Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-12 March 7, 2007

ASA Explores Collision Shop Certification Programs

Subcommittee Researches Manufacturer Requirements

BEDFORD, TEXAS, March 7, 2007 - The Automotive Service Association's Collision Division Auto Manufacturer Subcommittee has surveyed the major automobile manufacturers to determine each company's requirements for collision repair facility certification. ASA has also collected the names of individuals to contact if an independent collision repair shop is interested in pursuing certification. ASA's Auto Manufacturer Subcommittee is led by Dan Bailey, CARSTAR Inc., Overland Park, Kan., and is part of the association's Collision Division Operations Committee.

To assist ASA members, the subcommittee explored several elements in regard to certification programs, including:

• If the manufacturer currently has a certification program in effect,
• Whether the program is open to independents,
• Dealership sponsorship requirements,
• Each manufacturer's specific requirements,
• Designated work area requirements,
• Availability of training to technicians, and
• The presence of collision painter certification programs.

Manufacturer certification was first offered by Jaguar, BMW and DaimlerChrysler AG. Over the past several years, variations of the certification concept have been adopted by other manufacturers. Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volvo, Audi and Toyota, Lexus and Scion have all implemented collision repair certification programs.

Some OEMs also offer certification of collision repair technicians and painters.

ASA members who are considering certification from a specific manufacturer and would like the name of an individual to contact may call Denise Caspersen, ASA's Collision Division manager, at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236; or send an e-mail message to denisec@asashop.org for additional details.

"Led by repairers with the interests of their fellow repairers in mind, ASA's Auto Manufacturer Subcommittee is moving forward with its goal to provide independent shop owners with tools they can use to aid them in their business decision-making process," said Caspersen.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair 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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