Automotive Body Repair News

MAACO selects Audatex Estimating
SAN DIEGO — MAACO Collision Repair & Auto Painting signed a new multi-year agreement to use Audatex Estimating and other complementary Audatex software in its U.S. auto collision repair and paint centers.

LKQ acquires recycled truck parts business
CHICAGO — LKQ Corporation said it acquired the assets of Automotive Rebuilders Supply Co. Inc. (ARSCO), a heavy-duty truck recycled parts business. The business is located in metro-Chicago and realized revenue of approximately $9.5 million on a trailing 12-month basis.

Allstate donates $60,000 to I-CAR Education Foundation
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Allstate Insurance Company contributed $60,000 in September to support the I-CAR Education Foundation mission. This contribution to the Education Foundation’s Industry Partners Annual Fund will support many Education Foundation activities that promote and enhance career opportunities in the industry.

MABA testifies to repeal cost containment regs
The Massachusetts Auto Body Association (MABA) testified in support of the Massachusetts Division of Insurance’s proposed repeal of 211 CMR 93:00, which is known as the cost containment regulation.

CEG to distribute AMH Canada, R.G. Grabber equipment
MUKWONAGO, Wis. – The Collision Equipment Group (CEG) has entered into an agreement with both AMH Canada LTD and R. G. Grabber, Inc. Auto Body Collision Repair Equipment Division to exclusively distribute their equipment.

AutocheX NACE awards recognize collision shops for customer service, satisfaction
SAN DIEGO – AutocheX will hold its seventh annual Premier Achiever Awards ceremony at the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) in Las Vegas, when it will recognize collision repair facilities that have consistently demonstrated their commitment to customer care by achieving exceptional customer satisfaction ratings in 2008.

Rhode Island labor rate survey heads to state Supreme Court
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) and the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) have appealed a recent court decision that would have required insurance companies in the state conduct a labor rate survey and use the data as the sole factor in determining rates for collision repair shops.

AIG intends to keep insurance businesses, repay loan
American International Group Inc. (AIG) said it intends to refocus the company on its core property and casualty insurance businesses and generate sufficient liquidity to repay the outstanding balance of its loan from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and address its capital structure.

House approves $25 billion automotive bailout loan
In the next few years, consumers and collision repairers could see the fruits of $25 billion in government loans for the auto industry through a broader lineup of gas-electric hybrid vehicles, new plug-in electric cars and an expansion of fuel-efficient engines.

Some shops like Hurricane Ike's inland track
If there is a ray of sunshine in the wake of Hurricane Ike’s freakish northbound sweep through the Midwest, it’s reflected in a surge of business for numerous collision repairers due to rising floodwaters and vehicles tangling with toppled trees.

Chrysler approves DuPont Cromax Pro waterborne basecoat
WILMINGTON, Del. – Chrysler LLC has granted global approval of DuPont Cromax Pro waterborne basecoat, per the requirements of Chrysler LLC's global paint refinish material and process certification.

3M completes acquisition of Meguiar's Inc.
ST. PAUL, Minn. – 3M has completed its acquisition of Meguiar’s Inc., the 100-year-old family business that manufactures the Meguiar’s brand of car care products for cleaning and protecting automotive surfaces to enhance 3M’s range of automotive aftermarket products.

Autoliv introduces lightweight anti-sliding airbag
STOCKHOLM, Sweden – Autoliv, a  global automotive safety systems supplier, has developed a new anti-sliding airbag that it says is 60 percent lighter than the existing anti-sliding airbag in order to help vehicle manufacturers meet the more stringent CO2 and CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) requirements by reducing weight.

Toyota develops rear window airbag
Toyota said it has developed the world’s first rear-window airbag to improve protection for back-seat passengers in the event of a rear-end collision.

Belron to purchase Cindy Rowe Auto Glass
Belron US recently confirmed reports that it has signed a letter of intent to purchase substantially all of the assets of Harrisburg, Pa.-based Cindy Rowe Auto Glass, according to the Independent Glass Association.