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Vol. 8 / Issue 2 / November 2018
One Way Collision Settles In at Brand New Facility in Merrill, WI
Panel Says Struggle to Get Paid for Scans a Subset of Larger Debate About OEM Procedures
by Jeremy Ratliff, Merrill Foto News
by John Yoswick
In the wake of an impressive fourmonth construction schedule beginning in mid-April and concluding in mid-August, on Oct. 3 One Way Collision owners Bob and Jane Dehnel were joined by Merrill Chamber of Commerce ambassadors for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at their newly finished facility at 2602 E. Main St in Merrill, WI. The new facility is nearly twice the size of One Way’s original facility on East First Street, spanning nearly 12,000 square feet.
Along with increasing efficiency, the new location will allow the Dehnels to double the capacity of their auto collision repair service and expand their auto paint service by adding an additional spray booth. The Dehnels plan to take full advantage of the extra space by adding additional services, including offering truck accessories such as push bars and running boards, and a new drivein estimate bay. Plans include the addition of 3– 4 employees, including an estimator, painter and auto body technician, See One Way Collision, Page 24
Self-Driving Cars Are Coming, But Developers Aren’t Reducing Parking Yet, Survey Finds
spend money preparing for the changes they will bring. That’s the conclusion of a recent survey of real estate professionals, despite the expectation that ride sharing and autonomous vehicles will drive down the need for parking in the decades ahead. Most office developers are still reluctant to foot the extra cost of building garages that A Lincoln MKZ outfitted with self-driving sensors. Despite can be converted to other the inevitability of autonomous cars, developers are still uses or even build smaller not reducing parking spots in the projects they build, a garages, said Andrea Cross, recent survey has found. Credit: Ryan Nakashima,
Self-driving cars may be inevitable, but few office developers want to
by Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times
Associated Press
See Reducing Parking, Page 27
For Wayne Weikel, the question isn’t whether collision shops should be compensated for the vehicle scans the automakers say are a part of proper repairs. Scanning, Weikel said, is just one aspect of OEM repair procedures that collision repairers should be following and for which insurance companies should pay. “Insurance companies have actuaries designed to price insurance policies. Auto manufacturers have engineers that can tell you how to fix a vehicle correctly. I don’t see how we conflate the two,” said Weikel, senior director of state government affairs for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. Shops, he said, shouldn’t be
Wayne Weikel of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers said collision repairers should follow OEM procedures—and be paid for doing so
placed in a situation of making the proper repair without proper payment. “That, we think, is wrong,” Weikel said. “The problem here isn’t whether there is a solution. The solution is that we need to use OEM procedures every time. The problem is making sure shops get paid for See Paid for Scans, Page 20
Jittery Days Remain for U.S. Auto Industry, Despite Trade Pact ‘Fight Over’, Ford Cutting Jobs by Bill Koenig, AdvancedManufacturing.org
The U.S. auto industry has seen one major headache go away. However, that doesn’t mean industry jitters have ceased. The Trump administration announced Sept. 30 that Canada will be part of a new trade agreement with the U.S. and Mexico. That will, essentially, preserve an automotive supply chain extending across the three countries that formed because of the North American Free Trade Agreement. “Aside from avoiding disaster, there really wasn’t much to gain or lose” in the new agreement, said Kristin Dziczek, a vice president of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR; Ann Arbor, MI) in an e-mail interview. “There will be some movement of supply chains to North American on the margins.” NAFTA will get new “brand-
ing.” It’s now going to be called the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. “USMCA. That’ll be the name, I guess, that, 99 percent of the time, we’ll be hearing: USMCA,” President Donald Trump said Oct. 1, according to a White House transcript. “It has a good ring to it.” Of course, Trump isn’t neutral. He criticized NAFTA when he ran for office. “I have long contended that NAFTA was perhaps the worst trade deal ever made,” he said in discussing the new deal. “To me, it’s the most important word in trade because we’ve been treated so unfairly by so many nations all over the world. And we’re changing that.” One Fight Down…
See Jittery Days Remain, Page 26
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NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
CONTENTS
Volvo’s 1st American Factory Starts Production in SC by Peter Brown, Electronics 360
REGIONAL
a Subset of Larger Debate About OEM
2 MN Chiropractors Sentenced to Prison for
Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Phillips - Leadership Development, Process-
AASP-MN Hosts Body Shop Session . . . . . . . . . 9
Centered Environment Enable TX Shop’s
AASP-MO Hosts Legislative Summit on State
Business to Grow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety Inspection Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 AC Auto Body Is Voted Best Auto Repair in Racine County, WI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Yoswick - Stats From 20 Years Ago Indicate Shop Labor Rates Haven’t Kept Up With Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Autonomous Mobility Initiative Created To Test Grand Rapids, MI, Readiness . . . . . . . . 16 CARSTAR Wins Best Auto Body Shop in Wichita, KS, for 3rd Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Columbus, OH, To Debut Driverless Shuttles This Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Fire Destroys Collision Center in Chardon, OH . 18 Gerber Collision & Glass Opens in Springfield, IL . 22 IABA Changes Meeting Format Across All Chapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 New Body Shop Receives Green Light From Pierre, SD, Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 One Way Collision Settles In at Brand New Facility in Merrill, WI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 St. Louis I-CAR Committee’s Job Fair Attracts 1,000+ Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Students Learn About Skilled Trades at Manufacturing Day in Macomb County, MI . . 24 Transportation Secretary Praised for Changing Automated Vehicle Policy in OH . . . . . . . . . . 22 Vehicle Damaged While Outside KS Body Shop . 62 WAC Learns About St. Louis Community College Automotive Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
All 2019 Civic Models To Feature Honda
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: Michelle Lucas Online and Web Content Editor: Rochelle Beckel 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. ©2018 Adamantine Media LLC.
Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Killer Tools & Equipment Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
AutobodyLaw.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Launch Tech USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Axalta Coating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 15
Laurel Auto Group of Westmont . . . . . . . . . . . 51
BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings . . . . . . . . 25
Luther Bloomington Acura-Subaru . . . . . . . . . 50
Bettenhausen Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Malco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Maplewood Toyota-Scion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Bob Hook Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Car-Part.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
McGrath City Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
CarcoonAmerica Airflow Systems. . . . . . . . . . 14
Mercedes-Benz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 34-35
Certified Automotive Parts Association . . . . . 26
MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Charles Gabus Ford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Mirka USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Chicago Pneumatic Compressors. . . . . . . . . . 22
Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . 58
Classic Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . 38-39
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Morrison’s Auto Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Courtesy Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . 65
Despite Trade Pact ‘Fight Over’, Ford
Dent Magic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
O’Reilly Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Cutting Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Diamond Standard Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Patrick BMW MINI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Dominion Sure Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Patrick Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Dynabrade, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Polyvance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
PPG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
EMS Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
RBL Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Equalizer Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Richfield-Bloomington Honda. . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Erhard BMW of Bloomfield Hills . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Robaina Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Erhard BMW of Farmington Hills . . . . . . . . . . 43
SATA Dan-Am Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes. . . . . . . 7
GYS Welding USA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Spanesi Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 30-31
Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . 63
Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . 62
Symach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Infiniti of Naperville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
The Sharpe Collection of Automobiles . . . . . . 55
Jack Phelan Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram
Toyota of Des Moines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Sensing Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 ALLDATA Wins 2018 PTEN Innovation Awards, Continues To Win at NACE . . . . . . . 65 ASA, AutoInc. Announce ‘Top 10’ Website Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 BASF To Host Educational Sessions at SEMA. . 27 CCC Collision Parts E-commerce Solution . . . . 62 Cox Automotive Estimates Vehicle Loss From Hurricane Michael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Dave Luehr ‘Simple, Effective Scheduling’. . . . 59 Florence Impact on Insurers Tempered by Mostly Uninsured Flood Losses . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GARMAT Celebrates 30 Years at SEMA with SEMA Specials, Sponsored Events . . . . . . . 37 Gerber Opens 2nd Location in Lafayette, LA . . . 3 Jittery Days Remain for U.S. Auto Industry,
New Windshield Patent May Change Auto Glass Repair, Replacement . . . . . . . . . 18 Over 70 Million Vehicles Are on the Road
COLUMNISTS Anderson - 4 Questions To Consider Ahead of Negotiating for Any ‘Not-Included’ Estimate Line Item . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Chess - Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding, Shop maintenance and Safety. . . . 42 Ledoux - 120 Years of Body-Building Changes . 63 Ledoux - OE Shop Certification Programs: Porsche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Panel Says Struggle to Get Paid for Scans
We thank Electronics 360 for reprint permission.
NATIONAL
With Open Recalls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Self-Driving Cars Are Coming, But Developers Aren’t Reducing Parking Yet, Survey Finds. . 52 Subaru Destroys 293 Ascent SUVs After Coding Error Leads to Unsafe Cars . . . . . . . 10 Volvo’s 1st American Factory Starts Production in SC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 WIN Kicks Off 2019 #ALLIN4WIN Membership Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Orchestrating Insurance Fraud Schemes . . . 12
Volvo Cars recently started production on its S60 mid-size sedan from the company’s first American manufacturing factory in Ridgeville, SC. The first cars will arrive at American retailers later this year with global distribution slated to begin in the spring of next year. Volvo has two manufacturing plants and an engine facility in Europe, three manufacturing sites and an engine factory in China and assembly plants in India and Ma-laysia.
The South Carolina factory is 2.3 million square feet and includes a body shop, paint shop, final assembly facility, vehicle processing center, office building and a Volvo Cars University, which has yet to be finalized. The Ridgeville factory will build Volvo’s next-generation XC90 SUV beginning in 2021, and both car lines will be able to produce up to 150,000 cars annually.
Autobody News Box 1516, Carlsbad, CA 92018; (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com editor@autobodynews.com
of Countryside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Jake Sweeney Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
VanDevere Kia-GM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Kelly BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . 64
Kia of Des Moines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
YesterWreck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Kia Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Zimmer Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram . . . . . . . . 68
autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
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Florence Impact on Insurers Tempered by Mostly Uninsured Flood Losses by Amy O’Connor, Insurance Journal
Insurance industry losses from Hurricane Florence, which hit the Carolinas mid-September as a Category 1 storm, will be manageable and not have a severe impact on insurers, according to experts. As the storm turned out to be less of a wind event and with flood excluded on most homeowners’ insurance policies, it is expected that insurers will not experience the significant losses that were initially feared. However, uninsured flood losses could cost nearly $20 billion, by some estimates. “All indications we have seen is [Florence] was more of a flood event than wind issue,” said Brian O’Neill, executive vice president for JLT Re’s National Catastrophe Practice. According to Fitch Ratings, wind speeds from Florence diminished as the storm approached the U.S. coast and Florence was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall in North Carolina on Sept. 14. Fitch said the level of wind-related damage to property is expected to be modest as a result of the significant decline in wind speeds, limiting losses to primary property insurance writers. Catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide estimated that industry insured losses from Florence’s winds and storm surge will range from $1.7 billion to $4.6 billion. Losses include downed trees that caused damages to homes and automobiles, downed utility poles and shingle loss with isolated cases of more extensive roof damage. Karen Clark & Co. said it expects insured losses from Hurricane Florence will reach $2.5 billion. That estimate includes insured losses to residential, commercial and industrial properties. CoreLogic said Sept. 24 that it estimates wind losses will total between $1 billion and $1.5 billion. State Farm, the number one insurer in both North and South Carolina, said in North Carolina it has received approximately 2,280 auto claims totaling about $2.5 million, and approximately 15,000 homeowner claims totaling $2.7 million related to Hurricane Florence as of Sept. 24. 4
In South Carolina, State Farm had received approximately 560 auto claims and 1,800 homeowner claims. The insurer has paid approximately $749,000 in homeowner claims and approximately $498,000 in auto claims as of Sept. 25. It expects these numbers will increase as customers discover and report claims/damage.
This enhanced satellite image made available by NOAA shows Hurricane Florence off the eastern coast of the United States on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018 at 5:52 p.m. EDT. Credit: NOAA via AP
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey said the North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association, the state’s insurer of last resort, had received 50,000 claims so far. “From a property insurance point of view, [Florence] is insignificant,” said Gary Marchitello, head of Property Broking for Willis Towers Watson. “Clearly from a number magnitude, dollar magnitude, it is not going to be significant at all to the insurance industry.” Fitch Ratings said it expects limited or no rating actions for the private insurance industry from Florence. Analyst firm Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW) said primary insurers will have “meaningful Florence exposure, but losses should be absorbed within 3Q18 catastrophe provisions.” Because of improvements in catastrophe modeling, Marchitello noted that “it’s becoming increasingly unlikely that a weather event or geological event would catch insurers off guard.” Flood Losses Fitch noted that flood losses will significantly contribute to overall losses from Florence as storm surge and historic levels of rainfall inundated
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
coastal areas as well as a significant number of inland counties, but most of these losses will be incurred by the National Flood Insurance Program or are uninsured. The slow-moving storm stalled over the Carolinas, bringing as much as 40 inches of rain in some parts. AIR said preliminary reports from the National Weather Service noted that more than 35.93 inches fell in Elizabethtown, NC, breaking the record set by Hurricane Floyd in 1999, and more than 30 inches of rain fell on Swansboro, NC. Many other locations received more than 20 inches. For many residents in the Carolinas, flood losses from Hurricane Florence will be uninsured as standard homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover the peril. The take-up rate for coverage from the NFIP is low. CoreLogic noted that NFIP insures a total of 445,000 residential and commercial policies in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, which was also impacted by the storm. Just over 134,000 homeowners in North Carolina have insurance through the NFIP, according to Causey. “I was very disappointed by the small number of flood insurance policies in force in North Carolina,” Causey said. “We certainly have much more water damage than wind damage, and unfortunately, these people that think they may have coverage when they file those homeowners’ claims are going to find out floods aren’t covered.” The take-up rate of flood coverage commercially is much higher, said Marchitello, as companies buy some degree of coverage, but that is usually subject to a sublimit. CoreLogic estimated total flood losses for residential and commercial properties in the Carolinas and Virginia will be between $19 billion and $28.5 billion. The catastrophe modeling firm said about 85 percent of the residential flood loss is uninsured and is estimated to total between $13 billion and $18.5 billion. Insured flood loss covered by the private insurance market will total about $4.5 billion to $7.5 billion in North Carolina and about $1 billion to $2 billion in South Carolina, CoreLogic said. Its analysis includes residential
homes and commercial properties, including contents and business interruption and does not include broader economic loss from the storm. Neither AIR nor KCC included NFIP flood losses in their loss estimates. Causey said the NFIP had received 10,000 claims in the state and paid out about $10 million as of Sept. 25. The Associated Press reported that North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said that nine of the state’s river gauges were at major flood stage and four others were at moderate stage as of Sept. 22, while parts of Interstates 95 and 40 will remain underwater for another week or more. Economic Losses AP said an economic research firm estimated that Hurricane Florence has caused around $44 billion in damage and lost output, which would make it one of the top 10 costliest U.S. hurricanes. The top disaster, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, cost $192.2 billion in today’s dollars, while last year’s Hurricane Harvey cost $133.5 billion. Moody’s Analytics estimates Florence has caused $40 billion in damage and $4 billion in lost economic output, though the company stressed that the estimate is preliminary and could go higher or lower, AP said. In South Carolina, the AP reported crop damage was estimated at $125 million so far, according to Gov. Henry McMaster. North Carolina likely won’t have preliminary crop damage estimates until early October, state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler told the AP in September. Five of North Carolina’s top six farming counties are within the hardest-hit areas in the eastern part of the state. “I think it’s easily going to be in the billions of dollars,” Troxler said in an interview with AP, calling the damage “catastrophic” and “unbelievable.” South Carolina Gov. McMaster has estimated damage from the flood in his state at $1.2 billion, AP said. We thank Insurance Journal for reprint permission.
www.autobodynews.com
autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
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Columbus, OH, To Debut Driverless Shuttles This Winter by Adora Namigadde, WOSU Public Media
Driverless vehicles are coming to Columbus, OH. The green and white self-driving shuttle unveiled by Smart Columbus on Sept. 19 looks something like a small, rectangular minivan. A lot of windows and the logos
three-phased series of pilots to be introduced in the city.
How do they work? May Mobility, an Ann Arbor startup, will supply the shuttles to Columbus. The company runs a similar shuttle service in Detroit, which just carried its 10,000th rider. CEO Edwin Olson said 21 different sensors look out onto the roads from the bus. “If we stand in front of the vehicle, you’re going to be visible to about five or six different sensors all at the same time,” Olson said. “Many of those are LiDAR. So LiDAR is shooting out little pulses of light and baSmart Columbus, which is working to innovate transportation sically timing how long it in the city, unveiled the driverless shuttles at an event Sept. takes for the light to go out 19. Credit: Adora Namigadde, WOSU and come back.” of partner organizations decorate its All the sensor data returns to a sides—Smart Columbus, DriveOhio, computer in the middle of the vehiMay Mobility. cle that observes the environment The interior reveals six seats: and predicts how people will behave four in the back that face each other in the future. and two in the front—one for a pas“We can then decide, ‘Hey, is senger and one for a fleet attendant this a good time for us to go into the who will be able to assume control left lane? Should we stay in our curof the vehicle. It’s a shuttle that key rent lane? Should we speed up? players hope to see more of through- Should we slow down?” Olson said. out the state. “The more data we’ve got, the more predictions we can make, the better behavior from our vehicle.” The shuttles won’t be entirely without a human presence. A fleet attendant will sit in a front seat to help people become accustomed to the driverless technology. “Their primary job is to help customers feel comfortable, espeThese driverless shuttles, which can hold five cially [because] the technology’s people and a "fleet attendant," will circle new; sometimes people don’t know Scioto Mile beginning in December. Credit: how to interact with an autonomous Adora Namigadde, WOSU car,” Olson said. Three battery-powered self-driBut the attendant can take over ving shuttles are scheduled to oper- the vehicle with a small controller atate daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. tached with what looks like bicycle starting in December, driving around handlebars. Olson said the fleet atthe Scioto Mile. The 15-mile-per- tendant may drive the shuttle from hour self-driving shuttles will con- the garage to the road before having nect COSI, the Veterans Memorial, the driverless technology take over. Smart Columbus Experience Center and Bicentennial Park. Benefits to Columbus That three-mile route is not cur- Engineers will test the shuttles in Ocrently served by COTA buses. tober, and they expect to offer public According to Smart Columbus rides in December. Davis said the Director Jordan Davis, the self-dri- shuttles will provide another downving shuttle system is the first of a town transportation option. 6
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
“I think we’re gonna find unintended benefits, that people use it from the parking lot to get to downtown or people use it to go to the restaurant to get into Franklinton,” Davis said. Davis said there are two goals with the driverless shuttle service.
Darryl Neal, a member of the Transport Workers Union, says driverless shuttles aren’t safe - even with a fleet attendant. Credit: Adora Namigadde, WOSU
“What we’re really looking to do is educate the public about selfdriving technology, but also to learn as a city as other interested parties in the technology,” Davis said. The shuttle system rollout costs $550,000, according to Davis. The
Columbus Partnership and DriveOhio are co-funding the effort. Smart Columbus, the city’s transit innovation project, is funded through a $40 million grant from the Department of Transportation. How essential is the human element? While city leaders are excited about the possibilities, Columbus transit workers look warily on the autonomous shuttles, fearing that eventually city buses will become driverless. On Sept. 18, the Transport Workers Union of America formed a statewide coalition with the goal of stopping driverless buses from hitting the streets. Union member Darryl Neal, who has driven a COTA bus for 10 years, says a fleet attendant is not enough. “Just a couple of months ago, I found a suspicious device on my coach at the end of the line,” Neal said. Police came to investigate and locked down the bus. “We got the all-clear probably See OH Driverless Shuttles, Page 15
autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
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WAC Learns About St. Louis Community College Automotive Program by Chasidy Rae Sisk
On Sept. 18, Women in Automotive and Collision (WAC) held its monthly meeting in the automotive department at St. Louis Community College –
WAC leaders pose with collision instructor Ken Neuman (rear) at South County Tech’s Option Night (WAC members pictured left to right: Shelly Jones, Sheena Wagner, Jess Crump)
Forest Park in St. Louis, MO, featuring presentations by the department chair and a current student. According to WAC Secretary Kelle Oeste, “This last meeting was one of my favorites. I enjoyed this meeting because I had never been to
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this campus before and was excited to see the facilities. I also enjoyed meeting the instructors and a current student, Lilly, who is young, passionate about the automotive industry and eager to fix problems on customers’ cars. I loved seeing her enthusiasm.” The meeting began with Automotive Studies Department Chair Rick Anthes providing a presentation on the college’s program. According to WAC President Shelly Jones, “We learned of events that he participates in and came away with a plan on how we can get involved. [Lilly] spoke to the group to give us insight on her journey. Our members feel like it is important to understand the challenges that a student, especially a female student, has in choosing an automotive vocation over other college degree offerings.” WAC members were also excited that guests from all over the country attended their September meeting while they were in town for the St. Louis I-CAR Career Fair and NHRA races. During the open floor discussion, a guest, Lisa Fergusson of ABRA in Pennsylvania, shared information about industry career fairs that she coordinates and provided
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Dinner was supplied by WAC Marketing Coordinator Sarah Young of Original One Parts. WAC’s September meeting kicked off a school circuit that the association has begun. Each meeting through January will be held at a different school with an automotive or collision department. Jones explained, “Our plan is to understand the programs available, learn how we can support the program and instructors, hear from at least one current student and encourage students to become WAC members at no charge.” WAC members gathered at St. Louis Community CollegeWAC’s October meetForest Park for their September meeting ing will be held on Oct. President Jess Crump, manned a 16 at South County Technical High booth at South County Tech’s Option School. WAC will meet at Lewis and Night, and Crump and Wagner also Clark Career Center in November. hosted a WAC booth at Jefferson The group’s December Christmas College’s Career Fair. WAC Treas- Gala will be held at V8 Speed and urer Julie Hemann discussed WAC’s Resto Shop, and its January meeting table and the success of their photo will take place at Ranken Technical booth at the Enterprise Rent-A-Car College. Golf Tournament. The group also finalized plans for the St. Louis I-CAR For more information on WAC, visit Committee Career Fair on Sept. 21. the group’s Facebook page. great tips in case WAC decides to host such an event in the future. The meeting also included a recap of recent events in which the association has participated. Jones, along with WAC Sponsor Coordinator Sheena Wagner and WAC Vice
AC Auto Body Is Voted Best Auto Repair in Racine County, WI by Pete Wicklund, The Journal Times
Tony Coey knows that bigger is not always better. Yet over the years, he has expanded his operations on South Memorial Drive in Mount Pleasant, WI,
Anthony A. Coey is shown outside his business, A C Auto Repair, 2819 S. Memorial Drive, Racine, WI. Credit: Pete Wicklund, Journal Times
to meet customer demand. He even bought a former warehouse, two doors north of his main facility, where he has stationed a couple of mechanics. Between his flagship auto body business, the auto repair division and the car sales lot on Durand Avenue, Coey now employs 23 people. They are needed because AC Auto Body is typically scheduling work out two to three weeks ahead. There’s that much demand— and customer satisfaction—for the work that’s done at AC. So what’s the secret to the business’ success? “To be honest with you, there are so many mechanics that try to rip you off. Like my grandpa always said, you treat people the way you want to be treated and it will be good. He taught me good,” Coey said. A good crew is also important— and it’s definitely a family affair at AC. Six family members and one of Coey’s buddies from his high school days nearly 40 years ago are employed at AC. Tony’s daughter, Ashley Coey, runs the office with the help of his niece, Tia Verikas, and Miranda Nobile, who recently joined the staff from a Kenosha auto parts business.
Investing in the business and keeping up on new technology are also important. In fact, in September, a new state-of-the-art spray booth was being installed. “It practically does it itself. That will be nice,” Coey said.
NOTE: Best of Racine County is an annual project of The Journal Times. From July 22 through Aug. 4, readers were invited to enter their choices online at www.journaltimes.com and on a paper ballot that was published in The Journal Times on July 22. AC Auto Body received the most votes in its category from The Journal Times’ readers. We thank The Journal Times for reprint permission.
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AASP-MN Hosts Body Shop Session by Chasidy Rae Sisk
On Sept. 19, AASP-MN hosted a Body Shop Session at Grumpy’s Bar & Grill in Roseville, MN. Forty collision shop owners and managers attended to learn about what the Minnesota Department of Commerce does, focusing on the department’s role in regulating insurer claims practices. Attendees also received an update on the association’s current initiatives and upcoming events. Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Commerce were present to explain their role and jurisdiction, how to file a complaint with them, the importance of well-written documentation and the department’s process for handling complaints, including what shops can expect after filing a complaint. The representatives also shared information about some recent enforcement actions that pertain to the collision repair industry. For more information on AASP-MN, visit aaspmn.org.
autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
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St. Louis I-CAR Committee’s Job Fair Attracts 1,000+ Students by Chasidy Rae Sisk
On Sept. 21, the St. Louis I-CAR Committee hosted its 2018 Gateway Automotive and Collision Job Fair at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, IL. A dozen schools attended the job fair, bringing 780 automotive and collision students and 250 STEM students from local schools.
Students arrive at St. Louis I-CAR Committee’s 2018 Gateway Automotive and Collision Job Fair
According to St. Louis I-CAR Committee Chair Shelly Jones, “This job fair is important, as it engages students, employers and companies that rely on a healthy automotive industry, and proceeds benefit the collision programs at area schools. “Gene Slattery, education coordinator for the committee, led the job fair subcommittee through planning and execution. Leading up to the event, Gene and I spoke at some of the schools to prepare the students for the day of activities and interviewing. The 780 students that the committee invited all wore our custom t-shirt that we provided them. We find that students and instructors proudly wear their t-shirts throughout the year. Their excitement about attending the job fair and race track is shared with their friends and family.” St. Louis I-CAR Committee Vice Chair of Marketing Sarah Young added, “The event was a huge success. From the early organizing to the actual event, everyone on the committee did a great job of making sure the students who attended had the best possible opportunities throughout the day. This was my first time at the I-CAR STL Job Fair, so I didn't know what to expect, but it was a great success. I particularly enjoyed watching the expressions of eager students as they 10
talked with potential employers and especially during the special guest speaker.” Held during NHRA qualification races, the event featured a speech by Top Fuel racer Antron Brown. Slattery noted, “Just imagine 780 students walking through the NHRA pits, asking questions and handing out resumes to all the pit crews. They were the talk of the drag races.” “Any time we can put faces with a cause is key. In this industry, there is so much need for furthering the future, from technicians to office personnel,” Young pointed out. According to Slattery, this type of event is important to the industry because it provides an opportunity “to interview students for jobs in the automotive and collision industry, to promote the industry to prospective students at the schools and to promote the industry to local vocational and technical schools and colleges.” The day began with guest speakers, followed by I-CAR tent interviews, lunch in the I-CAR tent and private interviews with the 36 sponsors who had booths and conducted interviews with students. Jones pointed out, “For our partners, this is an opportunity to hire for immediate openings and to build a strong bench of potential employees.”
NHRA-ARMY speaks to students before they arrive at the job fair tent
Students were given guides as a lasting reference. Slattery explained, “In the guide, we list all the partners who were there to interview them. The students can network with them for future employment.” Young noted, “As the students flooded in, there were several engaged discussions with employers looking for quality hires, which allowed for the students to also learn more about the industry roles they might not have been aware of during
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
their studies.” Participants responded favorably to the job fair. Garry Briscoe of Lake Career and Tech Center in Camdenton, MO, wrote to the St. Louis I-CAR Committee to express his gratitude: “I just wanted to thank you and the team that put together
fair and the actual race. Several mentioned that they had talked to crew members, who had confirmed what Antron Brown had stated about the power of being dedicated and having great work ethics. We had 42 students with us this time and at no point were there any discipline issues or lack of interest in why we were there. This is a lifechanging event for many of my students. It expands their knowledge of the outside world, as we are from a rural area. Although I emphasize it, many of my students do not realize the true size and scope of our industry—this trip does wonders toward Students visit WAC’s booth during the St. Louis I-CAR Comconfirming that.” mittee’s 2018 Gateway Automotive and Collision Job Fair The St. Louis I-CAR this year’s career fair. In class this Committee is grateful to all who morning, we reflected on what my made this year’s Gateway Automostudents learned and experienced tive and Collision Job Fair such a during our trip, and I was awestruck huge success. Jones stated, “Special thanks to with the detailed responses that I reGene Slattery and Doug Slattery ceived. My students were amazed at the from ATI for all their work throughresources utilized to put on the career See Job Fair, Page 21
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2 MN Chiropractors Sentenced to Prison for Orchestrating Insurance Fraud Schemes
On Oct. 2, United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the sentencing of Preston Ellard Forthun, 40, and Adam John Burke, 34, for their roles in two separate multimillion dollar insurance fraud conspiracies. Forthun was sentenced to 60 months in prison and Burke was sentenced to 90 months in prison. Both defendants were found guilty last
sioner Jessica Looman. “These sentences send a strong message that health insurance fraud is a serious crime and those who perpetrate it will be investigated and prosecuted. The Commerce Fraud Bureau will continue to aggressively pursue criminals who scam Minnesotans.” “The defendants took an oath to help—but their scheme defrauded all of us, and today’s sentence shows that
“These chiropractors put personal greed above their professional duty,” — Erica H. MacDonald
year following separate jury trials before Senior Judge Michael J. Davis in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, MN. U.S. Attorney MacDonald said, “Mr. Forthun and Mr. Burke are two medical professionals who chose to cater to their own greed above their patients’ chiropractic care. Today, they are faced with the consequences of their criminal actions.” “These chiropractors put personal greed above their professional duty,” said Minnesota Commerce Commis-
there are severe penalties for those who seek to defraud the system,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jill Sanborn. “I want to thank the entire team who worked tirelessly to unwind this scheme and get us to where we are today.” As proven at trial, Forthun and Burke, both licensed doctors of chiropractic, devised separate schemes to defraud automobile insurance companies by hiring patient recruiters, known as “runners,” to solicit automobile accident victims to
CARSTAR Wins Best Auto Body Shop in Wichita, KS, for 3rd Time
CARSTAR Collision Specialists in Wichita, KS, was voted the firstplace winner for “Best Auto Body Repair Shop” in the Transportation category in a Reader’s Choice Competition by the Wichita Eagle newspaper in Wichita, KS. This is the third year in a row CARSTAR was chosen by the Wichita Eagle. The 2018 Reader’s Choice Competition is sponsored by the local newspaper. Each year, the publisher collects votes on the “best” businesses and services in Wichita. The 175 categories include transportation, food, entertainment, health and service providers. This was the eighth year of the competition. “We are excited that our shops were chosen the best body shops in Wichita once again,” said Greg Petersen, owner, CARSTAR Collision Specialists East and CARSTAR Collision Specialists West. “Our dedicated staff at our two Wichita locations provide quality repairs and take the stress out of having an accident. We are honored that our customers voted for us.” 12
The Reader’s Choice competition is a pure, audited, popular vote. It is Wichita’s largest and most established contest. Online voting was done July 20–August 13. More than 87,000 Wichita Eagle readers cast their votes. A special online directory announced the winners on Sept. 21. A newsprint tabloid on Sept. 28 published lists of all the winners and favorites chosen. CARSTAR was chosen the first place winner for receiving the most votes. CARSTAR Collision Specialists have two locations in Wichita. CARSTAR Collision Specialists East is located at 606 N Webb Road and CARSTAR Collision Specialists West is located at 8923 W Kellogg. For more information on these two locations, please visit www .kscarstar.com. CARSTAR Collision Specialists also received the prestigious Integrity Award Winner in 2013 from the Better Business Bureau.
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attend treatments at their clinics. Forthun and Burke paid the runners for each patient they recruited, and the runners in turn typically paid the patients to induce them to attend treatments at the clinic. Both fraud schemes were structured in a way that would maximize their clinics’ billings to insurance companies. Knowing that the runners were paying patients, Forthun and Burke withheld kickback payments to the runners until after the patients had attended a certain number of treatment sessions. Thus, the kickback payments were intended to ensure that patients came for treatments at the defendants’ clinics because of the payments, as opposed to the necessity and reasonableness of the treatments. As a result of their fraud schemes, Forthun and Burke billed millions of dollars to the automobile insurance companies. These cases are the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Commerce Fraud Bureau and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Minneapolis Police Department, Saint Paul Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations provided additional assistance.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Kokkinen, Amber M. Brennan and David M. Maria. Defendant Information: Preston Ellard Forthun, 40 Bloomington, MN
Convicted: • Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, 1 count • Mail fraud, 6 counts • Wire fraud, 7 counts Sentenced: • 60 months in prison • Two years of supervised release • $1,553,500 in restitution Adam John Burke, 34 Minneapolis, MN
Convicted: • Conspiracy to commit mail fraud, 1 count • Mail fraud, 12 counts Sentenced: • 90 months in prison • Two years of supervised release • $991,530 in restitution
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Transportation Secretary Praised for Changing Automated Vehicle Policy in OH On Oct. 5, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) praised U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao for changing the previous administration’s automated vehicle policy. The policy would have placed Ohio’s Transportation Research Center (TRC)—the largest and most sophisticated independent vehicle proving ground in North America— at a competitive disadvantage for certain partnership and funding opportunities that are important to the development of safe and effective regulations for this emerging technology. Portman had been advocating for the change, including sending a letter in July with his Ohio delegation colleagues urging Secretary Chao to change the previous administration’s policy. In January 2017, on the final day of the Obama administration, then-Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx released a list of 10 sites to be designated automated vehicle (AV) proving grounds. The previous administration purportedly set out to designate these proving grounds in order to advance shared, national
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goals concerning the safe deployment of automated vehicles. However, Senator Portman was critical of this last-minute policy announcement because Ohio’s Transportation Research Center was notably omitted from this group. Senator Portman released the following statement praising Secretary Chao for reconsidering the previous administration’s policy: “Secretary Chao and the Department of Transportation should be able to determine its partners for testing this new technology based on merit, not favoritism, and I commend them for leveling the playing field with this announcement. TRC’s decades of vehicle testing and wealth of relevant expertise are second-to-none, and the Department of Transportation should be able to partner with them if they choose. It’s in our shared interest to work together to create the safest, most effective AV policies that promote American industry and protect human life. I am confident that there is no better place to find a partner in this mission than the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty.”
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
AASP-MO Hosts Legislative Summit on State Safety Inspection Program by Chasidy Rae Sisk
On Sept. 19, AASP-MO hosted a legislative summit and state safety inspection program at the St. Louis Community College at Forest Park in St. Louis, MO. According to AASP-MO Executive Director Ron Reiling, the purpose of this event was “to educate our legislators on the actual repair trends and repairs that we experience every day and to separate the myths from the facts concerning the Missouri state safety inspection program and its effectiveness. We planned this because during the last session, legislators made misinformed comments, and opinions came forward that are very inaccurate. During the event, we had an opportunity to discuss the misinformation that followed the bill last session.” The event was well-received and very informative for legislators. “Those that attended did a great job of educating and informing our legislators and all participants,” Reiling shared. “AASP-Missouri State President Mike Moehlenkamp conducted a live safety inspection for our
guests. The members shared what they see on a daily basis and what safety items the motoring public decline to have repaired, though they continue to operate the vehicle unrepaired. We had a good mix of attendees with incumbents, candidates, shop owners, MSHP and educators in attendance. It was a great sharing of information and corrections made to items they had heard during the legislative process last session. It really opened their eyes to hear from the shop owners of what they see on a daily basis, including the types of required repairs that are declined and safety issues ignored.” AASP-MO is grateful to Forest Park Community College for hosting the event and to Chris Rogers from Chapman & Sander Insurance for sponsoring the evening. Reiling believes association events are important to members and the industry as a whole, “especially when working on a legislative issue. Industry unity is very important, as is keeping our members informed and representing them on issues.” For more information about AASP-MO, visit aasp-mo.org.
IABA Changes Meeting Format Across All Chapters by Chasidy Rae Sisk
In September, the Indiana Auto Body Association (IABA) hosted five chapter meetings, but things were a bit different than they had been in the past. IABA President Doug Martin explained, “We have changed the way our meetings are structured to ensure all chapters have the same content and some continuity in the material, but each meeting had some different content as well. Each chapter liaison is responsible for setting up content that their audience would like.” Each meeting features an Industry Update, Operations Showcase and Education Source of the Quarter. The September 2018 Industry Update featured discussions on industry legislation and laws, specifically Rhode Island’s bill to prevent insurers from mandating the use of aftermarket parts less than 48 months beyond manufacture date without owner’s consent, Illinois House Bill 4926
and Indiana Senate Bill 164. According to Martin, “We are creating talking points with legal and legislative happenings around the country. We made sure to focus on why they are relevant to the shop owners and managers in Indiana and why it is important for Indiana to continue to work more efficiently with lawmakers to protect consumers in regard to collision repair.” The next section showcases operations that are often forgotten. “We discussed the need to remove electronics within 12 inches for welding (18 inches for Toyota), welder set-up and test weld destruction,” Martin recalled. “Our goal is to help shops understand the safety aspects of these operations and the liability if they do not follow them. “For the education spotlight, we chose CollisionHub for this quarter. We feel the shops can find a lot of value in their videos and monthly industry updates. The last thing on the shared agenda was to discuss our partnership with CREF
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and the matching funds from AkzoNobel. We are raising funds for the vocational schools in Indiana with collision repair programs. Akzo has pledged to match up to $25,000 in funding for the programs that apply. We have until the end of this year to raise the money.” The Indianapolis chapter, Bloomington chapter and Fort Wayne chapter all included additional information on OEM research, new position statements on scanning and GM’s certification program. During the Northwest Indiana chapter’s meeting, Charlie Whittaker from AkzoNobel presented on OEM research, negotiation with OEM procedures and the NABR’s VRS portal and its ability to show paid procedures. The New Albany chapter meeting also featured a presentation by Whittaker as well as information on I-CAR’s new format, delivered by Mike Schneider of I-CAR. All of the meetings were wellattended. Martin noted, “The IABA is seeing a lot of prior members coming back to meetings. Each event had more shops than the past several years.”
OH Driverless Shuttles
2.5 hours later on this device that turned out to be somebody’s homemade nightstick,” Neal said. “But the thing is, I found that.” Neal questions the safety of driverless vehicles without trained drivers. “I was trained to spot these things,” Neal said. “An AI, artificial intelligence, cannot get out of the seat to make sure this bus is safe.” Columbus wants to convince residents otherwise. Rides on the shuttle will be free for the first year. Information isn’t available yet for how much the shuttles may cost riders in the future. Smart Columbus predicts the pilot program will bring 26 new jobs to the city—including technicians, fleet managers and operators. We thank WOSU Public Media for reprint permission.
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Autonomous Mobility Initiative Created To Test Grand Rapids, MI, Readiness Nine Michigan companies and the city of Grand Rapids have come together to form a unique coalition that will place autonomous vehicles on city streets in March 2019. The Grand Rapids Autonomous Mobility Initiative is the next big step to prove that civic infrastructure can support the ever-evolving, everexpanding operational capabilities of the rapidly approaching autonomous vehicle market. The Grand Rapids Autonomous Mobility Initiative will bring four May Mobility six-seat, electric shuttles to the streets of downtown Grand
Mobility Initiative will operate on a 3.2-mile section of the city’s existing DASH West bus route, which provides access to both downtown Grand Rapids and the City’s West Side and Heartside business districts. The route includes 22 stops, 30 traffic lights and 12 turns, including three left turns. As a commuter-driven service, the DASH West provides connectivity to more than 10 city-owned parking lots and points of interest that include: David D. Hunting YMCA, Kendall College of Art & Design, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Van Andel Arena and Bridge Street Market.
“The city of Grand Rapids is the best, real-world testing ground for new and future mobility technologies, and our city is proving that today with this unique public-private mobility partnership,” — Josh Naramore
Rapids from March 2019–March 2020. This first-of-its-kind coalition brings together enterprise and infrastructure to gather and analyze critical information to understand the usage of autonomous vehicles and their environments. The fleet will operate complementary to the city’s existing DASH transportation fleet. Shuttles will be free for riders. Consisting of internationally renowned companies including May Mobility, Consumers Energy, Faurecia, Gentex, Rockford Construction, Seamless and Steelcase, and public organizations including the city of Grand Rapids and Start Garden, the coalition supporting the Grand Rapids Autonomous Mobility Initiative includes the people who design and build the environments in which we live, work and move every day. “The city of Grand Rapids is the best, real-world testing ground for new and future mobility technologies, and our city is proving that today with this unique public-private mobility partnership,” said Josh Naramore, the city’s Mobile GR Parking Services manager. “Grand Rapids has a long history of bringing together urban planning and applied innovation to create a city that works for all people, including residents, visitors and business alike.” The Grand Rapids Autonomous 16
“Across the U.S., cities are seeking cost-effective, safe and reliable transportation services that will improve congestion and convert cities into more livable and green spaces. Self-driving shuttles are a great solution,” said Edwin Olson, founder and CEO of May Mobility. “As we strive to make transportation that is more accessible and convenient, we’re thrilled to be working with the city of Grand Rapids and partners to accelerate a path toward a future where the people of Grand Rapids can drive less and live more.” Unlike any autonomous project of its kind, the Grand Rapids Autonomous Mobility Initiative will achieve in months the type of systems integrations and learnings that what would normally take years. Fleet operations for the May Mobility vehicles will be housed at Rockford Construction’s West Side offices within Circuit West, an area that boasts an innovative electric generation and distribution system. This will also create a direct local connection between the vehicles and the community. The coalition will host conversations with community stakeholders to thoughtfully and intentionally address accessibility of the vehicles. “May Mobility’s technology is changing how we drive, how we navigate, how we get around. People are
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
an integral component of this equation, and the initiative can provide context for the ways autonomous technology integrates with our essential community systems, including employment, health care, housing, entertainment and retail,” said Mike Morin, principal of Start Garden and Seamless. “Unlike any other arrangement of its kind, our public-private coalition will test and inform safe, effective and convenient autonomous public transportation and prepare it to be deployed in other parts of our world.” The Grand Rapids Autonomous Mobility Initiative will focus on three areas during its operation: Feasibility: Little research has been done on the impact of mobility on our cities, yet every change in transport technology has transformed them. The autonomous vehicle initiative is designed to gain insight and understand how it impacts existing urban structures. Accessibility: Address how autonomous vehicles improve or impact
mobility for the elderly and people with disabilities and explore solutions around design of interiors and the urban environment to facilitate accessibility.
Community: Prepare the local community and neighborhoods for the effects of autonomous mobility. This is a priority for the initiative and will include open sessions for community stakeholders for community-envisioning, goal-setting, plan-making and recommendation-making for public investments. The coalition’s approach will include partnering with developers, urban planners, accessibility experts and community stakeholders to understand their needs and design solutions that will build trust and capability with the autonomous technology created by May Mobility.
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New Body Shop Receives Green Light From Pierre, SD, Leaders by Stephen Lee, Capital Journal
Pierre, SD, city officials have given a preliminary OK to Gerrick McComsey’s plan to put an auto body repair shop in his building at 720 N. Garfield Avenue. McComsey owns 9.5 acres on the east side of Garfield in the 700 block, between Calvary United Pentecostal Church and Slumberland, City Planner Sharon Pruess told the city commission on Oct. 2. McComsey owns CAM Rentals LLC and is an owner of Sharpe Enterprises, one of the area’s largest construction firms. Pruess said the city planning commission studied the plan in September, held a public hearing to which no member of the public came and sent its recommendation to the city commission. The city commission on Oct. 2 approved the idea as far as setting a public hearing for it at 5:45 p.m., Oct. 16, where final approval was slated to happen. Pruess said McComsey had contacted the nine owners of adjacent properties and they all signed a “I have no objection to the proposed” use of the property. The area is zoned “local busi-
ness,” but an auto body shop requires a conditional-use permit. Commissioner Blake Barringer said that because of the paint and other aspects of a body shop’s work, some neighboring property owners might have concerns, but he said it
McComsey has longer-term plans to plat the rest of the 9.5 acres and subdivide it, which will require adding some roadways and more access to the parcel and testing the ground, Pruess said. Commissioner Jamie Huizenga said he appreciated all the work that McComsey has done and is planning to do. “He’s done his homework,” Huizenga said. “It seems like a body shop is a good use of this piece of property. Gerrick McComsey has been doing business The Pierre City Commission gave preliminary approval in early in the city of Pierre for a long October to a condition-use permit to Gerrick McComsey to time. He’s done a tremenuse this building for a new auto body shop in the 700 block dous amount of dirt work on and east side of Garfield Avenue, the truck route. Credit: this site that was a washedStephen Lee, Capital Journal out creek. He’s brought in a appears they have been informed and lot of fill and he can make good use of are fine with it. it.” Pruess said McComsey has Pruess said the conditional-use promised to build a 5-foot fence permit will allow McComsey to rent around the body shop property and the building to someone to operate pave the parking lot and add green the body shop but would not allow space within 12 months of getting him to start selling off parts of the the use permit. parcel. On Oct. 3, men were working inside the building, getting it ready. It sits in one corner of a 9.5-acre parcel. McComsey has used it for his rental business.
Fire Destroys Collision Center in Chardon, OH by Jamie Ward, Geauga Maple Leaf
A Chardon, OH, auto body repair shop burst into flames Sept. 27, destroying the back building and collapsing the roof, according to the Chardon Fire Department. At 10:21 p.m., a Chardon police officer noticed smoke coming from the collision center at 525 Water St. Three minutes later, Chardon firefighters arrived on scene and found heavy smoke coming from the building. Shortly after, flames broke through the roof. Chardon Fire Chief Larry Gaspar said firefighters tried to get inside initially but were quickly pulled out because of the intensity of the blaze. It’s what firefighters call a “defensive fire,” Gaspar said. “It’s very stubborn,” he said the night of the fire. “We’re having a hard time getting the water in that area to completely extinguish the fire.” 18
“The fire burned the length of the building, causing the roof to collapse,” a news release elaborated. “Certain sections of the building had a pitched roof built over a flat roof, which made firefighting difficult due to the fire being sandwiched in between the two roofs.” Nobody was in the building at the time of the fire, and no injuries occurred. This being a two-alarm fire, Chardon Fire Department received mutual aid from 13 other fire departments. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Geauga County Fire Investigation Unit and State Fire Marshal’s Office, remaining undetermined. We thank Geauga Maple Leaf for reprint permission.
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Sales of other parts of the 9.5 acres will require further platting decisions by city leaders, she said. And that will take some study, including a geotechnical review of the filled-in piece of property, she said. Commissioner Vonnie Johnson asked Pruess if there was any concern about how the property will look to the public passing by on Garfield Avenue, the truck route that goes by Walmart and Menards and Northridge Plaza to the north. Pruess said the planning committee had discussed that, but because of the hillside nature of the area, it would not be easy to screen the property from passersby on Garfield. The public, including nearby property owners, still had the public hearing slated for Oct. 16 to voice any concerns, according to Pruess. By a 5--0 vote, the commission approved moving the plan on to the public hearing when final approval could be voted on. We thank Capital Journal for reprint permission.
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Paid for Scans
using OEM repair procedures every time.” Weikel spoke at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC), held in Atlanta in August, as part of a panel discussion on the need to improve shop’s use of—and compensation for—OEM repair procedures. John Eck, who has overseen the development of the General Motors newly announced collision shop certification program, said he’s seen
from personal experience the need to hold the industry to a higher standard. He said his father sent him photos of his late-model car after it had been “t-boned,” along with an estimate for repairs from a shop. “It was horrifying,” Eck said of the estimate. “This is a 4-year-old vehicle with sensors in the front. There was no scanning [on the estimate] and there were like six parts on the estimate. I told him, ‘Dad, I count 10 lying on the ground.’” Eck called it “unfathomable” that any shop would not check the calibration and sensors of the elec-
tronic safety systems—often one of the biggest reasons a customer chose a particular vehicle—as part of any
John Eck of General Motors called it “unfathomable” that any shop would not scan a vehicle as part of the collision repair process
collision repair. “When I go to a dealer for an oil change, the first thing they do is plug the vehicle in,” Eck said “Yet we’re not willing to do it when we know there are systems that have been ripped off the car? It doesn’t make sense. There’s no way anyone in this room, regardless of what stakeholder side you fall on, would not check to make sure that’s happening if it’s your wife or daughter or your family member [who will be in that vehicle].” Panelist Darrell Amberson, who oversees operations for the nine LaMettry’s Collision shops in Min-
Lower the Cost-Barrier to OEM Procedures John Eck of General Motors was the latest automaker to address the issue of shops having to pay to access OEM repair procedures. An attendee at the recent Collision Industry Conference (CIC) drew applause when he said that if the automakers want the procedures to be followed, they should understand that the cost of accessing the information can be a barrier to that happening.
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Eck pointed out that his company does make some structural repair procedures available at no charge at its www.genuinegmparts.com website. He said the company charges both independent and dealership body shops the same subscription fees so there is “a level playing field.” He said there is a cost to developing those procedures, and automakers face a balancing act of how much of that cost “can be built into the sales
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
price of the vehicle.” But he also noted that GM’s newly announced shop certification program requires the use of the Mitchell International estimating system because that system will have GM repair procedures embedded into it, making them accessible as an estimate is being written. “They’re going to be delivered to you. You won’t have to research them anymore,” Eck said.
nesota, said he sees not only insurers but even some collision repairers questioning OEM procedures. “There are those who in some cases may not be educated and believe the way they have been doing things works fine,” Amberson said. “There are those who question the manufacturers. I frequently hear com-
Panelist Darrell Amberson said he’s concerned that even some shops challenge the need to follow OEM repair procedures
ments like, ‘They are just looking after themselves,’ or ‘They come up with policies that are over-the-top so therefore we don’t have to give too much credibility to them.’ I think that strikes at the core of the issue.” But Eck said that following OEM procedures makes sense because the
only alternative is “leaving it to every man, woman and child to figure that out for themselves.” “Is there anybody else writing repair procedures for GM vehicles?” Eck asked rhetorically. “Anyone that is tearing these cars apart, testing different weld techniques? What are the alternative procedures?” Eck said some attempts to legislate the use of OEM procedures at a state level have incorporated the issue with attempts to limit the use of non-OEM parts. “In my world, those are two different things,” Eck said. “Repair procedures are how you fix the car; parts are about what you’re putting on.” He said it’s safe and proper repairs—not OEM parts sales—that are the focus of GM’s new shop network program. “We’re looking to partner with facilities that are saying, ‘I’m going to do the right thing, and it doesn’t matter how old the car is, or whatever,’” Eck said. “The parts discussion? We can debate that. We know how to sell parts. We’ll compete there. But on the process, on the things you have to do to fix it correctly, on that
[we are looking for] those who are saying, ‘An uncompromised commitment to safety.’” The CIC committee that organized the panel discussion in Atlanta polled CIC attendees about how they felt about the idea of legislatively mandating the use of OEM collision repair procedures. About 22 percent said they “don’t like government intervention” and that the industry can regulate itself. But three-quarters said such legislation is needed “to get compliance and avoid risk of litigation.” “Repairers shouldn’t be placed in the middle of this, deciding between a proper repair or proper payment,” Weikel said. “Scanning is only a function of using proper repair procedures. If you’re using OEM repair procedures, it says in there to scan. So if we fix the [issue of the need to adhere to OEM repair procedures], that solves the payment issue and gets everyone on the same page about what the expectations are.”
www.autobodynews.com
UPDATED DAILY
Continued from Page 10
Job Fair
out the year to pull together this successful event, and thank you to the St. Louis I-CAR subcommittee members who did a fantastic job of signing up partners and orchestrating the
Partners set up and wait for students to arrive
event. Finally, thank you to CREF, Gateway Motorsports, NHRA/ARMY, Enterprise, Bommarito and all our partners that donated food, water, signs and more for the event. These donations allow the committee to donate more funds back to the school programs.” Information about the St. Louis I-CAR Committee can be found on Facebook by searching I-CAR St. Louis Committee.
autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
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Students Learn About Skilled Trades at Manufacturing Day in Macomb County, MI by Don Gardner, Macomb Daily
Jesse Pate, 17, and Shabo Bishabo, 18, both seniors at Sterling Heights High School in the Warren Consolidated Schools in Warren, MI, admit classroom work really isn’t for them. They are doers who like to work with their hands. Macomb County’s annual Manufacturing Day is made for students like them who may not be interested in a post-secondary four-year degree but would excel in industrial or skilled trades careers. Students from Stevenson High School in the Utica Community Schools District and those from the Warren Career Prep Center, part of the Warren Consolidated Schools, participated in the fifth annual Manufacturing Day at the FCA US Warren Truck Assembly Plan in Warren on Oct. 5. The program is part of a national campaign designed to create awareness about the economic importance of industry and the interesting, well-paying jobs it provides. Since 2014, more than 7,000 students have participated in Macomb County’s program. This year, 82 tours were given by 72 host companies to 2,400 students from 28 Macomb Intermediate School District schools. It is the largest Manufacturing Day yet in the county. “I didn’t really know what to expect, but there are lots of robots and machines, more than you would think there would be, and there’s a lot more jobs, and it’s a lot bigger than you would expect,” Pate said. Both teens are interested in auto collision repair—body repair for Bishabo and structure and frame repair and welding for Pate. Both envision a career in the trades. Bishabo
said he prefers to find work sooner than the time and cost that a fouryear degree would require. Pate is still considering a four-year university, but said he probably will pursue a different direction. “Most kids think they have to go to college to make a good living. [For] a lot of kids, college is not for them, but everyone tells them they have to go to college,” Pate said. “And a lot of times, they end up not
hands-on job readiness activities. Among the activities were dexterity tests and assembly mock-up, where students learned the importance of performing every part of the assembly process correctly and how even small mistakes could result in death for those inside the vehicle. Jim Battaglia, an instructor at the career prep center, said exposure to the opportunities is the value of Manufacturing Day. “Typically, they come away more impressed than when they walked in,” he said. “Even living in this area, most students would say they didn’t even know what was here before we came here today. There are so many career opportunities right here in Michigan.” NHRA-ARMY speaks to students before they arrive at the Macomb County Execujob fair tent tive Mark Hackel said doing well and dropping out because Manufacturing Day has become a it’s not for them. They don’t realize success in the county for a variety of all the jobs that they can get without reasons. The program helped bring going to college and make a living high school seniors into industrial for themselves with jobs that they plants to see the kind of opportunimight be interested in. “I’ve thought about getting a four-year degree, but my issue is, school has never been my thing. Sitting down in a classroom is not really my thing because I have really bad ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), so it’s even harder with that. Doing is my strong suit. When I’m reading, it sort of bores me, but when I’m working with my hands, I’m more interested in it and engaged in it, so it’s easier for me to retain the information.” Students were given a tour of the 80-year-old assembly line facility that currently builds the Ram 1500 Classic and participated in some
Gerber Collision & Glass Opens in Springfield, IL
The Boyd Group Inc. recently announced the Oct. 10, 2018 opening of a collision repair location in Springfield, IL. This center previously operated as Dick Taylor Collision Services, a second-generation business that has served the market for 46 years. Springfield is the capital city of Illinois and has the largest population in central Illinois as part of a met22
ropolitan area of approximately 210,000 people. “This location will allow us to grow our brand and better assist our insurance clients,” said Tim O’Day, president and COO of the Boyd Group. “We are pleased to be building Gerber’s presence in central Illinois and expanding our capacity to serve our customers in the area.”
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
ties that are available and the shortage of workers. School districts have brought back the types of classes that promote skilled trades, and in turn companies have assisted the schools, knowing that they may be helping train future employees. “Manufacturing Day is important for the kids and the companies because this is where it first came from with the manufacturing companies. We got a chance to talk to manufacturers, and they were really concerned about the workforce and finding and recruiting talent,” Hackel said. “We partnered with the MISD and the superintendents to find out where the disconnection is and how can we reconnect, and Manufacturing Day became the catalyst. “These are highly technical jobs, they’re cleaner and [they’re] in safer environments. Today, we’re seeing every school district in Macomb County is participating. We have 72 companies participating and some had to be turned away.” We thank Macomb Daily for reprint permission.
autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
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Continued from Cover
Vehicle Damaged While Outside KS Body Shop by Staff, Salina Journal
A Chevrolet Tahoe was damaged and items were taken from inside the vehicle Sept. 25 while parked at a Salina, KS, paint and body shop. According to a report by Capt. Paul Forrester of the Salina Police Department, a video surveillance camera captured an unknown person breaking into a 2002 Tahoe between 3 and 5 a.m. Sept. 25 while it was parked at Brian’s Paint & Body Repair, 421 N. Chicago. Taken from the vehicle were two stereo speakers and speaker boxes, Forrester said. There also was damage done to the vehicle’s door lock and weather stripping. Total cost of damage and theft was estimated at $3,700, Forrester said.
One Way Collision
along with additional equipment, which will allow the center to keep pace with the constantly evolving industry trends. As Jane explained, the additional space will not only enable the shop to
We thank Salina Journal for reprint permission.
FREE
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Cox Automotive Estimates Vehicle Loss From Hurricane Michael by Jonathan Smoke, Cox Automotive
Hurricane Michael hit the Florida Panhandle Oct. 10 as a strong Category 4 hurricane. Reports from the National Hurricane Center indicate maximum sustained winds of 145 mph—a major weather event.
Looking at the area to be most affected by the storm, the Cox Automotive Industry Insights team estimated that vehicle loss rates will be lower than—perhaps half—the numbers lost in Hurricane Florence in September. Hurricane Michael is directly hitting a less densely populated section of Florida, and the fast- moving nature of the storm will likely mean 24
a paint booth, which had been transferred over from the previous location. With the exception of the possible addition of another paint booth in the future, an employee break room and lobby/reception area, the remainder of the building is The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the completion of One Way Collision Center’s brand new open space for housing cusfacility on East Main Street with Bob and Jane Dehnel tomer vehicles and functionand the One Way Collision Center staff on Oct. 3 ing as a work area, as Jane better serve its customers, but will alluded to. also prove beneficial for staff and “We’re excited to be done with work flow. the project and move in here at our “Our original location was not new facility,” Bob added. “We’ve been originally designed to be a body open for a little over a month now and shop; however, our new facility was we’re off to a good start. With the excustom-designed by Bob to function ception of some minor landscaping as a body shop,” Jane said. “We now and blacktop work, which should be have plenty of room to keep our cus- done next week, we’re all set. We’re tomers’ vehicles indoors rather than excited to see what the future holds.” having to constantly move things around like we had to at times at the We thank Merrill Foto News for reprint old shop. That makes things much permission. more functional for our staff in terms of work flow and enables us to provide even better service to our customers.” 4x Monthly E-Newsletter. The new facility includes a 20’ x 36’ drive-in estimate bay as well as
less-severe flooding inland, away from the storm surge. Property damage will likely be significant due to flooding at the coast, but evacuations will help reduce the number of vehicles lost. Considering vehicle registrations, population and the nature of the event, vehicle losses will likely be in the range of 10,000 to 20,000. While significant, that volume should have minimal impact on the overall U.S. auto industry. As both new- and used-vehicle inventories are relatively low, Cox Automotive is expecting temporary upward pricing pressure in the areas most impacted by the storm, particularly on the usedvehicle side. Any vehicle loss is a tragedy and hardship for someone. Fortunately, in this case at least, loss volume will be relatively low. We thank Cox Automotive for reprint permission.
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
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autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
25
Continued from Cover
Jittery Days Remain
CAR’s Dziczek, whose portfolio covers economics, trade and labor, said the changes under USMCA won’t all be favorable. “Production costs will go up, and sales will likely go down—all other things equal,” Dziczek said. Trade publication Automotive News, in a recent editorial, sounded more relieved than celebratory. “This rebadged North American Free Trade Agreement is good for the industry not because its terms are favorable, but because the fight is over,” according to the editorial. This fight may be over. There are other trade conflicts. Trump has led the U.S. into a trade war with China. There are also trade tensions with the European Union and other regions. “Yes, there are still jitters about China, the possibility of Section 232 tariffs being imposed on Japan, EU, U.K. once it leaves the EU, and South Korea,” Dziczek said. Section 232 is the term the U.S. Commerce Department uses for in-
26
vestigating whether tariffs should be levied. Déjà Vu Trade isn’t the only worry. Ford Motor Co. (Dearborn, MI), a decade after avoiding bankruptcy, is again looking to revamp itself and cutting jobs. The automaker relies heavily on large pickups for the bulk of its profit. Its CEO, Jim Hackett, who took command of the company last year, talks about making Ford more fit. In early October, the company told salaried employees that cuts are coming. For now, there’s no hard timeline. “We are in the early stages of reorganizing our global salaried workforce to support the company’s strategic objectives, create a more dynamic and empowering work environment, and become more fit as a business,” the company said in a statement. “The reorganization will result in headcount reduction over time, and this will vary based on team and location. We will announce more specifics at the appropriate time.” During the 2000s, Ford had a
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
series of restructuring plans that cut thousands of jobs. The company recruited Boeing Co. executive Alan Mulally as CEO in 2006. He sold off European luxury brands and got rid of Mercury. The company was able to avoid bankruptcy, unlike General Motors and Chrysler, because it borrowed using its assets (including trademarks such as the Ford blue oval logo) as collateral. Mulally at the time was hailed as a turnaround artist. But that was then. The automotive world has gotten more complicated since Mulally retired in 2014. Now, there are issues such as self-driving cars and ridesharing services to deal with. Mulally’s successor, Mark Fields, was found wanting by the company’s board. Now it’s Hackett’s turn. The outcome isn’t assured. Once more, Ford employees brace themselves for cuts. Jittery days. We thank AdvancedManufacturing .org for reprint permission.
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Gerber Opens 2nd Location in Lafayette, LA The Boyd Group Inc. recently announced the Sept. 27, 2018 opening of a collision repair location in Lafayette, LA. This brownfield development previously operated as a car dealership and most recently a car repair center. Now a Gerber location, this center is located directly off of U.S.
Route 167, which spans from northern Arkansas to southern Louisiana. Lafayette is located in southwestern Louisiana and is the fourth-largest city in the state. “This newly developed center is located seven miles west of the first location we opened in Lafayette last year” said Tim O’Day, president and COO of the Boyd Group. “We are pleased to be building Gerber’s presence in southwestern Louisiana and expanding our capacity to serve our customers and insurance partners in the area.”
BASF To Host Educational Sessions at SEMA
BASF Refinish Automotive Coatings will conduct two educational sessions as part of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, as well as sponsor the SCRS RDE OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit. Seminar leaders will discuss how shops can prepare for a future of collision with OEM procedures at the forefront of repairs and how to ensure a maximum reimbursement from insurers. SEMA takes place Oct. 30—Nov. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. “As the collision industry shifts, it is critical for industry experts to do everything in their power to ensure that shops are prepared to deal with it,” said Marvin Gillfillan, BASF vice president business management automotive refinish.
www.autobodynews.com
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Continued from Cover
Reducing Parking
head of office property research in the Americas for real estate brokerage CBRE, which conducted the survey. “Tenant demand for office parking is going to continue to stay strong for the next five years, despite all the talk of worker mobility from ride sharing, autonomous vehicles and other on-demand transit options,” she said. Growing reliance on public transportation in some urban centers has led developers to cut back on the amount of parking they create, but in auto-centric markets such as Southern California, there has been little reduction in the ratio of parking places to employees because the vast number of workers still drive to their jobs. Self-driving cars are expected to someday drop off workers and depart or park themselves in tighter quarters than human drivers can, thereby reducing the demand for garage space. A few landlords are looking a decade or so ahead to that future and building parking structures that can eventually be put to other uses. Such
garages often have flat floors instead of slanted ones and higher ceilings like those found in office buildings. Ramps may be placed on the outside of the structures so they can be removed later. Some developers spend extra to put part of a garage underground so that the top floors can eventually be removed and an alternate use created over the subterranean levels, as landlord Trammell Crow did in 2015 at an office tower in Bellevue, WA. However, the cost of convertible garages is about 17 percent higher than that of traditional parking structures, CBRE said, which is off-putting to developers in part because they expect to sell their buildings before parking needs decline. Until real estate investors start demanding convertible garages, developers are unlikely to build them, the survey found. “The short-term payoff just isn’t there,” said Spencer Levy, CBRE’s head of research for the Americas. Owners of hotels and shopping centers, which don’t serve job commuters, are likely to reduce parking before office owners do, he said.
Apartment landlord AvalonBay Communities Inc. will put a convertible garage in a residential complex it plans to start building in the Arts District in Los Angeles in 2019, according to Mark Janda, vice president of development. Portions of the two levels of underground parking could be converted to a gym, a theater and perhaps other recreational uses someday, he said last year, and the first floor could be reconfigured to plug in more shops and restaurants. “We are designing it so in the future, if demand for parking decreases dramatically, we have the flexibility to go back to the city and ask for additional entitlements to change uses from parking to whatever,” Janda said. We thank Los Angeles Times for reprint permission.
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OE Shop Certification with Gary Ledoux
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
OE Shop Certification Programs: Porsche In our ongoing effort to keep our readers informed on the latest industry trend, OE shop certification programs, Autobody News spoke this month with Mike Kukavica, collision training instructor for Porsche Cars North America, Inc., about its program. ABN: Does your program have a specific name? When was it started? Porsche: It is called the Porsche Approved Collision Center Program, or PACC Program for short. The program was launched with the first trial audits, which were done in May of 2009. Our first candidate collision center reached “Porsche Approved Collision Center” status in October 2009.
ABN: What is the main purpose of the program?
Porsche: The purpose of the PACC Program is to raise the quality of repairs that Porsche vehicles receive. We are focused on what the technician is doing to the vehicle. The program will ensure that the technician is working in an environment that includes the workspace, tools, equipment and technical information needed so that they can perform the repairs as specified by Porsche AG in the workshop manual. ABN: What are the program requirements (tools, equipment, training, facility, etc.)?
Porsche: There are requirements regarding customer handling, facility (including information technology), special and general tools, equipment, refinish products and staff training. Each PACC is required to have two structural technicians, one estimator and one refinish technician who must meet certain training and certification requirements specific to their job role. These people must be separate individuals, come to the facility each day and be dressed for and seen to be performing the job each day. In other words, one person cannot take all the 28
training and qualify for all four roles.
ABN: Does the shop need to be ICAR Gold Class?
Porsche: No. When it comes to training, we focus on individuals rather than the shop as a whole. The four people who fill the training requirements must be I-CAR Platinum individuals in their job role. In the past, we specified a list of individual classes; however, over time we have learned that for shops who participate in multiple OE programs, the Platinum requirement is less burdensome than a list of individual classes. In addition, the two structural techs must be ASE Master Techs, and the estimator and refinisher must pass their respective ASE tests. It sounds like a lot as far as training and testing go ... and it is. But we need people who know what they are doing before they get here to participate in Porsche in-house training … we don’t have the resources to train techs from zero. ABN: What are the program benefits (plaque, signage, free access to repair info, shop locator, etc.)?
Porsche: Like other programs, we provide the shop with a plaque and a unique PACC logo that no other shop can use. We give the shop a spot on the PACC locator website, which is linked from porsche.com, and the 1(800) Porsche call center will also refer customers to our PACC shops. Access to the workshop manual is included in the program fee. In addition, PACC shops are the only shops that have access to restricted parts. ABN: What are restricted parts?
Porsche: Any aluminum part that is a permanent part of the vehicle’s structure or steel part that is joined to an aluminum part is restricted to only PACCs. The reason we do this is that repair of aluminum vehicles, although becoming more common, is still so far outside the mainstream of common collision repair that a competent gen-
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
eralist collision center is not able to perform a repair that maintains the safety and performance characteristics of the vehicle prior to the accident.
ABN: How do you manage to restrict parts to shops?
Porsche: From the shop’s point of view, ordering restricted parts is the same as ordering any other part. When the dealer submits the stock order to Porsche, they must include the shop’s unique code. When the order is fulfilled, the restricted parts are shipped directly to the shop. If they are not coded as a PACC in our system, neither the shop nor the dealer will be shipped the parts. ABN: What shops are eligible?
Porsche: Dealer sponsorship is the only prerequisite, so dealer-owned and
independent centers are able to apply. This also includes MSOs, although each shop is treated as an individual entity. Just because one shop qualifies doesn’t mean that they all qualify. No collision center is recognized as a Porsche Approved Collison Center until they meet the standards 100 percent. Sponsorship is important because PCNA exists to support our dealer network; thus everything has to be done in partnership with our dealers. Sponsorship means that the dealer wants us to work with a particular collision center and that they will collect the program fees on our behalf, among other things. ABN: Have you had any dealers that sponsored a shop and then broke off their relationship with that shop and refused to sponsor them? Porsche: We have had that happen in
autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
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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
Basney Honda Mishawaka
800-877-7477 574-255-2179 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-2
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
I
McGrath Acura of Libertyville Libertyville
847-680-7333 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 7:30-4 kmilz@acuralibertyville.com
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 30
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
M
3
Please contact these dealers for your Honda or Acura Genuine parts needs. MICHIGAN
MISSOURI
MISSOURI
OHI O
Victory Honda
Bommarito Honda
Roper Honda
Plymouth
H a z e l wo o d
Joplin
Massillon
800-824-4646 734-453-3600
800-731-8270 314-731-8270
877-244-6632 417-625-0846
800-225-0281 330-478-4435
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 7:30-8 Tu-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4
Zeigler Honda
Ed Napleton Honda
Kalamazoo
St. Peters
888-342-1678 269-585-5812
800-875-4190 636-928-4400
Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-8; F 7-6; Sat 8-4 bobsmith@zagteam.com
Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7-6 gethondaparts@napleton.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 Dept. Hours: M-Thu 8-9; F 8-6; Sat 8-4:30 hondaparts@buerkle.com
Richfield-Bloomington Honda
Frank Fletcher Honda Columbia
573-818-3650
888-680-6025 636-336-5003 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-5 hondaparts@frankleta.com
847-470-2309
Muller’s Woodfield Acura
Dept. Hours: M-Fri 7-6; Sat 7-4 parts@hondaoftiffanysprings.com
Jay Honda B e d f o rd
800-509-9057 440-786-3363 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-4 jayhondaparts@gmail.com
Dept. Hours: Tue, W, F 8-6; M, Thu 8-8; Sat 8-4 grobinette@glakeshonda.com
Buerkle Acura
OHIO
Columbia Acura
Minneapolis
Cincinnati
800-717-3109 763-488-1122
800-654-3553 513-530-0698
Dept. Hours: M, F 7-5:30; Tue-Thu 7-7; Sat 7:30-4 acuraparts@buerkle.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5:30; Sat 8-12 columbiaparts@mail.com WISCONSIN
Bloomington
Troy
OHIO
Akron
866-475-9280
Acura of Troy
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5:30; Sat 7-12 hondaparts@hondaoflincoln.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-9; Sat 8-4 wildehondaparts@gmail.com
330-633-8197 330-633-6060
Luther Bloomington Acura
MICHIGAN
Lincoln
Waukesha
800-526-3209 262-542-9300
Great Lakes Honda
Hoffman Estate s Dept. Hours: M 7-5; Tue-F 7-6 Sat 8-3 mcavallini@woodfieldacura.com
Wilde Honda
Kansas City
MINNESOTA
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-9; Sat 8-6 acparts@mcgrathag.com
Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5:30; Sat 8-6 ianw@hondaofomaha.com
Honda of Tiffany Springs 816-452-3221
Milwaukee
888-318-1671 414-586-5401 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun 8-4 hondaparts@russdarrow.com
Frank Leta Honda
Dept. Hours: M-Thu 6:30-9; F 6:30-6; Sat 6:30-5 parts@rbhonda.com
Morton Grove
Omaha
Russ Darrow Honda
888-408-0911 402-408-1100
800-742-7811 402-437-1201
Richfield
McGrath Acura of Morton Grove
Superior Honda of Omaha
Honda of Lincoln
800-328-2703 612-866-8197
ILLINOIS
WIS C O N S I N NEBRASKA
Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 gropp@fletcherauto.com
St. Louis
Waikem Honda
800-451-5078 952-887-0600 Dept. Hours: M 6:30-6; Tue-F 6:30-9; Sat 8-4 parts@bloomingtonacura.com
Acura of Brookfield Brookfield
800-383-3936 262-439-6029 Dept. Hours: M-Th 7:30-6; F 7:30-5; Sat 8-4:30 patrick.murphy@zimbrick.com
800-935-0923 248-643-0900 Dept. Hours: M 7:30-8; T-F 7:30-6; Sat 10-3 parts286@acuraoftroy.com parts287@acuraoftroy.com autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
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a few cases. When it has, we have worked to find another dealer to pick up the sponsorship if possible. ABN: Are any shops specifically ineligible?
Porsche: If a collision center bypasses our system and acquires (or attempts to acquire) restricted parts, they will be banned from participating in the program. Also, any shop proven to have attempted to make a repair using unauthorized techniques because they aren’t able to acquire the restricted parts (pulling, welding aluminum instead of replacing the part, etc.) will not be allowed to become a PACC. ABN: Do you have any program partners such as Axalta, VeriFacts, Summit, Assured Performance or other? If so, what role do they play?
Porsche: Our consulting partner is Summit Consulting, Intl. They provide our CSI service and data warehousing and carry out the onsite audits of the collision centers. Initial and renewal audits are the same— everything is checked. Some shops
32
ask why we check everything every year; they think it is a “check the box program” where if you have been checked once, you are good forever. But that is not the case with Porsche. ABN: Does Summit use their own people or sub the work out to other individuals?
Porsche: Summit uses their own people. They have the right skill set combining both technical knowledge and business acumen. We have about 130 shops now and about 30 shops pending, so Summit can easily do the job. ABN: What is the fee for the program? Does the program run on an annual basis?
Porsche: The initial fee for independent collision centers is $7,500 and $3,500 for dealer-owned collision centers. There is a yearly renewal, and that is $3,500 for all PACCs. This fee includes access to the inhouse Porsche training and access to the Workshop Manual. ABN: Do all shops renew?
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Porsche: With few exceptions, most shops want to renew. But a common problem is those shops that came in meeting the minimum requirements of only two qualifying structural technicians, one qualifying estimator and one qualifying refinisher. If, upon renewal, they are missing any of those people, they must be replaced with a person equally qualified. We also run into a timing problem sometimes where ASE tests are only given quarterly. The shop might have to wait until the tests are administered to requalify. And of course, we sometimes run into renewal problems where a required tool has walked out the door or been broken and not replaced. When these things happen, we will give them time to renew, but we don’t give anyone a “pass.” Every shop has to be at 100 percent to be called certified. ABN: Is there an optimum number of shops you want to have and if so, how close are you to reaching that number?
Porsche: We would like every Porsche dealer (about 200 in the US) to have a PACC to refer their customers to. Ideally, that means each dealer
would sponsor one collision center; however, in some cases a dealer will sponsor more than one, and in some areas, more than one dealer will share a PACC. Right now, we have about 130 PACC shops. ABN: Have you had any shops drop out and if so, why?
Porsche: If a dealer drops their sponsorship of a collision center, we may lose them. However, our retention rate over the life of the program is close to 100 percent. ABN: What has been the biggest challenge in establishing the network?
Porsche: We believe that overall, our program is the toughest in the industry. The process is lengthy, especially in terms of the training and certifications that are required. However, when a collision center reaches Porsche Approved Collision Center status, they know that they are among the best in the industry. ABN: What is your biggest challenge in maintaining the network? See OE Shop Certification, Page 63
Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry. She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications, and is co-author of “The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops.” She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.
Product and Process with Stacey Phillips
How the Recycled Part Procurement Process Continues to Improve When a typical collision repair facility orders an OE recycled part for a repair, Jim McKinney said there are three important concerns they likely have: price, timing and quality. “For true customer satisfaction, you must have all three,” said McKinney, owner of EZ-Management Solutions, during a recent CIECAst webinar. “Especially in the body shop business, cycle time is very, very important and has become a focal point. As a result, it’s critical from a recycler’s point of view that we meet all of a shop’s expectations.” Realizing that two out of three of these expectations were not being addressed in the industry, McKinney said his company set out to make a change. EZ-Management Solutions currently offers two cloud-based software products specifically developed for the automotive recycling process and is in the process of developing a
third. EZ-Route plans and tracks deliveries of recycled parts, for example from a salvage yard to a body shop. EZ-Runner manages group trading from salvage yard to salvage yard, and EZ-QC is currently being built and brings all facets together. With more than 25 years of experience in the automotive recycling industry, McKinney shared information during the CIECAst webinar about the current challenges in the recycled part procurement process and how they are being addressed. In his presentation “How to Improve the Parts Procurement Process,” he also discussed the expansions of recycler groups to provide quality parts in a timely fashion and how software can play a critical role in the process. CIECAst webinars highlight topical industry issues and are held regularly by CIECA (Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association).
The association develops collision industry electronic standards, codes and standard messages and provides implementation guides for the collision repair industry.
Jim, can you tell us about some of the challenges today in the recycled parts procurement process?
Q:
There have been a lot of problems over the years where a body shop orders a part from us and it isn’t correct for some reason. It might be damaged, late or the wrong part in general. Although we have the ability to broker a part (if the insurer allows for brokered parts), the way it currently stands, in many cases we may not know if there is an issue until a part arrives. As a result, we find that 20 to 25 percent of our sales end up being returned, and I believe that’s
A:
an industry standard. It’s a very ineffective process. There are other issues in the current process that we have found to be inefficient. We may source parts from multiple yards with multiple yard management systems, and the communication back and forth is usually by phone or email. Many times, the salespeople will send a part without consulting the customer about discrepancies. There is no consistent method for communication, especially across platforms. There is also no real-time information available and photos are commonly taken by the auction company. Overall, the quality of the part cannot be truly assessed until the selling yard, or in some cases the shop, receives it.
How is EZ-Management Solutions’ software helping with this process?
Q:
See Continues to Improve, Page 50
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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.
4 Questions To Consider Ahead of Negotiating for Any ‘Not-Included’ Estimate Line Item Among the most common types of questions I get from shops is something like this: “Mike, I see this particular procedure you ask about in one of your ‘Who Pays for What’ surveys, but we just can’t seem to ever get paid for that. How are shops negotiating for that?” I take a two-track response to this type of question. First, I challenge them to ensure that they’ve actually really tried to get paid for whatever the procedure is. After three years of conducting “Who Pays” surveys, I never cease to be amazed at the percentage of shops that acknowledge they’ve never negotiated to be paid for some of the procedures. Take “airbag residue clean-up” as an example of one such not-included procedure. Our survey last spring found that even though more than one-third of shops (36 percent)
36
said they are paid for this procedure “always” or “most of the time” by the eight largest national insurers when it is a necessary step they perform, more than 60 percent of shops have never sought to be paid for it.
But once a shop shows me they have asked to be paid for a procedure but just aren’t being successful, I sug-
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
gest they use a four-question process to prepare for future negotiations.
Question #1: Is it required to return the vehicle back to pre-accident condition?
Have you documented that the procedure is necessary? Check out the OEM repair procedures, ideally through the automaker websites directly. Get the appropriate bulletins from your paint manufacturer. Other manufacturers of materials or equipment offer bulletins detailing the need for some of these procedures. Scanning the vehicle may provide documentation of the need for some operations. Question #2:
Is it included in any other labor operation?
No estimator should be without a copy of the estimating guides (often referred to as “p-pages”) for all the estimating systems. You can download them from the “Estimate Toolbox” section on the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) website (www.DEG web.org). You can also search the DEG database of inquiries submitted to the estimating system providers; there may already be a response confirming that the procedure you are working to negotiate for is “not-included.” (Our “Who Pays” survey reports now include those DEG inquiries related to each procedure.) If there isn’t already an inquiry related to the procedure, you can submit one yourself. The associations offer some great free tools to help as well. The Automotive Service Association (ASA)
regularly updates what it calls “not-included operations” charts and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) offers a 24-page “Guide to Complete Repair Planning.” Check those out at the association’s websites. Question #3: Are there pre-determined times?
In a few cases, the estimating systems have established a formula for some not-included procedures. CCC, Mitchell and Audatex all have predetermined times for prepping raw plastic parts, for example. Audatex is 20 percent of the basecoat time (with a minimum of two-tenths), CCC is 25 percent of the basecoat time (with a maximum of an hour) and Mitchell is 20 percent of the basecoat time (with no minimum or maximum). Again, the estimating system estimating guides or the DEG are your best sources to determine whether a pre-determined time has been established for a not-included procedure. Question #4: What is it worth?
If it’s required, it’s not-included, and there’s no formula or pre-determined time for a procedure, you will have to determine an appropriate amount. I can’t tell you what to charge. You have to figure out what your labor is going to be and any materials you’re going to use. But keep in mind that the time you charge should reflect how long it takes the average technician to gather up their tools, equipment and supplies and perform the task in a safe and proper manner, and then return their tools and equipment. If it’s a procedure done frequently in your shop, you may want to set up some time studies to determine an appropriate charge. I highly recommend using an invoicing system for materials or supplies. You can check to see if there’s an OEM warranty labor time. The four negotiating questions can apply to just about any line item on your estimate. Arm your estimators with the tools and resources needed to answer those four questions and you can be among the shops successfully being paid for many not-included procedures when they are necessary and your shop does them.
GARMAT Celebrates 30 Years at SEMA with SEMA Specials, Sponsored Events Garmat is excited to announce special SEMA pricing to celebrate 30 successful years as the industry’s leading all American paint booth manufacturer. To thank its
customers and to celebrate at SEMA, Garmat is kicking off the show with savings up to $5,000 on the purchase of Garmat equipment and GasCat catalytic drying systems. Packages include Paint Booths, Prep-Decks, CTOF’s, Paint Mix Rooms, and GasCat Accelerated Curing Solutions. Now is the time to get the refinish equipment you need to make your shop a production powerhouse in 2019! In addition to our SEMA specials Garmat is also sponsoring the Collision Hub Estimating for Profit education session on October 29
located at the Palace Station Hotel & Casino 2411 W. Sahara Ave Las Vegas, NV 89102. Garmat President Johan Huwaert will be racing for a great cause in support of the 3M and CREF for the 3M Hire Our Heroes 500 event to drive support for our nation’s veterans and family members and race for the collision repair industry’s future. Join us at SEMA to find out who wins industry bragging rights for the fastest time. Marketing Director and National Account Manager at Garmat USA said “As usual SEMA is one of the most exciting events in our collision repair show schedule and we have a lot to be excited about with our thirty year anniversary. Please stop by booth 10825 and join us!”
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In Reverse with Gary Ledoux
120 Years of Body-Building Changes The first auto body designers and builders represented what was already an old established craft. People had been traveling in wheeled carriages for hundreds and hundreds of years. But at the dawn of the 20th century, they would be powered not by horses or some other draft animal, but by some sort of motive power. It mattered little to early body builders if vehicles were propelled by a gasoline engine, electric power or steam. Their task was to create a conveyance that would carry people—period. The body builders contended that if the carriage designs of the late 1800s were good enough for horses, they were good enough for engines. And so it was that wood was the first automotive substrate. One of the earliest references to an automotive body comes from the story of a doctor in Youngstown, OH. In June 1895, Dr. Carlos Booth experienced a runaway situation with his wagon and team of horses. Not wanting to experience that again, he designed motor vehicle and commissioned a local shop to build it. Among its many features was a “body designed to hide the engine and the mechanisms of the vehicle.” (This is perhaps the earliest reference to an automobile body that served primarily as an aesthetic portion of the vehicle.) He is purportedly the first doctor in American to make house calls in a motor vehicle. It’s unknown if his car ever needed body work. A short time later, in 1897, a car named the Hugot hit the street with a wicker body. It was certainly lightweight. The bad news was it couldn’t take much of a hit. The first U.S.- built auto to use a steel body (in the midst of a world of wooden bodies) was the 1901 Eastman Steamer. The first to have an aluminum body was the 1902 Marmon. Both the Eastman and Marmon were built with all-wood frames to which metal panels were pinned. For the most part, cars were primarily made of wood or wood and some steel. The wooden body panels of
40
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
those early cars restricted body designers. Wood can only be steamed and bent into simple curves. When applied to wooden frames, the body panels of one make of car looked pretty much like those of any other make. When sheet steel and aluminum came along, this sameness in appearance started to change. If you think using adhesives to hold car bodies together is something new in the 21st century, think again. Body engineers used caseinbased glue to hold early wooden body members together on the Cadillac, Columbia, Locomobile and Peerless from 1898 to 1904. Casein is a chemical found in milk, which is highly water-resistant. Many people point to 1979– 1980 as the beginning of the age of the unibody car. However, in 1916 the Ruler Auto Company manufactured 3,000 unibody vehicles dubbed the Ruler Frameless. Body members were fashioned into tubular form to give metal the rigidity it needed to do without a frame. The engine and suspension members rested on a platform. In October 1919, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association held the first “Closed Car Salon” auto show featuring only closed-body vehicles. Open-body vehicles were the norm of the time, but more and more were closing them. Oddly, many people did not like closed-body vehicles and considered them too ostentatious, not unlike “riding around in a display case.” The enclosed body, largely made of wood, was a cabinet-maker’s work of art. However, building it was arduous and time-consuming. The final product was not light, silent, nor especially durable. But it gave rise to the need for body technicians. The growing use of stamped metal parts would soon speed the process of coach-building. By the 1920s, some wood and sheet metal was being replaced with a new material—Vehisote. Not unlike the use of aluminum today, Vehisote was lighter weight and more versatile for the growing size of ve-
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
hicle and light truck bodies. The Agasote Millboard Company was founded in England in 1909, producing a sort of fiberboard made from recycled paper and glue formed into 4 X 8 foot sheets under extreme heat and pressure. (This sounds a lot like today’s plywood.) The process was brought to the U.S., and in 1915 various car companies began using the large sheets to create roofs on cars made of both wood and steel. The sheets were also known as “Vehisote,” part of the “Homosote” family of products. Vehisote was a favorite material for building truck bodies in the 1920s. By the 1930s, most car companies were using the body-on-frame car-building format that would last for more than 40 years! But not everyone “got the memo.” In 1940, the Budd Company of Detroit was the first to create what is known today as a uni-
body construction vehicle. Nash Motors was the first automaker to contract with Budd for the new body format. And then there was this: Time magazine of August 25, 1941 reported, “The first plastic car was shown by Henry Ford in Dearborn last week. His plastic, consisting of 70 percent cellulose, derived from hemp, sisal and wheatstraw, with a resin binder, is made of soybeans, wheat, cotton, hides, plus a few imported, now hard-to-get ingredients including cork, rubber, tung oil. The material was supposedly lighter than steel and could withstand 10 times the impact.” It sounds like the “grandfather” of high-strength steel. In 1943, Boeing Aircraft Company designed an automobile slated for post-war production. Its design, not surprisingly, was heavily influSee 120 Years, Page 58
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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
Hey Toby! with Toby Chess
Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding, Shop maintenance and Safety Recently, I was asked by a shop owner to put on a Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) clinic. I had previously put on an ICAR cycle-time class, and we, as a group, put together STRSW standard operation procedures. One of the lines stated that a test weld needed to be performed and the tear out nugget needed to be measured (five times the thickness of the metal). The owner was extremely concerned that his
technicians were not performing test welds, and with the current state of affairs regarding lawsuits, he wanted me to make sure that every one of his techs knew how to perform test welds. He also purchased calipers for all of his techs. After my PowerPoint presentation, we went down to the shop and did set-up and test welds (I have five different samples for metal thickness, and the techs took out two pieces, measured and welded them together then did a peel test.) The first tech welded his two coupons and sparks were flying. I asked if sparks made for a better weld. Half said ‘yes.’ But it’s ‘no,’ there shouldn’t be any sparks. The sparks can be caused by: incorrect squeeze pressure, poor fit, worn or improperly dressed electrodes, electrodes not perpendicular to the work surface and/or misaligned electrodes. (See Fig. 2, 3 and 4)
Fig. 2
Fig. 5). I adjusted the electrodes, and no more sparks. You might think that this article is about STRSW, but you would be mistaken. It is about shop Fig. 4
Fig. 3
In this case, the electrodes on the Prospot C gun were misaligned (See
Fig. 5
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maintenance and safety. Does Your Facility Have an Evacuation Map? OSHA does not require a printed map for evacuation in the case of an emergency, but other governmental agencies may. Check with your insurance carrier, fire marshal and state and local agencies that may require evacuation maps. However, OSHA does have requirements for your Emergency Action Plan (EAP). An EAP is required for any facility with 11 more employees. OSHA allows facilities with 10 or fewer employees to communicate their EAP plan orally. Whether presented in writing or verbally, the EAP must have the following minimum elements as described in the OSHA standard 1910.39(c)(1)-(6). • Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency
• Procedures for emergency evacuation, including type of evacuation and exit route assignments • Procedures for employees who re-
main to operate critical operations before they evacuate • Procedure to account for all employees after an evacuation • Procedures to be followed by employees performing rescue or medical duties
OSHA requires that first aid kits be inspected, be of the proper size (for the facility), be inventory maintained, include the proper signage and be accessible.
• Evacuation maps serve as a great visual tool to communicate important information from your EAP plan
First-Aid Kits
• Fire extinguishers are in their assigned place • Fire extinguishers are not blocked or hidden
• Fire extinguishers are mounted in accordance with NFPA Standard No. 10 (Portable Fire Extinguishers). Install a sign or other means of identification above a portable fire extinguisher so its location can be identified from a distance in case it is obstructed from view.
• The name or job title of every employee who may be contacted for more information about the plan or an explanation of their duties under the plan
OSHA does not have rules for everything in the work place. They will use standards/regulations from American National Standards National Institute (ANSI), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or any other government agencies rules that will suit OSHA. In other words, why reinvent the wheel if it is already there?
visually inspected monthly. The inspection should assure that:
Fig. 6
ANSI sets the minimum items for medium and large first aid kits. Here is an example of a form for those ANSI minimums and sign-off sheet from Kent Automotive. (See Fig. 6) Fire Extinguisher Portable fire extinguishers must be
• Pressure gauges show adequate pressure (a CO2 extinguisher must be weighed to determine whether leakage has occurred) • Pin and seals are in place
• Fire extinguishers show no visual sign of damage or abuse • Nozzles are free of blockage
• Maintenance, inspection and testing
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of an extinguisher are the responsibility of the employer. Maintenance should be done at least annually by a certified inspector. The employer shall record the annual maintenance date.
Did you know that an inspection on each fire extinguisher needs to be done once a month by a designated employee and the back of the inspection card needs to be initialed? A fire extinguisher needs to be mounted within 20 feet of a potential fire source. In other words, you need to have one near your paint mixing room to be OSHA-compliant. Work Place Labels Here are some of the OSHA regulations for work place labels:
1910.1200(f)(6) Workplace labeling. Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(7) and (f)(8) of this section, the employer shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with either: 1910.1200(f)(6)(i)The information specified under paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (v) of this section for labels on shipped containers; or, 1910.1200(f)(6)(ii)Product
Fig. 7
• Check bed for straightness (Manufacturer Rep)
Fig. 9
identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals, and which, in conjunction with the other information immediately available to employees under the hazard communication program, will provide employees with the specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemical. (See Fig. 7, 8 and 9)
If you are storing paint, you need to place a label on the container. The label that comes from your pour will be sufficient. A piece of masking tape saying “Honda 87” will not work. Here is an example dealing with work place labels that I presented at a CIC conference (See Fig. 10). You will note that workplace label is the new OSHA-required label. All the information needed for the label can be found in the Safety Data Sheet for that particular manufacturer. Extension Cords and Electrical Equipment “Sometimes during use, the third prong, or the grounding pin, may become loose or fall out. No one should be allowed to bypass the grounding pin by bending it out of the way or removing it completely. If the grounding pin is missing, the cord must be removed from use, repaired and tested before it is put back into service,” according to OSHA regulations. OSHA fined a shop $4,500 for three defective extension cords. Frame Bench Machine Maintenance on a frame bench should consist of the following:
Fig. 8 44
• Check frame bolts and replace if worn • Check all hydraulics for leaks and fluid levels • Clean pinch weld clamps • Check for a safety chain
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Spot Welders Spot welders can provide years of trouble-free use, but they must be properly maintained. (See Fig. 11, 12 and 13) Your spot welder must be maintained on a regular basis (sometimes after every use):
• Check the tip alignment • Clean the tips with a Scotch Brite or 120 grid sand paper after every use • Dress the tips with a machinesupplied tip dresser or replace as necessary • Check the electrode/electrode tips for wear and imperfections • Check water level monthly on water-cooled machines • Change coolant as per manufac-
Fig. 10
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turer’s requirements • Check electrical cable and plug • Check computer upgrades
regulators shall be removed and valve-protection caps, when provided for, shall be put in place before cylinders are moved.
Worn Out Nozzle. Fig. 15
• Rotary screw compressor has an oil filter, an air inlet filter and an air/oil separator that need to be replaced after every 2,000 hours of use A number of shops have switched to rotary compressors.
• 1910.253(b)(5)(iii)(C) Before connecting a regulator to a cylinder valve, the valve shall be opened slightly and closed immediately. The valve shall be opened while standing to one side of the outlet; never in front of it. Never crack a fuel-gas cylinder valve near other welding work or near sparks, flame or other possible sources of ignition.
An important fact of this type of compressor: Oil in a rotary screw compressor is also used to cool, clean and seal. This means the compressor oil is that much more crucial to the compressor’s operation. Make sure you follow manufacturer’s recommended oil change service.
Another major piece of equipment that we tend to overlook is our compressors. If they go down, all production stops. Fig. 11 Worn Out Diffuser. Fig. 16
Missing Ground - OSHA Fine. Fig. 17
MIG Welders One of the most abused pieces of equipment in the body shop is the MIG welder.
Here are some problems that I see on a regular basis when conducting the I-CAR MIG certification test. (See Fig. 14, 15, 16 and 17)
Broken Gauges - OSHA Fine. Fig. 14
See the YouTube video on maintenance and set-up on a MIG welder: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSXHd -8nV7c 46
Compressor Maintenance Some maintenance items to look at:
• Change oil on a regular basis • Inspect any belts for wear • Change air filter if one is installed • Drain water from tank daily • Change desiccant on a regular schedule
Worn Out Electrodes. Fig. 12
Misaligned Electrodes. Fig. 13
Vehicle Lifts OSHA has no regulations that speak directly to the subject of vehicle lifts. However, the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, signed into law March 7, 1996, allows for government organizations, including OSHA, to apply nationally recognized standards such as ANSI /ALI ALOIM (current edition) to satisfy its safety mission by suggesting the use of such requirements to abate infractions cited under the existing OSHA regulations. There is an entire American Na-
Another OSHA hot button is the welding tank. Welding tanks need to be chained up with a safety cap secured to the top of the tank, along with proper signage.
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How many of you have a MIG Welder consumable kit? Again, OSHA has a number of regulations dealing with welding tanks. I have included a couple of them here:
• 1910.253(b)(2)(iv) Valve protection caps, where cylinder is designed to accept a cap, shall always be in place, hand-tight, except when cylinders are in use or connected for use.
• 1910.253(b)(4)(i) Oxygen cylinders shall not be stored near highly combustible material, especially oil and grease, or near reserve stocks of carbide and acetylene or other fuelgas cylinders, or near any other substance likely to cause or accelerate fire. • 1910.253(b)(5)(ii)(D) Unless cylinders are secured on a special truck,
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tional Standard outlining the safety requirements for proper vehicle lift operation, inspection and maintenance. This standard, ANSI/ALI ALOIM (current edition), covers lift operator qualifications, training and responsibilities; maintenance procedures, documentation and frequency; and periodic qualified lift inspection. In addition to regular in-house inspections, the standard requires that all vehicle lifts be inspected at least annually by a “qualified lift inspector.” A lift inspection is a thorough evaluation of the operating mechanism(s), safety system(s), maintenance, structural integrity and field modifications of a particular lift in order to identify any risks that may affect the ability of that lift to operate in a safe and reliable manner. OSHA can come into your facility today (without warning) to check on isocynate protection and vehicle lift inspection tags. There is an article on lifts in Repairer Driven News (RDN) that can be found here: www.repairerdriven news.com/2018/06/01/auto motivelift-institute-beware-counterfeit-n-ylift-inspection-stickers/.
Shop Air Here is what OSHA has to say about shop air: Compressed air is used in the manufacturing industry to drive tools, create motion, lift, clean, move and cool materials. Compressed air usage is governed by OSHA standard 1910.242(b). “OSHA regulations state the following about compressed air: Compressed air may only be used for cleaning if • The pressure is lower than 30 psi (210 kPa). • Chip guards and personal safety equipment are used.
This means the downstream pressure of the air at the outlet of the air gun, nozzle or pipe opening is not allowed to exceed 30 psi (210 kPa) for all static conditions. A higher static pressure could cause serious injury to the operator. Therefore, to minimize the risk of injury in the event of total blockage, the pressure at the blockage should be less than 30 psi (210kPa). An air pressure gauge is the easiest way to check air pressure.
Chip guards are used to protect the operator and people working in the vicinity from flying chips and particles. They can either be screens or other solutions to prevent eye and body injuries. It is important to keep in mind that some safety equipment only protects the operator, and these may need to be supplemented in order to protect people nearby. Furthermore, personal safety equipment such as hearing protection and full-cover goggles must be used.” Two ends fitting together: HUGE OSHA violation. Pocket air blowers are also illegal. The DF-BG601 Venturi Blow Gun from Dent Fix Equipment is designed to meet the safety standards of OSHA and provide the user with the most thrust possible. IT WORKS.
Particulate Respirator. Fig. 18
Vapor Respirator. Fig. 19
Respirators (See Fig. 18, 19 and 20) From OSHA website:
• Employers must provide a medical evaluation to determine employees’ ability to use a respirator before fit testing and use. The employer must
Combination Respirator. Fig. 20
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Our parts department is always ready to help. We offer shipping to Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois*.
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use a physician or other licensed health care professional (LHCP) to perform medical evaluations using a medical questionnaire or by conducting a medical examination. • Failure to conduct fit testing prior to respirator use, and at least annually, was the fourth-most-cited respiratory protection violation (failing to provide information to voluntary users was number three), according to the BLS study. All employees using a negative or positive-pressure tight-fitting face piece respirator must pass an appropriate qualitative fit test or quantitative fit test. Fit testing is required prior to initial use, whenever a different respirator face piece is used, and at least annually thereafter. Proper respirator size is determined through a fit test. The following is a true story of a shop owner in Colorado.
Years ago, this shop owner embarked on the road to lean production. I marveled at how he transformed his facility into a totally lean collision center. In June of 2016, an OSHA inspector walked into his shop on the Isocynate and lift protocol. OSHA
can arrive at your shop unannounced to determine how you manage your employee protection for isocynates. The first item the inspector wanted to view was the shop’s respirator fit-test report. My friend told the inspector that he had not done it, but was planning on getting it done in the near future. The inspector excused himself, went to his car and came back with a hard hat with a video camera attached to it. He started taping the initial interview again and now wanted to see the shop. My friend asked about the fine and nearly had a coronary when told it would be $7,000. After seeing the cleanliness of the shop, the fine was reduced to $1,500. The inspector also stated that he could appeal the fine, but pointed out a few smaller OSHA infractions. The inspector told him to get the test done ASAP and let him know when it was completed. The shop owner called his Kent agent, and it was done the following week. My question to you: Have you done your yearly fit test for all body technicians and helpers, painters and helpers and detailers (only if they use
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in use?
Did you know that leaving the funnel lid open on a solvent waste drum is an OSHA violation?
Having an open container of thinner for cleaning a paint gun will result in a huge OSHA fine.
Fig. 21
Respirator storage bag from Kent Automotive. Fig. 22
Did you know that it is an OSHA violation if the respirator is not stored in an enclosed container when not
Preventative Maintenance Preventive maintenance can be defined as a program in which wear, tear and change are anticipated, and continuous actions are taken to ensure peak performance and efficiency to minimize premature deterioration. Minimize downtime by correcting minor problems before they become major repairs. A detailed service record is instrumental in tracking booth performance. A service report baseline of booth performance can be established, as all of the critical set points and readings are recorded. Preventive maintenance involves a planned and controlled program of systematic inspections, adjustments, lubrication and replacement of components, as well as performance testing.
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Continued from Page 33
Continues to Improve
Our software is unique to the industry because it can track a part from the beginning to end. This gives shops the ability to visualize parts live and determine if something different is needed. We can tell you exactly when the part should arrive, exactly where it is in the process, and you can see photos and data about the part. It also measures performance. We believe our software can solve inaccuracy issues and help with timing even before it leaves the salvage yard. In one word, it’s transparency. As a recycler, we want to be transparent and provide the best product we can in a timely fashion.
A:
Q:
ware?
What are some of the features included with the current soft-
EZ-Route software was developed in 2011 and integrates with a yard management system. After gathering information about all of the deliveries for the day, it sug-
A:
gests the most efficient way to run the route. It can then track the drivers’ progress with real-time GPS tracking, so you know if they are running ahead or behind schedule. It also provides metrics for deliveries to help businesses with repair planning and make better-informed decisions. EZ-Runner is the group trading software that manages shipments among salvage yards and integrates with Pinnacle, Hollander and Checkmate. It was originally built for Midwest Trucking, and we soon realized that other recycling groups might be interested in using the software as well. EZ-Runner plans the shortest route through a series of hubs and allows for the quick movement of parcels. It generates a barcode label that provides information about the part, which is scanned throughout the delivery process. The software offers part grading, so recyclers can benchmark and compare themselves to each other. It also includes return applications to approve and track returns, which are a big part of our business. Another feature is hub manager. If somebody is running a hub with 10–20 trucks, the
Luther Bloomington Acura Our parts. Your peace of mind.
shipments can be easily managed.
What can we expect to see with EZ-QC software, and when is the expected release?
Q:
EZ-QC is being developed to provide transparent information for everyone involved in the process, including the salvage yard and body shop. It provides a conduit for communication and informationsharing across multiple platforms and all of the data is in one place. Parts can be tracked, a complete history of the part is visible, and shops can request a return or have a part picked up. This means that not only does the body shop have the ability to see where the part is, but it can also determine if the part is on time and as described. This will ultimately help a collision repairer with cycle time. In the past, it would take an average of two to four days to receive a part. In one example, we sold a front end to a collision shop and the part was incorrect. Using the old way to ship the part, it cost $337 vs. the $128 it would have cost with EZ-QC software. There
A:
were 25 steps involved in the process vs. 14; the part was handled 22 times vs. two, and it took 12 days to deliver the correct part vs. six. Using EZ-QC will ensure delivery of the proper product and that it is good quality even before it leaves the salvage yard. We expect to release the software in the beginning of 2019.
How has the expansion of recycler groups benefited the industry?
Q:
As an industry, we realized we needed better access to inventory in a timely fashion. As a result, over the last 20 years, recycler groups have been set up by independent salvage yards. Some were formed to compete with LKQ Corporation and others wanted a stronger pool of inventory to pull from, so independent recyclers would never have to say no to a sale. They are banding together, not through ownership, but through transportation and standardization. The days of waiting for a freight truck to send something are over. In order to fulfill marketplace demands,
A:
See Continues to Improve, Page 63
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Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry. She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications, and is co-author of “The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops.” She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.
Shop Strategies with Stacey Phillips
Leadership Development, Process-Centered Environment Enable TX Shop’s Business to Grow Courteous, professional and highquality—these are some of the words Leila Bates said customers have used to describe the work provided at Bates Collision Centers. This year, the business received the Baytown Sun Readers’ Choice Award for best body shop for the eighth year in a row. Leila said they were honored to receive the award and will continue to work hard to fulfill their mission to be the collision center of choice for customers in the Bay area of Texas.
ing floors. His ultimate goal was to own a shop of his own. Meanwhile, I was going to college and working part-time when we got married in 1989. A year later, we decided to open our first location in Baytown. We experienced some good growth our first year, so we relocated to a larger facility in 1991, which we currently operate today. We also opened a second location in the neighboring community of Channelview, TX, in 2003.
Q:
ters?
What is your main role and focus at Bates Collision Cen-
My official title is vice president, although as in most small companies, you wear a lot of hats and have to address the different phases of your business. I also handle CFO responsibilities for Bates Collision Centers, and both my husband and I are very involved in marketing efforts and community involvement.
A:
Bates Collision Centers established the Community Give Back Program eight years ago
Autobody News recently talked to Leila about Bates Collision Centers and learned about some of the unique ways the company gives back to the community. She also shared how they use a process-centered environment and leadership training to facilitate the business’s growth, retain employees and offer customers exceptional service.
What prompted you and your husband, Lee, to open Bates Collision Centers 28 years ago?
Q:
Lee had a lot of wrecks while he was in high school; he was in double-digit accidents before he graduated. At some point, his dad told him that if he continued getting into accidents and wrecking his cars, he was going to have to fix them. He went off to college and was doing well, but decided he wanted to focus on something else. He always had an interest in cars and his dad encouraged him to get involved in the automotive industry. Lee ended up working at a dealership in his college town, San Marcos, TX, sweep-
A:
52
Q: A:
tests and visits to their offices.
What are some of the unique ways you have given back to the community?
Q:
Baytown is where my husband and I grew up and went to school. All of our friends and family live here. After opening our business, we received sponsorship requests all the time. Eight years ago, we decided to put together a more structured program called the Community Give Back Program. Organizations can now contact us to give to their program year-round, and Bates Collision Centers donates 3 percent of a customer’s repair total to the local nonprofit organization of their choice. Whether the money goes to a school, church, the wetlands center or an upcoming event, the donation
A:
What type of marketing have you found to be beneficial?
When we opened our business, we were operating on a shoestring budget and had to find ways to create awareness about the services we offered. Although we have a pretty good Facebook presence now, we spent a lot of time over the years getting out into the community. I’m on the board of directors with the Baytown Chamber of Commerce, we’re both active in the Chambers of Commerce in the areas where we have our locations, Lee is a Rotarian and we’re big supporters of the Relay for Life. About 15,000 people attend that event every year to raise money for The American Cancer Society. Creating top-of-mind awareness with the local insurance agents has also been a long-time focus of ours, and we’ve done this with creative contests like an annual pumpkin carving contest, offering continuing education classes quarterly at our shops and other fun con-
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
is made in the customer’s name. Since launching the program, we’ve found that it has allowed us to get involved in the community and show our support in a more organized fashion rather than be reactive to every donation request we receive. We are dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others by supporting our community and the people who live here. We also give out a responsible parenting award as part of a benevolence program we set up in 1998. Bates Collision Centers presents “new” used vehicles to deserving families every holiday season. Our employees volunteer their time to refurbish a vehicle from each of our centers and fill it with gifts such as toys, gas cards, car seats and food for the family. The vehicles are then presented during a special awards ceremony and holiday reception held
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in their honor to recognize and reward parents for “responsible parenting.” We feel this program focuses on a parent’s tireless efforts to parent “responsibly” while coping with the daily challenges and hardship of running a household without reliable transportation. The Bates team has refurbished and presented more than 30 vehicles since we first launched the program, and we have seen a real impact in the lives of these families through our gifts of transportation.
Q:
ment?
Why are these types of programs so important to imple-
First, we truly feel it’s the right thing to do in a community that has supported us for so many years. Second, it’s part of being a good business citizen in the community and doing your part. Third, there is no doubt that it has impacted Bates Collision Centers in a huge way by helping us grow our business and letting the community know that we’re not just a business looking out for ourselves, but one that gets in-
A:
volved and cares. We’ve also found that it has afforded our staff a unique way for them to put the skills they use every day into putting a family back on the road—not just a car back on the road.
What procedures have you initiated at Bates Collision Centers to help run the business more efficiently?
Q:
We’re a direct repair center for a large number of insurance companies. Since we first launched Bates Collision Centers, our goal was to standardize our processes in a way that would allow us to perform well in those DRP programs while meeting the needs of our customers. We’ve spent a lot of time setting up standard operating procedures (SOPs) and developing processes to help organize our business and ensure success. Lee’s dad worked for Exxon and shared a lot of information from a corporate mindset. We began to see that we could put processes in place to help avoid some of the pitfalls in repairs.
In the last 10 years, we’ve found that a lot of the things we were doing when we first started out are now buzzwords in the industry: lean thinking, the Toyota way, and adopting a process-centered environment (PCE).
ily, friends, co-workers and others about our exceptional service and recognize that it’s the only way we will continue to grow our business. We’ve also participated in performance groups over the years through our paint provider, AkzoNobel, as well as a PCE group through the company. Both have been very beneficial.
How has setting up and utilizing these processes been helpful to your business overall?
Q:
A:
This is the eighth year in a row that Bates Collision Centers has received the Baytown Sun Readers’ Choice Award for best body shop
We were utilizing a lot of those concepts not really knowing what the technical terms were, but we were doing it out of necessity. We’ve also always measured cycle time. We realized early on how it would help us improve customer service, deliver what we say and do it on time. As a grassroots business, we needed every customer who left us to feel like it was what we call “a legendary service experience.” We want our customers to tell fam-
• Large Inventory • Wide Delivery Area • Free Local Delivery
If you are a DRP shop performing well on your KPIs and have a good relationship with the insurance companies, that is critical to your long-term success. However, many of the KPIs that are required are a win-win overall regarding cycle time, customer satisfaction and a low supplement rate. All of those have such a positive impact on the customer experience and therefore, a positive impact on the business. We recognized early on that we have humans working for us in a very complex environment in terms of the procedures and guidelines to
A:
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meet the billing requirements of the insurance companies. We had to develop ways to help our staff with the guidelines, policies and procedures in the industry. There’s a lot to remember and it’s easy to forget some of the steps, especially when insurance companies have different processes. We now use checklists as a guide for our team to help keep them on track and hold them accountable for their work. We also use cartoon signage around the shop reminding the staff that their initials on each checklist item is their “promise” that their work has met the Bates standard. Can you tell us about your company’s new focus on employee development?
Q:
We have a lot of great policies and procedures in place and maintain a rigorous standard of training for employees, but over the last several years we realized we also needed to work on the people side of the business. If employees don’t buy in and believe in our culture and who we are as a company, we’re not going
A:
to succeed. We haven’t abandoned the concept of a process-centered environment, but we realize it won’t work on its own. Our new direction over the past five to six years has been to focus more time on leadership and employee development—what I like to call the “inside-out approach.” As a result, we’ve seen a lot greater success. How do you stay up-to-date with new concepts at your locations?
Q:
We’ve worked with a company for the last several years now called LeadersWay, and that’s what has guided our path through this employee-centered focus and leadership development. We’ve adopted a lot of their timelines and strategies. We have monthly webinars with the owner, Kevin Wolfe, as well as live workshops and training with him and his staff. It has been really helpful! No doubt it takes extra time for staff members to do these things. At first, we didn’t know what the reaction
A:
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would be from our staff, but they quickly started seeing positive results. One of the concepts we’re currently working on is that your customer’s satisfaction can never be higher than your employee’s satisfaction. As a result, we’re looking at ways to engage all of our employees and help them understand their role and how their job impacts other people as well as making sure they feel valued. A couple of books that have helped us recently include “Whale Done” and “The Ideal Team Player.” They are short reads and I recommend both. New chapters have brought different seasons and challenges, but we’ve been very blessed for sure. People ask me all the time how Lee and I work together so well. We don’t know anything different because we started out that way in the early years of our marriage and made it work. We’re a very good team.
©2018 MINI, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.
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Historical Snapshot with John Yoswick
—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon, has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988. He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.
Stats From 20 Years Ago Indicate Shop Labor Rates Haven’t Kept Up With Inflation 20 Years Ago in the Collision Repair Industry (November 1998) PPG has done a comprehensive study of over 2,000 collision repair facilities. Here is a snapshot of some of the statistics: • The average labor rate: $34 an hour. • Average gross profit per hour per technician: $45.63 (top 25 percent), $32.57 (middle 50 percent), $19.69 (bottom 25 percent). • Labor efficiency (hours sold versus available hours): 154 percent (top 25 percent), 118 (middle 50 percent), 82 percent (bottom 25 percent)
PPG’s Rich Altieri said it is likely that repair opportunities will continue to decrease. His prediction: By 2006, 40 percent of today’s shops will cease to exist. If the collision industry is a $24 billion business, 24,000 shops doing $1 million a year in sales would take care of the market. – As reported in Hammer & Dolly. The rise and fall in the number of body shops isn’t always clear. Some claim there were as many 80,000 shops in the 1970s. But using more than 40 years of data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), industry publication CRASH Network argues the total number of shops has fluctuated between 37,500 and 44,000 from 1972 on, growing by just over 300 shops to about 40,200 in 2016. The average labor rate nationally last year was $48.85 (according to CCC Information Services), up almost 44 percent compared to the average reported by PPG for 1998, but below the 54 percent cumulative rate of inflation during that period; to keep up with inflation, the national average last year would have had to have been about $53. 15 Years Ago in the Collision Repair Industry (November 2003) The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) “Fraud Awareness Committee” is the first to admit its recent survey was not scientific. After all, it was completed by only about 100 56
people who happened to be attending the CIC meeting earlier this year. But the results may be interesting for those wondering about some of those “gray areas” shops and insurers find themselves in at times, said David McCreight, a member of the committee who shared the survey results last month in Boston.
In 2008, Chris Andreoli of Progressive predicted more shops would adopt the practice of a complete tear-down or “blueprinting” of a vehicle prior to production
One scenario posed on the survey was a shop that installs a non-certified, non-OEM part because the certified part—which is what the insurer requires—was not readily available, and the shop didn’t want to harm its cycle time. About 92 percent of those surveyed found this “unacceptable.” But if the shop disclosed to both the insurer and vehicle owner that a non-certified part was used because a certified part wasn’t available locally, 83 percent of those surveyed found it acceptable. About 93 percent felt it was unacceptable for a shop to order a nonOEM part, return it and supplement for an OEM part claiming poor fit without first trying the non-OEM part. When the situation was changed to the shop returning a part without trying it, but installing the OEM part while absorbing the price difference, only 37 percent thought this was unacceptable. A large majority said it was consumer deception and an unfair claims practice for an independent appraiser to leave needed items off of estimates at the request of the insurer because the customer may choose to not repair the vehicle. But what if the vehi-
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
cle was repaired and the omitted items were added? More than half (57 percent) still felt this practice was problematic. About one-third of those completing the survey were collision repairers and another 17 percent were insurers. The other half represented other segments of the industry, including the automakers and industry vendors. – As reported in Collision Repair Industry INSIGHT. 10 Years Ago in the Collision Repair Industry (November 2008) At the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Las Vegas, the “Business Management Committee” shared responses it received from several insurers about what the committee calls a “complete repair plan.” Designed to reduce the need for supplements (the committee estimates
that it costs about $700 for shops and insurers to create or process a single supplement), the plan essentially involves a shop disassembling a damaged vehicle to determine virtually all of the parts and procedures needed, allowing for one estimate and one parts order without the need, in most cases, for a supplement. Some shops interested in using such a system have said they have met resistance from some insurers. The committee, however, received generally positive responses to the concept from the insurers it contacted. “Allstate is in support of any process that encourages a thorough and complete tear-down at the time of the estimate,” Bill Daly of Allstate Insurance wrote. Tim Constien of American Family Mutual Insurance Company was supportive of the idea under certain See 20 Years Ago, Page 59
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autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
57
Continued from Page 40
120 Years
enced by aircraft design, featuring a 75HP rear engine and an all-aluminum body. It never reached production, but its development underscores the fact that aluminum for cars bodies is not a new idea. In the 1950s, Chevrolet introduced the fiberglass-bodied Corvette. Studebaker would build its Avanti with fiberglass in the 1960s. Around 2006, car makers started combining aluminum bolt-on parts, like doors, hoods or trunk lids with bodies that were otherwise made of steel. It seemed like a unique idea at the time and a great way to save weight to increase fuel mileage—but it was certainly not new. In 1963, the Dodge Polara was available in a special package with weight-saving aluminum front fenders, bumper and hood with a custom hood scoop. The aluminum saved about 150 pounds, less weight for… “the 426 engine and automatic transmission to push down the drag strip or around a NASCAR track.”
Some technicians consider use of “glue” or epoxy to keep pieces of a car together as too new and heretical and something that will never work. If a part is not bolted, riveted or welded together, how will it ever hold? Yet, in 1984 Volvo announced the use of epoxy to tack-weld body parts together, thus reducing the number of conventional spot welds from 4,000 to 500. Granted, body building, bodybuilding material and the way automobile bodies must be repaired have seen some dramatic changes in a relatively short time beginning with the Obama administration in January 2009, and the massive changes made to CAFÉ standards. But changes in the way vehicles are built and the way they need to be repaired have changed many times over the automobile’s history and will continue to evolve.
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WIN Kicks Off 2019 #ALLIN4WIN Membership Drive
The Women’s Industry Network (WIN®) is excited to announce the kick-off of the annual #ALLIN4 WIN Membership Drive. The drive runs through Dec. 31 and offers special membership pricing of $105 for the remainder of 2018 and all of 2019. Additionally, anyone who joins or rejoins WIN during the drive will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a free 2019 WIN Education Conference
registration fee. WIN membership is open to everyone in every segment of the North American collision repair industry. “Our 2019 #ALLIN4WIN Membership Drive is about promoting the benefits of WIN membership and providing networking and connection opportunities,” stated April Lausch, co-chair of WIN’s membership committee. “I encourage you to become a WIN member. WIN’s mission is to engage women in our industry through education, networking
and sharing of resources.” A major focus of the membership drive will be the #ALLIN4WIN 24 Hour Membership Challenge on Wednesday, Oct. 10. The challenge will kick off following a 2 p.m. EST webinar titled “Developing a WINner’s Mindset - Pun Intended!” presented by David Luehr, owner of Elite Body Shop Solutions. “Right now is the greatest time in history to be in the collision repair business, but only for those with the right mindset,” stated Luehr. The webinar will provide the foundational elements of the mindset for success in the industry. “Dave delivered this presentation at NACE 2018, and we are thrilled to have him present to our membership,” stated Michelle Sullivan, WIN chair. The educational webinar is open to all participants in the collision industry at no charge. Registration is now open for the webinar using the following link: https:// events.genndi.com/channel/WIN WebinarOct2018. To become a WIN member at the Membership Drive rate, please visit: womensindustrynetwork.com.
OEM Parts You Need and Trust. Genuine Mitsubishi Replacement Crash Parts are close at hand from the following quality dealerships:
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Patrick MINI Schaumburg 847-605-4055 (847) 619-4511 Fax Hours: M-Sat 8am-5pm
The Dealers Above Are Original MINI Parts Distributors ©2018 MINI, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.
Continued from Page 56
20 Years Ago
circumstances. “We believe it has some potential limited benefits with our highest-performing direct repair program shops,” Constien said. “If the process is not done correctly or efficiently, it will increase the time a customer is without a car.” Progressive Insurance was perhaps the most enthused with the idea. “The benefits of a shop adopting this type of a more efficient repair strategy are clear to me,” Chris Andreoli, corporate property damage process manager for Progressive, said. “I’m sure you’ll begin to see an increase in the number of shops that adopt this methodology.” – As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), Nov. 17, 2008. Over the past decade, more shops and insurers have shifted toward “blueprinting” or a complete tear-down of the vehicle to ensure all parts and procedures are included in an approved work order prior to the vehicle moving forward
in production. 5 Years Ago in the Collision Repair Industry (November 2013) During discussion at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC), California
In 2013, Nick Bossinakis of Overall Parts Solutions said shops already using an electronic parts ordering system that were then being required to use PartsTrader were like someone already “listening to digital music on their iPod, and instead you are now bringing them an 8-track tape.”
shop owner Randy Stabler said he’s “kind of perplexed” why the Parts Trader mandate has become “such a lightning rod” for an industry that has been accepting insurer mandates since the early days of computerized estimating. “That was then. Today it’s parts.
Tomorrow it’s paint materials. What happens the day after?” Oklahoma shop owner Gary Wano responded. “If we don’t stop the mandates at some point in time, what are we doing?” Janet Chaney, who serves as the executive director of several state body shop associations, said it clearly comes down to the role parts play in a shop’s profit. “How many times have we been told what to do and we’ve agreed to it and it’s turned on us,” she said, drawing applause. Nick Bossinakis of Overall Parts Solutions, which offers an electronic parts ordering system, said one of the reasons this mandate is frustrating shops is that they may already be using one of the other electronic parts procurement systems that for them works better than PartsTrader. “You have (shops or parts vendors) that are out there listening to digital music on their iPod, and instead you are now bringing them an 8-track tape,” Bossinakis offered as an analogy. – As reported in CRASH Network (www.CrashNetwork.com), November 18, 2013.
Original Thought #78
YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE AT THE FIRST REPAIR. ILLINOIS
Laurel BMW of Westmont
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Dave Luehr’s Elite Body Shop Solutions recently announced the next installment in the FREE Elite Webinar Series. “Simple, Effective Scheduling” will feature Dave Luehr, founder of Elite Body Shop Solutions, and Ron Kuehn, president of Collision Business Solutions, on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. Central. To register, visit: https:// events.genndi.com/channel/Elite WebinarOct2018. Those who are unable to attend the live event can watch the recorded webinar by joining the Elite Body Shop Academy at: elitebodyshopsolutions.com /academy. Every month, Elite highlights a topic to keep collision repairers and those that serve them abreast of the latest information required to be successful in today’s challenging business environment. This month, attendees will discover new ways to become more successful and expand their horizons.
www.autobodynews.com
• Original BMW Parts & Accessories
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Erhard BMW of Farmington Hills Farmington Hills 888-834-8635 248-699-3003
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autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
59
Over 70 Million Vehicles Are on the Road With Open Recalls by Consumer Federation of America, YubaNet.com
More than 70 million vehicles on the road with open recalls pose a significant highway safety danger. “While these open recalls present a clear hazard to the occupants of these vehicles, they are also a hazard to the rest of the driving public,” said Jack Gillis, CFA’s executive director and author of “The Car Book.” The high number of open recalls means that a significant number of owners are “turning in” used cars with an open recall or those vehicles may be recalled by the manufacturer while waiting to be resold. Some car dealerships are violating state laws that prohibit them from selling unsafe vehicles, particularly when they are subject to a safety recall. The result: A significant number of used vehicles are likely to be sold with open recalls. While the subsequent owner can have any recall addressed at no charge for 15 years from when the recall was issued, they may not know about the recalls or fail to check their particular vehicle. They may also experience lengthy delays in being able to obtain repairs due to severe shortages of repair parts or the
manufacturer’s failure to provide a remedy. The automobile recall program is one of the government’s most important auto safety functions, but to be truly effective, recall completion rates must be dramatically increased. “It’s simply not enough to announce a recall; the car companies, car dealers and government must do everything possible to remedy those recalls,” said Gillis. “Under federal law, car dealers can’t sell new cars with open recalls, and under state laws, car dealers are not allowed to sell recalled used cars either. But those laws are not being adequately enforced. With today’s communication technology, social media and information databases, there is no excuse not to significantly increase compliance with safety recalls.” The entire auto industry, all levels of government and individual consumers each have an important role to play in ensuring that safety recalls are performed. The huge rental car industry must acknowledge and respect the importance of recalls, as should the rest of the automotive use and retail industry. Needed Actions To Protect the American Public from Recalled Vehicles
• State attorneys general should enforce existing state laws that prohibit car dealers from knowingly, negligently or deceptively selling unrepaired recalled used cars.
• In addition, Congress and the president should enact federal legislation, enforceable by NHTSA, to prohibit car dealers from selling recalled used cars.
• Require fleet operators to remedy open recalls upon notice and prior to returning vehicles to service. • Recalled taxis and ride service vehicles must be remedied upon notice and prior to returning vehicles to service.
• Auto auction companies must remedy recalls during their refurbishing process and prior to the transfer of the vehicle.
• Require car companies to send out notices (by e- and postal mail) every two months until the recall is resolved or vehicle has been removed from service.
• Require DMVs and state inspection
programs to include VIN-specific recall notices on registration renewals and inspections to alert the owners that their vehicles have unrepaired recalls. • The government (NHTSA) must initiate an effective public education campaign to get vehicle owners to sign up for recall notifications.
• New and used car dealers must register owners for recall notices on safercar.gov as part of the selling paperwork. Insurance companies should provide a recall report before providing insurance.
• Manufacturers must provide loaner cars for owners of recalled vehicles when there are significant delays in obtaining recall repair parts. “Corporate America and the government have developed massive database and information systems for advertising, marketing and tracking purposes. It’s time to put those same systems in place for remedying recalls,” concluded Gillis. We thank YubaNet.com for reprint permission.
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MAPLEWOOD SCION
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Serving all of MN and Western WI 2873 N Hwy 61, Maplewood, MN 55109 60
NOVEMBER 2018 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
INSIST ON GENUINE GM PARTS ONLY ORIGINAL PARTS PROTECT THE VEHICLE’S VALUE.
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autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
61
Subaru Destroys 293 Ascent SUVs After Coding Error Leads to Unsafe Cars by Jessica Miley, Interesting Engineering
A coding error has led Subaru to recall and dispose of 293 of its Ascent 2019 SUVs. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report revealed that the error caused robots building the cars to miss two critical welds in the car’s fabrication. The welds were located on the car’s B-pillars, which hold the hinges to the second-row doors. The missing welds reduce the overall strength of the car’s body and could result in passengers suffering injury in a crash. No Fix Available on Post-Production Vehicles There is no way to fix the error postproduction, so all the cars needed to be destroyed rather than refurbished. Subaru said only nine of the affected cars were actually in the hands of consumers and that all affected customers would receive a replacement vehicle. “All potentially affected vehicles will be inspected by an SIA factory representative, and if the vehicle is missing any spot welds,
the vehicle will be replaced with a new one. There is no physical remedy available; therefore, any vehicles found with missing welds will be destroyed,” a document submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration read. Software Errors Rare in Modern Carmakers The defected cars were located between July 13 and July 21, although
not all cars produced in this model were affected by the flaw. The company launched an investigation in production procedure after an audit discovered a single example of the mistake in July. According to Stout’s 2018 report of Warranty and Recall, almost 8 million vehicles were recalled in 2017 because of a software or integrated circuit issue. This year, other major car makers like Ford and Tesla have also experienced costly recalls due to errors. As we head into the robot revo-
Illinois
MCGRATH CITY HYUNDAI
Chicago 6750 W. Grand Ave.
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INDY HYUNDAI
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Mon 8am - 8pm Tue-Fri 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 1pm inss.partsmgr@rohrman.com www.indyhyundai.com
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We thank Interesting Engineering for reprint permission.
Mon-Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm Sat 8am - 4pm rogerwalker@donfranklinauto.com
Schaumburg 1020 E. Golf Rd.
The RIGHT
lution, automakers need to take a warning from Subaru and ensure development practices are strict without any exceptions on release quality. Although it isn’t common to hear of coding mistakes causing production problems, it isn’t totally unheard of. In the 1980s when GM began a major push to automate its car assembly lines to stand a chance against its Japanese competitors, the new robots in the paint shop turned on each other rather than the cars in front of them. GM didn’t get off with just the one instance; robots responsible for fitting windscreens reportedly liked to smash them up instead, and in a case similar to Subaru, the spot welding robots began welding doors shut rather than their hinges. Even Tesla CEO Elon Musk admits that having robots isn’t always the best solution. In an interview earlier this year, he admitted that sometimes the robots slow down production rather than make it quicker. Via: Safety Recall Report/Subaru
NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Ohio
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CCC Collision Parts E-commerce Solution
CCC Information Services Inc. (CCC) announced that FCA US LLC will promote select Mopar collision parts through the CCC® Parts e-commerce solution to help increase collision parts sales for the company and its dealers in the United States. CCC Parts is powered by the CCC ONE™ platform, which connects OEMs, insurers, collision repairers, and third-party providers, allowing them to interact and transact across a variety of use cases, including new vehicle and parts sales, repair management, telematics-enabled claims, and usage-based insurance. “CCC is proud to support our partners in their efforts to increase parts sales and to make these important transactions more efficient and productive for everyone involved,” said Andreas Hecht, SVP and general manager of CCC’s OEM Services Group.
www.autobodynews.com JOSEPH AIRPORT HYUNDAI Vandalia 1220 W. National Rd.
877-864-0747 937-665-1773 937-665-1772 Fax
Mon-Fri 7:30am - 6pm Sat 8am - Noon gcaldwell@airhyundai.com
WAIKEM HYUNDAI Massillon 3748 Lincoln Way East
800-225-0281 x1446 330-478-2800 x1446 (330) 478-9957 Fax
M 7:30am - 8pm Tu-F 7:30am - 5:30pm Sat 8am - 4pm webbmcnutt@waikem.com www.waikemhyundai.com
Continued from Page 50
Continues to Improve
you must have access to inventory and affordable transportation. Working together as a group, we have the ability to source parts quicker and we’re doing it through other likeminded recyclers. There are currently five popular recycler groups in the country: Midwest Automotive Trucking, Team PRP, Fenix Parts, Recyclers Cross Dock and iPart (Independent Parts & Auto Recyclers Team). Continued from Page 32
OE Shop Certification
Porsche: Staff turnover has caused problems in that in addition to inhouse training from Porsche, there are training and certification requirements for both I-CAR and ASE. If the collision center has only the bare minimum trained, turnover causes them problems because it can be a lengthy process to fulfill all of the training requirements.
Midwest was set up in 2001 with a half a dozen yards and has grown to nearly 80 yards today, spanning from Illinois to North Carolina. With the formation of these recycling groups, parts arrive quicker. It usually only takes one day; occasionally, it’s two. The system also allows what is called “co-mingling of freight” among the groups. The goal of co-mingling is to cut down on costs. For example, if we can haul Midwest and PRP freight on the same lines and use the same hubs, the cost is split among the groups and it makes it incredibly affordable.
What’s happening with these groups is that they have all been growing tremendously over the last three years. We provide software for all but one of them and trucking for some of them. The groups are elevating each other’s quality, and the quality of recycled parts is increasing to the highest level it has ever been.
ABN: Based on the John Eagle verdict in October 2017, did you make any changes to your program?
on correct repairs, do you have inspectors go back to the shop to ensure OE repair methods are being used?
Porsche: We foresaw this happening, and consider it vindication of our requirements that the Workshop Manual is used and adhered to for all Porsche vehicle repairs. In fact, we require our technicians to have their own device (laptops, iPad, etc.) capable of accessing the Workshop Manual. ABN: Because of your laser-focus
Think Genuine Subaru Parts.
Q: A:
What is your vision for the automotive recycling industry?
I think it’s about transparency and innovation. Expectations
Porsche: No, not as a matter of course. We just don’t have the resources. However, I or my partner, Frank Turner, will make ad-hoc visits to PACC shops when we visit an area.
ABN: What do you see for the future of OE certification programs (yours and/or other OE programs)? 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
Toll Free (888) 460-7080 Direct (330) 460-7080
(330) 460-7082 Fax Mon-Fri 8-6; Sat 8-4 www.brunswickautomart.com
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!
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
are greater today because of companies such as Amazon. The new expectation is that I should know where my order is, when I’m receiving it, know if there is a problem right away, it should be hassle-free, and I should be very aware of what I’m buying. The future of the auto recycling industry will be high-tech, and the early adopters will reap the rewards. I believe the industry will continue to adopt new software—not just ours— and processes to become more customer-focused in order to meet the increasing demands of the auto repair industry. Porsche: We believe that the collision centers that participate in OE programs will get stronger and stronger in the industry. The vehicles are becoming more complicated and the collision centers just can’t keep up on their own. They need support from the OE. If vehicle construction technology continues on its current path, the future is specialization; signs that say “all makes and models accepted’ will be a thing of the past. OHIO
Waikem Subaru Massillon
(800) 225-0281 x2189
(330) 478-2800 x2189 (330) 639-0140 Fax Mon 7:30-8; Tue-Fri 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 dandager@waikem.com www.waikem.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 WISCONSIN
Wilde Subaru Waukesha
(800) 903-2434
(262) 544-1913 Fax Mon-Thu 7-7; Fri 7-5; Sat 8-4 parts@gowilde.com www.wildesubaru.com
autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
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All 2019 Civic Models To Feature Honda Sensing Technology by Gary Ledoux
If history has taught us anything about vehicle technology, it is that the latest advancements may be introduced in limited production or highline cars—from the hydraulic brake systems of the 1930s to the curved windshields of the 1950s and the advent of disc brakes in the 1970s—but eventually, that technology will be applied to every vehicle in the car maker’s line-up. Such is the case with Honda’s 2019 Civic, the 10th generation of one of America’s most popular and celebrated cars. Introduced in the fall of 2015 with first the sedan and then the coupe, the 10th-generation Civic will surpass 1 million units this year. Moving forward to make Honda Sensing® standard equipment on all Honda vehicles by the year 2022, all trim levels of the 2019 Civic sedan and coupe, from the base LX to the highest-line touring, will feature Honda Sensing® technology. This underscores the increasing need for pre- and post-scanning and recalibration of critical components when making collision repairs. Honda Sensing® is Honda’s ex-
clusive intelligent suite of safety and driver assistive technologies designed to alert drivers to things they may miss while driving. The suite consists of:
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Designed to help keep the car centered in a detected lane
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set following interval behind detected vehicles • Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): Adjusts steering and braking if the vehicle crosses detected lanes without signaling
alerts that you are at risk of a collision
Other available Honda safety driverassistive technology features, depending on the vehicle model and trim level, include:
• Honda Lane Watch™: Any time the right turn signal is activated, the camera on the passenger-side mirror will turn on, displaying a live video on the car’s Display Audio TouchScreen, providing four times more vision than a standard mirror
• Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™): Applies brake pressure when an unavoidable collision is determined
• Blind Spot Information System: When the turn signal is activated and a vehicle is detected in the adjacent lane, an audio and visual alert will activate until the adjacent vehicle moves away or until the turn signal is turned off
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Uses a camera on the windshield to detect vehicles in front of your vehicle, activating audio and visual
• Auto High-Beam Headlights: When driving at night above 25 MPH with the headlight switch turned to AUTO, the system will apply high or
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Detects un-indicated departure from detected lanes, providing visible and audible alerts
• Cross Traffic Monitor: When in reverse, both audio and visual alerts are activated if another vehicle approaching from either side is detected
low beams, depending on the surrounding environment.
On its consumer website, American Honda posted, “We are passionate about the safety of not just everyone who gets in a Honda, but of everyone who shares the road with them too— from other drivers to bicyclists to pedestrians.” By model year 2020, Honda expects “…a 50 percent reduction in crashes involving model year 2020 Honda vehicles.” By model year 2030, Honda predicts that everything on the road will be connected, “including pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycle riders.” By model year 2040, Honda expects all Honda models of that year to be accident-free. It is also expected that a synergy will exist between Honda and other vehicle makers and transportation providers to work together to eliminate all accidents. By model year 2050, Honda predicts a “network of intelligent, interconnected machines” that will communicate with one another as well as other areas of infrastructure to provide efficient, trouble-free and accident-free transportation.
The Right Parts. A Perfect Fit.
Order Genuine Mazda Parts from these Parts Specialists in your area
OHIO
SOUTH DAKOTA
Brunswick Volkswagen Brunswick
Graham Automotive Sioux Falls
Toll Free: 330-460-7080
888-540-6399
Direct: 330-460-7080 Fax: 330-460-7082 M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-4pm
Fax: 605-221-0550
parts@grahamauto.com
www.brunswickautomart.com
THESE DEALERS are GENUINE WHOLESALE PARTS SPECIALISTS.
Michigan
Sunshine Toyota 269-965-1000 BATTLE CREEK
269-441-1262 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm jody@sunshinetoyota.com www.sunshinetoyota.com
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NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
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
ALLDATA Wins 2018 PTEN Innovation Awards, Continues To Win at NACE
New Windshield Patent May Change Auto Glass Repair, Replacement
by Chasidy Rae Sisk
by Emmariah Holcomb, glassBYTEs.com
Recently, ALLDATA, an AutoZone company, won two 2018 PTEN (Professional Tool & Equipment News) awards: one in the Scan Tools category for ALLDATA Diagnostics and one in the Computers and Software category for ALLDATA Collision Advantage. ALLDATA President Satwinder Mangat stated, “We are very proud to be honored with these awards. Innovation is the core of our legacy, and it drives our vision to be the leading data-driven solutions provider in the industry.” Designed to recognize the most innovative products introduced in the last year, contestants for the PTEN Innovation Awards are evaluated by a panel of judges consisting of technicians and shop owners who select winners based on their ability to make vehicle diagnosis and repair easier and more efficient as well as to make shops more productive. ALLDATA Collision Advantage analyzes estimates to ensure they’re OEM-accurate and contain thorough
documentation, providing shops with the backup needed to charge for necessary repairs. Collision Advantage works with all three major estimating systems and delivers OEM alerts, vital repairs and manufacturer position statements on a single screen. Shops can use ALLDATA Diagnostics™ to turn a tablet into a professional-level scan tool with ALLDATA built in. With unlimited pre- and postscans, no per-scan charge and no charge for software or data updates or even the equipment, the tool’s cost is all included in one subscription fee that allows shops to limit liability by using ALLDATA Diagnostics to conduct full-system exportable pre- and post-repair scans. At NACE Automechanika in Atlanta, ALLDATA Diagnostics was voted the 2018 Innovation Zone Winner in the Repair and Maintenance category. Mangat stated, “By tackling the challenges our customers face day-in and day-out, our teams are inspired to deliver innovative solutions like ALLDATA Collision Advantage and ALLDATA Diagnostics.”
Audi dealers strive to make you an Audi Genuine Parts fan.
Four Mexican inventors are changing the direction of automotive windshield breaks. The team, with Ford global technologies in Michigan, has been working on a way to create a defined break for laminated windshields that directs a break outward. Originally, they had filed for a patent in July 2016, and they were recently granted a patent for their design in June of this year. A laminated windshield is made up of an outer and inner layer of glass, while plastic or a specially designed film is commonly found between both layers and is known as the interlayer. The main benefit of interlayers is that it holds the inner and outer layers of glass together if the windshield breaks, shatters or becomes damaged in any way. Doing this can help reduce the amount of injury those inside of the vehicle may face. But what about if a person or persons want to safely escape the vehicle? Their design incorporates a
break line with an outward path. The main goal is to provide a way out of the vehicle from the inside in the event of an emergency. As the break line is directed outward, it resists breaking inward, according to the patent, which then allows it to provide higher levels of protection to vehicle occupants. “While laminated glass provides a number of significant safety benefits, it should be appreciated that it can make it very difficult to escape from the interior of a motor vehicle when the doors of the vehicle have been rendered inoperable. …[our] laminated windshield incorporates a break line engineered to break outward toward the outer glass layer, thereby allowing one to actually break the laminated windshield in order to provide an emergency escape route from the motor vehicle,” according to an excerpt from the patent. We thank glassBYTEs.com for reprint permission.
www.autobodynews.com
Genuine Nissan Parts
Genuine INFINITI Parts Call any of these following dealers.
Illinois
South Dakota
Audi Exchange
Audi Sioux Falls
Highland Park 847.432.5880 847.432.5708 Fax
Sioux Falls 888.540.6399 605.221.0550 Fax
gorejel@audiexchange.com
parts@grahamauto.com
Missouri
Ohio
Kansas City Audi
Audi Middleburg Heights
Kansas City 866.949.9500 Toll Free 816.941.4969 Direct 816.942.3156 Fax M-F 7am-6pm Sat 8am-5pm
Middleburg Heights 888.278.2400 216.898.5630 440.243.2795 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm
cfowles@molleaudi.com
wholesaleparts@sunnysideauto.com
Genuine Nissan and INFINITI OEM Wholesale Parts are Superbly Crafted to Strict Quality Standards.
NISSAN
MINNESOTA
Eden Prairie Nissan Eden Prairie
952-567-2150
(952) 567-2197 Fax M-F 6:30-7 parts@edenprairienissan.com www.edenprairienissan.com
GENUINE SERVICE & PARTS
INFINITI ILLINOIS
INFINITI of Naperville Naperville
866-874-6346
(331) 457-4661 Fax M-F 7-7, Sat. 8-4 www.buyinfinitiparts.com tryan@auto-plaza.com autobodynews.com / NOVEMBER 2018 AUTOBODY NEWS
65
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