California Repair Shop Owner Wins 2008 F-150 Foose Edition Truck
Chris Weissensee of Sacramento, Calif., was one of 10 finalists in the 2007 Ford Customer Service Division “When It Fits You Win!” national sweepstakes. It became his lucky day when his key started the grand prize vehicle, a 2008 F-150 Foose Edition Truck, at Homestead-Miami Speedway this past November. Weissensee’s luck becomes a reality
Keystone Adds Mirrors to Aftermarket Rewards Product Lineup
Keystone Automotive Industries today announced that beginning July 1, 2008, Keystone customers will be eligible to receive 20 Aftermarket Rewards bonus points for each mirror purchased online at www.orderkeystone.com. “Keystone is pleased to provide its customers with this new earning opportunity," said Director of Marketing Services Mary Kunz. "The Aftermarket Rewards program is one
DOT Plan Aims to Eliminate 1.8 Million Crashes Per Year
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) believes that the increasing prevalence of accident avoidance systems in motor vehicles could eventually prevent over 48 percent of rear-end, run-off-the-road and lane change crashes. A report recently released by the Integrated Vehicle Based Safety Systems (IVBSS) details the progress of a government initiative to speed up the introduction
Database Enhancement Gateway Surpasses 500 Inquiries in 6 Months
The Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) today announced that it has surpassed one of its first major milestones by processing over 500 inquiries in just over six months of operation. If the volume of inquiries remains consistent, the first two quarters indicate that the DEG will likely process over 1,000 inquiries by the end of year
Farmers to Use AutocheX for Customer Satisfaction Indexing
Mitchell International has announced the launch of a customer satisfaction measurement program with Farmers Insurance Exchange. AutocheX, Mitchell’s voice-of-the-customer performance management unit, will implement and manage the program. Specifically, AutocheX will measure customer satisfaction with the Farmers claims experience and the Circle of Dependability (COD) direct-repair program. Under the agreement, all COD repair facilities will
Keystone Manager Receives GEICO Partnership Excellence Award
LKQ has announced that Keystone General Manager Paul Lathrop and his team in Columbia, S.C., have been honored with GEICO’s 2007 Partnership Excellence Award. “It was such an honor to receive this award,” said Lathrop. “We strive to exceed our customer’s expectations for quality and service, so naturally it was very exciting to
NABC Emergency Preparedness Brochure Timely As Ever
In the aftermath of the horrific hurricane season of 2005, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) produced the "Are You Prepared?" emergency preparedness brochure written specifically for collision repair facilities and their employees. The eight-page, full-color, illustrated document includes such tools as an emergency preparedness insurance coverage review and supplies checklist. Recent tragic events in
ESAB Announces New Vice President of Product Management and Development
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products has announced that Michael J. Ostaffe has joined ESAB as vice president of product management and development – filler metals for North America. He’ll be responsible for driving ESAB’s programs forward in product management, product research and development of filler metals. He’ll also assume the responsibility for marketing communications for
SodaBlast Systems Partners With Tools USA
MMLJ, manufacturer of SodaBlast Systems, has announced that it’s partnering with Tools USA/Standard Tools, a national distributor of auto body tools and supplies. The Tools USA Web site (www.toolsusa.com) specializes in PBE supplies and equipment and sells directly to over 100,000 body shops, auto repair, restoration enthusiasts and industrial customers throughout the world. By joining
Finalists Named in PPG Hot Wheels Spectraflame Paint Your Ride Contest
PPG has announced the 12 finalists in the 2008 PPG Hot Wheels Spectraflame Paint Your Ride Contest. Contestants included custom painters, car builders and hot rod enthusiasts who created original paint schemes for their vehicles using any of the 12 colors from the PPG Vibrance Collection Hot Wheels Spectraflame paint. The co-branded line features colors
Multistate Organization Considers Waterborne Paint Policy
The Ozone Transportation Committee (OTC) held its annual meeting last week to discuss upcoming initiatives for 2008-2009. During the meeting, OTC members referenced the new CARB Suggested Control Measure (SCM) for Automotive Coatings and made plans to consider the rule and its possible implementation in the OTC member states. The OTC is a multistate organization