Northeastern July 2016 Issue by Autobody News

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 4 JULY 2016

U.S. House Committee Holds Hearings on Career and Technical Education Act

MS and IN Lawsuits Alleging Steering and Price Fixing by Insurers Ordered Closed by Judge

OEM Training Details for NACE | CARS Released

A Florida judge has closed two related lawsuits brought forth by body shops in Mississippi and Indiana against insurers for alleged steering and price fixing. On May 27, Middle District Judge Gregory Presnell dismissed the state claims in Capitol Body Shop, et al, v. State Farm, et al, with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled. Two weeks later, on June 10, he made a similar ruling in Indiana Auto Body Association, et al v. State Farm, et al. Both cases are part of the multidistrict lawsuit that involves more than 500 shops across the country. The 24 lawsuits filed were eventually consolidated for pretrial purposes.

On May 18 the U.S. House Commit- serve those seeking to enter the techtee on Education and the Workforce nical workforce. Witnesses included: held a hearing titled, “Helping Stu- Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. dents Succeed by Strengthening the Paul Tse, project manager, Shapiro & Carl D. Perkins Career and Duncan Inc. Technical Education Act.” Jason Bates, manager, Toyota Bodine Aluminum Inc. Reauthorized in 2006, Dr. Monty Sullivan, presithe Carl D. Perkins Act allodent, Louisiana Community cates federal grants to states and Technical College System for distribution to secondary Throughout the hearing, school districts and post-secthe witnesses and members ondary institutions. The purSen. Tim Kaine, recounted personal examples pose of the hearing was to D-VA of the value of local career and examine the Carl D. Perkins Act and others like it to determine technical education programs. They exwhat reforms should be made to best See U.S. House Hearings, Page 26

FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES: Introducing the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica—This class will provide you with information relative to the technical specifications, metal strengths, and repair procedures. John Hughes, MOPAR Collision Repair Responsible Service Engineering, TSO, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles See OEM Training, Page 3

P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018

9-13, will feature record involvement and expanded training from companies such as Audi, BMW, FCA, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, and more, who will provide information on their latest vehicles, materials and

technology, how to address specific repairs, and on becoming a certified repair shop. Here is an overview of the training, which will be offered on a complimentary basis with the purchase of a conference or expo pass:

Change Service Requested

NACE | CARS has announced the release of details for this year’s OEM programming. NACE | CARS 2016, taking place in Anaheim, CA August

by Stacey Phillips

According to industry reports, collision repairers across the United States are watching with anticipation to find out the national implications these recent rulings may have. A similar judgment was made in 2015 when Judge Presnell dismissed all claims in Florida’s A&E Auto Body et al, v. 21st Century et al, with prejudice. All three cases can be appealed to the Eleventh Circuit Court by Eaves Law Firm, the lead attorneys on the case. The Jackson, MS, law firm could not be reached for comment when Autobody News went to press this month. The body shops have accused insurance companies of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act and state laws See MS and IN Lawsuits, Page 30

Ray Fisher of ASA-MI Addresses Changes to Motor Vehicle Service Repair Act, Governor Vetos Bill by Stacey Phillips

A controversial bill that would have restricted aftermarket parts vendors to sell only certain types of parts on newer vehicles to licensed repair facilities in Michigan was vetoed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder in June. House Bill 4344 would have required body shops to use new or used OEM parts or certified aftermarket parts on vehicles during their original factory warranty period or five years, whichever is less, unless they received written permission from a customer to use non-certified parts. The 62-page bill updated the 1974 Michigan Motor Vehicle Service(s) and Repair Act. “I am unable to sign this bill because it overreaches in the limitation of aftermarket parts negatively impacting consumers and creating the potential for negative consequences for Michigan’s automotive industry,”

Snyder wrote in his veto letter. “As Michigan continues its comeback and continues to be a leader in promoting new technology in the automotive industry, it is imperative that we ensure all components of that industry can remain strong, including Michigan’s robust aftermarket parts industry. I am concerned about HB 4344’s effect on market competition for replacement parts on motor vehicles.” House Bill 4344 was first introduced March 12, 2015 by Rep. Peter Pettalia of Presque Isle, who co-owns an automotive mechanical repair facility in Alpena, MI. On February 10, 2016, the bill passed in the House 84-22 in favor of the amended bill and was sent to the Senate. The bill was unanimously voted out of the Senate subcommittee with the understanding that modifications to the bill were necessary for See MI Bill Veto, Page 20

Presorted Standard US Postage PAID San Bernardino, CA Permit #2244

2 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

AASP/NJ’s 12th Annual Lou Scoras Memorial

Golf Outing Scheduled for August 29 . . . . . 6

ASA-CT 2016 Golf Outing Benefits Military

Support Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Chief Introduces HD Collision Repair Line,

Koala Bench From Globaljig® . . . . . . . . . . 38

Chip Foose and KC Mathieu Demonstrate Spray Gun Duel at BASF Automotive

Refinish Open House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

ASA-CT Shops Meet with Tech Students and

CREF Helps Next Generation of Collision

Cash, A Car and Some Advice for Auto

CREF Launches Successful Pilot of Collision

CCCTC Students Receive Awards . . . . . . . . . 12

Department of Motor Vehicles in NV Inspects

Selling Vehicles Without Proper Licenses . 17

First Self-Driving Semi in U.S. Hits The Road

Expands Territory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

GM Manager Addresses State of Collision

Learn about Parts Procurement Software . . 6

Students in CT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Lawsuit Filed Against PA Broker Accused of Metropolitan Car-O-Liner® Distributor

Neighbors Say CT Body Shop Causing

Traffic Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

OSHA: Auto Reconditioning Company in PA

Repairers Find Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Student Resume Database . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Repair Businesses For Proper Permits . . . 52 —on top of Nevada’s Hoover Dam . . . . . . . 4 Repair Business; Considering Certification

Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Greg Coccaro Sr. Passes Away at 66 . . . . . . 12

Failed to Protect Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Labor Rates are the Foundation of Consumer

Finds Multiple Benefits Hiring Students

Maaco Says it Aims to Have Shops in Every

Phillips - Massachusetts Collision Center

in Family Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Care & Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

State as Aggressive Growth Continues . . . 72

Police Officer Found Guilty of Accepting

Martin Senour Launches New Industrial

Quincy Compressor Acquires Five Scales

Mike’s Auto Body in CA Participates in

Rhode Island Telematics Bill Stalls in

Mitchell Issues Second Quarter 2016

Kickbacks from Local Repair Shop in MD. . . 8 Technologies, Inc. Northeastern Branches . . 8

Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

COLUMNISTS

Attanasio - Body Shop Office Manager Racing

Toward Her Dreams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Attanasio - Indoor Advertising Engages

Maintenance Coatings DTM Acrylic Enamel. . 58 Every 15 Minutes Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Industry Trends Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Moorhead MN Auto Body Shop Owner Says

Insurance Agents Using Illegal Tactic . . . . 44

MS and IN Lawsuits Alleging Steering and

Price Fixing by Insurers Ordered Closed

by Judge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Consumers in Prime Locations . . . . . . . . . 42

National Science Foundation Offers Grant

Launched for All the Right Reasons . . . . . 74

OEM Training Details for NACE | CARS

Association as it Celebrates 50 Years . . . . 56

Personal Safety Division Launches 3M Center

Attanasio - New Collision Career Institute

Attanasio - Origins of the California Autobody

Luehr - Lean Problem Solving. . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Yoswick - Retro News: Erick Bickett,

Progressive’s Concierge Program,

Crash Prevention, Allstate Compliance . . . . 48

NATIONAL

10 Students Awarded Grants to Attend

SkillsUSA’s Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

ABRA Auto Body & Glass Donates

$81,000 to CREF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

AkzoNobel Introduces New Color Software . . 76

ASA Announces New Advice Blog by Industry

for Training Tomorrow’s Technicians. . . . . 26

Released . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 for Respiratory Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

PPG Foundation Awards Student Scholarships . 76 PPG Introduces EC550 En-V® Ultra Gloss

Clearcoat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Preparations Underway for Fall Automechanika

Chicago Commitment to Training Events . . 33

Ray Evernham Leads Preservation of Iconic American Graffiti Impala With Axalta

Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Ray Fisher of ASA-MI Addresses Changes to Motor Vehicle Service Repair Act,

Governor Vetos Bill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Veteran Bill Haas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Sherwin-Williams Announces Partnership

Some Shops Hate Him, but Consumers

Auto Care Association Participates in

Software and DMCA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

with CARSTAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Love Him: The Wreck Check Story . . . . . . 70

Auto Claims — The High Cost of Keeping

Tennessee Steering Lawsuit Against

AutoInc. Seeks Submissions for Top 10

U.S. Aftermarket to Grow at an Annual Rate

BASF Glasurit, R-M Automotive Refinish

U.S. House Committee Holds Hearings

Pace with Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Websites Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Products Get Global GM Approval. . . . . . . . 38

FORD MOTOR COMPANY: Ford F-Series Repair Information & Introducing the 2017 F-Series Super Duty—Join in on the discussion about Ford’s aluminum-body truck lineup. This repairability presentation will include specifics about the F-150 and the 2017 F-Series Super Duty, including Ford-approved repair procedures and a Q&A session for technicians to speak personally with Ford service engineers. Gerry Bonnani, Service Engineer, Paint and Body Repair, Ford Motor Company

Progressive Insurance Dismissed . . . . . . . 28

(CAGR) of 3.7% through 2019 . . . . . . . . . 16

on Career and Technical Education Act . . . . 1

AUDI OF AMERICA: Introducing the 2017 Audi Q7 Hybrid - Learn the material construction and repair methodology of the new 2017 Audi Q7 Hybrid. Mark Allen, Collision Programs and Workshop Equipment Specialist, Audi of America

AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.: 2016 Honda Pilot and Civic body technology and Honda’s Pro First Certified Collision Repair Facility Program - Learn about Honda’s latest collision industry support activities and accomplishments. This class will include an overview of body technology on the 2016 Honda Pilot and Civic and the ProFirst Certified Colli-

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Online Editor and Copywriter: Deana Cacus Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, David Brown, John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr, Stacey Phillips, Victoria Antonelli Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman, Bill Doyle, Norman Morano (800) 699-8251 Office Manager: Louise Tedesco Content/Special Media Specialist: Cass Heckel Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia

Acura of Westchester . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Amato Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Atlantic Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 79 Axalta Coating Systems . . . . . . . . . . 5 Bald Hill Chrysler-Jeep-DodgeRam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Baystate Chrysler-Jeep-DodgeRam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Bergey’s Wholesale Parts . . . . . . . . 23 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . 64-65 Bonding Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Cadillac of Mahwah . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Car-Part.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 CarcoonAmerica Airflow Systems. . 34 Central Avenue Chrysler-JeepDodge-Ram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA). . . . . . . . . . . 39 Cherry Hill Audi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Cherry Hill Porsche . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Cherry Hill Volkswagen. . . . . . . . . . 49 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Clay Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Colonial Automotive Group . . . . . . 11 Dent Magic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Diamond Standard Parts . . . . . . . . 47 Ditschman/Flemington Auto Group. 67 Eco Repair Systems of North America, LLC . . . . . . . . . . 22 ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . . . 6 EMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Empire Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Equalizer Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . 44 Fitzgerald’s Lakeforest HyundaiSubaru. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 58 Fred Beans Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Fuccillo Kia of Schenectady . . . . . . 59 Gary Rome Hyundai-Kia . . . . . . . . . 42 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 77 Herkules Equipment Corporation. . 36 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 60 Infiniti of Norwood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Innovation Toyota-Scion . . . . . . . . . 12 Jeff D’Ambrosio Chrysler-JeepDodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

See OEM Training, Page 14

Serving New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts 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. ©2016 Adamantine Media LLC. Autobody News P.O. Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018 (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com Email: news@autobodynews.com

Northeast

REGIONAL

OEM Training

Indexof Advertisers

Contents

Continued from Cover

Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Killer Tools & Equipment. . . . . . . . . . 4 Koeppel VW-Mazda . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Long Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . 16 Lusid Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 73 Mercedes-Benz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Mercedes-Benz of Atlantic City. . . . 37 Mercedes-Benz of Fort Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Mercedes-Benz of West Chester . . 37 Mercedes-Benz of Wilmington . . . . 48 Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 62 Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers. 76 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 43 NACE / CARS Trade Show . . . . . . . 29 Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 O’Reilly Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Orio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Polyvance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 68 PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ProLine Tool & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Providence Lacquer & Supply Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Safety Regulation Strategies . . . . . 46 SATA Dan-Am Company . . . . . . . . 31 Security Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram . 7 Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 33 Subaru of Morristown . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 72 Tasca Automotive Group . . . . . . . . 55 Toyota of Morristown . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 54 U-POL US . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Valspar Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 VIP Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Volvo Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 74 Wagner Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Westbury Jeep-Chrysler-DodgeRam-SRT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

First Self-Driving Semi in U.S. Hits The Road—on top of Nevada’s Hoover Dam

Autonomous semi-truck driving officially arrived in Nevada on the night of May 5, and it did so on top of the curved concrete edge of Hoover Dam. Daimler chose the world-famous location to introduce its Freightliner Inspiration Truck, the world’s first licensed autonomous truck, according to reports at Autoblog.com.

On the same day, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval officially granted the first license for an autonomous commercial truck to operate on an open public highway in the United States to Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). At the event, hosted by DTNA President & CEO Martin Daum, Gov. Sandoval took part in the inaugural trip of the Freightliner Inspiration Truck in autonomous mode with Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG Daimler Trucks & Buses, at the controls. “Nevada is proud to be making transportation history today by hosting the first U.S. public highway drive for a licensed autonomous commercial truck. The application of this innovative technology to one of America's most important industries will have a lasting impact on our state and help shape the New Nevada economy,” said Gov. Sandoval. “The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has been closely monitoring the advancements being made in autonomous vehicle development and reviewed DTNA's safety, testing and training plans before granting permission for this demonstration of the Freightliner Inspiration Truck.” This is the first 18-wheel commercial vehicle to garner the designation (the state actually licensed two autonomous Freightliners), and the truck showed off its hands-free driving skill on top of the 80-year-old landmark. The truck, which is based on the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025 that drove on the autobahn last year, was tested in Germany where, according to Daimler, it has covered more than 10,000 autonomous miles. Similar to the autopilot system in a passenger jet, Daimler’s Freightliner has “Highway Pilot,” which the truck driver engages. That’s how Daimler did it for the demonstration: A driver

pulled the truck onto the road atop the Hoover Dam, and the truck’s Highway Pilot took over. Daimler’s truck has front radars that see the road over 800 feet in front of it, another radar to detect cars merging in front of the truck, and stereo cameras that analyze road markings to communicate with the steering mechanism. It knows the rules of the road and will brake and accelerate based on posted speed limits for semi-trucks. Daimler cautioned in its announcement, “In terms of on-highway commercial trucks, it is incorrect to refer to a vehicle in autonomous mode as a ‘driverless truck.’ Drivers remain the boss in their vehicle because the technology ... requires the presence of a qualified truck driver with valid commercial driver’s license in the cab and on the gauges.” In addition, there are numerous maneuvers the truck cannot make on its own, such as passing and lane changes. Plus, if the Highway Pilot senses particularly adverse driving conditions, like bad weather, it will ask the human driver to take over. Though only licensed for one state, autonomous freight trucks could not come at a better time. Driving a semi is tiring and dangerous work. A 2012 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study noted that, in the U.S., “333,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes.” A 2009 Harvard School of medicine study on Drowsy Driving reported that “truck drivers are often chronically sleep deprived.” Those challenges may be leading to a dwindling number of commercial truck drivers. In 2014, the trucking industry reported nearly 35,000 unfilled jobs. Nevada was selected because it is one of four states, plus the District of Columbia, with laws regulating autonomous vehicle operation. Nevada legislation passed in 2011 and 2013 regulates the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles. The legislation includes commercial trucks and sets standards specifying the number of miles an autonomous vehicle must have been tested in certain conditions before it can be granted a license to be driven in Nevada. Daimler obtained a special permit from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles to operate the Freightliner Inspiration Truck on public roads near Las Vegas after supplying state officials with detailed information on the safety systems in the truck and the training program for the drivers. Smarter trucks that take some of the burden off commercial truck drivers and always follow the rules of the road could make the job of commercial truck driver more attractive again.

4 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Celphy Channels the Wright Bros.

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 5

AASP/NJ’s 12th Annual Lou Scoras Memorial Golf Outing Scheduled for August 29 The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) has announced that they will hold their 12th annual Lou Scoras Memorial Golf Outing at the Colonia Country Club in Colonia, NJ on Monday, August 29. The event, which pays tribute to former board member and influential association member Lou Scoras, also raises money for a scholarship in his name, helping to engage and inspire the next generation of automotive technicians. Usually held in May, the outing was moved to late summer this year for the first time. “We thought that with the NORTHEAST® show taking place in March, it would be a good idea to move the golf outing to later in the year to break up the event schedule a little bit,” AASP/NJ President Jeff McDowell said from his shop in Fords. “We think the end of summer is a great time to come out and share a beautiful day on the links for a great cause.”

Executive Director Charles Bryant added that the outing is one of AASP/NJ’s most popular events. “We always get a great turnout, not only for the golf, but also for the cause,” he says. “Lou meant so much to a lot of people and did so much for this industry that I think people like to come out and pay tribute just as much as they like to play.” Registration for the Lou Scoras Memorial Golf Outing starts at 10 a.m. with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The tournament will conclude with a cash bar, dinner and prizes. Registration forms for participants and sponsors for this year’s golf outing are available at www .aaspnj.org or contact Charles Bryant at (732) 922-8909 for more information. For more information on the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show, please visit www.aaspnjnorth east.com.

Auto Care Association Participates in Copyright Roundtables on Embedded Software and DMCA

Aaron Lowe, senior vice president of regulatory and government affairs for the Auto Care Association, participated in a series of roundtables produced by the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington, D.C. on May

18-19. The roundtables were part of a study being undertaken by the office on copyright law and its relation to software-embedded consumer products as well as issues related to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Lowe discussed the growing use of software on late model vehicles and concerns that the vehicle manufacturers were adopting anticompetitive technological protection measures that prevent parts manufacturers, service facilities and consumers from accessing the software needed for repair and maintenance.

“The absence of clear guidance regarding interpretations of copyright defenses is having a chilling impact on companies developing replacement components, causing companies in the auto care industry to be concerned about extensive and disruptive litigation,” said Lowe. He further requested that the Copyright Office make a determination that DMCA does not prohibit circumvention of technological measures that are used by companies to prevent lawful repair under patent law of products whose operation is controlled by embedded software. Lowe told the Copyright Office that “a consumer who purchases a vehicle should own that car, including all of the software embedded in that vehicle. Therefore, consumers and those chosen by consumers to service those vehicles should have the freedom to access that software for purposes of lawful repair.” For more information, contact Aaron Lowe at aaron.lowe@autocare .org.

6 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ASA-CT Shops Meet with Tech Students and Learn about Parts Procurement Software

senior students from the program attended, and shop owners conducted On April 28, the Automotive Service mock interviews with these individAssociation of Connecticut (ASA- uals to prepare them for their futures. CT) held a meeting at the E. C. GoodShop owners also discussed the win Technical High School in New possibility of participating in a mysBritain, CT. Members spent time with tery shopping project to “ensure they students, discussed mystery shopping are offering the best in customer servand learned about new parts procure- ice as well as to confirm that the avment software. erage consumer can easily find them online,” said Lisa Siembab, executive director for ASACT. Finally, Eric St. Pierre, chief marketing officer for Parts Tech, delivered a presentation on the company’s parts procurement software which assists shops in locating parts in a more timely and accurate manner than E. C. Goodwin Technical High School instructor address most other programs. According to Siembab, “The The spring meeting began with program is designed primarily for a light dinner which was prepared by mechanical shops and allows shops to the culinary students at the school. input current vendors, view an exact Association members then met with illustration of the part, and research the automotive technology depart- availability of the part in real time. ment to learn how ASA-CT can aid Shops were encouraged to sign up for them in terms of curriculum, appren- a free trial made exclusive to ASAticeships and job placement. Two CT shops.” by Chasidy Rae Sisk

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 7

Police Officer Found Guilty of Accepting Kickbacks from Local Repair Shop in MD

Former Baltimore, Maryland police officer, Samuel Ocasio, was found guilty of extortion on May 2. In Supreme Court case (US 14-361), federal authorities charged Ocasio for accepting kickbacks from a Maryland auto body and repair shop. Between 2009 and 2011, the officer directed damaged ve-

pairs. The Mejia brothers would in exchange pay Corona between $150 and $300 per referral. As many as 60 additional officers allegedly joined in on the deal with Majestic. It was in 2009 that Ocasio made a similar arrangement with Majestic, which court documents said was the source of 90 percent of Majestic’s business in 2011.

hicles from accident scenes to Majestic Auto Repair Shop (Majestic) in exchange for payment from the shop owners, according to court documents. Testifying in the case were Majestic shop owners and brothers, Hernan Alexis Moreno Mejia and Edwin Javier Mejia. According to court reports, “In 2008, Majestic was struggling to attract customers, so Moreno and Mejia made a deal with a Baltimore police officer, Jhonn Corona.” The documents further stated that Officer Corona would send motorists who had been in accidents to Majestic for towing and re-

Ocasio, as well as the Mejia brothers and nine other Baltimore officers, were indicted by the District of Maryland in 2011. The Mejias and many of the other officers accepted plea bargains and pleaded guilty, while Ocasio did not. Ocasio was found guilty of one conspiracy count and three extortion counts. He attempted to appeal the District Court’s decision to the Supreme Court but was rejected. The Supreme Court has sentenced him to 18 months in prison. For additional information, see Supreme Court case Ocasio v. U.S., 14-361.

by Cass Heckel

As many as 60 additional officers allegedly joined in on the deal with Majestic

8 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Quincy Compressor Acquires Five Scales Technologies, Inc. Northeastern Branches

Quincy Compressor has acquired Scales Industrial Technologies, based in Carle Place, NY and operating from five locations in NY, NJ, PA, CT, and MA. The acquired company has been a Quincy distributor for more than 50 years.

pressor. “This acquisition allows us to focus on growing the business with the intention of strengthening our market presence in the Northeastern region.” Scales Industrial Technologies has about 180 employees and is focused on distribution, service and rental of compressors and air treatment systems for use in applications such as medical, general manufacturing and industrial. Scales also offers medical gas solutions for hospitals and laboratories. The business will operate as a division of Quincy Compressor LLC. Headquartered in Bay Minette, AL, Quincy Compressor is a designer and manufacturer of reciprocating and rotary screw air compressors, (l to r) Quincy Compressor President, John Thompson from one-third to 350 horseand Scales President William Scales complete the power; vacuum pumps and a Northeastern acquisition full line of air treatment com“The Scales organization has suc- ponents. Quincy has more than 450 cessfully developed a robust and broad employees worldwide, and its prodcustomer base, which is supported by a ucts are sold through multiple chanseasoned team of knowledgeable and nels, including a network of distridedicated employees,” said John butors, commercial retailers, online Thompson, president of Quincy Com- and company-owned stores.

Neighbors Say CT Body Shop Causing Traffic Problems by Michael Dinan, New Canaanite

A Main Street auto shop (in Canaan, CT) is treating a residential street nextdoor as its own parking lot, neighbors say, exacerbating traffic problems and safety hazards on what is already a busy, narrow road. AC Auto Body’s designated parking space on East Maple Street—a privilege enjoyed by the shop because it serves as the designated on-call wrecking service in emergencies—is problematic in that it affects sight lines and pinches the street, according to about a dozen neighbors who addressed members of the Police Commission on May 18. The auto shop also abuses the designated spot by parking more than one tow truck on the east side of the street and sometimes using the space for customer vehicles, according to East Maple Street resident David Shea. “The street is basically an extension of their lot,” Shea told the commissioners at their regular monthly meeting, held at the New Canaan Police Department. “This has become a complex parking and traffic situation,” he added, echoing some of the problems he ex-

pressed to the same group more than one year ago. “While we don’t have the expertise to know how to solve this problem, we do know that the AC Auto Body

hicles to access the street and the turn itself off of Main often is completely blind. The commission decided to address the problem of AC Auto Body’s tow trucks on East Maple first—possibly asking them to park not only in the Center School lot but possibly on Main Street, where C&H Auto (the Gulf Station) does. Then, Chairman Stuart Sawabini said, the commission would request a traffic study regarding more suggestions from the neighbors, including a change to on-street parking restricTow truck and school bus parked on East Maple Street. tions on East Maple. Credit: David Shea The neighbors noted that tow trucks really belong at the [Cen- it’s extremely difficult to pull out ter] School parking lot. They will have safely from their street onto Main, in easy access and plenty of space up part because the northbound traffic is there.” zipping along, looking at the traffic What was once a neighborhood light ahead at Cherry and often blockannoyance has become a more sub- ing motorists from pulling out of East stantial problem, since the New Maple at all. Canaan Cleaners moved into a comIt’s a hazard for pedestrians that mercial space on East Maple Street might require a full stop sign on Main near Main, Shea and others said. Street, the neighbors said. School buses now have a hard time Police Capt. John DiFederico turning onto East Maple from Main, responded that a traffic study would there’s little room for emergency ve- address the possibility, though stop

signs should not be installed in areas where motorists themselves are not anticipating them. It’s especially dangerous for pedestrians, who may develop a false sense of security when crossing a street, DiFederico said. He noted that it may be a better solution to install push-button activated flashing light beacons for pedestrians seeking to walk across Main at East Maple—similar to the ones going in now at God’s Acre. “That is something that we will consider as an option,” DiFederico said. “Maybe a stop sign won’t be appropriate but we will put that there to show that someone is crossing.” Thank you to the New Canaanite for reprint permission.

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Metropolitan Car-O-Liner® Distributor Expands Territory

Car-O-Liner, a global provider of collision repair solutions to the automotive aftermarket, has announced that Metropolitan Car-o-liner, the firstever U.S. distributor of Car-O-Liner products, is expanding its territory. Metropolitan’s current service area includes shops throughout NJ, CT, eastern PA, and eastern NY. They have now acquired the state of Delaware and the remaining part of Maryland on the DELMAR peninsula. “The expansion of our territory is a great opportunity to increase our service and support to shops in these new areas,” said Dave Demarest, Jr., president of Metropolitan Car-oliner. “Our skilled sales and service staff welcomes the opportunity to share our knowledge with a new group of customers and provide them with world-class support.” Metropolitan Car-o-liner recently relocated to an expanded office and training center in Mahwah, NJ. The company also celebrated its 37th year selling Car-O-Liner products. For more information on Metropolitan Car-o-liner, visit www.metrocol .com.

Cash, A Car and Some Advice for Auto Students in CT The Wilcox Technical High School automotive program got $10,000 and a used car on June 2, along with a warning about using third-party car parts on used vehicles.

torists about making proper repairs to used vehicles . Association President Anthony Ferraiolo commended the students in the program. “It’s a foundation for us to get our technicians from,” he said. “We feel that it’s very important for these kids to be trained ... to repair cars properly.” U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a board member on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, emphasized the importance of using original equipment manufacturer parts for repairs “This is going to be the difference between U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal shakes the hand of Wilcox Technical High School student Alex Loyola on Wednesday, life and death,” BlumenJune 1. Credit: Bryan Lipiner, Record-Journal thal said. “There is no body of The Auto Body Association of education more important than our Connecticut donated the car, a Suzuki vo-tech schools,” he said. Forenza, and the funds, which will be “They provide really critical, esused for supplies for the program. sential skills, for people with strong The association had purchased motivation to work hard and be part the vehicle, which was deemed un- of the economy.” safe use on roadways after it was Blumenthal discussed how he equipped with third-party car parts. has pushed for a law which would reThe group’s aim is to educate mo- quire used vehicles under recall to be

10 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

repaired before they are sold. Dave Kapitulik, coordinator for automotive technical schools, thanked Blumenthal and the association for their cooperation and donations. “It’s all about partnerships,” he said. Wilcox Tech Principal Joyce Mowrey asked Wilcox automotive students to share their knowledge with classmates. “The one thing that we know is that the biggest buyers of used cars are young drivers. You have a job now to learn from this, and share with your schoolmates, the kind of things you have to look for when you’re buying a safe, used car.” We thank the Record-Journal for reprint permission.

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OSHA: Auto Reconditioning Company in PA Failed to Protect Workers by Sandy Smith

Dent Wizard International Corp. is facing $51,000 in penalties for multiple safety failures at its Manheim, Pa. location. OSHA issued 31 serious and nine other-than-serious health and

Credit: EHS Today

safety citations on June 1. OSHA received a complaint alleging hazards in the company’s spray-painting operations, prompting an inspection on Dec. 14, 2015. The alleged serious violations included: Not training employees on chemical hazards. Not evaluating the workplace for respiratory hazards, and other respiratory protection deficiencies. Storing combustible waste in unsafe containers and not removing

them daily. Not ensuring that spray-painting areas were built with fire-resistant materials, sprinklers and dust tight lights, wiring, receptacles and breaker boxes. Permitting workers to use spray products containing toxic compounds with potential to cause asthmalike reactions, and with potential cancer risk to humans. Not providing adequate protective equipment and eye-wash stations. “Dent Wizard allowed heat lamps in spray painting booths, which created a serious fire risk and jeopardized worker safety,” said Kevin Kilp, OSHA’s area director in Harrisburg. “This and other dangerous safety and health hazards associated with using spray products with toxic compounds highlight the importance of protecting workers through an effective workplace safety and health program.” The agency also cited the company for permitting combustible residue accumulations on surfaces; lacking soap, tepid water or hand towels in portable toilets; and not having signs posted to forbid smoking in areas with flammable and combustible products in use.

CCCTC Students Receive Awards

Outstanding students at the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center (CCCTC) received awards for their hard work. Representatives from the

(l to r) Phil Schimizzi, store manager at Auto Zone, Clearfield; Marcus Hughes, Napa store manager, Clearfield; Joshua Kerlin, automotive mechanics co-outstanding student at CCCTC; Doug Hunter, Hunter’s Garage Napa Auto Care Center; and Dave Sterner, Snap-on-tools

Central Mountains Region Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) drove some of their antique cars to the CCCTC on Wednesday, May 18. Awards were presented to the outstanding student, Kirstan Eger, in the collision repair program and co-outstanding students Cody Fleming and Joshua Kerlin in the automotive mechanics program. The president of the AACA presented Eger and Fleming with an engraved plaque on a Sears Craftman five-door tool chest with a 300-piece high-polished tool set. Doug Hunter, owner of Hunter

Garage Napa Auto Care Center, presented Kerlin with an award containing several tools, a welding helmet, gift cards, and a monetary donation that Hunter Garage matched as well as other donated items from Auto Zone, Napa, and Snap-On-Tools. CCCTC partners with employers and community organizations to collaborate and ensure that students are learning the most current skills. According to the center, employers and community organizations are an integral part of designing and updating curriculum. The AACA holds their meetings on the third Wednesday of the month at the Grice Museum in Clearfield; new members are accepted. To learn more about the CCCTC, visit www.ccctc.edu.

“Dent Wizard should take immediate action to address the cited hazards to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees,” Kilp added. Based in Bridgeton, Mo., Dent Wizard International is the nation’s largest provider of automotive reconditioning services, and employs 1,600 technicians in the United States and Canada. Established in 1983, Dent Wizard provides on-site reconditioning services and products to the automotive industry through its relationships with dealerships, auto auctions, body shops, rental companies and insurance companies. Its services include dent repair, bumper repair, wheel repair, windshield chip repair, chip and scratch repair, headlight brightening, and key programming and replacement. Dent Wizard International has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with Kilp or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. We would like to thank EHS Today for reprint permission.

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Greg Coccaro Sr. Passes Away at 66 Greg Coccaro Sr., a much admired and well-respected member of the collision community, succumbed to cancer on Memorial Day. In 1970, Coccaro founded North State Custom, a Mercedes, BMW and Tesla certified shop in Bedford Hills, NY. North State was known for quality and integrity, and also for a protracted lawsuit waged against Progressive Insurance. Many saw it as a selfless fight for the industry and independent repairers. Search “Coccaro” on Autobody News for more on the Progressive suit. Coccaro’s Facebook page contains tributes from his many friends and colleagues, including the following statement posted by North State: “The Automotive Industry has lost a great friend, mentor, and ally. Gregory Coccaro Sr. was a beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend who did what he could to help others. His courage, inspiration, and dedication has forever changed the Collision Industry. You will be dearly missed. RIP Gregory Coccaro. You will forever be in our Hearts!”

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Co-outstanding student, Joshua Kerlin, Automotive Mechanics student at The Clearfield County Career and Technology Center (CCCTC) received an award for his outstanding work. Representatives from several local businesses donated to the award

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Continued from Page 3

OEM Training

sion Repair Facility Program. Gary Ledoux, Assistant National Manager, Collision Parts Marketing, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Chris Tobie, Collision Business Specialist, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

GENERAL MOTORS: Focus on the customer and the importance of a safe repair & overview of Cadillac CT6 Repair Procedures - With a wide range of repair challenges facing the industry GM is focused on helping bodyshops access information to make quality, safe repairs. This class will cover “what’s new” at GM along with how to access new repair information. GM will also discuss the repair procedures for the all new aluminum unibody Cadillac CT6. John Eck, Manager, Wholesale Dealer Channel, General Motors

TOYOTA MOTOR SALES: Work Smarter. Not Harder. New Skills For Repair Challenges! - James Meyer will demonstrate how Toyota’s Fix it Right the First Time philosophy pays

off. Hence our claim that Toyota Collision Repair & Refinish doesn’t cost, it pays. This will be accomplished through a presentation on a typical non-structural/structural repair challenge, in which some repairers might guess at the right thing to do instead of planning the repair using skill and information resources learned during instructor-led training. James Meyer, Technical Training Administrator, Sr., Toyota Motor Sales

SERVICE READY: HONDA - Join Honda’s Valerie Sullivan and her team as they show service repair shops how to be Service Ready for their brand. From Service information, Scan Tools, Key and immobilizer codes learn what is available and how you can utilize these resources to make your shop more successful when servicing American Honda vehicles. Valerie Sullivan, Parts & Service Communications, American Honda Motor Co. “The support and participation of the car manufacturers is significant to the show’s development. Although NACE | CARS received support in the past, the industry has never before experienced this level of OEM inSee OEM Training, Page 18

14 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ASA-CT 2016 Golf Outing Benefits Military Support Organization On Friday, June 3, ASA-CT held its sixth annual golf outing at the Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield, CT. Over 90 attendees participated in the event, which served to raise funds to donate to Enfield HOOAH, an organization that supports active duty military members and their families as well as veterans. According to Lisa Siembab, executive director of the association, “ASA-CT’s annual golf outing raises funds each year to give to local charities within the state, and this year, we chose Enfield HOOAH, located in Enfield, CT. Enfield HOOAH is responsible for a number of community-based projects that support active military members and their families at home.” Enfield HOOAH regularly sends

Free

care packages to active military members from the Enfield area. The organization also participates in special projects such as Wreaths Across America and Cookies for Camouflage. Enfield HOOAH was founded by Lori Gates, who is passionate about helping the military since her husband served 24 years in the U.S. Army. “We are honored to have an opportunity to help this wonderful project in just a small way. We will be donating monies and supplies to help with the soldier care packages in the fall,” said Siembab. Major sponsors for the event included Paul Francis & Company, BMW of Watertown, Hoffman Auto Group, ERAC, ABSAP, Kemperle, Balise, Sherwin Williams, Axalta and Norton.

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Chip Foose and KC Mathieu Demonstrate Spray Gun Duel at BASF Automotive Refinish Open House

On June 7, Chris Toomey, BASF senior vice president, Coatings Solutions North America, welcomed guests and hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for BASF’s new Houston competence center alongside members of the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce and real estate developer Trammel Crow. The highlight of the open house was the appearance of automotive designers Chip Foose, owner of Foose Design, and KC Mathieu, previously featured on Discovery Channel’s hit series Fast N’ Loud.

“Our new competence center in the Southwest illustrates our commitment, not only to the automotive refin-

ish market, but also to our distributors and collision repair shops in the area,” said Toomey. “It’s great to have Chip and KC here to highlight their commitment to Glasurit® and R-M®. We’re honored that top designers and restorers exclusively use BASF paint systems.” BASF opened the 13,000 square foot building in March. According to the company, the center includes the latest in virtual and in-person training facilities, state-of-the-art spray booths and market-leading application equipment to enable next generation training for all job functions in the collision repair industry. Caption: Chip Foose and KC Mathieu prepare For more information, visit for a spray gun duel at the BASF Houston www.basf.com. Competence Center Open House

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U.S. Aftermarket to Grow at an Annual Rate (CAGR) of 3.7% through 2019

The U.S. automotive aftermarket is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7 percent through 2019, according to the “2016 Joint Channel Forecast Model” produced jointly by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Auto Care Association. The 2016 Joint Channel Forecast Model also predicts that the total aftermarket sales will grow from $257.4 billion in 2015 to $296.3 billion in 2019, an increase of nearly $39 billion over the four-year period. “The forecast model demonstrates that despite strong new vehicle sales, moderating gas prices and improved miles driven are conditions conducive to continued steady growth,” said Bill Hanvey, Auto Care Association president and CEO. “Why? The average age of light vehicles—now up to 11.6 years--is the oldest ever, and the age mix of vehicles continues to favor older vehicles, creating a robust sweet spot for service and repair.” “The automotive aftermarket is a large and stable industry whose impressive growth, even through the Great Recession is forecasted to con-

tinue,” said Bill Long, president and chief operating officer, AASA. “The ‘Joint Channel Forecast Model’ is a valuable tool for all industry stakeholders in planning and positioning your business to capitalize on the opportunities ahead.” The market sizing and forecast is conducted on behalf of AASA and the Auto Care Association by IHS Automotive, an economic and market information firm. It is based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s Economic Census, IMR and Polk data, and proprietary IHS Automotive’s economic analysis and forecasting models. The Joint Channel Forecast Model is available at the AASA website, www.aftermarketsuppliers.org, and in the Auto Care Association’s 2017 Digital Auto Care Factbook, available at www.autocare.org

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Rhode Island Telematics Bill Stalls in Committee

On May 24, the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 2055. This legislation attempts to regulate the generation, collection, analysis, dissemination and sharing of connected-car vehicle data. The Automotive Service Alliance (ASA) opposes S.B. 2055. Prior to the hearing, ASA submitted a letter explaining its position on the bill to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Michael J. McCaffrey. In the letter, ASA’s legislative representative, Robert L. Redding Jr., said: “SB 2055 is not about the ability to repair vehicles as proponents of the bill have suggested; all of the information necessary to diagnose and repair an automobile is readily available to consumers and all repair

Lawsuit Filed Against PA Broker Accused of Selling Vehicles Without Proper Licenses

facilities. In fact, ASA, in collaboration with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance) recently launched a new comprehensive online resource at OErepairinfo.com to further assist independent repair professionals and interested consumers in accessing factory tools, service information, programming software and more. And automakers have entered into a 50-state Memorandum of Understanding that ensures access to tools and electronic service information and data necessary to repair any vehicle; legislation in Rhode Island is not necessary for service and repair needs.” To see the full text of Senate Bill 2055, please visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane’s office recently announced the filing of a civil lawsuit against a Dauphin County man alleged to have advertised the sale of more than 30 vehicles over the past year without being properly licensed. The lawsuit against Theodore J. Sopko seeks to permanently ban Sopko from selling vehicles without a license and to recover restitution for consumers affected by Sopko’s allegedly deceptive business practices. According to the lawsuit, Sopko, of Hershey, “has shown a remarkable unwillingness, inability or recalcitrance to running an automobile business in a lawful manner in the Commonwealth.” It is alleged that he presented himself as a vehicle “broker,” a practice which is illegal under Pennsylvania law. It is further alleged that Sopko advertised the sale of more than 30 vehicles on the Internet, even though he was not properly licensed as a dealer or a salesperson at the locations where the transactions allegedly took place. The lawsuit states that Sopko also violated a civil settlement that

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he reached with the Office of Attorney General in 1996. The settlement, reached in the form of an assurance of voluntary compliance, alleged that Sopko sold motor vehicles without being properly licensed. Six months after that settlement was reached, Sopko violated the settlement by selling a shoddy vehicle to a consumer. Based on that sale, the Office of Attorney General moved for sanctions in 1997. The Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas agreed, and along with being ordered to pay restitution and other penalties, Sopko was suspended from car sales for 90 days. Sopko was later held in contempt for violating a court order because he sold three vehicles during the 90-day suspension. The contempt order was upheld on appeal. The current lawsuit filed against Sopko seeks $1,000 for every violation of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, as well as $3,000 for every violation involving a consumer 60 years old or older. The lawsuit further seeks payment to cover investigative and legal costs.

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Shop Strategies with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR

Stacey Phillips is the assistant editor at Autobody News magazine. She has more than 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications. She can be reached at sphillips@autobodynews.com.

Massachusetts Collision Center Finds Multiple Benefits Hiring Students in Family Business More than a decade ago, Cape Auto Collision Center in Plymouth, MA, began hiring co-op students from local technical high schools to help in the body shop. Kevin Gallerani, owner of Cape Auto, said it has become an important part of the family-run business.

same location that my service department is currently in. We have a service department at 53 Samoset Street with 20 employees. The collision center, with 17 employees, is located at 115 Sandwich Street.

Can you tell us about the Q: co-op program and the benefits of having students working at your business?

We have been involved with A: co-ops for at least 10 years. We have a co-op program at our

collision center and our service center every year. We use students from Plymouth South Technical School and Upper Cape Cod ReKathy Chaves, customer care representative at gional Technical High School. The Cape Auto Body, with Mark MacKinnon, service benefit of having students in the advisor co-op program is that we get a chance to try them out and test their One of their co-op students, Fred mechanical skills and their work Teed, qualified to compete in the naethics. We can then train and mold the tional SkillsUSA competition held in Louisville, KY, June 20–24 as Auto- technicians to fix vehicles the way that we want and need them fixed. They body News went to press. We talked to Gallerani about the learn what is expected at an early age. benefits he has found hiring students How long do they usually work over the years as part of the co-op proat your business, and are any of gram. them hired full time? How did your family get started in the collision repair business? Usually, we have at least two students at each shop every Cape Auto (the name) was es- year and sometimes they don’t make tablished in 1952, but my famit or they do not stay in the trade. I ily’s body shop goes back much would say less than 20 percent actufurther. My great grandfather was fix- ally make it. We are always looking ing crashed vehicles in the ‘30s under for new employees as we grow, and the name Alphonso’s Auto Body at the that’s why we keep looking to the

Q: A:

Continued from Page 14

OEM Training

volvement. Service and repair professionals will benefit from attending and learning directly from the car manufacturers on how to repair the cars of today and tomorrow,” said Dan Risley, ASA president and executive director. According to NACE, “No other event offers this level and diversity of repair training while bringing to-

Q: A:

gether all facets of the automotive industry like NACE | CARS. Targeting business owners, management and technicians, this conference and exposition brings together all market segments for the latest and most comprehensive repair solutions, services, education, products and technology.”

For more information, visit www .NACE expo.com or www.CARSevent .com.

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18 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

schools for students.

every year, and you need to look to the schools for the technicians of the future.

What advice can you give to Q: other shop owners who are conHow will co-op programs like sidering using students? the ones you participate in help Q: the industry? I would recommend that all A: shops look to trade schools for It is very hard to find good students. It is a lot more work than just A: qualified employees in this

Cape Auto Body, located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, was established in 1952

hiring a technician off the street, but the value is much stronger. You train the technicians to learn your philosophy and expectations. Technicians get older

trade. Most kids are pushed to go to college by parents and guidance counselors, but we still need technicians in many service trades. Who will fix our cars in the future? The average age of a collision technician is 40 right now and it is rising because it is hard to find younger technicians in the trade. There are great jobs available, and vocational schools need to convince their new students of this.

For more information, visit www .capeautorepairs.com or call (508) 7470316.

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 19

Continued from Cover

MI Bill Veto

compromise. The amendments were made and voted on in the Senate with a 33-4 vote in favor of the amended bill and returned to the House. On May 31, Rep. Pettalia reintroduced an amendment to the bill that provided the opportunity for the vehicle owner to authorize in writing the use of non-certified aftermarket parts during a repair. The House then voted on the bill with 86-23 in favor and sent to the Senate for concurrence to the changes, which did occur. It also received an affirmative vote of 33-3 the next day with one Senator being absent. The following amendment was added to House Bill 4344: If a motor vehicle repair facility that is subject to this act replaces a major component part described in section 2A(A)(iii) to (xiv) during the term of the vehicle manufacturer’s original warranty, or during the first 5 years of the vehicle manufacturer’s original warranty, whichever is less, the motor vehicle repair facility shall replace the major component part, and a person

that is an owner or operator of the out that some parts, such as fenders, motor vehicle repair facility shall engrills, door skins, bumper covers, etc. sure that the major component part is are primarily cosmetic and ‘are irrelereplaced with 1 of the following: vant to crash safety.’ This bill doesn’t (A) A new original equipment sufficiently delineate between the two manufacturer part; types of parts, thereby limiting the use (B) A used or a recycled original of safe, high-quality aftermarket parts equipment manufacturer part; designed specifically for particular ve(C) A part that meets hicles.” any applicable federal motor In his veto letter, Snyder vehicle safety standards esalso voiced concern that HB tablished under 49 CFR 571, 4344 would negatively affect and meets the standards for auto insurance prices in parts recognized as OEM Michigan. “Requiring OEM comparable quality as veriparts when a perfectly suitfied by the Certified Automoable and safe aftermarket part Ray Fisher tive Parts Association, NSF is available at a lower price file photo International, or another nawill result in higher costs to tionally recognized automotive parts insurers; higher costs which will be testing agency. passed on to consumers in the form of (D) A part that does not meet subincreased premiums, deductibles, or division (A), (B), or (C), if the facility is both,” he said. “Those increased costs directed by the owner of the motor vewould be directly attributable to artifihicle in writing to install that part. cially limiting competition by requir“On its face, this policy seems to ing OEM parts when less expensive be intended to protect consumers and aftermarket parts are available.” ensure vehicles are safely repaired. That The Auto Care Association (ACA) is a laudable goal,” Snyder wrote. “The issued a press release on June 3 voicInsurance Institute for Highway Safety ing the association’s concerns over the indicates that some structural parts, such bill being passed and urged members as bumpers, do impact a consumer’s in Michigan to contact the governor’s safety. However, the Institute also points office and request that he veto the bill.

20 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ACA said the new restrictions using “major component parts” only apply to sheet metal and body parts. “The Auto Care Association is extremely concerned with the bill author’s intent to restrict the vehicle repair community’s access to the broad range of non-OEM parts,” ACA wrote in the press release. “Based on this language, it would not be difficult for vehicle manufacturers to lobby to extend these requirements to many other aftermarket parts, as we have seen attempted in other states. Such action would provide a clear competitive advantage for OEM parts over those sources from the independent aftermarket.” The ACA applauded the governor’s veto. “We had a tremendous effort from the industry to communicate directly with the governor’s office and I have to thank everyone who took the time to personally write the governor,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of ACA. “We worked hard to sit down with the stakeholders early on in this process, but those efforts did not produce the compromise we were seeking, and we are very grateful that Governor Snyder See MI Bill Veto , Page 22

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MI Bill Veto

had the astute ability to get to the heart of the matter and send this bill back to the legislature.”

Ray Fisher of ASA-MI Responds Autobody News spoke to Ray Fisher, executive director of ASA-Michigan, about House Bill 4344. Fisher has been on a mission to update the state law in order to ensure that all parts used in collision repairs are certified. What is your reaction to GoverQ: nor Rick Snyder’s veto of HB 4344?

It is disappointing, but we reA: main optimistic and focused on our cause. There was a great deal of

misinformation that circulated that was never part of HB 4344 and created fear. I could spend time contesting various statements, but what good would that serve? The governor, by law, had only 14 days to respond or it became law, so his window of opportunity to be completely informed on the issue with so many other things going on was limited

– keep in mind we have the Flint water crisis and the challenges of the Detroit Public Schools needing his attention. Our objective remains that it is the right thing to do and we will continue forward with our goal accordingly.

Can you give us some backQ: ground about The Motor Vehicle Service Repair Act and how you

became involved in helping to update it?

Michigan is one of multiple A: states that with a few exceptions, requires an automotive repair

facility and its technicians to be registered/licensed under the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act (Act 300 of 1974). Technicians must also identify the specialties they employ. The act has had very few updates since its inception. Upon taking over as executive director of ASA-Michigan in January 2010, I began working with the secretary of state’s office to update the bill. Off and on for the previous 10 years it was discussed but really did not seem to get anywhere outside of a few meetings. We began with our collision and mechanical division committees here in

22 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Michigan, met with key personnel at the secretary of state’s office and also held meetings at a grass root level with some of the legislators, both in the House and Senate. We stayed focused on the issues and continued on our path. In 2014, a state representative had a constituent that had been taken advantage of in the Metro Detroit area and the representative was surprised about some of the “holes in the system” that had occurred over the past 40 years. Unfortunately, it took a victim to prioritize this task, but we were already there and working on things, so it began moving quickly.

1974, under the definitions of fraud and misrepresentation, the verbiage of “merchantability of parts” was used. Over the past decade or more, I was hearing more and more from the collision repair industry about the quality of some of the aftermarket parts they were being asked to use. Due to today’s vehicles having multiple airbag systems, seatbelt tensioners and other safety devices on their vehicles, I could no longer accept the vagueness of the term “merchantability of parts,” so I sought to define it and took props as I did – my job was to protect my independent repair facilities and they in turn, their customers!

the new term and the bill was introduced. It weathered multiple meetings, went through the sub-committee with a few changes and onto the House floor where it was delayed – basically because what has been deemed “controversy over aftermarket parts.” In a section of the rules from

the changes were to update the law; a lot has changed in 42 years. Picture for a second a 1974 Chevrolet Impala and a 2016 Chevrolet Impala…I would say the vehicles and technology have changed a little. Paraphrasing the law as it currently stands from 1974, any-

When was House Bill 4344 inQ: troduced? What were some of the changes Q: incorporated into the bill? A bill was first introduced in 2014, but it had little time for A: Keep in mind that this applies to the 60 plus pages of revision. In the A: mechanical and collision repair spring of 2015, it was resurrected with facilities here in Michigan, so many of

See MI Bill Veto , Page 25

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MI Bill Veto

thing $20 or more had to have a written estimate before work could be performed and if any additional work was needed, the work could not exceed $10 or 10% of the original cost, whichever was less. In 1974, we could buy and install a headlight for under $20! What changed were things not applicable back in 1974. Since 1974, we have all come up with “best practices” that may have us start with a “zero” dollar amount and providing a written estimate before any work is performed, but still, we needed to update the “what if” scenarios. I took in a chart with a calculation using the consumer price index (CPI) calculator and showed that $20 then was like $83 now. I wanted to get mechanical facilities to at least get their costs covered if they were to spend a little time using a scanner. The same holds true on the additional amounts. Unfortunately, we had to compromise logic during the process as I was seeking to raise it to $100, but the language as it is written in the bill allows for $50 or more, requiring a

deal of responsibility and liability back on the consumer and off of the collision repair professional, which is still a win for the industry I represent.

What was the main intention of Q: being proactive and getting involved in this legislation?

stayed focused on was requiring aftermarket parts to be certified by a national third-party entity that would be able to say the parts are comparable to an OEM standard, hence certifying the part. As the bill evolved, we were quick to add language that clearly stated that recycled or used OEM parts could also be used. As the bill continued, many compromises were made but were never “good enough” to opposing parties, so we went as far as we were willing to bend. The final language is not what I had originally intended, but it was the best compromise while meeting the objective.

cars, our friend’s cars and our family’s cars. We NEVER introduced any legislation to the House or Senate at any given time that prevented aftermarket mechanical parts like some organizations have falsely published. We NEVER introduced legislation at any time that prevented the sale of any aftermarket parts nor any used/recycled parts; something that was also falsely published, emailed and communicated. However, what we did do and

The collision repairer will finally see only quality parts coming through their door and in turn, reduce their liability significantly. Though I am not in agreement, the bill will also require the consumer to direct a repair facility in writing to use a non-certified aftermarket part during the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty period or a period of five years, whichever is less. This puts a great

and OEM parts?

written estimate and then additional costs were increased to 10% or $50, whichever is less. There are quite a few changes that brought the rules over into law as well, taking “interpretation” out of the equation. It also has laid some groundwork for better use of technology as we move forward. A lot has been accomplished in the bill that doesn’t get talked about as much because of the addressing of the merchantability of parts.

What is the association’s posion this bill? Q: tion As already mentioned, we preA: ferred our original language regarding the use of aftermarket sheet

metal parts because we believe it was the right thing to do, but as compromise was required, we remain 100% supportive of this legislation as it is written.

Our focus was to make sure that What are the implications for What is the general consensus A: these parts had a requirement Q: collision repair shops in Michi- Q: from collision repair shops in before being put on our consumer’s gan if the bill is passed? the state about the use of aftermarket

Too often we forget the presA: sure these repair facilities are under when performing collision re-

pair. They have a customer who has gone through a tragic event disrupting their lives and is seeking almost instantaneous results; they have various tasks coming at them during the process; if they are part of a program, See MI Bill Veto, Page 32

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National Science Foundation Offers Grant for Training Tomorrow’s Technicians Emphasizing the importance of advanced materials in automotive design, the National Science Foundation has awarded a Michigan community college $200,000 for lightweight vehicle manufacturing education. Awarded on May 10, the money will pay for Washtenaw Community College (WCC) curriculum related to making bodies-in-white and other auto parts out of lighter, stronger materials. The grant also will fund the addition of lightweighting as a consideration into a regional (Great Lakes) auto design challenge. The college is partnering with Wayne State University (WSU). The goal is to engage industry and educators in developing a talent pipeline and initial curriculum addressing the material properties as well as optimization and manufacturing processes associated with lightweight materials at the high school and community college levels to meet emerging industry needs for technicians in the manufacturing industry. A central element of this proposal involves the introduction of a new arrangement of course design and delivery. The manufacturing industry is shifting to a systems approach rather

than the traditional silo manufacturing practices. WCC will utilize this project to create a model for community college curriculum development utilizing this systems approach. The overview course will be multidisciplinary, project-based and designed around specific lightweight materials or categories of materials (aluminum alloys, plastics and polymers, carbon fiber composites, etc.) rather than focused on specific manufacturing disciplines. For each material or group of materials, the course will be arranged so that an overview of the material properties, applications, design for manufacturability, and manufacturing processes will be presented. As an introductory course, this will facilitate students identifying specific areas of interest in which to continue their studies. It will also provide a broader context for these students to build a systems approach into their study of advanced manufacturing or advanced transportation. A comprehensive evaluation is being developed to continuously enhance the project activities and provide opportunities for researching and evaluating the success of the project and its deliverables, as well as the sharing of best practices.

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U.S. House Hearings

plained how quality training benefits not only the students, but their community and the specific industry overall. “Toyota’s direct and indirect employment needs in the U.S. are significant,” Bates said. “In fact, they are much like other large-scale, engineering-based and advanced manufacturing companies in the United States. Consequently, Toyota faces formidable challenges arising from our country’s skills gap. “By ‘skills gap,’ I mean the mismatch between the demands of a rapidly changing workplace and the shortfalls in the academic preparations that young people have acquired in high school and college. For example, the job of a maintenance technician at Toyota Bodine is very different today than it was 15 years ago. In the past, a technician likely focused on just one craft, say electrical. Today, that technician is expected to perform multiple tasks such as electrical, fluid power and mechanical. In the 10 years my plant has been operational, we were never at 100

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percent employment in this job category—that is until now, thanks to the collaborations we have with the local education system.” The members of the committee echoed the witnesses’ concerns. In his opening statement, Rep. John Kline, chairman, R-Minn., said, “This is an important conversation to have now because an anemic economy has made good-paying jobs hard to come by… For young people entering this kind of job market, having the right skills and experience is essential. Career and technical education programs can provide these critical tools, and we have to ensure federal support for these programs is delivered in the most efficient and effective manner possible. The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry. See www.ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2900.

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Tennessee Steering Lawsuit Against Progressive Insurance Dismissed by Stacey Phillips

A lawsuit filed by a Tennessee body shop against Progressive Hawaii Insurance Corporation for alleged “steering” and underpayment of claims has been dismissed. In 2011, Price’s Collision Centers sued the insurance company for tortious interference of business relationships and breach of contract. A court date had been set for this fall. The case was dismissed in April with prejudice, which means it cannot be refiled. There was no reason given for the ruling, and William Ramsey of Neal & Harwell, the lead attorney for the Plaintiff, declined to comment on the case. Progressive Insurance also declined to comment. Each party will pay their own attorney fees and other costs related to the case. Based in Brentwood, Williamson County, TN, Price’s Collision Centers was established in 2000 and currently operates nine full-service collision center locations in Tennessee and Kentucky. Price’s Collision, owned by Bobby Price, originally filed the claim on behalf of two of its cus-

tomers, Anne Crockett and Nicole Crosby. Both customers brought in their vehicles to be repaired following two separate accidents that occurred in June 2011. While repairing the vehicles, auto body technicians at Price’s identified additional repairs that were not on the original estimates written up by Progressive. The body shop requested that the supplemental repairs be approved. Despite repeated requests, the Plaintiff alleged that Progressive refused to pay for the charges, which were $693.01 for a 2007 Honda Accord and $927.04 for a 2010 Honda Civic LX. Crockett and Crosby both asked the body shop to file a claim on their behalf and the cases were eventually consolidated. Price’s sued for breach of contract, violations of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and tortious interference with business relationships in 2011. After the court ruled against Price’s Collision, the body shop appealed the case in November of that year. In 2013, the court dismissed the claim of TCPA. In court documents, Price’s Collision claimed that “…the Defen-

28 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

dant’s refusal to pay for the supplemental repairs is part of a broader campaign waged against the Plantiff’s business.” They further stated, “… in an effort to damage the Plaintiff’s business and ultimately drive the Plaintiff from the marketplace, the Defendant ‘steers’ customers away from the Plaintiff’s shop either by actively discouraging its customers from having repairs done at the Plaintiff’s shop and/or by discouraging customers from returning to the Plaintiff’s shop by refusing to pay for the total amount of the repair and leaving the customer ultimately responsible for the balance of the cost of the repair.” David Edwards, a former of employee of Progressive, provided a sworn affidavit in 2014. Edwards worked as an estimator, supervisor, network manager and expert process property damage specialist during the 17 years he was employed at the insurance company. His final job was as a managed repair representative, assisting in writing estimates in areas with high volume. In 2014, he worked exclusively with

claimants or insureds who brought their vehicles to Price’s. “In my opinion, Progressive employees did intentionally steer insureds and claimants way from Price’s Collision Center,” Edwards said in the affidavit. “Progressive employees would do so by saying derogatory things about Price’s Collision Centers to the insureds and/or claimants. For example, Progressive employees would tell claimants or insureds that repairs at Price’s would take an inordinate amount of time, would cost too much, and would leave the insured potentially liable for the cost of a repair that was not ‘guaranteed.’ At the same time, the Progressive employees would be talking positively about network shops to induce the insured or claimant to bring his or her vehicle in network.” Edwards further stated that, “In instances where a Progressive insured or claimant would bring his or her car to Price’s despite the steering, Progressive routinely denied payment on supplements. Despite these supplements being for required repairs, Progressive regularly refused to pay for See TN Lawsuit, Page 34

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MS and IN Lawsuits

“…by conspiring to suppress the amounts they are obligated to pay for automobile repairs,” according to court documents.

Mississippi Case Capitol Body Shop, et al v. State Farm, et al. was the first of the 24 lawsuits filed. The court dismissed the claims in the Mississippi case on February 27, 2015 and the plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint. They alleged violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act, state law claims for tortious interference with business relations, quantum meruit, and a violation of Mississippi Code. In 2015, Magistrate Judge Thomas Smith was asked by Judge Presnell to prepare a Report and Recommendation on whether or not the lawsuits’ should be allowed to move forward. Except for four tortious interference claims, Judge Smith recommended that the state law claims be dismissed with prejudice in the Mississippi lawsuit. However, on May 27, Judge Presnell dismissed all of the state claims in the case. In regards to tortious interference, “…the plaintiffs contend that the defendants tortiously interfered with their prospective business relationships by ‘steering’ insureds who intended to have repairs performed by one of the plaintiffs of a competing shop,” court documents stated. According to Mississippi law, there are four elements to prove this claim:

1) The acts were intentional and willful; 2) The acts were calculated to cause damage to the plaintiffs in their lawful business; 3) The acts were done with the unlawful purpose of causing damage and loss, without right or justifiable cause on the part of the defendant (which constitutes malice); 4) Actual damage and loss resulted.

According to court documents, Judge Smith determined that most were too vague and conclusory to state a claim. However, he did note in his Report and Recommendation four instances when the plaintiffs alleged that a defendant steered its insured away from a plaintiff’s shop and recommended

that the claims not be dismissed. Judge Presnell disregarded this recommendation and dismissed the claim of tortious interference with prejudice. “To state a claim for tortious interference, the plaintiffs must allege that the acts were done with malice— that is, with the unlawful purpose of causing damage and loss,” said Presnell in court documents. “There are no allegations that these plaintiffs had complained about the payment ceilings set by the defendants, so punishment could not have been the driving force behind the steering.” The plantiffs based their quantum meruit claim “… on the defendants’ refusal to pay what the plaintiffs believed to be the true market price for the repairs they performed,” according to court documents. Quantum Meruit refers to the reasonable amount to be paid for services when a contract doesn’t exist. In order to establish grounds for quantum meruit under Mississippi law, a prerequisite is a “claimant’s reasonable expectation of compensation.” In his Report and Recommendation, Judge Smith concluded that the plaintiffs knew the cost the defendant was willing to pay when performing a repair, so there couldn’t have been an expectation to be paid more. In regards to the statutory claim, the plaintiffs argued that according to Mississippi Code, insurers are prohibited from having vehicles be repaired at certain shops and are required to pay for a proper and fair repair of the insured’s vehicle. Planitiffs alleged that the defendants violated these obligations. “Judge Smith found that the statutory provision did not impose a duty upon insurers to pay the price of a ‘proper and fair repair’ and, in addition, it did not provide for a private right of action,” court documents stated. The Sherman Antitrust Acts were resolved by a different order.

Indiana Case Following the dismissal of claims in the Indiana case on March 30, 2015, the plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint. They asserted two claims for alleged violations of the Sherman Act, state law claims for tortious interference with a business relationship, and quantum meruit. The Sherman Antitrust Act claims were previously dismissed, with prejudice. In Judge Smith’s Report and Recommendation, he stated that all of the

30 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

plaintiff’s state law claims be dismissed with prejudice. After consideration, Judge Presnell concurred with his recommendation. Regarding tortious interference, the plaintiffs alleged that the defendants, “have repeatedly steered and attempted to steer customers who have either initiated or verbalized the intent to initiate a business relationship/ transaction with a plaintiff from the plaintiffs’ respective businesses through their repeated campaign of misrepresentation of facts, failure to verify facts damaging or tending to cause damage to the plantiffs’ business reputations before conveying the same to members of the public…implications of poor quality work, poor quality efficiency, poor business ethics and practices, and unreliability.” Under Indiana law, to prove a claim of tortious interference with a business relationship, there needs to be the following:

1) The existence of a valid business relationship; 2) of which the defendant knew; 3) in which the defendant intentionally and illegally interfered; 4) without justification; and

5) damage to the plaintiff resulting from the defendant’s interference.

In his Report and Recommendation, Judge Smith concluded that the plaintiffs did not state a claim for tortious interference. According to court documents, he found that none of the four instances of steering cited by the plaintiffs were alleged to be successful. “As such, none of the plaintiffs had suffered a cognizable injury resulting from the interference, as required to state a claim under Indiana law.” The plaintiffs’ also alleged quantum meruit. According to court documents, “They complain that they have “performed valuable services and expended material resources with the reasonable expectation of payment/ compensation’ but that the defendants have refused to provide ‘full payment’ for those services and materials.” The three elements for a claim of quantum meruit, under Indiana law are: 1) a benefit conferred upon another at the express or implied request of this other party; 2) allowing the other party to retain See MS and IN Lawsuits, Page 32

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ASA Announces New Advice Blog by Industry Veteran Bill Haas Bill Haas, AAM, owner of Haas Performance Consulting LLC is contributing a monthly article on business management-related issues to the Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) blog found at ASAshop.org. Haas has spent more than 40 years in the automotive service industry. According the the ASA, this depth of expertise gives him a wealth of insider perspective on the business challenges that shop owners deal with on a daily basis. Those day-to-day issues will be the subject of Haas’s unique take on service-related and shop management advice. Titled “Coach’s Corner,” Haas’ column will offer business solutions to ASA members and nonmembers alike. His first installment deals with the need to offer training programs to a shop owner’s working techs to ensure their continued service meets the quality performance standards the owner has established. “Bill Haas is a well-respected industry leader and we are fortunate to have him contributing to the ASA Blog,” said Dan Risley, president and executive director of ASA. “Bill has a proven track record of providing train-

ing and information to help shop owners and managers better manage their business. Our members will benefit from his experience and knowledge.” Currently, Haas provides coaching and consulting to automotive shops. During his career, he also has worked as a technician in a new car dealership and in several independent shops, as well as a shop manager, parts counter professional, shop owner and technical trainer. Since 2002, he has been a member of the Automotive Management Institute (AMi) faculty. Haas also served as vice president of education and training for ASA, where he worked with shop owners and managers, advisory committees, vehicle manufacturers, information providers, tool and equipment companies, insurance companies, parts suppliers, program groups and related industry organizations. To read Bill Haas’ inaugural blog post, visit www.ASAshop.org.

www.autobodynews.com

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they are constantly being measured; and lastly they need to be competitive while remaining profitable. So, anytime their touch time increases, their parts procurement is stalled or their cycle time overall is affected, their production goes down and their profits decrease and/or become a loss. One of the complaints we continue to hear is that some of these parts that probably shouldn’t even be available in the market are being requested for replacement on a 2015 vehicle, and in their gut they feel these parts won’t perform as they should, but were never tested to validate these concerns. I sometimes think that today we use the term “free market system” when all other debates fail, but we also have to understand that when it was identified as a free market system, we were also teaching “business ethics” in high school. Putting a fiveyear-old in a major league baseball game and saying “good luck” is not “fair competition” – these parts are the five-year-old and have no business being forced into the game!

the benefit without restitution would be unjust; and 3) the plaintiff expected payment.

MI Bill Veto

MS and IN Lawsuits

“As was the case within the Amended Complaint, Judge Smith found that the plaintiffs admit that they knew, ahead of time, how much the defendants intended to pay for each repair and therefore could not have had a reasonable expectation of receiving more than that amount,” court documents stated. “Similarly, Judge Smith again found that the plaintiffs had failed to allege that they had conferred benefits on the defendants, because the services and materials were provided to the defendants’ insureds rather than to the defendants themselves.”

Autobody News will continue to report on developments with the multidistrict lawsuit(s).

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Preparations Underway for Fall Automechanika Chicago Commitment to Training Events

Automechanika Chicago and its organizers Messe Frankfurt and UBM Americas | Automotive Group (formerly Advanstar Communications, Inc.) had more than 100 automotive professionals attend their inaugural single-day training program at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI. Preparations are underway for two fall events in cooperation with technical colleges in select markets to help support automotive repair professionals in the service repair and collision repair markets. According to Automechanika, the series of free training programs began in May as part of a new “Commitment To Training” initiative supported by the generosity of industry sponsors. Top instructors from both the mechanical and

collision repair industries presented their classes to full rooms. Automotive professionals from as far away as New York, New Hampshire, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia and Ontario, Canada attended the event. Attendees received certificates toward continuing education credits, including AMi and NATEF certifications. The facility hosted the inaugural event as part of the initiative aimed at training today’s automotive professionals while providing them with a network to learn from peers. “I’m very excited by the response to our first one-day training event,” said Pete Meier, director of training for UBM’s Automotive Group, which includes Motor Age and ABRN magazines. “The professionals who attended

G. Jerry Truglia of Technicians Service Training educates auto shop technicians about proper diagnostic techniques during May’s Automechanika Chicago Commitment to Training event at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Mich. Credit: PRNews Foto/UBM Americas)

the event really understand the need to continue learning about the changing technology and procedures needed to re-

pair vehicles today. I think they all took away lessons they can use immediately in their shops around the country.” Mike Rowe, a technician at H&I Expert Auto Care in Rochester Hills, MI, learned about the event through Motor Age Training and while studying to become ASE certified. “I want to be better at what I’m doing and have answers for questions from customers,” he said, adding he was excited to learn from Meier and his electrical and scope class. “I’ve seen him on YouTube, and seeing him in real life was a lot of fun and very informative.” Trainers for the sessions included Mike Anderson of Collision Advice; G. Jerry Truglia of ATTS and TST; Larry Montanez of P&L Consultants; Brad Mewes of Supplement, and Meier. In additional to his two educational sessions, Anderson presented an industry keynote during breakfast and representatives from the Advanced Transportation Center at Washtenaw Community College introduced attendees to the program that focuses on connected vehicles and the associated infrastructure. Attendees toured the facility following a catered lunch. The event at Washtenaw Community College was the first of three nocost live events scheduled for 2016. Events are scheduled for Oct. 15 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, WI and Nov. 19 at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, IL. Details of the events will be available once registration begins later this summer. The Commitment to Training program is made possible by support from manufacturer sponsors Carquest Technical Institute, Delphi, Garmat USA, Abaris Training, Mitchell 1, PPG, Polyvance, Pico Technology, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket, Mitchell International, Motor Age Training, Axalta and GFS. “We’re very fortunate to have the involvement of leading companies in the service repair and collision repair market as we continue our ongoing efforts to properly train shop owners, managers, technicians and educators,” said Jim Savas, vice president of UBM Americas, Automotive Group. “This program, in partnership with vocational colleges in Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin will feature instructors known for providing outstanding content that can help shops keep pace with changing vehicle technology.” The initiative culminates at Automechanika Chicago 2017, scheduled for July 26-29 in Chicago. For more information, visit http://automechanika .searchautoparts.com/commitment-totraining.

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 33

10 Students Awarded Grants to Attend SkillsUSA’s Conference Ten state gold medalists will be attending the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville June 20-24 with support from contributions from the Troy Holm Memorial Fund. Created by PartsTrader in memory of collision industry member Troy Holm, the fund assists students with travel grants and other forms of assistance needed to attend the national event. The donation ensures the “best of the best” from around the country are represented at the national contest. The Fund is facilitated by the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). The 10 student recipients and their schools include: Alex Akers - Oxford Hills Technical School (Norway, ME) Lyric Arms - Walla Walla Community College (Walla Walla, WA) Zane Butler - Greenville Tech College (Greenville, SC) Daniel Graber II - Lincoln College of Technology (Indianapolis, IN) Emit Hoyt - Oxford Hills Technical School (Norway, ME) Tyrell Kirk - Walla Walla Community College (Walla Walla, WA) Eden Gabrielle Mays Greenville Tech College (Greenville, SC) Kenneth Ocasio - Central Montco

Tech High School (Plymouth Meeting, PA) Dariel Saldana - Automotive Training Center (Warminster, PA) Shelby Woods - Southwestern Community College (Creston, IA) “PartsTrader congratulates these deserving state winners and wishes them continued success as they compete at the national SkillsUSA competition. Troy Holm was a passionate advocate for the collision industry, and there is no better way to honor him,” said Dustin Whitehead, national sales manager for PartsTrader. “The team at PartsTrader is proud to assist these state champions as they continue their pursuit of excellence in the collision repair industry.” Collision industry members are encouraged to contribute to the Troy Holm Memorial Fund to ensure that as many deserving collision and refinishing students can participate in next year’s national championships. Members interested in supporting this fund are asked to contact CREF director of development Brandon Eckenrode at (847) 463-5244.

www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT!

Sherwin-Williams Announces Partnership with CARSTAR

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes has announced a newly expanded partnership with Driven Brands as an approved automotive coatings vendor to the U.S. segment of CARSTAR North America’s network in the United States. “We deeply value our relationship with Sherwin-Williams,” said Michael Macaluso, president of CARSTAR North America. “Sherwin-Williams is well known as a world leader in the coatings industry, and we look forward to leveraging its products, infrastructure, operational expertise, and local support for our hundreds of franchises.” Rob Lynch, senior vice president of Sherwin-Williams Automotive added, “We are proud to expand upon our long standing strategic partnership with Driven Brands, and to partner with the U.S. team at CARSTAR. Our direct service model provides the perfect venue to support franchisees in delivering consistent, predictable outcomes that their customers expect. CARSTAR is a powerful force in the collision industry and we are pleased to be one of its preferred partners.” For more information, visit www.sherwin-automotive.com.

Continued from Page 28

TN Lawsuit

supplemental repairs requested by Price’s and did so both to save money and to also discourage insureds and claimants from ever returning to Price’s.” Price’s Collision filed a similar complaint in 2014 against GEICO Insurance Company and Bob Taylor, a GEICO motor vehicle claims adjustor, for tortious interference with existing and prospective business relationships and slander. The parties have agreed to an order to attend mediation in 2016.

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GM Manager Addresses State of Collision Repair Business; Considering Certification Program cian readiness for new technologies. When it comes to the ease of reDuring a recent Verifacts Guild 21 pairs, he said that OEMs can help imwebinar, General Motors manager prove repair procedure content to John Eck talked about the make it easier to access. In complexity of the collision addition, OEMs can take the repair industry, the imporrepair learnings from body tance of quality repairs and shops and share them with how the company is considthe teams that work with veering the possibility of estabhicle development engineers. lishing an OEM collision Eck is finding that the acrepair certification program. John Eck, manager tual quality of repairs is an Eck said the ultimate of wholesale dealer area that collision repairers goal is a quality, safe repair channel for General are looking to OEMs for supMotors Customer for the customer. “That’s who port and said OEM certificaCare & Aftersales I work for,” said Eck, the tion is a step in that direction. manager of wholesale dealer channel During the webinar, he shared for General Motors Customer Care & data with attendees on repairs that were Aftersales. “We want the outcome to done on GM mid-size SUVs over a be a satisfied customer driving away three-year span. Looking at the perin a vehicle that has been repaired to centage of vehicles that were being repre-crash conditions using the right paired versus replaced, it was found procedures, parts, processes and qualthat over 50 percent of the time they ity checks. There is no alternative.” were being repaired. “We are very conWith more than 25 years of autocerned about the repair quality of the motive aftermarket experience with vehicle coming out,” said Eck. General Motors, Eck has held numerTechnology readiness is another ous field, marketing and management big concern for the industry, espepositions in several business segments cially for OEMs, according to Eck. In in the United States, Canada and South addition to industry age numbers, anAfrica. other worry is whether or not the by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

“We see an industry that needs to expand and grow and be ready for the challenges that I see coming down the pike from the OEMs’ perspective,” — John Eck, manager at GM

“Vehicles are complex, the dynamics of our stakeholder relationships are complex, and the repair process is as well,” said Eck. “Sometimes it’s interesting and even necessary to take a step back and all of the changes we have seen and the rate of change that will clearly indicate that this is clearly not going to slow down on us.” He said there are several areas of concern currently working against collision repair shops. One of these is that the equity balance of influence of a repair is in flux, whether that involves managing relationships, metrics or costs. “The collision repair facility feels the pressure in how a safe, quality repair is completed,” said Eck. Economics plays a key role in this; however, he said the concern is the point of balance when economics overrule certain repair decisions. Eck said that OEMs can assist in the following areas: ease of repairs, actual quality of repairs, and techni-

training that is taking place is actually being replicated in the shops. “We have to leverage existing technologies and use some technologies that are in other industries to help audit and verify repairs,” he said. He mentioned there are additional factors causing change in the industry, such as MSO growth with the rise of consolidations. In response, GM is working with MSOs to understand their concerns in order to help better meet their needs. “The industry has already changed,” said Eck. “We see an industry that needs to expand and grow and be ready for the challenges that I see coming down the pike from the OEMs’ perspective.” To respond to some of these changes in the industry, GM recently redesigned its website (www.genuine gmparts.com) to better support collision repairers. There is now content for both consumers and professionals. GM is also currently looking at

36 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

the impact on the industry in the following areas: ● OEM certification programs; ● Cost to shop for tools and training; ● Proliferation of collision crash avoidance and telematics; ● OEM repair procedure requirements and influence; ● Change from just selling OEM parts to focus on the customer and a quality and safe repair. “The solutions we may come to find out may not necessarily be what some want to hear,” said Eck. “At least if we acknowledge these points, we can then collaborate together, on ways to minimize the negative impact that they might have on the collision repair business.” With the overwhelming speed of change, Eck said that stakeholders need to work together and collaborate to better understand the issues at hand. This includes repairers, insurers and OEMS. “We can’t do this alone,” said Eck. “We see huge benefits of collaboration and integration.” Eck said GM is planning to put more emphasis on tech repair and support. By understanding the repair proce-

dures up front, it will help drive the correct parts decisions to ensure vehicles are being repaired to OEM standards. In regards to General Motors’ plans for a possible certification program, Eck said the company agrees with certification but wants to ensure there is a focus on the output. He said it will take some time and stressed the importance of having discussions with stakeholders about how to best move forward. “We can’t look at it from just GMs perspective,” said Eck. “We need to look at the rest of the stakeholders involved.” Eck said the requirements to become a certified/authorized repair facility include tools, training, facilities, processes, tracking and OEM specific requirements. Areas that GM will be focusing on include a combination of industry outreach, repair procedures, training and verification. The desired outcome is a quality, safe repair that restores the vehicle back to pre-crash condition. “You and your repair facility want your output to be a product you would put your family in without question or concern,” said Eck. “You want your customers to be satisfied.”

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www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 37

Chief Introduces HD Collision Repair Line, Koala Bench From Globaljig®

Chief recently introduced Chief Heavy Duty, a product line designed to help heavy duty body shops improve technician ergonomics, shop efficiency, repair quality and cycle times. According to the company, the equipment also makes it possible to write more comprehensive estimates upfront and document repairs. The new Chief heavy duty product line includes: • New Centurion heavy duty frame rack • New Cam Scan HD photogrammetric measuring system • New Vulcan ADU adhesive debonding unit • New Chief heavy duty rivet gun • New Chief blind rivet attachment for PNP90 rivet gun • Rotary Lift Mach Series mobile column lifts • Chassis-Liner Heavy-Duty Trucker frame rack “Heavy duty collision repair shops face unique challenges stemming from the sheer size of the vehicles being re-

paired,” said Lee Daugherty, Chief global data product manager. “There are no OEM specifications to follow when straightening frames that can be 60 feet long or bringing multiple axles back into alignment. Squaring up a trailer that has rolled and repairing a cab that’s manufactured with a mix of steel, aluminum and other materials also can be tricky when relying on traditional measuring and repair tools. The new Chief heavy duty product line draws on our more than 40 years of collision repair experience to provide fleets, independent repair shops and dealers with modern equipment that is faster and easier to use, reduces the chance of technician injury, speeds up the repair process and makes it possible to meet the growing need to document repairs.” Additionally, Globaljig®, Presented by Chief®, recently introduced the Koala bench. According to Chief, although compact, the Koala bench is versatile enough to handle most of the

structural work that comes through a typical collision repair shop, including the center section holding required to repair the latest generation of vehicles. The Koala structural repair bench can be used as an install or work bay lift for easier vehicle tear down and reassembly, sheet metal repair, blueprinting operations, or for structural straightening and holding of parts for replacement. “For shops that don’t have a lot of space but do have high enough workflow to warrant an additional bench solution, Koala is a cost-effective investment in improved productivity,” said Bob Holland, director of collision sales in North and South America for Chief parent company Vehicle Service Group (VSG). “Koala has a small footprint and tremendous versatility—it will accommodate about 90 percent of the structural collision repair jobs at most body shops.” Koala has a drive-over height of just six inches and can raise vehicles

weighing up to 5,500 lbs. to an ergonomic working height up to five feet three inches. The removable 10-ton pulling post can be mounted anywhere around the Koala frame for 360-degree pulling, and can be shared between multiple benches. Extension plates on Koala’s sill clamps provide increased space between the bench and vehicle. According to Chief, “Koala is ideal for working on modern cars that need to be held in multiple locations during the repair. The optional double crossbeam/universal jig system makes Koala the smallest bench on the market to offer eight to 10-point center section holding, so it can handle even the hardest-hit unibody vehicles.” Additional Koala optional accessories include an upper body/suspension measuring system, bench cover plate, and a loading ramp package. The Koala repair system can be floor or pit mounted. For more information, visit http://www.chiefautomotive.com/.

General Motors paint engineering reviewed and approved BASF’s comprehensive standardized test process for its Glasurit and R-M automotive refinish materials. All products tested received approval into 2017. The ap-

proval process ensures the paint systems give the appearance, performance and durability comparable to the OEM factory finish. “Glasurit and R-M paint systems consistently provide the top quality finishes required by GM,” said

Jeff Wildman, BASF Manager of OEM and Industry Relations. “BASF has more OEM approvals than any other paint manufacturer.” BASF was also named a GM Supplier of the Year in March, which marks the 11th time

that they have received the award since 2002. Any collision center performing warranty work on GM vehicles must use GM approved refinish materials. For more information, visit basfrefinish.com

BASF Glasurit, R-M Automotive Refinish Products Get Global GM Approval

38 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 39

H ONDA C ONN ECT I CUT

Lia Honda of Enfield E nf ield

800-221-3131 860-741-3401 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 jdoucette@liacars.com

Schaller Honda New Britain

800-382-4525 860-826-2080 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5; Sat 8-1 jkiniry@schallerauto.com M ARY L AND

Criswell Honda Ger m an t ow n

866-738-2886 Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-9; Fri 7-7:30; Sat 8-6 hondaparts@criswellauto.com

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell Honda E llicot t City

410-461-5000 410-461-9654 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 bshortt@odonnellhonda.com

Ourisman Honda of Laurel Lau rel

800-288-6985 301-498-6050 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 7-4 ron.malitz@ourismanautomotive.com

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Tischer Acura Lau rel

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Acura of Boston Brig ht on

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Acura Turnersville Tu r ners v ille

888-883-2884 856-516-6060 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 kristen.powell@penskeautomotive.com 40 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Please contact these dealers for your Honda or Acura Genuine parts needs. MA S SAC H U S ET TS

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LIA Honda Northampton

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Sussman Acura

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Jen kint own

718-507-3990

800-246-7457 724-935-0800

800-826-4078 215-884-6285

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

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

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

Park Ave Acura Ma ywoo d

888-690-7621 201-587-0028 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-3 jon.tangen@parkaveacura.com NE W Y O R K

Acura of Westchester We st ch est er

914-834-8887 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-8; Sat 8-4; Sun 9-4 acura.parts@yahoo.com

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 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 parts@smithtownacura.com

Lehigh Valley Acura

Davis Acura L a ngho r ne

866-50-ACURA 215-943-7000 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-4 markh@davisacura.com

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 41

Media and Publicity for Shops Indoor Advertising Engages Consumers in Prime Locations with Ed Attanasio

Body shops are always looking for a better and affordable way to keep their name in front of their customers. Since purchasing collision repair is rarely an impulsive decision, shops should focus more on branding and less on conventional forms of advertising. Indoor advertising is widely recognized as an extremely targeted medium. It reaches a captive audience while people engage in social settings at high traffic locations, such as restaurants, bathrooms, night clubs, sports bars, arenas and other venues. Indoor advertising reaches consumers from an uncluttered eye-level vantage point, making it literally unavoidable. Traditional forms of advertising, such as television commercials, magazine ads, and Internet pop ups have become less effective for smaller, local businesses. With so much advertising jammed into our brains every waking minute, more and more consumers have chosen to mute, click away, fast-forward, or completely opt out. For example, DVR systems make it easy for people to avoid TV commercials, and many do. I have quite a few friends who will wait 10 minutes after their favorite show starts so that they can watch it uninterrupted and commercial-free. By utilizing new advances and implementation of digital technology, indoor advertising continues to engage its audience. The stats support its effectiveness: 84 percent recalled seeing specific advertisements in the restrooms and movie theaters and 92 percent were able to name specific advertisers without prompting. Chuck Jessen, the owner of PreFab Ads in San Francisco, CA produces award-winning TV commercials for body shops all over the country. Although he has carefully been watching the evolution of indoor advertising, he still believes that old school TV broadcast is king. “When it comes down to advertising, it’s all about aggregation—how

many people you can reach with the media you’re using,” Jessen said. “With TV, we know that we reach a large number of consumers with each 30-second commercial. But, with

different than conventional retail advertising? “Body shops cannot do sales or promotions, so in the end their ads have to focus on branding and name

indoor advertising, the numbers are tough to accurately gauge, so smaller companies might be less attracted to it.” Now that indoor advertising is in public bathrooms, movie theaters, airports, sports stadiums and other places where people regularly visit and interact, what does the future of indoor advertising hold? “There is probably no limit, so will we likely be seeing more indoor advertising--anywhere and everywhere? I would say yes, definitely. Indoor advertising reminds me of the movie Blade Runner, where ads were displayed on the sides of buildings and literally in the air.” Jeff Siegel is a 40-year-old veteran of the Silicon Valley advertising game and is known as one of the original Mad Men-types. As a former radio rep who worked for more than a dozen stations during his illustrious career, Siegel has seen the rapid evolution of indoor advertising firsthand. “As a broadcast veteran, I still believe in the power of radio and TV,” Siegel said. “But, the vibe out there about indoor advertising is very positive. I tell my people that if you use some movie screen advertising, and possibly some mall kiosk advertising in conjunction with a broadcast schedule, the odds for a good response is high. I never want anyone to ever put all of their eggs in one basket and that’s why all of my clients do a mix of different things.” How is advertising for body shops

recognition,” Seigel explained. “A body shop’s image should be based on things like transparency and accountability, just like with a bank, a hospital or an insurance company.” The statistics about indoor advertising are compelling and that’s why more and more businesses are jumping into the fray. First, it’s in your face, because indoor ads are normally strategically placed where they’re virtually impossible to ignore. Even then, you only have roughly 1-4 full minutes of

your prospective customer’s attention while they’re physically idle, yet mentally engaged without interruptions or distractions. So, your message has to be short, direct and engaging while entertaining people as well. In addition, indoor advertising is well-known for getting the viewer’s undivided attention for an extended period of time. Since people are seeing your message in a location where they aren’t typically bombarded by advertising, indoor advertising statistics show that consumers will remember yours longer. It also offers a wider range of targeting opportunities, based on specific demographics such as gender, income, lifestyle and age. As a result, you can spend less of your advertising dollar and still reach a much higher percentage of your desired target market. So, when you’re looking at different forms of marketing, why not choose indoor?

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Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

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Moorhead MN Auto Body Shop Owner Says Insurance Agents Using Illegal Tactic by Angie Wieck, Forum News Service

MOORHEAD, Minn. — The owner of Lloyd’s Auto Body in Moorhead is fed up with “steering” — when customers are advised, or coerced, by their insurance agent to use a preferred vendor after an accident. Steering is against the law in Minnesota, but Lloyd Van Raden says it still happens. He wants insurance policyholders to know they have the right to choose where their auto repairs are made. Insurance companies agree to refer clients to preferred shops through what is known as a Direct Repair Program. In exchange for referrals, these shops often agree to complete repairs at discounted prices determined by the insurer. Van Raden is opposed to DRPs because he said they can encourage shop owners to take shortcuts or use inferior parts. That’s why he says it’s important policyholders know they have a choice. “It is what it is and it’s always going to be. We’re never going to fix this, but we can try to let the public know they’ve got rights,” he said. Policyholder rights: Judell Anderson, executive director of the Al-

liance of Automotive Service Providers in Minnesota, said insurance companies doing business in the state are required to provide the following statement to

company cannot make further attempts to convince him or her to use a certain shop, Anderson said. The Minnesota Department of Commerce relies on tips from policyholders and repair shops to enforce the law. The department recently imposed a civil penalty of $150,000 against the Auto Club Group for failing to provide the required notification and using a number of steering tactics such as informing policyholders they may not receive a warranty for work performed by non-preferred Lloyd Van Raden uses a pneumatic tool to drill out a spot glass vendors. Laws against insurance weld on a truck body he is repairing at his shop, Lloyd’s steering do not exist in North Auto Body Inc., Wednesday, May 18, 2016, in Moorhead. Dakota. Credit: Dave Wallis, Forum News Source A preferred vendor relationpolicyholders once a claim is made: ship does not necessarily mean inferior “You have the legal right to parts or service. Anderson suggests choose a repair shop to fix your vehi- policyholders do the homework as they cle. Your policy will cover the reason- would before making any other major able cost of repairing a vehicle to its purchase. pre-accident condition no matter where “Check out reviews and that type you have repairs made. Have you se- of thing. Just because an insurance lected a repair shop or would you like company recommends a shop doesn’t a referral?” mean that shop is the only or the best If the policyholder replies that he shop to undertake those repairs,” she or she has selected one, the insurance said.

44 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

State Farm maintains a Select Service program, but spokesperson Holly Anderson said policyholders are informed they’re free to choose where repairs are made. “A vibrant, profitable auto collision repair industry is in the interest of State Farm. At the same time, we are advocates on behalf of our customers for reasonable repair costs,” Anderson said. “We believe repairer profitability and quality auto repairs that are reasonably priced can both be achieved.” Common phrases used to influence policyholders, provided by the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers in Minnesota:

▪ The shop you chose is not on our list.

▪ We can’t guarantee the repairs if your vehicle is repaired at the shop you chose.

▪ Your repairs could be delayed if you don’t use the shops on our list.

▪ You may be responsible for additional costs if repaired at the shop you chose. Thank you to Angie Wiecks and Forum News Source for reprint permission.

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Day Job/Night Job Body Shop Office Manager Racing Toward Her Dreams with Ed Attanasio

You might say she’s on a fast track, because Cynthia Torp, 26, surely doesn’t travel half-speed with anything she does. Whether it’s running the front office at Classic Autobody in Berkeley, CA, or reef diving, riding dirt bikes, river fishing in Montana or hiking, she goes all-in 24/7. And now, this includes her latest passion: car racing! With one eye on eventually taking over the family business at Classic Autobody, Torp enjoys learning the business from her father and her uncle. “They are great teachers, and the more I know, the more I like about this in-

Cynthia Torp is the office manager at Classic Autobody in Berkeley, CA, her father’s shop, but when she is not coordinating ROIs and DRPs, she is going for the gold in the world of car racing

dustry,” Torp said. “I came on here full-time about three years ago. This was never something I thought I would be doing, but I work with incredible people, so why not? I had some other things on my radar, but now I can see this as a career. I like fixing people’s cars and seeing their smiles when we show them their repaired vehicles.” Torp has helped the shop in many ways, such as designing their new website and getting them involved in social media. The 28-year-old shop run by her father Steve and uncle Chris has succeeded in a tough market, and today, they’re one of the oldest shops in the area. “My dad and my uncle have always stressed quality and customer service here, and that’s why we’ve done well,” Torp said. “I was a baby when they opened Classic, so I guess I’m a collision lifer, too. Now, we get second-generation customers in here, and that’s definitely satisfying.” One of the other items on Torp’s radar is a possible future as a profes-

sional race car driver. Move over Danica Patrick, because Cynthia is in it to win it and thrilled about racing. “There is literally nothing like it,” she said. “Wow, it’s hard to describe the feeling I get out there on the track, but I know that this is something I really want to do as much as I can.” Racing is in her family’s blood, right alongside waterborne paint and clearcoat, Torp said. “My father and my uncle have been racing for a long time, and I started bugging them about racing a while back. But we didn’t have a vehicle to race in, so that was a problem. But by working with Spencer Trenery at Fantasy Junction, I was able to get a car to drive.” Fantasy Junction is a company in Emeryville, CA that collects and sells vintage vehicles, and after meeting Cynthia, they decided to loan her a Mazda Miata to drive at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, CA. “The shop sponsored me and the people at Fantasy Junction helped me to get a car and I was ready to roll,” she said. “It was exciting because I anticipated this for a long time and it was finally here.” Before she could race, Torp had to pass a safety class at Thunderhill. Upon passing with flying colors, she was ready to start her engine and hit the track. “It is definitely a rush, and I was

Cynthia Torp realizes that she is a real rookie when it comes to racing, but even Danica Patrick had to start somewhere, right?

a little scared, but psyched, too. I know that I am a novice and it was all a little overwhelming. But pretty quickly, I became more comfortable in the car. I love everything about it. You’re sitting in that car at the start or chilling in the pit and your heart is racing. You have to control your breathing and then you

46 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

Cynthia will possibly be taking over the shop someday, but for now, she is enjoying life, and racing is a part of it

line up. When the start begins, I get into this Zen-like zone and then I’m ready to go. It’s a great feeling and a wonderful sensation!” In just her fourth race, Torp finally gained enough confidence to run against a field of other more experi-

enced racers. “There were roughly 25 racers, but a few never got off the starting line, so I ended up finishing 10th out of a field of 22. Thunderhill is a three-mile track and I was going about 95 mph on the straightaways, so I realized I needed to learn the track fast.” When Torp isn’t driving on a track, she is a safe driver and proud of it. “My father taught me a long time ago that racing is for the track only. I don’t speed in my daily driving and will never be a reckless driver ever— on or off the track. I have seen a lot of cars that are all messed up due to unsafe driving and I don’t ever want to be there, that’s for sure.” What is around the next turn as Torp pursues a career as a professional racer? “Being in my 20’s means that I can take my time and learn the right way. I eventually want to race at Sears Point (Sonoma Raceway), so I will have to practice on that track to get better.”

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 47

Historical Snapshot

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has a body shop in the family and 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.

Erick Bickett, Progressive’s Concierge Program, Crash Prevention, Allstate Compliance with John Yoswick

the computerized systems, and prices escalate. In the second scenario, the insurer uses the “network” of its choice to electronically send a standardized “assignment” to the shop. The shop uses its choice of estimating system, and uses

20 years ago in the collision repair industry (July 1996) Erick Bickett sees two possible scenarios for the future of electronic claims handling. Bickett, a California shop owner whose name has become synonymous with the effort to standardize how shops and insurers link their computer systems, explained the two scenarios to those attending the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Phoenix in July. In the first scenario, he said, insurers increasingly dictate which computerized estimating system that shops participating in its direct repair program (DRP) must use. To participate in multiple DRPs, shops will likely have to have two or even all three of the major estimating systems. Once the insurer chooses a system it will be difficult for that insurer to switch because that would also require the whole group of shops to switch. This lack of choice stifles improvements in

In 1996, California shop owner Erick Bickett was a key champion for the industry’s development and use of electronic standards for the communications among shops, insurers and vendors

the “network” of its choice to electronically send a standardized estimate to the insurer. Either side can switch esti-

mating or network vendors based on price and performance without interfering with their communication. Unfortunately, Bickett said, the industry seems headed more toward the first scenario than the second, but he hopes a demonstration of the second system now under way may help create the “market forces” needed to change the industry’s direction. Bickett estimates the cost of running all three estimating systems at about $18,600 a year for hardware, software and training; at a 7 percent pre-tax net profit, Bickett said, a shop would need $265,000 in sales just to cover these estimating system costs. That, he said, is going to drive even more shops out of the industry. “I think technology should be an enabler,” Bickett said. “It ought to enable people to do business better and more efficiently and to take better care of their customer. It shouldn’t be a disabler. It shouldn’t cause the loss of good

collision repairers who know how to fix cars and take care of customers.” Bickett said that under the second scenario, a shop’s annual estimating system costs would be about $6,500, and that the system would save insurers money as well. Most importantly, he said, it would give both sides more choice as to the systems and communication networks they use. State Farm Insurance and two collision repair shops are currently participating in a demonstration of this system, and Bickett said a report on the project should be completed later this year. – As reported in The Golden Eagle. Bickett has continued to champion the use of electronic communication standards developed by CIECA, the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association, which was established based on the work and discussions at CIC. State Farm remains one of the few insurers to allow its DRP network to use

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the estimating system of their choice; a 2016 survey found that more than onethird of shops have multiple estimating systems.

15 years ago in the collision repair industry (July 2001) By eliminating vehicle owners’ contact with shops, Progressive’s “Concierge” program may reduce the hassle for car owners, but it also eliminates any longterm marketing benefit for the repairers. Shops that pare of “Concierge” now truly have Progressive as their customer, not the vehicle owner. If Progressive is satisfied with the quality and the cost, the shops will continue to receive referrals. The vast majority of vehicle owners who opt for the “Concierge” program will not know which repair facility fixed their vehicle. Will they care? Progressive obviously believes not. The insurer holds that the higher level of hassle-free service far outweighs vehicle owners’ concerns regarding who actually performs the repairs. If vehicle owners really want to know who repaired their cars, Progressive will tell them, but Progressive prefers to handle the entire process, to serve as the facilitator. In talking with shops participating

in the “Concierge” test program, most have state little concern regarding the loss of customer contact and are highly satisfied with the program. Keeping their repair facilities filled is their most important concern. But this attitude is strikingly short-sighted. Ever shops with numerous direct repair program relationships and outstanding insurance company relationships keep a firm eye on individual vehicle owner satisfaction and communication for the longterm benefit for their businesses. Those who love Progressive generally cite the local claims manager as the reason. If this local insurance representative is reassigned, with the repairer be able to maintain their relationship with Progressive? Will they want to? If not, they could lose the “Concierge” referrals with no opportunity to secure a repeat customers from their prior work. – from an editorial by Russell Thrall, at that time the editor of Auto Body Repair News (ABRN).

10 years ago in the collision repair industry (July 2006) “During the 1980s and 1990s, association and seminar leaders frequently pointed to changes in vehicle technol-

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ogy that were putting a dent in the collision repair market. Daytime running lights, the third brake light and antilock braking systems, they’d say, were among the key factors pulling accident frequency down. The industry then got a sort of reprieve for a number of years in terms of crash-prevention efforts. Automakers turned their focus largely to vehicle safety and occupant protection, including the explosive growth of airbag systems. The Internet boom also had the OEMs and eletronics firms focused on passenger information and entertainment systems. The bad news for the industry is that that is about to change – and change rather dramatically. Federal auto safety regulators – seeking to reverse a rise in highway deaths – are shifting their focus from mandates that help occupants survive crashes to technology that will help drivers avoid accidents altogether. Dr. Jeffrey Runge, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said in a speech before the Society of Automotive Engineers that bolstering vehicle “crashworthiness” represents the past, and that “crash avoidance” is the future.

“I’d like to begin to focus on the event before the crash,” Runge said. “We may have plateaued out in terms of crashworthiness.” – as reported in Autobody News, July 2016.

5 years ago in the collision repair industry (July 2011) Allstate has notified its direct repair shops in recent weeks that participation in the program now requires three specific mandates designed to improve cycle time and give Allstate customers “priority service.” “Good Hands” shops now must upload an estimate to Allstate within 24 hours of receipt of the vehicle, provide the customer with a guaranteed delivery date and assume all costs after that date if not met, and extend hours of operation to meet customers’ reasonable requests for drop-off or pick-up of vehicles. “Compliance with these items remains a core requirement for your participation in Allstate’s direct repair program,” Tracy Tramm, Allstate claim service manager, said in a video to Allstate DRP shops. Allstate Corporation also announced that Joseph Lacher, president of the See Eric Brickett, Page 52

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Mike’s Auto Body in CA Participates in Every 15 Minutes Program drunk driving related accident in which two Monte Vista students were Earlier this year, Mike’s Auto Body, killed. The memorial car was on diswith 13 locations in northern Califorplay at the front of the school for stunia, participated in the Every 15 Min- dents to walk by and view as a utes Program on the campus of reminder to what can happen when Monte Vista High School in Danville, you drink and drive. CA. Marketing Coordinator, Sal Contreras, was Mike’s Auto Body’s representative at the Every 15 Minutes program and saw the event’s impact on students and teachers alike. “When the program began, you could hear loud noises from the 2,500 students while they were walking and running to the football field to settle into the bleachers,” The Every 15 Minutes Program offers real-life experience Contreras said. “But once we without the real-life risks, by staging a realistic reenactment removed the giant tarp reof a serious accident vealing the accident scene of By working with one of their in- the two wrecked cars and the frantic surance partners to acquire a totaled 911 phone call was blasted over the car for this event, Mike’s Auto Body sound system, there was dead silence played an integral role for this from the students. Their expressions demonstration that is held every two of disbelief and sadness that someyears at different Bay Area high schools and throughout the rest of the country as well. The Every 15 Minutes Program offers real-life experience without the real-life risks. This emotionally charged program is an event designed to show teenagers the potentially dangerous consequences of drinking alcohol or texting while driving. The program challenges students to think about drinking and texting behind the More than a dozen local organizations wheel by stressing the personal safety participated to make the scene look real and responsibility associated with making mature decisions when lives thing like this could happen to their are involved. friends was shocking and highly In conjunction with Mike’s Auto emotional.” A tragic accident that took the Body, CSAA Insurance Group donated a total loss car to represent the lives of two Monte Vista High School vehicle that was involved in a tragic students earlier this year added a new level to the reality behind the reenactment. “One student died on impact by going through the windshield and another student was air lifted by helicopter to the hospital, but died later,” Conteras said. “It is a tragic story in more ways, because one brother was driving from a party and hit a truck head-on with his non-drinking brother’s friends in the vehicle. The In conjunction with Mike’s Auto Body, CSAA other brother who was not drunk was Insurance Group donated a total loss car to sitting in the passenger seat and represent the vehicle that was involved in a ended up going through the windtragic drunk-driving related accident in which two Monte Vista students were killed shield, killing him on impact. The by Ed Attanasio

50 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

parents were obviously torn with grief and disbelief. The desks of the students who died in the accident were left empty for the whole week and the funeral was held the next day. “ The event included the participation of the local Police and Fire Departments, High School staff, the local Hospital, a video production crew, community officials, the District Attorney’s Office, funeral homes and a wide cross-section of the community at-large. The ultimate goal of the Every 15 Minutes Program is to utilize the strength, talent and resources of business and industry to prevent drunk driving and texting while driving. The day’s activities were chronicled in a short video. “To watch the video of the Monte Vista High School’s 2016 event, go to You Tube and search under Every 15 Minutes, Monte Vista HS 2016,” Contreras said. “If you don’t get chills and goose bumps when you watch this, you better get your pulse checked, because it is powerful to say the least.”

The memorial car was on display at the front of the school for students to walk by and view as a reminder to what can happen when you drink and drive

With young lives being taken every day nationwide due to drunk driving, distracted driving and reckless speeding, Contreras sees the value of presentations such as Every 15 Minutes. “Mike’s Auto Body is proud and prepared to serve the communities in which we do business, because saving these teenagers is not just a goal—it’s a priority,” he said. “We all have kids here at Mike’s, so this cause is very close to our hearts.”

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Department of Motor Vehicles in NV Inspects Repair Businesses For Proper Permits

fine Tuesday against Tinoco, who was forced to close his garage bays until he files for the DMV permit. Jose Tinoco achieved a longtime dream “I better do this as soon as postwo months ago by opening an auto sible,” Tinoco said while holding his body repair shop just south of Nellis Air citation. “I might lose a lot of money Force Base. if we stay closed for too many days.” Tinoco’s Auto Body and more than 40 other garages were visited Tuesday by 20 investigators from the DMV’s compliance enforcement team, who canvassed the city as part of the agency’s fifth annual “Impact Day,” aimed at making sure the businesses are properly registered. “Usually, we hear that the business owners didn’t know that they Linda Vantilborg, left, a compliance investigator had to register with the with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, DMV,” said Lori Billingsley, a issues a citation to Jose Tinoco for operating an DMV supervisory compliance inauto body shop without a license, Tuesday, May vestigator. 17, 2016, in Las Vegas. Credit: Benjamin Hager, “Part of this is consumer Las Vegas Review-Journal protection because licensed reThe business bearing his name pair shops must have a bond,” Billingswas permitted by the secretary of state’s ley said. “If there’s any liability, the office and Clark County, but Tinoco consumer would have some recourse said he didn’t realize he needed to be li- by filing against the bond.” censed by a third agency: the DepartThe surprise visits Tuesday rement of Motor Vehicles. sulted in $1,500 fines for business That slip-up resulted in a $1,500 owners who failed to file for DMV by Art Marroquin, © Las Vegas ReviewJournal

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Eric Brickett

permits. Another $1,000 was tacked on for those who weren’t registered with the state or county. In comparison, repair garages can register with the DMV for $26 annually, while auto body shops pay $301 a year. In total, the DMV collected $148,000 in licensing fees in the past fiscal year. Under state law, the DMV is charged with regulating the auto repair industry in Nevada by fielding consumer complaints about scofflaw mechanics, DMV spokesman Kevin

company’s residential and auto insurance business, was leaving the company effective immediately; no reason was given for his departure, just two years after he joined Allstate. The company has seen its auto insurance market share erode in 2009 and 2010 as GEICO and Progressive have gained ground on Allstate. – As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), July 25, 2011. Allstate’s market share has continued to decline, with GEICO passing Allstate in 2013 to become the secondlargest auto insurer in the country. Progressive has gained ground on Allstate but still trails slightly in terms of market share. A month after Lacher left Allstate, the Wall Street Journal reported that his departure may have been prompted by a decline in the insurer’s stock value, but also that he reportedly used less-than-flattering expletives in describing Allstate CEO Tom Wilson while having drinks with some top Allstate agents after a meeting in the weeks before his departure. Lacher last fall became CEO of Kemper Corp.

Malone said. Statewide, there are 312 body shops registered with the DMV as of Tuesday, and 1,582 repair garages. “If you have an unlicensed business, the consumer has no recourse,” Malone said. “The business can take your money, do shoddy work and then disappear.” Thank you Las Vegas ReviewJournal, Inc. for permission to reprint this article.

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www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 53

Auto Claims — The High Cost of Keeping Pace with Technology by Bob Juniper and Mike Orso

The auto body repair industry has changed over the past few years in ways that far outpace the changes of the previous 25 to 50 years. Gone are the days of the ‘easy’ car repair – the days when a shade tree mechanic could go to the junkyard, pick up the necessary salvage parts.

Higher Repair Costs The auto body trade is an investmentintensive industry. Investments must be made constantly in new technology, certification, and training. Body repair specialists require training and certification and they must constantly strive to keep their skills and training on the cutting edge to keep up with the everchanging technological and passenger safety improvements implemented by the automotive industry. All this training and certification requires investments of time, money and resources. In addition to having the necessary skilled worker ready to work on a vehicle, when a vehicle needs repair, technical information that is specific to that vehicle and the repair must be purchased through long-term licensing or paid for by-the-hour. Then the information needs to be reviewed and processed as material updates are everevolving, meaning a technician can’t simply rely on what he learned last month, or even last week, about the technical details before beginning to repair the vehicle. The expenses for training and obtaining the technical specifications for a particular vehicle occur even before repair on the vehicle can begin. Once repair begins, there is the cost of parts. New metal alloys add cost to the repair process. With the new technology of part imprinting, parts are being produced with VIN identification recognition making parts specific to a particular vehicle, not just a specific make or model as in years past. Such an imprinted part would be incompatible with another vehicle thereby making a salvage part useless, maybe even dangerous to use, in the repair. Gone are the days when we could buy a used headlight to cut costs. To properly repair a vehicle, more expensive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts must be used. Additionally, special internal corrosion coatings and foams must be used as sound protection products. And every structural repair requires special

adhesives and welding. Then, once the repairs are complete, paint and repair products require sufficient drying and curing time in controlled environments using up- to-date technical information and specifications that vary by au-

tomaker and often by sub-models. Using vehicle- specific parts, installed by a trained professional, makes repairs much more expensive than in years past.

Higher Disposal Costs An expense area that hardly existed 25 years ago is the cost to properly dispose of damaged parts. Twenty five years ago, damaged parts removed from cars were hauled off to the junkyard or other disposal facility. That can’t always be done today. Various components in a damaged vehicle require special disposal – think about the various batteries, ballasts, and sensors in a car today – and reputable repair shops pay the requisite price to properly dispose of them. One area, for instance, that is often not considered is the cost to replace seatbelts. Most manufacturers require that seatbelts be replaced after a crash. These seatbelts often are considered hazardous and explosive waste that require special disposal, disposal which can be expensive. Some repair shops avoid this expense by not replacing seatbelts after a crash, thereby saving themselves money and avoiding the disposal process but possibly endangering the vehicle’s future occupants. Reputable shops follow manufacturer requirements and replace the seatbelts, thereby adding the cost of repairs and the costs associated with disposal to the cost of repair of the more obvious vehicle damage. All these newer components and disposal requirements mean that repair of a damaged vehicle is not a haphazard event; it’s not an automatic, wholesale, chain-store, or while-you-wait,

54 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

transaction. To properly repair a collision-damaged vehicle requires highly qualified personnel with continuing education and training utilizing specialized equipment. This situation results in costs that far exceed the costs and training of years past. And these costs must be properly addressed to protect the owners of vehicles, their passengers, the environment and the repair facility.

Saving Money/Cutting Costs — Paying the Consequences Insurance companies often seem anxious to save money where they can. In their attempts to do so, they sometimes seem to make short-sighted decisions that can impact them, and their customers, long-term. First is the impact of trying to save money on the costs of repairs. When insurers try to unrealistically control the pricing of repairs, it encourages all repair companies to cut corners to save money – like not replacing seatbelts when the manufacturer of the vehicle requires it. This

leads to shoddy and sometimes dangerous repair work.

Price Comparison of Replacement Side Mirrors YearMake/Model - Item - List price (2016):

1995 Chevy Blazer - Side mirror, manual - $88.23

2001 Honda CRV - Side mirror, power - $287.58

2005 Ford 500 - Side mirror, power, with heat - $351.13

2012 GMC Yukon - Side mirror, power, folding, with turn signal $483.40

2016 Lexus GX 460 - Side mirror, power, turn signal, camera, blind spot monitoring - $1,105.01

Post Repair Inspections conducted across the country are revealing how corners cut in the repair process by such shops are perpetuating a new breed of See Auto Claims, Page 73

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Western Associations

Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

Origins of the California Autobody Association as it Celebrates 50 Years with Ed Attanasio

The California Autobody Association (CAA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year after serving the collision repair industry in the Golden State since 1966. This non-profit trade asso-

Art D’Angelo, Sr. (third from left) worked as a 3M sales representative for many years before purchasing an existing paint company with two stores. He was the CAA’s first president and many consider him the founder as well

ciation consists of more than 1,000 individual and independent businesses within the automobile collision repair industry. Its mission is to enable the auto body industry to survive and

prosper by helping its members to produce a quality repair for the consumer at a fair price for a reasonable profit. Many people know the name and the acronym (CAA), but how many people working at body shops right now in California know anything about the genesis and early years of this organization? Sadly, most of the people who know about the inception of the CAA are no longer alive to tell their stories. Fortunately, several of their descendants know the history and are willing to share it. One of those history-gatherers is Art D’Angelo, the son of Art D’Angelo, Sr., who is considered to be the Godfather of the CAA. Although D’Angelo, Sr. never owned a body shop or worked in one, he was in a prime position to bring together shop owners who were feuding big time in the early and mid-1960s. D’Angelos Automotive and In-

dustrial Coatings, with its headquarters in Oxnard, CA, was started in 1956 by D’Angelo, Sr. who began his

Art D’Angelo, the son of Art D’Angelo, Sr. holds the plaque his father received from the CAA membership to honor him as the first president of the organization

career in the industry as a 3M Sales Representative. Art started with two locations in Glendale and Van Nuys,

CA when he purchased Acme Color Service and then changed the name to D’Angelos and Sons in 1965. Art D’Angelo remembers his father’s colorful anecdotes about the early formative years of the CAA. “Back in those days, the insurance companies would have a damaged car towed to one shop and then invite other shops to go there and write an estimate. It’s hard to believe, but that’s how they did it.” This method logically led to animosity between the competing shops and also caused other drama, according to D’Angelo. “First off, they started poaching away each other’s employees and that made it worse. Then, if another shop got the job and they had to come and take the vehicle out of the first shop... Man, that got ugly.” Once, a shop owner (whose name is being withheld for obvious reasons) decided that he was tired of watching cars being removed from his shop. “It was a Cadillac as I recall, and the other

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shop was coming to tow it out when he took a sledgehammer and did a lot more additional damage to the car,” D’Angelo said. “’Now, have some fun fixing that one’, he told the tow truck driver. When the other shop saw all the new damage to the vehicle, the situation obviously started to escalate.” As a paint jobber and a 3M rep before that, D’Angelo, Sr. was in a prime position to act as a moderator and a peacemaker between competing shops, his son explained. “My father was calling on all the shops, so he started to see the conflicts firsthand,” D’Angelo said. “He began talking to the shop owners and telling them that the other owners weren’t really bad people.’You’re going to have to figure out a way to work with these guys, because otherwise the insurance companies will let you fight it out’ he told them.” Slowly but surely, the owners started listening to D’Angelo, Sr., which eventually led to the very first meeting of the Glendale Autobody Association, according to D’Angelo. “It was at Foxy’s Restaurant in Glendale, and my father had to actually do a seating plan, because everyone thought these guys might get into fisticuffs.

That’s how much they disliked each other!” That meeting went well and that’s how the Glendale Autobody Association was born. “The Glendale chapter eventually became the CAA,” he said.

The owner of Bistagne Brothers Body Shop, Chuck Bistagne remembers great stories from his Uncle George about the early years of the CAA

“Some shop owners in the Long Beach area soon started their own chapter and then the South Bay followed and it just grew from there.” Another current body shop owner whose uncle was one of the first members of the Glendale Autobody Association is Chuck Bistagne, owner of Bistagne Brothers Body Shop in Glendale. Founded in 1946 by Brothers Tom and George Bistagne, the shop

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Up until then, they were all in the dark about these things, but by sharing information, the industry in California became stronger overall.” That first chapter needed some strong leadership, and Art D’Angelo, Sr. was the man with the plan, according to Bistagne. “Art was the perfect person for the role, because the body shop owners did not see him as a competitor,” he explained. “To work with all of these owners and find some common ground that they could build on was brilliant, and that is why every shop in the state should credit Art D’Angelo, Sr. for being the founder of the CAA.” One of the first things shop owners figured out was how to to get past the practice of doing estimates at other area shops. “There were a few shops that said no way—we’re not going into another body shop to make an estimate,” Bistagne said. “Some others figured out a way to keep the cars in their shops, by basically rigging the bids. The invading shop agreed to make sure that their estimate was a little higher, so that they would not get the car. I believe that this eventually led to the advent of the insurance staff appraiser, so that the insurers at least could know what was going on with these estimates.”

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has survived everything, including those early feuding years. “Glendale and Long Beach were the originators, and that’s why the CAA exists now,” Bistagne said. “My Uncle George got involved right at the beginning. In the early 1970s, the shop owners up in San Francisco opened their own chapter and that’s why CAA started to form. They wanted an umbrella organization to manage the chapters and give them a statewide presence. The first shop owners who joined are the pioneers in this industry in California. By figuring out a way to work together and act professionally, the shops were able to flourish and succeed in a business that was changing dramatically.” To attract body shop owners to that first meeting, D’Angelo, Sr. decided to provide a little entertainment, Bistagne said. “Art got a film of that year’s Indianapolis 500, and that got the people there. Back then, they did not broadcast the race on TV, so it was a smart move.” Those initial meetings also helped body shop owners in many ways, Bistagne said. “These guys compared notes, which was excellent. They learned how to write solid estimates and how to work better with the insurance companies in order to get paid.

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Martin Senour Launches New Industrial Maintenance Coatings DTM Acrylic Enamel

The Martin Senour Company has introduced its new Industrial Maintenance Coatings DTM Acrylic Enamel. It is a high gloss, 100% acrylic, waterborne, corrosion-resistant coating for light to moderate industrial use. Designed for new construction, equipment, or a variety of maintenance uses, Industrial Maintenance Coatings DTM Acrylic Enamel can be used directly over a variety of properly prepared substrates while offering a substantial protective coating. According to the company, the new coatings product (series IM110)

provides a number of features: it is a low VOC coating; offers good chemical and corrosion resistance; provides outstanding adhesion and moisture resistance; and is fast-drying with low odor characteristics. Suitable substrates for Industrial Maintenance Coatings DTM Acrylic Enamel include steel, iron, aluminum, galvanized steel, concrete, masonry, wood, zinc rich primers, cement board and fiber board. It is recommended for use on a number of applications including ornamental iron, tanks and cylinders, steel fabricated parts, industrial, construction and farm equipment, metal buildings, piping, hand rails and select marine structures. Available in 13 popular factory packaged colors (standard, safety and basic equipment), they dry to the touch in 15 to 30 minutes and are easy to apply with either brush or spray application. For more information regarding Martin Senour industrial maintenance coatings, visit www.martin senour-autopaint.com.

Personal Safety Division Launches 3M Center for Respiratory Protection

3M™ Personal Safety Division has launched the 3M Center for Respiratory Protection, an online resource that can help companies navigate the requirements of an OSHA respiratory protection program. “When respirators are used in a workplace, OSHA requires companies to establish and maintain a written respiratory protection plan. A comprehensive and effective plan isn’t something that can be downloaded from the Internet. An effective program needs to be tailored to the individual needs of the users at each worksite,” said Scott Larson, respiratory protection technical services manager of 3M Personal Safety Division. “With the 3M Center for Respiratory Protection, 3M’s technical service specialists summarize key points that those responsible for worker health and safety need to know to help establish and maintain a successful respiratory protection program. The 3M Center for Respiratory Protection also provides the tools to help employers as they put a program in place.” 3M Center for Respiratory Protection outlines general steps to help guide users as they work to create and maintain a respiratory protection program. The eight steps include: • Exposure Assessment

• • • • • • •

Respiratory Selection Medical Evaluations Fit Testing Respirator Training Respirator Maintenance Program Evaluation Recordkeeping These steps are a summary of requirements and are based on the OSHA requirements; the 3M website provides articles, videos, tool kits, fast facts, and more, all created or curated by respiratory protection technical service specialists at 3M. “As health and safety professionals, we aim to provide professionals with respiratory protection knowledge and tools that they need to help protect themselves and their workers,” said Larson. “This new online resource provides an outlet for 3M to present valuable information, and a place that helps make it easier for our customers to select and use respiratory protection correctly. As we continue to help employers protect the respiratory health of their workers across the globe, the 3M Center for Respiratory Protection will prove to be a helpful way for us to disseminate information to those who are in need of it.” For more information, visit www .3m.com/respiratorycenter.

Mitchell Issues Second Quarter 2016 Industry Trends Report

Mitchell released its Industry Trends Report (ITR) for the second quarter of 2016. In the report, Alex Sun, Mitchell’s president and CEO, weighed in on the company’s 70th anniversary milestone with past, present and future insights. He reflected on how Mitchell has changed over the years and explored what is to come. Greg Horn, vice president of Industry Relations at Mitchell, demonstrated the importance of observing where claims fall on a natural distribution curve to glean key industry insights. Horn detailed a few of the business areas exposed when analyzing claims distribution, including the performance of direct repair shops, staff, independent appraisers and overall operational efficiency. According to Mitchell, first published in April 2001, the ITR now reaches more than 33,000 collision and casualty industry professionals and provides visibility into data-driven trends in the P&C market. The complete report is available at www.mitchell.com/industry -trends-report. In addition to the release, Mitchell1 announced expanded integration of its RepairConnect software with NEXIQ Technologies eTechnician HD diagnostic application, giving truck technicians instant access to diagnostic fault-related service information on a PC platform.

Mitchell 1 RepairConnect has been accessible to NEXIQ users since 2013. The latest integration extends access to the diagnostic information from the NEXIQ Technologies scan tool to a desktop computer. “We’re pleased to take the integration of RepairConnect with NEXIQ to the next level with the introduction into the eTechnician HD PC-based platform,” said Scott DeGiorgio, general manager of the commercial vehicle group for Mitchell 1. “Having this additional resource at their fingertips will give technicians another way to access the information they need to repair trucks more efficiently and with more confidence, which is always our goal.” A technician using eTechnician HD can access RepairConnect and retrieve DTC-related service information, including descriptions of trouble codes; related wiring diagrams; component connector views; electrical component locations; testing procedures; removal and installation procedures and DTC-related specifications. RepairConnect anticipates the detailed information required to fix the vehicle based on the DTC and quickly retrieves it. No additional lookup of repair information is required to complete the service correctly. For more information, please visit http://mitchell1.com/.

58 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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ABRA Auto Body & Glass Donates $81,000 to CREF

ABRA Auto Body & Glass has announced that it has donated $81,000 to the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to help support collision repair education programs, schools, and students.

Approximately $40,000 of the contribution will go to the Fayetteville Technical Community College in Fayetteville, NC to support efforts assisting military veterans and civilians transitioning into the collision repair industry. Approximately $11,000 of the contribution funded an ABRA-named student scholarship earlier this spring as well as ABRA’s participation in the Foundation’s career fairs around the country throughout the year.

According to the company, for more than two decades, ABRA has supported CREF to help build awareness of collision repair industry career opportunities within local schools and communities. ABRA’s chief people officer, David Kuhl, says the company is proud to support the foundation and committed to ensuring that students have the opportunity to create a rewarding career in an ever-growing industry. “It’s a great feeling knowing this donation will help play a part in the development and growth of our industry as well as support the advancement of students interested in a career in collision repair,” Kuhl said. Brandon Eckenrode, director of development for CREF, said, “We are truly grateful for the long-standing and significant support that ABRA has shown us over the years. Many of these activities would not be possible without the generosity of partners like ABRA Auto Body & Glass.” For more information about ABRA, visit www.abraauto.com/.

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successful launch of their high school and college online collision student resume database. According to CREF, as many collision students across the country do not have the ability to attend the foundation's physical career fair events, the collision student resume database was built and piloted to reach high school and college collision students who are seeking full-time, part-time, or internship industry positions. More than 200 students from around the country submitted their contact and resume information. The database will be provided to CREF's donors for follow-up and employment consideration. CREF director of development Brandon Eckenrode said, “We are very pleased with our initial pilot of

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the collision student resume database and this will be an ongoing effort at the end of each school semester to gather the contact information for those students seeking industry employment. We will then be sharing this information with our donors as a thank you for their continued support as we work towards assisting collision school programs and their ability to graduate quality, productive, and efficient entry-level staff ready for employment.” At the end of each fall and spring semester, students seeking industry employment will have the opportunity to submit their information to the database. CREF will work towards tracking the number of students who are hired by the industry and anticipates greater student participation with the database in the future. Companies looking to gain access to the collision student resume database and join CREF in supporting high school and college collision school programs should contact Brandon Eckenrode at (847) 463-5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation .org.

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Lean Operations

Lean Problem Solving

with David Luehr

For just a moment I would like you to imagine a world where finding problems is considered a good thing. I know this may sound strange, but it is exactly the behavior that is encouraged by companies that have adopted lean thinking. The problem with most of us is that we have been conditioned over the years to believe that problems found in our production systems are a bad thing, therefore we don’t want to deal with them so we will do whatever we can to quickly sweep problems under the rug. Let me be clear here. The production problems themselves are inherently bad, it is the discovery of the problems that is a good thing. After all you can’t fix it unless you know it’s broke, right? The “problem solving culture” is at the very core of great companies such as Toyota where a great deal of time and effort is spent to instill and reward the behaviors of exposing and solving problems every moment of every day. One of the many methods Toyota uses as a problem solving tool is what they call the Andon. Any moment when a critical problem is found on the assembly line at Toyota, any employee can pull what they call the “Andon Cord” and the entire assembly line will screech to a halt. A team of people will immediately scramble to the location of the discovered problem like they had just discovered a vein of gold or diamonds and begin the work of problem solving. It is amazing how much effort they put into problem solving to ensure that beginning from that crucial moment of discovery, Toyota will be a leaner and more enjoyable place to work. If only all of us in the collision repair industry could have this positive attitude towards dealing with problems. Now I know many of my readers may be thinking right about now, how does all this apply to a collision repair business? While you probably won’t be seeing many Andon Cords in body shops, there are actually a lot of things you can learn from the assembly line model as it relates to problem solving. The assembly line exposes problems and forces discipline. How do

David Luehr is the owner of Elite Body Shop Solutions, LLC, a collision business consulting firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a 30 year veteran of the collision repair industry. David is an expert in Body Shop Operations and specializes in Lean, and Theory of Constraints methods. Email him at dluehr@msn.com

you think it would affect everyone’s behaviors and habits if you were running a shop that lined the cars up bumper to bumper and you were not allowed to work on the next car in line until the car you are working on is complete? Do you think the estimate would need to be completely accurate

and do you think all the correct parts would need to be on hand? You’re darn right! At most shops in this country you would have a mutiny on your hands if you tried this approach despite being the most efficient way to process a repair job! But if you could somehow manage to keep your team from quitting you would see that each problem is exposed so glaringly obvious it would stare you in the face every time the assembly line came to a halt. You would need to identify each problem quickly and then put measures in place so it would never happen again. In this environment, you would very quickly adopt a problem solving culture, because if you didn’t, you would quickly go out of business! So what do we do instead? We load up the shop with more work than we can efficiently process in order to “mask” the problems and inefficiencies. Technicians feel they need 4, 5, or more vehicles and stalls each in order to survive. As one repair order encounters a problem, they simply move on to the next vehicle and work on it until the problem from the first job is corrected and so on. The problems, usually called “supplements” are seen as a normal part of the business, so little or no attempt is made to permanently solve the problem. I believe Einstein called this “insanity?” The typical American shop turning around $200,000 a month will have a WIP Count (work in process) of be-

62 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

tween 40 and 45 repair jobs on the property on average in order to meet its sales goal. This is highly inefficient and causes cycle time to hover at or above 10 days and drives costs and chaos to be much higher than needed. The efficient lean shop that has been on a journey of problem solving for a while can produce the same $200,000 while maintaining a WIP Count of only 20 cars or less and produce the repair jobs at a lower cost with a cycle time of only 5-6 days! The best of the best shops put problem solving at the top of their priority list. You too can begin to expose problems if you put your mind to it. Here are a few tips to get you started.

● Hold weekly or month “Continuous Improvement” meeting to discuss problems and solutions with the entire staff. ● Hold quick problem solving team meetings whenever an opportunity

arises. (Like the Andon) ● Keep a journal in the assembly department to track problems as they occur. Use this information to make continuous improvements. ● Create safety with the team. Praise people for helping to expose problems. Discourage people from covering up problems. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes, just don’t keep making the same mistakes over and over! ● Training and auditing. Quite often additional training will help in problem areas of the business. Once people are trained, occasional audits are a good idea to make sure processes are being followed. ● This may not work for every shop configuration, but I like to set up my shops with the vehicle damage facing the center aisle whenever possible in order to visually catch problems during production. As opposed to being hidden against the technicians wall and massive tool box.

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M-F 7:00am - 5:00 pm wholesale@subaruofmorristown.com www.subaruofmorristown.com 175 Ridgedale Ave // Morristown, NJ 07960 www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 63

Original BMW Parts

bmwusa.com

Original Thought #78

YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE AT THE FIRST REPAIR.

MARYLAND

BMW of Bel Air Bel Air 844-581-2752 443-640-1234 Fax parts@bmwbelair.com

BMW of Catonsville Catonsville 855-996-2906 410-818-2600 Fax M-F 8am-5pm

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BMW of Rockville Rockville 844-588-0150 301-984-1710 Fax

parts@bmwrockville.com

BMW of Towson Towson 844-595-0290 410-296-4852 Fax parts@bmwtowson.com

MASSACHUSETTS BMW of Sudbury Sudbury 800-338-3198 508-881-7578 Fax M-F 7am-5pm

wholesaleparts@herbchambers.com www.bmwofsudbury.com

Wagner BMW of Shrewsbury Shrewsbury 866-438-3997 508-581-5940 508-845-6718 Fax M-Th 7am-5:30pm F 7am-5pm

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NEW JERSEY

BMW of Freehold Freehold 732-462-6286 732-577-0518 Fax M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-4pm www.bmwoffreehold.com

64 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

BMW of Morristown Morristown 866-9-BMW PARTS 973-796-3146 Fax M-F 8am-6pm

wholesaleparts.bmw@openroad.com www.bmwofmorristown.com

BMW of Mt. Laurel Mt. Laurel 856-840-1486 856-222-0506 Fax BMW of Newton Newton 973-579-6020 973-579-6702 Fax M-F 8am-5:30pm

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Circle BMW Eatontown 732-440-1238 732-440-1239 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 8am-3pm

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Flemington BMW Flemington 800-782-4269 908-824-9913 Fax

www.flemingtonbmw.com

Park Ave BMW South Hackensack 888-349-5168 201-291-2376 Fax M-F 8am-5pm; Sat 8am-4pm al@parkavebmw.com www.parkavebmw.com

NEW YORK

BMW of Bayside Bayside 516-304-3733 516-570-4268 Fax M-Sat 8am-5pm

bmwparts@bmwbayside.com www.bmwbayside.com

• Original BMW Parts & Accessories Competition BMW St James 631-724-3322 631-265-0501 Fax M-F 8:00am-5:00pm Sat 8:00am-4:00pm

asolla@competitionbmw.com www.competitionbmw.com

Habberstad BMW Huntington Station 631-271-7488 631-271-7931 Fax M-F 7:30am-5:30pm Sat 8am-4pm

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PENNSYLVANIA

Apple BMW York 717-849-6597 717-843-2948 Fax M-F 7am-5pm; Sat 8am-4pm applebmwparts@appleauto1.com www.applebmwofyork.com

RHODE ISLAND

BMW of Newport Middletown 401-847-9600 401-841-0680 Fax M-F 7:30am-5:30pm

gromani@metromotorgroup.com wwwbmwofnewport.com

When you repair a BMW, use the parts that are identical to those

used in Series production and just as reliable. Choose Original BMW Parts and Accessories. Because you can’t repair your reputation.

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 65

Collision Repair Education Foundation Helps Next Generation of Collision Repairers Find Jobs Seattle, Phoenix, St. Louis, Nashville and Chicago. The Collision Repair Education FounAccording to Eckenrode, “High dation (CREF) hosted career fairs school and college collision students, across the country as part of their instructors and school administrators Cars, Careers and Celebrities initia- who attended said that the events were tive. The organization coordinated 10 eye-opening to how many different types of companies are interested in employing the students. Instead of ‘just hearing about the industry’ from their instructors, students are able to physically see and meet these companies.” CREF’s Cars, Careers and Celebrities initiative is designed to introduce industry employers to local collision students who will be seeking employment. Students have the opportuStudents meet with the various companies involved in nity to see the variety of inthe collision repair industry dustry companies interested career fairs this spring. Brandon Eck- in their future, distribute resumes to enrode, director of development for potential employers, view product CREF, said, “The events went great. demonstrations, and network with each We’ve received great feedback from other. both vendors and attending students, Eckenrode noted, “These events and students are getting hired at these are meant to serve several purposes. events.” They address the industry’s aging The fairs were held in Houston, workforce issue by helping to connect Indianapolis, Orlando, Dallas, Denver, students with industry employees, by Chasidy Rae Sisk

AutoInc. Seeks Submissions for Top 10 Websites Contest

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and its official publication, AutoInc. magazine, are inviting all current ASA members to enter the magazine’s annual Top 10 Websites Contest.

ASA will publish reviews of the Top 10 sites in the November-December issue of AutoInc. Winners will be sent extra copies of the magazine to display in their waiting rooms. Addition-

ally, ASA is pleased to announce that all winners will receive $95 off their next membership renewal. According to ASA, a shop’s website is its best business tool to attract and retain customers; aside, of course, from the consistent quality of service.

“AutoInc.’s Top 10 Websites Contest is a great opportunity for us to recognize our members for their hard work with their single greatest marketing tool,” said Leona Dalavai Scott, director of marketing and communications for AutoInc. “With an increasing number of motorists finding repair shops through online searches on their mobile devices, shops understand that their websites must be top-notch to capture consumers.” ASA’s panel of judges will provide a uniform evaluation of each site’s specific features, including:

▪ Mobile-friendly and mobile-ready ▪ Technical ▪ Innovation ▪ Call to action ▪ Credibility ▪ First impression/visual design ▪ Social media presence ▪ Objective/purpose ▪ Consumer friendliness

The deadline for this year’s contest is July 15. To access the entry form and contest guidelines, visit http://www .autoinc.org/top-10-websites/

66 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

they serve as motivation for students entering their collision education by revealing the opportunities available after they graduate, and they showcase to school administrators that the multi-billion dollar collision repair industry cares about these students,

Students network with their peers

which demonstrates that investing in their collision programs is worthwhile.” Although the job fairs were a great initial success, CREF is planning improvements, such as electronic registration for students, expanding to new cities, and getting more companies, schools and students involved. The organization also hopes to engage more school administrators in

the future, and they are developing a better system for tracking which students are interviewed and hired during these events. CREF also credits and thanks the Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Phoenix I-CAR Volunteer Committees, as those groups took the lead in organizing the events. CREF will look to get additional I-CAR committees involved to schedule even more career fairs in the future. CREF has released its job fair schedule for Fall 2016 which includes Chicago on September 16; St. Louis on September 23; Boston on October 5; Atlanta on October 20; and Columbus, OH on November 16. They also plan to visit Minneapolis, but the date has not yet been determined. Eckenrode “encourages companies who are interested in participating in these events to reach out to the Education Foundation.” For more information, contact Brandon Eckenrode at (847) 463-5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation .org.

Finish it like a Masterpiece

THESE DEALERS ARE MERCEDES-BENZ GENUINE PARTS SPECIALISTS.

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Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown

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St. James

800-800-1949

631-265-5339

302-995-5030 Parts Direct 302-995-5033 Fax M-F 7:30am - 5:00pm; Sat 8am - 2pm parts@mbofwilmington.com www.mbofwilmington.com

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E EXT. XT. 1 Collision Parts

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Proud Member of the Auto Body Distributing Since 2006 Pete Rifkin

Mechanical/Fleet Parts Representative CELL (732) 690-8896 prifkin@flemington.com

Christine Rizzo-Donaruma

Wholesale Parts Coordinator CELL (908) 797-8079 FAX (908)782-1795 crizzo@flemington.com

Dave Perez

Wholesale Parts Representative (908) 303-0666 aperez@flemington.com

Clinton

HONDA www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 67

Ray Evernham Leads Preservation of Iconic American Graffiti Impala With Axalta Coatings For Ray Evernham, the 1958 Chevy Impala used in the film American Graffiti is the holy grail of hot rods, a car that inspired his life-long passion for cars. Now, after pursuing the car for most of his adult life and finally buying it, he faces an even bigger challenge: preserving it in its original movie condition for generations to come. Evernham has partnered with Axalta Coating Systems, a global manufacturer of liquid and powder coatings, to bring this piece of movie history and Americana back to life. The car will go through a tedious forensic preservation and be unveiled in Axalta’s booth #22391 at the 2016 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas during the first week of November. “For me, American Graffiti was an incredible movie about an exciting time in America,” said Evernham. “It brought back hot rods and rock and roll and launched the careers of dozens of stars. George Lucas did such an exacting job creating the set, building the cars and telling the story that you were truly transported back to a time when horsepower was king, you and your friends ruled the drive-in and the world was a simpler place.” American Graffiti, a film about

four long-time high-school friends set in Modesto, CA, in 1962, featured several classic cars throughout the movie, with the 1958 Chevy Impala being one of the most iconic. After it was used in the film, Mike

to its original movie condition,” noted Evernham. “It really is a forensic preservation. We have to take it apart piece by piece, catalog every piece and then repair those pieces. Every piece of chrome is being straightened

Famalette, only 17 at the time, purchased the car directly from Lucas Films for $285 in 1972. Famalette held onto the car from that time until 2015 when Evernham acquired it. “To save this car for future generations, we have to go back 42 years

and re-chromed. The emblems are being re-chromed. The nuts and bolts are being re-plated. The interior has been entirely dis-assembled and will be restored back to its movie condition. Everything we took off is going back in it. Even the tires are original

and the air in them came directly from the movie set.” The only element Evernham is replacing is the engine, which was destroyed long before he purchased the car. As seen in American Graffiti, the ‘58 Impala was equipped with a four-barrel 348, and three-speed manual transmission. Evernham found a 1960 327 Chevy engine with six-barrel Stromberg carburetor to power the classic machine. With partner Axalta Coating Systems, Evernham will replace the exact paint and pinstripes on the vehicle. “Paint technology has come a long way since 1958,” noted Harry Christman, North American Cromax® Brand Manager for Axalta. “Regardless, the paint scheme still represents the most recognizable aspect of this iconic car. Axalta’s goal with this restoration is to precisely match the original colors using Cromax® ChromaPremier® to preserve the vehicle’s heritage and protect this unique piece of history for years to come.” Evernham said the complexity of the restoration is daunting, and the time required will far exceed any project his team that has built, including award-winning, best-in-class cars for SEMA, Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and the Pinehurst d’Elegance.

Genuine Porsche Parts... Only The Best.

The Dealers Below are Genuine Porsche Parts Distributors.

MARYLAND

NEW JERSEY

N. VIRGINIA

Porsche Towson

Porsche of Cherry Hill

Porsche of Arlington

844-588-0145

856-665-5660

888-600-3538

Towson, Md

410-296-4852 Fax

parts@porschetowson.com www.porschetowson.com

MASSACHUSETTS Porsche Norwell Norwell

781-261-5230

781-261-5274 Fax M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm

Cherry Hill

856-665-4645 Fax M-F 7:30am - 5:00pm

parts@cherryhillimports.com www.cherryhillimports.com

Porsche of Princeton

Arlington

866-596-1124 Fax M-F 8:00am - 6:00pm S 8:00am - 4:00pm

parts@porscheofarlington.com www.porscheofarlington.com

Lawrenceville

609-945-1500 609-945-0501 Fax

www.princeton.porschedealer.com

www.porschenorwell.com

68 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Porsche: There Is No Substitute

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www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 69

Some Shops Hate Him, but Consumers Love Him: The Wreck Check Story by Ed Attanasio

If someone gets into a car accident, takes their vehicle to a shop, and then later discovers that they are the victim of a shoddy (and possibly unsafe) repair, what is their next step? What if that customer then takes the car back to the same shop and does not get any satisfaction? People all over the country are in this predicament every day, and that is why more and more disgruntled body shop customers are visiting one of 35 Wreck Check Car Scan Centers throughout the U.S. to find answers to their questions and remedy the associated issues. Wreck Check Car Scan Centers were founded in 1997 by Rocco J. Avellini while he owned Rocco’s Collision Center and the U.S. distributor for Cad-Scan in addition to selling 3D dimensioning equipment designed for the collision industry. “While the creators of this equipment designed it to assist the collision repair technician to ensure that the unibodies of damaged vehicles could be returned back to manufacturer’s specifications, I saw a different purpose for it,” Avellini explained. “As a result, I immediately announced on a few online collision discussion boards that I was starting a new industry, and I named it the PostRepair Industry.” In 2001, James Lynas, the developer of the original Wreck Check software, decided to leave the industry. When he transferred the Wreck Check company to Avellini, his first move was to revise the original Wreck Check diminishing value software to reflect the true loss of value to vehicles that have been involved in accidents. Since then, he has continued to market and sell the new Wreck Check Car Scan Center concept to consumers and body shops that are interested in becoming licensees. “We are simply giving the driving public the ability to get a second opinion for collision and mechanical repairs,” Avellini said. “In many cases, we assist our clients in having their vehicles re-repaired to a safe condition after receiving their assessments. Our clients continue to recover their diminishing value on these subpar repairs, which clearly illustrates that this is a problem in the collision repair industry in a big way.” To fulfill a need for more loca-

tions, Wreck Check Car Scan Centers is always in search of shops and other collision professionals that want to get involved, according to Avellini. “We want honest, experienced and knowl-

umentation they need to make their surers would take steps to see that collision repairs would be completed in a case. safe and proper fashion. But it has “Our Diminished Value Assessments are comprehensive and detailed, turned out to be wishful thinking. I beso no one can really argue with them,” lieve that in an ongoing attempt to Avellini said. “A Los Angeles control costs, the insurers are just creCounty Superior Court Judge ating new ways to achieve that, and ultimately, the repairers are left with recently praised our assessments for being as good as the same liability. Repairers must remember that an insurer has no standgold. Now, the insurance companies realize that diminished ing in the collision repair process and value is owed and it is just a their only duty is to indemnify their matter of documenting how insured and make them whole.” Avellini is not afraid of a little much the recovery amount should be. We are the leader in media, and Wreck Check Scan Car determining diminishing value Centers may soon be the subject of a TV reality series, so stay tuned. With and our assessments are a testaWreck Check Car Scan Centers were founded in 1997 by some body shop owners and insurance ment to that. They have evolved Rocco J. Avellini. The company helps consumers who companies out there that are not exover the past 20 years and now get shoddy repairs from body shops nationwide they basically leave the insurers actly pleased with his work, does this edgeable automotive professionals with no other option other than to pay street-smart New Yorker ever worry? who share our passion for assisting our clients.” “A few of my friends have warned consumers before, during and after “I have inspected over 20,000 ve- me to watch my back,” he said. “I tell their automotive repairs and to ensure hicles in my collision, insurance and them, so be it—I’m not stopping, that’s that their families are driving in a safe post-repair inspection life and the re- for sure. At the end of the day, it all vehicle.” pairs, in my opinion, are actually not comes down to peoples’ safety, and Avellini, 65, has worked in al- getting any better. Right after we that’s what keeps me doing what I’m most every aspect of the collision re- started going after shops for doing doing.” pair industry as an insurance adjuster poor work, we got a lot of media exwww.autobodynews.com and national property manager, equip- posure. At that time, I thought the inment sales rep and as the owner of a CHECK IT OUT! restoration company and his own body shop (Rocco’s Collision Center in southern California) for many years. When he found out about the Wreck Check software 23 years ago, he instantly saw the need for a company that protects consumers from improper collision repairs. Shift into Genuine Nissan and Infiniti To advertise An early adapter of the concept OEM Wholesale Parts are Genuine Nissan superbly crafted to strict call Advertising and Sales at: Infiniti and a firm believer in what he is quality standards. OEM Parts doing, Avellini works hard to recover 800-699-8251 money for his customers, he said. “I The following dealers proudly stock genuine parts for your Nissan or Infiniti repairs. e-mail: was one of the initial Wreck Check liadvertising@autobodynews.com censees in 1993 after witnessing firsthand that insurance companies www.autobodynews.com NEW JERSEY PENNSYLVANIA initially stated that they don’t owe diminishing value. But, once we can FLEMINGTON INFINITI OF show them our documentation, they NISSAN MECHANICSBURG will often pony up the money without FLEMINGTON MECHANICSBURG negotiation. We have seen everything over the years, so we know what to 877-NJPARTS 888-484-2516 look for and we know how to win for (908) 782-1795 Fax (717) 458-0443 Fax Be Seen by Our Readers! the people we represent. Recently, two Free Delivery CALL Advertising Sales at: of our clients recovered more than parts@infinitimbg.com $25,000 in diminished value and more than $20,000 for losing the use of the vehicle for a significant period of advertising@autobodynews.com time.” When a consumer takes their vewww.autobodynews.com hicle to a Wreck Check Car Scan Center, they get an in-depth inspection followed by all of the supporting doc-

70 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

800-699-8251

MARYLAND

MASSACHUSETTS

King Volkswagen Gaithersburg

Volkswagen of North Attleboro North Attleboro

240-403-2300 Fax: 240-403-2398 M-F 7am-6pm Sat 8am-4pm

dprunner@vwking.com www.vwking.com

Ourisman VW of Laurel Laurel

301-498-6050 Fax: 301-498-0157 M-F 7:30am-7pm Sat 7am-4pm

ron.malitz@ourismanautomotive.com Ourisman VW of Rockville Rockville

508-695-7131 Fax: 508-695-0321 M-F 8am-5pm Sat 8am-2pm

kenr@driveavw.com www.driveavw.com

NEW JERSEY Atlantic Volkswagen Egg Harbor Township

609-641-1788 Fax: 609-646-2331 M-Sat 7:30am-5pm Tue 7:30am-9pm

vcornwall@atlanticautogroup.com www.atlanticautogroup.com

Cherry Hill Volkswagen Cherry Hill

856-665-5660 Fax: 856-665-4645 M-F 7:30am-5pm

parts@cherryhillimports.com www.cherryhillimports.com

NEW YORK Koeppel Volkswagen Woodside

718-728-8111 Fax: 718-278-0319

www.koeppelvw.com

Open Road Volkswagen of Bridgewater Bridgewater

908-685-1068 Fax: 908-685-1547 M-F 7:30am-5pm Sat 8am-3pm Matthew.schlossbert@openroad.com www.openroadvwparts.com

Shrewsbury Volkswagen Shrewsbury

855-417-4511

800-662-3140

Fax: 240-499-2488 M-F 8am-5:30pm Sat 8am-5pm rockvilleparts@ourismanautomotive.com www.rockvillevolkswagen.com

Fax: 732-576-1894 M-F 8am-5pm

aammiano@shrewsburyvw.com www.shrewsburyvw.com

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 71

Maaco Says it Aims to Have Shops in Every State as Aggressive Growth Continues by Victoria Antonelli

On May 26, Autobody News reached out to Rob Cambruzzi, Vice President of Maaco Franchise Sales & Development at Driven Brands, Inc., to learn more about Maaco’s recent growth, future plans, and innovative customer service.

What are the driving forces beQ: hind Maaco’s rapid expansion? Driven Brands, which is the A: parent company of Maaco, was acquired by Roark Capital last April;

and if you don’t know Roark, they’re the crème de la crème of the private equity world for franchising. They have acquired more than 50 multi-location brands, which collectively generate north of $20 billion in system wide sales. With that amount of financial support and expertise, it has enabled us to leverage everything from better relationships to best practices, and everything in between. I think that joining the Roark Capital portfolio has introduced a lot of new people who may not have looked at the auto body

world as a potential investment. That’s the most significant change I’ve seen with the company since I started four and a half years ago.

of our business. We are continuously strengthening the third leg in our stool, through our growing insurance partnerships.

cosmetic collision brings in about 58% of business to shops. The historic Maaco model remains intact. We still work with single guys who are looking to get into the industry and own one shop. However, the multi-shop game has gotten to be very strong over the last two or three years, with the percentage of multi-shop operators in the chain raising from single digits in 2013, to 40% of the chain today. We’ve done a great job at taking advantage of areas in the market that are often passed over, like consumer sales and fleet maintenance. While we have had success leveraging our expertise in these areas, there always remains room for growth in other aspects

tomer’s deductible is; whether it’s $500-$1000. We’re providing them an opportunity to pay for their repair outof-pocket without having to make an insurance claim, worry about the increase in their rates and so forth. So, as of now, we do see more out-of-pocket payments. Maaco prides itself on being easy, affordable and reliable, regardless of whether you need out-of-pocket or insurance work completed. But we’re also proud to have developed great relationships in the insurance industry and those partnerships are growing.

Has the original Maaco model Do you find that Maaco cusQ: changed? If so, in what ways? Q: tomers usually go through insurance or pay out of pocket? At its core, Maaco is based on a A: term we use called “cosme-li- A: isOnethatofweourcanvaluetypically propositions sion” or cosmetic collision, which conget the sists of hits under $2,500. On average, job done for close to what the cus-

Out of the “three legs of the fleet, retail, and insurQ: stool”-

MARYLAND

Fitzgerald Subaru of Gaithersburg Gaithersburg (301) 670-4881 (301) 670-1595 Fax

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6; Sat. 8-4 www.fitzmall.com MASSACHUSETTS

Long Automotive Group Framingham (800) 982-2298 (508) 879-1212 Fax

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5 tschube@longauto.com NEW JERSEY

Liberty Subaru

The following dealerships are eager to serve your needs. Call your local Subaru collision parts specialist today! 72 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Emerson (888) 782-9493 (201) 261-3261 Fax

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6 parts@libertysubaru.com www.libertysubaru.com

ance, which is growing the fastest?

The fleet piece is definitely A: growing the fastest. By the end of 2016, $100M in fleet work will be

provided to franchisees through our corporate partnerships with national accounts. That’s more than a 30% growth rate; and it has been occurring for the last three years in a row. There really isn’t any organized competitor that can offer our clients the same easy, affordable, reliable service that we are known for.

What is the customer service Q: like at Maaco? How do you stand out? We really prioritize marketA: ing; we spend close to $25M annually. Once we get the customer in the door, it’s very important to us that they have a great experience. What many may not realize is how important retail is to our business success. Since a lot of what we’re doing is selling retail, it needs to come across as an almost Apple-like experience.

NEW JERSEY

Miller Subaru

Lumberton (609) 261-7844 (609) 261-7843 Fax

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5 dseward@millertransgroup.com

Subaru of Morristown

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Transparency is important in the industry, especially for Maaco, so we like to keep the customer up-to-date throughout the entire repair process. In order to make that possible, we launched a new management system called OneMaaco, which integrates status updates for customers via text or email, easy-to-read estimates and automated customer reminders. The Maaco app was specifically created to complement the way Maaco franchisees run their shops by allowing customers to receive high-level estimates, find locations, and track the progress of their car. As we continue to evolve, our sales process does, as well. In the near future, a customer could walk into one of our centers and see a 60-inch TV that the salesperson will use to walk through our process, whether it’s for collision or paint services. The videos and other visual components of these digital boards provide user-friend details on our process and let customers see more on repairs that they are interested.

How do you keep your technicians up-to-date on the latest Q: technology?

We have an online program A: called Maaco University that is available to all franchisees; we update

those materials constantly to include the latest in Maaco processes, OSHA regulations, etc. We’re also planning a tech expo in October in Charlotte, N.C. Vendors are joining us at the Charlotte Motor Speedway to display the latest technology.

Are there Maaco shops in every Q: state? Maaco is in all but two states. A: One of our value propositions, especially from the fleet side, is, if

you have a company in every city and every state, we can help to make sure the paints match for every fleet.

Q: areHowtheremanytotal?Maaco franchises We currently have 480 Maaco A: locations. This year, our goal is to hit the 500+ mark. We anticipate

growing that number to north of 500 within the next two months.

For more information, visit www.maaco franchise.com.

Continued from Page 54

Auto Claims

repaired vehicles that reclassified after repair as total losses. And when an insurance company requires that repair work be done in an ‘approved’ shop whose workmanship turns out to be shoddy, they may find themselves losing customers to other insurers who don’t require that repair work be done in such ‘approved’ shops. The claims procedures and processes that were effective and efficient five, ten, or 15 years ago are not readily transferable to the vehicles on the road today. Another area where insurers may be making short-term money decisions with potential long-term consequences is in labor costs. Currently there is a 40-60% disparity between the labor rates insurers seek to pay for autobody repair and the cost of mechanical labor rates. Such a disparity may lead entrylevel technicians and potential labor to look to other trades for a career. This could result in a shortage of qualified employees and qualified shops in the autobody industry in the future. And anytime there is a shortage of supply,

The Right Parts.

costs will go up. Will there come a time when insurance companies will pay $250/hour to repair body- damaged cars? Ultimately, the insurance companies and the autobody repair industry pursue the same goal: a well- repaired, safe vehicle that a satisfied customer knows has been properly repaired. The task before us is to balance this goal with the realities of ever-changing vehicle technology, vehicle specific parts, expense controls and quality workmanship.

Bob Juniper owns and operates Three-C Body Shops, Inc., based in central and southern Ohio. Three-C, family owned, was founded in 1956. Juniper and Three-C welcome the new opportunities brought about by the changing face of the auto repair industry as consolidation changes the auto repair market in Central Ohio. Mike Orso is president of Nick Orso’s Body Shop and Service Center in Syracuse, New York. Orso joined the family-run business in 1973. Orso served as president of New York State Auto Collision Technicians Association, Inc. (NYSACTA).

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www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 73

Western News

Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

New Collision Career Institute Launched for All the Right Reasons with Ed Attanasio

To fill an enormous need for new colliI’m obviously coming in from the edusion professionals, Erick Bickett, CEO cational side. We want to educate peoof FixAuto, and Charlie Robertson, a ple better, faster and cheaper. And Erick veteran automotive techChasidy instructor, rewith Rae was Siskkind of approaching it similarly cently launched the Collision Career Inand had instituted his own fast track stitute (CCI) in Anaheim, CA. This new program at FixAuto. Soon, we realized school will train its students in actual that we were both frustrated about the body shops and will be mentored by the current situation. So we decided to shops’ management and personnel. blend our two programs together. There Upon completing this 1.5–2 year proare large educational institutions out gram, CCI graduates will be ready for there where, for $40,000, you can get a with Janet Chaney employment and won’t need to be retech in two years. The problem is that trained, according to Robertson, whom you still have to stop and retrain them. So we tried to address most of the top ABN sat down with recently. ten concerns that the shops have in hirWhat was the main reason being somebody. They don’t want to inhind the formation of the Collivest in training someone if they’re just sion Career Institute? with David Luehr going to go out and move to the next MSO that’s going to offer them another Well, it started mostly out of fifty cents to a dollar more per hour. frustration on the part of shops They want to make sure that if they inthat were running out of qualified peovest in someone, they’re going to stay. ple. Shops have been poaching people So we address that in our program and from other shops for a long time in difprovide incentives for the technicians to with Jennifer ferent degrees. But whenever we runDriscoll-Chippendale stay, with tool and bonus packages that into a big expansion by the MSOs, they they’ll receive after two years at the start getting frantic. They have all these same shop. new contracts they need to fulfill and You carefully screen every pothey don’t have the techs to perform the tential student prior to admiswork. So it’s a business strategy for sion, is that correct? them. Poaching will never stop and the with Erica Eversman main problem is that the pool is small. Yes, because not everyone is So the only thing you can do to remedy ideal for every job in a body the problem is to increase the size of the shop. The problem with most commupool of available technicians, estimators nity colleges is that they will graduate a and painters. At first, we were frusstudent if they meet minimum stantrated, but then we saw it as an opporwith Attanasio dards. Shops really don’t care if you get tunity, and that was the Ed genesis of the an A, B, or C on something anymore. Collision Career Institute. I’ve been an They really want to know that they can educator in this industry at the commudo the job and do it successfully and not nity college level for more than 22 years cause any injuries. Similarly, in the inas an instructor at Cerritos College in dustry, we want these trainees to hit the Norwalk, CA. And the frustration that I was feeling was different from what ground running. So they don’t move on Ed Attanasio to the next class until they’re finished was being felt in with the industry. I felt that and validated by a third-party that in training, we needed to be more focomes in—somebody that comes in incused on what the shops’ needs were and less focused on what the school dependently and evaluates their skills. And so until they pass, they won’t needed. move on. That’s a different focus. You’re working with Erick Everything else is always time-based or with Ed Attanasio Bickett (FixAuto) to develop money-based, related to profit rather this program and combining your skill than to competency. So we focus on sets to do some groundbreaking things competency that is a departure from the with CCI. Please elaborate. norms out there.

Northeast News

Associations Update

Q: A:

Lean Operations The Legal View The Legal Q: View

Once we have vetted the person A: and decided that they are a good candidate, we look for a shop in

the area that they’re willing to work in that wants to sponsor them and then we work out the agreements. Applicants go through a full series of assessments to asses their likelihood to succeed. Each job description that we train for has an ideal personality style that goes with it. There are certain people that you wouldn’t want to have in front of your customers. There are some people that you wouldn’t want to have in charge of putting a car back together. If they’re not detail-oriented, you probably don’t want to have them in charge of all the parts. We try to ferret all that out and we assess that person more discreetly and intensely than a community college is allowed to. There are certain questions that you can’t ask at a community college and it’s more of an open door policy. We accept everybody into every program

in a community college, but we don’t at CCI.

will CCI start accepting first students? Q: itsWhen Well, we’re still in the early A: stages and still running our beta program. We learned a lot from

the prototype. We went back and retooled it and modified it and cut it down from two years to a year and a half. We launched beta back in the fall and we’ve learned from those beta students and modified the program. We’ve tweaked it, and those changes in the system will come out in our August launch. We are currently recruiting both shops and students to participate. Our target areas for August are the Bay Area and Southern California. Then, we will reload every three months and be going full-speed by the fourth quarter of this year in other regions.

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Yes, Erick and I are approaching For someone looking to attend with Victoria AntonelliCCI, what are the steps? it from two different directions.

74 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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AkzoNobel Introduces New Color Software

With its recently released MIXIT web application, AkzoNobel became the first vehicle refinishes paint supplier to provide real-time updates for color software as well as the first to support searching in Chinese.

AkzoNobel now offers a new color web application, MIXIT, a tool for bodyshops to find the color they want using a search function that fits all possible keywords in any language and includes suggestions. According to AkzoNobel, it is the ideal tool for customers using any of their leading vehicle refinishes brands, including Sikkens, Lesonal, Wanda, Sikkens Autocoat BT and U-TECH. “MIXIT is the first software of its kind to provide data updates in

real-time, with a simple, fast and intelligent search, making it the most accurate color retrieval tool available,” said Remco Maassen van den Brink, AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes marketing director. “It is also the first to support searching for car makes and model names in the Chinese language.” As a responsive web application, MIXIT has been designed to work on smartphones, tablets and PCs. Since its December launch, approximately 50% of users have accessed the application from a mobile device or tablet. The application analyzes user behavior to understand how customers can retrieve and match colors more efficiently. Every three weeks, AkzoNobel will use this information to release an updated version of the application in which functionality is added and improved. “With so many advantages for users globally, we are confident MIXIT will become the color retrieval tool of choice for all of our customers,” said Remco Maassen van den Brink. The application can be accessed at www.MIXITcloud.com.

PPG Introduces EC550 En-V® Ultra Gloss Clearcoat

The Automotive Refinish business unit of PPG has launched EC550 En-V® Ultra Gloss Clearcoat, a new clearcoat formulated specifically for use with ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne basecoat. According to PPG, the new clearcoat is designed for outstanding gloss and ease of use. It is intended for overalls and multi-panel applications and is the latest addition to the Envirobase High Performance clearcoat lineup. EC550 incorporates PPG’s advanced En-V resin technology that is used in EC530 En-V Performance

Clearcoat. “The technology contributes to a superior appearance thanks to exceptional gloss retention and excellent flow and leveling qualities—properties that are critical for delivering premium OEM-level finishes,” states PPG. EC550 utilizes the same hardener/reducer combination as EC530 En-V Performance Clearcoat with a simple 3:1:1 mix ratio. EC550 can be sprayed in all application conditions, including extreme temperatures and humidity, and no polishing is required. Additionally, EC550 En-V Ultra Gloss is compliant for all refinish markets in North America. “We’ve given EC550 En-V Ultra Gloss all the attributes PPG customers have asked for,” said Tim Jones, Automotive Refinish segment manager. “It’s production-friendly, easy to apply and yields an unmatched luxurious gloss. It’s exactly what a premium Envirobase High Performance clearcoat should be.” To learn more about the Envirobase High Performance brand and other Automotive Refinish products, call (800) 647-6050 or visit www.ppg refinish.com.

76 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

PPG Foundation Awards Student Scholarships

The PPG Foundation, working with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), recently awarded scholarships to four students who have demonstrated a career interest in automotive repair and refinish. The scholarships, worth $5,000 each, are awarded annually to full-time students attending a post-secondary school with a focus or degree program in collision repair. The funds may be used to assist the students with educational expenses such as tuition, books, tools and equipment. The winners of the 2016 PPG Foundation Scholarships are: Richard Arnold (Utah Valley University, Orem, UT), Julie Brain (College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL), BreaAnna Miller (Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID), and David Morales Brain (College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL). In addition, money was raised for the PPG MVP Industry Student Scholarship Fund during PPG’s 2015 Fall MVP Business Solutions Conference in Nashville, TN. The fund was able to award a $1,000 scholarship to Amanda Barefoot (Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville, NC). “PPG’s automotive refinish

business and the PPG Foundation continue to work closely with the Collision Repair Education Foundation to support future professionals and develop the educational facilities the collision industry requires,” said Domenic Brusco, PPG senior manager, industry relations, automotive refinish. “By taking an active role in the education of collision repair and refinish students across the country, we help grow a skilled workforce to meet the demand for highly competent technicians amid ever-evolving technology. We congratulate our 2016 scholarship recipients.” Industry members interested in working with CREF to support secondary and post-secondary collision repair students, instructors and school programs should contact Brandon Eckenrode, director of development, at (847) 463-5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation .org. For information on how to donate to programs supported by CREF, visit www.CollisionEducationFoundation .org. To learn more about PPG, visit www.ppg.com. To learn more about the PPG Foundation, visit www.ppg communities.com.

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80 JULY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com