According to Thatcham Research, the United Kingdom-based motor insurers’ automotive research center, challenging decisions lie ahead for body shops, as modern vehicles trigger need for specialized repair strategies. The organization announced a new partnership with Business Success Global (BSG) to bring a leadership and management development program to market to help repairers respond to changes […]
U.S. House Passes Bill Reauthorizing Perkins Support for Career and Technical Education
The U.S. House of Representatives voted yesterday to pass H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The bill seeks to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins) through Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. According to a joint statement from LeAnn Wilson, executive director of the Association […]
Axalta Supports Sustainable Auto Repair Program in Tianjin, China
Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE:AXTA) recently collaborated with the Tianjin Vehicle Maintenance Administrative Office to offer advanced, technical education on waterborne coating technology to more than 60 Tianjin automotive refinish businesses. Technicians received training on the benefits of waterborne coatings and learned to improve their application skills. Axalta’s participation contributes to the success of the “Tianjin […]
J.D. Power Initial Quality Study Uncovers Consumer Concerns with Autonomous Vehicle Technology
Initial quality at highest level ever. Increasing problems raise early warning bells for driver assistance technology. New-vehicle quality is at its highest level ever, improving a significant 8% from last year, according to the J.D. Power 2017 U.S. Initial Quality Study,SM (IQS) released yesterday. According to the study of nearly 80,000 purchasers and lessees of […]
Martin-Senour Announces Third Quarter Training Schedule
The Martin Senour Company announced its 2017 third quarter training schedule for its collision repair facility customers, with courses running from July 17 to September 25, at its training facilities nationwide. The classes will provide guidance and share proven, efficient procedures on an extensive number of topics to collision repair professionals, according to Martin Senour […]
Maaco Adds Three Locations in San Antonio
Maaco announced the addition of three locations this year in the San Antonio, Texas market. “We’re excited to see the resurgence of the Maaco brand in San Antonio with new levels of quality service and customer satisfaction,” said Jason Ryan, president of Maaco. “As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of Maaco across North America, we’re […]
TechnaGlass Expands into Idaho
TechnaGlass announced it has expanded to Idaho. The company now offers full auto glass service in Boise, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, Pocatello, Jackson Hole, Wyoming and surrounding areas. TechnaGlass now operates in 12 states and through 44 retail locations. “The trajectory of the growth of TechnaGlass has focused on attractive markets where we can provide […]
HLDI Reports Legalizing Recreational Marijuana Leads to More Collision Claims
Legalizing recreational marijuana use in Colorado, Oregon and Washington has resulted in collision claim frequencies that are about 3 percent higher overall than would have been expected without legalization, a new Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) analysis shows. This is HLDI’s first report on how marijuana legalization since 2014 has affected crashes reported to insurers. […]
PNC Riverarch Capital Acquires Painters Supply & Equipment Co.
PNC Riverarch Capital announced the acquisition of Painters Supply & Equipment Co. (PSE), the distributor of automotive, industrial, and architectural coatings headquartered in Taylor, Mich. PSE has 21 branch locations across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. PSE serves more than 4,000 customers, including collision repair shops, auto dealerships, fleet operators, and various other commercial and industrial […]
European Commission Fines Three Vehicle Lighting System Producers €27 million in Antitrust Settlement on Parts Sales to Aftermarket
The European Commission has fined Automotive Lighting and Hella a total of €26,744,000 ($29.78 million) for participating in an automotive lighting cartel, in breach of EU antitrust rules. Valeo was not fined as it revealed the cartel to the Commission. All companies admitted their involvement and agreed to settle. The investigation concerned the aftermarket segment […]