Autobody News February 2011 Western Edition

Western Edition California Nevada Arizona

29

YEARS

VOL. 29 ISSUE 2 FEBRUARY 2011

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January Collision Industry Conference Votes Very Narrowly in Favor of SEMA for Fall Meeting

by John Yoswick

Participants at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Palm Springs, CA, in January chose by a singlevote majority to have this fall’s CIC meeting in November in Las Vegas in conjunction with the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show rather than the preceding month in Orlando with the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE).

The decision marks the second year CIC will meet in conjunction with SEMA. This year’s meeting will

be split over two mornings, November 2 and 3.

The 99–98 written vote followed a brief presentation by Ron Pyle of the Automotive Service Association (ASA), which owns NACE, in which he said that while ASA has and will continue to respect and parRon Pyle of ASA ticipate in CIC, he hoped participants would recognize the economic importance of NACE See CIC to meet at SEMA, Page 40

In keeping with Autobody News’ goal and policy of representing all sides of the collision industry, we introduce a new column called “The Insider” written by an Auto Insurance Executive. Although the writer wishes to remain anonymous, he will respond to serious questions and comments from readers about insurance issues.

Getting Past The Rhetoric—An Insurer’s Perspective on Steering by “The Insider”

Rich Evans and his customized 2010 Challenger RT at SEMA 2010. His exterior kit includes a lower front spoiler, left and right rocker, left and right rear flare, rear wing, hood scoop and insert, stripe kit, and wheels, all done over in an edgy, eye-catching blue and silver. See p. 50

Steering is an issue that has plagued the collision repair industry since the first insurance agent opened for business. No matter where you are located, you will find masses of body shop owners who emphatically state that steering is a major issue impacting their business.

Ironically enough, even body shops that are deeply entrenched in direct repair programs insist that steering is an issue. Does someone who directly benefits from participating on a given insurance carrier’s direct repair program have a right to cry foul?

I’m not sure you can find anything more hypocritical.

Conversely, you will find relatively few insurance companies that

believe steering is an issue. In fact, some insurers might have you believe that steering is a word used only by disgruntled body shop owners who can’t get on a direct repair program.

Other insurers would lead you to believe that steering is more rare than a unicorn sighting.

Now that I’ve outlined a few of the perspectives from both sides of the industry, let’s place some framework with a few facts.

First, steering does exist. It’s not a unicorn, a mirage, or the words of a disgruntled shop owner. It exists in many forms.

But before you say, “Aha! I knew it,” let me explain. Although steering does exist, it doesn’t exist in the context that many of you reading this may See Steering, Page 19

Also in this issue... NEW COLUMN: Santa Barbara Shop

owner Walter Danalevich warns about Credit Card Processing Fees and what to watch out for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 16 Mike's Auto Body Gives Away Vehicles Through its Own Benevolence Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 18 Toby Chess Explains 'Yaw Rate' and the importance of the ‘Steering Angle Sensor’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p. 46

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2 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Contents

COLUMNS Yoswick - January Collision Industry

Conference Votes Very Narrowly in Favor of SEMA for Fall Meeting . . . . . . . . . . 1 Danalevich - Credit Card Processing Fees— Dings, Dents, and Crashes on Your Bottom Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Attanasio - Mike’s Auto Body Gives Away Vehicles Through its Own Benevolence Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Weaver - Hoopty,or Redefining POS . . . . . . . 30 Schroeder - Skip’s Paint and Body—Four Generations of Expertise in San Antonio . . 45 Chess - Understanding ‘Yaw Rate’ and the ‘Steering Angle Sensor’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Espersen - Are You in the Diagnostics Business? ‘Yes’ is the Right Answer! . . . 48 Evans - The Rich Evans Designs-Mopar Kit for Dodge’s Challenger . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 I-CAR - Collision Repair And The 2011 Ford Fiesta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Franklin - Client vs. Customer, The Marketing Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Clarification: Last month’s article Van Tuyl Dealership Group Acquires Garmat Paint Booths Nationwide was misinterpreted by some readers.

We should have written... Selects Garmat Paint Booths Nationwide.

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies

Serving California, Nevada and Arizona, Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry. Per-

Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, David Brown, John

Yoswick, Lee Amaradio, Rich Evans, Janet Chaney, Toby

in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2011 Adamantine Media LLC.

Sales Assistant: Kristy Mangum Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia

www.autobodynews.com Email: news@autobodynews.com

Editorial Assistant: Erica Schroeder

Chess, Mike Causey, Tom McGee, Ed Attanasio Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman (800) 699-8251

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . .48

Autoland Scientech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Automotive ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Western

NATIONAL Getting Past The Rhetoric—An Insurer’s Perspective on Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 USPCCA Alleges Ford Braking Components Have Substandard Variances . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Federal Bill Regarding State Vehicle Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 7 Insurers Sue Toyota Over Acceleration Crashes Toyota Says are ‘Without Merit’. . 14 FinishMaster Donates Supplies to Collision Education Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Enterprise Adds Chevy Volt to Rental Fleet . . 24 New Location and Dates Announced for NACE/CARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Chrysler to Work with EPA on Hydraulic Hybrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Toyota Outpaces GM to Remain World’s Largest Automaker for Third Year . . . . . . . 26 ZF Develops 9-Speed Automatic Transmission for Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 New York Legislation Targets Auto Repair Shops, Requires Detailed Labor Charge Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Chief University Releases 2011 Training Schedule, Including New Design Based Repair Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Larger Side Curtain Air Bag Rule Targets Rollover Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 An SCRS Reminder About Nominations for Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 CARSTAR Envisions New ‘Vision Park’ Headquarters in Ontario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 December Auto Sales Finish 2010 on a High Note. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 ‘Intellidrive’ Crash Avoidance Systems Being Developed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Fiat Increases Ownership in Chrysler to 25 Percent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Indexof Advertisers

REGIONAL Orange County CAA Chapter To Hold Meeting in February. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CAWA Appoints Ralph Barr to Manufacturers’ Advisory Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Berte To Run AIA Western Region. . . . . . . . . . 4 Allstate Phases Out Your Choice Auto Program in California after Complaints . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Fix Auto USA Adds 24 Franchise Locations in CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Arrests in Suspected $1M Auto Insurance Fraud Ring Made in California . . . . . . . . . . . 8 PPG Spring MVP Conference Comes to Palm Springs in March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Upcoming CAA Inland Empire Chapter Meeting Warns About EEEC Area Inspections. . . . . 10 Popular South Bay Customizer Joe Gosinski Murdered in Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 New BMW Dealership Slated to Open in Vista, North San Diego County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Federal Agencies to Align with CA on New Clean Car Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 CA May Have Highest Costs for Charging Electric Cars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Valley Ventura CAA Chapter Discusses SCAQMD Compliance and Fraud. . . . . . . . 15 Speed Limits Changing in San Diego Suburb. 19 Sherwin-Williams A-Plus™ Network Holds Vision Conference in Jacksonville,FL . . . . 20 East Bay CAA Chapter Hears From GM Collision/Powertrain and BECCA® . . . . . . . 22 Florida Autobody Collision Alliance Names Full-time Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Oklahoma Lawmaker Wants to Ban Cell Phones While Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 CA Man Files Suit Over State's Licence Checkpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Lakeland, Florida’s Ray Gunder Spearheads Successful ‘Angel Autos’ Giveaway. . . . . . 33 Clark County Fleet Fills Up Green on New Nevada Made Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 New NM Bill Focuses on Those Convicted of DUI Offenses That Do Not Own Vehicles . . 35 Ford Motor Credit in Henderson, NV Closing . 35 Texas Insurance Commissioner Issues Biannual Report on DRPs with Help From Houston Auto Body Association Survey Data . . . . . 36 Mobile Tech Expo Takes Over Southern Texas . 38 Coalition for Collision Repair Excellence Level II Conference in Atlanta, April 8–9th . . . . . . 41 Nissan Begins Commercial Van Production in MS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Southern U.S. Snow Storms Force Shop Closings Initially but Should Pay Back in Boosting Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Higher Vehicle Registration Fees Possible in TX. 52 No More Online Learners Permits for Florida’s Teens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

mission to reproduce in any form the material published Autobody News P.O. Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018 (800) 699-8251 (760) 721-0253 Fax

Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers . .25

LKQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . .53

BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . .21

Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . .42

Buerge Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge . . . . . . . .11

Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers .44

Carlsen Volvo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Pacific BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

British Motor Car Distributors . . . . . . . .18

Camp Pendleton Marines Toy Donation .60 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Crevier BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Downtown Motors of LA

(Audi, VW, Porsche) . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Drew Hyundai-Volkswagen . . . . . . . . . .19 DuPont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . .17

Normandin Chrysler-Jeep . . . . . . . . . .14

Perry Mazda-Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Power Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge . . . . . . . . .7

PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

RBL Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Rely-On Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Replica Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Elk Grove Toyota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Riverside Metro VW-Honda-Hyundai-

Equalizer Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Sierra Chevrolet-Honda-Mazda-Subaru .32

AZ, CA, & NV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . .37

Enterprise Rent-A-Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers

Galpin Motors . . . . . . . . . . .23, 28-29, 33

Garmat USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . .35

Nissan-Mazda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Steamericas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Timmons VW-Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . .54

VIM Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Harbor Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers .41

Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . .39

Weatherford BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Honda/Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers .46

Volvo Crash Wholesale Dealers . . . . . .47

www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

USPCCA Alleges Ford Braking Components Have Substandard Variances The U.S. Competitive Car Parts Alliance announced on Dec. 28, 2010, that it had discovered variances in the weight of key Ford braking system components and is examining parts from other original equipment manufacturers (OEM).

The umbrella organization, which has a following among automotive consumers, declared the testing of the brakes to be a public safety issue of the highest order.

“The lives of millions of America’s motorists depend upon their having quality vehicles, and the brakes are a critical component in ensuring passenger safety,” said David Parde, Executive Director of the U.S. Competitive Car Parts Alliance.

“For some time I have been hearing rumblings about the performance of OEM braking system components, including the brake pads. We will be putting these parts to the test, and encourage other industry and governmental organizations, including NHTSA, to closely examine this issue.”

During a recent USCCPA meeting, the ongoing and widespread discussion of Ford’s brake systems made

CAWA Appoints Ralph Barr to Manufacturers’ Advisory Council

The California/Nevada/Arizona Automotive Wholesalers Association’s (CAWA) has appointed Ralph Barr to its Manufacturers’Advisory Council (MAC) according to reports made

by Aftermarket Business. Barr will be representing United Components, Inc. from his office in San Marcos, California.

Barr was appointed by Chair of the Board, Tim Gerrity of General Auto Parts of Oakland, California.

“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Barr back into the leadership of CAWA and look forward to his participation and contributions to the Association and the industry we represent out west”, said Chair Gerrity following the appointment. “Mr. Barr had previously served on the MAC and Board of Directors in the late 1990’s and we are pleased that he, once again, has stepped forward in volunteer service to the Association” said Gerrity.

CAWA is an automotive aftermarket trade association, which represents auto parts jobbers, warehouse distributors, retailers, manufacturers and manufacturer representatives in California, Nevada and Arizona.

For more information please visit www.cawa.org.

their way onto the agenda.

The organization decided to carry out its own initial investigation of Ford’s brakes and purchased a number of components.

An initial examination already revealed significant discrepancies in the weight, thickness and other key attributes of the parts.

This has led the group to conclude that additional testing must be conducted to explore if these discrepancies produce differences in performance.

Diamond Standard, which tests OEM and aftermarket parts, recently noted material discrepancies in the weight, thickness, tensile and yield strength properties of OEM bumpers.

Parde said the USCCPA hopes to play an important role in ensuring that OEM parts are subject to the same scrutiny as other vehicle parts, noting that “it’s time to take a hard look at some of the very same car companies who have been most critical of the aftermarket parts with which they compete.”

Please visit www.uscompetitivecarpartsalliance.com.

Orange County CAA Chapter To Hold Meeting in February

The Orange County chapter of the California Autobody Association will host a meeting on February 16 at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

The meeting will feature legal advice from Cory J. King Partner in Fine, Boggs & Perkins, LLP. The CAA is asking that only shop managers and owners attend this meeting due to the nature of the topics and the legal advice being discussed.

King’s employment law practice focuses on both the “prevention side” of employment claims, as well as litigating all types of employment matters.

At the Orange County chapter’s first meeting of 2011, King’s legal insight into the following areas of auto body shop practices will be highlighted, including: 1. Wage and hours laws and updates 2. Employee rights on overtime and meal time hours 3. Preparing Auto repair shops try for the employee free choice act 4. Sexual harassment 5. Slip and fall employee handbook King represents employers in a wide-range of industries, including financial institutions, high-tech companies, manufacturing companies

and construction companies -- but has developed a special expertise in representing automobile dealerships, collision repair centers and motorcycle dealerships.

King’s experience in the industry as a salesperson and Sales Manager provides a unique and valuable dimension when representing automobile dealers.

King also serves as labor and employment counsel for the California Autobody Association (CAA) and the California Motorcycle Dealers Association (CMDA).

He also is active in the national Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and is currently serving his second term as the Chair of its Human Resource Committee.

Cost to attend is $40.00 for CAA members and $100.00 for non-members. For more information please contact Cindy Shillito at 714-9444028 or radiatorgirl@socal.rr.com.

www.autobodynews.com CHECK IT OUT!

Berte To Run AIA Western Region

The American Insurance Association (AIA) has announced that Marjorie Berte has joined the association as its new vice president for the Western Region.

Berte’s career includes experience in both the public and private sectors, most recently with the state of California, where she has served since 2007 as undersecretary for the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. In this capacity, she coordinated oversight of 18 departments and programs with a total budget of $18 billion while working directly on issues such as transportation, public safety, economic development and financial services regulation.

In addition to serving as undersecretary of the BTH Agency in the Schwarzenegger administration, Berte served on the CalPERS Board of Administration and Investment Committee from 2005 to 2009.

Berte replaces Ken Gibson, who is retiring after eight years of service. She will join Steve Suchil in AIA’s Western Regional Office in Sacramento. The Western Region consists of the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Hawaii and Alaska.

4 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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Allstate Phases Out Your Choice Auto Program in California after Complaints Allstate Insurance has agreed to stop selling ‘Your Choice Auto’ (YCA) insurance program in California, in response to a challenge brought by the nonprofit Consumer Watchdog.

The company has stopped issuing new YCA policies, and will completely phase out the approximately 150,000 existing YCA policies in California by November 2011.

Consumer Watchdog said the program is “deceptive and overpriced,” asserting that under the YCA program, Allstate charged drivers up to 15 percent higher-thannormal premiums with the promise that future tickets or accidents would not be used to increase premiums.

The consumer action group said an investigation it conducted found that the purported benefits were not worth the premium being charged. According to the consumer group, Allstate was: 1. Violating California’s good driver discount law;

2. Unfairly discriminating against drivers despite their good driving record; 3. Selling a deceptive product; and 4. Encouraging irresponsible driving.

Consumer Watchdog estimates that Allstate was receiving $20 million per year in extra premiums since it began selling the program in California in 2008.

Allstate agreed to stop selling the policies after the group requested a formal hearing on the legality of the program with the state Department of Insurance.

Although the YCA program had been initially approved by the California Department of Insurance, it was challenged by Consumer Watchdog under Proposition 103, which sets guidelines for legal insurance practices and products in California, the group said.

The agreement by Allstate to remove YCA from the California market was approved by then-Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner on Dec.

Fix Auto USA Adds 24 Franchise Locations in CA

Fix Auto USA has announced the addition of 37 franchise locations, 24 of them in California. The announcement represents a revised business model 13 years in the making that will add a franchise option to network membership, promoting a concentrated, owner-operated, multi-location collision repair organization committed to providing consistent results, according to Fix Auto.

“Our insurance customers today require consistency, transparency, efficiency and concentrated scale in the markets we serve,” said Fix Auto President and COO Paul Gange.

“Our new model delivers on all four requirements with best-in-class collision repair facilities while maintaining the owner’s active, on-site participation.”

The franchise shops are currently operating in three states: California, Colorado and Oregon.

California franchises include: • Fix Auto Anaheim–Anaheim, CA • Fix Auto Bakersfield–Bakersfield, CA

• Fix Auto Buena Park–Buena Park, CA • Fix Auto Burbank–Burbank, CA • Fix Auto City of Industry- City of Industry, CA • Fix Auto Corona–Corona, CA • Fix Auto Downey–Downey, CA • Fix Auto El Monte–S. El Monte, CA • Fix Auto Hemet–Hemet, CA • Fix Auto Irvine–Irvine, CA • Fix Auto Mission Valley–San Diego, CA • Fix Auto Montclair–Montclair, CA • Fix Auto Oceanside–Oceanside, CA • Fix Auto Ontario–Ontario, CA • Fix Auto Orange–Orange, CA • Fix Auto Pasadena–Pasadena, CA • Fix Auto Tustin–Tustin, CA • Fix Auto Rancho Santa Margarita– Rancho Santa Margarita, CA • Fix Auto Redlands–Redlands, CA • Fix Auto Riverside–Riverside, CA • Fix Auto Santee–Santee, CA • Fix Auto Westminster–Westminster, CA • Fix Auto Whittier–Whittier, CA • Fix Auto Yorba Linda–Yorba Linda, CA “Our customers are demanding excellence in service and quality and expect consistency across our network,” said Fix Auto USA founder and CEO Erick Bickett.

Please visit www.fixauto.com for more information.

6 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

20, 2010, with an effective date of Jan. 10, 2011.

Prior to that agreement, Consumer Watchdog had secured an order from an administrative law judge to compel Allstate to release thousands of pages of documents and data related to the development of YCA. In that Aug. 5, 2010 order, Administrative Law Judge Kristin L. Rosi, said, “Allstate fails to demonstrate any substantial justification for its delay in producing such data and its failure to comply borders on bad faith.

Accordingly, Allstate’s failure to comply with this Order may subject Allstate to contempt sanctions pursuant to Government Code Section 11455.10(e).”

Once compelled to produce the requested documents, which allowed Consumer Watchdog and its experts to further probe the legality of YCA, Allstate soon requested that the matter be resolved before trial.

“When we exposed the truth about how this program led good drivers to vastly overpay for insurance, it became

clear that the only way for Allstate to comply with the law was to stop selling the YCA policies,” said Daniel Y. Zohar of the Zohar Law Firm in Los Angeles, lead outside counsel for Consumer Watchdog. “This settlement ensures that all Allstate policyholders are subject to the same rules and are charged a fair premium.”

Prop 103 requires insurance companies to open their books and submit to public hearings to justify that rates are not excessive and insurance products are legal.

Consumers may intervene in or initiate proceedings to challenge any rate or product that violates Prop 103.

Using Prop 103, Consumer Watchdog has helped Californians save about $2 billion dollars by challenging auto, homeowners and medical malpractice insurance rate proposals since 2003.

Consumer Watchdog is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization with offices in California and Washington, D.C.

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www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 7

Arrests in Suspected $1M Auto Insurance Fraud Ring Made in California Twenty individuals have been arrested in California for operating a suspected auto insurance fraud ring in the Greater Los Angeles Area, the California Department of Insurance has reported.

An additional three arrest warrants are still pending in connection with the fraud ring. The arrests come after the culmination of a two-year investigation by the Department of Insurance (CDI) Fraud Division, according to reports made by Claims Journal. The potential loss is estimated to be in excess of $1 million.

All suspects have been charged with various felony crimes including insurance fraud and conspiracy, according to CDI. CDI said on Sept. 4, 2009, Fraud Division detectives served a search warrant on the residence of Norberto De Jesus Rivas, 38, who is already in custody on unrelated charges. During the execution of that search warrant, numerous items of evidence related to identity theft and automobile insurance fraud were seized, including numerous files where Rivas kept records for multiple fraudulent insurance claims.

On April 10, 2010, CDI detectives served search warrants at various locations including Wilshire HealthCare Centre and the Residence of Albert Lee Ingram, 62. CDI said Rivas conspired with Ingram, owner of Metropolitan Health Care Center and Wilshire Health-Care Centre to facilitate this insurance fraud scheme. Ingram produced fraudulent medical reports and invoices for claimants that either never received treatment or for

claimants that simply did not exist, CDI said.

The CDI investigation revealed Rivas as the main suspect who filed insurance claims by posing as one of the claimants or relative of the claimants.

He corresponded directly with insurance companies by letter or telephone to avoid detection. Many of the collisions were completely fabricated for the purpose of defrauding insurance companies. Other collision claims with simple property damage, were enhanced by Rivas in order to obtain larger bodily injury settlements.

In many instances, the "real" claimants in these false collision claims were involved in the fraud from the beginning and had solicited Rivas' services to make money. Rivas and Ingram each received one-third of all settlements;, the claimant received the remaining one-third, CDI said. In instances where the claimant did not exist, Rivas and Ingram simply split the settlement 50/50.

The following agencies assisted CDI detectives with these arrests: California Highway Patrol Investigators; the Los Angeles District Attorney Auto Fraud Investigators; Office of the U.S. Inspector General - Postal Inspectors; Orange County Auto Theft Task Force; Orange County District Attorney Investigators and Parole Officers from the California Department of Corrections.

The following insurance companies assisted in this investigation and all were victimized by this organized crime ring: 21st Century Insurance (AIG); Esurance; Commerce West; State Farm; Mercury Insurance; All-

Federal Bill Regarding State Vehicle Inspections U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, DTexas, has introduced House Bill 229, the Michael Jon Newkirk Transportation Safety Enhancement Act of 2011, that establishes national standards for safety inspections for motor vehicles.

The bill requires states to establish minimum annual vehicle safety inspection programs or lose specific federal funds.

During the first week of the 111th U.S. Congress, Jackson-Lee introduced House Resolution 259, which proposed to establish state safety inspection programs and national standards for state safety inspections of motor vehicles across the U.S., but no action was taken on the legislation.

Included in the requirements listed in the language of this new bill, states must enact and enforce “a law

that requires the owner of a motor vehicle registered in the state to present the vehicle for inspection on an annual basis to ensure that the vehicle meets or exceeds motor vehicle safety standards to be established by the state. At a minimum, such standards shall ensure that the seatbelts and speedometer installed in the vehicle are operable.”

Less than half the states have vehicle safety inspection programs and of those programs that do exist, many have inconsistent standards. The Automotive Service Association supports federal legislation mandating periodic state motor vehicle safety inspection with a minimum level of safety standards. ASA has proposed to Congress expanding the number of minimum standards included in the inspection.

8 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

state; Infinity; Wawanesa and Farmers Insurance Company. The National Insurance Crime Bureau also provided assistance for this investigation.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, Auto Insurance Fraud Unit will be prosecuting the cases.

Those that were arrested include: ● Albert Lee Ingram, 10/04/48 Valencia; Bail $500,000 ● Luis Armando Carbajal, 06/17/81 - Huntington Park; Bail $25,000 ● Walter Armando Galdamez, 11/23/74 - Los Angeles; Bail $25,000 ● Yarely Y. Maganda Valverde, 04/20/84 - Panorama City; Bail $25,000 ● Jorge Orozco Guerrero, 11/28/83 - Panorama City; Bail $25,000 ● Rony Sandoval, 05/08/87 - lynwood; Bail $25,000 ● Helen Cristabel Garcia Rodriguez, 06/09/78 - Los Angeles; Bail $25,000 ● Marco Antonio Monterroso, 04/23/83 - Los Angeles; Bail $50,000

● Alina Maganda Valverde, 04/09/87 - Pacoima; Bail $25,000 ● Brian Steve Linares, 08/22/85 Los Angeles; Bail $25,000 ● Gladys Coralia Alegria Barillas, 03/01/73 - Los Angeles; Bail $25,000 ● Veraliz Maribel Amaya, 08/14/64 - South Gate; Bail $25,000 ● Jose Benjamin Humberto Salgado, 04/01/54 - Los Angeles; Bail $25,000 ● Ana Salgado, 10/10/53 - Los Angeles; Bail $25,000 ● Humberto Carbajal, 02/02/86 Bell; Bail $25,000 ● Nancy Carrera, 01/03/78 - Whittier; Bail $25,000 ● Jovanni Sandoval, 10/03/90 Lynwood; Bail $25,000 ● Roberto Zarate, 02/22/69 - Paramount; Bail $25,000 ● Diana Ligia Moreno Chicas, 04/29/74 - South Gate; Bail $25,000 ● Martha Del Carmen Chicas, 01/01/54 - South Gate; Bail $25,000 ● Maria De Las Nieves Valverde Guzman, 06/21/65 - Pacoima; Bail $25,000

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parts@weatherfordbmw.com www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 9

PPG Spring MVP Conference Comes to Palm Springs in March Dedicated to providing collision shop managers and owners with the best in innovative support services and information, PPG will host an MVP Business Solutions Conference at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, California, March 27 – 29.

Focusing on the theme “Journey to Excellence,” the conference will present prominent speakers, enlightening seminars and interactive workshops to give participants opportunities to tap into new ideas and strategies to enhance their continuous business improvement efforts.

“PPG continues to bring cutting edge support and vital programs to its customers in every way possible,” said Randy Dewing, senior manager, MVP Business Solutions.

“Success for collision centers in this economy depends on keeping your organization heading in the right direction and accelerating performance from the bottom to the top. This MVP conference is geared toward helping owners and managers realize exceptional positive results—real results that will improve performance and keep our

Upcoming CAA Inland Empire Chapter Meeting Warns About EEEC Area Inspections

The Inland Empire Chapter of the CaliforniaAutobodyAssociation will hold a meeting on January 27 at 6:00 P.M. at the Royal Cut Restaurant in Ontario, CA. The Economic and Employment Enforcement Coalition (EEEC) will be performing unannounced inspections of area auto body shops this year along with EDD (payroll), OSHA (safety) and the Labor Commissioner’s Office (employee rights).

This meeting is being held to cover what body shops need to know about these inspections and will explain what typical violations occur.

This is one of only two times EEEC will speak this year. Cost is $40 for CAA members and $120 for non-members.

To attend the meeting or for more information please contact Cindy Shillito at 714-944-4028 or radiatorgirl@socal.rr.com.

See next month’s issue of Autobody News for coverage of this meeting.

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customers on the leading edge of process and business improvement.

Our speakers—experts in their fields— will show how an organization can keep moving ahead and stepping up its performance through a number of approaches and techniques.”

Conference keynote speaker Greg Smith is recognized as a leading authority on change and talent management, leadership development and employee retention. In his presentations, he teaches audiences how to create high-performance organizations that manage change in the workplace, develop leaders and increase innovation. Based on proven concepts, conference participants will be able to develop a plan to immediately generate measurable, bottom-line performance improvement results and be able to adapt to changing trends in today’s challenging work environment.

Other speakers include Michael McMillan, author of Pink Bat, a book showing how situations very often perceived to be problems are actually unrecognized solutions or new opportunities.

Popular South Bay Customizer Joe Gosinski Murdered in Shop

A well-known and popular owner of a South Bay sports car customizing business was found murdered early the morning of Christmas Eve at his Torrance custom car shop. Police say robbery was not the motive according to reports made by KTLA News.

Joseph Gosinski was found dead at Chicane Sport Tuning, 1908 Del Amo Blvd., shortly after authorities received a phone call at 1:15 A.M. about an injured man, said Torrance police Sargeant. J. Hart.

Gosinski was a well-known expert on the restoration of cars, especially the Ford Mustang. He had been featured on the TLC show, “Overhaulin’.”

Torrance police and the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office did not immediately report the cause of Gosinski’s death, which was being investigated as a homicide, Hart said.

Friends of Gosinski expressed their shock, disbelief and sadness over his death. Some were too overcome with grief to speak.

Anyone with information about Gosinski’s death is urged to call Torrance police at (310) 618-5570.

10 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Kevin King, a well-known authority on federal bureaucracy, will discuss its recent missteps in a don’tmiss overview of bureaucracies gone wild, how it affects business and what can be done about it.

In addition, the conference will offer management training, a number of breakout seminar sessions and a variety of workshops, including “Hire the Best, Forget the Rest! How to Hire and Retain Top People Each and Every Time,” a presentation by Smith in which he offers his insights about attracting, hiring and retaining skilled and talented people.

Other topics include “The 7 Qualities of the Leader as Coach—Secrets to Leading in the Inspiration Age” with Tom Heck, addressing the changed nature of the current workforce and how that calls for a new leadership approach with individuals and teams in collision centers.

Led by the marketing experts of the MVP Business Solutions team, Norm Angrove and John Martin, the “360º Marketing Systems” seminar will highlight the practical tools colli-

sion center owners and managers can use in their business.

The session will include the strategy and need for connecting with the four generations in the marketplace, social media engagement, elevating the customer experience and new insurer communication opportunities.

Attendance at the conference is open to owners and managers of collision centers using PPG Refinish products. Online registration will begin January 11.

For more information about PPG MVP Business Solutions and to register for the conference, please visit www.ppgmvp.com.

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New BMW Dealership Slated to Open in Vista, North San Diego County BMW of Vista, a full-service BMW dealership, is slated to open in Vista, CA on January 24. The dealership itself will be open to the public on that day, as well as the parts center.

Neighboring Oceanside, CA, housed a small BMW dealership a few years ago, but eventually shut its doors.

“There will be no delays, everything is being inspected now,” said Parts Manager Bill Cox. The new BMW of Vista is in a

large warehouse-type space off of the Emerald Drive exit on the 78 Freeway near Costco.

“We have the largest squarefootage to stock parts of any BMW dealership in the county,” said Cox. Cox is coming into his 34th year as a BMW parts manager and has acquired a team with similar BMW experience. According to Cox, everyone that he has hired to work at the dealership has quite a bit of prior BMW work experience.

The dealership building before remodeling

The dealership building in process of remodeling, at the beginning of January 2011

“We probably have 50 years total BMW experience between me and the other 5 guys I have on the team now,” said Cox. Accoridng to Cox, the dealership has been hiring people with up to 15 years of just BMW experience, not to mention the years of regular automotive experience these candidates had before being turned on to BMW. “Our key is BMW experience,” said Cox.

The dealership will center around the “BMW parts experience” with their very knowledgeable and experienced staff, as well as the new technology that has been integrated into the dealership.

“Everything is the latest, technology-wise,” said Cox, “Our service writers will have iPads on the floor.”

This full-service dealership will house sales, service and parts.

For more information please visit www.ncountybmw.com.

The final dealership building portrayed as a concept

Federal Agencies to Align with CA on New Clean Car Standards California and federal regulators will buddy-up when they release new clean car standards this fall, three state and national agencies said January 24, according to reports made by the Los Angeles Times.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation will coordinate with the California Air Resources Board when they simultaneously release proposed rules for vehicle fuel economy and carbon emissions on Sept. 1.

California has long been an early adopter of similar guidelines and is known for regulations that are often the strictest in the country. By agreeing to reschedule its announcement from the original March date, the state could be hoping to influence how the federal standards are developed, industry experts suggested.

“The vehicle manufacturers would certainly prefer a single national standard,” said John Boesel, chief executive of Calstart, a cleantransportation technology trade group based in Pasadena. “The California policymakers, if they agree to a single

standard, would want to ensure it’s demanding enough to address the state’s very serious air pollution challenges.”

A suggestion floated this fall from the Obama administration that new cars be required to reach 62 miles per gallon by 2025 met with backlash from the auto industry.

The EPA and the DOT had orinally aimed for Sept. 30 to release their proposals, which will affect cars and light trucks in the 2017 to 2025 model years. The federal agencies say that the current standards for the 2012 to 2016 model years, adopted in April, will eventually save 1.8 billion barrels of oil and avert 960 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

A final set of rules will be approved by 2012. Automakers cheered the partnership between the agencies while urging them not to rush into any decisions about miles-per-gallon and emissions targets.

“The current process is still in the early stages, with much analysis needed on critical issues such as the costs of advanced vehicle technologies and potential impacts on vehicle

See the NEW

Autobody News Website www.autobodynews.com 12 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

safety and jobs,” said Gloria Berquist, vice president of the Al-

liance of Automobile Manufacturers in a statement.

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CA May Have Highest Costs for Charging Electric Cars Californians may end up paying the highest electricity rates in the country to charge their electric vehicles, a new study says according to reports made by the Los Angeles Times.

The state’s tiered rate system, in which customers are charged higher rates as they use more electricity, could make plug-in hybrid and battery-powered vehicles more costly to own, according to a Purdue University study.

The study was unveiled as the first of the electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are reaching consumers. Two vehicles, the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt, started being delivered to their first customers last month.

Electric-car makers and utilities said most owners will probably charge their vehicles at night when the rates are lower. But because of the tiered rate system, their electricity bills will still probably be high. California households pay steeper rates for their electricity compared with other states — about 35% more than the national average, according to the study.

“The tiered system was put in because California wanted to be green and discourage electricity consumption,” said Wally Tyner, an energy economist and lead researcher on the study. “The unintended consequence is that it also discourages electric vehicles.”

A plug-in hybrid Volt would increase the average household’s electrical usage 60%, the study said.

Although the study didn’t explicitly examine all-electric vehicles such as the Leaf, “the same principle would apply,” Tyner said.

Both the hybrid Toyota Prius, which doesn’t need an outlet to charge, and the gas-powered Chevrolet Cobalt are more cost-effective in California, the study found. Oil prices would have to rise from less than $100 a barrel now to between $171 and $254 to make the Volt as economical, even after factoring in thousands of dollars in government incentives.

“Once past the highly motivated early adopters who don’t care how much they pay to run their cars, charg-

14 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ing costs in California will make it hard to go to market with the general consumer,” Tyner said.

A more economical system, he said, would be to use flat electricity rates, such as Indiana’s rate of 8 cents per kilowatt-hour. California’s average rate is 14.4 cents per kilowatthour.

Short of scrapping tiered pricing, Tyner said, utilities in California should consider installing flat-rate meters for electric cars that are billed separately from the rest of the household.

But local power companies said they are already experimenting with different rate formulas to help boost electric car use.

Southern California Edison offers three programs for electric vehicle owners, said Ed Kjaer, director of electric transportation at the utility.

One of them involves having a separate, lower rate for the electric car.

The Purdue findings, which took more than a year to compile, were published in the Energy Policy journal.

7 Insurers Sue Toyota Over Acceleration Crashes Toyota Says are ‘Without Merit’

Seven insurance companies have sued Toyota Motor Corp. in an attempt to recover money paid to cover crashes they blame on sudden acceleration.

The insurers cite data that blames 725 crashes on the problem and fault the Japanese automaker for failing to equip its cars with an override system that would cause a car to idle if the brake and gas were deployed simultaneously. They are seeking damages in excess of $230,000 from 14 crashes throughout the United States.

Toyota said the latest lawsuits are without merit.

“Toyota believes that any allegation that a vehicle-based defect is the cause of unintended acceleration in this or any other complaint is completely unfounded and has no basis,” Toyota spokeswoman Celeste Migliore told the Los Angeles Times.

The insurance companies are American Automobile Insurance Co, Fireman’s Fund Insurance, National Surety Corp, Ameriprise Insurance, IDS Property Casualty Insurance, Motorists Mutual Insurance and American Hardware Mutual Insurance. The lawsuits were filed Jan 13 in LA Superior Court.

Valley Ventura CAA Chapter Discusses SCAQMD Compliance and Fraud The Valley Ventura chapter of the CaliforniaAutobodyAssociation (CAA) held their monthly meeting on January 19 at Giovanni’s Steak & Seafood in Simi Valley. 52 guests were in attendance.

Wayne Barcikowski and Van Phan started off the speakers by outlining the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) rule 1147 and how it affects local shop owners.

ter, the postponement was a result of Barcikowski hearing a lot of shops speak out about their inability to afford to conform to Rule 1147 by 2011 at three CAA meetings he spoke at last year.

The requirement was postponed due to the SCAQMD workshopping some new technology used to reduce old gas burners to under 30 parts per million.

mit fees. Contact SCAQMD’s permit information center at 909-396-2468 for rebate questions.

“In some cases, you may be eligible for a rebate on some of those fees,” said Holcomb.

Rich Winfield, with Southern California Boiler, also spoke about the specifics of low NOx burners and power flame. His intent was to show shops how

highly publicized Orange County body shop raids in 2010—spoke on how shops can prepare themselves for an undercover fraud sting operation coming in to their business. Huish, the former District Attorney for Orange County, has advocated shops maintaining their fifth amendment rights to avoid implicating themselves in investigations.

The meeting was sponsored by

Criminal Defense Attorney Dyke Huish

A packed house at Giovanni’s Steak and Seafood in Simi Valley

Members from New Tech Auto Body enjoy networking before the meeting

AQMD’s Wayne Barcikowski

Air Quality Management District Rule 1147, regarding low NOx burners, was recently postponed—making all shops required to be compliant by the end of 2011. According to Linda Holcomb with the Pasadena/Foothills Chap-

Body shops are encouraged to visit www.aqmd.gov for more information about air quality requirements.

Body shops can also find information on SCAQMD’s website about potential rebates for some of the burner per-

they can get their equipment up to compliance with Rule 1147 by next year.

Criminal Defense Attorney Dyke Huish—well known in the industry for representing 13 body shop owners and technicians in court following the

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www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 15

Shop Strategies for Savings with Walter Danalevich

Walter Danalevich, AAM, has been the owner of Santa Barbara Auto Refinishing since 1979. Contact him at: sbarbody@earthlink.net.

Credit Card Processing Fees—Dings, Dents, and Crashes on Your Bottom Line

by Walter Danalevich

As we all roll into the New Year with new personal, business, and profit projection goals, many of us are asking ourselves what business operating expenses we are able to reduce which would result in added profits to our bottom line? This is especially true during these tough economic times.

Personally, I make it a practice at the conclusion of each calendar year to review our body shop’s financial reports by searching out unnecessary expenses. My objective is to reduce all wasteful expenses which have occurred during the day-to-day rush of conducting business.

One category of expense which recently struck me as needing some attention is the credit card processing hosting fee. Yes, that little box from which you hear the sweet sound of ‘Cha Ching’ each time a customer pays their deductible

and/or decides to deposit the Insurance check in their personal bank account (with intentions to accumulate additional “Reward Points.”)

Take a minute to do some simple math. How many credit card transactions does your business process on average per month? Now look at your monthly Credit Card Host processing fees which were deducted from your bank account, multiply by twelve months and ... How many of you are saying OMG? Did your bottom line get Dinged and Dented or was it more like Crashed and Burned?

Here are a few credit card processing tips to improve your Business’s monthly bottom line.

Most of us have received at one time or another cold call telemarketing inquiries. Hearing well-rehearsed sales hooks by credit card telemarketers who make promises stating

only their company can provide you with the lowest processing rate on Earth.

Unfortunately, most business owners and managers are taken advantage of by fast talking sales representatives. There is so much more to take into account for business owners then what is initially portrayed by the sales rep. Many business managers are lulled into security by hearing a well recited sales pitch for the lowest Merchant processing fees.

The problem which often occurs is the business manger does not read further into the contents of the “TERMS AND CONDITIONS” agreement from the credit card hosting company, which usually is written in a size 7 or smaller print.

Instead the manager is lead to believe he or she is receiving the “lowest credit card processing rate available.

Here is a condensed list of a few “STANDARD FEES” applied by most

credit card hosts. I highly recommend if you are interested in retaining more income from each credit card transaction, be sure to take the time to understand the “Terms and Conditions” of the Credit Card host agreement before you proceed with your signature of acceptance.

● QUALIFIED Transaction Rate: Remember that lowest price rate you were promised by that sweet talking sales rep? Well if the customer’s credit card happens to be a “REWARDS” card you need to know your bank account will be “dented” on the average of at least one percentage point higher than the lowest rate you were lead to believe you were receiving. CHA CHING!!! ● Equipment fee: Normally Credit Card Host requires leasing, purchas-

16 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ing or supplying the credit card terminal. You may save at least $600.00 for a credit card terminal by shopping for the best deal. Be sure to check the equipment return terms if leasing the equipment to avoid your sales income from being severely dented! ● Fees: Set-up fees, Training Fees, Transaction fees, Multi location fee, Chargeback fee, Retrieval fee, Pin pad debit fee, Equipment fee, Nonqualified transaction fee, Processing fee, Per item fee, Return draft fee, Voice Authorization fee, Account management fee, Monthly minimum charge fee and of course when you get sick of paying all those fees and decide to change to another credit card host there is a CANCELLATION FEE! ● Term & Termination: Often overlooked by most business managers is

the automatic term renewal. The Credit Card host has no obligation to contact you or offer advanced notice about service terms and termination procedures.

This article does not begin to cover every aspect of credit card processing fees. Rather it is written to open your eyes of the potential “unnecessary fee expenses” to your business which can lead to hundreds and in some cases thousands of dollars in bank processing fees “taken” from your annual income. In business there will always be some merchant processing fee to pay.

However, let us all make an effort to close up the leaks applied to the profit goals we work so hard at to achieve!!!

Contact Walter at: www.sbautobody.com, http://tinyurl.com/sbautobody

www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 17

Shop Showcase with Ed Attanasio

MIKE’S AUTO BODY, Seven Bay Area Locations: Concord, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, Antioch, and Brentwood, contact the shops at www.mautobody.com

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

Mike’s Auto Body Gives Away Vehicles Through its Own Benevolence Program The holiday season always arrives a little earlier for deserving families in Contra Costa County when Mike’s Auto Body in the East Bay presents refurbished vehicles to disadvantaged and deserving families. In late 2010, four families received cars from Mike’s, presented to them at a ceremony held at the company’s newest

But a few years ago, Mike’s adopted their own program which they titled Mike’s Auto Body Benevolence Program.

Corey Lawson, a single father of one from Antioch, received a 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible, so that he can get to and from work every day. Allstate Insurance donated the

for a decade is one of the best things I’ve done in all the years I’ve been in this industry. People step up to help out in any way, so it’s a team effort.”

has the means to get these vehicles road ready,” Rose said. “It’s just a matter of getting our vendors on the same page. For the sake of the other

Joey Farmer of Antioch, CA got a 2008 Toyota Prius, donated by AAA Insurance as part of Mike’s Auto Body’s Benevolence Program for 2010

Corey Lawson, a single father of one from Antioch (at center) received a 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible donated by Allstate Insurance and refurbished by the crew at Mike’s Auto Body

facility in Antioch, CA. Mike’s Auto Body has refurbished 30 cars over the past 10 years, with help from local Bay Area vendors and insurance companies who donate the vehicles, Sal Contreras, Marketing Director of Mike’s Auto Body, said.

Every year, the collision repair industry deals with cars that are “written off” by owners or insurance companies as total losses. For many years, Mike’s Auto Body was a participant in the Akzo Nobel’s National Benevo-

original car to the program.

Helen Geddes of Walnut Creek received a 2005 Chevrolet Aveo, donated to the program by Safeco Insurance. Joey Farmer got a 2008 Toyota Prius, donated by AAA Insurance; and Lee Waverly of San Leandro received a 2007 KIA Optima, donated by Mercury Insurance.

Contreras never tires of the joy he sees on peoples’ faces when they view their refurbished cars for the very first time. “It’s a miraculous moment when

Mike Rose, owner of seven Mike’s Auto Body locations, said he is extremely proud once again to be a part of their very own Benevolence Program. “We are in an industry that

applicants that are still in need of reliable transportation, we only hope that more shops can create a similar program of their own to give back to the community.”

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415-776-7700 800-752-2893 Hours: Helen Geddes of Walnut Creek, CA (at center left) received a 2005 Chevrolet Aveo, donated to the program by Safeco Insurance, at an unveiling ceremony held at Mike’s Auto Body’s new location in Antioch, CA.

lence Program, a community relations program that presents refurbished cars to deserving people or organizations during the holidays, Contreras said.

they see their cars,” he said. “Their expressions are priceless and every time we get a real thrill being there to see it happen. Being involved in this program

18 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Monday - Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM

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Continued from Page 1

Steering

believe. There isn’t a major insurance company in the industry that advocates, teaches, or encourages their staff to steer vehicle owners to or away from a shop.

That said, insurance company executives aren’t foolish enough to believe they don’t have local or regional management that steer or manipulate the system. Unfortunately, insurers, much like body shop owners, have limited control over what their employees do 100 percent of the time.

The steering that happens at a local and regional level is typically a result of personality conflicts between two individuals. Much like anything in life, people buy from people. If an insurance adjuster doesn’t like you or your staff, your shop could be negatively impacted. The adjuster might suggest to the vehicle owner that you are difficult to deal with, or that the insurance carrier doesn’t have a relationship with you versus one it has with another shop down the street.

These types of business practices aren’t ethical, but I am also a realist.

These occurrences are isolated and not a general practice employed by the largest carriers in the U.S. Unfortunately, the body shop on the receiving end of this is negatively impacted.

Shops clamor for legislation in the hopes of putting an end to steering. Does anyone believe that if passed into law that it would prevent an adjuster from subtly hinting that your shop may charge more than someone else on their program? If you believe that, I have a unicorn I would like to sell you.

Virtually every major insurance carrier has a word track designed to limit their staff members from steering. Some have shifted to using centralized call centers so that personality conflicts don’t impede the customer’s choice. Customers are informed they have a choice as to where they want their vehicle repaired. But even though this may be come as surprise to many of you, ninety percent of the vehicle owners (customers) don’t have a shop in mind and do ask the insurance company for a recommendation.

Legislation could have a positive impact on word tracks, and fines could be established for breaking the law.

Unfortunately, the odds against proving guilt would seemingly render the best legislation meaningless.

Steering is alive and well in the collision repair industry. Your job, as I see it, is to get better at playing the game and finding a way to reach the vehicle owner (your potential customer) because the odds are good they don’t even know who you are.

I’ll take on the topic of referrals in my next column.

‘The Insider’ is a corporate-level executive with a Top 10 auto insurer in the U.S. Got a comment or question you’d like to see him address in a future column?

Email him at: Auto.Insurance.Insider@gmail.com.

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Speed Limits Changing in San Diego Suburb

Speed limits on several Santee streets may soon be changing in Santee, an eastern suburb of San Diego, according to reports made by the North County Times. The Santee City Council January 26 will be asked to make the changes and spend an estimated $3,500 to change affected speed limit signs.

Speed limits on city streets have to be recertified every seven years in order for them to be enforceable by radar, according to the the CA Vehicle Code.

Changes include reducing the speed limit to 30 mph on Carlton Oaks Drive, from Carlton Hills Boulevard to Stoyer Drive; and to reduce the speed limit to 35 mph on Cuyamaca Street from Town Center Parkway to Mission Gorge Road and from Mast Boulevard to Town Center Parkway. On Prospect Avenue, from Fanita Drive to Olive Lane, the speed limit will drop to 35 mph. The speed limit will increase to 40 mph on much of Mast Boulevard, from the city’s western city limits. The speed limit will also go up to 40 on Mission Gorge Road, from Cottonwood Avenue to Magnolia Avenue.

If the council approves, there would be a second reading and subsequent adoption at a Feb. 9 meeting.

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Sherwin-Williams A-Plus™ Network Holds Vision Conference in Jacksonville,FL Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes A-Plus™ Network recently held its annual Vision Conference at the Marriott Sawgrass resort in Jacksonville, FL. The conference provided more than 90 collision facility owners and managers with world-class train-

• Richard Rule, Senior Consulting Partner, The Ken Blanchard Company, opened the session with an extensive session on creating legendary customer service in your organization • George Avery, Estimatics Consultant Property & Casualty Claims, State

Sherwin-Williams’ A-Plus Network at the Vision Conference in Jacksonville, FL

ing, top industry speakers and group breakout sessions, all with a focus on succeeding in a difficult economic climate.

“Collision facility owners and managers that attended this conference already outperform the market by almost 10 percent. We’re pleased that Sherwin-Williams can assemble such a successful group of collision industry leaders and be a resource to assist them in continuing to meet their numerous challenges,” said Adam Chafe, Vice President Global Marketing for Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes. “Not only are the top collision centers faced with fewer repair opportunities, increasing performance demands and higher operating costs, but in order to be successful, they must stay ahead of the curve and help drive the culture of the new collision repair industry.”

The A-Plus Network is made up of an exclusive group of collision repair specialists who reflect the industry’s highest standards. They are part of the Sherwin-Williams leading value added program that combines comprehensive business solutions to help them improve customer service, employee growth, insurance relationships, process refinement, productivity and profitability.

The conference agenda featured many outstanding industry leaders and speakers from the collision repair arena:

Farm and President of the National Auto Body Council, provided an overview of NABC’s Recycled Rides program. He also discussed changes and challenges in the collision repair industry and what DRP relations might look like in the future.

• Chris Andreoli, Corporate Claims Manager , Progressive Insurance, reviewed Progressive’s current position and collision repair market strategy, including its extensive Concierge program.

• Leslie Upham, Director of Commercial Development, Thatcham Organization, presented in-depth analysis and trends within the collision repair industry in the United Kingdom, and how its issues and regulations could affect and assist shop owners and managers in the U.S. • Tom Hablitzel, President, Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes, reported on the status of the Company, global challenges Sherwin-Williams and its customers face, and where the collision industry is headed in years to come.

After keynote speakers were finished, a number of breakout sessions were held in tandem with peer-to-peer discussion groups during the threeday event. The discussion groups gave attendees the chance to review financial performance, discuss lean implementation, build marketing plans and define their goals.

20 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

“This conference was intended to support and educate our Vision Group Members as they formulate their 2011 business plans, giving our members the competitive edge to succeed in this challenging environment. The conference is just one of several meetings

our Vision Group Members attend and all are designed to keep their businesses at the industry forefront,” added Chafe.

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes began the A-Plus Network Vision Group Program in 2000 and now has two independent owners groups, one manager’s group and two dealership collision center groups.

These groups consist of both single and multiple shop owners and managers. Square One Systems, Inc., one of the premier independent “20Group” providers in the industry, administers and moderates the A-Plus Network Vision Groups.

A-Plus Network members not only benefit through their Vision Group participation, but are also assisted by the program’s many business-building opportunities. These include specialized marketing and management programs, industry leading business training through A-Plus Network University, insurance relations programs, loyalty benefits and specialized programs and services from outstanding contributors.

For more information about the A-Plus Network visit www.sherwinautomotive.com; or call 1-800SWULTRA (1-800-798-5872).

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East Bay CAA Chapter Hears From GM Collision/Powertrain and BECCA®

by Ed Attanasio

The theme was education and information, offered by GM and BECCA, a company that markets paint spray gun cleaning systems designed for automotive and industrial applications.

Reps from both companies were the co-keynote speakers at a meeting held by the CAA East Bay Chapter in January, held at Scott’s Seafood restaurant in Walnut Creek, Calif.

First, GM Collision/Powertrain Wholesale Specialist Jeffrey James outlined the carmaker’s parts buying

incentive programs for the body shops in attendance and stressed the corporation’s desire to get more of its OE parts into their repairs.

James discussed the three major programs offered by GM, including Bump the Competition, in which shops can submit estimates on aftermarket parts, so that GM can match or beat aftermarket prices where possible. Fast Cash Rebates incentives and the GM Outlet Shop, where body shops can purchase salvaged and/or production overrun parts at highly discounted prices.

“We want to keep our hand in the pot when it comes to OE vs. aftermarket or salvaged/remanufactured parts,” James said. “OEM parts fit better and the quality is superior, and from my experience, body shops and insurance companies want original parts in their repairs.”

These three programs are devised

by GM to take the price issue out of the equation, James said, so that more shops can include them in their estimates without hesitation.

“These programs are tailored for shops that want to capture some of

these savings, through rebates, reduced prices and price matching strategies.”

Bill Shepherd with BECCA’s West Coast Service Center discussed the importance for shops to keep their spray guns clean, in order to produce a better and cleaner paint job.

Shepherd visits a wide range of body shops weekly, and many of them are still not cleaning their guns properly, he explained. In the end, it means having to re-do jobs or producing lowquality paint jobs, Shepherd said.

“Ninety percent of the problems associated with poor paint jobs revolve

Roy Wold, parts manager at Dublin Chevrolet (left) and GM Collision/Powertrain Wholesale Specialist Jeffrey James visited during the CAA East Bay Chapter meeting

Clarice and Gary Hernandez, co-owners of Martinez Auto Body in Martinez, California attended the January CAA East Bay Chapter meeting

Bill Shepherd from BECCA talked about how spray guns can properly be cleaned and maintained

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around the simple fact that shops don’t properly clean their guns,” he said. “People say that the guns can’t corrode, because they’re made of steel, but the body is aluminum, and they can corrode over time.”

Waterborne paint has a distinct personality and if guns are cleaned improperly, the end result can be a “cottage cheese” like substance clogging your guns and leading to issues with the finished product, such as mottling and tiger stripes, to name a few, Shepherd said.

One useful tip offered by Shepherd is to run air through the gun while cleaning it, he said. “Air is the key to a clean gun. It takes only 5-10 minutes to disassemble and clean a gun, but techs don’t always feel like they have the time to do it.”

At the conclusion of the meeting, CAA East Bay Chapter President Lisa Daves talked about several upcoming events sponsored by the chapter. Several government agencies (including the EDD and EEOC) will be addressing the chapter at their March meeting and on June 4th, they’ll be holding their annual golf tournament for its 25th straight year.

Florida Autobody Collision Alliance Names Full-time Director

The Executive Board of Directors of the Florida Autobody Collision Alliance announced that it has appointed Cathy Mills its first Executive Director. Mills assumed the responsibilities of the position on January 1, 2011.

Dave McBroom, President of the FACA State Executive Board, made the announcement. “The FACA Executive Board of Directors, after a long thorough search, is pleased to announce the selection of Cathy Mills as the first full time Executive Director.

Cathy’s extensive experience in the collision industry makes her a perfect candidate for the position...Her background as a multi shop manager, administrator and trainer will give FACA the shot in the arm we need to move on to the next level.”

“It is such a privilege to have this opportunity to be the first Executive Director of FACA.” Mills said. “I am both honored and flattered to serve on behalf of all of Florida’s collision repairers and our affiliate members.

Working side by side with our Board of Directors, I believe that we all have the passion to do our best to achieve

so much for our industry. With all our members and affiliates working together and doing the right things for the right reasons, we can make a difference. I am so looking forward to this journey.”

Dave McBroom, FACA’s Past Executive Director, congratulating Cathy Mills

Mills started her career in the collision industry over 25 years as manager of a dealership body shop in Jacksonville, FL. In 1991 she worked with Randy Waldron, owner of Jacksonville Collision Centers before they were sold to Sterling Autobody. Mills was promoted to the Florida regional team and did all the office training for the new Florida Sterling shops with

Waldron. She describes him as a true visionary in the industry, her mentor and a great friend. She worked on developing training procedures with Sterling for 15 years.

“For two and a half years, FACA’s Executive Board of Directors and the six Chapter Boards have all given as much time as possible to the FACA and still try to find time to run their respective shops. At the end of every day I feel that I have fallen short in representing FACA’s members and affiliates,” McBroom said.

“Having Cathy onboard fulltime daily to provide the day to day tasks of coordinating between our chapters will be a huge plus for us. I want to personally thank my board members for their support in this selection process. Thanks to our sponsor affiliates who have contributed financially and a special thanks to Aaron Schulenburg of SCRS and Jordan Hendler of WMABA for their guidance through the process.”

For more information please visit www.facafl.org orcontact Cathy Mills at Cathy@FACAFL.com.

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FinishMaster Donates Supplies to Collision Education Programs FinishMaster has donated $52,000 in supplies to three collision programs through the Collision Repair Education Foundation. The donated kits contain an assortment of supplies such as masking tape, adhesive, paint remover, and other items. The schools receiving these donations include: Ivy Tech Community College (Terre Haute, IN), Kennedy-King College (Chicago, IL), and Northcentral Technical College (Wausau, WI).

“FinishMaster is proud to support the Collision Repair Education Foundation and their charter to train and educate the next generation of PBE technicians,” said J.A. Lacy, President and CEO of FinishMaster.

“We know our donation will be useful to the technical schools as they prepare for the next semester.”

“FinishMaster’s continued support of the Collision Repair Education Foundation through school product donations assist schools in a time when many instructors are facing budget cuts and might not have the needed supplies to instruct their students,” stated Collision Repair Education Foundation Executive Director, Scott Kruger. “These supplies help instructors and their collision pro-

grams in many ways and the end result is a better educational experience for the students by having the proper hands-on instructional tools. I would like to thank FinishMaster for coming to the aid of the future of the industry once again through their support and donation.”

“I would like to thank FinishMaster and the Collision Repair Education Foundation for wholeheartedly supporting Northcentral Technical College’s (NTC) students,” stated NTC Dean of Technical and Trades, Victoria Pietz.

“You have gone above and beyond expectations in providing valuable insight into the development of NTC’s two-year auto collision program, finding ways to help us create a state-of-the-art lab. Without the industry’s support, the continued advancement of auto collision education would not be such a success. It is Northcentral Technical College’s goal to do our part in providing an educational program that works toward continually improving and supporting the needs of the industry with a qualified workforce.”

For additional information about FinishMaster visit www.finishmaster.com.

Enterprise Adds Chevy Volt to Rental Fleet Seen by company executives as a way to promote all extended-range electric vehicles, Enterprise Rent-A-Car announced January 13 that it will be the first to offer the Chevrolet Volt for daily and weekly rentals. The availability is expected later this month.

Officials indicated the Volt will be available at the Mark Christopher Auto Center in Ontario, Calif., in addition to a new charging station.

As Enterprise Rent-A-Car continues to add EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles throughout its network, executives insist more customers will have an opportunity to try the new technology for consideration of purchase, out of curiosity or to choose an environmentally friendly vehicle rental option. They also think it gives customers a chance to learn more about the charging process.

“Purchase demand for electric vehicles has been impressive, and we anticipate similar demand from rental customers,” stated Jeff Morrell, vice president of Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The company noted additional EVs will be offered at other Enterprise locations as manufacturers make them available. For example, Enterprise said 500 Nissan LEAFs will be avail-

able at select locations nationwide and on-site charging stations will be installed to support the vehicles.

Executives mentioned charging stations already have been installed at Enterprise offices in Los Angeles, San Diego and Santa Monica, Calif.

“By embracing new, clean fuel and engine technologies like electric vehicles, Enterprise can help the passenger vehicle remain relevant by giving alternatives a chance to become commercially successful,” declared Lee Broughton, director of sustainability for Enterprise Holdings, which owns and operates Enterprise Rent-ACar, along with the Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental brands.

Meanwhile, Chris Leggio, president of Mark Christopher Auto Center, is eager to have an electric vehicle as an option for his customers.

“Our partnership with Enterprise is all about providing the best possible service,” Leggio asserted.

“The Volt incorporates brand-new vehicle technology,” he continued. “So as our customers become familiar with the vehicles, we’re excited that Enterprise can offer the Volt for rental, providing a seamless and convenient customer service experience at our facility.”

New Location and Dates Announced for NACE/CARS As a direct result of feedback from industry participants, Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW) is pleased to announce it will return to a rotating pattern beginning in 2011. The 2011 exposition will be held Oct. 6-8 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., which also returns the show to a Thursday - Saturday date pattern. Education will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 5. ASRW includes the International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) and the Congress of Automotive Repair & Service (CARS), both sponsored by the Automotive Service Association (ASA).

Ron Pyle, ASA President, briefly mentioned investigating potential changes at the closing press conference of the 2010 event. Subsequently, ASRW solicited feedback and opinions from the industry through a series of surveys which stated, “you decide.”

“The surveys elicited much more of a response than we were expecting and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to respond,” stated Pyle.

ASRW plans to rotate locations between the East, Midwest and West.

Rotating the event is intended to attract new attendees, as well as those who have not been attending in previous years. The location for 2012 is to be determined.

Information from surveys taken after the 2010 NACE show showed that the industry wanted the show to rotate geographically around the country, take place in October/November, and over a Thursday — Saturday day pattern.

ASA solicited the preferred city in each segment of the country (East Coast, Midwest and West Coast). On the East Coast, Orlando was ranked as the #1 option. Although the audience was tired of the event being permanently located in Las Vegas, they still overwhelmingly preferred Las Vegas when the event rotates to the West Coast. The top Midwest locations were New Orleans, Indianapolis, Chicago and San Antonio.

“ASRW is the industry’s show, and we’re pleased with the changes we’ve made which align directly to the majority consensus we received,” continued Pyle.

Preparations for the 2011 event are well underway. Housing for the 2011 event will open in late spring and will feature a variety of options, ranging in price from $99 - $200. Registration for attendees and exhibitors will open in early summer. Visit www.ASRWevents.com for more information.

For information, contact Hanley Wood Exhibitions at P.O. Box 612128, Dallas, Texas 75261-2128 or call (888) 529-1641 or (972) 536-6444.

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Chrysler to Work with EPA on Hydraulic Hybrid Western Edition

Playing catch-up in the alternative powertrain race, Chrysler said January 19 that it will work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on a hydraulic hybrid technology for minivans, according to reports made by the Detroit Free Press.

The news comes a day after disclosing that the Chrysler 300 and the next-generation minivan will have optional hybrid-electric powertrains.

EPA administrator Lisa Jackson and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne announced the hydraulic hybrid partnership at the agency’s Ann Arbor emissions lab. The goal is to put the system in a test fleet of 15 to 20 Chrysler Town & Country minivans sometime next year. If Chrysler decides the technology works and the cost is reasonable, it could be put into broader production.

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Jackson also said the hydraulic hybrid, which is already deployed in some delivery vans and garbage trucks, can boost fuel efficiency by 30% to 35% and reduce greenhousegas emissions by 25%.

Unlike hybrid electric technology, a hydraulic hybrid incorporates an engine pump, a small hydraulic motor and, in this project, Chrysler’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. There is no battery pack.

The engine’s torque drives a hydraulic pump that charges a device — called an accumulator — that delivers pressure to the rear axle, where a hydraulic motor helps drive the wheels.

Marchionne said it costs less than an electric hybrid powertrain, but presents a packaging challenge because the system is larger than a conventional gas-only engine. It is used in such commercial vehicles as garbage

trucks and UPS delivery vans.

Chrysler, which won’t bring its first electric vehicle— the Fiat 500EV — to market until next year, has been slower than most competitors to offer alternatives to gas-only engines. The company is exploring a broad array of technologies that can help meet the government’s mandated corporate fuel-economy average of 35.5 m.p.g. by 2016.

On Tuesday at Chrysler’s Windsor plant, Marchionne said there will be hybrid-electric versions of the Chrysler 300 and the next-generation minivan slated to reach showrooms in late 2013 or early 2014.

The automaker is planning to introduce an eight-speed rear-drive and a nine-speed front-drive transmission, both of which were designed to work with hybrid-electric engines.

But much of Chrysler’s alterna-

February 2011 tive powertrain agenda depends on a $3 billion Energy Department loan that remains under review but had been expected by the end of 2010.

“Am I concerned that this thing is taking longer than I thought? Absolutely yes,” Marchionne said. “There are a couple of projects that need funding, but so far we’re fine.”

An Energy Department spokesman declined to comment on Chrysler’s loan application.

Still, the initial investment in the hydraulic hybrid project with Chrysler will be about $2 million, which will come from the EPA budget, Jackson said.

If Chrysler decides the technology is viable for consumers, the company and the EPA will negotiate a longer-term licensing agreement and determine how much each partner will invest.

Toyota Outpaces GM to Remain World’s Largest Automaker for Third Year Toyota Motor Corp. was the world’s largest automaker for a third year in 2010 as a recovery in global vehicle demand outweighed a decline in U.S. sales, according to reports made by Bloomberg News.

Toyota’s sales, including its luxury Lexus marque and deliveries from affiliates Daihatsu Motor Co. and Hino Motors Ltd., rose 8 percent to 8.42 million units in 2010, the automaker said in a statement.

General Motors Co., the secondranked car company, said in a separate statement that worldwide deliveries gained 12 percent to 8.39 million.

Toyota’s U.S. sales slowed 0.4 percent to 1.76 million units last year after the company struggled to recover its reputation following record recalls for defects related to unintended acceleration. While its China

sales jumped 19 percent, they trailed GM’s 29 percent surge in the world’s largest market.

“Toyota’s sales in Asia are growing, but in China it’s clearly lagging behind GM and other market leaders,” said Satoru Takada, a Tokyobased analyst at TIW Inc. “In the U.S., with the recalls, a lack of splashy new models and the top-selling Camry at the end of its cycle, the result is not surprising.”

Toyota shares gained 1.3 percent to close at 3,415 yen in Tokyo. The stock has gained 6.1 percent in 2011.

Volkswagen, GM Volkswagen AG, the world’s third biggest carmaker, sold 7.14 million vehicles in 2010, an increase of 14 percent, and forecast growth of 5 percent in 2011, sales chief Christian Klingler said on Jan. 10.

26 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Toyota said on Dec. 21 that it expects to sell about 8.6 million vehicles this year. GM’s statement January 24 didn’t include a 2011 forecast.

The U.S. automaker named Dan Akerson, a former managing director of the Carlyle Group, chief executive officer on Sept. 1 and chairman in December.

The company, which went bankrupt in 2009, returned to public trading on Nov. 18 following an initial public offering of common and preferred shares that raised more than $20 billion.

U.S. sales at Detroit-based GM rose 6.3 percent to 2.22 million units in 2010, the company said.

“We have to position the company and our products with the customer first,” Mark Reuss, president of GM North America, said January 24 in response to reporters’ ques-

tions about whether the company had a goal of surpassing Toyota’s sales. “The rest of that is just an outcome.”

Reuss spoke at an event in Flint, Michigan, where GM is adding a third shift and 750 jobs to boost pickup production.

Toyota sales, excluding its Hino and Daihatsu units, increased 8 percent to 7.53 million units last year.

Sales at Daihatsu, a minicar unit 51 percent owned by Toyota, gained 4 percent to 783,000 vehicles in 2010, while truckmaker Hino gained 35 percent to 107,000 units, Toyota said.

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ZF Develops 9-Speed Automatic Transmission for Vehicles ZF has developed the world’s first 9speed automatic transmission for ve-

The 9-speed transmission concept generation

hicles equipped with a transversely mounted engine. It will be built in a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing

facility near Greenville, South Carolina.

“Already a leader in technically advanced, fuel-saving multispeed transmissions for rear-drive

vehicles, ZF’s new 9-speed enables significant fuel economy improvements and delivers excellent performance characteristics for front-wheel-drive vehicles,” said Hans-Georg Harter, ZF’s President and CEO. Groundbreaking for the new South Carolina factory takes place in February. Production and application details will be released later.

Fuel economy and increased performance Compared to conventional 6-speed automatic transmissions for frontdrive platforms, ZF’s new 9-speed automatic transmission enhances driving performance and fuel economy. An advanced shock absorber system in the torque converter allows rapid lock up of the converter clutch, enabling greater fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.

Similar to ZF’s 8-speed automatic transmission used in reardrive platforms, the new 9-speed

delivers short response and shifting times that are below the threshold of perception. That means double shifts and direct multiple gearshifts occur without the driver or passenger noticing.

Electronic controls select the right gear for the driving conditions, eliminating “stepping” — or constant shifting. The 9-speed carries the same sporty attributes found in ZF’s transmissions for rear-drive vehicles, including excellent shifting, immediate response and smoothness.

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Gonzo’s Toolbox

Hoopty, or Redefining POS with Gonzo Weaver

A decrepit 94 Impala SS with a 5.7 liter engine was towed in to my shop.

When this thing was new, it was a real power house. But, this poor thing had a pretty rough life. Terry (my buddy the tow truck driver) was standing in the lobby with this grin on his face. I could tell he was about to give me one of his patented tall tales about this car.

“Gonz, you’re going to like this one, nice car, a crème puff, oh, and the paint, awesome, just awesome...

You’ll have to put your gloves on before you start on this cherry ride.”

“Really, how come I don’t believe you,” I said.

By now he couldn’t stop from laughing. On the way over the trunk lid pops open, the entire latch area was completely rotted away. The car was painted with flat black paint, from a spray can. No door panels, broken trim inside and out, cracked glass, and a pillow in the driver seat to keep you from falling through the seat. The car leaned to one side as if a spring was broken or the shock towers were rusted through. The outside mirrors are dangling off the doors, the wheels don’t match, and there’s a steady drip of oil from under the car.

It’s a real POS. (Your definition is sufficient.)

It started, so I drove it into a service bay. The thing smelled awful and I’m not talking just the exhaust. I was told it would die while driving and you’d have to wait some time before it would start again. The service light was on, along with almost all the other warning lights.

Several codes were stored. I wrote them all down and then cleared

This is a new story by Scott “Gonzo” Weaver as posted on his website, www.gonzostoolbox.com. See his book “Hey Look! I Found The Loose Nut”, which provides a Good Laugh for Mechanics of Any Age. The book is available at amazon.com. Contact Gonzo at Gonzosae@aol.com

the memory and restarted the car. Two codes did return right away. One was for the secondary air system, that one was easy, the relay was missing. The other code (36) had to do with the distributor (high resolution circuit). I ran the test procedure. One of tests required that the connector at the distributor needed to be disconnected to verify connection quality. The connector…. what connector? Someone had stabbed the four wires into the distributor housing and siliconed them in place. The entire distributor area was covered in oil. In fact, the oil was dripping out of a crack in the distributor cap. (How the H?LL did this thing even start?)

There’s no sense in going any further, I priced out the obvious parts and called the customer. To say he was shocked would be an understatement. This distributor isn’t cheap by a long shot on these 5.7’s. But, what surprised me even more was what the owner told me.

He said, “The parts were new.”

New? You’ve got to be kidding me. I needed to find out what this bailing wire commando’s version of new was. There wasn’t one new part on this heap. The crack in the distributor cap was large enough to actually be seen without getting that close to it. And, that’s even with the distributor buried behind the waterpump and the harmonic balancer. You could see it plain as day.

“Where did you get them?”

“Salvage yard across town,” he said.

“Then they’re not new, they’re just new to the car,” I told the POS captain.

“Well, they looked new when I took them off the wrecked car,” he tells me.

Off a wrecked car, of course, a wrecked car… right….I’ll bet it’s one that got smacked by a train right in the radiator too. It’s not so much that this POS pilot used salvage yard parts, that’s not what I’m concerned with.

It’s the amateurish way he installed the distributor wires and the fact that he wasn’t concerned about this huge crack. But, as it always seems the case… money, or the lack of, is the real issue here. Now why is it, when you get a job in like this the very first thing that happens is the wallet starts to dictate the repair.

He wanted to know if he could get more parts from the salvage yard and if I would put them in. I don’t like doing that, but to help the guy out I said I would work with him, a bit. But the big deal was that connector; he had to find a replacement. As far as he knew there wasn’t another one at the salvage yard with a decent connector.

After talking to the dealership about the parts, they told me there was a replacement harness still available, however, it was revised from the original and most likely the connector would not match the older style distributor. So, it’s not looking good for this guy.

When I told him what the labor costs would be just to replace the distributor and the rewire the connector, he had a big problem with that, he couldn’t afford any of it. Then the wallet started talking again. Now he wanted me to change only the distributor connector since the other parts were new. There’s that word again…

The bill, which has been placed with the Transportation Committee, provides that invoices must contain the following information: ● detailed administrative information ● subtotal prices individually listed for parts, labor and sales tax ● individual identification of all used or rebuilt parts ● actual time required to complete each operation and an explanation of how the labor charge was computed. If flat rate

time is used, the name of the labor manual used and customer is granted the right to see pages of the manual used to calculate the charges ● specifically list any warrantees or guarantees provided along with all conditions and limitations of the warranty, and what procedure must be followed by the customer in order to have the warranty honored. All conditions and limitations must also be listed. ● indicate any repairs or services pro-

new… Yea, right, it’s new…. Let’s leave the dripping oil filled distributor assembly bleeding all over the place.

I’m sure that’s exactly how it was designed to work. Must be one of those “total loss” oil systems from years gone by that I read about in the history books.

I think it’s time this guy finds a new car. I’m sure if he drove, pushed, or pulled this heap of junk to the salvage yard the car would automatically find its own parking spot somewhere next to the rest of the worn out scrap wagons waiting for their final demise.

It’s just too far gone for any professional shop to tackle on this guy’s income. Not that it couldn’t be repaired and brought back to refurbished shape, just not on this guy’s salary.

Sorry dude, I’m real sorry, but I can’t work these kinds of miracles on a budget. The sad truth of it is, there are a lot of cars out there that are in just as bad of shape. Look around the next time you drive home you might even spot one of these “hoopties” driving down the road.

I feel pretty bad that even though I know how to fix it, I just can’t fix it without spending a fortune on it, and maintain some professionalism to the finished product. I took some time to talk to him, gave the young lad some fatherly advice on how to pick out a decent car and not get so wrapped up in his emotional attachment to this aging wanna-be hot rod. (He called it a hot rod… not me.)

I hope he takes my advice finds a decent cheap car that won’t eat him up in repairs. This car is done, put a fork in it… call the scrap yard and tell them, “Gotta another one for the crusher!”

New York Legislation Targets Auto Repair Shops, Requires Detailed Labor Charge Disclosures

The New York state legislature on January 14 introduced other piece of legislation targeting auto repairers. Introduced

by Sen. Carl Kruger (D), S. 1949 imposes extensive new requirements on motor vehicle repair shops with respect to disclosure of labor charges on estimates and invoices, including the cost of tear down time and the use of reconditioned parts, and the right of the customer to be furnished copies of service records and purchase orders for parts.

30 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

vided that deviate from the repair or service schedule in the owner’s manual. ● a sign on display in the shop, in two inch letters, stating that customer has the right to the above mentioned detailed invoice, warranty specifics, copies of service records, parts purchase orders and any other documents required by the Commissioner.

No action has been taken on the bill and no committee hearing has been scheduled.

Chief University Releases 2011 Training Schedule, Including New Design Based Repair Course

Chief University, the trusted training arm of Chief Automotive Technologies, has released its extensive 2011 schedule of hands-on training courses for collision repair technicians, estimators and appraisers.

The schedule includes more than two dozen opportunities to take Chief’s new Design Based Repair course. This comprehensive class features 16 hours of instruction on the efficient, economical and proper repair of a vehicle to return it to original design specifications. The course concentrates on the use of new materials including highstrength steels, boron, aluminum and carbon fiber in modern vehicle design, as well as the proper use of OEM information and repair procedures to effect thorough, correct and safe repairs to the vehicle and its advanced safety systems.

Other Chief University classes cover computerized measuring, structural analysis and repair, steering and

Federal regulators unveiled new rules that will require automakers to install larger side curtain air bags to keep drivers and passengers from being ejected during a rollover, according to reports made by the Detroit News Washington Bureau.

The final regulation unveiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will “reduce the number of people partially or completely ejected through side windows during rollover crashes” and will be phased in starting in 2013, and will be in all vehicles by 2018.

“This new standard will help save lives and reduce injuries by requiring vehicles to have a safety system that keeps occupants in the vehicle in a rollover crash,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said January 13.

Rollovers are one of the leading causes of vehicle deaths. In 2009, 35 percent of all fatalities were in rollover crashes, or about 8,267 deaths. Only frontal crashes account for more traffic deaths annually.

points through the I-CAR Industry Training Alliance program. Chief training also has been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) for compliance with the Continuing Au-

tomotive Service Education (CASE) Standards.

Class offerings are updated frequently. For the most up-to-date schedule, course descriptions and to register, visit www.chiefautomotive.com.

Additional classes offered by Chief University include Unibody Analysis & Repair Planning, Advanced Unibody Repair, and Advanced Frame Repair. Classes may be scheduled at a customer location as long as a Chief frame rack and at least 12 students are available.

Customized training is also available.

Most Chief University classes cost $655 and include comprehensive training materials and certificates of completion.

Structural Damage Analysis is a three-day course that costs $985.

For more information about Chief University training, visit www.chiefautomotive.com or call Customer Service at (800) 445-9262.

About Chief Automotive Technologies

Chief Automotive Technologies, a Vehicle Service Group (VSG) brand, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-quality collision repair products and services, including frame-pulling equipment, vehicle anchoring systems, computerized measuring systems, and vehicle frame specifications.

Chief is also a leading provider of comprehensive training on structural analysis, computerized measuring, collision theory and repair.

VSG comprises eight major collision repair and vehicle lifting brands: Chief™ Automotive, Rotary Lift®, Forward® Lift, Direct-Lift®, Hanmecson®, Revolution® Lift, Blitz® and nogra®.

Based in Madison, Ind., VSG has operations worldwide, including ISO 9001-certified manufacturing facilities on three continents. VSG is part of the Industrial Products segment of Dover Corporation, a multi-billion dollar, global producer of innovative equipment, specialty systems and value-added services.

But rollovers are more deadly than frontal crashes—since they are less frequent. NHTSA said that a review of 10 years of crash data shows a person in a rollover crash is 14 times more likely to die than a person in a frontal crash.

On average, 47 percent of people killed in rollovers during the last decade were completely ejected from the vehicle; if they remain in the vehicle, they have a much better chance of surviving.

NHTSA said in its 310-page final rule that side curtain air bags “will be made larger to cover more of the window opening, more robust to remain inflated longer, enhanced to deploy in side impacts and in rollovers, and made not only to cushion but also made sufficiently strong to keep an occupant from being fully or partially ejected through.”

The new air bags will have to keep unbelted passengers in the vehicle even if the window is down — or if it is destroyed during a rollover crash.

The new rules apply to vehicles 10,000 pounds or less and requires automakers to prevent “the equivalent of an unbelted adult from moving more than 4 inches past the side window opening in the event of a crash.”

NHTSA said by 2018, the rule will prevent 373 traffic rollover deaths and 476 serious injuries annually.

Compared with some other recent regulations, this requirement is relatively inexpensive. NHTSA says the new rules will add $31 per new vehicle, or $507 million a year when fully implemented.

In recent years, in part at the direction of Congress in a 2005 safety law, NHTSA has required that all vehicles come equipped with electronic stability control—an anti-rollover technology to keep vehicles under control—and also upgraded its roof crush standard.

Automakers said they were reviewing the regulation. Wade Newton, a spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the trade group representing Detroit’s Big

Three automakers, Toyota Motor Corp. and eight others, said “we certainly agree with NHTSA’s conclusion that head protecting/rollover airbags are the safest way keep people inside their vehicles when a rollover occurs.”

Automakers will look at “whether the specifics will require any extensive system changes, which could delay existing plans for adding the technology to some vehicles,” Newton said.

Automakers argue that the best way to avoid getting thrown from a car is one of the easiest: Wear a seat belt.

Some safety advocates wanted NHTSA to go further and address other times when people in cars are ejected including “side doors, tailgates, windshields, backlights, or sun roofs.”

suspension, and collision theory.

Chief University classes are held in training centers throughout the United States and Canada. They combine classroom training with hands-on demonstrations and practice.

All courses are led by professional Chief certified instructors, and most are approved for I-CAR

Larger Side Curtain Air Bag Rule Targets Rollover Protection

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www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 31

An SCRS Reminder About Nominations for Board of Directors This year’s annual election will take place Friday, March 18th at 8:00 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Meadowlands (Reservations: phone 1-201-348-6900, mention CIC room block to get the group rate) in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Active members of SCRS are entitled and encouraged to vote for Board members to represent them.

Please keep in mind that in order to vote, members must be physically present at the meeting.

The Board is comprised of 12 individuals on staggered 3-year terms.

Thus, each year 4 board seats become vacant and a Nominating Committee is selected and they are charged with submitting their recommendations to the membership.

In addition to the nominations from the committee, any member is entitled to submit a recommendation(s) in writing (on or before Tuesday, February 1st) 45 days in advance of our March 18th, 2011 meeting along with 5 signatures from SCRS members in support of the recommendation(s).

Nominations should be mailed to SCRS Administration Office, PO Box 909, Prosser, WA 99350 or emailed to info@scrs.com.

Please read below as ARTICLE VII Section B of our By-Laws explains how to nominate someone that is not currently on the ballot: ARTICLE VII Board of Directors SECTION B: Four Directors shall be elected every year by vote of the total membership. To be placed on the ballot, individuals must be recommended by the Nominating Committee or recommended by at least five (5) active members.

Any other nominations may be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail to the office directly for the inclusion on the ballot, as provided by above. The other nominations must be received by the SCRS office on or before 45 days before the annual meeting in order to be included on the ballot.

Aaron Schulenburg, as well as the current Board of Directors, all encourage members to attend this year’s annual meeting so they can participate in the election and cast their votes.

For more information please visit www.scrs.com.

www.autobodynews.com

CA Man Files Suit Over State’s Licence Checkpoints

An Escondido, California man has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the city and local police department over its driver’s licence checkpoint policy.

KGTV San Diego reports that the suit, filed on behalf of Rich Dudka, claims the city did not follow California Vehicle Code when he was stopped at a checkpoint on Escondido Boulevard in October 2009.

According to the news agency, California Vehicle Code states that no officer shall stop a vehicle for the “sole reason of determining whether the driver is properly licensed.” The checkpoints, which went into effect in 2004, have come under fire from local civil rights activists who have called them “immigration checks.” Escondido officials say the checkpoints are necessary for safety reasons and have seen a drop of hit-and-run accidents.

The checkpoints often include DUI checks, seatbelt and insurance checks. The lawsuit claims that Dudka’s car was improperly impounded after the check. He is asking for damages on behalf of all drivers who have been affected by the stops, which could add up to $15 million.

Oklahoma Lawmaker Wants to Ban Cell Phones While Driving

Oklahoma state Rep. Danny Morgan, D-Prague, plans to file legislation to restrict the use of cell phones while driving, according to reports made by Insurance Journal.

The lawmaker reported that Sapulpa drivers were victims of the presently legal practice of texting while driving, as a 23 year old male let his car cross the northbound lanes and struck a pickup driven by a 27 year old female. The patrolman on the scene estimated they were both driving about 55 miles per hour at the time of the collision. The male driver informed police he was texting at the time of the accident.

“Texting while driving is not a practice committed only by young drivers, it’s becoming a common occurrence by drivers of all ages, and needs to be nipped in the bud,” stated Rep. Morgan.

Supporters of Morgan’s efforts include AAA Oklahoma, Farmers Insurance, Oklahoma Safety Council, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, AT&T, and SAFE KIDS Oklahoma State.

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Lakeland, Florida’s Ray Gunder Spearheads Successful ‘Angel Autos’ Giveaway Five needy Florida families, their circumstances exacerbated by a lack of adequate transportation, received showroom-quality used cars during a ceremony outside Victory Church in Lakeland thanks to area body shops last month, according to reports made

by The Ledger.

der, owner of Gunder’s Auto Center in Lakeland, who was key to the car giveaway.

Twenty or more area auto dealers, garages, and body shops comprise the Auto Angels program. Gunder said he patterned the group after Recycled Rides, a nationwide awareness campaign that is aligned with the National Auto Body Council (NABC). In the past few months, Gunder and his associates acquired five cars in need of varying amounts of TLC. In some cases full engine replacements were

The refurbished vehicles, decked out with bows, awaited their new owners

Amid a sea of tears, hugs and hallelujahs, members of the Auto Angels experienced the joy of giving, promising to help more families next year.

“I’ve never had a feeling like this, and I’m 60 years old. I’ve had chill bumps all morning,” said Ray Gun-

The families receiving vehicles with some of the Auto Angels

needed.With help from Victory Church and The Ledger’s Newspaper with a Heart committee, five families were selected from 300 applicants.

Among those receiving free automobiles were JoAnn Bustos; Telia Lamb, Winter Haven, 1997 Dodge Intrepid; Nicole George, Auburndale, 1989 Chevrolet Monte Carlo; Darla Kunze, Lakeland, Pontiac Grand Prix; and Cherrie DuFour, Winter Haven, 1998 Honda Civic.

“You can talk about Christmas around the world, but it doesn’t get any more real than this,” the Rev. Wayne Blackburn of Victory Church said to the event’s crowd of onlookers.

“I can tell you that Lakeland, Florida, and Polk County, can really put it on with the spirit of Christmas.”

This was only possible through the contributions of time, efforts and resources of the following “Auto Angels”: AllPro Used Auto Parts, AutoBody Resurrection, Auto Damage Experts, Auto Xpressions, Bartow Ford, Ben’s Paint & Supply, Bernie’s Body Shop, Chili’s–Lakeland–98 North Location, Dent Wizard, Godfrey Limo Service, Douglas Collision Center, Gunder’s Auto Center, Jenkins Lincoln Mercury, Lakeland Au-

toMall, Maurice’s Auto Repair, NAPA Auto Parts, PPG Auto Finishes, Preston USA, Inc., Regal Lakeland, Stewart’s Auto Repair , Scott’s Lock & Key and Subs–n–Such. Special thanks go out to Rev. Blackburn and

Onlookersand participants crowded outside of Victory Church in Lakeland

Victory Church in Lakeland for their hospitality and providing a location for the event.

The program plans to begin planning next year’s giveaway soon and welcomes anyone who wishes to participate. For more information please contact Barrett Smith at barrett@autodamageexperts.com. Photos courtesy myfoxtampabay.com.

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Clark County Fleet Fills Up Green on New Nevada-Made Fuel Starting this week, almost half of Clark County’s vehicle fleet will fuel up with a new low-emission diesel fuel being produced in Nevada.

Clark County Commission Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani visited the County’s Automotive Division yard January 20 at 4241 Stephanie Street near East Flamingo Road to kick off the new program as part of the County’s ongoing energy conservation efforts.

In December, the County Commission approved a contract with Advanced Refining Concepts, LLC, (ARC) to supply its new fuel to the County for powering its diesel vehicle fleet and generators.

The new fuel, called GDiesel®, showed reduced emissions on test runs, and it costs less. The County uses about 1 million gallons of diesel fuel each year, and expects to save $50,000 a year in annual fuel costs by using GDiesel®.

“Clark County has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to conserving energy and protecting our environment,” Commissioner Giunchigliani said.

“This new fuel is an exciting product because it reduces air pollution, helps conserve energy and it’s saving our local taxpayers money at a time when it’s more important than ever to control budget costs.”

Clark County Commission Chair Susan Brager added: “The County began experimenting with alternative fuel vehicles in the 1990s. We operate the third largest vehicle fleet in the state of Nevada, and use of this new fuel allows us to continue to lead the way toward a cleaner, greener Southern Nevada.”

The majority of Clark County’s fleet is powered by alternative fuels.

Of its 2,798 vehicles and equipment, 1,426 are diesel powered, most of which will now run on GDiesel®.

The County also operates 537 hybrid vehicles that have gasoline and electric-powered motors, the largest hybrid fleet in the state and the sixth biggest in the nation, according to Automotive Fleet magazine.

The County also operates 451 vehicles with cleaner-burning reformulated gasoline (RFG) and 91 vehicles

with a combination of compressed natural gas (CNG) and (RFG). The remaining items in the fleet are trailers and equipment.

GDiesel® fuel is produced at ARC’s refinery in Northern Nevada near Reno and combines conventional low-sulfur diesel with natural gas using a special refining process developed by ARC. The County’s Automotive Services Division tested GDiesel® in various vehicles throughout the County including McCarran International Airport and found significant reductions in common air pollutants.

“It’s the cleanest-burning diesel fuel that we have been able to find and requires no modifications to our vehicles or equipment,” said David Johnson, Manager of the County’s Automotive Division.

“In addition, shuttle bus drivers at the airport noticed during the testing phase that GDiesel® doesn’t have the strong odor associated with most diesel fuel products.”

Executives from ARC attended today’s kickoff. Clark County is the

first government fleet to use the new GDiesel® fuel and largest customer to date.

“The contract with Clark County represents a great opportunity for our company while at the same time lowering fuel costs and improving the air quality for the people in Clark County through the use of our clean GDiesel® fuel,” said Peter Gunnerman, cofounder and director of Advanced Refining Concepts.

“The significant volumes of fuel used by County vehicles and generators during the term of the contract will be a cornerstone for the new construction of a zero emissions GDiesel® refinery in Clark County during 2011.”

For more information about Advanced Refining Concepts and GDiesel ® , visit www.ClearRefining.com.

Clark County’s fleet is considered 100 percent alternative fuel under Nevada state law.

Ninety percent of the vehicles counties and local governments acquire each year are required to use alternative fuel.

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Clark County’s fleet exceeds that standard. Emergency response vehicles such as fire trucks are exempt from the alternative fuel requirement.

However, the County will begin using the new GDiesel® fuel in Fire Department vehicles this year.

Ford Motor Credit in Henderson, NV Closing

New NM Bill Focuses on Those Convicted of DUI Offenses That Do Not Own Vehicles

Nearly 200 people across the valley will soon be out of a job.

Ford Motor Credit announced it will be closing at the end of March.

The facility in Henderson processes car loan applications and payments.

U.S. Representative Joe Heck of Nevada said in a statement that the auto maker is doing everything it can to reduce the impact on workers.

A company spokeswoman told the Las Vegas Sun that the office is closing because of overstaffing issues.

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It sounds simple enough: If they can’t drink, they can’t drive drunk.

State Senator George Munoz wants to put an alcohol-monitoring bracelets on convicted drunk drivers who claim they’re not driving any more.

About two-thirds of New Mexico drivers required to get an interlock after a DWI conviction never do. The bracelets would be the alternative, according to reports made by KRQE News Albuquerque.

Senator Munoz represents Cibola and McKinnley counties. He’s seen first hand the DWI problem in that area. Now, he sees an answer: A scram bracelet.

“It senses, through perspiration, the alcohol that’s in your system, and then it sends out a reading either through a home phone line or back into the probation office,” Munoz said.

The bracelet would be mandated See NM DUI, Page 37

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www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 35

Texas Insurance Commissioner Issues Biannual Report on DRPs with Help From Houston Auto Body Association Survey Data

Texas Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin issued a biannual report on DRPs in Texas earlier this month. The report is derived from claims and issues in the industry, some of which were brought to light thanks to surveys issued by the Houston Auto Body Association (HABA), to make future legislative recommendations.

A statement issued by Commissioner Geeslin back in August set the scene for the recommendations made in this bulletin. In the statement Geeslin addressed all insurers writing property and casualty insurance in the state of Texas, agents and representatives when he said, “The purpose of this bulletin is to remind insurers of their responsibilities to claimants regarding payment for damage to a motor vehicle and the selection of a repair person or facility ... The Department has received information which causes it to be concerned that insurers may be providing claimants with additional notice regarding motor vehicle repairs that may be in conflict with the TIC and TAC.” The full text of this statement can be seen at: http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/bulletins/20 10/cc30.html.

“All recommendations being made are being derived from information collected from the industry surveys HABA disseminated a few months ago,” said James Brown with HABA. In the 70 Page report, one of the items that specifically pertains to collision repair in TX can be found on page 39 of the report: “Direct Repair Facilities: • TDI conducted a survey in May, 2010 of the top five personal automobile insurers in Texas to obtain current information relating to automobile claim payments.

• Of the insurers surveyed, all had some sort of contract/agreement with direct repair facilities or had selected repair facilities to be on a preferred list (preferred shops).

• Based upon the survey responses, for calendar year 2009 the percentage of initial automobile claims with repairs made at direct repair facilities ranged from approximately 18% to 50%.

• The Insurance Code specifically addresses prohibited acts in connection with the repair of motor vehicles.

• The Texas Administrative Code addresses notice requirements and claimants’ rights regarding motor vehicle repairs.

TDI has received complaints that insurers improperly “steer” claimants to particular repair shops (direct repair facilities/preferred shops). Such action can restrict consumer choice. TDI has also received complaints that insurers are informing claimants that they may be responsible to pay for certain repair costs if the claimant selects a repair fa-

cility that is not on the insurer’s list of direct repair facilities.

Current law does not provide consistent regulation among insurers. For example, county mutual insurers, which represent approximately 45% of the Texas personal automobile insurance market, are not required to comply with the statutes and rules regarding the repair of motor vehicles.

Additionally, there may not be a clear understanding among the participants of the requirements to become a contracted direct repair facility with an automobile insurer.

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• Make county mutual insurers subject to Insurance Code §§1952.301-307.

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This would allow all claimants the right to select an automobile repair person or facility and the type of parts or products used to repair their vehicles.

• Require insurers to provide a written disclosure upon request to automobile repair facilities outlining the requirements to become a contracted direct repair facility. This would allow all automobile repair facilities an equal opportunity to understand the requirements of becoming a contracted direct repair facility.”

The full report can be viewed at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/reports/documents/finalbie11.pdf The impact of these recommendations on Texas state law remains to be seen.

For more information about the Houston Auto Body Association please visit www.habaonline.org.

www.autobodynews.com

Continued from Page 35

NM DUI

for any DWI offender who doesn’t get an interlock.

“We did find there was an opportunity for people to sign a waiver, an affidavit that says’ I don’t have a car or I won’t drive,’ that type of thing,” Lora Lee Ortiz with Mothers Against Drunk Driving said.

The problem is officers catch repeat drunk drivers all the time using a

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spouse’s or a friend’s car or their own car.

“This would provide another alternative so that we know they are not driving drunk on our highways,” Ortiz said.

Munoz said he’s sure the bracelets will work, because he said they already have. Gallup probation officers put habitual drunk drivers, who they believed were still drinking while on probation, on the bracelets for 30 days to test them out.

Just one person was caught drinkSee NM DUI, Page 39

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www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 37

Mobile Tech Expo Takes Over Southern Texas in January games and an area for them to sit and play table games or use coloring books.

“Being a family oriented industry we have included children in our show since its inception. It went over so well, that this year we are planning on expanding the area and adding some new games,” Halewood

The Dent Olympics competition (photos from Kiii TV)

The 10th Annual International Mobile Tech Expo was held at the Richard Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown, Texas, last month.

January 20 was education day , while January 21 and 22 held the expo itself. January 23 also held a few classes as well as the 2nd Annual MTE Golf Outing at the NorthShore Country Club in Portland as a wrap-up for the event.

On display at the expo was a complete array of new products, services and business opportunities that automotive appearance specialists are looking for.

Attendees had an opportunity to meet with suppliers, network with others and compare business opportunities.

The expo is tailored for those in the automotive repair industry.

Everything from glass and upholstery repair, to detailing and window tinting.

But the biggest draw of this event is called the Dent Olympics. More than 200 experts are entered in the contest to see who is “the best of the best” dent remover. “Top” dent removers walk away with cash and prizes.

“It’s great for the area to be showcased this way, in that most of the attendees and exhibitors wind up making it a business vacation. The Expo is also family friendly, children are allowed into the show. In most cases, the small business community is a family affair, so what better place to bring the family, a business expense and vacation all rolled into one,” said Kevin Halewood, show director.

At the last Expo children were treated to goody bags, balloons,

said.

The event also held a silent auction to benefit the Larry King

Cardiac Foundation as they have done in past years.

Past items have included a complete Air Brush system, a two night stay at the Holiday Inn Clearwater Beach, Premium Car Care Products, an Extensive Windshield Repair Training Program, Paintless Cars with dents ranging in size defined the competition Dent Repair tools and much more, this year dona- Visit the expo website for more infortions continued to come into the mation: www.mobiletechexpo.com. show office right up to the event.

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CARSTAR Envisions New ‘Vision Park’ Headquarters in Ontario CARSTAR Automotive Canada Inc., Canada’s leading network of collision centres, announced its intention to build a new 16,000 square foot head office in Hamilton, Ontario.

CARSTAR Vision Park

The new facility will be called CARSTAR Vision Park, reflecting the company’s vision to be the leader in the Canadian collision repair industry.

CARSTAR will be dedicating the new building to all of their Franchise, Insurance and Vendor Partners who

have supported the CARSTAR vision.

CARSTAR Vision Park will also be home to CARSTAR University, the company’s learning and research centre.

This facility will include a training centre with production bays and the latest repair equipment, allowing the Corporate Field Team to test new processes.

It will also be a central point for Franchise Partners to bring in their

management and repair technicians to receive up-to-date, hands-on training in addition to classroom learning.

CARSTAR Automotive Canada traces back nearly five decades to the 1960s with the first location built in Hamilton, Ontario operating under the name Ontario Auto Collision.

In December of 1994, the Canadian rights for the American corporation CARSTAR were awarded to Sam Mercanti who has since then built a network of over 140 franchise locations throughout ten provinces in Canada, repairing approximately 100,000 vehicles per year.

CARSTAR is the fastest growing network of high-quality collision repair centres in North America. In Canada, there are over 140 locations throughout ten provinces and over 300 locations in the United States.

For the past ten years, CARSTAR has supported the fight against the deadly illness, cystic fibrosis. CARSTAR has raised more than $1.8 million to fund research and treatment for this disease.

Continued from Page 37

NM DUI

ing; he was thrown back in jail. The trial was free, but if the bill passes, the high tech leg jewelry will cost money.

“We want the offenders to pick up the tab,” said Munoz.

It costs about $9 a day, but Munoz said it actually saves much more.

“We know the cost of the system per day is cheaper than jail, and that — in the end of the day—we’ve done something right and we have saved someone’s life,” said Munoz.

That 30-day trial ends January 26 in Gallup. A judge actually had a visit from a child thanking him for putting his parent on the ankle bracelet to get his drinking under control.

If the bill passes, drunk drivers would have to wear the monitor for the same amount of time they would have had to have an ignition interlock.

That’s basically a year for each conviction, until the fourth conviction. Then, it’s for life.

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www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 39

Continued from Page 1

CIC to meet at SEMA

collision industry event, and that CIC should support it as it can.

Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), which for the second year will offer collision in-

maybe ASA is way over here,” Quinn said, holding out a hand. “My goal is to put CIC in the middle as a neutral entity that represents all of us.”

From 2004 until last year, NACE and SEMA were held during the same

for 387 students, and teaching 2,700 students in classroom I-CAR training.

Chuck Sulkala of the National Auto Body Council (NABC), said the organization’s “Recycled Rides” program last year resulted in 119 vehicles

for ASA—and in turn for the industry—and vote to meet in Orlando.

As he did at NACE last year, Pyle spoke of ASA’s efforts to support other indusA similar program of standards has been Almost 40 years after ASE certification was inA “Repair Standards Advisory Group” try non-profit organizahopes by March to have hired a consultant to implemented in the United Kingdom, and the troduced, he said, only about 25 percent of the tions through NACE, build a business case for an organization that U.S. group is planning a March 18 forum in collision technicians are certified. both in terms of free But Jeff Patti, a consultant and former inwould finalize and implement formalized colli- Newark, N.J., (in conjunction with the next CIC booth or meeting space, meeting) that they hope will include shops and surance company executive, said that while sion repair standards. and through financial Russ Thrall of CollisionWeek, who is insurers from the U.K. discussing the pros and many elements of standards – such as ASE donations from NACE revenues. He said certification – are out there, an organization is among those leading the informal advisory cons of the system there.

NACE delivers more Scott Biggs of the Assured Performance needed to pull them all together into one formal group, said a request-for-proposal for the hours of training and short-term consulting project should be issued Network and another proponent of standards program. education than any “This will be an organization of collision in February. By this fall, the consultant would development said the forum could help answer other industry event. be asked to have developed a business plan the questions about standards that each seg- repair professionals setting professional stanSurveys and other for an entity to oversee the standards program. ment of the industry may be concerned about. dards to repair vehicles, rather than legislators input from the indusSome of those at the advisory group regulating the way in which we repair vehiThe group, an off-shoot of a Collision Intry led to the decision dustry Conference (CIC) committee that has meeting in January raised a number of such cles,” Fred Iantorno of the Collision Industry to hold future NACE been working on the standards topic for sev- questions and concerns. Tony Molla of ASE Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA) events in a rotation of eral years, envisions a set of standards that ad- asked whether the group is confident that the said. “If we don’t set the standards, somebody cities, Pyle said. In address equipment, training and repair processes. industry really wants what is being proposed. else is going set them for us.” dition to Orlando and Las Vegas, he named Indianapolis as another city being being refurbished and donated to famdustry training during SEMA, said the week in Las Vegas. Last year, citing considered. ilies and non-profit organizations in successful CIC meeting at SEMA last competition from SEMA for exPyle said year indicates that holding it there was hibitors and attendees, NACE organneed. Another six vehicles were just that just as ASA a good decision for CIC. He said the izers moved the dates of its 2010 show being finalized in mid-January, bringhad to make deci- “Paint, Body and Equipment” section up by about three weeks. CIC particiing the total to 125, a 57 percent insions about NACE at the massive SEMA exhibition is pants last January voted 71–65 in crease over the previous year’s total, based on what it being renamed this year as the “Colli- favor of meeting in conjunction with Sulkala said. Thirteen insurers dosees as the best in- sion Repair and Refinish” section. nated one or more vehicles, and 93 SEMA for the first time. terest of ASA and shops worked on them. Sulkala said the industry, he NABC has identified about 200 colliOther news, announcements Peter McGillivray recognized that sion repair training programs in In other news and discussion at CIC CIC participants needed to decide schools around the country that are inin Palm Springs: where they felt was the best place for The associations that sponsor the terested in participating in “Recycled CIC to be held.

Database Enhancement Gateway Rides” this year as well.

“We would like to see it return to – CIC’s next meeting will be (DEG), the website that allows users NACE, because we think the many held March 17 in Newark, New Jerto post inquiries about labor times or years it was held at NACE it had great sey in conjunction with the NORTHother estimating system concerns, anattendance and accomplished a great EAST Automotive Services Trade nounced that they are seeking a new deal of good for the industry,” Pyle administrator. Bud Center is leaving Show. For details, check the CIC said. the DEG after about two years, hav- website (www.ciclink.com).

Following Pyle, Peter McGillivray, ing accepted a position with the SterSEMA’s vice president of marketing John Yoswick, a freelance writer ling Autobody chain. ASA, the I-CAR’s King Tut Award was presented by and communications, spoke briefly Alliance of Automotive Service based in Portland, Oregon, who has been Gene Lopez to Toby Chess (r) about SEMA’s growth over the decades.

Providers (AASP) and SCRS are writing about the automotive industry CIC participants then voiced varisince 1988, is also the editor of the Following this year’s vote, Quinn seeking someone with a through ous opinions before said past CIC chairmen, rather than weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4knowledge of the three primary estithe vote. CIC Chairthe CIC body, will decide the issue in mating systems. They hope to fill the week trial subscription, visit www.Crashman Mike Quinn, future years. After the meeting, sevNetwork.com). He can be contacted by position by the end of February. for example, said eral past chairs said privately they email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

I-CAR presented an award to inthat past CIC chairwould support alternating future fall dustry trainer Toby Chess for having men who met earmeetings between NACE and SEMA taught the most “student units” of ISearch: lier in the week on a yearly basis. Quinn himself said CAR training and welding qualificarecommended that he doesn’t view the decision as an tion tests last year. The “King TUT” Mike Quinn CIC meet with ASA versus SCRS issue. award (which stands for “total unit SEMA. Rick Palmer of Computer “I know some people might think taught”) honored Chess for having Logic, said he sees NACE as more of a CIC sits right next to SCRS and that overseen welding qualification tests

Effort to develop industry standards continues to move forward

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40 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Coalition for Collision Repair Excellence Level II Conference in Atlanta, April 8–9th The Coalition for Collision Repair Excellence is a national organization which consists of Shop Owners, Technicians, Post Repair Inspectors and managers and employees that want to see a positive change in the industry. Members maintain that the integrity of the collision repair industry should be maintained only by those who are actively involved in the repair of collision damaged vehicles.

In Atlanta on April 8–9, 2011, the CCRE will be presenting its Level II Seminar Series called Taking Back Control of Your Business. The conference is designed for a manageable audience and is limited to 100 attendees.

This Level II Seminar Series follows CCRE’s successful Level I, which received a 96 percent positive approval rating by attendees. Most stated it exceeded their expectations, and indicated they planned on attending this year’s Level II Series when it became available.

The press release for the conference follows:

Taking Control of Your Business and Operating Free of Any Third Party Interference Airport Crowne Plaza Hotel, Atlanta Georgia Seminars will include: ■ Review of Level I classes and documents.

■ Where Are We Going: How to accomplish our goals.

■ Learning the use of proper “Word Tracks” that will assist you in dealing with your everyday operations.

■ Role playing and attendee interaction for a great learning experience.

■ Blueprinting Repairs without total dependence on the information guides. presented by Tony Lombardozzi.

■ Job Costing: A Different Viewpoint.

A method to accomplish this task without making it time consuming.

■ Understanding how job costing affects and drives the Profit and Loss statement. presented by Steve Behrndt & John Padula.

■ The Legal Office: Erica Eversman of Vehicle Information Services will return to review her Level

I Documents and to give us an insight into today's legal questions concerning the operation of our repair facilities.

■ Round Table Discussion: Back by popular demand, this innovative way to communicate with one another and share ideas and strategies.

Cost will be $595 for the first 50 registrants through February 10, 2011, and $695 for all registrations received after February 10, up to the 100th registration.

If two registrants share the same hotel room the second registrant will receive a $100 credit.

Your registration fee to this great event includes two nights hotel accommodations, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 4 break snacks, plus entrance to all seminars and activities for both days.

The conference is an opportunity to learn additional proven methods that will allow owners to take back control of your collision repair business, and eliminate the frustration that surrounds present business methods. To take advantage of the early

bird special, register before February 10th. The special seminar price of $595 includes 2 nights at the hotel, 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches, as well as 2 breaks each day for coffee, sodas and snacks.

For more information and a registration form, visit the website at www.theCCRE.com and then access “CCRE Level II Seminar Series.”

CCRE’s office phone is 877-700-7743 or fax to 877-700-7747.

Nissan Begins Commercial Van Production in MS

Nissan Motor Co. marked the start of production of a new Nissan NV commercial van at its Canton, Mississippi, plant on January 19, according to reports made in the Detroit News.

Nissan invested $118 million in the plant's facilities to produce the van, its first product for the U.S. commercial vehicle market, as well as the Nissan Altima sedan, the Titan pickup and Armada SUV. The Canton plant, opened in 2003, employs 3,300 people.

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www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 41

December Auto Sales Finish 2010 on a High Note Fueled by holiday and year-end discounts, as well as the introduction of new models, automakers finished 2010 on a high note by posting the year’s best monthly sales in December, according to reports made by Automotive News.

U.S. light vehicle demand climbed 11 percent last month to 1.1 million units — the best month of the year on a unit basis. Still, it was one of the weaker percentage increases of the year because of a tough comparison to December 2009, one of that year’s strongest months.

In another sign of industry health, the pace of December sales came in at an annualized rate of 12.6 million units — the highest of the year, according to Autodata Corp.

Most every automaker gained sales in December, a month highlighted by a 37 percent surge for Hyundai-Kia and a 28 percent advance at Nissan North America. Toyota Motor Corp. was the only company to record a decline, down 6 percent.

Overall, U.S. light vehicle sales rose 11 percent to 11.59 million units last year from 10.43 million in 2009 — when demand fell to the lowest point in 27 years. It was the industry’s first annual U.S. sales gain since 2005.

Industry sales last year remained almost a third fewer than the 16.8 million annual average from 2000 to 2007, according to Autodata Corp.

Auto makers and analysts predict more growth in 2011 as the U.S. economy slowly recovers.

Ford Motor Co. anticipates U.S. sales of 12.5 million this year. GM is expecting U.S. industry sales to rise more than 10 percent from 2010.

“The U.S. economy will be stronger and grow more in 2011,” said Don Johnson, GM’s vice president of U.S. sales operations. “The jobs story remains mixed. The weakest link continues to be the housing market.”

Strong December GM, helped by new models and healthy demand for crossovers, recorded an 8 percent increase in December sales.

Ford said demand rose 4 percent last month, while Chrysler Group had a 16 percent jump. American Honda, which includes Acura, posted a 21 percent gain in December sales, and said 2010 sales rose 7 percent.

At the Hyundai Group, which includes Kia, sales jumped 37 percent last

month, and finished 22 percent higher for the year at a record 894,496 units.

But Toyota Motor Corp., still feeling the unfavorable impact of major recalls last year, said December U.S. sales fell 6 percent. Toyota’s overall 2010 sales were flat at 1.76 million units.

“December was a really strong month and we’re starting to see the market recover and people coming back to car shopping,” said Jesse Toprak, the top analyst at TrueCar.com, an online shopping site.”There is still much pent-up demand but until we start to see a recovery in the housing market and job creation, the growth rate annually will be around 10 percent.”

Ford had posted double-digit sales increases each month last year except for a 3 percent rise in July and a 14 percent decline in August.

While sales at the Ford division climbed 10 percent last month, Ford’s results were hampered by a 23 percent drop in Lincoln sales, and an 11 percent fall in Mercury demand amid that brand’s phase-out.

Ford said its December results also reflect a 40 percent reduction in deliveries to daily rental customers.

For the year, Ford’s U.S. sales rose 17 percent to 1.935 million units — helping the automaker gain market share for the second consecutive year.

It’s the first back-to-back increase in Ford’s U.S. market share since 1993.

Ford estimated its U.S. market share in 2010 at 16.4 percent, up 1.1 points from 2009 and 2.2 points from 2008.

Chrysler posted its ninth consecutive monthly sales gain. Jeep Grand Cherokee demand more than tripled, and Ram pickup sales jumped 93 percent compared with December 2009.

Chrysler said its sales rose 17 percent last year to 1.1 million units.

All of the company’s brands — Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck -- generated sales increases in 2010 compared with 2009.

The automaker launched 16 allnew or significantly-improved models in 2010, most of them during the final quarter.

“We are extremely proud of the sales strides we made during this transition year,” Fred Diaz, head of the Ram truck brand and Chrysler’s top sales executive, said in a statement.

Behind GM’s Results At GM, December marked the fourth

42 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

consecutive monthly sales gain after its August sales dropped 25 percent, reflecting an unfavorable comparison to August 2009 — when the government’s cash-for- clunkers program fueled demand.

The automaker’s U.S. sales advanced 7 percent for all of 2010 — its first annual increase since 1999.

Demand was up last month for all four of GM’s surviving U.S. brands, with sales advancing 40 percent at Buick, 13 percent at Cadillac, 9 percent at Chevrolet and 35 percent at GMC. For all of 2011, sales for GM’s four brands increased 21 percent to 2.2 million units, while retail sales rose 16 percent during the year.

GM’s four brands sold 118,435 more vehicles this year than the company generated with eight brands in 2009.

But the automaker’s overall sales performance continues to be dragged down by the shutdown of Pontiac, Saturn, and Hummer. GM’s results also no longer include Saab, which has been sold.

GM said its December sales also reflected a planned reduction in fleet sales to rental operators. Fleet sales represented 17 percent of GM’s overall sales last month.

GM said it sold 567,458 crossovers in the U.S. last year — more than any other automaker.

Ford reclaimed from Toyota the No. 2 spot for U.S. sales that it held for 76 years until 2007. The U.S. automaker outsold Toyota by 200,464 units last year.

Toyota’s December sales drop marked the third-straight month the company’s U.S. deliveries declined.

The company was the only large automaker to sell fewer vehicles in the United States last year than in 2009.

“The biggest worry for Toyota is they’re not taking advantage of the recovery in the market,” said Toprak, the analyst with TrueCar. “They’re falling behind again in a month where all their competitors are up from last year. It just can’t be good for momentum, sales or morale.”

December had 27 selling days, one fewer than a year earlier.

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Southern U.S. Snow Storms Force Shop Closings Initially but Should Pay Back in Boosting Business A heavy snow storm passed through northern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia January 5 through 7, originating in Arkansas. The snow storm brought heavy snow, blanketing the region in 4 to 10 inches in some areas.

Kendrick Paint and Body’s Martinez, GA location

The snow was followed by sleet and freezing rain January 8, 9 and 10, which made for extremely trecherous travel conditions, power outages and school cancellations in the area.

“We face a serious storm that will have an impact all across Alabama,” Governor Bob Riley said in a statement

preluding the days of freezing rain. He advised motorists to stay off the roads.

A state of emergency was declared by Governors in Louisiana, Georgia and Alabama.

Kendrick Paint and Body with locations in Aiken, SC; Martinez, GA; and Augusta, GA experienced increased traffic due to storm-related damage to vehicles after being forced to shut down all three of their locations on January 8 and 10.

“The Augusta area rarely encounters closings due to inclement weather, as we rarely see snow,” said Kendrick’s Marketing Director Carson Brown. “On the rare occasion that it ‘snows’, it most likely melts prior to hitting the ground, and it usually doesn’t stick. Over the past few days (January 8 through 10), the Augusta area experienced upwards of 4+ inches.

Since snow accumulation is such a rarity in the South, many businesses

closed due to unsafe driving conditions.”

Auto Impact in Marietta, GA, was closed January 10 because employees could not physically get to work due to the storm.

“We were closed Monday, none of our employees could make it in to

Snow-covered roadways in Georgia

work,” said Manager Randy Bishop.

“Tuesday we had a skeleton crew.

Wednesday everyone made it to work and we were firing on all cylinders again.”

Due to the closed days and the lack of traffic while weather made it too dangerous to drive, Auto Impact actually saw decreased traffic for the beginning of the week of January 10.

“Most of the appointments that we had for people to drop off their vehicles for repair this week (January 10) were rescheduled for next week (January 17) because people could not get out of their neighborhoods,” said Bishop. “Adding storm damaged vehicles into the equation, looks like next week will be a busy one.”

Kendrick Paint and Body anticipated a lot more traffic the week following the storm as well.

“Many cars have been stranded on the side of the road or ditches, and the freezing and icy weather has caused many limbs to fall onto parked vehicles and cause a lot of damage,” said Brown. “The ice is starting to thaw, and we anticipate

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people will begin to survey the damage on their cars, prompting added tow-ins and drive-ins.”

Black and Fuller Collision in Marietta, GA, was closed January 10, 11, 12 because their employees could not make it in to work due to dangerous driving conditions.

“I expect our business to be doubled since the storm hit,” said Body Shop Manager Ike Johnson. He said they’re seeing a lot of hail damage and suspension issues from curb damage Give after the storm.

after the weather had cleared up a bit,” Most of the damage the shop is Auto Impact said Johnson. seeing is small, front end collision 2290 Austell Rd Fred Poirier at Auto Impact’s secdamage thanks to drivers losing con- Marietta, GA 30008 ond location in Dectur, GA, had issues trol on the icy roadways.

(770) 438-1977 getting parts they needed to continue “We’ve had pretty bad storms working through the storm because lots here in 1989 and 1996, but this storm Auto Impact of dealerships in town were closed.

260 Laredo Dr “No dealerships in town were Decatur, GA 30030 open so we won’t have any parts de(404) 377-8464 livered for three days,” said Poirier, “The couple that were open aren’t deBlack and Fuller Collision livering parts during the storm, so we 2165 Austell Rd, SW had to go and pick some parts up.”

Marietta, GA 30008 us your opinion affecting the industry.

Want Contribute to this Sout Poirier also saidon theymatters were seeing (770)to 432-0946 a lot of cars coming in with bumper hits and scrapes — Sledge Body Shop autobodynews.com mostly damage that people can 2828 Jordan Lane NW publisher@autobodynews.com publisher@autobodynew CHECK IT OUT! drive in with.

Huntsville, AL 35816 Sledge Body Shop in (256) 830-0464 Huntsville, Alabama, was closed January 10 and 11 with only a Promote your business with half staff coming in on January an exclusive article featuring Heavy snow blanketed Martinez, GA on 12. But after being closed for alMonday January 10 your products or services. most 3 whole days owner Harry To advertise To advertise The source Sledge for feelstimely the storm will ultiwas definitely the worst I’ve seen in Advertising Sales at: call Joe Momber at: matelythat be profitable information everyfor the shop awhile,” said Sledge.

Several feet of snow covered Sledge Body Shop in 00-699-8251 800-699-8251 the long run. body inshop needs!

Huntsville, AL “Our business traffic has Kendricke-mail: Paint and Body e-mail: CALL: Joe Momber for details! sing@autobodynews.com “We’ve been having a lot of been800-699-8251 up about 40 percent since wejmomber@autobodynews.com 4180 Wheeler Rd CALL phone calls, tow-ins and customers were able to get back into the shop,” Martinez,GA 30907 autobodynews.com www.autobodynews.com 800-699-8251 Your FREE calling to say they would come in Start said Sledge.

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Shop Showcase

Erica Schroeder is a writer and editorial assistant for Autobody News in Oceanside, CA. She can be reached at eschroeder@autobodynews.com.

with Erica Schroeder

Skip’s Paint and Body—Four Generations of Expertise in San Antonio M.J. “Skip” Viator III was able to take Skip’s father, M.J. Viator Jr., also advantage of his own teen-age men- worked at his son’s shop from 1996 to toring from his father and grandfather 2005 after he retired from Ancira in launching his own business in San Chevrolet Body Shop. Skip spent with John Yoswick Antonio, Texas, in 1992. “I decided many summers and after-school hours that if I was going to work in a body learning the collision repair trade from his father and grandfather, M.J. Viator Sr., as a young adult.

Skip’s grandfather worked at several body with Ed Attanasio shops and dealerships in his day including Mike Persia Chevrolet which is still in business as Tom Benson Chevrolet today.

Front of main shop building Skip’s two sons, Michael shop, I was going to do it for myself,” and Travis, also work at the shop, comsaid Skip. pleting four generations of Viator’s in Skip’s Paint and Body is an the collision repair industry.

“They’ve been with me every 18,000 square foot body shop that grosses about $1.5 million annually. summer,” said Skip, “They learned this trade the way I did; growing up in a Skip’s has 11 employees, including body shop.”

Skip himself.

Industry Insight

Skip’s two sons are now fullyfledged members of the team at Skip’s, and are definitely interested in

Shop Showcase

The paint shop at Skip’s

continuing the family business after Skip decides to retire. But the road getting there was not always easy.

“My philosophy with my sons was to start them at the bottom, they both started out sweeping floors,” said Skip, “Now Michael should be coming into the service department with me soon

come a family skill,” said Skip.

Skip’s is a direct repair shop for two insurance companies and also does all of the service, collision repair and warranty work for Grande Ford Truck dealership in San Antonio.

“We don’t advertise,” said Skip, “and the business has just grown and grown and grown since I opened it.” The business really relies on word of mouth recommendations to get customers interested in their quality of work.

Skip’s uses Spies-Hecker paints in the shop because of their quality and customer service that comes with their products, according to Skip.

Skip’s also uses Gladwin Paint Company, a third generation family-owned

Eddie Munoz, Alfonso Alvarado, Skip Viator, Oscar Alvarado, Eddie Olveda, Travis Viator, Michael Viator, Mario Vega, Joseph Reyes, Not Pictured: Raymond Ritchie

and they are both very capable of doing every job in this industry.”

Skip is also familiar with truck and trailer body work. Before he opened his own shop he worked in the shop and parts department at a truck and trailer corporation.

“Collision repair has really be-

distributor (since 1954) with six locations in Texas. Gladwin started as a DuPont-owned store in San Antonio.

Skip’s Paint and Body 5725 US Highway 87 E # B San Antonio, TX 78222-1607 (210) 648-4318

M.J. Viator Jr. and Sr. at Mike Persia Chevrolet in the early 1960s (top left row closest to car) www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 45

Hey Toby!

Toby Chess is an I-CAR program instructor, Welding specialist, and former salvage yard operator. Toby is universally known in the collision industry for his charitable works, worthy causes, and magic tricks. He can be reached at tcspeedster@yahoo.com

Understanding ‘Yaw Rate’ and the ‘Steering Angle Sensor’ with Toby Chess

California Autobody Association with David McClune Hey Toby—I was told by my alignment shop that a 2009 Toyota Camry needed to have its steering angle sensor recalibrated after the alignment.

Is that true?

—Bill from Huntington Beach

ing control (skidding, understeer, oversteer, or hydroplaning) as which time it “kicks in.” ESC estimates the direction of the skid and it will apply pressure to the brake system (individual wheels).

The procedure will produce a torque about the vehicles vertical axis, which Hey Bill—It is true, and the reason is with John Yoswickin turn causes the vehicle to counter somewhat involved. A little backthe skid and bring the vehicle back to ground: In 1995, Mercedes Benz inits original direction. The system can troduced electronic stability control or also reduce engine power or shift the ESC on their S class model followed transmission into a lower gear autoshortly by BMW, Volvo and Toyota. matically.

Year in Quotes

sensors and lateral acceleration sensor.

The steering wheel sensor works by counting the revolutions that the steering wheel is making and how fast and compares those numbers to a set of standards which then sends the inputs to a computer. When there is a change to those standards, the control will make adjustments and corrections to stabilize the vehicle.

The Yaw rate sensor measures the rotation rate of the car. In other words, the sensor determines how far

off-axis a car is “tilting” in a turn. This information is then fed into a micro-

Collision Repair Association of CA. with Richard Steffen

Transition Planning

Photo Courtesy of AA1CAR.com

with were Johnrealized, Yoswick The ESC system is dependent of As the safety aspects more and more of the vehicle manu- a number of sensors, yaw rate sensor, facturers started to develop their own steering angle sensor, wheel speed systems. At the beginning of 2011, NHTSA requires all passenger cars to be equipped with ESC. ESC begins operation as soon as the vehicle is turned on. It continuously monitors the steering and vehicle direction. It compares the driver’s intended direction, which done by a withsensor, Karyn steering wheel angle andHendricks the vehicle’s actual path (uses an acceleration yaw rate sensor (more on this later) and road wheel speeds). During normal driving, the system remains passive until it detects a loss of steer-

Shop Showcase

Shop Showcase

46 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

with David M. Brown

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computer that compares the data with wheel speed, steering angle and accelerator position, and, if the system senses too much yaw, the appropriate braking force is applied. The lateral acceleration sensor measures the gforce from a turn and sends that information also to the ECU. Lastly, the wheel speed sensors measures the wheel speed. Some quick notes on ESC. First and foremost, the system is not a substitute for safe driving, but is designed to assist the driver recover from dangerous situations. ESC works on virtually any surface, for example, rain slick roads, icy roads and dry pavement. Again, ESC does not increase traction and it does not mean that a driver can drive into a curve faster, but it can help if help if a driver

miscalculates his or her speed going into the curve. What the system does is saves lives and that is the major reason that by the year 2012 all vehicles will be equipped with some sort of ESC. Let’s look at the heart of the system, the steering angle sensor.

As the driver steers the vehicle, the steering angle sensor will send signals to the ECU (ABS control module).

The ECU will know the direction of the vehicle’s movement and how fast the steering wheel is turning. Remember that as a vehicle goes into a curve, the tires move at different rates (the inside tire rotates at slower speed than the outside tires). In an understeer condition, traction is lost on the front wheels which in turn cause the vehicle to make a wider turn and that causes a speed difference to decrease between the

right and left front wheels. In a oversteer condition, the rear wheels loose traction and the car begins to spin and the speed difference between the right and left tires to increase. The sensors send data to the stability control software (located in the ABS Control Module) which will begin to apply brake pressure to the appropriate wheels to counter the forces involved. Furthermore, the engine power is reduced and the vehicle should regain its stability.

The auto industry has been working on technology that is sometimes compared to the Jetson’s self-driving (and flying cars) but recent media reports have focused on so-called ‘Intellidrive’ technology developed over the last nine years by a dozen

major automakers working in conjunction with the federal government. Intellidrive basically revolves around cars “talking” to each other using technology formally known as Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC). The technology in-

volves GPS receivers and WiFi signals which are constantly sending out data about their location and speed. As those signals identify the position and velocity of other cars on the road or traffic signals at intersections, the car warns the driver when a crash is imminent.

In 2009 (the most recent data on crashes) there were 5.2 million accidents in the U.S. that injured 2.2 million people and killed another 33,808.

That works out to one crash every six seconds.

Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) is an advanced wireless technology, similar to WiFi but faster and more secure. DSRC can communicate basic messages, such as alerts about imminent crash situations or roadway hazards, from one vehicle to another in a fraction of a second with minimal interference and without manipulation by the driver. The spectrum used by DSRC technology has been reserved by the Federal Communications Commission for transportation applications.

“This is an example of new technology helping to make transportation safer and more efficient,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

DSRC will be the basis for a future system of connected vehicles that will communicate with each other as well as the surrounding infrastructure, such as traffic signals, work zones and toll booths.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration re-

In a four-wheel alignment the rear wheels are adjusted to achieve a zero or near zero thrust angle,before any front wheel adjustments are made All vehicles should be 4wheel aligned. Two-wheel alignments have become obsolete because they align only the front wheels to the vehicle’s centerline. A 2-wheel alignment assumes the rear wheels are already aligned with the geometric centerline. Two-wheel alignments may a little money up front, but your vehicle’s handling and tire tread life will be compromised. Nearly all vehicle manufacturers require that the steering angle sensor be recalibrated after all 4 wheel alignments to insure proper function of the Electronic Stability Control System.

‘Intellidrive’ Crash Avoidance Systems Being Developed

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port, wireless Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communications can potentially address 81 percent of all unimpaired vehicle crashes.

“This technology is an opportunity to help create a future where millions of vehicles communicate with each other by sharing anonymous real-time information about traffic speeds and conditions. This new world of wireless communication will make transportation safer, provide better and faster exchange of information for vastly improved daily and longdistance travel, and even reduce environmental pollution,” said RITA Administrator Peter Appel.

U.S. DOT Announces Connected Vehicle Technology Challenge On January 25, The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) announced the Connected Vehicle Technology Challenge, a new national competition seeking ideas for using wireless connectivity between vehicles to make transportation safer, greener and easier.

Through the competition, RITA is soliciting ideas for products or applications that use Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC). Selected prize recipients will receive funded opportunities to present their winning ideas to unleash a new breed of advanced wireless technologies to make universal vehicle connectivity a reality. Details can be found at: www.Challenge.gov.

www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 47

ALL OEM Information with Dan Espersen and Ben Johnson

Dan Espersen is ALLDATA® CollisionSM Program Manager. Dan is a Gold Pin Member of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and holds an AA Degree in Automotive Technology. He has 17 years of experience in the collision industry and 17 years of experience in the automotive industry.

Are You in the Diagnostics Business? ‘Yes’ is the Right Answer!

Whether you like it or not, if you are without the ability to up charge for in the business of repairing vehicles these services. When diagnostics are Danare Espersen after an accident,with you either in, or done in-house, you are free from relywill soon be in, the business of vehicle ing on the mechanical shop to perform diagnostics. The proliferation of electhe necessary diagnostics and you can tronic components, data buses and then charge for this time, which in turn, components has forced the Collision could also be profitable for your shop.

Industry to invest in new equipment, This approach has become probspecialized training and procedures. lematic, however. First, there is the with Mike Causey Consider this: only 10 years ago the time issue. If a vehicle is disabled, average vehicle had 1-3 electronic there may be towing fees and time incontrol modules installed, controlling volved, which must be taken into acthe engine, anti-lock brake system and count. Insurance companies don’t perhaps the transmission. By contrast, want to pay for rental cars for any withPickup Miketruck Causey the 2008 F-150 Ford had longer than is necessary, and cus20 control modules, 50 sensors, 40 actomers want their cars back. Second, tuators running on 3 data networks. while mechanical shops are very good Some luxury vehicles have more than at diagnosing problems which occur 70 electronic modules on-board. naturally on a vehicle, some aren’t so The mechanical repair and diagsavvy when it comes to “collision-innostic businesses have been updating with Janet Chaneyduced damage” as sometimes those their technologies continuously since symptoms may be foreign to them.

1981 to deal with these new technoloThird, because these types of necgies. Even in that sector many shops essary diagnostic steps and repairs are and technicians who were unwilling to many times unknown at the time of the acquire the skills and tools necessary original estimate (based on visual into support the rapidly evolving indusspection) there’s the added annoyance with Tom McGee of having to request supplemental aptry have now shut down their operations. Many businesses have tried to provals for work to be done above and “specialize” or diversify by establishbeyond the original estimate. Suppleing or offering brake or alignment ments often times, mean more parts services or possibly other specialized need to be ordered, more time the veareas which did not haveTom to getMcGee caught hicle is off the road and more time in with up in what many have called the your bay. or someone else’s. “electronic revolution”. However, today there is virtually no system on What does it take to do the job right? the vehicle which is not touched The reality is, at some point, which somehow by these new electronically you’ll have to determine, you’re going enhanced components. So those who to have to research and acquire the EdtryAttanasio chose to ignore with them or to work tools, training and information needed around these systems, either had to to deal with these complex problems. scramble to equip themselves, or are The good news is once you’ve geared no longer in that industry. up for it, you’ll reap the benefits of additional revenue for diagnostic time I’ll out-source these jobs with Ed Attanasioand associated components.

Up until now, many collision repair The first thing you will need is a shops have had options to deal with the diagnostic tool which can connect to enhanced electronics on the vehicle. It the OBDII diagnostic port on any veboils down to two approaches: outhicle 1996 and newer and read and source or invest. Outsourcing or subclear Diagnostic Trouble Codes letting, whichever you call it, has been (DTC’s). These tools range in price attractive because it requires no up and functionality so you’ll want to defront investment in tools and training, termine how much you need to get and the costs can generally be passed started. The most basic handle what is to an invoice. However, it is difficult to commonly called “Generic OBDII” – achieve profit on this type of work as these are the mandated codes and data the workload and the cost can only be which must be accessible from any expensed on an invoice at face value, vehicle 1996 and newer without a lot

ALL OEM Information

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of fancy programming on the tool-designer’s part. The good news is these are relatively inexpensive. The bad news is these regulations were designed to assist in diagnosing emissions-related issues on the vehicle. So many vehicles won’t offer up ABS, Restraint system and other key information which is important to the collision repair business. If you are repairing a lot of TPMS, Restraint and other associated systems, chances are you’ll need a diagnostic scan tool with more features (and higher cost). Research the various capabilities; even these more enhanced tools vary widely in price.

Regardless of which tool you purchase, it will provide you the code and sometimes a description of the code. Other scan tools may offer “troubleshooting tips” about the code — but for the typical failure of a sensor. These tips typically do NOT ad-

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ALL OEM Information ALL OEM Information

dress the types of repairs a collision shop sees. So the best tool to supplement your diagnostic tool and its code readout capability is access to OE Information.

Access to OE information is important for a few reasons. Once a code has been identified, the code for the vehicle can be researched and the proper diagnostic procedures accessed.

OE information sources include factory Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) which can save a lot of time and headaches as they’ll let you know if a component or diagnostic procedure has been “upgraded” since the original information was published.

An all too common situation Let’s say you’re working on a 2010 Chevy Malibu. One of the items needing to be replaced is the driver’s seat assembly. As you begin to put the new seat hardware together you notice the

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airbag sensor connectors don’t match.

You immediately suspect somehow you have the wrong item. Referring to that vehicle and operation in the OE information, however, reveals a Technical Service Bulletin which was issued and never carried out on this particular vehicle, which requires replacement of the connectors. The following TSB from ALLDATA’s Collision S3500 gives us a real-world example of the importance of this information: TECHNICAL

Bulletin No.: 10-09-41-002A

Date: July 27, 2010

Subject: Intermittent Airbag Indicator with DTCs B0014 and/or B0021 Set (Replace Airbag Connector and Terminals, Reroute Airbag Harness)

Models: 2010 Chevrolet Malibu 2010 Pontiac G6 2010 Saturn AURA

Supercede: This bulletin is being revised to up-

date the Correction and Parts Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 10-09-41-002 (Section 09 - Restraints).

Condition: Some customers may comment on the intermittent illumination of the airbag indicator. Upon further inspection, DTCs B0014 and/or B0021 may be set.

must be repaired when this concern occurs. The service kit contains sufficient components to repair both seats connectors and attachment clips.

Connector Replacement

Cause: This condition may be caused by terminals wearing within the body harness to seat airbag harness connectors X308 (driver side) and X309 (passenger side).

Correction: Replace the seat air bag harness to main body harness connectors with the service kit part number provided.

Important DO NOT replace the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), side sensors or air bag modules.

Important Both driver and passenger seats

Ensure that the wire colors are matched when installing into the new connector.

Note: The service kit shown above is early production and does not contain the correct color wire seals.

Replace connectors on both driver and passenger seats, then reroute and attach the harnesses to the seat using the service kit.

4. Cut both wires from the body harness connector and seat airbag harness connector as close to connector housing (1) as possible to minimize wire length loss.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SI.

5. Slide the conduit away and remove tape (1).

Important Use caution when stripping insulation. Take care not to cut through the wire strands.

2. Disconnect connector C308 (1) from under the driver’s seat crossbeam. The connector is accessible from the rear of the seat (2).

Note: Only use hand tools to remove the seat to floor mounting bolts. If there are any problems with bolt removal, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 10-0850-002.

6. Slide the wire seals onto all four leads back enough to enable removal of the insulation. Install the blue seals on the body harness and the white seals on the seat airbag harness. Strip the insulation off all four leads 5 mm (3/16 in). Align the seals with the wire insulation.

3. Remove the driver’s seat. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket in SI.

Important Note the wire colors on the seat airbag harness and body harness.

See Diagnostics Business, Page 54

www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 49

Custom Corner with Rich Evans

Rich Evans is the owner of Huntington Beach Bodyworks and an award winning painter and fabricator. He offers workshops in repair and customization at his facility to share his unique talents. For contacts and design samples visit www.huntingtonbeachbodyworks.com

The Rich Evans Designs-Mopar Kit for Dodge’s Challenger

We unveiled our made over 2010 RT holes. That, plus the parts, is all it Challenger at the Mopar booth at takes to bring a stock Challenger to a SEMA in November, 2010 (see cover whole other level. photo). This is one of the coolest and Of course it takes a lot of work to most interesting projects I have ever get the kit to the point where installahad the pleasure to work on. Collabotion is this simple. I received the car rating with the Mopar team has been a in July from Mopar, as promised. blast. A hard part was going through Mopar supplied the core parts, startwith Thomas Franklin Mopar catalogs and deciding which ing with the 451-cid HEMI® All-Aluparts and accessories to use. minum Gen III Engine Assembly. The This is a two-part article on how engine kicks out more than 550 horsepower, ramping up the already-formidable speed and performance of the Challenger. Also supplied were: the Front Strut Tower Brace ($359, P5155002) Rear Strut Tower Brace ($505, P5155751) Suswith Dick Strom pension Kit ($1,750 P5155152) Shifter ($550, P5155277) Cat Back™ Exhaust Systhe project developed and to run tem ($1,190, P5155283) Cold Air Inthrough the steps and procedures retake System ($390, 77070029) Engine quired to build the car itself but also Cover ($362, 82212222) Header fabricating the parts supplied in the ($1,195, P5155235) and a Vented T/A kit.

Style Hood.

It started back in July when I The sponsors on this project inteamed up with Mopar to develop a kit clude Katzkin® Leather, BFto turn the 2010 Challenger into a Goodrich® Tires, House of Kolor, Mopar–Rich Evans ‘more Scosche withbuild.

Lee AAmaradio Jr. Audio Systems, Stitchcraft modern muscle car’ was the look we Interiors, MPG Caliper Covers, 3M, were going for and we wanted to able JB Composites—who is helping me to install all my body parts within a create the body kit—Curtis Speed two-hour period. I had about three Equipment (supplying the wheels), months of work to do on this project Vegas Fuel Energy Drink (the energy to get the original car ready for SEMA drinks I need to get this project done) 2010. and Grant Steering Wheels (supplying I was able to utilize some Mopar the coolest steering wheel on the parts and create some new body parts planet, with my design). for the Challenger, so Mopar guys can modify their own Challengers. with Sheila Loftus I built most parts out of polyurethane, but the scoops and wing are made out of fiberglass.

The front-lower spoiler and rear-lower spoiler and the wing will be factory mounted. The left and right rockers will require three drill holes and the left- and right-rear wheel The Rich Evans Designs parts I’m supplying are a lower front wells will need three screws as well.

For the scoop you’ll have to drill four spoiler, left and right rocker, left and

right rear flare, rear bumper lower spoiler, rear wing, hood scoop and insert, fiberglass headliner, grill insert,

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50 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

bumper inserts, one-off Rich Evans designed wheels, the steering wheel made by Grant, strike kit for the outside exterior of the car, interior modifications done by Stitchcraft interiors using Katzkin® Leather.

So this is a great project and there’s definitely a lot involved here.

Mopar dropped off the 2010 RT Challenger, which was silver in color with black graphics on the hood (see first photo). I had some fiberglass parts I made a few years back and I started off with them as a basis to bring a modern muscle look to this Challenger. It saved time to modify some of the parts that I already had designed. Instead of using foam and Bondo™ and shaping them, I cut these parts up, lengthened them a little bit, so I can make new plugs. I take the plugs and make molds for polyurethane parts so they’re a little more durable. This way they’re easier to make, I can make more, and they’ll be less expensive for the public.

I’m going to start with the lower balance and build off of the stock balance. I’m going to use that for reference and give it my style, curves, I want to make sure that it fits right in factory mounting points. That’s the key to this, making it easy for the consumer.

I’m going to cover this quickly here, but this takes some work and a lot of skill. If you’re going to attempt to make any body parts or molds or

plugs, start with something small so you can get a process down and you can move from the smaller to bigger projects. The more you build parts the better you’re going to get.

I’ve got the front spoiler done, I’m going to move to creating the scoop. I’m modifying a scoop that I’ve used on another project so I’m going to take some fiberglass and lay it down on the hood so I can get the right radius.

I Bondo™ it down to the hood so I have a flange. That way I don’t have to remake that whole scoop I can just make the mounting point and make a new flange for it so it fits the Challenger hood. From there I’m going to shape it and pull another mold.

Getting past the scoop and the lower balance, we’re going to move towards the rear spoiler and the left and right flares and then work our way up towards the wing. On the rear spoiler we use the same process as on the hood. We take some masking tape and figure out how high we want to go with the rear flare. We don’t want to go beyond the body line so we’re going to map it out with some twosided tape which will allow us to have

room in our mold when we lay the fiberglass down. Mapping it out with two-sided tape is going to save us some time and allow a better fit when we’re mounting these parts to the body.

We also want to be able to take these parts on and off. That’s the starting point, then we come with the fiberglass mat, lay it down, let it dry,

we’ll pull it off, cut it, and trim it.

Then we’ll put it back on and use that

as our foundation. We’re going to modify the flares I have, cut them, and then we’re going to shape them. Any time you’re building a body kit it takes a lot of sanding.

If you think you’ve sanded a lot, but haven’t tried this, believe me, you haven’t come close. When you start to create plugs and then molds be patient.

Don’t skip any corners, think about it, simplify it, make it easier. That’s the cool part about

doing it yourself.

After we’re done with the rear left- and right-flares we move on to the rear spoiler.

The rear spoiler’s going to be the same set of procedures.

Mask everything off, build off of the rear lower balance that’s on the vehicle so we can have the same mounting points when we pull our mold. Obviously we’re thinking about how things are going to overlap. We want tight lines so it looks factory.

When you put on this body kit it looks like you could have rolled it off the

showroom floor. It looks so natural.

With the rear lower spoiler done, I move to the rear wing, which will take some work. That’s going to be fiberglass. I have to make new mount-

ing points. When you pull the rear spoiler off the factory Challenger there’s four holes. Now I’ve got to make a platform. It’s more work for me but it’s going to be easier for the consumer. The consumer’s going to be able to buy my two part wing, screw the wing to the base. Then the base screws down to the trunk lid and is ready to go. Literally, in 10 minutes you can put this wing on and it transforms the whole look of the vehicle.

I’ve got the rear lower spoiler meeting the flares, so now I want to get into the rocker panels. The same steps are taken with the rocker panels: stretch them, lengthen them, to get the full kit ready. Now I mock up all the plugs that I’ve built and study it to make sure it looks right.

From the picture you can see the full mock up of the body kit. You’re probably wondering ‘where did the wheels go?’ I just put three-and-a-half inches on the rear of the car so now it’s allowing over a 15-and-a-half inch wheel on the back. That means better traction for the horsepower you’re going to add to this; if you have horse-

power and no traction you’re just going to do a Flintstones’ maneuver.

This is a well-thought-out process, allowing one-hundred percent performance. I’m using a 15 and a half-inch wheel on this and the car will take it, no problem. With the mock up out of the way, I tear it down for my paint design. I pretty much tear everything down completely. I’ll paint all my parts and pieces as you’ve seen described in the past. That way it gives the best results for your end results of quality. I’m going to use an Orion Silver, part number BC02 Shimrin 2. It’s a new product out by House of Kolor.

It’s a great product to use, makes it simplified, covers better— they’ve really put a lot of time into this so I thank House of Kolor for stepping up. Visit houseofkolor.com for more informa-

tion on the Shimrin 2 product.

What I’m going to do is base everything in Silver, then put the doors, fenders, hood and the backlid back on. Then I’m going to lay out my graphic design so everything lines up perfectly.

We’ll finish this project next month and take you through getting the car to SEMA. Visit my site at huntingtonbeachbodyworks.com to see and purchase the parts. Until then.

Fiat Increases Ownership in Chrysler to 25 Percent Chrysler Group announced January 10 that Fiat’s ownership interest in the Company has increased from 20% to 25% upon the Company’s achievement of the first of three performance-related milestones.

Chrysler Group issued an irrevocable commitment letter to the U.S. Treasury stating that the Company has received the appropriate governmental approvals and will begin com-

mercial production of the Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE) in its Dundee, Mich., facility. As a result, Fiat’s ownership interest increased automatically under the terms of the Operating Agreement.

The ownership interests of Chrysler Group’s members are now: UAW VEBA: 63.5%, Fiat: 25.0%, U.S. Treasury: 9.2%, Canadian Governments: 2.3%.

www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 51

I-CAR Tech

This article first appeared in the I-CAR Advantage Online, which is published and distributed free of charge. I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is a not-for-profit international training organization that researches and develops quality technical education programs related to collision repair. To learn more about I-CAR, and to subscribe to the free publication, visit http://www.i-car.com.

Collision Repair And The 2011 Ford Fiesta The 2011 Ford Fiesta is a complete reintroduction of the model name, and one glance will tell you the new Fiesta bears hardly any resemblance to its earlier 1978 namesake (see Figure 1).

example, the front and rear rails are 600 MPa dual-phase steel. The rocker panel reinforcements are 780 MPa dual-phase steel (see Figure 2). Both the A- and B-pillar reinforcements and the inner B-pillar are boron-alloyed steel, some of the strongest steel to date available on vehicles.

Amaradio Explains CRA Repair Possibilities

with Lee Amaradio Jr. possibilities, at least for the Repair

Figure 1 - The 2011 Ford Fiesta does not look anything like the 1978 model

The Fiesta is based on Ford’s new global B-platform, which is planned for use on more vehicles in the next few years. It’s available in a four- and five-door body style. Both of the

rails and the strong reinforcements, are few. But there are some other repairs available. There are bolt-on crush boxes on the ends of both the front and rear rails (see Figures 3 and 4). The crush boxes, as the name implies, are designed to crush in order to absorb collision energy. The crush boxes are not straightened, but easily replaced by bolting on a replacement.

More severe collisions that travel rearward of the front crush box or forward of the rear crush box require full re-

Consumer Callout

several sectioning possibilities for the mild steel outer side panels. The outer is available as two replacement service parts, cut just behind the B-pillar.

Designated sectioning cut lines are shown in the upper A-pillar, forward of the B-pillar in both the roof rail and rocker panel, and in the quarter panel area. Ford has always preferred a butt joint with backing on outer panel seams, preferably using a portion of the existing or replacement panel as a backing.

Other New Features The Fiesta has seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag. For a minicar, seven airbags is considered to be many.

The Fiesta is one of the first Ford vehicles with side airbag pressurebased sensors. These sensors measure the steep and quick increase of pressure within the door cavity in the

still required, in the base of the B-pillars, in case the side collision does not impact the front door.

The 2011 Fiesta also features Ford’s new blind-spot mirror, which is a secondary convex spotter in the top outer corner of the door mirrors, aimed directly at the driver's blind spot (see Figure 5). When traffic enters the driver’s blind spot on either side of the vehicle, it is visible in the secondary convex mirror.

Conclusion The 2011 Ford Fiesta, a rebirth of an old model name for Ford, features several applications of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel. Front and rear bolt-on crush boxes make them easy to replace in minor frontal collisions. There are several sectioning possibilities for the outer side panels.

The Ford Fiesta features seven airbags, pressure-based side airbag sensors,

ALL OEM Information Dan Espersen Figure 2 - The rockerwith panel reinforcements on Figures 3 and 4 - The Fiesta features bolt-on crush boxes as extensions on both the front and rear the Fiesta are dual-phase 780 steel rails

Figure 5 - The small mirror in the corner of the mirror serves as a view of the blind spot

styles are classified as a mini-car. The placement of the rail. Due to the DP2011 Ford Fiesta is the first mini-car 600 material, crush zones, and inner to earn a Top Safety Pick from the In- reinforcements, a sectioning procesurance Institute for Highway Safety dure for the front or rear rails is not since the introduction of a new roof available. Only a minor sway in the strength test. rails can be straightened.

What makes the Fiesta interesting The boron-alloyed steel A- and from a collision repair point of view is B-pillar reinforcements must also be that it has been referred to as a “study replaced at factory seams, which is in high-strengthwith steel,”Mike which Causey makes typical. The factory workshop (body up more than half of its structure. For repair) manual, section 501-35, shows

and a new type of blind spot mirror.

The Right Cause

Higher Vehicle Registration Fee Possible in TX Mario Avila stood at the counter of the Bexar County Tax Office renewing his state vehicle registration, a fee that could cost more as lawmakers grapple to find ways to close a huge budget shortfall according to reports made by KSAT 12 News.

“My truck’s $67 and my motorcycle is $56,” he said. Asked his thoughts about paying another $50 per vehicle, he grimaced. The displeasure was unanimous among the people in line.

“I think that’s pretty ludicrous, especially in today’s economy,” Paul

event of a side impact to trigger the side airbag deployment. The sensors do not rely on an airtight seal in the door cavity, as there are air openings in several places in a door shell. The sensors respond to a quick collapsing of the door shell, indicating a side collision. These sensors have up to 30% faster response time than conventional acceleration-based, side-impact sensors. Other side-impact sensors are Hernandez agreed.

Raising the vehicle registration fee is one idea being floated to help patch the $15 billion pothole in the state’s budget, along with the usual targets like sales tax and cigarette tax.

However, the Republican-strong leg-

Automaker Actions and Announcements

52 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

with Janet Chaney

The Ford Fiesta is one of many 2011 vehicles featured in I-CAR’s instructor-led Vehicle Technology and Trends (NEW11) course.

For comments or suggestions on the Advantage Online, please contact ICAR at advantage@i-car.com.

islature has promised no new revenues as the gavel in the 2011 session. Instead, they maintain the solution is spending cuts.

Governor Perry has spoken of broad cuts across various agencies.

Money would go to the so-called rainy day fund, the state’s $9 billion surplus.

On Creative Marketing

Tom Franklin has been a sales and marketing consultant for forty-five years. He has written numerous books and provides marketing solutions and services for many businesses. He can be reached at (323) 871-6862 or at tbfranklin@aol.com.

See Tom’s columns at www.autobodynews.com under Columnists > Franklin

Client vs. Customer, The Marketing Difference with Thomas Franklin

I was recently surprised when a local fessionals like lawyers and CPAs thehandyman referred to the people he oretically protect their “clients” from does property repairs for as “clients.” legal or governmental abuse.

Why should a collision repair faIt sounded kind of grandiose. Would that same designation be out of place cility think of a repair prospect as a in a collision repair shop where repair client rather than a customer? What prospects are generally referred to as are we protecting him or her from?

First of all, from future accidents that “customers?”

In this slow economy, few shops with Dick Strom might occur if a repair is faulty to the can afford to let a single repair point of making it hazardous to drive the vehicle. We may also be protectprospect slip away without agreeing to have his or her vehicle repaired at the ing him or her from insurance comshop. In general, sales to customers pany abuse. And if you are a reputable are different from sales to “clients.” shop, you should be protecting him or Retail merchants and equipment sales her from buying into fraudulent companies generally think of people claims by less reputable competitors.

But there is a more important reawho buy their products as “cusson to think of this prospect as a client tomers.”

The term “clients” is generally rather than as a customer. That is how reserved for attorneys, CPAs, financial a shop’s estimators approach a colliconsultants and others who offer pro- sion repair prospect. Unfortunately with Amaradio Jr. repair shops have gotten a fessional services.

The Lee dictionary de- collision fines “client” as “A person who is bad reputation in some areas because under the protection of another.” Pro- of publicity about fraudulent activity

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with Janet Chaney

by just a few shops. While this is not publicity that is good for the industry, it does provide an opportunity for an estimator to treat the repair prospect as a client needing protection from abuse.

Another reason for characterizing a new contact as a client, especially for attorneys and CPAs, is the hope that this will be a long-term relationship. Unlike body shops where people who have accidents may come in every day, most professionals like dentists get only occasional new referrals, so it is highly important to them to capture each new client for the long-term. Perhaps in previous years there was an abundance of people coming in for collision repairs. But most shops have seen a drop in volume of business, so a long-term relationship is becoming more and more important.

A CPA captures a client for the long-term by keeping a complete record of the client’s finances and taxes on file, by providing money-saving information, and by providing advice that may keep a client from getting a future IRS tax audit. In a sense, the CPA addresses the client’s financial past, financial present and financial future. Is there a way for a shop to utilize this successful professional strategy? If so, there would www.autobodynews.com have to be CHECK a new way looking at IT of OUT! what would now be considered to be a “collision repair client.”

In general, the only PAST an estimator is concerned with is the recent vehicle damage. Extending that concern to the level of “client care,” the estimator would have to take more To advertise time and about any previous callinquire Advertising Sales at: accident or damage to the vehicle, in800-699-8251 cluding weather damage to the paint e-mail:now assumes andadvertising@autobodynews.com body. The estimator the professional role of “consultant,” www.autobodynews.com possibly providing tips on paint finish care and other long-term maintenance.

While the PRESENT damage situation is the main reason this prospect came to the shop, once again the estimator can assume the role of consultant. This might include suggesting ways to enhance the cosmetic appearance of the vehicle, to possibly reinforce areas of the vehicle that might make the vehicle less safe to operate, and even to go beyond body repairs to suggest performance enhancements.

I once had a vehicle that frequently overheated. A mechanic pointed out to me that the cooling system was poorly designed and failed to cool both the engine and transmission adequately. He suggested putting in an auxiliary cooling system for the transmission, which I had him do. After that I never had an overheating problem with the vehicle again.

Finally, the estimator/consultant can do much to improve this new client’s FUTURE vehicle care and driving experience. The most obvious, of course is to suggest ways to prevent future accidents, and that could include added lighting and special backup sensors and devices. It could also include incorporating additional safety features foryour the driver.

Give us opinion on m An older vehicle may not yet have side air bags. It might be possible to modify sunvisors or the steering column with additionalpublisher@au padding. For some people larger mirrors might provide an additional margin of safety while driving. Ideas like these are only limited by the imagination of the estimator/consultant.

Now the last client care element is record keeping.

A more extensive The source for timely file system should be added so that information that every whenever that client calls, anyone in body shop needs! the shop should be able to view the client’s past, present and future needs CALL a800-699-8251 and communicate level of professionalism thatStart is calledYour for whenFREE dealing with a client instead of just another Mail Subscription. “customer.”

write

See the NEW

Autobody News Website www.autobodynews.com www.autobodynews.com | FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS 53

Continued from Page 49

Diagnostics Business

7. On the body harness, position two FEMALE terminals onto the wires.

Caution must be used not to position the wire too far forward as it may interfere with the mating portion of the terminal. Crimp the terminals on to the bare wire using the J 38125-7 crimp tool, jaw E (1). Repeat the procedure using two MALE terminals on the seat airbag harness.

8. Position the wire seal to the terminal and crimp the seal and insulation using the J 38125-6 crimp tool, jaw 1 (1).

Note: Avoid getting solder on the terminal end or overheating the terminal.

Warning DO NOT use soldering equipment that is battery or electric powered. These types of soldering irons can induce voltage into the circuit, which may cause inflator module deployment and/or damage to electrical components. Use only the EL-28125-5 Ultra Torch or another butane fueled soldering iron when working on SIR circuits.

9. Solder all four terminals at the wire crimp.

10. Slide the two seat airbag harness terminals through the opening of the orange connector position assurance (CPA) (1).

Important Ensure that the appropriate wire colors match up (as noted in Step 4) when the connection is made between the seat airbag harness and body harness.

11. Slide all four terminals (2) into the appropriate connector body as shown above. Install the blue terminal position assurance (TPA) devices onto the connector ends.

12. Install the gray connector clip onto the appropriate connector body.

13. Add NyoGel 760 Lubricant, PN 12377900 (in Canada, use PN 10953529) to the terminals on both sides of the connections.

14. Wrap anti-abrasion electrical tape around the two exposed wires on the seat harness for a length of 30 mm (1.2 in) from the back of connector.

Continue to wrap the tape around the back of connector.

Obtain “*Woven Polyester (PET) Electrical Tape” (Special Order PN RZ97156A00) from Kent Automotive. Refer to Parts Information below.

15. Slide the conduit back up. Wrap tape starting at the back of the connector and over the conduit for a length of a 130 mm (5 in).

16. Tape on the gray clip at 110 mm (4.33 in) from the back of the connector. Note that the clip orientation should be in-line with the retainer clip orientation on the connector.

17. Repeat the above procedure on the passenger seat.

Attach Drivers Side Harness to Seat Follow the procedure below to re-route and attach the harness to

the driver seat: 1. Insert the connector retainer clip into the rectangular attachment hole (1) on the driver seat as shown above.

54 FEBRUARY 2011 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

2. Ensure that the service loop (2) faces towards the front of the seat.

3. Insert the tapped-on gray clip into the round attachment hole (3) as shown above.

4. Attach the existing black clip to the new seat suspension location (4).

3. Insert the tapped-on gray clip into the round attachment hole (3) as shown above.

4. Attach the existing black clip to the new seat suspension location (4).

1. Insert the connector retainer clip into the rectangular attachment hole (1) on the passenger seat as shown above.

2. Ensure that the service loop (2) faces towards the front of the seat.

Written by Dan Espersen and Ben Johnson. Ben Johnson is ALLDATA’s Senior Product Marketing Manager.

Ben is a recognized technology leader in vehicle diagnostics with decades of driving diagnostics product develop-

Attach Passenger Side Harness to Seat Follow the procedure below to reroute and attach the harness to the passenger seat:

Reinstall Seats 1. Install both the driver and passenger seats. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket in SI. 2. Make the connections between the seat airbag harness and the body harness.

3. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SI In the above example, the scan tool may have given a code even if the connectors could have been connected, and the access to OE information let us know how to properly repair the vehicle.

So next time someone asks if you’re in the Diagnostic business, what answer will you give?

THESE DEALERS ARE GENUINE WHOLESALE PARTS SPECIALISTS. C ALIFORNIA

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916-405-4700 800-952-5307

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ment. Ben holds a degree in Business Administration.

©2011 ALLDATA LLC. All rights reserved. All technical information, images and specifications are from ALLDATA Collision. ALLDATA is a registered trademark and ALLDATA Collision is a mark of ALLDATA LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective holders.

Chevy and Malibu are registered trademark names and model designations of GM. All trademark names and model designations are being used solely for reference and application purposes.

No More Online Learners Permits for Florida’s Teens

For the first time in nearly a decade, anyone wanting a learners permit has to make the trip to the department of motor vehicles.

Florida state officially canceled its online testing program after the New Year, according to reports made

by WOFL FOX 35, Orlando.

While some drivers think it will be an inconvenience, others say the idea should have never left the parking lot.

“I think its a good idea. Its a lot safer and you can’t use the book to cheat,” said longtime driver, Wendy McDaniel.

“Back in the day when I took it, you had to go there, study, and once you took it you passed it,” she said.

State officials usually generate two to three million dollars in revenue a year from the online option. The test ranged from $20 to $30 bucks.

The main reason why officials decided to put the brakes on the online program is because of its inaccuracy.

In 2009, they re-tested about 600 people who passed the test online and more than fifty percent failed.

Law enforcement officers are not surprised. “I think I ran in to some of those people who got it online proba-

bly cheating,” said Officer Matt Walker who works at the Sanford police department.

“I’ve seen some of the drivers here in Florida and seen so many accidents - its unreal,” he said. The state started the online exam in 2004.

The test can also be taken at a county tax collectors office.

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