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Letter to the Editor
This article originally appeared in the May 2004 Issue of INSIGHT
©2004 Collision Repair Industry INSIGHT All Rights Reserved
Repairers Focus on Four Key Issues at SCRS Forum
Ford Masters Program Recognizes I-CAR Training and ASE Certification
IGA and NGA Announce Agreement for Joint Cooperation
I-CAR Education Foundation Honors Don Askew
BASF Launches Organizational Structure Workshop
Sherwin-Williams Acquires Interest in China’s Shanghai Kinlita Chemical
Colours Inc. Named PPG Distributor of the Year
Lord Corp. Fusor and DaimlerChrysler Sealer/Sound Deadener Repair Guide Available
SCRS Applauds Ford’s Introduction of Bumper Fascia Fastener Kits
CIC Committees Tackle a Variety of Topics
Vincent Daviero Named Director of Northwood’s University of the Aftermarket
Shop Yellow Pages Advertising Hits 10-Year Low
Collision Industry Contributes to Children’s Hospital Library
Auto Body World Breaks Ground in Mesa, AZ
NACE Registration to Include Admittance to AAIW Shows
INDUSTRY UPDATE
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) in April gathered industry leaders from around the country to discuss what they see as key issues facing the industry.
About 100 people, including shop owners and representatives of SCRS state and regional affiliate associations, attended the National Industry Issues Forum. They culled a list of two dozen issues down to four they most see a need for work on in the coming year.
One of the four issues involved what were referred to as "bellman programs," in which an insurer takes the damaged vehicle, has it repaired and returns it to the owner, who has no contact with the collision repair shop.
Although consumer acceptance of such programs is likely to drive their success or failure, repairers believe they should have some input on the criteria used to select the shops involved to ensure it doesn't spiral down to the "cheapest provider."
Industry consultant Tony Passwater of AEII pointed out that such programs have been in use in Australia for more than a decade. Some shops have built a new business model around them, eliminating the need for retail space, a lot of administrative staff or 'fancy buildings." But, he said, such programs are likely to fail if consumers don't perceive they're getting the quality of work they were promised.
A second issue that is already being worked on at CIC is misuse or "abuse" of the estimating databases. This includes reducing paint times on repaired panels; the use of "caps" on materials; disputes over "feather, fill and block;" and alignment reimbursements being based on "tire store sale prices."
A third category of issues raised by National Industry Issues Forum attendees were lumped together under the title of "insurer intrusion into shop management."
It included such problems as insurers not allowing repairers to schedule work in throughout the week to maximize use of shop resources; specifying use of a specific estimating system; and the continued shift of claims administration costs to shops.
"In our area, we are even being told by insurers to purchase parts from specific vendors by name," Jeanne Silver, owner of CARSTAR Mundelein in Mundelein, Ill., said.
The fourth category of issues repairers would like to see addressed involved the automakers. Of particular concern were shop certification programs being launched by some of the automakers, which may limit access to certain replacement parts or force independent shops to make large investments in equipment and training.
Consultant David McCreight of Collision Resources, for example, said one shop determined it would require $156,000 of equipment and nearly $10,000 in training and tools - not to mention an annual fee of nearly $5,000 - to be certified to repair one particular automaker's vehicles. That meant that shop would have to repair an additional 143 vehicles to make that investment pay off - yet only a few hundred of those high-end vehicles are likely to be sold in his area, with only a small percentage of those needing collision repair work in any given year.
SCRS will translate the four issues chosen at the National Industry Issues Forum into actionable assignments to be worked on by the association, by CIC committees, or by other appropriate industry organizations.
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Ford Motor Company, through its Collision Repair Masters Program, will continue to recognize and incorporate I-CAR Enhanced Delivery training programs throughout the United States. Over 25 I-CAR programs are included in the Ford Masters initiative as are the I-CAR Steel and Aluminum Welding Qualification Tests. Ford has also incorporated the ASE "B" series certification tests into the Master program.
The Masters Program is designed to recognize and reward Ford collision repair technicians for their training accomplishments and experience. Ford's program includes a series of I-CAR programs, as well as paint manufacturer- specific courses. The Masters program is structured into three specialty areas that consist of non-structural repair, refinishing, and structural repair.
Ford dealer technicians will attend I-CAR Enhanced Delivery programs through the existing I-CAR class delivery system from I-CAR instructors. They will utilize the same curriculum, have the same registration process, experience the same inter-industry classroom environment and take the same program post-tests and qualification tests, receiving the most up to date training in collision repair.
"We are very proud to have the I-CAR Enhanced Delivery programs included in the Ford Motor Company Collision Repair Master Technician Program. Ford's initiative to expand this program to include the collision repair and refinish technicians employed in their dealerships provides a clear message that training is a critical element in vehicle repair and reinforce a positive image and repair experience for the vehicle owner," stated Tom McGee, I-CAR Executive Vice President and CEO. "The inclusion of the I CAR training programs also demonstrates how the collision industry can work together in partnerships to maximize training efforts and minimize time and expense required in the training process."
The Independent Glass Association (IGA) and the National Glass Association (NGA) have announced an Agreement for Joint Cooper-ation.
In the agreement, IGA members will be entitled to receive NGA member discounts for training through NGA's Auto Glass Technical Institute, NGA's auto and flat glass certification programs, and NGA products without having to join the NGA.
Heather Trusty, Vice President, Professional Development & Certification, commented, "Glass installation is often not taken seriously, but poor installation practices can literally mean the difference between life and death. We at the NGA are pleased to work together with the IGA toward the goal of increasing the professionalism of glass technicians. NGA takes consumer safety very seriously."
The IGA will lend assistance to the NGA in promoting the licensure of auto glass installers and glaziers in every state. IGA CEO Tim Smale will participate in NGA's State Government Committee and work with IGA State Chapters and members nationwide to begin a campaign calling for states to require mandatory licensing for all glass installers.
"Part of our mission is to promote consumer safety, and no one should be allowed to install glass without proper training and proof of competency," said Smale.
"By partnering with the NGA, IGA members will have affordable avenues to receive additional training and educational tools and to receive certification for technicians, which will result in more lives saved," said Leo Cyr, Vice President of NGA's Auto Glass Division. "This is a positive step by both associations to ensure the safety of the American public."
Founded in 1948, the National Glass Association is the largest trade association representing the entire flat glass industry.
Based in McLean, VA, NGA offers certification, education and training, and trade publications and hosts GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo and the National Auto Glass Conference & EXPO.
Donald F. Askew, recently retired from PPG Industries, Inc., was recognized during the I-CAR and I-CAR Education Foundation Joint Board Planning Session in Sea Island, Georgia on March 18, 2004.
Brian Whitcomb of General Motors and Chairman of the I-CAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees, presented Askew with a plaque recognizing his seven years of service on the I-CAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees.
Askew was also recognized for his two years service as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and an additional year as Immediate Past-Chair.
"During his time with the Foundation, the board had several challenges to address, and Don was always one to take a leadership role and help chart the Foundation's successful future," said Ron Ray, Executive Director of the I-CAR Education Foundation.
Askew was instrumental in launching the I-CAR Education Foundation's newest program PACE+ST3 (People Actively Creating Employability thru Short-Term Task Training).
"Organizational Structure," a new workshop offered by BASF as part of its VisionPLUS University program, has been launched to help body shops improve their profitability through more effective management of their staff.
The one-day interactive workshop engages participants in a comprehensive evaluation of their whole business--from front office operations through the repair and refinish process to vehicle delivery--with the objective of dramatically improving staff productivity.
The Organizational Structure workshop is designed for collision repair facility managers, production managers and coordinators, damage writers, customer service representatives and lead technicians.
Conducted by Bernie Blickenstaff, a veteran collision industry consultant and President of Collision Management Services, Inc. of Reisterstown, Md., the workshop covers topics of current interest, including:
- The five primary business functions of a collision repair operation
- The roles and responsibilities of each function
- Staffing to fit the size of the business
- Alternative staffing models
- Adding positions to the organization
- Sales and customer service management
- Production and parts management
- Position responsibility descriptions.
"At the end of this workshop, the participants will be able to plan and implement staffing and process solutions that can dramatically improve the productivity and profitability of their businesses," commented Stanton Thornbury, Vision PLUS Program Manager, BASF Automotive Refinish. "And improving our customers' bottom line is the objective of BASF's VisionPLUS University."
The Sherwin-Williams Company has acquired a majority interest in Shanghai Kinlita Chemical Co., Ltd., based in Shanghai, China, in order to participate in the growing Chinese automotive coatings market.
The company, now named Sherwin-Williams Kinlita Co., Ltd., will operate under the direction of Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp. The previous president and primary shareholder of Shanghai Kinlita Chemical, Mr. Wu Guo Zheng, has been appointed General Manager of Sherwin-Williams Kinlita.
The announcement was made jointly by Ronald Nandor, President and General Manager of Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp., and Michael Cash, Vice President-International of Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corp.
Originally founded in 1993 as a privately-held entity specializing in electro-deposition coatings of OEM trucks and buses in the Peoples Republic of China, Shanghai Kinlita Chemical grew to hold a significant position in this market today. The company currently supplies coatings to the largest truck and bus manufacturers in China.
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes intends to add technical resources to enhance the organization's growth in the electro-deposition coatings market in China. Additionally, the company will contribute topcoat products and technology that will help the organization increase its product and service offering to its existing customer base.
"Our acquisition of Shanghai Kinlita follows our expansion strategy in the European market, which we started in 2000," said Nandor. "China is expected to be the fourth largest vehicle market in the world by 2006; and by 2010, the country's vehicle repair market is expected to easily exceed $300 million. This acquisition allows Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes the opportunity to add our resources to accelerate the growth of an extremely successful company and the Sherwin-Williams brand."
The company's QS and ISO-certified facilities include 100,000 square feet of factory, laboratories and a resin plant, supported by a 26 person research and development group.
Sherwin-Williams Kinlita will utilize the former Shanghai Kinlita facility and its resources as a manufacturing and logistics center to strengthen its vehicle refinish position in China.
"Shanghai Kinlita is well-known for its significant advancements and innovations in technology, its unparalleled customer service, as well as its overall professionalism in the industry," said Cash. "We are confident that our partnership will bring new growth opportunities within existing Shanghai Kinlita customers and allow us to jointly enter new market segments rapidly."
Wu Guo Zheng commented, "We are excited to bring Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes' technology to China and look forward to enhancing the offering of products and services for our existing customers. Our new union will provide us with the resources to fuel our growth and improve our position in the Chinese truck and bus market, and most importantly, allow us to quickly enter new market segments with the know-how and experience of one of the world's leading coatings companies."
This acquisition marks Sherwin-Williams Automotive's third international alliance within the last year. Sherwin-Williams Automotive has also acquired ScottWarren France, based in Perpignan, France. The company also entered the South African market through a strategic alliance with Chemical Specialties Inc. Ltd. by which the country's leading paint distribution company sells Sherwin-Williams Automotive-branded automotive products through its established distribution channels.
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PPG Industries has bestowed the company's 2003-2004 Distributor of the Year Award upon Colours Inc., an automotive paint distributor headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Among the 700 distributors in North America, Colours Inc. was chosen to receive this distinguished award.
The award is given based upon a distributors sales increase, customer satisfaction, employee training and technical support.
Colours Inc. began with one store in Wilkes-Barre in 1986 and over the years, has grown into sixteen, with locations in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and various parts of Pennsylvania, including Scranton, Emmaus, Ephrata, Reading, Hazleton, Strouds-burg, and its new location in Gettysburg.
"It is such an honor to be the recipient of this award. After years of being in this business it is so nice to be recognized for all of our hard work. Hard work, long hours and a dedicated team have really helped to make Colours Inc. what it is today. I am grateful to PPG Industries for recognizing and honoring our company with such a remarkable award," said Tim Evans, president of Colours Inc.
Lord Corporation’s Fusor Automotive Repair Adhesives, a provider of metal and composite bonding solutions for automotive body repair, has announced that the DaimlerChrysler Sealer/Sound Deadener Repair Guide is now available.
According to Julie Miller, Lord Account Manager - OEM Repair, the Guide was designed to educate repair technicians about the locations and reparability of the different sealers and sound deadeners that are used in DaimlerChrysler’s Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler vehicles.
Topics covered include:
- safety, sealer and sound deadener applications
- paint and material usage
- identifying sealers and helpful tips
- terminology, typical sealer and adhesive types and correct locations
- Fusor sealer and sound deadener options
- paint repair application information
- manufacturer contact information.
Information contained in the resource tool from Lord Corporation’s Fusor Automotive Repair Adhesives includes product details for pumpable, sprayable, flowable, resistance weld-through and non-structural flexible acoustic foam applications.
Miller said Lord Corporation has a long-term relationship with DaimlerChrysler and was pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the OEM, as well as many other manufacturers, in developing this informative resource Guide.
The Repair Guide is available for free to qualifying jobbers and distributors from Lord Corporation.
Corporate Desk Audit (CDA), a new division of SCA Enterprises, Inc., has entered into a partnership with LKQ Corp. CDA is an independent, privately owned, auto material damage desk review firm located and operated separately for its sister company, SCA Appraisal Company. LKQ Corp. is the publicly traded national supplier of quality recycler parts.
"LKQ Corp. represents a strategic portion of what CDA is looking for in a strategic partner - sourcing available quality recycled parts that are available today and guaranteed," commented John Junk, Director of Corporate Services for CDA. "With the ease of electronic transmission of the estimate to any one of their call centers around the country, CDA can perform hundreds of parts searches daily without any delays to our clients," he added.
Herb Lieberman of LKQ Corp stated, "LKQ Corp. is looking forward to working with CDA providing real time information for in stock availability, condition, and pricing of quality recyclable OEM motor vehicle components and assemblies. It is LKQ's goal to see that this information provided through CDA can keep more repairable vehicles in professional repair facilities for quality, safe, and cost effective repairs."
Acting on collision repairer requests, Ford Motor Company has introduced fastener kits to be used in the repair or replacement of bumper fascias on selected Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle models.
Seventeen different kits are available. Each kit includes the nuts, bolts, washers, clips, rivets and pushpins necessary to install the fascias.
The general awareness that these kits were needed was facilitated by the Estimating Committee of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC), which included SCRS members Toby Chess and March Taylor.
The committee made several presentations that helped illustrate the problems faced by technicians when dealing with fasteners.
"Many of today's vehicle parts have fasteners that are not designed for re-use, and often you can't find reference to them in an estimating database or manual," Taylor noted. "The resulting confusion over what to order can lead to technician inefficiencies - the repairer either has to fix the original or substitute with a generic fastener. The time it takes to investigate and come up with a viable solution is not accounted for in the damage report, a fact that translates into loss of dollars."
Steve Nantau, Collision Repairs and Service Chemical Supervisor for Ford Customer Service Division, was one of those who participated in the discussions at CIC. Motivated by what he saw and heard, he began visiting body shops and talking to repairers in order to get a clearer view of the concerns being expressed.
"The issue interested me because despite the fact that our molding, trim and fascias included clips specific to the part, there was still confusion over proper applications," Nantau explained. "I finally figured out what repairers needed - an easier way to identify the correct fasteners for a specific job. You can't discount the importance of this; some bumpers require 79 individual fasteners!"
Ford addressed bumper fascias first because they are the most common parts replaced in an accident. There are plans to release eleven more fastener kits by the end of 2004, with the intent to eventually make them available on every new model at introduction. All parts in the fastener kits meet Ford's material, strength and finish specifications.
"We think that's an important point," Nantau said, "because some aftermarket fasteners may not have the proper corrosion protection or finish, which can adversely affect customer satisfaction."
On behalf of the Collision Repair Industry, SCRS has saluted Ford for the company’s efforts.
"It's easy to think fasteners aren't that big a deal, but in fact, they are," commented Taylor. "From a technician’s point of view, these new kits may be the best thing since sliced bread. We expect that they will lead to improved repair quality and shortened cycle times. Estimators now have a choice when replacing a fascia assembly. They can purchase an OE fastener kit or not, and having that option makes all the difference."
Though Ford is the only OEM to so far take action, SCRS is hopeful others will soon follow suit.
"It just goes to show you the effectiveness that follows an open dialogue," said SCRS Executive Dan Risley. "It proves, once again, that working together is the most important work we do."
While several Collision Industry Conference (CIC) committees took on the issue of misuse or misinterpretation of the estimating databases, others were addressing such topics as problem parts and steering by insurers. Here are some of the highlights of the meeting, held in Nashville in April:
- The CIC Definitions Committee is working on revisions to CIC's definition of the "Class A" collision repair facility, a definition often used as the basis for legislation, insurer direct repair program requirements, and other affiliation or certification programs.
- Mark Olson of Verifact Automotive gave a brief presentation on how many shops appear not to be following auto manufacturer and I-CAR recommendations regarding use of weld-through primer.
- The CIC Information Technology Committee is conducting a survey to determine how much rekeying of estimate data is currently being done in the industry.
- The "Write It Right" Committee released its new brochure, aimed primarily at consumers, that explains commonly used terms in collision repair estimates.
- As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the image of the industry, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) raised more than $1,600 in donations during the Nashville CIC meeting for the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville. The NABC is also exploring whether it could help send the national winners of the SkillsUSA-VICA collision repair and refinishing competition to the international competition.
- The CIC Parts Committee, after showing examples of problems that shops have encountered with different types of parts (new OEM, certified and non-certified non-OEM, salvage and remanufactured), is conducting surveys to help it address the issue. "We think repairers are basically bearing the brunt of other folks telling them how to order their parts and what parts to order, and the costs associated with that go back squarely on the repairers' shoulders," Keith Manich, co-chairman of the CIC Parts Committee, said. "We figured it was time to call to task some of the people who are delivering [parts] to the repairers that the repairer can't use."
- The CIC Ethics Committee showed a videotaped interview with Joe Maxwell, the lieutenant governor of Missouri, about his personal experience as a claimant. "The thing I was most amazed by was how quickly I was contacted by [the other driver's] insurance company, which almost immediately called me and said they already had the check in the mail to pay for my automobile," Maxwell said. "I asked 'How did you even know how much damage was done?' They said, 'Well, from the report.' So I was offered a settlement before anybody even viewed the damage to the vehicle."
Maxwell said he's concerned that many people in his situation would have accepted that first check and "in doing so accept settlement on the claim and then discover it wasn't enough to have a professional, quality job done." He said that while the insurance company representatives were pleasant and that he never felt harassed, they did refer him to a shop in Columbia, Missouri, 45 miles away. He said that because of past legislative work he had done he knew he had the right to use the shop of his choice, and he knew there were several good shops in his hometown.
He also said he's also concerned about insurers steering work or owning shops. "The idea of having an insurance company that would control where I repaired my car is kind of like having a fox watch the chicken house," he said. "You may wind up with less chickens."
More information on all of the committees' work can be found at the CIC website (www.CIClink.com).
Vincent J. Daviero has been named director of Northwood's University of the Aftermarket, effective June 1, 2004. Daviero comes to Northwood from a career in the aftermarket. His leadership will expand and deliver continuing education in innovative venues supporting Northwood's commitment to the industry.
According to Dr. David Long, vice president of operations, "Vince Daviero has combined experience in industry and education which made him the ideal candidate for this position."
The University of the Aftermarket of Northwood University provides continuing education for the aftermarket industry and its sponsoring associations, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), and the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). The alliances and affiliations of both the University of the Aftermarket and Northwood University continue to provide guidance in developing coursework needed by the industry.
In his most recent position at Tires Plus franchise division of Bridgestone/Firestone-Morgan Tire & Auto Inc., he produced materials for instructor-led sales training programs. As the director of training and education, his accomplishments include the conceptualization and development of instructional curricula and on-site instructor-led training programs. He designed and authored computer-based training modules and installed a Wide Area Network (WAN) based delivery platform. He has conducted over 1500 workshops, seminars, and training sessions and has over 500 hours of college instruction as an adjunct professor.
Additional teaching experience came through professorial positions at Eckerd College, Pasco-Hernando Community College, Saint Leo University and Baldwin-Wallace College. He is involved in the local and national chapters of the American Society for Training and Development, a three-time recipient of Bridgestone/Firestone Chairman's Award and a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society.
Northwood University specializes in management and entrepreneurial education with master's, bachelor's, and associate's degrees. A private institution, Northwood emphasizes the importance of free enterprise and a market-based economy and the strong connection between business and the arts.
Phone directory advertising may be falling out of favor as a marketing tool for automotive and autobody shops, according to a study by the Northwest Automotive Trades Association (NATA).
"We've tracked the amount of display advertising in the Portland area yellow pages for more than a decade, and it hit a 10-year low this year," said Deb Elkins, co-executive director of NATA. "The struggling economy in the Pacific Northwest plays some role in that, but we also see shops using their marketing dollars in other ways."
The drop in display advertising by automotive (mechanical) repair shops in the Portland QwestDex phone directory was the most dramatic, falling from more than 17 total pages last year to less than 11 total pages in 2004, a 38 percent decline. It's the least amount of display advertising in the "Automobile Repair & Service" category since 1993 - despite the fact that the Portland area has added 400,000 people since then, and experienced the largest increase in automobile use per capita of any U.S. urban area with more than one million people.
Yellow page display advertising in the "Automobile Body Repair & Painting" category is now less than half of what it was in 1990. It totals just over five pages in the 2004 directory, down 19 percent from last year, and the lowest it's been in the past 14 years.
"We see more shops moving to in-column ads or otherwise reducing their phone directory advertising to either save money or use their marketing dollars in ways they hope will be more productive," Elkins said.
NATA has been offering marketing classes for shops throughout the state in recent months. Elkins said one upcoming class focus on "niche marketing," and offer tips and techniques to reach the over-55 market or women, for example, as well as other target groups.
The two-hour class will be offered in Eugene, Ore., at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18. It will also be held twice in Portland -- at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. -- on Wednesday, May 19. For more information or to register, call NATA at (503) 253-9898 or (800) 732-7282.
NATA is a not-for-profit trade association serving more than 700 member businesses from all segments of the automotive industry. NATA is based in Portland, serves members in three Northwest states, and is a partner or affiliate of three national organizations: the Automotive Service Association (ASA), the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA).
Over $1700 was donated to the "Flying Pig Room" of the new Family Resource Center at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. The Flying Pig library was designed to be an escape for children - a library for children to read about their own disorders or illnesses. It is a glassed-in area that will have a few adult staffers, but with the intent to be just for children, so they can feel some measure of control over their own illness by learning on their own.
"This donation, the result of a fundraising effort by the National Auto Body will help us stock the room with needed materials," said Jonel Nicholson, development director at VCH.
"It isn't just the National Auto Body Council involved with this," said Chuck Sulkala, the Council's Executive Director. "The Collision Industry Conference and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists are also having meetings at the Opryland Hotel, and they have been involved as well. The people who made this donation possible represent every segment of the Collision Industry, repairers, auto manufacturers, paint manufacturers, and insurers."
"On our own, as individuals and businesses, we attempt to have a positive impact in our own communities. But our goal is to have a positive impact, as an industry, on the communities we visit throughout the course of a year. In addition to building a house for Habitat for Humanity, the industry, through NABC also donated over $500,000 last year to Camp Mak-A-Dream in Montana, a cost free, medically supervised camping experience for children and young adults undergoing active treatment for cancer"
"It is hard to appreciate the difficulties these children are going through," commented Doug Webb, NABC Chairman. "But I am gratified that we are able to help. That is also to say that I thank Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for allowing us to help."
As an Industry, we are made up of good people who do good things," Sulkala concluded. "We annually award Pride Awards to people from our Industry who selflessly give of themselves in order to improve the world in which we all live. I think you saw a little of that today."
Auto Body World’s CEO, David Fait, recently announced the ground breaking of the company’s sixth collision center in the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area. The state-of-the-art 29,000 square foot facility is located in Mesa and is scheduled to open in October, 2004. The new facility will team with the existing Gilbert location to serve the southeast valley. This addition will bring Auto Body World’s total “under-roof” facilities to 170,000 square feet.
The Phoenix-based company has been family owned and operated since 1946. Auto Body World is the oldest and largest independently-owned collision operation in Arizona.
The 2004 International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) registration fee will include a badge that will admit attendees to the NACE Exposition, as well as Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) shows - SEMA and AAPEX. NACE will also provide a complimentary shuttle that will run between NACE and AAIW shows. Both arrangements are designed to increase the value and add convenience to attending this year's NACE, being held in November in Las Vegas during AAIW.
NACE attendees will have three registration packages from which to select:
- The NACE full Congress Package will include admittance to NACE Exposition, tickets to NACE educational sessions, key events and admittance to AAIW shows. For members of ASA and NACE- endorsing associations, the cost for this package will be $255 on or before Aug. 26. For non-members, the Congress Package will cost $295. These costs will increase to $285 and $325 respectively after Aug. 26.
- The second option is designed for attendees who wish to attend only the NACE Exposition and the AAIW shows. On or before Oct. 22, the fees for this option will be $10 for on-line registration, $20 via mail or fax registration, and $50 for on-site or late registrations.
- The third option is for those attendees who wish to attend only the NACE Exposition. On or before Oct. 22, on-line registration for the NACE Exposition will be $10; registration via mail or fax will be $20 and on-site or late registration will be $25. Attendees who purchase individual educational session tickets ($35-$75) will also receive a badge for admittance to the NACE Exposition, and the AAPEX and SEMA shows.
The complimentary NACE shuttle to AAIW shows will begin operating on Tuesday, Nov. 2 (the first day of AAIW shows). NACE education begins on Wednesday, Nov. 3 and the Exposition begins on Thursday, Nov. 4. "This schedule gives attendees at least a full day to visit AAIW shows before NACE starts. We encourage attendees to plan their schedules accordingly to make the most of their automotive-packed week in Vegas," said Dana Bellantone, NACE show director. DuPont is the sponsor of the shuttle service running from NACE at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center to SEMA at the Las Vegas Convention Center. BASF will sponsor the shuttle between NACE and the AAPEX show at the Sands Expo & Convention Center.
Valspar will sponsor the NACE Hotel Shuttle Service that runs from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center to official NACE hotels. The official hotels for this year's event are the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, the Hawthorn Suites Las Vegas, Luxor Hotel & Casino, Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, Motel 6 -Tropicana and the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Housing arrangements can be made on-line on the NACE website at www.NACEexpo.com.
In addition to the NACE Exposition, this year's lineup will include educational sessions on virtually every area of collision repair. A new Sales and Marketing track and an Estimating Track have been added to the impressive list of tracks that includes Management, Vehicle Repair, General and Lifestyle.
There also will be focused programs and training for jobbers, dealers and claims professionals, and a daylong international program titled IBIS @ NACE. For the first time, NACE will offer 45-minute sessions, in addition to its standard 90-minute sessions and three-hour workshops. Individual tickets can be purchased for $35, $50 and $75 respectively.
NACE 2004, the world's collision repair event, will be held Nov. 3-6, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, and is expected to draw an attendance of 35,000+ from around the globe. It will feature a variety of educational sessions addressing the needs of all industry segments, as well as an Exposition with approximately 500+ exhibiting companies.
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