Southeastern October 2015 Issue

Southeastern Edition Florida Georgia Alabama Mississippi

Virginia Tennessee North Carolina South Carolina

34

YEARS

10 Automakers Commit to Automatic Emergency Braking on All New Vehicles, Over 50% of New Cars Ten major vehicle manufacturers have committed to making automatic emergency braking (AEB) a standard feature on all new vehicles built, the U.S. Department of Transportation, its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced Sept. 11.

“We are entering a new era of vehicle safety, focused on preventing crashes from ever occurring, rather than just protecting occupants when crashes happen,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

“But if technologies such as automatic

emergency braking are only available as options or on the most expensive models, too few Americans will see the benefits of this new era. These 10 companies are committing to making AEB available to all new-car buyers.”

The announcement, made at the dedication of IIHS’s newly expanded Vehicle Research Center, represents a major step toward making crash-prevention technologies more widely available to consumers. The 10 companies – Audi, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo See Automatic Braking, Page 15

Woodstock, GA, Approves Kia Dealership and Body Shop Rezoning

by Kristal Dixon, Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch

Several months after it rejected a bid from a developer to build a car dealership near the Brookshire neighborhood, the Woodstock City Council approved a request build the project in another location. The City Council on August 24 voted 4-1, with Ward 1 Councilman Warren Johnson oppos-

VOL. 6 ISSUE 8 OCTOBER 2015

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ing, a request from Carriage Woodstock LLC to rezone 14.9 acres along Rope Mill Road from light industrial to general commercial with a conditional use permit to allow for automobile sales.

Council member Bud Leonard was not present.

The land is on the east side of Rope Mill Road, north of Ridgewalk Parkway See KIA Dealer Approved, Page 16

October 2015 SHOP and PRODUCT SHOWCASE Featuring 23 Successful Products INSIDE

New Survey Results Show Insurers ‘Who Pays For What’ in Terms of Frame/Mechanical Procedures

by John Yoswick

Just under 61 percent of shops surveyed said they are paid “always” or “most of the time” for removing coatings from pinchwelds prior to mounting the vehicle on a frame machine when it is required for the repair.

But industry trainer and consultant Mike Anderson said that percentage— from the latest “Who Pays for What?” survey results available now—isn’t high enough.

“In my opinion, that 61 percent should be 100 percent,” said Anderson, president of Collision Advice and cre-

ator of the survey.

Anderson noted that some automakers do not approve mounting or anchoring in the pinchweld area at all, and said shops should always follow manufacturers recommendations. But when mounting using the pinchwelds, See New survey results, Page 22

Toby Chess and David Luehr Offer RDE Talks at SEMA see Hey Toby! p. 48, 50 and David Luehr p. 38, 39

Undercover State Farm Employee Reveals Suppression of Labor Rates

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

A year and a half after the first complaint was filed by body shops in Mississippi against the nation’s top insurers, the plaintiffs’ claims were dismissed yet again by a Florida judge on August 17.

Although it can be viewed as a set back

by some, Eaves Law Firm continues to gather more information to help its case, including comments from a State Farm employee.

There are now more than 500 body shops in 19 states part of the multi-district lawsuit in Florida, alleging the supSee Labor Rate Dispute, Page 24

See p. 40 for SCRS Repairer Driven Education at SEMA See p. 64 for I-CAR Collision Repair Training See p. 55 for Three-part OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at SEMA

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2 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Contents

NATIONAL ‘Adoption of a Learning Culture Key to KPI Success’ Says New I‑CAR Production Management Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 10 Automakers Commit to Automatic Emergency Braking on All New Vehicles, Over 50% of New Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2015 SEMA Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 ASA Announces Collision Division Committee Study on Aluminum Body Panel Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Ask I-CAR Answers: What’s the Difference Between Sectioning And Partial Replacement? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 AudaExplore Donates $40,000 to 1-800 Charity Cars to Support Recycled Rides . 70 Axalta Coating Systems Announces Customer Experience Center to Open in Concord, North Carolina . . . . . . 4 BASF Dual Refinish System Reformulated to Increase Shops’ Production & Profit . . 69 BASF’s Highlights at SEMA Include 2 Booths, Cars, Awards, Autographs, and Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Bonding Solutions Exhibits New Systems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 CARSTAR Names Assistant Marketing Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 CARSTAR Sees 2nd Record Year of Sales Unfolding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Carworx Showcasing European Paint Line at SEMA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 CCC Displays New Technology & Services at SEMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Chief Introduces ‘Affordable Online Leasing Tools’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Collision Repair Technology Summit Offers Three OEM Sessions, Thursday, Nov. 5 . . 55 CREF Seeks ‘Back to School’ Support for Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Dominion Sure Seal Focuses on Cycle-Reduction Products to Benefit Body Shops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Entry to Garmat USA’s Sharp Shooter Contest Still Open Until Oct. 1, Winner Gets Trip for 2 to SEMA . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ford Patents ‘reconfigurable seats’ for Self-Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 GA Shop Collecting Bikes to Give to Kids at Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

I-CAR is back at SEMA in 2015 with training at the Las Vegas Convention Center. I-CAR training centers around individual’s roles as collision industry professionals. See a list of training sessions on p. 64.

Government Accountability Office Releases Safety Study

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a study on August 26 on vehicle safety inspection programs.

ASA will offer its thoughts on the study’s findings in the near future. But for now, the association wants to pro-

vide its members with a copy of the entire GAO study for their analysis.

To take advantage of the many benefits of membership in ASA, visit www.ASAshop.org or call (817) 5142900.

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

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

Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2015 Adamantine Media LLC.

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 66 Automotive Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Axalta Coating Services . . . . . . . . . . 2 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 69 Car Bench North America. . . . . . . . 13 Car-Part.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 CarcoonAmerica Airflow Systems . 55 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA). . . . . . . . . . . 45 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 25 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Coggin Deland Honda . . . . . . . . . . 30 Crashmax Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Crown Automotive Group . . . . . . . . 57 D & S Curing Solutions. . . . . . . . . . 72 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet. . . . . . 46 Dent Magic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Diamond Standard Parts, Inc . . . . . 31 Dominion Sure Seal, Ltd. . . . . . . . . 14 Eco Repair Systems of North America, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 EMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Equalizer Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . 43 FBS Distribution Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . 8 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 63 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 65 Gus Machado Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 H & S Autoshot Mfg. Co . . . . . . . . . 33 Hendrick Automotive Group . . . . . . 17 Hendrick BMW/MINI . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Hendrick Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Hendrick Honda Bradenton . . . . . . 24 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35, 36-37 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers. . 54 John Walcher, President (Veritas Advisors) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Jon Hall Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Kernersville Chrysler-DodgeJeep-Ram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers. 61 Land Rover South Dade . . . . . . . . . 38 Lexus Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 62 Malco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Martech Service Company . . . . . . . 26 Mastro Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 68 Mirka Abrasives, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . 28 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 41 Motor Guard Corporation . . . . . . . . . 4 Nalley BMW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 O’Brien Hyundai-Subaru-Mazda . . . 9 Performance Automall . . . . . . . . . . 47 Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . 58 Prima Welds, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Radley Chevrolet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Rick Case Automotive Group . . . . . 53 Rick Hendrick Dodge-ChryslerJeep-Ram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Riverside Ford-Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . 42 SATA Spray Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 5 Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 27 Stateline Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram . 6 Subaru of Gwinnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 67 Tameron Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Urethane Supply Company . . . . . . 32 Valspar Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Veritas Advisors (John Walcher, President) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Southeast

COLUMNISTS Attanasio - Collision Veteran Takes on Paint Underpays with PaintEx 2.0 . . . . . 34 Franklin - How Much Do Numbers Matter . . 26 Hey Toby - Glue and Rivets Have Replaced Welding on Many Newer Vehicles. . . . . 48 Luehr - Competing with Consolidation?

Change Your Relationship with Fear First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Yoswick - CIC Committee Offers Industry a Way to Push for Use of Better Data Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

GCIA Welcomes Mike Anderson to August Member Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Gerber Opens New Repair Location in North Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Getting Paid for Investing in Facility, Equipment and Training . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 GM Updates Paint-Friendly Service Parts . . 21 Government Accountability Office Releases Safety Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Growing Trend of Collision Repair Networks Led to Formation of 1Collision Network . . 30 I-CAR Training Classes at SEMA . . . . . . . 64 IIHS Dedicates Expanded Testing Facility in Ruckersville, VA to Crash Avoidance. . 24 Industry Invited to Attend Collision Repair Education Foundation’s Annual Reception during SEMA 2015 . . . . . . . 68 Industry Veteran Seeks to Re-Evaluate Perceived Low-Valued Vehicles . . . . . . 42 ITW Evercoat’s New Website for Shops and Technicians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Martin Senour Company 2015 Fourth Quarter Training Schedule Announced . . 10 NABC Members Host Extrication Events for First Responder Appreciation Month. . . 47 New Developments at WyoTech Career Colleges in FL, PA and WY . . . . . . . . . . 12 New Sherwin-Williams Web-Based System Aims to Save Shops Time & Increase Their Profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 New Survey Results Show Insurers ‘Who Pays For What’ in Terms of Frame/ Mechanical Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 PPG Debuts New Vibrance Collection® VC5700 Ditzler® Custom Clear . . . . . . 69 PPG Completes Acquisition of IVC Industrial Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Premiere Services Partners with LKQ on Industry's First Recycled Mobile Electronics Parts Program . . . . . . . . . . 58 Prima Demonstrates Latest MIG Welders at SEMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 ProFirst Certified Shops Discuss How Program Has Improved Business . . . . . 20 Rick Keister Joins CDS/Astech Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SCRS Repairer Driven Education Classes. . 40 SEMA New Products Showcase Relocated This Year for Ease of Location . . . . . . . 28 Study on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and the Evolution of Self-Driving Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Team PRP Automotive Recyclers Expands Network With 3 New Member Companies . 27 Top TV Celebrities Featured at SEMA’s “Velocity Live” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Toyota Invests $50 Million in Artificial Intelligence for Smarter Cars . . . . . . . . 28 Turbomix PaintSaver Has New Stirring Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 U.S. Congress Introduces Bill Allowing Limited Turn-Key Replica Car Production, SEMA in Support. . . . . . . . 86 Undercover State Farm Employee Reveals Suppression of Labor Rates . . . . . . . . . . 1 Valspar’s Family of Brands’ SEMA Highlights Include Custom Cars, Celebrity Appearances, Music and Airbrushing . . 71 Verizon Announces ‘hum,’ Claims Connected Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Veteran Instructor Peter Lock Retires After 36 Years as Leader/Mentor/Educator at CCC. . 58 Wagner SprayTech Shows MotoCoat Sprayers at SEMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Wedge Clamp Systems Opens U.S. Location After 30 Years of International Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Women Automotive, Machine Shop Students in CA Smash Stereotypes . . . 54

Indexof Advertisers

REGIONAL Body Shop in Anderson, SC, Wants to Expand, Opposition for Noise and Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Crystal Lake, FL, Grad Raising Funds to Attend Elite Auto Repair Program . . . . . . 8 Florida Auto Dismantlers and Recyclers Association Celebrates 40th Anniversary. . 9 Gerber Collision & Glass Opens Repair Location in FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Richard Petty to Sign Autographs at Petty’s Garage Car Show Oct. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Service King & SC Collision Center Reach Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Woodstock, GA, Approves Kia Dealership and Body Shop Rezoning . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

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

www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

Service King & SC Collision Center Reach Agreement

Service King Collision Repair Centers announced on August 31 continued growth in the Charlotte, NC market through a partnership with Rock Hill Collision Center and its two area locations.

Service King and Rock Hill Collision Center, located 25 miles south of Charlotte in Rock Hill, SC, mutually agreed upon terms of the acquisition Aug. 28, effective immediately. The two repair facilities included in the deal are located at 1542 E. Main St. and 148 Old Rawlinson Rd. in Rock Hill, S.C. Hargrove founded Rock Hill Collision in 2001 and opened a second location in 2014. “We are very excited to be joining the Service King team,” said Mike Hargrove, owner of Rock Hill Collision Center. “It didn’t take long to realize this was a great opportunity for our team and for our customers.”

Service King now provides repair services at six locations in the Charlotte metro area. The acquisition now extends Service King’s automotive repair service to the state of South Carolina for the first time in the organization’s history.

Gerber Collision & Glass Opens Repair Location in FL

The Boyd Group Inc. announced its August 20 acquisition and opening of a collision repair center in Lake City, Florida. The center previously operated as Duval Automotive and is located on East Duval Street, a key thoroughfare in Lake City and close to the I-10 and I-75 interstate highways.

“This new location further builds on our large market presence in Florida and adds an important service capability in the northern part of the state,” said Tim O’Day, president and COO of the Boyd Group’s U.S. operations. “This also demonstrates that we are on track to achieve our growth target of six to 10 percent through single-store additions.”

O’Day added, “This center has served the collision repair needs of Lake City for almost 40 years and we are proud to become a member of the community. We are excited to introduce the Gerber brand of professional and friendly service.”

The Boyd Group operates locations in five Canadian provinces under the name Boyd Autobody & Glass, as well as in 18 U.S. states under the name Gerber Collision & Glass.

Axalta Coating Systems Announces Customer Experience Center to Open in Concord, North Carolina Axalta Coating Systems, a global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, announced during a groundbreaking ceremony on September 8 that it will construct its new Customer Experience Center in Concord, North Carolina. The 45,000-square-foot facility will serve Axalta’s refinish, light vehicle OEM and industrial customers.

development programs. The new facility will be located on the campus of Hendrick Motorsports just outside Charlotte. Axalta is a 23-year sponsor of Hendrick Motorsports’ racing program.

Axalta Chairman and CEO Charlie Shaver; Owner of Hendrick Motorsports and Chairman of Hendrick

(l to r) Owner of Hendrick Motorsports and Chairman of Hendrick Automotive Group, Rick Hendrick, Axalta Chairman and CEO Charlie Shaver, Four-Time NASCAR® Cup Series Champion, Jeff Gordon and Axalta Vice President and Head of Axalta’s North America business, Nigel Budden break ground on Axalta’s Customer Experience Center

The facility will provide the latest customer training resources for refinish technicians located, especially, in the mid-Atlantic region. The center will also house meeting and conference rooms for customers to participate in coatings-related training and

Gerber Opens New Repair Location in North Carolina

The Boyd Group Inc. announced on September 14 the acquisition and opening of a collision repair center in Jacksonville, North Carolina a few days prior. The center, previously operated as Moore Collision Center, is located on a major thoroughfare in Jacksonville and is co-located with the Moore Buick GMC dealership.

“We are very happy to announce our expanded presence in North Carolina,” said Tim O’Day, President and COO of the Boyd Group’s U.S. operations. “This will help us serve new customers and provides us additional capacity to better serve our insurance partners. We anticipate additional growth in our portfolio and are on track to meet our targeted growth rate of six to 10 percent through single-store additions.”

“Jacksonville has been recognized as one of the fastest growing small cities in the United States and is also home to the U.S. Marine Corps’ Camp Lejeune,” O’Day added. “We look forward to growing with the community and providing the Gerber brand of professional and friendly service that we are known for.”

For information, contact Kim Allen (847) 410-6003 / kim.allen@ gerbercollision.com.

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Automotive Group Rick Hendrick; four-time NASCAR® Cup Series Champion Jeff Gordon; and Axalta Vice President and Head of Axalta’s North America business Nigel Budden participated in a groundbreaking ceremony to kick-off construction.

“Our goal is to provide a service to our customers to help them realize improved shop productivity, efficiency and quality,” said Shaver. “We offer a hands-on, process-oriented approach. Our instructors, designers, and staff are committed to continuing the education and the development of our partner organizations.”

“We’ve enjoyed an unbelievable partnership with Axalta over many years, and this represents another unique step,” Hendrick said. “The opportunities for us to collaborate, both in racing and in our dealership business, are incredible. Our two organizations are committed to each other’s continued success, and we look forward to many more years of working together in innovative ways.”

Axalta’s Customer Experience Center is scheduled to open late 2016.

The center is expected to draw hundreds of customers each year for endof-line repair and real-world training.

It will be equipped with the technology to conduct interactive distance learning while a customer is at his/her own plant or body shop. The facility will also house a complement of business conferencing resources as well as an Axalta exhibit space.

www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 5

Richard Petty to Sign Autographs at Petty’s Garage Car Show Oct. 10 Richard Petty will appear at the Fifth Annual Petty’s Garage Car Show presented by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) on Saturday, Oct. 10. The famous NASCAR driver and owner will sign autographs from 10 a.m. to noon at the event on the Level Cross Petty Enterprises Historical Site in North Carolina.

“We’re thrilled that the King is able to make time in his schedule to visit with his fans at the car show,” said R.W. “Bob” O’Gorman, ALI president. “This is a great opportunity for folks to walk the grounds where the Petty racing legacy began—to see the house where he was born, explore the garages where the famous No. 43 and other race cars were built, and check out the trophies and memorabilia in the new Richard Petty Museum—on the same day that they meet the man himself. For racing fans, it really doesn’t get much better than this.”

The autograph session and entry into the Richard Petty Museum are included in car show admission. Petty will autograph up to two items per car show attendee.

In addition to the anticipated 300 cars on display, the Petty’s Garage Car Show will feature a DJ, vendors and entertainment for the entire fam-

ily. Attendees can see some of the latest performance cars being built by Richard Petty’s custom speed shop, Petty’s Garage. Spectator tickets are available at the gate for $5. Kids ages 10 and under get in free.

Fans of all ages will have the opportunity to meet Richard Petty during a two-hour autograph session at the Fifth Annual Petty’s Garage Car Show presented by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) on Oct. 10, 2015, on the Level Cross Petty Enterprises Historical Site in Randleman, NC

Space is still available to register cars for the show. An exclusive dinner on Oct. 9 at Petty’s home, Reverie Place, that was open to the first 100 registered car owners, is sold out. The car show entry fee is $35 per car and includes a goody bag, dash plaque, and entry into the Richard Petty Museum. The car

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show is open to all makes and models, with awards given to the top 50 vehicles and specialties.

Gates are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, and judging begins at noon. The Richard Petty Museum opens at 9 a.m.

Stop by the ALI display at the show to learn about vehicle lift safety and enter to win Richard Petty Museum gift cards, a limited edition No. 43 scale model and Petty autographed merchandise. Additional door prizes will be awarded.

The Petty’s Garage Fifth Annual Car Show will be held on the Level Cross Petty Enterprises Historical Site, home of Petty’s Garage and the Richard Petty Museum, 311 Branson Mill Road in Randleman, NC. To register for the event, visit PGCarShow2015.eventzilla.net or call (336) 498-3745. Connect with Petty’s Garage on Facebook at www.facebook .com/PettysGarage and on Twitter at twitter.com/PettysGarage.

To learn more about ALI, visit www.autolift.org or call (607) 7567775. You can also connect with ALI on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ LiftInstitute, on Twitter at twitter.com/ LiftInstitute and on YouTube at www .youtube.com/LiftInstitute.

Rick Keister Joins CDS/Astech Board of Directors

Rick Keister, former CEO of Keystone Automotive Industries, has joined CDS’s board of directors and become a financial partner in the company. Keister will help guide the company as it expands its remote diagnostic solutions and services to the collision industry.

During his time at Keystone, Keister is credited for making improvements in the quality of aftermarket and remanufactured parts. Prior to joining Keystone, he served as president of Delco Remy International’s Aftermarket Group, having joined the company in 1997 following Delco Remy’s acquisition of World Wide Automotive. Keister was the founder of World Wide Automotive, serving as president and CEO. “Rick’s extensive experience in the auto industry combined with his ability to champion significant strategic initiatives will be a huge addition to the company,” said Doug Kelly, CEO of CDS. Keister said that his decision to invest and join the board “was influenced by Copart and Kinderhook Industries’ ability to assemble a winning team and their substantial commitments to the company’s success.”

www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 7

Crystal Lake, FL, Grad Raising Funds to Attend Elite Auto Repair Program

by Madhu Krishnamurthy, dailyherald.com

Since losing his parents, Paul Joseph “P.J.” Whipson has worked hard to put himself through school and earn a chance to study at an elite automotive technician training program. Friends of the 2014 Prairie Ridge High School graduate, who has been accepted into the highly competitive Mercedes-Benz Elite Advanced Program, are raising funds online and at an event later this month in Island Lake so he can complete the program in Jacksonville, Florida.

Whipson lost his father, Peter Whipson, to lung cancer in 1996, when he was barely 1 year old. His mother, Dolores, died of heart disease and complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 2011, when he was a 14-year-old freshman at Prairie Ridge.

“My motivation is pretty much just my past life,” said Whipson, now 20, of Crystal Lake. “It was pretty rough ... my mom being sick all the time. My brother and I were taking care of her. Things were tough with money and food. I don’t want my family to deal with that.”

Whipson has been working parttime at 3-D Bowl & Sideouts in Island Lake ever since. His older brother,

Peter, now 25, was working and also studying at McHenry County College at the time of their mother’s death.

“We just support each other in making it work,” Whipson said.

Friends of recent Prairie Ridge High School graduate P.J. Whipson, who was accepted into the highly competitive Mercedes-Benz Elite Advanced Program in Jacksonville, Florida, are raising funds on GoFundMe so he can go to school there. Credit: Courtesy of District 155

With help from his career counselor, teachers and friends at Crystal Lake High School District 155, Whipson earned a full-tuition scholarship to Universal Technical Institute automotive trade school in Lisle. UTI is a leading national trade school providing training for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. In 50 years, its schools have

8 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

graduated more than 190,000 technicians, according to its website.

“To apply, the student had to do a video. It was based on a good work ethic,” said Paula Steiner, supervisor of the College & Career Center at Prairie Ridge. Steiner helped Whipson with the video. He made the cut as a finalist and winners were chosen based on the most Facebook votes for each video.

“I was scrambling to get everyone I know to vote for him,” Steiner said.

“District 155 got behind him, all the teachers, students, family, staff ... all voting on his video. It was a really fun way for the community to support a kid who doesn’t have parents to help him with anything. He’s got the biggest heart. He is just dying to have a good job, get married, have a family and have a normal life.”

Whipson was in the top 10 for number of votes received, she added.

The UTI scholarship is funded by the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, which supports students trying to get into skilled trades. Rowe is behind the popular Discovery Network television show “Dirty Jobs.” The foundation has awarded more than $2.5 million in scholarships to schools nationwide.

Whipson will be graduating from UTI with a 3.9 grade-point average on Sept. 25. Only the top performing UTI graduates make the Mercedes-Benz elite program. He was selected from among 400 students who applied for 128 available spots.

“This is a dream come true,” Whipson said. “I was in shock and disbelief when I found out I was accepted.

The interview was the most nerve-racking thing that I’ve had to do. Getting the Mercedes credentials, it’s sort of like getting a bachelor’s (degree).”

While Mercedes-Benz will cover the cost of the six-month program, Whipson is on his own for living expenses. He aims to raise roughly $6,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of the move to Jacksonville and living there. A fundraiser also is planned from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 12 at 3-D Bowl & Sideouts, 4018 W. Roberts Road. The $25 charge includes bowling, appetizers, 50/50 raffle and a silent auction.

“I’m going to have to work, but I just need something to get me started,” he said. “If not, I will make it work another way.”

Thanks to dailyherald.com for permission to reprint this article.

Florida Auto Dismantlers and Recyclers Association Celebrates 40th Anniversary

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On July 23-26, the Florida Auto Dismantlers and Recyclers Association (FADRA) celebrated its 40th anniversary with the association’s annual meeting, held at the Sheraton Sand Key in Clearwater Beach, FL. Automotive recyclers, their employees and families enjoyed several days of edu-

Chris Wright, ARA Past President and Ed MacDonald, ARA Immediate Past President talking with attendees

cational sessions alongside industry vendors and supporters.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of festivities in celebration of the organization’s anniversary, including a Tampa Bay cruise on welcoming night, a

Denim-and-Diamonds themed dinner gala, and a tour of Clearwater Auto Recycling.

The event’s keynote speaker was Amber Elenbaas of Rebuilders Automotive Supply (RAS) who also taught sessions on utilizing consistency as a jumping off point for change and brokering parts. CBC Dashboard’s Robert Counts conducted educational seminars on managing in the digital age and measuring business. Benny Cunningham, co-owner of Cunningham Brothers Auto Parts in Rustbury, VA led a popular seminar on cores and warranties, and attendees took particular interest in a panel featuring self-service automotive recycling facilities.

FADRA is an affiliate chapter of the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), and the national organization was represented at the event by Immediate Past President Ed MacDonald who believes “education and networking opportunities are the most beneficial aspects for industry-sponsored events. ARA and affiliated chapter members need to stay informed on the latest developments and trends impacting the industry and the broader

automotive and repair sectors. ARA’s Annual Convention and affiliate chapter events serve as a means of providing this type of information. They are an opportunity to meet with current association members, as well as prospective members, to present association member benefits and help promote the association’s value by highlighting the specific products and services ARA

Dwight Howard on left, his daughter Jessica in middle, Ed MacDonald posing in booth

provides its membership base. Networking is also a key ingredient in the success of association events as it allows automotive recyclers to benchmark themselves and their peers in the industry.”

Michael Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of ARA, stated, “The purpose of these industry meetings is to connect the automotive recycling community, from automotive recycling business owners to industry vendors and suppliers. Educational and training opportunities for business owners and their employees are a big focus, as it providing ample networking opportunities.” MacDonald adds “FADRA rose to the challenge, attracting attendees from all over Florida and the Southeastern part of the country.”

Currently, ARA is gearing up for its 72nd Annual Convention and Expo, to be held October 7-10 at the Westin Charlotte Hotel in Charlotte, NC. In addition to 12 exposition hours featuring several new exhibitors, this year’s event will offer over 30 educational sessions, including keynote presentations by Bobby Triesch, Vice Present of Operations for Newell Recycling and Mark Rosekind, Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

ARA’s 2015 Annual Convention and Expo will also provide plenty of See 40th Anniversary, Page 12

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www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 9

Martin Senour Company 2015 Fourth Quarter Training Schedule Announced Martin Senour Company announced its 2015 fourth quarter training schedule, with courses running from October 5 to November 16, 2015. Training courses emphasize painter certification and maximizing shop profits, and will be held at Martin Senour training facilities nationwide.

According to Jeff Hartl, Martin Senour Director of Sales, the new schedule of classes reflects the continued hands-on technical learning and business-building offerings available to Martin Senour customers.

“Whether our customers are seeking further education in standard operating procedures, color-matching, the latest waterborne technologies, accurate estimating or furthering their customer relations skills, we have the course for that.”

In particular, Martin Senour professionals will teach the following course topics during the fourth quarter of 2015: ● VORTEX® Waterborne Painter Certification ● Estimating Solutions for Profit ● Color Adjustment and Blending ● Improving Workshop Efficiency ● Achieving Service Excellence ● Fleet FPG ● Jobber Level 1 A complete listing of the 2015 fourth quarter Martin Senour training

schedule, is as follows:

Atlanta 10/5/2015 Vortex® Waterborne Painter Certification (3 days) 10/7/2015 Estimating Solutions for Profit (1 day) 10/8/2015 Improving Workshop Efficiency (1 day) 10/9/2015 Achieving Service Excellence (1 day) 11/2/2015 Painter Certification (3 days) 11/16/2015 Color Adjustment and Blending (3 days) Chicago 10/5/2015 Pro//BASE™ Refinish System Painter (2 days) 10/5/2015 Painter Certification (3 days) 10/26/2015 Jobber Level 1 (3 days) 10/15/2015 Estimating Solutions for Profit (1 day) 11/9/2015 Estimating Solutions for Profit (1 day) 11/10/2015 Achieving Service Excellence (1 day) 12/1/2015 Color Adjustments & Blending (3 days)

Entry to Garmat USA’s Sharp Shooter Contest Still Open Until Oct. 1, Winner Gets Trip for 2 to SEMA

GARMAT USA has announced the return of the Garmat Sharp Shooter contest for shop owners and paint techs.

The contest which began in 2011 was designed to recognize quality paint techs and shop owners that use Garmat equipment. Grand Prize includes a trip for 2 to the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas and a SATAjet 4000B Camouflage Limited Edition Paint Gun.

“The talent that we have seen from this contest just continues to amaze everyone within the Garmat organization,” says Johan Huwaert, Garmat USA’s general manager. “The shop owners appreciate the contest too, as it provides the added benefit of validating their commitment to quality by showcasing their choice of equipment and capabilities of their technicians.”

The Garmat Sharp Shooter Con-

test will run from July 9, 2015 –October 1, 2015. Entering the contest is as easy as uploading a video and/or emailing the application form. Paint techs and their managers will have the opportunity to tell their Garmat Story in either video testimonial or written statements.

Judging is based on the shop owner and paint tech’s dedication to providing quality paint jobs, superior customer service, attention to safety and overall equipment knowledge. Bonus questions include an inquiry on how Garmat can improve their Garmat experience with product improvements.

In addition to the Grand Prize of a free trip to the SEMA SHOW in Las Vegas, SATA will once again provide 2 SATA Camo Paint Guns to be presented to the top two entries. Five finalists will each be awarded two Wi-Fi tablets, (one for the contestant and one for the owner/ manager); and a 3M logo’d backpack. The first 100 entrants will receive a custom Garmat Sharp Shooter Cap. Contest rules and regulations can be found at www.garmat.com. The application can be downloaded at: http://www.garmat.com/Sharpshooter .html. Winners from the 2014 Sharp Shooter contest can be found on www .facebook.com/GarmatUSA.

10 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Dallas 11/16/2015 Color Adjustments & Blending (3 days)

Philadelphia 10/5/2015 Pro//BASE™ Refinish System Painter (2 days) 10/7/2015 Estimating Solutions for Profit (1 day) 10/28/2015 Achieving Service Excellence (1 day) 10/29/2015 Estimating Solutions for Profit (1 day) 11/16/2015 Fleet FGP (3 days) 12/14/2015 Vortex® Waterborne Application & Simplicity (2 days)

Reno 11/2/2015 Vortex® Waterborne Painter Certification (3 days) 11/16/2015 Jobber Level 1 (4 days) For information regarding the Martin Senour training or its paint products, visit the training section at www.martinsenour-autopaint.com or call 1-800-5266704.

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Bonding Solutions Exhibits New Systems and Solutions

Bonding Solutions announced that that they will be exhibiting their products at the 2015 SEMA Show.

Company Technical Sales Manager Jeff Miller is excited to be a part the largest automotive specialty products trade event in the world. Bonding Solutions will be showing the Like90 Automotive Product line, consisting of solutions for particle control, spray masking and inhibiting corrosion that help to increase cycle times in the auto repair industry.

The company also distributes the PLIOGRIP Adhesive System by Valvoline—a complete body repair and bonding system. The PLIOGRIP Material Cost Recovery Program has also gained significant traction since being unveiled in June 2015. Available as an app, this program enables body techs to report exact numbers when it comes to their adhesive usage on every repair, so that they can get reimbursed from the insurance companies. Miller said. “Last year’s SEMA Show drew more than 60,000 domestic and international buyers and that’s why Bonding Solutions is pleased to be a part of this world-class automotive trade show again this year.”

www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 11

New Developments at WyoTech Career Colleges in FL, PA and WY Last February, Zenith Education Group (Zenith) acquired a subset of Everest and WyoTech career colleges—including the WyoTech campuses in Daytona Beach, FL, Blairsville, PA and Laramie, WY— from the now defunct for-profit Corinthian Colleges chain. Zenith immediately transitioned the schools to nonprofit status and began to implement a series of initiatives designed to improve outcomes for its students and graduates. In keeping with its nonprofit mission to measure success by how many students complete their programs and get jobs in their fields of study, Zenith is fostering an open dialogue with employers with the goal of increasing available job opportunities for its graduates.

The Collision/Refinishing Technology course of study— a core program offering for the past 40 years—is one of many programs for which WyoTech seeks direct input from employers. This six-month, 1,000-hour program covers subjects critical to the foundation and development of a collision/refinishing technician.

The Collision/Refinishing program has been revised to ensure that skills being taught in the classroom meet employer needs. To that end, WyoTech recently held collision industry program

advisory council (PAC) meetings at both its Laramie and Blairsville campuses.

(PACs are composed primarily of employers who hire our WyoTech graduates.)

Based on the feedback received at these meetings, WyoTech implemented the I-CAR Professional Development program, I-CAR Pro-Level Platinum Certificates and EPA 609 A/C and 6H Air Quality certification programs. ICAR Steel Welding Certification testing is offered at both the Laramie and Blairsville campus locations.

Among other initiatives is a partnership between Mack Trucks, Volvo Trucks and WyoTech. This relationship provides students with the skills Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks employers are seeking, giving graduates the advantage of being hired into their dealer networks.

Using the Mack Truck and Volvo Truck curricula and equipment, WyoTech instructors and staff work closely with the company to ensure that students learn and can demonstrate the required technical and soft skills. In turn, students who successfully complete the Diesel Advanced Technology Education (DATE) for Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks coursework, have a clear advantage in being hired into their dealer network. The

12 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Volvo Group is also committing to a total of $34,800 in scholarships for the curriculum’s next cohort of students beginning this month, and $6,500 in upgraded training equipment.

Building on this model, Zenith completed a similar agreement between WyoTech and Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) in July. Under this exclusive arrangement, students who successfully complete a new free program will graduate as Mazda-certified technicians, significantly enhancing their employment prospects at one of Mazda’s more than 640 U.S. dealerships. Mazda will use WyoTech’s training facilities in Blairsville, PA and Laramie, WY to train its top dealership personnel on advanced courses throughout the year. To support the program, Mazda has donated more than 20 vehicles, specialized tooling and equipment, in addition to several current model year vehicles rotated out annually for current year technology.

Zenith’s efforts to help its graduates find good-paying jobs by working directly with the employers who hire them are also outlined in its progress report released last month, which lays out a number of actions the nonprofit provider of career education has taken in its initial six months of operation to put students first and improve its schools.

Continued from Page 9

40th Anniversary

networking opportunities. Attendees will enjoy a yard tour and barbeque at Matlock’s Used Cars and Parts, the Ladies of ARA (LARA) will hold a breakfast and business networking event, the association’s annual Awards Dinner and Presidential Gavel Passing Ceremony will take place, and the event will conclude with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Bank of America 500 Race for just $95, including transportation.

Wilson stated, “ARA leadership continues to enhance the quality of this annual event, assembling topnotch speakers and focusing on the educational and training topics that automotive recyclers have requested.

Owners, managers, sales teams, dismantlers and staff will all gain new ideas, fresh insight and enthusiasm to take home and put their business on the fast track to success!”

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www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 13

Dominion Sure Seal Focuses on Cycle-Reduction Products to Benefit Body Shops

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Finding ways to reduce cycle time is an ongoing challenge for body shops across the country. Tim Durrer from Dominion Sure Seal said this is especially true for those that are part of Direct Repair Programs (DRPs) and depend on insurance companies for the majority of their work.

“DRPs look at a shop’s cycle time – how long it takes to repair the vehicle from the time a customer drops off the keys until they pick them up. In order for shops to obtain more work, you need to decrease your cycle time,” said Durrer, Dominion’s U.S. vice president of sales and marketing.

“Looking at it from the standpoint of an MSO or body shop, if I’m trying to capture more work from an insurance company, if I can drop my cycle time from five days down to four days, they are going to give me more cars per week.” He said this leads to better customer retention, higher productivity as well as one day less for a rental car which all equate to a huge cost savings for the insurance companies.

Currently in his 14th year at Dominion, Durrer’s primary emphasis is evaluating the company’s product line with a focus on improving its cycle-

time reduction products. “What we are doing is changing the products to meet the needs of the body shops,” said Durrer.

Established in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1972, Dominion Sure Seal manufactures and distributes a wide range of products for the automotive industry. Durrer, who is based in Arizona, said the company probably manufactures more than 500 items.

Ron Kirn, owner of P&R Auto Repair in Kentucky, said they have used Dominion Sure Seal products for more than a year. These include the one-step self etch primer, hi build zinc weld thru primer, rubberized undercoating and gravel guard.

“They are very easy to use and the products dry very fast so we can get the vehicles to the paint department, get the vehicle delivered to the customer fast and still give the customer a quality job,” he said.

Kirn, who has been in the business for more than 35 years, said cycle time is very important to a shop. “That is how you get graded from the insurance company; the better the cycle time means more work they pump into your shop, which means more money.”

Spencer Caldwell, owner of Arizona School of Automotive Refinishing,

has used Dominion products for the past four years. Some of these products include color your hippo bed liner, which Caldwell said has good adhesion, a nice smooth texture, and excellent color hold out; chip guard aerosol, which he said is fast drying, non-sagging and easy to match; and epoxy bumper repair materials, which he said are fast, flexible, and have good adhesion.

ASAR mainly focuses on restoration projects, but does some collision cosmetic repairs as well. Caldwell said it is currently a training facility for the hobbyist. During the day, they work on high-end restoration builds and 15 different classes are offered in the evening.

One Step Self Etch Caldwell said Primer – SEP– the Dominion proetches into steel ducts have been to enhance the helpful during their adhesion of the top coat or primer classes. “The amo-

in·teg·ri·ty:

unt of support we receive has been a huge help while learning the ins and outs of the line.”

Dominion Sure Seal entered the retail automotive market in 1995 and its products can be found in retail automotive chains around the world.

The company also privately brands its products to more than 56 companies.

In 2004, the company opened a European warehouse in Oisterwijk, Holland. Currently, Dominion Sure Seal has four manufacturing sites in Canada and operates offices in the United States, Holland and Japan.

In addition to offering products for use on aluminum for the past 10 years, Dominion’s product line also includes adhesives, sealants, tapes, body and trim tools, aerosols, plastic repair products, coatings, bed liners, anti-corrosion materials, clear coats, cycle-time reduction products and a line of retail DIY type products The company is endorsed by General Motors Corp., Toyota and Daimler Chrysler for use in their plastic repair systems.

Dominion Sure Seal plans to showcase its cycle-reduction products at the SEMA show, booth #10782. For more information, call (800) 2650790.

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14 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

GA Shop Collecting Bikes to Give to Kids at Christmas

East Coast Body Shop in Columbus, GA is collecting bike donations until December 11. After restoring the bikes, the shop will give them to kids at Christmas. In July, the owner of the shop, Chester Jackson, said 15 bikes were stolen and the year before 50 were stolen, according to wrbl.com.

The shop received a trailer to hold the bikes to make sure none of them are stolen.

More than 250 bikes have been donated to the shop to be refurbished for the kids. Jackson said these bikes are part of the 1,000 the shop needs.

They are also looking for another trailer to house the bikes, according to wrbl.com.

To donate to the shop, call 706685-0823.

Continued from Cover

Automatic Braking

– will work with IIHS and NHTSA in the coming months on the details of implementing their historic commitment, including the timeline for making AEB a standard feature. The Department and IIHS encourage all other light-vehicle and trucking manufacturers to bring automated vehicle technology to all vehicles on U.S. roadways as soon as possible.

Automatic emergency braking includes a range of systems designed to address the large number of crashes, especially rear-end crashes, in which drivers do not apply the brakes or fail to apply sufficient braking power to avoid or mitigate a crash.

AEB systems use on-vehicle sensors such as radar, cameras or lasers to detect an imminent crash, warn the driver and, if the driver does not take sufficient action, engage the brakes.

“The evidence is mounting that AEB is making a difference,” said IIHS President Adrian Lund. “Most crashes involve driver error. This technology can compensate for the mistakes every driver makes because the

systems are always on alert, monitoring the road ahead and never getting tired or distracted.”

AEB technology is already showing benefits in the real world.

Several studies, including a recent report from IIHS, show that AEB technology can reduce insurance injury claims by as much as 35 percent. The 10 manufacturers committing to across-the-board AEB represented 57 percent of U.S. light-duty vehicle sales in 2014.

The expanded IIHS facility opened today, made possible by special funding provided by IIHS’s insurance company sponsors, provides IIHS with the capabilities needed to test evolving crash-avoidance technology.

In January, NHTSA announced its proposal to add automatic emergency braking to the list of recommended advanced safety features included in its New Car Assessment Program. In May, Secretary Foxx announced a series of steps DOT and NHTSA will take to accelerate the development of advanced safety technologies such as vehicle-to-vehicle communications and autonomous driving.

“Secretary Foxx’s direction to NHTSA is clear: We must work to expedite the implementation of advanced technologies to save lives at every opportunity,” said NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind. “These 10 manufacturers have committed to an important principle: AEB is a lifesaving technology that should be available to every vehicle owner. In the months ahead, NHTSA will work closely with IIHS and the auto industry to carry out that commitment, and we encourage every other manufacturer to join this effort.”

The DOT and IIHS have longstanding commitments to promoting life-saving technology innovations.

Moving forward, IIHS and NHTSA will set specific performance criteria for manufacturers to meet their commitment, and will determine how soon consumers can expect to see AEB technology as standard equipment. In order for a vehicle to earn IIHS’s highest safety award, ‘Top Safety Pick’, IIHS requires the vehicle to have an automatic braking system.

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www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 15

Body Shop in Anderson, SC, Wants to Expand, Opposition for Noise and Contamination

by Kirk Brown, Independent Mail

Jimmie Johnson has nothing but kind words for Terry Peardon, who moved his auto body business next to her home on South Main Street a few months ago.

Walter Willingham of Anderson has complained to city officials about a nearby business, Anderson Body Shop and Restoration, which wants to expand into his neighborhood on Nardin Avenue

“He passed out watermelons to the whole neighborhood,” Johnson said. Betty Kay, who lives on the other side of the South Main Street, praised Peardon for helping her daughter after a recent wreck, including finding the truck that hit her and left the scene.

“This man don’t bother nobody,” Continued from Cover

KIA Dealer Approved

and the Kirk-Rudy manufacturing plant and south of Olde Rope Mill Park. The proposed site plan is a total of 67,500 square feet, including 45,000 for the Kia dealership, 20,000 for the body shop and 2,500 for the car wash. Parks Huff, attorney for the applicant, said it’s been ”a long time getting here,” as the company has worked on a proposal that would work for everyone.

In October, the Council unanimously rejected a request from Carriage to rezone 5.95 acres on the northside of Ridgewalk Parkway and west of Interstate 575 from form-based code infill village to special district transect with nine variances to accommodate their proposal. This newest location, which is north of the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta, could “not be a better location for this business,” Huff added.

Kia plans to bring about 70 new jobs and invest $15 million in its facility, all of which will be done in Woodstock.

“It’s putting jobs in the city, and I think that is very, very important to look at,” he added.

she said. But Walter Willingham, who lives behind Anderson Body Shop and Restoration on Nardin Avenue, says the business has turned his life into a “living hell.”

In a letter that he submitted to officials with the city of Anderson, Willingham said contaminated water has drained onto his property from the business. He also said there has been “excessive noise at all hours of the night” from loud engines, tools and radios.

Willingham’s letter came in response to a rezoning request that Peardon has submitted.

He wants to expand his business onto a lot on Nardin Avenue that he recently purchased for $250 from the Anderson County Forfeited Land Commission.

Peardon has cut down overgrown vegetation on the lot and partially demolished a home on the property, which he is seeking to rezone from residential to commercial.

“I am trying to improve this neighborhood,” said Peardon, who bought three other nearby lots this summer from the Forfeited Land Commission, property records show.

He said he plans to plant grass on each of the parcels.

A few residents who live in the Meridian at Ridgewalk subdivision spoke out against the plan. One resident said there was little knowledge about the case and the Council meeting. He also said he did not want to see an auto dealership built near Olde Rope Mill Park. Jack Tubb stated he’d like to see the city impose limitations on when dumpsters can pick up trash from the facility. He told the council he’s heard operators collecting trash from Marlow’s Tavern and Applebee’s well past 10 p.m. It’s an issue the city is already addressing, Public Works Director Pat Flood told the council later during the discussions. Flood said the city has sent letters to those eateries, reminding them of the city’s ordinance outlining the time when waste collection is allowed.

Johnson proposed tabling the matter so more residents can have a chance to weigh in on and learn about the proposal. Councilman Chris Casdia disagreed, adding he heard there had been previous opportunities for residents to meet with the applicant to review the plan.

“It wasn’t a surprise based on what I heard,” he said of the case.

Thanks to the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch for permission to reprint.

16 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Responding to Willingham’s complaints, Peardon said the only water that drains off his business is

The owner of Anderson Body Shop and Restoration on South Main Street in Anderson is seeking approval for a rezoning request that would allow him to expand his business into a neighborhood on Nardin Avenue. The City Planning Commission rejected the request, which will receive final consideration from the City Council. Credit: Ken Ruinard

from washing cars and he denied that there excessive noise at night.

Peardon said he wants to build an 18-foot high fence along the lot on Nardin Avenue behind his business.

He said the land would be used as a

storage area for vehicles.

Willingham said he doesn’t want to see Peardon’s business expand.

“This is a neighborhood,” he said in an interview. “We want to leave it a residential area.”

Willingham was among about 20 people who showed up at a city Planning Commission meeting last week to oppose the rezone request.

The commission voted unanimously to approve a staff recommendation to deny the request because of the “negative effect the commercial intrusion will have on this residential block.” Peardon said he will take his request to the City Council for consideration on Sept. 14.

Councilman Tony Stewart, whose district includes Anderson Auto Body and Restoration, said he opposes Peardon’s proposal to expand the business into a neighborhood. “I think it is a bad fit for the area,” he said. We thank Indepedent Mail for reprint permission.

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GCIA Welcomes Mike Anderson to August Member Meeting

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On Monday, August 24, the Georgia Collision Industry Association (GCIA) hosted their monthly member meeting with guest speaker Mike Anderson of CollisionAdvice. Howard Batchelor, Executive Director of GCIA, stated,

GCIA members welcomed Mike Anderson

“As always, Mike did a fantastic job of updating attendees about what’s going on in the industry. He focused on the 3Cs: CSI, cycle times and closing ratio, and he talked to shops about their need to retain more gross profit. There were 40 attendees at the meeting, and Mike got everyone fired up, teaching them

that it’s not just a body shop - it’s a business! Responses to the presentation were very favorable.”

Anderson began his presentation, “Positioning Yourself in the Collision Repair Industry,” by discussing how businesses that want to thrive, instead of merely surviving, need to focus on the three major areas: sales and marketing, production and finance/HR. Looking at sales and marketing, Anderson noted OEMs’ intent to have vehicles notify them when a car is in an accident.

This system would suggest nearby repair facilities to the consumer, creating the possibility of virtual steering. The OEMs’ interest in body shops is directly related to the fact that 60 percent of consumers sell or trade their vehicle within a year of a repair, and of that number, 63 percent change brands when they switch vehicles.

Because of this opportunity for virtual steering, several insurance companies have already talked about becoming the certified carrier for specific

brands. Anderson noted, “DRPs are NOT going away; however, I do believe that we need to set our customers up to win, and this OEM trend needs to be clearly considered.”

Moving to the 3Cs, Anderson explained the importance of CSI lies in keeping everyone informed, measuring the time assignment is received to when the estimate is uploaded, and delivering the vehicle on time; most importantly, vehicles should be fixed

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correctly the first time. Regarding closing ratio, Anderson emphasized the value of sales scripts, sales training, estimate follow up and corporate espi-

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Exploring how to obtain more production, Anderson noted that increasing labor gross profits is imperative in order to offset the cost of training and OEM Certification Equipment requirements.

In order to achieve the 65-70 percent labor gross profit required, shops can accomplish this through bonus-based pay plans, team systems, the tiered approach and labor rate increases. In reviewing length of rental (LOR), Anderson insists that shops should stay four days faster than the nineday average to stay high on their CSI ratings. He also suggested focusing more on repairs instead of replacement since a shop’s profitability lies in labor. He also stressed

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ProFirst Certified Shop Discusses How Program Has Improved Business

by Victoria Antonelli, Online Editor

In March 2015, American Honda launched the ProFirst Certified program after more than two years of research and development. Autobody News reached out to Honda World Body Shop in Orange County, CA, which became certified within the last six months, to learn more about their experience.

The California shop shares a location with Lexus of Westminister and was originally a Pontiac dealership in the 1960s, until it made the transition to Honda in 1996.

“Today’s vehicles are more complicated and more sophisticated with a higher degree of technology than ever before in the way they are designed, built and the materials used,” said Gary Ledoux, Assistant National Manager for American Honda Motor Co. “Honda and Acura are no exception.”

The shop became ProFirst Recognized four years ago, and was one of the first shops to become ProFirst Certified. ProFirst Recognized is the initial body shop program created by Honda.

Currently, both programs are running, but on October 31, 2015, the improved ProFirst Certified will replace ProFirst

men too, and two general techs, totaling 16 technicians at our one location.”

The ProFirst Certified program is open to independent and dealer-owned collision shops. To qualify, shops must be either an I-CAR Gold Class shop or a VeriFacts VQ or Medallion shop.

Honda World Body Shop was previously VeriFacts VQ certified.

“When we became ProFirst Certified, a team from VeriFacts came out to coach our technicians through the transition,” said Bortolussi.

In addition, shops must complete Honda/Acura-specific training hosted by I-CAR, meet tool and equipment requirements, meet facility requirements, and have a CSI (l to r): Honda World Body Shop staff: AAA Writer and Body system in place.

Shop Manager, Cesar Rodriguez; Fixed Operations Director, Randy Hickerson; and Body Shop Director, Larry Bortolussi Ledoux said collision techaccept Outstanding Performance awards from the Automobile nicians cannot repair “tomorClub of Southern California (AAA) for both 2013 and 2014 row-tech” vehicles with “yesterHe said that becoming ProFirst tech” knowledge, training, tools and Certified is not cheap or easy, but def- equipment. “That’s what ProFirst Certified is all about—proper, complete and initely worth it.

“Two years ago we retooled our safe repair of Honda and Acura vehicles whole shop,” said Bortolussi. “All 10 through proper training, repair informabody men have their own Car-O-Liner. tion and equipment.”

Some of the benefits include a We also have four helpers that are body Recognized.

Because Honda World is both a Honda dealership and a body shop, making the upgrade earlier this year was an obvious decision, said Body Shop Director, Larry Bortolussi.

“The recognition you receive from being ProFirst Certified shop really helps,” said Bortolussi. “When customers do a Google search, we are at the top of the list.”

‘Adoption of a Learning Culture Key to KPI Success’ Says New I‑CAR Production Management Role The adoption of a strong learning culture within a business, as well as sound production management principles, will not only help improve bottom line results, but will also bring additional value in understanding a technician’s abilities or inabilities and knowing how to close any knowledge gaps a shop may uncover among its staff.

Recently, I‑CAR launched a new Production Management role. This new role features Industry-defined training that helps to quickly assess and solve complex problems facing shop production—without sacrificing complete, safe and quality repairs. This role was developed to fill a need as requested by the industry. I-CAR's solution was to design the training that targets the needs of the production manager by using industry subject matter experts with over 200 years of production management experience to aid in the course design.

The new courses are designed to provide emphasis on active problem solving, fostering a learning culture, and maximizing shop productivity.

The ten ProLevel 1 courses in this role are purpose built to include online, virtual, and live delivery. This tailors the learning experience to match the

content and how it’s being delivered.

All ten courses are taught in sequential order with each course building upon the previous course; this decreases redundancy and increases efficiency.

The ten courses in the Production Management role are: ● Learning Culture Overview – Online ● Before The Repair Starts – Online ● Matching The Repair To The Team – Virtual ● Workflow Essentials – Online ● Synchronizing Workflow Through Team Communication – Live ● Problem Solving For Workflow Changes – Virtual ● Quality Is Your Business – Online ● Optimizing Processes, Equipment, and Compliance – Online ● Developing The Team And The Business – Virtual ● Refining The Team And The Business – Live

On the I-CAR website, you will find links to product sheets that provide more detail about each course.

Additional information on this new PDP role can be found on the I-CAR website at www.i-car.com.

20 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

plaque for display plus free online access to all Honda and Acura service and repair information and parts catalogs. The shop’s contact information will be placed on the American Honda body shop locator website. Qualified shops will receive exterior signage, collateral promotional materials, and free access to a collision tech-line for help via telephone.

“No brand earns more Top Safety Pick awards than Honda,” said Steve Osborne, Assistant VP of the Parts, Service & Technical Division. “It is only logical that we support safe and proper collision repair of our customers’ vehicles and that we identify repair shops that are certified to possess the necessary skills, training and equipment to perform those repairs.”

During its development, the Pro First Certified program involved people and departments with American Honda including parts marketing, service training, service engineering, and service publications. The company worked with several of their business partners, including Axalta Coatings, ICAR and VeriFacts.

The cost of the program will be $2,700 annually. To learn more, contact profirstinfo.honda.com.

Continued from Page 18

GCIA Welcomes

the value of obtaining proper training on aluminum and steel to make educated decisions, encouraging jobbers to “be a conduit of information!”

Regarding finance and HR, data is and will remain key. Anderson believes that shops should be on an accrual accounting system, not cash, and they need to know how to manage cash flow and determine ROI on investments, such as equipment. He recommends a sales mix to achieve maximum gross profit, consisting of 30 percent body, frame and mechanical labor, 20 percent paint labor and 10 percent paint materials. Parts sales should account for 3638 percent of profit with 2-4 percent of sales being sublets. This varies greatly from what he has observed, and his suggestions to realign the ratios is bringing sublets in-house, repairing vs. replacing, offering more refinish operations, and invoicing paint materials.

Anderson said shops must improve quality of employees in a shorter time by offering after hours training clinics and establishing a training matrix. He emphasizes that jobbers and

equipment companies will be vital to their training plan. Explaining the importance of offering superior customer service with a speedy cycle time and ensuring accuracy, Anderson concluded, “It is a bright future in the industry. Independent shops can succeed and thrive, not just survive! Align yourself with winners!”

During the meeting, Howard said attendees also discussed the need to create awareness with the tax authority about the fact that only 948 Georgia shops filed a payroll tax return, leaving 3308 “backyard shops” that aren’t paying payroll taxes. They also mentioned that PartsTrader is not going away; in fact, PartsTrader will likely announce their intent to work with another insurer in the next couple months.

Anderson and Batchelor also encouraged attendees to complete labor rate surveys in order to make a fair and reasonable profit. GCIA’s survey on PMRR and PRP variable rates is now available 24/7/365.

www.autobodynews.com

GM Updates Paint-Friendly Service Parts General Motors introduced their new paint friendly service parts at NACE 2015. The new service parts will be supplied for paint-to-match assemblies in the near future. Ac-

the assembly that must be refinished are often recessed or obscured by trim and hardware, making proper masking for refinishing a difficult job at best. By offering the assemblies as kits, refinishing of the separate parts can be done easily, similar to the way it is done at the factory. The parts are not fully disassembled, just enough to allow full access to the paint-to-match portions. These portions come preprimed. Instruction sheets for proper

cording to GM, side mirrors, door handles, and headlamp kits will be the first parts to come as paint-tomatch, loose part kits that are separate from the assembly. The portion of the part that is paint-to-match will come pre-primed and will include instruction sheets when necessary. General Motors has already begun supplying the part kits for some of their paint-to-match assemblies. The parts initially include door mirrors, headlamps, and door assembly after refinishing are inhandles for some vehicles in 2015. cluded where necessary.

For the 2016 model year, they will The availability of these parts is become available for most models, little known, though you may have and for more than just these parts. already received them. The kits do Give us your on matters the ordered. industry.

GM decided to startopinion offering these not haveaffecting to be specially If kits due to the growing complexity the part is available as a kit, that’s the of some assemblies. The portions of way it’s supplied.

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Continued from Cover

New survey results

he said, removal of the coatings is a must.

“I have not found any vehicle manufacturer or any frame equipment company that says it’s okay to secure a fixture clamp to pinchwelds without first removing all undercoating and seam sealer,” he said. “If this isn’t done, it increases the likelihood that

the vehicle can slip when you are pulling it, causing further damage or adversely impacting the accuracy of the measurements. So those coatings need to be removed in order to perform a proper and safe repair.”

The pinchweld information is just one of hundreds of findings revealed in the second quarterly “Who Pays For What?” survey report available here (http://www.collisionadvice .com/survey). This latest survey examines how often shops are charg-

Remove coatings from pinch-welds, and repair after clamp removal

22 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ing —and being paid—for 20 different “not-included” repair procedures related to structural/frame and mechanical operations. (The first survey focused on refinish-related “not-included” operations.) Nearly 700 shops responded to the national survey.

The survey also found that State Farm and USAA appear to understand the need for removing coatings from pinchwelds better than other insurers; more than 80 percent of their DRP shops report being paid “always” or “most of the time” to perform the procedure, compared to less than 55 percent of Progressive and Geico DRP shops.

“I would encourage anyone who is not being paid for this to research it through the OEMs, I-CAR or any frame equipment companies to ask if it is okay to mount a fixture clamp over a pinchweld covered with undercoating or seam sealer,” Anderson said. “They will find that the answer is a clear, ‘No.’ Shops need to understand that their technicians must be doing this.”

Anderson said the quarterly surveys help raise awareness of not-included items and operations that shops may be doing but not itemizing on estimates.

“The surveys will help shops understand what these operations are, and whether other shops seek and receive compensation for them – or if they truly are ‘the only one,’” Anderson said.

The 51-page report of the second survey findings on frame and mechanical operations is now available by clicking here (http://www.collision advice.com/survey). Also available is a 62-page report on the first survey results released earlier this year for refinish-related not-included procedures.

Shops can also visit that website to sign up to take the next quarterly survey, which opens in October.

Collision Advice (www.Collision Advice.com) is an independent training and consulting firm featuring some of the most respected and experienced experts in the collision repair industry.

Mike Anderson and his team offer real-world, cutting edge training and guidance both in the classroom and one-on-one in the shop.

Search: Autobody News on Facebook

www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 23

Continued from Cover

Labor Rate Dispute

pression of reimbursement rates for collision repairs in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. “The delays in this case have been unprecedented,” said Allison Fry, the litigation director and designated plaintiffs’ liaison counsel at Eaves Law Firm, the lead attorneys on the case. Fry said this has occurred repeatedly throughout the litigation.

“Even though the delays are tremendously difficult and hard on the plaintiffs, the benefits that have arisen as a result of the lengthy delays is that we have more information from defendants’ inside sources,” she said, referring to the Tennessee and Louisiana amended complaints.

Fry said the Tennessee complaint included statements from a State Farm employee that said, “…they do intentionally falsify and suppress body shop labor rates, that they do set the rates for the entire insurance industry and everyone else follows along and joins in on that suppression.”

Filed in May, the complaint stated that a State Farm employee admitted to

the plaintiff that “…State Farm deliberately suppresses labor rates and the purported survey results in a ‘prevailing competitive price’ [that] is actually ‘whatever State Farm wants it to be.”

According to court documents, “This employee has further admitted State Farm purposefully asserts reliance upon out-of-date information, such as labor rates ‘about 20 years old,’ entered into the ‘survey” long ago. The Louisiana amended complaint, also filed in May, stated that “… a State Farm employee has admitted that State Farm sets the rates for the entire industry, that it “dictates the market,” that State Farm stands for ‘controlling the market,’ and the other insurers follow its ‘lead.’”

In regard to Louisiana Attorney General “Buddy” Caldwell’s action against State Farm, court documents said “…this same employee has admitted that everything in the complaint is true, ‘we do all that,’ ‘every iota is the truth . . . . when you read [the complaint], it’s like, ‘that’s us.’”

Fry said Eaves Law Firm, based in Jackson, Mississippi, also has statements from USAA employees stating that State Farm sends out their labor rate survey and USAA changes their rates based upon that.

IIHS Dedicates Expanded Testing Facility in Ruckersville, VA to Crash Avoidance

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety began a new chapter on September 11, opening an expanded testing facility that will enable it to evaluate the latest crash avoidance technologies year-round.

The $30 million expansion of the Vehicle Research Center was made possible through the support of IIHS member companies. The centerpiece is a five-acre covered track, one of the largest fabric-covered structures in the United States, which will allow testing to continue rain or shine. Six fabric panels supported by steel trusses arc over the 700-foot-by-300-foot track and are supported by 18 concrete piers, which weigh a total of 7,000 tons and contain more than 39 miles of steel reinforcement bars.

An existing outdoor track was expanded, bringing the total area of track, including the covered section, to 15 acres. A new office and conference space was also part of the project.

“Now we’re entering an exciting new phase focused on technology that can prevent crashes from occurring in the first place,” IIHS President Adrian Lund said. “With the expanded facility, IIHS can more quickly evaluate new features that promise to move us closer

to the goal of zero crash deaths and injuries.”

IIHS already rates front crash prevention systems. Recently, researchers at the VRC have been looking at how well those systems can identify pedestrians. Ratings of headlight systems, including those that swivel in response to steering, also are on the horizon. The Institute has developed robotic equipment to help simulate real-life potential crashes for safe and accurate testing.

“Advanced technology that can prevent many kinds of crashes is the next frontier of auto safety,” said the Chairman of the IIHS Board of Directors, Neal Menefee. “Insurers are proud to support IIHS as it expands its research programs and facilities to undertake new work that will make our roads safer.”

Although advanced features may one day eliminate most crashes, it is essential that vehicles continue to include a high level of crash protection. The new emphasis on crash avoidance doesn’t mean that IIHS will curtail its crashworthiness testing. Vehicles still need improvement in this area. For example, many models continue to lag behind in the small overlap front crash test that IIHS introduced in 2012.

24 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

The first lawsuit alleging “steering and price fixing” was filed in Florida on February 24, 2014. The initial complaint was dismissed June 11, 2014 and an amended complaint was filed June 28 of that year. The multi district lawsuit was created on August 8, 2014 and four cases were transferred to the U.S. District Court, Orlando division from the states of Indiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Utah.

Since then, the amended complaints have been dismissed several times “without prejudice” meaning they can be refiled.

Earlier this year in June, Magistrate Judge Smith prepared a report in regards to the 14 cases filed in 12 different states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey (2), Oregon, Pennsylvania (2), Virginia and Washington. Smith recommended that all of the claims be dismissed.

Although the plaintiffs filed an objection, Judge Presnell upheld Smith’s recommendations. “We don‘t believe it was correctly determined,” said Fry. “That’s why we filed the objections in the first place.”

Eaves Law Firm was notified that September 18 is the deadline to refile an

amended complaint. “I fully anticipate additional information to be forthcoming,” said Fry. The next hearing with Judge Presnell is scheduled on September 24. Fry said it is limited to the first six complaints filed in Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Utah; as well as the federal antitrust claims, rather than the state law claims.

When Autobody News contacted State Farm, we were old the following: “The judge’s rulings are consistent with those involving other related lawsuits that have also been dismissed.

The description is not in line with the State Farm mission to serve the needs of its customers, and our long, proud history of achievements in advancing vehicle safety.

Our customers choose where their vehicles are going to be repaired. We provide information about our Select Service program while at the same time making it clear they can select which shop will do the work. A vibrant, profitable auto collision repair industry is in the interest of State Farm. At the same time, we are advocates on behalf of our customers for reasonable repair costs.

We believe repairer profitability and quality auto repairs that are reasonably priced can both be achieved.”

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www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 25

On Creative Marketing

How Much Do Numbers Matter? with Thomas Franklin

No one can miss the signs by Mac- speed of repair and customer satisfacdonald’s: “100 million hamburgers tion. sold.” Or the dealership that adverAnother focal point might be a tises: “The most cars sold in the state comparison with super-large shops that complete many jobs but lack a this year!”

So how much do numbers really personal touch. Big corporate operamatter? Would you benefit from ad- tions are generally thought of as being vertising x number of hybrids repaired impersonal with assembly-line type this year or SUVs repaired? I’m sure customer handling. How many minwith Dick Strom you would agree probably no benefit utes do your estimators spend with a at all. But are there numbers that do new customer compared to time spent matter when it comes to bringing in in large corporate shops? A comparinew customers? And do big numbers son like this might sound silly until really tell the story? you look at the numbers pushed in ads Earl Sheib and similar discount on TV. In fact these can be numbers paint shops almost certainly will have that are important to prospective custhe largest number of vehicles through tomers with little time to waste.

Marketing authors Al Ries and their shop compared to quality paint and body shops, but do these numbers Jack Trout, in their best-selling book, compare? Definitely not!

The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, If a quality shop is going to focus call marketing law number four, “The with LeeFacebook, AmaradioLaw Jr.of Perception.” They say that it on numbers on the website, Twitter, etc., the focus is obviously is not a battle of products or services, going to be on difficult-to-repair vehi- it’s a battle of perceptions. For examcles and probably on cycle time— ple they point out that although Honda

Opinions Count

Action Counts

Tom Franklin has been a sales and marketing consultant for fifty years. He has written numerous books and provides marketing solutions and services for many businesses.

He can be reached at (323) 871-6862 or at tbfranklin@aol.com.

See Tom’s columns at www.autobodynews.com under Columnists > Franklin

is one of the best selling automobile brands in the U.S.A., in Japan it is far behind Toyota and Nissan. And the reason has nothing to do with quality, styling, horsepower or price. In Japan the perception is that Honda is a motorcycle company, and fewer people there are willing to buy a car from a motorcycle company.

Similarly auto repair facilities in the U.S. have gotten a bad rap about being less than truthful with customers about what is really needed to repair the vehicle and charging inflated prices. If a prospective customer doubts the truth about numbers and claims made in an ad or on a website or Facebook page, the only solution may be to present a more believable fact or number. They may be more inclined to believe that a shop’s estimator spends more time explaining repairs than the competition.

Another of Ries’ and Trout’s “Immutable Laws” is what they call “The

Quality Air Breathing Systems

Law of the Mind.” They say, “It’s better to be first in the mind than first in the marketplace.” They point out that IBM wasn’t first with their mainframe computer. A company (no one remembers) called Remington Rand was first with the Univac computer, but IBM got into the public’s mind first with a massive marketing effort and became the standard for many years. In collision repair facilities, quite a few moved into waterborne paint early on, but in many markets one shop would grab the spotlight to say they were the first. Similarly some shops pushed themselves off as the first to repair hybrids and electric vehicles, and then some claimed to be first repairing structural aluminum in vehicles. And now who will be first to tout their shop as the hydrogen vehicle repair shop?

A few shops have found ways to be first with simpler but more customer-pleasing services. One shop

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26 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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arranged for rental cars to be dropped off at the shop saving the many minutes and miles it would take to return them to the rental car location. Another shop was first in the area to offer instant credit union financing for deductibles and self-pay repairs, perhaps providing finance charge savings. A marketing savvy shop owner or manager should watch for customers who take advantage of these small courtesies and try to get them posted on Yelp or noted somewhere on the shop’s website or Facebook page.

So far we’ve been looking at numbers someone with a damaged vehicle might consider, but for shops seeking relationships with insurance companies, different numbers can be more important. For example, one shop

I visited emphasized the fact that they had 100 repair bays and could handle that volume of work without wasting hours shuffling vehicles around the shop. Shops that manage to be (or seem to be) first with paint and productions systems have a better shot at the insurance “mind.” And may succeed in creating a general “perception” that this is always a forward-looking shop (whether true or not). Ries and Trout would say that if you’ve got the prospect’s mind and the perception that you’re the best, your marketing job is pretty well done.

Team PRP Automotive Recyclers Expands Network With 3 New Member Companies

The addition of three new partner lo- ate impact for Team PRP in the geocations has brought further expan- graphic areas they service. We are sion to the Team PRP nationwide breaking into new ground in Iowa network of recyclers, strategically and Mississippi and increasing our broadening the logistical capabilities strong presence in Virginia. These with these added locations operating additions will continue to provide in the Deep South and Midwest. expansion in our parts distribution “I am proud to announce the ad- network, and will assist us in contindition of three fantastic facilities to uing to provide first-rate service and the Team PRP family of independent the highest quality recycled parts, automotive recyclers,” shared Mark across the country, to better serve our Gamble, Team PRP’s executive di- collision and mechanical repair cusrector. “Waterloo Auto Parts (Wa- tomers nationwide.” terloo, IA), Bruce Auto Recycling, Each of the three new members Inc. (Petal, MS), and Gravely Auto shares a family-owned business hisSales & us Recycling VA)on arematters tory, and all are topthe performers in Give your (Axton, opinion affecting industry. well positioned to have an immedi- their respective markets.

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Verizon Announces ‘hum,’ Claims Connected Driving

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Verizon Telematics announced the commercial availability of hum, an aftermarket vehicle technology and subscription service that enables drivers on the road to make To theiradvertise car smarter through a simple solution regardless call Joe Momberofat: their wireless service provider. First announced in 800-699-8251 January at the North American Internationale-mail: Auto Show as Verizon jmomber@autobodynews.co Vehicle, hum provides subscribers with a self-installed solution that helps www.autobodynews.com predict potential issues, prevents breakdowns and offers protection when problems do arise. At the simple press of a button, drivers receive diagnostic information, pinpoint roadside assistance and live consultaRegister tion with ASE-certified mechanicsYour and E emergency personnel on-demand.

“Hum is an important service, one that we feel passionately will help save lives and keep at drivers and their www.autobod loved ones protected whether they are traveling across town or across the country,” said Andrés Irlando, CEO at Verizon Telematics. “This service equips drivers on the road today with the same level of information about their vehicles that fitness wearables deliver about our health. Simply put, hum democratizes the safety and convenience of vehicle connectivity.”

Powered by Verizon Telematics technology deployed to some of the world’s most prominent automakers, insurance companies and fleet managers for more than a decade—as the telematics service provider’s first direct-to-consumer offering—hum is compatible with more than 150 million passenger vehicles on the road.

Two-year subscriptions start at $14.99 per month plus taxes, fees and equipment for the first vehicle (including the hardware, valued at $120) with the option to add other vehicles.

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www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 27

Toyota Invests $50 Million in Artificial Intelligence for Smarter Cars

Seeking to make cars better at avoiding crashes, Toyota Motor Corp. will spend $50 million over five years to set up joint research centers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, the Japanese automaker said.

To manage its own artificial intelligence research, Toyota has also hired a robotics expert from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, a Pentagon R&D division that has played a pivotal role in the development of self-driving cars.

“We will initially focus on the acceleration of intelligent vehicle technology, with the immediate goal of helping eliminate traffic casualties and the ultimate goal of helping improve quality of life through enhanced mobility and robotics,” Kiyotaka Ise, a senior managing officer at Toyota and chief officer of its R&D group, said in a statement.

The initial focus of researchers, Toyota said, will be designing software that can adeptly recognize objects in different road environments, make wise driving judgments and collaborate with human passengers, pedestrians and other vehicles.

Now joining Toyota to manage these activities is Gill Pratt, the head of DARPA’s Robotics Challenge, in which teams design a robot to serve a specific purpose such as rescuing people trapped after a natural disaster. In 2004, 2005 and 2007, the agency ran a series of “Grand Challenges” for autonomous vehicles that yielded many of the engineers that started the pioneering self-driving cars program at Google Inc. The two university teams funded

by Toyota will be led by Fei-Fei Li, director of the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, and Daniela Rus, director of MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.

“We understand the importance of this technology, and we know that competition from other automakers and technology companies is increasing,” Ise said. “Today’s announcement is the beginning of unprecedecented commitment by Toyota to artificial intelligence and robotics technology research for years to come.”

Said Pratt: “Our goal is to eliminate highway collisions without eliminating the fun of driving.”

You can reach Gabe Nelson at gnelson@crain.com.

28 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

SEMA New Products Showcase Relocated This Year for Ease of Location The New Products Showcase, one of the most sought-after attractions at the annual event, will be located on the bridge between the Central and South Halls at the west end of the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2015 SEMA Show.

“The New Products Showcase is an essential part of the SEMA Show.

Thousands of buyers and media visit the Showcase to discover leading trends, and participating exhibitors rely on it as a tool to generate awareness of their products and brand,” said Peter MacGillivray, SEMA vice president of communications and events. “The new location will make it easier for buyers to discover new products, media to generate coverage and exhibitors to drive traffic to their booths.”

Occupying a key path between two Halls, the New Products Showcase will be easily accessible to Showgoers en route to either the Central or South Halls. The New Products Showcase will also feature extended hours and be available before and after the Show floor opens and closes.

To make it easy for visitors to

connect with manufacturers of products they see in the Showcase, buyers and media can use scanners to create a personalized list of products in which they are interested. Informa-

The New Products Showcase at the 2014 SEMA show always attracted a crowd

tion, including company name and booth location, will be included on the list based on what products are scanned.

Exhibitors can enter products into the Showcase using an online form.

The first entry is free for all exhibitors, and there is a category for products that do not qualify as “new.” To learn more, visit www.semashow.com or contact sales@sema.org, 909-3960289.

www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 29

Growing Trend of Collision Repair Networks Led to Formation of 1Collision Network

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Over the last five years, the collision repair industry has experienced an increase in consolidations, shop closings, lower claims frequency and higher total losses. As a result, there is a growing trend for businesses to affiliate with a group of shops, according to Jim Keller, president of 1Collision Network.

“The consolidators, MSOs, franchises and networks continue to increase their market share because they are better able to adapt to the changing landscape,” said Keller. “Technology in the repair process, necessity for increasing capital investment in facility and equipment, and rising budget demands for training and certifications, marketing and insurer relations all require a more sophisticated business approach. Many other economic and marketing factors are driving the consolidators, franchises and network segments to be growing at the fastest rate.”

Launched by Keller approximately four years ago, 1Collision Network is an organization of independent and dealer-owned and operated collision repair businesses. With more than 20 locations in four states, including Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, Keller said plans include expansion

RJones Collision1 in Des Moines, IA

into other U.S. markets. ABRA Auto Body & Glass, Caliber Collision, CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts, FIX AUTO, Gerber Collision & Glass, Maaco and Service King are the primary multi-state consolidators and franchises.

Daniel Clark, director of service operations for Link Auto & RV Group in Wisconsin, joined the 1Collision team in 2012. “We saw that a partnership with 1Collision would bring many benefits to our customers and our business,” he said. “The 1Collision staff is like a third arm for our managers. It’s like having another whole team of employees at your fin-

gertips. Their assistance with marketing, processes and leadership has been invaluable.”

Clark said it has also helped his business “get out of our box” by networking with other shops and share in their successes and trials. “Networking with other like-minded shops helps expand our vision for our business. The 1Collision Network helps keep us aware of upcoming changes and trends

in the industry so we can stay at the top of our game and be steps ahead of the local competition.”

Christy Jones, owner of R Jones in Des Moines, Iowa, also joined the network in 2012. “The 1Collision Network provides an opportunity for R Jones to become a part of a regional group of shops, providing us with solutions for the many business challenges shops face in today’s competitive marketplace.” She said R Jones has benefited from the numerous management solutions that have allowed the shop to run more efficiently.

Her advice to shops considering joining the network is to come with the mentality of what they can bring to the network. “In the consolidation market that we have today, it’s more important now for independent shops to work with each other, not against each other,” said Jones. “The 1Collision Network provides that opportunity to do just that.”

Riverview Body Shop in Aurora, IL is the newest addition to 1Collision Network’s growing list of shops. “I selected the 1Collision Network as they provide body shop owners the resources that are needed to compete in today’s highly competitive marketplace,” said Joel Adams, Riverview’s owner.

Keller has been a multiple location body shop owner for over 30 years. His son Jim operates 1Collision County Line in Menomonee Falls, WI and

30 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

1Collision Schererville in IN, while Keller focuses on guiding the network corporate staff of eight to provide support to 1Collision Network locations.

“Our mantra is, ‘We help successful shops be more successful.’”

When a new shop is considering joining the network, Keller said the corporate team looks for those that continually want to improve their business.

“Some shops are comfortable with the status quo,” he said. “We typically look for shops that are interested in growing and building their businesses, building strong insurer relationships, and improving their performance.

With a background in marketing, Keller has found that name recognition is often an important priority for shop owners. “We came up with a system of allowing them to brand with us so that they would not lose their identity in the marketplace,” he said. All of the logos for 1Collision shops incorporate the number “1” and the “swoosh” sign as identification and then the shop’s existing logo is added in the middle.

One of the shops in the network has been in business for 75 years.

“The grandfather started the shop, and the family name was really important to perpetuate, as generations have had their cars fixed there,” said Keller.

“We recognize that and built our brand off of a need for a shop to keep their market brand in front of the public, yet still be recognized as part of a shop group brand.”

Once a collision repair shop joins the network, a comprehensive marketing plan is developed, covering all aspects of promoting their shops to consumers, insurance companies and technicians.

Next, 1Collision Network addresses the shop’s online presence.

“We believe that a strong online presence is critical,” said Keller. “Take care of your web presence first, and then build your strategies and tactics in your marketing plan once that’s squared away.”

In addition to helping shops with their marketing needs, Keller stressed the importance of tracking performance. This includes gauging how well a See 1Collision Network, Page 63

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Industry Insight

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

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

CIC Committee Offers Industry a Way to Push for Use of Better Data Standard with John Yoswick

A Collision Industry Conference (CIC) mate – including customer, vehicle, committee is making yet another call parts and labor information—but the for widespread adoption of an imBMS standard makes it easier for shops proved standard for the exchange of esto protect the privacy of data for cuswith Ed Attanasio timate information among shops, tomers, business partners and theminsurers and suppliers. selves. A parts vendor, for example, For several years, CIC committees doesn’t need all the data but an EMS worked to educate the industry on the file sent to that vendor essentially indifference between the “EMS stancludes all the information from the esdard”—developed timate. in theEd 1990s to esAt the CIC meeting in Detroit, with Attanasio sentially allow estiJack Rozint of the CIC E-Commerce / mate data from any Data Privacy committee said that if a compliant estimatshop is working on a celebrity’s vehiing system to flow cle, for example, ordering parts for that into shop managevehicle using the EMS essentially transments systems—to mits that celebrity’s name and home adJack Rozint the more sophistidress to the parts supplier. with Ed Attanasio “BMS takes care of all that and cated “BMS standard.”

BMS offers not only the transfer of was designed specifically so you can more data among those using estimate define which data goes where,” Rozint data, but more importantly it offers said. Widespread implementation of the shops far more control over the data BMS could eliminate some of the reshared with other parties. The EMS keying of data the industry is doing to Attanasio standard transferswith all dataEd from the estiuse multiple applications, Rozint said.

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And it could eliminate the need for some of those redundant applications.

“With BMS fully implemented in an accessible form, I might not need five parts ordering systems,” Rozint said. “I may be able to pick the one that works best and meet the needs of a number of insurers.”

Implementations have been limited Rozint said it’s not that BMS has not been implemented at all; it’s just been done in limited ways among particular business partners in the industry.

“The data gets output in [BMS] format, but it’s controlled by the information provider,” Rozint said of these limited implementations of BMS. “The only third-parties that can access your [BMS] data are ones approved or somehow otherwise allowed to by the information providers since they’re maintaining control of that data.”

What’s been lacking, Rozint said, is widespread implementation of BMS

Media and Publicity for Shops

32 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

in a way that gives the user ultimate control over the flow of that data to different partners.

“If BMS was available in a much more accessible format, we’d have much more data about everything that happened on a repair,” Rozint said.

“We’d know, for example, what parts delays occurred and what was the cause of the parts delays.”

Rozint said the committee has developed some policy statements that they say shops or insurers who want to see more widespread implementation of BMS could use to push the information providers to make that happen. A collision repair organization, for example, could tell their estimating system provide: “In order to be considered for use in our operations (except where we are under insurer mandate) and for all future contract renewals, all estimating and shop management applications, when saving an estimate, must output the BMS estimate transactions to a lo-

cation in the control of the user of the estimating application.”

The committee shared a similar policy statement that an insurance company could use. It was asked at CIC in Detroit how many large insurance companies or collision repair companies—given that those are the information providers primary customers—would have to implement such a policy in order to see more widespread adoption of the BMS standard.

“Personal opinion? One,” committee member Frank Terlep said, holding up a single finger. Rozint said the challenge has been that some of those large industry players have asked for implementation of BMS for themselves but not for the industry as a whole.

“That’s part of the restricted implementation. It’s already being done for certain collision repairers,” Terlep said. “It exists today. It's up to the industry to demand it.”

particular vehicle will take.

Many of those on a panel organized by the committee or speaking from the floor agreed that the simMike LeVasseur plistic and sometimes unrealistic averages of a given number of labor hours per day often lead to conflict and bad customer expectations.

Mike LeVasseur of ABRA Auto Body & Glass noted that if the first notice of loss is on a Friday, the vehicle may sit in a tow lot all weekend, whereas if a vehicle is hit on a Monday, work could potentially begin much more quickly. Applying the same length-of-repair formula to both claims is unrealistic, LeVasseur said.

Others pointed out that insurers may require their DRPs to give customers a date of completion before a complete estimate has been prepared on the vehicle.

Several panelists noted that increased use of sets of relevant data could offer a better, more claim-specific length-of-repair than generic formulas applied to all claims equally.

Panel continues to debate “promise date” formulas Also at CIC in Detroit, the Insurer-Repairer Relations Committee continued its look at some of the challenges posed by the current formulas and systems used to calculate how long repairs to a

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Media and Publicity for Shops Collision Veteran Takes on Paint Underpays with PaintEx 2.0 with Ed Attanasio

“Before I die, I want to see the day when the insurance companies are finally out of the collision repair business,” Bob Klem, the owner of KLM International, Inc. in Escondido, said.

“That way I can go happily to body shop heaven.”

Klem, 78, is a veteran of the collision industry and worked for Mitchell for many years before starting KLM in 1980. While most people are retired at this point in their lives, Klem is still driven to make the insurance companies accountable and that’s why he invented PaintEx 2.0, an easy-to-use, intuitive paint and finishing cost-accounting software guide that enables body shops to quickly and effortlessly create detailed, itemized invoices for every repair job while recapturing significant amounts of money as a result.

Klem’s mantra from day one has been exactly the same. “Let the shops fix the cars because that’s what they know how to do, and then pay them fairly, that’s all I have been saying,” Klem said. “For years, insurance companies have lumped all materials needed to prepare, paint, sand, buff, and clear coat a vehicle into one number, the hourly P&M allowance, which is an estimate based on the number of paint hours. The problem with this method is that it is often incorrect, as every job is different.”

After decades of research and deCollision industry velopment, Klem veteran Bob Klem said his software is isn’t afraid to take on the insurance the best way to recompanies and coup money from that’s why he the insurance comdeveloped PaintEx panies. “There are 2.0, a system that three factors here enables shops to get paid fairly for to consider—coneach repair tracts, assignment of proceeds and cost accounting and all are protected by business law. If enough body shops can truly ask to get paid properly for the cars they fix, this industry will be better for shops and consumers.”

Klem has been developing his PaintEx 2.0 system since the early 1990s, long before the Internet be-

came a daily part of all our lives, and although he’s a senior citizen, he has gladly embraced every new technological innovation as it became relevant.

“At the beginning, we had PaintEx on disks, but in 1998, we made it Internet-based,” he said. “I used to silkscreen my own disks prior to that. Then in 2012, clouding became the new thing and we embraced that. Now, users can access our system anywhere, any time and it has made the whole process that much easier.”

PaintEx 2.0 allows you to quickly generate a preliminary damage report and then go on to modify, add and subtract any and all materials used in the refinishing of the vehicle. The result is an accurate accounting of the refinishing cost for each vehicle. It allows shops to bill for exactly what they use to refinish the vehicle. On average, using PaintEx can help a body shop to double its income for paint and materials used without any increase in shop time! They can also easily customize PaintEx 2.0 for their shop to allow fast and accurate invoicing.

The number one benefit of the software, according to Klem, is that it makes shops independent of insurance company influence. “Shop owners ask me what is the right percentage of DRPs I should have, and I tell them zero,” he said. “And this software can help you to get there, because once the insurance companies see that you’re using PaintEx 2.0, they know that this shop now has the ammunition it needs to get paid on materials and products that are used in every repair.”

Klem claims that by using PaintEx 2.0, the software (cost: $500 annually) will pay for itself after only two or three jobs. “It’s a short-term investment with a long-term payout and truly the best way to drive your body shop profits up.”

Jose Garjeda, the owner of C&J Paint & Body in Oxnard, CA, has only been using PaintEx 2.0 for a short time, but he has already seen the results and he is astounded, to say the least. “Not every repair job is the same, because painting a car with red pearl is not the same as another color,” Garjeda said.

34 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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

“The red pearl may need five coats, for example, but how can I get paid for the additional paint, materials, etc.? The insurance companies want a standard rate and an easy answer on every repair, but that’s not realistic.”

After just using PaintEx 2.0 one time, Garjeda was sold on the system.

“We put together the first invoice and submitted it to the insurance companies claiming an additional $1,200.

When they saw the documentation that we created using PaintEx 2.0, they couldn’t fight it, because it’s all right there. We got the money from that insurance company without drama or haggling, because we did our homework and followed the proper steps.

Now we know how to do the same on every repair, which means we will increase our revenues substantially and get paid for what we’re entitled to.”

Garjeda loves the software and also values the company’s full tech support with free shop set-up assis-

tance. “The service is 24/7 and if I want Bob Klem on the phone, I have his cell. He is dedicated to this system and I can see why, because it works and there’s no doubt about that. After a brief training, we were up and running with the system. It was super easy.”

Will Bob Klem finally get the insurance companies out of the collision repair business before he retires? “If I can take down Allstate and Farmers, the rest will fall like dominoes. But, really I just want the playing field to be equal for both parties involved. In the end, it all comes down to accountability, transparency and an attitude that says we’re working together instead of against each other.”

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

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www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 37

Lean Operations

David Luehr is the owner of Elite Body Shop Solutions, LLC, a collision business consulting firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a 30 year veteran of the collision repair industry.

David is an expert in Body Shop Operations and specializes in Lean, and Theory of Constraints methods. Email him at dluehr@msn.com

Competing with Consolidation? Change Your Relationship with Fear First with David Luehr

There are many things that we can do also the worst! The difference? …Your to be more competitive in this new mindset! That’s right, you don’t need to and challenging collision repair land- be a consolidator in order for this to be with Jennifer Driscoll-Chippendale scape. Before we can be successful the best time ever in the history of the creating cultures, lean processes, and world to own a collision repair busicompeting with consolidators, we ness; you just need to have the right

The Legal View

“Fear is at the root of your problems and if you learn to deal with your fear by creating a different relationship with Erica Eversman with it, you will find new opportunities and open a new world to yourself you never thought possible.”

The Legal View

have to fix one thing first… us. I want mindset! Remember Henry Ford’s fato help you become aware of how our mous saying: “Whether you think you mindset… our beliefs and fears are the can or think you can’t, you’re right.”

Ed Attanasio Remember those “Successories” number one mostwith important thing you could be working on right now! One posters we used to hang in our offices? thing I have learned in all my years in I used to have them hanging all over this business is that we all have the the office at my shop, Luehr’s Auto power to control our own destinies!

Body, back in the early nineties. It Here’s something maybe you didmakes me wonder what it would be n’t know… Rightwith now, for is the like if we really lived by what the Edmany, Attanasio best time in history to own a collision quotes were telling us? If you truly repair business, ironically for some it is took to heart what Ford intended when

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he said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right!” If everyone had literally applied all the information we learned from Successories posters we would all be billionaires! So with all this sage advice available, why do so many of us continue to struggle?

One of the biggest reasons is fear.

You have probably heard about fear and how when we were cavemen and cavewomen, the fear instinct helped us avoid being eaten by sabre-toothed predators. When you saw one of these predators innate fear would trigger a necessary response so you would feel the emotion, and run to the nearest cave to avoid becoming lunch or dinner. As you can see, fear was a pretty handy thing to have back in those days, but for some reason through evolution we are still cursed with this damnable emotion.

Some would argue that fear still serves

us a purpose, mostly I think fear is just a left-over emotion that keeps people from reaching their God-given potential in life. Having said that, the secret to success and happiness probably lies in our ability to change our relationship with fear. In other words, reframe in our minds that fear can be used as a tool to help us recognize opportunities to grow!

We have a tendency to view fear as necessarily a bad thing. If we could view the feeling of fear as a sign that there is an opportunity ahead, wouldn’t you think you could have a differ-

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ent relationship with fear? What if, every time you noticed the feeling of fear creeping up your gut, instead of bolting back into your comfort zone, you headed into the source of the fear?

To many of you that seems like backwards thinking. You are exactly right, it is backwards thinking and exactly why so many people fail to achieve their potential and their dreams.

Here is a small sampling of the ways embracing your fear will help you.

• You will embrace change • You will communicate better and make new friends • You will want to learn new things, become curious

• You will recognize that your ego is an obstacle and vulnerability is freeing • You will recognize that the negative chatter in your head is just noise • YOU WILL GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY! Just to be clear, I am not talking about being fearless or doing stupid things that will get you hurt or killed, I am talking about the thousands of opportunities we pass up because we have an adversarial relationship with our fear.

I can teach my clients how to compete with large MSO consolidators by building great cultures and processes that lead to exceptional customer experiences. But as so many have recog-

nized, if you let fear prevail you will not be successful building a successful culture in your shop, you will not have permanent success with your process implementation plans, and you will continue to struggle with your attempts to create a consistent and repeatable customer experience. “Fear is at the root of your problems and if you learn to deal with your fear by creating a different relationship with it, you will find new opportunities and open a new world to yourself you never thought possible.” Make a poster out of that!

For more information on building a successful collision business contact Dave Luehr at david.luehr@elite bodyshopsolutions.com

David Luehr to Speak at SEMA... still time to register, see p. 40

39Tues Nov 3, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM $ 75.00 David Luehr talks about why success is a function of your mindset and why MSO consolidators are so successful. Independent collision repairers have many advantages over

consolidators that many are unaware of. This presentation will inspire independent collision repairers to take ultimate control of their businesses and make consolidators irrelevant if these techniques are applied. a) What consolidators are doing right and what you can learn from them

b) Advantages independents have over MSO consolidators c) What the best independent shops are already doing to succeed in heavily consolidated markets d) Why owning the customer for life is the best way to brand your business.

ITW Evercoat’s New Website for Shops and Technicians

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The website includes product and technical information on the Evercoat portfolio of products, including premium body fillers and putties, adhesives, sealants, plastic repair product and polyester primers.

The professional will also find stepby-step instructions on proper repair procedures.

“We have designed it to appeal to professionals who are seeking to improve their productivity, and also to the serious DIYer who wants to learn about the latest body repair technologies.” said Beth Skove, director of global marketing. “It’s also designed to be responsive to various platforms including mobile devices and information is available in various languages. The website is an important tool for our U.S. and global customers to help them be more productive and to grow their businesses.”

For more information, refer to www.evercoat.com.

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www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 39

Continued on p. 44 (RDE1) Getting Paid for Investing in Facility, Equipment and Training

Tues Nov 3, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM $ 75.00 Tim Ronak, AkzoNobel Automotive and Aerospace Coatings Repairers are facing significant additional tooling and training to repair modern vehicle construction materials and technology. This session will look at the shrinking Labor Gross Profit percentages due to additional costs of investment in equipment, facility and training. Strategies will be explored to understand the mechanisms at your disposal to offset these rising business costs to justify a return on that capital expenditure.

Attendees will learn: a) What collision industry labor profitability looks like both now and over the last several years? b) Why we need to invest in additional facility, equipment or training and how much total money to anticipate spending? c) How to calculate ROI on the capital investment required, and what return is reasonable to expect? d) What time period should be considered as a payback period for this incremental new investment? e) How to equate the additional capital expense for facility, equipment and training into a reimbursable charge? f) Should the cost be passed on to customers or is it a cost of doing business?

(RDE5) Paint Shop Performance

Tues Nov 3, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM $ 75.00 John Fagan, PPG Refinish Advancing technologies in automotive refinish products and equipment available today positions collision centers for exceptional paint shop performance. But even with the exceptional refinish products and the best equipment, profitability in the paint department poses some unique challenges for todays collision centers. Paint shop performance takes a look into many of the areas that influence paint shop profitability. Participants will learn how to identify areas of opportunity for improvement and quantify those areas in order to prioritize their efforts.

The 2015 Repairer Driven Education (RDE)series and OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit will collecttively feature more than 30 educational sessions delivered Tuesday, November 3rd - Friday, November 6th during Show hours.

To Register for Repairer Driven Education contact: http://www.scrs.com/rde A Full Series Pass is available for $375.

It includes one regular session in each available time slot, OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit Sessions, and One ticket to the After-Party on Thursday night.

(RDE3) Competing with Consolidators

Tues Nov 3, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM $ 75.00 David Luehr, Elite Body Shop Solutions, LLC This presentation gives the audience a brief look into why MSO consolidators are successful and what you can learn from them to apply at your own shops. Independent collision repairers have many advantages over consolidators that many are unaware of. This presentation will inspire independent collision repairers to take ultimate control of their businesses and make consolidators irrelevant if these techniques are applied. a) What consolidators are doing right and what you can learn from them b) Advantages independents have over MSO consolidators c) What the best independent shops are already doing to succeed in heavily consolidated markets d) Why owning the customer for life is the best way to brand your business.

(RDE9) Understanding Numbers and What They Tell You About Your Growth Opportunities

Tues Nov 3, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM $ 75.00 John Niechwiadowicz, QLC, Inc This session will feature discussion of key numbers and the importance of thoroughly understanding your numbers and potentials before investing in equipment, tools, programs or locations. Collision Repair businesses will learn how to determine and achieve better return on investment in their market growth opportunities, leading to better profitability. Shops should have a clear understanding of the right numbers to review and be able to develop an ROI plan before investing. It will also explore when businesses should invest, and when should they pass on an investment. All these decisions are made more possible when there is an understanding of and tools to evaluate the market.

40 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

(RDE6) Aluminum Damage Analysis and Joining Methods

Tues Nov 3, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM $ 75.00 Larry Montanez, P&L Consultants This presentation will cover the differences between damage analyses on steel vehicles in contrast to aluminum intensive vehicles. It will explore repair vs. replace decisions on outer panels, structural diagnosis, equipment requirements, and joining methods. After this program attendees will have a better understanding of the differences between aluminum and steel vehicles, the different types of joining methods and best practices in analyzing and defining structural damage. A comparison of repairable and unrepairable damages will assist attendees to understand the why some damages cannot be repaired.

Attendees will also have a better insight into some of the current OEM Certified Programs.

(RDE7) Process Driven Collision Repair

Tues Nov 3, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM $ 75.00 Lee Rush, The Sherwin-Williams Company The process driven collision repair center features new concepts for the future of collision repair and packs enough technologies, premium materials and innovations to be worthy of our industry's flagship collision operations. For fans of lean thinking, what's to come is efficient design, process driven advanced interface collision operations. By providing the participant with the operational tools necessary to implement new process into their collision centers, they will be armed with the understanding needed to change the way their companies operate!

Upon successful completion of this course, participant will be able to: a) Reduce overall shop cycle time b) Increase vehicle throughput c) Drive production predictability d) Improve customer satisfaction.

(RDE4) Compensation Solutions

Tues Nov 3, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM $ 75.00 Mike Lanza, The Sherwin-Williams Company This session is designed for shop owners and managers looking to break away from the traditional flat rate pay model. Attendees will learn about creating successful compensation strategies that work in a lean collision repair shop. As a collision repair center owner or manager having the correct compensation plan can be the difference in retaining and attracting the top talent needed in today's work environment. Learn how to develop components of an incentive plan that are aligned with the goals of the business: Revenue Profitability Customer Satisfaction. The design of the payout structure must be consistent for all employees.

(RDE8) Getting It All Right On The Internet in 2016

Tues Nov 3, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM $ 75.00 Mark Claypool, Optima Automotive What makes a website effective?

How does search engine optimization work? How do social media and reputation management fit into the mix? What about all those online directories that list my business? Further, video viewing and sharing over the Internet has grown by more than 7,000 percent since 2006! 80% of Facebook videos get "Likes", 60% of people will watch a 2-minute online product or service video, videos are 12 times more likely to be shared on Facebook, and 60% of people are more likely to watch a video than read text. Review websites and social media accounts and learn how to incorporate video into your overall online presence in order to engage your target audience and gain brand recognition.

(RDE2) Scheduling and Work in Progress (WIP)

Tues Nov 3, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM $ 75.00 Tom Hoerner, BASF Corporation The purpose of this breakout is to discuss Work in Process (WIP) and to analyze the scheduling process—or lack of found in many collision repair business environments. The session will dig into the impact that scheduling and workflow have on cycle time and productivity. When the program concludes, attendees will have procedural takeaways that will allow them begin implementing procedural changes to see performance benefits.

www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 41

Industry Veteran Seeks to Re-Evaluate Perceived Low-Valued Vehicles

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Determining the value of a vehicle after a collision can often be a complicated and controversial process, especially when the car owner and insurance company disagree over the perceived value.

Robert McDorman, owner of Vehicle Value Experts, is currently addressing this issue in Texas.

His Vidor-TX based company provides specialized valuation services including total loss evaluation reports; body shop estimates and evaluations; pre- and post-repair appraisals; diminished value assessment and fair market value reports.

“The single most decisive factor in the process to repair vehicles is in fact the vehicle value,” said McDorman. “When the insurance companies provide claimants and body shops with unsupported market vehicle value reports with below market values, everyone loses. When the wrong vehicle value is used as a bench mark as the deciding factor as to the collision repair, more times than not the vehicle is deemed a total loss and the body shop

loses the job and the customer.”

McDorman has owned, operated and worked in various areas of the auto industry, including collision Robert McDorman repair, sales, dealer controlled financing, mechanical repair, towing and storage. Over the last 25 years, he has often negotiated with insurance companies to receive higher amounts for vehicles that were deemed totaled. A few years ago in 2013 he began focusing on valuations for consumers and body shops.

First, McDorman reviews the market valuation report given to the customer by the insurance company in reference to the value of the damaged car. He uses CARFAX, N.A.D.A., Kelley Blue Book and Manheim values to help determine the value of the car as well as proprietary software models he designed. Then he conducts a thorough market valuation report analysis to determine if the insurance company has issued a fair market value on the car.

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“I’ve never seen one that they did [issue a fair market value]. Every one of them are a minimum of 15 to 20 percent low,” said McDorman. “Once you look at the proper value of the car then the insurance company sees that it doesn’t meet the threshold to total the car out. Either the body shops end up repairing the car at that point or the customer gets a more favorable settlement.”

In April, McDorman was asked to review a market valuation report for John and Irina Wilson, owners of a 2011 Honda CRV that was involved in a multiple car crash due to the fault of another driver. The insurance valuation report suggested that the replacement value for the vehicle was $17,500.

After a detailed analysis, McDorman found that no compensation was given for DMV fees, sales tax and other applicable fees. In addition, he said each comparable had a deduction for what was called “comparable vehicle adjustment.” These additions brought his recommended value of the vehicle from $17,500 to $21,900.

Eventually, the insurer awarded the vehicle owner $20,785.25 after re-

ceiving the report from Vehicle Value Experts. “I know that without the help and expertise of Mr. McDorman, we would have come out of our ordeal in an entirely different manner,” John Wilson wrote in a letter to the Texas Department of Insurance. “The difference of outcomes was staggering and without Mr. McDorman’s knowledge of the process, we would have ended up with an unjust settlement that would have been a terrific burden.”

In Texas, every insurance policy includes an appraisal clause that allows a third-party appraiser to be hired if the consumer and insurance company cannot agree on the amount of the settlement after a collision. According to the Texas Department of Insurance website, the insurance company might not have considered the “…car’s condition, special features, or value on the local market when it calculated its settlement offer.”

An appraisal is only available in disputes between consumers and their insurance companies. It is not available if the other driver was at fault and the consumer disagrees with his or her company’s offer.

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“The third-party appraiser and I determine the fair market value and if we’re unable to reach an agreement, then we employ an umpire to make a decision between my value and the third-party appraiser value that the insurance company hired,” said McDorman.

The process usually takes two weeks. “Sometimes they go ahead and fix the car once we prove that the fair market value they used is wrong,” said McDorman. “Even if we don’t fix the car, the customer gets the fair market settlement instead of the amount they said. I’ve never had one that I wasn’t able to increase the value.”

His fee is three percent of the base N.A.D.A. retail value of the car.

Burl Richards, president of the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT), said McDorman reached out to the association a few months ago and recently spoke at an ABAT conference in August regarding the processes and procedures needed to repair vehicles to their pre-loss condition.

Richards said he now has a better understanding of how insurance companies value vehicles and has recognized that this is a growing problem in

the industry. His Henderson-based shop, Burl’s Collision Center, has several “ongoing” claims that Vehicle Value Experts is handling in regard to diminished value.

“It amazes me that the consumer is generally completely unaware that diminished value exists. The customer has a right to know, and believe me, when we explain it to them the customer knows who is looking out for their best interest,” said Richards.

Diminished value is defined as the loss in market value of a vehicle from its pre-wreck fair market value due to the vehicle being in a wreck.

Richards informs all of his technicians that the vehicle they are working on could be re-inspected by a third-party in order to evaluate the diminished value. “This just gives them even more incentive to do a great job,” said Richards. “Safety and quality have always been our number one concern, and I know if we take care of the customer everything else will take care of itself. We do final QC inspections on all repairs, but this helps my technicians to police themselves even more.”

Gene Domec, who owns S&W Auto Body and Painting in Vidor,

Texas with his two brothers, said that McDorman contacted him about a year ago to find out if he had noticed a trend among insurance companies totaling out cars that should be repaired. “At the time, I was noticing that trend here in my shop,” said Domec. “Insurance companies would come out to do an estimate on a fairly late model vehicle that didn’t look like it had much damage. I figured it would be repaired but they did a salvage value analysis on it, which came in high and would total out the car.”

He said salvage yards would often let the insurance companies know what they were willing to pay for the vehicle while they were doing an estimate. “It’s cheaper for them to buy a wrecked car for a low price and fix it rather than import a new car. In many cases, the customer has no control and the car is totaled out that they thought was going to be able to be repaired.”

Domec’s own Toyota Camry was involved in a collision three years ago and the car was totaled. The insurance company offered him below what he felt it was worth. He kept insisting the adjustor find a similar car to his and base the settlement on that, which he

said they never did. Eventually, he received an offer within $200 of the N.A.D.A. A couple of years later, he took his report to Vehicle Value Experts and found that the comparable cars to his used in the market valuation report were priced higher and subsequently sold for substantially higher than the market valuation report supplied by the insurance company.

After his own experience, Domec said he began telling his customers about the services Vehicle Value Experts offers. “Every one I have sent to him so far has a really positive experience with him,” said Domec. “I’ve actually been able to fix one car that Allstate totaled out that should never have totaled.”

Domec said the customer was adamant about getting the car repaired so McDorman got to work immediately. After a preliminary analysis, Domec said he found the car was worth more than the insurance company was offering. “The final settlement he received was more than enough to get it fixed.”

Autobody News interviewed Ann Mullen-Martin, President of Mullen See Low-Valued Vehicles, Page 51

www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 43

(RDE11) Removing, Replacing and Joining Advanced Materials

Continued from p. 40 Continued on p. 52 (RDE12) The Lean Office: Organizing the Shop Office for Maximum Efficiency

Wed Nov 4, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM $ 75.00 Judy Lynch, The Sherwin-Williams Company Collision Facilities need robust, waste-free, flexible office procedures that meet their customer needs and help them survive in the marketplace.

Lean is a proven, systematic approach for minimizing and eliminating waste. It goes beyond the shop floor. Lean can be applied to every system, every process and every employee in your company. Applying lean principles to streamline and eliminate waste from your office and administrative processes will result in bottom line savings. First understand your current process and office flow; second understand and identify value and non-value added activities, and third identify a simple metric to qualify waste and eliminate. This presentation will help attendees: a) Understand Kaizen for the entire collision center - not just production b) Value stream map their current administrative process c) Learn to identify which steps add value and which do not (waste) d) Learn about the 7 wastes in their office.

(RDE14) Welding Technologies: A Comprehensive Tutorial on Modern Equipment

Wed Nov 4, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM $ 75.00 Toby Chess, SCRS One of the most frequent questions from shops who are looking to adapt to the changing landscape of automotive repairs is “what do I need, and where do I start?” The equipment necessary to repair the modern fleet continues to evolve as quickly as the vehicle architecture does, and understanding tool and equipment options that provide the most capability can save repair businesses from unnecessary investments in wrong or outdated repair technology.

Wed Nov 4, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM $ 75.00 Dave Gruskos, Reliable Automotive Equipment, Inc This session will be an in-depth exploration of the joining techniques of automotive metals including advanced high strength steels and aluminum, as well as new technology for the removal and replacement of carbon fiber panels. The session will focus equally on the procedural aspect of the panel joining process as well as the safety considerations that should be considered for the workers, the environment and the repair. The goal is for the participant to walk away with a clear picture of the tools and processes that are needed to be in place to accomplish the above.

(RDE15) In-Process Quality Assurance

Wed Nov 4, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM $ 75.00 Lee Rush, The Sherwin-Williams Company Your goal? To achieve consistent and predictable repair results every day in production while increasing over all through-put and quality. In-Process Quality Assurance processes improve on time deliveries, production flow, and cycle times by reducing and eliminating internal redo’s and comebacks thereby simultaneously driving internal costs down and quality up. The quality assurance methods that are learned from this training will identify and define all quality benchmarks and the process to implement the inspection of these into production. This enables the shop to move to the next level in lean production. The program mixes repair theory and instruction with in-shop inspection and coaching. Attendees will be provided the tools to analyze their production and staffing requirements necessary to implement through in-process quality assurance management processes and begin to optimize their business performance:

a) Reduce and eliminate in-house reworks & come-backs b) Improve repair order accuracy & profitability c) Implement a vehicle inspection process d) Define and inspect fit, function, & finish—100% consistency.

44 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

(RDE17) Advanced and Evolving Automotive Structural Technologies

Wed Nov 4, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM $ 75.00 Speaker: Ken Boylan, Chief Automotive Technologies Come and explore technology advancements that will change how vehicle repairs are made in the collision repair environment. In this course we will explain current and evolving structural technologies that will include vehicle construction techniques, the evolution of materials used in vehicle construction, and joining technologies of today’s and tomorrow’s vehicles.

Topics will include future steels that can be 10 to 100 times stronger than today’s steels. We will also research aluminum that reaches AHSS strengths, as well as hybrid metal technologies that can join dissimilar metal. We will look past the materials and explore joining technologies such as laser, hydro sonic and friction stir welding. At the end of this session students should be able to understand advanced technologies that are being used in vehicle construction and be able to identify how materials create load pathing which can cause predictable vehicle misalignment during a collision. Student will have a better understanding of current materials and how manufacturers are using them to ensure vehicle safety and performance.

(RDE16) Panel Discussion: Our Journey to Become a “Successful” Collision Center

Wed Nov 4, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM $ 75.00 Craig Seelinger, BASF Corporation The session will be a moderated discussion with several successful collision centers that have experienced growth over the last several years. The owners/managers of these collision centers will discuss what was involved, the steps that they took and tools and resources they used to ensure their ongoing success and grow their businesses. The goal of this discussion is to provide concrete advice and suggestions from industry peers with firsthand experience that any collision center owner can utilize in their business. The goal of this discussion is to provide concrete advice and suggestions from industry peers with firsthand experience that any collision center owner can utilize in their business. The audience will see: a) The hurdles that must be overcome b) Metrics that help define success in the shop c) That success is a journey d) The importance of and the key tools and resources required.

(RDE13) Don't Let Consolidators & MSOs Steal Your Insurance Work

Wed Nov 4, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM $ 75.00 Michelle Nelson, B2B Automotive Many Independent Shops assume that DRPs are no longer attainable due to the market dominance of consolidators and large local MSOs. Surprisingly, many shops are successfully growing their insurance work and customer base with some proven basic skills along with innovative strategies focused on creating a unique individual brand. Understanding what is most valued by your local insurance partners is critical to positioning yourself as a unique business partner to take back control of your DRP business. Participants will: a) Have a better understanding of the Objective and Subjective criteria typically used to determine if you are qualified to be a DRP for a particular insurance partner. b) Understand how to identify unique strengths and use them to take advantage of branding, marketing and online search engine optimization to position their business as a strategic DRP business partner. c) Create a targeted written plan-of-action to develop unique selling propositions around brand, service and performance to attract the DRP relationships most beneficial for their business.

(RDE10) The Myths, Mysteries and Fallacies Surrounding Accurate Repair Planning

Wed Nov 4, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM $ 75.00 Bob Gilbert, AkzoNobel Automotive and Aerospace Coatings In this current world of cycle time driven facility performance why is it so hard to actually succeed in creating a 100% accurate repair plan? Despite your determination as an owner and all of the training sessions you and your team have attended you still are not achieving that 100% correct first time itemization.

What is it about your facility that is preventing you from implementing a successful and sustainable repair planning process? Participants will take away the following lessons: a) Why is it so hard to get it right? b) What things have you learned or been exposed to that have no chance at successful implementation? c) What strategies get in the way of an accurate repair plan? d) Why does human behavior drive a result that is different than what you hoped for? e) Ultimately to be successful what is the one critical factor you must do to ensure successful implementation?

www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 45

Wedge Clamp Systems Opens U.S. Location After 30 Years of International Distribution

by Victoria Antonelli, Online Editor

years ago that makes the most of every square foot. With prices rising in the U.S., body shops that make the transition to Wedge Clamp Systems can also save money and increase production.

“Everyone is looking at their square footage thinking, ‘How can I make the most money by utilizing this small space? By having a rack or bench system, the space is only being used 10-20 percent of the time, which leaves that floor space unusable for 80-90 percent of the time. That floor space is dead money to shop owners.”

Compared to bench top repair systems, which tend to be costly and space consuming, the Wedge Clamp System is lightweight and affordable, and stores in much less space because many components hang on the wall, according to a company press release.

“With Wedge Clamp you can use 100 percent of the space 100 percent of the time,” added Peter. “It takes one person 10 minutes to set up Wedge Clamp floor systems; I can set it up in my suit in 15 minutes without getting dirty.”

The so-called ‘express shops’ dealing in relatively light damage represents a particularly rich sales opportunity, Peter said.

“They get cars with what looks like minor damage, but once they pull the bumper or quarter panel, they often discover there has been frame damage

Craftsman Collision, an MSO with 36 shops in Canada and owner of Wedge Clamp Systems, opened its first U.S. location in Long Beach, CA. On August 20, a grand opening was held for both Craftsman Collision USA and Wedge Clamp Systems.

During the opening day luncheon, car dealers, body shop owners and insurance company representatives had the opportunity to tour Wedge Clamp’s the 30,000-squareChief Operating foot-facility, and Officer for the United States, learn about the cenPeter Allan terpiece equipment, Wedge Clamp Systems, which consists of lightweight, portable anchoring, measuring, and pulling tools.

“They all loved it,” said Peter Allan, Wedge Clamp’s Chief Operating Officer for the United States. “Some very important insurance people were here for the luncheon, including reps from three of the major insurance companies — AAA, Allstate and Mercury.”

Craftsman is the largest independent body shop chain in North America, and has used Wedge Clamp Systems since day one, according to owner Bill Hatswell. Canada isn’t the only country that has reaped the benefits of Wedge Clamp Systems; the products have been utilized in 17 locations, including Russia, China, South Africa, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.

“It has always been Bill’s vision to bring the product to the U.S.,” said Peter.

Wedge Clamp Systems USA Office is being run by Peter and Craftsman Collision USA is being run by Melanie Allan—Hatswell’s daughter. The couple previously lived in Sydney, Aus- Wedge Clamp’s Chief Operating Officer for Canada, Rodica tralia, and agreed they would Matei, poses with a Stat-Gun during the opening day run a shop if it was located luncheon on August 20 somewhere with a similar climate to as well. They don’t have a rack system their home, and sunny Southern Calito fix it, and they don’t want to have to fornia passed the test. flatbed it to another shop. So now in“Wedgeclamp has an 80 percent stead of the high cost of buying a rack, market share in BC, Canada and we they can use the Wedge Clamp EZE have over 23,000 systems in use worldTie Down system,” he explained. wide,” said Peter.

The week before the grand openHe went on to explain that the ing, Peter met with Caliber Collision, high cost of space in Canada is what who was looking for a system that will inspired the creation of a system 30 get cars out in two days. He added that

46 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

other “big players” in the industry have also shown interest.

“Our main goal right now is to get a really strong foothold in Southern California; from Los Angeles down to San Diego,” said Peter. “Northern California will hear about it, and eventually it will spread across the country.”

One of the Wedge Clamp floor systems at Craftsman Collision in Long Beach, CA

In addition to its California address and Richmond, BC head office, Wedge Clamp has a facility in Suzhou, China.

The company’s recent growth comes with an expanded product lineup including distribution of the Eclipse laser frame-measuring system and the StatGun anti-static paint preparation tool, which Caliber Collision is currently

testing at their facilities.

“The anti-static gun removes 100 percent static from anything you’re painting,” said Peter. “It also gets rid of tiger striping and halos when you’re spraying, and leaves no dust.”

BASF Automotive Refinish demoed the nitrogen spraying system, NitroHeat at the August 20 event.

“By using 98 percent pure nitrogen, you will actually find that you can turn the pressure on the air gun down, allowing for 15 percent savings,” explained Peter. “In reality, you can save 20-30 percent in paint per job, making flash times 20-30 percent better; 30 percent if it’s water-based, 20 percent if it’s solvent-based. So, you’ll be completing more jobs, yet using less paint per job.” He added that users will see pay back on the system in about nine months.

“Wedge Clamp Systems do not break—we know of shops that have been using the same product for over 20 years—so you only have to buy it once,” Peter said.

For more information, phone 1800-615-9949, visit www.wedgeclamp .com or email info@wedgeclamp.com.

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NABC Members Host Extrication Events for First Responder Appreciation Month

The National Auto Body Council (NABC) kicked off a cross-country campaign to highlight September as First Responder Appreciation Month with an event at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in which participating firefighters had the opprtunity to practice extrication techniques on the latest, all-aluminum 2015 Ford F-150 truck.

The event was the first stop of NABC’s First Responder Emergency Extrication (FREETM) campaign in communities across the country. Hundreds of first responders are expected to participate in the unique, hands-on program designed to help save critical seconds when extricating victims in accidents involving complex, late model vehicles.

As advancements in vehicle technology, including high-strength materials such as with the 2015 Ford-150 become more prevalent, knowing where and how to efficiently cut and extricate can make the difference in saving lives, as well as the safety of the first responders.

The NABC program provides first responders with valuable handson opportunities to practice extrication techniques specifically on late model vehicles with sophisticated electronics

and multiple airbag systems.

The 2015 Ford F-150 was recently used by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in a light barrier crash test, and is now being donated for the firefighters to practice extrication skills.

State Farm Insurance will be donating up to 50 vehicles for the 13 free events currently scheduled across the country. The program is provided at no

National Auto Body Council members hosting free events during the Fall campaign include:

● I-CAR; Hoffman Estates, Illinois ● Autobody Resurrection CARSTAR; Lakeland, Florida ● Big Sky Collision; Billings, Montana ● Conner Brothers; Midlothian, Virginia ● Criswell Collision; Annapolis, Maryland ● EP Auto Tire & Glass; Eden Prairie MN ● Gerber Collision; Colorado Springs, Colorado ● Gerber Collision; Englewood, Colorado ● LaMettry’s Collision; Lakeville, Minnesota ● MAACO; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina ● Professional Collision; Navarre, Florida ● Washburn Tech; Topeka Kansas

Firefighters practice extrication skills on a Ford-F150

cost to the participants and includes classroom training as well as hands-on by an instructor from international rescue equipment manufacturer Holmatro on the latest technologies in vehicle design and materials.

State Farm and Audi also donated vehicles for NABC’s recent First Responder Emergency Extrication events at NACE in Detroit, MI.

“Our industry has access to the most current vehicle technical information, and NABC’s FREE program is an ideal way for repairers to share this information with first responders as a community service,” said Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the National Auto Body Council.

CREF Seeks ‘Back to School’ Support for Students

The Collision Repair Education Foundation is seeking donated collision tools, equipment, supplies, products, scrap parts, and other related items to assist collision school instructors who face limited collision budgets. In-kind product donations are tax-deductible through the Education Foundation and can be distributed to collision school programs local to the donors or can be provide to schools in need on a national level.

Everything from safety glasses to large equipment are needed by collision instructors. The Education Foundation will provide over 2000 uniforms to collision students through industry corporate sponsors which include: Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA); Bar’s Products/Rislone; National Coatings & Supplies; Hollander Inc., a Solera company; and UniCure Spraybooths.

The technician shirts will be initially offered to those schools who applied for the 2015 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant. Those interested in supporting local collision school programs, should contact Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at Brandon.Eckenrode@ ed-foundation.org/ 847-463-5244.

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Hey Toby!

Toby Chess is an I-CAR program instructor, Training specialist, and former salvage yard operator.

Toby is universally known in the collision industry for his work with first responders and advocacy for body shops and consumers. He can be reached at tcspeedster@yahoo.com

Glue and Rivets Have Replaced Welding in Many Newer Vehicles with Toby Chess

Recently, I was conducting the I-CAR Steel welding certification test at a collision repair center when I saw a 2014 BMW 3 Series having a quarter panel being installed. The tech was welding in the quarter panel instead of using glue and rivets. I asked the tech if he had the OEM replacement procedures, with David McClune which he produced from his tool box.

I showed him that the proper procedure was to rivet and glue the quarter

goal of over 50 miles per gallon by the year 2025. Second is vehicle safety.

With stronger and lighter materials being used in today’s vehicles, we are seeing a combination of several different types of steels, together with alu-

California Autobody Association

ample, Honda began using ultra high strength steel in “A” pillar, “B” pillar and rocker reinforcements on its 2013 Accord. Honda states in the repair statement (https://techinfo.honda.com) “Parts made of Ultra-High-Strength

Fig. 5. Applying the Adhesive

Year in Quotes with John Yoswick

Fig. 1. Rivet Gun

Fig. 6. Applying the SPR’s to Panel

panel in See accompanying photos for the proper installation method and recommended tools. with Richard Steffen I spoke with the person in charge and explained that there was a problem with the repairs that were being performed.

First, the corrosion protection warranty could be voided by the factory.

Fig. 2. Factory Supplied sleeves Second, a state violation could be imposed for not following OEM repair procedures (Fine, loss of license, and court litigation.)

Finally, diminished value could be imposed and/or the shop could be comwith John Yoswickpelled to purchase the vehicle. But I am getting ahead of the game. Let’s take a look at why adhesives and rivets are being used more frequently today and in the future.

The major reasons for rivet-adheFig. 3. Factory Rivets sive bonding are two fold. First, Corporate Average Fuel Economy or CAFÉ standards. Starting in 2015, trucks and automobiles are classified together. In the past, Cars and trucks were separate, with Karyn Hendricks but now they are combined. Substituting aluminum for steel, Ford was able to achieve a 700 lb weight reduction in its F150 Truck. That translates in 3½ gallon better gas mileage. The current average Fig. 4. Factory Adhesive for 2016 is 34.1 miles per gallon with a

Fig. 7. Common Adhesive Testing Methods

minum, magnesium, plastics and carbon fiber. It should be noted that not everything can be welded, so we are seeing a number of new and different joining methods Remember, heat will weaken high strength steels and destroy ultra high strength steels. For ex-

Steel (UHSS/1,500MPa/USIBOR) must be installed as a complete part.

No sectioning allowed. Ultra HighStrength Steel requires special welding equipment, procedures, and settings.

See the welding section of the approSee Hey Toby!, Page 50

Collision Repair Association of CA.

Transition Planning

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48 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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Continued from Page 48

Hey Toby!

priate body repair manual. Failure to use the proper equipment or follow the proper procedures can result in an unsafe repair.” It goes on to state “Never do MAG-MIG welding on 1,500 MPa

products.com/images shows the definition and term when discussing rivets.

The two most important items in Fig 8h are the material thickness (also material type) and the shank size. The vehicle engineers will determine everything needed for their particular repair operation, but you need to know the proper shank size to drill or punch

to flare within the lower sheet to form a mechanical interlock. The rivet may be set flush with the top sheet when using a countersunk rivet head. The die shape also causes a button to form on the underside of the lower sheet. In the repair process, it is necessary to have access to the back side of the material. It should be noted Fig. 9 that SPRs are made from high strength steel and coated with a tin-zinc coating to prevent galvanic corrosion. Moreover, the install gun must have enough pressure to set the rivet (more on this later on). Dave Gruskos from Reliable Automotive Equipment furnished me a diagram on the installation of a SPR.

clamps the panels together. The third diagram the rivet pierces the top sheet and radially expands into the bottom

sheet. Finally, the high joint strength is achieved by the interlock between rivet and material. Removal of an SPR can be done by welding on a cylinder and

Fig. 10. Punch tool for SPR removal Fig. 8h

steel.” The repair industry is being asked by the OEMs to invest in new equipment and training to repair their vehicles properly to OEM pre loss specifications. I could go on about this trend, but lets get back to adhesiverivet bonding or a some refer to it as cold bonding.

Like I stated previously, welding will be used less and less and the alternative is adhesive. Look at Fig 7 taken from the web site http://www.adhesive test.com.

Adhesive has excellent tensile strength and extremely strong when conducting a peel test, but is weak when conducting a shear test. To overcome this deficiency, a mechanical fastener or some form of rivet needs to be used. The rivet will prevent the panels from shearing apart.

Fig 8h taken from www.bolt

the hole in the material. If the hole is wrong size, the rivet could be loose and shear movement could occur. Too small a hole could cause the metal to distort and again the panels will not be full contact with each other. Let’s look at the various types of rivets.

There are 3 major types of rivets that are used in the repair process, which are self piercing rivets (SPRs), solid, and blind rivets (we will look at Hemlock, Monobolt and Pop rivets in this category).

A self piercing rivet as the name implies does not need pre-drilled holes for installation. The process starts by clamping the sheets of materials between the die and the blank holder. The rivet is driven into the materials to be joined between a punch and die in a press tool. The rivet pierces the top sheet and the die shape causes the rivet

Toby Chess to Speak at SEMA... still time to register, see p. 40 Fri Nov 6, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM, $ 75.00

Collision repair businesses looking to adopt a standardized approach to repair planning have an ever-increasing list of considerations to address in the blueprinting process. Estimating for these welded-replaced operations re-

quires an understanding of the process, the equipment the joining mechanisms and the included and non-included labor associated with the operations. In this session, learn how to approach welded replaced components and make sure you are capturing all necessary elements of the repair process.

50 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Fig. 8. Self Piercing Rivet Cross section.

Courtesy of I-CAR

See Fig 9.

The rivet is put into the dies (1st diagram on the left). Next, he tool

removed with a special tool, can be drilled out or using a different set of dies with the install tool and punched out.

Part 2 of this article will run in the November issues of Autobody News.

See also online article on our website.

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Low-Valued Vehicles

Insurance Company in Garland, Texas. Mullen ran a Farmers Agency prior to establishing Mullen Insurance in 1988. She has worked with members of the Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Industry for more than 30 years, 27 of those as an agency specializing in providing insurance programs for members of the Texas Automobile Industry.

As an independent insurance agent, Mullen said, “Agent incomes are directly related to claims activity on many levels.” She said these include the quality of service the client receives, the loss ratios generated as a result of claim activity and the company satisfaction with both of these.

“What Robert is doing enhances all three items listed and therefore creates a more profitable environment for all of us, i.e the client, the company and the agent.”

Mullen has known McDorman for more than 15 years and served as an insurance consultant to him as well as his designated agent.

“Robert’s auto industry back-

Striving tto be your

#

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ground uniquely qualifies him to provide expert opinions from cost-to-repair to vehicle values,” she said. “More important than his vast knowledge of cars and the car industry is his ability to bring an unbiased opinion to the table when determining a fair and equitable claim result.”

McDorman stresses the importance of educating consumers, body shops and lenders about their rights and legitimate claims on collision damages. He said, “This will lead to more cars being repaired and ultimately the retention of more customers.”

Look for PART 2 of this story in the November issue of Autobody News magazine, which will address more www.autobodynews.com detailed information about diminished OUT! value andCHECK total lossITevaluations.

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CARSTAR Sees 2nd Record Year of Sales Unfolding

After a record year in 2014 for sales, Chief Automotive Technologies has growth and industry performance, added new equipment leasing tools to CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Exits website, www.chiefautomotive. perts announced revenue of $386.2 com. “Leasing does not require a million for the first half of 2015, large initial cash outlay,” says Bob which puts it on track to outpace its Holland, director of collision sales performance in 2014. This year, for Chief parent company Vehicle CARSTAR is seeing year-to-date Service Group (VSG). “It enables same store sales increases for the shop owners to obtain the tools necU.S. of 8.3 percent which leads the essary to repair new vehicles made collision repair industry among all with aluminum, advanced highother companies, which deliver an strength steels and modern construcaverage of four percent increases in tion methods, while also investing in same store sales. CARSTAR is also facility updates or advertising. Lease expanding its insurance relationships, payments are usually which Give us your opinion on matters affecting thefixed, industry. securing MSO programs with several makes it easier to budget for the long of the top insurance carriers. Last term than with a variable-rate line of year, CARSTAR delivered North credit. Plus, with a lease the shop can American revenue of $712 million, use the equipment to do better qualup nearly 10 percentpublisher@autobodynews.com from $649 mility work with brand new tools while lion in 2013, a record for the comstill paying for those tools.” Chief’s pany. It also ended the year with online leasing tools can be accessed same store sales in North America up at www.chiefautomotive.com/Leas11.3 percent over the previous year. ing_Options. They include quote calSaid David Byers, CEO, “We’ve culators and applications from Lease seen increases in repair volumes from Corporation of America (LCA) and the top 25 insurance carriers, driven by New Vision Equipment Leasing. All To advertise The EDGE sourcePerformance for timely Chief equipment, including CARSTAR’s its full line call Joe Momber platform information and continued KPI performof welders, the LaserLock™ Liveat: that every ance. We are seeing higher repair valMapping™ system, frame racks, struc800-699-8251 bodycontinue shoptoneeds! ues as consumers purchase tural holding components and shop e-mail: new cars.” tools, is eligible for financing. jmomber@autobodynews.co

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(OEM1) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit-Advanced Automotive Technology

Continued from p. 44 Continued on p. 56 (RDE18) Post Repair Inspections (PRI’s)

Wed Nov 4, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM $ 75.00 Larry Montanez, P&L Consultants Learn the differences between post repair inspections and forensic examinations and the role each play in analyzing collision repair performance.

The session will also guide attendees through the steps and processes to conduct a proper and thorough post repair inspection, and the benefits that offering such services present to your customer and your business. Attendees will receive report writing tips, foundations for re-repair damage report analysis, and will learn the steps to perform a proper and thorough post repair inspection. Even for those not interested in performing post repair inspections, the session will help to identify situations where you can repair the vehicle, and when you need an expert.

Thurs Nov 5, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM $ 75.00 A panel of specialists with a variety of backgrounds in automotive joining will discuss the advanced structural joining approaches being used in modern automotive architecture.

The panelists will have expertise in riveting, bonding, welding of riveting, bonding, welding of aluminum, steel and mixed materials and factory-level joining. Tech Crunch-The Role of Programming and Diagnostics in Post-Repair Road Worthiness A panel of automakers, technology specialists and programmers discuss the real world application of vehicle scans, diagnostics and calibrations These subject matter experts will bring a focus on the technical aspects of vehicle scan code requirements and the role that diagnostic testing plays in repairing vehicles amd restoring roadworthiness.Learn why you don’t know what you don’t know if you aren’t performing full system scans.

(RDE19) Protect Your Business From Fines and Disciplinary Actions by the CA B.A.R.

Fri Nov 6, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM $ 75.00 Jack Molodanof, Attorney at Law This presentation will provide Califor(OEM3) OEM Collision Repair nia collision shops with everything Technology Summit-The Continuthey need to know about Bureau of Steels YourAutomotive ing Evolution of Advanced Register Email forRepair Our (BAR) laws and regulations pertaining to tear-down, esThurs Nov 5, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM timate, invoicing and authorization re$ 75.00 quirements. The course is specifically Those familiar with the ongoing subdesigned for California owners, manstrate battle in automotive light agers and estimators who prepare and weighting get the sense that recent provide estimates, invoices and obtain release of mass-market aluminum authorizations from customers; howvehicles coupled with the looming shopsfor in other governmental expectations for Yourever, Register Email Our states may find some value attending to see what Calweight reduction are driving major ifornia is doing (and maybe coming to changes and innovations in the steel their state soon.) The session covers all industry. Aluminum may have been the basic laws and will inform Califorall the rage in collision industry innia collision repair professionals about formation, but steel continues to be the BAR regulations pertaining to tearpoised to play to most significant role down requirements, estimates, revised in the automotive footprint for the estimates, invoices and proper authorforeseeable future; although, not necization methods in order to avoid probessarily the same steel that the induslems with their customers and try is accustomed to. Join our non-compliance issues with BAR. Unesteemed presenter as he explores the fortunately, many automotive software factors driving innovation and reprograms are designed by software search in the steel industry. Followguys, not car guys, and these software ing the presentation, a panel of programs were not specially designed automakers known for their use of to comply with California’s complex steel will join onstage to again furlaws. The audience should be much ther discuss the real world applicamore informed as to whether their estion of steel structures in vehicle timates and invoices are BAR complidesign, vehicle safety and vehicle reant. pairability.

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(RDE20) Optimizing Your Shop Sales Mix

Fri Nov 6, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM $ 75.00 Charlie Whitaker, Valspar Automotive We will review how to properly analyze a profit and loss statement and use it to optimize your current sales mix to maximize profits. Attendees will get a deeper understanding of how financials interrelate with operations, How to set up an optimized chart of shop accounts to measure business performance, and how to build a budget based on an optimized sales mix. Once you understand the basics, there will also be some tips for writing an estimate to meet your shops optimized budget.

(RDE21) U.S. Wage/Hour Compliance Under the FLSA - Are Your Pay Systems Legal?

Fri Nov 6, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM $ 75.00 Cory King, Fine, Boggs & Perkins LLP Class action wage/hour lawsuits are the hottest thing going these days and can easily bankrupt even the healthiest company. Gone are the days of handshakes and paychecks.

If you are not in compliance with the nitty-gritty details of State and Federal wage/hour laws, you are an easy target for this type of lawsuit.

This highly interactive seminar undoubtedly will scare you to death with what you didn't realize you didn't know, but needed to. We will break down how to properly and legally pay technicians, painters, estimators, production managers, and Be Seen byshop, Ourand Readers! others in your teach you how to take the target off your CALL Advertising Salesshop. at: We also will discuss and debunk common myths and pitfalls that get shops into trouble and land them in the news.

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(OEM2) OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit-The Future of Aluminum in Automotive Industry

Thurs Nov 5, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM $75.00 Attendees will be treated to a fascinating presentation on technological advancements in aluminum manufacturing, construction and engineering, joining and future advancements that are predicted to be impacting how frequently the material will be present in your repair facility, and how it will be used on automotive bodies. The presentation will include perspectives on how light weighting is driving innovation, and the role repairability plays in aluminum development. Following the presentation, a panel of automakers who utilize aluminum in their vehicle construction will join the presenter on stage to further discuss the real world application of aluminum structures in vehicle design, vehicle safety and vehicle repairability.

(RDE22) California Wage/Hour Compliance -- The Wolf is at the Door, Are You Ready?

Fri Nov 6, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM $ 75.00 Cory King, Fine, Boggs & Perkins California employers are under attack and the legal deck is stacked against them. Commission and flat-rate pay structures are effectively dead, and is now the springboard to class action wage/hour lawsuits that can easily bankrupt even the healthiest company. Add to it recent judicial decisions that add teeth to an oft-ignored statute that deputizes all your employees and turns their lawyer into a private attorney general, and California employers are in the middle of a wage/hour litigation firestorm.

This highly interactive seminar will focus exclusively on California wage/hour compliance in the automotive industry. What you will learn will undoubtedly scare you to death and make you angry, BUT this seminar will arm you with the knowledge and tools you need to get your pay practices in order and survive the firestorm.

We will break down how to properly and legally pay technicians, painters, estimators, production managers, and others in your shop, and teach you how to take the target off your shop. We also will discuss and debunk common myths and pitfalls that get shops into trouble and land them in the news.

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954-903-5412 www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 53

Women Automotive, Machine Shop Students in CA Smash Stereotypes

by Janis Mara, Marin Independent Journal

Kyra Carson turns a wheel on the lathe, bringing a chisel into contact with a foot-long aluminum cylinder. As the cylinder spins, the chisel shaves minute slivers from its surface, sending curly silver ringlets of metal flying.

Kyra Carso demonstrates the use of a metal lathe in College of Marin’s machine and metals technology department on the Indian Valley campus in Novato. Credit: Alan Dep — Marin Independent Journal

“The first time I came into the machine shop, I was like, ‘What is this weird place?’” said Carson. “Now it’s second nature to me.”

Carson is studying machine and metals technology at the Indian Valley campus of the College of Marin. The Mill Valley resident is one of a number of women who have opted to study nontraditional careers such as auto technology, auto collision repair and welding at the Novato campus.

“A woman can really make a good living in this field,” said Lesley Good, who is in the auto collision program. In this program, students learn to repair dents and paint cars, among other things. “It’s a man’s world, but a lot more women are doing it.”

Good, a Novato resident, said an entry-level employee in the auto collision field can expect to start at about $20 an hour, moving up to $35 or $40 an hour at the journeyman level. “Auto body people make a lot of money, but you have to be good at it.”

Auto service technician jobs — positions once known as “auto mechanic”— are also remunerative and plentiful.

At present, there are 701,100 jobs in the automotive service technician and mechanic category. These positions are expected to grow 9 percent between 2012 and 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Job opportunities for qualified jobseekers should be very good,” according to the bureau’s website.

With regard to welding, “Skilled

welders with up-to-date training should have good job opportunities,” according to the website.

In the auto shop, Good moves the lever on the stretcher upward, then slides a piece of a fender into a slot on the machine. She lowers the lever smoothly, but with considerable force.

“You can do this with anything you want, then place it back where you want it to go,” the student said.

Metal-forming tools like the stretcher allow workers to add a gentle radius to metal by either shrinking or stretching the metal. They are used for various purposes, including forming patches for windshield frames.

“My time here is almost done, and I just got a job building Le Mans race cars from the ground up,” Good said.

“I start with a wood and foam shell.”

She didn’t want to name the firm, but said it’s in Benicia.

“It’s not a job – it’s fun. It’s very special for me,” she said.

Presently, there are about 250 students in the auto collision courses, and between two and five of them are women, said Mark Barrall, an instructor in auto collision, electronics and electric cars at the college. The numbers are similar on the auto technician side, he said.

There are about 125 students in the welding classes and 150 in the machine shop classes, with two to five women students in each program, said Arthur Lutz, a machine shop instructor at the college.

The programs started decades ago, Lutz said.

The college offers a variety of options for students. Automotive collision students can earn a skills certificate in painting, mechanical, structural or nonstructural repair, get a masters career certificate in automotive collision repair or pursue a two-year associate degree.

Students in the auto technology program can study for seven specialized skills certificates, four career certificates, an Associate of Science degree in automotive technology and a transfer to CSU in industrial technology.

Carson enrolled in the machine shop program because she wanted to start her own business making LED light fixtures. Presently, she is making such fixtures for friends.

“He (Lutz) has taken classes to local machine shops as field trips so we can see these shops in the real world cranking out lots of parts, and there are machine shops in Marin where graduates of the program have gotten work,” Carson said.

The same is true of the automotive program, an employer said.

“For the five years I’ve been here, we have hired graduates from the program and they have done very well,” said Bryan Anton, parts and service director at Marin Luxury Cars in Corte Madera.

“We have had very good luck with them, and also the ones from ITT Technical Institute. We’ve had good luck with utilizing both those resources for new technicians,” Anton said.

We would like to thank Marin Indepedent Journal for reprint permission.

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Lesley Good holds pieces of her truck in College of Marin’s automotive technology department on the Indian Valley campus in Novato. Credit: Alan Dep — Marin Independent Journal

“The automotive field is recessionproof,” said Ron Palmer, who heads up the Career Education department and also is an automotive technology and automotive collision repair instructor at the college.

Palmer said this is the case “especially on the collision side. Cars don’t stop hitting each other, and it’s insurance money.” On the automotive side, “workers with high-tech skills are in demand,” Palmer said. “You have to have computer skills to be in this profession.”

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Collision Repair Technology Summit Offers Three OEM Sessions, Thursday, Nov. 5

The OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit—to be held in three sessions November 5, 2015—will be one of the most unique networking and learning opportunities available to the collision repair industry. The program is designed to put SEMA show attendees in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology. The Summit’s focus is on emerging trends in vehicle construction and technology and how both of those aspects influence vehicle repairability and collision industry preparation.

The presentations will feature companies and individuals with rich histories of producing sophisticated advancements in the automotive and collision repair fields, and will highlight architectural and technological developments in modern vehicles, and how those advancements intersect with the repair process. Every participant in this industry can benefit from better insight into how vehicles and materials are evolving, what that means in the repair process and what will be expected of those who are performing these repairs. The future of our collision repair industry is highly skilled

professionals, working on highly sophisticated automobiles that require the industry to embrace the necessary

investments in training and equipment; but also relies on informed business owners who understand how to define for themselves what a sustainable and successful business model to support that investment looks like.

OEM1 - Advanced Automotive Technology 9:30am - 11:30am Structural Connectivity: Understanding the Future of Automaker Joining Techniques A panel of specialists with a variety of backgrounds in automotive joining will discuss the advanced structural joining approaches being used in modern auto-

motive architecture. The panelists will have expertise in riveting, bonding, welding of aluminum, steel and mixed materials, and factory-level joining.

Tech Crunch: The Role of Programming and Diagnostics in Post-Repair Road Worthiness A panel of automakers, technology specialists and programmers discuss the real world application of vehicle scans, diagnostics and calibrations.

These subject matter experts will bring a focus on the technical aspects of vehicle scan code requirements and the role that diagnostic testing plays in repairing vehicles and restoring roadworthiness. Learn why you don’t know what you don’t know if you aren’t performing full system scans.

OEM2 - The Future of Aluminum in the Automotive Industry 12:30pm - 2:30pm Attendees will be treated to a fascinating presentation on technological advancements in aluminum manufacturing, construction and engineering, joining and future advancements that are predicted to be impacting how frequently the material will be present in

your repair facility, and how it will be used on automotive bodies. The presentation will include perspectives on how light weighting is driving innovation, and the role repairability plays in aluminum development.

Following the presentation, a panel of automakers who utilize aluminum in their vehicle construction will join the presenter on stage to further discuss the real world application of aluminum structures in vehicle design, vehicle safety and vehicle repairability.

OEM3 - The Continuing Evolution of Advanced Steels in Automotive Bodies 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Those familiar with the ongoing substrate battle in automotive light weighting get the sense that recent release of mass-market aluminum vehicles coupled with the looming governmental expectations for weight reduction are driving major changes and innovations in the steel industry. Aluminum may have been all the rage in collision industry information, but steel continues to be poised to play to most significant role in the automotive footprint for the See Technology Summit, Page 65

Th The Carcoon A iiica W kk ti Features Features: ttture The C The Th Carcoon Ca C arcoon America arco A Amer Am Ame errica ca Workstation W Wor Workstation Wo ork kstttat kst ati tiion nF Fe F ea e eat atures: a tu es: tures: es:

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The The Carcoon Carc C arco coo oon on America Am A meerica rrica Workstation Wo orks ksta atio on works work wo orks ks the the he same same sa am me and an nd just ju ust as as effectively eff ffecctiv ivelly as as a cross-flow cros cr rosss--flo flow fl w paint pa aint iint booth. oot oth The Th T he Carcoon Carrco C oon America oo Am me erricca Workstation Work W Wo ork kstation ksta atiion n is is EPA E A Certified.

Cer fi C fie ed d. Ideal Ide deal al for fo or the the busy b sy body b dy bod dy shop-mobile sshop-m mob obile le technician/smaller techn ttech chn nician nici cian/smaller n/sm sma alle er shop sh hop ho op with w th limited lim l mite ted d facilities. fac facil acili litie ities. es..

866.910.0899 www.carcoonworkstation.com www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 55

(RDE24) Marketing to, Selling and Servicing Connected Consumers

Continued from p. 52 (RDE23) Business Financials: Balance Sheets, Income Statements and Cash Flow

Fri Nov 6, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM $75.00 Mike Anderson, CollisionAdvice This course will help you become better acquainted with which accounts are on the Balance Sheet, what purpose they serve, and what the Balance Sheet should look like while also examining what the Statement of Cash Flows (SOCF) is, how it works, what are its benefits and how can a business owner or manager use it to analyze the business.

Using isolated examples of business activity and reviewing sample financial reports, this course will shed some light on how to manage your business via a deep understanding of the numbers. You will get an appreciation for things to monitor and manage so you can be confident in the numbers you are looking at, and more importantly, the numbers you are producing. Start using these financial reports to help better manage your business decisions! This program is designed to help you gain a complex understanding of the financial state of your business from sales, costs and expenses, assets, liabilities & equity.

Fri Nov 6, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM $ 75.00 Frank Terlep, Summit eMarketing Sherpas Generation “C” is not a demographic. It's everyone. Your existing and potential customers are all connected, and in control. Today's connected consumers require all businesses, including collision repairers to connect, communicate, market to, sell and service them in the same ways they connect and communicate! This session will help attendees understand the tools, technologies and techniques today's collision repair shops need to utilize to connect with, communicate, market to, sell and service today's “connected consumer.” By attending this exciting and educational session, participants will learn about: a) Important connected consumer statistics shops can use to create a winning sales, marketing and service strategy b) What every shops sales, marketing and service strategy should include c) Tools and technology shops can use to connect with, market to, sell and service the “connected consumer” d) How to use these tools and technologies e) How to increase sales and referrals from the “connected consumer”

(FREE1) 2015 F-150 Repair Information

Tues Nov 3, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Free Gerri Bonnani, Ford Customer Service Division Hear directly from a Ford Service Engineer who will present examples of the improved repair elements of the new 2015 F-150, including a look at the separately serviceable lower control arm brackets, the inner fender reinforcements that can be replaced more easily, the floor pan, cross member and rocker panel sectioning opportunities along with the new b-pillar design that can be replaced without disturbing the roof. Other topics covered will be enhanced service information, available training courses and recommended tools and equipment for repairing the 2015 F-150

(FREE3) Bring Measurements to the Blueprinting Process

Thurs Nov 5, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Free Tom McGee, Spanesi Americas One of the key components necessary for a successful blueprint process includes structural measuring to find hidden damage and possible suspension problems before the repair process.This session will look at current processes and enhancements that can be made in order to remove unnecessary surprises from the overall repair process, and reduce cycle times.

(FREE2) Structural Adhesive Bonding: The New Frontier

Wed Nov 4, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Free Shawn Collins, 3M There's a completely new and exciting class of adhesive available to the collision repair industry and it's not just for bonding non-structural outer body panels. This class of adhesive is unique, innovative and is a case study in advanced technology.

Do you understand where this adhesive can be used and under what circumstances? We will examine advancements in vehicle engineering and how this adhesive is different from panel bonding adhesives.

What does the future look like for structural adhesives and part joining methods? Join us and find out.

(FREE4) Repair Planning Considerations for Welded Components

Fri Nov 6, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Toby Chess, SCRS Collision repair businesses looking to adopt a standardized approach to repair planning have an ever-increasing list of considerations to address in the blueprinting process. Estimating for these welded-replaced operations requires an understanding of the process, the equipment the joining mechanisms and the included and non-included labor associated with the operations.

In this session, learn how to approach welded replaced components and make sure you are capturing all necessary elements of the repair process.

Give us your opinion on matters affecting the industry.

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2015 SEMA Scholarship and Loan Forgiveness Awards

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publisher@autobodynews.com The SEMA 2015 Memorial ScholarWagner SprayTech, a market leader in ship Fund awarded $150,000 to 58 inadvanced paint applicators, is exhibitTop TV Celebrities Featured at SEMA’s “Velocity Live” dividuals, including 45 SEMA ing its new line of sprayers for the auscholarships and 13 loan-forgiveness tomobile industry, MotoCoat™ in

by Della Domingo top experts and personalities on Velocto SEMA-member companies. Recipbooth #13164. MotoCoat sprayers ity, America’s only TV network dediients will be entering into the disciwill safely apply low flash-point coatFeaturing top personalities from some cated to cars. Hosted by Chris Jacobs plines of automotive engineering and ings like protective materials for truck of the most popular automotive pro- of Overhaulin’, “Velocity Live” schedtechnology, automotive aftermarket, beds and undercoating, rubberized grams on television, “Velocity Live” uled guests To include Chip Foose of advertise To advertise Theengineering, source for timely peelable coatings, and mechanical business auto finishing returns to the 2015 SEMA Show on Overhaulin,’ Wheeler Dealers’ Mike call Advertising Sales at: call Joe Momber at: management, electrical engineering, Wednesday, November 4, at 4:00 p.m. Brewer and Edd China, Dave Kindig information that every paints. MotoCoat sprayers offer a education, industrial engineering and complete system for spraying—no from Bitchin’ Rides, Ray Evernham of 800-699-8251 800-699-8251 body machinist, shop needs! design, automotive public compressor is needed. They are the AmeriCarna, All Girls Garage co-host e-mail: e-mail: affairs/administration, graphic design, safest self-contained sprayer availCristy Lee, Dan Short of Fantomadvertising@autobodynews.com jmomber@autobodynews.c CALL 800-699-8251 communications, and computer and able, with a spark-contained motor Works, Wayne Carini of Chasing information sciences. More than $2 and a 39-foot hose for complete maClassic Cars and more. www.autobodynews.com www.autobodynews.co Start Your to FREE million has been awarded over neuverability around vehicles. And “Velocity Live” is an immer1,000 students the program’s esthey are powerful. They provide fast sive experience featuring exclusive Mailsince Subscription. tablishment in 1984. The online appliand complete coverage with low oversurprises, never-before-seen footage cation for next year’s awards will be spray. In addition to adjusting power and the opportunity for SEMA accepted Nov. 1, 2015 through April 1, and material flow settings on the fly, Show attendees to meet and interact Chris Jacobs (l) interviews Richard See the NEW Your 2016 at www.sema.org/scholarships. users can adjust theRegister spray pattern to be E with some of the biggest automotive Rawlings and Aaron Kaufman from For questions or additional inforhorizontal, vertical, narrow or wide. celebrities in the world.

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Veteran Instructor Peter Lock Retires After 36 Years as Leader/Mentor/Educator at CCC

by Ed Attanasio

With many of his former students flourishing at body shops all over the country and leading the collision industry in various roles, including as owners, managers, estimators, body techs and paint techs, lifelong Tech Instructor and Department Head Peter Lock recently announced his retirement at Contra Costa College (CCC) in San Pablo, CA, where he started working back in 1979.

Changing lives and building one of the most impressive auto tech programs in the U.S., Lock turned the auto services department at Peter Lock as a CCC into a premier senior in high program that has school, before trained more than attending Contra 3,500 students durCosta College to ing his 36-years on become a body and paint tech the job. Offering a and eventually two-year, four-sebecoming a lifelong mester program in instructor and either collision redepartment head pair or automotive at the school

technology, Lock created a curriculum that consists of a combination of classroom teaching and hands-on laboratory studies.

Lock came to CCC initially as a student himself to learn how to be a body and paint tech in 1973 and got a job in a shop upon graduation, but he wanted to return to help the school and that thought never left his mind. “I could see a lot of opportunities there and so many things that could be improved,” Lock said. “I wanted it to be more than just a fun series of classes that do-it-yourselfers and hobbyists could take. My vision was to train students so that they could get not just jobs, but careers.”

Looking back at what he’s achieved at CCC must be highly satisfying to Lock. Today, the auto repair classrooms and laboratories consist of two separate facilities under one roof, Lock said. The collision repair department and mechanical repair department has a combined enrollment of 150 students. CCC offers the I-CAR Professional Development Program/Education Edition, one of only a handful of post-secondary schools in California to do so,

Premiere Services Partners with LKQ on Industry’s First Recycled Mobile Electronics Parts Program

Premiere Services, a provider of audio electronics to the insurance industry, has partnered with LKQ Corporation to launch a new program that uses OEM electronics as a cost-effective option for mobile electronics replacement. The Mobile Electronics Quality Replacement Program (QRP) extends the company’s market beyond aftermarket products to OEM offerings for collision and theft, and offers a lifetime warranty.

Laura Puente, president of Premiere Services said, “We are seeing an increase in OEM collision damage related to the electronic components.

Our QRP program is designed to assist in the parts replacement for this category.”

She added, “The program is also the only one available to the industry that provides tested and certified product with a lifetime warranty. Our insurance partners can also emphasize their commitment to being environmentally friendly by promoting the use of these recycled parts.”

Puente pointed out that the QRP program helps reduce repair costs by offering warrantied parts at half the OEM price. In some cases, the program could potentially save an in-

sured vehicle from being a total loss.

Terry Fortner, VP of LKQ Corporation, said, “By working with Premiere Services, the process helps decrease cycle-time and is simplified for insurers and body shops. Collision repair facilities can take advantage of obtaining the warrantied part and installing it themselves or have Premiere Services’ handle the repair.”

Under the program, Premiere Services will ship the part directly to the collision repair facility to complete the repair or can coordinate having its installation team complete the repair. The parts also include a lifetime warranty. Insurers can emphasize their commitment to being environmentally friendly by promoting the use of recycled parts.

Collision repair facilities can order parts directly from Premiere Services at 800-479-9945. QRP parts are also available via CCCOne, Mitchell and APU Solutions.

Lock said.

At SEMA in 2013, the department won a $50,000 grant for its excellence and used the money to buy a SimSpray paint simulator and other much-needed things, like new desks. And most recently, Lock and his department landed an $111,000 grant for its welding program, to be spent on 60 laptops and six welding simulators.

Before he was ready to retire, Lock “Mr. Lock” with his wanted to make normal expression certain that his de—smiling and partment was in willing to help any student that good hands for obcomes his way vious reasons, he explained. “A few years ago, I stepped away from being the Chairman of the Automotive Technology Department at CCC, and handed if off to Lucile Beatty, so that I could concentrate more on teaching. This program is my life’s work and I want to see it still going strong when I’m in my eighties. So, once I could see that Lucile was doing a great job, I started thinking about re-

tirement, because I am confident that she is the right person to take the program to the next level. She is a perfect fit for this job, because she has learned how to deal well with the administration and navigate skillfully through all of the different aspects of the position.”

We asked Lock, what exactly is that next level? “I envision a program where we can guarantee employment for students who graduate,” he said.

“More shops, especially the larger MSOs need to get involved, by offering apprentice programs and other programs. Mike’s Auto Body, Cook’s Collision and Service King are also stepping up and offering real opportunities to our students, but we need a lot more onboard to do these types of things. They’re not just helping a student, they’re setting them up with a career and that’s our goal.”

What will “Mr. Lock” do with all of his free time now that he’s retired?

“Well, I can spend more time with my family (wife Suzanne, son David and daughter Stephanie and one grandchild) because they were so patient and understanding while I worked week-

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ends and nights for so many years.

Also, I will work on my homes and my 1967 Mustang convertible and of course, I am still going to teach parttime at CCC.” Greg Decker, the owner California Color Source, Inc. in San Leandro, CA said he has seen Lock build the program and help improve countless peoples’ lives. Decker has assisted the instructor in many ways, including the Careers with Cars Program and multiple California Auto Body Association events, where lasting friendship was formed in the mid 1990s.

“Peter Lock has provided inspirational dedication to providing young people of all backgrounds a potential career path in the Collision Repair Industry. I personally know a number of his past students who have excelled based in part, I’m sure, from the start they received from ‘Mr. Lock’. Peter continued to build and support the Automotive Repair program at CCC despite budget and program cuts through the years. He was able to keep the program moving forward, I believe because of the respect and relationships he had built with the school administration. He was able to keep the program moving forward, I believe

because of the respect and relationships he had built with the school administration.”

Getting a paint simulator for the school was just one of the many wonderful things Peter Lock did for the auto services department at CCC during his 36 years at the school

A former student and a good friend, Jim Boyle, the owner of Regal Collision in Vallejo, CA credits Lock for changing his life. “The Collision repair industry will greatly miss Peter Lock when he retires. I met him in the early 1980s at the first I-CAR refinishing class held in our area. He was a fairly new instructor at Contra Costa College and his energy, enthusiasm and knowledge, as well as skill of the collision repair in-

dustry, was amazing. Besides being our teacher, he has been a terrific role model and mentor. The people who have completed his program are the present and the future of our industry. Knowing Peter has helped me with my career and enriched me with his friendship and I credit him for much of what I’ve achieved in this industry.”

Dan Welsh, owner of Crockett’s Premier Auto Body in Pinole, CA did his apprenticeship at CCC and worked as Peter’s assistant for several years.

“When he first started teaching at the school, I could tell that he had bigger plans for the department. He wanted it to be a full-fledged program and not just something for hobbyists. We hit it off and pretty soon I shared his vision for what we could achieve at the school.

In 1988, Peter called me and asked me if I would help with the I-CAR classes and I didn’t even hesitate. When I think

about Peter Lock I think of dedication and integrity.”

Laura Salas learned the collision repair business from her father and through the automotive repair department at CCC. She credits Lock for much of her success today and one of the main reason why she currently owns and runs Black Diamond Collision Center in Pittsburg, CA. “Mr. Lock taught me a lot about life and helped me to become a better person,” she said. “By graduating from the program at CCC, I was able to start this shop with my father, who has been in the trade for 30 years.

Mr. Lock is an incredible teacher, because he truly cares and he shows it.

He gave us the resources to succeed.

I wanted my welding certification, and he made it happen. I owe him a lot, because he played a big role in helping me to get to this point as an owner of a shop.”

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8

a

Getting Paid for Investing in Facility, Equipment and Training

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Collision repair shops learned what it takes to keep up with the increasing rate of technological innovation and implementation, during a recent talk by Tim Ronak, Senior Services Consultant from AkzoNobel Coatings. Ronak spoke to attendees during NACE about “Getting Paid for Investing in Facility, Equipment and Training.” The following is based on his presentation.

Ronak said the technological face of the automotive industry is evolving exponentially. Some of the factors involved in these changes include onboard safety systems and controls; telematics and web-connected vehicles; accident avoidance; autonomous driving capability; hybrid power systems; and CAFE requirements.

Now, more than at any other time in the past, higher specialized environments, equipment and training is required, according to Ronak. “In order to be capable of repairing and servicing this new auto technology, businesses are required to invest capital in people and tooling to stay current and capable,” he said. However, many businesses are realizing a shorter period of return on their investment (ROI).

Current and Past Collision Industry Labor Profitability Trends Ronak explained how gross profit, in terms of the True Cost of Labor (TCL), has been declining over the years. In just the last two years alone, there are more facilities recording less than 50 percent TCL. Ronak said that a decreasing TCL can be attributed to four factors:

1) Wage and benefit unit costs rising faster than lagging labor reimbursement rates This includes the impact of higher costs to retain a decreasing number of skilled trainable workers. Ronak defined a “unit” as a measurement of time that it takes an average skilled technician with an average set of tools in an average equipped facility to complete a specified operation.

2) Absence of a retail door rate in market areas Ronak pointed to the fact that there is currently no prevailing rate survey process in place. In addition, there is often a perception that customers should pay the same or less than insurers.

3) Credit Card Effect Ronak said the increasing use of credit

cards for payment is eroding the realized labor gross profit as shops are taking cards for the payment of jobs and deductibles. “Shops have not adjusted to the retail pricing model to deflect this increasing erosion of marginal profitability,” he said.

For example, to cover the credit card fee with a seven percent sales tax, you need an additional $3.26 to $6.66 over the original $60 door unit rate to

myth,” he said. “People invest for the singular incentive of a return!”

Ronak explained that ROI essentially compares the magnitude and timing of investment gains directly with the magnitude and timing of costs. “A high ROI means that gains compare favorably with costs,” he said. “The goal is not to simply break even. The reason to invest is to generate a return.”

Costs include such things as in-

The definition of “Customer Value” is: “ANYTHING the customer is willing to pay for,” —Tim Ronak, AkzoNobel

cover the lost revenue. In this case, the adjusted retail door unit rate would need to be at least 5.4 percent to 11.1 percent higher to just preserve the previous profit margin. Ronak said the retail differential may need to increase by 15 percent if a component is built in to shield against fees paid when a deductible is paid with a credit card.

4) Vehicle Technology Advancing at Frantic Pace With vehicle construction and technology changing yearly, repair methodologies become outdated quickly. Vehicles require specialized training and no longer can one skill fit all vehicles. In addition, there is more of a requirement for precision with technology such as accident avoidance and on board safety systems. Ronak said OEM certification is now required to restore some of this technology. “It is now more important than ever to ensure that a facility restore a 4.5 star crash-rated vehicle back to the same 4.5 star crash rating,” he said.

How Much to Invest in Facility, Equipment & Training Ronak said it can be very difficult to determine how much to spend on facility, equipment and training since each business has its own needs. Ultimately, facilities will make a choice depending on what services they offer to customers such as aluminum repair, OEM certification, and servicing hybrid technology.

How to Determine ROI and What is a Reasonable Return Investing in a business requires a return greater than what is available in alternative secure investments. Ronak recommended that an analysis be done prior to making an investment to determine what it will actually cost the business. “The idea that capital investment is ‘just a cost of doing business,’ is a

60 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

terest expenses/finance charges, property taxes, and the opportunity cost of alternative investments.

He advised that investors have a minimum target return they are willing to accept, which should typically be higher than a more secure alternative investment.

Payback Time Period to Expect for an Incremental Investment Since each investor will have his/her own rationale for determining the expected payback period, Ronak recommended performing a more complete ROI analysis that factors in all costs as they occur against the desired rate of return. Some of the considerations include time frame, residual value, technology, setup costs and finance charges.

Equating Capital Expense for Training, Facility and Equipment into a Reimbursable Charge Ronak said that the actual capital needed for the investment needs to be quantified first. Then the acceptable return for that investment of capital should be defined. He stressed the importance of then determining how to capture revenue related to an expense and how to apportion the expense to the revenue it generates.

Training: Ronak said that training is becoming an annual requirement for individual OEM certification and some of it can be very expensive and time consuming. “These costs need to be tracked and considered when determining the rate you choose to invoice for that skilled and capable labor resource,” he explained.

Since the average tech will generate about 3,000 units of billable labor per year, an annual training expense of just $6,000 (including tuition, testing, wages, travel, meals, accommodation and certification fees), it results in a

training surcharge of $2/unit billed. If that labor is specialized to a particular OEM and requires an annual renewal, it could be a recurring charge.

Ronak asked attendees to also consider that perhaps only 50 percent of the time the tech is actively engaged in work that requires that certification, the required reimbursement could double to $4/unit billed to recapture the investment in training.

Facility: Additional facility expenses may imply that a shop is increasing its capacity or reconfiguring use of a facility or portion of that facility. “A reasonable expectation would be to determine break even and return sales targets,” said Ronak.

Equipment: Businesses equipping to service or repair new technology may not necessarily increase efficiency, according to Ronak. “In some instances specialized tooling may quickly become obsolete as new devices are deployed.” This implies that the $12,000 self piercing rivet tool that may be used five times before a new replacement version is required should be critically considered. He said it might be better to rent these pieces of equipment and charge them on each job … much like a frame fixture/jig.

When calculating equipment expenses, Ronak said to determine the total equipment investment, determine the required return on that investment and then calculate incremental sales targets that provide sufficient returns.

If additional volume is not forthcoming, he said to consider a higher door unit rate for work and then develop a plan to achieve sales targets.

Ronak then addressed the final question: “Are these expenses just the cost of doing business?” He said the definition of “Customer Value” is: “ANYTHING the customer is willing to pay for.”

“It is not a large inductive leap to infer that a customer would be willing to pay to ensure the 5 star crash worthiness of the vehicle would be restored back to a 5 star through the repair process by properly equipped and trained resources,” said Ronak.

“When investment costs are incurred for the singular purpose of creating customer value they should be passed on as a cost to the customer in one way or another,” said Ronak. “The challenge is to clearly ‘know your cost’ before you justify and ultimately ‘establish your price.’”

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www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 61

ASA Announces Collision Division Committee Study on Aluminum Body Panel Repair

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) announced on August 24 a new research project in response to recent questions raised by the National Alliance of Paintless Dent Repair Technicians (NAPDRT) regarding repair processes on aluminum body panels.

This new initiative will document the repair process necessary to restore aluminum panels with varying degrees of hail damage.

“This study will be similar to our recent releases of the ASA Documented Collision Repair Operations and Reference Chart of Not-Included Operations When Installing New Replacement Parts guides,” said Scott Benavidez, AAM, ASA’s collision division director. “Our goal is to provide an impartial review of the aluminum repair process as it relates to hail damage to dispel any misconceptions that may still exist.”

Once completed, the study will be released to the industry for reference when writing damage assessments in this area.

“We commend Scott and the Collision Division Operations Committee team for taking on this challenge to address and document the differences between steel and aluminum repair,” said Tony Molla, ASA vice president. “ASA has a role to play in being the voice of the collision repair industry and helping to keep our members and the industry at large abreast of the latest changes in technology and materials that impact the collision repair process.

This study will add to the body of knowledge ASA makes available free to the industry to advance our common knowledge for all stakeholders.”

As in past studies, this project will compile research information from existing industry sources to clearly define all necessary procedures to repair aluminum panels and provide a quick reference for use in writing a complete estimate. It will involve input from collision repair professionals, industry organizations, manufacturers and training providers to establish an impartial baseline and address any questions or misconceptions that may exist regarding aluminum repair.

To become an ASA member, please visit www.ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2900.

Ford Patents ‘reconfigurable seats’ for Self-Drivers

Ford Motor Co. received a U.S. patent on its plans for an “autonomous vehicle with reconfigurable seats” earlier this month, according to the Business Insider website run by Crain.com. The seats can swivel and fold all while the vehicle is in motion, and the steering wheel can even retract into the dashboard to create more space in the vehicle cabin.

Among the available configurations is a rolling living room format, in which the front seats can rotate backwards 180 degrees to face the back row.

The front seats can also be folded down and used as a footrest for backseat passengers. This reconfigurable seating is similar to the interior design of Mercedes-Benz’s futuristic autonomous concept unveiled earlier this year in Las Vegas. The four seats in the Mercedes concept can also rotate to face each other in a lounge-like setting.

The Ford patent, submitted in November, states that autonomous vehicles will eventually only require passengers to select a destination, allowing passengers to focus on non-driving activities mid-travel. This plan for a reimagined vehicle cabin is Ford’s most recent step in autonomous vehicle development, but it does not appear the automaker will

be offering the technology and design laid out in the patent anytime soon.

“We submit patents on innovative ideas as a normal course of business,” Ford spokesman Said Deep wrote in an email. “Patent submissions help protect our new ideas but do not necessarily indicate future business or product plans.”

While Ford is moving forward with autonomous technology development, it still lags behind many of its competitors. In the luxury segment alone, Audi, Mercedes and BMW are already gearing up to offer advanced autonomous features within the next year. Ford is making moves to catch up. In June, the company said it would move its self-driving technology development to its new advanced engineering operations in Silicon Valley as it moved into the advanced engineering stage of autonomous-vehicle development.

Engineers at the Silicon Valley facility are part of Ford’s new global autonomous-vehicle team.

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Study on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and the Evolution of Self-Driving Functionality

A new report from Navigant Research analyzes the emerging market for different levels of fully and semi-autonomous driving, with global market forecasts by region for vehicle volume and revenue, through 2035. As manufacturers continue to roll out advanced driver assistance features, some cars will soon have the ability to cruise freeways and safely navigate traffic with minimal driver input. While autonomous vehicle technology continues to evolve, so does its potential to institute significant changes in safety and personal mobility, particularly in large cities. According to Navigant Research, 85 million autonomous-capable vehicles are expected to be sold annually around the world by 2035.

“Studies have shown that measurable improvements in traffic flow can be expected if as few as 10 percent of vehicles on a road are using adaptive cruise control, which is just one type of advanced driver assistance,” says Dave Alexander, Senior Research Analyst with Navigant Research. “One of the challenges is not just to get the systems installed, but to provide incentives for people to use them on a daily basis.”

An important consideration for this market is how quickly the technol-

ogy will spread to the installed base of vehicles on the road. Over the next five years, increasingly sophisticated driver assistance systems are expected to be introduced by a wide range of manufacturers, and it is important to understand the capability of the technology and how much driver interaction is required as new features are introduced.

The report, Autonomous Vehicles, provides a detailed examination of the emerging market for different levels of fully and semi-autonomous driving. The study provides a discussion of the potential benefits, demand drivers, inhibitors, and technology issues related to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles.

Global market forecasts by region for volumes of vehicles with Level 2, 3, and 4 autonomy, along with the associated revenue, extend through 2035. It also includes an assessment of how quickly the percentage of vehicles with some autonomous capability will grow within the overall parc of vehicles on the road in each of the six major world regions.

Navigant Research specializes in analysis of global clean technology markets using supply-side industry analysis and end-user primary research and demand assessment.

62 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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Continued from Page 30

1Collision Network

shop is managing Key Performance Indicators. The company also assists with performance improvement coaching, recruiting, training and compliance, HR management and business development consulting.

Keller said working together as a collision repair group has several advantages.

“By taking the strength that we have in numbers, we are able to maximize our value to insurance companies,” said Keller. “There is definitely a trend in the industry for shop groups to be effective in their insurance relationship building due in part to the number of claims they handle per year as a group.”

As a single point of contact with the insurance claims offices, 1Collision Network is able to represent all of the shops in discussions with an insurer. “We work with insurance companies to identify where they have needs to be fulfilled, and then we work with them in those areas where they have specific needs from a DRP partner, and provide manage-

ment of ongoing performance improvement of the locations as well,” said Keller.

Another benefit he has found is the ability to combine resources to market to consumers. “Consumer marketing is becoming more and more important, especially with how popular the Internet is to find goods and serv-

Tim’s Auto Body 1 in Champaign, Illinois is owned by Tim Tatman

ices in this world today,” said Keller.

“Part of what we are able to do is collectively and in a more affordable fashion combine our financial resources to raise brand awareness.”

In addition, he has found that a group of shops often have the ability to procure products and value-added services more effectively from strategic partners, as they know working

with shop groups can bring them more volume, and a single point of contact for all the locations. “Our corporate strategic partners have been instrumental in our development as a network,” Keller said.

“It’s easier to create an operating system when you’re in a group than it is for one store, because it requires considerable knowledge, time and resources to put those systems together, that can be quite a challenge for a collision repair business owner.

An upfront fee covers the cost of what Keller refers to as “the onboarding” process such as developing the shop’s marketing plan, internet presence, logo design, and integrating their name with the network website and shop locator, promotional and informational pieces and DRP applications.

There is also a monthly fee for ongoing services provided by 1Collision’s corporate office.

“Our core business is helping successful independent shops and dealerships achieve greater success in all aspects of their collision repair business,” said Keller.

For more information, contact info@1collision.net or 414-289-7650.

CARSTAR Names Assistant Marketing Manager

CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts announced on September 3 the promotion of Jesamyn Erdman to assistant marketing manager in KS Erdman joined CARSTAR in April 2013 as a marketing specialist, and has quickly proven her value through hard work and dedication.

“CARSTAR is pleased to promote Jesa-myn Erdman to the position of assistant marketing Jesamyn Erdman manager,” said has been promoted David James, to Assistant VP marketing for Marketing Manager CARSTAR. “In after just over her short tenure two years with with the comCARSTAR pany, Jesa-myn has proven to be a real asset to the company and our franchisees.

In 2014, Erdman was presented with the Spirit of CARSTAR award for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to serving CARSTAR store owners, building the CARSTAR brand, and improving the organization’s performance.

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www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 63

To Register, go to:

TI-CAR is returning to the SEMA Show in November 2015 with I-CAR training available to attendees each day of the Show.

http://www.semashow.com/category/tags/i-car

Synchronizing Workflow Through Team Communication (PM120L01)

Vehicle Technology and Trends 2016 (NEW16)

Keeping the lines of communication open to everyone involved in the production management process keeps the shop’s operations running smoothly.

This live course helps the Production Management role understand what different areas, such as technicians and the front office, need to know on a daily basis to maintain production. The role will also gain a better understanding of how to deliver effective performance reviews and how to ensure that technicians are keeping abreast of the skills needed to operate efficiently.

As a result, the entire shop will experience fewer surprises as all employees gain confidence that they are all working toward the same goals.

The automotive industry is constantly introducing new technologies, whether it be for safety, usefulness, or environmental protection. New features and lightweight vehicle materials like aluminum and highstrength steel are driving major changes in vehicle construction as manufacturers strive to meet the federal government’s fuel-economy standards. NEW16 provides an “auto show view” of vehicles that will soon be commonplace in many repair facilities and delivers information that repair professionals will need to know to be prepared to perform complete, safe, and quality repairs.

Advanced Steering and Suspension Damage Analysis (DAM15)

2015 Ford F-150 Structural Repair Training Course-Part 2

Cost: $100 Nov. 4, 2015 - 1:00pm - 4:00pm LVCC, Upper North Hall, N240

Advanced steering and suspension systems are increasingly popular in today’s modern vehicles and many of us depend on them to keep our vehicles driving smoothly. If not repaired properly, other vehicle systems can be compromised, resulting in more damage. Every individual involved in the repair process is a stakeholder, so knowing what to look for pre-repair, how to execute the repair and what to check postrepair impacts everyone involved from the estimator, to the business, to the consumer. This interactive course provides important information on the considerations for inspecting steering and suspension systems and provides knowledge that can lead to increased efficiency gains and a positive customer experience – both of which are critical to business performance.

Cost: $99 / Training Credit: 3 hours Nov. 6, 2015 - 8:00am - 12:00pm LVCC, Upper North Hall, N238

Cost: $99 / Training Credit: 3 hours Nov. 3, 2015 - 8:00am - 12:00pm Nov. 4, 2015 - 1:00pm - 5:00pm LVCC, Upper North Hall, N238

Collision repair training experts at ICAR worked alongside Ford Motor Company engineers during the 2015 Ford F-150 design and development process, leveraging I-CAR’s expertise to create a training solution for collision repair professionals who will work on the next generation of Ford’s extremely popular truck. Two years of development culminates in the 2015 Ford F-150 Structural Repair course that covers all topics on aluminum, and dives deep into vehicle-specific repair information. This instructor-led course uses discussion, high-definition videos, animations, and detailed graphics to equip technicians to properly repair the 2015 F150.

This is a 2-part training course.

The first half of this course will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015, from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The cost to attend includes both seminars.

Cost: $198/ Training Credit: 6 hours Nov. 4, 2015 - 8:00am - 12:00pm LVCC, Upper North Hall, N240

64 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Sectioning of Steel Unitized Structures (SPS11)

Repair procedures from previous generation vehicles do not necessarily apply to current models. For repairers, this demands an understanding of proper sectioning techniques and up-to-date knowledge on new vehicle designs that can impact sectioning decisions. Understanding these important considerations can be the difference between a complete and safe repair and possibly compromising passenger safety. This course prepares technicians with the information they need to make proper decisions for sectioning. The student will receive an overview of sectioning that includes classroom activities, props, and demonstrations that illustrate detailed information on sectioning preparation and joint types. This course also explains where procedures are found and why general sectioning guidelines no longer apply.

Full-Frame Partial Replacement (FFR01)

Properly repairing today’s fullframe vehicles requires command of an array of considerations. Understanding OEM repair procedures and welding requirements for full-frame vehicles can be key, but being able to identify full-frame designs, partial replacement options and repair considerations for full frame attachments is also critical to achieving a complete, safe and quality repair. Completion of this course will be beneficial to repairers and their respective businesses. Fullframe partial replacement can result in increased savings for the shop and the vehicle owner alike.

The content in this course can be applied on the job immediately following completion.

Cost: $99 / Training Credit: 3 hours Nov. 5, 2015 - 1:00pm - 5:00pm LVCC, Upper North Hall, N238

Cost: $99 / Training Credit: 3 hours Nov. 3, 2015 - 1:00pm - 5:00pm LVCC, Upper North Hall, N238

Aluminum Exterior Panel Repair and Replacement (APR01)

Adhesive Bonding (ADH01)

Should an aluminum exterior panel be repaired or replaced? It depends!

There are many considerations to take into account when making decisions on aluminum panels. Being able to properly assess damage and repair or replace exterior panels requires understanding the properties, characteristics, design, and construction of aluminum. Making the right decisions at the right time can play a role in improving KPIs like cycle time and CSI. Students will leave this course equipped to tackle this different, not difficult, material.

I-CAR has enhanced its Adhesive Bonding (ADH01) course with a training experience that now offers an engaging “Live Demo.” The Live Demo portion of the course includes first-hand experience of adhesive bonding procedures using two-part adhesives; steps for an adhesive that is applied to bare metal; and steps for an adhesive that requires a primed mating surface are given. In addition, this well-rounded adhesive bonding course provides information on adhesive bonding materials, specific work and handling time, bond line and clamping considerations, cure time recommendations, and more.

Plastic and Composite Repair (PLA03)

Squeeze-Type Resistance Spot Welding (WCS04)

Cost: $99 / Training Credit: 3 hours Nov. 6, 2015 - 8:00am - 12:00pm LVCC, Upper North Hall, N240

With the continued use of plastics and composites on many of today’s vehicles, collision repair professionals are seeking efficient ways to repair collisiondamaged vehicles made from these materials. Given the vast amount of materials available and their differing characteristics, plus the many viable repair options, the most up-to-date knowledge and information is critical to ensuring a complete repair.

Cost: $99 / Training Credit: 3 hours Nov. 4, 2015 - 8:00am - 12:00pm LVCC, Upper North Hall, N238

Cost: $99 / Training Credit: 3 hours Nov. 5, 2015 - 8:00am - 12:00pm LVCC, Upper North Hall, N238

With an increased number of vehicles being manufactured with highstrength and ultra high-strength steel, spot welding is an effective solution for minimizing the heat-affect zone.

The process of spot welding for attaching body panels and components has many other benefits as well, among them are decreased damage to corrosion protection and replication of production weld appearance.

Cost: $99 / Training Credit: 3 hours Nov. 5, 2015 - 1:00pm - 5:00pm LVCC, Upper North Hall, N240

Continued from Page 55

Technology Summit

foreseeable future; although, not necessarily the same steel that that the industry is accustomed to. Following the presentation, a panel of automakers known for their use of steel will join onstage to discuss the real world application of steel structures in vehicle design, vehicle safety and vehicle repairability.

Both afternoon sessions will in-

clude detailed presentations on technological developments in each of the featured substrate markets, and then transition to panels of automakers known for their use of the featured materials to discuss real-world applications in vehicular structural design, safety and repairability.

All sessions are in Upper North Hall, N241 at LVCC.

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Ask I-CAR Answers: What’s the Difference Between Sectioning And Partial Replacement?

Factory seams are where two parts are the technician will create a new repair joint welded together during vehicle assembly that did not exist prior to repairs. This may using spot welds, laser welds, fillet welds, mean sectioning the service part and inetc. Partial part replacement is defined as stalling that sectioned portion of the servreplacing a part at a factory seam. This re- ice part on the vehicle using a sectioning quires removing the original attachment joint. Most service parts are provided premethod to disassemble an assembly at a cut based on the sectioning location, so factory seam. Sectioning is defined as the cutting the service part is not necessary.

Give us your opinion on matters industry.

Theaffecting OEM Partial the Part Replacement process of cutting a portion of a part, away from a factory seam. This location is based Search is a tool to identify which vehicles on vehicle maker procedures. Some vehi- have replacement procedures available, cle makers offer multiple sectioning loca- including sectioning or partial replacetions for a part. Whenpublisher@autobodynews.com “sectioning” a part, ment at factory seams.

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www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 65

New Sherwin-Williams Web-Based System Aims to Save Shops Time & Increase Profit

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

A new web-based system developed by Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes was designed to help shops decrease the time it takes for the paint selection process to less than five minutes. After being tested by hundreds of shops across the United States and Canada, the company’s Formula Express 2.0 color retrieval system was officially launched in August.

John Ceglarek, color systems manager for Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes, said the new FormulaExpress 2.0 Color Retrieval System was designed to achieve the best color match results in the shortest possible time, which can result in improved profitability, cycle time, and customer satisfaction.

“The problem with so many of the existing color retrieval systems is that they are slow, cluttered, and difficult to enhance, change or maintain because they are built on aged platforms,” he said.

Ceglarek said color selection can typically take seven to eight minutes or even 30 minutes or sometimes more.

“A significant percentage of vehicles don’t fit the mold,” he said. “Those are the ones that cause that time to identify a color to skyrocket. It’s those non-typ-

ical things going through your process that are most disruptive in the body shop.”

He said that if just one vehicle in 10 is difficult to identify color, it can completely disrupt the entire lean process in the repair facility. “Those were what we were trying to eliminate,” said Ceglarek.

It took approximately two years for Sherwin-Williams, a manufacturer and distributor of automotive refinish and

fleet/commercial transportation coatings and sundries, based in Ohio, to develop the product.

Ceglarek said that the faster system will be more efficient for the automotive repair industry. “With FormulaExpress 2.0, painters and technicians will spend much less time picking the right color for the job, and much more time delivering vehicles,” said Ceglarek.

“This will increase through-put, productivity, and profit in their shop.”

Formulas are sorted by popularity instead of the “standard with alternates” method widely used by many existing color retrieval systems. Additionally, FormulaExpress 2.0 has a patent-pending Color Filter™ feature.

This feature helps the painter select from a list of color variations by selecting a few user-friendly filters.

Ceglarek said that no other system has this way of picking from a set of variations.

When Autobody News talked to Ceglarek about the new product, he demonstrated how a painter is able to look at the various color options on the screen to help make a decision. He noted that they can be sorted by most likely to match vs. least likely to match which really helps make color retrieval faster and easier.

“Instead of doing it the way traditional software would to add more information to look at, we take information away,” said Ceglarek. “We start to take away data from the screen that we know isn’t relevant to try to help [painters] make those decisions faster.”

Unlike other systems that require the user to know the specific information about the vehicle such as formula code, color code, color chip, etc., the new system allows the user to enter whatever is known about the vehicle. “The system provides intuitive search functionality, and is extremely fast, reliable and provides real-time updating,” he said.

FormulaExpress 2.0 also provides storing, tracking and reporting. Designed to work with multi-platforms including tablets, smartphones and PCs, Ceglarek said it has the most updated color information readily available, 24/7, 365 days a year.

He also said the new FormulaExpress 2.0 system is extremely versatile.

“It is literally functional with every automotive finishes intermix and factory pack system Sherwin-Williams provides, with access to more than 750,000 color formulas,” he said. It also works in conjunction with Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes color tools, including the PROSPECTOR® color reference system and Color Works® The Match Box (for fleet refinish and OEM colors).

For more information about Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes FormulaExpress 2.0, visit www.sherwin -automotive.com/formula-express or call 1-800-798-5872.

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66 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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PPG Completes Acquisition of IVC Industrial Coatings

PPG Industries announced that it has completed its acquisition of IVC Industrial Coatings, Inc., a U.S.-based specialty powder and liquid coatings manufacturer with 2014 sales of more than $100 million. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“This acquisition brings industryleading powder coatings and a best-inclass manufacturing capability that will strengthen PPG’s position in the industrial coatings market,” said Shelley

Bausch, PPG vice president, global industrial coatings. “We have been impressed with IVC’s strong customer focus and overall business performance, and believe that together we can offer even greater solutions for our customers.”

IVC, based in Brazil, IN, focuses on the development, manufacture and sale of powder and liquid coatings for the general industrial segment. Its industry-leading coatings are used on a

wide variety of products, including metal office furniture, material handling and storage products, automotive parts, motorcycles, industrial containers, small appliances and electronics such as printers, servers and audio-visual equipment.

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG provides added value to customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets.

Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in more than 70 countries around the world. Reported net sales in 2014 were $15.4 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:PPG).

For more information, visit www .ppg.com and follow @PPGIndustries on Twitter.

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www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 67

Industry Invited to Attend Collision Repair Education Foundation’s Annual Reception during SEMA 2015 Collision industry members are invited to join the Collision Repair Education Foundation during their annual reception the evening of Tuesday, November 3rd from 9:00 p.m.-10:15 p.m.

(Local Time) in the N259-N261 rooms at the Las Vegas Convention Center during SEMA 2015.

attend our annual reception to not only witness high school and college collision instructors be surprised with significant grants to help their programs but also learn more about our new focus on helping to bridge the gap between the schools and entry-level employment. Hundreds of reception

During the reception, attendees will hear about the organization’s efforts to support high school and postsecondary collision students, 2015 donors/supporters will be highlighted, and winners of the annual 2015 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover school grant will be announced. Industry members will also have an opportunity to meet and greet attending collision school instructors and students.

Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode noted, “We would like to invite collision industry members to

attendees are anticipated and we look forward to showcasing the industry’s generosity to its future professionals.”

Additional details of the event will be made available as the date approaches however industry members are asked to RSVP for the reception by emailing attendee information to info@ed-foundation.org. Questions regarding the reception and/or the Education Foundation’s efforts to support the future of the collision industry can be directed to Director of Development, Brandon Eckenrode at Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation .org or 847-463-5244.

Turbomix PaintSaver Has New Stirring Technology

EMM International announced that the Turbomix PaintSaver will be available soon. The company said that it is a new, innovative and patented stirrer, designed to help mix paint faster and save paint.

“It is easy to use thanks to its ergonomic handle, while the improved design with uniquely-shaped holes guarantees a perfect mix,” said Elize Diepeveen.

This results in 30 percent faster stirring, which increases to almost 40 percent with metallic paints. The innovative “Break It to Save It” system ensures all paint is removed from the PaintSaver before disposal.

The Turbomix PaintSaver is made from recycled materials and the dimensions are 22x2cm.

More information is available by visiting www.turbomixpaintsaver .com.

Carworx Showcasing European Paint Line at SEMA

Carworx is introducing a new European paint line to the collision repair industry, BESA-Urkimix Serie 500. Carworx is an international company, based in Europe and North America, with a manufacturing base in Europe. The company has partnered with BESA, formerly called Bernardo Ecenarro and based in Spain, for 20 years.

“We are committed to researching the market for up-to-date manufacturing tools in order to provide reliable products that are also compliant with VOC regulations,” said Kost. “Our products undergo vigorous testing prior to being released into the market in order to promote quality and performance you can trust.”

The Urkimix Serie 500 is a tintometric system for repainting cars and uses highly concentrated color bases that are mixed using different binders to achieve products that can be used in one- or two-stage systems.

“Unlike other systems available in the market, Serie 500 lets you work with HS or MS products, depending on the requirements and demands of the painter,” said Kost.

Visit Carworx at booth #10767 in the North Hall during SEMA, online at www.carworx.net or info@carworx.net.

68 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

U.S. Congress Introduces Bill Allowing Limited TurnKey Replica Car Production, SEMA in Support

Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would enable low-volume car manufacturers to produce turn-key replica vehicles for customers nationwide. Replica vehicles resemble classic cars produced at least 25 years ago. Supported by SEMA, the “Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015” (H.R. 2675) would allow companies to construct up to 500 such cars per year subject to federal regulatory oversight.

The United States currently has just one system for regulating automobiles.

It was established in the ’60s and designed for companies that mass produce millions of vehicles. H.R. 2675 creates a separate regulatory framework for small businesses producing modest numbers of cars.

“The bill introduced by Reps. Mullin and Green will allow U.S. companies to produce turn-key replicas of older vehicles that are virtually impossible to build under today’s restrictive one-size-fits-all regulatory framework,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “This program will create skilled-labor jobs in the auto industry and help meet consumer demand for these classics of the past.”

H.R. 2675 directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a separate regulatory structure to facilitate the production of replica cars. Manufacturers would be required to register with NHTSA and EPA and submit annual reports on the vehicles they produce. The vehicles would meet current model-year emissions standards and manufacturers would be permitted to install clean engines from other EPA-certified vehicles to help achieve that requirement.

H.R. 2675 recognizes the unique circumstances associated with limitedproduction replica vehicles, which are primarily used in exhibitions, parades and occasional transportation. It also provides an opportunity to promote domestic manufacturing and create jobs in the specialty auto sector.

“This bill seeks a reasonable regulatory approach,” said Kersting. “It also helps preserve our American automotive heritage.”

SEMA will be working with congressional leaders to promote this important bill. For more information on H.R. 2675, please contact Stuart Gosswein or Eric Snyder at 202-783-6007.

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BASF Dual Refinish System Reformulated to Increase Shops’ Production & Profit

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

During a typical day, Jared Fero, the head painter at Gillette’s CARSTAR Collision Center, uses R-M Onyx HD from BASF to paint one vehicle completely in a waterborne formulation and the next in solventborne.

“It’s the only line available in the marketplace that allows you to mix paint as a waterborne or solventborne finish with a single set of toners,” said Mike Freeman, Market Segment Manager for BASF’s R-M brand in North America.

R-M’s Onyx HD line was first introduced in 2007 and the company launched the solventborne version of Onyx HD in 2013. Freeman said the company has made several improvements to the dual automotive refinish system over the years and recently relaunched it in June.

Gillette CARSTAR, based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, began using BASF’s

Onyx HD paint system about a year ago in their newly built facility. “I wanted to use a paint system that met and worked with OEM certifications and had the OEM level of trust built in them,” said Gillette CARSTAR’s Owner Todd Gillette. “That’s the reason why I went with BASF.” Gillette, who has been in business for 20 years, said he has been really pleased with the color match. “The water base lays so flat that your clear coats lay flatter. Minimal polishing if any ever needs to be done.”

His head painter, Fero, said he was a little reluctant at first to switch products after using a solvent paint system for the past nine years. “It has been a really great change as far as getting production and quality cars out of the shop,” said Fero. “On an average day, I’ll paint about six cars and that wasn’t achievable with our other paint system.”

Fero added that the paint system covers really well. “More coverage equals less paint which equals a happier boss,” he said. The updates for color chips are done automatically and the system is connected to other shops through BASF’s SmartTrak software.

Fero said this makes it easier to find a good color match for the car.

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customers over the last several months, BASF made several improvements to the Onyx HD system to meet the needs of its customers.

“We’ve been working on several changes to the product that allow us to have a more superior color match than we’ve had in the past with this product,” said Freeman.

For example, with the Onyx HD solvent line, customers said that certain popular tinted silvers and charcoal colors were not matching the way

they expected them to. After doing some investigating, BASF found they could improve the chemistry of the product. “Once we were able to do that, we discovered some other things in the process,” said Freeman. “When we made those changes, it improved the line overall.”

In addition to being fully compliant in the United States and Canada for low VOC levels, Freeman said that

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Onyx HD dries up to five times faster, and hides in fewer coats than some competitive products.

“Productivity is the cornerstone of our brand and it’s very important to us to make sure shops are able to hit those KPIs,” said Freeman. “We are really putting that productivity aspect at the forefront and educating our customers about how they can switch back and forth between the various solutions to meet the needs of their customer mix for the day.”

The Onyx HD line also aligns with the company’s existing COLORMAX system, which is a series of paint chips that tie into a software giving painters the formulations needed.

Freeman said COLOR- MAX is one of the fastest, most accurate color tools in the industry. “The computer knows what color you’re aiming for and what system you are mixing it in, whether it is waterborne or solvent, and it tells you what percentages you need to use of each of the toners,” said Freeman.

BASF will display two vehicles painted with the Onyx HD paint system at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada in November.

More information about BASF Onyx HD can be found online at: www.basfrefinish.com/onyx

PPG Debuts New Vibrance Collection® VC5700 Ditzler® Custom Clear

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PPG Automotive Refinish has expanded its line of VIBRANCE COLLECTION® custom paint finishes with the addition of VC5700 DITZLER® Custom Clear. Designed to work with all Vibrance Collection custom colors, the new clear delivers show-quality gloss for restoration, refinish and custom work.

The company said VC5700 was developed to deliver high build and superior vertical hold, making it an excellent choice for filling tapelines, burying flakes and leveling transitions on graphic overlays.

It uses a 2:1:1 mix ratio and is easy to apply, buff and polish leaving an ultra-smooth finish.

“VC5700 Ditzler Custom Clear provides a rich, durable and lustrous look,” said Steve Lehner, PPG product manager. “It’s a great choice for the most demanding custom projects.

Custom car builders and painters will quickly see the benefits of this new product.”

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www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 69

AudaExplore Donates $40,000 to 1-800 Charity Cars to Support Recycled Rides AudaExplore, a Solera Company, announced a $40,000 donation to 1-800 Charity Cars to help underwrite the nonprofit organization’s critical role in furthering the goals of the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program, which provides reliable transportation to individuals in need.

As both a nonprofit organization and a licensed car dealer, The Original 1-800 Charity Cars provides support to NABC members to coordinate the titling and registration of vehicles donated through the Recycled Rides program. Since the inception of Recycled Rides in 2007, The Original 1-800 Charity Cars has partnered with the NABC and donated resources to help reassign the vehicle title from donor to the recipient, a multi-step process that minimizes liability while maximizing benefit for all parties involved.

“This critical facet of the Recycled Rides process is what has enabled the NABC and its members to successfully grow the program, donate nearly 1,000 vehicles and positively change the lives of thousands of individuals,” said Rick Tuuri, VP of AudaExplore, and NABC board member and chairman of Recycled Rides. “We are truly proud to support Recycled Rides and 1-800 Charity Cars”.

As part of the Recycled Rides program, insurance, rental car or salvage companies who donate vehicles first sign the title over to 1-800 Charity Cars, which assumes responsibility for the vehicle while it is being repaired at NABC’s member body shops. While the vehicle is under repair, 1-800 Charity Cars signs all necessary liability releases and completes necessary documents required state by state to transfer the title and register the vehicle to the recipient.

As a nonprofit organization, 1-800 Charity Cars is also able to provide participating donors with documentation for tax purposes.

“Since the inception of Recycled Rides, Tony Aquila, our founder and CEO, recognized the immeasurable value of this program to bring together all facets of the collision industry for a common cause, and encouraged me to get more involved,” said Tuuri. “Our support of 1-800 Charity Cars represents AudaExplore’s appreciation and commitment to the important work by the National Auto Body Council and our colleagues in the industry to give back to our local communities through the Recycled Rides program.”

Established in 1996, The Original 1-800 Charity Cars is considered the pioneer of the free car-ownership concept to provide free donated vehicles to assist struggling families in their transition

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from dependency to self-sufficiency. The organization operates the largest free non-profit car-donation and distribution program in the country and has awarded over 6000 free vehicles nationwide.

“NABC’s partnership with 1-800 Charity Cars has been invaluable in the success of Recycled Rides over the years,” said Chuck Sulkala, Executive Director of the National Auto Body Council. “We applaud and thank AudaExplore for its generous contribution to help ensure we have the resources necessary to keep growing this program.”

Brian Menzies of The Original 1-800-Charity Cars added: “We are honored to play a role in NABC's Recycled Rides program and are extremely grateful to AudaExplore for underwriting our costs. One can think of few programs that impact the lives of individuals as dramatically and immediately as Recycled Rides.”

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CCC Displays New Technology & Services at SEMA

CCC ONE Touch now offers a new feature to help shops go paperless called Signature. Using the Touch tablet application, you can capture the customer’s signature and automatically attach digitally signed documents to the workfile. The company said that Signature makes it faster and easier to capture new business and improves the customer experience.

This feature is free and available now to shops that use CCC ONE Repair Workflow and Touch.

To activate the feature, a repair facility uploads its documents and then uses a tablet’s touch-screen capability to have the customer digitally sign the documents.

For more information on CCC ONE Touch, visit http://www.cccis.com /collision-repairers/estimating-solutions/ccc-one-touch-app/

Web View The company said it looked at its solutions to see how they could be changed in order to create high-impact, low-touch interactions that don’t require a phone call or leave the customer waiting. The company announced an enhancement to CCC ONE UpdatePlus that enables a

better customer experience by improving communication with the shop.

CCC ONE UpdatePlus will now offer proactive text messaging that includes pertinent shop and estimate information. Previously, UpdatePlus offered repair status updates and CSI surveys to help shops communicate with customers. Now, customers will also receive proactive messages that answer common questions before they’re asked. Shop hours of operation, shop location and directions, as well as information about how to contact the estimator and see a summary of the estimate are now included features. These messages are designed to be easily viewed and accessible on any device.

For more information on CCC ONE UpdatePlus: http://www.cccis .com/collision-repairers/consumerengagement/ Elevate CCC also offers a highly personalized consulting service designed to ensure customers are getting the most out of CCC ONE. There is a webpage that goes into further detail about Elevate: http://www.cccis.com/elevate/

BASF’s Highlights at SEMA Include 2 Booths, Cars, Awards, Autographs, and Education

BASF will have two booths at the SEMA show this year: one in the Racing & Performance section, booth #21437, and one in the Collision Repair and Refinish section, booth #16026.

Vehicles featured in the Racing & Performance Section, #21437: ● JF Kustoms: ‘67 Pontiac Acadian – painted with R-M ONYX HD custom red ● Ringbrothers: ‘65 Ford Mustang— Customized carbon fiber—Glasurit 90 Line Spy Green ● Chip Foose: 33’ Ford Coupe— Glasurit 90 Line custom blue and silver (two-tone paint) ● West Coast Customs: 58’ Chevrolet Corvette—painted with R-M Onyx HD ● Camtech Custom Baggers: 2016 Harley Street Glide—customized in RM Carizzma Candy Paint BASF will hold a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 9 a.m. to unveil the cars from JF Kustoms, Ringbrothers and Chip Foose. On Thursday, Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. the first Glasurit Best Paint Award will be presented by Chip Foose in booth #21437.

Autograph sessions in #21437: ● Tuesday, Nov. 2 from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Chip Foose ● Wednesday, Nov. 3 from 10 to 11 a.m., Richard Petty

New products featured at the show: ● Glasurit: Water Boosters & UV primers ● R-M: ONYX HD and Power Fill Plus Primers

In the Collision Repair and Refinish booth #16026 BASF will feature: ● BASF Value Added Tools & Services offering demonstrations on how to help drive business success

BASF seminars for SCRS Repairer Driven Education: ● Tues., Nov. 3, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m – Scheduling and Work in Progress –Tom Hoerner from BASF will discuss the impact that scheduling and workflow have on cycle time and productivity. ● Tues., Nov. 3, 3 to 5 p.m. —Understanding Numbers and Why They Tell You About Your Growth Opportunities – John Niechwiadowicz, QLC Inc., in cooperation with BASF, will discuss the importance of understanding your numbers to achieve better ROI, market growth and improved profitability. ● Weds., Nov. 4, 3 to 5 p.m. – Our Journey to Become a Successful Collision Center—Panel discussion moderated by Craig Seelinger from BASF. Panelists will discuss the tools and resources they used to grow their business.

Prima Demonstrates Latest MIG Welders at SEMA Prima, a European manufacturer of body shop welders, announced the introduction of its latest Multi Application MIG, MIG, TIG-DC, MMA & FLUX welder: Multi 190, Multi 5 and Multi 6 welders.

Ray Zitzloff, president of Prima Welds, said they are easy to use.

“There is no need for on-site set up, training or support,” said Zitzloff. ● Multi 190 Single Torch. Change wire in minutes for different applications Under $2,500 18 Lbs ● Multi 5 Three Torch Under $4,000 35 Lbs ● Multi 6 Multi 5 with dent pull Under $5,000 50 Lbs

Zitzloff said they all share the same processor and software programs designed for every applicable body shop welding application. Required software like Hot Start is programmed into the application software where required, eliminating the need for a technician to determine when, where, how much amperage increase and for how long.

The programs allow for amperage/synchronized wire speed adjustments for

the tech using the welder. When OEMs select a new wire like 5554, Prima designs the software that can be added to existing welders.

“Prima uses a proven state-of-theart processor that is upgradeable and with error codes that are easy to remove and replace,” said Zitzloff. “Error codes with on-line support allow Prima Welds to diagnose the problem and overnight the processor.” The Processor uses InPrima’s Multi 5 verter Technology Welder with with 16 AMPS of three torches power. The software allows for power pluctuations of + or – 30 volts, ensuring a constant amperage and wire speed. Prima uses standard torches, sleeves and tips, which Zitzloff said ensures a longer life and limited down time.

For more information visit Prima’s website: www.primawelds.com, email info@primawelds.com or call (239) 314-7683. Prima’s booth at the SEMA show is #10973.

Valspar’s Family of Brands’ SEMA Highlights Include Custom Cars, Celebrity Appearances, Music and Airbrushing The Valspar Automotive family of brands will be featured in one booth at SEMA for the first time: DeBeer Refinish, Matrix Automotive Finishes, Prospray Automotive Finishes, Valspar Refinish, and VIM (Valspar Industrial Mix).

SEMA booth highlights: ● Custom Porsche 911 T created by John Wargo from the Custom Shop and finished in Prospray. ● Counting Cars’ one-of-a-kind, lowrider Riviera from the popular reality show Counting Cars, painted by Ryan Evans. ● Counting Cars Celebrity Guest Appearance. Meet Danny Koker, Kevin Mack, Ryan Evans, and Lonny Speer, Thursday. Nov. 5th from 2 to 4 p.m. Get your autographed poster while supplies last! ● Live pinstriping demos and classes,

by Ron ‘Flea’ Fleenor and Nub from Nub Graphix. ● OEM approved DeBeer 900+ Series waterborne. ● Highlights from the new VIM fleet, light industrial coatings lines.

Party at House of Kolor in Central Hall - Booths # 23513 & 23413 Live Music, Gas Monkey’s Richard

Rawlings, and more!

The booth will include an automobile from the Guy Fieri collection.

Founder, Jon Kosmoski, will be teaching classes and offering tips at the booth throughout the show.

Booth highlights include: ● Gas Monkey’s Richard Rawlings on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. will be in HOK booth signing autographs. ● Airbrush and Pinstriping classes by Jon Kosmoski, John D’Augustino to benefit Artiststs 4 Education. ● Live Music at the booth.

U.S. Chemical & Plastics Showcases Aluminum Repair System, Innovative New Body Repair System and Truck Bed Liner Solutions in Booth # 10655 The USC Productivity Series includes: AG47 Lightweight GRIP Filler, AU79 Premium Gold Filler, WG55 WhiteGold Premium Filler and Icing® Lite the miracle Gold Finishing Glaze.

At this year’s show, Valspar will be unveiling its new truck bed liner, installed in the bed of a Ford F-150.

The company’s SprayMax Small Damage Repair System will be at the booth as well.

www.autobodynews.com | OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 71

First Gas Powered Infra-Red Curing Robot in the USA Installations now in Alaska, Texas, Arizona, Washington and Portland.

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Doug Verdier (l) and Sam Midgley (r) in the paint booth with the Ionitec Gas-Powered Infrared Technology.

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72 OCTOBER 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com