AUGUST 2020
RIGHT TO REPAIR:
New National Support, Opposition
PLUS: REMEMBERING DICK SCHOONOVER
EXCL
USIVE
! Dig Bonus ital Con Betwe tent en Pages 10 & 11
Your Champion. Your Ally. www.aaspmn.org
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R EBO OR N w it h e v er yt hing y ou u a s k ed f or in a r e f inish s y s t em – c olor c onsis t enc y and t ools .
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AASP-MN News is the official publication of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota, Inc. 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102 Roseville, MN 55113 Phone: 612-623-1110 Fax: 612-623-1122 email: aasp@aaspmn.org website: aaspmn.org. To keep its readers better informed, AASP-MN News allows its columnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP-MN News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 2020 All rights reserved. Cover image www.istockphoto.com.
AASP of Minnesota is an association of independently-owned automotive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated to improving the state’s automotive service industry and the success of its members.
AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS
CONTENTS Vol. 29 No. 8
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ..........................................4 Lessons from a Pandemic
by Judell Anderson, CAE, AASP-MN Executive Director SHOP HERE FIRST! ....................................................................5 AASP-MN Associate Member Directory
2020 - 2021 PRESIDENT Matthew Feehan IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Carl Thomas SECRETARY-TREASURER Tom Archambault COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTOR Jesse Jacobson MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTOR Tony Newman
LOCAL NEWS ............................................................................8 NATIONAL FEATURE..................................................................12 Right to Repair: New National Support, Opposition by Joel Gausten
CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS! ....................................14 AASP-MN and Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick Law Firm Legal Services Program
ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTOR Loren Feldkamp
NATIONAL NEWS ......................................................................17
COLLISION SEATS Randy Miller Lee Schlosser
DIGITAL BONUS CONTENT (@ WWW.GRECOPUBLISHING.COM)
MECHANICAL SEAT Jeremy Nordgren
STAFF
Legislative Update by Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist Insurance I.Q. DEG Estimating Tips Partners in Prevention
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judell Anderson, CAE
WELCOME NEW MEMBER:
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Jodi Pillsbury MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Tom Kluver
JUNE 2020
Trubilt Collision Center, Altoona, WI
PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc.
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
PUBLISHER Thomas Greco | thomas@grecopublishing.com SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli | alicia@grecopublishing.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lisa M. Cuthbert | lisa@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten | joel@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL & CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo | alana@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco | donna@grecopublishing.com
www.grecopublishing.com
AmeriPride ............................................................17 Buerkle Hyundai..................................................13 CBIZ ........................................................................18 Toyota Group ......................................................7 Dentsmart ............................................................13 FinishMaster ........................................................10 Inver Grove Honda/Inver Grove Toyota ....12 Jack McClard........................................................15 Keystone ..............................................................10 Maplewood Toyota............................................16
AASP-MN News
Mopar Group ......................................................15 Morrie’s ................................................................4 Motorwerks BMW ..............................................IBC MPA ........................................................................11 Proven Force........................................................OBC Reliable Automotive Equipment....................6 Rosedale Chevrolet............................................9 Sherwin Williams - Matrix ................................IFC Straight & Square................................................16
August 2020 | 3
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Lessons from a Pandemic My last article was written for the January issue, and my, how things have changed! Having never lived through a pandemic before (or at least one that hit so close to home), the by Judell Anderson, CAE, events of the past few months AASP-MN Executive Director have been unnerving, to say the least. Add a healthy dose of civil unrest on top of it all, and things get interesting really fast. During this time, the Alliance staff has been working diligently to support our members in weathering this storm. One of the highlights of that work has been bringing members together on Zoom calls to help, share and learn from each other. While taking part in those calls, I learned a few things myself, including that you are: Generous – whether donating PPE to first responders contributing to charitable organizations or going above-and-beyond for a customer, you provided support and built goodwill within your communities.
4 | August 2020
Adaptable – your ingenuity was on full display in adjusting your marketing tactics and other business practices. Intelligent – your business acumen was front and center when discussing the financial impact on your business metrics and making swift decisions. Responsible – without hesitation, you quickly implemented the health and safety procedures necessary to keep your employees and customers safe. Resilient – it didn’t take long for members to start talking about changing consumer habits and the upside for your businesses in the longer term. Now, don’t get me wrong – I always knew that Alliance members are among the best and brightest in the industry! But there’s nothing like a crisis to bring to light character traits and skills that may go unnoticed during more typical times. The bottom line is that AASP-MN members have shown that they are not going to let a pandemic get in the way of serving their customers, taking care of their employees and running a successful business. I’m impressed by all of you and proud to be your executive director!
AASP-MN News
Shop Here First! AASP-MN Associate Member Directory 1 Collision Network, Milwaukee, WI 3M Center, St. Paul, MN aaa Auto Parts, Rosemount, MN aaa Auto Parts, East Bethel, MN AASP-MN BankCard Program, Minnetonka, MN Accessory Pro Warehouse, Baxter, MN Action Auto Parts, St. Paul, MN AkzoNobel, No. St. Paul, MN AmeriPride Services, Minneapolis, MN Arcon Solutions, Inc., Burnsville, MN Assessment Associates International, Minnetonka, MN Auto Color & Industrial Supply, Inc., St. Joseph, MN Auto Electric of Bloomington, Inc., Bloomington, MN Auto Nation Parts Department, White Bear Lake, MN Auto Plus Auto Parts, Hopkins, MN Auto Plus Auto Parts, Lexington, MN Auto Plus Auto Parts, Bloomington, MN Auto Plus Auto Parts, Brooklyn Park, MN Auto Value Parts Stores, St. Cloud, MN Automotive Recyclers of MN, Fridley, MN Automotive Training Institute, Linthicum, MD Autoshop Solutions, Apex, NC AutoZone, Memphis, TN Axalta Coating Systems, New Richmond, WI BASF Corporation, Savage, MN Blue Rock Refinishing Solutions, LLC, Roseville, MN Boulay Financial Advisors, LLC, Minneapolis, MN Buerkle Honda, White Bear Lake, MN Buerkle Hyundai, White Bear Lake, MN C.H.E.S.S., West St. Paul, MN CBIZ AiA, Minneapolis, MN Colonial Life, Princeton, MN Cottens’ NAPA, Anoka, MN Dent Impressions, Rogers, MN Dentsmart, Isanti, MN Dorman Products, Colmar, PA Dynotec Industries, Inc., Jordan, MN Elite Worldwide, Inc., Rancho Santa Fe, CA Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Eagan, MN Factory Motor Parts, Eagan, MN Finishmaster, Fridley, MN Finishmaster, St. Cloud, MN Finishmaster, Duluth, MN Fix Auto, San Diego, CA Heartman Insurance, Faribault, MN Heartthrob Exhaust, Litchfield, MN IDENTIFIX, Roseville, MN Insurance Brokers of MN, Blaine, MN
Johnson Supply Co., Duluth, MN Kukui Corporation, Roseville, CA LKQ - Keystone Automotive, Fridley, MN LKQ - Minnesota, Albert Lea, MN LKQ - Viking Auto Salvage, Northfield, MN Lube-Tech & Partners, St. Paul, MN Maguire Agency, Roseville, MN Mark’s Towing, Inc., Eagan, MN McClard & Associates, Hopkins, MN Mitchell International, San Diego, CA Mitchell1, Ellisville, MO Monroe, Moxness, Berg, PA, Minneapolis, MN Motor Parts & Equipment, Winona, MN NAPA Distribution Center, St. Louis Park, MN NAPA Distribution Center, Owatonna, MN Net Driven, Scranton, PA O’Reilly Auto Parts, Brooklyn Park, MN P.P.G. Automotive Finishes, Edina, MN P.P.G. Automotive Finishes, Mitchell, SD PAMs Auto, Inc., St. Cloud, MN NAPA Auto Parts, Northfield, MN Podium, Lehi, UT Proven Force Clutch and U Joint, Maple Grove, MN Radco, Blaine, MN Radco, Burnsville, MN Radco, Duluth, MN Radco, Fargo, ND Radco, Oakdale, MN Radco, Sioux Falls, SD Radco, St. Cloud, MN RepairPal, San Francisco, CA SATA Spray Equipment, Spring Valley, MN Schmelz Countryside, Maplewood, MN Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes, Andover, MN Single Source Inc, Baldwin, WI Single Source Inc., Roseville, MN Single Source/National Coatings, Maplewood, MN Smart Express, Bloomington, MN Southern Minnesota Auto Supply Co., Rochester, MN St. Paul/Mpls. Wholesale Parts Assoc., Anoka, MN Straight & Square Distributing, LLC, St. Cloud, MN Suburban Chevrolet, Eden Prairie, MN Twin Cities Auto Glass, White Bear Lake, MN United Fire Group, Cedar Rapids, IA Valley Imports, Fargo, ND Wakeman Equipment Sales, Inc., Brown Deer, WI Wipers & Wipes, Inc., Brooklyn Center, MN Wirthco Engineering, Inc., Edina, MN
AASP-MN News
August 2020 | 5
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You lose money when aftermarket parts don’t fit. Toyota Dealers are your best source for Genuine Toyota Parts. All it takes is one call. For Toyota Genuine Parts please call one of these authorized local Toyota Dealers: Inver Grove Toyota 1037 Highway 110 Inver Grove Heights, MN PH: 651-306-4630 FAX: 654-457-8705 www.invergrovetoyota.com
Burnsville Toyota 14730 Buck Hill Road Burnsville, MN 55306 800-448-5912 PH: 952-435-8401 FAX: 952-435-8515
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Maplewood Toyota 2873 Highway 61 Maplewood, MN 55109 PH: 651-490-2648 FAX: 651-490-2652 TOLL FREE: 877-574-0667 parts@maplewoodtoyota.com
ToyotaPartsAndService.com AASP-MN News
August 2020 | 7
LOCAL NEWS In Memory of Dick… Dick Schoonover, former owner of Schoonover Bodyworks (Shoreview) passed away on July 9, 2020 at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Beryl; sons, Dick Schoonover Jeff (London Savant), Scott and Mike (Gayle); six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. In addition to his love for family, Dick loved the family business. He began his career working at Schoonover Auto Rebuild with his dad, Chuck, taking it over in the mid ‘60s after Chuck’s early passing. In 1973, he moved Schoonover Auto Rebuild to Shoreview. Dick was an innovator and always two steps ahead of the competition. He set the bar high for customer service and quality and made sure his employees had the best tools, equipment and training available. During his leadership, he grew the company to a nationally recognized collision repair facility. Dick was actively involved in the collision repair industry, serving on many boards and committees at the state and national levels for ASA, ASC, I-CAR and others, and served as president of AASPMN (then ASA-MN) from 1978-80. Dick helped develop legislation, rules and procedures granting rights to consumers and leveling the playing field with auto insurers. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Everyone at AASP-MN extends their condolences to the entire Schoonover family.
On-the-Air and Online Promoting Participating Member Shops and Independent Industry
AASP-MN’s “Get to Know Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pro” is an industry marketing campaign that promotes the benefits of doing business with independent auto repair shops. The primary message is that independents can perform virtually any repair or service while also maintaining closer, more lasting relationships with customers and the community. The program, now in its 12th year, has reached millions of people. This year’s campaign kicked off in May and will run through September with commercials running 8 | August 2020
on-air and streaming online on WCCO-AM Radio 830, KQRS 92.5 FM, KFAN 100.3 FM and KS95 94.5 FM on selected weeks, Monday to Friday, 6am to 7pm in primetime dayparts, throughout the day with rotating spots. More than 800 spots have run during the first eight weeks, and have been heard more than nine million times by our target audience of adults ages 25 to 54. Participating program shops are listed on the Neighborhood Auto Repair Pro website, autorepairpro.net. For more information about the Get to Know Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pro advertising campaign, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 6231110 or visit aaspmn.org. AWAIR Program Required in Minnesota As of January 1, automotive repair facilities in Minnesota are again required to have A Workplace Accident and Injury Reduction (AWAIR) program. Minnesota OSHA has started enforcing the AWAIR standard as of July 3. Any auto repair facility in Minnesota that does not have a current AWAIR program could be cited. The Alliance is working with its member and partner, Complete Health Environmental & Safety Services (C.H.E.S.S.), to develop a workshop(s) to help members understand the components of an AWAIR program and to create an AWAIR program for their own facility. Please contact the Alliance office by phone at (612) 623-1110 or via email at aasp@aaspmn.org to learn more.
Minimum Wage Updates On July 1, the minimum wage in Minneapolis rose to $11.75 for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees and $13.25 for large businesses with more than 100 employees. Find more info at minimumwage.minneapolismn.gov. In St. Paul, minimum wage on July 1 increased to $10 for small businesses (six to 100 employees) and $11.50 for large businesses. “Micro” businesses with five or fewer employees have to pay $9.25 an hour. More info can be found at stpaul.gov/departments/human-rights-equal-economic-opportunity/labor-standards-enforcementand-education-1. By July 1, 2024, all workers in Minneapolis will
AASP-MN News
have reached $15 an hour. St. Paul workers will follow in 2027. As of January 1, 2020, the Minnesota minimum wage became $10/hour for employers with annual gross receipts of $500,000 or more and $8.15 for employers with gross receipts less than that.
2020 Minnesota I-CAR/SkillsUSA Fall Golf Event Is a Go! The Minnesota I-CAR/SkillsUSA Volunteer Committee invites golfers and sponsors to Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater, Wednesday, September 23 for a fun-filled day of golf. All proceeds from the event go towards scholarships for future technicians, equipment for technical colleges and other collision industry training needs in Minnesota. Typically, the event would include a four-person scramble, grilled dinner and awards reception following the golf; however, details will be published closer to the day depending on COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, there will be complimentary refreshments on several holes around the course, as well as unique contests for prizes.
This is a great opportunity for vendors to market their business, products and/or services, while supporting the industry and enjoying a round of golf with industry leaders. Registration and payment for golfers and/or sponsors can be found on the golf outing’s website, icargolf.com. For more information, contact tournament director Jamison Randall at jrandall@ latuffbrothers.com or (651) 796-8003.
Do You Have a Superstar? Do you have an employee you’d like to brag about in our monthly Facebook “Awesome Repair Pro” post? If so, please submit their name, job title, photo, number of years they have been employed by you and a brief statement about what makes them an “Awesome Repair Pro,” and member of your team to aasp@aaspmn.org. We’d love to feature our industry’s superstars!
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AASP-MN News
August 2020 | 9
Thank You to Our Sponsors The following companies have made sponsorship commitments for AASP-MN’s educational programming and other activities in 2020: Platinum
Silver
Fix Auto
aaa Auto Parts
LKQ-Minnesota
AmeriPride Services
Lube-Tech & Partners
Colonial Life Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Gold
O’Reilly Auto Parts
AASP National
PAM’s Auto, Inc.
Auto Value Parts Stores
Sherwin Williams
Axalta Coating Systems
Single Source/NCS
CBIZ AiA
Suburban Chevrolet
FinishMaster
10 | August 2020
Podium
Bronze
PPG Automotive Finishes
C.H.E.S.S.
United Fire Group
Twin Cities Auto Glass
AASP-MN News
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Another Special Session and the Stalemate Continues The second special session of 2020 was called to order on July 13. The primary purpose of the special session was to determine whether the Governor’s peacetime emerKevin Walli gency powers should continue. AASP-MN Lobbyist There was also the issue of unfinished business from the regular session and first special session – including passing a Bonding Bill for state construction projects. But the Bonding Bill has merely been a bargaining chip in the ongoing conflict between the Republican-controlled Senate versus the Democratic-controlled House and Democratic Governor Tim Walz. This is a classic political power struggle. The Constitution confers emergency powers on the executive branch and the Governor declares these powers, subject to Constitutional provisions which require the legislature to oversee the Governor’s exercise of power. The special sessions have been timed to allow the legislature to determine whether or not the emergency powers should continue. The Governor’s emergency powers have been continuing on a monthto-month basis and the legislature must vote affirmatively to end these powers. The emergency executive orders under which the state government is responding to the coronavirus pandemic spring from these emergency powers. The debate on whether the Governor’s emergency powers should be extended breaks down like this: • Republicans argue that COVID-19 is on the decline in Minnesota and that the emergency should end. • Democrats argue that the decline in the spread of COVID-19 is a result of the emergency powers and loosening the preventive measures too soon would result in a spike in cases and a setback for businesses. • Republicans argue that the Governor used models that dramatically overstated the extent and severity of the virus. • Democrats argue that the experience of seeing fewer cases and fewer deaths is the result of
taking heed of the models and enforcing actions to slow the spread of the virus. • Republicans argue that neighboring states have implemented less extreme measures and they have had fewer cases and fewer deaths per capita. • Democrats argue that the comparison to our neighboring states whose populations are significantly more rural in nature does not represent the comparative risk of the spread of the virus. While the debate takes place in the House and Senate, the termination of the Governor’s emergency orders only occurs upon the affirmative action of both legislative bodies. With the House in Democratic hands and the Senate controlled by Republicans, there has been no agreement on bringing the Governor’s emergency powers to an end. All of the actions by Governor Walz and the legislature will ultimately be judged with the benefit of 2020 hindsight. In the meantime, the Bonding Bill has been held hostage in this process. The Bonding Bill requires a 60 percent super majority to pass. Neither the Democrats in the House nor the Republicans in the Senate have 60 percent majorities to control their respective legislative body. In other words, they need each other in order to pass a Bonding Bill and they are not exactly getting along. I think both parties fully intend to have the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic become a defining issue of the 2020 Election. While this may have been inevitable, we are seeing collateral damage with the delay of construction jobs produced when the state issues bonds for building projects. These are the jobs that we need to pull us out of the economic tailspin brought about by the pandemic. Both the House and Senate have recessed until August, when they hope to come back and pass a bonding package that all can support.
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
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Tenants’ Improvements and Betterments Suppose that a landlord leases a storefront to a retailer that makes improvements to the facility by adding features to help sell its products. During the lease, a fire breaks out and damages the building, including the features added by the retailer to improve the space. When the insurance claims are made, the following questions arise: • Who did the improvements belong to? • Who is responsible for paying the damages?
Defining Improvements and Betterments While legal definitions vary, improvements and betterments are anything that a tenant attaches to the landlord’s real estate that becomes a permanent part of that real estate. Under most leases, such improvements become the property of the landlord and tenants are responsible for repairing or replacing the improvements in the event of loss. However, property policies can be customized to determine whether tenants’ improvements and betterments are covered under the building category or under the contents category. A Landlord’s Point of View When a tenant makes substantial improvements and betterments to a building, it adds to the building’s value. In order to realize this added value, the landlord needs to clearly establish who is responsible for damages to that property to avoid insurance complications. In doing so, the landlord typically has to make one of the following decisions: • Increase the limits of the property insurance policy to account for this extra value. • Add a clause to the rental contract stating that the tenant is responsible for damages to improvements and betterments.
In the absence of one of the aforementioned decisions, the landlord may face penalties in the event that he or she has to make an insurance claim. For example, if a tenant makes $100,000 worth of improvements and betterments to a property that was initially worth $500,000, and a fire destroys the entire building, the insurance adjuster will value the property at $600,000 when processing the claim. But, since most landlords’ property policies consider improvements and betterments as covered property, the landlord may be charged an underinsured penalty if the build-
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ing’s policy hasn’t been increased to reflect the amount of the improvements and betterments. A landlord who does not wish to insure for the values of the improvements and betterments should specifically exclude them. A Tenant’s Point of View If the lease requires the landlord to repair or replace tenants’ improvements and betterments that become damaged, the tenant does not need to insure them. In contrast, if the lease does not require the landlord to repair or replace tenants’ improvements and betterments, tenants need to make sure they are covered under their own property policy. Considerations When Entering a Lease When entering into a new lease or renewal, it is critical for both landlords and tenants to carefully review the terms of the lease to ensure that it adequately delegates the responsibility for insuring tenant improvements and betterments. It is also important to make sure that each party’s insurance policy is adequate enough to properly protect the scope of the tenant improvements agreed upon in the lease. When reviewing the lease, both the landlords and tenants should discuss the following questions: • Who owns the improvements? • Who is responsible to replace the improvements if damaged? • Which insurance policy covers the improvements—the landlord’s or the tenant’s? • Is the policy adequate?
Insuring Your Improvements and Betterments Improvements and betterments are not difficult to insure, as a building’s insurance forms automatically cover them. However, many landlords expect their tenants to insure any improvements and betterments that are made, and some landlords refuse to increase the value of their building policies to reflect the new value of such changes. Therefore, it is important to understand the insurance ramifications of tenants’ improvements and betterments.
For more information, contact Brad Schmid at bschmid@cbizaia.com or (763) 549-2247.
AASP-MN News August 2020 DIGITAL BONUS CONTENT
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INSURANCE I.Q.
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Grant Opportunity for Ramsey County Businesses Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy is offering free technical assistance and financial support of up to $50,000 to help businesses transition to safer, more sustainable chemicals and modern, high-efficiency equipment. The program currently focuses on businesses that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and/or use perchloroethylene (PERC). For auto repair and body shops, this could be an opportunity to switch to equipment, paints, cleaners and other supplies that reduce VOC emissions. Business operations must be located in Ramsey County to be eligible. Assistance is available to help you complete your application. Visit morevaluelesstrash.com/bpp to get started. Hazardous Waste Disposal Option for Businesses COVID-19 has led to downtime for many businesses. Maybe you’ve used the time to clean up your facility and now have wastes that need to be disposed. If your business generates 220 pounds (about 22 gallons) or less a month of hazardous waste, you may have the option to dispose hazardous waste at a Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Collection Program. In most cases, you must transport your hazardous waste to the collection site yourself and pay a disposal fee. However, VSQG collection sites are often less expensive than hiring a disposal vendor to pick up waste at your site. Most programs accept paints, solvents, cleaners, wastes containing heavy metals and universal
wastes, such as fluorescent and HID lamps, batteries, mercury-containing devices, aerosols and compressed gas cylinders. Note that most VSQG Collection Programs do not accept used oil, asbestos, electronics, explosives or infectious, pharmaceutical or radioactive wastes. Make sure you understand the requirements for using a VSQG Collection Program before heading out. Verify that your business is a VSQG and that it has a valid Hazardous Waste Identification Number, also known as an EPA ID number. Contact the collection site and get pre-approval to take your wastes there. Most programs will not accept waste without pre-approval and an appointment. Package your hazardous waste to meet standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Hazardous Materials Regulations and your VSQG Collection Program. Get a receipt from the VSQG Collection Program and keep it for three years. There are 18 VSQG Collection Programs around the state. For requirements and to see if there’s a collection site near you, use the term “w-hw2-51” in your online search or visit pca.state.mn.us.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY to the official publication of AASP-MN / the Alliance! Visit https://forms.gle/ipnVyZzeLMYcoZvS7 to begin receiving the full print version of AASP-MN News every month! AASP-MN News August 2020 DIGITAL BONUS CONTENT
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PARTNERS IN PREVENTION
ESTIMATING TIPS CCC and Audatex: Protecting Interior During Repairs Various repair procedures may require additional protection to the interior of the vehicle to prevent welding/grinding/sanding sparks or dust going beyond the repair zone. In these situations, additional consideration for labor and/or materials to protect vehicle interior is NOT INCLUDED. CCC DEG Inquiry 13434: “After review of the concern, it has been determined that covering the exterior, interior and components of the vehicle to prevent weld spark damage is not included with welded panel replacement estimated work times. Determining an estimated work time for these procedures would require an ‘on-the-spot evaluation’ when developing the estimate.” Audatex DEG Inquiry 15218: “We have reviewed your inquiry with regard to ‘Cover to protect interior during repair.’ We consider time to place and remove welding blankets only. Any additional operations are not considered in our guidelines. No changes are warranted at this time.” CCC: Adhesive Wheel Opening Moldings (Audi Q5) Inquiry 16513: “Note: The Wheel Opening Molding is standard equipment on the S-Line and SQ5 model Bumper Covers. MOTOR only lists the Wheel Opening Moldings in those bumper groups. The estimated work time is for installation only and is included with R&R and Overhaul.” In scenarios when a bumper is being O/H for repair, the REMOVAL of the adhesive wheel opening moldings is NOT INCLUDED. Audatex: Grille Labor Considerations Recent DEG Inquiry 16535 states: “It is not possible to determine if an assembly is delivered completely assembled or requiring some assembly. Therefore, parts that are not delivered as an assembly that will require additional labor to bring the part to the assembly condition will require a labor allowance at the discretion of the end user.”
An example would be some RAM grilles coming unassembled from the manufacturer, requiring additional assembly. CCC: Honda Civic Bumper Reinforcements DEG Inquiry 16531 footnote on front bumper reinforcement currently states “Part cannot be reused/reinstalled.” The current footnote in CCC regarding the reinforcement is an error and has been updated to “LABOR time is after bumper cover is removed. Time does not include R&R bumper cover or overhaul.” This change will start to appear on the UM release date 8/3/2020. Replacement of the reinforcement is NOT needed if the part is not damaged. Please reference up-to-date repair information from the OEM. Mitchell: Recycled Part Operations (ATG) Mitchell has made changes in the way Recycled Part labor operations are developed. Mitchell has provided feedback on Inquiry 16546: “In an effort to simplify overlap between the ATG (Assembly Time Guide) and CEG (Collision Estimating Guide), we no longer publish labor times for bolt on components or assemblies in the ATG. Operations can be selected from the CEG, and the part type changed to LKQ. CEG labor times and CEG P-Page logic apply. ATG P-pages do not apply to CEG labor times. When utilizing an operation from ATG, with a published ATG allowance, the ATG P-Pages are applicable. What would not be included are any considerations for the removal of components serviced with the ATG assembly.” An example of CEG time on a RECY component would be a RECY door arriving in the same condition as a NEW replacement part.
Note: The estimating databases are all intended to be used as a GUIDE ONLY - it is important to remember that the auto body professional performing the repair is in a position to thoroughly inspect, diagnose and identify the methodology and their unique cost of the vehicle damage repair. You can view these tips and others on the DEG website, DEGWEB.ORG. D4 |
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CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. PARTNERS OFFER DEDICATED WHOLESALE CALL CENTERS. OVER 50 DELIVERY VEHICLES WITHIN PARTNER NETWORK. ALL PARTNERS OFFER TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR ASSOCIATE VEHICLES.
Toll Free 800-238-6664 Direct 651-423-2432 Fax 651-423-2808
Toll Free 800-537-6072 Direct 651-204-4610 Fax 651-256-9258
Toll Free 800-569-5735 Direct 763-424-3472 Fax 763-424-4631
Toll Free 800-448-5912 Direct 952-435-8401 Fax 952-435-8515
Toll Free 800-642-2654 Direct 952-947-5432 Fax 877-947-5479
Toll Free 800-661-4765 Direct 952-895-9514 Fax 800-661-4768
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Right to Repair: New National Support, Opposition One of the automotive industry’s longest-running issues, Right to Repair, is facing increased opposition as well as new support, as the push for the equitable availability of repair information moves through 2020. In Massachusetts, a ballot initiative prompted by the Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition aims to revise the state’s current Right to Repair law in order to improve the independent automotive repair and service industry’s access to OEM repair information through the following provision (presented here with minor edits): Commencing in model year 2022 and thereafter, a manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in the Commonwealth, including heavy-duty vehicles having a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds, that utilizes a telematics system shall be required to equip such vehicles with an inter-operable, standardized and open access platform across all of the manufacturer’s makes and models. Such platform shall be capable of securely communicating all mechanical data emanating directly from the motor vehicle via direct data connection to the platform. Such platform shall be directly accessible by the owner of the vehicle through a mobile-based application and, upon the authorization of the vehicle owner, all mechanical data shall be directly accessible by an independent repair facility or a
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class 1 dealer licensed pursuant to section 58 of chapter 140 limited to the time to complete the repair or for a period of time agreed to by the vehicle owner for the purposes of maintaining, diagnosing and repairing the motor vehicle. Access shall include the ability to send commands to in-vehicle components if needed for purposes of maintenance, diagnostics and repair. In a June 3 letter to the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, David Schwietert, chief policy officer of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (autosinnovate.org) – formerly the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers – warned that the Massachusetts ballot initiative would create new cybersecurity threats to vehicle owners: The ballot initiative has been disingenuously presented to voters as a solution for fixing cars. However, this initiative is really about third parties seeking bi-directional remote access to a consumer’s driving habits, patterns and location in real-time. Such a far-reaching mandate risks making personal data readily available to third parties and creates absolutely no safeguards for how consumer information is stored, protected or used afterwards. Additionally, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation is
AASP-MN News
By Joel Gausten
calling on Congress to establish “a limited five-year preemption regarding access to telematics data that could compromise vehicle safety due to actions at the state level.” The Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition, whose ballot intative currently boasts more than 100,000 signatures, takes exception to how the Alliance for Automotive Innovation has represented the issue to legislators. “The opposition comes from our competitors,” com-
ments Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition Director Tommy Hickey. “Car manufacturers know that they’ll lose this at the ballot, so they try to confuse the issue by talking about cybersecurity, personal information and GPS location. But if people take a look at the Attorney General’s summary of this, they will see that this is strictly about mechanical information necessary to diagnose, maintain and repair the car. The idea of this ballot initiative is to give the
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• If the issue cannot be resolved in the initial consultation and additional research or legal action is required, the member may elect to engage the services of Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith and Frederick. The firm will charge reasonable fees for such services.
AASP-MN and Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith and Frederick Law Firm Legal Services Program The Fryberger law firm provides a full range of legal services for AASP-MN members. With 30 attorneys practicing in areas of specialization, the firm can help in nearly any situation. The firm’s home office is in Duluth, MN, and it also has satellite offices in St. Paul, MN and Superior, WI. Here’s how this valuable program works…
• Calls can be placed via the firm’s toll-free number at (800) 496-6789. • AASP-MN members must identify themselves as such and indicate that they are calling for a consultation under the AASP-MN Legal Services Program. Members should be prepared to articulate the facts underlying their legal question. • The call will be referred to an attorney or paralegal that specializes in the area of law which is the subject of the call. • Initial consultation and advice (not to exceed a half-hour of legal services) will be provided at no charge.
AASP-MN is pleased to offer this valuable benefit to its members. During the course of a day’s business, members come across relatively simple legal questions that, with access to affordable and appropriate expertise, can be easily resolved. This program is designed to facilitate that process. For more information, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 or (800) 852-9071 or email aasp@aaspmn.org. .
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LEGAL CONSULTATION Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick 800-496-6789 Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assessment and consultation (some restrictions apply) with an attorney who specializes in the area of law that is the subject of the call.
WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONS Autoshop Solutions Contact: Tony Mercury 919-267-1731 / tony@autoshopsolutions.com Autoshop Solutions has developed the most cutting-edge marketing platform for AASP members. Really Powerful EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Business Planning Professionals Marketing (RPM) is an all-in-one program that bundles your Contact: Dennis Begley website, pay-per-click, search engine optimization, social media, 612-308-6577 / dennis@begley-group.com and much more! With five levels of RPM to match your budget, Business Planning Professionals will provide AASP-MN members goals, and competition, it’s built to drive your shop forward! with quotes from multiple carriers for life insurance, health Net Driven insurance, long-term care and disability insurance. Contact: Rich Mullen EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARY BENEFITS 877-860-2005, ext. 224 / rmullen@netdriven.com Colonial Life Net Driven is a market leader in website and internet Contact: Deb Ferrao marketing solutions designed exclusively for the automotive 612-600-4135 / deb.ferrao@coloniallifesales.com industry. AASP-MN members who choose Net Driven are or Tracy Bailey eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st year setup fees. 612-801-0139 / tracy.bailey@coloniallifesales.com Dedicated representatives can help members transform INFORMATION PROVIDERS Mitchell1 their benefit package with competitive rates, value added Contact: Mitchell1 Representative services at no cost and complimentary legal document preparation service. Colonial Life has the tools and flexibility 888-724-6742 x 6986 Mitchell1 offers AASP members special savings on Mitchell to create a plan to fit everyone’s needs. 1’s ProDemand, Manager SE & Teamworks products. For more information, contact Customer Service at 888-724UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIES AmeriPride Services 6742, ext. 6986. Contact: John Majchrzak Mitchell International 612-670-4034/ majchrzak-john@aramark.com Contact: Mitchell International Representative Discounted pricing to members on rental of uniforms, 800-238-9111 entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Purchases are also discounted. Members receive annual rebate equal to 10% of AASP members receive a 15% discount on any Mitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visit ww.w.mitchell.com/ their business with AmeriPride each year. products-services/collision-repair-shop-solutions/cloudCREDIT CARD PROCESSING estimating for more information. Association BankCard Services Contact: Mac Hardin TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINE IDENTIFIX 952-933-2026 / mach@retailfinancialservices.biz 800-288-6220 Competitive rates for AASP-MN members. Terminals and Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1 printers sold at cost. Monthly rental of equipment is also technical information hotline, Direct-Hit. available.
14 | August 2020
AASP-MN News
AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENT Assessment Associates International Contact: Nate Page 952-854-6551 / nate@aai-assessment.com Designed to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions. AASP-MN members receive 50% off retail price, starting as low as $15 per assessment. BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARS AASP-MN Contact: Jodi Pillsbury 612-623-1110 / jodi@aaspmn.org Discounted rates on printed business forms and calendars. CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICES Certegy Check Services 877-520-2987 Discount rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments. SAFETY COMPLIANCE Complete, Health, Environmental & Safety Services, Inc. Contact: Carol Keyes 651-481-9787 / carkey@chess-safety.com AASP-MN members receive a 20% discount on Safety Data Sheet Management (SDSLinks), Right to Know(RTK)/Hazard Communication program customized for your facility and monthly safety reminders, and other safety, OSHA or environmental assistance. PAYROLL PROCESSING CBIZ Payroll Contact: Carrie Hobrough 612-436-4620 / chobrough@cbiz.com Members receive 20% discount off standard payroll products and services (excluding 401k). BUSINESS COACHING 180BIZ 540-833-2014 / info@180biz.com Members receive a 20% discount on one-on-one sales and management coaching programs (covering financial planning & analysis, strategic marketing, leadership and personnel development) without long-term commitments. Members also receive a 20% discount on monthly sales & management webinars as well as a 20% discount on all 180BIZ advisor training programs.
AASP-MN News
August 2020 | 15
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NATIONAL NEWS The BOT is HERE! The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has announced that the Blueprint Optimization Tool (BOT) powered by NuGen IT is now available for purchase at scrs.com/BOT. The BOT was recognized during the 2019 SEMA Show with a 2020 SEMA New Product Award and 2020 SEMA Global Media Award. The repairer-focused BOT is a Microsoft Windows software application that automates the print version of the SCRS Guide to Complete Repair Planning. The BOT application operates alongside of the respective P-Page logic estimating application, utilizing CIECA estimate data to analyze the original repair line information. It then generates an electronic information estimate report that identifies additional repair operations that may have been overlooked.
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owner of the car direct access to the diagnostic and repair information and let them share that with an independent or dealership repair facility of their choice.” In related news, the newly formed Consumer Access to Repair (CAR) Coalition has stepped up to offer public support of the consumer’s right to vehicle data. Officially launched on July 1, the CAR Coalition is currently comprised of Allstate, the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA), the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) and LKQ Corporation. Although the group has yet to state a position on current actions in Massachusetts, it is currently taking a positive stand on information access on the national level. “The Consumer Access to Repair (CAR) Coalition will be promoting policies that ensure consumers have costeffective and transparent choices when it comes to vehicle repair,” explains CAR Coalition Executive Director Justin Rzepka. “We will be pursuing that through legislative and regulatory means at the federal and state level. We are currently working on legislation that will address issues involving telematics and patents. The
The tool is designed to increase efficiency by establishing consistency. It offers an organized means of identifying and adding missed opportunities by dynamically cross-referencing written estimates against the SCRS Guide to Complete Repair Planning. Pricing for Non-SCRS Members: $139 per month for one computer access per location, $29 per month for each additional computer per location. Pricing for SCRS Members: $99 per month fee for one computer access per location, $21.75 per month for each additional computer per location. There is a $75 installation fee per location for all user accounts. For questions about the BOT ordering process or billing, contact (877) 841-0660 or botbilling@ scrs.com. For more information about SCRS, or to join as a member, visit scrs.com, call (877) 841-0660 or info@scrs.com.
ultimate victory will be for auto consumers who will finally have real choices for their vehicle repair.” The complete text of the Alliance
AASP-MN News
www.langmarketing.com Domestic Cars Smash Average Age Record Domestic nameplate cars across the U.S. averaged 14.8 years old on January 1, 2020 marking another record-setting year for domestic car age. Domestic nameplate cars’ average age has climbed over two years during the past 10 years and is now more than one-fifth older than the average age of all light vehicles on U.S. roads. Lang Marketing projects that the average age of domestic nameplate cars in the U.S. will top 15.5 years by 2023.
for Automotive Innovation letter is available at repairerdrivennews.com. More information on the CAR Coalition is available at carcoalition.com.
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