New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ-MVC) Chief Administrator Raymond Martinez touched upon the controversial mobile body shop issue in front of nearly 100 automotive repairers and industry supporters at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel of Clark for the Alliance of Automotive Service
Providers of New Jersey’s (AASP/NJ) annual membership meeting held Oct. 28.
AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant presented Martinez with a book detailing the large number of mobile collision repair providers that aren’t regulated under state law, as well as some common
misconceptions about the collision repair business in general.
“On this and so many other issues, communication is key,” Martinez said. “We need input from industry members, whether you’re telling
us, ‘You need to change this, and here’s why,’ or ‘Don’t change this,
and here’s why.’ This [book] will be very helpful in learning more about
this issue.”
One industry member spoke out on the hypocrisy of mobile shops currently operating in his own neighborhood.
“I recycle everything in my shop, down to the fluorescent tubing,” he said. “I’m doing things the right way, and I look outside, and there’s a guy spraying [paint] into the open air.”
Replied Martinez, "I’ll be honest with you – I’ve never seen a [mobile auto body] operation going on. I would love to see one. I would be happy to go to some of your offices if we can arrange it. But this is what I’m talking about. You guys need to be my eyes and ears. You’re the reputable operators in the state who can say, ‘Look, there’s something going on right down the street,’ as you mentioned.
“It is my hope that tonight is the beginning of a long relationship
[with AASP/NJ members]. We need to keep the lines of
communication open in this relationship; that is ultimately what will
benefit our state’s drivers the most.”
Martinez’s presentation was followed by the New Jersey Green Auto Repair Program (NJGARP)
presenting an award to T. Masters Collision and Service Center of Hammonton for being the first official “green” collision repair facility in the state.
Other awards included the New Jersey Automotive/Stan Wilson Body Shop of the Year award (presented to Peters Body & Fender of Oakland), the NJA Mechanical Shop of the Year award (presented to Sadowski Shell of Lyndhurst), and the AASP/NJ Russ Robson Memorial Scholarship (presented to Dylon Tallman).
“Every year, we try to provide attendees with a well-rounded experience at our annual meeting, no matter what part of the industry they represent,” says AASP/NJ President Jeff McDowell. “This year’s event was packed with informative updates about the industry, and the highly-anticipated address by Mr. Martinez did not disappoint. We were also able to honor some of the most outstanding shops in the state as well as one very deserving auto repair student. I’m certain that there was truly something for everyone at this year’s annual meeting.”
More information:
AASP/NJ Taking Aim at Unlicensed Mobile Repairers in New Jersey
