DCR Systems and Summit Software Solutions Extend Relationship to Proprietary Development
Mentor, Ohio-based DCR Systems has entered into a long-term business agreement with Summit Software Solutions, Inc. DCR Systems will utilize Summit Software’s shop and network management technologies in all existing and future DCR and DCR licensee locations, while Summit Software will develop proprietary software and technology solutions for DCR’s patent-pending collision repair operating model. “Summit
Small Cars Make Big Safety Improvements for 2009
Thanks to improvements like standard side airbags, small cars are becoming better equipped to protect motorists in serious crashes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which has released its 2009 Top Safety Picks. “Automakers have made big improvements to small cars to better protect people in frontal crashes,” said Joe Nolan, IIHS
Expansion Shuts Down One Shop, Keeps Another Going During Recession
Tulsa, Okla., collision repair facility Trinity Restoration closed its south Tulsa store due to the recession and over-expansion, according to owner David Miller. Trinity will keep its restoration shop open but will close its collision and mechanical operations along with an Orange County Choppers dealership. The $4 million, 25,000-square-foot south Tulsa shop, which opened in
Crashless Cars and Driverless Vehicles Not Far Off, Say Experts
The subject of crashless cars and driverless vehicles once again took the spotlight in a recent Scientific American magazine article, with the observation that collision avoidance technology is beginning to migrate to lower-cost cars and trucks. The next development in this technology, the article says, is automated braking assistance, which many believe will be the
Mercedes Signs NASTF Service Information Standards Agreement
The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) announced that Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC has signed the NASTF Service Information Standards Agreement, joining 13 other auto manufacturers agreeing to make service and training information and tools accessible to all vehicle repairers on an equal basis. Much of the standards embody the practices that have been in place
ASE & NATEF Announce Officers for 2009
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) have announced the officers for their boards of directors for 2009. ASE named Joe Torchiana, One Stop Tire & Auto Service, Inc., West Chester, Pa., its chair. John Pfennig of Navistar, Warrenville, Ill., is vice-chair; Barry Bronson of Valvoline,
ABRA Opens Fourth Repair Center in South Dakota
Minneapolis-based ABRA Auto Body & Glass announced the opening of its newest franchise in Watertown, South Dakota. This repair center, formerly known as Sharp Collision Center, is the 23rd franchise operating under the ABRA brand. Doug Sharp, owner of Sharp Automotive, will continue as the owner/operator of ABRA-Watertown. “We have had a great team in
CAR-O-LINER Enters Operating Agreement with DCR Systems
CAR-O-LINER Company and Mentor, Ohio-based DCR Systems, which offers turnkey collision repair facility operations to dealerships, signed a long-term global business partner operating agreement during NACE 2008. Under this agreement, CAR-O-LINER Company, with its 26 distributor locations in North America, will work closely with DCR Systems by supplying and installing CAR-O-LINER collision repair systems in
Out With Estimating!
Estimating has no value whatsoever to the customer, so by definition it is
waste. Plus, it gives birth to almost every other kind of waste in the collision
repair process. So the logical thing to do is…get rid of it!
Rentals to the Rescue?
Renting your own vehicles may be the answer to shoring up your bottom line. At the very least, it allows you to take more control of your customer’s experience.
