News Briefs
Standox Reports Increase In NACE Booth Traffic
American Standox, Inc. estimates a 15 percent increase in booth traffic at the 1996 International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE), held Nov. 7 - 10, in Orlando, Fla. Overall attendance at the event, sponsored by the Automotive Service Association (ASA), was 32,300, making it the second largest NACE to date.
DuPont, Fluoro Tech Form A/C Service Partnership
DuPont and Fluoro Tech, Inc. have signed an agreement to provide refrigerant recovery, recycling and recharging equipment to the motor vehicle a/c service market. The equipment will carry the DuPont Suva brand and be marketed by DuPont. Fluoro Tech will provide the engineering, manufacturing, and complete the sales and service for the recovery machines
Binks Reorganizes, Changes Name
Binks Manufacturing Company is reorganizing its global operations and internal management structure. It will also change its name to Binks Sames Corporation to recognize the company's international presence and pre-eminence in high technology of its largest subsidiary, Sames.
Consumer Confidence On The Rise
A recent survey conducted by Snap-on Tools Company indicates that drivers are beginning to feel more positive about their experiences in the repair shop. Of the 1,000 people randomly surveyed by Snap-On, 71 percent said their confidence in auto repair shops has increased or remained stable during the past year. Consumers also indicated that being better informed about service-related issues would further boost their trust.
California Air Resources Board Exempts Perchloroethylene
The California Air Resources Board has exempted perchloroethylene (perc) from control as a volatile organic compound (VOC) under the state's consumer product and aerosol coatings regulations. California joins 22 other states that have granted an exemption for perc since the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added the solvent to the list of exempt VOCs in February 1996. Perc is used as a solvent in brake cleaners and other automotive products.
Insurer Says Air Bags Increase Auto Repair Costs
From an insurer's standpoint, the largest increase in auto repair costs is directly attributable to air bag replacement and injuries sustained because of deployment, according to Tom Turner, Atlanta Central branch manager of Safeco Insurance. Turner's remarks were made during an International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) seminar, "Can Passive Restraint Systems Hold Back Your Business?" According to Ben Parr of State Farm, the average repair cost of a deployed air bag averages $700 per bag.
Valvoline, Target To Promote Used Oil Collection
Valvoline and Target have teamed up in a project to make consumers more aware of used oil and oil filter collection. The project aims to reach Target customers who change their own oil and oil filters. Customers will find signs in the automotive area of the store for the closest Valvoline Rapid Oil Change location where they may return their used oil and oil filters.
CCC Program Becomes Part Of DuPont's AOQ
CCC's marketing program -- Collision Center Connection -- is now a component of DuPont's Assurance of Quality (AOQ) program. Collision Center Connection provides a direct connection to insurance and fleet customers seeking collision repair partners. AOQ members are a group of collision repair facilities that meet DuPont's standards of professionalism and customer service.
Attorney General And IGPA Settle With Glass Company
The state of Washington and the Independent Glass Professionals Association (IGPA) have settled their civil lawsuit against Olympic Auto Glass. The settlement puts a permanent junction in place against Olympic barring it from business practices that could violate the Consumer Protection Act and the Insurance Fraud Act.
IGPA brought suit against Olympic, alleging that Olympic was engaged in deception and fraudulent marketing practices. According to the lawsuit, the company was accused of illegally waiving insurance deductibles on auto glass claims and using advertisements that were very unclear and could be deceptive.ASA Main Page || AutoInc. Main Page
Shop Cleanliness: It's Just Part Of The Job || Locating The Right Salvage Parts || The Air Bag Debate || ASA Sets Legislative Objectives For 105th Congress || Voting Line Open For 1997 National Elections || Don't Blow A Gasket || Purchasing Shop Insurance ||
Guest Editorial: Coordinate Your Efforts For Optimal Results
Tech To Tech || Tech Tips || News Briefs || Taking The Hill
Around ASA || Shop Profile || Net Worth || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLV No. 1, January 1997