Southeastern May 2016 Issue

Southeastern Edition Florida Georgia Alabama Mississippi

Virginia Tennessee North Carolina South Carolina

34

YEARS

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Repairer Driven News Notes Hyundai is an Exception in Not Providing OEM Collision Repair Instruction Since 2015 Hyundai has had a “Recognized Collision Repair Center” network administered by Assured Performance to indicate which body shops it feels are truly qualified to fix its vehicles correctly.

“This program ensures both independent and Hyundai dealershipowned collision repair centers have the training, tools, equipment, and facilities needed to properly repair Hyundai vehicles after they have been involved in a collision,” Hyundai said at the time.

“We want our customers to know we have their well-being in mind after they have been in a collision,” Hyundai customer satisfaction Executive Vice President Frank Ferrara said last year. “Hyundai owners benefit from

this program through the assurance that centers will ensure the fit, finish, durability, safety and value of the vehicles being repaired. Having a network of recognized shops is critical to make sure our cars are repaired properly.”

However Hyundai remains the only major American OEM lacking collision repair instructions for U.S. auto body shops, according to the 2016 I-CAR Technical Information Matrix released recently, and as reported by SCRS’ Repairer Driven News.

However, plans are in the works to finally change that, according to the OEM. Hyundai on confirmed a set of U.S. procedures doesn’t exist. However, one is coming, Hyundai conSee Hyundai Repairs, Page 22

ASA’s Annual Business Meeting Scheduled for April 25–27 in Washington, D.C. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) will hold its annual business meeting April 25–27 at The Westin Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, VA,

near Washington, D.C. The event will kick off with a Welcome Reception on Monday evening, April 25.

All ASA members are invited to

attend an open board meeting Tuesday, April 26, from 8 a.m.-noon. The meeting will be followed by a recognition luncheon and the swearing-in of the 2016-2017 board of directors.

Dan Risley, ASA president/executive director, will deliver a state-of-the-association address.

ASA members are also invited to participate in Lobby Day on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, April 27. During this time, members will have an op-

VOL. 7 ISSUE 3 MAY 2016

NCACAR Meets for First Time and Makes Progress in Forming New NC Association

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On February 25, shop owners in North Carolina gathered at Dave & Busters in Concord for the inaugural meeting of a new association, the North Carolina Association of Collision and Auto Repair (NCACAR).

Although Jeff Franco, President of Elite Sales & Marketing Group, lives in Oceanside, CA, he has been active in several local associations and aided shops in coordinating the meeting. The current chief officers are Brian Davies, owner of Bodyworks Plus in Charlotte, and Josh Kent, Territory Manager for Elite Sales & Marketing Group in NC, who Franco says are “very passionate about this industry.”

For Davies, the goal in forming this association is “to create a group of individuals, owners and vendors

that are truly dedicated to the continuous improvement of this industry in NC. I would like NCACAR to become one of the most progressive, innovative and professional associations in the United States, leading our industry with integrity by example. In addition, I want to create a collective voice in our state that reflects the needs of all stakeholders involved: clients, shop owners, technicians, vendors and insurance companies.”

NCACAR’s first meeting attracted a full house with a mixture of shops and vendors from Charlotte, Newton, Shelby, Gastonia, Salisbury, Matthews and Monroe. Dealerships, DRP and non-DRP shops participated, as well as rental car vendors and PPG company managers.

Kent said, “Everyone mingled and got to know each other, and everySee NCACAR’s Launch, Page 40

New Collision Repair Center in TN as Sleek as a Car Showroom

by Ali James, Knoxville News Sentinel

“Most people think of body shops as dark and dingy places that they don’t want to visit,” said Paul Walker, founder and CEO of Walker’s Automotive Collision Repair.

See ASA’s Annual Meeting, Page 9

Paul Walker, founder and CEO of Walker’s Automotive Collision Repair, stands in his new workshop at 10606 Kingston Pike. Credit: Ali James/Special to the News Sentinel

He sought to change that image with the design of his new Knoxville, TN location, which opened in January

at 10606 Kingston Pike.

Walker, who has more than 25 years of industry experience, enlisted the help of Studio Four Design, a Knoxville architectural and design firm, to create his new repair center.

“When we decided to start this project, we knew we wanted a partner to help bring our lifelong vision into reality,” Walker said. “Studio Four Design came to us highly recommended. Their architects and designers have a great reputation throughout the industry. They are cutting edge; their vision is just unbelievable, and I just immediately fell in love with it.”

The state-of-the-art body shop has 50,000 square feet. Among its key features are two Blowtherm paint-drying booths, the latest diagnostic and testing equipment to ensure that every damaged area of the car is restored, a See Sleek as a Car Showroom, Page 20

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2 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Contents

NATIONAL 2016 Next Step Program Scholarship Winners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AkzoNobel’s Acoat Selected Bodyshop Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 American Honda Joins ASA as Corporate Member. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 BASF’s Glasurit 90 Line Introduces New Boosters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Caliber CEO Accepts Prestigious National Award in Support of U.S. Military . . . . . 61 Car-O-Liner Group Has New Website Updates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 CARSTAR’s Bob Keith Receives I-CAR Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

recognition for their education and training program increased their reputation in both their employees’ and customers’ eyes. The companies used the materials, logos, promotion and other materials provided by the association for their own promotion campaigns.

To apply, use the online application form, available at www.autocare .org/What-We-Do/ProfessionalDevelopment/Education/auto-carecareer-and-education-award/. The online application format enables applicants to enter, save and re-access text, attach sample pdf documents and include internet links. Applicants are encouraged to focus on their company’s career development, education and training story, and to outline their approach and return on investment.

Applications are due by May 20.

Winning companies will be notified in June. Winners will be recognized during Fall Leadership Days 2016 in Washington, D.C.

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

Serving Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and adjacent metro areas. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry.

Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2016 Adamantine Media LLC.

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 60 Axalta Coating Services . . . . . . . . . . 5 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 46 Car-Part.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CarcoonAmerica Airflow Systems . 41 Carstar Automotive, Inc. . . . . . . . . . 13 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA). . . . . . . . . . . 39 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Coggin Deland Honda . . . . . . . . . . 14 Dent Magic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Diamond Standard Parts . . . . . . . . 45 Dominion Sure Seal, Ltd. . . . . . . . . . 9 Eco Repair Systems of North America, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 EMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Equalizer Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . 40 Everett Chevrolet-Buick-GMCadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 57 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 59 Gus Machado Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Hendrick Automotive Group . . . . . . . 7 Hendrick Automotive Group of Charleston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Hendrick BMW/MINI . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Hendrick Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Herkules Equipment Corporation. . 10 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31, 32-33 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers. . 56 Jon Hall Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Kernersville Chrysler-DodgeJeep-Ram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Kia Elite Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers. 55 Lexus Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 63 Lusid Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Mercedes-Benz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 46 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 37 NACE / CARS Trade Show . . . . . . . 23 Nissan of Richmond . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 O’Brien Hyundai-Subaru-Mazda . . 47 Orio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Polyvance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . 52 PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Radley Chevrolet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Reliable Automotive Equipment . . . 25 Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Naples. . . 38 Rick Hendrick Dodge-ChryslerJeep-Ram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Riverside Ford-Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . 36 Safety Regulation Strategies . . . . . 26 SATA Spray Equipment . . . . . . . . . 29 Southside Kia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Subaru of Gwinnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 51 Tameron Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Valspar Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Southeast

COLUMNISTS Attanasio - Women Shop Owners and Female Consumers Get Help from AskPatty.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Yoswick - Anderson Shows NORTHEAST Shops How His “Who Pays for What?”

Surveys Can Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Yoswick - ASA Lobbyists, Allstate Acquires Sterling, Recycled Parts Market Share, Chinese OEMs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Collision Financial Services Offers 0% Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Communication Was Key at Mopar Masters Guild Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. . . . 24 Cunningham Brothers is GM 2015 Supplier of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 EMM Becomes ISO 9001:2015 Certified. . 28 Farmers Insurance Launches All-New Claims Filing to Maximize Ease of Use for Customers Nationwide. . . . . . . 63 Herkules Adds Two New Lifts to BossLifts Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 IPA’s® 12-Button Remote Control for the Super MUTT® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ITW Evercoat Launches New Body Filler. . 49 Michigan Moves on Self-Driving Testing Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 NABR Launches VRS Labor Rate Survey in HI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 NACE 2016 MSO Symposium Agenda and Topics Announced, Held Aug. 11 in Anaheim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 New Auto Care Career and Education Award (ACE) Application Now Available . . . . . . 3 New Ideas from Technicians are Backbone of Killer Tools Unique Products. . . . . . . 25 NHTSA Won’t Consider Takata Impact in Recalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 PDA Expands Team with New CFO Appointment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Plans Are Underway for the AAAS 2016 Annual Conference and Trade Show . . . . 8 Pliogrip™ 5770 Adhesive Recommended

by GM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 PPG Refinish Continues Commitment to Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 RAND Corp. Report Says Calling Driverless Cars Safer than Human Drivers is Statistically Impossible . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Recap of Mitchell Industry Trends Report: The High Cost of High Tech . . . . . . . . . 63 SCRS Board of Directors Meeting Held. . . 58 Self-Driver Navigates Roads in Total Darkness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Sherwin-Williams ECOLEAN™ Workshop Venue Hosted by Championship NASCAR® Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Sherwin-Williams Launches New Custom & Restoration Websites . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Toyota Establishes Third Autonomous Driving US Research Institute in MI . . . 38 U.S. Official: Automakers Must Fix Security Gaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Why Are Online Reviews Important to Your Auto Body Shop? . . . . . . . . . . . 56 WIN Elects Board Leadership for 2016-2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

The Auto Care Association is now accepting applications for a new award, the Auto Care Career and Education Award (ACE), to honor auto care companies that continually provide the culture for and facilitation of employee career development, and invest in employee education and training. The ACE award, formerly known as the Head of the Class Award, recognizes three companies designated by total number of employees. The award winners will be selected by the Auto Care Association Education Committee.

“The ACE award will recognize companies for their commitment to providing opportunities for employees to increase their knowledge and improve skill-building, in addition to providing the environment and culture for individual employee growth,” said Sue Kalish, senior director, education, Auto Care Association.

Companies winning the previous Head of the Class Award noted that the

Indexof Advertisers

REGIONAL AASA Hosts Connected Cars Panel at Vision Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Drop a Ball at Atlanta I-CAR Committee’s 7th Annual Golf Tournament. . . . . . . . . 12 Fayetteville, TN’s New Safe Escape Trailer Teaches Kids about Fire Safety. . . . . . . . 6 FL & TN Students Receive WIN Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 NCACAR Meets for First Time and Makes Progress in Forming New NC Association. 1 OEM-Certified Collision Care Conference Rocks Nashville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Phillips - Florida Body Shops Help Make Box Car Racing a Reality for Special Needs Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Polyvance Finishes First Day of LeMons Race in AL, Releases New Plastic Repair Workstation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Registration Open and Agenda Released for WIN® 2016 Educational Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Service King Partners with Absolute Autobody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Sisk - IADA to Host 47th Vehicle Repair Conference in Charlotte, NC . . . . . . . . . 36 Sisk - KPA Teaches GCIA Members about OSHA and EPA Compliance . . . . . . . . . 14 Tupelo, MS High School Collision Repair Students Find Success in Competitions. . 6

New Auto Care Career and Education Award (ACE) Application Now Available

Autobody News Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018; (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com Email: news@autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

Self-Driver Navigates Roads in Total Darkness

A self-driving car has successfully navigated winding desert roads in complete darkness in trials in Arizona. The Ford Fusion Hybrid tipped around a closed circuit in the dark—with its headlights off. It could do so because of LiDAR technology—a series of sensors that make a 3D map of everything around but doesn’t rely on visible light.

Ford Fusion

Jim McBride, Ford technical leader for autonomous vehicles, says LiDAR “allows autonomous cars to drive just as well in the dark as they do in the light of day.” The car drove at night through the Arizona desert without human interference and with its headlights switched off, to test the limits of its artificially intelligent navigation system. The new LiDAR system is made by Velodyne, a company that Ford has been closely working with for a decade. These sensors shoot 2.8 million laser pulses per second, to scan the surroundings precisely. The car uses

PDA Expands Team with New CFO Appointment

Jennifer Salazar joined Property Damage Appraisers’ (PDA) C-suite leadership team as chief financial officer. “Jennifer is the perfect addition to PDA’s family,” said Tom Dolfay, CEO of PDA. “She has experience across diverse industries including media, nonprofits, oil and telecommunications and in various roles such as accounting, IT, operations, planning and analysis as well as strategic development and execution. Her background adds a different perspective and allows the company to tap deeper into what’s important to customers.”

Salazar is responsible for aiding PDA’s executive team in developing, implementing and executing PDA’s strategic business plan. She directs all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to responsibility for profit and loss management. She is also responsible for the finance department, including accounting, financial reporting, cash/treasury, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, risk management and employee benefits.

To learn more about PDA, visit http://www.pdacorporation.com/.

high-resolution 3D maps in conjunction with the LiDAR sensors to pinpoint itself on the map, all in real time. In addition, the car also uses a conventional radar which gathers additional information and enhances the sensing capabilities of the vehicle.

Wayne Williams, research scientist and engineer at Ford said,” Inside the car, I could feel it moving, but when I looked out the window, I only saw darkness. As I rode in the back seat, I was following the car’s progression in real time using computer monitoring. Sure enough, it stayed precisely on track along those winding roads.”

LiDAR addresses the need to recognise objects, road signs and signals, which is especially difficult in the night.

Also, irregular signage standards and bad weather make it difficult for autonomous vehicles to perceive the road ahead. This LiDAR equipped Ford Fusion Hybrid can drive in practically any condition.The cost of these LiDAR systems are high at present, but Ford’s CEO, Mark Fields says the advancement in this technology and the downward trend of technology costs in general, will make it a viable option for full scale production cars in the future. For 2016, Ford plans to triple its autonomous car fleet, to 30 Ford Fusion Hybrids.

AkzoNobel’s Acoat Selected Bodyshop Network

2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the AkzoNobel’s Acoat Selected network of premium body shops. AkzoNobel pioneered the idea of a premium body shop network in the 1970s when it established Acoat Selected as a business improvement program for customers of Sikkens, one of AkzoNobel’s premium vehicle refinishes brands. Its members, which include both independentlyowned body shops and body shop groups, are recognized as repair industry leaders, advancing their own performance and that of the industry as a whole. Today, Acoat Selected is an international organization with a multiple country and regional networks working to strengthen vehicle refinishing businesses across the globe. Over the years, members have benefited from training on the latest technology and processes, meeting key industry partners and work providers, as well as sharing valuable knowledge and experiences, according to a company press release.

For information, visit http:// www.acoatna.com/. To register for an Acoat Selected Business Services class, visit www.akzonobeltraining .com.

4 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Celphy Gets Pulled Over Dark Driving in AZ.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 5

Tupelo, MS, High School Collision Repair Students Find Success in Competitions

by Emma Crawford Kent, The Daily Journal

Every day for 90 minutes, Tupelo High School collision repair students get real-world experience working on cars in the career-technical center on the high school’s campus.

pare a panel of a car for painting and was judged on the quality of his work.

Caleb Simpkins, a senior, competed in collision repair tech doing body shop work on a fender with a dent in it.

The quality of his repair work won him first place as well.

I think it’ll be a good experience even if we don’t place. I think, no matter what, we’ll have a good time and learn something.”

— Dillon Ivey, Tupelo High Student

The students can take those skills not only to their future careers, but also to competitions across the state and country.

Tupelo High School student Isaiah Mahaffey works on sanding the hood of an Oldsmobile Cutlass during his auto body repair class.

Students from THS recently competed at a statewide competition in Jackson against other schools in collision repair and career skill challenges.

The 10 THS students who competed placed in the top three in their categories.

Dillon Ivey, a junior, won first place in auto refinishing. He had to pre-

Simpkins and Ivey will go on to compete at the national competition in June in Louisville, Kentucky.

“I think it’ll be a good experience even if we don’t place,” Ivey said. “I think, no matter what, we’ll have a good time and learn something.”

Repair skills aren’t the only skills these students learn in class. They also learn business skills like how to create promotional materials and how to impress in a job interview.

Josh Blackmon, a junior, won third place in the state competition for job interview and won first in the regional competition.

“I found out that I was actually

Fayetteville, TN’s New Safe Escape Trailer Teaches Kids about Fire Safety

we anticipate over 350 students will get to see it.

A new Safe Escape Trailer has been “This wouldn’t have been possibuilt with the help of the community ble with the help of volunteering busiand local businesses, all for the ben- nesses, such as Stovall’s Body Shop efit of children learning more about and Wrecker Service and Hall’s Signs, fire safety. as well as Gary Keller and the Lincoln County Jail trustees, the City of Fayetteville, and the support of our Fayetteville Fire Department,” Pendergrass added. “We want to thank everyone who assisted, and let them know what this means to our community.”

Altogether this year, the fire department anticipates Little Ava Pendergrass demonstrates how to escape over 1,000 children going from a window with the help of the Fayetteville Fire through the trailer.

Department’s new Safe Escape Trailer. Pictured with Ava “The best part of it is that are (from left) Firefighter Michael Pendergrass, Darryl we don’t just tell them about and Bill Stovall of Stovall’s, and David and Caleb Hall fire safety, the trailer allows of Hall’s Signs. Credit: Staff photo by Lucy Williams us to show the kids about it,” “This trailer is designed to teach said the fireman. “The actual demonchildren that there’s a second way out strations, with the kids role-playing of a house on fire and to not be and going through the act, will go a afraid,” said Michael Pendergrass, a long way in showing them how to esfiremen with the Fayetteville Fire De- cape a fire.” partment. “The trailer will be making Thanks to The Elk Valley Times its debut at Farm Safety Day, where for reprint permission.

by The Elk Valley Times

6 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

good at something I didn’t know I was good at,” Blackmon said.

The students all agreed that they would use these skills later in life no matter what field they decide to go into. The class teaches them life skills, Blackmon said, like good sportsmanship, teamwork, motivation and selfconfidence.

For some students, the real-world experience available to them through the class will help them get a job.

Tevin Banks, a sophomore, wants to be a car painter. When he leaves school, he’ll already have the skills he needs to start working.

“If I were to go in a path as a collision repair technician, we learn all the basics we need to know,” Banks.

Derek Bradley, collision repair instructor at THS, said he does some teaching in the classroom, but the majority of his students’ learning happens in the shop with hands-on work.

The collision repair shop has all of the workings of a real body shop, something Bradley said is a huge advantage for his students both in terms of competitions and their futures.

“There’s so much they have to learn with the book knowledge, but they learn better with their hands. It makes them well-rounded,” Bradley said. “It is

a big advantage and the support that we have is great, to have live work and real car – that’s an advantage.”

Students take the class starting their sophomore year, with the second year being more advanced than the first.

Then, when they’re seniors they can come back to the collision repair lab

Tupelo High School student Isaiah Mahaffey works on sanding the hood of an Oldsmobile Cutlass during his auto body repair class.

Credit: Thomas Wells

during “Career Path Experience” class to continue to hone their skills. They’ll also help Bradley teach the first- and second-year students.

Thank you Emma Crawford and The Daily Journal for permission to reprint this article.

www.autobodynews.com C

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www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 7

Plans Are Underway for the AAAS 2016 Annual Conference and Trade Show

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On June 9-12, the Automotive Aftermarket Association Southeast (AAAS) will hold its 2016 Annual Conference and Trade Show at the Sandestin Resort Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, FL. According to Randal Ward, President of AAAS, “This event is a unique opportunity to visit with friends and customers as well as meet new people in the industry. Registration is going well, and the conference will see attendees from all four states served by AAAS: AL, FL, GA and MS—and we always have a great time!”

Ward continued, “The summer conference has it all: the world’s most beautiful beach, an interesting and informative program, great food, fun, fellowship and entertainment. The agenda features a deep sea fishing outing, a conference highlight party, and dinner at the fabulous Sky Room at The Beach House. The always-fun golf tournament is scheduled for that Saturday on the beautiful Baytowne course on the Sandestin property, and once again, the conference will feature the Saturday morning Tabletop show as it has grown in participation and popularity.”

The AAAS 2016 Annual Conference and Trade Show will begin on Thursday evening with the Chairman’s Welcome Reception. On Friday morning, attendees can relax on a deep sea fishing charter on the Gulf of Mexico, aboard the Relentless. Prizes will be awarded for the top catches of the day, and lunch is included during this favorite event, sponsored by Federated Insurance.

On Friday afternoon, the association will hold its Board of Directors meeting, and the evening will conclude with an AAAS and YANG reception.

Ward stated, “We are happy to welcome the auto care industry’s dynamic and vibrant under-40 sect which finds its home with the Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG). YANG provides young auto care professionals in their twenties and thirties with the opportunity to network with industry peer, enhance knowledge, and improve leadership capabilities.”

Saturday morning’s business program will commence at 7:30 am with a breakfast buffet and the Tabletop show, followed by a Welcome and State of the Association Reports delivered by AAAS Chairman Jarrett Liles. The morning’s guest speakers

will include manufacturer representatives, as well as a leadership discussion entitled “How to Get Customer Engagement Right and Boost Your Team’s Sales Performance,” led by Joel Rosenthal of Gantt-Thomas and Associates.

Following a short break, Jeannie O’Malley, Employee Benefit Consultant for the Alliance Insurance Group, will present “The Affordable Care Act, Compliance and the Far Reaching Implications.” The event’s business sessions will conclude with “Forward Focused: The Auto Care Career Initiative,” presented by Courtney Hammer, Director of Job and Career Development for the Auto Care Association.

On Saturday afternoon, AAAS will host its 2016 Bell/Hines Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament. The four-person scramble will be held at the Baytowne Raven Golf Course, benefitting the AAAS Education Foundation. It will be sponsored by Federated Insurance and will feature prizes for the longest drive and closest to the pin, as well as a $10,000 prize for a hole-in-one. The $125 registration fee includes the greens fee, lunch, refreshments and a golf kit; $25 from the fee serves as a tax-deductible contribution

to AAASEF. Dinner on Saturday evening will be held at the Sky Room at The Beach House and is being sponsored by CARQUEST. AAAS’s 2016 Conference sponsors include Aldridge, Borden & Company PC, Austill, Lewis, Pipkin & Maddox PC, AAAS Employee Benefit Fund, Automotive Aftermarket Fund, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Burgess-Roberts LLC, CARQUEST, Carlisle Medical, Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC, Case Management LLC, Delphi, Federated Insurance, Jett Medical, LKQ Corporation, Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, NA Williams Company, PrimePay, Principal Financial Group, Safety National, Superior Financial Services, Standard Motor Products, Beam Financial Group, Trustmark, YANG, York Risk Services, and Webb & Eley.

Until May 9, industry professionals can register for the AAAS 2016 Annual Conference and Trade Show for just $145; an increase of $25 will apply after this date.

Additional information and registration forms are available online at www.aaas.us

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8 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Cunningham Brothers is GM 2015 Supplier of the Year

Cunningham Brothers Auto Parts (Cunningham Brothers) was named a GM Supplier of the Year by General Motors during its 24th annual Supplier of the Year awards ceremony held Thursday, March 10 at Cobo Center in Detroit, MI. GM recognized 110 of its best suppliers from 17 countries that have consistently exceeded GM’s expectations, created outstanding value, or brought new innovations to the company. The announcement represented the most suppliers GM has recognized since debuting the Supplier of the Year event in 1992.

This is the first time Cunningham Brothers, based in VA, has received the award.

“We are focused on building positive supplier relationships, bringing new, customer-centric innovations to GM, and being the OEM of choice among suppliers,” said Steve Kiefer, GM vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain.

GM’s 2015 supplier recognition represents a nearly 40 percent increase in the number of suppliers honored compared to 79 recipients in 2014. More than half are repeat winners from 2014.

Continued from Cover

ASA’s Annual Meeting

portunity to visit congressional offices, as well as attend briefings on Capitol Hill.

The attendee registration fee for the ASA Annual Business Meeting and Lobby Day is $99.95 and includes the Monday night reception, Tuesday luncheon and Wednesday Lobby Day. Housing and transportation arrangements are the responsibility of each attendee. The official registration form and housing information are available on the ASA website: www.ASAshop .org/annualmeeting.

For more information, contact David Lowell at (817) 514-2900, ext.

111, or davidl@ASAshop.org.

For ASA membership information, visit www.ASAshop.org. You can also visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com

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2016 Next Step Program Scholarship Winners

The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) and the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), have announced the 2016 Auto Care Association Next Step Program honorees. Ten young industry professionals will receive $1,100 scholarships to attend the Auto Care Association Spring Leadership Days, May 5-7 at the Hyatt Regency in Bonita Springs, FL. The 2016 recipients are: Blake Buller, Parts Authority; Cotter Collins, Standard Motor Products; Mark Devlin, Cardone Industries; Kelly Miencier, Auto-Wares; Steve Nelson, tascosalesreps; Valentine Oldham, Openbay; Adam Redling, Babcox Media; Ryan Stuver, CRP Industries/CRP Automotive; Ruben Vazquez, Tenneco; and Olivia Whitehurst, Global Parts Distributors.

The Next Step Program offers future leaders in the auto care industry opportunities to experience how the association and various aspects of the industry work.

“As young people become more connected and involved, they are more likely to build long-lasting careers in the auto care industry,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO,

Auto Care Association. “Next Steppers will have the unique chance to participate in committee meetings and networking events with veteran industry leaders with the ultimate goal of future involvement and leadership.”

This year’s Next Steppers will also attend the first YANG Leadership Conference, during Spring Leadership Days. The day and a half event will feature content leaders on topics such as, “How Globalization is Impacting the Business,” “Technology Related Opportunities and Challenges for the Auto Care Industry” and “Have you Ever Tried Listening to Your Customers.”

More information about the YANG Leadership Conference including registration is available at http://autocare.org/What-We-Do /Professional-Development/YANG /YANG-Leadership-Conference/.

For more information, visit http://www.autocare.org/What-WeDo/Professional-Development/ YANG/the-next-step-program.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 9

Registration Open and Agenda Released for WIN® 2016 Educational Conference

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

The Women’s Industry Network (WIN®) has opened registration and released the agenda for its 2016 Educational Conference being held in Tampa, FL on May 24. In celebration of the organization’s ten-year anniversary, this year’s theme will be “Power of the Past, Force of the Future” with special appearances from some of WIN’s founders.

WIN’s 2016 Educational Conference will begin on Monday, May 2, at 1 pm with several short orientation sessions for first-time attendees, and the General Session begins at 2 pm with a WIN Welcome. The first seminar, “Winning in the Past and Winning in the Future,” will be presented by Susan Lombardo, Senior Vice President of Vehicle Acquisitions for Enterprise Holdings, Inc. Following a short break, Kristen Felder, CEO of Engage Target Media, will discuss the important uses of social media. Monday’s agenda will conclude with a Welcome Reception celebrating ten years of WIN. On Tuesday morning, WINners will participate in the Scholarship Industry Walk with donations benefitting WIN’s Scholarship Fund. After breakfast, “The Gold Medal Mindset” will be

presented by Keynote Speaker Shannon Miller, seven-time Olympic Gold Medalist in gymnastics. The most decorated gymnast in American history, Miller is the only American to rank among the Top 10 All-Time gymnasts and is the only female to be inducted into the U.S Olympic Hall of Fame twice! Since defeating cancer in 2011, she had been busy traveling as a motivational speaker and promoting her company, Shannon Miller Lifestyle: Health and Fitness for Women.

After the morning break, David Luehr, owner of Elite Body Shop Solutions, will advise attendees on “Mastering Continuous Improvement.”

Following lunch, WIN will present their “Founders Panel, led by Denise Caspersen, WIN’s current Chair.” The rest of the afternoon will consist of breakout sessions with attendees choosing two of the three following options: David Luehr’s “Secret to Success - Dealing with Fear,” “The History and Evolution of Training in the Collision Repair Industry” presented

by Jeff Peevy, President of the Automotive Management Institute, or Team Safety’s Colette Bruce’s presentation entitled “OSHA Ready - What Can a Body Shop Do to Get Ready for an Audit?”

FL & TN Students Receive WIN Scholarships

The WIN (Women’s Industry Network) Scholarship is awarded each year to only five recipients from across the nation who are chosen by a committee made up of women in the industry. Beverly Rook, chairman of the scholarship committee, said, “Recipients of the WIN scholarships demonstrate their desire to excel in the field of collision repair.”

Each scholarship recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship to continue her post-secondary education in collision repair, a one-year WIN membership, plus registration fees and travel expenses to attend the 2016 WIN Educational Conference in Tampa, FL, May 2-4.”

Nancy McInerney from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Crossville was one of the recipients.

In order to be considered for the scholarship, McInerney had to be a fulltime student enrolled in collision repair technology, have at least a 3.0 GPA, a letter of recommendation from her instructor, and submit an essay about why she is studying to be in the collision repair industry.

“To say that we are proud of Nancy’s achievements and hard work in her program would be an understatement,” said a TCAT representa-

tive. “We see big things ahead for you.

Congratulations from all of us here at TCAT Crossville.”

Lake Technical College in Florida announced on March 31 that Auto Collision Repair & Refinishing student, Chelsea Bonds, was also a recipient.

Bonds graduated from Umatilla High School in June 2015 and started Lake Tech’s Auto Collision program in August. She is a student-leader on campus as her program’s appointed student ambassador for Lake Tech’s Student Leadership Council. She often gives guided campus tours to prospective students, as well as represents Lake Tech at various community and high school events around the county.

Bonds said, “I’m excited to meet other women in the industry and to learn from my WIN mentor.” She said that she hopes to open her own auto body shop. Not only does she want to help others by taking care of their cars, she also wants to incorporate personal care and well-being into her business design. “I hope to not only take care of people’s cars, but to have a salon, childcare, and possibly a health foods area available to my clients while they have their car repaired.”

For information, visit http://the womensindustrynetwork.ning.com/.

10 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Tuesday evening will feature the Most Influential Women (MIW) Award Ceremony, WIN Recognition and Gala Dinner. During these festivities, WIN will recognize scholarship recipients as well as honor their 2016 MIW, Michelle Sullivan, Regional Vice President of FinishMaster.

After breakfast on Wednesday, Karen Fierst, Principal of KerenOr Consultants, will present “Lessons Learned on My Journey To and Through the Collision Repair Industry.” The morning’s sessions will also include “What’s Next? From the Eyes of an Industry Leader” by Laurie Altman, Vice President and General Manager of the Automotive Aftermarket Division for 3M’s Industrial Business Group, followed by “Lions and Tigers and Millennials... Oh My!” from Mark Claypool, Chairman and CEO of Optima Automotive. The conference will conclude at noon with the Closing General Session.

WIN’s 2016 Educational Conference will be held at the Hilton Tampa Downtown in Tampa, FL. Until April 1, WIN members can register to attend the conference for $400; the price increases to $450 after that date. Non-members can register for $650, and those wishing only to attend the MIW Ceremony

and Gala Dinner may do so for $75.

Registration closes on April 25.

WIN is grateful to their sponsors, partner and supporters. Gold sponsors for this year’s conference include AkzoNobel, Axalta, BASF, Enterprise, and PPG. Silver sponsors are 3M, ASE, Allstate, Caliber Collision, AA Insurance Auctions, Service King, State Farm, and Valspar. This year’s bronze sponsors are ABRA, AudaExplore, CAPA Certified Auto Parts, Carstar, CCC Information Services, Copart, FinishMaster, Fix Auto, Geico, Gerber Collision and Glass, Hertz, MetLife, Mitchell, and Safelite Solutions. DCR Systems is WIN’s 2016 partner, and this year’s supporters include The Romans Group and The Villacorta Law Firm PC. To learn more, visit http://thewomensindustrynetwork.ning.com

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Drop a Ball at Atlanta I-CAR Committee’s 7th Annual Golf Tournament

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

The Atlanta I-CAR Committee will hold their 7th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, April 28 at the Golf Club at

Bradshaw Farm in Woodstock, GA. Registration opens at 9 am with a shotgun start at 11 am, and proceeds benefit the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF).

The event will feature a helicopter ball drop, giving participants a chance at several prizes. Golf balls can be purchased for $10 each with the ball closest to the hole winning $2000.

The prize will be split if there’s a tie.

The ball that lands farthest from the hole will win $50. Participants in the helicopter ball drop do not need to be present to win. Balls are available for purchase on the group’s website.

A wide variety of sponsorship options are available, ranging from tool grants all the way up to the Diamond Sponsorship which includes registration for 12 golfers, premium signage

and recognition at the evening’s dinner ceremony. Several new sponsorship options have been added this year.

Registration for the tournament costs $100 per golfer ($400 for a complete four-person team). Fees include 18 holes of golf, range balls, cart fees, three drink tickets, a putting contest, lunch, reception dinner, and a goody bag.

Those interested should register

by March 31 and can do so online at http://icaratlantagolf.weebly.com or by contacting Lizette Mercado at 404-734-6860 or via email lmercado @abraauto.com.

Service King Partners with Absolute Autobody

Service King Collision Repair Centers announced on March 28 the opening of its seventh location in the Atlanta, GA market.

The announcement comes as Service King officially partners with Absolute Autobody. “This is an exciting step for the Absolute Autobody team,” said owners Rhonda and Jim Miller. “Service King and its industry-leading team not only provide superior support and resources but its rich culture and vision for the future aligns with our organization seamlessly. We’re confident about the road ahead and look forward to serving our customers as a member of the Service King family.”

As part of the deal, Service King will now operate the 30,000square-foot I-CAR Gold Class certified location. “The Service King team is invested in providing the Atlanta community with the industry’s very best collision repair service,” said Scott Ward, Service King regional VP for the southeast U.S. “Partnering with premier teams like Absolute Autobody helps us achieve just that. We look forward to growing alongside our new teammates.”

U.S. Official: Automakers Must Fix Security Gaps

Internet-connected and driverless cars could be targets for hackers— potentially including terrorists and hostile nations—so the automotive industry must ensure vehicles have built-in cybersecurity protection, a top U.S. Justice Department official said. “There is no Internetconnected system where you can build a wall that’s high enough or deep enough to keep a dedicated nation-state adversary or a sophisticated criminal group out of the system,” John Carlin, U.S. assistant attorney general for national security, said at an auto industry conference in Detroit on April 12.

The market for cars connected to the Internet is expected to be valued at about $42 billion by 2025, with more than 220 million vehicles on the roads. Companies are expanding investments in telematics, which combines computers and wireless technology to provide services such as infotainment and real-time traffic updates to moving vehicles. Toyota Motor Corp., Google, Ford Motor Co., and Baidu Inc. intend to introduce driverless cars in as soon as five years.

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Southeast Associations

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

KPA Teaches GCIA Members about OSHA and EPA Compliance with Chasidy Rae Sisk

On Thursday, March 24, the Georgia Collision Industry Association (GCIA) hosted a member meeting at the Wyndham Hotel in Atlanta, GA. Over 25 attendees learned about OSHA and EPA regulations from Lori Matthews, Risk Management Consultant III for KPA, who was assisted in her presentation by Chuck Elliott, KPA District Manager, and Richard Baldwin, KPA Senior Sales Associate.

Matthews’ presentation began with a regulatory update which explained that, due to a provision in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, OSHA fines are set to increase 75-80 percent.

Thie purpose of this is to bring them in line with inflation over the past 25 years. This means that the maximum penalty for serious violations is set to increase from $7500 to approximately $12,500 per incident with the maximum fine for repeat violations increasing from $70,000 to $125,000 per incident.

Initial penalty increases will become effective by August 1, 2016, and from there on out, OSHA’s penalties will be permitted to increase yearly based on CPI. Additional OSHA changes will require dealerships with collision centers to complete certain injury and illness forms for their records as well as alterations to the way accidents are reported to OSHA. Fatalities must be reported within eight hours, while reports must be made within 24 hours if a work-related incident causes an employee to receive in-patient hospitalization, amputation or lose an eye. Events must also be reported to OSHA if a fatality occurs within 30 days of the work-related incident or if any of the aforementioned injuries occur within 24 hours after the work-related accident.

Looking at body shop compliance, Matthews informed attendees EPA 6H training is required every five years and advised everyone to check their initial training date to ensure it hasn’t expired. Matthews next turned to OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Isocyanate exposure; required PPE now includes a fresh air respirator with grade D breathable air, non-permeable painter suits, gloves and eye protection, as well as air monitoring.

In order to be compliant in regards to safety regulations, the Emergency Response Plan must be written to include evacuation, fire response, spills response, inclement weather and first aid. Shops must also train employees on the plan and provide maps with evacuation plans. Hazards also require a written plan and employee training in addition to SDS, product labeling and compliance with the Global Harmonization System.

Compliance with personal protective equipment regulations require the completion of a hazard assessment and use of gloves, non-specialty footwear, paint suits and a welding helmet shade, with special requirements when repairing hybrid vehicles. Respiratory protection compliance requires a written program, employee training and medical evaluations. It also dictates respirator selection along with a change out schedule, respirator fit testing, and a care and maintenance routine.

OSHA has also developed a Diisocyanate Emphasis Program. Diisocyanates are used in flexible and rigid forming coatings, and Toluene Diisocyanate is found in most body shop hardening products. This substance reacts with hydrogen atoms to form Polyurethane, and these toxic and reactive chemicals enter your body through your respiratory system or by skin contact and can pass through latex gloves to make contact with skin. In addition to being a leading cause of work-related asthma, they can cause allergic reactions and increase a person’s immune system’s sensitivity to react to lower concentrations. Shops can protect painters by conducting air monitoring, supplying air respiratory protection, nitrile gloves, resistant paint suits, boot covers and enclosed eye protection, and by ensuring that PPE stays in the paint area.

Safety compliance regulations also extend to the shop. For a powered industrial truck, requirements include a written program, classroom training, operator evaluations, daily pre-trip inspections, a seat belt, horn, lights and a clear roof. Paint booths require permits, fire suppression, Class 1 Division 1 lighting and switches, a functioning manometer and air flow which are de-

14 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

pendent on the size of the booth but typically requires six complete changes in 60 minutes.

Mixing rooms require ventilation with in and out flows, Class 1 Division 1 lighting, switches and outlets, a door that remains closed, a spill catch, postemergency contact numbers, and closed containers, including a waste tunnel. It also mandates that all recyclers, gun cleaners, flammable liquid storage and dispensing drums are grounded.

Environmental compliance for air covers NESHAP 6H regulations, requirements on refrigerants, and state and local VOC regulations. The NESHAP 6H regulations mandate four walls and a roof on paint booths, and three walls and a curtain on prep stations. It also requires HVLP guns, 98% efficient filters, employee training, minimized overspray techniques, gun cleaning without atomizing and notification of compliance.

Refrigerant compliance includes

A/C recovery equipment registration with the EPA, A/C recovery technicians trained in Section 609 of the CAA and HFO 1234yf which deals with global warming and flammability issues. State and local VOC regulations focus on volatile organize compounds and typically involves requirements for the following: cleaning equipment, parts washers, state notification of compliance, training, written procedures and maintenance of painting materials.

Next, Matthews discussed landrelated environmental compliance.

Waste is categorized as hazardous or non-hazardous based on generator knowledge and lab testing. Conditionally exempt generators produce less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste in a calendar month which precludes them from needing an EPA ID number or producing annual reports, plus they have no limit on storage of hazardous See KPA Teaches, Page 30

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Polyvance Finishes First Day of LeMons Race in AL, Releases New Plastic Repair Workstation

Polyvance, formerly Urethane Supply Company, completed the February 2016 24 hours of LeMons race at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

“This was a fun team-building exercise for our company,” said Polyvance President Kurt Lammon. “The 24 Hours of LeMons is all about mak-

The Polyvance race team during the LeMons Race at Barber Motorsports Park

ing real racing affordable by limiting the price of the car to $500, excluding safety equipment.”

The Polyvance race car, bought from company employee Fortunato Ruiz, was a 1997 Nissan 200SX that had been damaged by a tree that fell on it in the tornados that struck Rainsville, Alabama on April 23, 2011.

“The car was a real trooper,” said

company Vice President Keith Lammon. “It had nearly 200,000 miles on it and the compression was so low you could turn the engine over by hand with the spark plugs in. We had to weld the front bumper with our nitrogen plastic welder and fabricate a rear window out of acrylic since the tree busted it out.”

The Polyvance race team finished in 52nd place out of 93 cars, and would have placed in the low 40s except for a CV joint that went bad on the morning of March 13.

“Luckily the local parts store had an axle on the shelf, so we dove in there and fixed it and were back on the track in an hour and a half,” said manufacturing employee Mason Martin.

“It was a setback in terms of our finishing place, but it added to the team-building experience, for sure,” said Kurt.

“Our most important modification was the brakes,” said Scott Bixler, Polyvance’s R&D and tech support manager. “We swapped the stock brakes, which looked like they should have been on a golf cart, for some big Wilwood brakes with four piston calipers. They lasted the whole weekend with no fade.”

Polyvance’s race car survived the weekend unscathed, so the team is

planning to contest the 24 Hours of LeMons race at Carolina Motorsports Park in September as well. “This was a super-fun event, and I’d encourage our industry peers—manufacturers, body shops, or distributors—to get out

The new 6075 Bumper Mate 2 from Polyvance

there and race with us,” said Kurt.

“We haven’t got the money to sponsor NASCAR teams like some of our esteemed peers, but I guarantee we had more fun than they did writing their checks!”

For more information on the 24 Hours of LeMons series, visit www .24hoursoflemons.com Polyvance also announced a new plastic repair workstation. According to a company press release, “The new

6075 Bumper Mate 2 from Polyvance makes it easy for a repair technician to hold floppy plastic bumper covers solidly in place so repairs can be made most efficiently. One technician can fixture the bumper and do the needed repair work without any additional help, maximizing the shop’s productivity.”

Weighing only 12 pounds, the Bumper Mate 2 is constructed in the USA of a plywood table top and aluminum extrusions. It can be folded open and rested on top of a common folding work stand. The aluminum extension arms support the ends of the bumper and the cutouts in the table top make it easy to secure the bumper cover using spring clamps or bungee cords.

The table can be dropped down with the extension arms resting on the chains to support the bumper in a facedown position so work may be performed on the backside of the bumper easily. The rectangular cutouts in the table top allow for awkwardly shaped headlights to be stabilized as well.

The 6075 Bumper Mate 2 is available from auto body jobbers and equipment distributors around North America.

Suggested list price is US$425.00.

Questions? Contact Kurt Lammon at 800-633-3047.

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AASA Hosts Connected Cars Panel at Vision

The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) held a panel on connected cars and the aftermarket during its annual Vision Conference. The panel discussed the future of vehicle-to-vehicle communications, the independent aftermarket supplier’s role with advanced vehicles and how the diagnostics community can better prepare for these advances. Panelists included: Nat Beuse, associate administrator, Vehicle Safety Research, National Highway Traffic Safety Administra-

tion (NHTSA). Donny Seyfer, AAM, chairman, Automotive Service Association (ASA) and co-owner of Seyfer Automotive Inc. Xavier Mosquet, senior partner and managing director, Boston Consulting Group. David Williams, senior planning manager, Marketing & Strategic Planning, DENSO. Following the panel, Seyfer said, “Emerging vehicle technologies continue to generate a high level of interest from industry leaders and policymakers alike.”

RAND Corp. Report Says Calling Driverless Cars Safer than Human Drivers is Statistically Impossible

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says more than 90 percent of car crashes are caused by human errors such as driving too fast, alcohol impairment, distraction and fatigue. NHTSA officials have said driverless cars could eventually lead to zero traffic fatalities, but RAND’s report calls that impossible given number of miles driven.

How safe can autonomous vehicles be, given the statistics?

The RAND report answers: “The answer is crucial for developing sound policies to govern their deployment.

One proposal to assess safety is to testdrive autonomous vehicles in real traffic, observe their performance, and make statistical comparisons to human driver performance. This approach is logical, but it is practical? In this report, we calculate the number of miles that would need to be driven to provide clear statistical evidence of autonomous vehicle safety. Given that current traffic fatalities and injuries are rare events compared with vehicle miles traveled, we show that fully autonomous vehicles would have to be driven hundreds of millions of miles and sometimes hundreds of billions of miles to demonstrate their safety in terms of fatalities and injuries. Under even aggressive testing assumptions, existing fleets would take tens and sometimes hundreds of years to drive these miles —an impossible proposition if the aim is to demonstrate performance prior to releasing them for consumer use. Our findings demonstrate that developers of this technology and third-party testers cannot simply drive their way to safety. Instead, they will need to develop innovative methods of demonstrating safety and reliability. And yet, it may still not be possible to establish with certainty the safety of autonomous vehicles. Therefore, it is imperative that autonomous vehicle regulations are adaptive—designed from the outset to

evolve with the technology so that society can better harness the benefits and manage the risks of these rapidly evolving and potentially transformative technologies.

Key Findings ● Autonomous vehicles would have to be driven hundreds of millions of miles and sometimes hundreds of billions of miles to demonstrate their reliability in terms of fatalities and injuries. ● Under even aggressive testing assumptions, existing fleets would take tens and sometimes hundreds of years to drive these miles—an impossible proposition if the aim is to demonstrate their performance prior to releasing them on the roads for consumer use. ● Therefore, at least for fatalities and injuries, test-driving alone cannot provide sufficient evidence for demonstrating autonomous vehicle safety. ● Developers of this technology and third-party testers will need to develop innovative methods of demonstrating safety and reliability. ● Even with these methods, it may not be possible to establish with certainty the safety of autonomous vehicles.

Uncertainty will remain. ● In parallel to developing new testing methods, it is imperative to develop adaptive regulations that are designed from the outset to evolve with the technology so that society can better harness the benefits and manage the risks of these rapidly evolving and potentially transformative technologies.

“Our results show that developers of this technology and third-party testers cannot drive their way to safety,” Nidhi Kalra, co-author of the study and a senior scientist at RAND, said in a statement. “It’s going to be nearly impossible for autonomous vehicles to log enough test-driving miles on the road to statistically demonstrate their safety, when compared to the rate at which injuries and fatalities occur in human-controlled cars and trucks.”

18 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Collision Financial Services Offers 0% Loans

In today’s collision repair industry environment, there is increasing pressure for customers to bear a greater financial burden for collision repair services. After-insurance deductibles, short-pays, balance billing and uninsured events are creating customer responsibilities that can easily reach into the thousands of dollars.

“Payment arrangements are growing exponentially and maintaining these arrangements are no longer cost effective for collision repair facilities.” – Jeff Steigerwald, CPACollision Financial Services Payment Plans are designed to be an integral part of a collision center’s overall collection process. They work in concert with each shop’s current payment alternatives and business office operations. CFS customized programs relieve financing burdens and the billing and collecting effort of customer payable balances. CFS programs are offered to any customer identified by a CFS shop client as having the willingness and ability to pay, but needing additional time to do so.

● 0% Vehicle Repair Loans up to $2500.00 ● No credit check – guaranteed credit

approval ● Affordable payments - up to 2 year payment plans ● No pre-payment penalties CFS will fully assume the management of your current and future in-house customer payment plans.

This option allows bodyshops to generate an immediate influx of cash while CFS takes over the dayto-day billing, collection and customer interaction for these plans.

There is an increase in customers’ out-of-pocket expense and an increased burden on collision centers to offer customers creative payment alternatives. Today’s leading collision business focusing on increasing profits need to work with a creative partner to offer multiple payment options to their customers, including longer term payment plans.

CFS provides a superior system to manage and collect the customer pay portion of collision repair bills.

CFS’s system creates customer focused payment plans that are implemented while measurably improving a collision center’s collection performance.

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Continued from Cover

Sleek as a Car Showroom

training room to maintain the business’ Gold Class Collision repair certification, and an elegant lobby and customer lounge that also includes an Enterprise car rental office.

“It’s productive,” Walker said of his new shop’s functional design.

“That’s the first word that comes to mind; it’s very, very productive.”

The shop already has repaired more than 500 cars in its first two months of business in Knoxville.

Walker still operates a 15,000 square-foot location in Seymour.

“I’ve had it for 26 years now,” he said. “We get a lot of work from West Knoxville, so we thought we would expand north into Knoxville.”

Walker said his favorite feature of the building’s design is the composite aluminum of the exterior walls. But he said that the viewing windows that look out from the lobby into the repair shop below get the biggest reaction.

“It is a hit with every customer who walks in,” he added. “It just blows them away. You don’t (usually) get to look into shops like that and see what

they’re doing.”

The white walls and light polished concrete floors are surprisingly practical, he said. “White reflects light, and you need a bright body shop,” said Walker.

A dust-collection system, with sanders hooked up to a central system, keeps the workspace virtually dust free.

“I’m a neat freak,” Walker said. “I can’t help it, and everybody who works for us knows it. The way your shop looks, that’s the image of the work that you do.”

Stacy Cox, president and director of business development at Studio Four Design, worked with Walker on his project.

“Paul understands the importance of building design and how it affects his customers,” she said.

Studio Four Design has completed a variety of recognizable projects over

the past decade, including: the Bearden Buttermilk Sky store, Three Rivers Market, and the remodel of the Thompson Boling Arena.

The collision repair shop’s design process started in late 2013, and the building took less than a year to complete.

“We started with an empty lot,” Cox said. “We had to work with the slope of the property, but (we) like the way the street-level entry overlooks the workshop at the rear of the building.”

Most of the exterior of the building is a metal aluminum composite material “like you see on a lot of cars now,” Cox said.

Walker said he plans to work with Studio Four Design on another collision repair location, with a projected 2017 opening date.

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CARSTAR’s Bob Keith Receives I-CAR Award

CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts congratulated Bob Keith for being recognized by I-CAR as the recipient of their annual Founders Award. The award was given based on his dedication and service to ICAR at the recent 2016 I-CAR Volunteer & Instructor Conference held in Orlando, Florida.

Keith is a member of the CARSTAR corporate team, serving as senior director-operations training, as well as the owner of four CARSTAR locations. He also has a long history of dedicated service to I-CAR, having held several leadership positions in the organization.

“It has been an honor to serve with some of the best minds in the industry who regularly take off their stripes in order to make sure that ICAR meets its vision that every person in the collision repair industry has the information, knowledge and skills required to perform complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer,” said Keith.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Bob’s experience as part of our team,” said Michael Macaluso, president – CARSTAR North America.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 21

NACE 2016 MSO Symposium Agenda and Topics Announced, Held Aug. 11 in Anaheim

Details have been announced for the 2016 MSO Symposium, taking place during NACE | CARS on Thursday, August 11 in Anaheim, CA. The sought-after program will cover business growth, M&A, private equity, insurance and industry trends, management-focused topics, industry trends and market intelligence. The Symposium features support from several sponsors, including Car-O-Liner, Axalta, AkzoNobel, Arrowhead Insurance, AudaExplore, and Celette.

Now in its 6th year, this popular and exclusive event draws attendance from dynamic and fast-growth multishop operators throughout the collision repair industry. This year, the Symposium incorporates a broader group of collision repair executives, allowing more inclusivity for some of the best operators in the collision repair industry.

The MSO Symposium will open on Thursday, August 11 with a private luncheon at noon and conclude with a private reception at 6:00 pm.

The agenda-at-a-glance: 1:00pm – 1:30pm: Industry Update PRESENTER: Vincent Romans, Founding Principal & Managing Partner, The Romans Group 1:30pm – 3:00pm: Insurer Panel MODERATOR: Marcy Tieger, SymContinued from Cover

Hyundai Repairs

nected care publicity manager Miles Johnson told Repairer Driven News.

“I know that we’re working on it,” he said. Johnson said he couldn’t provide more details at this point.

More than 1,000 shops were certified on Hyundai’s OEM repair network; an I-CAR representative who’d worked on the matrix said he didn’t believe they could obtain U.S. procedures either. Johnson said the data just didn’t exist yet for the U.S. I-CAR teaches industry best practices for the increasingly advanced materials and technology inside later-model Hyundais. A shop current with training and equipment—and with “Ask ICAR” bookmarked—should be able to deliver an expert repair.

But what happens in a shop whose techs need more guidance?

And why would even the best shop want to rely purely on “I think this is correct” to fix the kind of complex vehicles being produced today? (For example, the advanced-high-strength steel Hyundai Elantra or hybrid-toelectric Ioniq?)

phony Advisors LLC. PANELISTS: Russ Hoffbauer, State Farm; Clint Marlow, Allstate; Chris Andreoli, Progressive 3:00pm – 3:30pm: A Capital Markets View of Collision Around the World PRESENTER: Rex Green, Managing Director and Global Co-

Head of Automotive Aftermarket Investment Banking at Jefferies LLC 3:45pm – 5:15pm: MSO Panel MODERATORS: John Walcher, Veritas Advisors, Inc.; Dave Roberts, FOCUS Investment Banking LLC. PANELISTS: Jeff Middleton, Exhibition Automotive CARSTAR; Jake Nossaman, Collision Work; Jim Keller, 1Collision; Darrell Amberson, LaMettry’s Collision; Jim West, CARSTAR Collision Care Centers; Twila Harris, Auto Art; Rick Wood,

The three major auto body trade groups have declared that OEM recommendations should be followed during a collision repair. I-CAR also supports OEM procedures as the “manual” for shops, though the organization also works to fill gaps in the information provided by automakers.

I-CAR surveyed 34 OEMs for the 2016 matrix, a quick-reference chart indicating which automakers provide details on certain auto body topics or forbid certain actions (for example, using weld-through primer) during a repair. It also contains links to automakers’ technical information websites for easy shop access.

Repairer Driven News can be accessed for free at http://www.repairerdrivennews.com

Your leading source for SOUTHEASTERN Collision Repair News! southeastern.autobodynews.com

22 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Cooks Collision 5:15pm – 6:00pm: OE Panel MODERATOR: Russell Thrall, CollisionWeek PANELISTS: John Eck, GM; Jeff Hilton, Toyota; Gary Ledoux, Honda; Mark Allen, Audi.

Beginning in 2015, the MSO Symposium added an advisory board to ensure the sessions are a direct fit for the audience. The advisory board works diligently to build the most competitive and insightful program possible for the industry each year.

Advisory board members include: Randy Stabler, President, Pride Collision Centers, Inc.; Erick Bickett, Owner, Fix Auto; Marcy Tieger, Principal, Symphony Advisors, LLC.; Mike LeVasseur, Director of Corporate Development, ABRA Auto Body & Glass; Dave Roberts, Managing Director, FOCUS Investment Banking, LLC.; Tim Adelmann, Executive Vice President, ABRA Auto Body & Glass; Russell Thrall III, Publisher & Editor-In-Chief, CollisionWeek; Chris Abraham, CEO, Service King; Scott Benavidez, Owner, Mr B’s Paint & Body Shop Inc.; Tony Molla, Vice President, ASA; Courtland Gates, President, Vesper Investment Com-

pany; Mark Sanders, President & COO, Caliber Collision Centers; Darrell Amberson, President of Operations, LaMettry’s Collision; Larry Siembab, Sr. Director of Insurance Relations, CARSTAR; Tim O’Day, President & COO, Gerber Collision & Glass; John Walcher, President, Veritas Advisors, Inc. The closed and exclusive half-day program is limited to qualified multishop owners/operators, large independent shops planning for growth or divestiture, and insurance professionals.

No other event offers this level and diversity of repair training while bringing together all facets of the automotive industry like NACE | CARS. Targeting business owners, management and technicians, this conference & exposition brings together all market segments for the latest and most comprehensive repair solutions, services, education, products and technology.

Make your plans to attend NACE | CARS 2016 in Anaheim and find additional information at www.NACE expo.com or www.CARSevent.com.

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www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 23

Communication Was Key at Mopar Masters Guild Annual Meeting in Las Vegas

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Parts and service directors across the country gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada March 29-April 1 for the Mopar Masters Guild (MMG) annual meeting.

Susan McDaniel, newly elected president of MMG, said that communication was the main item on the agenda.

(l to r) Rick Cutaia, Susan McDaniel, Don Cushing

“We wanted to build a solid, up-todate database and get as many people involved as possible so that we could have great discussions about the current state of our businesses and help each other grow,” said McDaniel, who is the parts director at Bill Luke Dealerships in Phoenix, Arizona.

With record attendance of 36 members, the group shared ideas and best practices during the four-day meet-

ing, which was held in conjunction with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) annual convention.

Mopar is the parts, service and customer care organization within Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Established in 1992, the MMG’s motto is “The exchange of information by like-size dealers in a non-competitive environment.”

McDaniel said the goal is to strengthen themselves as managers in order to deliver the best service to customers.

She said their conquest program still remains strong, referring to the FCA Match the Estimate – Price Matching Program. (FCA was formerly known as the Chrysler Group.)

“Our collision shops present a copy of their original estimate and we can match the price to ensure that their customers receive quality OE parts on their vehicle,” she explained. “FCA is more competitive with their pricing than ever and driven to learn new ways to be even stronger in the marketplace.”

Some of the highlights during the annual meeting included presentations from FCA/Mopar executives and supporting vendors. “We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with

24 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

our vendors to help each other grow,” said McDaniel.

The third day of the meeting— March 31—began with a tribute to one of the MMG members who recently passed away. The guild celebrated the

(l to r) Tiny Bubbles, Barbara Davies, Tony Strongarm

life of Crete Colby, on the day that would have been his birthday.

Elections were also held on March 31 and the following individuals began their two-year terms: President Susan McDaniel – Bill Luke CJDR; Vice-President Andy Reed – Autonation; Treasurer J.D. Ipsen – Ken Garff W. Valley CDJR; Secretary Matt Jarvis – Bald Hill DCJR

The week ended with a reception on April 1 themed “Gangsters and Flappers.” Members had the opportunity to dress up in their favorite costumes while discussing the previous few days of presentations.

MMG will be celebrating its 25th anniversary beginning January 24, 2017. Two days later, they will hold their next meeting in New Orleans, LA, January 26-29.

Until then, MMG plans to focus on its membership drive and community outreach programs throughout the year. McDaniel said the hope is to increase membership to 50 by next January.

McDaniel encourages those who qualify to be Mopar Master dealers and have not yet been contacted to call her at 602-336-1557 or email smcdaniel@billluke.com. A list of qualifying dealers are listed on the Dealer Connect website (dealerconnect.com >>Home Page> 2016 Dealer Recognition Programs> Mopar Masters Tracking).

For more information about the Mopar Masters Guild, visit: mopar mastersguild.com.

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC.

New Ideas from Technicians are Backbone of Killer Tools Unique Products

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

With an interest in the collision repair industry and a background in inventing and marketing products, Gerry Trueit began selling tools from shop to shop about 16 years ago.

He and his wife, Maggie, and their dog, Ruby, drove a motor home throughout the United States selling an Eagle dent removal machine. After selling nearly 3,000 units, he said they gained a reputation for providing “Killer Tools.”

This led Trueit and his team to form Killer Tools and Equipment Corp.

“When we developed a tool for putting on door skins pneumatically, we were selling so many we could no longer go on the road and settled down to manufacturing and shipping,” he said. Since incorporating the company in 2002, they have sold more than 30,000 of these tools.

Their products come from the ideas of those currently working in the collision repair industry and Trueit said that every tool is unique in its design.

“We are very fortunate to be in a unique position by having original tools, thought up by collision technicians and designed and built by us,” said Trueit.

He said collision technicians can be quite hard on their tools so everything has to be rugged.

“I want to make sure that our brand is known for quality first and the service to back it up,” said Trueit.

Killer Tools, based in Orangevale, California, has seven employees and offers more than 30 products through mobile jobbers, paint stores and warehouse distributors.

The company recently introduced the following four tools for the industry: ART55 Cordless Tool Garage: allows you to store cordless tools in your tool box or on the side of your tool box. Powerful magnets hold unit to any steel surface without falling.

ART88 Corner Pocket: a powder-coated steel peg board attaches to any tool cart to create vertical space for organizing your tools and tapes, etc. Comes with six steel peg holders.

ART44X The Painter’s Helper: Heavy duty Truck Mirror Support holds over 10 lbs. Attaches to any steel surface with powerful magnet and exclusive “load extender.”

ART81X Heavy Duty 1/2” Impact Support: Quality anodized aluminum support will hold over 10 lbs with exclusive “load extender.”

Several of Trueit’s technicians, many who were referred by jobbers or friends, have received royalties for helping to design his products.

One technician has earned more than $250,000 over the last 10 years.

Trueit said the company decided to reward them with $1,000 each for their part in sharing ideas for any tool they produce.

“Collision technicians are independent thinkers and have always had to design something new to complete a task,” said Trueit. “That is why I enjoy this industry. I feel connected.”

For more information, contact Gerry Trueit at 800-369-4262 or killer toolsandequipment@gmail.com or visit http://www.killertools.com/.

American Honda Joins ASA as Corporate Member The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced one of its latest corporate members: American Honda.

Gary Ledoux, assistant national manager for American Honda, said, “ASA is a big supporter of the auto repair industry, and especially the collision repair side of the business, so we are pleased to be able to support and help them in their work.”

Dan Risley, ASA president/executive director, also commented, “American Honda has been a longtime supporter of the industry and ASA. Its leadership is in sync with ours, and as a result, the relationship continues to grow to the benefit of the automotive service and collision repair industries and ASA members as a whole.”

To learn more about ASA’s corporate membership program, contact Dan Risley at danr@asashop.org.

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Body Shops Giving Back

Stacey Phillips is the assistant editor at Autobody News magazine.

She has more than 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications. She can be reached at sphillips@autobodynews.com.

Florida Body Shops Help Make Box Car Racing a Reality for Special Needs Children with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR

Imagine a child not being able to participate in a sport because of a disability. John Bomm from Sunshine State Superkids has taken on the mission to change that by giving special needs children the opportunity to experience box car racing. He called on the support of local body shops in Florida to help turn this dream into a reality.

Hepler’s Auto Body in Kissimmee, Shamrock Auto Body Collision Pros in St. Cloud, Francisco’s Custom Body Shop in Lakeland and Orange Buick GMC in Orlando offered to paint box cars for upcoming races in the Sunshine state.

Bomm said that he and his family have participated in box car racing for years and wanted to share their love of the sport.

In March of 2015, they took part in a race for special-needs children in Florida. After watching how much the children enjoyed the experience, Bomm said he decided to dedicate his time to plan these types of races. This led to the formation of Sunshine State Superkids in 2015, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to host-

John Bomm from Sunshine State Superkids said the first race is planned for September 24 in Orlando

ing free box car races.

Although Bomm said there have been some delays getting started, he is still working hard to get the project off the ground.

The first race is currently schedule for September 24 in Orlando, Florida.

Other races are planned for October 15 in Winter Garden, November 19 in St. Cloud, and December 10 in Plant City.

All funding comes from sponsorships and donations and Bomm, as the race director, is currently reaching out to local businesses for support.

Artois Cabinet Company built four

of the wooden cars that will be used in the cars in the likeness of Batman, Capthe races. Constructed without an entain America, Hulk and Iron Man. gine, Bomm said it’s like drag racing Reilly purchased the collision redownhill. pair business 16 years ago. Showing The cars are specifically built for support of the local community has alspecial-needs children.

They have two seats—one for a child driver (10-18 years old) and the other for a special needs passenger (718 years old). Helmets are provided for participants and safety harnesses are inside all of the cars.

The first four cars were painted by East Ridge High School’s body shop class.

Bomm then reached out to Bobby Hepler, owner of Hepler’s Auto Body, to paint one of the wooden cars. It was brought in without wheels or a steering Shamrock Auto Body Collision Pros in St. Cloud painted four of wheel. Hepler said it took the race cars about 20 hours to sand the car, seal it and paint it. He worked with two other employees in his shop after-hours and on weekends to complete the job.

“We do a lot of things here for charity as far as painting different things,” said Hepler, who has owned his shop for 10 years. “I enjoy the opportunity to do that.”

When asked what it takes to be successful in a small town, he responded, “Do good quality work, reputation, and say what you do, do what you say.”

He also stressed the importance of helping the local community and giving back, especially during tough times.

“When the economy hit like it did, we all have to be in it together,” said Hepler.

In addition to supporting local churches and single moms, Hepler is president of the rotary club. “We just try to help out as much as we can to give back. That helps also with your reputation in the community.”

About 10 miles away, another body shop offered to lend a hand. Shamrock Auto Body Collision Pros in St. Cloud, Florida painted four of the race cars. It took four of his 22 employees about two weeks to get the job done. Owner Mike Reilly Sr. said his team decided to paint

26 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ways been an important goal of the family-run business.

“Ever since I came in here, this town has been very good to me. My big thing was always to give back,” said Reilly. “I always set aside x amount of dollars per year to make sure I could give back to the community. I work on that very hard.”

Francisco’s Custom Body Shop in Lakeland was involved in prepping and custom-painting three cars, which took about three weeks.

“To me, it’s very important to support the community that has faithfully supported me and helped my business grow to what it is today,” said Steve Francisco, owner of Francisco’s Custom Body Shop.

The small family-run business was established in 1988 and has grown to include 13 full-time employees, many of whom have worked there more than 10 years. “We were See Box Car Racing, Page 41

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EMM Becomes ISO 9001:2015 Certified

EMM International BV has obtained the newly introduced ISO 9001:2015 certification. ISO 9001 helps organizations demonstrate to customers that they can offer products and services of consistently good quality.

More than 40 new products have been launched during the last three years under the brands Colad, Hamach and Ronin Tools. EMM has a number of different sites across Europe, with a head office based in the Netherlands. The company, which ships to over 125 countries, wanted customers to trust that they would always receive high-quality products.

That is why EMM said it decided to join the ISO 9001:2015 certification program. This new certification, which just launched at the end of 2015, focuses more on “stakeholdermanagement,” plus the integration of risk management. As an organization, EMM said in a recent press release that they are very proud to have obtained this certification within a short period of time. “We know for sure that we as a company, but most of all, our global clients, will benefit from this improvement,” an EMM rep added. For information, visit www.emm.com

IPA’s® 12-Button Remote Control for the Super MUTT®

IPA announced its new 12-Button Remote Control that is now available with the Super MUTT® trailer tester line. The #MUT-RM12 12-Function Remote allows complete and comprehensive trailer testing from over 200 ft. away. It also the manually, automatic or remote testing of all electrical circuitry, air brakes, and access ABS codes. The 12-Button Remote mirrors the onboard features of the Super MUTT®. Remote-controlled testing and diagnostics allow the Super MUTT® to guide a technician through 91 critical points of inspection and testing. Testing Mode assesses the trailer’s electrical circuitry to identify wiring problems often missed during routine inspections. If a problem is found (i.e. shorted, crossed, open circuit, or bad ground), the Super MUTT® shifts into Diagnostic / Pulsar® Mode. In the case of a short circuit, Pulsar® Mode will continue to monitor circuit condition, applying current every three seconds for continued circuit testing. Once the short is found and repaired, the Pulsar® feature will restore current to the circuit. For information on the Super MUTT® Deluxe or IPA’s Trailer Tester line, visit www.ipatools.com or call 888-786-7899.

28 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Sherwin-Williams ECOLEAN™ Workshop Venue Hosted by Championship NASCAR® Teams

Sherwin-Williams announced in April a special venue for its next EcoLean™ Level 1 workshop June 28-29. It will be held on location at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ and hosted by teams Joe Gibbs Racing and Roush Fenway Racing in Charlotte, NC. This special session will feature extensive teachings in the benefit and execution of lean principles, along with unique behind-thescenes tours and discussion with team members from two of NASCAR’s leading race teams.

While at Joe Gibbs Racing and Roush Fenway Racing, collision center owners and managers from across the U.S. and Canada will receive training from some of the best collision services business consultants in the industry. They’ll see first-hand how an organization can embrace lean philosophies and implementation to greatly assist in its workflow, communication and increased productivity.

“We aim to give our EcoLean workshop attendees an extensive and comprehensive look at how they can create a lean environment in their own facility,” said Greg Eisenhardt, Sherwin-Williams marketing manager. “This is a particularly special and rare opportunity for many collision repair experts.

Our attendees will be able to learn lean principles while engaging with our business consultants and some of the motorsports industry’s leading professionals.”

“The EcoLean program was first introduced more than five years ago and since then, each workshop session has been incredibly popular. We have had great response from customers about the positive impact to their net profit, some upwards of almost 30 percent!” added Eisenhardt.

The EcoLean Level 1 workshops from Sherwin-Williams are offered to collision center owners and dealership managers from across the U.S. and Canada. They are designed to educate attendees about how to maximize profitability, by improving production, and eliminate waste.

In addition to the race team facility tours, the Charlotte EcoLean Level 1 workshop curriculum will include: an overview of lean production and its practical application in collision repair; approaches to making a collision facility more efficient and predictable; and roundtable discussion for overcoming lean implementation challenges.

Register at www.sherwin-automotive.com/ecolean1. For information on EcoLean, call (800) 798-5872.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 29

Shop Strategies OH Auto Body Shop Benefits from Hiring & Training Students with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR

In business for more than 56 years, Brown’s Body Shop in Zanesville, Ohio has 15 employees, including two students who work on a part-time basis. Autobody News spoke to Dusty Brown, the owner of the auto body shop, about the benefits of hiring students to assist with their collision repair work.

They work every day after What is the benefit and chal- and some of the new technologies A: school and all day on days that Q: lenge of hiring students? that you added? school is not in session. One student works in our paint department prepOne major benefit of hiring stuMy father started the business ping cars, masking parts and doing A: dents is the fact that they have A: in 1960 in a shop the size of a not developed any bad two-car garage. I took over the busihabits. A challenge is that they require a lot of handson instruction and supervision.

When did you first begin hiring Q: students and what prompted your decision?

We first hired a student from Mid A: East Ohio Vocational School in 2007. I wanted to get involved in order

to help train young people coming into the field the correct way. In 2010, I hired another student who is now our head painter.

How often do the two students Q: work at Brown’s and what are their primary responsibilities?

Continued from Page 14

KPA Teaches

waste. Small quantity generators, producing between 220-2200 pounds of hazardous waste in a month, require an EPA ID number, can hold hazardous waste on-site for less than 180 days, and may be required to produce annual reporting, dependent on the state. Producing over 2200 pounds of hazardous waste in a month, large quantity generators require EPA ID numbers, federal reporting and fees and written emergency plans; hazardous waste can be held on-site for no more than 90 days.

Waste paint and thinner accumulation must follow a specified process which includes a steel drum with a closed top which is grounded, flammable liquid label, a closed funnel lid, a completed hazardous waste label with the start date of accumulation, and emergency contact information. Containers must be inspected weekly.

Disposal of hazardous waste requires a trained DOT hazardous waste shipper, package and label container.

What is your advice Q: to other body shops considering using students

to help out in their facility?

Located in Zanesville, Ohio, Brown’s Body Shop has 15 employees, including two students who work there parttime

final clean up before paint. The other student works in our tear down department where he disassembles incoming vehicles. Both are paid positions.

Matthews taught attendees to research their waste hauler, review the manifest, receive land disposal restrictions, sign and retain the “Generator Initial Copy,” receive “Designated TSDF to Generator Copy,” and retain matched manifests for three years.

Matthews concluded her presentation with photos of OSHA and EPA concerns to help attendees identify potential issues.

In business since 1986, KPA offers environmental, health and safety compliance services, HR management tools, and sales and finance compliance services online or on-site. Their goal is to help clients achieve regulatory compliance.

GCIA members also discussed the association’s upcoming 20th Annual Golf Tournament, scheduled to be held on Wednesday, October 5 at Bear’s Best in Suwannee, GA. Registration and sponsor information is available at www.gcia.org

I would encourage A: them to do so. It is hard to find good quality

technicians in this field and this is a great way to train them the proper way.

Can you tell us about the reQ: cent relocation of your shop

30 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

The new shop has two Nova Verta 31 foot heated downdraft with wind system paint booths; four Car-O-Liner frame machines with computerized Car-O-Tronic measuring systems; three phase-resistant welders; and drive-through estimating. It is also a complete Sikkens Autowave water collision repair center.

Dusty Brown, owner of Brown’s Body Shop, can be reached at 740454-1655.

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FL O RI D A

AutoNation Honda Clearwater Cle a rwa t er

R i v i e ra Be a ch

800-232-1098 561-844-8089

888-792-7189 954-763-7157 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5:30 rguido@holmanauto.com

Rick Case Honda Davie

877-544-2249

M ia mi

888-418-3513 305-256-2240 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7 mfranceschi@southhonda.com

888-205-2564 727-530-1173

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 7:30-5 tonyrocha@edmorse.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5; Sun 10-3 santosr1@autonation.com

Headquarter Honda C l e r mo nt

Carey Paul Honda

AutoNation Honda Hollywood

800-497-2294 407-395-7374

770-985-1444

Ho lly wo o d

800-542-8121 954-964-8300 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5; Sun 9-5 hernandeze@autonation.com

Braman Honda of Palm Beach

S ne ll vi ll e Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-6 gperkins@careypaul.com

Hendrick Honda Bradenton

Ed Voyles Honda

877-706-2021 941-752-2123

M ar i e tta

800-334-3719 770-933-5870 Direct

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 8-4 Kris.kitzman@hendrickauto.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-6 hondaparts@edvoyles.com

888-479-0695 561-966-5185

Hendrick Honda Daytona

Gerald Jones Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4:30 parts@bramanhondapb.com

800-953-4402 386-252-2301

G re en a c re s

D a y to n a Be ach

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 Hondadaytonaparts@hendrickauto.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 gphwholesaleparts@hendrickauto.com

Honda Mall of Georgia Bu f ord /G win net t

678-318-3155 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5 cdunlap@penskeautomotive.com

Milton Martin Honda Gain esv ille

770-534-0086 678-989-5473 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6 robertthomas@mmhonda.com

Nalley Honda

GEOR GIA

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7; Sat 8-5 pepe.guevara@headquarterhonda.com

B ra de n to n

Du lu t h

A ugus ta

800-733-2210 706-228-7040 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 tdunn@geraldjoneshonda.com

Un ion City

866-362-8034 770-306-4646 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 8-5 hondawp@nalleycars.com

Southern Motors Honda Savann ah

888-785-8387 912-925-1444 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 angela@southern-motors.com MI SS IS SI P P I

Patty Peck Honda Rid g elan d

800-748-8676 601-957-3400 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 pmartin@pattypeckhonda.com

AC U R A AL AB A M A

FL O RIDA

GEOR GIA

GE OR G I A

Jerry Damson Acura

Duval Acura

Jackson Acura

Hu n t svil le

Ja ck s o nvi ll e

Ro swe l l

Savann ah

800-264-1739 256-533-1345

800-352-2872 904-725-1149

877-622-2871 678-259-9500

800-347-0596 912-232-3222

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

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 Cecil.adams@duvalacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7:30-6 kmcmillan@jacksonacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-2 Tim.johnson@acuraofsavannah.com

Rick Case Acura

Nalley Acura

F o rt La u de rda l e

M ar i e tta

800-876-1150 954-377-7688

800-899-7278 770-422-3138

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 rubenramos@rickcase.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5 byoung@nalleycars.com

FL O RI D A

Acura of Orange Park J ack so n vi ll e

888-941-7278 904-777-1008 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-8; Sat 7-5; Sun 9-3 msweeney@acuraoforangepark.com

32 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Southern Motors Acura

N O . CA RO L IN A

Flow Acura Win st on -Salem

800-489-3534 336-761-3682 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-1 www.flowacura.com

NO . C AR O LI N A

NO . CAR OL INA

TEN NE SS EE

V IR GIN I A

Apple Tree Honda

Vann York Automall

Bill Gatton Honda

As he v ille

High Point

Br is to l

800-476-9411 828-684-4400

336-841-6200 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-3

800-868-4118 423-652-9545

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 appletreeparts@hotmail.com

Crown Honda Southpoint Du r ha m

855-893-8866 919-425-4711 Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-11; Fri 7-6 Sat 7-5; Sun 11-5 www.southpointhonda.com

Hendrick Honda Ch a r lo t t e

800-277-7271 704-552-1149 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 rob.thomas@hendrickauto.com

Leith Honda Ra le ig h

800-868-6970 919-790-8228 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-5 parts@leithhonda.com

McKenney-Salinas Honda G as t on ia

888-703-7109 704-824-8844 x 624 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 parts@mshonda.com

Metro Honda I nd ian Trail

866-882-9542 704-220-1522 Dept. Hours: M-F 6:30-6:30; Sat 7-4 www.copytk.com

N O . CAR OL IN A

Hendrick Acura

SO . CAR OL INA

Breakaway Honda G re e n vi l l e

800-849-5056 864-234-6481 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 fmarshall@breakawayhonda.com

Midlands Honda C o l u m bi a

877-273-4442 803-691-8585

Hendrick Honda Woodbridge Woodb rid g e

703-690-7777

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-1 hondaparts@billgattonhonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-Fri 7-6 Sat 8-5; Sun 10-4

Wolfchase Honda

Valley Honda

Ba r tle t t

Stau n ton

800-982-7290 901-255-3780

800-277-0598 540-213-9016

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7 ekerr@wolfchasehonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 9-5 bwimer@myvalleyhonda.com

VIRGINIA

West Broad Honda

Colonial Honda

Rich m on d

C he ste r

800-446-0160 804-672-8811

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-4 www.copytk.com

800-564-9836 804-414-1960

Piedmont Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7; Sat 8-4 rreese@i95honda.com

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7:30-6:30; Fri 7:30-6; Sat 8-3; Sun 11-3 wbhonda@aol.com

A n de r so n

800-849-5057 864-375-2082 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 swhite@piedmontcars.com TE NNES SEE

Airport Honda Alcoa

800-264-4721 865-970-7792 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6:30; Sat 7:30-5 parts@airporthonda.com

AutoNation Honda West Knoxville

Duncan’s Hokie Honda C hr is tia n burg

800-979-9110 540-381-3200 Dept. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-5:30 Sat 8:00-5:00 rthompson@duncanauto.net

Hall Honda Vi rgi ni a Bea ch

800-482-9606 757-431-4329 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7; Sat 8-5 fox@hallauto.com

K n ox v i l l e

800-824-1301 865-218-5461 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6 rossd1@autonation.com

VI RG INIA

Karen Radley Acura

Ch a r lo t t e

Woo d br i dg e

800-768-6824 704-566-2288

800-355-2818 703-550-0205

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 justin.taylor@hendrickauto.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-3 coreythompson@radleyautogroup.com

Leith Acura

Radley Acura

Ca r y

F a l l s C hu rch

800-868-0082 919-657-0460

800-550-5035 703-824-5785

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-4:30 parts@leithacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6:00; Sat 8-6; Sun 10-5 jimgraf@radleyauto.com www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 33

Day Job/Night Job Body Tech in Montana Paints a Second Career as an Artist with Ed Attanasio

Mark Robbins, 57, has been a body technician most of his life and he loves every aspect of it, but his real passion is art—from airbrush cre-

Twenty-five artists were chosen to paint these five-feet-tall Grizzlies for the city of Cody, WY and Mark Robbins, a body tech at Blue Body & Paint in Billings, MT was honored to be involved

ations to elaborate tattoos and all the way to painting sculptures of some of the West’s most beloved wildlife.

Working at Blue Body & Paint in

Billings, MT, Robbins calls himself a “starving artist,” although he has sold some of his work and has a few pieces on display in art galleries, as well as on people’s bodies in the form of tattoos.

Robbins found his artistic muse all on his own and has never taken an art class. “Everything I’ve learned in my life is self-taught,” Robbins explained. “I wanted to learn how to do airbrushing, so I just started doing it. I love to paint different things and explore new methods, because that’s the part I really enjoy. The art is a great release for me and therapy, in a way.

Every time I get an idea about how to paint something, it’s exciting, and then when I see the finished product, it’s very satisfying.”

In the old days, all of the work was done by hand, but now technology has changed that, Robbins said.

“When I first started airbrushing, it was very popular and everyone was

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

either doing it or trying to do it. It was time-intensive and projects might take days or weeks. But, now with stencils and vinyl graphics, they can do it in hours. The finished product isn’t any-

Preparing a Grizzly Bear for paint

where as good, because it lacks depth and ends up looking like a decal. For people who want fast and inexpensive that works, but I tell them I don’t do that.”

Robbins will paint anything— trucks, muscle cars, classic vehicles, vans, motorcycles, even furniture and

t-shirts, just to name a few. He also does glass etching for local businesses in Billings and there are also a few people walking around town with tattoos that he designed.

Robbins said he always “messed around with oil paints” and enjoyed drawing as soon as he was old enough to pick up a crayon. But, doing murals on cars didn’t happen until a school buddy asked him to put a medieval scene on his ride.

“He had a 1967 Pontiac LeMans and it was turquoise,” Robbins said. “I painted a dragon with a castle in the background on the big hood of that car and after I finished it, I said wow—I can do this. After that, I go a lot of offers and started doing murals for people all over town. I did a lot of El Camino tailgates back then with scenes with pirates and castles in the clouds, for example.”

After refining his processes, Robbins’s creations became more involved

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and intricate. “I free-hand the illustration, then outline the entire image in white paint. Then, I fill in the colors and the details by misting colors over

Robbins was also commissioned to paint four sculptures of Big Horn Rams for the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Association in Dubois, WY

the top of it. It really stands out and the colors pop, because of the white undercoat. That’s how I get that 3D effect that people really seem to like.”

Robbins has always been enamored with the art of the late artist Frank Frazetta, who was an American fantasy and science fiction artist, noted for comic books, paperback book covers, paintings, movie posters, LP record album covers and other media. Best known for painting dragons, muscle-bound warriors and semiclad women, Robbins has done his share of Frazetta-inspired art over the years.

After tasing some success with his art, Robbins got hooked and now he hopes to make it part of his eventual retirement plan. “I’m not really thinking about retiring right now, but when I do, I at least have something to do with my spare time. The art has changed my life, because now whenever I look at any piece of art, I see things that I did not see before, like certain colors or shading or shapes, whatever.”

With five grown children and five grandchildren and a wonderful wife who supports his art, Robbins is happy, but he still wants to take his art career further, if he can. “I’ve been married for 35 years now and my wife Robyn has supported me every step of the way,” he said. “She

always encourages me to do more art and take chances with it. I have sold a few pieces and now I want to sell more. Every time I do a mural or a

Robbins loves trying new things, including window etching for his friends and customers

tattoo, I get excited. Seeing the finished product is so satisfying—it’s just like painting a car and knowing that you did a great job!”

In 2012, Robbins was able to use his artistic skills for a higher cause when he was asked to paint three sculptures of Bighorn Rams.

“They gave us the money for the paint and supplies and then let me go at it. It’s great knowing that one sits in the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Association in Cody, WY. Then later, I did the same for a series of Grizzly Bears for an art collective project that also took place in Cody, WY. Twenty-five artists were chosen to paint these five-feet-tall

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Grizzlies, so it was an honor to be included.”

These animal creations brought Robbins some national acclaim and his role as the painter in each case was satisfying, he said. “If I can use my artistic abilities to help the community in any way, I’m willing to do it. “It has been a great experience painting these sculptures, so who knows what’s coming next?”

Whatever the future does hold for Mark Robbins, it will undoubtedly combine collision repair, art, philanthropy and more for this Renaissance man. “I want to keep doing everything and creating art is a big part of that,” Robbins explained. Maybe one day he will be able to shed the title of “starving artist” and replace it with “fulltime professional artist,” so stay tuned.

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Southeast Associations

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

IADA to Host 47th Vehicle Repair Conference in Charlotte, NC with Chasidy Rae Sisk

On June 15-17, the Independent Automotive Damage Appraisers Association (IADA) will host their 47th Vehicle Repair Conference at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel in Charlotte, NC. This year’s event is dedicated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

According to Dennis O’Mahoney, Executive Vice President of IADA, “This conference is a signature educational and networking event for IADA, bringing together members, insurers, partners, suppliers and industry leaders.

This year’s focus is on the changes in industry-related technology, ranging from claim enhancing technologies to the future of the driverless automobile.

We are fortunate to have on the agenda a great lineup of speakers covering a variety of topics.”

O’Mahoney explained why IADA’s annual conference is so valuable to association members: “The insurance-collision industry is complex by nature. Adding to that complexity are constant and drastic changes in industry related technology. Now, more than ever, it is important for members of our industry to be well informed on these changes that affect our role in the insurance claims and automobile repair process. Through national and regional educational seminars and the distribution of technical information, IADA takes the lead in providing the diversity of training needed for appraisers to stay in the vanguard of this industry. Authoritative speakers address these seminars, not only on auto repair matters, but also on heavy trucks and equipment, motorcycles, boats, tires, plastics, high alloy metals, mig welding, new paints, measuring equipment, fire analysis, and product failure — a wide range of technical issues in our industry.”

Wednesday’s events will include IADA’s Board of Directors Meeting, a meeting of IADA’s Advisory Board, event registration and a Welcome Reception with exhibitors. Following breakfast on Tuesday morning, IADA President, Mark Nathan, will open the educational sessions and welcome attendees. He will then introduce Keynote Speaker, Don Hermanek, Chief Client Officer of Insurance Auto Auctions, who will present “The Value and Power of Great Relationships.”

Hermanek will be followed by a local historian from the Charlotte Museum

of History who will provide attendees with “The History of Charlotte” before the morning break.

Next, Gary Hart, Technology Evangelist for eDirect Glass, will discuss “New Technology - How the Industry is Changing,” followed by “RV Repair and How to Identify Pre-Existing Damage” by Duncan RV. After lunch, “A Look into the Future of Automobiles: Our World is About to Change” will be presented by the Highway Loss Data Institute’s Senior Vice President Kim Hazelbaker.

At 2 pm, representatives from Mercedes, Audi, Honda, Nissan and GM will participate in a panel discussion on “OEM Repair Shop Certification.” The afternoon’s sessions will conclude with “Insurance Fraud Latest Hot Topics,” a presentation by the National Insurance Crime Prevention.

The expo floor opens at 4:45 pm, and conference attendees will also have an opportunity to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum.

O’Mahoney said, “We are very excited about our evening event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The NASCAR facility is high-tech venue designed to educate and entertain race fans and non-fans alike. The 150,000 square foot space is completely interactive with race simulators and interactive exhibits. We know our participants are experts on cars and car repairs. Now, we’ll find out through these simulators whether or not they can race cars.”

The President’s Reception will be held at 7 pm, followed by a dinner banquet during which a historian will discuss the “History of NASCAR.” After breakfast on Friday, “Drones, Robots...

What Else is Coming?” will be presented by Lyle Donan, President and CEO of Donan. Next, Oaire’s Butch Lyscom will cover “Air Bags: Past, Present and Future.” The last educational session will be Northrop Grumman’s “Cyber Security, How Safe is Your Data?” After closing remarks, IADA’s 47th Vehicle Repair Conference will conclude with the association’s Membership Meeting when they will elect new board members.

Explaining the value of IADA’s annual conference for association members, O’Mahoney quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The field cannot be well seen from within the field.” O’Mahoney

36 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

elaborates, “Sometimes, it is necessary for people to step outside of their routine to refocus, gain valuable insight and network with other professionals. This conference is structured to give participants the opportunity to do just that. With exposure to fresh approaches from industry professionals plus current and relevant information from the speakers, conference participants leave armed with information and effective strategies to apply to their business when they return home.”

Regarding how IADA’s conference impacts the automotive industry as a whole, O’Mahoney stated, “Almost all of our members/attendees are involved in the decision-making process of resolving automobile collision claims on a daily basis. Bringing them together with industry experts from manufacturers like Mercedes, Audi, Nissan, Honda and GM help keep them informed on new techniques, changes in materials, the repair process, etc. The IADA is also closely allied with other

organizations whose goal is to upgrade the industry. Our members work closely with the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) — we support it fully and have served on its executive board. Open dialog and information exchange makes everyone involved in the process more knowledgeable, improving the quality of claims appraisal services provided to insurers and to the insured.”

O’Mahoney continued, “It amazes me that this is the 47th IADA conference. This shows what an important part IADA has played in the insurancecollision repair industry over the years.

Because of the many long-term relationships we’ve built throughout this endeavor, we expect a large turnout of professionals willing to share their knowledge and learn from others.

When everyone leaves Charlotte, we expect they will be energized with fresh ideas and new information, giving them the competitive edge they need to sustain a healthy business.”

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Toyota Establishes Third Autonomous Driving US Research Institute in MI Dr. Gill Pratt, CEO of the Toyota Research Institute (TRI), announced on April 7 that Toyota will establish its third TRI facility in the U.S. The new facility will be located in Ann Arbor, near the University of Michigan (U-M) campus where it will fund research in artificial intelligence, robotics and materials science.

Joining the TRI facility established last January in Palo Alto, CA working with Stanford (TRI-PAL), and in Cambridge, MA working with MIT (TRICAM), TRI-ANN is scheduled to open in June and target a staff of approximately 50.

“TRI was drawn to Ann Arbor because of the strength of the university; the utility of Mcity and the Mobility Transformation Center which we currently sponsor; the promise of the future American Center for Mobility at Willow Run; and the proximity to, and synergies with, our two well-established Toyota Technical Centers nearby,” said Pratt.

The Toyota Technical Centers have been conducting research in the area of autonomous cars for more than a decade.

A group of about 15 team members will transfer to the new TRI-ANN facility when it opens. U-M Professors Ryan Eustice and Edwin Olson are joining TRI-ANN as the area leads for map-

ping/localization and perception, respectively. Both will be based at the Ann Arbor office, and will retain their U-M faculty positions.

“Sensor hardware and algorithms are improving at a tremendous pace.

TRI researchers will push the frontier even further, with the goal of providing safer vehicles and more helpful robots in the home,” said Olson.

Eustice added, “Ann Arbor is a fantastic location for TRI to expand its autonomous driving efforts. We will benefit from Toyota’s existing team and U-M’s research talent and facilities where we can perform extreme-limit testing in a wide variety of environments.”

Although the focus of each of the three facilities will be broad, each will feature a different core discipline.

TRI-ANN will focus primarily on fully autonomous (chauffeured) driving. TRI-PAL will work on what may be termed “guardian angel” driving, where the driver is always engaged but the vehicle assists as needed. TRICAM will dedicate a large portion of its work to simulation and deep learning.

With initial funding of $1 billion, the Toyota Research Institute has four mandates.

First, it will strive to enhance the safety of automobiles with the ultimate

goal of creating a car that is incapable of causing a crash, regardless of the skill or condition of the driver.

Second, it will work to increase access to cars for those who otherwise cannot drive, including seniors and those with special needs.

Third, it will help translate Toyota’s expertise in creating products for outdoor mobility into products for indoor mobility; moving people and goods across the country, across town, or across the room.

Finally, TRI will accelerate scientific discovery by applying techniques from artificial intelligence and machine learning, particularly in the area of materials science. Using computation and machine learning, it hopes to accelerate scientific discovery in this area, lowering costs and improving performance of future mobility systems.

TRI is also pursuing collaboration with other automakers, IT companies, suppliers, research labs and universities to jointly develop autonomous technologies.

“Where we need autonomy to help most is when the driving is difficult,” said Pratt. “It’s this hard part that TRI intends to address. Toyota’s goal is safer mobility for all, at any time, in any place, and the tremendous improvements in quality of life that such universal mobility can bring.”

Pliogrip™ 5770 Adhesive Recommended by GM

Pliogrip™ 5770 impact resistant adhesive from Ashland has been recommended to auto body professionals by General Motors (GM) to repair impact-resistant joints in frame rail assemblies, strut tower assemblies, and other body structures that have critical strength requirements. It is one of only three adhesives on the GM recommended list provided to the auto repair industry. Per GM’s guidelines, when an impact-resistant adhesive is removed or damaged, it must always be replaced with an impact-resistant adhesive. If another adhesive is substituted, the vehicle is not considered “returned to pre-accident condition,” which may compromise safety and its ability to be driven. Pliogrip™ 5770 adhesive can be used to meet the repair standard. The adhesive can be used to bond replacement body panels such as strut towers, frame rails, rocker panels, and body side and rear end panels in place of, or in conjunction with, mechanical means of attachment such as screws or rivets. Professionals should always refer to O.E. replacement procedures for proper attachment methods. Visit www.ashland.com to learn more.

Michigan Moves on Self-Driving Testing Facility

Michigan is making a bid to retain its title as the auto capital of the world, even as the industry turns more toward connected and autonomous vehicles.

The former Willow Run General Motors powertrain plant in Ypsilanti Township is becoming a development and testing site for autonomous vehicles called the American Center for Mobility, the first facility of its kind in America that brings together government, industry and academia on the technology.

The state of Michigan is expected to provide $20 million in funding toward the $80 million development of the Willow Run site, which is a joint initiative between the Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Economic Development Corp., UM, BLM and Ann Arbor Spark. The center will feature a 2.5-mile loop that will serve as a simulated highway with ramps, bridges, merge lanes, signs, changes in elevation and potentially a curved tunnel, Maddox said. Vehicles will be able to travel at highway speeds up to 80 mph.

It will also feature a large configurable intersection and areas to simulate urban, suburban and commercial area (a mall or freight center) as well as an offroad section for possible military vehicles.

In May, Ann Arbor Spark was awarded a nearly $250,000 grant to develop a plan for the center at Willow Run. The grant was awarded as part of a program by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In Michigan it is legal to test driverless-cardriverless cars on public roads under Public Act 231 and Public Act 251, both of which were signed in 2013 and went into effect soon thereafter. Referred to as “automated motor vehicles” under the law, in order to operate them (for the purpose of testing and refining the technology), here are some of the guidelines which govern the use of self-driving cars in MI:

● Autonomous vehicles must be properly insured under the no-fault law; ● Transporters of these vehicles must carry the requisite public liability and property damage insurance; ● The vehicles can only be operated by designated individuals authorized by the manufacturer of the technology; ● The person operating the self-driving vehicle must be present and must be able to take control of the vehicle at all times; and ● The human operator must also be properly licensed to operate a motor vehicle in MI.

38 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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Continued from Cover

NCACAR’s Launch

one looked to have a good time. Nobody was there to solicit anything; all were there out of support and because they want to be a part of this.”

After Phillip Torres read the Anti-Trust statement and other rules, Jeff Franco and Brian Davies addressed attendees, explaining the intention of the association’s formation which is “to bring change to this industry, to educate shops and the public on their rights, and to help promote safety and quality to collision repair.”

“There is a standard that needs to be upheld in this industry. We need change, and there needs to be opposition when it comes to bills being passed.

Businesses need a voice, whether they are a non-DRP or a DRP shop. It shouldn’t matter how someone chooses to run their business, but it should matter what standards we ALL practice,” Kent explained.

Mark Tantillo of Certified Collision Services, who will likely be a member of NCACAR’s Board of Directors, said, “The benefit will be better trained repair shops across the state,

not only in performing sound, quality repairs, but also for shops to better understand what our insurance partners desire to help facilitate some of the dayto-day struggles they are faced with. We hope to see the professionals in our state unite and set forth benchmarks for all to achieve a better, more efficient process for our mutual customers.”

Tantillo also said, “The event went very well with a better than expected turnout. We discussed the importance of developing an association for our state. Attendees were very responsive to the meeting and continue to stay involved by showing interest in the association’s progress.”

Kent has also spoken to attendees who enjoyed the meeting and plan to be involved with the association, but he admits, “Some are skeptical because of past efforts of trying to bring change, and lack of leadership derailed the efforts from what I understand.

They also understand that change will come with shops coming together as a group and taking the proper steps in order to accomplish the things that need to get done.”

Still, Kent is optimistic that a new association can affect the changes that the collision repair industry in NC

40 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

so desperately needs. “These changes have to come by taking the proper steps. These steps come from forming an association, voting on steps to take, and having the right people who can help by being professional and can promote new legislation. We make change by numbers. Five shops aren’t going to make a difference, but 100 shops will. Shop owners and managers are ready for a NC association to take form and thrive. They are frustrated but passionate, and we all believe the association can help.”

In addition to helping with legislative initiatives, Kent hopes that NCACAR will provide education to North Carolina shops. He and Davies are working hard to ensure the association will be successful at offering benefits to its members. “Guests in the industry will come to speak, and shops will be able to ask questions that they haven’t been able to without the proper connections. Vendors, such as paint suppliers, rental companies, waste management and insurers, could help bring discounted services to members which helps with continually rising prices. It also allows shops to come together to learn from one another to have better businesses.”

The association is writing and reviewing bylaws with assistance from Jeff Franco and WMABA’s Jordan Hendler. Once they are complete, NCACAR will vote on adopting the bylaws and then file for their 501C and federal ID. They’ve purchased a website domain, www.ncacar.com, and hired Absolute Perfection media to create the website. They’ve also established a Constant Contact account to facilitate communication with their membership, and Davies is working with a local marketing design company to create a logo for the association.

Tantillo pointed out, “The state of NC has been and is still going through major growth. The days of the past need to remain in the past, and we all must embark on the developmental importance of our futures.”

Your leading source for SOUTHEASTERN Collision Repair News! southeastern.autobodynews.com

OEM-Certified Collision Care Conference Rocks Nashville

Assured Performance, a major Certified collision repair network, shared the highlights of the first OEM Certified Collision Care Provider Conference held in Nashville, TN, April 10–13. Nissan, Ford, FCA and Assured Performance joined together to host a content-filled conference to a sold-out crowd of Certified Repairers representing over 620 repair locations and nearly $3 Billion in annual revenue.

From the opening keynote presentation to the final dinner party and private concert by Kelsea Ballerini, the fast paced event rocked! The conference featured presentations from all of the strategic partners, and several experts. The theme was “You’ve Changed the World!” Attendees saw an extensive compilation of the collaborative tools and OEM consumer-focused efforts that are changing the collision repair world. Special presentations were also given by J.D. Power, I-CAR, Enterprise, TenPoint Complete, and CPrax Marketing. The attendees were also given a private tour of the Nissan Production plant where they could see the 24-hour complete production cycle of vehicles built during the conference.

“This was the best conference I have been to, ever” said Dan Bailey, MSO shop owner from Kansas City. “They hit this out of the park.” Other attendees

raved. “This was unlike any other program. It was filled with valuable content and great fun networking,” added Tom Tracy, MSO Owner from NE. “I have been to dozens of conferences in my career and this conference was the most impactful to our business,” said Anthony Lofrano, President & CEO of F. Lofrano and Son. Kenneth Sargent, an MSO owner from Atlanta added, “This conference reminded me of the good ol’ days, when we mattered!

After this, I am looking forward to the future in the Collision Industry again, thanks to Assured Performance and the OEM partners.”

Attendees gained insights into the Automakers’ strategies from why and how they started their Certified networks to their visions for the future where they are helping their vehicle owners link directly with Certified Repair Providers.

Attendees were also exposed to numerous existing, real and tangible marketing, promotion, quality assurance, KPI/data management, and shop management tools exclusive to the joint-effort OEM Certification program.

“This conference was an opportunity for the participating Automakers to demonstrate to our Certified shops our collective commitment to continuing communication to our customers, and

Continued from Page 26

continuing to enhance the tools we are building for our Certified Shop network,” said Mark Zoba, Manager Certified Network Growth for Nissan.

Attendees gained insight about the powerful OEM Certified Network they are an integral part of and the culture and commitment it carries. The statistics illustrated by the combined key performance indicators (KPIs) show that the OEM Certified Collision Care Provider network represents the best choice for consumers, insurers and vendors. The network scores the highest in the industry in advanced repair capabilities, production efficiency and cycle time (rental days), repair cost containment, CSI, and shop profitability. The KPIs broke the myth that a Certified shop is the most expensive choice, but clearly demonstrated they are the best.

The conference had restricted attendance based upon the limited room capacity in Nashville and was sold out in less than 30 days leaving thousands of shops waiting for their next opportunity to attend and OEM Certification event.

To continue what was started in Nashville and open it to their entire network, Assured Performance announced that they would be putting together a special event, August 10 in conjunction with NACE in Anaheim, CA.

Box Car Racing

very interested in this project as many of us enjoyed soap box derbys in our youth and wanted the disabled children to experience the same enjoyment we had,” said Francisco. “We also like supporting youth sports, 4H and pageants. We enjoy encouraging and supporting the youth in our community.”

Bomm’s ultimate goal is to hold eight racing throughout the year during the cooler months. He would also like to add “old school-style racing” and allow kids to build cars out of materials found in their garages.

He said few people can afford to go out and purchase a $1,000 car and a trailer to haul it, as well as pay for registration and travel fees. By holding these races, Bomm said it gives special-needs children the opportunity to experience first-hand what racing is all about. “Giving back is a big thing,” said Bomm. “Everything I do is for children.”

For more information, contact John Bomm at: sunshinestatesuperkids @gmail.com.

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Shop Strategies with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR

Female Shop Owner in NY Says Success is Due to Being Prepared & Connecting With Customers Autobody News spoke to Audra Fordin, owner of Great Bear Auto Repair in Flushing, New York about the body shop she has run since 1997. Fordin began working with her father at Great Bear at a young age and ultimately fell in love with the industry. She prides

Audra Fordin, owner/operator of Great Bear Auto Repair and Auto Body Shop in Flushing, NY

herself on running her shop differently than most, and said that a successful business requires being prepared and establishing a relationship with customers and the community.

other ways to help in the meanwhile.

Service writing and telemarketing come to mind.

I’m a big extrovert and love to meet new people. Talking to drivers is my favorite thing about this job. Chatting with customers has taught me more about the auto industry than market research ever could. Leading workshops is another favorite. It’s fun and fulfilling to help women understand how cars work.

changes have you seen in Q: theWhatindustry?

A: The auto industry changes fast. I remember working on carburetors and fuel injection. Now, engines are controlled by a computer. Auto bodies used to be made of steel and iron. Now it’s fiberglass and plastic. All of this happened within decades and bigger changes are coming. Today, we’ve got hybrid and electric cars, not to mention the upcoming rise of self-driving cars.

you please share the history Q: ofCanGreat Bear?

Great Bear was established by This presents several problems.

A: my great grandfather in 1933. He A: First and foremost, it’s hard for ran the business with his four sons. Once mechanics to keep up with technology.

upon a time, there was another business called “Great Bear” that sold brake pads.

My family loved the name and asked if we could use it. They said yes, so we did.

There used to be 72 Great Bear auto shops in the family franchise.

Today, there are about 10 left. They’re all individually owned, so I can’t speak for those businesses. Eight employees work at my shop. I’m the last of the Mohicans. No other Fordins own or operate an auto shop anymore. My dad ran my shop until I took over in 1997. Now he’s a snow bird, living in Florida. I was jealous during the recent blizzard!

How did you get started in the Q: business and what do you enjoy most?

I got started when I was super A: young. At age eight, I could help file papers. As soon as I learned to

count, I could keep track of inventory.

When I developed enough strength and dexterity, I started to use power tools. I was excited to repair cars, but it took some time to develop that skill. I found

Within months of graduating trade school, significant changes could occur.

Second, this gives an unfair advantage to mechanics who work with big car dealers. Automakers tend to monopolize information. Thank goodness for the Right to Repair Act. There are also organizations like I-CAR and ASA that offer training programs for mechanics.

I do my best to stay on top of the latest trends. In the mid ‘80s, check engine lights became a feature. My dad and I didn’t know what to do at first. I remember him shrugging and giving the cliche advice of, “Just put some black tape over it.” At this point, I decided to enroll in automotive trade school. I’ve also been certified with ASE, I-CAR, the NYS DMV, and other organizations. I expect the same from my staff. All of my mechanics have a minimum of two certifications, plus we hold mandatory training twice a year.

What is it like running the busiQ: ness as a woman business owner in this industry and what advice do you have for others in a similar situation?

42 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

First, let me give newbies a pep A: talk. This is an awesome industry. Don’t let your friends or family dis-

courage you. People might be surprised you want to go into an industry known to be a boys’ club. That’s okay. I feel empowered when I help a driver get back on the road. Know the feeling?

Make no mistake. You will be judged and stereotyped. Men have doubted my expertise many times.

Once, a male driver didn’t trust my diagnosis, and asked to speak with a “real mechanic.” I found my janitor (a man) and told him exactly what to say. The customer trusted him without question.

You’ll also have to deal with defensive customers. Often, cars break down or malfunction due to neglect. No one wants to believe they’re at fault. In reality, it’s hard to blame drivers. Marketing hasn’t done a great job of educating the public about what it takes to keep a vehicle in good shape.

Here’s my advice: Brace yourself

for negative situations. I’m not implying you should worry or stress out. Instead, consider the common objections you might hear from drivers. If you’re a female mechanic or business owner like me, there might be questions about your credentials. How will you handle them?

Write down a response and say it out loud until you feel confident. Do the same for buyer objections. You’ll close more sales when you’re prepared to manage the situation.

What sets your collision repair Q: facility apart from others?

My shop is an extension of my A: home. The setting is quite cozy. It invites people to relax and stay awhile.

I want people to feel comfortable. It comes down to remembering names, greeting people with a smile, and addressing their concerns compassionately. We offer snacks and drinks (not See Female Shop Owner, Page 53

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Social Media for Shops

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

Women Shop Owners and Female Consumers Get Help from AskPatty.com with Ed Attanasio

When a car needs repairs, it’s likely that tion (NIADA), Car Care Council a woman will be bringing it into your Women’s Board and the Association shop. Those numbers have climbed of Automotive Internet Sales Profesover the years and now the experts sionals. claim that 73% of all automotive repair Celebrating its 10th anniversary customers are female. In 2012, there this year, AskPatty.com was started by were more women than men with driDeVere when she saw a problem and ver’s licenses for the very first time. On began looking for a viable solution. top of that, women have be“There was such a disconcome more savvy consumers nect between qualified and can’t be bamboozled anywomen and automotive busimore with technical terms and nesses such as car dealerindustry speak. ships, service departments In addition, the autoand collision centers, for exmotive repair world now has ample,” DeVere said. “So, more female shop owners, back in 2005 when I was at Jody DeVere techs and estimators than SEMA, I began to formulate established ever, but there is still much a program to help women in AskPatty.com a work to do and that’s why decade ago to help this industry. I knew it had to women as body be built on education, interAskPatty.com was created to help. With its headquarters shop professionals active training and it had to and also as have a certification module.” in Thousand Oaks, CA, Ask consumers of With more women working Patty.com, Inc. aims to revoautomotive repair lutionize the women’s autoin a wide range of other proservices motive retail market by fessions, DeVere knew that educating business owners and repair the auto repair industry needed to professionals to the needs of their catch up. “After talking to literally women customers. thousands of women, I found out that For consumers, the AskPatty.com they were so discouraged by the website is a safe and reliable source for prospects of getting hired in this inexpert automotive advice and research. dustry, that they weren’t even applyFor auto dealers, tire dealers, collision ing. So, we decided to flip the script centers, auto service and repair centers, and become a champion and advocate the AskPatty.com Certified Female for women in these fields. For women Friendly® program is designed to train in the automotive industry, we often and certify automotive retail and servserve as the first point of contact for ice centers including body shops, on those who are seeking the very best in how to attract, sell, retain and increase car sales and service across the United loyalty with women customers. The States and Canada.” idea is that knowledge is empowering The AskPatty.com Certified Feand by doing a better job, more and male Friendly® program enables more women will be able to succeed in women and female-owned businesses to improve their skill sets and ina male-dominated industry.

Jody DeVere is the CEO of crease their revenues, DeVere exAskPatty.com and the founder of the plained. “For body shops, we teach organization. She’s anationally-known women professionals about how to expert on social media marketing to enhance their customer service women as well as being a renowned through a series of internet 3.5-hour journalist, car care expert and safety classes. There are 18 different modspokesperson within the automotive ules and all of them are designed industry. Her life’s mission is to pro- specifically for the automotive inmote, mentor and support automotive dustry. It isn’t just testing either, we careers for women and she speaks to also provide training, interactive groups including the American Car teaching and personal coaching.

When it comes to succeeding in a Care Council, Mercedes-Benz Corporate, the National Automobile Dealer retail culture—whether it’s a tire Association (NADA), National Inde- store, an aftermarket parts distribupendent Automobile Dealer Associa- tor, car dealership or a large colli-

44 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

sion center—there are many skills that are universal and will work in all these environments.”

When women join AskPatty.com, they also get an opportunity to send questions to a panel of female automotive experts, access to a certified female-friendly automotive retailer search database of car dealers, tire dealers, collision centers and service and repair centers, as well asa wide range of educational webinars and other helpful information through the organization’s blog, according to DeVere.

The message behind AskPatty.com is that women need to stick together and by doing so, they can revolutionize the consumer experience for female consumers while becoming better owners and employees. “At AskPatty.com, we have a two-pronged mission and a big part of that is helping female consumers to become more informed and savvy about all things automotive,” DeVere

said. “We want them to have a positive experience every time they take their car in for a repair. It’s still a male-dominated industry, but the game is changing, so we need to be as educated as we can as customers as well as owners and managers. In the old days, the men would take the car into the shop, but those roles have now changed and are constantly evolving.”

What will AskPatty.com be doing in 10-15 years, when more and more women are in upper management positions with automotive-related businesses? “We’ve created a lot of trust with our members and women in general, by being transparent and proving that we really care about women, as both automotive professionals and consumers. So, I believe that the next decade will be amazing for women in this industry and that’s why we’re looking forward to helping them and enabling them to be even more effective and successful.”

PPG Automotive Refinish will offer an expanded array of classes throughout 2016, with subjects ranging from basic and advanced product line training to custom painting techniques, business management, shop operations and customer service.

“PPG’s commitment to training is the strongest in the industry,” said Randy Cremeans, PPG director of training. “We understand that training is a continuous process; it’s never complete, especially with the ongoing changes we see in this industry.”

Courses will be available in 16 state-of-the-art PPG Business Development Centers in the United States and Canada. Specific locations are being upgraded with new equipment and remodeled to accommodate the increased demand.

PPG trainers will also travel to numerous vocational schools, PPG distributors and other PPG-affiliated locations across North America.

For more information about PPG Automotive Refinish training classes, schedules, locations and course descriptions, call (800) 6476050 or visit www.ppgrefinish.com

The Women’s Industry Network (WIN®) announced on April 13 that four new members have been selected to serve on the organization’s board of directors. Joining the board to serve the organization for the upcoming term are: Jenny Anderson, Enterprise Holdings, Inc.; Denise Kingstrom, BASF Corporation; April Lausch, Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster; and Debbie Menz, Axalta Coatings Systems.

The WIN board consists of various industry segments, including collision repair shops, suppliers, consultants, information and training providers and insurance companies. Board members may serve up to three two-year terms, working together to build the organization and foster an environment that encourages the education, recruitment, retention and networking of women in the collision repair industry. New board members will be introduced and officially welcomed at the annual WIN Educational Conference, “Power of the Past, Force of the Future,” being held May 2-4, at the Hilton Tampa Downtown in Tampa, FL. For information, visit www. womensindustrynetwork.com.

PPG Refinish Continues Commitment to Training

WIN Elects Board Leadership for 2016-2017

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 45

Shop Strategies with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR

Utah Shop Stresses Importance of OEM Certifications and Educating Customers About Parts Usage Karl Schmidt has managed Go Collision Repair’s body shop in Salt Lake City, Utah since 2007. The familyowned business was founded by Karl Otto Schmidt in 1936, and is currently owned by Walter Schmidt. Autobody News spoke to Karl about the importance of OEM certifications and how he educates customers about the difference in parts.

Can you tell us about Go ColliQ: sion Repair and your primary area of focus?

and one of the very few that have chosen to become certified by various OEMs.

Our shop, including our sister What is the importance company Schmidt Signs, has of having OEM certifiA: Q: been in business for more than 70 years. cations and what was entailed

With almost 30 employees, we strive to do what is best for the customer, despite the insurance companies’ demands. We have tailored to fleets and their refinish needs for years as many customers utilize custom paint and graphics as part of their identity.

During the past eight years, we have added about 5,000 square feet to the body shop, dedicated just to cars, giving our operation about 11,000 square feet total space. Our main focus has always been graphics and painting but now In addition to collision repair, Go Collision focuses on we are proud to be one of Salt graphics, lettering, pinstriping and bedliner, as well as light repair and full refinishing on heavy haul equipment Lake City’s premiere shops

to get certified?

The OEM certifications are not critical…

A: yet. However, if you can’t

The family-owned business in Salt Lake City, Utah was

qualify for them now, you founded by Karl Otto Schmidt in 1936 will not be in business in the do them.’ Technology is changing and next five years. Cars are becoming so I want to be on top. We are not perfect, complex and we need to be tooled for the proper repair. In our quest to be- but we are progressing. come OEM certified we have invested In addition to collision repair, in some tooling and training that are what other services do you expensive, but it is needed to help enoffer and how does this complement sure air bag timing and proper repair.

I know it is not business as usual your collision repair shop? even though many would love to tell In addition to collision repair, customers they have been doing rewe offer graphics, lettering, pinpairs for ‘20 years and I know how to

Q: A:

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striping and bedliner. We also do light repair and full refinishing on heavy haul equipment. Customers always ask why we also focus on signs and graphics as it seems unusual, but it is all about the fleet and our ability to serve them. It has worked well for us being a one-stop shop.

question. I need to start off by saying that we are not a DRP for any insurance company. I let customers know

A:

During the past eight years, Go Collision has added about 5,000 square feet to the body shop

We have been known to give away items on our website, but that is such a small part of the importance of the web site. It is really only to grab the customer’s attention when they have questions about getting their repairs done.

How do you educate your cusQ: tomers about the difference between OEM and aftermarket usage?

How do I educate my cusA: tomers?

Wow, that is a big

Q:

Is there anything additional you would like to share with readers about your business or the industry?

Utah is really hurting when it A: comes to consumer protection and the insurance commissioner’s

I noticed that you were having a contest to win Q: free Utah Jazz tickets with a

customer's repair. Have you offered contests in the past and what is the benefit of doing this for your business?

out for them.

some of the schemes the insurance company is going to do to help mitigate the claims. I tell them that I work in their best interest and not for the insurance companies. I also let them know about our relations with the parts manufacturers and how they like to help, which ensures customers have OEM parts on their cars.

I spend time letting consumers know that insurance wants to mitigate claims, and sometimes does not represent what is truly best for the consumer, or their vehicle. Consumers like knowing that someone is looking

stance on who is important to protect.

The insurance is well represented in Utah and that is not a good thing. I do know we as body shops need to do more together to help our industry both as a group and at the state regulation level.

For more information, contact Karl Schmidt, manager at Go Collision, at 801-486-0193.

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BASF’s Glasurit 90 Line Introduces New Boosters

BASF’s Glasurit® 90 Line automotive refinish introduced eight new Color Advance Boosters that increase efficiency and performance for challenging red, blue and green colors, according to a company press release.

The boosters provide a higher pigment concentration to reduce the number of coats required to achieve a flawless repair.

“Our Glasurit chemists developed these boosters to significantly improve hiding and still provide a high quality Glasurit finish for many tri-coats, metallics and vivid colors,” said Shefali Cromer, Glasurit market segment manager for BASF. “The boosters can reduce base consumption by up to 50 percent, resulting in lower film thickness, faster drying and reduced process times.”

The Color Advance Boosters are available in three red, three blue and two green boosters. When added to the Glasurit 90 Line toners they enable a more even application and harder curing, allowing for better ease-of-use, improved tape resistance and easier sanding, according to the company.

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Western Associations

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

CAA Call to Action for All Shops: Support New Labor Rate Regulations with Ed Attanasio

The California Department of Insurance (CA DOI) recently proposed regulations that would clarify and require insurers that conduct auto body labor rate surveys to perform them in a fair, reasonable and accurate manner.

These regulations will also clarify and strengthen existing anti-steering laws, according to the CA DOI. The purpose of these proposed regulations is three-fold—to guarantee that auto body labor rate surveys are fair and equitable; save consumers money who are forced to pay unnecessary out-of-pocket costs and prohibit insurers from making disparaging and discrediting statements against repair shops.

Public hearings on these regulations are scheduled for April 21, 2016 (Auto Body Repair Labor Rate Surveys) and April 22, 2016 (Anti-Steering in Auto Body Repairs) at 10:00 am at the Employment Development Department, 722 Capitol Mall, 1st Floor Auditorium in Sacramento.

These regulations are good for consumers and auto body shops in California, but CAA Lobbyist/Attorney Jack Molodanof is a little skeptical, based on past experiences.

“Unfortunately, we believe that some insurers may try to circumvent the public regulatory process and introduce legislation that would stop these new regulations from moving forward and taking effect,” said Molodanof. “That is why we’re urging CAA members to contact (call, write and speak directly) to their legislator (Assembly member and Senator) and request that they oppose any legislative effort that would stop these regulations from moving forward.”

Deputy Commissioner Geoff Margolis from CA DOI elaborated on the new proposed regulations.

“California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has noticed new regulations that address inconsistent, unreliable, and inaccurate labor rate surveys that are used by insurers to settle insurance claims,” he said. “The proposed regulations establish clear guidance and standards when conducting auto body labor rate surveys, including requiring current and reliable data. It is expected that the regu-

lations will result in fairer and more equitable insurance claims.

“The Commissioner has launched this regulatory effort in response to the hundreds of complaints the Department of Insurance has received from consumers and auto body repair shops concerning instances where consumers were forced to pay out-of-pocket costs, or shops were deprived of their reasonably charged rates due to outdated and unreliable surveys,” Margolis explained. “Some of these complaints have resulted in enforcement actions which the department has filed against several insurance companies.”

The proposed anti-steering regulations are also much-needed, according to Margolis.

“Commissioner Jones has also devised regulations that address the problem of insurance companies who communicate deceptive and untruthful information in order to improperly steer policyholders to an insurer-chosen repair shop after an automobile collision,” he said. “These proposed regulations also provide guidelines for reasonable time frames for insurers to inspect damaged vehicles and for what constitutes unreasonable distances in cases where an insurer requires the claimant to travel to obtain a repair estimate or have a vehicle repaired.

The proposed regulations are intended to address the issue of inconsistent, unreliable and inaccurate auto body labor rate surveys used by insurers to settle or adjust claims.

The proposed regulations will clarify the standards that govern the procedures for conducting and reporting labor rate surveys and shall do the following: Standardization: Standardize auto body labor rate surveys to effectuate fair and equitable claim settlements or adjustments of labor rates.

Up-to-Date: Surveys conducted shall contain current labor rates.

Sample Size: Insurers shall be required to send a survey questionnaire to all Bureau of Automotive (BAR) licensed auto body repair shops in the specified geographical area.

Auto Body Repair Facilities: Labor Rate Surveys shall use only labor rates of auto body shops licensed with BAR.

48 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Equipment & Insurance: Only labor rates reported by auto body shops that meet specified equipment, insurance and other specified requirements may be used in the Labor Rate Survey.

No DRP’s Rates: Labor Rate Surveys shall not use any discounted rate or DRP rates in survey to determine prevailing auto body rate.

Geographical Areas: Labor Rate Surveys must follow specified geographical areas as outlined in the regulations.

Standard Questionnaire: Insures must use a specified Standardized Labor Rate Survey Questionnaire as outlined in the regulations.

Direct Responses from Shops: Only direct responses from the shop based on the Standard Questionnaire will be acceptable. Labor rate surveys cannot rely on estimates, third-party estimating software systems or subrogation reimbursements.

Surveys Public Information: The

ITW Evercoat Launches New Body Filler

ITW Evercoat announced the launch of Evercoat Commercial Ultra™ Body Filler, which has been developed to meet the needs of large industrial and commercial vehicle manufacturers including ambulance, fire truck, bus and train manufacturers. Evercoat Commercial Ultra Body Filler has been formulated to have a 10-minute work time and can be sanded in 30 minutes, allowing technicians to mix, spread, and work large quantities of body filler at one time. Evercoat Commercial Ultra can also be mixed with other Ultra products to meet customer requirements such as viscosity and cure times. “Until now, large industrial and commercial users have had to adapt existing products to meet their production requirements,” said Marvin Gillfillan, VP and general manager of ITW Evercoat. “Evercoat Commercial Ultra was developed in cooperation with industrial users to meet their exacting needs. Evercoat Commercial Ultra is available in one gallon containers (Part # 100181) and three gallon pails (Part #100183).

For information, visit www .evercoat.com.

Labor Rate Survey shall be submitted by insurers and reported to the Dept of Insurance. Results made public.

For more information and to access documents concerning these proceedings go to: www.insurance.ca.gov.

Click on “Insurers” then “Legal Information” then “Proposed Regulations” then “ Search for Proposed Regulations.” When “Proposed Regulations” screen appears, you may choose to find documents by conducting a search for “REG-2012-00002” or by browsing for them by name as “Auto Body Repair Labor rate Surveys” and “REG201500015” or browse by name “AntiSteering in Auto Body Repairs”.

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Herkules Adds Two New Lifts to BossLifts Line

Herkules Equipment Corporation has two new vehicle lifts. The BossLift VLA06 provides pneumatic lifting power, while the BossLift VLH01 is the low-profile hydraulic lift offered by the vehicle lift line. Previewed at the SEMA Show last November as the T515, the VLA06 leverages the airbag technology of the company’s popular T200 (now VLA03) lift to offer a straight vertical lift with a raised height of up to 29 inches by using two platforms, each 31 inches by 67.5 inches, placed on each side of the quick lube pit. The VLA06 has a lift capacity of 10,000 pounds, and a lowered height of 4.25 inches. The company’s low-profile hydraulic lift for shops, the VLH01, was previewed last spring in prototype form as the T260. Like the VLA03, the VLH01 offers a straight vertical lift with a raised height up to 32 inches on two platforms, each 19.25 inches by 53.5 inches, with a lift capacity of eight thousand pounds (8,000 lbs.) and a lowered height of 4.625 inches. “Leveraging the technology and capabilities of our VLA03 lift, we developed two alternatives that offer similar functionality with the different capabilities our customers find valuable,” said Todd Bacon, Herkules president and CEO.

www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 49

Media and Publicity for Shops

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

The Little Things Go a Long Way with Customer Service with Ed Attanasio

Nancy Friedman is known throughout the country as the Telephone Doctor, but she is also a keynote speaker for large automotive companies and a customer service consultant for big corporations. She takes businesses of all sizes that are dropping the ball when it comes to basic customer serNancy Friedman (aka “The Telephone vice and turns them into thoroughbreds.

Doctor”) works with automotive Her clients include companies to CCARSTAR, Big improve their O Tires, Goodyear, customer service Tire Pro, Midas, and many other well respected automotive companies around the country.

We sat down with the doctor recently to discuss customer service in the collision repair industry and ask her why so many shops are ailing and need a little CSI therapy.

Q:

How can a company and its employees turn bad customer service into great customer service?

It takes practice like anything A: else. But if your shop can embrace an atmosphere where the cus-

tomer is #1 without exception, it will quickly become part of the culture and ingrained in your company. But they have to buy into it and you have to create an environment that encourages and rewards good customer service.

Q:

One of your cardinal rules of customer service is called “People Before Paperwork”. Can you elaborate?

As we all know in the collision industry, the insurance compaA: nies started insisting that the shops do

the lion’s share of the paperwork required with every repair. This has added 2-10 more hours to the process on each and every car, depending on whom you talk to. Now, this deluge of paperwork can be a problem for employees who aren’t adept at multi-tasking.

I heard one estimator say, “I wanted to deal with the customer but I felt as though I needed to finish the pa-

perwork on this other job first.” Well, that’s a big mistake. Multi-tasking is part of the job and it’s unacceptable to ever make a client wait due to paperwork.

Don’t ever tell a customer, “Sorry, this paperwork has to go out right now.”

Another mistake. You’ve just told the customer that you’re not a priority. If you’re under the gun with a looming deadline, how is that the customer’s concern? In the corporate world, they call it “job shifting” and it’s something I teach people how to avoid.

When someone walks into your place of business, or calls you while you’re working on something, drop everything for that person. Remember, paperwork can wait, people should not.

We’ve all been abused when we go shopping and get ignored by clerks, so we know how that feels. Let’s not abuse our own customers and live by this simple rule: People Before Paperwork.

In a busy body shop environment, some estimators and oQ: ther office people make mistakes by

hurrying. Plus, they make the customers feeling uneasy, with all of the rushing around. How do you teach people to stay calm even when they’re overloaded?

A:

It’s human nature. We rush when we’re busy and that’s when we make mistakes. By being short with customers or rushing them through the process, even if you do a good job, they will be left feeling intimidated and you won’t see them coming back. Take it easy. Remember, speed is not success!

Trying to be “done” with a customer as quickly as possible is seen as being rude and uncaring. Take your time with each and every contact. Hey, everyone’s busy! That’s what it’s all about. Being busy does not give you carte blanche to be rude. Remember, you meet the same people coming down, as you do going up. They’ll remember you. (What’s worse than being busy? NOT being busy.)

Another problem is when body Q: shop people talk to customers using industry terms that they can’t possibly understand. How can that be fixed?

50 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Ever get a report from a comA: pany and not understand it?

Some companies have jargon that

makes the CIA wonder what’s up.

Granted, today’s customers are much more savvy about cars and collision repair. But focus groups prove that most of your clients don’t know what severity is or the difference between an OE and an aftermarket part. So, always be very careful not to use your own company jargon on your customers. You and your employees may understand it very well, but the customer may not. And you’ll only cause a lot of unnecessary confusion.

Spell things out for your customers.

Don’t abbreviate. Remember, don’t use collision industry language on civilians, because in most cases, it will only confuse them.

And whatever happened to all Q: of the little things that used to go such a long way when it came to

customer service? Like saying thank you and smiling?

It’s so true! We need to remember that ‘Thank you’ and ‘You’re A: welcome’ are beautiful words. The cus-

tomer cannot hear them too often.

However, if you’re telling your customers to “have a nice day,” please say it with meaning! I recently had a checkout clerk tell the floor to have a nice day. She wouldn’t look at me. Make eye contact when you’re saying something nice. Also, smiling goes a long way and can really make a customer comfortable quickly. Lead with a smile and you can’t go wrong and you’ll stand out from all of the frowners out there! It will also earn you many classic customer service points as a result. The customer needs to know that you want to work with them, no matter who they are, so smile and be friendly with everybody through the door and watch how positively they will respond.

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Chief® Introduces Three New Tools for Collision Repair: New Welder, Rivet Gun and Debonding Unit 1) Three-Phase, High-Amperage MIG/ MAG Welder Chief has expanded its line of inverter synergic pulse MIG/MAG welders to include its first three-phase, high-amperage model, the MultiMig 621. The MultiMig 621 can be used to weld and braze aluminum, galvanized sheet metal, stainless steel and high-strength steel.

“The MultiMig 621 is a great choice when welding certain thick structural aluminum components,” ex-

plains Mickey Swartz, director of global product management for Chief parent company Vehicle Service Group (VSG). “It is also ideal for inverter pulse brazing because it can operate at a lower temperature, with better temperature control, to protect the material characteristics of high-strength steel and any anti-corrosion coatings.”

Like all Chief MIG/MAG welders, the MultiMig 621 features the synergicpulsed technologies required by most OEMs for aluminum welding. The MultiMig 621 has a double pulse feature that allows the weld to cool slightly during the low frequency operation.

This reduces the chance of drips. It also reduces deformation on thin pieces while providing full penetration on thicker sheets.

The MultiMig 621 comes loaded with a large number of synergic programs that preset welding parameters so technicians can start welding immediately. Multiple programmable options, such as crater fill and hot start, are also available to customize the welder’s operation to meet specific customer needs, working conditions and technician preferences.

The MultiMig 621 is multi-input line voltage capable: It can run on any voltage from 200 to 480 volts. It features Integrated Power Factor Correction (PFC) technology to reduce energy waste. The welder is equipped with a built-in cart that includes storage space for a gas cylinder.

New Chief Heavy-Duty Rivet Gun Pierces Usibor® and Other HighStrength Steels Chief’s new Heavy-Duty Rivet Gun puts out almost twice the force of the company’s standard rivet gun, enabling ®

collision repair technicians to use it to install rivets in even the strongest steels, including Usibor®. The HeavyDuty Rivet Gun is approved by Mercedes-Benz.

“The new Chief Heavy-Duty Rivet Gun was developed to meet Mercedes-Benz specifications, including being able to pierce Usibor,” explains Mickey Swartz, “This is our strongest rivet gun, with a compression force of 22,000 lbs. vs. 12,000 lbs. available from our universal PNP90 rivet gun.

While our universal rivet gun can be used on virtually any current automotive application, the Heavy-Duty Rivet Gun is designed for the next wave of vehicles that will incorporate even more high-strength steel.”

The Chief Heavy-Duty Rivet Gun uses the same pneumatically driven hydraulic pump and pressure intensifier as Chief’s standard PNP90 rivet gun, but adds a few more built-in features. The Heavy-Duty Rivet Gun includes a retract feature and a dial to adjust the output working pressure.

The mobile hydraulic tool not only outputs 10 metric tons of compressive force, it also gives 8 metric tons of tension force to hydraulically retract the punching tool from metal sheets at the push of a button. The dial provides infinite adjustment of the working pressure so the output force can be controlled to the desired level.

With a small adapter set that reduces the output pressure, the HeavyDuty Rivet Gun is backwards compatible to the PNP90, so shops that already have mandrels for the standard gun can use them with the Heavy-Duty version. The Heavy-Duty Rivet Gun can be used to install self-piercing or flow form rivets and to punch holes.

Because the Heavy-Duty Rivet Gun is larger than the standard model in order to deliver higher power output, Chief is offering it with a cabinet equipped with a boom to help reduce technician strain and fatigue.

Put Down the Chisel: New Chief® Vulcan Adhesive Debonding Unit Uses Infrared Heat to Separate Aluminum Panels As automotive OEMs incorporate more aluminum, high-strength steel, carbon fiber and other “exotic materials” into their vehicle designs, they are also using new methods to join these materials together. Structural adhesives are

52 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

used extensively in vehicles designed with aluminum, but are also becoming increasingly popular with OEMs in the manufacture of traditional steel-based vehicles.

is to manually chisel them apart. This approach is not only physically tiring, but involves considerable risk of damage to the panel being removed, as well as the surface behind it. For panels made of carbon fiber, the only option is to grind through layers, releasing harmful carbon fibers if the dust is not properly captured. That’s where the new Chief Vulcan Adhesive Debonding Unit (ADU) comes in.

The patent-pending Chief Vulcan ADU is the first product specifically designed to break the bond of structural adhesives in automotive applications. The Vulcan ADU uses infrared radiation technology to quickly heat the (l to r) Kristen Simpson, President Simpson Communications, surface to a temperature Vulcan Debonding Unit, David Fischmer, Marketing Manager where the first layer of glue Vehicle Services Group (VSG) for Chief Automotive underneath releases cleanly— Repairing collision damage to in as little as 20 seconds. With the adheareas built with structural adhesives sive bonds broken, the technician can can be challenging. The most effective then easily separate the materials with method technicians currently have to less risk of damage to either piece. The separate bonded pieces of aluminum epoxy remains smooth and hard, not

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sticky, leaving behind a clean work surface. The Vulcan ADU can be used on any vehicle surface, including aluminum, carbon fiber and steel.

“The need to meet 2025 CAFE standards is driving automotive manufacturers to explore an incredibly wide range of materials, joining methods and other light-weighting technologies in a relatively short period of time,” says Swartz. “As a result, the collision repair industry is innovating like never before to develop new tools, equipment and repair techniques. The Chief Vulcan Adhesive Debonding Unit is a solution to an issue that wasn’t important just a few years ago. But as OEMs incorporate glue and epoxies into their manufacturing processes for more and more vehicles, collision repair shops need to be equipped to efficiently separate those bonded components to properly repair the vehicles.”

Applying heat is a proven method for releasing adhesives, but although there are several options available for traditional steel panels, tight temperature control is needed to not overheat high-strength steels. Aluminum is more challenging because it dissipates heat very quickly and requires a lot of input energy: more than is found in tradi-

tional induction heaters or heat guns.

The Vulcan ADU uses very short waves of infrared radiation to quickly produce up to 600 degrees of heat concentrated at the surface of the material being treated. Even though the unit produces very high output temperature, the lamp’s handles and sides remain cool to the touch for safe operation and prolonged lamp life.

The Vulcan ADU has three modes of operation.

1) Manual: Pulling the trigger will produce whatever level of power the technician set until the trigger is released.

2) Automatic: The technician sets both a set point temperature and the power level, and the unit will control to that level while the trigger is pressed.

3) Programmable: The technician can set up to five steps including a specific temperature and how long the Vulcan should stay at that temperature.

Continued from Page 42

Female Shop Owner

alcoholic ones); plus, there are bar stools lined up at the counter, like in the sitcom Cheers. “Everybody knows your name.

And they’re always glad you came.”

We also prioritize driver’s education. For example, we’ve got a tire pressure gauge in the waiting room.

Customers are welcome to read the instructions, take it outside, and check their pressure while they wait.

Is there anything else you would Q: like to share with our readers in the collision repair industry?

Recession of 2008, hit a sales slump. Lots of A: myIn theshopGreat

To learn more contact your local Chief distributor or call (800) 4459262. Chief is also active on Twitter, twitter.com/ChiefAutomotive and Facebook, www.facebook.com/Chief Automotive. For video, visit chiefauto motive.com/video-library.

folks lost their jobs and didn’t have a reason to drive. Others held onto their jobs, but took a bus or taxi to save money.

Business wasn’t good. This is what inspired me to host auto awareness workshops for women. We taught them how to do basic repairs like polishing headlights, checking auto fluids, and changing bulbs and wiper blades. We collected donations from participants and local businesses. The proceeds covered the cost of repairs for single working moms.

I’m sharing this story because it illustrates the power of community. People want to feel connected to the businesses they work with. Providing workshops (or any kind of educational event) is a great way to do that. If you can find a way to serve your community in a way that people notice, you’ll make a difference and drum up new business.

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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.

Anderson Shows NORTHEAST Shops How His “Who Pays for What?” Surveys Can Help with John Yoswick

About 37 percent of shops who bill for do gravel guard, that does not include “masking the vehicle for priming” say the additional labor required to match they get paid by insurers for this operthe OEM texture,” Anderson said. “So ation “always” orwith “most Ed of the time” – if your painter has to go out and play Attanasio yet about an equal percentage of shops with it, and get a spray pattern set-up, say they have never asked to be paid etc., that can take a long time, right? for this not-included operation.

That’s not included.”

That’s one of the survey findings Anderson said this year’s refinishthat Mike Anderson told attendees at related survey specifically asked shops the NORTHEAST trade show in New that have never asked to be paid for this Jersey in March with that he was most surprocess why they haven’t. More than 82 Ed Attanasio prised about as he continues to con- percent said they either were not aware duct a series of four different “Who it was a “not-included” operation or just Pays for What?” surveys nationally in never thought to charge for it. conjunction with CRASH Network.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m not “Every time you prime, you have saying that insurance companies are to mask, utilizing labor and materials,” Anderson told a packed seminar room at the trade show.with “I was Ed veryAttanasio surprised to see so many shops were not even charging for this. Almost 40 percent of shops said, ‘I’ve never even asked for it.’”

The seminar was one of the first with Ed Attanasio times Anderson has focused an entire presentation on his “Who Pays for What?” seminars, which began last year. Each of the four surveys – one is conducted each quarter – ask shops for their billing practices in terms of about always going to pay you for every sintwo dozen not-included operations. For gle thing,” Anderson said. “But at the withareStacey EDITOR each procedure, shops asked to Phillips deend -ofASSISTANT the day, if you want to get paid scribe how often they are paid, by each more, you have to first ask. It’s a Bibof eight insurers, whether it is “always,” lical principle: ‘You have not because “most of the time,” “some of the time,” you ask not.’” or “never.”

The surveys compare the payment The masking question was in- practices among the largest eight auto cluded on the refinish-related survey insurers nationally, and also show how with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR that took place in February this year, responses vary by region. The survey but the other surveys focus on body have continued to draw responses from labor operations (that survey took an average of more 700 shops each place in April), frame and mechanical time, Anderson said. operations, and aluminum repair and “It’s one survey response per shop supplies (the latter two surveys shop, so that’s 700-plus shops each will next take place later this year). time, not like some other surveys that Anderson’s seminar at the trade might include responses from 10 peoshow highlighted some of the results ple from one shop,” Anderson said. of past surveys, which are available He said the surveys ask shops to online. (Anyone who takes one of the also report what direct repair program surveys automatically receives that affiliations they have, and the findings survey’s findings for free.) As with have fairly consistently shown that dimasking for priming, for example, rect repair shops are paid, overall, Anderson said nearly 40 percent of more frequently for “not-included” esshops reported being paid always or timate items than are non-DRP shops. most of the time to match the original “I’m not pro-DRP, I’m not antiOEM texture of chip/gravel guard.

DRP,” Anderson said, noting that he’s “The three estimating systems all faced some skepticism from those who clearly say that when you get paid to are surprised that DRP shops appear

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more likely to be paid for not-included operations. “I’m all about doing a safe and proper repair. Whatever your business model is irrelevant to me. But what I can tell you is DRP shops clearly are getting paid for more procedures than non-DRP shops.”

He said the aluminum survey asked shops not only about their labor rates for aluminum work but also how much they invested in training, equipment and other costs to become OEMcertified for aluminum. He said some survey respondents said that adding up those numbers made them realize their labor rates were inadequate.

Media and Publicity for Shops Shop Strategies

Body Shops Giving Back

54 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

“What we realized is that when some people were setting their rates, they were just grabbing some number out of the air without ever having done a financial analysis on it,” Anderson said.

He said his overall goal with the surveys is to raise awareness of operations shops may be doing but aren’t charging for. He said he hopes over time have the surveys find that the percentage of shops billing and being paid for the procedures increase.

But he acknowledged that awareness is only part of the issue; the second-half of his presentation at the NORTHEAST show focused on how shops can successfully negotiate for whatever procedures from the surveys they are regularly doing.

“I mean this in love. I’m not here to make any enemies. I want you to be successful. But honestly, the majority of body shops use the insurance companies as an excuse for their ignorance and lack of knowledge,” Anderson said. ‘They say, ‘The insurance company won’t pay for it,’ when the reality is they didn’t even know they could charge for it.”

Anderson recommended that shops start with one or two of the items at a time, focusing on including them on estimates on jobs when the procedure is being done, and being prepared to support why they should be paid for it. He said shops should have documentation from the automakers or paint companies showing the procedure is needed; documentation from the estimating systems showing the procedure is not-included and whether there is a formula for calculating the labor time for it; and an understanding of what the procedure is worth.

“You have to figure out what your labor is going to be and any materials you’re going to use,” Anderson said. “I can’t tell you what to charge.

But the time you charge should reflect how long it takes the average technician to gather up their tools, equipment and supplies and perform the task in a safe and proper manner, and then return their tools and equipment.”

He said shops rarely do the research to gather the documentation they need to confidently make their justification for the charge. Anderson said each of the survey reports includes suggested resources shops can use in this process.

“The only thing that matters if you want to get paid for something is what you can prove, substantiate and justify,” Anderson said. “That’s all that matters. Your opinion means absolutely nothing.”

Shops interested in being notified about upcoming surveys, or in getting results from previous surveys, can visit: https://www.collisionadvice.com /survey As is generally the case, Anderson’s presentation at the NORTHEAST trade show won him new fans in the industry.

“I’ve been attending these seminars for over 50 years, and this is the single-most compelling session I’ve ever attended,” Mike Porcelli of Central Avenue Collision in Glendale, N.Y., told Anderson during the question-and-answer session.

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www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 55

Why Are Online Reviews Important to Your Auto Body Shop? during his presentation.

Over the last few months, he has Every month, nearly 10 million con- found that review sites now occupy 40 sumers search online for auto body re- to 80 percent of all first page links. pair shops and related services. One of With an abundance of different the first things they see are online re- review sites on the web, businesses views. might wonder what review sites are Whether your organizathe most important to focus tion has two, 200 or 2,000 on. “The review sites that locations, Frank Terlep, consumers use the most and see the most and know the founder and CEO of eMarmost are the ones that matter keting Sherpas, said that online reviews are extremely the most,” said Terlep. important to your business.

Some of the more popular From his experience over the ones he mentioned include Frank Terlep. years, he said they can imYelp, Google, Yahoo!, Bing, File photo. prove customer engagement, Facebook, Citysearch, Yela company’s brand and increase on- low Pages and Judy’s Book. line referrals.

What steps should a business put He cited data collected from the in place to get more online reviews?

Bazaarvoice network in 2015, which “Just ask!” said Terlep. “If you said a business with one review can want to get reviews, you need to let experience a 10 percent increase in the customer know that reviews are sales, a business with 50 reviews can important to your business.” He said have a 30 percent increase and busi- it’s also important to make it easy and nesses with 200 reviews can see a 44 convenient for consumers to give you percent increase. a review and let them know which Terlep recently held a webinar dissites you would like to get the reviews cussing the importance of online reon.

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

“Eighty-eight percent of connected consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from people.” — Frank Terlep

views and offered tips on how to have your business appear on page one of a Google, Yahoo! or Bing search in your local market.

Terlep said that 88 percent of connected consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations from people and 90 percent said that positive online reviews influence their buying decisions.

In 2015, a company named Review Inc. surveyed 1,000 consumers and found that consumers trust online reviews much more than any other marketing and advertising mediums, including websites, newspaper, television and the yellow pages.

“A brand is no longer what we tell consumers it is – it is what consumers tell each other it is,” said Scott D. Cook, the founder of Intuit and a board member of eBay and P&G. “But the sad news is that 87 percent of small businesses like most of you on this call don’t really have a formal process in place to ask for and capture online reviews,” Terlep said

He suggested using signage, POS materials, verbal requests, delivery handouts, email, your website, Facebook, mobile apps and in some cases, in-house kiosks.

He strongly recommended that a delivery review request handout be given to a customer when their vehicle is delivered.

Another effective way he found to ask for online reviews is by sending an email or text. Currently, the average open rate for an email is 18 to 22 percent; while a text has a 98 percent open rate and is usually read within five minutes.

When asking for a verbal review, Terlep said there are eight must dos: 1) Always get permission before sending a review request.

2) Ask at the peak of your customer’s happiness with your service.

3) Let your customer know that you’re asking for a “favor.”

4) Let your customer know how long this will take.

5) Let your customer know how you

56 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

benefit from their favor.

6) Get your customer’s primary email address.

The Review Engine software delivers reviews and reporting for businesses

7) Tell your customer how much their offering to write a review means to you.

8) Tell them that you’re looking forward to reading their review.

Terlep stressed the importance of responding to every review. Not only is it great for SEO (Search Engine Optimization), he said it demonstrates to the consumer that the reviews really are important to your business. eMarketing Sherpas specializes in

digital marketing solutions for the collision repair industry. The San Diegobased company developed the Review Engine product in 2015, with the intent of helping businesses build, promote, protect and manage online reviews and reputation.

The Review Engine software delivers reviews and reporting for businesses and can be set up to import a company’s estimating management software into their platform. It also integrates with more than 100 social media and review sites.

Other features include customized review request delivery handouts and automated email and text review requests. eMarketing Sherpas offers a free demonstration of the product.

“Because we use so many different tools and techniques to request and capture online reviews, your business can expect to see a 100 percent to 300 percent increase in the number of online reviews your business receives,” said Terlep.

For more information, call 858547-8697, email sales@emarketing sherpas.com or visit http:www.emarketing sherpas.com.

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NHTSA Won’t Consider Takata Impact in Recalls The chief U.S. auto safety agency says it won’t take Takata Corp.’s financial viability into account when it decides whether to expand further the largestever auto safety recall, Bloomberg news has reported.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will focus solely on safety, as it must under U.S. law, the agency said in a statement.

NHTSA is reviewing the findings of three investigations into Takata’s airbag ruptures while the recalls are under way, it said. Those probes attempted to determine the root cause of the airbag failures, and the review could be the basis for future decisions related to the recalls.

“NHTSA makes recall determinations based on safety, and safety alone,” agency spokesman Bryan Thomas said in the statement. “The agency will take all appropriate actions to make sure airbags in Americans’ vehicles are safe.”

Takata’s costs could add up to $24 billion, according to a person familiar with the matter, or four times more than Tokyo-based company’s annual revenue. The figure is about $7 billion more than Jefferies Group LLC estimated in a February report. Takata said in a statement it’s still investigating the root cause and can’t accurately project its final costs.

Takata’s share price has plunged 49 percent this year.

Automakers including Honda Motor Co. have recalled more than 19 million vehicles equipped with Takata airbags, the largest automotive safety recall in U.S. history. The airbag inflators can explode, sending shrapnel into the passenger compartment. More than 7.5 million inflators have been replaced, including 5.4 million by Honda, according to the agency.

NHTSA has said Takata airbag inflators have caused nine fatalities in the U.S. by rupturing and spraying plastic and metal shards at motorists. The regulator is investigating all Takata inflators that use a chemical propellant that’s been banned from future models and is giving the company until as long as the end of 2019 to determine the root cause of the flaw or prove the inflators are safe.

Moisture seeping into Takata’s inflators was determined to be the reason Takata airbags have ruptured by Orbital ATK, a researcher hired by a coalition of automakers that announced its findings last month. Challenges with determining root cause of the rupture issue have held back automakers and the supplier from deciding how the companies will divvy costs.

Sherwin-Williams Launches New Custom & Restoration Websites

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes recently launched two new websites focused on their color expertise within the custom and restoration market segments, according to a company press release. These websites give the public an inside look at industry partnerships, visuals of color, and application tips designed to improve a technician’s knowledge.

Sherwin-Williams classic “Speed Shapes” that continually rotates to showcase how the color changes as a vehicle travels through different light.

This website provides search and customization features that allow users to pinpoint the exact color code desired.

To inspire sharing pictures of cars, Sherwin-Williams also created a Killer Paint Job gallery. This gallery allows users to submit pictures and details of their Sherwin-Williams-painted vehicles. They are then showcased on the site and are searchable with the associated color.

The second new website launched was an entirely new featured section of the Sherwin-Williams launched a Color Visualizer website sherwin-automotive.com as well as a Custom & Restoration website website. The Custom & The first new website launched Restoration website (http://www was an online Color Visualizer (http: .sherwin-automotive.com/custom //sw-rodandrestocustomcolor.com/). vrestoration/) now features details Following the success of the Rod & about exclusive Sherwin-Williams Restoration Color Collection, which color programs and gives behind-thewas introduced in 2014, Sherwin- scenes insights from their media cenWilliams took the 200+ colors within ter. Within the media center, they the collection and created one of the document step-by-step details of industry’s first color tools, mimicking project vehicles they sponsor as well as blog-like articles answering some the movement of a vehicle.

Each color was applied to one of of the most sought after questions.

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www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 57

Historical Snapshot

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

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

ASA Lobbyists, Allstate Acquires Sterling, Recycled Parts Market Share, Chinese OEMs with John Yoswick

20 years ago in the collision repair in- sion Centers, a consolidator with 39 collision repair shops in seven states dustry (May 1996) At the 1996 Automotive Service Asand with Chasidy Rae Sisknine metropolitan areas sent sociation annual convention in Wash- shockwaves across the industry much ington, D.C., the association brought like State Farm’s non-OEM parts vertogether a panel of attorneys to ad- dict. dress complex but critical questions, “It will change the industry, one such as if preferred provider networks way or the other,” predicted John Rata violation of antitrust laws. tan, a multi-shop owner in Dallas, with Chasidy RaeTexas.

Sisk “If Allstate succeeds, you’ll Don Randall, who retired in 1993 as ASA lobbyist and legal coun- probably see other consolidators sellsel, moderated the discussed and re- ing out. If they don’t buy or open any minded ASA members that it is often more shops, it will answer the quesdifficult to provide “black and white” tion once and for all about insurers responses on legal issues. owning body shops.”

“The law is not an exact science,” – As reported in Autobody News ChasidyliveRaeIt’s Sisk he said. “It is anwith ever-evolving, not clear the question has been aninstitution. swered once and for all, but a 2003 Randall asked the panel: Do laws law passed in Texas prohibiting inallow insurers to establish direct re- surers from owner body shops there pair programs, or could such relation- largely put the brakes on Sterling’s ships be seen as an illegal “tying growth as an Allstate subsidiary. Sterarrangement,” tying the Chasidy purchase of Rae a ling with Siskadded fewer than two dozen policy to the consumer’s agreement to shops in the 13 years it was owned by use certain shops for repair?

Allstate, though it did double its sales “I’m not sure we have an answer to about $200 million by 2014 when it to that now,” George Slover, an at- was acquired by Service King. Rattan torney with the U.S. Department of remains CEO of The Body Shop, a 3Chasidy Raeshop Sisk operation in the Dallas-Ft. Justice Antitrust with Division, said. “All that the antitrust statute says about Worth area. this is one sentence: no contracts, combinations or conspiracies in re- 10 years ago in the collision repair instraint of trade.” dustry (May 2006) David Snyder, an attorney with Don Porter, a property and casualty the American Insurance Association, with Chasidy Raeclaims Sisk consultant with State Farm, said he felt the law was more clear on kicked off the morning session of the insurance programs.

Automotive Recyclers Association “These types of plans have already Mid-Year Business Development been repeatedly challenged in federal Conference outlining his company’s and state courts, and repeatedly up- interest in increasing the amount of held under the antitrust laws,” Snyder salvage parts used in repairs—and with Chasidy Rae Sisk said. what he believes individual recyclers and their industry as a whole can do – As reported in Collision Expert to increase their sales of parts for use 15 years ago in the collision repair in- in collision repair.

Based on his company’s numdustry (May 2001) Allstate acquisition of Sterling Colli- bers, recycled parts as a percentage

Associations Assembling Southeast News

Western Associations

of total parts sales has remained stagnant – at between 12 and 13 percent—from 2003 through 2005, while the aftermarket segment is rebounding to reach a similar market share (after declining to a low of 9.2 percent in 2000).

Porter said in order to increase the use of recycled parts, an automated approach to sourcing those parts is necessary, to provide immediate availability and condition information and to reduce the number of contacts to individual recyclers by shops and insurers. Convincing shops

Southwest Associations Southeast Associations Northeast Associations Midwest Associations

National Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

In 2006, Don Porter was a national claims consultant with State Farm and a speaker at the Automotive Recyclers Association event. He retired from State Farm in 2012, and in 2014 became CEO of the United Recyclers Group

to use more of the parts, he said, will require helping shops identify “best in class” recyclers that use systems to ensure on-time delivery of the correct part in the described condition.

– As reported in Autobody News Spending on recycled parts peaked at just over 14 percent (of total dollars spent on parts) in 2001 according to data from Mitchell International, then has drifted downward back to between 12 and 13 percent, just as it was when Porter spoke at the recycler event. (Non-OEM parts, on the other hand, have increased steadily to a account for more than 16 percent of

SCRS Board of Directors Meeting Held in Seattle on April 19

On April 19, SCRS held an open board meeting in Seattle, Washington.

The meeting was open to everyone with Rae wishing to learn moreChasidy about the current state of the association’s activities and pressing industry topics. Attendees were not required to be a member of SCRS to participate.

In addition to the regular comNorthwestwork Associations mittee reports, and updates of ongoing SCRS is engaged in on behalf of

Sisk its membership, the agenda featured another live education committee presentation led by committee chairman, Kye Yeung. The topic focused on understanding and identifying how

Shop Showcase

58 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

with Ed Attanasio

energy flows through modern-day vehicles during a collision. Identifying structural misalignments and related damages as a result of energy transfer is a key component to restoring a vehicle to its pre-loss condition and a contributing factor in many post-repair inspections. Immediately follow-

total parts dollars.) Porter retired from State Farm in 2012, and in 2014 became CEO of the United Recyclers Group.

5 years ago in the collision repair industry (May 2011) Speaking at an industry event, Greg Horn of Mitchell International offered a look at some of the vehicles that Chinese automakers—a number of which have plans to enter the U.S. market— currently produce.

Horn said Great Wall Motors is predicting a U.S. launch in 2015, following the model used by Kia some years ago, with sales in several states and entry into the rental fleet. The company will use feedback from that limited launch to make improvements before selling on a broader scale.

Horn said the expected low cost of early Chinese vehicles in this country will likely lead to more totals than repaired vehicles. But the success of any of the Chinese automakers here will largely be dependent on their ability to set up the replacement parts infrastructure that is needed, Horn said. Sterling Motors and Daihatsu, he said, failed largely because a lack of parts availability led to repair delays and total losses.

“The folks that have the best infrastructure for supporting their brand will be the Chinese brands that survive going forward,” Horn said.

– As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), May 30, 2011. Despite Great Wall Motors’ optimism five years ago, it has yet to sell a vehicle in the United States.

The company has been plagued in recent years with quality issues, recalls and unpopular models, but it remains China’s largest sport utility vehicle maker. ing the meeting, SCRS invited active members of the association to cast their votes in the board of directors annual election process.

As Autobody News went to press, there were four open board seats.

Check autobodynews.com to find out the results.

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Auto Body Shop Owner in Texas Restores Vehicle for Car Donation Using OEM Parts

by Stacey Phillips

When auto body shop owner Burl Richards presented a set of keys and an SUV to Becky Whiteside, he said it was a great feeling to give back to someone in need.

The owner of Burl’s Collision Center in Henderson, Texas, held a con-

Becky Whiteside received a 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor from Burl’s Collision as part of a contest the auto body shop held

test in late 2015 inviting the local community to write a short summary about why they needed a dependable vehicle.

One of the managers in his shop had suggested the idea, after hearing about a body shop in Arkansas that had done something similar. “I thought to myself, ‘We have to do this,’” said Richards.

Applicants had the following criteria: they had to be a single mom, have a job or actively searching for one, include a resume and write why they needed the car.

Richards received 10 applications and local Lions Club members in Henderson assisted in the decisionmaking process. “It was a hard decision and I wish we could have done this for every one of them,” said Richards.

Whiteside, a single mom, was presented with the vehicle in December 2015.

The SUV had originally been in a front-end crash. Richards said the insurance company did not want to repair the vehicle or pay the storage fees, and it was deemed totaled. He talked to the insurance company about giving the car away after it was repaired. “They were very surprised and said it was a great thing that we’re doing and sent the title ASAP,” said Richards.

Ten of his employees spent about two weeks restoring the 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor. “They really embraced the idea and were excited about doing it,” said Richards. “They worked after-hours as well and just enjoyed the entire process.”

Local businesses also showed their

support: ABC Auto Parts donated the radiator, condenser, brakes and other parts; Big Daddy’s donated a navigation system; Custom Tint & Design tinted the windows; English Color Paint & Supply painted the vehicle; Gillman Mitsubishi offered discounted rates on parts; Kilgore Tire Center donated four new tires; and SIG Insurance provided six months of free insurance.

(l to r) Sabrina and Burl Richards of Burl’s Collision Center presented the keys and SUV to Becky Whiteside

Richards, president of the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT), said they made it a priority to use OEM parts for the vehicle and his vendors were happy to help with pricing. “There was never a thought of using aftermarket parts,” said Richards. “With the quality and fit issues that we see with using aftermarket parts, and the fact that we request OEM every day from insurance companies, I felt it would be hyp-

ocritical to use anything other than OEM. He said that he wanted the recipient of the vehicle to have confidence that it was repaired properly using OEM parts.

“I hear insurers tell us all the time that we are greedy because we want to be paid for processes and procedures that are necessary to restore vehicles to their pre-loss conditions,” said Richards. “It’s good to know and they know, it’s not all about making money. We chose OEM parts, we didn’t cut corners, we repaired the vehicle properly, and we spent free time after hours because it would help out a needy family. You can’t put a price on that.”

His advice to other shops considering doing something similar is to do it! “Your employees will embrace it and it will give them a great sense of accomplishment. “Your local community will appreciate it as well,” said Richards.

After being in business for 18 years, he said the surrounding community is very supportive of his business and the employees every day. “It is a great feeling to share your blessings with others, and I think it is our responsibility to give back to those in need.”

NABR Launches VRS Labor Rate Survey in HI

In March, NABR announced the launch of the Honolulu VRS Labor Rate Survey, sponsored by the Automotive Body & Painting Association of Hawaii (ABPAH).

The online survey is free for all Hawaii collision repairers and can be found at https://www.surveymonkey .com/r/hivrssurvey2 The VRS Labor Rate Survey provides collision repairers with an independent, third-party, trusted survey of labor rate data for all of Honolulu County (the island of Oahu). The VRS reports the true, market-based labor rate ranges throughout the area, based on shops’ actual prices, not on an artificially defined single prevailing rate for all shops.

“The insurance industry has always reimbursed customers for the ‘prevailing’ or average shop rate,” said Van Takemoto, ABPAH board member and owner of Island Fender in Honolulu. “But with today’s complex vehicles, you need shops that have invested in the equipment and technical training to become certified repairers.

These are not average shops, they are best-in-class repair facilities.”

“All collision repairers are not alike,” said Sam Valenzuela, president of NABR. “Shops that make

huge investments in training, certifications, and state-of-the-art equipment deserve to get paid accordingly with sufficiently profitable labor rates. The VRS reveals that market prices for high-line collision repair facilities are higher than other facilities that don’t make these investments. In addition, other repairers who aspire to become better trained, certified, and equipped are now more enabled to do so, because the VRS can help them earn the rates and ROI they need to grow and prosper.”

Hawaii is the 15th state to launch the VRS Labor Rate Survey, joining other states currently running the VRS Survey including Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Utah.

Any collision repair owner or general manager may request a free, no-obligation demo of the VRS, to see firsthand how the system can help them charge and collect sufficiently profitable labor rates and get paid for more not-included procedures.

For information, contact Valenzuela at 602-466-1900 / Sam@National AutoBodyResearch.com or visit www .NationalAutoBodyResearch.com.

60 MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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ASA Hosts Online Demo of New OEM Resource Center

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On Wednesday, February 17, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) hosted an online demonstration and press conference on a new tools resource, created in conjunction with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

Donny Seyfer, ASA Chair, conducted the information webinar about the new OEM Resource Center, a project that began several years ago.

Recognizing that there is key OEM information that technicians are often unable to find, ASA collaborated with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which is comprised of 12 automotive manufacturers who collectively represent over 70 percent of all car and truck sales in the US, to compile all important OEM information in one location.

Seyfer observed, “There are sites that do similar things, but there’s nothing else exactly like this.”

Some information included on the OEM Resource Center addresses scan tool specifics, as well as calibration and programming updates, service information and training materials.

According to Seyfer, “Manufacturers have names for things that defy classification so the industry needs an

authoritative position on where to find this information. With so many possible resources, finding the information you need can seem like an art form; though much of the information is free before paying for any kind of subscription, many people don’t know where to find it. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers agreed to assist

with creating a special information portal, but the site was created by techs for techs. It was made to be super simple and easy to navigate.”

From the launch page, industry professionals can click links to direct them to the OE’s landing page where they’ve highlighted the most important and useful information. Each OE has its own landing page with links to the most commonly requested information. All links have been tested to ensure they direct professionals to the most current, accurate information.

During this huge project, ASA also created a scan tool page for each OE which is updated with the “latest and greatest,” Seyfer said. Each scan tool page contains a link to direct users on how to bring the hardware and software and get support.

While the information available is the same as what is found on OE websites, since that is where the user is directed, OERepairInfo.com focuses on what each OE does differently.

Seyfer eexplained, “We organized it into those key things that can trip up the repair process or discourage a shop from taking on a new car line because they don’t have a direct source to the information they need to become ‘Service Ready,’ our pet industry term coined by Toyota’s Mark Saxonberg.”

ASA is looking to add other OEs in the future, but there’s no timeline on that initiative.

ASA’s goal was to make this resource “as comprehensive as possible,” Seyfer said. “With this resource, we’re getting the facts straight from the source - the OEs. It is our belief that this resource will cut down the guesswork when it comes to finding accurate, updated information in a timely manner.”

Car-O-Liner Group Has New Website Updates

Car-O-Liner Group announced an updated design to their website, www.car-o-liner.com. The group includes Automotive, Commercial Vehicle and Training Solutions.

Automotive Solutions for collision repair, branded Car-O-Liner, include frame benches, anchoring and fixturing, 3-D data and digital measuring systems, joining, welding, advanced materials and work management solutions. Commercial Vehicle Solutions for the heavy vehicle industry are branded TruckCam, the largest global supplier to OEM assembly plants, specializing in axle, wheel alignment, lane departure and radar calibration systems. Aftermarket collision repair equipment and wheel alignment are branded Josam. Training Solutions for both automotive and commercial are branded Car-O-Liner Academy. “We are excited to see the expansion of our company into related market segments, strengthening our brand while reinforcing our total solutions in terms of products and customer support around the globe,” said David Scribner, technical director, Americas of Car-OLiner.

Caliber CEO Accepts Prestigious National Award Recognizing Company’s Support of U.S. Military

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Steve Grimshaw, CEO of Caliber U.S. Veteran’s Initiative, Heroes On Collision, was one of five leaders rec- The Water, Adaptive Training Founognized with the prestigious America dation, Semper Gratis, and Support First Series (AFS) 5 Star Award for The Enlisted Project (STEP).

In addition, Caliber has develtheir corporation’s support of the miloped a collision repair military trainitary. ing program around the Grimshaw accepted the Veteran’s Opportunity To award on behalf of Caliber Work Act, training active Collision at the 2016 AFS duty service members prior Awards Ceremony and Nato separation. tional Security and EcoCaliber is actively nomic Symposium in Dallas, working with the military TX. at Ft. Bragg, North CarAs CEO, Grimshaw olina to recruit and train has spearheaded Caliber Collision’s efforts to sup- Steve Grimshaw, more than 50 active duty CEO of Caliber service members for Calport active military personCollision iber center manager, technel and military veterans across the U.S. through a variety of nician and customer service jobs in philanthropic and employment ini- 2016. Over the course of 2016, Caltiatives. Over the past four years, iber will also be expanding this proCaliber Collision has donated more gram to Ft. Hood and Ft. Bliss in than 80 vehicles, valued at approxi- Texas and Camp Pendleton in Calimate $800,000, through their Recy- fornia.

“On behalf of our more than cled Rides program to active service and military veterans across the U.S. 8,800 teammates, we are honored to Caliber also partners with a host of have the opportunity to recognize best-in-class military organizations and give back to the many military serving today’s active service per- heroes who have sacrificed and given sonnel and military veterans includ- of themselves to serve our country,” ing Carry the Load, Allies In Service, said Grimshaw. www.autobodynews.com | MAY 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 61

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Recap of Mitchell Industry Trends Report: The High Cost of High Tech Mitchell recently released its first quarterly Industry Trends Report of 2016. The focus was on “The High Cost of High Tech.” Author Greg Horn analyzed repair cost inflation rates as reflected by total loss frequency, rising insurance rates and repair order costs.

The following is an excerpt from the webinar Q&A. The full recording can be found on www.autobodynews .com.

Do you think crushed metals salvage value can hit rock bottom, and if so, will they rebound?

When we talk about the bottom and crushed metal, salvage values are at a 10-year low, about $60 per ton. And that is influenced primarily because of the recession we’re experiencing in China.

China was taking a lot of our scrap. That was the biggest market and that is down and it’s really dried up the shipping of crushed metal overseas. If you’re an insurance company, you’re seeing a big decrease in the overall salvage crisis. That’s because the bottom has really dropped out. When key currencies like the Chinese Yuan and Euro rebound against the U.S. Dollar, we will begin to see salvage values rise.

What will Bluetooth keys and a cellphone do to salvage values?

Brilliant question. Yeah, I think what will happen is you’re going to have to have some sort of a valet key in order to be fully functional. Because, again, I think what we have is a problem with

The interesting thing is if you look at the 2016 Volvo S60 Inscription, that is actually fully assembled in China now so that is really the first Volvo to come in from China. And the smaller size Buick SUV is now officially coming in the spring of this year, so those are

the Bluetooth app. Again the phone dies or you lose your phone or what have you, there’s going to have to be some sort of fully functional valet key or fully functional fob that you would have to sell with the vehicle.

two of the first Chinese vehicles. The Volvo is here and the Buick is coming in the next few months.

What’s the percentage of total loss vehicles compared to all estimates written?

It is right around 16% to 16.5% in the U.S. across all estimates written. And that is increasing as we see a softening of the actual cash value of the vehicles being appraised.

Any update on the Chinese vehicles coming here?

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Do you anticipate more auto manufacturers will move to highstrength steel similar to what we’ve seen on the Honda Civic?

Absolutely. As we are in our first year of the new CAFE standards, 2016 was the standard that passenger cars have to achieve 39 miles per gallon, or the car manufacturer has to pay fines back to the federal government. We’re going to see common, high-volume cars get these types of high-strength steels in them that will definitely add to repair costs overall.

Are Honda Civic rockers high strength steel also?

Yes. If you look at the roof and the B pillar, you can see that those are ultrahigh-strength steel. And then you look at where the B pillar goes into the center rocker, which they are not an ultrahigh strength but high-strength steel.

So there are some requirements when you come to applying heat to the lower part where the B pillar meets the center rocker. So while the 1,500 MPa hot stand has to be replaced in its entirety, there are straightening and heat application limits on the 550 and 650 MPa steel as well.

So it’s going to be a complicated repair. It’s absolutely imperative that a collision repairer refer to Mitchell TechAdvisor to make sure that they’re doing repair in accordance with the Honda technical bulletins. That is a great add on to your RepairCenter or WorkCenter Appraisal system because while you’re in the estimate you don’t have to leave the estimate to get out and look up the repair procedures.

You can just right click and refer to the full repair procedures for that piece while you’re in the estimate.

See more at: http://www.mitchell .com/news/id/1382#sthash.Onv9Cg2t .dpuf

Farmers Insurance Launches All-New Claims Filing to Maximize Ease of Use for Customers Nationwide

Farmers Insurance®, one of the nation’s largest multiline insurer groups, has announced the launch of the company’s all-new Enterprise First Notice of Loss (EFNOL) system to provide customers with a single platform to

for our customers and agents,” said Keith Daly, chief claims officer for Farmers Insurance. “EFNOL reinforces our commitment to investing in new technology to enhance our customer experience and makes it much

more easily capture new loss information and advance the claims process.

By accessing EFNOL through Farmers.com, Farmers Personal Lines customers can now report a loss and schedule needed services such as rentals, emergency services, and more.

When the loss reporting process concludes, the system delivers a summary of key information, including selected repair facilities, the assigned claims representative’s contact information, and any scheduled services, to the customer’s computer or mobile device.

Customers also can work with their local Farmers Insurance agent to access EFNOL together to report a claim.

“The new platform is a big win

easier for customers to report a claim and have up-to-the-minute insight into the progress of their settlement.”

Designed with customer-ease top-of-mind, the EFNOL platform provides a streamlined process for customers who want to keep their agent involved in the claim process or who are looking for a self-service option through Farmers.com. For Farmers agents, the new platform allows them to easily report a loss, secure pertinent loss details, and help set up services for Farmers customers.

For more information about Farmers Insurance, visit Farmers .com, Twitter and Instagram, @We AreFarmers, or Facebook.com/ FarmersInsurance.

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