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Letter to the Editor

Sequels, Heroes, and Villains

Our feature article this month revisits the event data recorder technology, last featured in the October 2002 issue of INSIGHT. With the catchier name of “Black Box,” the technology casts a futuristic shadow on driving. Is it a dark shadow or a white light? A tool of the dark side or a force for good? You will not find the definitive answers in the Black Box sequel this month. After all, this is only Part 2. We all know that the plot will thicken and develop into several upcoming stories.

What you will find on these pages are current answers to questions about how and why accident-related vehicle data is collected and used, and the roles that insurers, collision repair facilities, and their mutual customers have in this event data recorder technology.

The sequel to rising raw materials costs, especially oil and natural gas, looks to be a real tear-jerker, especially as Winter approaches. Prices continue to rise at the gas pumps, at home, and in the shop. The chart on page 19 should indicate to auto body shop owners that some serious math homework is in order, to keep your hero, “Bottom Line” around for a starring role in 2006.

Speaking of heroes, our Collision Repair Industry continues to be practical and generous in response to the needs of hurricane survivors. Just a few of many wonderful industry responses are on page 17.

Industry members did not forget the Collision Industry Foundation’s Hop on the Bus Campaign to benefit Camp Mak-A-Dream. The bus will pull into NACE 2005.

NACE 2005 is already looking to be a very successful sequel. Scheduled for November 2 - 5, in Las Vegas, the international event is expected to be a smash hit. The CIC meeting there, set for Novem-ber 1, promises a great agenda of information and discussion.

The villains in the CIC/ NACE sequel will be those who constantly complain and criticize but neglect to attend and be heard, and refuse to get involved.

Now, to talk turkey, INSIGHT is grateful to all our subscribers and wishes you all a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

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