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Letter to the Editor
This article originally appeared in the October 2002 Issue of INSIGHT
©2002 Collision Repair Industry INSIGHT All Rights Reserved
CCC Announces Online Access to MOTOR Guide to Estimating
Quebec Air Bag Supplier Charged with Criminal Negligence
CIAG Succeeds in Banning Rebuilt Airbags
PPG Named NSRA Manufacturer of the Year
Copart Achieves Record 20% Profitability Rise But Lowers Expectations
Sherwin-Williams A-Plus Member Points Can Be Used for OEM Certified Training
DriverShield Acquires eAutoclaims
ADP Claims Services Group Introduces Autosource Reporting Manager Tool
CCAR’s S/P2 School Initiative in All 50 States
CARB Approves Rule to Reduce Emissions from Coatings Operations
Bluebook Introduces B.E.S.T.Net to Cut Claims Processing Waste
CARSTAR Canada Shops Declared World-Class Businesses
Automakers and Independent Repairers Reach Historic Agreement
INDUSTRY UPDATE
CCC Information Services Inc. has announced the online availability of MOTOR Infor-mation Systems' Guide to Estimating pages and a web-based training tool, Understanding the MOTOR Guides.
The training tool illustrates how CCC's Pathways Estimating Solution and the MOTOR Crash Estimating and Replacement Assemblies data guides work together to help collision repairers and appraisers improve the speed of the automotive claims estimating process.
"Understanding how the MOTOR guides and Pathways work together is important in order to assist collision repairers and appraisers in writing estimates," said Mary Jo Prigge, president of CCC sales and service. "Making this information available to customers via the Web is another way that we are helping repairers and appraisers become more efficient in writing estimates."
The training tool walks repairers through information, including MOTOR-specific parts layout and terminology, the organization and features of MOTOR crash data - such as paint times, labor times, head notes and footnotes - and where to find this information in Pathways.
A link to the online Guide to Estimating pages for MOTOR's Crash Estimating and Replacement Assemblies data guides is also found in the tutorial. In addition to online availability, the Guide to Estimating pages may still be found in the printed version of the MOTOR Crash Estimating Data guide and electronically within Path-ways.
MOTOR's Crash Estimating and Replacement Assemblies data guides are both sources for automotive service and repair information within CCC's Pathways Estimating Solution. They clearly outline the processes and procedures for accurately calculating repair costs and labor times - critical information for writing estimates.
"MOTOR has always been keenly aware of the industry's need for training estimators," said Kevin Carr, president of MOTOR Information Systems. "This program continues MOTOR's tradition of providing the very best tools for understanding and using its estimating guides."
MOTOR Information Systems has been CCC's exclusive collision database provider for more than 10 years. CCC's customers receive monthly updates to the MOTOR database via compact disc so that they have access to the latest available part listings and prices.
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A man alleged to have supplied thousands of motorists across Canada with potentially deadly air bags has been charged with criminal negligence and theft.
The accusations were filed in Quebec City court in August against Stephane Demers, owner of Coussins Gonflables Demers and National Sacs Gonflables, both of which are now bankrupt. Demers is accused of criminal negligence causing bodily harm and mischief in rendering property dangerous.
It is estimated that the two companies sold more than 10,000 reconstructed air bags across Canada. Last year, the Quebec government demanded, through a court order, that Demers recall the dangerous products after tests showed some air bags contained gunpowder. The air bags are dangerous for several reasons, one of which was the use of gunpowder, i.e. the inflators that National constructed sometimes broke into pieces during deployment.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation, earlier this year, issued warnings to the public that the air bags installed in their cars, originating from these firms, could be dangerous and urged motorists with these bags installed to have them replaced.
Demers is also accused of stealing new air bags from two vehicles he rented from a company in Quebec City.
The province of Quebec has since passed legislation making it illegal to sell reconstructed or rebuilt or recycled air bags in Quebec.
A spokesperson for the Society de l'Assurance Automobile du Quebec (SAAQ), said vehicle owners are being advised against trying to change the air bags on their own. "What is dangerous is that the air bags could go off while they are trying to remove them," said SAAQ's Mario St. Pierre. "There are specialists who can do it for them."
A number of experts have also warned consumers not to inspect the bags either, warning that this action could cause release.
Earlier this year, the Collision Industry Action Group (CIAG) in Canada strongly recommended that the sale and installation of rebuilt air bags be made illegal.
A presentation was made to various provincial and federal groups.
Following the two-day long meeting, committee chair Claude Corbeil of Quebec summarized the proposals for presentation to the larger meeting of CCMTA in Halifax.
In May 2002, the CCMTA Board recommended that rebuilt airbags be banned as follows:
- No person shall sell, offer for sale or have in their possession for sale or install a rebuilt airbag.
- No person shall build such an airbag.
- No person shall operate a motor vehicle equipped with a rebuilt airbag.
A rebuilt airbag refers to an airbag unit that has been deployed and is reconstructed.
The CCMTA Board decided that recycled airbags be allowed, but only where sufficient, stringent controls are in place to ensure their safe and correct installation.
Individual provinces are beginning to enact regulations to meet the intent of the CCMTA recommendations. Already the province of Quebec has passed legislation to ban both rebuilt and recycled airbags. Manitoba and Ontario are considering enacting legislation to ban all but Original Equipment new airbags.
A number of stakeholders, including CIAG, believe that there are not enough controls in place to be satisfied that recycled airbags, assuming they are installed in the correct specific vehicle, will operate safely, particularly if there are no controls or evidence on whether the airbag may or may not have been water damaged.
PPG Automotive Refinish has been named the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) Manufacturer of the Year for 2002. The award was announced at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals, which took place in Louisville, Kentucky.
According to Bob Reynolds, public relations director for the NSRA, "Our association with PPG began back in 1982, when several PPG reps began talking to management about participating in our shows. In 1985 Woody Green, regional manager for PPG Automotive Refinish, worked with PPG chemists to introduce the Brite and Bold Color Selector aimed at the street rod and custom car enthusiast."
"In the years that followed PPG began an "Outstanding Use of Color" award as their participation grew not only in the number of events, but the size of their presence at those events," Reynolds said. "In 1987 they introduced the Kids' Coloring Contest, which has turned into a very popular event and a great family activity."
PPG Regional Manager Woody Green explains, "Howard "Bugs" Williams, a chemist at the PPG laboratory in Cleveland began developing custom colors around the time we began our association with the NSRA. Since 1985 Bugs has developed a wide variety of custom colors including finishes with a holographic effect, color-shifting pigments, tri-coats, high gloss candy colors, and more. There are now 12 different color cards available for custom refinishers. Although Bugs retired earlier this year after 38 years with PPG, he has been instrumental in expanding our color palette for refinishers dramatically. He continues to attend street rod and custom car events and lend his expertise to custom car enthusiasts."
PPG now exhibits at all NSRA shows across the country every year. Their booth features custom colors and new products, and color experts attend to help street rodders choose colors and plan color designs.
Reynolds concludes, "They're great people to deal with and we thank all their reps for the early years of initiating the many programs and for their help in keeping involved for the NSRA. It wasn't difficult to choose PPG to be our "Manufacturer of the Year" for 2002."
Copart, Inc. has reported record profits for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended July 31, 2002.
Copart earned net income of $15,535,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, generating a 13 percent increase in earnings per share over Q4 2001 to $.17 per diluted share on revenues of $82,632,600. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, Copart earned net income of $12,931,400, or $.15 per diluted share, on revenues of $68,631,200.
For fiscal 2002, Copart earned net income of $57,389,200, or $.63 per diluted share, on revenues of $316,455,800. Copart reported net income of $42,685,000, or $.50 per diluted share, on revenues of $253,889,400 for fiscal 2001.
"We are very pleased with our performance this quarter and for the year," said A. Jayson Adair, Copart's president. "Fiscal 2002 revenues grew by 25 percent and annual earnings per share grew by 26 percent compared to last year thanks to great results from innovations like virtual bidding coupled with strong same-store sales growth and the contribution from new stores. In the fourth quarter, same-store sales grew by 15 percent, and they increased by 20 percent for the entire fiscal year."
However, Copart's shares sank to a 52-week low after the salvage auction company said it expects profit growth to suffer from a combination of good weather and increased competition. Copart has reported that its annual earnings growth rate now will be about 10 percent to 15 percent, compared with previous guidance of 20 percent to 22 percent.
In other company news, Copart's Motors Auction Group (MAG) subsidiary has acquired Greater Pittsburgh Auto Auc-tion of West Mifflin, Pennsyl-vania. The acquisition expands Copart's national network of vehicle auction and storage locations to 95 sites in 40 states. Copart now operates five facilities in Pennsylvania including three Copart salvage auctions and two MAG public auction sites. In addition, Greater Pittsburgh is Copart's fifth MAG public auto auction location nationwide.
"Greater Pittsburgh is our second public auction acquisition in Pennsylvania this summer," said A. Jayson Adair, Copart's President. "This facility, along with the Mason-Dixon auction in Greencastle, PA that we acquired in July, gives us great coverage for used vehicle suppliers in western and central Pennsylvania."
Since August 2001, Copart has added 11 locations.
AutoNation, Inc., America's largest retailer of both new and used vehicles, has signed an agreement to acquire certain assets of the Vista Automotive Group based in Corpus Christi, Texas, from a partnership led by Bill McBean. The agreement includes the acquisition of property and five new vehicle franchises in the Corpus Christi area.
Once closed, the acquisition will increase AutoNation's presence in Corpus Christi to 13 new vehicle franchises. It will also raise AutoNation's presence in Texas to 64 new vehicle franchises and its U.S. presence to 379 new vehicle franchises. AutoNation's other Texas markets include Amarillo, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston.
"Acquiring these new vehicle franchises will expand our ability to offer Corpus Christi consumers the market's best vehicle selection, service and prices," said Michael E. Maroone, AutoNation's President and Chief Operating Officer. "In each of our markets, our goal is to have vehicle shoppers include AutoNation dealerships as part of any intelligent buying or servicing decision."
Terms of the all-cash acquisition, which is subject to customary conditions and approvals, were not disclosed. In 2001, the five new vehicle franchises being acquired from the Vista Automotive Group had combined revenue of approximately $106 million. Upon closing the acquisition, Bill McBean will join AutoNation as a General Manager of the acquired franchises.
Other AutoNation-owned new vehicle franchises in Corpus Christi include Ford, Mazda, Honda, Hyundai, Volvo, Pontiac, Buick and GMC. Each dealership franchise also offers used vehicles, parts and services and finance and insurance products.
In other company news, Chairman H. Wayne Huizenga plans to retire Dec. 31.
AutoNation has named Chief Executive Mike Jackson, 53 years old, to the additional post of chairman. Huizenga, 64, said he was scaling back his involvement at the company to focus on new entrepreneurial opportunities. He will continue as a company director.
Huizenga will also retire as chairman of Republic Services Inc. on Dec. 31.
Huizenga also owns the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League and is the founder of Blockbuster Inc.
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Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes A-Plus value added program shops may now redeem their A-Plus points to offset membership fees of leading OEM training, recognition and certified collision repair programs.
Participating OEMs include DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Ford, Honda and Toyota.
"It's a natural fit to tie our value-added program with the OEM programs," said Brian Shenk, A-Plus Program Man-ager for Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes. "Both Sherwin-Williams and the OEMs strive to identify the highest quality collision facilities in the country. Our new partnership will allow shops to be recognized by two leading organizations; thereby raising the image of their facility with the most important audience - vehicle owners."
Sherwin-Williams' A-Plus program was established in 1996 to provide collision repair shops with four basic building blocks: a customer service indexing (CSI) program, management training, brand identification and a lifetime guarantee. It now features such benefits as, Discovery and 20 group network meetings, specialized management training, partnerships with Sherwin-Williams' stores division and discounts with nationally known vendors.
Through the A-Plus points program, members accrue points at two percent of their paint purchases. These points may be used toward any A-Plus program or service with an associate cost. The points are reported on regular statements that may be redeemed for reimbursement of eligible purchases.
"To keep A-Plus members satisfied, we meet frequently with customers to obtain feedback as to what they are looking to gain from the program," added Shenk. "Through the recommendations, we are able to continue to enhance the A-Plus program. The new offering which supports enrollment in the OEM collision repair programs, is just one more way we will continue to exceed our customer's expectations."
DriverShield Corp. and eAutoclaims, Inc. have signed a non-binding letter of intent whereby eAutoclaims shareholders will exchange their common stock for DriverShield common stock. DriverShield's CRM insurance services unit and eAutoclaims will then be merged into a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of DriverShield Corp.
At this point, the new subsidiary will continue to use the eAutoclaims brand name. The transaction will create the insurance industry's preeminent online auto claims management company.
DriverShield will be the surviving entity and DriverShield shareholders will own at least 57 percent of the post-merger company, with EACC shareholders owning approximately 43 percent, subject to certain adjustments.
The merger is contingent upon the completion of due diligence, the signing of a definitive agreement, regulatory review and shareholder approval by the shareholders of both companies. The closing is anticipated in the fourth calendar quarter 2002.
Barry Siegel, Chief Executive Officer of Driver-Shield, said, "This acquisition brings together the two market leaders and creates major opportunities for economies of scale that will immediately benefit all the customers and shareholders of both companies. We believe our sales volume will be at an annual run rate of nearly $50 million by the time the deal closes and should accelerate DriverShield's effort to reach profitability. There are virtually no overlaps in our customer bases and the combined resources of both companies will clearly create a value proposition unmatched by any other company in this industry, in terms of technology, proven shop network, operational functionality, and financial strength."
The combined companies currently have approximately 150 employees. It is contemplated that most of the senior executives of the combined companies will be headquartered at the new DriverShield headquarters located in Coral Springs, Florida. DriverShield also maintains an office in Long Island, New York. Under the supervision of Eric Seidel, the majority of the company's operations and employees will be located in Oldsmar, Florida and Columbia, South Carolina, where eAutoclaims is currently based. Barry Siegel will continue to serve as Chairman and CEO of the parent company.
Eric Seidel, President and CEO of eAutoclaims, will be President of the newly formed subsidiary.
"The merger of eAutoclaims into DriverShield will create a technologically advanced company with a dominant market share and a strong balance sheet. We look forward to completing the transaction and executing our joint business plan," Seidel said.
DriverShield has agreed to advance eAutoclaims up to $1 million on a secured basis upon the signing of the definitive agreement. These funds will be used for growth and working capital. These advances that may be made to eAutoclaims will be converted into eAutoclaims common stock immediately prior to the closing of this transaction at the rate of $.30 per share of eAutoclaims common stock, thereby reducing the final percentage of stock ownership of DriverShield by eAutoclaims shareholders. eAutoclaims shall have the right to repay these advances prior to closing. eAutoclaims shareholder's ownership of DriverShield should eventually at closing be between 33-43 percent.
DriverShield will continue to trade under the trading symbol DRVR on the Nasdaq Small-Cap Market.
DriverShield has also announced that John M. McIntyre, a longtime entrepreneur in the auto repair industry with significant experience in the property/casualty insurance industry as well, has been appointed President of DriverShield Corp. McIntyre has been a member of DriverShield's Board of Directors since October 2001.
Gerald M. Zutler, who has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since 1998, is assuming a new role as technical adviser to the Chairman and CEO, Barry Siegel.
McIntyre was a co-founding stockholder of a national insurance company and is the founder and owner of Apple Auto Body Incorporated located in Randolph, Massachusetts. He has served as a financial consultant to TeleSouth, a division of RHS Communica-tions, since 1997.
"Jack McIntyre brings us hands-on experience in many aspects of the businesses we're in, along with proven skills in launching and building new niche businesses," said Siegel. "He is a strong addition to our management team."
Zutler joined the Company in 1998 after serving as president of Lockheed Martin Canada, where he expanded the company into a full service supplier of total systems solutions to domestic and international public agencies.
DriverShield has also reported that one of the nation's largest property/casualty insurers, as yet unnamed, has signed a contract to test DriverShield's Internet-based system for managing collision repairs for its commercial insurance line of business.
The insurer will run a 90-day trial and at the end of that time, if the system has performed satisfactorily, the agreement will automatically convert to an exclusive, three-year, nationwide contract.
"We have been given a very important opportunity with this well known insurer," Siegel said, "but because the agreement allows for a 90-day test prior to the engagement of a three-year commitment, we believe it is in the best interests of all concerned to keep the name of the client confidential during the trial period.
Installation of the DriverShield system was set to begin the first week in September.
ADP Claims Services Group has announced the availability of Autosource Reporting Manager, a comprehensive total loss reporting tool. The Windows-based software transforms raw total loss data into meaningful business trend analysis so claims managers can cut cycle costs, target employee productivity and reduce severity costs.
According to ADP, Autosource Reporting Manager balances ease of use with complex calculations, featuring twice the analysis capabilities of its nearest competitor. The software identifies trends and pinpoints strengths and weaknesses in the claims process for use by all levels of claims management, from vice president of claims to claims directors and field supervisors.
"ADP has not only helped us to survive as a 'small fish' in a 'big pond,' but has also helped us become more competitive -- without our having to heavily invest in infrastructure, people and training," said Todd Tipping, director of claims for New Mexico Mutual Casualty Company and Foundation Reserve.
Autosource Reporting Manager tracks the total loss experience, including vehicle inspection accuracy for severity management, at the company, local office and even individual adjuster levels. Managers can use Autosource Reporting Manager to compare their company data to industry data at the national, statewide and regional levels to enhance competitive strategy and reach their goals.
"Autosource Reporting Man-ager is a value-added management tool that enables ADP customers to dissect aggregate data on their total loss business by drilling down to the details of their employee productivity, cycle time and severity costs," said Kelly Brady, product manager for Auto-source. "This new application gives claims managers a greater ability to manage the total loss process by providing them with the data they need to make strategic decisions."
The software includes nine standard reports that identify total loss and vehicle information. Data is updated monthly.
In other company news, ADP Claims Services Group has appointed John Kotsopoulos as vice president sales, collision repair services North America.
"John's extensive knowledge of both the insurance and collision repair industries coupled with his strong leadership and operational skills will help CSG meet and exceed our market commitments," said Joe O'Brien, vice president of field operations North America for ADP's Automotive Claims Services. "The end result will be an increased focus on sales and service relationships."
A 17-year veteran of ADP, Kotsopoulos will combine his new responsibilities with his previous responsibilities as vice president and general manager of ADP Automotive Claims Services in Canada.
ADP Claims Services Group has announced the general availability of Shoplink v6.3 (TM). The new version combines ADP's database with integrated imaging, decision support and improved graphics, giving users complete and accurate estimates that help reduce supplements and improve cycle time.
Shoplink also provides repair facilities with the necessary tools and support they need to participate in open direct repair programs.
Shoplink exclusively features CATview, the same feature used by insurance companies in catastrophe situations, to quickly identify -- in a single view -- 90 percent of the most commonly replaced parts. Also very effective in light to moderate collisions, it eliminates the need for users to toggle between multiple vehicle sections, so they can complete an estimate using one single screen.
The Coordinating Committee For Automotive Repair (CCAR) initiative to bring its Safety and Pollution Prevention online training - S/P2 - to the nation's automotive training schools has been adopted by programs in all 50 states.
The Internet-based S/P2 training addresses the key safety and pollution prevention issues that face professionals working in automotive service and collision repair. The program was developed by CCAR over a two-year period in accord with EPA and OSHA standards, which require that shop personnel be trained at least annually on safety and environmental regulations. These standards also apply to automotive training programs.
More than 560 career and technical schools representing over 32,000 students have implemented the S/P2 curriculum, which CCAR is providing to schools at no charge. The 50th state was achieved when Mr. Earl Smith of Campbell County High School in Gillette, Wyo., recently registered his school for S/P2.
The costs of CCAR's S/P2 initiative to schools are being underwritten in part by sponsorships from the automotive industry for both the "mechanical repair" and "collision and paint" modules. Sponsorship opportunities from the local to national level are available.
S/P2 Sponsors receive many benefits, including increased visibility with automotive instructors, as well as with students who are preparing to enter the auto industry and are at an important development stage in their career planning.
CCAR began contacting automotive training schools in January 2002 to promote S/P2.
"The adoption and usage of S/P2 by schools in such a relatively short time has been incredible," said Matt Dunn, CCAR's Director of S/P2. "Teachers find that S/P2 online training allows every student to be taught quickly, and it automatically calculates grades and issues a certificate to students as they pass. I've spoken with several teachers who tell all their students, 'You don't go into the shop until you pass S/P2.'"
Established in 1994, CCAR is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the professionalism and image of automotive technicians. CCAR's more than 200 affiliates represent all segments of the automotive service and collision repair industry.
CCAR also operates "CCAR-GreenLink," the national environmental compliance assistance center for the automotive industry, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
CCAR-GreenLink is recognized globally as a leading source of environmental compliance and pollution prevention information for the automotive industry.
An airborne toxic control measure approved last year by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has become effective.
In September 2001, CARB approved the Airborne Toxic Control Measure for Emissions from Hexavalent Chromium and Cadmium from Motor Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Coatings. The rule was developed to reduce harmful emissions from motor vehicle and mobile equipment coatings.
CARB determined the chemicals used in automotive refinishing can pose a health risk when someone is exposed even to small amounts. The two most common toxics found in automotive refinishing are hexavalent chromium and cadmium. These two chemicals may cause damage to the liver and kidneys, and have been found to cause birth defects and cancer.
The regulation will eliminate the use of these chemicals in automotive refinishing products in California. This ruling will also diminish emissions of lead, which is found in these chemicals.
"The collision automotive repair industry has been working hard to reduce their employees' exposure to harmful emissions by providing them with better equipment and training. CARB's ruling will go a step further in providing the collision industry in California with additional environmental protection," said Bob Redding, the Automotive Service Association's, Washington, D.C., representative.
"With this regulation, California is promoting safety and health within the automotive collision repair industry. Now is the time for states or the federal government to pursue these same safety and health benefits through controlling the sale of automotive refinishing products. Only those persons with proper equipment and training should be allowed to purchase these products. They are made for professional use and only professionals should be allowed to use them," Redding concluded.
Accompanying this regulation, CARB will provide automotive repair refinishing shops with information about safer alternatives and ways to decrease the amount of toxic air contaminants and other air pollutants from automotive refinishing operations.
Bluebook International is introducing B.E.S.T.Net, an enterprise level insurance claims solution and its portal component B.E.S.T.Central this month. Designed for use in personal lines property and casualty, workers' compensation, liability and commercial property insurance, B.E.S.T.Net and B.E.S.T.Central will:
- Synchronize and automate the status of each claim in minutes;
- Issue new assignments, provide updates, detail reserve specifics and communicate productivity and risk allocation;
- Update pricing changes, messages, emails, documents and detect and stop overpayments with its automated auditing system.
Under the current system of handling claims, it is estimated that 0.11 cents of every premium dollar the insurance industry spends is on the claims process alone, representing an aggregate annual expenditure of an estimated $40 billion, not including the actual payment of the claims.
In a process that has been ongoing for the past year, twelve CARSTAR Canada facilities have been recognized by BSI Management Systems (British Standards Institute) as "World-Class Businesses."
The process included a third party validation for management processes.
In other CARSTAR Canada news, 468 members of the automotive and insurance industry attended the largest collision industry conference in Canada, hosted by CARSTAR Automotive Canada in Mont Tremblant, Quebec.
In a joint letter to U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Foreign Commerce and Tourism, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance), the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) and the Automotive Service Association (ASA) have announced that they have reached an understanding regarding the type of service information and diagnostic tools available to independent repairers.
Under the agreement, automakers have committed to providing independent repair shops with the same service and training information related to vehicle repair as is available to franchised dealerships.
At a July 30, 2002 hearing on Senate Bill 2617 ("The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act"), automakers pledged to work with independent repairers to resolve all outstanding issues relating the availability of service and repair information. This agreement is the outcome of those discussions.
Alliance Vice President of Government Affairs Mike Stanton said, "Currently, about 75 percent of vehicle service and repairs are performed in independent repair shops. We are pleased that the industry could work together to ensure fair and open competition in the automotive service industry. This commitment to cooperation instead of legislation serves our interest, those of the independent repair industry and, most importantly, our mutual customers - the motoring public."
ASA Board Chairman Dan Frohlich added, "This agreement is an investment in the future of independent automotive service. By building bridges between manufacturers and the aftermarket, ASA is ensuring the long-term viability of independent repair. One cannot overstate the historical significance of this covenant."
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 12 car and light truck manufacturers who account for more than 90 percent of U.S. vehicle sales. Member companies include BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
There has always been plenty of negative publicity about the Collision Repair Industry. Recently, however, the controversial Allstate survey seemed to re-tarnish an image many worked so diligently to clean up.
Because of this, INSIGHT thought it only appropriate to give some positive publicity to the Collision Repair Industry for the National Auto Body Council's PRIDE Month. INSIGHT did not have to go far to find stories highlighting integrity, honesty, and generosity in the collision repair industry. These are just a few examples of the many projects supported by generous members of our industry.
Camp Mak-A-Dream
The National Auto Body Council pledged to raise $500,000 for Camp Mak-A-Dream by the end of 2002. With the help of the entire collision repair industry, they have raised almost $300,000.
This money is going to help build a medical facility for young cancer patients attending Camp Mak-A-Dream. The facility is going to be named in honor of the Collision Repair Industry.
Notable contributions include:
- BASF - an undisclosed amount
- The Washington Metropolitan Area Auto Body Association - almost $4,000
- Kansas City/Topeka area chapter of the SCRS - $10,000
- Joseph T. Keenan & Sons, Inc. - $13,000
- Collision Craftsmen - $15,000
- SCRS - a pledge to raise $100,000
- ABRA Auto Body & Glass - contributed $10,650 to the Camp Mak-A-Dream Cause. The donation was made up of equal contributions from each of the ABRA repair facilities.
- Everest Partners Group - pledged to sell $10,000 worth of tickets for chances to win vacation package gift certificates. The gift certificates were purchased with donations from the Collision Repair Industry. The tickets are $10 for one or $100 for a book. The drawing will be held at the "Collision Industry Night of Achievement" during this year's NACE.
Dingman's Collision Center
Dingman's Collision Center and numerous sponsors, in partnership with Omaha Habitat for Humanity, built a house for a family in need.
Boyd Dingman organized the construction of the house, which will be called "The House That Small Business Built: We build America."
The kick off party was September 6, and construction started on September 7. The dedication party was September 14, and the keys were then given to the new homeowner.
Big Sky Collision Center
Last month, Big Sky Collision Center kicked off its "BENEVOLENCE" program to assist under privileged families in the Tucson area.
Big Sky Collision, with the help of Akzo Nobel, donated a 1992 Ford Taurus to Elisa Baker, a mother of three recently exiting a women's shelter. Big Sky Collision is the first body shop in Tucson to establish such a program.
PRIDE Winner - Rob Quillen
Rob Quillen met Jason Dahl, a United pilot, on September 10, 2001. Rob and Jason discussed NASCAR racer, Jeff Gordon, and Jason spoke of his son's dream to meet the racecar driver.
Jason Dahl was a pilot on United flight 93 on September 11th.
Upon learning this, Rob Quillen did everything in his power to have Jason's son, Matt, meet Jeff Gordon. Because of Rob's initiative and compassion, Matt met Jeff Gordon and watched the race from Pit Row. Jeff Gordon won and dedicated the race to Matt.
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