NABC Asks Industry to Support ‘Cash for Clunkers’
The “Cash for Clunkers” proposal – a plan for a national incentive program through the Department of Energy for voluntary retirement of vehicles that aren’t fuel-efficient – was removed from the Senate’s economic stimulus plan this week. Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the National Auto Body Council (NABC), believes that "Cash for Clunkers" is vital
Sherwin-Williams Offering Lean Training and Services
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corporation (SWAFC) is introducing EcoLean, a suite of training and services combining lean production and green business practices. SWAFC says EcoLean will help shops become more profitable through the reduction of waste. The program will include EcoLean training workshops, consulting services and a shop assessment. The soon-to-be released assessment is designed to
Who Will Weather 2009?
How do you feel about your business prospects in 2009? Well, I can tell you how some of you feel based on a recent survey we conducted. Approximately 39.1 percent of you said that you feel your business will be equal to what it was in 2008. 32.3 percent of you said business will be
Equipment Needed for Waterborne Conversion
Transitioning to waterborne basecoats will require obtaining new equipment and retrofitting some existing equipment. Are you prepared? Part 2 of a three-part series on waterborne paint.
CSi Complete Releases Position Statement on Competition
CSi Complete, a provider of customer satisfaction indexing (CSI) to collision repair, claims and other service industries, has released a position statement regarding competition in the customer satisfaction indexing field. The statement is as follows: CSi Complete, Customer Research, CynCast and Performance Feedback believe repair shops should have a choice in customer satisfaction vendors. We
Freeze Frame
Over the last 50 years or so, frame machines have evolved from basic garage-built machines to high-tech modern marvels.
OSHA Issues Final Rule on Personal Protective Equipment
The final rule on Clarification of Employers’ Duty to Provide Personal Protective Equipment and Train Each Employee was published Dec. 15. The rule revises OSHA standards to clarify that for employers to be in compliance, they must provide personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators, and hazards training for each employee covered by the standards.
Wisconsin Automotive Parts Association Backs Repair Clause Legislation
The Wisconsin Automotive Parts Association (WAPA) has joined the Quality Parts Coalition’s (QPC) effort to enact “repair clause” legislation championed by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) in the 110th Congress, which the QPC claims will secure the future of the American independent repair industry. The legislation would create an exemption for design patent infringement liability for
CCRE Says CIC Committee’s DRP Criteria Would Further Promote Steering
The Coalition for Collision Repair Excellence (CCRE) recently voiced its opposition to the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Fair Trade Practices committee’s proposed criteria for DRP reform, saying that DRPs “foster, support and promote insurer steering of repairable vehicles.” “Though the vast majority of collision repairers understand this, it seems that this simple concept remains lost
OSHA Issues Final Rule on Personal Protective Equipment
The final rule on Clarification of Employers’ Duty to Provide Personal Protective Equipment and Train Each Employee was published Dec. 15. The rule revises OSHA standards to clarify that for employers to be in compliance, they must provide personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators, and hazards training for each employee covered by the standards.