June 2019 Western Edition by Autobody News

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Vol. 37 / Issue 6 / June 2019

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

2019 ASCCA/CalABC/CAA Joint Legislative Led by 3 Bills

by Stacey Phillips

by Ed Attanasio

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 4

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 18

Every year, there are a handful of state bills that are relevant to the collision repair industry. These bills can either help or hurt body shops in California. Unless body shop owners address these bills and make their voices heard in Sacramento, the “good” bills can be defeated, while the “bad” bills can pass and become laws. It’s an unending battle, which is why the California Autobody Association (CAA) and other automotive repair companies convene in Sacramento annually to be part of the fight. The ASCCA/CalABC/CAA’s Automotive Aftermarket Industry Joint Legislative Day was held at the State Capitol on April 23. With three particular bills on their radar, all

three organizations had an opportunity to meet with their state representative. Both collision and mechanical repair industries were represented by more than 60 automotive professionals who attended the day-long event. The event was sponsored by CAA; the California Automotive Business Coalition (CalABC), an organization that has been representing the automotive industry since 1992; and the Automotive Service Councils of America (ASSCA). Following comments from Jack Molodanof, lobbyist for all three organizations, there was a discussion about AB 1303: Career Technical Education Incentive Grants (O’Donnell, D-Long Beach); AB 755: California Tire Tax: Storm Water Projects (Holden, D-San Gabriel Valley) and See 3 Bills, Page 12

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 20

by John Yoswick

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JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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

CONTENTS 2 Paradise, CA, Residents Receive Donated Vehicles Through NABC Recycled Rides. . . . 10 2019 ASCCA/CalABC/CAA Joint Legislative Led by 3 Bills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Burning Employee is Saved from Body Shop Fire in Santa Barbara, CA, Second-Degree Burns Sustained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 CA Assembly Bill Modifies Storage Rates and Accident Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 CA Shop Owner Goes From a Big City

Ledoux - Truck ADAS Systems – the Good, the Bad & the Ugly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Phillips - Volkswagen-Audi Collision Program Manager Advises Industry

MCRA Spring Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Fix Auto USA Expands in Temecula, CA . . . . . . 10 FixAuto USA Expands into Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Going the Distance: Colson’s Auto Repair and Costa’s Auto Works in Carpinteria, CA . . . . . . 8 Royal Collision Center in Fontana, CA, Helps Veteran in Need of Car. . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Western Association Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Sisk - Get to Know WIN’s 2019 MIW Honorees . 44 Sisk - WIN Honors 2019 MIWs and Scholarship Recipients at Gala Awards Ceremony . . . . . 58 Solving the Tech Shortage: CREF Brings Together Collision Repair Students & Prospective Employers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

NATIONAL ASA Mechanical Operations Committee Releases PMVI Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 CIC Speakers Debate Need to Legislate Use of OEM Repair Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Common Mistakes Body Shops Make When Recycling & Staying Green. . . . . . . . . . 1 Ford Partners with Amazon for In-Car

COLUMNISTS

in Industry, How They Will Affect

Anderson - Want to Challenge Me on the Need

Collision Repairers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Bring It On… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Attanasio - AUUX Specializes in Helping Body Shops Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Attanasio - Common Mistakes Body Shops Make When Recycling & Staying Green . . . . 28 Chess - Collision Repair Headlines Show Need for OEM-Recommended Procedures . . . . . . 48 Ledoux - HD Collision Roadmap Moves Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Ledoux - The Birth of I-CAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

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

Serving Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the collision industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2019 Adamantine Media LLC.

AkzoNobel Coatings, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . 34-35

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists, LLC . . . . . . . . 27

Hyundai of Kirkland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Anchorage Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram. . . . . . . 6

Hyundai of Seattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Audi Burlingame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . 62

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Industrial Finishes and Systems . . . . . . . . . . . 68

AutobodyLaw.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Kearny Mesa Subaru-Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

AutoNation Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram-Fiat . . 26

Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . 54-55

AutoNation Collision Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Kia of Carson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

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

Laramie Auto Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Larry H. Miller Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram . . . 12

Car Pros Kia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

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

Car Pros Kia Renton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Car-O-Liner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Mercedes-Benz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Car-Part.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . 60

Certified Automotive Parts Association . . . . . . 38

MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram of Seattle. . . . . . . 41

MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . 39

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

Moss Bros. Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge. . . . . . . . . . 29

Colortone Automotive Paints . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . 57

Courtesy Chevrolet San Diego . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

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

Cutter Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram . . . . . . . . . 24

Penske Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Dave Smith Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Porsche Burlingame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

DCH Auto Group Temecula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . 56

Dent Fix Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Puente Hills Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Dent Magic Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Sandberg Volvo Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Downtown Motors of LA (Audi, VW) . . . . . . . . 36

SATA Dan-Am Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 17

Eckler’s Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Sierra Chevrolet-Honda-Subaru . . . . . . . . . . . 53

ECS Automotive Concepts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . 61

Enterprise Rent-A-Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Tacoma Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-Ram . . . . . . . . 33

Equalizer Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

The Bay Area Automotive Group . . . . . . . . . . . 51

First Auto Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Tonkin Parts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Ford of Kirkland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

USI of North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers. . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Vintage Flatz/Cumberland Products . . . . . . . . 19

Galpin Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . 58

Glenn E. Thomas Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep . . . . . 21

Volvo Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

GM Wholesale Parts Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

YesterWreck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

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

Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Jeff Peevy Addresses Paradigm Shifts

to Check OEM Procedures Every Time?

Decision Can—among others. Aaron Schulenburg will deliver the keynote presentation alongside a panel of local body shop experts. Following a networking break, the evening’s reception party at the pool deck side will begin with a toast to Steve Plier, founder of SARC. Register at sarc-collision.com.

on Reliable Repair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

to a Small Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Collision Advice, NABR Present at

Among the attractions at the SARC conference, newly located in New Orleans this year, will be talks and presentations given by: the Mississippi Attorny General, Jim Hood; SCRS Executive Director, Aaron Schulenburg, and Dave Jesiolowski, former pro hockey player and author of One

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

REGIONAL

Refinish Distributors Alliance Hosts Spring IMPACT Performance Conference . . . . . . . . 64 “SEMA Expands Youth Outreach with NHRA” . . 14 Solving the Tech Shortage: I-CAR is Helping Future Technicians Turn Their Passion into Lifelong Careers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Southern Automotive Repair Conference in New Orleans June 14–16, Early Discounts Offered, Dynamic Speakers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 WIN Selects 7 New Members to Join Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

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.

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

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. 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 potentially have the youngest kids and 4

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-

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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.

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

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. 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 hightech 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/.

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Collision Advice, NABR Present at MCRA Spring Conference by Chasidy Rae Sisk

From April 12—13, the Montana Collision Repair Association (MCRA) held its Spring Conference at the Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel in Helena, MT.

ever. Of course, anytime Mike Anderson is scheduled to present, it’s always a great turn-out. Mike Anderson’s ‘Learn to Research, Research to Learn’ was the main event.” MCRA’s Spring Conference commenced on Friday night with a reception, and Saturday began with an informative presentation delivered by Sam Valenzuela and Richard Valenzuela of National Auto Body Research (NABR) on the Variable Rate System (VRS).

Mike Anderson was the headliner at MCRA’s Spring Conference

According to MCRA President Paul Flores, “This event exceeded my expectations. Attendees were wideeyed the majority of the event. You know it was a great experience when you walk away excited to return back to your organization and share the information with your team members. I know many of us left eager to search out more avenues to expound on the content that was shared. “The event was highly anticipated with our largest pre-registration

more about VRS and its potential to assist repairers and insurers in negotiating market rates with VRS’ impartial and unbiased survey information.” MCRA held its 2019 Spring Conference in order to “fill in the gaps,” Flores explained.

MCRA held trainings to help local industry professionals “fill in the gaps” of their knowledge

Sam Valenzuela and Richard Valenzuela of NABR provided useful insights on their VRS online platform

Flores shared, “This was of particular interest to the Association, as well as current Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Matt Rosendale, who attended the conference to specifically learn

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

“We only know what we know,” he said. “The purpose of this event was to help highlight those opportunities that exist because of what we do not know. We as repairers are at a self-created disadvantage. We all believe we are doing the right thing on every repair, but many of us are not, because we may be antiquated in today’s world of collision repair. Constantly seeking out knowledge is the

only way we will close the gap. “As vehicle technology continues to evolve, so must the way we approach repairing those vehicles. This involves greater focus on research of OEM repair manuals, training, equipping and tooling. Our ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with vehicle owners, members of our repair organizations, OEMs and insurers must also improve to consistently ensure the highest repair standards, customer service expectations and cycle times are met. For many repairers, the knowledge they obtain at these association-sponsored events may be the only opportunity they give themselves to learn. These events are about awareness and planting seeds that take root in many attendees that then invest more personal time and interest in growing their businesses.” MCRA will hold a Fall Conference from Sept.13—14 at Fairmont Hot Springs near Butte, MT, featuring Kristen Felder and Larry Montanez with a seminar on Advanced Estimating.

For more information about MCRA and its future events, visit: www .mcramt.com.

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Going the Distance: Colson’s Auto Repair and Costa’s Auto Works in Carpinteria, CA by Megan Waldrep, Coastal View News

Colson’s Auto Repair in Carpinteria, CA, has been family-owned-and-operated for 70 years. The current owner, Frank Colson Jr., or simply “JR,” learned a lot from his father, Frank Colson, who opened the shop in 1949. Having wandered the shop since he was able to walk, JR grew up with the company. The best business advice he’s received he learned indirectly from his father. “I’ve worked with my dad almost my whole life, and I don’t think he ever gave me too much business advice,” said JR. “But what I’ve picked up is to treat people the way you want to be treated, and to be fair with your customers. I don’t ever try to sell something that people don’t need.” This concern for customers not only keeps generations of Carpinterians coming back, but visitors, too. “I see a lot of people from the (Carpinteria State Beach) campground come here and say, ‘I remember visiting with my mom and dad, and I can’t believe you’re still here!’”

As cars have evolved, so has the business. What started out as a garage progressed into a body shop, a radiator shop, and then to a full-blown towing business.

Colson’s Auto Repair and Costa’s Auto Works have combined forces to create a “one-stop shop” for taking care of your car and tire needs locally. Credit: Robin Karlsson

But as restrictions and liability increased—along with the grind of running a 24-hour service—Frank said, “We were busy, but towing’s changed through the years and it wasn’t fun anymore. So, I made the decision to sell the trucks and put all my business into repairs, tires and alignments.” JR said, “I had an opportunity where I was asked to become a tire

Burning Employee is Saved from Body Shop Fire in Santa Barbara, CA, Second-Degree Burns Sustained by Kacey Drescher and Jasmin Rogers, KEYT

A Santa Barbara man is recovering from a horrific accident that spurred a dramatic scene Thursday, May 2. A local resident is being hailed a hero—credited for possibly saving a life. First responders are investigating a structure and vehicle fire that left a man with several burns. Just before 8:00 p.m., crews received multiple calls for a medical emergency off Olive Street and Haley Street. That was quickly upgraded to a vehicle fire once units arrived. There they found a Jeep fully engulfed in flames, which had spread to an awning at Mastercraft Motors body shop. Loud noises, screaming, a fiery explosion and a man on fire—that’s what Carlos Corona saw and heard before springing into action. Corona was in the front portion of his house. The victim was doing mechanic work across the street when Corona heard a loud noise and came outside to see what was going on, he said. “He saw the guy was scream8

ing, yelling for help and crying. His whole body was on fire. He helped him get his shirt off and started hosing him down with water and then another explosion came out once he was already out of there,” said Corona, translated by his nephew. According to a Fire Inspector Investigator with the City of Santa Barbara Fire Department, the victim suffered second-degree burns to his arms, hands, upper torso and face. Jim Austin says the man was flown south to a burn center for treatment with critical injuries. The vehicle is a complete loss. The framework was towed away just before 11:00 p.m. Damage to the business is estimated to be about 20,000 dollars. The victim is said to be the owner of the Jeep that caught on fire. The victim himself also works at Mastercraft Motors auto body shop. The fire originated in the rear of the vehicle. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental. We thank keyt.com for reprint permission.

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

shop from a company that opened in Ventura. It started to snowball. I needed to get a better balancer, a better machine, and my dad was kind of like, ‘Yeah, that’s pretty good!’” JR also installed a drive-up rack to keep services in-house instead of sending jobs elsewhere. “You have to switch with the times,” JR said. “If you’re not into social media or getting a nice webpage, you could be left in the dust.” (Colson’s Instagram handle is: @Colsonstowing_autorepair.) One thing that hasn’t changed is an advertising budget—JR doesn’t have one. “The only change I haven’t done is advertise,” Frank said. “I ask people, ‘How do you know about us?’ And it’s all word-of-mouth.” When asked for a trade secret, he kept it simple. “People come in and they like that it’s not a corporate-type service,” JR said. “It’s more of the old-school service where you’re one-on-one, face-to-face.” Less than a year ago, Costa’s Auto Works relocated their body shop to the exact spot where JR’s father’s body shop once was.

“Between both of us working together, Colson’s can fix your car and Costa’s can do the body work,” said JR. “We pretty much do everything, except smog.” Joe Costa, owner of Costa’s Auto Work, chimed in on the decision to merge. “JR and I are friends and have worked side-by-side for so long,” Joe Costa said. “And after he (got rid of) the towing side of the business, we both thought it would be a great move to make the place a one-stop shop.” (Another business that has gone the distance, Costa’s Auto Work has been in business since 1988.) The look of the garage has changed little since opening 70 years ago, which makes for a photogenic backdrop for late model muscle cars and foreign and domestic automobiles of all kinds. Colson’s Auto Repair and Costa’s Auto Work are located at 5096 6th St. Megan Waldrep can be reached at www.meganwaldrep.com

We thank Coastal View News for reprint permission.

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2 Paradise, CA, Residents Receive Donated Vehicles Through NABC Recycled Rides

On April 12, two Paradise, CA, residents experienced a life-changing event—the presentation of vehicles to provide them reliable transportation following the massive wildfires that destroyed the region. The donation was made possible thanks to the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides™ program, Esurance, Duane’s Body Shop and Fabian’s Collision Center. The presentation was held at the Paradise, CA, police station. “We greatly value our longstanding relationship with NABC Recycled Rides, which has allowed us to give back to community members in need,” said Eric Brandt, chief claims officer, Esurance. “As a California-based company, the wildfires that devastated Paradise hit particularly close to home. It’s tough to imagine the immense loss that Mr. Gates and Mr. Pickett experienced, but we hope that the vehicles we gifted them are a positive step in the right direction.” Paradise Police Department officer Matthew Gates, who worked tirelessly through the wildfires, received a 2016 Subaru Impreza that was donated by Esurance and re-

stored at Duane’s Body Shop in Sacramento, CA. Gates, along with his two young sons, lost his home and car in the wildfire, leaving him without reliable transportation for his family. His newly restored vehicle will allow Gates to get to work and take care of his family.

“I’m so honored to be nominated for this and to receive this car,” said Officer Gates. “What a difference this will make to my life with my boys. It will help me get them to school and me to work, which has been a challenge as we’ve been displaced from Paradise to a new community.” Paradise resident Billy Pickett, who lost his belongings in his rental housing in the fire, received a 2014 Nissan Rogue that was donated by Es-

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

urance and restored by Fabian’s Collision Center in Stockton, CA. A reliable vehicle will allow Pickett to find a new job and get back on his feet. “I really can’t believe this. I’m so emotional right now,” said Pickett. “It’s so hard to find a job when you don’t have transportation, so this will help me find a new job and have reliable transportation to get there. I’m so ready to get back to work, and I have a couple of great opportunities to follow up on now that I can get there.” Contributing partners on the program are Maita Subaru, Pacific Rims, Inc., Sanctioned Motor Sports and 800 Charity Cars. “We are honored to be able to partner with Esurance, Duane’s Body Shop and Fabian’s Collision Center to present these vehicles to these two deserving recipients,” said Bill Garoutte, president and CEO of the National Auto Body Council. “We all saw the news coverage of this disastrous fire and heard the stories of those impacted. We are proud to be able do our part to help with the recovery efforts.”

Fix Auto USA Expands in Temecula, CA

Fix Auto USA continues to expand in Southern California with the opening of Fix Auto Temecula South Express–a satellite location. Fix Auto USA’s satellite model was developed for those customers looking for more convenient access to repair services. Located closer to housing communities and major retail establishments, the satellite location provides vehicle owners a fast and convenient opportunity to initiate repairs and vehicle pick-up. “Opening my satellite location on Fix Auto USA’s platform will allow my business extended reach and enhance my ability to serve my customers,” said franchise partner, John Volpe. “We’re excited to introduce this model to the Southern California marketplace as it’s representative of our ability to respond to changing market needs, while allowing our Franchise Partners flexibility to enhance and grow the equity in their businesses,” commented Fix Auto USA President and CEO Paul Gange. Obtained from fixautousa.com

Assembly Bill Modifies Storage Rates and Accident Charges Effective Jan. 1, 2019, Assembly Bill 2392 (Santiago, Chapter 434, Statutes of 2018) modified Vehicle Code (VC) § 22524.5 regarding reasonableness of storage rates and presumptively unreasonable charges when those fees are a result of an accident or recovery of a stolen vehicle. VC § 22524.5(c)(2)(A) states that towing and storage charges are deemed reasonable if they do not exceed the amount charged to a public agency such as the California Highway Patrol or local police department. This would apply to an automotive repair dealer (ARD) if, in addition to performing automotive repair, they engage in the storage of vehicles for a public agency. VC § 22524.5(c)(2)(B) states that storage charges are reasonable if they are comparable to those charged by other facilities in the same area. This applies to ARDs and sets the reasonableness of the storage charges based upon other similar facilities in the same geographic/ demographic area. VC § 22524.5(c)(3) states that administrative or filing fees, security fees, dolly fees, load

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and unload fees, pull-out fees, and gate fees are presumptively unreasonable, which means they are presumed to be unreasonable unless rebutted with evidence.

Although storage fees and lien sales do not fall directly under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), the issues are often included in complaint investigations. Before charging storage fees or proceeding with a lien sale, ARDs should review the following reminders: • An ARD must have a valid

registration with BAR to be able to perform a lien sale or sue on a contract for automotive repairs. Business and Professions Code (B&P) § 9884.16 • An ARD must obtain the consumer’s authorization before performing work or accruing charges. B&P § 9884.9 • An ARD can charge reasonable towing and storage fees when those services are performed as a result of an accident or recovery of a stolen vehicle after the lien has arisen. VC § 22524.5 • An ARD cannot charge for storage during the time the vehicle is undergoing repairs. Owens v. Pyeatt, 248 Cal. App. 2d 840 (1967) • An ARD that has entered into a contract to perform a teardown (i.e., disassembling a vehicle or vehicle component for the purpose of preparing an itemized estimate to perform the needed repairs) cannot assess storage fees until the teardown is complete and the itemized estimate has been provided to the consumer. Title 16 California Code of Regula-

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tions § 3353(c) • A lien is deemed to arise when an ARD completes the repairs and provides the invoice to the consumer, or 15 days after the completion of repairs, whichever occurs first. An ARD has 30 days after the lien has arisen to apply with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for authorization to conduct a lien sale. Civil Code (CC) §§ 3068(a) and (b) • A lien also can arise when an ARD takes possession of a vehicle for towing and storage purposes, prior to any contracted repairs. In this situation, applying with DMV for authorization to conduct a lien sale is dependent on the value of the vehicle. CC § 3068.1 Additional information is available at www.leginfo.legislature .ca.gov/. Obtained from Automotive Repair and Smog Check News - Bureau of Automotive Repair

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“These program need money for teachers, updated equipment, tools and curriculum to support these vital programs for the future of our workforce.”

Continued from Cover

3 Bills

SB 522: Sales Taxes on Labor (Hertzberg, D-San Fernando). CAA, CalABC and ASCCA support AB 1303, oppose AB 755 and have major concerns with SB 522. A bill that has appeared over the last few years in different forms is AB 1303 -which if passed would allow more students to gain college and career skills by accessing quality Career Technical Education (CTE) by increasing annual funding from $150 million to $450 million.

From left, manager Ken Thayer from Carrillo & Sons Collision Center and CEO Ben Clymer from Ben Clymer's Auto Body both traveled from Southern California to attend Legislative Day

AB 755 would increase the current California tax tire fee from $1.75 to $3.25, with the additional revenue going to municipal storm-water projects that would prevent or remediate zinc pollutants. Storm-water runoff comes from rain that could contain a wide range of pollutants, including zinc. Molodanof believes AB 755 is excessive and could lead to other problems down the road. “We already pay a sales tax and a disposable fee on tires, so now they want an additional tax? If a consumer wants to replace all four of their tires it will now cost them a total of $15. Low-income families will most likely drive around on bald

BAR Chief Pat Dorais was one one of the featured speakers at the 2019 ASCCA/CalABC /CAA Joint Legislative Day in Sacramento

Molodanof said this bill is receiving major support and gaining momentum in Sacramento, as the need for qualified automotive repair professionals is stronger than ever. “Shop programs are going away and teachers are retiring, so the timing for AB 1303 is ideal,” he said.

tires to avoid these additional costs. A minimum amount of zinc is in tires in order to accelerate the vulcanization process and make the rubber more durable. It’s a regressive tax and we believe that other local funding to address the zinc problem should come from the state’s Proposition 1 Water Bond–not just another tire tax,” he said. SB 522 is another bill that has been around for several years and could seriously impact the car repair industry, said Molodanof.. “This is the taxation bill, and it could affect us in a huge way because if it passed, consumers would have to pay taxes on services such as collision and mechanical repairs,” he said. “It would impact any business providing services, such as plumbers, landscapers and attorneys, just to name a few. It would increase the cost of auto body repairs and may cause some vehicles that can otherwise be fixed safely and properly repaired the point where they could now be deemed as ‘totaled.’ With higher automotive repair costs, consumers are more likely to do without regular maintenance and repairs,

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Western Association Events by Chasidy Rae Sisk

CAWA To Host Leadership Meeting On June 20–21, CAWA is holding a leadership meeting at the Kimpton Goodland Boutique Hotel in Goleta/Santa Barbara, CA. For more information, visit cawa.org. ASA Northwest Ready for Semi-Annual Retreat & Management Conference From June 27–30, ASA Northwest will host its Semi-Annual Retreat and Management Conference at the Clearwater Resort in Suquamish, WA. The event will feature multiple business and board meetings, a variety of fun events and networking opportunities, and a golf outing. For more information, visit www. asanorthwest.com.

ASA Northwest Hosts June Meetings In June, ASA Northwest’s chapters will host its normal monthly meetings. The Eugene Chapter will meet on June 4 at Izzy’s Grill in Eugene, OR. On June 6, the Pierce County Chapter will meet at LaQuinta in Tacoma, and the Whatcom/Skagit Chapter will meet at the Park Bowl Restaurant in Bellingham, WA, on June 11. The North Sno-King Chapter’s meeting will be held on June 13 at Alfy’s Pizza in Snohomish, WA, while the South Sno-King Chapter will gather at Bellevue Brewing Company in Bellevue, WA, on June 20. The SW Washington Chapter will meet on June 24 at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, WA. For more information, visit www. asanorthwest.com.

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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leading to potential vehicle safety issues. Low-income families will be affected the most if this bill passes, because they normally own older cars that require repairs more frequently.”

From left, co-owner of A&B Collision Alvaro Valencia, CAA Northern California regional rep Pete Bezeck and Co-owner Bill Stone, also from A&B Collision, met with their local politicians at Legislative Day

Featured speakers at this year’s Legislative Day included California Assemblyman Evan Low (San Jose), who received the 2019 Legislator of the Year award for his work on AB 3141 last year (Bureau of Automotive Repair: Automotive Repair Dealers: Maintenance and Services) and BAR Chief Pat Dorais.

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Royal Collision Center in Fontana, CA, Helps Veteran in Need of Car by Russell Ingold, Herald News

Ilona Smetana has gone through many hardships in recent years. Now, with help from a big donation by a Fontana, CA, company, she is moving forward on a positive path. Royal Collision Center provided Smetana, a U.S. Navy veteran who is raising three children, with a 2015 Toyota Camry during a special presentation on April 4. Smetana, who had been without a car for three years, was extremely grateful to be chosen to receive the Camry from Jose Magdaleno and Anna Hernandez at Royal Collision. They had originally told her the car would be a 1999 model, so she was quite surprised on the day of the event. “I am speechless,” Smetana said. “I wasn’t expecting something this nice and this new.” Royal Collision got the disabled but salvageable car through California Casualty insurance company and restored it in prime condition as part of its commitment to serve the local community through

the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program. Hernandez and Magdaleno had been looking for a worthy person to receive the donation. Danny Marquez, president of the Fontana nonprofit group Veterans Partnering with Communities, identified

Ilona Smetana, a Navy veteran who had been without a car for three years, stands next to a fully restored 2015 Toyota Camry, which was presented to her by Royal Collision Center

Smetana as being an ideal choice. “Honestly, I’m pretty surprised that I’m getting this opportunity. There are people out there who need a car a lot more than me,” Smetana said. Smetana, who several years

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ago served in the Navy at the Marine Corps base at 29 Palms, later endured the pain of homelessness. With the help of relatives as well as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, she was eventually able to get a home and attend college. However, there was one more obstacle. “My car was totaled, and I didn’t have money to replace it or buy another one,” said Smetana, who was forced to continually ride buses for long hours. But now that problem has been solved in a terrific way, thanks to Royal Collision. “Royal Collision is a really tremendous asset to our community,” Marquez said. “They treat you like family.” As a result, Smetana’s family is overjoyed. “I’ll use the car mostly for school and whatever my kids want to do on the weekends,” she said. “The first thing my daughter wants to do is go to Six Flags.” We thank Herald News for reprint permission.

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.”

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Continued from Cover

Staying Green

it comes to disposing hazardous waste and recycling?

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

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

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

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

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FixAuto USA Expands into Idaho

Fix Auto USA has announced the addition of its first franchise locations in Idaho: Fix Auto Coeur d’Alene and Fix Auto Post Falls, both locally owned and operated by franchise partner David Tuttle. These two new locations strengthen Fix Auto USA’s presence in the Pacific Northwest and extends the brand’s footprint to its ninth state. In addition to Idaho, Fix Auto USA also operates in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. “Entering Idaho represents an exciting new frontier for our brand and the Fix Auto USA family,” said Paul Gange, president and CEO of Fix Auto USA. “More importantly, it is indicative that our proven model continues to be highly sought after and openly accepted by more and more operators looking to align themselves with a widely recognized and successful collision repair brand. We’re very

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pleased to expand into Idaho with David and his locations. David and his team have a superior reputation for providing market-leading service and impeccable quality. On behalf of the entire Fix Auto USA family, we welcome David and look forward to his ongoing success, and our continued expansion in Idaho and surrounding markets.” Added Fix Auto Coeur d’Alane and Fix Auto Post Falls Franchise Partner David Tuttle, “The industry isn’t what it used to be and therefore has become exponentially more challenging for independents to compete on their own. I knew joining Fix Auto USA was the right choice for me after researching many options and visiting their San Diego headquarters. Seeing their sophisticated operation and meeting the people that push the brand forward to create new opportunities for my businesses was overwhelmingly positive and impressive.”

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Continued from Cover

CIC Speakers

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

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

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

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

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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.”

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

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

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.

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,

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

CA Body Shop Owner Goes From a Big City to a Small Town by Ed Attanasio

Dave Zamora decided to step away from the Bay Area and its fast-paced environment by opening Zamora Auto Body in Valley Springs, CA, almost two decades ago. Zamora fixes 20-30 vehicles every month, with his team of seven people, in a small town of roughly 5,000 people. Zamora, 61, has been in and around collision shops since he was in the third grade when he started detailing cars, masking them for paint, and in some cases, driving them into

When Dave Zamora moved from the Bay Area to open Zamora Auto Body in Valley Springs, CA, he thought things would get better, but now he’s not getting paid enough on his repairs and having issues recycling bumpers

the booth. When he was a junior in high school, he began doing fleet work and learned how to become a combo tech. Zamora appreciates a quiet and simple lifestyle – one without traffic jams and crazy home prices. However, you will find that a small town has its own set of obstacles once you move there. “When I moved here in 1999, there was nothing except a small grocery store here and a post office,” he said. “Eight years ago we got a Taco Bell and when we finally got a Starbucks a few years back, we thought we had it made.” There are only two other small body shops in town, so Zamora is familiar who those who live in this community of Valley Springs. “I know that I better do a good job for all of my customers,” he said. “If I see one of my customers at a restaurant, I want them to pick up the tab instead of picking up a ketchup bottle and throwing it at me. If I ever did a poor repair, everyone in this town 24

would know a few days later. As one of the few shops in town, I have a responsibility to do excellent work and that’s one reason why I don’t have any DRPs. I don’t have to compromise my quality and that’s the only way I can operate.” Zamora has faced many difficulties while running his small shop in a tiny town. “My main issue is that I’m having problems recycling plastic bumpers properly. The only recy-

told me they cannot come here anymore,” he said. “The suppliers, who do come, despite the distance, charge me fuel charges. When I asked the insurance companies to cover those costs, they said no way – they refuse to pay.” On top of it all, Zamora said he is paying more to fix cars in southern California in comparison to the price to fix cars in northern California. “These insurance companies base our rates on their surveys, but that really

cling company in this area is more than an hour away. So, it doesn’t make sense financially to get one of my employees to load up the bumpers and drive them there and back. I lose an employee for at least two hours and if I want to hire someone else to do the job, it’s costly. I have always done everything I could to run a green business, but now it’s a lot harder because of my location.” Despite no longer having DRPs anymore, Zamora faces an ongoing battle with insurance adjustors over recycling costs. “I told them that no one will come all this way to pick up bumpers,” he said. “When I tried to charge them for disposal, they said no way. One claims rep supervisor told me to cut the bumpers into small pieces and put them in the regular trash, but I won’t do that. It’s illegal and irresponsible—I could get cited and fined. The insurance companies don’t seem to care about the environment—they just want to save money and get the lowest price they can.” With 50 bumpers or more stacking up and no one willing to pick them up, Zamora is stuck and not happy. “LKQ used to pick them up and haul them away, but not anymore. We do have a recycler here in town, but they won’t take them anymore either. If I want to cut them up, it takes around 10-15 minutes for each one, which means I lose an employee, which is something I can’t afford, especially if we’re busy.” Furthermore, with Sacramento more than 60 miles away, Zamora has trouble getting his parts on time and at reasonable rates. “Some part suppliers

needs to change, because the cost of the repair is the same, whether we’re here or in the Bay Area. They tell me that house prices are lower here, and that’s why they pay me less, but I tell them I’m fixing cars, not houses. We purchase our products from the same vendors as all of the other auto body shops in this state. We get paid the same, but our prices are not the same, due to surcharges and additional de-

“When I moved here in 1999, there was nothing except a small grocery store here and a post office,” — Dave Zamora

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

livery taxes. One example is the glass industry—Safelite and Lynx collect a disposal fee from us, yet the insurance companies won’t give it to us.” Working in collision repair for around 40 years has been a great career for Zamora. He now owns several homes and the property where his shop currently stands. He wanted to build a new facility a few years ago, but local zoning laws got in the way. “I bought five acres and started making plans to build my dream shop,” he said. “But then the county decided to change the area to a residential zone and I was left hanging. I may build another house there, but I’m not sure.” Zamora thought that moving to the country would be peaceful, but now he’s thinking about retiring earlier than he had anticipated. “It’s a different world out here and a great place to retire, but running a body shop in this town is not easy. I have more than 40 classic old cars I want to restore, and the best part is that the insurance companies, recyclers or parts companies won’t be able to mess with me anymore!”

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Tips for Busy Body Shops with Stacey Phillips

Stacey Phillips is a freelance writer and editor for the automotive industry. She has 20 years of experience writing for a variety of publications, and is co-author of “The Secrets of America’s Greatest Body Shops.” She can be reached at sphillips.autobodynews@gmail.com.

Volkswagen-Audi Collision Program Manager Advises Industry on Reliable Repair Collision repairers often ask Scott Wideman, collision program manager at Volkswagen-Audi Group, how to ensure a safe and reliable repair. His response remains the same every time: always research and follow OEM repair procedures. Wideman recently shared his expertise during a Guild 21 podcast hosted by VeriFacts Automotive. Although based in Canada, Wideman said structurally, Volkswagen and Audi vehicles in both countries are fairly identical. During the Guild 21 podcast, he shared information on both brand’s body construction, repair procedures and the impact of new technology. He challenged attendees to think about how these might affect their businesses and day-to-day operations. With more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, Wideman is responsible for the col-

lision program development and rollout for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. In his role, Wideman is focused on working with all stakeholders to improve the collision repair process. He said consumer safety is the top priority. “Our main concern is to achieve a safe, reliable and repeatable repair in the industry,” he said.

Body Construction Wideman discussed Volkswagen’s current Golf A7 platform, which was introduced in 2012 using a manufacturing process called MQB. This allows the car manufacturer to produce automobiles with different platforms on the same assembly line. When examining vehicle structure, Wideman said many car manufacturers are now using mixed materials during the building process. As a result, there are certain repair guidelines that need to

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

be followed, to ensure the car is repaired correctly. One of his concerns as a manufacturer is if a vehicle will be able to withstand a second collision, if it has been previously hit and repaired.

“This is where we see too many compromises,” he said. Using an example of new Jetta, Wideman said there are very specific considerations in regard to the repair, such as heat in any welding operation conducted. “Therefore, it’s a requirement to follow the repair literature to make sure you have the right equipment,

the right welding technology and that you are following the proper procedure,” he said. He also talked about the new Audi Q7 that includes seven different substrates in its platform. “There are going to be definite requirements from the manufacturer on how this car is repaired,” he said. Audi ensures these requirements are being followed and technicians are trained, tooled and have the proper equipment through the car manufacturer’s certified network. Ninety-five percent of attendees who were part of the Guild 21 podcast responded to a survey where they concluded that vehicles are unique and require individual repair plans. Repair Procedures When asked about Volkswagen’s position statement in regard to scanning vehicles, Wideman said the car man-

ufacturer includes this information in the repair literature. “Our major concern as a manufacturer is that not enough repair facilities are researching and accessing the repair literature on a consistent basis,” he said. “A pre-scan is obviously good for repair planning. It makes sense and will lead to a better estimate being written more accurately, and therefore cut out the possibilities of surprises at the end of a repair, which can lead to increased cycle time and vehicle rental time.” While pre-scanning is a logical approach to good repair planning, post-repair scanning is essentially a requirement, according to Wideman, and is found in the repair literature. As he travels to facilities throughout Canada, he often encounters repairers putting on exterior panels that have been plug welded, which does not follow the Volkswagen procedures. With the increasing level of high-strength steel being used on vehicles today, Wideman has serious concerns that the welds could compromise the integrity of the vehicle due to heat. As a result, he said a fundamental step that technicians

need to consider is managing that heat. Wideman pointed to the current generation of Audi A8 to demonstrate the specific methodologies on how a car needs to be addressed. Launched a few months ago, the vehicle uses seven different substrates and includes a carbon fiber rear assembly section that covers the rear seats.

He then offered an example where looks can be deceiving. What initially looked like a rear bumper and taillight casement repair with an Audi R8, ultimately needed a complete rear cradle assembly, because the car took a significant hit. “These vehicles are engineered and designed to withstand incredible forces,” said Wideman. “If this had gone to a facility that wasn’t trained and certified, perhaps that would

have been overlooked.” In this case, if the car happened to be in a second collision, Wideman said the results could be catastrophic and this is something that all stakeholders want to avoid. “There are concerns we have as manufacturers that the cars aren’t ending up at the proper facility,” said Wideman. “That is where we need to work together with all stakeholders to make sure that those vehicles are addressed properly.” New Technology Wideman also discussed the impact of new technology on repairers and the industry in general, especially related to Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). When looking at repair literature today, Wideman said it gives ample warnings about the importance of being aware of the technology included in the car. For example, if a vehicle with the lane assist feature was in a collision and the rear bumper had been removed and then reinstalled, calibration is required. “This is becoming more of a critical step in the repair process for

our vehicles, as well as for multiple manufacturers,” said Wideman. “The way you have been repairing a car a month ago could have changed.” As a result, he stressed the importance of reviewing the repair literature for every repair each and every time. In another example, Wideman said he is often asked why Volkswagen requires a four-wheel alignment as part of the calibration process. The front camera comes as an optional device in these vehicles and Wideman said the thrust angle of the car is absolutely critical to start the calibration process. “If that is not correct, we would have a system that wouldn’t be functioning properly,” he said. “Just one degree of misalignment of that front camera means that at a distance of 130 m, it will be reading the car in front a complete lane to the left.” He encouraged attendees to think about the implications in these types of situations when a consumer is relying on the technology that is supposed to be operational, yet it has not been looked at post-repair. See Reliable Repair, Page 37

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Shop Management

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

with Ed Attanasio

Common Mistakes Body Shops Make When Recycling & Staying Green 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 collecting and disposing regulated substances, such as medical waste and sharps, pharmaceuticals, hazardous waste, and providing services 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.

What are the most common slip-ups that body shops encounter when it comes to disposing hazardous waste and recycling?

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 antifreezes, waste oils, solvents waste, filters, and aerosols that can’t ever go in the trash. The problems arise when there is a lack of communication within a shop or when their disposal/recycling program isn’t clear in one way or another.

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

Yes, we always suggest that shops should centralize their efforts by designating one person to

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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 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 con-

sumers really care about taking their cars to a green shop, or do they just want them taken care of properly?

See Common Mistakes, Page 30

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

Truck Topics with Gary Ledoux

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

HD Collision Roadmap Moves Forward After a car collision occurs, one must figure out how to get their car repaired, arrange alternative transportation and so on. Figuring out the logistics after a commercial truck crash is multiplied exponentially, considering the extent of damage done. In addition, you may have to arrange for a different truck, in order to move the payload, if in fact the truck was loaded. One must consider where and how to get the truck repaired, since location distance can vary. The Technology and Maintenance

Council (TMC) Task Force, chaired by Joey Fassett of Penn Fleet, has been working on a “Roadmap for Repair Procedures” for Class 8 semi-trucks. The Roadmap shows one how to manage the collision of a HD over-the-road truck. It emphasizes everything from pre-planning about where the truck will be repaired to notification of the incident, towing details, reparability decision, estimate requirements, and more. Furthermore, the document goes into detail over components that may need special attention after an accident,

such as: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) sensors and cameras, use of the proper coolant, checking securement, alignment of all lights, etc. Based on the most recent conference call on May 8, the Roadmap is almost complete. Over the course of May, Fassett will be looking for any and all input from those in the heavy-truck industry, fleet managers and those in the HD collision repair industry. Eventually, the end-product, a Recommended Practice (RP) will be made available, most likely

in the fall, to all members and member groups of the TMC. Fassett and Chris Sterwerf, chairmen of TMC’s Task Force, said that participation is essential in order to raise awareness for the HD collision repair industry. “The HD collision industry is changing faster than ever before,” said Sterwerf. “We need to get people involved to keep up with it all.” For more information, contact Joey Fassett at 207-232-8167 or email him at service@pennfleet.com.

Continued from Page 28

right away and can be shared easily.

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 waterbornebased 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.

Common Mistakes

sues. With instant news and all of the social media out there, if a shop gets caught for violating regulations, people know about it literally

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

Q: A:

Yes, it should always be a part of new employee orientation

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

www.autobodynews.com

autobodynews.com / JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS

From the Desk of Mike Anderson with Mike Anderson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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.

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

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Media and Publicity for Shops with Ed Attanasio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.”

Continued from Page 27

Reliable Repair

Using an example of an Audi Q5, Wideman said the OEM repair literature states that if the vehicle has lane assist, calibration is required, even in a minor repair. When calibration hasn’t been performed properly, Wideman pointed out that consumer safety may be affected. “There are significant liabilities as far as not following the proper repair procedures,” he said. Future technology that is predicted to affect repairs includes electric vehicles. “We’re on an electrification push within both brands [Volkswagen and Audi] so it’s important to follow the repair literature to find out what’s required,” he explained. Overall, he said OEM procedures are the standard method of repair. “If we can all come to that baseline that the OEM procedure is the fundamental starting point, then we have a really good platform to move forward,” he said.

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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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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.

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.

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 60 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 with hiring companies. To help increase the number of Paints, Materials & Supplies events per year, CREF is working closely with I-CAR committees to Shops create their own local career events. ibutor Serving Body tr is D E PB The goal is to have one in every major motive Paints with the Best Auto market. The next Solving the Tech lies since 1933 Shortage column will feature inforand Body Shop Supp mation about I-CAR initiatives, including the local career fairs planned • Technical Service Specialists trained by BASF by I-CAR committees. in Glasurit and R-M paint systems. Part of the expansion plans • Colortone is an Authorized ColorSource also includes holding career fairs in Distributor for BASF Products different venues, such as the Denver Auto Show, which was held in Colortone Automotive Paints March. Through the partnership with 2420 Ripple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90039 the Colorado Auto Dealers Associawww.colortonepaints.com tion, CREF had the opportunity to Fax 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 SUPREME hire graduating students to find out ONYX 90 L i n e about their local school programs if

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National Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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promoting UYL Color. On Interna- viewed as someone who’s influential At the urging of WIN’s Liz Stein, tional Women’s Day 2017, Microsoft in it is so surprising to me,” she said. Schaefer attended her first WIN Edurecognized her as a leader leaving a “When I look at all those pictures cational Conference in 2014. Although positive impact. lined up of women who’ve been hon- she was initially skeptical about how Previously employed in the med- ored over the years, I marvel at how WIN could benefit an OE, she acquiical field, Kathy Mello began work- I fit into that category.” esced. ing behind the scenes for TGIF Body Hoang joined WIN in 2012 at “It was a great experience,” she Shop when her husband founded the the recommendation of WIN mem- said. “I enjoyed many of the speakers, company in 1980. The business went ber and former MIW recipient Linda especially ones focused on work-life on to grow exponentially when TGIF Sommerhauser. balance because that’s extremely imsigned its first DRP contract in 1989. Hoang recalled, “What initially portant to me. I was also able to meet By 1996, the company needed a new began as a keen interest in gaining a some strategic partners from various location to accommodate its growth. better understanding of the industry sides of the collision world that With her children grown, Mello was eventually led to a sincere desire to Mopar has partnerships with. Netable to pursue a more active role in embrace WIN’s mission of working works. I’ve used the business. fostering and advancing my connections throughout Mello admitted, “This industry women in the collision remy career and take comfort is something I would never have pair industry. I have never in always having a phone-achosen had it not happened the way felt disadvantaged in any friend through my WIN conit did, but I really enjoyed it and way because of my gender, nections.” couldn’t understand why at first. race or age, but the reality is Schaefer feels humbled After some soul-searching, I realized those factors are used to and honored to be named a Judy Folk I love helping people, and that’s judge people, and that mat2019 MIW. what we do in collision repair.” ters whether you like it or not. HavShe shared, “It is human nature Mello has learned about the in- ing to navigate the business world in to feel you aren’t doing enough or dustry by taking AMi training, ac- a male-dominated industry is chal- you could do things better, but this quiring mentors and attending as lenging but achievable when you be- award tells me that my efforts to help many industry events as possible. lieve in yourself—your capabilities, improve the overall collision repair She serves on the board of directors your value and your worth. WIN process and experience have not for the California Autobody Associ- brings such a sense of camaraderie gone unnoticed, and it makes me ation and is a co-founder of WIN. that it makes it easy to be yourself and even more determined to influence “Just staying connected share your thoughts and pasis important,” she said. “I’m sion. I hope I can be a posigrateful that I’ve been able to tive influence for the women serve in different capacities I meet in WIN. in the community, but I see “I am genuinely humbled them more as opportunities to be considered amongst than as accomplishments. such an astonishing group I’m also very grateful for the of accomplished women! Kathy Mello mentors who shared their Their work and engagement wisdom with me along the way.” in this industry are palpable and lastMello attended a women’s in- ing, admirable and reflective of the dustry conference hosted by Assured award—influential! Personally, seePerformance in 2005. When the ing them has always given me pause ladies were encouraged to run with and made me ponder how I can recrethe idea, that’s exactly what they did. ate that influence for positive impact Mello recalled, “They say that in my own way.” when you show up, things happen; Folk has been involved with this was a happening. The conference WIN since its inception, and before was educational, and though none of that, she met with a group of female us was sure we belonged when it industry professionals at NACE each began, we knew we could make a dif- year. ference in the industry by the time it She shared, “WIN offered me the ended. We started planning the next connection to other professional year’s conference, and within a year, women throughout the entire automowe had the conference set up as well tive industry. I am so humbled and exas a new entity, WIN, but we never cited that I was even nominated for set out to start an organization—it the MIW award. Imagine my shock just happened.” and excitement when I heard that I Being recognized as a 2019 MIW won! It means a great deal to me to be is an “unexpected honor” for Mello. recognized, especially by my fellow “This is not an industry I would teammates, showing their support and have chosen, and the fact that I’m the confidence they place in me.” 46

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

positive changes in whatever ways I can. This award wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t have the support of my family, various managers throughout my career and all my industry phone-afriends. I have to thank them for making me be the best I can be. Everyone has the power to make a difference.” Schaefer believes it’s important for women to be involved in the collision repair industry because they “bring color and passion to conversations, along with different points of view.” She encourages young women interested in an automotive industry career to “find mentors, both professionally and personally, who you can bounce stuff off of and seek advice from. Always seek the why; don’t accept everything as fact. Investigate and find out the truth. Don’t stop learning and growing—23 years into my career, and I still learn every day. Seek what makes you passionate. Work is more fun when you enjoy what you’re doing. Be dependable and accountable. If you say you’re going to do something, do it.” Folk added, “Not harnessing the perspectives of women on important See MIW Honorees, Page 60

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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

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

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

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

Fig. 9

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

those numbers by 4.5 and you get a tear out of the diameter, 4.95 mm. After you calculate the measurements, you may make the appropriate 50

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

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

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Fig. 8

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

Fig. 10

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

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

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

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

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

Fig. 15

Fig. 12

Fig. 11

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

RN SOUTHE

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

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Fig. 13

Fig. 14

Lastly, note the ½ inch overlap between the two coupons (Fig. 14-15). Let’s assume that these welds were performed on a car. The OEM states to leave the e-coat on the mating surfaces. A shunt plier will be used for the first resistance spot weld. Remove the shunt pliers and use two isolated clams for the second weld. The path of the current will flow from the electrode through the metal, until it reaches the first spot weld and an electrical circuit is made; thus, forming a spot weld at the second location. This process is followed until all of the welds are See Repair Headlines, Page 56

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

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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 Continued from Page 52

Repair Headlines

completed. The same procedures would be used for weld bonding. The shunt pliers can be obtained from Dent Fix Equipment. The downloadable instruction sheet can be found at www.scrs.com. Go to technical resources, scroll down to technical information by topic— click on it, find destructive weld testing and open the PDF worksheet. I-CAR has two courses for those 56

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

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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

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

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National Associations with Chasidy Rae Sisk

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

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

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

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

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

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Continued from Page 46

MIW Honorees

business decisions will only hurt the automotive industry in the long run. The face of the consumer population is changing dramatically. Everyone knows the narrative about change— we’re living in it. The collision repair industry is becoming less about physical strength and more about technology, communications and customer service, which offers a great career path for women. “In the automotive industry, I recommend that young women don’t let themselves be intimidated. Stay steady and focused on what you want to do, continue learning and keep that vision in front of you. In any career, I’d tell them to stop worrying and to embrace the changes life throws at you.” Regarding women’s roles in the industry, Mello stated, “Women tend to be collaborative and nurturing by nature. The human side of the business is sometimes challenging for business owners, but a lot of women 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 upending what we traditionally know about autonomous driving, vehicle repair, self-driving versus ride-sharing and more. We need the vibrant youth and diversified perspectives of young women to continue to drive the innovation critical to every facet of the automotive industry to keep us ahead of the curve and prepared for the 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!

Continued from Page 42

Tech Shortage

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

Northern Virginia (TBD) Miami, FL (TBD)

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

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Truck Topics with Gary Ledoux

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

At its semi-annual meeting and exhibition, on March 19, the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) conducted a panel discussion titled “Justifying, Implementing and Maintaining Active Safety Systems.” The room held perhaps 750 people and had standing room only. Featured speakers were: • Chris Reynolds – Southeastern Freightlines (large fleet operator) • Rick Reinoehl – Covenant Transportation (large fleet operator) • Brad Aller – Bendix Systems safety systems (producer of ADAS systems) • Doug Donaldson – WABCO Americas safety systems (producer of ADAS systems) • Brian Daniels – Daimler Trucks (makers of Freightliner and Western Star trucks and Detroit diesel engines) The Good

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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 utilized a CMS system. In 2018, that’s SO. CALIFORNIA

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 limited traffic speed sign display in the dashboard NO. CALIFORNIA

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• 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

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

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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 mention the fact that some systems come as standard equipment and some are retro-fitted, it is tough for a technician to know what system is in the truck they are trying to repair. It was suggested that a database be built by truck VIN number telling what CMS system was in that truck. Perhaps more basic than fixing a system that is down or malfunctioning is knowing when that system goes down or malfunctions. Some drivers may see that as a “win” when the system ceases to function. The answer seems to be a system monitor than provides the health of the system remotely to a fleet manager or

fleet safety department. CMS Systems Outlook The panel noted four issues that mark the future of CMS systems for trucks: • Each iteration of CMS system is getting better and more intuitive • Engineering safety into each truck is becoming the norm • Drivers can now be coached using hard data from these systems. Errant drivers can be corrected, good drivers can be rewarded, but in either case, the coach and all involved must understand the technology • Video continues to have a real value in claims cost. A video leaves no question as to what happened in an accident Despite any issues or pitfalls, it looks like heavy trucks are on the same trajectory to the future as autos as far as CMS/ADAS systems are concerned. As long as humans are behind the wheel, there will still be accidents that need repair. Whether it is a 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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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-

ASA Mechanical Operations Committee Releases PMVI Video

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has released a YouTube video detailing the value Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection (PMVI) programs provide in increasing vehicle safety. Tom Piippo, AMAM, ASA mechanical division director and owner of Tri-County Motors in Rudyard, MI, is interviewed by Tony Molla, ASA vice president of industry relations, and explains what PMVI programs are, what benefits they provide and why they’re needed more than ever. The video uses photos from the Just Vehicle Inspections Facebook group, which were taken during routine digital vehicle inspections. The photos graphically demonstrate the safety issues caused by neglected vehicle maintenance. “The safety issues discovered during the vehicle inspections show clearly why PMVI programs are necessary and how they can be effective in catching serious vehicle safety concerns before they result in a much more 64

serious tragedy,” said Piippo. “The Car Care Council statistics included in the video also help to spotlight just how widespread neglected vehicle maintenance is and the fact that in 2017, 88 percent of the vehicles inspected at free Car Care Council check lanes across the nation had at least one maintenance issue that could pose a safety to risk to occupants of that vehicle and the vehicles around them on the highway.” “The PMVI video was created to provide a tool for ASA members and others who wish to defend existing PMVI programs in their state or are thinking about starting one,” said Molla. “It’s available free to the industry as a service of the ASA Mechanical Operations Committee to advance the knowledge and understanding of how PMVI programs can help increase consumer safety and prevent serious accidents by catching safety issues large and small.” The YouTube video can be viewed by clicking here.

JUNE 2019 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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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.

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