Eleven General Motors facilities have earned Energy Star certification for superior energy efficiency from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These buildings, which include seven parts distribution centers, a global headquarters office and three IT innovation office centers, have optimized their buildings to leave a smaller carbon footprint. To earn Energy Star certification, buildings must perform […]
Effort to Limit Collision Repair Labor Rates in Mississippi Fails
Legislation seeking to limit the labor rates charged by auto body repair facilities in the state unsuccessful. Two bills seeking to limit hourly rate collision repair facilities can charge for labor both failed to make it out of committee prior to the deadline necessary for them to be considered for adoption. As CollisionWeek reported in […]
CCC Releases 2016 Crash Course Report
According to the CCC’s 2016 Crash Course report the auto claims and collision repair industries are at an ‘inflection point’ as vehicle technology, driving data, mobility and analytics converge and gain momentum. The report is available online to download. The in-depth report that focuses on the trends and business drivers impacting the auto claims and […]
Allstate Creating Innovation Hub in Chicago
New space will help attract data and innovation specialists to drive advancements in research, analytics and telematics. Allstate announced plans to establish an innovation hub at the Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago. The 45,000-square-foot office will bring nearly four hundred jobs to Chicago, primarily in the company’s Quantitative Research & Analytics (QR&A) and Connected Car […]
Applications Available for AkzoNobel Sustainability Grant for Collision Repair Schools
For the third year, the Collision Repair Education Foundation and AkzoNobel are collaborating to offer the Sustainability Challenge Grant for collision repair programs in secondary and post-secondary schools throughout the U.S. The application is part of the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant, and the deadline for both grants is June 3, […]
Valspar Completes Upgrades to Texas Refinish Training Center
Valspar’s announced it has completed extensive renovations to its Automotive Training Center in Grand Prairie, Texas. The facility received a complete makeover, with remodeled classrooms, expanded color mixing room, upgraded spray booth, a new cafeteria and the latest in digital media. “Our goal is to provide the best training in the industry, and this ultra-modern […]
State Farm Reports $6.2B Net Income in 2015, Up 47.6% from 2014
Realized capital gains drive net income growth. Auto insurance earned premiums up $1 billion in 2015 versus 2014. Auto underwriting loss widens. The State Farm property-casualty (P-C) companies reported total revenue, which includes premium revenue, earned investment income, and realized capital gains (losses), was $75.7 billion for 2015 compared with $71.2 billion for 2014. State […]
Macaluso Named Interim President of CARSTAR North America Following Young Resignation
Michael Macaluso, president of CARSTAR Canada, has been named interim president of both CARSTAR’s U.S. and Canadian collision repair operations following the resignation last week of Dan Young, president of CARSTAR’s U.S. organization. Macaluso has served in a variety of capacities at CARSTAR Canada since 2008. According to the company, the changes will accelerate the […]
AAA Survey Finds Americans Afraid of Self-Driving Vehicles
Three out of four drivers report being afraid of self-driving cars. Despite fear, AAA survey finds demand for semi-autonomous features in new vehicles. Three out of four U.S. drivers report feeling “afraid” to ride in a self-driving car, according to a new survey from AAA. With today’s heightened focus on autonomous vehicles, this fear poses […]
Insurance Auto Auctions Opens New Location in Kentucky
Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. (IAA), a business unit of KAR Auction Services (NYSE: KAR), held a grand opening February 22 at its newest location, the IAA Louisville North branch in Eminence, Ky. “The IAA Louisville North facility will expand the company’s presence in the area by providing buyers and sellers with greater convenience and access […]