I-CAR Announces 2009 International Board of Directors
I-CAR announced its 2009 International board of directors and executive committee following the I-CAR Annual Membership Meeting in Hoffman Estates, Ill. The 2009 executive committee consists of: Chairman Tom Moreland, AkzoNobel; Vice Chairman Mike Schoonover, Schoonover Bodyworks Inc. for Automotive Service Association (ASA); Secretary Bill Stage, AkzoNobel; Treasurer Elise Quadrozzi, Crawford & Company; Immediate Past
Legislative Lowdown
Federal – The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) met with the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) and other insurance industry participants on Nov. 20 in Washington, D.C., to discuss preserving the availability of aftermarket crash parts. PCI, along with the Quality Parts Coalition (QPC) and other groups, are concerned about a growing number
COVER STORY: The New DRP
Without significant changes to current direct-repair programs, all parties involved are stuck with a system that has become a fertile garden for corruption, abuse, extortion and inefficiency.
A History of Automotive Finishes
Waterborne paint took many years to develop. Let’s take a look back at the very first refinish coatings and the events that occurred to lead to its development. Part 1 of a 3-part series.
Insurance Groups to Continue Opposing Federal Regulation in ’09
The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) applauded three groups for their renewed commitment to oppose federal regulation of insurance and cited the meltdown of the U.S. financial sector as a reason to leave insurers under state regulation. The National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) has announced plans to hold a summit of state
Michigan Bill Banning Insurer-Owned Shops Passes House
Michigan’s insurer-owned repair shop legislation (H.B. 4778) has passed the House of Representatives. The bill, introduced in May 2007, would ban insurance companies from owning repair facilities in Michigan. The legislation would also prohibit insurers from developing a list of preferred shops or in any other way conveying to an insured information regarding which repair
Shop Owner Takes Anti-Steering Message on the Road
Nathan Simmons, co-owner of C and C Collision in Pasadena, Calif., may not have the advertising budget of a big insurance company, but his message has a captive audience every time he goes for a drive. Simmons recently customized his white pick-up truck with the attention-grabbing question, “Got steered?” in large letters on the truck’s
Database Enhancement Gateway Seeks New Administrator
The Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) is seeking candidates interested in providing administrative services for the organization. The position opened when current administrator Aaron Schulenburg accepted a position as executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). The DEG is a joint initiative developed by the three largest national collision repair trade associations, the
SCRS Hires New Executive Director
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has hired Aaron Schulenburg as its executive director, filling the position left vacant by Dan Risley in August. The SCRS believes Schulenburg’s combined experience in collision repair businesses, associations and interindustry relations will be a great asset for the association and its affiliates. Schulenburg currently serves as the
Legislative Lowdown
California – The California Autobody Association (CAA) announced that it supports the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) performing a survey of the automotive repair industry that would include labor rates. The Collision Repair Association of California (CRA), however, opposes the BAR’s inclusion of labor rates in its survey. The CRA opposes the survey because of