Ford to Add Rear Inflatable Seat Belts to More Vehicles
Ford has announced that the rear inflatable seat belts it introduced on the new Ford Explorer will also be available on next year’s Ford Flex and Lincoln vehicles. "This advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more
CAPA Applauds California Senate Action on Airbag Measure
The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) congratulated the California Senate for its leadership in the recent passing of Senate Bill 869. This measure, introduced by Sen. Leland Yee and co-sponsored by both the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) and CAPA, would require that airbags be returned to their original operating condition when replaced during collision
CCC Information Services Gauges Effect of Japanese Tragedy on Automotive Market
CCC Information Services, Inc., has released a report written by Lead Industry Analyst Susanna Gotsch discussing the impact of the Japanese tragedy on the automotive claims market: Industry Report: The Impact of the Japan Tragedy on the Auto Claims and Collision Repair Industry The devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami on March 11 destroyed huge swathes
Antitrust, Lawsuits, Labor Rates and More Discussed at Northeast Forum
Representatives of various state associations met at the Meadowlands Exposition Center on March 18 in Secaucus, New Jersey to update the collision repair industry on various legal and legislative goings-on in their respective states. California I-CAR Southwest Regional Manager Gene Lopez talked about how OSHA is cracking down on shops in the Golden State. In
ABPA Goes Over Results of Crash Test at CIC
The Automotive Body Parts Association went over the results of its December 2010 laboratory crash test at the Collision Industry Conference in Secaucus, New Jersey on March 17, stating that the test proves that aftermarket crash parts are safe. The CIC presentation was called, "The Truth About Aftermarket Parts: A Scientific Assessment," and was given
Writing More Accurate Estimates
In my experience, the No. 1 reason for a vehicle not being delivered on time is usually something related to parts. I’m going to share some helpful websites that you might consider using to write a more accurate estimate.
Maryland Considering Bill Banning Salvaged Airbag Installation
A bill prohibiting the installation of salvaged airbags, S.B. 48, is being considered by the Maryland Senate. The bill also prohibits the fraudulent sale or installation of airbags and requires specified records to be maintained in connection with the sale or installation of airbags. The Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) says it supports the
Bill Calling for Greater Vehicle Damage Disclosure Introduced in Congress
U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, has introduced H.R. 164 directing the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require greater disclosure of information relating to the market value and safety of damaged motor vehicles. The bill has been
Auto Body Frame Machine Purchasing Tips
Frame machines come in all shapes, sizes and capabilities. The more you know about them, the better buying decisions you can make.
Diamond Standard Brand Enters into Consulting Agreement with Airbag Deployment Expert
The Diamond Standard Brand Group has announced it has entered a consulting agreement with Dr. David Breed, considered an expert on airbag system development, performance and deployment. Breed holds several engineering degrees from MIT and a Ph.D. from Columbia University in mechanical engineering. He is the recipient of the H.H. Bliss Award as one of