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VOL. 34 ISSUE 3 MARCH 2016
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Consumer Watchdog: “Why Self-Driving Cars Fail” — Google Counters: “Danger is Drivers Taking Control” Consumer Watchdog has strongly endorsed the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ draft regulations for autonomous vehicles that require selfdriving robot cars have a licensed driver behind the wheel capable of taking control, and a working steering wheel, gas pedal and brake, however federal regulators appear to be much less conservative on the policy. See story this issue p. 4. “The need to require a licensed driver behind the wheel is obvious after a review of the results from seven companies that have been testing since September 2014: Robot cars are still not capable of dealing reliably with real-life situations,” said John
To read online: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/consumerwatchdogwhyselfdriving carsfail.pdf
Suspect Sought in Body Shop Owner’s Shooting
P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
3 about 7:10 p.m., police responded to an assault call in the 1700 block of W. 259th Street and found the victim lying in a driveway, suffering from a gunshot wound. Ricardo MaciasMendoza, who owned Guero’s Body
Shop and Paint in the 25900 block of S. Western Avenue, was shot near the business and died at a hospital, according to investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Harbor Division. His killer, who fled through an alley just west of the business, is described as an Hispanic man between 25 and 35 years old and 5 feet 9 to 5 feet 11 inches tall. He had a mustache, was wearing dark clothing, black boots and a dark baseball cap, and was driving a darkcolored 2009-14 Dodge Charger. Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity or whereabouts was asked to call Officer Reynoso or Detective Cortez at (310) 726-7884.
Change Service Requested
Homicide detectives released video footage on Jan. 25 in hopes of identifying the suspect who killed a Harbor City auto body shop owner. On Sept.
M. Simpson, Consumer Watchdog’s Privacy Project director. Under the autonomous car testing regulations, the companies were required to file “disengagement reports” explaining when a human test driver had to take control. The reports show that the cars are not always capable of “seeing” pedestrians and cyclists, traffic lights, low-hanging branches, or the proximity of parked cars, suggesting too great a risk of serious accidents involving pedestrians and other cars. The cars also are not capable of reacting to reckless behavior quickly enough to avoid the consequences, the reports showed. See Collision Course, Page 56
CDI Says Crash Parts Need Permanent Identification The CDI website includes the following statement:
Requirement for Permanent, Non-Removable Identification CCR Section 2695.8(g)(4) requires that”all original and non-original manufacture replacement crash parts, manufactured after the effective date of this subchapter, when supplied by repair shops shall carry sufficient permanent, non-removable identification so as to identify the manufacturer.” An insurer shall not require that a repair shop install non-original manufacture replacement crash parts, or limit payment to the cost of a non-original manufacture replacement crash part, unless those parts comply with section 2695.8(g)(4) and carry sufficient permanent, non-removable identification so as to identify the manufacturer. An insurer shall not limit payment to the cost of a non-original manufacture replacement crash part for any part that does not carry sufficient permanent, non-removable identification so as to identify the manufacturer. Use of Non-Original Equipment Manufacture Replacement Crash Parts
CCR Section 2695.8(g)(1) provides that no insurer shall require the use of nonoriginal equipment manufacture replacement crash parts in the repair of an automobile unless”the parts are at least equal to the original equipment manufacturer parts in terms of kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance” (emphasis added). CCR Section 2695.8(g)(3) requires that”insurers specifying the use of non-original equipment manufacturer replacement crash parts warrant that such parts are at least equal to the original equipment manufacturer parts in terms of kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance.” The required use, or payment of the cost, of a non-original equipment manufacturer replacement crash part that is not equal in terms of kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance as compared to the original equipment manufacturer replacement part may subject the insurer to further action by this Department. It has come to the Department’s attention that certain aftermarket bumper reinforcement bars may be significantly different in terms of like kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance as compared to the original equipment manufacturer See CDI Says, Page 49
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2 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Contents
COLUMNS Attanasio - Best Marketing Techniques to Recruit Top Employees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Attanasio - Iowa Shop Owner is 100 Percent All-in with Community Service . . . . . . . . . . 48 Attanasio - Say Hello to Our Little Friend—El Niño! Strongest One Yet Expected this Year . . . . . 62 Chess - Kool Tools from SEMA 2015 . . . . . . . 42 Luehr - Why Winners Win (Deliberate Practice) . 50 Phillips - Body Shop Owner & President of ABARI Shares Insight about Legislation the Association Helped Pass. . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Phillips - General Manager of Jost Garage in New Jersey Says Running a Successful Shop Requires Staying Up With Latest in Training & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Yoswick - Jeff Silver, GAO Report and NHTSA, Avery v State Farm, EPA at CIC. . . . . . . . . . 36 NATIONAL 2016 Midwest Auto Body Trade Show Breaks
Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Assistant Editor: Stacey Phillips Online Editor: Victoria Antonelli Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, David Brown, John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman, Bill Doyle, Norman Morano (800) 699-8251 Office Manager: Louise Tedesco Sales/Research Associate: Cass Heckel Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia
March 1 and run through next February. “At CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts, we are on the front lines of helping people improve their safety on the road,” said CARSTAR Flagstaff co-owner Jeff Stanley. “Through the NABC It Can Wait campaign, we can educate drivers about the dangers of texting and driving, and engage drivers, their families and friends in putting down the phone and focusing on the road.” In addition to Great Circle Media and Flagstaff Subaru, CARSTAR Flagstaff has enlisted the help of local police departments and high schools to help educate teens on the consequences of driving while distracted.
Abaris Training Resources, Inc. . . . .44 Alfred Matthews Buick-GMC-Cadillac .43 Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . .70 Automotive ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 AutoNation Chrysler-Jeep-DodgeRam of North Phoenix . . . . . . . . .16 Axalta Coating Systems . . . . . . . . . . .5 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . .69 Bob Smith BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Bob Smith MINI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 California Autobody Association . . . .8 Capitol Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Car-Part.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) . . . . . . . . . . .47 Chief Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Colortone Automotive Paints . . . . . .26 Completes Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Del Grande Dealer Group . . . . . .12-13 Dent Magic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Diamond Standard Parts . . . . . . . . .11 Downtown Motors of LA (Audi, VW, Porsche) . . . . . . . . . . .57 Earnhardt Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Eco Repair Systems of North America, LLC . . . . . . . . . . .32 Elk Grove Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 EMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Enterprise Rent-A-Car . . . . . . . . . . .52 Equalizer Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . .48 Eurovac, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 FBS Distribution Co., Inc. . . . . . . . .35 First Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . .59 Galpin Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Glenn E. Thomas Dodge-ChryslerJeep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . .66 Herkules Equipment Corporation . .46 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38-39 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . .73 Kearny Mesa Subaru-Hyundai . . . . .54
Serving California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. 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. ©2016 Adamantine Media LLC. Autobody News P.O. Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018 (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com Email: news@autobodynews.com
Western
Records, New Format Brings More Vendors, More Attendees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division Redesigns Sales Force Network to Better Align with Customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 A New Hope for Labor Rates: The Variable Rate System by National AutoBody Research . . . 60 AkzoNobel Awards Sustainability Challenge Grant, Reveals ‘16 Distributors Council, Receives Recognition for Sustainability Excellence. . . 20 ALI Lowers Price of Online Lift Safety Training Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 ASA Announces Partnership With eMarketing Sherpas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Assured Performance Launches OEM Repair Procedure Compliance App . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 AudaExplore and ABRA Extend Strategic Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Axalta Develops Speed Light Hand-Held Device . 61 BASF Presents Winner of 2016 Fight Club of Automotive Design at Middlecott Sketchbattle in Detroit, MI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 CAPA Elects 8 Leaders to Its Technical Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Collision Advice: Refinishing Survey Launched. . 56 Collision Repair Students Learn Craft and Charity Through Recycled Rides™ for Schools. . . . 66 Consumer Watchdog: “Why Self-Driving Cars Fail” — Google Counters: “Danger is Drivers Taking Control” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Gas Monkey Garage Selects Evercoat Products. 70 Google’s Autonomous Tech is Considered Driver Under Federal Law, NHTSA says. . . . . 4 Historic Meeting Planned to Discuss Proposed Senate Bill That Would Cap Labor Rates in Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Iowa ‘Roadside Birth’ Couple Has Healthy Baby Boy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 New Name in Plastic Repair: Same Products, Same Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 NHTSA Hosts Vehicle Cybersecurity Roundtable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 PARTS ACT Patent Controversy Continues in Congress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Polyvance’s 6203 Hot Spot Rechargeable Plastic Stapler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Announces Annual Vendor Awards . . . . . . . 67 Sisk - CREF Makeover Grant Receives Its Own Makeover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Takata Air-Bag Recall Expanded as 10th Death Reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 The Parable of the Crippled Mare: Loss-Of-Use Now Recoverable in Texas Total Loss Auto Cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 U.K. Insurers Examining Autonomous Car Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 UTI Hosts Axalta’s Fifth Annual Winter Panel Jam in Long Beach, CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Vibac Aims for An Even More Productive 2016 with the Release of New Automotive Tapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Driving and texting is a leading cause of vehicle accidents, which is why CARSTAR Flagstaff in AZ supports the National Auto Body Council's (NABC) It Can Wait campaign. The program is offered by CARSTAR collision repair facilities around the country. The campaign is available at www.ItCanWait .com. For 2016, CARSTAR Flagstaff has partnered with Great Circle Media and Flagstaff Subaru to encourage teens to take the pledge to stop distracted driving. By doing so, they will be entered to win a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek. Teens can take the pledge by visiting www.itcanwaitNAZ.com. The program will kick off on
Indexof Advertisers
REGIONAL AkzoNobel Hosts Acoat Selected® Conference in CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Arizona Automotive Glass Bill Passes Insurance Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 CA Tech Students Take Part in STEM Workshop . 32 Career Jumpstarting Opportunities at Universal Technical Institute Rancho Cucamonga, CA. . 34 Carson City, NV Schools Plan to Discontinue Auto Collision Repair Course . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Carson City, NV, School District Plans to Offer Auto Body Collision Through Western Nevada College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 CARSTAR Flagstaff in AZ and Partners Reward Teens for Pledging “It Can Wait” When Texting & Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 CDI Says Crash Parts Need Permanent Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Controversy Over Andy’s Auto Center Not Going Away in Glendora, CA. . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Darryl Hollenbeck Claims 2016 AMBR Award With His PPG-Painted Roadster . . . . . . . . . . 8 Espana’s Collision Repair in CA Celebrates 25 Years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Exhibit Space Selling Out for NACE | CARS ‘16 . 72 Hanford, CA, Police Department Seeks Body Shop Burglary Suspect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Mitchell 1 Shop Management Workshop . . . . . 58 Registration Opens for CREF’s 15th Annual Summer Golf Fundraiser During Industry Week in CA. . 17 Reno, NV Repair Shop Introduces Loaner Car Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Sherwin-WIlliams ECOLEAN™ Level 2 Workshop to be Held in Phoenix March 8–9 . . . . . . . . 17 SPEEDVEGAS Announces Management Team. . 8 Suspect Sought in Body Shop Owner’s Shooting. 1 Wade Foundation, Dealer Collision Center in UT Surprise Family with Much-Needed Van. . 6 Yoswick - Attorney Presses Shops to Take the Steps They Can to Help Prevent Workplace Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
CARSTAR Flagstaff in AZ and Partners Reward Teens for Pledging “It Can Wait” When Texting & Driving
Kia Motors America, Inc. . . . . . . . . .45 Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Larson Electronics, LLC. . . . . . . . . .18 LKQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Lusid Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Maita Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Mark Kia-Mitsubishi . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . .72 Maserati of Marin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 McPeek Dodge of Anaheim . . . . . . .28 Mercedes-Benz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . .68 Mirka USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers . .64 Mobile Environmental Solutions, LLC .23 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . .41 Moss Bros. Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge . .19 NACE/CARS Trade Show . . . . . . . .24 Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 O’Reilly Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Orio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Polyvance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Puente Hills Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Reliable Automotive Equipment . . . .17 Riverside Kia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Riverside Metro VW-Honda-HyundaiNissan-Mazda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 SATA Spray Equipment . . . . . . . . . .51 Shingle Springs Subaru . . . . . . . . . .42 Sierra Chevrolet-Honda-MazdaSubaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . .65 The Bay Area Automotive Group . . .33 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . .75 U-POL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Valspar Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Vibac Tape Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Volvo Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . .75 Wesch Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 3
Google’s Autonomous Tech is Considered Driver Under Federal Law, NHTSA says
U.S. vehicle safety regulators have said the artificial intelligence system piloting a self-driving Google car could be considered the driver under federal law, a major step toward ultimately winning approval for autonomous vehicles on the roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration told Google of its decision in a previously unreported Feb. 4 letter to the company posted on the agency’s website this week. Google’s self-driving car unit on Nov. 12 submitted a proposed design for a self-driving car that has “no need for a human driver,” the letter to Google from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Chief Counsel Paul Hemmersbaugh said. “NHTSA will interpret ‘driver’ in the context of Google’s described motor vehicle design as referring to the [self-driving system], and not to any of the vehicle occupants,” NHTSA’s letter said. “We agree with Google its [selfdriving car] will not have a ‘driver’ in the traditional sense that vehicles have had drivers during the last more than one hundred years.” Major automakers and technology companies such as Google are racing to develop and sell vehicles that can drive themselves at least part of the time. All participants in the autonomous driving race complain that state and federal safety rules are impeding testing and eventual deployment of such vehicles. California has proposed draft rules requiring steering wheels and a licensed driver in all self-driving cars. If the car’s artificial intelligence is the driver for legal purposes, then it clears the way for Google or automakers to design vehicle systems that communicate directly with the vehicle’s artificial pilot. In its response to Google, the federal agency offered its most comprehensive map yet of the legal obstacles to putting fully autonomous vehicles on the road. It noted existing regulations requiring some auto safety equipment cannot be waived immediately, including requirements for braking systems activated by foot control. “The next question is whether and how Google could certify that the [self-driving system] meets a standard
developed and designed to apply to a vehicle with a human driver,” NHTSA said. Google is “still evaluating” NHTSA’s lengthy response, a company spokesperson said on Tuesday. Google executives have said they would likely partner with established automakers to build self-driving cars. Google told NHTSA that the real danger is having auto safety features that could tempt humans to try to take control. Google “expresses concern that providing human occupants of the vehicle with mechanisms to control things like steering, acceleration, braking... could be detrimental to safety because the human occupants could attempt to override the (self-driving system’s) decisions,” the NHTSA letter stated. NHTSA’s Hemmersbaugh said federal regulations requiring equipment like steering wheels and brake pedals would have to be formally rewritten before Google could offer cars without those features. For example, current federal rules require alerts on dashboards if tire pressure runs low. NHTSA said a test would need to be created that shows the vehicle computer is informed of the problem. NHTSA raised the question of whether humans in the vehicles should also be made aware. In January, NHTSA said it may waive some vehicle safety rules to allow more driverless cars to operate on U.S. roads as part of a broader effort to speed up development of selfdriving vehicles. NHTSA said then it would write guidelines for self-driving cars within six months. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said the administration may seek new legal authority to allow deployment of autonomous vehicles “in large numbers,” when they are deemed safe, the department said. The process of rewriting federal regulations governing the design, placement and operation of vehicle controls could take months or years. The NHTSA counsel said Google could consider applying for exemptions for certain regulations, providing NHTSA with supporting documents. See additional autonomous vehicle coverage page 70 this issue.
CELPHY Uploads a Selfie
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Wade Foundation, Dealer Collision Center in UT Surprise Family with Much-Needed Van When the girls were born almost a year ago, they could no longer fit into their Aaron and Annie VanMeter got quite a passenger car. surprise February 1 when a friend asked “They just have really struggled,” them to make a quick stop at Dealer VanMeters’ friend and former neighbor Candice Chandler said.” … When they had their two little baby girls, then they can’t fit their whole family anymore into their little car and they have absolutely no financial way to purchase a larger vehicle.” For the last year, she said, the VanMeters have been relying on friends and neighbors to get to doctor’s appointments, church and everything else. (l to r) Candice Chandler, Annie VanMeter, son of “Together with the Wade VanMeters, Aaron VanMeter. Chandler gives Annie Family Foundation and Dealer VanMeter a hug during a surprise presentation of a Collision, we found you a van van for the VanMeter family. Credit: Julie Applegate, – that is yours,” foundation St. George News president Tyler Wade said to Collision Repair in St. George, ostensi- the family Monday. bly to see a friend. The announcement was met with When the couple and their two big smiles from the VanMeters. boys stepped inside the automotive re“This is a complete shock,” Aaron pair center, they learned they were the VanMeter said. “Just the fact that we proud new owners of a Honda Odyssey have six family members in a five-seater van – a ride big enough to hold their vehicle; so, this is absolutely awesome whole family. to get a van.” The VanMeters are the parents of The giveaway happened by way two young boys and twin daughters. of a contest announced on the radio, by Julie Applegate, St. George News
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Monty Magleby, executive director of the Wade Family Foundation, said. “They actually did some radio ads and they invited the public to nominate a good, deserving family,” Magleby said, “and Candice (Chandler) here and several of her neighbors and friends – a dozen or two – emailed in and nominated this young family ….” Chandler used to live near the couple and was one of the people who emailed a nomination of the VanMeters for the giveaway. Dealer Collision responded to Chandler and eventually the surprise giveaway was arranged. Shelly Harris, also a friend and neighbor of the VanMeters, helped plan
Son of Aaron and Annie VanMeter takes a seat behind the wheel. Credit: Julie Applegate, St. George News
Aaron and Annie VanMeter received a van big enough for all six members of their family, given to them Feb 1 by the Wade Family Foundation at Dealer Collision Center, St. George, Utah. Credit: Julie Applegate, St. George News
the elaborate surprise. “They think we’re just going to get ice cream,” Harris said before the presentation, “and I’m going to tell them that I have a friend I need to quickly stop by and talk to, and have them follow me over there.” The 2004 Honda Odessey needed a little work, Dealer Collision mechanic Andrew Kuykendall said. The shop installed a new transmission, replaced the timing belt and water pump and gave the van a valve adjustment and tune-up. New tires and an alignment were added and the van was good to go. We would like to thank St. George News for reprint permission.
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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 7
SPEEDVEGAS Announces Management Team
SPEEDVEGAS announced on January 30 its management team, comprising travel and tourism marketing executives and staff. These individuals are responsible for creating this exotic-car-driving and event destination. They bring decades of tourism industry expertise to SPEEDVEGAS, which will open this spring. The SPEEDVEGAS team includes five executives led by cofounders Aaron Fessler (chief executive officer), and Tom Mizzone (chief financial officer). The new members of the SPEEDVEGAS executive team are as follows: ● Allison Raskansky, executive vice president of business development; ● Darren Strahl, executive vice president of operations; ● Gina Mann, vice president of groups and events; ● Pavy Mueller, director of global sales; and ● Grant Blakeman, director of regional sales.
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Reno, NV Repair Shop Introduces Loaner Car Feature
Auto body repair shop, Liberty Collision, now offers customers a loaner car while their vehicle is being repaired. The loaner car is a new feature for customers whose cars are receiving collision repair but do not have a rental car on their insurance plan. “Not all auto accident insurance policies include a loaner car while your car is being repaired,” noted Liberty Collision owner Donnie Thiessens. “We wanted to make sure a customer whose car is in the shop can still get to work as we repair their vehicle after a collision.” Thiessens has also hired an estimator in order to expedite the auto collision repair process with auto insurance companies. The recent hire allows the Liberty Collision to more efficiently help customers by giving estimates to insurance companies and customers, ordering parts, and getting additional damages approved. Liberty Collision’s new estimator trained at the Vale Institute in Fresno, CA where Thiessens also received his estimator training. To learn more about Liberty Collision, visit www.libertycollision reno.com.
8 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Darryl Hollenbeck Claims 2016 AMBR Award With His PPG-Painted Roadster Acclaimed custom car builder and painter Darryl Hollenbeck won the 2016 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award at the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) held at the Pomona Fairplex in Pomona, CA January 29–31. It was the third time Hollenbeck has painted an AMBR winner, and the first time he captured the prize with his own car—a PPG-painted 1932 Ford highboy roadster.
Darryl Hollenbeck’s AMBR-winning ‘32 Ford Roadster
The GNRS started in 1950 and is the longest running indoor car show in the world, and the AMBR, a towering eight-foot-tall trophy, is considered the ultimate recognition for a roadster-style hot rod. This year a field of thirteen outstanding cars—built by the elites of the custom car world—competed for the prestigious award. In the end, the judges
named Darryl and Terri Hollenbeck’s classically-styled roadster the winner, giving Darryl another honor to add to his long list of accomplishments including AMBR wins in 2013 and 2005. Hollenbeck and his colleagues Dan Webb and Cory Taulbert built the car at Vintage Color Studio, the custom shop Hollenbeck owns and operates in Concord, CA, and where he has been using PPG products exclusively for more than 25 years. Hollenbeck then painted the car himself. He came up with the roadster’s unique color, dubbed “Rotten Avocado Green,” applying a custom mix created with the PPG ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne paint system along with Single-Stage DCC9300 from the DELTRON® refinish system. “Winning an AMBR is a dream; to win it with my own car, wow, I’m over the moon about that,” said Hollenbeck. “As for the color, it is different. My wife wanted brown, I wanted green. Depending on the light, you see one color or the other—or both. The great thing was that the PPG paint was easy to work with. It gave us the chance to experiment, to really stretch our imaginations and come up with something cool.” For information, visit www.ppg refinish.com or call (800) 647-6050.
www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 9
Carson City, NV, School District Plans to Offer Auto Body Collision Through Western Nevada College by Charles Whisnand, Nevada Appeal
Carson High School has come up with a plan to offer its auto body collision repair classes through Western Nevada College, but concerns over night classes and what kind of certification would be offered were raised at the Carson City School District Board meeting on the night for February 9. The proposal to offer auto body collision repair courses at WNC and no longer offer the courses on the CHS campus still must be approved by the board. District and WNC staff presented its proposal to the board while community members and students expressed their concerns about the proposal. Carson High Career and Technical Education director Michelle Lewis gave a presentation on why CHS is proposing to no longer offer auto body collision repair on its campus. CHS has already transferred its automotive technology program which was offered on campus, to WNC. Lewis presented data with career priorities listed for the state by the Brookings Institute and Gov. Brian Sandoval’s office. In order from top to bottom, the careers aerospace-defense, agriculture-natural resources-clean energy, information technology, manu-
facturing, mining and tourism-gaming-entertainment were listed. Not listed were any automotive technical careers. But many of those in attendance disagreed with those findings. CHS auto body collision repair teacher Lance Godec said there are 22 auto body shops in Carson City. Based on the findings, CHS decided to expand in the area of manufacturing education while cutting the on-campus auto body collision repair course. Community member Jeff Basa suggested CHS could look into offering manufacturing through WNC while maintaining the on-campus auto body collision repair course. Lewis said the auto body collision repair course offered through WNC would be a modified Jump Start program in which some students could receive college credit. A concern just seniors would be in the Jump Start program also was raised. WNC CTE director Georgia White said the school looks at all students progressing and interested in one subject area to be enrolled in the Jump Start program. A concern the WNC auto body collision course would offer certification also was raised as those noted the course
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WNC has been offering has been nothing more than a “hobby” class in which those enrolled work on their own cars. While that’s been true in the past, White said the school is transitioning to make sure it does offer certification. It was reported at the meeting the course would offer ASE certification in four areas from painting and refinishing to auto body repair and mechanics and electronics. WNC’s auto tech courses also offer certification. Carson City Schools Assistant Superintendent Susan Keema said WNC’s programs would offer CHS students more, as far as certification is concerned, and CHS students could receive up to 24 credits in WNC programs. In addition, a concern was raised over the courses being held in the evenings, forcing students to choose between extra-curricular activities or athletics and the auto body collision courses. It was also asked if students in the auto body collision courses still would have to carry a full load of classes during the day at CHS. Keema said it would depend on how many credits students would need to graduate, noting seniors have to take at least four classes and the auto body collision course would count as one of those classes.
Keema also said the district provides a bus for its students currently studying at WNC and also purchases tokens for its students to take the city’s JAC transportation to WNC. While making no promises, White said it’s possible there could be an instructor available to teach a daytime course. About the proposed auto body collision [repair] course at WNC, Keema said, “Is it perfect today? No.” But Keema added the district would continue to “massage” such programs to make them as effective as possible. Finally a concern was raised if the auto body collision repair course would last for the long-term at WNC. “I’m very optimistic about maintaining the WNC partnership for a very long time,” Lewis said. Autobody News thanks The Nevada Appeal for reprint permission. See related story, Page 35
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Vibac Aims for An Even More Productive 2016 with the Release of New Automotive Tapes Vibac Canada Inc., a global adhesive tape manufacturer, has all the backing necessary from both their products and the shops, to keep a strong hold on success for 2016. After proving the potential of Vibac’s masking tape 313 yellow in
Shop & Product showcase, to see if the walk matched the talk. “Everyone says their product is the best. I like to see for myself,” said co-owner John Sr. “As a shop owner I have to make sure everything works as perfectly as possible without redos, so it was a simple test to take a strip of tape along with the competitors and mask a van or trailer and just leave it outside in the summer weather. At 90 plus degrees, direct sunlight, rain, moisture, constant heating and cooling are going to destroy all but the very best tapes. The weak ones break, they sliver, and the glue The Vibac masking tape 313 yellow aiding in the collision transfers and creates a mess repair process that no shop wants to deal 2015, the Montreal-based company with.” introduced two new masking tapesAfter the “torture test,” he con204 orange and 314 blue - at the No- cluded that there was no glue or advember 2015 SEMA Show in Las hesive transfer, and because of the Vegas. Both will hit the market at the lack of issues, the shop’s production end of the first quarter of 2016. “stays high.” John Sr. added that he Autobody News reached out to was impressed with the way the Black Horse Body Shop in Plymouth masking tape 313 yellow stood up to Meeting, PA for the October 2015 the wet and dry cycles in the paint
14 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
booth, and that he was able to remove it without any problems. Rewind to the pre-NACE Shop & Product Showcase, published in June 2015. Autobody News reached out to Beyer Collision Center in
Alexandra, VA, to ask about their experience with Vibac products, and experienced a similar reaction. Allen Andre, 53, body shop manager, said he gets a lot of highend cars in his shop as he is located
near Washington, D.C. Andre and his painter, Donnie Stemetski, adhere to the theory that masking tape is something you should be able to rely on and then forget about. “If it works, it works and that’s the best review I can give you,” Andre said. “The masking tape 313 yellow holds the paper down. We haven’t had one single comeback or re-paint with this tape. Switching to this product about 18 months ago has definitely been a smart move.” With at least two prominent shops singing their praise of the masking tape 313 yellow, it’s safe to say the industry should be excited about the latest Vibac creations. Vibac Marketing Manager, Lion Sedov, characterizes the three masking tapes as “good, better, and best” in the following order: masking tape 207 orange, masking tape 313 yellow, and masking tape 314 blue. “Our yellow tape 313 is consid-
ered the best all-around tape for many different applications that the market demands” said Sedov. “The industry has a need for a variety of performance levels in masking tapes and Vibac is looking to fill the need by providing three different levels of product offerings with an extra punch in creating value to customers on all levels.” The VIBAC Group has been making a wide variety of pressure sensitive tapes since the 1970s, specifically catering to most all automotive applications. In summer 2015, Vibac opened yet another new production facility for high performance masking tapes in Europe with the latest technological advancements. For more information on Vibac products, visit www.vibacgroup.com or contact Marketing Manager Lion Sedov at (514) 640-0250, lion.sedov @vibac.com.
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Arizona Automotive Glass Bill Passes Insurance Committee
by Jenna Reed, glassBYTES.com
The Arizona House of Representative Insurance Committee passed a sweeping automotive glass bill on February 3. The bill is designed to amend the insurance statute to regulate the marketing of automobile glass. The bill, “Unlawful Practices: Auto Glass Repair,” was approved by a unanimous vote. Frank Thomas, of Thomas Auto Glass in Phoenix, Ariz., spoke in favor. “Consumer safety is compromised when gift carding and cash spiffs are the reason for choosing one company over another,” he said. “A vast underground economy exists in Arizona with regard to auto glass, simply because anyone can start a glass company tomorrow with a
business card and phone number. … I don’t believe that HB 2500 was drafted to enable steering or for one company to garnish more market share over another. I believe that HB 2500 is the first step of your awareness and a movement to provide safe windshield installations and protect Arizona automotive consumers.” Also testifying in support were Marc Osborn of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America and Barbara Meaney of Safelite Group, according to a document from the Insurance Committee. Several AGRR company owners voiced their opposition to the committee. Rex Altree, president of the Arizona Auto Glass Association, said the bill “appears to be an excessive over reach by the insurance companies, Safelite and their associates and agents. … As an associa-
Hanford, CA, Police Department Seeks Body Shop Burglary Suspect Reprinted with permission of the Hanford Sentinel, copyright 2016
Police are looking for a suspect who reportedly stole thousands of dollars of equipment from an auto body shop, the Hanford Police Department said. Officers received a report on Jan. 25 that Frank’s Auto Bo-dy, located in the 700 block of South 10th Street, had been
tion, we recognize there are parties that operate in a fraudulent manner. However, this bill would punish the honest service providers while making no distinction between the two.” Joining Altree to testify in opposition were Barry Aarons of the Safety Glass Association of Arizona, Shannon King, Blake Trickey, Bob Hittenberger and Kerry Soat, owner of Fas-Break in Chandler, Ariz. “Most of the comments from the [committee] representatives dealt with their distaste for car washes, door-to-door salespeople and people on the side of the road,” said Soat. “My company has 85 operators working in some 20 states, and we operate in states ‘without’ the zero deductible. I wanted them to know that if the zero deductible disappears tomorrow windshield repairs would still be free in the state of Ari-
burglarized the previous night. The suspect reportedly stole tools and a company truck. Following an investigation, police and the Kings County Probation Department conducted a probation search at a home in the 8500 block of Jersey Avenue. Authorities found about Joey Lee Clark is the $3,500 in tools that had been taken prime suspect. Credit: from Frank’s Auto Body, as well as Hanford Sentinel
16 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
other items reported stolen from Kings and Tulare counties. Police are still looking for the suspect, identified as Joey Lee Clark, 29, of Coalinga. Anyone with additional informa-
zona because most of the insurance companies waive deductibles for repairs.” Though the bill passed, several members of the committee said it should be rewritten prior to going to the House floor for vote. “They are recommending that they add an amendment (or amendments) to get the bill into an acceptable form,” said Soat. “It will not pass in its present form and most committee members stated they wouldn’t vote for it on the floor if not changed.” The next step is for the bill to be rewritten, Altree pointed out. After the rewrite there will be a second reading, noted Thomas. If it is passed in the House then it would go to the state Senate for consideration. Safelite did not respond to a request for comment at press time. tion about the case or Clarke’s whereabouts is asked to call Hanford police detective Jason Gustin at 585-2540.
Autobody News thanks The Hanford Sentinel for reprint permission.
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Registration Opens for CREF’s 15th Annual Summer Golf Fundraiser During Industry Week in CA
Registration for the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s (CREF) 15th annual summer golf fundraiser, taking place Wednesday, August 10th at the Black Gold Golf Club in Yorba Linda, CA is now open. Golfers will enjoy a round of golf at the Black Gold Golf Club and registering online early is encouraged as the event is expected to be sold out by late March. This fundraiser takes place in conjunction with Industry Week meetings being held in Anaheim. Funds raised through this event assist the Education Foundation in providing support to collision repair students and their school’s collision programs. In addition to several contest holes, industry members have the opportunity to win up to $12,000 through the LORD Corporation sponsored helicopter golf ball drop that will take place as part of the event. Golfers or non-golfers can purchase golf balls online ($20 per ball) that will be dropped from a helicopter over a hole on the Black Gold Golf Club course the day of the event. Whoever sponsors the numbered golf ball that goes in the hole (or the closest to the pin) will win 50% of the total funds raised from the golf ball drop. Participants do not need to be present to win, and if all
1,200 golf balls are sold, the winner will be awarded $12,000. CREF Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode noted, “As the Education Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2016, we plan for one of our best golf fundraisers to date and would encourage industry members getting involved with the event through sponsorship and/or registration. I can’t stress enough that those interested register early as we do anticipate a sold out event this spring. We look forward to hosting industry members from around the country and raising additional funds to help collision schools and students in need.” Early-bird individual player registration is $250 p/person ($1,000 foursome team) before April 1, 2016 and $300 p/person ($1,200 foursome team) after April 1, 2016. Registration includes 18 holes of golf, cart rental, complimentary beverages/snacks on the course, lunch, dinner, attendee promotional items, and the opportunity to participate in several contests on the course. Those interested in registering, sponsoring, and/or participating with the golf ball drop fundraiser should contact: Eckenrode at Brandon.Eckenrode@edfoundation.org / 847-463-5244.
Sherwin-WIlliams ECOLEAN™ Level 2 Workshop to be Held in Phoenix March 8–9 Sherwin-Williams will hold its first 2016 EcoLean™ Level 2 workshop on March 8-9 at the Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport in Arizona. The workshop includes a tour of one of the nation’s largest full-truckload motor carriers in North America, Swift Transportation. All previous EcoLean classes (Level 1 and Level 2), have been sold out. The EcoLean Level 2 workshop two-day course educates shop owners on the connection between environmentally sound business decisions and the reduction of process and environmental waste. It is designed to educate attendees about maximizing profitability by improving productivity and eliminating waste throughout their facilities. Greg Eisenhardt, SherwinWilliams marketing manager, noted that EcoLean courses have been built by some of the sharpest minds in the collision repair industry, and will afford collision repair professionals the opportunity to relax in the company of industry peers, and learn from one another over a two-day period. The curriculum includes: ● Repair Planning for Rapid Throughput
● Damage Analysis/Blueprinting
● Parts Correctness
All class materials, lunch on both days and a group dinner is included in the fee. Breakfast vouchers are included with hotel room reservation. Hotel and transportation costs are the responsibility of each attendee. To register, visit www.sherwinautomotive.com/ecoleanwp<http:// www.sherwin-automotive.com/eco leanwp>. For information on the program, visit http://www.sherwin-automotive .com/collision-repair/training-support /business/eco-lean-journey/ or call (216) 332-8524.
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Controversy Over Andy’s Auto Center Not Going Away in Glendora, CA
by Courtney Tompkins, The Pasadena Star-News
Community members are rallying around a Pasadena shop owner who says the city targeted him with an aggressive code enforcement campaign. Andy’s Auto Center, a used car lot that specializes in classic car repair, has operated along the city’s historic corridor for over 25 years — until December, when owner Andy Janiec received a 30day eviction notice. Janiec was supposed to be off the property by Jan. 19, but said it was impossible to move nearly 200 cars and his machinery in 30 days. The eviction notice came shortly after the city issued 35 code enforcement citations totaling $54,000 to Janiec and property owner George Dye between March and December 2015. Since word of Janiec’s eviction reached the community, residents and local business owners have begun to speak out against the city. “This whole thing, it’s not about the violations, it’s not about the cars — it’s about getting the property for redevelopment, it’s that simple,” Azusa resident and longtime friend Jonathan Romuzga said. Former Glendora resident Sonia Martin said the city ran her husband’s small business out of town in a similar fashion.
“Code enforcement went above and beyond, and even went so far as to switch the date in pictures that ‘proved’ why they gave him a ticket on a certain day,” she said. Many residents and Janiec believe the city is trying to force him out because it has plans to redevelop the site. Over the past year, the city has been
Andy Janiec, 58, of Glendora, owns about 280 classic and modern cars at Andy’s Auto Center in Glendora. After 25 years doing business along Route 66, Andy Janiec is being evicted. Credit: Photo by James Carbone
working to revamp its Route 66 Specific Plan, a document that defines what types of development are allowed on Route 66. The proposed revisions include rezoning parts of Route 66 to incentivize development and revitalize the sleepy “bedroom community.” In a staff report from May 2015, planners identified the property as “underutilized,” and said it planned to hire a real estate consultant to assess the eco-
18 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
nomics and probability of new commercial investment occurring over the next decade. City Manager Chris Jeffers denied any relation between the code enforcement citations and the city’s Route 66 plan recommendations. “This is simply a code enforcement issue,” he said. “We’ve explained to him and the property owner we just want compliance.” Janiec believes otherwise. Janiec says he moved 51 cars off the property in 2013, about four or five months after the city sent a letter asking him to reduce the number of cars by 15 percent. He said he submitted a document to the city identifying the vehicles and dates removed before the citations started coming in. Jeffers said he has never seen that document. Officials in code enforcement also could not confirm the document either. “They are doing everything they can to remove me from the city,” Janiec said. After having lost his home in the 2014 Colby Fire, Janiec said he is doing all he can to save his business, including trying to work out a deal with his landlord while simultaneously battling the citations in court. Autobody News thanks The Pasadena Star-News for reprint permission.
AkzoNobel Hosts Acoat Selected® Conference in CA
AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes hosted the 45th semi-annual gathering of the Acoat selected North American Performance Groups. This meeting was held February 24 - 25 at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, California. It was the first of two national Acoat selected gatherings conducted annually by AkzoNobel. Attendees participated in classes designed to stimulate thinking, enhance personal and professional growth and promote practices intended to perpetuate sustainable business models. The conference curriculum addressed industry trends, technology and leadership training. “Acoat selected has more than a 25-year record of success within the North American collision repair industry, said Dave Recknagel, commercial / customer services manager – North America for AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes business. The Acoat selected program was a forerunner for many of the programs of its type that we see in the industry today. This conference as well all of our programs and events offer content that is practical, relevant and creates business environments that enable distributors and collision repair centers to grow and prosper.”
www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 19
AkzoNobel Awards Sustainability Challenge Grant, Reveals 2016 Distributors Council, Receives Recognition for Sustainability Excellence AkzoNobel announced on January 26 the six outstanding students in its 2015 Sustainability Challenge Grant program. In its second year, the program awarded $50,000 in grant funding to selected high schools and colleges with collision repair programs to advance continuous improvement and sustainable business principles. The students were nominated by their instructors for exemplifying exceptional leadership, initiative and commitment. They led teams of students at their respective schools in developing a grant proposal based on an idea that would improve the school’s collision repair shop and how it interacts with the surrounding school, community, or environment. The following students were honored: ● Hunter Brakefield, Applied Technology Center, Rock Hill, South Carolina ● Cesar Mercado, WallaWalla Community College, Walla Walla, Washington ● Angel Myers, Norwalk High School, Norwalk, California ● Cole Woods, Freedom High School, Freedom, Wisconsin ● Nicholas Shah, Thomas A. Edison High School, Jamaica, New York ● Evan Vail, Applied Technology Center, Rock Hill, South Carolina
“The goal of the Sustainability Challenge Grant is to inspire and challenge those who are preparing for a career in collision repair to seek out ways to improve the way our industry interacts with its community and environment,” said Doug Holmberg, business director for AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes business in North America. “These outstanding students represent the future of our industry and we are proud of their initiative to help find ways to improve processes, increase social capital and advance environmentally-friendly practices. We are pleased to recognize their achievement and leadership.” Mark Dellinger, instructor at Applied Technology Center added, “As an educator, the Sustainability Challenge Grant has provided me with an opportunity to talk with my students about how to improve practices in our collision repair shop and how that knowledge can be applied in the real world.” He continued, “By creating teams to develop an idea for a grant proposal and implement that idea, the students have had an opportunity to hone their leadership, planning, and presentation skills.” The grant is sponsored by AkzoNobel and administered by the Collision
20 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Repair Education Foundation (CREF). AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes also announced the members of its 2016 Distributor Council. The Distributor Council is a legacy activity of Vehicle Refinishes that spans its 30-year history in North America. Over this period of time, Vehicle Refinishes has looked to advisory bodies drawn from its distribution network to assist AkzoNobel in establishing frameworks for their business practices as well as provide inspiration for new polices, products and programs. Those advisory bodies have gone under various names; however, the purpose of the group remains to provide counsel. Council Members are: ● Paul Fus – PF# Paint Supply: Wixom, Michigan ● Robbie Brinkley – C&D Auto Paint & Body: Thomasville, Georgia ● Doug Richau – Auto Color and Industrial Supply: St. Joseph, Minnesota ● Peter Kilkenny – Providence Lacquer & Supply Centre: Cranston, Rhode Island ● Layla Maus – Gladwyn Paint: Austin, Texas ● Kim Snyder – Body Parts Store, Inc.: Des Moines, Iowa ● Peter DeLuca – Industrial Finishes
& Systems, Inc.: Salt Lake City, Utah ● Don Treschak – Treschak Enterprises, Ltd.: Welland, Ontario “The council, comprised of eight representatives throughout North America, is a visible and proactive sign that AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes business in North America is dedicated to distribution as our primary method of going to market,” said Dave Recknagel, North America cstomer services manager. “As a result, we are constantly striving to innovate. This includes Go-To-Market business models which ensure that we are engaging, evolving and advancing practices and processes that enhance current relationships as well enable growth and expansion to create new.” AkzoNobel's number one ranking on the 2015 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) has resulted in the award of an Industry Leader, Gold Class distinction for excellent sustainability performance. The recognition also includes a listing in the 2016 Sustainability Yearbook, which features the world’s most sustainable companies, as determined by their score in RobecoSAM’s annual Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). To learn more about AkzoNobel, visit www.akzonobel.com
www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 21
22 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
New Name in Plastic Repair: Same Products, Same Company
There’s a new name in plastic repair – however, the company and the products have remained the same. Urethane Supply Company, a pioneer in the field of automotive plastic repair since 1981, announced that it has changed the name of its business to “Polyvance.” “The change in name reflects the progression that has occurred in automotive plastics since the company’s inception,” said Kurt Lammon, president of Polyvance. The Alabama-based company will continue to produce its complete line of plastic repair and refinishing products including the following most popular ones: ■ the 6059-C Nitro Fuzer nitrogen plastic welding system;
■ the 3601 and 3611 Bumper & Cladding Coat Adhesion Primer; and
■ the 5700HT Mini Weld Model 7 airless plastic welder. Established by Jim Sparks in 1981, the company was sold to Kurt and
Keith Lammon in 1995. After purchasing the company, the Lammons considered changing the name but soon realized the tremendous amount of work that it would require. “Back in 1981, most of the bumper covers were actually made from urethane plastic,” said Kurt, the company’s
president. “Sparks came up with the original name because he supplied products required to repair urethane bumper covers.” Since most bumper covers are now made from blends of polypropylene, Kurt said they decided to move forward with a name change. “Urethane Supply Company was never a very fitting name for the company,” said Kurt “After all, we don’t supply urethane – we advance polymer repair.” Almost daily people would call in asking to buy urethane foam, ure-
thane sheet stock or urethane to make skateboard wheels. “A name change was long overdue so we made the change to Polyvance because it really speaks to what we do.” They have spent the past six months working on logistics. This included hiring a branding consultant who reviewed what the company focuses on and the direction they plan to take in the future. The company’s official tagline is “Advancing Polymer Repair.” Kurt said Polyvance will still be devoted entirely to helping body shops profit from plastic repair and refinishing through its innovative products, which are all thoroughly tested, as well as training courses. Currently, Polyvance offers an I-CAR® Industry Training Alliance® course on nitrogen plastic welding and Kurt said there are plans to more courses in 2016. Polyvance products are available through paint, body and equipment distributors across North America. For more information, contact Kurt Lammon at 800-633-3047 or visit: www.polyvance.com.
Espana’s Collision Repair in CA Celebrates 25 Years
As a spokesperson for the familyowned collision repair and auto body shop noted, “Espana’s Collision Repair offers a variety of services to their clients including auto body repair, painting, detail and more. From minor glass replacement and straightening out the frame of a vehicle to using state-of-the-art equipment to make old cars look new again with a fresh coat of paint, Espana’s Collision Repair is committed to helping their clients every step of the way. “We love to take care of our customers from start to finish, and offer both complimentary interior and exterior detailing after all of the auto repair services that we provide,” the company spokesperson added. The company spokesperson said that vehicles can be held in a large indoor area overnight, with ample space, or in an outdoor area that is fenced. They also provide a spacious waiting room to relax in, as well as a shorter waiting time. To learn more about Espana’s Collision Repair, visit their website at www.espanascr.com
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www.mobileenvironmentalsolutions.com www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 23
PARTS ACT Patent Controversy Continues in Congress by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor
During a legislative hearing on February 2, industry leaders testified on the PARTS Act, a controversial bill that would amend Title 35 of the U.S. Code to provide an exception from patent infringement for certain component parts of automobiles, including collision parts. Currently, a vehicle design patent lasts for 14 years. The PARTS Act would reduce that time to 30 months for repair parts. The hearing addressed the costs and benefits of the current time restrictions on design patents for collision car parts. Those in support of the act contend that the current law gives automakers a monopoly on the sale of repair parts and drives up prices for consumer. Opponents of the PARTS Act say it would stifle innovation and lead to lower quality repairs, which could lead to unsafe repairs for consumers. Subcommittee members listened to testimony from two witnesses in support of the PARTS Act: Pat Felder, owner of Felder’s Collision Parts in Baton Rouge, LA; and Jack Gillis, director of public affairs for the Consumer Federation of America. Other witnesses testifying against
the passing of the act, included Kelly Burris, intellectual property attorney, Burris Law PLLC; and Dan Risley, the Automotive Service Association’s president and executive director. Aaron Schulenburg, executive Director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), said the PARTS Act has been a recurring piece of legislation attempting to carve out exemptions in existing patent law and provide greater opportunity for offshore manufacturers to copy the design of manufacturer replacement parts. “This isn’t about fostering innovation or competition, and it isn’t about consumer options; Consumers simply want what they had prior to a loss,” said Schulenburg. “This bill is about protecting insurer and aftermarket corporate profits. The savings that are experienced from requiring consumers to accept alternative replacement parts do not represent significant savings to the consumer today, nor is there any assurance that further savings would be passed along by the insurers paying for the parts in at least 70 percent of repairs.” He reasoned that advocates rely on data released by supporters to highlight the overall savings the use of af-
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termarket parts represent, but fail to mention that by the same studies’ calculations, the impact on the individual consumer is merely $19–$24 per policy, per year. “Furthermore, while the exemption would result in more nonoriginal parts being made available sooner in the life cycle of the vehicle, the individual parts costs savings being touted by supporters may not factor in other potentially increased costs,” said Schulenburg. “These include additional labor manipulating the part to fit like the original or reordering delays should the particular copy prove inadequate.” No decision was made during the hearing, which was held in Washington D.C. by the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. “It is our hope that the House Judiciary Committee will continue to recognize the negative impacts such special interest exemptions would have,” said Schulenburg. PARTS stands for Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade, and Sales, and has been debated since 2012. It was re-introduced by Republicans Darrell Issa (R-CA), chairman of the subcommittee, and Zoe Lofgren (DCA) in February 2015. US. Senators
Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the act in the Senate. “The consumer has a reasonable expectation that there will be a competitive market for repair parts for their automobile. There certainly is for brake pads. Why wouldn’t there be for a bent fender?” Issa commented during the hearing. “A healthy aftermarket means more affordable parts for everyone.” Ed Salamy, executive director of the Quality Parts Coalition, said the hearing was an important step to spark consideration in Congress. “The Quality Parts Coalition’s sole mission is to get this pro-consumer legislation passed in Congress to protect consumers’ access to competitive replacement parts when repairing their cars after an accident,” according to a press release by the QPC. Following the hearing, Risley said, “A free and open marketplace does not entail enacting a law that states an aftermarket part is equal to an OEM part. This should be decided by the party making the purchase.”
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National Associations
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.
CREF Makeover Grant Receives Its Own Makeover with Chasidy Rae Sisk
In 2009, the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) founded its Ultimate Collision Education Makeover Grant. Since then, over $3 million in cash and in-kind donations have been awarded to collision repair training programs to help supply them with the tools, equipment and training necessary for their students’ education. Although the Makeover Grant had yielded much success for CREF and the collision repair industry as a whole, the organization’s Board of Trustees decided to adjust their focus to bridging the employee gap in June 2015 after hearing of the industry’s immediate need for entry-level staff. According to Melissa Marscin, director of Grant Programs of CREF, “The new focus will be on getting the right grants/donations into each school to better prepare the students for entering the collision industry.” Marscin explained, “Instead of just asking schools to provide us with their $50,000 wish list of needed tools, equipment and supplies, the new makeover program asks for a profile on the school’s capabilities that help it graduate qualified and productive collision students for the industry’s employment. Based upon the capabilities detailed in the application, they will be assigned to tiers that will designate them based on those capabilities. The tiers will help us get the right resources to the schools that can use them.” Beginning this year, each school that submits an application for the
makeover program will be given a Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark designation, based on how certain questions are answered on the application. Tier 1 will indicate an advanced designation, with Tier 2 being proficient and Tier 3 indicating a developing educational program. The criteria for each designation, listed on CREF’s website, consists of objective data to allow the school to identify which designation they fall into, and it includes items such as contact hours, existing tools/equipment, curriculum, outside activities and more. With approximately 1,150 collision schools in the US, each possessing different resources, requirements, standards and testing, it is nearly impossible to determine what resources each school has without reaching out to them individually. The new designations will help CREF’s Selection Committee determine each school’s needs when reviewing the makeover applications and alert potential donors to a school’s specific needs. It will also provide employees, future students, parents and counselors with information about any collision program they are interested in while showing administration that collision training is worth supporting and simultaneously demonstrating how funding can be improved to bring the program to a Tier 1 designation. Now, the makeover application will serve three purposes; in addition to designating the schools by tiers, it will allow schools to be eligible for cash prizes as
UTI Hosts Axalta’s Fifth Annual Winter Panel Jam in Long Beach, CA
Universal Technical Institute’s Long Beach, CA campus Collision Program hosted Axalta Coating Systems’ fifth
UTI students voted on the winning design by custom painter Alberto Herrera, who hails from Visalia, CA
annual Winter Panel Jam that featured elaborate pinstriping artwork produced onsite and live by 25 renowned artists from across the country, in-
cluding Los Angeles-based Danny Galvez and Alberto Herrera from Central California. The event took place inside the collision lab where UTI students were exposed to the creativity and original works of art that showcase this dynamic side of the automotive industry. “Our students enjoyed being a part of Panel Jam. They engaged with the artists and asked questions about different techniques that they can apply as they prepare for a career in auto tech and collision repair,” said Scott Diaz, collision education manager for the Long Beach campus. The finished artwork on quarter panels will be displayed in Axalta car show exhibits throughout 2016 including SEMA, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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well as in-kind donations that CREF receives from donors and distributes to schools in need. In regards to whether CREF will still offer the $50,000 makeover grants, Marscin stated, “It will all depend on the applications. The Selection Committee, when reviewing, will have the option to award $50,000 grants or to split it amongst smaller grant awards to help more schools. The goal will be to award amounts that will help a school reach the next tier.” Marscin assures applicants, “There will still be a place on the application to request items you need a grant for; however, your designation will help guide you on what items to request. For example, if you do not have curriculum due to the lack of computers in your program, the application will guide you to request curriculum and computers. The items requested will need to help advance your program to the higher designation. Our goal is to get EVERY school to become a Tier 1: Advanced
school!” Schools that rank in Tier 1 are still eligible for grants and donations. The top designation indicates that the school has all the basic tools and supplies needed, but the school can seek to further advance its program by requesting replacements for outdated tools and equipment, aluminum tools, training and I-CAR curriculum fees for students. In order to support this new designation program, adjustments will be made to the makeover grant itself. While the application will remain similar to previous years, a few questions will be added to determine the school’s designation. CREF began accepting applications on January 4, and the deadline for applicants is June 3, 2016. Schools’ designations will be announced in July with the announcement of makeover winners taking place in November. For more information about CREF, visit www.collisioneducationfoundation .org.
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The Parable of the Crippled Mare: Loss-Of-Use Now Recoverable in Texas Total Loss Auto Cases by Gary Wickert, Attorney-at-Law
Many years ago, a lawyer argued that the long-standing Texas rule prohibiting recovery of damages for loss of use of personal property, unless the property was a total loss or destroyed, was unfair. City of Canadian v. Guthrie, 87 S.W.2d 316 (Tex. Civ. App. 1932). His client’s one-eyed, underfed mare lived a simple life. One night, however, she was caught roaming the city streets in search of food and was placed in the city pound. Her owner failed to pay her board bill. Thus, she was put out of Gary Wickert her misery. As the Court of Appeals then put it, “when Panhandle Pete’s pistol popped, she petered, for which the pound-keeper paid Pete a pair of pesos.” Her owner protested her death and sued for damages, including $350 for the loss of her services in his occupation of hauling. The Court rejected that claim, holding that although “damages occasioned by the loss of the use and hire of an animal are recoverable where the animal is injured, no such damages are recoverable for the total loss or death of an animal.” Rather, “the measure of damages in the case of a wrongful killing of an animal is its market value, if it has one, and if not, then its actual or intrinsic value, with interest.” That rule, the owner’s attorney argued, made it “cheaper to kill a mare in Texas than to cripple her.” On January 8, 2016, the Texas Supreme Court in J & D Towing, LLC v. American Alternative Insurance Corporation, 2016 WL 91201 (Tex. 2016), changed nearly a century of law and ruled for the first time that the owners of automobiles and other damaged personal property which are a total loss may recover loss-of-use damages. J & D Towing, LLC (J & D) owned only one tow truck, a 2002 Dodge 3500 purchased in April 2011 for $18,500. On December 29, 2011, the tow truck was rendered a total loss as a result of the negligence of the defendant. The defendant’s carrier offered to settle J & D’s property damage claim for $10,299.12 if J & D retained the truck or $16,715.61 if the carrier retained the truck. Believing the truck was worth between $19, 000 and $20,000 at the time of the accident, J & D refused to accept the settlement offer. On February 29, 2012,
the defendant’s liability carrier settled with J & D for $25,000, the policy limits for property damage. Around March 8, 2012, J & D used that money to purchase another truck and resumed its business. J & D then filed an underinsured motorist (UIM) claim with its own carrier, American Alternative Insurance Corporation (AAIC), requesting compensation for the loss-of-use of the truck. It claimed that the funds from the settlement with the defendant were insufficient to compensate for these damages, rendering the defendant an “underinsured” motorist. AAIC denied the claim and cancelled the policy. J & D thereafter sued AAIC to recover “any
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and all loss-of-use damages to which [it] may be entitled.” J & D presented to a jury various calculations of the loss-of-use damages J & D claimed it incurred between December 29, 2011 and March 8, 2012. Aggregating the totals of those calculations, J & D asked the jury to award loss-of-use damages in the sum of either $27,866.25 or $29,416.25, with the difference being whether the jury awarded damages for a nine-week period or a ten-week period. AAIC challenged the availability of loss-of-use damages in its motion for summary judgment arguing that the UIM policy only covers damages that J & D is “legally entitled” to recover
from the defendant. Because Texas law did not permit recovery of loss-ofuse damages in total-loss cases, and because J & D’s vehicle was a total loss, J & D was not legally entitled to recover loss-of-use damages. The Trial Court denied both motions. At trial, the only question submitted to the jury concerned the proper amount of lossof-use damages. The jury awarded J & D $28,000. After the jury returned its verdict, the Trial Court held a brief hearing to determine the amount of the credit to which AAIC was entitled in light of the settlement with the defendant’s liability carrier. The Court concluded that J & D’s truck was worth $19,500 at the time of the accident and
thus AAIC was entitled to a credit of $5,500 – the amount of the settlement that did not cover the value of the truck but instead partially compensated J & D for its loss-of-use damages. The Trial Court entered judgment for J & D in the amount of $22,500 plus interest and court costs. AAIC appealed with the issue being whether Texas law in total loss cases allowed recovery of loss-of-use damages. AAIC’s position was that Texas law has never allowed recovery of loss-of-use damages in total-loss cases. The Court of Appeals agreed, reversing the decision. The Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals, holding for the first time, that “the owner of personal property that has been totally destroyed may recover loss-of-use damages in addition to the fair market value of the property immediately before the injury.” Until this decision, a person whose vehicle was totally destroyed could only recover the market value of the lost vehicle, while a person whose vehicle was repaired could also recover the loss-of-use of the vehicle. Hanna v. Lott, 888 S.W.2d 132 (Tex. App. ? Tyler 1994, no writ); Pasadena State Bank v. Isaac, 228 S.W.2d 127
(Tex. 1950); Mondragon v. Austin, 954 S.W.2d 191 (Tex. Civ. App. ? Austin 1997). One argument against recovering for loss-of-use when the vehicle is a total loss is if the owner rents a vehicle for two weeks before buying a replacement vehicle, the insured is not really out anything that would justify his recovery of the reasonable rental value for the time it took to buy a new vehicle. The insured can buy a car that has two weeks fewer miles on it, and potentially is two weeks newer and would have a higher resale value. Rental prices generally exceed the depreciation value, but once you’ve crossed that line, it blurs a bright line test. A defendant would argue that he would be paying more than actual damages if liable for loss-of-use, because the plaintiff is getting the free use of a vehicle for two weeks. The law didn’t even make an exception when the owner could not secure financing and was therefore unable to replace the property. Hanna v. Lott, supra. The Supreme Court in J & D Towing, LLC noted that a majority of jurisdictions within the United States permit loss-of-use damages in partial-destruction cases, but prohibit them in total-
loss cases. However, the Court noted that case law and treatises have shifted away from the distinction, because the owner of total-loss personal property may suffer loss-of-use damages to the same extent that the owner of repairable personal property, and that the distinction was “illogical.” The Supreme Court didn’t specify whether the change in the law was prospective or retroactive in nature. However, in Texas, the general rule is that you must read an opinion to see whether there is language in it that limits the applicability of the holding to subsequent cases. If you don’t see that sort of limitation, it is generally assumed that the case applies retroactively. For example, in Guillot v. Hix, a case involving when a cause of action for workers’ compensation subrogation accrues argued by Gary L. Wickert, the Supreme Court specifically stated: Our holding today may bar actions which have not been filed in reliance upon the rules established by our prior decisions. We therefore make our holding applicable only to injuries which occur today and hereafter. Injuries which occurred before today remain subject to the rules in Fidelity, Brandon, and Campbell. Guillot v.
Hix, 838 S.W.2d 230 (Tex. 1992). The J & D Towing, LLC decision should apply retroactively to all pending losses or cases, not just prospectively, because this is not a change in prior law as declared by the Texas Supreme Court. Until now, only appellate courts have weighed in. This was the first time the Texas Supreme Court has ruled on the issue. Thank you to the Claims Journal for permission to reprint this article.
Gary Wickert is an insurance trial lawyer and a partner with Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C., and is regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on insurance subrogation. He is the author of several subrogation books and legal treatises and is a national and international speaker and lecturer on subrogation and motivational topics. He can be reached at gwickert@mwl-law.com.
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Social Media for Shops Best Marketing Techniques to Recruit Top Employees with Ed Attanasio
It’s safe to say that every shop owner in the country is well aware of the enormous need for qualified collision repair professionals—from body technicians, painting technicians, estimators and even front office personnel. With fewer technical school programs in our high schools and colleges and a lack of alternative training programs, we’re not currently creating enough new employees to accommodate the need. With the continual efforts to shake the old “grease monkey” stereotype, and with more young people gravitating toward attending four-year colleges as opposed to technical or vocational schools, the collision repair industry is scrambling to find and retain good people. This shortage of qualified technicians, for example, has led lead to higher wages, benefits and signing bonuses. As a result, the market for good employees is turning ugly. Body shops are either stealing techs from each other or bringing in green people and trying
to train them from the ground up. Some MSOs and mini-chains are trying to do something about it now, and most consumers aren’t aware of this dilemma yet. But, when they have to wait weeks for repairs and prices go up because there’s not enough people out there to fix cars, customers will suddenly be just as concerned as the body shop owners about the lack of good talent. So, here are some suggestions outlining marketing techniques you might want to consider as you pursue top employees for your shop (or shops):
Connect to Your Local Schools For the larger MSOs that constantly need new people to fill their pipeline, working with local high schools, trade organizations and trade technical schools is almost essential. Concentrate on the schools in your backyard and also pinpoint several outside of your immediate area. Certain states are creating more collision professionals,
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Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.
such as Texas, Florida and California, where there are more technical schools and more automotive repair students who will soon be pursuing employment. Participate in mentoring programs, career fairs and other activities and programs that schools offer.
Setup an Employee Referral Program Human Resources departments at large corporations have extensive employee referral systems in place that are their bread and butter when it comes to finding and hiring top people. They offer generous bonuses, including all-expense paid vacations, tickets to concerts and sporting events, etc. for employees who refer their friends and associates. Instead of conducting “cattle calls” and interviewing hundreds of semi-qualified people, why not find top candidates through the connections your existing employees already have? You will quickly find out that good body techs
hang out with other good body techs, and it’s the same with painters, estimators, etc.
Train New Employees Yourself If you want to do it right, why not control the process, including the training? Big MSOs like Service King now have a fully compensated 52-week training course developed to prepare incoming technicians for careers at Service King. As part of this program, technicians receive daily on-the-job oversight and training, use a detailed curriculum and progress through a series of competency assessments and succession benchmarks. Technicians are consistently awarded throughout the program and tutored by an assigned apprentice supervisor, to make certain that they’re ready for work when the training is complete. The theory is that if you train them your way, they will stay and be long-term happy employees. See Best Marketing Techniques, Page 32
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Continued from Page 30
Best Marketing Techniques
Use Your Philanthropy and Community Service as a Recruiting Tool Shops involved in charity work don’t do it with the idea of landing top employees, but if they can leverage these efforts, why not? Top people will appreciate a business that helps others, and in many cases, it can lead to eventual employment. Everyone wants to have a purpose and make a decent living, but many people also respect a company that helps its community and does more than just fixing cars.
Use Social Media In this age of online social and professional networking, there is a very good chance that you and your employees are already connected to a wide range of potential candidates. Tap into this potential audience on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter to get the word out. By using as many online tools as you possibly can, you’ll be finding better job candidates at zero cost.
Make the Application Process Easy Some shops use software linked to their
web sites, so that candidates can easily fill out online applications or submit resumes fast and drama-free while others use different sites to achieve the same results. If you can make the application and vetting process simple, logically more will apply. Top sites for recruiting and submitting applications and resumes include Simply Hired, Glassdoor and ZipRecruiter.
Always Be Recruiting (ABR) Many shops fill a specific need and then put the recruiting efforts on the back burner, but that is a mistake for many reasons. Recruiting is ongoing and never slows down or stops. Just because you’re properly staffed today, what happens when another shop lures away a couple of your top techs? That’s why you have to be recruiting all the time, especially if you have more than one location.
Devise a Specific Message People don’t like ambiguity, especially when their livelihoods are involved. Applicants want the facts, not some fancy phrases like “We’re on the Cutting Edge” or “Ride Our Wave.” They want to know what the job’s requirements are, 6.41
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the training required, the hours, the benefits and the pay. Remember that the inventory of good, qualified people out there is limited, so make sure your message is clear, complete and specific about what you’re looking for. So, devise a message that will attract top people while gaiting unqualified wannabes. It will save you time and money in the long run.
Respect Every Job Candidate Never disregard an unqualified job candidate, because you never know when that person may reach the point of employment, based on schooling, training or accumulated experience. You also don’t know who this individual might know, so always treat job applicants with respect and leave them feeling good about themselves.
Do an Annual Hiring Open House Some ingenious marketing types at body shops have combined their customer appreciation event with an employment open house, thereby killing two birds with one stone. That way, it’s more affordable for you, and people can use the opportunity to submit resumes, meet with your managers, and even do an impromptu interview.
CA Tech Students Take Part in STEM Workshop
On Tuesday, February 2, Universal Technical Institute (UTI) of Rancho Cucamonga in CA partnered with Crown Equipment Corporation to host a day of hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) workshops for Redlands High School (RHS) vocational tech students and counselors. The special event kicked off Career Technical Education (CTE) Month®, a public awareness campaign the Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE) holds each February. This event gives interested RHS vo-tech students a behind-the-scenes look at STEM at work in UTI’s programs—and a chance to jumpstart an in-demand career in the automotive industry. This event presented students with the following opportunities: ● Photograph students in action working on forklifts and other machinery ● Talk to UTI staff and instructors about life on campus and exciting high-tech careers ● Learn about Tuition Reimbursement and Incentive Programs (TRIP) ● Talk to counselors about STEM careers and the demand for CTE.
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Career Jumpstarting Opportunities at Universal Technical Institute Rancho Cucamonga, CA UTI Rancho Cucamonga hosted four career jumpstarting events from the end of January into February, and will continue to do so for the rest of Career Technical Education (CTE) Month®. On January 23, 3016, UTI Rancho Cucamonga held a public test drive event at their campus from 9 am to 1 pm. It was a hands-on learning experience for future motorcycle, auto, and diesel tech students and their parents. High performance vehicles, such as Kawasaki, HarleyDavidson, Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz were on site for lab activities. More than 220 students and parents attended the event. “This was considered the best Test Drive event to date,” said UTI Rancho Cucamonga media rep, Kelly Koehler. “It was a great opportunity for students to have a hands-on experience and learn what a career in the STEM driven auto industry is all about. They were able to see and feel what they were passionate about in the auto industry.” Koehler added that UTI received
lots of positive feedback from both parents and students. On January 29, a job fair was held at the UTI Rancho Cucamonga campus from 10 am to 2 pm. The event gave UTI students and graduates the opportunity to shake hands and get hired for in- demand
positions with 26 auto and diesel employers in the region. Job seekers were also able to learn about Tuition Reimbursement Programs (TRIP) and other hiring incentives employers are offering to attract talent in a highly competitive job market. According to Koehler, out of the 981 students who attended, four received on the spot offers, two of which were accepted, and an additional 27 of-
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fers were planned. On January 30, UTI Rancho Cucamonga hosted the SkillsUSA Auto Competition from 8am to 11am. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry workers to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The organization provides educational programs, events and competitions to support CTE. UTI-Rancho Cucamonga hosted 50 to 100 qualified Southern California high school teams competing in theory and hand-on STEM tests for a spot at the national competition later this year. For the Skills USA Region 6 Automotive Challenge, 27 teams of Automotive Service Technology and 12 teams of Intro to Automotive Service technology participated, making 60 students in total. “We had a tremendous instructor talent to support the judging of each lab exercise allowing a flawless event,” said Koelher. AST teams competed in 14 hands
on lab tasks, as well as a written knowledge test. The top two qualified for the SkillsUSA State completion held in San Diego, CA on April 1st and 2nd. Students were tasked with the following hands-on exercises to identify the top two from each school who will go onto state: ● Engine Performance ● Precision Measuring ● Component Identification ● Emissions Diagnostics ● Electrical Circuit Building and Measuring ● Electrical Resistance Measuring and Conversion ● Electrical Diagnostics
The winners have yet to be identified. Autobody News will be following up with UTI so we can provide the information in our next issue. On February 2, a STEM Performance Workshop for Redlands High School (RHS) Vocational Students was held at Crown Equipment on 4250 East Greystone Dr., Ontario, CA, 91761 from 9 am to 1 pm. In partnership with Crown Equip-
ment Corporation, UTI conducted a hand-on STEM and career workshop for RHS students. Approximately 3040 attended including 23 students, teachers, and counselors. Students saw an informative presentation about UTI and the skills one achieves as an auto and/or diesel technician. Crown had staffers at the event who were UTI graduates, now in leadership roles at Crown. A hands-on demonstration then followed with counselors and teachers present receiving their STEM Certificates of completion from UTI. “High school instructors and counselors were amazed at how the event was handled, the professionalism of Crown and UTI employees, and the opportunities that a UTI education offers,” said Koelher. “They were also excited to be able to tour the high-tech warehouse.” Koelher said the RHS students were already interested in vocational tech work, and this STEM event “gave them a first-hand look at how they could make a career out of their interests and skill set with the help of UTI.” She added that interested students were able to set up additional meetings with counselors.
For those who are still interested in attending a UTI career jumpstarting event, it’s not too late. The following workshops will be taking place through mid-late February at UTI Rancho Cucamonga: 9494 Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. Manufacturer-Specific Training (MSAT) Expo - Event for UTI students /graduates:
● Feb.16 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ● Expo to showcase UTI-Rancho Cucamonga MSAT programs including BMW Fastrack, Ford FACT and Mercedes-Benz ELITE START Future Student Scholarship Testing Event – Open to the Public:
● Feb. 27, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ● Campus orientation and scholarship testing to receive up to $2,500 in UTI scholarships ● Save your Spot: Dan Sweeney, Regional Admissions Director, dsweeney @uti.edu, (951) 520-5526.
For more information, visit www.uti .edu. Like UTI on www.facebook .com/UTI or follow UTI on Twitter @UTITweet, @MMITweet and @ NASCAR TechUTI.
Carson City, NV, Schools Plan to Discontinue Auto Collision Repair Course
by Taylor Pettaway, nevadaappeal.com
The Carson City School District is discussing not offering the Auto Collision Repair Technology class at Carson High School. The district hasn’t officially canceled the collision repair class, but it’s slated to end after this school year, said Superintendent Richard Stokes. Several concerned students, teachers and community members voiced [concern] at the school board meeting last week. “These are the students who will fix your vehicle and get you on your way,” said Lance Godec, CHS auto collision teacher. “You need to take into consideration the needs of the community and students to keep a program that is so unique.” The class has nearly 140 students in it currently, which Godec said is nearly 4% of the CHS student population. He said the class has been offered at Carson High for more than 15 years. If students complete at least three years of the auto collision class, they can get college credit and the school teaches the state standard for auto repair. Carson High is one of the few secondary schools in Nevada to teach collision repair classes. One local auto body shop owner, Eric Basa, of
Affordable Auto Painting, said having this class is important because there are so few technicians. The school district is planning on replacing the auto class with a manufacturing course. “We have a vibrant manufacturing group in Carson City and we know there are large corporations, like Tesla, who are opening their doors for business and based on what we are seeing with the NNDA, the governor’s office and what’s happening in the region, we believe that other related industries are requiring students to have an understanding of what is going on,” Stokes said. “Having the right skill set for those jobs would be advantageous for students.” Carson High students interested in pursuing classes for the auto industry still may be able to take the time to attend the auto collision classes at Western Nevada College. Stokes said the district will work with students to try to work it into their schedules if possible. “We are hoping to work with the college and students to see what fits their needs most,” Stokes said. The manufacturing classes will start with a first level course and progress as the years continue, Stokes said. Autobody News thanks nevadaapeal.com for reprint permission.
www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 35
Historical Snapshot
—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.
Jeff Silver, GAO Report and NHTSA, Avery v State Farm, EPA at CIC with John Yoswick
20 years ago in the collision repair industry (March 1996) The name Jeff Silver is synonymous with I-CAR. As executive vice president, Jeff has spent the last 11 years of his life helping to build I-CAR into the premier technical training organization in the collision repair industry. On his watch, Jeff has guided I-CAR into the international arena, forming coalitions with groups in Canada and New Zealand and opening talks with groups in the Far East. He recently decided to leave I-CAR and start his own collision repair business, but will remain with I-CAR for six months to help make his successor’s transition as smooth as possible. Jeff leaves big shoes to fill. He has done much to improve the collision repair industry, and we wish him well.
Jeff Silver (center), co-owner of CARSTAR Mundelein in Mundelein, IL, was honored last November by I-CAR for his ongoing support for that organization, which he helped create and then led from 1985-1996. Presenting the award were current I-CAR CEO John Van Alstyne (left) and I-CAR board chairman Joe Laurentino
– From a March 1996 editorial in Auto Body Repair News (ABRN) by Tony Molla, at that time the editor-inchief of the magazine. Molla later spent 15 years with ASE, and last year became vice president on the Automotive Service Association national staff. Silver continues to operate his collision repair business, now a CARSTAR franchise in Mundelein, IL, with his wife Jeanne. This past November, he received the I-CAR Chairman’s Award, recognizing his decades of support for that organization. 15 years ago in the collision repair industry (March 2001) A report published by the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) was a mixed bag for those hoping for more
government oversight of non-OEM crash parts. While the report indicates that some non-OEM parts are “clearly different from their OEM counterparts,” it also said limited testing leaves it unclear whether such parts pose significant safety concerns. “Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the authority to regulate aftermarket crash parts, it has not determined that these parts pose a significant safety concern and therefore has not developed safety standards for them,” the report states. The report also says that NHTSA should have an oversight program to detect defects in non-OEM parts, but that “NHTSA’s ability to identify and recall unsafe aftermarket parts is limited” by its “database [which] hampers it from identifying trends in defects.” The report clearly states, however, that the GAO “saw aftermarket crash parts that were clearly different from their OEM counterparts.” “Obviously there is a need for NHTSA to gather significantly more information in order to look at the safety implications of these crash parts,” Congressman John Tierney (D.-Mass.), said of the study. —As reported in The Golden Eagle. It’s unclear if NHTSA took further actions on the non-OEM parts issue, but the manufacturers, distributors and certifiers of non-OEM crash parts has subsequently stepped up tracking and other systems to assist in the recall of a non-OEM part, should one be deemed necessary. 10 years ago in the collision repair industry (March 2006) The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected the plaintiffs’ request to hear Avery v. State Farm. Michael Avery and the other plaintiffs filed a petition for the court to hear the case on the basis that Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier should not have participated in the decision since State Farm contributed to his election campaign. The U.S. Supreme Court said nothing about why it decided not to review the case. —As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), March 12,
36 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
2006. In 1999, a court ruled in favor of Avery and other consumers in a class action lawsuit against State Farm over its use of non-OEM parts, awarding them more than $1 billion. In 2005, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned that verdict. Though a decade has past since that Illinois Supreme Court ruling, the decision is still making headlines. In 2011, Avery's lawyers petitioned the court to reconsider its Avery ruling given what they said was new evidence of the degree to which State Farm was involved in the 2004 election of Justice Karmeier to Illinois’ top court. Within a year of his election, Karmeier was among the Justices on the Court that voted to overturn the $1 billion judgment against State Farm. A lawsuit over that issue continues.
5 years ago in the collision repair industry (March 2011) An Environmental Protection Agency official, speaking at this month’s Col-
lision Industry Conference (CIC), said that even though the deadline has passed for shops to comply with new federal refinish and paint stripping regulations (sometimes referred to as 6-H or NESHAP), any business that has not complied should not avoid doing so. “Some folks think if they hang back and don’t submit the paperwork that somehow EPA isn’t going to know about them,” Deborah Craig, an EPA compliance officer said. “They don’t want to shine a light on themselves by submitting something late. Our recommendation is that you just move forward as quickly as possibly to come into compliance. Give the regional EPA folks a call. Ask for help in filling out the forms. Talk to folks in your trade group for assistance. A lot of the paint suppliers have really been offering such excellent customer service by helping you See Historical Snapshot, Page 40
www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 37
H OND A C AL I FO RN I A
AutoNation Honda Roseville Ros ev ille
800-262-3201 916-783-5628 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5:30 autonationhondaparts@hotmail.com
Avery Greene Honda Vallejo
800-834-8886 707-551-3202 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 7:30-5 parts@averygreenemotors.com
Barber Honda Bakers field
661-396-4235 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5:30 bestchoice@barberhonda.com
First Honda Simi Valley
888-523-0698 805-584-6646 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7:30-5 hondaparts@firstautogroup.com
Galpin Honda Miss ion Hills
800-GO GALPIN 818-778-2005 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-5 blemen@galpin.com
Honda Cars of Corona Corona
800-557-3652 951-734-9045 Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7-5 terry.love@pscauto.com AC U RA C AL I FO RN I A
Acura of Fremont Fremon t
888-435-0504 510-431-2560 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 mike.ohare@acuraoffremont.com
Acura of Pleasanton Pleas ant on
888-985-6342 925-251-7126 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-6 mitch.cash@hendrickauto.com
Acura of Riverside Riv ersid e
888-701-0725 951-688-1500 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-8; Sat 7-5 Ricardo.pena@hendrickauto.com Mark.reed@hendrickauto.com Jason.torres@hendrickauto.com 38 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Please contact these dealers for your Honda or Acura Genuine parts needs. C AL IFOR N I A
CAL IFO RNIA
C ALIF OR N IA
U TAH
Honda of Hollywood
Ocean Honda
South Bay Honda
Ho lly wo o d
S a nt a C ru z
M il pi ta s
Og den
800-371-3719 323-466-3205
831-464-1800
877-475-1142 408-324-7460
800-821-8797 801-627-6762
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5 parts@southbayhonda.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6 smiles@kengarff.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 parts@hondaofhollywood.com
Honda of Oakland
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-4:30 mickw@oceanhondasantacruz.com
Robertson Honda N o rt h H o l ly wo o d
University Honda
510-547-8047
800-508-3894 818-301-3511
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-8; Sat 7-6
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-5
800-585-8648 530-758-8770
Honda of Pasadena
San Francisco Honda
Dept. Hours: M-Sat 8-6; Sun 8-5 dfortier@uhdavis.com
Oa k la nd
P as ad e n a
S a n F ra n ci sc o
800-433-0676 626-683-5880
415-913-5125
Davis
N EVAD A
Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-4
Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5:30 partsws@sfhonda.com
Findlay Honda
Kolbe Honda
Scott Robinson Honda
702-982-4260
R es ed a
800-735-1424 818-609-7441 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 7:30-5 carparts@kolbehonda.com
Larry Hopkins Honda Su n n y vale
408-720-0221 408-736-2608 Dept. Hours: M-Sat 8-5 parts1@hopkinsdirect.com
Metro Honda Mo n t c la ir
800-446-5697 909-625-8960 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 7:30-4 wholesaleparts@metrohonda.com
C AL IFOR N I A
AutoNation Acura of South Bay To r ra n c e
310-784-8680 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-5 iwashitas@autonation.com
Cerritos Acura Ce r r it o s
855-895-2678 562-207-0554 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-6 srandall@browningautogroup.com
Marin Acura C or t e M ad era
800-77-Acura 415-927-5350 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5:30; Sat 8-4 parts@marinacura.com
To rran ce
310-371-8320
L a s Ve g as Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-5 fsanchez@findlayauto.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6:30; Sat 7-5 mluna@scottrobinson.com
Findlay Honda Henderson
Selma Honda
888-234-4498 702-568-3531
Selma
800-717-3562 559-891-5111 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7:30-4:30 hondapartsmgr@selmaautomall.com
Sierra Honda
He nde r s on
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-5 fhhparts@findlayauto.com AR IZON A
Chapman Honda Tuc so n
M o nr ov i a
800-322-8540 626-932-5614 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-4 parts@sierracars.com
CAL IFO RNIA
Ken Garff Honda Ogden
800-461-6744 520-202-5770 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-4 robertevenson@chapmantucson.com
AR IZON A
U TAH
Metro Acura
Acura of Peoria
M o n tc l ai r
Pe o r i a
800-446-5697 909-625-8960
866-347-4507 623-792-2559
Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 wholesaleparts@metrohonda.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-5 dcavanaugh@vtaig.com
Mike Hale Acura Murray
800-292-4595 801-263-0202 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 7:30-5 pgoold@mikehale.com
Acura of Tempe
NE VA DA
Te mpe
Findlay Acura
866-455-6601 480-344-6703
H e nd e rs on
877-770-5873 702-982-4160 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-4 jmoore@findlayauto.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-5 acuraparts@acuraoftempe.com U TAH
Jody Wilkinson Acura S al t L a ke C ity
800-234-0875 801-323-0492 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 rick@jodywilkinson.com www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 39
Shop Strategies with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR
General Manager of Jost Garage in New Jersey Says Running a Successful Shop Requires Staying Up With Latest in Training & Technology Autobody News talked to Barry Jost, Sr., general manager of Jost Garage in New Jersey, about the fourth-generation family business. Established
by Wesley Jost, Sr. in 1923, Jost Garage started as a Studebaker dealership in Long Island, New York. After several moves, the Jost family settled in Wall Township. Wesley Sr. and his sons, Wesley Jr. and Robert Jost Sr., constructed a new garage. Robert Sr. and his four sons, Bob, Billy, Barry and Bryan, have dedicated themselves to running the body shop and providing excellent service to customers. Now, the fourth-generation Barry Jr. is involved in the business as well.
advancements and driver assistance ad- vances. Metallurgy is a recent phenomenon in auto body repair. We now deal with all of the different strength steels, and of course aluminum. The last few years are all about lean processes, cycle times, parts correctness and complete disassembly. These are some of the new buzz words we hear today.
Can you tell us about Q: new technology that you have incorporated in your
shop and the benefit of staying up-to-date about new advancements in the industry?
A:
We have always done wheel alignments in-house with our Hunter alignment machine. We have four Chief E-Z Liner frame machines, two resistance welders by Pro-Spot as well as three down-draft spray booths. Our latest addition has been the Matrix Wand. It’s a 3D measuring tool that was the bell of the ball at the SEMA show in Las Vegas this past year.
As a fourth-generation busiWhat are the benefits of using Q: ness, can you share some of the Q: the Matrix Wand in your shop? changes you have seen in the industry It provides us an accurate analyover the years? A: sis of any damage, either uniDirect repair relationships are body or full frame. It will also pinpoint A: one of the first changes I re- any suspension damage or engine cramember when I graduated college in dle movement. It’s the most innovative
the late 1980s. Jost Garage has a large DRP conglomerate. It’s about 50 percent of our business. Technology has come a long way as well with all of the Supplemental Restraint (SRS) systems, electronic
product we have seen in quite some time. You can now show proof of any type of structural damage to your insurance partners as well as speed up the tech in repairing a vehicle back to crash worthiness!
Continued from Page 36
mandatory training related to the regulation for painters every five years at a minimum. So painters that underwent that training five years ago as the regulation went into effect—but who haven’t gone through the training again since that time—are due to take it again this year. More information is available on the EPA website (http:// www3.epa.gov/collisionrepair/).
Historical Snapshot
comply.” – As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), March 28, 2011. The federal air quality regulation imposed a number of requirements on body shops, including
40 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
How do you stay current with We use recycled anti-freeze and Q: A: training and how does it help recycle all of our fluids. We are with cycle time in your shop? 100 percent waterborne in our refinish
A:
Our current partnership with Sherwin-Williams and the professional staff, such as Steve Feltovich, have really helped us stay up-to-speed in this industry, which constantly evolves. We have attended multiple classes and seminars on all of the hot topics. We are engaged in a 20 Group with Sherwin-Williams as well. We also stay active with I-CAR training for our own information as well as to stay in check with our insurance partners’ requirements. We have a state-of-theart mechanical facility that employees multiple ASE-certified techs. What are some of the ecoQ: friendly initiatives you have incorporated at Jost Garage?
department and are very proud of that. We exceed the industry average in recycled parts usage. We also recycle all metals and cardboard, plus we are 90 percent paperless in our office!
Are there other changes you Q: have noticed in the industry? CARFAX is changing the way A: repairs are being viewed. I’ve noticed that people are more concerned about the repair process since CARFAX has been put in place.
Barry Jost can be reached at (732) 681-0115. If you know of a shop that would like to share its “Shop Strategies,” contact Stacey Phillips at sphillips@ autobodynews.com.
Mark Kia 1100 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Parts Center Hours Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 5:30pm
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Mark Mitsubishi 6910 E. McDowell Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85257
FAX 480-663-7503
Parts Center Hours Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 5:30pm
480-663-7553
www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 41
Toby Chess is an I-CAR program instructor, Training specialist, and former salvage yard operator. Toby is universally known in the collision industry for his work with first responders and advocacy for body shops and consumers. He can be reached at tcspeedster@gmail.com
Hey Toby! Kool Tools from SEMA 2015 with Toby Chess
Three years ago, Kye Yeung and I walked the floors of the 2012 SEMA show looking for new products that most of us never get a chance to see. When we made a presentation at the Collision Industry Conference, the presentation became an instant hit among the audience. So, for the third year in a row, we walked the floor at SEMA 2015 looking for things that were unique and would make life in the body shop a little easier. The products we chose to test were made by Dent Fix, GL Enterprises, and Spray Max, Infratech, WRD Glass Tools, Steck, Reliable Automotive Engineering, Collision Edge, Whistler, Time Shaver Tools and Kent Automotive. It should be noted that we are not endorsing these products and there other manufactures that make similar items and you should take some time to search them out. We purchased all but two of the items and we checked them out before we presented at the
SCRS open board meeting and the Collision Industry Conference this January. There is also a video presentation which can be accessed at SCRS.com. Let’s look at our first item—Shunt Pliers from Dent Fix. See Fig 1.
freely through the copper/aluminum electrodes. When two or more pieces of steel are placed in the path of the electrons, the path is interrupted, resistance and pressure builds up and are released in the form of heat—a spot weld is formed. See Fig 2.
does not allow the electrons to pass through the metal. So, to create an electrical path, we use shunt pliers for the first weld. In the past, we used locking pliers to create the path but locking pliers were not designed to carry the current (amperage) that is being used today and it is possible to blow the pliers apart. I know this because it happened to both me and March Taylor. The shunt pliers have a large copper base and huge wire to handle the amps. The pliers allow the path of electricity and once the path is established, resistance forms at the
Fig 1
Over the years I have been looking for a set of shunt pliers, but these are the first ones that I found that I wanted to purchase. These pliers are a must for the weld-bonding process on today’s vehicles. During the spot welding process, the electrons flow
Fig 2
The problem occurs when a barrier is placed between the pieces of metal such as E-coat or adhesive that
Fig 3
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electrodes and produces a weld. When the second weld is performed the path travels through the first weld and resistance forms at the electrodes and the weld is created. See Fig 3.
be punched out. The smaller size allows for greater access in tight spaces.
8mm x 20mm Slot
Fig 4
Moving on to the next item, a finger sander from Dent Fix. Dent Fix has this small and easy to use finger sander. See Fig 4. This compact sander is ideal for removing squeeze type resistance spot welds and removing the heads of rivets, in order that they may Fig 5
8 mm Plug Hole
Fig 6
Fig 5. With MIG weld brazing, you need surface area and this punch creates an 8mm by 20mm slot. See Fig 6. Another tool from Dent Fix is a LED work light. Fig 6a.
Fig 7
Fig 6a
Another tool is a slot punch from Dent Fix for MIG weld brazing. See
Fig 8
It has a magnet on the bottom, it is rechargeable, it has variable intensity and the most amazing thing is its brightness. See it in action on the SCRS web site. The last item from Dent Fix is a safety product. Question— How many of your
techs use two air fitting for a blower? See Fig 7. This is a huge OSHA violation. Dent Fix has an OSHA compliant blower that will fit into a pocket and it works extremely well. See Fig 8.
Fig 9
The next item is from GL Enterprises and it is called the GOOP Scoop. See Fig 9.
Fig 10
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They come in two sizes and allow the tech and painter to get all of that expensive material out of the bottom of the container, reducing waste. See Fig 10. They can also be used to mix the plastic filler. Another item from GL Enterprises is the Shinners. See Fig 11.
a pot life about 12 hours. We found an epoxy primer in a spray can. It is made by Spray Max and it is extremely easy to use. See Fig 13. It is a 2K system, in other words the spray can has the hardener in the bottom and through an internal mechanical device the hardener is mixed into the primer when sprayed. When the can is shaken up it is ready to spray. It has a shelf life of 4 to 6 days depending on the weather. See Fig 14.
Fig 11
The kit comes with 50 pieces of plastic and there are two holes in the plastic that line up with pegs on the paddle. You apply the paint to the plastic and when the holes and black are covered, you take the sheet off the paddle and turn it over and now you have a clear coat/base coat panel that can be used to check for the correct color. Now you don’t need to add clear or wetting agent to the panel. One step instead of two. Fig 14
INFRATECH The next item is great tool to speed up the painting process, a short-wave infrared heater from Infratech. See Fig 15. Fig 12
The closest primer that approaches the characteristics of OEM applied Ecoat is epoxy primer. It is a two component system, the primer and the hardener. See Fig 12. I tell shops to put the gallon can on the mixing machine and each day have the painter add the hardener and make a small amount. I apply the epoxy primer with a small foam paint brush ($.60 Fig 13 from Home Depot) to areas that need seam sealer. It is dry in about 30 minutes. The primer has
Fig 15
Let’s take a look at the benefits of a short-wave heater. Short-wave infrared heats the substrate, not the surface. In other words, the short-wave light goes through the paint and heats up the metal and now the paint cures
44 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
from the bottom to the top. Short wave can heat so quickly that it’s possible cure primer in 15 minutes. This unit is portable and the heating unit is 18 inches long. It’s priced at less than $300. The head can be moved up or down and rotated 360 degrees. It also has a timer. The next product that can be used in conjuncFig 16 tion with the heat lamp is a high-build primer in a spray can from Kent Automotive. See Fig 16. Kye uses this system in his shop for small body repairs. The body tech will spray the primer on (just for small areas) and heat it up with the short wave light. By the time the vehicle gets to the paint department, the primer is fully cured and ready for prep. Moving on to our next item, a glass removal system from WRD Glass Tools. See Fig. 17. This glass removal tool is unique in that it uses a special nylon rope and small battery-powered electric drill.
Fig 17
The rope is reusable and it does not chew up the rubber or damage the paint. See Fig 18. Kye purchased the unit and has
Fig 18
www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 45
removed 3 rear glasses with the same rope. I put a video clip of the tool being used and this can be accessed from SCRS.com (see—Kool Tools from SEMA 2015). Next, we have a door skin tool for aluminum from Steck. See Fig 19.
Fig 22. The next two companies have
Fig 22
Fig 19
The new all aluminum Ford 150 has a replacement door skin. A special rope hem flange is used to install the door skin and this is different than a steel hem flange. See Fig 20.
items that are used for estimating and quality control. The first product is from Collision Edge. The Dent Viewer shows the amount of damage via a photograph. See Fig 23. It works in conjunction with the flash on the camera. Note the distor-
ing the extent of damage and panel blending tape. The next estimating tool is from Whistler. See Fig 24. This tool can be used in tear down stage of repairs to determine the amount of damage in an enclosed rail or a backside of a panel that cannot be seen such as rocker panel reinforcement. In the quality control department, welds, repair and corrosion protection items can be inspected. This unit has a 4-foot extension, cables to hook it up to a computer, internal video and single picture capabilities. I used it recently to prove to an insurance adjuster that the body shop had glued the quarter panel as per BMW instructions instead of welding it. The next item that both Kye and I thought really cool was from Time
Fig 24 Fig 20
I folded the aluminum flat like the steel in the picture and then I applied a die check to a piece and the result was a crack along the entire radius. The “Skinner” which is attached to an air tool, is a two-step process. First you come in straight and then repeat the operation at a 45 degree angle and you will have a perfect rope hem flange. Follow the enclosed directions and you will not have a problem. In repairing today’s vehicles, panel gaps are extremely important factor for looks and safety. Reliable Automotive Equipment has a simple solution. See Fig 21.
tion on grid on the top picture. There are two sides, one for light colored vehicles and the other side for dark colored vehicles. The company also has magnetic measuring tapes for show-
Fig 21
The feeler gauges measure up to 6mm. Knowing the correct gap, the suction cup feeler gauges are set and mounted on steel or aluminum. See
Fig 23
46 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Shaver Tools. See Figs 25 & 26. The Worktop Kit has a table with See Kool Tools, Page 49
Fig 25
Fig 26
www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 47
Day Job/Night Job Iowa Shop Owner is 100 Percent All-in with Community Service with Ed Attanasio
by Ed Attanasio
Many body shop owners all over the country don’t hesitate to play important roles in their respective communities. Some are content to sponsor
Steve Copeland (with wife Holly) isn’t afraid to play an integral role as a public servant and fill several capacities in his hometown of Hedrick, IA
Little League teams and the local high schools, while others are willing to get even more involved. Steve Copeland, the owner of Copeland Auto Body in Hedrick, IA is one of the latter.
They say that in any volunteerbased organization, 10 percent of the members do 80 percent of the work, whether it’s the Kiwanis or any form of local government. Many years ago, Steve Copeland decided to be that 10 percent. Today, he is Hedrick’s Fire Chief, the President of the District’s school board and also the former President of Hedrick’s flourishing Little League baseball program. Copeland had absolutely no training or experience when he started on this journey into public service, but he now realizes that it is in his DNA and something he was driven to do. “My wife Holly says I’m a good decision maker and that’s why people pick me to play these roles, Copeland said. “I never started doing this in order to help or promote my business, but in some ways it has helped. By being involved in the community, I am visible and accessible, which I believe the people of Hedrick appreciate.”
48 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.
As the town’s Fire Chief, Copeland is on 24/7 call, even in the snow as he directs Hedrick’s volunteer crew
1.53 square miles in size, Hedrick has a population of approximately 800, so if you don’t know Steve Cope-land, you probably just moved there. Copeland owns and operates two businesses— Copeland Auto Body and Copeland Towing & Recovery in nearby Sigourney, IA that also performs mechanical
work, but it all started in a roundabout way. “I learned how to fix things on my grandfather’s farm,” he said. “We grew corn and soybeans and had some cattle. When it comes to farm equipment, you can’t replace stuff, so you have to fix it. Later, I got into race cars and when I was 15, I restored an old Impala. So, cars were always a big interest of mine, but I never figured that I would own a shop.” Auto body repair wasn’t initially on Copeland’s radar. “I had a full-time job as a shift manager at at a large Iowa-based grocery store,” he explained. “My need to become an independent business owner finally got the best of me along with my love to fix things. I had been working on peoples’ cars on my days off, along with rebuilding some wrecked vehicles to sell. In 1994, I hired a painter and began my education at the school of Hard Knocks. We have now grown
from a two-man body shop to a full service eight employee collision repair shop.” Being a community leader can be either a plus or a minus when it comes to also being a business owner. “It can be good, but it can also cause conflicts with other people who may not agree with one of my decisions. There are folks in every community where they get into office because they have an agenda or an axe to grind over some issue. I don’t do it for those reasons; I truly want to help the community and make it a better place to live and work.”
Chase (left) and Tyler Copeland are football and track stars in Hedrick and outstanding students as well
By serving his town in several capacities, Copeland has learned some invaluable lessons. “I tell peo-
ple that we’re not going to agree on everything, because I will never be a yes man. Can’t we agree to disagree and then make decisions that will help us all? If you want to make a difference, you need to jump in and get things done, because otherwise they won’t.” Copeland’s competition in Hedrick isn’t exactly fierce, to say the least. “We’re the only body shop in town, but we get cars here from as far as 40 miles away, because we’re in a rural part of the state. With 800 people living here, we often see the same vehicles coming through the door twice, even three times.” Being Hedrick’s fire chief can occasionally impact Copeland’s cycle times, but most of his DRPs and customers don’t seem to mind. “We have 17 people on our 100 percent volunteer fire crew and when our pagers go off, we all need to respond. One of my employees is also a member, so sometimes we will end up being shorthanded at the shop. One day, a fire kept us out of the shop all day long, starting at around 10 am and we were busy at the time. I won’t lie to you— fighting some of these fires can take a toll on your body, but our attitude is
whatever it takes, we’ll do it.” Copeland’s involvement in Hedrick’s school board has paid off in an indirect way, because both of his sons, Chase and Tyler have turned out pretty well, according to their proud father. “They both play football for the Pekin High School Panthers and they run track as well,” Copeland said. “They were part of a 4x2 relay team and they won the state title. They’re good students and they are getting great educations, so that is very satisfying.” Will Steve’s sons enter the collision repair world when the time comes? “I don’t know, because it’s not an easy business to be in,” he explained. “My father tried to talk me out of getting into this industry, so I don’t want them to feel like they have to do this. One of them is into fixing the cars and the other one is good at the computer-side of things, so I think they will do a great job if they decide to take over.”
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Continued from Page 46
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an aluminum channel upright that attaches to a tool box (the one in the picture was purchased from Sears.) You can add custom hooks, trays, dispensers, can holders, etc. to meet your needs. The unit will organize your various departments and you will have a better control of your materials. Well there you have it. Our selection of Kool Tools from SEMA 2015. Kye and I would like to thank everyone that gave us the technical support we needed on the products and a special thanks to Aaron Schulenberg, the Executive Director of SCRS and Kristen Felder of Collision Hub. Continued from Cover
CDI Says
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Lean Operations
Why Winners Win (Deliberate Practice) with David Luehr
There are two traits that I most commonly witness amongst the most successful collision business leaders I work with. First they tend to work with a coach or mentor and secondly they engage in what is called deliberate practice. I was first introduced to the concept of deliberate practice not on the shop floor as you might expect, but instead on the tennis court. When I began playing tennis regularly just a few years ago I was completely hooked and would play and practice a lot, but felt my progress was slower than I would have liked. I was introduced to a coach that was unlike many of the other tennis professionals I had previously met. I thought this guy hated me! There were times I hated him, but in just a few months got me out of my rut and soon I was beating players that had been playing tennis for twenty years or more! What was it that made me improve to the point that I was beating far more experienced players? It was the not the amount of practice that mattered, it was how I practiced that mattered! This may come as good news to many of you that scientific research has proven that your natural born talent has much less to do with your success in life than many think. The real secret to success at any endeavor whether sport, business, music, or whatever lies in a person’s dedication to practicing the specific skills they have not yet mastered in a deliberate manner. This was great news to me as a tennis player, because trust me, I have very little natural athletic talent! The bad news is that deliberate practice can be tough! I’ll come back to that in a minute. I am sure many of my readers can relate to what I am about to say. In past years I have been amazed how I would hire a person to work in my shop that says they have been in the business for twenty years or more and they have absolutely no more skill than the guy working next to them that has only been working in the trade for five years! What is up with that? For the most part, it is because in many trades it takes about 5 years to become proficient at your job, and then people take their foot off the gas and coast. It is like learning
David Luehr is the owner of Elite Body Shop Solutions, LLC, a collision business consulting firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a 30 year veteran of the collision repair industry. David is an expert in Body Shop Operations and specializes in Lean, and Theory of Constraints methods. Email him at dluehr@msn.com
to drive. A person first goes through a cognitive phase where they have to think about everything before they do it. “Okay now I have to press the gas pedal, and then turn on my turn signal etc.” You have to think about everything until it becomes a habit. Then a few years later you learn enough skills that you can drive the car all over town and without thinking about anything. The problem then is that people become complacent and quit learning new advanced driving skills. This same driver that has now become comfortably proficient at driving is still a very long ways away from the skills that would be required to professionally drive a race car. So back to the bad news. While my more experienced tennis opponents were still practicing the old skills they had already mastered because it’s fun, I was over on the next court over looking like an idiot and not having much fun trying to learn new skills that I was horrible at! But like the great Zig Ziglar famously said, “Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly until you learn to do it well.” Well I was quickly becoming the master of sucking at tennis! At least that is how it felt. For anyone to become truly great at anything, I am convinced that we have to learn to be okay at sucking at the things we have yet to master. The lessons I have learned from the tennis coach has translated into my business and my life in many enriching ways and it will yours too if you are willing to challenge yourself. The journey to truly superior performance is neither for the faint of heart nor for the impatient. The development of genuine expertise requires struggle, sacrifice, and honest, often painful self-assessment. There are no shortcuts. In Malcolm Gladwell’s book titled, Outliers, he indicates that it takes as much as 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to be considered an expert in a particular field. So how does one engage in deliberate practice and how does it translate to the automotive repair business? It is easier to know how to engage in deliberate practice when we are talking about sports and music, but it is a
50 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
little bit different when advancing your business skills. I believe a great deal of the skills that I am considered an expert in was simply due to my own curiosity and drive to be the best. For example many of my clients consider me an expert in the use of CCC One’s estimating and management software. What many of my clients don’t know is that I have spent many late nights discovering how to adapt this and other management systems to many different shop environments. I have made every mistake there is to make, tested various methods to perform many tasks in CCC One and I believe I still have more to learn! While some shop managers perform their daily duties and tasks exactly the same way every day, I perform every task with the intention of trying to do it better than the last time. Even if I am just doing the dishes! When it comes to some skills, deliberate practice is simply performing the duties
you already have, but changing your mental approach to always want to perform it better. I have often said that the curious will rule the world, perhaps this is why. Here are a few business related skills that coaching combined with deliberate practice can greatly improve your chances of becoming the best in your field, or at least in your shop. ■ Holding crucial conversations and holding people accountable
■ How to sell a repair job to a stubborn client ■ How to sell an idea to a stubborn boss
■ How to speak with charisma in front of your staff or in front of crowd ■ Getting your people to buy into
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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 51
Industry Insight with John Yoswick
—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has a body shop in the family and has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988. He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.
Attorney Presses Shops to Take the Steps They Can to Help Prevent Workplace Violence The mass shooting in San Bernardino, CA, in December in which a health department employee (along with his wife) shot and killed 14 of his co-workers at a holiday party occurred just 80 miles from business attorney Cory King’s law firm. So a month later when he was scheduled to discuss human resource issues at the quarterly Collision Industry Conference (CIC), King knew workplace violence was a logical if unpleasant topic on which to focus. “It’s a new topic for CIC, but it’s an unfortunate reality of our society today,” King said. He offered a number of steps employers can take in order to help avoid violence in the workplace. The first, he said, is a good written policy that prohibits fighting, verbal threats, threatening conduct, horseplay (arm-wrestling, strength contests, etc.) or the possession of any weapon or ammunition on company property. “That has been a strict policy we have espoused even though I am a cardcarrying lifetime member of the NRA,” King said. “Typically, at least in the past, the best way to stay safe in a workplace has been to prohibit weapons in the workplace.” Even horseplay, he said – “slapfights” or someone pretending to drive toward another employee with a car to scare them – can start out as fun but can escalate quickly.
Written Policy Is Not Enough The next step is consistent strict enforcement of that policy, he said. Make it clear both in the policy and in your interactions with employees that anyone found to have been engaged in any of those activities is subject to discipline, up to and including termination. Such consistency includes not excusing the employee with a gun in his vehicle because you know he’s leaving for a hunting trip after work, King cited as an example. “Or don’t just think: ‘Oh, that’s Johnny; he has to blow off steam every once in a while. We’re just going to let that go,’” King said. “If you’re being inconsistent in these policies, you’re not going to have credibility.” Does that mean a no-weapons policy applies to company owners as well?
King said it does, but some companies have shifted to a policy that allows employees who are legally-authorized concealed-carry permit holders to carry firearms at work. The policy just needs to be consistent for owners and employees, and consistently-enforced. But as he does each time he speaks at CIC, King cautioned that his presentations are not Cory King legal advice and that it’s always important to understand your particular state’s laws. In terms of this topic, for instance, he said some states that allow concealed or even open-carry of firearms now have laws prohibiting employers from having noweapon policies at the workplace.
Take Every Threat Seriously Another key step to working to prevent workplace violence, King said, is treating every threat seriously. “It’s like being at the airport. You don’t joke about bombs when you’re going through the [security] line,” King said. “Same thing in your workplace. You take it seriously. You would rather make the mistake of embarrassing somebody than having someone end up dead on your watch.” He said businesses also should work to establish a good relationship with local law enforcement to help ensure they respond if you make a “keepthe-peace” request. “If you have a volatile employee, and you know that when you fire or discipline them, that they are going to have a problem with it, that they may get angry or violent, don’t wait for that to happen,” King counseled. “Call the police and say, ‘Look, we are terminating Johnny at 2 p.m. today. Johnny has a violent temper. We will take our appropriate precautions on our end to make sure we keep the situation calm, and we’re going to escort him from the premises, but just in case, can you have an officer onsite in case Johnny has a problem and it escalates?’ I’ve yet to hear of a local law enforcement agency that would not say, ‘Of course we will have someone there. Thank you for letting us know.’ They would
52 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
rather deal with that than have to deal with a really bad situation.” If warranted, King said, a restraining order also can be obtained against a potential violent employee. Certain conditions have to be met in order to get a court to do this, however, he said. There has to be an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or harm to an individual, and the person must have immediate access to a weapon of some kind. “You need to be willing to put that in a sworn declaration,” King said. “But if it’s bad enough that you are truly fearing for your life or the life of someone else, and that person has made threats directly or indirectly and has the ability to imminently carry out that threat, you can and should talk to a lawyer about your options for getting a restraining order.” Such restraining orders will be served on the person by the local sheriff, he said, and usual involve confiscation of firearms by law enforcement until a hearing can held 21 days later.
Remain Vigilant Lastly, King said, the other step shop owners can take to help prevent workplace violence is what he called “situational awareness” or “constant vigilance.” He said shop owners should think about, for example, how well they control access to the building or property. “Do you have 15 doors to the shop all of which are open all the time and anyone can just walk in from the back alley without you even knowing they are there,” King asked shop owners to consider. “Always be aware of what’s going on in your shop,” he said. “Know how your employees are getting along. Find out if someone is being a bully or threatening people. Don’t let the first time this type of situation comes up be the first time you’ve given some serious thought about what it is you are going to do. You have an obligation to do so in order to protect your employees.”
www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 53
Shop Strategies Body Shop Owner & President of ABARI Shares Insight about Legislation the Association Helped Pass with Stacey Phillips - ASSISTANT EDITOR
John Petrarca founded Providence Auto Body in Rhode Island in 1982. He has been a member of the Auto Body Association of Rhode Island for 45 years and is the current president. Autobody News asked Petrarca about some of the key legislation the association has been involved with as well as what it is like to work in a family business.
plish this, we have had to educate our association, consumers and legislators. As a result of our efforts, we have very consumer-friendly laws that are unique to Rhode Island.
has your primary focus been?
face notice to consumers of their ‘right to choose’ on all insurance id cards and appraisals, and it also must appear on auto body shop signage. We are the only state in the country that requires auto body technicians to be certified. We require every vehicle with more than $2,500 of damage be inspected by a licensed auto damage appraiser. A vehicle 30 months or newer in age must be repaired with OEM parts unless the owner agrees to aftermarket parts in writing. The actual cash value (ACV)
Can you tell us about the antiQ: steering law ABARI helped promote?
of all total loss vehicles must be determined by the NADA or Kelly Blue Book retail value, and no vehicle can be deemed a total if the damage does
based upon usage rather than per hour. Finally, Rhode Island has codified a labor rate survey requirement. Every insurer must conduct a labor rate sur-
How long have you been part We successfully lobbied for a Q: of the Auto Body Association A: very stringent anti-steering law, of Rhode Island (ABARI) and what which requires insurers to print a boldI have been a member of the A: Auto Body Association of Rhode Island for decades. I was origi-
nally a member in 1970. I am currently in my fifth term as president. Over the last 16 years, ABARI has worked tirelessly to professionalize our industry, protect consumers, support healthy competition, and advocate for fair and reasonable compensation from insurance companies. In order to accom-
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Continuing with ABARI’s focus A: on consumer rights, last year our legislature passed law requiring
auto body repair shops be designated as Class A or Class B. Class A shops must be certified by at least one motor vehicle manufacturer in aluminum repair; must have all technicians certified; and must give a lifetime warranty on all repairs. The new law also requires that each insurer conduct a separate and distinct labor rate survey for each classification.
Q: ofWhatfocus?is ABARI’s current area Currently, ABARI’s focus is A: educating its membership on the new requirements and assisting
shops as they gear up for the classification process. I am very excited about this new development because as with all of the legislation ABARI supports, this law protects consumers by giving them the information they need to make a proper and informed decision about their vehicle repair. It also forces shops to face reality… aluminum is here, hi-tech state-of-the-art technology is in the average vehicle on the road, and if you don’t stay cur-
rent, you’ll be out of business soon.
After your extensive experiQ: ence with ABARI, what advice can you offer to other associations?
Our association has been sucA: cessful because we have been united as a group, and we have always
focused on promoting legislation that protects consumers and gives them information they need to exercise their rights. Information is priceless, and ABARI’s philosophy has always been that an informed consumer is a step in the right direction. Neither industry (insurance and collision repair) is always correct, and associations should put as much focus on how they can improve their own industry, as they do on improving insurance regulation. However, at the end of the day, just like in our own business, it comes down to our customers. Focusing on legislation that helps to ensure a safe and quality repair, and removes some of the obstacles and hassles encountered along the way have been a very successful strategy for ABARI over the years. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Associations need to stick together and be patient.
Can you tell us about your own Q: experience running Providence Auto Body? I started in the auto body repair A: business 50 years ago. I have been passionate about cars and customer
service since then. Vehicles have changed significantly, but customers haven’t. I believe the key to our success is that we treat our customers like family. If I would not allow my children or grandchildren to drive in a vehicle, I won’t let my customers either. I was the first in the state to offer a Lifetime Guarantee on all repairs, and I believe that a business can achieve perfect customer service. As a result, we have thousands of loyal customers who trust our service and appreciate the hassle-free experience we provide. There are 50 dedicated employees, many of whom I have been fortunate enough to employ for more than two decades, who work hard every day to ensure that our production can keep up with demand.
Is your shop certified in alurepair? Q: minum I have always believed in inA: vesting in state-of-the-art equip-
ment for the quality of the repair and for the speed of production. A year ago, we became the first auto body repair shop in Rhode Island to be certified in aluminum repair by Ford. We are in the process with other manufacturers who certify in aluminum and look forward to many exciting announcements in 2016.
What has your experience been like working in a family-owned Q: business?
We are a family business, which A: is as rewarding as it is challenging. My wife manages our office staff,
and our rental company, and we have been working together for over 30 years. My children grew up working in the business as young adults, and are now both attorneys with law offices next door. They continue on in the company as legal counsel. Taking legal advice from your children was not easy to handle at first, but I have learned to listen, and am grateful I am able to see my family everyday. Of course as with any family business, a unique set of challenges can be present when disagreements arise. However, after workSee President of ABARI, Page 56
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“The companies’ own evidence makes clear that a human driver able to take control of the vehicle is necessary to ensure the safety of both robot vehicles and other Californians on the road,” Simpson said at a DMV workshop on autonomous vehicle regulations. “Google, which logged 424,331 “self-driving” miles over the 15-month reporting period, said a human driver had to take over 341 times, an average of 22.7 times a month. The robot car technology failed 272 times and ceded control to the human driver; the driver felt compelled to intervene and take control 69 times,” Simpson said. Other testing companies, driving far fewer autonomous miles than Google, also reported substantial numbers of disengagements. Bosch had 625 disengagements with 934.4 miles driven. Nissan with 1,485 miles driven had 106. Mercedes-Benz reported 1,031 with 1,738 miles driven. Delphi reported 405 disengagements with 16,662 miles. Volkswagen with 10,416 miles reported 260. Tesla claimed it had none, but did not say how many miles its drove. “It’s important to understand that these “disengagements” were promoted by real situations that drivers routinely encounter on the road. Among reasons cited by Bosch were failures to detect traffic lights and heavy pedestrian traffic. “Google’s robot technology quit 13 times because it couldn’t handle the
Continued from Page 55
President of ABARI
ing together so many years, you realize how rare it is, and how lucky we are.
Is there anything additional you Q: would like to share about the industry in general?
Aside from my role in ABARI, A: I have been fighting for consumer rights through my business for
decades. We have exposed shops that engage in shoddy repair work, and in unacceptable business practices, and 20 years ago I embarked upon an advertising campaign that began the process of educating consumers about
weather conditions. Twenty-three times the driver took control because of reckless behavior by another driver, cyclist or pedestrian. The report said the robot car technology disengaged for a ‘perception discrepancy’ 119 times. Google defines such a discrepancy as occurring when the car’s sensors don’t correctly perceive an object, for instance overhanging branches. The robot technology was disengaged 55 times for ‘an unwanted maneuver of the vehicle.’ An example would be coming too close to a parked car. The human took over from Google’s robot car three times because of road construction.
Google Says Danger is Letting Drivers Take Control Google told NHTSA that the real danger is having auto safety features that could tempt humans to try to take control. See story on p. 4 this issue. Google “expresses concern that providing human occupants of the vehicle with mechanisms to control things like steering, acceleration, braking... could be detrimental to safety because the human occupants could attempt to override the (self-driving system’s) decisions,” the NHTSA letter stated.
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Autobody News their right to choose their repair shop, the right to not use aftermarket parts on their new vehicle, etc … It is a wonderful feeling when you encounter people and they tell you, ‘Of course I know I have the right to choose, I listen to your commercials!’ An industry can be changed for the better one customer at a time, but patience and endurance are the keys to success. John Petrarca can be reached at (401) 861-2211 or john@providence autobody.com. For information about ABARI, call (401) 467-7575 or visit www .ABARI.net. If you know of a shop that would like to share its “Shop Strategies,” contact Stacey Phillips at sphillips@ autobodynews.com.
56 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Collision Advice: Refinishing Survey Launched The first 2016 “Who Pays for What” quarterly survey asks shops about refinish labor billing and insurer payment practices. Is your shop among the one in five who have never charged for weldthrough primer when used on a job—or among the 68 percent who get paid for it most, if not all, of the time by the eight largest insurers? This type of “Who Pays for What?” information is what shops and the industry can learn through the quarterly surveys conducted by CRASH Network and Collision Advice, including the latest of these surveys taking place throughout the month of February. Shops can take the survey by clicking here (https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/BW3KLF5). “Even just taking the surveys can help remind shops about not-included operations they are likely doing yet perhaps not including on estimates,” Mike Anderson of Collision Advice said. “I hear from participating shops every week who tell me the surveys are making a difference in their business.” Each of the four surveys explores a different area of shop operations. Previous surveys examined “Who Pays for What?” in terms of structural/frame and mechanical operations, aluminum repair labor rates, shop supplies and sublet mark-up.
The first of the four 2016 surveys focuses on more than two dozen “notincluded” refinish-related operations, asking shop how frequently they are paid for each of the operations by each of the eight largest auto insurers in the country. New in this year’s refinish survey are questions related to how shops bill for refinish materials. Shops can take the survey (during the month of February) by clicking here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/ r/BW3KLF5). Survey participants will receive a 60-page report with complete survey findings, broken down by region, insurer and DRP vs. non-DRP, at no charge. The report also includes analysis and resources to help shops better understand and use the information presented. Anderson said the survey, which will take about 15-30 minutes, should be completed by the shop owner, manager or estimator who is most familiar with the shop’s billing practices and the payment practices of the largest national insurers. Each shop’s individual responses are held in the strictest confidence and are not released in any way; only cumulative data is released. The results of previous surveys are also available online at www.collisionadvice.com/survey.
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Historic Meeting Planned to Discuss Proposed Senate Bill That Would Cap Labor Rates in Mississippi ernmental affairs and lobbying. “He [Carmichael] has agreed to work out a compromise with us. We think this is really positive.” When Autobody News went to print, the meeting was expected to take place in late February/early March. The ASA, which opposes House Bill 2187, also encouraged Mississippi shops to contact their state legislators
cluding glass repairs or replacements, must be made by a particular contracFor the first time in history, Mississippi tor or motor vehicle repair shop; probody shops will sit down with reprevided, however, the most an insurer sentatives from the insurance coalition shall be required to pay for the repair of in that state to discuss the issues surthe vehicle or repair or replacement of rounding labor rates. This is in rethe glass is the lowest amount that such sponse to Mississippi State Senator vehicle or glass could be properly and Videt Carmichael’s recent introducfairly repaired or replaced by a contraction of Senate Bill 2187. tor or repair shop within a reasonable If passed, the bill would geographical or trade area prohibit collision repair shops of the insured.” “When you get these calls to action, it’s so from charging labor rates The Senate bill would important for the local shops to particihigher than the national averadd the following: “In no pate and contact their local legislators,” age. It also stipulates that event shall a motor vehicle shops that seek to charge arepair shop charge labor — said John Morgan Hughes bove the average must have rates above the average nathe approval of the Commissioner of through the ASA’s website www.Tak- tional rate charged for like-kind work, Insurance. ingTheHill.com and voice their oppo- without the express approval of the John Morgan Hughes, the exec- sition to the bill. Commissioner of Insurance.” utive director of the Mississippi Colli“This bill is an obvious attempt by Hughes told Autobody News that sion Repair Association (MCRA), the insurance industry to suppress labor six representatives from the MCRA reached out to association members in rates and reduce their average severity,” and six representatives from the insurearly February requesting they contact said Dan Risley, ASA president and ex- ance coalition will attend the meeting. their legislators in opposition to the ecutive director. “Attempting to classify Each side will come to the table with bill. Within 72 hours of that call to ac- all collision shops as equal demon- eight or 10 issues and share their pertion, the MCRA met with Carmichael strates a lack of understanding of the spective on such issues as labor rates, who proposed setting up a meeting to collision repair industry and the cost of regionalism, emerging technologies discuss the issues and work out an eq- running an actual business.” and the cost of capital investment to uitable solution for both sides. Mississippi Code 83-11-501 cur- repair new vehicles. “This is the first time in Missis- rently states: “No insurer may require “It’s a very different industry than sippi that has ever happened,” said as a condition of payment of a claim it was 10 years ago or even 20-30 years Hughes, who has a background in gov- that repairs to a damaged vehicle, in- ago, said Hughes. “We just want them by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor
to see what the financials look like from our side of the table. We also want to be good faith initiators and look at what they are facing. We think this is going to be a super productive meeting and we are really excited about it.” Hughes said the problem with the national labor rate is who defines it. “Not all shops are created equal,” he said. “My cost of operation could be very different than your cost of operation because of the cost of employment, and the capital investments on type of vehicles that we work on. That’s very concerning for our members. From top to bottom it’s concerning for our small local guy and for some of our bigger metropolitan shops.” Hughes said he often hears from shops that the forces they go up against are much larger than they are and they don’t feel like they can make a difference. He commended Mississippi shops for taking the time to contact 100 legislators in such a short time period, which resulted in a meeting that will benefit the entire industry. “When you get these calls to action, it’s so important for the local shops to participate and contact their local legislators,” he said. For more information, contact John Morgan Hughes at jmhughes44@ gmail.com.
Mitchell 1 Shop Management Workshop
Mitchell 1 will hold 2016’s first Shop Management Workshop, May 12-14 in San Diego at the Hotel Solamar. The training is designed for shop management software users who want to learn more advanced capabilities, shortcuts and new features to run their businesses more efficiently. The two-day training session focuses on best practices through all levels of functionality of Mitchell 1 Manager™ SE and ShopKey Service Writer/Shop Management SE. Emphasis is on the new 7.0 version of the software, but previous versions are also covered. Topics include program setup, inventory, reporting, scheduling, advanced transactions and aftermarket cataloging. Product managers will focus on helping shops get the most value from ProDemand®. Attendees will also learn about the Mitchell 1 SocialCRM shop marketing service during an evening reception. A practice lab with computers and staffed by product specialists will be available throughout the event. The workshop will be led by John Dwulet, senior product manager for Mitchell 1’s management software solutions, and Tim McDonnell, national training manager. Attendees can expect discussions on how to use the management system to energize their business, increase profits
and boost productivity. “This advanced training turns existing shop management system customers into power users who get the most out of their software and business,” said Dwulet. “The sessions will uncover strategies that attendees can use to compete successfully against dealerships, maximize their maintenance and repair opportunities, and enhance their relationships with customers.” A cocktail reception will take place on May 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Workshop sessions run from 8 to 5 p.m., on May 13 and May 14. The registration fee is $200 per attendee, plus tax, and covers seminars, breakfast, lunch and refreshments each day. Participants are responsible for transportation to San Diego and hotel accommodations. Attendees may reserve a room in the discounted Mitchell 1 hotel block at the Hotel Solamar. Attendees can earn 30 AMI credits toward the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation by completing the workshop. At the end of each workshop, AMI course completion forms will be handed out to those attendees who wish to pursue AMI credits. For information, visit www.mitchell1.com, call (888) 724-6742, or locate an independent sales consultant at: www .mitchellrep.com.
58 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 59
A New Hope for Labor Rates: The Variable Rate System by National AutoBody Research National AutoBody Research (NABR) will be discussing the importance of conducting labor rate surveys and demonstrating its Variable Rate System technology at an upcoming CAA Glendale-Foothill Chapter meeting on Wednesday, March 9. It will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena, CA. Autobody News interviewed Sam Valenzuela, president of National AutoBody Research. Can you tell us about National AutoBody Research and the Q: Variable Rate System? National AutoBody Research A: (NABR) is an independent, third-party research, technology and
consulting company serving the collision repair industry. It is not owned by insurance companies, body shops or outside investors. NABR is working to restore the free market to labor rate pricing and to level the playing field for payment of non-included procedures. NABR believes people should be paid what they are worth and be paid for the work they do. In response, NABR
developed the Variable Rate System (VRS), an innovative and proven technology, to help collision repairers understand market-based labor rates and assist them to learn more about not-included procedures that insurance companies pay for. By enabling repairers to keep up with the increasing training, certifications, and equipment demands of the new technologies and materials associated with modern vehicles, the VRS supports the growth of the collision repairer and helps ensure the proper care and safety of the consumer.
What is the process NABR uses Q: to collect data and how does it ensure accuracy?
All VRS Labor Rate Surveys A: are conducted online, free and easily accessible and available 24/7 on
the National AutoBody Research website (http://www.nationalautobodyresearch.com/). The VRS survey is an accurate source available for marketbased labor rates for several reasons, including the survey’s validity, measurement of market labor rates, data integrity, continuous measurement, and
reporting of a range of rates. Among other criteria, a key component to a valid survey is that it is easily and equally accessible to all potential survey respondents. This is true for the VRS survey but may not be true for other surveys. The VRS survey asks for collision repairers’ posted labor rates (sometimes called door rates, or walk-in rates). The VRS survey measures the true, market-based range of labor rate prices, and then reports those rates through the Variable Rate System. Furthermore, as the industry’s only independent survey of labor rates nationwide, the VRS has no special interest in the survey resulting in a certain number. The survey is only interested in accurately representing the market prices for collision repair labor in any market. Therefore, the VRS uses a high standard for data integrity and does not leave out data, does not change data, and does not manipulate the survey results. The VRS produces a solid market report on labor rates that both repairers and insurers can agree on. In addition, the VRS measures market prices continuously, not just
once a year or even once every three to five years. Any time a shop changes their rates for any reason, they can immediately report their new rates to the VRS, as many times as they want, whenever they want, to ensure the VRS always has the most current market rates available. Lastly, the VRS reports a range of market labor rates in any geographic area, not just one rate. Just like different cars have different prices, and different insurance companies have different prices to insure those cars, shops are different too, and shops have different prices. In reality, in any market for products or services, there is an acceptable range of prices that make up the market, not one singular price for all products. The VRS reports this range, which is a truer, more accurate picture of market labor rate prices.
What is the importance of conQ: ducting labor rate surveys and how can my shop learn about market rates in our area of the country?
Revenue from labor can often A: represent about half of a shop’s
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total revenue; therefore, the labor rate is critically important to the financial success and health of a collision repairer. Repairers have struggled to get paid what they’re worth, and current labor rates are often below true market prices, even lagging behind standard inflation rates. In the Variable Rate System, finally the collision repair industry has a real solution to the problem of inaccurate labor rate surveys, which have plagued the industry for years. To help both your shop and the industry, take five minutes to visit the NABR website and fill out the free VRS Labor Rate Survey for your state. Even though the survey is an important starting point, it is only one small piece of the entire Variable Rate System, which comprises a full suite of online tools to help you understand
market prices in your area, understand your cost of doing business, calculate the rates for your individual shop, and receive more not-included procedures and operations. For more information on the VRS, visit the NABR website at: www.NationalAutoBodyResearch.com or contact Sam Valenzuela at: sam@nationalautobodyresearch.com. So now what? Valenzuela encourages shops to come and see for themselves! NABR will present and demo the innovative and proven Variable Rate System technology at the CAA Glendale-Foothill Chapter meeting on Wednesday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Brookside Golf Club, 1133 Rosemont Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103. To RSVP, contact the SoCal CAA Rep, Cindy Shillito, at (714) 944-4028 or email CAAGlendale@gmail.com.
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AudaExplore and ABRA Extend Strategic Relationship
AudaExplore announced Feb. 2 it signed an agreement to extend its strategic relationship with ABRA Auto Body & Glass. Since 2010, ABRA has integrated AudaExplore’s Estimating, Central Review, and Consolidator Dispatch services into their operations. The company said it has experienced increased efficiency, decreased cycle times, and an overall improvement in customer satisfaction. The latest renewal comes more than a year before the current agreement’s expiration. “Repairing vehicles correctly and on-time is central to our mission of providing superior service to each of our clients,” said Ed Litman, ABRA’s vice president of procurement. “Securing our relationship with AudaExplore insures that our repair centers will have access to state-of-the-art technology that supports that mission.” Gordon Henderson, vice president of Collision Repair Solutions, AudaExplore, said, “By providing a system that’s highly accurate and connected, we can greatly reduce waste in claims processing activities and help increase overall profitability for customers like ABRA.”
Axalta Develops Speed Light Hand-Held Device
Axalta Coating Systems has harnessed the power of light by developing a light source that the company said may forever change the way body shops achieve refinish perfection. Known as Speed Light, this hand-held device allows even the finest imperfections to be seen, according to a company press release. The right lighting conditions are essential to every stage of the paint repair process. Speed Light’s diode bulbs, more commonly known as LEDs, save energy, last up to 60,000 hours and are cool to the touch. This technology offers clean, pure white light that is ideal for viewing and matching colors and helps body shop professionals detect imperfections, according to a company press release. Speed Light can be used throughout the refinish process to help identify pre-paint defects like pinholes and sand scratches, compare color samples, check color matches and identify flake coarseness. It can also help refinishers spot post-repair issues like coverage and hiding. To learn more about Axalta, visit www.axaltacoatingsystems.com
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Media and Publicity for Shops
Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.
Say Hello to Our Little Friend—El Niño! Strongest One Yet Expected this Year with Ed Attanasio
There are a handful of businesses out there that praise bad weather and celebrate when the big one hits, while most of us cower in fear and prefer staying home. Meteorologists, roofers, storm window companies, and, of course, body shops benefit when storms hit any part of the country. In the East there’s the snow; in the Midwest tornadoes and hail; and in the West there is El Niño—a predictable weather phenomenon that comes around every 10–15 years, affecting weather patterns across the globe. It’s best known in the west because it’s driven by varying water temperatures in in the Pacific. “El Niño” got its name in the 1800s from Peruvian fishermen, who noticed a mysterious warm current that would appear around Christmas. They called it the “little boy” or “Christ child,” but people in the collision industry call it “Our cash cow,” “El Dinero,” or “Overtime.” The strongest El Niño yet is expected to drench the southern half of United States this year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). The meteorological phenomenon will undoubtedly bring benefits for some industries, and setbacks for others. The big question is—how will it affect the collision industry and if so, to what degree? The last truly massive El Niño appeared in 1997–98 and was a major boom for body shops throughout the world. However it caused an estimated $35 billion in destruction and 23,000 deaths around the world. David Mello, the owner of Anderson Behel in Santa Clara, CA has a love/ hate relationship with bad weather. “Well, aside from the obvious glee that must be withheld for the sake of political correctness, El Niño is the best thing to happen to the collision repair industry,” Mello said. “There is nothing like unrelenting rainfall to bring our driving errors to the forefront! Limited visibility, fogged up windows, slippery roads and debris in the road all add up to increased accidents and texting while driving always helps, too!” Mello appreciates the added work that El Niño brings, but also realizes
that he will have to adapt to get it done, which isn’t always easy. “My thoughts are that with the onset of El Niño, customers will have to wait longer for repairs until shops can work them in, as we do not have the ability to increase capacity on such short notice. Ramping up staff takes time, and with nearly full employment for collision technicians, shops can’t absorb much of the increase in volume. At our shop, I don’t know how we will keep up with the anticipated demand, because adding a second shift is almost out of the question. In the old days, we could gear up for bad weather, but now it just means more cars in the queue. We can work some overtime, but in the end it’s just more work that we need to get done. But, work is work and this is what we do, so come on, El Niño, we’ll figure it out!” Sal Pannazzo is a veteran of the industry and has managed shops throughout southern California for more than two decades. He experienced the 1998 El Niño firsthand and saw the huge amount of work that resulted. But, things were a little different back then. “In the ‘90s, we could benefit more from bad weather and it wouldn’t impact our production like it does today, because the focus on performance and customer satisfaction wasn’t as crucial back then,” Pannazzo explained. “Now, with the insurance companies that are concentrating so much more on things like cycle times and which parts to use, things like El Niño are a little more difficult to accommodate.” The old days of cramming as many cars as you could into the shop and pushing them out are long gone, according to Pannazzo. “Today’s customers are more educated about our industry and that’s a big part of it. It’s actually made the industry better overall, because now we have both the insurance companies and the customers watching us, grading us and gauging our performance on every repair,” he added. Staffing can also lead to other issues during a weather event such as El Niño, or even the occasional earthquake that hits southern California, Pannazzo said.
62 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
“Good people are harder and harder to find today, so adding staff for El Niño for example, isn’t easy. When you step up your production to meet the need, you have to have the right people in place, or that can make it even tougher to fix the added vehicles,” he added. Pannazzo has developed some strategies to be ready when the weather changes for the worse. “We have had some success doing pre-orders,” he explained. “We assess the damage, write the estimate and order the parts upfront. That way, when they bring the car in for the repair, it doesn’t take as long. We tell some customers that because of the weather, it may take a few more days for their car to be completed and almost everyone is fine with it, because we inform them in advance.” Although El Niño can be challenging, Pannazzo also knows that it can bring added revenue to any shop if
it can handle the deluge of cars. “The types of damage we get from El Niño make for great repairs,” he said. “They normally involve hoods, roofs and trunks and come in at around $2,000 each, so if you can handle the volume, El Niño can end up being a good thing.” Joe Currin is the owner of Dings & Dents in Campbell, CA. He has been performing Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) and minor other types of repairs for car dealerships and body shops for 25 years. In 1998, Currin had so much work from El Niño that it kept him busy for literally six months, he said. “There was no much activity overall during that last El Niño that it was crazy and I did not get much sleep for quite awhile,” Currin said. “Falling tree branches that cause little fender benders and smaller dents are ideal for us obviously. My wife laughs at me when I cheer about the rain, because when I see it, it represents money for me and my business.”
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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 63
2016 Midwest Auto Body Trade Show Breaks Records, New Format Brings More Vendors, More Attendees by Janet Chaney, Special to Autobody News
work! This led into the Friday night welcome reception. The inaugural Midwest Auto Body Trade Show welcome reception, featuring an I-CAR Silent Auction-A benefit for students, was another crowded industry room filled with great conversation. Shop owner Brent Walker, who attended the event from Memphis, Missouri, said he enjoyed the crowd. “It was all encompassing, you were always in the middle of collision in-
Almost 500 people filled the rooms on February 5 and 6 at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa at the 6th Annual Midwest Auto Body Trade Show. The event, hosted by the Iowa Collision Repair Association, was expanded to two days and held on a Friday and Saturday this year. “We took a chance on a Saturday hoping to bring more technicians to the show and it worked,” said Dick Merron, president of the ICRA and trade show chairman. “We also brought more education and keynote speaker Mike Anderson.” He said the new formula brought more vendors, more attendees and more success. Everything kicked off Friday at 1 p.m., beginning with Mike Anderson’s “Write- Mike Anderson (l) was the keynote speaker and received It-Right, Best Estimating Prac- a standing ovation after his address tices” seminar. It was standing room dustry conversation, whether it was only for the five-and-a-half-hour event. you talking with someone, or listenWhen Anderson started the ing to other people around you; it just event, he asked for a raise of hands took over.” and asked, “How many people have The I-CAR Silent Auction connot been to one of my classes be- tinued Saturday throughout the trade fore?” There was a surprising num- show and net almost $7,000 for Iowa ber of hands that went up and those Student Education. people were in for an industry turboThree educational breakout sescharged session. sions Saturday morning gave options “The number of people who for attendees: I-CAR New 16, taught were new to this class and the trade by Scott Schuerman of State Farm show was great news,” said ICRA Insurance; Collision Diagnostic Executive Director, Janet Chaney. Services, Jake Rodenroth, pre“That means we are reaching more sented the new As Tech 2 scan tool; people in the industry.” and Tom McGee, Spanesi-America’s reported Industry Trends, ‘What The Collision Industry Needs To Know Today.” Brent Walker attended Collision Diagnostic Services and Industry Trends, “This training was exceptional; it is a gift to those of us in the rural areas.” Walker should know; he recalls the days of the beginning of Community College Hood Refinish Competition. (l to r) SCRS in Kansas City. He Iowa Central Community College, Scott County Community would drive to KC, stay at College, DMACC and Indian Hills Community College Bill Wicklund’s home, and Anderson’s Write–It Right pro- work with John Loftus (SCRS Exgram was a great beginning for this ecutive Director), Lirel Holt, Bill day-and-a-half program. The closing Wicklund, Mel Hunke, Bob Jones, of the seminar was out in the parking Bill Eveland and others: the men lot watching Jake Rodenroth do a who developed the training and aslive demonstration of the AsTech2 sociation culture the industry follows Collision Diagnostics System at today.
64 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
After these successful morning sity. Representative Nunn was pleased sessions, attendees migrated to the Midwest Auto Body Trade Show to meet with this industry, “When I flagship event, “There Is No Free started my campaign the very first Lunch.” ICRA President Dick Merron gave an association update recognizing the board of directors for their tireless efforts of putting together the Midwest Auto Body Trade Show. ICRA lobbyist, Scott Weiser, updated the group regarding current Iowa legisla- (l to r) Dick Merron, president of the ICRA, and Janet tion affecting the collision Chaney, stand with Chad Holamer and Zort Brown of repair industry. Weiser’s guid- DentSmart. Chad Holamer donated $500 to the ICRA to ance at the State Capital in fund a student scholarship program check I received was from an auto Des Moines, has led the Iowa Collision Repair Association to success and body shop-the very first!” he said. That recognition. was Altoona Auto Body, a member of This year, Weiser invited State the Iowa association. After Iowa business, Anderson Representative, Assistant Majority Leader Zach Nunn, to speak to the delivered a keynote address, ‘Face assembly. Nunn represents the dis- Your Future’ and received a standing trict where the event was held and it ovation from this record-breaking was his first introduction to the col- crowd. Anderson hit the mark with all in the room. He spoke to the souls and lision industry. He is a new face to the Iowa political arena coming from hearts of everyone in the room with encouragement and strength, some a military background and currently See Midwest Trade Show, Page 70 a college professor at Drake Univer-
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Collision Repair Students Learn Craft and Charity Through Recycled Rides™ for Schools The National Auto Body Council (NABC) announced that a total of 13 technical schools across the country are now enrolled in its Recycled Rides for Schools program, enabling a new generation of collision repair professionals to learn their craft as well as the impor-
“Through Recycled Rides for Schools, students realize that their chosen profession, collision repair, is one that is admired and needed by the local community,” said Bob Medved, chair of the Recycled Rides for Schools program. “This fosters pride in those students when they can see the positive effect their work has on people in need.” Students participating in Recycled Rides for Schools are involved in all phases of the project. Vehicles are initially donated by insurance, rental car, salvage or auction companies. In addition to repairing the vehicle, students collaborate with businesses to solicit contributions of parts, materials and services and help review canStudents at Forbes CTC Collision Repair presented didates for the vehicles. their Recycled Rides vehicle recently to a local The program has provided family at Pittsburgh World of Wheels students with confidence and tance and impact of giving back to their also valuable experience working with communities. industry professionals. In 2015, students repaired and do“Being a part of Recycled Rides is nated eight vehicles with an additional a life changing experience not only for 14 vehicles already in the works for the recipients but for those of us working 2016. Since the inception of the overall on the vehicles. It is great to see all of Recycled Rides program in 2007, the talent from the various parts of our members of the National Auto Body industry come together for such a great Council have donated over 1,000 vehi- cause,” said Nickey King, a student cles. from Washburn Institute of Technology,
3M Automotive Aftermarket Division Redesigns Sales Force Network to Better Align with Customers
3M Automotive Aftermarket Division announced in February that it is redesigning its sales force network to more closely align with collision industry customers. The company said the 3M AAD sales team prides itself on being close to the customer. As the automotive aftermarket has shifted from being comprised of thousands of independent collision shops and independent distributors to many national and regional MSOs and distributor partners with national footprints, 3M said it saw the need to adapt to the changing landscape. These structural market changes are driving a focus on upgrading their “Customer First” key account management initiative in the 3M AAD sales organization. “We have created specialist roles focused on both national and regional MSOs. We have also expanded our specialists focused on national and regional channel partners,” said Jim Falteisek, sales and marketing director, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “These AAD specialists are implementing new customer first approaches to build joint business plans and develop
flexible service models for these accounts.” This change allows the 3M AAD collision repair specialists to focus more time on training and demonstrating productivity enhancing solutions to end-user technicians and collision shop managers at both independent collision shops and regional shop organizations. “The 3M AAD collision shop specialists will continue to focus on the independent collision repair shops where we have built our business. This focus is an expansion of our reach and customer touches on a daily basis” said Falteisek. “The 3M AAD sales organization is changing to adapt to our marketplace, all with the customer front and center. We are looking forward to a great year in 2016!” For more information, contact 1877-MMM-CARS, contact your local 3M Distributor or 3M Sales Representative or visit the website at www .3Mcollision.com. Follow 3M AAD on Facebook at www.facebook.com /3MCollision and on twitter @3M Collision and Instagram @3MCollision.
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66 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
one of the early adopters of the Recycled Rides for Schools program. “I have learned from working on the Recycled Rides project that hard work and determination really pays off in the end. As the vehicle was being presented to the recipient I was instantly over joyed and proud to see my work make a difference in someone's life,” added Tim Shoben from Forbes Road Center and Technology College. The 13 schools currently enrolled in Recycled Rides for Schools include: ● Central Nine Career Center – Greenwood, Indiana ● Cerritos College – Norwalk, California
● Chesterfield Career and Technical Center – Chesterfield, Virginia ● Des Moines Area Community College – Ankeny, Iowa
● Forbes Road Career and Technical College – Monroeville, Pennsylvania ● Greenville Technical College – Greenville, South Carolina
● Holmes High School – San Antonio, Texas
● Kishwaukee College – Malta, Illinois
● Manhattan Area Technical School – Manhattan, Kansas
● Oxford Hills Technical School – Oxford, Maine
● Ranken Technical College – St. Louis, Missouri
● Washburn Institute of Technology – Topeka, Kansas
● Western Nevada College – Carson City, Nevada
“It is gratifying to see so many more schools and instructors who recognize the value of teaching career skills as well as social responsibility,” said Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the NABC. “We encourage more schools to join their efforts to help ensure a future generation that exemplifies the professionalism and integrity of collision repair professionals.” For more information about Recycled Rides for Schools, email: Program Manager@NationalAutoBodyCouncil .org.
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Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Announces Annual Vendor Awards
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes announced on February 3 its annual Associated Products Vendor Awards.
The announcement was made at a special reception for more than 300 suppliers, employees and V.I.P. guests at its national sales meeting held at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, FL. Associated Products suppliers honored at this year’s Vendor Awards included: ● DeVilbiss Automotive Refinishing – Sherwin-Williams Brand-of-the-Year ● Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc. – Sherwin-Williams Sales Excellence: U.S.
● SAS Safety Corp. – Sherwin-Williams Sales Excellence: Canada
● PPC, Inc. (Powers Paper Company) – Sherwin-Williams Operational Excellence “Our vendor partners are an intricate part in helping us demonstrate the
service excellence that our customers expect,” said Steve Spirko, director of Associated Products Marketing for Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes. “The goal at our almost 200 branches is to meet the needs of our collision repair customer base around the country and bring them greater value. “Our company-trained employees manage the entire supply chain from product development to delivery. A
Spirko noted how the SherwinWilliams controlled distribution strategy provides a real difference as it directly supplies its collision repair customers. “No matter how many locations a customer may have, our direct distribution provides important standardized services—innovative products, training, delivery, consulting and centralized billing—and this drives consistency and cost-effective results. We want to be the one-stop-shop for the automotive repair and refinish industry and our stores make it easy for customers to come in and find, or have immediately delivered, the exact products and services they need to be profitable and productive. “Our vendor partners are important to the ongoTop Row from left: Tim Schmidt - Adam Chafe - Scott ing service and attention to Minor - Rob Lynch - Steve Spirko - Jake Mussay. detail we provide all our Bottom Row: Andrea Perry – Dave Smith – Stephanie collision repair customers Drew – Jeff Bell – Roger Henry – Barry Holt whether they come straight Sherwin-Williams professional directly to the counter in one of our branches manages the collision repair shop and/or or through delivery to their shops.” MSO account, facilitates application For information, visit www.shertraining, and provides on-site consulta- win-automotive.com or call 1-800tive services as necessary.” SWULTRA (1-800-798-5872).
ALI Lowers Price of Online Lift Safety Training Course
The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) has lowered the price of its Lifting It Right online lift safety training course from $29 to $24 per person. The interactive course, hosted by NASCAR legends Richard and Kyle Petty, teaches vehicle lift operators how to properly use car and truck lifts in dealerships, independent shops, fleet maintenance garages, vocational schools and other facilities. ALI, the trade association focused on vehicle lift safety, introduced the online course in 2014 in cooperation with dealer services provider KPA. It is the latest evolution of Lifting It Right training ALI has offered in various formats for more than 25 years. “We have been very happy with the success of the Lifting It Right online course over the last two years,” says R.W. “Bob” O’Gorman, ALI president. “This course has helped us train nearly 12,000 lift operators on proper lift use and maintenance procedures for safer workplaces. We noticed a spike in sales when we ran promotions to lower the course price by $5, so in the interests of making the program as affordable as possible for everyone, we have decided to lower the price to $24 in 2016.” For information, visit www.auto lift.org or call (607) 756-7775.
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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 67
BASF Presents Winner of 2016 Fight Club of Automotive Design at Middlecott Sketchbattle in Detroit, MI
Omar Gonzalez won the 2016 Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment, pre-
sented by BASF. Introduced in 2012, the experiment is Detroit’s first-ever “Fight Club of Design,” an underground automotive industry event developed to identify emerging design talent. The event coincides with the Detroit Auto Show, and is an automotive sketching competition where contestants battle for the championship. Fourteen contestants competed under pressure, in front of an audience in a timed, three-round boxing themed setting.
Omar Gonzalez’s first round sketch featuring BASF Nightfall Blue a 150th anniversary color from South America
2016 Sketchbattle winner, Omar Gonzalez, with his championship belt
“Sketchbattle is an amazing event that enables emerging industry talent to shine. These artists and designers are the future of the automotive industry,” said Paul Czornij, technical
Iowa ‘Roadside Birth’ Couple Has Healthy Baby Boy
by Olivia Mancino, KWWL
As the sun came up over Highway 20 on the morning of Feb. 11, a new life was born...also on the highway. An Iowa Falls couple was on their way to the hospital, but their little guy just couldn’t wait.
A baby was born outside of Iowa Auto Rebuilders. Credit: KWWL
Taryn Naill delivered her own baby while her boyfriend drove, and eventually pulled over to Iowa Auto Rebuilders to wait for paramedics. Twenty-four hours later, Tyler Hall and Taryn Naill returned to the same shop, this time to express their gratitude to the crew for letting them use their parking lot, and to introduce them to the shops youngest-ever visitor, baby Tylyn Clay. “You know, I never expected this to ever happen in our parking lot, and I don't think it will again, but who
knows, we’re always here to help!” said Dick Merron with Iowa Auto Rebuilders. “I was thinking, please don’t let us be that person to have a baby in the car, but sure enough, we did,” said Tyler Hall, laughing. Of course the fast and furious delivery wasn’t planned; the couple had everything set up with a midwife at the hospital. But Taryn and Tylyn are healthy, and that’s what's important. “We’re going to go home and rest I suppose, and introduce Tylyn to the cats,” said Taryn Naill. Naill says riding in the car will always be different now, and that's not such a bad thing. Thank you KWWL for reprint permission.
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manager for the BASF Color Excel- each round of the competition. lence Group and Sketchbattle judge. “The use of BASF colors in this Other judges included: Ralph year’s competition presented the conGilles, head of design, FCA - Global; testants with a unique design opportuBregt Ectors, global strategic design nity to convey their dreams in color in manager, Buick; and Kemal Curic, 30 minutes or less,” said Frank design manager, Ford Mustang. Schwartz, co-owner and partner, Mid“It was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had, and I was extremely impressed by the audience and judges. It was a pleasure to sketch live for all of them. Middlecott Sketchbattle is a great platform for young designers to make connections inside the automotive industry,” said Gonzalez, a native of Mexico who recently graduated from Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon The 14 design competitors sketch at a table surrounded (UANL) in Monterrey, Mex- by hundreds of onlookers during the 2016 Middlecott ico in the Industrial Design Sketchbattle presented by BASF program. Sketchers incorporated colors de- dlecott Sketchbattle. “The anniversary veloped by the BASF automotive color colors brought the designer’s passions excellence group to celebrate the com- to the forefront, and the judges had a pany’s 150 anniversary in 2015. Four very difficult time choosing a winner, colors were developed–—one for each although Omar’s consistency throughof BASF’s global regions–—Arjean out the evening helped bring him the Silver for North America, Nightfall award.” Blue for South America, Solaric Green More information about the divifor Europe and Fresh Mint for Asia- sion is available at www.basf-coatings Pacific. A different color was used for .com
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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 69
U.K. Insurers Examining Autonomous Car Policies
The U.K.’s biggest auto insurers are mulling turning their industry upside down by shifting liability for accidents from drivers to automakers as a result of the arrival of driverless cars, according to reports by Wardsauto.com. Automated Driving Insurer Group, including 11 U.K. insurers and led by the Association of British Insurers and Thatcham Research, the insurance industry’s research arm, has formed a group to consider issues relating to automated driving, particularly concerning insurance and liability. Other issues include how to cope with vehicles at different levels of automation; how data from individual vehicles will be recorded and used to improve safety and clarify liability; whether changes to existing road-traffic laws are needed; and what those changes might be. ABI says with 94% of road accidents caused by human error, the development of increasingly automated vehicles has huge implications for road safety. ABI Director of General Insurance Policy James Dalton says the presence of driverless cars on U.K. roads would be lifechanging in many ways, and one of the business sectors likely to be most affected is insurance. “Contrary to what some people might expect, insurers are not standing in the way of this development but actively looking to support progress and innovation,” Dalton said in
a statement. “The developments we’ve seen towards increasingly autonomous vehicles are already reaping rewards—with autonomous emergency braking reducing collisions and injuries and helping to bring down insurance premiums.” Dalton said truly driverless cars have the potential to dramatically reduce deaths and injuries on the roads. “The role of motor insurance in such a future will be very different to what it is today, but insurance will be part of the picture,” he says. Thatcham Research CEO Peter Shaw says safety is paramount for both drivers and insurers. “Working with car manufacturers and insurers, we’ll be researching and testing systems, to provide insight and evaluation of the potential risks and benefits at each step of the way towards a world where cars can drive themselves,” Shaw said in a statement. Reports indicate driverless cars are expected to dramatically reduce accidents, cutting insurance premiums up to 80% in 25 years’ time. Insurers could also find themselves dealing with vehicle manufacturers, rather than drivers, as responsibility for accidents moves to those who have designed driverless-car technology, forcing them to re-evaluate their business models. The U.K. government says it will amend traffic laws by 2018 to account for the rise of driverless or semiautonomous cars.
Gas Monkey Garage Selects Evercoat Products ITW Evercoat announced on January 26 that Gas Monkey Garage has selected Evercoat products to help them transform “ordinary cars into extraordinary rides.”
“Every day at Gas Monkey Garage we use innovative products from Evercoat to help with our amazing car transformations,” said Richard Rawlings, motor mastermind and owner of Gas
Monkey Garage. “From innovations like Rage Ultra body filler to Evercoat’s patented 4:1 Polyester Primers, Gas Monkey trusts Evercoat to deliver products that perform.” “We are excited that Gas Monkey Garage trusts Evercoat products on their restoration masterpieces,” added Marvin Gillfillan, vice president and general manager of ITW Evercoat. “Richard Rawlings and the team at Gas Monkey Garage are car restoration visionaries and we are thrilled that our products meet their demanding needs.”
Continued from Page 50
Continued from Page 64
change initiatives
‘tough love’ and lots of kindness. Over 70 vendors populated the trade show floor, offering door prizes, product demonstrations and new information. The floor was buzzing and
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By developing new skills and working on those things that are sometimes uncomfortable, you can actually change your mental mapping for how you approach things in life. You could quickly find a new lease on life and begin to live a more fulfilling life or at least you may find yourself in a similar situation as me with my tennis game. Beating a lot of opponents, but still feeling like I suck! Perhaps I should change my mental approach and look at it in a more positive light?
Custom bike builder Steve Bruggenwirth judged the Midwest Auto Body Trade Show Community College Refinish Competition
the booths were full of activity. Merron took the roving microphone to each booth and announced door prizes. Chad Holamer, owner of Dent Smart, announced a $500 donation to the Iowa Collision Repair Association to fund a student scholarship.
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Takata Air-Bag Recall Expanded as 10th Death Reported Millions more vehicles are being recalled to replace defective Takata Corp. air bags as another death was linked to the devices that have been found to spray metal pieces into vehicles, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. Reports in Automotive News and the Detroit Free Press have detailed the two most recent recalls cover 5 million air bag inflators in cars made by Ford, Volkswagen AG, Honda Motor Co., Daimler AG, Audi AG, Mazda Motor Corp., Saab AB and BMW AG. NHTSA has been coordinating the largest-ever U.S. automotive action, which previously covered 23 million inflators in 19 million vehicles with Takata air bags. The agency couldn’t immediately say how many additional vehicles would be recalled because some vehicles have multiple inflators and some may have been previously recalled. Owners can check on their vehicles at safercar.gov. The driver of a 2006 Ford Motor Co. Ranger pickup died in December after the truck swerved off a road in South Carolina and hit an obstruction, the agency said in a call with reporters Friday. Agency investigators said that the Takata air-bag exploded, and the coroner had previously determined the
rupture contributed to the death, NHTSA spokesman Gordon Trowbridge said. In addition to the 10 fatalities, nine of them in the U.S., about 100 people have been injured by Takata air bags.
Safety ‘Crisis’ “This is a massive safety crisis,” Trowbridge said. Ford said it has “very limited information” about the latest incident and is working with NHTSA to review the circumstances of the South Carolina death. “We are saddened to hear about the driver’s death and offer our sincere condolences to the family of the driver,” Ford spokesman John Cavangany said in an e-mail. “We are working with the agency to review the available information, but we have very limited information at this point. If we find an issue with our vehicles, we take prompt action to address customer safety.” Takata said it’s continuing to conduct tests and ramp up replacement kit production, and trying to raise consumer awareness of recalled vehicles. The Japanese company also is in talks with rival air-bag maker Daicel Corp. on what a Daicel spokesman, Masahiko Hirokawa, described as “ways to ensure stable supply” of inflators. No decision has been made
about whether they will invest in a production joint venture, Hirokawa said. The proposed tie-up was earlier reported by the Nikkei newspaper. The Nikkei also reported that Takata will separately seek aid from carmakers as recall costs mount, including getting them to cover some costs and easing pressure for discounts on parts. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the driver’s family,” said Robert Rendine, a U.S. spokesman for the Tokyo-based parts supplier. “We are cooperating fully with regulators and our automotive customers and continue to support all actions that advance vehicle safety.” One of the two recalls NHTSA is ordering — to replace driver’s side air bags with similar inflators to the one involved in the latest fatal crash — involves vehicles made by Ford, Mazda, Audi, VW, Daimler and Saab, the agency said. Approximately 1 million inflators are included in the action. The inflator had been involved in previous testing without experiencing a rupture, Trowbridge said. The agency isn’t sure why the pickup’s air bag exploded. The fatality means there’s a higher risk, meaning the agency “believes it’s appropriate to take aggressive
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Second Recall The second recall announced Friday, involving approximately 4 million inflators, involves vehicles made by Volkswagen, BMW, Honda and Mercedes-Benz, NHTSA said. This recall comes after testing on some similar inflators in already-recalled Toyota Motor Corp. vehicles showed additional ruptures. The agency has said it will take years to complete all of the recalls, and it is prioritizing repairs in areas with high humidity levels, like the states around the Gulf of Mexico and Puerto Rico. Older vehicles and those needing new drivers-side air bags are also higher risk, Trowbridge said. “The agency is using all the tools available to clean this mess up as quickly as possible,” Trowbridge said. In November, Takata was fined a record $200 million over its missteps in handling the air-bag crisis. NHTSA found that Takata had been slow to report the defect and hid critical information from regulators and its automaker partners. Takata agreed to appoint an independent monitor to oversee its recalls and operate under the terms of a fiveyear consent decree.
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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 71
NHTSA Hosts Vehicle Cybersecurity Roundtable
On January 19, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) brought together vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, technology companies, industry experts, security researchers and government agencies to discuss the industry’s development and adoption of vehicle cybersecurity standards. The majority of the panelists agreed on the necessity of an industrywide set of minimum, verifiable cybersecurity standards. However, due to the continually changing nature of emerging technology, they also suggested that these standards could only serve as a baseline. As capabilities and threats develop, the best practices would need to be able to evolve at the same pace. The Society of Automotive Engineers’ (SAE) forthcoming cybersecurity standards were offered as a possible starting point, as well as contributions from the automakers Intelligence Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) that has been in operation since 2015. One of the primary points of discussion was the issue of data access. The general consensus of the panelists was that most cyber vulnerabilities are caused by the vehicle owner. Some pointed out that this was an argument for vehicle manufacturers to
ASA Announces Partnership With eMarketing Sherpas
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and eMarketing Sherpas announced on Feb. 3 that the Demand Engine, Review Engine and Digital Lobby systems are now available to all ASA members. eMarketing Sherpas provides digital-based sales, marketing and customer-service solutions to automotive businesses. The company offers a suite of software products and services for body shops. Dan Risley, ASA’s president and executive director, said, “We are excited to offer our members access to these powerful solutions.” The Demand Engine is a system that automates all aspects of a shop’s digital activity. Review Engine will manage shop’s online reputation, capture more online reviews, improve search-engine performance and increase online sales leads and referrals. The Digital Lobby is a system that includes digital signage, menu board, kiosks and mobile apps. For information, contact the ASA membership department at (817) 893-1109 or visit the ASA Marketplace at ASA.bizunite.com. The eMarketing Sherpas’ ASA member page is http://www.emarketingsherpas .com/ - !asa-members/obuez.
have greater control over the vehicle software and hardware, as well as dictating who could access the data. Others contended that when a consumer purchases a car, this includes the right to access any and all data. This argument extended to vehicle repair, with several panelists making the case that aftermarket repairers be allowed to access and alter the vehicle’s data at the owner’s request. A number of members of Congress have introduced vehicle cybersecurity legislation. Vehicle cybersecurity has been an issue discussed in the past several NACE | CARS programs sponsored by the Automotive Service Association (ASA) and is a significant part of the NACE | CARS 2016 program. ASA has hosted several automotive industry meetings related to new vehicle technologies and cybersecurity. For more information, and to see the program’s full agenda, visit: http:// www.nhtsa.gov/Research/Crash+Avo idance/Agenda. For information about ASA, visit www.ASAshop.org, or ASA’s legislative website www.TakingTheHill.com.
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Polyvance’s 6203 Hot Spot Rechargeable Plastic Stapler
Polyvance’s (formerly Urethane Supply Company) new 6203 “Hot Spot” cordless rechargeable plastic stapler can be used to hold broken headlight To tabsadvertise and bumper tears in position while makingSales plastic at: weld call Advertising repairs. 800-699-8251 The Hot Spot stapler includes a wide variety of specialty staples, e-mail: allowing the user to strengthen viradvertising@autobodynews.com tually any type of thermoplastic rewww.autobodynews.com pair, from inside and outside corners to narrow mounting tabs, according to a company press release. The DC rechargeable battery allows use of up to 700 staples on a single charge. Staples can be inserted in the tip in three positions (straight, 90, and 45) and it has a bright LED light for illumination of Seen Our Readers! theBe work area.by One-button operation (push twice in sequence until indiCALL Advertising Sales at: cator glows red) allows user to heat the staples. The 6203 Hot Spot stapler includes 20 each of six different types advertising@autobodynews.com of staples, battery charger, and storagewww.autobodynews.com case with a one-year limited warranty. Suggested User price is US$399.95. Questions? Contact Kurt Lammon at 800-633-3047.
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72 MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Exhibit Space Selling Out for NACE | CARS 2016
The automotive collision and service repair industry is heading to Anaheim, CA this summer for NACE | CARS 2016, from August 9-13. More than 8,000 attended last year’s event and related industry week events in Detroit, MI. Decision-makers and shop owners came from throughout the U.S. and 39 additional countries to find the latest tools and technology for their shops. A great deal of excitement has surrounded this year’s move to Anaheim, and exhibit space is booking even more quickly than in years past. Two-thirds of the NACE | CARS 2016 show floor was already booked as of February. Exhibitors have contracted for more than 40,000 square feet of exhibit space for the 2016 Expo. This more than 30 percent ahead of last year’s early space draw. OEs such as Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota have committed to record sponsorships, training, and large exhibit spaces. Much of the OE training and demonstrations will be held on the show floor at no additional cost to attendees. With the return of major suppliers AutoZone, Theincluding sourceCCC, for timely
information that every body shop needs!
PPG, Garmat, Celette, Enterprise, Car-O-Liner, NAPA, Akzo Nobel, Chief, AudaExplore, Global Finishing Solutions, LKQ, UniCure, ProSpot, and more, the vendor and supplier community is committing to the mission of ASA and its partners to grow an event for the industry, by the industry. For information on booking exhibit space or sponsorships, contact Robert Martin at robertm@stonefortgroup.com or 832-646-0176. Targeting business owners, management, and technicians, this conference and exposition brings together all market segments for the latest and repair solutions, services, education, products, and technology. NACE | CARS is a source of industry education, training, networking, and worldclass exhibits for the automotive collision and service repair industry. More information about NACE | CARS 2016 can be found at www .NACEexpo.com or www.CARSevent .com. Please note, hotels are booking fast; make your plans soon!
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www.autobodynews.com | MARCH 2016 AUTOBODY NEWS 73
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Assured Performance Launches OEM Repair Procedure Compliance App Assured Performance Network announced on January 20 they are launching an application program to document the use of OEM repair procedures for their network of certified shops. The Assured Performance OEM Repair Procedure Compliance App automatically transforms the shop’s estimate repair line information onto an interactive checklist and delivers it onto the technician’s hands via a smart phone, tablet or desktop. Then, the technician can use the simple touch screen functionality and commands to take photos and provide other documentation as they follow OEM repair procedures in the proper repair of a vehicle. According to a company press release, the program only takes technicians seconds to properly document the process followed for every repair. The application also allows management to review and approve the technician’s documentation and see alerts when no documentation is provided. All of the compliance documentation is linked to the original estimate and maintained electronically online in the shop’s dataSAFE as a permanent record. Documenting every repair
with visual proof of compliance provides critical documentation to limit liability exposure. Aaron Clark, former MSO shop owner and Assured Performance vice president of technical compliance said, “This technology-driven solution provides a shop with exactly what they need to manage quality and compliance efficiently. Third-party spot checks may be performed by an untested, untrained, or uncertified individual and can leave huge holes in the documentation, lead to questionable liability coverage, and can be very expensive.” Michael Quinn, executive VP of Assured Performance and also a former MSO shop owner, added, “Experts all agree that effective quality assurance and OEM procedure compliance must be built into the repair process. Now, our Certified shops have a cost effective tool to manage that.” The application will be provided exclusively to Assured Performance certified shops. Assured Performance will contact all of their certified shops and begin rolling out the program and providing instructions.
CAPA Elects 8 Leaders to Its Technical Committee The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) announced on February 1 the election of Alan Bush – ALD and Associates; Jim Fisher – PBSI-DS; Bob Guzdziol – K.S.I. Trading; Don Hill – State Farm; Jim Horner – USAA; Jim Miras – Micro Rim Corporation; Mark Sanders – Caliber Collision Centers; and Chad Sulkala – Allstate to CAPA’s Technical Committee. “CAPA is absolutely privileged to have such a broad range of industry expertise represented on our Technical Committee,” said Debbie Klouser, director of operations for the non-profit association. “Their understanding of the issues facing the aftermarket parts industry and guidance with the program are extremely important to CAPA and those who depend on CAPA certification.” “CAPA’s Technical Committee is one of a number of unique program features that make the CAPA standards unique,” said Jack Gillis, executive director of the association. These new additions to the Technical Committee represent some of the most respected and important members of the collision industry and will enable CAPA to continue its position as the ‘gold standard’ when it comes
to high-quality, safe and fairly-priced certified aftermarket parts.
CAPA’s Technical Committee: ● Randall Bollander – Empire Auto Parts ● Alan Bush –ALD and Associates, LLC - (Vice-Chair) ● Jeff Chen – T.Y.G. Products, L.P. ● Bill Dornon – LKQ-Keystone ● Rod Enlow – RENLOW Auto Technical Consulting, Inc. (Chairman) ● Don Feeley – City Body & Frame ● Jim Fisher – PBSI-DS ● Bob Guzdziol – K.S.I. Trading ● Don Hill – State Farm Mutual Insurance Co. ● Jim Horner – USAA Insurance ● Jared Humphrey – Service King Collision Repair Centers ● Bob Keith – CARSTAR ● Jim Miras – Micro Rim Corporation ● Dan Risley – Automotive Services Association (ASA) ● Mark Sanders – Caliber Collision Centers ● Nick Scheid, LNS & Associates ● Michael Smith – GEICO Insurance ● Chad Sulkala – Allstate Insurance ● Richard Wang – Gordon Auto Body Parts Co., Ltd.
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