Gary Ledoux is a freelance writer with 48 years in the automotive industry.
He can be reached at mayorclum@yahoo.com
Vehicle technology has seen some tremendous changes and developments in recent years, including the use of high-strength steels, aluminum and magnesium, along with ADAS systems and all the intricate technology that includes.
Many in the collision repair business know industry icon Herb Lieberman from so many CIC meetings, and his well-known relationship with the recycle industry and aftermarket collision parts industries.
The following article contains forward looking statements but do not imply endorsement for investment purposes. Other companies, such as Tesla, have firmly established market share and dominant market positions. ---Ed.
As the 1980s dawned, the collision repair industry began to see some profound changes, and some shops tried their darndest to keep things the same as they had always been.
In last month’s article I discussed how, due to the COVID pandemic and having limited mobility, more people were conducting more business online.
We have all heard about the rioting going on across the country. For months, at least a dozen cities have experienced businesses being burned, looted and extensively damaged.
For many months prior to March, the collision repair industry had been preoccupied with ADAS systems and autonomous cars and trucks and their effect on the collision repair business.
In January 1980, BYTE Magazine announced in an editorial "the era of off-the-shelf personal computers has arrived."
Earlier this month on AutobodyNews.com, we began looking at OE shop certification programs, with three shops participating in several different programs for some time, and two consultants involved with many certified shops, fully familiar with the concept and with a broad view of the industry.
OE collision shop certification has been top-of-mind for the industry for the last 10 years or more.
American Honda on March 19 announced additional guidelines for proper corrosion protection when repairing Honda and Acura automobiles.
Recently, I purchased a 2020 Jeep Wrangler 4WD, and it came with, among other things, an epiphany---at no additional charge, mind you.
Owning and operating a collision shop today is a daunting task. It’s not uncommon to hear some owners say that they would just as soon get out and close their shop… but then, what would they do?