News Briefs

CARSTAR Educates Consumers On Repair Process, DRPs
A CARSTAR communications campaign, the Voluntary Insurance Program (VIP), is underway to emphasize customer satisfaction and eliminate confusion about direct repair programs (DRPs). VIP has been developed with nearly 20 insurance carriers nationwide and involves shared training between carriers and facility owners. Guidelines clarifying the repair process and expectations are mutually developed prior to the vehicle entering the facility. The goal is to keep customers from feeling they are "caught" between the insurance and collision repair industries during the repair process.

CFA/Chill Air Of Texas Changes Position On Alternatives
CFA/Chill Air of Texas has announced that R-12 or R-134a are currently the only acceptable refrigerants to use in their compressors to prevent voiding any and all warranties by the company. The decision was made after analyzing their "long-term effects" test results.

Sweepstakes Includes Trips, Prizes
If you think you have the oldest functioning AMMCO brake lathe, COATS tire changer or COATS wheel balancer, you may be eligible to win a trip to Las Vegas. Hennessy Industries is offering trips and other prizes to celebrate AMMCO's 75th anniversary and COATS' 50th anniversary. Along with a 150-word story about your "ancient" equipment, submit your name, your company's name and address, daytime phone number, approximate purchase date, model and serial number to: Hennessy Industries, Inc.; c/o Higgins & John Advertising, Attn: 75/50 Sweepstakes, 5000 Linbar Dr., Ste. 285, Nashville, Tenn. 37211.

LA Area To Require Water-based Parts Cleaners
The South Coast Air Quality Management District, whose jurisdiction includes Los Angeles, Orange, most of Riverside and non-desert San Bernadino counties, has adopted a rule requiring the switch to water-based parts cleaners. Automotive repair shop owners have until 1999 to make the change. It's predicted that the move from petroleum-based solvent (mineral spirits) to water-based cleaners will eliminate more than 20 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) per day.

CAPA Warns To Look For "Real" Seal
The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) has been unable to verify allegations received regarding distributors selling non-certified parts as certified by using bogus "certified" seals. CAPA has asked collision repair shops to help identify distributors allegedly involved in fraudulent practices. To avoid being a victim of this type of fraud, simply learn how to identify the official yellow CAPA seal. If you suspect fraud, contact CAPA at (202) 737-2212.

Jobber Store Count Declines
The number of jobber stores has decreased by more than 9,000 outlets during the past 15 years, according to a Lang Marketing Resources report. The count peaked in 1981 with 31,000 locations. In mid-1996, the number stood at 21,679. Expanding retail auto parts chains and increased two-step competition has led to the decline.

MACS Show Attendance Increases
The 1997 Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide (MACS) Convention and Trade Show had a record crowd of 2,100 attendees. The January event in Las Vegas offered technical seminars, as well as the latest air conditioning products, service tools and equipment.

Annual Skills Contest Underway
The nation's top high school auto technicians are competing for $6 million in scholarships and prizes during the 1997 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Quality Care Challenge, an annual event that involves nearly 7,000 students from more than 1,000 schools. State finals, which include hands-on testing, will be held in April and May. Winners will advance to the national finals held June 16 in Washington, D.C.

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Automotive Service Network Programs: Components And Requirements || Value-added Programs: Helping Auto Body Repair Shops Prosper || NHTSA Air-bag Proposals Being Reviewed, Final Rules Near || Thinking About Expanding Your Shop? || Guest Editorial: New Educational Horizons || Tech To Tech || Tech Tips || News Briefs || Taking The Hill || Around ASA || Shop Profile || Net Worth || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLV No. 4, April 1997