Southwest Edition Texas Oklahoma Louisiana New Mexico
29
YEARS
VOL. 29 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2011
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Southern U.S. Snow Storms Force Shop Closings Initially but Should Pay Back in Boosting Business An unusually heavy snow storm passed through northern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia January 5 through 7, en route from Arkansas. The storm dropped a suffocating snowfall, blanketing the region in 4 to 10 inches in some areas, forcing many body shops and other businesses to close. The snow was followed by sleet and freezing rain January 8, 9 and 10, which made for extremely treacherous travel conditions, power outages and school cancellations in the area. “We face a serious storm that will have an impact all across Alabama,” Governor Bob Riley said in a state-
ment preluding the days of freezing rain. He advised motorists to stay off the roads. A state of emergency was declared by governors in Louisiana, Georgia and Alabama. Kendrick Paint and Body with locations in Aiken, SC, and Martinez and Augusta, GA, experienced increased traffic due to storm-related damage to vehicles after initially being forced to shut down all three of their locations on January 8 and 10. “The Augusta area rarely encounters closings due to inclement weather, as we rarely see snow,” said Kendrick’s
by John Yoswick
be split over two mornings, November 2 and 3. The 99–98 written vote followed a brief presentation by Ron Pyle of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), which owns NACE, in which he said that while ASA has and will continue to respect and parRon Pyle of ASA ticipate in CIC, he hoped participants would recognize the economic importance of NACE
See Snow Headaches, Page 14
In keeping with Autobody News’ goal and policy of representing all sides of the collision industry, we introduce a new column called “The Insider” written by an Auto Insurance Executive. Although the writer wishes to remain anonymous, he will respond to serious questions and comments from readers about insurance issues.
January Collision Industry Conference Votes Very Narrowly in Favor of SEMA for Fall Meeting
Getting Past The Rhetoric—The Insurer’s Perspective On Steering
Participants at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Palm Springs, CA, in January chose by a singlevote majority to have this fall’s CIC meeting in November in Las Vegas in conjunction with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show rather than the preceding month in Orlando with the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE). The decision marks the second year CIC will meet in conjunction with SEMA. This year’s meeting will
Steering is an issue that has plagued the collision repair industry since the first insurance agent opened for business. No matter where you are located, you will find masses of body shop owners who emphatically state that steering is a major issue impacting their business. Ironically enough, even body shops that are deeply entrenched in direct repair programs insist that steering is an issue. Does someone who directly benefits from participating on a given insurance carrier’s direct repair program have a right to cry foul? I’m not sure you can find anything more hypocritical. Conversely, you will find relatively few insurance companies that
See CIC to meet at SEMA, Page 22
by “The Insider”
believe steering is an issue. In fact, some insurers might have you believe that steering is a word used only by disgruntled body shop owners who can’t get on a direct repair program. Other insurers would lead you to believe that steering is more rare than a unicorn sighting. Now that I’ve outlined a few of the perspectives from both sides of the industry, let’s place some framework with a few facts. First, steering does exist. It’s not a unicorn, a mirage, or the words of a disgruntled shop owner. It exists in many forms. But before you say, “Aha! I knew it,” let me explain. Although steering does exist, it doesn’t exist in the context that many of you reading this may See Steering, Page 29
Also in this issue... TDI Issues Report on DRPs p. 4
Okla. Insurance Commissioner Names Staffers . . . . . .p. 6 Lubbock, TX, Goes After Uninsured Drivers . . . . . . . . .p. 8 Louisiana Repairer Association Helps Tech School . . .p. 16 Gonzo Weaver Gets a POS at a Whole New Level . . . .p. 20 San Antonio’s Skip’s Paint & Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 27
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Contents Southern U.S. Snow Storms Force Shop
Closings Initially but Should Pay Back in
Boosting Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Advisory Panel Says Texas Transportation
Department Needs New Leadership . . . . 4
TX Insurance Commissioner Issues
Biannual Report on DRPs with Help
From Houston Auto Body Association
Florida’s Teens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 COLUMNISTS
Yoswick - January Collision Industry
Conference Votes Very Narrowly in Favor
of SEMA for Fall Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Franklin - Client vs. Customer, The Marketing
Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Gonzo Weaver - Hoopty, Redefining POS . 20
Survey Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Schroeder - Skip’s Paint and Body: 4 Generations
Names Staff Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chess - Understanding ‘Yaw Rate’ and the
Expands Online Presence with Social
Espersen - Are you in the Diagnostics
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner-Elect Texas-based Volkswagen Dealership
Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
of Expertise in San Antonio, TX. . . . . . . . 27 ‘Steering Angle Sensor’ . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Business? ‘Yes’ is the right answer! . . 30
Federal Bill Proposes Standard Vehicle
Evans - The Rich Evans Designs-Mopar
American Auto Auction Acquires Texas
Danalevich - Credit Card Processing Fees—
Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Proposed TX City Ordinance Aimed at
Uninsured Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
TX Auto Dealers Group Selects Next Leader . 8 GA Chevy Dealer Buys Volt Just to Show
Customers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Kit for Dodge’s Challenger . . . . . . . . . . 32
Dings, Dents, and Crashes at Your
Bottom Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
NATIONAL
Getting Past The Rhetoric—The Insurer’s
Perspective On Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Texas Insurance Commissioner Geeslin to
Chrysler to Work with EPA on Hydraulic
TX City Cracks Down on Drivers Without
ZF Develops 9-Speed Automatic
New ServNet Auction in TX to Hold First
Larger Side Curtain Air Bag Rule Targets
Seven Insurers Sue Toyota Over Sudden . . .
Florida Senator Introduces Bill Calling for
Northwest Louisiana Collision Repair
Toyota Outpaces GM to Remain World’s
Step Down. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Sale Jan. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Acceleration Crashes, Tactics Change . . . 13 Association Helps Caddo Technical
Hybrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Transmission for Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . 18
Rollover Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Greater Vehicle Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . 23
Largest Automaker for Third Year . . . . . 24
School Place Interns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
USPCCA Alleges Ford Braking Components
Aimed at Reducing Drunk Driving. . . . . 16
Chief University Releases 2011 Training
Texas State Representative Proposes Bill
Total Resource Auctions Takes Control of
SADISCO Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Have Substandard Variances . . . . . . . . 24
Schedule, Including New Design Based
Repair Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Lakeland, Florida’s Ray Gunder Spearheads
Fiat Increases Ownership in Chrysler to
Oklahoma Lawmaker Wants to Ban Cell
December Auto Sales Finish 2010 on a
Mobile Tech Expo Takes Over Southern
An SCRS Reminder About Nominations
Higher Vehicle Registration Fees
Enterprise Adds Chevy Volt to Rental Fleet. 39
Successful ‘Angel Autos’ Giveaway . . . 17
Phones While Driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Texas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Possible in TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Florida Appeals Court Rules In Favor of
Public Adjusters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
No More Online Learners Permits for
Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Editorial Assistant: Erica Schroeder Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, John Yoswick, Lee Amaradio, Dan Espersen Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Mike Causey, Tom McGee, David Brown, Rich Evans, Ed Attanasio Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman (800) 699-8251 Sales Assistant: Kristy Mangum Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia
Indexof Advertisers
Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
25 Percent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
High Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
for Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
FinishMaster Donates Supplies to Collision
Education Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
New Location and Dates Announced for
NACE/CARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Clarification: Last month’s article Van Tuyl Dealership Group Acquires Garmat Paint Booths Nationwide was misinterpreted by some readers. We should have written... Selects Garmat Paint Booths Nationwide.
Southwest
REGIONAL
Serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico 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. ©2011 Adamantine Media LLC.
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Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 29 Allen Samuels Katy Chrysler-JeepDodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Autoland Scientech. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 17 Chacon Suzuki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Chevyland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Dallas Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 David McDavid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Equalizer Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers TX, OK, LA, NM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Fredy Kia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Garmat USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Gene Messer Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . 20 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 34 Honda/Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Huffines Hyundai Plano . . . . . . . . . 26 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . 12
Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers 15 LKQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Mark’s Casa Mitsubishi. . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 28 Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma . . . . . 22 Mike Calvert Toyota. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers. 31 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 11 Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Parkway Family Mazda . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ray Huffines Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Replica Plastics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Scoggin-Dickey Buick . . . . . . . . . . 13 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 7 Suzuki Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 23 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 35 VIM Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers. 37 Volvo Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 30 Young Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 3
Texas Insurance Commissioner Issues Biannual Report on DRPs with Help From Houston Auto Body Association Survey Data
Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin issued a biannual report on DRPs in Texas earlier this month, the report is derived from claims and issues in the industry, some brought to light thanks to surveys issued by the Houston Auto Body Association (HABA), to make future legislative recommendations. A statement issued by Commissioner Geeslin back in August set the scene for the recommendations made in this bulletin. In the statement Geeslin addressed all insurers writing property and casualty insurance in the state of Texas, agents and representatives when he said, “The purpose of this bulletin is to remind insurers of their responsibilities to claimants regarding payment for damage to a motor vehicle and the selection of a repair person or facility ... The Department has received information which causes it to be concerned that insurers may be providing claimants with additional notice regarding motor vehicle repairs that may be in conflict with the TIC and TAC.” The full text of this statement can be seen at: http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/bulletins/20 10/cc30.html. “All recommendations being made are being derived from information collected from the industry surveys HABA disseminated a few months ago,” said James Brown with HABA.
In the 70 Page report, one of the items that specifically pertains to collision repair in TX can be found on page 39 of the report: “Direct Repair Facilities: • TDI conducted a survey in May, 2010 of the top five personal automobile insurers in Texas to obtain current information relating to automobile claim payments. • Of the insurers surveyed, all had some sort of contract/agreement with direct repair facilities or had selected repair facilities to be on a preferred list (preferred shops). • Based upon the survey responses, for calendar year 2009 the percentage of initial automobile claims with repairs made at direct repair facilities ranged from approximately 18% to 50%. • The Insurance Code specifically addresses prohibited acts in connection with the repair of motor vehicles. • The Texas Administrative Code addresses notice requirements and claimants’ rights regarding motor vehicle repairs. TDI has received complaints that insurers improperly “steer” claimants to particular repair shops (direct repair facilities/preferred shops). Such action can restrict consumer choice. TDI has also received complaints that insurers are informing claimants that they may be responsible to pay for certain repair costs if the claimant selects a repair facility that is not on the insurer’s list of direct repair facilities.
Advisory Panel Says Texas Transportation Department Needs New Leadership A handpicked panel of advisers told the Texas Transportation Commission on January 5 that the 12,000-employee Transportation Department needs new leadership at its highest levels, according to reports made by the Dallas Morning News. The state’s highway commissioners named a three-member restructuring panel last year as they scrambled to react to a scathing assessment of the sprawling road-building agency’s management and culture by consulting firm Grant Thornton. The panel’s final recommendations, released just a week before the Texas Legislature convenes amid continued distrust of the agency, include a wide range of recommendations about operations.
The panel stopped short of calling for the kind of wholesale changes in the department’s scope and governance that some lawmakers have said they will pursue. David Laney , a Dallas lawyer and former chairman of the Transportation Commission, said January 12 that the panel deliberately chose not to specify which executives should stay and which should go. “We were unanimous in that it was the commissioners’ job to evaluate what changes to the leadership are required,” Laney said. It will be up to the commissioners to decide whether Amadeo Saenz, an engineer who has been executive director since 2008, should remain in charge, he and his two colleagues said.
4 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Current law does not provide consistent regulation among insurers. For example, county mutual insurers, which represent approximately 45% of the Texas personal automobile insurance market, are not required to comply with the statutes and rules regarding the repair of motor vehicles. Additionally, there may not be a clear understanding among the participants of the requirements to become a contracted direct repair facility with an automobile insurer.
82nd Legislative Session RECOMMENDATIONS: Amend Texas law as follows: • Require insurers to provide written notice to claimants outlining its policies and procedures for claims and repair processes performed at direct repair facilities and non-direct repair facilities, including how those procedures, processes and claims payments may differ. This should provide claimants with a better understanding
regarding the repair/claim process under an automobile insurance policy. • Make county mutual insurers subject to Insurance Code §§1952.301-307. This would allow all claimants the right to select an automobile repair person or facility and the type of parts or products used to repair their vehicles. • Require insurers to provide a written disclosure upon request to automobile repair facilities outlining the requirements to become a contracted direct repair facility. This would allow all automobile repair facilities an equal opportunity to understand the requirements of becoming a contracted direct repair facility.” The full report can be viewed at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/reports/documents/finalbie11.pdf The impact of these recommendations on Texas state law remains to be seen. For more information about the Houston Auto Body Association please visit www.habaonline.org.
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Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner-Elect Names Staff Members
Incoming Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak has appointed 10 members of his staff to lead the Oklahoma Insurance Department, according to reports made by Insurance Journal. Joining the team are: * Mike Rhoads as deputy commissioner of Health Insurance; * Denise Engle as deputy commissioner of Workers’ Compensation; * Former state Sen. Randy Brogdon as deputy commissioner of Consumer Affairs and Fraud, and senior advocate; * Paul Wilkening as deputy commissioner of Administration; *Former state Sen. Owen Laughlin as deputy commissioner of Legal Affairs; * Joel Sander as deputy commissioner of Finance; * Former state Rep. Mike Thompson as deputy commissioner of Government and Public Affairs; * Dr. Rick Farmer as assistant commissioner of Government Affairs, Public Policy and Communications; * Ellen Caslavka Edwards as assis-
tant general counsel; and * James Mills as assistant to the commissioner. The Doak administration will include the state’s first-ever deputy commissioners of health insurance, workers’ compensation, including reform, and fraud and senior services. Rhoads brings to the Insurance Department 30 years of combined executive John Doak experience as an executive in the insurance and banking industries, including 25 years with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma. Engle brings more than two decades of experience in the industry to her new role with the Oklahoma Department of Insurance. Engle presently is the agency principal for Suburban Insurance, an Oklahoma-licensed agency in both the property/casualty and life and health markets. Former state Sen. Brogdon has a lengthy history of success in Okla-
Texas-based Volkswagen Dealership Expands Online Presence with Improved Social Media Lewisville Volkswagen, a North Texas Volkswagen dealership, is announcing the expansion of its online presence through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, a new blog and an artist agreement for an online video campaign. Named a top-ten Volkswagen dealership in North America, Lewisville Volkswagen has been serving the North Texas area since 2001. “Being at the forefront of customer service in North Texas,” said
Alan Brown, General Sales Manager, “social media makes the best sense in keeping us on the cutting edge of customer service, dialogue and engagement.” In keeping with Lewisville Volkswagen’s theme of “Peace. Love. Happiness. Lewisville Volkswagen,” the dealership has also inked an exclusive endorsement agreement with Capitol Records recording artist Walker Hayes.
Federal Bill Regarding State Vehicle Inspections U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, DTexas, has introduced House Bill 229, the Michael Jon Newkirk Transportation Safety Enhancement Act of 2011, that establishes national standards for state safety inspections for motor vehicles. The bill requires states to establish minimum annual vehicle safety inspection programs or lose specific federal funds. During the first week of the 111th U.S. Congress, Jackson-Lee introduced House Resolution 259, which proposed to establish state safety inspection programs and national standards for state safety inspections of motor vehicles across the United States, but no action
was taken on the legislation. Included in the requirements listed in the language of this new bill, states must enact and enforce “a law that requires the owner of a motor vehicle registered in the state to present the vehicle for inspection on an annual basis to ensure that the vehicle meets or exceeds motor vehicle safety standards to be established by the state. At a minimum, such standards shall ensure that the seatbelts and speedometer installed in the vehicle are operable.” Less than half the states have vehicle safety inspection programs and of those programs that do exist, many have inconsistent standards.
6 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
homa, both as a private businessman and as a public servant. In the Oklahoma Senate, Brogdon served on the GOP leadership team as the whip and the assistant Republican floor leader. A former prosecutor and attorney in private practice, Wilkening is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, the United States District Court for the Northern and Eastern districts of Oklahoma, and the United States Court of Appeals, 5th and 10th circuits.. Laughlin has practiced law and worked in the banking business for 20 years and is a former assistant district attorney. Sander joins the Insurance Department with more than 15 years of experience as the finance officer in the Tulsa County Clerk’s Office. Former state Rep. Thompson has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. After serving on Congressman Ernest Istook’s Oklahoma staff as a field representative, he won the seat representing Oklahoma House District 100 in 2004 with more than 63 percent of the vote.
Dr. Rick Farmer joins the Insurance Department from his role as director of committee staff for the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Dr. Farmer earned tenure as a professor of political science at the University of Akron in Ohio, where he was a fellow at the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics. He recently served as president of the Oklahoma Political Science Association. Caslavka Edwards joins the Oklahoma Insurance Department after a lengthy career on both sides of the courtroom bench. Edwards joined OID as assistant general counsel in 1986-87. Mills is a 2010 graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law who was recently admitted to the Oklahoma Bar. For more information please visit www.ok.gov/oid.
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www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 7
Proposed TX City Ordinance Aimed at Uninsured Drivers
Right now if you are pulled over by a Lubbock, Texas Police officer you could get a fine or lose your license if you’re not insured, but if one city councilman gets his way a proposed ordinance could include the towing of your vehicle, according to reports made by KCBD-TV. According to the Texas Department of Insurance as of December 2010 one in five vehicles in Lubbock are uninsured, which is why city councilman Paul Beane and Jim Gilbreath are sponsoring the proposed ordinance. “The number has grown by 5,000 uninsured motorists in the past four months,” said Councilman Paul Beane, City of Lubbock. In May of 2008 other cities in Texas like Dallas, El Paso and Corpus Chrisi adopted similar ordinances. If you don’t have vehicle insurance your ride could legally be towed by police. Lubbock could soon follow the lead if this ordinance is passed in the coming months. “We’re temporarily removing a vehicle from the streets that has the ability to cause financial harm to oth-
ers. It’s as simple as that,” said Beane. Beane said it’s a way to deter people from breaking the law. “When you grow from 21 percent in August to 25 percent in December 2010 something in the system is wrong, and something has to be done to curve this epidemic,” said Beane. First time offenders face up to $350 in fines plus court costs. Repeat offenders face $1,000 in fines plus court costs and possible suspension of their license for up to two years. The proposed ordinance would add towing on top of the fines. But it would not allow a traffic stop for insurance alone. LPD would have the option to tow your vehicle if it’s not insured only when they pull someone over after a another moving violation. “Once they stop someone and they have no insurance. Do they let that vehicle drive away knowing they don’t have insurance? It poses an interesting question for the Lubbock Police Department,” said Beane. The owner could then get the vehicle back after paying costs of towing,
American Auto Auction Acquires TX Operation American Auto Auction Group took what it called “an important step” this month when it acquired a Texas operation. Group officials announced the acquisition of Texas Lone Star Auto Auction in Carrollton, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. Founded by the Dunning family in 2001, Texas Lone Star Auto Auction holds a weekly dealer consignment auction at its facility on Country Club Drive in Carrollton every Thursday at 2 p.m. AAAG indicated Andy Dunning and Jeff Dunning Jr. will continue to manage Texas Lone Star AA. “I am pleased to announce that effective today Texas Lone Star Auto Auction takes its place as the newest member of the AAAG family of auctions,” explained Steve Simon, chief executive officer of American Auto Auction Group. “The addition of Texas Lone Star represents another important step in AAAG’s plans to become a national platform of independent auctions,” Simon continued. Keith Lelux, AAAG’s chief operating officer, elaborated by saying, “partnering with the Dunning family in one of the country’s most vibrant markets is an excellent fit for American Auto Auction Group. “With 30 years of experience in
the Dallas/Fort Worth market area, the Dunnings have built strong relationships with auto dealers and have a well-earned reputation for friendly, responsive customer care,” Lelux went on to add. “We are very pleased that Andy Dunning and Jeff Dunning, Jr. will continue in their management roles at Texas Lone Star Auto Auction.” Jeff Dunning Sr. said, “We are thrilled to become part of American Auto Auction Group’s family of auctions. We admire Steve Simon’s and Keith Lelux’s leadership and experience in the industry and are honored to carry the AAAG banner here in Texas.”
notification, impoundment, storage and showing proof of financial responsibility. Beane said he knows at least two council members who have expressed concern and do not want to support this ordinance. Lubbock resident Marilyn Gates commented that she disagreed with the proposal. “There is a lot of ppl driving without insurance out there, most of which can’t afford it, if you tow their vehicles off, then they will have to pay a tow charge and a storage fee, on top of trying to get insurance! I disagree with that proposal,” she said. The Texas Department of Insurance said it is illegal to drive without insurance. If you need help finding insurance they suggest you to go to their state website at helpinsure.com or visit www.ci.lubbock.tx.us for more information.
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GA Chevy Dealer Buys Volt Just to Show Customers
Vice President of Georgia’s Jim Ellis Chevrolet, Mark Frost, made the trip to New York and posed as a regular customer in order to buy himself a Chevy Volt to show his customers in Chamblee, GA. According to reports made by Georgia’s WSBTV, the Volt won’t go on sale in Georgia until late 2011 and Frost’s Volt is the first in the state. Frost’s white Volt has already draw in customers who just want to see and test drive the vehicle. “Since I’ve been in the business 20 years this is one of the most highly anticipated cars I’ve ever seen,” said Frost. Frost is hoping that by having a Volt of their own so early, the dealership will be able to draw some customers from Toyota and Honda. Jim Ellis already has a list of over 100 customers that want to buy the Volt when it goes on sale. Bruce Edelston of Sandy Springs is one of those customers; he already has $500 down on a Volt for himself. “I wish they were available now,” said Edelston. Customers who purchase the Volt will enjoy the $7,500 tax credit that comes after the $41,000 sticker price.
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Texas Auto Dealers Group Selects Next Leader
Stacey Gillman Wimbish, president of Houston-based Gillman Automotive Group, has been named the 2011 chairman-elect of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association, according to reports made by the Houston Chronicle. She will serve as chairman of the board in 2012 for the statewide association that represents franchised new car and truck dealers of Texas. The group represents 1,261 franchised dealers that provide over 70,000 jobs throughout the state.
8 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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Tom Franklin has been a sales and marketing consultant for forty-five 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
Client vs. Customer, The Marketing Difference with Thomas Franklin
I was recently surprised when a local handyman referred to the people he does property repairs for as “clients.” It sounded kind of grandiose. Would that same designation be out of place in a collision repair shop where repair prospects are generally referred to as “customers?” In this slow economy, few shops can afford to let a single repair prospect slip away without agreeing to have his or her vehicle repaired at the shop. In general, sales to customers are different from sales to “clients.” Retail merchants and equipment sales companies generally think of people who buy their products as “customers.” The term “clients” is generally reserved for attorneys, CPAs, financial consultants and others who offer professional services. The dictionary defines “client” as “A person who is under the protection of another.” Pro-
fessionals like lawyers and CPAs theoretically protect their “clients” from legal or governmental abuse. Why should a collision repair facility think of a repair prospect as a client rather than a customer? What are we protecting him or her from? First of all, from future accidents that might occur if a repair is faulty to the point of making it hazardous to drive the vehicle. We may also be protecting him or her from insurance company abuse. And if you are a reputable shop, you should be protecting him or her from buying into fraudulent claims by less reputable competitors. But there is a more important reason to think of this prospect as a client rather than as a customer. That is how a shop’s estimators approach a collision repair prospect. Unfortunately collision repair shops have gotten a bad reputation in some areas because
of publicity about fraudulent activity by just a few shops. While this is not publicity that is good for the industry, it does provide an opportunity for an estimator to treat the repair prospect as a client needing protection from abuse. Another reason for characterizing a new contact as a client, especially for attorneys and CPAs, is the hope that this will be a long-term relationship. Unlike body shops where people who have accidents may come in every day, most professionals like dentists get only occasional new referrals, so it is highly important to them to capture each new client for the long-term. Perhaps in previous years there was an abundance of people coming in for collision repairs. But most shops have seen a drop in volume of business, so a long-term relationship is becoming more and more important.
A CPA captures a client for the long-term by keeping a complete record of the client’s finances and taxes on file, by providing money-saving information, and by providing advice that may keep a client from getting a future IRS tax audit. In a sense, the CPA addresses the client’s financial past, financial present and financial future. Is there a way for a shop to utilize this successful professional strategy? If so, there would have to be a new way of looking at what would now be considered to be a “collision repair client.” In general, the only PAST an estimator is concerned with is the recent vehicle damage. Extending that concern to the level of “client care,” the estimator would have to take more time and inquire about any previous accident or damage to the vehicle, including weather damage to the paint See Cliant VS. Customer, Page 12
www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 9
Texas Insurance Commissioner Geeslin to Step Down
Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin has announced that he will not seek another term as head of the Texas Department of Insurance. His term ends Feb. 1, 2011, according to reports made by Insurance Journal. Geeslin has been with TDI for eight years, and has served as commissioner for five and a half years. Gov. Rick Perry appointed Geeslin to the post in June 2005, just months before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Mike Geeslin struck the Texas and Louisiana coasts in August and September of that year. Geeslin, who had served as Deputy Commissioner for Policy at the Texas Department of Insurance since 2003, found himself not only faced with presiding over one of the largest insurance markets in the nation, but directing recovery efforts in Texas for both hurricanes, as well. In addition, a complete overhaul of the state’s workers’ compensation system was initiated in September 2005. Then, less than a year after the hurricane catastrophes, Geeslin was faced with placing one of Texas’ largest homeowners insurers, Vesta Texas Select, into rehabilitation and then liquidation. Geeslin’s tenure also has been marked by disputes with two of the state’s largest homeowners insurers — State Farm and Allstate — over homeowners insurance rates. In 2007, Geeslin ordered Allstate Lloyd’s to refund Texas policyholders for alleged overcharges stemming from 2004. The department in 2008 reached an agreement with Allstate under which the company would pass on to policyholders an estimated $71,300,000 in refunds, credits and rate reductions. In 2009, Geeslin ordered State Farm to refund some $310 million to policyholders for what the department determined were overcharges beginning in 2003. The insurer appealed the order and the case has been involved in court proceedings since that time.
In a letter to the Gov. Perry, Geeslin said his decision to leave the post was based on many considerations; the foremost being family, and another, a “simple realization that it is time for someone else to lead.” Since 2005 when Geeslin took over the commissioner’s office, the Texas market has grown from $78 billion to $102 billion, one of the largest in the United States and among the top ten in the world, according to a statement released by the department. The commissioner’s job is a tough one and Geeslin gained the respect of insurance industry representatives during his tenure. “Commissioner Geeslin has balanced the needs of consumers and the insurance industry with skill and genuine concern for the well-being of both groups. He will be hard to replace,” said David VanDelinder, executive director of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. The job of Texas insurance commissioner is “one of the most difficult and demanding jobs in state government,” said Mark Hanna, manager of public relations and membership for the Insurance Council of Texas. “We certainly wish Commissioner Geeslin all the best in his future endeavors.” Jerry Johns, president of the Southwestern Insurance Information Service, acknowledged that insurers have had disagreements with Commissioner Geeslin. However, Johns said, “we have found him to be open minded and willing to consider the positions of a variety of special interest groups. His knowledge of how insurance works to the benefit of consumers and the insurance industry cannot be disputed. We wish him only the best moving forward and thank him for his service to Texas.” In announcing his resignation, Gesslin commended TDI staff for their service and gave credited them with historic efforts. Among them: * Responding to major hurricanes * Merging the workers’ compensation and insurance agencies
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* Implementing new regulatory structures, laws, and approaches to assisting consumers via the Web and on-line assistance * Continuing efforts to improve market capacity and competitive pricing for the medical liability sector in the years following medical malpractice reforms * Establishing programs to improve leadership, such as the TDI Excellence Program, and higher education through our TDI Academy brand * Serving as the lead agency in creating the TexasSure verification system that helps to reduce the number of uninsured drivers * Undergoing two consecutive Sunset reviews * Ensuring solvency of key market sectors in an historic global economic downturn * Increasing anti-fraud activity and continuing efforts to improve upon fire safety and investigation * Establishing the Healthy Texas program as an option for small employer group health insurance * Working to chart initial courses to
enact federal health and financial reform legislation * Engaging staff in developments in the international insurance arena to soundly position and protect Texas During Geeslin’s time as commissioner, the department resolved consumer complaints totaling more than $220 million and took regulatory action against carriers and other regulated entities in excess of $800 million, with more than $600 million of these dollars attributable to homeowner rate actions. Geeslin said he does not have any immediate future plans, and remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition. He described his tenure at TDI as “the experience of a lifetime,” but added that “it is time to commence with change.” A successor for the Insurance Commissioner position has not yet been named. Mark Hanna said it best when he said Geeslin’s successor will find that it’s “one of the most difficult and demanding jobs” in government. For more information please visit www.tdi.state.tx.us.
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Continued from Page 9
Client VS. Customer
and body. The estimator now assumes the professional role of “consultant,” possibly providing tips on paint finish care and other long-term maintenance. While the PRESENT damage situation is the main reason this prospect came to the shop, once again the estimator can assume the role of consultant. This might include suggesting ways to enhance the cosmetic appearance of the vehicle, to possibly reinforce areas of the vehicle that might make the vehicle less safe to operate, and even to go beyond body repairs to suggest performance enhancements. I once had a vehicle that frequently overheated. A mechanic pointed out to me that the cooling system was poorly designed and failed to cool both the engine and transmission adequately. He suggested putting in an auxiliary cooling system for the transmission, which I had him do. After that I never had an overheating problem with the vehicle again.
Finally, the estimator/consultant can do much to improve this new client’s FUTURE vehicle care and driving experience. The most obvious, of course is to suggest ways to prevent future accidents, and that could include added lighting and special back-up sensors and devices. It could also include incorporating additional safety features for the driver. An older vehicle may not yet have side air bags. It might be possible to modify sunvisors or the steering column with additional padding. For some people larger mirrors might provide an additional margin of safety while driving. Ideas like these are only limited by the imagination of the estimator/consultant. Now the last client care element is record keeping. A more extensive file system should be added so that whenever that client calls, anyone in the shop should be able to view the client’s past, present and future needs and communicate a level of professionalism that is called for when dealing with a client instead of just another “customer.”
TX City Cracks Down on Drivers Without Insurance Drivers in the city of Corpus Christi, Texas, now have even more incentive to abide by the state’s car insurance mandate after local police began a new campaign this past weekend that targets the uninsured motorist problem. Over New Year’s weekend, a unit of the city’s police department set up a number of checkpoints across the city where drivers were asked to show proof of insurance. If a motorist stopped at the checkpoint could not provide proof of coverage, the police were authorized to tow the vehicle to an impound yard. For those who don’t have coverage, getting caught while driving uninsured will likely end up costing much more than it would have been to simply purchase a policy in the first place. In light of this, Texas motorists may want to find and purchase a low down payment auto insurance policy rather than run the risk of large fines and potentially huge costs of causing a serious accident. If a Texas driver is found to be driving without financial protection, the punishments are relatively severe.
Motorists convicted of driving without coverage can get court fines ranging from $175 to $1,000, depending on whether there were previous convictions. In addition to these one-time court fines, the Texas Department of Public Safety leverages an annual surcharge of $250 for three years in order for a convicted driver to maintain his or her driver’s license. And drivers who have their cars towed and impounded by the Corpus Christi Police Department are also subject to a $133 impound fee, with additional storage charges of $21.65 per day. Those who have had their cars towed will also need to show proof of financial responsibility in order to reclaim their vehicles. Taking all of these costs into consideration, a person who gets stopped at the checkpoint and does not have insurance could wind up paying $1,256 just in fines and fees for a first-time offense. For more information please visit Corpus Christi’s police department website at: www.cctexas.com/police or call (361) 886-2600.
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New ServNet Auction in TX to Hold First Sale Jan 25 In late January, a new member of the ServNet Auction Group will host its debut sale. El Paso Independent Auto Auction is a sister of DAA Northwest Kansas City Independent Auto Auction and will regularly hold weekly sales at 9 a.m. (MST) on Tuesdays. EPI, a four-lane facility, will have its first sale on Jan. 25. Officials noted that PipelineSimulcast live online sales will be available in all the facility’s lanes during its sales. “We’re really excited to get things rolling,” stated Ron Kemp, the general manager of the auction. He is also one of the facility’s partners alongside Greg Mahugh and Bob McConkey. The facility will serve western Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and northern Mexico. “There’s a tremendous amount of opportunity in the El Paso market, and we’re eager to serve customers throughout the Southwest and beyond,” Kemp added. Among the auction’s amenities is a state-of-the-art reconditioning center as well as a sublet mechanical facility that is located on facility’s grounds.
The mechanics at the mechanical facility are ASE-certified. The auction also includes a sublet auto body center. The entirety of EPI is secured roundthe-clock and its grounds are fenced and lighted, as well. The auction is available via AuctionPipeline.com and will also post vehicle data and offer units for sale through third-party remarketing sites online. “We’ve received very positive feedback from the national account community,” shared Robert Sullivan, who is the manager of operations and national accounts at EPI. For more information please visitServNet’s website at: www.servnetauctions.com/epiaa.aspx.
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Seven Insurers Sue Toyota Over Sudden Acceleration Crashes and Brake Overrides Seven insurance companies have sued Toyota Motor Corp. in an attempt to recover money paid to cover crashes they blame on sudden acceleration. The insurers cite data that blames 725 crashes on the problem and fault the Japanese automaker for failing to equip its cars with an override system that would cause a car to idle if the brake and gas were deployed simultaneously. They are seeking damages in excess of $230,000 from 14 crashes throughout the United States. Toyota said the latest lawsuits are without merit. “Toyota believes that any allegation that a vehicle-based defect is the cause of unintended acceleration in this or any other complaint is completely unfounded and has no basis,” Toyota spokeswoman Celeste Migliore told the Los Angeles Times. The insurance companies are American Automobile Insurance Co., Fireman’s Fund Insurance, National Surety Corp., Ameriprise Insurance, IDS Property Casualty Insurance, Motorists Mutual Insurance and American Hardware Mutual Insurance. The lawsuits were filed January
13 in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Tactical Shift from Attorneys Lawyers suing Toyota over sudden acceleration are building their cases around the automaker’s resistance to installing a brake system that they claim would have prevented deaths and injuries. The new legal strategy is centered on Toyota’s slow adoption of so-called brake override systems, which attorneys say is the automaker’s single biggest vulnerability as it defends itself against more than 100 lawsuits in state and federal courts. Toyota discussed adopting brake overrides with federal safety regulators as early as 2007, documents show. But the automaker did not begin installing them until last year, after issuing massive recalls linked to the sudden-acceleration problem. Toyota spokesman Mike Michels said the new strategy “raises the question of why they are abandoning their basic case and reaching for a new one.” He suggested it could be because plaintiffs may have difficulty proving electronic defects exist.
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Continued from Page 1
Snow Headaches
Marketing Director Carson Brown. “On the rare occasion that it snows here, it most likely melts prior to hitting the ground, and it usually doesn’t stick. Over the past few days (January 8 through 10), the Augusta area experienced upwards of 4+ inches. Since snow accumulation is such a rarity in the South, many businesses closed due to unsafe driving conditions.” Auto Impact in Marietta, GA, was closed January 10 because employees could not physically get to work due to the storm. “We were closed Monday, none of our employees could make it in to work,” said Manager Randy Bishop. “Tuesday we had a skeleton crew. Wednesday everyone made it to work and we were firing on all cylinders again.”
Kendrick Paint and Body’s Martinez, GA location
age on their cars, prompting added tow-ins and drive-ins.”
with only a half staff coming in on January 12. But, after being closed for almost 3 whole days, owner Harry Sledge feels the storm will ultimately be profitable for the shop in the long run. “Our business traffic has been up about 40 percent since we were able to get back into the shop,” said Sledge. Most of the damage the shop is seeing is small, front-end collision
Due to the closed days and the lack of traffic while weather made it too dangerous to drive, Auto Impact actually saw decreased traffic for the beginning of the week of January 10. “Most of the appointments that we had for people to drop off their vehicles for repair this week (January 10) were rescheduled for next week (January 17) because people could not get out of their neighborhoods,” said Bishop. “Adding storm damaged vehicles into the equation, looks like next week will be a busy one.” Kendrick Paint and Body anticipated a lot more traffic the week following the storm as well. “Many cars have been Snow-covered roadways in Georgia stranded on the side of the road or ditches, and the freezing and Poirier also said they were seeing icy weather has caused many limbs to a lot of cars coming in with bumper fall onto parked vehicles and cause a hits and scrapes—mostly damage that lot of damage,” said Brown. “The ice people could drive with. is starting to thaw, and we anticipate Sledge Body Shop in Huntsville, people will begin to survey the dam- AL, was closed January 10 and 11
14 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Autobody News extends thanks for their input on this story to: Kendrick Paint and Body 4180 Wheeler Rd, Martinez,GA, 30907 (706) 364-3272
Auto Impact 2290 Austell Rd, Marietta, GA, 30008 (770) 438-1977 and Second location: 260 Laredo Dr, Decatur, GA, 30030 (404) 377-8464
Sledge’s Body Shop in Huntsville, AL, under several feet of snow on Monday, January 10
Black and Fuller Collision in Marietta, GA, was closed January 10, 11, 12 because their employees could not make it in to work due to dangerous driving conditions. “I expect our business will be doubled since the storm hit,” said Body Shop Manager Ike Johnson. He said they’re seeing a lot of hail damage and suspension issues from curb damage after the storm. “We’ve been having a lot of phone calls, tow-ins and customers calling to say they would come in after the weather had cleared up a bit,” said Johnson. Fred Poirier at Auto Impact’s second location in Decatur, GA, had issues getting parts they needed to continue working through the storm because lots of dealerships in town were closed. “No dealerships in town were open so we won’t have any parts delivered for three days,” said Poirier, “The couple that were open aren’t delivering parts during the storm, so we had to go and pick some parts up.”
“We’ve had pretty bad storms here in 1989 and 1996, but this storm was definitely the worst I’ve seen in awhile,” said Sledge.
Heavy snow temporarily closed Kendrick’s in Martinez, GA on Monday, January 10
damage due to drivers rear-ending cars in front on the icy roadways.
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Total Resource Auctions Takes Control of SADISCO Locations
Total Resource Auctions revealed January 14 that it has taken on control of 22 facilities that were previously part of SADISCO. These auctions are spread across seven coastal states of the South and bump TRA’s network size up to almost 100 facilities. “With the addition of these 22 locations, we will significantly expand our capacity throughout the Southeast, a key region in the salvage business,” said Mike Broe, executive vice president, U.S. operations, Manheim. Each of the facilities will change their names from SADISCO to TRA titles. Half of the additions are Florida, pushing the total number TRA facilities in that state up to 16. In having these facilities join the network, TRA now includes 96 auctions. The following are the new TRA locations: —Florida: Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Fort Myers, Ocala, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Opa-Locka, Sanford, DeFuniak Springs —Alabama: Mobile —Georgia: Columbus —Texas: Dallas
Northwest Louisiana Collision Repair Association Helps Caddo Technical School Place Interns
The Northwest Louisiana Collision Repair Association had Caddo Career and Technology Center speak at their January meeting about their job shadowing program. Caddo looks to place interns in their auto collision and automotive technology programs into positions in the field while in their junior and senior years at the school. The job shadowing program allows students to be an apprentice for a day at a local participating business and hopes to place students with those businesses for a more long-term study. Buddy Anderson with the Caddo Career & Technology Center was at the NWLCRA meeting and said Caddo received great support from the local Collision Center’s for the job shadowing program. Caddo would like to speak at NWLCRA meetings at least 3 more times before the end of the year to promote more Shops to get involved. The purpose is to have a student from the Caddo Career & Technology
Texas State Representative Proposes Bill Aimed at Reducing Drunk Driving Texas state Rep. Bill Callegari (District 132, Katy) has introduced House Bill 506 to require that all persons convicted of driving while intoxicated have an ignition interlock device inBill Callegari stalled in their vehicle, according to reports made by Insurance Journal. The bill is entitled the Todd Levin Memorial Act. Todd Levin and his girlfriend, Raylynn Healy, were struck by a drunk driver on Sept. 26, 2006. Levin died instantly. His girlfriend died shortly afterwards. Gallegari said Levin was a constituent and a family friend. Currently, drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated in Texas are not required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicles. State law does require that interlock devices be installed in the vehicles of drivers convicted of two or more DWIs, or those that have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more — nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08. HB 506 would require
that an ignition interlock device be installed in the vehicle of a driver convicted of a first time DWI offense with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or greater. “Repeat drunk drivers make up a significant percentage of the drunk driving problem on Texas roads,” said Rep. Callegari. “According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, nearly one-third of those convicted of drunk driving were previously convicted of the same offense.” Studies have shown that requiring the use of ignition interlock devices can reduce repeat drunk driving offenses by 64 percent. Currently eight states mandate the use of ignition interlock devices for all drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated. The 82nd Session of the Texas Legislature began on Jan. 11. The session will end on May 30. Callegari is a member of the House Committee on Transportation.
Center go to the participating Shop (Collision, Automotive, Glass, etc.) and “shadow” someone by being an apprentice for a day. Buddy Anderson is Caddo’s newest auto collision instructor.
“As of January 6, 2011, the auto body department has sent out 25 students, out of the 64 enrolled, to participate in job shadowing. Some of the shadowing is accomplished during the students’ regular school day; however, the students may and do shadow on their own time when school is not in session. Currently, we have roughly fourteen businesses who are supporting this year’s auto body shadowing program,” said Anderson.
16 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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Caddo has two auto body collision instructors: Buddy Anderson and George Jackson. Their automotive technology instructors are: Tom Evans, Mike Falkner and Gary Weese. The two departments work very closely together to promote job shadowing, and it is only through their many years of positive contact with businesses and dealerships that Caddo attributes the job shadowing program a success. If your Shop is interested in helping, call (318) 636-2405 or Gary Weese at (318) 834-6633. For more information please visit www.caddocareer.com.
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Lakeland, Florida’s Ray Gunder Spearheads Successful ‘Angel Autos’ Giveaway Five needy Florida families, their circumstances exacerbated by a lack of adequate transportation, received showroom-quality used cars during a ceremony outside Victory Church in Lakeland thanks to area body shops last month, according to reports made by The Ledger.
der, owner of Gunder’s Auto Center in Lakeland, who was key to the car giveaway. Twenty or more area auto dealers, garages, and body shops comprise the Auto Angels program. Gunder said he patterned the group after Recycled Rides, a nationwide awareness campaign that is aligned with the National Auto Body Council (NABC). In the past few months, Gunder and his associates acquired five cars in need of varying amounts of TLC. In some cases full engine replacements were
The refurbished vehicles, decked out with bows, awaited their new owners
Amid a sea of tears, hugs and hallelujahs, members of the Auto Angels experienced the joy of giving, promising to help more families next year. “I’ve never had a feeling like this, and I’m 60 years old. I’ve had chill bumps all morning,” said Ray Gun-
The families receiving vehicles with some of the Auto Angels
needed.With help from Victory Church and The Ledger’s Newspaper with a Heart committee, five families were selected from 300 applicants.
Among those receiving free automobiles were JoAnn Bustos; Telia Lamb, Winter Haven, 1997 Dodge Intrepid; Nicole George, Auburndale, 1989 Chevrolet Monte Carlo; Darla Kunze, Lakeland, Pontiac Grand Prix; and Cherrie DuFour, Winter Haven, 1998 Honda Civic. “You can talk about Christmas around the world, but it doesn’t get any more real than this,” the Rev. Wayne Blackburn of Victory Church said to the event’s crowd of onlookers. “I can tell you that Lakeland, Florida, and Polk County, can really put it on with the spirit of Christmas.” This was only possible through the contributions of time, efforts and resources of the following “Auto Angels”: AllPro Used Auto Parts, AutoBody Resurrection, Auto Damage Experts, Auto Xpressions, Bartow Ford, Ben’s Paint & Supply, Bernie’s Body Shop, Chili’s–Lakeland–98 North Location, Dent Wizard, Godfrey Limo Service, Douglas Collision Center, Gunder’s Auto Center, Jenkins Lincoln Mercury, Lakeland AutoMall, Maurice’s Auto Repair, NAPA
Auto Parts, PPG Auto Finishes, Preston USA, Inc., Regal Lakeland, Stewart’s Auto Repair , Scott’s Lock & Key and Subs–n–Such. Special thanks go out to Rev. Blackburn and Victory Church in Lakeland for their
Onlookersand participants crowded outside of Victory Church in Lakeland
hospitality and providing a location for the event. The program plans to begin planning next year’s giveaway soon and welcomes anyone who wishes to participate. For more information please contact Barrett Smith at barrett@autodamageexperts.com. Photos courtesy myfoxtampabay.com.
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www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 17
Service, Service, Diagnostic Di Diagnostic gnostic and an d Mechanical M e chanical ch aniccal al NEWS nd Mec echanical Mech ech ec hanical ca
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Chrysler to Work with EPA on Hydraulic Hybrid Autobody News
February 2011
Playing catch-up in the alternative powertrain race, Chrysler said January 19 that it will work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on a hydraulic hybrid technology for minivans, according to reports made by the Detroit Free Press. The news comes a day after disclosing that the Chrysler 300 and the next-generation minivan will have optional hybrid-electric powertrains. EPA administrator Lisa Jackson and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne announced the hydraulic hybrid partnership at the agency’s Ann Arbor emissions lab. The goal is to put the system in a test fleet of 15 to 20 Chrysler Town & Country minivans sometime next year. If Chrysler decides the technology works and the cost is reasonable, it could be put into broader production.
Jackson also said the hydraulic hybrid, which is already deployed in some delivery vans and garbage trucks, can boost fuel efficiency by 30% to 35% and reduce greenhousegas emissions by 25%. Unlike hybrid electric technology, a hydraulic hybrid incorporates an engine pump, a small hydraulic motor and, in this project, Chrysler’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. There is no battery pack. The engine’s torque drives a hydraulic pump that charges a device — called an accumulator — that delivers pressure to the rear axle, where a hydraulic motor helps drive the wheels. Marchionne said it costs less than an electric hybrid powertrain, but presents a packaging challenge because the system is larger than a conventional gas-only engine. It is used in such commercial vehicles as garbage
trucks and UPS delivery vans. Chrysler, which won’t bring its first electric vehicle— the Fiat 500EV — to market until next year, has been slower than most competitors to offer alternatives to gas-only engines. The company is exploring a broad array of technologies that can help meet the government’s mandated corporate fuel-economy average of 35.5 m.p.g. by 2016. On Tuesday at Chrysler’s Windsor plant, Marchionne said there will be hybrid-electric versions of the Chrysler 300 and the next-generation minivan slated to reach showrooms in late 2013 or early 2014. The automaker is planning to introduce an eight-speed rear-drive and a nine-speed front-drive transmission, both of which were designed to work with hybrid-electric engines. But much of Chrysler’s alterna-
tive powertrain agenda depends on a $3 billion Energy Department loan that remains under review but had been expected by the end of 2010. “Am I concerned that this thing is taking longer than I thought? Absolutely yes,” Marchionne said. “There are a couple of projects that need funding, but so far we’re fine.” An Energy Department spokesman declined to comment on Chrysler’s loan application. Still, the initial investment in the hydraulic hybrid project with Chrysler will be about $2 million, which will come from the EPA budget, Jackson said. If Chrysler decides the technology is viable for consumers, the company and the EPA will negotiate a longer-term licensing agreement and determine how much each partner will invest.
ZF has developed the world’s first 9speed automatic transmission for vehicles equipped with a transversely mounted engine. It will be built in a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Greenville, South Carolina. “Already a leader in technically advanced, fuel-saving multi-speed transmissions for rear-drive vehicles, ZF’s new 9-speed enables significant fuel economy improvements and delivers excellent performance characteristics for front-wheel-drive vehicles,” said Hans-Georg Harter, ZF’s President and CEO. Groundbreaking for the new South Carolina factory takes place next month. Production and application details will be released later.
drive platforms, ZF’s new 9-speed automatic transmission enhances driv-
ing performance and fuel economy. An advanced shock absorber sys-
tem in the torque converter, for example, allows rapid lock up of the converter clutch, enabling greater fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide emissions. Similar to ZF’s 8-speed automatic transmission used in rear-drive platforms, the new 9-speed delivers extremely short response and shifting times that are below the threshold of perception. That means double shifts and direct multiple gearshifts occur without the driver or passenger noticing. Sophisticated electronic controls select the right gear for the driving conditions, eliminating unnecessary “stepping” — or constant shifting. In this regard, the 9-speed carries the same precise, sporty attributes found in ZF’s transmissions for rear-drive vehicles, including excellent shift characteristics, immediate response to input and exceptional smoothness. For more information please visit www.zf.com.
ZF Develops 9-Speed Automatic Transmission for Vehicles
Fuel economy and increased performance Compared to conventional 6-speed automatic transmissions for front-
The 9-speed transmission concept generation
18 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Larger Side Curtain Air Bag Rule Targets Rollover Protection
Federal regulators unveiled new rules that will require automakers to install larger side curtain air bags to keep drivers and passengers from being ejected during a rollover, according to reports made by the Detroit News Washington Bureau. The final regulation unveiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today, will “reduce the number of people partially or completely ejected through side windows during rollover crashes” and will be phased in starting in 2013, and will be in all vehicles by 2018. “This new standard will help save lives and reduce injuries by requiring vehicles to have a safety system that keeps occupants in the vehicle in a rollover crash,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said January 13. Rollovers are one of the leading causes of vehicle deaths. In 2009, 35 percent of all fatalities were in rollover crashes, or about 8,267 deaths. Only frontal crashes account for more traffic deaths annually.
But rollovers are more deadly than frontal crashes — since they are less frequent. NHTSA said that a review of 10 years of crash data shows a person in a rollover crash is 14 times more likely to die than a person in a frontal crash. On average, 47 percent of people killed in rollovers during the last decade were completely ejected from the vehicle; if they remain in the vehicle, they have a much better chance of surviving. NHTSA said in its 310-page final rule that side curtain air bags “will be made larger to cover more of the window opening, more robust to remain inflated longer, enhanced to deploy in side impacts and in rollovers, and made not only to cushion but also made sufficiently strong to keep an occupant from being fully or partially ejected through.” The new air bags will have to keep unbelted passengers in the vehicle even if the window is down — or if it is destroyed during a rollover crash.
The new rules apply to vehicles 10,000 pounds or less and requires automakers to prevent “the equivalent of an unbelted adult from moving more than 4 inches past the side window opening in the event of a crash.” NHTSA said by 2018, the rule will prevent 373 traffic rollover deaths and 476 serious injuries annually. Compared with some other recent regulations, this requirement is relatively inexpensive. NHTSA says the new rules will add $31 per new vehicle, or $507 million a year when fully implemented. In recent years, in part at the direction of Congress in a 2005 safety law, NHTSA has required that all vehicles come equipped with electronic stability control — an anti-rollover technology to keep vehicles under control — and also upgraded its roof crush standard. Automakers said they were reviewing the regulation. Wade Newton, a spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the trade group representing Detroit’s Big
Three automakers, Toyota Motor Corp. and eight others, said “we certainly agree with NHTSA’s conclusion that head protecting/rollover airbags are the safest way keep people inside their vehicles when a rollover occurs.” Automakers will look at “whether the specifics will require any extensive system changes, which could delay existing plans for adding the technology to some vehicles,” Newton said. Automakers argue that the best way to avoid getting thrown from a car is one of the easiest: Wear a seat belt. Some safety advocates wanted NHTSA to go further and address other times when people in cars are ejected including “side doors, tailgates, windshields, backlights, or sun roofs.”
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www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 19
Gonzo’s Toolbox
Hoopty, or Redefining POS with Gonzo Weaver
A decrepit 94 Impala SS with a 5.7 liter engine was towed in to my shop. When this thing was new, it was a real power house. But, this poor thing had a pretty rough life. Terry (my buddy the tow truck driver) was standing in the lobby with this grin on his face. I could tell he was about to give me one of his patented tall tales about this car. “Gonz, you’re going to like this one, nice car, a crème puff, oh, and the paint, awesome, just awesome... You’ll have to put your gloves on before you start on this cherry ride.” “Really, how come I don’t believe you,” I said. By now he couldn’t stop from laughing. On the way over the trunk lid pops open, the entire latch area was completely rotted away. The car was painted with flat black paint, from a spray can. No door panels, broken trim inside and out, cracked glass, and a pillow in the driver seat to keep you from falling through the seat. The car leaned to one side as if a spring was broken or the shock towers were rusted through. The outside mirrors are dangling off the doors, the wheels don’t match, and there’s a steady drip of oil from under the car. It’s a real POS. (Your definition is sufficient.) It started, so I drove it into a service bay. The thing smelled awful and I’m not talking just the exhaust. I was told it would die while driving and you’d have to wait some time before it would start again. The service light was on, along with almost all the other warning lights. Several codes were stored. I wrote them all down and then cleared the memory and restarted the car. Two codes did return right away. One was for the secondary air system, that one was easy, the relay was missing. The other code (36) had to do with the distributor (high resolution circuit). I ran the test procedure. One of tests required that the connector at the distributor needed to be disconnected to verify connection quality. The connector…. what connector? Someone had stabbed the four wires into the distributor housing and siliconed them in place. The entire distributor area was covered in oil. In fact, the oil was dripping out of a crack in the distributor cap. (How the H?LL did this thing even start?)
There’s no sense in going any further, I priced out the obvious parts and called the customer. To say he was shocked would be an understatement. This distributor isn’t cheap by a long shot on these 5.7’s. But, what surprised me even more was what the owner told me. He said, “The parts were new.” New? You’ve got to be kidding me. I needed to find out what this bailing wire commando’s version of new was. There wasn’t one new part on this heap. The crack in the distributor cap was large enough to actually be seen without getting that close to it. And, that’s even with the distributor buried behind the waterpump and the harmonic balancer. You could see it plain as day. “Where did you get them?” “Salvage yard across town,” he said. “Then they’re not new, they’re just new to the car,” I told the POS captain. “Well, they looked new when I took them off the wrecked car,” he tells me. Off a wrecked car, of course, a wrecked car… right….I’ll bet it’s one that got smacked by a train right in the radiator too. It’s not so much that this POS pilot used salvage yard parts, that’s not what I’m concerned with. It’s the amateurish way he installed the distributor wires and the fact that he wasn’t concerned about this huge crack. But, as it always seems the case… money, or the lack of, is the real issue here. Now why is it, when you get a job in like this the very first thing that happens is the wallet starts to dictate the repair. He wanted to know if he could get more parts from the salvage yard and if I would put them in. I don’t like doing that, but to help the guy out I said I would work with him, a bit. But the big deal was that connector; he had to find a replacement. As far as he knew there wasn’t another one at the salvage yard with a decent connector. After talking to the dealership about the parts, they told me there was a replacement harness still available, however, it was revised from the original and most likely the connector would not match the older style distributor. So, it’s not looking good for this guy. When I told him what the labor costs would be just to replace the dis-
20 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
This is a new story by Scott “Gonzo” Weaver as posted on his website, www.gonzostoolbox.com. See his book “Hey Look! I Found The Loose Nut”, which provides a Good Laugh for Mechanics of Any Age. The book is available at amazon.com. Contact Gonzo at Gonzosae@aol.com
tributor and the rewire the connector, he had a big problem with that, he couldn’t afford any of it. Then the wallet started talking again. Now he wanted me to change only the distributor connector since the other parts were new. There’s that word again… new… Yea, right, it’s new…. Let’s leave the dripping oil filled distributor assembly bleeding all over the place. I’m sure that’s exactly how it was designed to work. Must be one of those “total loss” oil systems from years gone by that I read about in the history books. I think it’s time this guy finds a new car. I’m sure if he drove, pushed, or pulled this heap of junk to the salvage yard the car would automatically find its own parking spot somewhere next to the rest of the worn out scrap wagons waiting for their final demise. It’s just too far gone for any professional shop to tackle on this guy’s income. Not that it couldn’t be repaired and brought back to refur-
bished shape, just not on this guy’s salary. Sorry dude, I’m real sorry, but I can’t work these kinds of miracles on a budget. The sad truth of it is, there are a lot of cars out there that are in just as bad of shape. Look around the next time you drive home you might even spot one of these “hoopties” driving down the road. I feel pretty bad that even though I know how to fix it, I just can’t fix it without spending a fortune on it, and maintain some professionalism to the finished product. I took some time to talk to him, gave the young lad some fatherly advice on how to pick out a decent car and not get so wrapped up in his emotional attachment to this aging wanna-be hot rod. (He called it a hot rod… not me.) I hope he takes my advice finds a decent cheap car that won’t eat him up in repairs. This car is done, put a fork in it… call the scrap yard and tell them, “Gotta another one for the crusher!”
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www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 21
Continued from Page 1
CIC to meet at SEMA
collision industry event, and that CIC should support it as it can. Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision
“I know some people might think CIC sits right next to SCRS and that maybe ASA is way over here,” Quinn said, holding out a hand. “My goal is
week in Las Vegas. Last year, citing competition from SEMA for exhibitors and attendees, NACE organizers moved the dates of its 2010 show
for ASA—and in turn for the industry—and vote to meet in Orlando. As he did at A similar program of standards has been Almost 40 years after ASE certification was inA “Repair Standards Advisory Group” NACE last year, Pyle implemented in the United Kingdom, and the troduced, he said, only about 25 percent of the hopes by March to have hired a consultant to spoke of ASA’s efforts U.S. group is planning a March 18 forum in collision technicians are certified. build a business case for an organization that to support other indusBut Jeff Patti, a consultant and former inwould finalize and implement formalized colli- Newark, N.J., (in conjunction with the next CIC try non-profit organizameeting) that they hope will include shops and surance company executive, said that while sion repair standards. tions through NACE, Russ Thrall of CollisionWeek, who is insurers from the U.K. discussing the pros and many elements of standards – such as ASE both in terms of free certification – are out there, an organization is among those leading the informal advisory cons of the system there. booth or meeting space, and through financial Scott Biggs of the Assured Performance needed to pull them all together into one formal group, said a request-for-proposal for the donations from NACE short-term consulting project should be issued Network and another proponent of standards program. revenues. He said “This will be an organization of collision in February. By this fall, the consultant would development said the forum could help answer NACE delivers more be asked to have developed a business plan the questions about standards that each seg- repair professionals setting professional stanhours of training and for an entity to oversee the standards program. ment of the industry may be concerned about. dards to repair vehicles, rather than legislators education than any Some of those at the advisory group regulating the way in which we repair vehiThe group, an off-shoot of a Collision Inother industry event. dustry Conference (CIC) committee that has meeting in January raised a number of such cles,” Fred Iantorno of the Collision Industry Surveys and other been working on the standards topic for sev- questions and concerns. Tony Molla of ASE Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA) input from the induseral years, envisions a set of standards that ad- asked whether the group is confident that the said. “If we don’t set the standards, somebody try led to the decision dress equipment, training and repair processes. industry really wants what is being proposed. else is going set them for us.” to hold future NACE events in a rotation of cities, Pyle said. In addition to Or- Repair Specialists (SCRS), which for to put CIC in the middle as a neutral up by about three weeks. CIC particilando and Las Vegas, he named In- the second year will offer collision in- entity that represents all of us.” pants last January voted 71–65 in dianapolis as another city being dustry training during SEMA, said favor of meeting in conjunction with From 2004 until last year, NACE considered. the successful CIC meeting at SEMA and SEMA were held during the same SEMA for the first time. Pyle said last year indicates that holding it there that just as ASA was a good decision for CIC. He said had to make deci- the “Paint, Body and Equipment” secHOLESALE OLLISION ARTS sions about NACE tion at the massive SEMA exhibition based on what it is being renamed this year as the sees as the best in- “Collision Repair and Refinish” secterest of ASA and tion. the industry, he Peter McGillivray recognized that CIC participants needed to decide where they felt was the best place for CIC to be held. “We would like to see it return to Pictured: NACE, because we think the many 2006 years it was held at NACE it had great SL600 Roadster attendance and accomplished a great Qualified deal of good for the industry,” Pyle Mercedes-Benz said. Parts Pros Following Pyle, Peter McGillivray, are available now. SEMA’s vice president of marketing and communications, spoke briefly OKLAHOMA I-CAR’s King Tut Award was presented by about SEMA’s growth over the decades. Gene Lopez to Toby Chess (r) CIC participants then voiced various opinions before Following this year’s vote, Nationwide Toll Free the vote. CIC ChairQuinn said past CIC chairmen, man Mike Quinn, rather than the CIC body, will decide (405) 272-1737 FAX for example, said the issue in future years. After the that past CIC chairDrop Ship Available meeting, several past chairs said primen who met earvately they would support alternatlier in the week ing future fall meetings between recommended that NACE and SEMA on a yearly basis. Mike Quinn CIC meet with Quinn himself said he doesn’t view SEMA. Rick Palmer of Computer the decision as an ASA versus SCRS Logic, said he sees NACE as more of a issue.
Effort to develop industry standards continues to move forward
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22 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Other news, announcements In other news and discussion at CIC in Palm Springs: The associations that sponsor the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG), the website that allows users to post inquiries about labor times or other estimating system concerns, announced that they are seeking a new administrator. Bud Center is leaving the DEG after about two years, having accepted a position with the Sterling Autobody chain. ASA, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) and SCRS are seeking someone with a through knowledge of the three primary estimating systems. They hope to fill the position by the end of February. I-CAR presented an award to industry trainer Toby Chess for having taught the most “student units” of ICAR training and welding qualification tests last year. The “King TUT” award (which stands for “total unit taught”) honored Chess for having overseen welding qualification tests for 387 students, and teaching 2,700 students in classroom I-CAR training. Chuck Sulkala of the National Auto Body Council (NABC), said the
organization’s “Recycled Rides” program last year resulted in 119 vehicles being refurbished and donated to families and non-profit organizations in need. Another six vehicles were just being finalized in mid-January, bringing the total to 125, a 57 percent increase over the previous year’s total, Sulkala said. Thirteen insurers donated one or more vehicles, and 93 shops worked on them. Sulkala said NABC has identified about 200 collision repair training programs in schools around the country that are interested in participating in “Recycled Rides” this year as well. – CIC’s next meeting will be held March 17 in Newark, New Jersey in conjunction with the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Trade Show. For details, check the CIC website (www.ciclink.com).
John Yoswick, a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988, is also the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). He can be contacted by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.
Florida Senator Introduces Bill Calling for Greater Vehicle Disclosure U.S. Representative Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, has introduced H.R. 164. The bill is directing the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require greater disclosure of information relating to the market value and safety of damaged motor vehicles. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and is known as the “Damaged Vehicle Information Act.” The proposed legislation includes the following requirements. All persons who terminate a contract related to a motor vehicle due to flood or water damage, collision, fire damage, theft and recovery, or any other circumstance that adversely affects the fair market value of such motor vehicle, to disclose to the public in a commercially reasonable, electronically accessible manner the following information for every motor vehicle that has been identified in such contract:
A) The vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle. B) The date of the termination of the contract. C) The odometer reading of the motor vehicle on the date of the termination of the contract. D) Whether, as a result of the incident that resulted in the termination of the contract, one or more airbags in the motor vehicle were deployed. E) The cause of the termination of the contract, including whether such cause was flood or water damage, collision, fire damage, theft and recovery, or another cause. The bill goes on to state that the private sector will be responsible “to collect, aggregate and disclose to the public the fair market value and safety information described in paragraph (1) and all such information shall be accessible by vehicle identification number.” ASA encourages independent repairers to go to the ASA legislative website, www.TakingTheHill.com, to review U.S. H.R.164.
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Toyota Outpaces GM to Remain World's Largest Automaker for Third Year
Toyota Motor Corp. was the world’s largest automaker for a third year in 2010 as a recovery in global vehicle demand outweighed a decline in U.S. sales, according to reports made by Bloomberg News. Toyota’s sales, including its luxury Lexus marque and deliveries from affiliates Daihatsu Motor Co. and Hino Motors Ltd., rose 8 percent to 8.42 million units in 2010, the automaker said in a statement. General Motors Co., the second-ranked car company, said in a separate statement that worldwide deliveries gained 12 percent to 8.39 million. Toyota’s U.S. sales slowed 0.4 percent to 1.76 million units last year after the company struggled to recover its reputation following record recalls for defects related to unintended acceleration. While its China sales jumped 19 percent, they trailed GM’s 29 percent surge in the world’s largest market. “Toyota’s sales in Asia are growing, but in China it’s clearly lagging behind GM and other market leaders,”
said Satoru Takada, a Tokyo-based analyst at TIW Inc. “In the U.S., with the recalls, a lack of splashy new models and the top-selling Camry at the end of its cycle, the result is not surprising.” Toyota shares gained 1.3 percent to close at 3,415 yen in Tokyo. The stock has gained 6.1 percent in 2011.
Volkswagen, GM Volkswagen AG, the world’s third biggest carmaker, sold 7.14 million vehicles in 2010, an increase of 14 percent, and forecast growth of 5 percent in 2011, sales chief Christian Klingler said on Jan. 10. Toyota said on Dec. 21 that it expects to sell about 8.6 million vehicles this year. GM’s statement January 24 didn’t include a 2011 forecast. The U.S. automaker named Dan Akerson, a former managing director of the Carlyle Group, chief executive officer on Sept. 1 and chairman in December. The company, which went bankrupt in 2009, returned to public trad-
USPCCA Alleges Variances in Ford Brakes The U.S. Competitive Car Parts Alliance announced on Dec. 28, 2010, that it had discovered variances in the weight of key Ford braking system components and is examining parts from other original equipment manufacturers (OEM). The umbrella organization, which has a following among automotive consumers, declared the testing of the brakes to be a public safety issue of the highest order. “The lives of millions ofAmerica’s motorists depend upon their having quality vehicles, and the brakes are a critical component in ensuring passenger safety,” said David Parde, Executive Director of the U.S. Competitive Car Parts Alliance. “For some time I have been hearing rumblings about the performance of OEM braking system components, including the brake pads. We will be putting these parts to the test, and encourage other industry and governmental organizations, including NHTSA, to closely examine this issue.” During a recent USCCPA meeting, the ongoing and widespread discussion of Ford’s brake systems made their way onto the agenda. The organization decided to carry out its own initial investigation of Ford’s brakes and purchased a
number of components. An initial examination already revealed significant discrepancies in the weight, thickness and other key attributes of the parts. This has led the group to conclude that additional testing must be conducted to explore if these discrepancies produce differences in performance. Diamond Standard, which tests OEM and aftermarket parts, recently noted material discrepancies in the weight, thickness, tensile and yield strength properties of OEM bumpers. Parde said the USCCPA hopes to play an important role in ensuring that OEM parts are subject to the same scrutiny as other vehicle parts, noting that “it’s time to take a hard look at some of the very same car companies who have been most critical of the aftermarket parts with which they compete.” For more information please visit: www.uscompetitivecarpartsalliance.com.
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24 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
ing on Nov. 18 following an initial public offering of common and preferred shares that raised more than $20 billion. U.S. sales at Detroit-based GM rose 6.3 percent to 2.22 million units in 2010, the company said. “We have to position the company and our products with the customer first,” Mark Reuss, president of GM North America, said January 24 in response to reporters’ questions about whether the company had a goal of surpassing Toyota’s sales. “The rest of that is just an outcome.” Reuss spoke at an event in Flint, Michigan, where GM is adding a third shift and 750 jobs to boost pickup production. Toyota sales, excluding its Hino and Daihatsu units, increased 8 percent to 7.53 million units last year. Sales at Daihatsu, a minicar unit 51 percent owned by Toyota, gained 4 percent to 783,000 vehicles in 2010, while truckmaker Hino gained 35 percent to 107,000 units, Toyota said.
Oklahoma Lawmaker Wants to Ban Cell Phones While Driving
Oklahoma state Rep. Danny Morgan, D-Prague, plans to file legislation to restrict the use of cell phones while driving, according to reports made by Insurance Journal. The lawmaker reported that Sapulpa drivers were victims of the presently legal practice of texting while driving, as a 23 year old male let his car cross the northbound lanes and struck a pickup driven by a 27 year old female. The patrolman on the scene estimated they were both driving about 55 miles per hour at the time of the collision. The male driver informed police he was texting at the time of the accident. “Texting while driving is not a practice committed only by young drivers, it’s becoming a common occurrence by drivers of all ages, and needs to be nipped in the bud,” stated Rep. Morgan. Supporters of Morgan’s efforts include AAA Oklahoma, Farmers Insurance, Oklahoma Safety Council, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, AT&T, and SAFE KIDS Oklahoma State.
www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 25
Chief University Releases 2011 Training Schedule, Including New Design Based Repair Course
Chief University, the trusted training arm of Chief Automotive Technologies, has released its extensive 2011 schedule of hands-on training courses for collision repair technicians, estimators and appraisers. The schedule includes more than two dozen opportunities to take Chief’s new Design Based Repair course. This comprehensive class features 16 hours of instruction on the efficient, economical and proper repair of a vehicle to return it to original design specifications. The course concentrates on the use of new materials including high-strength steels, boron, aluminum and carbon fiber in modern vehicle design, as well as the proper use of OEM information and repair procedures to effect thorough, correct and safe repairs to the vehicle and its advanced safety systems. Other Chief University classes cover computerized measuring, structural analysis and repair, steering and suspension, and collision theory.
Chief University classes are held in training centers throughout the United States and Canada. They combine classroom training with hands-on demonstrations and practice. All courses are led by professional Chief certified instructors, and most are approved for I-CAR points
through the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance program. Chief training also has been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) for compliance with the Continuing Automotive Service Education (CASE) Standards.
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Class offerings are updated frequently. For the most up-to-date schedule, course descriptions and to register, visit www.chiefautomotive.com. Additional classes offered by Chief University include Unibody Analysis & Repair Planning, Advanced Unibody Repair, and Advanced Frame Repair. Classes may be scheduled at a customer location as long as a Chief frame rack and at least 12 students are available. Customized training is also available. Most Chief University classes cost $655 and include comprehensive training materials and certificates of completion. Structural Damage Analysis is a three-day course that costs $985. For more information about Chief University training, visit www.chiefautomotive.com or call Customer Service at (800) 445-9262. About Chief Automotive Technologies Chief Automotive Technologies, a Ve-
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Shop Showcase
Erica Schroeder is a writer and editorial assistant for Autobody News in Oceanside, CA. She can be reached at eschroeder@autobodynews.com.
with Erica Schroeder
Skip’s Paint and Body: 4 Generations of Expertise in San Antonio, TX M.J. “Skip” Viator III was able to take advantage of his own teen-age mentoring from his father and grandfather in launching his own business in San Antonio, Texas, in 1992. “I decided that if I was going to work in a body
Front of main shop area
shop, I was going to do it for myself,” said Skip. Skip’s Paint and Body is an 18,000 square foot body shop that grosses about $1.5 million annually. Skip’s has 11 employees, including Skip himself.
Skip’s father, M.J. Viator Jr., also worked at his son’s shop from 1996 to 2005 after he retired from Ancira Chevrolet Body Shop. Skip spent many summers and after-school hours learning the collision repair trade from his father and grandfather, M.J. Viator Sr., as a young adult. Skip’s grandfather worked at several body shops and dealerships in his day including Mike Persia Chevrolet which is still in business as Tom Benson Chevrolet today. Skip’s two sons, Michael and Travis, also work at the shop, completing four generations of Viator’s in the collision repair industry. “They’ve been with me every summer,” said Skip, “They learned this trade the way I did; growing up in a body shop.”
Eddie Munoz, Alfonso Alvarado, Skip Viator, Oscar Alvarado, Eddie Olveda, Travis Viator, Michael Viator, Mario Vega, Joseph Reyes, Not Pictured: Raymond Ritchie
Skip’s two sons are now fullyfledged members of the team at Skip’s, and are definitely interested in continuing the family business after Skip decides to retire. But the road getting there was not always easy. “My philosophy with my sons was to start them at the bottom, they both started out sweeping floors,” said Skip, “Now Michael should be coming into the service department with me soon
Paint shop
and they are both very capable of doing every job in this industry.” Skip is also familiar with truck and trailer body work. Before he opened his own shop he worked in the shop and parts department at a truck and trailer corporation. “Collision repair has really be-
come a family skill,” said Skip. Skip’s is a direct repair shop for two insurance companies and also does all of the service, collision repair and warranty work for Grande Ford Truck dealership in San Antonio. “We don’t advertise,” said Skip, “and the business has just grown and grown and grown since I opened it.” The business really relies on word of mouth recommendations to get customers interested in their quality of work. Skip’s uses SpiesHecker paints in the shop because of their quality and customer service that comes with their products, according to Skip. Skip’s also uses Gladwin Paint Company, a third generation family-owned distributor (since 1954) with six locations in Texas. Gladwin started as a DuPont-owned store in San Antonio. Skip’s Paint and Body 5725 US Highway 87 E # B San Antonio, TX 78222-1607 (210) 648-4318
M.J. Viator Jr. and Sr. at Mike Persia Chevrolet in the early 1960s (top L row closest to car) www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 27
Hey Toby!
Toby Chess is an I-CAR program instructor, Welding specialist, and former salvage yard operator. Toby is universally known in the collision industry for his charitable works, worthy causes, and magic tricks. He can be reached at tcspeedster@yahoo.com
Understanding ‘Yaw Rate’ and the ‘Steering Angle Sensor’ with Toby Chess
Hey Toby—I was told by my alignment shop that a 2009 Toyota Camry needed to have its steering angle sensor recalibrated after the alignment. Is that true? —Bill from Huntington Beach
Hey Bill—It is true, and the reason is somewhat involved. A little background: In 1995, Mercedes Benz introduced electronic stability control or ESC on their S class model followed shortly by BMW, Volvo and Toyota.
ing control (skidding, understeer, oversteer, or hydroplaning) as which time it “kicks in.” ESC estimates the direction of the skid and it will apply pressure to the brake system (individual wheels). The procedure will produce a torque about the vehicles vertical axis, which in turn causes the vehicle to counter the skid and bring the vehicle back to its original direction. The system can also reduce engine power or shift the transmission into a lower gear automatically.
sensors and lateral acceleration sensor. The steering wheel sensor works by counting the revolutions that the steering wheel is making and how fast and compares those numbers to a set of standards which then sends the inputs to a computer. When there is a change to those standards, the control will make adjustments and corrections to stabilize the vehicle. The Yaw rate sensor measures the rotation rate of the car. In other words, the sensor determines how far
off-axis a car is “tilting” in a turn. This information is then fed into a micro-
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As the safety aspects were realized, more and more of the vehicle manufacturers started to develop their own systems. At the beginning of 2011, NHTSA requires all passenger cars to be equipped with ESC. ESC begins operation as soon as the vehicle is turned on. It continuously monitors the steering and vehicle direction. It compares the driver’s intended direction, which done by a steering wheel angle sensor, and the vehicle’s actual path (uses an acceleration yaw rate sensor (more on this later) and road wheel speeds). During normal driving, the system remains passive until it detects a loss of steer-
The ESC system is dependent of a number of sensors, yaw rate sensor, steering angle sensor, wheel speed
28 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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computer that compares the data with wheel speed, steering angle and accelerator position, and, if the system senses too much yaw, the appropriate braking force is applied. The lateral acceleration sensor measures the gforce from a turn and sends that information also to the ECU. Lastly, the wheel speed sensors measures the wheel speed. Some quick notes on ESC. First and foremost, the system is not a substitute for safe driving, but is designed to assist the driver recover from dangerous situations. ESC works on virtually any surface, for example, rain slick roads, icy roads and dry pavement. Again, ESC does not increase traction and it does not mean that a driver can drive into a curve faster, but it can help if help if a driver
miscalculates his or her speed going into the curve. What the system does is saves lives and that is the major reason that by the year 2012 all vehicles will be equipped with some sort of ESC. Let’s look at the heart of the system, the steering angle sensor. As the driver steers the vehicle, the steering angle sensor will send signals to the ECU (ABS control module). The ECU will know the direction of the vehicle’s movement and how fast the steering wheel is turning. Remember that as a vehicle goes into a curve, the tires move at different rates (the inside tire rotates at slower speed than the outside tires). In an understeer condition, traction is lost on the front wheels which in turn cause the vehicle to make a wider turn and that causes a speed difference to decrease between the
right and left front wheels. In a oversteer condition, the rear wheels loose traction and the car begins to spin and the speed difference between the right and left tires to increase. The sensors send data to the stability control software (located in the ABS Control Module) which will begin to apply brake pressure to the appropriate wheels to counter the forces involved. Furthermore, the engine power is reduced and the vehicle should regain its stability.
In a four-wheel alignment the rear wheels are adjusted to achieve a zero or near zero thrust angle,before any front wheel adjustments are made All vehicles should be 4wheel aligned. Two-wheel alignments have become obsolete because they align only the front wheels to the vehicle’s centerline. A 2-wheel alignment assumes the rear wheels are already aligned with the geometric centerline. Two-wheel alignments may a little money up front, but your vehicle’s handling and tire tread life will be compromised. Nearly all vehicle manufacturers require that the steering angle sensor be recalibrated after all 4 wheel alignments to insure proper function of the Electronic Stability Control System.
Continued from Page 1
away from a shop. That said, insurance company executives aren’t foolish enough to believe they don’t have local or regional management that steer or manipulate the system. Unfortunately, insurers, much like body shop owners, have limited control over what
their employees do 100 percent of the time. The steering that happens at a local and regional level is typically a result of personality conflicts between two individuals. Much like anything in life, people buy from people. If an insurance adjuster doesn’t like you or your staff, your shop could be negatively impacted. The adjuster might suggest to the vehicle owner that you are difficult to deal with, or that the insurance carrier doesn’t have a relationship with you versus one it has with another shop down the street. These types of business practices aren’t ethical, but I am also a realist. These occurrences are isolated and not a general practice employed by the largest carriers in the U.S. Unfortunately, the body shop on the receiving end of this is negatively impacted. Shops clamor for legislation in the hopes of putting an end to steering. Does anyone believe that if passed into law that it would prevent an adjuster from subtly hinting that your shop may charge more than someone else on their program? If you believe that, I have a unicorn I would like to sell you. Virtually every major insurance carrier has a word track designed to limit their staff members from steer-
ing. Some have shifted to using centralized call centers so that personality conflicts don’t impede the customer’s choice. Customers are informed they have a choice as to where they want their vehicle repaired. But even though this may be come as surprise to many of you, ninety percent of the vehicle owners (customers) don’t have a shop in mind and do ask the insurance company for a recommendation. Legislation could have a positive impact on word tracks, and fines could be established for breaking the law. Unfortunately, the odds against proving guilt would seemingly render the best legislation meaningless. Steering is alive and well in the collision repair industry. Your job, as I see it, is to get better at playing the game and finding a way to reach the vehicle owner (your potential customer) because the odds are good they don’t even know who you are. I’ll take on the topic of referrals in my next column.
Steering
believe. There isn’t a major insurance company in the industry that advocates, teaches, or encourages their staff to steer vehicle owners to or
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‘The Insider’ is a corporate-level executive with a Top 10 auto insurer in the U.S. Got a comment or question you’d like to see him address in a future column? Email him at: Auto.Insurance.Insider@gmail.com.
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Autobody News Website www.autobodynews.com www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 29
ALL OEM Information with Dan Espersen and Ben Johnson
Dan Espersen is ALLDATA® CollisionSM Program Manager. Dan is a Gold Pin Member of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and holds an AA Degree in Automotive Technology. He has 17 years of experience in the collision industry and 17 years of experience in the automotive industry.
Are you in the Diagnostics Business? Yes is the right answer!
Whether you like it or not, if you are in the business of repairing vehicles after an accident, you either are in, or will soon be in, the business of vehicle diagnostics. The proliferation of electronic components, data buses and components has forced the Collision Industry to invest in new equipment, specialized training and procedures. Consider this: only 10 years ago the average vehicle had 1-3 electronic control modules installed, controlling the engine, anti-lock brake system and perhaps the transmission. By contrast, the 2008 F-150 Ford Pickup truck had 20 control modules, 50 sensors, 40 actuators running on 3 data networks. Some luxury vehicles have more than 70 electronic modules on-board. The mechanical repair and diagnostic businesses have been updating their technologies continuously since 1981 to deal with these new technologies. Even in that sector many shops and technicians who were unwilling to acquire the skills and tools necessary to support the rapidly evolving industry have now shut down their operations. Many businesses have tried to “specialize” or diversify by establishing or offering brake or alignment services or possibly other specialized areas which did not have to get caught up in what many have called the “electronic revolution”. However, today there is virtually no system on the vehicle which is not touched somehow by these new electronically enhanced components. So those who chose to ignore them or try to work around these systems, either had to scramble to equip themselves, or are no longer in that industry.
I’ll out-source these jobs Up until now, many collision repair shops have had options to deal with the enhanced electronics on the vehicle. It boils down to two approaches: outsource or invest. Outsourcing or subletting, whichever you call it, has been attractive because it requires no up front investment in tools and training, and the costs can generally be passed to an invoice. However, it is difficult to achieve profit on this type of work as the workload and the cost can only be expensed on an invoice at face value,
without the ability to up charge for these services. When diagnostics are done in-house, you are free from relying on the mechanical shop to perform the necessary diagnostics and you can then charge for this time, which in turn, could also be profitable for your shop. This approach has become problematic, however. First, there is the time issue. If a vehicle is disabled, there may be towing fees and time involved, which must be taken into account. Insurance companies don’t want to pay for rental cars for any longer than is necessary, and customers want their cars back. Second, while mechanical shops are very good at diagnosing problems which occur naturally on a vehicle, some aren’t so savvy when it comes to “collision-induced damage” as sometimes those symptoms may be foreign to them. Third, because these types of necessary diagnostic steps and repairs are many times unknown at the time of the original estimate (based on visual inspection) there’s the added annoyance of having to request supplemental approvals for work to be done above and beyond the original estimate. Supplements often times, mean more parts need to be ordered, more time the vehicle is off the road and more time in your bay. or someone else’s.
What does it take to do the job right? The reality is, at some point, which you’ll have to determine, you’re going to have to research and acquire the tools, training and information needed to deal with these complex problems. The good news is once you’ve geared up for it, you’ll reap the benefits of additional revenue for diagnostic time and associated components. The first thing you will need is a diagnostic tool which can connect to the OBDII diagnostic port on any vehicle 1996 and newer and read and clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s). These tools range in price and functionality so you’ll want to determine how much you need to get started. The most basic handle what is commonly called “Generic OBDII” – these are the mandated codes and data which must be accessible from any vehicle 1996 and newer without a lot
30 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
of fancy programming on the tool-designer’s part. The good news is these are relatively inexpensive. The bad news is these regulations were designed to assist in diagnosing emissions-related issues on the vehicle. So many vehicles won’t offer up ABS, Restraint system and other key information which is important to the collision repair business. If you are repairing a lot of TPMS, Restraint and other associated systems, chances are you’ll need a diagnostic scan tool with more features (and higher cost). Research the various capabilities; even these more enhanced tools vary widely in price. Regardless of which tool you purchase, it will provide you the code and sometimes a description of the code. Other scan tools may offer “troubleshooting tips” about the code — but for the typical failure of a sensor. These tips typically do NOT ad-
dress the types of repairs a collision shop sees. So the best tool to supplement your diagnostic tool and its code readout capability is access to OE Information. Access to OE information is important for a few reasons. Once a code has been identified, the code for the vehicle can be researched and the proper diagnostic procedures accessed. OE information sources include factory Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) which can save a lot of time and headaches as they’ll let you know if a component or diagnostic procedure has been “upgraded” since the original information was published. An all too common situation Let’s say you’re working on a 2010 Chevy Malibu. One of the items needing to be replaced is the driver’s seat assembly. As you begin to put the new seat hardware together you notice the
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airbag sensor connectors don’t match. You immediately suspect somehow you have the wrong item. Referring to that vehicle and operation in the OE information, however, reveals a Technical Service Bulletin which was issued and never carried out on this particular vehicle, which requires replacement of the connectors. The following TSB from ALLDATA’s Collision S3500 gives us a real-world example of the importance of this information: TECHNICAL
Bulletin No.: 10-09-41-002A
Date: July 27, 2010
Subject: Intermittent Airbag Indicator with DTCs B0014 and/or B0021 Set (Replace Airbag Connector and Terminals, Reroute Airbag Harness) Models: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu 2010 Pontiac G6 2010 Saturn AURA
Supercede: This bulletin is being revised to up-
date the Correction and Parts Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 10-09-41-002 (Section 09 - Restraints).
Condition: Some customers may comment on the intermittent illumination of the airbag indicator. Upon further inspection, DTCs B0014 and/or B0021 may be set.
must be repaired when this concern occurs. The service kit contains sufficient components to repair both seats connectors and attachment clips. Connector Replacement
Cause: This condition may be caused by terminals wearing within the body harness to seat airbag harness connectors X308 (driver side) and X309 (passenger side).
Correction: Replace the seat air bag harness to main body harness connectors with the service kit part number provided. Important DO NOT replace the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), side sensors or air bag modules. Important Both driver and passenger seats
Ensure that the wire colors are matched when installing into the new connector.
Note: The service kit shown above is early production and does not contain the correct color wire seals. Replace connectors on both driver and passenger seats, then reroute and attach the harnesses to the seat using the service kit. 1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SI.
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5. Slide the conduit away and remove tape (1).
Genuine Genu Ge Genu nuin ine Mitsubishi Miits Mi tsub ts ubbis ishi is shi hi replacerep epla lace cement meent nt Crash Craashh Parts Par arts ts are are re close close lose at lo at hand handd through thr hrou ough ou gh the the he following follo olllo lowi wing ingg quality q al qu a it ityy dealerships. ddeeal aler e sh er ship ipps. s. They The heyy offer offerr off exceptional eexxce cept ptio i nal naal customer cuust stom tomer omer service, serrvi vice ice ce,, wide w de wi de selection seelleeccti tion o of of in-stock in-s in -ssto tockk parts ppaarrtts and and the an tthhe experience expe ex perriieennce ce necessary nnece ne ceessa ssary ss aarry to to ensure ensur nsur ns ure your yyoour ur repairs reepair pair pa irs proceed irs proc pr ocee eeed smoothly. smoo sm ootthhllyy. oo ooth
2011 Lancer
4. Cut both wires from the body harness connector and seat airbag harness connector as close to connector housing (1) as possible to minimize wire length loss.
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Important Use caution when stripping insulation. Take care not to cut through the wire strands.
2. Disconnect connector C308 (1) from under the driver’s seat crossbeam. The connector is accessible from the rear of the seat (2).
Note: Only use hand tools to remove the seat to floor mounting bolts. If there are any problems with bolt removal, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 10-0850-002.
6. Slide the wire seals onto all four leads back enough to enable removal of the insulation. Install the blue seals on the body harness and the white seals on the seat airbag harness. Strip the insulation off all four leads 5 mm (3/16 in). Align the seals with the wire insulation.
3. Remove the driver’s seat. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket in SI.
Important Note the wire colors on the seat airbag harness and body harness.
See Diagnostics Business, Page 35
www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 31
Custom Corner with Rich Evans
Rich Evans is the owner of Huntington Beach Bodyworks and an award winning painter and fabricator. He offers workshops in repair and customization at his facility to share his unique talents. For contacts and design samples visit www.huntingtonbeachbodyworks.com
The Rich Evans Designs-Mopar Kit for Dodge’s Challenger
On Creative Marketing with Thomas Franklin
Rich Evans and his customized 2010 Challenger RT at SEMA 2010. His exterior kit includes a lower front spoiler, left and right rocker, left and right rear flare, rear wing, hood scoop and insert, stripe kit, and wheels, all done over in an edgy, eye-catching blue and silver.
plied the core parts, starting with the 451-cid HEMI® All-Aluminum Gen III Engine Assembly. The engine kicks out more than 550 horsepower, ramping up the already-formidable speed and performance of the Challenger. Also supplied were: the Front Strut Tower Brace ($359, P5155002) Rear Strut Tower Brace ($505, P5155751) Suspension Kit ($1,750 P5155152) Shifter ($550, P5155277) Cat Back™ Exhaust System ($1,190, P5155283) Cold Air Intake System ($390, 77070029) Engine Cover ($362, 82212222) Header ($1,195, P5155235) and a Vented T/A Style Hood.
We unveiled our made over 2010 RT Challenger at the Mopar booth at SEMA with Dick in November, 2010. This is oneStrom of the coolest and most interesting projects I have ever had the pleasure to work on. Collaborating with the Mopar team has
work to do on this project to get the origOpinions Count inal car ready for SEMA 2010.
I was able to utilize some Mopar parts and create some new body parts for the Challenger, so Mopar guys can modify their own Challengers. I built most parts out of polyurethane, but the scoops and wing are made out of fiberglass. The front-lower spoiler and rear-lower spoiler and the wing will be factory mounted. The left and right rockers with Lee Amaradio Jr. will require three drill holes and the left- and right-rear wheel wells will need three screws been a blast. A hard part was going as well. For the scoop you’ll have to through Mopar catalogs and deciding drill four holes. That, plus the parts, is which parts and accessories to use. all it takes to bring a stock Challenger This is a two-part article on how to a whole other level. the project developed and to run through the steps and procedures required to build the car with Sheila Loftus itself but also fabricating the parts supplied in the kit. It started back in July when I teamed up with Mopar to develop a kit to turn the 2010 Challenger into a Mopar–Rich Evans build. A ‘more modern muscle car’ was the look we Of course it takes a lot of work to were going for and we wanted to able to get the kit to the point where installation install all my body parts within a twois this simple. I received the car in July hour period. I had about three months of from Mopar, as promised. Mopar sup-
Action Counts
Your Turn
Shop Showcase with Janet Chaney
32 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
The sponsors on this project include Katzkin® Leather, BFGoodrich® Tires, House of Kolor, Scosche Audio Systems, Stitchcraft Interiors, MPG Caliper Covers, 3M, JB Composites— who is helping me create the body kit—Curtis Speed Equipment (supplying the wheels), Vegas Fuel Energy Drink (the energy drinks I need to get this project done) and Grant Steering Wheels (supplying the coolest steering wheel on the planet, with my design). The Rich Evans Designs parts I’m supplying are a lower front spoiler, left and right rocker, left and right rear flare, rear bumper lower spoiler, rear wing, hood scoop and insert, fiberglass headliner, grill insert, bumper inserts, one-off Rich Evans designed wheels, the steering wheel made by Grant, strike kit for the outside exterior of the car, interior modifications done by Stitchcraft interiors using Katzkin® Leather.
So this is a great project and there’s definitely a lot involved here. Mopar dropped off the 2010 RT Challenger, which was silver in color with black graphics on the hood (see second photo). I had some fiberglass parts I made a few years back and I started off with them as a basis to bring a modern muscle look to this Challenger. It saved time to modify some of the parts that I already had designed. Instead of using foam and Bondo™ and shaping them, I cut these parts up, lengthened them a little bit, so I can make new plugs. I take the plugs and make molds for polyurethane parts so they’re a little more durable. This way they’re easier to make, I can make more, and they’ll be less expensive for the public. I’m going to start with the lower balance and build off of the stock balance. I’m going to use that for reference and give it my style, curves, I want to make sure that it fits right in factory mounting points. That’s the key to this, making it easy for the consumer. I’m going to cover this quickly here, but this takes some work and a lot of skill. If you’re going to attempt to make any body parts or molds or plugs, start with something small so you can get a process down and you
can move from the smaller to bigger projects. The more you build parts the better you’re going to get. I’ve got the front spoiler done, I’m going to move to creating the scoop. I’m modifying a scoop that I’ve used on another project so I’m going to take some fiberglass and lay it down on the hood
so I can get the right radius. I Bondo™ it down to the hood so I have a flange.
That way I don’t have to remake that whole scoop I can just make the mounting point and make a new flange for it so it fits the Challenger hood. From there I’m going to shape it and pull another mold. Getting past the scoop and the lower balance, we’re going to move towards the rear spoiler and the left and right flares and then work our way up towards the wing. On the rear spoiler we use the same process as on the
hood. We take some masking tape and figure out how high we want to go with the rear flare. We don’t want to go beyond the body line so we’re going to map it out with some two-sided tape which will allow us to have room in our mold when we lay the fiberglass down. Mapping it out with two-sided tape is going to save us some time and allow a better fit when we’re mounting these parts to the body. We also want to be able to take these parts on and off. That’s the starting point, then we come with the
fiberglass mat, lay it down, let it dry, we’ll pull it off, cut it, and trim it. Then we’ll put it back on and use that as our foundation. We’re going to modify the flares I have, cut them, and
then we’re going to shape them. Any time you’re building a body kit it takes a lot of sanding. If you think you’ve sanded a lot, but haven’t tried this, believe me, you haven’t come close. When you start to create plugs and then molds be patient. Don’t skip any corners, think about it, simplify it, make it easier. That’s the cool part about doing it yourself. After we’re done with the rear left- and right-flares we move on to the rear spoiler. The rear spoiler’s going to be the same set of procedures. Mask everything off, build off of the rear lower balance that’s on the vehicle so we can have the same mounting points when we pull our mold. Obviously we’re thinking about how things are going to overlap. We want tight lines so it looks factory. When you put on this body kit it looks like you could have rolled it off the showroom floor. It looks so natural. With the rear lower spoiler done, I move to the rear wing, which will take some work. That’s going to be fiberglass. I have to make new mounting points. When you pull the rear spoiler off the factory Challenger there’s four holes. Now I’ve got to make a platform. It’s more work for me but it’s going to be easier for the consumer. The consumer’s going to be able to buy my two part wing, screw the wing to the base. Then the base screws down to the trunk lid and is ready to go. Literally, in 10 minutes you can put this wing on and it transforms the whole look of the vehicle. I’ve got the rear lower spoiler meeting the flares, so now I want to get into the rocker panels. The same steps
are taken with the rocker panels: stretch them, lengthen them, to get the full kit ready. Now I mock up all the plugs that I’ve built and study it to make sure it looks right. From the picture you can see the full mock up of the body kit. You’re probably wondering ‘where did the wheels go?’ I just put three-and-a-half inches on the rear of the car so now it’s allowing over a 15-and-a-half inch wheel on the back. That means better traction for the horsepower you’re going to add to this; if you have horsepower and no traction you’re just going to do a Flintstones’ maneuver. This is a well-thought-out process, allowing one-hundred percent performance. I’m using a 15 and a half-inch wheel on this and the car will take it, no problem. With the mock up out of the way, I tear it down for my paint design. I pretty
much tear everything down completely. I’ll paint all my parts and pieces as you’ve seen described in the past. That way it gives the best results for your end results of quality. I’m going to use an Orion Silver, part number BC02 Shimrin 2. It’s a new product out by House of Kolor. It’s a great product to use, makes it simplified, covers better— they’ve really put a lot of time into this so I thank House of Kolor for stepping up. Visit houseofkolor.com for more information on the Shimrin 2 product. What I’m going to do is base everything in Silver, then put the doors, fenders, hood and the backlid back on. Then I’m going to lay out my graphic design so everything lines up perfectly. We’ll finish this project next month and take you through getting the car to SEMA. Visit my site at huntingtonbeachbodyworks.com to see and purchase the parts. Until then.
www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 33
Mobile Tech Expo Takes Over Southern Texas The 10th Annual International Mobile Tech Expo was held at the Richard Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown, TX last month. January 20 was education day at the popular expo, while January 21 and 22 held the expo. January 23 also
ices and business opportunities that automotive appearance specialists are looking for. Attendees had an opportunity to meet with suppliers, network with others and compare business opportunities. The expo is tailored for those in the automotive repair industry. Everything from glass and upholstery repair, to detailing and window tinting. But the biggest draw of this event is called the Dent Olympics. More than 200 experts are entered in the contest to The Dent Olympics competition (photos from Kiii TV) see who is “the best of the best” dent remover. “Top” dent removers walk held a few classes as well as the 2nd Annual MTE Golf Outing at the away with cash and prizes. “It’s great for the area to be NorthShore Country Club in Portland showcased this way, in that most of as a wrap-up for the event. On display at the expo was a the attendees and exhibitors wind up complete array of new products, serv- making it a business vacation. The
Higher Vehicle Registration Fees Possible in TX Texas may see higher vehicle registration fees this year to cover budget deficits, according to reports made by KSAT 12 News. “My truck’s $67 and my motorcycle is $56,” said Mario Avila at the Bexar County Tax Office. Asked his thoughts about paying another $50 per vehicle, he grimaced. The displeasure was unanimous among the people in line. Raising the vehicle registration fee is one idea being floated to help patch the $15 billion pothole in the state’s budget, along with the usual targets like sales tax and cigarette tax. However, the Republican-strong legislature has promised no new revenues as the gavel in the 2011 session. Instead, they maintain the solution is spending cuts.
Governor Perry has spoken of broad cuts across various agencies, including education, perhaps easing the 22-student cap on kindergarten through fourth grade. One Dallas lawmaker has suggested eliminating 12th grade, an idea that flunked with Texas taxpayer Frankie Campbell. “No, we need to educate our children. We need to put our monies in and keep them going. Children need education. We need to support our schools,” she said. “We’re kind of squeezing everybody, so let’s go into our little special fund.” That would be the so-called rainy day fund, the state’s $9 billion surplus. Lawmakers could tap into it to help fill the funding gap, but the governor does not support that.
Chrysler Group announced January 10 that Fiat’s ownership interest in the Company has increased from 20% to 25% upon the Company’s achievement of the first of three performancerelated milestones. Chrysler Group issued an irrevocable commitment letter to the U.S. Treasury stating that the Company has received the appropriate governmental approvals and will begin commer-
cial production of the Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE) in its Dundee, Mich., facility. As a result, Fiat’s ownership interest increased automatically under the terms of the Operating Agreement. The ownership interests of Chrysler Group’s members are now: UAW VEBA: 63.5%, Fiat: 25.0%, U.S. Treasury: 9.2%, Canadian Governments: 2.3%.
Fiat Increases Ownership in Chrysler to 25 Percent
34 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Expo is also family friendly, children complete Air Brush system, a two are allowed into the show. In most night stay at the Holiday Inn Clearwacases, the small business community ter Beach, Premium Car Care Prodis a family affair, so what better place ucts, an Extensive Windshield Repair to bring the family, a business expense Training Program, Paintless Dent Reand vacation all rolled into one,” said pair tools and much more, this year donations continued to come into the Kevin Halewood, show director. At the last Expo children were treated to goody bags, balloons, games and an area for them to sit and play table games or use coloring books. “Being a family oriented industry we have included children in our show since its inception. It went over so well, Cars with dents ranging in size defined the competition that this year we are planning on expanding the area and adding some new show office right up to the event. games,” Halewood said. The International Mobile Tech The event also held a silent aucExpo was at the Robstown Fairtion to benefit the Larry King Cargrounds from January 20 through 23. diac Foundation as they have done in Visit the expo website for more inforpast years. Past items have included a mation: www.mobiletechexpo.com. OUR PARTS IN THE T R AINE D H A N DS O F A P RO F E S SI O N A L
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Continued from Page 31
Diagnostics Business
7. On the body harness, position two FEMALE terminals onto the wires. Caution must be used not to position the wire too far forward as it may interfere with the mating portion of the terminal. Crimp the terminals on to the bare wire using the J 38125-7 crimp tool, jaw E (1). Repeat the procedure using two MALE terminals on the seat airbag harness.
8. Position the wire seal to the terminal and crimp the seal and insulation using the J 38125-6 crimp tool, jaw 1 (1).
Note: Avoid getting solder on the terminal end or overheating the terminal.
Warning DO NOT use soldering equipment that is battery or electric powered. These types of soldering irons can induce voltage into the circuit, which may cause inflator module deployment and/or damage to electrical components. Use only the EL-28125-5 Ultra Torch or another butane fueled soldering iron when working on SIR circuits. 9. Solder all four terminals at the wire crimp.
10. Slide the two seat airbag harness terminals through the opening of the orange connector position assurance (CPA) (1).
Important Ensure that the appropriate wire colors match up (as noted in Step 4)
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when the connection is made between the seat airbag harness and body harness.
11. Slide all four terminals (2) into the appropriate connector body as shown above. Install the blue terminal position assurance (TPA) devices onto the connector ends. 12. Install the gray connector clip onto the appropriate connector body. 13. Add NyoGel 760 Lubricant, PN 12377900 (in Canada, use PN 10953529) to the terminals on both sides of the connections. 14. Wrap anti-abrasion electrical tape around the two exposed wires on the seat harness for a length of 30 mm (1.2 in) from the back of connector. Continue to wrap the tape around the back of connector. Obtain “*Woven Polyester (PET) Electrical Tape” (Special Order PN RZ97156A00) from Kent Automotive. Refer to Parts Information below. 15. Slide the conduit back up. Wrap tape starting at the back of the connector and over the conduit for a length of a 130 mm (5 in). 16. Tape on the gray clip at 110 mm (4.33 in) from the back of the connector. Note that the clip orientation should be in-line with the retainer clip orientation on the connector. 17. Repeat the above procedure on the passenger seat. Attach Drivers Side Harness to Seat Follow the procedure below to re-route and attach the harness to the driver seat: 1. Insert the connector retainer clip into the rectangular attachment hole (1) on the driver seat as shown above. 2. Ensure that the service loop (2) faces towards the front of the seat. 3. Insert the tapped-on gray clip into the round attachment hole (3) as shown above. 4. Attach the existing black clip to the new seat suspension location (4).
Attach Passenger Side Harness to Seat Follow the procedure below to reroute and attach the harness to the passenger seat: 1. Insert the connector retainer clip into the rectangular attachment hole (1) on the passenger seat as shown above. 2. Ensure that the service loop (2) faces towards the front of the seat. 3. Insert the tapped-on gray clip into the round attachment hole (3) as shown above. 4. Attach the existing black clip to the new seat suspension location (4).
Reinstall Seats 1. Install both the driver and passenger seats. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket in SI. 2. Make the connections between the seat airbag harness and the body harness. 3. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SI In the above example, the scan tool may have given a code even if the connectors could have been connected, and the access to OE information let us know how to properly repair the vehicle. So next time someone asks if you’re in the Diagnostic business, what answer will you give?
Written by Dan Espersen and Ben Johnson. Ben Johnson is ALLDATA’s Senior Product Marketing Manager. Ben is a recognized technology leader in vehicle diagnostics with decades of driving diagnostics product development. Ben holds a degree in Business Administration. ©2011 ALLDATA LLC. All rights reserved. All technical information, images and specifications are from ALLDATA Collision. ALLDATA is a registered trademark and ALLDATA Collision is a mark of ALLDATA LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective holders. Chevy and Malibu are registered trademark names and model designations of GM. All trademark names and model designations are being used solely for reference and application purposes.
www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 35
December Auto Sales Finish 2010 on a High Note Fueled by holiday and year-end discounts, as well as the introduction of new models, automakers finished 2010 on a high note by posting the year’s best monthly sales in December, according to reports made by Automotive News. U.S. light vehicle demand climbed 11 percent last month to 1.1 million units — the best month of the year on a unit basis. Still, it was one of the weaker percentage increases of the year because of a tough comparison to December 2009, one of that year’s strongest months. In another sign of industry health, the pace of December sales came in at an annualized rate of 12.6 million units — the highest of the year, according to Autodata Corp. Most every automaker gained sales in December, a month highlighted by a 37 percent surge for Hyundai-Kia and a 28 percent advance at Nissan North America. Toyota Motor Corp. was the only company to record a decline, down 6 percent. Overall, U.S. light vehicle sales rose 11 percent to 11.59 million units last year from 10.43 million in 2009 — when demand fell to the lowest point in 27 years. It was the industry’s first annual U.S. sales gain since 2005. Industry sales last year remained almost a third fewer than the 16.8 million annual average from 2000 to 2007, according to Autodata Corp. Auto makers and analysts predict more growth in 2011 as the U.S. economy slowly recovers. Ford Motor Co. anticipates U.S. sales of 12.5 million this year. GM is expecting U.S. industry sales to rise more than 10 percent from 2010. “The U.S. economy will be stronger and grow more in 2011,” said Don Johnson, GM’s vice president of U.S. sales operations. “The jobs story remains mixed. The weakest link continues to be the housing market.”
Strong December GM, helped by new models and healthy demand for crossovers, recorded an 8 percent increase in December sales. Ford said demand rose 4 percent last month, while Chrysler Group had a 16 percent jump. American Honda, which includes Acura, posted a 21 percent gain in December sales, and said 2010 sales rose 7 percent.
At the Hyundai Group, which includes Kia, sales jumped 37 percent last month, and finished 22 percent higher for the year at a record 894,496 units. But Toyota Motor Corp., still feeling the unfavorable impact of major recalls last year, said December U.S. sales fell 6 percent. Toyota’s overall 2010 sales were flat at 1.76 million units. “December was a really strong month and we’re starting to see the market recover and people coming back to car shopping,” said Jesse Toprak, the top analyst at TrueCar.com, an online shopping site.”There is still much pent-up demand but until we start to see a recovery in the housing market and job creation, the growth rate annually will be around 10 percent.” Ford had posted double-digit sales increases each month last year except for a 3 percent rise in July and a 14 percent decline in August. While sales at the Ford division climbed 10 percent last month, Ford’s results were hampered by a 23 percent drop in Lincoln sales, and an 11 percent fall in Mercury demand amid that brand’s phase-out. Ford said its December results also reflect a 40 percent reduction in deliveries to daily rental customers. For the year, Ford’s U.S. sales rose 17 percent to 1.935 million units — helping the automaker gain market share for the second consecutive year. It’s the first back-to-back increase in Ford’s U.S. market share since 1993. Ford estimated its U.S. market share in 2010 at 16.4 percent, up 1.1 points from 2009 and 2.2 points from 2008. Chrysler posted its ninth consecutive monthly sales gain. Jeep Grand Cherokee demand more than tripled, and Ram pickup sales jumped 93 percent compared with December 2009. Chrysler said its sales rose 17 percent last year to 1.1 million units. All of the company’s brands — Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck -- generated sales increases in 2010 compared with 2009. The automaker launched 16 all-new or significantlyimproved models in 2010, most of them during the final quarter. “We are extremely proud of the sales strides we made during this transition year,” Fred Diaz, head of the Ram truck brand and Chrysler’s top sales executive, said in a statement.
36 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Behind GM’s Results At GM, December marked the fourth consecutive monthly sales gain after its August sales dropped 25 percent, reflecting an unfavorable comparison to August 2009 — when the government’s cash-for- clunkers program fueled demand. The automaker’s U.S. sales advanced 7 percent for all of 2010 — its first annual increase since 1999. Demand was up last month for all four of GM’s surviving U.S. brands, with sales advancing 40 percent at Buick, 13 percent at Cadillac, 9 percent at Chevrolet and 35 percent at GMC. For all of 2011, sales for GM’s four brands increased 21 percent to 2.2 million units, while retail sales rose 16 percent during the year. GM’s four brands sold 118,435 more vehicles this year than the company generated with eight brands in 2009. But the automaker’s overall sales performance continues to be dragged down by the shutdown of Pontiac, Saturn, and Hummer. GM’s results also no longer include Saab, which has been sold.
GM said its December sales also reflected a planned reduction in fleet sales to rental operators. Fleet sales represented 17 percent of GM’s overall sales last month. GM said it sold 567,458 crossovers in the U.S. last year — more than any other automaker. Ford reclaimed from Toyota the No. 2 spot for U.S. sales that it held for 76 years until 2007. The U.S. automaker outsold Toyota by 200,464 units last year. Toyota’s December sales drop marked the third-straight month the company’s U.S. deliveries declined. The company was the only large automaker to sell fewer vehicles in the United States last year than in 2009. “The biggest worry for Toyota is they’re not taking advantage of the recovery in the market,” said Toprak, the analyst with TrueCar. “They’re falling behind again in a month where all their competitors are up from last year. It just can’t be good for momentum, sales or morale.” December had 27 selling days, one fewer than a year earlier. Genuine Nissan and Infiniti OEM Wholesale Parts are superbly crafted to strict quality standards. The following dealers proudly stock genuine parts. Call your local distributor today!
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Shop Strategies for Savings with Walter Danalevich
Walter Danalevich, AAM, has been the owner of Santa Barbara Auto Refinishing since 1979. Contact him at: sbarbody@earthlink.net.
Credit Card Processing Fees—Dings, Dents, and Crashes at Your Bottom Line As we all roll into the New Year with new personal, business, and profit projection goals, many of us are asking ourselves what business operating expenses we are able to reduce which would result in added profits to our bottom line? This is especially true during these tough economic times. Personally, I make it a practice at the conclusion of each calendar year to review our body shop’s financial reports by searching out unnecessary expenses. My objective is to reduce all wasteful expenses which have occurred during the day-to-day rush of conducting business. One category of expense which recently struck me as needing some attention is the credit card processing hosting fee. Yes, that little box from which you hear the sweet sound of ‘Cha Ching’ each time a customer pays their deductible and/or decides to
deposit the Insurance check in their personal bank account (with intentions to accumulate additional “Reward Points.”) Take a minute to do some simple math. How many credit card transactions does your business process on average per month? Now look at
your monthly Credit Card Host processing fees which were deducted from your bank account, multiply by twelve months and ... How many of you are saying OMG? Did your bottom line get Dinged and
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Dented or was it more like Crashed and Burned? Here are a few credit card processing tips to improve your Business’s monthly bottom line. Most of us have received at one time or another cold call telemarketing inquiries. Hearing well-rehearsed
sales hooks by credit card telemarketers who make promises stating only their company can provide you with the lowest processing rate on Earth. Unfortunately, most business owners and managers are taken advantage of by fast talking sales representatives. There is so much more to take into account for business owners then what is initially portrayed by the sales rep. Many business managers are lulled into security by hearing a well recited sales pitch for the lowest Merchant processing fees. The problem which often occurs is the business manger does not read further into the contents of the “TERMS AND CONDITIONS” agreement from the credit card hosting company, which usually is written in a size 7 or smaller print. Instead the manager is lead to believe he or she is receiving the “lowest credit card processing rate available. Here is a condensed list of a few “STANDARD FEES” applied by most credit card hosts. I highly recommend if you are interested in retaining more income from each credit card transaction, be sure to take the time to understand the “Terms and Conditions” of the Credit Card host agreement before you proceed with your signature of acceptance.
● QUALIFIED Transaction Rate: Remember that lowest price rate you were promised by that sweet talking
sales rep? Well if the customer’s credit card happens to be a “REWARDS” card you need to know your bank account will be “dented” on the average of at least one percentage point higher than the lowest rate you were lead to believe you were receiving. CHA CHING!!! ● Equipment fee: Normally Credit Card Host requires leasing, purchasing or supplying the credit card terminal. You may save at least $600.00 for a credit card terminal by shopping for the best deal. Be sure to check the equipment return terms if leasing the equipment to avoid your sales income from being severely dented! ● Fees: Set-up fees, Training Fees, Transaction fees, Multi location fee, Chargeback fee, Retrieval fee, Pin pad debit fee, Equipment fee, Nonqualified transaction fee, Processing fee, Per item fee, Return draft fee, Voice Authorization fee, Account management fee, Monthly minimum charge fee and of course when you get sick of paying all those fees and decide to change to another credit card host there is a CANCELLATION FEE! ● Term & Termination: Often overlooked by most business managers is the automatic term renewal. The Credit Card host has no obligation to contact you or offer advanced notice about service terms and termination procedures.
This article does not begin to cover every aspect of credit card processing fees. Rather it is written to open your eyes of the potential “unnecessary fee expenses” to your business which can lead to hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars in bank processing fees “taken” from your annual income. In business there will always be some merchant processing fee to pay. However, let us all make an effort to close up the leaks applied to the profit goals we work so hard at to achieve!!! Contact Walter at: www.sbautobody.com, http://tinyurl.com/sbautobody
www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 37
Florida Appeals Court Rules In Favor of Public Adjusters
The First District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee, Fla. ruled on December 29 that public insurance adjusters may not be banned from soliciting business for 48 hours following an event that could lead to an insurance claim. At issue in the case is a relatively new Florida law, created in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, that prohibits insurance adjusters from soliciting business for 48 hours after an event leading to an insurance claim. The new law was created in response to claims that unscrupulous public adjusters were causing insurance companies to pay unnecessary or inflated insurance claims. The court ruled that public insurance adjusters’ commercial free speech rights are violated if they are prohibited from soliciting people until 48 hours after an insured event. The court’s opinion relied in large part on the standards of law set by Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. v. Public Service Commission of New York, 447 U.S. 557 (1980), the same case used by insurers to defend their rights in two important collision industry cases. In past cases, Allstate successfully used Central Hudson to argue the violation of commercial free speech in the Texas case of Allstate Insurance and Sterling Collision, v. Greg Abbott when the ban on insurer owned shops was challenged in court by Allstate. Central Hudson was also used by insurers in the New York case, Allstate v. Serio, that found that certain restrictions on insurer steering were
violations of the insurance companies’ right of commercial free speech. In the Florida case however, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) and the Florida Property and Casualty Association filed amicus curiae briefs supporting the ban on adjuster communication. While this case was being decided in the courts, the major insurance associations had initiated support for a similar ban on body shops. The ban was introduced in the Model Act Regarding Insurer AutoBody Steering that had been under consideration by the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) Property and Casualty Insurance Committee. The American Insurance Association (AIA), NAMIC and the PCI had supported the introduction of several new restrictions on collision repair facilities in the model. The insurance industry proposal would require repair facilities to wait three days after an accident before they were allowed to solicit a vehicle owner for their business. The proposal also would ban a shop from seeking a power of attorney from a vehicle owner for the repair of the vehicle. Though the Steering Model was “indefinitely tabled” by the committee in 2010, then-Committee Chair Sen. Ruth Teichman (KS), speaking for the group, said they were committed to revisiting the issue of steering in the future.
An SCRS Reminder About Nominations for Board of Directors This year’s annual election will take place Friday, March 18th at 8:00 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Meadowlands (Reservations: phone 1-201-348-6900, mention CIC room block to get the group rate) in Secaucus, New Jersey. Active members of SCRS are entitled and encouraged to vote for Board members to represent them. Please keep in mind that in order to vote, members must be physically present at the meeting. The Board is comprised of 12 individuals on staggered 3-year terms. Thus, each year 4 board seats become vacant and a Nominating Committee is selected and they are charged with submitting their recommendations to the membership. In addition to the nominations from the committee, any member is entitled to submit a recommendation(s) in writing (on or before Tuesday, February 1st) 45 days in advance of our March 18th, 2011 meeting along with 5 signatures from SCRS members in support of the recommendation(s). Nominations should be mailed to SCRS Administration Office, PO Box 909, Prosser, WA 99350 or emailed to info@scrs.com.
Please read below as ARTICLE VII Section B of our By-Laws explains how to nominate someone that is not currently on the ballot: ARTICLE VII Board of Directors SECTION B: Four Directors shall be elected every year by vote of the total membership. To be placed on the ballot, individuals must be recommended by the Nominating Committee or recommended by at least five (5) active members. Any other nominations may be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail to the office directly for the inclusion on the ballot, as provided by above. The other nominations must be received by the SCRS office on or before 45 days before the annual meeting in order to be included on the ballot. Aaron Schulenburg, as well as the current Board of Directors, all encourage members to attend this year’s annual meeting so they can participate in the election and cast their votes. For more information please visit www.scrs.com.
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No More Online Learners Permits for Florida’s Teens
For the first time in nearly a decade, anyone wanting a learners permit has to make the trip to the department of motor vehicles. Florida state officially canceled its online testing program after the New Year, according to reports made by WOFL FOX 35, Orlando. While some drivers think it will be an inconvenience, others say the idea should have never left the parking lot. “I think its a good idea. Its a lot safer and you can’t use the book to cheat,” said longtime driver, Wendy McDaniel. “Back in the day when I took it, you had to go there, study, and once you took it you passed it,” she said. State officials usually generate two to three million dollars in revenue
a year from the online option. The test ranged from $20 to $30 bucks. The main reason why officials decided to put the brakes on the online program is because of its inaccuracy. In 2009, they re-tested about 600 people who passed the test online and more than fifty percent failed. Law enforcement officers are not surprised. “I think I ran in to some of those people who got it online probably cheating,” said Officer Matt Walker who works at the Sanford police department. “I’ve seen some of the drivers here in Florida and seen so many accidents - its unreal,” he said. The state started the online exam in 2004. The test can also be taken at a county tax collectors office.
38 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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FinishMaster Donates Supplies to Collision Education Programs FinishMaster has donated $52,000 in supplies to three collision programs through the Collision Repair Education Foundation. The donated kits contain an assortment of supplies such as masking tape, adhesive, paint remover, and other items. The schools receiving these donations include: Ivy Tech Community College (Terre Haute, IN), Kennedy-King College (Chicago, IL), and Northcentral Technical College (Wausau, WI). “FinishMaster’s continued support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation through school product donations assist schools in a time when many instructors are facing budget cuts and might not have the needed supplies to instruct their students,” stated Collision Repair Education Foundation Executive Director, Scott Kruger. “These supplies help instructors and their collision programs in many ways and the end result is a better educational experience for the students by having the proper hands-on instructional tools. I would like to thank Fin-
ishMaster for coming to the aid of the future of the industry once again through their support and donation.” “I would like to thank FinishMaster and the Collision Repair Education Foundation for wholeheartedly supporting Northcentral Technical College’s (NTC) students,” stated NTC Dean of Technical and Trades, Victoria Pietz. “You have gone above and beyond expectations in providing valuable insight into the development of NTC’s two-year auto collision program, finding ways to help us create a state-of-the-art lab. Without the industry’s support, the continued advancement of auto collision education would not be such a success. It is Northcentral Technical College’s goal to do our part in providing an educational program that works toward continually improving and supporting the needs of the industry with a qualified workforce.” For additional information about FinishMaster visit www.finishmaster.com.
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Enterprise Adds Chevy Volt to Rental Fleet Seen by company executives as a way to promote all extended-range electric vehicles, Enterprise Rent-A-Car announced January 13 that it will be the first to offer the Chevrolet Volt for daily and weekly rentals. The availability is expected later this month. Officials indicated the Volt will be available at the Mark Christopher Auto Center in Ontario, Calif., in addition to a new charging station. As Enterprise Rent-A-Car continues to add EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles throughout its network, executives insist more customers will have an opportunity to try the new technology for consideration of purchase, out of curiosity or to choose an environmentally friendly vehicle rental option. They also think it gives customers a chance to learn more about the charging process. “Purchase demand for electric vehicles has been impressive, and we anticipate similar demand from rental customers,” stated Jeff Morrell, vice president of Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The company noted additional EVs will be offered at other Enterprise locations as manufacturers make them available. For example, Enterprise said 500 Nissan LEAFs will be avail-
able at select locations nationwide and on-site charging stations will be installed to support the vehicles. Executives mentioned charging stations already have been installed at Enterprise offices in Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Monica, Calif. “By embracing new, clean fuel and engine technologies like electric vehicles, Enterprise can help the passenger vehicle remain relevant by giving alternatives a chance to become commercially successful,” declared Lee Broughton, director of sustainability for Enterprise Holdings, which owns and operates Enterprise Rent-ACar, along with the Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental brands. Meanwhile, Chris Leggio, president of Mark Christopher Auto Center, is eager to have an electric vehicle as an option for his customers. “Our partnership with Enterprise is all about providing the best possible service,” Leggio asserted. “The Volt incorporates brand-new vehicle technology,” he continued. “So as our customers become familiar with the vehicles, we’re excited that Enterprise can offer the Volt for rental, providing a seamless and convenient customer service experience at our facility.”
New Location and Dates Announced for NACE/CARS As a direct result of feedback from industry participants, Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) is pleased to announce it will return to a rotating pattern beginning in 2011. The 2011 exposition will be held Oct. 6-8 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., which also returns the show to a Thursday - Saturday date pattern. Education will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 5. ASRW includes the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair & Service (CARS), both sponsored by the Automotive Service Association (ASA). Ron Pyle, ASA President, briefly mentioned investigating potential changes at the closing press conference of the 2010 event. Subsequently, ASRW solicited feedback and opinions from the industry through a series of surveys which stated, “you decide.” “The surveys elicited much more of a response than we were expecting and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to respond,” stated Pyle. ASRW plans to rotate locations between the East, Midwest and West. Rotating the event is intended to attract new attendees, as well as those who have not been attending in previous years. The location for 2012 is to be determined.
Information from surveys taken after the 2010 NACE show showed that the industry wanted the show to rotate geographically around the country, take place in October/November, and over a Thursday — Saturday day pattern. ASA solicited the preferred city in each segment of the country (East Coast, Midwest and West Coast). On the East Coast, Orlando was ranked as the #1 option. Although the audience was tired of the event being permanently located in Las Vegas, they still overwhelmingly preferred Las Vegas when the event rotates to the West Coast. The top Midwest locations were New Orleans, Indianapolis, Chicago and San Antonio. “ASRW is the industry’s show, and we’re pleased with the changes we’ve made which align directly to the majority consensus we received,” continued Pyle. Preparations for the 2011 event are well underway. Housing for the 2011 event will open in late spring and will feature a variety of options, ranging in price from $99 - $200. Registration for attendees and exhibitors will open in early summer. Visit www.ASRWevents.com for more information. For information, contact Hanley Wood Exhibitions at P.O. Box 612128, Dallas, Texas 75261-2128 or call (888) 529-1641 or (972) 536-6444.
www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 39