W H Y Z A M O R A’ S A U TO B O DY M A D E T H E S W I T C H
BUSINESS PROFILE
ZAMORA’S AUTO BODY Frederick, Maryland Andy & Eric Zamora ~ Owners
3 85 5 6 3 75
LOCATIONS EMPLOYEES PAINTERS PAINT BOOTHS PREP DECKS VEHICLES PER WEEK
Andy Zamora
“We demoed four waterborne paint lines and found PPG had the best product, the best technology, and the most technical support.”
“The color chips are an identical match, so there’s little need for sprayout cards. This saves us money on paint and labor.” “We increased our throughput by 10% or around 30 to 40 more vehicles per month.”
PERFORMANCE YOU CAN COUNT ON The PPG Logo, Envirobase and the Multiple Cubes Geometric Design are registered trademarks of PPG Industries, Ohio, Inc. ©2021 PPG Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.envirobase.com
Superior customer service starts with Town Audi and Audi Genuine Parts. • Our expert parts staff is ready to serve you with over $500,000 in inventory and a fleet of trucks to help ensure same-day delivery on most orders • We respect your time, and offer a quick and accurate order process to help meet your needs • Proudly serving the Tri-State area with Audi Genuine Parts since 1970 • Same-day delivery on stocked items, next-day availability on most non-stocked items
Town Audi 400 South Dean Street Englewood, NJ 07631 Parts Direct: 888.779.6792 Fax: 201.541.0314
Email: audiparts@townmotors.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-7pm
Saturday: 8am-5pm
Porsche Genuine Parts & Service. With our comprehensive inventory of Porsche Genuine Parts & Service, you will guarantee your customer optimal safety and reliability and ensure their Porsche remains what it is: an original.
Maintain Originality.
Town Porsche 105 Grand Avenue Englewood, NJ 07631 201-227-6505 town-motorcar.porschedealer.com
© 2019 Porsche Cars North America Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.
4 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 5
CALL: 1-800-221-1256
800-221-1256
6 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
P.O. Box 734 Neptune, NJ 07753 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charles Bryant 732-922-8909 / setlit4u@msn.com 2019 - 2021 OFFICERS PRESIDENT Jerry McNee, Ultimate Collision Repair, Inc. 732-494-1900 / ultimatecollision@att.net COLLISION CHAIRMAN Dennis Cataldo, Jr., D&M Auto Body 732-251-4313 / jr@dnmautobody.com MECHANICAL CHAIRMAN Keith Krehel, Krehel Automotive Repair, Inc. 973-546-2828 / krehelauto@aol.com TREASURER Tom Elder, Compact Kars, Inc. 609-259-6373 / compactkars@aol.com SECRETARY Thomas Greco, Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 973-667-6922 / thomas@grecopublishing.com BOARD Brad Crawford, Livingston Collision, Inc. 973-992-5274 / livingston.collision@gmail.com Gary Gardella, Jr., County Line Auto Body 732-363-5904 / countylineautobody@gmail.com Dave Laganella, Peters Body and Fender 201-337-1200 / petersbandf@gmail.com Sam Mikhail, Prestige Auto Body 908-294-1985 /prestige@goldcar.us Ken Miller, 821 Collision, LLC (973) 949-3733 / kmiller@821collision.com Ted Rainer, Ocean Bay Auto Body 732-899-7900 / ted@oceanbayautobody.com Anthony Trama, Bloomfield Auto Body 973-748-2608 / anthony@bloomfieldautobody.com BOARD ALLIED Joe Amato, The Amato Agency 732-530-6740 / joesr@amatoagency.com Mike Kaufmann, Advantage Dealer Services 973-332-7014 / mkaufmann@advantageds.com PAST PRESIDENT ATTENDING Jeff McDowell, Leslie’s Auto Body 732-738-1948 / chacki@aol.com
VOLUME 52 NUMBER 1 | January 2022
CONTENTS 10 OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES
16 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
12 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
46 NJA ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
LOCAL NEWS
20 Don’t Ask if You Don’t Want the Truth: Larry Montanez Gets Real with AASP/NJ by Chasidy Rae Sisk
NATIONAL NEWS
22 Running it Back: NORTHEAST® Returns Live This March by Alana Quartuccio Bonillo 26 3-for-1: DEG Inquiry Leads to Realistic Repair Times on Three Vehicles by Chasidy Rae Sisk
JUST FOR FUN
28 Craziest Car Names by Alana Quartuccio Bonillo
COVER STORY PUBLISHER Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL/CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo / alana@grecopublishing.com MANAGING EDITOR Chasidy Rae Sisk / chasidy@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Joe Greco / joe@grecopublishing.com
32 Here Comes the Sun: Industry Leaders Reflect on 2021 and Look Forward to a Brighter 2022 by Chasidy Rae Sisk
AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY 44 Wharton Insurance Briefs by Mario DeFilippis
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Charles Bryant • Mario DeFilippis • Dennis Cataldo • Mitch Portnoi • Ron Ananian • Keith Krehel • Jerry McNee • Jacquelyn Bauman
Published by: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc. 244 Chestnut Street, Suite 202, Nutley, NJ 07110 Corporate: (973) 667-6922 / FAX: (973) 235-1963
www.grecopublishing.com NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE is published monthly and is sent to AASP/ NJ and ARANJ members free of charge. Subscriptions are $24 per year. NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE is published by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc., 244 Chestnut St., Nutley, NJ 07110. The editorial contents of NEW JERSEY AUTOMOTIVE are copyright © 2022 by Thomas Greco Publishing Inc. and may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher and/or editor. Articles in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Thomas Greco Publishing Inc. Stock Images courtesy of www.istockphoto.com.
Joe Amato, Sr. Ron Ananian Jim Bowers Charles Bryant Don Chard Guy Citro Pete Cook Ed Day Dave Demarest Phil Dolcemascolo Tom Elder Bob Everett
Alicia Figurelli Thomas Greco Dan Hawtin Rich Johnson Wes Kearney Nick Kostakis Jim Kowalak Keith Krehel Joe Lubrano Michael Lovullo Jeff McDowell Sam Mikhail
Ron Mucklow George Petrask Russ Robson Jerry Russomano George Threlfall Cynthia Tursi Lee Vetland Paul Vigilant Rich Weber Brian Vesley Glenn Villacari Stan Wilson
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 7
8 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 9
OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES
People Are… by THOMAS GRECO, PUBLISHER A couple of days ago, I was writing something with my iTunes on shuffle when an old Andrew Dice Clay (Am I allowed to mention his name? – I assume he was canceled for life) routine came on. It was a funny bit called “People Are Pri#ks.” And wouldn’t you know it, a few days later I realized that Dice’s words have never been more true. My wife and I were at a good friend’s son’s wedding. It was a beautiful affair with a lot of familiar faces. As I have mentioned countless times before, I am no fan of weddings. I always cite one of the reasons as the fact that I don’t drink. My wife likes her wine, and usually at weddings, she will go wild and order a mixed drink. And as usual, I was chosen to go get her the drink while she went from food station to food station, sampling the treasures of the cocktail hour. I set out to one of the two bartender stations, only to find a line about 15 people deep. I sighed and stepped in line behind a few of the bride and groom’s friends. Fifteen minutes later, the line had barely moved. Now, to call me impatient would be a misnomer. I am way, way past impatient. (Wow. Maybe I’m the pri#k?) But I digress. As
10 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
I inched closer to the front of the line, out of nowhere, the three partiers in front of me started calling all their friends over and asking them what they wanted to drink. What the f#$k? Now, I love my buddy. And I was not going to make a scene at his son’s wedding. I just bit my lip and crossed my arms in frustration. A nice lady behind me tried to reassure me. “We’re almost there,” she said in a friendly voice. “I don’t even drink!” I responded, kind of unfriendly. I quickly apologized and told her that I was in line for my wife, and she laughed. I turned back to find I was now only second in line. Then my young friends decided to bring even more pals over and cut in front of me! Then they had the nerve to order six drinks each! Again, I bit my lip, crossed my arms and sighed loudly. As expected, they were oblivious. A half hour after I got in line, I finally stepped up to the bartender. And I swear on my kids, my mind went blank. I couldn’t remember for the life of me what my wife wanted to drink. I started sweating because I knew the nice lady continued on pg. 40
Big. Gray. Available Today. The Spanesi® 106 EXT Structural Straightening Bench is designed for larger and longer vehicles. The 106 EXT easily accommodates large work vans, light and medium duty trucks, and full-size SUVs. The 106 EXT is included in OEM certification programs around the globe. Contact Spanesi Americas for a current and complete list of programs.
Spanesi Americas, Inc. 123 Ambassador Dr. STE 107 Naperville, IL 60540
106 EXT
Structural Straightening Bench
106 EXT Structural Workstation Includes: 7 Crossbars 14 Mounting Locations Bench With Rack Gears Lift With Control Box Loading Trolley Positioning And Ascending Ramps Pulling Column Universal Jig System Loading Capacity Length Width (Up To) Pulling Force
5,000kg (11,000lbs) 6m (19.7’) 2.1m (7’) 10 Tons
224-SPANESI (224-772-6374) www.spanesi-americas.com facebook.com/spanesiamericas New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 11
2021 - 12 TGP NJAR Spanesi FP Ad REV1.indd 1
11/11/21 4:03 PM
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
What Are You Putting Into Your Business? As rapidly as today’s technology is evolving, it’s difficult to keep up with all the changes happening – it seems like there’s something new to learn everyday! Because it can be overwhelming, many shops are still repairing cars the same old way they’ve fixed them for years: Get them in and out as quickly as possible. Of course, those cycle times make insurance companies happy, but they aren’t the ones who are liable if the repair isn’t performed properly. As collision repair professionals, we are responsible for acquiring the training necessary to safely restore customers’ vehicles to their pre-accident condition. Yet, too often, shops incorrectly repair these vehicles because their focus is on getting that car out the door and collecting the insurer’s check. Let’s face it: Dealing with insurance companies can be a total headache. A couple months ago, I mentioned an estimate for the bumper cover, tail light and minor work on the quarter panel on a Lincoln Aviator. The insurer’s appraiser wrote it for $4,700; it was an $11,000 repair. The insurer didn’t want to pay for the OEM repair procedures or the research time involved, and when I argued that there’s no way to properly repair vehicles without that information, they
12 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
by JERRY MCNEE
rebutted, “It’s a cost of doing business.” Well, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) says otherwise because I wouldn’t have that cost or require that research time if that vehicle wasn’t in my facility. The appraiser didn’t agree with me, but when the final supplement came in, there was only a difference of $100 between his final amount and mine. When an insurer says, “It’s a cost of doing business,” how many shops would just say “okay”? Far too many – because they don’t know there’s a better way and because they’re scared to lose the safety net of insurer work. I was scared when I lost a DRP relationship in the early 2000s; I was on track to do a million dollars a year with that company, but after separating from them, my sales increased! I’d never go back. DRPs are a security blanket, but if you’re doing what you’re supposed to do for the vehicle owners who entrust their cars to you, you’ll never miss them. The insurance companies are not our masters, and shops need to stop bowing to them. We need to stand up for our customers, ourselves and our industry! Instead, every one of us should be investing time and continued on pg. 43
SCREAMINGLY FAST PARTS DELIVERY.
Looking for Mopar® and Magneti Marelli Offered by Mopar Parts in a hurry? Give our parts department a call and they’ll be on their way before you know it.
DOVER DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP 158 S. Salem Street Dover, NJ 07801
Order Hot Line: (888) 676-6727 Fax: (973) 366-0757
Mon.–Fri. 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Sat. 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
©2021 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC. FIAT is a registered trademark of FCA Group Marketing S.p.A., used under license by FCA US LLC. Magneti Marelli is a registered trademark of Magneti Marelli S.p.A.
44259_LR29_F_TGP.indd 1
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 13 5/27/21 5:03 PM
14 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 15
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Stop the Erroneous COVID Excuses by CHARLES BRYANT We get it; the COVID-19 pandemic has caused major problems, not only in New Jersey but across the US and other countries. We get it; however, there is a big difference between the pandemic causing problems and people using the pandemic as an excuse for problems they themselves have created. At the present time, a tremendous amount of cars are sitting in New Jersey collision shops due to the lack of parts immediately available. We understand that. We also understand that the lack of qualified technicians available to repair the sophisticated automobiles on the roads today contributes to the delays. The pandemic has probably touched everybody in one way or another as far as being able to perform their jobs as they normally would if the pandemic had never taken place. What we don’t understand – or condone – is what’s going on with the insurance industry which they blame on the pandemic. Consumers’ automobiles are sitting in collision shops across the state, waiting on insurance companies to inspect the damage and work out an agreement with the shop to commence the repairs on these vehicles. Insurance companies have a strict rule that no repairs should be commenced until the insurer has inspected the vehicle and worked out an agreement with a collision shop on the repair costs. The regulations governing fair claim settlement practices acknowledges the insurers’ right to inspect the vehicle damaged in a collision prior to the work commencing; however, the regulations also make it clear that if the insurer intends to inspect the vehicle they must do so within seven working days from the date that the claim is reported to the insurer and then commence negotiations and make a good-faith offer of settlement. The regulation goes on to state that the negotiations must be conducted in good faith with the goal of promptly arriving at an agreed price to repair the damaged vehicle
and the insurer is required to provide a copy of their estimate promptly upon completing the inspection. With that said, insurers are using the excuse of the COVID-19 pandemic for their delays in performing the inspection. They insist that the collision shops do their job and perform the inspection for them, which includes preparing an estimate, taking photos (not only of the damage, but of the entire vehicle including license plates, the interior, all four corners of the vehicle and more, depending on the insurer) and then sending the photos along with the estimate over to the insurer and then waiting for the insurer to reach out to negotiate an agreement. Unfortunately, in most cases, instead of the insurer contacting the shop to go over the shop’s estimate and negotiated agreement, the shops receive an estimate prepared by the insurance company based on the photos and estimate that the shop provided; however, time and time again, the shops receive estimates from insurance companies for a fraction of what the shop’s estimate was written for based on the physical inspection of the automobile. This causes major delays because the shop now has to attempt to contact the insurer and try to work out the differences so the repairs can get started. Most of the time, even when the shop reaches out to the insurance company to go over the estimate, the shop will get another adjusted estimate but usually for an amount that remains far less than what it actually takes to repair the automobile. When this issue is addressed with the insurer, the standard answer is, “That’s all we can justify based on the photos that you provided.” From there, it usually takes going through this process over and over again until the insurer finally agrees to pay close to what it actually takes to repair the vehicle. This process is one of the major reasons that the repair process is severely stalled. The reality is that it is impossible to prepare an estimate on a vehicle that has suffered major damage
NO EXCUSES
16 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
based on photos. In fact, the New Jersey auto body licensing law makes it illegal for a collision shop to prepare an estimate based on photos, phone calls or any other means other than personal inspection; collision shops are subject to severe fines or possible loss of license for violation of this provision in the auto body licensing law. If this is the standard for the people licensed by the state of New Jersey to repair damaged automobiles, then this should certainly be the standard that insurers (who are not capable of repairing collision damage vehicles) should follow. The insurance industry is pushing to change the estimating process by insisting on preparing estimates based on photos because of the millions of dollars the insurers would save on the cost of appraisers and the associated fees to have an appraiser physically go out and inspect a damaged vehicle. Sometime in the future, that may be something that can be accomplished through artificial intelligence, but the technology required to prepare accurate estimates on collision damaged vehicles has not yet been developed, so now is not the time, PERIOD! There are certain delays that are directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic such as the parts availability
and the shortage of workers as previously mentioned, but the major delays presently being experienced results directly from insurers insisting the delays are caused by the pandemic. It is absolutely incorrect. It is obvious that insurers are intentionally causing delays to push their agenda of changing over to photo estimates while erroneously blaming the pandemic. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance needs to step up and enforce the regulations that are currently in place to protect consumers from what is taking place presently. Rest assured that AASP/NJ is working hard to make that happen. If you are a member of AASP/ NJ and are experiencing ridiculous delays on first or supplemental inspections, please report the occurrence to the AASP/NJ Hotline so we can document it and use the occurrence to demand that something be done to stop this obvious delay tactic to try and change from a realistic method of preparing estimates to the unrealistic practice of preparing estimates based on pictures. If you are not an AASP/NJ member and would like to join the effort to make the industry better, please call the AASP/NJ Executive Director’s Office at (732) 922-8909. NJA
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 17
®
18 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 19
LOCAL NEWS
Don’t Ask if You Don’t Want the Truth: Larry Montanez Gets Real with AASP/NJ “Don’t ask a question you don’t want the answer to because I’m going to give you an answer, and I really don’t care whether you like it or not,” Larry Montanez of P&L Consultants warned during a recent AASP/NJ meeting. Held at Gran Centurions in Clark, NJ, the inperson estimating seminar focused on Toyota required procedures, not-included items, estimating consistency and more. “Who’s had a technician put a quarter panel on a vehicle, and it’s been dead wrong?” Montanez asked. “I’m trying to save you time, effort and energy.” Guiding nearly 100 attendees through the process of writing an estimate to replace a quarter panel on a 2020 Toyota Camry, Montanez recommended repairers start by visiting I-CAR’s Repairability Technical Support (RTS) and then proceeding to Toyota’s Technical Information System (TIS) to review OEM repair procedures; in the example used, 33 repair procedures were reviewed to complete the repair! Montanez touted the benefits of using the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG), “The DEG gives you the P-Pages for CCC, Mitchell and Audatex. If you’re not using the DEG, you’re only screwing yourself.” Stressing the importance of reading the procedures for “every single car, every single time,” Montanez examined the documents that were utilized to write the original estimate, explaining that simply disconnecting the battery requires a technician to check at least seven systems in order to ensure the vehicle drives correctly. Pointing out that R&I for a bumper is typically a notincluded item, Montanez asked attendees, “How many times have you done a bumper cover and not put that on the estimate? Now, calculate that for how many cars you’ve done, how many years you’ve done it and how much money you’ve lost just because you didn’t check it.” It’s no secret that scanning modern vehicles is an imperative part of the repair process, and according to Montanez, even a vandalized car should be scanned. “If someone keys and scratches the car, we’re going to scan it. The insurance company doesn’t owe you for it, but I’m scanning it for my own protection. I’m also scanning it because I know it’s got an all-around camera, and by taking off the mirror, I’m going to set a code. That pre-scan shows the insurer that I scanned it and confirmed 20 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
there were no codes beforehand that were related to the incident.” Montanez suggested sending the repaired vehicle to the dealership for calibrations due to the difficulty of performing this aspect of the repair in addition to adhering to the importance of manufacturer branding. As a result, he recommended that shops perform a post-dealer scan in addition to performing pre-repair and post-repair scans. “Since most of my clients are heavily involved in OEM certifications, we send the repaired car to the dealership; however, the shop is liable for the repairs, so you want to make sure everything was done right at the dealership by performing an additional scan when you get it back.” Talking about his clients and their legal battles, Montanez discouraged attendees from following in their footsteps: “Ease into it slow and steady, and take one bite at a time instead of diving in headfirst and wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars on cases. I don’t want you to make the same mistakes that my clients have made, but it’s important to realize that they aren’t trying to win that case; they’re focused on establishing case law so that they and other shops win every case after it. “There’s a smarter way of doing it that doesn’t result in your shop getting investigated by every possible government entity,” he continued. “Unless you have an asinine amount of money and want to go to court constantly, you can’t dive in headfirst. Take one bite at a time; do it slowly and progressively, and you’ll get there over time with less hassle.”
by CHASIDY RAE SISK
The meeting concluded with a special Q&A segment, “Larry Live!” during which Montanez tackled some of the industry’s most pressing issues. As the Q&A segment came to a close, AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee urged attendees: “Do something with the information you learn. If you’re not putting time in, don’t expect anything to come out on the other end to your benefit. It’s like a puzzle. You’ve got 1,000 little pieces, and your job is putting those pieces together to form the puzzle – and then use it. Never stop learning; there’s plenty of room for improvement. There’s strength in numbers, and if we all start doing things the same way, it’ll make our jobs and lives a little bit easier.” For more information about AASP/NJ and its future events, visit aaspnj.org. NJA
LYNNES
AUTO GROUP
WHOLESALE DEPARTMENT
Genuine Service & Parts
SERVICE, SELECTION AND VALUE SINCE 1953
Delivering to the New Jersey/New York area. Genuine Nissan parts are built to the same standards as Nissan vehicles. It’s no wonder they’re the driving force behind the most exhilarating vehicle on the road. 7 experienced countermen and 12 drivers ready to serve
Parts: 800-782-7597 E-mail: John@lynnes.com www.lynnesnissan.com Hours: M-F 7:30am - 6pm, Sat 7:30am - 2pm 5 Alva Street | Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Our wholesale parts team is here to make sure you find the exact Genuine Subaru Parts you need for every repair.
• Competitive prices • Fast, accurate deliveries • Genuine Subaru Parts that drive your business
Paul Miller Subaru 3469 Route 46 Parsippany, NJ 07054 Phone: 973-658-5714 Fax: 973-402-9591 mdaltilio@paulmiller.com www.paulmillersubaru.com/parts
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 21
NATIONAL NEWS
by ALANA QUARTUCCIO BONILLO
Running it Back: Returns Live This March We’ve all certainly waited long enough. The new year is here, and with that comes a sense of normalcy as it’s time to prepare to head on over to the largest regional automotive show on this side of the country! The NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show returns to the Meadowlands Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus, NJ on March 18-20, promising to once again deliver the experience, education and equipment that automotive professionals from all over the East Coast – and beyond – expect every March. The 2022 show marks the 45th year that AASP/ NJ will present its flagship event. Coming out of the pandemic, this year promises even more than before with new highlights and activities expected to truly make it a can’t-miss opportunity for every collision and automotive repairer! “It’s no secret that our entire industry has had a rough year-plus,” states Alicia Figurelli, vice president of NORTHEAST event managers Thomas Greco Publishing. “At NORTHEAST 2022, we look forward to not only ushering in a bit of ‘the old days’ of face-to-face business interaction and valuable training attendees have come to expect from our event, but we’re also working on some exciting new things you’ve never seen before at NORTHEAST. Whether it’s exclusive training you can’t get anywhere else, the opportunity to meet an industry icon, win some awesome prizes, lend your voice to some exciting industry initiatives – or hopefully all of the above! – there will be something for everyone at NORTHEAST 2022. We can’t wait.” Ken Miller (821 Collision; North Haledon) has been a regular at NORTHEAST for at least a decade. He can’t wait to hit the show floor with fellow collision repairers to share ideas, interact and build relationships, not to mention taking in all the valuable resources and education the show has to offer. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to get back in front of the vendors you need to see. Plus, you must take advantage of all the educational opportunities that will be on deck. It’s everything you need all under one roof.” His first year attending NORTHEAST as a newlyelected AASP/NJ Board member, Miller is also eager to take part once again in working with AASP/NJ to present the 2022 Young Technician Award. Thanks to a donation from the Utica National Group Foundation, the association will award a tool grant to a technician employed by a 22 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
member shop to assist in building their toolbox. Miller helped spearhead the inaugural award this past fall and is pleased to have the chance to help an encouraging young tech once again . “It’s great to be able to help give back to the industry and help a young technician further his career.” Having NORTHEAST on the calendar is a beacon that signals a return to normalcy for so many. After nearly two years of endless virtual meetings, automotive professionals are eager to walk the aisles, see fellow shop owners face to face, interact with equipment up close and hear from some of the industry’s best presenters. AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee can’t wait to get away from the computer screen and back to embracing the educational seminars and face-to-face interaction that one can only get by walking the aisles at the MEC. “I’m really looking forward to a sense of normalcy. I think everyone has had enough of the virtual experience, and it’s time to get back to it full force.” AASP/NJ Past President Jeff McDowell (Leslie’s Auto Body; Fords) has been attending NORTHEAST for decades. To him, NORTHEAST always marks the real start of each year after coming out of the long winter slump, and he is eager to be surrounded by his peers once again, including many he hasn’t seen since the association’s Annual Meeting in the fall. And when it comes to finding all you need to help run a successful business, McDowell suggests NORTHEAST is a one-stop shop. “I’m excited to get out and see what’s out there, both what is new and what has changed. I think most of the guys are looking forward to that. For those in need of equipment, now is the time to come out and make a deal. Plus, the show offers great training with great information you can take back to your shop to help make your business more profitable.” “Our goal has always been to provide all stakeholders – from the exhibitors and sponsors to of course the attendees – with a well-rounded experience at NORTHEAST,” adds Figurelli. “For 2022, we remain committed to offering all attendees a tremendous weekend both on and off the show floor.” Pre-registration is now open. To pre-register and to keep up with the latest information and announcements about NORTHEAST 2022, visit aaspnjnortheast.com. NJA
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 23
NATIONAL NEWS
by CHASIDY RAE SISK
3-for-1: DEG Inquiry Leads to Realistic Repair Times on Three Vehicles Rarely do collision repairers receive more than they ask for these days, but a recent inquiry with the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) paid in spades, resulting in updates to three unique vehicle models in CCC’s estimating system. While watching an I-CAR Repairers Realm video about replacing the laser brazed roof panel on a Honda Accord, AASP/NJ Collision Chairman Dennis Cataldo, Jr. took note of the amount of work necessary to accommodate the laser brazed roof seam. “This process requires cutting the roof off, which is a pretty labor intensive way to remove it, and since shops can’t replicate how the factory installed the original roof, we have to separately order additional parts before installing the new roof,” Cataldo recalls. “Out of curiosity, I checked my estimating system.” Cataldo found that CCC listed the repair at 19.5 hours, yet a previous body style, which required a simpler installation process, allowed 20.5 hours. “The new process involved way more work than on the previous model, yet the listed repair time was less. It just didn’t make sense, so I filed an inquiry with the DEG.” The DEG resolved the inquiry within three days; the response from CCC indicated that the labor hours required for the roof replacement would increase from 19.5 hours to 25 hours for roof panels without a sunroof, while the same model with a sunroof would reflect an increased repair time of 26.5 hours, compared to the originally allotted 21 hours. The update included the addition of a footnote specifying, “Time does not include R&I/R&R quarter glass. Time includes brackets.” Although a 72-hour response seems pretty timely, DEG Administrator Danny Gredinberg says the average resolution time is 24 to 48 hours. The complexity of this inquiry added an additional day to the average turnaround time. The DEG also has a change rate of approximately 50 percent when sufficient information is provided with an inquiry. “Inquiries are submitted by our end users: Shops and adjusters,” Gredinberg explained. “Once it’s submitted, the DEG validates it and performs additional research to strengthen the inquiry if necessary. Then, we submit the inquiry to the IP which conducts their own evaluation and responds with an estimate for when the update will be made, or if they inform us that there’s no change, we investigate the reasons for that and work with the OEMs for clarification when needed.” With the initial inquiry resolved, DEG presented additional suggestions to CCC on a secondary inquiry, 26 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
requesting the addition of a footnote related to one-time use components and a list of required brackets and hardware. DEG also questioned the equal increase in labor times for the roof panels with and without a sunroof, noting that the non-sunroof model has two additional brackets. CCC responded by increasing the labor time on the replacement of the non-sunroof roof panel to 25.5 hours, allowing an additional 30 minutes beyond the initial revision. The footnote was also revised to indicate which components cannot be reused or reinstalled. But Gredinberg wasn’t done yet! With additional feedback from Honda noticing similar construction designs and required repairs on the Honda Clarity and Acura TLX, two additional inquiries recommended review of the labor times provided for those models as well as an update to the footnote related to non-reusable components. Updates resolved the inquiries with the addition of the footnotes and a 4.5-hour increase to the repair time for each model; the labor time for the Clarity was increased from 21.5 hours to 26 hours, while the Acura reflected an increase from 21 to 25.5 hours. Gredinberg urges repairers to file an inquiry if they notice a repair time or process that seems inaccurate: “You have an opportunity to make a change on the vehicle you’re currently working on, and with responses often being available within 48 hours, there’s a good chance it will be resolved before your final supplement. But on a grander scale, when something gets fixed, you’re fixing it for the entire industry - it helps every other repairer who works on the same car. And the DEG is a free resource, made possible by AASP and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). It’s free whether you’re a member or not, but resources like the DEG are just one of the many reasons that the industry should be supporting their associations – or the free resource itself. If you’ve used the DEG and seen an impact, please keep using it. We’re here to be the liaison between the IPs and the end user; let us be your advocate.” Cataldo adds, “Procedures change constantly, and if things don’t look right, repairers need to file an inquiry with the DEG. They’re on our side to help us get properly compensated for the work we perform, and once they update a process, it helps everybody!” File an inquiry or learn more about the DEG at degweb.org.
NJA
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 27
JUST FOR FUN - CRAZIEST CAR NAMES
by ALANA QUARTUCCIO BONILLO
Well-known vehicles like the Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger and even the Honda Civic tend to exude character, class and boldness through their names, which leave their driver with confidence and pride in the automobile of their choosing. Likely, this is exactly what the manufacturer had in mind. Well, not every vehicle released onto the roadways has exuded the same type of effect via its name. So, then what exactly were manufacturers thinking when they came up with vehicles named after vegetables, celebrities or slang terms that leave us thinking WTF?
Mitsubishi Minica Lettuce
This 1989 Japanese minicar from Mitsubishi with the leafy green name was one of the first crazily named vehicles we stumbled across. Believe it or not, there is some logic behind its unusual name. The automaker was looking to appeal to a specific audience – females. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. According to the New York Times, the Mitsubishi Minica Lettuce was created for supermarket shopping and, in fact, was designed for and sold at a Japanese supermarket, Seiyu. In addition to having an odd name, the car featured three doors, rather than the standard two or four doors. Intended for women who likely were assumed to be mothers, the unique design of one door on the driver’s side and two on the passenger’s side was to prevent children from getting out and to make unloading groceries easier. And just in case you’re wondering, yes, it did come in green.
Toyota Deliboy
This pickup truck was designed by Toyota to be a smaller and cheaper version of the Toyota Quick Delivery, an odd name in itself, but its knockoff version, the Deliboy, implies a vehicle made of or filled with meats and cheeses. Now that would really be crazy! Unfortunately, the vehicle just didn’t deliver in so many ways. In the discomfort department, it was said to have had small doors and the passenger seat left one uncomfortable. It also didn’t feed the need for speed due to its insufficient engine power. Not surprisingly, the Deliboy wasn’t a moneymaker for Toyota and was produced only from 1989 until 1995
Subaru Legacy Touring Bruce
Back in the late 1980s, Japanese fans went crazy for the Die Hard actor, Bruce Willis. They were so crazed about the action-film star that Subaru launched an ad campaign featuring the celebrity to promote their mid-sized Legacy. Later, they decided to rename a special edition of the Legacy after Willis himself. Although the vehicle didn’t exactly take off, the manufacturer remained crazy about him, and Willis has continued to appear in their ad campaigns over the years. A famous one can be viewed here: youtu.be/hvVMqkTeu70.
Volkswagen Thing
Upon seeing this vehicle, one’s first reaction may be, “What is that crazy looking thing ?” and here is the thing: This early 1970s vehicle was originally called the Safari in other countries, but here in the US, the Pontiac Safari was already a thing. So, Volkswagen decided to go ahead and pick a new name for it, and for some crazy reason, the manufacturer couldn’t come up with anything but settled on calling it the Thing. Another thing is that the Thing was known for being slow, it completely lacks safety features, and its removable wooden floor is quite a puzzling thing. This vehicle’s lack of appeal therefore kept it from a sure thing, and therefore, the vehicle never amounted to anything.
Nissan Friend Me
Back in 2013, Nissan was apparently trying to appeal to the budding social network generation with this “friendly” model; however, its name tends to exude more of a desperate and lonely feel, and the Friend Me went the way of Friendster and MySpace. Perhaps it was lacking in emojis and varied “reaction” buttons.
28 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
Photo credits: InsideEvs.com, second.wiki.com, commons.wikemedia.org, reddit.com, autoblog.com
Co-celebrating decades of creating chemistry between two industry leaders
Here’s to 235 years of combined service excellence This year, as Albert Kemperle Inc. celebrates its 80th anniversary, BASF also celebrates its 155th anniversary. We are proud of our decades of partnership with BASF and years of serving the auto paint and body industry together. Kemperle’s founders would be proud of this relationship and the growth their company has experienced because of it. Today, as we look forward to many more decades of service to our customers, we find ourselves filled with gratitude. The creativity, hard work, and sense of responsibility of the people working for our two companies have made us what we are today. Thank you for your many years of loyalty.
626 E. Elizabeth Ave., Linden, NJ 07036 414-416 Madison Ave., Paterson, NJ 07524 631 Clifton Ave., Toms River, NJ 08753 100 Melrich Road, Cranbury, NJ 08512 4 Emery Ave., Randolph NJ 07869 29 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
Phone: Phone: Phone: Phone: Phone:
(908) (973) (732) (609) (862)
925-6133 279-8300 797-3942 860-2800 244-4818
Fax: (908) 925-4344 Fax: (973) 279-9030 Fax: (732) 797-0774 Fax: (609) 860-2801 Fax: (862) 244-4822 www.kemperle.com
30 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
Audi dealers strive to make you an Audi Genuine Parts fan •
Audi Parts Professionals are your subject matter experts on collision parts, replacement components and mechanical items.
•
Many Audi dealers offer technical service support hotline access that can reduce your repair times and help you meet an on-time promised delivery.
•
Installing Audi Genuine Parts contributes towards improved cycle time that makes both your customer and their insurance company happier.
Helping you do business is our business. Order Audi Genuine Parts from these select dealers. Flemington Audi 213 Route 202/31 Flemington, NJ 08822 Toll Free: 877.657.2787 Fax: 908.782.1795 email: rmuir@flemington.com www.NJPARTS.com
DCH Millburn Audi 2211 Millburn Ave Maplewood, NJ 07040 Toll Free: 800.553.9250 Direct: 973.762.0262 Fax: 973.762.2381 www.dchmillburnaudi.com
Paul Miller Audi 179 Route 46 East Parsippany, NJ 07054 Toll Free: 800.35.MILLER Parts Direct: 973.575.7793 Fax: 973.575.5911 www.paulmiller.com
Bell Audi 782 Route 1 Edison, NJ 08817 732.396.9360 Fax: 732.396.9090 www.bellaudi.com
Audi Brooklyn 211 63rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11220 Phone: 718.492.6400 Fax: 718.492.8899 rmerchant@audibrooklyn.com www.audibrooklyn.com
Town Motors Audi 400 South Dean Street Englewood, NJ 07631 201.227.6506/6536 Fax: 201.541.0314 www.townmotors.com
Jack Daniels Audi of Upper Saddle River 243 Route 17 Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 201.252.1500 Fax: 201.254.1552 tbabcock@jackdanielsmotors.com www.jackdanielsmotors.com
Audi Bridgewater 701 Route 202-206 N Bridgewater, NJ 08807 929.600.9156 Fax: 908.595.0237 parts@audibridgewater.com www.audibridgewater.com
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 31
COVER STORY
Here Comes the Sun: Industry Leaders Reflect on 2021 and Look Forward to a Brighter 2022
Each year brings its challenges and its triumphs, and although 2021 (like its predecessor, 2020) offered some unique hurdles, collision repair associations around the country rose to the occasion and continued to support members and the industry at-large through educational opportunities, virtual and in-person networking events and various forms of advocacy. Which efforts stood out the most for association leaders? What’s next on their agenda? New Jersey Automotive sat down with Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/ NJ) Executive Director Charles Bryant, Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg, Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) Executive Director Jill Tuggle, Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) Executive Director Jordan Hendler and Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts (AASP/MA) Executive Director Lucky Papageorg, who graciously shared their insights on last year and their hopes for 2022. New Jersey Automotive: What was your association’s biggest accomplishment(s) in 2021? Charles Bryant: One of AASP/NJ’s biggest accomplishments this year was the creation of our Health Insurance Program for AASP/NJ members through the Amato Insurance Agency (a division of World Insurance). 32 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
The program successfully saves members of the industry and their employees so much on the cost of health insurance that other states, in addition to New Jersey, are starting to participate in the program. Aaron Schulenburg: 2021 was an interesting year as the industry continued to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and find our way back to “normal.” SCRS enjoyed several accomplishments that stand out for me, but I believe the most important activity was leading by example to help shops get back to business. We identified creative approaches for delivering useful bits of information. In addition to our Monday estimating tips, we launched a new weekly video series, Quick Tips, in January 2021 featuring Mike Anderson of Collision Advice and Danny Gredinberg from the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG); we’ve received really fantastic feedback from the industry on the usefulness of this type of content and we’re excited about the library of material we’ve built, which is free to everyone and available at youtube.com/ SCRSCollision. This will continue forward in 2022. Jill Tuggle: ABAT’s 2021 Texas Auto Body Trade Show was our biggest accomplishment last year for two reasons. First, it actually happened!! And secondly, it was a success. We’d heard that the attendance at any kind of event or trade show was only reaching about 30 percent
by CHASIDY RAE SISK
of what was typical, so when we hit our target number, we were thrilled. Jordan Hendler: The association’s largest accomplishment – besides surviving in pandemic times – would be publishing the Labor Rate survey. That project is one of the more relevant and important things we do, aside from keeping our membership informed and updated with the latest industry changes! Lucky Papageorg: AASP/MA’s biggest accomplishment in 2021 was our legislative push, beginning in February, which has carried us through to where we are today with a mobilized membership whose efforts to contact their state senators and representatives resulted in convincing 90 legislators to sign onto our two bills. NJA: What was the most memorable or most fun thing that your association did in 2021? CB: AASP/NJ’s Golf Outing is usually one of the most fun things that the AASP/NJ sponsors during the year; however, as the result of COVID-19, we decided to cancel it this year. AASP/NJ looks forward to the end of the pandemic, so we can get back to normal and conduct more memorable events for members to get together, enjoy each other’s company and create new memories.
AS: In 2020 and 2021, SCRS found ways to accommodate the transition to interacting at a digital level, but there’s simply no replacing the one-on-one interactions that happen at live events. The 2021 SEMA Show provided the perfect return to big industry events and was hugely successful, despite the obstacles we all had to overcome to make it successfully happen. The event offered the return of valuable in-person educational and business opportunities, but it was also a truly fun event that gave us all a chance to see people we haven’t had the opportunity to connect with in a while. I love this industry, the people in it, and what it represents: Helping people when their vehicle is broken and they’re in need. Our members deliver a great service to their communities, and the work for consumers can be rewarding; however, it’s also a very difficult industry. The day-to-day can be hard, and I think the spark of excitement at the SEMA Show is a reminder of why we love working in collision repair and the automotive industry. The return to that onsite experience really reenergized all of us in a way you just won’t find anywhere else. JT: We hosted a contest at the Texas Auto Body Trade Show called ABAT Big Shots where contestants could prove that they are the best in the business at a virtual welding machine, virtual paint booth, actual seam sealer
continued on pg. 34
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 33
COVER STORY continued from pg. 33
applications and estimate writing. The contest was wildly popular, and plans to make it even better next year are already in the works!
Charles Bryant
Aaron Schulenburg
JH: Our golf outing is a total hoot! We have a great day of games and community, while fundraising for our industry initiatives – including our Jerry Dalton Memorial Education Fund. LP: Our association’s last general membership meeting in November allowed us to gather face-to-face for the first time since the pandemic. The energy in the room was phenomenal, and it was great to see people in person again; everyone could feel the camaraderie, and we received a lot of positive feedback on the content discussed during the meeting. It was a great return to a sense of normality. NJA: What are the biggest challenges your members are facing on a state level, and what is the association doing to address those concerns?
Jill Tuggle
Jordan Hendler
Lucky Papageorg
CB: Dealing with the many challenges resulting from COVID-19 has been allencompassing and includes concerns such as delayed first and supplemental inspections, the insurance industry’s push for photo estimating and the lack of available parts required to repair damaged vehicles. Through our research into the issue of shops preparing damage estimates based on photos without seeing the vehicle, AASP/ NJ verified that such activity is a violation of the NJ Auto Body License Law and could result in heavy fines or even suspension of the shop’s license for preparing an estimate based on photos, phone calls or any other means, other than a personal inspection of the damaged vehicle. AASP/NJ made this information available to members, and many of our members now utilize it as a weapon to refuse to participate in the photo estimating process, which has resulted in nothing more than inaccurate estimates and major delays, and it is hurting the estimating process much more than helping it. AASP/NJ is currently in the process of compiling a special form that shops can use to remind insurers of the time limit allowed for insurers to inspect damaged
34 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
vehicles. In situations where insurers have already violated the rules and regulations governing fair claim settlement practices, shops can utilize this form to alert insurers to the fact that the repairs have either already commenced or been completed, based on the shop’s contract with the vehicle owner. The form also includes verbiage indicating that, as a result of the insurer waiving their right and opportunity to inspect the damaged vehicle, commence negotiations and make a good faith offer of settlement, the insurer has also waived their right to challenge the repairs. AS: There are countless examples of the challenges facing collision repairers. I could go in a lot of different directions with this. But one of the difficult areas we have right now is confronting the dilemma of staffing and attracting new people into our trade. Finding ways to help people recognize the opportunities that exist in collision repair and encouraging them to see it as a career path, not just a landing spot, is an important initiative on a local and national scale. SCRS consistently works to generate awareness around this issue with our Affiliates, with other organizations within the industry, and by supporting programs like Enterprise and Ranken Technical College’s Automotive Collision Engineering Pilot Program, which helps build better pathways for entry into the field – and that’s exactly what the collision repair industry needs. By using our voice, we can ensure that we create solutions that help schools more capably deliver on what repair businesses are seeking, find ways to help small businesses compete with larger companies for quality entry-level employees and transform this industry into a place where people WANT to pursue a career. JT: Our problems are not few these days, but one of our biggest challenges on a state level is the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). They sit idly and approve policies that violate the laws, rules and consumer rights that they have outlined for insurance companies to abide by. We have pleaded with them to take action to no avail. ABAT will not accept that “this is just how it is,” and we plan to challenge this issue through the use of our continued on pg. 36
DELIVERING INDUSTRY DRIVEN SOLUTIONS Equipment | Training | Support
Welding Welding • Automatic Spot Welding • MIG/MAG Pulse Welding • Aluminum, Steel and MIG Brazing • Plastic Welding • Fume Extractors
Dustless Sanding
Riveting & Bonding
PBE Solutions
• Dust-Free Sanding System • Aluminum Safe • OEM Approved • Orbital Vacuum Air Sander • Sanding Block
• PR-5 Rivet Gun • Blind Rivet Adapter • Installation/Removal Dies • Lockable Workstation • Knowledge Center for hands-on training
• Aluminum and Steel Dent Repair Systems • Glue Tab Dent Repair Kit • Windshield Repair Kit • Ion Spot Anti-Stat Gun • Abraisives: I-Grit and SANDamigo
Pro Spot International, Inc. 5932 Sea Otter Place, Carlsbad, CA 92010
www.prospot.com info@prospot.com 877-PRO-SPOT
Made in the USA
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 35
COVER STORY continued from pg. 34
consumer forms, awareness campaigns and (if needed) our legal system. JH: The membership of WMABA is facing the same challenges as all other repairers in this country. It’s an ever-changing landscape filled with hurdles, such as the rise in virtual estimating coupled to lack of adjuster education, parts or supply chain issues, rising costs of everything and the lack of qualified candidates for every position in the business. Still navigating COVID-19 and pandemic-related challenges, shops are struggling with personnel and customer relations. It’s getting “better,” but it’s not where everyone wants it. We maintain connection through events like our virtual Membership Watercooler Chats, where every month at the same time and place our members can discuss what’s happening, what’s important to them and what’s working that they can share. It’s a really positive environment, and everyone who comes loves it! LP: Massachusetts body shops are particularly frustrated with the lack of activity on the part of the legislature and governmental agencies, such as the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB), to address the issues
36 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
we’ve been voicing with them in regard to Labor Rate and insurance appraisers’ failure to write proper estimates. AASP/MA’s efforts to circumvent these problems have taken shape in the form of our two bills: one to move the ADALB from the Division of Insurance to the Department of Professional Licensure, and the second for Labor Rate reform. We’re staying in contact with legislators and the powers-that-be to keep both issues on the front burner and try to address these concerns legislatively. NJA: What are the biggest challenges your members are facing on a national level, and what is the association doing to address those concerns? CB: Presently, the three biggest challenges are the lack of trained technicians, the changes in repair technology and the lack of parts available to repair vehicles. AASP/ NJ seeks to combat this by providing a Labor Pool where available technicians can seek employment and where members can locate potential employees when positions become available. AASP/NJ constantly hosts training opportunities to keep members aware of the technological advances taking place on modern vehicles. As far as the continued on pg. 38
FIT AND FINISH IS NO PLACE TO GET CREATIVE. CONTACT US TODAY FOR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE ON YOUR NEXT COLLISION REPAIR ESTIMATE. CENTRAL AVENUE CHRYSLER JEEP
1839 Central Park Avenue Yonkers, NY 10710 Order Hot Line: (800) 967-5298 Fax: (914) 361-1508 www.centralave.com COLLISION LINK, REPAIR LINK AND PARTS TRADER
DOVER DODGE
EASTCHESTER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE
4007 Boston Road Bronx, NY 10466 Order Hot Line: (914) 597-7018 Fax: (718) 881-3014 WE COMPETE WITH AFTERMARKET PRICES! FREE DELIVERY!
FRANKLIN SUSSEX AUTO MALL
158 S. Salem St. Dover, NJ 07801 Order Hot Line: (888) 676-6727 Fax: (973) 366-0757
315 Route 23 Sussex, NJ 07461 Order Hot Line: (888) 528-2200
NIELSEN DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM 175 Route 10 East Hanover, NJ 07936 Order Hot Line: (877) 890-9545
Check out MoparRepairConnection.com for resources, promotions and technical information. ©2021 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC.
NJA_FULL_2021.indd 1
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 37 5/27/21 5:43 PM
COVER STORY continued from pg. 36
lack of parts availability, we are basically at a loss on how to deal with the issue but welcome suggestions. AS: Collision repairers face so many challenges, and the most obvious is the remarkable pace of technological advancement taking place with the vehicles needing repairs, while members simultaneously combat downward pressure related to what they’re charging. The transition to virtual interactions and the pressures within that only exacerbated the issues that collision repair facilities encounter in the tug of war that is the estimating and claims process. Difficult relationships became even more difficult. SCRS’ efforts with OEConnection on the Blueprint Optimization Tool (BOT) helps shops capture and document performed operations in a way that identifies the vehicle’s needs earlier in the process and reduces friction with insurance carriers by providing a way to consistently communicate what’s required. DEG is another great example of the ways that SCRS looks at challenges and creates resources to remove friction. JT: I believe our two greatest challenges nationally are inflation and labor shortages. I personally believe that this record-breaking inflation in our country may be positive for our industry. For the first time, we have a widelyaccepted increase in costs that cannot be argued, and this could be an opportunity for shops to finally seek proper compensation. If not, shops will need to start writing proper and thorough estimates – and stop the practice of giving away the farm just to get a job. Either option offers a favorable outcome. In the coming months, we will be encouraging shops to keep their Labor Rates posted and current as well as providing instructions on how to properly fill out Labor Rate surveys. The shrinking pool of technicians has been the broken-record issue for years, but now it is compounded with the fact that we can’t even fill general positions, such as cashiers, detailers and administrative roles. We are addressing the issue by educating shops on how to better equip and train their staff so that they want to stay employed at their shop as well as using social media sites to connect job seekers to employers. That is a small step that helps the problem on a minute scale, but to fix this problem, we need our country’s President to encourage folks to go back to work, instead of collecting mailbox money. As an association, all we can do is to empower people by teaching them to connect with their local legislators and voice their concerns. In order to fix the industry’s national problems, we have to use our voices and that should absolutely start locally. JH: We are one of the associations that finds participation at national meetings to be crucial to our survival. Not only do we see what’s coming down the pike, we also made connections with top-level companies and insurers which 38 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
come in handy when we have a local issue. Having those relationships has been a huge benefit to our members who find themselves in a bind, either with a customer, vendor or insurer. It’s been one of the greatest untapped gold mines of our group! LP: The lack of labor force available and keeping up with all the technological advances being pushed down the road on us are problems that continue to be a huge burden on our members, but another concern is the large drive toward automation in the claims writing process. Insurers have accumulated a large database of amounts that should be paid for various repairs based on point of impact and want to lump everything under one umbrella, instead of evaluating each repair on a case-by-case basis. The association is working to make consumers aware of how detrimental that cookie-cutter process is to them. AASP/MA uses different forms of media, including Facebook and radio, to demonstrate how insureds are being shortchanged by their insurers and offering suggestions to help them avoid being taken advantage of. NJA: What are your association’s top priorities as we move into 2022? CB: AASP/NJ’s top priority is to maintain the many member programs that we have established to assist our members with any issue that comes up during the normal course of doing business, such as our Labor Pool, Equipment Exchange, Hit and Run Program, discounted Health Insurance Program and the AASP/NJ Hotline, which is available to answer members’ questions and assist with any situation that may arise, all day, every day. AASP/NJ’s ultimate goal is to make our members aware that they are not alone and that they can always depend on AASP/NJ to help whenever a situation arises where they need our assistance. AS: Regardless of the year, SCRS’ priorities remain the same: Finding ways to advance the industry in meaningful ways! I expect 2022 to bring a lot more of that as we find opportunities to use our size, voice and people’s respect for the organization to influence the industry in a way that improves it for the people we serve at a business level as well as the consumers they serve. We hope to produce more information, share more educational opportunities and promote advocacy efforts to ensure there’s a voice for every person and business in this industry. We’ve got some ambitious projects in mind that we can’t wait to share, but everything we do begins with the collision repair professionals around the country. There’s a lot of information coming down the pipeline, and if you’re not already subscribed to our YouTube channel and following trade publications like New Jersey Automotive, don’t
miss out! You don’t want to be one of the shops that isn’t privy to all the changes coming because you weren’t following along, and if you are paying attention, make sure that you’re sharing the information with your peers. SCRS members and supporters often ask how they can contribute in a meaningful way, and the most impactful thing you can do is carry the water: Help others access the knowledge we bring, because the more knowledgeable we are collectively, the stronger this industry becomes. Challenges will always exist, but we find out who we are as an industry in the ways that we rise up to address them.
answer, I guarantee we know how to find it! LP: In 2022, AASP/MA will continue promoting our Labor Rate bill and our bill to move the ADALB, and we hope to see these issues positively addressed through legislation. We’ll also continue to concentrate on increasing consumer awareness, and in order to be successful at both of
those objectives, we look to increase the number of active association members to strengthen and amplify our voice. With these association leaders at the helm, the future of the collision repair industry looks bright for 2022 and beyond. We at Thomas Greco Publishing are grateful for their efforts and for all our readers. We wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! NJA
JT: In 2022, ABAT hopes to lay the groundwork for a successful 88th legislative session during this interim year and to make positive change by forcing the TDI to finally behave like the unbiased and consumer protection agency that it is supposed to be. On their website, you can view their “promise” to consumers: “We recognize our responsibilities to both consumers and the insurance industry. We work to fulfill our legislative mandate to regulate the insurance industry while protecting the people and businesses that are served by insurance. We pledge to provide high quality service to all our customers.” We just want them to uphold this promise. JH: WMABA is 50-plus years old now, and we need to reinvent ourselves in this new world, just like repairers do. It’s important that we deliver meaningful education and information to our members, along with opportunities for them to have more “community experiences.” We haven’t been the talk of the town for quite some time, and I really want to see us get back to a place where we are the first line of defense - the first place repairers go with questions. Even if we don’t have the actual New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 39
OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES continued from pg. 10
behind me was now thinking the same things about me that I was thinking about the pri#ks in front of me! “Vodka and tonic with a twist,” I practically screamed at the guy. I took the glass and scurried away to find my wife. I watched her reaction as she took a sip. She just turned away and went to another station. I got lucky. But what is it with people? They don’t have any f#$king consideration. I mean, every time I turn the blinker on to make a turn, if someone is trying to turn onto the street I’m on, I always let them go. But every time I try and get out of my street, the pri#ks will drive on the freaking sidewalk just to make sure they don’t let me go. I gave up on giving them the finger. I just mouth the words “ASSHOLE” as they stare at me while driving by. PRI#KS! Those are the same people who speed up when you’re trying to change lanes on the highway. PRI#KS! Those are the same people who get in the 10 items or less aisle at the supermarket with 15 items and just give you a dirty look when you get in line behind them with TWO items. PRI#KS! Those are the same people who cut you off and slide into the last parking space within walking distance of Target – even though you were in the middle of pulling into that same spot. PRI#KS!
40 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
Those are the same people who are sitting in the front row at a concert and insist on standing so the rest of the arena behind them has to stand. Idiots, nothing’s blocking your view! PRI#KS! Those are the same people who stand in line at McDonalds for 15 minutes, then get to the front and stare at the menu trying to decide what they want. You had 15 minutes to decide, you PRI#K! Those are the same people who insist on bringing their infant or talking on their cell phone at a 10pm movie. PRI#KS! Dice was right. Then again, at some point, aren’t we all PRI#KS? Happy New Year! NJA
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 41
42 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE continued from pg. 12
energy into training to be a better shop. It amazes me to see how few shops proactively educate themselves and their staff to fix cars correctly. I recently attended OEM certification training, and I was one of only four shops in that class. That particular brand has 400 certified shops! Where were the rest of them? I don’t care how long you’ve been doing this job or how much you believe you know; I ALWAYS pick up something new at every training class I attend. That’s the beauty of this industry – there’s always more. And it’s surely an eye-opener when you learn something new and realize how many times you’ve overlooked it in the past. We need to be researching every repair, even the simplest things like disconnecting and reconnecting a battery. We take it for granted, but there’s a procedure for it. With the advancements in cars, “It’s just a battery” no longer applies. If you aren’t investing in the training to keep up, the knowledge you’re missing has the potential to harm somebody in the future. And we’re the ones who are held accountable for the repairs. AASP/NJ offers more training than most associations, and I’m always sad to see how many members fail to take advantage of what we provide. If you’d rather keep fixing cars for free or patching them up with a Band-Aid, don’t come to meetings. But if you want to learn something that you can put in your arsenal to expand on and help your business down the line, you need to get involved, invest in training and educate yourself to be the best you can be.
is a distributor of high quality collision supplies sold at cost effective pricing.
Check out our website and find many great products! • Clear Coat Set Ups • Seam Sealers • Primer • UV Products • Putties and Fillers
• IWATA Spray Guns • Masking Tape • Colad Cup Systems • Colad Paint Suits • Spray On Bedliner Product
Sign up for our newsletter! Subscribers are notified of new specials each month. We carry a complete line-up of ICR Sprint, Colad and Sunmight Abrasive products. First Time Customers receive 10% off when placing their first online order of $50 or more! Use coupon code 10-Off when ordering online.
collisionsuppliesne.com
NJA
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 43
ARANJ
ARANJ Board of Directors
The Automotive Recyclers Association of New Jersey
David Yeager - EL & M Auto (800) 624-2266 / elandmauto@aol.com Ed Silipena - American II Autos (609) 965-0987 / esilipena@yahoo.com Norm Vachon - Port Murray Auto (908) 689-3152 / portmurrayauto@yahoo.com Dillon Rinkens - East Brunswick Auto (732) 254-6501 / ebautonj@comcast.net
ARANJ Officers
President - Rodney Krawczyk Ace Auto Wreckers (732) 254-9816 / aceautonj@comcast.net 1st Vice President - Daryl Carman Lentini Auto Salvage (908) 782-4440 / darryl@las-parts.coms 2nd Vice President - Mike Ronayne Tilghmans Auto Parts (609) 723-7469 / tilghmans@snip.net Past President - Bob Dirkes Dirkes Used Auto Parts (609) 625-1718 / dirkesauto@gmail.com
Wharton Insurance Briefs
The New Jersey workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau released the newly promulgated rates for 2022: • Auto Dismantling rate decreased to $13.22. • Auto Body Repair decreased to $4.18. • Auto Repair decreased to $5.49. • Clerical decreased to $0.17. • Iron or Steel Scrap Dealer decreased to $10.57. • Salesperson remained the same at $0.42. • Store: Retail Accessories (Counterperson) decreased to $4.61. • PLEASE NOTE: The Store (Counterperson) code must be approved prior to use. The operation must be physically separated from salvage and parts storage, and must not have any interchange of labor. Also, the executive officers’ annual minimum payroll is $39,520 and annual maximum payroll is $158,600. Lastly, if your insurance policy is written in the New Jersey State Plan, you are going to be charged an additional 20 percent (minimum) for the Plan Premium Adjustment Penalty and will lose the Premium Discount. As always, if you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage, please contact us. Mario DeFilippis, AAI, Vice President
44 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
mdefilippis@whartoninsurance.com (732) 686-7020 (Office) (908)513-8588 (cell)
NJA
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 45
EMPIRE AUTO PARTS
Spend more time running your business and less time worrying about your parts.
www.empireap.com
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Acme Nissan.................................................... 5 Accudraft......................................................... IBC Albert Kemperle................................................ 29 Amato Agency.................................................. 18 Audi Group....................................................... 31 BMW Group..................................................... 30 BMW of Springfield........................................... 19
Lamps
Bumper Covers
Radiators
Hoods & Fenders
Clinton Honda................................................... 40 Collision Supplies of New England..................... 43 Dover Dodge/Nielsen........................................ 12-13 Empire Auto Parts............................................. 46 Flemington VW / NJ Parts................................. 6
Door Mirrors
Steel Bumpers
Cooling Fans
Grilles & Bezels
NJ DISTRIBUTION CENTER
800.624.4561 Serving CT, DE, MA, NJ, NY, PA, VT
Parts Accuracy Friendly Sales Team
Quality Assurance Fast, Free Delivery
GM Group........................................................ 43 Hyundai Group.................................................. 17 Innovative Solutions & Technology................. 2 Jaguar Princeton.............................................. 40 Krehel Auto/Klean Frame.................................. 46 Kollective Auto Group........................................ 8-9 Land Rover Princeton........................................ 20 Lynnes Nissan East........................................... 21 Maxon Buick-GMC........................................... 44 Maxon Hyundai................................................. 36 Maxon Mazda................................................... 10 Mazda Group.................................................... 40 MINI Group....................................................... 21 Mopar Group.................................................... 37 NUCAR............................................................. 14-15 Paul Miller Subaru............................................ 21 Porsche Group................................................. 45 PPG................................................................. 3 Pro Spot........................................................... 35 Reliable Automotive Equipment......................... 24-25 Spanesi............................................................ 11 Subaru Group................................................... 39 Thomas Greco Publishing................................. 41 Town Motors.................................................... 4 USI of North America........................................ 27 Valspar Refinish................................................ OBC Valtek............................................................... 41 VW Group......................................................... 42 Wheel Collision Center...................................... 41
46 | New Jersey Automotive | January 2022
New Jersey Automotive | January 2022 | 47
VIBRANCY, VALUE AND VERSATILITY Achieve it all with Valspar Refinish Valspar Refinish combines best performance with best value, from primer to clear. With this solvent system, you will achieve color consistency, great coverage and hiding, and an overall quality finish—every time.
A brand by
ValsparRefinish.com
