Issuu

37 YEARS

MIDWEST EDITION

AUTOBODY IL / IN / IA / KS / KY / MI / MN / MO / NE / ND / OH / SD / WI

MEMA Fights Illinois Automotive Bill by Chris Galford, TransportationToday

The Illinois House is currently considering a bill that would amend IL law to prohibit vehicular repair businesses from using parts or procedures that aren’t compliant with original equipment manufacturers. The legislation has the ire of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). MEMA believes S.B. 2104 would limit the use of quality aftermarket parts by demanding written consent for the use of non-original equipment following crashes. In a letter to Marcus C. Evans, Jr., Illinois general assembly house labor and

commerce committee chairman, the association said such actions would be detrimental to the automotive aftermarket manufacturing industry—a $305 billion industry. “The language in S.B. 2104 discourages the use of aftermarket replacement parts for motor vehicles,” MEMA’s letter stated. “If this bill passes, consumers will be faced with higher repair costs and fewer repair choices, and manufacturing jobs would suffer due to less demand for aftermarket products. By requiring written consent for the use of nonoriginal equipment aftermarket crash parts, this legislation discourages the See MEMA Fights, Page 27

Common Mistakes Body Shops Make When Recycling & Staying Green

ices for recalled and expired goods. It also provides related education and training services for many companies, including collision repair shops. Headquartered in Lake Forest, IL, with many more bases of operation around the world, Stericycle maintains toxic waste incinerators in Utah and North Carolina.

by Ed Attanasio

Wade Scheel, director of governmental affairs at Stericycle Environmental Solutions, has been working at the 30year-old compliance company for 11 years and has three decades of industry experience. Stericycle specializes in Wade Scheel, collecting and disposing director of regulated substances, such governmental as medical waste and sharps, affairs at Stericycle pharmaceuticals, hazardous Environmental Solutions waste, and providing serv-

What are the most common slip-ups that body shops encounter when

See Staying Green, Page 26

AUTOBODYNEWS.COM

Vol. 8 / Issue 9 / June 2019

Report on Use of Credit Scores on Insurance Premiums Requested by MI Governor by Paul Egan and Kathleen Gray, Detroit Free Press

Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, asked for a report on the use of non-driving related factors, such as credit scores, in setting auto insurance premiums. Meanwhile, Mike Shirkey, RClarklake, senate majority leader, said a plan to reduce Michigan auto insurance premiums, which are the highest in the nation and particularly high in the city of Detroit, will be introduced in the legislature within days. Whitmer instructed the Department of Insurance and Financial Services to study and report on both the use of non-driving factors in setting auto insurance premiums, and the use of policies that coordinate auto insurance coverage with a driver’s existing health insurance policies, which low-

ers the risk to auto insurers. Whitmer talks with the Detroit Free Press editorial board on at the newspaper on Thursday, February 14, 2019. Under a coordinated policy, when a motorist is injured in a car accident, his or her health insurance is supposed to pay first, and then the auto insurer is responsible for the balance. The law requires auto insurance companies to lower premiums for coordinated policies, to account for the reduced risk and Whitmer’s study appears intended, in part, to determine whether that is happening. Michigan auto insurers, with some limitations, can use non-driving factors to determine insurance premiums. These factors can include education, home ownership, occupation, See MI Gov Requests, Page 27

CIC Speakers Debate Need to Legislate Use of OEM Repair Procedures

was geared towards new limits the legislation would have placed on the State legislative efforts to enact leg- use of non-OEM parts. islation on the use of OEM repair pro“In the collision industry, we cedures have bogged down. can’t seem to escape loading Other issues, such as steerthese things up,” Bob Reding and non-OEM parts, ding, national lobbyist for have taken priority. Therethe Automotive Service Asfore, these issues are being sociation (ASA), said of incorporated into the prosuch state bills. “Only a few posed legislation, according [of the current proposed state regulations] are skinny to speakers at the Collision Bob Redding bills, dealing with OEM Industry Conference held in procedures. We often see parts get in. Nashville, TN. For example, a bill in Nevada In some state bills, like in Texas, you that would have prohibited an in- see steering slip in there. When you surer “to repair a motor vehicle in a have a bill moving, people try to manner which is contrary to the rec- solve every single issue in it. It brings ommendations of the manufacturer in all sorts of controversy when it of the vehicle,” failed to move for- picks those other kinds of things. It ward by a legislative deadline, this brings out other adversaries, and typspring. Opposition to the bill surfaced ically [the bills] have problems along at a hearing in March. The opposition See CIC Speakers Page 22 by John Yoswick

PERMIT #288 ANAHEIM, CA

PAID

Change Service Requested

P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Southern Automotive Repair Conference in New Orleans June 14–16, Early Discounts Offered, Dynamic Speakers

CONTENTS Build New Autonomous Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . 4

AASPI’s OEM Procedure Bill Approved in Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AASP-MN Announces 2019−2020 Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 AASP-MN Announces 25th Annual Golf Outing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 AASP-MN Holds Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AASP-MN To Host A/C Update & Certification Clinics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AASP-MO Receives Update on OSHA Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 ABRA Auto Body Repair in Lake County, IL, To Launch Food Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Bill Introduced to Reduce Auto Premiums in MI . 14

COLUMNISTS Anderson - Want to Challenge Me on the Need to Check OEM Procedures Every Time? Bring It On… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Attanasio - AUUX Specializes in Helping Body Shops Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

GM Announces New Manufacturing Jobs Coming to Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Kim Barks Teaches Girl Scouts Automotive Care Basics in St. Charles, MO . . . . . . . . . . 21 MI Dept. of State Suspends Collision Repair Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Midwest Association Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Olney, IL, Collision Repair Program Purchases Mixing Tints With New Funds . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Osceola, IA, Auto Repair Students Place 3rd in Pedal Car Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Referral Collision Center Opens a New location in Shakopee, MN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Students Showcase Their Talents at SkillsUSA MO Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ultimate Auto Body & Glass in Sheldon, IA, Draws Customers from Wide Area. . . . . . . . 20 Waymo To Re-Use Old Detroit, MI, Plant to

Aaron Schulenburg will deliver the keynote presentation alongside a panel of local body shop experts. Following a networking break, the evening’s reception party at the pool deck side will begin with a toast to Steve Plier, founder of SARC. MSCRA Executive Director Ricki Garrett, “We want to bring together body shop owners and employees with our industry partners in order to provide networking and educational opportunities that will benefit the profession. Register at sarc-collision.com.

Chess - Collision Repair Headlines Show Need for OEM-Recommended Procedures . . . . . . 36 Ledoux - The Birth of I-CAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Ledoux - Truck ADAS Systems – the Good, the Bad & the Ugly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Sisk - Get to Know WIN’s 2019 MIW Honorees . 44 Sisk - WIN Honors 2019 MIWs and Scholarship Recipients at Gala Awards Ceremony . . . . . 40

GM Announces Addition of 400+ Jobs to Bowling Green, KY, Plant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Among the attractions at the SARC conference, newly located in New Orleans this year, will be talks and presentations given by: the Mississippi Attorny General, Jim Hood; SCRS Executive Director, Aaron Schulenburg, and Dave Jesiolowski, former pro hockey player and author of One Decision Can—among others. The 2019 SARC will begin on Friday, June 14, with “Estimating Skills or Best Practices,” followed by “What is Lean Production & How Does it Apply to Collision Repair?”

NATIONAL CIC Speakers Debate Need to Legislate Use of OEM Repair Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Common Mistakes Body Shops Make When Recycling & Staying Green. . . . . . . . . . 1 First Responders Learn Rescue Skills at NABC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Jeff Peevy Addresses Paradigm Shifts in Industry, How They Will Affect Collision Repairers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 OEM Repair Parts and Procedures Bill is Now Law in Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Solving the Tech Shortage: CREF Brings Together Collision Repair Students & Prospective Employers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Southern Automotive Repair Conference in New Orleans June 14–16, Early Discounts Offered, Dynamic Speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Toyota Stops Plan on AI Technology. . . . . . . . . 57

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

REGIONAL

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Contributing Writers: John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Ed Attanasio, Chasidy Sisk, David Luehr, Stacey Phillips, Victoria Antonelli, Gary Ledoux Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Sean Hartman, Bill Doyle, Norman Morano (800) 699-8251 Office Manager: Louise Tedesco Digital Marketing Manager: Bill Pierce Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia Graphic Designer: Vicki Sitarz Online and Web Content Editor: Alexis Wilson Accounting Manager: Heather Priddy Editorial/Sales Assistant: Randi Scholtes

Serving Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin and adjacent metro areas. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2019 Adamantine Media LLC.

AkzoNobel Coatings, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Launch Tech USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists, LLC . . . . . . . . 15

Laurel Auto Group of Westmont . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Luther Bloomington Acura-Subaru . . . . . . . . . 32

AutobodyLaw.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Maplewood Toyota-Scion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

AutoNation Collision Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Axalta Coating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

McGrath City Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Mercedes-Benz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Bob Hook Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 54

Brunswick Auto Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Midwest Parts Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17

Car-O-Liner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Certified Automotive Parts Association . . . . . . 12

MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . 34-35

Classic Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Morrison’s Auto Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . 48

Courtesy Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

O’Reilly Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Dent Fix Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Patrick BMW MINI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Dent Magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Patrick Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Eckler’s Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Richfield-Bloomington Honda. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

SATA Dan-Am Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 25

Equalizer Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Shaheen Chevrolet Parts Warehouse . . . . . . . 20

Gandrud Parts Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . 44

GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

The Porsche Exchange. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

GYS Welding USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

The Sharpe Collection of Automobiles . . . . . . 33

Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 30-31

Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . 45

VanDevere Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Infiniti of Naperville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

VanDevere Kia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Jack Phelan Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram

Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . 56

Autobody News Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018; (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com editor@autobodynews.com

of Countryside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

YesterWreck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Kelly BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Zimmer Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram . . . . . . . . 60

Kia Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Waymo To Re-Use Old Detroit, MI, Plant to Build New Autonomous Vehicles by Paul A. Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau

A major Silicon Valley tech firm is setting up a base in Detroit. Google spinoff Waymo is taking over a plant in the Motor City, where it plans to convert vehicles to operate as part of its autonomous ride-sharing service.

Waymo plans to use a facility on the north side of Detroit to convert Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids and other vehicles for its Waymo One fleet

Waymo CEO John Krafcik first announced in a blog post April 23 that the company will lease an unused factory owned by American Axle & Manufacturing on Detroit’s north side. It will be used to convert such vehicles as the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan, which will be a mainstay of the expanding Waymo One ride-sharing service. “There has been a real risk that the shift of the automotive industry could move from Detroit to Silicon

Valley, and we’ve been fighting that every step of the way,” Detroit Mayor Michael Duggan said after learning about Waymo’s plans. “I think a major statement was made today in the battle of Detroit and Silicon Valley that a major Silicon Valley company has said the future of vehicles in the city of Detroit.” Waymo is widely considered the leader in the development of autonomous vehicle technology, with Waymo One last December becoming the world’s first commercial ride-sharing service based on selfdriving vehicles. Competitors like Uber and Lyft are still in the process of developing their own autonomous technology. Uber suffered a major setback in March 2018 when one of its prototypes struck and killed a pedestrian outside Phoenix. General Motors, meanwhile, has indicated it plans to launch a direct competitor to Waymo One, partnering its Cruise Automation research subsidiary and its Maven carsharing operation, but it is not clear when the new service will debut. Experts have predicted that by taking the driver out of a ride-sharing vehicle, the cost of offering a

ride could drop by half, making it cheaper for consumers to turn to a service like Waymo One than owning their own vehicles. For now, however, Waymo One will continue placing a backup operator behind the wheel of its taxis, ready to take over in an emergency. It has not said when it will go completely driverless. That is likely to

depend both upon state laws and on the federal autonomous vehicle legislation that has been working its way through Congress. Waymo initially started out using a variety of different vehicles for its research prototypes and at one point even developed its own vehicle design working with Detroit auto supplier Rousch. It had indicated its interest in developing its own autonomous model but two years ago

VW, Audi Face Proposed Class-Action Lawsuit Involving CPO by Joe Overby, Auto Remarketing

Volkswagen Group of America, Audi of America and their respective German parent companies (Volkswagen AG and Audi AG) are facing a proposed class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The consumer plaintiffs accuse the companies of having allegedly “defrauded and endangered them and others by selling vehicles labeled as certified pre-owned (CPO) that were actually pre-production models that did not comply with U.S. motor vehicle regulations and should never have been placed on American roads,” according to a news release from The Law Offices of Michael J. Melkersen, P.C. Michael Melkersen filed the suit on behalf of representative plaintiffs in New Jersey, Colorado and Washington state. Motley Rice LCC is providing additional class representation. “Not only has Volkswagen knowingly sold cars in violation of applicable safety standards, Volkswagen tried to hide its misconduct by com4

mitting Federal Odometer Fraud by lying to consumers about when and how the mileage on these cars occurred,” Melkersen said in a news release. “By providing a secret data feed to Carfax that manipulated how and when the mileage would appear in the Carfax vehicle history reports, Volkswagen and Audi were able to use Carfax to perpetrate this mileagefraud scheme.” The suit claims the defendants aimed to “yet again defraud its consumers by illegally titling, marketing and selling so-called ‘certified pre-owned’ (‘CPO’) vehicles to unsuspecting customers who would have never otherwise purchased these cars or who would have paid less for such vehicles had the truth been known. “Specifically, Volkswagen misrepresented the certification, prior use and mileage of these vehicles to induce the fraudulent sale of these CPO cars in three interrelated ways,” the suit said. It alleges that the defendants “sold certain Audi-branded and Volkswagen-branded CPO-designated vehicles commonly known as pre-series, zero series or pre-produc-

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

tion cars (“Pre-Production Cars”) by falsely representing to consumers that such vehicles conformed to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (‘Federal Safety Standards’), when in fact, Volkswagen knew that these Pre-Production Cars violated Federal Safety Standards and could not be legally sold in the United States.” Next, it alleges that defendants “sold certain Audi-branded and Volkswagen-branded corporate fleet vehicles (“Corporate Fleet Cars”) without disclosing that these CPO-designated cars had been regularly driven for testing and evaluation by members of the automotive press (“Press-Fleet Cars”) before these same vehicles were advertised and resold to unsuspecting consumers. “Volkswagen misleadingly marketed these Corporate Fleet Cars as ‘CARFAX 1-Owner’ vehicles purportedly entitled to a price premium in the marketplace as a result of such ‘1-Owner’ status. Press-Fleet Cars, however, are significantly less valuable than similarly situated vehicles that have not been test-driven by a

announced a partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to use Pacifica Hybrids. Last year, Waymo upped its plans, announcing it would eventually purchase more than 60,000 of the minivans while also signing a deal with Jaguar Land Rover to acquire about 20,000 of that carmaker’s first battery-electric vehicle, the Jaguar IPace. It subsequently said it was looking to set up a conversion center in Detroit. Vehicles that will go into the Waymo One fleet need to be heavily modified. Not only will they need computer hardware and software modifications, but they also will need a number of special sensors, including radar and a high-definition 3D laser technology called LIDAR. The decision to work with American Axle is backed by an $8 million grant from e Michigan Economic Development Corp. In turn, Waymo has signed a three-year lease that will require it to create at least 100 jobs by 2021. The Silicon Valley firm says actual employment is likely to come closer to 400. We thank The Detroit Bureau for reprint permission.

myriad of persons within the automotive press. Therefore, by misrepresenting the history of its Corporate Fleet Cars, Volkswagen was able to sell PressFleet Cars that it would not have been able to otherwise sell at a price it would not have been otherwise able to obtain,” the suit said. And third, the defendants are alleged to have “sold certain Audibranded and Volkswagen-branded vehicles without disclosing that these CPO-designated cars had been assigned to a pool of vehicles (the ‘Pool-Fleet Cars’) that were loaned for personal use by employees within VWGOA prior to being leased to a particular employee (the ‘LeasedFleet Cars’). These Leased-Fleet Cars were then advertised and resold to unsuspecting consumers. Volkswagen misleadingly sold these Leased-Fleet Cars as “CARFAX 1- Owner” vehicles purportedly entitled to a price premium in the marketplace as a result of such “1-Owner” status, even though Volkswagen knew that such Leased-Fleet Cars had been driven See Proposed Class Action, Page 33

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

AASP-MN Announces 2019−2020 Board of Directors April marked the beginning of service for the 2019–2020 Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) Board of Directors.

• Tom Archambault, BLVD Autoworks, St. Anthony – Mechanical Division Director

• Randy Miller, Collision Specialists, Inc., Austin – Collision Division Director • Randy Notto, Lenfer Automotive & Transmission, Lino Lakes – Mechanical Seat

The Alliance is pleased to welcome Tony Newman, Dale Feste Automotive, Hopkins; Jesse Jacobson, Heppner’s Auto Body, Woodbury; and Loren Feldkamp, Lube-Tech & Partners, St. Paul. They join other members of the board, which include: • Carl Thomas, Lancer Service, St. Paul – President • Will Latuff, Latuff Bros., St. Paul – Immediate Past President

• Matthew Feehan, American Auto Body, Osseo – Secretary/Treasurer

AASP-MN also extends a sincere thank you to this year’s outgoing board members: • Dave Bock, Auto Value Parts Stores/APH, St. Cloud

• Bruce Tschida, Lake Marion Collision, Lakeville • Wayne Watson, Auto Works Automotive Service Center, Woodbury

The 2019–2020 Board was installed during the AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference, April 11, at Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast, Minneapolis.

ABRA Auto Body Repair in Lake County, IL, To Launch Food Drive by Staff, Daily Herald

ABRA Auto Body Repair of America locations in Lake County, IL, are launching the Rhythm Restoration Food Drive now through May 10.

All cash and food donations collected will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to help keep their shelves stocked during summer months, when demand from children and their fam-

AUTOBODY

ilies is highest. Thousands of ABRA teammates across the country have committed to being a part of a nationwide goal to collect 5 million meals benefiting more than 85 food banks. Collection centers for cash and food donations are located at each of ABRA’s three locations in Waukegan, Grayslake and Zion. Online cash donations can also be made at FoodDriveDonations.com. “Our purpose is to restore the rhythm of your life for our customers, teammates, clients, and communities we serve,” said Steve Grimshaw, chief executive officer. “We are equally committed to help restore the rhythm of regular meals for at-risk children over the summer.” We thank Daily Herald for reprint permission.

www.autobodynews.com

UPDATED DAILY

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

AASP-MO Receives Update on OSHA Compliance by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On April 17, AASP-MO held an OSHA compliance training class at the Lewis and Clark Career Center in St. Charles, MO. Guest speaker Jim Bratton of Interstate Safety and Environmental provided attendees with updates on the newest OSHA regulations and information. According to AASPMO Executive Director Ron Reiling, “Jim gave some great tips on how

to protect your business and avoid the huge fines that are being leveraged towards repair shops. There are so many items you can be fined for that you ignore every day—things as simple as how you store your Oxy/Acetylene torch cylinders. Jim gave us a great presentation. If you get inspected Bratton stressed and fined, you will wish the importance of you were at this class and understanding and saved a few thousand complying with dollars.” OSHA guidelines Attendees responded favorably to the information and handouts that were distributed, and many made plans to implement changes immediately. Reiling believes associations must ensure that this type of training reaches their members because “no one shop knows as much as all of us working together.”

Jim Bratton from Interstate Safety and Environmental provided AASP-MO members with an OSHA update during their April 17 meeting

For more information on AASPMO and its events, visit aasp-mo .org.

The Best Discounts in Northern Ohio

888.460.7080 35% off 35% off 25% off 10% over cost

Ask about our Aftermarket Price Match Programs! We can sell you OEM Parts for Aftermarket Prices Experienced Certified Parts Professionals Fast Friendly Delivery in our Area Daily No Hassle Returns and Credit Terms Available

MON 7:30am - 8pm TUES-FRI 7:30am - 6pm SAT 8am - 4pm brunswickautomart.com 330.460.7080 parts hot line 3031 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Midwest Association Events by Chasidy Rae Sisk

WAC June Meeting To Feature Guest Speaker Kevin Andert On June 19, Women in Automotive and Collision (WAC) will host its monthly meeting at Enterprise Fleet Management. The meeting will feature guest speaker Kevin Andert, manager of College and Career Readiness for North and South Technical High Schools in St. Louis, MO. According to WAC President Shelly Jones, “Kevin’s presentation on Generation Z is interesting and relevant. He does a great job.” For more information on WAC, visit WACSTL.com. ARM’s Annual Golf Outing To Raise Scholarship Funds The Automotive Recyclers of Michigan (ARM) will host is 19th Annual Kent Utter Jr. Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing on Monday, June 17 at the Links of Novi Golf Course. Established in memory of the association’s past executive director, the outing serves to raise scholarship funds for local students.

According to Barb Utter, current executive director and wife of Kent Utter, “This event is very important to my family since it is in memory of their father and is always held close to Father’s Day. My sons play in the event as well as two grandsons, my brother and many family friends each year. My daughters-in-law and granddaughters volunteer, as do other gals who are members of ARM. It is really a very special day for lots and lots of reasons. It is a fun event with a scramble format that allows golfers of all skill levels to participate. While everyone is competitive and likes to win, they know it is a relaxed day on the course.” For more information or to register, visit automotiverecyclers.org. AASP-MN To Host 25th Annual Golf Outing On June 18, AASP-MN will host its 25th Annual Golf Outing at the Keller Golf Course in Maplewood, MN. The four-person scramble will commence with a shotgun start at noon and costs $100 per golfer or $400 for a team of four. Fees includes green fees for 18 holes, golf

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

carts, prizes, social hour and dinner as well as contests for closest to the pin, longest putt, longest drive and more. Golf hole sponsorship is available for $350 each. Registration is open through June 5th. For more information or to register, visit aaspmn.org. MVTAP’s Golf Outing To Benefit Local Students On June 12, the Metro Vo-Tech Assistance Program (MVTAP) will host its Annual Golf Outing at the Meramec Lakes Golf Course in St. Clair, MO. The four-person scramble will commence at 9 a.m. with a shot gun start. The cost to register is just $60 per person, and hole sponsorship opportunities are available for $200. All proceeds from the MVTAP Golf Outing will benefit students in the collision repair programs at North and South Tech Schools, the Lewis and Clark Career Center, and Ranken Technical College. During last year’s event, MVTAP raised around $8,000 for industry training programs. Registration is required by June 8 and is available at mvtap2019 .golfgenius.com.

Dept. of State Suspends Collision Repair Facility

The Michigan Department of State suspended the registration of Detroit auto repair facility Livernois Collision, 14900 Livernois Ave., after the facility failed to comply with requests by regulation agents to inspect dealership records. When Department of State regulatory staff members conducted an inspection at Livernois Collision on March 7, the facility failed to provide major component parts records and parts receipts from May 2018 to February 2019. The suspension was served April 2. The shop also had been cited by the department in April 2018 for failure to provide records. Repair facilities may request an administrative hearing to contest their suspension and may regain their license if they show they’ve complied with the law. Additional administrative actions are also possible. Consumers who have a complaint against Livernois Collision are encouraged to call the Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 517-335-1410.

AASP-MN Holds Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) held its Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference on April 11 at Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast in Minneapolis, MN. With sessions covering topics on engagement, what’s next in the collision repair industry, winning with female customers and how to lure and retain top-performing employees, there was something for everyone. There were also numerous opportunities for networking and socializing with industry peers. The opening general session, “The Age of Engage: Create Engagement,” was presented by Roger Haskett, Engagement Unlimited, Inc. Haskett introduced creative audience activities to demonstrate the benefits of active participation and how this type of engagement will help grow one’s business. He also outlined the five “M.A.G.I.C.” steps for creating engagement: Meaning, Autonomy, Growth, Impact and Connection. Following the general session, attendees had the option to participate in roundtable discussions covering 10 topics ranging from adapting

to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and cyber security to employee tool programs and going wireless. These discussions were facilitated by industry and AASP-MN member experts. During the lunch and annual meeting, members received an overview of recent Alliance initiatives, a legislative update from AASP-MN’s lobbyist, Kevin Walli, and were introduced to the new board of directors. A highlight of the meeting occurred when Executive Director Judell Anderson presented retiring AASP-MN staff member Tom Kluver with an award for his service to the Alliance as its membership coordinator. When presenting the award, Anderson stated, “As membership coordinator, Tom has traveled nearly every inch of this state. He’s been the association’s ‘feet on the street’ and ‘ears to the ground,’ listening to problems, offering guidance and educating both members and non-members about what the Alliance is doing to help their business and improve the industry. As you can imagine, working with this gentle giant has been an absolute pleasure! With his trade-

mark hat, smile on his face and always a kind word to say, he’s truly a joy to be around. He’s someone that we are proud to call our friend.” The luncheon keynote, “Play Like a Rookie,” was presented by Mike Jones of Discover Leadership Training. Jones shared the message that power lies in positivity. “You have to be aware that there are 86,400 seconds in every day. One of the greatest gifts we have is the gift of choice … If you can choose to believe in anything you want, why not choose to believe in yourself?” Jones said. Afternoon breakout sessions included “The Collision Repair Industry: Revving Up for What’s Next,” presented by Mike Anderson, Collision Advice. The program armed attendees with valuable information to help them thrive, not just survive, in today’s industry. Amy Mattinat of AutoCraftsmen presented “Increase Your Sales & Profitability by Winning with the Decision Makers: Women,” which revealed the benefits of building good relationships with customers and the importance of truly listening to female customers. Brian Sump

of Avalon Motorsports & Urban Autocare presented “How to Lure & Retain Top-Performing Employees.” During this session, Sump focused on identifying top team members and how to work together with them to bring success, as well as the effects a company can face when dealing with a negative employee. When the seminars were over, attendees enjoyed a social hour with vendors displaying everything from business insurance to rental cars. The relaxed environment provided attendees opportunities to network and learn about the latest products and services available to the automotive repair industry. At the end of the event, AASPMN awarded two grand prizes to attendees. Congratulations to Sara Kvale of Lenfer Automotive & Transmission, Lino Lakes, for winning the Duluth Stay-cation Package and Wayne Watson of Auto Works Automotive Service Center, Woodbury, for winning the $1,000 Delta Travel Voucher.

www.autobodynews.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

AASPI’s OEM Procedure Bill Approved in Senate

GM Announces New Manufacturing Jobs Coming to Ohio

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On April 12, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Illinois’ proposed Senate Bill 2104 passed out of the Illinois Senate. Sponsored by Senator Thomas Cullerton (D), the bill prohibits repair facilities from using repair procedures that fail to comply with OEM guidelines. It also provides consumers with the choice to use OEM parts instead of aftermarket parts. According to Brian Wojcicki, AASPI lobbyist, “Getting it out of the Senate was our first hurdle, and this was the first time in the past two years that we have been able to move this type of legislation. “There will be more negotiations with all interested parties as the bill now moves to the House of Representatives.” Representative Elizabeth Hernandez (D) will sponsor the bill in the Illinois House of Representatives. For more information about AASPI and its initiatives, visit aaspi .org

GM also said it is in discussions with an Ohio-based company that could bring significant production and electric vehicle assembly jobs to the Lordstown Complex. “The U.S. economy and our core business are strong, so we can expand our commitment to U.S. manufacturing and Ohio and create job opportunities for our employees,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “We also expect to bring more jobs to the U.S. over

is expanding diesel engine production for GM’s all-new heavy-duty pickups, which go on sale later this year. Toledo Transmission will expand production of the company’s all-new 10speed automatic transmission for trucks and SUVs. The Parma Metal Center will expand production of stamped parts and deploy laser-cell welding technology.

time in support of the expected provisions of the USMCA.” Manufacturing investments in Ohio totaling approximately $700 million will help expand GM’s operations in Toledo, Parma and Moraine and create approximately 450 new manufacturing jobs. The DMAX plant in Moraine

Hourly employees from GM plants may request a transfer to other UAW-represented sites as jobs are created. More than 1,350 employees from GM’s unallocated plants, including Lordstown, have already accepted transfers. GM’s discussions to sell the company’s Lordstown Complex in

“The U.S. economy and our core business are strong, so we can expand our commitment to U.S. manufacturing and Ohio and create job opportunities for our employees,” — Mary Barra

AASP-MN To Host A/C Update & Certification Clinics The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) will host two Air Conditioning Update & Certification clinics.

$20 MACS certification test.

The clinic will cover: • What is SAE J2788 and why is this important? • Do you currently own a J2788 compliant machine?

• How to improve your A/C repair efficiency by 50 percent They will take place on May 7 at EP Auto, Tire & Glass in Eden Prairie and May 8 at the AASPMN office in Roseville. Both sessions will run from 4–7 p.m. The cost to attend is $50 for members and $75 for non-members. The cost to attend does not include the

Don’t Miss the Weekly Industry NEWS Your Shop Needs. Sign Up Free Today! 10

• •

New refrigerant 1234yf facts MACS 609 certification test

For additional information or to register for either of these sessions, please contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 6231110 or 800-852-9071 or visit www.aaspmn.org.

AUTOBODY

www.autobodynews.com

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Lordstown, OH, to Workhorse Group, Inc. and an affiliated, newly formed entity that could bring significant production and electric vehicle assembly jobs to the Mahoning Valley. Workhorse is a Cincinnati-based manufacturer of battery electric vehicles. Summary of GM Job Creation Announcements in 2019 Including today’s Ohio news, GM has announced the creation of more than 2,000 new jobs so far in 2019: 450 new jobs at GM sites in Ohio: Toledo, Parma and Moraine. 1,000 new jobs at Flint Assembly to support production of the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickups, which launch in the second half of 2019. 400 new jobs to support the launch of a second Chevrolet battery-electric vehicle at Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Michigan. 400 jobs coming later this year to support a second production shift at Bowling Green Assembly in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Obtained from media.gm.com.

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Students Showcase Their Talents at SkillsUSA MO Conference by Chasidy Rae Sisk

On April 4 and 5, SkillsUSA Missouri’s State Leadership & Skills Conference was held on the campus of the State Technical College of Missouri.

Credit: SkillsUSA MO

According to Joey Baker, executive director for SkillsUSA Missouri, “The conference was an amazing success with more than 3,000 participants—students, teachers and industry partners. The event is a showcase of Career & Technical Education in Missouri. Students participated in more than 130 hands-on and leadership competitions, including our automotive refinishing technology, collision repair technology, and collision estimating competitions. “There is a solution to the current and future demand for a skilled workforce. Jobs are available right here in our state; they are waiting for people with the right skills. Those people are graduating from career and technical education programs all over the state. Above the technical competencies being tested, SkillsUSA prides itself in ensuring our students graduate proficient in the workplace, personal, AND technical skills to be successful in their workplace and beyond.” Each contest was run with the assistance of industry experts, trade associations and labor organizations with competencies set according to professional industry standards. Energetic students excitedly competed against one another and within a set amount of time to demonstrate their expertise in their chosen category, showing their confidence, passion and dedication to their chosen fields. Baker stated, “These students demonstrated more than just their skills; they proved that our workforce is prepared to lead the way in every technical area our country needs to maintain a strong global 12

economic presence. Our students aren’t just known for their technical skills though; they graduate jobready day one through the integration of workplace and personal skill development into their classroom curriculum. We are very proud of this talented group of students who are true champions dedicated to excellence in their trades.” The 2019 winners in the automotive refinishing technology category, post-secondary division, were Devin Gieselman (Ozarks Technical Community College), Wayde Parman (Northwest Technical School), and Michael Pettit (Ozarks Technical Community College). In the secondary school division, the winners were Tyler Hemmelgren (South Technical High School), Judd Donaldson (Franklin Technology Center), and Chandler Crawford (Moberly Area Technical Center). In the collision damage appraisal category (secondary only), the winners were Breana Miller (Franklin Technology Center), Brooklynn Robertson (Franklin Technology Center), and David Ley (Four Rivers Career Center).

Credit: SkillsUSA MO

In the collision repair technology category, post-secondary, the 2019 winners were Isaac Deeken (State Technical College of Missouri), Jonathan Kippes (State Technical College of Missouri), and Abel Cojocaru (Ozarks Technical Community College). In the secondary division, the winners were Isaac Branson (Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center), Garret Tuggle (Franklin Technology Center), and Kaleb Harris (Ozarks Technical Community College). The SkillsUSA Missouri State Leadership & Skills Conference also featured a business and industry panel focused on workforce climate, the needs of the workforce related to workplace and personal skills, what

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

is lacking from the current applicant pool, and how students can meet or exceed expectations. The panel was composed of Mardy Leathers, director, Missouri Division of Workforce Development; Sarah Morrow, vice president of HR, Capital Regional Medical Center; Leo Breaux, director of engineering, CBRE; and Shelly Jones, president of Women in Automotive & Collision (WAC).

to students who are proficient with the workplace, personal, and technical skills needed to be employable and promotable. SkillsUSA events

Credit: SkillsUSA MO

Baker shared, “SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. This event is essential on many levels. SkillsUSA events showcase the importance of the skilled trades, and they connect business and industry

also provide students an opportunity to showcase their skills as well as opportunity to earn prizes and scholarships to continue their education (more than $3 million awarded at this event alone).” The winners from the SkillUSA Missouri State Leadership & Skills Conference will go on to compete in the national SkillsUSA Championships in June 2019, held in Louisville, KY. For more information on SkillsUSA Missouri and its competition categories, visit skillsusamo.org.

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Osceola, IA, Auto Repair Students Place 3rd in Pedal Car Challenge by Staff, Osceola Sentinel-Tribune

Southwestern Community College students in Osceola, IA, came home with a third-place finish in the Summit Racing Pedal Car Challenge at the World of Wheels Car Show in Omaha, NE, from March 15–17, 2019. Southwestern’s project was a collaboration between the auto collision repair/refinish, automotive repair technology, and welding programs. The object of the project for all participating teams was to create an award-winning, customized, fully finished and painted pedal car. Students at SWCC worked in four distinct teams—welding fabrication, non-structural, refinish, and electrical. The SWCC teams were made up of the following students: Electrical team – Dylan McDonald, freshman, automotive repair technology student, of Chariton; and Travis Sobotka, freshman, automotive repair technology student, of Creston. Non-structural team – Evan Ouverson, sophomore, auto collision repair/refinish student, of Byron, MN; and Riley Smith, high

school auto collision repair/refinish student, Clarke High School, of Osceola.

Refinish team – Artemio Sanchez, high school auto collision repair/refinish student, Clarke High School, of Osceola; and Sergio Sandoval, high school auto collision repair/refinish student, Clarke High School, of Osceola. Welding fabrication team Lance Thompson, sophomore, welding student, of St. Charles; and Greg Moore, sophomore, welding student, of Clarinda. According to Jeff Magneson, SWCC auto collision repair/refinish instructor, the teams learned the value of compromise, teamwork,

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

communication, and individual talents. Magneson said automotive teams are growing in popularity in dealerships, franchises, collision centers, and independent shops. The welding fabrication team was under the direction of Micah Elefson, SWCC welding instructor; the electrical team was led by Jeff Sorensen; and Magneson headed up the non-structural and refinish teams. Students delivered the pedal car to the competition during a day-long field trip of all students in the automotive programs to the World of Wheels Car Show and B Street Collision Center on March 15. We thank Osceola Sentinel-Tribune for reprint permission.

AUTOBODY

FREE

4x Monthly E-Newsletter.

Subscribe Today!

www.autobodynews.com

Bill Introduced to Reduce Auto Premiums in MI by Kyle Simon, WILX

Even though Senate Republicans have taken Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed gas tax hike off the table during budget talks, lawmakers say they want to tackle Michigan’s high auto insurance rates first. Efforts to reform no-fault auto insurance in Michigan have been going for years. A bill aimed at lowering auto insurance premiums was introduced in Congress the week of April 21. Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib’s bill specifically calls for taking credit scores out of the equation when it comes to determining auto insurance rates. Tlaib claims the current auto insurance rates are discriminatory. She held an auto insurance accountability town hall meeting April 24. She was joined by several other lawmakers who have pushed for auto insurance reform in the state. We thank WILX for reprint permission.

Referral Collision Center Opens a New location in Shakopee, MN Referral Collision, LLC, a growing, family-owned collision service center in Shakopee, announced on April 25, 2019 the grand opening of a new, second location in Shakopee. Slated to become the primary repair facility for Referral Collision, the building at 1465 Maras St. totals just over 16,000 square feet, has 14 automotive bays and two truck bays. It also has two state-of-the-art paint booths designed to handle vehicles of any size, from consumer cars and trucks, to commercial fleet vehicles and large semitrucks. Referral Collision’s current location at 1513 Stagecoach Road is being renovated. It will function as the company’s main customer contact center and will be called the Customer Care and Detailing Center. As part of these changes, Referral Collision is adding automotive detailing to its lineup of services offered to its customers. The public and media are invited to attend a grand opening

celebration at the new facility on Thursday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. There will be coffee, doughnuts, prizes and tours of the facility for all who attend. A formal ribbon cutting will take place at 9:30 a.m.

“Our goal at Referral Collision is to improve the entire process of collision repair for customers. Instead of focusing solely on claims and related costs, our purpose is to deliver exemplary customer experiences and aboveaverage quality workmanship,” said Jesse Ruhmann, owner of Referral Collision. “Our name says it all. This business is based on referrals from satisfied people. We look forward to serving our customers, their friends and families and the community for many years to come.”

Olney, IL, Collision Repair Program Purchases Mixing Tints With New Funds by Staff, Olney Daily Mail

Students in Olney Central College’s collision repair program in Olney, IL, have access to a new set of mixing tints purchased with funds from the OCC Foundation.

Pictured from left: collision repair instructor Lonnie Barnes and OCC Foundation members Brenda Glover, Sherry Brauer, Tara Lemke, Bart Zuber, Rick Runyon, Larry Miller and Bernie Rusk. Credit: Deanna Ratts, OCC

“With the Foundation’s assistance, we were able to replace all 24 of the tints on the mixing bank,” said instructor Lonnie Barnes. “Many were older and some had dried out because we don’t use the tints as quickly as a regular shop would.” To perfectly match a vehicle’s paint, students enter the code from

the vehicle into a computer, which then prints out the formula, specifying the exact amount of each tint. Students may need 10 to 12 different tints to create a single color. “You may only use two or three grams of a single tint, but if it is left out, the paint won’t be exact and the color won’t match,” Barnes said. Having access to the tints is essential for students as they learn how to fully restore a vehicle to its original condition. “If we didn’t have the new tints, we would have to purchase colors already mixed from a local shop and the students would miss out on the opportunity to learn this important step,” Barnes said. “The tints are very expensive to replace. I greatly appreciate the Foundation providing the funds for the new tints. It is something I couldn’t have done on my own budget.” OCC’s collision repair technology program is accepting new students for the fall semester. To register or for more information, call 618-3957777. We thank Olney Daily Mail for reprint permission.

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Midwest

DAILY DELIVERY Monday-Friday

Don’t Settle for Second Best

When we’ve got ALL YOUR OEM PARTS covered in ONE delivery! LEWIS TOYOTA

Toll Free 888.273.2773 Direct 785.273.2224 Fax 785.273.0656

2951 SW. Fairlawn Rd. Email parts@lewistoyota.com Topeka, KS 66614

Toll Free 800.926.1979 3 816.474.9413 Direct 816.474.941 Fax 816.474.1401

CAR CITY HYUNDAI

800.279.2892 785.270.1028 Fax 785.233.7344

Toll Free

Sharp Honda 3149 SW Kansas Ave Topeka, KS 66611

Local

Mon-Fri 7:00am-5:30pm Sat 8:00am-2:00pm

ED BOZARTH CHEVROLET

Toll Free 800.432.3584 Fax 785.266.3820

3731 S. Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS 66609 16

M-F 7-6, Sat 8-4

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

rect 913.631.7342 913.631.7342 Di Direct 11501 W. Shawnee Fax 913. 631.1410 Mission Pkwy Shawnee, KS 66203

TUMMINIA MAZDA

Toll Free 888.786.6990 Direct 913.780.6153 Fax 913.764.3075

7-5:30,, Sat 7-2 M-F 7-5:30

Start something special.

oll Free 800.525.4533 TToll Free 800.525.4533 n M-F 8-5, Sat 8-Noo 8-Noon

OAKES MITSUBISHI

7301 State Ave Kansas City, KS 66112

SHAWNEE MISSION FORD

M-F 7:30-5:30, Sat 8-2

1551 S. Hamilton Circle Olathe, KS 66061

Parts Group Dedicated Delivery Serving:

Eastern Kansas s NW Missouri s SE Nebraska s Kansas City Area s Wichita INFINITI OF KANSAS CITY

Volkswagen of Topeka

Toll Free 877.501.0136

Direct 816.941.7869 Fax 816.410.3426 6960 W W. Frontage Rd. Rd

Local 785.266.8480

3030 S. Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS 66611 M-F 7:30-6

M-F 7:30-6, Sat 8-5

Merriam, KS 66203

KC 913.362.7656 Toll Free 800.825.0204

OAKES KIA

Toll Free 800.926.1979 Di Direct 816.474.9413 816 474 9413 Fax 816.474.1401

2900 Burlington St St. N. Kansas City, MO 64116

M-F 7-5:30, Sat 7-2

NISSAN OF TIFFANY SPRINGS

Toll Free 877.540.5623 Di t 816.801.7001 Direct 816 801 7001 Fax 816.801.8682

9600 NW. NW Praire View Rd. Rd Kansas City, MO 64153

M-F 7-6, Sat 8-3

ED BOZARTH BUICK GMC

Toll Free 800.432.3584 Fax 785.266.3820

GENUINE SERVICE & PARTS

M-F 7-6, Sat 8-4

3731 S. Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS 66609

Original BMW Parts

bmwusa.com

BMW of Topeka Local 785.266.8480 KC 913.362.7656 Toll Free 800.825.0204

â€¢ Original BMW Parts and Accessories M-F 7:30-6

3030 S. Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS 66611 autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

GM Announces Addition of 400+ Jobs to Bowling Green, KY, Plant by Cory McCauley, WBKO News

General Motors Co. Chairman and CEO Mary Barra announced April 25 they are launching a new model of Corvette. Though little details are available, we know the new model will be the C8 and will be a mid-engine Corvette. “I actually think this next generation vehicle is going to win even more customers into the Corvette family, so we are super excited about that,” said Barra. One thing is certain: General Motors announced the new model Corvette will be built at the Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, KY. “You know, we are really pleased; you heard me talk about how much the Bowling Green workforce what they’ve accomplished with their

2011, GM has invested more than $900 million into Bowling Green, and the Bowling Green Assembly plant has produced more than 1 million Corvettes since it opened in 1981. “It’s not just 400 jobs, not just 400 families; there is a ripple effect. Those dollars, those great salaries and benefits, that ripple effect financially into this community is going to be great; it will be a multiplier effect of people eating out, people buying things, people shopping, other jobs being created because of this,” said Governor Matt Bevin. Barra was joined by Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing Gerald Johnson and United Workers Vice President Terry Dites. Several federal, state, and local dignitaries were in attendance including U.S. Senator Rand Paul,

“The Corvette’s iconic status owes so much to the men and women of Bowling Green, where it has been built exclusively for almost 40 years,” — Mary Barra

quality and their safety and their dedication to every single detail,” said Barra. “So, you know, they are the ones making it happen and we’re excited to be able to make this announcement and invest and provide growth not only for the plant, but for the economy.” A second shift will be added at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, adding more than 400 jobs to the Bowling Green Assembly Plant. This will support production of the next generation of Corvette, which will be revealed on July 18, 2019. The new jobs will push the plant’s total employment beyond 1,300. According to the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, since

U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, Bowling Green Mayor Bruce Wilkerson, Governor Matt Bevin, State Representatives Michael Meredith and Patti Minter, Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon, and Bowling Green City Commissioner Sue Parrigin. “The Corvette’s iconic status owes so much to the men and women of Bowling Green, where it has been built exclusively for almost 40 years,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “This is the workforce that can deliver a next-generation Corvette worthy of both its historic past and an equally exciting future, and today’s announcement gets us one step closer to its reveal on July 18.”

Call or Email Now for Rates: AUTOBODY

800-699-8251

ltedesco@autobodynews.com

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

“What a great day for Kentucky! I often speak about how we are the engineering and manufacturing hub of America. Today, we’re wearing that title more boldly than ever,” Bevin said. “These new workers, together the plant’s current employees, will not only build the iconic Corvette and carry forward the nearly 40-year marriage between Corvette and Kentucky, but will also be members of the team that launches the technical tour-de-force, eighth-generation car off the production line and onto the global stage. Our Commonwealth is incredibly proud to be the home of the Corvette. We are grateful to Mary Barra and GM for the relationship we share, and for this strong vote of confidence in Kentucky’s future.” “The General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green is a tremendous asset to the region,” said Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ron Bunch. “They are an integral part of our commonwealth’s thriving

economy, we are excited about the job growth and look forward to their many more years of success in our community.” “The Corvette has been a major symbol of Bowling Green’s heritage,” said Bowling Green Mayor Bruce Wilkerson. “We are very excited about this announcement and the number of jobs GM is creating. I am so proud to be a part of such a growing local economy; GM has been an integral part of our success over the years.” “Job creation of this magnitude by a company like GM is a significant investment in the future of the people of Warren County,” said Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon. “The General Motors Assembly plant has been in our business community since 1981, and job growth of this size doesn’t come around often. I am excited to see the impact it will have in Warren County in the years to come.” We thank WBKO News for reprint permission.

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Ultimate Auto Body & Glass in Sheldon, IA Focuses on Collision Repair with Excellence by Ty Rushing

Dave Van Maanen, co-owner of Ultimate Auto Body & Glass, found his calling during middle school, when he got to design and build a CO² dragster. “I was probably in the sixth or seventh grade when I knew I wanted to paint cars for a living,” he said. “How crazy is that?” Maanen, 48, operates his shop in Sheldon, IA, with his wife, Sue. Sue handles the billing and paperwork, while Maanen does what he loves to do most—fix cars. “I’ll be right honest with you— my favorite part is being in the shop,” he said. “Being in the office—that’s OK—but being out in the shop, that’s my area.” Maanen has repaired many vehicles throughout his career. Although he has done this for several years, he never gets tired of seeing the transformation that takes place so often—wrecked cars coming in and those same wrecked cars leaving looking brand new. “When people come and see their car and say, ‘Whoa, I can’t even tell it’s been wrecked,’ I think to my-

Sheldon. He landed his first job at Rosenboom Frame & Body in Sheldon and spent the next 17 years there before striking out on his home. Coincidentally, Rosenboom Frame & Body owner Gary Rosenboom was one of the first graduates of Northwest Iowa Vocational School, which then became Northwest Iowa Technical College, before becoming Northwest Iowa Community College. As Maanen developed his business plan, he said the word ‘ultimate’ stuck out to him. So, he chose to incorpoDave Van Maanen’s favorite part of owning Ultimate rate the word ‘ultimate’ in the Auto Body & Glass in Sheldon, IA is being out in the name of his now auto body shop and working on vehicles. He loves to see his shop. “It just fit together,” he customers’ reactions after he completes a project. said. Credit: Ty Rushing Ultimate opened in Octotells customers, “If you can tell that ber 2017 and is located at 3389 your car is damaged, then you need Runger St., in the Runger Addition on Sheldon’s growing east side. Howto bring it back.” Maanen has worked in the auto- ever, during the shop’s first decade of motive collision repair business existence, Maanen operated out of a since 1990 after completing a year of machine shop on his father’s property, training at, what then was called, a mile north of Sheldon. “It felt like it was time to make Northwest Iowa Technical College in self, ‘Well, yeah, that’s exactly what I want,’” he said. He practices excellence, because he knows that’s what will make him succeed. He oftentimes

a move,” Maanen said. After spending a decade building up his individual reputation, he felt comfortable making the investment into the new shop. Maanen’s customers are primarily in Sheldon, but some of his customers commute from as far as Sioux City and Sioux Falls, SD, thanks to customers who give their word-of-mouth about my business. In addition to his work, he relies on his customer service skills to retain business. “You just want to do a good job because your reputation—it’s out there,” Maanen said. “It’s not like Sioux Falls or Sioux City where your next job is around the corner; I count on people coming back—repeat customers. Every customer is important to me,” he said. We thank NWestIowa.com for reprint permission.

FREE

4x Monthly E-Newsletter.

www.autobodynews.com

Partner with Shaheen for All Your OEM GM Collision Parts and Powertrains

• 7 million+ onsite inventory. Largest in the Midwest • 94% fill rate from our warehouse stock • 14 senior GM Wholesale Parts consultants dedicated exclusively to WS clients with over 200+ years GM Parts experience • Fleet of 30 GPS equipped delivery trucks • Deliveries 2x daily. Nationwide shipping available • 110,000+ sq. ft. recently expanded warehouse

for urce llision o s r You GM Co rains ine ert e G nu and Pow orthern s N Part ichigan, and in M Indiana Ohio st hwe Nort

3901 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lansing, MI 48910 20

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

shaheenlansing.com

Parts Warehouse

Toll Free: 800-452-2828 24 Hr. Fax: 877-900-0718

Hours: Monday - Friday 7am - 6pm

shaheenparts@shaheenchevrolet.com

Kim Barks Teaches Girl Scouts Automotive Care Basics in St. Charles, MO by Chasidy Rae Sisk

April 1 might have been April Fool’s Day, but Kim Barks, owner of Complete Car and RV Repair in St. Charles, MO, wasn’t joking around when she hosted a meeting for a troop of nearly a dozen Girl Scouts to teach them some basic car care tips. Kim shared, “It was a pleasure meeting this great group of Girl Scouts and teaching them safety and education about their cars. These ladies are 14–15 years old and eager to learn about their ve-

Kim Barks (red shirt) empowered a group of girls to stay safe while on the road during her clinic at Complete Car and RV Repair

hicles; it’s never too early to start learning!” With Bob Barks, her father and business partner, Kim showed the girls how to check their tire pressure and read their tire size, where to find it on the vehicle, and how to know when they need new tires. She also explained when they need to rotate their tires. In addition to encouraging the young ladies to read their owners’ manuals, Barks explained the lights on their dashboard and why it’s so important to wear their seatbelts. The Girl Scout troop learned useful tips for when they’re on the road, what to do in an accident and where to go if they’re being followed. Barks talked about driving distractions, what drivers are required to carry in their cars, and what the girls should do if they get pulled over. Barks added, “Most importantly, we discussed that they must always be aware of their surroundings.” Kelly Wheeler Karavousanos, the Girl Scout troop leader, shared,

“Bob and Kim were so helpful and volunteered to teach our Cadette Girl Scouts some basics about car care and safety. We will be bringing them back to learn more. Thank you for being so generous with your time. Our girls appreciate it!”

Kim Barks (bottom center) poses with the group of Girl Scout Cadettes she taught about basic car care and safety on April 1

Kim welcomed schools and other groups to contact her to schedule a similar clinic. She can be reached at 314-575-8577. Kim will host a Spring Auto Care Clinic–Wheels, Women and Mimosas on May 11. For more information on what activities the Barks will host, visit www .completestl.com.

AASP-MN Announces 25th Annual Golf Outing The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers - Minnesota (AASP-MN) invites all collision and mechanical industry professionals and vendor suppliers to attend its 25th Annual Golf Outing, Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at Keller Golf Course in Maplewood. Over 150 AASP-MN members, employees, vendors and insurance industry representatives are expected to enjoy the day of golf and socializing.

Play will begin at noon, followed by a social hour and awards presentation. The cost to participate is 100 dollars per golfer or 400 dollars per foursome. Golf holes are also available to sponsor for 350 dollars each. For additional information, contact the AASP-MN office at (612) 623-1110 or 800-8529071 or online at aaspmn.org.

COURTESY

SUBARU It's Name, It'ss How Business It s Not It' Not Jus Justt Our Our Nam Name e, It' It How We Do Bus Busine iness ss

CONTACT OUR PARTS DEPARTMENT:

800-658-3054 P D F : PARTS DEPARTMENT FAX:

605-342-1178 Large Inventory Larg La rgee In Inve vent ntor oryy Local Delivery Free Fr ee LLoc ocal al D Del eliv iver eryy Years Combined Parts Experience 50+ 50 + Ye Year arss Co Comb mbin ined ed P Par arts ts EExp xper erie ienc ncee Call for Details Regarding Reggardingg Longg Distance Deliveryy

PARTS EPARTMENT ARTS DEPA EPARTM RTMENT ENT HOURS OURS:

M-F 7:30am - 5:30 pm p Sat 8 am - Noon Email: parts@courtesysubaru.com 601 East Omaha St. Rapid City, SD 57701 autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Continued from Cover

CIC Speakers

the way.” Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, agreed. “It becomes easier to argue against when it gets muddied with other issues,” Schulenburg said. “Parts, as an example, has been debated and addressed in almost every state. There is a lot of existing language. When that enters into the discussion, it makes it much harder to move something forward. The states

seen a shop that does so all of the time. He pointed to the procedure for aiming the headlight on a Ford Fusion, which requires overall maintenance. This includes: checking the tire pressure, emptying the trunk, making sure a person weighing 150 pounds is in the driver’s seat and that the vehicle is on a level floor. If OEM procedures are mandated by law and a shop is failing to do everything mentioned above, it has committed fraud, Olson said. If nothing else, he said, the industry needs to make sure estimating system labor times are adequate to follow OEM procedures.

“As a repairer, we want to have the right to fix the vehicle the right way.” — Darrell Amberson

Clint Marlow of Allstate voiced didn’t isolate the [OEM procedure] issue and I think that’s the trend for his opposition on OEM procedure this year. I think going forward it legislation. Despite the fact that the insurance industry regularly lobbies would be advantageous to do so.” During the CIC, there was a for legislation it views as positive, discussion on the other state-to-state Marlow argued that government regvariation in some of the OEM pro- ulation generally only “adds bureaucedure bills. Some state bills focus cracy and costs.” “I think everyone in the room solely on the need for insurers to pay for such procedures. While others wants the vehicle repaired properly, would require shops to follow the and I would implore everyone to figOEM procedures, some of the bills ure out how to achieve that by working together, being collaborative, do both. Out of 200 attendees, 19 percent mirroring transparency with each see no need for OEM procedure leg- other, and finding things that work islation. 32 percent said it is needed for all,” Marlow said. “Government “to prevent insurers from pushing regulation is only going to add more complexity that the industry the use of non-OEM repair doesn’t need.” procedures through payBut others disagreed. ment practices,” according “To be very frank, if we to a poll done at CIC. Howweren’t getting some pushever, an even larger subback [from insurers for folset—48 percent said the lowing OEM procedures], legislation should require shops to follow OEM pro- Darrell Amberson we wouldn’t be seeing the legislation,” Darrell Amcedures. It’s important to note that only about a quarter of the berson of LaMettry’s Collision in CIC attendees were collision repair- Minnesota, said. “As a repairer, we ers—a third were suppliers and six want to have the right to fix the vepercent were insurers, automakers, hicle the right way.” Amberson said he would prefer consultants, educators, etc. Mark Olson of VECO Experts that the issue be resolved without said while he believes shops should legislation. “But as someone who speaks follow OEM procedures (and supports requiring insurers to pay them with insurance representatives on a for doing so), he rarely, if ever, has weekly basis, a lot of the rhetoric I

AUTOBODY

www.autobodynews.com

UPDATED DAILY

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

more mentoring in the industry since 42 percent of graduates from training programs in automotive trades (mechanical, collision, heavy-duty diesel, etc.) leave the industry within two years. However, another study found that employees who receive mentoring are 77 percent more likely to stay at their job. CIC organizers held a breakfast, prior to the Nashville meeting, for about 50 local collision repair students. Speakers discussed the opportunities in the industry that await those students. The March Taylor Memorial Fund presented six of the students who had applied Encouraging New Industry with a tool box and hand Entrants tools. The Nashville I-CAR The Collision Repair EduCommittee issued a check cation Foundation (CREF) for 14,000 dollars to cover announced at CIC it is seekeducational costs for another ing 12 to 15 teams of techone of the applicants. nician mentors and their “When you have an optrainee to participate in a Jeff Peevy portunity to fill out an applifirst-of-its-kind competition being held September 28 in St. Louis, cation for a scholarship or some sort MO. The teams will vie with one an- of grant, do it,” Jeff Peevy, CIC other to demonstrate proficiency in chairman, advised the students. “Do the competencies needed by entry- it the best you possibly can. The industry has a lot of resources–we are level technicians. CREF is working to encourage here to help you.” hear causes us to seek an alternative to get it done,” Amberson said. “Frankly, there’s a lot of ignorance out there. There are those that are critical of the auto manufacturers, who say they are trying to protect themselves or are trying to sell parts. I frankly take issue with that type of rationalization. I want to do the right thing for our customers and the only way to accomplish that is to use a methodology that is documentable and verifiable and comes with a level of expertise the rest of us can’t provide.”

d Family owne d and operate since 1958

Local: 608.884.4436 Fax: 608.884.8215 morrisons@morrisonsauto.com m

Mention this ad and receive

10% Off

800.866.2277 77 7

your next purchase!

www.morrisonsauto.com om 6307 W. State Rd. 59 • Edgerton, WI 53534

Morrison’s Auto Parts is serious about delivering

Quality Auto Parts and Quality Service and our 11 Salespeople to help you get it!

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Continued from Cover

Staying Green

it comes to disposing hazardous waste and recycling?

A couple common mistakes body shops make that fall into the “low hanging fruit” category for inspectors come immediately to mind. One of the very first things that any business, including a body shop, [does] is identify all of the waste that’s regulated and considered hazardous with special disposal requirements or can be recycled. Those items that can go into the trash and those that don’t—that’s where many problems begin. That’s one of the first things that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says when it comes to hazardous waste, which is to determine what is hazardous and what isn’t. Shops assume it’s just trash that can go in the dumpster, and in many cases, they’re wrong. The other common error that many shops make is not putting items in the [right] containers and not care-

fully labeling them. For example, solvent-contaminated rags need to be stored in a secure container and labeled appropriately. Improper storing and labeling are two things that inspectors find more often than any other violations, as well as throwing

things in their dumpsters that can’t go there because it can’t be in the normal waste stream.

Many MSOs have an individual or a department that handles hazardous waste and recycling. But for the smaller independent shops, might it be a little more dif-

ficult to achieve this due to time constraints or financial considerations?

Yes, but in the end the regulations are identical for big chains and small independent shops. Each state has its own set of regulations, so we tell shops that one of their first steps is to identify those requirements that pertain to what they’re throwing out. They need to determine what things can be recycled and those that can go into the trash bin. They must know what is identified as hazardous waste at both the state level and what EPA says. The next step is to design a program around how these items are going to be collected and setting up agreements or contracts with service providers. Many of the waste companies out there are excellent in helping shops with this process, including making recommendations on what they can accept or vice versa. There are also a lot of consultants out there whose only

job is to make sure that shops adhere to the regulations. They will also give you guidance about special waste streams such as antifreezes, waste oils, solvents waste, filters, and aerosols that can’t ever go in the trash. The problems arise when there is a lack of communication within a shop or when their disposal/recycling program isn’t clear in one way or another.

Is it smart to make one of your techs, estimators or managers your gatekeeper and in-house expert when it comes to recycling and hazardous waste disposal?

Yes, we always suggest that shops should centralize their efforts by designating one person to coordinate every aspect of their program. The rules are very specific and there are a lot of regulations, so making one individual responsible seems to be the best way to go. The fewer people who need to know all of this information, [the] less misinterpretation [there will be]. In many shops, that individual will often meet with the crew and communicate every-

MAPLEWOOD TOYOTA

MAPLEWOOD SCION

• Large Inventory of Genuine OEM Parts • Exceptional Customer Service

• Call Us First For All Your Parts Needs • Competitive Wholesale Prices

Parts Dept. Hours: Mon - Thur: 7am - Midnight Fri: 7am - 5:30pm, Sat: 8am - 4pm

651-288-2525

Phone: Fax: 651-490-2652

Serving all of MN and Western WI 2873 N Hwy 61, Maplewood, MN 55109 26

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Parts Dept. Hours: Mon - Thur: 7am - Midnight Fri: 7am - 5:30pm, Sat: 8am - 4pm

Phone:

651-288-2525

Fax: 651-490-2652 Serving all of MN and Western WI 2873 N Hwy 61, Maplewood, MN 55109

thing they need to know, but having one source and one decision-maker is ideal. Not everyone has to be an expert, so centralizing that knowledge is important. Align yourselves with consultants or waste companies like us who are ready and willing to assist you every step of the way.

Many shops tout the fact that they’re green businesses, advertise it in their marketing efforts and list it on their websites. Do consumers really care about taking their cars to a green shop, or do they just want them taken care of properly?

In some parts of the country, especially in California, there is definitely a movement where more and more consumers will gravitate toward companies that are green. Water quality has become a hotter topic in the news, so I think a body shop with a green seal or a green approach is going to get value out of it. From my experience, it’s not just the younger generation that cares about the environment. Everyone now is paying attention to it and

those stewards of the planet are getting the benefits of that. Also, shop owners are paying more attention to fines, penalties and enforcement when they run into compliance issues. With instant news and all of the social media out there, if a shop gets caught for violating regulations, people know about it literally right away and can be shared easily.

Is it wise to develop a handbook that new hires can refer to and use as a road map, so to speak?

Yes, it should always be a part of new employee orientation and/or training. Everyone in your shop needs to know what is or isn’t regular trash and be as environmentally aware of everything involved. Some shops are re-using waterborne-based cleaning products for cleaning their lines, etc., and there is a ton of solvent recycling going on. If your people are kept away from regulatory inspections that may lead to citations and fines by being properly trained, that’s obviously invaluable.

Continued from Cover

MI Gov Requests

credit scoring factors, and in some cases gender and marital status, Whitmer said in a news release. “Auto insurance rates must be fair and reasonable,” Whitmer said. “We must take a hard look at how auto insurers are setting rates to ensure these practices are lawful and to determine how we can achieve complete and lasting reform for Michiganders.” Continued from Cover

MEMA Fights

use of quality aftermarket parts. This is not only harmful to the industry and consumers, but it ignores the value and benefit of aftermarket motor vehicle components. Additionally, this legislation in its current form would create confusion for automobile owners, as the bill does not clearly define OEM repair procedures.” The bill approaches the issue from several fronts. It amends the Illi-

Republican lawmakers have been holding committee hearings and working on a legislative plan to reduce auto insurance premiums—one that is expected to give motorists options beyond the unlimited catastrophic medical coverage that drivers are now required to purchase. Auto insurance reform “is progressing exactly like I hoped it would,” Shirkey told reporters. “You will see movement soon and you can measure that in days not weeks.” We thank Detroit Free Press for reprint permission. nois Insurance Code, Automotive Collision Repair Act and Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. In so doing, it would mandate that no vehicle repair facility or installer could use repair specifications or procedures not compliant with original equipment manufacturers. It would also require that no vehicle repair estimate may utilize non-original equipment manufacturer aftermarket crash parts, unless authorized by the customer in writing. It would also note that no vehicular See MEMA Fights, Page 56

WHY SETTLE FOR AFTERMARKET, SALVAGE OR SURPLUS WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

GIVE YOUR CUSTOMERS THE QUALITY THEY DESERVE, USE GENUINE GM PARTS! With GM’s Bump program along with the Bob Hook Chevrolet Exclusive Price Match web portal, we make it easy to use Genuine GM Parts.

Bob Hook Chevrolet is Smashing Aftermarket Collision Parts, Call today to learn more!

Our Price match Program is second to None!

800-274-4665

www.bobhookgmparts.com

502-499-8060 M-F 8am - 5:30pm

· 15 Truck Fleet · Over 300 years of GM experience · Same Day and Next Day delivery · Exclusive Price match Portal · Truckload Fascia Program* beatable prices on *Unbeatable -stock Fascias In-stock

We make it easy to place your orders.

Call, Click or Fax.

4144 Bardstown Rd. / Louisville, KY 40218 autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

From the Desk of Mike Anderson with Mike Anderson

Mike Anderson is the president and owner of Collision Advice, a consulting company for the auto body/collision repair industry. For nearly 25 years, he was the owner of Wagonwork Collision Center, an OEM-certified, full-service auto body repair facility in Alexandria, VA.

Want to Challenge Me on the Need to Check OEM Procedures Every Time? Bring It On… You: Hey, Mike, I keep hearing you saying we need to look up the OEM repair procedures on every single vehicle every single time. But surely you’re not talking about even the easy jobs, where we’re just replacing a single part.

Me: Oh, you mean like the Infiniti vehicle I saw recently where something had flown from the road and put a hole in the grille? All the vehicle needed was to have that grille replaced. Sure, you could skip looking up the OEM procedures for that. But then you’d miss the parts diagram showing the small part on the grille marked with a little black dot with a white X in it. That symbol in the Infiniti procedures indicates a nonreusable part. So if you didn’t look up that procedure, you might not know that non-reusable part is an intelligent cruise control cover. And when you replace that part, a calibration is required. If you don’t look up the procedures for that calibration, you won’t know that in order to complete it correctly, you need to make sure the vehicle has a full tank of gas, top off the oil and transmission fluids if not full, ensure all tires are at the correct pressure, and only then do a 4wheel alignment, all BEFORE you do the calibration. So, yeah, that’s why I say you need to research the OEM procedures every time, on every job.

You: But Mike, that’s just one instance. Looking up the procedures on every job seems like a lot of work.

Me: I agree with you that that’s just one example. So here’s another one: Do you know the process to perform

the seat belts inspection that’s required on some Volkswagen vehicles after an accident? That process requires, among other things, at least two different test drives, each at dif-

You: Well, fine, but our shop just sublets out all those calibrations at the end of the job, so that’s up to the dealer to know all that stuff.

ferent speeds, and you have to hit the brakes on each—obviously at a time and place where there are no vehicles behind you. Depending on the traffic in your area, you may not be able to perform those test drives during certain parts of the day. So you’ll probably want to know about that early in the process by researching the OEM procedures every time.

You: Oh come on, Mike, lots of jobs don’t involve safety items like that.

Me: Okay, sure, but safety systems aren’t the only thing your customer is going to expect to be working correctly when you return their vehicle. A shop I know was replacing the cowl cover on a Nissan, which required removing and reinstalling the wiper arms. The shop looked up the procedure to find that what steps to follow depended on whether the vehicle was equipped with a rain sensor. This vehicle was, so when the shop researched that, they found they had to actually squirt water on that

Call or Email Now for Rates: AUTOBODY

800-699-8251

ltedesco@autobodynews.com

rain sensor near the top of the windshield, all while using a scan tool to do a calibration of the wiper arms. You heard me: A calibration of the wiper arms, because the wiper arm speed is dependent on the amount of rain hitting the windshield.

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Me: But if you aren’t familiar with the calibration processes, how can you have some assurances your sublet provider is doing them correctly? Don’t you need to look up the procedures to make sure you know, for example, that the dealer needs to show you they filled up the gas tank

and checked the tire pressure if those things are part of the process? And some of the OEM procedures on these systems can’t wait until the end of the job. When you repair or replace a Toyota quarter panel that has a blindspot monitor, the OEM procedures tell you that you need to check the installation angle of the blindspot monitor BEFORE you paint the vehicle. There’s a flow chart in the Toyota procedure for that process. It involves using a plumb bob and doing all these measurements, and it could require reattaching several components. Again, this is before the vehicle is painted. And by the way, it is all separate from the calibration of that monitor after the vehicle is painted. I run across this stuff all the time. That’s why I say: You need to check all the OEM procedures, on every vehicle, every time.

Gandrud Chevrolet

• Huge inventory of Genuine Collision and Mechanical Repair Parts • Free shipping to all of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota

Parts: 800-242-2844 parts@gandrud.com

Parts Dept. Hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm Sat: 7am - 2pm

919 Auto Plaza Dr. Green Bay, Wisconsin 54302

www.gandrudpartscenter.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

P HONDA ILLINOIS

Honda Superstore of Lisle Chicago/Suburbs

866-874-6632 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5 hondaparts@auto-plaza.com

Schaumburg Honda Automobiles Schaumburg

847-884-8898 847-884-6632 Dept. Hours: M-F 6:30am-Midnight; Sat 8am-5pm k.kelley@rohrman.com INDIANA

Bob Rohrman Honda Lafayette

800-488-3537 765-448-1000 Dept. Hours: M 7:30-8; Tue-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-3 Brho.partsmgr@rohrman.com

Bosak Honda Highland

800-542-6725 219-922-3102 Dept. Hours: M 8-5; Tue 8-8 W, Thu, F 8-5; Sat 8-4 davepropeck@bosakmail.com

ACURA ILLINOIS

Arlington Acura in Palatine Palatine

800-991-8438 847-991-9005 Dept. Hours: M-W 7:30-7:30; Thu-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-3 aaip.partsmgr@rohrman.com

Joe Rizza Acura Orlando Park

708-460-6369 708-403-7770 Dept. Hours: M-W 8-5:30; Thu 8-7 F 8-4:30 Sat 8-2 acuraparts@rizzacars.com

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Please contact these dealers for your Honda or Acura Genuine parts needs. MICHIGAN

MISSOURI

OHI O

Victory Honda

Bommarito Honda

Roper Honda

Plymouth

H a z e l wo o d

Joplin

Bedford

800-824-4646 734-453-3600

800-731-8270 314-731-8270

877-244-6632 417-625-0846

800-509-9057 440-786-3363

Dept. Hours: M 7:30-8; Tue-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 Karl_messer@victoryplymouth.com

Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7-6 Lrowe@bommarito.net

Dept. Hours: M, W, Th, F 7:30-6; Tu 7:30-7; Sat 9-1 dvice@roperauto.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 jayhondaparts@gmail.com

Zeigler Honda

Ed Napleton Honda

WIS C O N S I N NEBRASKA

Kalamazoo

St. Peters

888-342-1678 269-585-5812

800-875-4190 636-928-4400

Honda of Lincoln

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-8; F 7-6; Sat 8-4 bobsmith@zagteam.com

Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7-6 gethondaparts@napleton.com

800-742-7811 402-437-1201

Columbia Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5:30; Sat 7-12 hondaparts@hondaoflincoln.com

M I N N E S O TA

Brookdale Honda Brooklyn Cente r

800-899-8900 763-331-6880 Dept. Hours: M-Th 7-9; F 7-6; Sat 8-6 parts@lutherbrookdalehonda.com

Buerkle Honda St. Paul

800-592-9514 651-484-0975

St. Louis

888-680-6025 636-336-5003 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-5 hondaparts@frankleta.com

816-452-3221

Richfield

Hoffman Estate s

866-475-9280 Dept. Hours: M 7-5; Tue-F 7-6 Sat 8-3 mcavallini@woodfieldacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5:30; Sat 8-6 ianw@hondaofomaha.com OHIO

Apostolakis Honda Cortland

800-900-4600 330-638-3060 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 parts@apostolakisauto.com

Great Lakes Honda Akron

330-633-8197 330-633-6060

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 6:30-9; F 6:30-6; Sat 6:30-5 parts@rbhonda.com

Mullerâ€™s Woodfield Acura

Omaha

Kansas City

800-328-2703 612-866-8197

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-9; Sat 8-6 acparts@mcgrathag.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun 8-4 hondaparts@russdarrow.com

888-408-0911 402-408-1100

Frank Leta Honda

Dept. Hours: M-Fri 7-6; Sat 7-4 parts@hondaoftiffanysprings.com

Morton Grove

Milwaukee

888-318-1671 414-586-5401

Superior Honda of Omaha

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 gropp@fletcherauto.com

Richfield-Bloomington Honda

847-470-2309

Russ Darrow Honda

Columbia

Honda of Tiffany Springs

McGrath Acura of Morton Grove

Lincoln

573-818-3650

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 8-9; F 8-6; Sat 8-4:30 hondaparts@buerkle.com

ILLINOIS

Jay Honda

Dept. Hours: Tue, W, F 8-6; M, Thu 8-8; Sat 8-4 grobinette@glakeshonda.com

MINNESOTA

MICHIGAN

WIS C O N S I N

Acura of Troy

Luther Bloomington Acura

Troy

Bloomington

Acura of Brookfield Brookfield

800-935-0923 248-643-0900

800-451-5078 952-887-0600

800-383-3936 262-439-6029

Dept. Hours: M 7:30-8; T-F 7:30-6; Sat 10-3 parts286@acuraoftroy.com parts287@acuraoftroy.com

Dept. Hours: M 6:30-6; Tue-F 6:30-9; Sat 8-4 parts@bloomingtonacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-Th 7:30-6; F 7:30-5; Sat 8-4:30 patrick.murphy@zimbrick.com

OHIO MINNESOTA

Buerkle Acura Minneapolis

800-717-3109 763-488-1122 Dept. Hours: M, F 7-5:30; Tue-Thu 7-7; Sat 7:30-4 acuraparts@buerkle.com

Columbia Acura Cincinnati

800-654-3553 513-530-0698 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5:30; Sat 8-12 columbiaparts@mail.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Media and Publicity for Shops with Ed Attanasio

AUUX Specializes in Helping Body Shops Online Only 25 years ago, the average body shop’s marketing plan involved buying a Yellow Pages ad and sponsoring the local Little League team. Back then, most body shops didn’t have marketing managers or marketing budgets and relied primarily on word-of-mouth for its new customers. Boy, things have surely changed on many levels. Now, the majority of every shop’s marketing plans revolves around the Internet. Today, a first-rate reputation that leads to positive referrals is still as good as gold. But now the marketing universe is huge, so unless you know what you’re doing, it can be a black hole that can suck up your money before you know it. Shops are always hearing about the newest and the latest, which can be overwhelming to say the least. Pay-Per-Click (PPC), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), local

marketing, content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, e-commerce marketing, remarketing, lead generation, Internet advertising and public relations are just some of

AUUX co-owner Vic Krikorian in Glendale, CA, has succeeded by helping body shops in the area of Internet marketing

the marketing tactics that shops have to sift through. Direct mail, broadcast advertising (radio and TV) and other forms of marketing are now

Luther Bloomington Subaru ER TER ENT YOUR SUBARU CAR PARTS CEN

Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

prehistoric. Forward-thinking shops that aren’t afraid to try new approaches will excel. There are only so many cars in your town, so shops that aren’t stepping up are losing market share. How long can you rely on your DRPs or inclement weather to generate business? In the old days, that might have been enough, but no more. Vic Krikorian, co-owner of AUUX in Glendale, CA, has succeeded by helping a wide range of small-to-medium-size businesses with their marketing and advertising, including body shops. With his partner, Abram Ter-Oganesyan, Krikorian is taking collision repairers to an online world that’s getting them results that are both tangible and trackable. One client giving AUUX fivestar reviews is Pacific Coast Collision Center (PCCC) in Rancho Cordova,

CA, for its beneficial three-year relationship with Krikorian and his team. PCCC’s owner, Eddie Shadarevian, is repairing approximately 220 cars with a crew of 22 and will soon be moving into a cutting-edge facility down the street. His car count has increased since contracting AUUX and credits much of his success to smart, targeted and results-oriented marketing. “AUUX re-vamped everything we were doing, and we saw results within roughly three months,” Shadarevian said. “We were pleasantly surprised by how everything happened so quickly because other companies were telling us that it would take at least eight months to one full year to gain some traction. We hired AUUX for a lot of reasons, including the fact that we were in the process of adding a second location. We wanted to get the word out and

Luther Bloomington Acura Our parts. Your peace of mind. 800.451.5078 Toll Free 952.887.0600 Parts Direct 952.881.1787 24 Hour FAX parts@bloomingtonacura.com www.bloomingtonacura.com

• Free Local Delivery and Shipping • Experienced Parts Professionals • Extensive OEM Parts Inventory at Competitive Prices

Large Inventory of Genuine Subaru Parts Quality Tested Servic Dedicated Wholesale Staff Committed to Service Order Parts On-line 24/7 www.bloomingtonsubaru.com parts@bloomingtonsubaru.com

Luther Bloomington Subaru Hours: Mon: 6:30 - 6; Tue-Fri: 6:30 - 9; Sat: 8 - 4 7801 Lyndale Ave. South // Bloomington, MN 55420 Toll Free: Parts Direct: 24 Hr. FAX: 32

800-451-5078 952-887-0600 952-881-1787

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

PARTS DEPT. HOURS Mon. 6:30am - 6pm Tue.-Fri. 6:30am - 9pm Sat. 8am - 4pm 7801 Lyndale Ave. South Bloomington, MN 55420

grow intelligently because many shops expand their services and add locations, but they don’t know where the business will be coming from.” When Krikorian started working with body shops, he was surprised to learn that some collision repairers are savvy when it comes to marketing while others are still in the dark. “When we found out that many top shops don’t even have websites, we couldn’t believe it, which is a major red flag,” he said. “It’s not that they don’t realize the importance of a strong presence online, but business is good, so they’re not ready to commit. Once they lose a DRP or another shop moves in nearby, they will start scrambling around, but then they have to catch up, which can be difficult.” AUUX is all about creating custom solutions for its clients, as opposed to using a “one size fits all” approach, Krikorian said.” We focus on the customer experience and stress a seamless process that makes generating leads easy and simple. Consumers today expect things to happen quickly, so we need

to get the information into their hands fast and use the technology to achieve it. They want to be able to get quotes online and monitor the entire repair process from the convenience of their cell phone, iPad or laptop computer.”

AUUX co-owner Abram Ter-Oganesyan is an expert on Pay-Per-Click (PPC), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), content marketing and social media marketing

By being experts on how to use Google and Bing for leads and staying in the loop with Facebook and Instagram to keep clients engaged, AUUX has helped PPC hit the ground running with its newest location. Part of the plan is targeting

OUR PARTS. YOUR PEACE OF MIND. Original BMW Parts & Accesories.

Sharpe BMW can help you restore their Ultimate Driving Machine to Pre-Loss Condition. Knowledgeable and Experienced BMW Parts Professionals Same Day Delivery on All In-Stock Parts E-mail or Fax Your Order in for Faster Service and Delivery

DEDICATED MINI PARTS STAFF. Experienced and Dedicated MINI Parts staff Large Inventory of Original MINI Parts Prompt Daily Delivery Competitive Wholesale Discounts

MINI of Grand Rapids

Sharpe BMW

1010 28th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508

888.708.1359 Parts Direct 616.452.1101 Fax

Parts Direct:

Hours: M-F 7-6 / S 8-1

888.708.1359

services and getting specific results, Shadarevian said. “It’s a lot about setting search parameters that bring us the right type of business,” he said. “In the past when we were working with some other marketing companies, we were getting leads that didn’t apply to what we do here. We’re not a MAACO, so when we get inquiries about doing inexpensive fast paint jobs, that’s not our market. We also used to get leads about doing mechanical repairs, but we don’t do that either. We learned that the Internet works, but if search results get us leads that are irrelevant, what’s the point?” By stripping all of the guesswork out of the marketing process and concentrating on where their strengths lie, AUUX is getting results others aren’t. “We know what’s working and not working for body shops, and that’s what sets us apart from the competition,” Krikorian said. “Some shops try a lot of things, but that can get costly, so we guide them in the right direction and get the most out of everything they spend.”

616.452.1101 24-Hour Fax

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm Sat: 8am - 1pm

Continued from Page 4

Proposed Class Action

by a myriad of other individuals prior to being resold to consumers for more than those cars were otherwise worth had the true history of the Leased-Fleet Cars been disclosed.” The law firm added in its news release: “Pre-production cars are often built with non-standard parts or using assembly practices that may not meet U.S. safety standards. They can’t be certified to comply with federal motor vehicle standards and are normally destroyed or exported. “The lawsuit alleges that in order to boost sales, Volkswagen diverted the vehicles to its CPO program. Then, when it faced the likelihood of public scrutiny, Volkswagen engineered a ‘sneaky recall’ that was delayed for two years until May 2018 and offered to buy back far fewer vehicles than the number allegedly sold illegally under the CPO program. (NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V329000).” Volkswagen Group of America and Audi of America did not immediately reSee Proposed Class Action, Page 57

The Best Parts to Get Them Back to the Jungle Free Reliable Delivery Experienced Professional Wholesale Parts Team Shipping Always Available

Land Rover/Jaguar Grand Rapids

1010 28th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 Parts Direct:

888.708.1359

616.452.1101 Fax

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am - 6pm Sat: 8am - 1pm

www.thesharpcollection.com autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Hey Toby! with Toby Chess

Toby Chess is an I-CAR program instructor, Training specialist, and former salvage yard operator. Toby is universally known in the collision industry for his work with first responders and advocacy for body shops and consumers. He can be reached at tcspeedster@gmail.com

Collision Repair Headlines Show Need for OEM-Recommended Procedures On July 13, 2018, an Ohio appellate court rejected an auto body shop’s arguments in a $105,462 case where the body shop was convicted for failing to follow OEM procedures during a repair. Dallas Body Shop was ordered to pay 31.5 million dollars for not following OEM Procedures. A major MSO with 38 collision repair centers has settled a lawsuit, because it had collision repairs performed that did not follow manufacturer procedures. Are you following OEM procedures on weld testing as outlined? Manufacturers have a lot to say about Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW). Toyota (Fig. 1), Nissan (Fig. 2) and Audi’s (Fig. 3) position statements are self-explanatory. The last OEM ex-

Fig. 2

ample is from Honda (Fig. 4). Let’s say your thickness is 1.2mm and the square root is 1.1. Multiply Fig. 3

KELLY BMW

Original BMW Parts & Accessories Large Inventory Competitive Pricing Experienced Staff Phone: 614.471.2277

Parts Direct: 614.337.3090 Parts Fax: 614.476.2488

www.kellybmw.com Hours: M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 9am-2pm Fig. 1 36

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

4050 Morse Rd • Columbus, OH 43230

YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR R QUALITY AU UTOMOTIVE STTEEL

Eckllers com Ecklers.com

EcklersCh hevelle com hevelle.com

Call for a FREE catalog

800-284-4096 WHOLESALE INQUIRIES WELCOM ME

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

middle of the top test coupon—a ½ inch in from the edge (also known as edge distance) (Fig. 7). 4. Using a V-Jaw vice grip pliers, roll both pliers inward toward each other. Beware of the position of the pliers. For example, a round part of pliers need to roll into each other in order to work (Fig. 8).

nugget formula. If there is no formula to determine the correct size of the nugget, a good rule of thumb is

Fig. 9

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

those numbers by 4.5 and you get a tear out of the diameter, 4.95 mm. After you calculate the measurements, you may make the appropriate 38

adjustments and then you’re done. Steps necessary before testing STRSW welds: 1. Follow OEM procedures for testing. 2. Cut two pieces of metal from the vehicle (preferably 2”X 3”). 3. Clean the metal where the STRSW electrodes come in contact with the metal itself. 4. If adhesive is necessary in the repair, use it on the test coupons. Then, you will need to verify if the test will need to be done wet or with cured adhesive. If the test information is not available, it would be in your best interest to use wet adhesive. 5. Use a shunt clamp if adhesive is used or if the e-coat is not removed from the mating surfaces. If the OEM requires weld though primer, you may use it on the test coupons. 6. Get your tools and products necessary for the test. 7. Always wear safety glasses, a face shield and hand protection when performing the test.

STRSW destructive testing done in a technician’s stall: 1. Measure the thickness of both pieces of sheet metal to be tested. Add the thicknesses of both pieces and divide by two to get the proper metal thickness (this step is not necessary with full automatic welders) (Fig. 5). ½ inch overlap of the two test coupons (Fig. 6). Note: Electrical tape is used on the vise grip pliers to prevent the pliers from acting like a shunt. 2. Secure both test coupons with a pair of vice grip pliers. 3. Place a single spot weld in the

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Fig. 8

5. Peel back both coupons to expose the torn out weld nugget (Fig. 9). 6. Measure the diameter of the weld nugget with a caliper. Refer to the OEM data to determine the weld

Fig. 10

as follows—the thickness of the metal being welded times 5. In the above example, the thickness was

Richfield - Bloomington Honda At Richfield - Bloomington Honda we maintain a comprehensive inventory of high quality, Honda Genuine parts. Our Honda Parts professionals are here to answer your questions. Overnight parts ordering available.

Parts Dept. Hours Mon.-Thu. 6:30am - 9pm Fri. 6:30am - 6pm Sat. 6:30am - 5pm Phone:

612.866.8197

Fax: 612.866.9915

Start something special! 501 West 77th St. • Richfield, MN 55423

.8mm times 5 equals 4.0 mm. This is a good weld (Fig. 10). 7. Photograph results showing caliper measurement, the repair order number, the date and the technician. Attach all of the results to the estimate and the repair order file (Fig. 11).

the shops I work with to have a person in parts or in the front office to be in charge of the kit. After the technician performs the test and the kit is

for the electrodes (Fig. 13). Note: The vice grip pliers are taped with electrical tape to prevent the pliers from acting like a poor

shunt. A resistance spot weld will be placed on the clean part of the coupon. The e-coat is left intact between the two mating surfaces.

Fig. 15

Fig. 12

Fig. 11

Here is a kit I made for some collision shops (Fig. 12). The kit includes: 2 pliers, a caliper, a sharpe and a set of laminated instructions. Destructive testing is not an included operation. I tell

returned, a line should be added to the repair order, outlining the test. The technician should be given time to perform the test. Be sure that the pictures are attached to the file.

Use of a shunt clamp: I have two pieces of e-coated coupons from the vehicle and shunt pliers. I cleaned two locations on the outside of both coupons—one for the shunt pliers to make contact and the other

Lastly, note the ½ inch overlap between the two coupons (Fig. 14-15). Let’s assume that these welds were performed on a car. The OEM states to leave the e-coat on the mating surfaces. A shunt plier will be used for the first resistance spot weld. Remove the shunt pliers and use two isolated clams for the second weld. The path of the current will flow from the electrode through the metal, until it reaches the first spot weld and an electrical circuit is made; thus, forming a spot weld at the second location. This process is followed until all of the welds are

Fig. 13

See Repair Headlines, Page 50

Fig. 14

CHOOSE ORIGINAL MINI PARTS. THE FOUNDATION OF OUR SUCCESS IS YOUR LOYALTY.

PATRICK BMW Highly Trained and Experienced Team of BMW Parts Advisors Extensive Inventory Updated Daily to Meet Your Demands All Original BMW Parts Carry a 2-year Limited Warranty

847.605.4055 700 E Golf Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60173 www.patrickbmw.com

Parts: M-F 7:30am - 5pm

847.619.4511 Fax jconnelly@patrickcars.com

*Free local delivery in Illinois; low-cost, next day delivery to Michigan, Indiana and Ohio

Our parts department is always ready to help. We offer shipping to Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois*.

Patrick MINI 700 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173 Parts: M-F 7:30am - 5pm 847.605.4055 847.619.4511 Fax patrickMINI.com * Free local delivery in Illinois; low-cost, next day delivery to Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. ©2019 MINI, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

National Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

Chasidy Rae Sisk is a freelance technical writer from Wilmington, Delaware, who writes on a variety of fields and subjects, and grew up in a family of NASCAR fans. She can be contacted at crsisk@chasidyraesisk.com.

WIN Honors 2019 MIWs and Scholarship Recipients at Gala Awards Ceremony teros (Washburn Institute of Technology), Lilian Reed (College of Southern Idaho), and Jennifer Watson (TX State Technical College). Watson took on the role of a spokesperson and said to WIN attendees: “We are overwhelmed and inspired. One day, we would love to be up on this stage again, receiving the MIW award. Thank you for giving us this opportunity and believing in us.” Marie Peevy and Petra Schroeder, 2018 MIW honorees, then took the stage to introduce this year’s MIWs, who each received a standing ovation. Yen Hoang of UYL Color was “honored to be considered among these amazing women. What I envision for WIN honered the 2019 MIWs on May 7 during the group’s every woman in this room is annual educational conference. (l to r) Yen Hoang, Kathy that you’ll know your worth Mello, Erica Schaefer, Judy Folk and be able to articulate it.” After the group enjoyed a cockKathy Mello of TGIF Body tail reception before the ceremony, Shop in Fremont, CA would have Cheryl Boswell, incoming chair, wel- never chosen the collision repair incomed attendees. Boswell acknowl- dustry, but she feels fortunate to have edged the 20th anniversary of the MIW program and told attendees, “It’s about you too. This is a time to celebrate all of us. These are the changemakers who have paved the way for all of us.” Bev Rook-Twibell and Debbie Menz, co-Chairs of the Scholarship Committee, welcomed the 2019 scholarship winners to the stage. Together, they introduced WIN’s largest scholarship class to date: JenGerry Kottschade, one of WIN’s founders, nifer Evon (Tennessee College of Aptoasts to the 2019 MIWs plied Technology), Nicole Gutierrez (Washburn Tech), Heather Hawkins been involved with the birth of WIN, (Lake Technical College), Tamara she said. Recalling WIN’s first conMeyers (Lake Technical College), ference, she shared, “What you see Cheyenne Purchase (Metropolitan today is the result of showing up. I’m Community College), Hannah Quin- so grateful to have a front row seat The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) honored its 2019 Most Influential Women (MIW) and 2019 scholarship recipients on the evening of Tuesday, May 7. The annual MIW and Scholarship Awards Ceremony and Gala took place during WIN’s 2019 Educational Conference, held at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.

FREE 4x Monthly E-Newsletter. Subscribe Today! AUTOBODY 40

www.autobodynews.com

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

to all of this.” After expressing her gratitude to her parents, husband and children, FCA’s Erica Schaefer’s witty speech concluded with a “challenge to all of us together—let’s change the world!” Judy Folk of Sherwin-Williams modestly thanked her family and the industry for supporting her career. As attendees raised their glasses, Gerry Kottschade, one of WIN’s founders, toasted to the 2019 MIWs. “This makes 20 years of celebrating the amazing women in this industry. Here’s to the class of 2019!” Attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner and an evening of networking as WIN members and guests honored and celebrated the 2019 MIWs and scholarship recipients. During the conference, the 2019 scholarship recipients thanked Rook-Twibell for everything she has done for them,

gifting her with a signed surfboard. WIN’s Annual Scholarship Walk took place on Tuesday, May 7 to raise funds for next year’s scholarships.

Bev Rook-Twibell (pictured) and Debbie Menz, co-Chairs of the Scholarship Committee, introduced the largest scholarship class WIN has had

On Wednesday, May 8, Michelle Sullivan, outgoing chair, honored the 2019 Cornerstone Award recipients: Schroeder and Boswell.

HYUNDAI

C Collision

PARTS

Collision Parts

• Experienced Parts Team • Wide Delivery Area • Large Inventory • Genuine Hyundai Parts • We are in the Hyundai Go Genuine™ Collision Conquest Program

Parts Number:

773.889.3070

24-Hour Fax:

Parts Hours: 8am - 5pm Mon - Fri

773.413.3008 mcgrathcityhyundai.com

hyundaiparts@mcgrathcity.com

6750 W. Grand Ave. / Chicago, IL 60707

800.362.9650

330.836.4074 Fax

chevyparts@vandevere.com

M-F 8:00am-5:30pm Sat 8:00am-1:00pm

Genuine GM Collision Parts • Akron’s Largest Inventory of Genuine GM OEM Parts • Free Delivery Express Parts Delivery Service (8 Trucks) • Team of Wholesale Parts Professionals with over 200 Years GM Parts Experience

www.VanDevere.com

1490 Vernom Odom Blvd. l Akron, OH 44320

Genuine Kia Collision Parts • Extensive Inventory of KIA OEM Parts at Competitive Prices • Fast Free Same Day Delivery Service • Experienced Team of Wholesale Parts Specialists Ready to Help You

VanDevere Kia

328 West Market Street l Akron, OH 44303

www.kiavandevere.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

In Reverse with Gary Ledoux

The Birth of I-CAR

As I-CAR celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, we thought it only fitting to provide some insight into the organization’s natal beginnings. Things remained fairly static within the collision industry from its start in the early ‘40s up through the ‘70s. And whatever changes occurred did so at a pace that was easy to keep up with. But several industry leaders, the visionaries, could see things would soon change—and at a rapid pace. With the introduction of the unibody vehicle in 1979/1980, cars were becoming more sophisticated. While paint technology had changed somewhat, and car-building had certainly changed, “body men” were still applying the same repair techniques they had used since the end of WWII. And, it appeared to most that unless someone or some organization took the reins and forced change, shops would soon be incapable of making safe repairs. In April 1979, Bob McDonnough of IDEA invited several industry leaders to meet at the Hilton Hotel at the San Francisco airport and began to devise a plan. The group was composed of Dan Murray from General Motors; a representative from Ford; Bud Merwin representing Automotive Service Association (ASA); Gordon Holcomb, president of the Automotive Legislative Council of America; Jeff Hendler, executive director of the Autobody Craftsman Association; Donn Prover from the Equipment and Tool Institute; Bob Foote, president of Applied Power Corporation

representing Blackhawk tools and equipment; a representative from the National Association of Independent Insurers; and Bob Mecherle, grand-

son of State Farm founder George Mecherle, representing State Farm Insurance, along with an array of shop owners and other interested parties. The first thing they all agreed on was that collision technicians needed better repair information—and a lot more of it. If a vehicle had to be fixed a certain way, the OE had to let the industry know it and make the information readily available. The question was: What was the best way to do that? Of course, each party had its own interests throughout the discussions. It was noted that several insurance representatives only wanted to find a way to make cheaper repairs. Bob Mecherle realized that the discussions were not about “cheap” but how to perform a proper repair and address the changing technology. Murray was a key party to the affair because he had recently returned from a two-year stint working for General Motors in Germany, where the collision repair business had advanced considerably further than the U.S. In Germany and all over Europe, unibody construction

Advertise in our Classified Section for $50 per column inch!

800-699-8251

AUTOBODY

Gary Ledoux is an industry veteran with 48 years’ experience in the automotive and OEM collision parts industry. His column appears exclusively in Autobody News. He can be reached at YesterWreck@yahoo.com

ltedesco@autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

known as IICACR and now known simply as I-CAR. Then-chairman of the newly formed training organization was Arthur C. Mertz. Murray was a key figure in providing some the earliest training curriculum for the newly formed I-CAR and left General Motors in 1986 to start his own consulting company. The formation of I-CAR and the almost-overnight change from bodyon-frame technology to unibody technology marked the beginning of a new era in the collision industry. For over 30 years, since GIs returned from the European and Pacific theaters of operation in 1946 up to the late ‘70s, little changed in the industry. Eventually, more dramatic changes would come, and at a quicker pace. The industry would never be the same. But I-CAR would be there to help shops through the technology of the future.

had been used for several years, so equipment manufacturers and technicians had advanced considerably. The Europeans had also found a better, more complete way of estimating by dis-assembling the vehicle and finding all the hidden damage at the outset, rather than submitting multiple supplements or having the vehicle go out improperly repaired. In November of 1979, a meeting of 40 invited industry leaders was held in Des Plaines, IL, where after much discussion and planning, more than 30 shop owners and associations, along with State Farm, provided enough seed money to start a nonprofit company that would train collision technicians on how to properly repair collision damage. The entity they founded was the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, then

Infiniti of Naperville

• Dedicated Parts Professionals

• Over $1,000,000 in

with 80 Years Combined Experience

Wholesale Parts Inventory

The Collision Parts You Can Trust Direct Line:

866-874-6346 Tom Ryan Wholesale Parts Manager

tryan@auto-plaza.com

Fax: 331-457-4661 Parts Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7am - 7pm; Sat. 8am - 4pm

1550 W. Ogden Ave. // Naperville, IL 60540 www.buyinfinitiparts.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

National Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

Get to Know WIN’s 2019 MIW Honorees The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) recently announced that four women will be honored as Most Influential Women (MIW) and celebrated at the MIW Gala and Awards Ceremony in May. The ceremony will be held during WIN’s Educational Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL, from May 6– 8. Originally established by AkzoNobel in 1999 and taken on by WIN in 2013, the MIW program aims to recognize women whose leadership, vision and commitment to excellence have enriched the collision repair industry. The 2019 MIW honorees are Yen Hoang, CEO of UYL Color; Erica L. Schaefer, Mopar collision marketing manager at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA); Kathy Mello, CFO of TGIF Body Shop; and Judy Folk, manager of collision repair design service (CRDS) at Sherwin-

Williams Automotive Finishes. While all of these women are involved with WIN, the association does not select the MIW honorees. Established criteria focused on industry influence, professional accomplishments, mentorship and

community service are considered by an independent third-party company that reviews the nominations and selects each year’s winners. This year’s honorees graciously agreed to discuss their careers, their involvement with WIN and how they feel about receiving this recognition. Growing up in the Detroit area,

it’s unsurprising that Erica L. Schaefer entered the automotive industry as a Chrysler intern in 1995 after her graduation. She notes, “It just seemed natural. From the start of my career, I was involved in some form of collision.” Throughout Schaefer’s 23 years with FCA, the company has undergone several ownership changes, but she has always proudly represented the Mopar brand. She has served as warehouse supervisor, inventory control supervisor, supplier relations manager and most recently, collision marketing manager. Schaefer is grateful for the support she has received at FCA, which has allowed her to participate in OEM roundtables that provide mentorship and support her growth within the collision space. After speaking at a Mitchell event on FCA’s certified repair pro-

gram in 2015, Schaefer noted, “This is the moment I realized my customer was so much more than our FCA wholesale dealers. While revenue was still a focus, I shifted gears and started digging into the body shop world with focus on safe and proper repair. This was not an easy transition, as many of the discussions I actively sought were highly technical in nature, and I had few company resources to rely on. I still have a lot to learn in the body shop space, but with the help of my OE roundtable colleagues, Mike Anderson, the team at Assured Performance and so many other industry experts, I don’t feel so lost in the dark.” Schaefer is also extremely thankful for her manager, Lauren Kolak, who “believes in me and allows me to run in as many directions as I do. Having a manager who is committed to the same goals and

Think Genuine Subaru Parts. MINNESOTA

Luther Bloomington Subaru Bloomington

(800) 451-5078

Direct (952) 887-0600

(952) 881-1787 Fax Mon 6:30-6; Tue-Fri 6:30-9; Sat 8-4 parts@bloomingtonsubaru.com www.bloomingtonsubaru.com OHIO

Brunswick Subaru Brunswick

We’re focused on getting you the Genuine Subaru Parts you need — fast and competitively priced. Put us to the test on your next Subaru repair or service job.

The following dealerships are eager to serve your needs. Call your local Subaru collision parts specialist today! 44

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Toll Free (888) 460-7080 Direct (330) 460-7080

(330) 460-7082 Fax Mon-Fri 8-6; Sat 8-4 www.brunswickautomart.com

OHIO

Ganley Westside Subaru North Olmsted

Toll Free (888) 850-0633 Direct (440) 788-7060

(440) 788-7085 Fax Mon-Fri 8-7 jtjoyce@ganleywestside.com SOUTH DAKOTA

Courtesy Subaru Rapid City

(800) 658-3054

(605) 342-1178 Fax

Mon-Fri 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-Noon parts@courtesysubaru.com

mission makes my job easier. Lauren Folk “saw this as a huge opportunity and I are committed to doing our part to use my skills, learn a new industo make a difference in the collision try and continue to grow. Being a repair process and experience. We consultant in the automotive indusstill have a lot of work to do to help try has offered me the opportunity to our FCA customers secure a safe and meet and influence so many incredproper repair, but I am proud to be ible business owners, and in return, part of getting this accomplished.” I learn from them every day.” Still, what Schaefer is most Folk’s role has allowed her to proud of “isn’t necessarily my career collaborate with shop owners to debut the career I have made sign facilities across North while not compromising America and improve their time with my family,” she profitability and productivshared. “I am fortunate that ity. She feels satisfied seeFCA supports the demands ing existing businesses of a working woman, wife thrive and new businesses and mother. I am also so apopen, facilitating communipreciative of the support I ties’ growth and creating Yen Hoang receive at home from my new jobs for technicians. husband and my parents. While I She also teaches Sherwin-Williams’ don’t travel as often as some, I take EcoLean workshops and created the comfort in knowing that the ship still Sherwin-Williams Women’s Leaderruns without me when I’m gone. ship Council. She served as chair of Without support from my family and the council for two years and estabmanagers, I would not have been con- lished the “Week of Service” initiasidered for such a prestigious award.” tive for employees. Judy Folk was recruited by In addition to authoring articles Sherwin-Williams more than 30 published in Fixed Ops, Body Shop years ago to create a department Business and ABRN, Folk has prespecifically for shop layout and de- sented at NACE, SEMA and other sign. Coming from a career in retail, industry events and for the Sherwin-

Williams automotive sales team. A Since Hoang became the CEO 2012 career highlight was Folk’s of UYL Color, the company has recognition as “Woman of the Year” grown over 900 percent and been by the National Association of Profes- listed on Fortune’s fastest-growing sional Women. She currently serves inner city companies three years in a on the board of directors for the Na- row. tional Alliance on Mental Illness. The Hoang said, “I get to work alongamazing support and advice of family, side some pretty amazing people at co-workers, customers and Sherwin- UYL Color, and what I’m most proud Williams made this all possible. of is my employees’ commitment to Yen Hoang grew up in her fa- live by our mission—making it easier ther’s body shop, often helpfor our customers to be sucing out to pass the time. cessful. There’s such a deep Although she pursued a casense of obligation and comreer with a Big Four acpassion towards our miscounting firm, Hoang left sion, and I’m always taken the firm in 2010 to join back by their commitment to UYL Color, a paint supply fulfill these obligations for company that she founded our customers out of a sense Erica L. Schaefer with her father and brother. of real concern and care, no Her father “felt there was a dearth of matter how difficult the customer can service but also an opportunity to be.” serve the underserved, which means Hoang is also a member of the all [shop sizes]—not just the dealer- Houston Auto Body Association, ships who are accustomed to getting Auto Paint Exchange 20 group and service,” Hoang shared. “Being in several non-industry specific CEO the industry for almost 10 years now, groups as part of her efforts to enI can appreciate my dad’s vision and hance her knowledge of the industry support whatever endeavors neces- and as an entrepreneur. She partsary to continually have a positive nered with Microsoft to create a impact on our industry.” commercial for its Surface Pro while

Illinois

RAY SKILLMAN SOUTHSIDE HYUNDAI

Chicago 6750 W. Grand Ave.

877-678-9800 317-885-2303

MCGRATH CITY HYUNDAI

773-889-3070

Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm www.mcgrathhyundai.com

PATRICK HYUNDAI Schaumburg 1020 E. Golf Rd.

847-605-4055 847-619-4511 Fax

Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5pm www.patrickhyundai.com

The RIGHT

COLLISION PARTS

For Your Collision Job. Visit these Genuine Visit these Genuine Hyundai Parts Dealers:

Indiana

INDY HYUNDAI

Indianapolis 7101 E Washington St.

800-592-5170 317-536-1552 Fax

Greenwood 1300 US Hwy. 31 South

(317) 885-2308 Fax

Mon-Fri 7am - 6pm; Sat 8am - 1pm patrick_curry@rayskillman.net

Kentucky

DON FRANKLIN HYUNDAI Lexington 3340 Richmond Rd.

888-823-7335 859-263-5020 859-263-8527 Fax

Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm Sat 8am - 4pm rogerwalker@donfranklinauto.com

Ohio

CLASSIC HYUNDAI Mentor 8460 Tyler Blvd.

440-266-6750 440-266-6763 Fax

Mon-Thu 7am - 7pm; Fri 7am - 6pm Sat 7am - 3pm gregj@driveclassic.com www.driveclassichyundai.com

GANLEY WESTSIDE HYUNDAI North Olmsted 25600 Lorain Rd.

440-734-9375 440-686-3426 Fax

Mon-Fri 8am - 6pm nicholas.b@ganleywestside.com

Mon 8am - 8pm; Tue-Fri 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 1pm inss.partsmgr@rohrman.com www.indyhyundai.com

Hyundai Parts Dealers: autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

promoting UYL Color. On Interna- viewed as someone who’s influential At the urging of WIN’s Liz Stein, positive changes in whatever ways I tional Women’s Day 2017, Microsoft in it is so surprising to me,” she said. Schaefer attended her first WIN Edu- can. This award wouldn’t be possible recognized her as a leader leaving a “When I look at all those pictures cational Conference in 2014. Although if I didn’t have the support of my fampositive impact. lined up of women who’ve been hon- she was initially skeptical about how ily, various managers throughout my Previously employed in the med- ored over the years, I marvel at how WIN could benefit an OE, she acqui- career and all my industry phone-aical field, Kathy Mello began work- I fit into that category.” esced. friends. I have to thank them for making behind the scenes for TGIF Body Hoang joined WIN in 2012 at “It was a great experience,” she ing me be the best I can be. Everyone Shop when her husband founded the the recommendation of WIN mem- said. “I enjoyed many of the speakers, has the power to make a difference.” company in 1980. The business went ber and former MIW recipient Linda especially ones focused on work-life Schaefer believes it’s important on to grow exponentially when TGIF Sommerhauser. balance because that’s extremely im- for women to be involved in the colsigned its first DRP contract in 1989. Hoang recalled, “What initially portant to me. I was also able to meet lision repair industry because they By 1996, the company needed a new began as a keen interest in gaining a some strategic partners from various “bring color and passion to converlocation to accommodate its growth. better understanding of the industry sides of the collision world that sations, along with different points of With her children grown, Mello was eventually led to a sincere desire to Mopar has partnerships with. Net- view.” She encourages young women able to pursue a more active role in embrace WIN’s mission of working works. I’ve used interested in an automotive industry the business. fostering and advancing my connections throughout career to “find mentors, both profesMello admitted, “This industry women in the collision remy career and take comfort sionally and personally, who you can is something I would never have pair industry. I have never in always having a phone-a- bounce stuff off of and seek advice chosen had it not happened the way felt disadvantaged in any friend through my WIN con- from. Always seek the why; don’t acit did, but I really enjoyed it and way because of my gender, nections.” cept everything as fact. Investigate couldn’t understand why at first. race or age, but the reality is Schaefer feels humbled and find out the truth. Don’t stop After some soul-searching, I realized those factors are used to and honored to be named a learning and growing—23 years into Judy Folk I love helping people, and that’s judge people, and that mat2019 MIW. my career, and I still learn every day. what we do in collision repair.” ters whether you like it or not. HavShe shared, “It is human nature Seek what makes you passionate. Mello has learned about the in- ing to navigate the business world in to feel you aren’t doing enough or Work is more fun when you enjoy dustry by taking AMi training, ac- a male-dominated industry is chal- you could do things better, but this what you’re doing. Be dependable quiring mentors and attending as lenging but achievable when you be- award tells me that my efforts to help and accountable. If you say you’re many industry events as possible. lieve in yourself—your capabilities, improve the overall collision repair going to do something, do it.” She serves on the board of directors your value and your worth. WIN process and experience have not Folk added, “Not harnessing the for the California Autobody Associ- brings such a sense of camaraderie gone unnoticed, and it makes me perspectives of women on important See MIW Honorees, Page 56 ation and is a co-founder of WIN. that it makes it easy to be yourself and even more determined to influence “Just staying connected share your thoughts and pasis important,” she said. “I’m sion. I hope I can be a posigrateful that I’ve been able to tive influence for the women serve in different capacities I meet in WIN. in the community, but I see “I am genuinely humbled them more as opportunities to be considered amongst than as accomplishments. such an astonishing group I’m also very grateful for the of accomplished women! • Large Inventory • Experienced Staff Kathy Mello mentors who shared their Their work and engagement Ready To Serve You • Wide Delivery Area wisdom with me along the way.” in this industry are palpable and last• Competitive Prices • Free Local Delivery Mello attended a women’s in- ing, admirable and reflective of the dustry conference hosted by Assured award—influential! Personally, seePerformance in 2005. When the ing them has always given me pause ladies were encouraged to run with and made me ponder how I can recrethe idea, that’s exactly what they did. ate that influence for positive impact Mello recalled, “They say that in my own way.” when you show up, things happen; Folk has been involved with this was a happening. The conference WIN since its inception, and before was educational, and though none of that, she met with a group of female us was sure we belonged when it industry professionals at NACE each began, we knew we could make a dif- year. ference in the industry by the time it She shared, “WIN offered me the Call Us Today for ended. We started planning the next connection to other professional year’s conference, and within a year, women throughout the entire automoGenuine Hyundai Parts! www.patrickhyundai.com we had the conference set up as well tive industry. I am so humbled and exas a new entity, WIN, but we never cited that I was even nominated for Parts Hours: Parts Direct set out to start an organization—it the MIW award. Imagine my shock Mon - Fri: 7:30-5:00 just happened.” and excitement when I heard that I Parts Fax Being recognized as a 2019 MIW won! It means a great deal to me to be 1020 E Golf Road is an “unexpected honor” for Mello. recognized, especially by my fellow Schaumburg, IL 60173 “This is not an industry I would teammates, showing their support and have chosen, and the fact that I’m the confidence they place in me.”

847-605-4055 847-619-4511

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Your #1 Source

for Collision Wholesale Parts in Ohio

CLASSIC CHEVROLET

ยง Comprehensive Inventory of High Quality Genuine OEM Parts in our 70,000 sq/ft warehouse ยง Fleet of 23 Wholesale Delivery Trucks ยง Competitive Discounts on all GM Parts including: Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC Truck, Hummer & Pontiac

800 -951-7282 800-951-7282 24-Hour Toll Free Fax

PARTS DEPT HOURS: M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-1pm

800-352-7275

6877 Center Street // Mentor, OH 44060 autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Solving the Tech Shortage: CREF Brings Together Collision Repair Students & Prospective Employers by Stacey Phillips

Just over a decade ago, there were approximately 1,400 high school and college collision repair programs in the United States, according to Brandon Eckenrode, director of development for the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). The latest statistics show that number has dropped dramatically to roughly 1,000. Eckenrode frequently receives calls from concerned technical instructors who tell him that if enrollment doesn’t increase, their school programs will most likely be shut down and students won’t have access to the training necessary to work in the collision repair industry. As a result, CREF is taking steps to support these programs and ensure there will be enough students to help fill the overwhelming number of jobs currently available. “There are more opportunities than people available to fill these positions,” said Eckenrode. “We’ve heard from some of the school instructors that without our help and the different donations we support, their programs would be closed.” In some schools, instructors reportedly are only allocated $50 per student for the entire year. “It’s difficult for instructors to graduate a highly trained, entry-level staff member when they are facing limited budgets,” said Eckenrode who has worked with CREF since 2009. CREF’s roots date back to 1991 when the collision industry was also facing a critical shortage of qualified and well-trained entry-level employees and was initially focused on distributing I-CAR curricula to high school and college students. It was designed to teach the body shop skills required of entry-level employees. In 2008, CREF became a traditional, 501c3 philanthropic organization, working with industry partners to support high school and college collision repair school programs, students and instructors across the country. The first year, the organization raised $300,000. Since then, that number has grown to $100 million. More than 85 percent of what 48

has been raised comes in the form of in-kind donations, including tools, equipment, supplies, paint, estimating software and safety glasses. Eckenrode said schools desperately need

bring students and the industry together. Typically held in schools, neighboring high school and college students are invited to learn about the various career opportunities open to them. Initially, about 200– 300 students attended each event. Over time, this number has grown to include about 400-plus students. In addition to collision repair students, participants also include those interested in auto service and automotive heavy-duty diesel, which Eckenrode said has been successful in giving hiring companies a larger CREF encourages body shops to sponsor work uniforms for pool of potential employees students. CARSTAR Omaha/Lincoln donated new Cintas to choose from. tech shirts to automotive collision students at Metropolitan Those students who regCommunity College in Omaha, NE ister for the career fairs at these items, especially when faced least 30 days prior to an event receive with increasingly limited and shrink- new Cintas technician shirts to wear. ing budgets. Eckenrode estimates they have disEach year, interested schools tributed more than 75,000 of these complete a CREF survey to be eligi- shirts over the years. ble for monetary and in-kind donaThe uniforms have made a positions. The survey asks details about tive impact on the program, according their budget, enrollment and placement information so the organization can learn more about their situation and determine their needs. CREF then reaches out to a wide range of potential donors to fulfill the requests. Both traditional collision repair vendors and non-traditional businesses, such as flooring companies, have shown Genuine Nissan & INFINITI OEM their support over the years. Wholesale Parts are Superbly Ninety cents of every dollar Crafted to Strict Quality Standards. raised by CREF goes directly to the schools, students and instructors. NISSAN CREF has been recognized by Charity Navigator as a four-star (out of MINNESOTA four stars) charity due to its lean opEden Prairie Nissan erational expenses and ensuring that Eden Prairie as much as possible goes back to the 952-567-2150 schools. (952) 567-2197 Fax M-F 6:30-7 Not only have these donations parts@edenprairienissan.com made a significant impact on existwww.edenprairienissan.com ing school programs, but Eckenrode said they have also helped attract INFINITI new students to the industry and put ILLINOIS processes in place to employ the students after graduation. INFINITI of Naperville One of the main ways Eckenrode Naperville said that CREF is making a difference 866-874-6346 (331) 457-4661 Fax is through its career fairs. Over the M-F 7-7, Sat. 8-4 last few years, CREF began facilitatwww.buyinfinitiparts.com ing and organizing these events in tryan@auto-plaza.com major markets across the country to

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

to Eckenrode, because the students look like industry professionals and are treated with a new level of respect by their peers and school staff. “What we have heard from a lot of the instructors is those students attending these events were great motivators to make sure they stayed within the program,” said Eckenrode. “Instead of an instructor standing in front of class and saying there is an industry ready for you and wanting to employ you, students have the opportunity to meet these businesses first-hand and learn about the opportunities available.” Eckenrode said the goal is to continue increasing the number of career fairs held each year and track how effective they are. “Because these career fairs are open to not only seniors, but also students just starting out their technical careers, it’s not always easy to track the successes because students might attend the events, but not be immediately looking for work ,” said Eckenrode. “However, by attending the events, they see what is waiting for

The following dealers proudly stock genuine parts for your Nissan or Infiniti repairs.

WISCONSIN

Gandrud Nissan Green Bay

800-242-2844

(920) 785-5868 (920) 884-0882 Fax M-F 7-7, Sat. 7-2 nissanparts@gandrud.com

GENUINE SERVICE & PARTS

Laurel Auto Group of Westmont Accidents Happen

Laurel BMW of Westmont

Insist on Original BMW Parts and Accessories www.laurelbmw.com

(630) 654-5400

Laurel BMW of Westmont 430 E Ogden Ave., Westmont, IL 60559

www.laurelbmw.com

• Two Deliveries Daily • 17 Delivery Trucks

Truth in Engineering

Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-3

Phone: (888) 545.6900 Fax: (630) 655.5999

Audi Genuine Parts

Large Inventory of OEM Parts Quick, Courteous Service Knowledgeable Staﬀ Audi Westmont 276 E. Ogden Ave., Westmont, IL 60559 Parts Direct: (630) 230.2222 / Fax: (630) 655.5750 Hours: M-F 7-6 / Sat 8-4 www.audiwestmont.com

Mercedes-Benz of Westmont • Large Inventory • Exceptional Service 200 E. Ogden Ave Westmont, IL 60559 www.mercedesbenzofwestmont.com

Phone: Fax:

(630) 654.1039 (630) 654.8167

GENUINE PARTS

Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-4 autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

them and stay within the programs and are able to network with the participating companies.” A recent example came as a result of an event held in Tampa earlier this year. The Ferman Auto Group, one of the largest dealership groups in the U.S, hired eight students following one of CREF’s events. Eckenrode said the CREF team and supporters are continually working to enhance the career fairs. They recently started capturing students’ resumes and contact information electronically so companies that participate have access to the information and can follow up about job opportunities.

mation about I-CAR initiatives, including the local career fairs planned by I-CAR committees. Part of the expansion plans also includes holding career fairs in different venues, such as the Denver Auto Show, which was held in March. Through the partnership with the Colorado Auto Dealers Association, CREF had the opportunity to talk to parents and students who otherwise might not have been familiar with the industry and then showcase the different career paths available. Eckenrode advises shop owners and managers unsure about how to hire graduating students to find out about their local school programs if they haven’t already done so. For those in the industry who have hired technical students in the past and felt they weren’t prepared, he encourages potential employers to be persistent and work through the issues to help improve the programs. By putting in the CREF donated $1,000 to the collision repair program at time and showing their supTennessee College of Applied Technology in Shelbyville, TN, port, he said students will which was used to purchase equipment likely be more qualified Another recent addition is the in- when they graduate and better preterview sessions CREF has put into pared for the future. place during some of the career fairs. “It’s a matter of getting these In some cases, students have the op- businesses in front of instructors and portunity to participate in a mock in- schools and involved in advisory terview session while other times, boards as well as getting in front of one-on-one interviews are arranged the administrations,” he said. “What with hiring companies. we’ve heard, time and time again, is To help increase the number of that if the administration sees comevents per year, CREF is working panies interested in hiring these stuclosely with I-CAR committees to dents, there’s a better chance that create their own local career events. they will want to keep these proThe goal is to have one in every major grams running.” market. The next Solving the Tech In addition to attending a career Shortage column will feature infor- fair, especially if one is not yet availContinued from Page 36

Repair Headlines

completed. The same procedures would be used for weld bonding. The shunt pliers can be obtained from Dent Fix Equipment. The downloadable instruction sheet can be found at www.scrs.com. Go to technical resources, scroll down to technical information by topic— click on it, find destructive weld testing and open the PDF worksheet. I-CAR has two courses for those 50

looking for more training on topics mentioned above. Theory is studied in WCS 04. Class ST015L0 provides a hands-on skill test. Car-O-Liner, Chief Automotive and Pro Spot International have STRSW training that will give you credit on I-CAR’s alliance program. Following OEM procedures are essential in order to protect yourself, your business and your employees. Technicians should do destructive weld testing on MIG and STRSW welds. Email me with any questions at tcspeedster@gmail.com.

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

able in the area of the country where a body shop is located, Eckenrode said there are several ways to get involved and make a difference. For example, some collision repair facilities have sponsored new uniforms for students while many others have donated supplies, tools and equipment. “There are things [body shops] can do, working together with us, where they can help encourage students,” he said. “We’re all in this together, so having a collective force at the local level is where we think we are going to make the biggest impact.” The spring CREF career fairs have wrapped up; however, an initial list of markets where the events will be held this fall include (more expected to be added): St. Louis, MO (9/27) Gateway Motorsports Park - 700 Raceway Blvd - Madison, IL

Detroit, MI (week of 10/8) Oakland Community College -1200 Mead Rd - Rochester, MI Dallas, TX (10/17)

Mercedes-Benz Learning & Performance Center- Grapevine, TX

Northern California (10/22) Contra Costa College - 2600 Mission Bell Dr. - San Pablo, CA Southern California (10/24) Cerritos Community College - 11110 Alondra Blvd - Norwalk, CA Robbinsville, NJ (11/21) Mercedes-Benz Learning & Performance Center - Robbinsville, NJ Houston, TX (TBD) Chicago, IL (TBD)

Northern Virginia (TBD) Miami, FL (TBD)

To get involved with one of these events, help organize your own career fair locally, and/or be connected with your local collision school programs, you can reach Brandon Eckenrode at Brandon .Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org or 312-231-0258.

Choose Original MINI Parts. ILLINOIS Patrick MINI Schaumburg 847-605-4055 (847) 619-4511 Fax Hours: M-Sat 8am-5pm patrickMINI.com The Dealers Above Are Original MINI Parts Distributors

Truck Topics with Gary Ledoux

Truck ADAS Systems – the Good, the Bad & the Ugly Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), a computer-aided means of keeping a vehicle in its lane and preventing or mitigating collisions, is a relatively new concept in the automotive world and even newer for the trucking world. On the truck side, they are also commonly referred to as CMS or Collision Mitigation Systems. No matter what you call it, truck fleet managers, fleet owners and fleet safety departments are already sold on the concept. In fact, according to Brian Daniels, manager of Power Train and Component Product Marketing for Daimler Trucks North America, makers of Freightliner and Western Star trucks, 75 percent of the new trucks coming off their lines now have integrated CMS systems. Unlike the auto side, collision mitigation systems can also be retrofitted to older trucks.

At its semi-annual meeting and exhibition, on March 19, the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) conducted a panel discussion titled “Justifying, Implementing and Maintaining Active Safety Systems.”

The room held perhaps 750 people and had standing room only. Featured speakers were: • Chris Reynolds – Southeastern Freightlines (large fleet operator) • Rick Reinoehl – Covenant Transportation (large fleet operator) • Brad Aller – Bendix Systems safety systems (producer of ADAS systems) • Doug Donaldson – WABCO Americas safety systems (producer of ADAS systems) • Brian Daniels – Daimler Trucks (makers of Freightliner and Western Star trucks and Detroit diesel engines)

The Good Chris Reynolds, director of safety and security for Southeastern Freightlines noted that at first, he wasn’t entirely sold on the CMS concept. To test it, Southeastern retrofitted CMS systems in 10 over-the-road trucks and monitored them for six months. The result was a drastic reduction in accidents. Roll-over accidents were decreased by 40 percent, run-off-the-road accidents were decreased by 14 percent, and rear-end collisions were decreased by 22 percent. For 2018, one fleet manager noted 2.61 accidents occurred per million miles driven for those tractors without CMS technology. An average for all tractors was 2.03. But for those tractors with CMS technology, the accident rate went down to 1.05. Accident rates are sure to go down looking forward. In 2014, less

YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE AT THE FIRST REPAIR. Laurel BMW of Westmont

Westmont 630-230-2890 Direct Wholesale M-F 7am-6pm Sat 8am-3pm www.laurelbmw.com

Patrick BMW

Schaumburg 847-605-4055 847-619-4511 Fax M-Sat 8am-5pm

INDIANA

Basney BMW

South Bend 800-274-8504 574-273-5075 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm parts@basneyimports.com www.basneybmw.com

KENTUCKY

BMW of Louisville

Louisville 502-499-4552 502-499-4476 Fax M-Sat 8am-5pm bmwparts@louisvillebmw.com

CMS systems for heavy trucks now feature most of what is available for their smaller auto cousins, including: • Active Brake Assist, including full braking on stationary objects • Adaptive Cruise Control down to 0 MPH for stop-and-go traffic • Lane Departure Protection, steering the truck back into its lane after an inadvertent lane drift • Lane Keep Assist helping the truck stay centered in its lane

• Original BMW Parts & Accessories

Original Thought #78

ILLINOIS

than 30 percent of heavy trucks utilized a CMS system. In 2018, that’s up to almost 75 percent. Of course, there are still a lot of older trucks on the road that don’t have CMS and are probably too old to justify the expense, but the trend is definitely something to think about if you are a collision shop specializing in heavy trucks.

MISSOURI

Autohaus BMW

St. Louis 888-811-6199 314-880-8428 Fax M-F 7am-6pm brian.fischer@bmwautohaus.com

When you repair a BMW, use the parts that are identical to those used in Series production – and just as reliable. Choose Original BMW Parts and Accessories. Because you can’t repair your reputation.

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

• Traffic Sign Display providing limited traffic speed sign display in the dashboard • Intelligent High Beams alternates the use of high beams as needed • Video Capture from a forwardfacing camera trained on the road ahead • Side Guard Assist detects objects in the driver’s blind spot • Steering Wheel Sensor warns the driver when their hands have been off the steering wheel for too long

The good news for fleet managers is that all the data generated by the above systems on any given trip can be downloaded and collated into an easy-to-understand spreadsheet to see if the driver was operating his/her truck in a safe manner—or not. The Bad Some fleet drivers, especially those who have been in the business for a long time, don’t like the CMS systems. They claim that the constant beeping or flashing lights of the various warning signals drives them crazy. (One must ask, if they weren’t tailgating, going over the lane lines or waiting until the last minute to stop in traffic, would the warnings signals beep or flash?) Other drivers feel that the systems are too much like “big brother” looking over their shoulder. They like the freedom of the open road and feel that the systems are too intrusive on this freedom. Not to mention that all this data is recorded, can be easily accessed in a spreadsheet format and may come under the scrutiny of a company safety official. (It was suggested during the panel discussion that this information can be used to counsel an errant driver as well as reward a safe driver.) Seeing the advancement in CMS system technology and the proliferation across various truck lines, some drivers are afraid that these systems will put them out of a job. They have heard the beating of the autonomous vehicle drums and some fear that their days as drivers are numbered,

Don’t Miss the Weekly Industry NEWS Your Shop Needs. Sign Up Free Today! 52

making them fearful for their jobs and for the industry. However, fleet executives all agree that they are investing in the CMS systems to make driving safer for their own drivers, make the highways safer for the general public, protect the investment they have in equipment, and mitigate potential lawsuits resulting from traffic accidents. Chris Reynolds of Southeastern Freightlines noted that the cost of litigation for one accident can go a long way in paying for a CMS system. When an accident involves a truck, especially one that is part of a fleet, people look to the trucking company, the guys with the “deep pockets” to pin the blame on … even though the car driver may have been at fault. A quick search on YouTube came up with a dozen lawyers that specialize in trucking accidents and suing the truck companies. The Ugly Some drivers have learned enough about the various CMS systems to know how they work and have tried to defeat them. Some have put tin foil over the radar sensors or the camera lenses to keep the system from beeping and flashing. In one case, a driver did not have enough room to put tin foil over a camera lens but instead placed a business card in front of the lens. Of course it was inevitable … that driver was involved in an accident for which he was blamed. When the fleet manager and safety manager reviewed the video footage, all they could see was … a 30-minute video of someone’s business card. Training Brad Aller, director of fleet sales and service implementation and maintenance for Bendix, makers of CMS system, noted that drivers need to first be trained on how the system in their truck works, what to look for and how to react. If a driver is in the same truck day after day, they get used to it and know the system. However, if a driver is in and out of

AUTOBODY

www.autobodynews.com

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

several trucks over the course of days or weeks, they must learn the different systems and how each works. It was suggested during the presentation that there be some standardization of light and sound warnings across all systems to make them easier to understand. Repairing CMS Systems With so many systems and combinations of systems around, not to mention the fact that some systems come as standard equipment and some are retro-fitted, it is tough for a technician to know what system is in the truck they are trying to repair. It was suggested that a database be built by truck VIN number telling what CMS system was in that truck. Perhaps more basic than fixing a system that is down or malfunctioning is knowing when that system goes down or malfunctions. Some drivers may see that as a “win” when the system ceases to function. The answer seems to be a system monitor than provides the health of the system remotely to a fleet manager or fleet safety department.

CMS Systems Outlook The panel noted four issues that mark the future of CMS systems for trucks: • Each iteration of CMS system is getting better and more intuitive • Engineering safety into each truck is becoming the norm • Drivers can now be coached using hard data from these systems. Errant drivers can be corrected, good drivers can be rewarded, but in either case, the coach and all involved must understand the technology • Video continues to have a real value in claims cost. A video leaves no question as to what happened in an accident

Despite any issues or pitfalls, it looks like heavy trucks are on the same trajectory to the future as autos as far as CMS/ADAS systems are concerned. As long as humans are behind the wheel, there will still be accidents that need repair. Whether it is a semi-truck or an auto that needs repair, it will require a better understanding of the technology and repair protocols to properly repair these systems.

The Right PARTS A PERFECT Fit.

Order Genuine Mazda Parts from these Parts Specialists in your area

THESE DEALERS are GENUINE WHOLESALE PARTS SPECIALISTS.

OHIO

Brunswick Mazda Brunswick Toll Free

888-460-7080

Direct 330-460-7080 Fax 330-460-7082 M-F 8-6; Sat 8-4 www.brunswickautomart.com

Michigan

Sunshine Toyota 269-965-1000 BATTLE CREEK

269-441-1262 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm jody@sunshinetoyota.com www.sunshinetoyota.com

INSIST ON GM GENUINE PARTS ONLY ORIGINAL PARTS PROTECT THE VEHICLE’S VALUE.

Call Call Any Any y of of These These Wholesale Wholessale Parts Parts Dealers Dealers Below Below Kentucky

Michigan

Minnesota

Ohio

Bob Hook Chevrolet

BettenBaker Chevrolet Buick GMC

Rosedale Chevrolet

Joseph Chevrolet

800-247-0585

800-752-1423

LOUISVILLE

800-274-4665

502-499-0917 Fax

M-F 8 am - 5:30 pm bmaberry@bobhook.net

Don Franklin Buick GMC

ALMA

888-229-2336

989-463-0456 Fax

M-F 7:30 am - 6 pm dsitts@bettenbaker.com

ROSEVILLE

651-639-2120 651-639-2192 Fax M-Th 7 am - 8 pm F 7 am - 6 pm Sat 8 am - 4:30 pm rosedalechev.com

CINCINNATI

513-741-6735 513-741-3814 Fax

M-F 7:30 am – 5:30 pm Sat 7:30 am – Noon josephgmparts@yahoo.com

Missouri

Sweeney Chevy Buick GMC

HIGHLAND

Bob McCosh GM

800-476-0760

M-F 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Sat 8 am - 5 pm

734-793-6000 734-793-1101 Fax 734-793-1102 Fax

800-800-8071

Indiana

Shaheen Chevrolet Parts Warehouse

LEXINGTON

800-880-5020

859-263-5022 859-263-8527 Fax aworkman@wgautogroup.com

Schepel Buick GMC MERRILLVILLE

800-588-7757

219-769-7757 219-755-0339 Fax M-F 7:30 am - 5 pm parts@schepel.com

Iowa

Shottenkirk Automotive FORT MADISON

877-310-0513

888-945-3729 Fax

M-F 7:30 am - 5 pm gmparts@shottenkirk.com

LaFontaine Buick GMC Cadillac 877-552-2580

LANSING

COLUMBIA

573-449-4103 573-441-5632 Fax

M-F 7 am - 6 pm Sat 7 am - 3 pm gmparts@bmcmail.com

800-452-2828

Lou Fusz Buick GMC

M-F 7 am - 6 pm

800-325-1492

877-900-0718 Fax shaheenparts@shaheenchevrolet.com

Minnesota

Mills Parts Center WILLMAR

800-247-1158

866-235-6700 Fax M-F 8 am - 5:30 pm

ST. LOUIS

314-595-2795 314-595-2790 Fax M-F 8 am - 4:30 pm sean.speer@fusz.com

Ohio

Classic Chevrolet MENTOR

800-951-7282

800-352-7275 24-HR Fax M-F 8 am - 6 pm Sat 8 am - 1 pm

YOUNGSTOWN

330-726-2297 330-726-0709 Fax

M-F 7 am - 5 pm mattf@sweeneycars.com

VanDevere Chevy AKRON

800-362-9650

330-836-4064 330-836-4074 Fax

M-F 7:30 am - 5:30 pm chevyparts@vandevere.com

Wisconsin

Ivan Gandrud Chevrolet GREEN BAY

800-242-2844

920-468-3658 920-468-3673 Fax M-F 7 am - 7 pm Sat 7 am - 2 pm parts@gandrud.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Jeff Peevy Addresses Paradigm Shifts in Industry, How They Will Affect Collision Repairers Peevy stressed the importance of utilizing soft skills, especially for staff Jeff Peevy has observed many members who regularly deal with cuschanges in the collision repair in- tomers. These include good listening dustry over the course of his nearly skills, communication, phone skills, 40-year career. As the current chair- negotiating and problem-solving. man of the Collision IndusDue to today’s widespread try Conference (CIC) and use of social media, Peevy president of the Automosaid that making a mistake tive Management Institute with a customer can nega(AMi), Peevy regularly tively impact a business now talks to body shop owners more than any other time in and managers about the history. current issues they face. About six years ago, he Jeff Peevy, During a recent webibegan noticing that the more chairman of the nar, Peevy shared several forward-thinking collision Collision Industry Conference (CIC) shifts he has observed as a repair facilities focused a and president of result of these conversaportion of their training on the Automotive tions and his involvement teaching their administrative Management in the industry. Peevy then and customer-facing staff Institute (AMi) addressed how they are exsoft skills. The results were pected to affect future collision re- very positive. pairers. Not only was there better overall The free webinar was part of communication in the business, but Dave Luehr’s Elite Body Shop they also found that when technicians Academy’s “Elite Webinar Series” and everyone else in the shop listened and can be replayed by visiting www to one another and communicated .elitebodyshopsolutions.com/academy. better, employee retention improved. The shifts include a new focus “If a technician is uncomforton the customer experience, OEM able in an environment, the way it is certification expansion, the chang- typically handled is that person will ing type of work in the industry and leave,” said Peevy. “If technicians emerging liability issues. have better communication skills, they can sit down and communicate their feelings and often negotiate an New Focus on the Customer environment they are happy with, Experience During a typical day in a body shop, and as a result they will stay.” Peevy said one of the main chalemployees are hard at work ensuring vehicles are repaired properly, cus- lenges has been the lack of training tomers leave satisfied and great cycle available. This is especially true of online training since many of the time is maintained. When problems arise, Peevy staff members in these types of roles said that by nature, collision repairers aren’t in a position to travel to places typically look for solutions from a offering opportunities to learn about technical perspective and mindset. soft skills. Since becoming president of This is partially because technical training has become increasingly important AMi, Peevy said he has tried to build to keep up with new technology. Tech- on that opportunity for shops to have nicians are spending much of their time access to training in this area. learning about new equipment, repair procedures and process improvements. OEM Certification Expansion As a result, he said, many times it can Another paradigm shift Peevy has nobe easy to overlook a key element at ticed is in regard to the expansion of their facilities—employing soft skills. OEM certification programs. About “We all believe they are imporsix years ago, he said, car manufacturtant, but traditionally as an industry we ers began establishing shop networks. don’t use them,” said Peevy. “Instead, “For many of them in the past, it we try to solve everything from a techwas about selling parts,” said Peevy. nical aspect. We’re now realizing there “However, I’ve seen that changing is a customer experience that requires as OEMs are trying to protect their more than just technical skills.” brands.” by Stacey Phillips

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Statistics have shown that when someone is in an accident and has a negative collision repair experience, he or she will usually trade in the car once it has been repaired and then change brands about 60 percent of the time. “OEMs are trying to keep brand loyalty and want to be part of the customer experience,” explained Peevy. OEM certification programs are evolving from primarily focusing on the tools, equipment and training requirements to now putting new emphasis on the customer experience. “I expect to see more non-technical staff training requirements in the very near future,” said Peevy. Peevy tells repairers who are part of a certified network and question the return on investment (ROI): “With the growing vehicle communication capabilities, collision repair marketing is difficult enough as it is without being on the wrong side of the certified OEM list generated by your customers’ cars.” He encourages shops to become certified and take the necessary steps

to stay part of the OEM programs.

Changing Type of Work in the Industry From what he has observed, especially at CIC, Peevy said there is a new type of role developing in the shops—an electronic diagnostic technician. “The consensus is this is the perfect role for the younger generation that naturally gravitates toward computer software and the diagnostic process related to it,” said Peevy. According to the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI), next year the value of software and electronic components will exceed the mechanical components on average. In 2000, electronics and software made up only 23 percent of the value of a vehicle; 77 percent was allocated to the mechanical aspect of the vehicle that includes everything shops have traditionally worked on in the past. A decade later, electronics and software consisted of 45 percent of the value, while the remainder was mechanical. Next year, electronics and software are expected to make See Jeff Peevy, Page 57

Finish it like a Masterpiece THE DEALERS BELOW ARE MERCEDES-BENZ GENUINE PARTS SPECIALISTS.

USE GENUINE MERCEDES-BENZ PARTS. KENTUCKY

Tafel Motors, Inc. Louisville

800-368-2335 502-893-4704 502-894-6823 Fax M-F 7:30am - 6pm

mpatterson@tafelmotors.com

OHIO

Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Cincinnati

513-984-9080 513-984-9646 Fax M-F 8am - 6:30pm Sat 8am - 1pm

jjustice@mbcincy.com

Kia.com

Precise fit and finish, easy installation and a limited warranty direct from Kia— all genuine advantages of Genuine Kia Parts. Your local Kia retailer has all the parts you need. MISSOURI Lou Fusz Kia St. Louis

(877) 221-4151 (314) 595-4942 Fax

M, W, F 7am-8pm; Tu, Th 7am-6pm Sat 7:30am-4pm fuszkiaparts@fusz.com www.kia.fusz.com

Napleton’s Mid Rivers Kia

From headlights to tail lights, bumpers to fenders and hoods, there is no substitute for genuine. The only way to assure that you are getting Genuine Kia parts, backed by the Kia Warranty, is to order them from your local Authorized Kia Dealer. Contact your local Kia dealer for assistance and delivery of the parts you need.

St. Peters

(888) 816-9729 (636) 926-0683 Fax

*Genuine Kia replacement parts (except battery) sold by Authorized Kia Dealer under warranty are covered for the greater of (1) the duration of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or (2) the first 12 months from the date of installation or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Labor charges not included when not installed by an Authorized Kia Dealer. Warranty is limited. See Kia’s Replacement Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty for further details.

ILLINOIS

KANSAS

(708) 720-8972

(316) 652-2960

Hawkinson Kia Matteson

(708) 720-0657 Fax

M-F 7am-5pm www.suntrupkiasouth.com

(800) 728-7601

(517) 393-5700

M-F 7am-6pm; Sat 7am-2pm kweber@raymondchevrolet.com

(314) 815-3060 Fax

(316) 652-2992 Fax

Antioch

(847) 838-7997 Fax

St. Louis

(800) 727-8496

NO. DAKOTA

Wichita

M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-2pm wsturm@midwestkia.com

(847) 395-3600

Suntrup Kia

Midwest Kia

M, W, F 6am-5pm Tu, Th 6am-7pm; Sat 8am-2pm jmihas@hawkinsonnissankia.com www.hawkinsonnissan.com/ez-parts

Raymond Kia

M-F 7am-6pm; Sat 7am-3pm bprinster@napleton.com pschnare@napleton.com www.midriverskia.com

MICHIGAN Kia of Lansing Lansing

(517) 393-6767 Fax

M-F 7:30am-6pm mattr@lansingisyoung.com www.kiaoflansing.com

VanDevere Kia Akron

(330) 836-4064 (330) 836-4074 Fax

M-F 7:30am-5:30pm chevyparts@vandevere.com www.vandevere.com

WISCONSIN Bergstrom Kia of Appleton Appleton

(920) 993-3000 (920) 749-1588 Fax

M, Tu, Th, F 7am-6pm; W 7am-8pm; Sat 8am-5pm anoldner@bergstromauto.com www.bergstromkiaappleton.com

Russ Darrow Kia of Waukesha Waukesha

(262) 896-1151 (262) 896-1188 Fax

Jeff.krueger@russdarrow.com www.kiaofwaukesha.com

Kia of Fargo Fargo

(701) 282-5924 Fax

M-F 7am-5:30pm; Sat 8am-5pm

OHIO

Montrose Kia Sheffield

(440) 934-6699 (440) 934-5247 Fax

M-F 7:30am-6pm bgordon@gomontrose.com www.montrosekia.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

OEM Repair Parts and Procedures Bill is Now Law in Rhode Island Consumers in Rhode Island now have the right to choose OEM parts on insurance-paid repairs made up to 48 months after the vehicle’s manufacture date—and insurers must pay for them. The law extends this OEM option from its original 30-month time frame. Senate Bill 2679, along with its companion House Bill 8013, took effect on July 4 without the signature of Governor Gina Raimondo. Legislation passed in Rhode Island within ten days of adjournment can become law without the Governor’s signature after a waiting period of six days. According to Collision Week, amendments in the new law expand: • The definition of aftermarket and OEM parts to include any motor vehicle replacement part, removing the word “body” from the previous version of the law • The scope of the law to include Continued from Page 27

MEMA Fights

services could advertise such services as factory authorized, unless those reContinued from Page 46

MIW Honorees

business decisions will only hurt the automotive industry in the long run. The face of the consumer population is changing dramatically. Everyone knows the narrative about change— we’re living in it. The collision repair industry is becoming less about physical strength and more about technology, communications and customer service, which offers a great career path for women. “In the automotive industry, I recommend that young women don’t let themselves be intimidated. Stay steady and focused on what you want to do, continue learning and keep that vision in front of you. In any career, I’d tell them to stop worrying and to embrace the changes life throws at you.” Regarding women’s roles in the industry, Mello stated, “Women tend to be collaborative and nurturing by nature. The human side of the business is sometimes challenging for business owners, but a lot of women 56

any insurance claim, not just first party claims covered by the previous law • The time frame where insurers must provide written disclosure of the requirement to include and pay for OEM parts on an estimate to 48 months from 30 months

The bill also prohibits insurance companies from requiring a repairer to deviate from OEM repair procedure recommendations stating “When “OEM part(s)” are used in the repair of a motor vehicle, no insurance company may require any repairer to use repair procedures that are not in compliance with the recommendations of the original equipment manufacturer.” Motor vehicle glass repairs made by licensed glass repair shops are exempted from the new requirements.

pairs meet original equipment manufacturer specifications overseen by the Automotive Collision Repair Act.

We thank TransportationToday for reprint permission. bring solutions to that challenge to the table. Women are also detail-oriented and passionate. Including women in this industry is imperative so there’s opportunity for longevity as a career. “Surround yourselves with knowledgeable people, and create a support system for some of the challenges, including gender challenges, you might face. Fortunately, it seems like that ideology is departing and women are being more welcomed; many of the barriers to women entering the automotive industry have been destroyed. Surround yourself with people who can help you with any hurdles that might come along. WIN certainly does that since it’s one of the organization’s tenets.” Hoang said, “Our industry affects everyone, not just individuals in this industry. As women, we bring a different perspective, idea, opinion, voice and lens, which are all critical to adding depth and knowledge to an industry that is still predominantly run by men. We are so instrumental to the subversive changes that have been made and are yet to come. The inclusion of women, especially in our industry, is

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

First Responders Learn Rescue Skills at NABC

More than 100 first responders from across the Mid-Atlantic region gathered on April 26, 27 and 28 for information on accident scene first responder safety awareness. First responders saw demonstrations of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication, preparing them to provide the best response for car accident victims in the region, all thanks to the National Auto Body Council F.R.E.E.™ program, Interstate Rescue, Forest Volunteer Fire Department and HURST Jaws of Life. In crashes where minutes can spell the difference between life and death, first responders to the accident scene need up-to-date information so they can act quickly and safely. Knowing specifically where and how to efficiently cut, pry and extricate can make the difference in saving precious minutes and lives as well as the safety of the first responders.

therefore a necessity, not an option. “The automotive industry is experiencing a renaissance with the emergence of advanced technology upending what we traditionally know about autonomous driving, vehicle repair, self-driving versus ride-sharing and more. We need the vibrant youth and diversified perspectives of young women to continue to drive the innovation critical to every facet of the automotive industry to keep us ahead of the curve and prepared for the fastpaced, ever-changing world we live in. “My advice would be to learn from the experienced, but keep your fresh perspectives intact and vocalize them, especially when it differs from the seasoned voice. It’s not an easy thing to do, but we all have to be constantly challenged to improve together. When you speak with confidence, curiosity, and genuine interest towards the common objective, you will be heard. And when you inevitably feel like you are not being heard, don’t despair; continue to persevere!” Congratulations to these four spectacular women for being named 2019 MIWs!

Toyota Stops Plan on AI Technology

Toyota’s plans for a network that would allow vehicles to communicate with each other to avoid collisions has hit a roadblock. The company said on May 2 it was halting plans to install Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) technology on U.S. vehicles beginning in 2021. Toyota announced plans in April 2018 to begin the installation of DSRC technology in 2021 ‘with the goal of adoption across most of its lineup by the mid-2020s.’ Automakers were allocated a section of spectrum for DSRC in the 5.9 GHz band in 1999, but it has essentially gone unused. Toyota said the decision announced on May 2 was based on ‘a range of factors, including the need for greater automotive industry commitment as well as federal government support to preserve the 5.9 GHz spectrum band for DSRC.’

OHIO Brunswick Volkswagen Brunswick

Toll Free: 330-460-7080 Direct: 330-460-7080 Fax: 330-460-7082 M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-4pm www.brunswickautomart.com

Continued from Page 54

Jeff Peevy

up 60 percent. Peevy said there is a direct correlation between the value and the amount of work and time needed for the component repair. Although many industry veterans are concerned about the future industry because of the widespread changes happening and the direction it’s headed, Peevy said the younger generation’s skill set perfectly positions them to deal with it. Emerging Liability Issues Most in the industry are now familiar with the John Eagle Collision case, which has heightened awareness of the risk of being sued for an improper repair. Peevy said there is an additional liability that shops must take notice of and that he predicts will continue to grow at a blinding pace: who owns the data collected during a repair and what can be done with it. Some of the common types of data being collected include event data recorders, OBD diagnostic data,

location data, sensors, microphones, cameras, user recognition (fingerprints), mobile apps and telematics. Peevy found that more than half of the 308 shops he has spoken to since becoming CIC chairman are doing nothing to protect their businesses from the exposure of the data they are generating from the scanning process and then sharing it with third-parties without permission. “Over half didn’t even consider it might be a liability,” said Peevy. “It’s very real, and you need to protect your business.” The issue is currently being addressed by CIC’s newly formed Data Access, Privacy and Security Committee. Peevy recommends that shops learn more the potential liability and put a data privacy agreement in place after being reviewed by a lawyer (a sample of the ASA Pre and Post-Repair Diagnostic Scan Authorization Form can be found here: https://asashop.org/tools-resources /free-industry-tools/). A good starting point for shops, according to Peevy, is to ask the following: Do you share data and do you know who you are sharing your data

with? Do you know how they are using your data and if they are selling or distributing it to a third-party without your consent? Do you and all of your third-party partners have a data privacy agreement in place? Growing Benefit of Attending CIC In closing, Peevy said that with the shifts taking place in the industry and the speed they are occurring, it’s critical to increase a shop’s exposure and hear other perspectives. “CIC is a rare and unique forum to do that, and we don’t see enough collision repairers taking advantage of it,” he said. During the forum, he said all segments of the industry are working together to enable a complete, safe and quality repair. Everyone can come to the microphone, express an opinion, ask questions and make statements. “If you intend to stay in the collision repair business, you need to get involved,” said Peevy. “We need your voice. Stay in the know and don’t be a victim.” For more information about CIC and the active committees, visit https://www.ciclink.com/.

Continued from Page 33

Proposed Class Action

spond to requests for comment. Carfax declined to comment. Auto Remarketing reached out to compliance expert Randy Henrick for reaction to this development. A leading voice about compliant advertising practices, Henrick was Dealertrack’s regulatory and compliance counsel for 12 years and now conducts industry consulting at www.autodealercompliance.net. “The allegations, if true, would constitute serious violations by Volkswagen of multiple federal and state automobile consumer protection laws and regulations,” Henrick said via email on April 12. “In the aftermath of Dieselgate, it is hard to imagine that Volkswagen would perpetrate another fraud on U.S. consumers. Their reputation and possibly their survival as a viable brand in the U.S. market is at stake. “Trust is not a quality that can easily be regained, especially in the motor vehicle industry,” he added. Auto Remarketing staff writer Nick Zulovich contributed to this story.

Audi dealers strive to make you an Audi Genuine Parts fan. • Regardless of the age of your customer’s Audi, Audi dealers have access to over 200,000 part numbers and are supported by a nationwide network of distribution centers to help ensure non stocked parts are delivered the next day. Helping you do business is our business. Order Audi Genuine Parts from these select dealers.

Illinois

Missouri

Wisconsin

Audi Exchange

Kansas City Audi

Audi Milwaukee

Highland Park 847.432.5880 847.432.5708 Fax

Kansas City 866.949.9500 Toll Free 816.941.4969 Direct 816.942.3156 Fax M-F 7am-6pm Sat 8am-5pm

West Allis 414.543.3000 414.543.5150 Fax

gorejel@audiexchange.com

cfowles@molleaudi.com

M-F 7:30am-5:30pm parts@iamilwaukee.com

Audi North Shore Brown Deer 414.371.2277 414.355.9815 Fax M-F 7:30am-5:30pm rfritsch@audinorthshore.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

AUTOBODY MARKETPLACE

R E K C A R LYC

The Secrets of America’s Is now Greatest Body Shops avpuairclahablesefo! r

Waterborne Wax and Grease Remover SINCE 1985

Available from YOUR local Jobber or CALL: 973.335.2828 FAX: 973.402.7222 polycracker@netscape.com

by: Dave Luehr and Stacey Phillips

The Book That Will Challenge Everything You Know About the Collision Repair Business. Order your copy today and join the Body Shop Secrets community!

AUTOBODY

www.autobodynews.com

When all you need to do is move a vehicle, use:

www.bodyshopsecrets.com For more information, contact the authors at info@body

shopsecrets.com

Looking for Good Collision Personnel? •1,262 Collision Techs resumes online •1,295 Painters resumes online •1,177 Estimators & Mgs resumes online •11,256 Mechanical Tech resumes online

ACTautostaffing.com or 727-733-5600

FREE

4x Monthly E-Newsletter.

www.autobodynews.com

Advertise in our CLASSIFIED SECTION for $50 per column inch! Place an ad in our

> EASY TO USE <

SAVES YOU TIME AND MONEY

Go to www.forkliftwrecker.com and watch our video.

877.593.6959

AUTOBODY MARKETPLACE section of Autobody News. 800-699-8251

ltedesco@autobodynews.com

Call or e-mail now for rates: 800-699-8251 or ltedesco@autobodynews.com 58

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com