Contact:	Angie Wilson (800) 272-7467, ext. 216 angie@asashop.org
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin ASA-54 August 11, 2008

Audatex Tells ASA It Is Enhancing Estimating System To Automatically Default for Interior Clear

Change Will Ensure Repairers Will Get Paid for Work Performed

BEDFORD, TEXAS, August 11, 2008 - The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has received some good news for members of its Collision Division from Audatex, a Solera company. Rick Tuuri, associate vice president of industry relations for Audatex, said Audatex is working on changing the default in Audatex Estimating, its online estimating platform that does not automatically apply clearcoat for interiors.

Tuuri said Audatex Estimating currently does not default to two-stage for interior, it must be selected by the user if applicable. The reason for this not defaulting, he said, is because of an automated paint decode feature within Audatex Estimating. Once the paint code is entered, the system automatically decodes the color and the system being used (single stage or two stages).

Tuuri told members of ASA's Collision Division Operations Committee that Audatex understands the issue and is working on changing the default. Audatex Estimating is set up to default to two-stage for exterior if a paint code is entered or not. But, the current default is not automated for both two-stage exterior and interior.

Dan Stander of Jerry Stander's Collision Works in Littleton, Colo., said, "The ASA Refinish Subcommittee certainly appreciates the willingness of Mr. Tuuri and Audatex to listen, respond and have a solution in the works to this concern from collision repairers and the ASA membership." Stander is chairman of ASA's Refinish Subcommittee.

Audatex plans to make the change to two-stage exterior and interior in October 2008. The change will make for more accurate estimates and ensure that repairers get paid for work performed.

Until the adjustment is completed, Audatex users may go into their individual profile and adjust it to two-stage interior on a macro or micro level (all estimates or a single estimate).

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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