SOUTHWEST NEWS (352)
Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Louisiana
Autobody News SouthWestern print edition is mailed to 7,000 body shops monthly
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) announced that the Texas Independent Automotive Association (TIAA) has become its newest affiliate member.
Headquartered in San Antonio, TIAA was created to serve the needs of its Texas-based membership, which consists of independent owners of automotive or collision repair facilities. United by a commitment to a code of ethics that promotes professional and quality service to consumers at a fair price, TIAA strives to maintain a personal touch in addressing the needs of the consumer looking for collision repair services.
Texas’ Collision Repair Schools—No Lone Reason for Success
Written by David M. BrownThe National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) is a Leesburg, Va.-based regulatory body whose sole purpose is to ensure quality auto body training and education. NATEF continuously evaluates courses and subjects being taught in collision repair schools.
In Texas, there are 11 NATEF-accredited programs, comprising seven high school and four post-secondary programs that serve students and industry in the Lone Star State, reports Trish Serratore, president of NATEF, Three of the secondary programs are at Trimble Tech, Pasadena and San Benito high schools. All use the I-CAR curriculum.
The Fort Worth Independent School District has its only Collision Repair Program at Trimble Tech High School, says its instructor, Roger Alfaro, ASE Master Certified in Collision Repair/Refinishing Technology and Estimating. Dr. Alma Charles directs all CTE programs at FWISD.
To view a pdf file of this article with photos, click HERE.
James Brown, President of the Houston Auto Body Association (HABA), made a special presentation to the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) at their open board meeting held in San Antonio, TX on July 17. The meeting preceded the Collision Industry Conference.
Brown gave a report on the association's recent efforts to address proposed changes to the Consumer Bill of Rights with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
Service King Collision Repair Centers, a Texas-based operator of collision repair facilities in the San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Ft. Worth markets, has agreed to purchase Bordelon Collision serving northern San Antonio and the Hill Country.
This will be Service King’s 9th new collision center within the San Antonio marketplace and 49th throughout Texas.
Regulators announced in May that the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA), the state-run coverage program for high-risk motorists, would be increasing overall rates by 24.1 percent.
Caliber Collision Centers announced July 9 that it has acquired the Boerne Mercedes body shop, an 18,000 square foot facility at 31445 W Interstate 10, Boerne, Texas.
Hailstorms cost U.S. insurers at least $1.7 billion in June, led by damage in Texas where vehicles were pummeled while stuck on the Dallas Central Expressway during an evening rush hour.
The number of claims from the Texas storm has surpassed 100,000 and insured losses will exceed $1 billion, Aon Plc (AON) said in its June Global Catastrophe Recap. A separate hail event in Colorado and Wyoming caused more than $700 million in insured losses, according to the report from the London-based broker.
Caliber Collision Expands into Oklahoma with Three New Shops in Metro Oklahoma City
Written by staffContinuing its rapid expansion, Caliber Collision Centers announced July 20 the acquisition of three new centers in the Oklahoma City area.
“Caliber Collision is proud to announce our entry into a new, contiguous market with the acquisition of three new locations in Oklahoma,” said Steve Grimshaw, Caliber Collision Centers’ Chief Executive Officer. “Our clients continue to request that Caliber expand into new markets like Oklahoma to aid them in delivering greater customer service with the operational consistency they require in today’s competitive insurance market.”
Hodges Collision Centers Breaks Ground on New Tomball, TX, Location
Written by staff
Steve Guinn, owner of the two Hodges Collision Centers, has announced that the company broke ground on their third location in Tomball, TX, off of Hwy 249. Hodges Collision Center has two other South Montgomery County area locations at 130 Lane Lane and 1002 Rayford Road.
The new Hodges Collision Center, located at 18711 Hwy 249 north of Grant Road, will be the 3rd area location for the collision repair company. The 10,000 square foot location will house an Enterprise Rent-A-Car location as well as insurance adjuster offices. It is scheduled to open in early 2013.
Next Northwest Louisiana Collision Repair Association Meeting Set for August 7
Written by staffThe Northwest Louisiana Collision Repair Association will not have a meeting for the month of July. The association's next meeting is set for Aug. 7 at noon. Location is to be determined. Special guest will be Denise Caspersen, Collision Division Manager of Automotive Service Association (ASA). ASA is researching a State Farm pilot program currently being tested for electronic bidding of parts. Collision industry professionals and parts vendors will want to attend this meeting.
English Color and Supply has announced it is excited to team up with Temple Color Company, Ltd in Temple, Texas.
In the mid 1940’s two men, two hundred miles apart, entered the automotive industry selling batteries. It didn’t take long to convince either one of them that a pint of paint was not as heavy as a 6 volt battery. As they worked hard and became successful, their paths crossed, and they became good friends.
In 1950, one of them, Elmo Hobbs, started Temple Color Company in Temple, Texas. His sons, Ken and Dave, joined him in the early 1970’s. In 1975 Mike Kerlinjoined the family business.
Today, Ken, Dave, and Mike join the other man’s company, English Color and Supply. Together they bring 118 years of combined automotive refinish experience to the English family.
English Color and Supply looks forward to continued successes for their customers, employees and suppliers.
