VpCI®-329 D ES is a ready to use spray providing strong rust prevention for metals in indoor and outdoor sheltered conditions. The product can be easily applied/sprayed from a handheld trigger spray bottle. It offers a convenient way to protect gears, spindles, coils, or any other metal parts that require a light coat of oil for further processing and shipment. VpCI-329 D ES contains innovative Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors (VpCI) technology and its carrier is a combination of bio-based oil and mineral spirit. By spraying VpCI 329 D ES, the corrosion is attacked on two fronts. Its oil-soluble corrosion inhibitors first create a tenacious film that clings to metal surfaces, providing excellent contact corrosion protection.     

VpCI’s release into the air and attach electrochemically to the metal surface. The coating provides universal corrosion protection to ferrous and non-ferrous metals and performs effectively even under the adverse conditions of 100% relative humidity as well as the presence of corrosive species such as chlorides, hydrogen sulfide, or other sulfur compounds. The product does not contain any hazardous chromates, nitrites, or phosphate inhibitors. It is thermally stable, providing long-lasting contact and vapor phase corrosion protection for a wider variety of applications.

Merger is a leading world manufacturer of power transmission gears. Their teams have been working to bring power transmission solutions to manufacturing companies for more than 70 years. The sensitivity of their reduction gears requires them to be protected against corrosion during shipment, storage and in between manufacturing processes. Because of this Merger relied on Cortec’s expertise and highly advanced corrosion protection solutions. VpCI-329 was used at a low concentration to protect the internal areas of speed reducers and gears. The product was poured into the bottom of the gear case lubricant reservoir at only 0.3% of total volume. The oil-based solution provided double action against corrosion. VpCI-329 works in the contact phase for protection of immersed metal surfaces, while vapor phase action allows the inhibitors to migrate effectively to non-immersed and remote areas where they adsorb and form a protective layer. For exterior protection, external surfaces were sprayed with Cortec’s CorShield® VpCI®-369, a temporary coating that leaves a moisture-displacing protective film, providing superior protection against aggressive environments.      

VpCI-329 will protect against corrosion for up to four years. Stephane Morel, a sales manager at MERGER, commented that the company now uses VpCI-329 on all their strategic speed reducers designed for lifting in the manufacturing sector. The efficiency of using VpCI-329 at low concentration has resulted in cost savings and increased shipping safety. There is no more need to fill the entire case with lubricating oils, and the company has even been able to save on freight that is no longer considered hazardous.

Article Details

Wed, 01/30/2019 (All day)

MOTOR AGE Wire Reports

<p>VpCI-329 D ES is a ready to use spray providing strong rust prevention for metals in indoor and outdoor sheltered conditions.</p>

<p>Cortec, VpCl, rust prevention</p>

The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG), a community of the Auto Care Association, has announced its latest lineup of Regional Meet-Up events for the 2019 Q1 period (January – March). YANG’s Regional Meet-Up events provide attendees with a fun atmosphere to network with industry peers and to gain professional development insights through workshops lead by industry leaders.

Upcoming 2019 Q1 YANG Regional Meet-Ups:

Regional Meet-Up @ Napa, Calif.
Date: Jan. 31, 2019, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Hosts: CAWA
Location: The Meritage Resort & Spa Napa Valley
875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA 94558

Regional Meet-Up @ Grand Rapids, Mich.
Date: Feb. 7, 2019, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Hosts: Auto Wares
Location: Founders Brewing Co.
235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
RSVP to attend by Feb. 1.

Regional Meet-Up @ Memphis, Tenn.
Date: Feb. 21, 2019, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Hosts: Drive Sales and Marketing
Location: Alfred's on Beale
197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
RSVP to attend by Feb. 14.

For more information about YANG or to learn more about hosting a Regional Meet-Up in your area, please visit autocare.org/yang or contact yang@autocare.org.

Article Details

Wed, 01/30/2019 (All day)

Aftermarket Business World Wire Reports

<p>The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG), a community of the Auto Care Association, has announced its latest lineup of Regional Meet-Up events for the 2019 Q1 period (January &ndash; March).</p>

<p>Young Auto Care Network Group, YANG, Auto Care Association</p>

CIECA has announced that its Board of Trustees has elected the following officers for 2019:
 
Chairman: Steve Betley, Insurance Auto Auctions
 
Vice Chair: Kim DeVallance Caron, Enterprise Holdings
 
Treasurer: Jeff Schroder, Car-Part.com
 
Secretary: Michael Naoom, Safelite Solutions
 
Past Chair: Clint Marlow, Allstate Insurance
 
Detailed bios about the Board of Trustees Officers can be found on the CIECA website. These officers will serve on CIECA’s Executive Committee, which oversees business matters throughout the year and plans the agenda for CIECA’s board meetings.

(L to R) Fred Iantorno, CIECA’s executive director; Steve Betley, chairman; Kim DeVallance Caron, vice chair; Michael Naoom, secretary; Clint Marlow, past chair; Jeff Schroder, treasurer; and Charley Quirt, CIECA’s project manager

“As CIECA celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, we want to acknowledge the vision of the founding members and recognize all of the contributions from the industry over the years,” said Steve Betley, CIECA's chairman. “We are excited about the year ahead and encourage the industry to get involved with CIECA and help us shape our industry’s future.”
 
Betley encourages the industry to join a CIECA committee, attend the annual CIECA CONNEX conference in September and learn more about the organization, which develops and promotes electronic communication standards that allow the collision repair industry to be more efficient.
 
The next CIECA board meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon in Austin, Texas in conjunction with dig-in: The Digital Future of Insurance conference. All industry stakeholders are welcome to attend the open portion of the board meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m.
 
For more information about the dig-in conference (May 29-31), visit https://www.dig-in.com/conference/digitalinsurance-2019.
 
For more information about CIECA, how to join a committee and membership details, visit www.cieca.com or email Fred Iantorno, CIECA’s executive director, at fred@cieca.com.

About CIECA
CIECA develops electronic standards, codes and standard messages and provides implementation guides to make the industry more efficient. All standards are developed by members. CIECA membership is open to the collision repair and property restoration industries, and related segments: repairers, insurers, OEMs, parts and material suppliers, information and software providers, car rental companies, towing companies, salvage and recycled parts providers, auto glass replacement facilities, subrogation providers, general service providers and property restoration providers. CIECA's goals are to deliver benefits to all participants through reduced development and support costs, lower cost of implementation, reduced barrier to entry and faster development times.

Article Details

Wed, 01/30/2019 (All day)

ABRN Wire Reports

<p>CIECA has announced that its Board of Trustees has elected the officers for 2019.</p>

<p>CIECA, Board of Trustees</p>

Beginning in 2019, automotive refinish professionals can earn I-CAR credits for completing Sherwin-Williams training courses at no additional cost. That’s because Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes^® has joined I-CAR’s Sustaining Partner™ program, an initiative designed to mobilize organizations in support of I-CAR’s mission to enhance collision repair industry training and ensure complete, safe and quality repairs.

The ultimate goal of the Sustaining Partner program is to reduce the cost of I-CAR training to collision repair shops, as well as to help fund vocational school programs throughout the U.S. I-CAR Gold Class^Ò collision repair centers consistently achieve more reliable performance and results for customers, improving their marketability to insurers.

As a Sustaining Partner, Sherwin-Williams will be a valuable contributor to this long-term plan for the collision repair industry.

“The more we can help our customers achieve I-CAR Gold Class designation, the more successful they will be in their business,” said Rod Habel, Sherwin-Williams Director of Training. “Better service and better education for our customers is the key to strengthening the industry and keeping people safe.”

Habel says the existing curriculum of Sherwin-Williams training courses will be supplemented by additional courses to be introduced throughout the year. I-CAR will provide Sherwin-Williams with support for developing and building training classes to ensure they meet I-CAR accreditation standards.

Since launching the Sustaining Partner program in 2018, I-CAR has enlisted more than a dozen organizations to help collision repair professionals contend with rapidly changing vehicle technology, and increasing repair complexity and cost, among other challenges.

For more information about Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes, visit https://sherwin-automotive.com. For more information about I-CAR and the Sustaining Partner Program, visit www.I-CAR.com/SustainingPartners.

Article Details

Wed, 01/30/2019 (All day)

ABRN Wire Reports

<p>Beginning in 2019, automotive refinish professionals can earn I-CAR credits for completing Sherwin-Williams training courses at no additional cost.</p>

<p>Sherwin-Williams, I-CAR, Sustaining Partner, training, collision repair, refinish</p>

I was called to a shop to do a post-repair scan on a 2019 VW Golf (Figure 1) that was all finished and ready for delivery. This shop is a high-volume shop, and they move many cars in and out of the door and they make it their own policy to scan all cars when they are done just to get peace of mind knowing that vehicles are safe and free of any issues prior to releasing the car to the customer. The shop may not always get paid by certain insurance companies for doing post-repair scans, but it is to their benefit to prevent a comeback and an inconvenienced customer that may give bad feedback on the shop’s services.

Figure 1

When I arrived at the shop, the car started up fine and the only warning light that I noticed on was the yellow triangle caution sign (Figure 2). This was because I did not have my seatbelt latched while I was sitting in the driver seat. This caution triangle is commonly used by manufacturers to alert the driver to view the instrument cluster to look for issues with the vehicle prior to driving off down the road.

Figure 2

As I performed the vehicle scan, I came across 10 control modules with about 32 faults combined (Figure 3). Most of these faults were no longer present and were generated from the accident or during the repair of the vehicle. It is highly important to record all of these faults in your post scan prior to clearing the entire vehicle. It is equally important to put the vehicle through three key cycles to see if any of these codes return. After another full vehicle scan, there were four control modules with active “U” codes in memory for a module not responding on the network. It is not uncommon for other controllers within the network to not report an issue such as this because they may not rely on the missing controller for network data for them to function.

Figure 3

The Gateway Control Module is the main control module that overseas network communications and this was the only module of the four control modules that actually specified the module at fault. The Gateway Control Module stored an active code U104500 that failed the Lane Change Assistance module for not responding on the network. This was odd because there was nothing reported to the instrument cluster to alert the driver of the vehicle at start up. This is very important to know because if there is a control module that is low on the totem pole, the network doesn’t have to report a failure of the module back to the instrument cluster. Therefore, many onboard issues may go unnoticed until a customer comes back with an operating issue. A lot of vehicles will use a tier-rated priority to qualify if the instrument cluster needs to report a failure in the network. So as a quick check of the Lane Change or Side Obstacle System, shops need to view both warning lights on the side-view mirrors at start up. If the LEDs do not light up or both go on and stay on, then there is a problem with the system. At this point, I went ahead and started the vehicle and sure enough the Lane Change icons in both mirrors were inoperative (Figure 4).

Figure 4

This definitely indicated to me that the system was not operating at all. I now instructed the shop to pull the rear bumper so I could examine both rear Lane Change modules and the harness for issues. The left rear module was the master module and controlled the slave module on the right side of the vehicle so I was more concerned with checking the left rear module first.

Figure 5

The shop quickly pulled the bumper assembly off of the vehicle (Figure 5). I visually inspected the connector on the left side and verified the wiring identifications using a diagram from my information system. There were seven wires of which two were power abd ground feed, one LED control to the left side mirror, two CAN lines for the network and two dedicated CAN lines routed to the right Lane Change module to communicate with the left Lane Change module (Figure 6).

Figure 6

Figure 7

I went to remove the connector from the left module and it basically slid off very easily without pressing in the connector lock. The connector was never fully seated and locked in place, and this was the whole problem. I pulled off the connector and closely inspected the lock to make sure it was not damaged. This was a newly installed harness and it was the spring action of the new grommet in the connector that made it hard to click in place (Figure 7).

I reinstalled the connector and started the vehicle and now you could see the indicator on the side view mirror was now working (Figure 8). But I had a new problem. The LED in both side view mirrors were staying on constant without shutting off.

Figure 8

It seemed odd that this vehicle would have a second problem when I had already found the problem. I instructed the shop to leave the bumper off until I scanned the vehicle again to check for further issues. I went back to my scan tool and scanned the entire vehicle again and was able to pull two codes out of the Lane Change control module. The codes stored were 1310721 and 1572868, but there were no code definitions for these codes other than “Unknown Error” (Figure 9). The code number is always stored in the vehicle, but it is the job of the scan tool that provides the definition of it. This fault basically was unidentified because the code library in the tool was not updated yet with the 2019 code list, so it could not properly tag a definition to the code number.

Figure 9

Luckily for me, I have the dealer tool and made the investment to register myself with VW/Audi as an aftermarket dealer tech and I am registered through their security professional database. I placed my VW/Audi ODIS System on the vehicle and pulled codes out of the Lane Change module. These codes were for a control module not programmed and parameterized (Figure 10). These were two separate procedures that had to be done with my dealer level tool. The shop had replaced the left rear Lane Change module with a new one and thought it was just s plug and play module and they were unaware if there were post procedures to be performed on the new module. So I now I had to perform the task of setting up the new control module to finish this vehicle and get it delivered once and for all.

Figure 10

There are many lessons to be learned with this post-syndrome vehicle. There is no guarantee that any vehicle is in perfect order just because there are no lights on the dash. You may want to think twice about post-repair scanning your vehicles for your own investment whether you get paid or not, because there may be many unforeseen issues that may not arise until the vehicle is in the owner’s hands. A lot of control modules on these vehicles today may be plug and play, but it is your duty to find out for sure before the vehicle is released. Some of these replaced modules may just need post procedures performed without programming software once they are changed, and this can be solely done with a scan tool through simple set ups such as calibrations.

Last and most importantly you need to really use your five-sense diagnostics and just make sure things are properly put back in place. Use your eyes, for visual inspections, use your hands to feel things as they slide in place for binding, use your ears to listen for clicks when things lock in place, use your nose to smell for burnt components or fluids leaking, taste is an option at this point. This may help you to prevent unnecessary comebacks down the road. Don’t be that guy plugged into a smartphone with a headset while working on a vehicle because you will lose all of these human sensors at your own disposal. Hope this story has enhanced what you know or didn’t know and possibly hit home with a lot of the readers out there.

Article Details

Thu, 01/31/2019 (All day)

John Anello

<p>Performing a post-repair scan to ensure a vehicle is ready to be returned to a customer may become more complicated than it sounds.</p>

<p>post-repair scan, 2019 VW Golf, collisio repair, Lane Change, side view mirror, faults,</p>

CARSTAR, North America’s largest network of independently-owned premier collision repair facilities, has announced its 2019 advisory council members for the U.S. and Canada. These franchise partners meet throughout the year to review operations, explore growth initiatives and provide guidance on key issues or opportunities.
 
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the CARSTAR Advisory Board for the U.S. and CARSTAR Advisory Council for Canada are comprised of longtime franchise partners as well as newer network members. The owners represent a mix of single locations, multiple-store owners and auto dealership-based franchise partners.
 
The CARSTAR Advisory Board members for the U.S. and the regions they represent are:

• Region 1 -- Justin Blaisdell (CARSTAR Atlantic Collision Center and CARSTAR Collision Center – Fitchburg) -- New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut  
• Region 2 -- Paul Edgecomb (CARSTAR Champion Collision Auto Body Repair) – Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey
• Region 3 -- Tom Martin (CARSTAR Sydney Auto Body, CARSTAR Piqua and CARSTAR of Troy) – Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky
• Region 4 -- Teresa Kostick (CARSTAR All Line Auto Body) – Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota
• Region 5 -- Heath Harris (CARSTAR Arnold) -- Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi
• Region 6 -- Steve Hahn (CARSTAR Metcalf) – Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa
• Region 7 and Co-Chair -- Gary Boesel (CARSTAR Alpine and CARSTAR Jordan Road) – Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, California, Nevada
• Region 8 and Co-Chair -- Jeff Middleton (CARSTAR ARA Collision Seattle, CARSTAR Northwest Collision, CARSTAR Ballard, CARSTAR Exhibition Automotive and CARSTAR Complete Collision) – Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah
• Region 9 -- James White (CARSTAR Dalton South and CARSTAR Ken’s North) – Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee
• Region 10 -- Larry King (CARSTAR of Port Arthur) – Texas/Oklahoma

 
The CARSTAR Advisory Council members for Canada and the provinces they represent are:

• Chair -- Darryl Hemstreet (CARSTAR Red Deer & CARSTAR Red Deer South)
• Alberta -- Albert LeBlanc (CARSTAR Edmonton North, CARSTAR St. Albert and CARSTAR Edmonton East)
• Atlantic Canada -- Ron Alberts (CARSTAR St. Stephens)
• Quebec -- Frank Tokatlidis (CARSTAR St. Hubert)
• Southwestern Ontario -- Dennis Carlini (CARSTAR Windsor, CARSTAR LaSalle, CARSTAR Express Tecumseh Road West and CARSTAR Chatham Imperial)
• Hamilton, Halton, Niagara -- Mike Dybka (CARSTAR Burlington)
• Greater Toronto Area -- Paul Cross (CARSTAR Bancroft, CARSTAR Lindsay and CARSTAR Haliburton)
• Eastern Ontario -- Arnold Dixon (CARSTAR Gananoque, CARSTAR Perth, CARSTAR Brockville and CARSTAR Express Smith Falls)
• Northern Ontario -- Daniel Trevisanutto (CARSTAR Thunder Bay)
• Public Provinces (BC, MB, SK) -- Ryan Isherwood (CARSTAR Duncan and CARSTAR Courtenay)

 
“We thank all of our advisory board members for their service and their dedication, benefitting the entire network of locally owned and operated franchise partners,” said Michael Macaluso, president of CARSTAR. “They provide a tremendous amount of time and expertise in helping grow this organization. We welcome our new advisory board members and thank those who are continuing their service for their ongoing leadership. We look forward to accelerating our growth, franchise partner profitability and customer satisfaction in 2019 and we are grateful for the support of the council in their contributions.”
 
Meeting bi-annually, the advisory board is eager to accelerate its success in 2019 as it works with CARSTAR leadership to drive the organization forward.
 
About CARSTAR
CARSTAR is North America’s largest network of independently owned and operated collision repair facilities with more than 600 locations in 35 states and 10 Canadian provinces. A part of the Driven Brands family of automotive aftermarket franchise brands, CARSTAR delivers national scale, premier vehicle repairs, repeatable outcomes and the industry’s highest customer satisfaction ratings. Celebrating its 30thanniversary this year, CARSTAR has maintained its commitment to give back to the communities it serves through a variety of fundraising initiatives, including raising over $3 million for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and has made fighting cystic fibrosis its cause, North American wide. For more information visit www.carstar.com and www.carstar.ca follow on Facebook, twitter and LinkedIn. CARSTAR is actively seeking new franchise partners and interested parties should contact 844-906-9764.

Article Details

Thu, 01/31/2019 (All day)

ABRN Wire Reports

<p>These franchise partners meet throughout the year to review operations, explore growth initiatives and provide guidance on key issues or opportunities.</p>

<p>CARSTAR, collision repair, advisory board, North America, franchise partners,</p>

In this latest Remarkable Results podcast with Carm Capriotto, he speaks with a panel of shop owners from across the country and hopes you can listen and learn one thing.

He speaks with Kevin Eckler, Foreign Car Specialists, Poughkeepsie, NY; Pete Rudloff from Pete’s Garage in Newark, DE; Ryan Clo from Dubwerx in Cincinnati, OH; Rich Falco Instructor for CTI; Tom Lambert from Shadetree Automotive in Layton, UT; Maryann Croce, Croce’s Transmission in Norwalk, CT and from Small Biz Vantage.com;  Dwayne Myers, Dynamic Automotive in Frederick, Md; and Christopher Petersen from Northwest Automotive in Kalispell, MT.

Listen to the podcast here.

With over 400 collective episodes between Remarkable Results Radio, the Town Hall Academy and the new show ‘For The Record’ you have the power of the spoken word in these long-form audio interviews. They are the perfect learning tool for the aftermarket forever student.

Carm Capriotto hosts the industries premiere podcast content library where service professionals, technicians, business coaches, educators, and industry executives among others bring raw, unfiltered, honest, and sincere stories that shaped their success. The podcasts also bring you insights, trends, best practices and stories of personal achievements.

Listen on your favorite podcast listening app or on https://remarkableresults.biz/episodes. These are “Conversations Worth Hearing!”

Article Details

Thu, 01/31/2019 (All day)

MOTOR AGE Wire Reports

<p><span><span>In this latest Remarkable Results podcast with Carm Capriotto, he speaks with a panel of shop owners from across the country and hopes you can listen and learn one thing.</span></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Carm Capriotto, Remarkable Results podcast</p>

Recently I was asked to help a shop find room for a second booth in their already crowded shop.  I was surprised because this shop was usually too busy to talk with me. But they were continually behind in the paint shop and knew a second booth was the answer to their problems.

As I looked around the shop, I didn’t see space for a second booth, but I also didn’t see a productive paint shop. While measuring the shop, I saw the booth flip off of bake, the lights came on and only one bumper in the booth. 

I showed this to the manager and said, “I don’t think you need another booth, I think you need better processes.” He replied, “I know you’ve been trying to talk to me for a year or so, but you can see I’m jammed up here and now I need a quick solution.” As the discussion continued, I gave him some price ideas of what it would cost for his quick solution and he was astounded. Paint booths are not cheap, and they cost more when you are using them as a band-aid for poor production processes. The more we talked the more he understood that another paint booth was not going to give him immediate help with his problem; they are not quick fixes. It would take 30–45 days at a minimum to get one installed.

I questioned the manager about his booth cycle time, how many vehicles he was moving through the booth a day and how many days of work were backlogged in the paint shop. The only answer he really knew was that he had 10 cars that were not going to be painted that day and he needed help. We started talking about process solutions. 

The first thing we talked about was ensuring the booth was full each cycle. With masking tape, I made a true-to-size outline of his booth right outside the booth door. I spent some time going through his 10 repair orders, moved some things around, and we filled that outline with parts from three cars. I stayed at the shop most of the day and by staging repairs in that outline to maximize the booth cycles we were able to paint eight of the 10 cars.

We have all heard the adage, “Proper planning prevents poor performance,” and all we did that day was properly plan the booth cycle. I am sure you are watching KPIs such as Cost per Paint Hour, P&M Gross Profit and Paint Hours per RO, but what about Booth Cycle Time and Number of Vehicles per Booth per Day? Those KPIs are just as important and can make a huge difference in your paint shop.

If you can improve your Booth Cycle Time and Number of Vehicles per Booth per Day, you will be well on your way to eliminating the common choke point of the paint shop. The calculation for Booth Cycle Time is fairly simple:

Daily booth operating hours * # of workdays * # of booths
 # of ROs completed

If you are outside of 1.5 – 1.8 hours per cycle, you are not being efficient with your current paint booth. 

Booth Cycle Time has a direct relation to Vehicles per Booth per Day and the calculation is similar:

# of booths * # of workdays
# of ROs completed

This should be an average of 4–5 per day. This means that some days you might have 6, 7 or 8 like the example above, while on other days larger jobs could reduce the average to 3–4.

The key with any process improvement is to be better today than you were yesterday and plan today for a better tomorrow. Watch your paint booth cycles. How many times is there only one bumper in the booth? How often is the booth sitting empty? Do the baking times coincide with breaks, lunchtime and end of day? These are all ways to tell at a glance if your paint shop is being efficient and it can be fixed very easily.

I will leave you with a favorite quote of mine from Glen B. Alleman, “A plan is the strategy for the successful completion of a project, any project without a plan is a project wandering in the wilderness.” Don’t let your paint shop be the wilderness, buy a paint booth when you have grown to need it, pick one thing in the paragraph above as your focus – fix it and move on to the next.

Article Details

Fri, 02/01/2019 (All day)

John Shoemaker

<p>Review some key KPIs you must track in order to acheive maximum paint shop efficiency</p>

<p>collision repair shop, owner, management, paint booth, KPIs, BASF, John Shoemaker, AMi, ABRN</p>

The Wyoming legislature is considering legislation that would negatively impact collision repairers and consumers relative to aftermarket crash parts. 

The legislation, SF0095, has passed the Wyoming state senate and is now being reviewed by the Wyoming House of Representatives.  

The bill is sponsored by state Sen. Tara Nethercott. 

The Senate summarizes the legislation as follows: AN ACT relating to insurance; providing standards for the use of aftermarket parts in automobile damage repairs; requiring disclosure when any use is proposed of a non-original manufacturer part; requiring that all aftermarket parts be identified and be of the same quality as the original part; and providing for an effective date.

The bill was introduced Jan. 15, 2019 and in a very brief period of time, is on its way to potentially becoming state law. This legislation has been attempted in other states and numerous legislatures have rejected this policy as it dramatically changes the consumer-collision shop marketplace.

ASA opposes SF0095. There are numerous questions that SF0095 raises including:

• Who is to determine that parts meet OEM standards?
• What state agency is equipped to evaluate certification standards?
• How does this protect the consumer?

Any discussion about automotive crash parts invokes an examination of quality issues. More importantly, what has been the policy dialogue about vehicle safety as impacted by SF0095? These are important issues that should require more than two weeks of policy debate.

ASA encourages Wyoming collision repairers to contact their state legislators and ask that they oppose Aftermarket Parts Bill SF0095.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and collision repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous state affiliate and chapter groups.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. To take advantage of the many benefits of membership in ASA, please visit ASAshop.org or call (817) 514-2901.

For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to ASAshop.org or visit ASA’s legislative website at TakingTheHill.com.

Article Details

Fri, 02/01/2019 (All day)

ABRN Wire Reports

<p>The bill was introduced Jan. 15, 2019 and in a very brief period of time, is on its way to potentially becoming state law. This legislation has been attempted in other states and numerous legislatures have rejected this policy as it dramatically changes the consumer-collision shop marketplace.</p>

<p>Wyoming legislation, crash parts, collision repair, bill, consumers, ASA,</p>

In this latest Remarkable Results podcast with Carm Capriotto, he speaks with a panel that brings light to the service advisor/manager position as the toughest job in the company.

It is very possible that your caller may not be looking for a price because they don’t know what else to ask. We talk about getting your value story told and the power of the smile among about a dozen other great lessons from this episode. It is suggested to get in your appointment making mode every time the phone rings.

Emily Sundstrom, Service Manager at Valley Auto Electric from Covington, WA and Business Coach Bill Haas, AAM from Haas Performance Consulting.

Listen to the podcast here.

With over 400 collective episodes between Remarkable Results Radio, the Town Hall Academy and the new show ‘For The Record’ you have the power of the spoken word in these long-form audio interviews. They are the perfect learning tool for the aftermarket forever student.

Carm Capriotto hosts the industries premiere podcast content library where service professionals, technicians, business coaches, educators, and industry executives among others bring raw, unfiltered, honest, and sincere stories that shaped their success. The podcasts also bring you insights, trends, best practices and stories of personal achievements.

Listen on your favorite podcast listening app or on https://remarkableresults.biz/episodes. These are “Conversations Worth Hearing!”

Article Details

Sat, 02/02/2019 (All day)

MOTOR AGE Wire Reports

<p><span><span>In this latest Remarkable Results podcast with Carm Capriotto, he speaks with a panel that brings light to the service advisor/manager position as the toughest job in the company. </span></span></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Carm Capriotto, Remarkable Results podcast</p>

In this latest Remarkable Results podcast with Carm Capriotto, he speaks with a panel about female service advisors, curb appeal, the disadvantage of being a former technician and how to get the owner to make the SA the point person, among other topics.

Service advisors are the liaisons between the customer, technicians and the owners. Their job is one of the most important in the aftermarket service industry.

Trust and communications are the keys to building a relationship with your customer. Trusting your tech is also critical to building a strong relationship.

Capriotto speaks with Rachael Barraclough, Service Manager at Arnton Auto & Truck; Chris Johnson, Service Manager at Total Automotive; and Nick Herberger, Service Manager at Scruggs Automotive.

Listen to the podcast here.

With over 400 collective episodes between Remarkable Results Radio, the Town Hall Academy and the new show ‘For The Record’ you have the power of the spoken word in these long-form audio interviews. They are the perfect learning tool for the aftermarket forever student.

Carm Capriotto hosts the industries premiere podcast content library where service professionals, technicians, business coaches, educators, and industry executives among others bring raw, unfiltered, honest, and sincere stories that shaped their success. The podcasts also bring you insights, trends, best practices and stories of personal achievements.

Listen on your favorite podcast listening app or on https://remarkableresults.biz/episodes. These are “Conversations Worth Hearing!”

Article Details

Mon, 02/04/2019 (All day)

MOTOR AGE Wire Reports

<p><span><span>In this latest Remarkable Results podcast with Carm Capriotto, he speaks with a panel about</span></span> female service advisors, curb appeal, the disadvantage of being a former technician and how to get the owner to make the SA the point person, among other topics.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Carm Capriotto, Remarkable Results podcast</p>

Wedge Clamp has responded to a tripling of sales in the last four years by hiring a new U.S. Technical Sales Manager.

Certified collision repair technician Emilio Perez has been a fan and user of the Wedge Clamp system for almost 16 years, and a part-time agent and trainer for Wedge Clamp.

Effective Feb. 1, he will become the company’s first full-time U.S. Technical Sales Manager, with responsibility for selling the system to distributors and shops throughout the country and training them in its use.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with the Wedge Clamp System,” says Perez. “It’s easy, fast and convenient, and hangs on the wall when you’re done. A lot of techs are used to a dedicated bench. My job will be to show them the many Wedge Clamp advantages.”

Also new at Wedge Clamp is Vice-President Mark Greenberg, who has moved from head office of the company’s corporate owner, the Craftsman Group of Companies, to replace the departing Rodica Matei.

“Wedge Clamp is the best-kept secret in the business,” says Greenberg, who joined the company on Jan. 1. “I want us to be a household name, and Emilio can help us get there.”

Along with manufacturing its innovative anchoring, pulling and measuring system, Wedge Clamp is a global distributor of the Stat-Gun anti-static air gun, the nitrogenbased NitroHeat spraypaint system, the NitroWeld plastic welding system, and the Eclipse laser frame measuring system.

Perez will be based in Las Vegas, and can be contacted at emilio@wedgeclamp.com or at 702.885.7267. Interested buyers can get a free demo of the Wedge Clamp system from him at the Jim Marsh Body Shop in Vegas.

Jeff Francis will continue to serve as the company’s Technical Sales Manager for Canada.

For further information about Wedge Clamp and its products, phone 1.800.615.9949, visit www.wedgeclamp.com or email info@wedgeclamp.com.

Article Details

Mon, 02/04/2019 (All day)

ABRN Wire Reports

<p>Wedge Clamp has responded to a tripling of sales in the last four years by hiring a new U.S. Technical Sales Manager.</p>

<p>Wedge Clamp, collision repair, Technical Sales Manager, Emilio Perez, training</p>

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) and the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA) are excited to announce the program schedule for the return of Collision P.R.E.P. (Professional Repairer Education Program) to NORTHEAST^® 2019, March 15-17 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Automotive professionals can't afford to miss this NORTHEAST-exclusive program featuring 17 classes hosted by some of the biggest names in the industry.

The series kicks off Friday at 3 p.m. with "Expand Your Customer Base — Reach More Online Collision Repair Customers," presented by Brent Betts, AP Media. This informative session will assess your current digital marketing presence and cover various strategies for reaching online consumers.

Industry favorite Mike Anderson (Collision Advice) will debut a new program on scanning and diagnostics on Friday evening. Attendees will have a second chance to hear from Anderson on Saturday at 10 a.m. when he will give the popular "Write it Right, with Life Nuggets to Live By."

Attendees won't want to miss the featured presentation on Saturday evening given by leading repairer K. Michael Bradshaw of K&M Collision in Hickory, NC, entitled "Repairer to Repairer: Realities of Structural Repair and Tooling."

Another highlight is the OEM panel discussion set for Saturday at 12:30 p.m. featuring representatives from several OEM certification programs. This in-depth panel discussion will focus on the most recent changes in certification programs and how repairers can position themselves for positive business relationships with OEMs.

"WMABA is excited to team up again with AASP/NJ to host the Collision P.R.E.P. program for the Eastern US, as the only opportunity to participate in national-level learning from the industry's leading experts on this side of the country," said WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler. "It may be a bit of a drive or short flight, but it will be well worth the effort. If you missed going to SEMA and SCRS' Repairer Driven Education, then you want to make sure to get you and your team to NORTHEAST and Collision P.R.E.P.!"

"We are happy to welcome back WMABA and their Collision P.R.E.P. series to the NORTHEAST show," commented AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee. "They brought exceptional value to the show last year and we are excited to have them return with another great slate of top of the line national-level education classes."

To see the full slate of Collision P.R.E.P. seminars and to register for the NORTHEAST Automotive Services Show, visit aaspnjnortheast.com. Follow NORTHEAST on Facebook (facebook.com/aaspnjnortheast), Twitter (@AASPNJNORTHEAST) and YouTube (youtube.com/AASPNJNORTHEAST).
 

Article Details

Mon, 02/04/2019 (All day)

ABRN Wire Reports

<p>The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey and the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association announced the program schedule for the return of Collision P.R.E.P. to NORTHEAST 2019.</p>

<p>AASP/NJ, NORTHEAST, collision repair training, P.R.E.P., Secaucus</p>

Automotive telematics offer consumer-based services that allow wireless connectivity. This allows repair shops to use telematics to obtain important remote vehicle diagnostics.

Telematics is a system that can talk to the onboard powertrain computer. If a problem with the vehicle occurs and a Diagnostic Trouble Code is created, telematics can report the problem back to the repair shop. Telematics can also offer remote diagnostics if an issue has a potential of being serious.

Telematics assists the repair process

Many of the telematics technologies already work on the vehicle’s network. This would include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and accident avoidance or lane departure systems, to name a few. Telematics is putting together a variety of technologies to merge them together.

When the telematics unit is connected to the vehicle onboard computer, certain types of problems may be fixed by downloading new settings or calibrations to the vehicle’s onboard computer. Diagnostic information is provided to the vehicle owner and repair shop, because modern vehicles now are equipped with telematics.

Connectivity will continue to expand thanks to the faster connections, on modern vehicles. Faster connections allow more data to travel in both directions: from the vehicle to repair shop and from the repair shop to the vehicle.

Working together

Once the onboard diagnostics detects the malfunction of one of the sensors, the telematics system will report the Diagnostic Trouble Code to the repair shop and have the replacement part ordered, delivered and ready to be installed. This saves time, money and inconvenience to the vehicle owner.

Telematics will allow the repair shop to determine more quickly if a component or vehicle system is not working properly, which means they can fix it in a more timely fashion. This creates a better customer service value between the vehicle owner and the repair shop. However, performing a diagnostic pre-scan with the asTech^® device confirms exactly which repairs will be needed before repairs begin. Telematics gives repair shops a step up with repairs.

Post-repair

Once the repairs have been completed, the repair technician should then perform a post-scan with the asTech^® device. This will determine if all repairs have been identified and completed before the vehicle is returned to the vehicle owner.

For more information on the advantages of using the asTech^® device, contact our master technicians today.

Article Details

Mon, 02/04/2019 (All day)

asTech

<p>Automotive telematics offer consumer-based services that allow wireless connectivity. This allows repair shops to use telematics to obtain important remote vehicle diagnostics.</p>

<p>asTech, telematics</p>

CARSTAR, North America’s largest premier network of independently owned collision repair facilities, announced the opening of its 15th Pennsylvania location, CARSTAR Russo’s Collision, located at 18 Crozerville Road, Aston, PA 19014.

Having grown up in a collision repair facility, CARSTAR Russo’s Collision owner Michael Russo has always been around cars. With exceptional trade schools in his area, Mike feels fortunate that he was able to receive the training he needed to provide premier repairs to his community.

“I feel very lucky to have received the training I did, because it set me on the right path to not only be a premier technician, but also become a local storeowner who understands every aspect of my business,” says Mike Russo, own, CARSTAR Russo’s Collision. “With so many mom and pop shops being bought up by corporations, this seemed like the right path for me because I can continue being a local owner and CARSTAR has that premier reputation that aligns with my values.”

This 2,500 square foot facility performs expert repairs to all makes and models with the I-CAR Gold certification behind it, proving its capabilities. Plans are already underway to expand the facility to a 10,000 square foot repair center, as Mike is eager to increase his capacity, better serving more of his community.

“It is encouraging to see franchise partners like Mike eager to expand their operations because they see such a demand for premier collision repair services in their community,” says Michael Macaluso, President, CARSTAR. “It proves that the training, equipment, education and processes that CARSTAR has in its operations platform, EDGE, is what consumers need in order to ensure a safe and quality repair.”

Having grown up in the area, Mike and his team gives back where they can, whether it is to the local fire department or other charitable causes. Looking forward to getting involved with CARSTAR’s cause, cystic fibrosis, Mike aims to join in the efforts to raise funds and awareness for this disease. 

Please join us in welcoming the CARSTAR Russo’s Collision team to the network!

CARSTAR Russo’s Collision
18 Crozerville Road
Aston, PA 19014
(610) 558-0700
Monday to Friday: 8AM – 5PM

For more information on CARSTAR visit CARSTAR.com.
 
About CARSTAR
CARSTAR is North America’s largest network of independently owned and operated collision repair facilities with more than 600 locations in 35 states and 10 Canadian provinces. A part of the Driven Brands family of automotive aftermarket franchise brands, CARSTAR delivers national scale, premier vehicle repairs, repeatable outcomes and the industry’s highest customer satisfaction ratings. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, CARSTAR has maintained its commitment to give back to the communities it serves through a variety of fundraising initiatives, including raising over $3 million for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and has made fighting cystic fibrosis its cause, North American wide. For more information visit www.carstar.com and www.carstar.ca and follow on Facebook, twitter and LinkedIn. CARSTAR is actively seeking new franchise partners and interested parties should contact 844-906-9764.

Article Details

Mon, 02/04/2019 (All day)

ABRN Wire Reports

<p>CARSTAR, North America&rsquo;s largest premier network of independently owned collision repair facilities, announced the opening of its 15th Pennsylvania location, CARSTAR Russo&rsquo;s Collision, located at 18 Crozerville Road, Aston, PA 19014.</p>

<p>CARSTAR, Russo&#39;s Collision, Aston, Pennsylvania, body shop</p>

CARSTAR, North America’s leading premier network of independently owned collision repair facilities, announces company-wide leadership realignment and promotions as it plans for strategic growth.

Following a record year of performance, CARSTAR has plans to accelerate its growth as it enters its 30th year of business. Supporting this growth is CARSTAR’s corporate team, filled with experienced and talented members who consistently work together to achieve results for not just its customers, but also its franchise, insurance and vendor partners.
 
Understanding that performance drives growth, CARSTAR is aligning the EDGE operational platform and insurance sales efforts under one strategic direction, better positioning CARSTAR to continuing improving its key performance indicators, profitability and franchise partner success. This new streamlined leadership consists of:

• Former CARSTAR franchise partner Jeff Labanovich, now General Manager of CARSTAR in Canada, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to continuous operational enhancements. Reporting to Dean Fisher, Chief Operating Officer for CARSTAR North America, Jeff will be responsible for both CARSTAR’s insurance and operations teams in Canada.
• Arlo Johnson, now General Manager of CARSTAR in the U.S., has lead various successful initiatives that prioritize partner needs and demonstrate CARSTAR’s premier capabilities. Reporting to Dean Fisher, Chief Operating Officer for CARSTAR North America, Arlo will be responsible for both CARSTAR’s insurance and operations teams in the U.S.
• Vince Matozzo, Director of Sales in Canada, is leading all insurance sales activity in Canada, reporting to Jeff Labanovich.
• Scott Paul, Senior Director of Sales in the U.S., is leading all insurance sales activity in the U.S., reporting to Arlo Johnson.

In addition to realigning corporate leadership, CARSTAR is acknowledging the following individuals for their demonstrated achievements in driving the business forward and strategically positioning CARSTAR for success in future opportunities:

• Jennifer Benner will now assume the role of Senior Marketing Manager for CARSTAR in Canada.
• Melissa Grmusa will now assume the role of Marketing Manager, taking on a larger lead in CARSTAR’s communications and public relations strategy.
• Connor Smith will now assume the role of OE Manager for CARSTAR, to continue building OE relationships and store participation in certification opportunities.
• Monica Horvath-Cekolj will now assume the role of Director of Franchise Services.

With plans to enhance its already thriving analytics team, CARSTAR is also allocating additional resources to this increasingly vital department in the coming weeks.
 
“These changes will help us achieve our goals of growth in scale, continued improvement in our key performance indicators and driving franchise partner profitability,” says Michael Macaluso, President, CARSTAR. “Our organizational changes are also a step forward in advancing our long-term succession plans, assuring talented and experienced leaders are present in all levels of the organization.”

The CARSTAR future is bright as it looks forward to accelerating its performance and supporting its ever-growing franchise family. For more information on CARSTAR visit CARSTAR.com or CARSTAR.ca. Interested in joining the CARSTAR family while still being a local owner and operator? Call 844-906-9764 to learn more!
 
About CARSTAR
CARSTAR is North America’s largest network of independently owned and operated collision repair facilities with more than 600 locations in 35 states and 10 Canadian provinces. A part of the Driven Brands family of automotive aftermarket franchise brands, CARSTAR delivers national scale, premier vehicle repairs, repeatable outcomes and the industry’s highest customer satisfaction ratings. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, CARSTAR has maintained its commitment to give back to the communities it serves through a variety of fundraising initiatives, including raising over $3 million for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and has made fighting cystic fibrosis its cause, North American wide. For more information visit www.carstar.com and www.carstar.ca and follow on Facebook, twitter and LinkedIn. CARSTAR is actively seeking new franchise partners and interested parties should contact 844-906-9764.

Article Details

Mon, 02/04/2019 (All day)

ABRN Wire Reports

<p>CARSTAR, North America&rsquo;s leading premier network of independently owned collision repair facilities, announces company-wide leadership realignment and promotions as it plans for strategic growth.</p>

<p>CARSTAR, collision repair, leadership, growth, franchise</p>

Service First Automotive Centers, a Caliber Collision Company, marks its entry in the North Texas market with the opening today of its McKinney location, the first of 11 service centers as part of the company’s rapid expansion plans in 2019.
 
The automotive repair and lube company’s McKinney location joins seven existing centers in Houston. The 10,000 square-foot center at 2830 Virginia Pkwy will bring 30 jobs to the area and will be followed by five more locations in Plano, Carrollton, Ft. Worth and McKinney in the next three months with an anticipated six additional stores opening throughout the Metroplex by the end of 2019.
 
“We are excited to bring unparalleled customer service to the Dallas–Fort Worth Area and positively change the way customers think about their car service experience,” said Nathan Pruski, Service First Automotive Centers co-founder. “Our business hallmark is a service-first attitude, transparency, expertise, and amenities that all combine to make you feel comfortable, empowered and satisfied.”
 
Service First Automotive is celebrating the opening its McKinney-Virginia location with an offer of 25% off all oil changes and $25 off repairs of $250 or more beginning today through March 4.
 
Service First Automotive Centers offers an array of automotive services from routine maintenance to complex mechanical repair for all vehicle makes and models. The company differentiates itself with:
Free “digital inspections” performed by ASE-certified mechanics using state-of-the art equipment and technology with all services
Online advance scheduling for all services, including Service First’s 30-Minute Oil Change Guarantee
Large indoor/enclosed kids play area, complimentary Starbucks coffee, an iPad bar, free Wi-Fi, complimentary shuttle service, pet friendly staff and more
 
“Equally important as our customer satisfaction and quality service is our commitment to the greater community,” added Terral Hill, Service First Automotive Centers co-founder.  Hill said the company will expand its athletic sponsorships and Humanitarian Scholarships to include graduating seniors from McKinney, McKinney Boyd and additional area high schools, and its “Wheels for Warriors” car donation program to deserving veterans.

Article Details

Mon, 02/04/2019 (All day)

ABRN Wire Reports

<p>Service First Automotive Centers, a Caliber Collision Company, marks its entry in the North Texas market with the opening today of its McKinney location, the first of 11 service centers as part of the company&rsquo;s rapid expansion plans in 2019.</p>

<p>Caliber Collision, Service First Automotive Centers</p>

VIPAR Heavy Duty recently announced the launch of its Business Resource Center. This interactive tool, initially introduced at the 2018 VIPAR Heavy Duty Annual Business Conference, is an online resource available to stockholder distributors to support growth strategies and long-term planning options.

The Business Resource Center includes business best practices, testimonials and resources to aid in preliminary planning, as well as throughout the complete life-cycle of a distributors business. The platform will also include an In-Network Buyers listing which will connect stockholder distributors with in-network distributors interested in potential investment or acquisition. Tools provided through the Business Resource Center support stockholder distributors’ business goals for growth, exit strategies and eventual transitioning.

“VIPAR Heavy Duty is diligent about establishing relationships that will assist our stockholders in the growth of their businesses, from business coaching and financial planning, to capital expansion and investments, the Business Resource Center provides a place for our stockholders to connect with those professionals and access tools that will help them achieve their goals for success,” said Wendi Frederick, certified exit planning advisor and manager of rebate administration, VIPAR Heavy Duty.

“We’re serious about truck parts distribution, and we are equally committed to our stockholders’ success,” said Chris Baer, president and CEO, VIPAR Heavy Duty. “The Business Resource Center is another way VIPAR Heavy Duty is working to maximize value and help our stockholders achieve their goals, at all stages of their business.”
 
The Business Resource Center is available exclusively for VIPAR Heavy Duty stockholders and can be accessed through the secure stockholder portal at www.vipar.com.
 
For more information on VIPAR Heavy Duty, visit www.vipar.com or email: info@vipar.com.
 

Article Details

Tue, 02/05/2019 (All day)

Aftermarket Business World Wire Reports

<p>VIPAR Heavy Duty recently announced the launch of its Business Resource Center.</p>

<p>Vipar Heavy Duty, Heavy Duty Aftermarket</p>

Caliber Collision Centers (“Caliber”) and Abra Auto Body Repair of America (“Abra”) today announced the closing of their merger that unites the companies’ talented teams, trusted brands and industry-leading operations to better serve our customers, insurance clients and teammates across the U.S.  
 
The combination joins two world-class leaders in the $47-billion-a-year collision repair industry, each known for delivering consistently high customer satisfaction. Going forward, the combined company will be investing even more in enhanced technologies, specialized resources and innovative processes to redefine world-class standards for quality repairs and customer service in the industry.
 
"Caliber and Abra have very similar leadership philosophies and cultures.  Combining these two world-class organizations will allow us to offer our customers greater convenience of our best-in-class collision repair experience across 37 states and the District of Columbia,” said Steve Grimshaw, Caliber's Chief Executive Officer, who now serves as CEO of the new combined company. “We plan on maintaining all existing centers from both companies as we embark on our journey to create one company with one operating model and one culture. We plan on further strengthening our culture that strongly supports our teammates’ careers behind industry-leading development programs. And we remain committed to serving our valued insurance clients through the companies’ partnership programs, while enhancing their customers’ overall experience and complete satisfaction.  That ability to stay ahead of what’s next will be vital in an industry that becomes more complex every year.”
 
The new combined company, now operating under the Caliber brand name, will provide customers and clients with the first national lifetime warranty along with even more offerings, including dedicated Non-Drive facilities, Express repair centers and Aluminum-certified and high-line centers. The combined company will also offer glass repair, diagnostic scanning and calibration services and the broadest network of OEM-certified locations in the U.S.
 
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Private equity firm Hellman & Friedman – Abra’s majority shareholder since 2014 – will become the majority shareholder of the combined company. Caliber’s two largest shareholders, OMERS and Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (LGP), will be minority shareholders in the combined company.
 
“We believe this merger represents the next evolution of the collision repair industry.  The combination further enhances the companies’ best-in-class performance metrics, proven acquisition integration processes, strong relationships with insurance clients and career opportunities for our teammates,” said Erik Ragatz, Partner at Hellman & Friedman. “The combined company’s expanded suite of one-stop services, together with its culture dedicated to doing the right thing for customers, clients and teammates, represents the future of the collision repair industry.”
 
Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. are financial advisor to Hellman & Friedman. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP provided legal counsel to Hellman & Friedman and Abra. Jefferies LLC is financial advisor to both OMERS and LGP. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP provided legal counsel to OMERS and Caliber. Latham & Watkins LLP provided legal counsel to LGP.
 
About Caliber Collision Centers
 
Caliber is the largest collision repair company in America with 650+ I-CAR Gold Class Professional certified collision repair centers. Caliber is consistently ranked among the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry and backs all repair work with a written, lifetime warranty available at any of its repair centers. For more information about Caliber, please visit www.calibercollsion.com.
 
About Abra Auto Body Repair of America
 
At Abra, we recognize that it’s more than just a car. We are a leading provider of vehicle repair services, specializing in collision repair, paintless dent removal, and auto glass repair and replacement, backed by a lifetime national warranty. Through state-of-the-art technology, extensive training, reassuring service, and a commitment to repairing vehicles with the same care as if they were our own, our goal is to get customers back on the road quickly and safely. For more information, visit www.abraauto.com.
 
About Hellman & Friedman
 
Hellman & Friedman is a leading private equity investment firm with offices in San Francisco, New York, and London. Since its founding in 1984, H&F has raised over $50 billion of committed capital. The firm focuses on investing in outstanding business franchises and serving as a value-added partner to management in select industries including financial services, business & information services, software, healthcare, internet & media, retail & consumer, and industrials & energy. For more information, please visit www.hf.com.
 
About OMERS and OMERS Private Equity
 
Founded in 1962, OMERS is one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans, with more than $95 billion in net assets, as at December 31, 2017. OMERS invests and administers pensions for more than 482,000 members through originating and managing a diversified portfolio of investments in public markets, private equity, infrastructure and real estate.
 
OMERS had private equity net investment asset exposure of $11.5 billion as at December 31, 2017. OMERS Private Equity, the private equity investment arm of OMERS with a team of investment professionals in London, New York, Singapore and Toronto, seeks to use its significant and differentiated capital base to partner with management teams of industry leading businesses. For more information, please visit www.omersprivateequity.com.
 
About Leonard Green & Partners
 
Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (“LGP”) is a leading private equity investment firm founded in 1989 and based in Los Angeles. LGP partners with experienced management teams and often with founders to invest in market-leading companies. Since inception, LGP has invested in over 90 companies in the form of traditional buyouts, going-private transactions, recapitalizations, growth equity, and selective public equity and debt positions. LGP primarily focuses on companies providing services, including consumer, business, and healthcare services, as well as retail, distribution, and industrials. Its most recent fund, Green Equity Investors VII, L.P. (“GEI VII”), closed in 2016 with $9.6 billion of committed capital.

Article Details

Tue, 02/05/2019 (All day)

ABRN Wire Reports

<p>Caliber Collision Centers (&ldquo;Caliber&rdquo;) and Abra Auto Body Repair of America (&ldquo;Abra&rdquo;) announced the closing of their merger that unites the companies&rsquo; talented teams, trusted brands and industry-leading operations to better serve our customers, insurance clients and teammates across the U.S.</p>

<p>Caliber, Abra, merger, collision repair, MSO, closing</p>

PPG (NYSE: PPG) today announced that Jamie Redd, PPG training center manager and automotive refinish expert, has been selected by SkillsUSA to train recent high school graduate Dylan Wertz for the 45th WorldSkills Competition to be held at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre in Kazan, Russia, in August 2019. Wertz will compete in the car painting category. He qualified for the competition by winning the category in the SkillsUSA Championships held last June in Louisville, Kentucky.

Redd and Wertz have also been invited to compete in the car painting category at the Canadian SATA Global Challenge March 18–22 in Concord, Ontario, and the Northern Europe Championships June 18–20 in Silkeborg, Denmark, prior to their trip to Kazan.

“I am honored to be selected as the SkillsUSA car painting expert and to work with Dylan,” Redd said. “Obviously, I hope he wins. I also hope that by meeting his peers, competing on an international level and learning about the technological advances in the industry, he has a positive WorldSkills experience and is proud of the career choice he’s made. The skills Dylan and other students learn and develop will be particularly important for our customers — and the whole industry — down the road. PPG is excited to support SkillsUSA, to participate in its activities and to show students the opportunities that await them in our industry.”

Jamie Redd, PPG Training Center Manager and Automotive Refinish Expert

Redd is a leader in the automotive repair and refinish section of the SkillsUSA Championships and is designated as an expert by the organization. He has been involved with SkillsUSA since 1997, first at the state level, then on the national stage. He is responsible for preparing Wertz for the highest level of skills competition. He began training Wertz last October and will accompany him to Canada, Denmark and Kazan.

Wertz, a resident of Tiffin, Ohio, received his automotive technical training at Vanguard-Sentinel Career & Technology Center in Tiffin and at the Universal Technical Institute in Lisle, Illinois. He has participated twice in SkillsUSA Championships, winning gold in 2018. He is familiar with PPG products and has worked extensively with PPG’s ENVIROBASE® High Performance brand. It was the refinish brand of choice at Vanguard-Sentinel.
 

Dylan Wertz, Skills USA Champion

“Being a part of the United States WorldSkills team is huge,” Wertz said. “I’m excited to represent my country and to have made it this far. This is an amazing opportunity, and I appreciate all the help and support I’ve received from my family, friends and instructors. I enjoy painting and work hard to become better every day. I hope my love of painting brings me success in Canada, Denmark and Kazan.”

Based on previous WorldSkills competitions, Wertz can expect to be tested in all the steps involved in the refinish process — masking, prepping, painting and defect removal. This year, ecological concerns will also be considered. Contestants will be scored on the amount of waste they generate in the refinish process. The waste, including paper, masking tape paint and other materials, will be weighed and factored into the final scores. The intent is to encourage the contestants to develop a mindset that is concerned with minimizing the amount of hazardous and plastic waste generated in the refinish process.

PPG has long been involved with SkillsUSA, primarily in the automotive segment of the competition, and is a major sponsor of the event. PPG employees volunteer their time and knowledge in assisting students or serving as judges for the competition. PPG contributes paint and other supplies (on a rotating basis with three other participating paint companies). PPG also helped establish the refinish competition in 2008.

SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization that serves more than 300,000 high school, middle school and college students, preparing them for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. The organization helps students excel in their chosen field and qualify for jobs in the real world. The SkillsUSA Championships feature competitions between the best technical education students in the nation.

The Amsterdam-based WorldSkills organization, with 80 member countries and regions around the world, is regarded as a global hub for vocational skills. Every two years it hosts the WorldSkills Competition, during which young people compete for prestigious medals. The event brings together approximately 1,300 competitors to vie for honors in 56 skills across a wide range of industries including automotive repair and refinish. Competitors are selected from skills competitions that are held in WorldSkills member countries and regions.

For more information about automotive refinish products from PPG, call (800) 647-6050 or visit www.ppgrefinish.com.

Article Details

Tue, 02/05/2019 (All day)

ABRN Wire Reports

<p>PPG announced that Jamie Redd, PPG training center manager and automotive refinish expert, has been selected by SkillsUSA to train recent high school graduate Dylan Wertz for the 45th WorldSkills Competition to be held at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre in Kazan, Russia.</p>

<p>PPG, WorldSkills, competition, SkillsUSA, collision repair, Dylan Wertz, Jamie Redd</p>