Northeastern July 2015 Issue

Northeastern Edition New York Delaware New Jersey Pennsylvania

Maryland Connecticut Rhode Island Massachusetts

33

YEARS

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NACE | CARS Announces Detroit Destination & Technical Tours for July 22–25, 2015 NACE | CARS announced details for the destination tours in Detroit for 2015. These tours have been organized to provide attendees with the opportunity to visit some of Detroit’s historical venues, as well as gain firsthand insight into the original automotive plants through both docent guided and self-guided tours.

The tours will take place throughout the week during NACE | CARS. Interested parties must pre-register through the NACE | CARS registration process. All are available, with limited capacity. Charter buses will be provided from the COBO Center to

take attendees to and from the tours.

NACE | CARS Destination Tours feature nine unique oppotunities in 2015: Ford Rogue Factory Tour (F-150): This tour will put you in the center of the manufacturing of the new military grade aluminum-alloy bodied Ford F150, including an opportunity to view the final assembly process from an elevated walkway. You will view the latest Ford technology, their “living roof,” and experience the Manufacturing Innovation Theater. The tour includes admission and guided tour

U.S. District Judge in FL Recommends Dismissing Complaints Without Prejudice in Multi-District Lawsuit

See MDL Recommends, Page 70

P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018

In the Multi-District Lawsuit involving more than 500 repair shops across the country, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Smith recommended in June that the antirust complaints filed against the nation’s top insurers be dismissed without prejudice. Eaves Law Firm, the lead attorneys for the Plantiffs, is able to file amended complaints by June 30.

Autobody News spoke to Allison Fry at Eaves Law Firm, based in Jackson, MS, to find out how this development will affect the case.

Fry, the litigation director and designated plaintiffs’ liaison counsel, said that in certain instances a district court judge, the trial court judge in the federal system, is permitted to send certain motions to the magistrate judge for what is essentially a “first look.” After reviewing the motion, the judge will prepare a legal opinion on whether or not the motions have merit and whether they should be granted or denied.

U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell asked Magistrate Judge Smith to prepare what is known as a “Report and

Change Service Requested

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Willets Point, NYC Body Shops Not Budging:

Asking the City for More Time to Move to Bronx after June 1

by Cristina Schreil, Queens Chronicle

A group of body shop owners represented by the Sunrise Cooperative—

See NACE CARS Tours, Page 6

Other NACE | CARS Previews... p. 22, 44, 63, 67

VOL. 6 ISSUE 4 JULY 2015

Willets Point body shop workers vowed to go on a hunger strike until they are able to relocate to their new space in the Bronx. Photo credit: Cristina Schreil

who settled a longstanding lawsuit with the developers of the Willets Point project in March—said at a demonstration on June 1 that, despite signing an agreement saying they would leave

by June 1, they’re not budging.

They and their workers, who held signs asking Mayor de Blasio for more time, vowed to go on a hunger strike until plans they say the city hasn’t moved on are approved.

Sunrise leaders said at a press conference at JAC Global Corp. on 37th Avenue that they want three or four more months to conduct business while their new site, at 1080 Leggett Ave. in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx, is approved, fully constructed and made ready to be moved into.

Marco Neira, president of SunSee Willets Point, Page 10

CARSTAR Holds its Largest MSO Network Event

sessions, panel discussions, vendor partner networking events, motivational speakers and an insurance industry forum.

CARSTAR CEO David Byers shared the company’s financial performance for the year, and detailed the corporate and store-level programs.

The company previously announced that it finished the first quarter of 2015 with revenue of $195.6 million. Last year, CARSTAR delivered North American revenue of $712 million, up nearly 10 percent from $649 million in 2013, a record for the company. It also reported same Kim Carrington, Vagabond Development for CARSTAR store sales growth of 12.5 perAuto Body Repair Experts, and Melissa Miller, National Director of Operations for CARSTAR Corporate, pose in cent for the first quarter, after front of their booth ending 2014 up 11.3 percent It opened with an awards presen- over the previous year.

“We are on the right track for tation on June 13 to recognize the topperforming franchisees, then shifted continued strong performance, and gears to focus on strategic planning, confident that our key growth initiaSee CARSTAR, Page 21 management and technical education

CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts held its 26th annual conference in San Diego, CA, June 13–16. Themed “Gaining the Edge,” the collision repair industry’s largest MSO event was at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort.

Presorted Standard US Postage PAID San Bernardino, CA Permit #2244

2 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

COLUMNISTS Attanasio - Get Old School Again with Time-Proven Business Networking. . . . . . . . 40 Attanasio - New System Helps Shops to Get Reimbursed for PLIOGRIP® Adhesive Usage . . 54 Attanasio - The Do’s and Don’t’s of Body Shop Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Chess - A Closer Look at New Generation of Pulsed Aluminum MIG Welders . . . . . . . . 56 Franklin - How To Hire The Best Bodyshop Marketing People. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Luehr - A Better Way to Measure Cycle Time . . 38 Yoswick - Historical Snapshot: 1995 CIC Survey, CARA Files Chapter 11, 2005 Non-OEM Crash Parts, Select Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Yoswick - Insurers, PartsTrader and CAPA Share News and Views at Non-OEM Parts Convention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

NATIONAL ABRA Auto Body & Glass Awards 10 Students with Tool Grants Through CREF . . . . . . . . . . 34 ASA Congratulates AudaExplore on Feather, Prime, Block Estimating Solution . . . . . . . . . 66 ASA Survey Measures OEM Service Info Website Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 CARS to Feature Expanded Mechanical Specialty and Technical Training . . . . . . . . . 67 CARSTAR Holds its Largest MSO Network Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 CCC Information Services and CREF Announce Winners of Annual Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . 66 CCC Introduces the CCC ONE® Appraisal Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Enterprise Rent-A-Car is Now CARSTAR’s Preferred Provider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 GM to Invest $1.2 Billion in Full-Size Truck Plant in Fort Wayne, IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Italian-based Company Symach Offers North American Body Shops New Products & Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Major Paint Companies Will Color-up NACE | CARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Mike Anderson Explains How Learning an Employee’s “Love Language” Can Benefit Your Business at CARSTAR Event in CA . . . . 18 Mycrsmanager Management Software System Usable Over Smartphone Devices . . . . . . . . 24 NACE | CARS Announces Detroit Destination & Technical Tours for July 22–25, 2015 . . . . 1 NACE | CARS Makes 2014 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 NACE | CARS to Support Breast Cancer Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 New I-CAR Weld Demo Held at Marina Auto Body in CA With MIG Pulsed Aluminum Welders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 New Martin Senour’s PCC® 2.8 VOC Factory Packaged Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 PPG Industries Foundation Awards Student Scholarships through CREF . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Redesigned Automotive Lift Institute Website Houses Certified Lift and Inspector Directories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Rick Leos of Toyota and Nathan Sellers of Mitchell—Some Startling Predictions for 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Ron Perretta to Lead Innovative Coating Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 The Carlyle Group Closes Acquisition of NARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 U.S. District Judge in FL Recommends Dismissing Complaints Without Prejudice in Multi-District Lawsuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 U.S. House Committee Addresses Auto Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 U.S. House Subcommittee Addresses Aging Postal Fleet and Efficiency of Government Repair Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 U.S. Senate Committee Examines EPA’s Proposed Air Quality Standards . . . . . . . . . . 64 Valspar Plans to Strengthen Quest’s Brands After Acquiring Their Performance Coatings Businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

for the vehicles to be transported to New Jersey, where he resold a number of them in cash sales to unsuspecting buyers.

“This con artist sold storm-damaged vehicles to unsuspecting buyers and financed his crooked venture entirely with bad checks,” said Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman.

“We’ve put him in prison where he no longer can steal from legitimate car dealers or put consumers at risk by selling potentially dangerous cars.”

“Hutcheson audaciously wrote hundreds of thousands of dollars in bad checks to this online auction company and sold car purchasers some high-end lemons, but his greed ultimately caught up with him,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “By cracking down on white collar crime, we protect both businesses and consumers.”

Hutcheson was arrested by detectives of the Division of Criminal Justice on May 13, 2014, on charges of theft by deception and identity theft.

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Assistant Editor: Stacey Phillips Online Editor: Victoria Antonelli Contributing Writers: Tom Franklin, David Brown, John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman, Bill Doyle, Norman Morano (800) 699-8251 Sales Assistant: Louise Tedesco Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia

Acura of Westchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Amato Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Atlantic Hyundai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . 61 Axalta Coating Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Bald Hill Chrysler-Jeep-DodgeRam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 BASF Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Baystate Chrysler-Jeep-DodgeRam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . 52-53 Car-Part.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 CarcoonAmerica Airflow Systems . . . . 46 Central Avenue Chrysler-JeepDodge-Ram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Cherry Hill Audi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Cherry Hill Porsche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Cherry Hill Volkswagen . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Clay Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Coleman Autobody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Colours, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Diamond Standard Parts, Inc . . . . . . . 17 Ditschman/Flemington Auto Group . . . . 25 Dover Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep . . . . . . . . 13 Eco Repair Systems of North America, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Empire Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Equalizer Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Fairfield Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram . . . . 35 Fitzgerald’s Lakeforest HyundaiSubaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . 54 Fred Beans Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Fuccillo Kia of Schenectady . . . . . . . . 29 Gary Rome Hyundai-Kia . . . . . . . . . . . 38 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . 55 H & S Autoshot Mfg. Co. . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 59

Serving New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and adjacent metro areas. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry.

Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2015 Adamantine Media LLC. Autobody News P.O. Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018 (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com Email: news@autobodynews.com

Northeast

REGIONAL Alan’s Collision in Philly Has Post-Repair Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 ASA-CT Holds Kickoff Banquet . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Auction Shopper Uses Bad Checks to Pay for 19 Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Automotive Students in Downingtown, PA, Helped Refurbish Vehicles for Veterans . . . . . 4 Benefit to Help Drag Racer Rick Riccardi in Tom’s River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Body Shop Owner Made Medical Center Board Member . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Body Shop Thief Gets Sentencing Offer Judge Calls Extraordinary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Burglar Steals Car to Flee Auto-Repair Shop in Lumberton, NC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Car Show Rolls Into Langhorne on June 20; Owners to Bring their Automotive Gems to Town. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Carubba Collision Gives to Buffalo-Niagara Victory Award Scholarship Foundation . . . . . 22 CCTEC Students Paint Police Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 4 Earned Sick Time Notice to MA Employees

by July 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 East Boston Approves Site for Former Auto Body Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Former Nationwide Insurance Adjuster Convicted for Collecting $60,000 in False Claims . . . . . . 6 New Instructor for Urethane Supply Company’s I-CAR® Training Alliance Course® on Nitrogen Plastic Welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Reaches $135,000 Settlement with Auto Mall Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Precision Auto Works Earns I-CAR GOLD Status . 21 Quality Collision in PA Credits Success to Employees & Focus on Good Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sisk - ABAC Quarterly Meeting Features Presentation from SCRS Executive Director . . 32 Sisk - LIABRA’s May 19 Meeting Featured GM Hybrid and GM Structural Training . . . . . . . . 26 Southington ZBA Considering Auto Sales in CT. . 27 Willets Point Body Shops Not Budging . . . . . . . . 1 Yancey’s Auto Body in PA Takes First Place in Best of Lebanon Valley Paint/Autobody Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

A NJ man was sentenced to state prison on June 8 for using false identities and nearly $340,000 in counterfeit or bad checks to buy 19 cars from an online auto auction company.

Keith L. Hutcheson Jr., 27, of Newark, NJ, was sentenced to seven years in state prison. He pleaded guilty on April 21 to second-degree theft by deception and third-degree forgery. Hutcheson was required to enter a civil consent judgment to pay $212,000 in restitution to the auto auction company, Copart Inc. The company previously recovered a number of the vehicles, which reduced the amount of restitution owed.

The state’s investigation revealed that from September through December 2013, Hutcheson used the aliases of “Mark Hooper” and “Bassem Wallace” to purchase 19 cars online from Copart.com, including seven Mercedes Benz vehicles, a Porsche and a BMW. He paid for the cars with counterfeit or bad checks totaling $339,782, including a check for $199,023 for multiple vehicles that purportedly was issued by a car dealership. Many of the cars were salvage or storm-damaged vehicles. Hutcheson arranged

Indexof Advertisers

Contents

Auction Shopper Uses Bad Checks to Pay for 19 Vehicles

Imperial Ford-Chrysler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Infiniti of Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Koeppel VW-Mazda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Lexus Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . 60 Maxon Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Maxon Mazda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 67 Mercedes-Benz of Fort Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Mercedes-Benz of West Chester. . . . . 14 Mercedes-Benz of Wilmington . . . . . . 20 Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . 54 Mirka Abrasives, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 39 Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 63 Providence Lacquer & Supply Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Safety Regulation Strategies . . . . . . . . 40 SATA Spray Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Security Dodge-Chrysler-JeepRam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 33 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . 69 Tasca Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . . . 31 TBT Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Thompson Organization . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 62 Urethane Supply Company. . . . . . . . . 34 Valspar Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 VIP Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Volvo Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . 58 Wagner Auto Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Wheel Collision Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

East Boston Approves Site for Former Auto Body Shop

The Orient Heights Neighborhood Council voted 18-0 in favor of the scaled down version of the project being pitched for a contaminated autobody at 1181-1183 Bennington St. In their fourth meeting with the community the developers have been working to find a happy medium that addresses concerns of density, height and parking. The updated plan calls for 44 units of housing-down from 55 units. The site has caused much anxiety among East Boston’s environmental activists and the project presents perhaps the best chance to get it cleaned up. The site on Bennington Street houses the Auto Doctor, whose owner was fined $180,000 by Attorney General Martha Coakley for illegal dumping into the Belle Isle Marsh in 2012. At the Association meeting, developers Michael Patrick and Brian Hosker plan to buy the Auto Doctor at 1181 Bennington St. and an adjacent building at 1183 Bennington St. and combine the two lots into an 18,000 sq. ft. lot. Attorney for the developers, Richard Lynds, said past issues and issues with contamination of the site would have to be cleaned up before his clients take ownership of the Auto Doctor property.

Automotive Students in Downingtown, PA, Helped Refurbish Vehicles for Veterans

by Daily Local News Staff Reports

Students in the automotive collision technology program at the Technical College High School (TCHS) Brandywine and Pennock’s Bridge Campuses recently completed work on two refurbished vehicles to families in need donated as part of the Na-

Technical College High School (TCHS) Brandywine Campus students in the Automotive Collision Technology program restored two cars that were donated to veterans in need on May 9, 2015 as part of the Recycled Rides program. Photo credit: Daily Local News

tional Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program.

The mission of the Recycled Rides program is “to collaborate, to repair and donate vehicles to deserving individuals and service organizations in local communities throughout the country.” Since 2007, auto body and collision shops have worked with Recycled Rides to give away close to 1,000 cars.

CCTEC Students Paint Police Vehicle

Automotive students at Cumberland Technical Education Center do a pretty good job painting vehicles said an important client—the Bridgeton City Police Department. The department picked up their new 4x4 sport utility vehicle, which got a fresh paint job by 10 CCTEC students. As a gift from the Bridgeton Fire Department, the car is the Police Department’s

Bridgeton police Chief Mike Gaimari (left) and Detective Jason Hovermann pose with Cumberland Technical Education Center auto instructor Terry Dolbow and his students in front of the Police Department’s latest vehicle. Photo credit: Staff photo/Daniel J. Kov

newest vehicle, but the color red just had to go, said reporter Daniel Kov. “I think it’s beautiful,” city police Chief Mike Gaimari said. For Gaimari, getting local students to do a job normally reserved for professionals meant another chance to reach out to the community.

“One of my goals is to be more involved in the community,” he said. “When (the students) see this vehicle on the street, they

can say they painted it.” The SUV—a fourwheel-drive Ford Expedition—was acquired late last year with the hope of using it during inclement weather patrols and also as a vehicle for the forensics unit, Gaimari said. Having local students strip the vehicle’s red paint and fire insignia also saved money, Gaimari said. The paint job, which CCTEC auto body repair instructor Terry Dolbow’s two classes knocked out in a month, cost Bridgeton only $1,500. In the end, everyone benefited.

“The kids really did a great job,” Bridgeton Detective Jason Hovermann said. “And the more experience for (the students) is a benefit to everyone.”

Deerfield resident and CCTEC student Adrian Pinto said he felt proud to be part of a project that helped out local police.

“When we see this out on the streets, we can point at it and say we painted it,” the 18-year-old said.

Despite the day’s celebratory pickup, the scene marked one of the final days of the tech school’s auto body program.

CCTEC Assistant Superintendent Mario Olsen said the program would soon be phased out due to declining enrollment figures.

“We just haven’t received the type of numbers we envisioned,” Olsen said.

“We just can’t get the numbers.”

The auto body program dates back several decades, Olsen said.

4 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

This spring, students in the Auto Collision Technology program have gained experience by restoring a 2009 Toyota Avalon and a 2009 Mercury Mountaineer. The cars were donated to the program by GEICO Insurance. TCHS Brandywine and Pennock’s Bridge students worked with 3D Collision Centers and Keenan Auto Collision to repair the cars. The cars were then donated to United States Armed Services veterans who have fallen on hard times.

The first recipient, Christopher Fauntleroy, is a single father who served with the Army Special Services for 15 years.

He left the service to help care for his disabled mother. After moving to Phoenixville to raise his daughter, he has held steady employment, but has struggled to afford reliable transportation. Fauntleroy was recently was promoted at his job with a Sunoco Mini-Mart for his hard work. Fauntleroy’s daughter, an artist, plans to attend college.

“I have been helping her with college applications and taken her to visit Maryland Institute College of Art for a college visit and portfolio review,” said Kathy Bestwick, the Executive Director of the Phoenix Village Art Center, who nominated the family for this opportunity. “I want so much for both of them to be successful and for them to get the break they need to get back on their feet.”

The other Recycled Rides recipient is an Army veteran who was deployed a total of four times. He served three tours

of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He, too, works and resides in Chester County, but has struggled financially. His name was not released.

The vehicles were gifted at a ceremony on May 9, during the 2015 Auto Collision Experience (ACE) Spotlight held at TCHS Brandywine.

All of the Auto Collision Technology students at TCHS Brandywine and Pennock’s Bridge campuses helped to repair one of the two cars in preparation for the gifting ceremony. The Recycled Rides program was brought to TCHS by instructor Mark Serfass. He said his goal is to see this community program grow at more high schools where students can give back to others.

“This program is really special. One of the biggest gains for the school are the partnerships that develop from it,” Serfass said. “All of the TCHS instructors work with their students to not only teach them a trade, but to be a good community member and to give back. If we can teach this to 100 students and they teach the importance of giving to another 100 students, just think what that can do.”

The ACE Spotlight event featured demonstrations and workshops in addition to the Recycled Rides gifting ceremonies.

For more information about ACE Spotlight visit www.autocollisionexperience.org.

Autobody News thanks Daily Local News for permission to reprint this article.

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www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 5

Continued from Cover

NACE CARS Tours

with a docent.

■ Wednesday, July 22: Board 12:45pm - Depart 1:15pm - Return 5:00pm ■ Thursday, July 23: Board 8:45am - Depart 9:15am - Return 12:30pm

The Ford Piquette Plant Museum: This is the oldest auto plant open to the public in the world and is the birthplace of the Model T. This tour provides you with a one-of-a-kind experience at a truly historical plant, almost unchanged since Henry Ford and his team developed the car that led to an automotive and social revolution. The tour includes admission to the museum as well as a guided tour.

■ Wednesday, July 22: Board 1:00pm - Depart 1:30pm - Return 4:00pm ■ Saturday, July 25: Board 11:00am - Depart 11:30am - Return 2:00pm

The Henry Ford Museum: This museum is a destination that showcases American ideas and inventions, past and present, bringing them to life across an expansive space. The display of classic cars, trains, planes, and inventions sweeps across the museum’s nine acres. The tour includes admission to the museum for a selfguided tour.

■ Wednesday, July 22: Board 12:00pm

- Depart 12:30pm - Return 5:30pm ■ Saturday, July 25: Board 8:30am - Depart 9:00am - Return 3:30pm

General Motors Heritage Center: The GM North American Heritage Collection is made up of approximately 600 cars and trucks, reflecting industry firsts, technological experiments, concept cars, and significant race cars, as well as milestone production vehicles. The Center also houses a massive collection of archived documents and auto artifacts. The tour includes admission and an introduction by staff.

■ Friday, July 24: Board 9:00am Depart 9:30am - Return 12:30pm

Walter P. Chrysler Museum: Sponsored in part by Mopar, this can’t miss tour is guided and includes a lunch at the Viper Cafe on site. The museum covers 55,000-square-feet, featuring three floors of over 65 antique, custom, and concept vehicles interspersed with interactive displays and historical exhibits about Chrysler’s contributions to automotive design, technology and innovation, as well as their impact on American culture.

■ Wednesday, July 22: Board 11:30am - Depart 12:00pm - Return 4:00pm

This tour will begin with an introductory video and presentation, then guests will board motorized carts, which will transport everyone through the assembly area in a guided tour of the facility. The plant is home to every Chevrolet Volt ever manufactured, as well as many other models, including those from throughout the world, and the Cadillac ELR. ■ Friday, July 24: Board 7:30am Depart 8:00am - Return 11:00am

The Conner Avenue (Dodge Viper) Assembly Plant: This plant, originally opened to produce Champion spark plugs in 1966, has been used for smallscale specialty production since 1996, producing vehicles such as the Dodge Viper and Plymouth Prowler. The tour of this plant includes admission and a docent guide.

■ Wednesday, July 22: Board 12:00pm - Depart 12:30pm - Return 3:00pm ■ Friday, July 24: Board 7:00am - Depart 7:30am - Return 10:00am

The Yankee Air Museum: With admission and guided tour included, this museum allows you to experience military aviation history and view sky gi-

General Motors Detroit-Hamtramck (Chevy Volt) Assembly Plant:

ber 2013, Ort collected Visa debit cards as payments for those claims on 22 different occasions, keeping the cards for personal use. Ort used the company database to record that the cards had been sent to the policy holders themselves, but those policy holders were unaware of the scheme, according to the investigation.

“We all pay the price when people use positions of responsibility to abuse the system,” Attorney General Frosh said. “Our investigators did a great job getting to the bottom of this scheme.”

Ort had previously repaid most of the stolen funds to the insurance company.

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6 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Diamond Jack River Boat Cruise: This narrated cruise will allow you to see Detroit from a whole new perspective. This tour will allow you to learn about the city’s rich history from the Belle Isle on the Detroit River, the world’s busiest international waterway.

■ Saturday, July 25: Board 11:45am - Depart 12:15pm - Return 3:30pm Name badges are required to participate in the tours. Transportation will depart from (and return to) the COBO Center Atrium/Riverside entrance on Atwater Street. Please check in no later than 15 minutes prior each tour’s scheduled departure time. Attendees and exhibitors at NACE | CARS are encouraged to participate in the destination tours to experience the Motor City at its finest.

Further information about the tours can be found on the NACE | CARS website.

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Former Nationwide Insurance Adjuster Convicted for Collecting $60,000 in False Claims

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced on May 28 the conviction of a former Nationwide Insurance adjustor accused of stealing $60,000 in gift cards by doctoring documents to create false people and injuries and keeping the claims money for himself.

Joseph Paul Ort, 37, of Crofton, pleaded guilty to felony theft. He received a five-year sentence, all but four weekends of which was suspended, and was ordered to pay $1,500 in restitution. He also received five years of probation. A joint investigation by Office of the Attorney General and the Maryland Insurance Administration Insurance Fraud Division revealed that Ort regularly falsified documents while working as a claims adjustor in the Columbia office of Nationwide Insurance.

The investigation showed that Ort added fictitious people and injuries to legitimate claims, or increased the value of claims by adding fake injuries.

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Yancey’s Auto Body in PA Takes First Place in Best of Lebanon Valley Paint/Autobody Category

by Lee Dussinger, Lebanon Daily News

For the fifth year in a row, Lebanon Daily News readers picked Yancey’s Auto Body in PA as the first-place winner in the best paint/autobody shop category of the annual Best of the Lebanon Valley contest.

Mike Horst, an auto body technician at Yancey’s Auto Body, grinds down the spot welds as he works on a Volkswagen Jetta this week. Photo credit: Jeremy Long — Lebanon Daily News

Yancey’s Auto Body, located at 435 Ebenezer Road (Route 72) in North Lebanon Township, may face competition from large-scale, dealeraffiliated operations and from independent shops alike. Yet, the company wins, year in and year out.

“It makes me feel good to win be-

cause it means that everybody is happy with their work,” owner Robert Yancey Sr. said.

Yancey, who opened Yancey’s Auto Body in 1954, believes that it’s the people, the technicians who work on the cars, who make the difference. Unlike in other, newer shops, he said, at Yancey’s Auto Body one technician works on a car from start until finish.

“We try to give the people a good job. The guys are proud of what they do,” Yancey said. “When (a technician) is done with the job, he can stand back and be proud.”

This is a contrast to some other auto body shops that function more like an assembly line, Yancey said.

“Not many guys have the skills that my guys do,” Yancey said. “They finish it down to the last detail.”

Shop manager Garry Weiland also credits the shop’s success on the technicians. The least experienced employee at Yancey’s Auto Body has about 20 years of experience, he estimates.

Yancey’s Auto Body repairs approximately 100 cars a month, administrative secretary Deb Yeagley said.

The work ranges anywhere from the minor to the severe.

8 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Yancey has always enjoyed cars.

Before he opened the auto body shop, he worked in another body shop, and

Bryan Garrett, an auto body technician at Yancey’s Auto Body in Ebenezer, works on a Lexus GS 350 this week. Yancey’s place first in the best paint/autobody shop category of the Best of the Lebanon Valley contest. Photo credit: Jeremy Long — Lebanon Daily News

after work ended for the day, he would paint his friends cars for free from home using a Sears, Roebuck and Co. paint compressor, he said. His work kept him up late into the night, even

when he had a full day of work ahead of him, but he didn’t mind.

After opening his own shop, Yancey said he worked long hours doing the repairs himself and managing many of the office duties. Although he no longer repairs customers’ cars, he couldn’t surrender the work he loves entirely, so he occupies himself by fixing cars as a hobby and then selling them.

Yancey’s Auto Body is a family business, with Robert Sr. involving his sons Robert Jr. as an appraiser and Roger as the parts department manager. Weiland is also Robert Yancey Sr.’s son-in-law.

In recent years Yancey’s Auto Body has made attempts to go green by recycling cardboard and giving their scrap metal to local Boy Scouts, who recycle it as a fundraiser.

Thank you to Lebanon Daily News for permission to reprint this article.

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Alan’s Collision in Philly Has Post-Repair Inspection

Owners of Alan’s Collision Center, NE Philadelphia, have a new auto body post-repair inspection program to improve safety and reduce risk of poor collision repair.

As more and more body shops are getting squeezed with the increasing cost of repair equipment, tools, and labor, the vehicle owner may be getting sub-standard collision repair with use of salvaged parts and other short cuts. The Alan’s Collision Center auto body post-repair inspection program is simple in concept. The Alan’s Collision Center post-repair inspection program checks the quality of the collision repair and ensures drivers their vehicle is safe. “Quality auto body repair businesses are in high demand and short supply in Philadelphia,” said Jim Pfau, general manager of Alan’s Collision, NE Philadelphia.

Drivers can bring recently repaired vehicles to Alan’s Collision at 601 Red Lion Road in NE Philadelphia where an auto body professional will conduct a thorough visual review of the vehicle at no charge.

For more go to http://www.alans collision.net.

NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Reaches $135,000 Settlement with Auto Mall Hyundai Wayne Mazda and Wayne Auto Mall Hyundai (Bergen Auto Enterprises) has agreed to pay $135,000 to settle claims that the dealerships had engaged in unconscionable commercial practices and deceptive advertising practices in their advertisement and sale of new and used motor vehicles.

The Office of the New Jersey Attorney General and Division of Consumer Affairs filed suit in August 2014, alleging in its five-count complaint that Bergen Auto Enterprises had violated the Consumer Fraud Act and Motor Vehicle Advertising Regulations by engaging in “bait and switch” tactics by featuring motor vehicles in advertisements that were not actually available for purchase or lease. The dealerships also allegedly failed to disclose to customers that some used motor vehicles had previously been used as rental vehicles and/or had sustained significant prior damage.

“Purchasing a new or used motor vehicle can be a very intimidating process for consumers,” Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said.

“This settlement ensures that Bergen Auto Enterprises will make all appropriate disclosures in advertisements and otherwise.”

“The Division of Consumer Affairs will take action whenever allega-

tions of deceptive practices by auto dealerships are made,” said Steve Lee, Acting Director of the State Division of Consumer Affairs. “New Jersey’s consumers deserve honesty and full disclosure when dealing with these dealerships.”

As part of the settlement, Bergen Auto Enterprises must pay $135,000, which is comprised of a civil penalty of $109,595.45 and $25,404.54 for reimbursement of the State’s attorneys’ fees and costs. The settlement also includes a $50,000 suspended civil penalty, which will be vacated after one year if Bergen Auto Enterprises does not violate the terms of the Final Consent Judgment.

The terms of the Final Consent Judgment requires Bergen Auto Enterprises to:

Undertake a search using a vehicle history service, to discern the prior use (i.e., rental) of a used motor vehicle advertised and/or offered for sale and to determine whether the used motor vehicle has been in an accident or otherwise sustained damage. Such information must be disclosed to consumers prior to the purchase of the used motor vehicle.

In all advertisements of used motor vehicles, clearly and conspicuously disclose the prior use of the used motor vehicle, unless previously and exclusively owned or leased by individuals for their personal use; and further to clearly and conspicuously disclose whether a used motor vehicle had been previously damaged and that substantial repair or body work has been performed on it.

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Continued from Cover

Willets Point

rise, said that city Department of Buildings paperwork that would allow them to occupy the space has stalled and that city officials, namely de Blasio, have the power to expedite the process, but haven’t.

Neira asserted that while $2.9 million—a chunk of the $5.8 million promised to them in the settlement— has been used to pay the architect to file paperwork and pay for April, May and June’s rent, they still don’t have the proper permits.

“It’s money, then, that we’re wasting,” he said.

Luis Suarez, a pastor in the community, said the workers have known for a few weeks that they weren’t going to move out on time.

“If we had the CO, we’d move right now. It’s no problem,” Suarez added following the demonstration.

Pedro Estevez, president of the United Auto Merchants Association, said he’s an expert in licensing and permits and believes there is “stonewalling” from the DOB, which he claims is “in cahoots” with the Bronx borough gov-

ernment, which wants to “chase them out of the city.”

“The Mayor of New York had the authority to tell the Department of Buildings, give them a letter of no objection,” Estevez said. “But if you don’t give them their permits to bring this up to code, how are they going to do it? ...

We are hardworking people over here that deserve an opportunity to drive instead of strive.”

But the break in the agreement caused by not being vacated by June 1 could subject the cooperative to whatever penalties were agreed upon in March.

Neira also said that before the protest, representatives from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development came to collect the keys and were surprised to see that everything was still in place.

On June 2, a DOB spokesperson said that the department will assist where it can, but it’s Sunrise’s and its contractor’s responsibility to get the proper permits that will allow occupancy.

“The vacate date was set forth in the settlement agreement with Sunrise and was approved by the Comptroller, EDC’s Board, the Sunrise Coopera-

tive and each individual member business of the Sunrise Cooperative,” the spokesperson said in an email. “At present, Sunrise Cooperative has not taken several steps necessary to move forward at the new site, including filing the necessary application for permits, which is regrettable.”

DOB records show that the auto body owners must file an application to get an Alteration Type 1 permit, which would allow for the certificate of occupancy to go through. There is an ECB violation listed, but the spokesperson said that does not bar the owners from filing for the permit.

At the protest, the workers also called out City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst), who mediated the agreement between Sunrise Cooperative and the Queens Development Group, to help grant them more time.

“We are your neighbors, we are your neighborhood,” Neira said, speaking in Spanish. “She cannot leave us alone in this situation … she is the person who has the power to go to Mayor de Blasio to stop any action they take against us.”

Following the protest, a statement from Ferreras’ office said that as

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of early last week, the DOB’s Bronx borough commissioner is “personally handling the processing of permits” for the space.

“The Sunrise Cooperative reached a historic, multi-million dollar agreement with the Economic Development Corp. to vacate Willets Point by June 1 understanding that they would not be able to operate at their new location until several months after,” the statement read.

“The councilwoman has continuously advocated so these businesses may remain viable; however, the Sunrise Cooperative has not met the requirements to operate legally at their Hunts Point location and the project cannot move forward until they do so.”

At the press conference, Neira added that he believes their lawyer from the Urban Justice Center did not provide thorough enough legal counsel.

He also said that they were pressured by several parties back in March to sign the agreement.

As of June 11, representatives of the Urban Justice Center had not responded to a request for comment.

Autobody News thanks Queens Chronicle, and writer Cristina Schreil, for permission to reprint their article.

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Car Show Rolls Into Langhorne on June 20; Owners to Bring their Automotive Gems to Town Masselle refers to as “a mix of different ideas that are very creative looking.”

“Tuners” are often in the show.

Rev up that engine!! It’s time to get “They’re basically an imported car ready for the 9th Annual Langhorne that’s been modified for handling and Classic Car Show on shady Maple Av- speed performance in racing,” he said. enue in PA where car lovers will show “We have some really rare mustheir shiny and well-maintained clas- cle cars that come in,” Masselle said. sics and antiques while competing for “Last year, the winner of the show was one of 50 awards. a 1967 Ford Shelby GT 500. It was a Steve Masselle of Lower Make- very rare kind of a factory race car. field, owner of Masselle’s Auto Body That’s a car that was bought new from on Richardson Avenue, chairs the car the dealer that you could pretty much show committee and anticipates an- take on a track, but it was legal on the other spectacular event. Other mem- street. It was designed to be raced.” bers of the car show committee are: The owner of the 1967 Ford Larry Good, Andy Belmont, Jeff Shelby GT 500 is George Powell of Bartlett and John Keeft.

Levittown.

The Langhorne Borough Business “Last year, we had 275 cars,” MasAssociation (LBBA) is sponsoring the selle said. “Very carefully and very event, which takes place on Saturday, neatly, they line up from [Route] 413 all June 20 from 3 to 8 p.m. on Maple Avthe way to Green Street.” enue in downtown Langhorne. EveryMany car owners come back every year. “We have a high percentage of repeat and the show just continues to grow,” he said.

“People like the way it’s judged. They like the way it’s on the street right in town. It’s an afternoon show and not too hot at the time of the show.

There are shade trees on the street.”

Masselle said there’s much more than just cars. “We have The 9th Annual Langhorne Classic Car Show in PA will a live band and a DJ every take place June 20 year,” he said. “We have lots thing culminates at 7 p.m. in front of of various activities and food vendors. the Langhorne Hotel where the award The American Legion on Richardson winners’ names are announced.

Avenue sells burgers, hot dogs and Car owners come from as far away beer. as Maryland, Harrisburg and South JerA barbecue pit wagon, kettle sey. corn, funnel cake and water ice can be “Everybody can relate to cars – found in the food court, which is loeven the young,” Masselle said. “We cated behind the Richardson House on don’t exclude anybody. It’s for the the corner of Maple Avenue and South young and the old.”

Bellevue near the Legion hall.

The show focuses on classics, but “We like to do this once a year,” the event is open to any vehicle. he said. “It brings the town together “We accept all different cars— all and brings people who love cars tomakes and models— and all years, gether. They talk about the cars they too,” he said. “We don’t really exclude used to have and memories. It’s a fun any cars in our show. We like to see day. It’s a good time.” more classic cars than newer cars beIt’s an understatement to say that cause it is a classic car show. Anything Masselle loves cars. He makes a liv20 years or older is technically clas- ing taking care of them. His shop does sic. But we do allow new cars. We mainly collision work on later model don’t have motorcycles. We just want vehicles. “We also do some restoracars.” tion work on older cars,” he said.

In addition to classics and an“I’m partial to Chevy Camaros,” tiques, there will be special interest Masselle said. “I do own a few of cars, including some military vehicles. them. I’m partial to the Z28 Camaro.”

Some folks bring “rat rods,” which His “everyday car” is very pracby Petra Chesner Schlatter, Bucks Local News

12 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Car owners come from as far away as Maryland, Harrisburg and South Jersey

tical— a grey 2002 GMC Yukon XL. “It’s nothing fancy,” he said of his big suburban. “I can do anything with that vehicle.” It seats eight people and he can put a piece of plywood in the back to transport things.

“My parents were pretty practical,” Masselle said. “Once they had a ‘62 Chevy Impala like a light green color that I thought was cool.”

He said car shows allow people

“to relive their youth in the cars they were using when they were growing up. It brings them back to that.”

Ellen Schoen, president of the LBBA, said she is looking forward to a big crowd “to enjoy the Langhorne community, and to bring residents, businesses and visitors together.”

“I just love the event,” Schoen said. “I love the people— they have such pride in their car and love showing it off. It’s their baby.

“Speaking to car people over the years, I know they look forward to this show very much as well as the community,” she said.

Shoen admits she’s not really a “car person.”

“I just drive a regular car,” she said, noting she has a 2009 Mazda 6.

Her first car was a dark green 1978 Chevrolet Monza.”

In the 1960s, her mother’s everyday car was a light blue Cadillac convertible. “I wish we still had that car,” she said. “I thought I was rich because we had it, but I know we weren’t!”

Thank you to Bucks Local News for permission to reprint this article.

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 13

Quality Collision in PA Credits Success to Employees & Focus on Good Customer Service

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Steve Kaminstein, owner of Quality Collision Inc. in Pennsylvania, started his business out of a small garage in Noxen Township, PA in 1989. The business owner said he never could

He said one strategy he has found to be successful is to put the trust into his 50 employees to get the job done.

“My philosophy has been hiring people smarter than me, when it comes to the day–to-day operations; credit goes to our managers, technicians, painters,

cars and ran with only one employee.

While managing the shop he began painting scooters and jazzies for Pride Mobility, a manufacturer of Jazzy Powers Chairs, Pride Mobility Scooters, Go-Go Travel Mobility, Pride Life Chairs and Pride Lift & Ramps.

efforts to establish relationships with the insurance agents and DRPs, while ensuring he maintained good customer service. “I believe this contributed to our growth,” he said. Although he said it can be challenging to work with several different DRPs, overall it has been

Steve Kaminstein, Owner of Quality Collision, openend an industrial coatings division and a commercial truck and RV repair center in 2007

After starting construction in September 2014, Kaminstein recently finishing construction of a new facility for the company’s Muncy location

The company’s Dallas Township facility in PA

Quality Collision’s Kingston location opened in 2001

have imagined that since then, he has established three successful auto body repair centers, an industrial coatings division and a commercial truck and RV repair center.

“I never dreamed I would have this growth” said Kaminstein. “I contribute my success to the men, women and co-op students who work with the company. I believe you need to treat people the way you want to be treated.”

administration, and maintenance personnel to get the job done.”

Looking back, Kaminstein said he recalls always being interested in the auto repair industry. His first job was at a Chrysler Dealership starting in the wash bay department when he was 15 years old.

At 25 years of age, Kaminstein started that small town garage and within two years opened a garage in Dallas, PA that could house up to eight

After finding that to be successful, in 1996 he built a 10,000 square foot facility in Dallas Township. Half of the building housed the industrial division for the scooters and jazzies and he ran his body shop from the other half.

The facility experienced substantial growth and in 1999 Kaminstein moved the industrial division to a separate location and converted the Dallas Township facility to a larger body shop.

In the meantime, he focused his

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a very positive experience.

In 2001, he was presented with a business opportunity in Kingston, about 10 miles away from his Dallas facility. The opportunity from a local Chevrolet Dealership came about to lease a building accommodating an auto body repair facility. His second collision shop opened in June 2001.

He said it was a learning experience opening and operating multiple shops. With referrals from the dealer-

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ships and the DRPs he had already established in Dallas, he found that business was good.

Two years later in 2003, Kaminstein opened another shop in Muncy, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

After negotiating a similar agreement to the Chevrolet Dealership, Kaminstein leased the Twin Hills Dealership owned by Steve Kaiser. “The obstacles of running a business approximately 50 miles away from our home office in Dallas Township was challenging at times,” said Kaminstein.

A significant change occurred in 2007. A major hail storm struck in Lycoming County, which brought a multitude of customers coming through the door. “Our reputation was increasing,” said Kamintein. “Since 2007, we’ve been experience at least 12 percent growth. Sometimes it takes a mixture of ingredients to get a great match!”

Within this time period—early 2006—Kaminstein moved his industrial coatings to a larger facility in Courtdale, Pennsylvania approximately 15 miles from home office. Encouraged by fellow workers, Kaminstein was inspired to venture again into a new area.

By end of 2007, Kaminstein opened a commercial truck and RV repair center within this 20,000 square foot facility.

The facility now houses the industrial coatings division and commercial truck RV repair Division.

Kaminstein had also purchased a small shop in Weissport, Carbon County, Pennsylvania in 2005. He said the shop started off doing well in the beginning but unfortunately 80 percent of the work came from one insurance company and they discontinued their DRP program in 2010. His advice to other shops is to make sure to do the thorough research. “If they are purchasing a second I would suggest that they do their research as far as where the business is coming from and how they ran their business,” said Kaminstein.

Their main competitor in that area has been there for years and Kaminstein said he found it was challenging to stay profitable. “It just got to the point where it was a better business decision to just close the shop than to try and keep putting our time and energy into it.” He said it was a hard business decision to close the shop in 2013 but they realized they could allocate their time and energy into running their other shops. “It ended up being the right decision, ab-

solutely” said Kaminstein.

It was during this time he decided to build a new facility for his Muncy location. Kaminstein invested in land nearby and started construction in September 2014. The project took approximately 10 months to complete.

The new facility, which is approximately 15,000 square feet, houses offices for insurance adjusters to write their drive-in estimates and also includes designated estimating bays for their staff.

Over the years, Kaminstein said he has tried to incorporate new ideas to continually make his business more successful.

Once a month there is a managers meeting held. By incorporating standard operating procedures across the company, Kaminstein said they are able to load-level work from shop to shop as well as share employees.

The company also focuses its effort on environmental initiatives such as energy efficient lighting, a recycling program, solar panels and using waterborne basecoat.

He has found that PPG’s MVP program and the resources available from Colours Inc. has been very beneficial to his business. One of the programs they have found to be helpful is the TEAM approach learned after attending a MVP class sponsored by PPG and the guidance from Colours’s business development staff. Jeff Magagna, General Manager for Quality Collision, a main influence on the TEAM concept, said, “We are trying to get our processes leaned out, get more production out the door and increase our cycle time.” As with any changes Magagna said it can become very difficult. However, the original system of writing estimates to parts procedures and disassembly has been improved since they implemented this concept.

By employing this process, he found touch time increased from 2.6 to 3.3. “The shops that can increase their cycle time by implementing the TEAM concept have a smoother process, which creates a constant flow so that repairs can be completed quicker with the same quality. This results in more work from the public and the insurance companies,” said Kaminstein.

“I credit my success to my faith and I am very thankful, again, to all the men, women and co-op students who continue to strive for Quality,” he added.

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 15

Benefit to Help Drag Racer Rick Riccardi in Tom’s River Friends of local drag racer Rick Riccardi have planned a June 6 fundraiser to help him fix his wrecked race car and keep a promise he made to a little girl with Type 1 diabetes. “Come Out and Support Emilee’s Dream of a Night of Racing,” will feature a buffet dinner and comedy show with Gemini, Keith Carnevale and Peter Sasso at Capone’s Gourmet Pizza and Pasta Restaurant on Washington Street in downtown Toms River, NJ. Tickets are $45 and include a buffet at 7 p.m., featuring soda, assorted subs and pizza, and the comedy show at 8 p.m. To reserve tickets, call Capone’s at (732) 473-1777.

When he walked away from his car after it flipped during a qualifying run in April at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Riccardi’s first thoughts were not about the searing pain in his arm or how close he’d come to serious injury during an accident that happened when his car was racing 160 miles per hour. Anderson seeks win at Raceway Park.

“I was the calmest person there.

I was worried about the car,” said Riccardi, 43, a Toms River resident who’s been racing for 16 years and never had such a serious accident.

And his thoughts quickly turned to

the promise he’d made to 10-year-old Emilee Hurt, a racing fan from Kentucky whose father, Swain, also used to race.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 5, Emilee is insulin dependent and must be monitored all night because her sugar level frequently drops while she is sleeping.

Her parents have created a fundraising organization called “Emilee’s Race for a Cure” to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Riccardi had told his young fan that she could and her younger sister, Hailee, could join his team for a night of racing at 10th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA/NMCA Super Bowl of Street Legal Drag Racing presented by Strange Engineering, to be held July 30 to August 2 at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Ill.

To advertise call Advertising Sales at:

800-699-8251 e-mail:

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16 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

New Instructor for Urethane Supply Company’s I-CAR Training Alliance Course on Nitrogen Plastic Welding

Urethane Supply Company announced a new instructor in Boston, MA who is able to provide the company’s new ICAR® Industry Training Alliance® course on plastic repair. “Introduction to Nitrogen Plastic Welding” is a threehour course delivered in the customer’s shop for up to three technicians. Each technician gets hands-on training with five common bumper repair scenarios, including on thermoset polyurethane, a.k.a. the “yellow plastic.”

Tim Lewis is the owner of Boston Bumper Supply and is an independent sales representative for Urethane Supply Company, coverTim Lewis, ing New England owner of Boston and the upper AtBumper Supply lantic coast states.

Lewis has a long history in the bumper repair business with many years of experience at Keystone before venturing out on his own to start Boston Bumper Supply in 2007.

Over the past three years as a part-time rep for Urethane Supply, he

trained hundreds of people on the proper use of the nitrogen plastic welder. Lewis recently received factory training on Urethane Supply’s ICAR Industry Training Alliance course and will be able to deliver training to shops in his territory at their request.

In business since 1981, Urethane Supply Company has focused exclusively on plastic repair and refinishing products. Kurt Lammon, President of the company, said their airless and hot-nitrogen welders are the industry standards for automotive plastic repair across North America.

He said technician training on the nitrogen plastic welding system has been a recent challenge for the Alabama-based company and this I-CAR Industry Training Alliance initiative is a big part of the company’s efforts to meet the demand.

The company is actively seeking other instructors across the country to deliver this new course in shops.

Contact Kurt Lammon at 800633-3047 with any questions or inquiries.

www.autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 17

Mike Anderson Explains How Learning an Employee’s “Love Language” Can Benefit Your Business at CARSTAR Event in CA

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Mike Anderson recently spoke to a room full of 150 people about the “Five Love Languages” during a CARSTAR event in Carlsbad, CA on June 13. One might be curious why this dynamic, inspirational speaker chose to talk about love at an auto body conference.

Anderson explained that feeling loved or appreciated motivates us.

By finding out how your employees feel most appreciated, it can ultimately benefit your business.

Mike Anderson Based Dr. Gary Chapman’s book “The Five Love Languages for Couples,” Anderson taught attendees how to understand and speak the five love languages, not only to their spouse and children, but also how to apply it to coworkers, teammates and employees.

“People speak many different languages of love. If someone does not understand what you’re saying, then what you mean to say is lost,” said Anderson, founder of CollisionAdvice.com. “People are motivated by different things.

You can find out what makes them feel appreciated.”

During the presentation, Anderson discussed how he used this technique at his own body shop with much success.

When hiring employees he always tested their “love language.”

Some of the benefits he found include improved cycle time, an enhanced work climate, less turnover, more productivity, better customer service and improved profitability and teamwork.

Anderson said your “love language” is established when you are a child, although it can temporarily change during a crisis. He invited CARSTAR employees and owners to participate in a survey to find their own love language.

Afterwards, he explained how love languages can apply to the workplace.

He referred to it as the five languages of appreciation and recommended the book, “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” written by Gary Chapman and Paul White.

He also said there is a difference between appreciation and recognition.

Some companies that adopt recognition programs can still have low moral.

“People don’t want to be recognized.

They want to feel appreciation,” he said.

Studies show that more than 80 percent of employees say they are motivated to work harder when their boss shows them appreciation. Fifty percent said they would stay longer if they felt appreciated. According to the U.S. De-

partment of Labor, 64 percent of employees who leave their jobs say they did so because they didn’t feel appreciated.

Anderson stressed the importance of building a culture where employees feel appreciated. “If the only time we interact with people is when they make a mistake, they don’t feel appreciated,” said Anderson.

According to a Gallup Poll he cited, 70 percent of people say they receive no praise in the workplace. He said this can lead to a lack of connectedness with others, the organization and

In the workplace this translates into praising an employee’s personality and complimenting their character, whether it is your company’s bookkeeper or body tech. “Character is what a person will do when no one is looking,” said Anderson.

Quality Time – For some people nothing says more than undivided attention.

This includes quality conversation and activities. Whether it is participating in an office activity together or community service, Anderson said it doesn’t have to take a long period of time. “Some people desire shared experiences,” he

“The number one reason people stay at a company is that they feel valued and appreciated,” said Mike Anderson

its goals. Team members who feel discouraged and complain about their jobs ultimately end up looking for other employment.

“Only 12 percent leave their job to earn more money,” said Anderson.

“Nine out of 10 look for a new job because they don’t feel appreciated.”

Typically, the most qualified and best trained employees leave and when they do it can be costly to hire and train someone new. A decline in productivity and overall low moral can also result.

He pointed out the old school mentality among managers that no longer applies—“I pay them so they should be thankful for a job.” He said this no longer applies.

The number one reason people stay at a company is that they feel valued and appreciated,” said Anderson. “Employees desire to feel safe and secure. Showing appreciation provides security!” And he said improved employee satisfaction leads to higher CSI scores.

Although he said there are always roadblocks to implementing new ideas, “If our employees feel appreciated and satisfied with their jobs, they will look forward to coming to work. This is a huge competitive advantage.”

He encouraged participants to take the time to learn their employees’ languages of appreciation and consider purchasing the books for more details.

“A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected.”

The Five Languages of Love Words of Affirmation – Unsolicited comments and encouragement mean the world to this person. They should be encouraging, humble and kind. He said women like to hear people praise them for who they are and men like to hear people praise them for what they do.

18 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

said. The key is to remember if someone does not participate, do not take it personally. It is just not their language of appreciation.

Receiving Gifts – This does not always have to be monetary but can be the gift of time. Anderson suggests finding out your employees’ interests and hobbies

so the giver actually knows what is important and valued by the recipient.

Movie tickets, gift cards and tickets to sporting events are just some of the examples he used. He also suggests finding out your employees’ birthdays and anniversaries.

Acts of Service – For these people, actions speak louder than words. In the workplace, Anderson reminded attendees to be sure that the person wants assistance and find out the way he or she wants it done. This might mean staying late to help them get the job done or be their helper for the day. “The single driver of engagement is whether or not workers feel their managers are genuinely interested in their well being,” said Anderson.

Physical Touch – For this person nothing speaks more than physical touch. It is the lowest language of appreciation for most people in the workplace. Displays of fist bumps, high five’s, a pat on the back and even a two-handed hand shake are most common.

For information, contact Mike Anderson at mike@collisionadvice.com, call 301-535-3333 or visit www.collision advice.com.

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www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 19

ASA-CT Holds Kickoff Banquet

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On May 28, the Automotive Service Association of Connecticut (ASACT), formerly known as the Connecticut Collision Repair Specialists, held a Kickoff Banquet to celebrate their newfound affiliation with the national association. Dan Risley, President of ASA National, was in attendance to provide an update on the association’s recent activities and initiatives. He also addressed the value of local ASA affiliates, asking “Why ASA?” and explaining “we are stronger together.”

Mechanical industry professionals join collision repair professionals at ASA-CT’s Kickoff Banquet

meet and introduce ourselves to some of our mechanical colleagues.”

Siembab stressed, “Networking with other shops is crucial to understanding different business practices and perhaps how other people deal with various issues.”

Next, ASA-CT held their 5th Annual Golf Outing on June 17. The golf outing took take place at Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield, CT. Proceeds from the outing will benefit the Make A Wish Foundation of Connecticut.

Dan Risley provides an update on ASA Nationals current activities and initiatives

ASA-CT PO Box 1042 Rocky Hill, CT 06067 860-778-6967 www.asashopct.org

Lisa Siembab, Executive Director of ASA-CT, said, “The event was very successful! Attendees asked a lot of questions, and we also got to

Body Shop Owner Made Medical Center Board Member

Body shop owner Louis H. Altobelli has been appointed to the board of the Cape Regional Medical Center Foundation, according to Ellen Kravet Burke, chairwoman of the Cape Regional Health System. “It is my pleasure to appoint Lou to the foundation board,” Kravet Burke said. “His business proficiency in the area of finance, marketing, customer service and administration is a true asset for the Cape Regional Medical Center Foundation.”

Altobelli was named Business Person of the Year by the Middle Township Chamber of Commerce in 2014. He owns several business in the area, including Rio Auto Body, Inc. and Hi-Tech Auto and Truck Service Center, Inc., in Rio Grande; Court House Towing, Inc. and Mossbrooks Tire and Auto Center in Cape May Court House; and auto centers in Marmora, Egg Harbor Township and Vineland. Altobelli also serves on several boards, including Atlantic Cape Community College, Volunteers in Medicine, Cape Assist, Middle Township Economic Development Committee and Middle Township Chamber of Commerce.

Earned Sick Time Notice to MA Employees by July 1

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has updated and clarified the Safe Harbor provision for the new earned sick time law and has released the Notice of Employee Rights, which must be posted by employers in a visible place. Both documents are now available on the office’s website.

The new Earned Sick Time law, which was passed by voters in November, will provide an estimated one million more employees in Massachusetts access to sick leave starting on July 1.

The AG Office has conducted six listening sessions and five public hearings across the state on the law.

The updated Safe Harbor regulation outlines the means by which employers who are already offer paid sick time to employees will be deemed in compliance with the law until January 1, 2016.

Both the safe harbor regulation and the notice to employees re available at www.mass.gov/ago/earned sicktime.

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Continued from Cover

CARSTAR Event

CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts held its 26th annual conference in San Diego, CA, June 13–16. Themed “Gaining the Edge,” the collision repair industry’s largest MSO event was at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort.

It opened with an awards presentation on June 13 to recognize the topperforming franchisees, then shifted gears to focus on strategic planning, management and technical education sessions, panel discussions, vendor partner networking events, motivational speakers and an insurance industry forum.

CARSTAR CEO David Byers shared the company’s financial performance for the year, and detailed the corporate and store-level programs.

The company previously announced that it finished the first quarter of 2015 with revenue of $195.6 million. Last year, CARSTAR delivered North American revenue of $712 million, up nearly 10 percent from $649 million in 2013, a record for the company. It also reported same store sales growth of 12.5 percent for the

first quarter, after ending 2014 up 11.3 percent over the previous year.

“We are on the right track for continued strong performance, and confident that our key growth initiatives for 2015, combined with a positive market trends and an improving economy, will deliver another year of exceptional performance for our organization and our store owners,” said Byers. “We’ve had a long-term plan for improving our KPIs, helping our store owners improve their operations through our CARSTAR EDGE Performance Platform and CARSTAR Operating Procedures, and building our network with the best operators in the industry. We’re seeing this pay off, and expect to reap additional benefits in the years ahead.”

Byers detailed several key initiatives for the year ahead that will drive the company’s performance and enhance its ability to serve customers, including a new partnership with Enterprise Rent-A-Car (see article on page 59), an expanded CARSTAR EDGE Performance Group platform, further expansion into aluminum repair, and a continued national branding program.

See CARSTAR Event, Page 46

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Precision Auto Works Earns I-CAR GOLD Status

Body Shop Thief Gets Sentencing Offer Judge Calls Extraordinary

A Manchester Superior Court judge put a New Britain man on probation and ordered restitution after pleading guilty to first-degree larceny in connection with a theft at an auto body shop in East Hartford. The man, Joseph E. Ramirez, 20, was sentenced to five years of probation for the crime. He also will have to pay restitution, which is yet to be determined.

Judge Cesar Noble said Ramirez received an “extraordinary offer on a B felony.” The crime normally carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, but prosecutor Jaclyn Preville said the state had a weak case against Ramirez.

Precision Auto Works of Long Island City, New York has achieved Gold Class recognition from I-CAR, the highest achievement recognized by the collision repair industry.

“As automotive technicians, we’re surrounded by technology, from the vehicles and materials we work with, to the diagnostic equipment and tools we use. And that technology is constantly changing. At Precision, we’re committed to embracing whatever is next in our industry and mastering new skills, to give our customers the best quality repair. Currently, only 10% of collision repair shops meet I-CAR’S GOLD CLASS standards, so we’re very proud of this achievement,” said George Anastasopoulos, certified technician and co-owner of the shop.

Precision Auto Works is certified by multiple OEMs including Tesla Motors and has two locations in Long Island City, NYC.

Burglar Steals Car to Flee AutoRepair Shop in Lumberton, NC

A burglar stole cash and three antique guns from a body shop, then stole a car from the lot for his getaway, police say.

The break-in occurred at a Meineke shop on Route 38 during the overnight hours of May 25, said Lumberton police. The intruder grabbed the keys to a 2005 Hyundai Sonata that was parked outside the shop, then fled eastbound on 38. The stolen car is silver with a teal rear bumper, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lumberton Police Special Investigations Unit at (609) 267-1111, ext. 119.

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NACE | CARS Makes 2014 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show List The NACE | CARS conference and exposition made the Trade Show News Network (TSNN) Top 250 US Trade Show list of 2014. The list was released last month, compiled from show management and data supplied to TSNN. It represents the top 250 trade shows in the United States last year, ranked by net square footage.

The 2014 show broke previous records with 180 exhibitors and 8,497 attendees with the event spanning over 61,190 net square feet. NACE | CARS, now in its 33rd year, is the largest, longest-running North American event serving the automotive service and repair industries.

NACE | CARS 2015 will take place at the same location July 21 -25.

The show is expected to expand even further this year, featuring an Expo double the size of 2014. Training and education opportunities have expanded, as well, with a level of OEM training that is unmatched by any other event. Additionally, Industry Week is back with over a dozen colocated events.

No other event brings all facets of the automotive industry together like NACE | CARS. Targeting business owners, management and technicians, this conference & exposition

brings together all market segments for the latest and most comprehensive repair solutions, services, education, products and technology. NACE | CARS is the best source of industry education & training, networking and world-class exhibits for all segments of the automotive service and repair industry.

The full Top 250 Trade Show list can be found on the TSNN website at http://www.tsnn.com/toplists-us.

More information about NACE | CARS 2015 can be found at www.NACE expo.com or www.CARSevent.com.

For those interested in exhibiting, space is still available but moving fast.

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Carubba Collision Gives to Buffalo-Niagara Victory Award Scholarship Foundation Carubba Collision Corp. President Joe Carubba presented a $5,000 check to the Buffalo Niagara Victory

(l to r) Carubba Collision Corp. President Joe Carubba, presents $5,000 check to Buffalo Niagara Victory Award Scholarship Foundation President, Frank Remillard

Award Scholarship Foundation on May 27 at the Carubba Collision Shop, in Hamburg, NY. The mission of the Buffalo-Niagara Victory Award Scholarship Foundation (BNVASF) is to reward the values important in becoming a future leader with an emphasis on Athletics, Scholarship and Commu-

nity Service.

“Our goal is to make chosen high school students aware that the values they possess are worth rewarding as well as inspiring future Buffalo-Niagara Victory Award Winners” said BNVASF Founder and President, Frank Remillard.

“Having Carubba Collision stepping up to the plate with their generous donation is a tremendous boost to our foundation” explained Remillard.

“We are proud to support this outstanding organization which presents scholarships to deserving local high school students and promotes such high values” stated Carubba.

Carubba Collision has served the greater Buffalo area since 1955.

Giving back to the community is something that Carubba Collision has a long and proud history of. Several not-for-profits have benefited from the generosity of Carubba Collision over the years including Make A Wish, Young Life, Mercy Flight, ECMC Trauma Unit, YMCA, the Food Bank of WNY, the Niagara County Sheriffs K-9 Unit, the City Mission, the NYS Golden Gloves and the University at Buffalo.

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Mycrsmanager Management Software System Usable Over Smartphone Devices

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

After investing four years creating and beta testing a management software system for the collision repair industry, Robert Williams recently launched MyCrsmanager (CRS).

Williams, the owner of Foxwood

Collision Center in Fresno, CA, said his intent was to build a system that would offer administrative staff a user friendly program to improve communication with customers and vendors, as well as help shop owners better manage their businesses in order to save time and money.

“CRS is intended to be used for more than just a management system.

We have a manager and customer app for the iPhone and android devices so you can actually run your business from anywhere,” said Williams. “My ultimate goal is to get body shops to realize there is an alternative to what they’re used to.”

First introduced in November 2014, MyCrsmanager software is a cloud-based program that imports estimates from CCC, ADP and Mitchell, allowing the user to price, order, receive and return parts and supplies directly online. Customers receive real time status updates automatically as technicians log in and out of the stages of production.

Using the CRS apps, supplements and delays can be sent to customers for signatures or as customer updates from an administrative PC, tablet and/or smart phone. Each CRS customer has his or her own web page tracking the repair from start to finish, with the capability of storing photos and videos.

Williams said there are many ways to use the program and allow a shop owner to save hours of time on the phone with vendors, car rental companies and customers.

“The program is designed to send notifications via e-mail, text and/or phone messages to the customer prior to the scheduled appointment, throughout the repair, and after the repair is complete,” he said. Rental car companies receive a notification prior to the customer picking up a rental car and a

notification when the customer vehicle has been picked up, with complete timeline documentation within every customer RO. Parts and supply vendors receive pricing requests, electronic orders and returns, which Williams said virtually eliminates the need to call vendors.

Williams said one of the key features of the software program is its own internal accounting module, eliminating the need for an additional accounting software system. The accounting module fully integrates with QuickBooks and has been adapted for MSO operators. “The program captures and financially evaluates every aspect of every repair,” he said.

$100,000 in 2005 to nearly $500,000 by 2008. “When doing all of this volume, the software programs on the market couldn’t fulfill my needs as a body shop owner,” said Williams.

“What I tried to do is write a lot of this stuff out and put in on boards in the shop … to manage the business and make it operate more efficiently and have the customer more involved.”

The business owner began to implement various methods to better communicate with his customers. He said that with the amount of cars they It electronically sends initial and follow up insurance notifications to the customer as well as automatically reaching out to a potential customer at designated intervals by e-mail and text in an attempt to close a sale.

The employee time clock not only tracks in and out times and production stage, but also allows the employee to schedule vacations, PTO and internally message administration. The shop calendar documents upcoming customer arrivals, estimator, technician and admin appointments. The program includes a department value summary with a breakdown of every department percentage of in process sales. A consignment paint cabinet module notifies the vendors directly of inventory count.

Bringing About Change Williams was running Foxwood Collision out of a 7,000 square foot location when he was presented with an opportunity to purchase an old theater for his business in 2003. After a year of remodeling the 24,000 square foot space, he relocated in 2004.

After the move, Williams said his business grew from earning

24 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

were working on at that time the employees sometimes had to move vehicles to a different dealership to work on the repairs before bringing them back. An issue came up when Williams was driving a Camero to a muffler shop and happened to see the owner of the vehicle who wasn’t aware his car had been removed from the premises.

After that experience, Williams set up a white board in his shop and asked employees to write down every time a vehicle leaves the shop. He wanted to improve the way he gave consumers a status report on their vehicles.

Williams was finding that these challenges were slowing down his cycle time. With 40 bays and 60 employees running three shifts Williams said, “I had to find a better way.”

Then in 2008 the industry implemented changes that affected his business. One of these was that insurance companies began conducting thirdparty surveys and enforcing them. “If you weren’t in the top tier, they would put you on hold so you wouldn’t get that work and other shops would,” See MyCrsmanager, Page 34

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LIABRA’s May 19 Meeting Featured GM Hybrid and GM Structural Training

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On Tuesday, May 19, the Long Island Auto Body Repairmen’s Association (LIABRA) held their monthly General Meeting at Eagle Auto Mall in Riverhead NY, featuring a training seminar on 2015 GM Hybrid Vehicle Repair and a 2015 GM Structural Repair

evening’s host. Although a serious accident on the Long Island Expressway delayed the meeting’s beginning, the

industry professionals gathering in Albany to lobby for passage of their Parts Procurement Bill A6684 and their Aftermarket Parts Bill A2880. Both consumer groups and the automotive recycling industry also supported LIABRA’s Parts Procurement Bill, and Kizenberger happily reported that A6684 has a good chance of passing since it was passed out of the Insurance Committee and into the Codes

quiring collision repair facilities to purchase parts and supplies from specific vendors.

Members enjoy a buffet dinner courtesy of Eagle Parts Center

Ed Kizenberger welcomes attendees at LIABRA’s May 19th General Meeting

Overview. Before the meeting began, members indulged in a buffet dinner provided by Eagle Parts Center, the

delay did not prevent 75 members from attending LIABRA’s May meeting.

Ed Kizenberger, Executive Director of LIABRA, began the meeting by introducing Walter Bonczwk, Parts Manager at Eagle Mazda, Volvo and Kia, and Eagle GM Parts Manager Mike Migliore, who both expressed gratitude to association members for their continued support and patronage.

Moving on to current events and industry news, Kizenberger announced that LIABRA’s Lobby Day on April 21 was very successful with more than 50

26 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Those interested in learning more about Collision Link or OEConnection can contact Eagle GM Parts Manager Mike Migliore

Eagle Volvo Mazda Kia Parts Manager Walter Boncwk thanked attendees for their continued business and support

Committee. If signed into law, Bill A6684 will prevent insurers from re-

Kizenberger also noted that the NY Sales Tax Department is currently auditing body shops, and he reminded members to ensure that their sales tax returns are recorded and filed correctly. Reminding attendees that LIABRA is committed to providing OEM education and repair training on an ongoing basis because of the rapid changes in vehicle construction and

repair, Kizenberger introduced the evening’s contribution to their training program, presenting GM CollisionLink representative Rick Scales.

Scales discussed GM’s OEConnection and CollisionLink, as well as the manufacturer’s Conquest Program.

When he explained that GM is now patenting body parts on 2013 and newer vehicles and that GM will maintain

Jim Mickle delivered an information training session on GM 2015 Hybrid Vehicle Repair and a GM 2015 Structural Overview

competitive pricing to aid in the prevention of copying GM parts, several members responded, “It’s about time!”

Scales also informed attendees that GM is requiring the return of

bumper covers and head lamp cores for removal from the reconditioning market. Anyone interested in OEConnection or CollisionLink is invited to contact Mike Migliore at 631-727-1900 for more information.

Next, Kizenberger introduced GM Powertrain Instructor Jim Mickle who distributed a student handbook entitled “Hybrid Vehicles Safety First.” His PowerPoint presentation focused on high voltage safety systems, types of hybrids and the many safety precautions associated with servicing hybrid vehicles, as well as the procedures for disabling and enabling Two-Mode hybrid 300 volt battery systems and high voltage electronics.

During his hour-long seminar, Mickle taught attendees about the basics of hybrid repair, complete with overviews of electric power steering, electric air conditioning compressors, and regenerative braking systems. He repeatedly emphasized the importance of safety precautions during the repair of high-voltage hybrids, and he concluded with a short overview on structural repair, sectioning and aluminum welding. Throughout Mickle’s presentation, members asked questions and interacted with their guest speaker.

The training seminar was very educational and was well-received.

At the conclusion of the meeting which adjourned at 10PM, a raffle drawing was held with prizes provided courtesy of Eagle Parts Center.

Next, LIABRA will hold their Annual 250 Club Drawing on June 16 before taking a summer break in July and August when no general meetings will be held. On September 16, LIABRA will host their Annual Golf Outing at Baiting Hollow Country Club, said to be the best golf outing on the island.

LIABRA PO Box 482 Centereach, NY 11720 631-941-9647 www.liabra.com

Visit Autobody News at NACE/CARS Booth #132

Southington ZBA Considering Auto Sales in CT

Two businesses looking for approval to sell autos are working with town officials to revise plans after the Zoning Board of Appeals postponed a decision on the requests. ZBA member Joseph F. LaPorte said he’s concerned about how auto sales might affect the surrounding neighborhoods. The locations are 979 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike and 446 West St. “We don’t want to see a bunch of cars for sale out there,” LaPorte said. “It’s a residential zone and they want to sell cars out there.” The owner of 979 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, a commercial building next to the town-owned drive-in, is looking to store cars on the property, but offer them for sale over the internet, said Assistant Town Planner Dave Lavallee. Sales will be made from an office in the building. “A few spaces (out front) will be proposed for (display),” Lavellee said. Stanhope Group One LLC owns the property, according to town records.

The owners couldn’t be reached for comment. They need a special exception and a zoning variance to sell cars within 400 feet of the entrance to a public park.

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 27

Media and Publicity for Shops The Do’s and Don’ts of Body Shop Advertising with Ed Attanasio

You’ve decided to do some advertising—in your local newspaper, radio station, TV or cable station, but are wondering what can you say in your ads without getting into trouble? If your ad is effective, consumers will hopefully see it and/or hear it, but also remember—your competitors will too! Even though you have the best of intentions, if your advertisement is deemed false and misleading, it could become your worst nightmare.

Unlawful advertising is one of the most frequently ways why California auto repair shops get into trouble with the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), leading to civil and criminal penalties, disciplinary action and revocation of your BAR license.

The fact that you didn’t know the information in your advertisement was misleading or deceiving is irrelevant.

Recently, we sat down with Jack Molodanof, an attorney and lobbyist who has been specializing in automo-

tive legislative, administrative and regulatory law for the last 30 years.

He’s considered an expert in California for the automotive repair industry and Jack Molodanof is represents several an attorney and of the largest statelobbyist who has been specializing in wide automotive automotive legislarepair associations, tive, administrative including the Caliand regulatory law fornia Autobody for the last 30 Association and the years and represents body shops Automotive Servin numerous cases ice Councils of California. Molodanof also serves on the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Advisory Group, which provides input on BAR programs.

Below are some of Molodanof's Do’s and Don’ts with regard to automotive repair dealer advertising and how to comply and stay out of trou-

Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

ble. If you don’t dot your I’s and cross your T’s, the penalties for getting caught surely aren’t petty. In fact, the BAR disciplinary guidelines for getting busted for misleading advertising are a minimum penalty of 180 days suspension, two years probation and the maximum penalty also means that your license is revoked.

Do’s Perform all Services as Advertised.

“This seems so obvious but you would be surprised how often it is violated,” Molodanof explained. “You must perform/sell the services/parts in the advertisement as advertised. If you advertise a free service, without charge or at specified price you must perform the service as advertised, otherwise you can be accused of using “bait and switch” tactics. Be sure there are no unstated terms or conditions that qualify the offer. If there are limits, state them clearly and conspicu-

ously. What is important is the overall impression created by the advertisement, not the technical truthfulness of the individual parts. Taken as a whole, the advertisement must fairly inform the ordinary consumer.”

Clear and Conspicuous Disclosures. “All ads must accurately, clearly and conspicuously disclose all pertinent information about the services.

This includes all conditions and disclaimer statements,” Molodanof said.

“If you advertise specific credit terms, you must provide all relevant details, including down payment, terms of repayment, and the annual interest rate.

See BAR regulations section 3372.1 (d).Disclosure Statements. “If you know or should have known that the advertised service cannot usually be performed in a good and workmanlike manner without additional parts, services or labor, you must disclose that additional labor, parts or services are often needed, to that extent.”

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According to BAR guidelines, any such disclosure statement shall indicate that many instances of performance of the service involve extra cost and, if the automotive dealer reasonably expects that the extra cost will be more than 25% of the advertised costs, that the extra cost may be substantial.

The type size shall be at least ½ the type size used in the advertised price and the statement shall either be shown near the price or shall prominently footnoted through use of an asterisk or similar reference. See BAR regulations section 3372.1 (d)Include Name & Address. The advertisement must include the auto repair dealer’s name and address as they appear on the BAR registration certificate. See BAR regulations section 3371 (a)Telephone Numbers. If a telephone number appears in an advertisement or on an advertising sign, this number shall be the same number as that listed for the dealer’s firm name and address in the telephone directory or in telephone company records. See BAR regulations section 3371 (b)

Don’ts False & Misleading Advertisements.

“Failing to perform, as advertised will get you in trouble,” Molodanof said.

“An advertisement that is false or misleading is illegal. An advertisement that fails to disclose information or is unclear may be unlawful if the public is likely to be deceived” Bus & Prof section 17500 Not intending to sell as Advertised: Bait and Switch. “Advertising goods and services with the intent not to sell them as advertised and then switching them for other goods or services that are at a higher price or on terms more advantageous to the automotive repair shop is unlawful,” Molo-

danof said. Civil Code 1770 (a) (9).

Examples include using a photo that misrepresents the advertised item; showing an item that is not suited for the purposes represented in the advertisement; advertising claims based on flawed research; disparagement of products or services of others; false testimonials or endorsements and false offers for free products, rebates or contests. Mislead the extent of anticipated services. According to BAR, It is unlawful if the advertisement has the capacity to mislead the public as to the extent that anticipated parts; labor or other services are included in the advertised price. See BAR regulations section 3372.1 (b)Mislead as to additional related repairs and services. It is also unlawful if the advertisement for service or repair has the capacity to mislead the public as to the need for additional related parts, labor or other services; See BAR regulations section 3372.1 (c).

Offering services that cannot be performed at advertised price. It is considered false and misleading if you know or should have known that the advertised service cannot usually be performed in a good and workmanlike manner without additional parts, services or labor. See BAR regulations section 3372.1 (d)Many shops see other shops advertising the claim that they can pay their customers’ deductibles and the main question is— can they do that? “The law about advertising that a shop will cover the customer’s deductible is OK as long as the shop does not deviate from the insurance company accepted estimate,” according to Molodanof.

California’s penal code is clear on this topic. A shop may not waive or discount a customer’s deductible if it

CCC Introduces the CCC ONE® Appraisal Platform

CCC Information Services Inc. (“CCC”) announced the availability of its CCC ONE® Appraisal Platform, offering independent appraisers (“IAs”) a single, cloud-based solution to manage the appraisal process and connect with the auto physical damage industry’s most extensive network of auto insurers and collision repairers. CCC ONE Appraisal Platform combines estimating and audit capabilities in an updated user interface and offers additional functionality in a modular solution. “We have been working with independent appraisers across the country to understand their cur-

rent and future needs for efficiently managing their business and relationships,” said Mark Fincher, VP, Market Solutions for CCC. “What we heard was that flexibility, scale, access and connectivity were all critically important. Based on these needs, we got busy developing our new IA-specific cloud-based and modular platform. CCC ONE Appraisal Platform delivers automation and efficiency to everyday tasks, while offering optional functionality to support the growing and changing needs of IAs into the future.”

Call 877-208-6155 for more information.

30 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

means the shop will deviate from the insurer company accepted estimate.

Except in cases in which the amount of repair has been determined by the insurer and the repair services are performed in accordance with that determination, it is unlawful for a shop to offer or give any discount intended to offset a deductible required by a policy of insurance covering repairs. The law does not prohibit an advertisement for repair at a discount as long as the amount of the repair has been determined by the insurer and the repair is performed in accordance with that determination. See Penal Code section 551 (b).

Be careful when making any promotional offer, Molodanof warns.

“With any free give away, the old adage applies: If it's too good to be true, it usually is. Also the BAR regulators I speak with confirm that one way they investigate shops is to review their auto shop ads, websites, social media, etc. Remember the ads not only attract customers, but they also attract regulators too! The shop could become a target and have a big bull’s eye if the ad falls into one of the don’t categories. Also competitors turn in

shops (forward ads to BAR) if they feel the ad is too effective and is taking business from them, so make sure if you offer something free or at a discount, you can back it up.”

What is the Standard to test Advertising Compliance?

In determining whether any advertisement, statement, or representation is false or misleading, it shall be considered in its entirety as it would be read or heard by persons to whom it is designed to appeal. An advertisement, statement, or representation shall be considered to be false or misleading if it tends to deceive the public or impose upon credulous or ignorant persons.

See BAR regulations section 3372. If the answer is yes, or if you are in doubt, you better go back to the drawing board and make sure it’s compliant.

Bar regulations refers to California Code of Regulations If you ever have any questions regarding BAR compliance and California automotive repair laws, feel free to contact Jack Molodanof at: 2200 L Street Sacramento, CA 95816; Phone 916-447-0313; e-mail address: jack@ mgrco.org; website www.mgrco.org

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 31

ABAC Quarterly Meeting Features Presentation from SCRS Executive Director

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On May 12, the Auto Body Association of Connecticut (ABAC) hosted over 90 members, managers and guests at the Chowder Pot Restaurant in Hartford for their quarterly association meeting. The meeting featured three guest speakers; John Hughes and Mark Engelsdorfer of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) gave a presentation, followed by Aaron Schulenburg, Executive Director of SCRS. The meeting agenda also included a vote to approve ABAC’s new bylaws and the association’s Annual Election of Officers.

ABAC President Tony Ferraiolo welcomed two new members to the association’s board of directors: Tony Cavallaro Jr. of Airport Road Auto Body and Joe Miano of Friendly Auto Body. Ferraiolo also introduced several new association members, including Gates GMC Nissan Buick, Chris’ Auto Clinic, Farmington Auto Park, Suzio Insurance Center and Jackson Chevrolet.

Referencing a table ABAC set up at the front of the room with information to keep shop owners involved and

educated. Ferraiolo stated, “We have information and guidelines to help you.

You really need to have several copies of the Connecticut Appraisers Regulations in your shop. You need to look at it, make copies, and give copies to your customers. If you get a customer who comes in and they were told they had to bring their car to get an estimate somewhere, give them a copy of this and tell

Aaron Schulenburg of SCRS discussed the value of education

them that in the Regulations it states that no appraisers can tell them where to take their vehicle.”

Because the Connecticut Insurance Department’s Conduct of Motor Vehicle Physical Damage Appraisers

clearly states, “No appraiser shall request that appraisals or repairs be made in a specified repair shop or shops.” Ferraiolo encouraged, “Give that to your customer, and if their insurance company tells them otherwise, let your customer know that the appraiser is in violation of the regulations and encourage them to put in a complaint with the Department of Insurance.”

At each ABAC meeting, the association recognizes all sponsors by projecting their names on a large screen.

Their May 12 meeting was sponsored

by Bald Hill Dodge - Chrysler - Jeep and Kia, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Kent Automotive, and Paint World. Stressing the importance of sponsors to the association, Ferraiolo stated, “The ABAC wants to honor our sponsors at every event that the ABAC has and what better way than to put them on display for everyone to see? We really appreciate the support that we receive from these valuable vendors, and the ABAC wants to make sure that everyone supports them by using their services. It is very important and very vital to the continued success of the ABAC

going forward.

Next, Ferraiolo introduced the evening’s first presenters from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: John Hughes,

ABAC Legal Counsel John Parese discussed the importance of the association’s bylaws

Collision Repair Specialist - Technical Service Operations, and Mark Engelsdorfer, Mopar Service Parts and Customer Care Director - Collision Portfolio. Their presentation began at www.moparrepairconnection.com where repairers can find repair manuals, Corporate Position statements, and technical repair articles with all the necessary updated data on collision, mechanical and powertrain re-

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32 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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pairs for Chrysler.

Then, Hughes provided attendees with information about becoming a FCA-Certified shop; in order to be FCA-Certified, shops must have the tools, equipment, training and facilities to properly repair Chrysler vehicles to OEM specifications. After applying and submitting key business information, shops assess their business capabilities and are provided with a score and evaluation. This is followed by an onsite audit to ensure all requirements are met. Once a shop is FCA-Certified, they gain access to various marketing tools to ensure they gain value from their efforts.

Hughes and Engelsdorfer explained the benefits of certification and recognition, including having their

shop location and FCA Collision Assistance app available to all FCA group vehicle owners. The Certification also allows official recognition by other OEMs with the same requirements and certification process. The first presentation concluded with a question and answer session for attendees.

Following a dinner break, Ferraiolo welcomed guests from AASPMA’s Western Chapter: Gary Cloutier of Cloots Auto Body, Mike Boucher of Customer Auto Body, Ed Nalewanski of Ed’s Auto Repair, Don Vermette of Vermette Auto Body, and Dan Lamontagne of White Lightning Auto Body.

Next, ABAC’s Legal Counsel, John Parese, updated members on the association’s new bylaws, stating,

“These bylaws are now consistent with the way the organization is actually run, to modernize the bylaws to regulatory requirements and statutory requirements. So, what I would suggest is that we have a motion since the by-

John Hughes of Mopar was the first guests peaker

laws have been previously provided to everyone, as required by law, and I would ask for a motion to approve the now updated bylaws.”

Bob Skrip moved to accept the new bylaws, and after Bill Denya seconded the motion, the bylaws were unanimously approved and established.

As the meeting proceeded to ABAC’s Election of Officers, the following members were nominated and voted into office for another term: Tony Ferraiolo of A&R Body Specialty will continue as President with Ed Lupinek of Eddie’s Auto Body serving as Vice President. ABAC’s Secretary and Treasurer roles will be filled by Mark Wilkowski and Mike Wilkowski, both of Stanley’s Auto Body. Ferraiolo noted that he would not be able to successfully perform the work he has done without the continued support and valuable efforts of the association’s board of directors.

The meeting concluded with a presentation by Aaron Schulenburg, Executive Director of SCRS. Discussing the education SCRS offers to industry professionals, Schulenburg states, “The two ways that we do education and information are through two arms of programs that we’ve developed; Repairer Driven News and Repairer Driven Education, all of it with a focus on repairs.

And that is what is always driving our efforts and initiatives.”

As an advocate for local associations and the industry as a whole, Schulenburg often speaks at meetings like ABAC’s quarterly meeting on May 12, where he told attendees, “It’s an amazing opportunity to be here and join all of you this evening. One of my favorite parts of my job is when I get to come out and meet with people in different states and talk a little bit about what’s going on in the industry and talk with different groups and what they’re facing locally. It gives us the opportunity to gain insight to what’s going on across the country.”

Regarding Schulenburg’s attendance, Ferraiolo states, “Aaron has a style, and I like it. He has the ability to engage and keep the interest of all in attendance throughout his presentation, and we are very grateful that he took the time to attend our meeting and provide ABAC members with beneficial information they can use in their businesses.”

ABAC www.abaconn.com

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 33

Continued from Page 24

MyCrsmanager

said Williams, who was a DRP for several insurance companies during that time.

In response, he began investigating several software programs available and found that they offered features that helped manage the body shop but didn’t give him the ability to communicate with customers. It was then he said he realized there was a need in the industry to address these issues.

Improving Business “At the end of 2008, I knew my white boards weren’t keeping up and I needed to find a better mousetrap,” said Williams. He talked to a company that builds software and asked them to create something that would allow him to update customers on the status of their vehicles as things happen, in real time.

When the project was complete, he said the software was cumbersome and wasn’t what he had envisioned.

He and one of his friends who was a programmer worked for the next four

years to create an alternative.

Meanwhile, with the downturn of the economy, his business took a turn in 2009. “My shops went from doing $500,000 a month to $160,000 a month,” said Williams. “For me to survive this I had to completely change the way I did business.” This included consolidating all of his shops.

“I knew at this point my salvation was to continue to work on this program and to make it the best it could be so I could compete and do a better job at what I needed to do,” said Williams.

After using the software in his body shop, he has found it has changed the way they do business. The biggest advantage, said Williams, is that there is instant communication. “Customer feedback regarding this feature has been overwhelming. When my customers come in they tell me they love the updates they receive about the vehicle repair and the ease of signing documents.

Williams offers customers the option of paying $329 per month or signing a 12-month contract for $289.

More information is available online: http://www.collisionrepairstatus.com/ or call 559-273-5259.

34 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ABRA Auto Body & Glass Awards 10 Students with Tool Grants Through CREF

ABRA Auto Body & Glass awarded 10 collision students each with $2,000 in tools through a tool grant opportunity with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). The tool grant was made available to select high school seniors and post-secondary students studying in collision repair programs. The winning students were able to select $2,000 (retail value) in tools and equipment from a list of entrylevel body tools. The student winners of the 2015 ABRA Auto Body & Glass spring tool grant include:

● Alfonza Cooper – Chattahoochee Technical College (Marietta, GA) ● Jonathon Groom – Southwest Technical College (Fennimore, WI) ● Derek Holzknecht – Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (Rice Lake, WI) ● Antonio Huizar – Pickens Technical College (Aurora, CO) ● Jamari Linder – WyoTech (Blairsville, PA) ● Cesar Mercado – Walla Walla Community College (Walla Walla, WA) ● Anthony Pung – Dunwoody College of Technology (Minneapolis, MN)

● Cory Seal – Tennessee College of Applied Technology (Morristown, TN) ● Victor Vuchetich – Chippewa Valley Technical College (Eau Claire, WI) ● Jacob Will – Hennepin Technical College (Brooklyn Park, MN)

“One of the long-term goals of ABRA is to foster and support high school seniors and post-secondary students with their training and education in collision repair programs,” said Michelle DeMarais, ABRA’s recruiting manager.

“With these grants and our partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation, this goal can be a reality for students all across the country.”

For additional information about ABRA Auto Body & Glass, visit www .abraauto.com.

Industry members interested in working together with the Collision Repair Education Foundation in supporting secondary and post-secondary collision repair students, instructors, and their school programs should contact Director of Development, Brandon Eckenrode at 847.463.5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode @ed-foundation.org.

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 35

H OND A C ON NEC TI CU T

Lia Honda of Enfield E nf ield

800-221-3131 860-741-3401 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 jdoucette@liacars.com

Schaller Honda New Britain

800-382-4525 860-826-2080 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5; Sat 8-1 jkiniry@schallerauto.com MAR Y LA ND

Criswell Honda Ger m an t ow n

866-738-2886 Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-9; Fri 7-7:30; Sat 8-6 hondaparts@criswellauto.com

O’Donnell Honda E llicot t City

410-461-5000 410-461-9654 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 bshortt@odonnellhonda.com

Ourisman Honda of Laurel Lau rel

800-288-6985 301-498-6050 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 7-4 ron.malitz@ourismanautomotive.com MAS SAC HUSET T S

AutoFair Honda Ply mou th

508-927-5272 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 7:30-6 service@autofairhondaparts.com

AC URA MAR Y LA ND

Tischer Acura Lau rel

800-288-6983 301-498-3322 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-4 wholesaleparts@tischerauto.com MAS SAC HUSET T S

Acura of Boston Brig ht on

800-254-1169 617-254-5400 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5:30; Sat 8-5 bruce.fisher@acuraofboston.com

36 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Please contact these dealers for your Honda or Acura Genuine parts needs.

M AS S AC H U SE T T S

Herb Chambers Honda of Seekonk

NE W J ERSE Y

N EW YORK

P EN NSY LVAN IA

Madison Honda

Dick Ide Honda

M a di so n

Ro che s te r

Wex f ord

800-648-0293 973-822-1710

800-462-0056 (N.Y.) 585-586-4919

724-940-2006

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-8; Fri 7-6; Sat 8-5; Sun 9-5 Tespinola@herbchambers.com

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-8; Fri 7-6; Sat 8-6; mschumer@madisonhonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-Thur 8-8; Fri 8-5:30; Sat 8-5 parts@dickide.com

LIA Honda Northampton

V i ne l a nd

Se ekon k

508-336-7100

N or t ha m p t o n

800-369-7889 413-586-6043 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 dstanisewski@liacars.com NEW JERSEY

Clinton Honda An n a n d ale

908-735-0900

Rossi Honda 800-893-3030 856-692-4449

Route 22 Honda

800-468-2090 412-390-2908

H i l l si d e

973-705-9100 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7:30; Sat 8-5 rt22hondaparts@route22honda.com

VIP Honda N o rt h P l a i n f ie l d

NE W YO RK

Babylon Honda Wes t B a by lo n

A lba n y

Pit ts b urgh

800-272-6741 518-482-2598

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5 shadysidehondaparts@hotmail.com

Dept. Hours: M, T, W, F 7:30-5:30; Thur 7:30-8; Sat 8-5 apersaud@liacars.com

Sussman Honda

Lia Honda of Williamsville W il l ia msv il le / Buffa l o

877-659-2672 716-632-3800

Ros ly n

800-682-2914 215-657-3301 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-1 rendrick@sussmanauto.com

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7:30-8; Fri 7:30-5; Sat 8-5:30 liaparts@liacars.com

631-669-5800

Ray Laks Honda

Tu r n e rs vil le

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-3:30 babylonparts@aol.com

800-883-0002 856-649-1584

716-824-7852

Brewster Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-8; Sat 7:30-5:30 ekuznicki@raylaks.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-4 sbaptist@penskeautomotive.com

845-278-4177

Hudson Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 kbennett@liacars.com

We s t Se ne c a

B re w s t e r

Wes t N e w Yor k

P EN N SYLVANIA

Apple Honda Yo r k

800-960-9041 717-848-2600

866-483-6917 201-868-9500

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun 10-4 applehondaparts@appleauto1.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-5; Sun 8-3 anthony.perrone@hudsonhonda.com

NEW JERSEY

Dept. Hours: M-Thur 8-6; Fri 8-5; Sat 8-4 joseph.sciacca@jlfreed.com

Lia Honda of Albany

Honda of Princeton

Honda of Turnersville

Mont g omer yv ille

215-855-3587

Shadyside Honda

908-753-1680

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-4:30 kphillips2@princetoncars.com

J.L. Freed Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 9-1 parts@lamacchiahonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-3 kevinh@viphonda.com

P r in c et on

S yra c use

315-471-7278

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 johnryan@baierl.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 6:30-5; Sat 7:30-3 dave@rossihonda.com

Dept. Hours: M,Tue, F 7-6; W, Thu 7-7; Sat 7-4 chrish@clintonhonda.com

800-682-5941 609-683-5941

Lamacchia Honda

Baierl Honda

NE W YO RK

PEN NS YLVANIA

P EN N SY LVA NI A

Acura of Turnersville

Curry Acura

Apple Acura

Tu r n er sv ill e

S c ar s da le

Yo r k

E mm aus

888-883-2884 856-649-1884

800-725-2877 914-472-7406

877-5APPLE5 717-849-6639

877-860-3954 610-967-6500

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 egreger@penskeautomotive.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 parts@curryacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5:30; Sat 7-3 parts@appleacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5; Sat 8-5 mustafa@vinart.com

Elite Acura

Paragon Acura

Baierl Acura

Sussman Acura

M ap l e Sh ad e

Woo d si de

Wexfo rd

Jen kint own

856-722-9600

718-507-3990

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 bmartinsen@group1auto.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5; Sun 9-4 johnp@paragonacura.com

800-246-7457 724-935-0800

800-826-4078 215-884-6285

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-1 johnsabella@baierl.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-1 rendrick@sussmanauto.com

N E W Y OR K

Acura of Westchester We st che s te r

914-834-8887 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-8; Sat 8-4; Sun 9-4 acura.parts@yahoo.com

Smithtown Acura St. James

888-832-8220 631-366-4114 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 parts@smithtownacura.com

Lehigh Valley Acura

Davis Acura L a ngho r ne

866-50-ACURA 215-943-7000 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-4 markh@davisacura.com www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 37

Lean Operations

A Better Way to Measure Cycle Time with David Luehr

For those of you that are using your management system to measure your cycle time, congratulations! Too often, collision repair shops don’t measure their shop’s cycle time performance, instead allowing our insurance partners to measure it for us with questionable reliability. Much of the cycle time information that insurers use to measure & judge you by, is derived from rental car length of rental “LOR.” While this outside information can be useful, you are much better off using detailed cycle time measurements that will contribute to your shop’s continuous improvement.

Cycle time is usually measured in terms of days from vehicle drop off to vehicle pick-up. What has come to be

known as “keys to keys.” As I said, knowing your keys to keys cycle time and comparing it against a known standard is helpful to know, but it doesn’t really help you identify specifically where in your system improvement opportunities lie. I offer a better way!

In every computerized management system, there are three separate time segments that you should use in addition to looking at your keys to

Free

David Luehr is the owner of Elite Body Shop Solutions, LLC, a collision business consulting firm based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is a 30 year veteran of the collision repair industry.

David is an expert in Body Shop Operations and specializes in Lean, and Theory of Constraints methods. Email him at dluehr@msn.com

keys cycle time performance.

• Vehicle In to Start ■ Use this segment to measure how long it takes to get a vehicle from drop-off to production ready. “Production ready” is your shop’s definition of when the vehicle is ready to flow seamlessly through the body work and refinish stages of production. For most shops that means blueprinting has been completed, full approval from the customer and insurance companies has been obtained and all critical parts are on hand.

Once this criteria has been met and there is an available technician to work on it, enter the start date. For most shops this time segment averages 1 day (same day) for jobs under

$1500, 2 days for $1500-$4000, and 5 days for the heavy hit $4000+ jobs.

The overall goal is 3 days on average for all jobs.

• Repairs Started to Repairs Completed ■ This is the most important segment of time because it is the only segment where anybody makes any money!

For that reason, you clearly want to measure this segment of time. You

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can measure this segment in either days or in hours per day. Things that have the biggest effect on your suc-

this time segment, assuming you are diligent about your date management.

cess or failure while vehicles are in production are things like blueprint accuracy, parts correctness etc. Top shops will typically produce between 4.0 to 6.0 Hours per day while the vehicle is in the Started to Completed segment.

• Repairs Completed to Vehicle Out ■ This time segment is probably the most overlooked area of cycle time opportunity. How long does it take you to get rid of the cars when you get them finished? Your management system cycle time reports will also show you how you are performing in

Take control of your cycle time performance by taking a deeper look into the individual areas that affect the overall cycle time performance. As you have heard, you cannot improve what you don’t measure. By viewing your computerized management system’s cycle time report, you can analyze this information, but you have to first be diligent with your date management.

If you would like more information about how you can apply this date management strategy at your shop, please contact me at david.luehr@elite bodyshopsolutions.com

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Media and Publicity for Shops Get Old School Again with Time-Proven Business Networking with Ed Attanasio

There are two ways to promote your shop: 1.) Advertising and 2.) Marketing.

Advertising is when you buy space or time or impressions and you pay a fee for the exposure. Marketing is an enormous category that includes product marketing, branding, re-branding and a whole list of other things that are used to hopefully bring you new business while strengthening your position in your market.

I tell shop owners that advertising is the easy way out Nancy Friedman and marketing is the (aka the Telephone workhorse and the Doctor) said that elbow grease of the business-to-business networking is promotional world. where the smaller Advertising is like independent shops Babe Ruth and marcan shine and comketing is like Pete pete on a level field Rose. If you’re not with the bigger MSOs in their area a baseball fan, let’s put it another way—advertising is ideal for large corporations and for big MSOs, primarily because they have larger budgets to do it. Marketing is for smaller, independent shops that do great work but have less money to tell people about it.

So, I’m not trashing print media or broadcast media, I’m just saying for the average body shop out there with a limited budget, marketing is the smarter way to go. You can get a lot more mileage out of your marketing dollar by doing things as opposed to buying things–such as calling on dealerships for business, keeping in touch with the insurance agents in your area and maybe most importantly—doing some business-to-business networking.

Many shop owners don’t like the idea of getting out there in the community, meeting people and shaking hands. They feel comfortable working in their shops and fixing cars; as soon as they’re outside of that environment, they feel like fish out of water. If they stick their heads out and see their shadows, they’re likely to retreat and wait for spring.

But the shops that understand the value of networking know that it works and that is brings them a ton of

business if they continually get out there and meet other people in their community. This can be achieved in many ways, but the core concept is the same—meet as many folks as you can and become an integral part of your business community.

Nancy Friedman is known as the Telephone Doctor and she speaks at SEMA and other automotive-related events year-round about customer service, best practices and yes—B2B networking. The doctor was in recently when we discussed networking and its value, especially for smaller shops.

“Networking is where the smaller independent shops can shine,” Friedman explained. “They can be a big fish in a small pond in a chamber of commerce or with the Elks, Rotary or even through a networking group, such as the Business Networking Institute (BNI). No one really cares how big you are or how many locations you have, as long as the work is good and your rates are fair.”

Be active and involved in any networking group and you’ll reap the benefits over time, Friedman said.

“Become an integral part of the group, which means attend the meetings and other events and take on some responsibility. That’s the only way you’ll ever get anything from a networking group. I tell people sponsor events within the organization and be very proactive in getting out there. Most of these associations sponsor charity events and those are a great way to connect with the members of the group and the community as a whole.

Great friendships—both personal and professional—start there and then build over time.”

Some body shop owners say— hey, I work 10-12 hour days ... how do I find the time to get to these meetings and events? Well, the doctor has the answer. “Many businesses have 2-3 people who go to the meetings and share that responsibility,” she explained. “Maybe one of your techs or estimators is the social type and not afraid to meet new people? As the owner you should still get out there periodically and wave your flag, but delegate the rest to the right people and let them shine.”

40 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

Collision repair shops all over the country are members of the Business Networking Institute (BNI) — the world’s largest referral organization with more than 150,000 members in 58 countries worldwide. BNI was founded in 1985 by Dr. Ivan Misner for the primary purpose of building powerful referral networks.

BNI works by creating a group of people from various industries and encouraging the regular distribution of referrals. Each chapter allows one person per occupational classification, and prospective members must be approved via an application process.

BNI’s philosophy is “Givers Gain” members are expected to focus on giving referrals to other members to build relationships and receive referrals in return. Chapters have specific rules regarding required attendance in order to cultivate the relationships needed to create a comfort level in referring business. Chapters carefully track the mon-

etary amount of passed business in order to prove the value of the money and time commitment.

By joining a BNI chapter and working it hard, body shops all over the country have made this organization a big part of their marketing plan.

One owner has used it to foster a young, small shop by joining his local chapter and getting out there into the promising world of networking.

Kendall Glines is the owner of Lone Peak Collision Repair in Midvale, Utah, a small shop with five employees that fixes 5-7 cars weekly.

One year after opening the shop in late 2012, Glines joined his local chapter (the Boom Chapter in West Jordan, UT) by paying $420 in annual fees after a $150 one-time registration fee, but those have been paid back many times over, he explained.

“I love the fact that I am the only collision repairer in the chapter, which means I don’t have to compete with

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 41

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has a body shop in the family and has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988.

He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

Industry Insight

Insurers, PartsTrader and CAPA Share News and Views at Non-OEM Parts Convention with John Yoswick

Although non-OEM parts were, not surprisingly, the focus at the recent Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) convention in Chicago, there were plenty of other topics of interest to collision repairers.

PartsTrader, for example, announced that vendors can now designate in the system which parts a shop returned and why. A year earlier, parts distributors at the ABPA conference told a PartsTrader speaker that because the monthly fees they pay PartsTrader are based on their total sales through the system, they should be able to indicate in PartsTrader if a part was returned (and thus potentially lower their fees) even if the shop doesn’t indicate the return in the system.

“I understand what you’re saying, but I think there’s a little bit of concern if you start returning [in the system] your own orders,” Ken Weiss of PartsTrader responded last spring.

Apparently those concerns have been addressed, because at this year’s ABPA conference, Weiss said suppliers now can do just that. Weiss showed how a shop can designate within PartsTrader that a part has been returned and cite a reason for the return; then he showed parts vendors how they can do that even if the shop hasn’t.

“You can open up the order and select the part and select the explanation and hit return,” Weiss told parts vendors. “At that point, it’s a return from the shop on their side as well as on your side. It would be nice if [the shop] did it first, but you have the ability.”

Another speaker whose comments may have raised some eyebrows among collision repairers was Allstate’s Randy Hanson who discussed his company’s belief in customer choice in terms of parts.

“So if a customer says they want a particular part on their vehicle, ‘I want OEM parts,’ we allow that,” Hanson

said. “We absolutely accommodate the customer’s request associated with that.

We do. We always will.”

(Several shops that participate in Allstate’s direct repair program later confirmed this was the case, but a number of shops who aren’t part of Allstate’s DRP said this was the first they’d heard about Allstate’s willingness to honor a customer’s preference for OEM parts.)

Hanson also discussed the company’s long-standing support (financial and otherwise) of the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA).

“We believe that certification allows us to tell a very powerful story in terms of the consumer,” Hanson said.

“We only use CAPA-certified crash parts on our estimates.”

(Even a shop on the Allstate direct repair program subsequently questioned Hanson’s CAPA-only claim. “I believe the adjusters write the lowestpriced part available,” even if those are

non-certified aftermarket parts or lowquality used parts, he said. “They will allow us to change the estimate to the appropriate part,” but that’s not what is always on the initial estimate, he said.)

Hanson also weighed in on the future of published list prices for OEM parts. General Motors is launching MyPriceLink in some market this summer. As described by GM last fall, the new system will mean that parts prices would no longer be available within the estimating systems. Instead, shops would need to upload all estimates requiring prices for GM parts to MyPriceLink, which would then return the estimate back with current, competitive prices. (GM has more recently said it has worked with the three estimating system providers to ensure that shops will be able to use the program “with minimal disruption to their existing workflow,” but has provided little in the way of detail.)

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NACE heading to California

The complete details about when and where NACE will be held next year won’t be announced formally until the event takes place in Detroit this month. But at the recent Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) convention, Automotive Service Association Executive Director Dan Risley offered a few clues. He said moving forward at least in the short-term NACE will return to Detroit every other year, rotating the other years between a West Coast location and an East Coast location. Though he declined to name any other specific cities that will host NACE in the future, he did say NACE 2016 would be held in California, the first time in the event’s 33-year history it will have been held in that state.

The system is expected to give the automaker more flexibility in parts pricing to compete with non-OEM parts.

Allstate’s Hanson said he thinks other automakers will eventually follow General Motor’s lead and stop publishing list prices for crash parts.

“All of the OEMs are probably going to go down that path,” he predicted. “I think most of them are watching GM to see how it goes.”

Hanson and several other speakers at the ABPA event made reference to the February 11 “Anderson Cooper 360” segment on CNN examining insurer involvement in the collision repair industry. Hanson told the non-OEM parts suppliers at the event that the message of the segment was damaging to their industry.

“It rang pretty loud and clear to me. I heard ‘cheap’ and I heard ‘junk,’”

Hanson said. “And I know that’s not the case, but that was the message they wanted to send. Those things are damaging. They take time to recover from.

That’s not the case, but how do you find the right outlet to continue to tell your story? I can tell you that I tell your story every day, and I will continue to do that.”

Bob Passmore of the Property-Casualty Insurance Association of America (PCI) said his organization also is watching to see if Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) follows through on references he’s made in the CNN piece and elsewhere to “wanting to do something about direct repair programs” at a federal level.

“We have no idea what that is but we continue to try to engage him to see what he’s up to,” Passmore said.

Sen. Blumenthal has not made any public comments about any legislation he might introduce related to DRPs, but earlier this year he did urge the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate whether insurers are directing consumers to collision repair shops that have agreed “to charge below-market labor rates and to use cheaper, salvaged, used or even counterfeit parts of questionable quality and safety.”

Speaker Jack Gillis, executive director of CAPA, also said his organization has been working with Sen. Blumenthal and his staff.

“I’m relatively optimistic that the Senator is going to be a strong supporter of quality aftermarket parts,” Gillis said. “He knows about the CAPA program. He believes in certification, and he also believes that competition for the car companies is very important.

So I’m pretty confident that we can work closely with the Senator’s office and turn him around in terms of aftermarket parts.”

Gillis also offered a brief update on his organization, noting that when CAPA was founded it was funded virtually entirely by the insurance industry.

“When I started 26 years ago, almost 100 percent of our funding was from the insurers,” Gillis said. “Today we’re down to about 11 percent. We now have the ability as a much more independent organization to work solely in the best interests of consumers and the industry. And that’s our goal.”

Gillis said CAPA also is in the process of developing standards to certify non-OEM radiators, condensers, fan assemblies and external mirrors.

www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 43

Rick Leos of Toyota and Nathan Sellers of Mitchell—Some Startling Predictions for 2025

by Tom Franklin

The California Autobody Association Glendale-Foothill Chapter met Thursday, May 28, 2015, at Gene’s Paint & Body in Montrose, CA. Chapter President Daniel Panduro opened the meeting and introduced the two speakers, Rick Leos, from Toyota, and Nathan Sellers from Mitchell.

The topic for the evening was Toyota’s new Predictive Estimating software that is set to be released in the very near future, and the increased technology being built into today’s vehicles and what that means for us repairers trying to “fix cars correctly and safely.”

Leos opened with a video on hydrogen-powered vehicles. He made the startling prediction that by 2025, all vehicles will be hydrogen-powered! The next video showed a massive manure pile and the steps needed to turn it into hydrogen. A combination of steam and heat turns this inexpensive crap into highly profitable energy—a process cheaper than oil, corn, solar, and electricity combined.

Leos also said that these vehicles would be nearly unrepairable! Vehicle manufacturers will develop such complete collision avoidance technology, that the few accidents that do occur will require vehicles to be completely replaced, (effectively eliminating the collision repair industry)!

Although 2025 is a long way off, in November this year, 60,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles will be put on the road. Shops hoping to repair any of these vehicles will have to have x-

ray equipment capable of finding cracks in the many carbon fiber panels and parts that will make up much of these vehicles. Leos also predicted the OEMs will seek to put the liability for faulty repairs and subsequent prob-

Rick Leos, from Toyota, and Nathan Sellers from Mitchell covered Toyota’s new Predictive Estimating software at the May 28 CAA Glendale/Foothill Chapter meeting

lems squarely onto the repairer, to protect the manufacturer’s brand name as the top priority.

With this startling part of the presentation finished, Leos and Sellers turned to Toyota’s new Predictive Estimating software, already available on Mitchell’s Ultramate and being shipped on all user’s next update. The essence of the system is the reversal of current estimating systems where parts to be repaired or replaced must be added line-by-line. With this system all parts are displayed on the estimate and those not affected must be

Major Paint Companies Will Color-up NACE | CARS

AkzoNobel, Axalta, BASF, Matrix, PPG Automotive Refinish, and Valspar-House of Kolor have committed to NACE | CARS 2015 with exhibit space and sponsorships.

Companies closely related to the paint market actively participating, as well, including 3M, DeVilbiss, Pro-Spray Finishes, Painters Supply & Equipment Co., Anest Iwata, UniCure Spraybooths, DHI Equipment, Shop-Pro Equipment, Inc., and more.

“Having the support of the paint companies is significant to the success of NACE,” stated Dan Risley, ASA President and Executive Director. “Historically, the paint companies have represented some of

the biggest supporters of the show and the industry. Attendees routinely seek the paint manufacturers while walking the show floor, and this years lineup of demonstrations and displays will not disappoint.”

In addition to exhibits and sponsorships, spray demonstrations will also take place on the show floor highlighting new paint technologies, colors, color matching, and more.

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deleted. In the demos presented by Leos and Sellers, most repairs that would run to 10 or 12 lines on a usual estimate would suddenly jump to 16 or 20 lines. Small parts often missed, like clips, are added automatically.

Even usual add-ons like color sand and buff or seam sealer are displayed in detail. The estimator can still delete parts on the estimate with no visible asterisk or other mark, but the deletion, change or omission is time stamped in the computer. If an adjuster chooses to delete a line, the time stamp can indicate the deletion if a problem occurs later as a result of that deletion.

Ultramate was chosen for the first test run because of insurer DRP relationships. Also the Ultramate could be converted to a CCC or ADP estimate by using Estify. Leos said he was surprised at a meeting with insurers where the new software was well received even though it could be more costly for insurers. The reason most said was the desirability of having a standard base rather than the arbitrary negotiated estimates common today.

Perhaps the most stabilizing feature is

the instant availability of parts documents and technical and CRIB bulletins. A simple click of a black dot and all of the supporting information jumps up. Documentation to resolve a dispute with an adjuster is readily at hand. Also technicians can be saved from costly errors like one-time-use parts. A few of Leos’ examples showed how a tech might miss a onetime-use part if the documentation hadn’t been consulted. Leos showed how the system can quickly pay for itself and increase shop profitability.

Most remarkable is the willingness of Toyota to make the templates for the system available to other vehicle manufacturers. All they have to do is plug in their own parts and related documents and the system is ready to go. Certification training is also now much simpler. It is no longer necessary to have a dealer recommendation.

Leos also talked about the way scanners are getting better all the time at creating instant estimates. iPad and smartphone scans will soon create an accurate estimate. Like most other aspects of life now, technology is driving the future of collision repair.

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Continued from Page 21

CARSTAR Event

The keynote speaker at the event was Clifton Lambreth, a motivational speaker and former Ford Motor Company executive. Mike Anderson, founder of CollisionAdvice.com, spoke about the Five Love Languges (see article on page 22). Other guests included Michael Macaluso, President of CARSTAR Canada; Marcy Tieger, Managing Director of Symphony Advisors; Doug Schlueter, National MSO Manager at I-CAR and Vince Romans, founding partner of The Romans Group.

Attendees had the opportunity to visit a vendor’s expo with more than 50 industry suppliers and participate in classes and training programs.

CARSTAR Awards During the event, Dean Fisher, VP of Operations for CARSTAR, presented four awards to stores for their achievements. The winners included: ● Franchisee of the Year: CARSTAR Jungerman in St. Peters, MO, owned

by Kerry Woodson and Toni Donius ● Rookie of the Year: CARSTAR

Friendly of Roselle in Roselle, IL, which is run by Body Shop Director, Eric Schmit ● Business Group of the Year: CARSTAR Puget Sound Business Group, which represents 22 stores throughout the region ● Next Generation Award: to husband and wife, Tony and Sharon Kempen, who run CARSTAR Pat’s Auto Body in Plover, WI, and CARSTAR Eau Claire South, in Eau Claire, WI. Three CARSTAR facilities were honored as CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Expert Shop of the Year by Esurance, the direct-to-consumer insurance company.

Byers, Dan Young, Senior Vice President of Insurance for CARSTAR, and Earl Richardson, Senior MateriaDamage Manager – Network, for Esurance, honored representatives from each winning store The winning facilities were: ● Esurance Best Capture Rate – CARSTAR Ballard Collision, Seattle, WA Esurance Best Cycle Time – CARSTAR Cornforth-Campbell, Puyallup, WA Esurance Best Net Promoter Score – CARSTAR Jungerman, St.

Peters, MO 10 CARSTAR stores were recognized by Mitchell, a provider of technology, connectivity and information solutions to the Property & Casualty (P&C) claims and Collision Repair industries, as recipients of the 2014 AutocheX™ Solution Premier Achiever Award.

“Mitchell is honored to recognize repair shop owners who are committed to customer satisfaction.” said Frankie Costa, Client Program Manager for AutocheX. “These elite shop owners not only embrace their commitment to their customers, but find ways to consistently exceed their expectations.”

The CARSTAR shops honored this year include: · CARSTAR Champion Collision - Hightstown, NJ · CARSTAR Gullotta’s Autobody - Englewood, FL · CARSTAR Hawken Collision Repair - Osage Beach, MO · CARSTAR John’s Collision Center - Schererville, IN · CARSTAR Kurt’s Collision Center - Maryville, IL · CARSTAR Liss Auto Body Crown Point, IN

· CARSTAR Murray’s Collision Des Moines, WA · CARSTAR Red Bud Collision Center–Red Bud, IL · CARSTAR Arnold–Arnold, MO · CARSTAR Utzig Collision Service - Janesville, WI Performance and Marketing Award Winners were also handed out.

Marketer of the Year—Individual Tom Martin, owner of CARSTAR Sidney Body in Sidney, OH, and CARSTAR Troy in Troy, OH. Marketer of the Year—Business Group CARSTAR Colorado Business Group comprised of 11 stores

Spirit of CARSTAR Award National Director of Operations, Melissa Miller This year’s performance award winners included: 2014 Overall 3Cs · CARSTAR Kurt’s Collision Center, Maryville, IL 2014 Top Closing Ratio · 1st Place – CARSTAR of Raytown, Raytown, MO · 2nd Place – CARSTAR Highland Denver North, Denver, CO

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ASA Survey Measures OEM Service Info Website Usage

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is conducting a survey on the usage of OEM service information websites by independent automotive service and repair shops.

“On behalf of NASTF, ASA is conducting this survey to help the industry understand better how the industry utilizes and finds service information,” said Donny Seyfer, ASA chairman and coowner of Seyfer Automotive in Wheat Ridge, Colo. “We hope that everyone who repairs cars will take two minutes and complete the survey.”

The survey asks 11 simple questions and is available at https:// www.surveymonkey.com/s/JNZSGCV. Survey results will be shared at a later date in AutoInc. magazine, ASA’s official publication. ASA hopes to gather all results by July 1.

To become a member of ASA, visit www.ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2900.

For additional information about ASA, including past media releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingThe Hill.com.

New Martin Senour’s PCC® 2.8 VOC Factory Packaged Colors

The Martin Senour Company has launched its new PCC® Premium Commercial Coatings 2.8 VOC Factory Packaged Colors (FPC).

The urethane single stage products are designed for overall refinishing on a variety of fleet, commercial equipment and industrial applications.

Martin Senour representatives said that the PCC285 series delivers notable dry times and gloss content while meeting 2.8 VOC regulations.

Available in 10 popular factory packaged colors, Martin Senour reps added that they are easy to apply, easy to mix, and feature a simple 4:1 reduction ratio.

The PCC285 series can also be used for multiple types of industrial and commercial applications such as construction machinery, farm equipment and fleet vehicles.

For more information regarding Martin Senour or its paint products, visit the new website at www.martin senour-autopaint.com or call 1-800526-6704.

PPG Industries Foundation Awards Student Scholarships through CREF The PPG Industries Foundation, working with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), recently awarded scholarships to four students who have demonstrated a career interest in automotive repair and refinish. The scholarships, $5,000 each, are awarded annually to fulltime students attending a post-secondary school with a focus or degree program in collision repair. The funds may be used to assist the students with educational expenses such as tuition, books, tools and equipment.

The winners of the 2015 PPG Foundation Scholarships are Chris Cranford (Pulaski Tech, Little Rock, AK.); Marly Luna (Lincoln College of Technology, Denver, CO.); Eric Piper (Highland Community College, Freeport, IL.); and Aaron Rollins (Universal Technical Institute, Houston, TX).

In addition, money was raised for the PPG MVP Industry Student Scholarship Fund during PPG’s 2014 Fall MVP Business Solutions Conference in Nashville, TN. The fund was able to award a $990 scholarship to Jessica Hedgecock (Manhattan Area Tech College,

Manhattan, KS.).

“Through PPG Automotive Refinish and the PPG Foundation, we continue to work closely with the Collision Repair Education Foundation to support future professionals and develop the educational facilities the collision industry requires,” said Domenic Brusco, PPG senior manager, industry relations and treasurer of CREF. “By taking an active role in the education of collision repair and refinish students across the country, we help grow a workforce to meet the demand for highly competent technicians amid ever-evolving technology.

We congratulate our 2015 scholarship recipients.”

Industry members interested in working with CREF to support secondary and post-secondary collision repair students, instructors and school programs should contact Brandon Eckenrode, director of development, at (847) 463-5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.

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On Creative Marketing

Tom Franklin has been a sales and marketing consultant for fifty years. He has written numerous books and provides marketing solutions and services for many businesses.

He can be reached at (323) 871-6862 or at tbfranklin@aol.com.

See Tom’s columns at www.autobodynews.com under Columnists > Franklin

How to Hire the Best Body Shop Marketing People with Thomas Franklin

Collision repair shop owners are mainly in the people business. The days of one-man shops are long gone.

Every shop has employees, and most have technicians specialized in body, paint, structural and more. The typical shop owner came up through these ranks and is sufficiently knowledgeable about the details to hire competent workers. But marketing is different. Few shop owners come from a background in sales or marketing, and only fairly affluent shops can afford to hire personnel solely for marketing and sales. But that doesn't mean the need isn't there. To survive today every shop needs to bring in new customers and that means reaching out with sales and marketing.

And it may mean that some employees have to do double duty. Generally that means estimators and front desk people, but it could include the parts guy and even some unusually communicative technicians.

It could also mean hiring from a different point of view. For example, a shop may generally hire an attractive lady for the front desk who is friendly and can handle the paperwork. A recent article entitled "Build a Killer Team" in the June issue of Inc Magazine quoted a co-founder of a company that requires every employee to "work reception once a month." Many businesses have found that rotating employees through public contact jobs on a regular basis keep them in touch with prospective customers' real priorities. Ideally a shop owner or manager might want to simply rotate the estimators through the front desk po-

sition regularly, but if there aren't enough estimators to do that, the front desk person should be treated as a key new business developer for the shop and paid accordingly.

While hiring practices vary greatly by industry, methods of interviewing and evaluating prospective employees are relatively consistent.

Some frequent suggestions include giving all your candidates the same interview with a standard set of questions that you ask all candidates. They say using the same questions in each interview gives you greater control of the situation by preventing a clever interviewee from hiding pertinent information.

Questions should also test an applicant's ability to think quickly. For example a good salesperson should be able to handle the unanticipated and to meet challenges with confidence. Although an applicant knows you will check references, you should ask, "When I call your references, what will he or she tell me about your past performance?" This emphasis on reference checks might help avoid prospect exaggeration. If you have a trusted employee already performing similar tasks, you might consider having him or her sit in on the interview to help you determine if the candidate truly has what it takes to mesh with the existing team.

Dealerships hire new people much more frequently than body shops, and sales people are their most frequent new hires. DealerRefresh.com specifies how most dealerships look for new prospects and evaluate prospective hires. They

say 50% of the most successful companies have given up on job boards. Social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook are cheaper and more effective. They also say people hired by referral are 47% more likely to stick around after three years, compared to 14% for job-board applicants. They say cash bonuses are the best way to get current employees to refer others. Start by notifying current employees. If the job pays well, employees will often brag about how much they love their work and attract others to your business. You could also offer a bonus to customers who refer others. Everybody knows somebody looking for a job.

Suppliers are another possible source of prospects. There could be someone good they know of who's burned out at their present job and needs a change. This is an especially wise method for finding good help because your suppliers won't recommend a dud. Their reputation with you

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GM to Invest $1.2 Billion in Full-Size Truck Plant in Fort Wayne, IN

General Motors is investing $1.2 billion in its full-size pickup truck plant for upgrades and technology that will improve the plant’s competitiveness in assembling high-quality light- and heavy-duty models. Construction of the new pre-treat, electro-coat paint operation and sealing facility, expanded body shop, expanded and new material sequencing centers, and upgraded general assembly area was expected to begin in June and take several years to complete. Full-size truck production schedules will be unaffected by the construction.

“This investment is more evidence that the customer is at the center of every decision we make,” said Cathy Clegg, GM North America Manufacturing Vice President. “Truck customers demand top quality. The upgrades at Fort Wayne Assembly will enable our team to continue delivering for them for years to come.”

“These new technologies and equipment will help fulfill the mission of the men and women of Fort Wayne Assembly and UAW Local 2209 to build the best full-size trucks available,” said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada.

48 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

would be ruined and they might lose your business.

So what are the qualities and skills a collision shop applicant should possess? The Inc Magazine article again reported several bosses that watched for a job applicant's tendency to mainly talk and self-promote, as opposed to asking questions and carefully listening with follow-up questions. Another tactic suggested is to have prospective employees do some "homework." For a collision repair shop this could be having them write a list of the questions they think would most effectively get a prospective customer to reveal what they value most in a body shop. And would most likely get them to come back and refer the shop to a friend. Any position dealing with the public requires the ability to ask questions and get key answers. This can take time, but the cost of hiring another person to ask and listen may be far less than losing prospective customers.

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Valspar Plans to Strengthen Quest’s Brands After Acquiring Their Performance Coatings Businesses

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Soon after The Valspar Corporation announced in May that it had reached an agreement to acquire the performance coatings businesses of Quest Specialty Chemicals, the company began discussing plans to integrate the auto-

motive product line within the Valspar automotive division.

When Autobody News spoke to Florian Girthofer, Valspar’s VP of Channel Strategy, he had just participated in a global town hall meeting with employees about the recent announcement. He said the news has been received extremely well.

“We are not planning on any immediate changes. Naturally, it’s a bit of an evolutionary process that we want to take here,” said Girthofer. “What will very clearly remain, however, are the quality brands that we have acquired. You can fully expect to see them more prominent in the future

than today in their form.”

Quest’s performance coatings businesses include automotive refinish and industrial coatings. In 2014, com-

under three brands: Matrix, Prospray and USC. Quest Industrial Products serves the professional and consumer markets with

bined sales of the two were approximately $190 million.

Quest Automotive Products formulates, manufactures and distributes advanced technology paints, coatings systems and accessories to refinishers, primarily in North America and Europe

aerosol spray products and highly-specified coatings for industrial applications under the Patriot, Raabe and Precision Color brands, mainly in North America.

In the fall of 2014, Valspar learned that Quest was going to be sold. “It was a fantastic opportunity for us,” said

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Girthofer, who has worked for Valspar since November 2013. “We’re at the point where we can bring both companies together and really look forward to being a much stronger market participant.”

Girthofer said the organizations will work side by side until he and his team have had time to really understand Quest’s businesses and its products, and have developed a clear plan to communicate to customers. “I think we have everything that independent body shops and MSOs are requiring in today’s environment to be a top supplier of automotive refinish coatings.”

“The acquisition strengthens Valspar’s value proposition in automotive refinish,” said Gary Hendrickson, Valspar’s Chairman and CEO, in a statement. “Our customers will benefit from expanded distribution of a portfolio of preferred brands they know and trust, a broader range of high-performance products and a stronger service network. We are pleased to welcome the Quest team to the Valspar family to help deliver these benefits to our customers.”

Valspar’s brands include DeBeer Refinish, Octoral, Valspar Refinish and House of Kolor.

The transaction closed on June 1.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

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New I-CAR Weld Demo Held at Marina Auto Body in CA With MIG Pulsed Aluminum Welders

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Six weeks after opening a new 27,500square-foot facility in Inglewood, CA Marina Auto Body hosted I-CAR instructor Toby Chess and seven welding manufacturer representatives on June 3. The goal was to demonstrate the latest models of MIG Pulsed Aluminum Welders and test a new I-CAR weld. (See Toby Chess’ article on page 56.)

Participants first explained the highlights of the welders they brought and then Ara Guekguezian, a certified welder from Pride Auto Body in Van Nuys, CA, welded a butte weld with backing on 1 mm with each one. “It’s a brand new I-CAR weld that is starting July 1 and the machine has to be able to do it,” said Chess.

The aluminum MIG welding comparison was held in the aluminum prep area at Marina Auto Body’s new location. Tom Williamson, the owner of the shop, said they fix a high volume of Mercedes-Benz vehicles and the prep area is expected to be certified over the next couple of months.

Williamson has operated a collision repair business in the Marina area of Los Angeles, CA for the past 16 years. He decided to expand and re-locate in 2012.

“I looked for a year and a half all over LAX proper area,” said Williamson.

“You’re really limited in the City of Los Angeles today where you can build a body shop.” The business owner said it was very challenging in terms of permitting.

Ralph Bribibsca, Senior Body Tech at Marina Auto Body, with his sons Cesar (middle) who started in 2004 and Jesse (left) who has worked there since 2010

“Inglewood welcomed me,” said Williamson. “They said, ‘if you’re not in 50 feet of a residence, let’s do this.’

It was actually kind of exciting when we went to City Hall, when we brought them the plans and said this is what we want to do.”

The shop’s long-time manager Jeff Lawson, who had recently retired, agreed to help open the shop, which

took six months to complete once the building was located. Williamson said Al Ortiz from Rely On Technologies, a Garmat spray booth distributor for Southern California, was instrumental in helping him find a location.

As a general contractor, Ortiz would lay out plans for the shop at every building they visited. They eventually chose the Inglewood location because of the quality of the building. The two have worked together on various projects over the last 20 years.

Currently, there are 11 body techs and a mechanic at the facility. Williamson brought over four body techs to open his new location, including Ralph Bribibsca and his two sons. Williamson said they already understand the culture of the business and will help get things running smoothly. He expects to eventually have 11 or 12 body techs plus a full-time mechanic.

New equipment was purchased for the shop including a double downdraft heated prep station, the latest in Garmat spraybooth technologies, Hunter 4 wheel alignment and Car-O-Liner Bench Rack and EVO equipment.

“It’s all about faster and better.

You can’t expect people to deliver if you don’t give them a good environment, equipment and training,” said

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Williamson. “A body shop is limited by the number of cars they can paint in an eight-hour day.” Marina Auto Body can paint 15 in an eight-hour shift.

Plans are also in place to bring over equipment from the Marina del Rey location over the next several months.

That shop will be demolished after it closes in February 2017 and apartment buildings are expected to be built.

Williamson operates a second location in Huntington Beach, CA which is 10 minutes from his home.

He said it is a small, efficient shop that has a dedicated staff of employees who have worked there many years.

Williamson started working in body shops when he was 12 years old.

He worked as a body technician for 10 years before running an independent shop in Huntington Beach. He bought his own shop there in 1995.

Marina Auto Body has received multiple awards, including the Top Shop Award for Customer Service for the last three years in its market area from the Automobile Club of Southern California.

“Our vision is to continue to deliver quality repairs, provide great customer service and create an environment where our team members want to deliver on the promise to the customer,” said Williamson.

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New Product Showcase

Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

New System Helps Shops to Get Reimbursed for PLIOGRIP® Adhesive Usage with Ed Attanasio

For many years, body shops have not been able to precisely quantify how much adhesive they are using on each particular repair. By basically guessing and operating in the dark when it comes to figuring out the volume used to perform plastic repair and related procedures, shops have not been getting properly reimbursed from the insurance companies, in many cases.

Well, according to the people at PLIOGRIP and Bonding Solutions, there is now an app that will allow body techs to report exact numbers when it comes to their adhesive usage on every repair. It’s called the PLIOGRIP Material Cost Recovery System —the brainchild of Jeff Miller, PLIOGRIP’s technical sales manager and developed by Shaun Worthen, a former body tech who now works as an independent insurance adjustor and moonlights as an app developer.

Miller believes that this app is a breakthrough that will benefit both

This screen shot from the new PLIOGRIP Material Cost Recovery System shows that techs can easily create an invoice showing exactly how much adhesive they’re using on each repair, thereby increasing their chances of getting reimbursed by the insurance company

body shops and insurance companies.

“We wanted to come up with a system that would be fair for the shops and the insurance companies and I am confident that we’ve achieved both,” Miller explained. ”In the past, collision repairers were using a method that wasn’t providing them with definitive numbers that everyone could really count on. They were relying on a visual inspection and getting close, but now they don’t have to settle for just a ballpark figure. With this app, we’re eliminating the guesswork and making the process for reimbursement easier for the shops by using the latest technology available.”

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to quantify the use of a product that has been traditionally hard to get a bead on, according to Shaun Worthen, the developer of the PLIOGRIP Material Cost Recovery System.

“Most insurance companies don’t ask questions when it comes to reimbursement about paint and paint-related materials, but when it comes to adhesives, they will sometimes be a little reluctant. But, if they can get accurate numbers that are well-supported, we’re confident that the insurers will be comfortable with our system, which means that the shops will be compensated.”

The system will allow users to measure how much adhesive they’re using on every repair by picking a bead size and then accurately measuring the amount used in linear feet. With dropdown boxes and intuitive navigation throughout, the PLIOGRIP Material Cost Recovery System also contains a calculator and an area where the user

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can make notes about the repair. At the end of the process, they now have a concise invoice that can be submitted electronically to the insurance company.

Developing the app wasn’t an easy process, but after eight months of hard work and after looking at 10 different interface designs, the system was ready to stick.

“We knew it had to be easy-touse and we also wanted it to be simple for techs to accurately gauge how much adhesive they’re using. We made it as straightforward as it can be, with fewer steps, so that techs can use it and then move on to the next job without inputting a bunch of information that isn’t crucial.”

Josh Lofrano from F. Lofrano & Son in San Francisco and Marin County, CA manages one of his family’s shops in San Rafael, CA and has had an opportunity to look at the recovery system prior to hitting the market. He definitely sees a need for the system and anticipates using it on a daily basis.

“Finding a system that can help us to get compensated for the PLIOGRIP adhesives that we use is important” Lofrano said. “With four locations, we do a lot of plastic work and in many

ways, measuring the usage of any product is an iffy proposition. Now with this system, we’ll be able to capture more revenue on each plastic repair we do, which will help the bottom line and make us more effective overall.”

For shops that are interested in incorporating the PLIOGRIP Material Cost Recovery System into their production, Miller explained how to get it.

“It’s free to use, but you have to be either a jobber or a shop customer of PLIOGRIP,” he said. “All of our 75 reps nationwide will have the system on their iPads after June 1st and they can show you how to use it. They’ll set you up with a username and a password and then you can try it out.”

Miller thinks it will quickly become the go-to system for body techs from the Big Apple all the way to the City by the Bay, he said.

“The PLIOGRIP Material Cost Recovery System will enable shops to make a profit on every plastic repair they perform, which means more money stays in the shop. Every shop owner in the country will appreciate the accuracy, accountability and timesaving qualities of this system.”

U.S. House Subcommittee Addresses Aging Postal Fleet and Efficiency of Government Repair Facilities The U.S. House Subcommittee on Government Operations under the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing May 21 on “Issues Facing Civilian and Postal Service Vehicle Fleet Procurement.” During the hearing, the subcommittee heard from representatives from the General Services Administration, U.S. Government Accountability Office, United States Postal Service (USPS) and NAFA Fleet Management Association.

During the hearing, members addressed the issues of vehicle maintenance and repairs. U.S. Postal Service Chief Financial Officer Joseph Corbett responded to the subcommittee that of the $700 million vehicle repair costs per year at the USPS, $200 million is outsourced to private facilities and $500 million in repairs are made by the USPS. Corbett estimated that there are approximately 500 USPS vehicle maintenance facilities in the United States.

Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) suggested that the USPS consider the potential cost savings of closing hundreds of federal government vehicle maintenance facili-

ties and outsourcing vehicle repairs to the private sector.

Carter said, “I was a mayor at one time, and I had to manage fleets of vehicles similar to the postal fleet. We used best practices and found that sometimes it was more cost-efficient to go to the private sector to have maintenance and repairs done on our vehicles. The USPS, especially in their current fiscal situation, must also be responsible stewards of the dollar and ensure the repairs on their fleet are done in the most cost-efficient way.”

The USPS was asked to report back to the committee with a response to concerns about federal government vehicle maintenance facilities.

Donny Seyfer, ASA Chairman, said, “We appreciate Rep. Carter’s willingness to speak out on behalf of automotive repair shop owners across the country. Small businesses should not have to compete with the federal government.

There are thousands of privately owned vehicle repair facilities across America that can make these repairs in a competitive, cost-efficient, professional environment.”

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mbuksch@cadillacofmahwah.com www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 55

Hey Toby!

Toby Chess is an I-CAR program instructor, Training specialist, and former salvage yard operator.

Toby is universally known in the collision industry for his work with first responders and advocacy for body shops and consumers. He can be reached at tcspeedster@gmail.com

A Closer Look at New Generation of Pulsed Aluminum MIG Welders with Toby Chess

The 2015 All Aluminum Ford F150 has brought a whole new interest in aluminum repair to the main stream of collision repair. One area of that has exploded in the welding process on aluminum. I-CAR has changed its WCA 03 test to reflect this change.

There are a whole new generation of Aluminum MIG welders on the market today. What I would like to discuss is what is new about these welders and take a closer look at them, but first, I think we need to have a little better understanding of the aluminum and the welding process. Before moving to the welding process, lets look at some of the important properties of aluminum as compared with steel.

The typical weld characteristics of steel or stainless don’t apply when mig welding aluminum. Aluminum has higher thermal conductivity and lower melting temperatures, both factors will influence weld solidification, weld burn through potential and warpage problems.

Aluminum is three times lighter than steel and yet can offer 30 percent higher strength when alloyed.

Aluminum can conduct electricity six times better than steel.

Aluminum has a thermal conductivity rate five times higher than steel.

The high thermal conductivity creates a great heat sink which can create insufficient weld fusion on parts over 4 mm and weld burn through issues on parts less than 3 mm.

Aluminum has a low melting point 1,200 degrees F, this is more than half that of steel.

Aluminum provides excellent corrosion resistance due to the formation of aluminum oxide. Bare aluminum will oxidize when oxygen and moisture are present and acts like a sponge can readily trap moisture, oil, grease and other materials. The aluminum oxide layer provides excellent corrosion resistance, however this is a layer that must be removed for optimum weld quality. Due to its higher melting point (3700 degrees F) the oxide layer if not removed can decrease the weld fusion.

The oxide layer is removed during the weld with the fore hand (push) technique (See Fig. 1). During the forehand weld travel, the gas molecules in the arc plasma collide with the oxide surface

moving the oxides. The oxides are also disrupted through mechanical cleaning (80 grit DA at low speeds or finer), wire brushing (needs to be a stainless steel brush to prevent galvanic corrosion), solvents and chemical etching.

Fig. 1. Push MIG welding

minum. The aluminum is liquefied and poured into a mold and when it has cooled, it is machined. All OEM that use cast aluminum on their vehicles, state if damaged or cracked, that the part is replaced. In series 7 aluminum, the major alloying element is zinc and this material is used for bumper reinforcements. Aluminum bumper reinforcements, when damaged are replaced and not repaired.

The aluminum that is found on vehicles that can be repaired and welded, will be either series 5 or series 6 aluminum. The next item that we need

to look at is the welding wire.

There are three major filler wires, 4043, 5356 and 5554 (recommended wire for the Ford F150 (See Figs. 4 & 5) used to weld aluminum. Some manufacturers, such Tesla, use a different 5 series wire that was mentioned earlier.

Series 4 wire compared to Series 5 wire are as follows: Softer material, melts at a lower temperature, smoother weld surface, less shear strength, cleaner and prone to

It should be noted that the gun angle is 5-15 degrees from vertical (See Fig. 2).

(l to r) Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

Fig. 2

Aluminum in its purest form is very soft. To add strength to the aluminum, elements are added to change the physical properties of the Aluminum. All aluminum is designated by a 4 digit number and the first digit (Series 1-9) will represent what series of aluminum that is being mentioned.

In the automobile construction, 4 different series of aluminum can be used, which are Series 4,Series 5, Series 6 and Series 7. The major alloying element in series 4, is silicon, 5 is magnesium, 6 is a combination of silicon and magnesium and 7 is zinc. Series 4 aluminum is cast (See Fig. 3) Alu-

Fig. 6

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Fig. 3

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www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 57

Testing Aluminum Welding Capabilities

I spoke with Kye Yeung from European Motor Car Works, Ken Boylan from Chief Automotive about the idea of bringing all the Pulsed MIG Welder together. Both agreed with the idea and I sent out invites to seven of the welder manufacturers. Tom Williamson, the owner of Marina Autobody furnished his aluminum bay for the demo, along with a great lunch. I contacted Steve Morris, Director of Operations for Pride Autobody about sending one of his certified aluminum technicians and he sent Ara Guekguezian. Casey Breeden, Southern California Region Manager for Miller Electric furnished all the welding gear. Craig Oliveira, Regional Manager of Kent Automotive, sponsored the rest of the event.

Fig. 7

quired on the updated I-CAR Aluminum Certification Test, which is a butt weld with backer using 1MM coupons. Being a real this material, really put these welders to the test. I will mentioned that all the machines were able to perform the weld within the parameters for a successful pass.

Each manufacturer went through the set up, features and controls for the respective machines with Ara prior to him starting the welds.

(Fig. 6) looks like an excellant weld, but when I did a destructive test, you will notice that the upper coupon has no tear out or no penetration. In other words, no fusion between the wire and base metal. A rule of thumb- ‘the welding wire needs the same the same major alloying element as the base metal’. In the above example series 5 aluminum (major alloying element in Magnesium) and 4043 wire (major alloying element is Silicon) do not mix.

You will note the black soot around the weld which is a combination of aluminum and magnesium alloys. These alloys combine with oxygen to form aluminum oxide, which is black in color. Expect more soot from higher

magnesium alloys. For example the common 5356 filler metal can provide more soot than E4043 filler metal and excess soot is usually an indication of weld porosity issues. One way to control the formation of aluminum oxide in the weld, is to increase the CFH (cubic feet per hour) of the gas.

When welding aluminum, we will use 100 percent Argon with a purity factor of 4.6. This is the recommended shielding gas for the Ford F150. There are other shielding gases that can be used on aluminum such as a mixture of Argon and Helium or 100 percent Helium, but these shielding gases are for welding thicker aluminum that is not found on the Ford F150. The flow rate for welding aluminum is 25 CFH to 50 CFH. When pushing the puddle, the shielding gas acts like a snow plow to push out the oxides that are forming in the weld. A couple of other important items when welding aluminum are as follows: a longer stick out when compared to steel, slower travel speed and no weaving of the gun. There are a few other terms that need to be discussed, which are Pulsed Welders, synergic, hot start and crater fill. Let’s look at pulsed welding.

Miller Electric describes pulsed

volvo Genuine parts

Casey Breeden from Miller Electric

The welders from left to right are Car-OLiner, Elecktron, GYS, Fronius, Miller, Prospot International (3 models) and Wielander & Schill

less cracking. Look at the next 2 pictures (Figs. 6 & 7).

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Front of the weld with Elecktron Welder

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The welding test that Ara performed was the new weld that is re-

The backside of the weld with Prospot SP5 Welder. Pictured with Ara, Ashley Olsson and Bob Pluth

58 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

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welding as follows” Pulsed MIG works well with both thin and thick sections because it is a modified spray transfer process. The welder switches between a high peak

too low for metal transfer to occur.

The peak current pulse ensures good fusion, overcoming concerns related to cold lap, a common issue with short circuit MIG on aluminum. It also

Fig. 8. The welding circuit consists essentially of the following elements: Taken from www.mechanicalinfo.wordpress.com

current and a low background current 30 to 400 times per second (see Fig. 2).The peak current pinches off a spray transfer droplet and propels it toward the weldment. The background current maintains the arc, but the heat input is

provides faster travel speeds, which improves productivity. The background current lowers overall heat input (See Fig. 3), addressing the burn-through and warping issues commonly associated with spray transfer MIG.

To understand pulsed welding look at (Fig. 8).

When you are using a standard MIG welder, the process is known as short arc transfer. What happens is the electrode wire which is positive, touches the metal surface, which is negative, causing a shorting of the circuit which inturn produces heat that melts the electrode wire. In simple terms, pulsed MIG is a non-contact transfer method between the electrode and the weld puddle. This means that at no time does the electrode ever touch the puddle, which happened is short transfer welding. This is done through ahigh-speed manipulation of the electrical output of the welding machine.

It is designed to be a spatterless process that will run at a lower heat input than spray or globular transfer methods.

“The pulsed works by forming one droplet of molten metal at the end of the electrode per pulse. Then, just the right amount of current is added to push that one droplet across the arc and into the puddle. The transfer of these droplets occurs through the arc, one droplet per pulse” (Quote is from Lincoln Electrics web site). The next term you will hear and read about is “synergic” I started to do research on syneric pulsed welding, and I immediately re-

alized that I needed an advanced degree in engineering, which ain’t going to happen at my age. So here it goes.

There are four parameters that need to be set to perform form a good weld.

They are voltage, wire speed, pulse frequency and background current (The background current maintains the arc, but the heat input is too low for metal transfer to occur). Engineers were able to determine the optimum size of the droplet for a particular wire size. Furthermore, they could determine the peak current to dislodge the droplet from the wire. Next, add in a computer with a program that can change the frequency of the electricity, and you get a synergic pulsed welder. What does that mean? In layman terms, all you need is to set the metal thickness and tell the computer what wire size and diameter that is being used and welder will produce a steady and consistent droplet size that will be transferred to the base metal.

In other words, the welding technician does not have to set any of the critical parameters to obtain a good weld. The next item that I want to discuss is a cold start when welding aluminum.

Please look at (Fig. 9) before proceeding on.

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Model

Phone

Origin

1) Car-O-Liner CMI273 800-521-9696 Denmark 2) Car-O-Liner CMI3000 Same Denmark 3) GYS-Advanced Collision Repair NeoPulse270t2 415-497-4515 France 4) Prospot International SP-1 USA/Italy 5) SP-2 USA/Italy 6) SP-5 USA/Italy 7) Miller Electric 350p automotive Contact Local Dealer USA 8) Wiedlander & Shill IP 6-2 ACT 732-495-7900 Germany 9) Fronius 2700 Austria 10) CMT2700 USA/Austria 11) Chief Automotive-Elektron 522 Italy

On line Training

Repairs Done By

Sell Approved Wire

Car-O-Liner Distributor

Yes

1) No

Car-O-Liner Distributor

3) No

ADVCRS

2) No 4) Yes

Local Distributors & Factory

6) Yes

Local Distributors & Factory

5) Yes 7) No

8) No 9) No

10) No

11) Yes

Fig. 9

Local Distributors & Factory Local Distributors

Reliable Automotive Equip

Chief Distributor

Consumable

Yes

Car-O-Liner Distributor

Yes

ADVCRS

Car-O-Liner Distributor

Yes

Local Distributors & Factory

Yes

Local Distributors & Factory

Yes Yes Yes

Local Distributors & Factory Local Distributors

Reliable Automotive Equip

Yes

When welding aluminum the base metal needs to be hot for the welding wire to fuse to it. If you look at the blow up of the beginning of the weld, you will notice that wire is sitting on top of the base metal. A cold start is a weak point in the weld. In the past to prevent a cold start, you could hold the gun a little longer at the start before proceeding on with you weld.

Another way to prevent a cold start is known as tailing in. The weld in started off the joint (usually perpendicular to weld joint) and by the time is gets to the joint, there is sufficient heat to proceed up the joint with the weld.

The welding machines that I will be looking at all have a hot start feature, In other words, the machines throw a

Chief Distributor

Warrant 2 Years Same 2 Years 2 Years 2 Years 2 Years 3 Years 1 Years 2 Years 2 Years 1 Years

Price

8,245 16,478 5,500 3,995 5,995 8,450 5,585 11,835 11,700 18,877 9,61

AMPs Needed 20 AMPS 30 AMPs 25 AMPs 30 30 30 30-60 30 30 30 20

Single 3 Phase In House Cost of Additional Video Phase 440 Volts Training Training Training Yes

Yes

No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Yes

Yes No No No Yes No Yes Yes No

Set Up Hot Start Crater Shipping Offer Lease Fee Fill Included Financing Program No

Yes

Yes

Varies

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No No No No No

No

No

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yes

higher amount of amperage at the beginning of the weld to heat up the aluminum quickly. Moving on, we will look at craters. (See Fig. 10).

A characteristic of aluminum as I previously mentioned is its high expansion and contraction rate. When the weld is finished, the weld bead will shrink, which intun leads to a crater forming at the end of the weld. Furthermore, the crater being a weak spot can lead to crack formation in the crater.

One method to eliminate the crater is backfill it before stopping the weld.

Yes Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

Varies No No No

Yes No

No

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yes

OE-USA MFG

Certification Program

Yes

Ford, GM, Honda, Audi, VW, Jaguar, Land Rover, MB, Porsche, Volvo

Yes

Ford, GM

Yes

Ford, GM

Yes

Local Distributor

Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Ford, GM

Local Distributor

Yes

Yes

CMI 273: Progamable updates, 4 roller drive system, easy to set up NeoPuse-270: Color Display, easy to set up, 220-440 Volts auto SP-1: Least Expensive Welder, portable, programable SP-2: 2 guns, easy to set up, works on single phase

SP-5: 5 guns, on line training, programable

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2700: Adjust at torch, program updates, stored OE setting

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Features

Miller 350P-Auto: 220 single 0r 3 Phase, Spool Gun Attachment, Program able

(215) 230-3397 Fax

Again all the new machines that I compared had a crater fill option (more on this later).

No No No Yes Yes Yes No No No No Yes

Ford, GM

267-898-3333

Fig. 10

Varies Varies Per Hour Varies Varies Varies No Varies Varies Varies Varies

IP6-2: 2 guns, program updates, easy to set up

522: 2 guns, double pulsed welds, push-pull gun

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www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 61

Historical Snapshot

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, who has a body shop in the family and has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988.

He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

1995 CIC Survey, CARA Files Chapter 11, 2005 Non-OEM Crash Parts, Select Service with John Yoswick

20 years ago in the collision repair industry (July 1995) A [1995] Collision Industry Conference (CIC) survey… found that 70 percent of shop owners, and 83 percent of insurers, are dissatisfied with the way business is practiced between the two industries.

The survey results are among the first steps taken by a CIC committee focusing on the “invoicing methods and practices” used within the industry. The committee’s long-range goal is to try to help the repair and insurance industries develop a new method of doing business.

At the CIC meeting in San Antonio, committee chairman Scott Biggs described the results of some inter-industry brain-storming about various other methods by which collision repair shops could be compensated for their work by insurers. Biggs pointed out, however, that each of the methods described had potential pitfalls and that no one was proposing them as the “perfect solution.”

Among the ideas discussed were: • A “cost-plus” method in which shops are paid for their actual costs in labor and materials plus an agreedupon “mark-up.” This would require the two sides to agree upon what true costs are and what is an appropriate “plus,” Biggs pointed out, and some insurers say this method offers no incentives to shops to keep costs down.

• A “real time, real dollars” method, but again, this requires that “real time” be determined, and agreed-upon “real dollar rates” be established.

• An “incentive method” in which shops that meet certain requirements (regarding training, equipment, customer satisfaction, etc.) would have their labor rate multiplied by an agreed-upon modifier. Establishing the requirements to receive the incentive could be tricky, CIC participants pointed out; should a shop, for example, receive extra compensation just because they purchased a certain piece of equipment?

• A “matrix method” in which a set of flat-rate repair prices are determined and each damaged vehicle is assigned one of these rates based on the type of vehicle, the severity of the damage, the

quality of the repair work, etc.

“This one actually got more raised eyebrows than any others because of its simplicity,” Biggs said.

But, he said, it would require the industries to work closely to develop the categories, repair standards, etc.

– As reported in Bodyshop Connection. Obviously, 20 years later, there’s been little long-term shift toward any of these alternative systems.

15 years ago in the collision repair industry (July 2000) CARA Collision & Glass’ lender…has frozen CARA’s bank accounts, leaving CARA with no cash to operate its business. CARA will be filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection.

– From a sign posted on the locked doors of 13 shops operated by Minnesota-based CARA Collision & Glass, prior to the liquidation of its assets by its bank, as reported in The Golden Eagle, July 2000. At its peak Scott Biggs in 1995 in the late 1990s, CARA had 26 locations in five states and $40 million in annual revenues.

After losing $2 million in 1999, in mid-2000, it locked the doors on its remaining 13 shops – leaving customers’ cars inside and 150 employees without their final paychecks – and filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy. CARA founder Randy McPherson (a founding partner of ABRA Auto Body & Glass prior to leaving that company in 1996) blamed the collapse on CARA’s rapid and far-flung growth. His goal, he readily admits, was to capitalize on the late-1990s Wall Street appetite for industry “roll-ups” or consolidators.

“I’m not going to spend a nickel on TV (advertising for CARA),” McPherson had said in a 1997 interview. “I’m going to put all that money into valueadded services for insurance companies and their customers.” To that end, CARA offered free rental cars, free pick-up and delivery, and free towing.

10 years ago in the collision repair industry (July 2005) “Digging through my files one day re-

62 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

cently, I came across a fascinating, though discolored document. Right in the beginning of its 62-page report (in 1989), Canada’s Automobile Protection Association (APA) questions the insurance industry’s stated motive for supporting aftermarket crash parts.

The idea was that once the OEMs had competition, the price of crash parts would come down, thereby lowering the cost of repairs and, hopefully, what car owners paid for insurance premiums. APA asked the insurance industry for data to support this notion, and got nothing.

I asked Jack Gillis, executive director of the Certified Automotive Parts Associaiton, if any data had surfaced since. He concedes he knows of no numbers that make the connection between non-OEM crash parts and consumer savings… Gillis grants the market penetration by non-OEM parts remains so small, even after all of these years, as to have little or no ef-

fect on overall repair costs.

APA cited data from the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) that claimed that non-OEM crash parts comprised 10 percent of the market in Canada in 1989. APA’s own research indicated 14 percent. The figure commonly cited today for the United State is 15 percent. If that number sounds familiar, Gillis has been putting it out for years based on the best information he can collect. He admits that it is “accepted by the industry in large part because there is no better data.”

– From a column by Tom Slear published in Autobody News, July 2005. The ABPA percentage for the market share of non-OEM parts was probably more correct than either the APA’s or Gillis’ number. The market share for non-OEM parts cited by Mitchell International for 2007 (two years after Slear’s column was written) was 10.5 percent. That has climbed

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slowly but steadily to 16.5 percent last year, according to Mitchell. The battle over whether this has resulted in lower insurance premiums for consumers continues. Doubters point to a statement by Neal Menefee, CEO of Rockingham Mutual Insurance, who acknowledged at a 2012 Congressional hearing that he “would not expect premiums to go down as a result” of passage of legislation that would reduce the length of time automakers’ could patent the design of crash parts and stave off non-OEM competition for those parts. But backers of such patent change say Menefee went on to say that while not reducing costs, competition from non-OEM parts helps “avoid a significant increase in the cost of parts and insurance premiums.”

5 years ago in the collision repair industry (July 2010) State Farm “Select Service” shops will now receive a 3-digit number – similar to a credit score—from the insurer based on its measurement of the shop’s performance. The number, on a scale of 1 to 1,000, will be updated monthly and is established using a proprietary formula that takes into account the key performance indicators

(KPIs) State Farm uses to track each shop’s performance.

Specific KPI data will still also be shared with the shop, according to State Farm’s George Avery, but the new score offers a quick way for a shop to understand how it is doing in terms of State Farm’s measurements.

The report also indicates how the shop’s number compares with other shops in the program (even taking into account, Avery said, such things as differences in the types of vehicles repaired), and lists three areas that the shop could focus on to improve its score.

Avery said implementing the new score does not signal any new planned reduction in the number of Select Service shops, though the company continues to change the number of shops on the program in some markets based on its capacity needs.

– As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), July 26, 2010.

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NACE | CARS to Support Breast Cancer Programs

The NACE | CARS conference is proud to announce its involvement in fundraising to support local breast cancer programs in Detroit and national research. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the local and global breast cancer movement.

Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure representatives will be in attendance in the afternoon on Friday, July 24th to provide breast health education and accept a donation on behalf of NACE | CARS and the automotive industry.

The program will be addressed during the opening session, and special NACE | CARS commemorative pins are being produced for the show to help raise awareness. The Automotive Service Association (ASA), the owner and host organization of NACE | CARS, has committed to match up to $5,000 based upon the number of pins sold. Some companies are already planning to incorporate the color pink in the show attire for their booth staff, while others have committed to financial support through matching gift programs. As those companies come forth, ASA will issue press releases to acknowledge their support and contribution.

The cause hits close to home for many involved in NACE | CARS. With so many companies and people coming together for industry training, education, and networking, it creates an opportunity to raise awareness and support. Dan Risley, ASA president and executive director, explained, “Virtually everyone in the automotive industry has a friend or family member that has been negatively impacted by this disease. My family is no different, having lost one family member (JK) and another (KL) is courageously battling. Immediately preceding our decision to support local breast cancer awareness efforts, a friend of mine (TC) in the industry was diagnosed.

It’s times like these that many of us don’t know how to help. This is one way I know that we can.”

If you or your company is interested in making a large donation and/or in purchasing pins for your staff or customers, you can contact Dan Risley directly at danr@asashop .org. Pins will be sold throughout the show at the convention center.

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U.S. Senate Committee Examines EPA’s Proposed Air Quality Standards

On June 3, the Senate Environment and air quality standards (NAAQS) until at to be addressed, the EPA is required to Public Works Committee (EPW) held a least 85 percent of counties that are in review the standards every five years to hearing titled, “Challenges and Implica- nonattainment areas have attained the make sure they are up to date. Despite tions of EPA’s Proposed National Ambient standard. what some of my Republican colleagues Air Quality Standard for Ground-Level Although the committee as a whole may try to claim today, scientists overOzone and Legislative Hearing on S. 638, agreed on the importance of cleaner air, whelmingly agree that EPA needs to S. 751, and S. 640.” the members took a more partisan stance adopt a stricter standard to protect the Currently, the ozone standard rests when it came to the proposal of changing health of the American people, espeat 75 parts per billion (ppb). Under the the standard. cially our children and the elderly. We EPA’s proposed change, the standard Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), have known since 2008 that the current would be between 65 and 70 ozone standard does not proppb. The EPA is now taking vide the necessary health “EPA’s ozone proposal is the most expencomment on an even more agsafeguards.” sive regulation in history with projected gressive standard of 60 ppb.

The EPA is expected to During the hearing, commake a final decision on the costs of $1.7 trillion and 1.4 million lost mittee members heard from proposal to update the air jobs,” said Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.)

U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), quality standards for groundsponsor of S. 638, the Comlevel ozone by November monsense Legislative Exceptional Events committee chairman, said, “EPA’s ozone 2015. For more information, visit Reforms Act (CLEER), and S. 640, the proposal is the most expensive regula- https://www.federalregister.gov/artiOzone Regulatory Delay and Extension tion in history with projected costs of cles/2014/12/ 17/2014-28674/nationalof Assessment Length Act (ORDEAL). $1.7 trillion and 1.4 million lost jobs. Up ambient-air-quality-standards-for-ozone If implemented, the CLEER Act to 67 percent of counties fail to meet the ASA has held meetings with the would amend the Clean Air Act with re- proposed lower standards, which means U.S. EPA at its National Vehicle and spect to an Exceptional Events rule, if this rule goes forward, they will face a Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann while the ORDEAL Act would delay the legacy of EPA regulatory oversight, stiff Arbor, MI, and on Capitol Hill regardreview and revision of the national am- federal penalties, lost highway dollars, ing the proposed new standard. In adbient air quality standards for ozone. restrictions on infrastructure investment dition, ASA has discussed the proposal Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) also ad- and increased costs to businesses.” with state air quality representatives dressed the committee to defend his bill, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), concerning the impact these new stanS. 751, the Clean Air, Strong Economies ranking member, disagreed with the dards could have on state implementaAct (CASE). This bill would prohibit the chairman, and stated, “To ensure the tion plans and vehicle emissions and EPA from lowering its national ambient health impacts of air pollution continue inspection programs.

U.S. House Committee Addresses Auto Cybersecurity

On May 28, a bipartisan group from the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce sent letters to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and 17 automakers requesting information on automotive cybersecurity. The letters inquired about how the industry plans to address the challenges associated with expanding technologies such as in-vehicle Wi-Fi, infotainment systems and smartphone connectivity. They also asked how automakers are working with the federal government to identify and resolve cyber vulnerabilities.

The letters expressed optimism about the benefits of emerging technologies, but were realistic about the potential risks. In an excerpt from the letter to NHTSA, committee members stated, “While threats to vehicle technology currently appear isolated and disparate, as the technology becomes more prevalent, so too will the risks associated with it. Threats and vulnerabilities in vehicle systems may be inevitable, but we cannot allow this to undermine the potential benefits of these technologies. The industry and NHTSA have an opportunity to prepare for challenges that advanced vehicle technologies present and to develop strategies to mitigate the risks.”

Ron Perretta to Lead Innovative Coating Training

Ron Perretta teamed up with icoat (Innovative Coatings), which has launched Street Smart, a new series of training modules designed to benefit collision repair professionals.

The first training instructed by Perretta was held at icoat’s training facility in Windsor, Ontario, June 16-17. The objective of the two-day course was to provide a comprehensive knowledge of how to use KPIs to establish a culture of continuous improvement in a simple form.

Perretta said, “I will show by keeping it simple and knowing what buttons to push, which will allow attendees to only have to watch certain KPIs that will affect the entire process. Keeping it simple causes it to stick.”

“We believe our street smart approach of working interdependently with our customers is key to our mutual success,” said Wayne Brady, President of icoat.

For more information, contact Wayne Brady at 519-791-6383 or via email to wayne@icoat.ca, or contact Charlie Bathurst at 519-330-2439.

Perretta has been operating collision repair facilities for 35 years, and has been training and consulting for the last 16. In-store, classroom or phone coaching are available. To schedule, contact RonPerretta@aol.com.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is Now CARSTAR’s Preferred Provider CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts, North America’s largest Multi-Shop Operator (MSO) network, selected Enterprise Rent-A-Car as its preferred car rental partner throughout the United States.

The Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand is part of the world’s largest car rental

tioned to provide replacement rentals to consumers throughout the country.

Through the partnership, CARSTAR is able to leverage Enterprise’s extensive network of neighborhood car rental locations, its low-mileage, well-maintained vehicles and Enterprise’s Automated Rental Management System (ARMS®) applications for customers in need of transportation while their vehicles are being repaired.

“Enterprise has partnered with collision repair centers and insurance companies for more than 50 years to help customers whose cars have been damaged or stolen,” said Mary Mahoney, Vice President, Insurance Replacement for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. “Partnerships with organizations like CARSTAR are important to Enterprise’s (l to r) David Byers, CEO of CARSTAR Auto Body Repair success in the replacement rental Experts, Frank LaViola, AVP of Enterprise Holdings, segment and further compleInc., Dan Young, SVP of Insurance Relations, CARSTAR ment our collaborations with inAuto Body Repair Experts, David James, VP of Marketsurance companies. We look ing, CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts, Ernie Laky, forward to strengthening our role VP of Purchasing, CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts within the collision repair indusprovider, and with more than 5,500 try as the preferred car rental partner to the fully staffed airport and neighborhood CARSTAR network and its customers.”

CARSTAR, which just celebrated offices located within 15 miles of 90 percent of the U.S. population, the En- its 25th anniversary, has repaired more terprise Rent-A-Car network is posi- than 4,000,000 vehicles and delivers a

64 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

repaired vehicle every 30 seconds. With more than 430 independently owned and operated stores across the United States and Canada, it offers a nationwide warranty and 24/7 accident assistance.

When an accident occurs, CARSTAR sends the tow truck, contacts the consumer’s insurance company, arranges their rental car and repairs their vehicle.

“We are focused on providing the highest level of customer service, and one critical element of that is getting them back on the road to work and their families in a quality rental car,” said David Byers, CEO of CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts. “Partnering with Enterprise Rent-A-Car allows us to provide world-class rental car service to our customers and our store owners.”

In addition, CARSTAR will have access to Enterprise’s ARMS® technology, a free online platform that allows collision repair centers to book rental reservations and send vehicle status updates to insurance partners and customers in real-time. ARMS data helps collision repair centers increase operating efficiencies, enhance customer service and streamline communications with insurance companies and customers.

Through ARMS, repair centers also can track, measure and forecast labor needs, and generate monthly reports.

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ASA Congratulates AudaExplore on Feather, Prime, Block Estimating Solution The Automotive Service Association (ASA) applauded AudaExplore on its creation of the industry’s first estimating software solution for Feather, Prime and Block (FP&B).

Whenever a panel is repaired and a user-judgment time is entered, the new feature will allow an estimator the option of allocating some of the repair

ing industry issue. They are truly pioneers and committed to helping repairers and insurers accurately document and estimate the necessary steps, as well as cost, to properly repair a vehicle,” said Dan Risley, ASA President/Executive Director. “We appreciate AudaExplore’s willingness to tackle this issue and provide tools to better assist every-

time to a new labor operation—Feather, Prime and Block—that will calculate as Refinish Labor (Rate Code 4).

AudaExplore has also created a new material calculation to address Feather, Prime and Block. This will operate in much the same way as Paint and Materials, as it will be a user-entered dollar value that will act as a multiplier for all FP&B hours in the estimate.

“AudaExplore has taken a significant step to help address a long-stand-

one who prepares or negotiates an estimate. An industry with less friction is a more efficient one. Today, there is a little less friction.”

According to AudaExplore, all of this information will be clearly displayed on the estimate as line items, as well as in the summary at the bottom of the estimate. The use of the Feather, Prime and Block feature is configurable at the discretion of the user.

The industry has recognized Feather, Prime and Block as a refin-

“We appreciate AudaExplore’s willingness to tackle this issue and provide tools to better assist everyone who prepares or negotiates an estimate. An industry with less friction is a more efficient one,” said Dan Risley

CCC Information Services and CREF Announce Winners of Annual Scholarship

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) and CCC Information Services Inc., announced four student winners of the CCC Michael Salvatore Memorial Student Repair Technician Scholarship.

The CCC scholarship program has been in place since 2006.

The CCC Michael Salvatore Memorial Student Repair Technician

● Silky Wheeler (Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock, NC) “CCC congratulates these students on their academic achievements and we’re proud to support them in their collision repair education and training,” said Joseph Allen, GM of CCC’s Automotive Services Group.

“As new technologies continue to drive vehicle design and repairability,

“CCC congratulates these students on their academic achievements and we’re proud to support them in their collision repair education and training,” said Joseph Allen

Scholarship awards scholarships to students currently enrolled in a repair program and who have demonstrated superior academic achievement.

The 2015 winners include:

Top Scholarship Recipient ● Sylvanah Wolff (Cerritos College, Norwalk, CA)

Additional Scholarship Recipients ● Chris Kelly (Hawaii Community College, Hilo, HI)

● Matthew Miller (Lake Technical College, Eustis, FL)

hands-on education has become even more critical. We wish these students well and look forward to having them in the industry in the years to come.”

For additional information about CCC Information Services visit www .cccis.com.

Industry members interested in working together with the Collision Repair Education Foundation in supporting secondary and post-secondary collision repair students, instructors, and their school programs should contact Director of Development, Brandon Eckenrode at 847.463.5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation .org.

66 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

ish operation necessary to perform quality repairs through the Collision Industry Conference. However, two collision repair summits and multiple shop-user focus groups held by AudaExplore within the past 14 months have clearly indicated that FP&B remains an industry concern.

This feature will help repairers to properly allocate labor resources within their shops and the materials need to be clearly addressed. In some states, regulations stipulate that FP&B labor has to be delineated as a refinish operation.

“We are very pleased that AudaExplore is the first provider to address this important issue and has created a software solution for the industry,” said Risley.

For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingThe Hill.com

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The Carlyle Group Closes Acquisition of NARS

Global alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group announced on June 4 that it has completed the acquisition of Nationwide Accident Repair Services PLC (NARS), a provider of automotive crash repair and accident administration services to the UK automotive insurance industry.

Following approval by the High Court of Justice of England and Wales, NARS has made an application to the London Stock Exchange for the cancellation of the admission to trading on AIM of, and cessation of dealings in, NARS Shares. Equity for the investment will come from Carlyle Strategic Partners III, a global special situations and corporate opportunities fund.

With accident repair centres located throughout the United Kingdom, NARS is the largest dedicated provider of accident repair services in the UK and has relationships with a number of motor insurers. It also provides its services to fleet operators.

Ian Jackson, Managing Director and Co-Head of Carlyle Strategic Partners, said, “Our extensive experience in working with businesses in this sector, including the Service King repair business in the US, means we are well placed to support management.”

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CARS to Feature Expanded Mechanical Specialty and Technical Training CARS is proud to announce its expanded agenda at the NACE | CARS 2015 conference and exposition, taking place at the COBO Center in Detroit, Michigan on July 21–25. The CARS program will feature more mechanical specialty and technical training than ever before, with additional sessions focused on leadership from all segments of the automotive service repair industry.

“ASA has listened to the industry and we’ve made significant updates to CARS and the programming. The CARS content was and will continue to be driven by the very best in the service repair industry. Our industry is changing at an accelerated rate. Staying ahead of the latest advancements in technology isn’t something you can ignore,” said Donny Seyfer, Co-Owner of Seyfer Automotive, Inc. and Chairman of ASA. Some highlighted opportunities include: ● The Service Repair Leadership Forum (SRLF)—Inaugural event led by Bob Greenwood & Maylan Newton ● The Technology & Telematics Forum— Sponsored by Auto Alliance and ASA ● Service Ready Sessions—by Volkswagen and Honda ● Evaporative System Diagnosis Training—With trainer Kevin McCartney from NAPA Autotech

● Young Technicians Symposium— Powered by Bosch The inaugural Service Repair Leadership Forum will provide an opportunity for the industry to discuss issues, share

knowledge, network with decision-makers and gain insight into the future of the industry. SRLF will take place on Friday, July 24 and is open to all individuals and companies interested in advancing the automotive industry. The event will include a private reception the day preceding the event (July 23 from 4–6pm), a continental breakfast on the day of (7:30–8am), a half day program (8am–noon), and a keynote luncheon immediately following (noon–1pm). Newton and Greenwood will partner for the first time in their instruction of two programs at the Forum on the topics of marketing in the industry and shop profitability & efficiency, in addition to acting as Co-Masters of Ceremony.

Other topics will include the state of the industry, parts quality, motor vehicle inspections, multi shop operators, and emissions programs.

The Technology & Telematics Forum, sponsored by Auto Alliance and ASA, will provide a look into the future of shops and an overview of emerging technology for the industry. In its second year, the 2015 program will feature an expanded agenda with 5 key discussion areas—a telematics update and overview, a connected car technology panel discussion, driver assistance communication and electronic stability control, telematics innovation with aftermarket software, and Serial Edge Nibble Transmission (SENT). The event will take place in the afternoon of Thursday, July 23 from 2pm–4pm, and a reception will follow immediately after, concluding at 6pm.

Service Ready sessions will also be offered by Honda and Volkswagen. Valerie Sullivan will speak on behalf of American Honda to give a manufacturer’s point-ofview on what it takes to be ready when a Honda product is in your shop. The Honda Service Ready session will take place on July 22 from 1:30–3:30pm. Volkswagen is bringing in Service Publications Regulatory Specialist Kurt Immekus to share knowledge on what it takes to be ready when a VW or Audi product is brought into your shop. This will take place July 22 from 11am–12:30pm. Presented by the manufacturer, these sessions will focus on service information, tooling (scan and oth-

erwise) and tips from the OEM on understanding their culture and successfully servicing their brand.

The Young Technicians Symposium will be back, as well, on July 24 from 8am–5pm. Powered by Bosch, this Symposium will offer a two-part program to evaluate electrical system knowledge, and diagnostic approach to help you improve your skills. Part one of the program will cover pertinent topics in automotive electronics, and part two will focus on engine management fundamentals. A live training simulator will be used to demonstrate real world diagnostic examples and student response buttons will provide instant feedback on progress.

Saturday will offer training for Journeyman Technicians with topics ranging from Evaporative System Diagnosis to Electrical Diagnosis.

Dan Risley, President and Executive Director of ASA, stated, “CARS is committed to ensuring that you have the information and knowledge you need to today and the future. We look forward to seeing the leaders in the industry in Detroit and sharing information that you can’t get anywhere else.”

Visit the full conference program to view all available sessions: www .NACEexpo.com or www.CARSevent .com.

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www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 67

Italian-based Company Symach Offers North American Body Shops New Products & Technology

by Stacey Phillips, Assistant Editor

Symach, an Italian-based company known for its fast-drying paint methods, is bringing its products to North America as well as setting up body shops with its patented technology.

The company will be hosting a booth at the NACE show in Detroit, MI being held July 23-25.

Established in Bologna, Italy in 2001, Symach began as part of a research project for drying paint in a few seconds.

The company holds numerous patents, including one for Drytronic technology, which allows for the drying of a clear lacquer in 50 seconds.

Osvaldo Bergaglio, CEO of Symach, said Drytronic technology generates various infrared wavelengths, which penetrate directly into the paint molecule, instantly drying it. It can be used to dry various paints, materials and thicknesses.

Bergaglio said Symach has sold more than 2,400 drying robots to body shops.

The company’s Symach Paint Application Process (SPAP) integrates the use of both Drytronic technology and a robot.

“Since it dries the paint in just a few seconds, the Drytronic technology en-

abled us to develop a painting process that significantly reduces flash-off times, as the robot performs the process even faster,” said Bergaglio. “When combined with the SPAP process, in fact, Drytronic technology reduces application and sanding time by 60 percent.”

panels that represent nearly 85 percent of total repair jobs.”

He said the company’s FixLine formula uses three different repair and layout processes, based on the number of panels to be repaired. “In this manner, the system is capable of optimizing repair times and reducing labor costs by as much as four or five hours for each repair,” said Bergaglio.

“FixLine is a new layout and repair process which, when combined with Drytronic technology and the SPAP painting cycle, provides for a 50 percent to 60 percent increase in productivity, as well as an increase of 1.5-2 repairs per week per technician.”

Since 2011, Symach has Symach, known for its fast-drying paint methods, constructed new body shops opened its first body shop in North America around the world, with its FixBergaglio said repair activities Line formula. These include indehave changed in recent years, with the pendent shops as well as MSOs. majority of repairs shifting from larger Over the last year, the company has and more structure-related issues, to focused its efforts on the North Amerismaller issues of a more aesthetic na- can market. ture. “Today, most body shops employ Symach sold its first body shop in a single repair process, which, while Burlington (Toronto), Ontario to CARS certainly suitable for more extensive ac- of Nick DiLuca, partner of CSN, a tivities, in our opinion is poorly suited group with more than 330 body shops for activities involving the one to three in Canada.

The new body shop is scheduled to be operational in November and will be built entirely with the Symach equipment and with the FixLine formula. “The process of preparation, painting and drying are automated with Symach robots,” said Bergaglio.

He said the new body shop will be able to repair 50 cars a week, reducing the cost of repair around 25 percent and reducing the key-to-key time to 1.5 days on average for more than 80 percent of the repairs.

“We are very excited about being the first shop in Canada to install the Symach system in our shop. The product is light years ahead of its competitors,” said DiLuca. “We at CSN Cars are confident it will reduce our key-tokey time drastically, and enhance our customers experience.”

Others are scheduled to follow in December and January.

In addition, Symach is organizing its own network of stores in North America to sell its products, which include: drying robots, spray booths, preparation bays, a sanding a vacuum system, a car mover system, a lighting system specific to the body shop, and a line of body shop furniture.

For more information, contact info @symach.com or visit symach.com

Redesigned Automotive Lift Institute Website Houses Certified Lift and Inspector Directories

The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) launched a completely redesigned website on June 1 at www.autolift.org. The new site brings together information lift buyers, owners and users need, including: ● The official directory of every ALI certified car, truck and vehicle lift, including certified accessories. ● An exclusive directory of ALI Certified Lift Inspectors searchable by ZIP or postal code. ● A list of leading North American lift manufacturers with contact information and website links. ● Access to lift safety standards and materials, including online training. ● Information on purchasing a lift, including FAQs, explanations of lift types and facts about codes and regulations affecting the purchase and installation of vehicle lifts across North America. ● Buyer beware warnings about false or misleading lift claims.

“As the trade association for the North American vehicle lift industry, it is our mission to promote the safe design, construction, installation, service, inspection and use of automotive lifts,” said R.W. “Bob” O’Gorman, ALI President. “Our new website was built from scratch to further that mission. By

redesigning the site to be more modern and user-friendly, we have made it as easy as possible for anyone with an interest in vehicle lifts to find the information they need to make smart choices. The website features all-new copy, photographs and navigation.”

ANSI/ALI ALCTV (current edition) “Safety Requirements for the Construction, Testing and Validation of Automotive Lifts” standard. If a lift is not listed, it’s not certified. Because lift testing and certification is generally voluntary for manufacturers, lift customers

The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) website, www.autolift.org, has been redesigned to serve as a user-friendly resource for all important vehicle lift information

As part of the redesign, ALI brought control of its Directory of Certified Lifts in-house and redeveloped it at the same time as the rest of the site. The Directory of Certified Lifts lists every automotive/truck/vehicle lift that is certified to meet the

68 JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com

must take charge of their own safety by tbuying only lifts that have been thirdparty tested and ALI certified.

The new Directory of Certified Lifts can be browsed by lift type or searched by lift type, manufacturer, brand, model number and/or load rat-

ing. Each listing includes the lift’s specifications, certification date and manufacturer’s contact information.

For lifts with certified accessories, the accessories are defined in the listing, including model number, description and rated capacity (if applicable).

Listings may also include notes and a picture of the lift.

One new feature of the ALI website is the ALI History section. Set up in a timeline format, the page takes readers from the Institute’s founding in 1945 through its near demise in the mid-1970s, its rejuvenation in the 1980s, and its lift-safety-focused activities in the 1990s through present.

The timeline also calls out notable events in the Institute’s past, such as the extension of membership to Canadian manufacturers in 1983 and Aug. 5, 2012, when ALI was the primary partner on the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 Ford Fusion driven by Aric Almirola in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pennsylvania 400.

To learn more about ALI, visit www .autolift.org or call (607) 7567775. You can also connect with ALI on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LiftInstitute, on Twitter at www.twitter.com /LiftInstitute, and on YouTube at www .youtube.com/LiftInstitute.

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www.autobodynews.com | JULY 2015 AUTOBODY NEWS 69

Continued from Cover

MDL Recommends

Recommendations.”

Fry explained that the report and recommendations are not orders. Presnell will have the option to accept the recommendations in whole or in part or completely reject it.

“In this instance, Magistrate Judge Smith did issue a number of reports and recommendations on the cases that have been gathered in the MDL,” she said.

In his report, Magistrate Judge Smith wrote, “After due consideration, I respectfully recommend that the motions be granted in part and denied in part, that the complaints in the Pending Cases be dismissed, that the dismissals be without prejudice and with leave to amend except as otherwise stated in

this report and recommendations, and that Plaintiffs be afforded 21 days’ leave to file amended complaints.”

The recommendations are twotiered and include the federal Sherman Anti-trust claims for price fixing and boycotting as well as the state law causes of action—tortious interference and unjust enrichment—which are unique to each individual state. She said state law is consistent on these types of claims, but it does vary in regards to the evidence you need to bring forward to succeed.

In regards to the claim of quasi estoppel, the judge recommended dismissing it with prejudice, which means it cannot be refiled.

“The court has taken the position that quasi estoppel while it is a legal doctrine is not a cause of action in and of itself,” said Fry. “However, it does not preclude us from using this evidence.”

According to the court report, “Defendants argue that the Court should dismiss all of the complaints because Plaintiffs engaged in impermissible group pleading by making collective allegations against ‘Defendants.’ In response, Plaintiffs argue that group pleading is perfectly acceptable, and that when they refer to ‘Defendants’ collectively, they are only alleging that all Defendants engaged in the same conduct.”

In each of the cases, the defendants have filed motions to dismiss, the plaintiffs have filed a consolidated response, and the defendants have filed replies.

Originally filed in 2014, the Multi District Lawsuit in Florida now involves 18 cases already filed by Eaves Law Firm. Fry said they anticipate filing approximately 17 more after the court has made a final determination regarding the factual detail it requires of a case.

“The reports and recommendations that Judge Smith entered were not a surprise to us,” said Fry. “They are extremely consistent with the prior recommendations that were made to Judge Presnell in the six originally filed cases.” (FL, IN, LA, MS, TN and UT) She said the court’s work with the report and recommendations was very thoughtful. “I actually find them rather encouraging because it gives us an idea of the path the court wants us to follow.”

Eaves Law Firm has until June 30 to enter an objection to the report and recommendation and Fry said they plan to file several. They entered a number of objections to the previous report and recommendations as well.

Fry said shops should not lose heart. “It is actually moving toward positive ends. There is pretty good movement here and we’re very optimistic.”

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