Transtar Autobody Technologies Selects BJM Associates for Advertising and Marketing
Transtar Autobody Technologies has named BJM Associates as its new advertising and marketing agency. Transtar Autobody Technologies develops and markets automotive refinish products, including VOC compliant clearcoat and primers, adhesives, sealers, coatings, plastic repair, compounds, glazes and waxes for the collision repair industry.
ASA, ASC-MI Testify at Michigan Senate Insurance Committee Hearing on Insurer-Owned Repair
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the Automotive Service Councils of Michigan (ASC-MI) testified recently before the Michigan Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee on Senate Bill 819, Insurer Owned Repair legislation. Repair facility owners from throughout Michigan packed a Senate hearing room to show support for the legislation, according to ASA. The legislation prohibits insurance companies from owning or acquiring a repair facility in the state of Michigan. If the legislation is passed, any insurer that has ownership of a repair facility must divest itself of that facility within two years of the effective date of the legislation. S. 819 was introduced by Sen. Laura Toy, R-Livonia. The bill has 16 co-sponsors.
Crump to Chair NACE 2004 in Las Vegas
The International Autobody Congress & Exposition (NACE) has re-appointed Vernon Crump, body shop director for John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas, Texas, as chairman for NACE 2004, which will be held Nov. 3-6, in Las Vegas, to coincide with Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). Crump was NACE 2003 chairman and received accolades for his leadership and experience, and for the innovative programs he introduced at NACE to spotlight new technologies and to strengthen industry and global relationships.
LKQ Enters Aftermarket Through GTA Acquisition
LKQ Corp., a nationwide provider of recycled OEM automotive replacement parts, has acquired Global Trade Alliance (GTA), one of the largest suppliers of aftermarket collision automotive replacement parts in the Midwest. GTA operates primarily as Action Crash Parts and Midwest Fender. LKQ paid $30 million for the acquisition, $1.5 million of which was in LKQ common stock and the balance of which was in cash and assumed debt.
CCAR Partners with OSHA to Create a Safe Workplace in the Auto Industry
The Coordinating Committee For Automotive Repair (CCAR) has formalized an alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to address worker safety and health issues in the automotive industry. The alliance not only highlights workplace vehicle safety, but will also focus on abrasive wheel machinery (including associated silica hazards) and ergonomics. The alliance provides CCAR affiliates and others in the automotive industry with information, guidance and access to training resources that will further safety and health for industry workers.
CBS Segment Featuring ASA’s Ron Pyle Sparks Criticism from Insurers, Repairers
The Automotive Service Association’s (ASA’s) Chief Staff Executive Ron Pyle was recently featured in two CBS programs that addressed the issue of insurer-owned body shops. A number of insurers and repairers responded negatively to the segment, including the National Auto Body Council (NABC), which sent a stern letter to CBS News stating that the segment didn’t live up to its sensationalized billing, when Dan Rather told the viewing audience to stay tuned to see how consumers are possibly being ripped off by collision repair shops.
High Schoolers Earn Certifications from Industry
A diploma isn’t the only important document that some students have in hand when they graduate from high school these days. A growing number of students, educators say, are graduating with specific, industry-defined skills certifications that can have immediate value in the job market. Industries in which such certification is available include computer maintenance, automotive repair, nursing, graphic arts and food service.
Car Care Council Offers “Be Car Care Aware” Starter Kits for National Car Care Month
“Be Car Care Aware” point-of-sale starter kits — containing marketing and promotional materials to help businesses promote vehicle maintenance and the on-going “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign — are available just in time for National Car Care Month in April. The starter kit features National Car Care Month materials that can be used each April to celebrate and promote this national event. The kit includes “Be Car Care Aware” signage, consumer literature and the industry’s first comprehensive service interval schedule.
ASA Chief Staff Executive Addresses Consumer, Insurer Issues on Two CBS Programs
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and its Chief Staff Executive Ron Pyle played a significant role in two CBS programs that addressed the issue of insurer-owned body shops. Pyle was recently interviewed at ASA’s headquarters in Bedford, Texas, and appeared Wednesday, Feb. 11, on the “CBS Evening News” during its “Eye on America” segment. On Thursday, Feb. 12, Pyle provided follow-up coverage on this issue when he was interviewed again by CBS during an appearance on “The Early Show.”
More Than 300,000 Tests Taken in CCAR’s S/P2 Online Training
The Coordinating Committee For Automotive Repair (CCAR) has surpassed 300,000 tests taken in its “S/P2” online training in Safety and Pollution Prevention for the automotive repair industry.