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U.S. House Committee Holds Hearings on Career and Technical Education Act On May 18 the U.S. House Commit- serve those seeking to enter the techtee on Education and the Workforce nical workforce. Witnesses included: held a hearing titled, “Helping Stu- Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. dents Succeed by Strengthening the Paul Tse, project manager, Shapiro & Duncan Inc. Carl D. Perkins Career and Jason Bates, manager, ToyTechnical Education Act.” ota Bodine Aluminum Inc. Reauthorized in 2006, Dr. Monty Sullivan, presithe Carl D. Perkins Act allodent, Louisiana Community cates federal grants to states and Technical College System for distribution to secondary Throughout the hearing, school districts and post-secthe witnesses and members ondary institutions. The purSen. Tim Kaine, recounted personal examples pose of the hearing was to D-VA examine the Carl D. Perkins of the value of local career and Act and others like it to determine technical education programs. They exwhat reforms should be made to best See U.S. House Hearings, Page 18
OEM Training Details for NACE | CARS Released
plimentary basis with the purchase of a conference or expo pass:
FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES: Introducing the allnew 2017 Chrysler Pacifica—This class will provide you with information relative to the technical specifications, metal strengths, and repair procedures. John Hughes, MOPAR Collision Repair Responsible Service Engineering, TSO, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles FORD MOTOR COMPANY: Ford FSee OEM Training, Page 20
Change Service Requested
P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
NACE | CARS has announced the release of details for this year’s OEM programming. NACE | CARS 2016, taking place in Anaheim, CA August 9-13, will feature record involvement and expanded training from companies such as Audi, BMW, FCA, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, and more, who will provide information on their latest vehicles, materials and technology, how to address specific repairs, and on becoming a certified repair shop. Here is an overview of the training, which will be offered on a com-
VOL. 34 ISSUE 7 JULY 2016
MS and IN Lawsuits Alleging Steering and Price Fixing by Insurers Ordered Closed by Judge by Stacey Phillips
A Florida judge has closed two related lawsuits brought forth by body shops in Mississippi and Indiana against insurers for alleged steering and price fixing. On May 27, Middle District Judge Gregory Presnell dismissed the state claims in Capitol Body Shop, et al, v. State Farm, et al, with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled. Two weeks later, on June 10, he made a similar ruling in Indiana Auto Body Association, et al v. State Farm, et al. Both cases are part of the multidistrict lawsuit that involves more than 500 shops across the country. The 24 lawsuits filed were eventually consolidated for pretrial purposes. According to industry reports, collision repairers across the United States are watching with anticipation to find out the national implications
these recent rulings may have. A similar judgment was made in 2015 when Judge Presnell dismissed all claims in Florida’s A&E Auto Body et al, v. 21st Century et al, with prejudice. All three cases can be appealed to the Eleventh Circuit Court by Eaves Law Firm, the lead attorneys on the case. The Jackson, MS, law firm could not be reached for comment when Autobody News went to press this month. The body shops have accused insurance companies of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act and state laws “…by conspiring to suppress the amounts they are obligated to pay for automobile repairs,” according to court documents. Mississippi Case Capitol Body Shop, et al v. State Farm, et al. was the first of the 24 lawsuits filed. The court dismissed the claims in See MS and IN Lawsuits, Page 22
Ray Fisher of ASA-MI Addresses Changes to Motor Vehicle Service Repair Act, Governor Vetos Bill by Stacey Phillips
A controversial bill that would have restricted aftermarket parts vendors to sell only certain types of parts on newer vehicles to licensed repair facilities in Michigan was vetoed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder in June. House Bill 4344 would have required body shops to use new or used OEM parts or certified aftermarket parts on vehicles during their original factory warranty period or five years, whichever is less, unless they received written permission from a customer to use non-certified parts. The 62-page bill updated the 1974 Michigan Motor Vehicle Service(s) and Repair Act. “I am unable to sign this bill because it overreaches in the limitation of aftermarket parts negatively impacting consumers and creating the po-
tential for negative consequences for Michigan’s automotive industry,” Snyder wrote in his veto letter. “As Michigan continues its comeback and continues to be a leader in promoting new technology in the automotive industry, it is imperative that we ensure all components of that industry can remain strong, including Michigan’s robust aftermarket parts industry. I am concerned about HB 4344’s effect on market competition for replacement parts on motor vehicles.” House Bill 4344 was first introduced March 12, 2015 by Rep. Peter Pettalia of Presque Isle, who co-owns an automotive mechanical repair facility in Alpena, MI. On February 10, 2016, the bill passed in the House 84-22 in favor of See MI Bill Veto, Page 34
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