Review of NACE-97
Collision repairers are "fighters" says NACE chairman
Dressed in boxing attire, NACE Chairman Johnny Mock welcomed attendees to the 1997 NACE and reminded them that regardless of the challenges they face, collision repairers are fighters. "You are an economic and political force to be reckoned with ... and I say to you, be proud of it," he told NACE attendees from throughout the world.
Mock recapped the progress the Automotive Service Association made on behalf of the industry concerning the information providers. At the 1996 NACE event, NACE chairman Joe Sanders asked the information providers to correct their systems to automatically add clear coat for jambs and undersides. To date, ADP has altered its system so it is easier to choose the right option, while CCC and Mitchell have fixed the problem. At the same time, Sanders asked the information providers to not automatically place caps on materials and to develop a formula for featheredging and primering on repaired panels. ADP, CCC and Mitchell will not drop the automated feature on caps, however, ASA will further pursue this issue with these companies in 1998. However, all three companies are working on time studies to address a new formula on repaired panels for featheredge and primering procedures.
Mock made five additional requests of these companies in 1998, including that two-stage refinishing be adopted as the default standard in automated systems and that single-stage be an option. He asked the companies to initiate studies to determine alternate methods of calculating materials to better address the recommendations of the paint manufacturers; to disclose to the repair industry all changes in labor allowances along with a rationale for those changes; that they revisit the formula of blending into adjacent panels since current allotted times are no longer realistic; and that in the databases, all parts have times assigned to them for their removal or replacement.
Mock spoke about the complex and independent relationship between the insurance companies and shops. "Both parties should commit to a higher degree of professional respect for the other, whether or not you feel it fully warranted," said Mock. "Next, I would suggest that both parties commit to improving communications so that we can better understand the needs of other," he said.
Mock acknowledged the paint manufacturers' work in 1997 to advise the industry about procedures, recommendations and the steps necessary to produce a quality paint job. He recognized the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) for its new damage analysis and estimating tests and on 25 years of industry service, and the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) for its Uniform Procedures for Collision Repair (UPCR).
In 1998, Mock said that the industry must confront one of the most volatile areas of collision repair: the identification, selection and utilization of replacement parts. "It is unacceptable to call something a quality replacement part when it simply is not," said Mock. He also said the industry must look at the issues surrounding recyclable parts. "Recyclable parts are not recycled parts until the shop has completed the preparation process in order to make the part usable," he said.
Mock stressed the need for continued support of the uniform titling bill moving through Congress. On the subject of diminished value, Mock said, "... If the customer wants to address this, then do it in the court room. Leave it there. It doesn't belong in this room."
He said industry consolidation will continue, but that the degree of penetration in unknown at this time.
Prior to his speech, Mock asked several industry professionals what is the one thing they would change about the industry? "Of those asked, the majority said they'd like to see us unite," said Mock. "If we truly want to unite within the collision repair industry, we must individually commit ourselves to maintain our practicality, accept the risks of our actions and respect our diversity," he said.
Halftime for the 105th Congress || Top 10 Automotive Repair Web Sites || Assessing the Quality of Aftermarket Collision Repair Parts || Proper Timing Tips to Get Under Your Belt || Women Want Positive, Receptive Customer Service || Review of NACE-97 || Guest Editorial: Aftermarket parts: Here to stay || Tech to Tech || Tech Tips || News Briefs || Taking the Hill || Around ASA || Shop Profile || Net Worth || Stat Corner || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ®, Vol. XLVI, January 1998