December 2019 West Edition by Autobody News

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Vol. 37 / Issue 12 / December 2019

SCRS Captures First Place at SEMA 2019 New Products Showcase by Ed Attanasio

To officially kick off the week, SEMA always announces its Best New Products Award winners at its opening morning breakfast. There’s

always a lot of anticipation, because companies know about the importance of these awards and this year was surely no exception. Nearly 3,000 products were en-

tered this year into the 16 different Showcase categories to be considered for a SEMA New Product Award this year. Winners were selected based on a variety of factors that included superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability, among others. The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) won first place in the collision repair and refinish product category for its SCRS Guide to Complete Repair Planning – Blueprint Optimization Tool. The runners-up included GUNIWHEEL for its GUNIWHEEL

SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg’s organization won the first place in the collision repair and refinish product category for the SCRS Guide to Complete Repair Planning – Blueprint Optimization Tool. Credit: Ed Attanasio

and Spray Booth Services for its Airflow=Cashflow Remote Spray Booth Monitoring System. SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg discussed his organization’s winning entry. “Nine years ago, we created our Repair Planning Plan, which is a static document that lists items that are potentially overlooked. We received feedback over the years about it and we have refined it a few times. People told us that it

See 2019 New Products, Page 12

Industry Hears From Texas Couple Who Sued Shop Over Faulty Repairs

Six Cars Given Away by NABC Recycled Rides at SEMA 2019

by John Yoswick

by Ed Attanasio

CIC chairman Jeff Peevy said everyone in the industry regularly makes decisions that can have a profound impact on other people’s lives. Credit: John Yoswick

In an emotional on-stage interview at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) held in Las Vegas in early November, the Texas couple who successfully sued a dealership body shop over its failure to follow OEM repair procedures talked about the dramatic changes in their lives caused by their substantial injuries in a subsequent accident. Marcia Seebachan said she remembers nothing from the time of the accident until four days later, on Christmas, when she regained consciousness in the hospital and wasn’t See Industry Hears From, Page 14

Every year at SEMA, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides luncheon is on many peoples’ calendars, and the room is always packed with industry leaders, insurance companies, body shops, parts manufacturers, and more. Invariably, the event often features crying (in joy), happy faces everywhere, and a vibe that can best be described as pure benevolence. This year, NABC presented six deserving Las Vegas residents with the gift of transportation via refurbished vehicles that will now enable them to take care of their families, get to work, manage medical appointments and gain their much-desired independence. The Recycled Rides program partnered with a wide range of insurance carriers this year, including State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive. Rental car companies such as Hertz and Enterprise, and collision repair facilities and MSOs like Caliber Collision, Service King,

CARSTAR and Gerber Collision, vendor partners such as 1.800.Charity Cars, LKQ and others that have been involved in the program for many years.

Undercover but waiting to change lives forever, six cars went to six worthy families at the NABC Recycled Rides presentation at SEMA 2019. Credit: Ed Attanasio

The NABC Recycled Rides recipients gathered with their children, spouses, and friends to unveil their newly refreshed vehicles in spectacular fashion. Karl Champley, an Australian master builder, television personality and actor who is currently appearing on Ellen’s Design Challenge, served as the emcee for See Six Cars Given Away, Page 20

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CONTENTS Body Shop 661 in Santa Clarita, CA, Stands Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Contra Costa Community College Hosts CREF Transportation Career Fair . . . . . . . . . 10 Fix Auto Opens Five CA Locations . . . . . . . . . . 22 Record-Breaking DRIVE EXPO WEST 2019 Features Awards Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Two Veterans Receive Free Car at California Airshow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Western Association Event Announcements: December 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Elaine Herzberg Death: Self-Driving Uber Ignored Jaywalking Pedestrian . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Final Day of SEMA Features Thought Leaders & Top Build Winner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Fossil Fuel Dependence Will Increase Until 2030s Due to SUV Demand . . . . . . . . . . 4 Glass Installation and ADAS – The Game is Changing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 GM Announces eCommerce Price Policy . . . . . 66 Industry Hears From Texas Couple Who Sued Shop Over Faulty Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Industry Leaders Encourage Shop Owners to ‘Capture Every Procedure’. . . . . . . . . . . . 66

COLUMNISTS

LKQ Announces Its Promise of Calibration . . . . 39

Anderson - Understanding and Performing

NABC 2019 Award Winners Announced . . . . . . 54

the Needed Seat Calibrations . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Attanasio - Painter Donnie Inman’s Art Gets Him Out of Prison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Attanasio - PPG’s Booth Unleashes Creativity at SEMA 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Ledoux - Collision Repair Shops “ARM” Themselves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Phillips - 3M Showcases New and Existing Products During SEMA Show . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Yoswick - Tesla Promises Better Parts Service, More Support for Body Shops . . . . . . . . . . . 38

SATA Puts on Wunderbar Show at SEMA 2019. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 SCRS Captures First Place at SEMA 2019 New Products Showcase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 SEMA Announces New Product Award Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 SEMA Show Focuses on Advanced Vehicle Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 SEMA Show Kicks Off With Award Announcements, Celebrities & Educational Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Sherwin-Williams Leads With Art at

NATIONAL 2019 Collision Repair Industry: A Year in Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 A Behind-The-Scenes Look at SEMA Before Opening Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 AkzoNobel’s Workflow System Gets Patent . . . 58 All Star Auto Lights Opens CO Location . . . . . . 61

SEMA 2019. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Six Cars Given Away by NABC Recycled Rides at SEMA 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Tesla ‘Cybertruck’ Pickup Unveiling Event Occurred on Nov. 21 at SpaceX HQ . . . . . . . 69 The Driving Force – Women in the Automotive Industry Presented by Kukui . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Bill Shaw is Recipient of CIF Service Award. . . 61

The Future of DRP: Is There One? . . . . . . . . . . 56

CARSTAR Enterprise in NY Opens . . . . . . . . . . 66

US Autocure Receives Fire Marshall

CCC Strengthens Network for Parts Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 CRASH Network Launches ‘Insurer Report Card’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Cummins Unveils Fuel Cell Truck in Atlanta . . . . 4 Dr. Diane L. Peters Dove Into the Future of Mobility at AWAF’s Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 VeriFacts Automotive Turns Into a Valued Partner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 WD-40 Partners With SEMA Cares to Create Old School 1966 Ford Bronco. . . . . . 50 Wet Finishes and Ugly Ape Body Shop in KY Merge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Autobody News presented a $250 donation to CREF’s Brandon Eckenrode for the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s Scholarship Fund. (l to r) Autobody News’ Online Editor Alexis Wilson, General Manager/Co-Owner Barbara Davies, Brandon Eckenrode of CREF, Autobody News Regional Sales Manager Kelly Hall

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

REGIONAL

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Contributing Writers: John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr, Stacey Phillips, Victoria Antonelli, Gary Ledoux Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Bill Doyle, Norman Morano, Kelly Hall (800) 699-8251 Office Manager: Louise Tedesco Digital Marketing Manager: Bill Pierce Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia Graphic Designer: Vicki Sitarz Online and Web Content Editor: Alexis Wilson Accounting Manager: Heather Priddy Editorial/Sales Assistant: Randi Scholtes Office Assistant: Dianne Pray

Serving Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the collision industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2019 Adamantine Media LLC.

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists, LLC . . . . . . . . 47

Hyundai of Seattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

American Innovative Manufacturing-AIM . . . . 30

Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . 66

Anchorage Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram. . . . . . 20

Industrial Finishes and Systems . . . . . . . . . 7, 72

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Kearny Mesa Subaru-Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

AutoNation Collision Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Kia Downtown Los Angeles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

AutoNation Roseville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 52-53

AutoNation South Bay Wholesale . . . . . . . . . . 11

Kia of Carson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Axalta Coating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Kia of Irvine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Blowtherm USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Larry H. Miller Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram . . . . 6

BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Launch Tech USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Car Pros Kia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Car Pros Kia Renton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 68

Certified Automotive Parts Association . . . . . . 24

MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram of Seattle. . . . . . . 49

Mirka USA, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Montipower Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Colortone Automotive Paints . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . 41

Courtesy Chevrolet San Diego . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Moss Bros. Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge. . . . . . . . . . 33

Cutter Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram . . . . . . . . . 28

Nicolosi Distributing, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Cyber Garage, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . 57

Dave Smith Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Podium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

DCH Auto Group Temecula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . 64

Dent Fix Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Puente Hills Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Downtown Motors of LA (Audi, VW) . . . . . . . . 60

SATA Dan-Am Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Eckler’s Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Sierra Chevrolet-Honda-Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . 54

ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Sorbothane Soft-Blow Mallet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Enterprise Rent-A-Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Spanesi Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Equalizer Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Steamericas-Optima Steamer . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

First Auto Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . 65

Ford of Kirkland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Symach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Tacoma Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram . . . . . . . . 27

Frank Subaru. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

The Bay Area Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Galpin Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Tonkin Parts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13

Garden Grove Kia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

USI of North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Glenn E. Thomas Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep . . . . . 17

Vintage Flatz/Cumberland Products . . . . . . . . 39

GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . 66

Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 36-37

Volvo Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Hyundai of Kirkland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Wedge Clamp Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Autobody News P.O. Box 1516 Carlsbad, CA 92018 (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com editor@autobodynews.com

autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Fossil Fuel Dependence Will Increase Until 2030s Due to SUV Demand by Joey Klender, Teslarati.com

A recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) suggests the dependence on energy sources derived from crude oil will continue to increase until the 2030s and emissions contributing to global climate change could also rise until 2040. The IEA cites the increasing demand for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) as the main contributor to vehicle-based emissions. The United States, China, and Europe have displayed a growing hunger for SUVs, and it is directly contributing to the environmental issues according to the IEA’s annual long-term forecast report, the AP says. The IEA suggested governments in these areas need to display “strong leadership” to reduce carbon emissions from SUVs in an attempt to save the environment. Perhaps the most frightening part of the IEA report was the idea that the growing demand for SUVs could eliminate any environmental benefits from the increasing popularity of electric cars. As the industry for battery-operated vehicles continues to grow across the world, the IEA

feels the current investment in renewable energy is “insufficient,” as the estimated global demand of barrels of oil per day until 2040 is expected to increase from 96.9 million in 2018, to 106.4 million in 2040.

Credit: Tesla

IEA Director Fatih Birol stated SUVs “were the second biggest cause of the increase in emissions in the last ten years, behind the energy sector and

more than all industrial sectors combined,” during an interview in Paris, France. Electric vehicle companies like Tesla have made significant strides in the fight against emissions from petrol-based vehicles. With Tesla’s Model X, along with the imminent release of the Model Y crossover, the company will now be able to offer those interested in purchasing an SUV two different vehicles that offer maximum cargo space in an energy-efficient manner. Fellow all-electric car maker Rivian will also begin producing its energy-efficient R1T truck and R1S SUV in late-2020 and early-2021. Electric vehicles produced by these two companies will rival their gas-powered counterparts, allowing for record amounts of towing capacity, range, and off-roading capabilities. The IEA also recognizes the growing demand for plastic and air travel as two other factors directly

Elaine Herzberg Death: Self-Driving Uber Ignored Jaywalking Pedestrian by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com

The death of Elaine Herzberg in March 2018 was caused by a selfdriving vehicle system that could not see “jaywalkers” and failed to classify Herzberg as a pedestrian. Herzberg, 49, was killed when the Volvo SUV struck her as she ig-

nored the crosswalk signs and walked her bike onto the road. The bike had no side reflectors and the front and rear reflectors faced away from the self-driving Volvo. Additionally, Herzberg’s toxicology tests came back positive for marijuana and methamphetamine. In a final report from the National Safety Transportation Board (NTSB), conclusions reached by investigators match nightmare scenarios predicted by dozens of safety advocates who claim consumers are 4

being treated as lab rats when selfdriving cars are on the roads. In the NTSB report, the 2017 Volvo XC90 that hit Herzberg had its Volvo collision avoidance system deactivated at the time of the crash. The SUV was factory-equipped with several driver assistance systems offered by Volvo, but those features were disabled because Uber had equipped the Volvo with its “Advanced Technologies Group (ATG) developmental automated driving system (ADS).” When the XC90 SUV was operated in manual mode and controlled by a human driver, all the Volvo driver assistance components were activated, but those Volvo components were automatically disabled when the SUV was operated in autonomous mode. Federal investigators found the Uber software completely failed to accurately detect Herzberg as a pedestrian and couldn’t predict which path she was taking while crossing the road. According to the NTSB report, the vehicle was traveling 44 mph 5.8 seconds before the Uber struck

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Herzberg. The NTSB report says the selfdriving system never classified Herzberg as a pedestrian, and she was not classified as a jaywalking pedestrian because “the system design did not include consideration for jaywalking pedestrians.” Uber and Volvo say multiple changes have been made to the selfdriving test vehicles since the death of Herzberg, and both companies claim the same situation on a road today will be avoided. Uber told NTSB investigators that new software would detect and correctly classify the pedestrian 4.5 seconds before the time of impact. In addition to correctly classifying the “object” as a pedestrian, Uber says new software will correctly predict the path of a pedestrian crossing a street and if the pedestrian is on a collision path with the self-driving vehicle. The system allegedly will also initiate controlled braking more than 4 seconds before the original time of impact. We thank CarComplaints.com for reprint permission.

contributing to the report’s main point of the growing oil demand. “The world urgently needs to put a laserlike focus on bringing down global emissions. This calls for a grand coalition encompassing governments, investors, companies and everyone else who is committed to tackling climate change,” Birol said. The importance of identifying and eliminating the issue of carbon emissions is extremely important to the future of the climate. Elon Musk’s mission behind creating a vehicle that emits no carbon emissions has been the main goal since Tesla was created in 2004. “We’re running the most dangerous experiment in history right now, which is to see how much carbon dioxide the atmosphere can handle before there is an environmental catastrophe,” Musk said in 2013. The ever-growing environmental movement has been highlighted by increasingly prevalent activism from people like Greta Thunberg. However, it will take more than environmental activists to implement change. We thank Teslarati.com for reprint permission.

Cummins Unveils Fuel Cell Truck in Atlanta

Cummins Inc. unveiled its latest innovation, a heavy-duty truck with fuel cell and battery electric power. The demonstration vehicle was unveiled at the 2019 North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta. “Developing this cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell truck as a technology demonstrator is an important step in gaining valuable insights that are critical to continue developing the right solutions for the market and preparing for the next 100 years,” said Thad Ewald, vice president, corporate strategy at Cummins. The truck was designed and integrated by Cummins in Columbus, IN, and includes a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell from Hydrogenics. To help all original equipment manufacturing (OEM) customers and end-user envision how Cummins’ fuel cell power can enable their success, the truck has been intentionally designed without collaboration from any of the company’s OEM partners. Obtained via Business Wire.

autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Record-Breaking DRIVE EXPO WEST 2019 Features Awards Ceremony by Chasidy Rae Sisk

Held on Sept. 27-29, DRIVE EXPO WEST 2019 boasted a record number of industry professionals and sponsors, providing an opportunity for hundreds of shop owners and automotive aftermarket executives to network and receive valuable industry education. DRIVE CEO Bill Kilpatrick stated, “September’s EXPO offered the management tools for

In addition to recognizing the recipients of the Effective Shop Manager Award and the Competent Shop Owner Award, DRIVE honored five

James and Malesia Spires of O.T.R.A. Roadside Services, Inc. Credit: DRIVE

Brandan and Kelsey Lancaster of Performance Automotive Repair. Credit: DRIVE

each DRIVE client that they need to succeed. A key component of each EXPO is creating an environment where shop owners can meet and exchange ideas with other owners. This is unlike any other industry event.”

shops for their efficiency, stability and profitability with the highly coveted and extremely difficult to achieve honor: the Master of Shop Management Award. The 2019 Master of Shop Management honorees were Dennis and Sherry Goodhue of Diamond G Repair in Montrose, CO; Dave Bloom of Pine Aire Truck Service in Bay Shore, NY; Brandan and Kelsey Lancaster of Performance Automotive Repair in Bayfield, CO; Deanna Cole-Eure and Wes Cole of Cole’s

Dave Bloom of Pine Aire Truck Service. Credit: DRIVE

The event took place at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel and Conference Center in Pomona, CA, and featured a keynote presentation by Chris Chesney of Advance Auto Parts. During the EXPO Awards dinner, DRIVE celebrated shops that have exceeded predefined benchmarks for productivity and efficiency.

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Service Center in Vancleave, MS; and James and Malesia Spires of O.T.R.A. Roadside Services, Inc. in Cleburne, Texas. DRIVE EXPO WEST 2019 also included a discussion about a strategic and important alliance between DRIVE and AAA. Additionally, Kilpatrick announced that he will personally teach two workshops next year. “I’ve created these two DRIVE workshops to address the specific needs of our clients who want to gain the skills and confidence to train their team to make a huge impact on their shop’s growth and success,” Kilpatrick stated.

Deanna Cole-Eure of Cole’s Service Center. Credit: DRIVE

Both of the workshops will be presented over the course of two days in 2020. Kilpatrick will present “How to Train Your Team” on Feb. 24 and 25, and “How to Master Training” will be offered on April 20 and 21.

Dennis and Sherry Goodhue of Diamond G Repair. Credit: DRIVE

Sponsors and vendors that participated in DRIVE EXPO WEST 2019 included BOLT ON TECHNOLOGY, Meritor, AutoVitals, EasyPay Finance, NAPA AutoCare, Tekmetric and PPG. The 2020 installment of DRIVE EXPO will again be held at the Sheraton Fairplex on Aug. 28-30, 2020. Registration for next year’s event is available at drive-expo.com. For more information about DRIVE, visit driveshops.com.

autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

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autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Contra Costa Community College Hosts CREF Transportation Career Fair by Ed Attanasio

Contra Costa College in San Pablo, CA, hosted a Transportation Career Fair on Oct. 22 that was sponsored by the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). More than 200 high school and junior college students coming from as far away as

and will eventually hit 40 cities in the next eight months. The CREF has been working closely with auto tech college departments all the way from Boston to Seattle, in order to coordi-

ticipating companies included Enterprise, Mike’s Auto Body, PPG, ICAR, Service King, Manheim, Hertz, Mercedes-Benz, Caliber, Fix Auto USA, LKQ, AkzoNobel, Crocketts Premier Auto Body, BART, CalTrans, County Connections and NABC Distracted Driving. A 40-city tour is an enormous undertaking that will undoubtedly rival this year’s Rolling Stones con-

Arthur Mercado, who manages locations in Alameda and Castro Valley for Fix Auto (left) and Tiffany Silva owner of Accurate Auto Body in Richmond, CA, met with the techs and painters of tomorrow. Credit: CREF

West Coast Talent Assistant Manager Nick Cortez (left) and Regional Recruiter of Service King Collision were among the list of industry exhibitors at the fair. Credit: CREF

From left, Auto Finish Instructor Marlon Medina, Territory Manager Ben Shell, Commercial Territory Manager Jessica Neri from FinishMaster met with junior college auto tech students at Contra Costa College’s a Transportation Career Fair on Oct. 22. Credit: CREF

Modesto and Fresno were on hand to meet with 20 industry vendors and potential employers. This tour started in September

nate a series of career fairs that reach out to the junior and tech colleges nationwide. These fairs customarily feature a full slate of independent local body shops, large chains, paint companies, product jobbers, and parts suppliers to introduce students to the collision repair and other transportation-related industries. Industry vendors and other par-

like Keith Richards when it’s all said and done later next year. “I feel older than Mick Jagger right now, and we still have a long way to go,” he said. “But, the fairs

Northern California Industry Relations Manager Lacy Biggs LKQ (left) and General Manager Chuck Brown at Contra Costa College’s Transportation Career Fair. Credit: CREF

cert tour. CREF Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode said he hopes he doesn’t end up looking

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have been well-received in every town, so that is really satisfying. We all know that recruiting and retaining technicians, painters, estimators, and support personnel can be difficult, and it’s tougher in some regions more than others. We are providing an opportunity for these students to meet with companies all in one lo-

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cation, something they cannot find anywhere else.”

Collision Repair Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode and I-CAR Business Development Manager of the Southwest Region, Mark Holloway were pleased to see a healthy turnout. Credit: CREF

Service King’s West Coast Talent Assistant Manager Nick Cortez was delighted to meet with the collision repair professionals of the future. “They seem very engaged, and I like how they make eye contact, shake your hand, and ask relevant questions. These types of events are great because we often find top people from career fairs like this one.” The schedule for upcoming fairs includes Mercedes-Benz Learning & Performance Center, Robbinsville, NJ, (11/12); Kingwood Park High

School, Houston (11/20); SouthTech Academy, Boynton Beach, FL (12/10); and Enterprise, Alexandria, VA (12/12). Tentative 2020 Spring Career Fair dates include: Pittsburgh (1/24); Indianapolis (2/7); Kansas City, KS (2/21); Chicago (3/6); Boston (3/13); Salt Lake City (3/20); Denver (4/3); Connecticut, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Orlando / Tampa Bay, FL, Charlotte, NC, Washington D.C. / Baltimore, Atlanta, New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles / San Diego, Dallas, Houston, Detroit, San Francisco, St. Louis, Seattle, and Miami. If you are with a school or business looking to participate with events, contact Collision Repair Education Foundation Development and Marketing Coordinator Tiffany Bulak at (847) 586-5332 or by email at Tiffany.Bulak@ed-foundation.org.

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Body Shop 661 in Santa Clarita, CA, Stands Out

tell you how I do it just so you know, because I like being very open.” In addition, Ranuschio noted he always puts everything in writing for his customers so they understand the work being done and can refer back to it later if needed. “I give you a real detailed breakdown,” he said. “When you come to me, I like putting everything in writing.” Ranuschio usually offers an annual bumper repair special during the holiday season, and pointed out that the details have not yet been finalized, but the special is currently in the works for this year. “Every year people wait for it,” he said. “If you have a new car and it’s a three-stage pearl or something, it’s very, very expensive to do, so now if you have an expensive car, any car, the bumper special is the same price for every car. Three stage, two stage — I don’t care. I’m here to take care of you.” We thank Hometown Station for reprint permission.

by Staff, Hometown Station

First, Cesar Ranuschio of Body Shop 661 located in Santa Clarita, CA, stressed the importance of following the proper steps and doing the job correctly from the very beginning.

Credit: Body Shop 661

“If you don’t prepare your walls and they paint over it, it’s going to come off,” he said. “It’s got to be prepared right and done right the first time.” Next, Ranuschio noted that his goal is to serve the client instead of the insurance company, and aims to give an honest, detailed description of the repair process before any work is done. “I work for you,” he said. “So, I’m going to tell you everything I’ll

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item you’ve already captured, and then display it on a comprehensive list of all potentially missed items. The user will then choose the items contained a ton of valuable informa- that apply and import them directly tion, but that it was hard to manually into the estimate.” Winning an award from SEMA can go through approximately 1,000 potentially missed items. They told us be a game-changer and Schulenberg that if there was any way to automat- knows that all too well. “We believe ically check an estimate with the that this technology is not out there with anything else, so we are really excited about its efficiency and the fact that it’s easy to use. It helps shops so that they don’t leave money on the table and create consistency amongst multiple writers. It is also an excellent training tool, especially for new shops that are looking to hire new people and expand. We will be sellCEO/Founder John Baker at Spray Booth Services won a ing it on a subscription basis runner-up award for its Airflow=Cashflow Remote Spray at $139 for the first year, and Booth Monitoring System. Credit: Ed Attanasio SCRS members can purguide that would be huge. So, for the chase it for $99 annually.” Were Schulenburg and his team past 18 months, we have been developing the product to make it a more excited when they found out that they sophisticated tool that can actually had won the award? “Absolutely,” he take your written estimate, import it said. “SCRS is an association whose into the system, will recognize the main goal is to help our shop memContinued from Cover

2019 New Products

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bers. We don’t traditionally create products, so this was a pleasant surprise. We know this award will give us a boost because the SEMA name

where body shop owners or managers can remotely monitor their spray booths and control the airflow and multiple functions,” Baker said. “Our system is ideal for shops with only one location or 20, to stay on top of your quality control without compromising productivity.” GUNIWHEEL captured the other runners up award for the GUNIWHEEL universal vehicle mounting system that features a tire and wheel-like design. Owner Sergio Rovito knows the Owner Sergio Rovito took one of the two runners up spots value of winning a SEMA with his GUNIWHEEL Universal Vehicle Mounting System. New Product Award beCredit: Ed Attanasio cause the SEMA name caris highly respected and carries a lot ries considerable weight in the of weight in the collision repair in- automotive industry, he said. “We dedustry. We are very humbled by this signed the GUNIWHEEL because we award and glad that we have created saw a definite need for an alternative something that is meaningful for this to jack stands and intended primarily for mounting purposes. Many colliindustry.” CEO/Founder John Baker at sion repairers use it to move vehicles Spray Booth Services is proud of his around the shop with a maximum patented pending monitoring system speed of 5 mph. It’s easy to install and that received one of the two runners doesn’t require any special adapters, up awards. “We have a product so shops love it.”

autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Continued from Cover

Industry Hears From

sure whether to believe her parents that her husband, Matthew, had also survived the accident and was just in another hospital. She said it only added to the couple’s trauma to later learn that their injuries were likely exacerbated

that their injuries in the subsequent accident were more severe because the roof separated and failed to protect them as it would have if Honda’s repair procedures had been followed. The Seebachans also sued State Farm for its alleged role in the shop’s choice of repair procedures; that lawsuit was settled a year ago without the terms of the settlement being disclosed.

“It’s one thing to be dealing with the most traumatic thing in your life, but to find out there were choices made that increased the likelihood that this happened to you is just re-traumatizing. There was a whole different grieving process that had to happen.” — Marcia Seebachan The discussion at CIC did not focus on the lawsuit, but rather on how the incident has impacted the Seebachans. Marcia recovered more quickly than Matthew though her injuries were severe: broken arm, wrist, femur, feet and pelvis, perforated intestines, and torn aorta lining. She required several surgeries to repair the tendons that attach her skull to her spine. Matthew’s severe burns, particularly on his lower legs, required more than two years of daily wound cleaning. He’s been unable to return to work nor continue his training to become a registered nurse. The couple has had to give up on their plans to become foster parents. Marcia Seebachan said as a clinical social worker, she must adhere to a code of ethics that requires her to use only evidence-based practices with clients. That makes it even more difficult for her to fathom why anyone would use a practice in their field – such as a repair procedure – without evidence and research that it is effective and appropriate. That’s why the Seebachans testified in favor Matthew and Marcia Seebachan told CIC attendees of legislation proposed in about the impact a shop’s failure to follow OEM repair procedures has had on their lives. Credit: John Yoswick Texas earlier this year that, if passed, would have rebuying the used vehicle, the shop quired the use of OEM repair prohad attached a replacement roof to cedures. Marcia Seebachan said that the vehicle (after hail damage) using the second or third or subsequent structural adhesive, even though owners of a vehicle deserve the same Honda’s repair procedures called for assurances the original owner had of the use of welds. The Seebachans ar- that vehicle’s engineered safety. “If you’re going to tell me this gued successfully in their lawsuit by the body shop’s decision – prior to the Seebachan’s purchase of the vehicle – to attach a replacement roof to it using adhesive rather than the welds called for by the automaker. “This wasn’t just a series of unfortunate events. This was something intentionally chosen to have been done to the vehicle that impacted us,” Marcia Seebachan said. “It’s one thing to be dealing with the most traumatic thing in your life, but to find out there were choices made that increased the likelihood that this happened to you is just re-traumatizing. There was a whole different grieving process that had to happen.” Two years ago, the Seebachans won a $42 million judgement against the Texas dealership body shop after an accident involving their 2010 Honda Fit. Prior to the Seebachans

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

repair work is as good or better than the original design, then you should be able to show evidence to support that,” she said. CIC Chairman Jeff Peevy, who along with his wife, Marie, conducted the 40-minute conversation with the Seebachans at CIC, said his goal was to let the industry get to know the people they likely had previously only read about. “This is really about human impact as a result of bad decisions,” Peevy said. “Every one of us in this industry is in a position to make decisions. Those decisions impact people and their vehicles, their families and their safety. So I think it’s important that we start to think about the decisions we make, that we always consider those people who put their lives in our hands when we repair vehicles. We all, in every segment, have a role to play in these decisions.” He thanked the Seebachans for traveling to Las Vegas and speaking at CIC. “There’s no telling how many lives you have saved because of your strength and courage and willingness to come here and tell your story,” he

said. Marcia Seebachan said she knows many people undergo traumatic experiences without being given an opportunity, as she feels she and Matthew have had, to create some positive outcome from those experiences.

Dan Risley of CCC Information Services issued a statement affirming that the company has not and will not share data with CARFAX. Credit: John Yoswick

“We’re grateful for everyone being willing to sit in this space with us and hear our story, and hope you walk away with it when you make decisions in your practices,” she said. “That’s all we can hope for, is that you’ll remember that.” See Industry Hears From, Page 65

autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Two Veterans Receive Free Car at California Airshow

Service King Collision partnered with GEICO and local charity, Volunteers of America, Northern California and Northern Nevada (VOANCNN),

The Alexander and Paulsen families were each nominated to receive vehicles through VOANCNN. The

recipient, Jamie Paulsen, is an Army veteran who received a 2014 Toyota Camry.

“Uplifting those service men and women who sacrificed for our freedom is what makes our country strong” — Christie Holderegger

Andrae Alexander’s children dressed up for Halloween. Credit: Service King

(l to r) Service King’s Jill Lane, Jamie Paulson and her husband Spike. Credit: Service King

to donate two vehicles benefitting local veterans through the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program.

ceremony took place on the last day of the California Capital Airshow in Sacramento on Sunday, Oct. 6.

(l to r) Service King’s Jill Lane (holding the baby) with Andrae Alexander and her family. Credit: Service King

Andrae Alexander is an Airforce veteran and single mother of five. She and her family received a 2015 Kia-Sedona minivan. Second

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

“We are grateful to community minded corporations like GEICO, and Service King who give back by creat-

(l to r) The two cars being donated were a 2014 Toyota Camry and a 2015 Kia-Sedona minivan. Credit: Service King

ing partnerships and programs such as Recycled Rides. Uplifting those service men and women who sacrificed for our freedom is what makes our country strong,” states Christie Holderegger, VP/CDO, VOANCNN.

US Autocure Receives Fire Marshall Certification

Industrial Finishes & Systems Inc., a leading distributor of automotive paint, equipment and supplies, in conjunction with US Autocure, is pleased to announce the completion of qualifications to the Class 1, Division II (Group D) U.S. prevention standards rating. This important certification indicates that US Autocure’s Phoenix gas-catalytic medium-wave infrared curing system complies with the following standards: • NFPA 79, Industrial Machinery; • NFPA 86, Ovens and Furnaces; and • NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 500. According to US Autocure Mechanical Engineer Mickey Meyer, “Achieving this certification is the culmination of many months of hard work. We followed the process carefully, resulting in our ability to provide a valuable piece of technology that meets these strict standards.” With this certification, the US Autocure Phoenix curing system can be installed in spray booths without enclosures or additional fire suppression methods. For more information, contact Industrial Finishes & Systems at 800-531-1305.

autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

SEMA Announces New Product Award Winners The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced its Best New Products Award winners at the 2019 SEMA Show. These awards are given to the most innovative and cutting-edge automotive aftermarket products that will be consumable in 2020. SEMA’s annual New Product Awards competition recognizes outstanding achievements in the development of products being introduced to the automotive specialty-equipment market at the SEMA Show. Products are judged in 16 award categories, and each category has one winner and two runners-up.

The New Product Award Winners are: Collision Repair & Refinish Product Winner: Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), SCRS Guide to Complete Repair Planning – Blueprint Optimization Tool Runner-up: GUNIWHEEL, GUNIWHEEL Runner-up: Spray Booth Services, AirFlow = CashFlow Remote Spray Booth Monitoring System Engineered New Product Winner: Modern Driveline, 19942004 Mustang Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder Conversion Kit Runner-up: AutoMeter, InVision 1973-1987 Chevy C-10 Direct Fit Digital Dash System Runner-up: GSI Machine & Fabrication, 1988-1998 Complete Air Ride Chassis Exterior Accessory Product Winner: CURT Group: CURT, ARIES, LUVERNE, UWS; BetterWeigh Mobile Towing Scale with TowSense™ Technology Runner-up: Dee Zee, Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator Roof Rack Runner-up: RSI SmartCap, SmartCap EVO Interior Accessory Product Winner: AutoMeter, InVision Dig18

ital Dash Runner-up: Speed Dawg Shift Knobs, Jeep JL Shift Knobs and Adapters Set Runner-up: Coverking, Topliner by Coverking

Merchandising Display Winner: Dee Zee, Hex Series Counter Display Runner-up: Stoner Car Care, Invisible Glass Clean & Repel Washer Fluid Additive Runner-up: Hypertech, Hypertech PowerSports Mobile Electronics Product Winner: VAIS Technology, SEER (Smart Entry Exit Recognition) Runner-up: AAMP Global, Ford Third Brake Light Camera with Cargo and Side Blind Spot Views Runner-up: Sony Car Audio, XAVAX8000 Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product Winner: ICON Vehicle Dynamics, 2020-UP Jeep Gladiator (JT) 2.5” Suspension System Runner-up: Dana Incorporated, Ultimate Dana 60 Axles for the Jeep Gladiator JT Runner-up: HaulGauge/Garage Smart, Garage Smart Lifter and Storage System Packaging Design Winner: Anest Iwata USA, Iwata Vault TH2 Runner-up: inurZONE, NEATO® Runner-up: Drake Automotive Group, Heavy Duty E-Coated Track Bar

Powersports Product Winner: SSV Works, Overhead Weatherproof Audio Solution for Polaris RZR 2 and 4 Seat Vehicles Runner-up: Hypertech, Hypertech Harness/Seatbelt Runner-up: TSI Products Inc., Stratos Climate 5” Multi-Fit Under Dash Heater Kit Street Rod/Custom Car Product Winner: Dakota Digital, RTX-32FX 1932 Ford Retrotech Instruments Runner-up: Speedway Motors, Deluxe LS Swap Fuel Filter/Regulator Runner-up: Lokar Inc., LS Classic LS Distributor and Plug Wire Set Tire and Related Product Winner: Yokohama Tire, GEOLANDAR X-AT Runner-up: Yokohama Tire, ADVAN APEX Runner-up: Yokohama Tire, GEOLANDAR X-CV

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product Winner: RSI SmartCap SmartCap, EVO Runner-up: Bestop Premium Accessories Group, Jeep Gladiator Bedside Storage Lockboxes Runner-up: BuiltRight Industries, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Bedside Rack Storage System Wheel and Related Product Winner: Topline Products, VR16 Raid Runner-up: The Wheel Group/ Wheel-1, Cali Offroad Gemini Polished / Milled Runner-up: The Wheel Group/ Wheel-1, Mayhem Wheels Voyager Dark Bronze

Tools & Equipment Product Winner: TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart, TRAC Tire Rotation As-

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Changing lives for these six families is what we’re all about, and it takes a collective effort of industry leaders to make it all happen.” The recipients this year conthe afternoon. NABC Chairman of the Board sisted of four families, one couple, Darren Huggins opened the presenta- and a single mother whom all had tion as he welcomed those in atten- one thing in common—the need for dance. “Every year, this is the biggest reliable and affordable transportaevent that we put on for all of those tion. Chris Feliz and Amanda Holin the industry who support the work of the National Auto Body Council,” land received a 2018 Chevy Malibu Huggins said. “I am so proud to be that was donated by Hertz and repaired by Service King Red Rock. The parents of four who relocated to Las Vegas from a small town in Arizona never imagined that they would end up homeless. But luckily, they found the Family Promise Homeless Shelter that helped them on the path back to independence. Now they both have housing, full-time jobs Felicia Houston is a hardworking single mother of an 11year-old son, and now she will be driving a 2017 Nissan and a car that is safe and reAltima that was donated by State Farm and refurbished liable. by Gerber Collision. Credit: Ed Attanasio “We and the kids are so involved with this amazing program grateful for this incredible gift. It’s that has now given away more than also a valuable lesson for our chil2,200 vehicles since its inception. dren because it shows that yes–there Continued from Cover

Six Cars Given Away

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

are good people out there who are willing to help others,” Feliz said. Cathy Fromoltz and her husband John received a 2017 Toyota Corolla that was donated by GEICO and refurbished by Gerber Collision – Henderson. Cathy Fromoltz was selected by Lake Mead Ministries to help her get back on her feet after

who is mentally challenged and lives with them. “Our lives changed the minute they unveiled that car,” Cathy Fromoltz said. “We are so happy and humbled, I don’t really know what to say but thank you!” Jeremy Davis and Naomi Jenkins, have worked hard to earn their independence and the new car will allow them to do even more. As parents of two, they trade work and child-care responsibilities between the day shift and the evening shift. They spent just a few months in the Family Promise shelter program before moving on to their own home. They reChris Feliz and Amanda Holland posed with NABC ceived a 2018 Ford Fusion President and CEO Bill Garroutte parents right before receiving a 2018 Chevy Malibu that was donated by that was donated by EnterHertz and repaired by Service King- Red Rock. Credit: prise and refurbished by Ed Attanasio CARSTAR Collision Maslosing her job. Subsequently, she ters in Las Vegas. “Now we can get to daycare, found out she had cancer and without any insurance, the couple had to school and work without relying on sell their car to cover bills. Cathy and public transportation, so this a gift her husband, who is disabled, moved that will definitely make an incredito Las Vegas to care for John’s par- ble difference in our lives,” Jenkins ents. They also have an adult son said.

Felicia Houston is a hardworking single mother of an 11-year-old son who said reliable transportation is the only gift she wants for Christmas. Santa delivered a 2017 Nissan Altima that donated by State Farm and was refurbished by Gerber Collision. She is enrolled in the Family Promise of Las Vegas Housing and Stabilization Program and has been employed at Mandalay Bay Hotel for the past six years. She has been struggling to get to work and travel throughout the community on public transportation. Even though she has a reliable job she has not been able to save money to buy a car. With the gift of the vehicle, Christmas came early for Houston. Janata Gibson, and her four teenagers and one pre-teen, have worked hard to keep her family together and continue their independence. She moved to Las Vegas a year ago and landed a job within weeks, but the family did not have housing. They found it would be difficult to keep the family together because some of the shelters place older teens in a separate dorm of the building. She called Family Promise, and there

was an opening. Gibson enrolled as a family, and there was no separation of the teens. Family Promise guided the family with the necessary resources to obtain a beautiful apartment for her family. With the gift of a 2018 Honda Civic from Progressive that was refurbished by Caliber Collision, Gibson is on her way to freedom.

During the luncheon, the Hall of Eagles honored Mike Anderson as its 2019 inductee for his dedication and service to the collision repair industry.

When Gibson saw her Honda Civic for the first time she nearly lost it. “Wow, this is a miracle!” One additional gifting as part of this year’s program was presented

earlier this fall because the family had an immediate need for transportation. Ma’Lia Ashe-Wiggins received a 2014 Toyota Corolla that was donated by Allstate and repaired by Service King – Grass Valley. AsheWiggins has three little boys. She moved to Las Vegas from California due to domestic violence. When she arrived, she was working two jobs and caring for her children, two of whom have disabilities. She was let go from one job due to her childcare duties and medical needs. That led her to get behind on her rent, and she became homeless. Family Promise provided her and her family shelter, food and supplies, which allowed her to work every day and keep her children in school and daycare. Also, the Hall of Eagles honored Mike Anderson as its 2019 inductee at the luncheon, and Margaret Keith was recognized for her work on the NABC F.R.E.E. programs over the years. The Hall of Legends was established in 1989 as the collision industry’s Hall of Fame. It honors exceptional individuals whose longterm efforts have reached beyond

their jobs and self-interest to make significant contributions towards the betterment of the industry, according to its website. Each year, only a select few distinguished individuals are inducted into the Hall of Eagles through the nominations and votes of current members of the Hall. NABC Recycled Rides is a unique program in which businesses from every facet of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated more than 2,200 vehicles valued at more than $36 million.

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autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Western Association Event Announcements: December 2019 by Chasidy Rae Sisk

ASA Northwest’s December Meetings and Events ASA Northwest’s chapters will meet in December. • Dec. 4 – First Aid and CPR Training Class, hosted by Swedish Automotive in Seattle. Attendees will receive their CPR and First Aid certificates, as well as their Blood Borne Pathogens certificate, valid for one year. This hands-on training meets OSHA and state requirements for businesses, and participation costs $50 per person which includes dinner. • Dec. 5 - Pierce Chapter Meeting at LaQuinta in Tacoma, WA, featuring magician Rick Anderson. • Dec. 10 – Whatcom/Skagit Chapter Meeting at Park Bowl Restaurant in Bellingham, WA. • Dec. 11 – Eugene Chapter Meeting at Lane Community College Auto Technology, Building #9. • Dec. 12 – North Sno-King Chapter Meeting at Bob’s Burger & Brew in Everett, WA. • Dec. 17 – Yakima Chapter Meeting at River Ridge Golf Course in Selah, WA.

• Dec. 19 – Spokane Chapter Meeting at Mirabeau Park Hotel and Convention Center, Lilac Room, in Spokane Valley. • Dec. 19 – South Sno-King Chapter Meeting at Bellevue Brewing Company in Bellevue, WA. For more information, visit asanorthwest.com.

WIA Returns to Palm Springs for Winter Conference On Dec. 15-16, Women in Automotive (WIA) will host its 2019 Winter Conference at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Palm Springs, CA. The focus of the event will be on educating and empowering both men and women in the automotive and collision repair industries through leadership and trends impacting employment and sales growth. WIA Founder Christy Roman noted, ‘More than 300 professionals from across the country attended the inaugural Women in Automotive Conference in 2015, and over 400 attended each in our 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 events. We expect our numbers to grow at an exponential rate in our upcoming winter event.’ In addition to a plethora of edu-

cational opportunities, the conference will feature tethered hot air balloon rides during Sunday evening’s cocktail reception while attendees enjoy live music by Dakota; the reception is sponsored by ACV Auctions. On Monday morning, before breakfast, attendees can enjoy a restorative yoga and meditation session with yoga instructor Linda Webb. For more information, visit womeninautomotive.com. ASA Colorado Offers Training in December ASA Colorado will offer three training opportunities in December. On Dec. 3, the association will host the final class in its ongoing series with ‘Mergers and Acquisitions: Strategies to Thrive in the Coming Buyer’s Market,’ taught by Michael Herzberg Smith of Herzberg Smith & Co., at Napa DC in Denver. On Dec. 9, ‘Managing Employees when Turnover is Not an Option’ will be held in Denver, and ‘Time Technicians and Productivity’ will be taught in Fort Collins on Dec. 11. For more information on ASA Colorado and its upcoming events, visit asacolorado.org.

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Fix Auto Opens Five CA Locations

Fix Auto USA is excited to announce continued expansion in California with the addition of five new Franchise Locations. Fix Auto Bell Gardens (Bell Gardens, CA) Owned and operated by Armando Flores. Fix Auto Capitola (Capitola, CA) Owned and operated by Mike Garland. Fix Auto Modesto – City Center (Modesto, CA) Owned and operated by Krishneel Chand. Fix Auto Northridge (Northridge, CA) Formerly AutoStar Collision Center; owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Aram and Jaquelyn Semirjyan. Fix Auto San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) Co-owned and operated by Hector Paz and Karalina Pacheco. “At Fix Auto USA, we know we’re successful if our Franchise Partners are. So, seeing Franchise Partners expand their business to include more locations further validates our brand,” stated Fix Auto USA President and CEO Paul Gange.

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Glass Installation and ADAS – The Game is Changing by Gary Ledoux

From the dawn of the automotive age up until around the early 1970s, a windshield’s job was simple - keep rain and snow away from the car’s occupants. In the mid-1970s, windshields took on a more active role adding structural integrity to the car’s body thereby increasing occupant safety. In the mid-1980s, the windshield served as an integral part of an airbag system, ensuring that the airbag was able to stay in front of the vehicle’s front-seat occupants mitigating injury. Today, the windshield not only protects occupants, but serves as a protective cover for frontfacing cameras as part of the car’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). It becomes, in effect, a “second lens” that the camera must “look” through. So, it is imperative that the glass acuity be clear, precise and unobstructed – and that the camera is recalibrated upon the windshield’s replacement. “In the past,” said glass industry consultant Bob Beranek, “glass and

labor was cheap. A $300 windshield replacement was just a nuisance claim for an insurance company. Today, the replacement of a hightech windshield with recalibration can be upwards of $1,000 or more. No wonder insurance companies are taking notice.”

goal of defining auto glass safety. This group began the process of establishing a safety standard for the auto glass industry. By 1999, AGSC had developed the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) in partnership with the American National Stan-

“I cringe when someone tells me they had a windshield replaced at a non-AGSC shop, and the shop manager told the customer that recalibration is not necessary on an ADAS-equipped car.” — Debra Levy Debra Levy, president of the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) located in Stafford, VA, has a positive outlook on the fast-changing world of auto glass replacement despite challenges created by the need to recalibrate ADAS systems after a windshield is replaced. The AGSC was founded in the late 1990s when professionals from windshield manufacturers, car makers, adhesive companies, and auto glass retailers came together with the

dards Institute (ANSI). Since that time, many safety-conscious auto glass retailers have voluntarily agreed to follow the AGRSS Standard and have become AGSC members. The AGSC has provided the necessary standard for auto glass retailers to follow to make sure all precautions are taken to ensure driver and passenger safety. Unlike OE certification programs in the collision repair world, AGSC glass shops must agree to

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maintain certain standards and protocols for repair and are periodically audited by a third party. And unlike I-CAR or ASE in the collision repair world, AGSC administers installer certification. In addition, AGSC provides education for the insurance industry and consumers. Levy noted, “The regular standards have been around for 20 years now. These deal with proper procedures, installation safety, and using the correct adhesive and sealant systems. We are developing and will soon launch standards and protocols for dealing with cars with ADAS systems. This will include identifying the different systems and how to properly calibrate front-facing cameras. This is a positive step for the glass repair and replacement industry and something that is sorely needed.” Of the estimated 8,000 to 12,000 auto glass installation companies operating in the U.S., about 1,000 are AGSC members and considered top performers. At present, glass installers are taking several different approaches to deal with ADAS equipped cars.

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Levy notes that AGSC members follow one of four options. Some have stepped up, purchased the necessary equipment and are recalibrating cars themselves. Some use an independent company that specializes in recalibrating ADAS cars. (A cottage industry has grown up around this operation). Some send the car to the local OE dealer. And some simply notify the customer that the car has to be recalibrated, and that they should contact their local car dealer for their make. Some uneducated glass installers may not even mention it or completely dismiss the idea of recalibration. Levy noted, “I cringe when someone tells me they had a windshield replaced at a non-AGSC shop, and the shop manager told the customer that recalibration is not necessary on an ADAS-equipped car.” At the last Auto Glass Week trade show held in September in Indianapolis, a two-hour, standingroom-only panel discussion on recalibration was held. Co-sponsored by the AGSC for the third year running, this was one of the most popular events of the show. Installers were hungry for information. The panel fielded questions such as: • Are there any red flags that will tell me if a job will require more research before starting? • How do I know if a car will be a major hassle before I even start on it? • Some car dealers are telling us they can’t see our customer’s car (for recalibration) for a week. How do we deal with that? • The dealers are not informed (about how to work on an ADASequipped car.) They don’t read their own literature. How do we deal with that? One of the questions that arose about recalibrating is: should a glass installer start a separate company just for doing recalibration operations? One installer gave an emphatic “yes” and said that was one of the first things he did. Levy explains, “Having a separate company more easily allows them to do work for others including glass installers,

AUTOBODY

body shops, and mechanical shops. It avoids a conflict of interest and insurance companies have an easier time reimbursing for the operation if it is sublet to a third party.” Beranek added, “They can even do calibrations for car dealers.” Recently, Safelite, famous for replacing windshields at a customer’s “home or office” launched a new television ad that shows a customer bringing her car to a Safelite shop where the windshield is replaced and front camera recalibrated, a nuanced difference to be sure which retail consumers may not notice, but is not lost on those in the industry. Levy noted, “Depending on the car, the work may need to be done in a controlled environment or it may be done on-site. Obviously, if a vehicle needs to be on a perfectly flat surface a street or parking lot may not be the best place.” Bob Beranek is the principal for Automotive Glass Consultants in Sun Prairie, WI, providing training, information and consulting services to the glass repair and replacement industry. Beranek noted, “The business model of changing a windshield at a person’s home or place of business is quickly coming to a close. Most cars can’t be effectively calibrated in the field after a windshield replacement.” Beranek notes that most domestic cars require a dynamic calibration, meaning the car has to be driven a certain number of miles or time under certain conditions to recalibrate the forward-facing camera. Most foreign cars can be recalibrated in static mode, meaning the car sits still during the process. Other cars, like Honda, require both. And some OE’s do not release recalibration information publicly – they make it available to only their dealers. This really limits the number of places and the conditions under which this brand of car can safely be recalibrated. Asked about the liability that a glass installer may face if they don’t properly address a car with an ADAS system after a windshield replacement Beranek said, “If the installer does not do the calibration them-

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selves, or subcontract someone else to do it, or at least tell the customer that it has to be done and have the customer sign off on it, the installer could be liable in the case of a subsequent accident. That said, a car may be perfectly recalibrated. Five minutes later, the settings can be knocked off by hitting a pothole or driving through a construction site thereby mitigating the installer’s liability.” Beranek agrees with Levy’s assertion that a cottage industry continues to grow around postglass-replacement front-camera recalibration. He says, “Companies like Snap-On, Opti-Aim, Autel, and asTech and soon AirPro all have equipment that will cover 90% of the cars on the road. The equipment is expensive, but the process is not difficult. The process may require a certain amount of unobstructed flat space, where ambient light can be controlled. But if an enterprising person wants to invest in it, they have a ready-made and growing business.” OE dealers are perhaps the most qualified to do post-glass-replacement ADAS recalibrations and

should have the corner on the market. Instead, most have shunned the work and the profit it might have generated, creating a void within the industry filled by small one and twoperson operations. When asked what the future may hold, Beranek noted, “It wouldn’t be hard to make these cars self-calibrating, especially for the forward-facing camera which drives a lot of the system. This could be the case in as little as five to ten years. Today, the OE’s may be afraid that a self-calibrating system may open themselves up to lawsuits if the system doesn’t perform properly, but that is true of any system in the car.” On the question of current liability for glass installers, and since he has served as an industry expert on several glass-related lawsuits (not ADAS related because it is too soon) Beranek said, “Right now, everyone is trying to figure this out. ADAS is new to the industry. It snuck up on us and is not yet on lawyer’s radar. Eventually, a system will fail, someone will get hurt, it will go back to the glass installer, and the lawyers will be all over this.”

autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Product Innovation with Stacey Phillips

Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry. She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications, and is co-author of “The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops.” She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.

3M Showcases New and Existing Products During SEMA Show More than a century ago, 3M was established in Minnesota as a smallscale mining venture called Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Fast forward to 2019, and

the company now operates in 70 countries and creates products and technology for a wide variety of industries. “At 3M, we use science to improve lives and help solve the world’s toughest challenges,” said Mike Roman, chairman and CEO of 3M. During the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, attendees had an opportunity to see new and existing 3M products

in two different booths. Autobody News sat down and talked to Dan Wittek, 3M application engineering manager, and Ricky Miller, 3M senior technical service engineer, about some of the products on display. The following is a summary of the highlights.

Accuspray™ and PPS™ Series 2.0 Kits and Accessories This family of products includes the PPS™ Series 2.0 Spray Cup System, PPS™ Series 2.0 starter and refill kits, and the Accuspray™ spray gun and paint cup kit. 3M created the PPS™ disposable paint cup system almost 20 years ago. The goal was to improve efficiency, reduce waste and speed up the prep and cleanup portions of painting. About a year ago, the company introduced the PPS™ Series 2.0 spray cup system to the market with an improved design for

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

an easier painting process. “There is a more solid fixturing to the spray gun so it’s more robust,” explained Wittek. “There is also more filter

Precision Poly Tape Launched in July 2019, 3M™ Precision Poly Tape is the first advancement in general masking tape since the company originally invented it in 1924. Miller said the product features a polyethylene film that is low-profile, durable, waterproof, highly conformable and hand-tearable. It was designed to reduce slivering and leave a professional edge without the need for razor blades or other tools. When used, the backing conforms and (Back row l to r) Shawn Collins and Dan Wittek. (Front stretches around curves row l to r) Ian Shaw and Rob Blue. Credit: Stacey Phillips and has indicator lines that area, so you get a faster, smoother show when it is stretched too far, acflow of paint.” In addition, Wittek cording to Miller. In addition, it can said the locking mechanism for the be left on for up to seven days without collar is integrated into the lid, which adhesive transfer, slivering, ghosting is a feature that painters appreciate. or tape tracking.

Perfect-It™ 1-Step Paint Finishing System Introduced at the same time as Precision Poly Tape, the Perfect-It™ 1Step Paint Finishing System was designed to eliminate the need for a rubbing compound. Traditionally, Wittek said repairers used a heavy buffer and applied two to three applications of rubbing compound and then additional polishing. 3M’s new system allows for a more efficient process utilizing specialized abrasive

duces a deeper shine and flawless finish. “The Trizact™ abrasives are very forgiving and can allow somebody who is more novice to have the opportunity to produce really reliable, consistent results,” said Wittek.

Cavity Wax Plus Cavity Wax Plus provides corrosion protection for internal body panels, frame rails and structural enclosures. The system consists of a convenient aerosol spray can to eliminate the need for bulk spray equipment as well as three application wands in different lengths for harder-to-reach access. Wittek said OEMs recommend applying internal anti-corrosion material, including cavity wax, during a repair. “With the way our industry is changing, and the importance of folRicky Miller talked about 3M’s latest innovations during lowing OEM repair procethe SEMA show. Credit: Stacey Phillips dures and making certain a discs. When used with the 3M™ repair is done correctly, it’s imporHookit Purple Finishing Film 260L tant that it lasts,” he said. Discs and 3M™ Trizact™ 3000 and 8000 Grade Hookit Foam Abrasive CubitronTM II Abrasives Discs, Wittek said the system pro- 3M recently added 400+ grade discs

and sheet rolls to its family of Cubitron™ II Abrasives. Wittek said the new 400+ grit offers a very fine, highquality finish for paint preparation jobs like featheredging body filler, smoothing primer and sanding OEM e-coat. “It can cut through material 30

Blue Abrasive with a ceramic mineral blend; a high-power, VOC-compliant brake cleaner; a Headlight Restoration Kit; as well as an Auto Water Pump & Timing Cover Repair Kit with a threadlocker and an Auto Oil Pan & Valve Cover Repair Kit. 3M has also introduced additional configurations and sizes of its Blue Abrasives family, which are available in the Hookit™ (hook and loop) and Stikit™ (adhesive backed) attachment systems. “In addition to selling innovative products, we are doing everything we can to (l to r) Ricky Miller, Steve Garland, Heather Paddison be an educational resource and Chris Feather at the indoor 3M booth. They are for body shops,” said Witstanding in front of the 1969 custom Mercedes-Benz tek. “Our goal at 3M and the 280SEL, created by racer and builder, Josh Stahl and automotive aftermarket diVescio’s Customizing and Restoration. Other vehicles in the booth included a Shelby Daytona Coupe built by Chip vision is to sell processes to Foose and a 2007 Harley-Davidson Soft Tail Special. make our customers more Credit: Stacey Phillips efficient in their work.” percent faster and lasts twice as long Some of the educational reas traditional abrasives,” said Wittek. sources offered by the company In addition, it takes less time to sand, include 3M Standard Operating which improves overall productivity. Procedures (SOPs), a YouTube Miller shared information about channel, and the 3M Collision Readditional 3M products on display pair Academy. For more informaduring the show including 3M™ tion, visit www.3m.com.

autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Product Innovation

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

with Ed Attanasio

PPG’s Booth Unleashes Creativity at SEMA 2019 At the SEMA Show every year, people can’t wait to see PPG’s booth as the anticipation builds. What will the theme be? What vehicles will be on display, and which celebrities will make appearances? The given is that

greet sessions and a few surprises along the way. This year’s theme was “Creativity Unleashed” to honor great painters that use PPG to produce eye-catching art with that coveted “wow factor.” When you entered PPG’s booth, the first thing you noticed was a 30 foot faux brickyard wall covered with pop art from top to bottom with a mannequin that looked like a tagger posing atop. The main focal point of the display was a collection of artwork displaying the artistry and craftsmanship of more than 30 of the custom Bright colors on stunning vehicles is always a winning car world’s top artists. formula for PPG at SEMA. Credit: Ed Attanasio Cristina FronzagliaPPG’s one-of-a-kind booth will fea- Murray, director of marketing comture custom vehicles, distinctive art- munications at PPG, admitted that work pieces, advanced automotive her company’s booth is always a prirefinish products, celebrity meet-and- ority every year and a fun project to

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

year, they do not disappoint!” Mark Worman, one of the stars of the reality show “Graveyard Carz” where they perform over-the-top Mopar muscle-car restorations, loves meeting his fans at SEMA. “Some people just want to say hello, while others have specific questions about some of our builds. They want a glimpse at what goes into the making of the show, and I always tell them that “Graveyard Carz” is 100% (l to r) Allysa Rose, Mark Worman and Will Scott of real. It’s such an honor for a Graveyard Carz were signing and posing for photos at great company like PPG to this year’s PPG booth at SEMA 2019. Credit: Ed Attanasio invite us to be here because they always wanted to do with color it means they respect our work and and take their creativity to an entirely our show.” While some large companies shy new level. What they come back with is always amazing and more than away from pulling out all the stops at what we ask for! We have some of SEMA, PPG zigs, while many others the most talented and creative mas- zag and the results are always highly terminds using our products, and this See PPG’s Booth, Page 42 work on. “Each year, we like to raise the bar in our challenges to our painters,” she said. “This time, our goal was to unleash their inner potential by inviting them to show what

autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

The Driving Force – Women in the Automotive Industry Presented by Kukui

ship building and how we’re serving need,” Best pointed out. “We can help though. I can see people and know our customers in that arena.” make the experience less stressful. how they’re feeling. Everything I do On Oct. 18, Kukui Corporation’s Best noted, “Automotive is a It’s about taking their pain away and is based on our relationship with our Jimmy Lea hosted a webinar enti- male-dominated industry, but change making it easier for our cuscustomers, and that’s what tled “The Driving Force – Women in is starting with female shop owners. tomers. We understand the matters most.” the Automotive Industry” where he We start the relationship building. female consumer because Lea observed that 80% was joined by six automotive indus- It’s wonderful when we go to indus- we are them.” of automotive buying decitry experts who happen to try events and see so many sions are made by women, Carlson contributed, be women as they discussed women owners and lead- “Just having someone at and women spend over $2 their careers and their viers.” billion each year on autothe shop whose job isn’t to Cindy Frasca, sion of the future. Kukui’s Jarosik added, “Putting fix cars - there’s a person motive purchases and reCOO of Kukui. description of the webinar ourselves out here in public whose mission is to make pairs, yet less than 20% of pointed out, “Eighty perand sharing that we’re in so people feel welcome and comfort- the automotive workforce is comcent of all automotive buymany different facets of the able. Sometimes, people coming into prised of women. In regards to ening decisions are made by Kukui Corporation’s industry – it’s huge! It’s the shop are scared because they’re couraging women to enter the Jimmy Lea women. Every year, women such a fun industry to be in waiting to find out what’s wrong industry, Carlson rebuffed that idea: spend over $200 billion on vehicle now. It’s that ripple effect of touching with their car, but a huge smile and “I don’t want a woman working for purchases and repair services. And people. This wasn’t my greeting can change the us just because she’s a woman. I shy yet, less than 20% of the total work- dream. I don’t know that any away from making opportunities whole mood of the visit.” force in the automotive industry are of us wanted to work in the Frank concurred, “It’s just for women, but I promote all women.” automotive industry as kids, not about how we repair the opportunities in our field. I want but as soon as I started stepcars; it’s about how our a qualified employee, regardless of ping into those shoes, I knew customers feel when they gender.” I was home.” “I don’t want to open the door leave the shop.” Frank and Best are also just because you’re female,” Jarosik Dineff talked about her Leigh Anne Best, co-founders of Brakes for co-owner of Might customer service role in the said. “I want to open the door because Breasts, and Lea asked them Auto Pro Medina’s shop: “I’m not shy about the you’re skilled and have the passion to Complete Auto about their charitable organfact that I know nothing learn! We don’t just need bodies anyRepair and Care See The Driving Force, Page 48 ization which was founded about cars. I know people in 2011. In October 2019, over 230 shops participated, representing 38 (l to r) Megan Dineff, customer service manager states and two countries; 100% of the for Ervine’s Auto Repair and Jamie Carlson, donations go to Dr. Vincent Tuohy owner of Ervine’s Auto Repair to support research for the Cleveland The panel consisted of Megan Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. Dineff, customer service manager Frank and Best discussed how SERVING THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SINCE 1975 for Ervine’s Auto Repair; Jamie difficult treatment can be for victims Carlson, owner of Ervine’s Auto of breast cancer and emphasized the Repair; Cindy Frasca, COO of importance of finding a vaccine to Kukui; Kathleen Jarosik, owner prevent the disease. Carlson, a surPH (650) 413-0150 of Xpertech Auto Repair; Laura vivor, urged shops to support Brakes FAX (650) 413-0154 Frank, co-owner of Auto Repair for Breasts and encouraged women 975 E. San Carlos, San Carlos, CA 94070 Technology; and Leigh Anne Best, to have a mammogram done since co-owner of Might Auto Pro Med- early detection is vital. More inforina’s Complete Auto Remation is available at www pair and Care. Over 200 .brakesforbreasts.com. attendees registered for the When Lea asked the panwebinar which began with a elists about the unique ways conversation about how that women are improving PH (408) 573-7146 each panelist got involved in the industry, Frank exFAX (408) 573-7148 the industry and what opporplained, “The consumer has 1758 Junction Ave., Suite F, San Jose, CA 95112 tunities the industry offers. changed in the past couple Kathleen Jarosik, Dineff jokingly indi- owner of Xpertech decades, and it’s become a Auto Repair cated that Carlson, her female dominant consumer, Bringing the best products to our customers since mother, tricked her into the busi- so it’s comforting for them to see a 1975. 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autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

P HONDA CALIFORNIA

AutoNation Honda Costa Mesa

866-411-4759 714-434-5270 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 kleines@autonation.com

AutoNation Honda Roseville Roseville

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Barber Honda B a ke r s f i e l d

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Galpin Honda Mission Hills

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Honda Cars of Corona Corona

800-557-3652 951-734-9045 Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7-5 terry.love@pscauto.com

Honda of Hollywood H o l l y wo o d

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ACURA CALIFORNIA

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Acura of Pleasanton Pleasanton

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DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Please contact these dealers for your Honda or Acura Genuine parts needs. CALIF O R N I A

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N E VA D A

Findlay Honda Henderson

Honda of Oakland

San Francisco Honda

Oakland

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Scott Robinson Honda

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Torra n c e

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Selma Honda

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M e d f o rd

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Sel m a

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Monr ov i a

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Montclair

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Santa Cruz Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-4:30 mickw@oceanhondasantacruz.com

Pacific Honda

Larry H. Miller Honda

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Marin Acura Corte Madera

800-77-Acura 415-927-5350

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Findlay Acura

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Lyle Pearson Acura

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Montclair

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Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 wholesaleparts@metrohonda.com

autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Industry Insight with John Yoswick

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon who 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.

Tesla Promises Better Parts Service, More Support for Body Shops With nearly 500,000 plug-in electric vehicles now sold, Tesla has more such vehicles on the road in the United States than Chevrolet and Nissan combined. That means collision repairers, particularly those in key Tesla markets – like California, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Illinois – are likely to see one roll into their shops for repairs. Or will they? Tesla already operates more than a dozen of its own body shops, and the automaker has said it will more than double that in the coming months. “Why are we doing this? From our perspective, we need to create more capacity to repair our vehicles,” said Alex Tsetsenekos, a former executive at Liberty Mutual who Tesla hired last year to lead its effort to offer a better insurance option for owners of the company’s vehicles.

Operating its own shops, he said, is part of the company’s effort to lower the cost of ownership ¬– including insurance – for Tesla drivers. “We’re seeing that we can be anywhere from 20 percent to 30 per-

“They don’t want to drive an Enterprise car for four weeks. We also see demand from consumers who say, ‘Look, would you just fix it? You made it. You fix it.’ So we took that to heart.”

“Because of the way we construct our vehicles, we total fewer of them,” — Alex Tsetsenekos cent lower in repair costs than your standard repair shop,” Tsetsenekos said. “So we’re happy to take that [repair] volume so we can drive down that cost, affecting the consumer in terms of their [insurance] rates.” Reducing cycle time with the added capacity also gets its customers back in their cars more quickly, he said. “They bought a Tesla and want to drive a Tesla,” Tsetsenekos said.

In addition to opening its own shops, Tesla also hopes to add to its current network of about 500 Teslacertified independent shops (which includes more than 100 in California alone). Tsetsenekos said the automaker realizes it needs to do more to help those shops get Tesla vehicles back on the road both faster and correctly. He said the lower repair costs the company is seeing in its own body shops compared to others in the same

area is in part because Tesla’s shops have the needed training, tools and “knowledge transfer.” That’s why the automaker wants to increase the number of its certified shops. “Once [those shops] have all those capabilities and you direct the vehicles to those shops, I think we will see severity really fall,” Tsetsenekos said. Tesla is doubling the size of its collision repair support team to about 40 people, he said. In addition, certified shops (as well as insurers) have access to that team if they find a Tesla procedure for a particular repair that doesn’t exist. “There’s an entire facility where all they do is break down the cars and simulate how we are going to [make a repair],” Tsetsenekos said. “They will pull engineers out of the factory to come down and work with them. In three days, we will turn around a

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new procedure to fix something that you don’t have an answer for. Within five days, we publish it to everyone who has access to our tools.” While Tesla’s Elon Musk has sometimes cast the blame for what he sees as slow repairs of Teslas by shops, Tsetsenekos acknowledged that weaknesses in the company’s parts logistics have contributed to repair delays and added costs. “We’ve taken that to heart at the most senior level,” Tsetsenekos said. “The ability to have the parts when and where they are needed is something that, quite frankly, other OEMs have a long track record of delivering. Part of it is their dealer networks. Part of it is they have just had years and years to develop that.” He said the company’s body shop team is being responsive to that issue, and at times has gone into the factory “and literally taken a part off the line and driven it down to a shop, saying, ‘Here’s your part.’” Other improvements in parts logistics are underway, he said, and by next spring, Tesla will have it parts “logistics capability up relative to our competitors” like Ford or GM.

Tesla also has followed through with its plans, announcing earlier this year, to begin selling auto insurance to owners of its vehicles in California, with plans to expand the offering to other states. Tesla claims the rates it offers are as much as 30 percent lower than those of other insurers. The automaker is working with State National Insurance Company on the program. State National

is a subsidiary of Markel Corporation, the 47th-largest personal auto insurance company in the United States (with similar market share as Horace Mann, American Access, Wawanesa General, and Safety Insurance Group). Data from Tesla vehicles, particularly when in autonomous mode, “will decrease the frequency and severity of collision claims for Tesla owners,” State National has said in regulatory filings about what will allow it to offer insurance

at a lower cost. But Tesla is also making efforts to work more closely with other insurance companies in an effort to reduce the costs of policies for Tesla owners. One advantage for both body shops and insurers, Tsetsenekos said, is that only about 4 percent of Teslas are declared total losses, when comparable luxury brands are totaled at three to five times that rate. “Because of the way we construct our vehicles, we total fewer of them,” he said. He thinks that even low total loss rate could be improved further by getting more of the wrecked vehicles into Tesla-owned or certified shops. “There are situations where we have had body shops call us and say they’re going to total the car,” Tsetsenekos said. “When we’ve peeled that back, they were struggling to repair certain aspects of the vehicle. So they had a discussion with a field adjuster and said, ‘We don’t know [how to repair this],’ so it’s a total. That’s been one of the themes we’ve seen. It’s not every time, but it’s more than an anecdote.”

LKQ Announces Its Promise of Calibration

LKQ Corporation is providing customer peace of mind by introducing its Promise of Calibration. The Promise of Calibration states: “LKQ Corporation warrants that all recycled OEM, reconditioned OEM and KeysIQ parts purchased directly from LKQ and installed on a private passenger vehicle, are suitable for the calibration of appropriate ADAS components with properly operating systems.” As an added benefit, LKQ provided further assurance by supplementing the Promise of Calibration to include the actual diagnostic and calibration labor operation. “Providing this level of comfort and commitment for our parts and services benefits all stakeholders within the collision repair and glass industries including repair shops, insurers, and most importantly, vehicle owners,” said Terry Fortner, LKQ North American vice president of sales and marketing.

autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

In Reverse with Gary Ledoux

Gary Ledoux is an industry veteran with 50 years’ experience in the automotive and OEM collision parts industry. His column appears exclusively in Autobody News. He can be reached at YesterWreck@yahoo.com

Collision Repair Shops “ARM” Themselves From the start of the “modern” collision shop in the late 1940s up through the 1970s, body shops, as a business, were fairly crude by most standards. They needed little in the way of equipment - perhaps an air compressor being their most expensive item. With some sanders, body files, a few spray guns and a fan to remove paint fumes, they were good to go. The business and accounting side of things wasn’t any more sophisticated. A shop owner bringing a year’s worth of receipts to their accountant at the end of the year enabling them to calculate taxes passed for accounting and business management. Owners didn’t know from week to week if they made a profit or not, or if their business was going forward or backward. If there was money left in the checkbook after payroll, it was a good week. Accounting and management tools for the collision repair trade just did not exist – and even if they had existed, nobody knew how to use them or what the number meant once they were calculated. Most owners came up through the ranks as technicians. They could write an estimate (albeit most did not know if the repair would be profitable or not) and repair a wreck, but were woefully inadequate in the business management department. In 1974, industry pioneer Denny Kiyohara started an accounting service and focused on body shops. The only shops that were anywhere near organized enough to use his services were dealership body shops – ones used to shuffling a lot of paper and tracking numbers. (Anyone who worked in any dealership department, even then, knew it was a numbers game). Seeing a need, Kiyohara developed the first computerized accounting system for body shops; the Automotive Repair Management System (ARMS). Eventually, he created a computer system to handle what had previously been done on spreadsheets. In 1976, Kiyohara started with 13 shops, networked together, and started aggregating and sharing numbers. It was the precursor to what would later be

known collectively as “20-groups.” The project was a success which made Kiyohara consider launching his product nationwide; however, there was one major problem – so few shops were tracking their finances and they didn’t understand basic business concepts. Talking about job costing and profit margins brought a “deer in the headlights” look to most shop owners. He knew that the shop owners needed training to make his computer product work for them; thus, ARMS management training seminars were born. Kiyohara knew shop owners needed to not only know and understand accounting procedures, but more importantly, the basic reason why all that work was necessary. In 1981, Jack Sutherland joined Kiyohara and helped create the threeday seminar. They touched on trends facing the industry at the time, such as job costing, production management, etc. Sutherland then worked with the shops one-on-one to help them create their own business plan. By the 1980s, Kiyohara’s concept exploded across the industry. ARMS classes were being taught by a small army of instructors all over the U.S. Instructors were holding classes for 100 people or more. A full-page ad in an early 1983 trade magazine for the ARMS said, “Industry predictions say that fifty percent of collision repair shops will not be around by 1985” due to ineffective management. Sadly, that statement was not entirely wrong! The first seminar was held in Tucson, AZ, in February 1983. Among the 25-30 attendees was shop owners Dick Schoonover of Schoonover Auto Rebuild of St. Paul, MN; Russ Verona, East Rockford Collision of Rockford, IL; Jerry Kottschade of Jerry’s Auto Body in Mankato, MN; Dale Bright of Dale Bright’s Auto Service of Chino, CA; Vaun Hamlin of Hamlin’s of Bridgeville, PA, and Chuck Sulkala of Acme Body and Paint of Boston. The seminar was sponsored by the Automotive Service Council, the

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

forerunner of the Automotive Service Association and coordinated by Bud Merwin. Also attending was Jon Fryxell of 3M. The 3M company saw a high level of enthusiasm for the class, purchased it, and made it a nationwide program. Noted industry leader Chuck Sulkala eventually became an ARMS instructor. At its height, over 175 seminars were conducted each year. Instructors included industry luminaries Sulkala, Bob Richards, Lirel Holt, Mel Hunke, Jeff Hendler, and many others. Holt eventually found the CARSTAR shop franchise. Using the same principles he taught with ARMS, Holt helped the franchisees under his wing. In a January 2018 interview, Sulkala explained that an ARMS class wasn’t one-hundred percent accounting. He said, “One of the points we wanted to make was for shop owners to clean up their act, and start being

professional. To do that, Jeff Hendler and I put on some skits. I wore an old shop coat that my father wore when he worked in the shop. It was covered with dust, I was chomping on a cigar … and we looked like shop owners of the ‘50s and ‘60s. It was hilarious. The guys in the class cracked up, but many of them saw themselves and what they looked like to the public. It was eye-opening. Those students may not have remembered the accounting parts, but even years later, they remembered those skits.” Steve Trapp worked for 3M at that time, had grown up in the collision business, and had a penchant for the business side of things – so it was natural that he became one of the earliest ARMS instructors. In an October 2017 interview, Trapp gave the following account of those days: It was an eye-opening experience for shop owners. Most, if not all

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of them, had never opened their books to anyone outside of their accountant. The sad thing was, in those days before metrics were established, the accountant could tell the shop owner if the numbers added up or not, but he could not say if the numbers were good or bad. Some shop owners almost cried when they discovered the poor shape of their business. Some owners found out how deep in debt they were. Some had taken all the risk and spent all the money to be a shop owner, only to find that they had “bought themselves a job.” They weren’t making any more as an owner as they did working for someone else. It is no wonder many simply decided to “throw in the towel.” Seeing their poor state of financial affairs, coupled with the changing technology of the unibody car and the money it would take to purchase new equipment, must have been devastating. Early in 1983, ARMS advertised a complete shop management computer system for under $12,000. The system included an ALTOS computer and an Epson printer and modem. (Note: $12,000 in 1983 is

equal to about $31,000 in 2019). The development of the ARMS system meant a chart of accounts was needed. Trapp helped develop a new chart of accounts, based not on the standard dealership chart of accounts, but something that was more pertinent to the collision side of the business. This led eventually to the formation of 20-groups for collision shops – a staple in the dealership side of the business, but something very new for collision shops. In the summer of 1987, 3M announced that Holt would spearhead its ARMS educational programs. By the time the program wounddown in 1989, over 20,000 people representing 10-12,000 shops had gone through the program. Sulkala and Hendler tried to keep the program going into the 1990s bringing in another industry veteran, Lou DiLisio to help. But the times were changing and it seemed that everyone who wanted the knowledge taught by the seminars had received it, and it was time to move on. Sulkala taught the last ARMS class in Greensboro, NC, in December 1990. The industry had been “ARMed.”

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

what you can do with PPG paint and enabling others to share their inspiration with us on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #ppgunfavorable, Fronzaglia-Murray said. leashed. A pair of Impalas and a Cadillac “SEMA is one of the best events out there where we can connect with the painted in lowrider style also stole people who use our products every the show this year in the PPG booth day,” she said. “We enjoy the entire at SEMA. “Paul Stoll and Frank process of ‘talking paint’ with these Ramos did a tremendous job with this amazing red Cadillac, as well as Richie Valles with his lowrider Impala. And we can’t forget Pete “Hot Dog” Finlan with his Impala all done in a bright white but with Pete Finlan touches all over the vehicle.” It was a who’s who of top name car painters this year, including Tom and Mitch Kelly of Kelly & Son Crazy Painters; Bob Tasca of Every year PPG challenges its roster of car painters/artists Tasca Racing; Charley to do their finest work for SEMA, and they never let them Hutton of Charley Hutdown. Credit: Ed Attanasio ton’s Color Studio; Kenny top painters and find out what we Youngblood of Youngblood Art/Mocan do in order to help them achieve torsport Gallery; Allysa Rose, Mark outstanding colors and finishes. This Worman and Will Scott of “Graveyear, we deciced to invite all painters yard Carz;” Bobby Alloway of Alto join in the fun and excitement of loway’s Hot Rod Shop. Continued from Page 32

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2019 Collision Repair Industry: A Year in Review by Chasidy Rae Sisk

As 2019 draws to a close, the world looks back on the year and reflects on all the changes that have come with the turning of a calendar. A handful of collision repair industry leaders share their thoughts on the most impactful memories for their associations in 2019, ranging from association growth and events to future-focused enterprises, such as legislation and aiding the next generation of collision repair professionals. Many associations report growth in membership and benefits for their members. SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg discusses the group’s continued commitment to their healthcare plan and the launch of their 401K Multiple Employer Plan. “There is a significant retirement savings shortage in America, and SCRS wants to change that in the collision repair space. We’ve put together and launched a solution that provides our small business members the opportunity to offer their employees a chance at something better. I really believe in the work we’ve done,” he states. Schulenburg continues, “2019 has been a really interesting year with a lot of ways that SCRS served as a place to turn for information, a source of education and a voice of advocacy, but I think the year has also been earmarked by our focus on finding ways to not just improve the industry, but the lives of those who work within it. It’s exciting to work on things that will matter to people in their business, and we are happy to be leading the charge for the industry.” CAWA established an ERISA health insurance trust this year, according to President and CEO Rodney Pierini, and Sandy Blalock, CEO of the ARA, proudly shares that ARA University, “our industry-leading online learning platform,” was converted to a full, free member benefit for direct members. “ARA leadership felt that the resources and training courses housed on the University were so valuable that every ARA member needed to have full, 24/7 access to the platform.” Earlier this year, AASP-MA implemented a labor rate survey being 44

run by National Auto Body Research, and according to Executive Director Lucky Papageorg, “It has substantiated something we all know – that the labor rate in Massachusetts has been artificially suppressed. It’s been a galvanizing issue for us.” AASP-MN focused on rebranding and improving its communication strategies this year with a refreshed logo and new tagline: “Your Champion. Your Ally.” Executive Director Judell Anderson explains, “The tagline speaks to the association’s role as our members’ greatest champion, leading the way with legislative advocacy, industry promotion and management education. It also recognizes that we are a strong ally, providing proven tools to help members run their business and achieve success.” Since Ray Fisher began serving as Executive Director of ASA at the beginning of the year, he reports, “We’ve had a significant culture change, improved our operating systems, and opened new channels of communication to our members and consumers by introducing the ASA App developed by MobileSoft and launching our new ASA Podcast. We’ve also increased our support and engagement with our Affiliates and renewed our commitment to increasing ASA’s member focus. In short, 2019 saw the growth of a new ASA learning culture that listens and tries new things to serve our members and the industry.” For NABA, it was important to grow the association’s membership in 2019 as a way of uniting the collision repair industry in Nebraska. NABA Vice President James Rodis says, “This helps us spread important information to a greater number of shops across the state and helps to ensure that shop owners have the needed information to do a proper repair for their guests. As an owner or even a worker, it’s extremely hard to stay up-to-date on everything so NABA tries to help out as much as we can.” IABA saw several successes this year. After standardizing the meeting agenda for all its chapters, the association experienced an increase in attendance across the state, including attendees from neighboring states.

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

IABA President Doug Martin also indicates it was incredibly impactful to be able to bring in industry-leading trainers, such as Mark Olson of VECO Experts, Kristen Felder from Collision Hub and GM’s John Eck, thanks to sponsor support. Association events and training opportunities in 2019 were touted by many association leaders. AASP-NJ President Jerry McNee is happy the association saw an increase in the amount of training offers to members, and ASA North Texas President John Firm recalls the chapter’s largest meeting to-date which took place in September at Auto Zone. MSCRA most important venture of 2019 was taking over the Southeastern Automotive Repair Conference, according to Executive Director Ricki Garrett, who indicates being “very pleased” with the changes made to this year’s event. ABAT President Burl Richards reports that the Texas Auto Body Trade Show “keeps getting bigger and better every year and provides a great opportunity for networking and

training that, otherwise, attendees would not have access to without traveling out of state.” Due to ASA Northwest’s continued success with its annual Automotive Training Expo (ATE), Jeff Lovell, president and executive director, shares, “A new ATE East program has been established in October and has over 170 attendees going through two days of training. We are looking forward to growing this new event.” KABA also hosted a new event, its first annual trade show, which took place in April. KABA Vice President Tony Adams expresses pleasure with the attendance and shares, “As a new association, it was exciting to have such great representation from our members and collision repair industry vendors – it let us know we are on the right mission.” AAAMS President Randy Lisk referred to the 2019 conference as “one of the best conferences in many years,” and WIN Chair Cheryl Boswell mentioned the success of “another first-class educational con-

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ference for our entire membership – with more than 225 attendees [where we recognized] four Most Influential Women who have made and continue to make a positive impact on our industry.” WIN also “stayed true to its vision of driving the future of collision repair by providing scholarships and a mentoring program for nine women studying in vocational schools,” Boswell says. Presenting at the St. Louis School-Business Partnership workshop early in 2019 provided WAC with an opportunity to meet a variety of school representatives and nonprofit organizations, and President Shelly Jones shares, “With these connections, we have already begun to fulfill our mission on a much larger scale. In the future, there will be a very real opportunity to promote careers in the collision repair industry from within the classrooms.” The most important thing AWAF did in 2019, according to President Susan Rokosz, was “establishing a board position focused on STEM and piloting a number of STEM outreach efforts to girls and young women.

The automotive and mobility industries offer great opportunities in a wide-ranging selection of STEM fields, and we want to make sure that we fill the talent pipeline with great female candidates.” NATA also strove to initiate conversations about the opportunity the industry holds for students who will become future repairers. According to Executive Director Cathi Webb, “NATA’s first Educational Roundtable brought together educators, industry leaders, counselors, parents and students to support existing auto tech programs in Oregon schools. Educators help each other by sharing curriculum and teaching tools, and educators and employers brainstorm ways to help, such as donating tools, equipment and vehicles, job shadowing, internships, and advisory board participation.” WIA launched its partnership and scholarship program with Northwood University, increasing the number of scholarship programs they offer women to a total of four now. Founding Board Member Jody Devere states, “Enabling more women in the automotive industry to

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

reach their educational and career goals is of paramount importance to our mission.” CAWA created a scholarship program for “automotive high school teachers to assist them in keeping their programs viable – through the granting of funds, access to industry training, or the donation of automotive products and parts for use in the classroom,” Pierini explains. Associations on both coasts put a lot of effort into their apprenticeship programs to ensure that a new generation of techs are being properly trained to repair vehicles. IGONC Executive Director Bob Pulverenti shares, “After years of work to get the North Carolina Automotive Apprentice Program in place, we have registered six apprentices. IGONC is beyond proud to see these kids thriving in shops while obtaining their automotive degree, tuition-free.” ASA Northwest Chairman Butch Jobst is “happy to announce the iTAC apprenticeship program recently received a grant that will allow a faster roll-out of this awesome program. We are very fortunate to be-

long to such a connected community of automotive repair shops who support one another.” Anderson also says that AASPMN’s continued investment in its MNCARS initiative was huge in 2019. “The availability of a future workforce remains the most challenging issue for the industry, and the sole purpose of MNCARS is to promote careers in the automotive industry and recruit young people into the state’s college-level automotive service and collision repair programs and, ultimately, into industry workplaces.” AASP-MN also introduced legislation to “make it an unfair claims practice for an insurer to deny payment for repair operations and procedures performed in accordance with the original vehicle manufacturer’s documented technical procedures,” Anderson shares. “While it was disappointing to have the bill pulled just hours before a scheduled hearing, we feel we’re well-positioned to advance this legislation in 2020.” Legislative efforts were also very important for other associations in 2019. ABAC promoted efforts to save the 1963 Consent Decree which pro-

hibits insurers from engaging in illegal and anticompetitive practices, plus they “enforced the appraiser’s code of ethics within [Connecticut] with respect to third party appraisal companies that were intentionally violating it,” President Bob Amendola says. ABAT was also involved with important legislation this year. Richards recalls, “Some Board Members testified in front of the Insurance Committee for our Texas House Bill that we tried to pass. It was an educational experience, and we believe our experiences this year will pay dividends when we introduce our new bill in 2021.” The collision repair industry continued to grow and advance in a variety of ways in 2019, and the experiences gained have positioned the industry’s associations to continue enhancing their membership benefits, training opportunities, efforts on behalf of the next generation, and legislative initiatives as 2020 rolls around. Autobody News looks forward to continuing to provide all the latest association news in 2019. Happy holidays from our family to yours!

A Behind-The-Scenes Look at SEMA Before Opening Day

explained the types of positions they typically hire for and the skills needed. With the Specialty Equipment MarThey included SCRS, Iket Association (SEMA) show openCAR, CREF, Service King, ing at the Las Vegas Convention and others. Center on Tuesday, Nov. 5, attendees The 8th annual MSO began to arrive in Las Vegas for the Symposium was another big event. highlight. During the afShowgoers had an opportunity ternoon event, attendees to participate in several events. The had the opportunity to hear Society of Collision Repair Spe(l to r) Darin Poston, PPG, and Omar Acosta, Seward about the latest industry cialists (SCRS) Repairer Driven County Community College. Credit: Stacey Phillips trends and statistics from Education (RDE) Series kicked off Susanna Gotsch, industry today with sessions about advanced of DRPs and positioning your busibusiness communications, improv- ness for sustainability. Presenta- analyst from CCC. A panel discussion ing overall gross profit, the future tions are held throughout the week was held, focusing on the evolution of covering a wide range of OEM repair programs; panelists intopics for all segments of the collision repair industry. SEMA Education hosted a Student Career Day at the Westgate Resort Las Vegas. According to SEMA Edu- cluded Mark Allen, collision repair cation, the goal is to expose program manager of Audi North students to the diversity of America; Mike Anderson, president career opportunities avail- of Collision Advice; and Bob Mcable in the industry. There Donald, president of Summit Conwere more than 40 partic- sulting. Future trends in auto ipating companies and insurance and claims handling was organizations that inter- addressed by Clint Marlow, direc( l to r) Ariana Currim and Adriana Flores, California State University, Fullerton. Credit: Stacey Phillips acted with students and tor, Allstate. by Stacey Phillips

autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

From the Desk of Mike Anderson with Mike Anderson

Mike Anderson is the president and owner of Collision Advice, a consulting company for the auto body/collision repair industry. For nearly 25 years, he was the owner of Wagonwork Collision Center, an OEM-certified, full-service auto body repair facility in Alexandria, VA.

Understanding and Performing the Needed Seat Calibrations The need for vehicle seat calibrations isn’t new. Many years ago, Will Latuff of Latuff Brothers Auto Body in Minnesota forwarded me information pertaining to a seat calibration needed on a Honda. I started looking into it and found there are several vehicles that require these seat calibrations after a collision. Despite this information, last year’s “Who Pays for What?” survey found that 20% of shops have never asked to be paid for such a calibration. (Hopefully that doesn’t mean they aren’t doing them). I think there are a number of things that shops aren’t always considering when it comes to seat calibrations. First, you need to understand why resetting or calibrating the seat sensors is so critical. The system tells the vehicle about the person driving the vehicle as well as the passenger (if there is one). This is important because in the event of an accident, how the airbag deploys may vary depending on whether I’m the one

driving the vehicle – at 180 pounds – versus my sister driving the vehicle at 102 pounds. In some cases, the system tells the vehicle not to deploy some of the airbags, such if there’s no passenger in the vehicle, or if the passenger is a small child. Second, you have to research the OEM repair procedures related to them every time because they vary by automaker and from vehicle model to model. Some Toyotas, for example, require a seat calibration after any accident, no matter what, even if the vehicle was parked and unoccupied when it was hit. However, on other Toyota models, a calibration is required only if a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) related to the system has been set – yet another reason that performing a vehicle diagnostic scan is so critical. There’s no onesize-fits-all approach. Some of the systems may even reset themselves after a test drive; so, you have to check the procedures to know what the particular requirements are for

representatives. “I’m not going to compare men and women from an HR perspective,” Frasca quipped, continuing, “What I will tell you is more. We need smart people that can that we get amazing people through word of mouth. There are keep up with the technology certain aspects we’re lookand want to do this. This curing for in associates. We rent generation that’s graduneed people who care, pay ating from high school seems attention to details and reto be more open to going to ally want to do what’s best technical schools and enterfor our customers.” ing non-conventional female The panelists continued careers.” Laura Frank, co-owner of Auto their fun, conversational The discussion turned to how acceptable it is be- Repair Technology tone as they answered attencoming to attend technical schools dees’ questions, and the webinar concompared to pursuing a four-year de- cluded with Kukui’s Patrick Egan gree, and the panelists also conversed conducting a drawing for a $100 on the expense of being a technician, Amazon gift card. A replay of the the tools that must be purchased, and webinar is available at www.kukui the largest items, such as scan tools, .com/blog/women-in-auto-care-1. Lea announced that the next that are becoming imperative for the shop to invest in. Topics covered webinar would include several labor rates, certification, licensing, more extraordinary human beings, including Mary Steele, executive and educating consumers. Lea then turned to Frasca to ask director of ASA Florida, and he inwhat Kukui does to attract female vited Jarosik to return as a panelist. Continued from Page 34

The Driving Force

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

the specific vehicle you are repairing. Automakers use different terminology for various systems, which presents another challenge. It might be called an occupant classification sensor (OCS), an occupant detection sensor (ODS), a weight calibration sensor (WCS), or a “passenger sensing system.” Many automakers refer to the process as a “zero-point calibration” of the system. I find one of the best ways to start researching seat calibration requirements is by checking the vehicle owner’s manual. It will tell you what the automaker calls the system, and can help you explain the importance to the customer. In the owner’s manual for a particular Nissan model, for example, it clearly states, “If there’s any impact to your vehicle from any direction, then your occupant classification sensor

(OCS) should be checked.” It goes on to say: “Failure to verify proper OCS function may result in an improper airbag deployment resulting in injury or death.” This is serious stuff. Knowing what the automaker calls their system will help you locate the information you need in the OEM repair procedures, often under the “safety restraint system” section; but, it can be tricky. Nissan often refers to the “occupant classification sensor” (OCS), but the information in Nissan’s TechInfo website may be under “zero-point reset.” Using the vehicle owner’s manual and the OEM repair procedures every time will help you understand and perform any needed seat calibrations, and help justify the need and importance of the procedure to your customer or any billpayer.

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WD-40 Partners With SEMA Cares to Create Old School 1966 Ford Bronco SEMA attendees got a chance to look at the WD-40® X SEMA Cares “Year of the Bronco” was the theme 1966 Boosted Bronco and see at the 2019 SEMA Show, and that’s demonstrations of WD-40 Brand why WD-40 Company, in conjunc- products, many of which were used tion with SEMA Cares rebuilt a 1966 during the Boosted Bronco restoration. Every year, WD-40 selects a vehicle rebuilder for its reputation and skillset to work on its SEMA Cares car. This year it was LGECTS Motorsports of San Dimas, CA, with Louie Morosan and his two daughters Theresa and Sarah working side-by-side to make the Bronco a show-stopper. “It was a pleasure to do this vehicle because it is More than 20 companies were involved in the build by going to raise money for a donating their time, skills, or products to the project. good cause,” Louie MoCredit: Ed Attanasio rosan said. “It made it even Ford Bronco. After its appearance in sweeter to do the work with my two WD-40’s booth, it will be auctioned daughters and members of our crew. off to raise money for ChildHelp, a We are in this business to make nonprofit organization dedicated to money, of course, but when we can the prevention and treatment of child do something special like this with a major name like WD-40, that makes abuse. by Ed Attanasio

it really satisfying and good for the soul.” Morales, SEMA Garage mechanical engineer, played a role in the design of the Boosted Bronco. “We always love partnering up with companies such as WD-40,” he said. “We wanted to retain a lot of the original aspects of this 1966 Ford Bronco, but we added a more powerful engine and a lot of new features. To get so many eyes on this vehicle and get such great feedback throughout the

show is really a big deal!” WD-40 Brand debuted the Boosted Bronco three years ago at the 2017 SEMA Show with builder Aaron Vaccar, with rave reviews. That year, the Boosted Bronco was given a 3.5L eco-boost, a twin-turbocharged engine with six-speed automatic transmission. For the 2019 SEMA Show, WD-40 wanted to surpass what was achieved two years ago, so it took the rebuild to the next level and made numerous updates, including a brand-new fuel system and custom exhaust; custom fabricated turbo piping; new front and rear suspension with a 5inch lift and new front and rear axles; custom brown leather seats, a rear bench and fully carpeted interior to give an old-school aesthetic; new front and rear door panels with side mir(l to r) LGE-CTS Motorsports of San Dimas, CA, turned the rerors; six-point roll cage and building project into a family affair, with Louie Morosan and new exterior trim, wheels his two daughters Sara (left) and Theresa (right) working on the SEMA Cares 1966 Ford Bronco.Credit: Ed Attanasio and tires.

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“It’s great to be able to modify an iconic vehicle like the Ford Bronco using WD-40 Brand products, particularly as the 2021 release approaches,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and

profits benefitting ChildHelp, one of the charities supported by SEMA Cares. “The WD-40® X SEMA Cares 1966 Boosted Bronco build is meant to inspire the next generation of automotive technicians to live life hands-on and continues WD-40 Company’s commitment to giving back,” said Erin Bala, director of brand marketing and innovation at WD-40 Company, which to date has donated more than $1 million to SEMA Cares charities through vehicle restoration and auctions. In addition to checking out the Boosted Bronco at the WD-40 Brand booth, SEMA Show attendees were SEMA Garage Mechanical Engineers Luis Morales (left) able to test the brand new and Conner Forcucci-Morris worked on the vehicle. WD-40® Specialist® PeneCredit: Steve Cummings, WD-40 trant with a Flexible Straw product development. “We’re hon- as it debuted at the show. Attendees ored to be able to participate in the could also enter for a chance to win build with WD-40 Company and sup- a collection of WD-40 Brand products and gear. port SEMA Cares.” They also learned how WD-40 After being on display at the SEMA Show, the vehicle will be auc- Multi-Use Product and the WD-40® tioned off with 100 percent of the Specialist® line of products played

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At the 2019 SEMA Show, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) presented the awards to its annual award winners. “There are collision repairers who are doing incredible work to build their businesses and serve their local communities,” said Bill Garoutte, president and CEO of the NABC. The NABC Body Shop Image Award was presented to Paul Branning of Branning Collision, with six locations in New Jersey. They were selected for décor and ambiance at their location at 98 Crow Hill Rd., Freehold, NJ. The NABC Award of Distinction was given to April Lausch, marketing manager for Faulkner Collision Center with 12 locations in Pennsylvania. Faulkner was honored for her support of many NABC events over the year. “We are so proud to be able to recognize the leaders in shaping the image of the collision repair industry,” said Marie Peevy, co-chair of the NABC Awards Committee.

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CHEVROLET 54

a critical role in the Boosted Bronco build, including WD-40® Specialist® Carb/Throttle Body & Parts Cleaner; WD-40® Specialist® Industrial-Strength Cleaner & Degreaser; WD-40® Specialist® Penetrant with Flexible Straw; WD-40® Specialist® Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray; WD-40 EZ-REACH; WD-40® Specialist® Spray & Stay Gel Lubricant and WD-40® Specialist® True MultiPurpose Grease. Build partners that donated products for use on the Bronco include: Currie Enterprises; Wilwood Brakes; Wheel Pros; Toyo Tires; Energy Suspension; Drake Automotive; Solo Motorsports; Skyjacker Suspension; Lund International; NRG; Classic Instruments; Auto Custom Carpets; LGE-CTS; Distinctive Industries; PPG; Lokar; Magnaflow; Summit Racing; Hellwig Products; Yukon Gear & Axle; Tom’s Bronco Parts; Wild Horses 4x4; Flaming River; Tom Woods Custom Driveshafts; Greddy Performance Products; Weld Hard Fabrication; Covercraft; Painless Wiring; 3D Liquid Graphics; and Optima Batteries.

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SATA Puts on Wunderbar Show at SEMA 2019 by Ed Attanasio

SATA always has the same great spot at SEMA, and every year they pull the trigger and go all-in. This year, people who visited the SEMA booth in the North Hall saw new product releases, demonstrations, and worldclass painters from all over the planet to create original art all within a German-themed booth.

Painter Connie Manjavinos from Girls Behind the Gun (left) and Painter Ron Coan were greeting fans at SATA’s SEMA booth. Credit: Ed Attanasio

Fifty years ago, in 1969, “Peace, Love and Music” was the cool motto of the “Summer of Love,” when hippies adorned with flowers and tiedyed garb danced and celebrated at the fabled Woodstock Music Festival. Commemorating the 50th an-

niversary of this iconic concert, SATA recognized the cultural impact of the era all within a special edition spray gun. This special edition gun can be ordered with sample RPS multipurpose cups. The Hippie spray gun is available in “I” and “O” versions with nozzle sizes ranging from 1.2 to 1.4, both RP and HVLP technology versions come in Standard only, according to SATA. This year the theme was Oktoberfest, and Tony Larimer wore lederhosen himself to get into the Bavarian mood. “Since our company is based in Germany, the goal was to essentially bring a little Germany here, so we brought all of the various Bavarian aspects of Germany here, and we’re delighted with the results,” he said. “We always want to feature a booth with a lot of things going on that will engage and entertain people. I think we hit a home run with this one based on the feedback we’ve received.” At the show, SATA also offered discounts on www.satausagear.com — strictly devoted to SATA gear and promotional items for sale. “We offer something for everyone,” Coordinator of the SATA USA gear Katrina

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Jorgensen said. “Now that we have the clothing website, every style and size is always available, and if an item is on backorder, it doesn’t take long to get the product delivered to the customer’s door.”

coming by and checking out what I am painting is great. I have been using SATA guns for many years because they give me the freedom to be more creative.” SATAUSAGear.com now has free shipping in the USA only on purchases of $75 or more, and soon will be introducing new adult clothing styles, so be sure to check in regularly, according to Jorgenson.

Airbrush Artist Ray Hill paints Jim Morrison, the late lead singer of The Doors, to promote SATA’s new Hippie spray gun. Credit: Ed Attanasio

Airbrush artist Franny Drummond was invited from his PaintZoo Studios in Langhorne, PA, to create portraits of classic rock stars such as Bob Dylan, Jim Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin, to name a few. Drummond is a nationally renowned artist who is well-known for painting NHL goalie helmets. “I love this,” Drummond said. “Normally, I create art in my studio with no one around, but with people

Painter Franny Drummond was creating images of 1960 rockers to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Music Festival. Credit: Ed Attanasio

In addition to the assortment of clothing, browsers will also find that there are many promotional items available from drinkware, banners, PopSockets, all the way to a spray gun key chain.

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autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

The Future of DRP: Is There One? by Autobody News Contributor

With an estimated 22,000 collision repair shops across the country dependent on Direct Repair Programs (DRPs), Pete Tagliapietra of NuGen IT said businesses need to pay close attention to the paradigm shift occurring in the industry related to these programs. Tagliapietra explored the current status and future outlook of DRPs in his recent SEMA presentation, “The Future of DRP: Is There One?” His talk was part of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education (RDE) Series. Tagliapietra discussed four main reasons that the number of DRPs have been shrinking for top insurers. They include high administrative costs to run DRP programs, the growth of MSOs, alternative appraisal methods now being deployed and new technologies that are changing shops’ business relationships with insurers. “Insurance companies are selling a commodity product—it’s all about price,” explained Tagliapietra. During his presentation, he pointed out that both GEICO and Progressive have had rapid growth in market share over the last several years because both have focused on

ing action a number of ways to reduce costs. One of which is striving to reduce Loss Adjustment Expense (LAE). This is the amount that it costs an insurance company to adjust a claim. Tagliapietra said insurance companies are working to reduce their infrastructure by eliminating field and independent ap-

(l to r) Stacey Phillips and Pete Tagliapietra

praisers and relying on inside desk appraisers and third-party administrators, such as Snapsheet. They are also reducing management and administrative support and raising prices. In addition, he said companies are increasingly deploying what he referred to as the “self-service model.” This is when a vehicle owner takes photos of the damage, forwards them to the insurer through an app with the license plate and VIN number, the es-

“Over the next five years, you will see OEM certified repair networks have a big influence on how cars get repaired and where they get repaired.” — Pete Tagliapietra “price,” while other companies, such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance Group, State Farm and Travelers Insurance have typically sold “service” and as a result, lost market share. “While these companies focused on service over the years, they lost market share and GEICO and Progressive took it,” he explained. “This is relevant because as those companies shifted and they had their own claims processing models, the number of DRP shops in this country continued to shrink and will continue to shrink.” In response to changes in the industry and the diminishing number of DRPs, he said top insurers are tak56

timate is written and then sent to the repair shop of choice. “Five years ago, this model didn’t represent even 3 percent of the claims processed,” said Tagliapietra. “We now have companies that have reached over 30 percent of self-serve photo estimates sent in by the vehicle owner … and they love it.” Insurance companies are also embracing technology to analyze and audit claims. Tagliapietra highlighted several of these technologies in his presentation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), image recognition, machine learning, predictive analytics and robotics automation.

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Options for Collision Repairers For many collision repair businesses, particularly those located in rural areas with one or two DRPs, the changes with DRP programs has caused a significant impact on their companies. Tagliapietra suggested several options independent repairers can consider incorporating into their businesses to meet these challenges. Currently, there are opportunities for collision facilities to seek DRP relationships with second-tier insurers, according to Tagliapietra. For the most part, these companies don’t have the same infrastructure challenges as the top 20 insurers. He suggested shops reach out to local companies and demonstrate they are willing to meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). “Learn more about the regional carriers in your local and state market area and how you want to promote business to them,” said Tagliapietra. “Then, call and find out who the local DRP coordinator is and let him

or her know how you can differentiate yourself in performance.” He stressed the importance of understanding that insurance companies are focused on cycle time, alternative parts, customer service and indemnity management. “If shops can promote and support those KPIs for insurance companies, they may be selected to participate in a DRP,” he added. Another option for shops, especially for those that aren’t part of a DRP, is registering and participating in a non-network services program such as Customer Shop of Choice and Open Shop, which send assignments to shops via the Internet. Ameriprise’s Shop of Choice Program is an example of online claims handling for nonDRP shops. Tagliapietra recommended getting aligned with one or two of the 18 OEM certified repair networks available based on the most popular vehicles in a shop’s geographic area. Although these programs are often costly, he said it’s worth considering. See The Future of DRP, Page 60

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autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

SEMA Show Kicks Off With Award Announcements, Celebrities & Educational Opportunities tions from 2,400 exhibiting companies. Showgoers were able to meet More than 160,000 people attended the Specialty Equipment Market automotive celebrities, including Association (SEMA) Show in Las Wayne Carini, Chip Foose, Dave Vegas. The four-day-long event Kindig and Richard Rawlings. One of the highlights of the kicked off on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Durshow is the New Products Breakfast held the first day of SEMA. The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) received the award for Best New Collison Repair & Refinish Product for its newly launched Complete Guide to Repair Planning - Blueprinting Optimization Tool. GUNIWHEEL received the runner-up award. Look for a detailed article by Ed Attanasio Jeff Peevy, CIC chairman, pictured with his wife about the award winners Marie, and Marcia (in red dress) and Matthew in the next issue of Auto(sitting) Seebachan. Credit: Stacey Phillips body News. The SCRS Repairer Driven Eding the week, attendees will have the opportunity to walk through 1.2 ucation (RDE) Series sessions were million net square feet of exhibit held throughout the day. Dave space and an additional one million Smith of Auto Damage Experts square feet of features and attrac- talked about completing thorough by Stacey Phillips

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and workmanlike repairs and Lee Rush from Sherwin-Williams Automotive Refinish held a session titled, “Sick and tired of collision management the old way?” In addition, Brett Steele of Podium talked about why collision centers should be texting. Held in conjunction with the SEMA Show is the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting. CIC Chairman Jeff Peevy has set aside an empty chair at each meeting to represent the consumer. Peevy filled that empty chair with special guests Marcia and Matthew Seebachan. The Seebachans were the owners of the Honda Fit vehicle that was in the accident that resulted in a $42 million lawsuit. Peevy, and his wife, Marie, interviewed the Seebachans about their experience and the human impact of poor repair decisions. Check the Autobody News Facebook page for show updates. More information about the SEMA show can be found online: https://www .semashow.com/.

AkzoNobel’s Workflow System Gets Patent

Carbeat™, AkzoNobel’s state-ofthe-art digital bodyshop workflow control solution that enables automotive body repair shops to track their work in production and thus operate more efficiently, has been awarded a patent. The U.S. Patent Office found the Carbeat system inventive based on several outstanding features, including its use of drag-and-drop functionality, and its identification and use of trend data for more efficient body shop planning. “We are very happy our software fulfills the strict requirements for this patent,” says Mike Sillay, product manager services, AkzoNobel. “Technology is playing a growing role in our industry. Our mission is to help collision repair professionals save time and money, and we are proud of the system our team has created to help achieve that.” To date, Carbeat is being utilized in 15 countries and is available in 17 languages.

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SEMA Show Focuses on Advanced Vehicle Technology by Stacey Phillips

Day three of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 7, was filled with new product demonstrations, high-tech equipment and technology, and educational opportunities. One of the anticipated events for collision repairers during the show is the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit, which is part of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education (RDE) Series. During the three sessions held this year, attendees had the opportunity to hear innovators in automotive structural design and technology first-hand. The summit included information about preparing for emerging trends in automotive technology, a comprehensive discussion about accessibility to OEM procedures and technical support, and the importance of meeting the OEM’s expectations in welding. The presentations and panel discussions catered to those who realize the importance of embracing the necessary investments in equip-

ment and training to be successful in the future. An Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Forum also took place, highlighting some of the challenges associated with these technologies and potential resources and approaches required to develop solutions. In addition, a discussion was held on Computers, Cars and Cybersecurity, which focused on the direction of autonomous vehicles and potential security threats found by California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) students and security researchers. There were more than 100 automotive celebrity appearances throughout the day. From autograph sessions to product announcements, showgoers were able to meet stars such as Dave Ankin, CEO and star of the History Channel’s “ToyMakerz;” award-winning builder Charley Hutton at the PPG booth; and KC Mathieu of “Fast N’Loud” at the BASF booth. Check the Autobody News Facebook page for updates. More information about the SEMA show can be found online: https://www .semashow.com/.

information about the importance of participating in social media and digital marketing. Tagliapietra invited a media consultant, Stacey “OEMs are becoming increas- Phillips, to explain why it is relevant ingly concerned about protecting and how it can help grow a collision their brands,” said Tagliapietra. “Over repair business. Phillips shared some of the benthe next five years, you will see OEM certified repair networks have a big efits of digital marketing, in particular social media, with attendees. They included more accessibility to customers; the ability to interact with customers and find out what their needs are; and the opportunity to build relationships with insurance companies. She also said it can be very cost-effective for businesses and is measurable. “The bottom-line is that Pete Tagliapietra spoke on “The Future of DRP: Is There your competitors are online One?” during SEMA 2019 and it’s becoming vital to influence on how cars get repaired survival,” said Phillips. “As DRP programs continue to shrink, it’s and where they get repaired.” In addition, Tagliapietra men- important for businesses to look at tioned that shops can seek to be a new ways of marketing. This will preferred dealer repair service and/or not only help publicize their busia third-party administrator (TPA) nesses in their local market, but it will also help contribute to their funetwork shop. The presentation also included ture success moving forward.” Continued from Page 56

The Future of DRP

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All Star Auto Lights Opens CO Location

Bill Shaw is Recipient of CIF Service Award

All Star Auto Lights, the leading distributor of replacement automotive headlights, announced that it has opened its eighth distribution center in Colorado. The impressive 14,506 square foot building is located in the Denver Metro area at 6333 E 56th Ave., Commerce City. Founded in 2004 and based in Orlando, FL, All Star is a distributor of replacement alternative lighting products to independent auto body shops and multi-site operators of collision repair centers. “We are delighted to announce the opening of our new Denver location. We strategically chose the new location to serve our current and expanding customer base in Colorado and neighboring states. The new location will warehouse over 7,000 auto lights and poises the company for further growth with this new, centrally located distribution center,” said All Star Auto Lights CEO, Matt Immerfall.

The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) is proud to announce that the first-ever CIF Distinguished Service Award was presented to long-time Board member, Bill Shaw, at the SEMA Red Carpet awards breakfast on Nov. 6, 2019. Shaw joined the CIF Board as a Trustee in 2008, served as Board Vice President in 2009 2010, and was appointed to the position of Board President in 2011, serving in this role for the next nine years and working diligently to provide assistance to industry families in need of assistance. Shaw has been a tireless promoter of the CIF mission, demonstrating a selfless commitment to the cause, spending countless hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of hours over the past 12 years working with donors, recipients, and helping to drive awareness of CIF. The CIF Board of Trustees extends their deep gratitude to Shaw for his enduring support over the years.

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Final Day of SEMA Features Thought Leaders & Top Build Winner by Stacey Phillips

As the SEMA Show wraps up on Friday, Nov. 8, attendees had one last chance to view over one million square feet of automotive products and equipment in the SEMA Show Halls. Meanwhile, some special events were held throughout the day. The IDEAS Collide Showcase brought together thought leaders from inside and outside the collision repair industry to address innovative ideas to potentially resolve business challenges. The second annual event is part of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education (RDE) Series. Mario Dimovski from Tradiebot Industries talked about augmented reality technology and how it might change the collision repair industry; Judy Folk from Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes presented about the benefits of a process-driven design; and Fred Iantorno of VeriFacts Automotive discussed collision shops in the connected age. Autobody News contributor John Yoswick will share a

detailed account of the presentations in an upcoming article for the magazine. Other training held during SEMA included classes by the InterIndustry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR). Some of the offerings included coordinating the repair process, the art and science of estimator interactions, and understanding cycle time. Those who completed an I-CAR course and successfully passed the post-test can earn credits toward the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals designation or ICAR Platinum Individual designation. The day ended with SEMA’s popular Battle of the Builders competition where 12 top builders had the opportunity to judge all of the finalists’ vehicles and vote on their favorite. Then, more than 1,500 vehicles exited the Las Vegas Convention Center in a “parade” of unique and customized cars as part of the SEMA Cruise. The dates for the 2020 SEMA Show are scheduled for Nov. 3-6. More information about the SEMA show can be found online: https:/ /www.semashow.com/.

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Day Job/Night Job

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

with Ed Attanasio

Painter Donnie Inman’s Art Gets Him Out of Prison If you’re a pot grower, the last thing you want to do is get busted on Marijuana Eradication Day. It’s irony in its cruelest form, and something Airbrush Artist/Painter Donnie Inman experienced when he was arrested in 2008 for growing 150-plus plants valued at more than $150,000. Inman, 34, of Chillicothe, Ohio, was a shocked and concerned young man without few options after the arrest. When he was sentenced to eight years for the illegal cultivation of marijuana and sent to the Ross Correctional Institution in Ross County, Ohio, Inman’s future wasn’t bright. Prison is never fun and even though he’s a big guy and not a violent person, Inman had to fight to avoid being victimized by other inmates. “One guy had issues with me for some reason, so he hired another

Donnie Inman got released from prison early because of his artwork and collision repair skills, both learned while inside Ross Correctional Institution in Ross County, Ohio. Credit: Donnie Inman

inmate (known as “hitmen”) to give me a beating, he said. “But, someone tipped me off and I was waiting when the hitman came to my cell. Let’s just put it this way—I had to deal with it and no one there messed with me anymore.” Dissuaded but not defeated, Inman began using his artistic skills to rise above the havoc of daily prison life. “All I had was some pencils and paper and got into the prison’s art program,” he said. “Pretty soon, people were looking at my artwork and the assistant warden really liked some of my stuff.” After painting a mural that was 62

well-received by prison administrators, Inman decided to ask for airbrush equipment and supplies, he said. “The assistant warden was impressed by my work and was very supportive. She pulled some strings and got me an air compressor and some airbrushes, even though my parents paid for it. It was awesome and once I had the equipment, I began painting everything—canvasses, motorcycles, helmets, t-shirts, you name it!” With 17 months still left on his sentence, Inman received an early release in 2016, surprising literally everyone, including himself. When Ross County Common Pleas Judge Michael Ater gave him the great news, Inman, he knew that this was an amazing gift and a golden opportunity to change his life. “I had learned everything I could about airbrushing from a fellow inmate, so when I got released, I was hungry to get better,” he said. “Making a living was the priority, but I knew my art would always be a big part of my life from now on.” With the airbrushing, refinishing and basic collision repair skills that he attained while in prison, Inman landed a job airbrushing motorcycles and helmets at Lynch Concepts Custom Auto Design in Chillicothe, Ohio. Finding employment is not easy for someone with a criminal record, but within just a few days after his release, Inman had two jobs. “I was working 90 hours every week—at McDonald’s during the day and at the body shop from 4 p.m. until past midnight,” he said. “My goal was to get enough money for my auto body supplies and airbrush supplies, so that I could take my art to the next level.” Inman is grateful for the skills he attained while in prison through an art program, and collision repair classes, he said. “My skills got me a job at a body shop,” he said. “I’m never afraid to learn new things, like doing rust repairs, painting techniques, candies, car restorations—and it all started while I was inside.” Inman has leveraged his art ca-

DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

reer to the max and is now nationally known for his airbrushed t-shirts, murals and portraits. To give back, he often uses his creations to raise

Known for his airbrushed portraits, Inman created these of country star George Strait for a fundraising event. Credit: Donnie Inman

money for non-profit organizations that are close to his heart. He often donates to the Barren River Child Advocacy Center, Autism Speaks and Make-A-Wish in his hometown by offering his work for auction. A few years ago, Inman was

RN SOUTHE

able to quit his fast-food job and enter the entrepreneurial world with Donnie’s Exclusive Graphics and Design. With his work featured in several publications, including USA Today, Urban Ink, Airbrush, and Whitetail, among others, Inman is poised and prepared to take things even further. With prison now in his rearview mirror, Inman is looking to refine his techniques while experimenting with other mediums, he said. “I look back at my time in prison, and it wasn’t a great experience, that’s for sure. But I got a skill that I can use the rest of my life. I want to continue making art and expand on what they taught me. In fact, right now I am working as an apprentice to become a tattoo artist.”

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Sherwin-Williams Leads With Art at SEMA 2019 by Ed Attanasio

Major celebrity painters appeared at the Sherwin-Williams® Automotive Finishes booth at SEMA 2019 to display their artwork and meet fans from all over the world. More than 35 custom painted panels created by some of the industry’s most celebrated painters were on display, including Steve Gibson, Joe Martin, Ryan “Ryno” Templeton, Darren Wenzel, and many others. The panels were sold through a silent auction with all proceeds going to the Blazing Trails Scholarship Fund. This non-profit organization was established in a partnership between Larsen Motorsports with Sherwin-Williams to address the talent shortage facing the automotive industry, specifically collision repair. “We’re honored to be able to work with these painters throughout the year, and we’re even more honored to share some of their best work with the world on the industry’s biggest stage,” Vice President, Marketing, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Division Rob Mowson said. “We’re committed to providing industry-best automotive finishes, but we know that nothing happens

without the painter. The individuals we are spotlighting in our gallery are this generation’s absolute best, and with the proceeds from the auction, we are thrilled and honored to make an investment in the next generation as well.”

Sherwin-Williams celebrated the industry’s top artists by displaying 35 panels in its booth at SEMA 2019. Credit: Ed Attanasio

Sherwin-Williams paid much respect to the painters, refinishers, pinstripe artists and air brushers of the world at SEMA 2019. The company created a gallery-inspired space that included several impressive builds, as well as a showcase with cutting-edge new refinish systems and custom paint products. Attendees were able to find out more about Sherwin-Williams’s Ultra 9K™ Waterborne Basecoat Sys-

tem, Ultra 7000®, DeBeer®, House of Kolor® and Matrix Edge™. Throw in a full schedule of celebrity appearances, a silent art auction, and other surprises, and you end up with a booth that was buzzing with activity during all four days of the show. Templeton appears at a lot of shows as a reality show star and renowned airbrush artist, but he never gets tired of it. “SEMA is the Super Bowl and everyone wants to be here,” he said. “Sherwin-Williams is a premier brand, so being associated with them in any way is outstanding. I love meeting people at this show, because many of them are very knowledgeable about the products and the process.” Featured vehicles by Jesse James’ Westcoast Choppers and Las Vegas’ Count’s Kustoms were unveiled during Sherwin-Williams’s press conference held on the first day of the show. In addition, Detroit’s TPN Color Lab showcased a stunning ‘67 Mustang Fastback finished in DeBeer’s BeroBase 500 Solvent System, to sit alongside a number of custom bikes built especially for the show. There was a 2016 Harley-Davidson Fatboy built by Adam Garley, Garley’s Garage (Haslet, Texas) and

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painted by Jace Hudson, Fast Life Garage (Waxahachie, Texas) in Matrix Automotive Finishes; 2016 Custom Chopper built by Tim Smith, Denver’s Choppers (Reno, NV) and painted by Travis Hess, Bucky’s LTD Auto Body (Martinsburg, WV) in House of Kolor; 1976 HarleyDavidson Shovelhead built by Joe Marshall, Marshall Customs LLC (Purcellville, VA) and painted by Cory Mroz, Mr. OZ Designs (Lake Havasu City, AZ) in House of Kolor and 2017 Harley-Davidson Softail built and painted by Tim McNamer, Ballistic Cycles (Blue Mounts, WI) in House of Kolor. Celebrity appearances for the Sherwin-Williams booth included Ryan Evans, Lonny Speer and Mike Henry from Count’s Kustoms and TV’s Counting Cars; Amanda and Joe Martin from Martin Bros. and TV’s Iron Resurrection; Elaine Larsen, Jet Car Driver from Larsen Motorsports, James from West Coast Choppers, Justin Nichols and team from Nichols Paint & Fab and TV’s Wrench’d John D’Agostino, WorldRenowned Kustomizer, Jon Kosmoski, the founder of House of Kolor, and Templeton from Ryno Blasted.

Continued from Page 14

Industry Hears From

Companies say they don’t share data with CARFAX. After discussions at several industry events in recent months about shop data from estimates or parts orders relative to a particular vehicle seemingly resulting in an entry on CARFAX or another history report for that vehicle, a number of companies are releasing statements saying they are not the source of such data “leakage.” “We don’t share data with CARFAX, never have shared data with CARFAX, have no intention of sharing data with CARFAX,” said Dan Risley at CIC, vice president of quality repair and market development for CCC Information Services. “So if you are writing an estimate in CCC ONE and it shows up on some customer’s CARFAX report, you need to do some research on your end: who is pumping data from your system, or if one of your partners that you’re sharing data with is sharing it with someone else.”

CCC’s statement came just a week after OEConnection told users of its CollisionLink system that the company “does not and has never provided or sold data to CARFAX, AutoCheck or any other vehicle history reporting company.” Frank Terlep, who co-chairs the CIC’s “Data Access, Privacy and Security Committee,” with Risley, gave “a big shout out” to such companies that have “stood up and said we’re going to protect our customers’ data.” He also shared a first draft of “Golden Rules” the committee is developing for those entities accessing and using shop estimate data. Those five rules call on such companies to make it clear what data is being used and why, to pledge to not misuse or allow others receiving the data to misuse it, and to give customers “the choice of what to share and what not to share.” Terlep said the committee welcomes feedback on the draft. He said the committee envisions presenting the rules, once finalized, to all companies using industry data, and to recognize those companies who pledge to abide by them.

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CRASH Network Launches ‘Insurer Report Card’

Collision repair professionals have a unique opportunity to grade the performance of the insurance companies in their state, with the launch of CRASH Network’s “Insurer Report Card.” “The opinion of collision repair professionals, who deal with auto insurers every day, sends a powerful message to insurers and consumers about which insurance companies demonstrate a commitment to quality repairs and service for customers,” said John Yoswick of CRASH Network. In addition, the “Insurer Report Card” asks collision repairers to grade each insurer based on how well each carriers’ policies and practices ensure quality repairs and customer service, Yoswick said. “Because each state has a different mix of insurers, the ‘Insurer Report Card’ allows repairers to grade insurers specific to their state,” Yoswick said. “As in the past, we’re asking about more than 85 different insurance companies, making it far more extensive than any similar surveys.”

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autobodynews.com / DECEMBER 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Industry Leaders Encourage Shop Owners to ‘Capture Every Procedure’ by Autobody News Staff

The industry’s brightest leaders, innovative products and several thousand buyers gathered in Las Vegas on Nov. 5-7 for the 2019 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to attend various educational seminars and special events. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, an SCRS Repairer Driven Education (RDE) Series session was held, called “Capturing Every Procedure: What are you missing,” led by Toby Chess of Kent Automotive; Ron Reichen, Precision Body & Paint; and Danny Gredinberg, Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG). Panelists were present to provide information on creating an effective repair blueprint and how to have a blueprint that will impact profitability and morale. According to Chess, “Between Ron, Danny and myself, we have over 120 years of estimating experience. Today, we are helping estimators to better utilize their time and to increase gross profit.”

Chess called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m., encouraging attendees to make repair plans that result in an increased gross profit. He said, “To increase profit, you either need to increase sales, lower cost, or do both.” With technology expanding and 2020 now approaching, Gredinberg said shops should invest in a digital estimating program. You can have the OEM procedures on one screen, and your repair plan on the other, he said. “Our job as a repairer is to remanufacture a car properly,” Gredinberg commented. “To do this, you must reference the most up-to-date OEM procedures.” Gredinberg encouraged shop owners to reference OEM procedures straight from the manufacturer. Third-party resources don’t contain everything, he added. “The SCRS Guide to Complete Repair Planning is your bible,” said Reichen. “The document serves as a reminder for repair operations so you can minimize the need for a supplement.”

GM Announces eCommerce Price Policy General Motors (GM), through its Customer Care and Aftersales division (CCA), announced that it will implement an Electronic Minimum Resale Price (eMRP) Policy in the U.S. for certain products, effective Jan. 1, 2020. CCA provides automotive parts and accessories that have become known for high quality, performance and safety. The new policy allows GM to protect the overall brands, reputation, and image of GM, its dealers, and its business partners. “GM is deeply focused on brand protection and this policy is intended to safeguard the reputation of our GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco parts customers and sellers,” said Mark Drennan, general director, GM CCA. “The policy is set to ensure confidence in our products and services.” For more information on the new policy, please visit http://www .gmpartsemrp.com.

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CARSTAR Enterprise in NY Opens

CARSTAR is continuing its rapid East Coast expansion with its 25th store in New York, CARSTAR Enterprise, located at 19825 Jamaica Ave. Hollis, NY, 1142. “I had a facility on Long Island for a while and then had this facility in Queens for the last six years with a really fantastic team,” says Eddie Kusayev, owner of CARSTAR Enterprise. CARSTAR Enterprise is an exceptionally large facility for New York at 10,000 square feet. This facility also has a state of the art paint booth and equipment. “Our growth along the East Coast is continuing to accelerate as more owners in New York and surrounding states realize their growth potential with CARSTAR,” says Michael Macaluso, president, CARSTAR. “Resources like our EDGE Performance Platform, Driven Brands buying power and industry leading training programs equip owners with what they need to increase their profitability.”

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Dr. Diane L. Peters Dove Into the Future of Mobility at AWAF’s Meeting by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On Sept. 25, the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation (AWAF) hosted a presentation on “Future of Mobility” at Cauley Ferrari of Detroit in West Bloomfield, MI. Guest speaker Dr. Diane L. Peters, Ph.D., P.E., associate professor of Mechanical Engineer-

(right) Dr. Diane L. Peters, Ph.D., P.E., associate professor of Mechanical Engineering at Kettering University presented “The Challenges of Getting Robotic Chauffeurs, Working Towards Autonomous Vehicles.” Credit: AWAF

ing at Kettering University presented “The Challenges of Getting Robotic Chauffeurs, Working Towards Autonomous Vehicles.” According to AWAF Marketing Co-Chair Patricia Price, “The edu-

CCC Strengthens Network for Parts Marketing

CCC Information Services Inc. (CCC) and BMW of North America (BMW) announce that the automaker will leverage the CCC Promote technology to provide dealers with a powerful new marketing solution to price and promote parts to collision repair facilities while estimates are being written. CCC Promote offers OEMs a way to present promotional pricing early in the estimating process when replacement part decisions are being made. Prices can be customized by vehicle make, model, year, or part type. “CCC is proud to support BMW and we value their endorsement of CCC Promote,” said Jim Kinsherf, vice president, OEM Group for CCC. “CCC ONE processes more than $13 billion in parts annually. By making CCC available to its dealers, BMW parts can be seen and made available within the estimating workflow of a dynamic community of repairers. We’re excited to support their parts program.” 68

cational seminar went very well, and it was very well received by all attendees. Our speaker was insightful, and the topic sparked great conversations and a lot of positive vibes. The venue was also wonderful, and overall, the event exceeded all our expectations.” Dr. Peters began her presentation by expressing that most predictions pertaining to the future of mobility and autonomous driving are quite ambitious. People keep thinking that autonomous vehicles are nearly here, but there have been a few tragedies when it comes to actual progress. She identified three problems that make the future of mobility such a challenge. First, autonomous vehicles have to be able to identify where the car is located, but GPS can fail and provide the wrong signal. It’s imperative that the data be correct before the industry can proceed. The second challenge is the vehicle’s ability to identify what’s located around it and appropriately deal with those objects, whether they are people, animals or something else. The autonomous vehicle must also be able to detect and read traffic signs, traffic lights, barriers and more. Identifying the final challenge, Dr.

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when autonomous driving will actually happen, she suggested, “We’ll see selfdriving cars in the form of public transportation operating in limited domains within five to ten years, but for the public to buy a self-driving car that is 100% autonomous, that’s still twenty years out and even longer in rural areas because the infrastructure just isn’t there.” The reason that AWAF hosted this event was to “provide an opportunity for attendees to meet with other industry professionals they normally may not encounter in their everyday work life and learn about, from Dr. Attendees enjoyed learning about the future of mobility Peters’ perspective and exand supporting AWAF during the Sept. 25 event. pertise, the reality of ambiCredit: AWAF tious predictions as it relates handle unpredictable factors well – we to the future of mobility and auknow which roads have a lot of car- tonomous driving,” Price explained. Price also noted, “Association deer accidents and where people tend to do dumb things, but how do you events and training opportunities are vital to our members because it ultimately teach the car all of that?” During the question-and-answer helps AWAF gain exposure to our missession at the end of her presentation, sion and vision by leveraging sponsorDr. Peters answered questions regard- ships of credible industry companies.” For more information about ing potential guidelines, globalization of autonomy, and infrastructure chal- AWAF and future events, visit www. lenges. When asked for a prediction on awafoundation.org. Peters asked, “What do we do? Seems simple – we follow the road, stay at or under the speed limit, and don’t hit anyone so it’s an easy problem to control, right? What if we’re going to hit something? There are complicated unpredictable factors. Humans actually

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VeriFacts Automotive Turns Into a Valued Partner

Some 20 years ago, the world of collision repair was one where the major partners operated in silos, with limited communication between them. Insurance estimators and claims managers had varying standards and processes. Vehicle manufacturers offered minimal guidance on repair standards, and vehicles had minimal on-board technology. Farzam Afshar, a collision shop owner in the late 1980s, had a vision of a future where all of these parties would want to work together, share data and create common repair standards to safely repair vehicles for years to come. From his vision, VeriFacts Automotive was born. “Our mission is to ensure consumers have the safest vehicle repair after an accident, one that protects them and their family on the road and preserves the value of their vehicle,” said Afshar, CEO of VeriFacts Automotive.

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Tesla ‘Cybertruck’ Pickup Unveiling Event Occurred on Nov. 21 at SpaceX HQ

after all, has praised the vehicle as one of his personal favorites. Yet, deElon Musk has revealed the offi- spite this, Tesla has been able to keep cial launch date for Tesla’s “Cyber- details of the Cybertruck secret, with punk” Pickup Truck. According to zero sightings or spy shots of the vethe CEO, the upcoming vehicle was hicle to date. Apart from the lack of spy released on Nov. 21, 2019 at the SpaceX rocket factory in Hawthorne, shots, Tesla has also been very secretive about the vehicle’s design. Save CA. for the pickup truck’s initial teaser from the Model Y unveiling, there have been no other preview images of the vehicle that have emerged so far. No invites have been sent out as well. With Musk formally announcing the vehicle, it would likely be just a matter of time before invites for the Tesla Pickup Truck unveiling will be sent out. While the design of Tesla CEO Elon Musk Unveils the Tesla Semi. the pickup truck remains Credit: Tesla elusive, the vehicle has been hyped by both Musk’s update formally ends a Musk and his brother, Kimbal. In a period of speculations that have recent tweet, Kimbal added some long swept the electric car commu- more excitement to the pickup nity with regards to the unveiling of truck’s unveiling date by stating the Tesla Pickup Truck. The CEO, that he is most excited about the by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati.com

vehicle since the Model S, the first electric car that Tesla built from the ground-up. Based on Musk’s comments about the vehicle, as well as his references to the vehicle’s design being somewhat akin to a futuristic armored personnel carrier, it appears that the “Cybertruck” will be the first off-road-capable vehicle in Tesla’s lineup, unlike the city cars that are the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y. This further suggests that the truck would be a tough vehicle, capable of taking some real punishment on the road. Quite remarkably, Musk has noted that the base variant of the Tesla Pickup Truck will have a starting price of $49,000. In an appearance on Tesla owner-enthusiast Ryan McCaffrey’s Ride the Lightning Podcast, Musk noted that Tesla is looking to ensure that the Cybertruck will be attainable for customers. “You should be able to buy a really great truck for $49k or less,” he said. We thank Teslarati.com for reprint permission.

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