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YEARS
VOL. 8 ISSUE 11 JANUARY 2018
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Industry Associations Pledge 2018 Resolutions
Year in Review: The Collision Repair Industry in 2017
Most folks view New Year’s Eve as a time to reflect on the recent year and make resolutions for the next as they strive to improve themselves or their lives. Collision repair industry associations have also begun preparing for 2018 by beginning to focus on their goals for next year and how they can help their members, advance their organizations and improve the industry for everyone. Several association leaders shared their 2018 New Year’s Resolutions with Autobody News. In 2017, a lot of associations focused on membership growth, bringing
Starting with the inauguration of the 45th President, moving on to the solar eclipse and three devastating hurricanes, 2017 has been a year to remember with many major changes impacting the United States. The collision repair industry has continued to change as well, with evolving technology and raging legal battles, including the now-famous John Eagle lawsuit in Texas. Associations around the country offered a variety of educational opportunities through meetings and conferences, and as the New Year crept up on us, Autobody News spoke with several association leaders about the best and most memorable things they did in 2017. From getting associations off the
by Chasidy Rae Sisk
educational value to members and pursuing legislative initiatives to improve the industry. Industry professionals can expect to see these endeavors continue into 2018, though industry leaders anticipate taking their efforts to new heights. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) spent a great deal of this past year on legislative endeavors, and plans to continue these initiatives into the New Year. ASA Executive Director Dan Risley shared, “ASA resolves to be represented, engaged and vocal in as many meetings, conferences, hearings, summits and alike in Washington D.C. and See Industry Associations, Page 20
Veterans Claim Aberdeen, NC, Restorer Ripped Them Off, Take Owner to Court
How come you took money from veter-
See Restorer in Court, Page 4
P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
Around a half dozen veterans sat in the Moore County Courthouse to challenge the man they say took them for a ride. The owner of Icon Customs, George Fredericks, is accused of taking money from veterans to repair their classic cars but never completing the work. Many veterans visited the shop because it was close to Fort Bragg. All tell similar stories of their cars being dropped off, sitting for years, only to be left in ruins.
ans but never completed the job?” asked FOX 46 investigative reporter Matt Grant. “Did it sound like that was what was just said in court?” Fredericks replied. “The court found in favor of my client on [inaudible] of all counts,” his attorney later added. “That’s all you need to know.” The judge dismissed one case but ordered Fredericks to pay another veteran $4000 for work that wasn’t finished and for which he was “harmed.” The judge said it was “difficult” to understand why cars sat for years with-
Change Service Requested
by Matthew Grant, Fox 46
by Chasidy Rae Sisk
ground to establishing a broader member base, several associations focused on growth this year. Stephen Regan, Executive Director of ASA-MA/RI, shared, “The most memorable thing ASA-MA/RI has done in 2017 is open its doors. We have brought back to the region an entity dedicated solely to the advancement of collision and mechanical repair shops and those who serve them. Unlike many state trade associations in the industry, ASA-MA/RI has a fully staffed, dedicated office location. Our sole purpose is the professional operation of the association on behalf of its members and supporters.” Brian Davies, President of the North Carolina Association of ColliSee Year in Review, Page 21
Happy New Year! from all of us at Autobody News
1 Millionth Toyota Corolla Rolls Off The Line In Mississippi, Plant Makes 170K Units Per Year It has been six years since Toyota opened a manufacturing plant in Mississippi, and now the factory has produced its 1 millionth Corolla. Toyota has been building Corollas at the plant at a rapid pace. The company made its 500,000th Corolla not too long ago in February 2015. The Corolla is the only vehicle made at the facility. For decades now, Toyota has been trying to build cars in the markets where they are sold. The automaker broke ground on the plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi, in 2007 but put construction on hold during the recession. In November 17, 2011, Toyota produced its first Corolla at the plant, which can make 170,000
units a year. Toyota will continue making Corollas in the 2 million square foot facility in Mississippi. Starting in 2021, Toyota and Mazda will open a shared plant in the U.S. that will build Corollas and Mazda crossovers. Toyota had originally planned to make Corollas from 2019 at its new plant in Guanajuato, Mexico, but the automaker ultimately decided it will build the Tacoma pickup there instead. The Toyota Corolla sedan hasn’t been completely redesigned since the 2014 model year, but it did undergo a mild face-lift for 2017. Power comes from a 1.8-liter inline-four making between 132 and 140 hp.
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