Riverside, Calif.—A survey, provided by automotive market research and industry data firm Fast Lane Research (FLR) in April 2010 to light-truck and 4x4 enthusiasts, revealed strong appetites for aftermarket parts and accessories, said FLR founder Jim Spoonhower.

Rosemont, Ill.--I-CAR presented its new Professional Development Program at its 2010 industry event at the Intercontinental hotel on July 21.  The program is based on specific collision repair roles in the industry and the courses relevant to that position, said John Edelen, I-CAR president and CEO.  With the help of interindustry feedback on industry training needs, the program has taken two years to develop, he said.

Although Ford Motor Co.’s presentation on its comparison of some non-OEM structural parts to Ford’s own parts created much of the buzz at the recent Collision Industry Conference (CIC), those supporting the use of alternative parts had their time at the microphone at the meeting as well.

Ontario, Calif.—Phoenix Motorcars, a California-based electric vehicle company, presented its newly configured all-wheel-drive (AWD) sport utility truck (SUT) at the FedFleet 2010 Information Conference in Phoenix last month, said Bryon Bliss, vice president sales and marketing.

STMicroelectronics, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, has announced that it now offers a new Dual Interface EEPROM to OEMs and dealerships that can be updated remotely using conventional programming techniques for a wireless radio frequency identification (RFID) link.

Truck, SUV, and off-road enthusiasts are among the most passionate consumers, as they continue to personalize their trucks and invest in their hobbies, said Della Domingo, SEMA public relations director.

Mercedes-Benz USA now offers independent body and repair shops access to all technical documentation needed to repair Mercedes-Benz vehicles through its Certified Collision Program (CCP), said Mark Allen, Collision Program manager, Mercedes-Benz USA.

GM announced that it has now concluded the dealer arbitration process and, as of Nov. 1, will have a network of about 4,500 dealerships in the U.S. representing Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac brands.

Bethesda, Md.--August heat and summer vacations can make it easy to forget that autumn is just around the corner, but the Car Care Council wants to help repair shops turn over a new leaf at their business during Fall Car Care Month in October.  Shops can receive a free “Fall Car Care Month” banner, while supplies last, paying only the cost of shipping. 

EPWI awards SB International, Howard Enterprises and MIK Sales at annual conference in Vail, Colo.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has announced that Senior Vice President Trish Serratore has been selected by Automotive News as one of the “100 leading women in the North American auto industry.”