March Taylor Memorial Fund Grows with Fundraising Projects
The March Taylor Memorial Fund (MTMF) extended its thanks to the many companies and individuals who have donated to its collision industry scholarship fund. To date, more than $80,000 has been contributed to the MTMF, with many pledges and donations yet to be received, the foundation announced. Two recent fundraising events contributed in excess of
NABC Asks Industry to Support ‘Cash for Clunkers’
The “Cash for Clunkers” proposal – a plan for a national incentive program through the Department of Energy for voluntary retirement of vehicles that aren’t fuel-efficient – was removed from the Senate’s economic stimulus plan this week. Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the National Auto Body Council (NABC), believes that "Cash for Clunkers" is vital
Laser in on Measuring
Would you construct a new home on a foundation built on a fault line? What about a foundation made from recycled milk cartons or popsicle sticks? If you answered “no” to these questions (and hopefully you did), then ask yourself why a technician would repair a damaged vehicle without first knowing that the frame was structurally sound and in proper alignment?
Repairers Say Detroit Three’s Troubles Could Affect Parts Pricing, Availability
With record losses, restructuring in progress, government bailouts and hundreds of dealerships closing across the United States, the Detroit Three automakers – Ford, Chrysler and GM – are far from in the black these days, and it’s having a trickle-down effect on everyone connected to them, including collision repairers. Repairers Jeanne Silver and Neal Cummings
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.
Freeze Frame
Over the last 50 years or so, frame machines have evolved from basic garage-built machines to high-tech modern marvels.
Car-Part.com Says Service Keeps Improving
Car-Part.com, a management system and online service for auto parts recyclers, has announced several improvements to its services on the heels of the fifth anniversary of its acquisition of the Checkmate management system. Car-Part says it recently formed a Checkmate features group, built Checkmate add-on products that simplify recyclers’ workflow, enhanced interchange, grown Checkmate to
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
Insurance Group Testifies Against Setting Labor Rates at Final Massachusetts Hearing
The special commission studying the logistics, benefits and cost of developing an auto body repair labor rate system in Massachusetts held its second and final public hearing Nov. 13. The American Insurance Association (AIA) testified at the hearing that setting labor rates would be “a major step backwards in the effort to reform the private
Shop Intern’s Skills to be Spotlighted in TV Documentary
An 18-year-old Pennsylvania shop intern is getting a double-dose of reality – valuable hands-on experience working in a restoration shop and a role as himself in an upcoming TV documentary on the National Geographic Channel. Steve Schwartz, a collision repair technology student at the Philadelphia-area Eastern Center for Arts and Technology, will be featured in