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Letter to the Editor

ASA Hosts Collision Summit and Supports Crash Parts Bill: True2Form Joins ASA

Bedford, Texas -- The Automotive Service Association (ASA) recently hosted an industry summit to discuss several issues relating to the collision repair industry. The summit was held in Kansas City, Mo.

Attending the meeting were representatives from ASA's Collision Division Operations Committee, insurers, recyclers, collision repairers, and information providers. ASA is working with insurers and recyclers to identify concerns and propose solutions that would enable the repair industry to use more recyclable parts in the repair of automobiles.

These concerns overflow to the information providers and would require changes and improvements to their systems. The summit focused on establishing proper and common industry nomenclature for not-included procedures, proper standards and repair procedures, and accurate descriptions of a repair.

Suggestions resulting from the various concerns and entities represented at the summit included identifying more not-included procedures by utilizing drop-down boxes on electronic information systems. This would allow for more accurate estimates. This discussion was facilitated by one of the providers presenting the idea of a schematic worksheet to identify some of the procedures. If the information providers elect to implement this proposed solution, it will likely be a long-term implementation process.

As a short-term solution, a laminated reference chart of not-included operations covering recyclable parts is being published.

Representatives from both the collision repair and insurance industries sought solutions for readily identifying not-included procedures. The summit provided ideas toward the realization of that goal.

Nomenclature changes proposed for consistent use among all the entities included using the following terms:

• "Degrease and clean" rather than "clean-up"
• "Trim to cut or fit" rather than "trim"
• "Repair part" rather than "clean-up part".

Future meetings will be scheduled by ASA to continue providing solutions toward user compatibility across all entities of the collision repair industry.

ASA Supports North Dakota Senate Bill 2358

Washington, D.C.-- Senate Bill 2358, introduced by North Dakota State Senator Randy Schobinger, R-Ward, addresses written disclosure and consumer choice in using replacement crash parts. If enacted the Bill would require written consent from the consumer before a replacement crash part could be installed.

SB 2358 specifies the consumer can choose whether new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are used or whether other types of replacement crash parts, such as recycled parts, are installed.

The legislation creates the "Replacement Crash Parts Notice and Authorization Form." The form notifies the consumer when replacement crash parts are being used, warranties obtained on the parts and the type of replacement part used. The form must be attached to the repair estimate and signed by the insured prior to crash parts being installed.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) believes SB 2358 would protect consumers and shops alike. Shops would notify vehicle owners when crash parts are used and give consumers a choice of crash parts. ASA also believes all consumers should have the option to choose the type of parts installed on their vehicle.

ASA has been a strong proponent of notice and consent legislation. ASA developed the Model Crash Parts Legislation, which was written to protect consumers from inferior crash parts used in the repair of their motor vehicle.

True2Form Collision Centers Join ASA

Twenty-eight True2Form collision centers have become members of the national Automotive Service Association (ASA). Membership for these 28 collision repair centers, which are located in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina, will begin immediately.

Several True2Form shops were already individual ASA members, but this multi-shop membership for the entire True2Form group is its first with ASA. True2Form was founded in 1988.

Clark Plucinski, Executive Vice President for True2Form, says, "We joined [ASA] because of a true understanding of the value ASA brings to the table. No other organization in our industry works so hard every day to help us all succeed." He added, "Having worked with ASA for 15 years as a past collision division operations committee member helps me to clearly understand the value this organization gives to the industry daily."

ASA Vice President of Membership John Scully said, "ASA is expanding in its membership and its goal to reach all aspects and all those involved in automotive service. We are very pleased True2Form has recognized our contributions to the industry and has determined to join us in our efforts."

ASA Announces New Affiliate: Autobody Craftsman Association Becomes 16th Affiliate

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) Board of Directors has approved the Autobody Craftsman Association (ACA) as the newest ASA affiliate. ACA is the 16th affiliate group in the ASA organization.

"We are pleased to welcome ACA as our newest affiliate," said ASA Chairman Howard Lewis.

"ASA and ACA have identical goals in terms of advancing the professionalism of the auto repair industry. In fact, the mission statements of the two organizations have much in common, highlighting each group's commitment to education, information and improving the industry's image," Lewis said.

ACA has collision shop members in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. While ASA brings a national perspective to the industry, it has been active on a number of fronts in these states. The two groups have a long history of partnering on industry issues and they have a number of common members. Consequently, Lewis said, ACA's becoming an affiliate of the national association was a natural evolution that will prove beneficial for not only the associations, but also their members.

Ed Dollar, the executive director of ACA, said, "It is our pleasure to affiliate with ASA. We have worked positively with the association, most frequently with their Washington state affiliate and its executive director, Pete Hunt.

"We are looking forward to this relationship, knowing our mutual efforts will advance the collision repair industry," Dollar said.

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