July 2018 Northeast Edition by Autobody News

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Vol. 9 / Issue 4 / July 2018

Body Shop Owner Sues Lynn, MA, for Trying to Shut Down His Business

NY Body Shop Sues Insurance Company, Adjusters on Behalf of Clients

by Thomas Grillo, The Daily Item

by Stacey Phillips

The owner of an auto body and mechanical shop on Willow Street in Lynn, MA, has filed suit against the city for shutting down his business.

105 Willow Street Lynn, MA Credit: Owen O’Rourke

In the four-page complaint, Josue Amaya, owner of Josue Auto Body Shop and Mechanic Inc., alleges the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) erred in May when they denied his company

a permit to add auto body work to the repair shop services they offer. But the panel argued the shop hasn’t repaired cars for more than two years, so the license to operate had been discontinued. Auto repair facilities are not allowed to be in use in the downtown area and do not fit the city’s vision for a rejuvenated arts district. James Lamanna, the city’s attorney, said several members of the ZBA had driven by the site and not seen any activity there for 20 years. “That suggests the business has not been operating,” he said. But Amaya’s attorney, Sam Vitali, argues it’s been an auto repair See Lynn, MA, Zoning, Page 6

Conspiracy To Murder Auto Shop Owner in CT by Rich Kirby, Danbury Patch

Police in Bridgeport, CT, arrested four Danbury men after an investigation uncovered a plan to kill an auto shop owner there. Jason “Hood” Scott, 35; Luis “Kermit” Mejias, 31; and Dominick “Dom” Gonzalez, 21, were charged with conspiracy to commit murder and are also held in lieu of $1 million bonds. Police charged the man who planned the hit, Luis “Pops” Mercado, 51, with conspiracy to commit

murder and third-degree attempted arson. He was being held in lieu of $1 million. The men had been the focus of an ongoing Bridgeport PD investigation involving a dispute over $8,000 owed for a marijuana transaction between a group in Danbury and the owner of the body shop. The Danbury group had arranged for a “hit” on the shop’s owner and the destruction of his shop. We thank Danbury Patch for reprint permission.

State Consumer Insurance Company, Inc., IANet Corporation and insurBarry’s Auto Body is part of an on- ance adjusters Gabe Deri, Louis going lawsuit filed on behalf of five Simo and Basit Irfan. of its customers for “violating genBarry’s Auto Body, co-owned eral business law §349 by engaging by Barry Crupi, Jr. and his sister in unfair claims practices.” Michele, alleges that Tri-State provided only partial payment for the damage claims of customers’ vehicles to repair them back to their pre-accident condition as obligated under an insurance policy and New York State law. The body shop is suing for a total of approximately Barry Crupi, Jr. and his sister Michele are co-owners of $500,000, which includes the body shop legal fees and treble (triple) The Staten Island, NY-based damages. Prior to the repairs, Tri-State body shop originally filed the lawsuit in July of 2017 in the Supreme Court provided Barry’s Body Shop estiof the State of New York against TriSee Body Shop Sues, Page 54

Senator: Trump Tariffs May Drive Off Alabama’s Auto Jobs by Brad Harper, Montgomery Advertiser

Alabama Sen. Doug Jones said a proposal by President Donald Trump to place a 25 percent tariff on imported cars, trucks and auto parts could cause automotive plant workers to lose their jobs, especially in Alabama. “I can’t just sit by while the president’s, I believe, shortsighted proposals threaten (jobs) in Alabama,” Jones said. “The proposal is going to hurt Alabama, plain and simple.” In a letter sent June 7 to U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Jones joined Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-TN, in urging the administration to reconsider the plan. The administration has targeted allies, including Canada and Mexico, in trying to reduce a trade deficit it considers a national security issue.

Democrat Doug Jones won a special election for Senate in December, beating polarizing Republican nominee Roy Moore. Credit: Mickey Welsh, Advertiser

“We can assure you that reducing the size of our state’s automotive manufacturing base will not bolster our nation’s security,” the letter states. See Trump Tariffs, Page 18

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REGIONAL Auto Shop Owner Sues Lynn, MA, for Trying to Shut Down His Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Bronx, NY ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ Rob Auto Body Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Can the Auto Repair Sector Survive the Jerome Ave. Rezoning in Bronx, NY? . . . . . . 16 Carbone Auto Group To Open Collision Center in Utica, NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Conspiracy To Murder Auto Shop Owner in CT . . 1 CT Towns, Cities Wary of Testing Self-Driving Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Duncan Autobody, NABC Repair, Donate Car to Single Mom in PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Hail Storm in Columbia County, NY, Has Owners Paying the Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 NY Body Shop Sues Insurance Company, Adjusters on Behalf of Clients . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 NY Man Convicted of Involvement in $1 Million Auto Insurance Fraud . . . . . . . . . 29 Pittsburgh To Ask All Self-Driving Companies to Follow Mayor’s New Uber Rules . . . . . . . . 8 Recycled Rides Donates Vehicle to OEF Veteran in NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Sisk - AASP/MA Welcomes Lucky Papageorg as Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Sisk - AASP/NJ To Continue Educating Members With 2018 Training Seminars . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Sisk - NY Associations Collaborate for Annual Lobby Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Tech Students Restore Fleet of Lawrence, MA, Police Cruisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Today’s Collision Repairs Donated Car for MA Veteran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

AMi Honors Class of 2018 at ASA Annual Business Meeting & Conference . . . . . . . . . 66 ASA Announces New 2018 Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Authors of ‘The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops’ Announce Audio Version . . . . . 66 Auto Care Association Hosts Successful Trade Mission to Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Auto Care Association Joins Coalition for Accurate Product Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 BASF Names Micro Auto Paint & Supplies Distributor of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Beverly Rook-Twibell Acknowledged With 2018 WIN Cornerstone Award . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Caliber Collision Collects 4.3 Million Meals to Feed Kids This Summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Attanasio - Shop Owner Creates Podcast to Connect With Shop Owners, Managers . . . . 38 Ledoux - The 1940s – Part 1 - An End, a Beginning and a Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Phillips - CA Body Shop’s Business Model Focuses on Heavier Collision Repair Work. . . 42 Phillips - PDR Experts Share Opportunities for Paintless Dent Repair in Collision Repair . . . 26 Sisk - ASA Partners With Bosch for 5th, Final Webinar: Recalibrating Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Sisk - YANG 2018 Leadership Conference Is Highest Rated Yet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Yoswick - 5 Years Ago, Shop Wanted to

Partner Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 CCC, CREF Announce Winners of Annual Congressional Steps to Dismantle Federal Insurance Office Continue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Detroit To Host Next Sherwin-Williams Ecolean Level 1 Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Edward Salamy: Let Consumers Choose Cheaper Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Families File Keyless System Lawsuits After Carbon Monoxide Deaths . . . . . . . . . . 70 GM, Jaguar Land Rover Approve Car-O-Liner Hunter Engineering Becomes Corporate Member of SCRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Data Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Mitchell Issues Second Quarter 2018 Industry Trends Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Most Influential Women Celebrated at WIN 2018 Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Mother Goose Visits Mike’s Auto Body in San Ramon, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 3M, CREF Support Vets with 3M ‘Hire Our Heroes Program’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Americans Are Increasingly Afraid of Autonomous Cars, Study Finds . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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Acura of Westchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . 62

Amato Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

McGovern Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram . . . . . 15

Atlantic Hyundai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Mercedes-Benz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 40-41

Audi Fairfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Mercedes-Benz of Atlantic City. . . . . . . . . . . 53

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

AutobodyLaw.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Mercedes-Benz of Fort Washington . . . . . . . 53

Axalta Coating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Mercedes-Benz of Paramus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Bical Auto Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Mercedes-Benz of West Chester . . . . . . . . . 53

BMW of Tenafly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Mercedes-Benz of Wilmington . . . . . . . . . . . 59

BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . 68-69

Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 61

Cadillac of Mahwah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . 66

CarcoonAmerica Airflow Systems. . . . . . . . . 28

Mirka USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Central Avenue Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram . . 20

Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . 76

Cherry Hill Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram . . . . . 34

MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . 44-45

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

NACE-Automechanika Trade Show . . . . . . . . 13

Collision Equipment Consulting, Inc.. . . . . . . 22

Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealer . . . . . 60

Colonial Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Northstar Kia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

DeBeer Refinish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Nucar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Dent Magic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

O’Reilly Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Diamond Standard Parts, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Ourisman Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram. . . . . . . 9

ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Polyvance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Empire Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Porsche of Fairfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

EMS Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . 75

Equalizer Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,6

Fi.TIM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Reliable Automotive Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Robaina Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Fred Beans Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

SATA Dan-Am Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

GM Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Schultz Ford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

GYS Welding USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Security Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram . . . . . . . . 7

Healey Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Spanesi Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 36-37

Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . 71

Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . 72

Symach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Infiniti of Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Tasca Automotive Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

JiffyJump.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . 76

Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . 63

VIP Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Launch Tech USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . 67

Lynnes Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Wedge Clamp Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Malouf Chevrolet-Cadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Westbury Jeep-Chrysler-Dodge-Ram-SRT . . 31

MSO Symposium Announces Advisory Board for 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 NABC, CREF Announce Winners of Chuck Sulkala Appreciation Scholarship . . . . . . . . 76 NICB Releases Data on Animal-Related Insurance Losses, 91% Involve Deer . . . . . . 75 PPG Offers New Course to Prep Refinish Preppers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Alabama’s Auto Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Spanesi Americas,Certified Collision Group Agree to Strategic Partnership. . . . . . . . . . . 74 Transportation Leaders Want Federal Guidance

3M, CREF Announce 3M Hire Our Heroes

tion for the autobody industry. Permission to reproduce in

Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman,

Vehicle Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Senator: Trump Tariffs May Drive Off

NATIONAL

adjacent metro areas. Autobody News is a monthly publica-

Stacey Phillips, Victoria Antonelli, Gary Ledoux

Insurance Hearing on Autonomous Vehicles’

PPG Video Says ‘Yes’ to Diversity. . . . . . . . . . . 75

Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

sachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and

Toby Chess, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr,

Vacuum Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Face Insurer Mandates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 to Non-OEM Parts Get Spotlighted at

Maryland, Northern Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Mas-

Contributing Writers: John Yoswick, Janet Chaney,

Scholarship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Choose Parts Systems Rather Than Yoswick - Certification, Legislation Related

Serving New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,

General Manager: Barbara Davies

Car-O-Liner Joins I-Car’s Sustaining

Mazda, CCC Work Together To Address COLUMNISTS

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

CONTENTS

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst

on Driverless Vehicle Standards . . . . . . . . . 59 Uber’s Self-Driving Vehicles Rely on Humans to Brake in Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 WAC Moves Forward With New Officers, Future Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Why Choosing a Technical School Makes Sense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Insurance Hearing on Autonomous Vehicles’ Data Access by Brittney Kohler, CitiesSpeak

manufacturing and automotive practice leader at Marsh and McLennan; Ryan Gammelgard, counsel to the public policy resource group at State Farm; Sam Geraci, the vice president of strategy for American Family Mutual Insurance Company; Ian Adams, assistant vice president at the R Street Institute; and Jack Gillis from the Consumer Federation of America. The panel was teed up to answer important questions about the safe and effective rollout of AVs and what this new technology might change. Panel members expressed that data—in particular, crash data—will be necessary in order to do their jobs and provide an accurate risk-based assessment of the vehicles for their policies. Gammelgard spoke of the importance of data for the insurance industry, for “by law [they] match price to risk” and if they are not given access to the data they “might not be able to do so.” Adams echoed this concern, stating that “insurers will need to be able to access data related to autonomous See House AV Act, Page 24

Americans Are Increasingly Afraid of Autonomous Cars, Study Finds by Lee DeVito, Detroit Metro Times

A new report from AAA found that an increasing number of Americans do not, for one, welcome our autonomous vehicle overlords. The study follows a spate of high-profile accidents involving autonomous technology, including an autonomous Uber vehicle that killed

The Tesla Model S following its recovery from the crash scene near Williston, FL. Credit: National Transportation Safety Board, Wikimedia Creative Commons

a pedestrian in Tempe, AZ, earlier this year—the first reported fatal crash involving a self-driving vehicle and a pedestrian in the country. According to AAA’s report, nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of American drivers say they would be too afraid to ride in a fully self-

Uber’s Self-Driving Vehicles Rely on Humans to Brake in Emergencies

cle behavior.” Additionally, the safety system is not designed to alert the veA preliminary government report on hicle’s operator. The San Francisco-based techthe March fatal crash involving an Uber self-driving test vehicle and a nology company confirmed this findpedestrian in Tempe, AZ, showed ing. The test vehicle involved in the that the vehicle’s manufacturer-installed automatic emergency braking incident, a modified 2017 Volvo XC90, was operating with its selfsystem was disabled at the time. driving system in computer control mode and had a vehicle safety operator inside it when the accident occurred. While the Volvo was factory-equipped with a collision avoidance function, in addition to functions for detecting driver alertness and road sign information, all advanced driver assistance functions were disabled when it The report by the National Transportation Safety Board was put into computer control (NTSB) found that Uber does not enable the automatic mode. braking feature while its test vehicles are under computer On the night of March control to “reduce the potential for erratic vehicle 18, the vehicle and its safety behavior.” Credit: NTSB/Wikimedia operator were traveling at The report by the National Trans- 43 mph. A pedestrian wearing dark portation Safety Board (NTSB) found clothes stepped into the roadway, that Uber does not enable the auto- about 360 feet south of the crosswalk. matic braking feature while its test ve- While the pedestrian was pushing a hicles are under computer control to bicycle, it did not have any safety re“reduce the potential for erratic vehi- flectors. by Michaela Kwoka-Coleman, Auto Rental News

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

driving vehicle—an increase from 63 percent in 2017. And nearly twothirds (63 percent) report they would actually feel less safe sharing the road with a self-driving vehicle while walking or riding a bike. Perhaps surprising, the study found that millennials—that supposedly tech-savvy, smartphoneaddicted and automobile-hating cohort—are the generation most distrustful of the new technology, with the percentage of millennial drivers who report being too afraid to ride in a fully self-driving vehicle increasing from 49 percent to 64 percent since 2017. In 2016, Gov. Rick Snyder signed a package of bills into law that allowed for autonomous vehicles to share the roads with drivers in Michigan, among the most permissive of autonomous technology in the nation. Detroit’s Big Three automakers are all at work developing vehicles with autonomous technology. We thank Detroit Metro Times for reprint permission.

steering wheel less than a second before impact and began braking less than a second after impact. “The vehicle operator said in an NTSB interview that she had been monitoring the self-driving interface and that while her personal and business phones were in the vehicle, neither were in use until after the crash,” the report says. Since the NTSB report is preliminary, it does not contain any probable cause for the accident. After the initial accident, Uber indefinitely halted all self-driving vehicle testing across the country. On Uber self-driving system data playback from May 23, Uber revealed to its Arizona the fatal March 18 crash of an Uber test vehicle employees that it will be shuttering shows when, at 1.3 seconds before impact, the its autonomous vehicle test program system determined emergency braking was in the state, following mounting pubneeded to mitigate a collision. The yellow lic pressure. bands depict meters ahead of the vehicle, the In an email, an Uber executive orange lines show the center of mapped travel told employees that the company will lanes, the purple area shows the path of the be focusing on testing vehicles in vehicle and the green line depicts the center Pittsburg and San Francisco, but in a of that path. Credit: NTSB “much more limited way.” Currently, Uber does not have report says, in part. “At 1.3 seconds before impact, the self-driving system the approval of the California Dedetermined that emergency braking partment of Motor Vehicles to test its autonomous cars in the state. was needed to mitigate a collision.” We thank Auto Rental News for Data from the Volvo shows that the safety operator engaged with the reprint permission. “As the vehicle and pedestrian paths converged, the self-driving system software classified the pedestrian as an unknown object, as a vehicle, and then as a bicycle with varying expectations of future travel path,” the

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Continued from Cover

CT Towns, Cities Wary of Testing Self-Driving Cars by Jesse Buchanan, Record-Journal

Connecticut towns and cities are considering a state request for four municipalities willing to join a selfdriving car testing program. The state’s fully autonomous vehicle testing pilot program was created by a law passed by the General Assembly last year. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who signed the law, said in a statement that “autonomous vehicles are going to be part of our lives soon and we want to take proactive steps to have our state be at the forefront of this innovative technology.” Vehicles would be allowed in “limited and controlled” testing areas. Four municipalities will be selected for the program. The municipality would sign an agreement with a company testing autonomous vehicles and partner with the company in running the tests and choosing testing areas. After consideration, Southington public works committee members concluded that there was no benefit to the town. John Barry, a town councilor and committee chairman, said vice chairwoman Dawn Miceli and others

didn’t want to introduce the risk of autonomous cars to Southington. “Neither of us felt there were any compelling reasons that we should put Southington residents at risk for a new type of technology that so far has been (responsible for) actual deaths,” Barry said.

A row of Google self-driving cars are shown outside the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA Credit: Eric Risberg

He cited the death of a pedestrian in Arizona in March after she was struck by a self-driving car, one of Uber Technologies Inc.’s self-driving vehicles. In April, the driver of a semi-autonomous Tesla Model X died in an accident in California. Town roads can be congested and Southington has a host of walkers, bikers and children who use roads and trails.Wallingford Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. said he wasn’t aware of the state program but

CCC, CREF Announce Winners of Annual Scholarship

The Collision Repair Education Foundation and CCC Information Services Inc., (CCC) are proud to announce three exceptional students as winners of the CCC Michael Salvatore Memorial Student Repair Technician Scholarship.

The CCC scholarship program has been in place since 2006 and awards scholarships to students currently enrolled in a repair program and who have demonstrated superior academic achievement. The 2018 CCC Michael Salvatore Memorial Student Repair Technician Scholarship recipients will each receive a $3,000 scholarship. This year’s recipients are: • Cayden Bailey (Utah Valley University, Orem, UT) • Kirtis Woolfolk (Kennedy King College, Chicago, IL) 6

• Monaque D. Hoover (Kennedy King College, Chicago, IL) “Congratulations to this year’s recipients for their academic accomplishments and commitment to excellence in collision repair,” said Mary Jo Prigge, President, Service Operations, CCC. “More than ever, education and training are needed to keep pace with the rapid advancements of technology and evolving business practices within our industry. We’re proud to support the next generation of collision repairers as they work to prepare for a rewarding career in the automotive industry.” For additional information about CCC visit www.cccis.com. Industry members interested in working together with the Collision Repair Education Foundation in supporting secondary and post-secondary collision repair students, instructors, and their school programs should contact Director of Development, Brandon Eckenrode at 847463-5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode @ed-foundation.org.

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

had concerns about liability for damage or injury caused by self-driving cars. “That’s a serious issue,” Dickinson said. Meriden Public Works Director Bob Bass, who had heard about the program, said the city hadn’t seriously considered it yet. The state Office of Policy and Management is overseeing the program along with the state Department of Transportation and other agencies. According to OPM, Connecticut has “challenges and opportunities for fully autonomous vehicles such as old and new roads, traffic congestion and various modes of transportation.” The application includes questions on how the municipality would train police and first aid workers to respond to self-driving car crashes, how the public would be educated about the presence of autonomous vehicles on the road and how the town or city would safely oversee the testing. Those testing the vehicles must be able to take “immediate manual control” of the self-driving car. We thank Record-Journal for reprint permission.

Lynn, MA, Zoning

shop since the 1920s. He said his client was simply seeking approval to add auto body work to the menu of services offered. “My client went from seeking something they didn’t have to losing something they did have,” Vitali told The Item. “As a result of the Zoning Board’s erroneous decision, my clients have been put out of business and were recently cited by the city for unlawfully operating their auto repair shop.” Vitali is asking the court to rescind the decision and order the ZBA to hold a new public hearing on the application for an auto body shop in an existing auto mechanic facility. A court date has not been scheduled. We thank The Daily Item for reprint permission.

www.autobodynews.com

UPDATED DAILY

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Pittsburgh To Ask All Self-Driving Companies to Follow Mayor's New Uber Rules by Aaron Aupperlee, Trib Live

All companies testing self-driving cars in Pittsburgh, PA, could face the same new rules that the mayor wants Uber to follow.

Ford's investment in February 2017 of $1 billion over five years in the Pittsburgh self-driving car start-up Argo AI sparked a record-breaking year of investment for Pittsburgh-area tech companies Credit: Argo AI

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said that he has asked Uber to limit its self-driving cars to 25 mph while testing and to use its app to alert human drivers when they exceed the speed limit. The city’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure plans to discuss those rules with other companies testing self-driving cars in the city, spokesman Tim McNulty told the Tribune-Review on May 25. “Autonomous operations are still highly experimental, and no op-

erator has yet fully figured it out, especially in a complex urban environment like Pittsburgh,” McNulty wrote in an email. “The proposed return of Uber testing was a unique opportunity to introduce the concept, but DOMI would urge any AVs testing in a pedestrian-heavy environment like ours to follow it.” Uber, Argo AI, Aptiv and Aurora Innovation have tested self-driving cars in Pittsburgh. The city can’t enforce Peduto’s rules and can’t regulate the testing of self-driving cars. That is up to state lawmakers, who haven’t passed any sort of regulations in the

Chris Urmson, CEO and co-founder of Aurora Innovation, talks with PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards about the development of self-driving cars during the Pennsylvania Automated Vehicle Summit on April 10 Credit: Aaron Aupperlee

two years since Uber started openly testing self-driving cars on Pittsburgh’s streets.

Uber's self-driving car fleet is parked outside the company's office in the Strip District before a test drive for media on Sept. 20. Credit: Nate Smallwood/Tribune-Review

Peduto has asked Uber to adhere to the new guidelines. Uber has signaled a willingness to discuss the new rules. Uber recently revealed it planned to resume testing in Pittsburgh in June. The company grounded its fleet in Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Toronto and Tempe, AZ, after a self-driving Uber hit and killed a woman crossing a street in Tempe in March. The company stated it would not start testing until it completes an internal safety review and federal authorities finish their investigation into the March

crash. PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards also has asked Uber to comply with voluntary guidelines she outlined at the start of the Pennsylvania Automated Vehicle Summit in April in Pittsburgh. Uber has committed to doing so, a PennDOT spokeswoman told the Trib. Richards held a closed-door meeting May 31 with self-driving car companies at the Hotel Monaco in Pittsburgh’s Downtown to discuss testing guidelines the agency has proposed. Representatives from more than a dozen companies working on self-driving technology planned to attend the meeting. The guidelines are voluntary until state lawmakers pass regulations on autonomous vehicle testing. Richards has said she expects companies to comply. The guidelines include sharing information with the state about who is behind the wheel of test vehicles, which cars are involved and where, and when and how they will be tested. We thank Trib Live for reprint permission.

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Today’s Collision Repairs Donated Car for MA Veteran

life that will take away some his daily stress of just getting to work.” Massachusetts Veteran SSG Jayme After joining the United States Besse recently received a 2015 Army in April 2000, Besse first moHonda CR-V that was donated by bilized to Camp Edwards, MA, to MetLife Insurance, refurbished by support homeland defense after the Today’s Collision Repair Centers and tragic events on Sept. 11, 2001. Soon after, he deployed to Iraq with the 42nd Division Artillery as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and served three additional deployments to Iraq as a communications specialist, IT systems specialist Presentation Team – left to right: Captain Glenn Cronin and electronic warfare from Malden Police Department; Chief Kevin Molis from NCO. Some of the many Malden Police Department; John Sargent, director, special awards and medals that investigation unit at MetLife; Kevin Kyes, owner of Todays Collision; Linda Sulkala, National Auto Body Council’s ReBesse has received incycled Rides program manager; U.S. Army National Guard clude three Army ComStaff Sergeant Jayme Besse (recipient); Joe Chesloski, mendation Awards, four personal finance coordinator for the National Guard; Bobby Army Achievement meCob, owner of Today’s Collision; Kristie Croteau, total loss dals, Army Good Conduct team supervisor at MetLife; Colton Bradford, event emcee Medal, National Defense at 101.7 The Bull Service Medal, Global made possible through the National War on Terrorism Service medal, Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recy- Global War on Terrorism Expedicled Rides ™ program. tionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal Bobby Cobb, owner of Today’s with Campaign Star and many more Collision, noted, “Jayme is humble service ribbons. and appreciative. I am proud that our Besse is still active in the Nateam can make an impact in Jayme’s tional Guard, which nominated him by Chasidy Rae Sisk

to receive the Recycled Rides ™ vehicle because of the constant vehicle breakdowns he experienced, making

SSG Jayme Besse smiles gratefully in the vehicle that will allow him to commute to work to support his wife and son

his hour-long commute to work challenging. He supports his disabled wife and 7-year-old autistic son by himself, making a running vehicle an imperative need.

SSG Jayme Besse hugs Bobby Cobb, owner of Today’s Collision, as he is presented with his refurbished 2015 Honda CR-V through NABC’s Recycled Rides ™ program

Besse shared, “I used to take having a reliable vehicle for granted, but now I have learned through many

hardships that having a reliable vehicle in my situation is the difference between providing for my family [and] not. I am grateful for the consideration and support that people like you provide soldiers and veterans like myself.” Cobb added, “It has been a pleasure getting to know Jayme before handing him the keys to his new car. We spent many hours together on phone calls, paperwork, inspections and trips to the registry. Learning about his dedication to our country and his family has put the exclamation mark on this entire experience.” The paperwork process associated with transferring the vehicle into Besse’s name was facilitated by NABC’s Recycled Rides ™ program and 1-800 Charity Cars. While the paperwork was being processed, Enterprise donated a rental car to enable Besse to commute to and from work. Besse thanked all who contributed to the donation. “These things that you do may not seem so big, but can really affect a solder or struggling veteran’s life in a big way. This is a huge thing, and I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “I am very grateful.”

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Northeast Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

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

NY Associations Collaborate for Annual Lobby Day by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On May 1, several industry associations from New York gathered for NYSACT’s Annual Lobby Day. The New York State Auto Collision Technicians Association (NYSACT), the Long Island Autobody Repairmen’s Association (LIABRA) and the Auto Body Craftsman Guild (ABCG) sent a group of representatives to Albany to visit their state’s House and Senate leadership.

Industry professionals met with state legislators during NYSACT’s 2018 Annual Lobby Day (Pictured left to right: LIABRA’s Paul O’Connell, Assemblyman Dean Murray, LIABRA’s Hank Hancock)

Ed Kizenberger, executive director of both NYSACT and LIABRA, noted, “One of the main purposes of any industry trade organization is to introduce and support legislation that would benefit the industry and its customers and oppose legislation that would be detrimental or harmful to it and its customers.” Composed of eight independent auto body repair associations throughout the state, NYSACT was formed to act as the legislative arm of New York’s collision repair industry. The Annual Lobby Day is a large component of its ongoing legislative program as the group strives to ensure that the legislation it introduces and supports is beneficial to both the collision repair industry and the consumers it services. Kizenberger explained, “This year’s aim was to support current legislation and advise legislators that insurers are violating Insurance Department Regulation 64 with apparent immunity and ask for their assistance in stopping the violations. Regulation 64 requires that insurers 10

inspect a collision damage claim within five business days and that they use a licensed New York State appraiser to prepare their estimate of the damage. In many cases, insurers are advising consumers to take a picture of the damage to their vehicle with their cell phone and email it to the insurer. The insurer then does a desk review of the damage, writes an estimate and sends the consumer a check. Sometimes, the insurer is transferring the estimate amount directly to the insured’s bank account.” The associations’ concerns are related to the fact that many of the individuals preparing estimates on these “desk reviews” are not licensed New York State appraisers as required by the regulation. The group provided many examples of how these lead to severely underwritten estimates that require numerous supplements, greatly inconveniencing the consumer or even leaving them to drive an unsafe vehicle. The industry leaders asked their legislators to contact the NYS Financial Services Department about these concerns. Additionally, NYSACT took the opportunity to promote two bills that would benefit consumers and the industry: Bill A6617, an aftermarket parts bill and Bill A6861, the group’s parts vendor bill. At 8 a.m., the group joined with NYSACT representatives from all over the state to meet with NYSACT Lobbyist Attorney Pam Madeiros and staff from Greenberg Taurig, LLP, the law firm that represents the group. Kizenberger began by reviewing Bill A6617, which would require insurers to disclose what type of parts they pay for to consumers as well as restrict insurers to using only OEM parts on vehicles that are 2 years old and newer. He also reviewed Bill A6861, which seeks to prevent insurers from requiring shops to purchase parts or materials from specific vendors, and answered attendees’ questions on both bills. Next, Madeiros distributed lobbying packets and a schedule of

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

meeting appointments, providing advice and talking points before the group dispersed to meet face-to-face with local legislators to educate them on the collision repair industry, the

Ed Kizenberger explained to legislators how insurers are violating Regulation 64 (Pictured left to right at table in foreground: NYSACT Lobbyist Attorney Pam Madeiros, Ed Kizenberger, Ed Kizenberger Jr.)

detrimental ramifications of Regulation 64 being ignored and the importance of the two proposed bills. According to Hank Hancock of LIABRA, “Representatives and their staff often had a story regarding a

personal experience with a claim that put the meetings on a much more personal basis. Others told us they were completely disillusioned and dissatisfied with the insurer’s tactics and how they were forced to accept aftermarket parts or pay the difference for OEM parts.” One NYSACTA member said, “As soon as we opened up with a comment regarding a particular insurance company’s tactics, staff members themselves would break into a story of how they were given a deceptive referral by their insurance company and thought they had to go to the insurer’s recommended shop.” Kizenberger, Kizenberger Jr. and Madeiros met with the leaders of the Senate and Assembly while others joined other meetings. Hancock, Paul O’Connell of LIABRA and See Lobby Day, Page 12

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Hail Storm in Columbia County, NY, Has Owners Paying the Cost by Daniel Zuckerman, Columbia-Greene Media/HudsonValley360

Hundreds of Columbia County, NY, residents were without power after severe storms pummeled the region, bringing damaging winds and tennisball-sized hail. The hail, which measured greater than an inch in some areas during the May 15 storm, damaged several residents’ vehicles and their homes.

City Body Shop’s technician Bobby Hill in the process of repairing cars that were damaged during the May 15 hail storm. Credit: Jada Kitson/Columbia-Greene Media

Workers at City Body Shop on Route 23B in Hudson, NY, were busy repairing 15 vehicles with dents from the May 15 hailstorm, and technician Erik Fogg was on hand to help. Fogg, a California resident, is a storm chaser who follows weather events across the country. He helped the Hudson auto body shop five years ago when another bad hail storm hit the region, he said. “Anything bigger than golf ballsized will cause damage to the cars and it’ll put dents anywhere from quarter-size to dollar-size,” Fogg said. “A lot of the time, customers don’t know what to do once they get hail.” Hail damage is covered under automobile insurance’s comprehensive policy. Filing a claim to repair it will not cause rates to go up, Fogg said. Vehicle damage from storms is considered an act of God, or an interruption caused by a natural force. “Flood damage, tree damage and hail damage—it’s all an act of God,” he said. “No one meant for it to happen.” One car needed $4,500 worth of repairs from the storm, Fogg said, and the car owner was initially advised to get a new car rather than have it repaired. AUTOBODY

Ghent-based roofing contractor Seal-Rite Roofing LLC helped repair an Elizaville home damaged by the hail because of its dome-shaped skylight, owner Bill Wasinski Jr. said May 22. The home also suffered minor siding damage. “There was a dome skylight, and [the hail] went right through it,” Wasinski said. Wasinski recalled a hail storm that swept through Greenport and Kinderhook many years ago, resulting in the company repairing several damaged homes, he said. Homeowners should call a professional to inspect any damage and follow through an insurance company. “From my experience, they’re pretty reasonable when it comes to hail,” Wasinski said of home insurers. Fogg and other workers at City Body Shop repair dents in a way that does not affect the car’s paint job, he said, adding they circle each dent with a marker to determine the number and severity of each one. Typical repairs take from one to two days, Fogg said. Depending on the severity of the damage, a technician may remove a car’s hood to look at the dents from different angles under a light. “He’s pushing [the hood] hard enough just to where it stays out— not too hard, not too soft,” Fogg explained. “We detail the cars—make sure they look better than when they came in.” Drivers must have dents repaired as soon as possible, especially if they owe payments on a car loan, Fogg said. “If you have $5,000 worth of damage, well, the car just depreciated $5,000,” he said. “By law, you have to get it fixed.” Ford vehicles are made of aluminum, Fogg said, which makes them cost roughly 25 percent more to repair than other makes and models. Smaller, scattered hail hit Greene County during the May 15 storm. Employees at Charlie’s CARSTAR Auto Body, 4524 Route 32, Catskill, were repairing at least two vehicles with hail damage May 22, estimator Joe Nevis said.

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Nevis would not say what towns the cars came from. When most of the area gets hit with a bad hail storm, the Catskill auto body shop is usually loaded with cars requiring repairs, Nevis said.

A quarter-sized dent on the hood of a car caused by the May 15 hail storm. Credit: Jada Kitson/Columbia-Greene Media

Athens-based roofing contractor Bob Schmidt & Sons had not received requests for roof repairs in Greene County as of May 22 because the brunt of the hail storm was felt in Saugerties and Kingston, owner Pete Schmidt said. We thank Columbia-Greene Media/ HudsonValley360 for reprint permission.

Continued from Page 10

NY Lobby Day

Ken Babcock of Hudson Valley Auto Collision Technician’s Association met with Assemblyman Murray, who has shown support of A6617 and A6861. During the recap meeting at the end of the day, Kizenberger told the group, “Our lobbying campaign was very successful. Support for our bills, aftermarket parts disclosure and parts procurement were met with great understanding and acceptance, and the legislators understood our concerns with the photo estimating issue.” In fact, Kizenberger received a call from the NYS Financial Services Department the following day to schedule a meeting to discuss some of the concerns raised during NYSACT’s Lobby Day. For more information, visit www .liabra.com.

www.autobodynews.com

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Duncan Autobody, NABC Repair, Donate Car to Single Mom in PA by James Boyle, The Intelligencer

The Keystone Opportunity Center partnered with Recycled Rides and Duncan Autobody in Quakertown, PA, to donate a 2008 Ford Taurus to a Norristown woman in need of her own transportation. A roof to sleep under can give a family in crisis a much-needed sense of safety and security. A new set of wheels can spark an equally crucial feeling of freedom. That’s what Kristin Comly felt when she took the keys to the 2008 Ford Taurus the morning of May 22 at Duncan Autobody on Rock Hill Drive in Quakertown. The Norristown single mom of three could barely hold back her tears when she saw the sedan pull around the corner of the garage. Comly had to wipe the chocolate chip cookie residue off 6year-old Jordan’s hands before she let him and his 4-year-old sister, Brooklyn, explore the inside. “Having a car is definitely a plus,” Comly said as she held 11month-old Kane. “I just started working full-time at Walmart. Getting the kids to the babysitter and to doctor’s appointments has been hard on public

transportation with all three of them. The car will definitely be a help.” Representatives from the Souderton-based Keystone Opportunity Center helped Comly get her own donated car through the national Recy-

4-year-old Brooklyn Comly, along with her mom, Kristin, and brothers, Kane and Jordan, is excited to see the refurbished car donated to the family through the Recylced Rides program Credit: Art Gentile/Staff Photojournalist

cled Rides program, an initiative started in 2007 by the National Auto Body Council. Partnering companies and organizations in the auto repair industry collaborate to acquire, refurbish and donate cars to families in need. The program is similar to the

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Bucks County Opportunity Center’s Wheelz to Work, supported by the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund and Bucks County Community College. Wheelz to Work helps low-income residents find their own transportation and, like Recycled Rides, pushes them further down the road to financial independence. “She will be responsible for the insurance, gas and upkeep of the car,” said Malcolm Friend, director of resource development for Keystone Opportunity Center. “We help others get housing and feed their families, and we help them learn to become more self-sufficient.” GEICO Insurance Company purchased the car a few months ago and donated it to the Recycled Rides program. It was not in terrible shape, but repairs would cost more than the estimated value of the Taurus, making it a total loss, said Chris Moser, manager at Duncan Autobody. Officials from Recycled Rides connected Keystone Opportunity Center to Moser and Duncan Autobody to get the car fixed up and ready for Comly. “We got it in March, and the technicians here donated their time and labor to repair it,” Moser said.

“We treated it as any normal car that comes into the shop for repairs. We didn’t do anything different, but there was a sense of gratitude knowing we were helping a cause. It adds something a little extra to the job.” Once the minor dents and scratches were fixed, the Taurus was fully inspected and approved for road travel. With about 60,000 miles on the odometer, the car should last Comly a long time, Moser said. Comly has been a client with the Keystone Opportunity Center since she arrived at the Souderton shelter with her three children in February, according to Elizabeth Bertolet, a housing case manager with the organization. She was accepted into the rapid re-housing program and has been resettled in a new home in Norristown. Now with a car to call her own, Comly has more flexibility in her day-to-day life to stay employed and care for her children. “I was scared when I first went to the shelter,” Comly said. “Keystone has been very helpful. It was a hard process trying to find housing, but they made it a good experience.” We thank The Intelligencer for reprint permission.

Recycled Rides Donates Vehicle to OEF Veteran in NY

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, an Operation Enduring Freedom Army veteran was gifted a 2013 Toyota Prius by the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides™ program.

face struggles that society is not aware of, and Kirk conquered those with great strength. The Recycled Rides™ program allows multiple organizations to come together and give a helping hand to somebody in need. The National Auto Body Council (NABC) is a not-forprofit organization dedicated to the mission of developing, implementing

Brookhaven Councilman Neil Foley, Executive Director for PMYCS Kourtney Bevis and Allstate Representative Beth Hanlon grant Connor Kirk with a Proclamation Certificate

Connor Kirk served in Afghanistan until 2016. When he returned to Long Island, NY, he endured struggles with being back in the states, which many veterans experience. Eager to move forward, he was able to get in contact with the Northport VA Medical Center, which assisted him with many of the necessities to get back on his feet. Many veterans

Beth Hanlon, Connor Kirk and President of The Collision Centers Joe Amodei

and promoting community-based initiatives that exemplify the professionalism and integrity of the collision industry. Kirk is a young man who is con-

stantly striving to get better and progress in the world. He works two jobs and is constantly helping anyone he can. He has a bright future ahead of him with plans for college and a new career within the next few years.

story and donated the title and registration; Collision Diagnostic, Apple Honda, Pro Tech Locksmith and Kemperle Paint donated parts and services; Enterprise Rent-A-Car donated refreshments; and the event was hosted at Village of Patchogue Fire Department. “It is always amazing to me that so many people and organizations come together to do good. It makes NABC’s Recycled Rides™ program such a great thing to be a part of. Watching the smile on the recipient’s face makes it all worth it,” said MadiOEF Veteran Connor Kirk receives his new 2013 Toyota son Larson, HR manager Prius at The Collision Centers. “This is just a blessing,” he said. The event is a time for everyone “I can’t take the smile off my face!” to come together and make a positive The Collision Centers, along impact in a person’s life. Members of with Driving 4 Change, hosted the the community, including CouncilRecycled Rides™ event, but it could man Neil Foley, State Assemblyman not have happened without the par- Dean Murray, Suffolk County Legticipating organizations: Allstate in- islature Robert Calarco, Beth Hansurance donated the vehicle; The lon of Riverhead Allstate and Collision Centers of Patchogue re- Kourtney Bevis of PMYCS were paired the Toyota Prius; Driving 4 present to show support to Kirk and Change Foundation heard Kirk’s the Recycled Rides program.

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Can the Auto Repair Sector Survive the Jerome Ave. Rezoning in Bronx, NY? by Sadef Ali Kully, City Limits

Surrounded by stacks of black, dusty tires, 56-year-old Bronx, NY, resident Francisco Moran has about two months to leave the property where his tire and auto repair shop, America Tires, has been located for the last 18 years on Jerome Avenue in the Bronx—a move he feels was precipitated by a city rezoning plan. The rezoning on Jerome Avenue, approved by the city council in March, is part of the de Blasio administration’s effort to create and preserve an estimated 300,000 units of affordable housing by 2026. The city has rezoned three other neighborhoods, proposed a rezoning in Inwood and is considering seeking zoning changes in five other areas. The Jerome rezoning covers a two-mile long stretch along Jerome Avenue and its east-west commercial corridors in Bronx Community Districts 4, 5 and 7. The plan is expected to create an estimated 3,250 affordable homes in the 92-block area, with an emphasis on permanently affordable housing under the city’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program (MIH). The plan also includes $189 million for improving park land, enhancing pedestrian safety under the elevated subway tracks, creating two 458-seat elementary schools and launching a pilot program under an anti-harassment bill to prevent landlords from pushing out tenants. Also in the mix: A $1.5 million grant for retraining and relocating displaced businesses, including the auto repair shops. In New York City, the auto repair industry exists in clusters such as Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn and Jerome Avenue, where businesses rely on one another to draw a client base and offer price competition, creating jobs and increasing traffic for other neighboring business. Along Jerome, property owners who currently have auto businesses on their land are expected to capitalize on new zoning to develop residential property instead, displacing the auto firms. Jerome Avenue houses an estimated 200 auto repair-related businesses that employ hundreds of local 16

residents. Almost 89 percent of those businesses have a one-year commercial lease or no lease at all, according to Pedro Estevez, the president and founder of the United Auto Merchants Association. City Planning documents estimate that 43 auto shops and 45 non-auto-related busi-

Estevez said that other shops were in a similar predicament. “The city can expect more situations like this,” he said. “It’s like a tsunami and all the families will be affected by this.” The challenges facing the auto repair sector are not confined to

A stitched panoramic image of automotive businesses located on the East side of Jerome Avenue south of East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. Credit: Adi Talwa

nesses would be displaced, but Estevez said those projections are low. Attention is now focused on how effective the city’s proposals for protecting that industry—namely, the creation of “retention zones” within the rezoning area where zoning rules friendly to auto uses have been retained, and the $1.5 million relocation grant—will be. According to Moran, two years ago—when the Jerome Avenue rezoning was being considered—his then-landlord refused to renew his lease and asked for payments to be made in cash. When the property was sold to Manhattan-based developer Atlantic Development Group (in May, according to the city’s database), Moran said the new property owners gave him two months to move out. Despite Moran knowing the move would eventually happen once his former landlord did not renew the lease, he did not realize or prepare for it be so soon. “I thought it was going to take five or seven years,” he said. “I don’t know what I will do now. “We are terrified. Where are we are gonna go?” Moran said he reached out to the city for legal help but was told that his options were limited since he did not have a lease. City Limits contacted both the current and former property owners several times, but did not receive a reply by press time.

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Jerome Avenue. A 2017 Pratt Center for Community Development report said some of the obstacles faced by the industry included competition from higher-paying uses in commercial and manufacturing zones such as restaurants and self-storage, the ex-

istence of few options for accommodating a relocation of one business and even fewer for a group of businesses, and landlords who do not possess the proper Certificate of Occupancy, which essentially put the auto repair shop at risk for city fines. Adam Friedman, the executive director at the Pratt Center for Community Development, said the space constraints facing the industry are compounded each time a market shift, rezoning or city development project forces auto businesses out of one area. “It gets harder each time because the total amount of land keeps shrinking,” he said. “The amount of space is almost always significantly reduced. “Zoning is seen as a win-lose situation. We should be trying to figure out a win-win situation and work to mitigate the negative impacts.” In the Queens section of Willets Point, the city used eminent domain under the Bloomberg administration to move the business for a shopping See Bronx Rezoning, Page 56

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Continued from Cover

Trump Tariffs

In a media call June 7, Jones called the claim of national security concerns “mystifying.” “We’re now looking at imposing tariffs on allies who are not cheating,” he said. “They’re not doing anything wrong … It really seems to be a lot of political messaging leading up to the midterms.” The automotive industry employed nearly 40,000 people in Alabama last year, most of them working as part of a supply-and-assembly chain for foreign automakers such as Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz. In January, Toyota and Honda announced a joint plant near Huntsville that will employ another 4,000, and in early June Hyundai announced a $388 million expansion of its Montgomery plant. The Montgomery Advertiser reported more than a year ago that import tariffs could endanger those jobs at Alabama plants. Automotive parts and components work their way through a com-

plex web of interdependent plants throughout North America and may cross borders as many as eight times before being installed at assembly plants in the U.S., Canada or Mexico, according to a study by the nonprofit Center for Automotive Research. Tariffs would escalate the price of each border crossing and put enormous pressure on companies to cut costs, potentially breaking down the entire supply chain. CAR analyst Bernard Swiecki said last year that foreign automakers such as the ones in Alabama already have plants elsewhere and can simply move production overseas if the price gets too high. The CAR study found that a 35 percent import tariff on light vehicles and parts from Mexico alone would cost at least 31,000 American jobs.

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Carbone Auto Group To Open Collision Center in Utica, NY

paint booths, according to Carbone’s LinkedIn page—large enough for Carbone Auto Group announced tractor trailers and motor homes. The fleet and commercial that it will celebrate the formal opening of its new collision center and sales department is housed in commercial fleet division building 1,700 square feet of the new building, allowing for offices and conference rooms in addition to a parking lot for the new and used vehicles that the location A rendering of new collision center and commercial fleet sells. division building for Carbone Auto Group when it was first Carbone Auto planned. Rendering credit: Carbone Group was founded on Wednesday, June 13, with the in 1929 and has remained a familyGreater Utica Chamber of Com- owned business, according to its LinkedIn page. It is now a division merce. The ceremony will be held at of Lithia Motors, Inc. Carbone offers 15 different the company’s location at 5718 Horatio St. in North Utica, NY, at 5:30 franchises: BMW, Buick, Cadillac, p.m., according to a news release Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, from the chamber of commerce. The collision center offers a Ram, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota. It variety of services such as glass re- has dealerships in Yorkville, North pair, paint jobs and dent repair. The Utica and Troy, NY, plus Benning22,000-square-foot building holds ton, VT. 25 bays, including prep deck, inspection and dustless prep areas, per We thank Business Journal News the release. It also features 40-foot Network for reprint permission. by Catherine Leffert, Business Journal News Network

That doesn’t include retaliatory tariffs and doesn’t approach the broader scope of the Trump administration’s current proposal. Canada is Alabama’s largest export market, largely because of the cars made here. Jones said he’s been in touch with all of the state’s auto manufacturers and “they’re very concerned” about the auto tariff proposal. That plan and a recent tariff on imported steel and aluminum has spawned dire warnings from a bipartisan mix of business leaders and politicians, who fear a growing trade war. Sen. Bob Corker, R-TN, cosponsored a bill with seven other Republicans and four Democrats that would give Congress the power to approve or reject new tariffs. We thank Montgomery Advertiser for reprint permission.

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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Hunter Engineering Becomes Corporate Member of SCRS

Hunter Engineering Company (Hunter) has joined the ranks of Corporate Member of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), increasing its support of the association’s work for collision repairers by upgrading from a Company Membership. The relationship between Hunter and SCRS first formed in collaborating to raise awareness and understanding over the increasing complexities of postalignment calibration processes on modern day vehicles. “Addressing new technology in vehicles, especially vehicles with enhanced safety systems like ADAS, can be a challenge for the industry,” shared Kaleb Silver, senior product manager for Hunter Engineering Company. “Proper wheel alignment and its place in the repair process, especially in regards to ADAS, is an area where we see a lot of room to help the industry through the exchange of information.”

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Edward Salamy: Let Consumers Choose Cheaper Auto Parts by Edward Salamy, Automotive Body Parts Association

As Americans, we tend to support competition over monopolies. Why? Because competition drives down prices and gives consumers more options to choose from. It puts consumers in the driver seat, and who after all doesn’t love the freedom to make their own decisions? Unfortunately, there’s a growing, hidden monopoly forming in the auto parts industry and most people are unaware that it will directly affect their ability to repair their cars after an accident. If left unchecked, this burgeoning monopoly will drastically impact how much money Rhode Island consumers will have to pay—either through higher insurance costs or out-of-pocket expenses—to get their cars repaired to pre-accident conditions. With the introduction of Senate Bill 2679 and House Bill 8013, local special interest groups are attempting to extend from 36 months to 48 months the period of time in which Rhode Islanders have no option to choose alternative collision

repair parts. Put simply, these bills would take away your choice about how to repair your vehicle. Alternative collision repair parts supplied by members of the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) have been providing consumers a high-quality, less expensive option compared with expensive car company brand parts for more than 60 years. These parts keep collision repair costs down and help reduce insurance premiums. On average, alternative collision parts are 25 to 50 percent less expensive than the car company parts. ABPA members selling these replacement parts have helped drive down the prices of car company parts just by introducing alternative versions into the marketplace. In addition, many of these quality parts are certified by either NSF or the Certified Automotive Parts Association and come with a lifetime warranty by ABPA distributors. As a Rhode Island resident and executive director of the ABPA, I am concerned that these efforts to reduce consumer choice will lead to higher repair costs and higher insur-

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

ance premiums for Ocean State vehicle owners. It’s already expensive enough to own a car here, and adding even higher insurance and repair costs into the mix is simply not acceptable. If these special-interest groups have their way, competition in the collision repair parts market may eventually disappear—leaving Rhode Island vehicle owners with no options. Imagine if the same thing happened in the prescription drug market. Many consumers would be forced to buy only expensive brand name drugs rather than saving money with affordable generic counterparts. That’s why competition is so critical. The General Assembly should stand with Rhode Island consumers, choice, competition and lower costs by rejecting Senate Bill 2679 and House Bill 8013. Edward Salamy, of Warwick, is the executive director of the Automotive Body Parts Association (www.autobpa.com).

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GM, Jaguar Land Rover Approve Car-O-Liner Vacuum Systems

Car-O-Liner, a global manufacturer of collision repair equipment to the automotive aftermarket, announced that General Motors and Jaguar Land Rover have both approved Car-O-Liner vacuum products for use in their collision centers. General Motors will incorporate Car-O-Liner’s complete line of CleanPrep Vacuum systems for their aluminum repair center, as well as their body shop, collision and refinishing service. Jaguar Land Rover has added Car-O-Liner’s CleanPrep Wet Mix Immersion Vacuum system. “As dust travels through the building, it can create corrosion, contamination, potential fire hazards and costly reworks,” said Mark Weinmann, OEM Account Manager, Car-O-Liner. “Our vacuum systems are built to military and commercial aerospace specifications to safely and efficiently extract dust from any shop.”

Bronx, NY ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ Rob Auto Body Shop by Staff, Bronx Voice

Cops are searching for a Bronx, NY “Bonnie and Clyde” who robbed a local auto body shop in East Tremont. Investigators released video from inside the Webster Avenue auto body shop the pair had burglarized. Around 4:30 p.m. on May 18, a man and a woman walked into Vitico Auto Body Shop located at 2102 Webster Ave. The male spoke to a worker about purchasing tires. As the employee showed him a selection of tires, the woman snuck into the back office. A hidden camera in the office shows the woman searching through the desk and the office until finding the register. She removed $1,300 in cash. An exterior camera showed the pair walking away from the shop on Webster Avenue casually making their escape on foot. Both were wearing hoodies to partially conceal their faces. However, Bronx cops are hoping the videos will lead to tips identifying the couple.

It is unknown at this time whether this is the pair’s first heist or if they had pulled similar robberies before. The first suspect is described as an African-American woman who is approximately 20 years of age. She has long, black hair and was last seen wearing a black jacket with a multi-colored hood, multi-colored pants and gray boots. The second suspect is an African-American male, 20 years old with a dark complexion. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, a gray hooded sweatshirt, brown pants and gray sneakers. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.mypd crimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. We thank Bronx Voice for reprint permission.

Tech Students Restore Fleet of Lawrence, MA, Police Cruisers by Staff, The Valley Patriot

Greater Lawrence Technical School recently partnered with the Lawrence, MA, Police Department to restore three police cruisers. Juniors and seniors in the school’s auto collision repair program and instructor Tom Hatem repaired three vehicles that were in need of some TLC. Students completed minor body work and did a complete paint job, including new decals. “The kids take a lot of pride in working on these types of projects,” Hatem said. “Everything they do is good practice for their future careers, and it’s great to give back to our partner communities whenever possible.” On May 4, Chief Roy Vasque and members of the Lawrence Police Department visited GLTS to thank students for their hard work. The restored vehicles will be used for traffic and community police work. “It was cool meeting the

Chief, especially because I live in Lawrence,” said junior Christian Rodriguez, who spray-painted the cruisers. “I think the cars looked really nice. I would love to see them on the road.” Superintendent John Lavoie and Stephany Infante, a GLTS School Committee representative from Lawrence, also made a special visit to the auto collision repair shop to admire the completed vehicles. “I’m very proud of the work our students do each day,” Infante said. “Without a doubt, you can tell how proud they were to work on these cruisers. It’s amazing how they are able to learn, do what they love and give back to their community all at the same time.” We thank The Valley Patriot for reprint permission.

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autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Northeast Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

AASP/MA Welcomes Lucky Papageorg as Executive Director On May 29, AASP/MA announced firsthand. its recent decision to have Evangelos Additionally, he noted, “I’ve run “Lucky” Papageorg take over the several shops over the years, and I role of executive director for the as- can empathize with our members’ sociation. struggles.” With previous experience as the AASP/MA President Molly executive director for the Massachu- Brodeur noted, “We are thrilled to setts Auto Body Associaannounce that a longtime, tion and more recently recognized industry profesrunning his own consulting sional has agreed to join business for the industry, AASP/MA as the executive Papageorg is excited to redirector. Lucky is a conturn to the role of executive summate professional with director for a Massachusetts a wealth of knowledge, not collision repair association. only about the MassachuPapageorg shared, “I setts industry but about the am especially pleased to be AASP/MA recently collision repair industry at announced the apassisting the Board mem- pointment of Evan- large. The level of expertise bers as they strive to make that he will bring to our asgelos “Lucky” AASP/MA the premiere Papageorg as the sociation is unmatched in collision repair association association’s execu- Massachusetts. tive director in Massachusetts. Together, “Lucky is somebody that we will work hard to advance the in- can walk into a shop and immedidustry and benefit and assist its ately empathize with the struggles members as they work toward safe, repairers face in negotiations with proper repairs to protect the motor- appraisers, customer interactions— ing public.” anything! He’ll be so accessible to In addition to boasting decades our members and will do everything of familiarity with the collision re- he can to empower the members and pair industry in Massachusetts, Pa- assist them in solving problems as pageorg spends much of his time they arise.” attending ADLAB and other meetPapageorg jumped into his new ings across the state. role in June, determined to be more “I know members of the hands-on than members have seen in ADALB, people on the board of di- the past. rectors of AASP/MA and have been “I plan to be on the road three to familiar with what the association four days each week, traveling has been involved with and doing,” around the state and visiting shops,” he said. “When it came to my atten- he said. “On a monthly basis, we’ll tion that they would be seeking a let members know which of the four new executive director near the end chapter areas I will be in on any of the year, I put in my proposal and given week. I will be available for it [was] accelerated.” face-to-face meetings and I’ll be When asked what experience he making an effort to meet as many will bring to this role, Papageorg current members as possible while quipped, “Very little, actually!” be- also soliciting and renewing memfore listing his involvement with the bership. I’ll be going to the shops to previous association, his many inter- conduct surveys on pertinent issues actions with the industry in Massa- and those surveys will be made chusetts and across the nation available on the association’s webthrough his involvement with SCRS, site through member portals. attendance at industry-related lead“In addition, we will be making ership conferences and his most re- sure it’s as informative as possible cent role running a consulting for members and the motoring pubcompany, which allowed him to see lic. I really want to make everything the issues shops face on a daily basis we do more personal. When visiting

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

shops, I want to be helpful and show them what value they can expect from joining the association. I feel like I have a unique ability to empathize with shops due to my past experience.” The goal is to make AASP/MA the premiere collision repair association in Massachusetts, Papageorg said. “We want to develop an association [that] is the go-to spot for collision repairers and a clearing house for information,” he said. “This development will assist members as they run their businesses on a daily basis. Additionally, AASP/MA will continue to be the ‘watch dog’ to make sure nothing gets by legislatively that could adversely affect the industry. We will watch for these items because shops are tied up in their day-to-day business and don’t have the time to focus on legislative

issues, so we really need to keep our finger on that pulse and be aware of what’s going on. We will promote positive legislation as well as ensure that nothing adverse happens to what’s already in place. “We also want to make the association a recognizable location for consumers to go for information and advice. We must encourage shops to become more involved in the industry through the association so they know they aren’t an island in and of themselves, because everyone is facing the same issues and challenges. By getting together, we can have a positive impact on how the industry is viewed. From an educational standpoint, the industry is bombarded with rapid changes and many shops don’t know where to go for current information, plus it can be such a cumbersome process. We are See AASP/MA, Page 52

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Continued from Page 4

House AV Act

vehicle operation if they hope to create products that meaningfully reflect risk.” Gammelgard added that while data “is critical for liability determinations,” it is also “important [to the public] in determining the safety and reliability of technology.” Geraci also noted that “regulated review and validation of rates and coverage requires insurers to provide state insurance regulators with extensive levels of actuarially valid data on crashes [and] their frequency and severity,” which might prove impossible without access to the crash data in AVs. Geraci continued that there has been widespread data collection on human drivers and their accidents, and it should be the same for AVs now. The data that insurers want is just the crash data, and would “not include private data or confidential business [proprietary] data,” Geraci said. Currently in the AV START Act, there is no requirement that data of any kind from AVs will be shared, even for crash data. Gillis pointed out

that in the AV START Act—which would expand testing in order to get the technology into commercial use more quickly—”accident data is not being made available to the public, including insurers.” Without such data, the insurers will be “left to guess [the levels of risk] or rely on the companies’ safety claims” added Gillis. Gammelgard noted that “any attempt to include data access provisions [has been] met with great resistance.” Gillis went on to say that it could be the role of the federal government to “ensure that crash data is made publicly available.” Both Geraci and Gammelgard were supportive of the Inhofe amendment to the AV START Act that would create a Data Access Coalition to set up recommendations for a potential future data access structure. However, it would take two years to make recommendations even while AVs would continue to be put on the roads. Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA) asked the panel what steps are being taken to assess the safety of AVs before they are put on the road since they are “not required to submit safety as-

PPG Offers New Course to Prep Refinish Preppers

PPG has introduced a course to train technicians in the craft of refinish preparation. The course is intended to answer a critical industry need for knowledgeable and skilled assistant technicians. The two-day class, called “Refinish Preparation Spe-

cialist Training,” is designed for entry-level assistant refinish technicians who have never received any formal PPG training and work alongside body and refinish technicians using PPG products and processes. The PPG Refinish Preparation Specialist Training class is appropriate for PPG entry-level refinish technicians in small- and high-production collision centers as well as fleet maintenance and repair shops. The “prepper course,” as it’s known, will be part of the regularly sched24

uled training curriculum available at each of PPG’s 16 Business Development Centers (BDCs) across North America. Working with PPG instructors, new technicians will develop their skills in substrate cleaning, sanding, masking, and bumper cover and plastic parts preparation. Participants are also taught the importance of keeping a clean and organized shop. Upon satisfactorily completing the class, graduates are certified in EPA 6H Area Source Rule requirements and receive a certificate of achievement. PPG has conducted pilot runs of the prepper course. A recent class in Columbus, Ohio, led by Jessica Crowley, PPG instructor, yielded an enthusiastic email from Faye Benson of Gerber Collision and Glass in nearby Grove City. “Thank you so much for including me in this amazing learning opportunity. I truly had a blast, and everyone was so helpful.” Benson continued,”I learned a lot and am excited to learn more. Let everyone know how much I appreciate their help and spending the time with me so I could get it right.”

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

sessment letters to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,” to which Geraci answered that the “[data is needed] to understand safety performance.” Rep. Sherman seemed open to the idea of the federal government having a role in ensuring that data, saying that “maybe Congress ought to help with requirements that you get that data.” The second major takeaway from the hearing centered on the shifting landscape of the insurance market itself in response to AVs entering and taking over the automotive scene. Gammelgard said that higher and higher levels of automation on the road “will necessitate changes in the types of policies offered” by insurance companies, particularly as vehicle ownership shifts from the individual to corporate level. David Carlson said that as the technologies advance, the “liability pendulum will shift from personal auto to commercial product liability.” This means that companies will likely buy insurance policies on a fleet basis. Carlson said that “fleet coverages are likely to become admitted coverages subject to greater underwrit-

ing and rating security.” Such a shift from personal to commercial insurance begs the question of what individuals will do to protect themselves from risk. Some, such as Gammelgard, see personal mobility coverage rising— policies that “insure the person on every step of their day.” As the hearing showed, AVs stand to revolutionize the transportation industry and the insurance guidelines for it. This technology could bring mobility to those who are traditionally restricted, such as the older Americans and those who have disabilities. The experts at the hearing showed that part of a responsible rollout would address data sharing from AVs, and specifically, continuing to make safety data available to the public and insurance companies so that they can make accurate risk-based assessments. Congress still could include a more certain answer on data access in the AV START Act, and cities along with the insurance industry should be watching what this means for the future of our roads. We thank CitiesSpeak for reprint permission.

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Tips for Busy Body Shops with Stacey Phillips

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

PDR Experts Share Opportunities for Paintless Dent Repair in Collision Repair Over the next five to 10 years, more shops are going to rely on paintless dent repair (PDR) and it’s going to be a “must-do” to compete, according to Ryan Hampton, co-owner of The 300 Advantage. “PDR has always been like a young stepbrother to the collision industry,” he said. “The more PDR companies separate themselves in the industry, the more technicians are reaching out for education and trying to prepare themselves for the growing trends and technology, such as scanning and electric vehicles, that have been taking off over the last several years.” Ryan Hampton, Bill Park and Tony Frasher, owners of The 300 Advantage, discussed PDR during a Guild 21 podcast sponsored monthly by VeriFacts Automotive. It was part two of a three-part podcast series on repair versus replace. The previous month, Kurt Lammon, president of Polyvance, and Scott McKernan, president of #1 Vinyl & Leather Repair, talked about plastic repair and interior parts. In the third podcast, Bryan Robaina, president of Robaina Direct, will discuss dent repairs on outer sheet metal and aluminum panels. “We see a big opportunity for innovation in the industry,” said Park. “Like Guild 21, we believe in smart repairs—fixing it right the first time.” The business partners began looking at opportunities available in PDR methodology, bringing it to a broader market and building a business around it. That led them to establish The 300 Advantage, a Colorado-based company that has businesses in catastrophic hail management, accident and hail repair, Cat-Hail Insurance claims management and a platform technology firm to support the various entities and the market at large. This includes Smart Claims Services, Axiom Accident & Hail Repair and PDR Mobile Solutions/PDR Boss. “The vision of the 300 group is to create a variety of businesses within the automotive smart repair

industry worldwide,” said Park. During the Guild 21 podcast, George Avery, Avery Consulting LLC, led a discussion with Hampton, Park and Frasher about PDR repair, covering hail damage applications, what can be repaired using PDR, technician skills and estimating in relation to PDR.

used to pull the dents out in inaccessible areas where rods can’t reach. Frasher said the use of PDR is more standardized when it comes to hail repair versus collision repair. “It’s very rare you have an insurance adjuster with a PDR background,” he said. “On the hail side, an adjuster can go out and adjust a claim easily. They can see a panel has so many dents on it.” Regarding new PDR tooling, Frasher said glue pulling has really advanced. “Technicians are getting better at it. The more they PDR techniques allow technicians opportunities to minimize practice with it, the faster the number of steps necessary to perform a quality repair they get,” he said. PDR is known as an affordable He added that glue can move a and quick method of removing dents lot of metal very quickly compared to from the body of a vehicle without a normal dent rod. disturbing the finish, which elimiWhen estimating for hail damnates the need for repainting the re- age, a PDR matrix is used, which is a paired area. Generally used for hail damage, PDR can also be utilized for a wide variety of minor repairs on both aluminum and steel panels. If there is paint damage, experts say that PDR might not be a good alternative; however, some technicians can use conventional paint and body methods, which is referred to as “push to paint.” For example, this method can be used on a hail-damaged roof, so it doesn’t need to be replaced. Avery said PDR techniques provide technicians opportunities to minimize the number of steps necessary to perform a quality repair, which is in the best interest of the vehicle and the consumer. “PDR as a first option will become the method of choice over time,” said Park. “Innovation and demand for speed will drive this. By using PDR, technicians are able to reduce the severity of damage at the dent level and potentially eliminate blend panels, which are huge cost savings.” PDR technicians often use metal rods to push dents from the body panel’s underside. Glue-pulling tools that use a specialized tab can also be

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

guide that outlines the vehicle’s panels. Park said although the matrix can add a lot of value, he cautions repairers about the unintended consequences around being too stringent within the matrix. “I think the matrix can lead an adjuster or somebody in the field to replace panels much faster than they necessarily need to,” he said. “I think there should be more awareness of doing the right thing for the car and understanding that sometimes you might have to look outside of the matrix.” Hampton agreed. Overall, he said to step back from the matrix and do what is best for the car. “Any time you can save the liability and the integrity of the vehicle, I think it’s always a smart decision to look at that first,” he said. For those planning to do PDR See PDR, Page 58

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Northeast Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

AASP/NJ To Continue Educating Members With 2018 Training Seminars Continuing to educate its members following the NORTHEAST 2018 trade show, AASP/NJ is offering a round of training seminars this year that will feature some of the industry’s most important topics and a chance to learn more about the concerns most likely to impact attendees’ businesses. “The association is looking to give back to its members,” said AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee. “Everyone needs to be willing to get out and learn—whatever the topics may be— and invest back into their businesses. Saving the date is a must. Our members need to make time to come out and better themselves. The only way we can do that is to share the information, the success stories and the trials and tribulations that we endure every single day. “As president of the association and as a shop owner, I know that training is absolutely imperative because things change all the time in

this industry. Insurance companies don’t want us to share our successes and failures because they want to keep us isolated, but we need to look at our shops as truly corporate-run businesses. There are so many items we see every day that are neglected, overlooked or that we’ve been brainwashed into thinking this is the way

repaired vehicles out the door. “Shop owners and technicians need to invest time into their future because if they aren’t doing it, no one else will!” he said. “Our members are looking for this type of training so our plans have been very well-received, but I’ve like to see more of those guys who think they don’t have the time or

it is. I’m fortunate enough to be able to travel a couple times each year for training, and by visiting other shops and listening to what they’ve done, I’ve been able to make positive changes in my business. Now, I want to give back and help others do the same.” McNee recognized that many shop owners feel that they do not have the time to travel for training because they are focused on getting

that they’re already good enough. Those are the folks who should be sending their people to this. Do they have all the answers? I sure don’t. “If we all look at things the same [way] and start pulling in the same direction, maybe things will finally change in this industry; however, without involvement, help and education, it will never change. Those doing nothing are the first to complain about

“The association is looking to give back to its members,” — Jerry McNee

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

these problems but the last to do anything about it—they have the loudest bark but the smallest bite.” AASP/NJ’s first new training session will be held on June 25 from 6–10 p.m. at Ultimate Collision Repair in Edison, NJ, featuring McNee and QLC Inc’s John Niechwiadowicz as they share “Open Your Eyes ... And You WILL Become a Game Changer.” Their popular NORTHEAST® presentation focuses on strategic improvements for everyone on the team and will delve into critical components that make for a more productive, efficient, profitable and enjoyable work environment in the shop. Free to members, the seminar is available to non-members for just $75 and includes food and drinks; pre-registration is required. A GM certification class will be held on July 17 in Totowa and on July 19 in Toms River for attendees

to learn about the OEM’s new certification program. Participants will leave the seminar with a certificate that counts toward the renewal of the New Jersey Labor Licensing Law. On Sept. 29, AASP/NJ will host Collision Advice’s Mike Anderson for an exciting new presentation. The association is also planning its Annual Meeting in October and hopes to host an additional training session in November. McNee urged those who cannot attend some of the association’s training sessions to show their support in other ways. “We need member support,” he said. “If you don’t want to do something yourself, support the group financially or spread the word about what we’re doing. A few guys cannot carry everybody, but everybody can carry a few guys. We have some really exciting things coming up for AASP/NJ, and we need as many industry professionals behind us as possible to make the biggest impact we can in this industry.” For more information on the association and its upcoming events, visit aaspnj.org.

NY Man Convicted of Involvement in $1 Million Auto Insurance Fraud by Steven A. Meyerowitz, FC&S Legal

Jean Mythro Davilmar of Brooklyn, NY, has been sentenced to 4 2/3 to 14 years in state prison following his conviction for his participation in what prosecutors characterized as “a massive scheme” to fraudulently obtain commercial car insurance policies and New York State vehicle registrations. Over an eight-year period, prosecutors said, Davilmar and his coconspirators fraudulently obtained policies with coverage limits totaling over $1 million by registering more than 100 cars with fake companies, including delivery services, prompting investigators to dub the case “Operation Decoy Delivery.” Davilmar and his co-conspirators filed forged and falsified documents with insurance carriers, the Kings County Supreme Court Clerk’s Office and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”), the government said. On Dec. 7, 2017, after a trial that included the testimony of 26 witnesses and the admission of hundreds of documents, Judge Danny Chun found Davilmar guilty of two counts

of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a Class C felony), 17 counts of Insurance Fraud in the Third Degree (a Class D felony), four counts of Offer-

ing a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (a Class E felony), five counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (a Class D felony) and one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree (a Class E felony). The evidence at trial showed that between May 2006 and June 2014, Davilmar engaged in a complex scheme to obtain commercial auto insurance in the names of fictitious business partnerships by submitting falsified documents and making false statements to multiple governmental agencies and insurance carriers.

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Davilmar, who testified at trial, admitted to forming fake companies in order to obtain insurance policies for multiple vehicles. The evidence at trial showed that Davilmar created more than a dozen fictitious business partnerships, including Florist Locomotion, Landscaping Express, Cleaners Express, Mybeda Express, Bedamy Express and Damybe Express. In total, according to the government, Davilmar and his co-conspirators obtained more than 20 commercial insurance policies for over 100 vehicles, with coverage limits of up to $50,000 per accident for each vehicle. On cross-examination, Davilmar admitted to repeatedly using the alias “Jean Claude Marcelin” on documents filed with the DMV, the Kings County Clerk’s Office and multiple auto insurance carriers. We thank FC&S Legal for reprint permission.

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Industry Insight with John Yoswick

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, 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.

Certification, Legislation Related to Non-OEM Parts Get Spotlighted at Convention Speakers representing insurers and will be well-positioned for the funon-OEM parts manufacturers, dis- ture,” he said. “I think those [that] tributors and certifiers offered a vari- are not, those who are just saying, ety of perspectives from the podium ‘I’m just going to … do what I’ve alat the recent Automotive Body Parts ways done,’ at some point the [car Association (ABPA) annual conven- population] that they’ll have availtion. able to repair is going to shrink.” Patrick Burnett, who leads maReturning to the subject of certerial damage operations for Nation- tification, Bob Frayer of NSF Inwide Insurance, told non-OEM parts ternational said his organization is industry representatives at the event launching certification of non-OEM that alternative parts played radiator supports. He also a significant role in the alurged the aftermarket parts most 700,000 estimates for industry to ensure that nonthe insurer’s auto claims last OEM parts such as bumper year. covers allow for the proper “I won’t get into exact functioning of proximity numbers, but I will tell you sensors and rearview camalmost half of the part dollars eras. Bob Frayer that we wrote came from al“It’s one thing to design ternative parts,” Burnett said. a bumper cover that fits the vehicle. He said that as a financial organ- It’s another thing to design a bumper ization, the cost of those parts is im- cover that allows for the proper inportant. stallation of the proximity sensor, “But I’m almost more interested and making sure that proximity senin quality and how quickly you can sor works properly,” Frayer said. get that part where it needs to go and “It’s something that NSF is working how you work with repair facilities very hard to make sure happens.” and others to facilitate a good, solid He said 21 parts distributors repair,” he said. “For crash parts, we have earned NSF certification themlook for NSF- or CAPA-certified selves, a program NSF developed, parts, and NSF-certified distributors Frayer said, in part to ensure distribto deliver those crash parts. To us utors are actually delivering certithat’s very important. It’s important fied parts when shops order certified to know the quality of what’s going parts. on our estimates and what may be “That seems like a very comdelivered to those repair facilities as mon sense way of running a busithose parts go onto vehicles.” ness, but I can tell you in fact that’s Burnett was asked about his not the way business is always being view of the outlook for body shops. done,” Frayer said. “Many times, He said driver safety and assistance certified parts are ordered and that’s technology will continue to make re- not what’s delivered to the repair pairs more complex. shop. I think it was important for us “It’s going to change who’s able to recognize that, and make sure that to repair that car, who should be re- what’s ordered is what gets delivpairing that car,” he said. “It will ered. When a certified part gets orchange the make-up of the repair in- dered and a non-certified part gets dustry; I’m very confident of that.” delivered, I think that hurts all of us He acknowledged it will be in this room.” tough for smaller collision repair opAs he did at the ABPA confererations to keep up. ence a year earlier, Frayer worked to “The larger shops that are com- explain the difference between a mitted to the equipment, the training NSF-certified part and one bearing [and] the certification path and that the “NSF Registered Part” label. As have the money [and] the capital out- part of the full certification process, lay that it takes to make that happen Frayer said, NSF conducts audits of

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

the parts’ manufacturing facilities; these products … but at the end of that doesn’t happen for “NSF Regis- the day, what the market is saying is tered” parts. Certification also in- we don’t have an appetite for certifivolves “in-market testing of the cation.” State and federal legislation reproducts being sold,”—not so with parts that are only registered. With lated to non-OEM parts was also on the agenda at the ABPA conthose parts, he said, NSF vention. A bill introduced in only validates “that the deIowa, for example, would sign is the same as the OEM prohibit insurers from requirpart and that it worked proping a shop to use a specific erly on the vehicle.” parts vendor or procurement Mirrors are among the process, or from requiring parts commonly being “regthe use of non-OEM crash istered” rather than “certiRay Colas parts for the repair of a vehified.” “We’re doing this because for cle 5 years old or newer. Ray Colas, certain part types, this is what the director of government affairs for market is asking for,” Frayer said, LKQ Corporation, told those at the not indicating whether by “mar- ABPA convention that the bill was inket” he was speaking of parts man- troduced by a lawmaker who repreufacturers or parts buyers as not sents a district in which an LKQ interested in the presumably more facility is located. Colas said that preexpensive certification process. “I viously bringing the state representawould love to be able to certify all See Spotlighted at Convention, Page 35

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Historical Snapshot with John Yoswick

5 Years Ago, Shop Wanted to Choose Parts Systems Rather Than Face Insurer Mandates 20 Years Ago in the Collision Repair Industry (July 1998) I was recently told of a body shop doing more than $5 million in gross sales per year. It sounds like an impressive operation until you consider that this shop, heavy into direct repair programs (DRPs), has only a 4 percent profit margin. For all that’s involved in maintaining an auto body business—the customer-employee-insurance headaches, enormous outlays for tools, help and training, building and property payments, etc.—such a meager profit is an insult to business intelligence. With most shops today making less than 5 percent profit (and that margin is steadily dropping) repairers who are also good businessmen are rare.

In 1998, Washington shop owner Dick Strom was a regular columnist in a number of industry trade publications, often espousing the view that DRPs would benefit insurers far more than shops or consumers

I’m reminded of the true story of several scientists who were dropped off in a remote region of Africa to make scientific reports. After going months with no human contact and with their food supplies depleted, they eventually discovered a patch of berries that look quite similar to an edible variety back home. In the following weeks, gorging themselves on these berries, they slowly became weaker and weaker until each man died. Analysis of the berries after the men’s bodies were found showed that they had absolutely no food value. These men, confident that they were well-nourished while waiting out their rescue, actually were being weakened 32

and starved to death so slowly that they didn’t realize their mistake until it was too late. I have to wonder about the great number of shops clamoring for pieces of the DRP berry pie. Why is it so hard for otherwise intelligent men and women to see the trap and the coming malnutrition and starvation that insurers will eventually bring upon us when DRPs have saturated the industry? Body shops, now contentedly stuffed overfull with DRP berries, will eventually realize they’re starving to death, though by that time, they’ll be powerless to resist. All the work in the world, if it is of no profit, is still profitless. – from an editorial by Dick Strom, at the time a shop owner in Washington state, published in The Golden Eagle. According to the shop’s website, Strom sold the business to his sons in 2010, and it “continues to thrive as a non-DRP shop” with 14 employees.

15 Years Ago in the Collision Repair Industry (July 2003) Third-party “desk auditors” faced some critics and tough questions during a panel discussion at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) held in Hollywood, FL, in late July. Representatives of three companies that offer insurers remote reviews of repair estimates discussed their companies’ histories, employee training and auditing practices. The three were asked, for example, whether they are compensated for their work based upon the amount by which they are able to reduce a shop’s estimate. “We are compensated on a perfile basis, whether there are savings or not,” said John Gizzio of American Computer Estimating (ACE), a Pennsylvania-based desk review company that audits more than 10,000 claims each month. “We do not take part of the savings. And we do ... charge if there are no savings. We are compensated for every job that we do.” Mike Price of the Georgiabased, 30-employee Audit Services,

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Inc., also said his firm is paid on a perclaim, per-assignment basis. Mike Saliba, vice president of ComSearch’s Ready Review desk auditing service, said his company’s compensation is “based on a number of things, but savings is not one of them.” Gizzio said that some of the savings they offer insurers is not just in reduction in the bottom line of repair estimates, but in reductions in cycle time, rental costs and direct expenses such as field adjusters. All three of the companies say they are not using electronic systems that automatically flag certain items on estimates for review. Rather, the reviewer enters the estimate into the company’s chosen estimating system and checks it against the profile established by their insurer client. While those “profiles” cover such things as non-OEM and salvage parts use, all three of the companies say they do

not change “judgment” repair times. “We do not adjust or change judgment items,” Price said. “We apply our client’s guidelines... When it comes to a judgment item, obviously we haven’t seen the damage.” The other two companies represented on the panel concurred, and although the three represent a majority of the desk audit market, nearly every shop owner at CIC raised their hand when asked if they had had judgment times changed as part of desk audits. “There are other companies that do this work,” Gizzio said. “We’re not representing them, just our own companies here today ... If you put down a five-hour repair, you get a five-hour repair.” Price said he recommended that if a remote auditor changed judgment times, the shop should call the insurer involved.

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– As reported in Autobody News. 10 Years Ago in the Collision Repair Industry (July 2008) The Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) has surpassed one of its first milestones by processing more than 500 inquiries in just over six months of operation. If the value of inquiries remains consistent, the first two quarters of the year indicate that the DEG will likely process more than 1,000 inquiries by the end of year on. “Collision estimating data customers clearly turn to the DEG as their partner for submitting their firsthand-concerns to the information providers,” said DEG Joint Operating Committee Member Nick Kostakis. – As reported in Collision Repair Industry INSIGHT. The DEG website (www.DEGweb.org) has now processed more than 8,600 inquiries. 5 Years Ago in the Collision Repair Industry (July 2013) At the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) held in Boston, some participants questioned why the CIC Parts Committee had not addressed certain

issues related to electronic parts procurement systems. The committee is working to produce a matrix that it hopes will indicate differences in features and other aspects of the various systems.

In 2013, California shop owner Randy Stabler said shops should be allowed to choose which electronic parts sourcing / ordering systems are used based on features, rather than insurer mandates

But California shop owner Randy Stabler said understanding those differences won’t matter if shops are being required to use a particular system. “Let the people who want to make a parts procurement engine build the best tool, and let the mar-

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

ketplace decide which one is the best, rather than being forced,” Stabler said. Aaron Schulenburg of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) agreed. “For more than a year now, this committee has been asked, at least by individuals of this body, for a very serious discussion about the entry-tomarket (of the systems),” he said. “It keeps being avoided, frankly. I think we really need to have that before we just ask how they work.” CIC Chairman George Avery said the committee should continue its work on the matrix, but acknowledged that “it seems like we jumped ahead,” and that “it’s prudent that we facilitate the discussion that I think is being asked for.” – As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), July 29, 2013.

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Car-O-Liner Joins I-Car’s Sustaining Partner Program

Car-O-Liner recently announced that it has joined I-CAR’s Sustaining Partner™ program. I-CAR Sustaining Partners provide financial support to help contain the cost of vital training

for collision repair businesses. Funding also helps to ensure new entrants to the industry through career and technical schools, are not prevented that entry, because of the cost of training. Companies that join I-CAR as a Sustaining Partner, support the belief that trained and informed technicians and repairers keep the motoring public safer. I-CAR allows collision repair technicians to receive I-CAR credit for Car-O-Liner Academy courses, at no additional cost to them. That credit can be applied immediately and put towards their shop’s Gold Class and their individual Platinum designations.

tive in for a facility tour had helped raise his understanding of the issue, something Colas reminded the lawmaker about.

got themselves into,” Colas said. “We had to educate them. It’s always good if we educate these members before somebody else does.” (In an op-ed piece published in a Rhode Island newspaper in June after the convention, ABPA Executive Director Ed Salamy voiced op-

“‘In all honesty,’ he told us, ‘I completely forgot about that,’” Colas said, noting that the lawmaker still has some concerns but said he would “remove the bill from consideration.” Colas had similar assessments of lawmakers sponsoring bills in Illinois that would require the use of OEM repair specifications and procedures when estimating repairs and prohibit the use of non-OEM parts without the customer’s consent in writing. “They did not realize what they

position to proposed legislation in that state that would expand the state’s ban on the use of non-OEM parts to include vehicles up to 48 months old—from the current 30month ban. Calling the legislation anti-competitive, Salamy warned consumers that, “Put simply, these bills would take away your choice about how to repair your vehicle.”) Sources say that during a portion of the ABPA convention closed to the media, a former U.S. Senator expressed optimism about the prospects for the “PARTS Act,” pro-

Continued from Page 30

Spotlighted at Convention

“They did not realize what they got themselves into, we had to educate them. It’s always good if we educate these members before somebody else does.” — Ray Colas

posed federal legislation that would slash the time that automakers can use design patents to prevent other companies from producing replacement crash parts from 14 years to just 30 months. Mark Pryor, a former Senator from Arkansas who is now a partner with a legal and lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. that is representing the “Quality Parts Coalition,” said that group is pressing for a vote on the bill by a U.S. House committee before the mid-term elections in November. But the legislation faces some big hurdles to overcome before this Congress ends. Even if passed by the committee, the bill would still need to be scheduled for a vote in the House, and there’s been no action on the Senate version of the legislation. Two of the bills’ four primary sponsors (Republicans Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah and Rep. Darrell Issa of California) have announced their retirement from Congress this year, and most D.C. observers aren’t predicting a flurry of legislative activity in the final six months of the 115th Congress.

Caliber Collision Collects 4.3 Million Meals to Feed Kids This Summer

Caliber Collision teammates nationwide rallied valued customers, business partners and local communities to collect a record 4.3 million meals for their recently completed 7th Annual Rhythm Restoration Food Drive to feed at-risk children over the summer months.

Cash and food items collected from Caliber’s Rhythm Restoration Food Drive will help 53 regional food banks replenish and stock their pantries over the summer months, when demand is highest, for families with children who do not have access to school lunches. According to Feeding America, of the 22 million children who receive free and reduced-price lunches during the school year, only 4 million continue to receive subsidized meals over the summer months.

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HONDA CONNECTICUT

Lia Honda of Enfield Enfield

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

Manchester Honda Manchester

800-442-6614 860-645-3115 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5; Sat 8-4 gabe.llantin@manchesterhonda.com

Schaller Honda New Britain

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

Berlin City Honda South Portland

800-640-6685 207-774-6685 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 mmmparts@berlincity.com

Prime Honda Saco

207-391-7910 207-282-0900 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Th. 7:30-7; Sat 7:30-4 klavalle@driveprime.com MARYLAND

Criswell Honda Ger mantown

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

Tischer Acura Laurel

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Acura of Boston Brighton

800-254-1169 617-254-5400 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5:30; Sat 8-5 bruce.fisher@acuraofboston.com

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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

NEW JERSEY

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Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell Honda

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

724-940-2006

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

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

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

Ourisman Honda of Laurel

Rossi Honda

Lamacchia Honda

Laurel

Vineland

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800-893-3030 856-692-4449

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 7-4 julio.cruz@ourismanautomotive.com

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

MASSACHUSETTS

LIA Honda Northampton Northampton

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Clinton Honda Annandale

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Honda of Turnersville Tur nersville

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Hudson Honda West New Yor k

Route 22 Honda H i l ls i d e

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800-682-2914 215-657-3301

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

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

Williamsville/Buffalo

Babylon Honda We s t B a by l o n

631-669-5800 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-3:30 babylonparts@aol.com

Brewster Honda B re w s t e r

845-278-4177 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 kbennett@liacars.com

Pittsburgh

800-468-2090 412-390-2908

Lia Honda of Albany

908-753-1680 NEW YORK

Shadyside Honda

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

Lia Honda of Williamsville

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

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

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

North Plainfield

866-483-6917 201-868-9500

877-659-2672 716-632-3800 Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7:30-8; Fri 7:30-5; Sat 8-5:30 liaparts@liacars.com

VER M O N T

802 Honda Berlin

802-223-9700 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5; Sat 8-Noon hondaparts@802cars.com

Ray Laks Honda We s t S e n e c a

716-824-7852 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-8; Sat 7:30-5:30 ekuznicki@raylaks.com PENNSYLVANIA

Apple Honda Yo r k

800-960-9041 717-848-2600 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun 10-4 applehondaparts@appleauto1.com

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

NEW JERSEY

315-471-7278

Baierl Honda

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Acura Turnersville

Acura of Westchester

Smithtown Acura

Tu r n e r s v i l l e

We s t chester

St. James

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888-883-2884 856-516-6060

914-834-8887

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877-860-3954 610-967-6500

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

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5; Sat 8-5 mustafa@vinart.com

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

Elite Acura Maple Shade

856-722-9600 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 bmartinsen@group1auto.com

Park Ave Acura M a y wo o d

888-690-7621 201-587-0028 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-3 jon.tangen@parkaveacura.com

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

Curry Acura S c a rsdale

800-725-2877 914-472-7406 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 parts@curryacura.com

Paragon Acura Wo o dside

718-507-3990 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5; Sun 9-4 johnp@paragonacura.com

Lehigh Valley Acura

Sussman Acura

PENNSYLVANIA

Baierl Acura Wexford

800-246-7457 724-935-0800 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-1 johnsabella@baierl.com

Jenkintown

800-826-4078 215-884-6285 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-1 rendrick@sussmanauto.com

Davis Acura Langhor ne

866-50-ACURA 215-943-7000 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-4 markh@davisacura.com autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Social Media for Shops

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

with Ed Attanasio

Shop Owner Creates Podcast to Connect With Shop Owners, Managers Ron Perretta has owned and operated Professionals Auto Body with two locations in Altoona and Dunkinsville, PA, since 1979. He also owns Global Business Consultants, which advises collision repairers; Media One, which performs marketing and advertising services for body shops; a mechanical shop; a glass company; and a towing business. He started his shop at age 19 and is always looking for new ways to expand and diversify his businesses.

Q: A:

Why do you have so many irons in the fire?

I have been talking to shops about that for the past 20 years and I always tell them that all shops should diversify, only because when things in one business can lag, having several working in conjunction to keep revenue coming in will help them during those lean times.

Q: A:

You recently created Body Shop Pioneers?

Yes, it’s a Facebook page and we also do a podcast with the same name. We reach out to shops around the country that have made a difference in the collision repair industry and/or are trying to do so. With our podcast, we interview top people in the industry and discuss some of their achievements and how they’ve impacted the business. We talk about their roles; the whole concept is to get their messages out there so that shops all over the country can understand that they’re not the only ones who are going through the same hurdles that we have all encountered. We also try to make the point that by sitting on the sidelines, changes will not occur. When they start looking at what their peers in the industry are

doing, it will hopefully motivate them to help create these changes that we badly need in this industry. We also have another podcast that we produce called the Professionals Auto Body Community podcast that we use to communicate community messages. We have interviewed local law enforcement and people with other meaningful causes in the communities where we do business, and it’s been a valuable tool in that regard.

If you want to participate in Body Shop Pioneers, you have to qualify and it’s a fairly exclusive group. Is that correct?

Yes, you have to be either a body shop owner or a manager. We don’t accept technicians, painters, front office people or vendors, because we want to feature topics and subjects that apply directly to what owners and managers are interested in. It’s a small exclusive group right now, but it’s still a young project and we’re expecting it to grow rather quickly. It’s not going to be huge, but we expect it to grow significantly within the next one to two years. On our Professionals Auto Body Facebook page, for example, we’re currently approaching 15,000 people who like us and are active on the page. We have a pretty big base with consumers in our markets and the Body Shop Pioneers page [will grow in] the same way. In fact, just this week I had to decline 40 people who wanted to join Body Shop Pioneers because they’re not owners or managers. So it is already growing in popularity, but we have to keep it exclusive.

So you have major names in the collision repair industry

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JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

on your podcast and the members send you questions to ask them in advance?

That’s right. Next week we will have shop owner Ray Gunder on our show, a well-known name in the industry, and recently we had Gina Petrarca, an attorney whose father owns a shop in Rhode Island who is heavy in collision-related state legislation and a major player in the state. We will also have April Hernandez Stevens on our show soon. She is a body shop owner in Atlanta, GA, who won a large lawsuit a few years ago against State Farm.

Q: A:

Why did you name it Body Shop Pioneers?

Because we want it to cater to those shops that want to be independent from their DRPs, the way

we do it here at Professionals. Years ago, we dropped all of our DRPs because we decided that we didn’t want to compromise our quality anymore. We want other shops to know that they can be independent and don’t have to deal with the multiple obstacles that are often created by the insurance programs. I was a trainer for 17 years traveling all over the country for PPG, and out of the thousands of shops I met with, not one ever said that they enjoyed their DRPs. We want them to know that they have options and don’t have to be bullied around. If they don’t want to be run by a third-party, it’s possible and those that have shed their DRPs are what we call Body Shop Pioneers. Some shops don’t think they have choices, but we want them to know that they can. That’s why we feature truly independent shops on our Facebook page and podcast.

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Shop Strategies with Stacey Phillips

CA Body Shop’s Business Model Focuses on Heavier Collision Repair Work Earlier this year, industry veteran David Caulfield opened Fix Auto Anaheim North in Anaheim, CA, using an innovative business model. Caulfield has been in the collision repair industry since 1975, working every aspect of the trade from the bottom up. In 1988, he opened his first body shop in Orange County, CA—East Hills Auto Collision—which eventually grew to include three locations and became part of the Fix Auto franchise. Last year, Caulfield sold his interest in the business and opened Fix Auto Anaheim North, a 23,500square-foot facility that focuses on heavier collision repair work. Caulfield recently shared information with Autobody News about the processes he uses at Fix Auto Anaheim North—his specialized collision services facility—and his advice to collision repairers looking to

set themselves apart and be more profitable.

What prompted you to open Fix Auto Anaheim North and how have you differentiated your business?

After working in the industry for nearly 43 years, I really wanted to focus on things that I felt needed assistance in the industry where there were some trouble spots. I decided to open Fix Auto Anaheim North to focus on reducing the risk and liability associated with heavier collision claims. I feel it will help reduce severity costs through parts price discounts and creative estimating and offer a more objective way to look at how a vehicle is repaired today versus the way our predecessors may have written an estimate on a car.

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

and spending a few more minutes to match the colors, we’re finding that eight out of 10 of those that used to be blended in the past are reduced to two. Another example is PDR (paintless dent repair). It has always been viewed that if the dent is small enough, we’ll PDR it. However, when we have a five- to six-hour dent where the paint isn’t damaged, we’ll PDR those as well. This saves the insurance company and conThe customer care area at Fix Auto Anaheim North sumer a lot of money. match the color. The practice of Can you tell us about the speblending panels increases severity, cialized process you use at the cycle time and the unwarranted removal of parts, yet to set yourself up shop and the benefits? for an additional buffing process. Our system is different than This is costly to the shop, the insurer a traditional body shop. Typand unnecessarily invasive to the vehicle. Using technology correctly ically, when a vehicle comes into For example, a lot of metalliccolored panels are estimated with the assumption a blend is required to

Q: A:

the shop, a technician is responsible for the car key-to-key including a teardown, disassembly, reassembly, framework, mechanical, body, etc. In our model, we have a technician assigned to each one of those skill sets. When a vehicle comes into our facility, a team will disassemble the car, then it will go to the next phase on the assembly line to the next technician and on through completion. Using this process, which is now part of our SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), we’ve been able to reduce cycle times by as much as 65–70 percent. That’s pretty significant. Our record right now on an average claim of $3,900 is 3.8 days. We’re not saying that we’re better than other shops as far as somebody fixing a dent or welding. Our equipment is brand new and we’re using the latest technology in order to stay compliant with the manufacturers’ recommendations like other companies would have. What sets us apart is the way we do it and the order we do it in. We don’t burden one technician to be responsible for the entire repair. Instead, we’ve invested in specific

skills for each of our technicians. For example, we have disassembly, reassembly, mechanical, structural and frame, cutting, fitting and welding and metalsmithing departments. In most shops, when someone fixes a dent, they call that person a body man, but the person who fixes a dent or works the metal in our shop has a department called metalsmithing. That way, he or she takes

get that car out and correct in the shortest period of time with the least invasive repair.

How has your background helped you institute the model used in the shop?

My background gave me the ability to understand what the next move needed to be. During part of my career, I worked in production shops where there were more disciplined practices and the assembly line was in use. Cars would move pretty seamlessly through a shop, resulting in a one- or two-day repair. I decided to implement that methodology into the collision repair system and found it has been working The repair plant area at the 23,500-square-foot facility out pretty well. an objective view of the vehicle and makes decisions based on what the What did it entail to build a task is. If there is a large dent, it isn’t shop that focuses on heavier attacked with a grinder. The tech is collision? really studying it to make sure that it can be kept as small as possible and It took many years of experimake the best moves as possible to ence and a lot of planning as

Q: A:

far as the layout of the facility and to set up a consistent production line. With our model, a vehicle has no choice but to drive straight into the shop. Then it goes on to a track system and the car slides into its proper stalls. It helps you stay disciplined on the order of things. We also built a team that understands the importance of perfecting one skill instead of multiple skills in order to meet the goals of the company. If you are a frame person, you are a specialist and expert in structural and frame. If you are in the welding department, you are an expert in cutting, fitting and welding and that’s your job; you don’t need to worry about any of the other skill sets in the facility. We just require you just do that job correctly and pass it off to the next person, so they have success. We also have removed many of the traditional burdens a technician faces that cause loss of focus on the repair. Typically, body shop technicians are paid on commission. We are salary-based and pay hourly. Whether our employees fix a car or not, they are paid. Our model relies on having See Business Model, Page 51

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National Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

YANG 2018 Leadership Conference Is Highest Rated Yet The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) hosted its 2018 Leadership Conference at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA, on May 11– 12 in conjunction with the Auto Care Association’s Spring Leadership Days.

According to YANG Liaison and ACA Manager of Government Affairs David Pinkham, “The event went incredibly well. It was our most well-attended and highestrated Leadership Conference to date. We wanted to ramp up the content this year and provide an effective balance of industry education and professional development, both of which were accomplished.” “Auto Care staff and the YANG Advisory Council were in agreement that this event blew our expectations

paced day and a day of engaging speakers with content that would be relevant to any young, driven professional. The networking opportunities also provided attendees a chance to make connections and talk about their experiences in the industry. “The Auto Care Association prides itself on being able to bring professionals from across all sectors together to network and conduct important business. YANG’s events, especially the YANG Leadership Conference, are a great example of not only being able to bring people together, but putting them in a position to learn from one another and broaden their view of the industry.

Scott LeProhon of Genuine Parts Company presented “How to be a Leader.”

The vast majority of Leadership Conference attendees we surveyed found the event to be both enjoyable and worth their while.” The conference began on May 11 at 1 p.m. with a Welcome Address, followed by a keynote presentation ti-

Saturday’s sessions began with a Rapid Fire Session and Round Table Discussions, which were led by five conference attendees

out of the water,” said JC Washbish, director of marketing for the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance and YANG vice chair. “It was a fast46

tled “The Master of the Tornado” by Michael Hoffman, president of Igniting Performance. Next, Amy Antenora, editor of aftermarketNews,

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

conference attendees. After a networking break, Ryan Jenkins discussed “Next Generation Leadership: Keys to Working Across a Multi-Generational Workforce” before the conference concluded with “How To Be a Leader,” presented by Scott LeProhon, executive vice president of Global Procurement for Genuine Parts Company. “The purpose of the YANG’s 2018 Leadership Conference attracted many Leadership Conference was attendees who rated this year’s event the best to date to offer quality leadership “Future Trends: The Next Big Indus- training and networking to the auto try Issues.” After a brief networking care industry’s top under [age]-40 break, attendees participated in a performers, and we feel we met the Communicating with Influence work- goal,” Pinkham said. “YANG hopes shop. The day ended with an ACPAC to build off this year’s success and host a conference next year that surReception and dinner. Saturday’s sessions began with a passes this one. We’ve officially Rapid Fire Session and Round Table raised the bar so the pressure is on to Discussions, which were led by five keep the content fresh and exciting.” discussed “Our Industry: A Year in Review.” Afterward, Jim Dykstra, CEO of Dytech Auto Group, covered

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National Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

ASA Partners With Bosch for 5th, Final Webinar: Recalibrating Driver Assistance Systems On Wednesday, May 16, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) partnered with Bosch for the fifth and final webinar of their series on scanning: “Recalibrating Driver Assistance Systems: The Road to Repairing Autonomous Vehicles – Collision Avoidance System Recalibration.” ASA Vice President Tony Molla began the webinar by welcoming attendees and thanking Bosch’s Doc Watson and Pat Pierce for their patience throughout the series. He reminded attendees that the webinar would focus on key procedures for

both collision and mechanical repair and that the tips provided also apply to other brands of scan tools. Before starting the training video, Watson shared, “As a representative for Bosch, we’re happy to have as many attendees as we do today. This is a big topic in our industry, and whether you’re in collision [or] mechanical repair, it applies to all of us.” The video began by looking at the ADAS systems being used today and defining a long list of enhanced features and technology that are integrated into modern vehicles. Bosch’s stance on scanning aligns with most OEMs’ position statements that support pre- and post-scans of vehicles to help identify potential collision and non-collision related DTCs. It also supports reporting all DTCs to the vehicle owner and the insurance company. Discussing adaptive lighting systems that could have several sensors located in many different areas of the vehicle, Watson shared common locations and how to determine when calibration is necessary. He also discussed common locations for blind spot sensors that monitor the location of other vehicles that the driver cannot see. Calibration of this feature often includes removal of the sensor as well as removal of the bumper 48

cover to avoid damaging the mounting location. Regarding forward radar sensors, it is important to monitor the forward distance of objects in front of the vehicle and to control the following distance because systems use this data when calibration is required. Park assist sensors—ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumper covers—monitor the distance between the vehicles and other objects, and calibration or aiming may need to be done after removal of the bumper cover, removal of the sensor or an impact on or near the sensor. Calibration of a steering angle sensor may be needed after airbag deployment, structural repairs or a wheel alignment. This is important because the steering angle sensor controls the lane keep assist, blind spot detection and adaptive lighting. Watson continued to discuss the use of and when calibration is needed on the following: adaptive lighting systems (after suspension or structural repairs, headlight replacement or windshield replacement), blind spot sensors (removal of the sensor, removal of the bumper cover or damage to mounting locations) and forward radar sensors (after replacement of a forward radar sensor but possibly after removal of front bumper/grille, after front structural repairs, or after removal and installation of the forward radar unit). Utilizing multiple cameras to provide a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, the 360 degree camera view requires calibration of all the cameras after the replacement of any of the cameras. However, some OEMs may also require calibration when a side mirror, bumper cover or door is removed. Forward-facing cameras almost always require a calibration or aiming procedure after replacement, but aiming may also be required after removal of the windshield, rearview mirror or the camera itself. “When vehicle repairs containing ADAS integration is done, there is a danger of misalignment, which can have a significant effect on the efficient functioning of the system,”

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Watson said. “If the camera or sensors are out by even a few millimeters, it can mean the difference between a vehicle avoiding a collision or not. Dynamic ADAS calibration is carried out with the use of a hand-held device plugged directly into the car. Often, the vehicle manufacturer will stipulate specific parameters for calibration of their dynamic ADAS. Static ADAS calibration is carried out in a workshop environment on a level surface. This form of calibration requires specialized equipment. Each car manufacturer requires different calibration settings for their static ADAS.” Looking at the camera system, Watson demonstrated that the light reflecting off an object in front of a lens passes through the lens and is collected at a focal point before it passes to a charge coupled device (CCD), which then collects the light and sends

it to a capacitor which, in turn, sends it to the amplifier where it is converted to voltage. The voltage is then sent to the controller for calculation. The controller will use multiple recordings over a given time period to calculate distance and identify deviation from normal conditions based on location, speed and distance using an algorithm. Watson used several illustrations and clips to demonstrate how this works, stressing “The whole idea of ADAS systems is to help avoid accidents. The system tries to aid the driver to prevent accidents.” The webinar concluded with demonstrations of camera calibrations for several makes and models, focused on reasons to carry out the calibration, what conditions must be met before calibration, how to calibrate the camera and what types of test drives are necessary after caliSee ASA Partners, Page 51

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In Reverse with Gary Ledoux

Gary Ledoux is an industry veteran with 48 years’ experience in the automotive and OEM collision parts industry. His column appears exclusively in Autobody News. He can be reached at YesterWreck@yahoo.com

The 1940s – Part 1 - An End, a Beginning and a Birthday The 1940s marked the end of the Great Depression as America was thrust into WWII. It was a time of great uncertainty. Several years of global war would bring about cultural, economic, political and social change that had never before been seen in the U.S. and around the world—not the least of which would be dramatic changes in the American automotive industry in general and the collision repair industry in particular. In fact, many collision industry leaders and long-standing collision industry suppliers agree that the post-war period beginning in 1945 marked the birth of what we know today as the modern automotive collision repair industry. Interestingly, in December 1941, just before America’s entry into the war and in the face of lingering difficult economic times, new car production hit a peak in the U.S. A financial

analyst employed by State Farm insurance estimated there were 30,000,000 cars on America’s roads, and less than half carried adequate insurance. Subsequently, State Farm agents were selling record numbers of new auto insurance policies. Every week, records were broken. It seemed like there would be no end to the ravenous selling of auto insurance policies. And then all hell broke loose on a Sunday morning in Hawaii, on a U.S. Navy base that few Americans were aware of. The war years were marked by shortages of just about everything, including tires and gasoline. In 1942, civilian car production was curtailed so that factories could turn out war materials. Auto travel and just about everything associated with it were brought to a standstill. Car dealers had to survive on service and parts sales. Auto parts jobbers were selling fewer parts

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

and less paint and body supplies, so some turned to other items to generate a profit, including lawn mowers and bicycles. Many companies now associated with the collision industry did their part to the war effort. DuPont, longknown for its superior gunpowder, contributed 4.5 billion pounds of explosives for the war effort. SherwinWilliams was ready to help the cause with a newly constructed $37 million facility and a workforce of 6,000. The company made more than 10 million ammunition shells, several million aerial bombs and anti-tank mines. The U.S. was building ships—which needed paint—and Sherwin-Williams was ready. More than 400,000 pounds of Sherwin-Williams paint was applied to the USS Iowa. The war accelerated the development and production of special aviation and industrial coating that would later fit peacetime applica-

tions. More than 2,700 SherwinWilliams employees served in the US Armed Forces. Sadly, 25 never returned home. Industrial color designers who had spent the 1930s trying to figure out what color car would sell best were relegated to designing camouflage patterns. Despite the death of new automobiles and severe slump in vehicle miles traveled, automotive technology continued to plow forward. The decade of the ‘40s saw such automotive innovations as automatic transmissions, safety-rim wheels, two-speed electric windshield wipers, electro-hydraulic power windows and seats, disc brakes and some unit-body construction. Car design was influenced by aviation and the air war over Europe and the Pacific theater. The once-boxy auto design was becoming sleeker and more stylish—adding new challenges to their See The 1940s, Page 52

Continued from Page 43

Business Model

technicians available in real time for any vehicle that comes their way. That’s the investment we made.

Q: A:

What has your experience been like with Fix Auto?

Each Fix Auto is independently owned and operated. I’ve found that Fix Auto is a supporter of innovation. They are always encouraging the individual franchisees to raise the bar on whatever they do. I regularly attend Fix Auto meetings. I think that anytime shops can get together, the owners can collaborate on what’s working for them and what’s not. Something new always seems to come out of that. What is your advice to shops preparing for the future and being innovative?

If you’re tired of sitting at the table, wondering how you can best cure diminishing profits, in-

creased cycle times and the increased risks associated with today’s vehicles, you really need to know the

vehicles, the shop was designed and built to repair vehicles that were those 15 out of 100 cars that average about $5,500 a claim and have structural and/or welding and/or mechanical work needed related to the collision. About 90 percent of our work is DRP-related. We opened February 5 of this year and we brought in $90,000 our first month and $151,000 our second. Our goal is to repair about six of these heavier colliEddie Ruacho, a structural specialist, spot welds a vehicle sion claims per day. with a new replacement panel in the “cutting, fitting and When you separate the welding” department heavier collision out of the make-up of what you are bringing mix of both heavy and light repairs, there is a very prosperous business into your facility. After studying this for many model to be had for both types. The years, I believe that 15 out of 100 ve- larger repairs can be done in five to hicles will require structural work, seven days compared to the 20 or more welding or heavy mechanical. Once that it currently takes the industry those cars are identified, they will today, and the lighter hits in zero to eventually end up in a specialized three days; deeper discounts can be ofshop like ours and there’s an enor- fered to both the insurer and consumer. mous amount of profitability available and more seamless throughput. www.autobodynews.com Although we receive a variety of

Continued from Page 48

ASA Partners

bration. Bosch calibration coverage includes FCA, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Toyota and Subaru, but the company is continuing to increase its coverage to include all makes and models requiring forward-facing cameras for dynamic and/or static calibration. Preceding Bosch’s question-andanswer session, Watson concluded by thanking those who attended the series. “We hope we have accomplished our goal of increasing your understanding of ADAS, its impact on the industry and how it impacts repairs and diagnostic procedures,” Watson said. “Our intent was to introduce and provide information and resources to support your understanding and interest in diagnosing and repairing systems, and we look forward to providing additional training sessions in the near future.” All five Bosch webinars are available online for ASA members. For more information about the association, visit www.asashop.org.

autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Continued from Page 50

The 1940s

repair. Way before the 2015 Ford F150 truck was introduced with a “high strength, military-grade, aluminumalloy” body, the Boeing Aircraft Company designed an automobile slated for post-war production in 1943. Its design, not surprisingly, was heavily influenced by aircraft design, with a 75HP rear engine and an all-aluminum body. It never reached production, but its development underscores the fact that using something other than steel for car bodies is not an entirely new idea. In fact, Ford introduced the first “plastic” car in 1941. The “plastic” was 70 percent cellulose derived from hemp, sisal and wheat straw with a resin binder made from soybeans, wheat, cotton and a few other “proprietary” materials. The car material was supposedly lighter than steel and could withstand 10 times the impact. (This sounds like today’s high strength steel!) Henry Ford was truly a man ahead of his time. The 1940s also saw improveContinued from Page 22

AASP/MA

going to streamline some of that information to make it more readily available through our member portals on the website, which adds even more value for our members.” Additionally, AASP/MA has decided to expand its relationship with Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. which publishes the association’s official publication, the New England Automotive Report, and will now perform administrative duties for the association. “We are very excited to be enhancing our relationship with Greco Publishing. We’ve had a longtime relationship that’s been mutually beneficial for us, and we felt like we were in a good position to take that relationship to the next level. Having a staff in place, we’re reassuring folks that when they call, we have a very capable, professional group on the other end ready to assist,” Brodeur noted. AASP/MA most recently met 52

ment in automotive refinish technology. Paint booth fires in the 1930s led to improved paint booths of the 1940s being made of cement blocks or metal—non-flammable materials. Lights were also placed in housings to keep them out of the path of atomized paint. Doors were put on the front of the booth to create a drivein structure and keep overspray from permeating the shop and every other car in the shop. The first modern spray booths were born. The 1940s also saw the introduction of better overspray, capturing media filters made with treated paper. This also marked the natal beginnings of specialty auto body repair tools, metallic paints, improvements in custom paint mixing and production at the shop and jobber level and early estimating guides, which included parts. Perhaps most important to the coalescence of the collision repair industry was the early formation of the auto body and auto repair associations and the early newsletters that they sent out to their members during the 1940s. Some of these led to the development of today’s trade magazines. In 1940, the Independent Garage Ownon May 2 for Todd Tracy’s popular presentation that Papageorg called “an unorthodox presentation with a powerful message.” Next, the association will hold its 2018 Golf Outing on July 25 at the Blackstone National Golf Club in Sutton, MA. Its Fall Meeting on Sept. 13 will feature Mike Anderson of Collision Advice at the Doubletree by Hilton in Westborough, MA. Brodeur believes the future holds many exciting things for AASP /MA. “In our industry, there is a constant evolution of vehicle technology, certifications, training--- there is so much information and content coming at us every single day,” she said. “We intend to position ourselves as a clearinghouse of all that information for our members, so they have one place to go to get the answers. We want to be the primary resource for our members, and I think we’re more than capable of taking on that task.” For more information on AASP/MA, visit www.aaspma.org.

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

ers of California became one of the earliest associations dedicated to the independent garage owner. The organization catered to both mechanical and collision shops. At the time, the line between these two very different businesses was still quite blurred, but would soon be better defined. On Oct. 3, 1945, civilian car production resumed with new designs and new technology. Car makers worked frantically to keep pace with new demand. Multi-car families soon became commonplace, adding to the aggregate miles traveled and commensurate accidents. Body shops and auto repair businesses were sprouting up on every corner. Hundreds of thousands of GIs were returning from the war. Some returned to their prior jobs. But many, having joined the service right out of high school, were looking for work. With the influx of new cars and increased availability of gasoline and tires, and given the rather crude state of automotive technology and ease of repair, many ex-GIs went into the mechanical or body repair business. The U.S. government even helped by providing “How-To” books on starting a

car repair business. There was nothing about an early (and for several years later) body shop that could be called “professional.” Technicians were untrained (except possibly those who were trained to repair military vehicles during the war), the shops were a mess, there were no standards on how to repair the cars, no standards on how to estimate the damage and nobody catered to the customer. There was very little overhead at the time. Not having to pay for estimators, office staff, tooling, equipment, computer program subscriptions, etc. led to high net profits. One might compare it to the “Wild West” days of the collision industry. Shop owners made up the business rules as they went along. The shop owner provided repair estimates---sometimes verbally, sometimes on a piece of scrap paper. The collision industry, in its formative years, had no business model to pattern itself after, so everyone bumbled along as best they could. Fortunately, the 1940s was also the time when collision industry leaders began to emerge. Between them, a few collision industry associations and See The 1940s, Page 56

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Continued from Cover

Body Shop Sues

mates for each of the vehicles. According to court documents, “… Tri-State used improper methods for calculating the number of hours required to repair the vehicles, including without limitation, refusing to pay for certain necessary repairs, refusing to allow for items which were recommended by the manufacturer guidelines and/or best practices and refusing to account for the published guidelines that are generally accepted within the automotive insurance repair industry.” The documents also state that “… Tri-State arbitrarily set price caps on the amount it would pay per unit for labor costs to repair the vehicles,” and they were far below the market rate. Barry’s Auto Body alleges in court documents that when preparing the estimates, “Tri-State insisted on using parts that are not Original Equipment Manufacturer parts (nonOEM), even when those parts are known to be of inferior quality to OEM parts and where the use of such non-OEM parts did not meet TriState’s contractual and legal obligations under the applicable policies and under New York State Insurance Law.” Six causes of action are mentioned in the lawsuit. The first is Breach of Contract Against Defendant Tri-State. Barry’s Auto Body alleges that Tri-State did not provide enough funds (a sum of $53,905.67) to adequately restore the vehicles back to their condition prior to the accidents/occurrences. The second cause of action is the Violation of General Business Law §349 Against Tri-State. “…TriState has continually engaged in unfair claims practices… including using inappropriate methods of determining the number of hours of labor, the arbitrary capping of labor rates, arbitrary capping of paint and materials, refusing to pay for body shop materials, and misleading consumers regarding the availability of other repair shops that would put the vehicle to its pre-loss condition for the amount of Tri-State’s estimate,” the lawsuit states. The third cause of action is De54

ceptive Business Practices in Violation of General Business Law §349 against IANet Corp for allegedly acting in “bad faith” and “… changing adjusters’ estimates without inspection, setting arbitrary caps on price of certain tasks and otherwise interfering with the claims process…” according to court documents. The last three causes of action are Tortious Interference With Business Relationship Against each of the adjusters. The lawsuit states that each of the adjusters interfered with the body shop’s contracts with its customers to repair the vehicles for “no legitimate purpose” and “acted maliciously” and with the sole purpose of harming the Plaintiff and its repair contracts. The lawsuit is currently in the discovery phase and the next court date is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2019. Autobody News reached out to Crupi, Jr. to learn more about the lawsuit and the issues collisions repairers should be aware of.

Q: A:

Why did you decide to file this lawsuit?

I filed this lawsuit among others because I will not have my customers, my business or its people pushed around. At Barry’s Auto Body, we believe in saving money where possible, but we will never compromise the quality of our work or the safety of our customers driving these automobiles in order to increase insurance company’s yearly profit margins. Customers always lose when their vehicles are not repaired safely and properly. It puts the passengers at risk and it kills their resale value. I also believe in my heart that it is more important today than ever before for auto body shops, and really any business that deals with insurance companies, to fight for what is right. This bully-like mentality many insurance companies use to suppress labor rates and push around shops into doing improper repairs truly hurts. We also allege this particular lawsuit has misconduct by numerous insurance adjusters and independent insurance adjusters on these claims. With vehicles being more technologically advanced than ever before, improper repairs can throw off airbag timing and cause vehicles’

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

braking systems to malfunction as well. Shops must now have the absolute best equipment to repair these vehicles properly. The days of using cheap machinery to save costs are over because today’s cars are constantly changing and require up-todate equipment. There are also additional steps necessary to repair vehicles properly. These procedures should never be compromised at the vehicle owner’s expense.

What would you like collision repairers to know about the lawsuit and these issues?

Insurance companies should not tell you how to repair a vehicle or how to run your business. Recent lawsuits have shown that insurance companies are not the ones ultimately responsible for repairing vehicles properly. You, as the auto body shop, are 100 percent responsible for restoring these vehicles SAFELY and PROPERLY every time. You can and may be sued for not doing safe or proper repairs.

Therefore, it is up to you to make sure you are being paid properly to restore these vehicles to their pre-accident condition. I repair every car as if my own son or family member were being put into this vehicle after the repairs are completed, and SO SHOULD YOU. The days of letting insurance companies push our shops around are done. Shops who succumb to the pressures of these insurance companies to “cut corners” or repair vehicles unsafely or improperly will always be in jeopardy of going out of business by a lawsuit for improper repairs or not having the finances available to run their businesses properly. In the beginning, it may feel that as a small business shop owner, you are David taking on Goliath. You may feel scared to death—like you have no way out in sight. If you are serious about being in this business for the long-term, it is important to do the research and push through all these fears for yourself, your employees, your customers and for what is right. Messages to Tri-State Consumer Insurance Company were not returned.

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Continued from Page 16

Bronx Rezoning

mall project that never came to fruition. Currently, the de Blasio administration plans on using the area to develop affordable housing and retail business. Forty-five of the auto body shops in Willets Point were relocated to a communal warehouse, known as the Sunrise Cooperative, in Hunts Point after receiving over $7 million in relocation funds from the city. Last year, the cooperative filed for bankruptcy saying that the move from Willets Point hurt their businesses. Estevez recalls the fate of the Willet Points shops as a nightmare. He is worried of a repeat on Jerome Avenue, where he credits the industry with helping to stabilize a neighborhood. “When this was nothing, just charcoal—these businesses helped this area flourish,” he said. Employment in the auto repair industry does provide decent wages, according to the state’s Department of Labor. The average annual wage for auto occupations across the city is an estimated $44,000 which is twice as much as an employee in the restaurant or retail business would earn. However, some Jerome Avenue community members supported elements of the rezoning that would encourage the auto industry to move, citing poor environmental compliance by the auto firms and threats to health and safety created by the presence of repair shops in a residential area. Other community members and business owners in the Jerome Avenue area voiced their concerns about the auto shops’ survival to city officials during a forum last year. The concerns prompted city council Continued from Page 52

The 1940s

some industry periodicals—which were quite localized at first, and then went regional and then national—the industry finally began to form and take shape. The war in Europe ended in May 56

members Vanessa Gibson and Fernando Cabrera to push for additional services for the auto repair shops that included grants for training and certification for current employees, relocating expenses and expanding retention zones carved out in the rezoning footprint to preserve some of the auto repair shops. The city did accommodate many of the requests made through the community and businesses to help preserve and/or relocate the auto repair industry, except for additional funding for relocation and expanding of the retention zone. The current retention zones, between 180th and 168th streets, will preserve up to 40 businesses, which will save an estimated 27 percent of the industry, according to Estevez. In the past, the city has worked with small businesses and cluster industries through different programs. One such program that aged out under the Bloomberg administration, the Industrial Retention Relocation program, had developers pay a fee toward a city fund that helped relocate a business. One program that carried over into the current administration is the Relocation and Employment Assistance Program (REAP) through the Department of Finance, which allows business income tax credits for relocating jobs from outside of New York City or below 96th Street in Manhattan to designated locations above 96th Street in Manhattan or in one of the other four boroughs, according to its website. But that wouldn’t apply to the Jerome Avenue firms. For Jerome Avenue, the city’s Department of Small Business Services has made efforts to compensate the auto body shops that will relocate to another area. At a recent budget hearing at City Hall, SBS Commissioner Gregg Bishop said $1.5 million will be allocated for the Jerome 1945. On August 14, 1945, hostilities in the Pacific theater ceased and the war was over. So it is safe to say that the modern collision repair industry was born in the summer of 1945.

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Avenue Business Grant program for businesses operating in the neighborhood at the time of the rezoning. Qualifying firms will have a business use that is non-compliant as a direct result of the rezoning and evidence of eligible relocation expenses incurred for reimbursement, according to the City Council’s approved proposal. Additionally, SBS will work with other city agencies to provide an array of services, including language and immigration services, lease negotiations and legal clinics, access to capital for business and compliance needs, and training in technical skills through local academic institutions. Estevez said the funds to relocate were much less when compared to the monies allocated during the relocation of the auto body repair shops in Willets Point. He said there are dozens more auto body shops like Moran’s that do not have leases and will have to move from Jerome Avenue. Tom Angotti, professor for Hunter College in Urban Policy and Planning, said the threat to auto repair shops mirrors a larger risk to

small businesses. “This is going on all over the city,” he said. “Commercial tenants have no protection and it results in displacement of mom-and-pop shops. These shops are replaced with chain stores that sell the same thing.” After all, he notes, “There is no commercial rent control.” Gibson is working on legislation known as the Commercial and Auto Repair Stability Act (CARS), which originally required landlords to disclose the certificate of occupancy, tax liens and fines on the property before entering a lease. This would help a business avoid shutting down due to issues of fines or inappropriate certificates of occupancy. However, a spokesperson for Gibson said, “There is some concern the [proposal] is overly broad and we’re looking at refining it.” In the meantime, Moran must decide whether to shut down his business, which employs three people, or find another space within two months. We thank City Limits for reprint permission.

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Continued from Page 26

PDR

work, Frasher stressed the importance of being familiar with corrosion protection and recommended keeping a can nearby while doing a repair. Hampton said as far as scanning goes, any car that has been taken apart during the PDR process should have a pre- and post-scan. “Industry-wide, we know everyone doesn’t do it, but it should really be done,” he said. The Hotbox is a relatively new technology used for PDR that allows technicians to pull dents from the top side of the panel. This eliminates damaging the back side of the panel and larger dents can often be pulled faster. “When the dents get larger, it’s 100 percent about technique,” said Frasher. “There are a few specialty tools, but more than anything it’s about understanding the old-school metal techniques.” He said that is a main difference between hail and collision. “With hail, for the most part,

you are never on a dent for more than a couple of minutes,” he said. “However, for larger dents, it takes time and focus.” In addition to using PDR for hail damage, body shops are now incorporating PDR into repairs. Avery said to use critical thinking to determine if it’s the right thing to do for the repair. Some shops are finding there are savings in doing what is called “push to repair.” One advantage is the opportunity to push out the majority of a dent and not disturb the paint. As a result, the repaired area is minimized, which can avoid paint match issues and the expense of blending into adjacent panels. “There are top savings in push to repair,” said Frasher. If you have a large dent in the middle of a quarter panel, for example, and you’re welding pins on, then the entire repair zone grows. If it can be shrunk with glue pulling, then he said time and money can be saved. “That’s one of the things that I feel is probably going to grow, but it’s difficult for an adjuster walking

up to the car,” said Frasher. “He doesn’t know what the capability is going to be for any specific shop to know if it is a viable option.” Currently a bottleneck in shops, he said as PDR becomes more widely used, adjusters will be able to write up the estimate using PDR up front. When hiring technicians, Avery asked the presenters how to best find a quality technician who can do PDR since they are often hard to locate and there is no certification offered. “It’s a new industry,” said Hampton. “Although it has been around for 30-plus years, that’s still relatively new when you take into consideration that the trade itself is extremely artisan. The guys who can work on the big damage are extremely rare.” He said there is no easy answer to finding an in-house or sublet technician and recommended talking to others in the industry, watching YouTube videos, researching on social media and checking online reviews. “Body shops have some of the best eyes in the industry,” said Hampton. “They know what to look

for, and you just have to do your homework.” When estimating collision work related to PDR, Hampton said if the collision damage is minor, PDR can be used. However, if the damage is more complex, most adjusters would write the estimate as a conventional repair unless the shop has a technician familiar with PDR and the technology needed. “There is a common sense factor that comes in,” he said. “It’s no different than body work and determining how many hours it will take to fix a quarter panel.” Currently, the technicians doing PDR on big dents are targeting the end customer and many times the work isn’t going through insurance. For example, if it is an $800–$900 repair, some feel it’s not worth it to file a claim because it will probably increase insurance rates. “The majority of those types of repairs are not done in shops today because of that reason,” said Hampton. “As more and more of those repairs get done and more people on all sides understand what can be done, I think that will change.”

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Transportation Leaders Want Federal Guidance on Driverless Vehicle Standards by Susan Orr, Indianapolis Business Journal

Transportation industry leaders say they want the federal government to take a more active role in establishing regulations for autonomous vehicles and emerging vehicle safety technology. Lee Bauer, vice president of mobility architecture group at the transportation technology company Aptiv Plc, said a lack of national standards is making things more difficult for his company, which is currently deploying its technology in three U.S. cities. “We are really struggling with getting it done—working with the cities, working with the transportation authorities, working with the state governments, the federal agencies, working with the technology providers, et cetera et cetera,” Bauer said June 7 at an event focused on transportation trends. “We should ask for some leadership out of Washington.” Bauer was one of five panelists at the Advanced Manufacturing & Logistics event, which was presented by Conexus Indiana and IBJ. Keynote speaker Henry Maier,

president and CEO of FedEx Ground, said the deployment of autonomous vehicles would be revolutionary in numerous ways: improving highway

Lee Bauer, vice president of mobility architecture group at Aptiv Plc

safety, making transportation more efficient and solving the trucking industry’s long-standing driver shortage. As of now, the federal government has not set any national standards for autonomous vehicles, which Maier said is inhibiting deployment of the technology. Without national standards, he said, operators could potentially face different rules in different states, making interstate operation of autonomous vehicles tricky.

“We’re going to have to deal with 48 or 50 states to get this done because I don’t see anything happening in Washington right now that would suggest there’s going to be any national standard for autonomous vehicles,” Maier said. To date, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not issued any standards regarding autonomous vehicles. Last fall, the administration released what it called “voluntary guidance” for industry leaders and U.S. states. Panel moderator Brandye Hendrickson, acting administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, said the federal government is taking a collaborative approach to emerging technology, soliciting industry input rather than imposing standards. “At the Federal Highway Administration and the [Department of Transportation], we’re really working hard to create an environment that wants to advance innovation and create a framework of collaboration without putting restrictive barriers that really stifle innovation,” Hendrickson said. Panelist Tom Linebarger, chairman and CEO of engine-maker Cum-

mins Inc., said regulatory standards are just one part of the infrastructure that needs to be in place to prepare for autonomous vehicles and other emerging transportation technology. Linebarger said many of Cummins’ customers are “pushing very hard to see the federal government thinking at least about what should be expected, what the regulatory should be, the legal part, and then states to do something on infrastructure.” Taking a longer view, Linebarger said it always takes longer for infrastructure to catch up with technology advances. This, he said, is because a new technology can come from a single company, whereas infrastructure—highway funding, legislation and industry standards—is only developed through consensus, which takes longer to achieve. See full interview at: https://www .ibj.com/articles/69152-transportationleaders-want-federal-guidance-ondriverless-vehicle-standard Reprinted with permission from IBJ Media, copyright 2018.

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Auto Care Association Hosts Successful Trade Mission to Costa Rica

The Auto Care Association hosted a trade mission to Costa Rica on May 21–22 as part of the Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) award from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The association received the award to help the automotive industry increase exports to free trade agreement partners in Latin America. Trade missions are business development opportunities to gain first-hand market information and one-on-one meetings with potential clients and partners. The association, in collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service, has organized trade missions to Peru, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua in the past two years. Trade mission delegates participated in personalized businessto-business matchmaking meetings with foreign industry executives, pre-screened to match companies’ specific business objectives. Delegates also had the opportunity to participate in a country briefing

and networking events. “We have had great success in finding highly motivated individuals and locally established businesses to meet with us face-to-face and discuss acquiring our products,” said Santiago Estrada, international account executive, Warco Products. “This adds more credence by being there, rather than just conference calls and emails. If you want to grow your business or industry outside of your comfort zone, act quickly. Based on our experience, I highly recommend trying your best efforts to do the same by joining the Auto Care Association and participate in their trade mission program.” The Auto Care Association will be hosting a trade mission to Chile on August 21–22, 2018. Qualifying firms are eligible for an offset of the trade mission costs. For details about the Auto Care Association’s trade missions, visit www.autocare.org/trade-missions. For additional event information, contact Carolina Arregoces at carolina.arregoces@autocare.org, or 240-333-1037.

MSO Symposium Announces Advisory Board for 2018

The MSO Symposium, an exclusive and preeminent meeting for leadership in the collision repair industry, announced its 2018 Advisory Board following a meeting of industry executives, ASA staff and board members. This year’s Advisory Board members include:

• Bruce Bares, Certified Collision, CEO - Master of Ceremony • Darrell Amberson, LaMettry’s Collision, President of Operations • Chris Abraham, Service King Collision Repair Centers, CEO • Tim Adelmann, ABRA Collision & Glass, President • Scott Benavidez, Mr. B’s Paint & Body Shop Inc., Owner • Paul Gange, Fix Auto, President & CEO • John Harris, John Harris Body Shops • Jim Keller, 1 Collision Network, President • Michael Macaluso, CARSTAR, President • David Mitchell, Car Guys Automotive, CEO • Ron Nagy, Nagy Collision Cen60

ters, President • Tim O’Day, The Boyd Group, President & COO • Vince Romans, The Romans Group, Managing Partner & CEO • Dave Roberts, FOCUS Investment Banking, LLC., Managing Director and Automotive Group Team Leader • Mark Sanders, Caliber Collision Centers, President & COO • Roy Schnepper, Butlers Collision, President • Marcy Tieger, Symphony Advisors, LLC., Managing Director • Russell Thrall III, CollisionWeek, Publisher & Editor-In-Chief • John Walcher, Veritas Advisors, Inc., President • Rick Wood, Cooks Collision, President & co-CEO

The 2018 MSO Symposium will take place during NACE Automechanika on Thursday, August 9, in Atlanta, GA, at the Georgia World Congress Center. This year’s symposium will offer insight on the latest trends and developments in the collision repair industry, as well as discuss unique dialogue revolving around some of

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Congressional Steps to Dismantle Federal Insurance Office Continue

The U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Financial Services passed a series of six bills designed to reduce federal regulations. One of the bills, HR 3861, Federal Insurance Office Reform Act of 2017, introduced last year was part of the package approved by a vote of 36-21. The legislation dilutes the authority of the Federal Insurance Office (FIO), which is part of the U.S. Department of Treasury. U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, R-WI, introduced HR 3861 in 2017. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) supported the creation of the FIO in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. ASA opposes HR 3861. Many assumed that HR 3861 was dead for this session because the recently signed Dodd-Frank Act reform

package did not contain House language that would have eliminated FIO. ASA was successful in protecting FIO during the latest DoddFrank Act reform efforts. The committee’s current action is a similar attempt to curtail FIO’s impact on federal insurance regulation. “We will need collision repairers to stand with us one more time this congressional session to protect a regulatory tool that is structured to help consumers and collision repairers,” said Scott Benavidez, AAM, ASA Collision Operations Committee director from Albuquerque, NM. “Congress was clear in recent weeks that FIO did not need reform, yet we are faced with an additional attempt to dismantle this useful federal agency.”

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the greatest challenges that large multi-shop organizations face. Attendees will benefit from the program’s knowledgeable speakers, presentations, networking opportunities and diverse panel discussions. The MSO Symposium is the place for executives representing multi-shop operators (MSOs), along with single-location collision repair facilities with annual sales exceeding $3 million, to come together to discuss how these trends will impact their business and the industry. In addition, speakers and panelists will share their experiences and knowledge to provide this prominent sector of the collision repair industry insight as to how they facilitated their business’ growth and overcame obstacles on their path to success. Registration for the MSO Symposium is now open at www.NACE Automechanika.com/mso. The event is also open to property and casualty insurance company executives and OEM representatives. For inquiries, please contact Jennie Lenk at JennieL@MSOSymposium .com, or Brian Nessen at BrianN@ MSOSymposium.com

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autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Insurance Hearing Shows Need for Autonomous Vehicles Data Access by Brittney Kohler, CitiesSpeak

On May 23, the House Financial Services Committee held a hearing on the impact of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on the future of insurance. In light of the Senate’s American Vision for Safer Transportation through Advancement of Revolutionary Technologies Act (AV START Act), this hearing brings another critical perspective on AVs. For cities, the hearing yielded two crucial takeaways on the issue’s policy future. First, data access is not guaranteed in the AV START Act for the car owner or even the insurer, yet insurers are required by law to price by risk, making it critical to insurance companies. Second, the insurance sector expects shifts in how cars are insured and new risk models in order to evolve with AV technology. Chairman Sean Duffy (R-WI) presided over a panel of witnesses who are directly involved in the growth of AV technology and its impacts on insurance. The panel was made up of David Carlson, a U.S. manufacturing and automotive practice leader at Marsh and McLennan; Ryan Gammelgard, counsel to the public policy resource group at State Farm; Sam Geraci, the vice president of strategy for American Family Mutual Insurance Company; Ian Adams, assistant vice president at the R Street Institute; and Jack Gillis from the Consumer Federation of America. The panel was teed up to answer important questions about the safe and effective rollout of AVs and what this new technology might change. Panel members expressed that data—in particular, crash data— will be necessary in order to do their jobs and provide an accurate riskbased assessment of the vehicles for their policies. Gammelgard spoke of the importance of data for the insurance industry, for “by law [they] match price to risk” and if they are not given access to the data they “might not be able to do so.” Adams echoed this concern, stating that “insurers will need to be able to access data related to autonomous vehicle operation if they hope to create products that meaningfully reflect risk.” Gammelgard added that while 62

data “is critical for liability determinations,” it is also “important [to the public] in determining the safety and reliability of technology.” Geraci also noted that “regulated review and validation of rates and coverage requires insurers to provide state insurance regulators with extensive levels of actuarially valid data on crashes [and] their frequency and severity,” a task that might prove impossible without access to the crash data in AVs. Geraci continued that there has been widespread data collection on human drivers and their accidents, and it should be the same for AVs now. The data that insurers want is just the crash data, and would “not include private data or confidential business [proprietary] data,” Geraci said. Currently in the AV START Act, there is no requirement that data of any kind from AVs will be shared, even for crash data. Gillis pointed out that in the AV START Act—which would expand testing in order to get the technology into commercial use more quickly—”accident data is not being made available to the public, including insurers.” Without such data, the insurers will be “left to guess [the levels of risk] or rely on the companies’ safety claims” added Gillis. Gammelgard noted that “any attempt to include data access provisions [has been] met with great resistance.” Gillis went on to say that it could be the role of the federal government to “ensure that crash data is made publicly available.” Both Geraci and Gammelgard were supportive of the Inhofe amendment to the AV START Act that would create a Data Access Coalition to set up recommendations for a potential future data access structure. However, it would take two years to make recommendations even while AVs would continue to be put on the roads. Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA) asked the panel what steps are being taken to assess the safety of AVs before they are put on the road since they are “not required to submit safety assessment letters to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,” to which Geraci answered that the “[data is needed] to understand

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

safety performance.” Rep. Sherman seemed open to the idea of the federal government having a role in ensuring that data, saying that “maybe Congress ought to help with requirements that you get that data.” The second major takeaway from the hearing centered on the shifting landscape of the insurance market itself in response to AVs entering and taking over the automotive scene. Gammelgard said that higher and higher levels of automation on the road “will necessitate changes in the types of policies offered” by insurance companies, particularly as vehicle ownership shifts from the individual to corporate level. David Carlson said that as the technologies advance, the “liability pendulum will shift from personal auto to commercial product liability.” This means that companies will likely buy insurance policies on a fleet basis. Carlson said that “fleet coverages are likely to become admitted coverages subject to greater underwriting and rating security.” Such a shift from personal to commercial in-

surance begs the question of what individuals will do to protect themselves from risk. Some, such as Gammelgard, see personal mobility coverage rising— policies that “insure the person on every step of their day.” As the hearing showed, AVs stand to revolutionize the transportation industry and the insurance guidelines for it. This technology could bring mobility to those who are traditionally restricted, such as the older Americans and those who have disabilities. The experts at the hearing showed that part of a responsible rollout would address data sharing from AVs, and specifically, continuing to make safety data available to the public and insurance companies so that they can make accurate risk-based assessments. Congress still could include a more certain answer on data access in the AV START Act, and cities along with the insurance industry should be watching what this means for the future of our roads. We thank CitiesSpeak for reprint permission.

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autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Why Choosing a Technical School Makes Sense by Bill DeYoung, St. Pete Catalyst

America’s education system isn’t exactly a well-oiled machine, on any level. According to the Federal Reserve, more than $1.4 trillion in student loan debt remains outstanding—over $600 billion more than the sum total of our national credit card debt. Higher education, of course, has never been cheap—and there are strong indicators that specialized course programs, training academies and technical schools can focus American students toward lucrative careers in ways that the traditional four-year public colleges don’t. Or can’t. In all-important STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, 21st century education comes with many options. And they don’t all consume four years— or longer—and cost the nest egg. Carl Lavender, who manages the Office of Workforce Innovation at Pinellas Technical College, has heard all sides of the argument.

“People say, ‘Hold on now, they’ll pay that student loan money back,’” Lavender explained. “Well, they haven’t found enough jobs to pay back those lump sums.

Credit: Pinellas Technical College

“The smart household knows when the child isn’t a four-year college child: ‘But my child needs to work, so let me give him or her something they can do right now.’ And that’s why technical colleges are incredibly important right now.” It’s not your grandfather’s technical school any more, turning out aspiring beauticians and auto me-

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

chanics. Between its campuses in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, FL, PTC offers intensive courses—most take a year or less—in computer systems and information technology, network support services, coding, pharmacy tech, web development, medical coding, record transcribing and administration, surgical technology and other crucial STEM-related careers. These are in-demand careers. “Between our two technical college campuses, we have 4,224 students enrolled,” Pinellas County School Superintendent Dr. Michael Grego said at an education roundtable in April. “We see 87 percent of these students graduate, and then we see 93 percent of our graduates placed into employment.” The cost of the PTC education is considerably less than a four-year university tuition. And the school’s success rate in industrial courses (welding, HVAC,

electricity, automotive service technology, etc.) is impressive. “It’s a smart conversation to discuss technical colleges as a forwardthinking workforce development plan,” Lavender said. “And there is this whole national movement regarding the craftsmen-slash-tradespeople that are retiring, and the need for prepared young people to step into those roles based upon the demand for the trades, of course, but also because the four-year degree isn’t the only path to take to self-defining work.” Twenty-eight percent of PTC students enroll with full college degrees— even Masters and higher—eager to change or expand their experience. “For those who’ve been working for a long time and are sick of the rat race—hey, go back to school, pick up certification in a trade and try a new career,” Lavender offered. New construction, building maintenance and the repair of homes and offices are expected to drive demand for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

During his April talk, Grego also praised PTC’s medical assistance programs. “PTC’s pharmacy technician and dental assisting graduates have placement rates above 98 percent,” he said. “We have more job calls than graduates. “There’s a huge demand for those who follow the allied health career path. Hospitals need these folks to be on staff and full-time. There are 70 million Boomers in America, and we’re approaching the time in our lives when we may have a prescription or two in our house … “So you’re talking about a boom industry. Go to your local pharmacy and look behind that counter. To that end, our college produces pharmacy technicians who are absolutely necessary to hospitals, clinics and medical offices. Absolutely necessary.” Established at PTC just a year ago, the Office of Workforce Innovation exists to plug students directly into the local workforce—filling one skills gap at a time. “We help graduate people and help find them jobs,” Lavender explained. “We help get people certi-

fied to work in industry, and we help industry keep their workforce educated and connected.” More and more, the country’s technical schools—so much more than less-expensive alternatives to “real” colleges—are turning out skilled, viable, competitive members of the contemporary American workforce. “It’s a whole different conversation now,” Lavender pointed out. “What’s happening now is that the sociology major can’t find work: ‘Had I gone to school and gotten certified in welding, or in dot net computer programming, I’d be doing a whole lot better right now with my income.’ “So, to that person who might still say ‘Oh, the trade college? Too bad’ – no, I don’t think so. These are necessary jobs that make life better for people.”

BASF Names Micro Auto Paint & Supplies Distributor of the Year

Micro Auto Paint & Supplies (Micro) won the BASF Automotive Refinish 2017 Distributor of the Year award at the annual ColorSource conference. Approximately 135 single-line distribution partners attended the conference in Scottsdale, AZ. “Micro has been a critically important BASF partner in the Midwest for over 30 years,” said Denise Kingstrom, Distribution Director, Automotive Refinish at BASF. “In 2017, they went above and beyond to grow with BASF and support us in getting our bestin-class products into new markets, while maintaining our Customers First strategy with new and existing customers.” “We have a great team with BASF, and ColorSource allows us dedicated Business Development Specialists and Technical Service reps, which gives us an extra edge over our competition.” said Howard Hicks, Micro CEO. The four-generation, familyrun distributor recently celebrated its 70th year in business, opening

We thank St. Pete Catalyst for reprint permission.

www.autobodynews.com AUTOBODY

its doors in 1948 as a re-chrome bumper business, followed by expansion into automotive paint. Hicks attributes the long-run success to his Micro-BASF team that works together to constantly improve service to customers. Micro is a second-time winner of the BASF Distributor of the Year award. The ColorSource Elite Diamond Award was also presented to distributors with three years of consecutive growth: • A&F Paint & Supply • Capital Paint & Refinish LLC • Colortone Automotive Paint • Southeast PBE • Motorcar Colors • James Hess LTD • West Penn Laco, Inc.

ColorSource is a network of BASF single-line distributors dedicated to offering innovative BASF products backed by the highest levels of customer service. To learn more about becoming a ColorSource distributor, please contact Shefali Cromer a: Shefali.cromer@basf.com.

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autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

AMi Honors Class of 2018 at ASA Annual Business Meeting & Conference

ager (AAM), Accredited Master Collision-Repair Estimator (AMCE) and Accredited Master Automotive Managers (AMAM) designations during the ceremony. “It was an honor to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of this group of industry professionals during our graduation ceremony. We are excited to see the growth of AMi reflected in the number of graduates and the diversity of certifi2018 AMi Graduation at ASA Annual Conference cates and professional May 4 at the Walt Disney World designations being awarded,” said Swan & Dolphin Hotel and Resort AMi President Jeff Peevy, AMAM. AMi role-based designations in Orlando, FL. The formal graduation cere- highlight the growing role soft skills mony was part of the Automotive and business management education Service Association’s “Celebration play in the success of today’s autoof Excellence” award ceremony, motive repair business. Students which recognized individuals and focus on multiple core categories of organizations that have made sig- training and professional developnificant contributions to AMi, ASA ment: financial management, sales & and/or the automotive repair indus- marketing, operational management, HR and personnel development, IT try. AMi recognized students earn- management, risk management and ing the Accredited Automotive Man- leadership. The Automotive Management Institute (AMi), the industry’s leading provider of management education for automotive service and collision repair professionals, held its first graduation ceremony of 2018 on

ASA Announces New 2018 Board of Directors

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announced changes to its Board of Directors following its Annual Business Meeting May 2– 4 at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel and Resort in Orlando, FL. ASA Chairman Roy Schnepper, AAM, Butler’s Collision, Roseville, MI, who is serving the second year of his two-year term, is looking forward to working with the new leadership team. “As I look at our new leadership, I believe we have a strong team in place to help chart the association’s growth and progress on new initiatives as we move forward,” Schnepper said.

Members of the 2018 Board include: • Chairman: Roy Schnepper, AAM, Butler’s Collision, Roseville, MI • Chairman Elect: Bob Wills, AMAM, owner of Wills Auto Service in Battle Creek, MI, and the immediate past director of ASA’s Mechanical Division Operations Committee • Secretary/Treasurer: Fred Hules, AMAM, owner of Tech 1 Auto in

Peoria, AZ • General Director: Elissa Larremore, owner of CBS 1 Collision, based in Shreveport, LA • General Director: Todd Black, AMAM, owner of Unlimited Service, Bellingham, WA • Mechanical Division Director: Tom Piippo, AMAM, owner of Tri-County Motors, Rudyard, MI • Collision Division Director: Scott Benavidez, AAM, owner of Mr. B’s Paint & Body Shop, Albuquerque, NM • Immediate Past Chairman: Darrell Amberson, AMAM, owner of LaMettry’s Collision, Minneapolis, MN Dan Risley, ASA president/executive director, also serves on the ASA Board of Directors in an ex-officio capacity. Retiring from the ASA Board of Directors is Ed Cushman, AMAM, C&H Auto, Spokane, WA. “ASA wants to thank Ed for his great service and commitment to the Board, to the association and, most of all, to its members, whom he always puts first. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Schnepper.

Authors of ‘The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops’ Announce Audio Version

Dave Luehr, the author of “The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops,” announced on May 24 that the audio version of the highly acclaimed industry book will be available for purchase in June 2018. He and his co-author, Stacey Phillips, released the paperback in April 2017 and followed up with a Kindle version later that year. “I felt that the book was very well-received in the collision repair industry, and I could not be happier about that,” said Luehr. “However, understanding that many of those in the industry find it difficult to find the time to read, or just don’t like to read, we felt it necessary to make an audio version available.” Throughout the book, the authors share insightful lessons along with real-world stories of actual collision repairers who have discovered the six secrets that have propelled them to a much higher

AUTOBODY

level than their competitors. Stay tuned for more information about the release date of the book and where it can be purchased. To schedule an interview with Luehr, visit: elitebodyshopso lutions.as.me/media. With more than 30 years of expertise developing the profitability and efficiency of collision repair shops, Dave Luehr combines his decades as a body shop owner with his expertise gained at some of America’s leading collision repair organizations as founder of Elite Body Shop Solutions. Stacey Phillips is the owner of Radiant Writing & Communications. She has more than 20 years of experience editing and writing for a wide range of businesses and industries. For more information, email: info@ bodyshopsecrets.com

www.autobodynews.com

UPDATED DAILY

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

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autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Auto Care Association Joins Coalition for Accurate Product Labels

The Auto Care Association recently announced it has joined the Coalition for Accurate Product Labels, which advocates for meaningful, science-based information about the products consumers buy and use. The Coalition for Accurate Product Labels supports the Accurate Labels Act, introduced to Congress this month by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR). Additionally, the legislation seeks to establish science-based criteria for all state and local labeling requirements that exceed current federal standards, allow state-mandated product information to be provided through smartphone-enabled “smart labels” and on websites, ensure that covered product information is risk-based and will leave unchanged current federal laws related to allergens, nutrition facts and medicines.

www.autobodynews.com

Families File Keyless System Lawsuits After Carbon Monoxide Deaths by Eric T. Chaffin, The Legal Examiner

In the mid-1990s, keyless ignition systems started to become available in luxury vehicles. Today, they are much more popular and are offered as standard or optional equipment in many models. They’re convenient and easy to use, as the driver can start the car without having to insert a physical key into the ignition. But the lack of a key is also allegedly creating some safety risks. According to recent reports from the New York Times and other media outlets, more than two dozen people have been killed from carbon monoxide poisoning after failing to shut off their vehicles with keyless ignitions. An additional 45 have suffered injuries from carbon monoxide gas. Mom and Son Suffer Symptoms From Carbon Monoxide After Leaving Car Running Keyless entry and ignition systems have no traditional key, but instead have only a push-button to unlock and start the car. The system works by sending an encoded signal to a receiver in the car. This signal then tells the car to unlock or start the engine. The button also needs to be pushed

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

to stop the car engine, but this is the step that is sometimes easily missed in everyday life. AJC News reports that a busy Florida mom left her car running in the garage as she hurried to start a conference call. She stated she pushed the button to close the garage door and somehow didn’t remember to push the button to stop the car. The car continued to run, sending carbon dioxide into the home. The mother’s 13month-old son later woke up screaming after midnight, and when she went to pick him up, he went limp in her arms. She got dizzy herself and ran out into the garage, where she saw that the taillights on her car were still on and the engine was still running. Florida Man Found Dead From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning The Times reports that a 75-year-old Florida man drove his Toyota into his garage and went into the house with the wireless key fob, apparently believing the car was shut off. Twentynine hours later he was found dead, a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. His son later told the Times that his father thought that ‘when he took the key with him when he left the car, the car would be off.’ All of the deaths

associated with carbon monoxide poisoning from keyless systems have been associated with vehicles being left running in a garage. Injuries have included brain damage and death. Without a physical key to actually turn and remove, some users forget to push the button, particularly if the car’s engine is quieter, which is often the case in the newer model vehicles. Several years ago, the Society of Automotive Engineers called for the implementation of alerts into the car to let the driver know the engine was still running. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed a federal regulation to require manufacturers to add these modifications, but nothing has been passed yet. Families File Keyless System Lawsuits Some automakers are voluntarily making the change. Ford’s keyless vehicles will now turn off automatically after 30 minutes of idling if the key fob is not in the vehicle. Meanwhile, families who have suffered injuries or deaths are filing lawsuits against carmakers, claiming the companies knew about the risks and failed to take appropriate action. We thank The Legal Examiner for reprint permission.

3M, CREF Announce 3M Hire Our Heroes Fundraiser

3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, along with the Collision Repair Education Foundation, have launched their 2018 fundraiser to help support programs to attract and support military veterans seeking a career in the collision repair industry.

Since 2013, the 3M Hire Our Heroes program has generated more than $1,065,500 that was used toward scholarships and tool grants for military veterans and their family members pursuing a career in the collision repair industry. This year, donors have two ways to show their support and win: The “Show Your Support” campaign and the 3M Hire Our Heroes 500. Show Your Support Campaign All donations of $200 or more made to the Collision Repair Edu-

cation Foundation, earmarked for the “3M Hire Our Heroes fund” made before August 30, 2018 will receive a full-size 3M Hire Our Heroes Flag designed by Chip Foose and be entered into a drawing for the following prizes:

● 1st Prize- Authentic Racing Helmet, autographed by 40 Cup drivers from the 2017 season, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. and NASCAR legend Richard Petty! ● 2nd Prize- Authentic Racing Helmet, autographed by 40 Cup drivers from the 2016 season, including Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon! ● 3rd Prize- NASCAR® Racing Experience for 4 people at a track near you! ● 4th Prize-NASCAR® Racing Experience for 4 people at a track near you! ● 5th Prize- NASCAR® Racing Experience for 4 people at a track near you! ● 6th Prize- Petty’s Garage Sign Autographed by “the King,” Richard Petty! ● 7th Prize- Patriotic hood designed by Ryan “Ryno” Templeton!

Think Genuine Subaru Parts.

Mitchell Issues Second Quarter 2018 Industry Trends Report

Mitchell, a leading provider of technology, connectivity and information solutions to the Property & Casualty (P&C) claims and Collision Repair industries, today released its Industry Trends Report(ITR) for the second quarter of 2018. The report includes a deep dive into how data analytics are now embedded into most levels of insurance organizations, presenting both challenges and opportunities. In this edition of the Industry Trends Report, Mitchell executives provide views on the most recent industry developments. Debbie Day, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Auto Physical Damage, delves into how advanced safety technologies can simplify the claims and collision repair processes, and how they also support better outcomes for the insured. In this quarter’s Auto Physical Damage edition, Ryan Mandell, Director of Claims Performance at Mitchell, explains how data analyt-

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ics have permeated most levels of insurance companies, creating new opportunities and challenges. One of these is making data accessible to stakeholders who have little experience in the field of data science, so their organizations can achieve the greatest value from both data and human resources. Insurers can take several steps to foster a culture that maximizes the effectiveness of data analytics at all levels. Mandell explains that insurers must “beware the interpretation gap trap. Even though the people working on a particular question may not be insurance analytics experts, it is still essential to understand the source of data and the methodology used to produce them.” The latest report is packed full of key industry insights and useful information, including extensive collision repair and total loss data, rental data for repairable vehicles, and an in-depth look at the Canadian collision summary report.

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The following dealerships are eager to serve your needs. Call your local Subaru collision parts specialist today! autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Detroit To Host Next Sherwin-Williams Ecolean Workshop

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes announces the next EcoLean™ Level 1 workshop will be held August 14 and 15, 2018 at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel in Dearborn (Detroit), MI. Sherwin-Williams offers exclusive EcoLean Level 1 workshops to collision repair center owners and managers, as well as dealer fixed operations managers from across the United States and Canada. “The EcoLean curriculum was developed specifically with collision shop operators in mind,” says Lee Rush, Manager of Business Consulting Services, SherwinWilliams Automotive Finishes. The EcoLean Level 1 workshop curriculum includes an overview of lean production and its practical application in collision repair, approaches to making a collision facility more efficient and effective and how to build a lean culture from the ground up.

WAC Moves Forward With New Officers, Future Plans by Chasidy Rae Sisk

The members of Women in Automotive and Collision (WAC) met on May 15 at Gateway Motorsports in Madison, IL, to continue the group’s efforts to move the association forward and discuss recent successes. According to WAC President Shelly Jones, “We started the meeting by going over the mission and the introductions with each participant by saying their name, business and time in the industry. There were a lot of great stories shared of growing up in the industry and why this group is important for the industry. Several members have offered to donate dinner when we do not have a corporate dinner sponsor. Dinner for this meeting was donated by Secretary Peggy Vorwald, who shared her industry story with the group. We call this a member spotlight.” WAC discussed plans to create the group’s official website and revealed its new table cloth for industry events. They also talked about recently attended events and which events they plan to attend in the future. Recently, WAC’s Sheena Wag-

Beverly Rook-Twibell Acknowledged With 2018 WIN Cornerstone Award

The Women’s Industry Network (WIN®) holds the contributions of its many volunteers in the highest regard.

2018 WIN Cornerstone Award winner Beverly Rook-Twibell (left) with Petra Schroeder, outgoing WIN Chair

Each year, the WIN Cornerstone Award recognizes the efforts of a board member whose actions and unique contributions demonstrate their commitment to the WIN mission and vision and set an example for others to follow. During the 12th Annual WIN Educational Conference “Racing to Connect,” which was held in Indianapolis, IN, May 7–9, 2018, Beverly Rook-Twibell of Safelite 72

Solutions was recognized as the 2018 recipient of this prestigious award by Petra Schroeder, outgoing WIN Chair. “We are so fortunate that the WIN board has so much talent contributing to our success and completing our goals, so this was a difficult task for the WIN Chair. Bev represents what a true cornerstone is. Always ready and prepared, she provides solid input and feedback,” said Schroeder. “Even with all her business commitments, she makes time to stay involved, active and accountable for WIN, especially with our young people in this industry. She was instrumental in refining processes for the scholarship committee. My admiration goes out to her when I see all the details she handles that make it seamless for the scholarship winners to attend the conference. Congratulations!” To learn more about WIN programs or for information on becoming a member, please visit the WIN website at www.Womens IndustryNetwork.com.

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

ner and Jess Crump set up a table at the Rockwood Summit High School Biodiesel Car Show, where they talked to attendees about the career opportunities available in the automotive industry. Thanks to Wagner’s efforts as sponsorship coordinator, WAC has been joined by several corporate sponsors, including Cooper Color Inc., American Family Insurance, Sikkens, LKQ Corporation and PPG. The group is grateful to these companies for supporting its mission. In addition to maintaining WAC’s Facebook page, Social Media Manager Tricia Belz is developing a LinkedIn page for the group. During the meeting, WAC also announced that Sarah Young from Original One Parts will fill the role of marketing coordinator for the association. Jones stated, “Sarah has already used her amazing graphic design talents to create forms and handouts for the group to use.” Young shared her take on the meeting as well. “It wasn’t a drag… pun intended!” she said. “As the group

gathered at Gateway Motorsports Park, and after some open dialogue introductions, there would be small pauses to watch the drag cars do test runs. Everyone is excited to know that we are trying to do something, specifically something that will help drive successful women in the industry and create awareness of opportunities with careers in the industry. It’s crucial for both the sponsors and the association to stay active and aware of each other’s existence. To be able to have support from both aspects helps continue the efforts of bringing more innovation and partnerships within the industry for a better outreach.” For more information, visit WAC’s Facebook group at https://www .facebook.com/groups/wacstl/about

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autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

Mazda, CCC Work Together To Address Vehicle Safety CCC Information Services Inc. (CCC) announced a collaboration with Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) on vehicle safety, creating a method to identify recalled vehicles and help notify affected vehicle owners so that necessary, safety-related repairs can be made. MNAO is ensuring that its Takata airbag recall data is uploaded to the CCC ONE® Platform, which alerts collision repair providers when a vehicle is part of a participating manufacturer recall. If an open recall is detected, collision repairers are encouraged to inform the vehicle owner and supply a printed copy of the manufacturer’s recall notification. Mazda dealerships then perform all recall repairs for free. Collision repairers across the country use the CCC ONE platform to write millions of es-

timates annually. By utilizing the CCC solution, MNAO has been able to identify those vehicles and vehicle owners affected by the Takata airbag recall since implementing the system in March 2018. “Vehicle and driver safety is our top priority,” said Robert Davis, senior vice president of special assignments for MNAO. “In the event a recall situation arises, we want to move fast, notifying drivers through as many channels as possible. The recall solution offered by CCC gives us another avenue to reach drivers of affected vehicles who may not be aware of a potential recall or whose vehicles have not yet been repaired. With so many collision repairers in the U.S. using the CCC solution every day, we found that CCC is an ideal partner for this important initiative.”

Mother Goose Visits Mike’s Auto Body in San Ramon, CA

With her little ones in tow, Mother Goose made a tour of Mike’s Auto Body in San Ramon, CA. She made certain that the work was of the highest quality and checked out their cycle time. Canadian geese are well-known for sticking around northern Califor-

nia year-round because they love the great weather and respect top-notch collision repair. Mike’s Auto Body has been repairing cars to their pre-accident condition since 1972. Mike Rose and his family have built Mike’s Auto Body into a 16-shop organization.

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Spanesi Americas, Certified Collision Group Agree to Strategic Partnership

Spanesi Americas, the makers of OEM approved collision repair equipment, have signed an agreement with Certified Collision Group™(CCG). The agreement calls for Spanesi Americas to be a Preferred Provider of vehicle repair straightening benches, Touch electronic measuring systems, spray booths, prep stations, mixing rooms, welders and vehicle lifts, for CCG and their national collision repair network. “Spanesi Americas provides OEM approved collision repair equipment to businesses across North America in order for them to properly repair damaged customer vehicles,” said Timothy W. Morgan, COO and Managing Director of Spanesi Americas. “CCG provides top-tier independent and MSO shop owners the ability to more successfully compete within the collision repair marketplace. By providing CCG’s network OEM approved collision repair equipment, we support CCG’s mission to provide the tools necessary to efficiently repair vehi-

cles back to OEM standards. It’s exciting to build partnerships with organizations focused on achieving growth through streamlined business processes and reinforcing of the employment of proper repair methods.” Bruce Bares, CCG President and CEO stated “Growing into 50 states with solely the industry’s best independent collision repair operators and minds requires us to partner with industry-leading firms, like Spanesi. We are excited about, and certainly appreciative of, the CCG-Spanesi partnership ... as we continue to grow, working with the team at Spanesi is important to meeting best-in-class CCG Affiliate and strategic partner needs.” CCG Affiliates will have access to facility design services, training, and technical support services for all of Spanesi products. Spanesi and CCG will collaborate together to provide a wide-range of equipment opportunities to their rapidly growing national network of OEM certified collision repair centers.

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JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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NICB Releases Data on Animal-Related Insurance Losses, 91% Involve Deer by Lynn Walford, Auto Connected Car News

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released a study on the number of animal-related insurance losses for the years 2014–2017. The data is gleaned from insurance claims for losses that occurred in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. A total of 1,740,425 animal-related insurance claims were processed with 1,739,687 of them— 99.9 percent—involving vehicles. The actual number of incidents is likely much higher since many drivers do not choose to carry coverage for that type of event. About 640,000 of those claims specified one of the top five animals involved and over the four-year period, 91 percent of those claims involved deer.

While all animal-related claims went up 6 percent over the four-year period, those that specified a deer

was involved actually declined by 30 percent.

The top five animals involved in vehicle collisions were deer (584,165), raccoons (22,644), dogs (20,610), turkeys (7,289) and coyotes (6,023). The top five states where these incidents occurred were: Pennsylvania (145,728), New York (115,670), Texas (105,036), Wisconsin (81,282) and North Carolina (79,252). The top five cities for these encounters were: San Antonio (3,945), Austin, TX (2,452), New York (2,442), Pittsburgh (2,115) and Rochester, NY (1,929). You can download the complete report here and an infographic here. Animal-related losses are good

reason to make sure that you have adequate insurance and understand your coverage to protect against losses from these and other kinds of damagecausing incidents. The average animal crash claim amounted to about $4,000 in 2016 according to one major insurer. That would have amounted to nearly $1.8 billion in claims in 2016. Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or submitting a form on NICB’s website. Or, download the NICB Fraud Tips app on your iPhone or Android device. We thank Auto Connected Car News for reprint permission.

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PPG Video Says ‘Yes’ to Diversity

Workplace diversity is a priority across all PPG Industries’ business units. Supporting that corporatewide commitment, the Automotive Refinish division of PPG recently released a video celebrating the company’s diversity in the workplace. The three-minute video features Automotive Refinish team members from North America, Europe and Asia discussing the importance of diversity at PPG. Led by John Outcalt, PPG global vice president of automotive refinish, PPG leaders share insights on how diversity helps the company achieve its goals, overcome challenges and provide the best products for its customers. The idea for the video came from Outcalt and his leadership team, which is half women, half men and represents a wide range of cultural, educational and work backgrounds. The PPG diversity video is posted at youtube.com.

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autobodynews.com / JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS

2018 Most Influential Women Celebrated at WIN Conference

Women’s Industry Network (WIN®) conference attendees and other distinguished guests celebrated this year’s recipients of the Most Influential Women (MIW) award on May 8 during a ceremony held at the 2018 Educational Conference in Indianapolis, IN. The event provided a glimpse into the MIW program’s history, recognized past recipients of the award and honored the 2018 recipients. The Most Influential Women award is given annually to women in the collision repair industry who exemplify qualities of business and

2018 Most Influential Women honorees

civic leadership, vision and commitment to excellence. The MIW program’s charter aligns with WIN’s mission to “enhance the role of women in the industry.” For 20 years, the award has recognized nearly 90 women for their professional accomplishments and for going beyond requirements of their positions to give back to their communities. This year, guests honored the 2018 winners: Shelly Bickett, Fix Auto USA; Mary Mahoney, Enterprise Holdings, Inc.; Marie Peevy, Automotive Training Coordinators, LLC; and Petra Schroeder, Collisionista. The evening was emceed

by 2017 Most Influential Women Renee Ricciotti and Liz Stein. “It was such a pleasure to celebrate with the MIW recipients. They are outstanding women who have made an amazing impact on this industry,” said Cheryl Boswell, cochair of the MIW Committee. “I would like to thank the MIW sponsors who made the celebration possible.” This year’s MIW sponsors are as follows:

• MIW Vision Sponsor: Automotive Color & Supply Corp • MIW Leadership Sponsors: Audatex, a Solera Company; CCC Information Service Inc.; Enterprise Holdings, Inc.; and PPG Industries Inc. • MIW Supporter Sponsors: CSN Collision Centres, DCR Systems, The Doan Group, PPG Industries Inc. and Spanesi

Please join us in congratulating the 2018 Most Influential Women honorees! For MIW award details, criteria and nominations, please visit: https://thewomensindustrynetwork .siteym.com/page/MIW

on not only my career, but on those of many of us in the industry. This scholarship will help ensure that the Sulkala Family influence continues to help our industry into the future.”

How to donate to the Chuck Sulkala NABC Appreciation Scholarship Individuals and companies who wish to contribute to the Sulkala scholarship fund can: • Donate online on the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) website and select the Sulkala scholarship • Text SULKALA to 91999 • Mail check to CREF at 5125 Trillium Blvd., Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 • Contact Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at 847-4635244 Industry members interested in working together with the Collision Repair Education Foundation in supporting secondary and post-secondary collision repair students, instructors and their school programs should contact Eckenrode at 847463-5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ ed-foundation.org.

JULY 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, along with the Collision Repair Education Foundation, is putting its effort into provide collision repair education opportunities for military members into high gear this year, launching the 3M Hire Our Heroes 500 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. On Tuesday, Oct. 30 during the 2018 SEMA Show, representatives from top MSO and independent collision repair companies will compete in NASCAR stock cars from the NASCAR Racing Experience for bragging rights as the fastest collision repair professional in the industry. The field will feature 24 spots for competitors who donate $5,000 or more to the Collision Repair Education Foundation for the 3M Hire Our Heroes campaign. See related coverage on p. 71.

www.autobodynews.com

OEM Parts You Need and Trust.

NABC, CREF Announce Winners of Chuck Sulkala Appreciation Scholarship

The Collision Repair Education Foundation and the National Auto Body Council (NABC) are proud to announce the recipient of the Chuck Sulkala NABC Appreciation Scholarship. The Sulkala scholarship program honors NABC Founder and longtime Executive Director Chuck Sulkala, who retired earlier this year. Sulkala is also a Trustee Emeriti of the foundation. The 2018 Chuck Sulkala NABC Appreciation Scholarship recipient, Cody Bayless (Washburn Tech, Topeka, KS), will receive a $2,000 scholarship to fund his education in the collision industry. Bayless has participated in numerous activities, including Recycled Rides, SkillsUSA and Toys for Tots. “It is an honor to have the Collision Repair Education Foundation give out the first of what we plan to be an annual scholarship in the name of a family that has given so much to this industry,” said Stacy Bartnik, who is a past chair of both the Foundation Board of Trustees and the National Auto Body Council. “Chuck is one of my mentors and has been an influence

3M, CREF Support Vets with 3M ‘Hire Our Heroes’ Program

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Audi Albany

Bethesda 240.762.5636 301.718.1847 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 8am - 2pm rgreen@euromotorcars.com

Audi Silver Spring Silver Spring 301.890.3015 800.288.6982 301.890.3748 Fax M-F 7:30am-5pm wholesaless@mileone.com www.audisilverspring.com

Audi Hunt Valley Cockeysville 410.630.3174 410.628.6030 Fax M-F 8am-6pm Sat 8am - 3pm umbergers@autonation.com www.audihuntvalley.com

jpooler@bbmcc.com

DCH Millburn Audi Maplewood 800.553.9250 973.762.2381 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 7:30am - 4pm ddipalma@dchusa.com www.dchmillburnaudi.com

Flemington Audi Flemington 877.657-2787 908.782-1795 Fax M-F 7:30am - 5pm Sat 8am - 12pm www.njparts.com

Upper Saddle River 201.252.1500 x1511 M-Th 7:30am-8pm F 9am-6pm; Sat 8am-5pm

Paul Miller Audi

Latham 518.783.5554 518.213.8182 M - Sat 7:30am - 6pm audiparts@audialbany.com

Audi Brooklyn of Bram Wholesale Parts Network

Parsippany 800.356.4553 973.575.7793 973.575.5911 Fax M-F 8am-6pm Sat 8am-5pm

866.770.5999 718.392.6570 Fax M-F 7:30am-5:30pm parts@lexusofqueens.com

www.paulmilleraudi.com Audiparts@paulmiller.com

Audi Southampton Southampton 631.204.2565 Tue - Sat 8am - 5pm parts@audisouthampton.com www.audisouthampton.com

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