The National Auto Body Council (NABC) announced that its 2007 PRIDE Awards, which recognize industry individuals that perform exceptional humanitarian and benevolent acts, have been bestowed upon four deserving people representing the heart of the collision industry. The awards were presented on October 30 at the Industry Achievement Awards Luncheon held in conjunction with the […]
NABC’s Recycled Rides Program Starts Rolling
The National Auto Body Council (NABC) today announced that its Recycled Rides pilot program has officially launched following the commitment of ten repair facilities eagerly waiting to participate in the pilot. Recycled Rides is a nationwide awareness project that assists members of the NABC to repair and donate recycled vehicles for families in need. As […]
Allstate Loses Court Appeal to Strike State Insurer-Owned Shop Ban
Judges affirm earlier decision that Texas law banning insurer-owned shops should stand. The U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit, New Orleans, has affirmed an earlier court’s decision that ruled it is legal for a state to ban insurance company ownership of collision repair facilities. In the initial 2006 decision, a U.S. District Court in Dallas […]
MQVP Parts Certification Program Packs It In
MQVP filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on July 18 and will liquidate its assets. The aftermarket parts certifying body MQVP Inc. filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in United States Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Michigan on July 18. Bankruptcy judge Marci B. McIvor granted the Michigan based company’s motion to convert its original […]
New Investment Group to Buy Mitchell International
Mitchell International, Inc., has signed a definitive agreement to sell the company to an investment group led by Aurora Capital Group and including General Electric Pension Trust. Aurora Capital Group is a Los Angeles-based investment firm formed in 1991 that acquires and builds companies in partnership with operating management. The Firm currently manages approximately $2 […]
American Family Insurance Names New VP of Claims
On heels of repairer uproar surrounding AmFam’s recent switch from Mitchell to Audatex, company names new head of claims. American Family Mutual Insurance Company, the third-largest mutual property and casualty insurer in the nation, has appointed Mark Afable, 49, as vice president of American Family’s claims division effective Monday, November 6. Afable replaces Terese A. […]
Loftus Responds to WMABA
The following was submitted by Sheila Loftus in response to the recent press release from the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association: As the longtime editor and publisher of Hammer and Dolly magazine, I prided myself on getting my facts right. I usually succeeded. When I didn’t, I let my readers know where I’d gone wrong. […]
Open Letter from Washington Metro Auto Body Association
The following is an open letter to the collision repair industry from the Board of Directors of the Washington Metro Auto Body Association: On July 5th, 2006, the WMABA (Washington Metro Auto Body Association) Board of Directors received notice from Sheila Loftus that she was resigning from the position of Editor/Publisher of Hammer and Dolly, […]
ADP Sells Claims Services Business to Solera
Automatic Data Processing and Solera officially announced that the two companies have entered into a definitive agreement for ADP to sell its Claims Services business (CSG) to Solera, Inc. for $975 million in cash. Solera was formed by Tony Aquila, in partnership with a private equity firm, GTCR Golder Rauner. Aquila was formerly the President […]
Ford Files Suit to Halt U.S. Import of Aftermarket Crash Parts
Ford has filed suit with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) claiming that certain aftermarket parts violate patents held by the automaker. Ford claims that certain parts designed for use on the F-150 infringe on its patents and the automaker has requested that the ITC issue a cease and desist order to stop importation of […]