Fix Auto USA Continues Growth in Northwest with Two New Locations in Washington Fix Auto USA recently announced the addition of two locations in Washington State to its growing network of collision repair centers. The new locations are: Fix Auto Gig Harbor, previously Denny’s Harbor Auto Body Fix Auto Puyallup, previously Denny’s Valley Auto Body
Patty Denny, Mark Denny and Pam Denny
With the additions, Fix Auto’s presence in Washington now totals eight locations, while its presence in the Pacific Northwest has expanded to 14. “We’ve watched Fix Auto signs pop up all over Seattle in the last year,” commented Fix Auto Gig Harbor and Fix Auto Puyallup owner, Patty Denny. “Marketing and community involvement has always been important to
us. By becoming a Fix Auto franchisee, we like that we immediately benefit from the group’s previous marketing efforts, while continuing to improve our own through pooled resources and a larger scale marketing strategy. It gives us a significant advantage over independent shops in our area,” Denny said. Co-owner Mark Denny added, “Most independent repairers have felt the impact of consolidation in some form or another. Our hard work will now be backed by a corporate infrastructure, national insurance representation and the advantage of working together with other top performing shops.” “Fix Auto Gig Harbor and Fix Auto Puyallup are great additions for Fix Auto USA,” commented Fix Auto President and COO, Paul Gange. “Having them on board continues the strategic expansion of our footprint in the Pacific Northwest with best-inclass operators committed to delivering a high-quality collision repair experience for our carrier and vehicle owner customers.” For information about becoming a Fix Auto member, please contact Director of Sales and Field Operations, Rich Pannazzo at rpannazzo@fixauto.com or by calling 714-676-8267.
Rydeen Showcases In-Vehicle Safety Product Line
Rydeen Mobile Electronics, an aftermarket supplier of driver safety products and solutions, recently showcased its new product line at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center Jan. 811. “For the past few years we’ve worked hard to make safety a prime category in the automotive aftermarket,” said Rydeen President Phil Maeda. “We’ve learned from our customers and refined our products along the way. This year, we are presenting a strong and diverse lineup that will solidify our brand as a leader in driver safety.” Rydeen is presenting its flagship MN312S navigation mirror, which replaces the factory mirror and features a 3.5-inch, touch screen-controlled navigation system along with Bluetooth-enabled hands free phone functionality, rear-view camera connection and optional vehicle recovery and driver safety services by Guidepoint Systems. The MN312S has undergone firmware updates to improve its Bluetooth voice quality and add more userintuitive features. The MV311S and MV311T replacement mirrors target value-minded consumers who want the safety of a
rear-view camera system without changing the radio or adding a monitor on the dash. Both feature an “invisible” 3.5-inch monitor behind the mirror glass, with the MV311T adding a compass and temperature display. Rydeen is also introducing an addition to the MINy™ line of cameras. The MINy LED2 benefits from a series of infrared LEDs that improve low-light visibility, all while retaining the small size of the original MINy. In addition, all MINy models can attach to a new bracket (part No. BL-01) that mounts behind the license plate to present a factory look. A full year of research and refinement went into Rydeen’s newest parking sensor systems. All three offerings—BL-422P, BL-412PM and BB-411PM—are designed to double the sensing distance of other systems while enhancing the sensing accuracy. Rydeen is also showing an upcoming six-sensor system that provides both front and rear protection. Many of Rydeen’s newest products are installed in the company’s new 2013 Honda CR-Z, with professional customization completed by Al & Ed’s Autosound in Sherman Oaks, CA.
6 FEBRUARY 2013 AUTOBODY NEWS | www.autobodynews.com
Traffic Fatalities Down Across U.S, But Up in Calif.
The number of people killed in traffic accidents last year dropped to its lowest point in more than six decades in the nation, but rose in California, according to new federal transportation figures, the Los Angeles Times reported. Across the country, deaths of cyclists and pedestrians surged in 2011, despite the overall downward trend in fatalities. According to the recently released report, 32,367 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2011, a decrease of 1.9% from the year before and the lowest number since 1949. But in California, fatalities increased 2.6% in 2011 to 2,791, according to the report. California had more traffic fatalities than any state except Texas. Federal officials highlighted the overall decrease in deaths. But at least one traffic safety group said the figures were alarming, particularly a 3% increase in pedestrian deaths and an 8.7% increase in cyclist fatalities from 2010 to 2011. “We are still concerned about the numbers of cyclists and pedestrians at risk on our roadways,” said Paul Oberhauser, co-chairman of the Chicagobased Traffic Safety Coalition, which is partly funded by the traffic safety cam-
era industry. “This new report is a reminder we still need to be cautious and share the road.” In Los Angeles, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced the addition of new “highly visible” painted crosswalks at more than 50 of the city’s most dangerous intersections. “Los Angeles is in the midst of a transportation renaissance,” Villaraigosa said in a news release, referring to new rail and other investments. But pedestrian safety must remain a priority “to create a 21st century transportation network that works for everyone,” he said. The new crosswalks feature 2foot-wide white or yellow stripes and a new stop line for motorists, to cut down on vehicles encroaching on the paths of pedestrians. The targeted intersections are scheduled to be painted by March. Officials hope to eventually repaint crosswalks at all of the city’s 5,000 intersections. Funded through Measure R, the half-cent transportation sales tax voters approved in 2008, the new crosswalks cost about $2,500 each, more than twice the expense of traditional crosswalks.
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