New York Association Urges AG to Halt Insurer Suppression of Rates
Apparently opting to strike while the iron’s hot, Mike Orso, president of the New York State Auto Collision Technicians Association (NYSACTA), has written a letter to New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo urging him to act against insurers following the New York State Department of Insurance’s discovery that some insurers have violated state law when
Service King Opens 22nd Facility in Dallas-Fort Worth Area
Texas-based Service King Collision Repair Centers recently opened its 22nd location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area – a new facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The location is the largest of Service King’s centers in the area and is situated on 8 acres with over 92,000 square feet of parking, room for roughly 115 parking spaces.
Ford Opens New Collision Repair Research Center
Ford announced the opening its new Paint and Body Technology Center in Inkster, Mich., with the goal of developing vehicle designs, replacement parts and repair procedures that the company hopes will drive down the cost of collison repairs. The center – funded by a $650,000 investment made by collision repair product, equipment and service suppliers
NABC Opens Nominations for 2009 PRIDE Awards
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) PRIDE committee has opened nominations for the 2009 PRIDE Awards, which recognize those in the collision industry who donate their time, energy and financial resources to worthy causes outside the industry. As the NABC anticipates the next round of nominations, the organization would like to recognize the four PRIDE
Mitchell International Reports Record Revenues in 2008
Mitchell International Inc. announced record business performance results for 2008. Mitchell grew revenue by over 15 percent on a year-over-year basis and is on pace to achieve similar growth in 2009 – with sales expected to exceed $250 million. Moreover, Mitchell made gains in new customer additions, with over 2,500 new collision repair shops
Sherwin-Williams and NAPA Canada Present Evercoat with Supplier Awards
At its 2009 national sales meeting in Dallas, Texas, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp. presented Evercoat with its Supplier of the Year award. “Each year, we recognize our best supplier based on a number of key factors, including field sales and technical/training support, new product planning and program support,” said Rob Gray, Sherwin-Williams director of associated
Auto Dealerships Suffered Largest Decline In 18 Years In 2008
A record number of automotive dealerships closed in the United States during 2008, and Detroit Three dealerships took the biggest hit, research and analysis firm Urban Science reported. The company’s Franchise Activity Report showed that the nationwide dealership count for 2008 fell by 881, or 4.2 percent, to 20,084 last year. The decline was the
Insurance Group Faults Rising Repair Costs For Higher Insurance Prices
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the cost of auto body work was 4.1 percent higher in January 2009 compared to January 2008, and the CPI for auto insurance was 4 percent higher for the same period, the U.S. Department of Labor reported. Steve Weisbart, senior vice president and chief economist for the Insurance Information
Tennessee Considering Regulations Requiring Crashworthy Aftermarket Parts
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is examining the need for regulations that would require aftermarket crash parts to meet crashworthiness standards met by their OEM equivalents. Several aftermarket parts manufacturers use carbon steel in place of the high strength and ultra high strength steels used by OEMs, sparking safety and performance concerns.
Tennessee Considering Regulations Requiring Crashworthy Aftermarket Parts
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is examining the need for regulations that would require aftermarket crash parts to meet crashworthiness standards met by their OEM equivalents. Several aftermarket parts manufacturers use carbon steel in place of the high strength and ultra high strength steels used by OEMs, sparking safety and performance concerns.
Spies Hecker Continues Role As Worldwide Paint Supplier For Mercedes-Benz
Daimler AG has reconfirmed its global approval of Spies Hecker products and services for the Mercedes-Benz brand. Foundations of the relationship are Spies Hecker services, global supplies, expert advice and solventborne and waterborne paint systems. The approval authorizes Mercedes-Benz body shops and independent refinishers to use the Spies Hecker product range for accident repairs. All
Zara’s Donates Billboard Space to Students Against Distracted Drivers
Zara’s Collision Center in Springfield, Ill., is supporting the education effort of Students Against Distracted Drivers by donating billboard space to students from New Berlin High School in New Berlin, Ill. “Not only is the message especially pertinent, but the students themselves designed the message and artwork for the board,” said Zara’s co-owner Julie Zara.