SEMA Offers Self-Adhesive Products Specialist Accreditation
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has added a Self-Adhesive Products Specialist Exam to its battery of installer certification tests. The new SEMA test, known as Z6, will measure real-world knowledge and skills of industry professionals who install self-adhesive products on passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The exam covers a range of product categories,
Progressive’s Earnings Continue Downward Trend
Progressive recently reported that its net income in May fell 3 percent as net premiums written fell slightly. Progressive said net income for the month was $79.3 million, or 12 cents per share, compared with $81.6 million, or 11 cents per share, during the same month last year. Earnings per share rose despite a decline
State Farm Ranks First, Progressive Last in Nebraska Shop Survey
The Nebraska Autobody Association’s (NABA) annual survey of Nebraska body shops rating insurance companies is now complete and the results are similar to a recent survey of Kentucky shops (click HERE for that story) in that State Farm ranked the best while Progressive ranked the worst. The survey was based on the 2007 calendar year
Keystone to Host PBE Seminar in Vancouver, Wash.
Mackin’s Auto Body at 300 SE Hearthwood Blvd. in Vancouver, Wash., will host a Keystone Automotive Services PBE shop seminar on June 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. to demonstrate the use of Keystone brand refinish materials. Registration is $50 and includes $100 in Keystone brand PBE paint products. Food will be provided, along
Company Launches Compressed Air Car
Motor Development International (MDI) founder Guy Negre has developed the Compressed Air Car run by, you guessed it, compressed air. The $12,700 CityCAT, one of the planned Air Car models, can hit 68 miles per hour and has a range of 125 miles. To refuel, the CityCAT driver will need to go to a gas
Affordable Sprayed-On Bedliner Business
The Graco E10 spray machine is available at www.diamondliners.com for under $12,000 for those body shop owners looking for affordable entry into the sprayed-on bedliner business. Smaller volume shops can now purchase chemicals in 5-gallon pails, which are normally shipped via UPS. This prevents shop owners from having to ship work out of house. The
Shop Manager’s “Wheels of Hope” Program Donates Vehicles to Needy
The general manager of a body shop in St. Louis, Mo., is helping people in need by bestowing them with donated vehicles his shop refurbishes. Scott McRoberts of the family-owned Hart Auto Body in Florissant has teamed with six area churches to provide good, safe, dependable vehicles for church-chosen recipients. "This is an awesome ministry,"
Connecticut Governor Signs Anti-Steering Bill
Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed a bill that will require disclosure to consumers that they have the right to choose the repair facility to complete repairs to their motor vehicles in the state. House Bill 5152 (now Public Act No. 08-146), which will go into effect January 1, 2009, will require insurance companies
Connecticut Governor Signs Anti-Steering Bill
Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed a bill that will require disclosure to consumers that they have the right to choose the repair facility to complete repairs to their motor vehicles in the state. House Bill 5152 (now Public Act No. 08-146), which will go into effect January 1, 2009, will require insurance companies
Mercedes-Benz Study Shows 20 Percent of Rear-End Collisions Could Be Avoided with New Braking Technology
In a recent study conducted by engineers at Mercedes-Benz, it was found that with the help of the company’s DISTRONIC PLUS and Brake Assist PLUS, 20 percent of rear-end collisions could have been prevented in Germany alone. The findings also revealed that on highways, rear-end collisions could have been reduced by an average of 36
PPG Trains OEMs in New Waterborne Paint Technology
In an effort to reduce VOC emissions, new environmental regulations in California and Canada will soon require that waterborne basecoats replace solvent basecoats for vehicle refinishing. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have a vital interest in this development and how it will affect them in the future. With that in mind, major OEMs are turning to
Pro Spot Appoints New Sales Managers
Pro Spot International, Inc. announced today the appointment of Larry Brolsma to manager of the Northern Sales Division of Pro Spot’s distribution network. Brolsma has been in the collision industry for 35 years, beginning as a body shop technician in New Jersey then joining Metropolitan Car-O-Liner in 1989, where he worked for 18 years selling