How Cloud Computing Affects Collision Repair
As the use of cloud computing has increased, so too have repairers’ concerns over how their data is being used. So how is it being used? And are repairers’ privacy concerns justified? We try to separate fact from fiction and see if the positives outweigh the negatives.
Sherwin-Williams A-Plus Network Holds Vision Conference
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes A-Plus Network recently held its annual Vision Conference at the Marriott Sawgrass resort in Jacksonville, Fla. The conference provided more than 90 leading collision facility owners and managers with world-class training, top industry speakers and group breakout sessions, all with a focus on succeeding in a difficult economic climate. “Collision facility owners
North State Custom Cleared of Fraud Charges in Case Vs. Progressive
The over five-year-long court battle between North State Custom and Progressive finally came to an end yesterday when the jury cleared the collision repair facility and its owner, Greg Coccaro, of fraud charges. "I’m so grateful that the jury was able to see through Progressive’s tactics and didn’t fall for the fairytale Progressive tried to
From the Field: PBE Jobbers Flocked to Phoenix for Business Education
Over 100 paint, body and equipment jobbers gathered in Phoenix, Ariz., April 28-29 for the annual Paint, Body & Equipment Specialists Spring Conference. The theme this year was “Boosting Your Bottom Line.” Attendees were treated to special presentations such as: • “Sales Mastery: How to Dominate Your Market in Any Economy” – Noah Rickun, BuyGitomer,
DuPont Announces World’s Most Popular Car Colors
DuPont announced that silver, black and white are the top colors in its first-ever ranking of worldwide vehicle color popularity. Now in its 57th year, the annual DuPont Global Automotive Color Popularity Report is the original and most authoritative source for automotive color popularity information and trends with detailed breakdowns for the top automotive markets
Zurich to Host Workplace Safety Roundtable for Collision Repairers
Property and casualty insurance provider Zurich announced that it will host a Health and Safety Roundtable open to all members of the collision repair industry. The Oct. 7 seminar will be held at Zurich’s North American headquarters in Schaumburg, Ill. and will offer attendees the opportunity to discuss safety challenges and share best practice solutions
Progressive Relationship Improving, Say Repairers at Midwest Collision Forum
The working relationship between Progressive and collision repairers is improving. At least that was the general consensus among repairers who attended the 4th Annual Midwest Collision Forum in Columbia, Mo. Chris Andreoli, corporate claims process manager for Progressive, addressed the insurer’s new claims initiative and other concerns. According to one observer, most participants seemed to
Hybrid Design Drives Up Repair Costs
Design changes by manufacturers of hybrid vehicles have driven up repair costs, according to the Winter 2009 edition of Audatex Directions, the industry trends publication released by Audatex North America Inc. Audatex vehicle and repair data shows that, on average in 2008, the Toyota Prius cost 8.4 percent more to repair than gasoline-powered economy
Picking a PBE Jobber
Some body shops select their PBE jobbers based on price alone, but that can cost them much more than they save in the long run. They should also consider service and the jobber’s commitment to forming a profitable partnership.
Collision Repair Market Grows 5 Percent to $41.5 Billion in 2007
Total collision repair industry sales grew 5 percent from 2006 to 2007 and currently stand at $41.5 billion, according to the 2008 Collision Repair Trends: Industry Statistics Analysis published by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Independent paint and body repair shops accounted for more than half of the collision repair market at $23.5 billion.