Insurers Release Study Indicating Potential Costs of OEM Parts Monopoly
Consumers and insurers would face staggering costs if car companies gain a monopoly on the crash parts market, according to research study findings recently released by the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). According to the study, even without the cost of paint and labor, a 2005 Ford Mustang GT built entirely from car
New York DOI Investigation Finds Insurers Guilty of Violating State Law
A year-plus investigation by the New York State Department of Insurance (DOI) revealed that some insurance company representatives have violated state insurance law when handling claims. However, the department concluded that most insurers have not systematically steered customers to preferred body shops. “This very thorough investigation is reassuring in that it shows auto insurers are
STRANGE BUT TRUE: Body Shop’s Loaner Becomes Sinking Ship
A devoted dog owner in Port Huron, Mich., could be in hot water after losing a 1994 Buick loaned to him by a local body shop in some very icy water last Tuesday evening. Nathan Seely, 31, was driving up and down the frozen Black River looking for his missing dog, but things went south
Kentucky Association Urges Repairers to Voice Displeasure Over CCC ‘Bumper Refinish Prompt’ Issue
The Automotive Service Council of Kentucky (ASC) is urging the members of its association and members of other associations to write a letter to CCC Information Services, Inc., to express their displeasure over the information provider’s recent decision to reintroduce the “bumper refinish prompt” in the latest version of its software (read the story HERE).
AASP-MN Offering Post-Secondary Scholarships
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) will be awarding $500 scholarships to students enrolled in post-secondary automotive (mechanical or collision) programs. Recipients must be entering the second year of a two-year NATEF-certified automotive program in the fall of 2009. A committee of industry representatives will review applications, with consideration given to scholastic
DCR Systems Partners with Gallery Automotive Group
Mentor, Ohio-based DCR Systems (www.dcrsystems.net) has reached an agreement with Gallery Automotive Group (www.gallerygroup.com) in Norwood, Mass., to convert its existing body shop to DCR’s patent-pending, lean-based collision repair process. This agreement preceded DCR’s exclusive arrangement with Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. DCR took over operations of Gallery’s existing shop on Jan. 6, 2009 – becoming
Sherwin-Williams Receives Global Technical Approval from Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar Land Rover have approved the AWX waterborne refinish system from Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp. (SWAFC) for refinish paint materials centers on a global basis. “We are continually looking to develop new products and high standards of procedures to provide continuous and ongoing product quality improvements to help ensure customer satisfaction,” said Craig Williams, SWAFC
California Autobody Association Sanctions Green Certification
The California Autobody Association (CAA) announced an agreement with GRC-Pirk Management for members to acquire Certified Green Investment (CGI) qualifications. “CAA has always led the nation in efforts to keep shops eco-friendly and environmentally responsible, and now we have the means to validate our venture,” said CAA Executive Director David McClune. “Our shops can
I-CAR Restructures Mobile Welding Qualification Test
Due to renewed growth in the number of locations offering I-CAR Welding Qualification Tests, I-CAR will restructure the qualification test service and scale back on its mobile qualification test vehicles operating in North America. I-CAR says the move will improve the cost-effectiveness of the overall qualification test program. “With 83 sites currently offering I-CAR Welding
ASA Mo/Kan to Expand Collision Chapters and Activities with Consultant’s Help
The Automotive Service Association of Missouri/Kansas (ASA Mo/Kan) has obtained the services of Bob Smith and Storm Appraisal & Management Service, Inc., as a collision industry consultant. Smith will assist in the formation of collision chapters and activities throughout Missouri and Kansas. Chapters in Wichita, Kan., and the Kansas City metropolitan area are first on
CARSTAR is 101st Largest Franchise System Worldwide
CARSTAR Franchise Systems Inc. announced its rank as the 101st largest franchise operator in the world in the 2008 Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Systems. The monthly publication releases its list of the Top 200 franchise systems each year, ranking them according to worldwide sales, domestic and total units and the percent franchised. CARSTAR grossed