Thatcham Research announced a partnership with the China Automotive Technology and Research Centre (CATARC) to enable the introduction of a vehicle insurance rating program into China. Funded by UK insurers, one of Thatcham’s key responsibilities is in administering the insurance Group Rating system on behalf of the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The newly signed […]
Traffic Volume Up 2.3% in August
With gas prices declining, record levels of driving were reported and growth continues across all five regions in the U.S. Travel for the month of August is estimated at 277.3 billion vehicle miles nationwide according to the most recent data released by the Federal Highway Administration. The August result continues the good news for the […]
NACE | CARS and Automechanika Chicago Scheduled for Same Week in Summer 2017
Chicago and Orlando trade shows scheduled for July 2017 will overlap. When the Automotive Service Association (ASA) announced that it was moving its NACE | CARS conference and trade show to the summer in 2014 in Detroit, away from its traditional fall time frame, the industry breathed a sigh of relief at not having two […]
Collision Repair Industry Production Up in August
Gains in both production employees and hours worked drive significant improvement compared to July and August 2014. Production employment at record levels. An analysis of the latest data released from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), shows that total production for the auto body repair industry was up in August compared […]
Final Rule on Automotive Software Copyright Protection Exemption Excludes Repair Industry
Final rule by the Library of Congress gives consumers the ability to circumvent copyright protection on vehicle software, but excludes third-parties. Repair industry groups concerned it could impact independent repair facilities. The Library of Congress published its final rule on the Exemption to Prohibition on Circumvention of Copyright Protection Systems for Access Control Technologies in […]
Leanne Jefferies Named VP of Canadian Operations for Assured Performance
Assured Performance Network announced the appointment of Leanne Jefferies as Vice-President of Canadian Operations. Jefferies will launch and oversee Canadian operations of the Certified Collision Care program powered by Assured Performance Network. Assured Performance Network is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization that operates as a third-party administrator for consumer awareness, body shop Certification and Business […]
Telephone Interview: David Byers, CEO, CARSTAR Collision Repair Experts
In our telephone interview, Byers discusses the sale of the collision repair facility network to Driven Brands announced yesterday. Yesterday, Driven Brands, Inc., a portfolio company of Roark Capital, announced that it acquired Kansas-based CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts. CARSTAR is one of the largest multi-shop networks of independently owned collision repair facilities in the […]
Driven Brands Acquires CARSTAR
Parent of Maaco and 1-800-Radiator adds collision repair-focused franchise to portfolio of automotive franchises. Acquisition does not include CARSTAR Canada. Driven Brands, Inc., a portfolio company of Roark Capital and the nation’s leading franchise automotive company, announced today that it has acquired Kansas-based CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts. CARSTAR is one of the largest multi-shop […]
Canada – Fix Auto Adds Two to its Collision Repair Network
Fix Auto Canada announced two additions to its collision repair facility network. Paul Randles, General Manager, Fix Auto Atlantic Canada announced the addition of Fix Auto Fredericton, New Brunswick, effective October 1st. Fix Auto Fredericton has undergone major changes in the past few months, like the addition of four more work bays, a new office, […]
Boyd Group Acquires Ohio Collision Repair Center
The Boyd Group Inc. announced the October 16, 2015 acquisition of Deacon’s Collision Center. in Mayfield Heights, Ohio an eastern suburb of Cleveland. It is located on a high traffic thoroughfare and is Boyd’s first center in the Cleveland metropolitan area. The facility will operate under the Gerber brand. “This location provides us with a […]