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.
Transtar Names New VP of Sales
Michigan-based Transtar Autobody Technologies announced the hiring of its new vice president of sales, Gregory Stohr. Stohr worked for 3M Company’s automotive aftermarket division in various sales and marketing positions for 24 years, most recently as sales director. “We are very pleased to have someone with Greg’s industry knowledge and experience joining our organization,” said
SodaBlast Systems Partners With Tools USA
MMLJ, manufacturer of SodaBlast Systems, has announced that it’s partnering with Tools USA/Standard Tools, a national distributor of auto body tools and supplies. The Tools USA Web site (www.toolsusa.com) specializes in PBE supplies and equipment and sells directly to over 100,000 body shops, auto repair, restoration enthusiasts and industrial customers throughout the world. By joining
LORD Corp. Receives 2007 Vendor of Year Award from I.A.M.G.
LORD Corporation – maker of Fusor Automotive Repair Adhesives – was recently named 2007 Vendor of the Year by The International Autobody Marketing Group (I.A.M.G.), a national association of PBE warehouse distributors throughout the United States and Canada. According to Erika Brower, I.A.M.G. operations manager, the award is presented to one successful business partner
Talking to Body Shops that Have Made Waterborne Conversion
A check in with body shops on their progress in transitioning to waterborne paint reveals no major problems…as long as paint manufacturers’ guidelines are strictly adhered to.
Lobby to Win
Here’s some advice from a seasoned lobbyist on how to get your legislators’ attention and increase your chance of getting hard-hitting laws passed.
Be Prepared to Paint
I call them ‘Boy Scouts’ – painters who are prepared and do the job right the first time. Here are some tips to make sure you don’t have to do the job over for free.
Change is in the Air: Solvent-Based Paint to Waterborne Paint
Sooner, rather than later, it’s predicted the industry will transition from solvent-based paint to waterborne paint. And, as would be expected, there will be the usual amount of resistance and backlash. However, many in the industry are already embracing waterborne technology, whether forced by government regulation or of their own volition, and these pacesetters will
Make Way for Waterborne
The use of waterborne paint by body shops will soon be mandated in California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District. The technology is likely to reach everyone some day, so here’s what you need to know.
Perplexed by Paint
Turns out this topic is much like the famous Bill Clinton quote: “It depends on what the meaning of is, is.” Paint brand popularity and exact market share are touchy subjects among the refinish paint companies. No one wants to be quoted in print as having less market share than the next guy, and there’s