Reps from all three Detroit automakers met with the United Auto Workers July 12 to discuss the higher federal fuel-economy standards being proposed by the Obama administration. This was the latest in a series of regular meetings between GM, Ford,. and Chrysler and UAW President Bob King on the issue. The White House is weighing an increase of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standards from the current target of 35.5 mpg by 2016 to 56 mpg by 2025. The standards apply to both cars and light trucks.

Automakers are lobbying against the stricter standards. The union is also concerned about the impact the increase would have on its members, because they would likely force an even more dramatic shift away from trucks and sport utility vehicles to small cars than the one already under way.

A recent poll of 800 likely voters in Michigan found that 78 percent favor higher federal fuel-economy standards.

Back on July 11, Allstate Insurance Company announced to its DRP participants that shops will be required to honor completion dates or assume all related costs, expedite estimate and upload completion times, and extend their hours of operation, when necessary, for the convenience of Allstate customers.

Now Allstate’s customer service initiative for 2011 has been expanded. The new program requirements were introduced to shops in a series of cycle time web conferences held recently. Those unable to view the web conferences are encouraged by the company to contact their local performance managers.

Allstate is making “several key process changes” within its Good Hands Repair Network that the company says are designed to positively impact customer service and cycle time. The announcement comes in the form of a video released by the company featuring Tracy Tramm, Allstate Claim Service Manager for the Good Hands® Repair Network.

In the video directed at the DRP shops, Tramm says “As you know, reducing auto cycle time is a key component in improving customer satisfaction for Allstate and your facility... as you continue to deliver priority service to our mutual customers.

“It goes without saying, that the quicker you reach out to the customer, the sooner they know, they’re in our good hands. I also want to remind you of four key messages and process changes to the network program in early 2011.

“Compliance with these items remains a core requirement for your participation in Allstate’s direct repair program.

“First and foremost, your shop will give priority service to Allstate customers having their vehicles repaired by you.  Estimates must be completed and uploaded within 24 hours of your receipt of the vehicle. Third, your facility will be required to commit to a guaranteed completion date for all vehicles repaired under the Network program. Your shop will be responsible for any and all costs caused by a failure to meet the guaranteed completion date.

And finally, at the customer’s reasonable request, your shop will provide extended hours of operation. Contact your local performance manager to answer questions. You are why it works. Thank you.”

The video can be viewed at www.autobodynews.com by searching this story under the “Insurer Actions and Announcements” section.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) announced that Hyundai Motor America has shown its support of the Society by enrolling as a corporate member.

Hyundai Motor America (HMA) is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, the Korean vehicle manufacturer which is one of the largest in the world. In today's automotive market, where vehicle design evolves rapidly and it is challenging to stay abreast of the latest required collision repair techniques, a close working relationship between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the collision repair industry is more important than ever. HMA's decision to become a corporate member helps ensure this type of close working relationship can be maintained and strengthened.

"Because of the technological demands the modern vehicle poses, our members-and the collision repair industry, in general-are constantly in need of up-to-date information that assists in ensuring the vehicle is repaired correctly and safely," stated SCRS Chairman Aaron Clark. "As a repair association we are very pleased to add Hyundai Motor America to our healthy list of OEMs that actively participate with SCRS, and are confident that their corporate membership will facilitate a beneficial exchange of necessary information."

Drivers in Alaska pay the most for car repairs at an average cost of $353.74, which is 16% more than the U.S. average ($305.56), including a whopping 30% more for labor. Mississippi drivers pay the least at $256.47 per transaction, according to CarMD.com Corporation, which analyzed roughly a quarter-million repairs made on vehicles with "check engine" light problems from 1996 to 2010. Analysis of the data also found that the District of Columbia, one of the wealthiest areas in the country, and Mississippi, the poorest state (according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau), both rank the lowest at 50th and 51st respectively. According to the CarMD® Vehicle Health Index™, the average cost of U.S. automotive repairs is $305.56, including $202.28 in parts and $103.27 in labor costs.

"Through comprehensive data collected via CarMD's nationwide network of Automotive Service Excellence-certified technicians, we are able to provide national and state-by-state transparency into vehicle repair costs," said Art Jacobsen, VP, CarMD.com Corp. "We are releasing this data to empower consumers and mechanics with a better understanding of common repairs and costs, and to call attention to the fact that, regardless of region, drivers who follow a regularly scheduled maintenance program and address small problems early tend to have fewer catastrophic vehicle failures, reducing overall repair costs."