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YEARS
Industry News You Might Have Missed in 2011 by John Yoswick
So much happens in the collision repair industry that it can be hard to keep up on everything. A few big stories get plenty of attention, but sometimes it’s the lesser-known stories that can have as big an impact on your business. As a new year kicks off, here’s a wrap up of some of the news stories from this past year that might have flown under your radar amid the dayto-day challenges of running your shop, but that could prove helpful for you to know about.
► 1 The Federal Trade Commission last year issued a consumer bulletin
related to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. It states that use of nonOEM parts in itself cannot void a vehicle warranty. “Still, if it turns out that the aftermarket part was itself defective or wasn’t installed correctly, and it causes damage to another part that is covered under the warranty, the manufacturer or dealer has the right to deny coverage for that part and charge you for any repairs,” the bulletin states. For a copy of the bulletin, visit: http://tinyurl.com/3zvas3w
► 2 The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) last spring released its findings into whether the See Might Have Missed, Page 18
Western Collision Industry’s 2011 Redux
NACE / SEMA / CARS / AAPEX
2011 RECAP
Where We Stand—The U.S. Automotive Sector by Scott Corwin, Evan Hirth, Jan Miecznikowski, Brian Collie, Patrick Mulcahy, and Mike Beck, at Booz & Company
For U.S. automakers and suppliers, the past year can best be described as 12 months of mixed results, leaving unanswered questions about the future direction of the industry and what is required for manufacturers and suppliers to thrive. In 2011, U.S. light car and truck sales will exceed 12.5 million, a nice bump from 11.6 million in 2010 and 10.4 million in 2009. And though the most optimistic analysts forecast that
U.S. vehicle sales will rise to more than 14 million in 2012, that’s a far cry from 17.3 million at the turn of the millennium. Last year’s U.S. sales figures might have been higher if not for the tsunami and earthquake in Japan and flooding in Thailand, which forced Toyota, Honda, and, to a lesser extent, Nissan to curtail production in virtually all of their assembly plants around the world. Auto sales growth is far more rapid in emerging nations such as China and India, with average annual sales gains since 2001 of 23 percent and 15 percent respectively. See Where We Stand, Page 34
Mike’s Auto Body Benevolence Program by Ed Attanasio
Christmas arrived a little early for the 11th straight year when five deserving families in Contra Costa County received refurbished vehicles from Mike’s Auto Body in Antioch, CA. The presentation ceremony on December 14 was attended by more than 200 people representing body shops, in-
surance companies and community leaders. Over the past decade, Mike’s Auto Body has presented a total of 30 cars to families in need and non-profit organizations through its very own Benevolence Program. Sal Contreras is the marketing director at Mike’s Auto Body and has been the main force beSee Mike’s Auto Body, Page 32
See Industry Wrap-Up, Page 42
P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
From standards to stand-offs, economic hardship to expansion, the collision industry has certainly seen its fair share of issues this year. As everyone involved in this industry stares down the promises and hope a new year can bring, we asked some to look back and take a hard look at some of the issues they saw in 2011, and some they’d like to see less of in 2012. Rodney Pierini, President & CEO of the CA/NV/AZ Automotive Wholesalers Association (CAWA), spoke briefly with Autobody News
about his take on this year’s industry issues. “The big issues as we (CAWA) see them are ongoing and are probably the same nationally. For us, the use of aftermarket parts is under siege by the car companies who are trying to protect their market share by making unfounded claims regarding aftermarket parts quality,” said Pierini, “The CA Department of Insurance is contemplating regulations on the use of aftermarket parts in insurance repair work. A preliminary meeting has been held and we are awaiting further developments. We will defend after-
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VOL. 30 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2012
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Marie Green and her four daughters react to their 2005 Honda Odyssey van donated by AAA Insurance at Mike’s Auto Body’s annual Benevolence Program. Watching on the right is guest Santa, Ed Attanasio
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