September 2017 Southeastern Edition

Southeastern Sou utheastern Edition E d i t i on Ed Alabama Florida Georgia Mississippi N. Carolina

S. Carolina Tennessee Virginia West Virginia

36

YEARS

Other States Add More MSO Locations, but Alaska Tops in Percentage Growth

by John Yoswick

The fact that shop consolidation has continued at a brisk pace over the last two years shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone in the industry. However, the state with the fastest pace of MSO growth may be more surprising—Alaska.

New research published in CRASH Network shows that the number of U.S. shop locations owned by multiple shop operators (MSOs) with 10 or more locations has increased by more than 40 percent since 2015.

Caliber Collision has nearly dou-

bled in size over the past two years, for example, while other large MSOs (ABRA, Gerber and Service King) have also added between 50 and 100 locations each.

In addition to this group of large consolidators, there are now more than 20 other regional MSOs that operate 10 or more locations (up from just 13 such chains two years ago). Combined, they add another 269 locations (up from 195 in 2015) to the total.

While other states, particularly in the Western and Southern regions of the country, have added more MSO See Alaska Tops, Page 10

State Farm is Dropped from Suit Alleging Coerced Repair Temporarily, 3M Will Be Included When Refiled

See State Farm Lawsuit, Page 26

P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018

John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas, TX, and State Farm were sued in two separate cases for $1 million for allegedly using only adhesive to attach a new roof panel to a Honda Fit rather than welding it, as required by Honda OEM procedures.

Matthew and Marcia Seebachan have dismissed their cases against State Farm Mutual Automobile Company, which alleged the insurer influenced an auto repair that didn’t meet OEM specifications in order to increase its bottom line. The lawsuit against State Farm was dismissed only 13 days after being filed.

According to the plaintiffs’ attorney the couple dismissed their lawsuit without prejudice, meaning refiling is likely.

The plaintiffs’ law firm has confirmed to Autobody News that the action is procedural because including State Farm in the suit would delay the action against John Eagle Collision Center, which is scheduled to go to trial in early September. The plaintiffs also state that 3M, the manufacturer of the adhesive, will become part of the suit when refiled.

The original lawsuits allege that the faulty repair caused the car to crush 33-year-old Matthew Seebachan and his

Change Service Requested

by Ed Attanasio

VOL. 8 ISSUE 7 SEPTEMBER 2017

www.autobodynews.com ww ww.autobodynews.com

CIC Panel Focuses on Legislative Requirements Related to Use of Non-OEM Parts

Manufacturers. “Some insurers will suggest that the consumer consented to their State legislation on disclosure and consumer consent policy when they signed it involving the use of nonoriginally, and they should OEM parts has been proknow what’s in there. We don’t posed – or challenged – in a think insurers do a very good job of explaining to consumers number of states this year.

Wayne Weikel of the Alliance of what’s in there. So we think Panelists on both sides of the Automobile Manu[consent to the use of the parts issue squared off at the Colfacturers said lision Industry Conference consumers deserve at the time of the claim] is very important.”

(CIC) held in Chicago this disclosure and the At its best, Weikel said, the summer. opportunity to give “Consent is very impor- consent for parts at consent process lays out in tant,” said Wayne Weikel, the time of the claim writing a good explanation to the consumer of what his or her options senior director of state government afSee CIC Panel, Page 22 fairs for the Alliance of Automobile

by John Yoswick

Autobody News welcomes readers in Alaska where we are distributing our publication for the first time.

If you’re reading this issue in another person’s shop contact us for a free subscription.

Car Guys Collision Repair in Agreement To Acquire Gunder’s Auto Repair In Lakeland, FL Dave Mitchell, the president of Car Guys Collision Repair said the deal will officially close on Sept. 15. In addition to another acquisition Mitchell made on Friday, this becomes Car Guys’ thirteenth location in central Florida.

Mitchell said he and Gunder had been working on a deal over the past five months. Gunder’s Auto Repair made the deal public on Aug. 15 on its Facebook page.

Mitchell said the deal is notable because Car Guys is very DRPheavy, while Gunder’s Auto Repair is openly anti-DRP. Ray Gunder, owner of the shop, had levied around 40 lawsuits against State Farm, All-

state, USAA, Travelers and GEICO back in 2013.

“It’s an interesting story, with him getting out and us coming in,” said Mitchell. “We’re two different faces and models of collision repair.”

“But there are also lots of similarities, because we want high quality and happy customers,” he continued.

“What’s strange about that store is that most hops that are not DRP friendly, they don’t have much work. Insurance can strong-arm them—that didn’t work with Ray. Through his loyal customer base and service and attention to detail, customers have continued to come back regardless of insurance companies have said.”

Presorted Standard US Postage PAID San Bernardino, CA Permit #2244

2 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Contents

NATIONAL “Who Pays for What?” Survey Finds Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 18 Million Fewer Domestic Nameplates. . . 12 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division Introduces FREE Collision Repair App . . 10 Ambassador Supply Featured on the No. 9 Axalta Chevrolet at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 ASA-CO to Host Extreme Communication on August 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Assured Performance Introduces eLOBBY, Consumer-Direct Multi-Media Delivery System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Assured Performance Names Advantego Technologies to offer eLISTINGS Web-Marketing Services . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Auto Care Association Applauds Joint Statement on Tax Reform. . . . . . . . . . . 69 Axalta Boosts Refinish Learning and Developing Offering in US and Canada. . 66 BASF Accepting Submissions for Glasurit® Best Paint competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 BASF Refinish Coatings Gets GM Refinish Approval. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Celphy Gets Schooled on Driving Etiquette . 4 Chief Introduces New Universal Uni-Clamp

more than 8 percentage points), and duplication of OEM seam-sealer (up 6.6 percentage points). Newly released data from the “Who Pays for What?” body labor survey, completed this past April by a record 1,042 shops around the country, contained some other evidence indicating the surveys’ positive impact: Of the 20 “not-included” body labor operations covered in both the 2016 and 2017 surveys, 18 had a higher percentage of shops (compared to a year earlier) now negotiating to be paid for them. “If you don’t bill for it, you will never be paid for it, yet the biggest percentage of shops not billing for these procedures say they never thought of billing for them when they are required as part a repair,” Anderson said. “These surveys were designed to help raise that awareness.”

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

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 40-41 Axalta Coating Services . . . . . . . . . . 2 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 62 CarcoonAmerica Airflow Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA). . . . . . . . . . . 19 ChemSpec USA, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Coggin Deland Honda . . . . . . . . . . 30 Crashmax Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group. . 13 Dent Magic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Diamond Standard Parts, LLC.. . . . 53 Dominion Sure Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Eckler’s Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . . 24 Equalizer Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . 32 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 63 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 65 Gus Machado Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 GYS Welding USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Hendrick Automotive Group . . . . . . 29 Hendrick Automotive Group of Charleston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Hendrick BMW/MINI . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Hendrick Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Hendrick Kia Cary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Hendrick Kia Concord . . . . . . . . . . 33 Herkules Equipment Corporation. . 28 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35, 36-37 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers. . 56 Insta Finish Car Care . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Jim Cogdill Chrysler-Dodge-JeepRam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Serving Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, West 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. ©2017 Adamantine Media LLC. Autobody News Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018; (800) 699-8251 760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com Email: news@autobodynews.com

Southeast

COLUMNISTS Antonelli - Techs of Tomorrow: SkillsUSA National Winner Talks Competition, Equipment and Preparation . . . . . . . . . 48 Attanasio - First Impressions: The Appearance of Your Facility Might Be a Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Attanasio - Industry Veteran Invents Useful Tools at Collision Edge . . . . . . . 20 Attanasio - Shop Owner David Ludwig Uses His Art to Give Back . . . . . . . . . . 18 Attanasio - Vehicles Abandoned at Body Shops Are Unwelcome Guests . . . . . . . 28 Phillips - Alaska Shop Owner Focuses on Company Culture and Customers . . 34 Phillips - Best Practices for Photo Documentation: 10 Tips on How to Capture Useful and Relevant Images . . . 38 Phillips - Effective Estimating Can Help with Scheduling, Reduce Supplements, and Improve Bottom Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Sisk - ALLDATA and Google Partner for Free Marketing Webinar . . . . . . . . . 54 Yoswick - Insurers Discuss Scanning, OEM Position Statements, Automaker Influence of Shop Choice . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Anchoring System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 CVTC Camp Introduces Girls to Auto Body Repair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Race the #88 Axalta Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway. . . . 8 Ford On Target - 2017 Volume 2. . . . . . . . 42 GM to Launch Collision Certification Program in Early 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Google for Jobs is Launched, SCRS Participates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Host of Hit TV Show “Bitchin’ Rides” to Debut New Custom Color Line of Akzonobel Automotive Paints at SEMA . . 44 How to Add Three Stage Mitchell Paint Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Kia Selects OEC for Collision Parts Ordering and Fulfillment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Long-Running Federal Circuit Results in Victory for Mitchell in IP Dispute with Audatex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Metal Mentors: Industry Organizations Collaborate to Support Students and Careers in Metal Working. . . . . . . . . 9 Mitchell Launches Mitchell Diagnostics™ System and Mitchell Estimating Cloud . . 58 Motor Vehicle Deaths Modestly Lower than Last Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 NASTF Session at AAPEX to Spotlight OEM Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 National Auto Body Council Opens Nominations for 2018 Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 National Organization Promotes Independent Jobbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 New Chief® M30 Pro Alu Stud Welder Is Faster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 New Labor Rate Survey Website from NABR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 New WD-40 Degreaser Powerfully & Safely Gets the Job Done . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Nissan Agrees to $98 Million Settlement on Takata. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 NY Body Shop Owner Indicted on Charges He Stole Porsche . . . . . . . . . . 58 Other States Add More MSO Locations, but Alaska Tops in Percentage Growth . . 1 Panel Focuses on Legislative Requirements Related to Use of Non-OEM Parts . . . . . 1 PPG Launches NEXA AUTOCOLOR® Advanced Clearcoat P190-6920 . . . . . 71 Progressive Powder Coating on the No. 9 Axalta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Self-Driving Cars Must Learn Social Rules, Which are Key To Road Safety, Researcher Says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Service King Expands to 30 Shops in Southern California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Service King’s Chicago Teammates Contribute $45,700 to Angels on Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Skip Potter Retires; NASTF Seeks Replacement Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 State Farm Coerced Texas Shop to Glue Car Roof, Lawsuits Claimed, Suits Dropped but Refile Possible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 SWCC Graduate Takes First in SkillsUSA Body Repair Competition . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Three Decades of Dent Repair: Autocraft Commemorates 30 years on Marco Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 U.S. House Panel Approves Broad Proposal On Self-Driving Cars, Mindful of Road Deaths Increasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Updated OEM Scan Chart Now includes SUBARU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 WIA Summer Conference Receives Positive Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Women in Auto Care Announce 2018 Winter Leadership Conference . . . . . . . 71

Index of Advertisers

REGIONAL Car Guys Collision Repair in Agreement To Acquire Gunder’s Auto Repair In Lakeland, FL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Carolina Salvage to Join Team PRP, in Rock Hill, SC, Sept. 6. . . . . . . . . . . . 10 FADRA, Honda Pull Recalled Takata Airbags from Local Salvage Yards . . . . 44 Latin Auto Parts Expo in Panama Hosts 350 Exhibitors, 3,000 Attendees at 2017 Show . . . . . . . . . . . 14 MSCRA Partners with MSU CAVS Event . . 10 NCACAR Plans to Return from Summer Break. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 New Hilton Head Audi Dealership to Break Ground Aug. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Service King Adds Fourth Tampa Repair Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Statesville Brothers To Host Free Back-To-School Bash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Why Are Recalled Takata Airbags being Recycled? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 World’s Painters to Display Unique Automotive Artwork at 3M Showcase in Royal Oak, MI . . . . . . . . . 56

“Who Pays for What?” Survey Finds Improvements

More shops are now being paid “always” or “most of the time” for nearly two dozen not-included body labor operations compared to a year earlier, according to the latest findings from the “Who Pays for What?” quarterly survey series. Mike Anderson of Collision Advice, creator of the surveys, said that that’s something he’s pleased about. “Though many of the increases are slight, and within the margin of error for the survey, there are a number of procedures that have seen significant jumps,” Anderson said. “Clean-up of airbag residue is a good example, rising 9 percentage points since 2016.” Other procedures for which more shops are now reporting being paid “always” or “most of the time” include clean-up of old urethane (up more than 6 percentage points compared to 2016), application of weld-thru primer (up

Jon Hall Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Jon Hiester Automotive . . . . . . . . . . 8 Kernersville Chrysler-Dodge-JeepRam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Kia Motors America, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . 7 Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Killer Tools & Equipment. . . . . . . . . 49 Lancer Insurance Company . . . . . . 26 Lexus Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 64 Lusid Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Malco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 62 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 43 Nissan of Richmond . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 62 Radley Chevrolet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Naples. . . 44 Rick Hill Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Riverside Ford-Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . 46 Robaina Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . . 47 SATA Dan-Am Company . . . . . . . . 23 SEMA Trade Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Serra Chevrolet-Buick-GMC of Nashville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Sorbothane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Southside Kia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Spanesi Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 67 Tameron Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Valspar Refinish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 West Broad Hyundai. . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Wizards Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

Self-Driving Cars Must Learn Social Rules, Which are Key To Road Safety, Researcher Says

In a presentation at the 2017 Management Briefing Seminars on Aug. 2, Melissa Cefkin, principal researcher of human-centered systems at Nissan’s Research Center in Silicon Valley, said autonomous vehicles need to understand learned social behaviors—such as assuming a pedestrian standing outside the left side of the car is about to get in and drive and not walk into the street — before manufacturers can safely deploy them.

“We need to teach vehicles so they can move in a socially acceptable manner,” Cefkin said in an interview.

While most human driving behaviors appear to be inherent, many—such as waving another car through an intersection—are actually learned through experience, she said. The challenge lies in programming these norms and behaviors into a self-driving car. It is an addressable obstacle, Cefkin said.

“It’s not the death of the situation but rather an opportunity to advance it,” she said.

When autonomous vehicles start appearing on public roads, most people will experience them from the outside, either sharing the road as a driver of another car, or as a biker or pedestrian.

Celphy Gets Schooled on Etiquette

Nissan is addressing this education challenge by analyzing human driving behavior to determine which reactions are natural and which are learned. Once these behaviors are differentiated, developers can teach the vehicle what to expect in situations that don’t adhere to natural assumptions, such as driving through a pedestrian-heavy college campus where people are less likely to abide by traffic signals.

“What we’re trying to do is accelerate the ability to see those kinds of relationships that happen between different kinds of people in these situations,” Cefkin said.

However, identifying such situations is incredibly complicated. In a four-way intersection alone, there are myriad right-of-way dilemmas that crop up, both between vehicles and between vehicles and pedestrians.

How a car reacts to a situation also depends on time and place; traffic flows change by the hour, and each city has distinctive driving behaviors.

Cefkin predicts it will take a few years before driverless vehicles can adapt to learned driving behavior in an acceptable way, and even then it will be an ongoing process.

U.S. House Panel Approves Broad Proposal On Self-Driving Cars, Mindful of Road Deaths Increasing

Automakers and tech companies are pushing a bill through Congress that would limit local governments’ ability to regulate self-driving vehicles on city streets.

Designing autonomous vehicle systems to meet city needs could cut congestion, reduce traffic deaths and injuries, and free up scarce urban space for more pressing needs than car storage.

Legislation is moving quickly through Congress. The House of Representatives held a June 27 subcommittee hearing on a package of 14 bills regulating self-driving cars, then consolidated them into a single bill, which a House subcommittee voted for 54-0.

A U.S. House panel on Aug. 16 approved a sweeping proposal by voice vote to allow automakers to deploy up to 100,000 self-driving vehicles without meeting existing auto safety standards and bar states from imposing driverless car rules.

Representative Robert Latta, a Republican who heads the Energy and Commerce Committee subcommittee overseeing consumer protection, said he would continue to consider changes before the full committee votes on the measure. The full U.S. House of Representatives will not take up the bill

until it reconvenes in September after the summer recess.

The measure, which would be the first significant federal legislation aimed at speeding self-driving vehicles to market, would require automakers to submit safety assessment reports to U.S. regulators, but would not require pre-market approval of advanced vehicle technologies.

Automakers would have to show self-driving cars “function as intended and contain fail safe features” to get exemptions from safety standards but the Transportation Department could not “condition deployment or testing of highly automated vehicles on review of safety assessment certifications,” the draft measure unveiled late Monday said.

The issue has taken new urgency because of data showing road deaths in the United States rose 7.7 percent in 2015 over the previous year to 35,200, the highest annual jump since 1966.

Traffic deaths climbed nearly 8 percent in the first nine months of 2016, government data showed.

Current federal motor vehicle safety rules prevent the sale of selfdriving vehicles without human controls. Automakers must meet nearly 75 auto safety standards, many of which

4 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

were written with the assumption that a licensed driver will be in control of the vehicle.

General Motors, Alphabet Inc., Ford Motor Co., Tesla Inc. and others have been lobbying Congress to preempt rules under consideration in California and other states that could limit self-driving vehicle deployment. States could still set rules on registration, licensing, liability, insurance and safety inspections, but could not set self-driving car performance standards, under the proposal.

California state assemblyman Freddie Rodriguez questioned “why Washington would want us here in the states to not look at the safety standards—it should be up to every state.”

Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., said the bill creates a “strong but flexible regulatory framework” that seeks to avoid “a patchwork” of different state rules.

Auto dealers want the final bill to clarify that the measure would not preempt state dealer franchise laws that generally bar automakers from selling vehicles directly to consumers.

Democrats praised the bipartisan proposal but said they want more changes before the full committee takes it up, including potentially adding other

auto safety measures.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a trade group, said it is “pleased that the legislation is moving forward, and expect to see areas finetuned in the legislation.”

Consumers Union, a public advocacy group, said the bill needs more changes and must “ensure that automakers demonstrate automated vehicles’ safety and don’t put consumers at greater risk in a crash.” The group opposes “restricting states’ safety authority without strong federal safety standards in place.”

The administration of former President Barack Obama last year unveiled voluntary guidelines on selfdriving cars that asked automakers to submit a 15-question safety assessment. President Donald Trump’s transportation secretary, Elaine Chao, said she plans to update those in the coming months.

Separately, Sen. John Thune, RSD, who is working with Democrats, said he hopes to release a draft selfdriving car reform bill.

www.autobodynews.com

UPDATED DAILY

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 5

Statesville Brothers To Host Free Back-To-School Bash

NCACAR Plans to Return from Summer Break

Brothers Chattney and Keyon Harris, owners of J&C’s Auto Body & Detail Shop, want to bring the Statesville community together for a back-toschool bash.

With summer quickly coming to an end, the North Carolina Association of Collision and Autobody Repair (NCACAR) is gearing up to resume its quarterly meetings, training seminars and efforts to improve the collision repair industry in its state.

by James Neal, Statesville Record & Landmark

Brothers Keyon (left) and Chattney Harris pose for a portrait on Tuesday at J&C’s Auto Body and Detail Shop. Credit: Ryan Revock / Statesville Record & Landmark

But there’s more to the event than free school supplies.

The body shop will distribute 50 bookbags and school supplies and offer free food and ice cream from 1-4 p.m. on Aug. 19 at the body shop, located at 117 McElwee St., Statesville, NC. Additionally, South River Baptist Church is giving away 20 bicycles on a first-come, first-served basis.

Children interested in the bookbag giveaway should register at J&C’s

by Aug. 17, the brothers said.

“We’re only asking the public to be here,” Chattney said. “Anyone can come be a part.”

Chattney said they’ve applied for a permit that would allow them to close off the street, providing room for food vendors and local organizations to come and speak to the kids.

He’s also reaching out to emergency workers and educators to attend, he said.

J.C. Harris Was Their Role Model The Harris brothers said they remember being problem kids in high school and want to help kids avoid making the same mistakes.

“I wish I didn’t act how I did back then,” Keyon said. “When you get older, you see there’s more to education than being the class clown. I wish I could go back and do it over.”

The brothers had Rev. Jordan Clifton (J.C.) Harris — or “pawpaw,” as they refer to him — as a role model.

The reverend led First Baptist Church on Garfield Street for 51 years.

The body shop is named after him.

“This is a way to set something up for the kids,” Chattney said. “They need something to look up to.”

We thank Statesville Record & Landmark for reprint permission.

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

According to NCACAR Director of Membership Josh Kent, “We have accomplished quite a lot over the summer in regards to getting all of the basics out of the way. We have made pamphlets regarding what we are all about, and our new website has been released on NCACAR.com, to which we are still adding content.

We’re also working with local community colleges to help with apprenticeship and scholarship programs in addition to working on discount programs and many other items that will benefit our members’ businesses.”

NCACAR will hold its next meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21 at the Burlington Shrine Club in Burling-

ton, NC. Sponsored by Quality Collision Services and PPG, the meeting will include presentations by Ed Kizenberger, Executive Director of LIABRA; Keith Manich, Director of Collision Services for the Automotive Training Institute; and NCACAR President Brian Davies. Kizenberger wil discuss legislative issues, and Manich will present on “Planning for and Executing Successful Collision Repair Negotiations.” Davies will provide association updates on the new website and the group’s apprenticeship program.

Dinner will be provided, and NCACAR will hold a raffle during the meeting. Kent promises “great speakers with lots of good information.” Those interested in attending should RSVP by Sept. 17 at Josh.Kent @Elite-Salesgroup.com or 704-9988553.

Kent shared, “We have HUGE plans this year for expansion, legislative issues and education. We will also be starting an association in SC very soon, and we need all the help we can get. Please join us in bringing change to this ever-evolving industry!”

For more information, visit www .NCACAR.com.

Service King Adds Fourth Tampa Repair Center

On August 1, Service King Collision Repair Centers®, a national leader in high-quality automotive collision repair service, announced the organization has officially added its fourth Tampa location as part of the company's ongoing strategic growth initiative. The announcement comes as Service King completed a deal to partner with R&S Auto Body located

at 4102 N. Armenia Ave. in Tampa.

As part of the agreement, R&S Auto Body and its team will begin operating as Service King, effective immediately.

Since 2014, Service King has opened 16 locations across the state of Florida as one of the fastest-growing providers of high-quality collision repair service in the U.S. “This is another exciting chapter in Service King’s ongoing growth,” said Cabe Terrell, Service King Market Director for Florida. “We’re proud to continue expanding Service King’s offering to Florida motorists, and join-

ing hands with elite teams such as R&S Auto Body is a core component of that success. The entire Service King family proudly welcomes our new teammates and we look forward to a very bright future together.”

Service King now operates 328 high-quality collision repair centers in 24 states across the U.S., all providing customers with superior quality backed by a written lifetime guarantee.

“R&S Auto Body is proud to join the Service King family,” said Sam Rodriguez, R&S Auto Body Founder. “This is a unique opportunity to join an industry-leading organization that also shares a passion for high-quality service and best-inclass quality. The resources and support provided by Service King are second-to-none, and we look forward to working together to serve Tampa motorists.”

R&S Auto Body joins the Service King family with more than 40 years of experience serving the Tampa community. As a Service King company, R&S bolsters Service King’s ability to provide Tampa motorists and insurance partners with a premier network of superior quality collision repair service.

6 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Huge Intentory

of GM COLLISION PARTS

• Knowledgeable Staff • Fast Shipping to Your Shop Parts Hours: M-F 7am-6pm: Sat 8am-1pm 2340 Gallatin Pike North Madison, TN 37115

Parts Dept:

844-363-8617 Local: 615-851-8022 Fax: 615-851-6584 gerry.daniels@serranashville.com

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 7

Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Race the #88 Axalta Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will make his final appearance at the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race on August 19. The event will take place at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN, where he will be racing in both the NXS and MENCS events. These have been described as some of the most demanding circuits in racing.

Events include the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race), NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (UNOH 200), NASCAR XFINITY Series (25th anniversary of the Food City 300), and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (Bush’s Beans 150).

Axalta and AutoNation are sponsors of Earnhardt’s No. 88 Chevrolet SS. Autobody News reported recently on his appearance on QVC, during which he revealed the car’s design.

The show also featured an assortment of die-cast model cars, apparel and other licensed collectibles.

One of the attractions Bristol Speedway offers for Earnhardt fans is the Dale Jr. Moments Museum, located in the fan zone. Bristol memories displayed at the museum include his 2004 Bristol sweep, an autograph

wall, and LED screens highlighting flashbacks from his long and well-respected career. The museum is open August 18 and August 19 from 10am to 7pm. Q&A’s with Dale’s peers will also be presented, including his cousin and former crew chief Tony Eury Jr. A special guest appearance by Earnhardt is scheduled for August 19 at 4pm, at the Mountain Dew display.

Earnhardt announced his retirement from racing last April. This last racing series is called the #Appreci88ion Tour. According to his website, this tour will last through the rest of the 2017 season and will include fan engagement using social media and philanthropy to celebrate his prestigious career. His family has a long and famous history in racing.

His father is NASCAR Hall of Fame member Dale Earnhardt Sr. He is also the grandson of NASCAR driver Ralph Earnhardt.

Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race: Saturday, August 19, 2017 Bristol Motor Speedway 151 Speedway Blvd.

Bristol, TN 37620 bristolmotorspeedway.com

New Hilton Head Audi Dealership to Break Ground Aug. 22 Audi Hilton Head will break ground on a new 30,000-square-foot facility at New River Auto Mall in Hardeeville, SC, on Aug. 22, according to a news release from the company.

Construction of the Peacock Automotive dealership will start immediately on the $6 million facility,

shares a lot with Hilton Head Volkswagen, about two blocks from its future Hardeeville location. The current facility will be renovated when Audi moves next year. The renovation also will include the increase in inventory for Volkswagen.

The new spaces are expected to bring 20 new jobs, adding to the approximately 600 people Peacock Automotive currently employs, the release states. Peacock Automotive, headquartered in Hardeeville, owns and operates 20 automotive franchises in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.

Thirteen brands are sold Renderings of a proposed new site for Audi Hilton Head at the New River Auto Mall expected to open in spring 2018. The location, including Chrysler, Dodge, site will include a repair center along Fiat, Genesis, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, with an expanded Audi inventory, in- Land Rover, Porsche, Ram and Subcluding high-performance sport mod- aru. els.

A groundbreaking ceremony is “Our auto mall is a hub of quality scheduled for 11 a.m. on Aug. 22 at the vehicle brands at competitive prices,” New River Auto Mall for the new Audi said Warner Peacock, President and location.

CEO of Peacock Automotive in the press release. “This expansion puts For more information about Peacock every option and every service right at Automotive or the Audi dealership, the fingertips of our valued customers.” visit peacockautomotive.com or call Currently, Audi Hilton Head (843) 208-1258.

We’ve Got the Genuine Chevrolet Parts You Need!

919-557-9103

Parts Hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30 - 6:00 Sat: 8:00 - 5:00

645 AutoCenter Drive San Bernardino, CA 92408 Parts Hours: Mon - Fri: 7:30 - 6:00 Sat: 7:30-5:00

John Hiester Chevrolet

3100 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 PH 866.978.3504 www.subaruofsanbernardino.com www.hiesterautomotive.com 8 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Metal Mentors: Industry Organizations Collaborate to Support Students and Careers in Metal Working

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has announced three initiatives to support students and schools focused on skilled trade- and manufacturing-related careers. First, ESAB has announced the WeldItForward student and school contest, which offers equipment, filler metal and cash prizes with a total retail value exceeding $97,000.

Second, ESAB is the exclusive equipment sponsor for the PaleyJames Project, a collaboration between Jesse James of West Coast Choppers fame and world renowned sculpture artist Albert Paley. Each artist will start one sculpture but finish the other. The works will be unveiled on November 6 at the FABTECH 2017 Exposition in Chicago and auctioned two weeks later. Proceeds will support grants, scholarships and educational opportunities created by the educational foundations of the five FABTECH cosponsors: American Welding Society (AWS), Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA), Precision Metal Forming Association (PMA) and SME (previously the Society of Manufacturing Engineers).

Third, ESAB has created metalmentors.com, a website that includes the WeldItForward contest entry por-

tal, news on the Paley-James Project and scholarship, grant and career-related information from AWS, CCAI, FMA, PMA, SME and ESAB.

Metal Mentors Website “The Metal Mentors website is a single, collaborative content destination from six organizations that pay it forward to the next generation. The site links to financial, educational and informational resources,” says Shyam Kambeyanda, President, ESAB. “By working together, we create greater possibilities for supporting the skilled trades and manufacturing and engineering careers targeting secondary and post-secondary students in technical education, manufacturing and engineering programs.”

Paley and James Support Albert Paley is a world-renowned modernist metal sculptor. He is one of the most distinguished and influential metalworkers in the world. His passion for working with metal has driven him to support the challenge to encourage young talented people to seek opportunities in the various metalworking processes in the arts and trades. He says that, “Metal working processes require a multitude of skills

and disciplines. However, when most people look at fabricated objects, they have no concept of the processes required to create that object. One of the reasons I agreed to participate in the Paley-James Project is that it would enable us to introduce more people to the myriad of career opportunities available within the field.”

Jesse James of Monster Garage fame also has a history of supporting education, including establishing the Long Beach Education Foundation and the associated Jesse James Industrial Arts & Welding Program. “STEM classes give students the skills to carry them for the rest of their life,” says James. “The reward of changing metal into motorcycles or sculptures creates a spark that can turn a passion into a career. I’m proud to be in a position to turn those sparks into fire.”

WeldItForward Contest Details The WeldItForward contest has two phases, essay and fabricated metal project. From August 21 to October 9, schools in the United States and Canada (except Quebec) can enter an essay supporting the “Weld It Forward” contest theme. Judges will select six semi-finalists, comprised of three secondary schools and three

post-secondary schools with a vocational or technical focus. ESAB will announce the winning schools via a Facebook Live event from FABTECH on November 7.

The six semi-finalist schools will receive a welding and cutting equipment package valued at more than $6,000, and teams of two to five students will create a fabricated metal project using this equipment. The sculptures will be judged online where photos of the sculptures will be displayed. The two winning schools, one secondary and one post-secondary, will receive a grand prize of $20,000 in ESAB equipment and filler metals.

Every student involved on the winning teams will receive an ESAB Sentinel A50 auto-darkening welding helmet ($300+ retail value), and a $250 cash award.

Contest rules and details are available at metalmentors.com.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:

Autobody News

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 9

3M Automotive Aftermarket Division Introduces FREE Collision Repair App

3M Automotive Aftermarket Division announced a new and innovative tool that allows body shop technicians and distributor sales staff to get all the answers they need to their collision repair questions directly on their mobile devices.

The new 3M Collision Repair App is FREE and available on the Apple app store. The 3M app provides quick access to 3M Collision Repair product information, process guides, application videos and standard operating procedures.

Body shop professionals and sales staff without access to a desktop computer now have 3M expert information in the palms of their hands. With the 3M Collision Repair App users can find a range of helpful information right at their fingertips.

Beside product ordering information, users can find technical data sheets, Continued from Cover

Alaska Tops

shops throughout the past two years, Alaska’s relatively small shop population allowed its MSO growth, as a percentage of its total shop population, to outpace the rest the country.

For example, Washington remains the most MSO-concentrated state in 2017, with 15.7 percent of its shop population (not including dealerowned facilities) operating under the banner of a national or regional consolidator. But that MSO concentration is up only 2 percentage points over what it was in 2015.

By contrast, Fix Auto USA’s addition of seven locations in Alaska gave that state a whopping 14 per-

safety data sheets, new product announcements, special offers and promotions, and news and events. The mobile app also lets users bookmark their favorite content, and even email content to others.

“We designed this app to be a clean and user friendly platform where our user customers and the sales people who call on them can quickly find the product information, technical advice and news they need, on the device they have with them everywhere—their smart phone,” said Dale Ross, U.S. Marketing Operations Manager for 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “Initially, this is available for Apple phones but will soon be available for Android phones, as well.”

The 3M Collision Repair App runs on iOS 9.0 or later and is fully compatible with the Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Quick, convenient and easy to use, the 3M Collision Repair App is another important tool from 3M, the industry leader in collision repair, to help body shop owners and collision repair technicians maintain top standards of quality and efficiency.

centage point increase in MSO concentration since 2015.

CRASH Network derived these numbers by combining the U.S. location counts of ABRA, Caliber, Gerber, Service King, CARSTAR, Fix Auto USA and other consolidators with 10 or more locations, then comparing that MSO count in each state to the state’s total independent repair facility population, as reported in the most recently published U.S. Census Bureau data. While Bureau data does not include dealership locations or oneman shop operations, it provides a level base from which to make stateby-state comparisons, as well as historic comparisons.

Complete state-by-state data is available for subscribers on the CRASH Network website (CrashNetwork.com)

Advertise in our CLASSIFIED SECTION for $50 per column inch!

Place an ad in our AUTOBODY MARKETPLACE section of Autobody News.

800-699-8251

ltedesco@autobodynews.com

10 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Carolina Salvage to Join Team PRP, in Rock Hill, SC, Sept. 6.

Since opening in 1982, Carolina Salvage has been committed to being the best and most complete auto and scrap metal recycling facility in the Carolinas and beyond!

Conveniently located just 20 miles outside of Charlotte, NC in Rock Hill, SC, Carolina Salvage offers a full service auto salvage yard, a scrap metal recycling yard as well as a state of the art U-Pull-It Parts Yard. The vast facility as well as our many years of experience and knowledge in both the used auto parts and scrap metal recycling industries assures our customers that Carolina Salvage is the top choice for any auto or scrap metal recycling needs. Carolina Salvage is owned by the Morris family of the King Mountain, NC area with 3 generations of hands on auto & scrap metal recycling experience.

Since 1931 the Morris family has been a leader in scrap metal & automotive recycling services in NC and the local region.

www.autobodynews.com

MSCRA Partners with MSU CAVS Event

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

The Mississippi Collision Repair Association (MSCRA) formed its first-ever partnership event with Mississippi State University’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS). On August 26, CAVS will host collision repair industry professionals at its facility in Starkville, MS, for a full day of training and education for shop owners and their employees, titled, “The Future of Autonomous Cars: They’re here. What is our role as repair professionals?” Based on a report by KPMG on the effects of autonomous vehicles on car insurance, the $137 billion industry can expect a 71 percent reduction by 2050. John Morgan Hughes, Executive Director of MSCRA, asks, “How would this affect your business?” Check-in for the training event begins at 9 a.m. with a welcome at 9:30 a.m., followed by a facility tour until 11:30, when the keynote presentation will be delivered. After lunch, CAVS will facilitate a discussion on autonomous vehicles that will conclude the day’s training. At 6 p.m., attendees may also opt to attend a reception dinner at Restaurant Tyler. The association will be treating first-time MSCRA meeting attendees to dinner. To attend RSVP to John Morgan Hughes at 601-672-4988 or johnmorgan@jmhughesgroup.com.

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 11

18 Million Fewer Domestic Nameplates

by Jim Lang, Lang Marketing

While the car and light truck population on U.S. roads climbed by 19 million between 2006 and 2016, the number of domestic nameplates moved in the opposite direction. The domestic nameplate light vehicle population fell by 18 million over this 10-year span.

This plunge in the number of domestic nameplate light vehicles caused a significant change in the mix of domestic and foreign nameplates on U.S. roads. The domestic nameplate share of vehicles in operation (VIO) fell nearly one-fifth, with dramatic implications for the car and light truck aftermarket in the U.S.

Light Vehicle Population Growth The number of vehicles in operation (VIO) climbed from 248 million at mid-year 2006 to over 267 million cars and light trucks by the middle of 2016.

This 19 million increase in VIO occurred despite a significant downturn in new vehicle sales for several years following the Great Recession of 2008.

Nameplate Contribution to VIO Growth Domestic and foreign nameplates did not contribute equally to the 19-million-increase in the car and light truck VIO between 2006 and 2016.

In fact, the entire gain was generated by foreign nameplate cars and light trucks, while the number of domestic nameplate light vehicles plunged over this 10-year span.

Domestic Light Vehicles Domestic nameplate cars and light trucks decreased by 18 million be-

tween 2006 and the middle of 2016.

Such a decline in the domestic nameplate population had never before occurred in the U.S. There were just over 168 million domestic nameplate light vehicles in the U.S. in 2006, with that number falling to approximately 150 million by mid2016.

Domestic Nameplate Cars and Light Trucks All of the reduction in domestic nameplates was suffered by domestic cars.

Their population fell from nearly 70 million to 49 million between 2006 and 2016.

Domestic nameplate light trucks recorded a modest 2.5 million increase during this 10-year span.

Plunge in Domestic Nameplate VIO Share Domestic nameplate cars and light trucks fell from two-thirds of all light vehicles in operation during 2006 to just over 56% at mid-year 2016.

Domestic nameplate cars and light trucks both suffered losses in VIO share. Domestic nameplates accounted for 56% of passenger cars during 2006, with their share falling to 40% 10 years later.

The domestic nameplate light truck share also declined, from 80% to 69% between 2006 and 2016.

Aftermarket Impact This historic decline of domestic nameplates and their share of cars and light trucks on U.S. roads have significant aftermarket implications.

The reduction of domestic nameplates was greatest among newer vehi-

Nissan Agrees to $98 Million Settlement on Takata

Nissan Motor Co. agreed to a $97.7 million settlement to resolve class-action consumer economic loss claims in the United States tied to the recall of 4.4 million vehicles with Takata airbag inflators, court records show.

The settlement is similar to others reached with major automakers.

In June, a federal judge in Miami granted preliminary approval to settlements with Toyota Motor Corp., Subaru Corp., BMW AG and Mazda

Motor Corp., totaling $553 million and affecting 15.8 million vehicles with Takata inflators.

In other Nissan news, workers at Nissan’s Canton, MS, assembly plant have rejected unionization.

By a margin of 2,244 to 1,307, workers voted against UAW representation, giving the union yet another blow in its decades-long quest to organize foreign automakers’ assembly plants in the South.

www.autobodynews.com

UPDATED DAILY

12 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

cles, particularly those 6 years and younger, while domestic nameplates accounted for a growing number of older vehicles, especially those ages 12 years and up.

Repair-Age Sweet-Spot Domestic nameplates suffered a significant decline among vehicles in the so-called repair-age sweet-spot (those 6 to 10 years of age), which generally average the highest rates of aftermarket use for many different products.

This has led to a steady decline in aftermarket product share generated by domestic nameplates.

Future Domestic Nameplate Decline This trend of weakening domestic nameplate aftermarket performance will continue as the number of domestic nameplate light vehicles declines over the next five years, the result of weak domestic nameplate share of new car and light truck sales coupled with domestic nameplates accounting for a disproportionate share of light vehicles scrapped each year.

Six Major Takeaways • Total vehicles in operation (VIO) climbed 19 million between 2006 and 2016.

• Domestic and foreign nameplates did not contribute equally to the increase in car and light truck VIO over the past 10 years.

• Domestic nameplates fell from twothirds of all light vehicles in operation during 2006 to just over 56% by midyear 2016. The share loss among domestic nameplates was suffered by both cars and light trucks.

• Domestic nameplate light vehicles plunged 18 million between 2006 and the middle of 2016.

• Domestic nameplates recorded a significant decline among vehicles in the repair-age sweet-spot (those 6 to 10 years of age).

• The decline in domestic nameplates has occurred at a historic rate over the past 10 years. This trend will continue for the foreseeable future.

Wholesale Parts Division

(615) 465-5245 Parts Hours Mon - Fri 7am - 5 pm

Complete Selection of Certified Subaru Parts Our dealerships specialize in Honda Genuine parts. When you purchase parts from our dealerships, you can rest assured that you are getting the highest quality parts from Honda Parts professionals that know your vehicle.

• We are your Genuine Subaru parts source • Fast, friendly, knowledgeable service

Darrell Waltrip Honda 1430 Murfreesboro Rd. Franklin, TN 37067

Darrell Waltrip Subaru 1450 Murfreesboro Rd. Franklin, TN 37067

PH

855.996.0073

Mon-Thu 7am - 7pm Fri 7:30am - 7pm; Sat 7:30am - 5pm

Nothing Replaces VOLVO Genuine Parts

855-996-0083 Mon. - Fri. 7am - 6pm Sat 8am - 4pm

» Parts You Need Now » No Haggle » No Hassle

Darrell Waltrip Volvo 1452 Murfreesboro Rd. Franklin, TN 37067

Darrell Waltrip Buick GMC 1440 Murfreesboro Rd. Franklin, TN 37067

855-996-0074

615-465-5955

Mon. - Fri. 7am - 6pm Sat 8am - 4pm

Mon. - Fri. 7am - 6pm Sat 8am - 4pm

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 13

Latin Auto Parts Expo in Panama Hosts 350 Exhibitors, 3,000 Attendees at 2017 Show

If auto parts is your business, and you have Latin American customers.

Panama might be the place to be. The fourth edition of the LATIN AUTO PARTS EXPO took place July 19-21, 2017 at the ATLAPA Convention Center in Panama City in the Republic of Panama. 357 exhibitors from 18 countries exhibited a wide range of products, including accessories and custom parts, tools and equipment, auto repair and maintenance & auto body and trim. Approximately 3,000 visitors from 60 countries were present. Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia and Costa Rica were ranked the top countries of visitors.

The US Department of Commerce granted Trade Fair Certification to the LATIN AUTO PARTS EXPO for the third consecutive year.

Through this Certification, the Commercial Service of the Department of Commerce recognizes the Show Organizer’s professional capability to organize a United States Pavilion and endorses the event as an excellent opportunity to showcase U.S. products and services.

The Inaugural Ceremony was celebrated on the first day of the show at Teatro La Huaca in the convention center, welcoming all exhibitors and

visitors the beautiful country of Panama. The ceremony consisted of a ribbon cutting, a musical and dance performance by the orchestra Sociedad Anónima, cocktails and a full complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Repeat exhibitors participating for the fourth consecutive year were presented with plaques on stage recognizing their companies’ loyalty to the expo.

The Educational Conferences were held on the second day of the exhibition at the Salon Portobello. The Conferences featured diverse range of speakers from industry leading companies. Topics presented in this year’s Conference line-up included, “Oxygen Sensors Diagnostic and Vehicle Emissions” (Mr. Alejandro Hernandez Marquez, Walker Products), “Heavy Duty & Industrial Specialty Lubricants and Fluids” (Mr. Santiago Estrada, Warco Products, Inc.), “The Benefits & Challenges of Selling Ultra-Premium products in a predominantly Low Cost Market” (Mr. Andy Abascal, Akebono Brake Corporation), to name a few.

This year a New Product Showcase was added to the second floor, which allowed several exhibitors to display their new and innovative products. Exhibitors who participated in this new feature included Mighty Auto

14 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Parts, Greentune/ASNU Fuel Injection, TSI Supercool, Akebono Brake Corporation, ROWE Marketing GmbH, Harfon Electric and TVA Automotive.

“Over the course of three days, we met and received bona fide leads from Cost Rica, Panama, Florida, Jamaica, Venezuela, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina and Chile.

We have already initiated discussions with two accounts on becoming a distributor for FTZ in their country. FTZ considered the show to be a great success, and hopefully these leads will generate additional revenue, allowing us to achieve our international goals”, stated Stuart Pinholster, Director of Sales and Marketing for the American company FTZ Industries.

“My meetings during the expo went very well. I am already close to

closing the first deals,” said exhibitor Santiago Estrada, International Export Manager of Warco Products, Inc. The LATIN AUTO PARTS EXPO connects leading manufacturers and distributors of the auto parts industry with qualified buyers from Latin America and the Caribbean, creating and growing the distribution of their products in the region. The objective of the trade show is to facilitate long-term commercial relationships between suppliers and buyers.

The next edition of LATIN AUTO PARTS EXPO will be held July 25-27, 2018 at the ATLAPA Convention Center, Panama, Republic of Panama. If you would like to request more information, please call +1 786293-5186 or email alexandra@latin partsexpo.com.

Advertise in our CLASSIFIED SECTION for $50 per column inch!

Place an ad in our AUTOBODY MARKETPLACE section of Autobody News.

800-699-8251

ltedesco@autobodynews.com

Service King Expands to 30 Shops in Southern California

After first expanding to Southern California in 2014, Richardson, Texasbased Service King Collision Repair Centers recently announced the organization eclipsed another milestone in the region with the opening of its 30th local auto body repair center.

The announcement comes as Service King finalized a deal to partner with Valley Motor Center Auto Body in the heart of the San Fernando Valley.

As part of the deal, Valley Motor Center, located at 14954 Oxnard St. in Van Nuys, CA, will begin operating as Service King immediately. Service King, one of the fastest-growing automotive collision repair providers in the U.S., operates locations in 24 states across the U.S. “Valley Motor Center has a long, rich history of providing premier collision repair service to San Fernando Valley motorists,” said

Tim Cusic, Service King Market Vice President for Southern California. “We are thrilled to continue growing the Service King family across the Southern California community with best-in-class repair services all backed by the core Service King promise.”

In three years, Service King has grown its footprint to 30 locations in the region and 42 total locations across The Golden State. The company focuses on providing consistently dependable service and working alongside all major insurance carriers to deliver a seamless repair experience. Service King repairs all vehicle makes and models while backing its work with a written lifetime guarantee.

By partnering with Valley Motor Center, Service King adds one of the top repair shops in the community to its roster. The 22,000+ square feet of production space provides the capacity to repair more than 400 vehicles a month.

“The Valley Motor Center family is proud of its history and commitment to serving the Los Angeles community,” said Cindy Cohen, Valley Motor President & CEO. “Joining hands with Service King provides

NEW CHIEF MI200T

our customers and business partners the support and benefits of a premier industry leader. We look forward to a very bright future together under the Service King name.”

Valley Motor Center Auto Body served the Los Angeles area with collision repair service since 1994.

Throughout its 20-plus year history, the company earned a reputation for superior quality and providing outstanding customer service while earning the business of several leading insurance providers.

As a Service King company, the location will extend the organization’s reach to the heart of the San Fernando Valley providing local motorists access to the company’s growing repair network.

For more information on the organization, or to find a local Service King repair center, visit: Service King.com and follow the company on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

LIKE US ON

FACEBOOK :

Autobody News

ASA-CO to Host Extreme Communication on August 28

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On August 28, ASA-CO will host “Extreme Communication,” the next course in the association’s 2017-18 Professional Business Series, at Kenz & Leslie BG Training Center in Wheat Ridge, CO. Julie Massaro, Executive Director of ASA-CO, shared, “Since communication is at the heart of every business deal and transaction, it is extremely important to communicate effectively with co-workers, customers and family members. We are bringing this seminar to our members to help them hone their communication skills.” Following dinner at 6 p.m., the seminar on “Extreme Communication” will be taught by ESI’s Maylan Newton from 6:30-9:30 p.m., and is designed for owners and managers.

Newton will discuss how to have difficult conversations that many people prefer to avoid by providing new tools to deal with these dreadful discussions and by teaching attendees how to turn confrontations into conversations that improve the business, lower stress and develop better leaders. To register for this seminar or any of the upcoming sessions in the Professional Business Series, visit asacolorado.org.

NEW CHIEF

Premium Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welder with Inverter Head

Guaranteed LOW PRICES!*

Serving Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware

Crashmax

Equipment

www.crashmax.com * Lease Financing Avvailable

The most worldwide OEM approvals in the industry!

AUTHORIZED CHIEF AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES DISTRIBUTOR

866-796-6656 Call for your no obligation measuring demo today! www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 15

Media and Publicity for Shops

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

First Impressions: The Appearance of Your Facility Might Be a Liability with Ed Attanasio

When I began writing on this industry, there were no DRPs and all of the cars still had carburetors in them (remember those good old days?). Over the years, I have seen body shops step up in almost every way.

Today, the public has a better opinion of the collision repair industry as a whole. They can see it by the way their vehicles are repaired to OE standards and in many cases, are impressed by the overall customer experience, including the appearance of the

The owner of BumperDoc in Escondido, CA, spent $50,000 on his waiting area, and was money well spent

shops. The old days of greasy garages with old furniture and outdated magazines in their reception areas are no longer the norm. The collision industry has figured out that if you look like a professional operation, you’re already halfway there.

I interviewed a body shop owner recently who had been rejected for an OE certification that he badly wanted.

He was told the reason for this was that his facility didn’t look professional enough. His shop is I-CAR Gold certified, outfitted for aluminum repair and has some of the most cutting-edge equipment onsite, but he did not cut the mustard because his shop (mainly the waiting area) wasn’t up to par. He also mentioned that he has probably been knocked out of contention for several DRPs because of the state of his facility.

About 20–25 years ago, we learned for the first time that most of the car dealerships in this country see a definite need to provide better facilities to compete. They beat most independent body shops to the punch by going over the top with their interior design and amenities. If you take a look at today’s new collision centers at car dealerships nationwide, you will

see things such as state-of-the-art architecture, multi-level parking, marble floors and restrooms that look like they should be at a Four Seasons Hotel. Customers are treated like royalty, with snacks, free water, juices and one of those coffee makers that offer you 6–8 different flavors from which to choose. They have hugescreen TVs and free Wi-Fi. One collision center in Northern California has an actual cafe on the premises, like its very own Starbucks, and—get this—a hair salon.

It’s all about the old first impression, because in most cases it’s a lasting impression. It used to just be called customer service, but now it’s the “customer experience,” like it’s a ride at Epcot. It’s no longer just about doing a good job and getting a positive review as a result. No, now it’s about connecting with customers to retain them for the long run, or at least until the next time they get in an accident.

If you could take your car to a really nice facility where you can be pampered, or to a shop that is old and beat-up, where would you go? You’re going to have to pony up your $500 deductible either way, so why not opt for the comfy collision center over the less attractive independent shop down the street? It’s not going to cost you any more for the repair, so it’s really an easy decision.

The reception area at Ramsey Paint & Body in Fort Lauderdale, FL, shows that you don’t need a lot of space to make it look good

Now obviously, you still need to do all of the right things to succeed, such as answering the phone promptly and correctly, greeting customers quickly and with enthusiasm, fixing the vehicle correctly the first time, delivering it to the customer on deadline and staying in contact with the customers throughout the entire repair, etc. But if you can do it all in a facility that impresses rather than depresses the customer, you’ve

16 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

already set yourself up for victory.

Ron Mercurio is the owner of the BumperDoc in Escondido, CA. It’s a franchise with 28 locations, the first of which he was able to buy in 2008. His

The waiting area at Uptown Body & Fender in Oakland, CA, gets 5-star reviews from its customers. It looks more like a cool cafe than a body shop

first goal was to make his facility look professional and clean, but with a warm and fuzzy feel.

“We worked very hard on our reception area to make it engaging and to show our customers that we care about quality,” Mercurio said. “We spent

more than $50,000 on our lobby alone, because we knew we had to have the right image. We are located near Rancho Santa Fe, which is a very high-income area, so those people are used to nice facilities and expect top-notch customer service.”

By taking the high road when it comes to his facility’s appearance, Mercurio’s business gets better every year.

“We are always looking to improve our space, and that’s why we took out a rolling door and installed a large window where our customers can see our techs working on their cars,” he said. “It offers a whole new level of transparency, and our clients really appreciate it.”

At Uptown Body & Fender in Oakland, CA, co-owner Giovanna Tanzillo has been increasing her business every year since she opened its doors with her partner, Lisandro Allende, in 1992. She See First Impressions, Page 51

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 17

Day Job/Night Job

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

Shop Owner David Ludwig Uses His Art to Give Back with Ed Attanasio

Dave Ludwig, 58, owns Prestige Auto Body in Manchester, NH, a shop he started with just one helper back in 1986.

Today, he has 24 employees and is well-known for his quality repairs, but many people in the community also know him as someone who isn’t afraid to help others through his art. By creat-

Dave Ludwig and his daughter, Elizabeth, stand next to Ludwig’s first sculpture, a 9-foot pink ribbon that he designed with a local radio station to create awareness about breast cancer in New Hampshire

ing a series of incredible sculptures, Ludwig is building his philanthropy in a creative way that continually helps the charities he chooses again and again.

Always willing to help, Ludwig determined many years ago that he could use his unique artistic ability to help causes and organizations.

“It’s so much more meaningful to use my art to help these nonprofits, as opposed to just writing a check,” Ludwig said. “Anyone can give money and there is nothing wrong with that, but using your hands to make something that people will appreciate while raising money for the cause—how can it get any better than that?”

Giving back to his hometown is a big deal for Ludwig, he said.

“I was born and raised right here, so we donate to and support as many worthwhile organizations as we possibly can, including cancer associations, programs that support single homeless parents and local drug education and support groups,” he said.

“These charitable efforts have allowed us to build a positive reputation and establish credibility as a business.”

Some call Ludwig’s creations sculptures or structures, but everyone agrees that they were created for a good cause, and surely qualify as art.

“We do them for different community events to raise awareness, but we also do them to show people that good body techs are more than just wrench turners or guys who just slap bondo around,” he said. “Whether it’s their paint work or metal work, it’s amazing and these people are indeed artists.”

Nearly a decade ago, a local radio station met with Ludwig and asked if he could be a sponsor for a big fundraising event. That’s when his artistic journey began.

“They were looking to do something different, so I said, ‘Let’s brainstorm and see what we can come up with,” he said. “Our first piece was a large 9-foot pink ribbon made of aluminum that we did for a breast cancer nonprofit. When we unveiled the ribbon at the very first event, we saw the response, and it was pretty awesome.

Since then, the ribbon has been to a lot of breast cancer-related events, and so many cancer survivors have signed it.”

Ludwig and the radio station came up with the idea of having cancer survivors sign the sculpture, making it a piece of art that will continually help the charity by spreading its message.

bust wearing a pink bra that’s actually a bank.

“It’s 8 feet tall and 7 feet wide, and surely our most ambitious project to date,” Ludwig said. “It has a clear glass door on the back so people can see how

One of Ludwig's most well-known pieces is called the “Bust Bank,” a sculpture of a woman’s bust that also acts as a bank where people can donate to fight breast cancer

much money is being donated.”

Always looking for a new project, last year Ludwig created a 6-foot butterfly to help Hope for New Hampshire Recovery, a drug rehabilitation and awareness program.

“The butterfly represents hope and is made out of foam core covered with aluminum,” he said. “The wings are removable, and the whole structure breaks down easily so they can travel with it to other events. I am currently working on another piece for them.”

With an eye to possibly get out of the body shop business by age 65, Ludwig does not call it retirement, but rather a change of careers.

“I have no desire to retire,” he said.

“So when I step away from the shop, I will continue doing my creative endeavors, whether it’s making furniture or sculptures or even making high-end gold carts for people in Florida—who knows? I have to do something that stimulates me, and the art really does that.”

Faster & Easier Steel & Aluminum Repair SMART RESISTANCE SPOT WELDER

NEOPULSE 300-T2

AUTO MODE makes this machine extremely simple to use

Double pulse MIG/MAG 270A welding machine for unrivalled welding quality

GYSPOT PTI SMART WELDER

Ludwig created this beautiful butterfly sculpture for the New Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition

“At that first event, I was able to meet so many survivors and hear their stories as they signed the ribbon with their names and their years of remission,” he said. “It was an amazing experience—one I will never forget.”

Ludwig’s second project gained significant attention for its creativity and “Bust Bank,” which is a white

18 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

AUTO MODE for easy operation on High Strength steel (UHSS/Baron), High Pressure clamping force with up to 14,500 amps of power

DENTSTATION COMBI STEEL & ALUMINUM DENT REPAIR

Jeep-

Repair instead of replace for less downtime and more profit

GYS Welding USA

636-405-2800

info@gysweldingusa.com www.gysweldingusa.com Join our distributor network

GYSPRESS 8T Universal car body self-piercing riveting system.

Operates on a pneumatic closed hydraulic system.

Adjustable speed and pressure up to 8 tons

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 19

Product Innovation Industry Veteran Invents Useful Tools at Collision Edge with Ed Attanasio

Tim Briggs, 44, and his wife, Ginger Briggs, are the owners of Collision Edge and the inventors of many products, including The Tape Thing, The Dent Viewer and The Estimating Kit. These tools are designed to simplify basic tasks and make technicians’ lives easier. Founded in 2014 and staffed full-time by Ginger and her sister, Pam Griswold, Collision Edge is located in the family barn in Chattahoochee Hill Country of South Atlanta.

Tim Briggs entered the collision repair industry as a distributor/rep for Fowler Color Company in Atlanta, GA, in 1996 after working as a painter and airplane mechanic for many years.

“I didn’t know anything about the industry. I focused on learning one new thing every day and asked a lot of questions” Briggs said. “After that, I got a job working as a territory manager and did regional business development for PPG for a decade. During

my last three years there, I managed their largest MSO account and there was a ton of travel involved. My young family needed a dad at home, so I decided to get back into distribution and went to work for a regional jobber to get off the road. My heart has always been in the shop, solving problems for customers.”

Today, Briggs is the Director of Strategic Development for National Coatings & Supplies, Inc. (NCS), where he works on numerous internal and external projects. “NCS encourages employee innovation,” he said.

“It’s such an awesome company.”

Briggs is always looking for solutions. Many of the tools that he has created came about while he was looking for a better way of doing things when visiting shops.

The first invention that Briggs developed was called the Estimating Kit, a simple invention that informs users how to precisely re-affix car emblems

20 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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

and stickers after a repair. “We were doing disassembly back in 2014 and taking emblems off a truck, but when the time came to put them back on there, we basically had to guess,” he

Tim Briggs, owner of Collision Edge, is the inventor of the Tape Thing and The Dent Viewer, which are used in body shops all over the world

said. “Then, later when I was driving home, I passed one of the same types of vehicles on the road and I could see that I missed the right spot for the em-

blem by about six inches.”

Briggs then started looking for a tool that he could use to avoid misplacing car emblems ever again.

“My wife had a laser engraving business at that time, so I took one of her magnetic sheets to create the first prototype,” he said. “I went down in the basement that night and made the very first set of rulers. There are four different rulers in a set. They are designed to work in combination to locate the emblems and aid in photo documentation for justifying Blend Operations.”

Briggs began giving the Estimating Kit to his customers for free, and soon bigger and better ideas started entering his inventive mind, which led to The Dent Viewer.

“I spent a lot of time working with shops to improve processes,” he said.

“I was at West Georgia Paint and Body one day, and my friend and owner [of the shop] Tim Wilkerson was trying to take a photo of a dent. He was mov-

ing the camera all around, and I was wondering what he was doing. He told me he was trying to get the ceiling grids in the picture, because the insurance company won’t pay for dents unless they see them in the photos. So I went home that night and started coming up with the idea of The Dent Viewer. It was originally a plain white board with black grid stripes on it, and it worked okay. I made about 50 of them and gave them to all of my customers because I knew it solved their [dent viewing] problem. I wasn’t in it to make money—I just wanted to help my customers and make their lives a little easier.”

Like most great inventions, they evolve as users provide invaluable feedback to their creator over time.

“One day, an estimator called me and said he couldn’t get a good photo of a car, so I drove down there and it turned out to be a white car,” Briggs said. “So at that point, we decided to paint the other side of the board in black with white lines so they could use the device with white vehicles.”

After that, Briggs refined The Dent Viewer even further, adding a reflective film to the white side that illuminates grid onto the panel with the camera flash. He finally had his final

version to share with his customers.

Today, The Dent Viewer comes in two sizes and is a big seller with shops and insurance companies alike, Briggs said.

“The big four insurance companies really like The Dent Viewer, because they normally have big problems getting good photos of damage,” he said. “The field adjusters and shop estimators love it because they get fewer calls on photo quality from desk reviews, plus it’s a huge time saver to not have to retake photos after the estimator realizes his pictures aren’t detailed enough.”

The inventions started accumulating in Briggs’ mind—every time he saw a problem in a shop, he immediately started looking for solutions.

“With every repair, techs are taking nuts and bolts off the vehicles and throwing them on a work table,” he said. “So, I started working on a magnet that you can clip onto your pocket that would hold nuts and bolts [in order] to cut down on walking back and forth from the table to set them down or drop them on the floor, because it’s a waste of motion.”

Briggs didn’t realize at the time that he was developing The Tape Thing

Caddy, even before he invented The Tape Thing. One day, he saw a technician doing a dance with a roll of tape.

“He was using it, and then putting it under his armpit,” he said. “Then, he would use it a little more and then stick it under his other armpit and then his mouth! I realized he didn’t want to set it down because it would get dirty. At one point, he dropped the roll and it ran across the floor and fell into a puddle of water. I thought, ‘There has to be a better way of holding on to that tape.’”

So the next day, Briggs found himself in the plumbing department of Home Depot with a roll of tape and purchased more than $150 worth of magnets, PVC fittings, epoxy and furniture skid pads. After tweaking the design and coming up with a way for the tape to spin in the user’s hand without burning it, Briggs knew he was on to something that might be big. He eventually ordered 2,500 units from a manufacturer in China, with most of the final assembly taking place in his living room, and sold them all.

Briggs is a consummate tinkerer and isn’t happy until he gets his inventions right, so he has now redesigned The Tape Thing three times.

However, he is finally delighted with

the finished product.

“We improved the magnet strength and mounting, and made every change the voice of the customer’s request,” said Briggs.

Briggs loved his final product and sold thousands more quickly, but all he could think about was the original idea that started him down this path.

Enter, The Tape Thing Caddy.

“It holds everything you need to prep a vehicle, including the razor blades, safely along with rags, scuff pads and sandpaper,” he said. “The goal is that when using The Tape Thing Caddy, preparers don’t ever have to set anything down, bend over to pick anything up, or walk away to find supplies.”

Three years ago, Briggs and his wife took their inventions to their first SEMA Show to unveil the Tape Thing to the collision industry.

“We met some cool people,” he said. “Tim Gerhard from TG Products let us put our products in his booth alongside his new product, The Rail Saver. We took 500 or so of The Tape Things with us to Las Vegas that first year and sold out. We threw estimating kits in the box and were surprised to see that they sold equally well.”

See Useful Tools, Page 28

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 21

Continued from Cover

CIC Panel

parts, Gillis said.

“Consent is a really tricky issue for consumers and consumer advocates,” he said. “Because of course we believe in full disclosure. But when you have to sign for something, there’s an inherent bias built into that signature.

Therein lays the problem.”

But Weikel said efforts to eliminate any state-required disclosure and consent won’t happen “on our watch.”

“They have been aggressively defeated every place they have been filed,” he said. “I don’t see why we don’t have a bill in every state requiring informed consent.”

are regarding the parts used in the repair of his or her vehicle.

Just as the automakers’ view of parts disclosure and consent probably came as no surprise to CIC attendees, advocates for the use of non-OEM parts predictably voiced objection to some aspects of such state laws.

“Disclosure is important,” Terry Fortner, vice president of corporate accounts at LKQ Corporation said.

“Everybody should know how their car is being repaired. But written consent was developed not for the conFederal Patent Proposal sumer, but for private interest groups. The panel also briefly debated the merAt the end of the day, we beits of the “Promoting Automolieve in disclosure, but we are tive Repair, Trade and Sales not a supporter of written Act of 2017,” or the “PARTS consent.”

Act,” proposed federal legisAaron Schulenburg, lation that would slash the executive director of the Sotime that automakers can use ciety of Collision Repair design patents to prevent other Specialists, said he sees some Terry Fortner of LKQ companies from producing reirony in proponents of nonplacement crash parts from 14 Corporation said OEM parts actively working traceability of parts years to just 30 months. The is more important to eliminate state laws rebill is designed to increase that certification quiring disclosure, consent or competition for OEM crash other restrictions on the use of such parts by shortening the period under parts. Speaking at an event earlier this which automakers can prevent the proyear, for example, a representative of duction and sale of non-OEM versions LKQ said his company worked to of patented parts. overturn an Arkansas law that limits Similar bills have been introduced the use of non-OEM parts without the during every Congress since 2007, and written consent of the vehicle owner Weikel said his organization doesn’t (the law was not overturned). “think it has any chance of going any“That sends a bit of a mixed mes- where” in this Congress either, in part sage in my opinion, especially when because it singles out only one industry you look at the variation in the [qual- – automaker replacement parts – for ity levels of the] parts that are avail- decreased patent protection. He said able in the marketplace,” Schulenburg patent law correctly protects those who said. “Why not safeguard the con- pour resources into the design of somesumer’s ability to choose that thing from those who simply on their vehicle?” copy that item “without actu“There’s a fundamental ally investing the money problem with consent—Why that’s necessary to develop do you need to consent to them.” something that is the same,” Allowing generic verJack Gillis of the Certified sions of prescription drugs Automotive Parts Association CAPA’s Jack Gillis without giving the developer (CAPA), responded. “There’s of a new drug time to recoup said requiring an inherent bias that the con- consumers’ consent its investment might lower to the use of nonsumer hears when you say, drug costs, Weikel said as an OEM parts can ‘We’ll get your car all fixed analogy, but “it’s not fair to bias their view up, but by the way we are the company that’s actually of such parts going to use these parts here, invested all that money on and you need to sign on the dotted the front-end.” line that you know we’re using these Gillis countered that someone parts.’” who buys a vehicle shouldn’t “be an Having to sign to consent to the use indentured customer” of the auof certain parts can unfairly lead con- tomaker, “having to buy all of my parts sumers to question the quality of those from that company.” He said the fed-

22 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

eral bill gives automakers 2.5 years of patent protection – “even though we think it should be zero years” – and prevents one automaker from copying the vehicle design of another.

But Weikel said if non-OEM parts manufacturers want to make versions of parts covered by an OEM patent, they can do what LKQ has done in some cases: sign an agreement with the automaker that allows them to sell non-OEM versions of the parts in exchange for licensing fees paid to the OEM. “That’s what should happen,” Weikel said. “That’s what happens in other industries.”

Views on certification and tracking Panelists shared viewpoints on a variety of other issues related to non-OEM parts during the CIC discussion:

• Gillis said he thinks all non-OEM parts – including mechanical parts – should be certified as equivalent to OEM. “It’s far more important that steering mechanisms and brake pads and true safety devices being put on cars match [the OEM],” Gillis said.

“It’s probably more important that a

brake pad meet the specifications that the original brake pad met than a fender does.”

• Fortner said he believes that traceability of parts is more important than certification of the parts. He said his company’s KeysIQ program allows a part the company sells to be traced from the manufacturer to the specific car on which it was installed. In the case of a recall—and Fortner said there have been two this year—“We’re able to trace that part all the way to the shop and to the car.”

• Weikel said among the concerns he has with non-OEM parts certifications is the lack of crash-testing conducted on such parts. He said CAPA —to its credit—decertifies parts when deemed necessary, but “what happens to the consumer that got that product the day before it was decertified?” He said shops also say they order certified parts only to have non-certified parts delivered.

FREE

4x Monthly E-Newsletter.

www.autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 23

Three Decades of Dent Repair: Autocraft Commemorates 30 years on Marco Island

by Lance Shearer, Correspondent, Marco Eagle – Part of the USA Today Network

Not many Marco Island, FL, residents can claim to have been there for 30 years. For businesseses, the number is only a handful.

Owner Ernie Bordon with a 1969 Camaro he has worked on repeatedly. Autocraft celebrates 30 years of full-service automotive bodywork on Marco Island this month. Credit: Lance Shearer/Correspondent, Marco Eagle

But on August 1, Autocraft celebrated 30 years in business on Marco Island. The company provides complete auto body and collision services.

Autocraft owner Ernie Bordon, who has had the business since it began, said a lot has changed on the island since they opened their doors, particularly as regards to the summertime.

“Thirty years ago this time of year, you could fire a cannon down Collier Boulevard, and not hit anybody,” he said.

Nowadays, you can barely drive a car down Collier Boulevard without hitting somebody, which translates to a steady stream of customers for a body shop.

The biggest change on Marco, said Bordon, has been “the transition from a vacation destination to yearround living.”

The whole team gathers for a recent group photo at a company picnic. Autocraft celebrates 30 years of full-service automotive bodywork on Marco Island this month. Credit: Lance Shearer/Correspondent, Marco Eagle

“We used to gauge how we were doing by how much money we had to borrow to stay afloat during the summer,” he said. “We’re population-driven – as the year-round residents grew,

so did my business.”

That growth has been substantial, with the shop on Marco Island augmented by a second location in the northernmost reaches of Naples. Bordon bought the real estate his Marco store sits on 20 years ago, but the tightness of land availability limited the possibility of expansion on the island.

“In 1987, we did $188,000 worth of business,” said Bordon. “This year, we’re on track to do $6 million.”

From the original three employees, Autocraft has grown to now have 40 on the payroll.

“We just hired our 40th employee,” said Bordon. “That’s a lot.”

He credits much of the success to those employees, the skills and the attitude they bring to their work.

“I’ve got guys with me right now who have been here 15, 17, even 25 years,” he said.

Owner Ernie Bordon, left, with shop manager Eric Fink. Autocraft celebrates 30 years of full-service automotive bodywork on Marco Island this month. Credit: Lance Shearer/Correspondent, Marco Eagle

One of the “guys” Bordon singled out for special mention is office manager Jeri Jurewicz, a 20-year employee.

“She’s like a controller for both stores. I couldn’t do this without her,” he said. Keeping the same good competent crew for a long time is key to producing consistent work, said Ernie, along with keeping those skills updated.

“This business has gotten incredibly technical. To fix cars properly, you need an array of equipment, and the knowledge of how to use it. You need to keep educating your employees all the time,” he said.

Along with body repairs and painting, the shop does mechanical work – “if it’s part of the collision,” said Bordon. And they work on all makes.

“We used to specialize, but the market is so diverse. We work on Toyotas, and we work on Bentleys – we specialize in everything,” he said.

The combination of skills, facili-

24 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ties and customer service has led to word-of-mouth promotion and repeat business.

Owner Ernie Bordon with happy customer Linda Chambers at the shop on Elkcam Circle.

Autocraft celebrates 30 years of full-service automotive bodywork on Marco Island this month. Credit: Lance Shearer/Correspondent, Marco Eagle

“We have a very loyal, consistent local clientele. We have customers who get into an accident up north, but wait till they come down here to get their car fixed,” he said.

One customer came in to pay her bill with a smile on her face as Bordon spoke with a reporter.

“They’re terrific – highly recommended,” said Linda Chambers.

“Ernie is a fine Christian man, and you know you can count on him.”

Bordon also expressed his appreciation for Donna, his wife of 33 years, dating back to when he ran an auto body shop in Pearl River, NY, before coming to Marco.

“She was behind me all those 15 and 17-hour days,” he said. The couple has three adult children.

Beyond auto body work, Bordon has taken the lead in organizing an annual charity motorcycle run for the Joy of Giving, the Marco-based charity that provides Christmas gifts for underprivileged area children.

“It’s my passion to help kids during the holidays. I’ve done that for 12 years,” he said.

If you plan on getting an anniversary gift for Ernie and Autocraft, the traditional present for the 30th anniversary is pearls – but a banged-up car to fix would work, too.

If you go: Autocraft 754 E. Elkcam Circle, Marco Island 239-642-5309

We thank Marco Eagle, part of the USA Today Network, for reprint permission.

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 25

Continued from Cover

State Farm Lawsuit

29-year-old wife, Marcia, who were trapped inside their used 2010 Honda Fit when the glued roof failed. It then created a domino effect that caused the vehicle’s safety cage to collapse, which led to the fuel tank located directly underneath the driver’s seat to rupture. During the Dec. 21, 2013 accident, the couple was trapped behind their steering wheel. Matthew Seebachan remained conscious as the fire burned his feet and lower legs before he was extracted from the wreckage by another driver. Another motorist then rescued Marcia Seebachan through the passenger window of the badly damaged vehicle. Neither was killed, but Matthew Seebachan’s burns took two full years to heal, according to their counsel.

The couple is represented by vehicle safety lawyer Todd Tracy with the Tracy Law Firm in Dallas, who filed two civil cases—one against John Eagle Collision Center, and one against State Farm.

The federal lawsuit claimed that several years ago, State Farm coerced John Eagle Collision Center into using

an untested 3M panel bonding adhesive in lieu of Honda-specified welding to replace the hail-damaged steel roof of the Honda Fit that the Seebachans had bought as a used vehicle.

“The couple suffered crushing injuries... because John Eagle Collision Center allegedly cut insurance costs by using glue instead of welding the car’s metal structure together, according to a defective repair lawsuit against the Dallas auto body shop,” the Tracy Firm said in a press release.

“John Eagle Collision Center, by covering up its arrogant repair of using glue rather than following the manufacturer’s body repair specifications and using welds just like Honda had done when they designed, developed, and tested the vehicle, created a time bomb that was waiting to explode,” Todd Tracy said. “This shop repairs almost 5,000 vehicles a year in Dallas alone, not counting their Houston Collision Center. It is a billion-dollar-a-year business that apparently is not following the manufacturer’s repair recommendations. In this case, the insurance company paid John Eagle $8,500 to make a repair that was not up to manufacturer standards. Is every vehicle that leaves a John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas or

26 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Houston a ticking time bomb waiting to kill or maim? That’s a good question.”

On July 7, the body shop director at John Eagle Collision Center, Boyce Willis, stated under oath that John Eagle intentionally violated Honda’s 20092013 Honda Fit body repair manual when it glued the new steel roof onto the 2010 Honda Fit with 3M 8115 adhesive.

“State Farm dictated to John Eagle Collision Center about how the car was to be repaired, i.e., to use adhesive rather than spot welding,” Willis said. “Furthermore, State Farm can ‘trump’ the [OEM] specifications because the repair facility needs to get paid.”

The suit alleged fraud instead of shoddy work or poor shop management, according to the lawsuit.

“Defendant John Eagle unilaterally chose—on its own—to purposefully ignore Honda’s repair specifications,” it stated. “Defendant John Eagle made a conscious and deliberate decision to place unsuspecting people in a vehicle that it knew or should have known could cause serious injury or harm if involved in an accident, such as occurred in this case. Indeed, John Eagle knew that people could be killed or seriously injured, and deliberately chose to place the Seebachans in danger.”

The repair was done by the vehicle’s prior owner, and Matthew and Marcia Seebachan were unaware of it when they bought the car, according to Robert Riggs, a spokesman for Tracy Law Firm. A Carfax report allegedly did not contain the information, according to a report from Tracy Law Firm.

“State Farm advertises that it is a good neighbor, but they are committing what is known as economic terrorism, and the body shops and the consumers are the victims,” Todd Tracy said. “The insurance company says, ‘Go ahead and do a subpar repair,’ and then they cover it up with a nice paint job and hand it over to the customer. Good shops know that they have a moral obligation to meet OE standards, but then they’re not getting paid for them by the insurance companies and losing millions. The insurance companies wear them down, and eventually something like this happens and people get hurt.”

The consumer suffers in the end, Tracy said.

“State Farm secretly and covertly plays Russian Roulette with its customers and the public by forcing body shops to choose their profits over the safety of the motoring public,” he said.

“State Farm sells auto insurance, so they

are not in the business of designing vehicles, or testing vehicles, or repairing vehicles. And their adjusters are certainly not professional automotive engineers with an expertise in designing vehicles that provide crash-worthy protection to prevent serious injuries. No insurance company should ever dictate to a collision center how to repair a vehicle. Such coercion jeopardizes public safety on the nation’s highways. We know what the insurance companies have done to health insurance, so do we want them dictating what happens in the collision repair industry as well?”

Tracy said that it ends up being a lose-lose situation for body shops.

“If you’re a shop that worries about safety and quality, you really have only two viable options, because the insurance company has a gun to their head,” he said. “First, they can refuse the work, but that means they’ll go bankrupt. Or they can do the repairs to OE standards and then try to get paid by the insurer for a proper repair, but that ends up being just a slower form of bankruptcy.”

John Eagle Collision was reportedly paid in excess of $8,500 by State Farm for a July 2012 hail repair, which entailed a complete roof replacement, according to the Tracy Law Firm.

Honda OEM repair procedures direct shops to use a tack-weld on the front and rear corner edges of the new roof, and then perform a series of two- and threeplate spot welds and MIG plug welds to achieve the repair.

Willis also stated that 3M informed the shop that it was okay to use their adhesives on roofs, but then he also recognized that 3M documents stated that Honda prohibits that practice. In addition, Wills claimed in his deposition that utilizing structural adhesive was superior to welding, while admitting that he had no data to support the claim.

“It’s cleaner [and] it’s less intrusive to the vehicle,” Willis stated, according to the court transcript. “Keep in mind, it’s a—it’s a panel. It’s not a structural piece—it’s a panel.”

The lawsuit also accused State Farm of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. In addition, Texas Watch, a nonpartisan citizen advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that insurance companies and other corporations are accountable to their customers, requested that the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) investigate State Farm’s involvement in the allegedly non-OEM repairs.

“For many years now, we’ve been

telling shops that something is going to happen and someone is going to die because we didn’t follow the procedures,” said Toby Chess, an I-CAR program instructor, training specialist, former salvage yard operator and regular writer for Autobody News. “Why isn’t the insurance company that the shop worked with on the line as well? Because we indemnified them, which means the burden is all on the body shop side while the insurance companies reap the benefits.

“Honda says you weld that roof on, but the shop decided we’re going to glue it on. We have three things here— money, time and quality—which two do you want? The insurance companies want it cheap and fast, and what ends up going out the door is quality.”

Aaron Schulenburg, the Executive Director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) weighed in on the case.

“Some things require a catalyst, but nobody ever wants a catastrophe like this one [in order] for it to happen,” he said. “It stresses the importance of doing OE repairs and creating a culture within your business that is focused on gaining access to the information that’s out there, on every job. As an industry, we

need to do a better job of recognizing those who perform the best, in accordance with OE procedures, and setting them as the example that others should be encouraged to follow.

“There are documented repair procedures out there, and the industry needs to embrace utilizing them. This case, and others, is a prime example of why it is important that we as repairers make that a priority in all of our repairs.

“In fact, in June of this year, SCRS issued a position statement on the matter.

It documented that it remains our position that if an OEM documents a repair procedure as required, recommended, or otherwise necessary as a result of damage or repair, those published procedures would be the standard of repair until such time the documentation changes.

Disregarding a documented procedure that is made available to the industry creates undue and avoidable liability on the repair facility performing the repair.

“We will obviously have to wait and see how this plays out, but in the end, the obligation to repair these cars correctly is on you to use your professional experience and the tools that are available to perform the appropriate repair. The parties that make these deterSee State Farm Lawsuit, Page 39

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 27

Vehicles Abandoned at Body Shops Are Unwelcome Guests

Greg LaPoint is the owner of GBI Title in Denver, CO, and for the Has this ever happened to you? past 20 years has been helping both mechanical and collision shops in ColA customer brings in a vehicle and says orado and Nevada when customers they don’t want to run it through their abandon vehicles at their facilities. For insurance. You give them an estimate, even the most detail-oriented people, they sign it and you begin the obtaining the titles of these work. When the job is comcars isn’t a do-it-yourself job plete, all of a sudden you that any body shop owner or can’t reach the customer. You manager wants to get incall every day for about a volved in, LaPoint said. week and suddenly, you real“In Colorado, they call ize that no one is going to call them ‘lien sales’ and in Neyou back. Hopefully you got Greg LaPoint is the vada they’re ‘bonded titles,’ a deposit, but either way owner of GBI Title but either way, they’re not you’re now in limbo, and it’s in Denver, CO. For something most people will the past 20 years, going to cost you. be able to understand,” he If you have a shop where he has been helping said. “It’s a complex procemechanical and your space is limited and parkdure and until you’ve done a collision shops in ing is scarce, an abandoned car lot of them, you’re likely to Colorado and is like a squatter in your house. make mistakes. It involves Nevada when You can’t just kick it to the customers abandon sending a lot of certified devehicles at their curb, because the law protects mand letters and documenting facilities them. So now it’s your probevery step of the way. If you lem, even though you were just trying miss one little detail, you’re in trouble.” to do your job.

Some states have made the process At some point, uncomfortable even more difficult—Colorado being thoughts start entering your mind, inone of them, according to LaPoint. cluding all of the money you’re going “They have so many rules and to lose over this abandoned vehicle. procedures now in Colorado. It makes Your first instinct is to wheel it out to it that much harder to get a title on the street and act like you’ve never these abandoned vehicles,” he said. seen it before, but that can lead to “In Nevada, the cars get sold at lien problems down the road. If the owner sales and the buyer gets the title in the of the vehicle (or his divorced wife mail while the shop gets paid. But in who has the title) suddenly reappears, Colorado, they send the title to the you could be stuck in court for months. shop and then they have to sell the veby Ed Attanasio

Continued from Page 21

Useful Tools

Yes, Collision Edge has done very well, but it does not mean that Briggs is going to quit his day job or think about early retirement.

“We were devastated by the 2008 downturn,” he said. “Our kids’ college funds didn’t amount to much and wasn’t going to get them far. After a lot of prayers, we swallowed hard and pulled the trigger sourcing molds and buying inventory to go to work on our American Dream. Our kids work in the busi-

www.autobodynews.com Don’t Miss the Weekly Industry NEWS Your Shop Needs.

Sign Up Today!

ness, attending all the trade shows they can, packing orders and assembling product. This is the legacy I leave to them. The lessons this business has taught them and me are irreplaceable. I tell everyone that I have a full-time day job and I don’t draw a salary from Collision Edge—zero. Every dime Collision Edge makes is either put back in the business, given to charity or poured into our kids’ futures. We’re going to keep solving problems as long as our customers reward our efforts with their continued business and moral support.

I love the body shop industry; it’s such a great community.”

www.autobodynews.com

28 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

hicle and store it until then. They sure don’t make it easy for the shops.”

In Colorado, the state employs VIN Inspectors through their State Patrol offices, so before any abandoned vehicle can be sold, it must go through their system in order to ensure the car isn’t stolen. LaPoint realizes that it’s a necessary step, but also a little illogical.

“From my experience, car thieves don’t take stolen vehicles to shops for repairs,” he said. “I have never seen it happen, nor have I ever heard of it happening, but I guess it is what it is.”

In Colorado, LaPoint’s clients have to transport the abandoned vehicle to a State Patrol office, which means they have to tow it there—which is another hassle.

“It’s another cost and in some cases, the car will sit for 6-8 weeks until we can get the VIN inspection,” he said. “How hard is to find a VIN number and run the vehicle to see if it is stolen or not? It’s crazy. Colorado’s ‘bonded title’ procedure is two or three times more difficult than it even needs to be in my opinion. It is hobbled by red tape.”

When it comes to abandoned cars at shops, LaPoint gets philosophical on the topic.

“If you’re in the business of fixing people’s cars, you are going to run into it, but it’s not the end of the world,” he said. “Why do people just walk away from their cars? I tell them about the three D’s—departed, deported or divorced—and usually one of those three is the reason. Also, people figure out that their vehicle is a piece of junk and they don’t want to pay the deductible.”

One of the main problems that LaPoint’s customers encounter is not acting quickly once they realize that a vehicle has been dumped on them, he said.

“In some cases, they don’t do anything for two years and the whole time the car is sitting in their back lot while its value diminishes,” he said. “Once they do start the process, they’re not even recouping the costs of the repairs.

So, I would suggest that as soon as you know that a certain vehicle isn’t going anywhere, contact someone like me to expedite the bonded title. The longer you wait, the more it costs you.”

AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

www.genuinegmparts.com

TM

GM’s Conquest Parts Program

Bump The Competition “Bump” keeps growing and now includes over 7,000 part numbers “Bump” includes many popular parts categories: üBars, Absorbers üMirrors üMoldings üDoors üPanels üFascias üRadiators, Condensers üFenders üRods, Struts, Fans, Hubs, Belts üFrames üSupports, Brackets, Braces üGrilles üWheels üHoods üWindows, Windshields üLighting

Over $11 Million Dollars of Inventory

PH 800.446.8148 6252 E. Virginia Beach Blvd. • Norfolk, VA 23502

It’s easy to get Genuine GM Parts at aftermarket competitive prices.

1. Send a complete insurance repair estimate to your GM dealer.

2. Your GM dealer will review and notify you about Genuine GM Parts that are eligible for “Bump The Competition” discounts.

3. Place your order and take advantage of the savings!

M-F 7-5:30 • Sat 8-5

PH 888.837.3087 100 Auto Mall Drive • Cary, NC 27511

M-W 8-8 • TH-F 7-6 • Sat 8-5

Or even easier...

1. Use CollisionLink.

2. “Bump” eligible parts are marked and discounts automatically applied to your order.

VIRGINIA

Norfolk NO. CAROLINA

Cary Charlotte

CH AR LOT TE

PH 800.763.2489

5101 East Independence Blvd. • Charlotte, NC 28212

M-F 8-6 • Sat 8-5

SO. CAROLINA

Hoover ALABAMA

PH 877.339.7278

Atlanta GEORGIA

3277 Satellite Blvd. • Duluth, GA 30096 At Gwinnett Place M-F 7-7 • Sat 7-5

FLORIDA

PH 800.239.5100 1620 Montgomery Hwy. • Hoover, AL 35216

M-F 7:30-6 • Sat 8-12

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 29

NACE and Automechanika 2017

aCompetitive Pricing aFree and fast delivery aKnowledgeable Wholesale Parts Staff Coggin Deland Honda 2677 N. Volusia Avenue Orange City, FL 32763

PH FX

800.758.0007 386.917.1403

Start something special.

Mon-Fri 7:30am-6:00pm Sat 8:00am-5:00pm 30 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 31

Motor Vehicle Deaths Modestly Lower than Last Year Preliminary estimates from the National Safety Council indicate motor vehicle deaths in the first six months of 2017 are 1 percent lower than they were during the same six-month period in 2016.

However, the country is fresh off the steepest estimated two-year increase in motor vehicle deaths since 1964, and it is too early to conclude whether the upward trend is over. The estimated deaths during the first six months of 2017 are still 8 percent higher than the 2015 six-month estimates, and the final six months of the calendar year—July

to December—tend to be deadlier than the first six. An estimated 18,680 people have been killed on U.S. roads since

New Labor Rate Survey Website from NABR National AutoBody Research (NABR) recently announced the launch of its new Labor Rate Survey website, LaborRateSurvey.com, making its VRS Labor Rate Surveys available to all collision repairers nationwide. LaborRateSurvey.com provides body shops easy access to NABR’s three surveys: VRS Standardized Labor Rate Survey, VRS Labor Rate Survey for Luxury & Special Vehicles, and the specialized Auto Body Labor Rate Survey for California, which is compliant with new survey regulations from the California Department of Insurance. The new site provides an immediate opportunity for

authorized collision repairers to further strengthen the industry’s largest independent labor rate data source, which combines labor rate prices, training, OEM certifications and equipment. All data is reported by the shops themselves and survey results are made available to both collision repairers and insurers.

“With a simple, easy-to-remember website address like LaborRateSurvey.com, it could not be any easier for all shops in the industry to access and take the VRS Labor Rate Surveys,” said Sam Valenzuela, President of National AutoBody Research. “The VRS survey

32 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

January and 2.1 million were seriously injured. The total estimated cost of these deaths and injuries is $191 billion.

“The price of our cultural complacency is more than a hundred fatalities each day,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “Although the numbers may be leveling off, the Road to Zero deaths will require accelerating improvements in technology, engaging drivers and investing in our infrastructure.”

The National Safety Council has tracked fatality trends and issued esti-

mates for nearly 100 years. Last winter, the Council estimated as many as 40,000 people were killed on the roads in 2016—a 6 percent rise over 2015 and the largest two-year percentage increase in deaths in 53 years. Those estimates—as well as the 2017 preliminary estimates— are subject to slight increases and decreases as the data matures. Factors impacting motor vehicle fatality trends include an improved economy and lower gas prices, both of which have helped fuel a 1.7 percent increase in miles driven from 2016 to 2017.

solves all of the key problems with surveys that this industry has faced and struggled with for decades.” NABR provides an independent and innovative solution that levels the playing field for everybody.

Among many other features, the survey is open to all repairers and is easily accessible; is available online 24/7; is standardized, so all shops take the same survey; measures posted rates; the data is not changed or manipulated in any way; and through the Variable Rate System (VRS), all labor rate data is fully transparent equally to everybody—collision repairers, insurers, and consumers. In addition, all

surveys go through a multi-point verification and validation process to ensure only genuine auto collision repair shops are included in survey results and to verify that claimed certifications are real.

Through its “Each 1, Tell 2” campaign, in which one shop takes the survey today and asks two others to take it tomorrow and do the same, LaborRateSurvey.com has the potential to reach the industry’s 33,000 body shops in only 15 days. But body shops must participate and help spread the word in order to help both themselves and insurers obtain the valuable labor rate data they need.

CVTC Camp Introduces Girls to Auto Body Repair

by RiverTown Newsroom

Leann Rafferty has dreams of her artwork decorating the bodies of cars and vans, but realizes she first has to learn more about repairing and finishing the bodies of motor vehicles.

Now, the 2016 Gilman High School graduate is the only female in the Auto Collision Repair and Refinish program at Chippewa Valley Technical College.

It’s not unusual for a female in the program to be the only one, but that’s something CVTC would like to change through ongoing efforts to attract women to nontraditional occupations. On June 23, a one-day camp called “Exploration of Auto Collision —for Girls” was designed to show young women that they can do auto

body work, and do it well.

Rafferty was a good fit to assist instructor Terry Taylor in working with the girls who attended.

“I want to do custom airbrushing, the hot rod type of paint jobs,” Rafferty said. “I really like the painting part.”

The girls attending the camp were of a like mind, having more of an interest in art than in autos.

“I’m an artist; I paint a lot,” said Hope Bander of Pepin, whose brother, Derek, is in the CVTC program. “I thought this would be fun and interesting.”

Bander, a Pepin High School junior, brought a friend with her—Kate Gadient, a Pepin senior.

“When Hope asked me, I was like, ‘Sure, I’ll go,’” Gadient said. “I did some shop classes in high school and liked them, but didn’t do anything like this. And Derek was saying that Terry is a really good teacher, so I thought it would be fun to see.”

Aliyah Loofboro, a freshman from Colfax, is also interested in the art part of the work.

“I love painting and doing art,” she said. “My stepmom told me about this camp and thought I would like it.

I was very excited about it. It’s something I’ve never tried.”

At the camp, the girls were provided with a simple auto body panel with a dent in it. They learned how to fill and smooth out the dent through a

sanding process, use primers, and paint and finish the panel.

“They are all doing very well,” Taylor said. “We always have some girls in the program, but not a lot. It has to do with career paths, but we are getting more and more all the time, and they do a great job.”

None of the girls enrolled in the camp pictured themselves pursuing a career in auto body repair, but they were all glad to have the experience.

“Filling in the dent was kind of cool,” said Loofboro. “But I would like to do something related to art.”

“I don’t know why more women don’t want to do this,” said Rafferty, who lives near the tiny Taylor County community of Lublin. “I think it’s fun.”

Loofboro expects that she will work in a body shop when she finishes the CVTC program, and perhaps get into doing some airbrushing body work on the side as she moves her career in that direction. She knows that she’s likely to be the only female in any body shop she works, but she hasn’t had a problem as the lone representative of her gender in the CVTC program.

“I usually get along well with men,” she said.

When Taylor asked her to help at the camp, she was anxious to volunteer.

“I think it’s cool that more women are trying to get into this,” she said.

We thank Pierce County Herald for reprint permission.

FREE

4x Monthly E-Newsletter.

www.autobodynews.com

d Nee em u o Kia ts Y eed Th r d a P N nts ate ists u The n You c i o c e l ed ry Wh Dis f D ecia nto

ry se e e o e p a v v v i i S t l e m In ti r tisfy e c D e n Tea Parts ompe v a ily ,I nsi • S a e e C t D d e Ex • Tims an ers Fre • e • av ofit tom

S

Pr

s Cu

Parts Dept.

888-837-3085 Fax 919-466-6354

Mon-Fri 7-6 // Sat 7-5 90 MacKenan Drive Cary, NC 27511

www.hendrickkia.com

Parts Dept.

877-686-9320 Fax 704-566-2140

Mon-Sat 7-7 7550 Hendrick Auo Plaza NW Concord, NC 28027

www.hendrickkiaofconcord.com www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 33

Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry.

She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications, and is co-author of “The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops.”

She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.

Shop Strategies with Stacey Phillips

Alaska Shop Owner Focuses on Company Culture & Customers While Dealing with Repair Challenges in the Last Frontier In Anchorage, AK, body shop owner Ryan Cropper often tells customers that Able Body Shop is where strong values merge with quality work. Cropper currently operates two locations in The Last Frontier and said he has built his business on relationships and trust—one customer at a time.

Autobody News spoke to Cropper about how he and his team go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service while dealing with collision repair challenges in Alaska.

How has your background enQ: abled you to run two successful body shops?

A:

From an early age, I learned the benefits of hard work and found that true commitment and dedication carry value.

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When I was 10 years old, I began mowing lawns in Alaska and

owner wanted to retire. I felt it was the perfect fit, so I purchased the shop in 2002. I was 22 years old and ready for a new adventure!

Ryan Cropper and his family after receiving the award for Community Service for small business in 2015

I used money from small loans to expand the company and in 2004, I purchased Total Truck Accessory Center. We opened Able Body Shop Downtown two years later. In 2016, we added another building that used to be

itive one. We have found that having a culture that we are proud of is one of the most important components of having a successful business.

Number two would be the team atmosphere. We are still a flat rate shop, but we truly run in teams. Every team member in our company is paid 100 percent commission except two—our maintenance man and bookkeeper. We also only spend marketing dollars on things that directly benefit our community.

Our management style is democratic and borders close to the guidelines of mentorship. We encourage informal communication of knowledge and experience. We support dialogue that builds positive relationships, and we give our employees a reputation to live up to.

I am proud to be able to contribute to the growth and success of my 50 em-

Q:

ployees’ careers and personal lives.

What are some of the current challenges collision repairers are experiencing in Alaska?

Finding great team members in A: our market is very difficult. We also have a problem with parts avail-

ability. Parts can take over a week to arrive in most cases. Another challenge we have operating a collision repair business in Alaska is the drastic difference we can experience in workloads, depending on the season. When the snow is on the ground from October to April, it really changes the game!

Q: Is your shop part of any DRPs? We have most national DRPs as A: our business partners. Over the years, we have had great success with See Alaska Shop Owner, Page 39

inal Choose Only Orig

CHEVROLET PA

R T S!

Dedicated Wholesale Staff Competitive Wholesale Pricess

HOURS: Mon - Fri 7:30-8:00 Sat 8:00-2:00

(800)355-8202 3670 Jefferson Davis Hwy // Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Since starting the nonprofit organization Empowering Destinations, Cropper said they have given away nine cars to families in need

started my own summer business called RC Lawns. By the time I was in high school, I had renamed my company Aurora Landscaping and hired many of my classmates as employees.

However, my true passion was auto body work. I worked on my family’s and friends’ vehicles and attended auto repair classes in Oregon to learn more. When I was a tech in college, I found out that Able Body Shop Midtown was for sale in my hometown. It had been established in 1969, and the

a body shop, and we are currently working on an additional facility that will open this winter.

Q:

What are some of the things that set your body shop apart from others in the industry?

We tend to be very different A: than the average body shop in the United States. The number one dif-

ference is the culture of our company and the steps we take to make it a pos-

34 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

inal Choose Only Orig

RTS! CADILL AC PA Exceptional Customer Service Prompt & Dependable Delivery

HOURS: Mon - Fri 7:30-5:30 Sat 8:00-2:00

(888) 705-1539 3421 Jefferson Davis Hwy // Fredericksburg, VA 22401

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 35

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

HO N D A AL AB A MA

FL O RIDA

FLOR IDA

GEO RG I A

Holman Honda of Ft. Lauderdale

Gwinnett Place Honda

F T. L A UDE RDAL E

800-277-8836 678-957-5151

Freeway Honda

Classic Honda

B ir m in g h a m

O r l an do

800-987-0819 205-949-5460

888-893-4984 407-521-1115

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5 greg_thomas@freewayhondaal.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-4 parts@classichonda.com

Jerry Damson Honda

Coggin Deland Honda

Hu n t svil le

D e la nd

800-264-1739 256-382-3759

800-758-0007 386-626-1811

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

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

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-4 robbutton@rickcase.com

Ed Morse Honda

South Motors Honda

FL O RI D A

AutoNation Honda Clearwater Cle a rwa t er

R i v i e ra B ea 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 ll ywo od

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 Bea ch

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 rad e nto 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 MA

FL OR IDA

GEOR GIA

GEO RG I A

Jerry Damson Acura

Duval Acura

Jackson Acura

Hu n ts vi lle

J ack so nv il le

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 8-5 travis.morrison@southernmotors.com

Rick Case Acura

Nalley Acura

FL O RI D A

Acura of Orange Park J a cks on v ille

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

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

36 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Southern Motors Acura

N O. C AR O LI NA

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 . CA R O LI N A

NO . CAR OL INA

TEN NE SS EE

VIR GIN I A

Apple Tree Honda

Vann York Automall

Bill Gatton Honda

Ash ev ill e

High Point

Br is to l

Stau n ton

800-476-9411 828-684-4400

336-841-6200

800-868-4118 423-652-9545

800-277-0598 540-213-9016

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

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

Wolfchase Honda

West Broad Honda

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

Crown Honda Southpoint Du r h am

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 R al ei gh

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

McKenney-Salinas Honda G as to n i a

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

Metro Honda I nd ia n Trai l

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

NO. C AR O L IN A

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-3 SO . CAR OL INA

Breakaway Honda G ree n vi ll 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

Ba r tle t t

Rich m ond

800-982-7290 901-255-3780

800-446-0160 804-672-8811

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

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

VIRGINIA

Checkered Flag Honda No r fo l k

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

800-277-2122 757-687-3453

Piedmont Honda

Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7:30-6 honda.checkeredflag.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

Colonial Honda C he ste r

800-564-9836 804-414-1960 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7; Sat 8-4 rreese@i95honda.com

Hall Honda Vi rgi ni a Be ach

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

Hendrick Honda Woodbridge

800-824-1301 865-218-5461

703-690-7777

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6 rossd1@autonation.com

TE NNE SS EE

Wo o db ri dg e Dept. Hours: M-Fri 7-6 Sat 8-5; Sun 10-4

VIRGINIA

Hendrick Acura

Gary Force Acura

Ch ar lo tt e

B ren two od

F a ll s C hurch

800-768-6824 704-566-2288

800-653-6723 615-377-0500

800-550-5035 703-824-5785

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

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-2 jtrail@garyforceacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-6; Sun 10-5 jimgraf@radleyauto.com

Leith Acura Ca r y

800-868-0082 919-657-0460 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-4:30 parts@leithacura.com

Valley Honda

Radley Acura

VI RG INIA

Karen Radley Acura Woo d br i d ge

800-355-2818 703-550-0205 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-3 coreythompson@radleyautogroup.com www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 37

Tips for Busy Body Shops with Stacey Phillips

Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry.

She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications, and is co-author of “The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops.”

She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.

Best Practices for Photo Documentation: 10 Tips on How to Capture Useful and Relevant Images One of the many important steps in the claim handling process, according to Mike Cassata, owner of Hammer Insights, is proper photo and file documentation.

During NACE Automechanika in July, Cassata explained how to capture useful and relevant photographs that show the vehicle damage or lack of damage. “Photos are a real and necessary part of the complete claim file,” said Cassata. “DRP managers will tell

3) If you can’t squat, find an alternative method that is comfortable for you.

4) Take the majority of photos from the height of the impact along the body of the vehicle whenever possible. A yard stick can be helpful to show the height of the impact.

5) Use sunlight and shop lighting to your advantage and remove excess snow from the vehicle.

6) Fill the entire frame with the vehicle.

7) Parking lot lines can help accentuate damages in the images.

8) Include worn or trashed interior photos

9) Take your time, and make sure you aren’t including the vehicle owner, family memMike Cassata, owner of Hammer Insights, during NACE bers, pets or your own reflecAutomechanika 2017 tion in the photos. Review the you that poor photos and documenta- photos prior to uploading them. tion can be a bigger problem than the quality of the repairs.”

10) Don’t upload excess photos and He shared insight with attendees carefully follow each carrier’s guideabout the correct process that the ma- lines. jority of carriers want to see, although the rules may vary from carrier to carRegardless of the extent of the damrier. age, Cassata said there are five angles While working through the inrequired for all front-end claims: the spection process, Cassata said there are front of the vehicle straight on, the two important photos to capture in adright-front corner, left-front corner, dition to a legible one of the license and both sides. Photos of the rear plate: the VIN sticker on the door and damage are captured in a similar way the dash instrument gauges with the and include the right rear, right center, car running. Not only will this idenleft rear and both rear sides. Side damtify any Malfunction Indicator Lamps age photos should be taken using a (MIL), but also other systems, mileage panoramic view with multiple angles and fuel level. from front to rear. After panorama and Cassata shared 10 tips for opti- prior damage photos are taken, Cassata mum photo documentation: said it is often necessary to take photos of specific damage.

1) Observe the direct and indirect In the event of a comprehensive damages and then walk around the veloss, also known as “other than collihicle once or twice before beginning sion” (OTC), there are additional photo take photos and writing the estimate. tos to take such as animal hair or remains in the event of an animal loss.

2) Use the catcher’s position to take If there was a fire, Cassata said to try photos and refrain from kneeling to and locate the origin and include your protect your knees. remarks in the comment section. “The

38 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

cause of the fire is not covered, but the ensuring damage is,” he explained.

In cases of vandalism or theft, Cassata said the damage is often random and not specific to one area of the vehicle. “Regardless of the damages, photograph both sides of the steering wheel and all possible points of entry such as door locks, door frames and glass,” he advised. “Remember, lack of damage in these areas can be just as important to the investigation as actual damages.”

Photos are also required of the electronic equipment and console area. Cassata said to take time to note if the sound equipment was removed surgically or in a hurry, causing damage to the dash. He recommended taking a wider view of the front occupant compartment since it will often show additional damage to the dash, seats or removed parts left behind by those who vandalized the vehicle.

For vehicles that have been in

floods, Cassata discussed fresh water losses as well as salt water losses. In terms of fresh water losses, he said to check with the carrier on its total loss guidelines. “Most will tell you that it’s usually up to the dash before they will total a vehicle,” said Cassata. In addition to removing the interior and trunk trim and carpets, he said to dry out the interior before mold and mildew appears.

Salt water losses, according to Cassata, are usually deemed a total loss by a carrier if the water is over the rocker. “It’s much worse than a fresh water loss due to the corrosion,” he said. However, he said the water line could be higher than what shows on the interior on both salt water and fresh water losses.

Many insurance carriers will ask for a total loss evaluation, and may even pay a DRP partner for this service. Cassata said to be thorough, accuSee Photo Documentation, Page 42

THE LARGEST INVENTORY OF FORD • LINCOLN MERCURY PARTS IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

• OE COLLISION PARTS, MECHANICAL REPAIRS AND HEAVY REPAIRS PARTS • SPECIAL PRICING FOR COMPETITIVE COLLISION AND MOTORCRAFT PARTS • EXPERT COUNTER LOOK-UP WITH MASTER CERTIFIED COUNTERMAN

NORTH MIAMI-DADE HIALEAH LOCATION: 1200 W. 49 STREET, HIALEAH, FL 33012 DIRECT: 305-822-8338 FAX: 305-825-3018

SOUTH MIAMI-DADE KENDALL LOCATION: 15551 S. DIXIE HWY., MIAMI, FL 33157 DIRECT: 305-234-2668 FAX: 305-234-2657

PARTS@GUSMACHADOFORD.COM

SGOMEZ@MACHADOFORD.COM

HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8 A.M. - 7 P.M., SATURDAY 8 A.M. - 4 P.M.

Continued from Page 34

Alaska Shop Owner

those partnerships and continue to value what it brings to us. The challenge is they often expect the same re-

ented high school students from the local auto body program and have had fantastic results with this over the years. The students start out working for free, just getting school credit. Once they are somewhat up to speed, we put them on payroll and assign them to a team. Many even stay with us for a full auto body career.

Q:

As an advocate of education, how do you ensure you are advancing your technicians’ skills and what is the importance of doing so?

Ryan Cropper currently operates two locations in The Last Frontier

sults you see in the continental 48 states, which can sometimes be difficult to achieve.

Can you tell us about the shop’s Q: internship program with the King Career Center?

We have been sponsoring a sucA: cessful internship program with the King Career Center for over 10

years. We hire a couple of the most tal-

Alaska requires auto A: body repair technicians to have a creative mind

and patience while honing an attention to detail that ensures a high level of quality on every job. They have years of practical body shop experience and hands-on exposure to high technology equipment. Currently, we are concentrating on ICAR training for our staff as well as OEM certifications. We spend over $30k a year with I-CAR training. We do whatever it takes to get our staff the training needed, even if it means flying out of state for it. I am also ex-

tremely involved in 20 groups with Axalta, which is where I find out what is up-and-coming in the industry.

Q:

What initiatives have you taken to support the community in Alaska?

We are big on sponsoring local A: organizations that are making a difference or helping the people of

Alaska. That is where we came up with Empowering Destinations. We started the nonprofit with the intention of giving a reliable vehicle to a deserving community member who needs a helping hand. To date, we have given away nine cars to families in need. For the past three years, thanks to the help of other community businesses, we were successful enough to give two vehicles per year.

We are strong advocates of community involvement and I’m an active member of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. A couple of years ago, we received an award called the “Gold Pan Award” for Distinguished Community Service by a small business, given to us by the Chamber of Commerce. That was a huge deal for us!

Continued from Page 27

State Farm Lawsuit

minations about both the repairs and the associated costs are potentially going to end up being liable, and that’s an important consideration for a business.

When it’s all said and done, everyone in this industry should focus on putting the consumers, their family and anybody else traveling around on the roadway safely back into a vehicle that is repaired to the way it was before the accident.”

Attorney Jack Molodanof, the CAA’s lobbyist, said that the laws in California are clear. “Since this [was] pending litigation, I obviously can’t comment directly about the case, but as you know, auto body shops must follow accepted trade standards for good and workmanlike auto body and frame repairs,” Molodanof said. “This means that auto body shops in California must perform repair procedures, including sectioning of component parts, in accordance with OEM service specifications or nationally distributed and periodically updated service specifications, such as those offered by I-CAR, that are generally accepted by the auto body repair industry. It’s very clear.”

Th The Carcoon A W Features: tttures: The T Th he C Carcoon Ca C arcoon America arco Amer Am A America eriiica ca Workstation Workstation W orkk ork ksttati kst ati tiion io i nF Fe F ea e eat atures: a tu ures

• A massive 179 square feet of filtration area.

• Two huge input filters (over 36sf ) clean the air going through the Workstation.

• Four Paint Arrest Filters (140+ square feet) and two Activated • Charcoal Filters ensure the air going back into the environment is clean and EPA compliant.

Different Diff fferent ffe ren nt Sizes Sizes Sizes Available—Including: S Availab A Availabl ble le—IIncludin ncllud diing: g:

• 13’x11’—Parts, pieces and motorcycles.

• 30’x14’—Any full size vehicle.

• 35’x16’x12’5” tall—As above but also Sprinter vans, small boats, and smaller RVs.

• 60’x16’x12’5” tall—Full size RVs, boats, large trucks, etc.

Lighting: LLighting: Ligh ghtiing g:

• Four large clear windows provide ample lighting.

• Additional stand lights can be placed outside the booth.

A Smart Solution.

The The Carcoon Car arco co oon on America Am A meerica ric Workstation Wo orksta atio on works work wo orks ks the the he same sam sa me and and just ju ust as effectively eff ffecctivvely as as a cross-flow ccrros rosss--fl flow flo fl w paint paiint booth. ootth The Th T he Carcoon Carrco Ca C oon America oo Am me erricca Workstation Work W Work kstation kst ation n is is EPA E A Certified.

Cer fi C fie ed Ideal Ideall for fo or the the busy b busy body b dy bod dy shop-mobile sh p-m mob bile technician/smaller techn tech hn nician/smaller nici ian n/sma alle er shop sh hop ho p with w th limited llim mited facilities. fac facil cilliti ities. es

866.910.0899 www.carcoonworkstation.com www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 39

Audi dealers strive to make you an Audi Genuine Parts fan

What is best for your customer...Audi Genuine Parts or aftermarket substitutions?

Cycle time, higher quality replacement parts and customer satisfaction all contribute to your business’ profitability. Why risk using aftermarket parts substitutions?

Alabama Audi Birmingham Irondale 205.986.7410 205.986.7438 Fax M-F 7am-6pm; Sat 8am-4pm

Naples 866.267.0060 239.643.8582 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 7:30am-3pm

daniel.williford@audiofbirmingham.com www.audiofbirmingham.com

tcanglin@audinaples.com www.audinaples.com

Audi Huntsville

Audi North Orlando

Huntsville 256.724.3499 256.721.4066 Fax M-F 7am-5:30pm; Sat 8am-2pm

Orlando 407.643.2980 407.206.9565 Fax M-F 7am-6pm

ihagler@hileyhuntsville.com www.audihuntsville.com

vswany@audinorthorlando.com www.parts.audinorthorlando.com

Florida

Audi Pembroke Pines

Audi Jacksonville Jacksonville 866.413.8557 904.565.2216 Fax M-F 7am-7pm; Sat 8am-5pm cdrake@audijax.com www.audijax.com

Audi Melbourne Melbourne 888.554.3115 321.956.1959 Fax M-F 7:30am-5:30pm parts@audimelbourne.com www.audimelbourne.com

40 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Audi Naples

Pembroke Pines 888.434.2756 954.620.2036 Fax M-F 8am-5:30pm; Sat 8am-2pm notto@holmanauto.com www.audipp.com

Audi North Miami North Miami Beach 305.952.5952 305.944.4009 Fax M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-5pm amartinez@audinorthmiami.com www.audinorthmiami.com

• Your Audi customers expect quality and reliability from your repairs. Help meet those expectations by installing Audi Genuine Parts. • Audi dealers are supported by a nationwide network of parts distribution centers to help ensure that non-stocked parts are delivered the next day.

Installing Audi Genuine Parts from an Audi dealer is priceless to your reputation and your customers peace of mind. Order Genuine Audi Parts from these select dealers: Georgia

So. Carolina

Audi Gwinnett

Audi Columbia

Duluth 678.258.2536 770.476.9311 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm

Columbia 888.418.8940 803.754.5840 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 7:30am-3:30pm

parts@audigwinnett.com

No. Carolina Audi Asheville Asheville 828.232.4002 828.350.3560 Fax M-F 7:30am-5:30pm Sat 8am-4pm

skirby@jimhudson.com www.audicolumbia.com

Tennessee Audi Knoxville

www.audiasheville.com

Knoxville 800.382.2787 865.251.3227 Fax M-F 7:30am-5:30pm

Audi Cary

brianmaillet@harperdealerships.com www.audiknoxville.com

Cary 877.204.5449 919.469.1431 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm; Sat 8am-5pm parts@leithimports.com www.audicary.com

Flow Audi Winston-Salem 336.761.3698 336.723.6911 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm; Sat 8am-1pm

Audi Virginia Beach Virginia Beach 757.687.3488 757.687.3490 Fax M-F 8am-6pm audi_parts@checkeredflag.com www.audivirginiabeach.com

Flow Audi Charlottesville 434.951.6160 434.293.5151 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm; Sat 8am-1pm spalmer@flowauto.com www.flowaudicharlottesville.com

Virginia Audi Roanoke Roanoke 540.562.0168 540.562.4819 Fax M-F 7:30am-5:30pm; Sat 9am-1pm precision-parts@duncanauto.net www.audiroanoke.com

mmueller@flowauto.com www.flowauto.com

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 41

GM to Launch Collision Certification Program in Early 2018 General Motors’ Customer Care and Aftersales division announced at NACE Automechanika Chicago, the U.S. trade show dedicated to highend technical and management-related training for automotive collision and service repair shops, that it will launch a comprehensive collision certification program in 2018.

“Today’s certification programs have to evolve to keep up with the rapid-fire pace of technological innovation in the auto industry, especially in areas like safety systems,” said John Eck, collision manager, GM Customer Care and Aftersales. “Our new program is being designed to measure critical behaviors and procedures that will help ensure every collision repair is done to the highest standards, whether the work is done at a dealership, an independent body shop or by a multishop operator.”

The new GM collision certification program will build on current training-and tools-focused programs, but it is much more comprehensive, adding standards for pre- and post-repair scanning, calibration, and overall repair. Throughout the development of the certification program, GM Customer Care and Aftersales is working closely with companies such as Mitchell International and Enterprise Continued from Page 38

Photo Documentation

rate and include all of the options and relevant information. “Proper photo technique is necessary for the claim file,” he said. “You are the appraiser of record and the payment to the policy holder will be based on your report.”

In addition to taking photos of the VIN, gauges, actual damages and corner views, Cassata said all total loss vehicles require additional images such as vehicle options and front and rear interior views.

Supplement photos are often taken after vehicle disassembly. Since they can be difficult to decipher, Cassata recommended getting close enough to capture the damage but remain far enough away to provide some context as to the location of the damages. At least one photo of the license plate must be included as well as an undamaged part of the vehicle.

Insurance carriers often have their own requirements on how to document air bag deployments. In general, Cassata said the procedure is to include your initials and the date on the air bag with a permanent

Holdings, which share common goals of ensuring proper and quality repairs take place.

Last year, GM issued a position statement that all vehicles assessed for collision damage repairs must be tested for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) during the repair estimation.

Additionally, the vehicle must be retested after all repairs are complete in order to verify the faults have been repaired and new faults have not been introduced during the course of repairs.

GM is also looking at ways to incorporate technologies like OnStar into the process, such as providing drivers with information on qualified collision repair facilities based on vehicle location and crash severity.

“With Automatic Crash Response, OnStar is typically the first to know an incident has occurred,” said Brian Hoglund, OnStar Commercial Experience director for GM. “Depending on the vehicle’s repair needs and driver’s well-being, OnStar has the ability to help streamline the repair process while making the experience more convenient for our customers.”

All of GM’s position statements can be downloaded at http://www .genuinegmparts.com/for-professionals /position-statements.

marker before taking a photograph.

“This practice will reduce fraud,” he said.

The full claim file is discoverable in court, which means it could be utilized in a court proceeding or other legal matter as well as used heavily in the decision-making process of settling the claim. Cassata said that every comment, line note, entry on the estimate, photo and entry in the portal must be turned over to the court when there is litigation.

He recommended maintaining a folder on every vehicle you repair as well as a chronological record of the activity and ensure all comments pertain to the file in case you are called upon to testify.

“You are the eyes and ears of the carrier so be sure to give them every opportunity to settle the claim fairly and responsibly by doing your part to supply the best photos and written documentation possible,” said Cassata.

This article was based on a presentation by Mike Cassata, Hammer Insights, during NACE Automechanika 2017. For more information, call (585) 794-0914 or email: hammerinsights @outlook.com.

42 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Ford On Target—2017 Volume 2

Volume 2 of the Ford 2017 On Target publication is now available, according to I-CAR. Features of this volume include repair procedures, future technologies and replacement parts availability.

The first article talks about replacing the front apron tube (upper rail) on the aluminum F-150 and Super Duty. They compare the aluminum procedure to the procedure done on the previous steel bodied FSeries. The new procedure is less invasive than the previous generation, and does not require removing the instrument panel. According to the article, both the F-150 and the Super Duty have many similarities. However, the upper rail replacement procedures have many differences. One of the biggest differences is that the F-150 utilized a hydroformed aluminum upper rail, while the Super Duty uses a hydroformed HSLA-350 steel rail. Gerry Bonanni, Ford Sen-

ior Damageability Engineer, states in the article, “Repairers are strongly advised to research the repair. That is probably the single strongest piece of advice I can give.”

Ford also talks about current and future advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). They touch on a current system, Pedestrian Detection, which is featured on several different Ford/Lincoln models, such as the 2017 Ford Fusion. This system utilizes a bumper-mounted radar and a windshield-mounted camera to detect pedestrians while driving. They also talk about future systems, such as Evasive Steering Assist and Wrong-Way alert. These systems are expected to start being utilized within the next two years.

Finally, they announce that you can get replacement boxes and cabs for the F-150. To read the entire issue go to https://rts.i-car.com/ collision-repair-news/ford-on-target -2017-volume-2.html. You can also go to the Ford OEM Information or Lincoln OEM Information on the RTS website to easily access this publication.

www.autobodynews.com

You’re Going To

Love

The Way You’re Treated!

Local

Toll Free

Fax

(205) 443-7651

(800) 467-0699

(205) 823-4697

David Bonnett (205) 443-7655

Mike McKoewn (205) 443-7654

Frank Jackson (205) 443-7651

dbonnett@tameron.com

mmckoewn@tameron.com

fjackson@tameron.com

Outside Sales

Dale Nall (205) 443-7653

David Cartee (205) 443-7651

dnall@tameron.com

dcartee@tameron.com

1595 Montgomery Hwy. / Hoover, AL 35216

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 43

BASF Accepting Submissions for Glasurit® Best Paint competition

BASF is accepting submissions for the third annual Glasurit® Best Paint Award. Photos submitted must be of a Glasurit-painted vehicle, and the vehicle must be on display at the up-

2016 Glasurit Best Paint Award winner: a 1969 Mustang, owned by Tim Spencer, painted by Jonathan Goolsby of Goolsby Customs

coming 2017 SEMA show. The vehicle must also utilize Glasurit 22, 55 or 90 Line products, including primer, basecoat and clearcoat.

BASF and Glasurit will honor the winner’s outstanding excellence in painting at SEMA 2017 with Chip Foose presenting. The legendary restoration expert and long-time Glasurit advocate will judge the vehicles based on fit and finish, quality of preparation and final presentation.

Photo submissions of Glasuritpainted vehicles will be accepted now through October 27, 2017 on the BASF refinish web site.: http://www .refinish.basf.us/ For more information on Glasurit, visit the BASF booth #20353 at SEMA 2017.

FADRA, Honda Pull Recalled Takata Airbags from Local Salvage Yards

by Mike Holfeld - Investigative Reporter, News 6 WKMG-TV in Orlando

The mangled white 2003 Honda Accord parked in the front of the M&K Used Auto Parts yard in Orange City is the latest vehicle confirmed to have recalled passenger-and driver-side Takata airbags that have been pulled from the local auto recycling market.

Tom McMillon, owner and president of the used auto parts yard, told News 6 he had already collected 30 Takata airbag modules from Honda vehicles in the last two weeks—modules that, ironically, weren’t on the original recall list.

“It’s the right thing to do,” McMillon told WKMG-TV News 6.

“Let’s get them off the street.”

McMillon is a member of FADRA, the Florida Auto Dismantlers & Recyclers Association , a group that is working with Honda as part of a national effort to track and pull “airbag modules that contain recalled Takata inflators” from every Honda model between 2002 and 2012.

Chris Martin, spokesman for American Honda Motor Co., Inc., told News 6 that Honda has already “recovered over 70,000 airbag modules from salvage yards in the U.S.”

According to Martin, the recalled devices are shipped to a secure storage location “for eventual disposal.”

McMillon told News 6 he first received the call from Honda officials two months ago.

McMillon said the airbag modules found in any vehicles (19 manufacturers are impacted) are pulled and tossed into a cardboard box until they are “collected” by a representative of Rebuilders Automotive Supply (RAS).

According to Martin, RAS buys back recalled Takata airbags and then makes sure “they get to Honda, effectively taking them out of the open marketplace.” “(In) our industry, we’re not supposed to recycle these airbags— they’re supposed to go to the people to get rid of them for us,” McMillon told News 6. “There’s a lot of them out there. That’s what worries me.”

Martin told News 6 there is no reason to delay getting the airbags replaced if you see your vehicle identification number (VIN) is on the recall list.

“Owners should seek repair at an authorized dealer as soon as possible,” Martin said. “… The recall repairs are free, we have plenty of replacement parts for all affected Honda and Acura

models and, if they need it, we’ll even provide a free loaner car to the vehicle’s owner for the day of the recall repair.”

Using the VIN, it is easy to determine if a vehicle has contained a recalled but unrepaired Takata airbag inflator by visiting recalls.honda.com or recalls.acura.com.

There are 19 automobile manufacturers impacted by the Takata air bag recall effort.

For a full list of cars affected by the Takata airbag recall, go to https:// www.nhtsa.gov/recall-spotlight/ takata-air-bags.

If you want to know if your car has an open recall, go to https://www .nhtsa.gov/recall-spotlight/takata-airbags or https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/ We thank News 6 WKMG-TV in Orlando for reprint permission. News 6 is continuing to investigate this issue, so be sure to visit: ClickOrlando.com /investigators to stay up to date.”

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:

Autobody News

Host of Hit TV Show “Bitchin’ Rides” to Debut New Custom Color Line of Akzonobel Automotive Paints at Sema AkzoNobel and Dave Kindig, host of the popular cable TV show “Bitchin’ Rides,” have been working together to jointly develop a new custom color line of automotive paints. The new custom colors will make their debut at SEMA 2017.

“AkzoNobel is proud to join forces with Dave Kindig, a true automotive artist, who is known throughout North America for his exceptional quality, workmanship and style,” said Jennifer Solcz, North American Marketing Manager for AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes.

“AkzoNobel is in the business of color, and we are dedicated to color innovation through product development and dynamic strategic partnerships.”

Kindig is the owner and Chief Designer of the custom fabrication

automotive shop, Kindig-It Design, in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is a stateof-the-art, one-stop custom shop where automobiles are rendered, designed, built and restored into works of art. The shop, which Kindig operates with his wife Charity, was so well recognized and respected, that the Velocity channel gave Kindig and his crew their own television show in 2014, “Bitchin’ Rides.” The show follows the everyday work of the crew at Kindig-It Design.

“I’m thrilled to be working with AkzoNobel on developing this brand new custom color line,” said Kindig.

“Since I started spraying Sikkens Autowave, my projects have never looked better. So, it is very exciting to me that I will be able to combine my style and quality and mix it with AkzoNobel’s exciting product line in order to come up with some pretty sick colors.”

For more information on AkzoNobel, visit www.akzonobel.com.

www.autobodynews.com

UPDATED DAILY

44 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

• Delivery to 100 Mile Radius of Naples PARTS HOURS: M-F Sat

7am to 6pm 8am to 5pm

PARTS DIRECT LINE:

Ca C Call a l Us Us!!

U

239-734-3215 2 39 734 39 734 3215 21 Fax: 239-591-3051

5665 N. Airport Pulling Rd. / Naples, FL 34109

At Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Naples,

weee’re ’re re yyou yoour onee-sto stop op shop op for forr

Parts

Ambassador Supply Featured on the No. 9 Axalta Chevrolet at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, has partnered with Ambassador Supply to feature the company as the primary sponsor on the hood of JR Motorsports’ No. 9 Axalta Chevrolet driven by William Byron at MidOhio Sports Car Course on Saturday, August 12, 2017. Byron has captured race fans’ attention with three wins so far this season in the NASCAR® Xfinity Series (NXS).

Ambassador Supply, a group of companies including the Granville Lumber Company, Country Metals, Proline Truss, and Qualiform Metals, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Ambassador Supply focuses on providing high quality manufactured building products, post frame building solutions, and building materials to professional contractors within the agricultural and residential building markets. The group of companies is committed to supporting their customers’ personal and professional growth, leadership development, and organizational stability.

“Sponsoring the No. 9 Axalta Chevrolet driven by William Byron is an exciting way to celebrate Ambassador Supply’s fifth anniversary,” says Brad Crawford, CEO of Am-

bassador Supply. “We aim to deliver high quality to our customers, so we look forward to partnering with Axalta to further improve our business and the performance of our products.”

“We value each and every op-

Chief Introduces New Universal Uni-Clamp Anchoring System

Chief’s new Universal Uni-Clamp Anchoring System is now standard on all Chief frame racks. The anchor stand features a replaceable crosshatch section that works like 180

William Byron

portunity to highlight the great work companies like Ambassador Supply do in their industry,” says Michael Cash, Senior Vice President and President, Industrial Coatings. “Axalta is a performance driven business, and like Ambassador Supply, we recognize that success is a product of collaboration and partnership. We hope to see Ambassador Supply in the winner’s circle on the No. 9 Axalta Chevrolet.”

For updates on the No. 9 Axalta Chevrolet, follow @AxaltaRacing on Twitter.

Chief Universal Uni-Clamp Anchoring System

teeth on both jaws and the anchoring stand to provide superior gripping power on the high-strength steel pinch welds common on modern vehicles.

The bolt pattern on each jaw has been lowered 25 millimeters so technicians can easily tighten the fastening bolts from the outside, without

removing the lower ground effect trim panels found on many cars.

“We have redesigned the Universal Uni-Clamp Anchoring System to increase anchoring speed and overall shop productivity,” said Richard Perry, OEM and strategic account sales manager for Chief parent company Vehicle Service Group (VSG).

“The system provides better holding power as well as easier, faster attachment to the high-strength steel pinch welds hidden by the OEM appearance trend of lower trim panels.”

The new crosshatch sections of the Chief Universal Uni-Clamp Anchoring System are also economical.

When worn, they can simply be unbolted and replaced with a fresh set, without the need to replace the jaws themselves, or the anchoring stand.

The system is compatible with all Chief specialty anchoring products, and can be retrofitted onto existing Chief Universal anchoring stands.

To learn more about the Chief Universal Uni-Clamp Anchoring System, visit: chiefautomotive.com/Partsand-Accessories/Anchoring-Systems/ , contact your local Chief distributor or call (800) 445-9262.

KEEP KEEP THE THE EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE GENUINE GENUINE BY BY PURCHASING PURCHASING G FROM FRROM RICK RICK HILL HILL AUTO AUTO PARTS PARTS 865 E. Stone Drive / Kingsport, TN 37660

www.rickhillparts.com

Rick Hill Porsche

Original BMW Parts

GENUINE

GENUINE

bmwusa.com

COLLISION

COLLISION

PARTS

PARTS

THE KIND OF PARTS THAT LIVE UP TO THEIR NAME.

Experience working with our Parts Specialists who are extremely knowledgeable of our extensive line of Genuine Porsche Parts and Accessories.

• Extensive line of Original BMW parts • Our team is here to help you find the exact part you need

Rick Hill BMW Phone:

855.325.7923 Parts Hours:

Mon - Fri 7:30am - 6pm

Fax:

423.224.2133

865 E. Stone Dr., Kingsport, TN 37660

Phone: 855.383.3604 Fax: 423.224.2133

Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30-6

Genuine Mercedes-Benz parts allow your clients to define their driving experience with the same quality and standards they’ve come to expect.

Phone:

855.332.9839 Parts Hours:

Mon - Fri 7:30am - 6pm

Fax:

423.224.2133

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 45

National Auto Body Council Opens Nominations for 2018 Board of Directors

The National Auto Body Council (NABC) announced it is now accepting nominations for seven open seats for its Board of Directors.

Deadline for nominations is Friday, Sept. 1.

To qualify, the nominee must be either an individual member of the National Auto Body Council or the designated representative of a company member. Board members are elected for three-year terms.

All nominations must be submitted in writing. The election will take place at NABC’s upcoming Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the SEMA Conference in Las Vegas. Per NABC Bylaws, proxy voting and nominations from the floor are not allowed.

Current NABC Board members whose terms are ending this year may also seek re-election. They include: • Greg Clark, Caliber Collision Centers • Michael Jordan, Manchester Collision Center • Keith Egan, Colours, Inc. • Joe Lacy, formerly of GEICO • Elizabeth Stein, Assured Performance

• Kerry Angers, Enterprise Rent-a-Car • Arlo Johnson, Driven Brands “NABC has already made a tremendous impact to help improve the lives of thousands of individuals through our community service programs. We have the opportunity to change and save even more lives, and welcome nominations for all segments of the collision industry for leaders who are passionate and committed to these same goals,” said Chuck Sulkala, NABC Executive Director.

NABC initiatives include the successful and popular Recycled RidesTM program as well as First Responder Emergency Extrication (FREETM), and the Distracted Driving Initiative.

Nominations for NABC board seats must be submitted in writing: Info@NationalAutoBodyCouncil.org or Executive Director Chuck Sulkala at chucksulkala@msn.com.

Fax NABC administrative office at (414) 768-8001 Mail to: National Auto Body Council, 7044 S. 13th St Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154 For more information, please contact Chuck Sulkala directly.

Long-Running Federal Circuit Results in Victory for Mitchell in IP Dispute with Audatex The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s (PTAB) February 2016 decision invalidating all three patents in Audatex’s patent infringement lawsuit asserted against Mitchell, agreeing that the Audatex patents are abstract and not inventive.

Audatex sued Mitchell in February 2012, alleging that Mitchell’s WorkCenter software infringed three Audatex patents. The Audatex patents detailed a business process for using the internet to process insurance claims, including total loss valuations.

Before the PTAB, Mitchell asserted that the Audatex patents simply use well-known technology to generate valuation reports for damaged cars, and are not intended to improve a computer’s functionality.

In February 2016, the PTAB sided with Mitchell and invalidated all three Audatex patents as abstract under the U.S. Supreme Court’s Alice Corp. decision, in which the high court ruled that abstract ideas implemented using a computer are not patent eligible. The PTAB also decided each of the claims in all three Audatex patents were both anticipated and obvious.

Audatex appealed portions of the PTAB’s decision to the Federal Circuit. After receiving briefing and hearing oral arguments, on July 27 the Federal Circuit affirmed the PTAB’s invalidation of all three Audatex patents.

In its written decision, the Federal Circuit fully backed Mitchell’s arguments and rejected all of the appeal issues raised by Audatex: “The proposed claims recite nothing more than the collection of information to generate a valuation report for a damaged vehicle with the aid of well-known technology,” the opinion reads. “They embody an abstract idea that merely uses a computer and generic components as tools to collect these data and generate reports.”

“To see the Federal Circuit affirm the PTAB’s decisions so quickly after oral argument is welcome news for Mitchell,” said Stephanie Kroon, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary at Mitchell. “We believed from early in the case that Audatex’s claims against Mitchell had no merit and the Federal Circuit has confirmed our position. This decision is a complete victory for Mitchell.”

Kia Selects OEC for Collision Parts Ordering and Fulfillment

OEConnection LLC (OEC), the leading automotive technology provider for original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) distribution

networks, announced that Kia Motors America has added CollisionLink to its collision parts marketing program. The CollisionLink parts ordering and fulfillment solution will allow Kia’s dealer network to access competitive pricing on eligible OE parts and expand its market penetration in the U.S. Kia is the 23rd automotive dealer network in North America to use CollisionLink to facilitate its parts marketing program. With the addition of Kia, virtually 100 percent of all consumer vehicles on the

road in the U.S. are now supported

by CollisionLink.

“We are excited to bring Kia on board and to assist with its collision parts program,” said Bill Lopez, OEC Vice President & General Manager, Collision. “With our CollisionLink solution, Kia dealers can compete more effectively and increase their OE part sales while also improving order processing efficiency and customer satisfaction.”

“Selecting CollisionLink will provide our retailers with competitively priced OE parts,” said Greg Silvestri, Executive Director, Service Operations. “We chose CollisionLink because it has become a standard operating procedure among body shops that prefer to use OE parts at competitive prices. CollisionLink also streamlines the dealers’ workflow when processing orders to better serve its customers.”

By the fourth quarter of 2017, all Kia dealers will have access to their collision parts marketing program via CollisionLink.

www.autobodynews.com

46 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

The Right Parts, Right Now 1.8 Million in Ford, Lincoln, Mercury Inventory ory Next Day Delivery Available Over 150 Years Combined Parts Experience Top 25 Parts Wholesalers in the USA.

800-637-4807 Parts Dept

877-750-0950 Toll Free Fax Line Parts Hours: Mon-Fri 8am - 5:30pm

Proudly Serving: Georgia, Alabama, No. Carolina, S. Carolina, Tennessee & the Florida Panhandle 2089 Riverside Drive // Macon, Georgia 31204

ERRWK

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 47

Techs of Tomorrow: SkillsUSA National Winner Talks Competition, Equipment and Preparation

by Victoria Antonelli

Twenty-year-old Dylan Ahmdt took home gold at the 53rd annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (SkillsUSA) in Louisville, KY, which took place from June 19-23.

Winners of the Automotive Refinishing Technology competition received a snap-on tool box with tools and Carhartt clothing and accessories, as well as multiple training opportunities from different paint companies.

“It was very fun competing in SkillsUSA once I was able to get over the nervousness,” said Ahmdt, a Danvers, MN, native. “It’s an incredible experience, but it’s tough.”

He said the most unique part of the SkillsUSA competitions is the hands-on experience.

“I chose collision repair over a traditional four-year degree because I enjoy working with my hands,” Ahmdt said. “I’ve always loved cars and learning how they work.”

He said that this year, the competitors were able to use new mobile spray technology as part of their test.

Ahmdt and 27 other participants were able to get firsthand experience in the AkzoNobel upgraded mobile spray booth during the six-hour challenge, which exposed them to new and emerging technology.

“It helped our teams color-match paint perfectly in a matter of seconds,” Ahmdt said. “It was really interesting to get inside and work with new technologies emerging for our generation of auto aftermarket painters.”

Ahmdt’s first-place win earned him an all-expenses-paid trip to visit AkzoNobel to extend his education and attend a paint manufacturing training session.

According to a company press release, “AkzoNobel, a global paints and coatings company and the largest sponsor of the SkillsUSA competition, was instrumental in the creation of the 53-foot rig designed by Rick Farnan

water College in Willmar, MN, in explained. spring 2017 and now works full-time The third station focused on color tinting. at Kruse Collision Center in Marshall, MN, as a combination techni“We were given one spray out that cian. was marked as the car, and then one “I reached out to my instructors other spray out. We had to compare it from Ridgewater, Jim Wal- to the car and determine what toner we lace and Joe Wambeke, to would add to make it a match. Then we help me prepare as well,” he actually had to go in the booth and tint said. a color, and do a spray out,” Ahmdt exAhmdt placed in the Min- plained. nesota state SkillsUSA comThe last station tested their knowlpetition before moving on to edge of spot repair. nationals.

“They had a panel that they had “During the national comsealed a corner of, and we had to prep petition, we had to write an the panel for paint and clear,” Ahmdt estimate one day, and then the said. “Then we had to go and spray the Dylan Ahmdt (center), winner of the SkillsUSA competition next day there were multiple color and blend it out, and then clear in June, with his instructors Joe Wambeke (l) and Jim stations. We had 45 minutes at the entire panel.”

Wallace (r) each one,” he explained. “The Now that the national competito advance the training offered at this first station I went to required fixing a tion is behind him, Ahmdt said he is year’s event. This is the second installscratch on a bumper that I had to trying to figure out if he qualifies for ment of the spray technology, which feather out, prime and then block back the 2019 WorldSkills in Russia. was first created in 2012 by AkzoNobel out.”

“If I’m eligible, I’d like to comengineers.”

At the second station, Ahmdt pete,” he said.

When asked what the competi- completed color ID and masking.

To learn more about Ridgewater tions consisted of, Ahmdt said it was a “At that one, we took a test on College, visit: www.ridgewater.edu/ series of high-pressure situations in where the paint codes would be found, Pages/default.aspx. which the participants had to think on and then we had to mask up the side To learn more about AkzoNobel, their feet. of a car as if it were being painted,” he visit: www.akzonobel.com.

“If we had let getting nervous affect us, we wouldn’t have been able to perform,” he explained. “The best thing I did was doing what I had been taught, at school and through my men Experienced & Professional Team of Nissan Wholesale tors, and not following what anyone Parts Advisors else was doing during each test.”  Save Time, Improve Profits and Keep Your Customers Loyal In order to prepare for the com Free Daily Deliveries; Very Competitive Discounts petitions, Ahmdt said he took the time to study different P-Pages, or estimating guides, so that he would know about the products he’d be spraying.

“I also wanted to refresh my memory on what I had learned in school,” he said.

Ahmdt graduated from Ridge-

NISSAN OF RICHMOND

How to Add Three Stage Mitchell Paint Calculations

SCRS has issued a tip for three stage paint calculations in the Mitchell system. For the system to recognize and calculate three stage paint finish labor, user must write the estimate as normal with refinish/ blend operations labor added. Enter quick code 933014 in the upper right corner, and the system will add “Three Stage”. Once you calculate the estimate, a line will appear for Three Stage Instead of the clear coat line.

First major panel or soft bumper /fascia cover: Add .7 per refinish

hour (70%), after time has been added for jamb, jamb and interior, edge panel, and/or underside (when necessary).

Additional panel(s) and/or other refinish area(s): Deduct overlap (if applicable); add .4 per refinish hour (40%), after time has been added for jamb, jamb and interior, edge panel, and/or underside (when necessary).

Blend adjacent panel(s): Allow .7 per refinish hour (70%) for each panel(s)/refinish area(s) blended.

48 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

HOURS: Mon-Fri: 7:30am - 7pm Sat: 8am - 6pm 11401 West Broad Street Richmond, VA 23233 parts@nissanofrichmond.com

804-346-4200 804-346 fax (804) 346-8069 www.nissanrva.com

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 49

Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry.

She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications, and is co-author of “The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops.”

She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.

Tips for Busy Body Shops with Stacey Phillips

Effective Estimating Can Help with Scheduling, Reduce Supplements, and Improve Bottom Line Estimating is often said to be one of the most important components of running a successful body shop. According to John Shoemaker, business development manager for BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings, effective estimating can help with scheduling vehicles, reducing supplements and improving a business’s overall bottom line.

“I teach shops the importance of documenting the repair process so everyone understands it,” said Shoemaker, who regularly meets with shops to help them grow and maximize their opportunities. “It’s a communications device. You’re communicating not only to the customer but to the insurance company, parts suppliers, technicians and various other people throughout the repair process.”

Shoemaker said that proper documentation ensures all parties are on the same page and allows employees to perform at an optimal level. “The goal is to capture as much up front as possible before the repair process begins,” said Shoemaker. “By being thorough, it will help prevent complications later on.”

It all starts with a proper vehicle inspection with the customer. Shoemaker advises shops to develop a mutual understanding of the vehicle condition, the areas being repaired and the pre-existing damage. “You want to make sure that you’re writing an estimate based on what the customer’s perception is because that’s going to follow through when you return that vehicle after the repair,” he said.

“Overall, be thorough, itemize all repairs, be descriptive, make line notes, take photos and label them.”

Shoemaker’s tips on how to be effective during the estimating process: Visual Assessment: Check for panel misalignment or deformity; loose joint and seam sealers; and chipped paint.

■ Verify the Vehicle Information: This includes the make, model, trim level decoding, mileage, production date, exterior color, interior trim color and other options.

■ Take Preliminary Photos: In addition to the four corners and the license

plate, Shoemaker said to photograph the instrument cluster, VIN plate and production date. The Collision Industry Conference Insurer-Insurance Relations Committee offers a set of best practice guidelines for digital imaging at ciclink.com.

■ Review the Repair Process: When becoming familiar with the damaged areas, be sure to check the P-pages, the HNotes and review the Society of Collision Repair Experts (SCRS) Guide to Complete Repair Planning listed on the SCRS homepage.

menting the additional labor to access damage can be added as a line item on the estimate. Shoemaker said to show the labor within an area being repaired and create a line note explaining the addition.

■ Inspect Lighting and Wiring: After inspecting all light bulbs and harnesses, document the wiring repair including the number of wires broken.

John Shoemaker, business development manager for BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings

■ Pre-Scan Diagnostics: A pre-scan of the vehicle is required by most vehicle manufacturers and allows the technician to find fault codes and verify the need for system recalibration.

■ Initial Damage Verification: While reviewing the damage on the vehicle, Shoemaker recommended starting at the end where there is the most damage and then work panel by panel to the opposite end of the vehicle.

■ Initial Structure Measurement: You must document the need for torque box and select point measurements. This will communicate the need for additional alignments based on damage and severity.

■ Identify Mechanical Repairs: Identifying mechanical components separately is important in defining the repairs required.

■ Interior Repairs: Shoemaker said to document damage from secondary impact and those related to restraint system activation.

■ Identify Paint Type and Refinish

■ Document Access Labor: Docu-

50 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

■ Identify and Document R&I Process: Determine R&Is for repair access such as headlamps, mounting brackets and windows as well as R&Is for paint access, including door handles, weather strips and fender liners. Then itemize the R&Is and use line notes for details.

■ Identify Stripe Requirements: Shoemaker said to first find out if the stripe is OEM or aftermarket, then document it on the estimate to ensure proper billing.

■ Fluid and Tire Requirements: Any fluids removed from the vehicle should be measured for proper billing and reusable fluids can be stored in a sealed See Effective Estimating, Page 40

• Exceptional Customer Service • Prompt & Dependable Delivery • Dedicated Wholesale Staff

■ Evaluate Structural Damage: Shoemaker said to pay particular attention to crush zones when visually inspecting the vehicle. When reviewing the structure composition, he recommended checking OE, AllData and I-CAR to determine the steel type and reparability.

Then, shops should itemize and document the repair by using line notes to describe individual structure repairs.

■ Identify Associated Damage: Determine the damage to the adjacent panels, which can include damage to flanges and inner panels. This damage is often repaired without compensation because of the lack of documentation.

Processes: After locating the body plate, Shoemaker said to determine the color formulation using a website like Paintscratch.com. This helps shops verify and document the refinish process.

Largest Inventory in Central Florida

Saturday 8 - 1

Parts Phone:

800-741-4444 44444

Fax:

386-236-4754 386 2

container. Note the tire manufacturer, size and tread depth in the line note.

■ Take Final Photos: The estimate can be used as a checklist, use photos to clarify repairs and Shoemaker recommended taking the photos in the order of the estimate and then labeling them for clarification.

■ Validate Estimate: Make sure to validate all “Incl” labor. When in doubt, Shoemaker said to consult DEG. Then add miscellaneous charges such as a car cover and hazardous waste.

“Determining the vehicle value is the last step in estimating and is important to prevent starting repairs on a vehicle that might be close to being non-economical to repair,” said Shoemaker. He recommended researching the NADA website and indicate the exact make, model and trim of the car as well as the current mileage.

After determining the value, shops can then decide on the reparability of the vehicle. Shoemaker said that estimating systems often don’t accurately calculate the value of the vehicle. In many states, the total loss threshold is between 70-75 percent of the value on

newer cars and he has found that estimates can be eight to 10 percent off.

He recommended that shops manually calculate the value before beginning the repair to help determine if the vehicle is a total loss. He used the example of a vehicle that was calculated using an estimating system and the threshold showed 50 percent. “We used NADA figures and came up with 58 percent,” said Shoemaker. “If this vehicle was in a state where the total loss threshold was 70 percent, you’re a lot closer than you should be if you’ve already started the repairs.”

On average, Shoemaker said a writer will write eight to 10 estimates per day. He said that by adding just one tenth increase in body labor per estimate, a shop can increase its sales by $3,660.80 per year based on writing eight estimates a day. A one-tenth increase in paint labor with an average of eight estimates per day will increase sales $6,156.80 per year.

“We have to keep in mind that we are not finding “new” labor,” explained Shoemaker. “In most cases, technicians are already performing these tasks but since the tasks are not identified, neither the technician nor the shop is being paid.”

Shoemaker said that nothing happens without an estimate. “By being thorough and effective at the beginning allows you to be proactive throughout the repair process,” he said. “Identifying as much as possible up front helps you schedule properly, reduce secondary parts orders and properly determine the repair completion date.”

He said shops struggle with all of these things daily. “Improve your estimate process and you will improve the quality of life in your facility,” said Shoemaker. “Test yourself. Pick a vehicle that is running late in your shop today. Then ask, ‘Why is it running late?’ to find the root cause.”

In most cases, he said you’ll find the part or repair process you are waiting for approval on could have been identified during the estimating process.

This article was based on a presentation by John Shoemaker, business development manager for BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings. For more information, email john.a.shoemaker@ basf.com.

www.autobodynews.com

Continued from Page 16

First Impressions

credits much of her success to the look and feel of her shop.

“We wanted to create a comforting atmosphere for our customers, because when they come here, they have a lot of things on their minds,” Tanzillo said. “They are stressed out, so we want to alleviate that as quickly as we can. That’s why we created a waiting room with an espresso and tea bar, classical music piped in and artwork all over the walls. Our customers hang out here and we don’t mind it, because we know that it’s all about the attitude we want here at Uptown Body & Fender.”

So, if you’re thinking about sprucing up your shop, especially in those areas that are called “customer facing”—a business service feature experienced or seen by a customer— go for it. It will be money well-spent, because you can be one of the best shops in your area, but if it your facility looks like something out of “The Walking Dead” or “Sanford & Son,” you’ll never get the love and respect you deserve.

The right part makes the difference.

URCE O S S T R A PA YOUR KI

Southside KIA • Genuine Kia OEM Parts • Same Day Delivery • Efficient Service on All Orders • Fully Stocked Inventory

Call Us First For All Your Parts Needs

904.400.6634 Fax: 904.400.6654

www.southsidekiajax.com jneeley@southsidekia.net Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm; Sat 8am-4pm 9401 Atlantic Blvd • Jacksonville, FL 32225 www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 51

Industry Insight with John Yoswick

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

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

Insurers Discuss Scanning, OEM Position Statements, Automaker Influence of Shop Choice Representatives from four major instatements and repair procedures in customers know “where their car can mediate notification that a vehicle has surance companies weighed in on general? be fixed [correctly].” been damaged” in order to quickly scanning, automakers’ influence on “We don’t consider them Andreoli, like all the in- start helping the driver. Without that consumers’ choice of shops, and refergospel,” Hoffbauer said. “A surers on the panel, noted currently, he said, there are delays in ring drivers to OEM-certified shops at lot of them are pretty vague.” that customer shop choice is loss reporting, and vehicles may get the sixth annual MSO Symposium.

He said there are some a key philosophy at his com- towed multiple times prior to repairs.

The half-day symposium was held position statements “we basipany. He said one “If we could collaborate in July during NACE Automechanika cally disagree with” and “have of the “cycle time” with stakeholders to help that in Chicago. The event was open not our own philosophy on,” such measurements his process happen seamlessly only to multi-shop operators (MSOs), as OEM prohibitions on use company tracks is for the customer, [and] make Progressive’s but also to larger single-location shops of non-OEM parts or the re- Chris Andreoli said the length of time that notice immediately so (those with annual sales in excess of $3 pair of wheels. between the acciwe can be there to help them vehicle telematics could be used to million).

“We try to study things. dent and getting the as quickly as possible, that more quickly get Panel moderator Marcie Tieger We try to talk to the OEMs vehicle to the shop, [would be] a real win for all USAA’s Kyle of Symphony Advisors asked the in- [to get more information or vehicles into shops so if vehicle telemthe stakeholders,” Lindorfer Thompson said after accidents surers if they anticipate issuing a forspecificity],” Hoffbauer said. atics helps “com- DRP shops should agreed. direct cars they mal position on vehicle scanning. “We have these ongoing conversapress that timeframe,” that is Tieger asked the panelists are not equipped Sandee Lindorfer, auto line tions.” a good thing. if a direct repair shop turns to repair to other management director for All“We’re aligned with Russ: Kyle Thompson, assisaway an assignment, saying shops state, said her company is It’s not gospel for us, too,” tant vice president of claims it is not equipped or trained working on such a statement, Lindorfer said. “I agree [that] for USAA, agreed that his company to fix that particular vehicle, whether though she did not provide a sometimes they just don’t wants to work with automakers to it would be viewed by the insurer “as timeline for it. make sense. So we try to “align our direct repair networks with not up to date” and thus jeopardize its “We evaluate each claim work with the OEMs when the offerings that they would [provide] status in the program. on a case-by-case basis. That we come across those to see at the time of loss,” and get that “imSee Insurers Discuss, Page 56 Allstate’s Sandee has always been how we’ve Lindorfer said her if we could do something to approached claims settlehelp communicate with them company reviews vehicle scanning ments,” Lindorfer said. “We and elevate that particular sitcontinue to look at pre-and charges on a “case- uation that may just not seem by-case basis.” post-scanning and continue to to make sense to us, or even learn. We leverage all our partners here, to repairers. Some statements make a as well as Tech-Cor, to give us feedlot of sense, and others we question back. And we engage with OEMs to and try to collaborate with the OEMs.” better understand their position stateAs the automakers move toward ments.” using vehicle telematics to automatiLindorfer said Allstate would like cally be notified of collisions, are the Your Source for Hyundai Parts! shops that conduct scans on insurers concerned about the Dedicated Delivery vehicles that are part of Allpotential influence automakLarge Stock of OEM Parts state claims to include that ers may have on getting drivscan information with the ers to OEM-certified shops Parts Dept. claim file. rather than an insurers’ direct Russ Hoffbauer, proprepair shop? erty and casualty claims di“First, I don’t think it’s rector for State Farm, also mutually exclusive because a Hours: Russ Hoffbauer of Local 804.755.6167 said scanning continues to be State Farm said his lot of shops that are on our Mon-Fri 7:30am - 6pm; Sat 8am - 3pm “a learning process,” and that Select Service program are company doesn’t 804.755.1888 Fax 8903 West Broad Street // Henrico, VA 23294 the company makes its deci- view OEM position certified,” Hoffbauer pointed statements “as sions on payment for scanning out. “I do think the OEMs gospel.” on a “case-by-case” basis relhave the technology advanative to the “nature of the damage and tage right now, having the technology what technology the vehicle has.” in their automobiles. So we’re defi“From our perspective, we’re nitely working with them, talking to kind of in the same place, just gatherthem, and trying to determine how this ing more information,” said Chris is going to work in the future and the Andreoli, corporate physical damage steps that we all should take.” process director for Progressive’s netHe said it basically should come work repairs. down to everyone involved—automakHow do they view OEM position ers, insurers and even shops— letting

• • •

800.229.1001

52 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 53

National News

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.

ALLDATA and Google Partner for Free Marketing Webinar with Chasidy Rae Sisk

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On Thursday, July 27, ALLDATA partnered with Google’s Automotive Marketing team to provide a free one-hour webinar on “Best Online Marketing Practices” for automotive shops, presented by Google Product Specialist Matt Krystofik. The material, relevant for both collision and mechanical shops, was very informative, and the interactive webinar attracted more than 200 automotive industry professionals.

“Best Online Marketing Practices” discussed changing consumer and technology trends that shops need to know about, three ways to grow a business with Google tools, and resources to help shops keep up with changing digital behavior. Krystofik began by sharing his intent to help shops make their advertising “accountable, actionable and impactful using myriad tools.”

After explaining Google’s goal of connecting users with information they care about, Krystofik indicated that consumer behavior is changing constantly with technological advances.

With smartphones readily providing the ability to research and consider their options, customers’ expectations are steadily increasing. Consumers have limited time, expect transparency that builds trust, and are guided by technology’s ability to easily connect them with a business.

Krystofik stressed, “Customers value interactions with little friction and where they can easily access the information they’re seeking at the moment they want it. Customers have more choices than ever, and if you don’t commit to speed, you’re losing customers.”

It is imperative for businesses to be present whenever, however and wherever the customer chooses to shop.

Google projects that 80 percent of the $49 billion automotive parts sales industry in 2017 will be digitally influenced, compared to 78 percent in 2016.

Krystofik asked, “What are you doing today to future-proof your business? There’s never been a more important time to ensure you have a great digital storefront.”

Over the past five years, there has been a 57 percent decline in visits to

brick and mortar stores, but each visit yields higher value because customers do their homework online and enter with a strong intent to make a purchase.

“Google My Business lets you take charge of what people see when they do a local search for your shop, plus it allows you to update your listing and engage with customers from a phone, tablet or desktop,” Krystofik stated.

“Just as important, it’s free to use.”

Shop owners can update their Google My Business listing to adjust holiday hours, add a phone number or upload photos. These updates are made in real time, and the listing increases reach when customers search for that shop.

Krystofik advised, “Ask happy customers to post a review on your listing, because 70 percent of people trust online reviews from other customers.”

Google My Business also contains an Insights dashboard that reveals how customers interact with the shop’s listing, allowing the business to better target customers and attract new ones. Offering deals and providing updates on a listing is another key means of generating more sales and repeat customers.

Because everyone constantly uses their smartphones to research information, it’s important for businesses to build a great mobile experience. Shops can also generate and personalize a website from the listing.

According to Krystofik, “There are many powerful features available to drive business. Promote potential customers with a call to action, or employ the option for people to submit their contact information so you can call them at your convenience. Booking appointments online is not currently available, but will be coming soon.”

Krystofik then emphasized the importance of ensuring company websites load at an appropriate rate of speed.

Krystofik shared, “Fifty percent of people will leave a website if it takes more than three seconds to load, but on Insights, you can test your speed, see the number of customers being lost due to the slow load, and compare your site to industry competitors.

“Google’s free tools help you un-

54 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

derstand what’s on your customers’ minds – think of Google as a data source for intent. Google Trends shows what people research, allowing you to see shifts in customer behavior and determine how to best meet their needs or desires. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in ‘near me’ searches.”

Discussing how to recognize customers with a high intent to purchase, Krystofik recommended using Google Adwords, which includes a keyword planner to expand a shop’s reach, explore how keywords will perform, or help users choose optimal words for their Google advertising campaigns.

Additionally, businesses only pay for the service when it results in people reaching out to them. The conversion tracking tool offers additional benefits by providing data based on ad clicks.

Krystofik stated, “Google offers great free resources to make the digital ecosystem much less daunting,” and encouraged his audience to register

their Google My Business listing, compare their site to others, and utilize Google’s free data trend tools.

“Don’t lose potential customers before they walk in your door!” he said.

After the presentation, Krystofik held a Q&A session, providing hints for taking ownership of listings, submitting feedback for updated photos and maps, and using Google’s customer support numbers for problems with various features. He also reemphasized the importance of reviews, the significance of making websites mobile, and discussed the value of a YouTube channel with good content as a marketing tool.

Krystofik concluded with “one helpful hint – claim your Google My Business listing!”

Presented by ALLDATA, the 35minute Google webinar, Best Practices for Marketing Your Shop Online, is currently available for on-demand viewing.

Finish it like a Masterpiece THE DEALERS BELOW ARE MERCEDES-BENZ GENUINE PARTS SPECIALISTS.

è USE GENUINE MERCEDES-BENZ PARTS.

FLORIDA

NO. CAROLINA

Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay

Mercedes-Benz of Winston-Salem

305-567-3434 Fax M-F 7am - 7pm; Sat 8am - 4pm

336-659-6004 Fax M-F 7:30am - 5:30pm

Cutler Bay

305-567-3445

alex.christie@mbcutlerbay.com www.mbcutlerbay.com

Winston-Salem

800-489-6537

www.mbwinstonsalem.com

So. Virginia, Central & Western North Carolina OE PARTS LEADERS

DELIVERING • All brands delivered in one convenient daily delivery • Fast and Free delivery Monday thru Friday COMPETITIVE PRICINNG • Same Day delivery of in-stock parts ordered by 9am • Hot Shot deliveries • Collision Link ANND EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE! Flow Lexus

of Greensboro

Ph: 888-Flow-Lex Direct: 336.217.5402 Fax: 336.232.0810

Green Ford

Ph: 800.334.8405 Direct: 336.294.4133 Fax: 336.294.5774

Flow General Motors

Ph: 800-GM-Built Direct: 336.760.7038 Fax: 336.245.1423

Flow Lotus

Direct: 336.760.7038 Ph: 800-GM-Built Fax: 336.245 .1423

Flow SAAB

Direct: 336.760.7038 Ph: 800-GM-Built Fax: 336.245.1423

Keffer Kia

271 W. Plaza Dr., Mooresville, NC 28117 Ph: 888.411.5599 Direct: 704.360.1560 Fax: 704.658.9382 kiaparts@kefferauto.com

Kernersville Chrsyler Dodge Jeep Ram

Ph: 888.314.7278 Direct: 336.564.0259 Fax: 336.996.0742 www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 55

National Organization Promotes Independent Jobbers

“It might not sound like a lot, but collectively our members represent Discounted purchasing power, indusmore than half a billion dollars in total try networking, business training, marsales across the markets,” said Robert keting support and an exclusive brand McKenzie, executive director of RDA. of collision repair products.

“Our members have over 250 locations combined in 26 states.”

RDA staff, which includes McKenzie, Marketing Director Melissa Jolls and Project Manager Georgia Thorson, receives direction from a board of directors consisting of RDA members. Additional members are involved in various committees and forums that provide insight and exRDA Member Gregg Schneider of Hi-Line Distributors pertise to the organization.

Hawaii at 2017 Austin roundtable discussion “Our goal is to connect marThese are just some of the beneket leaders so they can pool resources, fits offered to members of the Refinish Distributors Alliance (RDA), a national membership organization of independent PBE (paint, body and equipment) distributors.

RDA was founded in 2008 by seven members, and currently consists of 17 member distributors who represent a cross section of major refinish brands across the country.

2016 New Orleans RDA IPC product demo

by Autobody News staff

Continued from Page 52

Insurers Discuss

“It’s actually quite the opposite.

You shouldn’t look down on that. It points to strength in the relationship,” Andreoli said.

He said if it was happening frequently, his company might talk to that shop about getting OEM-certified to fix those vehicles, but he said he recognizes that that can be “an expensive proposition.”

Thompson agreed. “[If] someone is [saying the vehicle] really needs to go somewhere else, I’d be extremely disappointed if somebody in our organization looked down on that shop,” he said.

“I think with tooling and training and everything else, the days when everybody can repair everything are getting further and further from the truth.”

So are the insurers set up to identify OEM-certified shops on their networks? Hoffbauer said that’s not happening currently, but is something State Farm is studying.

“We do have conversations with

the insured, and if they ask, we can recommend or try to provide advice, but we believe in customer choice, and they can go wherever they’d like to,” he said. “But we would prefer they make an informed decision based on facts.”

Similarly, Thompson said “capabilities-based assignments” are in the works at USAA. “It does me no good at all to send a vehicle to a shop that isn’t properly equipped to handle the repair,” he said.

“It just creates delays in the overall process, which isn’t good for the member.”

Lindorfer said Allstate has information available if a direct repair shop works on a particular type of vehicle, such as the aluminum Ford F-150, but the company’s systems will need to evolve before they can match that up with the customer’s vehicle at the first notice of loss.

“But our adjusters do try to tell them when they are writing the estimate that if they have a vehicle that needs a special type of repair, they need to inquire with their shop to ensure that they are able to repair that type of vehicle,” she said.

56 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

learn from one another and focus on “Our products are noted for their products and industry topics relevant to quality and consistency, and are field distributors,” said Jolls. tested by our group to ensure they perThorson said RDA is committed to form at a level exceeding customer exthe collision repair industry and strongly pectations,” said Jolls. shows its support through membership as well as participation with industry organizations and functions such as the AutoCare Association, CIC, CREF, I-CAR, NABC, SCRS, and SKillsUSA. “RDA realizes the importance of staying abreast of the latest information and trends, and supports organizations that Jay Devereux (center)of AccuTec presenting to RDA members during 2017 Austin IPC rodeo promote knowledge for industry professionals and safety for conIn addition, RDA’s IMPACT Elite sumers,” she said.

Program provides business and marketRDA provides products, services, ing services that enable members to networking, and industry resources to offer competitive pricing on office tools members. It also works with major in- that body shops may use on a daily dustry manufacturers that sponsor the basis to better compete with national organization and supply leveraged chains. buying incentives to benefit members.

“RDA programs help improve In addition, Jolls said RDA’s exclusive profitability, increase customer retenbrand, IMPACT Performance Prodtion, and attract new customers,” said ucts, provides a distinctive line of Jolls. quality products for members to offer Thorson said that one of the major shops. challenges facing the collision refinish

The RIGHT

COLLISION PARTS

For Your Collision Job. Visit these Genuine Hyundai Parts Dealers:

N. Carolina

Tennessee

LEE HYUNDAI OF GOLDSBORO

DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE HYUNDAI

919-587-0128

888-707-0658

M-F 7:30am - 6pm, Sat 8am - 2pm hutchparts919@gmail.com www.leehyundaiofgoldsboro.com

M-F 7:30am - 5:30pm partsmanager@downtownnashvillemotors.com www.downtownhyundainashville.com

Goldsboro 304 N. Oak Forest Rd.

(919) 778-7797 FAX

Nashville 1512 Broadway

(615) 341-3176 FAX

industry is consolidation, which is reshaping distribution in many ways.

“The PBE aftermarket is affected by major players acquiring and taking body shop clients elsewhere for jobber services,” she said. “We even see consolidation within distribution, so RDA has become a place of refuge and resource for independent distributors to compete and succeed within their markets in a difficult and competitive environment.”

“Why go through this alone when there is an opportunity to be part of an organization that supports the growth and success of independent distributors?” added McKenzie.

IMPACT display at RDA Member Sturdevant’s Refinish Supply Center in SD

RDA member Josh Byers, President of Automotive Color and Supply Corporation in Fort Wayne, IN, said RDA enables other like-minded dis-

tributors in the same circumstance to come together and create strategies and platforms that will position each individual distributor within the group at the top of their respective markets.

Team RDA (l to r) Melissa Jolls, Robert McKenzie and Georgia Thorson

“I enjoy the collaboration with my peers to solve problems, the costsavings to my business and to my customers, as well as the ability to offer national programs that would otherwise be unattainable to me as an individual business,” Byers said.

RDA conducts sessions and events throughout the year that provide networking and various other opportunities for members and the shops they assist.

“Training is the biggest and most important component we offer the shops,” said Jolls. “Over 1,000 companies have attended our live webinars

covering various business, regulatory and technical topics.”

Thorson added that their 6H program for EPA & OSHA Painter Certification has trained, tested and certified hundreds of shops through the RDA platform.

IMPACT Performance Conferences (IPC) are held twice a year by RDA and are well-attended by members, manufacturers and other guests.

“We always incorporate training, pertinent industry information, and networking along with elements of team building, motivation and leadership,” said Thorson. “Attendance has doubled over the last three years due to the uniqueness and enhanced content of the events. We always try to make each meeting distinctive, and at least as good as the previous one.”

Jolls said the meetings give members the opportunity to learn and meet high-profile industry speakers, and that

www.autobodynews.com Don’t Miss the Weekly Industry NEWS Your Shop Needs.

Sign Up Today!

they focus on topics relevant to distributors that help them become better at what they do.

Thorson added, “McKenzie does a great job connecting all the elements of the meeting, and is a polished master of ceremonies.”

Looking ahead, RDA’s major goal is to expand the organization.

“RDA is always seeking new members, especially those who share commonalities with the group,” said McKenzie. “Our members find that independent distributors are stronger together and can influence the industry in ways that benefit individual members.”

Visit the Refinish Distributors Alliance website http://rda-impact.com/.

For more information about RDA membership and the organization’s upcoming IMPACT Performance Conference in Cleveland, OH, Oct. 16-18, contact Robert McKenzie at: robert emckenzie@me.com or 731-217-9081.

www.autobodynews.com Original BMW Parts

bmwusa.com

ORIGINAL BMW PARTS AND ACCESSORIES • OE Parts Express • Collision Link

• OPSTRAX • Parts Trader

Hendrick MINI 7036 E. Independence Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28227

Mon-Fri: 7:30am-6:00pm; Sat: 9:00am-5:00pm 877.317.9568 ©2016 MINI, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

Hendrick BMW Northlake 10720 Northlake Auto Plaza Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28269 Mon-Fri: 7:30am-6:00pm Sat: 9:00am-5:00pm

844.612.7574 • Collision Link • OPSTRAX • Parts Trader

Hendrick BMW

6950 E. Independence Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28227 Mon-Fri: 7:30am-6:00pm Sat: 9:00am-5:00pm

888.845.4263 • OE Parts Express • Collision Link

• OPSTRAX • Parts Trader

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 57

Mitchell Launches Mitchell Diagnostics™ System and Mitchell Estimating Cloud

by Stacey Phillips

This summer, Mitchell International announced two new developments to assist collision repairers run a more streamlined business. The Mitchell Diagnostics system was designed to enable shops to more effectively assess and repair vehicle electronic systems, and Mitchell Estimating Cloud focuses on enhancing the estimating process.

Mitchell, in collaboration with Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, introduced the Mitchell Diagnostics system for the collision repair and automotive claims markets. The company said the collision diagnostics system combines a best-in-class aftermarket scan tool with workflow applications in order to document pre- and post-repair scans and perform diagnostic repairs.

“In today’s rapidly changing automotive industry, collision repairers must quickly and accurately assess vehicle damage, while providing accurate estimates and decreasing repair cycle time,” said Jack Rozint, vice president of sales and service at Mitchell International, a provider of technology, connectivity and information solutions to the property and casualty claims and collision repair industries. “Mitchell Diagnostics will provide an end-to-end diagnostic system that combines appraisal and repair workflow applications with Bosch’s most advanced aftermarket tools.”

He said this will help shops increase productivity, experience a smoother repair process and provide an enhanced level of customer service.

After researching a wide variety of scan tools on the market, Rozint said Mitchell chose Bosch because of its coverage and modern technology,

as well as the excellent support provided. Some of the features of the Mitchell solution include customized scan reports with automated document routing, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) reprogramming, with options that include target system for recali-

Jack Rozint, vice president of sales and service at Mitchell International, demonstrates the Mitchell Diagnostics system during NACE Automechanika 2017 in Chicago, IL.

brating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) kit.

“Working with Mitchell will integrate our scan tool directly into the workflow applications used by collision repairers and insurance carriers, which will assist in the diagnostic portion of collision repairs,” said Stefan Schmitt, vice president of engineering and product area diagnostics at Bosch Automotive Service Solutions.

The system confirms that the VIN on the scan report matches the VIN on the vehicle. Rozint said the report can then be used to support repair billing and offers carriers and repairers a record showing the vehicle had a clean scan after the repair process.

Bill Lawrence of 1st Certified Collision Group in Southern California said one of the challenges the multi-site collision repair operation has is documenting, confirming and getting compensated for the scanning done in-house.

“With the Mitchell Diagnostics system, we’ll be able to demonstrate via validation documentation that the work was performed on the vehicle with the VIN matching the insurers’ claim, and we can easily attach that to our repair order and the carrier’s claim file,” Lawrence said.

Mitchell’s system has the capability of adding scan reports to the major estimating, repair management and claims process systems and integrates with Mitchell Estimating and RepairCenter. The patent-pending system is currently available to repairers, insurers and independent appraisers throughout North America.

Mitchell Estimating Cloud is a cloud-based system, which was designed to simplify the estimating process.

“We are the only full-featured collision estimating application in the United States today that is fully cloudbased,” said Rozint.

Debbie Day, executive vice president and general manager for Mitchell Auto Physical Damage Solutions, said estimators and appraisers are no longer tied to their desks and can work anywhere on any modern browser and device, at any time.

The system, completely integrated with Mitchell Diagnostics, is capable of running on Microsoft Windows, Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android. Shops can use the browser of their choice: Google’s Chrome,

NY Body Shop Owner Indicted on Charges He Stole Porsche

by Heather Yakin, Times Herald-Record

A grand jury has indicted a New Windsor, NY, auto body shop owner on charges he stole a 1978 Porsche 911 and falsified paperwork to cover the crime and claim the car for his own.

Patrick Torpey, 53, was indicted Tuesday on a dozen felony counts: third-degree grand larceny, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, second-degree perjury, five counts of first-degree falsifying business records and four counts of

first-degree offering a false instrument for filing.

Torpey owns 20th Century Towing and 21st Century Auto Body in New Windsor, NY. When Torpey was arrested in March, New Windsor police said the car owner had taken the Porsche to Torpey’s business for repairs in 2012, and died while the car was in the shop.

Officials say Torpey hid the car from the owner’s wife, who was administrator of the estate.

The car was found in the summer of 2016. Police said the Porsche

58 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

was seized from a garage at Torpey’s home.

According to the indictment: On June 5, 2012, Torpey made a false entry in the records of JIJ Auctions with intent to defraud or to conceal a crime. Between July 13–Sept. 5, 2012, Torpey created a fraudulent towing bill, made a false notice of lien or sale in Department of Motor Vehicle records, falsified a garageman’s affirmation of bill of sale and a fraudulent statement of acquisition.

He filed the towing bill, notice of lien or sale, garageman’s affirmation and

Apple’s Safari and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer. Repairers may utilize either EMS or BMS standards for data sharing with trading partners.

“It’s an extremely intuitive system,” said Rozint. “Anybody who has used any estimating system before can sit down, watch a four-minute video and then log in and start writing estimates.”

Rozint said another advantage is that shops can write estimates more quickly and have the ability to work on multiple estimates at one time.

Some of the key features include the ability to capture vehicle information prior to writing the estimate, photo integration, the availability of OEM repair procedures while the estimate is being written and guided estimating with pre-configured estimate templates available to assist the estimator with decision-making.

“Using the new Mitchell Estimating Cloud is changing the way we write estimates,” said Andres Sanchez, claims adjuster for Superior Auto Body. “I feel it’s going to shorten the time we have the vehicle in the shop, to write the estimate and get it approved. I like the fact that it’s web-based and that I can use the platform on a tablet or a laptop— even my mobile phone.”

Mitchell Estimating Cloud, completely integrated with Mitchell Diagnostics, is currently in limited release and being used by 80 facilities. It is planned to be fully released in the fourth quarter of 2017.

For more information about Mitchell Diagnostics and Mitchell Estimating Cloud, call (800) 238-9111 or visit www.mitchell.com/contact/autophysical-damage/apd-repair.

statement of acquisition with a public agency. One of the documents required a sworn statement.

Torpey remains free on $2,500 bail, and will be arraigned in Orange County Court.

We thank Times Herald-Record for reprint permission.

FREE

4x Monthly E-Newsletter.

www.autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 59

Updated OEM Scan Chart Now Includes SUBARU

by Gene Bilobram

Subaru recently released its position statement on pre- and post-repair scanning for 2004-model-year-and-newer vehicles involved in a collision. The “OEM Diagnostic Scanning Positions Quick Reference Chart,” first introduced to the collision repair industry

by Autobody News in March 2017, has been updated to include Subaru.

Subaru’s position statement explains the reasoning behind and benefits of pre- and post-repair scanning, much in line with what we have heard from other automakers and industry pundits before. From the July 2017 release: “In the event of a collision, these components could incur damage, which may trigger diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), but may not be evident via a warning light on the instrument cluster. It is imperative that these components be evaluated after a collision to ensure the vehicle is completely repaired. If these components are not evaluated, it could have a direct effect on vehicle operation and safety.

For Subaru vehicles from model year 2004 and forward involved in a collision, Subaru collision repair procedure recommends that pre-repair scanning be performed. Pre-scanning will reveal DTCs for items that are not functioning properly in the vehicle. It allows a shop to identify any issues early in the estimate process, allowing a more complete estimate and encompassing repair process.

Additionally, Subaru collision repair procedure also recommends that post-repair scanning be performed on these vehicles. Post scanning is critical in ensuring the malfunctioning items have been repaired and there are no remaining DTCs. It may also assist in assuring the appropriate calibrations and reinitializations have been performed.”

Visit www.oempositions.com for the full Subaru July 2017 release and updated OEM scan chart.

In both cases of pre- and post-repair scanning, Subaru has chosen the seemingly softer language of “recommends” in the statement. This is sure to create some controversy between repairers and insurers. Some insurers are presently honoring the position statements with the stronger language of “required” or “necessary” while shrugging off procedures that are “recom-

mended,” especially with the pre-repair scan.

When dealing with minced words and the hair splitting often inherent in the negotiation process with insurers, there is an art and a science to presenting the OEM documentation, educating the appraiser and making a cohesive argument that leads to the proper allowances. This is a topic worthy of its own article. For now, if an in-

Training regarding Toyota’s choice of the word “recommends” in its July 2016 CRIB #191. In contrast to Subaru, Toyota does include the word “requires” with regard to a “Health Check” diagnostic scan when a vehicle is involved in a “collision that may affect electrical systems.” Toyota “strongly recommends” scanning before and after all repairs.

The result of my exchange with Eric was the conclusion that regardless of the language used, the repairer has been instructed by the automaker on the proper course of action.

Toyota is a proponent of preand post-repair scanning on all its vehicles that are involved in a collision. A repairer or insurer that chooses to omit the procedures will do so against the recommendation of the manufacturer. Any negative outcome could place Gene Bilobram asks, “Are you ready for the vehicles of the the customer in harm’s way future? The scan on this ETV revealed fault code V290017 much the same as ignoring a – Malfunctioning Mercury Vortex Thruster Module. Geez, so-called “required” procedure just last month we replaced the Flux Capacitor.” would. A responsible repairer surer will not honor scanning on a or insurer would not willingly choose Subaru (or any vehicle) because it is this position. only recommended, shops still have the As noted, a full read of the Subaru ability to hold sway. position statement is essential rather Repairers and insurers should read than focusing on one word. When an inthe Subaru position in its entirety to unsurer states they won’t pay because it is derstand that the automakers are deemonly a recommendation, a shop could ing post-collision scans necessary from come back with, “Yes, Subaru recomtheir point of view. Words such as “immends scanning because it is necesperative” and “critical” are included in sary!” the document. For instance: The Subaru post-repair scan rec“It is imperative that these com- ommendation states that “post-scanning ponents be evaluated after a collision is critical to ensuring the malfunctionto ensure the vehicle is completely re- ing items have been repaired and there paired. If these components are not are no remaining DTCs.” The word evaluated, it could have a direct effect “critical” in its adjective form is akin to on vehicle operation and safety.” necessary or required, perhaps with an The above excerpt is referring to even higher degree of importance. I’ve the sensors, cameras, control units and seen definitions of critical stated as other components that make up the “urgently needed” or “absolutely necsafety and assist technologies present essary.” By substituting the word “critin Subaru vehicles. The word “imperaical” with interchangeable terms, the tive” is synonymous with “necessary” statement becomes, “Post scanning is and “required,” according to Merriam- absolutely necessary…” and any reWebster and other thesaurus providers. maining insurer objection is instantly Scan tool diagnostics is crucial to eviscerated. evaluating the components that the auThe simple truth of the matter is tomaker has deemed imperative or re- that all OEM Scan position statequired by definition. ments, even those with the stronger When Toyota Motor Sales USA language of “required” or “necessary,” came out with its position statement a are essentially recommendations. The year ago, I had the pleasure of a healthy automakers have no real authority to debate with Eric Mendoza of Toyota’s mandate, monitor and enforce these Collision Repair and Refinish (CR&R) things outside of their certified shop

60 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

network. Unless you count the radio scanners used for communication by law enforcement, there are no Scan Police. We are still several decades away from Chief John Anderton’s, Tom Cruise’s character in the film “Minority Report,” Pre-Crime officers’ rappel crashing through the front window when a collision repairer contemplates skipping a scan or calibration procedure. Although, it might not hurt to keep this image in mind the next time a shop even thinks about letting a vehicle go without a post-repair scan.

While stopping short of a written law or statute, OEM position statements provide a liability-shifting mechanism for the automaker, to be ignored at the repair shop’s peril. As a type of liability disclaimer, the OEM position statement may be better known as Exhibit (A) to the defense attorneys of the ignorant.

In all fairness, scan-resistant insurance companies are becoming the minority. I have seen and heard examples of insurance companies paying the cost of pre- and post-repair scanning at times without a dashboard light or automaker position statement.

See Updated OEM, Page 64

Worldwide OEM Network. Massive Inventory.

Fast Delivery. Dedicated parts experts.

Precise fit and finish. Competitive pricing.

Genuine Volkswagen Parts.

How convenient.

VIRGINIA Checkered Flag Volkswagen Virginia Beach

757-687-3465 Fax: 757-687-3415

www.checkeredflag.com

Contact your local Volkswagen dealer or visit VWParts.com and place your Genuine VW Parts order today.

“Volkswagen” and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. ©2016 Volkswagen of America, Inc.

FLORIDA

Century Kia

Fuccillo Kia of Cape Coral

(813) 873-8319 Fax

(239) 242-7002 Fax

Coral Springs Kia

Fuccillo Kia of Merritt Island

Tampa

800-250-8864

FREE Delivery Parts delivered by Autoway Coral Springs

954-344-8706

(954) 753-5424 Fax

M-Sat 7-7 www.coralspringskia.com

Courtesy Kia

877-646-8080

Cape Coral

239-829-1956 M-F 8-5:30, Sat 8-3 dwnkia@gmail.com

Merritt Island

321-452-8282

(321) 459-3094 Fax

M-F 7:30-6, Sat 8-4 fuccillokiaparts@gmail.com

www.brandonkia.com State-wide FREE delivery Add’l 5% off 1st in-house order or 7% off 1st internet order M-F 8-6, Sat 8-5

Kia of Orange Park

Deland

M-F 7-7, Sat 8-4 dcarr@kiaoforangepark.net

Deland Kia

386-734-7800

Jacksonville

877-674-0211

(904) 674-0221 Fax

Southside Kia Jacksonville

904-400-6634

(904) 400-6654 Fax

M-F 7-7 jneeley@southsidekia.net www.southsidekiajax.com

SO. CAROLINA Kia of Greenville Greenville

864-516-2700

(864) 520-8981 Fax

aburgos@kiaofgreenville.net

VIRGINIA

Safford Kia of Fredericksburg

Precise fit and finish, easy installation and a limited warranty direct from Kia— all genuine advantages of Genuine Kia Parts. Your local Kia retailer has all the parts you need.

Fredericksburg

540-891-7400

(540) 891-7690 Fax M-F 8-6, Sat 8-5 www.saffordkia.com

(386) 822-9278 Fax parts@delandkia.net www.delandkia.net FREE Local Delivery

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 61

Why Are Recalled Takata Airbags Being Recycled?

by Mike Holfeld - Investigative Reporter, Donovan Myrie - Special Projects Producer, KSAT

By now, you’ve probably heard the story: millions of airbags manufactured

by Japanese auto parts supplier Takata have been recalled by auto manufacturers.

Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) figured out that long-term exposure to high humidity and high temperatures breaks down the propellant used to trigger tens of millions of Takata airbags. The result: faulty airbags can go off unexpectedly and with enough force to break apart components, sending shards of metal into the head, neck, and body of a driver or front seat passenger.

And that’s exactly what happened to 18-year old Karina Dorado.

In March, Dorado got into an accident in Las Vegas while driving her 2002 Honda Accord. The accident wasn’t severe, but the teen was almost killed. Metal from the Accord’s Takata airbag punctured her windpipe, causing her to almost bleed to death. What

makes this accident so troubling is that Dorado’s airbag had already been replaced once… with a recalled airbag from a 2001 Honda Accord.

“The vehicle she was driving had a recalled Takata airbag,” Billie Marie Morrison, an attorney representing

salvage title. A salvage title allows someone to buy the “shell” of a car, fix it up, and then resell the car. Cars with salvage titles are considered total losses for the insurance company, but insurance adjustors believe there is money to be made at an auction, and,

the Dorado family, said. Morrison said the airbag was “not the one that came with her car.”

Dorado’s story is an odd one, but highlights a loophole with Takata’s airbag recall. Recycled airbags not turned in to be replaced by manufacturers can instead end up in used cars, even though it’s illegal to do just that.

In Dorado’s case, the story starts with an accident in Phoenix in 2014. A 2002 Honda Accord (that she would eventually end up owning) was considered “totaled” by the insurance company, but had what is known as a

with the right repairs, the car can be made road-worthy again.

Part of the repair to Dorado’s Accord was to replace the steering wheel airbag that had deployed in the Phoenix accident. But instead of getting a new airbag, the seller used an airbag from a 2001 Honda Accord.

That car was recalled by Honda to replace the airbag, but the car was never brought in. Dorado’s father bought her the 2002 Accord with a recalled 2001 Accord airbag car in 2015. Two years later, the teen was in the accident that almost killed her.

“It’s not uncommon for shops to use recycled airbags that were taken from vehicles on salvage yards, or sold online and put into vehicles where the airbags deployed in an accident.”

— Chris Basso

Illegal or not?

Illegal.

According to the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act of 2000, it is illegal to sell a used automotive part (that has been the subject to a recall) that has not been fixed. So if you have a battery casing that has been recalled and fixed by the manufacturer, you can resell that part. But if you have never taken that same battery casing in for the recall, it’s illegal to sell it to someone else. Period.

In fact, as part of the FAST Act signed by President Obama in late 2015, the maximum fine levied by the NHTSA for a single violation of selling recalled equipment was upped to $21,000, with the amount for civil penalties for a related series of violations topping out at $105 million.

“We just don’t sell ‘em,” Tim McMillon said. McMillon has seen his fair share of Takata airbags. He owns M&K Used Auto Parts and has about 2,500 cars spread across 20 acres in Orange City.

“We take these airbags and give them to the right people to get them off Original BMW Parts

bmwusa.com

Original BMW Parts

bmwusa.com

Original BMW Parts

bmwusa.com

Original BMW Parts

Genuine Porsche Parts...

Only The Best.

bmwusa.com

Choose Original MINI Parts.

The Dealers Below are Genuine Porsche Parts Distributors.

VIRGINIA

Checkered Flag Porsche

NORTH CAROLINA Hendrick MINI Charlotte 877-317-9568 (704) 566-6571 Fax M-F 7:30-6; Sat 9-5 HendrickMINI.com

Virginia Beach

757-687-3488

757-687-3490 Fax M, Tu, Th, F 7am - 6pm W 7am - 8pm porscheparts@checkeredflag.com www.checkeredflagporschedealer.com

The Dealers Above Are Original MINI Parts Distributors ©2017 MINI, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

62 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Original Thought #78

YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE AT THE FIRST REPAIR.

• Original BMW Parts & Accessories

NO. CAROLINA Hendrick BMW

Charlotte 888-845-4263 704-531-3323 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 9am-5pm www.hendrickbmw.com

Hendrick BMW Northlake

Charlotte 844-612-7574 704-379-3101 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 9am-5pm www.hendrickbmwnorthlake.com

North Count

www.ncounty

(800) 564-82

North Count

www.ncounty

(800) 564-82

North Count

www.ncounty

(800) 564-82

North Count

www.ncounty

(800) 564-82

the streets, so nobody uses them,” he said. In McMillon’s case, he was contacted a few months ago by Honda.

The company asked him to go through his records to see if he had any cars with recalled airbags sitting in the yard. McMillon’s team pulled the airbag and sent them to a contractor who was hired by Honda, who then got the airbags back to the Honda. The buyback program nets McMillon about $50 apiece.

How many airbags has Honda America gotten back from salvage yards?

More than 70,000.

That number comes from Chris Martin, a company spokesperson.

Martin said Honda is working with RAS (Rebuilders Automotive Supply) to recover airbag modulators from salvage yards that contain recalled Takata inflators. Once in-house, Honda stores the bags for eventually disposal.

Martin told News 6 that Honda leads the industry in fixing Takata recalls (they’ve completed some 10 million inflators). But that’s only a bit more than 60 percent of the recalled inflators still out there, and they have a ways to go.

“Owners of recalled Honda and Acura vehicles should seek repair at an authorized dealer as soon as possible,” Martin said. “There is no reason to wait. The recall repairs are free, we have plenty of replacement parts for all affected Honda and Acura models, and, if they need it, we’ll even provide a free loaner car to the vehicle’s owner for the day of the recall repair.”

GETTING RESULTS: What to do if you suspect your car has a recalled airbag?

Despite the best efforts of Honda, RAS, and salvage yard owners such as McMillon, there are still cars out there that have original equipment faulty airbags, or cars that have been taken in for the recall, fixed, but then had used faulty bags put in the vehicle.

“More than 750,000 airbags are replaced every year,” Chris Basso with Carfax said. “It’s not uncommon for shops to use recycled airbags that were taken from vehicles on salvage yards, or sold online and put into vehicles where the airbags deployed in an accident.”

Carfax is just one of many companies that track vehicle histories.

Aside from used cars, the company

also tracks thousands of salvage title cars that are put back on the road each year. And although many of them are safe, Basso believes it’s a good idea for the buyer to be aware of the previous condition of the car.

“Information is the first step to protection here.”

According to the NHTSA, there are about 70 million driver side and passenger side airbags that have been recalled. And those airbags aren’t just limited to Hondas: 19 different manufacturers have issued recalls spanning across 139 different models.

There are two steps you should take to see if you may (or may not) have a car included in the Takata recall. First, to see a full list of cars affected by the Takata airbag recall, go to https://www.nhtsa.gov/recall-spotlight /takata-air-bags. If your car is on this list, it’s time to dig a little deeper. Get your VIN number and see if your specific car has an open recall. You can plug in your VIN number at https:// vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/.

If you have an open recall on your car, contact the dealership to see when you can bring the car in for a replacement airbag. However, if you’re still not sure about the car and you want to

be absolutely positive you have a safe airbag, there are some extra steps you can take.

Select a vehicle history search tool to run a background check on your car. Three of the biggest companies specializing in vehicle histories are AutoCheck, VinAudit, and the aforementioned Carfax. Prices, options, and features vary for all three; you can read up and decide which one is best for you in this article.

Once you get a detailed report on your car, there’s still one more thing you can do to check your airbag: pull the airbag out of the car and look at the serial number. As the saying goes, DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME! Airbags are tricky pieces of equipment; leave it to a professional to get the airbag out, examine it, and follow up with the manufacturer. Basso said most shops charge about $60 for this.

That’s not a bad price for peace of mind and ensuring the safety of you and your passengers.

We thank News 6 WKMG-TV in Orlando for reprint permission. News 6 is continuing to investigate this issue, so be sure to visit ClickOrlando.com /investigators to stay up to date.

THESE DEALERS ARE GENUINE FORD PARTS WHOLESALE SPECIALISTS

Bartow Ford Co. BARTOW

863-533-0425 863-533-7758 Fax

www.fordparts.com/bartowford

Don Reid Ford

MAITLAND/ORLANDO

407-644-5111 407-645-4971 Fax M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4

www.donreidford.com www.fordparts.com/donreidford

FLORI DA

GE ORGI A

Gus Machado Ford

Riverside Ford Lincoln

sgomez@machadoford.com parts@gusmachadoford.com

www.riversideford.net

KENDALL/HIALEAH

305-328-0400 305-234-2657 Fax

Sam Galloway Ford Lincoln

MACON

800-637-4807 877-750-0950 Fax M-F 8-5:30

FORT MYERS

888-578-8883 239-274-2420 Fax

kstewart@gallowayauto.com www.fordparts.com/samgallowayparts www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 63

always refer to the appropriate Subaru Service Manual, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), or Body Repair Manual for the most up-to-date information on repair procedures.

On a particularly interesting note within the Subaru position statement, there are some recommendations regarding choice of scan tools. Like most automakers, Subaru recommends its own factory scan tool. A generic scan tool may be used, but the automaker cannot the content or guarantee the accuracy of generic or aftermarket scan tools. Nothing new here. What is noteworthy, however, is that Subaru recommends the asTech™ remote diagnostic solution as an acceptable substitute for the Subaru SSM4 diagnostic tool, making it the second major automaker to endorse asTech™ behind FCA (aka Chrysler) a little more than one year ago.

“If a Subaru SSM4 diagnostic tool is not available, Subaru recommends the use of an asTech™ device. The asTech™ device performs a diagnostic scan remotely using a genuine Subaru scan tool.”

Subaru’s position statement adds to the growing stockpile of ammunition outlined in “The Pre- and Post-

Scan Revolution” featured in the May 2017 edition of Autobody News. The war chest of resources keeps building toward the day when the industry will no longer need my OEM Scan Chart or stacks of position statements to justify diagnostic scanning and calibrations—it will be line item number one, recognized as standard operating procedure in the automobile collision repair process.

As safety and assist technologies continue to become more pervasive with every new model year, the day of the 100 percent vehicle scan standard may be here sooner than we think.

Forward-thinking, safety-conscious shops are already pressing toward the 100 percent mark by insisting on scanning almost every vehicle and getting paid in many situations without a dashboard light or an OEM position statement. These shops live by the words expressed in the second to last

in auto collision repair and refinish from SWCC in June 2016, and then continued to earn his Associate of “I honestly didn’t expect to win,” said Applied Science degree in auto colJoel Hartstack, May 2017 Southlision repair and refinish in May western Community College (SWCC 2017, is a 2012 graduate of Clarinda in Creston, IA) auto collision repair High School. and refinish graduate.

“Honestly, my background would be that I always kind of liked tinkering around with cars,” Hartstack said. “And it’s something that I’ve just enjoyed doing as a free time type thing—and I figured if I can do it and make money at it, I might as well give her a shot.

“I decided to enter it (the competition) because I thought it’d be fun to compete. And I Joel Hartstack, (pictured fourth from left) with left fist raised, celebrates with other national SkillsUSA figured I’d get the day off of winners at the National SkillsUSA Championships held class, and since I got the June 18-23 in Louisville, Kentucky. Hartstack won the chance to go to nationals, I fignational championship in collision repair technology ured, ‘Hey, it’s a week off of Hartstack was named the coun- work, and I knew you could win some try’s 2017 collision repair technology cool tools,’ so I thought I may as well champion at the National SkillsUSA give her a shot.”

Championships held June 18-23 in The National SkillsUSA ChampiLouisville, KY. onships is an industry elite level of Hartstack, who earned a diploma competition. Contestants hail from all

50 states, each having won their respective divisions’ state competitions.

The purpose of the championships is to “reward students for excellence, to involve industry in directly evaluating student performance and to keep training relevant to employers’ needs.”

Throughout the championships, more than 6,000 contestants competed across 100 different events. SkillsUSA is a multimillion-dollar event, and occupies a space equivalent to 16 football fields.

The collision repair technology championship in which Hartstack won gold ran for four days. Contestants were tested on knowledge of business ethics (table setting, meeting etiquette), written certification tests, estimate analysis and writing, preparatory job interviews, including resumes and applications, and finally a series of hands-on tests, including structural repair of damaged car frames, vertical and overhead welding, straightening and repairing sheet metal fenders and plastic bumper re-

Continued from Page 60

Updated OEM

The scan-friendly insurers provide a good example to those that remain resistant. Collision repairers should provide examples of the good insurers to those bad actors out there still stuck on decades-old methodologies, which have no place in the exponentially advancing techno-world of today.

So, if an insurer attempts to deny post-collision scanning based upon the word “recommends,” the repair shop should kindly “recommend” that the insurance company thoroughly reads the document again. Recommend that the insurer explains their stance to the vehicle owner who will be directly impacted by the decision. Want a gamechanger? Involve the customer in the process and request any insurer denials in writing. See how quickly the negotiation environment improves.

Subaru’s July 2017 position statement goes beyond scanning with its strong recommendation supporting the use of genuine Subaru replacement parts while cautioning against the use of aftermarket or substitute parts. Subaru further tells repairers to

paragraph of Subaru’s July 2017 position statement: “The safety of our customers is our number one priority.”

Gene Bilobram has been an automobile physical damage appraiser for over 25 years. His company, Lacey Appraisal Service, Inc. is a physical damage appraisal, training, consultancy and manufacturers’ rep firm serving the collision repair and insurance industries.

He may be reached at (609) 384-8093 or at laceyappraisal@aol.com to discuss the latest shop tools and solutions in the pre- and post- scan revolution. His company is Manufacturer’s Representative for the leaders in post-collision remote vehicle diagnostics and systems calibrations.

The opinions expressed are that of the author and not necessarily the opinion of any of the companies, individuals or organizations mentioned herein or of this publication.

Call orwww.autobodynews.com Email Now for Rates:

800-699-8251

ltedesco@autobodynews.com

SWCC Graduate Takes First in SkillsUSA Body Repair Competition

64 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

See First in SkillsUSA, Page 66

All The Genuine Lexus Parts You Need For A Lexus Finish i

by Alex Felker, CNA staff reporter, Creston News

The Dealer Below is a Genuine Lexus Parts Distributor:

SOU T H C A ROL I NA JIM HUDSON LEXUS COLUMBIA

888-583-0026 803-691-8034 803-714-0558 Fax MON-FRI 7AM - 6PM mmusgrove@jimhudson.com www.hudsonlexus.com

INSIST ON GENUINE

GM PARTS Only Original Parts Protect The Vehicle’s Value.

CALL ANY OF THESE WHOLESALE WH PARTS DEALERS BELOW. No. Carolina

Cadillac of Fayetteville

John Hiester Chevrolet

Parks Chevrolet

Renaldo Auto Mall

800-868-7288

919-557-9103

800-722-3994

704-598-4020 704-596-9989 Fax

800-849-3330

FAYETTEVILLE

910-864-8599 910-864-9184 Fax M-F 7:30 am - 6 pm Sat 8 am - 2 pm

FUQUAY-VARINA

910-552-6862 Fax M-F 7:30 am - 6 pm Sat 8 am - 5 pm

CHARLOTTE

SHELBY

704-406-2000 704-406-8197 Fax

M-F 7:30 am - 6 pm

tmorgan@parkschevrolet.com

www.hiesterautomotive.com

M-F 8 am - 6 pm Sat 8 am - Noon

rdudley@drivedag.com

brian.malcolm@ cadillacoffayetteville.com

So. Carolina

Jim Hudson Buick GMC Cadillac COLUMBIA

888-852-1606

803-695-2485 803-776-1666 Fax M-F 7:30 am - 6 pm

jwash@jimhudson.com

Florida

Rick Hendrick Chevrolet

Jon Hall Chevrolet

800-868-2746

386-236-4509 386-236-4754 Fax

CHARLESTON

843-763-0271 843-769-2729 Fax M-F 8 am - 6:30 pm Sat 8 am - 5 pm

DAYTONA BEACH

800-741-4444

M-F 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Sat 8 am - 1 pm

tom.brammer@jonhall.com

Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Naples NAPLES

239-734-3215

239-591-3051 Fax M-F 7 am - 6 pm Sat 8 am - 5 pm

jerry.roberson@hendrickauto.com

Tennessee

Virginia

Serra Chevrolet Buick GMC of Nashville

Berglund Chevrolet Buick

844-363-8617

800-999-7474

NASHVILLE

615-851-8022 Local 615-851-6584 Fax M-F 7 am - 6 pm Sat 8 am - 1 pm

gerry.daniels@serranashville.com

ROANOKE

540-342-3169 540-345-7431 Fax M-F 8 am - 5:30 pm

dprice@berglundcars.com

www.serranashville.com www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 65

Axalta Boosts Refinish Learning and Developing Offering in US and Canada Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, is excited to announce enhanced refinish learning and development offerings available to customers in the United States and Canada in-

cluding live virtual training classes and an enhanced Master Certification. The new offerings further strengthen Axalta’s robust learning and development

program that includes classroom, hands-on, and e-learning options.

Axalta’s live virtual training, which covers the same curricula taught at Axalta’s Learning and Development Centers, is a solution for paint technicians who recognize the value of face-to-face learning, but are not able to travel. Over two morning sessions, a qualified refinish instructor trains participants via a live, interactive, webbased broadcast. In the afternoons, participants apply newly learned skills to a project, then upload a brief video for the instructor to review and issue a certificate of completion.

Axalta’s enhanced Master Certification program allows refinish technicians who complete 100, 200, and

300-level courses in person, online, or virtually to earn a Master Certification in Refinish after completing a 400level course. 400-level courses are

exclusively offered at Axalta’s stateof-the-art Customer Experience Center located on the Hendrick Motor Sports campus in Concord, North Carolina. Recipients of the Master Certification also claim highly-cov-

Skip Potter Retires; NASTF Seeks Replacement Executive Skip Potter, executive director of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) since June 2012, informed the Board of Directors earlier this month of his intent to retire on August 31, 2017.

He has begun working with NASTF leadership on the transition to new management. NASTF Board Member Donny Seyfer will assume duties as interim executive while the not-for-profit organization seeks a new executive.

“I have had a wonderful and rewarding career in the automotive parts, tool and service industry,” said Potter.

“To end it as the executive director of such a valued organization as NASTF is an honor that makes me very humble and proud.”

Steve Douglas, who recently assumed the role of NASTF Chair when

Continued from Page 64

First in SkillsUSA

pair. “(It was a) very strict competition,” said SWCC auto collision repair and refinish instructor Jeff Magneson, who accompanies Hartstack to the championships. “As a matter of fact, if they get their cell phone out, they’re disqualified. If they talk to anybody over the fence, they’re disqualified. If they have to go to the bathroom, they’re escorted to make sure there’s no cheating or anything like that. They have to wear a uni-

Mark Saxonberg resigned to lead NASTF’s Registry Rebuild project, recognized Potter’s service, saying, “Skip has worked tirelessly over half a decade to serve not only NASTF, but also the entire automotive industry. His

hard work, professionalism, and cando attitude resulted in the largest membership growth in NASTF’s history, a dramatic expansion of the vehicle security registry and the resolution of countless information requests.

form—you almost compare it to the military. They’re very strict and disciplined about their competition.”

After these four days of competition, Hartstack emerged as gold champion. And although he did not expect to win, others were less surprised.

“Joel—and he’s received our outstanding student award—we knew we had a high quality student,” said Magneson. “He’s a farm kid, and anytime you get that you get a pretty good work ethic—and they’re pretty good with their hands—so we pretty well knew he was top-tier. And that’s the neat part of these contests; it gives you a neat chance to see how your students

66 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

The entire NASTF Board sincerely appreciates all of Skip’s hard work and wishes him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”

Potter served more than 45 years in many segments of the automotive industry, including parts distribution, tool sales, service, the motorsports press and the industry’s not-for-profit sector.

Immediate Past Chair Allen Pennebaker notes, “Skip’s dedication and leadership helped move NASTF from an all-volunteer organization to an efficient and professional mainstay of the automotive industry.”

Potter was recognized by Babcox Publications in 1999 as an “Aftermarket Influencer” and received the Education Award from Northwood University that same year. His syndicated radio broadcast, Virginia Race Line, won six awards from the National Motorsports

stack up against other programs in other states, and he definitely proved himself.

“Joel is pretty laid back and confident. He doesn’t get rattled very easily. He’s very intelligent—he picks up on things very quickly. And we don’t do a lot of practice for these competitions, so we kind of rely on the training we’ve been doing for these last two years to prepare them. And Joel represented Southwestern and Iowa very well. Couldn’t have asked for better.”

And what’s next for Hartstack?

Does he plan on continuing in auto collision repair?

“Definitely—and as a career. That’s

eted space on the facility’s “Wall of Fame” for all future visitors to see.

“Our learning and development programs are carefully designed with the participant’s experience in mind,” said Patrice Marcil, Axalta’s Director of Customer Experience, Americas.

“From a virtual course, to a program at our world-class destination like the Customer Experience Center, we are deeply committed to providing the content, delivery methods, and experience that exceed the expectations of our customers.”

Axalta’s Learning and Development programs are designed to improve customer performance by providing the skills and knowledge to help eliminate waste, reduce costs, keep cycle time to a minimum, and increase retention by investing in employee careers. To learn more, visit Axalta’s website at: axaltacs.com.

Press Association during the 1970s.

The Old Dominion Speedway in 2011 named Potter in its list of “Legends” for his work there in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Potter earned the professional designation as a Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives in 2001 and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from George Mason University.

NASTF has posted the qualifications and position description for the NASTF Executive on the NASTF website at the following URL: nastf.org/ ExecPositionOpen.

Interested individuals are invited to consider this role as a step in their career and submit their interest before the Sept. 11, 2017 deadline.

www.autobodynews.com what I’m planning,” Hartstack said.

“That’s what I’m doing now, and that’s what I like doing. I feel like I can make some money at it, and not hate going to work every day.”

We thank Creston News for reprint permission.

FOLLOW US ON

INSTAGRAM :

@autobodynews

SO. CAROLINA

Subaru of Hilton Head Hardeeville (866) 539-6293 TENNESSEE

The following dealerships are eager to serve your needs.

Call your local Subaru collision parts specialist today!

FLORIDA

Fitzgerald’s Countryside Subaru Clearwater (800) 799-1808 GEORGIA

Stivers Decatur Subaru Decatur (800) 833-0454

GEORGIA

Troncalli Subaru

Cumming (770) 889-8951 Direct (678) 341-4220 Fax (678) 341-4221 www.troncallisubaru.com NO. CAROLINA

Flow Subaru

Winston-Salem (800) 489-3534 (336) 725-3554 Fax Mon.-Fri. 8-5; Sat. 8-1 subarupartsws@flowauto.com www.flowsubaru.com

NO. CAROLINA

Jim Armstrong Subaru

Kelly Subaru

Chattanooga (423) 490-0181 (423) 385-7269 Fax Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:30; Sat. 8-2 parts@kellycars.com www.kellycars.com

Hickory (888) 905-6135

Parkway Subaru Wilmington (800) 424-9434 (910) 793-8710 Fax Mon.-Fri. 7-6; Sat. 8-2

Subaru Concord Concord (866) 905-8476

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 67

BASF Refinish Coatings receives GM Global Refinish Approval BASF Refinish Coatings received General Motors Global Refinish approval for its Glasurit and R-M paint brands. BASF hosted the GM Paint Engineering Team at its North American Coatings headquarters in Southfield, MI. During the review the Glasurit & R-M refinish systems met or exceeded all the refinish standards established by GM. Both BASF’s premium paint line, Glasurit, and BASF’s productivity line, R-M, passed dozens of tests to retain this approval: hardness after cure, chip resistance, humidity adhesion, temperature cycle, gas resistance, chemical resistance, weather resistance and more. Only refinish systems approved by GM, from primer to clearcoat, can be used for GM warranty repairs.

“Using OEM approved materials and following all OEM repair procedures is critical to ensure vehicles operate properly after the repair, maintaining safe operation,” said Jeff Wildman, Manager OEM & Industry Relations, BASF Automotive Refinish NA. “Our goal is to provide peace-of-mind to vehicle owners that their vehicles, refinished with BASF

products, provide the same protection and durability as the original factory finish.”

Glasurit & R-M Refinish coatings, approved for all GM vehicles, comply with all global environmental rules, including US National rule, US/Canada low-VOC rule and the Paints Directive in Europe.

“BASF’s commitment to supply high quality products to GM is unwavering and continues to strengthen each year,” said BASF Refinish Coatings Vice President Marvin Gillfillan.

“Maintaining our global coatings approvals and earning the GM Supplier of the Year Award 12 times exemplifies our commitment to General Motors.”

Assured Performance Introduces eLOBBY, ConsumerDirect Multi-Media Delivery System

Assured Performance, North America’s largest Certified Collision Repair Network, has entered into an agreement with Advantego Technologies Inc. of Irvine, CA to deliver a new, cutting-edge technology called “eLOBBY.” eLOBBY is a proprietary and exclusive internetbased multi-media delivery system that electronically displays shopspecific commercial messaging, official Certification signage, and Automaker-branded consumer education videos directly to consumers. eLOBBY will allow shops to deliver highly credible “OEM Certified Repair Provider” messaging, select signage, and shop-specific advertising to consumers as they arrive to a shop’s lobby. Advantego and Assured Performance developed eLOBBY to help shops reinforce their branding and leverage their OEM certifications to build consumer trust. The eLOBBY system is easily customizable and delivers multimedia content via TV monitors, counter displays, and/or digital picture frames to enhance customer’s on-site experience. “eLOBBY is like the old waiting room video on steroids. Now, our shops have a turnkey system to

educate the consumer with professional messaging that is reinforced by the credibility and influence of the Auto Manufacture’s using this state-of-the-art tool.” states Scott Biggs, CEO and Founder of Assured Performance. “Collectively, our network can deliver a professional Certification message to 10 – 15 million consumers right through the certified shop’s lobby.” eLOBBY is a revolutionary eMarketing tool that is integral to promoting the OEM Certification 2.0 - CRP Model. All Automakers participating in the Assured Performance joint-effort Certification program offer a series of consumer messages surrounding the value and importance of their OEM Certification. Certified Repair providers can display these OEM messages interlaced with their official certification signage. As part of the ongoing service provided by Advantego through their exclusive agreement with Assured Performance, Certified Collision Care Providers can also add their own TV commercials, before and after pictures, consumer testimonials, and other consumer-facing information.

68 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

NASTF Session at AAPEX to Spotlight OEM Service

The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) will kick off its Fall 2017 General Meeting at AAPEX on Wednesday, Nov. 1, with a presentation to emphasize the value of OEM technical information websites for technicians working outside franchised dealerships. AAPEX represents the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket industry and is held annually at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas.

The session, “The Most Underused OEM Service Info Resources,” will familiarize attendees with the 40 light vehicle and heavy duty OEMs that make service information resources accessible to technicians outside their franchise dealership. It will help independent technicians realize the full value of information provided on any one of the OEM technical information websites.

Two additional sessions are: “TechForce Foundation is on the Road to GREAT Techs,” learn about a coordinated solution for the shortage of qualified technicians - accelerate the industry on the road to recruiting young adults toward the technician profession, helping them develop into great technicians and keeping them with a lifetime of opportunities.

The session, “Changes are Com-

ing to the SAE J1962 DLC,” will discuss the simple 16-pin data link and what’s in store for the future. Since 1996, all new light vehicles in the American marketplace have connected to the outside world with this data port, but with the progress of advanced vehicle technology, change is inevitable.

The meeting will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., PDT, Casanova 606, at the Sands Expo. It does not require registration; however, registration and industry credentials are required to attend AAPEX. For more information, visit: nastf.org/GeneralMeetings.

To register for AAPEX, visit attendee registration online at: aapex show.com/news.

AAPEX is a trade-only event and is not open to the general public.

Approved and credentialed media can register at: aapexshow.com/media.

AAPEX 2017 is expected to feature 2,200 exhibiting companies, and takes place Tuesday, Oct. 31 through Thursday, Nov. 2. Approximately 158,000 automotive aftermarket professionals from more than 140 countries are projected to be in Las Vegas during AAPEX and the SEMA Show.

Service King’s Chicago Teammates Contribute $45,700 to Angels on Assignment

Service King Collision Repair Centers®, with the help of its local Chicago teammates, recently presented a donation in the amount of $45,700 to Angels on Assignment as part of the company’s ongoing Service King Cares initiative.

Angels on Assignment is a local non-

profit organization based in Crete, IL, supporting families facing serious medical issues by providing financial assistance, transportation and sponsoring “Fun Days” to provide emotional support.

The donation was made possible through funds raised at Service King’s second annual Chicago Charity Golf Tournament, which attracted about 140 golfers from around the community.

“Angels on Assignment is overwhelmed by the generosity of Service King,” said Cheryl Albrech, Angels on

Assignment President. “Their contribution will help at least nine families in our area. This will allow us to increase the number of families we help in a year.”

Service King’s annual Chicago Charity Golf Tournament has now directly benefitted Angels on Assignment in back-to-back outings, totaling more than $70,000 in support of the organization.

“The Service King family and Service King Cares initiative is driven to join hands with those in our local communities who truly make an impact,” said Randy Jenkins, Service King Market Director. “Angels on Assignment certainly touches the lives of those who need it most across the Chicagoland area. It’s our hope this small token of our appreciation continues to fuel Angels on Assignment and its inspiring mission.”

Service King is one of the fastestgrowing automotive repair organizations in the country. Through its Service King Cares initiative, the organization contributed more than $750,000 to nearly 100 different nonprofit organizations in 2016.

New WD-40 Degreaser Powerfully & Safely Gets the Job Done To meet the needs of trade professionals working in highly-regulated environments who must quickly and safely clean and degrease their work

sites, tools, equipment and machinery, WD-40 Company is adding nonaerosol Industrial-Strength Cleaner & Degreaser products to its WD-40® Specialist® line.

WD-40 specialist industrialstrength cleaner & degreaser is lowodor and cleans so well that it outperforms other leading brand degreasers. The water-based formula is safe to use on multiple surfaces, including sensitive metals like copper, aluminum and chrome. Containing unique bio-solvent technology, the biodegradable, non-aerosol spray is also U.S. EPA Safer Choice Certified, which means it is safer for workers and the environment.

“Automotive, construction, and maintenance, repair and operations

professionals want a degreaser that can effectively and safely help them get their jobs done,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing at WD-40 Company. “The WD-40 specialist industrial-strength cleaner and degreaser products can be used in any work environment, and on any greasy job.”

WD-40 Cleaner & Degreaser

WD-40 specialist industrialstrength cleaner and degreaser comes in a variety of sizes with custom packaging designed to make work faster and easier. The formats include a 24-ounce refillable trigger; the easy, refillable port is convenient for heavy users.

A 32-ounce non-refillable trigger is also available. The larger bottle fea-

New Chief M30 Pro Alu Stud Welder Is Faster and Easier to Use ®

Dent repair is faster and easier with less chance of ancillary damage when using the new Chief M30 Pro Alu Stud Welder. Grounding preparation is automatic, eliminating the need for

grounding cables, and through-material transfer of welding heat is minimized or eliminated.

For collision damage repair, when a stud is spot welded to the outside surface, all too often some of the heat is transferred through to the backside of the material, causing unintended additional damage.

The new Chief M30 Pro Alu Stud Welder incorporates technology that allows for a strong spot weld with minimal heat penetration, so little or no heat is transferred through the material to areas where it is not needed.

Another productivity enhancement of the Chief M30 Pro Alu Stud Welder is a grounding mechanism built into the stud gun head.

This eliminates the need to sand off

a piece of the panel material so that a ground can be attached to this bare metal area. Instead, when the M30 Pro Alu Stud Welder head is applied to the surface of the material where the stud is to be welded, grounding prongs automatically emerge and touch the surface, providing the necessary grounding to perform the stud welding.

“The new Chief M30 Pro Aluminum stud welder is designed to improve technician performance and productivity,” says Mickey Swartz, vice president of global product management for Chief. “It dramatically reduces preparation time and minimizes the potential for causing additional damage due to heat transfer.”

The M30 Pro Alu Stud Welder operates off of 115V power. It is available as part of the new Chief MultiTool Aluminum Dent Repair Station or separately.

To learn more about the Chief M30 Pro Alu Stud Welder, visit www.chiefautomotive.com/welding /aluminum-welders/multispot-m30al/ , contact your local Chief distributor or call (800) 445-9262.

tures a durable, shatter-resistant trigger. It’s perfect for job sites where maintaining product accuracy in the bottle is important or regulated.

Other options include a gallon container, with a wide comfort-grip handle; it tackles larger jobs and can be used to easily refill the 24-ounce refillable trigger. A five-gallon container with spigot is also available. Its easy-pour spigot and easy-stack canister design is ideal for cleaning floors and other large areas.

A lightweight, yet durable plastic 55-Gallon drum is made for commercial facilities.

Other WD-40 Specialist degreaser products currently on the market include the aerosol industrial-strength degreaser, the only degreaser with a permanently-attached smart straw that sprays two ways, and aerosol machine and engine degreaser formulated with deep, penetrating foam action for degreasing engines, equipment and larger machines.

WD-40 specialist non-aerosol industrial strength cleaner and degreaser is available now at Lowe’s, Walmart, Grainger and Fastenal.

To learn more, visit: WD40Specialist .com/products.

Auto Care Association Applauds Joint Statement on Tax Reform

The Auto Care Association is pleased and relieved to see that the tax reform framework negotiated by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX), announced today, has removed the border adjustment tax (BAT) from consideration.

“I want to thank those members who tackled this issue headon by scheduling meetings with their legislators, writing letters and making phone calls. Their time commitment and dedication to the cause was phenomenal and they should all be proud of their efforts.

We are grateful that we now have the opportunity to work with Congress and the administration to reform the outmoded tax code that is a burden to all of us.”

www.autobodynews.com

Progressive Powder Coating on the No. 9 Axalta at Watkins Glen

Axalta Coating Systems has partnered with Progressive Powder Coating, Inc. to feature Progressive as the primary sponsor on the hood of JR Motorsports’ No. 9 Axalta Chevrolet driven by William Byron at Watkins Glen International on Saturday, August 5 2017.

Chevrolet this weekend. Like Axalta, Progressive is committed to growth and innovation to better serve its customers,” said Mike Cash, Axalta’s Senior Vice President and President of Industrial Coatings. “Motorsports is a great platform to showcase the performance and engineering we aim

Progressive, a highly automated, full-service powder coating finisher, offers value-added services to coat, assemble, pack, and deliver parts. It recently added a third high volume paint line to its operation that is capable of coating products up to 30 feet in length. Progressive’s state-ofthe-art eight stage washers are built to handle tough laser scale on site.

“We are excited to see Progressive featured on the No. 9 Axalta

to achieve on and off the track.”

“Axalta has always been a great partner to us at Progressive,” said John Sikora, General Manager for Progressive Powder Coating. “Their sponsorship of the No. 9 Chevy Car is just another example of their commitment to excellence.”

For updates on the No. 9 Axalta Chevrolet, follow @AxaltaRacing on Twitter.

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 69

AUTOBODY MARKETPLACE When all you need to do is move a vehicle, use:

Technical Representative

Automotive, Fleet, OEM & Light Industrial Finishes

Due to our unprecedented growth in the industry Lusid Technologies, Inc. is looking for Technical Sales Representa!ves in all areas of the North American Market. Candidates should be able to demonstrate excellent communica!on and hands on technical skills.

Successful candidates will find themselves working in a progressive and highly mo!vated and well trained team of people. Travel is expected to be extensive and the package on offer very compe!!ve.

> EASY TO USE <

SAVES YOU TIME AND MONEY

Go to www.forkliftwrecker.com and watch our video.

For full details and applica!on requirements contact HR@LUSID.BIZ in the strictest confidence.

877.593.6959

Stop wasting valuable time An extra hand for soldering • Base protects from solder splatters • Stores & dispenses from solder spools & tubes • Solder wires quickly & easy ALSO OFFERING Repair System

Call Us Today!

916-316-3672 info@therailsaver.com / www.tgproductstools.com

looking for cardboard or cleaning mixing boards!

Clean Sheets®® Mixing Boards are used by thousands of repair shops to mix epoxies, body filler, fiberglass, plastics, gel, putty and touch-up paint.

• Prevents costly reworks • Bonded on 3 sides • Non-absorbing, heavy-duty paper with grip for mixing • Pays for itself the first week you use them!

Clean Sheets® “The Original Patented Mixing Pad

Since 1988”

Call your local Jobber or: 800-365-1308 www.cleansheetsmfg.com

The Secrets of America’s Is noblwe for aila Greatest Body Shops avpurchase! by: Dave Luehr and Stacey Phillips

The Book That Will Challenge Everything You Know About the Collision Repair Business.

Order your copy today and join the Body Shop Secrets community!

www.bodyshopsecrets.com For more information, contact the authors at info@bodyshopsecrets.com

Looking for Good Collision Personnel?

•1,262 Collision Techs resumes online •1,295 Painters resumes online •1,177 Estimators & Mgs resumes online •11,256 Mechanical Tech resumes online

ACTautostaffing.com or 727-733-5600

FREE

4x Monthly E-Newsletter.

www.autobodynews.com

Advertise in our CLASSIFIED SECTION for $50 per column inch!

800-699-8251 ltedesco@autobodynews.com

SEARCH FOR US ON

FACEBOOK:

Autobody News

Call or e-mail now for rates: 800-699-8251 or ltedesco@autobodynews.com 70 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Google for Jobs is Launched, SCRS Career Center Participates

Google has officially tapped into the job search market with the launch of its very own job search engine, Google for Jobs. Job seekers who are looking for their next career opportunity can now simply “Google it.”

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) is committed to promoting the career opportunities that exist within the collision repair industry, and to connecting individuals seeking rewarding careers with employers who are looking to add to their business. As such, Google’s mission to help strengthen America’s workforce and better connect employers and job seekers serves as a valuable addition to collision industry employers.

The SCRS Career Center has been fully integrated with Google’s new job search feature. Our partnership in this new initiative is intended to make a significant impact on the way that job seekers in our industry search for and find career opportunities online.

For Employers: • Jobs posted to the SCRS Career Center are automatically searchable through Google for Jobs, creating

even greater exposure. The Google for Jobs application appears before Google’s standard search results, prioritizing your positions over other employers, job boards, and staffing agencies that do not have an established partnership with Google.

• Provides employers with a new source of active and passive candidate traffic - a unique benefit of posting your open positions with the SCRS Career Center.

For Job Seekers: • Streamlines the job search by displaying career opportunities from the SCRS Career Center and multiple employment sites in one convenient place.

• Helps more people find work by bringing greater exposure to the outstanding career opportunities in the collision repair industry.

The SCRS is excited to partner with Google for Jobs through the SCRS Career Center to help streamline the job search process, and create quality connections between employers and candidates in the collision repair industry.

Visit www.scrs.com/jobs to post an open position.

Women in Auto Care Announce 2018 Winter Leadership Conference Women in Auto Care (formerly Car Care Council Women’s Board) has announced the date for its 2018 Winter Leadership Conference. The

day and a half conference will be held Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, 2018 at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, AZ. “Women in Auto Care had a very successful conference in Nashville this past month, and now we are heading to Scottsdale in January to continue the growth in leadership of female professionals,” said Tammy Tecklenburg, president, Women in Auto Care. “We had record-breaking attendance in Nashville and we anticipate an even larger turnout for our winter conference. We encourage all members to bring a colleague and introduce them to our strong and vibrant com-

munity.

“With a focus on education for young women looking for automotive careers, Women in Auto Care is a vital organization to the aftermarket. Not only do we support and provide leadership for existing members, but we also award scholarships to young women seeking careers in our industry.”

Past conferences have focused on personal development areas such as communication and creating a presence, as well as leadership. Industry trends are also a key component of the conference agenda.

From telematics to Capitol Hill, miles driven and the future of vehicles, the industry trend presentations provide valuable insight to all attendees and their businesses.

The conference is open to all professionals in the auto care industry. Online registration will be available in October, along with a detailed agenda.

For more information on the Women in Auto Care, visit: www.womenin autocare.org or email: info@women inautocare.org.

PPG Launches NEXA AUTOCOLOR® Advanced Clearcoat P190-6920

PPG has introduced NEXA AUTOCOLOR® P190-6920 Production Clearcoat, an easy-to-use clearcoat designed for exceptional throughput and engineered specifically for use over AQUABASE® Plus waterborne

PPG P190-6920

basecoat. The new clearcoat is now available throughout the United States and Canada and is compliant with VOC requirements in all regions of North America.

“The launch of P190-6920 Production Clearcoat marks a significant advance in automotive refinish technology,” said Tim Jones, PPG manager, water collision segment, automotive re-

finish. “We’ve formulated this premium clearcoat to match perfectly with Aquabase Plus and deliver the exceptional finishes PPG customers expect.

Collision centers incorporating P1906920 into their system will appreciate the fast process times and energy-saving qualities that can increase productivity and provide consistently beautiful results.”

Jones added that P190-6920 allows easy application by utilizing the same hardener and thinners as the popular Nexa Autocolor clearcoats P1906930 and P190-6950. Further, he noted that P190-6920 allows exceptional throughput on repairs up to four panels, with a minimal bake time of just twenty minutes. The clearcoat features an energy-saving lower force-dry temperature of 120°F and is a timesaver in the booth: Panels coated with P190-6920 can be reassembled after an air-dry period of 90 minutes to two hours. The process ultimately yields an excellent appearance out of bake, with no polishing required and superb gloss retention.

For more information about P190-6920 and other PPG automotive refinish products, call (800) 6476050 or visit www.ppgrefinish.com.

Assured Performance Names Advantego Technologies to offer eLISTINGS Web-Marketing Services

Assured Performance has announced they have entered into an agreement with Advantego Technologies, Inc., of Irvine, CA to offer another critical marketing service to their Certified Collision Care Provider Network called “eLISTINGS”. Through this web listing service, the Certified Repair Providers information is automatically pushed to over 70 different directories and search engines, ensuring consistent information and better search engine rankings (rich and compelling content shown to receive up to 416% more listing views than normal listings).

The new eLISTINGS service includes fixing inaccurate business listings, adding rich shop-specific content, automatically displaying the Shops’ unique OEM certification badges when customers see their listings which improves consumer confidence, and it tracks customer ratings and reviews. The service also continuously maintains the listings to ensure the information remains accurate and up-to-date.

Advantego will work through the Assured Performance call center and Account Management teams to

provide these eMarketing services to Assured Performance’s network of approximately 3,000 Certified Automobile Collision Repair Shops throughout the US. These tools are an integral part of the OEM Certification 2.0 - CRP Model announced last week.

“All of our eMarketing tools are designed to help Certified Collision Care Providers establish an internet presence, increase customer awareness, and generate more sales,” states Kelly Stalcup, Assured Performance Director of OEM Relations and Strategic Accounts.” And, because 90% of consumers research online, we are providing our Members with a premium web directory listing service to ensure their business information is accurately displayed across all of the different search engines at an affordable network-exclusive price.”

For more information contact Michelle Barker, Marketing Co-ordinator, Assured Performance (949) 2210010 ext. 242 or visit: http://assured performance.net

www.autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS 71

AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

www.genuinegmparts.com

TM

Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Charleston 1500 Savannah Hwy. › Charleston, SC 29407

Hendrick Honda Charleston At Hendrick Honda of Charleston we maintain a comprehensive inventory of high quality, Honda Genuine parts.

Parts Dept. Hours

Parts: 800.868.2746 Fax: 843.769.2729 Mon-Fri: 8-6:30 • Sat: 8-5 brandan.carnes@hendrickauto.com

Mon.-Sat. 7:30am - 6:30pm

Start something special!

Phone:

866.486.9938

Fax: 843.402.6584

1478 Savannah Hwy. • Charleston, SC 29407

ONLY ORIGINAL MINI PARTS MINI OF CHARLESTON 1518 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, SC 29407 855-516-4682 Fax: 843-573-8302 Hours: M-F: 7:30 - 6 / Sat: 8 - 5 ©2017 MINI, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

Rick Hendrick Fiat of North Charleston 8355 Rivers Ave. › N. Charleston, SC 29406

Original BMW Parts

Parts: 800.456.5337 Fax: 843.553.0657

bmwusa.com

Mon-Fri: 7:30-6 • Sat: 8-5

Rick Hendrick BMW Charleston

Original Equipment BMW Replacement Parts 1518 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, SC 29407

Lexus of Charleston 2424 Savannah Hwy. › Charleston, SC 29414 Parts: 843.852.0333 Fax: 843.852.4834

Mon-Fri: 8-6 • Sat: 8-5

Volvo of Charleston 1518 Savannah Hwy. › Charleston, SC 29407

Parts: 843.402.6516 Fax: 843.402.6520 Mon-Fri: 7:30-6 • Sat: 8-5

Toyota Scion of North Charleston 7151 Rivers Ave. N. › Charleston, SC 29406 VOLVO GENUINE PARTS

72 SEPTEMBER 2017 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Parts: 800.342.9682 Fax: 843.553.5723

Mon-Fri: 7-7 • Sat: 7-6

Parts: 800.763.0283 Mon-Fri: 7:30-6 • Sat: 8-5

Fax: 843.763.8493