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Five OEM Representatives Explain OEM Certification at NORTHEAST 2016 by Chasidy Rae Sisk
On Saturday, March 19 at NORTHEAST 2016 in Secaucus, NJ, Aaron Clark of Assured Performance Network moderated “Body Certification and You: An OEM Panel Discussion.” The panel shared information about each OEM’s requirements and
Aaron Clark of Assured Performance moderated
goals in addition to answering attendees’ questions. It was comprised of representatives from five different automotive manufacturers: Mark Mandle from Ford, Brian Wayne of Chrysler, American Honda’s Gary Ledoux, Mark Zoba from Nissan, and Audi’s Mark Allen. Each OEM representative began with a brief explanation of the company’s certification program. First, Allen explained that since Audi began using different materials in 2007, such as aluminum and high-strength steel, they realized they needed a network of shops that have been trained to properly repair their vehicles and have access to the necessary tools to do so. Since then, they have developed a See OEM Panel, Page 50
Repairer Driven News Notes Hyundai is an Exception in Not Providing OEM Collision Repair Instruction
“We want our customers to know we have their well-being in mind after they have been in a collision,” Hyundai customer satisfaction Executive Vice President Frank Ferrara said last year. “Hyundai owners benefit from this program through the assurance that centers will ensure the fit, finish, durability, safety and value of the vehicles being repaired. Having a network of recognized shops is critical to make sure our cars are repaired properly.” See Hyundai Repairs, Page 22
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Since 2015 Hyundai has had a “Recognized Collision Repair Center” network administered by Assured Performance to indicate which body shops it feels are truly qualified to fix its vehicles correctly. “This program ensures both independent and Hyundai dealershipowned collision repair centers have the training, tools, equipment, and facilities needed to properly repair Hyundai vehicles after they have been involved in a collision,” Hyundai said at the time.
VOL. 7 ISSUE 2 MAY 2016
NORTHEAST 2016 a Resounding Success! by Chasidy Rae Sisk
Each year, AASP/NJ’s NORTHEAST Conference and Tradeshow seems to get bigger and better. This year was no exception, with an agenda filled with respected industry speakers and a sold-out trade show floor. NORTHEAST 2016 was held on March 18–20 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ. The event attracted over 5300 attendees, including exhibitors. Charles Bryant, Executive Director of AASP/NJ, said, “It appears to be the best show ever. During and since the show, I have received nothing but positive comments about the show and have heard numerous plans from vendors to go bigger next year. In short, I am extremely pleased with the show outcome and grateful to all who made it possible.”
At 1 pm, NORTHEAST 2016 began with an annual favorite—the East Coast Resolutions Forum and Leadership Meeting. Over 50 attendees, including representatives from over a dozen industry associations, explored some of the largest issues impacting the collision repair industry. Topics included photo estimating, aftermarket parts, consumer awareness, and short pays, along with a variety of legislative issues. Later, Keith Manich, Director of Collision Services for the Automotive Training Institute, taught “Building and Sustaining Standard Operating Procedures for Collision Repair.” In this session, attendees learned about common errors among shop staff who are not properly informed of the oper-
ational requirements needed to be profitable in the collision repair industry. They were then provided with the steps needed to create a structured production environment. Manich gave an encore presentation from 3-4:45 pm that day. Afterwards AASP/NJ presented “Advanced Material Repair in 2016 and Beyond,” a course led by Dave Gruskos from Reliable Automotive Equipment, Larry Montanez III of P & L Consultants, and Doug Richman from Kaiser Aluminum on behalf of the Aluminum Association. Tom Elder introduced the speakers as “three of the industry’s foremost experts in the world.” “Advanced Material Repair in 2016 and Beyond” began with Gruskos, who spoke on safety, as well as gluing and riveting processes. In order to reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions, the weight of a vehicle needs to be reduced, and this can be achieved through the use of low-density materials, targeted use of high-strength materials, and integrated lightweight construction. Using steel was the old way, but the future will include energy-efficient, lightweight designs achieved through the use of a mixture of materials; however, when aluminum and steel are mixed, repairs require multiple glues and rivets, Gruskos said. Looking at the new mixtures, Gruskos predicts that welding won’t be as widespread in vehicle construction or repairs, leaving bonding, in conjunction with rivets, as the only alternative. The future will see cold joining with glue used everywhere that rivets are used, but with many different rivets, a variety of tools and machines will be required to be able to fit them, and rivets are very specific to the manufacturer. Discussing which glues to use in specific situations, Gruskos said, “You’re either doing it See NORTHEAST Events, Page 30
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