Chassis Liner buys lift manufacturer

Chassis Liner Corporation, a manufacturer and direct seller of frame equipment, has purchased the assets of a Canadian company, Chart Industries, which manufactures frame straightening and measuring equipment and collision repair accessories. The Canadian company recently introduced a "twin lift" system that Chassis Liner Vice-President Bob Olson called "revolutionary." The new company will operate as ChartLiner, a division of Chassis Liner, from offices in Pickering, Ontario Canada. Phone is 905-839-1160.

Keystone automotive industries reports Q4 net sales increase

Keystone automotive, the largest nationwide supplier of aftermarket crash parts and wheels, said its net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 were $97 million, which was higher than $92.4 million in sales for the same period last year. Same store sales increased 4.7 percent for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, as compared to the prior year and were up 6.5 percent for the month of March compared to the prior year. Same store sales continued their positive trend during April and May 2001. The 50+ year-old company was hit hard by the State Farm non-OEM parts verdict in late 1999 which led to the bottom falling out of the aftermarket crash parts business. In rebuilding sales, Keystone has emphasized high quality aftermarket parts and implemented a "Platinum Plus" program under which the fit, finish and quality of its best aftermarket parts are guaranteed for life.

Activist repairers visit congressman to discuss 1963 consent decree

Members of the Pennsylvania's Collision Trade Guild, all of whom are also activists with ConsentDecree.com, a national industry group dedicated to enforcement of the 1963 Consent Decree that would prohibit insurance industry steering and DRP practices, traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with Congressmen Curt Weldon and Bob Brady.

"It is significant to say our visit was well received as both Congressmen Weldon and Brady had no knowledge of our industry's problems and promised to help us in any way possible," the committe said in a press release. "When we explained the situation of our marketplace and the conditions independent collision repairers must work through to properly repair consumer's damaged vehicles our legislators responded with sincere concern. Congressman Weldon especially, offered ideas and strategies plus provided our community the help of his legislative aid."

Aftermarket group fights legislation to scrap older vehicles

According to a Legislative Alert issued by SEMA, the automotive aftermarket industry organization, a California bill (A.B. 1390) that would allow carmakers to crush pre-1970 vehicles in exchange for credits toward their obligations under the state's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program, has passed in the California Assembly and now moves to the Senate. SEMA is urging its members to oppose the bill which reportedly would provide credits of $2,500 or more to people who surrender their pre-1970 vehicles to be scrapped.

The following issues are being raised by SEMA in opposing the bill:

* It ignores the fact that lower income car owners often cannot afford to purchase new or even newer used vehicles with the money provided by this program.
* It fails to recognize that pre-1970 cars are typically second or third vehicles and, therefore, are rarely driven.
* It provides no way to verify emissions reductions from destroyed vehicles.
* It has no provisions for rescuing parts for repair and restoration projects.
* It provides flexibility to auto manufacturers at the expense of hobbyists.