LS 500h - 2018-2019 Lexus RC 300 - 2018-2019 Lexus RC 350 - 2018-2019 Lexus RX 350L The Toyota fuel pump recall involves low-pressure pumps manufactured by Denso and located inside the fuel tanks. The Denso fuel pump has an impeller that absorbs too much fuel and deforms, causing the impeller

to make contact with the fuel pump body. A driver will notice warning lights and messages, and the engine will run rough, stall and won’t restart. Toyota said in January most of the reports indicated vehicles typically stalled at speeds of less than 20 mph.

According to the automaker, 63 field reports said the fuel pumps failed while driving less than 20 mph and three reports said the vehicles were moving above 20 mph. In addition, Toyota told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the fuel pumps failed primarily in hotter climates. When the automaker announced the January recall, hybrid vehicle

owners were told a separate fuel pump customer service program would eventually be offered. Toyota says the hybrid vehicles are equipped with the defective Denso fuel pumps, but those vehicles enter a failsafe mode if the pumps fail. Toyota said this allegedly removes a safety risk associated with pump failures in non-hybrid vehicles. Following the January Toyota fuel pump recall, the automaker was served a class action lawsuit that alleges the vehicles have lost value. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges the Toyota fuel pump recall failed to include all 2018-2019 vehicles equipped with defective Denso fuel pumps that begin with part numbers 23220 or 23221. Toyota and Lexus owners will be contacted by May and dealers will replace the Denso fuel pumps with allegedly improved pumps. Customers affected by the Toyota fuel pump recall may call 800331-4331 and Lexus owners may call 800-255-3987. We thank Car Complaints for reprint permission.

68 APRIL 2020 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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autobodynews.com / APRIL 2020 AUTOBODY NEWS 69

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CARSTAR Network is Giving Away Free Repairs North America’s largest premier network of independently owned and operated collision repair facilities, CARSTAR, gave away free repairs in February. CARSTAR locations across the U.S. and Canada were surprising customers at the time of their vehicle return by footing the bill, to celebrate #FREERepairFebruary. These customers, who are paying for their repairs out of pocket, will be receiving a premier vehicle repair at no cost to them. “We take pride in supporting our community and give back to several non-profit organizations,” says Fred Haberl, general manager, CARSTAR Autobody Resurrection.

Credit: CARSTAR

“Gifting a customer with a free repair is just as rewarding as those larger gestures, because we get to see the surprise on our customers’ faces,” Haberl said. “Sometimes, it

“We met our Free Repair February winners a few years ago when their daughter was sideswiped by a drunk driver, causing her to sustain some injuries,” said Luigi Scola, owner, CARSTAR Scola’s Collision Center. “This is the circumstance we met the family and ever since then we have always wanted to go above and

is just that little help that goes a long way and we were happy to give that gift to Mr. Paholski.”

beyond for them,” he said. “Thankfully, this out-of-pocket repair was not the product of an accident, but we were still thrilled to surprise them by paying for it.” One of the founding pillars of CARSTAR has always been to give back to the communities the organization works and lives in. With independently owned and operated collision repair facilities spanning across North America, CARSTAR franchise partners have helped many people beyond their collision repair needs. “From raising funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis organizations to refurbishing cars and donating to those in need, our CARSTAR family is eager to help their community,” said Dean Fisher, president of CARSTAR. “It is moving to see the network come together, from British Columbia to Florida, for the mutual cause of spreading some good in their communities and thanking our customers.”

Participating CARSTAR locations who awarded a free repair in their facility this February included: • CARSTAR Alan Conner Collision Center • CARSTAR Autobody Resurrection • CARSTAR Barrhaven • CARSTAR Champion • CARSTAR Collingwood • CARSTAR Concord • CARSTAR Don & Ron’s Auto Body Repair • CARSTAR Gapsch • CARSTAR High River • CARSTAR La Habra Collision & Glass Center • CARSTAR Mansfield • CARSTAR Maryville • CARSTAR Mount Forest • CARSTAR Quality Assured Norgate • CARSTAR Scola • CARSTAR Sydney

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autobodynews.com / APRIL 2020 AUTOBODY NEWS 71

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72 APRIL 2020 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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