Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-03 Jan. 15, 2007

Industry Associations Join Forces to Examine, Enhance Content of Estimating

BEDFORD, TEXAS, Jan. 15, 2007 - Three national collision industry associations are working together to enhance the accuracy and functionality of the estimating systems used by the collision repair community to fix today's high-tech vehicles. The Alliance of Automotive Service Professionals (AASP), the Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) have teamed up to examine and enhance the content of the data found in the industry's leading estimating systems.

The project is titled the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) and goals include the development of an industry Web site that would allow collision repair professionals to file requests for reviews of the various estimating systems and view the responses from the information provider(s) once available.

Nick Kostakis, immediate past president, AASP, and owner of Angelo's Auto Body Inc. in Irvington, N.J., said, "We - AASP, ASA and SCRS - feel this initiative represents an exciting opportunity to further strengthen the connection between the repair community and the database providers, and stands to improve database accuracy for the benefit of all end-users."

Barry Dorn, SCRS national director and owner of Dorn's Body and Paint Inc. in Mechanicsville, Va., said, "The collision industry has historically been challenged with the various methods and ways to submit an inquiry. Issues such as where an inquiry is submitted, in what format, is it ever received and more importantly did it get addressed, have never been clear."

Darrell Amberson, AAM, ASA's Collision Division director and president of Lehman's Garage in Bloomington, Minn., said, "This joint effort will bring additional credibility and accountability to the estimating database providers. With the three national collision associations - ASA, AASP and SCRS - working together to address database accuracy and speaking with one voice, the database project should prove beneficial to all involved in collision repair."

Initially, the group effort will focus on the accuracy of data provided to the collision repair industry by the following information providers: CCC/MOTOR, Mitchell International and Audatex, a Solera company.

The DEG project will be administered by a paid, full-time administrator, with oversight by a committee created by AASP, ASA and SCRS. The ideal candidate for the administrator position will have a thorough knowledge of the industry's estimating systems and strong public relations skills. For those interested, all resumes should be e-mailed to deganalyst@gmail.com.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind serving an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups 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. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.asashop.org, or visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.

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