November 2017 Northeastern Edition

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VOL. 8 ISSUE 8 NOVEMBER 2017

PA Auto Body Shops’ Owner Files Second Lawsuit

Texas Shops Speak Out Against Photo Estimating

The owner of two Altoona-area auto body shops has filed another lawsuit against many of the nation’s largest insurance companies, claiming they refuse to pay the full costs of making necessary repairs to damaged vehicles.

Ron Perretta, who owns Professionals Auto Body, with repair shops on East Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, and Plank Road, Duncansville, in his second lawsuit is asking for more than $8 million in damages that include insurance company underpayments, interest on those alleged

Since insurance companies began utilizing cell phone apps for photo estimating a few years ago, it has become a topic of great concern among many collision repair professionals.

by Phil Ray, Atloona Mirror

outstanding debts and his “administrative costs.” The Altoona businessman is also seeking punitive damages against the 32 insurance companies named as defendants in the lawsuit filed August 28 in the Blair County Court of Common Pleas.

Attorneys for three of the insurance companies sought to move the lawsuit to the U.S. District Court in Johnstown and notified U.S. District Judge Kim R. Gibson that if he approves the transfer, they will “promptly” ask that the case be transferred to the Middle District of Florida as an addition to lawsuits against the same insurance companies, See Second Lawsuit, Page 24

The New Car Paint Lexus Spent 15 Years Creating

by Richard Aucock, Motoring Research

Lexus has launched a new color called Structural Blue—after spending a staggering 15 years developing the paint technology behind it. However, painting cars with it is so complex, only two Structural Blue cars a day

can be made.

The firm has been working for the past decade and a half with a specialist company in California to invent the new paint. VIAVI Solutions Inc. is an expert in thin-film optical coatings, and has helped Lexus take the Structural Blue color into production.

Originally shown as a concept, the first iteration of the color was made up of no fewer than 40 layers. The two companies reduced this down to seven layers, which are applied in a 12-step process that involves a mighty 20 individual quality inspections—

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

Although the insurer estimated repairs on this 2015 BMW at $1,044.19, shop manager Chad Kiffe predicts the repair will cost over $7,000

Although insurers claim that photo estimating is more convenient for consumers, collision repair indus-

try leaders have predicted that the short-term convenience may be negated by additional time required for supplements, as well as the potential for consumers to receive less money for diminished value than they’re owed. Now that they’ve been involved with this process for some time, shops in Texas are finally speaking out about how photo estimating impacts the repair process and the consumer experience.

Chad Kiffe, General Manager for Berli’s Body & Fine Auto Finishes, says, “Photo apps allow the consumer to start their claim faster without the need to go to a shop for an estimate.

This is a big plus for consumers when considering the value of their time, but photos very rarely show the extent of damages due to numerous reasons, resulting in poor estimates. This causes unnecessary delays since most photo See Photo Estimating, Page 32

AASP/NJ Hosts Webinar to Prepare Members for OSHA Inspections On Thursday, October 5, 2017, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), in conjunction with American Compliance (ACS), provided members with a helpful tool to avoid fines and penalties re-

See New Car Paint, Page 9

sulting from OSHA inspections. In this free, one-hour webinar, members were warned about what OSHA has been looking for, and ways to prevent thousands of dollars in fines.

Recently, local body shops have seen a dramatic increase in OSHA inspections due to a National Emphasis Program (NEP) that has been targeting auto body shops. Under the NEP, OSHA area offices are man-

dated to conduct inspections, often fining shops anywhere from $10,000$40,000.

“We’ve noticed many of our members being hit with pretty large fines,” said AASP/NJ Executive Director Charlie Bryant. “We partnered up with American Compliance to create this webinar to arm our members with as much preventative knowledge as we possibly can. If they know what OSHA is looking for, they can prepare in their shops accordingly.”

For many years, American Compliance has worked with AASP/NJ members in complying with OSHA requirements, in addition to fighting OSHA penalties. In the webinar, members were shown actual citations other shops have recently received, and what they can do to avoid these fines going forward.

See AASP/NJ Webinar, Page 9

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2 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

COLUMNISTS Attanasio - Alan Johnson: Author, Artist, Pinstriping King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Attanasio - Why Are Shops Scaling Back Their Marketing Efforts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Ledoux - A Monthly Trip Where Time and Space are Reversed to Revisit People, Places and Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Phillips - An Inside Look at BMW’s Repair Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Phillips - George Avery: Will DRP Shops Reach an ‘Efficiency Ceiling?’. . . . . . . . . . 76 Phillips - How to Improve Your Interviewing Process & Hire for Keeps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Yoswick - Association Agreement with Automakers 15 years ago Seen as Key to Access of OEM Information . . . . . . . . . 40 Yoswick - Recent “Who Pays for What?”

Survey Looks at Body Labor Operations, Estimating System Use, Training. . . . . . . . 50 Yoswick: Forum Highlights How Much ‘Diagnostics’ Have Become Part of Collision Repair World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 NATIONAL 3M Files Lawsuit for Patent and Trademark Infringement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Affordable New Chief Wheel Alignment Equipment Ideal for Body Shops . . . . . . . . 78 After Crash Led to Major Restoration, CA Owner Reunited with Classic Cadillac . . . . . . . . . 22 Aspiring Shop Owner S.O.A.R.s to New Heights in NC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Auto Care Association Identifies Alibaba as Notorious Market for Counterfeit Auto Parts . 74 BASF Supports Young Spray Painters as a Global WorldSkills Competition Sponsor . . 77 Body Shop Owner in IN and Wife Aid Hurricane Victims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Both Hurricane Irma and Harvey Damaged

1 Million Cars. What’s Next?. . . . . . . . . . . 83 California Autobody Association Prepares for AB 1679 ‘Fight of their Careers’. . . . . . 30 CCC Uses a Single Photo to Process Smart Claims via Machine Learning Algorithms. . 56 Chief Helps in Caliber’s Changing Lanes Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 CIC Education & Training Committee—Collision Repair Employee Survey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Couple Injured in Honda Fit Case Awarded $31.5 M from Shop, Tracy Firm Resumes State Farm Lawsuit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 CREF Announces New Board of Trustees Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Gary Ledoux, Retired from American Honda, Launches New Historical Column: ‘In Reverse’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Geoffrey Adams Crane Obituary . . . . . . . . . . 78 GFS Names Ramis VP of Automotive Refinish Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 How Open Source is Transforming the Automotive Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 IN Car Restoration Company Wins New Venture Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 In NM Sales Scam, A Flooded Engine Is Exactly That . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 International Auto Crafters Nominated for Achievement in Collision Repair Excellence . 64 Larry Pavey Speaks at YANG National Harbor Meet-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Learn from BASF Experts at SEMA 2017 . . . 80 Mercedes-Benz to Produce EQ Brand Electric Cars in the U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 New Mirka® DEOS Sander Ready . . . . . . . . . 72 PA Auto Body Shops’ Owner Files Second Lawsuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 PPG Shows Off Screaming Colors at SEMA . 52 PPG-Painted Cars Capture Top ‘Shades of the Past’ Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Public Invited To SEMA Show After-Party . . . 72 Repairify, Inc. Announces Plans to Expand Globally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 SEMA Show Performance Pavilion Expands . 60 Senators Drop Trucks from Self-Driving Bill . . . 4 Symach FixStation Installation Supports Plans by Carglass to Expand Into Auto Body Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Team PRP Automotive Recycling Network Expands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Team PRP Mobilizes to Help with Disaster Relief for Victims of Harvey, Irma, and Maria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Texas Shops Speak Out Against Photo Estimating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 The New Car Paint Lexus Spent 15 Years Creating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Who’s Liable when Autonomous Cars are Involved in Accidents? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Why Servicing Your Spray Booth is Like Servicing Your Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 WMABA Adds WV to Territory and Launches Facebook Group . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Contributing Writers: John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr, Stacey Phillips, Victoria Antonelli Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman, Bill Doyle, Norman Morano (800) 699-8251 Office Manager: Louise Tedesco Digital Marketing Manager: Bill Pierce Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia Graphic Designer: Michelle Lucas Online and Web Content Editor: Rochelle Beckel Accounting Manager: Heather Priddy Sales Assistant: Randi Scholtes

Acura of Westchester . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Amato Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Atlantic Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Audi Fairfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 71 Axalta Coating Systems . . . . . . . . . 11 BASF Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68-69 Cadillac of Mahwah . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 CarcoonAmerica Airflow Systems. . 27 Celette, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Central Avenue Chrysler-JeepDodge-Ram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA). . . . . . . . . . . 19 ChemSpec USA, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Colonial Automotive Group . . . . . . 73 Crashmax Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Dent Magic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Diamond Standard Parts, LLC . . . . 51 Ditschman/Flemington Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Dominion Sure Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . . 36 Empire Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Equalizer Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . 32 Eurovac, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 74 Fred Beans Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Fuccillo Kia of Schenectady . . . . . . 59 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 75 GYS Welding USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Heritage Chrysler-Jeep-DodgeRAM Owings Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Herkules Equipment Corporation. . 18 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 78 Infiniti of Norwood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Insta Finish Car Care . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Lancer Insurance Company . . . . . . 34 Long Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . 54 Lusid Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Serving New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and adjacent metro areas. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2017 Adamantine Media LLC. Autobody News P.O. Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018 (800) 699-8251 / (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com editor@autobodynews.com

Northeast

REGIONAL AASP/NJ Honored Beloved Association Member at 13th Annual Lou Scoras Memorial Golf Outing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 AASP/NJ Provides Webinar to Prepare Members for OSHA Inspections . . . . . . . . . 9 Buy Here, Pay Here Franchise Hit with AG Lawsuit in MA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Carubba Collision’s Donation Will Help Feed Pets in Need. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Cole’s Collision Centers Marks Grand Opening at New Location in North Greenbush, NY . . 16 Displaced Willets Point Auto Shops Being Evicted from New Bronx Home . . . . . . . . . 12 Frustrations with MA Inspection System Leave Local Garage Owners with Little Answers and Little Business . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Greenwich Police Arrest NJ Suspect for Shop Car and Parts Thefts in CT, NY. . . . . 14 Pittsburgh Glass Works says Creighton, PA, Plant Could Close Next Year . . . . . . . . . . . 18

“I always wanted to work for a large company in a capacity where I Gary Ledoux began his cacould really make a differreer in the collision repair inence,” said Ledoux. “I found dustry helping a small-town an opportunity with Amerijobber mix paint and deliver can Honda and jumped at the chance.” paint and supplies to body That was almost 30 years shops.

Over the next several years, ago. Since then, Ledoux has he worked in the parts afterhelped create and administer Gary Ledoux market and for car dealermany successful programs file photo ships in various capacities, including for Honda and Acura throughout his See In Reverse, Page 26 sales, service and parts.

by Stacey Phillips

Index of Advertisers

Contents

Gary Ledoux, Retired from American Honda, Launches New Historical Column: ‘In Reverse’

Lynnes Auto Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Malco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Malouf Chevrolet-Cadillac. . . . . . . . 22 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 72 Matrix Automotive Finishes. . . . . . . 35 McGovern Chrysler-Jeep-DodgeRam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Mercedes-Benz of Atlantic City. . . . 37 Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield . . . . . . . 65 Mercedes-Benz of Fort Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Mercedes-Benz of West Chester . . 37 Mercedes-Benz of Wilmington . . . . 64 Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 70 Mirka USA, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers. 48-49 MWMtools.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Nucar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 O’Reilly Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Ourisman Chrysler-Jeep-DodgeRam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Porsche of Fairfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 66 PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Providence Lacquer & Supply Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 SATA Dan-Am Company . . . . . . . . 23 Schultz Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Security Dodge-Chrysler-JeepRam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Sorbothane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Spanesi Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 76 Tasca Automotive Group . . . . . . . . 61 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 80 Valspar Refinish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 VIP Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Westbury Jeep-Chrysler-DodgeRam-SRT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Wizards Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

Senators Drop Trucks from Self-Driving Bill

by Keith Laing, Detroit News Washington Bureau

Lawmakers in the U.S. Senate have dropped self-driving trucks from legislation that would allow automakers to operate thousands of autonomous cars per year on U.S. roads.

The action came after a high-profile campaign from labor unions to protect the jobs of professional drivers.

The measure, drafted with input from U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, DBloomfield Township, would allow automakers each to operate more than 100,000 self-driving cars per year on U.S. roads. But commercial trucks are excluded under a bipartisan agreement that was reached between Peters and U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-SD, who is chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

Both lawmakers touted the agreement to move forward on the self-driving bill without trucks as a necessary compromise to keep the autonomous vehicle legislation moving in Congress.

They said the Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on the revised legislation on Oct. 4.

“This legislation proposes common sense changes in law to keep pace with advances in self-driving technology,” Thune, who had argued in favor of including trucks in the self-driving bill, said in a statement.

Peters, a member of the Senate

Commerce Committee who was opposed to including trucks in the legislation, added, “Self-driving vehicles will completely revolutionize the way we get around in the future, and it is vital that public policy keep pace with these rapidly developing lifesaving technologies that will be on our roads in a matter of years.”

Trucking groups expressed disappointment that they lost out in the fight over whether commercial vehicles should be included in the self-driving legislation. They had pressed lawmakers to offer the same protections for self-driving truck operators that they are considering for autonomous cars.

“If more automated cars and trucks are to share the roads, they should also share the same framework,” American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear said in a statement, arguing that lawmakers will still have to address the advent of self-driving trucks in the near future.

“Delaying an inevitable, common sense solution will only make the issues surrounding more automated trucks more difficult to deal with,” Spear said.

Labor unions mounted an aggressive campaign against the inclusion of commercial vehicles like trucks in the self-driving legislation, pointing out that they could cost thousands of professional drivers their jobs. They applauded lawmakers in the Senate for agreeing to move forward without

trucks in the self-driving legislation.

“This approach will give Congress more time to thoroughly examine how driverless technology will impact the jobs, wages, and safety of bus and truck drivers, and develop a plan to address these concerns,” said AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department President Larry Willis.

Automakers applauded lawmakers in the Senate for reaching an agreement to move the self-driving bill forward.

“Legislation like the bill introduced today will allow manufacturers to conduct more testing and to safely deploy self-driving vehicles to realize the safety, mobility, congestion, environmental, land-use and other benefits of this transformative technology,” General Motors Co. said in a statement.

The Washington, D.C.-based Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents major auto manufacturers, added, “Chairman Thune’s and Senator Peters’ bipartisan leadership on the AV START Act will help advance self-driving technologies and help keep the United States at the forefront of these innovations.”

The Senate’s self-driving measure would allow the Secretary of Transportation to grant exemptions to federal motor vehicle rules that require cars to have human operators. Initially, 50,000 cars per automaker could be operated if companies can prove they meet existing safety standards for traditional cars. After a 12-month period, the num-

ber of exemptions per manufacturer would increase to 75,000, and would go up to 100,000 in the third year.

Automakers would be able to apply for exemptions to operate more than 100,000 self-driving cars after five years, under the proposed legislation.

The current limit for such exemptions to federal auto standards is 2,500 cars for two years at a time.

A similar measure that would allow automakers each to operate up to 100,000 self-driving cars per year on U.S. roads was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month.

Both versions of the proposed legislation prohibit states and other local jurisdictions from adopting regulations related to cars’ design, construction, software or communication. States still would be allowed to regulate registration, licensing, liability, education and training, insurance or traffic laws.

The new proposed exemptions would apply to vehicles in which there is a system that operates with the expectation that a human driver will take over upon being prompted. The legislation would also cover cars with high automation levels, where the automated driving can perform maneuvers even if a human driver does not take over when promoted—and for full automation, when the automated system is responsible for all driving tasks.

We thank The Detroit News for reprint permission.

duce the number and severity of accidents caused by human error---the primary catalyst for the vast majority of current automobile accidents. However, the benefits will extend well beyond roadway safety to matters such as aiding in traffic congestion and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of transportation systems.

The rise of this new technology brings an array of unique and thorny legal issues that will cause wholesale changes to many different areas of the law in the years to come. By far the most predominant legal issue concerning the advent of autonomous vehicles pertains to liability for accidents involving self-driving cars.

trary to humans, however, autonomous vehicles don’t drink and drive, text and drive, or otherwise get distracted at the wheel. As autonomous vehicle technology becomes standard, there will be fewer negligent people on the road, which will negate the primary rationale underpinning motor vehicle accident litigation today—driver negligence.

While the human error element may be removed from our roadways, it does not mean car crashes and related litigation will become a thing of the past. Rather, the type of litigation that arises out of car crashes will change. Instead of focusing on driver negligence, future litigation involving autonomous vehicles will focus on the safety of the self-driving vehicles involved in the collision.

Accordingly, motor vehicle accident litigation will shift from driver

negligence—and liability on the part of the operator—to products liability, making the automotive industry the principal responsible party for liabilityrelated matters. Consequently, while vehicles and roadways become safer, vehicle manufacturers, technology manufacturers and other suppliers will almost certainly see their liability exposure increase considerably, with the autonomous automotive industry bearing a bigger slice of a smaller pie of total accident costs.

Who’s Liable when Autonomous Cars are Involved in Accidents?

by David J. Oberly, PropertyCasualty360.com

Desktop computers. Mobile phones.

Wi-Fi. Seemingly almost overnight, these advances in technology have fundamentally transformed the way society operates and functions on a daily basis.

However, these and other modern technological developments may pale in comparison to the impact felt in connection to the introduction of autonomous vehicles on our nation’s roadways.

Today, the world’s leading car makers are racing to build fully autonomous vehicles. The goal for many is to have self-driving cars on the road by 2020. The benefits of this advanced technology will be significant, as autonomous vehicles will substantially re-

The shift to products liability law Human error is the predominant cause of automobile collisions today. Con-

4 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

4 keys to determining product liability Products liability law has already been applied to many types of famous litigation involving automobiles, including the Ford Pinto’s fuel system, Takata air bags and Firestone tires. As such, existing liability frameworks exist to assist See Who’s Liable?, Page 70

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 5

The Bronx Develops: Jerome Avenue Rezoning and the Southwest Bronx

by Diana Nelson, Norwood News

Carmen Vega-Rivera is bracing for change, as her neighborhood may look a little different in the next few years.

She’s lived in the Bronx for 36 years, a block away from Jerome Avenue, where it’s poised to undergo major rezoning to make room for more affordable housing. As soon she heard about the city’s plan three years ago, she joined forces with the Bronx Coalition for a Community Vision to defend the residents in the community who have been there for as long as she has.

The Department of City Planning (DCP), the agency that will enforce the new residential zoning designations, began studying the Jerome Avenue corridor in 2014. The plan covers a two-mile stretch along its commercial and major transit corridors in community districts 4, 5 and 7, off the Cross Bronx Expressway and parallel to the Major Deegan Expressway. The city said it’s expected to spur the creation of more than 3,000 affordable units of housing in the 92-block area between 184th Street and 167th Street that covers the neighborhoods of Fordham South, University Heights, Morris Heights, Mt. Eden, and Highbridge.

But local groups like the Coalition said they’re worried the new development would displace small businesses and existing residents who will no longer be able to afford rent. Vega-Rivera said local residents and advocacy groups were left out of early meetings about the rezoning.

She had to hear about it through a friend.

DCP’s Bronx Director Carol Samol met with local community boards 4 and 5, and the Coalition to talk about some of their concerns at an open house in mid-September.

“We’ve got a full sweep of changes and improvements that will be better for the community overall,” she said. “Everything from parks and streets, to businesses, retail corridors, access to jobs, helping people plan for careers, and bettering the health of the community.”

Vega-Rivera made sure she was in attendance at the open house.

“Today, there’s nothing on the table about real affordable housing for those that need it,” she said.

“What’s here is about new parks and transportation improvements—all wonderful ideas, but if you don’t have a roof over your head, you’re not gonna be able to stay here, and

area. He’s consistently spoken with the city about this development project for more than two years, trying to find a solution for these workers and owners. He said that under the city’s plan, he thinks they will be displaced.

“Seventy-two percent of these businesses have no lease, or maybe one year of lease. The rest of them have a lease that is day by day, and is being raised double or triple the amount of normal rent,” said Estevez. “Let’s say you have a shop that’s paying $3,000 for rent, and now landlords raise it to Fears of displacement have been the talk of Jerome Avenue $9,000 when they hear of the since 2014 when the city announced it planned to rezone a rezoning. The guys doing the major part of the stretch to make room for affordable houssame jobs will now have to ing. Pictured here is a string of mechanic shops found on pay three times more.”

Jerome Avenue near East 169th Street.

Samol made it clear that Credit: Diana Nelson the auto body shops can stay. you’re not gonna be able to utilize “Any pre-existing use can remain as the wonderful parks and facilities that a part of the rezoning,” she said. are here.”

DCP acknowledged in the writIn the neighborhoods where zon- ten plan that the auto body shops will ing is expected, median incomes run face competition, but they’ve also de$28,556, but most of the affordable veloped a plan to try and address housing proposed is set to accommodate those who make between $52,000 to $70,000 a year under some of the current options of the plan. Only 13.6 percent of the existing population can qualify.

According to DCP’s website, the affordable housing units in the rezoning plan would be permanently affordable. Samol said the city also plans to work with tenant groups that are experiencing difficulties.

“We want to make sure they stay affordable, and make sure that those buildings get improvements, and in exchange for capital and other kinds of support, that the buildings remain affordable for the foreseeable future,” she said.

But some residents are especially concerned about the fate of the auto repair shops and other commercial businesses along Jerome Avenue.

There are 200 auto body shops along the affected area of Jerome Avenue that stand underneath the bustling 4 train and major roadways.

Many of them are owned and operated by Dominican immigrants.

Pedro Estevez is one of them. He founded the group United Auto Merchants Association (UAMA), and represents the auto body shops in the

6 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

their needs. It includes connecting auto workers to jobs, training opportunities, and language and immigration services.

The existing zoning that allows for auto body shops has been in place since 1961. East 167th Street, East 170th Street, Mount Eden Avenue, Edward L. Grant Highway, Tremont Avenue, and Burnside Avenue are vibrant local retail corridors in the area.

More than 80 percent of the housing in the surrounding area was constructed before 1950.

New schools also recently developed in the area include the New Settlement Community Campus and the Morris Heights Educational Complex. The area has several small parks and playgrounds that are well used, and The Bronx Museum of the Arts, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, and Bronx Community College are located just outside.

“The neighborhood has changed a lot since 1961, and we want to plan for the future,” said Samol.

The City Planning Commission had a public hearing scheduled for See The Bronx Develops, Page 24

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 7

AASP/NJ Honored Beloved Association Member at 13th Annual Lou Scoras Memorial Golf Outing

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On Sept. 18, members of AASP/NJ gathered at the Colonia Country Club in Colonia, NJ, to honor one of the association’s most beloved members with the 13th Annual Lou Scoras Memorial Golf Outing.

Despite it being a cloudy Monday, collision repair industry professionals eagerly participated in the fundraiser, socializing, enjoying good food, and golfing while raising money for the Lou Scoras Scholarship, which aims to inspire and engage the next generation of automotive technicians.

AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant shared, “This outing allows our members and our vendors a chance to forget about business for a little while, which is what we all need sometimes. Plus, it’s for an outstanding cause—Lou would’ve loved this.”

Following the 10 a.m. registration, lunch was served at 11:30 a.m. and the golf tournament commenced at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start.

Although he doesn’t golf personally, AASP/NJ President Jeff McDowell noted, “It’s a great opportunity to relax, play some golf, and get out of the shop for a little bit. We’re all in good company, in good spirits, and

everyone enjoys it immensely.”

This year, the first place winners of the golf outing were Howard Meeks, Jim O’Brien, Jerry Sheehan, and Chris Callahan. The second

Longest Drive, and the male victor was Steve Pesce Jr. McDowell stated, “We are so thankful to everyone who took the time from a work day to come out here and honor Lou’s memory.

Whether they attend or donate, it is truly heartwarming to see so many people come together for such a good cause.”

After finishing their round of golf, attendees were treated to a cocktail reception as well as a dinner hosted by Joe Amato Sr. of The Amato Agency. During dinner, AASP/NJ held a 50/50 drawing and prize AASP/NJ President Jeff McDowell (far left) poses with raffle. Prize sponsors ingolfers at 13th Annual Lou Scoras Memorial Golf Outing cluded Nu-Car Connection, Fred Beans, Axalta Coating place team was composed of James Systems, Meadowbrook Insurance Powell, Joe Lubischer, Paul Bran- Services, American Compliance, Utica ning and Scott Vari, while Rod National Insurance Company, and Cameron, Mike Padula, Ken Spila- PaintEx, among others. tore, and Ken Barbera took third “As emotional as this day is for place. those of us who knew and worked In the Closest to the Pin contest, with Lou, it’s always great to see the Omar Mostafi won in the men’s divi- rousing support of the industry at sion, while Siobhan Beare took the events like this,” Bryant said. “We apprize for the women’s division. Beare preciate all those in attendance as well also won the women’s division for as all of the companies that helped

8 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

fund the outing.”

In addition to nearly three dozen hole sponsors, the event attracted four Platinum Sponsors (The Amato Agency, All American Auto Salvage, Hertz Rent-A-Car, and PPG), as well as four Silver Sponsors consisting of Greco Publishing, AkzoNobel Coatings, Cosmo’s Ocean County Auto Wreckers, and Fenix Parts. Silver Sponsor Auto Body Distributing was joined by Bronze Sponsors Flemington Car and Truck Country and United Bank Car Network. Maxon HyundaiMazda sponsored the Hole-in-One contest, while the refreshment carts were sponsored by Leesville Auto Wreckers, Cosmo’s Ocean County Wreckers, and Fenix Parts.

For more information, visit www .aaspnj.org.

Your leading source for NORTHEASTERN Collision Repair News! northeastern.autobodynews.com

Carubba Collision’s Donation Will Help Feed Pets in Need

Not only does Carubba Collision donate to feed those who are less fortunate in its community, but Carubba Collision also helps feed the community’s pets! The donation will provide 18,000 pounds of pet food.

Carubba Collision Corp. President Joe Carubba recently presented a $2,500 check to the Food Bank of WNY in support of Feeding America and PetSmart Charities’ Buy a Bag, Give a Meal program.

For every bag of dog or cat food purchased in-store or online, PetSmart provides a meal to a pet in need served by pet shelters, animal welfare organizations and food banks— including the Food Bank of WNY. “We are using the generous donation that Joe Carubba designated for pet food toward the distribution of this product. The pet food will be available to our member agencies throughout our four-county service area,” explained Catherine Shick, Public & Community Relations Manager for the Food Bank of WNY. “Mr. Carubba’s generosity will cover nearly 18,000 pounds of pet food— so it will really go a long way!”

“I have a tremendous amount of compassion and love for animals. I have had pets all my life. This is a wonderful program for me to get behind” stated Joe Carubba.

“Many of our community members in need are pet owners. It is not uncommon for them to be faced with the tough decision of having to choose between buying food for their pet or food for themselves. Thanks to Joe, our agencies will be able to easily order and offer this pet food to help their clients,” stated Shick.

Carubba Collision has served the greater Buffalo area since 1955.

Giving back to the community is something that Carubba Collision has a long and proud history of. Several not- for- profits have benefited from the generosity of Carubba Collision over the years.

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Autobody News

Continued from Cover

New Car Paint

hence the limited daily production volume out of Lexus’ Motomachi, Japan factory.

It’s launching on special edition LC Structural Blue editions.

A butterfly inspired it, says Lexus. The Morpho butterfly has, at least to the human eye, deep and shimmering blue wings, although they’re actually colorless—a lattice Continued from Cover

AASP/NJ Webinar

The webinar was such a success, AASP/NJ reached capacity on how many viewers could participate, and the association plans on having another webinar in the coming days to

on the surface of the wings distorts light to make them appear blue.

To replicate this, Lexus applies paint containing ultra-fine nano-structures in 15-micrometre layers. Normal metallic paint pigments reflect barely 50 percent of visible blue light. The ones in the new Structural Blue color reflect almost 100 percent. Each car carries 300 grams of paint pigment— within this, about 300 billion pigment flakes…

But if you’re thinking that, actually, it doesn’t look all that impressive in the images, rest assured: Lexus adds that “it is designed to work on the eye rather than on a camera lens.”

We’ll thus have to take the firm’s word for it that its 15-year labor was not in vain.

We thank Motoring Research for reprint permission.

educate even more members on how to plan for future OSHA inspections.

To get the latest on the next OSHA webinar, and for more information, please visit aaspnj.org.

For more information on the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show, please visit: aaspnjnortheast.com.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 9

Frustrations with MA Inspection System Leave Local Garage Owners with Little Answers and Little Business nearly 25 customers who came in looking for an inspection over two An ad on the Achin’s Garage website days and nearly a dozen more by promises Massachusetts state inspec- phone. On a busy day, the shop can tions “made easy,” done in almost no see up to 35 inspections. time at all “without taking up a chunk Car shops receive about $20 of of your day.” the $35 sticker price. But it’s not necessarily that income she’s worried about.

“I have a guy here, a paid employee, who’s just an inspector,” Achin said. “He has nothing to do.”

Achin’s Garage is not alone. Calls to half a dozen inspection shops in the area revealed many are in the Steve Lima, owner of Lima's Auto Repair in Attleboro, same boat.

MA, is among the many auto inspection station owners Steve Lima, owner of frustrated with the state's new inspection system that has Lima’s Auto Repair in Attlenot yet gone online, despite the Oct. 1 mandatory deadline. Photo by Mark Stockwell/The Sun Chronicle boro, said he was given conflicting stories about when a This week, that hasn’t been the service technician would install his case. inspection machine and was told just Massachusetts garage owners are recently that the machine he was sent frustrated with a new state inspection is missing a wireless scanner. program that has left them unable to Derek Leonard of New England do a big part of their job: Making Tire in Attleboro said his equipment sure vehicles on the road are up to was installed, but the machines aren’t code, and most importantly, safe. working.

The new program, rolled out Oct. “The state is not calling us back.

1, requires inspection stations to It’s a mess,” he said. check for all of the same items, but Leonard said he lost 15 stickers now includes increased monitoring worth of business one day, and six by of their work to standardize practices noon the next day. and prevent inspectors from bending “It’s not just the money on the the rules. The new inspection re- sticker,” he said. “If a car needs requires photographs of the VIN num- pairs, that’s where we really make ber, the front and back license plates, money.” the odometer and the inspector comLeonard said the owner of New pleting the inspection.

England Tire spent about $16,000 on Many local shops have purequipment for his two area inspection chased updated machinery for be- stores. tween $5,000 and $8,000 to make the “It’s a big investment,” he said. change.

One that isn’t yet paying off.

But, while state technicians were “We’ve got about $7,000 of masupposed to install that technology chinery collecting dust right now,” before the new program started Oct. said Dennis Donahue of Rodman 1, many garage owners say they’re Ford in Foxboro. still not up and running.

Meanwhile, state officials stuck Sarah Achin from Achin’s by claims that the inspection system Garage in North Attleboro said some- is operational, even as a notice on the one recently came by the shop to in- Massachusetts Registry for Motor stall the equipment, but she’s had Vehicles website said inspection nothing but problems since. And, few services were “experiencing network answers are coming from the state. delays due to the implementation of a “They won’t tell me when new vehicle inspection program.” they’re coming or if they’re coming,” Registrar Erin Deveney said the she said. “I’ve called a lot—like in only issues qualifying, participating the 15–20 range.” stations faced were problems utilizMeanwhile, she’s turned away ing the unfamiliar technology. She

by Kayla Canne, The Sun Chronicle

10 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

said state outreach would resolve those concerns.

Steve Lima says he has already lost money by not being able to inspect cars since Oct. 1.

The new system in Lima's garage is not completely installed yet. With wires hanging out the back and the camera monitors yet to be installed, Lima is quickly losing money from inspections. Photo by Mark Stockwell/The Sun Chronicle

But she placed blame on some inspectors for their own failure to complete shop obligations as part of the program before an August 22

deadline. A MassDOT press release said inspectors were required to attend orientation and training sessions, as well as purchase equipment from Applus Technologies by the end of August to ensure an Oct. 1 start date.

The press release said 95 percent of stations across the state had at least one inspector who completed orientation. But MassDOT spokeswoman Jacquelyn Goddard said many calls and complaints fielded by the state were from inspectors who did not purchase or pay for equipment by the August 22 deadline, and still expected to be up and running.

Goddard said 1,347 inspectors across the state who completed the obligations on time were conducting inspections this week.

Donahue said Rodman set up accounts and followed other procedures required for the new system, but after a service technician came by to set up another component, they were still offline.

See MA Inspection System, Page 20

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 11

Displaced Willets Point Auto Shops Being Evicted from New Bronx Home

by Katie Honan, DNA Info

More than three years ago, 45 mechanic and auto body shops agreed to move from their Willets Point storefronts to a large warehouse in The Bronx after the city took over their properties for a massive redevelopment of the area.

Photo courtesy of DNAinfo/Katie Honan

Now, those shop owners say they’re being evicted from their new home over unpaid rent, after struggling in a location far from their usual customers in the Iron Triangle.

“It’s sad, isn’t it?” Marco Neira, the president of the Sunrise Cooperative, said at a news conference inside the barren warehouse at 1080 Leggett Ave. “We are in the worst spot right now.”

The cooperative, made up of 45 businesses, received more than $7 million from the city to move the shops to The Bronx and build out a new home for them. The cooperative’s businesses turned down individual buyouts and instead chose to pool their money for the new facility, to maintain the one-stop-shopping convenience for drivers looking for repairs.

But since moving to The Bronx, it hasn’t been easy.

The cooperative filed for bankruptcy last fall. And now, after failing to pay months of rent on its large warehouse, it’s getting the boot—and pleading for more help from the city. “[The city] can stop this,” Pedro Estevez, president of the United Auto Merchants Association (UAMA), said at the news conference. He said other businesses on Jerome Avenue, which

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are facing displacement from a separate rezoning, will likely face the same fate. “You must stop this.”

City Councilman Rafael Salamanca, who represents the area, said the building’s landlord was at fault for not working with both the city and the businesses to find a solution. Calls to the landlord—Advantage Wholesale Supply, a building maintenance supply company—were not returned.

He also said the city shouldn’t abandon the workers, many of whom have returned to Willets Point to work at other shops or are on public assistance. “[The city] took over their land, they promised them that they would help them, they promised with a financial commitment,” he said. “That promise has been broken.”

The Economic Development Corporation, which is in charge of the Willets Point development plan and oversaw the stores’ relocation, said it’s done “everything in our power” to keep the Sunrise Cooperative afloat.

After giving the group $7.5 million to renovate the Bronx warehouse, the agency provided an additional $2.4 million “in yet another effort to help keep them afloat,” an EDC spokeswoman said. But the landlord is refusing to accept the additional cash.

“We are surprised and deeply disappointed that the landlord of 1080 Leggett Avenue has been unwilling to accept that offer, and has chosen to evict the co-op rather than work with us to move this project forward,” EDC spokeswoman Stephanie Baez said in a statement.

It’s just the latest issue for the Willets Point development plan, which was approved by the City Council in 2013.

Sunrise Cooperative, an organization with businesses located in phase 1 of the development area, was the only applicant for the Willets Point Business Co-Relocation Fund, officials said.

In March 2014, the group leased 1080 Leggett Ave. with funds from the

www.autobodynews.com

12 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

EDC. Neira, president of the cooperative, later filed a lawsuit against the city and the developers to secure more funding, but eventually agreed to drop it as more businesses began to leave Willets Point.

Shop owners displaced from Willets Point are now being evicted from their Hunts Point shop.

A sign, which translates to "we were betrayed by the mayor of the rich," hangs on a car at the warehouse. Photo courtesy of DNAinfo/Katie Honan

After moving to The Bronx, Neira said the cooperative found the building had multiple violations, and a plan to build out individual stores for the tenants never came to fruition.

Meanwhile, their former buildings in Willets Point have been razed for a development plan that is cur-

rently in limbo.

At a Community Board 7 meeting, representatives from the EDC and the Queens Development Group— which were selected to develop the site—were grilled about the future of the site after an appeals court ruled against the proposed “Willets West” mall plan.

Developers said any work done at Willets Point is contingent on the mall construction, which is now blocked.

The entire redevelopment plan could get scrapped by either the city or the developers if they don’t find another way to fund a cleanup of the area.

Neira said their long-neglected Willets Point shops had issues, such as unpaved roads and nonexistent utilities—but customers still came, and business was brisk.

The new building in Hunts Point was promising, but they feel deceived, he said.

“Right here we had a beautiful place,” he said, “but in reality we had nothing.”

We thank DNA Info for reprint permission.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 13

Buy Here, Pay Here Franchise Hit with AG Lawsuit in MA

J.D. Byrider is facing a lawsuit from the Massachusetts attorney general filled with allegations about its business practices and the quality of its vehicles.

Attorney General Maura Healey has sued J.D. Byrider, which has four buy here, pay here franchises in Massachusetts, for allegedly using predatory practices in its sale of defective vehicles with high cost installment contracts.

The AG’s lawsuit alleges that J.D. Byrider took advantage of consumers by routinely “trapping” them in an unsustainable and unfavorable sales package officials said is known as the “J.D. Byrider Program.”

According to the complaint, the attorney general’s office said consumers were unaware that J.D. Byrider priced its vehicles at more than double their retail value and required drivers to sign on to an installment contract with an annual rate of 20 percent, regardless of their credit qualifications.

Officials added that J.D. Byrider bundles its “expensive and limited” extended service contract into the contract as well, “forcing” consumers to pay 20 percent interest

on that product. To get the benefit of the service contract, consumers are then required to use a J.D. Byrider service center.

The AG’s office alleges that the vehicles sold by J.D. Byrider are defective and sometimes inoperable, despite misrepresentations of time and money spent reconditioning them prior to sale. Officials said hundreds of vehicles have been returned by consumers to J.D. Byrider for repair within three months of purchase due to the mechanical breakdown of a major component such as the engine, electrical system, transmission, brakes or drive train.

The AG’s complaint further alleges that J.D. Byrider employs a faulty underwriting process that underestimates the consumer’s expenses and costs in order to qualify them for contracts they can’t afford.

As a result of these practices, the AG’s complaint alleges more than half of J.D. Byrider’s deals fail or end in repossession, causing substantial and long-term economic harm to consumers. This is not just due to the inflated costs, but also to losing transportation and suffering long-term damage to their credit.

Greenwich Police Arrest NJ Suspect for Shop Car and Parts Thefts in CT, NY

by Robert Marchant, Greenwich Time

When police arrested a New Jersey man in August for allegedly stealing a Honda CRV in central Greenwich, officers assigned to the car theft squad and the accused had met before.

The alleged thief, Jose Antonion Cruz, 51, of Clinton Place, Newark, had been arrested twice earlier in Greenwich, according to court papers, in 2000 and 1997. The affidavit said Cruz has a record of 20 arrests for auto theft, larceny and burglary all over the region.

The accused car thief is currently being held in custody on $100,000 bail for the Greenwich larceny charge, which he has not been able to post. His next court date is Oct. 23.

Police said Cruz managed to

sneak into a storage garage of a Mason Street repair shop on the night of April 29 and steal the Honda CRV. He was later arrested in August on a warrant.

According to court papers, Cruz was being monitored by an auto theft unit of the New York City police department for criminal activity involving stolen cars in the Bronx. He has been linked to the theft of Honda parts in Darien, Norwalk and Westport by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police. In 2017, he pleaded guilty in Darien on a burglary charge and received probation.

At the time of his arrest by Greenwich police, Cruz was already in custody on charges related to theft of car parts.

We thank Greenwich Time for reprint permission.

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14 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Healey’s complaint against the defendants seeks injunctive relief and restitution for consumers, as well as penalties, costs and attorney fees.

J.D. Byrider has dealerships at four Massachusetts locations— Brockton, Dorchester, Dartmouth and Springfield.

“We allege that J.D. Byrider ripped off Massachusetts drivers by offering predatory loans for defective and inoperable cars,” Healey said. “Our goal in this lawsuit is to recover losses to Massachusetts consumers and make this company pay for the harm they caused to thousands of drivers across this state.”

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CIC Education & Training Committee—Collision Repair Employee Survey

The CIC Education and Training Committee wants to hear from those who work directly in collision repair facilities.

With your help, we can better inform the industry and ultimately work to improve the education process and opportunities for you.

If you are a: ■

■

Body Tech

Refinish Tech

■

Detailer

■

Mechanical Tech

■

Estimator

■ Administrator (Office/Customer Service),

CIC wants to hear from you!

To take the survey, go to: www.autobodysurvey.com Results of the survey will be available in the future at www .ciclink.com.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 15

Cole’s Collision Centers Marks Grand Opening at New Location in North Greenbush, NY Cole’s Collision Centers, the Capital Region’s largest and fastest-growing, family-owned auto repair company, officially opened its newest location in the Town of North Greenbush. The 14,000-square-foot facility utilizes 2.2 acres of formerly vacant land at 97 U.S. Route 4. Cole’s Collision operates four other collision centers throughout Albany and Saratoga counties. A special ribbon cutting ceremony was held Oct. 4, attended by Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce representatives and local elected officials and dignitaries.

Construction of the facility began in late 2016 following the approval of the land deal by the Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency. The building, designed by m.besse architect, includes state-of-the-art auto repair and paint equipment, including a USA Italia spray booth. Parking areas on both sides of the building can accommodate up to 36 vehicles. Operations at this location will be in line with Cole’s longstanding commitment to environmental protection through the use of water-based paints and air filtration systems.

“Opening this location is the result of several years of work, not just on our part but on the part of the many

partners and representatives from the Town of North Greenbush and Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency with whom we’ve worked,”

said John Cole, owner, Cole’s Collision Centers. “I’d like to thank them for their support in making this happen and I look forward to continuing our promise of quality repair work and customer service in North Greenbush.”

“It’s great to see small businesses grow and evolve in the community,” said John T. McDonald III, assembly member, 108th District. “Cole’s Collision Centers is as unique as its new location, especially with the company’s involvement with Tesla.”

Cole’s is in the final stages of becoming certified to perform factory repairs on all Tesla models.

“This is more great news for

16 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Rensselaer County as another new business is opening its doors here. I want to thank Cole’s Collision for its investment in this community and wish them continued success as they expand their capacity and operations in this region,” stated Kathleen M. Jimino, executive, Rensselaer County.

“Cole’s Collision has had success at every location they’ve opened across the Capital Region, and we’re excited that a new, modern building will greatly improve the aesthetics of the main corridor of our town and turn vacant, blighted land into a viable option,” said Lou Desso, supervisor, Town of North Greenbush. “Cole’s has a long reputation for superior customer service and community involvement, so we’re thrilled to welcome them to North Greenbush.”

Cole’s Collision has been involved in the communities in which it operates since the opening of its first location 10 years ago. That continued with this grand opening celebration, as Cole’s presented a donation of $2,500 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Rensselaer County. Earlier

this year, in celebration of its 10-year anniversary, Cole’s funded the wish of a local teenager through the Make-AWish Foundation. It was the third wish Cole’s has funded to date.

“Education is our nation’s top priority, however schools can’t do the job alone,” said Jessica Rowell, executive director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Rensselaer County.

“Community partners like Boys & Girls Club, which fill the critically important after-school hours with homework help, social and recreational activities, tutoring and computer instruction, are making a real difference today. Our motto is: when school is out, the Club is open. Our team of trained youth development professionals provides a safe, nurturing ‘second home’ to more than 75 youths each day after school and in the evening in Rensselaer County, and with this generous investment from Cole’s Collision Centers, we can open the door to do even more tomorrow!”

Cole’s plans to hire more than 15 new employees to staff this location, from mechanical technicians and journeymen to clerical staff and customer service representatives. The company employs around 100 between its five locations.

Larry Pavey Speaks at YANG National Harbor Meet-Up

IN Car Restoration Company Wins New Venture Competition

The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) held a Regional Meet-Up at the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, MD, on Sept. 13.

Ivy Tech Community College Northeast has announced Kendall Riecken as the winner of its 2017 New Venture Competition. Riecken, founder of KR Designs, has been awarded $35,000 in

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

Larry Pavey spoke about industry trends at YANG’s National Harbor Regional Meet-Up on Sept. 13

The Meet-Up was hosted by A& Jay Automotive Warehouse and featured a presentation by Larry Pavey, President of Federated Auto Parts.

Around 30 young industry professionals attended the Meet-Up to learn from industry veterans and gain their perspective on major issues impacting the aftermarket industry.

YANG Chair JR Bishop shared, “Networking is in our name. It is the core of this group. These events are what tie us all together in this great big

industry.”

Pavey’s presentation covered current data such as the size of the industry, VIOs, miles driven and more. He also discussed the current distribution market in regards to brick and mortar retailers versus online sales, and shared his projections on how that will move over the next five years. Additional topics included hybrid vehicles and ride sharing, as well as how these will impact the aftermarket as millennials grow older.

Pavey believes, “During the next 10 years, we will see more change in the aftermarket than we have until this point altogether.”

The event received very favorable feedback from attendees.

Event host Alena Van Cleave of A & Jay Automotive Warehouse noted, “Participation in YANG Regional Meet-Ups that include an industry veteran with a proven track record of success like Larry Pavey is really one of

the best ways to learn and stay informed as our industry adapts to a rapidly changing market. I always walk away from these events more informed and inspired.”

“It is very generous that the National Pronto Association has included YANG events in its conferences. Having YANG events tied to major industry conferences, sales meetings and trade shows gives the younger generation a place to gather together and get to know one another,” added Courtney Hammer, Director of Job and Career Development for the Auto Care Association and YANG Liaison.

“YANG is looking for energetic, passionate auto care professionals and companies to host an exclusive YANG Regional Meet-Up in their hometown.

Hosts are supported by the YANG council and sent all the tools necessary for the event.

For more information, visit www .autocare.org/yangevents.”

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by Alex Brown, Inside INdiana Business

Credit: Ivy Tech Northeast

start-up capital. Riecken’s company specializes in car detailing, restoration, custom paint and collision repair and is currently operated out of his parents’ garage. He says he plans to use a portion of his winnings to build a new space, which will be located between Fort Wayne and Auburn. He also plans to use the money for a paint booth and new equipment. Riecken is a 2016 graduate of Ivy Tech’s Fort Wayne campus. Riecken was one of three finalists who pitched their business plans to a panel of about 30 judges, who followed up with question-andanswer sessions. We thank Inside INdiana Business for reprint permission.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 17

Pittsburgh Glass Works Says Creighton, PA, Plant Could Close Next Year

by Brian C. Rittmeyer, Trib Live

Pittsburgh Glass Works says “a combination of difficult realities” could lead to closing its Creighton plant next year.

In a news release issued Oct. 4, the company, a division of Mexicobased Vitro, confirmed that discussions about the future of the plant in East Deer are under way.

Nearly 200 people work there The facility is one of the company’s eight automotive glass manufacturing plants in the United States.

A view of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) Creighton plant along the Alleghany River in East Deer, before 1960. Tribune-Review file photo

In the release, PGW said the aging facility can’t keep up with the auto industry’s increasing technological demands, and would need significant upgrades and improvements.

Under one scenario, the company said the plant would not shut down until next summer, about nine months from now. Work would be sent to PGW’s facility in Evansville, IN. The plant’s workers are represented by the United Steelworkers. In a statement, District 10 Director Bobby McAuliffe said the union will “leave no stone unturned in our fight to preserve jobs for members.”

“We intend to continue working with the local union, the company, members of the community and political leaders in the effort to preserve the livelihoods of our members and their families,” he said.

East Deer Commissioner Tony Taliani said the plant’s closure would be a big blow to the small community.

“They’re our largest taxpayer, our largest employer, our largest water customer. They own a major portion of the most prime property in our township,” he said. “I’m very con-

cerned about the future use of that property.”

The plant opened in 1883 as Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co.’s original glass plant, Works No. 1.

“I always hoped they would keep that plant open no matter what since it was the birthplace of PPG Industries,” Taliani said. “Pittsburgh Plate Glass was started there. I always hoped from a historical standpoint they would keep that facility operating.”

Employees React PGW officials met with workers Oct. 3 and Oct. 4.

“You can feel the different morale when you walk in,” said Hunter Pacek of New Kensington, who has been inspecting windshields for five months.

“I don’t really know how to explain it.

It just feels different.”

Beverly Close of Lower Burrell doesn’t believe the warning is a bargaining tactic. A process technician, she’s worked there for 39 years.

“I don’t believe that they’re saying it to scare us, to get us into thinking we’re going to have to take concessions,” she said. “It’s an old factory. How much money would they have to put into the plant to make it viable and competitive?”

Gary Endlich, 60, of Burrell Township, Armstrong County, has worked at the plant since 1978. He said workers are feeling a variety of emotions, including anger over Vitro deciding to shut it down just a few months after buying it.

“I can’t believe that the jobs that we do there and the amount of profit they make from us, now they’re going to close the plant down,” he said. “I’ve never been involved in a plant closing.

“Now I know the feeling of after all these years you’ve dedicated to this company and given them your life, basically they say, ‘Sorry—there’s nothing for you anymore.’ “ Endlich said he had hoped to retire from the plant in three to five years, like his father, uncle and aunt had done.

Now there’s talk of retraining, which he isn’t sure will help him.

“I’m 60 years old,” he said. “Who is going to want to hire me for another five or six years? Who is going to want to hire me for that?”

Other Business Impacts The plant’s closing could have a rip-

18 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ple effect across the Alle-Kiski Valley.

ALKAB in New Kensington makes custom equipment such as tooling, components and machinery.

The Pittsburgh Plate Glass in East Deer was sold in March to Vitro SAB de CV of Mexico.

The Creighton plant makes automovitve glass, but Vitro says it plans to close the plant next summer. Credit: Louis B. Ruediger, Tribune-Review

“When I started the business in 1990, they were our first customer, and our only customer,” said Bill Kabazie, an ALKAB corporate officer.

But while the plant once counted for more than a quarter of ALKAB’s yearly revenues—27 percent in 1998—it’s down to about 3.25 percent today, Kabazie said.

“Over the years, we’ve weaned

ourselves off them and diversified our customer base,” he said. “[But] there will be an impact. Nobody likes to lose a customer. I have a history with them. I used to live in that place, pretty much.”

The PGW plant has been a top 10 account for Alle-Kiski Industries in Allegheny Township since it started 12 years ago, its president, Kevin Hartford, said. Over the past three years, it has made up about 5 percent of its total annual sales.

His business has two employees dedicated to the plant.

“This is a sad day for not only us vendors, but for the entire A-K Valley,” Hartford said. “That plant created wealth for many and supported thousands of families throughout the area.”

Hartford said its loss won’t threaten his company’s viability.

“Our primary concern is for the employees who have been so loyal and have added so much value to the company,” he said. “Most of the people we work with appear to truly appreciate their jobs and have a sense of See Glass Plant Closing, Page 20

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 19

Continued from Page 10

Continued from Page 18

“We’re losing money every day,” he said.

Meanwhile, it’s not only shop owners who are left without recourse.

“People are concerned [about] what happens if they get pulled over with an expired sticker,” Leslie Gray of Jason’s Auto Repair in North Attleboro said.

Deveney said motorists with October inspection stickers have until the end of the month to get an inspection done. But those with stickers that expired in September could still face a citation if caught.

“They could’ve gotten an inspection in the previous system,” she said.

We thank The Sun Chronicle for reprint permission.

pride knowing that they work for one of the oldest companies in the area.

Hopefully for all involved, Vitro will reconsider a complete shutdown and find a place in their business plan for the Creighton plant. The skill level at that plant is outstanding.”

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Glass Plant Closing

‘Serious Challenges’ PGW CEO and President Joe Stas said the Creighton plant faces a combination of “serious challenges.”

“We reviewed every realistic business scenario, and all indications lead us to the likelihood of the closure of Creighton in 2018,” Stas said in a statement. “We must stay ahead of future technologies and customer demands, which require strategic reinvestment in our future.”

Creighton is the oldest facility in the PGW system, with a two-story production layout that creates “significant operational challenges,” the release said.

The plant is no longer capable of making many of the new glass technologies the automobile industry is

20 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

demanding, such as cameras, electronic sensors, advanced antennas and other technologies needed for new safety, warning and autonomous driving features.

Creighton, PGW has the capacity to produce 2 million more units per year than the current market demands,” the company said.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, the company reiterated its commitments to Pennsylvania.

In addition to Creighton, PGW operates plants in Tipton and Meadville and a research facility in Pittsburgh, which altogether employ 650 people.

Vitro, Mexico’s largest The Pittsburgh Glass Works Creighton plant in East Deer, shown Oct. 4, 2017. Pittsburgh Glass is a division of glassmaker, completed its purMexico-based glass maker Vitro Photo by Brian C. chase of PGW earlier this year Rittmeyer, Tribune-Review from Chicago-based LKQ “The 130-year-old facility also Corp. for $310 million. would require significant utility upWe thank Trib Live for reprint pergrades and additional infrastructure mission. improvements to be able to support further production investments,” the company said.

The company said it is facing an LIKE US ongoing downturn in new car production in the United States, rapidly inUS ON creasing demand for sophisticated : technical windshield content and increased competition.

Overcapacity is a problem, the company said.

“Of the products manufactured at

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 21

Aspiring Shop Owner S.O.A.R.s to New Heights in NC

by Tevin Stinson, WS Chronicle

‘Senior Skip Day’ could be considered a national holiday.

Since the beginning of time, whether you admit to participating or not, high school seniors across the country have picked a day every year and called for a mass boycott of all educational activities.

While some remember Senior Skip Day for the fun they had with friends during scheduled school hours, or the reaction from teachers and administrators when they returned to school the next day, Imanne Robinson will remember his Senior Skip Day as the day he changed his life and got the opportunity to follow a childhood dream.

On Senior Skip Day in late April, Robinson was showing off his skills on a dirt bike by riding around the city.

Robinson, who was then a senior at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy (WSPA), was stopped by Sgt. Todd Hart with the Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD). Instead of arresting the teenager, Hart let Robinson go and contacted his parents. Robinson said Hart also contacted the Student Resource Officer (SRO) at WSPA, who told him to report to the school before the end of the day.

“When I got there, they talked to me about what happened and told me what I could’ve been charged with and what I was going to get charged with,” said Robinson. “That’s when Sargent Hart asked me what I like to do, and I said, ‘Fix cars and bikes.’”

After talking with him more and getting to know him better, Hart referred Robinson to the S.O.A.R. (Successful Outcomes After Release), a program designed to provide gainful employment to former offenders who meet program guidelines while supplementing the city’s existing workforce in areas of critical need, and to Dave Moore at Southside Rides.

Hart said a lot of young people really don’t know what they want to do, but Robinson was adamant about his love for cars.

“He really voiced his interest in cars, and to me going to court or possi-

ble jail isn’t really going to help anybody, so when he told me about his interest, I knew Pam Peoples-Joyner had this program here with the garage,” Hart said.

Robinson didn’t waste any time reaching out to Pam Peoples-Joyner to find out more about the chance to work at the garage. In fact, he left a message that night, he said.

“I’ve been into cars since I was in the fifth grade. It’s something I’ve always been interested in,” said Robinson.

“My dad is a mechanic, so it’s always been there.”

Once meeting Moore, owner and founder of Southside Rides, which operates in conjunction with Forsyth Technical Community College, the Forsyth County jail, and the 21st District Court of North Carolina to educate its participants in auto body repair and servicing and to provide alternative vocational opportunities for incarcerated citizens, Robinson learned the ends and outs quickly and started working on his own projects.

In just six months, he painted the family car himself and put a new engine in the car with some help from his father. When discussing Robinson’s progress, Moore said he loves to see a young person like Imanne, who knows what he wants to do with his life.

“He came in like, every day, even on the weekends, and built a relationship with the guys,” said Moore. “It thrills me because I love to see a kid make up his mind and understand what he needs to do to be successful, because a lot of them don’t know what they want to do while they’re in school.”

Since that day he was caught joy riding in late April, Robinson’s passion for cars has continued to grow. He is now enrolled at Forsyth Tech Community College, where he is taking classes on collision repair. After hearing the progress Robinson has made in such a short period of time, Hart told him he was a role model to younger kids in the community.

He said, “You’re actually being a leader to other people who you don’t even realize.”

Robinson said his goal once he finishes at Forsyth Tech is to one day own a shop. Moore, who has been in the business for more than 20 years, said he could see him and his father opening a shop.

“I want to find a good job at a shop and work my way up to owning my own shop,” said Robinson. “I think the hardest part would be finding hard workers who are willing to work every day.”

We thank WS Chronicle for reprint permission.

After Crash Led to Major Restoration, CA Owner Reunited with Classic Cadillac

by Megan Abundis, KSBY TV

One Orcutt man’s Friday was made extra special when he was reunited with one of his most prized possessions.

John Shuffield was involved in a crash back in March that landed him in the hospital, and his cherry red Cadillac in the shop. Now, the bumper is clean, the leather is smooth and the dice on the rearview mirror are ready to roll.

But it was a long journey to get here.

“Just like new again. Beautiful job,”

John Shuffield’s Cadillac was left badly damaged after a crash that landed him in the hospital. It took seven months to restore the classic car back to it’s former beauty

Shuffield told a Foster Auto Body technician when he picked up the car on Oct. 6. For seven months, the car went through what was essentially another full restoration at Foster Auto Body with parts from around the country.

“We are definitely going to go for a

cruise and when we leave here, we are going to go together and have a blast,” said Ron Smith, Shuffield’s friend.

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John Shuffield sits in his restored Cadillac

“Did you fill it full of gas?” Shuffield joked. The 88-year-old and his ‘59 Cadillac Coupe DeVille have a history.

The car has been in the family since 1987, when he bought it off Alex Madonna. Now, it’s back on the road again. “When we drove it, people were just giving the thumbs-up. They saw John, they know this car, and they were just yelling at us, ‘we love it,’ waving,” Smith said. “He’s a celebrity around here.” Shuffield’s kids, the grandkids, and the community are just happy to see Grandpa back in his caddy. “I got three car shows this month,” added Shuffield. John and his ride were featured in the “Muscle, Mutts and Meows Car Show” in Santa Maria. We thank KSBY TV for reprint permission.

22 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 23

Continued from Cover

Second Lawsuit

including Perretta’s original lawsuit, filed by auto body shops across the nation.

All those lawsuits have been consolidated into one legal action being heard by U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell in Orlando.

The auto body shops contend that the insurance companies have violated federal antitrust laws by agreeing to set prices for labor, materials and other expenses of repairing damaged vehicles. The shops claim they are forced to use “inferior parts” and reduced labor when making repairs.

The insurance companies, the auto body companies say, subtly enforce their price structures by having Direct Repair Program agreements with local garages, guaranteeing them business in return for adopting the insurance companies’ cost structures.

Perretta said he refuses to sign DRP agreements, but states in his lawsuit that his company has been “put in the untenable position of having to provide all necessary repair services in order to bring each damaged vehicle

back to its pre-loss condition without ever receiving full reimbursement for the labor and costs involved in making those necessary repairs, which has resulted in (Professionals) regularly making repairs without compensation and to its own financial detriment.”

He cited one example in which a customer brought in a 2012 Nissan Armada last February.

The customer decided to make repairs to the vehicle rather than have it declared a total loss.

A licensed appraiser prepared an estimate to repair the vehicle, but the insurance company refused to pay $2,105.

Professionals is pursuing the amount not paid by the insurance company after obtaining the customer’s authorization.

In 2015, Presnell dismissed the multiple lawsuits, contending the auto body shops did not provide enough facts to support a violation of antitrust laws, but a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta reinstated the lawsuit, saying, “We determine that the shops have pleaded enough facts to plausibly support their federal antitrust and state court claims.”

In NM Sales Scam, A Flooded Engine Is Exactly That

by Ellen Marks, Albuquerque Journal

If there’s been a disaster, there’s going to be a slew of scams that try to capitalize on it.

Besides the usual warnings about fake charities, here’s a different kind of trap to avoid falling into: the stormdamaged used car scam.

This one involves unscrupulous car salesmen who scoop up vehicles damaged by floods and hurricanes and ship them across the country for resale.

“While these cars may look and run fine at first, flood-damaged vehicles often have malfunctioning airbags or hidden rust and mold problems, and may not run properly in the long term,” says Fraud.org, which is part of the National Consumers League.

Here’s what to do: ■ Check a vehicle’s history report through a reputable source like the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s free database, found at www.nicb.org.

■ Look for signs of flooding like water stains in the glove box or fogging inside headlights and tail lights.

■ Take a big whiff. While the scent of

mildew is an obvious warning sign, a heavy disinfectant smell should also set off alarm bells as well. Heavyaroma cleaners can be a sign that someone is trying to hide mold.

The ubiquitous Craigslist scams are victimizing Albuquerque-area residents, state Attorney General Hector Balderas says.

One woman who fell for it ended up losing $2,000 to a bogus rent-toown listing “without receiving all the keys—and being locked out of and unable to occupy the house,” the AG says.

In another instance recently, a Craigslist advertiser offered a house for rent and asked for a deposit of earnest money, even though the “landlord” did not own the house.

“Both might have been avoided by consumers who were a little more suspicious and cautious about paying any money over to anyone prior to taking possession of a property,” the AG says.

We thank the Albuquerque Journal for reprint permission.

www.autobodynews.com

24 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Attorneys for Allstate Insurance Co., Encompass Home and Auto Insurance Co. and Esurance Insurance Co. have asked that the latest lawsuit filed by Professionals be moved to the federal court. The other defendants have joined that request.

In the removal request submitted by attorney Jack Hall of Carnegie, it was pointed out that Professionals is seeking $403,822 from the three companies.

The insurance companies “deny that (Professionals) is entitled to any relief, based on the allegations of the complaint” but state that since the amount of money being asked exceeds $75,000, the lawsuit qualifies for removal to the federal court system.

The removal request also contends Professionals “has pleaded no facts that would establish a conspiracy or other connection among defendants that might support a finding of joint and several liability.”

It addressed the example used in the Professionals lawsuit of the customer who brought in the Nissan for repairs, stating that claim should be against the customer’s insurance company only and no other insurer because, it stated, “there are no allegations es-

Continued from Page 6

The Bronx Develops

Oct. 4, then began the wait of 60 days to vote on the matter. The New York City Council has the final review and say on the approval of the plan.

Even though the residents and businesses in the community have their concerns, some said they want the same thing for Jerome Avenue as the city.

“We want to see Jerome Avenue flourish and be beautiful,” said Estevez. “But first we need to make sure these hard-working people who have been in the community for decades are taken care of.”

We thank Norwood News for reprint permission.

tablishing a basis for joint and several liability.”

The Professionals lawsuit was filed by attorney Traci L. Naugle of Altoona.

We thank the Atloonta Mirror for reprint permission.

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Continued from Page 3

Launching Column

career, including the ProFirst certification program. The industry veteran recently retired from the company on October 1. In addition to authoring a book about the history of the collision repair industry in America, Ledoux will be writing a regular column for Autobody News titled In Reverse, as well as various feature articles.

“I consider it a personal triumph to go from where I started, to ending my full-time career managing one of the most respected body shop certification programs in the industry for an international company like Honda,” said Ledoux. “I’ve been blessed to work with so many terrific people at Honda, our great ProFirst certification team and all of the wonderful collision industry people with whom I’ve been able to interact. I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the collision industry in a different capacity.”

Autobody News reached out to Ledoux to learn more about his career in the collision repair industry and find out what readers can expect in his new column.

Congratulations on your recent Q: retirement Gary! How did you get your start in this industry?

Prior to Honda, I worked for A: several years at two automotive jobbers that also sold paint and

body supplies, where I was first exposed to the collision industry. One of my first jobs was custom-mixing pints of DuPont Lucite lacquer and DuPont Duco lacquer. Then, I sold new and used trucks at a Ford dealership, became a service advisor at another Ford dealership, and worked at various capacities including parts manager at dealerships for Honda, Acura, Mercedes, Toyota and Subaru.

Q:

What are some of the different roles you held while working at Honda?

A:

I started at American Honda on July 5, 1988 as a district parts manager for the Acura Division covering the New England region including NH, VT, MA, CT, RI and upstate NY. My main focus was ensuring parts departments were properly stocked and the parts managers were trained in the

26 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

many newly opened Acura dealerships.

A year later, I transferred to the southeast area doing the same job in FL, GA, SC, NC, VA and WV. I then accepted a job as a trainer for American Honda, moved to California and began working out of the national office. Forty weeks a year for the next six years, I traveled to different cities to train parts managers on proper parts department management, including inventory control, cost control and asset protection. I started working with Honda auto and Acura dealer parts managers and eventually included parts managers at Honda motorcycle and power equipment dealerships. At the request of our Export Department, I created materials and taught classes tailored specifically for our auto and motorcycle dealers and distributors in Central and South America and the Caribbean.

In 1998, I accepted a promotion and began working in the Parts Marketing Department, concentrating first on the wholesale mechanical side of the business and then on the collision side. The last four years or so have been especially rewarding being on the leading edge of the current industry wave.

Is there a special memory you Q: would like to share during your time at American Honda?

As a young trainer for Honda A: covering basic parts department operations, I encountered an older gen-

tleman who had been a parts manager for 30-plus years. I was intimidated. “What can I possibly tell this guy that he hasn’t heard a million times before?” I thought.

At the end of the three-day seminar, he came up to me, shook my hand and said, “Thank you!” I asked what he was thanking me for. He replied, “Thanks for reminding me about all the basic things I need to do—but have since forgotten.”

The moral is: “Basics matter.”

What prompted you to retire Q: and what can readers expect from your new column “In Reverse?”

What prompted me to retire?

A: Thanks to some planning, some luck and the proper alignment of the

sun and stars, I just knew it was time.

My last official day with Honda was October 1. Not one to waste time, I began writing for Autobody News on October 2. My ongoing column—“In Reverse”—will be launched in the No-

vember issue. It will focus, not surprisingly, on the history of the industry.

Eventually, I’ll produce other feature articles covering all facets of the collision repair industry, including a closer look at OE certification programs.

We’ve heard about another Q: project you have been working on for quite some time. Can you fill

us in on the details?

In the fall of 2010, I started a A: special project—writing a book about the history of the collision

repair industry in America. Nobody has done that before, and I thought it was about time. My objective is to provide an overview of the industry, the factors affecting it, and how it evolved from the early 1900s to today.

I had to set the project aside for some time, but now, in retirement, I’ll go “full-steam” to finish it.

I am still looking for any and all input from anyone in the industry, including company histories, product histories, old body shop photos, and first-hand stories about working in the industry, especially at the shop level.

Gary Ledoux can be reached at: mayorclum@yahoo.com.

Why Servicing Your Spray Booth is Like Servicing Your Car What if you never changed the oil or serviced your car? Eventually you are left with a hole in your pocket and a broken down vehicle. At that point that forty dollar oil change doesn’t seem so bad. But what if you never serviced your paint booth? Does it break down just as a car would? The answer is yes and here is how you can prevent it.

In the industry we refer to a paint booth as a “clean room.” The purpose of a paint booth is to paint a surface in the cleanest environment possible while providing the painter with a safe working environment. Defining your paint booth this way may offer a different prospective.

Neglecting your primary piece of equipment means neglecting your investment of both time and money into your business. A booth that is dirty with have poor dust control, blowing dust and dirt around that can interfere with achieving a flawless paint surface. Preventing this can save you from unnecessary labor costs and lost time from detailing or re-painting.

Providing your customers with an immaculate product in a timely manner is how you will earn their business.

The word of mouth about their positive experience is as good as gold in

this competitive field.

In addition to the effects on the quality of work we must also consider the effects on your equipment. Not servicing your booth forces more negative or positive pressure thus using and buying more paint booth filters.

On top of that, your ducts and fans create air flow restrictions.If the ducts and weather caps are full of built up paint, the air will not fully exhaust thus creating more pressure in the cabin.

When this happens over spray will linger and end up on the car or even on your painter. At this point we are talking about health risks and an unsafe working environment. Can you say O.S.H.A.? Even your motor becomes at risk when your ducts and fan cause it to work faster and draw more amps, eventually burning it out and forcing a stop in production completely.

What we often see on service calls are broken fan blades and fan

housings. This is caused by a build up on the fan blades ultimately resulting in broken bearings and the need for a new fan. The average price of a new fan and motor is about $2,500.00 plus labor to install and down time. The point is that this is all preventable.

Heated booths are even more important to service. We recommend at least one annual tune up on heaters, the average price on heaters start at $12,500.00 plus labor to replace. Not to mention wasting gas, propane, a gas smell, gas leaking into the booth causing health risks for the operators and employees. The safety risks are great in this case and will get you an unpleasant visit from the local fire department.

We recommend you service your paint booth once a year at minimum, more if you are a large production shop. Long term, we see the benefits first hand that our customers gain from regularly servicing on their booths. Not only does their equipment last longer, but they are saving time and the hassle of having a booth shut down. Stopping production means unhappy customers, and money out of your pocket. Stop worrying about costly repairs and take the initiative to prevent them.

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Shop Services An Inside Look at BMW’s Repair Program with Stacey Phillips

Industry repairers, insurers and OEMs had the opportunity to ask BMW executives, Marcos Ehmann and Joshua Fahlbush, about the company’s Certified Collision Repair Center program (CCRC) during a Guild 21 podcast.

Guild 21 podcasts are sponsored monthly by VeriFacts Automotive.

Ehmann has been the business development and sales manager of the Wholesale, Body & Paint and Insurance department for BMW of North America for the past five years. Prior to that, he spent more than 15 years with the BMW Group. Fahlbush joined BMW North America in 2015 and worked with the BMW Certified Collision Repair Center network. He spent 14 years before that in the insurance industry working as a training instructor, field adjuster and supervisor in various markets from the Midwest to New England.

During the September podcast, Ehmann and Fahlbush answered questions about BMW’s nationwide network of CCRCs. Autobody News summarized some of the key learnings below: Guild 21: How many BMW certified shops are currently part of the CCRC program?

Fahlbush: We currently have nearly 200 shops that are certified. This includes BMW, mini and BMW i vehicles.

Ehmann: I began managing the program in 2012 and since then we’ve grown by almost 300%.

Guild 21: What is the ultimate goal of BMW’s repair program?

Ehmann: We want to help shops cut down as much as they can on cycle time and touch time. All of this leads to a more efficient process and higher customer satisfaction. We also want to implement BMW’s Insurance Partnership Program (IPP) to all of our shops so they have the same standard and highest level of certification.

Guild 21: Can you tell us about BMW’s Insurance Partnership Pro-

gram (IPP)?

Fahlbush: IPP is part of BMW’s CCRC program. Essentially, it is the highest tier certification level of repair within that program. If a shop meets certain requirements of one of our CCRCs, there is support that we provide related to loaner vehicles. This is similar to what a customer would receive during a service appointment.

It’s not a requirement and is strictly optional. It’s up to the dealer to make the decision if they want to add those vehicles in the event that a vehicle has a part on backorder or to provide a customer with the same vehicle that have in for repairs.

Guild 21: From the perspective of a shop that already fixes a lot of BMWs, is there any way it can become more legitimate in repairing these cars?

Ehmann: Absolutely. We have many shops that don’t have a certified collision repair center right now. That means they are working with a ‘referral shop.’ We highly encourage every independent shop that isn’t yet in that position to ask a BMW dealer to sponsor them for training.

Whether you are a CCRC or not, if you’re sponsored by your dealer to attend the classes, they are free of charge. The only thing you are responsible for is showing up. All shops have the same access to the tools and equipment.

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.

headquarters in NJ, at our BMW plant and performance center in South Carolina, and at our two training centers in California—in Oxnard and Ontario.

Some training is also conducted in the Midwest at a shared location in Detroit. We are currently in the process of expanding the number of training locations we have.

Do you provide training or support for shops so they can become a shop with a lean focus?

Fahlbush: We do. At this point, it’s limited to the CCRCs. What the field team does around the country is act directly hands on with the certified centers. It’s a week at a time. This year, we’ve had a big push to get as many of our shops involved. The field team has spent a lot of time working on everything from putting stripes on the floor, to revamping the layout within the shop to really working with not

only the manager in the shop but involving all the technicians and everyone in the shop to isolate areas where there is waste. This will ultimately make the shop more productive.

Guild 21: What is the benefit of extending training to insurance personnel?

Fahlbush: As a former insurance employee, I understand the lag time between what the manufacturer does and when it trickles down to the insurer.

That’s something that we educate about on an ongoing basis. The entire field team holds training around the country for insurance carriers on nearly every topic about BMW repairs and technology. It’s a great way to spread the word and make sure everyone is on the same page. We want to ensure everyone understands what the requirements are, what can and can’t

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Guild 21: Can you talk about the required training and where it is available?

Fahlbush: In order to be a CCRC, there is a minimum amount of training required. Body technicians, paint technicians, estimators and managers must all attend BMW instructor-led training at one of our centers around the country. This is in addition to the online training required. It’s a heavy load but we feel it’s the most responsible thing to do in terms of how we treat our customers and ultimately how we interact in the collision repair space.

We have training available at our

28 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 29

California Autobody Association Prepares for AB 1679 ‘Fight of their Careers’

by Ed Attanasio

With AB 1679 now a “two-year” bill (see prior coverage at autobodynews.com), the California Autobody Association (CAA) is getting ready for what many body shop owners in the Golden State believe is going to be the fight of their careers. To prepare, the organization is asking current members to call upon other shops to help them take on this potentially disastrous bill as they enter 2018.

In an announcement, CAA Executive Director David McClune briefed its membership on the current state of AB 1679.

“The Assembly Appropriations Committee has delayed consideration on AB 1679 until next year,” he stated.

“Yes, it’s good news, but the battle has only begun. We are still David against the Goliath insurance industry and whatever reincarnation of AB 1679 will appear next, we need your help. The insurance companies can re-introduce it in January and they likely will, but it’s good news that they didn’t come up with another bill this year. We can win this thing, but only if every shop, each staff member, each employee, and every family member does their part, and we are going to do everything we

can to make it easy for each and every one of you to be heard.”

McClune is calling for new members to join CAA and use the power of the organization to defeat AB 1679 in 2018.

“Every few years, we get a bill like this one that has the potential to change the collision repair industry in California in a big way,” he said. “If you’re a shop owner and you’re concerned about AB 1679—which you should be—this is the ideal time to join us.”

McClune and CAA are poised and prepared to take on the insurance companies, backed by Insurance Commissioner David Jones.

“AB 1679 is a serious threat to every body shop in California, be-

30 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

cause (it) will tighten the insurance industry’s grip over the auto repair process, weaken the only advocate (independent body shops) consumers have when dealing with their auto insurer, and cause cuts in employee pay and benefits, layoffs and more,” McClune said. “It is unfair and unreasonable. Simply put, AB 1679 threatens us and our livelihood and hurts consumers. A few big insurance companies want to lower our pay so they can ‘save consumers from higher premiums’ and make even bigger profits. In the long run, the auto repair industry will become less competitive because the insurance companies will completely control it. And we all know what happens to costs, wages and consumer protection when things become less competitive.

“AB 1679 also takes away rights of consumers to freely choose their repair shop by weakening the existing anti-steering law. There is a reason that law was passed 14 years ago, and that reason has not gone away. On October 21 in Huntington Beach, CA, we will be holding a board meeting in order to devise a battle plan against AB 1679. We have David Jones in office for one more year, so the time to defeat this is now.”

Another proposed bill currently on CAA’s radar is a new regulation on electronic documentation and authorization that was discussed during a hearing held on Sept. 26.

“It basically expands the current authorization definition, which allows the customer to provide authorization (that is) either written, verbal or electronic—digitally, magnetic, wireless, optical or electromagnetic, to name a few—so they want to make sure to cover all their bases,” McClune said.

“Before, it was only allowed through writing, but now this new regulation will enable customers to use all three methods of authorization.”

CAA recently added two new sponsors to its list of business partners— KPA and the Automotive Training Institute (ATI). KPA works with the collision repair industry to ensure that standards and regulations are followed by implementing a series of environmental and safety programs. ATI has been conducting management classes for body shops all over the country since 1980.

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 31

Continued from Cover

Photo Estimating

estimates are so far off that repairs cannot begin until the insurance company comes out on a supplement.”

“The major benefit to photo claims is that the consumer is in control of starting their claim, which makes them feel empowered, but that is where the convenience ends,” agrees Eric McKenzie, Director of Body Shop Operations for Park Place Dealerships. “The major drawback is that these estimates are being written significantly lower than they should be, and we are seeing estimates that are nowhere close to what they should be. For the consumer who elects not to repair their vehicle, they are being grossly underpaid for the money that is rightfully theirs from a claim, but when the vehicles do make it to a repair shop, it is adding significantly more time to the repair planning and supplemental processes.”

Weighing in, Burl Richards, owner of Burl’s Collision Center, adds, “The estimates are grossly unrealistic—sometimes, only one-tenth of the actual cost to make the repair! In

theory, it would be a great way to save time if the shop could call in a supplement, get approval that day and continue with the repair, but it seems to put much more administrative burden and time on the shop, straining our relationship with the insurers, plus the insurer’s initial estimate is basically worthless, so we have to start from point A.”

$5,500 estimate on a keyed vehicle, but when they submitted photos as requested, the insurer returned a $265 estimate. When a customer brought in their Honda Fit that was hit by a Hummer H3, the insurance company provided a $1,000 estimate for which four hours of repair time was accounted.

Berli’s Body and Fine Auto Finishes’ supplement countered with a $6,800

Richards believes that photo estimating only benefits the insurers, as they save money on hiring estimators and other associated costs. Kiffe agrees that photo estimating makes financial sense for insurance companies, but he points out that it also causes unnecessary friction between the shop and the insurance carrier.

“The estimate is so far off that it’s really slowing down the process,” Kiffe said.

Kiffe cites examples of these inaccurate estimates: The shop wrote a

cost for repairs needed to replace the lift gate and rear body panel.

Although supplements are a normal part of the process, insurance companies are often taking days or weeks to respond, preventing the shop from moving forward or taking additional work. The Honda Fit was brought to the shop on Sept. 20, and a supplement was submitted two days later, but it took until Sept. 29 for the insurance company to approve the supplement, finally allowing the shop to move forward with repairs.

“The major benefit to photo claims is that the consumer is in control of starting their claim, which makes them feel empowered, but that is where the convenience ends,” — Eric McKenzie

32 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Kiffe also worries about how photo estimating, designed to be convenient, actually negatively impacts the customer.

“Our customers have been irritated about the poorly written estimates and concerned that the insurance company will pay for the repairs,” Kiffe said. “Customers lose trust in the insurance company when they see the final repair cost, which is sometimes 10 times the original estimate. Customers who unknowingly take their vehicles to an average repair shop don’t always receive a quality repair. Many shops may not supplement everything needed for fear that they will upset the insurance company. Some shops may not ask for more or will settle for the cheap estimate and cut corners thinking they are helping the customer, but in fact, they are exposing the customer to poor quality repairs.”

While Kiffe’s customers found photo estimating to be convenient at first, the lack of financial fairness often causes them to question their insurers’ motives and grow frustrated with the delays associated with supplement approval.

“Additionally, many customers may choose not to repair their vehicle.

When this happens, the insurance company that was supposed to protect them and cover them has now cheated them,” Kiffe notes.

McKenzie adds, “Once a customer elects not to repair the damage, they get short-paid (most, probably unknowingly). Or they bring it to the repair facility where the claim takes longer to process, which does not benefit the consumer. We’ve even had several clients mention how poor they thought the initial photo estimates were written when they dropped their vehicles with us.”

A greater consumer concern is the issue of safety that arises when a customer accepts a check based on the photo estimate. These individuals may opt to forgo the repair without realizing they’ve been short-changed, or worse, additional damage that could not be seen in the estimate may be present and cause safety concerns when the vehicle is driven. Consumers using their insurance carriers’ photo app for convenience are unlikely to be aware of how inaccurate photo estimates could impair the future safety of their families or lead to diminished value on their vehicle.

After driving a damaged vehicle for a week, a college student asked Berli’s

was so prevalent that the insurer’s estimate actually noted, “TIRE, Potential hidden damage, please ask your repairer to inspect when your vehicle is brought in for repairs.” This raises the important question of how insurers can write estimates when they acknowledge that they cannot determine the damage.

“It is never advisable to write an estimate from photos because so much can be missed, and that is why we will not do so,” McKenzie stresses. “We have not seen a photo estimate yet that was anywhere close to accurate. It just takes more administrative time and downtime than a properly written initial estimate.”

While advocates of photo esWhen a Hummer H3 hit this Honda Fit, the insurer’s estimate included four hours of repair time and a timating claim that there’s no $1,000 cost, but the shop’s supplement indicated a increase in the frequency of total repair cost of $6,800 to replace the lift gate supplements, shops are reand repair the rear body panel porting an increase in the away with a $44.19 check, but the final severity of supplements, as well as derepair amount will easily be above lays in approval of the supplement. $7,000 once completed, and the car This prevents repairers from ordering could possibly have side wall damage parts and starting the repair. Richards to the tire.” mentions an industry peer whose $900 The possibility of hidden damage original estimate resulted in a final apBody & Fine Auto Finishes to repair a 2015 BMW that had a tire and wheel impacted by a cement wall.

Kiffe shares, “This vehicle needs a quarter panel replacement and a right rear door shell. The estimate totals $1,044.19 with a customer deductible of $1,000, so the customer comes

proval of more than $9,000.

“These photo estimates are ridiculously out of the ballpark,” Richards says. “They aren’t even close! Our supplement rate is pretty much 100 percent on every claim. They’re virtually never correct, and although they may seem more convenient for the customer initially, they take longer in the end due to the ridiculous amount initially written.”

Kiffe concurred, stating, “We have not received a single photo estimate that was even close to what it would take to repair the vehicle, and we’re seeing that some vehicles are even making it to us when they should have been totaled upfront if a solid estimate had been written. We’re also experiencing delays because the majority of photo estimates are not accurate or even enough to start repairs.”

“Being a non-DRP shop, we always experience insurer delays, and the only real change has been further supplement delays because there are now fewer field adjusters,” McKenzie explains. “The biggest issue is severity since the initial estimates are so far off. It just makes the insurance company look incompetent because the photo estimates are laughable at best.”

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 33

Body Shop Owner in IN and Wife Aid Hurricane Victims

by Lisa Esquivel Long, The News-Sentinel

As U.S. citizens struggle in Puerto Rico after the most recent devastating hurricane, more Fort Wayne and area churches and groups are continuing to help survivors of earlier Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Donna Smith and her friend Laurie Hammond shopped Sept. 22 at J.C. Penney in Glenbrook Square for clothing for Harvey survivors in Katy, TX. Smith’s husband, Gene, owns GT Autobody, which has been collecting sheet rock and other building materials not available in Katy, TX, along with hygiene items such as toothpaste and diapers.

“We’ll have 32,000 pounds of supplies” headed to Katy, Gene Smith said.

The Smiths’ church, Abundant Life Church, 3301 Coliseum Blvd. E., stepped in to “adopt” 16 families in Katy. So, Donna Smith and Hammond are using about $5,000 in donations to buy seven outfits, including shoes, for each adopted family member—about 400 outfits for everyone from senior citizens to toddlers. They also were buying toys for the children.

“I’ve just been amazed at the support” Donna Smith said.

She was hoping to find a way to individually package each family member’s outfits and toys so it had a more personal touch. They are under a time crunch because the semi-tractor trailer will leave the next Monday. Twins Transport of Columbia City is donating the vehicle and transportation costs.

Laurie Hammond helps her friend, Donna Smith, right, shop at J.C. Penney in Glenbrook Square for clothes for survivors of Hurricane Harvey in Katy, Texas. Credit: Lisa M. Esquivel Long of The News-Sentinel

The Chapel, which collected items such as generators, dehumidifiers and shop vacs, and added diapers, water and other personal items, had a trailer leave Sept. 19 for Sarasota, FL, to help after Hurricane Irma stormed over the state Sept. 10. It was the Chapel’s third trailer, said associate pastor Dave Walters. Brookside Church, 6102 Evard Road, was collecting items this week, so whatever donations the Chapel re-

34 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ceived would be given to Brookside, Walters said.

Volunteers were keeping an eye on Hurricane Maria, Walters said earlier this week. Maria struck Puerto Rico, the strongest storm in over 80 years, and has left its 3.4 million residents without electrical power as they try to recover from flooding, mudslides and other destruction caused by the hurricane.

While the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana didn’t expect to send anyone to Puerto Rico, the national agency was holding back any bilingual volunteers who might be needed in the U.S. territory from other assignments, said Katherine MacAulay, executive director of the regional agency.

During “gray skies,” the agency sees a lot more interest in volunteers for its disaster response area, MacAulay said. Volunteers must attend training, usually 4.5 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the afternoon, to prepare them.

Fewer hours are needed for those in the medical field, including licensed practical nurses and emergency management technicians. Training is going on continuously, MacAulay said, so potential volunteers can apply online at www.redcross.org or call 484-9336.

We thank the News-Sentinel for reprint permission.

Chief Helps in Caliber’s Changing Lanes Program

Chief® will provide welding and computerized measuring equipment for Caliber Collision’s Changing Lanes program. Chief will give a MultiMig 522 MIG/MAG welder, an MI200T spot welder, a LaserLock LiveMapping system and two MultiMig 190 welders to each of the Changing Lanes programs near Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina and Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. Changing Lanes is the first program in the country to provide active duty service members with training and employment opportunities in the collision repair industry prior to transitioning out of the U.S. Armed Forces. The no-cost, 18-week career skills program with hands-on training results in job placement opportunities in Caliber Collision locations across the U.S. upon successful completion of the program. “Our service members have given so much to our country,” says Bob Holland, director of strategic relationships, Chief Automotive Technologies. “Chief is honored to be an active participant not only in Changing Lanes, but in helping to positively change the future of these fine men and women as they transition to civilian life.”

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 35

Industry Insight

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has a body shop in the family and has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988.

He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

Forum Highlights How Much ‘Diagnostics’ Have Become Part of Collision Repair World with John Yoswick

The Advanced Technology and Diagnostic Repair Forum held last summer during NACE Automechanika in Chicago offered more evidence that the lines between “collision repair” and processes more traditionally considered “mechanical repair” continue to blur.

Speakers included representatives of Bosch and Delphi, companies not regularly on the agenda at auto body events in the past. However, the focus was certainly on collision repairers, who made up most of the audience.

Matt DeWalt of Legacy Autobody Group said differences in how automakers organize and present collision repair information can create difficulties

Panelists, for example, discussed the increasing need for review of automaker collision repair procedures as part of the estimating or “diagnostic” process, as well as the difficulties that doing so can sometimes pose.

For example, Matt DeWalt, coowner of Legacy Autobody Group, which operates four shops in Pennsylvania, said the significant differences in how automakers organize and present collision repair information is challenging.

“It’s almost like we need training just on how to access the information,” DeWalt said.

Other panelists agreed. Darrell Amberson, president of operations for LaMettry’s, a Minnesota-based multishop collision repair business, agreed that the technical repair information is out there, but “it takes way too much digging to find it” because it’s not as accessible as it should be. Vince Claudio of the Gerber Collision & Glass chain said shops sometimes have to check multiple sites to find all the information needed and confirm that it is correct and current.

“If we could bring that information together, and if it resided within the estimating system that we’re going to be using anyway, it would make it a lot easier to get the information that relates to that specific repair,” he said.

State Farm’s Chris Evans seconded Claudio’s view, saying the industry’s “information providers” need to step up and provide more information “at the right time in the right place,” relative to repair processes.

“It is an enormous mountain that they are going to be climbing,” Evans said of the task of incorporating more information in the estimating systems.

“But if they are going to remain relevant and responsive to the marketplace, it’s going to be important that they become more sophisticated.”

Labor times are only part of the equation, Evans said. The systems need to help shops and insurers understand, for example, when diagnostic scanning or systems calibration must be done.

“If that is necessary, it needs to be part of the repair time that the information providers print out on an estimate,” Evans said.

Part of that process, he said, is the automakers providing more guidance within specific repair procedures, rather than just position statements, when steps such as vehicle scanning are necessary. He said that would help alleviate shops’ liability concerns about when scanning is needed.

Vince Claudio of Gerber Collision & Glass said collision repair shops often have to check multiple sources to find all the current technical repair information needed

“We don’t just need more position statements,” Evans said. “We need specificity and detail: In the event of this type of accident, with this type of damage, when these advanced systems are affected, you must do this,

36 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

that or the other thing… If the vehicle needs to be pre- or post-scanned because some system…has been repaired or was damaged, that should be

Jake Rodenroth of Collision Diagnostic Services said the increasing complexity of vehicle technology is posing new challenges to the use of non-OEM parts

in a technical repair procedure and it should be part of the overall repair process, not just a position statement.

I know car companies are working toward that. But we’re clearly not there yet. That gap between those two often

causes the friction and tension that exists in the industry today.”

All of this has triggered an evolution in the type of employee categories shops need in-house, Amberson said.

“We’re accustomed to having body techs, painters, estimators, etc., but now we all need this really highcaliber technician who embraces the electronics, has a passion for it and wants to gain more understanding,” Amberson said. “It’s not your typical type of mechanic who can remove and reinstall engines and handle suspension work. This is a different breed of cat, so to speak. We now get into all sorts of calibrations, and understanding the systems and how they behave, and understanding where to look for the information, is the the kind of person we need to handle this type of technology.”

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In Reverse

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

A Monthly Trip Where Time and Space are Reversed to Revisit People, Places and Events with Gary Ledoux

The Seasons of the Industry Welcome to In Reverse, a new column for Autobody News. Each month, we’ll put time and space in reverse to revisit the people, places and events that brought the collision industry to where it is today.

For many people, working in the collision industry must seem like an everyday grind that is always the same—a never-changing, endless stream of todays with the same challenges. Well… some things in the collision industry are the same today as they were 100 years ago, but much has changed. Historians and writers like to compartmentalize changes into periods or eras. In some instances, it is a specific point in time, perhaps a day or a month, that marks those changes. In other cases, it is a period of time defined by events or trends. Some are very distinctive, starting and stopping while others tend to run into one another. Whatever the case, it is interest-

ing to look at how these slices of time helped define the evolution of the collision repair industry. Consider the following:

Pre-1900: Although motor vehicle crashes were still a few years off, several companies that would later serve the collision repair industry had their start way before the automobile even existed.

1900–1910: Automobiles, or horseless carriages, were new—and everything about them was new. The infrastructure to sell, service and repair automobiles had to be invented.

Subsequently, blacksmiths, machinists, bicycle mechanics and even plumbers and chauffeurs maintained and repaired cars. There was little, if any, distinction between mechanical and body repairs.

1910–1915: This period marked a

38 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

transition from the blacksmith or bicycle mechanic repairing a car under the shade of a tree to the earliest auto repair businesses. In large cities, automobiles had no place to park, especially if its well-to-do owner would be working in the downtown district for the day. The concept of the parking garage was born, imitating the liverystable model for horses. It did not take long for some enterprising people to figure out that an automobile parked for the entire day could very easily be serviced or repaired during that period—hence the birth of a term we still use today: repair garage.

1916–1925: Early automobiles were of the open-top variety. In snow-belt regions of the country, they were used only in the summer months and kept in the garage during the winter. Eventually, automakers realized the automobile needed to be drivable in all sorts of weather. Thus, during this pe-

riod, more cars began showing up at dealer showrooms with enclosed bodies. Driving year around meant more miles driven, in more inclement weather—and more auto accidents.

C. 1939 > Steel, rather than wood, became the body material of choice and body-on-frame became the car-building design of choice. Some car makers would experiment with aluminum and fiberglass, but steel was king.

1941–1946: Life pretty much stood still while the Allies were making the world safe for democracy. But the stage was being set for an explosion of another sort—the post-war American economy, and the birth of the collision repair industry.

1946 >: In the post-war economic boom, the car industry took a giant leap forward. Those were heady days at General Motors, with chief body

designer Harley Earl placing fins and chrome on everything. Cars went from black and muted greens and blues to vivid two-tone eye-catchers.

Most in the auto industry in general, and collision repair industry in particular, agree that the post-war boom gave birth to what we know today as the modern body shop business model. In the post-war boom, the term “Paint and Body” shop was born.

1962, September: For the first 10 orso years after WWII, the collision repair

industry was simply a growing number of independent and disparate businesses spread across the U.S., with little or nothing to hold them together as an industry. Gradually, small, local auto body associations and guilds began to emerge. Then, the industry began to coalesce. In September 1962, a major

breakthrough occurred when the first industry trade journal, Auto Body News and Good Car Care magazine were published. Finally, the industry had a voice! Some local auto body associations published their own newsletters or magazines, but there had never been anything like this. With the magazine, industry leaders began to emerge.

1960–1974: Horsepower was exploding through the chromed grills of American cars that grew ever-larger with each passing year. Ten miles per gallon wasn’t a problem when gasoline was $0.25 per gallon.

However, that all came to an end in 1974 with the first gas crisis. All of a sudden, small, imported cars were “in” and body shops had to learn how deal with this new breed of transportation. Accessing paint and body parts for imports became an instant issue.

1979–1990: Two gas crises within a short time of each other convinced America that their love affair with gas guzzlers was over. Small, lighter cars were the future. It was the advent of unibody construction and

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some new technology in auto building. Some shops thought it was a passing fad, and that body-on-frame construction would return. They were mostly wrong, and thus began the gradual but incessant reduction in the number of shops. Those who saw the future and embraced it knew two things: First, new body technology required new tools and equipment.

For a few years, there was a tool and equipment purchasing frenzy, driving the popularity of collision trade shows such as NACE. Second, forward-looking shops discovered the need to train and educate themselves to stay up with the new technologies.

This led to the formation of I-CAR in 1979.

1986: Body shops first encounter something some are afraid to repair or even touch—airbags.

1990 >: The 1980s might have seen the advent of the personal computer, but computerization didn’t start hitting the collision industry until the early 1990s. In 1990, everyone had a “solution” to your problems and it was wrapped around some computer software system.

1997–2007: At the dawn of the new millennium, shops began to mature.

Using computer-generated data, they became more business-savvy and sophisticated in their approach to business. This time period also marked the emergence of new accident avoidance technology to supplement existing accident mitigation technology.

1998 >: In the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and even into the 1970s, most shop owners had one shop. A few brave souls had two, but it rarely went beyond that. In the 1980s, things began to change and the number of shops per owner began to grow. Around 1998, the term “consolidator” started getting a lot of use. This turned into the term MSO, or multi-shop operator. Medium-size shop chains were buying up individual shops. Larger chains were buying up smaller chains.

There was no stopping the trend. Today, single entities own hundreds of shops.

2007–2015: This period saw incredible growth in two areas: MSOs and litigation between shops and insurance companies. MSO growth was fueled by venture capital. Litigation was fueled by 40+ years of friction beSee In Reverse, Page 72

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Historical Snapshot with John Yoswick

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has a body shop in the family and has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988.

He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

Association Agreement with Automakers 15 years ago Seen as Key to Access of OEM Information 20 years ago in the collision repair industry (November 1997) Instead of looking at the negative sides of our leadership, perhaps we should focus on what is positive about what they’re doing. Some of our leaders are at the forefront of our industry’s consolidation, for instance. They’re buying up existing shops, usually at good prices, in an effort to make their own businesses larger and more profitable.

Consolidation has several frightening aspects; what will happen to owners of smaller shops, for example?

But it could potentially be a boon to our industry. For a long time, we’ve bemoaned the lack of unity in our business. With fewer independent shops, we will presumably have more unity and more power. Thirty-facility operations will be in a far stronger position vis-à-vis the insurance industry than a three-person shop.

With consolidation, we might see more dynamic leadership from our leaders. Instead of scrambling to make a living, they’ll be in a good economic position and will have the financial security to concentrate on helping our fellow repairers. Also, by buying up existing facilities, they’re offering the owners of these facilities, many of whom will probably be near retirement age, the chance to reap a good profit from their life’s work.

This is leadership by example.

I did not set out to write an apologia for our industry leadership. There’s still something disturbing about the close relationship many of our leaders have with the insurance industry.

There’s no question that would be better off if we have a leader who was truly selfless, who was more concerned for the people in our industry than for himself, and who would stand up and tell the truth.

People like this are rare in any field. And until we find a Martin Luther King or Joan of Arc, we might want to look at the positive things our leaders are doing.

We might also look at ourselves.

If we feel our leadership isn’t doing what they should be doing, we should be ready to step to the podium.

– from an editorial by trade association executive Sheila Loftus, pub-

lished in Hammer & Dolly.

15 years ago in the collision repair industry (November 2002) When the Automotive Service Association this fall announced a surprise agreement with the automakers regarding access by independent repairers to the same service and repair information available to dealerships, it used words like “historic” and “a success and a victory” to describe the accord.

In 2007, State Farm’s George Avery explained his company’s launch of a pilot program involving automaker discounts on OEM parts

“This agreement is an investment in the future of independent automotive service,” said Dan Frohlich, chairman of ASA’s national board and the owner of a collision repair and mechanical business in Pennsylvania. “By building bridges between manufacturers and the aftermarket, ASA is ensuring the long-term viability of independent repair. One cannot overstate the historical significance of this covenant.”

But within days, a number of other groups that along with ASA had been pushing for federal legislation that would require the OEMs to make service repair information and tools available to non-dealerships were questioning the value of the ASA agreement and saying they would not halt their legislative efforts.

Under the ASA agreement, two OEM trade groups representing a total of 35 automakers have committed to provide independent repair shops by August 2003 the same service and training information available to franchise dealerships. ASA and the automakers said the agreement nullifies the need for legislation mandating the release of the information.

Backers of the legislative mandate, however, say it is needed to ensure the automakers comply.

– As reported in Autobody News.

40 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Though federal legislation mandating the release of the information by the automakers was never passed, a law later enacted in Massachusetts did.

That, coupled with the ASA agreement, has led to general agreement that the automakers have done a reasonable job making information available to the aftermarket.

10 years ago in the collision repair industry (November 2007) In the week prior to State Farm launching a test of an electronic parts procurement program with its Select Service shops in San Diego and Indianapolis, a spokesman for the insurer said the company is considering what role it can play in streamlining other aspects of collision repair claims.

“I don’t think this is it. This is not the end,” George Avery, a claims consultant with State Farm, told those attending the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Las Vegas in November. “We’re looking at rental.

We’re looking at towing. We’re looking at ways to make you efficient because…of the customer that we share.

I want to make it a positive experience. That positive experience, we believe, can be achieved by getting into what is really making it inefficient.”

Improving such inefficiencies in the parts procurement process is the reason the insurer has launched its latest test program, Avery said, emphasizing that it is a test only. Select Service shops in the two markets are required to order parts using two electronic systems—because not all auto manufacturers are using the same system—from dealers also using the systems.

State Farm has negotiated various discounts of about 3 percent off parts list prices from at least six of the largest auto manufacturers. Avery reiterated that the program has been designed to not cut into a shop’s parts profit. He asked shop owners at CIC to visualize the dollar amount of profit they currently make on a particular hood.

“When the discount that we have negotiated with the OEs results in a lower price for that hood, the amount that’s your profit dollars will remain

the same,” Avery said.

He later emphasized again that it’s not that a shop will receive the same percentage of a lower retail price, but instead will still receive the same actual profit dollars as before the discount program.

The test is designed, Avery said, to see if the electronic parts ordering and pricing systems work, if dealers are willing to participate, and if it helps shops operate more efficiently by, among other things, reducing parts errors and returns.

In terms of State Farm’s additional involvement in other aspects of the collision repair business, Avery used an analogy of the threshold of the front door of his home; he said he interacts with some people who never cross that threshold, others who are invited in to the entry-way, and others invited in even farther, but that no one but family goes upstairs.

“That’s none of your business up there,” Avery said. “And I see it that way for the repair industry. That’s what we need to work through with

In 2012, Michael Giarrizzo Jr. of DCR Systems spoke at SEMA about staffing and pay structure changes he views as important to success in the industry

the advisory council, drawing that line on what State Farm’s goal is on that threshold and what that business relationship is that you allow. I don’t want to go upstairs. I’m not interested in being in the house all the time, but if there are some advantages that we both see to be more efficient, I’d be glad to talk about that.”

– As reported in Collision Repair Industry INSIGHT. State Farm’s parts discount program was later scrapped, reportedly because of automakers’ decisions not to offer (or continue to offer) the discounts. But the program did pave the way for State Farm’s See Association Agreement, Page 64

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H ONDA C ON NEC TI CU T

Lia Honda of Enfield E n fie l d

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

Manchester Honda M a nch e ste r

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

Schaller Honda N ew Br i tai n

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

Berlin City Honda So u th P or tl a nd

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 MAR Y LA ND

Criswell Honda Ge r m a n town

866-738-2886 Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-9; Fri 7-7:30; Sat 8-6 hondaparts@criswellauto.com AC URA MAR Y LA ND

Tischer Acura Lau rel

800-288-6983 301-498-3322 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-4 wholesaleparts@tischerauto.com MAS SAC HUSET T S

Acura of Boston Brig ht on

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

Acura Turnersville Tu r ners ville

888-883-2884 856-516-6060 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 kristen.powell@penskeautomotive.com 42 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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

M AR Y LAN D

NE W J ERSE Y

N EW YORK

P EN NSY LVAN IA

O’Donnell Honda

Madison Honda

Dick Ide Honda

El li co tt City

Ma dis on

R o che st e r

Wex ford

410-461-5000 410-461-9654

800-648-0293 973-822-1710

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

Lau re l

Vin elan d

S y ra cu se

800-288-6985 301-498-6050

800-893-3030 856-692-4449

315-471-7278

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

M AS S AC H U SE T T S

LIA Honda Northampton No r thamp to n

800-369-7889 413-586-6043 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 dstanisewski@liacars.com NEW JERSEY

Clinton Honda Ann a ndal e

877-657-2787 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5 chrish@clintonhonda.com

Honda of Turnersville Tur ne rsvi l le

800-883-0002 856-649-1584 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-4 sbaptist@penskeautomotive.com

Hudson Honda We st Ne w Yo r k

Route 22 Honda Hi lls id e

973-705-9100 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7:30; Sat 8-5 rt22hondaparts@route22honda.com

VIP Honda

Lia Honda of Albany A l ba ny

800-272-6741 518-482-2598 Dept. Hours: M, T, W, F 7:30-5:30; Thur 7:30-8; Sat 8-5 apersaud@liacars.com

No rt h P lai nfi e ld

Lia Honda of Williamsville

908-753-1680

W il l ia m sv il le / B u f f al o

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

Babylon Honda Wes 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 ws t er

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

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

Ray Laks Honda

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

J.L. Freed Honda M o ntg o m e r yv il l e

215-855-3587 Dept. Hours: M-Thur 8-6; Fri 8-5; Sat 8-4 joseph.sciacca@jlfreed.com

Shadyside Honda Pi tts bu rg h

800-468-2090 412-390-2908 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5 shadysidehondaparts@hotmail.com

Sussman Honda Ro sl yn

800-682-2914 215-657-3301 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-1 rendrick@sussmanauto.com V E RMO NT

802 Honda Be rl i n

We st S en e ca

802-223-9700

716-824-7852

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

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

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

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

Baierl Honda

NE W YO RK

PEN NS YLVANIA

P EN N SY LVA NI A

Elite Acura

Curry Acura

Baierl Acura

M ap l e Sh ad e

S c ar s da le

Wexfo rd

Jen kint own

856-722-9600

800-725-2877 914-472-7406

800-246-7457 724-935-0800

800-826-4078 215-884-6285

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

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

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

Paragon Acura

Davis Acura

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

Park Ave Acura Ma ywoo d

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

Acura of Westchester We st che s te r

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

Woo d si de

L a ngho r ne

718-507-3990

866-50-ACURA 215-943-7000

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

Smithtown Acura St. James

888-832-8220 631-366-4114 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 parts@smithtownacura.com

Sussman Acura

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

Lehigh Valley Acura Emma us

877-860-3954 610-967-6500 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5; Sat 8-5 mustafa@vinart.com

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 43

Media and Publicity for Shops Why Are Shops Scaling Back Their Marketing Efforts? with Ed Attanasio

A few years ago, I spoke at a collision trade association meeting about marketing and advertising in the body shop world.

One shop owner approached me after my talk.

“Why do I have to spend money on marketing, because we get 150 cars every month from the insurance companies?” he asked. “We probably get five or six vehicles every year when people wander in here, but 99 percent of the time we get them through our insurance partnerships.”

I’ve heard lately that more and more shops have decided to cut back on their marketing expenditures, because the economy is booming with no end in sight. Saving money by cutting costs is always a good idea, but what happens when things go sideways or when you lose a DRP or two for a wide range of reasons? Are you established enough in your region that marketing and advertising are no longer smart investments?

I think it’s a good question, so I reached out to a group of shop owners from all over the country who are known for their marketing and advertising efforts. Why are they still in the promotional game while many shops have decided to shed at least part of their marketing budgets recently?

Brad Zara, the owner of Zara’s Collision Center in Springfield, IL, has been aggressively marketing his highly successful business since day one. He is well-known for his series of humorous and engaging outdoor billboards and his strong presence online.

“We continue to invest heavily in marketing and community support initiatives even though we are heavily DRP,” Zara said. “Our belief is that DRP customers still have a choice to make, in most cases, from a list of preferred shops in their area, so we want to be the most recognizable name on that list. Our approach to marketing is not intended to tell people what we do, as that’s already a given. We want them to know more about whom we are–established with a good sense of humor, and deeply rooted in our community.”

Lefler Collision and Glass is a

third-generation, family-owned-andoperated, full-service collision and glass repair center with four locations in Indiana and Kentucky. Owner Jimmy Lefler said marketing is indispensable and that he approaches it through a combination of strategies.

“We ask ourselves—what if the DRP model changed tomorrow? How long would it take for you to catch up to me on name recognition? Marketing builds trust from the community and creates personal relationships as long as you actually get involved in the events sponsored. I agree that you are wasting money if you do nothing more than just air TV and radio commercials. Part of our strategy is the use of social media. I personally look at customer reviews and online feedback prior to purchasing products and services.”

Marketing Director Megan Williams at Lefler Collision and Glass Repair Centers agrees that without marketing, shops can lose control of their image and profits.

“A huge part of our marketing strategy is just as much public relations as it is anything else,” Williams said. “Relying on DRPs to send us business is taking the control out of our hands, while maintaining positive marketing and public relations efforts helps us control and sustain our own revenue. Marketing plays a big role in promoting and cultivating a positive brand image and company culture, which is helpful when it comes to hiring and retaining employees. Also, many studies show that younger generations prefer to spend their money with companies that give back.”

Jim Keller, President of 1Collision, headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, advises his network shops on marketing every day. Although he agrees that the industry’s method of gaining new customers is heading more in an electronic direction, some things will never change.

“Yes, things are evolving quickly, but good old referrals from people to people will always be a big reason why some shops fail and others don’t,” Keller said. “Customers can still be heavily influenced by many things, and that’s not going to change

44 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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

just because the process is changing.

As long as the consumer is able to make the decision or at least play a role in it, marketing is essential. The final arbiter is the customer and in many ways, the technology has made them smarter and more discerning.

The technology has made us more independent and it enables us to make our own choices. Years ago, people would take their cars to the shops their insurance company recommended, but now they know more about their cars and many of them want to play a role in that decision.”

Dino DiGiulio, owner of Body Best Collision in Sonoma, CA, does more marketing than some MSOs. “New shops come to town, the competition picks up and the MSOs are always looking to take more of the market,” he said. “So, if I’m not out there promoting my business, the insurance companies are going to look around for the best deal they can find.

Marketing is not something you can turn off and then turn back on when things change for whatever reason, because you never know when the next accident will occur.”

DiGiulio saw the writing on the wall four years ago, so he started pursuing certifications and shedding DRPs, but his marketing budget has actually increased during that entire time.

“I promote to my database, which is the best source of referrals we’ve ever used,” he said. “If you don’t promote your business, your shop will shrink. It may not happen tomorrow or the next day, but eventually you will look up and realize that you’re losing work to other shops that are marketing themselves better than you are.”

Big Sky Collision Center, with two locations in Montana, is a secondgeneration business run by Matthew See Marketing Efforts, Page 47

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 45

Day Job/Night Job

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

Alan Johnson: Author, Artist, Pinstriping King with Ed Attanasio

By taking his experience in custom paint and expanding on it, Alan Johnson has made himself well-known for many things—such as his blossoming fine art career.

He’s also an author, a teacher and known as one of the world’s leading experts in pinstriping, a unique art form that is 100 percent American. He is 71 years old and has his work placed in art galleries all over the world, while still going strong with no plans to retire. Johnson’s motto, which he tells anyone who’s interested in learning the craft of pinstriping, is to “just get the brush.” That is what he enjoys doing every day.

Originally from River Plaza, NJ, Johnson worked his way through the Newark School of Fine Industrial Art in the 1960s by painting, airbrushing and lettering everything from fresh produce signs to cars at the local Raceway Park. His first shop was in a greenhouse at Julie’s Farm Stand on

Route 35 in Middletown, NJ, where he refined his skills on cars, motorcycles, guitars, helmets, boats, skis and even airplanes.

Alan Johnson, the owner of Alan Johnson Grafix in Blairstown, NJ, wrote How To Pinstripe, published by Motor Books

In 1968, he began his career as an Art Director at a New York advertising agency, working on big national

campaigns. Six years later, he decided that the commercial art world was not where he wanted to be, so he moved his family to the country and started his own business. His studio, Alan Johnson Grafix, is located in a restored barn and grist mill that was built in 1825. With all of his children grown up and out of the house, Johnson spends half the year in his other studio in Loveland, CO, so he can be near his sons and grandchildren.

Today, Johnson is continually sought after for his 40 years of experience as an independent pinstriper and custom auto artist. He is a consultant for automotive paint and brush manufacturers and writes a series of “How To” articles for trade periodicals. He has his own line of signature brushes with the Mack Brush Company and is the author of How To Pinstripe, published by Motor Books in 2007.

Johnson has been invited to Fin-

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Johnson’s lettering and pinstriping skills can be seen on this boat

perform a wide range of pinstriping projects, including information on how to prepare surfaces and how to experiment with asymmetrical design.

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to creating award-winning masterpieces that adorn vintage auto and boat restoration projects that have appeared in museums and private collections all over the country. Every year, he organizes and participates in five charity events, raising money primarily for children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Special Olympics.

He is also one of the original organizers of the “Pinheads”, an elite group of master pinstripers. In 2009, he received the Pinstripe Legend lifetime achievement award for his unique artwork in the Kustom Kulture world.

After painting on cars and boats for many years, Johnson decided to stretch his wings artistically when he began painting other images in his studio in Loveland, CO. Today, he sketches and paints southwestern landscapes and other subjects with bold colors. His experimental painting techniques and unique color sense are utilized in his fine art painting, all of which are well-known for their spiritual nature.

“I decided to try other things, and it has really taken off from there,” he said.

“I sell a lot of posters now through Fine Art America, and that is very satisfying.

I still love custom painting cars, but this

In addition, Johnson said he instructs young artists on pinstriping and encourages them to pursue their creative sides.

“I really enjoy teaching and showing people how I do the pinstriping,” he said. “Pinstripers and lettering people often tell me that my book is the best written on the subject, and of course that is very satisfying. Initially, I had to actually look at my hand to see how I do the pinstriping, so that I could relate it to other people. I had been doing it for so many years, I had to sit down and think about how I could write about the process so that readers could understand.”

If you’ve been to a classic car show, you’ve likely seen With 42 years under his Johnson’s work more than a few times belt (or easel), Johnson looks Brush Masters in Chicago. Exciting back, but only for a moment. projects that he completed recently in“I’m just a kid from the New Jerclude a gold leaf lettering job on a sey shore who got this ability from 1929 Packard Speedster; gold leaf let- God, so I love sharing it and experitering , airbrush and pinstriping two menting with new projects and new restored 1960s Gassers for Ida Auto- techniques all the time,” he said. “I motive; gold leaf lettering on restored give these young people a brush and a classic wood boats, a 1934 Packard panel and show them how to convey for Pebble Beach Concourse at Stone their personality through the art. What Barn Restorations. can be better than that?” stage in my art career has really been amazing.”

2017 has been a great year for Johnson, full of activity and great reviews. Earlier this year, he painted and donated his artwork to two car shows— Pinstripe Legends in Milwaukee and

Continued from Page 44

Marketing Efforts

McDonnell, an owner who is surprised when he hears about shops that are cutting their marketing budgets.

“We have these crutches in this industry, like DRPs, and after a while we rely on them too much,” he said.

“We expect them to keep giving, but we are all one mistake away from losing a DRP, regardless of wherever you are. One bad comment by a customer and you can be dropped without hesitation, which does not seem like a true partnership, but that’s the reality of the situation. We try to educate our customers through videos and commercials, and they really do work. We have one DRP now—our business gets better every year and our promotional efforts are a huge part of that. If you look at the most successful shops in any area, they are the ones doing most of the marketing and advertising. So what does that tell you?”

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48 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 49

Industry Insight with John Yoswick

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has a body shop in the family and has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988.

He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

Recent “Who Pays for What?” Survey Looks at Body Labor Operations, Estimating System Use, Training

Mike Anderson of Collision Advice than 1,000 shops across the country resaid his “Who Pays for What?” surveys sponded to the April “Who Pays” surcontinue to show that even when a sigvey on body labor operations. nificant percentage—or even a majorThe surveys break the results ity—of shops report routinely being down by 11 different geographic repaid for a particular “not included” opgions, and they have found some moderation, there can be many other shops est regional differences in shop billing not even putting it on their estimates. practices. Shops in the New England “Clean-up of old urethane” fol- region, for example, are more likely to lowing removal of glass is a good ex- charge for the “not-included” body reample of this. Although 37 pair operations than are shops percent of all shops taking in other U.S. regions. The the “Who Pays” survey in contrast is particularly clear April said they are paid for when New England is comthis operation “most” or “all” pared to the South Central reof the time when it is needed gion, where the percentage of and billed for, more than 60 shops saying they “never percent of the shops respondasked” to be paid for not-inMike Anderson ing to the question are not cluded body repair operations even billing for it. is the highest. Combining all 21 repair Similarly, 58 percent of shops body labor procedures asked about in said they are paid “most” or “all” of the survey shows that shops in the the time to “replace vapor barriers” South Central states did not seek paywhen it is necessary, particularly on ment on these procedures in 35.6 pervehicles with airbag pressure sensors cent of cases. That compares to just within the doors, but about 40 percent 20.8 percent of the cases in New Engof shops say they haven’t billed for land facilities. that procedure.

Even though these two regions “If you don’t bill for it, you will represent both the “most” and “least” never be paid for it, yet the biggest likely to itemize “not-included” operapercentage of shops not billing for tions on invoices, shops in both regions these procedures say they never appear to have the same likelihood of thought of billing for them when they being paid for these procedures when they do include them on their estimates. In New England, shops reported being paid “always” or “most of the time” for these procedures in 64.5 percent of the cases, when they include them on their estimates. In the South Central region, that figure is just 3.6 are required as part a repair,” Anderpoints lower (60.9 percent), a differson said. “These surveys were de- ence that is not statistically significant. signed to help raise that awareness.”

In addition to the body labor opThe latest of the 2017 “Who Pays” erations, the April survey also asked surveys, focused on aluminum repair shops about their choice of estimating and shop supplies, is being conducted and electronic parts systems; body throughout the month of October. Click labor and storage rates; and how much here (https://www.crashnetwork.com/ training shop employees receive. collisionadvice) for more information Nationally, for example, the meor to take the survey. dian number of hours of training proEach of the quarterly surveys, vided to technicians is 10 per year. A conducted by Collision Advice and discouraging 13 percent of shops adCRASH Network, focuses on a differmitted to providing zero hours of trainent aspect of collision repair, asking ing per year. Others are offering 40 or shops about which “not-included” promore hours to each of their technicedures they bill for, and about how cians, though that amount of training frequently each of the largest auto inis higher than that offered by 95 persurers pays for those procedures. More cent of all other shops.

50 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

CRASH Network compared those findings to numbers reported earlier this year by the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) “Education and Training Committee.” The committee asked

annually, and European automakers called for even more, 23 to 76 hours.

Paint manufacturers on average thought painters should receive about 24 hours of training each year.

About 54 percent of shops report being paid “always” or “most of the time” for “applying weld-thru primer,” up from 46 percent in 2016, yet more than 1-in-4 shops say they’ve never billed for that procedure

paint manufacturers and automakers how much annual training they believe technicians should be receiving. Asian vehicle manufacturers said technicians should get between 16 and 20 hours of annual training, while domestic vehicle manufacturers suggested 19 to 27 hours

“If the ‘Who Pays for What?’ results are indicative of the entire industry, then 75 percent of all shop technicians are not getting enough ongoing training,” Anderson said.

The survey also found a sizable See Who Pays for What?, Page 55

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 51

PPG Shows Off Screaming Colors at SEMA There’ll be plenty to scream about at the PPG exhibit at this year’s SEMA show set for Oct. 31– Nov. 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. PPG has filled booth 24601 with a haunting display of paint jobs coating a collection of world-class custom cars, a very special motorcycle and other surprising items. Visitors are invited to check out the mix of advanced refinish products, elite custom builders and unleashed imaginations.

“This is the industry’s show of shows,” said Cristina FronzagliaMurray, PPG manager, marketing communications. “If you’re into the car world, this is where you want to be. Every year the talented custom builders and painters get together here to display their work. It’s pretty amazing to see what these people can create, and we’re thrilled they choose PPG refinish products to take them over the top.”

The industry’s top names can be found at the PPG booth: ► Charley Hutton, Charley Hutton’s Color Studio Hutton’s work has won four Ridler Awards, a Barrett-Jackson Cup Ultimate Best of Show award, an America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award, Goodguys Street Rod of the Year and Custom Rod of the Year awards and other major prizes. Hutton uses only PPG products. ► Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop A member of the National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame, Alloway builds standout street rods. America’s Most Beautiful Roadster, Goodguys Street Rod and Street Machine of the Year and a Ridler honor are just a few of his awards. DELTRON® coatings

are Alloway’s paint preference. ► Tom and Mitch Kelly, Kelly & Son Crazy Painters Tom is a gifted striper and muralist; son Mitch is renowned for his wild and colorful designs. Together the Kellys are key players in Southern California’s edgy car scene. The Kellys choose VIBRANCE COLLECTION® custom paint finishes for their remarkable work. ► Kenny Youngblood, Youngblood Art/Motorsport Gallery Known as “the father of modern-day race car designs,” Youngblood is one of drag racing’s most talented graphic artists. His work has been featured in numerous motorsport publications and on various TV shows including Monster Garage.

► Jeremy Seanor, PPG and Lucky Strike An up-and-coming custom painter, pinstriper and PPG trainer, Seanor is a regular at major events such as the Syracuse Nationals and Detroit Autorama. Well versed in a variety of styles, Seanor relies on PPG products for his custom paint and special effects work. ► Brad Keselowski, Team Penske A Team Penske Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver, Keselowski currently drives the team’s No. 2 Ford Fusion. Team Penske is one of NASCAR’s most successful squads and Keselowski is one of its key drivers. He will be in the booth to share his racing adventures. PPG products are Team Penske’s choice for its cars. ► John Force Racing Team John Force Racing’s domination of Funny Car drag racing over the last quarter century is unparalleled and despite Force turning 67 this year, there is no indication the team he created is losing any of its traction. That’s because over the last several seasons more attention has been focused on a new generation of drivers and mechanics charged with keeping the team in the Mello Yello winner’s circle for decades to come. The team turns to PPG products for its dragsters.

In addition, PPG will host a Facebook Live Fan Q+A with Charley Hutton, Bobby Alloway and Collision Hub’s Kristen Felder. Fans are invited to submit questions for Hutton

52 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

or Alloway and a chance to win a PPG SEMA T-shirt and a poster autographed by one of these standout painters.

The stars will sign autographs and mingle with visitors at PPG booth 24601. Check the schedule below for appearance and event dates and times.

Tuesday, Oct. 31 » 9:15 a.m. –10:00 a.m.

John Force Racing Team » 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Charley Hutton, Charley Hutton’s Color Studio » 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop » 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Tom and Mitch Kelly, Kelly & Son Crazy Painters » 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Kenny Youngblood, Youngblood Art/Motorsport Gallery

Wednesday, Nov. 1 » 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

Kenny Youngblood, Youngblood Art/Motorsport Gallery » 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Tom and Mitch Kelly, Kelly & Son Crazy Painters » 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

Jeremy Seanor, Lucky Strike Designs and PPG » 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Charley Hutton, Charley Hutton’s Color Studio Thursday, Nov. 2 » 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

Kenny Youngblood, Youngblood Art/Motorsport Gallery

» 10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Brad Keselowski, Team Penske, NASCAR Racing » 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

Charley Hutton, Charley Hutton’s Color Studio » 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop » 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Tom and Mitch Kelly, Kelly & Son Crazy Painters » 4:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Facebook Live Fan Q+A with Charley Hutton and Bobby Alloway

Friday, Nov. 3 » 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Tom and Mitch Kelly, Kelly & Son Crazy Painters » 1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

Jeremy Seanor, Lucky Strike Designs and PPG (Appearance schedule subject to change.)

PPG will also showcase its new state-of-the-art Color Solutions XI product line that includes the PAINTMANAGER® XI software, TOUCHMIX® XI computer and RAPIDMATCH® XI spectrophotometer, offering a three-pronged approach to making collision repair more efficient and productive. These technologies are the latest additions to PPG’s industry-leading color tools, which include comprehensive chromatic variant decks for identifying the best vehicle color matches.

To learn more about automotive refinish products from PPG, visit booth 24601 at SEMA, or visit www .ppgrefinish.com.

Team PRP Automotive Recycling Network Expands

Team PRP’s automotive recycling network continues to expand its nationwide footprint with the addition of three exceptional recycling facility partners. The newest locations to join with its thriving organization are Carolina Salvage (Rock Hill, SC); Wayne Auto Salvage (Goldsboro, NC); and ABC Auto Parts (Riverdale, IL). Each of these locations is ideally situated near major metropolitan areas—Charlotte, Raleigh and Chicago.

“I could not be more excited to announce the addition of three more fantastic facilities,” noted Mark Gamble, Executive Director of Team PRP. “Over the course of the last two years,

Team PRP has added more than 20 new facilities. From the moment we began our earnest expansion, we have focused diligently on a quality over quantity mantra. There is no doubt we have strongly adhered to this objective, as we continue to add to the Premium designated in the Team PRP name!”

Further augmenting Team PRP’s high-quality network of parts trading and transporting, the addition of these newest top-tier facility locations will result in an increase in parts availability as well as providing greater efficiency and faster delivery times —providing great benefit to repairers and repair customers alike.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 53

Couple Injured in Honda Fit Case Awarded $31.5 M from Shop, Tracy Firm Resumes State Farm Lawsuit

by Ed Attanasio

On Oct. 2, a Texas jury found that John Eagle Collision Center’s improper repair was liable for the severity of the crash of a 2010 Honda Fit, awarding the injured couple $42 million in damages, but assigning 25% blame to the driver of the other vehicle, a 2010 Toyota Tundra, leaving the shop responsible for 75 percent of the couple’s injuries, and owing approximately $31.5 million under the verdict.

Attorney Todd Tracy, who represented plaintiffs Matthew and Marcia Seebachan, was pleased with the award and not at all surprised with the result.

“I think it was vindication for the Seebachans in many ways,” Tracy said.

“Once the jury weighed all of the evidence and went through the testimony, they could clearly see that most of the liability rested with the body shop. One of the more influential members of the jury said that John

Eagle Collision Center made a business decision when they glued the roof instead of welding it on the Honda Fit. She concluded that since it was a bad decision, the shop had to pay for it and the award indicates that thinking.”

Tracy said that he is now going after State Farm, the insurance company that covered the Seebachans at the time of the accident, in a new civil suit. He strongly believes that based on this case, he will be able to prove that the shoddy repair was directed by the insurer.

“The message is that you had better do the repairs at OE standards, because if you don’t you might get sued big-time,” Tracy said. “The OE procedures from I-CAR are the industry’s Bible, so this is what happens when you don’t follow the Bible. I want the insurance companies out of the collision repair industry now, and the decision in this case is a definite step in that direction.”

Tracy Law Firm Expands Actions

INSIST ON GENUINE GM PARTS

Tracy and the Seebachans have refiled a lawsuit against State Farm for its alleged role in influencing the roof repair, which used an adhesive instead of being welded. According to John Eagle’s body shop director Boyce Willis, State Farm wouldn’t pay the shop unless the repair was done according to its specifications as opposed to Honda’s.

Boyce Willis said in a deposition that the facility in 2012 bonded a replacement roof to a 2010 Honda Fit in clear contradiction to the OEM repair procedures. (Willis insisted he knew using the 3M 8115 panel bonding adhesive was a better repair, as did the defense during the trial.)

Ford GT engineer and plaintiff consultant Neil Hannemann wrote that in his expert opinion, the failure of the roof of the Seebachans’ 2010 Honda Fit during a crash compromised the overall structure and collision energy management of the vehicle—contributing to the Seebachans being trapped inside and a subsequent fire.

“According to John Eagle’s cor-

porate representative, in sworn testimony taken on July 7, 2017, State Farm dictated to John Eagle how the car was to be repaired, i.e., to use adhesive rather than spot welding,” the lawsuit read. “Furthermore, according to John Eagle’s corporate representative, State Farm can ‘trump’ the OEM (Honda) specifications because the repair facility needs to get paid. However, profits should never trump safety.”

The Seebachans filed suit against State Farm in August but dropped the suit a few days later as not to interfere with the timeline of their case against John Eagle.

“No insurance company should ever dictate to a collision repair center or body shop how to repair a vehicle.

To do so is extremely negligent, and shows a wanton disregard for human life and the safety of others,” Tracy argued. “John Eagle did not repair the subject 2010 Honda Fit to Honda’s body repair specifications due to State Farm’s instructions, threats, and/or coercion.”

The couple is suing the insurer

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for negligence and breach of warranty.

“This case is bigger than money,” Tracy said to Dallas News. “This case is about industry-wide change.”

Tracy Firm to Discuss Suit at SEMA “The Anatomy of a Lawsuit: The Crucial Details of the $42 Million Verdict” on Wednesday, Nov. 1, will feature Tracy Law Firm attorney Todd Tracy at SEMA. According to SCRS, Tracy’s presentation of the case can:

● Help collision repair businesses avoid their own “$42 million dollar verdict.”

● Help clarify the facts that led a jury to conclude that OEM procedures were paramount.

● Define how business decisions made in the course of repair can have dramatic effect on both the repair outcome and ultimate responsibility.

“Anatomy of a Lawsuit” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 1 in Ballrooms D-E of the Westgate Las Vegas, located right next to main SEMA venue Las Vegas Convention Center.

Continued from Page 50

Who Pays for What?

drop in the number of repair facilities with multiple estimating systems compared to the prior year. About 26.5 percent of more than 750 shops answering the estimating system question said

may be due to shifting insurer requirements, given that 40 percent of AudaExplore users say the primary reason they chose the system is because an insurer requires it. The same is true for 38.5 percent of Mitchell users.

Although CCC had the highest percentage of users who said “quality

CCC appears to be gaining market share among estimating systems users as the percentage of shops having multiple systems appears to be declining

they had two or more systems installed, of product” was the chief reason the down from 34.1 percent who reported shop chose that system, still nearly 1having more than one estimating system in 2016.

AudaExplore appears to have lost the most customers among those with two or more systems during this period, with a drop of 8.5 percentage points in the number of facilities that said they use that system. Mitchell Interna- Almost two-thirds of shops say they are paid at their body labor rate to install a radiator, but installing an air conditional saw a drop of 4.8 per- tioning condenser is split more evenly between those centage points. This trend being paid at a mechanical versus body labor rate

in-3 (32.4 percent) CCC users said the primary reason they chose CCC was to satisfy insurer requirements.

Anderson said more than 2,500 shops have taken one or more of the “Who Pays for What?” surveys since they began in 2015, and he says they often tell him that “just participating in the surveys is a great reminder of procedures they are performing every day, but may not be listing on estimates or invoices.”

Shops can take the current survey (or sign up to be notified about future surveys) at https://www.crashnetwork .com/collisionadvice. The surveys each take about 15–20 minutes, and should be completed by the shop owner, manager or estimator who is most familiar with the shop’s billing practices and the payment practices of the largest national insurers. Individual responses are not released in any way; only cumulative data is released.

At the website, shops also can download the results of previous surveys, reports that break down the findings by region, by insurer and by DRP vs. non-DRP. The reports also include analysis and resources to help shops better understand and use the information presented.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 55

WMABA Adds WV to Territory and Launches Facebook Group

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

The Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) took a break from active meetings over the summer, but is excited to announce that it will be expanding its membership territory to include West Virginia, and will also be launching a Facebook group.

WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler promises, “We also have lots in the works!”

The association launched its Facebook group in July to encourage dialogue between association members about what’s going on in their businesses and how they can improve the collision repair industry in their area.

WMABA’s group can be found at facebook.com/groups/WMABACollision Group.

On Sept. 21, WMABA announced the addition of WV as part of the association’s membership territory. The addition of WV was largely encouraged by a specific Mountaineer: Steve Krieps, Shop Manager for Greg Cline Automotive in Winfield, WV, who is also WMABA’s new board member.

Explaining the importance of WV joining the association, Krieps stated, “The collision repair industry is chang-

ing at a rapid pace. As vehicle technology advances, the repair process must evolve as well. As repairers, it is absolutely critical that we stay informed on local issues, and act when necessary.

We must educate our consumers so

they can make informed decisions and stay consistent with our training, to the benefit of consumer safety and quality of repair.

“WMABA has been navigating the socio-economics and technical aspects of the collision repair industry for nearly 50 years. With their presence at trade conferences across the country, they are on the forefront of progress. This partnership with WMABA will be instrumental to the Mountain State, and we are ecstatic and honored to be members of the WMABA family. We are more than prepared for a brighter future.”

Hendler is also very excited about the addition of WV to WMABA’s coverage area. She noted, “When the legislation to change the aftermarket parts

CCC Uses a Single Photo to Process Smart Claims via Machine Learning Algorithms

CCC Information Services Inc. has introduced its CCC Smart Total Loss™ solution that uses and analyzes a single photo to help auto insurers predict a vehicle total loss in seconds, with superior accuracy, and without human intervention. The solution uses deep learning algorithms to help predict the most effective appraisal method for insurers, which improves triage decisions that can reduce related expenses and reduce the disruption caused by total loss vehicles at repair shops. CCC, the automotive claims leader who first went into production with machine learning capabilities in 2011, is now in market trials with carriers testing the first integrated solution that combines digital technology with powerful AI to bring decisionmaking precision and a streamlined experience to claims processing.

“Claims that require little-to-no human intervention are an ambitious goal and one that needs to be approached intelligently and with the betterment of the industry, its participants, and consumers in mind,” said Barrett Callaghan, GM and SVP, Insurance Services Group, CCC. “The introduction of CCC Smart Total Loss is the first tangible step on a journey toward truly intelligent claims. CCC has processed

more than 180 million automotive claims, and our work in AI and deepand machine-learning has been persistent and ongoing for nearly a decade.

Not every claim can be fast-tracked, but through technology expertise, and deep claims insight, we can achieve a greater level of efficiency, quality, and service experience that is demanded in today's digital and consumer-centric environment.”

CCC Smart Total Loss will be available for deployment in standalone mobile apps or integrated into insurers' mobile experiences. Users upload their photo—as instructed by their insurer—and have that photo analyzed

by CCC's powerful AI engine. Smart Total Loss instantly analyzes damage against like photos, matching in make, model, year, and damage-type, returning a real-time response. Smart Total Loss is part of CCC Smart Claims™, a rapidly growing suite of intelligent claims management solutions. Smart Total Loss is powered by the CCC ONE® platform and is designed to be integrated into the workflow of the more than 350 carriers and 24,000 shops that use the platform today. For more see cccis.com/insurance-carriers/ smart-total/

56 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

requirements came up, Steve was right on the case! Throughout that process of combatting the change, we got to know each other some, and I think he saw the value in the association and having representation. It kindled something in him, I think, to start the hunt to gather shops around this cause. While adding West Virginia is a really big deal, that could just be the beginning of us doing more things. Or even adding another state that doesn’t have representation, like Delaware. The others are covered, but partnerships could be the way to go and grow along with our other state affiliates of SCRS!” WMABA is also gearing up for its mid-century anniversary, as 2018 will mark the group’s 50th year in operation.

According to Mark Schaech, President of WMABA, “WMABA has two major milestones cresting into 2018, with the 50th Anniversary and now the West Virginia addition. I am

so pleased to see this new growth, probably to go along with additional re-branding opportunities, and the excitement of this is very refreshing. As collision repairers, we can get bogged down in the minutia of shop life. It’s easy to lose sight of all we are really capable of when we lock together. It could be the best thing to happen in my time with WMABA, both on the board and as a longtime member.”

WMABA’s Board of Directors is very pleased with the potential opportunities offered by all of these milestones.

Hendler added, “Coming in the near future, WMABA will also release additional information about the anniversary and initiatives in the works for continuing to be at the forefront of education, mentoring, and membership advocacy.”

For more information about WMABA, visit www.wmaba.com or call 804-789-9649

Team PRP Mobilizes to Help with Disaster Relief for Victims of Harvey, Irma, and Maria

In the wake of enormous devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, Team PRP partners around the U.S. mobilized swiftly with an efficient strategy to offer assistance to those in urgent need. Immediately following Hurricane Harvey’s destructive impact in Texas, Team PRP locations gathered critical supplies.

They then utilized their own transportation network and began shipping donations to a Holland, Texas member facility, Snyder’s Auto Salvage.

As Snyder’s employees received each delivery, numerous items includ-

ing bottled water, household supplies and diapers, were then sorted and taken to various Texas charities and service organizations for distribution. With an overwhelmingly generous and rapid response from their partners, Team PRP was then able to shift their intended support to include the thousands in Florida and Puerto Rico who were then experiencing similar destruction following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. All Pro Auto Parts in Auburndale, FL, took on the monumental and ongoing task of accepting numerous tractor-trailer loads of donations.

GFS Names Ramis VP of Automotive Refinish Sales

Effective September 1, 2017, Global in engineering, project management, Finishing Solutions® (GFS) is pleased sales and business development. His to announce the promotion of Mick educational background includes a Ramis to the role of vice president of bachelor’s degree in manufacturing automotive refinish sales. engineering from the Uni“I am excited to take versity of Wisconsin–Stout on the responsibilities and and an MBA with an emchallenges of the automophasis in sales and markettive refinish business unit ing through the University and use my experience to of Wisconsin–Eau Claire. capitalize on opportunities James Faragher, presiand bring success to GFS, dent of Global Finishing our distributors and our Solutions, says “Mick’s Mick Ramis customers,” says Ramis. leadership and business Since joining GFS in 2016, acumen has created significant value Ramis has made contributions to our in the short time he has been with our company as the manager of both our company. We are confident that his parts and filters and service and pre- leadership of our refinish business ventative maintenance departments. will result in strengthening our posiPrior to GFS, Ramis worked for a tion in the market by creating value Fortune 250 global leader in motion that will benefit our partners and cusand control technologies, with roles tomers.”

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 57

Tips for Busy Body Shops

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.

How to Improve Your Interviewing Process & Hire for Keeps with Stacey Phillips

When Mike Davidson started his first day on the job at a car dealership in Arkansas, the business owner asked him to stand aside and watch him fully detail a GMC S15 pickup truck.

It was a cold day in November, and 19-year-old Davidson recalls the owner demonstrating exactly how he wanted the job completed. That experience, which he refers to as “Wash the Truck,” has stayed with Davidson his entire career. Not only does the industry veteran ensure he gives his employees a clear understanding of his

expectations while on the job, but he also takes the time to hire employees who fit the culture of his business.

Davidson, president of the American Skilled Labor Association and owner of Parkway Automotive in Little Rock, AR, recently spoke to shop owners and managers at an AkzoNobel Acoat Selected performance group meeting held in September in San Diego, CA, about how to improve their interviewing process. The presentation was part of the company’s early bird training sessions offered

As a result of his learnings over the years, Davidson developed a step-bystep process that he now shares with other small businesses across America.

He said his seminar can be applied across any industry:

1) Prescreen Document: First, the prospective employee is asked by the office manager or service advisor to fill out a 10-question document with the absolute requirements of the company (e.g. driver’s license, do you smoke, how many driving violations in the last three years).

2) Application: A job-specific application is filled out.

3) Interview: The prospective employee is interviewed using questions developed by management and staff that will help determine if the candidate will be a good fit for the business culture.

4) Interview with staff: If the first interview is successful, the candidate is given an opportunity to talk to the staff and ask questions about the facility and how the business is run. Once that is complete, the staff meets to determine if the job applicant is a good fit for the team. Davidson said that at his business, it has to be a unanimous decision in order for the candidate to be hired.

5) Job offer: A thorough job description is prepared at this stage and compensation is discussed.

6) Tech report card: All staff members fill out a report card about the new hire after 30, 60 and 90 days to gain feedback about his/her performance. The new employee is also asked if there is anything the business is doing that is keeping him/her from doing a really great job.

58 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

during the week-long event, which was attended by more than 200 body shop representatives, distributors, AkzoNobel employees and guests. Held twice a year, the performance group gives shops the opportunity to take time away from working in their business to work on their business.

During his presentation, titled “Hiring for Keeps,” he shared examples of what he learned over his 35year career in the automotive industry, as well as the specific hiring process he developed after setting out to discover how he could improve the way he hired staff.

Part of this was based on his learnings from Leadership IQ, an organization that focuses on leadership training. After reading books and completing video training over a oneyear period, he found that one of the common themes with successful companies, such as Southwest Airlines and Chick-fil-A, was the similarity in the

employees’ attitudes, no matter where they were located across the country.

As a result, he incorporated what he had learned and put it into practice at his business.

“No matter who we are as business owners, hiring the right people makes a big difference with the internal customers—our employees. We hire people for what they know; we fire them for who they are!” he said. “Some people, no matter how hard you try, just don’t fit the job.”

The key, according to Davidson, is to hire employees who fit your culture rather than hiring someone primarily based on their skills.

“I believe the people you hire are the people who are going to create consistency within your organization,” said Davidson. “Consistency creates your brand.”

Although having excellent skills is very important, he also recomSee Hire for Keeps, Page 62

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Continued from Page 28

BMW’s CCRC

be done and why.

Ehmann: We want to make sure our network is trained and repairs the cars according to BMW standards. The only way we can do this is through training. Part of our role is to teach insurance companies about our repair technology especially with riveting and bonding.

Guild 21: Does BMW have a position statement available stating that pre-repair and post-repair diagnostic scans are required or recommended?

Fahlbush: We don’t have a position statement, but if the vehicle is equipped with something that has to have a diagnostic scan, reprogramming or recalibration done, it will note that in our repair instructions, which are very detailed and VIN specific. If you are a CCRC, you have direct access to this information. If you are not a CCRC, you can still get access to it through our website: www.BMWtechinfo.com.

There are daily, monthly and yearly subscriptions that can be purchased.

Guild 21: With a high customer-service focus, how is this communicated to collision repairers?

Ehmann: We hold regular yearly conferences and starting this coming year, we will also have regional conferences. Our seven regional managers communicate on a daily basis to the shops all over the country about what needs to be implemented.

We have a very strong focus on train-

ing. It’s our biggest concern and it’s all about the customer. We are a premium car manufacturer and if we want to convince the customer that BMW is the ultimate driving machine for them to enjoy, then we have to take the opportunity to turn every accident that is an awful experience, into a delightful experience. We accomplish this by working together with the shops and the insurance company to ensure we have happy customers.

Guild 21: Does the CCRC program allow for the use of OE recycled parts?

Fahlbush: No, BMW requires the use of new OEM parts for all repairs within the CCRC network.

Guild 21: Why does BMW have this requirement?

Fahlbush: Once something is recycled, it’s outside our chain of custody; we don’t know if that part is subject to a recall and what has been done to the part before it came to the salvage vendor and then subsequently to the shop.

There are so many unknowns and variables of what that part is when it comes in to the shop that we limit it strictly to new parts.

Ehmann: It’s important to note that we totally and truly respect alternative solutions.

Guild 21: How do you promote the CCRC program to consumers?

Ehmann: We have detailed information on our website where we list the CCRCs throughout the country. We also have an accident hotline a customer can call for support. No one wants to promote accidents. Every ac-

SEMA Show Performance Pavilion Expands

The 2017 SEMA Show will once again include the Performance Pavilion, one of four expansion areas that accommodates manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories and makes it possible for them to exhibit at the premier automotive trade event taking place Tuesday-Friday, Oct. 31–Nov. 3, 2017, in Las Vegas, NV. Located south of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Performance Pavilion debuted in 2015 and connects buyers to new manufacturers focused on the wheel, tires, and trucks, SUV and off-road market segments.

This year, the Performance Pavil-

ion will expand to include even more exhibitors. Visitors will be able to easily walk to the Performance Pavilion from the west end of South Hall, where DUB Magazine will be exhibiting. Visitors arriving on the east side in the Bronze Lot Transportation Hub, via taxi, hotel shuttle or a ride-sharing service, will find the Continental Tire Experience, powered by BMW, before arriving in the Performance Pavilion.

“The Performance Pavilion makes it possible for new and emerging manufacturers to participate in the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA VP of events and communica-

60 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

cident is an awful experience, no matter if it’s a little fender bender. Our goal is to help customers get it resolved in the quickest way possible.

Guild 21: Do you have a collision CSI program and if so, can you describe it?

Fahlbush:: Yes, it’s similar to a lot of the other ones used. It’s generally either a text or an email survey that goes out that measures a lot of the standard questions in regard to the repair such as net promoter score, quality, etc.

Guild 21: Are there onsite inspections to ensure the vehicles leaving the shop are properly repaired?

Fahlbush: The field team spends the majority of their time in the shops, whether it’s doing a basic audit or working on insurance partnership improvements at the shop. This includes checking previously completed repairs and files and making sure documentation is there according to our standards.

When they walk through the shop, they’ll see the quality of the repairs and know what’s right and what’s not right. We balance the teams so there is a good mix of folks from the insurance side of things as well as folks from the collision repair side, previous BMW repair technicians, formers shop owners and managers.

Ehmann: We have a system where we communicate with all of our dealers.

We take pictures from every single audit. It’s very important to have transparency.

Guild 21: Looking into the future, what are your predictions in terms of

tions. “Like all the SEMA Show expansion areas, the Performance Pavilion is easy for buyers to navigate and it successfully connects them to new exhibiting companies.”

SEMA Show expansion areas, also known as “First-Time and Featured Exhibitors” areas, are located in four locations: ● Performance Pavilion: Located in the outside area south of the Las Vegas Convention Center, adjacent to the Renaissance Hotel ● Upper South: Located in the upper

the certified collision repair network?

Ehmann: We want to see more effectiveness. I often ask those who are part of our network: ‘What is the difference between a Starbucks coffee in L.A. and N.Y.?’ One time, a collision manager in our network answered, ‘There is no difference; they all taste the same.” That’s exactly what we want to see in our network—that everybody performs the specific repair exactly as it is required. There’s only one guideline in our technical library and it’s meant to be followed.

The key is training.

Fahlbush: The reason I joined BMW and why I love being here every day is that future potential. How we, as a manufacturer, interact with the insurance carriers. We all share a common customer. That’s what we’re striving for—working together because of that shared customer and making it the best possible service and outcome for that person in the event of an accident.

Guild 21: What is the best way to contact the field staff to find out more information about BMW?

Fahlbush: Currently we have two field staff in the east, two in the south, two in the west, and one in the central region. They are an excellent source of contact for BMW repairs, procedures and requirements in regard to collision repair. This includes what can and can’t be done, as well as questions from insurers regarding repairability.

VeriFacts is a third-party onsite repair verification provider available to auto body repair shops. For more information about VeriFacts Automotive, email: info@verifactsauto.com.

level of South Hall, on the east side

● Racing Annex: Located in the Las Vegas Convention Center Meeting Rooms N100-120, between North and Central Halls just east of the Grand Lobby

● Westgate Pavilion: Located in the Pavilion area of the Westgate Hotel, just north of the Las Vegas Convention Center

To view the floor plan and learn more about the 2017 SEMA Show, visit www .semashow.com.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 61

Continued from Page 58

Hire for Keeps

mends owners/managers determine if prospective employees have the ability to get along with staff, understand the company’s strategy and structure, and share the same values.

“If you have someone working on a customer’s car who doesn’t share your values, he or she is going to take shortcuts you don’t want, and is going to put out a product that you don’t want to be put out. Every time,” he said.

Davidson discussed the interviewing techniques he uses on a regular basis.

“You have to have a process in place and you have to have a system that will help you determine if the person is the right person for your organization,” he said.

By altering the traditional interviewing method and listening to an interviewee’s answers, Davidson said it’s easier to discover if a person is the best fit for the business.

He advised shops to eliminate what he referred to as “hypothetical” questions. Some of the examples he shared included: “What song best describes

asking about a time the person was in a difficult situation.

“Then, pause and give them an opportunity to think and let them answer the question,” he said.

Davidson said the ultimate goal is to ask questions that reveal what every business should be looking for—a high performer.

“There are two types of people who walk into an interview—the problem-bringers and the problem-solvers,” explained Davidson. “Your job is to decide which one of those people is sitting in front of you.”

He classified them as low performers and high performWhen Mike Davidson (left) presents “Hiring for Keeps,” ers. he performs a live interview at the end of the seminar that He described a low perdemonstrates what you lvearn. During the presentation for AkzoNobel, he demonstrated a mock interview with Drew former as someone who will Holdren (right), Services Consultant Acoat Selected Servhear a problem and do nothices for AkzoNobel ing more, whereas a high pereveryone, you have the wrong quesformer will offer a solution to the tion.” problem at hand. To tell the difference Other questions to be avoided in- between the two, Davidson said that clude those that lead the interviewee shop owners and managers need to on how to answer them. For example, change the way they listen during a rather than asking someone to talk job interview. about a time he or she had to adapt to A good first step is to interview a difficult situation, he recommended your current staff to learn more about your work ethic,” “What kitchen utensil would you be,” and “How would you rate me as an interviewer from a scale of 1 to 10?”

“None of these questions help determine who the person really is,” said Davidson. “Questions should have different responses from different candidates. If the answers are the same for

your culture. Not only does it allow you to identify the actions you want to see in your business, but it also helps you figure out the ones that you do NOT want in your business culture and that already may be there.

Once you have figured out the characteristics for your culture, you can begin the interviewing process.

Davidson said there are many benefits: You’ll deepen your hiring pool, discover untapped talent, reduce the risk of hiring the wrong people, and cut turnover.

“It’s not easy work, but it’s important work,” he said.

He advised owners to put on their “attitude eyes.”

“We need people who can handle problems with the right attitude,” he said. “You have to find attitudes in your organization that identify the low performers and high performers.”

Every question, according to Davidson, should be a cliffhanger.

“It must be open-ended and conversational,” he said. “You must allow them to think.”

When deciding where to hold an interview, Davidson recommended creating an environment that fosters dialogue rather than a monologue. It might

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mean meeting at a comfortable place like a Starbucks couch or sitting sideby-side in the conference room.

“Avoid sitting across a desk, which is a physical barrier,” he advised.

Davidson shared examples of interview questions he has found to be helpful when determining low performers versus high performers, and offered insight about each one.

“Could you tell me about a time you lacked the skills or knowledge to complete an assignment?”

It fosters openness and encourages conversation.

“Can you tell me about a decision you made that felt risky or you might fail?”

Low performers always seem to play it safe, and high performers take a risk even if it means failing.

“Tell me about a time when an organizational rule created a barrier to achieve an outcome you wanted?”

Low performers, for the most part, do not like playing by the rules whereas high performers respect the rules.

“Can you tell me about a time you didn’t have the information you needed to complete a project?”

Low performers need constant handson attention, and high performers excel

at getting the information they need to work independently.

“Can you tell me about a time when you had to think outside the box?”

Low performers recycle the same thoughts over and over, whereas high performers generate unique ideas.

“Can you tell me about a time you received negative feedback from a boss?”

Low performers find ways to blame someone else for their problems, and high performers choose their words carefully and help solve problems.

“Could you tell me about a time you were given an assignment outside your role?”

This question helps determine if the prospective employee is a team player.

Davidson said that no matter what questions you develop with the assistance of your team, there is a five-part question he always recommends including during the interview process.

He calls it the “coachability question,” and stressed the importance of listening to each response carefully to help you get to know a prospective employee: 1) What is your boss’s name and can you spell it for me?

2) Tell me about xx as a boss.

3) What is something that you could have done differently to enhance your relationship with xx?

4) When I talk to xx, what is he going to say about your strengths?

5) When I talk to xx, what is he going to tell me about your weaknesses?

Davidson also offered interview tips to consider: • Count to three before you speak to give the interviewee time to respond.

• If you need clarification, ask questions such as: “Were others involved?”

“Can you give me specifics?” “What was the timeframe?” “Where did this take place? Tell me more about what made you choose that action.”

• Look for the warning signs of low performers: They want individual recognition, make excuses for why it won’t work, are quick to blame and eager to escape accountability, throw up their hands, have a negative disposition and are highly sensitive.

• Look for character traits of high performers: They are highly collaborative, help one another without being asked, are self-directed learners, ask

questions to gain greater clarity, and go out of their way to support their peers.

• Pronouns can often tell you a lot about a person. High performers will always talk about themselves and what they learned. Low performers talk about other people.

The ultimate goal, according to Davidson, is to find and hire employees with the right attitude and who fit the culture of your business.

“You can’t do it quickly,” said Davidson. “You must do it methodically, have a process, assimilate the information, and then you’ll wind up making a really good decision. Hire the wrong person, and you just hired your weakest link.”

This article was based on the presentation “Hiring for Keeps,” held during the AkzoNobel Acoat Selected performance group meeting in September in San Diego, CA. For more information and to schedule a presentation, contact Mike Davidson at 501-993-6121 or email at miked@parkwayautomotive.net.

For more information about the AkzoNobel Acoat Selected program, visit www.acoatna.com.

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 63

Continued from Page 40

Association Agreement

mandated use by shops of PartsTrader, which began in 2012.

5 years ago in the collision repair industry (November 2012) During a panel discussion at SEMA, Michael Giarrizzo Jr. of DCR Systems, which operates collision repair shops for dealerships, said shops have ended up with office staffs of equal number to their production staffs in part because they segment out roles in the office, such as estimator and parts Continued from Page 36

Forum Highlights

information stored in the vehicle, just as their counterparts in the mechanical repair industry have done for years. Given that this information is legally considered to belong to the owner of the vehicle, collision repairers’ customer authorization forms need to evolve as well.

“We obtain an authorization not

manager. But shops rarely need a consistent number of people in any of those positions throughout the week, he said. So by cross-training, shops can move staff based on the demands of the work at any given time.

“You may be a star wide receiver, but darn it, sometimes you have to go out and throw a couple blocks to make a difference,” said Giarrizzo, who spent four years with the Sterling Autobody Centers chain after it acquired his family’s 4-shop business in Ohio.

He also said that flat rate or commission pay structures are often based more on “management laziness” than innovative thinking. Giarrizzo said pay-

ing employees hourly does shift some of the risk to the shop if the supply of work slows. But that risk can be offset by the reward of fixed labor costs.

“You pay the same paychecks whether you fix two cars or 200 cars,” Giarrizzo said. “So getting to the break-even point is a bit more challenging. But after that break-even point, cash rains. You’re now dropping dollars to the bottom line at a rate of 55 or 60 percent of every dollar.”

– As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), November 19, 2012. Giarrizzo remains CEO of DCR Systems.

only to access the data, but also to use the data,” DeWalt said, noting that even customers paying for repairs themselves haven’t declined having their vehicle scanned.

“We incorporated some verbiage into our customer authorization form that, first, gives us the authority to [access] information from the vehicle systems, and second, gives us the authority to share that with the insurer,” Amberson agreed.

He said customers are increas-

ingly safety-conscious and seem to embrace the need for shops to access vehicle information as part of repairs.

He recalled one job his company retained—when the customer was being persuaded to go to a direct repair shop for the insurer involved—because the scanning processes had been explained to them at LaMettry’s.

“They chose our shop because they liked the idea that we were scanning the car to make sure everything was done correctly,” Amberson said.

International Auto Crafters Nominated for Achievement in Collision Repair Excellence

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Take Advantage of Early Registration Discounts for RDE at SEMA Registration for the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education (RDE) programs at the SEMA Show is open and rapidly processing new registrations leading up to the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV.

The RDE series, featuring the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit on the Thursday of the show, will provide collision repairers with access to more than 30 educational sessions delivered by the industry’s most respected subject matter experts. The sessions will be delivered between Monday, Oct. 30 and Friday, Nov. 3.

Registering early ensures your participation, and can save you money on both the pass into the show as well as the cost of the educational programs. Early bird pricing ends after Friday, Oct 13. Register today at

www.scrs.com/rde.

Each session of the RDE series has been individually selected or suggested by SCRS for content that specifically focuses on issues and information of relevance to collision repair professionals operating in today’s marketplace. The sessions can be purchased individually, or accessed with a Full Series Pass, which includes admission to one regular RDE session in each available time slot, access to all three segments of the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, and admission for one to the SCRS Sky Villa After Party on Thursday night in the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. Additional party tickets can be purchased in the registration listings.

The Full Series Pass presents the most options, with the most flexibility, at the best rate of only $375 if purchased by Oct. 13.

Registration for education sessions can be secured at www.scrs .com/rde. Need help registering for SCRS Repairer Driven Education?

Call registration customer service at 866-229-3687.

Six Vehicle Builders Awarded Entry into SEMA Battle of the Builders Competition

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced six regional Young Guns winners who will be awarded a trip to the 2017 SEMA Show and automatic entry into this year’s SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

In an effort to identify and support young builders who may not already have an approved vehicle at the 2017 SEMA Show, SEMA partnered with regional event promoters during the past six months to provide heightened exposure for up-andcoming builders. Builders age 27 or younger were selected by partnering organizations (AutoCon, Bonnier and Goodguys) to receive a Young Guns prize package that includes an all-expenses paid trip for two to the 2017 SEMA Show, transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature spot at the show and entry into the Battle of the Builders. Young Guns regional winners are: ● Dylan Colman: 1996 BMW e30 M3 (Winner of AutoCon Los Angeles, from Los Angeles, CA) ● Austin Haynes: 1970 C/10 (Winner of Street Machine Nationals, from Johnson City, IL)

● Zach Johanson: 1970 Camaro (Winner of West Coast Nationals, from Hayward, CA) ● Jacob Neuenschwander: 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 (Winner of 4Wheel Jamboree, from Bluffton, OH) ● Henry Song: 2015 BMW 135 (Winner of AutoCon East, from Annandale, VA) ● Cody Taintor: 1996 Ford Bronco (Winner of Bloomsburg 4-Wheel Jamboree, from Egg Harbor Township, NJ) The regional Young Guns winners will now participate in the competition, which includes more than 300 entries. Finalists will be announced during the SEMA Show, with the winner crowned at the official SEMA Show after-party, SEMA Ignited, on Friday, Nov. 3, in Las Vegas, NV. The competition is the basis for a nationwide television special that will premiere on the Velocity Channel in January 2018. Features and behindthe-scenes footages from the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show will be shown during the television special.

For more information, visit www .semaignited.com.

SEMA Show Performance Pavilion Expands

The 2017 SEMA Show will once again include the Performance Pavilion, one of four expansion areas that accommodates manufacturers of automotive parts and accessories and makes it possible for them to exhibit at the premier automotive trade event taking place Tuesday-Friday, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, 2017, in Las Vegas, NV. Located south of the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Performance Pavilion debuted in 2015 and connects buyers to new manufacturers focused on the wheel, tires, and trucks, SUV and off-road market segments.

This year, the Performance Pavilion will expand to include even more exhibitors. Visitors will be able to easily walk to the Performance Pavilion from the west end of South Hall, where DUB Magazine will be exhibiting. Visitors arriving on the east side in the Bronze Lot Transportation Hub, via taxi, hotel shuttle or a ride-sharing service, will find the Continental Tire Experience, powered by BMW, before arriving in the Performance Pavilion.

“The Performance Pavilion makes it possible for new and

emerging manufacturers to participate in the SEMA Show,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA VP of events and communications.

“Like all the SEMA Show expansion areas, the Performance Pavilion is easy for buyers to navigate and it successfully connects them to new exhibiting companies.”

SEMA Show expansion areas, also known as “First-Time and Featured Exhibitors” areas, are located in four locations:

• Performance Pavilion: Located in the outside area south of the Las Vegas Convention Center, adjacent to the Renaissance Hotel • Upper South: Located in the upper level of South Hall, on the east side • Racing Annex: Located in the Las Vegas Convention Center Meeting Rooms N100-120, between North and Central Halls just east of the Grand Lobby • Westgate Pavilion: Located in the Pavilion area of the Westgate Hotel, just north of the Las Vegas Convention Center To view the floor plan and learn more about the 2017 SEMA Show, visit www.semashow.com.

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Continued from Page 4

Who’s Liable?

in resolving the legal issues that will arise in connection with autonomous vehicles.

Fortunately, modern products liability law is adequately developed to allocate fault for injuries and damages stemming from autonomous vehicle accidents, which will allow litigants to utilize the current law to answer the question of whether an autonomous vehicle is at fault for a collision. Moving forward, the legal framework for autonomous vehicle accident liability will be segmented into strict product liability, breach of warranty liability, misrepresentation liability and negligence liability.

Products liability litigation Strict liability is the dominant legal theory in products liability litigation, and is thus poised to be the theory most consistently applied to autonomous vehicle accident litigation. Strict products liability requires that: (1) the product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s control; (2) the product was unreasonably dangerous; and (3) the defect was the proximate cause of the injuries.

As automobiles become more autonomous, manufacturing defects will likely represent a large portion of defect claims, as errors on the production line will never vanish completely. Here, manufacturers can be found strictly liable for manufacturing defects even if they have exercised “all possible care” in manufacturing the vehicle. Similarly, the automobile industry will almost certainly see an uptick in the amount of design defect claims asserted against designers and manufacturers of autonomous vehicles.

Breach of warranty liability Warranty theories of liability are also likely to increase. There are several different types of warranties that apply in the context of autonomous vehicles.

First, express warranties will be created through promises made by the seller to a prospective buyer pertaining to the sale of the vehicle, including those created through written vehicle warranties, descriptions of the vehicle made during the sale process, or promises made in connection with the marketing and advertising of the vehicle.

In addition, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a partic-

ular purpose (that the vehicles or their technology will be fit for the purpose for which they are sold) will also apply in the arena of autonomous vehicle litigation.

Misrepresenting quality Misrepresentation liability regarding the quality of autonomous vehicles may also come into play in from accidents involving self-driving cars. Misrepresentation involves the communication of false or misleading information, and liability in this respect can occur when a person reasonably relies on the misrepresentation and sustains injury.

For example, if an autonomous vehicle actually requires more human input and oversight than claimed by the manufacturer and this leads to a collision, responsibility for the accident may rest with the manufacturer under a misrepresentation theory of liability.

Negligence liability Finally, designers and manufacturers of vehicles can also be held liable under negligence theories in relation to autonomous vehicle accidents.

Manufacturers owe a duty to use reasonable care in the design of their automobiles to avoid unreasonable risk of injury, and to minimize the severity of injury in the event of an accident.

In addition, manufacturers also owe a duty to construct their vehicles without latent or hidden defects, which would encompass defective autonomous vehicle technology. Here, in addition to products liability-oriented theories, manufacturers would also face common law negligence liability where an accident occurred as a proximate result of a vehicle operating in autonomous mode, creating a new hybrid type of legal action involving a mixture of negligence and products liability theories.

Allocating fault between driver & vehicle Although autonomous vehicles are designed to operate on their own and without the use of a driver, many vehicles are being designed to place the operator in a position to assume control of a vehicle in a variety of circumstances, allowing drivers to effectively share operation of the vehicle with the automobile’s autonomous technology. Where vehicles are not operating in autonomous mode, but are being driven by a human, the driver will ordinarily still be subject to liability even in the context of an autonomous vehicle accident.

70 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

However, determining whether the driver or the vehicle was operating the automobile at the time of an accident may turn out to be a very thorny task, as it is not always entirely clear where the line between the driver and the vehicle falls.

Accordingly, many lawsuits will involve suing both the driver and the manufacturer due to questions surrounding which party is at fault for the accident. In such instances, establishing liability on one party or the other might be difficult, causing some more complex lawsuits where car manufacturers and drivers identify each other as the responsible party for a collision resulting in injury or damage.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, along with the Society of Automotive Engineers, has developed a six-tiered rating system that classifies vehicles according to their level of automated function. Zero represents complete human control, and five denotes a vehicle operating in fully autonomous mode.

Under this system, any accident occurring while a vehicle is driving at a level of automation of two or below will be deemed to be the result of human error, as opposed to the vehicle’s

autonomous technology.

However, the NHTSA’s liability paradigm is merely advisory, and does not represent binding regulation. Ultimately, responsibility for classifying autonomous vehicles—and determining how to best allocate liability between driver and vehicle—will rest with the individual states.

At what juncture this liability shifts from driver to vehicle will be a point of significant debate across the country in the coming years. States will be required to establish a liability scheme that does not dissuade the automobile industry from introducing fully autonomous vehicles to the consumer marketplace, while at the same time holding designers, manufacturers, and suppliers responsible for collisions caused by the vehicles themselves.

The final word The appropriate approach to liability for autonomous vehicles is merely one of a number of difficult legal issues that will have to be addressed as autonomous vehicles become more prevalent on our nation’s roadways, and the law catches up with this rapidly advancing technology. Ultimately, as vehicles become See Who’s Liable?, Page 80

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Symach FixLine System Increases Efficiency and Production at New Facility Earlier this year, European Autobody relocated its 30,200 sq. ft. business in Ontario, Canada, and incorporated an entirely new repair process into the facility—Symach’s FixLine system.

The collision repair shop specializes in repairing Ferrari, Maserati, BMW, Ford and other luxury brands, and moved to a larger facility in Vaughan the first quarter of 2017.

Manuel De Luca, the manager of European Autobody, said the Symach process and equipment have greatly helped improve operations at their facility.

“Every collision center, big or small, should consider these products, do their research and see that Symach is a feasible way to be successful,” he said.

European Autobody is part of the Remo Ferri Automotive group, which includes 13 locations in Ontario. After learning about Symach from a colleague, De Luca spent time researching the FixLine system and watched several YouTube videos about the Italian-based company.

“I was intrigued almost immediately and knew right way this is the future, and we had to be part of this,” he said. “We strive to be ahead of the curve, which changes just as fast as it

comes, in order to provide our customers and partners the best repair procedures and services available.”

In addition to purchasing Symach’s body shop equipment, De Luca was interested in the Italian company’s FixLine process to run day-to-day operations in his shop. “We felt it would allow our facility to be successful and to take the next steps in building our business,” he said.

By encompassing all aspects of the repair, De Luca said the FixLine process has allowed operations to be more efficient, ensured a quicker repair time for customers, and has decreased rental costs to insurance partners. He also said the system is helping to minimize delays of vehicles in the prep and paint department.

“We have been able to reduce a typical two-day minimum down to one day,” said De Luca.

Before installing the new equipment, the shop repaired approximately 45 vehicles a week. With the use of Symach’s FixLine system, which includes “SAP” Symach Application Process, Drytronic technology, and seven robots, the production capacity has already increased to 90 repairs per week with the same number of technicians and no overtime. It has the potential of completing more than 120

repairs per week.

“The robots drastically reduce drying times of all substances,” said Osvaldo Bergaglio, CEO of Symach.

“Our international team trained the staff at European Autobody to help achieve the maximum output of vehicles and ensure they are successful in their new location.”

“Osvaldo has been amazing throughout the entire process; we had many revisions, and every time he professionally handled us with patience and gratitude,” said De Luca. “I am amazed how efficient he and his team have been.”

He said the Symach process and equipment have helped his shop continue to grow and be successful. “It’s the latest technology on the North American market,” he said. “You only have one chance to do an excellent job. Make sure you capitalize on those chances!”

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CREF Announces New Board of Trustees Members

The Collision Repair Education Foundation announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Trustees.

These include: Kevin Burnett, Gerber Collision & Glass; Don Mikrut, Audatex, a Solera Company; Jay Sharp, National Coatings & Supplies; and Karen Sullivan, Allstate Insurance.

Through the guidance, support, and direction of the Board of Trustees, the Collision Repair Education Foundation is able to continue its support of secondary and post-secondary collision students, their school programs, and instructors.

Russ Hoffbauer, Chairman of the Foundation Board, said, “We are excited to have new representatives of these very supportive organizations join the foundation. Our vision is to help supply the collision repair industry with a sufficient number of qualified employees.”

Clark Plucinski, Executive Director of the Foundation, stated, “All of us at the Collision Repair Education Foundation are thrilled to include such committed and dedicated individuals to our Board of Trustees.”

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 71

Repairify, Inc. Announces Plans to Expand Globally Repairify, Inc., the makers of the patented asTech™ diagnostic device, announced the appointment of Evangelos Antypas as President, International. Mr. Antypas will assume responsibility for international sales, marketing and business development activity, including future joint-ventures and license agreements.

Evangelos has more than 20 years’ international business experience in the automotive, technology, and consumer goods industries. He has held executive positions at Solera Holdings, Gibson Musical Instruments, and Philip Morris International. During his career, Evangelos has worked throughout the world including assignments in Venezuela, Switzerland, the Middle East and the U.S. Mr. Antypas said “the market for servicing today’s vehicles

sophisticated electronic systems is expanding rapidly and asTech’s patented device allows experts to connect to a vehicle from virtually anywhere in the world. This ability to service vehicles remotely carries even greater value outside the U.S. where access to dealerships can be a challenge.”

Doug Kelly, CEO of Repairify, Inc. said “We have received interest from repair organizations, insurers, glass companies, tool providers and other potential strategic partners around the world to sell or license our patented asTech™ technology, and the good news is we now have the person that can lead our international expansion. Having successfully scanned vehicles in China, Dubai and Mexico, we’ve proven we can scan cars virtually anywhere there is internet access.”

Public Invited To SEMA Show After-Party SEMA Ignited, the official after-party of the trade-only SEMA Show, returns for the fourth consecutive year on Friday, Nov. 3, at the LVCC Gold Lot. After four days behind closed doors at LVCC, hundreds of custom-built vehicles

will roll out of the convention center and assemble at SEMA Ignited. SEMA Ignited is an open-to-the-public extravaganza that includes food, entertainment, iconic builders, hundreds of customized SEMA Show vehicles, and much more.

New Mirka® DEOS Sander Ready

Mirka is introducing the Mirka® DEOS, a Direct Electric Orbital Sander with a revolutionary design. Joining the Mirka electric tool portfolio, the Mirka® DEOS brings you closer to the

surface, featuring a low profile of just 4 inches making it easier to sand areas, such as corners and in-between tight spaces. Its innovative features incorporate a powerful brushless motor, with adjustable speed from 5,00010,000 OPM, providing a high power to weight ratio when in use.

Mirka has been able to reduce the weight, size and height of the sander, providing customers with a compact, lightweight and easy to use high performance tool.

The DEOS electric orbital sander has been optimized for dust-free sanding. When combined with Mirka’s

‘NET’ and multi-hole abrasives, it offers an excellent, consistent scratch pattern and a dust-free work environment. Available in two sizes, 2.75” x 8” (DEOS 383CV) and 3.2” x 5.2” (DEOS 353CV), both feature a 3mm orbit making it ideal for automotive, woodworking, marine repair and other refinishing industries.

In addition, the Mirka® DEOS has an integrated vibration sensor with Bluetooth technology. The tool can be connected to any mobile device and paired with the new myMirka app, which provides users with information on tool vibration, speed and usage.

The Mirka® DEOS will be available in late October 2017.

For more information visit: mirka .com

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72 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Continued from Page 39

In Reverse

tween shops and insurance companies in the wake of the landmark 1963 Consent Decree, and the fact that it was rarely, if ever, enforced. This was also a time that saw the growth of OE body shop certification programs.

2009 >: CAFÉ standards that had remained unchanged since 1990 began to creep up, causing automakers to look for ways to increase fuel economy. One way was by using more aluminum parts and high-strength steel parts. Collision technicians needed to increase training to keep up with the technology.

2015 >: Fifteen years into the new millennium, what once was old was new again. Aluminum vehicles, an idea first explored in the 1930s, would be resur-

Spectators may also be included in the nationwide television special, as producers film the announcement of the 2017 Battle of the Builders winner during SEMA Ignited. The program will premiere on the Velocity Channel in

rected in the form of a pick-up truck— the Ford F150. Used to save weight to increase fuel economy and meet CAFÉ standards on the most popular vehicle in America, all of a sudden, aluminum was no longer just for exotic cars anymore. Aluminum was now mainstream, and it meant shops needed new tools and equipment to properly repair the aluminum bodies. For some, it felt like 1979 and the advent of the unibody car all over again.

Over time, In Reverse will revisit each of these periods to see what brought us to today’s state of the collision repair industry. Be sure to visit this column each month!

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January 2018 and document several builders’ journeys to the SEMA Show.

General admission to SEMA Ignited is $20. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with a paid general admission ticket. See www.semaignited.com.

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 73

Mercedes-Benz to Produce EQ Brand Electric Cars in the U.S. Tuscaloosa, AL, plant will manufacture SUV models for the company’s EQ brand and a new battery plant.

Mercedes-Benz will set up electric vehicle production in the United States. The company plans to produce EQ-branded SUV models at MBUSI (Mercedes-Benz U.S. International), its Tuscaloosa, AL, facility.

At the time of launch, the EQ models will feature the latest status of automated driving always under the premise of safety and in compliance with the statutory regulations. In addition, a battery plant will also be built near the existing passenger-car plant ensuring availability of cuttingedge technology for future generations of Mercedes-Benz vehicles built in the U.S. In total, Mercedes-Benz plans to invest $1 billion in the expansion of

its industrial footprint in the region, most of which is slated for the electric initiative. It is expected that once completed, these investments will create more than 600 additional jobs.

Final details of the plans are still being worked on in partnership with the state of Alabama.

Electric vehicles from EQ branded product Mercedes-Benz will start producing SUV models of the EQ brand in Tuscaloosa at the beginning of the next decade. EQ models will be integrated into the series production at the plant. This is possible because of the early investments in flexibility and technical equipment at the plant that offer trailblazing Industry 4.0 technologies. With the Tuscaloosa plant, Mercedes-Benz will have electric mobility hubs on three continents, serving customers’ demand around the globe.

By 2022, the company will electrify the entire portfolio of Mercedes, offering customers at least one electrified alternative in all segments, from smart to large SUVs. The company is planning to offer more than 50 electrified vehicle variants. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz will be

continuously supporting the development of plug-in hybrids and the introduction of 48-volt-systems. The first EQ series model, EQC, will go into production in 2019 in Bremen, Germany. Technology and product brand EQ is an integral part of CASE, which stands for the intelligent combination of the strategic pillars of connectivity (Connected), autonomous driving (Autonomous), flexible use (Shared & Services) and electric drive systems (Electric).

Fifth Mercedes-Benz factory to produce batteries The battery factory near plant Tuscaloosa will be part of the global battery production network of Mercedes-Benz Cars for local demand and export. In total, Daimler will invest $1.18 billion (more than 1 billion Euros) in the battery production network, which will also include production facilities in Germany and China. As in vehicle production, the battery production network will react flexibly and efficiently to market demand. This strategy ensures the ongoing availability of modern battery technology through local production hubs in Europe, China and the U.S. and puts Mercedes-Benz in a highly

competitive position for its electric initiative. Construction work for the new 1 million-square-foot facility in Tuscaloosa is expected to begin in 2018, with operations planned to start at the beginning of the next decade.

Mercedes-Benz Tuscaloosa plant MBUSI located in Tuscaloosa County, AL is the production location for the GLE, GLS and GLE Coupe SUVs around the world, as well as the C-Class sedan for North America. In 2016, the plant produced more than 310,000 vehicles. MBUSI currently employs more than 3,700 team members and supports 7,000+ jobs on the approximately 1,000-acre site. In September 2015, MBUSI announced a $1.3-billion plant expansion and new jobs to pave the way for production of future SUVs. The expansion makes plant Tuscaloosa one of the “smartest” automotive facilities in the world.

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Auto Care Association Identifies Alibaba as Notorious Market for Counterfeit Auto Parts The Auto Care Association submitted comments Oct. 2 urging the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to relist Alibaba and its family of e-commerce platforms, including Taobao and AliExpress, as notorious markets that facilitate the sale of counterfeit auto parts.

The letter was submitted as part of the USTR’s request for comments in identifying internet and physical markets based outside the United States that engage in copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting for its annual Special 301 Out-of-Cycle Review of Notorious Markets Report.

“Despite Alibaba’s efforts to address the proliferation of counterfeit products, our members report that their brand protection tools and enforcement program have been unsatisfactory,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care As-

sociation. “Not only do counterfeit products threaten the U.S. economy, and impact our members’ sales and brand value, but counterfeit auto parts do not comply with any safety regulations and are a danger to the safety of consumers.”

The Auto Care Association submitted comments in response to member complaints regarding the proliferation of online supply chains based in China that allow the online distribution of counterfeit parts. These online B2B and e-commerce sites advertise branded counterfeit products for sale at rates that significantly undercut the margins of members’ original products. In its letter, the Auto Care Association outlined general principles that Alibaba should adopt to address the proliferation of counterfeit products on its various platforms.

The Auto Care Association commends the USTR’s efforts to combat piracy and counterfeiting. The association looks forward to continuing this dialogue with the USTR and representatives from the identified websites to protect and enforce intellectual property rights.

74 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 75

Shop Services

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.

George Avery: Will DRP Shops Reach an ‘Efficiency Ceiling?’ with Stacey Phillips

Former State Farm executive George “The survey is intended to identify Avery predicts there will come a time common and inconsistent administrawhen collision repairers who participate tive practices between Direct Repair Stacey in Direct Repair with Programs (DRPs)Phillips are Programs that may cause inefficiencies going to reach an “efficiency ceiling.” in the repair facility’s overall repair “They are going to say, ‘I can’t process and performance,” Avery exget any more efficient because if I plained. “Repairers use the letters A–E participate in more than one DRP, I while filling out the survey to identify have to do things differently the DRP relationships of their in all of the programs,’” said choice, which are not inAntonelli tended to represent or identify Avery during awith GuildVictoria 21 podcast held in October, any particular insurer.” sponsored by Verifacts AutoAs of Oct. 13, 133 repairmotive. ers responded to the survey.

After talking to others in When the final results are talthe industry with a similar lied, Avery said they will be George Avery viewpoint, Avery set out to with Victoria Antonelli shared with insurers and resurvey repairers and reach a consen- pairers to find ways to improve repair sus about the current administrative efficiency and the customer experience. processes being used with insurers.

Before filling out the survey, reHe formulated the survey with the spondents are asked how many repairs assistance of a nine-person committee they complete each month and the consisting of repairers and insurance number of DRP relationships they have. companies. It was released in early OcThe survey addresses assignments, estober. timate preparation, supplements, pho-

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tographs, total losses, final repair bill, training and information, and performance management.

During the Guild 21 podcast, Avery asked attendees eight questions representative of the survey to gain additional input and give shops an idea of what types of questions are asked (percentages are an approximation): 1) How do you prefer to have an appointment scheduled?

50% – a phone call 8% – scheduled online by the insurer 30% – scheduled online by the customer 4% – other

2) When do you prefer to upload the original repair estimate?

18-20% – immediately 15% – within 24 Hours 12% – within 48 Hours 60% – after the repair plan 2% – not required 3) How do you prefer to notify when

MASSACHUSETTS

5) Preferred number of photos for COMPREHENSIVE loss? (not including T/L or Supplements) 28% – it should be at repairer’s distcretion 2 % – 0-1 4% – 2-4 50% – 5-10

NEW JERSEY

Liberty Subaru

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

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

Subaru of Wakefield Wakefield (781) 246-3331 (781) 587-0743 Fax

Mon.-Thur. 7-8; Fri.-Sat. 7-6 jbrown@subaruofwakefield.com www.subaruofwakefield.com NEW JERSEY

Flemington Subaru Flemington (877) 657-2787 (908) 782-1795 Fax

76 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

4) Preferred number of photos for COLLISION loss? (not including T/L or Supplements) 18% – it should be at repairer’s discretion 2% – 0-1 2% – 2-4 63% – 5-10 18% – 20 or more

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

The following dealerships are eager to serve your needs.

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the vehicle is a possible total loss?

4% – not required 20% – phone call or fax 10% – website 30% – e-mail 40% – Mitchell / ADP / CCC

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5 bseymour@flemington.com www.njparts.com

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

Miller Subaru

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

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

20% – 20 or more

6) Preferred number of photos for a TOTAL LOSS? 16% – it should be at repairer’s discretion 0% – 0-1 0% – 2-4 47% – 5-10 38% – 20 or more

7) Preferred number of photos for a SUPPLEMENT? 41% – it should be at repairer’s discretion 0% – 0-1 43% – 2-4 15% – 5-10 0% – 20 or more 8) What is the most efficient way to

request a supplement?

38% – not required 2% – by telephone / fax 22% – by website 36% – e-mail 5% – other

BASF Supports Young Spray Painters as a Global WorldSkills Competition Sponsor

Next steps include analyzing the survey results to determine if a follow-up survey is relevant and possibly conducting a secondary survey or meeting with insurers. Avery said the intent is to further discuss these issues during the Verifacts Automotive Forum scheduled for February 2018.

Verifacts is a third-party onsite repair verification provider available to auto body repair shops. For more information, email: info@verifactsauto .com.

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To support up-and-coming automotive refinish spray painters and young talent, BASF’s Coatings division is a global sponsor of the WorldSkills International association until at least 2019.

“As a sponsor of the WorldSkills competition, BASF Automotive Refinish wants to encourage young talent to consider refinish painting as a profession,” said Marvin Gilfillan, BASF Vice President, Business Management, Automotive Refinish. “We’re focusing on promoting the next generation of automotive refinishers.”

The WorldSkills competition will take place in the Middle East for the first time from October 14-19, 2017. Approximately 1,200 young people will demonstrate their skills in 51 individual competitions in Abu Dhabi. During the competition, par-

ticipants will exclusively use products from the comprehensive portfolio of BASF’s refinish brands Glasurit and R-M, depending on the country, as well as the RODIM brand range of paint-related products.

“Our commitment emphasizes the significance and viability of a career as an automotive refinisher,” said Gillfillan. The competition, which also includes the international R-M Best Painter Contest, illustrates the diverse nature of the occupation, which calls for both craftsmanship as well as sustainable thinking and efficiency.

To qualify for the final at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, in which 76 national WorldSkills associations will be represented, the candidates must win the national competition of their respective country. About 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the competition, including 10,000 international visitors, making the WorldSkills competition the biggest event ever to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. At the 2017 WorldSkills final, the automotive refinish contenders will compete using Glasurit premium brand products, exclusively. For more information visit: basf.com

Finish it like a Masterpiece THESE DEALERS ARE MERCEDES-BENZ GENUINE PARTS SPECIALISTS. DELAWARE

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M-F 7:30am - 6pm; Sat 7:30am - 5pm mbpartswholesale@yourmercedes.com www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 77

Geoffrey Adams Crane

Mr. Geoffrey “Geoff” Adams Crane, 70, died Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in Olive Branch, MS. Born in Elizabeth, NJ, Mr. Crane lived in Olive Branch, MS, and the surrounding area most of his adult life. Mr. Crane was a proud memGeoffrey Crane ber of Getwell Road Church, and was wellknown for his entries in many barbecue contests, his passion for cars, especially sports cars, and fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee, where he spent his summers both at Camp Wyanoke and with his parents. Mr. Crane was the former Director of Industry Relations in the Diamond Standard Brand Parts Group based in TN. Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhome.com.

www.autobodynews.com

Affordable New Chief Wheel Alignment Equipment Ideal for Body Shops Controlling cycle times is crucial to staying profitable in the collision repair business. Yet, most shops today give up some of that control whenever they send a car to an alignment shop instead of doing the work inhouse.

any lift or Chief frame rack already in the shop—no need to dedicate a bay and no massive towers to install.

Quick checks can be done virtually anywhere, for faster, more accurate estimates. Plus, Chief wheel alignment systems cost less than half the

In a recent survey* of independent collision repair shop owners, 58 percent reported that they send out all their wheel alignment work. Most said they do so because they don’t have space available for an alignment bay and the alignment equipment itself is too expensive.

Chief has changed all that.

Chief’s new line of wheel alignment systems can be used on almost

price of legacy systems.

“Sending out alignment work wastes time, stretches out cycle times and costs shops money,” says Lee Daugherty, director of collision sales, the Americas, for Chief parent company Vehicle Service Group (VSG). “Chief’s new line of wheel alignment equipment makes it affordable for shops to keep their alignment work in-house, so they

Massachusetts

ACTION HYUNDAI

800-767-1898

908-782-8250

508-832-6026 Fax

Mon-Fri 7am - 6pm Sat 8am - 3pm pobrien@herbchambers.com www.herbchambershyundai.com

ROUTE 2 HYUNDAI Leominster 743 North Main St.

888-240-3495 978-534-9933 Fax

COLLISION PARTS

For Your Collision Job. Visit these Genuine Hyundai Parts Dealers: 78 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

New Jersey

HERB CHAMBERS HYUNDAI Auburn 735 Southbridge St.

The RIGHT

maintain control of their customers’ vehicles, their cycle times and their costs.”

Chief offers a choice of three wheel aligners. The C3080 3D is equipped with fixed cameras with automatic target search and recognition, tire-grabbing clamps and remote-controlled sensors and can provide an alignment reading in just eight seconds. The C3060 CCD provides wireless efficiency as all the characteristic angles of both vehicle axles are controlled by means of four measuring heads with eight CCD sensors and infra-red transmission.

The C6000HD is a fast, accurate, easy-to-use system suitable for larger commercial vehicles.

All Chief wheel aligners feature portable consoles that can be positioned anywhere for maximum convenience. Unlike systems that require a large fixed tower, Chief’s tower-free aligners maximize available workspace and have no minimum bay space requirements.

Chief systems provide automatic and instant target visualization.

And while other systems only work on a dedicated lift at a single height, Chief systems can be used at any height.

Mon-Thu 7:30am - 7:30pm Fri-Sat 7:30am - 6pm parts@rte2hyundai.com www.rte2hyundai.com

Flemington 180 Rte. US 202

908-237-0036 Fax

Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm fmondello@actionautogroup.com www.actionhyundainj.com

New York

ATLANTIC HYUNDAI West Islip 193 Sunrise Hwy.

631-587-1628 631-893-8491 Fax

Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm Sat 8am - 4pm www.AtlanticHyundai.com

CONNECTICUT

MARYLAND

Curran Volkswagen Stratford

King Volkswagen Gaithersburg

203-378-6516

240-403-2300

Fax: 203-380-3732 M-Th 8am-6pm; F 8am-5pm Sat 8am-2pm

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

parts@curranvw.net www.curranvw.net

Valenti Volkswagen Watertown

860-274-9846 Fax: 860-945-4987 M-F 8am-5:30pm Sat 8am-12pm

VWParts@valentiauto.com www.valentivw.com

Prestige Volkswagen Stamford

dprunner@vwking.com www.vwking.com

Ourisman VW of Laurel Laurel

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

julio.cruz@ourismanautomotive.com

Ourisman VW of Rockville Rockville

855-417-4511 Fax: 240-499-2488 M-F 8am-5:30pm Sat 8am-5pm rockvilleparts@ourismanautomotive.com www.rockvillevolkswagen.com

MASSACHUSETTS Volkswagen of North Attleboro North Attleboro

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

kenr@driveavw.com www.driveavw.com

NEW JERSEY Flemington Volkswagen Flemington

877-NJPARTS 877-657-2787 Fax: 908-782-1795 M-F 7:30am-5pm

www.njparts.com

Open Road Volkswagen of Bridgewater Bridgewater

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

203-352-4656 Fax: 203-973-2900 M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 7:30am-4pm

www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 79

Learn from BASF Experts at SEMA 2017

BASF is conducting three educational sessions at the SEMA Show.

The seminars will help collision shops improve productivity, write more thorough estimates and gain a greater understanding of how new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) colors are developed. SEMA takes place Oct. 31–Nov. 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“Education is the key to staying on top of the latest trends, techniques and innovations in the collision repair industry,” said Jeff Wildman, BASF Manager, OEM and Industry Relations. “As the number one chemical supplier to the automotive industry, BASF has unique insights into OEMs and the latest trends. Through these seminars, we are sharing this knowledge and encouraging new ideas to help our customers be more successful.”

The Basics of Blueprinting (Session RDE5) – Tues., Oct. 31, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. – BASF’s John Shoemaker will delve into completing a damage appraisal, and how to reach a final bill with the most complete list of work performed. Using available tools such as the SCRS Guide to Complete Repair Planning, OEM Position papers and processes, Shoemaker will show a repair planner how to document required repairs.

“Through my course, the repair planner will better understand the need to involve a parts person as well as a paint technician,” said Shoemaker. “This simplifies the work with the disassembly technician when identifying all the required repairs.”

The Creation of Car Colors of the Next 3 to 5 Model Years (Session FREE1) – Tues., Oct. 31, 11:30 a.m.

- 12:15 p.m. – BASF’s Paul Czornij will discuss where car-color pallets come from, who decides the popularity and direction of colors on future car models and share colors of the future that will soon have to be repaired in collision shops.

“Attendees will understand what areas influence the selection of color and color effects, how technology brings a color idea to reality in Continued from Page 70

Who’s Liable?

more autonomous, liability will shift from the operator to the manufacturer or the supplier of the vehicle’s autonomous technology systems. At what point this liability shifts and by how much will be heavily debated as states

PPG-Painted Cars Capture Top ‘Shades of the Past’ Awards PPG-painted cars took home major awards at the recent Shades of the Past 35th annual Hot Rod Roundup and the Goodguys 31st West Coast Nationals.

Both events attract some of the nation’s best custom car builds.

At Shades of the Past, held September 8–9 at Dollywood’s Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, TN, the Street Rodder Triple Crown of Rodding—consisting of three prestigious honors: Best Street Rod, Best Street Machine and Best Street Cruiser— drew a competitive field with PPG cars claiming two of the three major awards.

The Best Street Rod award went to a 1932 Ford Tudor Sedan owned by George Poteet, Memphis, TN, and built by the capable craftsmen at Johnson’s Hot Road Shop in Gadsden, AL. Greg Chalcraft painted the Ford and gave it a rich, deep black finish using VIBRANCE COLLECTION® VP2050 DTM High Build Primer, DP90LF NonSanding Epoxy Primer Black and DELthe market and how to better gauge what factors will continue to influence designers as they push to newer, innovative colors, said Czornij.”

Thorough Estimate Techniques for Special Finishes (Session RDE20) – Wed., Nov. 1, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

–John Niechwiadowicz of QLC, and instructor of BASF VisionPLUS University courses, will focus on special finishes from OEMs that have become a trend recently, such as liquid metals, matte finishes, tri-coats and quadcoats, and how to properly prepare customers for the time and cost commitment associated with these repairs.

“My course concentrates on tips, tools and techniques that will result in more efficient workflow processes, such as communication with the customer and within the shop, use of BASF SmartTRAK and more,” said Niechwiadowicz.

develop legislative and regulatory schemes to allocate liability for autonomous vehicle crashes.

Reprinted with permission from the October 10, 2017 edition of PropertyCasualty360.com© 2017 ALM Media Properties, LLC. All rights reserved.

Further duplication without permission is prohibited.

80 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

TRON® 2000 DBC9700 Basecoat Black along with GLOBAL REFINISH SYSTEM® D8115 Matte Clearcoat, D8117 Semi-Gloss Clearcoat and D8152 Performance + Glamour Clearcoat.

“Inferno,” a bright yellow 1969 Camaro owned by John Wilkus of Lakeville, MN, captured the Best Street Machine title. The Camaro was built and painted by the Roadster Shop, Mundelein, Ill., under the direction of Jeremy and Phil Gerber. Alan Palmer used ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne basecoat, Global Refinish System D8152 Performance + Glamour Clearcoat, OEM colors McLaren Volcano Yellow (code 937178) and Ferrari Argento Nurburgring (code 36520), and Deltron

DMD1683 Basecoat Black toner to give the car its award-winning finish.

At the Goodguys 31st West Coast Nationals, a 1933 Ford Roadster dubbed “Renaissance Roadster” took home the top prize when it was named America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod. The car is owned by Buddy Jordan of

San Antonio, Texas, and was built by Steve Frisbie at Steve’s Auto Restorations in Portland, OR. The original design for the roadster came from a rendering by designer Chris Ito with additional inspiration from Frisbie and

another team member, designer David Brost. Painter Jay Spencer gave the Ford its candy-apple red and black appearance spraying an array of PPG refinish products. These included several products from the Deltron brand: 2000 DBC9700 Basecoat Black, DCU 2021 CONCEPT® Urethane Clear, and DMD1696 Coarse Silver Dollar Aluminum along with Vibrance Collection RADIANCE® II DMX214 Red Violet and DMX213 Red (Blue Shade) Dye and CRYSTALLANCE® VM4501 Silver from the glass flake collection.

The Shades of the Past show includes hot rods, street rods, classics and customs up to 1972. PPG is a strong supporter of the event and its participants.

Shift into Genuine Nissan and Infiniti OEM Parts

Genuine Nissan and Infiniti OEM Wholesale Parts are superbly crafted to strict quality standards.

The following dealer proudly stocks genuine parts for your Nissan or Infiniti repairs.

THESE DEALERS are GENUINE WHOLESALE PARTS SPECIALISTS.

Maine

Downeast Toyota / Scion 800-432-0220 BREWER

207-989-4610 Fax M-F 7am-5pm; Sat 7am-4pm partsdepartment@downeasttoyota.com www.downeasttoyota.com

NEW JERSEY

ACTION NISSAN Flemington

908-782-8250 (908) 237-0036 Fax Mon-Sat 8am - 5pm

fmondello@actionautogroup.com

MASSACHUSETTS

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South Attleboro

Easton

Courtesy Kia

508-761-9300

(508) 761-0768 Fax

8am-8pm Mon, Wed; 8am-5pm Tue, Thu, Fri 8am-4pm Sat frank@courtesyma.com www.courtesyma.com

NEW JERSEY Liberty Kia Ramsey

201-818-8995

(201) 783-8848 Fax

8am-5pm Mon-Sat parts@libertyhyundai.com

NEW YORK

Kia of Middletown New Hampton

888-374-6575

(845) 374-4718 Fax

8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-3pm Sat nissankiaofmiddletownparts@yahoo.com www.kiaofmiddletown.com

Brown Daub Kia

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(484) 546-0292 Fax

Kia of Coatesville Coatesville

610-384-7700

(610) 384-2171 Fax

8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12pm Sat Alan@kiaofcoatesville.com www.kiaofcoatesville.com

Kia of West Chester West Chester

610-429-3500

(610) 429-0164 Fax

8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12pm Sat Alan@kiaofcoatesville.com www.kiaofwestchester.com

RHODE ISLAND Bald Hill Kia Warwick

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Kia Parts. Your local Kia retailer has all the parts you need.

Outten Kia Hamburg

610-562-4166

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7:30am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12pm Sat jhenne@outtencars.com www.outtenkia.com www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 81

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Stop wasting valuable time looking for cardboard or cleaning mixing boards!

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Technical Representative

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Due to our unprecedented growth in the industry Lusid Technologies, Inc. is looking for Technical Sales Representa!ves in all areas of the North American Market. Candidates should be able to demonstrate excellent communica!on and hands on technical skills.

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ACTautostaffing.com or 727-733-5600 82 NOVEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Both Hurricane Irma and Harvey Damaged 1 Million Cars. What’s Next?

by Shazir Mucklai, Equities.com

With Hurricane Maria in the midst of touching down on Puerto Rico, the cost of the damage from Irma and Harvey is only recently starting to become apparent. Many companies with a large presence in Texas have also taken a major hit.

Estimates on the high side show Hurricane Harvey damages totaling at $180 billion and Hurricane Irma damages hitting $100 billion. If these numbers prove to be true, it could no doubt be one of the most expensive disasters in the history of the United States.

As one can assume, most of the recovery-related expenses will go towards property damage. However, due to the massive flooding, vehicle losses will also be extremely costly.

How Many Cars Did Each Hurricane Destroy?

Both hurricane Harvey and Irma were Category 4 storms that made landfall within the same two-week span. Harvey destroyed an estimated staggering 400,000 vehicles, according to Cox Automotive estimates.

Harvey and Irma submerged cars and property across the southern U.S. as the two Category 4 storms

made landfall within the same twoweek span.

Hurricane Harvey destroyed 300,000 to 500,000 vehicles in Houston alone, according to Cox Automotive estimates. The cost of licensed cars lost in the storm—excluding ve-

hicles flooded while waiting in dealership parking lots—falls between $2.7 and $4.9 billion.

Due to the sheer amount of property damage caused to vehicles, the aftermath of the hurricanes could help drive October as one of the best U.S. sales months this year. Additionally, through the end of the year, analysts have predicted that cars that were damaged and need replacement during Hurricanes Maria and Irma won’t be showing up for at least another month.

“When you have hundreds of

thousands of people affected by an event of this magnitude,” said Edmunds analyst Jessica Caldwell, “not everyone will hit the market at once.”

Insurance companies are also expected to take a massive hit on their P&L’s for the quarter. State Farm reported that it has sent a record 1,000 people to affected areas. Some insurance firms have also reported, on average, the cost of an interstate household move is about $4,300 (distance of 1,225 miles) and the average cost of an intrastate move is about $2,300 (4 movers at $200 per hour).

State Farm stated that it has received almost 37,000 auto claims in Texas alone and has paid out more than $345 million to car owners impacted by Harvey. Furthermore, it has paid out only about $35 million to auto customers impacted by Irma, which made landfall in Florida about two weeks later. This will reduce its working capital significantly for the next couple of quarters, as it will have to downplay its cash.

We thank Equities.com for reprint permission.

How Open Source is Transforming the Automotive Industry

by Dan Cauchy, The Linux Foundation

One key benefit of open source is its ability to enable rapid innovation.

Collaborating on non-competitive pieces of technology frees up resources, enabling companies to focus more on developing new products and services.

We are seeing this play out now in the automotive industry as automakers are adopting open source software for core technologies like the infotainment operating system. This allows them to focus more resources towards the industry-wide race to develop new technologies, mobility services, and autonomous vehicles.

According to the 2017 Autotrader Car Tech Impact Study, 53 percent of consumers expect vehicle technology to be as robust as their smartphone.

Unfortunately, the automotive industry has fallen behind the smartphone in terms of features and functionality.

Automotive innovation is too slow, time-to-market is too long, and there’s very little software reuse.

Part of the problem is that today’s connected car uses approximately 100 million lines of code. Compare that to the Android operating system, which runs on 12–15 million lines of code,

and the average iPhone app, which uses fewer than 50,000 lines. It’s no wonder that the product development cycle for automotive companies is so much longer than for tech companies.

According to some industry data, the development of an infotainment system traditionally takes 36–39 months.

In that time period, three or four versions of iPhone and Android phones will be released.

One of the main obstacles preventing automakers from innovating as quickly as tech companies is that the infotainment landscape is very fragmented. Imagine for a second if each PC or laptop manufacturer had its own version of an operating system; this would mean that application developers would have to make sure their software works with each manufacturer.

What a mess! Yet this is exactly the situation we have in the automotive market. Each automaker has its own proprietary system that was built using a custom version of Linux, QNX, or Windows Embedded, and there’s very little code reuse.

Innovating with Open Source To reduce this fragmentation, the Automotive Grade Linux (AGL) community at The Linux Foundation is building an open source platform that

can serve as the de facto industry standard. Sharing a common platform enables developers to build an application once and have it work everywhere. Automakers can focus on developing new products and innovative new features that can be brought to market faster.

The AGL infotainment platform, the Unified Code Base (UCB), is quickly gaining momentum across the industry. Toyota has adopted the AGL platform for its next-generation infotainment system, which debuts on the 2018 Toyota Camry and will roll out to most Toyota and Lexus vehicles in North America. And we expect to see more products and vehicles with AGL roll-out over the next couple of years.

AGL’s first focus was on infotainment, but we are planning to address all software in the vehicle including instrument cluster, heads-up-display, telematics, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and autonomous driving. As the race towards self-driving cars continues to heat up, it’s become clear that the amount of code needed to support autonomous driving is too large for any one company to develop on its own.

An open source platform for autonomous driving will help accelerate the development of self-driving technology while creating a sustainable

3M Files Lawsuit for Patent and Trademark Infringement

3M and 3M Innovative Properties Co. filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Wisconsin against Chinabased Thunder Finish Co. Ltd., alleging infringement of patent and trademark rights related to 3M’s PPS™ technology used in the automotive collision repair industry.

The suit alleges certain Thunder Finish after-market spray gun paint cup products, which are made in China and sold in the U.S., infringe 3M patent rights directed to 3M™ PPS™ technology that enables the efficient mixing and spraying of coatings for automotive collision repair and other applications. The suit also alleges that Thunder Finish’s marketing materials for these products infringe 3M’s registered trademarks.

3M is committed to protecting its substantial investments in research and development and innovative technologies. 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division provides a comprehensive range of products and solutions to the collision repair industry, including its PPS™ technology that enables painters to mix less paint, reduce the amount of solvent used, and speed clean-up.

ecosystem that can maintain it as it evolves over time. The Linux Foundation believes the first step is to create an open, crowdsourced mapping database where automakers can contribute and access real-time 3D map data.

AGL will soon be in millions of cars on the road. With the support of its rapidly growing community, The Linux Foundation hopes to drive the cross-industry collaboration needed to accelerate development for autonomous vehicles.

Software has become one of the backbones of the automotive industry.

It powers applications from infotainment to advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving. By bringing the industry together around a shared platform, AGL is enabling automakers to innovate faster, and quickly bring new products to market that will enhance the customer experience and impact the bottom line.

We thank The Linux Foundation for reprint permission.

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