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New England Automotive Report

December 2014 • Volume 12, No. 12

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 8 | AASP/MA: Making Progress

by Molly Brodeur SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT 16 | Wolpert Insurance: Dedicated to Your Industry

by Jacquelyn Bauman LEGAL PERSPECTIVE 20 | The Perfect DIY Labor Rate Lawsuit (Part One)

by James A. Castleman, Esq. STUDENTS OF THE MONTH 24 | Ana Perez & Johan Amaro

by Joel Gausten INDUSTRY WEEK RECAP by Joel Gausten 40 | AASP/MA Provides Year-End Report at National Affiliate Meeting 43 | Collision Repair Education Foundation Awards $1.5M to Auto Body Schools THE LIST 52 | My New Year’s Resolution Is...

INDUSTRY NEWS 55 | Collision Repair Shops Brace for Challenges of Aluminum Bodywork

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FEATURES 27 | AASP/MA HITS THE FIELD AT CASINO NIGHT

by Joel Gausten

34 | THE OEM STANDARD AND YOU: WHAT ARE YOU PREPARED FOR?

by Larry Montanez III, CDA & Jeff Lange, PE

46 | AASP/MA AT SEMA: A SPECIAL REPORT

by Joel Gausten

ALSO THIS ISSUE 10 | A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 11 | AASP/MA 2015 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 17 | AASP/MA SUSTAINING SPONSORS

61 | AASP/MA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION 62 | INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

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New England Automotive Report is published monthly by TGP, Inc., 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110. Distributed free to qualified recipients; $48 to all others. Additional copies of New England Automotive Report are available at $5 per copy. Reproduction of any portions of this publication is specifically prohibited without written permission of the publisher. The opinions and ideas appearing in this magazine are not necessarily representations of TGP Inc. or of AASP/MA. Copyright © 2014 by Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. Images courtesy of www.thinkstockphoto.com/ThinkStock Photos.

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

AASP/MA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Molly Brodeur VICE PRESIDENT Adam Ioakim SECRETARY Gary Cloutier TREASURER Kevin Gallerani IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Paul Hendricks

AASP/MA STATEWIDE DIRECTORS COLLISION DIRECTOR Rick Starbard

AASP/MA CHAPTER DIRECTORS

Proudly Presented by

NORTHEAST CHAPTER DIRECTORS Alex Falzone Kevin Kyes SOUTHEAST CHAPTER DIRECTORS Michael Penacho Darlene Andrade MIDSTATE CHAPTER DIRECTORS Tom Ricci Ray Belsito WESTERN CHAPTER DIRECTOR Peter Langone

AASP/MA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Visit

WWW.AASPNJNORTHEAST.COM for details

Jillian M. Zywien 12 Post Office Square, 6th Floor • Boston, MA 02109 phone: (617) 574-0741 Fax: (617) 695-0173 Email: jzywien@aaspma.org

WWW.AASPMA.ORG New England Automotive Report

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

AASp/MA: MAKing progreSS I’d like to start this month’s message by saying how thrilled I am to be addressing the readers of New England Automotive Report as AASP/MA President! It’s an honor to be serving the association in this new role, and I look forward to furthering our collective goals as an industry over the next two years.

For those of you who were not at our recent Casino Night at Gillette Stadium, you missed out on a simply magnificent event. I am incredibly proud that we as an association - with the help from Lynch Associates, who went above and beyond our expectations - were able to create an awesome

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evening to help thank our supporters and celebrate a successful year.

AASP/MA’s accomplishments come largely as the result of the generous support given by our vendors. We rely on them to help us achieve what we set out to do, and we are completely overwhelmed by the huge outpouring of support we have received from them all. When you check out this year’s Casino Night coverage on page 27, look very closely at our list of sponsors and make sure to consider them first when looking for goods and services. They are truly deserving of your business, and I can’t thank all of them enough for their generosity.

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Our 2014 Casino Night also offered an exciting turn of events, as we welcomed several fresh faces to the AASP/MA Board, as well as the promotion of Adam Ioakim (Vice President) and Kevin Gallerani (Treasurer) to our Executive Board. I can’t wait to see what new perspectives and great ideas these members will bring to the table moving forward, as we work to become better prepared at responding to our changing industry.

We are fortunate that we already have a strong legislative committee in place through the efforts of Lynch Associates in a managerial and lobbying role. AASP/MA is closely watching

developments on Beacon Hill and will be working on filing legislation, pushing for regulatory change and making sure our concerns are heard at the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB). We are already a known face in the legislative arena, and I look forward to continuing that forward motion for years to come.

Closer to home, AASP/MA will be focusing on some long-needed administrative housekeeping to help streamline the association from the inside out, and we will continue to provide our members with a cohesive plan of action, from re-establishing the roles of our Board members and communicating those responsibilities to tightening up our bylaws for clarity.

On a broader scale, we are launching a statewide initiative between the collision repair industry and the schools who are educating our future techs. It is our goal to visit every vocational school throughout continued on pg. 59

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A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

AASp/MA looKS TowArDS The roAD AheAD For 2015 Dear AASP/MA Members, First and foremost, please join me in welcoming our 2015 Board of Directors. Our new leaders will strive to serve the membership and work to better the industry in the Commonwealth.

I look forward to working with all of you in the coming year. president Molly Brodeur, Al Brodeur’s Auto Body vice president Adam Ioakim, Hogan and Van Treasurer Kevin Gallerani, Cape Auto Body Secretary Gary Cloutier, Cloot’s Auto Body immediate past president Paul Hendricks, Hendricks Auto Body Collision Director Rick Starbard, Rick’s Auto Collision & Service Center

Chapters: The Board is comprised of two candidates per Chapter: northeast Chapter Alex Falzone, Guy’s Auto Body Kevin Kyes, Today’s Collision Midstate Chapter Tom Ricci, Body & Paint Center Ray Belsito, Arnie’s Auto Body Southeast Chapter Darlene Andrade, DeLuze Collision Center Michael Penacho, Mike’s Auto Body western Chapter Peter Langone, Langonet Auto Body & Frame

Next, I would like to thank all of the people involved in making our 2014 Casino Night such an incredibly special event. A special thank you goes out to our Tournament sponsor, Enterprise, and High Roller sponsor, Ira Toyota of Danvers. Their support allowed us to host this year’s event at the best venue in New England, Gillette Stadium!

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Thank you, sponsors: Tournament Sponsor Enterprise high roller Sponsor Ira Toyota of Danvers gift Sponsor RH Long Automotive pit Boss Sponsor Spray Booth Services & Equipment Sales Card Shark Sponsors Gonnello SEO • Sherwin-Williams Texas hold’em Sponsor Best Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram in Memory of Jim Simeone Dinner and Dessert Sponsors Bald Hill Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep & KIA • Best Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram harley and $25,000 Cash games Your professional team, Lynch Associates Board of Directors Sponsors Balise • West Springfield Auto Parts end Zone Sponsors Bald Hill Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep & KIA• Best Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram • Lombard Equipment gaming Table Sponsors Bald Hill Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep & KIA • Bernardi • ABSAP • Artioli Chrysler/Dodge • HUB International • Intercontinental Holdings • Colonial Ford • Keystone LKQ • Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. • Finishmaster Corporation Spin & win Sponsor Bald Hill Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep & KIA Cup Sponsor PPG general Sponsors Paster, Rice, & Castleman • Linder’s, Inc. • AASP-MA MidState Chapter • AASP-MA Western Chapter

Members, i urge you to support the sponsors who support us. Their continued participation helps to make our association a strong representative of the industry. If you are interested in learning more about becoming one of our valued partners, please see our sponsorship categories on the opposite page. Thank you again to our

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current sponsors. I look forward to recognizing you at our upcoming Vendor Appreciation night on Tuesday, March 10, 2015.

In closing, as we come to the end of another year, I can’t help but look forward to the road ahead. The recent state election will undoubtedly shake things up within the Commonwealth and allow AASP/MA to strengthen our current relationships, as well as build new partnerships. We also look forward to working with the ADALB and the Division of Insurance on the rewrite of 211 and 212 CMR beginning in February. In addition, our success in working with the Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers has given us the opportunity to work with them on their Performance Standards review early next year.

AASP/MA current members, thank you for your support. If you are not a member of AASP/MA, I strongly encourage you to sign up today. We are working towards solutions for the entire auto body industry, and if you’re not a part of the conversation, we cannot be your voice. Help us be the voice of the industry, the voice of change and, most importantly, help us build the success of the auto repair industry.

Sincerely,

Jillian Zywien

AASP/MA Executive Director Jillian Zywien has been a senior account executive at Lynch Associates for over six years. She can be reached at (617) 574-0741 or via email at jzywien@aaspma.org.

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

AASP/MA 2015 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

$3,500

Banner with logo on the AASP website 1/4 page ad in Damage Report ($1,500.00 value) Link to your website from the AASP website ($25.00 value) Promotional listing in Damage Report (monthly newsletter) Vendor Spotlight in Damage Report AASP Logo use in advertising Listing at all AASP events Promotional article in New England Automotive Report (NEAR) Featured article on website Speaking opportunity during one Statewide meeting to introduce your company Marketing materials distributed at one Statewide meeting Annual dues (up to $395) Discounted advertising rates in New England Automotive Report (NEAR)

Platinum Sponsor

Prominent listing on AASP website Business Card ad in Damage Report ($600.00 value) Link to your website from the AASP website ($25.00 value) Promotional listing in Damage Report (monthly newsletter) Vendor Spotlight in Damage Report AASP Logo use in advertising Listing at all AASP events Promotional article in New England Automotive Report (NEAR) Discounted advertising rates in New England Automotive Report (NEAR)

$2,500.00 Gold Sponsor

Logo on AASP website Link to your website from the AASP website ($25.00 value) Promotional listing in Damage Report (monthly newsletter) AASP Logo use in advertising Discounted advertising rates in New England Automotive Report (NEAR)

$1,500.00 Silver Sponsor

$750.00

Listed on AASP website Sponsor list Promotional listing in Damage Report (monthly newsletter) AASP Logo use in advertising Discounted advertising rates in New England Automotive Report (NEAR)

Bronze Sponsor

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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

wolperT inSUrAnCe: DeDiCATeD To yoUr inDUSTry

by Jacquelyn Bauman

It is undeniable that two of the most important characteristics to look for in an insurance company are knowledge and experience. This is especially true for those in the automotive industry. The Wolpert Insurance Agency, which serves clients all throughout New England, as well as in 20 other states, has over half a century of experience in the insurance industry and offers specialized programs for those who work in the automotive service business.

“What the customer gets from us is a deep and thorough knowledge of their industry and their risk management needs,” says President Michael Wolpert. “We understand how insurance interacts and interrelates with the automotive industry.”

The Wolpert Insurance Agency offers unique market programs like Garage Liability Coverage, Equipment & Tools Coverage and Garagekeeper’s Coverage, among many others, but saving money on the bottom line is not the only way that Wolpert Insurance aids their clients.

“We bring to the table various services that allow our clients to obtain additional revenue,” says Wolpert. “For example, rental cars. Rental car insurance is typically very expensive, so instead of taking on that cost themselves, many shops send their customers to specific rental car companies.

However, we offer a unique and affordable program for our clients so that they have the opportunity to not only save on the bottom line, but to gain on the top line as well by offering their clients an additional service.”

“We are far and away the largest provider of insurance in the state for the automotive service industry,” adds Mike Swistak, Wolpert Insurance’s senior account executive, who has more than 25 years of experience in the field. “We write more body shops than anyone else, and as a result, we know this market and its challenges better than anyone else. Plus, due to our volume, we are very quickly aware of the changes in the industry. If a company is looking for 16 December 2014

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price increases across the board, we are the first to know about it.”

Wolpert Insurance Agency prides themselves on their personal service through their CollisionSelect program.

“We’re not the type of company that gives you a 1-800 number and wishes you the best of luck,” Swistak says.

“We build a relationship with our clientele and assign them a representative who takes the extra step to understand the particular environment and working conditions of their client. That way, they can give them personalized programs and services that best fit their particular business. A body shop is not going to require the same type of coverage as a dealership and our agents are well aware of that.”

The Wolpert Insurance Agency is a sustaining sponsor of AASP/MA and regularly attends and funds different association functions and events. They believe in being actively involved in the industry to provide better service to their consumer.

“We’re not the kind of insurance agency that writes a variety of different types of insurance for an assortment of different types of businesses. We’re focused on this industry and we’re dedicated to helping it grow,” says Swistak.

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

For more information on Wolpert Insurance and their CollisionSelect program, visit www.wolpert.com, email Mike Swistak or Mike Wolpert at mswistak@wolpert.com or mwolpert@wolpert.com or call (800) 299-6819.

AASP/MA ASKS YOU TO PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!

2014 AASP/MA NEWSLETTER SPONSOR

WOLPERT INSURANCE Contact AASP/MA at (617) 574-0741 / jzywien@aaspma.org for information on becoming an AASP/MA sponsor!

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LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

The perFeCT Diy lABor rATe lAwSUiT

by James A. Castleman, Esq.

part one

Many years ago, the very first question that I was asked as a lawyer for the state collision repair trade association was: What can we do about the Labor Rate?

My answer was then, and is now: The association can only do so much without running into potential antitrust problems. However, individual shop owners can take matters into their own hands and try to do what is best for themselves in an attempt to get what they think their shop deserves as an hourly Labor Rate for their work.

Over the years, I have given advice pertaining to various tactics that may be used to try to get paid a reasonable Labor Rate. And I know that a number of shops have tried some of those tactics at different times, with varying degrees of success. One of the tactics I have suggested is to try to sue insurers for the difference between what these carriers are willing to pay for a Labor Rate and what the shop wants to charge. In recent years, there has been a great deal of talk nationally about shops being able to sue insurers for all sorts of claims that include, in part, Labor Rate differences. These range from individual suits for “short-pays” to multidistrict litigation for insurer violations of the antitrust laws to possible claims of insurance industry RICO law violations.

But if a shop is truly interested in bringing a lawsuit against an insurer, is willing to limit their claim solely to a relatively small Labor Rate difference and wants to do so as simply, quickly and inexpensively as possible while maintaining a very good chance of winning, then I have a course of action to suggest. Each body shop must make its own individual business decision as to whether this is something that they might want to do and must decide what Labor Rate is right for them. I cannot guarantee the success of bringing a lawsuit, but if you are interested, the following is the first part of my suggested step-by-step, do-it-yourself Labor Rate lawsuit procedure.

FirST: Choose a Labor Rate that you realistically want to charge and make it no more than whatever the most generous insurer in the state is currently paying in your geographic area. I do not know what that rate is, but I’m sure that you do. You may well think that you should be getting a lot more than that amount, but if you are looking for a quick and inexpensive lawsuit that has the best chance of success, and if you think that it would be beneficial for your shop to get paid more on jobs performed for those insured by all the other 20 December 2014

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insurers, then pick the highest number that is already being paid by at least one insurer. Of course, if you would be satisfied getting paid less than that, pick a somewhat lower number, in which case you may have an even better chance of success. You can also try picking a Labor Rate that is somewhat higher than the highest that any insurer is paying, but your chances for success decline sharply if you do so - at least if you are looking to follow this particular procedure.

SeConD: If you can, try to determine the range of Labor Rates being charged by other body shops in your area. While this is not absolutely essential, it is helpful to know what the “market” Labor Rate in your area is and to be able to represent that to the Court, as well as whatever insurer you are choosing to sue. Prepare a chart of area shops and their Labor Rates.

ThirD: Post your chosen Labor Rate in your shop and write all your appraisals at that rate. Do not write appraisals at a lower rate just to accommodate insurers with whom you want to get along. Do not readjust your appraisals to an insurer’s Labor Rate, even if it allows you to negotiate to the ultimate bottom line that you want. Be consistent in the Labor Rate that you use in your appraisals, your repair orders and in your final customer bills.

As an exception, if you want to be a referral shop for a particular insurer and you are willing to accept whatever they will allow as a Labor Rate for their shops, then you may be okay signing their contract. Understand, however, that you are not going to be able to sue your referring insurer for a higher rate and that you are also not going to be

able to negotiate a higher rate with them. Also understand that you are accepting a lower Labor Rate in exchange for the potential increased volume of work that results from being a referral shop for the insurer. Additionally, be prepared to make that clear to any insurer that you sue, as well as to the Court.

FoUrTh: Get your customer to assign you their rights against their insurer. The process being described in this article is dependent on you stepping into the shoes of your customer and being able to sue their insurer on their contract of insurance in their stead - or on a third-party claim, being able to stand in your customer’s shoes to sue the other vehicle operator and their insurer. AASP/MA has Assignment of Rights forms for their members to use, available on the “Members Only� pages of their website. Download the forms, tailor them to your shop and use them.

FiFTh: When you negotiate with insurance appraisers, make sure they understand that you are insisting on getting paid your chosen Labor Rate. You do not want an insurer to come into Court and be able to make any showing whatsoever that you did not give them notice of what you were demanding.

You can still negotiate in whatever manner you want in regard to the rest of the repair job, whether that involves P-Pages, paint and material allowances, repair times,

included operations, sublet items, parts prices or anything else. Understand that, under the suggested procedure, you are not going to be suing for anything more than the difference in Labor Rate. So negotiate for whatever you can on the rest of the portions of the job. If you can come to an agreement on everything except the Labor Rate, that will be a major advantage for you when you get to Court.

SiXTh: Make your customer aware of your chosen Labor Rate and that you are going to be charging that amount on your appraisal, your repair order and your final bill. If you wish, you can opt to inform your customer that you will not hold them personally responsible for the difference in Labor Rate, in exchange for them assigning to you their rights against their insurer. However, you must disclose your Labor Rate to your customer, and you should have them sign a repair order that reflects that particular rate.

SevenTh: Whenever you send a Direction to Pay to the insurer, whether in the course of, or when you finish the work, make sure you inform the insurer that you are seeking additional funds and that your demand is based on the difference in your Labor Rate from what the insurer is paying. Make sure that continued on pg. 62

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STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

If you are working with a co-op student or know a talented young tech and would like to nominate him or her for Student of the Month, please contact Editor Joel Gausten at tgpjoel@verizon.net. Vocational school instructors are also welcome to nominate!

AnA pereZ & JohAn AMAro

As discussed multiple times in this publication, the Automotive Collision Repair Technology department at the Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy in Springfield is easily one of the most prominent educational facilities in the state.

Under the guidance of instructors John Kennedy and Ray Lapite, the program has placed multiple students into professional careers via a strong co-op relationship with area shops.

Thanks to this arrangement, the Massachusetts collision repair community has been introduced to Ana Perez and Johan Amaro, two promising young automotive students who are setting the stage for impressive and fulfilling careers in the field through their work at Rick’s Auto Body in Springfield.

Rick’s Auto Body’s involvement in the Putnam co-op program is a personal affair. Shop owner Rick Recor is a former student, while Production Manager Mike Haniffy has known Kennedy for years. Currently, roughly 20 percent of the shop’s 30-plus person crew is comprised of Putnam graduates. Each year, the team at Rick’s opens their doors to students looking for an opportunity to shine in a genuine body shop environment.

“They’re the future,” Haniffy says. “We’re always willing to take kids in and let them join the workforce to see what it’s really about. John and I have a good relationship, so I’m pretty confident that the kids who are available for co-op are star athletes, so to speak. We welcome them with open arms.” As this article was going to press, Nafees Nadeem, a third Putnam student, started at the shop’s parts department.

Rick’s Auto Body Operations Manager Chuck Laprade is especially impressed by the fact that Putnam students are learning how to utilize estimating systems.

“Coming into a shop environment where we have to enter all the insurance estimates into our system to the penny, it’s a huge difference [for students] to have that knowledge coming in,” he explains. “There’s less to train them on, so you have quicker production out of them.”

Not surprisingly, Kennedy is incredibly proud of what Amaro and Perez have achieved so far on their journey.

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“They both have drive, desire and a dedication to the collision industry,” he says. “They’re both professionally oriented and love to go to work every day. When they’re in their ‘off’ week, they both stop by and say how much they love their jobs.”

Perez’s interest in the automotive world started at an early age thanks to her father, who used to work at a collision repair shop.

“When I went to Putnam, I knew I had to take [Automotive Collision Repair Technology],” she says.

Her hard work in the Putnam program has paid off in big ways, as her already-extensive knowledge of various parts of a car enables her to accurately enter estimate information when she’s in the shop’s front office.

When asked to name her favorite vehicle, Perez cited Chevrolet without a moment’s hesitation.

“I like how they’ve evolved over time, the style and how they really pay attention to detail when they put out new models,” she says.

Very happy with her co-op experience, Perez hopes to continue at Rick’s after graduation.

“It’s a great place,” she says. “The people are awesome.”

Currently working at Rick’s as a prepper/primer, Amaro was just four years old when he was first introduced to cars by watching his dad, then a professional auto painter, in action.

“It runs in the blood!” he says.

Now pursuing his own path in the profession, this Ferrari and Lamborghini fan plans to continue working at the shop beyond graduation while also studying business in college.

Since he succeeded in making that all-important transition from the classroom to the real deal, what is the best advice Amaro would offer Putnam students preparing to explore a similar experience?

“Pay attention the whole time in class to what Mr. Kennedy or Mr. Lapite tell you; it is really important,” he stresses. “Don’t mess around; do all your work and keep your grades up.”

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

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COVER STORY

Photos and Story by Joel Gausten

AASP/MA Hits the Field at

Casino Night

“There is nothing possible that I can think of that would overtake this place!”

T

hose were the words of outgoing AASp/MA president paul hendricks as he took a look around at the full room of association members, sponsors, vendors, family and friends that gathered at the putnam Club at gillette Stadium in Foxborough on november 15 for the seventh annual Casino night. For this year’s event, the association (with the help of the executive team at lynch Associates) not only selected the exciting new venue, but also offered attendees special vip tours of a part of the stadium that only sports teams and major performers get to see. it was a truly unforgettable Saturday night and an opportunity for the Massachusetts automotive community to simply have fun after a year of hard work.

As in past years, the 2014 Casino night served to introduce the next AASp/MA Board of Directors. (See the caption to the photo on page 28 for a complete list of members.) Addressing the crowd during his last night as AASp/MA president, hendricks thanked his colleagues on the Board for all they do in support of the group and the industry it serves. “without the help of the Board of Directors – the individuals who are basically running this association – i

could not have been as successful as i was,” he said. in her first address as incoming AASp/MA president, Molly Brodeur thanked a number of individuals who helped her on her path to leadership. “paul [hendricks] is certainly a mentor to me,” she shared. “he has led the association through a two-year transition period; he’s done an amazing job and he’s been wonderful to me. he’s really been a great example of what it means to be a leader.”

Brodeur also expressed her appreciation for fellow Board member Tom ricci, who “taught me that being part of the association – especially in a leadership role – is about what’s best for this industry, always,” as well as incoming Collision Director rick Starbard, who often accompanied her on trips to national industry events and “took me under his wing and helped me feel comfortable in that space.” in addition to showing gratitude to her husband, Tony, for staying at home to raise their four children, she acknowledged her father, Al, for first introducing her to association life and inspiring her to devote time to bettering the industry. story continued on pg. 30 New England Automotive Report

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COVER STORY

The new AASP/MA Board of Directors (with sponsors), L to R: Northeast Chapter Representative Alex Falzone, MidState Chapter Representative Tom Ricci, Southeast Chapter Representative Michael Penacho, Treasurer Kevin Gallerani, MidState Chapter Representative Ray Belsito, Secretary Gary Cloutier, Scott MacDonald (of Board of Directors Co-Sponsor West Springfield Auto Parts), Jack Tyner (of Board of Directors Co-Sponsor Balise), Southeast Chapter Representative Darlene Andrade, Vice President Adam Ioakim, Immediate Past President Paul Hendricks, President Molly Brodeur, Northeast Chapter Representative Kevin Kyes. Not pictured: Collision Director Rick Starbard, Western Chapter Representative Peter Langone

TeXAS holD ‘eM The winners!

gifts presented by executive Director Jillian Zywien

Incoming AASP/MA President Molly Brodeur thanked Outgoing President Paul Hendricks for being a mentor to her.

Casino Night emcee Peter D'Agostino

First Place Winner Hugo Pike (BASF)

Greg Rusnack and Andrea Kershaw of Casino Night Sponsors Enterprise Rent-A-Car 28 December 2014

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Second Place Winner Scott MacDonald (West Springfield Auto Parts)

Third Place Winner Robert Rondeau (Hendricks Auto Body)

loTTery Tree ve Tour guides ga bers AASP/MA mem and guests an intimate VIP of look inside one America's most famous venues!

Bino Dos Santos of Keystone Automotive won the Lottery Tree raffle prize donated by Linder’s, Inc.

SilenT AUCTion winnerS

Roger Rondeau (Hendricks Auto Body) won Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins tickets (sponsored by RH Long) and Red Sox tickets (sponsored by Bald Hill).

Richard Lewis (Colonial Auto of Worcester) and his wife Marcia won the “Broadway in Boston” prize (donated by Lexus of Watertown).

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COVER STORY “very quickly, i fell in love with all of you,” she said. “i could feel the passion that he had, and it didn’t take me long to feel the same.

Thank you, Dad, for bringing me into the industry, orienting me to the association and for allowing me to continue to participate at this level.”

Additionally, Brodeur recognized longtime AASp/MA supporter Joann nalewanski (ed’s Auto Body, easthampton) for her efforts in organizing the previous six Casino nights on behalf of the association.

“She did an amazing job; everybody always had a great time,” she said. “She really made it a family event, and she really got to know everybody in the industry. She cared about us all.”

Congratulations to this year’s Casino night winners: Texas hold’em (sponsored by Best Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & ram in memory of Jim Simeone, with trophies and gift cards donated by the AASp/MA western Chapter): First place - hugo pike (BASF), Second place - Scott MacDonald (west Springfield Auto parts), Third place - robert rondeau (hendricks Auto Body); high roller (sponsored by ira Toyota of Danvers): Chris Szymanski; Spin & win (presented by Bald hill): $50 gift card – eric Dicrescenzo of Today’s Collision, $50 gift card – greg rusnack of enterprise rent-A-Car, $100 gift card – Barbara Mclachlan of lenny’s Auto Body, pair of red Sox tickets – TJ McClements of Bernardi Acura of Boston/Boston Body Shop and Kyle Bertone of hogan & van; Shop owner-only prizes: Five i-CAr Classes (donated by i-CAr) - Jim Audet of precision Auto rebuilders, Three free months of coaching from one eighty Business Solutions ruy DaSilva of Artistic Auto Body, equipment from lombard equipment - Ken McCalsky of K&D Auto Body; Silent Auction: “Broadway in Boston” (donated by lexus of watertown) Dick lewis of Colonial Auto of worcester, patriots vs. Miami Dolphins tickets (sponsored by rh long)/red Sox tickets (sponsored by Bald hill) - roger rondeau (hendricks Auto Body), Celtics vs. Bulls tickets (sponsored by Kwik Auto Body Supplies) - Ken McCalsky of K&D Auto Body.

Special thanks to the following companies for donating the amazing raffle prizes awarded at this year’s event: Marcotte Ford, Aflac, Sherwin-williams, the AASp/MA western and MidState Chapters, Keystone Automotive, Sullivan Bros., linder’s inc., imperial, hogan & van, west Springfield Auto parts, Don Kennett, inc., Bald hill, wagner BMw, Artioli Chrysler/Dodge and Balise.

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Spin & win

The winners! gifts presented by executive Director Jillian Zywien Clockwise from right: Barbara Mclachlan of Lenny's Auto Body walked away with a $100 Spin & Win gift card; Kyle Bertone (Hogan & Van) scored Red Sox tickets thanks to the Spin & Win; Ken McCalsky of K&D Auto Body won equipment from Lombard Equipment as a Shop OwnerOnly prize AND Celtics vs. Bulls tickets (sponsored by Kwik Auto Body Supplies) at the Silent Auction; TJ McClements won a pair of Red Sox tickets at the Spin & Win; Eric Dicrescenzo of Today's Collision won a $50 gift card at the Spin & Win.

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TECHNICAL FEATURE

The oeM STAnDArD AnD yoU: whAT Are yoU prepAreD For?

by Larry Montanez III, CDA & Jeff Lange, PE

For the past three to four years, the concept of formal industry-based repair standards has been a hot topic for many. To sum it up in a few words, we believe that the concept is ridiculous. Why? By and large, the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) provide repair standards for their vehicles. The work has already been done by the people who made the vehicle you are trying to repair.

We have written articles about the definitions and meaning of words including, but not limited to: Endorse, evidence, guide, manual, opinion, procedure, prohibited, proof, recommendation, requirement, standard and suggestion. We have also explained that, in our experience, an OEM procedure trumps an industry-based procedure or practice. In a court of law, the judge only wants to know what the OEM says, PERIOD! Now, if you have read our articles, you already know that some OEMs do not produce standards. These include (at the time of this writing) Hyundai and Kia, who do not publish collision repair information in the USA. Maybe a discussion about repair standards for these OEs may be necessary, but all the other OEMs do provide collision repair information. Although we believe there is a place for the development of repair standards for the OEMs, this article is about some of the changes in the repair procedures from the OEMs that have set standards.

AlUMinUM ConSTrUCTion We have written a couple of articles about vehicle design and construction, but we predicted back in 2004 that the all-new 2004 BMW E60/E61 (5/6 Series) would be the future of automobile design. We made this prediction based on rumors about aluminum-intensive vehicles such as the Acura NSX, Audi A8, Honda Insight and Jaguar XJ in 2004. Well, skip forward 10 years, and the Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ are still aluminum-intensive vehicles, but OEMs have added the Audi R8, Jaguar XK, Land Rover Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz SLS (197), Tesla and almost every high-end exotic super car to the list of aluminum-intensive construction. Conversely, over the past 10 years, the OEMs have produced aluminum-steel vehicles, commonly referred to as hybrid-construction vehicles. These vehicles included, but were not limited to: Audi TT, Mercedes-Benz CL (216) and S (221 and 222), Porsche 911 (991) and Panamera (970). Most late-model Audis, BMWs and even the Cadillac ATS have steel construction with aluminum strut towers. And of course, Ford’s all new F-150 will have an aluminum-intensive body. Repairs to aluminum-intensive vehicles require a lot of investment, training, specific welding certifications (generally to an ISO standard), 34 December 2014

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specific tools, riveting and structural repair equipment and specific materials. Some programs have parts restrictions and (of course) dealer sponsorship is generally required.

Even the aluminum strut tower vehicles require specific adhesives, rivets and tools for replacement of the tower.

Repairs to these vehicles are not for every repair facility to attempt. welDing eqUipMenT AnD reqUireMenTS We mentioned aluminum vehicles and welding in the previous section. There are specific Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welders required to weld aluminum-intensive vehicles.

What about welding steel vehicles? Most OEMs prefer Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welds (STRSW) to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)/Metal Active Gas (MAG) Welding when welding on flanges. Many OEMs require STRSW only; others have requirements for rivets where the STRSW arms cannot access both sides of the weld area. More recently, OEMs are now requiring the use of Silicone Bronze/MIG Brazing to sectioning joints, either open butt or lap on fillet welds, on outer body panels and some very select inner structural reinforcement panels. OEs like VW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Toyota have repair procedures that require silicone-bronze. Only a few OEM Collision Repair Programs require a specific MIG Brazing welder, while most give suggestions of which machine to purchase. The cost of a Program Aluminum MIG welder can exceed $15,000. STRSW machines generally run $20,000 or better for an approved one, but MIG Brazing machines are generally inexpensive and should run $500 to $1,000. MAG, MIG and silicone bronze welding all require different techniques and lots of practice. Of course, attending a training course is essential. Many technicians are surprised when they are tested during training and their welds fail. This is generally due to their technique, body position, eye sight, welding

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TECHNICAL FEATURE mask, incorrect training and/or a combination of these.

STrUCTUrAl repAir eqUipMenT We have written numerous articles on structural repair techniques, anchoring and equipment, but there have been some changes. The three most approved structural repair equipment makers are Celette, Car-OLiner and CarBench. (The fourth is Global Jig and the fifth is Spanesi.)

These types of equipment are benchtype systems that use specific fixture jigs (Celette) or universal jigs (the others) to anchor the vehicle to the bench by affixing the anchors to mounting locations and not to the rocker panel flanges. At one time, these types of structural repair equipment were pretty much for the Germans and exotics. Well, this is not the case anymore. Chrysler now requires six- to eight-point anchoring on some of their vehicles. Chrysler has stated that this

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is required due to the rocker panel design and that they cannot support the applied forces. eleCTroniCS With all the creature comforts and automatic safety features built into today’s vehicles, it is amazing that there are not more problems with their operation. Collision repairers must understand two important things about today’s electronically advanced vehicles.

1. Most vehicles will not set a Malfunction Indictor Lamp (MIL) for every single fault. In many cases, there can be multiple Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) with no MILs present.

This is why it is imperative that repair facilities purchase code readers to know what may be wrong with a vehicle system.

2. Most collision-damaged vehicles will need a trip to the dealer for a mul-

titude of reasons. Most dealers will have the equipment not only to reset systems, but also to initialize certain systems. There are scan tools available, such as the ASTech tool, that directly links over the internet to an OEM scan tool for a cost. It’s worth it to check out these options available to an independent facility, so as to try and alleviate that trip to the dealer.

Some OEMs require the parking sensors to be re-aimed if the fascia was removed from the vehicle. Most OEMs will require the Passenger Seat Weight Sensor be re-weighed after any collision event. Back-up cameras really assist with backing and parking procedures, but some OEMs require the cameras to be re-aimed at the dealer due to the steering angle assembly. There are multiple OEMs with electronic assist steering systems that require specialized wheel alignments, and most of these vehicles are equipped with a ride height control system, which requires setting the alignment at multiple heights. Lane departure systems are equipped in a variety of vehicles, from the economy type all the way up to the luxury sedans to exotics, and this system may work with the parking assist system or have its own radar/sensor that requires adjustment and setting after a collision event.

The FUTUre iS now?

As is now common knowledge, the all-new Ford F-150 will be released with multiple aluminum panels. We predict that in the next two to three years, more and more high-volume vehicles will be released with more lightweight substrates to combat the CAFÉ rules. BMW has already released the all-new i3, which is a carbon fiber monocoque structure.

Lamborghini already produces a carbon fiber center tub, but we think there might be a slight price difference and production amount between these two vehicles.

Training, specialized equipment and investments will be required for all who want to stay in business. We see a lot of complaining and fighting

continued on pg. 59

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INDUSTRY WEEK RECAP

AASp/MA proviDeS yeAr-enD reporT

AT nATionAl AFFiliATe MeeTing On November 5, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers held its National Affiliate Board Meeting at the Westgate Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in conjunction with the 2014 SEMA Show. The morning meeting drew participation from nine AASP state affiliates and allowed attendees to gain insight into each organization’s efforts to support the industry.

In her affiliate report, AASP/MA Executive Director Jillian Zywien updated the other AASP state representatives on the association’s many activities in 2014. In addition to recently succeeding in getting the Department of Insurance to approve a change to the Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers’ standards, the AASP/MA Board of Directors and Executive Team have met with the Attorney General’s Office on issues they have been experiencing, including an insurer that is operating an illegal drive-in claim service. Additionally, the association plans to attend a special listening session in February

regarding possible changes to CMR 211 and 212, the state regulations that govern auto body shops. AASP/MA has already been involved in meetings with the Department of Insurance and the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) on things they’d like to see changed in the regulations in order to improve conditions within the state’s collision repair industry.

Looking ahead, Zywien noted that the association is looking to re-launch its Labor Rate campaign at the State House.

“We’re trying to come at it from a different way,” she said. “We’re looking at possible language changes for that.”

In October, AASP/MA hosted Mississippi attorney John Eaves Jr. for a presentation on his current multidistrict lawsuit against a number of insurers (“Working Smart: Chapter Meetings Elevate Repairer Knowledge,” NEAR, October 2014). Incoming AASP/MA Collision Director Rick Starbard noted that there are shops in

Massachusetts that have joined the suit.

“We’ll be interested to see where that goes,” he said.

In addition to a presentation by AASP-PA Board member Greg McVicker on his recently co-founded initiative, www.TheTalentMonger. com (described on the site as “a career marketplace that connects collision shop owners with local, qualified local technicians”), Aaron Lowe of the Auto Care Association (formerly the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association [AAIA]) presented an overview of the organization’s endeavors in relation to telematics in vehicles (from both the diagnostic and driver/enduser aspects).

“Our contention is that the driver the owner of the vehicle - should have control of the data collected on their vehicle,” Lowe explained. “Right now, the manufacturer controls all of that data.” continued on pg. 59

Incoming AASP/MA Collision Director Rick Starbard and Executive Director Jillian Zywien represented the association at the AASP National Board meeting in Las Vegas.

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INDUSTRY WEEK RECAP

ColliSion repAir eDUCATion FoUnDATion

AwArDS $1.5M To AUTo BoDy SChoolS On November 4, the American automotive education community became $1.5 million richer.

During its annual Reception at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Collision Repair Education Foundation awarded this amount in monetary and in-kind donations to some of the 103 schools in 32 states that applied for the 2014 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover Grant. Schools were also awarded donations made possible by grants from GEICO, CCC and American Family Insurance.

The Collision Repair Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity that receives and distributes both monetary and product donations that are made by the collision repair industry.

“We had an incredible year,” noted Brandon Eckenrode, the Foundation’s director of development. “You guys, every year, showcase what a generous industry this is.

“The reason why the Foundation exists is the fact that cars – and how they’re made up – [are] changing,” he added. “We in the industry need qualified technicians and industry members to be able to repair these vehicles...Now is the time for us to be helping out these instructors to ensure that they have everything they need to teach these students.”

In addition to providing much-needed donations to deserving schools, the Foundation used the Reception as an opportunity to publicly honor 3M, AudaExplore and CCC for their support as $5 Million+ Lifetime Donors.

Since 2009, the Foundation has surpassed $30 million in donations to schools. Half of these donations were made possible by 3M, AudaExplore and CCC, who have each given $5 million to the Foundation since its inception. The $1 Million+ Lifetime Donors include Allstate and State

Inset: Attendees bid on special bowling pins painted by collision repair students from across the country. Bottom: The Collision Repair Education Foundation welcomed and celebrated students at their annual Reception.

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INDUSTRY WEEK RECAP Farm. This year’s donors in the $100,000-to-$500,000 range include Allstate, Chief, Cumberland, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, I-CAR, LKQ, MCR Safety, National Coatings & Supplies, ProSpot, Quest Automotive Products, SCRS and Sherwin-Williams.

The Foundation also received funding through two special events held throughout the year: The Cars, Career & Celebrities Expo in Dallas, TX (sponsored by AudaExplore, Chief, PDR Linx, Hollander, 3M, Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, PPG, ProSpot, Service King and the Van Tuyl Group) and a special Golf Fundraiser (cosponsored by PPG) held during NACE. Combined, these events raised $385,000 in monetary and in-kind donations.

Funds were also raised during the

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Reception via a special “Paint the Pin” Silent Auction facilitated by Artists 4 Education that offered attendees a chance to bid on bowling pins painted by collision repair students across the country.

Each of the 2014 Ultimate Collision Education Makeover Grant winners will have their $50,000 wish list fulfilled through the Collision Repair Education Foundation and industry donors/supporters. The 2014 Makeover applicant schools have already received over $1.5 million (in total) in product donations, which averages to roughly $15,000 donated to every school that applied for the grant.

In 2012, AASP/MA began a partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation to offer tool

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grants to deserving collision repair students in the Commonwealth. The grants are funded by AASP/MA members and the local industry through the association’s annual MidState BBQ and other initiatives. Massachusetts collision students are able to apply for the tool grant as part of the Foundation’s annual student scholarship and grant offerings. The tool grants help provide Massachusetts students with proper repair equipment and assist in students being productive, efficient and capable employees from day one on the job after graduation.

More information on the Collision Repair Education Foundation is available at www.collisioneducation foundation.com.

2014 ColliSion repAir eDUCATion FoUnDATion AwArD winnerS: 2014 Ultimate Collision education Makeover $50,000 School grant: Secondary winner Thomas A. Edison CTE High School (Jamaica, NY) 2014 Ultimate Collision education Makeover $50,000 School grant: post-Secondary winner Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (Lancaster, PA) The Collision Repair Education Foundation also awarded several runner-up Makeover grant schools.

Each of these schools will have $5,000-$15,000 of their collision program wish lists fulfilled: 2014 Ultimate Collision education Makeover: Secondary runner-Up School recipients East Valley Institute of Technology (Mesa, AZ) Lex La-Ray Technical Center (Lexington, MO) Norwalk High School (Norwalk, CA) Technical College High School Brandywine Campus (Downingtown, PA) 2014 Ultimate Collision education Makeover: post-Secondary runner-Up School recipients Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington, NC) Cerritos College (Norwalk, CA) Erie Community College (Orchard Park, NY) 2014 geiCo $6,750 grants Hillsborough Community College (Tampa, FL) Norwalk High School (Norwalk, CA) Texas State Technical College (Waco, TX) Wilson Tech (Dix Hills, NY) 2014 American Family insurance $4,000 grants Kaskaskia College (Centralia, IL) Lake Washington Institute of Technology (Kirkland, WA) Northland Community & Technical College (Thief River Falls, MN) Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Fennimore, WI) 2014 CCC information Services $10,000 Classroom enhancement grant Ellicottville Career & Technical Center (Ellicottville, NY) MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

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FEATURE

AASp/MA AT SeMA:

A SpeCiAl reporT

by Joel Gausten

On November 4-7, more than 100,000 automotive enthusiasts and professionals gathered at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 2014 installment of the worldfamous SEMA Show. Closed to the general public, this annual extravaganza offered everything from educational seminars and collision repair industry meetings to a vast array of vendors and some of the most fascinating custom cars on the planet.

Returning for a fifth year at the Show, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) offered a slew of special Repairer Driven Education (RDE) classes designed to help attendees guide their shops through an ever-changing business climate. These offerings were of particular interest to Incoming AASP/MA Collision Director Rick Starbard, who spent a week in Vegas taking in as many learning opportunities as possible.

“I think [SCRS’ RDE classes] are head and shoulders above the type of education we were getting previously at NACE,” he opines. “I think the fact that they call [the program] ‘Repairer Driven Education’ is right on point. I don’t need to sit in seminars instructed by insurance people telling me how to be a better partner to the insurance industry.”

Starbard was especially pleased with the Web-centric courses offered at SEMA, including “Creating Engaging Consumer Videos for Marketing” (a panel discussion led

by Kristen Felder of Collision Hub) and “Managing Online

The Collison Repair & Refinish section at this year’s SEMA was booming from start to finish.

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New AASP/MA Collision Director Rick Starbard (right) joined other national AASP reps in enjoying the SCRS RDE Sky Villa After-party at SEMA.

Reviews - How Your Reputation Hangs Precariously in the Balance” (presented by Mark Claypool of Optima Automotive). With more and more shops utilizing YouTube and other video services to market their services to consumers, Felder’s discussion aimed to help attendees learn how to develop video ideas, plan a shoot, select talent, choose an ideal location, promote the video once it’s completed and much more. Starbard was one of many attendees who found this information useful. “[Felder] has the experience and the statistics to support what she says, and it’s really timely,” he says.

Looking back on Claypool’s seminar, Starbard believes that more shops would benefit from taking time out to investigate how they are perceived online – where even one bad review could potentially destroy a new customer relationship.

As he sees it, “In the days that we live in now, where everything is so Internet-driven, it’s so important to make sure you have a good online presence and your reputation is up there. Otherwise, you fall to the bottom.”

Obviously, no collision education program presented in 2014 would be complete without aluminum repair. Shops looking for the latest facts and insights into this growing automotive trend had plenty to choose from at SEMA, including classes presented by I-CAR Aluminum Qualification Test Administrator Shawn Collins and

frequent New England Automotive Report Technical Writer Larry Montanez. During “Dispelling Common Collision Repair Myths” on November 4, Collins (who serves as senior technical service engineer for 3M) stressed that, despite the hype surrounding aluminum, its use in vehicles is nothing new.

“Truck shops have been repairing aluminum vehicles for many, many years,” he offered.

Collins noted that I-CAR’s focus on developing aluminum repair classes dates back at least 15 years, but that this attention soon shifted to high-strength steels.

Naturally, things have changed in a big way now that aluminum-intensive vehicles like the 2015 Ford F-150 are making headlines throughout the field “It’s really not that new to our industry,” he said. “It’s just that we need to get caught up again.”

In Montanez’s mind, getting “caught up” means making sure that today’s technicians know exactly what they’re getting into before attempting a repair on an aluminum vehicle. During “Aluminum Repair Procedures, Techniques and Requirements,” this Audi/Mercedes Benz-certified welder strongly encouraged his students to strictly abide by the OEMs’ recommended procedures at all times.

“There’s really, truly only one standard, which is what the manufacturer puts out,” he stated. “Plain and simple.”

With the industry demanding new training all the time, Collins implored shop owners to put in the time necessary to get their techs up to speed with everything that’s going on around them.

“In our industry, we have a tendency to tell technicians, ‘Do this, do that, don’t do this, don’t do that,’ [but] we don’t really explain why,” he offered. “When you tell them why, they’re more inclined to actually listen. But if you don’t explain why to them, a lot of them will continue to repair under the same values that they always have.”

AASP/MA Executive Director Jillian Zywien, who joined Starbard in representing AASP/MA at the festivities, was especially impressed by the aluminum education available at SEMA 2014.

“SCRS always has its finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the industry,” she explains. “Their program on aluminum was especially important for collision repair shops throughout the country. Gone are the days of simple vehicle repairs; with the expansion of technology in our cars comes the need for education and knowledge.”

Away from the Show, Starbard and Zywien participated in the AASP National Board Meeting on November 5 (see page 40). By being a part of this special gathering, these AASP/MA representatives were able to tap into what other AASP affiliates are doing on behalf of the industry.

Unlike most associations, AASP/MA has the ties necessary to give its regional members national representation when needed.

Ford’s 2015 F-150 was one of many aluminum-intensive vehicles discussed at this year’s show.

“We are so lucky to have a strong parent organization in AASP National, shares Zywien. “The affiliates can really share ideas, discuss issues and strategize for solutions. It is important to work together to create a strong voice for the industry. One of the greatest takeaways from the meeting was the new Talent Monger website launch (www.the talentmonger.com). Talent Monger is a tool for shops to post job opportunities and seek qualified individuals to fill those positions. Techs can create an online résumé to showcase their skills and secure a career in the industry.”

“You’re communicating with other leaders who are spread apart in other parts of the country,” adds Starbard on the benefits of attending the National Meeting. “It’s also good that we’re able to harness our numbers and diversity throughout the country to gain some member benefits, and it enables us to take on initiatives such as the Database Enhancement Gateway [DEG].”

On a personal note, Zywien’s favorite part of the SEMA experience was getting the chance to walk the floor.

“I was able to connect with some of AASP/MA’s biggest supporters and sponsors,” she says. “I look forward to recognizing all of AASP/MA’s supporters at our upcoming Vendor Appreciation Night on March 10, 2015. Members, please support those vendors who support your association!”

With the collision repair industry’s presence at SEMA the strongest it has ever been, all signs point to an even greater journey next year. If you’ve been to the show in recent years, you know how amazing it is. If you’ve never taken that flight to Vegas in early November, make plans to be there in 2015.

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THE LIST We reached out to some of our readers to find out what they hope to do in 2015.

“I’ve got to eat healthier. Probably should start cutting fast food out of my diet. Shame it’s so delicious.”

My New Year’s Resolution Is...

“My wife wants me to get into meditation, so my New Year’s resolution is to trick my wife into thinking I’m meditating.”

“My New Year’s resolution is to quit smoking. Again.”

“I want to get into shape. I noticed myself huffing and puffing going up the stairs the other day.”

“Next year, I want to spend more time with my kids. They’re three, five and nine and they’re not going to be that way forever. I think I want to take them on at least three mini-vacations this year.”

“To read more. My son keeps trying to get me into this Game of Thrones stuff, so maybe I’ll start with that.”

“I’d like to open up a second location. I know that might not happen this year, but my resolution is to start putting that into motion.”

“I had to cancel my vacation this year because of family and work stuff, so my New Year’s Resolution is to actually go on a vacation that I schedule.”

“To sleep more.

But let’s see if that really happens.”

“To double my numbers from last year. That’s been my resolution since I opened up eight years ago and I haven’t done it yet.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

COLLISION REPAIR SHOPS BRACE FOR CHALLENGES OF ALUMINUM BODYWORK With Ford’s 2015 F-150 pickups’ aluminum alloy bodies about to hit the market, repair shops are preparing for the new challenges that aluminum body repair work will entail. This includes handling messy and potentially explosive airborne dust caused by grinding or sanding.

The aluminum body revolution is an industry game changer. General Motors has already signaled that updates of its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups will feature aluminum bodies in the fall of 2018. By 2025, “seven out of 10 new pickup trucks produced in North America will be aluminum-bodied,” according to a 2015 North American Light Vehicle Aluminum Content Study by Ducker Worldwide.

To meet the demand, body shops must adapt to the challenges of working with aluminum with dedicated tools, equipment and training.

“All aluminum bodies from Ford’s F-series to Chevy and GMC are going to have a major impact on the collision auto body industry in the next few years,” says Gary Gardella Jr., coowner and production manager at County Line Auto Body, a Ford-certified collision repair shop.

But the recent introduction of mass-produced aluminum bodied vehicles has brought the issue of aluminum dust into the spotlight.

This dust, created by sanding, grinding, welding and cutting, can cause combustible dust fires and even explosions and also affect the quality of paintwork due to cross-contamination.

Cross-contamination occurs when aluminum dust settles on nearby steel panels or iron oxide dust settles on aluminum panels prior to primer or paint. The result is poor adhesion and quality issues.

Isolating aluminum repairs with curtains or dividers can help prevent cross contamination but does not prevent the risk of fire or explosion. Aluminum dust poses a combustion hazard in high concentrations and is particularly combustible when airborne and finely separated.

Even if a typical vacuum system containing dry aluminum dust within it were to draw in a grinding spark or even experience a spark from static electricity, it could ignite and cause a fire or explosion.

Ford, for its part, is at the forefront of setting the guidelines and requirements for working with aluminum-bodied vehicles for both Ford dealerships and independent body shops.

Among the 2014 requirements for Ford’s National Body Shop Program, for instance, is a “dedicated aluminum dust extraction system with wet mix technology.”

An aluminum wet mix air filtration system safely captures aluminum dust at its source, while using water to ensure potentially explosive aluminum dust particles do not become airborne within the unit.

One such system from Clayton Associates directs the air stream and aluminum dust through a series of air filtration baffles that bursts the air bubbles and thoroughly wets the dust before the air exits the vacuum.

Clayton’s immersion separator involves a gravity feed drain with a funnel-shaped bottom and water spray-down system inside. This enables a safer, full-system, flush out to facilitate daily maintenance. The sludge is then filtered by the unit to remove aluminum residue so it can be safely discharged.

“Safe, high efficiency, aluminum dust capture technology like Clayton’s is going to make our industry safer,” says Gardella.

For more info, call (732) 363-2100; (800) 248-8650 toll free; Fax (732) 364-6084; email sales@JClayton.com or visit www.jclayton.com.

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AASp/MA: Making progress continued from pg. 9 Massachusetts to assess their equipment and implementation of I-CAR curriculum and technology, including estimating software.

There are some significant disparities from school to school and we’d like to close the gap so that all schools are operating on an equal platform. It is a collaborative effort amongst teachers and repairers through our partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). We’ve already started the discussion with the Massachusetts Vocational Technical Directors Association, and there is a lot of excitement around how the industry and schools are coming together to address these issues. Collision repair is an excellent field to work in, and we are going to work hard to promote that to future industry members from here on out.

As you can see, AASP/MA has a long road of work ahead, but I am eager to get to work with my fellow Board members to make our goals into a reality. With new faces on our team and a clear plan in place, the sky is truly the limit.

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AASP/MA President Molly Brodeur is the Chief Operating Officer of Al Brodeur’s Auto Body in Marlborough, MA. She can be reached at (508) 485-1082 or molly@albrodeur.com

AASp/MA provides year-end report at national Meeting continued from pg. 40 The Auto Care Association is devoting time and resources to educate the industry on how they can connect to their customers with this information, and they are gearing up for an eventual legislative push to return data control to vehicle owners.

“The main goal is to work together to try and develop technical solutions for the telematics issue,” he said.

In other news, AASP National President Bruce Tschida and other AASP Affiliate representatives participated in a special Industry Summit and planning session held at the Venetian Hotel on November 4 by the Auto Care Advocacy Network, a newly formed organization comprised of representatives from AASP, the Auto Care Association and the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA).

Initially organized last year, the grassroots Network exists to enable its participating member associations to address anti-industry issues, educate lawmakers, promote positive industry initiatives and speak to the general motoring public in one collective voice.

Moving forward, the Network plans to include at least one key state or regional association from every US state. The Network will be guided by a Steering Committee, comprised of two members from the three main associations, and managed by the Auto Care Association.

In order for the Network to support or address a particular industry issue, a consensus must be met among all participating associations that engagement would not pit one sector of the industry against another. Engagement would be at the Steering Committee’s discretion.

The Network plans to issue regular news and updates to the automotive media throughout 2015.

“A structure and call-to-action center for facilitating a comprehensive and systematic response to confront anti-industry initiatives – and to promote initiatives that are in the industry’s best interest – is long overdue,” said Tschida. “AASP is pleased to lend its support to such an important effort.”

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

The oeM Standard and you: what Are you prepared For? continued from pg. 36

going on in the industry today, and we understand the reasons, but what we don’t see is a lot of training, equipment upgrades and investment in the facilities. We cannot tell you how many times we've been to a shop and said, “Wow, this shop is cool. This is the most advanced shop we have ever seen - if it was 1980. This is like stepping through a time machine. This place belongs in the Smithsonian Institute!” DON’T BE THAT SHOP! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

larry Montanez, CDA is co-owner of P&L Consultants with Peter Pratti Jr. P&L Consultants works with collision repair shops on estimating, production and proper repair procedures. P&L conducts repair workshops on MIG & Resistance Welding, Measuring for Estimating and Advanced Estimating Skills. P&L also conducts investigations for insurers and repair shops for improper repairs, collision repairability and estimating issues. P&L can be reached by contacting Larry at (718) 891-4018 (office), (917) 860-3588 (cell), (718) 646-2733 (fax) or via email at info@PnLEstimology.com. The P&L website is www.pnlestimology.com.

Jeff lange, pe is president of Lange Technical Services, Ltd. of Deer Park, NY (www.lange Tech.net). Jeff is a Licensed New York State Professional Engineer who specializes in investigating vehicle and component failures. Lange Technical Services, Ltd. is an investigative engineering firm performing forensic vehicle examinations and analysis for accident reconstruction, products liability and insurance issues. Jeff can be reached at (631) 667-6128 or by email at Jeff.lange@langeTech.net.

December 2014

MASSACHUSETTS

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BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

New England Automotive Report

60 December 2014

New England Automotive Report

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

As a member of the Alliance of Automotive Service providers of Massachusetts (AASp/MA), i will abide by the association’s bylaws and code of ethics. i understand that membership in AASp of Massachusetts is non-transferable, and i must remain current with my dues in order to be a member in good standing. i understand that if i discontinue my membership that i must immediately cease using any association promotions, logos or materials. Additionally, i understand that as part of my AASp of Massachusetts membership, i will receive New England Automotive Report, the official publication of AASp of Massachusetts, faxes, emails and other mailings.

*** PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT LEGIBLY ***

BUSINESS INFORMATION: Mr.

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What benefits motivated you to join AASP of Massachusetts?

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PERSONAL INFORMATION:

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Enrolled By (Name and Address) ________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMBERSHIP TYPE REPAIRER MEMBER (check one) Collision Repair Shop Mechanical Repair Shop Both, Collision & Mechanical Repair Shops Other Repair Shop SUPPLIER/ASSOCIATE MEMBER (check one) Auto Paint/Crash Parts/Auto Parts/Wholesaler Equipment/Tool Supplier Manufacturer/Sales Agent Services (Computers, Software, Vehicle Rental, Other)

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Just like good tools and equipment, membership in AASP of Massachusetts is a valuable investment. AASP of Massachusetts works for you through such outstanding programs as: (1) management and technical training; (2) discount uniform rental; and (3) a wide variety of other business services.

Put AASP of Massachusetts to work for you today.

COMPLETE THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION AND RETURN IT WITH PAYMENT TO AASP OF MASSACHUSETTS.

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Nickname ________________________________________________ ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES Total Due ....................................................................................$395.00 (The AASP membership year is from January to January 2016)

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12 post office Square, 6th Floor • Boston, MA 02109 phone: (617) 574-0741 | Fax: (617) 695-0173|jzywien@aaspma.org As required by the U.S. Tax Code, AASP of Massachusetts, Inc. informs its members that 75% of the dues paid to the association are tax deductible. The remaining 25% is allocated to legislative activities and is not tax deductible.

New England Automotive Report

December 2014

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LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

continued from pg. 21

your demand is in writing and that you keep a copy. Also, keep a copy of any response you get from the insurer, as well as a copy of their payment check. Calculate the difference and let the insurer know how you made that calculation.

Stay tuned for the second half of this article, outlining steps eight to 11 of my do-it-yourself Labor Rate lawsuit, which will appear in the

62 December 2014

January 2015 issue of New England Automotive Report.

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MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING THE SUCCESS OF THE AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY

Attorney James Castleman is a managing member of Paster, Rice & Castleman, LLC in Quincy, MA. He can be reached at (617) 472-3424 or at

New England Automotive Report

jcastleman@ prclawoffice.com.

American Honda............................................56 Audi Group ....................................................48 Axalta Coating Systems ..................................4 Bald Hill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram..............8 Balise Wholesale Parts Express ....................22 Baystate Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge ..................55 Bernardi Group ........................................32-33 Best Chevrolet ..............................................IFC BMW Group ..............................................38-39 BMW/Mini of Warwick ................................15 CCC One..........................................................19 Clay Subaru ....................................................21 Colonial Auto Group ....................................18 Empire Auto Parts............................................9 Enterprise ........................................................25 First Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram ..................58 First Ford ........................................................58 First Hyundai..................................................58 Ford Group ....................................................60 Future Cure ....................................................10 Goyette’s Inc. Auto Parts ..............................25 Honda Group..................................................54 Hyundai Group ..............................................55 Imperial Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep ......................6 Imperial Ford ..................................................36 Infiniti of Norwood........................................14 IRA Group..................................................12-13 Jaffarian Toyota/Volvo..................................35 J&R Auto Body Supply ..................................6 Kelly Automotive Group............................IFC Linder’s, Inc. ..................................................62 Long Automotive Group ..........................OBC Mazda Group..................................................56 McLaughlin Chevrolet ..................................44 Mopar Group..................................................23 NORTHEAST® 2015........................................7 Nissan Group..................................................49 Nissan World of Dartmouth ........................42 P&L Consultants ............................................36 PPG ....................................................................3 Robertsons GMC Truck ................................59 Sarat Ford-Lincoln ........................................25 Sentry Group ..................................................41 Subaru Group............................................50-51 Tasca Group ....................................................53 Toyota Group..................................................26 Village Auto Group........................................37 VW Group ......................................................42 Wellesley Toyota/Scion ..................................9