April 2001 Editor's Page
Good Things Brewing

This month, INSIGHT begins a two-part analysis of the paint companies’ value-added programs.

Our feature story is packed with valuable information about three of these programs - AKZO, Sherwin-Williams and BASF.

It’s good to see that the paint companies are moving toward programs that enable individual shops to pick and choose which aspects of the program they would like to take advantage of. This enables the shops to keep their costs down, which has always stood as a prohibitive factor in these programs.

Each of the programs discussed in this month’s story are doing interesting things in an effort to improve their programs. BASF, for instance, is making a lot of headway with its web-based program.

Can these programs help you? Are there even bigger changes planned for the near future. Take a look at the story and see for yourself.

On another front, it’s interesting to see what’s going on in the aftermarket parts industry these days.

While many predicted certain doom for the industry in the wake of the State Farm decision, those that are fighting the battle on the front lines paint a different picture.

Sure State Farm hurt the industry, but it’s not dead, say aftermarket parts insiders. With signs that the big insurance companies may be decreasing the distance from the industry that was left in the wake of State Farm, is it possible the non-OEM industry may have some blue skies in its not too distant future?

Take a look at our analysis in Under the Microscope, and let us know your thoughts.

On the investment front, the news isn’t all bad, for a change. In fact, while the broader market continues to get hammered with no end in sight, a number of industry stocks have been holding strong of late.

In addition, it’s good to see that at least some folks are feeling confident enough in the industry to continue expanding.

As detailed in this month’s Industry Update, the Boyd Group and the Irvine, CA-based Caliber Collision centers have been snapping up shops of late. That can only be seen as a positive sign within the industry.