Wisconsin Shop Owner Wins $9.1 Million Lottery Jackpot with Friends
Most people say they would quit their jobs if they won the lottery, but Wisconsin Lottery winner and body shop owner Richard Duening is going to keep on fixing cars. Duening, who owns J Auto Body & Service in Sheboygan, Wis., and his two friends, Curtis Lienau and Barbara Knauf, won $9.1 million from the
Scorpion Truck Bed Linings Attains ISO Certification
Scorpion Protective Coatings, Inc. has attained ISO 9001:2000 certification. Scorpion’s registration is in respect to the following scope of supply: design, mixing and distribution of polyurethane coatings, and modification of spray guns for automotive, OEM, retail and military industries. All of Scorpion’s brands will be included under this registration, including Scorpion Truck Bed Linings, Al’s
AIG to Rebrand as 21st Century Insurance
American International Group (AIG), which received bailout funds from the U.S. government, plans to rebrand its auto insurance unit, AIGDirect.com, as 21st Century Insurance in January 2009. AIG acquired 21st Century Insurance in 2007. The company is expected to launch the new logo and Web site on January 5, 2009. The auto insurance unit, which
Mercedes Signs NASTF Service Information Standards Agreement
The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) announced that Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC has signed the NASTF Service Information Standards Agreement, joining 13 other auto manufacturers agreeing to make service and training information and tools accessible to all vehicle repairers on an equal basis. Much of the standards embody the practices that have been in place
Wisconsin Automotive Parts Association Backs Repair Clause Legislation
The Wisconsin Automotive Parts Association (WAPA) has joined the Quality Parts Coalition’s (QPC) effort to enact “repair clause” legislation championed by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) in the 110th Congress, which the QPC claims will secure the future of the American independent repair industry. The legislation would create an exemption for design patent infringement liability for
Marjorie Brody to Keynote Third WIN Conference
The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) will host its third annual conference March 22 to 24, 2009 at the Omni Parkwest in Dallas, Texas. The keynote speaker at this year’s conference will be Marjorie Brody, an internationally recognized speaker who has authored over 18 books and served as key advisor to the media and broadcast industries.
CCC and Mitchell to Contest FTC’s Decision to Block Merger
CCC Information Services, Inc. and Mitchell International, Inc. announced that they will contest the action taken by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to block the merger of the two companies. "While we are disappointed and disagree with the FTC’s position, we intend to vigorously challenge the FTC in court," said Githesh Ramamurthy, CEO of CCC.
AkzoNobel Benevolence Program Providing 60 Families with Transportation
Fifty-four collision centers across the United States and Canada will provide transportation to 60 needy families during the 10th annual AkzoNobel Acoat selected National Benevolence Program to be held Dec. 8 through 15. The Benevolence Program is a community service effort sponsored by AkzoNobel and conducted by collision repair centers that are members of the
ASE & NATEF Announce Officers for 2009
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) have announced the officers for their boards of directors for 2009. ASE named Joe Torchiana, One Stop Tire & Auto Service, Inc., West Chester, Pa., its chair. John Pfennig of Navistar, Warrenville, Ill., is vice-chair; Barry Bronson of Valvoline,
ArmorAuto Now Offering Warranty Insurance for ArmorCoat
ArmorAuto, LLC now offers independent, third-party warranty insurance for ArmorCoat paint protection coating, the company announced. The warranty, underwritten by Nation Safe Drivers (NSD), has three-, four- or five-year protection plan options. The warranty covers rock chipping and provides up to $2,000 to repair costs on covered cars and $3,200 on recreational vehicles and trucks.
Standardized Collision Repair Student Testing to Begin in Spring
In the spring of 2009, the National Automotive Student Skills Standards Assessment (NASSSA) will be available to secondary and post-secondary vocational/technical schools throughout the United States, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) and Skills USA announced. All three national organizations support this new single series of tests for
Sharpe Unveils Custom Motorcycle
Sharpe unveiled its newly finished Razor Motorcycle, part of the company’s Razor Gun Custom Bike Sweepstakes, at NACE with the bike’s designer and painter, Justin Barnes of JB Grafix. The bike is worth an estimated $25,000, Sharpe says. Barnes is one of the most well-known and innovative painters in the United States. He has painted