Southwest Edition Texas Oklahoma Louisiana New Mexico
30
YEARS
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Caliber Collision Moves Headquarters to Texas, Acquires 911 Collision Centers in AZ, NV Big changes are in store this month for one of the country’s biggest multiple shop operators (MSOs): Caliber Collision Centers. Caliber Collision will be relocating the company’s corporate headquarters from Irvine, California to Lewisville, Texas—a suburb in the northern area of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. “Our relocation to Texas allows us to consolidate management spread across a number of locations in California and Texas,” said Steve Grimshaw, President and CEO of Caliber Collision Centers.
Caliber plans to move into their leased 16,397 square foot space at 401 E. Corporate Drive in Lewisville, Texas in mid-November. Caliber will move because of Dallas-Fort Worth’s affordable metropolitan area, central location, business-friendly Steve Grimshaw environment and large, diversified workforce—all of which will support the company’s growth throughout the United States, See Caliber, Page 20
Brock Bulbuck, The Boyd Group
Steve Grimshaw, Caliber Collision
Cathy Bonner, Service King
Rollie Benjamin, ABRA Auto Body and Glass
CEOs of Four of the Largest MSOs in the Industry hold first-time MSO Symposium at NACE/CARS See MSO Insights, Page 28
VOL. 29 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2011
Northwest Louisiana Collision Repair Association Discusses Glass and Adhesives Safety Issues The Northwest Louisiana Collision Repair Association (NWLCRA) held their monthly members meeting on October 4 at 6:30 pm. October’s monthly meeting was held at Louisiana Glass and Mirror’s new location in Bossier City, LA. Mark Monroe, an instructor at Bossier Parish Technical School opened the meeting with a prayer. Bill Burnside, NWLCRA Secretary-Treasurer brought the meeting to order by reading the anti-trust statement. Bill also reminded the group to start planning for the NWLCRA Christmas Party on Dec. 3. The Walker Street
Band will be the Christmas entertainment again this year. NWLCRA will also sponsor the “Toys for Tots” charity. Everyone is encouraged to bring a new, unopened, unwrapped toy for either a boy or girl to the Christmas party to be donated to the US Marines that help with the “Toys for Tots” program. Funds and advertisements were discussed, and the group has one more advertisement space available on their website. Anyone interested in advertising with the NWLCRA just needs to click on the “Advertise with Us”
by Chip Foose
featured or unveiled specialty vehicles at SEMA. For three years in a row we built cars live in front of the SEMA audience for TLC’s TV Show Overhaulin’. We were proud in 2005 when Foose Design featured total of 32 Foose Vehicles at SEMA, a record for any designer/fabricator and more than any of the OEM’s that year. So, needless to say, we have history at SEMA. For SEMA 2011 Foose design will be featuring three vehicles. We are currently working feverishly like all of the other shops to make the deadline. This year we will be proudly displaying the following Foose De-
See NWLCRA, Page 10
Chip Foose on Bringing it to SEMA The SEMA show (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association) has always been a big part of Foose Design. I have personally been attending for well over 25 years. Some of our guys at Foose Design first attended more than 25 years ago. One of them even Chip Foose went to the very first SEMA show when it was under the bleachers at Dodger Stadium! For the past ten years Foose Design has
See Foose Brings It, Page 36
The 2011 SEMA show will occupy the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 31 to November 4 and attendance numbers continue to climb as the show draws closer. The show boasts over 2,000 exhibiting companies already registered for booths, more than 500 of which are exhibiting for the first time. The ever-popular Paint, Body and Equipment section will also return this year, showcasing companies who offer products, services and equipment suited for the collision repair professional. See page 40 for I-CAR and SCRS RDE Schedule.
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Parts Manager: John Keith Phone 972-964-5000 Fax 972-985-3114 jkeith@mcdavid.com
HONDA OF FRISCO • Over $600,000 Parts Inventory • 11,000 Parts in Stock • Trained Wholesale Crew: Mario, Phillip
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Hour: Monday - Friday 7 AM - 7 PM • Saturday 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM • Sunday 11 AM - 4 PM
Parts Manager: Chris Edgar Phone 972-731-3175 Toll Free 1-866-442-2711 Fax 972-731-3179 cedgar@mcdavid.com
HONDA OF IRVING • Over $900,000 Parts Inventory • 17,000 Parts in Stock • Trained Wholesale Crew: Gary, Marie, Jim
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Hour: Monday - Friday 7 AM - 9 PM • Saturday 8 AM - 5 PM • Sunday 11 AM - 6 PM
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HONDA OF HOUSTON • Over $1,000,000 Parts Inventory • In State Next Day Shipping • 100,000 Parts in Stock w/Quick Local Delivery • Trained Experienced Crew • Great Discounts Hour: Monday - Friday 7 AM - 9 PM • Saturday 8 AM - 5 PM • Sunday Closed
Wholesale Specialist: Robert Quintero Phone 800-444-1263 Fax 713-948-1949 rquintero@mcdavid.com
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Parts Manager: Dick Graham Phone 800-231-9657 Fax 713-948-1949 nissanparts@mcdavid.com 2 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
www.davidmcdavid.com
Contents ASA Texas Holds 2011 Annual Meeting in
Boerne, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Auto Insurance Rates on the Rise in Texas . 9 Caliber Collision Centers Opens New Texas
Insurance Insider - Can the Collision Industry
Support Two Major Trade Shows? . . . . 12
Schroeder - GW & SON Auto Body
—Blending Yesterday’s Service with
Today’s Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sisk - West Coast Collision’s Waterborne
Acquires 911 Collision Centers in AZ, NV. 1
Weaver - Dealing with Angry Customers
Centers’ 2011 Service and Parts
Williams - A Profile of the Evolving Collision
in Orlando, FL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Yoswick - SCRS Affiliate Groups Help
Chrysler’s Southeast & Southwest Business Business Conference and Expo Held
Dallas, Texas Vehicle Dealer Convicted in
Title Scam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
English Color Opens 42nd Store in
Austin, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Exxon to Build New Lubricant Plant in
Baytown, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Exclusivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 and Growing ‘Alligator Skin’ . . . . . . . . . 27
Repair Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Members Address Legislative and
Regulatory Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 NATIONAL
2011-2012 Chevrolet Corvettes Recalled
for Rear Hatch Hinges . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Fewer Road Fatalities Reported in OK
Allstate and Progressive Agree to Settle
GM to Reopen Spring Hill, TN Plant . . . . . . 8
AM Tow Package Wiring Harnesses for
for September . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Industry Bands Together to Help Texas
Wildfire Victims Speed Up Claims Process . 6
Louisiana Glass and Mirror Holds Open House. 9 Louisiana Insurance Agent Arrested on
Fraud Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
NIADA Picks 2011 National Auto Auction
of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Northwest Louisiana Collision Repair Association Discusses Glass and
Adhesives Safety Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Patent Litigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Hyundai/Kia Recalled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
California Man Guilty of Selling Counterfeit
ALLDATA Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
CEOs of Four of the Largest MSOs in the
Industry hold first-time MSO Symposium
at NACE/CARS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chip Foose on Bringing it to SEMA . . . . . . . 1
Dollar Thrifty Halts Sale Process, Hertz
Still Interested in Acquisition Despite
Missed Deadline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Texas Independent Automotive Association
DuPont Exhibit at SEMA Show Live Paint
UAW-GM Contract Lets General Motors Axe
Florida and Michigan AAA Clubs Join
Volkswagen to Open New Regional Sales
GM Introduces Industry-First Front Center
Announces Alamo Chapter Raffle Winners. 6 LA Truck Plant After 30-year Run . . . . . . 8 Office in Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
COLUMNISTS
Demonstrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Forces, Now 2nd Largest . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
I-CAR Repairability Summit: Don’t Section
Ultra-High-Strength Steel . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Attanasio - How to Use 5 Forms of Social
IRS Offers Employers Tax Relief if Workers
Chess - SEMA’s Repair Driven Education
Mitchell Partners with Enterprise Rent-A-Car,
Media to Pack the House . . . . . . . . . . . 22
and Government Regulations . . . . . . . . 44
Franklin - Choosing a More Profitable
Reclassified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Integrates with Update Promise.com to
Deliver Services via RepairCenter™ . . . 42
Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
NABC Nominees for 2012 Board of
Old Debate—Color Matching, Blending,
Virginia Branded Title for Water Damage
Gesterkamp - Taking a Fresh Look at an
or Both? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Assistant Editor: 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, Chasidy Sisk Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman (800) 699-8251 Sales Assistant: Kristy Navarro Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia
Indexof Advertisers
Caliber Collision Moves Headquarters to TX,
Directors Announced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Settles at $2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
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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AkzoNobel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Allen Samuels Katy Chrysler-JeepDodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Autoland Scientech. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 BASF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 38 Cebotech/Tecna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Chevyland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Chief Automotive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Classic BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Dallas Dodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 David McDavid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Diamond Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Equalizer Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers TX, OK, LA, NM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Fowler I-240 Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge. 15 Garmat USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Gene Messer Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . 16 Global PDR Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 40 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Huffines Hyundai Plano . . . . . . . . . 32 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . 39
Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers. 33 LKQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Malco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Mark’s Casa Mitsubishi. . . . . . . . . . 18 Mattei. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 45 Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma . . . . . 34 Mike Calvert Toyota. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers. 41 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 29 Price LeBlanc Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Ray Huffines Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . 5 RealParts.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Replica Plastics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Russell & Smith Ford-Mazda . . . . . 37 Safety Regulations Strategies. . . . . 36 SATA Spray Equipment . . . . . . . . . 23 Scoggin-Dickey Buick . . . . . . . . . . 35 Shop-Pro Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Suzuki Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 41 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 44 VIM Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Volvo Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 45 Young Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 3
NIADA Picks 2011 National Auto Auction of the Year will do something that truly sets it apart, sometimes even heroic,” he continued. According to NIADA, that’s what happened on Dec. 23, 2010. On
The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association chose their auto auction of the year honoree based on the belief that the dealer summarizes an act of true heroism by its owner and staff, according to Auto Remarketing News. NIADA chief executive officer Mike Linn awarded the 2011 award to Dealer’s Auto Auction of Oklahoma City, OK, during the recent National Auto Auction Association conference at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. Linn presented the award to auction owner Gary Smith and general manager Bruce Beam. “This year’s recipient excels in the area of customer service—one which has smiling faces and very capable employees,” Linn declared. “This is evidenced by many auctions, but once in a while, an auction
that day Odell Morgan, executive director of the Oklahoma Independent Auto Dealers Association, collapsed to the floor as the auction staff was preparing for the day’s sale at about 7 a.m.
The Automotive Service Association of Texas held their annual statewide meeting in Boerne, TX September 16 through 18 at the Tapatio Springs Resort. Saturday members had their choice of playing a afternoon round of golf at the resort or touring a winery with antiquing in Boerne. After breakfast that day, the group met with guest speaker Sid Hurlbert who motivated and inspired the group to be better leaders. Plus, there were some of the group’s Associate Vendors onsite with table top displays during Friday evening’s mixer and during all events on Saturday. For golf the group used a scramble format on Saturday. In a scramble, each player tees off on each hole. The best of the tee shots is selected and all players play their second shots from that spot. The best of the second shots is determined, then all play their third shots from that spot, and so on until the ball is holed. Members that couldn’t get into golf had plenty to do in Boerne just across Interstate 10. Shopping in Boerne takes visitors on a journey through quaint historic buildings filled with unique treasures. Outstanding art galleries and exhibits are around every
corner, and art shows, gallery openings, and art events speckle the calendar throughout the year. The group was able to aprticipate in an everning winery visit on Saturday night as well. Cost was only $148 per attendee and includes Friday reception, all Saturday educational events including Sid Hurlbert, Saturday breakfast and lunch, plus Sunday breakfast. Sid Hurlbert brings every seminar to life with hilarious true experiences, documented facts and stories that touch hearts. Attendees will leave Sid’s seminar with confidence knowing that they have practical tools which will make you more successful at work, home and play. If personal life changes are desired, “Don’t wait for the happy bus to come”: take control, according to Hurlbert. Sid Hurlbert has been teaching the art of “What to Say & How to Say It” using his STEPS method for over 30 years. Averaging over 200 seminars annually, he lectures throughout the United States, Canada and Europe to a wide variety of professional, corporate, academic, and civic groups. He combines his powerful mes-
Smith rushed to him and checked his pulse—and found none. The auction owner began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and instructed his staff to contact emergency personnel. Auctioneers, ring men and dealers were there to assist while Smith continued CPR until paramedics arrived. NIADA revealed that Morgan had quadruple bypass surgery following this episode and continues his recovery. “Gary had the foresight to ask his physician many times how to best handle this type situation,” Linn insisted. “Based on his knowledge, he was able to instruct staff on actions to take
and they responded without question,” Linn went on to say. “Because of actions taken that day, the auction staff was able to save a life.” The NIADA first presented its auction of the year award to an NAAA member auction and its general management team in 2008. The association highlighted the award is presented to an auction that demonstrates support of the used-vehicle industry and the independent dealers who utilize the auction by providing the highest level of customer service, providing dealers with resources to enhance their business, displaying support to the state association and its dealer members through participation in dealer events and promoting industry community involvement.
sages, humor, and insight with entertaining twists, creating a dynamic learning experience that transforms the way people relate to themselves, fellow employees, and their families.
For more information about the ASA-TX please visit www.asatx.org. More information about Sid Hurlbert can be found at www.sidneychurlbert.com.
ASA Texas Holds 2011 Annual Meeting in Boerne, TX
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4 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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Exxon to Build New Lubricant Plant in Baytown, Texas
Exxon Mobil Corp. will build a new lubricant base-stock plant at its Baytown, Texas, chemical complex to meet growing demand for more energy-efficient lubricants in industrial and automotive applications, the company said Sept. 22, according to IndustryWeek. The plant will have a 50,000tons-per-year capacity to produce the company’s high-viscosity lubricants. Facility construction is expected to be completed in 2013. The product, marketed under Exxon’s SpectraSyn Elite brand, is a matallocene polyalphaolefin synthetic lubricant commonly used in closedloop automotive applications, such as gear boxes, says George Pietrogallo, a spokesman for the company’s chemical division. The products from the facility will be commercially available to Exxon Mobil Chemical customers globally, Pietrogallo said. Most of the jobs created from the new facility will be construction related.
Dallas, Texas Vehicle Dealer Convicted in Title Scam
A car dealer from the Dallas area has been convicted over his role in a socalled “title washing” scheme, according to reports made by Claims Journal. A federal jury in San Antonio on September 26 found 49-year-old Jerry Edward Weaver of Rowlett guilty of two counts of mail fraud. Investigators say Weaver knowingly received, by mail, two fraudulent Texas vehicle titles. Weaver faces up to 20 years in prison on each count. Sentencing has been set for Jan. 9. Five co-defendants earlier pleaded guilty in the scam that prosecutors say went back to mid-2009 and involved more than 600 fraudulent titles. Title washing involves changing documents to conceal information, such as a previous salvaged title or a financial lienholder. A vehicle that has a non-repairable or parts-only history can only be utilized for parts or scrap metal.
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Texas Independent Automotive Association Announces Alamo Chapter Raffle Winners
Jerry Staglik and Charlie Thrash
Full Service Parts and AC Delco had a vendor booth during the picnic
The Alamo chapter of the Texas Independent Automotive Association (TIAA) held a chapter picnic on September 24. A raffle was held during the picnic; proceeds from the raffle benefit the TIAA’s Automotive Training Reimbursement and Scholarship Programs. The raffle winners are: Mary Rodriguez from MAR Financial—Golf Cart Mario Reyes from NAPA Auto Parts—Smith and Wesson ‘Governor’handgun John Anderson from Kaysers Automotive—Color TV Wayne Van Den Berghe from Thrash Automotive— Fishing Tournament Tommy Houston—$200 For more information please visit: www.tiaa.net.
C
Industry Bands Together to Help Texas Wildfire Victims Speed Up Claims Process
In an effort to aid residents affected by the recent wildfire that swept through Bastrop County during the past few weeks, Auto Remarketing News reported that the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division and various lenders are planning to offer services that will speed up the insurance claim process on vehicles totaled or damaged. As of September 20, Bastrop County Judge Ronnie McDonald said that the wildfire that burned about 50,000 square miles and killed two people was about 75 percent contained. The fire burning since Sept. 3 has destroyed nearly 1,600 homes in the area about 25 miles east of Austin. Further explaining the relief measures that will be taken, VTR officials noted that victims of the wildfire will be able to take simplified steps to obtain a copy of their vehicle title, which “in turn can speed up the insurance claim process on vehicles lost in the wildfire.” The simplified steps will accelerate a process that could take up to a week or more and require forms of identification that might have been
destroyed in a fire. Now, the process can be completed in as short of a time as one day. The two-week window for the simplified procedure to obtain a certified copy of a Texas Certificate of Title went through the end of September. The joint effort by lenders and Texas government officials came to fruition when VTR contacted the American Financial Service’s Association’s National Title Solutions Forum Committee to spread the word about plans for this relief program and to encourage lender participation. AFSA officials noted that it passed on the VTR’s request to all its vehicle finance members. “AFSA and its members are proud to play at least some part in easing the burden of the victims of the Texas wildfires,” said AFSA director of communications Karen Klugh. AFSA membership includes approximately 85 percent of all companies that provide new-vehicle financing in the U.S. Commenting on the relief program, one lender stressed, “If we can help one victim in Texas, this program will be worth it.”
6 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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UAW-GM Contract Lets General Motors Axe LA Truck Plant After 30-year Run The UAW-General Motors contract has most of the rank and file optimistic about the state of GM, but their jubilance is tempered by the official shutdown of a factory in Shreveport, LA. Closing Shreveport Operations for good was the “saddest part” of negotiations, UAW negotiator Joe Ashton told reporters September 21. The 3.1 million-square-foot GM Shreveport Operations factory opened in 1981 and in its lifetime was home to the assembly of nine vehicles, all of them trucks. Assembled by UAW members in Louisiana before the shutdown were the Chevrolet S-10, GMC Sonoma, GMC Syclone, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Isuzu i-Series, the Hummer H3 and Hummer H3T. With the exception of the S-10 and Sonoma, which were strong sellers for years, the plant had the bad fortune of being assigned to build slow sellers. The end of the line for the Hummer H3 was in Shreveport. GM announced in February 2010 the Hummer H3 would die after it sold only 7,500 of them in 2009. This was
after GM had sold between 22,000 and 54,000 of them in prior years. The last Hummer H3 made in Shreveport was on May 24, 2010. The Colorado and Canyon trucks that were assembled in Louisiana also fell out of favor with buyers, as sales of the two pickups plunged at one point as much as 70% in 2008. The contract, when ratified on September 23, officially deleted the General Motors plant in Shreveport from UAW representation because it no longer exists. It will be closed for good instead of idled or put on standby by GM and all UAW members who wanted to keep working were transferred to other facilities. The Shreveport workers had been asked by GM to take pay cuts in the past, and refused, according to KTAL6 TV in Shreveport. Local UAW President Doug Ebey said in 2010 when the plant was still open that the workers would “not stand for” reductions that would give auto workers in Louisiana “poverty” wages. Now there is no longer a plant.
8 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
GM to Reopen Spring Hill, TN Plant
Along with the details of the new labor agreement between General Motors and the United Auto Workers, it should be noted that The General plans on re-opening its assembly plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee in order to build a pair of all-new midsized models that were originally slated to be produced in Mexico, according to The Detroit Free Press. Current GM vehicles built in Mexico that are sold in the U.S. include the Cadillac SRX and Escalade EXT, along with the Chevrolet Avalanche. So what could the vehicles destined for Spring Hill be? Well, here are some possible candidates. According to Tennessee newspaper The Daily Herald, GM will invest $61 million for one of the vehicles while adding 600 jobs, while the other will cost $358 million in renovations to the plant and will spawn 1,100 jobs. For those that are bad at math, that means Spring Hill Assembly is expected to receive a total of $419 million, with 1,700 newly created positions. There are also plans for GM to build an undisclosed small car and
add another 500 jobs in a facility that’s yet to be determined. However, the plant in Shreveport, Louisiana is still expected to be mothballed as planned, and there are no plans to restart the plant in Janesville, Wisconsin. We wouldn’t be surprised if the Granite ends up joining the Chevy Sonic and Buick Verano in Orion Twp., Michigan though. In addition, Wentzville, Missouri will see a $380 million investment, another shift and 1,850 new jobs to build an all-new midsized truck, which we’re hoping to be the all-new Chevy Colorado and possibly the next-generation GMC Canyon. The truck assembly plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana will build next generation full-sized trucks, which is worth a cool $230 million and 150 jobs created or retained. Plants in Michigan will see another $925 million and 900 jobs from the deal. These funds will be divided among Warren Powertrain ($325 million, 360 jobs), Romulus Engine ($385 million, 285 jobs), and Saginaw Metal Casting ($215 million, 255 jobs).
Louisiana Insurance Agent Arrested on Fraud Charge
A Metairie insurance agent has been arrested on suspicion of filing a fraudulent insurance claim for a car accident, according to reports made by Claims Journal. The state Department of Insurance says 49-year-old Angela Bodenheimer was arrested on September 28 on one count of insurance fraud and booked into the Jefferson Parish jail. The department says Bodenheimer wrecked her car and then realized her insurance policy on the vehicle had lapsed. She allegedly created a fraudulent application for insurance with a date for the policy that preceded the accident, then filed a false claim. The department says Bodenheimer has had an insurance license since May 1986. It will remain active until a sixmonth suspension takes effect next month. She has 30 days to contest the suspension.
www.autobodynews.com
Volkswagen to Open New Regional Sales Office in Dallas
Volkswagen of America is planning to open its fifth regional sales office in the Dallas metropolitan area to further strengthen its relationships with customers and dealers, according to ABR Auto Manufacturing News. The company said that the expansion will help facilitate future growth and employment opportunities, while better serving the needs of its retail network in key markets. The new Dallas office, to be designated as the ‘South Central Region,’ is expected to support 96 dealers in 16 states, including Texas. The Auto maker expects the office to create more than 20 new jobs in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Volkswagen of America president and CEO Jonathan Browning said, “As the company’s sales continue to climb following the official opening of our new US plant in Chattanooga, and as its vehicle line-up expands with the launch of new products like the 2012 Passat and Beetle, it is imperative that we maintain a strong connection with its customers and dealer body.”
Auto Insurance Rates on the Rise in Texas
Many of the largest auto insurance companies in Texas will be raising their rates as a result of losses and new liability limits that will have been implemented with the start of this year, according to reports made by Live Insurance News. Several of the insurers are citing the new liability limit rules exclusively as the cause of their increases. According to Mark Hanna from the industry trade group called the Insurance Council of Texas, these regulations require that drivers within the state must carry policies that will provide coverage for up to $25,000 for property damage per accident, up to $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and for up to $30,000 per person for bodily injuries. He stated that since the insurers were not permitted to alter their rates ahead of the implementation of the new requirements, which began on January 1 of this year, “a lot of what you’re seeing is companies adjusting rates to factor that in.” A spokesperson named Jerry Johns from another trade group, Southwestern Insurance Information Service, said that rising physician service and hospital fees connected to
auto collisions have also played a role in the insurance rate increases. He stated that these price hikes will be modest, but will still be required in order to be able to cover the increases in costs in these various areas. According to the Consumer Price Index report in August—which was released by the U.S. Department of Labor—when compared to the year before, there has been a 3.3 percent increase in medical costs. Moreover, there has been an overall 3.8 percent CPI increase.
Louisiana Glass and Mirror Holds Open House
Louisiana Glass and Mirror held an open house for their new location in Bossier City. The company moved their location from one side of the city to another. The company’s new address is 2201 California Dr Bossier City, LA 71111. The open house was held on October 13 from 6:00p.m. to 9:30p.m. Local band 3 Chord Street played during the open house, which also included a fish fry. For more information please call (318) 747-2800.
C
www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 9
Fewer Road Fatalities Reported in OK for September
There were fewer highway fatalities in September than there were during the same month last year, according to Claims Journal. The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety reports there were 46 fatal accidents last month, a decrease of 11 from September 2010. Of the fatal accidents, nine of those who died were motorcyclists. Officials say the highest daily fatality numbers include 12 deaths on Fridays and 10 on Sundays. Troopers believe four of the fatality crashes were alcohol-related. Other statistics show the highest number of fatality crashes—16- occurred on state highways, while 13 were on county roads. Forty-five percent of those who died in traffic collisions weren’t wearing safety belts at the time of the crash. There were eight days in the month of September in which no fatalities occurred.
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NWLCRA
link and fill out the online form on their website at www.nwlcra.org. Several members of the NWLCRA helped with the BPCC 100 annual fundraiser (See Autobody News September 2011). This is where businesses compete in a race using go-karts, NASCAR style. For more details on the race, see www.bpcc100.org. Kevin Adams with Krystal Auto Collision, Chris Shepherd with Louisiana Technical College, and Bill Burnside with Tri-State Coatings helped by being judges. The BPCC 100 raised over $50,000.00 for scholarships this year. Every cent is going to be used for Bossier Parish Community College and Louisiana Technical College scholarships. Upcoming dates for “Job Shadowing” will be Dec. 8, 2011, Feb. 16, 2012, and April 21, 2012. Contact Gary, Mike, or Tom at (318) 636-2405 for more information. This month’s guest speaker, along with the meeting place, food and drink, were all provided by Ken Stephenson of Louisiana Glass and
Caliber Collision Centers Opens New Texas Facility
Caliber Collision Centers announced on October 11 the MSO opened a new 13,788-square-foot collision repair facility in Copperas Cove, Texas. Caliber now operates 92 collision repair facilities in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. “We continue to expand our capacity in the Austin region to meet the needs of our customers and insurance clients across this high growth area of the state,” said Steve Grimshaw, CEO of Caliber. “The opening of this newest location further supports Caliber’s expansion plans while offering our auto insurance clients best-in-class operational consistency, customer focus and cost management.” “The addition of the Copperas Cove location further extends Caliber’s position as the largest collision repair provider in Texas. The opening of our 45th Texas center is a testament to our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers and clients in theAustin region as we continue to grow into the collision repair provider of choice in every community we serve,” said Mark Sanders, chief operating officer of Caliber. Caliber’s location can be found at 840 W. Highway 190, Copperas Cove, Texas.
Mirror. Rick Mathis of Sika Corporation discussed the importance glass and adhesives in the automotive industry. He added that Sika is involved in glass of all kinds; auto, trucks, cruise ships, etc. If glass is involved, so is the Sika Corporation. Mathis began his presentation by showing a slide of a wrecked automobile that had the windshield replaced on a Friday and had a wreck on Monday where the car was flipped and slid for over 200 feet on it’s roof. The windshield was still intact. It was scratched, but it stayed in place. Mathis stated that if you are able to stay in the car in an accident, your chances of surviving is over 95% versus being ejected. Mathis also talked about the history of automotive glass. The first cars didn’t come with a windshield. The only reason a glass was put on the car was because of women; their makeup would get dirty from riding in a car, so a glass pane was put in to keep the dirt from ruining their makeup. As changes occurred in the automotive industry, the windshield became more than just a bug deflector. Today’s windshields, with heat and complex bends, make some with a 500% See NWLCRA, Page 18
10 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
English Color Opens 42nd Store in Austin, TX Mark Shanks has been in the autopaint business for 25 years, 12 of which has been with Affordable Auto Color. English Color welcomes their technical expertise and experience to the English Color and Supply family. English Color and Supply has locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas. The Austin store is located at 9800 Mark Shanks, English Color Tech Representative, and Chad Francis, Store Gray Blvd Austin, Manager, at the new Austin, TX, English Color location Texas 78758. Texas, and created their 42nd locaReach the store by calling 512tion. 339-8447 or email store42@englishChad Francis, who is the Store color.com. Manager, began his career in the paint Store Hours are Monday through business working for his Grandfather Friday from 8a.m. to 5p.m. at Big 3 Auto Supply in Temple, Texas. In 1996 Chad started AffordFor more information please visit able Auto Color in Austin. www.englishcolor.com. English Color and Supply annouced on October 11 that they have acquired Affordable Auto Color in Austin,
www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 11
Inside Insurance
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
Can the Collision Industry Support Two Major Trade Shows? with The Insurance Insider
“The Insider” is an auto insurance company executive who wishes to remain anonymous. This column reflects solely the opinion of The Insider in his unvarnished view of various issues impacting the collision industry.
Can NACE Survive as a ‘traveling regional trade show’? Well, it’s that time of year again: lights, slots, dice, scantily-clad women, lavish parties, casinos and NACE? Actually, it’s not—NACE is already over. In case you missed it, NACE (the International Autobody Congress and Exposition) took place in early October in Orlando, the first time it moved from Las Vegas in more than a half-dozen years. Yes, I was one of a handful of people that showed up to support the industry’s longest-standing national trade show. I have missed only four of the 29 of these annual extravaganzas, and I wasn’t about to let a trip to sunny Florida deter me from attending. I have to admit, I was apprehensive about spending the money and time to attend two shows this year. . How this small industry can support two national trade shows (NACE and the SEMA show in November, which I will discuss in my next column) is beyond comprehension. In fact, I would say it’s not possible. Here’s my best guess: We will be back to one national industry trade show in the next three years. There’s no way that the large companies buying booth space will continue to throw good money after bad. Even aside from the poor economy, national trade shows like NACE are a dying breed. Yup, even the mighty dinosaur eventually went extinct. The once-almighty NACE is dying a slow death. Before anyone submits an obituary, please note that the show still stands some chance of survival. Although this year’s NACE wasn’t the typical NACE we’ve been
accustomed to, there was something different and positive. Aside from the fact that there weren’t a lot of people there, which made it easier to navigate the show floor, the smaller event meant my feet were intact after a few days of walking. Usually, I can hardly walk after the weekend marathon. All kidding aside, the positive news is the reality that NACE could survive and possibly reinvent itself as a traveling regional trade show. There is a small percentage of people who have attended NACE in the past few years who walk a trade show floor to find a special deal or see something new. But the vast majority of the attendees attend the show to participate in other related industry events, or to network and reduce future travel expenses by meeting with large groups of people over a short period of time. Because this article is about sharing inside information and helping my dedicated readers gain a broader perspective, I suppose I should tell you something you probably don’t know. NACE transforming into just a large regional trade show didn’t happen overnight or by accident. It’s been a slow death. In the years leading up to its demise, the industry tried to tell organizers it was time for change. They assembled a committee of industry experts that were supposed to help guide them to “NACE: The Next Generation.” The goal: to actually create a trade show that met the demands of their customer and once again generated excitement. NACE organizers slowly changed the direction of the show, but by then it was too late. The excitement of NACE was basically reserved for those looking for a Las Vegas vacation. Attendance plummeted. The reported show attendance became similar to an Enron annual report: There was a lot of inflated numbers and not a whole lot to support the fact that the trade show floor looked like a
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12 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
bocce ball court on the weekend. One would swear that they were using a dog-years multiplier where every one attendee accounted for seven [organizers said 15% more attended than last year]. Although NACE organizers made a lot of mistakes along the way and often acted with arrogance, there were other contributing factors. This is kind of like a murder mystery: There are a lot of suspects and clues, but we still aren’t sure of the killer or the murder weapon. But I think that the real killer of NACE was the SEMA show. SEMA is offering something that NACE no longer does: attendees, attendees and more attendees. Oh, and something else: attendees. SEMA can be found in the dictionary under the word “excitement.” SEMA will have about 10 times the number of attendees as NACE did this year.
As far as the murder weapon, I think it was a vote at a Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting in early 2010. The attendees of this conference were asked to vote when and where they would like their fall meeting to be held: keep it as scheduled in November in Las Vegas, or move it a few weeks earlier to when NACE had been rescheduled to be held. They voted for the conference to be held in Las Vegas at the same time as SEMA [by one vote—Ed.]. The rest is history and we now have two trade shows to support. That’s it for now. See you in Vegas, baby. 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 him to address in a future column? Email him at Auto.Insurance.Insider@gmail.com.
www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 13
Shop Showcase with Erica Schroeder
Erica Schroeder is assistant editor at Autobody News in Carlsbad, CA. She loves to talk with owners about their shops and goings on in their areas. Contact her at eschroeder@autobodynews.com, or 800-699-8251
GW & SON Auto Body—Blending Yesterday’s Service with Today’s Technology
GW&SON Auto Body in Oklahoma City, OK, was established in 1985 by Gary Wano and his son Gary Wano, Jr. Gary Senior had 17 years experience managing a local dealership post his tenure as an automotive painter. With plenty of practical knowledge Gary felt it was time for him to open his own shop with his son.
Since the shop’s inception they have grown to 6 times the size of their original facility, with a 27,000 squarefoot production floor. The shop now has 26 employees, including two of
Gary Jr’s siblings, and a nephew. Gary Wano Jr, has also been afforded the opportunity to become nationally involved. He is currently holding and has held industry leadership positions such as a past chair of SCRS the nation’s largest association solely focused on collision repairer needs, the CEICA Repair Advisory Panel, I-Car
ISAC, Co-Chaired CIC’s Anti-fraud Committee and is currently a voice for the repairer in CIC’s Insurer/Repairer Relations Committee and the Repair Standards Committee. Oddly enough,
14 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
it was through this national involvement that spawned the business model that by choice limits GW&SON’s
data, says Gary Jr, GW&SON’s VP and operation manager. Gary Senior still works within the production of
Seated (l to r): Leona Wano and Gary Wano Sr. Kneeling (l to r): Chad Mason, Tammy Tomberlin, Weldon Gerdner, Kristi Wano, Ashley Ewing, (Buddy the dog), Terry Quinalty. Standing (l to r): Johnny Ellenburg, Andrea Jerman, James Coker, Inna Hadgisava, Clinton Carter, Derrick Cubie, Josh Johnson, Gary Wano Jr, Joseph Devine, David Rinehart, Weston Gardner, Tony Scarlett, Les VanVoast, Larry Van Voast
DRP relationship’s with only one insurer. The industry is constantly changing, repairers of today need the access to industry trends and all over
the shop, offering valuable insight to the production floor manager; with a business model centered on commuSee GW&SON, Page 18
www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 15
Industry Insight
John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has a body shop in the family and has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988. He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.
SCRS Affiliate Groups Help Members Address Legislative and Regulatory Issues with John Yoswick
State and regional associations—that together represent more than 2,000 body shops—participated in the sixth annual “Affiliate Leadership Conference” organized by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and held near Chicago in mid-September. SCRS Chairman Aaron Clark said the event is designed to help the national association gather input from its state affiliates on its direction and efforts, as well as to help those groups work with one another and with the national organization. The affiliate groups reported on their recent and upcoming legislative efforts, their interactions with shop and insurer regulators, and other activities and issues in which they have recently been involved. In Montana this past spring, for example, Governor Brian Schweitzer signed into law a bill, sponsored by the Montana Collision Repair Specialists, that prohibits a insurer from “unilaterally disregard(ing) a repair operation or cost identified by an estimating system” that the insurer and shop have agreed to use to determine the cost of repair. Bruce Halcro, a Montana shop owner and president of the association, said getting the state auto dealers’ association involved in backing the legislation was part of what helped push it through the legislature, where it narrowly failed just two years earlier. Bruce Halcro The Montana association this year had also backed a bill that would have allowed body shops and others – rather than only consumers—to file complaints with the state insurance commissioner’s office. That bill was overwhelmingly approved 97-3 by the Montana House, but died in a Senate committee. Jordan Hendler, executive director of the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA), said that this was the second year the association battled efforts in Virginia to raise the threshold of damage requiring a flood-damaged vehicle to receive a branded title from $1,000 to
$5,000. Proponents—including a state legislator whose vehicle was totaled after the sunroof of his vehicle was left open in a rains t o r m — a rg u e d that the threshold had been set decades ago, and was unrealistic Jordan Hendler given inflation and the increased value of vehicles. Hendler said her group tried to point out that today’s vehicles have far more electronics than cars had decades ago, and that no consumer should unknowingly buy a vehicle that has had thousands of dollars in water damage. In the end, she said, the threshold was raised to $2,500. Hendler said the association is also working with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality on a possible shop registration program that could prohibit the large-quantity sale of automotive paint to anyone other than registered shops. A sales tax issue has recently arisen in Indiana, according to Tony Passwater, executive director of the Indiana Auto Body Association. A shop in that state contacted the association after a sales tax audit resulted in a $13,000 assessment plus penalties for failure to collect and remit sales tax on items such as sandpaper and tape consumed in the repair of vehicles. Passwater said the auditor relied on a document that refers only to dealers of new cars and trailers. “There’s no possible way you would infer it had anything to do with a collision repair facility,” Passwater said. “The very last section says a dealer must pay sales tax on shop rags and towels and consumables that are not billed to the customer.” He said he is discussing the matter with the state revenue department in a effort to clarify and resolve the issue. Ron Stamm of the Automotive Service Council of Kentucky said his group expects to make a third attempt next year to push for consumer notification legislation in that state. The association-backed bill, which has narrowly missed making it through
16 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
the legislative process this year and last, would require insurers to include notification of a consumer’s right to select a repair shop on the bottom of printed estimates, and to tell the consumer of that right prior to explaining any direct repair program. The Texas Senate this past March approved a bill to establish an advisory board of shop, insurer, and public representatives to provide recommendations on the regulation of auto insurance in that state, But the bill never gained traction in the Texas James Brown House, according to James Brown of the Houston Auto Body Association. Likewise the Senate passed (but the House did not) a bill that would have required insurance companies to
provide written notice to both shops and consumers explaining how their payment policies and claims procedures differ between direct repair facilities and non-direct repair facilities. The bill also would have required insurers to provide to shops, upon request, a written explanation of the requirements to become a DRP facility with that insurer. It also would have made county mutual insurers— which account for about 45 percent of the Texas market—subject to state anti-steering and consumer choice laws (from which they remain exempt). More recently and even closer to home for the Houston association, Brown said his group is opposing (in its current form) new shop and auto recycler licensing requirements being considered by the Houston City Council. The proposal sets out See SCRS, Page 20
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chines, a CarTronics Electric Measuring system, three (3) Celette FixtureStyle Frame Benches—required for the shop’s Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, nity involvement and technical trainVolvo, and Corvette Z06 certified staing more than relying on a lot of DRP tus and several different auto make relationships to bring in customers. specific vera-spot welding units. “Our OEM Certifications have beGW&SON believes that investing come a great niche for us,” said Wano the training in their staff is worth the reJr. GW&SON is the only Jaguar, turn on investment in the confidence of Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Corvette the production team following set ZO6 certified repair facility in the state. SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures) which drives consistency and quality. “It {training} can get costly, but in the essence of developing production staff carrier paths the investment is nominal,” said Wano Jr. Wano Jr. said the OEM training can cost the shop anywhere from $2,000 to GLK 350 Mercedes-Benz, loaded on one of the Celette $3,000 per day, with payroll, frame benches travel expense, course fee’s “We’re equipped and trained to and lost production to send their techrepair specific high end cars,” said nicians, but that it is definitely worth it Wano Jr. He also feels that this high in the end. level of certification reassures their GW&SON cross-trains several customers driving domestic models staff members in different OEM repair their cars will be repaired accurately technologies, but Wano Jr. said that as well. they usually invest this training into GW&SON places a lot of em- employees that have some history phasis on having everything needed within the operation; it’s “too costly to technically—from access to repair train technicians for our competition.” data to the proper equipment—to ac- If an employee exhibits commitment curately repair all vehicles. to GW&SON they will definitely get On the shop floor GW&SON has the opportunity to attend some OEM 5 Car-O-Liner Mark VI frame ma- training. Continued from Page 14
GW&SON
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NWLCRA
breakage strength. Now the windshield is strong, but collision repair technicians need to make sure it stays in place during a collision. If the windshield pops out during a collision, the people in the car will become more severely injured. Keeping the windshield in place allows the air bags to work more effectively and keeps the occupants in the car. Keeping windshields in place began by using gaskets, but that era has come and gone in automobiles, said Mathis. It went from gaskets to Butyl and now to an adhesive that when fully cured has a rate of 800 to 1500 PSI depending on the adhesive used. Mathis also had videos showing how Sika used “unbelted” crash dummies during their sled crash tests and they are the only company that tests their products belted and un-
belted to see the action of the crash dummy and what happens during the collision with each method. Attendees were amazed to see how keeping the windshield in place during a collision allowed other safety features to work better. Mathis said that Sika is always working on ways to improve adhesives. Currently, Sika is developing new technologies and adhesives. Different ways to cure these new high strength adhesives for many customer designs are being explored, from curing with UV light to sound frequency. Mathis also discussed other changes coming to automotive glass like built in camera displays, and window tinting. Camera displays in mirrors and other glass required certain procedures and products for removing and replacing glass that has some type of electronic component to prevent corrosion. If the procedures and products are not used or not used correctly, See NWLCRA, Page 32
18 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
The shop also relies on PPG Envirobase paint combined with proper training and two Col-Met spray booths to ensure perfect paint matches on all repairs.
The “Heavy Hit- Production Floor”
GW&SON has also built lasting relationships with a lot of their customers over the 26 years of servicing the Oklahoma City/Edmond markets thanks to their integrity and old-fashioned style serviceability. “Our repeat client base has grown too include the grandchildren of past customers now coming in to get their cars repaired,” said Wano Jr. GW&SON’s personal service with each of their customers is what keeps repeat customers coming in again and again, according to Wano Jr. “Our motto—balancing yester-
day’s service with today’s technology—that’s really what we do,” said Wano Jr. Wano Jr. said that our operation develops personal relationships with their customers and that helps them become a part of normal contact for the customer when it comes to collision repair. GW&SON also participates in the local community to help deepen their relationships with their customers. According to Wano Jr. the shop donates to local athletic clubs and is active in their local Chamber of Commerce and local American Indian Chamber of Commerce. Wano Jr. and his family are also very active in their church. “Blast emails and discounted services will never take the place of a customer base that knows and trusts you,” said Wano Jr. For more information please visit www.gwandson.com. GW&SON Auto Body Inc. 13417 N. Santa Fe Oklahoma City, OK 73113 (405) 751-1446
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SCRS
new disclosure and documentation requirements, and establishes an 11member “automotive board” appointed by the mayor (and not necessarily including a collision repair shop representative). While the proposal includes no minimum requirements for equipment or training, it has detailed rules regarding fencing around the business property, and makes it unlawful for “grass or vegetation to grow to a height of more than nine inches above the ground.” Continued from Front Page
Caliber
said Grimshaw. “Our move to Lewisville provides us with an opportunity to consolidate much of our management which is currently spread across a number of locations in California and Texas,” said Grimshaw. Grimshaw also said the relocation does not indicate any change in the company’s approach to current or future markets. “Our first priority is to ensure we have sufficient coverage in our existing markets for our clients and customers. We also look to seek new geographic growth opportunities in states contiguous to California and Texas, such as Nevada and Arizona, and finally other markets based on our client’s needs.” The planned move is aimed at supporting the company’s general focus on growth; Grimshaw said, “As we continue our strategic growth plans over the next five years, the move will allow us to consolidate the back end operations more efficiently with future large acquisitions.” Grimshaw said that almost all employees currently working at the Irvine, CA headquarters were offered
Brown said there is a lot to like in the 28-page proposal, and he applauds the council’s effort to deal with the businesses—including shops connected with towing storage lots—that “hold vehicles hostage” and charge exorbitant fees to release a vehicle that a consumer wishes to move to another repair facility. But, he said, some of the mandates—such as requiring customer signature on any supplement over $100, and storing (at customer request) old parts for up to three days to return to the customer—are just too cumbersome. His group is also concerned that the proposal essentially gives insurers, as the “authorized
their same positions in the new Texas location, and any associates that are not moving are still working with Caliber to ensure a smooth transition. The MSO, operator of several collision repair facilities in California and Texas, also announced on October 5 it has signed an agreement to acquire 911 Collision Centers; confirming suspicions of the merger within the industry. Recognized as one of the premier collision repair companies in the southwest, 911 Collision Centers has seven locations including four locaMichael Quinn tions in Tucson, Arizona, one location in Scottsdale, Arizona and two locations in Las Vegas, Nevada. Steve Grimshaw, Caliber Collision Centers’ Chief Executive Officer announced, “Our acquisition of 911 Collision Centers sets a new cornerstone in Caliber’s continued expansion plans. After spending time with 911’s management team, it quickly became apparent that 911 Collision Centers provides Caliber with the perfect opportunity to enter the Arizona and Nevada markets behind a well-es-
NABC Nominees for 2012 Board of Directors Announced The National Auto Body Council (NABC) hasclosed nominations for the seven 2012 board positions coming open at the end of this year’s term. The candidates are listed in their order of nomination: Keith Bell, Akzo Nobel; Stacy Bartnik, CARSTAR; Kenneth Seavey, Hertz First Edition; Mike Jordan, Manchester Collision; Karen Fierst; Fred Iantorno; Jon Faris, Enterprise Car Rental; Kristen Felder, Colli-
sion Hub; Elizabeth Stein, Fix Auto; David Niestroy, 3D Body Works; Richard Perry, Chief Auto Technologies; Mark Lovell, Precision Collision. Based on NABC bylaws, an official ballot will be sent to all NABC members for their consideration. The actual election will take place at the NABC annual meeting in the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas on November 1 at 12:30 p.m. concurrent with the SEMA Show.
20 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
agent” of the consumer, the same rights as the owner of the vehicle. In an unrelated effort, Brown said the Houston association recently had a shop labor rate survey conducted by an independent third-party. Shops are being urged to notify state insurance regulators if an insurer is unwilling to pay the shop’s posted labor rate by taking a photo of the posted rate and emailing it along with the estimate at the lower rate (with customer and claim information omitted) to the Texas Department of Insurance. “Right now they’re just collecting those and we’re laying the groundwork,” Brown said. In addition to discussing ways to
tablished, high quality brand.” “Partnering with Caliber Collision Centers will allow us to grow exponentially over the foreseeable future while sharing corporate best practices and operational efficiencies across the Arizona, Nevada, Texas and California markets” said Michael Quinn, Chief Executive Officer of 911 Collision Centers. This is Caliber Collision Centers first expansion into locations outside
address issues that many of the state groups are facing, the affiliates also discussed some of the issues SCRS is pursuing, including a survey to insurers about their policies on parts usage, and interaction with the Environmental Protection Agency regarding interpretation and enforcement of its new refinishing regulation.
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.
California and Texas and increases the company’s total number of locations from 84 to 91. Caliber Collision Centers is now one of the largest collision repair companies in America with 91 I-CAR Gold Class Professional certified collision repair centers throughout California, Nevada, Arizona and Texas. For more information about Caliber Collision Centers please see www.calibercollision.com.
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Make us your one-stop shop today! www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 21
Social Media for Shops
Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.
How to Use 5 Forms of Social Media to Pack the House with Ed Attanasio
I mentioned social media to a body shop owner recently and, to say the least, it wasn’t received enthusiastically. There seems to be a very small group in the collision industry that values social media and this guy was not one of them. “Why would I put my shop on Facebook?” he said. “I don’t have a lot of customers who are teenage girls!” I told this gentleman that Facebook and most other forms of social media aren’t being used exclusively by teenage girls. Facebook’s 800 million members aren’t all teenagers, and they certainly aren’t all girls. Last month’s NACE meeting featured a keynote speaker, Chris Brogan, who’s a social media guru accustomed to talking to large automotive groups like those attending NACE/CARS, and the GM Dealers of Canada, for example.
What’s going on here? Why would some shops and associations spend valuable time instructing on social media while others can’t run away from it fast enough? David Moore, the owner of CollisionBuilder.com, a company that designs web sites and develops social media plans for body shops and related businesses, has seen a recent spike in body shops getting involved in several forms of social media. “It’s unavoidable,” Moore explained. “Three or five years ago, having a company web site was enough, but now your shop’s customers are using more and more social media. It’s not just for students or people in their 20s anymore. Corporate types, senior citizens, your employees and your competitors are using it and in many cases, several times daily. To keep in touch with your clients on a regular basis and attract new ones, more and
more body shops are gravitating toward sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and even Youtube, with solid results.” One of the first early adopters of social media in the collision industry was Wren’s Body Shop in Douglasville, Georgia, a company that repairs 160 cars monthly, employs 20 people and does approximately $3 million in annual sales. Owner James Wren jumped into the social media game with both feet several years ago and it’s paid off for him in a big way. “I know for a fact we’ve received a good amount of business through our involvement in Facebook and LinkedIn,” Wren said. “Sometimes we get several new customers every month and the social media keeps us in touch with our past customers. We’re still doing the other forms of advertising, but now we’re focusing
more on social media. All it costs us is our time, so it makes a lot more sense. Facebook has been great for us getting new business. LinkedIn has been booming for us more recently and we’re definitely interested in using Youtube to get exposure for a video we produced.” Facebook and LinkedIn are ideal vehicles for body shops or professional organizations, such as the California Autobody Association, to keep its members informed are in the loop about news and events. Rather than getting an avalanche of e-mails from you, people interested in your business can check in for updates along the way. It’s not as disruptive as email because you don’t have to worry about spam. When your neighbors and peers see your social media, it adds immediate value to your message, and the interaction among the group can rapidly build.
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The first thing you need to do in order to start a social media plan, (in my opinion), is to create a Facebook page. Then, invite friends to your page and spread the word. Get your employees, customers and vendors who use Facebook to invite their friends as well. This will enable you to contact anywhere from hundreds to thousands of people just be tapping into your employees’ friends’ lists. For a direct approach, it’s very easy to find specific people by searching for them on Facebook and sending them a message through the link that’s under their profile picture. What types of information should you post about your shop? Well, pretty much anything and everything to create ongoing online conversations among your friends. Did you recently repair a rare or classic vehicle? Did some of your techs win an award for their job performance or recently complete some I-CAR courses? Does your painter have an amazing hot wings recipe (forward it to me, please)? These are the types of things that will keep your circle of friends engaged and continually checking out your social media. Make it fun and readable
and people will come back again and again. The process with LinkedIn is basically the same, but focusing more on your professional contacts. With any form of social media, setting it up is a big step, but administrating and maintaining it is also crucial. Too many shops start doing it because their competitor down the street is doing it, but eventually they let their social media sit dormant. People think “If I build it, they will come” but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Ideally, you should have a person dedicated to keep the dialog flowing and your social media up-to-date, with at 2-3 new posts monthly. The advantage of Twitter is that anyone out there in cyberland can find your shop. I suggest putting the name of your city in your Twitter address (like @joesbodyshopsanjose) so that people can find you searching that way. Hopefully, if you’ve been tweeting for sometime already, you already have a considerable Twitter community assembled, but if not you can rapidly build one by letting all of your current and former customers, vendors and associates about your new Twitter
account, by sending notifications to everyone on your e-mail list. Blogspot.com (others are blogger.com, wordpress.com, tumblr.com) is an easy site to use for setting up and maintaining a blog for your shop. Blogs are stronger than ever before and they provide advantages over web sites, because they can easily be updated on a regular basis. Think of a newsletter concentrating on your shop. Blog readers will anticipate and expect fresh information. Give customers helpful tips; talk about your paint, parts and equipment vendors (they appreciate it) and continually sell your brand. It’s fairly easy to publish a blog and by leveraging it and linking it to your main web site, you’ll get major mileage out of it. To learn a lot quickly about blogging, there are a ton of books and online tutorials. But, trust me—blogs are easy to create. If you know how to attach a photo or cut and paste text, you’re already there. Finally, Youtube can help you to attract people to your company. Shoot some video of the shop, interviewing your managers or your techs and counter people. You can even interview your vendors and/or customers,
but get them to sign releases first. And then post the videos on Youtube, linking them to your social media, including your blog and your web site. One suggestion is make your videos less than two minutes in length, because studies show that people have very short attention spans and won’t sit through anything longer. A step beyond a blog would be a more dedicated phone app which provides a service but also helps customers find your shop such as those created by shops like Nigro’s in Philadelphia. See last month’s Autobody News or go online to check this out. Hopefully we’ve outlined some basic forms of social media for you to use to promote your business, attract new customers, strengthen your relationships with your existing customers and make money. All it takes is time, a rudimentary knowledge of software and the willingness to induct yourself into the new age of customer-focused advertising.
www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 23
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+ 24 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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The Honda and Acura Dealers Listed Here are HO N D A TEX A S
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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 25
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
www.autobodynews.com
GM Introduces Industry-First Front Center Airbag Autobody News
General Motors announced the industry’s first-ever front center air bag on September 29. The airbag is an inflatable restraint designed to help protect drivers and front passengers in farside impact crashes where the affected occupant is on the opposite, non-struck side of the vehicle. The front center air bag will be introduced on the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Traverse midsize crossovers in the 2013 model year. This new safety feature will be standard on Acadia and Traverse with power seats and all Enclaves. The front center air bag deploys from the right side of the driver’s seat and positions itself between the front row seats near the center of the vehicle. This tethered, tubular air bag is designed to provide restraint during passenger-side crashes when the driver is the only front occupant, and also acts as an energy absorbing cushion between driver and front passenger in both driver- and passenger-side crashes. The air bag also is expected to provide benefit in rollovers.
TEXAS • OKLAHOMA • LOUISIANA • NEW MEXICO
GM analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System database, found that far-side impact crashes, which the front center airbag primarily addresses, accounted for 11 percent of the belted front occupant fatalities in non-
GM’s industry-first front center airbag will deploy from the right side of the driver’s seat and protects the driver in side crashes
rollover impacts between 2004 and 2009 involving 1999 model year or newer vehicles. These far-side fatalities, where the occupant is on the nonstruck side of the vehicle, also represent 29 percent of all the belted
AM Tow Package Wiring Harnesses for Hyundai/Kia Recalled
Curt Manufacturing is recalling about 2,400 tow package wiring harnesses because moisture can seep into the converter module and defeat the internal circuit protection, according to reports made by Consumer Reports. This could potentially cause the module to overheat, leading to a fire hazard. Sold as an aftermarket product (not through Hyundai), the tow package wiring harnesses connect tow vehicle lighting circuits to trailer lighting circuits for 2009 through 2011 Hyundai Veracruz and Kia Sorento vehicles. The affected units that are not water tight, will have part number 56024. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Curt Manufacturing has also identified a similar problem with the tow harnesses designed for 2009 to
2011 model year Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs. NHTSA and Curt have expanded the recall to include these models, part number 55538, believed to be installed in approximately 2,254 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles. The safety recall to notify owners begins this month, and the tow package wiring harness will be replaced for free. Veracruz and Sorento owners who are uncertain the brand of tow gear on their vehicle should check, as it is possible that many consumers did not register their purchase and therefore would be difficult for Curt Manufacturing to reach. For more information, consumers can call Curt Manufacturing at 715-831-8713, or contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 888-327-4236, or visit Safercar.gov.
26 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
front occupant fatalities in side impacts. “The front center air bag is not required by federal regulation, and no other air bag in passenger vehicles today offers the type of restraint and cushioning this air bag is designed to provide for front occupants,” said Scott Thomas, senior staff engineer in GM’s advanced restraint systems. The front center air bag is expected to add to the vehicles’ record of third-party crash test performance. The 2012 model year editions of these midsize crossovers have received five-star Overall and Side Crash safety ratings from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program, and 2011 Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “The front center airbag has real potential to save lives in side crashes,” said Adrian Lund, president of the insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “GM and Takata are to be commended for taking the lead in this important area.”
November 2011 GM and technology supplier Takata developed the front center air bag over the course of three years, testing many design iterations to achieve packaging, cushioning, and restraint for a variety of crashes and occupant positions. Numerous elements of the air bag’s jointly patented cushion design address the restraint’s unique performance characteristics while considering a range of occupant sizes. “While no restraint technology can address all body regions or all potential injuries, the front center air bag is designed to work with the other air bags and safety belts in the vehicles to collectively deliver an even more comprehensive occupant restraint system,” said Gay Kent, GM executive director of Vehicle Safety and Crashworthiness. “This technology is a further demonstration of GM’s above-and-beyond commitment to provide continuous occupant protection before, during and after a crash.” More information can be found at www.gm.com.
2011-2012 Chevrolet Corvettes Recalled for Rear Hatch Hinges The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a recall for 2011 and 2012 model year Chevrolet Corvettes, according to reports made by Consumer Reports.
The sport coupes have rear hatches that can separate during a collision and cause further injuries. According to NHTSA, the problem stems from faulty hinges, which may not be able to bear the weight of the sport car’s rear hatch.
These rear hatch hinges, which fail to meet federal safety standards, may have been installed in about 5,755 Chevy Corvettes from January to September of this year. General Motors is currently working to identify which Corvettes are involved in this latest recall. The company will contact owners affected by this recall to bring their cars to local dealerships where mechanics will replace both rear hatch hinges free of charge. For more information, consumers can contact Chevrolet (800630-2438) or NHTSA (toll-free: 888-327-4236) or visit the Safer Car website: www.SaferCar.gov.
Gonzo’s Toolbox
This is a new story by Scott “Gonzo” Weaver as posted on his website, www.gonzostoolbox.com. Gonzo has been serving the Tulsa area at Superior Auto Electric for over 27 years. 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.
Dealing with Angry Customers and Growing ‘Alligator Skin’ with Gonzo Weaver
If there is one thing I find hard to deal with in this topsy turvy world of the auto repair business is the way some people will react when they are at the repair shop. It’s the way they conduct themselves at the shop when it comes time to get their car repaired. Over the years I’ve been praised, and degraded. I’ve been called a saint and I’ve been called the devil (or worse). I’ve heard the shouting and the stuff I probably wasn’t suppose to hear (walls don’t always block sound you know). After awhile you’ve heard it all before, and the attitudes that you see at the front desk become a part of the daily grind. Coping with all this is what I call; “growing alligator skin”. I try not to take things so personal, I’ll let the alligator skin handle it, and then take off my protective coat before I get back home to the wife and kids. What gives with the need for such a thing as “alligator skin”? I be-
lieve there a several factors inherent to the automotive industry that brings on this crocodile coat of protection. Mistrust of the automotive repair world in general is what I believe is the number one factor; but what brings on that mistrust? Is it the incompetent mechanic? I doubt that is always the case. Is it the money out of their pockets which they were not expecting when they drove down the road to the repair shop? I believe it’s more in the hands of the unknowing consumer who reads and watches too many evening news reports on the unscrupulous business practices of the few out there that really are rip offs and not the normal operations of countless decent shops in this country. If you tie that into the other part of the equation it starts to make some sense. What is that other part? The customer, their car, and what they do or don’t do with their family transportation.
As I try to tell my customers; “Maintenance on a new car doesn’t do much to the value of the car or its current condition. It’s when it’s older and the miles are creeping up that all the previous maintenance pays off”. The inevitable degrading condition of the car doesn’t happen all at once, it takes time and miles for that to happen. And, sometimes some old failures will cause new failures to occur. “General Maintenance” isn’t a guy in the Army reserves, it’s something we all need to do. It is almost always overlooked, and a lot of times we will avoid or put it off, until it’s too late. That’s when the raised voices or mistrust starts at the service counter and that alligator skin becomes a necessity again. Of course, there are always those TV scammers that will try to tell you they have the latest greatest product to aide in the diagnosing of your vehicle. Let’s not forget about the inter-
net and the “wonderful” sources of information out there that the customer will no doubt inform you about when they show up with a complaint. I’m sure there are doctors, lawyers, and many other professional trades that know who’s the best and the worst in their field. We sometimes hear about those on the evening news, just not as often as the car repair business seems to be focused on. But cars are needed by everyone, no matter what the condition. Think about it, you may not need a lawyer tomorrow morning to get to work, but I’ll bet you’ll need your car. Educating the customer should start from the time they sign on the dotted line and purchase their vehicle. No recourse is given to educate the new owner on what needs to be done in the future with their new found horsepower. It’s up to the owner to deal with the maintenance issues and any repairs See Alligator Skin, Page 28
www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 27
MSOs Share Insights During First-time Symposium at 2011 NACE by John Yoswick
More than 400 shops were represented on a panel discussion at this year’s 2011 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) – but only four chairs were needed on the stage. That’s because the four speakers were representatives of some of the largest multiple shop operations (MSOs) in the industry, which combined have more than 7,200 employees and annual sales topping $1.26 million.Ca The four were speaking at a new forum held for the first time at this year’s NACE in Orland, Fla., a daylong session aimed at (and open to) only MSOs. Much of the content of the panel discussions during the symposium, however, could have been equally of value to the single-location shop owner who wants to expand his or her business. During the “Lessons Learned From the Big Four” panel discussion, for example, Cathy Bonner, the president of the 47-shop Service King Continued from Page 27
Alligator Skin
that come up. I personally have never bought a car and had the salesman walk over to me and mention, “Now you know, you’ll need to set some money aside for general maintenance and the usual break downs.” Without the needed “know-how” the car is left to its own demise and the maintenance is left for another day. So, once you add up all these factors there is only one thing that is going to happen at the repair shop— a disgruntled owner with an issue about their car. Now we are back to the original problem, how do you deal with all of this? Start with a bit of Alligator skin, be prepared for the customer to tell you their life story about their car. They’re going to tell you what they think no matter what you say or do. Let them get it out and keep your alligator skin intact. Stay calm, but professional. Most of the time, if you explain the diagnostic procedures and the results of the repair in terms that they can understand. Things will go a lot smoother. Sometimes I might have to go through it a few times but it’s worth the effort. So the key to this whole ordeal is to do a good job, be prepared to back up
chain in Texas, was asked what role social media plays in her company’s extensive marketing efforts. Bonner said she thinks it’s a stretch to think that people want to “socialize” with a collision repair shop, and that measuring return on an investment in social media is difficult given how infrequently the average driver needs a shop’s services. Still, she said, Facebook and Twitter are reasonable inexpensive ways to help build a brand and name awareness by helping promote, for example, Service King’s charitable efforts. Social media are how a growing percentage of the population may find your shop and understand your reputation, she said. “People want to do business not just with good-performing companies, but with companies they like,” Bonner said. “They want an emotional attachment to that company. Social media can help you develop that.” The panel was asked what, other than improved pricing, they expect from their vendors as they have grown as buyers. Rollie Benjamin, CEO of
what you do with an explanation that can be understand by the typical driver. As long as you do that you can keep your wits about you and you won’t lose too much skin for your efforts. Keep in mind; it can be a little rough around the water’s edge. You may have to stand your ground and make your point known. Keep it as calm as possible and explain as best as possible. These issues usually don’t apply to the person who keeps up with their maintenance schedules or comes in on a regular basis. They understand the need and respect the work you do. It’s the ones that only show up when their car has reached the water’s edge and can’t go an inch further without falling into the crocodile infested water. They will stammer around trying to find a way to get their car repaired without stepping off into the deep end and risk losing money, time, and their temper. We’ve all been there, and we can all understand the problems involved. Let’s not forget that explaining things can only go so far. You don’t want to have to resort to their tactics, that’s not good business. But, remember one thing, the customer is still dealing with an alligator, and they can bite back if they’re not careful.
28 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
the 110-shop ABRA Auto Body & Glass chain, said his company focuses more on service than price when working with vendors. In terms of parts, for example, ABRA looks for vendors that can do more to help with cycle time by getting the right part to the shop at the right time. “We survey our people to score the vendors on what level of customer satisfaction they giving our managers running these shops,” Benjamin said. “We give a report card to the vendors.” Steve Grimshaw, CEO of the Caliber Collision Center chain, which operates 92 shops in four states, he considers what aspects of business that vendors excel in – and then looks for ways to put that expertise to work for Caliber. “Rental car companies are experts at customer service,” Grimshaw said. “I expect them to leverage that expertise to help me train my people how to be customer service experts. You have paint vendors who are experts on lean processes; I expect them to dedicate resources to help improve
our operations. There’s generally a lot of willingness on their behalf to dedicate resources to help us achieve our objectives. So it becomes more of a strategic relationship than a vendor relationship.” What are the MSOs looking for in terms of expanding into new markets or acquiring other collision repair businesses? Benjamin said his company operates company-owned shops in currently six major metropolitan areas, but 35 of its shops are franchise operations in mid-sized cities. Bonner said her company’s model is to operate large shops in high-visibility locations. The average Service King location, for example, has 13 direct repair programs – nearly twice that of most other MSOs – and does $5.4 million in annual sales. A good candidate for Service King acquisition, she said, may be familyowned like Service King, will have a similar culture, and will have room to perhaps double its sales from $250,000 to $500,000 a month. She said that although all of the See MSO Insights, Page 41
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On Creative Marketing
Tom Franklin has been a sales and marketing consultant for fifty years. He has written numerous books and provides marketing solutions and services for many businesses. He can be reached at (323) 871-6862 or at tbfranklin@aol.com. See Tom’s columns at www.autobodynews.com under Columnists > Franklin
Choosing a More Profitable Market with Thomas Franklin
These days going to the movie theater can be very expensive. Theater owners have come to realize that former patrons now get their films online from services like Netflix. To compensate for the loss of these customers, they have begun to add luxury amenities like select seating and personalized service in the auditorium. And of course the price of a ticket has skyrocketed, in my area to around $14.00 for a ticket. Sadly, in this economy, lower-income car owners have also migrated to cheaper paint and body providers. Shops like “One Day Paint and Body” are getting much of the business that quality shops used to get to keep their technicians busy and keep paint purchase volume up. It may be time for shop owners to take a hint from theater owners and more thoroughly focus on higher income prospective customers. Many shops already do aim their marketing at higher end European vehicles like BMWs and Mercedes, but the range of vehicle choices has also increased greatly. The Korean automakers have begun to claim a larger share of the market. Like theater owners, a shop owner has to ask, “What special amenities will get all better quality car-buyers to choose my shop over any other?” Many shops have already focused on pampering their customers. They go beyond proving a rental car to taking the rental car to the customer and having a lock box for keys so the customer can drop off the rental car at the shop after hours. A shop may also
choose to cover the difference in cost for a luxury rental vehicle. A luxury lounge with big TV, WIFI, computer games for kids and up-scale refreshments are already commonplace. Many shops offer a car wash and interior clean. For higher end customers, shops may even include exterior and interior detail. But who pays for all of these amenities when insurance companies are working to reduce what they will pay for? Like theater owners who raise the price of tickets, astute shop owners are realizing the need to offer more selfpay options even for insurance pay jobs. Unlike theater owners, they can’t ask for $5.00 for a box of popcorn or a cold drink. More ingenuity is called for. Time is a major concern for many vehicle owners, so one new specialty called “Cosmetic Car Repair” includes an in-house bumper repair kit that can sometimes enable the shop to turn out a bumper repair in just a few hours. This eliminates outsourcing costs and also delivers the rapid repair the customer wants. Another aspect of the same system is a more sophisticated version of paintless dent repair. Once again, speed of repair is the special value. Although cosmetic car repair is a specific system, other cosmetic improvements may be desired. Many shops have a contract with a vehicle graphics provider who will do pin striping, clear car bras and more. Another dimension of the luxury theater game is a focus on providing select films specifically chosen for an
audience with those preferences. Invitation-only showings have already begun. If a shop has managed to capture sufficient information about customers, it may be in a position to do invitation-only showings. For example, as baby-boomers age, there are more handicapped drivers. A showing of power lifts, power running boards and special driver’s seat modifications could bring in previous customers who were, or have become, handicapped. Prior customers whose children are reaching driving age may respond to an invitation to see black-box driving controls and speed governor systems. Parents of younger children are more concerned with child car seats. These must be placed properly to provide maximum protection. Manufacturers of products like these may be willing to send a representative to the shop to do an invitation-only demonstration for customers with small chil-
dren. More than a million pets are killed every year in vehicle accidents. Pet restraints and other controls are not only another add-on a shop can offer pet owner customers, but if a shop has collected customer information about pets, an invitation-only presentation of pet control products is possible. As a shop gets more involved in providing a few luxury accessories, significant opportunities open up to go beyond repairs and become an information provider. Like the child car manufacturers or distributors, these accessory providers have a wealth of representatives eager to go out to generate business for their companies. All you, as the shop owner, have to do is send out the invitations and provide the space and perhaps a few refreshments. In a sense, you become the new theater owner in a business once limited to collision repair.
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Florida and Michigan AAA Clubs Join Forces, Now 2nd Largest Two AAA clubs have combined operations to become the second largest AAA club in North America. AAA Auto Club South, based in Tampa, Fla., affiliated and combined with The Auto Club Group based in Dearborn, Mich., effective Oct. 1. The new enterprise, known as The Auto Club Group, now serves members and customers across 11 states and two U.S. territories. They are: Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The group also serves most of Illinois, Minnesota and Tennessee, as well as a portion of Indiana.
The new organization provides membership, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 8.4 million members through about 300 office locations. It is maintaining corporate headquarters in both Dearborn and Tampa. Robert Sharp, chair of the former Auto Club South board, is now chairman of the board of The Auto Club Group. Charles Podowski continues as CEO, and John Tomlin, former Auto Club South CEO, is chief operating officer. The Auto Club Group will provide access to a broader array of insurance products and services in the former Auto Club South region.
30 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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Parts Profiles
Larry Williams is an innovative parts manager with national awards and over 30 years of experience in creating and managing profitable departments. He can be reached for consultation at ljoew2@gmail.com. To read all his columns go to http://www.autobodynews.com/columnists/williams-larry.html
A Profile of the Evolving Collision Repair Marketplace with Larry Williams
The newest member of the Autobody News Distinctive Dealerships Group is Audi-Mission Viejo in Southern California. A relatively new dealer, only seven years old, Audi-Mission Viejo has managed to thrive by always putting quality first. Quality is in all areas of the parts department. Justin Stinnett is a parts director who knows how to make quality pay off. Justin began only two years ago, with a bloated inventory and untrained personnel. He needed
all of his twenty years experience to change that. Since then, there has been a steady rise to the top and is one of the best Audi parts departments in the region. His secret has been to insist on quality. Quality means the newest and best available technology for his deContinued from Page 18
NWLCRA
the adhesive will not bond properly or could cause corrosion that would disable many of these new electronic features. In future, the tinting of windows will be done by the car occupant by dialing up or down the tint themselves; the Chevrolet Volt will be coming out with this feature. When you turn the car off, the windows automatically black out to reduce the heat build up inside the car. Mathis said we can expect to see some type of this tinting in 2012. Some manufacturers are also going to offer different colors in this tinting method. This type of tinting was invented in 1974 and used in industrial equipment in 1976. Glass roofs are also becoming popular. One reason is because the
partment, and the best employees he can find. Justin’s investments in technology include state-of-the-art inventory control, and a simple and easy internet order system. Audimv.com is a good example of how to set up a simple online parts link. A well organized department holds over a half-million dollar inventory, and a modern communications system completes the basics. Justin has four quality countermen, led by Armando with twenty years experience, then Henry and Robin with eight years, and Mario with six. A bilingual crew works well in the southern California market, language issues are no problem. This team works together with common goals, to keep their department the best in the region. Their efforts have been rewarded, their wholesale business has tripled! Customer service is the standard here, promises are kept, and orders are always completely filled. Such serv-
more glass you have on the car, the bigger the car feels inside. For glass roofs versus metal, the biggest difference is hail damage. Hail will most always dent metal, but rarely breaks glass. When the glass is broken, it is easier to replace broken glass than repair dented roof panels. Mathis finished his presentation by stating adhesives are priced based on strengths. He said that no one should be installing glass using butyl tape and that Sika Corporation doesn’t even sell any butyl tape. For more information, he directed the group to look at www.safewindshield.com. That site is dedicated to providing information about proper auto glass replacements and is owned and managed by AGRSS, Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards Council, a non-for-profit corporation. For more information please visit www.nwlcra.org.
32 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
ice creates the friendships and loyalty so necessary to success in these times. Justin sees himself as a businessman, instead of a parts man, and regards the changes he has made as investments, not expenses. He believes “You get what you pay for. And if you have great people, you will achieve great results.” Results, for a dealer, equal profits. This parts department creates profit, which is exactly my philosophy. With proper management, the parts department will be a dealership’s best investment, not its worst. Again, no dealership can succeed without support. Audi is a company that wants to have the best parts delivery system possible. They have instituted a “local parts council,” which meets quarterly, to communicate with dealers and ensure a smooth flow of parts to all of their customers. Audi recognizes Justin’s hard work, and has chosen him for membership in their
council. When important visitors arrive from Germany, Audi-Mission Viejo’s parts department is on their tour, as an example of growth, organization, and cleanliness. An aside to all body shops in the Mission Viejo area… Should you need any parts for an Audi, call AudiMission Viejo. You are guaranteed to get great service, and I am proud to include them in my list of Distinctive Dealerships. In other areas, I’d also like to recommend Audi of Downtown LA in Los Angeles and Circle Audi in Long Beach. To see all of Larry Williams’ articles go to autobodynews.com and select Williams under the Columnists menu. See also Larry’s popular series of Parts for Profit articles in his column section. You can also link directly at: www.autobodynews.com/ columnists/williams-larry.html
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This article first appeared in the I-CAR Advantage Online, which is published and distributed free of charge. I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is a not-for-profit international training organization that researches and develops quality technical education programs related to collision repair. To learn more about I-CAR, and to subscribe to the free publication, visit http://www.i-car.com.
I-CAR Tech
I-CAR Repairability Summit: Don’t Section Ultra-High-Strength Steel Unless specifically recommended by the vehicle maker, parts with a tensile strength over 600 MPa should only be replaced at factory seams. This is just
Knowledge Gap To prepare what information would be discussed at the summit, I-CAR conducted a survey of technicians in the field, asking what kind of information they would like to see from ICAR in a future course on the subject of advanced construction. The survey revealed a lack of information among technicians actually making the repairs, and a definite need for a course addressing the subject.
Figure 1 - Industry experts discuss steel identification
one of the “best practices” identified Summit Discussions at a Repairability Summit hosted by IThe agenda for the summit was laid CAR earlier this year. Summit atten- out like a repair plan. After the disdees consisted of subject matter cussion on steel strength identificaexperts from vehicle makers, tool and tion, the group discussed best equipment makers, collision repair fapractices for anchoring and pulling cilities, insurance companies, and the and different removal methods. The American Iron and Steel Institute. created heat-affect zone from heating The primary intention of the and removal methods was a major dissummit was to identify best practices cussion point (see Figure 2). for working with ultra-high-strength A discussion on attachment steels (UHSS) and the new construc- methods focused on GMA (MIG) tion methods found on late model welding heat-effect on UHSS, the vehicles. In February 2012, I-CAR changes in spot weld machine setwill premiere its Best Practices for tings, and how destructive testing of High-Strength Steel Repairs (SPS09) course, highlighting issues covered during the Summit and other best practices. While vehicle maker recommendations should be followed first and foremost, these best practices can be leveraged where none exist. For example, while there’s a lot more information on steel Figure 2 - Industry experts discuss anchoring and structural straightening of UHSS strengths in the vehicle service information with each new model spot welds differs on UHSS panels year, sometimes the information is not compared to HSS or mild steel. there. Summit attendees discussed Somewhat new attachment various tests the technician can permethods like MIG brazing and selfform in the repair facility that help piercing rivet bonding were disidentify if the steel is mild, HSS, or cussed, including the applications UHSS (see Figure 1). where they are recommended and
Want to Contribute to this Southwest Edition?
write us! publisher@autobodynews.com
34 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
possible future uses (see Figure 3). To facilitate the conversation, I-CAR brought in two vehicles with similar side damage. The vehicles were of the same make and model,
Figure 3 - Industry experts discuss MIG brazing applications
and even though separated by only one model year, the later model contained significantly more UHSS compared to the previous model. The two vehicles were used to identify the necessary changes in re-
pairs due to more use of UHSS.
Summary It became clear during the recent ICAR Repairability Summit that vehicles cannot be repaired using the same repair methods that were acceptable just a few years ago. Industry experts that attended the Summit addressed these issues and agreed on a list of best practices that can be used when vehicle maker repair information does not exist. The list will be available in the Best Practices For High-Strength Steel Repairs (SPS09) course premiering in February 2012. Watch a video describing some of the highlights on the Best Practices For High-Strength Steel Repairs (SPS09) course at www.i-car.com.
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tion, followed with a Service Operations Update and a Mopar Parts Update by Jim Sassorossi, Director, Mopar Field Service & Parts, concluded the morning. The afternoon sessions included Mopar Brand Vision by Trish Hecker, Director Mopar Marketing, and Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence by Jeff Noel from (L to R): Chris Lashley and Clint Edwards (Tom Edwards, (L to R): Rolf Assmuth (V.P. Mopar Technical Service OpInc.); Doug Stubblefield (Vero Beach CJD); Lumena Litts the Disney Institute. erations), Mike Mahalak (VP/GM, Winter Haven DCJ) (Vero Beach DCJ); and Bill Brobst (DCJ of Winterhaven) The second day of the and Frank Lasater (Service & Parts Operations Manager, Chrysler’s Southeast & Southwest conference provided Southeast Business Center). Service & Parts Business Conference over twenty Service, was held at the Disney Contemporary Parts and Dealer Principal dealer principals and managers in atResort in Orlando from October 12 break-out sessions for the at- tendance than any previous conferthrough 14. More than 375 dealers, ence. tendees to choose from. This parts managers, and service managers There was also a Vendor Expo year's conference offered enrolled in the conference; representmore flexible and diverse ed- Thursday night with over 100 vendors ing over 240 of the highest volume ucation sessions as a result of participating. dealerships in the country. The conference wrapped up on attendee feedback from the The 3-day conference provided previous years. This allowed Friday with various presentations by numerous educational sessions speattendees to better adapt their industry experts and closing remarks cific to dealer principals, service mansessions to their individual from Frank Lasater, SEBC Service The Vendor Expo was well provided by over 100 exhibitors needs, resulting in more agers and parts managers as well as a & Parts Manager. vendor expo. This is the third year that the show has combined representatives from their southwest and southeast regions into one show—previously each region had separate shows. The first day of the conference was kicked-off by Frank Lasater, SEBC Service and Parts Manager, and Bill Harry, SWBC Service and Parts Manager. Rolf Assmuth, V.P. Technical Service Opera-
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Continued from Front Page
Foose Brings It
sign vehicles:
1957 Mercedes 300SL “Gullwing” Built on behalf of BASF Corporation the Gullwing was delivered to the Foose Design shop in Huntington Beach, California. This pristine German wonder car is going through a subtle, but significant customization process. Most noticeable, the front and rear bumpers were removed and stored, being replaced by newly custom fabricated units which have been artfully re-designed into slimmer and more elegant versions. The new bumpers fit neatly up against the body for a seamless integrated look. A slight modification to the signature rear bulge above the rear wheel house brings it in line with the front wheel house bulge. Minor modification to the grille and grille shell will still focus on the elegant opening of the stock version. The nose emblem has been removed along with the rear markers with all bodywork being smoothed. New side trim, hand
crafted from brass stock has been machined, milled, filed and polished before the final chrome plating. New headlight bezels have been machined out of billet aluminum and carefully
Stock ‘57 M-B Gullwing, wait till you see the Foose custom version
fit to the front fenders, which were massaged for a seamless blend of fender to chrome ring. New headlights are being installed for a clean European look. A two tone paint job featuring BASF Waterborne material will combine an upper charcoal silver and a lower bright silver separated by an interior matching red accent line. The
Visit Us at: SEMA Booth 11068
36 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
separation line is still in the design phase as I want to focus on the elegant body lines of this classic vehicle. We will be installing a custom made set of springs to bring to Gullwing to just the right ride height. A custom set of Foose Wheels shod in Pirelli P Zero Nero tires will finish off the design. If you plan on attending SEMA, make sure to drop by the BASF Booth were we will unveil and feature the BASF Foose Gullwing Project. SEMA Cares WD40 Feature Vehicle I can’t tell you much about this car, because it will be a complete surprise and will be unveiled to a live audience at SEMA. For the past couple of years, WD40 Corporation has sponsored the design, fabrication and auction of a vehicle on behalf of SEMA Cars; the Children’s Charity and the Richard Petty supported Victory Junction Camp. Previous vehicles have included a Camaro, and a Mustang, so it’s your guess what this year’s vehicle will be! All I can say is that it will be awesome and All American Muscle!! I am designing the
paint scheme and coordinating the efforts on the build which is scheduled to include a full Hotchkis Suspension, Street Scene body modifications, Magnacharger, Pirelli Tires, MHT/Foose Wheels, MagnaFlow Exhaust, Katzkin Leather Interior, and of course BASF Paint. Make sure to stop by the WD40 Booth for the unveiling of this car and stay tuned to the Barrett Jackson Auction in January, Pebble Beach, Florida as this cool car goes across the blocks for the benefit of Children’s Charities. I am thrilled to be involved in such a important project with great partners. 1932 MUROC Roadster “Magnatude” Based on a design I developed some
years back for Jerry Kugel, ten fenderless, and ten fendered versions of
this basic design were produced. The elegant roadster body was my design and hand-formed by Marcel De Lay. The result is a custom body that is longer, lower and sleeker than a stock ’32 Ford, but one that retains the all of the character of that iconic roadster. When Jerry and Maureen Magnuson of Magnusun Supercharger
fame purchased theirs, they asked if I would be interested in working with them. When finished mechanically, essentially a blank canvas, it was turned over to us at Foose Design for the all-important paint, interior design and the Foose one-off signature billet wheels. We selected a two-tone BASF Waterborne butterscotch pearl paint with champagne metallic over-
tones. The buckskin tone leather interior was fabricated by Jim Griffin Upholstery and provides the perfect contrast to the paint. The subtle but artful details such as the hand-form moldings around the Carson top and body, a Duval-style split windshield and the copious amounts of plated and polished components set this ’32 Ford roadster apart from all others. It features an LS-1 Chevy with an intercooled Magnacharger (not surprising, being that Jerry Magnuson is the owner and CEO of Magnuson Products!) Magnitude runs on custom one-off Foose Design wheels 17×7 in front and 20×10 in back and huge Pirelli Scorpion P-Zero tires all around. Many of the mechanical systems were designed and fabricated by Jerry Magnuson at his supercharger company, Magna Charger that builds superchargers for cars and trucks like Corvettes, Camaros, Hemi Challengers and Hemi Rams. Magnuson’s early background included working on Dan Gurney’s Eagle Indy cars, so his ability to design, fabricate and in-
tegrate mechanical systems is second nature. Unique items like the remote actuated hideaway headlights give the Magnatude sleekness and function. The innovative air inlet scoop feeds the Magna Charger supercharged engine that is monitored by a custom billet dashboard. All were engineered and fabricated at Magna Charger. We finished it at Foose Design and debuted it at SEMA 2009. After SEMA, the Magnatude toured the country hitting the Good Guys car show circuit where it won every competion it entered and garnered the Street Rod d’Elegance Crown at the Goodguys Del Mar Nationals. Jerry Magnuson and his wife Maureen accepted a challenge from the editors of HOT ROD magazine who dared them to drive the Magnatude on the 2010 Hot Rod Power Tour, a 1370-mile cruise that encompassed eight days and seven
impromptu car shows. The Magnatude, fresh off the California indoor show circuit, made the trip without incident. HOT ROD readers were thrilled to see this Foose creation in person. After the Power Tour, the Magnatude was taken to the Good Guys event in Columbus, Ohio where it was critically judged and won the prestigious Good Guys Street Rod of the Year. I am proud of our work at Foose combined with the great skills of Magnuson, and especially with how well it performed on Power Tour. Hopefully the above details on the above will whet your appetite for more and you will join us at SEMA 2011. It’s bound to be another standout year. If you make it, stop by the Foose Booth out in the front and say hello. See you at SEMA 2011!!
Give us your opinion on matters affecting the industry.
write us! publisher@autobodynews.com
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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 37
Shop Showcase
Chasidy Rae Sisk is a freelance technical writer from Wilmington, Delaware, who writes on a variety of fields and subjects, and grew up in a family of NASCAR fans. She can be contacted at crsisk@chasidyraesisk.com.
West Coast Collision’s Waterborne Exclusivity with Chasidy Rae Sisk
West Coast Collision in Cape Coral, FL focuses on customer service by making customers feel at home and answering all questions, but they also focus on preserving the environment through their environmentally friendly
habits. They were the first, and to their knowledge, they are still the only shop in Southwest Florida to only offer waterborne paints exclusively, emphasizing the importance they place on lowering harmful emissions and going green.
West Coast Collision was originally founded in 1981 by Kevin Eck, but current owners, Chuck and Brenda Romano, purchased the business in 2008. Chuck Romano had previously run a shop in the Philadelphia area for twenty-five years, and when the opportunity to buy the West Coast Collision name arose in 1998, he jumped at the chance since it had a very similar history to his previous business which he had sold to a consolidator in 1997. After acquiring the new business, the Romanos relocated to a more convenient location two blocks away and invested nearly $1,000,000 in new equipment, remodeling and renovations. They fully computerized the office, adding CCC One as a management system, and they created an internet presence through social networking, creating a logo and creating a brand tag line, Cape Coral’s Leading Collision
Repair Center. Their website informs customers “At West Coast Collision, we want you to know that your car is as important to us as it is to you. We treat every car as if it were our own”.
WCC’s paint booth
Additionally, the Romanos converted exclusively to waterborne paints in order to reduce hazardous wastes by 96%. According to Chuck Romano, “we were the very first shop
in Southwest Florida to use Sherwin Williams Waterborne exclusively with no other paint line as an option… Since being the first shop to use waterborne and using a new Garmat 3000 with Accela cure system, there have been many, many phone calls as to how we like the product and our input into the production aspect of the product. There have been a number of shops that have added waterborne; however, I believe that we are still the only one that is exclusively waterborne”. In addition to utilizing waterborne paints, the shop also contributes to the current green efforts by using an ultra-efficient air compressor and aluminum air lines. They have also installed high output lighting to reduce the amount of energy they use, and all recyclable
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materials are recycled, helping West Coast Collision to reduce their carbon footprint and protect the environment. According to their website, “the trend in the marketplace is definitely moving toward greener, environmentally friendly products and methods of doing business. Here at West Coast Collision, we are doing our part to help preserve the environment. We are doing this before it becomes mandatory by law here in Florida as it is now in California and Canada”. West Coast Collision receives a fairly equal quantity of older and recent model vehicles, but they have not have any serious matching problems as they have been able to handle any issue that arose by blending. This is important to Chuck Romano who feels that the industry has recently trended toward a requirement for more efficiency with no tolerance for error. Chuck believes that the future of the industry lies in collision centers becoming more like claims processing centers as collision front offices are beginning to work more closely with the insurance direct repair programs and dealing directly with customers. This is important as both insur-
ance companies and customers are becoming more demanding. “We see that the evolution and expense of the automobile has created a customer that is more aware and wants to know more about how the vehicle is repaired so as to retain its value at trade-in time. They are very fearful of CARFAX reports! Also, we
WCC’s paint mixing area
see insurance partners wanting more detail and photo documentation in how a claim is handled for their files and future reference, with an increasing amount of forms that need to be detailed and signed”, Chuck told me. The Romanos are proud of their curb appeal, location and profession-
alism, listing these as reasons for their success. “My wife, Brenda, and I just love the business. We created a type of Feng-Shui atmosphere here in our offices that instantly makes people feel relaxed and at east. It’s actually a real pleasure to come here to work”. They plan to continue growing and refining their business through the use of Defined Measurable Improvement (DMI). West Coast Collision is also involved with the community through the local Chamber of Commerce and supporting the local Police departments. They have also donated to local sports teams, Jr JC’s and Toys for Tots. They even donated funds to the roadway improvement in front of the shop to build a landscaped center island. The shop encompasses 7,100 square feet and is staffed by nine employees. Of the nine employees that work at West Coast Collision, three are body professionals, two are painters and one focuses on parts while the remaining three employees are office personnel. The shop repairs
approximately fifty-five vehicles per month. In addition to collision repair services, the shop offers towing, frame straightening, paintless dent repair, detailing, scratch removal and end of lease repairs and clean-up. West Coast Collision is stocked with standard body equipment, as well as ProSpot Welders, Garmat 3000 with accelacure for water, Garmat Prep stations, a Chief Impulse EVHT frame rack and New International flat bed. They also use a Genesis computer measuring system and CCC One management and estimating system. Technicians are I-Car certified. The shop is AMI and AAM Manager certified, and they participate in direct repair programs with State Farm, Allstate and California Casualty. West Coast Collision 901 Country Club Blvd. Cape Coral, FL 33990 239-574-1505 www.westcoastcollision.net
See these Hyundai dealers below for all your collision parts needs! TEXAS
Allen Samuels Hyundai
Gene Messer Hyundai
Automax Hyundai
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
LUBB OCK
800-888-2079 817-589-7882 Fax
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Mon-Fri 7am - 7pm Sat 7am - 4pm sgressley@asag.net
Mon-Fri 7am - 7pm Sat 8am - 6pm csides@genemesser.com www.genemesserhyundai.com
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James Wood Hyundai
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800-856-2212 281-955-2311 Fax
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800-627-0705 918-622-2843 Fax
Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm hyundaiparts@jameswood.com
Mon-Sat 7am - 6pm hyundaiparts@doncarlton.com www.doncarlton.com
Van Hyundai CARROLLTON
972-512-4200 972-512-4202 Fax Mon-Fri 7am - 7pm Sat 8am - 3pm ktaylor@vtaig.com www.vanhyundai.com www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 39
I-CAR is returning to the SEMA Show in 2011 with I-CAR training available to attendees each day of the Show. The Repairer Driven Education series developed by SCRS is over 300% larger than the debut year. Following are the highlighted training sessions being offered. Nearly every collision repair related group is meeting at SEMA: CIC, I-CAR, SCRS, NABC, The OEM Collision Repair Roundtable, AASP, and the Collision Industry Foundation, have all planned meetings and functions at the show.
November 1
Tuesday / 8am
Title: I-CAR: Plastic and Composite Repair (PLA03) / Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, N231-242
Title: I-CAR: Exterior Panel Damage Analysis (DAM10) / Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, N231-242
Tuesday / 12:30pm
Title: Having Your Cake and Eating it Too: Marketing Practices /
Title: Load Leveling – The Hidden Enabler for Shop Performance
Title: Understanding Design Based Repairs
Tuesday / 3pm
Title: Economic Pricing Considerations for the Collision Industry in 2012
Title: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know - How New Auto Regulations Impact the Body Shop Title: SCRS Repairer Driven Education: Leading for Performance & Profitability
November 2 Wednesday / 8am
Title: I-CAR: Restraint Systems Damage Analysis (DAM11) / Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, N231-242
Title: I-CAR: Corrosion Protection (CPS01) / Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, N231-242
Wednesday / 12:30pm
Title: Educate NOT Alienate: The Key to Successful Collision Negotiations (Part I) Title: How to Capture More Cars, Customers and Revenues Through Digital Marketing
Title: Lean 3.0 = A Practical Path to Using Lean to Improve Process Flow
Wednesday / 3pm
Title: Educate NOT Alienate: The Key to
WANT EVERY JOB TO BE A BANG-UP JOB?
Successful Collision Negotiations (Part II)
New Metals and their Reactions / Where: LVCC
Title: Design Thinking for the Collision Repairer
Title: Contracts: Terms and Ties that Bind / Where: LVCC
Title: Getting Ready for the Water Wave
Thursday / 5:30pm
Title: Mission: Control – Flawless Execution in Business Combat / Where: LVCC
November 3 Thursday / 8am
Title: I-CAR: Steel Unitized Structures Technologies and Repair (SPS07) / Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, N231-242
November 4
Thursday / 12:30pm
Title: I-CAR: Recycled Parts for Collision Repair (RCY01) / Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, N231-242
Friday / 8am
Title: I-CAR: Advance Material Damage Analysis (DAM08) / Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, N231-242
Title: I-CAR: Unitized Structures and Full-Frame Damage Analysis (DAM12) / Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, N231-242 Title: Estimology and P-Page Logic 101
Friday / 12:30pm
Title: A New Legal Era in the Collision Industry: The wins, the losses and a view of the future
Title: SCRS Repairer Driven Education: Using the DEG to Make Dollars and Sense of the Estimating Systems / Where: LVCC
Title: Achieving Service Excellence (Part I) / Where: LVCC
Title: SCRS Repairer Driven Education: Exposed and Vulnerable: Learn How to Cover Yourself / Where: LVCC
Thursday / 3pm
Title: Achieving Service Excellence (Part II) / Where: LVCC
Title: SCRS Repairer Driven Education: Dealing with Resistance to Change / Where: LVCC
Title: Right and Wrong Ways to Repair
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Continued from Page 28
MSO Insights
17 shops Service King has added this year have been in Texas, the company is interested in expanding into other states. “My father used to tell me you can plan your work, but don’t plan on it working out,” Bonner added as a caveat. “It is important to plan, but in terms of growth and decisions about acquisitions, you have to have adaptability as well.” Grimshaw said reputation within a market is critical when considering businesses to acquire. “If you think you’re going to buy a (shop) that wasn’t performing well and that when you put your name on the sign, all will be forgiven, that’s being a bit naïve,” Grimshaw said. “It takes a long time and you have to mend a lot of fences to reestablish a reputation.” The panel was asked to comment on a proposition, espoused by an insurer in the United Kingdom, that business often “trip over themselves” trying to exceed customer expecta-
tions when they would be better off just ensuring they consistently meet those expectations every time. Brock Bulbuck, CEO of The Boyd Group, a Canadian-based firm that also operates 128 shops in the United States (many under the True2Form and Gerber tradenames) said the problem with that concept is that customer expectations keep rising. “If you don’t strive to wow and exceed and set the bar as high as you can, I think you run the risk of establishing a culture in your organization where just doing your job is good enough,” Bulbuck said. “I don’t think that’s conducive to create promoters (among customers) and growing your business.” Grimshaw, too, said exceeding expectations is the key to differentiating your business from the competition. But Bonner said there is some logic in what the U.K. insurer was espousing. “I think in collision repair, the primary customer is insurance, and if you don’t exceed their expectations, you will not be rewarded with
growth,” she said. “The secondary customer is the traditional retail customer. I think it’s true that you don’t have to exceed their expectations; you just have to satisfy them. That’s what we’re rewarded on by the primary customer, the insurance companies, whether we have satisfied those customers and given them great service.” As the panel discussion ended, Bulbuck said he’s interested in seeing other MSOs succeed because it demonstrates the success of the business model overall. “I truly believe the success of everyone in this room is dependent upon the collective success of the MSO sector,” Bulbuck said. “So my advice is a bit self-serving: Never put your business at risk, never bet the farm, either operationally or financially.” The MSO symposium was a new event at what was the first NACE held outside of Las Vegas in seven years. NACE organizers said the return to what will likely be a 3-city rotation (Orlando, New Orleans and Las Vegas) appears to have paid off; reported attendance at this year’s event (more than 18,000 people) was up 15
percent over 2010. About 40 percent of those who pre-registered indicated they were first-time attendees. Next year’s event will be held October 10-13 in New Orleans, and organizers say the success of this year’s MSO symposium will result in a similar session being held next year. While it will continue to be open only to MSOs, organizers point out that NACE includes nearly 90 other training sessions that have no such restriction on attendance.
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.
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www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 41
Virginia Branded Title for Water Damage Settles at $2500
Jordan Hendler, executive director of the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association, said a Virginia state legislator whose vehicle was totaled after the sunroof of his vehicle was left open in a rainstorm was a proponent this year of legislation to raise the threshold of damage requiring a flooddamaged vehicle to receive a branded title from $1,000 to $5,000. Advocates for increasing the bar said that the fourdecade-old limit was unfair, especially because of inflation and rising sticker prices. They argued that the higher level would help consumers at resale as well as used-car dealers that don't want a vehicle branded because of $1,000 of damage to a luxury car's sunroof or leather seats. Hendler said WMABA tried to point out that today's vehicles have far more electronics than cars had decades ago, and that no consumer should unknowingly buy a vehicle that has had thousands of dollars in water damage. The threshold was raised to $2,500, down from the $3500 proposed. The Virginia water damage threshold had been unchanged since 1966. Only Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Hawaii set thresholds—all at $1,000—on water damage allowed before a vehicle's title is branded.
IRS Offers Employers Tax Relief if Workers Reclassified
The IRS has launched a new program that will enable many employers to resolve past worker classification issues and achieve certainty under the tax law at a low cost by voluntarily reclassifying their workers. The new program will allow employers to get into compliance by making a minimal payment covering past payroll tax obligations rather than waiting for an IRS audit. The IRS says under the Voluntary Worker Classification Settlement Program companies will owe about 1 percent of wages paid to reclassified workers in the past year, with no interest or penalties due. The program is part of a larger “Fresh Start” initiative at the IRS to help taxpayers and businesses address their tax responsibilities. The program will allow businesses that have been improperly labeling their employees as independent contractors to reclassify workers and make only a small payment to cover past payroll taxes. To be eligible, a company must have consistently treated the workers as non-employees; have filed required 1099 tax forms for the past 3 years; and not be under a worker classification audit. Part of the program will be increased vigilance about misclassification of workers in the future.
Mitchell Partners with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Integrates with Update Promise.com to Deliver Services via RepairCenter™ Mitchell has announced a partnership with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Under the terms of the agreement, Mitchell will directly integrate Enterprise Rent-A-Car services into both its auto repair management software and insurance claims management software solutions, RepairCenter™ and WorkCenter™, by automating and simplifying the end-to-end vehicle rental workflow for insurance carriers. Planned for early 2012, the integration simplifies the rental process by eliminating manual updates and “middleman” communication between the insurer, body shop, rental agency and consumer. When a repair is delayed, an automatic notification can be sent from RepairCenter’s shop management system directly to WorkCenter insurance users or to the Enterprise representative to let them know they need to perform a rental task. Representatives and claims handlers will be able to send rental requests, extend rentals and receive rental updates. Paul Rosenstein, Mitchell’s Vice President of Claims Solutions, said “Partnerships with respected industry leaders like Enterprise Rent-ACar are a part of our commitment to simplify and optimize complex claims
and business environments, ultimately creating an exceptional customer experience at every stage of the claims process.” Dave Smith, Vice President Strategic Solutions Sales, for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, said, “This is a significant opportunity for insurers to speed up automotive claims processing and increase customer satisfaction. In addition, direct integration of Enterprise Rent-A-Car into Mitchell’s solutions empowers small insurers to gain access to rental integration without having to build it themselves.” Separately, Mitchell has also teamed with UpdatePromise.com™ to enhance its RepairCenter™ auto repair shop software with proactive repair status updates. UpdatePromise is a Web-based service provider that delivers automated repair status updates to collision customers via text message and e-mail. This allows body shop users to manage delivery date promises, repair status updates, and customer responses from within the RepairCenter body shop software workspace. The widespread use of text messaging gives auto repair shops an improved option to communicate and connect with their customers in a consistent, proactive way.
42 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
California Man Guilty of Selling Counterfeit ALLDATA Products
On June 28, 2011 the ALLDATA AntiPiracy team in conjunction with the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force concluded a six-month investigation into illegally copied ALLDATA products being sold out of Northern California. The subject of this investigation was publicly advertising the pirated software in his efforts to distribute it. Undercover officers conversed with the target who agreed to provide the illegal product in exchange for cash. After the actions of the suspect placed him in violation of California law, he was taken into custody. The subject is being charged with felony counts of Possession/Sale of Counterfeit Articles in reference to penal code 350(A)(2) which states that the offense involves 1,000 or more articles. On July 27, 2011 the subject pleaded guilty to felony charges in Superior Criminal Court. ALLDATA has a team that actively investigates the illegal copying, sale and distribution of its products and works with law enforcement throughout the country to prosecute persons who sell ALLDATA products illegally. The Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force includes 32 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
DuPont Exhibit at SEMA Show Live Paint Demonstrations
DuPont Custom Finishes (DuPont) will participate at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nov. 1–4. DuPont Custom Finishes, exhibiting in booth #22789 in Hot Rod Alley, Central Hall, will feature DuPont™ Cromax® Pro, Chroma Premier® and Hot Hues™ custom paint products. Industry airbrush and pinstripe artists will be showcasing their skills with live demonstrations in the booth using DuPont™ Cromax® Pro waterborne products. Vehicles on display in the booth will include a 2012 DuPont Calendar winning ’61 Chevy Impala, owned by Tim Brown of Jacksonville, Fla.; a ’71 Challenger owned by Bob and Karon Zeitler and painted by John Riehn of John's Autobody and Paint. Imperial, Mo.; and a ‘50 Fleetline built by Tim Strange, owner of Strange Motion Rod & Custom Construction and host of PowerBlock TV series “Search & Restore.” Strange will make appearances to sign autographs in the booth 10 am–12 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 2 and 1–3 pm on Thursday, Nov. 3. More information about DuPont Cromax® Pro Waterborne, Hot Hues custom finishes or ChromaPremier® paint products is available at www.pc.dupont .com or phone 1-800-GET-DUPONT.
Paint Management with Stefan Gesterkamp
Stefan Gesterkamp is a Master Craftsman and BASF representative who has been in the automotive paint industry for 27 years. He started his career in a custom shop before turning to collision repair. Stefan graduated from the University of Coatings and Colorants in Germany and is the author of “How to Paint Your Show Car.”
Taking a Fresh Look at an Old Debate—Color Matching, Blending, or Both? As a paint manufacturer’s rep, there is ply slaps the food on your plate, withnot a single month that goes by with- out creating a pleasant arrangement, out being put in the middle of colli- the food will still tastes the same. Chances are the customer will not sion repairers and insurers; expected to chime in on a dispute about what is consider this a satisfying experience, with Gonzo Weaver necessary for a proper repair. In the or be a repeat customer at this establishment. Just like the owner of a July 2010 edition of Autobody News, I wrote an article on the debate about restaurant, collision repairers and insurers want the same thing to maintain Color Match, Blending or both and no matter how many industry experts a successful business. We need happy since then have expressed a similar vehicle owners that give us high CSI point of view—this debate never ratings and long-term customer retenwith Richard Arnold tion. Blending is for collision repairseems to loose momentum. While arguing my point a month ers and insurance companies, what ago, I realized that we could end this arranging the food is to the restaurant debate once and for all. For a moment, business. It is a must have in today’s let’s assume that in 2011, all parties business world. So let’s assume we all agree on involved in collision repair have come to the conclusion that blending is not the point of blending, where does this with Ed Attanasio leave the color match portion of the only an option, but a necessary and reestimate? During my last conversation quired part of a quality repair process. I like to compare this to the restaurant I had with an insurance representative, I noticed clearly why we go around in experience. If you go out for an excircles on this issue. It is the classical pensive dinner and the restaurant sim-
Gonzo’s Toolbox Jobber Journal
case of misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the term color match. When I asked what he felt constitutes color match, he explained to me, what we all know as the process of tinting the color. It is not overly surprising to me to find this to be the case with insurance adjusters. More often then not, they didn’t repair vehicles as a professional prior to their current position. It is nobody’s fault by the way, just a matter of fact. What I found more disturbing was the fact that some collision repairers felt similar when asked. Let’s take a close look at what the term color match really represents. It is a combination of a number of different tasks and operations that have to be accomplished to get to the stage of painting. This includes locating and verifying the paint code on the vehicle. If you repair a wide array of different makes and models, this can be a tricky task. Paint codes are located in every imaginable location on automobiles. They can be located anywhere in the engine department, door opening, glove department, the center council or hidden somewhere in the trunk. And let’s not forget some cars that have no code anywhere on the vehicle. After locating and verifying the code, the painter has to retrieve all available information the paint manu-
facturer’s computer system provides for the repair. In general, the color retrieval systems will display more then just one solution. The next step from there is checking variant decks for the available solutions, or spraying out samples for what was not available as a chip. Although paint companies try to supply paint samples for the most common variants on the market, it is impossible to have a chip for each and every one of them. Now and only now are we getting to the portion of the color matching process that is debatable. Is the best variant found good enough for a successful blend? Reality is that 90% of the color matching activity has to be accomplished simply to paint, blending or not. I am not an expert on estimating. I haven’t written one in 17 years. I am also not a data provider to this industry, but it became clear to me that we need to change the terminology. It requires separating and itemizing all activities currently bundled under the color match line item on an estimate. The vast majority of what is considered color matching can be compared to and should be handled like setup time for frame work. A repair operation on its own that should not be bundled with color tint time. It has to be done, should be itemized and needs to be paid for.
Car rental firm Hertz Global Holdings still wants to buy Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, despite missing a deadline to make a final offer, and is chasing antitrust approval for a takeover of its smaller rival, according to Reuters. On October 11, Dollar Thrifty said it failed by end-October 10 to flush out any final takeover bids that met antitrust concerns, and planned to go ahead as a stand-alone company. However, Dollar Thrifty, which has been at the center of an 18-month tug-of-war between Hertz and rival Avis Budget, said it would consider any changes to Hertz’s offer or any other offer that might be made.
One of Dollar Thrifty’s biggest shareholders said it was highly likely Hertz would win antitrust approval and would push to get a deal through early. The shareholder asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the issue. He noted that Avis, which dropped out of the bidding last month citing volatile debt markets and its recent $1 billion acquisition of its European arm, has the potential to return to the bidding fray in a few months when it has paid down its debt. Hertz was always seen as more likely to win regulatory clearance as it serves the high-end market, and is already in the process of selling its lowcost Advantage brand.
Shop and Product Showcase Shop Showcase with Erica Schroeder
Shop Snapshot with Erica Schroeder
Consumer Callout with Ed Attanasio
Custom Corner with Ed Attanasio
Company Connections with Chasidy Rae Sisk
Dollar Thrifty Halts Sale Process, Hertz Still Interested in Acquisition Despite Missed Deadline
Shop Strategies for Savings
www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 43
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
Hey Toby!
SEMA’s Repair Driven Education and Government Regulations with Toby Chess
SEMA is just around the corner and will also need to invest in training. Remany of you will be attending the trade pairing aluminum is not difficult, but there are a few techniques that need to show and SCRS repair-driven educabe learned to achieve a successful retion. I am teaching a class on how government regulations will impact the pair. You will also see smaller vehicollision industry right now, but for those who cannot attend, I am going to cles. With smaller cars, you will see an increase in the use of ultra high highlight my presentation here. McClune Let’s with David strength steels in cabin reinforcements look at the US Government CAFÉ (corporate average fuel economy) for passenger protection. Nearly all standards. By the year 2015, the CAFÉ manufacturers require full replacement standard for the industry (cars and of these reinforcements and that will lead to more total losses. Let’s look at trucks combined) is 31.6 MPG (35.7 for cars and 28.6 for trucks). How will Federal Motor Vehicle safety standard 216A. these standards affect body shops? FMVSS 216A deals with roof First, cars will need to get lighter and smaller. The use of aluminum will crush. The standard for 2009 was 2.5 times Gross Vehicle Weight. In other increase. You will see more hoods, deck lids, fenders and other body parts with John Yoswickwords, if a car weighs 2000 pounds, being made from aluminum. Many the roof would need to support 5000 aluminum hoods are double paneled lbs. The Insurance Institute for Highwith virtually no access to the back way Safety did not think the 2.5 standards were sufficient, so they set a side. Most shops today do not the castandard for 2009 at 3 times GVW and pability to repair this type of damage. 4 times GVW by 2012. To gain a 5 star What is needed is an aluminum stud rating, the vehicles manufacturers had gun. The unit pictured first comes with to increase the strength of the ‘B” pillar reinforcements. How does this increased strength affect the collision industry?
signed to transfer energy and deform. This energy will travel to the opposite side of the vehicle and, if not measured before an estimate is written, can lead to all kinds of problems. The “B” pillar on the opposite side of the car can move (side impact), but the floor may not and this can lead to all kinds of improper fit issues. You will need to look at measuring systems that can measure “A” and “B” pillars without placing a vehicle on a frame machine.
California Autobody Association
Year in Quotes
OEMs for their current data (most of the time they make it available free) or check out ALLDATA. It is another investment that any body shop will need make. The stronger reinforcements have also created a need for pre-measuring for damage analysis. Besides the roof crush, these super strong reinforcements are de-
Collision Repair Association of CA. with Richard Steffen
THESE DEALERS ARE GENUINE WHOLESALE PARTS SPECIALISTS.
Transition Planning
The first thing that comes to mind
with John Yoswickis the need for OEM data. You cannot
do structural repairs or structural parts replacement without it. For example, you can section a “B” pillar on (lower portion) on a Toyota Venza, but you will need to replace the entire reinthe stud gun and a number of hand forcement on a Toyota Camry. tools for repairing aluminum. The maThe following page was taken chine pictured second is just the stud from Toyota’s Technical Information gun with the puller. You will need to System or TIS for short. The sheet invest in hand tools because aluminum shows where to section and the type of with Hendricks tools can’t be used on Karyn steel compowelds that are needed for a quarter nents because of the likelihood of galpanel replacement. You can subscribe vanic corrosion. Dent Fix, Reliable to TIS or you can subscribe to ALLAutomotive Equipment and ProSpot DATA (they obtain the OEM data for are a few examples of companies that you). sell aluminum repair equipment. You While at SEMA, check with the
Shop Showcase
Shop Showcase
44 NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
with David M. Brown
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to invest in an inverter spot welder. Ultra High Strength steels are very sensitive to heat. MIG welding produces a large heat affected zone.
2000 degrees Fahrenheit and UHSS steel becomes mild steel at that temperature. It’s weaker and it loses all of its energy transfer properties. A spot weld, on the other hand, has a very small heat affected zone.
Inverter Spot welding machines have computers to reduce the heat affected zone on HSS and UHSS metals. Manufacturers of these smart machines include Car-O-Liner, Elektron, Wielander+Schill, Tecna, and CompuSpot. Besides being able to produce a smaller heat affected zone, compared with their predecessors, they are fully automatic and can keep records on the welds for each repair job. But don’t run out and buy one without doing your homework. First and foremost, you will need to check your electrical supply. These machines only work on 3-phase power. They also require large gauge wires (minimum of 4 gauge is recommended) due to the increase in
Heat Affected Zone
The weakest part of the weld is in the heat affected zone. The temperature when MIG welding can approach
Some of the manufactures that make this type of equipment are, Celette, Car-O-Liner, The Collision Equipment Group and Chief Automotive Equipment. You see all of these machines at SEMA. Still dealing with the stronger “B” pillars, you will need
Heat Affected Zone
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Trust your order to the collision parts specialists at these fine Dealers www.autobodynews.com | NOVEMBER 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 45
amps that is needed. Again, before you purchase one of these “bad boys,’ get the electrical needs and consult with a qualified electrician. One more item pertaining to side impact, is the side curtain. Side curtains will be mandatory on all vehicles sold in the United States by the year 2013. With more vehicles with side curtains, knee bolsters, and between seat air bags, the cost of repairs is
going to skyrocket and that will in turn lead to more total losses. Moreover, with a number of insurance companies not paying sublet markups (they are now calling them handling fees), you better start doing the work yourself. That translates into more training and equipment.
A scan tool will be needed to reset the codes on the SRS system. You need this tool to clear the codes on the
occupant classification system, when you R&I the front passenger seat. You will need this tool to reset the steeringangle sensor. Let’s review the SAS. The government has mandated all vehicles by the year 2012 have some sort of electronic stability system. Part of that system is the steering angle sensor. The steering angle sensor counts the steering-wheel revolutions accordingly. The overall steering wheel angle is thus made up of the current steering wheel angle together with the number of steering wheel rotations. If a correction is needed, the ABS is activated and/or the engine is retarded to slow the vehicle down to prevent skids and rollovers. Every time an alignment is needed, a complete 4 wheel alignment is done followed by a recalibration of the steering angle sensor. If this is not done, the ESC may not work properly or, even worse, not at all. Most systems will not show a fault code on the dash, therefore, a scan tool will be needed to reset the steering angle sensor. A couple of other governmental items that are on the horizon that you should be aware of are the new Freon refrigerant—HFO-1234yf and, of course, waterborne paints for those not yet mandated. HFO-1234 yf is a new type of Freon that is now being used in Europe. GM will be using it on their U.S. vehicles next year. This new Freon is much safer to the environment than 134A. You will have to invest in a new recovery system, leak detection equipment, and new manifolds. Many states have mandated the use of waterborne paints in areas of poor air quality. It is only a matter of
Allstate and Progressive Agree to Settle Patent Litigation
Allstate Insurance Co., Allstate Fire & Casualty Insurance Co. and Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. announced they reached a settlement agreement over litigation involving technology patents and questions of trademark infringement. In the suit, Progressive alleged that Allstate infringed on its usage-based car insurance and online insurance policy servicing technology. Progressive also alleged trademark infringement. The companies entered into a trademark co-existence agreement involving the Drive and DriveWise trademarks. They also cross-licensed certain patent rights with each other. “This was about protecting and leveraging Progressive’s investment of more than 15 years in usage-based in-
surance research, development, testing and piloting,” Chuck Jarrett, Progressive’s chief legal officer, said. “We have always said we are willing to license our intellectual property rights to others and that we will enforce those rights when necessary.” Allstate said: “Although confident in the merits of its case, Allstate is pleased to be able to leverage its patent portfolio in this settlement by providing a license to Progressive and to eliminate the distraction from this litigation.”
time before the paint companies will switch entirely to waterborne so, if you’re not already there, you better get on-board soon. You will have to retrain your paint staff and invest in new equipment. It is easier to do it now and not when it is mandated. Where are you going to get the money to pay for all of this equipment? It comes from profits and every time you give something away, you are making a lot less in profits. I
suggest that you visit the Society of Collision Repair Specialists web site (scrs.com). Scroll to the center of the page and click on the Guide to complete repair planning. There are over 800 not-included items on their estimating guide and by adding a few of these items to all your estimates; you can achieve some higher profits. The best part of all, it is free for everyone. Enjoy SEMA, I know I will.
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