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This article originally appeared in the February 2011 Issue of INSIGHT
©2011 Collision Repair Industry INSIGHT All Rights Reserved
ABRA Opens Five Repair Facilities in Three States
BASF to Be Official Show Sponsor of NORTHEAST 2011
CCAR Adds Eight Facilities to GreenLink Shop Roster
US House Bill Introduced to Encourage State Vehicle Safety Inspection Programs
I-CAR July 2011 Industry Event Scheduled for Salt Lake City
Copart to Relocate Corporate Headquarters to Dallas in 2012
AAIA and Northwood University Launch Business Confidence Index
New CIC Chairperson Mike Quinn Talks about His Goals for CIC
Mitchell Releases Latest Edition of Industry Trends Report
Hi-Line Distributors and Collision Advice Partner for Hawaiian Body Shops
INDUSTRY UPDATE
ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a national collision repair facility consolidator, has opened five repair centers. In keeping with the company's strategic plan of opening corporate centers in major markets and awarding franchises in mid-size cities, three of the centers are corporate owned, and two are franchises.
The corporate centers were opened in Tucker, Georgia – part of metro Atlanta, and Glendale and Waukesha, Wisconsin – both Milwaukee suburbs.
“Part of our strategic goal is to add repair centers in our existing markets to better serve our customers and insurance partners,” stated Tim Adelmann, ABRA’s Executive Vice President of Business Development. “All three of these facilities are located in areas where a need was determined for an ABRA location.”
The new franchise centers are located in Clinton, Iowa and Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
The Clinton franchise agreement was awarded to John McEleney who has been operating under the name of McEleney Collision. McEleney also owns Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Toyota franchises in Clinton.
Allen Taylor has opened the repair center located in Wisconsin Rapids. Taylor was formerly operating under the name of Rapids Ford Body Shop. He is also the owner of Rapids Ford-Lincoln-Mercury.
“ABRA is in a more aggressive growth mode,” Adelmann continued, “and feel these five locations are an excellent start to what we believe will be a promising year.”
ABRA Auto Body & Glass is a national damaged vehicle repair company specializing in collision repair, paintless dent removal, and auto glass repair and replacement. Started with one repair center in 1984, ABRA currently has 106 repair centers in twelve states.
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The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) has announced that BASF Automotive Refinish has signed on as the official show sponsor of the association’s 34th Annual NORTHEAST(TM) Automotive Services Show at the Meadowlands in Secaucus, New Jersey. NORTHEAST 2011 takes place March 18,19, and 20.
“Having BASF come on board to sponsor NORTHEAST 2011 just adds to the national influence and perception our show is gaining,” AASP/NJ President Jeff McDowell said from his shop in Fords, New Jersey.
“BASF's decision to be the official show sponsor of NORTHEAST 2011 was really an easy one,” explained Darlene Eilenberger, Market-ing Director for BASF Automotive Refinish. “We have displayed at NACE and SEMA, but we're well aware that there is also a very important customer base who may not always be able to travel to Las Vegas. The NORTHEAST show is an optimal place for us to catch up with our customers in the Northeast region while showcasing our newest products. Given the increasing growth and influence of NORTHEAST, we wanted to show our support of this year's event in a big way.”
BASF is also looking forward to participating in the educational portion of the show.
“With environmental legislation pending in the Northeast region,” Eilenberger added, “we felt 2011 was the perfect year to actively participate in NORTHEAST - not only to increase visibility on our line of waterborne refinish products, but also to educate and network with the thousands of repair professionals who will be directly impacted by it. We are very excited to showcase our brands and meet with NORTHEAST Show attendees.”
“This is the first time in all the show’s years that we have had a sole event sponsor for NORTHEAST,” McDowell said. “We are honored that such a prestigious company as BASF would incorporate its brand with NORTHEAST 2011, and we hope this is the start of a long and prosperous tradition.”
For more information about the NORTHEAST 2011 show and AASP/NJ, visit the website: www.aaspnjnortheast.com.
Snap-on has introduced a catalog app for the iPad or iPhone for fast and easy access to the company's latest tool offerings.
“With our new catalog app, checking out the Snap-on digital catalog on your iPad or iPhone is a breeze,” said Sara Scarlato, Manager, Communi-cations for Snap-on. “Quality, performance and innovation – that’s what you’ll find in the Snap-on digital catalog. It’s interactive and easy to use. And with the free Snap-on app, it’s also mobile so you can look through our catalog wherever you may be. Our new app is another example of Snap-on leading the way when it comes to innovation and efficiency.”
Once downloaded, Snap-on’s catalog app lets you browse and order with a tap on the screen. With over 600 pages of the latest tool and equipment offerings right there, the catalog app lets consumers see Snap-on products in great detail.. From hand tools and power tools to tool storage and diagnostics, the ordering process is simple. Customers can just touch the tool wanted on the screen and the order is placed directly through the app.
Snap-on’s customers can download the Snap-on catalog app at www.itunes.com.
Snap-on Tools is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a leading global innovator, manufacturer, and marketer of tools, diagnostics, and equipment solutions for professional users. Product lines include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment, and other solutions which are used by technicians and professionals at vehicle dealerships and repair centers and in the marine, power sports, and aviation industries.
Snap-on Tools is one of the largest non-food franchise companies in the world, selling its products and services through franchisee, company-direct, distributor and Internet channels. Snap-on Incorporated, which was founded in 1920, is a $2.4 billion, S&P 500 company located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with operations throughout the world.
The Coordinating Commit-tee For Automotive Repair (CCAR) has announced recognition for eight facilities in January as GreenLink Shops.
The GreenLink Shop status, an extension of CCAR’s CCAR-GreenLink(R) Environmental Compliance Assistance Center and S/P2(R) Safety and Pollution Prevention E-learning Program, is designed to promote consumer confidence in local automotive repair facilities’ environmental/safety awareness and stewardship.
The new GreenLink Shops are:
- Cole’s Collision Center in, Colonie, New York
- Cole’s Spa Body Works in Ballston Spa, New York
- Cole’s Spa Body Works inWilton, New York
- Cox Auto Body Center in Bradenton, Florida
- Don Valens’ Autobody in Clovis, California
- Earl’s Body Shop in Beaufort, South Carolina
- IFM Collision Centerin Bedford Hills, New York.
- Sawgrass Ford Collision Center in Sunrise, Florida.
“We are pleased to begin the second year of the GreenLink Shop program with such an outstanding group of facilities,” said Daren Fristoe, CCAR President and Chief Operating Officer. “They are evidence of the growing recognition in our industry that a commitment to workplace safety and environmental best practices play a key role in business operations.”
A complete roster of GreenLink Shop participants is posted at the website: www.ccar-greenlink.org.
Repair facilities seeking the GreenLink Shop recognition must maintain high standards of excellence in environmental, health and safety (EHS) practices in four categories: business operations, employee training, safety compliance and environmental management. The CCAR initiative recognizes both auto service facilities and collision repair shops, with separate criteria established for each type of business.
U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas, has introduced House Bill 229, the Michael Jon Newkirk Transportation Safety Enhancement Act of 2011, that establishes national standards for state safety inspections for motor vehicles. The bill requires states to establish minimum annual vehicle safety inspection programs or lose specific federal funds.
During the first week of the 111th U.S. Congress, Jackson-Lee introduced House Resolution 259, which proposed to establish state safety inspection programs and national standards for state safety inspections of motor vehicles across the United States, but no action was taken on the legislation.
Included in the requirements listed in the language of this new bill, states must enact and enforce “a law that requires the owner of a motor vehicle registered in the state to present the vehicle for inspection on an annual basis to ensure that the vehicle meets or exceeds motor vehicle safety standards to be established by the state. At a minimum, such standards shall ensure that the seatbelts and speedometer installed in the vehicle are operable.”
Less than half the states have vehicle safety inspection programs and of those programs that do exist, many have inconsistent standards. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) supports federal legislation mandating periodic state motor vehicle safety inspection with a minimum level of safety standards. ASA has proposed to the Congress expanding the number of minimum standards included in the vehicle inspection if the Congress moves forward with safety inspection legislation.
Both the states of Missouri and Pennsylvania have conducted studies demonstrating the importance of periodic motor vehicle safety inspections as a deterrent to vehicle accidents, injuries and deaths.
To view the full text of U.S. House Resolution 229, visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.
The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry.
I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has announced that its 2011 Industry Event will be held July 19-21 in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Sheraton Salt Lake. Registration is expected to be available starting March 1 on the I-CAR website.
Tom Moreland, Chair of the I-CAR International Board of Directors said, “The I-CAR 2011 Industry Event will be held in conjunction with the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and other industry events taking place throughout the week. I-CAR is pleased to have the opportunity to meet with key stakeholders and inter-industry members in conjunction with the Event and share updates on recent developments and plans for 2011.”
On December 15, 2010, I-CAR introduced its new CEO and President, John Van Alstyne. Attendees at the event will have the opportunity to learn more about I-CAR’s new leader and his plans for I-CAR in the future.
Bill Stage, I-CAR Director of Marketing and Distribution said, “In addition to receiving information on recent I-CAR developments and news, attendees at the I-CAR 2011 Industry Event will have the opportunity to participate in Tech Clinics and learn about the latest innovations in collision repair from OEM presenters.”
Additional information will be forthcoming on the I-CAR 2011 Industry Event on the I-CAR website (www.i-car.com) on the “Events and Meetings” page.
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Copart, Inc. has announced that, in support of its growth strategies, the company will relocate its corporate headquarters to Dallas, TX in 2012. Copart will also create three divisional processing centers , to be located in Fairfield, California; Grand Prairie, Texas; and Hartford, Connec-ticut. Certain functions currently performed at the present Fairfield, California corporate headquarters will transition to these centers over the next two years.
“This change will position us closer to our customers geographically, resulting in improved customer service and greater operational efficiencies.” said Jay Adair, CEO of Copart Incorporated. “Combined with our planned implementation of new technologies, the realignment of Copart’s business and corporate operations will allow us to better respond to the needs of our clients and the global market.”
Copart, founded in 1982, provides vehicle sellers with a full range of remarketing services to process and sell salvage and clean title vehicles to dealers, dismantlers, rebuilders, exporters, and, in some states, to end users. Copart remarkets the vehicles through Internet sales utilizing its patented VB2 technology. Copart sells vehicles on behalf of insurance companies, banks, finance companies, fleet operators, dealers, car dealerships, the general public and others. Copart currently operates 152 facilities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and Northwood University have partnered to create the new AAIA/Northwood University Business Confidence Index. The purpose of the index is to record AAIA members’ feedback and insight about the current and future course of the industry.
The index will be derived from member responses each month to the following two questions:
- How would you rate your overall confidence in the economic prospects facing your business over the next 12 months, compared to the previous 12 months?
- How would you rate your overall confidence in the economic prospects facing the economy as a whole over the next 12 months, compared to the previous 12 months?
“We have been pleased to work with AAIA on their monthly Industry Indicators Report the past several months, providing commentary to accompany their timely raw data and three-point assessment,” said Dr. Timothy Nash, Northwood University. “The purpose of this new index is to help bring our understanding of the automotive aftermarket one step further.”
“These two initiatives are perfect examples of the creative energy and spirit that drives our relationship with Northwood,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA President and CEO. “As we continue to pool resources, I am confident that additional projects and programs will come forward thus accelerating our understanding of the industry we serve.”
The survey was sent to members via e-mail on Monday, Jan. 31. The deadline for having survey responses back was Monday, Feb. 7. Results will be calculated monthly and reported through AAIA SmartBrief. Member responses will be used solely in the aggregate and for the purpose of providing empirical information.
AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores, and distribution outlets.
The Collision Repair Executive Webcast (CREW) featured Mike Quinn, the incoming Chairman of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) for 2011-2012. Quinn is the co-founder of 911 Collision Centers, with locations in Arizona and Nevada.
Among Quinn’s goals for CIC are to develop efficiencies in the work product developed by the various committees which comprise CIC. He also seeks to expand on the existing code of conduct to create an environment of mutual respect, civility, and courtesy that fosters the free exchange of ideas with a common goal of improving the Collision Industry. Quinn discussed CIC’s future strategic priorities, goals, and objections.
Each CREW webcast is a web-based visual presentation of the content, a simultaneous audio conference call and the capability for participants to question the presenters. Erick Bickett Fix Auto, Matthew Ohrnstein, Symphony Advisors, and Vincent Romans, The Romans Group, produce and present the semi-monthly, one-hour Webcast meeting.
Mitchell International, Inc., a provider of information, workflow, and performance management solutions to the Property & Casualty Claims and Collision Repair Industries, has released the first quarter 2011 edition of its Industry Trends Report (ITR) - the company's quarterly publication that highlights industry-related trends, news items, and statistics.
This edition's Quarterly Feature, " Paint by Numbers: A Deep Dive Into Refinish Data," by Mitchell's Vice President of Industry Relations, Greg Horn, explores whether all vehicles are treated equally in the refinish process by comprehensively examining refinish data for one year of appraisals, comparing vehicle age, type, and origin.
The aim of this analysis of paint refinish data is to identify significant differences in average paint blend and masking for overspray hours in estimates, rather than to advocate or refute any OEM refinish procedure or recommendation. Every damaged vehicle is unique, and the proper repair procedure must be done on an individual basis.
"Contrary to what you might think, recent Mitchell data shows that older vehicles ?? surprisingly including larger trucks and SUVs ?? may receive lower hourly additional paint operations compared to newer cars, newer being one-year-old or less in this case. In contrast, these new vehicles, again those one-year-old and less, may require more blend time than a two-year-old vehicle," said Horn.
Horn added, "There is a good reason behind these differences in paint refinish estimate hours. Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks feature ample panels with enough area to allow shops to effectively blend the base color within the damaged panel.
"Our study also took country of origin vehicle mix into account to determine paint refinish hours," Horn concluded. "In estimates where blending was specified, we found that when we compared blend times by vehicle country of origin, age and type, we saw higher blend hours for European and Asian nameplates compared to U.S. manufactured vehicles ?? including estimates where masking for overspray was specified."
Other points of interest in the current issue of Mitchell's ITR include:
- Mitchell's Q4-2010 data reflect an average gross initial Collision appraisal value of $2,864-$137 less than this same period last year. Applying the indicated development factor suggests a final Q4-2010 average gross collision appraisal value of $2,935-a value $66 less than the same quarter in 2009. At $13,567, the average Actual Cash Value (ACV) of vehicles appraised for Collision losses during Q4-2010 reflects strong recovery in used car values.
- In Q4-2010, the initial comprehensive average severity was $2,536-$22 less than the same quarter in the previous year. Applying the prescribed development factor for this data sets an anticipated final value of $2,591-$33 higher than the Q4-2009 performance.
Complete content is available in the latest Industry Trends Report, which may be downloaded in PDF format by visiting www.mitchell.com. First published in April 2001, Mitchell's Trends Report has grown in both content and circulation, now reaching more than 23,000 collision and casualty industry professionals.
Hi-Line Distributors, Inc., a DuPont Performance Coatings Champion Jobber serving the state of Hawaii has announcde that Mike Anderson, former owner of Wagonworks Collision Centers and owner and founder of Collision Advice, will be coming on board in March 2011 to offer consulting services to the auto body repair facilities in Hawaii.
Anderson brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge from the years he has spent running his own operations and taking the path of continuous improvement to the highest level. His expertise in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the auto body repair facility and sharing them internationally through his workshops and seminars has shown his commitment to improving the industry and helping others. His experience and success managing these fundamental principles has proven itself time and time again. He has served as an executive facilitator for DuPont Performance Services and has facilitated multiple Business Council 20 Groups across the nation. Anderson has also directed and served on the board of many industry organizations.
Steve White, president of Hi-Line Distributors, commented, “Having Mike Anderson join our team will bring incredible value to the repair facilities in Hawaii. In recent years, Mike has been a facilitator for some of our most successful events, and our customers keep asking him back because of the wisdom he instills and the quick application of practical processes that add dollars to their bottom line.”
Anderson will be working with a jobber that has paralleled some of his basic principles at the distribution level. Hi-Line supports a staff of 23 that strive to be the best at what they do through continuous improvement in serving the auto body repair facility.
“We cover the gamut”, said White. “In addition to being a full- fledge DPC distributor, we have recently become the Training Center of the Pacific for DPC by hosting an on-site spray booth and training facility based on the needs of the local market. We strive to respond to the needs of the industry, and with Mike heading up the consulting side of the business for Hi-Line, this will round out our offering as a leading distributor in Hawaii. We are humbled to have Mike Anderson work alongside our team and excited to learn from his teaching as he mentors our customers and our staff.”
Anderson will continue to be an executive facilitator for DuPont Performance Services as he begins this new partnership with Hi-Line Distributors, Inc.
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