WESTERN NEWS (572)
California, Arizona and Nevada
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PCIA Issues Statement Opposion New CDI Aftermarket Regulations
Written by PCIAThe Property Casualty Insurers Association of America has issued the following statement pertaining to the new California regulations governing aftermarket parts:
New California Department of Insurance (CDI) regulations approved by the California Office of Administrative Law (OAL) are likely to drive up auto body repair costs for consumers and micromanage how insurers develop auto body repair estimates cautioned the Association of California Insurance Companies (ACIC).
"We want to send a cautionary message to consumers because these new regulations give auto body repair shops a distinct advantage in preparing scope of work estimates, which could drive up repair costs," said Armand Feliciano, ACIC vice president. "Auto insurers write the checks for approximately 80 percent of all auto body repairs in the nation. Insurers work hard to give policyholders quality repairs and get them back on the road, while managing costs to keep premiums affordable. These regulations essentially require insurers to pay whatever auto repair shops demand. Insurers no longer have the ability to negotiate the most effective, less costly repair."
The CDI regulations were originally released in June 2012. ACIC provided comments expressing concerns in August 2012. The OAL approved the regulations on December 31, 2012 and will become effective on January 31, 2013.
Fix Auto USA Continues Growth in Pacific Northwest with Two Additional Franchise Locations
Written by staffFix Auto USA today announced the addition of two locations in Washington State to its growing network of collision repair centers. The new locations are:
· Fix Auto Gig Harbor, previously Denny’s Harbor Auto Body
· Fix Auto Puyallup, previously Denny’s Valley Auto Body
With the additions, Fix Auto’s presence in Washington now totals eight locations, while its presence in the Pacific Northwest has expanded to 14.
California Dept of Insurance Approves New Crash Parts Regulations
Written by CDI StaffInsurance Commissioner Dave Jones announced Jan. 4 that the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) approved amended regulations submitted by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) regarding the use of non–original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement crash parts, generally known as aftermarket parts. These regulations were sought by Commissioner Jones to further protect California consumers from physical and financial harm caused by defective or inferior aftermarket parts and to enhance insurer accountability in the claims process.
“The amendments build on existing protections by requiring insurers to settle automobile insurance claims using repair standards described by the Bureau of Automotive Repair, and not the insurer’s own standards of repair,” said Commissioner Jones. “This also places greater accountability on the insurer when they require use of an aftermarket replacement part so that damaged automobiles are repaired properly and safely.”
ASCCA and CAWA to Host Fourth Annual Joint Summit in February 2013
Written by CAWA staffThe Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA) and CAWA, representing the Automotive Parts Industry, are hosting the fourth annual Aftermarket Industry Summit on February 9, 2013, in Newport Beach, California. The Summit continues to grow, and the two organizations expect to attract participants representing independent repair facilities and aftermarket parts manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Additionally, the California Autobody Association (CAA), California Automotive Business Coalition (CalABC), State of California Auto Dismantlers Association (SCADA), the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the California Automotive Teachers (CAT) have also been invited to participate.
Issues to be discussed include:
Caliber Collision Centers Adds 10 New Locations in Los Angeles and Orange County
Written by staffCaliber Collision Centers announced today that it has acquired Hi-Tech Collision and Glass Centers. Recognized as one of the premier collision repair companies in California, Hi-Tech Collision and Glass Centers has 10 locations in the Los Angeles and Orange County markets.
CAWA Appoints Jeanette Lorenzo to Advisory Council
Written by CAWA staffJeanette Lorenzo with the Robert Bosch Corporation was recently appointed to CAWA's 2013 Manufacturers Advisory Council. She was appointed by the association's board chairman, Steve Sharp.
Jeanette Lorenzo has been District Sales Manager for Robert Bosch since February, 2012. Jeanette’s been in the Automotive Aftermarket for over 21 years. Prior to working at Bosch, she was Managing Partner for J. Lorenzo Enterprises, which managed sales nationally for DEC Catalytic Converters. She also was Western Regional Sales Manager for ZF/SACHS , and worked as an independent sales Representative with Wayne Krantz and Associates. She has a diverse background and has enjoyed working with many manufacturers over the years.
“We are pleased to welcome Jeanette to the CAWA leadership and look forward to her participation and contributions to the automotive aftermarket industry out west,” said Sharp.
CAWA is a regional automotive aftermarket trade association, which represents auto parts jobbers, warehouse distributors, retailers, manufacturers and manufacturer representatives in California, Nevada and Arizona. The Association provides education, legislative, regulatory and business support to the industry and its membership. It is one of the largest trade associations of its kind in the United States and recognized as a leader in the automotive aftermarket industry.
Sherwin-Williams Hosts A-Plus Network Vision Conference
Written by staffTo view a pdf file of this article with photos, click HERE.
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes hosted its invitation-only A-Plus Network Vision Conference in Palm Springs at the beautiful La Quinta Resort Dec. 5–7. The theme of the conference was “Focus on Your Business.”
More than 100 leading A-Plus network collision repair owners and managers from the U.S. and Canada attended.
The event kicked-off with a round of golf at the TPC Stadium Course “PGA West” and was followed by an outdoor welcome reception at La Quinta’s “Hotel Waterfall.”
Mike’s Auto Body Gives Away 5 Cars for a Total of 40 in 12 Years
Written by Ed AttanasioTo view a pdf file of this article with photos, click HERE.
The Christmas season got a whole lot jollier for a handful of people in Contra Costa County, CA, when Mike’s Auto Body presented five refurbished vehicles to four families and one non-profit organization on Dec. 12 as part of the company’s annual benevolence program.
Since 2001, Mike’s Auto Body has presented a total of 40 automobiles to families and organizations in need, according to Sal Contreras, marketing director at Mike’s Auto Body, with 10 Bay Area locations.
CAA East Bay Hosts 15th Toys for Tots Model Truck Competition
Written by Ed AttanasioTo view a pdf file of this article with photos, click HERE.
The California Autobody Association’s East Bay chapter once again hosted its Model Truck Customizing Competition on Nov. 20 at the Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA. More than 200 CAA members and friends attended this hugely popular event consisting of a dinner, raffle, and spirited truck competition, which raised toys for Toys for Tots and money for four northern California Regional Occupational Programs.
Eight companies customized model trucks and entered them into the competition, including T.G.I.F Auto Body, Crockett’s Premier Auto Body, Jim’s Auto Body, FinishMaster, D & S Auto Body, National Auto Parts, Uptown Auto Body and NEO Autoworks. In addition, all four regional occupational schools entered trucks for the contest. Each competing organization took an identical plain white Nylint die-cast truck and turned it into a unique piece of art.
A Busy 2012 is Remembered by Bay Area’s CAA Chapters
Written by Ed AttanasioTo view a pdf file of this article with photos, click HERE.
It was an exciting year for the California Autobody Association’s (CAA) northern California chapters. Here are year-end recaps from the East Bay and Santa Clara chapters reported by former Chapter President/State Board Member Gigi Walker and 2012 Chapter President Randy Greenblat, respectively.
East Bay Chapter Year in Review
The chapter began the year by appointing its new President Tiffany Silva from Accurate Autobody. “As a second-generation body shop owner, Tiffany has been an exceptional president,” Walker said. “She took the reins and hit the ground running. Her industry knowledge and leadership skills were apparent almost immediately and we’d like to thank her for her contributions to the chapter this year.”
New Tech Center Building is Upgrade for Palomar College’s Collision Repair Program
Written by Melanie AndersonTo view a pdf file of this article with photos, click HERE.
Palomar College in San Marcos, CA, recently upgraded its collision repair program and other technical programs with a new Industrial Trades Center building. Space dedicated to auto body repair is approximately 4,700 square feet. Cost for the new ITC building, which also houses diesel technology and auto technology programs, cost $7.7 million paid for by Proposition M building funds, which was approved by voters in November, 2006, to maintain and modernize the 60-year-old campus and to create new educational opportunities.
