2007-01 January

Also In This Issue! President’s Message Page 2 Chrysler to Focus on Minivan Interior Page 9 Member Profile Gerry Oakes Page 10 Member Profile Roy Benner Page 11 Member Profile Mike Gerber Page 12 Member Profile Brent Hoge Page 13 Automobile Tool Definitions Page 18 Mopar Loses Another Legend Page 25 Definition of Acceleration Page 28 The Year’s Best Headlines Page 30 New Year’s Thoughts to Live By Page 31 Are Your Dues Up To Date? Page 32 Tidbits Page 34 MMG Committees Page 36

JANUARY 2007 LEADERS IN THE SALE OF QUALITY PARTS

MAGAZINE

NADA 2007 Update 2007 Itinerary

Super Performance Group Itinerary NADA Attendees

Pages 3-6

Settlement Reached with

Farmers Insurance

Story on Page 8

Legal Battle Continues in Texas

Page 14-15

The Way it Was 1906!

Page 29

Mopar Masters Magazine Page 2

In just a few days 40 members of our Mopar Master Guild arrives in Las Vegas to conduct our 15th annual meetings during NADA. This may be considered the most important gathering of our guild in recent history. The program, Dealer Rewards, is underway and many of us are attempting to get our arms around this new marketing strategy initiated by Mopar. The sharing of ideas and information that is exchanged during our time there discussing this new direction will be extremely valuable to all the attending members. Even at this late date, if you are still not planning to attend, please rethink your decision to be there to participate in the dialog. I am sure you will not regret it! Also, at NADA I will have the opportunity to introduce our newest group of supporting vendors to the Mopar Masters Guild. It brings me great pleasure to announce Interstate Batteries, Full Circle Solutions and Noble Logistics as our most recent group of vendors. It has always been a goal of the guild to ensure that we align our-selves with highly successful and ethical corporations that assist in doing what we do best. And that is sell more parts! This new group fits that description to the letter. Wel-come to you all! The guild members look forward to personally meeting with each of you and also to the upcoming year of sharing ideas for our mutual benefit.

Gerry

Mopar Masters Guild President Gerry Oakes

Baxter Chrysler


PARTS PERFORMANCE GROUP – NADA 2007 Ole Olson, Parts Performance Group Chair

RIDDLE: What does it take to get 45 Parts Managers into the same room?

ANSWER: Make a major change to how they buy and stock parts!

Just talking about the new Terms & Conditions brought 45+ Parts Managers to Austin, TX in September to hear about and begin preparing for 2007. Well, Dealer Rewards is here and there is MUCH to talk about. What better forum could anybody find to discuss such a major change as Dealer Rewards than in a room with 50 or 60 of the best minds in the business AND long-time Guild friend and parts guru, Jim Jackson. As of this writing, only 38 Parts Managers have signed up for the Performance Group, scheduled for Feb. 5 & 6 following our NADA meetings. I know travel is expensive, but I can’t believe more MMG members aren’t signed up for this. By putting our heads together as a group, we will find ways to make this new pro-gram work! I have seen this group in action before. As much as I think everyone should attend both NADA and the Performance Group, that is not a requirement. If you can’t make the full weekend, at least attend the Performance Group. Two nights and airfare may be cheap compared to what not understanding Dealer Rewards may cost your deal-ership in the long run. Need more convincing? Below is Jim Jackson’s outline for the Group meetings: I am planning to lead discussions on developing strategies for the following topics:

1. Whether to go daily or remain on weekly stock order until ARO is installed.

2. For those who go to daily stock order now rather than later, strategies for DBS source control settings; Phase-in, Phase out, BRP, and BSL.

3. Wholesale sales return strategies. 4. Following through on Performance-Metrics related Mopar Pull

Marketing programs. Time is short by the time you read this, but it’s not too late. You can still sign up through DCA, if you have trouble registering contact me at: [email protected]. There’s always hotel rooms in Vegas, even during a convention.

DON’T MISS OUT!!


NADA 2007

www.nada.org

Mopar Masters Guild NADA 2007 Agenda

Tentative as of 1/22/07

All Meetings, Receptions, Dinner and Parties Will Be Held at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel Thursday, February 1st Travel and arrive in Las Vegas 7:00 PM Officer & Executive Committee meeting Place to be announced Friday, February 2nd 8:00am-9:30am Spouse/Guest Breakfast - Bally’s Bronze #2 Guild Functions: 7:00am - 9:00am Guild Business/Committee Reports - Bally’s Bronze #1 Opening address by Guild President Gerry Oakes Welcome Comments from Vice President Roy Benner Treasurers Report from Brent Hoge Secretary’s reading of the minutes from Mike Gerber 9:15am Vendor Presentation - ADP 10:30am Vendor Presentation - Hanel 11:30am Vendor Presentation - Corporate Billing 12:15pm - 1:00pm Lunch TBA 1:00pm Vendor Presentation - Full Circle Solutions 2:00pm Vendor Presentation - Reynolds & Reynolds 3:00pm Vendor Presentation - OEConnection 5:00pm Adjourn 7:00pm-10:00pm Mopar Masters Reception Skyview #1 Dress-Business Casual Saturday, February 3rd 7:00am - 9:00am Guild Business - Open Discussion Bronze #1 9:15am Vendor Presentation - Interstate Battery 10:30am Vendor Presentation - Proquest 11:30am Vendor Presentation - Storage Consultants of America 12:15pm - 1:00pm Lunch TBA 1:00pm Vendor Presentation - Dealer Tire 2:30pm Mopar - Christine Cortez, Executive VP of Parts and Service Tom Gianfermi, Mopar Business Strategy and Sales Reporting 5:00pm Adjourn Evening Open Night: Explore Las Vegas!


This premier event of the year is for Mopar Masters to share and exchange valuable

information in helping to grow their businesses and most of all their bottom line profits!

Sunday, February 4th ♦ Super Bowl Party - Las Vegas 5

♦ NADA Convention being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center

♦ Convention Exposition is open from 8:30am to 3:30pm Information on Convention Transportation will be provided when you arrive Monday, February 5th Super Performance Group Session 7:00am Super Performance Group Meeting - Bronze #2 Opening comments from facilitator Jim Jackson - LearnStuffNow Topics to be Discussed are as follows:

1. Whether to go daily or remain on weekly stock order until ARO is installed. 2. For those who go to daily stock order now rather than later, strategies for DBS source control settings;

Phase-in, Phase out, BRP, and BSL. 3. Wholesale sales return strategies. 4. Following through on Performance-Metrics related Mopar Pull Marketing programs.

Noon Lunch - (TBA) 1:00pm-5:00pm Continuation of Super Performance Group 5:00pm Adjourn - Prepare for Farewell Dinner 7:00pm-10:00pm Mopar Masters Farewell Dinner Skyview #1 Tuesday, February 6th Super Performance Group Session - Bronze #2 7:00am Continuation of Super Performance Group Meeting Noon Close of Super Performance Group Meeting Lunch

Have a safe trip home!

Here are some links for interesting and fun things to do in Las Vegas (cut and paste into your browser)

Our Hotels: Bally’s http://www.harrahs.com/casinos/ballys-las-vegas/hotel-casino/property-home.shtml Paris http://www.harrahs.com/casinos/paris-las-vegas/hotel-casino/property-home.shtml Activities: http://www.visitlasvegas.com/vegas/play/attractions/index.jsp


NADA 2007 Attendees Use this list if you wish to contact a fellow member prior to our meetings!

First Last Guest Dealer email Don Benner Geralyn Allen Samuels Dodge [email protected]

Roy Benner Debbie Allen Samuels Dodge [email protected]

Casey Brown Sara Davis Allen Samuels Dodge [email protected]

Steve Benoit Carol Archer Chrysler Jeep [email protected]

Don Cushing Bald Hill Chrysler Dodge [email protected]

Ernie Wennerstrom Janet Bald Hill Chrysler Dodge [email protected]

Gerry Oakes Lynette Baxter Chrysler Jeep Dodge [email protected]

Susan McDaniel Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge [email protected]

Glen Hojnacki Jan Birmingham Chrysler Jeep [email protected]

Phil Krueger Buerge Motor Car Co [email protected]

Guillermo Nava Buerge Motor Car Co [email protected]

Manuel Reyes Angela Carl Burger Dodge World [email protected]

Steven Correll Stella Estabrooks Christophers Dodge World [email protected]

Rick Stewart Kathy Commonwealth Dodge [email protected]

Joe McBeth Annette Dallas Dodge Chrysler [email protected]

Robbie Jackson Kim Dodge City [email protected]

Marvin Windham Laura Don Drennen Motor Co [email protected]

Dan Murphy Earnhardt Chrysler Jeep [email protected]

Mike Gerber Sherrie Eastside Chrysler Jeep [email protected]

Ole Olson Sharon Elk River Ford Chrysler [email protected]

Larry Morris Debbie Franklin Sussex Auto Mall [email protected]

Chris Brodeur Barbie Glenn E Thomas Dodge [email protected]

Alan Yancey Wanda Hayes Chrysler [email protected]

Tommy Thrift Adri Haynes Jeep Chrysler [email protected]

Rick Monteiro Kathy Jack Powell Chrysler [email protected]

Brent Hoge Judy Larry Miller Chrysler [email protected]

Paul Allred Barbara Metrolina Chrysler Jeep Dodge [email protected]

Rich Schott Danielle Moore Chrysler Jeep [email protected]

Jeff Bright Normandin Chrysler [email protected]

Steve Hofer Liz Park Chrysler Jeep [email protected]

Tom Watson Mary Anne Performance Dodge [email protected]

Mark Skinner Ginger Power Chrysler Jeep Dodge [email protected]

Rick Cutaia Erica Cutaia Rick Hendrick Dodge [email protected]

Doug Price Beth Security Dodge Chrysler [email protected]

Dan Hutton Jamie Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep [email protected]

Karl Halley Doris Town Motors [email protected]


Never Attended a Mopar Master's Guild Meeting? The annual meeting is of great value to every MMG member. Here are some of the benefits: Presentations from top Mopar corporate managers These are no-bull two-way information exchanges that allow you to plan for what’s coming during the year. You will also likely get a chance to talk informally with these same top managers at the opening reception or another of the guild’s social functions. Presentations from the guild’s supporting vendors All of the most important vendors to your dealership will have their top brass and technical gurus here to tell you what’s in the pipeline, including new products and software modifications. Learn what the top Mopar dealership parts managers are doing You’re one of the top, too, or you wouldn’t be a member! Come and share your experience. Input to the annual Detroit meeting with Mopar Executives Want to put your two cents in? Members assemble a list of “Detroit issues” that the guild executive committee takes to Detroit for candid discussion. Mopar execs ask us our opinion of possible new programs and explain their business positions. These discussions have resulted in many positive changes for all dealers. They also give Mopar a better understanding of our needs. The NADA convention floor alone is worth the trip! Mopar has a big exhibit with all the right people and info. Check out all the other vendor exhibits; maybe buy some new equipment for the store! NADA’s educational seminars are presented by the top names in all dealership areas and cover a wide variety of useful topics. You also receive a binder with notes from all sessions, including those you could not attend. The Super Performance group held in conjunction with the Guild meeting earns you training credits and lets you hear great ideas from managers not in your area. The Dealer Composite lets you compare your numbers to those of every dealer attending. If you notice another member’s number in a certain area (GP on tire sales, stock order discount, etc.) is where you want your number to be, just make a note and ask him how he does it. Wearables! Make room in your suitcase – you will receive stylish additions to your in-dealership wardrobe, each bearing the MMG and commemorative convention city logos. Good food and friendship awaits. Most likely someone you already know will be attending, and, with the wide variety of activities available, it’s even more likely you will strike up a friendly relationship with someone you meet. The guild has made it possible for all Mopar Masters to enjoy these benefits, which actually amount to a competitive advantage for your business. What do you need to bring with you? Just a willingness to participate and share your knowledge and perspective. If you are a Mopar Master, you have something to offer the guild. Sometimes the simplest idea, the one you were even a little embarrassed to mention, is just what another member needed to hear.


Settlement Reached with Farmers Insurance Group Over Inferior Replacement Car Parts

A settlement was reached Thursday between Farmers Insurance Group and a nationwide class of plaintiffs who sued to resolve claims that certain “non-OEM crash parts” (generally the sheet metal exterior of a car or truck, such as hoods and fenders, that were not made by, or for, the vehicle’s original maker) did not meet the quality standards required by Farmers’ insurance poli-cies. In addition, plaintiffs claimed that Farmers breached its insurance policies by using those parts to determine how much money to pay on an insurance claim. OEM parts are those parts that have been designed and manufactured to exacting standards established by the car and truck manufacturers, and meet rigorous quality and safety requirements. Many non-OEM parts, or “imitation” parts, do not meet these standards. Although they may look fine when the car or truck is first repaired, problems often arise later. The parts may not fit correctly, the finish on the parts may not look as good or wear as well as the rest of the car, the parts may cause rain or wind to channel incorrectly, causing problems with noise and visibility, the parts may rattle, dent more easily or improperly vibrate, known as “oil canning.” Non-OEM parts that do not have the appropriate amount of paint or rust coating may also rust earlier than OEM parts. Non-OEM parts may also not be fastened properly to the car or truck, or may rust out easier at the fas-tening points. Non-OEM hoods may also present serious safety concerns. The settlement will provide cash payments to customers of Farmers between June 15, 1996 and November 1, 2006 who were insured by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company and other entities affiliated with Farmers. Eligible members of the class will receive payments of between $20 and $40 per part, depending on the portion of the car that was re-placed. A claim form and other information are available at http://www.lerachlaw.com/lcsr-cgi-bin/mil?templ=cases/farmers/settlement.html. If you are not sure if you are entitled to receive a cash payment, you should submit a claim form. In addition, class members have a full warranty on non-OEM replacement auto parts for as long as they own their car or truck. If there is a problem with the non-OEM part, the part will be replaced at no cost to the class member. Class members are en-couraged to monitor their automobiles for signs of decay or other damage caused by the use of non-OEM parts. “After years of court battles and a trial, class members will finally receive what they paid for when they bought their insurance policies. Eligible class members will receive cash payments, and anyone who has a problem with an imitation part will be able to have that part replaced under Farmers’ warranty. If you are not sure if you are a class member, please submit a claim form,” said Tim Blood, lead counsel for the plaintiffs with the law firm Lerach Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins in San Diego. Farmers Insurance operates under a variety of names in different states, including: • Farmers Insurance Exchange • Farmers New Century Insurance Company • Mid-Century Insurance Company • Illinois Farmers Insurance Company • Farmers Insurance Company, Inc. • Mid-Century Insurance Company of Texas • Texas Farmers Insurance Company • Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance Company • Farmers Insurance Company of Arizona • Farmers Insurance Company of Idaho • Farmers Insurance of Columbus, Inc. • Farmers Insurance Company of Oregon • Farmers Insurance Company of Washington • Truck Insurance Exchange • Civic Property & Casualty Company

Article submitted by Ole Olson


Chrysler's focus swivels to minivan interiors Bradford Wernle | | Automotive News DETROIT -- With its current-generation minivan, the Chrysler group cemented its market leadership in the segment with an innovation: Stow 'n Go seating. Now, for the fifth generation of its bread-and-butter vehicles, Chrysler group has come up with Swivel 'n Go. With Swivel 'n Go, the second-row seats can rotate to face the third-row seats. A table pops up in the middle so occupants can play cards, backgammon or whatever, almost as if they were traveling on a commuter train. The feature is an option on versions of the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, to be unveiled here this week at the Detroit auto show. The name of the game in the minivan business is features. Because many minivans look so similar on the outside, it's the features inside that count when dealers go to make a sale. This time Chrysler took the best features from its major competitors and incorporated them into its own minivans, says Trevor Creed, Chrysler's chief designer. "On top of that, we added our own unique features," he says. Chrysler is billing the new minivans as "family rooms on wheels." For the first time, passengers will be able to choose different programs because the minivans have separate DVD players. Chrysler will offer a MyGIG infotainment system, which is like having an iPod in the instrument panel, along with an Infinity surround-sound system with nine speakers, a subwoofer and 506 watts. Chrysler is upping the powertrain ante. For the first time, the automaker will offer a 4.0-liter V-6 engine, producing 240 hp and 253 pounds-feet of torque. That will be mated to an available six-speed transaxle, an industry first. Two other engines will be available: a 3.8-liter V-6, also with the six-speed, and a 3.3-liter V-6 with a four-speed automatic. For the first time, the Chrysler group will offer only long-wheelbase versions in both brands. That means the Dodge now comes only in a Grand Caravan version. The wheelbase has been extended for 2008, to 121.2 inches from 119.3 inches in the current long-wheelbase model.


Member Profile – Guild Vice-President

Gerry Oakes – Baxter Chrysler Jeep Dodge

It was 1968 when he started working part-time at a Dodge store. Aside from a four year hitch in the Air Force, Gerry has been in the business ever since. Of those 38 years, 28 have been

with his current dealer, Baxter Chrysler Jeep Dodge. He has worked as a Parts Advisor (AKA Parts Counter Guy, back in the old days), and Assistant Parts Manager, before becoming the Parts Director.

He feels he is extremely fortunate to have found someone to put up with him for the past 31 years. Lynette, his wife is a Reading Specialist with their school district and works with kids that are struggling with learning to read. They have two children, Ryan, 28 and Katie, 26. Both are married, but no grandchildren as of yet. Gerry tells me he and Lynette just can’t wait to spoil ‘em when they do come along. Gerry enjoys books by Jack Higgins who is among the world's most popular authors. Since the publication of The Eagle Has Landed -- one of the biggest-selling thrillers of all time -- every novel he has written has become an international bestseller, including The White House Connection and Day of Reckoning. He is currently reading State of Fear by Michael Crichton. His favorite type of music is Ol’ Time Rock & Roll and Jazz. His movie favorite is “Dances with Wolves” which he states “Other than “Bull Durham” it’s the only Kevin Costner movie that is worth watching.” Gerry’s best artist pick is Remington who is best known as a illustrator, painter, and sculptor of western action-packed subjects with cowboys, Indians, horses, soldiers, and other frontier characters. He played tennis and basketball for many years until rupturing his Achilles tendon. Since that injury he has dedicated himself to golf. His wife tells him that “If you can drink beer while play-ing, it should not be called a sport!” Being from Nebraska, it is a requirement that you watch college football which he enjoys when the Big Red Machine wins. His car of choice is the same car he had in his youth, a 1971 Plum Crazy Dodge Chal-lenger R/T with a 383 Magnum. He would only change one thing, put a HEMI in it. Woof-Woof. Gerry’s proudest professional accomplishments are:

♦ Having the privilege to serve as Vice-President, President (now for his second term), and as Vendor Chairman for the Guild.

♦ Being fortunate to have sustained a standard of professionalism and profitability at my dealership for the past 28 years, with a dealer principal that appreciates the effort.

He goes on to say “My professional accomplishments are a direct result of what I have learned from my fellow members in the Guild. But, more importantly are the friend-ships that have been made due to involvement with our Mopar Masters Guild.” You can contact Gerry by phone at 800-642-1524 or by email at [email protected]. Submitted By: Dan Murphy


Member Profile- Guild Vice President

Roy Benner- Allen Samuels Dodge

Most of the Mopar Masters know me to be an involved member and knowledgeable person when it comes to ADP and running a parts department. I have 43 years behind me in this business and have been with Allen Samuels for the past 14 years. I am responsible for 12 Allen Samuels’ dealerships. I have been a parts driver, stocker, counter person, Assistant Parts Manager, Parts Manager, Parts and Service Director over two dealerships and now Director of Parts Operations. I have been married to Debby “forever, OK well 33 years” they have four children Lisa, Rebecca, Rick, and Cindy and have seven grandchildren. We lost Rick four years ago. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, loves to hunt and fish. My brothers and I go on at least one hunting trip a year together. I don’t have time to read but my favorite movies are Outlaw Josey Wales and The Good, The Bad, And the Ugly. I get pleasure from country and west-ern music and his artist of choice is George Strait. He used to play softball but says “I am too old and fat to play now” but, I do enjoy watching football. If I could own any car he wanted he would have a 1969 Charger with a 440- 6 pack because that was “THE CAR” of my era. I am most proud of my brothers Don, Gary and Dale they are all managers in a Mopar dealership. I have also trained many parts managers that will continue building great parts departments across the country. I am very proud of the knowledge and lifelong friendships that I have developed through-out my career. You can contact Roy by email at [email protected] or by phone 800-888-2079.


Member Profile – Guild Secretary

Mike Gerber – Eastside Chrysler Jeep We travel to the far West coast to Bellevue, Washington to visit with our newly elected Guild secretary, Mike Gerber. Mike started in this business 35 years ago and has been at Eastside for the past 10 and is now the Fixed Operations Director. He has been a driver, a shipping and receiving clerk, an Aftermarket Parts Manager, a dealer Parts Manager, and a Service Manager to get where he is today. He and his wife Sherrie have been married for 18 years. He has two sons from a previ-ous marriage ages 30 & 34, one has settled in London, UK and the other lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. In his leisure time Mike enjoys hiking, camping, boating and of course being a 5 year season ticket holder, Seahawks football. Computer gaming with Civilization IV which features fantastic 3D graphics, loads of in-game movies, brilliant audio and music, and, most impor-tantly, the best and most addictive game play of any strategy game ever created takes up some his home time. Reading techno thrillers and playing guitar also keep him occupied. His favorite book is Executive Orders by Tom Clancy and he enjoys watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy. His music preference is solo guitar and his choice of best artist is Joe Sa-triani. Satriani is one of the best in the business (Surfing with the Alien, is what I believe to be some of his best work). If he could own any car he says he would have a 1971 Barracuda ragtop because he likes the “boy style” is what he wrote but I am sure he meant “body style”. Mike’s store has made the Mopar Masters list six times, an accomplishment that makes him very proud. He wants us to know that “I am more outgoing than I appear. Once I am comfortable in a group I speak up more than with casual acquaintances.” You can contact Mike by email at [email protected] or by phone at 425-455-7269. Submitted By: Dan Murphy


Member Profile – Guild Treasurer

Brent W. Hoge - Larry Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge

This month we travel to Sandy, Utah to meet Brent Hoge, Parts Manager at Larry H. Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge. Brent has been selling parts for 39 years for a variety of fran-chises. He started in our business in 1966 selling for Volkswagen then moved to Toyota, Su-baru, BMW, Jaguar, and MG dealerships. He started with the Larry Miller Group in 1984 and has been at the Chrysler Jeep Dodge store since 1990.

Brent has been married to his wife Judy for 40 wonderful years and they have four daughters and one nine year-old grand-daughter. They have a cabin in the Wasatch Moun-tains close to Park City where they spend almost every weekend relaxing, walking, and hik-ing. Judy and Brent also support two local theater groups in the Sandy area.

He enjoys working and driving his 1966 Belvedere 440 Convertible and just finished restoring and catching on fire a 1970 Challenger Convertible. I guess we should know that his hobby is Classic Mopar Muscle Cars.

Brent’s favorite book is Christine by Stephen King and his favorite movies are Young Frankenstein, Gone in 60 Seconds and his favorite is one that he saw with Robbie Jackson, Brokeback Mountain. (Robbie, he told me to put this in) Leroy Neiman is his favorite artist who is best known for his brilliantly colored, stunningly energetic images of sporting events and leisure activities. Classic rock from the 60’s and 70’s are his music preferences. He likes to play golf and watch basketball and hockey.

His professional accomplishments that he is most proud of are being responsible for the great success of the Chrysler Jeep Dodge store and his affiliation with the Mopar Masters Guild.

You can contact Brent at (800) 453-6456 or by e-mail [email protected] . Submitted By: Dan Murphy


Legal Battle over Insurer-Owned Shops Continues in Texas

New court filing by ASA and Consumer Choice coalition, uses Sterling's own re-cord to argue against Allstate's appeal of insurer-owned shop law. The legal battle over the 2003 Texas law which prevents insurer ownership of collision repair facilities in the state continues. The Automotive Service Association in cooperation with a coalition known as Con-sumer Choice in Autobody Repair has filed a brief as intervenors in the case arguing against Allstate's request for appeal. The brief states that Allstate's appeal is based on "unfounded assumptions" and not only should Allstate's appeal be rejected, argues the 82 page document, but the court should uphold HB 1131 in its entirety, reversing part of the original court's decision that found parts of the Texas law to violate Allstate's First Amendment right to free speech. Shortly after HB 1131 was passed in 2003, Allstate Insurance began the process of challenging the state of Texas in court, arguing that the bill violated the insurer's First Amendment rights. In March of 2006 however, the court found that the Texas law was valid because there is an inherent conflict of interest in an insurer owning a repair facil-ity. However, several aspects of the law were deemed unconstitutional by the judge be-cause they violated Allstate's rights to free speech- with the effect that only part of the Texas law was upheld. Allstate wished to have the entire law stricken. One month after that court's decision, in April 2006, Allstate filed a notice of appeal regarding the ruling with the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. In that ongoing appeal, the argument put forward by ASA and the coalition largely cen-ters on two of Allstate's main arguments- that HB 1131 discriminates against interstate commerce, and it violates the insurer's right to free speech, an argument that Allstate has successfully used in the past to overturn similar anti-steering cases in other states. Citing nearly 70 precedent cases, the brief argues that the benefits of HB 1131 (eliminating conflicts of interest and anticompetitive conduct) outweighed any inciden-tal burden that the law places upon interstate commerce.

(Continued on page 15)


The new brief filed by ASA and the coalition, argues that the Texas Legislature origi-nally passed HB 1131 because it did not want the collision repair industry to become the new HMO, with insurance companies exerting their influence over repair service providers to cut corners, exerting influence over consumers to direct business to in-surer-owned or "tied" shops regardless of repair quality, and providing insurer-owned shops with confidential information obtained from non-insurer-owned competitors. The Legislature also wanted to "eliminate an incentive" for insurers to steer business, the brief argues. On the First Amendment points, the brief argues that the Court should find that Allstate's claims of free speech violations should not be upheld because those provi-sions under the Texas law are constitutional under Central Hudson. The Central Hudson precedent found that commercial speech is not protected by the First Amendment if it is found to be false and misleading. ("The government may ban forms of communication more likely to deceive the public than to inform it. . .") And the brief argues that the Legislature had legitimate cause for concern when it re-stricted Allstate's speech, because Allstate already had used false and misleading speech to direct business to Sterling. Allstate used its script and its influence to tell consumers that Sterling was "highly respected" and "exceptional," even though Allstate knew its statements were untrue. Other patterns of the insurer's "misleading speech" were noted including: Allstate told customers that most repair shops only provided a limited guarantee on their work, but failed to mention that PRO shops have the same guarantee as Sterling shops. Allstate did not tell customers that Allstate held PRO shops to a different, higher stan-dard for technician training (I-CAR Gold) while Sterling facilities had not achieved Gold status. Allstate even created delays and barriers to customers who wished to use repair shops other than Sterling, just to make the Sterling option more attractive. Reprinted with permission from CollisionWeek (www.collisionweek.com) October 6,2006 Issue

(Continued from page 14)


Our Supporting Vendors Support those who support you


Our Supporting Vendors Support those who support you


Automobile Tool Definitions

Hammer: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate expensive car parts not far from the object we are trying to hit. Mechanic's Knife: Used to open and slice through the contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your front door; works particularly well on boxes containing convertible tops or tonneau covers. Electric Hand Drill: Normally used for spinning steel Pop rivets in their holes until you die of old age, but it also works great for drilling roll bar mounting holes in the floor of a sports car just above the brake line that goes to the rear axle. Hacksaw: One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle. It transforms human en-ergy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes. Vise-Grips: Used to round off bolt heads. If nothing else is available, they can also be used to trans-fer intense welding heat to the palm of your hand. Oxyacetylene Torch: Used almost entirely for lighting those stale garage cigarettes you keep hidden in the back of the Whitworth socket drawer (What wife would think to look in there?) because you can never remember to buy lighter fluid for the Zippo lighter you got from the PX at Fort Campbell. Zippo Lighter: See oxyacetylene torch. Whitworth Sockets: Once used for working on older British cars and motorcycles, they are now used mainly for hiding six-month old Salem’s from the sort of person who would throw them away for no good reason. Drill Press: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room, splattering it against the Roll-ing Stones poster over the bench grinder. Wire Wheel: Cleans rust off old bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes fingerprint whorls and hard-earned guitar calluses in about the time it takes you to say, "Django Reinhardt". Hydraulic Floor Jack: Used for lowering a Mustang to the ground after you have installed a set of Ford Motorsports lowered road springs, trapping the jack handle firmly under the front air dam.



Eight-Foot Long Douglas Fir 2X4: Used for levering a car upward off a hydraulic jack. Tweezers: A tool for removing wood splinters. Phone: Tool for calling your neighbor Chris to see if he has another hydraulic floor jack. Snap-On Gasket Scraper: Theoretically useful as a sandwich tool for spreading mayonnaise; used mainly for getting dog-doo off your boot. E-Z Out Bolt and Stud Extractor: A tool that snaps off in bolt holes and is ten times harder than any known drill bit. Timing Light: A stroboscopic instrument for illuminating grease buildup on crankshaft pulleys. Two-Ton Hydraulic Engine Hoist: A handy tool for testing the tensile strength of ground straps and hydraulic clutch lines you may have forgotten to disconnect. Craftsman 1/2 x 16-inch Screwdriver: A large motor mount prying tool that inexplicably has an accu-rately machined screwdriver tip on the end without the handle. Battery Electrolyte Tester: A handy tool for transferring sulfuric acid from car battery to the inside of your toolbox after determining that your battery is dead as a doornail, just as you thought. Aviation Metal Snips: See Hacksaw. Trouble Light: Also called the mechanic's own tanning booth. Sometimes called a drop light, it is a good source of vitamin D, "the sunshine vitamin", which is not otherwise found under cars at night. Health benefits aside, its main purpose is to consume 40-watt light bulbs at about the same rate that 105-mm howitzer shells might be used during, say, the first few hours of the Battle of the Bulge. More often dark than light, its name is somewhat misleading. Phillips Screwdriver: Normally used to stab the lids of old-style paper-and-tin oil cans and splash oil on your shirt; can also be used, as the name implies, to round off Phillips screw heads. Air Compressor: A machine that takes energy produced in a coal-burning power plant 200 miles away and transforms it into compressed air that travels by hose to a Chicago Pneumatic impact wrench that grips rusty suspension bolts last tightened 40 years ago by someone in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, and rounds them off.



Greetings MMG members, I am looking forward to meeting many of you at the NADA in Las Vegas. It was a great year for Dealer Parts Trader ! We have added 2 new employees and are moving to a larger office space in January 2007 in order to keep up with the growth. Idle parts inventory is an on-going problem for automobile dealers and will be for a long time. This will always be a potential revenue stream for those that are savvy enough to pursue it. If you are a large enough dealership, you are fortunate to have a tool like the Power Bulk Buying program from Dealer Parts Trader. Some of our current buyers are making as much as $ 250,000.00 in extra gross each year. In fact, using the Dealer Parts Trader Bulk Buying program is like creating a new profit center for your business. Show me an owner who is not looking for new opportunities to make extra gross. Let me share two of the principles that I have tried to use to be successful. The first is that you have to make money by doing nearly nothing. The 2nd is that you have to have other people make money for you. Many of our successful buyers have had to hire extra personnel just to administer the process. If you can put an extra 20 K of gross in your pocket each month, it is pretty easy to add an extra per-son on the payroll. Our top gun buyer has an administrative assistant that prints all of the bulk buy-ing offers and manages the process. The buyer only reviews the offers and selects the parts that they want. The admin person keys the orders into the system and tracks the orders. The Parts Manager has the control with little or no work exerted. If you have idle parts yourself, let me suggest to you a fast way to get rid of them. You can buy your way out of idle. By purchasing your fast moving parts at 53 cents on the dollar, you can create a scrap account with your windfall and throw them in the dumpster. Please stop by and see me at the cocktail party or give me a call with questions. Mike Czerwonky General Manager Dealer Parts Trader 877-291-1200 [email protected] www.dealerpartstrader.com


Parts Barcoding Inventory Management Solution from Reynolds – Save Time – Save Money

Improve Your Business Your parts department can be one of your most important profit centers, which is why it makes sense to have the most up-to-date tools available for that area of your dealership. For example, the Parts Barcoding Inventory Management Scanner and Software from Reynolds can help turn your parts department into a more profitable and efficient part of your business. With Reynolds Parts Barcoding Inventory Management, you can eliminate manual data-entry errors, cut receiving and inventory time by up to 50 percent, and enhance the bot-tom line by cutting costs for manual labor, especially during physical inventories. The Bill Luke Chrysler Plymouth Jeep dealership in Phoenix, Arizona, mentions how this solution has helped their business become more profitable. “We have been using the In-ventory Management scanner and it has helped our parts department tremendously,” said Inventory Controller Martie Estrada. “Before purchasing this solution we had to check in our 800-part stock order by hand… that typically took two people four days to complete. Now by using two Inventory Management scanners, it reduces that time to two days to complete – that’s a 50 percent time savings!” Estrada continued, “The Inventory Management scanner also helps us quickly determine what parts are on our daily order, promo order or stock order – that process used to be a headache for us. I would definitely recommend this solution to any parts department – especially ones with fast-moving parts inventory – based on the time savings and how it virtually eliminates paperwork.” At Reynolds, you’re the boss, and we have the solutions and services for every area of your business. Find out for yourself how Parts Barcoding from Reynolds can help your dealership. During the upcoming NADA event in Las Vegas, stop by our booth numbers 1849C, 2149C and 2160C – located together in the Central Hall. For more information on Reynolds’ Parts Barcoding Inventory Management Tech-nologies, contact Tim Wilson at (937) 485-8147 or [email protected]


ADP’s CustomerTouchsm Communication Services

is all the buzz at NADA!

Stop by the ADP booth to learn more about this profit BOOSTING solution for your service and parts department.

With ADP’s CustomerTouch five methods of communication: Live Voice,

Automated Voice, Email, Direct Mail and Text Messaging, you can streamline your processes and improve customer satisfaction with consistent, properly timed and coordinated communications strategy. Not to mention, it’s a turn key hands off solution, with ADP CustomerTouch doing all set-up, configuration and fulfillment.

SERVICE NOTIFICATIONS - REAL TIME

Reduce PARTS obsolescence, appointment “no shows” and improve CSI.

ADP’s Service Notifications are sent in REAL TIME triggered by events in the DMS as employees do their

everyday routine processes. For example, the “Service Notifications” package includes REAL TIME notification by automated voice and/or e-mail when:

♦ a special order request is receipted saving time and assuring that the customer is notified

immediately to improve turnover, reduce obsolescence, and improve customer satisfaction.

♦ a scheduled service appointment is booked reducing no shows, improving work flow, and increasing repair order counts – more customer pay labor!

♦ a vehicle is ready for pick up - improving work flow, reducing vehicle rental and administrative costs,

and improving customer satisfaction

REAL TIME automated voice and/or e-mail notifications…it’s a winner!


ADP can help out in other areas of the dealership! Here are a few other services provided through ADP CustomerTouch:

♦ Service Reminders - Recommended Service Reminders

♦ Brake, Tire and Battery Graph Support ♦ LIVE VOICE FOLLOW-UP

♦ Sales to Service

♦ Purchase Thank You/ Welcome to Service ♦ Extended Service Offer ♦ 1st Service Appointment Request ♦ 1st Service Visit Overdue notice

♦ CSI/SSI Survey (Live Voice) ♦ Quick 2 question survey ♦ 6 Question Survey

♦ Unsold Prospect Follow-up (Live Voice) (ADP CRM dealers) ♦ Welcome/Introduction to Service and Parts Letter

Breaking News!

CustomerTouch continues to expand to help you make more money, sell more parts and service more vehicles. The following services will be available Spring ’07.

● Managed Marketing Campaigns (Up sell Accessories)

● Ad Hoc (one-off) Campaigns (Generate more sales RIGHT NOW!) ● Declined Service Letter (Bring your customers back for those declined services)

For further information, please contact:

Ray Alther

ADP’s CustomerTouch Phone: 847-485-4886

Email: [email protected]


DaimlerChrysler

2006 December Release of StarParts!

You spoke and we listened! In December of 2006, the StarParts team implemented a new release of StarParts. This release contains many of the application features that you requested. New Release Features Include: ♦ Pricing & sales code descriptions available on the Supersedence screen ♦ Ability to do a sales code lookup with or without a VIN on the Navigator screen ♦ Ability to print your entire search results ♦ The Info column on the parts illustration screen will also contain I-Sheet data (Accessory data only, available at the end of the 2nd Q) ♦ Additional exchange file in Excel format – ability to control in the set up screen(Available at the end of the 1st Q)

What’s New for 2007!

Common Group Service Information Model (CG-SIM) – The communization of group names between Ser-vice Information, Parts Technical, Warranty Claims and Labor Operations. You will see the initial communiza-tion between Service Information and Parts Technical. Warranty and Labor Operations will follow in the near future. StarParts Lite - The new and improved backup for StarParts. The feedback we have been receiving from the pilot dealers has been very positive!

♦ The pricing for StarParts Lite is comparable to e-Fiche. ♦ Purchasing one DVD allows you 5 licenses.

StarParts Lite Requirements include:

♦ DVD Drive ♦ 10 – 12 GB of hard drive free space to load graphics ♦ 1 GB Memory ♦ Full Administrator rights on the PC in order to do the initial load

You can sign up for StarParts Lite on the e-Fiche form on the StarParts website Target date for launching StarParts Lite: End of Q2 – 2007 Stay tuned and logon to our website for more details. http://starparts.chrysler.com


Mopar Loses Another Legend

“Dandy” Dick Landy passed on January 11th at the age of 69. He raced Dodge’s during the 1960s and 1970s and was proba-bly the most famous of the bunch that Chrysler and Dodge had at the time.

In 1962 Chrysler offered him factory support by supplying him with a series of Max Wedge Plymouths. He switched to Dodge in 1964 and legend began. He started with a Max Wedge, and then got a new 426 Hemi. He proceeded to dominate West Coast super stock racing. During that time is when he acquired the name “Dandy” because he was always well-dressed and his cars were always show quality.

1965 Chrysler decided to exit the Funny Car division of the American Hot Rod Association so Landy hit the road. He be-gan hosting Dodge Performance Clinics at dealerships across the country. This was all part of a marketing plan by Mopar that even-tually introduced Direct Connection.

May we remember his accomplishments always.

Quick Thoughts!

Remember.. Once you get over the hill, you'll begin to pick up speed. I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put some in the food. ...If it weren't for STRESS I'd have no energy at all. Whatever hits the fan…… Will Not Be Evenly Distributed. Everyone has a photographic memory. Some, like me, just don't have any film. I always know. God won't give me more than I can handle. There are times I just wish He didn't trust me quite so much.

Great Questions

Where does an Irish family go on vacation? A different bar.

What's the difference between a southern zoo and a northern zoo?

A southern zoo has a description of the animal on the front of the cage along with... "a recipe".

What's the difference between a northern fairytale and a southern fairytale?

A northern fairytale begins "Once upon a time ..." -A southern fairytale begins "Y'all ain't gonna believe this sh_t....




Definition of Acceleration One top fuel dragster 500 cubic inch Hemi engine makes more horsepower than the first 4 rows of stock cars at the Daytona 500. Under full throttle, a dragster engine consumes 1-1/2 gallons of nitro methane per second; a fully loaded 747 consumes jet fuel at the same rate with 25% less energy being produced. A stock Dodge Hemi V8 engine cannot produce enough power to drive the dragster's supercharger. With 3,000 CFM of air being rammed in by the supercharger on overdrive, the fuel mixture is compressed into a near-solid form before ignition. Cylinders run on the verge of hydraulic lock at full throttle. At the stoichiometric (stoichiometry: methodol-ogy and technology by which quantities of reactants and products in chemical reactions are determined) 1.7:1 air/fuel mixture of nitro methane, the flame front temperature measures 7,050 deg F. Nitro methane burns yel-low. The spectacular white flame seen above the stacks at night is raw burning hydrogen, dissociated from atmospheric water vapor by the searing exhaust gases. Dual magnetos supply 44 amps to each spark plug. This is the output of an arc welder in each cylinder. Spark plug electrodes are totally consumed during a pass. After halfway, the engine is dieseling from compres-sion, plus the glow of exhaust valves at 1,400 deg F. The engine can only be shut down by cutting the fuel flow. If spark momentarily fails early in the run, unburned nitro builds up in the affected cylinders and then ex-plodes with sufficient force to blow cylinder heads off the block in pieces or split the block in half. In order to exceed 300 mph in 4.5 seconds, dragsters must accelerate an average of over 4G's. In order to reach 200 mph (well before half-track), the launch acceleration approaches 8G's. Dragsters reach over 300 miles per hour before you have completed reading this sentence. Top fuel engines turn approximately 540 revolutions from light to light! Including the burnout, the engine must only survive 900 revolutions under load. The redline is actually quite high at 9,500 rpm. Assuming all the equipment is paid off, the crew worked for free, and for once NOTHING BLOWS UP, each run costs an estimate $1,000.00 per second. The current top fuel dragster elapsed time record is 4.441 seconds for the quarter mile (10/05/03, Tony Schumacher). The top speed record is 333.00 mph (533 km/h) as measured over the last 66' of the run (09/28/03 Doug Kalitta). Putting all of this into perspective, picture this scenario: You are driving the average $140,000 Lingenfelter "twin-turbo" powered Corvette Z06. Over a mile up the road, a top fuel dragster is staged and ready to launch down a quarter mile strip as you pass You have the advantage of a flying start. You run the 'Vette hard up through the gears and blast across the starting line and pass the dragster at an hon-est 200 mph. The "tree" goes green for both of you at that moment. The dragster launches and starts after you. You keep your foot down hard, but you hear an incredibly brutal whine that sears your eardrums and within 3 seconds, the dragster catches and passes you. He beats you to the finish line, a quarter mile away from where you just passed him. Think about it, from a standing start, the dragster had spotted you 200 mph and not only caught, but nearly blasted you off the road when he passed you within a mere 1,320 foot long race course. ... and that my friends, is ACCELERATION


The Way it Was...100 Years Ago!

THE YEAR 1906—One hundred years ago What a difference a century makes!

Here are some statistics for the Year 1906 ♦ The average life expectancy was 47 years. ♦ Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub. ♦ Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone. ♦ There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads. ♦ The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph. ♦ The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower ♦ The average wage was 22 cents per hour. ♦ The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year . ♦ A competent accountant could expect to earn$2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year. ♦ More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME ♦ Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as "substandard”. ♦ Sugar cost four cents a pound. ♦ Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. ♦ Coffee was fifteen cents a pound. ♦ Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used borax or egg yolks for shampoo. ♦ Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason. ♦ Five leading causes of death were:

1. Pneumonia and influenza 2. Tuberculosis 3. Diarrhea 4. Heart disease 5. Stroke

♦ The American flag had 45 stars. ♦ The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was only 30!!!! ♦ Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet. ♦ There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day ♦ Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write. ♦ Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school. ♦ Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. ♦ Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health." Shocking? DUH! ♦ Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help. ♦ There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A. Try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years. IT STAGGERS THE MIND!


THE YEAR'S BEST (actual) HEADLINES OF 2006:

Crack Found on Governor's Daughter [hmm! Really?]

Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says [Aw, C'mon!]

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers [Now that's taking things a bit far!]

Is There a Ring of Debris around Uranus? [Do they ever read what they write?}

Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over [What a guy!]

Miners Refuse to Work after Death [No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-sos!]

Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant [See if that works any better than a fair trial!]

War Dims Hope for Peace [I can see where it might have that effect!]

If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile [You think?!]

Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures [Who would have thought!] Enfield ( London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide [They may be on to something!] Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges [You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?!]

Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge (He probably IS the battery charge)

New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group [Weren't they fat enough?!]

Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft [That's what he gets for eating those beans!]

Kids Make Nutritious Snacks [Taste like chicken?] Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half [Chainsaw Massacre all over again!]

Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors [Boy, are they tall!]

And the winner is....

Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead (Did I read that sign right?)


New Years Thoughts To Live By

Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is to___________ today. Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants. Try to make at least 3 people smile each day. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride. The greatest glory in living lies not, in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Got Plans on Super Bowl Sunday?

Here is something to do on Sunday February 4th if you don’t have plans to go to the convention or to the MMG Super Bowl Party

Last Chance Test Session, Las Vegas, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Feb. 2-4: This aptly named test session is the final of three optional events that allow Professional driv-ers the chance to test their rides before the 2007 NHRA POWERade Series Countdown to the Championship gets under way. For information, call the track, (702) 644-4444.


Are your MMG Membership dues up to date?

With NADA 2007 Las Vegas rapidly approaching the MMG would like to make sure that your member-ship dues are paid and that your information is up to date. You will find an information form on the next page. All you have to do is fill out the proper information and send it along with your check for $100.00 to Treasurer Brent Hoge. (The address is on the form) At each NADA event we issue a very nice Mopar Masters Guild wearable to attending members. This year if your dues are paid up to date you will receive one of these terrific wearables even if you are not attending! So check the list below of paid members. If your dues are paid, no problem...we will ship your wearable to the address that you provided us or you will receive it at NADA 2007. If your name DOES NOT appear below and you are a qualifying member then fill out the information form and send in your check! Paid MMG Members for 2007: Baxter Chrysler Omaha, NE Gerry Oakes Bill Luke C-J Phoenix, AZ Susan McDaniel Dodge City Baton Rouge, LA Robbie Jackson Fred Beans, Inc. Doylestown, PA Mick Padgeon Golling C-J Bloomfield, MI Dan DeLisle Hayes C-J Lawrenceville, GA Alan Yancey Haynes Mtr Co. Richmond, VA Tommy Thrift Hinckley Dodge Salt Lake City, UT Mike Tognarelli Normandin C-J San Jose, CA Jeff Bright Perkins Mtr City Colorado Springs, CO Ed Lueras Security Dodge Amityville, NY Doug Price Tom OBrien Chrysler Greenwood, IN Dan Hutton Tuscon Dodge Tuscon, AZ Darrel Langford

Not currently a member and want to join the Mopar Masters Guild?

If you meet the criteria below then fill out the form and mail in your check!

Qualification for membership in the Mopar Masters Guild shall be the top 100 purchasing dealers reported by DaimlerChrysler’s year-end standings report or dealers attaining Mopar Masters Club status. Once qualified, members failing to meet these standards may continue to be an associate with full membership rights provided that said member is currently employed by a DaimlerChrysler dealer. Only current Mopar Masters Club members as defined by DaimlerChrysler shall be eligible to hold elected office or be appointed to the Mopar Masters Guild executive committee.

MOPAR MASTERS GUILD

**MEMBER INFORMATION FORM**

Please mail this form along with your check to: Mopar Masters Guild

PO BOX 708430 SANDY, UT 84070-8430

Attn: Brent Hoge

DUES ARE $100.00 PER YEAR DEALER NAME _________________________________________ BUSINESS NAME ________________________________________ BUSINESS ADDRESS_____________________________________ CITY ________________________ST________ ZIP______________ PHONE______________________ FAX_______________________ DEALER CODE___________BUSINESS E-MAIL_______________ TYPE OF BUSINESS SYSTEM (R&R. ADP, ETC.)______________ DEALER PRINCIPAL NAME________________________________

PERSONAL INFORMATION YOUR NAME ____________________________________________ HOME ADDRESS_________________________________________ CITY________________________ST________ZIP_______________ PERSONAL E-MAIL_______________________________________ SPOUSE NAME___________________________________________ YOUR SHIRT SIZE_______________________M________F______ SPOUSE’S SHIRT SIZE___________________M________F_______ PAYING DUES FOR: 2005_____2006_____2007_____2008_____



Tidbits

Keystone Automotive to contest ruling in Ford patent dispute- Keystone Automotive Indus-tries Inc. said along with other respondents it plans to contest portions of a preliminary ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission in a complaint by Ford Motor Co. An administra-tive law judge had on Monday, Dec. 4, ruled that seven of 10 design patents on parts for the Ford F-150 pickup were enforceable and infringed Ford's design patents, Keystone said in a statement. Dealers, lawmakers offer flood car bill Some members of Congress are expected to announce today that they will reintroduce legislation that would combat the resale of flood-damaged or previously wrecked vehicles to unsuspecting auto dealers or consumers. The event seems de-signed to position the measure as a priority when the new Congress takes office in January. De-mocrats will control both the House and Senate for the first time in 12 years. Unruly Julie and the scandal that rocked the ad worldWhy Wal-Mart fired its change-agent marketer Julie Roehm -- and the agency she hired A glamorous, former Chrysler executive was the young change agent kicked to the curb by the ultraconservative retail giant that had hailed her as savior months earlier. Swirling stories of sex, bribery and lychee martinis were her down-fall. An old devil lurks at Chrysler Back in the late 1970s, before Lee Iacocca arrived, Chrysler built a sales bank so large that cars sat for months out in fields. Iacocca swore off the sales bank, naming it the No. 1 enemy of profitability. But somehow it reared its ugly head again this decade. Dealers felt Eberhardt tuned them out One blogger quipped on autoblog.com last week that "With Dodges, Chryslers, and Jeeps piling up and sales way down, (Joe) Eberhardt's departure is as needed as Donald Rumsfeld's." The controversial Chrysler group's global sales, marketing and service chief had become a lightning rod for the company. Chrysler to ease dealer quotas Unpopular sales targets will be lowered, not halted The Chrysler group will lower its monthly sales quotas for dealers in 2007 but will not do away with the unpopular incentive program. Chrysler spokeswoman Lori McTavish confirmed last week that the automaker will ease its controversial "volume-based performance award," or VPA. The babe from toyland How 'Hot Wheels Amy' Boylan saved Carroll Shelby's company Amy Boylan agreed to become president of Shelby Automobiles Inc. in September 2005 be-cause she loves and is "in awe of" 83-year-old Carroll Shelby. But no matter how much she ad-mired the legendary car guy, Boylan discovered that working for him could get pretty dicey. She has fixed many problems for her employer to get the company back on track.



Unwary dealers get Katrina cars Up to 13,500 vehicles with titles branded as damaged by Hurricane Katrina have been moved to other states and now have clean titles. Those vehicles were among 200,000 cars and trucks that were damaged when Katrina soaked New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi in 2005. Chrysler employee sold pilfered parts on eBay A Chrysler parts depot employee in Denver was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay $427,012 in restitution after he pleaded guilty to illegally selling DaimlerChrysler parts on eBay. Ghosn downplays third partner for Nissan, Renault After Carlos Ghosn spent much of last summer explaining the advantages of General Motors joining the Nissan-Renault alliance, you might think he was in a hurry for a new partner. Not so. The CEO of Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA also said he is in no hurry to add North American capacity. Forecast for '07: Lower sales 16.4 million would be worst in 9 years U.S. light-vehicle sales in 2007 will be the lowest in nine years - around 16.4 million units.The blame is the slowing U.S. economy and falling home prices. Private equity funds to buy ADESA auction for $2.5 billion Vehicle auction company ADESA Inc. said it will be acquired by a group of private equity funds for roughly $2.5 billion. The team of funds comprises Kelso & Co., GS Capital Partners, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, ValueAct Capital and Parthenon Capital. Insurance Auto Auctions Inc. -- owned by Kelso & Co., Parthenon Capital and members of its management -- will be combined with Carmel, Indi-ana-based ADESA. Smaller cars = bigger crash risk DUH! Automakers are making new cars and trucks safer, but they can't undo the laws of physics. That was the warning last week from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety after it tested a handful of new small cars. Court: Toy infringes Hummer trademark A toy manufacturer must pay more than $1.2 mil-lion in damages for infringing on the Hummer and Humvee trademark and trade dress rights, a three-member federal appeals court panel has ruled. China car is coming to the Chrysler group Some Chrysler group dealers will get a new small car under a letter of intent signed by CEO Tom LaSorda with Chinese automaker Chery Auto-mobile Co. The agreement has to be approved by the DaimlerChrysler AG supervisory board, which meets this month, and the Chinese government, Chrysler spokesman Jason Vines says.



THE GUILD MOTTO “THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION BY LIKE

SIZE DEALERS IN A NON COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT”

This is the reason the Guild exists. The strength of our existence relies not on the voices of a select few, but on the combined knowledge of all. With this in mind, everyone should remember to become as pro-active as possible. The Guild is YOURS, be proud of it and be part of it!

2006-7 Mopar Masters Guild Executive Committee

Gerry Oakes President Baxter Chrysler Roy Benner Vice President Allen Samuels Dodge Brent Hoge Treasurer Larry H. Miller CJD Mike Gerber Secretary Eastside CJ Marvin Windham Don Drennen Chrysler Alan Yancey Hayes Chrysler Rick Monteiro Jack Powell Chrysler Dodge Dan Hutton Tom O’Brien Chrysler Robbie Jackson Salsbury’s Dodge City Ernie Wennerstrom Bald Hill Dodge

Guild Committees Membership Chairmen West Mike Gerber Eastside CJ East Ernie Wennerstrom Bald Hill Dodge Vendor Chairman Paul Allred Metrolina Dodge Newsletter Chairmen Dan Murphy Earnhardt CJ Don Cushing Bald Hill Dodge Performance Group Chairman Ole Olson Elk River Ford-Dodge Finance Committee Chairmen Roy Benner Allen Samuels Dodge Brent Hoge Larry H. Miller CJD Reynolds & Reynolds Paul Allred Metrolina Dodge ADP Jim Stoneman Westoaks CD ProQuest Dan Hutton Tom O’Brien Chrysler OEConnection “ “ Dealer Tire “ “ Hanel Storage Rick Monteiro Jack Powell Chrysler Dodge Karl Halley Town Motors NADA 2007 Planning Chairman Rick Monteiro Jack Powell Chrysler Dodge Website Chairman & Webmaster Mike Gerber Eastside CJ

Epitaph on the gravestone of

comedian Rodney

Dangerfield: “There goes the neighborhood!”

Documents

2007-01 January