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ASCCA/CalABC/CAA Joint Legislative Day Focuses on Four Bills: Auto Repair (2), Towing & Oil Changes
The special guest at this year’s Legislative Day was With major concerns about State Senator Ben Allen, four bills that can greatly imwho is authoring SB 778 (Oil pact their businesses, repreChange Bill). He explained sentatives from collision and that the intent of his bill is to mechanical repair companies stop the unnecessary selling came from all over the state of 3,000 mile oil changes and Guest speaker to attend ASCCA/CalABC/ State Senator Ben expressed his desire to work Allen, discussed CAA’s Joint Legislative Day with the automotive industry on April 12 in Sacramento, SB 778 (Oil Change on language that will satisfy Bill), a bill he CA. The main focus of the the stakeholders. This bill afauthored. ASCCA day’s activities at the Capitol fects body shops that do me/CalABC/CAA where to meet with local leg- currently oppose it, chanical work and every unless amended islators and discuss a quartet mechanical shop in Califorof bills that could all be game chang- nia, so this is a big deal, according to ers for automotive repairers statewide. See Joint Legislative Day, Page 14 by Ed Attanasio
Repairer Driven News Notes Hyundai is an Exception in Not Providing OEM Collision Repair Instruction
after they have been in a collision,” Hyundai customer satisfaction Executive Vice President Frank Ferrara said last year. “Hyundai owners benefit from this program through the assurance that centers will ensure the fit, finish, durability, safety and value of the vehicles being repaired. Having a network of recognized shops is critical to make sure our cars are repaired properly.” However Hyundai remains the only major American OEM lacking collision repair instructions for U.S. auto body shops, according to the See Hyundai Repairs, Page 24
Change Service Requested
P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018
Since 2015 Hyundai has had a “Recognized Collision Repair Center” network administered by Assured Performance to indicate which body shops it feels are truly qualified to fix its vehicles correctly. “This program ensures both independent and Hyundai dealershipowned collision repair centers have the training, tools, equipment, and facilities needed to properly repair Hyundai vehicles after they have been involved in a collision,” Hyundai said at the time. “We want our customers to know we have their well-being in mind
VOL. 34 ISSUE 5 MAY 2016
CAA Call to Action for All Shops: Support New Labor Rate Regulations by Ed Attanasio
The California Department of Insurance (CA DOI) recently proposed regulations that would clarify and require insurers that conduct auto body labor rate surveys to perform them in a fair, reasonable and accurate manner. These regulations will also clarify and strengthen existing anti-steering laws, according to the CA DOI. The purpose of these proposed regulations is three-fold—to guarantee that auto body labor rate surveys are fair and equitable; save consumers money who are forced to pay unnecessary out-of-pocket costs and prohibit insurers from making disparaging and discrediting statements against repair shops. Public hearings on these regulations are scheduled for April 21, 2016
(Auto Body Repair Labor Rate Surveys) and April 22, 2016 (Anti-Steering in Auto Body Repairs) at 10:00 am at the Employment Development Department, 722 Capitol Mall, 1st Floor Auditorium in Sacramento. These regulations are good for consumers and auto body shops in California, but CAA Lobbyist/Attorney Jack Molodanof is a little skeptical, based on past experiences. “Unfortunately, we believe that some insurers may try to circumvent the public regulatory process and introduce legislation that would stop these new regulations from moving forward and taking effect,” said Molodanof. “That is why we’re urging CAA members to contact (call, write and speak directly) to See CAA Call to Action, Page 30
Service King Grows to 22 Southern California Locations Service King Collision Repair Centers announced on April 5 the opening of its 22nd repair center in Southern California. The announcement comes as Service King officially closed on a partnership with Greg’s Collision Center located at 8732 Park St. in Bellflower, CA. Service King and Greg’s Collision agreed upon and finalized terms of the merger Friday, April 1 as operations transitioned to Service King management immediately. “We could not be more proud to partner with the Service King Family of Repair Centers,” said Greg Castro, owner of Greg’s Collision Center. “Through this entire process we were provided the opportunity to learn about Service King’s rich history, vision for the future and the culture that defines its teammates. We’re confident our teams align seamlessly and look forward to a bright future together as one
organization.” As part of the Service King Family of Repair Centers, the 32,000 square-foot Greg’s Collision Center now provides customers with its premier service backed by the organization’s lifetime warranty valid at any Service King location nationwide. “The Service King team is purposeful in its growth and aligning with team’s like Greg’s Collision is part of that strategy,” said Alan Saviano, Service King Market Vice President for Southern California. “Greg Castro and his team have built an organization rooted in serving the community with exceptional customer service and firstclass repairs. We’re honored to welcome them to the Service King family.” For more information on Service King and to locate a local collision repair center please visit www.Service King.com or follow Service King on Facebook and Twitter.
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