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Letter to the Editor

CIC Database Task Force Meets With CCC and MOTOR

The Task Force is comprised of representatives from the three largest national collision repair trade associations: the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP), the Automotive Service Association (ASA), and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS).

As an extension of ongoing dialogue between the three organizations and information providers, the day-and-a-half meeting addressed macro-level issues including but not limited to: MOTOR / CCC’s industry forum, substrate identification, specific OEM manufacturer repair and replace procedures, database disclosure and the database inquiry (or request for review) process.

SCRS’ Immediate Past Chairman Lou DiLisio stated, “The Task Force was encouraged by the outcome of this meeting. Clearly, the three national associations working together have proven to be an effective model. Instead of each association voicing their concerns independently, the industry has one voice, which makes it easier for companies like CCC and MOTOR to respond to our needs and concerns.”

AASP board member Rick Starbard commented, “The OEs are manufacturing vehicles with newer substrates (i.e. ultra high strength steel) at a rapid pace. In many instances that substrate will require a specific repair or replacement procedure and in some cases, specific equipment, that is different than a conventional repair. As a result, it is critical that this type of information be incorporated in the database. We believe CCC and MOTOR clearly understood the urgency surrounding this issue and have committed to work together with us to address it.”

“We spent a significant amount of time addressing their database inquiry process and the issues our members are having when submitting things such as a labor time inquiry. Upon reviewing their processes, sharing the industry’s concerns and offering suggestions for improvement, we are confident that positive changes are forthcoming,” stated Darrell Amberson, AAM, ASA Collision Division Operations Director.

MOTOR’s President Kevin Carr and Carlos Navarro, CCC’s Vice President of Key Applications Technology, who were in attendance at the meeting, committed to continue working with the Task Force. Their candid and open responses, as well as their willingness to seek ways to continue to improve their products, were promising. They intend on hosting several conference calls during the course of the year to provide updates on the progress they have made on the issues raised. Moreover, the companies are expanding their industry forum participants to accommodate additional representatives from within the Task Force.

Their industry forum assists in driving future product features and enhancements, as well as raising the issues that are most pressing to repairers, as they relate to the database. The Task Force will continue to report upon the progress made with CCC and MOTOR in addition to the two other information providers at future Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meetings.

Kevin Carr added, “MOTOR, together with our business partner CCC, is committed to an open dialogue with all industry segments. We appreciated the opportunity to host this visit by the Task Force. It was especially valuable to hear a front-line perspective on current issues from the Task Force members. MOTOR is confident that everyone involved in these meetings, and ultimately the entire industry, benefited and will continue to do so in the future.”

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