Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-04 Feb. 10, 2004

CBS News Programs to Address Insurer-Owned Shop Issues

Pyle Presents ASA Views on Behalf of Independent Repairers, Consumers

BEDFORD, TEXAS, Feb. 10, 2004 - Two CBS programs are scheduled to address the insurer-owned body shops issue this week. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) continues to monitor this issue and will contribute to the content of both programs.

The first program is slated to air Wednesday, Feb. 11, on the CBS Evening News during its "Eye on America" segment. Ron Pyle, ASA's president and chief staff executive, was recently interviewed for the segment at ASA's headquarters in Bedford, Texas.

Pyle will provide follow-up coverage on this issue when he is interviewed again by CBS during an appearance on The Early Show Thursday, Feb. 12.

"I applaud CBS for bringing broader attention to this important issue," said Pyle. "ASA opposes insurance companies having an ownership interest in automotive repair facilities and views such interest as being in direct conflict with consumers' right to choose. Placing this issue in the national spotlight can only be beneficial to independent repairers and the consumers they serve."

The CBS Evening News airs at 6:30 p.m. EST. The Early Show airs at 7 a.m. EST. Be sure to check local listings for show times.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind, serving more than 12,000 businesses and approximately 70,000 professionals from all segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. Additional information about ASA, including past news releases, is available on the ASA Web Site on the Internet (http://www.asashop.org).

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