PLUS: NORTHEAST® / Collision P.R.E.P. Update • What Makes a Shop “Elite”? • A Call to Help Local Schools
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6 | New Jersey Automotive | May 2021
P.O. Box 734 Neptune, NJ 07753 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Charles Bryant 732-922-8909 / setlit4u@msn.com
VOLUME 51 NUMBER 5 | May 2021
2019 - 2021 OFFICERS PRESIDENT Jerry McNee, Ultimate Collision Repair, Inc. 732-494-1900 / ultimatecollision@att.net
CONTENTS
COLLISION CHAIRMAN Dennis Cataldo, Jr., D&M Auto Body 732-251-4313 / jr@dnmautobody.com
10 OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES
MECHANICAL CHAIRMAN Keith Krehel, Krehel Automotive Repair, Inc. 973-546-2828 / krehelauto@aol.com
12 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
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 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
16 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE 20 COLLISION CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE 46 NJA ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
INDUSTRY UPDATE
22 Innovative Solutions and Technology Introduces GYS to Lineup of Products
LOCAL NEWS
26 Realistic Labor Rate Data, Estimate Audit Tool Highlight AASP/NJ Meeting
by Alana Bonillo
28 AASP/NJ Gears up for in-Person NORTHEAST® 30 Collision Repair Education Foundation Urges AASP/NJ Members
to Help Area Schools
GUEST EDITORIAL
34 What Does It Mean to Be Elite?
by Edward Day
COVER STORY
36 The Old Ways Are Gone: EVs, AI and How the Industry Changed Overnight
by Joel Gausten
LEGAL PERSPECTIVE PUBLISHER Thomas Greco / thomas@grecopublishing.com SALES DIRECTOR Alicia Figurelli / alicia@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Joel Gausten / joel@grecopublishing.com EDITORIAL/CREATIVE COORDINATOR Alana Bonillo / alana@grecopublishing.com OFFICE MANAGER Donna Greco / donna@grecopublishing.com
40 Are You Being Offered the Actual Cash Value of Your “Total Loss” Vehicle?
by Kyle S. Reed, Esq.
AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY 44 Wharton Insurance Briefs by Mario DeFilippis
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Joe Greco / joe@grecopublishing.com 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 © 2021 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
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 | May 2021 | 7
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OUT OF BODY (AND MECHANICAL) EXPERIENCES
What’s So Good about Goodbye? by THOMAS GRECO, PUBLISHER Six years ago, a very good friend of mine passed away after a long bout with cancer. At her memorial service, her husband read a letter she left to be shared at the service. In it, she spoke about how important it was to have empathy and forgiveness. She said to all of us who were there that if we were to take anything from her life, it was to try and practice those two things. Empathy and forgiveness. Those words struck me pretty strongly. I always felt like I did practice those things, but in truth, I wasn’t very good at them. I was of The Godfather school of thought. You know, screw me once, you’re an ass; screw me twice, I’m the ass. And once I become the ass, you are on the “Fredo, you’re dead to me” list. Unfortunately, it has occurred to me that there are a bunch of people who are on my list. Look, I am no angel.
I’m sure I did things that angered or hurt some of these people, but for the majority of them, it is the opposite. Whether it was loaning money, being there whenever they needed me, answering their texts at all times of the day or night or just giving them support at their lowest points, that was me. No strings attached. Like I said, I’m no angel. I can be a stubborn bastard when pushed. But damn, when it comes to the people on my list, my actions just don’t compare. Do I sound pissed off? I am. Do I sound hurt? I am. When you give all and are loyal without question for years and then an argument, a word or some reason known only to them upsets the other person, they walk away and don’t look back. They act as if you never were in their life. WTF is that about? Trust me, I am not writing this looking for sympathy. I am writing it because of some current events that got
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me thinking about the empathy and forgiveness my friend wrote about as she knew her life was ending. Over the last few years, because of my late friend, circumstances led me to reach out to a couple of people on my list with whom I haven’t had a relationship in years. And you know what? It’s been okay. But it’s not the same. And it never will be. Water under the bridge? Bygones be bygones? As much as we try, we can’t go back. Yes, we can call or see each other and act like it was before – and we do – but that wall is still there. Too much time has passed. Too much time that faded the memories of the hundreds of good times and amplified the bitterness and the pain of the few bad times. Maybe if we tried mending fences earlier, who knows? I guess this is more of a warning than anything else. Think twice before you walk out of the lives of the people you love, and think twice before you let them walk out of yours. AD_NJA0720.qxp_Layout Sometimes, you can’t1 help it. Sometimes, MGM SUPPLIES 6/23/20 2:00 PM Pagethe 1 hard feelings and hurt are just too strong. But you have to try. Don’t leave it to a note after you die. NJA
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New Jersey Automotive | May 2021 | 11
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
My Life in Collision Repair by JERRY MCNEE Instead of my usual President’s Message this month, New Jersey Automotive had an idea to do something a little different and asked me to do a Q&A about my life in and out of the industry. Doing this made me look back at the early days, my start in business, the highs, the lows and the lessons learned. It wasn’t always an easy journey, but it’s been a rewarding one. New Jersey Automotive: When and how did you first start out in this industry? JM: I went to Piscataway Vo-Tech. In ninth grade, you bounce around the different trades for six months. I was put in the welding class, but all my friends were in the auto body class, so I switched over there to hang out with them. NJA: You obviously found a love for it, since it became your life’s work. JM: As a young kid, there are a couple of things you dream about: Being successful, having money, owning a beautiful house and having a beautiful wife, a nice family, nice cars, boats, motorcycles…At least those were what my dreams and aspirations were. It was fitting when I got to the body shop end of it. It tickled my fancy, so to speak. I could get my own car and make it look beautiful. I could customize it and always have it in tip-top shape. NJA: When did you decide to go into business for yourself? JM: I graduated in 1981, but I had been working in body shops since 1978. One of my early jobs was at a Datsun dealership that had a shop. I sanded the steel wheels. They used to call me “Wheels” at the place. I also removed bumpers back when they were really bumpers. I had a few jobs after that. In the beginning of 1988, I decided that I was going to go into business for myself. I was working for a shop, and it was really a dungeon – an armpit! It was three bays, there were parts everywhere and everything had an inch of dust on it. No lights, no equipment, no tooling. Over time, the owner fired two of the other guys and basically made me take over for them. I was offered the grandeur of being partners with him and opening up a new facility. He said we’d break ground in 30 to 60 days. That turned out to be two and a half years later. I realized that having a partner like that really wasn’t going to pan out. I figured if I could 12 | New Jersey Automotive | May 2021
do what I did in that place with what I had, then I could do it anywhere. NJA: Who from the industry has helped you the most along the way? JM: As I was secluded in my four walls, I didn’t get involved or pay attention to anything. I just did what I did. I didn’t look to anybody back then because I didn’t have the time. I was working 7:30am to 7:30pm five days a week and 7:30am to 4pm on Saturdays. It wasn’t until 2001 or 2002 that I realized I was in trouble. I had to figure some things out, so I got a management system. Around 2003 or 2004, I had more work than I knew what to do with. I sat down with my accountant, and he said to me, ‘I don’t know, Jer. You’re so busy that you lost $80,000 last year.’ I was really shocked; that was when the anvil fell on my head. I realized that I’d be out of business and broke unless I started to get involved with others in the industry to learn as much as I could. I got more active in AASP/NJ and went to any seminar I could get myself into. There were so many people who helped me along the way. Around 2010, I got involved with performance groups. That was certainly an eye-opener. Now I was looking at KPIs and people like Mike Anderson and other shops from around the country. I looked at other shops that were successful and said, ‘I want to be like them!’ Then, I started to change my process. NJA: Moving away from the industry for a minute, what are some things you and your family enjoy away from all of this body shop craziness? JM: We enjoy spending time with our other family members as much as we can. I’m also into gardening; I grow all my stuff from seedlings. I love barbecuing, cooking, eating and socializing with friends. My wife, Mary, and I go hiking and mountain biking. Our family is growing all the time; there are nieces and nephews having kids now. We have three boys: Tyler is 29, Anthony is 26 and Ryan is 21. Tyler and Anthony actually work for me. Tyler graduated with a degree in finance and accounting at the top level of his school. God knows how he did it – my wife and I look at each other and go, ‘That’s not our kid!’ He’s getting married in June. Anthony did two years at college and played sports. He used to tell me, ‘I’m not coming to work for you! You’re just going to give me money.’ I’d say, ‘You’ve got me all
wrong, fella! There are no free handouts here; I don’t care who you are!’ He’s been here roughly six years now. Ryan is playing lacrosse in school. He’s a junior now, and he’s going for finance and accounting as well. He currently has an internship in Newark. I love motocross, although I’m getting a little too old for it! I’ve broken a lot of things in the last 20 years. At some point, you’ve got to ask, ‘Is the pain and suffering really worth it?’ I still have my bikes, but that might be short-lived! NJA: At the end of the day, what keeps you in this line of work? JM: That’s a great question. I think no matter what business you’re in, you’re always going to second-guess yourself. Is the grass always greener someplace else? I had quite a few choices that I could have followed, but I ended up sticking with auto body. Having a nice facility, educating the customer, following the repair procedures and turning out a superior product are what motivate me. At the end of the day, we fix cars the best as humanly possible, and we love the fact that the customers come in and thank the entire team for what we’ve done. It’s an awesome feeling.
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New Jersey Automotive | May 2021 | 15
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Time to Wake Up and Open Your Eyes! When you talk to a collision shop owner about the problems that are going on in the industry – some of which have been occurring for the past 50 years – you always get the same response: “That’s just the way it is, and there is nothing we can do about it.” As a result, not only are insurance companies dictating what they will pay for the repairs, but now they’re going so far as to dictate where the shop must purchase their parts from. If the shop refuses, the insurers limit the amount they will pay for the part to what it could have been purchased for at the vendor(s) they suggested. I am being told that certain insurers are taking this stand regardless of the quality of the parts being sold by the vendor and without any indication of where the parts actually come from or if their manufacturers guarantee them. This is wrong, not to mention a clear violation of the regulations governing the use of certain parts. What is amazing to me is that from what I’m hearing, shop owners are now trying to work around this situation rather than addressing it headon and saying no. I’ve been told that many shops are turning to dealers and demanding that they price match the parts prices that the insurers are willing to pay. Also, from the reports we are getting, some shop owners are just accepting whatever the insurer does because, as I mentioned earlier, they think there is nothing they can do about it. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. It’s about time that the collision industry stops allowing insurance companies to bully them into doing whatever they want them to do and for whatever amount of money they want to pay. I know I’ve said this before, but I’m going to say it again and again until this industry wakes up and gets the message loud and clear: The insurance industry has no right to tell a collision shop where to buy their parts from. In fact, unless the insurer chooses the option in the policy to repair the property and become equally liable for negligent repairs, that company has no right to dictate anything. To be more specific, the rules that govern fair claim settlement practices actually state, “If the insurer intends to exercise its right to inspect, or cause to be inspected by an independent appraiser, damages prior to repair, the insurer shall have seven working days following 16 | New Jersey Automotive | May 2021
by CHARLES BRYANT
receipt of notice of loss to inspect the insured’s damaged vehicle, which is available for inspection, at a place and time reasonably convenient to the insured; commence negotiations; and make a good faith offer of settlement.” First of all, many insurers are not even inspecting damaged vehicles lately. Also, the rules clearly say, “IF the insurer intends to exercise its right to inspect” – and I stress the word IF. By placing this word up front, state regulations make it clear that an insurer can waive the right to inspect a damaged vehicle and negotiate a settlement. It appears that an insurer can just accept an estimate prepared by the shop of the insured’s choice and pay the claim. By the way, the regulation does not say to just send some photos of the damage instead of the insurer inspecting the damage or causing it to be inspected. To stress this point further, New Jersey’s licensing law that governs the practices of collision facilities makes it clear that it is a violation of law for a licensed auto body shop to make an appraisal of the cost of repairing a damaged automobile through the use of photographs, telephone calls or any manner other than personal inspection. Since that is the standard for the professionals actually making the repairs to damaged vehicles, it would appear clear that insurers should at least be held to that same standard. Yet, collision shops around the state are looking the other way (or may not even be aware of this rule) and going along with insurers, taking the photos and sending them in. Shop owners might want to know that the preparation of estimates based on photos rather than personal inspection of the damaged vehicle could lead to revocation or suspension of their shop’s license. Verification of this can be found in the yellow “Notice to Consumers” sign that should be posted in every New Jersey-licensed collision shop. There is a provision in the regulations governing fair claim settlements that does allow an insurer to dictate what it will pay for repairs rather than make all reasonable efforts to negotiate an agreement with the shop of the insured’s choice. However, insurers never or rarely ever choose this option. In fact, I have been in this industry for too many years to mention, and I have never seen or heard of an insurer ever choosing this option. The reason is clear: When the insurer chooses this option, which
gives it the authority to dictate rather than negotiate what it is going to pay for repairs, the insurer must then guarantee that the work meets the generally accepted standards for a safe and proper repair. Did you read that? Insurers never or rarely ever choose this option because if they do, they must guarantee – in writing – that the work performed meets generally accepted standards for safe and proper repairs. They must also inform the insured in writing that they chose this option and must also provide a reasonable estimate of the time period for the repair. When or if an insurer chooses this option, it could be held liable for negligent repair, which would likely break any limit of liability for which they would otherwise be liable. Don’t misunderstand; I am not referring to when an insurer recommends a DRP shop or a few of them. That’s different. An insured can reject the recommendation to a DRP shop. However, IF an insurer chooses the option in the policy to repair the vehicle, the insured cannot refuse to have it repaired at the shop chosen by that insurer. If they were to do so, the insurer could refuse to pay the claim. Now, I know this may sound crazy because very few people in the collision industry have figured this out, but it is right there in the regulations and in every standard auto policy that I have ever seen. Because of the type of vehicles on the roads today, this information is no longer just important – it is crucial to the survival of those in the collision industry. Collision shops can no longer play Let’s Make a Deal with insurers and overlook or not perform scanning, recalibrations and other items. For those collision shops that are paying attention to this message and what is going on in the industry right in front of their eyes, I encourage you to take action and look deeper into what has been revealed. If anyone would like to discuss anything mentioned here, I can be reached on the AASP/NJ Hot Line at (732) 922-8909. Until next time, we will be watching! NJA
New Jersey Automotive | May 2021 | 17
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New Jersey Automotive | May 2021 | 19
COLLISION CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
We Need Your Help! by DENNIS CATALDO, JR. AASP/NJ is looking for new opportunities to impact our industry. I have been tasked with creating an ongoing dialogue with the New Jersey Legislature to relay the issues we are currently facing pertaining to the proper repair of vehicles. If you’ve been reading New Jersey Automotive and other publications lately, you’ve seen that there has been a lot of activity around the country in regard to changing the laws and regulations involving auto repair. This state should be no different. As one of the most densely populated states in the nation, we should be on the forefront of creating change when it comes to the safety of the motoring public. For the past year, I have been trying to create ongoing conversations with members of our government. Talks started, but COVID-19 got in the way and postponed or ended some of these before they could get off the ground. I am asking our membership to help
20 | New Jersey Automotive | May 2021
in this task. I need more than one person trying to start conversations about this; I need our entire membership to start them as well. I would like to know who in our membership has contacts, friends or possibly family within government, specifically the Legislature. We need to change the current direction of our industry, and we need your help in doing so. NJA
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New Jersey Automotive | May 2021 | 21
INDUSTRY UPDATE
Innovative Solutions and Technology Introduces GYS to Lineup of Products
The following announcement was recently distributed as a press release by Innovative Solutions and Technology (with slight edits for clarity): Innovative Solutions and Technology has always brought the best products we can to our customers. We strive to sell the most technician-friendly, reliable equipment possible. To accomplish this, we continue to analyze our industry and market as it is constantly changing for new products. Just as our industry changes, so do equipment manufacturers. Manufacturers’ products, quality, reliability, their support and policies are some things that always need to be checked and evaluated so we know we are doing the best for your company and ours as well. We are proud to introduce the addition of the entire product line of GYS to Innovative Solutions and Technology. The addition of GYS will expand the reach of Innovative Solutions and Technology to better serve the needs of our customers. GYS is a company which has been in business for 56 years, built around a continuous investment in R&D. Their products are made in a 590,000-square-foot factory, and they have over 700 employees worldwide! GYS is more than just a welding brand; please visit gys-welding.com for information about what GYS offers. Also check out https://youtu.be/39D8rn64cP0 for a video tour of their impressive headquarters. GYS brings so much to our current lineup, such as more OEM approvals, manufacturing all under one roof, value offered across their entire product line, knowledgeable management of our industry and more. GYS as a company understands the important need for proper distribution for sustainability for the future for their own brand, our success and all of our customers’ success with GYS products. Please see the following statement from Bruno Bouygues, CEO of GYS. This is a company looking to do the right thing and a company that we believe has excellent products. We look forward to earning your business where we can with what GYS has to offer. 22 | New Jersey Automotive | May 2021
“The market realities are constantly changing, and the size of our family business requires us to quickly adapt to new contexts and challenges. We are convinced that our future is closely linked to the future of our partners. This is why we do everything in our power to understand what distributors and users expect from us and what challenges they face every day. To support them in facing these challenges, we wish to become and remain their privileged partner on the path we will travel together.” - Bruno Bouygues, CEO Innovative Solutions and Technology will continue to bring the same service, support and training we have in the past. It is our vision and always has been to give you, our customer, the best value by taking care of training and support of our products after the sale. If you own a GYS piece of equipment now and need any support, we invite you to get in touch with us so we can work with you to move forward and better understand your GYS products and investments. Please feel free to call us at (973) 348-9490 or visit our website at isatwelding.com anytime with any questions you may have or to schedule a demo of any of our fine family of products, including our new GYS product line!
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LOCAL NEWS
by ALANA BONILLO
Realistic Labor Rate Data, Estimate Audit Tool Highlight AASP/NJ Meeting
Knowledge is power. Members of AASP/NJ were shown just how important this statement is during the association’s recent virtual meeting, which featured tools and resources designed to help collision repairers get paid more for the work they do at Labor Rates they deserve. AASP/NJ welcomed Richard and Sam Valenzuela of National AutoBody Research (NABR) – the creators of the Variable Rate System (now known as Labor Rate Hero) – who gave attendees the latest information regarding their New Jersey Labor Rate Survey results, advancements to their BillableGenie program and how their most recent endeavor, LaborRateHero.com, can be used to shops’ advantage to get properly reimbursed. “The punchline here is that this tool enables shops to get paid for more of their work at better rates,” Sam explained. To date, about 220 shops in the Garden State have responded to the Survey. Sam encouraged attendees to either participate in the process for the first time or take it again if they haven’t done so in the past year to ensure NJA0420_CSNE.qxp_Layout 1 3/30/20 10:50 AM Page 1 that NABR has the most current data in its system. Results collected to date have shown that New Jersey shops’ posted door rate for body labor has indeed increased over time. Attendees also learned what the average posted rates in
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the state were in comparison with the average posted rates across the US. However, the cost of living here in the Garden State is 23 percent higher than the US average, yet New Jersey posted rates do not reflect this higher amount. With the newly launched LaborRateHero.com, anyone from consumers to body shops and even insurers can view what the posted door rates are at body shops in any area of the US. This data can be used as ammunition to show insurers they do in fact pay for work at higher rates. “Do [insurance companies] ever show you the list of body shops to show you how they come up with the rate [they pay]? No, they don’t,” Sam observed. “In a free market economy like we are supposed to have – and especially in this industry – it’s a fight. It’s very important to have pricing be transparent so everyone can see it [...] If you can’t see what the prices are, then all kinds of shenanigans go on. I think you guys have experienced that. “There’s no reason to accept anything an insurance company tells you about Labor Rates if they can’t prove it,” he added. “If they want to prove what prices are in a market – and I’m not talking about discounted prices; I’m talking about the market rate – there’s no reason for you to believe what they tell you if they can’t back it up and show you. Now, [this] is here for you to use.” NABR’s BillableGenie subscription service utilizes repair data from approved and paid estimates and makes the data searchable and available to users to show exactly what insurers are paying for jobs all around the country. “BillableGenie comes in by telling you what you are actually getting paid. It’s about what your shop is getting paid by not only the insurance company but also by customers,” Richard stated. “Knowledge is power, and New Jersey shops have an opportunity.” The system currently holds 8,700 records nationwide, with roughly 518 coming from New Jersey. “The more records we have, the more data we have and the more powerful it is for you to collect [on],” Richard said. AASP/NJ also welcomed Deric Krist of Kri-Tech Solutions, LLC, who discussed the benefits of a new tool known as the “Estimate Audit Tool.” The objective of the product is to eliminate the back-and-forth process of sending in a repair plan and receiving an estimate back from an insurer that doesn’t accurately reflect the work that is needed. It does a side-by-side comparison of the shop’s repair plan and an insurer’s estimate, resulting in a PDF report that shows the insurer all the items that were missed. “It spells it out for them what they are missing and what they need to pay. Hopefully, they get it right the second time,” Krist suggested. AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee urged attendees to take advantage of the services presented at the meeting. “These tools can be put to work. It’s crystal clear to me that you can say, ‘If you are paying somebody [that], then you can certainly pay me because I am not the only one.’” More information on AASP/NJ is available at aaspnj.org. NJA
LOCAL NEWS
AASP/NJ Gears up for in-Person AASP/NJ is looking forward to the return of its flagship event this fall. The 2021 NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show – originally scheduled for March 19-21 and now set for September 10-12, 2021 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus, NJ – is on track to be the first event of its kind to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began over a year ago. “We are very excited and anxious to get the show back up and running,” says AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee. “With more and more people getting vaccinated and the encouraging case statistics here in New Jersey, everything is pointing to a safe and successful NORTHEAST.” AASP/NJ is working closely with the MEC to implement every necessary safety protocol to ensure that anyone who attends NORTHEAST will feel safe and secure. “We are very encouraged by what we are seeing not only in New Jersey but around the country,” comments Show Manager Thomas Greco (AASP/NJ secretary and president of Greco Publishing). “Trade shows for other industries have already started in places such as Florida and Alabama; we are monitoring all of them closely to see what works and what doesn’t and what we need to do to make NORTHEAST as ‘normal’ as possible.” “Everything is trending in the right direction,” adds McNee. “The Governor has been loosening restrictions. We are confident that by September, we will be as close to normalcy as possible. So, mark your calendar and let NORTHEAST be the cure to your cabin fever. We really can’t wait to see everyone again.” In addition to the action on the NORTHEAST show floor, the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association
For updates and information on NORTHEAST, please continue to visit the official event website at aaspnjnortheast.com.
28 | New Jersey Automotive | May 2021
(WMABA) has committed to providing its annual Collision Professional Repairer Education Program (Collision P.R.E.P.), which will launch with on-demand virtual courses beginning this month and conclude with inperson presentations at the live show. Two virtual courses – “What is a ‘Retail Door Rate’ and Why Market Surveys Should Not Include Contracted Rates” (presented by Tim Ronak of AkzoNobel Performance Coatings) on May 12 and “Differentiating Labor Rates Based on Certification, Skillset, Tooling and Training” (presented by Mark Olson of VECO Experts) on June 9 – were announced at press time. Ronak’s course will explore a host of topics, including how to calculate a loaded labor true gross profit margin percentage, the impact of credit cards on profitability (and how a retail Labor Rate can help offset that impact), the concept of the Sherman Antitrust Act and why shops should protect themselves from the consequences of the Clayton Antitrust Act by never using a contracted rate as part of any Labor Rate survey. This discussion will provide attendees with a path forward in embracing a retail rate as opposed to basing all of their financial goals on what they’ve agreed to charge insurers. “It’s healthy and reasonable for a retail door rate to exist in the market, and it’s important for businesses to understand the difference of that,” he says. Course information and updates will be available at wmaba.com/collisionPREP in the months leading up to NORTHEAST 2021. Pre-registered NORTHEAST 2020 attendees will not need to re-register, as badge data will be carried over to these new dates of September 10-12. NJA
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LOCAL NEWS
Collision Repair Education Foundation Urges AASP/NJ Members to Help Area Schools As the industry heads into summer, the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is urging shops in New Jersey and beyond to assist it in improving vocational school auto body repair programs before the start of the next school year. CREF is calling on collision repair facilities to provide help to their area schools through the following activities: • Donating scrap part and carts • Sponsoring new Cintas work uniforms for the students • Exploring volunteer projects that can be conducted over the summer to help schools • Donating supplies for classroom/lab furniture upgrades, including painting the collision program walls, sponsoring newly epoxied floors for the programs, providing new tables/chairs/equipment, etc. • Volunteering as a guest speaker (virtually or in person where allowed) for the students to talk about the industry and career opportunities The need for this kind of industry support is critical as school programs continue to face financial and logistical obstacles as a result of COVID-19. “The upcoming summer break with schools is an ideal time to possibly do some projects that are best done when the students are not there,” Brandon Eckenrode, CREF’s director of operations, observes. “These schools need support, especially now as they clearly watch their program budgets. A body shop class obviously costs a lot more than a math class to run. If we can help make these programs look more attractive to work in, it will help with recruitments.” CREF has identified the following schools within the AASP/NJ region that require assistance: • Salem County Career & Technical High School (Pilesgrove, NJ) • Hunterdon County PolyTech (Flemington, NJ) • Bergen County Tech Ed./Paramus (Paramus, NJ) • Gloucester County Institute of Technology (Sewell, NJ) • Passaic County Technical Institute (Wayne, NJ) • Swenson Arts & Technology High School (Philadelphia, PA) • The Workshop School (Philadelphia, PA) • Bucks County Technical High School (Fairless Hills, PA) • Reading Muhlenburg Career & Technology Center (Reading, PA) • Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center (Westbury, NY) • Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School (Bethlehem, PA) • Thomas A. Edison High School (Philadelphia, PA) • Madison-Oneida BOCES (Verona, NY) • Rockland County BOCES (West Nyack, NY) 30 | New Jersey Automotive | May 2021
A before-and-after view of how CREF uniform sponsorship improves the look and atmosphere of a vocational school program
In related news, CREF – which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year – has remained active over the past several months despite the pandemic. In addition to hosting a Winter Virtual Golf Fundraiser last November, it coordinated a special auction item with Jay Leno, who offered a tour of his private garage to the winner. Additionally, the Foundation has received increased monetary support from various insurers in recent months. Last February, CREF began reaching out to vocational schools across the country to create a student résumé database. Schools are contacted every three weeks to either participate in the program or update/add to their existing résumé lists. CREF is also in conversations with the American School Counselor Foundation (ASCA) to provide up-to-date information about industry-specific opportunities and career paths. In addition to supporting the school listed above, AASP/ NJ members are always encouraged to get involved in their local school Advisory Boards and connect with their local collision repair programs as often as possible. “Understandably, instructors don’t want to just hear from local businesses that say, ‘Bring me your best students’ when their students are about to graduate. They want to see a long-term, ongoing relationship. When the people running these schools see a line of businesses out their door saying they are waiting for their students, it’s a lot more difficult for them to say, ‘Let’s close this program.’” For more information on CREF and/or to get involved with any of the area schools listed in this announcement, please contact Brandon Eckenrode at Brandon. Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org or (312) 231-0258.
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by EDWARD DAY
GUEST EDITORIAL
What Does It Mean to Be Elite? Is it volume? Is it numbers? Is it a completely landscaped building in a frontline location? Some of the finest restaurants I’ve ever been to in this state – or in Italy – have been places you’d call a dive. Some of the best meals I’ve had have been in taverns with people’s names scratched into the wooden bar. Everybody has had a different start in this industry. I admire every single one of them. Some have locations that have been there since the ’40s. Some have had different opportunities based on inheriting family wealth. Some scratched it out from zero. We have shops that have no room to expand, and we have shops that have had chances to buy better locations. They had the chance to move forward. Does it mean we are certified? Not certified? It’s very hard to define. Elite, to me, is someone who stays abreast of recent technology, goes for training and works hard to put out a quality product every day. There’s a restoration shop in Connecticut that’s no larger than seven cars. But if you go to the yearly Concours d’Elegance car show, he’s got a car there every year. There’s a restoration shop in Stillwater with a small office that’s nothing to write home about based on location and exterior aesthetics. His work is impeccable, he treats his customers properly and his pricing is a little above average. He gets paid for what he does. I consider these two shops elite. Do your reviews hold up? Make sure they do. They’re important. Do you follow up with your customer after a mistake? Do you take ownership of that mistake? I have found I sometimes make more customers by correcting small mistakes and going over and above the call of duty instead of patting my customer on the ass and saying, “We’re really sorry.” When it happens, do you have a local group of restaurants you work with? Maybe give a gift card to a local spot to your customer – or a bottle of
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wine on their front seat with an apology note. How about flatbedding that car and delivering it to the customer, making sure it’s washed and clean? Those things make you elite. I was never raised with jealousy. I’m more curious how the more successful shop got to where it is. I like listening to more successful people than myself; that’s how we learn. But I’ll say it again: Success isn’t judged by volume – it’s judged by integrity. It’s judged by fairness. Your ability to bend and compromise when needed. I don’t pass judgment on anybody’s work style. I don’t pass judgment on their location. I need to know that the people around me are decent human beings who would help each other at the drop of a hat. That’s the industry I grew up in. Those are the people I consider elite. In loving memory of my friend, Lee Vetland. AASP/NJ Hall of Famer Edward Day is the owner of Collision Restoration in Fairfield and a former president of AASP/NJ.
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New Jersey Automotive | May 2021 | 35
COVER STORY
The Old Ways Are Gone: EVs, AI and How the Industry Changed Overnight As the New Jersey collision repair industry understandably focused most of its attention on COVID-19 over the past year-plus, major shifts in automotive technology occurred during the same period of time that have already drastically impacted how vehicles are produced and the methods employed in the estimating and repair processes. It is not an exaggeration to suggest that more has happened behind the scenes in the automotive world in the past 13 months than in the past 13 years. This month, New Jersey Automotive explores some trends that are quickly leading the auto body industry in new – and at times overwhelming – directions. The Failure of Photo Estimating Obviously, the biggest issue presented by the pandemic has been the ongoing need to avoid close contact with others. This continues to present considerable heartburn for those who work in collision repair – a trade based on people’s ability to actually see a vehicle to determine what needs to be done to it. Already long-time proponents of photo estimating, many insurers have either drastically reduced or outright eradicated the number of appraisers they send out to shops in recent months, taking full advantage of the photo-based options they have been developing and promoting for years. But are these methods providing the level of precision needed in real-world auto repair? Some AASP/NJ members aren’t convinced. In an April 13 feature by Wired (wired.com/story/ai-carrepair-shop-owners-not-happy) AASP/NJ Immediate Past President Jeff McDowell (Leslie’s Auto Body; Fords) made it known that he is not a fan of the current virtual estimating model. “I’d say 99.9 percent of the estimates are incorrect […] You can’t diagnose suspension damage or a bent wheel or frame misalignment from a photograph. “People say that this is the way of the future,” he added. “I don’t agree with that.” In the same article, AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee (Ultimate Collision Repair; Edison) noted that virtual estimating has had a negative impact on his ability to effectively negotiate with insurers on a one-on-one basis. “When the appraisers were here, face to face, you had a better relationship with them […] The appraiser knew you; he trusted you.” Will the move toward virtual estimating slow down as a result of these and other complaints? Not likely. Bill Brower, head of auto claims at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, told Wired that photo-generated US auto claims rose 45 percent during the pandemic and that he expects it to rise an additional 35 percent within the next four years. That’s 80 percent of all clams by 2025. Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute, meanwhile, used the Wired article to tout the effectiveness of virtual options, boasting that “insurers have really seen improvements in efficiency, consistency and timeliness.” 36 | New Jersey Automotive | May 2021
Not surprisingly, New Jersey’s auto body industry isn’t the only one struggling with the decline of in-person appraisals. Over in Massachusetts, the state’s Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB) – an entity housed in the Division of Insurance and comprised of both collision repair and insurance industry representatives – has wrestled with the COVID-19-generated photo estimating controversy for nearly a year. In May 2020, the Board voted 3-2 to create a special Advisory Ruling that temporarily waives the requirement of personal inspection of motor vehicle damage in cases where the amount of loss, less any applicable deductible, is under $3,000. This amount represented an increase from the $1,500 threshold established in current state regulations. The months following the Advisory Ruling saw an ongoing campaign by Revere, MA-based ADALB collision repair representative Rick Starbard (former president of both AASP National and AASP’s Massachusetts affiliate) to immediately rescind the $3,000 in-person inspection threshold out of respect for consumer protection. “I think the time has come that we can get back to inperson appraisals [by] changing our dollar amount and going back to the $1,500,” Starbard said during the ADALB’s most recent meeting on March 23, adding that original estimates written off photos have led to “numerous vehicles” coming to his shop with “less than 10 percent of the actual damage” noted. After considerable debate and input from the insurance side of the fence, the Board voted to set a compromise date of May 15 to return to the state’s original $1,500 threshold, finally setting the stage to reduce the number of original photo estimates dramatically missing the mark. With Starbard’s comments against original photo estimating now a matter of public record – and a state entity officially voting to only allow remote estimates for up to $1,500 in damage – it is perhaps only a matter of time before Massachusetts’ documented debate over photos sets the stage for similar discussions in other states. The battle between the insurance industry’s insistence on photo estimating and the auto repair industry’s clear concerns over such practices has only just begun. AI Is Alive Basing estimates off a person’s review of photographs is far from the full story. Insurers are also heavily pushing for the widespread implementation of so-called “Artificial Intelligence (AI)”/“deep learning” technologies, which basically represent photo estimating on steroids. To get a glimpse into where things have already been and where they are rapidly going, one simply needs to take a look at CCC Information Services. In December 2018, the company announced the launch of Smart Estimate, billed as “the world’s first Artificial Intelligence estimating tool.” According to a press announcement at the time, Smart Estimate “applies CCC’s estimating logic and AI to vehicle collision photos to predict repair requirements and
by JOEL GAUSTEN suggest estimate lines, including parts likely required to complete the repair. Smart Estimate can be implemented easily by insurance customers of CCC ONE Platform services, and the guided nature of the solution enables new estimators to be trained and productive easily and quickly.” (More information on Smart Estimate and other CCC AI offerings is available at bit.ly/CCC_AI.) AI’s effect on collision repair claims has already been massive. In March of this year, CCC reported “a more than 50 percent year-over-year increase in claims processed using deep learning.” The company also stated that more than five million unique claims had already been processed “using a CCC deep learning AI solution, and the number of claims using two or more of its AI applications has more than doubled year over year.” Additionally, CCC shared that more than 75 auto insurers were already “actively applying CCC’s advanced AI to power claims decisions and improve policyholder experiences.” And some people still view the unibody as a revolutionary idea! The EV Surge Amidst the media frenzy of last year’s Presidential election, thenSenate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer dropped a not-so-subtle hint in regard to how a Democratic federal government would impact the US auto market. In an opinion piece published in the New York Times last October, Schumer announced a 10-year/$454 billion proposal to “rapidly phase out gaspowered vehicles and replace them with zero-emission, or ‘clean,’ vehicles like electric cars” by 2040. He also expressed optimism that the number of gas-powered vehicles on American roadways could be reduced by 63 million by 2030. Less than a week after being sworn in, President Biden said in a statement that he planned to eventually switch the roughly 650,000 vehicles in the US Government’s fleet to “clean electric vehicles made right here in America, by American workers.” Naturally, automakers are working to embrace this cultural change and join the American public in jumping on the electric vehicle (EV) train. As one example, General Motors has driven home its commitment to EVs in an announcement posted on its consumerfacing website
(gm.com/electric-vehicles.html) stating that it “is on its way to an all-electric future, with a commitment to 30 new global electric vehicles by 2025.” While it is clear that electric vehicles will soon have a substantial presence in repair bays across America, the collision repair field’s current ability to catch up to reach escalating training and procedural demands is a growing concern. As of this writing, I-CAR is attempting to address this need by offering seven EV-related courses: Hybrid Vehicle Identification & Damage Analysis; Hybrid, Electric & Alternative
Fuel Vehicle Service; Introduction to Electric Vehicles; Understanding High Voltage Safety; Electric Vehicle (EV) Initial Inspection & Handling, Electric Vehicle (EV) Damage Analysis; and Electric Vehicle (EV) Service Considerations. Course descriptions and additional information are available at rts.i-car.com. In this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it world, the topics covered in this feature are just a few that are worth taking the time to learn more about. Welcome to the new world of collision repair – ready or not. NJA
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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 38 | New Jersey Automotive | May 2021
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© 2021 Porsche Cars North America Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.
New Jersey Automotive | May 2021 | 39
LEGAL PERSPECTIVE
by KYLE S REED, ESQ.
Are You Being Offered the Actual Cash Value of Your “Total Loss” Vehicle? If you or one of your customers are facing the unfortunate circumstance of a vehicle (owned or leased) possibly being considered “totaled,” then you can expect a call from the insurer in due time possibly offering you a cash settlement. The insurer will do so if the cost of repairing the vehicle is either greater than the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle or if the cost of
repair makes up a significant enough percentage of the ACV as to not warrant repair. New Jersey law does not dictate this decision; it is left solely to the discretion of the insurer. That being the case, every auto insurance customer should be diligent in making sure that once an offer is made, it is done in accord with New Jersey law so that you receive an accurate ACV of
your vehicle. This adjustment process is found specifically at N.J.A.C. 11:3-10.4 and requires the insurer to try to select one of three prescribed methods for use in the settlement of this type of claim: • Taking the average of the retail values of substantially similar vehicles as listed in the current editions of The Automobile Red Book (or “older car red book”) published by Penton Media and the NADA Official Used Car Guide (or NADA Official Older Car Guide) published by the National Automobile Dealers Used Car Company. • Using a quote obtained by the insurer for a substantially similar vehicle available for you to purchase from a dealership within 25 miles of where your car is normally garaged. • Utilizing the services of an approved source, including computerized databases that produce fair market values of substantially similar vehicles. Audatex, Mitchell International, CCC, Vehicle Valuation Services Inc. and CARFAX are approved at this time for use in determining fair market values. What constitutes the actual ACV of your vehicle can be a negotiable matter between you and the insurer. It should not come as a surprise that while one of these methods may result in the maximum return to the customer, another method might result in a savings to the insurer. Upon being presented with such an offer, take the time to review the offer and the documents supporting it. We recommend doing so because we have seen, for example, offers made using unauthorized book values, such as using the “black book” to justify an ACV under the first option above. This would not result in an accurate ACV. This can be a frustrating process, especially in light of the underlying circumstances that have led up to a vehicle possibly being totaled. If you have questions or concerns about your rights in a situation like this, please see our ad and contact information on the facing page, and reach out to us for a free consultation.
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New Jersey Automotive | May 2021 | 41
You’ve got the right tools, staff, technology and procedures to give your customers the best repair possible. The missing piece of the puzzle? Genuine Volkswagen Collision Parts. Contact an authorized dealer today and find your perfect fit. Flemington Volkswagen 213 Route 202/31 Flemington, NJ 08822 TOLL FREE: 877-657-2787 FAX: 908-782-1795 email: rmuir@flemington.com www.NJPARTS.com
Paul Miller VW of Bernardsville 118 Morristown ROAd Bernardsville, NJ 07924 Toll Free: 877-318-6557 Local: 908-766-1600 Fax: 908-766-6171
Douglas Motors 491 MORRIS AVE. SUMMIT, NJ 07901 PHONE: 908-277-1100 FAX: 908-273-6196 TOLL FREE: 800-672-1172 www.douglasvw.com email: douglasparts@douglasautonet.com
Trend Motors 221 Route 46 West Rockaway, NJ 07866 888-267-2821 fax: 973-625-4985 www.trendmotors.com email: dreinacher@trendmotors.com
Crestmont Volkswagen 730 ROUTE 23 NORTH POMPTON PLAINS, NJ 07444 TOLL FREE: 800-839-6444 fax: 973-839-8146 www.crestmontvw.com email: vwparts@crestmont23.com
“Volkswagen“ and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. ©2021 Volkswagen of America, Inc.
42 | New Jersey Automotive | May 2021
Wholesale Parts
New Jersey Automotive | May 2021 | 43
ARANJ Board of Directors 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
ARANJ The Automotive Recyclers Association of New Jersey
Wharton Insurance Briefs When it comes to flood insurance, most people say, “I’m not in a ‘flood’ zone.” Flood insurance covers overflow of inland or tidal waters and unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source. Flood insurance is much more detailed than one would generally think. For example, FEMA provides flood insurance for both high- and low-risk properties. If you qualify as a “low risk” and/or are not in a flood zone, you can qualify for a preferred risk policy. So, contact your agent and find out: What is defined as a flood? What is insured as part of your building or contents? Is there a waiting period? Can you get “federal emergency financing” if you are involved in a flood and you haven’t purchased flood insurance? This is an important part of an insurance program for both personal and commercial properties. Please feel free to call me if you would like to discuss your insurance program exposures. Mario DeFilippis, AAI Vice President (732) 686-7020 (office) (908) 513-8588 (cell) mdefilippis@whartoninsurance.com
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
EASTCHESTER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE 4007 Boston Road Bronx, NY 10466 Order Hot Line: (914) 597-7018 Fax: (718) 881-3014
FIT AND FINISH IS NO PLACE TO GET CREATIVE. 44 | New Jersey Automotive | May 2021 NJA_Half_2020.indd 1
WE COMPETE WITH AFTERMARKET PRICES! FREE DELIVERY!
Check out MoparRepairConnection.com for resources, promotions and technical information. ©2020 FCA US LLC. All Rights Reserved. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Mopar and SRT are registered trademarks of FCA US LLC.
10/22/20 9:52 AM
LYNNES
AUTO GROUP
WHOLESALE DEPARTMENT
Genuine Service & Parts
MAINTAIN AN INFINITE INVENTORY OF ORIGINAL MINI PARTS. At your local MINI dealer, we believe that using Original MINI collision replacement parts will speed your repairs and increase your profitability. Original MINI parts assure an absolute perfect fit and function.
SERVICE, SELECTION AND VALUE SINCE 1953
Delivering to the New Jersey/New York area. For Original MINI parts, contact any of these authorized MINI dealers. MINI of Mt. Laurel 1311 Rt. 73 Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 856-778-3000 Fax: 856-813-4622 MINIOFMTLAUREL.COM FACEBOOK.COM/MINIOFMTLAUREL
MINI of Manhattan 793 11th Avenue at 55th Street New York, NY 10019 212-246-7375 Fax: 212-315-9560 MININYC.COM FACEBOOK.COM/MINIOFMANHATTAN
© 2020 MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.
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 New Jersey Automotive | May 2021 | 45
Wheel Collision Center Excellence in Wheel Sales and Repair
Patent assures 100% WHEEL INTEGRITY From $77/wheel Superior Workmanship
1-800-NEW-PARTS......................................... 14-15 Acme Nissan.................................................... 5 Accudraft......................................................... IBC Albert Kemperle................................................ 38 Amato Agency.................................................. 31
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Collision Supplies of New England..................... 26 Empire Auto Parts............................................. 46 Fenix Parts....................................................... 37 Flemington Audi............................................... 6 Ford Group....................................................... 11 GM Group........................................................ 13 Hyundai Group.................................................. 20 Innovative Solutions & Technology................. 23
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Kollective Auto Group........................................ 8-9
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Spend more time running your business and less time worrying about your parts.
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Krehel.............................................................. 17 Land Rover Princeton........................................ 34 Lynnes Nissan East........................................... 45 Maxon Buick-GMC........................................... 41 Maxon Hyundai................................................. 43 Maxon Mazda................................................... 43 Mazda Group.................................................... 10 MGM Auto Body Supplies................................. 11 Mike Kaufman Group........................................ 45 Mini Group....................................................... 45 Mopar Group.................................................... 44 NORTHEAST®................................................. 27
Lamps
Bumper Covers
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NUCAR............................................................. 32-33 Paul Miller Subaru............................................ 13 Porsche Group................................................. 39 PPG................................................................. 3 Pro Spot........................................................... 35
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
Reliable Automotive Equipment......................... 24-25 Sherwin-Williams.............................................. OBC Spanesi............................................................ 2 Subaru Group................................................... 28 Town Motors.................................................... 21 USI of North America........................................ 29 Valtek............................................................... 17 VW Group......................................................... 42 Wheel Collision Center...................................... 46
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New Jersey Automotive | May 2021 | 47
THE DIFFERENCE IS DEBEER SIMPLICITY The BeroBase 500 Series solvent system is both comprehensive with 60+ toners and versatile with everything from primers to clears. Built for ease of use with a 1:1 mixing ratio, this system is designed for simplicity and with universal thinners to minimize stocking requirements—it’s smart. Suited for a variety of conditions, the BeroBase 500 Series system delivers great color match, great coverage and ultimately, a great finish.
Experience the DeBeer Difference. de-beer.com
48 | New Jersey Automotive | May 2021
