Supplier groups say consumers and independent repairers need a level playing field for aftermarket access to software-enabled vehicle technology. The U.S. Copyright Office should protect consumer choice by allowing the independent aftermarket greater access to software-enabled components and parts, say the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA), the […]
Fix Auto Canada Adds Three New Locations
Peter Polito, General Manager of Fix Auto Western Canada announced three new Fix Auto locations have joined the collision repair network; Fix Auto Cardston, Fix Auto Cold Lake, which have been fully operational since February 4th, and Fix Auto Lacombe, in full operation effective February 19th 2016. Fix Auto Cardston’s owner and operator David Nay […]
Career Fair Scheduled for April 23 in Phoenix
The Collision Repair Education Foundation, Phoenix I-CAR Committee, and Automotive Service Association (ASA) of Arizona are hosting a high school and college career fair in Phoenix on Saturday, April 23rd. The event will take place at a Phoenix LKQ/Keystone facility and will bring together surrounding area collision and mechanical students interested in meeting industry employers. […]
3M Launches Commercial Truck Standard Operating Collision Repair Procedures
3M Automotive Aftermarket Division has announced the introduction of Commercial Truck Standard Operating Collision Repair Procedures (SOPs). The written procedures can assist commercial fleet collision repair facilities to deliver consistency within the repair process through development of standardized repair procedures. “3M is extremely committed to helping fleet collision shops become more productive and profitable by […]
Barbara Richardson Appointed Nevada Insurance Commissioner
Department of Business and Industry Director Bruce Breslow announced that Barbara Richardson has been appointed as Commissioner of the Nevada Division of Insurance. Ms. Richardson will join the Division in March. The appointment comes after a months-long nationwide recruitment to fill the vacancy after the resignation of Scott Kipper in July 2015. Amy Parks, who […]
ASA and Auto Alliance Launch New OEM Service Information Resource
The Automotive Service Association (ASA), in conjunction with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, has launched a new information resource for automotive repairers. The ASA Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Resource website, oerepairinfo.com, will serve as a consolidated hub for manufacturer-specific scan tool information, calibration and reprogramming updates; training materials; and service information. The website was developed […]
BASF to Open Automotive Competence Center in Houston
BASF will open a new Refinish Competence Center in Houston, Texas on March 7. The center includes the latest in virtual and in-person training facilities, state-of-the-art spray booths and market-leading application equipment to enable next generation training for all job functions in the collision repair industry. “We’re not only teaching the latest painting techniques here […]
PPG Completes Paint and Coatings Research and Development Hub Investment
PPG announced the completion of a $7.8 million investment in its Coatings Innovation Center in Allison Park, Pa., just 20 minutes from its global headquarters in Pittsburgh. A renovated refinish training center was part of the project. The upgrades to the facility include increased laboratory and testing space and upgraded equipment that improves the technical […]
Gerber Donates $50,000 to Collision Repair Education Foundation
The Collision Repair Education Foundation announced it has received a $50,000 donation from Gerber Collision & Glass for the company’s participation in a number of 2016 collision career fairs and other collision student hiring initiative related projects. Tim O’Day, President of Gerber Collision & Glass said, “Gerber Collision & Glass has been a long-time supporter […]
Big 4 Collision Repair MSO Locations Up More than 25% in 2015
ABRA, Boyd, Caliber and Service King continue growth in new locations during 2015. Unit growth down from 2014, but up if 2014 Sterling sale to Service King excluded. The acquisition and new collision repair facility openings by the four largest multi-regional multiple collision repair shop operators (MSOs) in North America grew by nearly 300 units […]