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Vol. 10 / Issue 3 / June 2019

Solving the Tech Shortage: I-CAR is Helping Future Technicians Turn Their Passion into Lifelong Careers

ABAC Hosts Panel of Industry Leaders to Address Members’ Questions

by Stacey Phillips

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

When Nick Notte speaks to students across the country who are considering a job in the collision repair industry, he often shares his personal experience. The current senior vice president of sales for I-CAR (InterIndustry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) always had an interest in cars. He was able to turn that passion into a lifelong career and is now around vehicles every day. “The feedback you get from these kids is tremendous,” said Notte. “You can truly change their minds

and convince them that collision repair is a good way to go.” Formed in 1979, I-CAR is dedicated to providing the information, knowledge and skills required to perform complete, safe and quality repairs. The not-for-profit organization provides a variety of educational and training recognition programs for the collision repair industry. “I-CAR will soon offer 267 different courses to keep the industry on pace with technology innovation and skills development,” said Notte. With a strong network of more See Tech Shortage, Page 26

Common Mistakes Body Shops Make When Recycling & Staying Green

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

by Ed Attanasio

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

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

See Staying Green, Page 22

Industry professionals shared their expertise with members during the quarterly meeting of the Auto Body Association of Connecticut (ABAC). Topics discussed ranged from insurer interference to storage charges and OEM repair procedures. ABAC News provided association members with a recount of information panelists shared with attendees. The meeting began with Bob Amendola, ABAC president, welcoming attendees and thanking sponsors. He covered highlights from ABAC’s previous “Winds of Change” meeting. In addition, he addressed ways in which the panel would work. Amendola shared, “We hope to be concise when addressing your concerns. Every time we engage with

each other, we all learn more.” Following dinner, Tony Ferraiolo, former ABAC president, encouraged attendees to see the importance of the Customer Repair Contract. “If you don’t use a Repair Contract, you have nothing, said Ferraiolo. “If these people do not want to pay you or if you go up against an insurance company in court, you have a zero chance of a decision in your favor.” Dave Fogarty, panel moderator from Lorenson Auto Group introduced the rest of the panel: Amendola (Autoworks of Westville), Ferraiolo (A&R Body Specialty), Tony Cavallaro Sr. (Airport Road Auto Body), Ed Lupinek (Eddie’s Auto Body), Tony Lombardozzi (Superare MarSee Industry Leaders, Page 4

CIC Speakers Debate Need to Legislate Use of OEM Repair Procedures

was geared towards new limits the legislation would have placed on the State legislative efforts to enact leg- use of non-OEM parts. islation on the use of OEM repair pro“In the collision industry, we cedures have bogged down. can’t seem to escape loading Other issues, such as steerthese things up,” Bob Reding and non-OEM parts, ding, national lobbyist for have taken priority. Therethe Automotive Service Asfore, these issues are being sociation (ASA), said of incorporated into the prosuch state bills. “Only a few posed legislation, according [of the current proposed state regulations] are skinny to speakers at the Collision Bob Redding bills, dealing with OEM Industry Conference held in procedures. We often see parts get in. Nashville, TN. For example, a bill in Nevada In some state bills, like in Texas, you that would have prohibited an in- see steering slip in there. When you surer “to repair a motor vehicle in a have a bill moving, people try to manner which is contrary to the rec- solve every single issue in it. It brings ommendations of the manufacturer in all sorts of controversy when it of the vehicle,” failed to move for- picks those other kinds of things. It ward by a legislative deadline, this brings out other adversaries, and typspring. Opposition to the bill surfaced ically [the bills] have problems along at a hearing in March. The opposition See CIC Speakers Page 12

by John Yoswick

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JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

CONTENTS ABAC Hosts Panel of Industry Leaders to Address Members’ Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ASA Supports NH OEM Repair Procedure

the Bad & the Ugly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Sisk - Get to Know WIN’s 2019 MIW Honorees . 44

Recipients at Gala Awards Ceremony . . . . . 64

Legislation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Auto Repair Shop in West Mifflin, PA, Owes 35,542 Dollars in Damages . . . . . . . . 16 Balise Collision Repair Opens 3rd Location in West Warwick, RI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fire at Bel Air Auto Shop in MD, Ruled Accidental. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Fire Marshal: Welding Sparked Cohasset, MA, Auto Shop Blaze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Gerber Collision & Glass Acquires 3 Additional Carubba Locations in NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 NABC F.R.E.E. Program Teaches Niagara Falls, NY, First Responders New Rescue Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 NABC Host Education Event at High School in Downingtown, PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 NABR Launches VRS Labor Rate Survey in MA . 10 New Yorker Charged for Pretending To Be Auto Insurance Broker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 OEM Repair Parts and Procedures Bill is Now Law in Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 PJ’s Auto Body of Roxbury, NJ, Awarded Training Achievement Recognition. . . . . . . . . 8

COLUMNISTS Anderson - Want to Challenge Me on the Need to Check OEM Procedures Every Time? Bring It On… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Attanasio - AUUX Specializes in Helping Body Shops Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Chess - Collision Repair Headlines Show Need for OEM-Recommended Procedures . . . . . . 54 Ledoux - The Birth of I-CAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Ledoux - Truck ADAS Systems – the Good,

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Sisk - WIN Honors 2019 MIWs and Scholarship

NATIONAL ASA Concerned Over State Farm Document . . 37 CIC Speakers Debate Need to Legislate Use of OEM Repair Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Common Mistakes Body Shops Make When Recycling & Staying Green. . . . . . . . . . 1 First Responders Learn Rescue Skills at NABC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Ford Partners with Amazon for In-Car Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 GM Announces New Jobs Coming to Ohio . . . . 64 Jeff Peevy Addresses Paradigm Shifts in Industry, How They Will Affect Collision

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Acura of Westchester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Launch Tech USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

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

Lexus Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . 48

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists, LLC. . . . . . . . 14

Long Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Lynnes Auto Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

AutobodyLaw.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Malouf Chevrolet-Cadillac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

AutoNation Collision Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . 62

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

McGovern Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram . . . . . 26

Bical Auto Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Mercedes-Benz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . 50-51

Mercedes-Benz of Atlantic City. . . . . . . . . . . 43

Cadillac of Mahwah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Mercedes-Benz of Fort Washington . . . . . . . 43

Car-O-Liner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Mercedes-Benz of Paramus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Central Avenue Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram . 23

Mercedes-Benz of West Chester . . . . . . . . . 43

Certified Automobile Parts Assocation . . . . . 12

Mercedes-Benz of Wilmington . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Cherry Hill Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram . . . . . 18

Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 63

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Colonial Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . 38-39

Courtesy Kia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

New Holland Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram . . . 32

Courtesy Mitsubishi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealer . . . . . 62

Criswell Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram . . . . . . . 10

Northstar Kia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Repairers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Nationwide Lawsuit - How Good Should an Auto Insurer’s Repairs Be? . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Northeast Association Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Refinish Distributors Alliance Hosts Spring IMPACT Performance Conference . . . . . . . . . 6 SEMA Expands Youth Outreach with NHRA . . . 11 Solving the Tech Shortage: CREF Brings Dent Fix Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Nucar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Together Collision Repair Students &

Dent Magic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

O’Reilly Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Prospective Employers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Eckler’s Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . 61

ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

SATA Dan-Am Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 21

Empire Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Schultz Ford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Equalizer Industries, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Security Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram . . . . . . . . 7

Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . 56

Fred Beans Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Tasca Automotive Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

GM Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . 64

GYS Welding USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

USI of North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Healey Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram . . . . . . . . 15

VIP Honda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers . . 34-35

Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . 65

Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . 64

Westbury Jeep-Chrysler-Dodge-Ram-SRT . . 31

Infiniti of Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

YesterWreck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . 57

Yonkers Kia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Solving the Tech Shortage: I-CAR is Helping Future Technicians Turn Their Passion into Lifelong Careers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Toyota Stops Plan on AI Technology. . . . . . . . . 16 Vietnam Era Ambulance to Help Promote Women in the Military . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 VW, Audi Face Proposed Class-Action Lawsuit Involving CPO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 WIN Selects 7 New Members to Join Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Kundert Volvo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Continued from Cover

Industry Leaders

keting, CCRE president) and ABAC’s legal counsel, John M. Parese (Law Offices of Buckley, Wynne & Parese). People often question why collision repair facilities permit insurers to interfere in their business. Lombardozzi said, “There is a better way—it’s a mindset change. [The insurers] don’t belong in our business—they sell insurance; they pay claims. We’re not in the insurance business—we repair collision-damaged vehicles.” Parese explained the difference between an authorization to repair versus a repair contract. An authorization to repair has more limits, since it gives the shop the authorization to fix the vehicle. He added, “A repair contract is fundamental to everything you do and protects you in three important ways. It can be utilized for fighting insurance companies when there’s a short pay, but it can also protect you from your own customer who doesn’t pay. It

also protects you against any complaints that may be filed against you at the DMV.” The hot topic of the evening— the value of OEM certifications—was approached. Cavallaro said, “I feel so fortunate that I made the investment to become certified. The OEM manufacturers will be your customers moving forward. If you’re on a certification program while a customer gets into an accident, that vehicle is coming to you before it gets into an insurance company’s hands.” Amendola assured attendees that pre- and post-scanning is necessary to properly repair modern vehicles. He urged them to check OEM guidelines, which can be cited on the invoice to receive compensation from the insurer. Amendola was asked if shops are entitled to charge for labor—including time spent with insurers and customers, on total losses—and he said, “Yes. You’re taking into consideration many things that cost you your time such as removal of the plates, customer personal belongings, fair-damage assessment and more.” Attendees received advice on dealing with insurers who refuse to

NABC Host Education Event at High School in Downingtown, PA The National Auto Body Council (NABC) recently held a Distracted Driving education program in conjunction with the Collision Repair Education Foundation for more than 400 students at the ACE 2019 (Auto Collision Experience) event at Technical College High School Brandywine Campus in Downingtown, PA.

Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster hosted the event, which included presentations on the dangers of distracted driving and a hands-on simulation using the NABC Distracted Driving virtual reality goggles, provided through the AT&T It Can Wait campaign. “It was a great event and we were able to share the message about eliminating distracted driving with hundreds of kids,” said April Lausch of Faulkner Collision Center of Lancaster. “This is such a 4

critical message in keeping drivers of all ages safe on the road. By giving them a hands-on opportunity to experience how quickly an accident can happen due to a distraction, it can hopefully reduce the chance they are involved in a distracted driving incident on the road.” The NABC Distracted Driving Initiative holds education events around the country in conjunction with the AT&T It Can Wait campaign. The campaign includes turnkey event and education materials for audiences of all ages—from high school students to corporate employees to insurance customers to general consumers. The materials include virtual reality goggles, headphones, a ready-to-go Distracted Driving presentation that educates, engages and encourages the audience to make a pledge not to text and drive and a facilitator’s guide with instructions and suggestions for an event. For more information or to host an event, click here. Obtained via nationalautobodycouncil.org.

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

pay posted labor rates. When it comes to handling insurers who refuse to pay for necessary parts or procedures to restore the vehicle to pre-accident condition, Ferraiolo reminded everyone, “You’re the professional repairing that vehicle and you need to make the judgment call as to what is necessary to repair the vehicle properly.” In response to insurers who refuse to pay for necessary repairs that have already been started, Lupinek advised, “Once an insurance company inspects a vehicle, determines the loss and liability, we produce a repair plan and repair the vehicle. You can and should document what you are doing and take photos. A final invoice along with photos is all that is required.” Regarding how to respond to insurers who insist that parts must be purchased from a specific vendor, Lombardozzi claimed, “They lie! I don’t believe there is any law in Connecticut that states you are bound to purchase parts from a source that the insurance company recommends.” In addition to discussing menu pricing and how to calculate the true

cost of labor, Lombardozzi said when billing for research time, be sure to include this on your invoice. The entire panel encouraged attendees to educate customers by explaining the difference in OEM and aftermarket parts up front and keeping them apprised of the entire process. By being honest, shops can properly repair vehicles without losing customers. Moreover, unless a shop is a DRP for an insurer, their only contract is with the customer and their primary responsibility is fixing that customer’s vehicle. Additional topics discussed by the panel of industry experts included insurers’ abandonment of cars without salvage value, shops’ entitlement to be paid on a sublet, shop materials organization, storage charges on repairable vehicles, photo estimates and equipment usage charges in a shop’s business model. Amendola thanked the other panel members for sharing their wisdom. The meeting drew to a close with 50/50 raffle prize drawings. For more information about the ABAC, visit abaconn.org.

Vietnam Era Ambulance to Help Promote Women in the Military by Cody Butler, PA Homepage

An ambulance from the late 1960s will soon be used to promote women in the military. The antique sits inside the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center (SCCTC) in Pennsylvania. You can tell it’s old by looking at the headlights, speedometer and engine.

Credit: Courtesy of PA Homepage

“This is perfect! This is exactly what I want,” said Janice Gavern, who purchased the vehicle for 8,900 dollars. Gavern is a United States Air Force Vietnam era veteran who started a non-profit called Remember and Honor Women Veterans. “We're going to drive her wherever we can so that we can tell people about women veterans and what

they have done over the years,” said Gavern. The veteran says there are more than 60,000 women veterans in Pennsylvania “and people do not even realize they even exist.” Students enrolled in the Automotive Technology and Automotive Collision Repair program are eager to handle a piece of history. They will be looking over and inspecting the unit for safety. Gavern will dig into history to see if the ambulance ever touched Vietnam soil. “This is what it looks like to take something connected to the Vietnam era and do something good with it,” said Gavern. There will be a car show on May 18 at the SCCTC to support the Wounded Warrior Project. The Vietnam era ambulance will be on display as Gavern teaches the public on women veterans. Please email rememberandhonorwomenveterans@gmail.com with any questions about this nonprofit organization or if you would like to donate. We thank pahomepage.com for reprint permission.

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Refinish Distributors Alliance Hosts Spring IMPACT Performance Conference by Chasidy Rae Sisk

From April 1–3, the Refinish Distributors Alliance (RDA) hosted its Spring 2019 RDA IMPACT Performance Conference at the OMNI Frisco in Frisco, TX. More than 100 RDA members, manufacturer partners and guests were in attendance, making this the second consecutive meeting where every participating RDA member and manufacturer partner was represented. Robert McKenzie Jr., executive director of RDA, noted, “We would like to thank all of our manufacturer partners who sponsored this event and helped make it such a success.” In addition to a couple of optional early bird meetings, Monday included an opportunity for interested members to meet individually with John Halstead, RDA director of business development, to discuss benchmarking and other related topics. On Monday morning, Axalta also offered a standing room only informational workshop for RDA member distributors. The main event kicked off on Monday afternoon with Frisco Mayor

Jeff Cheney welcoming RDA to his city. He was followed by keynote speaker Chip Eichelberger’s presentation on “Reevaluating and Recharging: Being Your Best Consistently.” The first day of the conference con-

fered special promotions and prizes throughout the event.” During a break from The Huddles, Eichelberger presented “Breaking Barriers” before lunch, which consisted of exciting personal motivational activities, including breaking a pine board by hand. Eichelberger also signed copies of his book, “The Smart Guide to Accomplishing Your Goals.” After lunch, The Huddles continued until late afternoon when the group was treated to a private VIP tour of the Cowboys’ training facility, Every participating RDA member and manufacturer The Star, which is adjacent to partner attended RDA’s 2019 Spring IMPACT the OMNI. After the tour, Performance Conference conference participants encluded with a poolside welcome re- joyed dinner at the hotel, along with an ception at The Edge on the OMNI’s evening of entertainment from hypnotist Erick Kand. roof. The final day of the conference, Tuesday was a busy day, beginning with RDA’s third annual mem- open to members only, began with a ber/manufacturer all-day speed dating well-received data collection and Q&A session, facilitated by RDA’s style event, “The Huddles.” According to McKenzie, “Man- John Halstead. Next, Steve Zeleufacturers made offers, and members choski of Corporate Visions precame prepared to respond, resulting in sented “Why You?” a follow-up to the a fun and productive time for every- “Why Change?” workshop he delivone. Our manufacturer partners of- ered during RDA’s Fall 2018 IM-

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

PACT Performance Conference in Louisville, KY. The meeting concluded with a Treasurer’s Report by Josh Byers and a discussion of several important member topics with Melissa Jolls. McKenzie stated, “RDA would like to thank all our members who attended this event and extend special appreciation to M/C Michael Coran of Kemperle and Josh Byers of Automotive Color, who ran the RDA Board Meeting and facilitated daythree sessions. Both did an excellent job filling in since I was unable to attend. “RDA/IMPACT is the largest national group of refinish jobbers dedicated to providing quality services and products to our collision shops. RDA has 17 members, representing over 300 locations. Members service over 4,000 collision centers throughout the United States. We represent a cross-section of all major refinish brands and do over $500 million in sales as a group, comprising around 18 percent of the refinish business nationwide.” Those interested in learning more about RDA and their events can visit rda-impact.com.

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

ASA Supports NH OEM Repair Procedure Legislation The New Hampshire Senate Committee on Commerce received comments on House Bill 664 at a public hearing. This legislation addresses original equipment manufacturer (OEM) repair procedures for collision repairs.

ASA supports this legislation. When repairing a vehicle after a collision, it is imperative that the vehicle is returned to the owner with the same operational functionality prior to the collision. By following OEM repair procedures, repair facilities are ensuring that a vehicle is prepared in the safest, most efficient process possible. HB 664 addresses these issues. In a letter to the Committee, Bob Redding, ASA Washington,

D.C., representative, reiterated: “The original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) repair procedures are the logical repair processes to be followed. To be clear, ASA does not support the use of OEM parts only. ASA’s interest is in requiring the industry to adhere to a set of repair procedures that assure the best opportunity for vehicle safety on our highways. House Bill 664 calls for vehicle repair standards that should be an accepted, standard practice in the collision industry.” ASA has emphasized the importance of pre- and post-scans in the collision repair process. The bill’s language recognizes policymakers’ interest in providing for scanning as part of the repair process: “If the repair procedure or specification from an original equipment manufacturer includes a directive to conduct a scan, calibration or diagnostic test of a vehicle’s electronics systems before or after the commencement of repairs, such directive shall be considered as a required part of the repair procedure.”

Gerber Collision & Glass Acquires 3 Additional Carubba Locations in NY Gerber Collision & Glass recently announced the acquisition of three collision repair centers, including one intake center, located in the Buffalo, NY, area.

The shops are located in Buffalo, Cheektowaga and East Amherst. The locations previously operated as Carubba Collision, under the ownership of Sam Carubba, for over 40 years. Gerber Collision & Glass previously acquired 18 other repair centers that were branded Carubba Collision and operated by

Joe Carubba. Those acquisitions took place in early March 2019. “We are excited to expand our footprint in New York state, helping to reinforce our brand and providing the high-quality service customers in this region have come to expect,” said Tim O’Day, president and COO of Gerber Collision & Glass. “We look forward to also better assisting our insurance partners with these acquisitions.” Gerber Collision & Glass is continuously looking to add new collision repair locations to its existing network in Canada and the U.S. Interested collision repair center owners are asked to contact Stephen Boyd at (204) 594-1776 or stephen.boyd@boydgroup.com for more information.

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JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

PJ’s Auto Body of Roxbury, NJ, Awarded Training Achievement Recognition

PJ’s Auto Body of Succasunna, NJ, was recently awarded I-CAR Gold certification by the I-CAR Professional Development Program, the highest role-relevant training achievement recognized by the collision repair industry. Additionally, four of the technicians at PJs, including owner Keith Tighe, received Patinum personal certification. It is estimated that only 20 percent of repair shops currently meet the rigorous Gold Class standard. The I-CAR Professional Development Program™ provides collision repair and insurance businesses with a reliable training framework for acquiring Gold Class and maintaining the up-to-date knowledge and skills that contribute to proper repairs, improved business performance and risk reduction. To earn the Gold Class recognition, businesses must achieve and maintain a high level of role-relevant

training across each of the major collision repair roles. This is measured by achievement and maintenance of Platinum™ recognition, earned through I-CAR training, by designated Role Reps. To maintain Gold Class, an organization must continue to develop the knowledge and skills of its staff to advanced levels by progressing its Role Reps through the ProLevels® of I-CAR’s Professional Development Program™. PJ’s Auto Body, a TAPinto Roxbury and TAPinto Randolph sponsor, is situated at 25 Route 10 E. PJs has been serving the region since 1982.

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ASA Supports NH OEM Repair Procedure Legislation

The New Hampshire Senate Committee on Commerce received comments on House Bill 664 at a public hearing. This legislation addresses original equipment manufacturer (OEM) repair procedures for collision repairs. ASA supports this legislation. When repairing a vehicle after a collision, it is imperative that the vehicle is returned to the owner with the same operational functionality prior to the collision. By following OEM repair procedures, repair facilities are ensuring that a vehicle is prepared in the safest, most efficient process possible. HB 664 addresses these issues. In a letter to the Committee, Bob Redding, ASA Washington, D.C., representative, reiterated: “The original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) repair procedures are the logical repair processes to be followed. To be clear, ASA does not support the use of OEM parts only. ASA’s interest is in requiring the industry to adhere to a set of repair procedures that assure the best opportunity for vehicle

safety on our highways. House Bill 664 calls for vehicle repair standards that should be an accepted, standard practice in the collision industry.” ASA has emphasized the importance of pre- and post-scans in the collision repair process. The bill’s language recognizes policymakers’ interest in providing for scanning as part of the repair process: “If the repair procedure or specification from an original equipment manufacturer includes a directive to conduct a scan, calibration or diagnostic test of a vehicle’s electronics systems before or after the commencement of repairs, such directive shall be considered as a required part of the repair procedure.”

PJ's Auto Body of Roxbury, NJ, Awarded Training Achievement Recognition

PJ’s Auto Body of Succasunna, NJ, was recently awarded I-CAR Gold certification by the I-CAR Professional Development Program, the highest role-relevant training achievement recognized by the collision repair industry. A d d i t i o n a l l y, four of the technicians at PJs, including owner Keith Tighe, received Patinum personal certification. It is estimated that only 20 percent of repair shops currently meet the rigorous Gold Class standard. The I-CAR Professional Development Program™ provides collision repair and insurance businesses with a reliable training framework for acquiring Gold Class and maintaining the up-todate knowledge and skills that contribute to proper repairs, improved business performance and risk reduction. To earn the Gold Class recog-

nition, businesses must achieve and maintain a high level of rolerelevant training across each of the major collision repair roles. This is measured by achievement and maintenance of Platinum™ recognition, earned through I-CAR training, by designated Role Reps. To maintain Gold Class, an organization must continue to develop the knowledge and skills of its staff to advanced levels by progressing its Role Reps through the ProLevels® of ICAR’s Professional Development Program™. PJ’s Auto Body, a TAPinto Roxbury and TAPinto Randolph sponsor, is situated at 25 Route 10 E. PJs has been serving the region since 1982.

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NABR Launches VRS Labor Rate Survey in MA National AutoBody Research (NABR) recently announced the launch of its VRS Labor Rate Survey in the state of Massachusetts, sponsored by AASP-Massachusetts. The online survey is free for all Massachusetts collision repair centers and can be found on NABR’s survey website www.LaborRateSurvey.com Through the VRS Standardized Labor Rate Survey, NABR provides Massachusetts body shops with an independent third-party survey they can trust to survey labor rates properly and transparently. “We are very enthusiastic to bring the innovative and proven VRS survey to Massachusetts,” said Lucky Papageorg, executive director of AASP-Massachusetts. “Together, the VRS survey and system specifically address and eliminate the significant obstacles and problems this industry has faced with labor rate surveys and properly measuring market-based labor rates for far too many years—in fact, decades.” For example: NABR is independent and does not have a conflict of interest. The VRS survey is

openly and equally accessible to all collision centers nationwide. The questionnaire and format are standardized, so all repairers take the same survey. The VRS measures posted labor rates, which are better indicative of market rates than are

off-market discounted, negotiated, wholesale, or fleet rates not available to the general public. The survey is continuously measuring market rates; it’s not limited to once every year or two or longer. Further, the VRS reports a range of market rates, not one singular so-called prevailing rate for all shops. The data shows both shops and vehicles are different and do not

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necessarily have the same labor pricing for collision work. The VRS system treats data with integrity, not changing or manipulating data to achieve a particular outcome; rather, the data speaks for itself. Finally, and very importantly, the survey reporting is completely transparent, similar to a gas station sign on the corner for everybody to see, thus enabling a pro-competitive environment in which individual body shops can make intelligent, informed, business-driven pricing decisions. “NABR is delighted to conduct its independent survey in Massachusetts and encouraged to see that the association leadership recognizes the value and power the VRS system brings to the marketplace,” said Richard Valenzuela, CEO of NABR. “We expect strong participation in the survey and look forward to reporting an accurate picture of what market rates really are in the state.” To see the innovative Variable Rate System for themselves, any collision repair owner or decisionmaker may request a free online demo of the VRS.

Fire at Bel Air Auto Shop in MD, Ruled Accidental by Staff Writer, WBALTV.com

Crews were called around 12:14 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 to the 700 block of Belair Road in Bel Air, where there was heavy fire and smoke at Weaver's Body & Fender.

CREDIT: WBALTV.com

No one was reported injured. The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office said the fire was ruled accidental, due to welding operations coming into contact with combustible materials. Portions of Tollgate and Belair roads were closed. Crews from Harford and Baltimore counties responded to the fire. We thank WBALTV.com for reprint permission.

NABC F.R.E.E. Program Teaches Niagara Falls, NY, First Responders New Rescue Skills

More than 32 first responders from 10 local fire departments gathered on April 6 for a demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication, preparing them to provide the best response for car accident victims in the region, all thanks to the National Auto Body Council F.R.E.E.™ program and Auto Collision and Glass.

Keeping first responders up to date on the latest new technology in vehicles is a challenge for every local fire department. The NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication program (F.R.E.E.™) helps first responders stay abreast of the rapid changes in vehicle design. High-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, onboard technology and safety around alter-

native fuel vehicles are all covered in the program. The growing pop-

ularity of high-voltage hybrid and electric vehicles and the many safety concerns surrounding these vehicles makes this program a necessity. Alternative fuel systems present different challenges when first responders arrive at the scene of an accident. Electric cars, hybrid cars and natural gas vehicles have fuel systems that pose dangers for first responders if need arises to cut or pry the vehicle for rescue. Auto Collision and Glass at 2200 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, hosted first responders from Amherst, Kenmore, Lancaster,

Lewiston, Grand Island, Lockport, Niagara Falls and Eggertsville at a special NABC F.R.E.E.™ instruction program on April 6 in Niagara Falls to help ensure drivers have the best prepared response in case of an accident. “Auto Collision and Glass is committed to helping the local community whenever we get the chance,” said Kevin Gross of Auto Collision and Glass. “We were glad we could participate with this worthy cause, and will most likely be doing more of these events. We also participate with the NABC Recycled Rides™ program and donate vehicles to disabled veterans.” USAA Insurance provided the vehicles, and Lyons Emergency Services supplied the classroom education and extrication demonstration. Other partners included Niagara Towing, Paddock Chevrolet and National Coatings and Supplies.

SEMA Expands Youth Outreach with NHRA

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is expanding its youth outreach efforts by partnering with the NHRA’s Youth & Education Services (YES) Program. This initiative enables SEMA to introduce students to the excitement and opportunities in motorsports. SEMA is committed to supporting efforts to introduce youths to the unique environment found at race tracks. “We all remember our first time at a race track,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “We never forget the adrenaline and rush watching Top Fuelers top 300 mph in a matter of seconds.” The NHRA YES Program, which began more than 30 years ago, enables SEMA to reach thousands of students in a unique environment. “We’re thrilled to have SEMA join us at the 2019 NHRA YES events,” said Glen Cromwell, NHRA president. “SEMA’s support helps us to continue inspiring youth.”

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CIC Speakers

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

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

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

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

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

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New Yorker Charged for Pretending To Be Auto Insurance Broker by Steven A. Meyerowitz, Esq, PropertyCasualty360.com

Barrington Mayne has been arrested on a felony complaint for alleged insurance fraud. According to New York prosecutors, Mayne is not an insurance broker, but he used his position and contacts at various car dealerships throughout Brooklyn to dupe unsuspecting car buyers into believing that he was an insurance broker capable of obtaining car insurance. The government alleged that Mayne stole thousands of dollars from victims who were tricked into paying him insurance premiums for purported insurance policies. Mayne was charged with one count of scheme to defraud in the first degree and two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree. Fraudulently Posed as a Licensed Insurance Broker “This defendant allegedly victimized unsuspecting consumers by fraudulently posing as a licensed insurance broker in an effort to line his pockets with thousands of dol-

lars in ill-gotten gains,” said the acting superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), Linda A. Lacewell. “All New Yorkers pay a price for insurance fraud, which drives up premiums across the board,” said New York State Attorney General Letitia James. “This alleged scheme led unsuspecting customers to believe that they had legitimate auto insurance, only to later find their policies suddenly cancelled. My office will prosecute anyone who breaks the law to take advantage of consumers for personal profit.” In New York State, insurance agents and brokers are licensed and regulated by the DFS. According to the felony complaint, DFS records indicated that Mayne was not, and never has been, licensed in any capacity under any section of the New York Insurance Law.

Elaborate Scheme to Steal Money According to the felony complaint and statements made by the prosecutor at arraignment, Mayne demanded thousands of dollars from victims and then duped them into

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

believing that they had purchased automobile insurance policies when, in fact, it was an elaborate scheme to steal their money. Specifically, Mayne allegedly took money from victims for purported insurance premium payments, but instead of paying insurance carriers, he would obtain temporary insurance cards using fictitious banking information, and then allow the policies to cancel shortly thereafter for lack of payment. If convicted of the top counts charged, Mayne faces up to 1 1/3 years to four years in prison. Steven A. Meyerowitz, Esq., is director of the Insurance Coverage Law Center (formerly FC&S Legal). He can be reached at smeyerowitz @meyerowitzcommunications.com.

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Northeast Association Events by Chasidy Rae Sisk

AASP-MA To Host 2019 Golf Outing On Wednesday, June 26, AASP/MA will host its annual golf outing at the Blackstone National Golf Club in Sutton, MA. The event will commence at 11 A.M. with a shotgun start. For more information or to register, visit aaspma.org.

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Toyota Stops Plan on AI Technology

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

Fire Marshal: Welding Sparked Cohasset, MA, Auto Shop Blaze by Staff, Patriot Ledger

The state fire marshal concluded that sparks from welding repairs caused a four-alarm fire that destroyed a South Main Street auto body shop on April 4.

In a statement, Cohasset Fire Chief Robert Silvia and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said the fire at 147 South Main St. began in one of the shop’s repair bays, where a mechanic had made welding repairs earlier in the day. The shop’s owner tried to extinguish the fire himself, but oil and gas inside the shop allowed the fire to spread quickly through the entire building. Firefighters from at least eight

Auto Repair Shop in West Mifflin, PA, Owes 35,542 Dollars in Damages After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD), Leschak Automotive Inc.—an auto repair shop based in West Mifflin—has paid 15,445 dollars in back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages. These charges were paid to ten employees, in order to resolve violations of federal overtime requirements. WHD also assessed a 4,652 dollar civil money penalty due to the willful nature of the violation. WHD investigators found that the auto repair shop violated the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) when it paid employees off the books, in cash, at their straight-time rates for hours they worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Leschak made these payments to workers, in separate envelopes containing the cash, apart from payment for their first 40 hours of work each workweek. The FLSA requires employers to pay workers one and one-half times their regular rates of pay for overtime hours. “Employers that pay employ16

ees less than they are legally due, shortchange their workers, and gain an unfair advantage over competitors that abide by the law,” said John DuMont, wage and hour division district director, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “The U.S. Department of Labor will take appropriate steps to enforce the law to ensure that employers pay their employees the wages they have earned. We encourage all employers to reach out to us for guidance so that violations like those, in this case, can be avoided.” The Department offers numerous resources to ensure employers have the tools they need to understand their responsibilities and to comply with federal law, such as online videos, confidential calls, or in-person visits to local WHD offices. For more information about the FLSA and other federal wage laws, call the Division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (4879243). Obtained from U.S. Department of Labor.

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South Shore towns worked to extinguish the blaze. The Cohasset fire and police departments worked with State Police and the state fire marshal’s office to investigate the cause of the fire. No one was injured, but the garage, which town records indicate was built in the 1930s, is deemed a total loss. Damages are estimated at $300,000. A car and a farm tractor that were inside the shop were also both destroyed, Assistant Chief John Dockray said. On the morning of April 5, state environmental officials remained on the scene to monitor run-off water that was contaminated with oil from the garage. Dockray said the town’s

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drinking water supply was not at risk. Dockray said firefighters were alerted to the blaze about 4:20 p.m. after someone working on a car outside the garage noticed smoke and called 911. He said no one was in the garage when the fire broke out and a person who lives on the second floor was not home at the time. Dockray said ammunition was kept in the garage, but the flames did not reach it. The two-story garage is across the street from St. Anthony Parish and had one residential unit on the second floor. It was built around 1935 and was last assessed at $533,300, including the value of the land, according to town records. We thank Patriot Ledger for reprint permission.

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Balise Collision Repair Opens 3rd Location in West Warwick, RI

Balise Collision Repair of Balise Motor Sales opened a fifth location on May 1. The new 10,000-square- foot facility will be located at 405 Quaker Ln. in WestWarwick, RI, and is the group’s third location in the Ocean State. The shop will be geared towards fast-track repairs and exceptional cycle times. “Our new location is fantastic,” said Brian Stone, group collision director for Balise Collision

Repair.” Not only does the convenient location on Quaker Lane make it easier for customers to find us, [but] this facility features state-ofthe-art equipment and is fully airconditioned for our technicians.”

Taking care of both customers and associates is always a priority for the award-winning and multi-brand certified Balise Collision. Balise Collision Repair in Rhode Island was recently named winner of the Toyota Certified Collision “Shop of the Year” Triple Crown award for the second consecutive year. The award recognizes the collision repair facility for high standards in customer satisfaction and productivity. The team has also been a Toyota Excellence Award winner for four consecutive years. “Adding another Balise Collision Repair location in Rhode Island is also a great opportunity for our associates because as we grow our footprint across New England, it provides more chances for them to grow with us within the company,” said Stone. Upon opening, the new facility will add nine jobs.

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

WIN Selects 7 New Members to Join Board of Directors WIN (Women’s Industry Network) recently announced the appointment of seven new members to its board of directors. The WIN Board of Directors is designed to further WIN’s mission to promote women in the collision repair industry, support professional

development, create a wide network of women across the country and provide educational tools for young professionals. The following appointments were made: • Trista Anger, regional business manager, BASF • Tanya Elkins, VP business delivery, Syngin Technology • Kimberly Frasher, director of customer experience, Axiom Accident & Hail Repair • Susie Frausto, VP marketing,

Boyd Group/Gerber • Jennifer Hubbard, strategic solutions, advisor CCC • Laura Kottschade, assistant general manager, Jerry’s ABRA Auto Body & Glass • Liz Stein, VP of industry relations, Assured Performance Network “We are pleased by the vast experience and industry successes our new WIN board members will bring to the table,” said Michelle Sullivan, WIN chair. “We are most excited to have them join our dynamic leadership group as we continue to make WIN the mentoring and information resource for women in the collision repair industry.” WIN is a 501(c)(6) not-forprofit organization. WIN recognizes excellence, promotes leadership and fosters a network specifically for and among women. WIN drives industry sustainability by developing women through education and connections. For more information, go to www.womensindustrynetwork.com.

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

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

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

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Ford Partners with Amazon for In-Car Delivery

to eligible Ford and Lincoln vehicles. “It's a convenient, secure way Ford Motor Co. is joining General Motors Co. and Volvo Cars in part- to ensure your packages are delivnering with the world’s largest on- ered directly to you when you are line retailer to launch in-car package out for the day, anticipating bad weather or wondering if your package is safe,” Lorin Kennedy, FordPass Ecosystem Business Leader for Ford, said in a blog post. The service is available for models that are connected to the internet, which allows Amazon to unlock and lock the car remotely. Amazon says the incar delivery option is Ford is teaming up with Amazon to bring its Key by not available for vehiAmazon In-Car delivery service to eligible Ford and cles parked in garages Lincoln vehicles. Through In-Car delivery, eligible with restricted entry or Ford and Lincoln owners now can have their Amazon multi-level or underPrime packages delivered to their vehicles ground garages due to deliveries, as connected vehicle lack of GPS signal for in-car delivtechnology becomes more sophisti- ery. Automakers have been scramcated. The Dearborn automaker an- bling in recent years to add more nounced April 30 it is teaming options to their on-board infotainwith Amazon to bring its Key by ment systems in a bid to satisfy Amazon In-Car delivery service tech-hungry customers. by Keith Laing

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Continued from Cover

Staying Green

it comes to disposing hazardous waste and recycling?

A couple common mistakes body shops make that fall into the “low hanging fruit” category for inspectors come immediately to mind. One of the very first things that any business, including a body shop,

[does] is identify all of the waste that’s regulated and considered hazardous with special disposal requirements or can be recycled. Those items that can go into the trash and those that don’t—that’s where many problems begin. That’s one of the first things that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says when it comes to hazardous waste, which is to determine what is hazardous and what isn’t. Shops assume it’s just trash that can go in the dumpster, and in many cases, they’re wrong. The other common error that many shops make is not putting items in the [right] containers and not carefully labeling them. For example, solvent-contaminated rags need to be stored in a secure container and labeled appropriately. Improper storing and labeling are two things that inspectors find more often than any other violations, as well as throwing things in their dumpsters that can’t go there because it can’t be in the normal waste stream.

Many MSOs have an individual or a department that handles hazardous waste and recycling. But for the smaller independent shops, might it be a little more difficult to achieve this due to time

constraints or financial considerations? Yes, but in the end the regulations are identical for big chains and small independent shops. Each state has its own set of regulations, so we tell shops that one of their first steps is to identify those requirements that pertain to what they’re throwing out. They need to determine what things can be recycled and those that can go into the trash bin. They must know what is identified as hazardous waste at both the state level and what EPA says. The next step is to design a program around how these items are going to be collected and setting up agreements or contracts with service providers. Many of the waste companies out there are excellent in helping shops with this process, including making recommendations on what they can accept or vice versa. There are also a lot of consultants out there whose only job is to make sure that shops adhere to the regulations. They will also give you guidance about special waste streams such as anti-freezes, waste oils, solvents waste, filters, and aerosols that can’t ever go in the trash. The problems arise when there is a lack of communication within a shop or when their disposal/recycling program isn’t clear in one way or another.

is ideal. Not everyone has to be an expert, so centralizing that knowledge is important. Align yourselves with consultants or waste companies like us who are ready and willing to assist you every step of the way.

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

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

fines, penalties and enforcement when they run into compliance issues. With instant news and all of the social media out there, if a shop gets caught for violating regulations, people know about it literally right away and can be shared easily.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

myriad of persons within the automotive press. Therefore, by misrepresenting the history of its Corporate Fleet Cars, Volkswagen was able to sell PressFleet Cars that it would not have been able to otherwise sell at a price it would not have been otherwise able to obtain,” the suit said. And third, the defendants are alleged to have “sold certain Audibranded and Volkswagen-branded vehicles without disclosing that these CPO-designated cars had been assigned to a pool of vehicles (the ‘Pool-Fleet Cars’) that were loaned for personal use by employees within VWGOA prior to being leased to a particular employee (the ‘LeasedFleet Cars’). These Leased-Fleet Cars were then advertised and resold to unsuspecting consumers. Volkswagen misleadingly sold these Leased-Fleet Cars as “CARFAX 1- Owner” vehicles purportedly entitled to a price premium in the marketplace as a result of such “1-Owner” status, even though Volkswagen knew that such Leased-Fleet Cars had been driven See VW, Audi, Page 66

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Continued from Cover

Tech Shortage

than 1,600 volunteers, I-CAR has formed 189 committees that share information about the value of training in the industry. These volunteers are active in a local committee, all of which support and promote I-CAR’s mission.”Knowing that the committees are as passionate as they are and knowing there is a technician shortage, we set some career goals for our committees,” said Notte. Several of these goals are aligned with the work currently being done by the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to help encourage young people to pursue careers in the collision repair industry. I-CAR has a long history with CREF dating back to 1991 and works closely with the organization on many of its initiatives. Read about these initiatives in the previous Solving the Tech Shortage column. One of the ways they work together is through the career fairs CREF organizes in major markets across the U.S. As the demand for

career fairs continues to grow, CREF is asking I-CAR to organize local industry gatherings. This coincides with one of I-CAR’s committee goals—to complete a public-facing event, such as a career night at a local middle school or high school, a parade or NABC Recycled Rides gifting. The intent is to highlight the value of collision repair and promote I-CAR to the general public.

Students that go through I-CAR training have the opportunity to see first-hand some of the new technology in vehicles today. Credit: I-CAR

When you have knowledgeable and engaged collision repair representatives sharing information about the industry, Notte said it tends to make a difference. Volunteers are encouraged to plan functions where they can po-

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

tentially have the youngest kids and their parents in attendance. “We believe that to get to these collision repairers of the future, you have to get to their parents, and you have to get to the students at a very young age,” said Notte. “Those parents and administrators who may not have listened to the message are all of a sudden listening to somebody who lives in their town, talking about his or her experience in the industry, and come to realize how acceptable it might be to have their kids work in the collision repair industry. I-CAR’s industry partners are encouraged to attend the career nights in their local areas. “We have OEMs that we work with through ICAR’s sustaining partner program that are as passionate about helping with that technician crisis as we are,” said Notte. I-CAR is approaching OEMs to possibly bring some “cool” vehicles to the career nights. Notte said the hope is that attendees will see the technology available, how the vehicles are constructed and begin to dream about how to repair them in a collision situation. Another I-CAR committee goal

is to have at least one member actively participate on a school advisory board at a high school or preferably middle school. “That’s where you can affect the minds of those youngsters and the parents when you talk about collision repair, especially these days when cars are really cool,” said Notte. Since many in this age group play video games and are keen on technology, he said they soon realize that with the technology in vehicles today, they can make a living doing what they enjoy. Volunteers have found the school advisory boards to be extremely welcoming. Over the past few years, more parents and kids are looking at technical opportunities and increasingly requesting additional information about the collision repair field. Notte said this may be partially due to many kids now leaving college with a huge amount of debt and the lack of jobs available to reduce that debt. I-CAR committee volunteers are also asked to identify one CTE (Career and Technical Education) school in their market that doesn’t already utilize I-CAR’s Professional Develop-

ment Program (PDP)-Education Edition. Currently, 673 out of the approximately 1,000 career and technical schools in the U.S. are part of the ICAR program, which was established in 2010 and formed to train collision repair professionals in essential rolerelevant knowledge and skills. The objective is to promote the PDP curriculum within the school, as well as initiate conversations about the technician shortage and the value of training technicians the “right” way. “Our belief is that the right way is through the professional development program with specific roles identified and training delivered by that role,” explained Notte. Ultimately, I-CAR would like to incorporate the PDP program into every career and technical school so technicians can be prepared to work when they graduate. Committee volunteers also raise funds for CREF and secure donations of tools and equipment for career and technical schools. This year, each committee has been asked to complete one special event to support local schools, which can be held in coordination with any industry-related supplier or

CREF. Notte said these in-kind donations, such as welders, safety goggles and tools, make a significant difference because students are able to learn using the most recent equipment.

I-CAR instructors help educate tomorrow's collision repair technicians with hands-on experience. Credit: I-CAR

Often, collision repair instructors find that many students get discouraged when they are learning how to repair vehicles the way they were fixed 20 years ago. “Most of those cars just aren’t on the road anymore,” said Notte. “When it comes time to fix the high-tech cars of today, they don’t see those come into the school.” To help address this, some OEMs have donated brand new automobiles to these schools, so the students can see

the technology first-hand and learn how to repair the vehicles. “When you are talking about a young kid who is going to work on either the latest car coming down the pike or a 20-25-year-old vehicle, they get a lot more excited about working on that high-tech car,” said Notte. His advice to body shops looking to hire future workers is to find those who love cars, and perhaps have a technical interest and then employ them as porters or apprentices for the summer. Through his experience, he has found that the kids in these roles are often hired upon graduation from high school or college. He also said to pay close attention to see whether or not they have a desire to do this type of work. If the desire is there, Notte said training is readily available. For example, with the recent changes made to I-CAR’s PDP program, there is a subscription option for shops based on the number of technicians working at their facility. Students are allowed to take live, online and virtual classes for free and receive the same training as professional technicians. Not only does this offer them the opportunity

to graduate with the Platinum designation, but it also helps gauge their interest in this field. “If you have somebody who has an interest in the work and you think they might make a good technician, you can give them all of that I-CAR training for no extra charge,” said Notte. “At some point, if they are really good, you can bring them on and hire them.” To ensure collision repair facilities have a clear understanding of the knowledge and skill areas needed to perform complete, safe and quality repairs, I-CAR has created an Automotive Collision Repair Industry Knowledge and Skills Protocol. The document outlines every knowledge area and skill necessary in a shop for technicians to be successful at their job. Shops can then identify the training skills needed by everyone in their business and then pinpoint the training to fulfill these requirements. The document can be accessed by visiting https://www.i-cartraintogain .com/protocol. For more information about ICAR and its training and initiatives, visit https://www.i-car.com/.

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In Reverse with Gary Ledoux

The Birth of I-CAR

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

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

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

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

ltedesco@autobodynews.com

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JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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

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

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Nationwide Lawsuit - How Good Should an Auto Insurer’s Repairs Be? by Lyle Adriano, Insurance Business

Pennsylvania Supreme Court is reviewing a decision to overturn a lawsuit against Nationwide—and at the same time is assessing how much responsibility the carrier has for the quality of collision repairs.

The Court agreed to reconsider issues raised by plaintiffs who had sued Nationwide for bad faith in a Jeep collision repair. A Common Pleas judge found Nationwide’s behavior constituted intent to deceive, and so awarded the plaintiffs—but that $21 million judgment was overturned by the Supreme Court, which found that the Common Pleas judge “overreached” in his decision. In late March, the Court said it would hear the plaintiff’s appeal of

the June 2018 decision in Berg v. Nationwide. Nationwide was under an insurance contract to repair collision damage to the motor vehicle in question, instead of paying the insured directly for the fair value of the loss. However, the review of the overturned decision could raise questions about whether Nationwide also had a duty to return the motor vehicle to its insured in a serviceable condition— pursuant to national insurance standards and its duty of good faith and fair dealing. The insurer had suggested plaintiffs Daniel and Sheryl Berg (who died during the course of the litigation) have their 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee repaired at one of its direct repair program shops following a crash incident in 1996. The repair facility suggested by the insurer said that the vehicle was a total loss due to frame damage, but Nationwide disagreed. According to a summary of the case, a claims log item notes: “REPAIRS ARE APPROXIMATELY 50% of ACV NATIONWIDE WILL NEVER RECOVER

THE DIFFERENCE IN SALVAGE VALUE.” Months later, the vehicle was repaired—but it was thought to be unsafe. According to Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Sprecher in his judgment, Nationwide either did not inspect the vehicle as it should have or did inspect it and did not tell the Bergs. In early April, Nationwide and Mayerson Law—the firm representing the plaintiffs—each provided statements on the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the case, Repairer Driven News reported. “Nationwide is aware of the development,” Nationwide corporate communications director Eric Hardgrove said in a statement. “We plan to continue to vigorously defend our adjustment of this claim.” “We are pleased but not surprised that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania granted review because this is a case of substantial public importance, involving issues of highway safety and reasonable access to our courts,” remarked Ben Mayerson, an attorney for the plaintiffs. We thank Insurance Business for reprint permission.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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

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

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

HONDA CONNECTICUT

Lia Honda of Enfield Enfield

800-221-3131 860-741-3401 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 jdoucette@liacars.com

Manchester Honda Manchester

800-442-6614 860-645-3115 Dept. Hours: M-F 7-5; Sat 8-4 gabe.llantin@manchesterhonda.com

Schaller Honda New Britain

800-382-4525 860-826-2080 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5; Sat 8-1 jkiniry@schallerauto.com MAINE

Berlin City Honda South Portland

800-640-6685 207-774-6685 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 mmmparts@berlincity.com

Prime Honda Saco

207-391-7910 207-282-0900 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Th. 7:30-7; Sat 7:30-4 klavalle@driveprime.com MARYLAND

Criswell Honda Ger mantown

866-738-2886 Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-9; Fri 7-7:30; Sat 8-6 hondaparts@criswellauto.com ACURA MASSACHUSETTS

Acura of Boston Brighton

800-254-1169 617-254-5400 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5:30; Sat 8-5 bruce.fisher@acuraofboston.com

Acura of Peabody Peabody

800-878-3600 978-532-9110 Dept. Hours: M-Sat 8-5 dbritt@acurapeabody.com

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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

NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

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Oâ€™Donnell Honda

Madison Honda

Brewster Honda

Ellicott City

Madison

B re w s t e r

York

410-461-5000 410-461-9654

800-648-0293 973-822-1710

845-278-4177

800-960-9041 717-848-2600

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 bshortt@odonnellhonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-8; Fri 7-6; Sat 8-6; mschumer@madisonhonda.com

Ourisman Honda of Laurel

Rossi Honda

Laurel

Vineland

800-288-6985 301-498-6050

800-893-3030 856-692-4449

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 7-4 julio.cruz@ourismanautomotive.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 6:30-5; Sat 7:30-3 dave@rossihonda.com

MASSACHUSETTS

LIA Honda Northampton Northampton

Route 22 Honda Hillside

973-705-9100

800-369-7889 413-586-6043

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7:30; Sat 8-5 rt22hondaparts@route22honda.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 dstanisewski@liacars.com

Sussex Honda

NEW JERSEY

Clinton Honda Annandale

877-657-2787 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5 chrish@clintonhonda.com

Honda of Turnersville Tur nersville

800-883-0002 856-649-1584 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-4 sbaptist@penskeautomotive.com

Hudson Honda West New Yor k

866-483-6917 201-868-9500

Newton

800-842-0557 973-579-3500

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 kbennett@liacars.com

Dick Ide Honda R o ch e s t e r

800-462-0056 (N.Y.) 585-586-4919 Dept. Hours: M-Thur 8-8; Fri 8-5:30; Sat 8-5 parts@dickide.com

Lamacchia Honda S y ra c u s e

315-471-7278 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 9-1 parts@lamacchiahonda.com

Lia Honda of Albany Albany

800-272-6741 518-482-2598

Apple Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-4; Sun 10-4 applehondaparts@appleauto1.com

Baierl Honda Wexford

724-940-2006 Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 johnryan@baierl.com

Shadyside Honda Pittsburgh

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Shenango Honda Her mitage

800-858-0849 724-981-7106

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5 realhondaparts@sussexhonda.com

Dept. Hours: M, T, W, F 7:30-5:30; Thur 7:30-8; Sat 8-5 mjerard@liacars.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 parts@shenangoauto.com

VIP Honda

Lia Honda of Williamsville

Sussman Honda

North Plainfield

908-753-1680 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-3 kevinh@viphonda.com NEW YORK

Babylon Honda

Williamsville/Buffalo

Roslyn

877-659-2672 716-632-3800

800-682-2914 215-657-3301

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7:30-8; Fri 7:30-5; Sat 8-5:30 liaparts@liacars.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-1 rendrick@sussmanauto.com

We s t B a by l o n

Ray Laks Honda

631-669-5800

We s t S e n e c a

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-3:30 babylonparts@aol.com

716-824-7852 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-8; Sat 7:30-5:30 ekuznicki@raylaks.com

VER M O N T

802 Honda Berlin

802-223-9700 Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5; Sat 8-Noon hondaparts@802cars.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-5; Sun 8-3 anthony.perrone@hudsonhonda.com

NEW JERSEY

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Acura Turnersville

Acura of Westchester

Smithtown Acura

Tu r n e r s v i l l e

We s t chester

St. James

Jenkintown

888-883-2884 856-516-6060

914-834-8887

888-832-8220 631-366-4114

800-826-4078 215-884-6285

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-4 parts@smithtownacura.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-1 rendrick@sussmanauto.com

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Media and Publicity for Shops with Ed Attanasio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASA Concerned Over State Farm Document

ASA’s Collision Operations Committee is expressing concern about a State Farm Insurance Company document released at the recent Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting in Nashville, TN. The document outlines State Farm’s position on vehicle scanning for their Select Service shops. It also acknowledged that the company does give consideration to OEM position statements on required vehicle scanning procedures after a collision event. The document then goes on to state the “Select Service repairers are responsible for determining when a pre- or post-scan is necessary to properly repair a vehicle.” “This document raises several concerns,” said Scott Benavidez, former ASA collision division director and owner of Mr. B’s Paint & Body Shop in Albuquerque, N.M. “In the view of the ASA Collision Operations Committee, the wording is vague and fails to offer specifics.”

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

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autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

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

Just over a decade ago, there were approximately 1,400 high school and college collision repair programs in the United States, according to Brandon Eckenrode, director of development for the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). The latest statistics show that number has dropped dramatically to roughly 1,000. Eckenrode frequently receives calls from concerned technical instructors who tell him that if enrollment doesn’t increase, their school programs will most likely be shut down and students won’t have access to the training necessary to work in the collision repair industry. As a result, CREF is taking steps to support these programs and ensure there will be enough students to help fill the overwhelming number of jobs currently available. “There are more opportunities than people available to fill these positions,” said Eckenrode. “We’ve heard from some of the school instructors

CREF’s roots date back to 1991 when the collision industry was also facing a critical shortage of qualified and well-trained entry-level employees and was initially focused on distributing I-CAR curricula to high school and college students. It was designed to teach the body shop skills required of entry-level employees. In 2008, CREF became a traditional, 501c3 philanthropic organization, working with industry partners to support high school and college collision repair school programs, students and instructors across the country. The first year, the organizaCREF encourages body shops to sponsor work uniforms for tion raised $300,000. Since students. CARSTAR Omaha/Lincoln donated new Cintas then, that number has grown tech shirts to automotive collision students at Metropolitan to $100 million. Community College in Omaha, NE More than 85 percent of “It’s difficult for instructors to what has been raised comes in the graduate a highly trained, entry-level form of in-kind donations, including staff member when they are facing tools, equipment, supplies, paint, eslimited budgets,” said Eckenrode timating software and safety glasses. who has worked with CREF since Eckenrode said schools desperately need these items, especially when 2009.

that without our help and the different donations we support, their programs would be closed.” In some schools, instructors reportedly are only allocated $50 per student for the entire year.

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

faced with increasingly limited and shrinking budgets. Each year, interested schools complete a CREF survey to be eligible for monetary and in-kind donations. The survey asks details about their budget, enrollment and placement information so the organization can learn more about their situation and determine their needs. CREF then reaches out to a wide range of potential donors to fulfill the requests. Both traditional collision repair vendors and non-traditional businesses, such as flooring companies, have shown their support over the years. Ninety cents of every dollar raised by CREF goes directly to the schools, students and instructors. CREF has been recognized by Charity Navigator as a four-star (out of four stars) charity due to its lean operational expenses and ensuring that as much as possible goes back to the schools. Not only have these donations made a significant impact on existing school programs, but Eckenrode said they have also helped attract

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new students to the industry and put processes in place to employ the students after graduation. One of the main ways Eckenrode said that CREF is making a difference is through its career fairs. Over the last few years, CREF began facilitating and organizing these events in major markets across the country to bring students and the industry together. Typically held in schools, neighboring high school and college students are invited to learn about the various career opportunities open to them. Initially, about 200– 300 students attended each event. Over time, this number has grown to include about 400-plus students. In addition to collision repair students, participants also include those interested in auto service and automotive heavy-duty diesel, which Eckenrode said has been successful in giving hiring companies a larger pool of potential employees to choose from. Those students who register for the career fairs at least 30 days prior to an event receive new Cintas technician shirts to wear. Eckenrode estimates they have distributed more than 75,000 of these shirts over the years. The uniforms have made a positive impact on the program, according to Eckenrode, because the students look like industry professionals and are treated with a new level of respect by their peers and school staff. “What we have heard from a lot of the instructors is those students attending these events were great motivators to make sure they stayed within the program,” said Eckenrode. “Instead of an instructor standing in front of class and saying there is an industry ready for you and wanting to employ you, students have the opportunity to meet these businesses first-hand and learn about the opportunities available.” Eckenrode said the goal is to continue increasing the number of career fairs held each year and track how effective they are. “Because these career fairs are open to not only seniors, but also students just starting out their technical careers, it’s not always easy to track the successes because students might attend the events, but not be immediately looking for work ,” said Eckenrode. “However, by attending the events, they see what is waiting for them and stay within the programs 42

and are able to network with the participating companies.” A recent example came as a result of an event held in Tampa earlier this year. The Ferman Auto Group, one of the largest dealership groups

they haven’t already done so. For example, some collision repair facilthose in the industry who have hired ities have sponsored new uniforms technical students in the past and felt for students while many others have they weren’t prepared, he encourages donated supplies, tools and equippotential employers to be persistent ment. and work through the issues to help “There are things [body shops] improve the programs. By can do, working together with us, putting in the time and show- where they can help encourage stuing their support, he said students,” he said. “We’re all in this todents will likely be more gether, so having a collective force qualified when they graduate at the local level is where we think and better prepared for the we are going to make the biggest imfuture. pact.” “It’s a matter of getting The spring CREF career fairs these businesses in front of have wrapped up; however, an initial instructors and schools and list of markets where the events will CREF donated $1,000 to the collision repair program at involved in advisory boards be held this fall include (more exTennessee College of Applied Technology in Shelbyville, TN, as well as getting in front of pected to be added): which was used to purchase equipment the administrations,” he in the U.S, hired eight students fol- said. “What we’ve heard, time and St. Louis, MO (9/27) lowing one of CREF’s events. time again, is that if the administra- Gateway Motorsports Park - 700 Eckenrode said the CREF team tion sees companies interested in hir- Raceway Blvd - Madison, IL and supporters are continually working these students, there’s a better ing to enhance the career fairs. They chance that they will want to keep Detroit, MI (week of 10/8) recently started capturing students’ these programs running.” Oakland Community College -1200 resumes and contact information In addition to attending a career Mead Rd - Rochester, MI electronically so companies that par- fair, especially if one is not yet availticipate have access to the information able in the area of the country where Dallas, TX (10/17) and can follow up about job opportu- a body shop is located, Eckenrode Mercedes-Benz Learning & Performnities. said there are several ways to get in- ance Center- Grapevine, TX Another recent addition is the involved and make a difference. For See Tech Shortage, Page 62 terview sessions CREF has put into place during some of the career fairs. In some cases, students have the opportunity to participate in a mock interview session while other times, one-on-one interviews are arranged Fast Daily Delivery to Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey with hiring companies. • Large Inventory of Genuine GM Collision Parts To help increase the number of • Professional and Experienced Wholesale Staff events per year, CREF is working closely with I-CAR committees to 732.821.1108 LOCAL create their own local career events. 732.821.1517 FAX The goal is to have one in every major market. The next Solving the Tech Shortage column will feature information about I-CAR initiatives, including the local career fairs planned by I-CAR committees. Part of the expansion plans also includes holding career fairs in different venues, such as the Denver Auto Show, which was held in March. Through the partnership with www.malouf.com the Colorado Auto Dealers Association, CREF had the opportunity to GENUINE PARTS FROM GENUINE PARTS GUYS talk to parents and students who otherwise might not have been familiar with the industry and then showcase the different career paths available. Eckenrode advises shop owners and managers unsure about how to Parts Dept. Hours: 1975 Route 1 South hire graduating students to find out M-F 7:30am - 5pm; Sat. 7:30am - 1pm kdiperi@malouf.com North Brunswick, NJ 08902 about their local school programs if

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National Associations

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

with Chasidy Rae Sisk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Williams automotive sales team. A Since Hoang became the CEO of 2012 career highlight was Folk’s UYL Color, the company has grown recognition as “Woman of the Year” over 900 percent and been listed on by the National Association of Profes- Fortune’s fastest-growing inner city sional Women. She currently serves companies three years in a row. on the board of directors for the NaHoang said, “I get to work alongtional Alliance on Mental Illness. The side some pretty amazing people at amazing support and advice of family, UYL Color, and what I’m most proud co-workers, customers and Sherwin- of is my employees’ commitment to Williams made this all possible. live by our mission—making it easier Yen Hoang grew up in her fa- for our customers to be successful. ther’s body shop, often helpThere’s such a deep sense of ing out to pass the time. obligation and compassion Although she pursued a catowards our mission, and I’m reer with a Big Four acalways taken back by their counting firm, Hoang left commitment to fulfill these the firm in 2010 to join obligations for our customers UYL Color, a paint supply out of a sense of real concern company that she founded and care, no matter how difErica L. Schaefer with her father and brother. ficult the customer can be.” Her father “felt there was a dearth of Hoang is also a member of the service but also an opportunity to Houston Auto Body Association, serve the underserved, which means Auto Paint Exchange 20 group and all [shop sizes]—not just the dealer- several non-industry specific CEO ships who are accustomed to getting groups as part of her efforts to enservice,” Hoang shared. “Being in hance her knowledge of the industry the industry for almost 10 years now, and as an entrepreneur. She partI can appreciate my dad’s vision and nered with Microsoft to create a support whatever endeavors neces- commercial for its Surface Pro while sary to continually have a positive promoting UYL Color. On Internaimpact on our industry.” tional Women’s Day 2017, Microsoft

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recognized her as a leader leaving a “When I look at all those pictures she was initially skeptical about how ous managers throughout my career positive impact. lined up of women who’ve been hon- WIN could benefit an OE, she acqui- and all my industry phone-a-friends. Previously employed in the med- ored over the years, I marvel at how esced. I have to thank them for making me ical field, Kathy Mello began work- I fit into that category.” “It was a great experience,” she be the best I can be. Everyone has the ing behind the scenes for TGIF Body Hoang joined WIN in 2012 at said. “I enjoyed many of the speakers, power to make a difference.” Shop when her husband founded the the recommendation of WIN mem- especially ones focused on work-life Schaefer believes it’s important company in 1980. The business went ber and former MIW recipient Linda balance because that’s extremely im- for women to be involved in the colon to grow exponentially when TGIF Sommerhauser. portant to me. I was also able to meet lision repair industry because they signed its first DRP contract in 1989. Hoang recalled, “What initially some strategic partners from various “bring color and passion to converBy 1996, the company needed a new began as a keen interest in gaining a sides of the collision world that sations, along with different points of location to accommodate its growth. better understanding of the industry Mopar has partnerships with. Net- view.” She encourages young women With her children grown, Mello was eventually led to a sincere desire to working works. I’ve used my connec- interested in an automotive industry able to pursue a more active role in embrace WIN’s mission of fostering tions throughout my career and take career to “find mentors, both profesthe business. and advancing women in the comfort in always having a sionally and personally, who you can Mello admitted, “This industry collision repair industry. I phone-a-friend through my bounce stuff off of and seek advice is something I would never have have never felt disadvanWIN connections.” from. Always seek the why; don’t acchosen had it not happened the way taged in any way because of Schaefer feels humbled cept everything as fact. Investigate it did, but I really enjoyed it and my gender, race or age, but and honored to be named a and find out the truth. Don’t stop couldn’t understand why at first. the reality is those factors 2019 MIW. learning and growing—23 years into After some soul-searching, I realized are used to judge people, and She shared, “It is human my career, and I still learn every day. I love helping people, and that’s that matters whether you nature to feel you aren’t Seek what makes you passionate. Judy Folk what we do in collision repair.” like it or not. Having to navdoing enough or you could Work is more fun when you enjoy Mello has learned about the in- igate the business world in a male- do things better, but this award tells what you’re doing. Be dependable dustry by taking AMi training, ac- dominated industry is challenging but me that my efforts to help improve and accountable. If you say you’re quiring mentors and attending as achievable when you believe in yourthe overall collision repair process going to do something, do it.” many industry events as possible. self—your capabilities, your value and and experience have not gone unnoFolk added, “Not harnessing the She serves on the board of directors your worth. WIN brings such a sense ticed, and it makes me even more de- perspectives of women on important for the California Autobody Associ- of camaraderie that it makes it easy to termined to influence positive business decisions will only hurt the ation and is a co-founder of WIN. be yourself and share your thoughts changes in whatever ways I can. This automotive industry in the long run. “Just staying connected and passion. I hope I can be award wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t The face of the consumer population See MIW Honorees, Page 53 is important,” she said. “I’m a positive influence for the have the support of my family, varigrateful that I’ve been able to women I meet in WIN. serve in different capacities “I am genuinely humbled in the community, but I see to be considered amongst them more as opportunities such an astonishing group than as accomplishments. of accomplished women! I’m also very grateful for the Their work and engagement Kathy Mello mentors who shared their in this industry are palpable wisdom with me along the way.” and lasting, admirable and reflective Mello attended a women’s in- of the award—influential! Persondustry conference hosted by Assured ally, seeing them has always given Performance in 2005. When the me pause and made me ponder how ladies were encouraged to run with I can recreate that influence for posithe idea, that’s exactly what they did. tive impact in my own way.” Mello recalled, “They say that Folk has been involved with HOURS: when you show up, things happen; WIN since its inception, and before Mon. - Fri.: this was a happening. The conference that, she met with a group of female 7:30am - 8pm was educational, and though none of industry professionals at NACE each us was sure we belonged when it year. Sat.: • Large Inventory began, we knew we could make a difShe shared, “WIN offered me the 8am - 4pm • Delivering to Westchester, ference in the industry by the time it connection to other professional Sun.: Rockland, Putnam ended. We started planning the next women throughout the entire automo9am - 4pm • NYC 5 Boroughs & Connecticut year’s conference, and within a year, tive industry. I am so humbled and ex• Fast Free Delivery acura.parts@yahoo.com we had the conference set up as well cited that I was even nominated for • Great Discounted Prices as a new entity, WIN, but we never the MIW award. Imagine my shock 2155 Palmer Ave. set out to start an organization—it and excitement when I heard that I Larchmont, NY 10538 just happened.” won! It means a great deal to me to be Being recognized as a 2019 MIW recognized, especially by my fellow Call or e-mail 914-833-1812 FAX is an “unexpected honor” for Mello. teammates, showing their support and us Today! www.acuraofwestchester.com “This is not an industry I would the confidence they place in me.” have chosen, and the fact that I’m At the urging of WIN’s Liz Stein, viewed as someone who’s influential Schaefer attended her first WIN Eduwww.oeconnection.com in it is so surprising to me,” she said. cational Conference in 2014. Although

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JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Truck Topics

with Gary Ledoux

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

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

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

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The Good Chris Reynolds, director of safety and security for Southeastern Freightlines noted that at first, he wasn’t entirely sold on the CMS concept. To test it, Southeastern retrofitted CMS systems in 10 over-the-road trucks and monitored them for six months. The result was a drastic reduction in accidents. Roll-over accidents were decreased by 40 percent, run-off-the-road accidents were decreased by 14 percent, and rear-end collisions were decreased by 22 percent. For 2018, one fleet manager noted 2.61 accidents occurred per million miles driven for those tractors without CMS technology. An average for all tractors was 2.03. But for those tractors with CMS technology, the accident rate went down to 1.05. Accident rates are sure to go down looking forward. In 2014, less than 30 percent of heavy trucks uti-

URCE

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

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

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

The good news for fleet managers is that all the data generated by the above systems on any given trip can be downloaded and collated into an easy-to-understand spreadsheet to see if the driver was operating his/her truck in a safe manner—or not. The Bad Some fleet drivers, especially those who have been in the business for a long time, don’t like the CMS systems. They claim that the constant beeping or flashing lights of the various warning signals drives them crazy. (One must ask, if they weren’t tailgating, going over the lane lines or waiting until the last minute to

stop in traffic, would the warnings signals beep or flash?) Other drivers feel that the systems are too much like “big brother” looking over their shoulder. They like the freedom of the open road and feel that the systems are too intrusive on this freedom. Not to mention that all this data is recorded, can be easily accessed in a spreadsheet format and may come under the scrutiny of a company safety official. (It was suggested during the panel discussion that this information can be used to counsel an errant driver as well as reward a safe driver.) Seeing the advancement in CMS system technology and the proliferation across various truck lines, some drivers are afraid that these systems will put them out of a job. They have heard the beating of the autonomous vehicle drums and some fear that their days as drivers are numbered, making them fearful for their jobs and for the industry. However, fleet executives all agree that they are investing in the CMS systems to make driving safer for their own drivers, make the highways safer for the general public,

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

protect the investment they have in equipment, and mitigate potential lawsuits resulting from traffic accidents. Chris Reynolds of Southeastern Freightlines noted that the cost of litigation for one accident can go a long way in paying for a CMS system. When an accident involves a truck, especially one that is part of a fleet, people look to the trucking company, the guys with the “deep pockets” to pin the blame on … even though the car driver may have been at fault. A quick search on YouTube came up with a dozen lawyers that specialize in trucking accidents and suing the truck companies. The Ugly Some drivers have learned enough about the various CMS systems to know how they work and have tried to defeat them. Some have put tin foil over the radar sensors or the camera lenses to keep the system from beeping and flashing. In one case, a driver did not have enough room to put tin foil over a camera lens but instead placed a business card in front of the lens. Of

course it was inevitable … that driver was involved in an accident for which he was blamed. When the fleet manager and safety manager reviewed the video footage, all they could see was … a 30-minute video of someone’s business card. Training Brad Aller, director of fleet sales and service implementation and maintenance for Bendix, makers of CMS system, noted that drivers need to first be trained on how the system in their truck works, what to look for and how to react. If a driver is in the same truck day after day, they get used to it and know the system. However, if a driver is in and out of several trucks over the course of days or weeks, they must learn the different systems and how each works. It was suggested during the presentation that there be some standardization of light and sound warnings across all systems to make them easier to understand. Repairing CMS Systems With so many systems and combinations of systems around, not to men-

tion the fact that some systems come as standard equipment and some are retro-fitted, it is tough for a technician to know what system is in the truck they are trying to repair. It was suggested that a database be built by truck VIN number telling what CMS system was in that truck. Perhaps more basic than fixing a system that is down or malfunctioning is knowing when that system goes down or malfunctions. Some drivers may see that as a “win” when the system ceases to function. The answer seems to be a system monitor than provides the health of the system remotely to a fleet manager or fleet safety department. CMS Systems Outlook The panel noted four issues that mark the future of CMS systems for trucks: • Each iteration of CMS system is getting better and more intuitive • Engineering safety into each truck is becoming the norm • Drivers can now be coached using hard data from these systems. Errant drivers can be corrected,

good drivers can be rewarded, but in either case, the coach and all involved must understand the technology • Video continues to have a real value in claims cost. A video leaves no question as to what happened in an accident

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

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MIW Honorees

is changing dramatically. Everyone knows the narrative about change— we’re living in it. The collision repair industry is becoming less about physical strength and more about technology, communications and customer service, which offers a great career path for women. “In the automotive industry, I recommend that young women don’t let themselves be intimidated. Stay steady and focused on what you want to do, continue learning and keep that vision in front of you. In any career, I’d tell them to stop worrying and to embrace the changes life throws at you.” Regarding women’s roles in the industry, Mello stated, “Women tend to be collaborative and nurturing by nature. The human side of the business is sometimes challenging for business owners, but a lot of women bring solutions to that challenge to the table. Women are also detail-oriented and passionate. Including women in this industry is imperative so there’s opportunity for longevity as a career.

“Surround yourselves with knowledgeable people, and create a support system for some of the challenges, including gender challenges, you might face. Fortunately, it seems like that ideology is departing and women are being more welcomed; many of the barriers to women entering the automotive industry have been destroyed. Surround yourself with people who can help you with any hurdles that might come along. WIN certainly does that since it’s one of the organization’s tenets.” Hoang said, “Our industry affects everyone, not just individuals in this industry. As women, we bring a different perspective, idea, opinion, voice and lens, which are all critical to adding depth and knowledge to an industry that is still predominantly run by men. We are so instrumental to the subversive changes that have been made and are yet to come. The inclusion of women, especially in our industry, is therefore a necessity, not an option. “The automotive industry is experiencing a renaissance with the emergence of advanced technology See MIW Honorees, Page 62

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Hey Toby! with Toby Chess

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

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

Fig. 2

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6. Get your tools and products necessary for the test. 7. Always wear safety glasses, a

face shield and hand protection when performing the test.

STRSW destructive testing done in a technician’s stall: 1. Measure the thickness of both pieces of sheet metal to be tested. Add the thicknesses of both pieces and divide by two to get the proper metal thickness (this step is not necessary with full automatic welders) (Fig. 5). ½ inch overlap of the two test coupons (Fig. 6).

Fig. 5 Fig. 4

those numbers by 4.5 and you get a tear out of the diameter, 4.95 mm. After you calculate the measurements, you may make the appropriate adjustments and then you’re done. Steps necessary before testing STRSW welds: 1. Follow OEM procedures for testing. 2. Cut two pieces of metal from the vehicle (preferably 2”X 3”). 3. Clean the metal where the STRSW electrodes come in contact

with the metal itself. 4. If adhesive is necessary in the repair, use it on the test coupons. Then, you will need to verify if the test will need to be done wet or with cured adhesive. If the test information is not available, it would be in your best interest to use wet adhesive. 5. Use a shunt clamp if adhesive is used or if the e-coat is not removed from the mating surfaces. If the OEM requires weld though primer, you may use it on the test coupons.

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Fig. 7

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autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

2. Secure both test coupons with a pair of vice grip pliers. 3. Place a single spot weld in the middle of the top test coupon—a ½ inch in from the edge (also known as edge distance) (Fig. 7). 4. Using a V-Jaw vice grip pliers, roll both pliers inward toward each other. Beware of the position of the pliers. For example, a round part of pliers need to roll into each other in order to work (Fig. 8).

.8mm times 5 equals 4.0 mm. This is a good weld (Fig. 10). 7. Photograph results showing caliper measurement, the repair order number, the date and the technician. Attach all of the results to the estimate and the repair order file (Fig. 11). Here is a kit I made for some collision shops (Fig. 12).

taped with electrical tape to prevent the pliers from acting like a poor shunt. A resistance spot weld will be placed on the clean part of the

flow from the electrode through the metal, until it reaches the first spot weld and an electrical circuit is made; thus, forming a spot weld at

Fig. 14 Fig. 13

Fig. 11 Fig. 8

coupon. The e-coat is left intact between the two mating surfaces. Lastly, note the ½ inch overlap between the two coupons (Fig. 14-15). Let’s assume that these welds were performed on a car. The OEM states to leave the e-coat on the mating surfaces. A shunt plier will be used for the first resistance spot weld. Remove the shunt pliers and use two isolated clams for the second weld. The path of the current will

IN ENU

Fig. 12

5. Peel back both coupons to expose the torn out weld nugget (Fig. 9). 6. Measure the diameter of the weld nugget with a caliper. Refer to the OEM data to determine the weld nugget formula. If there is no formula to determine the correct size of the nugget, a good rule of thumb is as follows—the thickness of the metal being welded times 5. In the above example, the thickness was 58

The kit includes: 2 pliers, a caliper, a sharpe and a set of laminated instructions. Destructive testing is not an included operation. I tell the shops I work with to have a person in parts or in the front office to be in charge of the kit. After the technician performs the test and the kit is returned, a line should be added to the repair order, outlining the test. The technician should be given time to perform the test. Be sure that the pictures are attached to the file.

Use of a shunt clamp: I have two pieces of e-coated coupons from the vehicle and shunt pliers. I cleaned two locations on the outside of both coupons—one for the shunt pliers to make contact and the other for the electrodes (Fig. 13). Note: The vice grip pliers are

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

ty uali

the second location. This process is followed until all of the welds are completed. The same procedures would be used for weld bonding. The See Repair Headlines, Page 62

TS PA R

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Fig. 9

Fig. 10

Fig. 15

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autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Jeff Peevy Addresses Paradigm Shifts in Industry, How They Will Affect Collision Repairers by Stacey Phillips

Jeff Peevy has observed many changes in the collision repair industry over the course of his nearly 40year career. As the current chairman of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and president of the Automotive Management Institute (AMi), Peevy regularly talks to body shop owners and managers about the current issues they face. During a recent webinar, Peevy shared several shifts he has observed as a result of these conversations and his involvement in the industry. Peevy then addressed how they are expected to affect future collision repairers. The free webinar was part of Dave Luehr’s Elite Body Shop Academy’s “Elite Webinar Series” and can be replayed by visiting www .elitebodyshopsolutions.com/academy. The shifts include a new focus on the customer experience, OEM certification expansion, the changing type of work in the industry and emerging liability issues.

realizing there is a customer experiNew Focus on the Customer ence that requires more than just Experience During a typical day in a body shop, technical skills.” Peevy stressed the importance of employees are hard at work ensuring vehicles are repaired properly, cus- utilizing soft skills, especially for staff tomers leave satisfied and great cycle members who regularly deal with customers. These include good time is maintained. listening skills, communicaWhen problems arise, tion, phone skills, negotiating Peevy said that by nature, and problem-solving. collision repairers typically Due to today’s widespread look for solutions from a use of social media, Peevy technical perspective and said that making a mistake mindset. This is partially bewith a customer can negacause technical training has Jeff Peevy, tively impact a business now become increasingly imporchairman of the more than any other time in tant to keep up with new Collision Industry Conference (CIC) history. technology. Technicians are and president of About six years ago, he spending much of their time the Automotive began noticing that the more learning about new equipManagement forward-thinking collision rement, repair procedures and Institute (AMi) pair facilities focused a porprocess improvements. As a result, he said, many times it can be tion of their training on teaching their easy to overlook a key element at their administrative and customer-facing staff soft skills. The results were very facilities—employing soft skills. “We all believe they are impor- positive. Not only was there better overtant, but traditionally as an industry we don’t use them,” said Peevy. “In- all communication in the business, stead, we try to solve everything but they also found that when techfrom a technical aspect. We’re now nicians and everyone else in the shop

listened to one another and communicated better, employee retention improved. “If a technician is uncomfortable in an environment, the way it is typically handled is that person will leave,” said Peevy. “If technicians have better communication skills, they can sit down and communicate their feelings and often negotiate an environment they are happy with, and as a result they will stay.” Peevy said one of the main challenges has been the lack of training available. This is especially true of online training since many of the staff members in these types of roles aren’t in a position to travel to places offering opportunities to learn about soft skills. Since becoming president of AMi, Peevy said he has tried to build on that opportunity for shops to have access to training in this area. OEM Certification Expansion Another paradigm shift Peevy has noticed is in regard to the expansion of OEM certification programs. About

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six years ago, he said, car manufacturers began establishing shop networks. “For many of them in the past, it was about selling parts,” said Peevy. “However, I’ve seen that changing as OEMs are trying to protect their brands.” Statistics have shown that when someone is in an accident and has a negative collision repair experience, he or she will usually trade in the car once it has been repaired and then change brands about 60 percent of the time. “OEMs are trying to keep brand loyalty and want to be part of the customer experience,” explained Peevy. OEM certification programs are evolving from primarily focusing on the tools, equipment and training requirements to now putting new emphasis on the customer experience. “I expect to see more non-technical staff training requirements in the very near future,” said Peevy. Peevy tells repairers who are part of a certified network and question the return on investment (ROI): “With the growing vehicle communication capabilities, collision repair marketing is difficult enough as it is

without being on the wrong side of the certified OEM list generated by your customers’ cars.” He encourages shops to become certified and take the necessary steps to stay part of the OEM programs. Changing Type of Work in the Industry From what he has observed, especially at CIC, Peevy said there is a new type of role developing in the shops—an electronic diagnostic technician. “The consensus is this is the perfect role for the younger generation that naturally gravitates toward computer software and the diagnostic process related to it,” said Peevy. According to the Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI), next year the value of software and electronic components will exceed the mechanical components on average. In 2000, electronics and software made up only 23 percent of the value of a vehicle; 77 percent was allocated to the mechanical aspect of the vehicle that includes everything shops have traditionally worked on in the past. A decade later, electronics and software consisted of 45 percent of the value, while the remainder was

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

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

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or distributing it to a third-party without your consent? Do you and all of your third-party partners have a data privacy agreement in place? Growing Benefit of Attending CIC In closing, Peevy said that with the shifts taking place in the industry and the speed they are occurring, it’s critical to increase a shop’s exposure and hear other perspectives. “CIC is a rare and unique forum to do that, and we don’t see enough collision repairers taking advantage of it,” he said. Continued from Page 58

Repair Headlines

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

During the forum, he said all segments of the industry are working together to enable a complete, safe and quality repair. Everyone can come to the microphone, express an opinion, ask questions and make statements. “If you intend to stay in the collision repair business, you need to get involved,” said Peevy. “We need your voice. Stay in the know and don’t be a victim.” For more information about CIC and the active committees, visit https:// www.ciclink.com/.

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

Continued from Page 42

Continued from Page 53

Northern California (10/22) Contra Costa College - 2600 Mission Bell Dr. - San Pablo, CA

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

Tech Shortage

Southern California (10/24) Cerritos Community College 11110 Alondra Blvd - Norwalk, CA Robbinsville, NJ (11/21) Mercedes-Benz Learning & Performance Center - Robbinsville, NJ Houston, TX (TBD) Chicago, IL (TBD)

Northern Virginia (TBD) Miami, FL (TBD)

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

MIW Honorees

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autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

National Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

WIN Honors 2019 MIWs and Scholarship Recipients at Gala Awards Ceremony The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) honored its 2019 Most Influential Women (MIW) and 2019 scholarship recipients on the evening of Tuesday, May 7. The annual MIW

Resort. After the group enjoyed a cocktail reception before the ceremony, Cheryl Boswell, incoming chair, welcomed attendees. Boswell acknowledged the 20th anniversary of the MIW program and told attendees, “It’s about you too. This is a time to celebrate all of us. These are the change-makers who have paved the way for all of us.” Bev Rook-Twibell and Debbie Menz, co-Chairs of the Scholarship Committee, welcomed the 2019 scholarship winners to the stage. WIN honered the 2019 MIWs on May 7 during the group’s Together, they introduced annual educational conference. (l to r) Yen Hoang, Kathy WIN’s largest scholarship Mello, Erica Schaefer, Judy Folk class to date: Jennifer Evon and Scholarship Awards Ceremony (Tennessee College of Applied Techand Gala took place during WIN’s nology), Nicole Gutierrez (Washburn 2019 Educational Conference, held Tech), Heather Hawkins (Lake Techat the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach nical College), Tamara Meyers

GM Announces New Jobs Coming to Ohio

General Motors Co. (GM) announced on May 8, 2019 that it is creating more than 450 manufacturing jobs in three Ohio cities. GM also said it is in discussions with an Ohio-based company that could bring significant production and electric vehicle assembly jobs to the Lordstown Complex. “The U.S. economy and our core business are strong, so we can expand our commitment to U.S. manufacturing and Ohio and create job opportunities for our employees,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. Manufacturing investments in Ohio totaling approximately $700 million will help expand GM’s operations in Toledo, Parma and Moraine and create approximately 450 new manufacturing jobs. GM’s discussions to sell the company’s Lordstown Complex in Lordstown, OH, to Workhorse Group, Inc. and an affiliated, newly formed entity that could bring significant production and electric vehicle assembly jobs to the Mahoning Valley. 64

(Lake Technical College), Cheyenne Purchase (Metropolitan Community College), Hannah Quinteros (Washburn Institute of Technology), Lilian Reed (College of Southern Idaho), and Jennifer Watson (TX State Technical College). Watson took on the role of a spokesperson and said to WIN attendees: “We are overwhelmed and inspired. One day, we would love to be up on this stage again, receiving the MIW award. Thank you for giving us this opportunity and believing in us.” Marie Peevy and Petra Schroeder, 2018 MIW honorees, then took the stage to introduce this year’s MIWs, who each received a standing ovation. Yen Hoang of UYL Color was “honored to be considered among these amazing women. What I envision for every woman in this room is that you’ll know your worth and be

able to articulate it.” Kathy Mello of TGIF Body Shop in Fremont, CA would have never chosen the collision repair in-

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

dustry, but she feels fortunate to have been involved with the birth of WIN, she said. Recalling WIN’s first conSee WIN Honors, Page 66

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Continued from Page 24

VW, Audi

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

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

Continued from Page 64

WIN Honors

ference, she shared, “What you see today is the result of showing up. I’m so grateful to have a front row seat to all of this.”

Gerry Kottschade, one of WIN’s founders, toasts to the 2019 MIWs

After expressing her gratitude to her parents, husband and children, FCA’s Erica Schaefer’s witty speech concluded with a “challenge AUTOBODY

to all of us together—let’s change the world!” Judy Folk of Sherwin-Williams modestly thanked her family and the industry for supporting her career. As attendees raised their glasses, Gerry Kottschade, one of WIN’s founders, toasted to the 2019 MIWs. “This makes 20 years of celebrating the amazing women in this industry. Here’s to the class of 2019!” Attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner and an evening of networking as WIN members and guests honored and celebrated the 2019 MIWs and scholarship recipients. During the conference, the 2019 scholarship recipients thanked Rook-Twibell for everything she has done for them, gifting her with a signed surfboard. WIN’s Annual Scholarship Walk took place on Tuesday, May 7 to raise funds for next year’s scholarships. On Wednesday, May 8, Michelle Sullivan, outgoing chair, honored the 2019 Cornerstone Award recipients: Schroeder and Boswell.

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