Deer Hits Increase 18 Percent in Five Years
Deer-vehicle collisions happen every 26 seconds in the U.S., and the number of hits is on the rise, according to State Farm claims data. The increasing likelihood of hitting a deer provides collision repairers with an opportunity to educate their customers about avoiding such collisions. The insurer estimates that 2.4 million collisions between deer and
PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE: Squeeze or Be Squeezed
I recently had the opportunity to speak to 250 top shops from across the United States about today’s business environment. To prepare for the presentation, I had Babcox Research survey shops about how business was going this year. While my presentation was centered on customer satisfaction, the research highlighted a trend in our industry that’s
TECH TIPS: 2006 Ford F-150, Lincoln Mark LT Cab Side Sectioning
To section or not to section, and where to section – these are the questions we all deal with each day when developing a repair plan for today’s Vehicles. Manufacturers will often publish or update procedures that involve sectioning, welding locations, corrosion protection or recommended equipment for properly repairing and evaluating these vehicles. Throughout our
Celette Appoints New Head of North American Operations
As part of an international corporate restructuring, Celette has appointed Matthias Larisch of Elektron, Inc., as general manager of Celette. The Equinox Group, which also owns Celette, purchased Elektron-Bremen Elektrotechnik GmbH, on July 1, 2009. Larisch is president of North American operations for Elektron, which manufactures spot welders and other equipment for the auto body
Consumer Group Says A.B. 1200 Would Allow ‘Hard Sell’ of DRPs
Non-partisan consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog says it’s asking California Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) to amend A.B. 1200, which would amend the state insurance code’s anti-steering statute to allow insurers to discuss policy "benefits" any time during the claims process, wording many believe will allow for steering. The bill has been passed by the Assembly
STRANGE BUT TRUE: Apple Co-Founder is Body Shop Spokesman
Apple co-founder and gazillionaire Steve Wozniak – the bearded, roly-poly, one-time “Dancin’ with the Stars” contestant – sells more than just iPhones and computers…he’s also selling the services of Car West Auto Body. Apparently, Wozniak has a penchant for denting his fleet of Toyota Priuses and is a frequent client of the Danville, Calif.-based chain of six shops,
PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE: Come In, the Water’s Great!
Judging by the above headline, I’m sure you can guess that my column this month is about the upcoming 2009 BodyShop Business Waterborne Conference (Aug. 13-14). This is an exciting initiative, and we here at BSB are looking forward to playing host to those of you who decide to join us. This will be the
TECH FEATURE: Brazing is Back
With its small heat affect zone (HAZ), MIG brazing has become the procedure of choice when recommended for high-strength steels.
Pre-Made TV Ads for Body Shops
Insurance steering takes a literal turn in the latest TV commercial, “Power Steering,” by PreFab Ads. This the 11th professionally made TV spot now available for licensing to independent collision repair shops on an exclusive-by-territory basis. Ads available for viewing online. Visit www.prefabads.com or call (415) 391-5030.
Aluminum Repair Station
The latest innovation from Dent Fix turns any shop into an aluminum repair station. The DF-900 Alu-Spot is a complete aluminum repair system, with everything you need included within the tool cart. The capacitor discharge welder is grounded at the gun weld tip, so no separate ground cable is needed. Pull creases, dings and dents
