I-CAR Extends Early Bird Registration for 2011 Industry Event
I-CAR has announced that early bird registration for its 2011 I-CAR Industry Event, themed “Technology & Education – Achieving New Heights,” has been extended until June 7. Early bird registration is $195 and will increase to $245 beginning June 8. The event will be held July 19-21 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Sheraton
Vehicle Disclosure, Replacement Crash Parts Consent Made a Priority by ASA Collision Leaders on Capitol Hill
Automotive Service Association (ASA) collision leaders included vehicle disclosure legislation and replacement crash parts notice and consent among top issues discussed recently on Capitol Hill. ASA members expressed support for H.R. 164, the “Damaged Vehicle Information Act,” proposed by U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight
Matrix System Unveils AccuShade Mobile for iPhone with Formulas and More On the Go
Matrix System Automotive Finishes has gone mobile with a new iPhone application to complement its current online AccuShade color retrieval system, the company announced. Matrix says that AccuShade Mobile makes it easier and faster for customers to search for color codes and formulas using Wi-Fi or 3g/4g enabled devices. Matrix System says it has developed
Georgia Auto Repair Tax Bill Still Alive
Georgia H.B. 388, which aims to create a sales tax on services of many small businesses, is still alive in the Georgia Legislature. The bill would place additional tax burdens on automotive maintenance, repair, auto body repair, equipment installation services, brake repair, oil changes, motor tune-ups, and engine repair and replacement, among others, according to
Safelite Auto Glass Joins NABC as a Diamond Level Member
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) announced that Safelite AutoGlass has stepped forward to become a Diamond Level Member, the highest level of NABC corporate sponsorship. Because it is the nation’s leading provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement services, as well as the largest exclusively domestic producer of windshields for the vehicle glass
ASA Leaders Discuss New Auto Refinishing Regulation with EPA Compliance Officials
Automotive Service Association (ASA) collision leaders met recently with top U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Compliance officials to discuss the EPA automotive refinishing regulation. In addition, ASA members briefed members of Congress on the new paint regulation during visits on Capitol Hill. ASA supports the EPA auto refinishing regulation but has been concerned
Allstate to Buy Esurance, Answer Financial
The Allstate Corporation today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd., in which Allstate will purchase Esurance and Answer Financial for about $1 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the fall. "Consumers today expect to have their specific needs met by their insurance companies. Our
John Mattos Memorial Tool Scholarship Awards Maryland Student
The Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) announced that the John Mattos Memorial Tool Scholarship — through the Jerry Dalton Memorial Education Fund — has awarded the 2010 recipient Ryan Faurot with his new tools, just as the opening of the 2011 application process begins. "The tools will help me a lot because I
Infinity Insurance Apologizes to Florida Body Shop for Disparaging Comments
Infinity Insurance has apologized to a Florida body shop for comments made by one of the insurer’s claims persons to one of the shop’s customers. The comments were aimed at Gunder’s Auto Center in Lakeland, Fla., recorded by the customer and subsequently posted on Gunder’s website. Some of the things the claims person said were,
ASA Testifies at Texas Franchise Tax Law Hearing
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) testified before the House Ways and Means Committee of the Texas General Assembly in Austin, Texas, about an inequity in the current Texas Franchise Tax code. In her testimony, Denise Caspersen, ASA’s Collision Division manager, discussed the association’s support for Texas House Bill 429, a bill introduced by Rep. Allen