The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) has expanded its member benefits to provide an increased cost-savings opportunity from Mitchell 1’s electronic, printed and business performance service offerings. “We have a wonderful and growing partnership with AASP and we’re excited to enhance our relationship by offering special benefits to the AASP membership,” said Chris Hurst, senior account manager – national accounts, Mitchell 1.

AASP members who begin new subscriptions or renew existing subscriptions to Mitchell 1’s OnDemand5 (Online or DVD Repair and Estimator), OnDemand5 Manager/ManagerPlus management system, tire pressure monitoring system manual, mechanical parts and labor estimating guides, and emission control application tables manuals will be eligible for an enhanced price savings on the monthly subscription fees and purchase prices. As for Mitchell 1’s Business Performance Services, AASP members will receive special discounts on Mitchell 1 products including Customer Retention Marketing (CRM) and ServiceIntelligence (SI).

 

 

“AASP considers Mitchell 1 a valuable partner to both the association and its members,” said Pat Andersen, AASP president. “We're extremely pleased to be able to offer AASP members enhanced pricing on Mitchell 1 products.”

 

To learn more about these offerings or for more information about Mitchell 1’s products and services, AASP members may call Mitchell 1 at (888) 724-6742, ext. 6313, or visit www.Mitchell1.com to find their local Mitchell 1 representative. To find out more information on AASP/NJ, please visit the AASP/NJ website at www.aaspnj.org.

Bob Everett Joins AASP/NJ Hall of Fame

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s former president, Bob Everett, became the 25^th member of the association’s Hall of Fame at the NORTHEAST 2007 show held in March.

Everett, owner of Bayville Auto Care in Bayville, served as AASP/NJ President during 2005-2006.

“I am thrilled and honored to be elected into a very exclusive club,” Everett says. “I always felt it was my duty to contribute to the association whether I was an officer or not. During that time, I think we made some great advancements with regard to AASP/NJ’s Mechanical Division. “

Everett’s humility hides the fact that he worked extremely hard and became a pioneer as the almost 50-year-old association’s first non-collision president. “Bob was absolutely a pioneer,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “He almost single-handedly developed our Mechanical Division into one of action and influence. His dedication to the Mechanical Division has been unmatched in AASP/NJ. His leadership was instrumental to the association’s success on every level.”

AASP MA/RI; Industry Groups Testify in Support of Right to Repair at Hearing

Various consumers and industry groups had their opinions heard on June 26, 2007 at the first hearing of H.B. 296, the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act. Members of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Licensure heard numerous witnesses who testified in support of the legislation, including AASP MA/RI Immediate Past President Stan Morin of New England Tire and Vice President Bill Cahill of BC Auto. 

"House Bill 296 addresses a growing concern among Massachusetts state legislators who have heard constituents' complaints about the inability of the independent repair industry to fully and completely repair their vehicles due to computer repair information lock-outs by the car companies,” explained Morin. “They don't have a choice in auto repair shops because they're told to return to the car dealerships. Consumers want to spend their income the way they choose. I want to have the freedom of choice on where and how to spend my disposable income.”

Testifying witnesses in support of legislation explained that in spite of investing in diagnostic tools, searching car company websites and exhausting all other resources, they were still unable to gain access to all the information that is needed to repair vehicles. However, not all the testimony was in favor of Right to Repair legislation.

"Not all witnesses were pro-consumer," stated Sandy Bass-Cors, Executive Director for The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE). The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM) testified that HB 296 is a security risk. An AIAM post-hearing press release stated, "Vehicle security information is carefully controlled to make sure it stays out of the hands of potential thieves, but under HB 296 any individual who owns a car or any auto repair shop technician would have access to this sensitive information."

"The car companies are always stating that the Right to Repair Act is a security issue,” Bass-Cors says. “But the question is, who are they alleging are potential thieves - the car owners who desperately want and need quick, affordable repairs?  Or is it the hard-working independent repair shop technician? If safety is truly the goal of the car companies, then they should welcome quick repairs for consumers. It's extremely insulting to consumers and the independent repair industry to always be accused of having criminal intent.”

Other opponents of HB 296 stated that not only were information access issues intermittent, but that with help of the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), even these infrequent instances could be resolved. ASA Mechanical President and chairman of ASA-Colorado, Donny Seyfer, co-owner of Seyfer Automotive in Wheatridge, CO, further testified that such occurrences were isolated and could be addressed with use of the proper tools. 

“It amazes me that opponents of HB 296 [OEMs and ASA] hide behind NASTF and they claim there are only isolated incidents,” says Cahill. “Well, if we are all having problems, then they are not isolated.”   

AASP/NJ Supports Repeal of Insurance Anti-Trust Exemption

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), the state’s largest association of collision and mechanical repairers, has endorsed the United States’ House and Senate proposed "Insurance Industry Competition Act.” The Senate version was introduced by Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), Senate Judiciary Ranking Member, Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), Senate Majority Leader and Sen. Trent Lott (R-MO), Senate Republican Whip. The House version has been co-sponsored by Rep. Rodney Alexander (R-LA), Rep. Bobby Jindal (R-LA), Rep. Charles Melancon (D-LA), Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MO), Rep. Walter Jones (D-NC) and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR).

The Sherman Antitrust Act, enacted by Congress in 1890, was designed to promote free competition and protect consumers by prohibiting monopolies or conspiracies between competitors. The Federal Trade Commission was set up in 1914 to enforce the Sherman Antitrust Act.

In 1945, Congress passed the McCarran-Ferguson Act, allowing the insurance industry an exemption to the Sherman Antitrust Act for activities related to the "Business of Insurance." The McCarran-Ferguson Act prevents the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Justice Department from investigating the conduct of insurance companies.

Now, in light of insurers recording all-time record profits, combined with multiple class-action lawsuits based upon insurers' denials of legitimate claims, Congress is reconsidering the McCarran-Ferguson Act exemption to the Sherman Antitrust Act.

“This is an unprecedented course of action for our industry,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “Obviously, there was a time when the exemption was necessary for the good of the country. But that was over half a century ago. The insurance industry has had 62 years to take advantage of the McCarran-Ferguson Act. It’s time for the insurance industry to compete on a level playing field. These proposed bills will help our industry tremendously. Everyone in the automotive repair industry should get behind them.”

Charles Bryant, Executive Director of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ), was honored by both AASP/NJ and the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) at AASP/NJ’s flagship event, NORTHEAST 2007.

Bryant, a long-time industry activist, was first presented with SCRS’ annual Most Innovative Idea Award at the NORTHEAST East Coast Leadership Conference. Bryant’s idea was the creation of a website where anyone in the country can go to see what other states are doing regarding proposed legislation, regulations or even copies of case law relating to the automotive repair industry. The site,  www.autorepairlegal.com, was unanimously praised at the Leadership meeting by repairers from across the country.

Bryant was honored once more the next night at the NORTHEAST 2007 Dinner party when AASP/NJ President Tom Elder surprised him with induction into the AASP/NJ Hall of Fame.  “I can’t tell you how much this means to me,” a stunned Bryant said. “For the first time in my life, I really am speechless.”

Elder felt the induction was long overdue. “Charles has been such an integral part of not just our association, but our entire industry for over 30 years,” Elder stated. “It would be impossible to count the number of shops he has helped over the years, many of whom would not still be in business without him. He is truly deserving of this honor and I am grateful to be the one to award it to him.”

Automotive repairers from across the country turned out for last week’s NORTHEAST 2007 Trade Show in Suffern, NY for a weekend of education, networking and great equipment deals. The show, sponsored by the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ), saw close to 8,000 attendees and exhibitors walk the huge Rockland Community College Arena floor for the latest in automotive repair technology available.

NORTHEAST 2007 kicked off on Friday afternoon with the annual East Coast Resolution Forum & Leadership Meeting. Over 60 representatives from automotive repair associations from as far away as California came to the event to share ideas and concepts with industry peers. Moderated by NYSACTS and LIABRA Executive Director Edward Kizenberger, the event featured reports from many of the associations represented and was followed an awards presentation.

The trade show kicked off Friday evening with two standing-room-only seminars and bucking a national trend, showed an increase of 13 percent in attendance over last year’s show. The show floor traffic saw 373 booths with 134 companies showing their wares to automotive repairers from across the northeast.

This year’s show was boosted by the addition of a classic car beauty contest and a free 2007 FXD Dyna Super Glide Red Pearl Harley Davidson raffle. Louis Fugaro of Seaview Motors in Jersey City, NJ won the Harley on Sunday afternoon while a crowd of anxious semi-finalists looked on.

As vendors broke down their booths late Sunday afternoon, there was an incredibly positive buzz going around. “This year’s show was one of the best I have seen in quite some time,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder said as he looked out over the arena’s balcony. “We are getting such a positive response from vendors and attendees. Many vendors have already expressed their desire to expand their booth space next year. We knew we had to make some changes and we tried some new things this year. It looks like it has paid off.” 
 

Latest Automotive Repair Trends & Equipment at NORTHEAST 2007

All of the automotive repair industry’s latest trends, equipment and tools will be on display at this weekend’s NORTHEAST 2007, the largest regional automotive trade show in the country. The show, presented by the Alliance of Automotive Service Professionals/New Jersey (AASP/NJ) will feature more than 150 exhibitors in over 400 booths filled with the latest technological advances and equipment.

“We’re very excited that the show is finally here,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “As a shop owner, it is the one place I can see all the new equipment without traveling thousands of miles. For anyone in the Northeast, it’s at most no more than a couple hours away. The show alone is worth the strip. When you add in the educational seminars and new features such as the classic car show and Harley giveaway, I can’t think of any reason why any repairer would not attend.”

NORTHEAST has a reputation for providing cutting-edge, insightful seminars and classes for 30 years. This year’s slate features everything from nationally known speaker Mike Anderson (Developing SOPs) to two new I-CAR classes as well as a highly anticipated database panel discussion.

“What good is having the new equipment if you don’t know how to make a profit from it,” Elder adds.  “That’s why we feel the seminars are vital to the show. We give repairers the opportunity to come to the show, take a class or two and then utilize that new knowledge to purchase from our many exhibitors. And they can also take the time to sit back and relax at our Saturday night comedy show and then look forward to the chance of winning a $12,000 Harley on Sunday. It’s as complete a package as I have seen in all my years in the industry.”

NORTHEAST 2007 will take place this weekend, March 23, 24, & 25, 2007 at the Rockland Community College Arena in Suffern, NY. For more information, logon to www.aaspnj.org.

TRAVELERS ESTIMATING ISSUES

Introduction

Starting in September of 2006, AASP-NJ began receiving complaints from member (collision) shops regarding the estimating practices of Travelers Insurance. In simplest terms, the complaints centered on Travelers not reimbursing, or not adequately reimbursing shops for materials and procedures necessary for complete, safe and proper repairs. On some of the disputed items, Travelers was acknowledging the need for these materials and procedures, but was contending that these items were somehow fully reimbursed through the estimating program they were using, and therefore were not required to be itemized and reimbursed separately. Travelers uses Audatex to complete estimates.

The Specific Estimating Issues

1.)   Blend within a repaired panel – When refinishing a repaired panel, the field staff is arbitrarily reducing the refinish time.

2.)   Seam sealer and weld thru primer – Travelers is not fully reimbursing the labor and material cost for seam sealer and weld thru primer, incorrectly contending they are included in Audatex’ database labor for the replaced panel. In the example provided by the one shop owner, the field appraiser was willing to pay for the seam sealer but capped the amount they were willing to pay even though the shop provided an invoice for the amount used to repair the vehicle.

3.)   Damaged salvage parts – The field appraiser refused to pay for repairs to the damaged salvage panel that Travelers specified which had numerous dents. When told that the panels had obvious visible damage to the consumer, the appraiser again stated that he had to meet his criteria or his boss would write him up. The repair facility didn’t repair the dents as directed by the Travelers field appraiser. As a result, the customer made a complaint. Unfortunately, the part in question and all the adjacent panels were needlessly refinished again once the part was repaired as the repair facility initially indicated as being necessary.

4.)   Flex additive – Travelers is denying reimbursement for the labor and material cost for the flex, incorrectly contending they are included in the refinish time of the bumper in Audatex’ database.

5.)   Car cover – Travelers is denying reimbursement for the labor and material cost for car cover, incorrectly contending they are included in the refinish time in Audatex’ database.

AASP-NJ Actions

It first appeared that Travelers was inadvertently misinterpreting the Audatex estimating program and the proper application of the procedure pages within this program. The Audatex estimating program includes grouped and imbedded labor that is not fully itemized and therefore less than fully clear. We contacted Audatex in writing and the response we received confirmed our contention that our interpretation of the Audatex program was correct and that the Travelers interpretation was incorrect.

It should also be noted that the ambiguity within the Audatex estimating system is at least partially to blame for some of these issues. Audatex has been formally asked on more than one occasion to clarify some elements of their estimating program, such as providing a detailed, itemized breakdown of all labor included in their “first panel setup” allowance. Audatex has repeatedly denied these requests.

We then contacted Travelers’ management and began a series of conversations and emails in an attempt to resolve what appeared to be a relatively simple issue. We shared the clarification we had received from Audatex, and invited Travelers to provide documentation that supported their contention that we were wrong and they were right. At this level, Travelers was not denying that the disputed estimating practices were occurring, but rather that they reflected an accurate interpretation and application of the Audatex estimating system.

After a month of unsuccessfully attempting to resolve the issue at this level, we pressed the issue with a higher level manager at Travelers. We went through essentially the same exercise at this second level, again with Travelers promising to obtain and share with AASP-NJ, documentation supporting the validity of their position. At this level, Travelers management also indicated that their estimators were trained to fairly negotiate repair costs, and that these disputed items were negotiable at the shop level. We shared the fact that the feedback we were consistently receiving from our member shops is that Travelers was consistently refusing to negotiate these items in any way.

We were then made aware that this issue was not limited to the New Jersey market, but rather was also an issue in other regions of the Northeast, and that affected collision shops in these other markets were seeking relief through The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS). AASP-NJ and SCRS joined in their efforts to responsibly resolve this issue, which now involved a third, even higher level of management within Travelers. At this level, Travelers appeared less interested in proving their proper application of the Audatex program, and more interested in convincing us that the problem either didn’t exist, or if it did exist, would best be resolved at lower levels.

AASP-NJ was obviously frustrated and annoyed at this point after over four months of responsibly attempting to resolve the issue, or at least to engage Travelers in intelligent dialog. We insisted that Travelers either provide a detailed letter of clarification on these specific estimating issues, or agree to immediately participate in a conference call, with association and shop-level participation from several affected markets. Travelers finally agreed to participate in the conference call but to this date has stonewalled our repeated attempts to have it take place.

 Shop Options

As a licensed repair shop, you have an obligation to fully repair vehicles entrusted to you by your customers. This includes application of all materials and procedures necessary for a complete, safe and proper repair. You are also entitled to be reimbursed the fair market value for these materials and procedures. If you are experiencing the similar problems with Travelers, we feel it is our obligation as a trade association to inform you of options that you may wish to consider.

• You can accept the Travelers estimating practices without challenge, knowing that you may be less than fully compensated for the value of the materials and procedures that are a part of the repair.
• You can calculate the total value of any non-or inadequately reimbursed items, and charge the policy holder separately for these items, explaining to your customer that the insurance company is unwilling to pay for these items to cover the full cost of repairs. You can also notify your customers that not all insurance is the same, and that they may have a more pleasant repair experience through other insurance carriers.
• You can file formal complaint(s) with the New Jersey Department of Insurance. In the past, this process has been somewhat frustrating and nonproductive, but there is the possibility that numerous complaints filed on the same issue may produce results.
• You can explain the issue to your customer(s), and have them authorize invoking the Appraisal Clause, which may exists within their insurance policy with Travelers. The appraisal clause, while sometimes time consuming, will almost surely result in more reasonable reimbursement of all repair procedures. Additional information on the Appraisal Clause process can be found on this website in the member’s only section.

AASP/NJ Attends I-CAR Awareness Meetings

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) recently hosted two meetings in New Jersey to better educate professionals on “what’s new at I-CAR.” Both meetings – one held in Mt. Laurel, the other in Saddle Brook – were designed to not only inform collision repairers as well as insurers of new innovations and procedures at I-CAR, but also to answer any questions from the auto repair industry.

I-CAR’s Northeast Regional Manager David Coffey, who was on hand at both meetings (in addition to Larry Montanez) emphasized the importance of continuous training. “With the constantly increasing complexity of vehicles on the road today, it is imperative that the repairers of today receive up-to-the-minute training. At I-CAR, we are proud to provide collision repairers with information and education that is valuable not only in its applicability, but also in its timeliness.”

AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant was one of over 50 AASP/NJ members and industry supporters that attended the meeting held for Northern New Jersey. “We feel that I-CAR is a vital organization with a strong commitment to bringing our industry the training and information it desperately needs. We are proud to support I-CAR in its mission to provide our members with information they need to do their jobs safely and properly.”

Among the many highlights of I-CAR’s presentation was an announcement from Coffey explaining a future decision that could stand to greatly benefit AASP/NJ members. “We realize that training is a great expense to our membership,” said AASP/NJ President Tom Elder, who attended the meeting held for Southern New Jersey. “In an effort to help ease the financial burden of continuing education, AASP/NJ is currently in talks with I-CAR to provide discounted training for members of our association, as well as other trade organizations who provide I-CAR training as a benefit to their members. Our request has been met with a positive response, and the possibility of I-CAR accepting our proposal looks promising. We are currently awaiting further information, but we are anxious to further solidify our already strong relationship with I-CAR in providing this additional, valuable benefit to our members.”

1/31/06

Mike Anderson Seminar Packs AASP/NJ Meetings

Noted industry speaker Mike Anderson packed two hotel conference rooms last week at the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s chapter meetings in Totowa and Toms River. Anderson, owner of Wagonwork Collision Centers, located in Alexandria, Virginia, presented the seminar "Profitable Estimating– Educate: Not Alienate" to close to 200 AASP/NJ members.

"That was the most informative and entertaining seminar I have seen in years," said AASP/NJ Chapter 5 Vice President Les Daniels, who attended the meeting in Totowa. "Mike was so energetic and positive about how we can all improve our businesses in so many ways. It was very, very inspiring."

The seminar, which was scheduled to last three hours, ended up almost reaching four hours due to the participation of the membership in attendance. "I haven’t seen anything like this kind of response in a long time." AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant said. "I happened to attend both meetings and for the first time in I don’t know how long, our members came out of a meeting smiling and encouraged about their industry."

Anderson’s presentation went over so well that AASP/NJ will bring him back two times in the near future. He will be a featured speaker at the association’s flagship event, NORTHEAST 2007, and later on in the year for an intense all-day seminar.

"Mike is the kind of guy every association should bring in," says AASP/NJ President Tom Elder. "More than anything else, he gets members excited about their industry. He teaches them new ways to make their businesses more profitable. He is the real deal."

AASP/NJ Hits Record Membership Numbers

Despite (or maybe because of) a downturn in the automotive repair industry, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) has set a record for membership for 2007. The association, which was founded over four decades ago, is now close to 500 members and growing.

“With the state of the industry, I must admit I am very pleasantly surprised with the numbers,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “We have a great organization and I think our members know that we are extremely active in every aspect of the industry. We are always working to find ways to make them succeed, and the success we’ve had is a great selling point to new members. “

The key factor in this surge in membership has been the work of AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant. “Charles has been instrumental to our successful membership drive,” Elder adds. “He has been a huge part of the automotive repair industry in our state for over 30 years and he knows the industry like he back of his hand. Let’s face it: When Charlie calls, it’s hard to say no,” Elder says with a laugh.

Although AASP/NJ is thrilled with the jump in membership, Bryant feels there is much more work to be done. “My immediate goal is to increase our mechanical membership,” he states from the AASP/NJ office in Neptune. “I come from a collision background so I am learning on the fly about the mechanical end. With the help of members like Bob Everett and Rick Allen, I am learning more and more about the mechanical repair industry and I plan to concentrate on that area in the upcoming months.”

“Our goal is to have every automotive repairer in the state as a member of AASP/NJ,” Elder says. “It’s going to take a lot of time and effort, but by nature I’m an optimist. I think what we offer — on all levels – is worth well more than the membership fee. More and more shops in New Jersey are realizing that and we are welcoming them with open arms.”

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) kick off a busy 2007 with two seminars by sought-after collision repair industry speaker Mike Anderson later this month and follow up with the association’s flagship event, NORTHEAST 2007 in March.

“We’re starting this year off with a bang,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “We’ve been trying to get Mike Anderson to come out to our state for a few years. His reputation for excellence in automotive repair and motivation is second-to-none. We’re extremely happy Mike’s schedule opened up and he’ll be able to speak directly to our members in Totowa and Tom’s River.”

AASP/NJ has previously announced the NORTHEAST 2007 seminar schedule highlighted by I-CAR courses, TPMS seminars and a much-anticipated database panel discussion. “We put the schedule out about a month ago and already we’ve had people register for seminars and make reservations at the show hotel,” says Elder. “There’s lot of excitement going around because everyone understands we’re making the effort to produce a bigger and better show. We want repairers leaving the show with both training and equipment that will make them money when they return to their shops.” Added attractions at NORTHEAST 2007 will include a hot rod beauty contest and a free 2007 FXD Dyna Super Glide Red Pearl Harley Davidson raffle.

The 30th anniversary NORTHEAST 2007 trade show will take place March 23, 24, & 25, 2007 at the Rockland Community College Field House in Suffern, NY. For more information on NORTHEAST, contact Dave McCarey at 1-800-223-4648.

12/21/06         

NORTHEAST 2007 Seminar Slate Set

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) has announced the seminar schedule for their flagship event, NORTHEAST 2007. The show’s theme in 2007 is “Navigating Your Way to Success.”

To help with the navigation, AASP/NJ has scheduled seminars covering just about every aspect of the automotive repair industry. “I think we’ve lined up an incredible slate that goes across the board,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “Each year, we try and offer education that you can’t get anywhere else in the region and at the same time give repairers the opportunity to see the latest in technology and equipment. Our committee has succeeded in doing that once again, and I hope everyone will check the show out in March. I promise you will come away with something that will make your business better.”

The show’s educational schedule starts out on Friday morning with the “Maintenance Profits Boot Camp,” presented byATI. Also on Friday will be the annual East Coast Resolution and Mechanical Resolution Forums, two gatherings that attract the most prominent industry figures from across the country to discuss all things relevant to automotive repair. Later that night, NORTHEAST 2007 will officially open with seminars on new hybrids and new metals and repair technologies. The trade show itself will run from 6-11pm.

Saturday is NORTHEAST’s most comprehensive seminar day, this year featuring two I-CAR classes, a TPMS class, another ATI course and the highly anticipated DATABASE PANEL DISCUSSION. Seminars from one of the industry’s most respected speakers, Mike Anderson and Dupont round out the day’s educational activities.

“Every day there will be something for someone – whether you’re a collision or mechanical repairer,” Elder adds, “We are excited about the program and we hope to see everyone come out and see what NORTHEAST and AASP/NJ are all about. “

The 30th anniversary NORTHEAST 2007 trade show will take place March 23, 24, & 25, 2007 at the Rockland Community College Field House in Suffern, NY. For more information on NORTHEAST, contact Dave McCarey at 1-800-223-4648.

AASP/NJ is pleased to announce that Mike Anderson, once of the country’s most sought-after collision repair industry speakers, will be presenting his acclaimed seminar, “Profitable Estimating– Educate: Not Alienate,” on January 24 & 25 at association chapter meetings in Totowa and Toms River. Attendees who attend the seminar (which is certified by the Automotive Management Institute [AMI]), receive a copy of Mike’s one-of-a-kind estimating “Bible,” a binder chock-full of useful, not-included items, P-Pages from all three major information providers, copies of trade publication articles and OEM information that assists the user in educating adjusters about why certain procedures are essential for the proper repair of a vehicle.

Mike Anderson is the owner of Wagonwork Collision Centers, located in Alexandria, Virginia. Mike serves on the Mitchell and Motor Advisory Boards, and the ASE test review committee.  Mike is active in the industry as a member of WMABA, CIC, SCRS, CAPA and the National Auto Body Council and serves as a Skills USA/VICA Contest Chairman. 

Anderson is an acclaimed source throughout the industry, and has presented his seminars to groups across the country, including Chicago, Seattle, Denver, Boston, Washington, DC, Canada and Mexico.  Participants in Mike Anderson’s seminars consistently rate them as exceeding their expectations and highly recommend his seminars to others, providing CSI results any automotive repair shop would be proud of.

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), the state’s largest association of collision and mechanical repairers, is outraged at the aggressive actions of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) attempting to kill the recently passed NJ version of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act. The New Jersey "Right to Repair Act" gives motoring consumers the ability to choose where, how and by whom to have their vehicles repaired, whose parts they wish to purchase, even work on their vehicles themselves. The bill was passed out of committee last month after years of effort by AASP/NJ.

“This is totally inappropriate and ill-advised on the part of ASA,” AASP/NJ’s Bob Everett (himself an ASA member), says. “We have spent the last few years educating our members, our representatives and our customers on the merits of the Right to Repair Act; and the passing of the bill was in response to the needs and voices of those members and customers. To come out and openly rally against the bill is incredulous. It just proves that ASA is more interested in the needs of others as opposed to the needs of their members.”

ASA has renewed its fight against the bill by contacting shop owners across the state and urging them to voice their opposition to the measure with their State Assembly members. “Apparently, the opinions of automotive repairers in New Jersey who have stringently supported this bill for the last two and a half years mean nothing to ASA,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “The response to the passing of the bill has been overwhelmingly positive from our members and our customers. ASA is ignoring that completely. Maybe that’s one of the reasons ASA has had little success in our state. Their goals, particularly when it comes to Right-to-Repair, are not shared by the majority of automotive repairers in New Jersey.”

The actions are taking its toll on Everett, who has worked tirelessly on the bill. “It really is sad,” he says,  “when an association that is supposed to fight for its members’ rights, puts greed and special interests above those rights.  I always hear how our industry can never get anything accomplished because we are so divided. Well, we proved we could get things done by getting the bill passed. Now you have ASA, a group based 2,000 miles away in Texas, with hardly any members in our state, coming in and trying to divide and defeat everything we have worked for. Like me, I’m sure all of ASA’s members will look at this and wonder if this is the kind of action they want their dues going to. It troubles me deeply.”

“We are looking to the future with NORTHEAST 2007,” says AASP/NJ President Tom Elder. “Our theme represents that view and all of our seminars will do the same. Our vendors have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to new products and equipment so that goes along with our theme as well.”

The 30th anniversary NORTHEAST 2007 trade show will take place March 23, 24, & 25, 2007 at the Rockland Community College Field House in Suffern, NY. For more information on NORTHEAST, contact Dave McCarey at 1-800-223-4648.

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) is proud to announce that the New Jersey Assembly’s Consumer Affairs Committee unanimously voted to pass the NJ version of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act at a public hearing for the bill on October 19, 2006. The hearing was held at the state Capital in Trenton.

The New Jersey "Right to Repair Act" gives motoring consumers the ability to choose where, how and by whom to have their vehicles repaired, whose parts they wish to purchase, even work on their vehicles themselves.

AASP/NJ and CARE (The Coalition for Auto Repair Equality) have led the charge for the bill over the last few years. Supporters who testified on behalf of the bill’s passage included technical expert and Mechanics Education Association (MEA) Director Dave Scaler and AASP/NJ Past President Bob Everett, who has been a key figure in the fight to pass the bill.

“Today’s decision was very encouraging to those of us who are fighting for passage of Right to Repair legislation,” Everett said. “It was great to see so many people showing up in support of the bill, and I think that helped send a message to the committee members about how many people are consistently affected by a lack of information access. I commend the members of the Consumer Affairs Committee on their progressive attitude towards this bill, and hope that they continue to support us as Right to Repair legislation makes its way through the Legislature.”

CARE President David Parde added "Despite misleading and anti-consumer testimony from car company representatives, the Committee today voted for the rights of motoring consumers by unanimously passing the bill.”

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer), who introduced the legislation, felt strongly about the ramifications of the bill on consumers as well as repair shops. “This bill just merely creates an even playing field to get your car serviced and repaired," he said.

Also among those supporting passage for A-931 are: the Service Station Dealers of America,  the Tire Industry Association, the American Automobile Association, the Consumer Electronics Association,  NFIB, Keystone Automotive,  and others.

There are over seven thousand independent repair shops throughout New Jersey.  The next stop for A-931 is a second reading on the Assembly Floor. A date has not yet been scheduled.

“We are in this for the long run,” Everett added. “AASP/NJ was there at the start and we will be there at the end. We refuse to let our shops and customers down.”

AASP/NJ Steps Up Mechanical Efforts

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) is making an all-effort to boost their Mechanical Division this fall. The association, which is the state’s largest association of collision and mechanical repairers, has prepared a questionnaire for its mechanical members that was recently faxed and emailed.

"We are looking to become more pro-active on the mechanical front," says AASP/NJ President Tom Elder. "Our first step is to find out what our members’ goals are, and then see what we can do to help them reach those goals."

The effort is also in place to increase the mechanical membership. "Our plan is increase our services to the Mechanical Division and in turn spur interest in non-members to join," says AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant. "There are many mechanical shops out here with no voice whatsoever. We can provide that voice as well as provide many benefits to help the shop owners become better businessmen."

AASP/NJ’s most recent battle on the mechanical front has been with NJ’s latest attempt to lesson the state inspection program, putting more of a hardship on independent mechanical shops. "That battle isn’t over yet," Bryant add. "But if we had more mechanical members, we’d have a better chance of winning these issues. I can’t stress enough how important it is to become a part of AASP/NJ. Whether it is a legislative issue or an industry issue, there’s always strength in numbers. Ultimately, to get things done the right way, that’s what it’s all about."

AASP/NJ Voices Displeasure at  NJ-MVC Hearing

On Monday, July 17, 2006, professionals in the automotive repair and surrounding industries gathered at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in Trenton to voice their displeasure over proposed changes to the state’s inspection program. The proposed amendments to state motor vehicle and motorcycle inspection regulations would include reclassifying various safety issues – usually grounds for inspection failure – as simple “advisories.” These safety issues include (but are not limited to) cracked windshields, faulty windshield wipers, brake lights and license plate lights. Members and executives of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP/NJ), the Mechanics Education Association (MEA), AAA of NJ, the Repair Excellence Council, the NJ Gasoline Retailers Association (NJGRA), Local 518 (a labor union representing NJ vehicle inspection employees) and others were given the chance to each say their piece in front of an advisory committee comprised of MVC officials.

All who spoke in front of the committee mentioned the potentially harmful repercussions of weakening the inspection program. “I’m a former mechanic, and I know people will not fix their cars if you simply suggest it,” stated Pat Fiumara on behalf of the NJGRA.  “Vehicle inspection should not be left up to police officers to enforce when they pull drivers over. It’s just unrealistic.

AASP/NJ Past President Bob Everett agreed, citing human nature as a main reason why an amended vehicle inspection program would not work. “With the high cost of living right now, and gas nearing an all-time high, the motoring public will not spend money on vehicle repairs without fear of an inspection failure. To pretend that an advisory warning will prompt a fix is absurd. And to essentially ‘dumb down’ the inspection program in the name of saving a few dollars is equally ridiculous.”

“It would seem prudent to do all the math and explore all the options,” continued Everett. “The state has compiled evidence that the proposed plans would save money. However, has research been conducted to consider the number of jobs that will be lost, or what this amended inspection will cost the state in the long run?” the committee did not appear to have an answer for Everett.

Conspicuous in her absence was Chief Administrator Sharon Harrington, whose nonattendance was noted by many at the hearing. “I find it extremely disheartening that Ms. Harrington did not feel the need to be present this morning, considering the ultimate decision of this matter could adversely affect thousands of peoples’ livelihoods,” stated Everett during his address. 

The hearing was concluded after an address from AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant, who provided attendees with technical information and a reinforcement of the belief that proposed inspection amendments could cost the state a great deal not only in finances, but in safety as well. Statements were taken and will be reviewed by the MVC; in the meantime, members of the auto repair industry as well as the motoring public are encouraged to submit their comments concerning proposed inspection amendments to the Commission until August 18, 2006. Comments should be directed to: Steven E. Robertson, Director, Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Motor Vehicle Commission, 225 East State St., P.O. Box 162, Trenton, NJ 08666-0162.

AASP/NJ Urges Repairers and Consumers to Fight Proposed Inspection Changes

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), along with the state’s other two mechanical repair associations, (the Mechanic’s Education Association [MEA] and the Professional Automotive Technicians Association [PATA]), are urging all New Jersey repairers to attend a crucial public hearing on the state’s inspection program. The meeting will be held Monday, July 17, 2006 at 10:00 A.M. at the Motor Vehicle Commission’s 8th Floor East Wing Conference in Trenton.

“We realize that sometimes these announcements sound like typical ‘Chicken Little’ warnings,” says AASP/NJ’s Bob Everett. “But this is the real deal. The state is seriously considering cutting back its inspection program and that could be devastating to our industry as well as the general public.”

According to a proposal from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC), the state is considering amendments to its regulations pertaining to motor vehicle and motorcycle inspection standards as well as test procedures to be used by official inspection facilities and licensed private inspection facilities. The proposed amendments reclassify various minor safety equipment defects that are presently cause for motor vehicles and motorcycles to fail inspection, such minor safety equipment defects will no longer be cause for inspection failure requiring reinspection at official inspection facilities or licensed private inspection facilities. However, motorists will be advised to have the minor safety equipment defects corrected.

“If there ever was a time to act, that time is now,” Everett says. “Within the last few months, we have seen the sales tax raised, our small business taxes raised and our home owner rebates slashed, among other things. Unbelievable as it is, our state was even closed for a week.  So we shouldn’t be surprised if these amendments are passed as quickly as possible. That’s why we need to show our legislators that enough is enough. The inspection program in this state has been a shambles for over a decade and this is just another nail in the coffin of our industry as well as a threat to public safety. I strongly urge every one of the state’s repairers (and their customers) to either show up on Tuesday or call their representatives and tell them we won’t stand for this. We’re a tough bunch of people but after awhile, you can only take so much.”

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) has scheduled the 2^nd Annual Lou Scoras Memorial Golf outing for Monday, May 8 at the prestigious Bamm Hollow Country Club in Lincroft, NJ. The outing honors the memory of former Central Jersey Auto Body Association President and AASP/NJ member Lou Scoras, who passed away suddenly in 2005.

“Lou was a very important part of our association for so many years,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “In some way it’s a little comforting to know that we are honoring him each year with the outing. It’s one of the many ways his memory stays with us.”

“We all miss Lou terribly,” says AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant, who came up with the idea of honoring Scoras. “To get a chance to honor him the way we do enables us to keep his memory alive and let others know how much he meant to the association.”

The outing will serve lunch at 11:30am and have a shotgun start at 1pm followed by dinner at 6:30pm. Player and sponsor forms can be obtained by going to www.aaspnj.org or contacting Charles Bryant at 732-922-8909.   

Nick Kostakis Inducted into AASP/NJ Hall of Fame at NORTHEAST 2006

         Former AASP/NJ President Nick Kostakis was inducted into the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s Hall of Fame late last month. The induction ceremonies took place during the Saturday Night Dinner Dance at the NORTHEAST 2006 Trade Show, AASP/NJ’s annual flagship event. The event was held March 24, 25 and 26 at the Rockland Community College Arena in Suffern, NY.

         Kostakis, owner of Angelo’s Auto Body in Irvington, was elected AASP/NJ President in 2001 and served through 2003. He also played a crucial role in the merger of the state’s two automotive repair associations prior to his election. Along with his activity on the local level, Nick also served as president of AASP National following his term with AASP/NJ.

         “This an incredible honor,” a surprised Kostakis said following the presentation. “Being put in the company of people who have been elected in past years is very humbling for me. There’s no greater honor than to be honored by one’s peers.”

         Kostakis, a Warren resident, has been active in AASP/NJ for close to two decades. “The association does so much for the industry,” he says. “ I’m just proud to be a part of it.”

NORTHEAST 2006 Comes Alive for Exhibitors, Attendees

         Exhibitors and attendees from across the USA turned out in large numbers for this year’s NORTHEAST 2006 Trade Show, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s annual flagship event. The event was held March 24, 25 and 26 at the Rockland Community College Arena in Suffern, NY.

         Thousands of automotive repair professionals flocked to this year’s show, which featured close to 150 exhibitors spread across the huge arena floor along with two dozen seminars covering everything from Hybrid repair to stress management.

         “I must say we were pleasantly surprised with NORTHEAST 2006,” says AASP/NJ President Tom Elder. “With the industry in a down cycle and many other trade shows having a difficult time getting people to come out, we were pleased to see that not only did we match last year’s attendance numbers, but we topped them. I think that says a lot about how people feel about NORTHEAST. It has truly become a must-see event for repairers every year and we couldn’t be more proud.”

         Exhibitors were also thrilled with the show. “This year’s show was one of

the best we’ve attended in recent years,” says Metropolitan CAR-O-LINER’s Dave Demarest, Jr. “CAR-O-LINER has been a part of NORTHEAST since the beginning, and we are always pleased with the results we get as a show exhibitor. We’ve also gotten a lot of positive feedback from attendees who used our shuttle bus service this year – over 170 people utilized it over the three-day period. We’re very satisfied with our showing this year, and look forward to next year’s show.” Bert Schwartz of Rotary Lift added, “We were able to pick up a good number of contacts and potential buyers. It was a very positive experience. You’ll see us at NORTHEAST next year.”

         The show celebrated its 29^th year with a Saturday Night Comic Relief dinner where AASP/NJ gave out their annual awards. Honorees included Bigelow Auto Body (Stan Wilson/New Jersey Automotive Body Shop of the Year), Sea Breeze Auto Center (New Jersey Automotive Mechanical Shop of the Year), Bob Everett (Past President), Mike Kartanowicz (Russ Robson Scholarship) and Nick Kostakis, who was inducted into the AASP/NJ Hall of Fame.

         Attendees were able to see the latest technology available at the exhibitor booths. “We try to stay on the cutting edge by encouraging our exhibitors to showcase new products,” Elder adds. “That’s one of the biggest reasons people continue to turn out year after year.”

         As AASP/NJ prepares for the show’s 30^th anniversary in 2007, Elder says the association is already excited about continuing the show’s success. “We must be doing something right,” he says with a laugh. “Not many shows have been around as long as NORTHEAST and if this year is any indication, it will be here for quite some time to come.”

AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant Testifies on Behalf of Senate Bill 1208

         On March 6, 2006, Charles Bryant, executive director for the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), gave testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee in support of Senate Bill 1208. The bill would clarify the type of liability insurance coverage certain licensed auto body repair facilities must carry.

         Currently, collision shops throughout the state are required to carry $300,000 in Garage Keepers’ liability insurance in order to attain or renew an auto body repair facility license. S-1208 changes the insurance requirement of $300,000 in Garage Keepers Liability Insurance to Garage Liability Insurance and drops the amount of Garage Keepers Liability Insurance to $50,000.

         S-1208 would not only eliminate the need for some small shops to over-insure to meet insurance requirements, but would also protect consumers from certain damages resulting from operations of an auto body repair facility. Holding the minimum requirement of $50,000 in Garage Keepers’ liability insurance still protects customers whose cars are in the care of a repair facility that may not otherwise maintain an amount of coverage in this area (the larger shops will likely maintain even more than the minimum $50,000 in this area because of their exposure).

         According to Bryant, even the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission agrees that legislation should be passed to rectify this issue of consumer protection. “It is now our hope that this legislation can stay on the fast track and get passed before September of this year, when all New Jersey collision shops must renew their auto body license.”   

AASP/NJ Offers Compliance Packages at NORTHEAST 2006

      Responding to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ-MVC)’s notice informing all New Jersey licensed collision shops that the NJ-MVC is presently conducting compliance inspections, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) will provide member shops with an exclusive compliance package at this year’s NORTHEAST 2006 trade show. NORTHEAST 2006 will be held March 24, 25, & 26, at the Rockland Community College Arena in Suffern, NY.

      The compliance package was specifically designed by AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant to bring New Jersey shops into compliance. Bryant has worked closely with the NJ-MVC over the past few years and gained insight into the many facets of getting shops into compliance. "This is just one more reason to attend NORTHEAST 2006," AASP/NJ

President Tom Elder says. "Right now, compliance is the major issue for collision shops in New Jersey. Charlie has put together a hell of a package that AASP/NJ is extremely proud of. The NJ-MVC has also very happy with the package. In fact, in some instances, we have heard the NJ-MVC go into shops, see our compliance package and acknowledge the shop is making an effort to comply. When they see the package, they know the shop is on top of things."

      The compliance package is exclusive to AASP/NJ member shops. "AASP/NJ had advance warning that the inspections were going to be taking place and prepared a full compliance package that has been approved by the NJ-MVC," Bryant says. "We feel this is something that shows our members that their membership dollars work. We want to make sure all of the shops in New Jersey are licensed and in compliance. A great way for shops to accomplish that is by joining AASP/NJ. NORTHEAST 2006 gives them a perfect opportunity."

         One of the hottest rising comics in the entertainment industry, John Rizzi will be headlining the annual Saturday Night Comic Relief Dinner at the NORTHEAST 2006 Trade Show. NORTHEAST 2006, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s annual flagship event, will be held March 24, 25 and 26 at the Rockland Community College Arena in Suffern, NY. The Saturday Night Comic Relief Dinner will take place on March 25 at the event’s headquarters hotel, the Holiday Inn in Suffern.

         “The Saturday Night Comic Relief Dinner really serves as a break for everyone who attends the show,” AASP/NJ President Tom Edler says. “It’s a time for attendees to sit back, have a great dinner and a few drinks, and then enjoy a great comedy show. It’s a way for our industry to get together in a more relaxed, fun atmosphere.”

         John Pizzi has brought his unique brand of comedy to audiences around the country John Pizzi & Andy have been the opening act for Jerry Vale, Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge, Joy Behar, Weird Al Yankovic, the Trammps, the Regents, Al Martino,  Clint Holmes, the Supremes and many more. Performing as a national headliner at comedy clubs, resorts, colleges and theaters they have traveled across the United States. John Pizzi is a regular at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City and a member of the Friars Club in NYC and LA.

         “Every year we have a great time at the dinner dance,” Elder adds. “I am looking forward to doing the same at NORTHEAST 2006.”

NORTHEAST 2006 Adds Shuttle Bus Service

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s annual flagship event, NORTHEAST 2006, will be adding a shuttle bus service for its attendees and exhibitors this year. The show, held March 24, 25 and 26 at the Rockland Community College Arena in Suffern, NY, is the largest regional show of its kind and will present everything under the automotive repair sun through “Innovation, Technology and Training.”

“Every year we try and add new things to improve the show,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “Since our show is regionally-driven, over the years, as the show has grown, we noticed that many attendees would have to walk a distance due to the large number of people who drive to the show. To that end, this year we wanted to make it that much easier for those attendees and exhibitors by hiring a shuttle bus service that will pick them up and bring them to the front door of the show and back to their cars.”

The shuttle will run continuously throughout the three-day event, making commuting to NORTHEAST easier than ever. “Once this idea was presented to us, we knew we wanted to be a part of it,” says Dave Demarest, Jr., of Metropolitan Car-O-Liner, who will be co-sponsoring (with AASP/NJ) the shuttle. “As a long-time exhibitor, we have heard many suggestions from attendees over the years and the shuttle bus idea always seemed to be one that came up regularly. We think it’s a concept that will add to an already prestigious show.”

NORTHEAST 2006 will be held March 24, 25, 26 at the Rockland Community College Arena in Suffern, NY.

Geico Welcomes Open Dialogue with AASP/NJ

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) has begun an open dialogue with Geico Insurance that will hopefully create an atmosphere of communication between the two in the state of New Jersey.

AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant initiated the contact between AASP/NJ and Geico. “Back in November and again in December of 2005 I sent a letter to Geico on behalf of the AASP/NJ,” Bryant says, “requesting that they reconsider their policy of issuing two party checks for supplements and only include the lienholder or lease company on the first check for repairs.”

For two months, AASP/NJ did not hear anything from the company. However late in January, Bryant received a letter. “To my amazement the response was even more positive than what I expected,” he says. “Geico agreed to accommodate our request and asked for a short period of time to get their staff trained on this new practice. They further relayed their hope to foster a positive relationship with AASP/NJ in the near future and welcomed an open dialogue. Geico concluded the letter by suggesting that we not hesitate to contact either of the two New Jersey auto damage managers should we have any future concerns and supplied the full contact information for both. I think this is a major step in the right direction for our industry.”

Bryant was even more excited about the potential help the dialogue will bring AASP/NJ members. “I think it will certainly help our members,” he adds. “The really good news is that we have opened the doors of communication and hopefully we will be in a much better position to address other issues with Geico as they arise.”

Exhibitors Look to Introduce New Products at NORTHEAST 2006

Over 150 exhibitors in over 400 booths will unveil their latest products at the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s annual flagship event, NORTHEAST 2006. NORTHEAST 2006 will be held March 24, 25 and 26 at the Rockland Community College Arena in Suffern, NY. The largest regional show of its kind, NORTHEAST 2006 will showcase each exhibitor through three days of “Innovation, Technology and Training.”

“Since we are the industry’s first show of the year, exhibitors like to introduce their latest products and technology at NORTHEAST,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder says. “NORTHEAST 2006 gives them the perfect opportunity to meet face-to-face with their customers who do business in the busiest region in the country.”

Along with the trade show, NORTHEAST 2006 also provides a full slate of seminars and training. “We want the automotive professional to come to NORTHEAST 2006 and be able to not only see and learn about the latest equipment,” Elder adds, “but to come to the show and be educated as well. I think this year we have topped ourselves with regard to the educational programs we have to put together.”

NORTHEAST 2006’s educational programs offer everything from I-CAR to ATI and everything in-between. “We have made the transition from a collision show to a total automotive show,” Elder says. “With the continued expansion of our mechanical seminars added to our collision slate, along with our huge trade show floor, we have just about every aspect of automotive repair covered.”

AASP/NJ Announces NORTHEAST 2006 Leadership Conferences

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) has released its educational seminar schedule for the association¹s flagship event, NORTHEAST 2006. Thousands of industry professionals will make their way to Suffern, New York the weekend of March 24-26 to see the latest in industry Innovation, Technology and Training.

"We¹ve really put together a solid program of seminars this year," says AASP/NJ President Tom Elder. "We understand the needs of the industry professional and each year we strive to meet those needs with the most up-to-date informative and educational seminars available."

The weekend will kick off on Friday, March 24th with the AMI/ATI class "Cash Profits Boot Camp" and will be followed with two of the most important events of the year: The 2006 Collision East Coast Resolution Forum & Leadership Meeting and the 2006 Mechanical East Coast Resolution Forum & Leadership Meeting. "These two meetings bring together leaders from across the country to discuss problems we all face in our day to day businesses," Elder says. "In my opinion, they are the most ambitious industry forums in the country."

Invited participants for the 2006 Collision East Coast Resolution Forum & Leadership Meeting include:

Autobody Association of Connecticut
Autobody Craftsmen¹s Guild (NY)
Lehigh Valley Collision Repair Association
Massachusetts Autobody Association
New Hampshire Collision Repair Association, Inc.
SCRS
Westchester-Putnam-Rockland Autobody Association
Western NY Autobody Association
New York State Auto Collision Association 
Long Island Auto Body Collision Repairmans Association (LIABRA)

Invited participants for the 2006 Mechanical East Coast Resolution Forum & Leadership Meeting include:
Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of PA
Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of MASS/RI
Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Maine
New York State Service Station Operators
Long Island Gas Station Retailers Group
New York State Transmission Group
Tire Industry Association
NY Repair Shop & Gasoline Dealers Association (RSGDA)
NY Service Station & Repair Shop Operators of Upstate New York (SSROUNY)
New England Service Station & Automotive Repair Association (NESSARA)

NORTHEAST 2006 will be held March 24, 25, 26 at the Rockland Community College Arena in Suffern, NY.

State of New Jersey Picks Up Effort in Search for Unlicensed Shops

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) has alerted its membership that the State of New Jersey has intensified its search for unlicensed shops over the past few months. According to the Bridgeton (NJ) News, over 60 auto body shops in New Jersey were recently cited with notices of violation in an inter-agency undercover investigation by the Division of Consumer Affairs and the State Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ-MVC).

Investigators visited 247 shops in late 2005 to determine whether or not shops were licensed when offering auto body repair services. Of 124 that provided repair estimates to investigators, 60 were not licensed when the estimate was given. The shops were cited with notices of violation of the Consumer Fraud Act and will be fined $5,000 in civil penalties and are required to pay investigative costs of $500.

“This is the kind of enforcement we have been fighting for over two decades,” AASP/NJ President Tom Elder said. “AASP/NJ has been working long and hard to educate our members as well as our legislators and state government with regard to the large amount of unlicensed shops operating throughout the state. Finally, it seems that all the hard work is paying off.

Although many shops may fear the inspections, AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant says in most cases, those fears are unfounded. “If the shops are up to standard and in compliance, they should be ecstatic the state is making an effort to punish those who haven’t done what they have to fulfill the state’s requirements. That’s why we have ongoing meetings that continually update and educate our members as to what the state is looking for. That is one of the most valuable assets AASP/NJ has to offer.”

AASP/NJ Re-Names Award in Honor of Stan Wilson

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)'s official publication, New Jersey Automotive, has announced that its annual Body Shop of the Year Award will be now known as the Stan Wilson Body Shop of the Year Award. Wilson, an integral part of the association for the last 40 years, passed away in July 2005. The award is given out annually at AASP/NJ's NORTHEAST trade show in March.

"We've been trying to think of a way to honor Stan's memory in a lasting manner," New Jersey Automotive Publisher and AASP/NJ longtime Board member Thomas Greco says, "and what better way could we do that than re-naming the award that exemplifies excellence in his industry after him? Stan had done so much for the association, especially the trade show, and it just seemed like a perfect idea. It really is the least we could do."

The award has been given out by the association and the publication for the last 18 years at the NORTHEAST dinner dance. This year's presentations will be held at the Holiday Inn in Suffern on Saturday, March 25. "Every year, the NORTHEAST show adds something new," says AASP/NJ President Tom Elder. "Whether it be new seminars or new exhibitors, we always try and present something exciting and meaningful to those who attend. For those of us who worked with Stan for so many years, the re-naming of the award will make this year even more special."

"People like Stan don't come along every day," Greco adds, "and we all miss him. In some small way, I hope re-naming the award will keep his memory alive not only for those of us who knew him, but also for those who didn't."

NORTHEAST 2006 will be held March 24, 25, 26 at the Rockland Community College Arena in Suffern, NY.

AASP Inks National Discount Deal with Waste Management

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) announced that the association has signed an agreement with Waste Management, Inc., to provide a discount on waste removal services for AASP-member automotive repair facilities nationwide. Under the terms of the pact, AASP members participating in the program will be eligible to receive discounts on non-hazardous waste removal services.

AASP President Pat Andersen of Anoka Auto Care in Anoka, Minnesota, said, "AASP-Minesota has had a similar program in place for a couple of years. Many of our members that participate in the state program have found that the money they save from this program alone more than covers the cost of their annual dues. I have no doubt that the AASP National program will be every bit as valuable and successful as our state program."

"We at Waste Management are thrilled to have an association the stature of AASP as one of our national accounts," National Accounts Manager Tim Henry stated. "Waste Management will be able to provide AASP members a one-stop solution for their waste removal and recycling needs."

Note to Editors:  NFIB is now offering the latest NFIB news and information via RSS feeds. To subscribe to one or more feeds, or to get more information about the topic-specific feeds available, please go to www.NFIB.com/rss.

NFIB Member Testifies for Pro-Consumer Auto Repair Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 10, 2005 - A National Federation of Independent Business member and business owner testified before Congress today in support of legislation to maximize choices for consumers when deciding where to have their cars maintained and repaired.

Bob Everett of Bayville, New Jersey, owner of Bayville Auto Care and an NFIB member since 1986, testified before the Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in support of HR 2048, the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act.  The “Right to Repair” bill would require auto manufacturers to make available all the information necessary to diagnose, service or repair a motor vehicle.   

Everett stated in his testimony that Right to Repair “attempts to address an inequity in the car repair market by guaranteeing consumers the right to choose how and where they have their vehicles repaired.  As more and more of a vehicle’s functions are controlled by onboard computers, independent repair facilities have found it more difficult to obtain the information necessary to repair their customer’s cars.  When this information cannot be obtained from the manufacturers, NFIB members find themselves in the difficult position of having to tell their customers they are unable to make repairs and refer them to a dealer.”   

On-board computers control braking, ignition, security, steering, emissions, climate control and other systems in newly manufactured automobiles, and this trend increases each year.  

“Restoring competition to the marketplace is good for the consumer and good for small business.  It is very important to note that H.R. 2048 does not require auto manufacturers to disclose any trade secrets or proprietary information, and NFIB members are not asking for that.  We do, however, insist on level playing field.  We are not looking for a competitive advantage over the manufacturers or dealers – we just want to be able to serve our customers and run our businesses,” Everett testified.   

NFIB represents over 24,000 small, independent repair shops across the country, and they are strongly supportive of the legislation.  H.R. 2048 is sponsored by the Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman, Rep. Joe Barton (Tex.), and has 66 cosponsors including members from both political parties. 

The National Federation of Independent Business is the nation’s largest small-business advocacy group. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1943, NFIB represents the consensus views of its 600,000 members in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals. 

For immediate release                                                            Contact Thomas Greco: 973-667-6922

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s longtime member and mechanical repair professional Rick Allen of Rick Allen’s Auto Repair in Hampton, NJ was recently honored by CARQUEST as a winner of their 2005 Excellence Award. The honor, which recognizes independent automotive repair facilities demonstrating superior professionalism and excellence in day-to-day business practices, was bestowed upon Allen on October 28 in Raleigh, N.C.

“It is a privilege and an honor to win the CARQUEST Excellence Award as the first technician to win it while also a past Technician of the Year recipient,” said Allen, who in 2003 won CARQUEST’s TECH-NET Professional Auto Service/ASE Technician of the Year award. “I can’t thank my wife Cheryl, son Rick Jr. and daughter Michelle enough for all their love and support. I am also very grateful to all my employees as well as my customers, without whose loyalty this award, as well as 20 years of dedicated service and success would not be possible.”

“We are so proud to have Rick as a member of our association,” says AASP/NJ President Tom Elder. “He represents all that is great about our industry and we are lucky to have him as a participant in AASP/NJ. We applaud his efforts and congratulate him on this extremely impressive honor.”

Rick Allen has more than 30 years experience in the auto repair industry, and holds 33 ASE certifications with four Master certifications, with L-1 and L-2. Allen has been an active member of the AASP/NJ as well as a dedicated member of his community. He is a member of the Hampton Volunteer Fire Co., and supports the Hampton Recreation Association through sponsorships, advertising and field scholarships. He also recently raised over $100,000 to take World War II veterans to Washington, DC to visit the WWII Memorial.

   “There is no more selfless, generous person than Rick Allen,” says Rob Walton, former mayor of Hampton, NJ and current city council member. “He is an exemplary auto repairer, Hampton resident and American. No one is more deserving of this award than Rick.”

Contact:           Bob Redding

                        202-543-1440

                        b.redding@att.net

For Release:  Immediate

                      News Bulletin

                      September 1, 2005

 AASP, ASA and SCRS Send Joint Letter to NCOIL

Concerning Aftermarket Crash Parts Certification Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 1, 2005 – The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP), Automotive Service Association (ASA) and the Society of Collision Repair Specialist (SCRS) have sent a joint letter to the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) responding to their request for comments for further consideration of aftermarket crash parts certification.

           On July 7^, 2005 each of the organizations submitted written comments and/or testified in opposition to the Certified Aftermarket Crash Parts Model Act at NCOIL’s summer meeting in Rhode Island.

          The organizations, representing a majority of U.S. collision repairers, expressed their support for vehicle owners to be given notice as to the types of replacement crash parts being used in the repair of their vehicles as well as consent to the use of those parts in writing.

          Reporting in their written comments, “AASP, ASA and SCRS have, for the past several years, been working closely with the manufacturers of certified aftermarket parts to improve their quality and consistency.  All three associations have sent representatives to Taiwan to meet with the manufacturers and government officials.”

          The organizations continued, “Collision repairers are unable to identify aftermarket manufacturers because certified aftermarket parts are sold as “certified” and not by a specific manufacturer.  This matter is further complicated because we feel the certification standards are incomplete, and are not consistently enforced by the current certification entities in place.  This allows poorly manufactured parts to be certified and sold in the same market as the higher quality certified parts.”

          “We applaud the efforts of NCOIL in their attempt to ensure the quality and safety of aftermarket parts.  We believe that if this particular legislation were enacted, the industry would be left dealing with certification entities whose systems have proven to be flawed and have demonstrated their inability to monitor the production of high quality replacement crash parts acceptable to the marketplace on a consistent basis,” stated Tom Moreland, SCRS’s Chairman.

          Nick Kostakis, AASP’s Immediate Past President said, “This NCOIL activity stands to have the opposite effect of its stated purpose of protecting consumers, and may actually hinder ongoing efforts to identify and resolve fundamental flaws in the current aftermarket parts certification model.”

          Darrell Amberson, ASA Collision Operations Director, added, “We want to continue to work with NCOIL and state legislatures around the country to improve the replacement crash parts marketplace.  The certification proposal being considered is not the answer for our industry.”

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the lower court erred in certifying a nationwide class in the Avery vs State Farm Non-OEM Parts case because of different language in different policies.

It appears that the main reason the case was overturned has to do more with the mechanics of the law than the issues related to the quality of aftermarket parts.

More information will appear here once the 80 page decision has been reviewed.

Rep. Barton Reintroduces Right to Repair Act to Congress

Posted: May 4, 2005, 9 a.m., EST

BETHESDA, MD -- The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act, sponsored by Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) was reintroduced to Congress yesterday. This time, the bill includes new language clarifying what would be the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) role in enforcement of the legislation, as well as clarified language on car company trade secrets.

Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), which spearheaded and actively lobbies for the Right to Repair campaign, commented on the news.

“Early introduction of the legislation in the 109th Congress reflects a sense of growing support within the aftermarket industry and on Capitol Hill,” said Schmatz. “Rep. Barton expressed optimism that the bill would pass this session when he addressed aftermarket businessmen at the recent AAIA Aftermarket Legislative Summit.”

The legislation would require the car companies to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independents that they provide their franchised dealer networks. Architects of the Right to Repair Act added new language to clarify that car company trade secrets are protected unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealer. New language also provides more detail on the role of the Federal Trade Commission’s role in enforcing the legislation.

“The bill was never intended to steal the car company proprietary information, as opponents continually allege, however the language changes should help provide the car companies with the confidence that they will only be required to provide the information and tool capabilities that they had committed to in their September 2001 letter to Congress,” said Schmatz. “Passage of this legislation will ensure that the car company promises to make information available are actual commitments over the long term”

“There never has been a better opportunity to pass this legislation than during the 109th Congress,” said Aaron Lowe, AAIA vice president of government affairs. “In the last Congress we succeeded in signing 118 cosponsors and received a very favorable hearing by the Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee of House Energy and Commerce. In order to continue this momentum and achieve our goal of enactment during this Congress, all aftermarket companies are urged to write their elected official urging them to sign on as sponsors of the legislation.”

AASP/NJ strongly supports the Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act.

Three New Jersey State legislators met with the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s Chapter Two members at a Town Hall meeting in Tuckahoe on April 19.

Sen. Nicholas Asselta, Assemblymen Jack Gibson and Jeff Van Drew met with over 60 members for a two hour meeting focusing on the concerns of the repair industry, specifically the failing state inspection program.

“I feel that we had an EXCELLENT meeting,” AASP/NJ President Bob Everett said. “We got a commitment from Assemblyman Van Drew to cosponsor our two collision bills (aftermarket parts and paint point of sale); Assemblyman Gibson asked several times if we could handle the inspection volume if we went decentralized, and Senator Azzelta asked for more detail and a better summary of our points and was clearly interested. They all remember the political turmoil of the last process and strongly encouraged us to continue to be proactive.”

AASP/NJ wanted to impress upon the legislators the fact that the state’s independent repairers were more than capable of handling inspections without the help of the state-approved and contracted Parsons Infrastructure and Technology company. “It’s time for the state to realize the Parsons’deal was a mistake,” Everett says. “Not only for the shops but for the consumer as well. I think our representatives — at least the three who took the time to join us – finally understand that.”

Based on the success of the meeting, Everett says AASP/NJ will be looking to set up similar meetings in chapters throughout the state. “This is the best way to approach our representatives,” he adds. “By coming out and showing how concerned we are about what’s going on and the knowledge we have of the situation, we can finally get Trenton educated. Then they can become the ‘repairers’ of a badly broken inspection system.”

New Jersey MVC Inspection Plans Concern AASP/NJ

    New Jersey’s three leading mechanical repair associations, the
Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), the
Mechanic’s Education Association (MEA) and the Professional Automotive
Technicians Association (PATA), have been made aware of the Motor
Vehicle Commission’s (MVC) preliminary plans to modify the state’s
safety inspection program.
    As a result of NJ’s severe budget deficits, MVC has announced plans to
modify the current safety inspection, changing many items from
"failures’ to ‘advisories." AASP/NJ feels that public safety will be
exchanged for minimal cost savings by decreasing the number of
re-inspections at the lanes operated by the state’s inspection business
partner, Parson’s Infrastructure & Technology Group. The potential
changes to the system are the latest attempts to fix a bad program that
has cost too much money and seriously under-performed. "We are also
very concerned by the rumors that the safety inspection will ultimately
be eliminated to provide further cost savings," AASP/NJ President Bob
Everett says. According to sources, the state’s plans also call for
doubled fines for those who do not repair their vehicles, which in
effect requires police to become the inspectors that the state already
has on their payroll — a method that suggests NJ taxpayers will be
punished twice (doubled fines with decreased services).
    "It doesn’t seem to make any sense to cut back on safety inspections
in the country’s most densely-populated state," adds MEA’s Dave Scaler,
an automotive expert who has testified in Washington D.C. many times on
the industry’s behalf.
    All three groups have been working closely with the state over the
past five years to ensure a safe and fair inspection system. "Every
report or study — whether it be by the state or a third party — has
concluded that the Private Inspection Facilities (PIFs) have gone over
and above what was expected from the start" says PATA’s Rick Ferber.
"It would seem to make sense that the inspection system should be
handled by business owners who are New Jersey residents and taxpayers.
Yet year-after-year we have a California company (Parsons) affecting
the decisions regarding the safety of our state’s vehicles. The state
just doesn’t get it." After hundreds of shops have spent tens of
thousands of dollars on equipment to meet the system requirements over
that time, these latest rumors seem to mark a major step backward for
everyone involved. "This is the latest example of the state’s total
disregard for the investments and livelihood of NJ’s small business PIF
community," Everett states. "As the state once again prepares to hire
another consultant to look at fixing this program, this only reinforces
our position that we will not be able to recommend that our shops
participate in the next program. The state has shown time and time and
time again that they can not cost-efficiently operate a program so
vital to the health and safety of New Jersey residents."
   
    AASP/NJ will be monitoring the state’s actions very closely in the
coming months. Everett, for one, has had enough. "It is time for the
state to get out of the inspection business and let the private
community provide the service. The NJ auto repair community will
provide expert service more efficiently and at greatly reduced cost."

   NORTHEAST 2005 Announces Education & Training Seminars

    The Alliance of Automotive Service Professionals/New Jersey (AASP/NJ)
has announced an outstanding education and training seminar schedule
for their flagship event, NORTHEAST 2005: Leave The Competition Behind!
This year’s show takes place the weekend of April 1-3, 2005.
    The schedule kicks off on Friday, April 1, at 8:30 a.m. with the
one-day management workshop, "Road Map to Success," presented by
Automotive Training Institute instructor Matt "Wintoe" Winslow. The
seminar will be held at the NORTHEAST 2005 host hotel, the Holiday
Inn-Suffern.  Later on the day, NORTHEAST will host the 2005 Collision
East Coast Resolution Forum & Leadership meeting as well as the 2005
Mechanical East Coast Resolution Forum & Leadership at the same
location.
    Once the NORTHEAST 2005 trade show kicks off at 6 p.m., the seminars
kick in at 8 p.m. and run through the show’s closing on Sunday, April
3.

For the complete list of training classes and seminars, more show information or to register online CLICK HERE.

NORTHEAST 2005 will take place on
 April 1, 2, and 3 of 2005.
   

Congressman Barton Predicts Right to Repair Act Passage This Year

Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, was strongly optimistic in predicting passage this year of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act legislation that he will re-introduce to the 109th Congress during remarks to more than 250 attendees at the Aftermarket Legislative Summit this week. 
Wearing a "Support the Right to Repair Act" button, Congressman Barton urged summit attendees to follow up on their experience in Washington, D.C. by meeting with their elected officials in their home district, reinforcing the value of grass roots advocacy efforts. Barton's encouraging remarks preceded 200 appointments with legislators and key staff from 37 states. 

"Everyone at the summit was energized by the encouraging words from Rep. Barton, the bill's sponsor and chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee," said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). "There is truly a sense that momentum and support for our legislation is growing."

The legislation achieved a milestone last year with 118 co-sponsors. While 5,400 bills were introduced in Congress last year, only 4 percent were able to collect 100 or more co-sponsors.

Summit attendees also heard from Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Mich., sponsor of the Stop Counterfeiting in Manufactured Goods Act of 2005 (H.R. 32). Rep. Knollenberg explained how the legislation would tighten existing criminal sanctions against counterfeiters by mandating the destruction of equipment and materials used for making and packaging counterfeit goods.

More than 300 aftermarket representatives and congressional leaders and staffers attended a special reception at the Rayburn House Office Building on Tuesday evening. Ray Evernham, NASCAR team owner and president and CEO of Evernham Motorsports, was on-hand to talk with guests and take photos.

Other issues addressed at the summit were asbestos litigation reform and association health plans.

To learn how you can send thank-you notes or for other summit follow up information, visit www.aftermarket.org.

Acting Governor Richard J. Codey has accepted the resignation of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Holly C. Bakke.

In her resignation letter to the Acting Governor, Bakke indicated her desire to spend more time with her son and to become more involved with her community. Her resignation is effective March 1.

The department announcement did not name a successor

“ATTENTION AASP/NJ COLLISION MEMBERS”

Yih Sheng Auto Parts Ind. Co., Ltd.
No. 230, Lau Chuang  Rd., Yang Mei,

Tao Yuan Hsien, Taiwan R.O.C.

PRESS RELEASE

Aftermarket Replacement Hoods for 2001-2003 Hyundai Elantras

Contact: Karen Fierst
for more Information
301-681-4383

Kfierst@aol.com 

             Tao Yuan Hsien, Taiwan, R.O.C. (January 17, 2004)  Yih Sheng Auto Parts Ind. Co. has issued the recall of their aftermarket replacement hoods for the Hyundai Elantra, model years 2001 – 2003.  All suspect parts were sold under the Yih Sheng brand name, and are being recalled because of a possible faulty hood latch assembly.  The company is aware of two accident claims in which it appears the hood latch assemblies failed, allowing the hood to release during vehicle operation.

Affected hoods, which are not made in accordance with any certification program, were outsourced by Yih Sheng between December 2003 and May 2004, but sold under the Yih Sheng name and in their packaging.  Approximately 1,350 hoods were manufactured during that time period.  In June 2004 Yih Sheng began producing these parts in house.  Only the outsourced hoods have been identified as possibly having faulty hood latch assemblies.  However, prior to December 27, 2004 the Yih Sheng parts bore no identifying markings.  Because of this, it is impossible to distinguish between the affected lots and those that were manufactured in house and should not have faulty latch assemblies. 

Therefore to ensure the safety of the motoring public and avoid any further hazards Yih Sheng has elected to voluntarily recall and replace all suspect parts purchased or installed between January 2004 and December 2004.  Including the quarantined hoods in distributor inventory, approximately 3,200 hoods are subject to this recall. The manufacturer is requesting that all members of the collision industry cooperate in this recall effort by following specific steps to prevent further incidents.     

Trading companies purchasing these hoods were requested by Yih Sheng to have their distributor customers quarantine all inventory on December 24, 2004.  The notice was issued by the trading companies, as requested, and it is believed that all sales of these parts have halted.

Yih Sheng is requesting that all U.S. distributors follow the recall protocol by contacting their collision repair customers who have purchased the parts in question and may have installed them between January and December 2004.

In the meantime, the manufacturer is also requesting Collision Repair shops to review their records for Hyundai Elantra repairs performed during this time period and determine whether a Yih Sheng aftermarket replacement hood was installed.  If it is determined that an aftermarket hood under the Yih Sheng label was used, the vehicle owner should be contacted immediately to schedule an exchange for a new hood, at no cost to them or to the collision shop.  All exchanges and reimbursements should be coordinated with your aftermarket part distributor.  All questions, or requests for more information, should also be directed to your aftermarket part distributor.

If for any reason your local distributor does not provide the necessary services and cooperation to conduct this recall, there are alternatives.  A number of companies have agreed to assist Yih Sheng with this recall, providing services in accordance with the recall protocol.  Should you need additional assistance, please contact the following distributors:

Across America Collision Parts (AACP)  1-800-601-9222, ext. 234 John Stuart

Action Crash Parts                                            1-800-282-0380

Keystone Automotive                              1-877-539-7322

As a responsible manufacturer, Yih Sheng regrets any inconvenience caused by this situation and encourages you to contact your local distributor, AACP, Action or Keystone if you have any comments, questions or current concerns regarding this recall program.

 *Yih Sheng is neither affiliated with nor sponsored or endorsed by Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Motor America or their affiliated companies.

New Jersey Banking and Insurance Commissioner Holly C. Bakke issued the Department's second annual Auto Insurance Consumer Information Report.

The report includes insurance companies that insure more than 3,000 vehicles each and have conducted business in New Jersey for at least one year. Companies are ranked by the number of valid complaints compared to the total number of cars insured.

Valid complaints are those where the insurer's actions were found to have violated state insurance rules or laws or should have been resolved by the carrier without the Department's involvement.

The Department urges consumers who feel their insurance company is not meeting its obligation to them to file a complaint directly with the Department. Consumers can write to Consumer Protection Services, Department of Banking and Insurance, P.O. Box 329, Trenton, NJ 08625, call (609) 292-5316, or visit the Department's online complaint form.

2004 Ranking Worst to Best

• 1 METROPOLITAN GROUP 0.26
• 2 RUTGERS CASUALTY 0.24
• 3 ELECTRIC 0.22
• 4 AAA MID-ATLANTIC 0.18
• 5 NJ CURE 0.16
• 6 IFA 0.16
• 7 HARTFORD GROUP 0.14
• 8 ENCOMPASS 0.11
• 9 AIIC-NJ, DE 0.09
• 10 FIRST TRENTON 0.09
• 11 PROFORMANCE 0.08
• 12 NJ SKYLANDS 0.07
• 13 HANOVER 0.07
• 14 CONSUMER FIRST 0.07
• 15 ALLSTATE 0.06
• 16 LIBERTY MUTUAL 0.06
• 17 MERCURY 0.05
• 18 AIG CENTENNIAL 0.05
• 19 NATIONAL GENERAL 0.04
• 20 AMICA 0.04
• 21 STATE FARM 0.03
• 22 FARM FAMILY 0.03
• 23 PARKWAY 0.03
• 24 CHUBB 0.02
• 25 SELECTIVE 0.02
• 26 USAA 0.02
• 27 HIGH POINT 0.01
• 28 NEW JERSEY MANUFACTURERS 0.01
• 29 ATLANTIC MUTUAL GROUP 0.00
• 29 FOUNDERS 0.00
• 29 LANCER 0.00
• 29 PALISADES 0.00

The following companies were not ranked due to insufficient data or other circumstances

• GEICO
• STATE NATIONAL (In run-off)
• PUBLIC SERVICE MUTUAL (In run-off)
• MERCHANTS (In run-off)
• UTICA (In run-off)
• MOTOR CLUB (In run-off)

As the automotive aftermarket plans to resume its battle for the Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair in the 109th Congress, the inauguration is a reminder of the similarities between the challenges motoring consumers face today to those they faced in the early repair market, notes David Parde, president of the Coalition of Automotive Repair Equality (CARE).

"Today's inaugural heralds the 100th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's inauguration. Roosevelt was the first US president ever to drive an automobile, in August of 1902. Vehicle repair challenges during Roosevelt's time and those of today share many common elements," he says.

Roosevelt's first car and the first White House car was the Columbia Electric Victoria. Early in the 20th century, electric cars were the "range champions" between stops traveling upwards of 40 miles between charges.

"Even then," says Parde, "motoring consumers were faced with repair problems similar to what they face today. Early drivers of electric cars had limited access to convenient and reasonably priced repair. Access to proper charging facilities was difficult. In general, only the well-to-do could afford to have their residences wired."

He continues, "Similarly, just because you own a car today doesn't mean you have easy access to repair facilities, due to the carmakers' lock out of information to the independent repair shops. Just because your car needs repair doesn't mean you can always run down to your favorite repair shop and have your technician plug into the car's computer and diagnose or repair your car. Chances are your technician will have to send it to the dealer because the car company does not provide the information to independent repair shops.

"If the Right to Repair isn't passed, and the dealers become the only option for vehicle service, this situation will get even worse. Repair shops may become obsolete and only the well to do will be able to fix their cars. We are going to work hard to make sure this doesn't happen."

The Right to Repair bill was introduced in the last Congress and obtained 118 co-sponsors in the U.S. House and 11 in the U.S. Senate. It awaits re-introduction in the 109th Congress.

Click Here to Support the RTR Act

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ-MVC) has added a list of the state's licensed collision repair shops to their official website, www.state.nj.us/mvc.

The website addition is the result of the determined efforts of Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ) Executive Director Charles Bryant.

Bryant spent several months working with the NJ-MVC in order to have the agency post the list. "The main reason we worked to have this done is that in New Jersey, insurers are prohibited from negotiating the settlement of any physical damage claim involving an automobile with an unlicensed auto body repair facility," Bryant says. "They are also prohibited from utilizing an unlicensed facility in the adjustment, negotiation or settlement of such a claim."

"Insurers are required to make a diligent effort to determine if a shop is licensed. Until now, the insurers could make the argument that it was difficult to follow the rules because of the lack of access to the state list of licensed shops. Now that the NJ-MVC has made the list available on their website, that argument will no longer be valid. It is my opinion, as it states in the regulation, an insurer should not go to any unlicensed shop to inspect a vehicle or utilize the unlicensed shop in the adjustment, negotiation or settlement of a claim."

"This is quite an accomplishment for AASP/NJ," adds AASP/NJ President Bob Everett. "This just one example of many of how much Charles has done for the association in his short time as Executive Director. It also shows that the NJ-MVC and the Insurance Department are willing to work with us in order to make this a better industry for all concerned."

The posting of the list also works for consumers and others according to Bryant. "Consumers can search the list to see if a particular shop is licensed before going to the shop or authorizing any work," he says. "The law enforcement community can access the website when looking for hit and run vehicles. But again, most importantly, all insurance companies can access the website before going to a shop to inspect a vehicle and negotiate the cost of the repair of a vehicle."

  AASP/NJ Member Named NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year

NAPA Auto Parts and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ) member Jeff Walker the 2005 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year.

Walker, owner of Walker's Automotive Services in Pleasantville, New Jersey, has 32 years experience. He began pumping gas in 1972 at age 16 and then realized a lifelong dream of owning a repair business in 1994. Walker first leased two bays at a gas station before opening his own 6,000 square-foot, eight-bay facility less than two years later.
                                         
"This award is something I've aspired to during my career and winning it means I've begun reaching some of the goals I set for myself," said Walker, who is a recertified Master ASE technician with L1 and L2 Certification.

In fact, Walker is certified in 28 ASE categories and is in the top .1 percent of all people with ASE credentials. Walker's resume includes extensive training and continuing education that add to his credentials and build his body of knowledge. His commitment to training extends to the staff at Walker's Automotive, who Walker is cultivating as the next generation of superior technicians.

"The Technician of the Year award is the benchmark of excellence to which all technicians aspire," said Bob Susor, NAPA president. "Jeff is committed to the auto repair industry, to maintaining its professionalism and to superior customer service. We are proud to count Jeff among NAPA's automotive repair professionals."

Walker is the second AASP/NJ member to win this coveted award in the last five years. Current AASP/NJ President Bob Everett won the award in 2000. "AASP/NJ is so proud and happy for Jeff. He has dedicated most of his adult life to making this a better industry and in the past few years he has made the same type of effort to make AASP/NJ the best it can be," Everett says of Walker, who is currently the Vice President of AASP/NJ's Chapter 2.

Walker's Automotive Services is known for its customer service and customer loyalty - a tone Walker set by following the simple axiom of treating others as he wishes to be treated. "I remind my technicians that customers are the reason for our work," said Walker. "And my customers know that we are going to be here today, tomorrow and for the long term. That offers a sense of security and builds trust in the service we provide." Walker has been Cherry Hill's ASE Technician of the Year winner six times prior to earning the national award.

Presented annually by NAPA AUTO PARTS and ASE, the NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year award is given to a technician that exemplifies excellence and achievement in the industry. This winner is selected by a panel that includes former winners, automotive trade media and ASE Headquarters.

NOTICE TO AASP/NJ

COLLISION SHOP MEMBERS

BE PREPARED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE INSPECTIONS

As reported in past notices, there are New Rules on Spray Paint Application Method

The new rules become Effective <ぐ颵ᇏ芻ꨀ봀௎scroll>June 29, 2004

We were informed today January 6, 2005 that compliance inspections have commenced in the area of Middlesex County. Other areas are likely to come soon. Be Prepared!

THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME, BUT NOT ALL OF THE ITEMS THAT INSPECTORS MAY BE LOOKING FOR:

• The use of HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) Spray Equipment opposed to the old conventional type spray guns
• Enclosed Spray Gun Cleaner
• Current Stack Permits or Exemption Form
• VOC Tracking
• MSDS Sheets  (Material Safety Data Sheets) Available for Inspection
• Training – Right to Know Training

FOR ASSISTANCE WITH COMPLIANCE

AASP/NJ Members can view a complete compliance assistance brochure from the Small Business Assistance Program on the AASP/NJ Website in the Members Only Section at www.aaspnj.org

NOTE: This memo is intended to alert you that inspections may be taking place for compliance with these new rules and only highlights some of the most significant portions of the requirements and is not meant to be a substitute for a full review of the regulation on the part of the shop owner.

Information provided as a service to the members of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey

Gear Up to Attend the 2005 Aftermarket Legislative Summit on March 1-2

More than 200 aftermarket industry representatives from across the country are expected to take part in the Aftermarket Legislative Summit, Driving our Message to the Hill, March 1-2, 2005 in Washington, D.C. Aftermarket representatives will seek the support of members of Congress on a host of issues including the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act; association health plans; anti-counterfeiting; and asbestos litigation reform legislation.

The summit kicks off on the evening of March 1 with a reception on Capitol Hill, where aftermarket representatives will have a chance to network with lawmakers and their staff. On March 2, a morning issue briefing will be featured, followed by pre-scheduled meetings with your senator and representatives. 

Don't miss this opportunity to influence legislation and protect the business interests of the aftermarket. There is no registration fee to attend. Attendees are responsible for their own hotel and transportation arrangements.

For more information, contact Charles Bryant, 732-922-8909.

BEDLINER SCAM ARTIST CAUGHT

REPORTED BY:  CRASH Network – 12/26/2004

On December 16, 2004, postal inspectors and investigators from the Nassau County, New York, District Attorney's Office arrested the ringleader of the bedliner scam. The ringleader has been charged with grand larceny and a scheme to defraud. The outfit was running the bedliner scam called Ocean Spray Technologies and/or Neptune Products. For full details contact Sheila Loftis of the CRASH Network at 202-537-3270.

The AASP/NJ would like to extend congratulations to Sheila Loftis of the CRASH Network and Postal Investigators and Inspectors from the Nassau County, New York, District Attorney's Office, Mike Mattson, an Illinois shop owner that brought this to the attention of the collision industry, and all that assisted on a job well done.

AASP/NJ Adding Discussion Forum to Website

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers/New Jersey (AASP/NJ) said it will be adding a discussion board to the association website, www.aaspnj.org, next month. The forum aims to give member shops (along with other industry professionals) a place to discuss issues regarding anything and everything affecting their businesses.

"This is just the next step in the process of making our website as important to our members as any tool or equipment in their shop," AASP/NJ President Bob Everett says. "There is always a need for the people in this industry to express their views and ideas, particularly among other shops and the forum will be an excellent place for them to do that."

The addition of the forum builds on a website that has already been acknowledged throughout the country for its content. "Since we started up the website, we have been contacted by so many industry people from other states," Everett adds. "They'll see a certain meeting that we have had, a bill that we were working on or a problem that we have solved or alerted our members to and want to know more about it. Frankly, the response has exceeded any expectations we initially had."

"One example is the recent problems the industry has had with ADP. We were able to respond and discuss the problem with other industry professionals throughout the country. A forum makes for a great place to have these types of discussions."

The AASP/NJ website will continue to expand over the next several months. "Right now, we are focusing the site on our trade show, NORTHEAST 2005," Everett says. "We will have online registration for both the show and all of the seminars and classes to make it easier for those who plan on attending. Again, the site is a tool that we hope to make essential in every one of our member's shops. I think by adding things like the forum, we are on our way to accomplishing that."

ADP was approached at NACE by AASP/NJ and other industry professionals and conceded that they had just recently become aware of the situation, that portions of the October database are indeed invalid, and that they are working diligently to correct it. "Frankly, that’s just not good enough," Bryant says. "It’s hard enough for our member shops to realize a profit the way the industry is structured. It’s been several days since our discussions at NACE, and ADP has yet to notify all Shoplink customers, including the insurance industry, as promised, that this condition exists. ADP shouldn’t be able to just dismiss this as a ‘software defect,’ correct it and move on. There has been money lost and we intend to pursue all channels to get it back."

To find out more about, NORTHEAST 2005 and AASP/NJ, please visit www.aaspnj.org.

AASP/NJ Offers Shop Management Courses

The Alliance of Automotive Service Professionals/New Jersey (AASP/NJ)
is continuing their ongoing efforts to educate their membership. Later
this month, AASP/NJ will be offering the shop management course,

"Shop Efficiency and Establishing a Labor Rate,"
presented by industry expert Vincent Waterhouse.

    According to Waterhouse’s research, most repair shops have plenty of
cars to work on but aren't satisfied with the profits they currently
earn. During the class students will learn how to pay their employees
more money without working overtime to do it. Students will also learn
how to measure shop and technician efficiency and receive tips on how
to improve both. Attendance at this class will also earn students AMI
credits toward the prestigious Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM)
designation.
    "We are always striving to teach our members to work smarter, not
harder," says AASP/NJ President Bob Everett. "Bringing in Vin
Waterhouse with NAPA’s support is something we haven’t done before. I
think our members will learn a great deal, and more importantly be more
profitable by utilizing the tools they will learn from this course."
    "NAPA has recognized AASP/NJ’s growth and leadership for NJ’s
automotive industry," Everett adds, "We look forward to working with
them on this project and future efforts. It is important to note that
this class is open to all repair shop owners. They do not have to be a
NAPA customer."   
    Waterhouse is the president and founder of Automotive Aftermarket
Consulting Group (AACG), and The Waterhouse Group, Inc. (TWG), an
automotive accounting company. He has over 20 years of experience in
the automotive aftermarket and has written five manuals on asset
management for jobbers, dealers and machine shops.

NORTHEAST 2005: Leave The Competition Behind!

    The Alliance of Automotive Service Professionals/New Jersey (AASP/NJ)
is proud to announce the theme for their flagship event: NORTHEAST
2005: Leave The Competition Behind!
    AASP/NJ sponsors the annual NORTHEAST Trade Show, the largest regional
automotive trade show and congress in the country. The NORTHEAST show
is celebrating its 28th edition with close to 10,000 automotive
professionals expected to attend. This year’s show will continue the
expansion of mechanical repair-related exhibits and training to go
along with its traditional state-of-the-art collision exhibits and
classes.
    "Every year, I think, the entire Northeast automotive industry looks
forward to coming to our show," AASP/NJ President Bob Everett says.
"And every year we work hard to improve and make it more appealing to
other parts of the industry. This year’s theme will aim to inspire our
attendees to become more educated through seminars and new products and
equipment so that they can stay ahead of their competition."
    NORTHEAST 2005 is held at the Rockland Community College Arena in
Suffern, New York. The arena features a 100,000 sq. ft. exhibit area
and typically houses over 450 display booths representing over 150
exhibiting companies. "NORTHEAST represents the best in equipment,
supplies, tools, etc., along with the highest standard of training
available for our industry," Everett adds. "It truly is a ‘must-attend’
event and we are very, very proud of that. We work hard and strive to
continue that tradition each and every year."
    NORTHEAST 2005 will take place on April 1, 2, and 3 of 2005.
   

To find out more about NORTHEAST 2005 and AASP/NJ, please visit
www.aaspnj.org.

                                                       #

                            NORTHEAST 2005: April 1-3, 2005

NJ MVC Chief Administrator Addresses
 AASP/NJ at Annual Meeting

    In an encouraging sign of collaboration, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle
Commission (NJMVC)’s Chief Administrator, Sharon Harrington, addressed
the Alliance of Automotive Service Professionals/New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s
annual meeting on Thursday night at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Clark, NJ.
    Following a brief introduction by AASP/NJ’s Legislative Committee
Chairman Brian Vesley and AASP/NJ lobbyist Monica Walsh, Ms. Harrington
began a presentation that included plenty of information as well as
humor.
    Ms. Harrington allayed member fears with a sincere speech concerning
developments to the NJMVC over the last two years. "Our leadership is
changing," she said, "but our priorities are not. We’re still working
for you, the drivers and customers of NJ." Harrington stressed that the
new NJMVC was a work in progress. "We have put a very aggressive plan
into action to help remedy past problems within the Commission," she
stated. "However, our changes at this point are incremental. We can’t
fix everything at once but we are trying hard to steadily solve all
issues." Harrington hit on many points concerning the recent
restructuring of the Commission including customer service, increased
personnel, digital licenses and security measures.
    Perhaps the most important part of the night was the question and
answer period. Harrington stressed that "tonight is proof of how
important it is for the NJMVC and the repairers in the state to work
together. We are doing our best to up the enforcement and investigation
around the state, but we encourage you to give us tips or meet with us
to discuss the issues affecting your industry. I can’t stress enough
that we are a partnership; we want to help your business. We’re
tackling issues as we receive them, so we may be a bit backed up, but
let me assure you that we will confront the problems you are bringing
to our attention. We want to work for you."
    AASP/NJ President Bob Everett was impressed with the Administrator and
the turnout of over 90 members. "This just shows how AASP/NJ is
beginning to open doors that were always closed in the past," he said.
"Tonight Administrator Harrington presented us with opportunities to
discuss our problems and work together in the future. I don’t think any
automotive association in the state can match that. I am so proud of
our members for coming out and showing the Administrator how dedicated
we are."

AASP/NJ Member Helps
 Modify State VOC Regulation

    Alliance of Automotive Service Professionals/New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s
Legislative Director Brian Vesley, spurred on by a local chapter
meeting, was instrumental in having the latest New Jersey VOC
regulation modified.
    With the change, instructions for the new regulations now state that
collision shops will be able to comply by maintaining a record of their
paint and coatings purchases and the respective MSDS sheets for those
products. As long as the MSDS sheet lists the VOC content of the
coating as applied, namely when mixed and applied according to the
paint manufacturers recommendation, this will satisfy the record
keeping requirement. This assumes the shop closely follows those
recommendations.
    Vesley took action after attending an AASP/NJ chapter meeting that
included a presentation by the NJ Small Business Assistance Program.
Noticing the confusion and concern of members, Vesley went back and
re-read the rule, did some research and contacted the state. After
discussing and working with state representatives such as NJDEP’s Ky
Asral, Vesley was able to persuade the state to clarify the rule's
record keeping to be more clear and straightforward for the collision
shops.
    "Reaching this understanding has been time consuming but well
worthwhile for our members," Vesley said from his shop in Paterson. "It
should save our members a great deal of administrative time and
expense. We appreciate the help of  New Jersey's Small Business
Environmental Assistance Program in clarifying the record keeping
requirements under the new NJ VOC vehicle surface coating rules."
    AASP/NJ President Bob Everett praised Vesley’s efforts. "This is the
kind of work Brian does for AASP/NJ all the time," he says. "Something
like this obviously helps every collision shop in the state. That’s why
it is important to be a part of an association like ours. When you have
members like Brian, you get things done. It seems ridiculous that every
shop in the state wouldn’t want to be a part of something like this."

NJ MVC Chief Administrator Sharon Harrington
to Address AASP/NJ


    Sharon Harrington, the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor
Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC), will be the featured speaker at the
Alliance of Automotive Service Professionals/New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s
annual meeting on October 14 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Clark, NJ.
    Ms. Harrington will be discussing the latest changes to the MVC and
issues that effect AASP/NJ members, such as the State I/M program
status and the Auto Body Licensing Law.
    "We are very proud to be able to have Ms. Harrington come and speak to
our members," says AASP/NJ President Bob Everett. "One of our main
objectives is to be able to work closer with the lead officers of the
state. That’s one way to ensure that we have input into new programs so
that we can prevent problems from occurring in the future. Having
someone in a position like Chief Administrator of the NJ MVC
acknowledge us and make the effort to come and speak to us is a major
step in reaching that objective."
    Everett is expecting a record turnout for the meeting. "This is an
opportunity for all of the shops in the state to come out and ask
questions that need to be answered," he states. "Shops need to be aware
of what’s going on today so they can be prepared for the future. This
kind of access to someone who can answer those questions isn’t
available that often. On October 14, shops need to take advantage of
this unique opportunity and I think they will."

AASP/NJ Chapter One
Raises Funds for Mobile Storage Unit


    The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ)’s
Chapter One has raised enough funds over the last few months to
purchase an official mobile storage unit to be used for storing and
transporting the chapter’s chairs, tables, and other equipment. The
unit was customized with the AASP logo and introduced at a recent
meeting.
    Ron Kromer, Chapter One secretary, was one the instrumental figures in
purchasing the unit. "With all of the meetings we have in Chapter One,"
he says, "we found ourselves renting or borrowing all kinds of things
each time we were at a new location. A few months ago, we came up with
the idea to purchase a mobile storage unit so that we wouldn’t have to
keep doing that. We hold several fund raisers during the year including
a NASCAR trip and a ski trip and from those funds along with a donation
from Premium Recycled Parts, we were able to purchase the unit."
    The unit is 6 x 10 and attaches to any vehicle. It can’t be missed
with its giant AASP logo on the sides. "We had one of our members,
Compact Auto Body, enlarge and create a decal and put the logo on it
for us," Kromer says. "We are thrilled with the results and the
response from our members has been excellent. It just makes everything
easier to just hook up the unit and drive to the monthly meeting place.
It’s exciting to be able to put these events together and then see
results like this."

Car Companies Warned at Congressional Hearing on Right to Repair Act

Car companies were warned by the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, that they need to do a better job providing service information to the independent repair industry or face legislation. The stern warning came during a hearing on the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair legislation (H.R. 2735) by the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection of House Energy and Commerce on Wednesday, Sept. 22. H.R. 2735 would require that car companies share all service information and tools with the independent aftermarket in order to ensure competition in the vehicle repair industry. 

Ranking minority member Rep. Janice Schakowsky, D-Ill., also took serious issue with the car company assertion that the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) was capable of resolving aftermarket service information concerns. Rep. Schakowsky pointed to the testimony of Bill Haas of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) that the average time for NASTF to respond to aftermarket complaints was 15 days and wondered whether the motoring public would want to wait that long to have their vehicle repaired. 

Lynne Cardwell, an AAIA and Automotive Service Councils of California member, also testified at the hearing regarding the need for information to be affordably available to independent shops such as hers.

"We lose our customers' confidence every time we have to admit we don't have repair information for their vehicles and we need to send them to the new car dealer," Cardwell said.

National Survey Finds Overwhelming Support of Right to Repair Act

Findings of a recent survey of aftermarket businesses by The Tarrance Group show overwhelming support for the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act, especially among members of the Automotive Service Association (ASA).

Support for H.R. 2735 is consistent among the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers members (98 percent), Automotive Service Association members (93 percent), AAIA members (94 percent) and members of state level automotive aftermarket trade groups (92 percent). The study further found that support for the legislation was driven by the problems a majority (59 percent) of service facilities were experiencing in getting access to repair information and diagnostic tools necessary for repairs.

The study was conducted in July and August. Results were revealed at the press conference on Wednesday morning, prior to the Congressional hearing on the Right to Repair legislation held by the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the afternoon.

NJDEP Educates AASP/NJ at Chapter Meetings

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has begun a two-month quest to educate members of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), the state’s largest association of collision and mechanical repairers, on the latest changes in the state’s ever-changing DEP regulations. Ed Bakos of the NJ DEP Small Business Assistance Program will visit the association’s collision chapters throughout September and October.
   
AASP/NJ held its first session with Bakos on September 14 at the association’s Chapter Five meeting place in Totowa, NJ. During the meeting, Bakos was up front about the seriousness of compliance. "Unfortunately, unacceptable practices in repair shops are not only violating DEP regulations," he said,  "but also pose a threat to the environment and health of employees. Repairers must be very careful in following DEP's new regulations to protect themselves from fines as well as very dangerous health hazards."

   
    Throughout the presentation and a question and answer session, Bakos
stressed that he was there to help the shops comply and offer any
advice he could. "Our shops should not look at this as a threat,"
AASP/NJ President Bob Everett says. "They should look at it as the
state coming in and saying. ‘Look, this is what you have to do. We will
help you as much as we can but it’s up to you to follow these
guidelines.’ Our members should take advantage of this opportunity. Our
association is offering a chance to work hand in hand with the state so
there are no misunderstandings. We want to educate and protect our
shops. This is the best way to do that."
    Bakos will be visiting AASP/NJ’s Chapter Three on October 28 and
Chapter Seven on October 27.
   
For more information, go to Meetings & Activities on www.aaspnj.org.

AASP/NJ Expansion Continues


    The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ),
the state’s largest association of collision and mechanical repairers,
continues to expand their membership with the forming of three new
chapters.

    AASP/NJ is in the process of forming mechanical chapters in Hunterton,
Warren, Morris and Sussex counties (Chapter 6) and Passaic, Essex,
Bergen and Union counties (Chapter 8) as well as a collision chapter in
Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland counties (Chapter 7).
    “We are always looking to expand our membership base,” says AASP/NJ
President Bob Everett of Bayville Auto Care. “I don’t think we’ll be
satisfied until we have every automotive shop in the state under the
AASP/NJ banner.”

    The association’s efforts to cover ground throughout the state over
the past few years have been “amazing” according to Everett. “Not too
long ago, we didn’t have any chapters,” he adds. “In the past couple of
years we have gone from one chapter to our current eight. I think that
shows how determined we are to stand together and make our voice heard.”
    Everett is looking forward to the association’s upcoming Annual
Meeting on October 14 in Clark, NJ. “That will be the first opportunity
for all the chapters to gather and I think that will be a very special
night,” he says. “It will be a testament to our efforts of bringing the
automotive repairers in the state together as one voice. This is only
the beginning.”

To find out more about AASP/NJ, please visit www.aaspnj.org.

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) held a town meeting with United States Congressman Michael A. Ferguson (NJ-7th District). The event, held at AASP/NJ member Rick Allen's Auto Repair in Hampton, NJ, was scheduled specifically to address the pending Right-To-Repair legislation.

Congressman Ferguson was met by close to 40 attendees including AASP/NJ members as well as several other organization representatives and consumers.

After a brief explanation and introduction by AASP/NJ President Bob Everett and Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association's Aaron Lowe, Congressman Ferguson met the Right-To-Repair issue head on.

"First of all, I think this legislation makes a lot of sense not only to the repair industry but maybe even more so to the consumer," Ferguson said. "As a Congressman from New Jersey, I do quite a bit of traveling back and forth to Washington D.C. Just a few weeks ago, my family had our car all loaded and ready to make the four-hour trip when the 'Check Engine' light appeared on my dashboard. Of course, my first thought was 'is this serious or do I just need a tune-up?' So I brought the car around the corner to our family service station to find out what the problem was.

"Now, I love my car dealer, but if I had to bring the vehicle there every time there was a problem, it would be awfully frustrating. I think that is the heart of this legislation. Consumers like to use the guy around the corner. It's convenient. It's comfortable.

"With this legislation, the consumer won't have to exclusively depend on the dealership. The local service shop will have access to the information that will enable them to service and maintain the vehicle properly. Hopefully we can move forward with it in the House. It has my support and I hope to possibly co-sponsor the bill as well."

Ferguson warned that there is serious opposition to the bill, particularly from Congressman John Dingle of Michigan, who has close ties to vehicle manufacturers. "Hopefully, we can overcome that and schedule hearings on the issue in the fall," he said. "Again, this makes sense for you and the consumer. I have been there. I have been frustrated. It is something that needs to be done."

The Congressman stayed for a brief question and answer session before thanking everyone for "taking time away from his or her business to show how much this bill means to them." "I thought it went very well," AASP/NJ's Everett said. "We had almost 40 people in attendance, representing a wide cross section of the voting public, from mechanical shops, collision shops, part stores, consumers and our representatives. The Congressman seemed to have a good understanding of the issue. He stopped short of committing to co sponsoring the bill, but I felt he left that door open. Everyone in the industry should follow up by contacting Congressman Ferguson as well as there own representatives across the country to encourage continued support for the Right-To-Repair bill."

AASP/NJ SETS FALL MEETING SCHEDULE
The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), the state’s largest association of collision and mechanical repairers, continues to make education its priority with the announcement of its slate of fall meetings. 

AASP/NJ, in accordance with its chapters, has scheduled a minimum of 24 meetings throughout the months of September, October and November, highlighted by the association’s annual meeting on October 14 featuring Motor Vehicle Commission Administrator Sharon Harrington. 

“We are making a huge effort to make sure we give back to our members,” AASP/NJ President Bob Everett of Bayville Auto Care says. “One of the best ways is to offer them the chance to come out to our meetings and learn something that will ultimately end up putting money in their pockets through better business practices.”     

Everett, along with Membership Director Ernie Miller and Executive Director Charles Bryant have been the key figures in setting up the fall schedule. “We have grown at such a great pace over the last few years,” Bryant says, “that we have to set up our schedule at least 60 days in advance. With current and prospective chapters bringing our total to eight, it is our goal to make sure each chapter is given the
proper attention. I think through our meetings we are achieving that goal and much more.”
   
Topics to be covered over the fall slate include: New VOC Regulations; Employee Retention benefits; EVAP Emissions; OBDII Failures; Shop Management and a presentation by the MVC’s Harrington.   

“We are extremely pleased that Ms. Harrington will be attending our
annual meeting,” Everett says. “One of our main objectives is to have an open dialogue with the state and having a MVC representative take the time to come and meet with us is a huge plus for the association. We are looking forward to seeing all of our members and guests at that
meeting as well as all of our others throughout the state.”

See Calendar of Events & Activites/ Meetings for more information & to register CLICK HERE

AASP/NJ TRAINS CLOSE TO 500 REPAIRERS OVER LAST SIX MONTHS

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), the state’s largest association of collision and mechanical repairers, has trained and certified close to 500 automotive repair technicians over the past six months. The association — through it’s six local chapters — held over 20 meetings/clinics since January, educating and training it’s members to comply with the state’s laws and regulations.  “The major goal of our association is to get our members educated,” says AASP/NJ President Bob Everett of Bayville Auto Care in Bayville. “Scheduling these seminars and meetings is the best way to get that done and our chapters have done an outstanding job getting members and non-members to attend.”

For the association’s collision repair members, the training and certification was a matter of urgency. “According to the state auto body licensing law, collision shops have to be certified by this September in order to renew their licenses,” Everett says. “So we felt that AASP/NJ had to take an active role in getting this information out to our members and the response was excellent.”

AASP/NJ’s Membership Director, Ernie Miller, was the driving force behind getting the meetings scheduled. “Not only are our training clinics a valuable asset to our membership, but they are also spreading the AASP/NJ name throughout the state,” Miller says. “All meetings for collision chapters are certification clinics and the training opportunities will continue to expand. We have some already scheduled for the fall and more will be available as the year progresses.”

“Right now we are constantly growing as an association,” Everett adds. “We have three mechanical chapters and three collision chapters located from Cape May County to Warren and Bergen Counties. The only way we can continue to grow is to educate the repairers in the state and so far, this year has been a huge success. And we are continuing to do that with a full slate of seminars scheduled for this fall.”

AASP/NJ WARY AS GEICO RETURNS TO NEW JERSEY

After almost 30 years, GEICO, the country’s fifth largest insurer, returned to New Jersey this week.  According to the Newark (NJ) Star Ledger, a company spokesman said “We are here obviously to earn a profit and save money for auto policy holders in New Jersey.” However this news may not be as good as it sounds. The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), the state’s largest association of collision and mechanical repairers, has reservations about the company’s return.

"We are taking a ‘wait and see’ attitude with GEICO,” says AASP/NJ Collision Vice President Tom Elder of Compact Kars in Clarksburg. “GEICO’s promise of lower rates sounds great on TV and on the radio, but you have to consider what that entails. It may mean that the policyholder will be getting aftermarket or used parts instead of original parts when their car is repaired. Quite often, the policyholder never knows that because it’s buried in the fine print. For some insurance companies, that’s a financial decision. However, we feel it’s more of a safety decision.”

GEICO’s return to NJ draws mixed emotions from AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant. “On one hand, it’s good to see that such a large player has a desire to do business in our state,” he says. “On the other hand, I question the decision. Lowering the cost of auto insurance isn’t the answer to our problems if protecting our assets is taken out of the equation. If GEICO comes in and attempts to shortchange consumers on claims, our problems will only get worse. If they treat people fairly and honestly, it will be a good thing. Only time will tell.”

“The fact that they have returned after such a long time tells you that NJ is a very profitable state for insurance companies,” Elder adds. “It has to make you wonder: If the insurance companies are doing so well, how come our labor rate stays the same? It’s getting harder and harder to pay educated, talented employees simply because we cannot afford them. While the insurance companies’ profits are rising, our industry is shrinking. Sooner or later, that’s going to be a major
problem for the consumer.”

“We’re anxious to see how GEICO implements their policies and how they handle claims and repairs,” AASP/NJ President Bob Everett says. “Hopefully it will be a positive thing for consumers, GIECO and AASP/NJ.”

Thanks to efforts by members and officials of AASP/GS, Max Burns (R-GA) and Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) are the newest additions to a growing list of supporters in favor of the Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2735). The pro-consumer bill would ensure car owners continued access to competitive vehicle repair prices, and independent repairers the opportunity to obtain dealer-franchise repair equipment at a reasonable price.

Thanks to efforts by members and officials of AASP/GS, Max Burns (R-GA) and Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) are the newest additions to a growing list of supporters in favor of the Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2735). The pro-consumer bill would ensure car owners continued access to competitive vehicle repair prices, and independent repairers the opportunity to obtain dealer-franchise repair equipment at a reasonable price.

New Association Health Plans (AHP) legislation has been introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives that would allow small business owners, through association membership to group together to purchase health insurance for themselves, their employees and their families.

AASP Garden State is watching this legislation and supporting it on behalf of our members. For more information you can visit the AHP Coalition website at http://www.AHPsNow.com.

New Association Health Plans (AHP) legislation has been introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives that would allow small business owners, through association membership to group together to purchase health insurance for themselves, their employees and their families.

AASP Garden State is watching this legislation and supporting it on behalf of our members. For more information you can visit the AHP Coalition website at http://www.AHPsNow.com.

Sen. Lindsey Graham introduced Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair legislation (S. 2138) to the Senate on Feb. 26, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Similar to legislation introduced in the House (H.R. 2735), the bill seeks to legally require the carmakers to make technical information available to the aftermarket.

"The introduction of S. 2138 by Senator Graham represents another milestone in the battle to obtain passage of this critical legislation needed to ensure the future competitiveness of the independent aftermarket," stated Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO.

"Independents do not have the luxury of depending on the promises of the vehicle manufacturers," said Schmatz. "Our service industry needs affordable and effective access to tools and information, not just this year, but for many years to come. The only way to make sure this happens is through passage of effective right to repair legislation," said Schmatz.

"Car owners and the independent aftermarket owe Senator Graham a big debt of gratitude for his actions to ensure competition in the vehicle repair market. This issue continues to be a major priority for AAIA and AWDA; and we urge legislators to take immediate action to follow the leadership of Rep. Joe Barton in the House and Senator Graham in the Senate and pass the legislation as soon as possible," said Schmatz.

IMPORTANT AUTO INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE NOTICE - The New Standard Deductible on Collision and Comprehensive Auto Insurance is now $750.00. Any person purchasing a New Auto Policy in the State of New Jersey will have to select a lower deductible or automatically receive the $750.00 deductible. Effective January 1, 2004.

CAUTION - The NJ Auto Body License Law Specifies: Making an estimate for repairs or charging for repairs in such an amount as to compensate the insured for the cost of the deductible applicable under the automobile policy constitutes a violation of the New Jersey Auto Body Licensing Law. N.J.A.C. 39:13-3.(g)

Suggestion to NJ Consumers - CHOOSE YOUR DEDUCTIBLE WISELY!