Archive

June 2013 Product Notes

Sat, 2013-06-01 00:00 | compiled by Jay Sicht

Motor Guard’s German-made spray gun

Manteca, Calif.—Motor Guard (www.motorguard.com) has introduced its Optima Trifinity spray gun to its full line of refinishing products.  The German-made gun features the latest technology and an all-new design, according to the company, and can be quickly converted from an LVLP-compliant spray gun to a conventional fine-atomization spray gun by changing the available air cap, saving  the time and expense of replacing the nozzle and needle.

BASF VisionPlus pumps up collision shop profits through flexible program offerings

Sat, 2013-06-01 00:00 | by Jay Sicht

Southfield, Mich.—With the pressure on collision repair shops to meet ever-increasing demands by insurance companies for reduced cycle times, managers and owners can improve their productivity and profitability with programs offered through BASF, said Craig Seelinger, VisionPlus program manager for BASF Automotive Refinish.

The VisionPlus program offers BASF customers a number of business tools and services, he said, and for those who take advantage of those offerings, the benefits are tangible.

 

San Jose event provides independent shops insight into rapidly evolving collision industry

Sat, 2013-06-01 00:00 | by Steve Sharp

San Jose, Calif.—Collision Repair Experts, a subsidiary of Fix Auto, recently held a symposium to help provide tools and methodologies for independent shops to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

“The program was designed to provide context to the industry’s rapid evolution of vehicles, processes, and accountability,” Collision Repair Experts Communications Specialist Kimberly Ainge said. “And its intent was also to give attendees actionable solutions that are easy to understand and implement.”

ASCCA and CAA join forces to meet with lawmakers during 2013 Legislative Day

Sat, 2013-06-01 00:00 | by Steve Sharp

Sacramento, Calif.—More than 50 members of Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA)  and the California Autobody Association (CAA)  came to the state Capitol on April 16, to meet with representatives during the annual Legislative Day.

Hosted by CAA Executive Director David McClune and ASCCA President Jack Crawley, the morning began with an update from Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Deputy Chief Pat Dorais on the implementation of the Smog Check Reform Bill AB2289.

Gasoline direct injection means added efficiency and service considerations

Sat, 2013-06-01 00:00 | by Jay Sicht

Memphis, Tenn.—As vehicle manufacturers look for ways to meet ever-more-stringent EPA fuel economy standards, such as through lighter vehicle materials, improved aerodynamics, and improved fuel efficiency, the fuel system of tomorrow’s gasoline engine is changing to gasoline direct injection (GDI).

NPW brings jobbers, manufacturers, and staff together for networking at CARS Expo

Sat, 2013-06-01 00:00 | by Steve Sharp

Santa Clara, Calif.—With California acquisitions including Speed Warehouse in 2010, CMA and Motor Warehouse in 2012, as well as the newly opened 80,000-square-foot warehouse in San Jose, the Miami-based National Performance Warehouse (NPW) is staking a claim on the West Coast. Part of the strategy is the revitalized California Automotive Racing & Specialty Expo (CARS), an event that originated 19 years ago with Speed Warehouse, NPW Owner Larry Pacey said. CARS 2013 took place at the Santa Clara Convention Center, April 14, and had more than 2,500 attendees.

Precision, expertise, and reputation keep Morgan’s Machine & Marine in demand

Sat, 2013-06-01 00:00 | by Steve Sharp

Walnut Creek, Calif.—Seventy years young this July, Morgan’s Machine & Marine Owner Tim Morgan has set records, won races, and continues to win against his biggest challenger — cancer. After surviving 12 years of racing IHBA Top Alcohol Hydroplanes, racking up 27 wins, six championships, and two Driver of the Year awards, Morgan was first told that he had cancer in 1988 and was given just six months to live. Not only did Morgan beat cancer in 1988, he went on to pilot both Top Fuel Hydros on water and NHRA Top Fuel on land.

I-CAR will pursue more OEM procedures — just not through repairer-proposed ‘council’

Sat, 2013-06-01 00:00 | by John Yoswick

Hoffman Estates, Ill.—I-CAR’s board of directors is explaining its decision to not implement a proposed council to work with the industry and automakers in identifying and closing gaps in OEM repair procedures.

AudaExplore Integrates AutoWatch Collision Repair Tracking with AutoFocus Body Shop Management System

Sat, 2013-06-01 00:00 | admin

SAN DIEGO – AudaExplore, a leading provider of automotive claims, underwriting and information solutions to insurance carriers, repair facilities and government agencies, today announced that its AutoWatc collision repair tracking software has been integrated with the company’s AutoFocu body shop management system (BMS).

ASA announces new board and names Risley interim executive director

Sat, 2013-06-01 00:00 | admin

Hurst, Texas—The Automotive Service Association (ASA) swore in its new board of directors during the association’s annual business meeting, April 19-20, in Hurst, Texas. The board also announced Dan Risley has been named interim executive director of ASA. The announcement comes following Ron Pyle’s decision to step down as president.