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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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