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Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes A-Plus™ Network Adds Summit Software & Mobile Solutions Program
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes A-Plus™ Network is now affiliated with Summit Software & Mobile Solutions and its latest digital marketing platform. The two companies expect this will further assist A-Plus™ Network member shops to drive more cars, customers, revenue and profit to their facilities through the latter’s new digital promotion system.
Summit’s Help I Crashed My Car™ website and My Marketplace™ software combine to create an integrated patent-pending technology platform to help body shops retain customers and capture new repair opportunities, while streamlining the auto collision repair process for consumers. The technology was recently awarded a 2011 Innovation Award from Collision Week®.
Helpicrashedmycar.com is a consumer-focused website that has five mobile phone applications consumers can download use for free. These can be utilized immediately when involved in a traffic accident.
Supporting Help I Crashed My Car is Summit’s My Marketplace, a web-based sales, marketing, advertising customer service and communication platform to promote the automotive collision industry. Together, these integrated mobile and web-based technology solutions provide collision repair shops with a powerful tool to increase sales, improve customer service and boost customer retention and loyalty.
The Fight for Higher MPG Standards May Go to Feds, Individual States
The Obama administration is considering requiring cars and light trucks to average 56.2 miles per gallon by 2025—a move that could end up boosting the cost of vehicles by $2,100 or more.
That represents an improvement of about a 5 percent per year in each company’s fleetwide average fuel economy from 2016--when they are required to have a 35.5 mpg average for vehicles sold in the US, according to Bloomberg.
Federal regulators and White House executives met with the Detroit Big Three automakers and foreign-based automakers earlier this month to debrief them on the initial proposal, according to the Wall Street Journal. The White House also has met with the UAW on the issue.
The 56.2 mpg figure and EPA's proposed greenhouse gas emissions limits equivalent likely is an opening bargaining point. The final proposal could change as automakers and the White House hold more meetings to try to reach agreement.
“There’s a way to go in this process,” said Greg Martin, a spokesman for Detroit-based GM, according to Bloomberg. “Any number out there right now has the rigidity of Jello.”
The administration hopes to formally propose new standards in September and finalize them by July 2012.
CIC Repair Standards Advisory Committee Plans Completion by November
The Repair Standards Advisory Committee, formed by the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) to address the desire for standards in the collision repair industry, announced that work has formally begun on the business case for an independent repair standards organization. The study is scheduled to be completed by early November in preparation for the meetings taking place in Las Vegas during the SEMA show.
The work on the business case will include interviews designed to establish the level of industry support for repair standards, as well as an evaluation of the different business models that may sustain the standards effort going forward.
"Our interview schedule is very aggressive," said Russell Thrall III, co-chair of the Repair Standards Advisory committee. "The key to the success of this research is the involvement of all segments of the broader industry, repairers, insurers, suppliers, vehicle manufacturers and others, in the research."
Allstate to Open Electronic Communication with Non-DRP Shops
Allstate Insurance will soon roll-out technology that will enable shops that are not part of the insurer’s direct repair program to communicate electronically with the insurer, much as its DRP shops do.
SCRS Releases Details of Farmers Insurance DRP COD Agreement
SCRS Outlines New DRP Agreement Guidelines
Recently, some of the industry trade publications have already reported on the concern voiced from repair facilities across the country over intrusive elements of Farmers Insurance new COD agreement. The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) reviewed the content, and believe that it is in the best interest of the industry to make the agreement available for public review.
Insurance carriers have continued to increase pressure over repair shops to obtain the quickest/cheapest repair, while interjecting themselves further into the oversight and management of repair businesses. The industry is often disadvantaged by restriction of communication from participants of these programs, and it is important for the industry to rely on factual review of documents, rather than anecdotal musings. If we wish for business conditions to improve, it is important that our industry finds the voice to express our concerns openly and honestly without fear of being transparent.
To that purpose, SCRS has highlighted some areas of interest below. All recipients of this communication are notified that the materials presented are not to be construed as direction or suggestion, and is intended simply to better inform individuals acting within their own judgment, making sound business decisions, without agreement to take concerted action.
Please note that in these excerpts, "Exchange" refers to Farmers Insurance, and "Vendor" refers to the DRP repair facility:
5.2 DISPUTED AMOUNTS. If Exchange in good faith disputes any portion of a Vender invoice ("Disputed Amount"), Exchange will timely pay Vendor for the undisputed amounts of that invoice. Unless otherwise specified by federal or state laws, statutes, codes, rules, or regulations, within thirty (30) days of receipt of an invoice from Vendor on which a Disputed Amount appears, Exchange will (i) notify Vendor in writing of the specific items in dispute; and (ii) describe in detail Exchange's reason for disputing each such item. Within thirty (30) days of Vendor's receipt of such notice, the Parties agree to negotiate in good faith to reach settlement on any items that are the subject of such dispute. Vendor will not terminate this agreement on the basis of an alleged breach involving Exchanges failure to pay a Disputed Amount unless the Disputed Amount exceeds fifteen percent (15%) of the total amount payable under this Agreement or the sum of twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), whichever amount is greater.
(SCRS Note: DRP facilities would seemingly have agreed that the carrier can dispute their charges 30 days after they are invoiced, and the repair facility can't terminate their agreement based on a breach of contract if they fail to pay unless it is a $25k short-pay.)
11.4 Vendor shall ensure that its General Liability, Workers' Compensation, Garage Liability, Coverage for Garage Operations, and Physical Damage insurance policies allow Vendor to waive its rights of recovery prior to a loss and that the carriers furnishing such insurance policies shall be required to waive all rights of subrogation against Exchange, its officers, agents, employees, and other vendors and subcontractors. To the extent permitted by law, Vendor shall look solely to its insurers and not to Exchange's insurers for loss or damage arising from work performed for Exchange.
(SCRS Note: How many business carriers will allow their clients to waive their rights in this manner through this agreement? Will a collision repair business still have coverage if they sign this? How many of the shops have taken the time to forward this provision to their carriers to ask if they approve of their unilateral waiver of rights to subrogate against the carrier in question? What if a staff re-inspector injures themselves on the shop property due to their own negligence? It appears plain and simple; the liability falls on the shop for their repair approach and choices.)
12. MOST FAVORED CUSTOMER. During the term of this Agreement, if Vendor enters into a written contractual relationship with an insurance company or organization pursuant to which (a) Vendor provides services substantially similar to those provided to Exchange, and (b) Vendor provides pricing or other commercial terms that are more favorable than the pricing or commercial terms being provided to Exchange for work performed by Vendor, then Vendor shall offer to Exchange in writing, within thirty (30) days of Vendor entering into such agreement, the same or better pricing and/or commercial terms to Exchange. On a quarterly basis, Vendor shall provide a written certification executed by an officer of Vendor of Vendor's compliance with this Most Favored Customer provision.
(SCRS Note: "Most Favored" pricing language is currently being challenged in the healthcare industry. Is it interesting that the repair industry is constantly asked to be "competitive" and those same parties now want the industry to guarantee pricing given to another party, which by virtue is not competition.)
16. SUBCONTRACTING
16.1 (ii) Sublet repairs reflecting a retail price within the local market should be written without a mark-up. Sublet items reflecting a wholesale price may be considered for a mark-up not to exceed 25% of the sublet charge. All invoice mark-ups combined may not exceed $200 for the entire repair.
17. INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS. Vendor agrees to maintain and preserve its books and records in accordance with generally accepted assounting procedures ("GAAP") for a period of three (3) years or for a longer period if required by applicable law or regulation. Any time prior to the termination of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, Exchange shall have the right to inspect and audit such portions of the Vendor's books and records as is necessary for purposes of verifying amounts payable to Vendor or its authorized subcontractors and to verify compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Vendor agrees to make such books and records available for inspection by Exchange, its designee, or any insurance regulatory authority immediately upon request.
(SCRS Note: Are business owners, willing to open internal accounting books to a party outside of the business? There are concerns voiced regularly throughout the industry regarding data that is shared through electronic mechanisms. Now this program appears to require businesses to open up all their books, P&L statements and proprietary business information to another party.)
27. BACKGROUND CHECKS.
27.2 In no event will Vendor in the performance of this Agreement use the services of an individual who has been convicted of a felony, including but not limited to any convictions involving dishonesty, a breach of trust or moral turpitude.
(SCRS Note: Language in this section is similar to requirements in other programs, requiring complete background checks, and no shop can employ individuals who have ever been convicted of a felony; in some states that may mean a DUI. How many of businesses hire good, decent employees - from detailers, technicians to office staff - who may have made mistakes in the past, but have earned their employers trust and respect for the work they do today? Is it necessary to allow another party to interject who is employed in a privately run business? Is the requirement reciprocal to the representatives who will interface with repair facilities in the field?)
There is lots of information in this agreement. SCRS' decision to release a link to this document is in no way to be construed as legal or ethical advice or opinion; however, it is our hope that the industry finds the information useful in making educated business decisions, and discusses the material responsibly.
About SCRS: Through its direct members and 38 affiliate associations, SCRS is comprised of 6,000 collision repair businesses and 58,500 specialized professionals who work with consumers and insurance companies to repair collision-damaged vehicles. Additional information about SCRS including other news releases is available at the SCRS Web site: www.scrs.com. You can e-mail SCRS at the following address: info@scrs.com
Audatex Offers $25,000 Matching Funds to Provide CA School With Makeover Grant Through Collision Repair Education Foundation
Audatex, A Solera company, is looking to help enhance the future of the automotive collision repair industry by offering a $25,000 matching grant to provide one California school’s collision program with an Ultimate Collision Education Makeover through the Collision Repair Education Foundation this fall which will fulfill the program’s $50,000 wish-list. Audatex will match individual and business tax-deductible donations to the Education Foundation (up to $25,000) and a California secondary or post-secondary school’s collision program will be selected from the applicants of the Foundation’s 2011 Makeover school grant. Funding of Audatex’s California matching grant is part of the $100,000 donation to the Collision Repair Education Foundation in 2010 by Solera and their CEO Tony Aquila, the largest cash donation ever received by the not-for-profit organization.
Since 2009 the Collision Repair Education Foundation has offered their annual Ultimate Collision Education Makeover school grant where one secondary or post-secondary school’s collision program is selected nationwide. Over the past two years, over 80 schools have applied for this grant and through this support opportunity, collision students’ education has been enhanced in order to be productive, efficient, and capable future professionals of the inter-industry. Both the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s annual Makeover grant winner and Audatex’s California winning school will be announced during SEMA 2011 this fall in Las Vegas.
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CA-Based Rare Parts Inc. Expands US Facilities
California based Rare Parts Inc. is happy to announce the expansion of it’s U.S. manufacturing facility with the purchase of a new OMAX 5555 water jet cutting machine.
This precision machine is perfect for complex designs, which expands cutting capabilities, lower costs, and means better quality products for you.
Rare Parts President Danny Burgess said, “What better way to celebrate 30 years than to buy a new toy. Plus, it’s made in America.”
In addition to the water jet cutting machine, Rare Parts is constantly expanding our in-house manufacturing facility. Rare Parts manufactures steering and suspension parts for any make, model or year vehicle. Do it right the first time with Rare Parts.
For more information please call 800-621-2005 or visit www.rareparts.com.
Eileen Sottile and the Quality Parts Coalition Offer Legislative Update
The Quality Parts Coalition (QPC) is a group of about 80 representatives from different companies and associations that focuses on preserving competition of auto repair parts by keeping the availability of quality, lower-cost alternative collision repair parts for consumers. Eileen Sottile, a representative for QPC who has been instrumental in getting legislation together for the organization to present to Congress, gave a legislative update to Autobody News on the group's upcoming endeavors now that there is a new Congress on the hill.
QPC came about in response to a 2005 patent infringement suit that Ford brought to the International Trade Commission against Keystone, alleging design patent infringement of exterior collision repair parts for the 2005 F-150.
It was after this case that coalition members realized they "needed a permanent change to the patent laws," said Sottile.
According to Sottile, up to that point people in the aftermarket crash part industry didn't think they would have design patent issues on cosmetic parts.
Ford brought yet another lawsuit against LKQ/Keystone following the F-150 case, and Sottile said that without a change in the patent laws carmakers can continually come back with lawsuits on a part-by-part basis and bankrupt the aftermarket parts industry.
QPC was created in response to these issues to try to find a solution. This group represents all aspects of the repair industry, including; insurers, collision shops, seniors, retailers and aftermarket parts companies and manufacturers. Some consumer groups have also voiced their support for QPC's legislative endeavors, although they are not QPC members.
Garmat® USA Selected as a Colorado Company to Watch
Garmat® USA, has recently been recognized as a Colorado Company to Watch. They join a select group of Colorado Companies acknowledged for their hard work, dedication and contribution as a growing company in the state of Colorado.
“Garmat USA is honored to receive this award. Although being located in Colorado has been integral to our success, it would not be possible without the dedication of the Garmat employees and distributors,” said Johan Huwaert, General Manager.
“We are pleased to recognize Garmat USA for their outstanding contribution to the fueling the economic fire of our wonderful state. Thank you Garmat USA,” said Stephanie Steffens, Colorado Companies to Watch Program Director.
The Colorado Companies to Watch Program honors Garmat USA for developing valuable products, creating quality jobs, enriching our community and being a part of Colorado’s Economy. The award not only acknowledges the company’s growth but also recognizes the critical differences Garmat USA has made in their industry through their innovative products.
Garmat USA manufacturers spray paint booths and finishing solutions for collision repair, aviation and industrial applications. Located in Englewood, Colorado, the company strives to provide the most technologically advanced products that enhance productivity and profitability while providing an environmentally safe atmosphere for the technician and community.
Toyota Announces Voluntary Safety Recall of Certain Prius Vehicles
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. (TMS), announced on June 1 that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall involving approximately 52,000 2001 through 2003 Prius vehicles sold in the U.S. to replace the electric power steering pinion shaft attachment nuts. This announcement is for U.S. vehicles included in Toyota Motor Corporation’s global recall of 106,000 vehicles.
If the steering wheel is repeatedly and strongly turned to the full-lock position, there is a possibility the nuts securing the pinion shaft in the steering gear box assembly may become loose. If the vehicle is continuously operated in this condition, over time, the customer will gradually notice significant increased steering effort when making a left turn.
Toyota dealers will install improved nuts that secure the pinion shaft at no charge to the vehicle owner. The repair will take approximately 4 hours depending upon the dealer’s work schedule.
Owner notification letters by first class mail will begin in early July, 2011.