Southern Automotive Journal November 2013 Issue

Allstate Concedes to Gunder’s Labor Rates to Settle Pending

Lawsuits

Mississippi Collision Shops Seek to Block PartsTrader in Court

Collision Diagnostic Services Presents Remote Scan Tool at

September GCIA Meeting

SCRS Issues Position on Insurer Mandates

Auto Service Intervals Have Increased Nearly 4% in

Last Year, Costing Average Dealership $91K in

Lost Revenue

Growing Consumer Connectivity Incites Online Sales

November 2013

M4 Coupe Please Turn to Page 4

COLLISION NEWSwww.southernautomotivejournal.com

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DEALER NEWS

On 15 August, surrounded by both current and historic BMW models, BMW M offered a first outlook on a high-perfor-mance sports car of tomorrow – the BMW Concept M4 Coupe. The car was unveiled at the BMW opening media reception for the iconic annual Pebble Beach/Monterey auto-mobile weekend.

“The BMW Concept M4 Coupe reflects the BMW M philosophy in ideal form: It

BMW Concept M4 Coupe – The True Essence Of BMW Mcombines motor racing genes and unre-stricted everyday suitability in a highly emotional overall concept. For four gen-erations, the BMW M3 has put motor rac-ing on the road and the BMW Concept M4 Coupe consistently continues to pursue this fundamental idea. The new

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BMW Century BMW 256.532.4570 800.236.8456 256.536.0361 Nalley BMW 404.296.8644 800.622.2021 404.297.9134

Chrysler Jim Burke 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Benchmark 205.823.5237 800.633.4304 888.815.5238 Hayes 770.963.6263 800.241.8124 770.237.8174Ferrari Ferrari Maserati of Atlanta 678.802.5000 800.522.2345 678.802.5018FIAT FIAT of Birmingham 205.823.5237 800.633.4304 888.815.5238Ford Gwinnett Place Ford 770.813.6825 866.665.9318 770.622.6156General Motors/Saturn Ivan leonard Chevrolet 205.823.5428 800.239.5100 205.979.3048 Rick Hendrick Chevrolet 678.957.5300 888.339.7278 678.957.5310Honda Gwinnett Place Honda 678.957.5151 800.277.8836 678.957.5156 Nalley Honda 770.306.4646 800.367.9834 770.306.4640 Tameron Honda 205.433.7651 800-467-0699 205-443-7656Hyundai Jim Burke Hyundai 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Nalley Hyundai 678.487.1839 855.639.9027 678.210.2320 Tameron Hyundai 205.433.7652 800-467-0699 205-443-7656 Serra Hyundai 205-856-6600 800-426-4351 205-853-7530Infi nti Crown Infinti 205.985.4200 800.476.4669 205.402.2243 Nalley Infinti - Marietta 770.281.8645 877.625.5392 770.281.8646 Nalley Infinti - Decatur 404.292.0831 800.522.3324 404.296.8701Izuzu Jim Burke 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Jaguar Jim Burke 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Nalley 864.281.1115 877.724.3030 864.478.1438 KIASerra Hyundai 205-856-6600 800-426-4351 205-853-7530 Nalley KIA 678.323.4629 855.651.0006 678.750.1355

Maserati Ferrari Maserati of Atlanta 678.802.5000 800.522.2345 678.802.5018Mazda Jim Ellis Mazda of Marietta 770.590.4468 800.543.4647 770.795.0645 Merecdes-Benz Atlanta Classic Cars 678-924-4249 800-241-6086 678-924-4257 Crown Merecdes-Benz 205.985.4200 800.476.4669 205.402.2243Mitsubishi Serra 205-856-6600 800-426-4351 205-853-7530NAPA Century NAPA 256.532.4570 800.236.8456 256.536.0361 Nissan Jim Burke Nissan 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Nalley Nissan 404.292.4774 800.647.7278 404.297.6962 Land Rover Century Land Rover 256.532.4570 800.236.8456 256.536.0361Lexus Lexus of Huntsville 256.824.8075 855.528.0487 256.824.8019 Nalley Lexus Marietta 770.514.7408 800.966.5398 770.590.4132 Nalley Lexus Roswell 678.795.2050 877.495.3987 678.795.9606Porsche Century Porsche 256.532.4570 800.236.8456 256.536.0361 Nalley Porsche 864.281.1115 877.724.3030 864.478.1438SAAB Jim Ellis SAAB of Marietta 770.590.4468 800.543.4647 770.795.0645

Subaru Jim Burke Subaru 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Troncalli Subaru 770.889.8951 800.646.9438 770.889.2545 Subaru of Gwinnett 678.584.7245 800.584.8727 678.584.7246Suzuki Suzuki of Memphis 901.347.4208 800.338.5481 901.347.4207 Toyota/ Scion Limbaugh Toyota 205.788.9390 800.239.5050 205.780.5215 Nalley Toyota of Roswell 678.832.4300 877.594.8696 770.552.2365 Stone Crest Nalley Toyota 678.708.4899 855.646.6526 678.708.4850 Volvo Century Volvo 256.532.4570 800.236.8456 256.536.0361 Jim Ellis Volvo 770.590.4468 800.543.4647 770.795.0645 Nalley Volvo 864.281.1115 877.724.3030 864.478.1438 Volvo of Memphis 901.347.4208 800.338.5481 901.347.4207 Volkswagen Jim Ellis 770.955.2580 800.253.8242 770.952.6199 Nalley Volkswagen 678.795.3472 866.204.9106 678.795.2941

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Southern Automotive Journal November 20134 www.IneedOEMparts.com

M4 Coupe From Cover

model designation “M4” refers – like all other BMW M automobiles – to the series on which this concept car is based,” explains Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President BMW M Division.

The Design TheBMW Concept M4 Coupe, finished in the colour “Aurum Dust” exclusively developed for this model, continues

with BMW M’s design language – strong in character, emotional and extremely dynamic. From every perspective it is the embodiment of agility, dynamism and superior performance. Large air inlets in the dynamic front, a swift design language in the side and a sporty, low rear give clear visual indication of the car’s tremendous dynamic potential. CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastics) elements such as the front splitter, the roof, or the rear diffuser underline the optimized lightweight concept down to the smallest detail.

“At BMW M, design is above all an expression of function. Each design element is based on the underlying technical demands of the BMW M high performance concept. Thanks to this

authenticity, the design provides a taste of what can be experienced with each model: Power, precise control and supe-rior handling – an unforgettable driving experience on the racetrack as well as on the road” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

The Front End

Faceted surfaces, precise con-tours and distinctive visual depth shape the powerfully expressive front end of

the BMW Concept M 4 Coupe. T h e classic “ B M W f a c e ” with its d o u b l e kidney and a modern inter-pretation of the twin round headlamps featuring LED technology provides the car with a distinctive identity, making it recognizable as a BMW M automobile at very first glance. The bonnet with its characteristic power dome symbolises

the immense power of the engine that lies beneath it. This dynamic element is further emphasized by a distinctive contour. A further striking feature on the front of the new BMW Concept M4 Coupe is the BMW M double bar kidney grille: The black kidney grille bars imi-tate the characteristic M double spoke design of the BMW M wheels, the M4 emblem on the kidney grille adding an exclusive accent to the front end.

The powerfully shaped front apron sporting the carbon fibre front splitter immediately catches the eye. The three large air intakes supply the high perfor-mance power unit with suffi-cient cooling air. At the same time, the interplay of surfaces, contours and volume authenti-cally express the car’s supreme potential. The sharply outlined vertical air vents located in the outer section of the side air intakes, the so-called Air Curtain is a design statement of its own. Together with the Air Breather, this feature ensures the aerody-namic closure of the wheel arch-es and consequently, improved air flow and fuel consumption.

The Side

Viewed from the side, the dynamic impression con-

veyed by the front end continues.

A stream-lined, flat

silhouette and an athletic b o d y d e s i g n c h a r a c-t e r i z e

the BMW Concept M4

Coupe. Typical BMW propor-

tions – a long bon-net, long wheelbase, set-

back greenhouse and a short front over-hang – create an exceptionally dynamic appearance even when the car is at a standstill. Muscular wheel arches and the powerfully expressive surface lan-

Southern Automotive JournalNovember 2013 5www.IneedOEMparts.com

guage reveal the BMW Concept M4 Coupe’s supreme performance capabilities at very first glance.

The flowing roofline enhances the BMW Concept M4 Coupe’s sporty design with elegant finesse. As a visible high-tech lightweight element, the contoured CFRP roof characterizes the BMW Concept M4 Coupe’s technically innovative design. The CFRP roof reduces weight and ensures a lower centre of gravity, thus facilitating an even sport-ier driving experience. Here, form and functionality are opti-mally combined in typical BMW M fashion.

The coupe-like roofli-ne flows into the muscularly designed rear end, which then adopts the contour of the roof. A rear spoiler lip is integrat-ed into the trunk lid for opti-mum downforce. Thanks to this feature, the BMW Concept M4 Coupe not only has bet-ter downforce values, but when viewed from the side, also gains in volume and length, in athletic presence. Below it, the boldly shaped, muscular sill emphasizes the car’s sportive stance on the road.

A conspicuous detail on the car’s side panels is the rede-signed M gill. This characteristic M design element constitutes a both sporty and func-tional statement. On the Concept M4 Coupe, the M gills incorpo-rate the Air Breather, which together with the Air Curtain within the front apron serves

to ventilate the wheel arches and facilitate better airflow values. Exclusively designed, bicoloured 20” M light alloys boasting the typical M double spoke design complete the sportive design of the car’s sides. The five filigree double-spokes rims with polished outer surfaces reveal M Carbon ceramic brakes.

The Rear

The muscular rear end of the BMW Concept M4 Coupe gives visual indication

of the car’s supreme power. The entire tail section boasts a sculp-tural and broad appearance. The large shaded areas beneath the spoiler give the rear end an even flatter and athletic appearance. At the same time, the flat tail-lights located far to the outside, the wide track and the powerfully flared wheel arches underscore the car’s stable stance on the road. Horizontal lines accentuate the car’s width, lowering the visu-al centre of gravity even further.

Within the tail section of the BMW Concept M4 Coupe, the

design feature of the front apron compris-ing faceted surfaces is formally replicated and continued further. The interplay of surfaces and precise contours around the optical air vents further accen-tuates the rear end’s dynamic design. Twin tailpipes are a charac-teristic M feature on the rear end. The two pairs of carbon fibre tail-pipes are encompassed by the sculptural rear apron. A carbon fibre rear diffuser completes the overall aerodynam-ics package.n

“The BMW Concept M4 Coupe reflects the BMW M phi-losophy in ideal form: It combines motor racing genes and unrestricted everyday suitability in a highly emo-tional overall concept."

Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President BMW M Division


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Parts Managers - We Buy Obsolete NISSAN Parts - Call Jon

Automotive Electronic Solutions Providers, LLC, the leader in remote diag-nostics, is dedicated to serving the needs of the collision repair industry. To move strategically into this market, industry expert Dan Espersen was hired as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Mr. Espersen joined the company this past spring and has been introducing the pat-ent-pending astech device nationwide. As initial beta and pilot programs got under-way, creating a dedicated division to best meet the needs of the collision industry became essential and Collision Diagnostic Services (CDS) was born.

"Our change in focus came when it was clear collision repair shops could best benefit from the use of our prod-

AESP turns focus to Collision Repair Industry

ucts and services," said Walter McIntyre, Chief Operating Officer for CDS. "Hiring Mr. Espersen and creating CDS were key strategic actions to show our commitment to this industry. We are excited to have Mr. Espersen join our team and guide the direction of our new brand."

Mr. Espersen brings more than 35 years of automotive experience to CDS, having held positions in all aspects of shop operations and management. In the last ten years, he identified the need, designed and led the development of an industry first - online OEM collision repair informa-tion. The resulting product revolutionized the collision repair industry, giving techni-cians OEM information at their fingertips.

Mr. Espersen also brings to CDS mul-

tiple certifications including, but not limited to I-CAR platinum recognition, and ASC in both Automotive Repair and Computer Technology. He is a published author for multiple trade magazines and is a very active member of the collision repair indus-try, often speaking at national events.

"I am thrilled to be joining this com-pany at a very exciting time," said Dan Espersen, VP of Sales and Marketing for CDS. "To bring a new brand and prod-uct line to market is both exciting and challenging. In the few short months that the astech device has been in the market, the reception has been fantastic. This new business unit and our new look and feel reflect where we are going and who we are serving."n

Company Hires Long-Time Expert Dan Espersen and crates new division, Collision Diagnostic Services


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Volume 17 Issue No. 11

Jim TuckerPublisher

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Michele TuckerEditor

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Southern Automotive Journal (ISSN: 1092-6321) is published monthly by Southern Automotive Journal Inc. P.O. Box 675097, Marietta, Ga 30006-0009.SAJ accepts no responsi-bility for the opinions, views statements of the authors or for claims made by advertisers. Views expressed by writers are not necessarily those of the publication. Subscription: $12.00 per year. No representation is made as to the accuracy or the com-pleteness of the information provided by this publication. Entire contents copyright 2013. All rights reserved.

ContributorsNick Palermo Ami Vonesh

Russ Heaps Michael Winters

VW Please Turn to Page 22

Volkswagen C h a t t a n o o g a a n n o u n c e d recently that it has received a 2013 Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. E n v i r o n m e n t a l Protection Agency (EPA). The annual awards recognize the country’s lead-ing green power users for their commitment and contribution to helping advance the development of the nation’s voluntary green power market.

EPA present-ed Volkswagen Chattanooga with the award at an event held in con-

EPA Recognizes Volkswagen Chattanooga With A Green Power Leadership Awardjunction with the 2013 Renewable Energy Markets Conference in Austin, Texas on September 23, 2013.

Volkswagen C h a t t a n o o g a was one of only four organiza-tions nation-wide to receive a Leadership Award for the on-site generation of green power. The award recognizes EPA Green Power Partners who dis-tinguish them-selves using on-site renewable energy applications, such as solar photovol-taic (PV) or landfill gas. Volkswagen Chattanooga is cur-

rently generating more than 13 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually from an on-site solar energy system, which is enough green power to meet 12 percent of the organization’s electricity use.

“We are honored that the EPA has recognized us with a Green Power Leadership award for the renewable energy generated by the Volkswagen Chattanooga Solar Park at our LEED Platinum certified factory in Tennessee,” said Frank Fischer, CEO and Chairman of Volkswagen Chattanooga.

“Volkswagen’s worldwide conser-vation program is called Think Blue and it’s a global call to sustainable ecological action on our blue planet,” Fischer said. “Generating green power onsite is an important part of Volkswagen’s efforts to be responsible for our footprint in everything from powering our factory to powering our cars.”

Volkswagen Chattanooga current-ly ranks No. 15 on EPA’s Top 20 On-site Generation list, which highlights EPA

From left to right: Dr. Andreas Haenel, Phoenix Solar AG/ Jim Coppinger, Mayor Hamilton County/ Frank Fischer, Volkswagen Chattanooga/Matt Kisber, Silicon Ranch/ Ron Littlefield, Mayor Chattanooga/Wolfram Thomas, Volkswagen AG/ Dr. Murray Cameron, Phoenix Solar Inc.


SCRS Position Please Turn to Page 23

The current business climate is shaping fierce competition in the colli-sion industry services sector, generating an ever-expanding palette of programs positioned to support process improve-ment. The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has been carefully monitoring the evolving dynamics in the marketplace, and has issued a position statement regarding insurer mandates. The position statement can be found online at www.scrs.com/positionstate-ments.htm, and as follows:

In representation of collision repair businesses across the United States, The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) takes exception to business man-dates that property and casualty insurers impose upon collision repair businesses; particularly those that specify required vendors, business platforms or internal processes that must be followed in order to be included in, or avoid being exclud-ed from, certain lines of work. As an example, insurer mandates surrounding parts procurement platforms may inhibit independent collision repair businesses from utilizing parts vendors with whom they have an existing relationship, pro-viding insurers with greater influence and control over the parts supply chain. SCRS believes this control falls outside of the scope of the insurance business. Some insurers are stipulating agreement to these terms, as a condition of being rec-ognized in Direct Repair Programs (DRP). SCRS supports efforts that rightfully seek to eliminate such intrusion into the col-lision repair business, and enforcement of existing laws, regulations and codes that currently prohibit such actions. It is the opinion of SCRS that voluntary agreements cannot include stipulations which violate existing laws, rules and regulations.

SCRS believes that collision busi-nesses are capable of establishing suc-cessful vendor relationships and internal processes that will best accommodate the needs of the consumer, and that ser-vice providers will continue to respond to the market with increasingly creative solutions that drive performance for their customers and the respective market entities. We believe that solutions with tangible value propositions will be uti-

SCRS Issues Position on Insurer Mandateslized and supported by the marketplace without the undue influence of insurer mandate.

The encouragement to embrace open platforms to enhance performance, rather than rely on exclusionary program agreements influenced by one or more of the participants, follows an acknowl-edgement from State Farm Insurance that the nation's largest carrier is transitioning from "piloting" the requirement to use the PartsTrader online part sourcing and ordering program, in select marketplac-es, to a tiered national rollout. State Farm Insurance had previously included a pro-vision in their Select Service™ Agreement requiring participating repairers to agree to utilize automated replacement parts locating services or applications, as speci-fied by State Farm Insurance, for ordering and/or sourcing replacement parts.

Unfortunately, as the program rollout developed, so did the rules of engagement surrounding it.

In May of 2012, State Farm Insurance issued a video on their B2B website where Auto E s t i m a t i c s C o n s u l t a n t George Avery expressed:

"...repair-ers are in con-trol of who provides your parts, regard-less of the part type. We have worked with P a r t sTr a d e r on a process that [enables] you to main-tain your relationships and negoti-ated deals with your vendors. We u n d e r s t a n d that relation-ships with your suppliers are important in managing your business,

much in the same way we value our rela-tionship with you."

In an email distributed within the same month, PartsTrader communicated to suppliers who had declined the offer to participate in the quoting process that:

"State Farm Select Service repair-ers will be placing all parts orders related to State Farm claims via the PartsTrader application from [date]. During our dis-cussion you indicated that this was not in your interest to register online with PartsTrader to participate in the intended parts procurement process. We respect your choice and want to make sure you are still able to receive those State Farm orders. With that stated, it is not our intent to come between the relationships you have built with the shops. This e-mail is to confirm that we have now modified your company's configuration to be a "Fax Only Supplier." This means that a repairer can place an order to your company in PartsTrader, and we will send that order to


Local770.590.4468 770.951.1043

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The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has provided independent repair-ers access to a web-based advocacy program at the federal and state levels for a number of years. After research-ing various online advocacy programs, ASA has been working to remodel its legislative and regulatory website, www.TakingTheHill.com. The new website is more user-friendly and designed to move information quickly to members and to policymakers. ASA members are encour-aged to visit the newly designed site and

ASA Launches New Legislative Website Redesign Improves Advocacy Tools for Repairers

sign up for free legislative alerts.“With our Washington, D.C., office

on Capitol Hill looking out for repairers, the industry looks to ASA for grassroots advocacy and information. Redesigning this site is one more step in the associa-tion’s commitment to provide members with the tools they need to stay informed and be heard on Capitol Hill,” said Angie Wilson, ASA’s vice president of marketing and communications.

The site was redesign by Autoshop Solutions, which recently redesigned

ASA’s main website, www.ASAshop.org. “It was great working with the ASA team again, this time to launch the legislative website,” said Margaret Klemmer, vice president of operations at Autoshop Solutions. “We spent time collaborating with the ASA team in Washington to develop a site that provides a clean navi-gation and design with featured posts on the home page. We also brought the toolbox components front and center, making it easy for ASA members to take action on the site.”n

The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced it will spend more than $45 million for 38 new projects that will research and develop vehicle technologies to improve fuel efficiency, lower transportation costs and protect the environment.

According to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz:

“By partnering with universities, private industry and our national labs, the Energy Department is helping to build a strong 21st century transporta-tion sector that cuts harmful pollution,

U.S. Department of Energy Announces Plans for 38 New Advanced Transportation Technology Projects

Projects Include New Body Material, Welding, Battery, Lubricant Technologiescreates jobs and leads to a more sustain-able energy future. By improving the fuel economy of our cars and trucks, we can save families and businesses money at the pump and better protect our air and water.”

The recently announced 38 proj-ects range from five major areas that are essential to advanced transportation technologies, such as lightweight and propulsion materials as well as afford-able, efficient batteries, power electron-ics, fuels and lubricants, and efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning

systems. Some of the projects include the following:

• Body-in-white Joining of Aluminum to Advanced High Strength Steel at Prototype Scale: A project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory that will develop and validate solid-state spot joining technology to join body-in-white high strength steel and aluminum.

• Breakthrough Techniques for Dissimilar Material Joining: A project at Johns Hopkins University that will

Tech Projects Please Turn to Page 23


Altima Please Turn to Page 24

When it comes to the innovations and advanced technology behind the ground-up, totally new 2013 Nissan Altima design, some things might be considered evolutionary. Take the body, the engines, transmission, suspension, steering, seats, the instrument panel, navigation system, music connection, armrest, windshield wipers, and tire pres-sure monitoring system. The previous generation Altima had them. This gen-eration does too.

Not a big deal. Until you take a little closer look. Call it evolution on the edge. Or evolution to the extreme. Or simply call it a design that is about to revolution-ize what people think about Altima – and what a mid-size sedan can be.

Consider some of these evolutions. A body, that while clearly recognizable as an Altima, is lighter, more rigid and cuts a cleaner path through the wind. A 2.5-liter inline 4-cylnder engine that is lighter, stronger, quicker and more fuel-efficient (combined with the new trans-mission design) than the previous 2.5-liter design. An next-generation Xtronic CVT® that takes Nissan's two decades of Continuously Variable Transmission lead-ership into a new dimension of smooth operation and fuel efficiency. A new, refined rear multi-link suspension that

The Evolutionary 2013 Nissan Altimacould be equally at home on a premium European sports sedan. A hybrid power steering system that combines the feel of a traditional hydraulic box with the effi-ciency of modern electric control. Front seats that take their inspiration from outer space technology – for out-of-segment comfort. An intuitive 3D-effect information display that's easier to watch than many 3D Hollywood blockbusters.Navigation that's never outdated and loves to tell you where to go, even more than your spouse. And there’s more. Of course, when considering an Altima that is "new and improved," you also need to consider the "new and never avail-able before." For example, an advanced RearView Monitor camera that detects four views is utilized to bring Altima into premium sedan territory with avail-able Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD).

Following are closer looks at just a few of the individual components and systems that make the all-new fifth gen-eration the most revolutionary Altima ever.

Body in White (and Seven Other Great Colors)

Proving that premium doesn't

have to be pricey, the new Altima body takes a big step forward in creating a quiet, comfortable foundation for a new benchmark mid-size sedan. Keeping the same basic dimensions as the previous generation (because when things are right, keep them right), new attention to aerodynamic design helps give the totally restyled body a more premium appearance. More importantly, the new body-in-white features a new front tower strut brace like found on sports cars, and additional rear structural support built into the rear parcel shelf – enhancing structural rigidity and lateral handling response. At the same time, overall body weight has been reduced through utiliz-ing aluminum hood and bumper rein-forcements and expanded use of high-tensile steel. In addition, more than half the steel in the body is "high strength steel." Total vehicle weight has been reduced by around 80 pounds.

Since "quiet feels quality," the transmission of noise into the cabin has also been reduced through use of the more rigid body, and by intercepting and isolating noise before it enters the pas-senger compartment with reduced wind


By: Nick PalermoScan tools have not only become

ubiquitous in mechanics' shops but also common in collision repair facilities. New automotive technology is increasingly of the electronic variety; backup cam-eras, active grille shutters and drive-by-wire steering are just a few examples. Technologies like these – and even sim-pler systems – require a "handshake" between the sensors that read what's happening in the vehicle and the con-trollers that adjust settings to ensure an automobile functions properly. Scan tools allow technicians to more easily locate, diagnose and repair faults.

Of course, not all scan tools are cre-ated equal. Some tools may miss certain codes or provide incorrect diagnoses. OEM-specific scan tools provide the best solution, but unless a shop is focused on a single brand, having an OEM-specific scan tool for each manufacturer is decid-edly cost prohibitive. One company has a solution. Collision Diagnostic Services (CDS) can remotely scan vehicles from its Jacksonville, Florida headquarters using an OEM-specific scan tool.

CDS's Astech product connects to a vehicle's OBD port and an inter-net connection. At the other end, CDS uses OEM-specific scan tools to read any codes and send them back to the Astech unit that's plugged into the vehicle. The service provides a quick and simple way to accurately estimate vehicle damage.

Jake Rodenroth, director of indus-try relations for CDS, explained other advantages of the Astech product and the accompanying service.These include defining pre-existing codes that were present before a collision, reduc-ing expenses of unrelated damages. Rodenroth also said that Astech could help shops reduce cycle time and keep work in-house, minimizing towing and transportation costs associated with moving a vehicle to another shop for diagnostic work.

Rodenroth explained how much more effective OEM-specific tools can be compared to even top-tier non-brand-specific units. He cited a test scan of a Toyota Camry using a top-of-the-line scan tool from Snap-On and a factory

Collision Diagnostic Services Presents Remote Scan Tool at September GCIA Meeting

Toyota tool. Rodenroth said the Snap-On tool picked up two codes on that vehicle while the Toyota tool found twelve. He also explained that, for 2013 models, the Toyota tool also listed the date, time and mileage for each code. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have included timestamps on fault codes for years. That information allows shops to see which codes were present before an incident.

For this reason, Rodenroth recom-mended multiple scans for each repaired vehicle: one upon arrival, a second before the vehicle is completely reassembled and a third upon completion, just before the vehicle is returned to the custom-er. He provided examples of situations where following such a procedure would save a collision shop time and money. One example came from a 2007 Audi Q7 with inoperable navigation. A scan revealed that issue first occurred 9,000 miles and 7 months before the accident that sent the vehicle in for collision repair. Another example was a 2012 Camry that was his in the rear, causing the roof airbag to deploy. In that case, the techs repairing the car failed to reconnect the Bluetooth microphone in the headliner. Had the vehicle not been scanned prior to leaving the shop, the customer would

likely have returned later for the repair, costing the shop extra money and result-ing in a negative experience for the cus-tomer.

The Astech unit connects to an Ethernet cable – wireless function is not yet available – and uses a text screen located on the front of the unit to dis-play information. Rubber feet help to keep it in place and prevent scratching a vehicle's paint, but the unit can survive a 9-foot drop, so it's built to handle a shop environment. It works with 1997 and newer models with an ALDL connection and is powered by the vehicle.

Rodenroth reported that 7 shops are currently using the Astech and its accompanying service in beta testing. An additional 60 shops have bought and paid for the technology. Not all makes and models are covered by the service, but more are in development. A chart on the CDS website shows coverage for each brand (http://collisiondiagnosticservices.com/wp-content/uploads/cds-vehicle-coverage-chart.pdf). Pricing is $85 per connection.

To learn more about Collision Diagnostic Services and Astech, call (888) 486-1166 or email a representative at [email protected]

The Astech remote diagnostic tool allows shops to connect to an OEM-specific scan tool using the internet.

Collision Diagnostic Services (CDS) can remotely

scan vehicles from its Jacksonville, Florida

headquarters using an OEM-specific scan tool.

CDS's Astech product connects to a

vehicle's OBD port and an internet connection.

Jake RodenrothDirector of Industry Relations for CDS

Southern Automotive JournalNovember 201313www.IneedOEMparts.com

By: Nick PalermoCollision shops and industry asso-

ciations nationwide have voiced concerns over PartsTrader as the electronic parts ordering system has been implemented in initial markets. The Mississippi Collision Repair Association (MCRA) and more than two dozen shops in that state are acting in advance of its arrival there by filing an injunction to block a requirement to use PartsTrader.

The lawsuit was filed late last month in Hinds County Chancery Court against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and PartsTrader LLC. According to plaintiff John Mosely of Clinton Body Shop in Clinton, Mississippi, the suit argues that a requirement to use PartsTrader rep-resents tortious interference in a collision shop's relationships with its customers. Tortious interference occurs when one party intentionally causes a second party to not do business with a third party.

Mosely also said that, if the lawsuit is successful, he hopes collision shops and industry associations in other states will follow Mississippi's lead.

Shops in other states are indeed watching closely. Reactions to PartsTrader have not been overwhelmingly positive as collision industry professionals voice concerns over control of their businesses, specifically how they deal with custom-ers and suppliers. Reporting by Southern Automotive Journal on Georgia Collision Industry Association (GCIA) members' out-look on the program reflects skepticism at best.

In a presentation earlier this year, Dave Sailer, a representative from PartsTrader, pitched the system as a com-petitive new marketplace that would improve efficiency in the industry to the benefit of all parties. George Avery of State Farm said the same late last year, cit-ing an opportunity to repair vehicles that would otherwise be totaled and provide quicker turnaround, improving bottom lines. Of course, even Avery recognizes that State Farm has perhaps the most to gain from such efficiencies. Reducing repair times by one day – across all State Farm claims – would save the insurer $43 million annually in rentals.

At that time, Avery stopped short of telling GCIA members that they would be required to use PartsTrader if they wanted to do business with State Farm customers. But Mosely told Body Shop Business that Avery expressed an impending ultimatum to MCRA members.

"George Avery announced to us that there will come a time in the near future where someone will sit across from your desk and describe this program to you, and you will make a decision as to whether this program is good for your business or not," Mosely said. "And for those of you who choose not to follow the program, you will quickly become irrel-evant to State Farm."

Mosely also explained the plaintiffs' position on such a black-and-white choice.

"The only way we cannot do busi-ness with State Farm is to not have those customers in our shops, and we have no intention of losing any customer that each of us have built our business to serve," Mosely said. "We intend to fight to keep our right to free enterprise."

Statements from other collision industry leaders in the wake of the law-suit's announcement support the action my MCRA and the Mississippi body shops. Charles Bryant, executive director of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey this week expressed solidar-ity with the Mississippi efforts.

"The collision industry has clearly rejected the concept of PartsTrader, yet State Farm is taking the position that they are going to force PartsTrader on the colli-sion industry â€“ like it or not," Bryant said. "This lawsuit should be a wake-up call for State Farm. State Farm's attempt to create the appearance that they are trying to help the collision industry solve a problem has clearly failed."

It may be clear that State Farm has failed in convincing collision repair pro-fessionals that PartsTrader will improve their businesses, but that hasn't stopped the insurer from successfully rolling out the program. In addition to four metro-politan markets - Chicago Grand Rapids, Charlotte and Birmingham- PartsTrader is live in four full states: Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Ten more full-state implementations are "pending," accord-ing to PartsTrader as of August 19.

Mississippi is not among them, but collision shops and industry associations across the U.S. will surely continue to fol-low the lawsuit against PartsTrader in that state closely.n

Mississippi Collision Shops Seek to Block PartsTrader in CourtCan Mississippi body shops and an industry association stop PartsTrader before it even arrives there? Will other states follow?

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Nalley Automotive Group has added 3 franchises to their Atlanta Area Group; Stonecrest Toyota in Lithonia, Stonecrest KIA in Lithonia and Stonecrest Hyundai in Conyers. “We acquired the dealerships this summer and have now fully integrated the Lithonia and Conyers stores into our whole-sale parts operation," said Sandra Peebles, Wholesale Parts Director for the Nalley Automotive Group. “We are thrilled to add the KIA and Hyundai franchises and another Toyota store

increases our ability to better service our Toyota parts custom-ers. With the addition of the KIA and Hyundai franchises, we now have 12 different manufacturers in 15 locations making it possible for us to provide superior service to each valued customer."

With the addition of Kia and Hyundai, Nalley's wholesale parts customers have the ability to order parts from 12 different manufacturers with the convenience of one truck delivery and receive one combined statement.n

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"We are the newest member to the Nalley family and look forward to the opportu-nity to earn your business, With over 40 years combined experience, we have a deep work-ing knowledge of Toyota collision parts and the collision industry, ask for Scott or David." David Silverstein, Parts Manager, Nalley Toyota Stonecrest

“We work hard to exceed every cus-tomer’s expectations and make lasting rela-tionships. With years of Kia experience, we are thrilled to be a member of the Nalley Automotive family; bringing you the parts you need and the name you trust.” Kyle Edwards, Parts Manager, Nalley Kia

“Nalley Hyundai strives to exceed expectations. With Nalley group’s extensive delivery system we can get you the parts you need to finish the job. We want to help you make a great impression on your customers.” Clint McGill, Parts Manager, Nalley Hyundai

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DMEautomotive Turn to Page 21

DMEautomotive (DMEa), the sci-ence-inspired, results-based automotive marketing leader, recently released new findings(1) from DMEInsights, its recent-ly released analytics product, revealing that the average dealership's auto ser-vice interval has undergone significant changes within the last year: increasing from 140 to 145 days - or nearly 4%.

DMEa found that this five-day expansion between service visits is cost-ing the average dealership $91K in lost revenue a year - or $18K for every day of interval added. While these new reali-ties impact dealerships and aftermarket providers alike, the total cost to U.S. franchised new car dealers alone is $352 million-plus each year.(2) A number of factors - including people keeping vehi-cles longer than ever in history, far bet-ter built cars, people driving less, and people relying less on OEM service rec-ommendations in favor of more online and mobile research - is fueling this ongoing lengthening of time between service visits.

"Service intervals will only get lon-

Auto Service Intervals Have Increased Nearly 4% in Last Year, Costing Average Dealership $91K in Lost Revenue

ger, and this should be a wake-up call for every dealer, because it impacts them in diverse, costly ways," said Mike Walther, president and CEO of DMEautomotive. "Longer intervals don't just mean a lot less direct service revenue, because when customers come in for fewer vis-its in the first three years of ownership (where brand and dealership loyalty is forged), they're also less likely to re-purchase at that dealership...and even CSI scores are negatively impacted."

Fueling the Trend:Supporting DMEautomotive

research's findings are some macro auto industry realities:

-- Even with new-vehicle sales rebounding, Americans are now keep-ing their vehicles for record lengths of time: the average age of a U.S. vehicle is now 11.4 years, up nearly two years from 2007.(3)

-- Cars are better built, require less maintenance and simply last lon-ger: for instance, the annual percentage of vehicles sent to the scrap yard has

dropped 50% since 2007.(4) -- People are driving less: the

average number of miles U.S. drivers rack up peaked in 2004 at over 900/month, and despite a recovering econo-my, that had fallen to 820 in 2012 - down roughly 9%.(5)

-- Consumers now rely less on their owner's manual and service cen-ters as sources of maintenance info, and are increasingly turning to multiple digi-tal/mobile information resources. For instance, a large, new DMEa consumer survey(6) finds that less than half of servicers now follow OEM recommen-dations, a precipitous drop from 2011 when 64% did. And from 2011-2013, usage of owners' manuals as a main-tenance resource dropped 10%, while turning to service centers plummeted 17%.

"Many dealers use service remind-er marketing programs that haven't fundamentally changed in years. But the new, ever-lengthening service inter-


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Lower pricing and increasing consumer trust in digital platforms are creating an environment conducive to the online sale of automotive parts and accessories in North America. The grow-ing penetration of connected devices among consumers, combined with digitization, and supply chain improve-ments by automotive retailers and dis-tributors will quicken customer migra-tion to e-platforms.

As a result, revenue from the online sales of parts and accessories are expected to reach $16.56 billion in 2020, up from $4.6 billion in 2012, accounting for nearly 10 percent of overall aftermar-ket revenue. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Opportunity Analysis of eRe-tailing for Automotive Parts and Service in the North American Market, explores the impact of eRetailing traditional dis-tribution channels and identifies which competitors will benefit from entry and participation in this market.

If you are interested in more information on this research, or to view a recently recorded presenta-tion on this subject, please send an e-mail to Jeannette Garcia, Corporate Communications, at [email protected], with your full name, company name, job title, telephone number, com-pany e-mail address, company website, city, state and country.

Growing Consumer Connectivity Incites Online Sales of Automotive Parts in North America, Finds Frost & Sullivan

"Automotive parts and accessories sold online on average are 20-40 percent cheaper than those sold through tra-ditional channels," said Frost & Sullivan Automotive and Transportation Senior Industry Analyst Kumar Saha. "These reduced prices drive the eRetailing mar-ket for automotive parts and service in North America. Furthermore, due to the lack of clear laws governing online sell-ers, tax-free purchases have also been a key value proposition for eRetailers."

However, federal and state gov-ernments are introducing legislations that will mandate taxes for online pro-curement; thereby eroding some of the price advantage online retailers have over traditional retailers. In fact, as tradi-tional retailers expand their digital port-folio and become more price competi-tive, customer convenience features, such as product support, rather than price will become differentiating factors in the North American automotive parts market.

Effective cataloguing of parts and accurate search algorithms will also be crucial for eRetailers' sales, as the rising complexity of automotive components dissuade most customers, particularly those that do not perform their own installations, from buying online. Until customers can find a product online with the same ease as they would at

a physical store, Internet and mobile channels will continue to be niche options preferred only by tech-savvy, cost-conscious early adopters.

As such, merging elements of business-to-consumer strategies with business-to-business initiatives will help eRetailers widen their consumer base and extend their solutions to smaller, regional installers in North America that are currently serviced by traditional dis-tributors.

"For traditional participants, such as dealers, looking to branch into eRe-tailing, offering real-time communica-tion through a website or social media and 'purchase-online, store-pickup' schemes can draw buyers," noted Saha. "For automotive eRetailers and tradi-tional automotive retailers that do not have their own service locations, part-nering with installer groups and inte-grating their services on websites will enhance attractiveness for customers."

Several large automotive compa-nies in the North American parts eRe-tailing market have already acquired smaller technology providers to strengthen their digital presence. This digital expansion, combined with the emergence of Amazon.com, will eat into the share of small- and medium-sized automotive eRetailers and lead to mar-ket consolidation.n

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vals are just further proof that it's now imperative for dealers to start marketing to the owner, and not to the vehicle," said Walther. "The auto industry desper-ately needs to abandon the old 'spray

and pray' approach of the old programs, and adopt a 'new era' service market-ing approach that's focused on total customer retention. That means deliver-ing relevant, super-targeted messages based on each customer's actual behav-ior and purchasing patterns, and doing

a better job communicating where their customers increasingly live: across digi-tal and mobile channels like mobile apps. That's the way to reclaim those lost service dollars, increase loyalty and get more customers into the service drive, more often."n

DMEautomotive From Page 15

In Loving Memoryof

Arnold Chamlee

Hayes Family of Dealerships

Arnold Norflett Chamlee, 50, from Atlanta, Georgia passed away Friday, August 23, 2013 following an extended illness. Arnold was a member of the Hayes Chrysler Dodge Jeep wholesale team for the past 18 years. He will be missed.

The Quality Parts Coalition (QPC) has appointed Ed Salamy as the Coalition’s new executive direc-tor, effective immediately. In addi-tion to serving as an active member of the QPC, Salamy is the president of ETS Management Group Inc. and the executive director of the A u t o m o t i v e Body Parts A s s o c i a t i o n (ABPA). Salamy brings 15 years of experience in the alternative parts supply channel, partic-ularly when it comes to understanding how policy decisions can impact the broader collision repair parts industry.

“This is a momentous time for the QPC, and it is essential that the Coalition continue to have dedicated leadership,” said outgoing interim Executive Director Dan Morrissey. “I am confident that with Ed’s experience and enthusiasm, the QPC will remain well-

Quality Parts Coalition Announces New Executive Directorpositioned to achieve its goal of finding a legislative solution to the design pat-ent challenge.”

The QPC overwhelmingly sup-ports the Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade, and Sales (PARTS) Act (S. 780 and H.R. 1663), bipartisan and

bicameral federal legislation that was introduced in April 2013. This legislation is designed to ensure American drivers continue to enjoy the benefits of qual-ity and lower-cost collision repair parts following an accident.

The PARTS Act would amend title 35 of current U.S. design patent law, reducing the period during which car companies can enforce their design patents on collision repair parts against alternative suppliers from 14 years to 2.5

years.“I would like to thank Dan for his

efforts and commitment on behalf of the QPC,” said Salamy. “I look forward to working with him and our members to fight for the consumers’ right to access more affordable auto repair options

when the need arises, especially when every dol-lar counts these days.”

T h e Quality Parts Coalition represents the interests of the independent automo-tive parts industry, repairers, insurers, consumers and seniors. The goal of the Quality Parts Coalition is to develop and secure a permanent legislative change to U.S. design patent law to protect the consumer’s right to benefit from quality, lower-cost alternative replace-ment parts and to preserve competi-tion. For more information, visit www.KeepAutoPartsAffordable.org. n

The PARTS Act would amend title 35 of current U.S. design patent law, reducing the period during which car companies can enforce their design patents on collision repair parts against alternative suppliers from 14 years to 2.5 years.

VW From Page 8


Green Power Partners that have achieved the highest annual on-site green power generation through July 3, 2013. EPA updates its Top Partner Lists quarterly at http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists/.

Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally prefer-able renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact hydro. Using green power

accelerates the development of new renewable energy capacity nationwide and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector.

“EPA is pleased to recognize Volkswagen Chattanooga with a Green Power Leadership Award for its distin-guished commitment to using on-site renewable energy resources,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy.

“By investing in on-site green power, Volkswagen Chattanooga is gen-erating cleaner electricity and reducing harmful carbon pollution, and providing a

clear example of an organization thriving on innovation and sustainability.”

According to the EPA, Volkswagen Chattanooga’s current green power gen-eration of more than 13 million kWh is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of nearly 2,000 passenger vehicles per year, or is the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power nearly more than 1,000 average American homes annually.

The solar installation at Volkswagen Chattanooga is an element of the highly-coveted LEED Platinum certifica-

tion awarded to VW by the U.S Green Building Council in late 2011. At that time, the Building Council called the Chattanooga manufacturing facility “the world’s greenest auto plant” and noted it was the first automotive manufac-turing plant in the world to receive the top LEED certifica-tion. Today, the Chattanooga plant remains the only auto plant worldwide to earn the LEED Platinum certification.

The Volkswagen Chattanooga Solar Park occu-pies 33 acres, or half of the 66-acre land parcel adjacent to Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. The solar park contains 33,600 solar modules from JA Solar designed to produce 13.1 giga-watt hours of electricity per year -- equivalent to the energy consumed annually by around 1,200 homes in the area.

The electricity pro-duced from the solar park is expected to meet 12.5% of the energy needs of Volkswagen’s Chattanooga manufacturing plant during full production and 100% during non-produc-tion periods. The plant cov-ers 1.9 million square feet and employs around 2,500 people who manufacture the highly-acclaimed Volkswagen Passat sedan. For Volkswagen, the solar park in Chattanooga will rank as the automaker’s larg-est photovoltaic installation worldwide.n


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you at the fax number...Note: This process means you will not participate in the quoting process, and repairers may order from suppliers that have quoted first, then direct order any remaining parts to you via the "direct only" option."

Just over a year later, the option to not be a fully active participating supplier was revoked. In an email communica-tion issued in July of 2013, PartsTrader advised Select Service™ repair facilities in certain markets that:

"As you were notified in a previous email, PartsTrader is discontinuing the fax only option for suppliers who choose not to utilize the PartsTrader platform as a fully active partici-pating supplier... When you use PartsTrader after July 31, sup-pliers which you have nominated to use PartsTrader but have not yet begun to use the PartsTrader application to provide quotes or accept orders, will no longer appear on your system as an available vendor, and therefore will no longer be able to receive orders placed in PartsTrader via fax.... We would of course like you to encourage these suppliers to participate, but you should also identify suppliers for those makes who are participating to avoid any purchasing issues on August 1 or later. We can assure you that we do have participating deal-ers covering every major vehicle make in the [market] area."

The rules of the game are changing and it is apparent that maintaining the relationships and negotiated deals of participating repair facilities is only a priority, so long as all involved submit to do business in the manner prescribed by State Farm Insurance, and other carriers with similar programs. Today these mandates address parts sourcing and ordering, but there is valid concern that they open the door to future market manipulation and influence over other similarly critical collision businesses purchasing habits as well.n

SCRS Position From Page 9

develop heat-generating foils to pro-vide strong and stable bonds between aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys and steels.

• Breakthrough Techniques for Dissimilar Material Joining: A project at Oak Ridge National Laboratory that will demonstrate laser-assisted joining of aluminum and carbon fiber compo-nents to reduce vehicle weight.

• Breakthrough Techniques for Dissimilar Material Joining: A project at The Ohio State University that will devel-op and demonstrate vapor-assisted col-lision welding of dissimilar metals.

• Breakthrough Techniques for Dissimilar Material Joining: A project at Michigan State University, Composite Vehicle Research Center, that will dem-onstrate the bonding, reparability and reassembly of dissimilar materials using

thermoplastic adhesives.• Applied Battery Research

for Improvements in Cell Chemistry, Composition and Processing: A project at the Pennsylvania State University to develop high-energy, long cycle life lithium-ion batteries for plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) applications consisting of a micro-sized porous silicon alloy-carbon composite anode coupled with a high performance Ni-rich layered oxide cath-ode coated with an ultra-stable LiFeP04 coating.

• Lubricant Formulations to Enhance Fuel Efficiency: A project at Northwestern University that will devel-op novel lubricant formulations with the potential to improve the fuel efficiency of light and medium vehicles by at least 2 percent.

• Lubricant Formulations to Enhance Fuel Efficiency: A project at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory that will develop and test novel mol-

ecules in base oils that may substantially improve fuel efficiency without increas-ing wear.

• Lubricant Formulations to Enhance Fuel Efficiency: A project at the Halla Visteon Climate Control USA LLC that will develop, integrate and demon-strate an efficient heating and cooling (heat pump) system as well as other novel solutions to achieve and maintain passenger comfort using less battery power.

• Advanced, Integrated, Modular and Scalable Wide Bandgap (WBG) Inverter R&D for Electric Traction Drive Vehicles: A project at Arkansas Power Electronics International Inc. that will demonstrate advanced wide bandgap inverters for under-the-hood electric vehicle traction drives.

To view the U.S. Department of Energy’s complete list of projects, please visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.n

Tech Projects From Page 10


Altima From Page 11

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noise designs for the sideview mirrors and A-pillar moldings, and improved engine, exhaust and HVAC mounts.

The idea is to first "seal" the cabin, then absorb noise inside through a sig-nificant increase in noise absorption materials in the roof, instrument panel and floor mats. This provides more of a sense of separation from the engine and creates better acoustics to enjoy con-versation and the various audio sources and components.

Redesigned 2.5-liter Engine with Improved Fuel Efficiency

Targeting best-in-class fuel econ-omy* (at 38 mpg highway), Altima's improved version of Nissan's proven QR25 engine sheds approximately 11 pounds while adding seven horsepower to 182 hp. The design adds variable valve timing on both exhaust and intake camshafts, and the new intake system opens the valves at a higher rpm to help keep the torque curve flat. Torque is rated at 180 lb-ft. Other revisions include an aluminum exhaust manifold cover (previously steel), a more efficient starter motor, and thinner cylinder head walls.

Next-Generation Xtronic CVTAs a world leader in continuously

variable transmission technology, Nissan has produced globally more than nine million CVT-equipped vehicles in the last 20 years. Always in the right gear, whether passing, merging or cornering, CVTs combine responsive acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency. And, with about third fewer moving parts than conventional automatic transmissions, CVTs feature less friction and less drive-train shock to other parts.

NASA-Inspired "Zero-Gravity" SeatsWhile the new Altima likes to keep

its wheels and tires firmly planted on the road, the standard front bucket seats have a less-Earthly design. In the desire to help reduce the fatigue experienced during long commutes or extended road trips, Nissan turned to seating and posture research from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

(NASA). According to NASA, the least fatiguing seats are those that come clos-est to a "neutral posture" – a relaxed position that the human body takes in a weightless environment.

Utilizing a new articulated seat shape with continuous support from the pelvis to the chest and distribution of localized deformation characteris-

tics, the "zero-gravity" Altima seats help reduce muscular and spinal loads, and improve blood flow – thereby helping reduce fatigue over long periods behind the wheel. Seat surface perforations provide increased ventilation, breath-ability and comfort. Heated front seats are also available.

Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display – An Improved Line of Sight

With so many external distractions in everyday driving, you don't need more inside the vehicle. Altima's new Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display (ADAD) puts key information right in front of the driver in an intuitive 3D-effect depth and tilt display that is designed to improve cognition – and help reduce the time the driver's eyes are away from the road.

Located between the tachometer and speedometer, the ADAD's 4.0-inch color display is closer and easier to read than traditional center-stack informa-tion monitors. The system is customiz-able and adjustable using the steer-ing wheel controls, so drivers can view information including: audio system display, instant MPG, trip computer, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tire pressure readouts and turn-by-turn navigation (if equipped) with the ability to match the on-screen vehicle image with the actual car color.

ADAD also communicates input from the available suite of Safety Shield Technology features – Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD).

"As with each of the previous gen-erations, the latest Altima design builds from a position of strength. Thoughtful innovation is about becoming better – not necessarily bigger, faster or more complex," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. "With this new Altima, we've focused on both big ideas like the affordable Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection, and the innovations most people probably won't notice – like the intelligent head-lights and windshield wipers. When technology improves your life rather than intrudes on it, we've done our job right."n

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Kia Optima Please Turn to Page 32


Since being completely rede-signed in 2010, Kia's dramatic and eye-catching Optima mid-size sedan has become a sales leader for the brand and has garnered a long list of awards and acco-l a d e s . B u i l t at Kia's U . S . p l a n t b a s e d in West P o i n t , G e o r g i a , the Optima returns to the lineup in 2013 with the same unbeatable combination of head-turn-ing design, fun-to-drive perfor-mance, modern amenities and long list of standard safety features. In addition to strong consumer appeal and record sales, Optima also has earned critical acclaim with a number of awards under its belt, including being named the 2012 "Best New Car Value" award from Kiplinger's Personal Finance, "Sedan of the Year" by Autobytel.com, one of the "Top Drives for 2012" by the Boston Globe and a "Best Buy" by Consumers Digest.

For 2013, Optima expands its pop-ular line with the all-new Limited trim, which brings luxury and refinement to a whole new level for the already styl-ish and amenity-laden midsize sedan. Limited, which builds off the top-of-the-line SX with Premium Touring and

Kia OptimaStunning Style, High Levels of Technology, Impressive Power and Fuel Efficiency

Technology Packages, includes a num-ber of unique features which further Optima's appeal and project a sleek, high-end appearance, including unique 18-inch chrome wheels, red brake cali-pers, LED daytime running lights, avail-able chrome side mirrors and chrome accents on the side sills and rear spoiler, along with black cloth headliner and pillar trim. Inside, driver and passengers are enveloped in additional comfort and convenience, including Nappa leather seats and trim, wood interior accents, an electronic parking brake and a first aid kit.

Sleek and Modern Exterior

The 2013 Optima projects a refined, performance-oriented aesthetic

with a sleek silhouette, aggres-sive stance and sculpted

elements that evoke passion and com-

municate Kia Motors' dedi-

cation to c r e a t i n g stylish and d y n a m i c ve hic l es . T h e O ptima's a g g r e s -

sive face p r o u d l y

features the brand's signa-

ture tabbed grille complemented by

projector headlamps while Optima's coupe-like

profile is accentuated by a sweep-ing chrome arc that flows seamlessly from the A through C pillars – a distinc-tive design element that visually low-ers the car while enhancing its propor-tions. Optima's roofline connects with its pronounced shoulder line, leading to its sculpted flanks and accentuating its extended wheelbase. Boldly flared wheel arches and a raked cabin create a sedan with a graceful muscular pres-ence.Every 2013 Optima, available in LX, EX, SX and the all-new Limited trim, comes well equipped with a generous roster of standard features.

Functional, Engaging Interior SpaceWith sleek modern lines and a

Toyota’s new Tundra looks like it has built some serious muscle in the front end. The designers increased the size of the front fascia and tightened up the sur-faces and character lines to visually punc-tuate Tundra’s pulling power and wide stance. The grille has a taller, bolder look, visually connecting the upper intake to the lower bumper. Toyota calls the new look a chiseled and modern industrial image. Bottom line is this full-size truck isn’t for girls. Men drive trucks and the bulked-up style states, "I am driving a full-size truck that can take care of business."

Toyota went back to the farm and put an ear out to their current Tundra owners for the development of the new 2014 Tundra full-size pickup.

Mike Sweers is the chief engineer of Toyota pickup trucks and runs an active hay farm in Northern Michigan. His real life experiences and ideas went into the development of the new Tundra. Bumps on the farm led to the design of the three-piece front and rear-lower bumpers, allowing for lower replacement costs. Fenders and wheel wells have been squared-off for a wide and sturdy stance. Sweers and his engineering team worked closely with Calty Design Research, Inc., President Kevin Hunter and his design teams at Toyota’s design centers in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Toyota prides itself on listening to its customers and the development of the 2014 American-born Tundra is a per-fect example,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division. “Tundra’s new exterior design and new interior were inspired by cus-tomer feedback requesting "a more chis-eled exterior and refined interior, with improved driver ergonomics, and easy-to-use technology."

According to Edmunds today 30 percent of pickups sell for $40,000 or more. The Platinum and 1794 Edition make that mark. Lexus level luxury can be found in the 1794 Edition. It reflects a western lifestyle theme and includes exclusive saddle brown premium leather-


The 2014 Toyota Tundra Gets a Testosterone Injection and Lexus Level Luxury

trimmed seating with embossed leather and ultra-suede accents. Matching soft-touch materials also accent the shift con-sole, the front and rear door trim, and the instrument panel.

Both the Platinum and 1794 Edition models come with standard dual zone air conditioning with individual tempera-ture settings for driver and front passen-ger. An auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, and HomeLink® universal transceiver. Plus, a 12-way power driver’s seat with memory and a six-way power passenger’s seat, both with heat and ventilation, power moonroof, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, front and rear parking sonar, and Entune Premium JBL Audio with Navigation and App Suite.

And the 2014 Tundra is the only full-size pickup with available Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Now that’s a truckload of luxury for the base price of $47,320.

The redesigned Tundra contin-ues to be a truck with true American

roots that was once again engineered by Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and its new look created by Calty Design Research centers in Newport Beach, Calif., and Ann Arbor. In addition, the new Tundra is not only an American but also a true southerner. Tundra’s V6 and V8 engines are built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc. in Huntsville, Ala., and transmis-sions are built at a production facility in North Carolina. Finally, Tundra continues to be assembled exclusively at Toyota MotorManufacturing, in San Antonio, Texas (TMMTX)

Texas is the largest market for new pickups in the U.S., with the trucks rep-resenting one in five vehicles sold in the state last year, according to researcher Polk (IHS). That compares with about one in eight nationally. To add to that the new Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition is a tribute to the ranch, founded in 1794, on which the Tundra plant is located in San Antonio.n

Tundra’s new exterior design and new interior were inspired by customer feedback requesting "a more chiseled exterior and refined interior..."

Bill Fay

Group Vice President and General Manager Toyota Division

1794 Edition includes exclusive saddle brown premium leather-trimmed seating with embossed leather.

www.IneedOEMparts.com Southern Automotive JournalNovember 2013 29www.IneedOEMparts.com

I-CAR has concluded its 2013 Technology Conference in Boston and unveiled the first specifics on its 2014 event, which will take place next year as part of Industry Week, an industry-first gathering of the collision industry’s top events over one week and under one roof.

This year’s event, held at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, kicked off July 24 with the I-CAR Awards. Recognizing individuals who have made outstand-ing contributions to advancing the train-ing and professionalism of the collision repair industry, the ceremony honored Chairman’s Award winner Tom Moreland, Russ Verona Memorial Award winner Oakland Auto Body (accepted by owner Ron Vincenzi), and Jeff Silver Award win-ner Mike Loy.

Following introductory remarks from I-CAR Chair William Brower and I-CAR CEO & President John Van Alstyne, conference moderator John McElroy of Autoline introduced attendees to a day of tech-focused speakers. They shared insights on research and emerging technologies (Nathaniel Beuse, NHTSA), advanced technologies and vehicle safety (David Zuby, IIHS) and self-driving

vehicles (Richard Wallace, CAR). The after-noon concluded with a panel discussion featuring the speakers, followed by an evening networking reception and spon-sor showcase.

On July 25, the conference’s final day brought attendees the wisdom of conference keynote speakers Reginald R. Modlin, Director of Regulatory Affairs for Chrysler Group LLC, and Lawrence Geise, Vice President of Automobile Frame Design, Research and Testing for Honda R&D Americas, Inc. Modlin spoke on new regulations on how they will affect the consumer and the OEM design challenge, while Geise led attendees through a primer on chassis and body structure innovations for safety and fuel economy. The formal agenda concluded with a panel of seven Inter-Industry lead-ers who discussed the repairability and business challenges associated with the vehicle “technology tsunami” facing the collision repair industry.

“This year brought a new expand-ed focus to our annual conference as I-CAR strives to more broadly support the industry’s education and technol-ogy needs,” said John Van Alstyne, CEO & President of I-CAR. “Our goal for the

2013 I-CAR Technology Conference was to expand industry awareness of new vehicle technologies that are being devel-oped and engineered into the increas-ing diversity and volume of new vehicle models that OEMs launch every year. This level of awareness, combined with a com-mitment to building and maintaining a ‘Learning Culture’ that supports complete and safe repairs, are critical success fac-tors for our industry as we collectively navigate the technology tsunami.”

At an onsite press conference, I-CAR announced that it will host its 2014 Technology Conference and Reception at Detroit’s Cobo Center on Wednesday, July 30, 2014. The independent event will be a highlight of the inaugural Industry Week, which will bring several important colli-sion repair industry events together at one location from Monday, July 28, through Saturday, Aug. 2. In addition to the I-CAR Technology Conference, Industry Week will also feature the CIC Meeting and Reception (July 29), the Collision Repair Education Foundation Golf Outing (July 31) and the NACE Education and Expo (July 31-Aug. 1). Industry Week will con-clude with additional education and host-ed industry tours on Aug. 2, 2014.n

“This year brought a new expanded focus to our annual conference as I-CAR strives to more broadly support the industry’s education and technology needs,”

John Van Alstyne, CEO & President of I-CAR

I-CAR Concludes 2013 Technology Conference, Reveals First Details On 2014 Event


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Allstate provides full payment to Gunder’s to settle twelve pending law-suits for short-pays on labor rate differ-ences plus attorney fees and costs.

In June 2013, Allstate claim’s man-agement contacted Ray Gunder and requested a meeting to discuss Allstate’s interest in bringing closure to the law-suits of which Ray had filed against the nation’s second largest insurer on behalf of a dozen of his customers.

During the meeting with Allstate’s Tom Travis and Greg Ashley it was agreed, based upon service and quality, that Gunder’s Auto Center was indeed entitled to their labor rate, however, not all repairers deserve the same labor rate, and concern was expressed, that should the word get out, how Allstate would

Allstate Concedes to Gunder’s Labor Rates to Settle Pending Lawsuitspay Gunder’s labor rate without having to do so for other shops. Ray advised he would continue to share his journey with the industry, and regardless, if a settlement with Allstate was reached or litigation continued, others would find out as his intent was that all repairers and their technical staff would be com-pensated fairly for their efforts, not just Gunder’s.

In July Gunder’s was advised that Allstate would settle all twelve pending lawsuits by paying the full labor rate and all related attorney fees and costs. Full payments for each were received last week. Allstate makes the 44th insurer to date which has agreed to pay Gunder’s full labor rates and materials.

Ray stated: “I am very appreciative

of the way this was handled by Allstate. No one wants litigation, however sometimes it is needed to get disputes resolved. My hope is this is that this is truly a new way Allstate does business nationwide and they speak to the entire industry with one voice. Not all shops are the same and as such they deserve to be compensated based upon the quality of their service and offerings.”

“We’ll be in depositions all week with GEICO representatives and have continued lawsuits with State Farm. Perhaps the nations #2 insurer agreeing to our rates will encourage GEICO and State Farm to pay rates and allowances that are “fair and reasonable”! One can be sure that we’ll continue to “pound the rock” until they do!”n

AUTOINC Magazine Turn to Page 34

ASA Announces New Digital Edition of AUTOINC. MagazineProvides more convenient access, interactivity for members, subscribers

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is now publishing a digital edition of AutoInc. magazine, the official publication of ASA. The first digital edition (August 2013 issue) is now available through the ASA and AutoInc. websites. Visit www.ASAshop.org and click on “AutoInc.” in the top menu, or visit www.AutoInc.org and click on the digital edition button at the top of the home page.

AutoInc.’s digital edition, which

is tailored for use on either a desktop computer or nearly any mobile device, provides a replica of the printed edi-tion with added functionality, including the ability to embed audio, video, slide shows and other multimedia features. Users have the ability to enlarge pages, download a portable document format (pdf) copy for offline viewing, share arti-cles via social media sites and use many other reader-friendly features.

Readers now have a choice of read-

ing this repairer-focused publication in the print version, digital version or both. “With the launch of our digital edition, members and print subscribers can now experience AutoInc. in a completely new format. The August issue is currently available and can be accessed free of charge. We hope everyone in the service and repair industry will check out the reader-friendly features of our digital edi-

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host of thoughtful features, the inte-rior of the Optima exudes performance and was designed with drivers in mind. From the instrument panel that's con-toured toward the driver to create a cockpit-like feel to the precise gauges and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Optima's interior provides the experience of a performance vehicle without sacrificing comfort or roomi-ness. A sport-inspired Sportmatic shifter delivers crisp shifts while an available panoramic sunroof provides an open-air feeling.

In addition to its sporty personality, the Optima is loaded with standard con-venience features and functionality that consumers have come to expect from a midsize sedan. Occupants are greet-ed by a number of premium standard features such as a six-way adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, tilt and telescopic steering column, glove box cooling capabilities and automatic light control. Additional standard inte-rior features include power door locks, power windows and sun visor extension. Stylishly appointed cloth seats provide comfortable seating while a 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements based on driv-er and passenger needs. New for 2013, driver and front passenger can benefit from adjustable (up/down and sliding)

headrests for optimal com-fort.

D y n a m i c Platform

T h e Optima's dis-tinctive style and sporting d e m e a n o r have their f o u n d a -tion in the vehicle's core p l a t f o r m . Optima's low, aerodynamic and powerful stance is helped by its over-all length of 190.7 inches – an increase of 1.7 inches over the previous generation model – overall width of 72.1 inches, wheelbase of 110 inches and low ground clearance of 5.3 inches. Optima's light-weight design uses high-tensile-strength steel to enhance structural integrity while also achieving high torsional stiff-ness, benefiting handling, ride quality and refinement. Additional measures to help improve noise, vibration and harsh-ness (NVH) reduction qualities also are fitted throughout the Optima.

Built as a unibody structure, the front-wheel-drive Optima utilizes inde-pendent front and rear suspension sys-tems featuring MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link layout in the

rear. Coil springs and front anti-roll bars complete the set up, engaging drivers with responsive handling and providing the utmost comfort whether the road is smooth or less than ideal.

Unique Collection of Efficient and Powerful Powertrains

The 2013 Optima is available with two fuel-efficient and powerful Theta II powerplants featuring gasoline direct injection (GDI), including a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine. A 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain is also available. The 2.4-liter GDI engine produces 200 horsepower while upgrad-ing to the 274-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine (SX models) delivers V6-type

Kia Optima From Page 27

Kia Optima Please Turn to Page 34


1595 Montgomery Highway / Hoover, Alabama 35216

800.467.0699 205.443.7656

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The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) is pleased to announce the affiliation of the Northwest Automotive Trades Association (NATA), an Oregon-based organization with a storied tradition of addressing the needs of automotive professionals in the Pacific Northwest.

NATA serves and represents virtu-ally every segment of the automotive specialty markets in its region, including the collision repair industry. The associa-tion's desire to support and strengthen this segment of its membership helped drive the importance of affiliating with SCRS.

"Any time you have the opportu-nity to affiliate with the expertise and information found in a national asso-ciation like SCRS, you do it because of the benefits it ultimately provides to

Desire for National Perspective Drives New NATA Affiliation with SCRSmembers locally," said NATA Executive Director Barbara Crest. "SCRS brings us an informed national perspective. They have proven time and again to be a valuable resource that contributes to the success of the industry-the exact kind of partnership that can help collision repairers get up to speed on the issues affecting their businesses. Affiliation will help our members better plan for the future and form strategies that will allow them to grow and thrive."

NATA provides a variety of services to its members, but its close alignment with SCRS is most apparent in the indus-try advocacy work they do in the Pacific Northwest, being a voice for repairers as they work to correct complicated and expensive regulations, and being a source of information as the sponsor of management and technical training

classes."NATA and SCRS share a passion

for industry improvement," said SCRS Chairman Ron Reichen. "Training and education have become more critical than ever in reaching that goal given the growing sophistication of collision repair. Smart resource planning and mastering new technologies is more important than ever, as is motivating qualified men and women to enter our workforce by compensating them appropriately, creating more profes-sional working conditions and improv-ing trade school curricula and appren-ticeship programs. NATA has made out-standing efforts to date in addressing these needs in their region. Working with them to find solutions on a region-al and national basis is an exciting pros-pect, and we look forward to it."n

Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré (U.S. Army Ret.), commander of the Joint Task Force Katrina and Global Preparedness Authority, will provide keynote remarks during the 2014 American Truck Dealers (ATD) Convention & Expo, which runs January 24-27 in New Orleans.

As commander of the task force, Honoré led the Defense Department’s response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

He also planned responses to

Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré to Address ATD Convention in New Orleanshurricanes Floyd (1999); Lilli and Isidore (2002); Isabel (2003); and Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne (2004). In addi-tion, he oversaw the military response to the Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy and the Washington, DC sniper shoot-ings.

Honoré will speak at the ATD lun-cheon/general session at 12:15 p.m., Monday, January 27, at the convention center. Other speakers are Philip Byrd, incoming chairman of the American

Trucking Associations, and ATD Chairman Dick Witcher, chief executive officer of Minuteman Trucks in Walpole, Mass.

The 51st annual American Truck Dealers convention runs concurrently with the NADA Convention & Expo. ATD dealers and their managers can attend the NADA general sessions and work-shops.

For more information or to regis-ter, visit www.atdconvention.org. n


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power with a four-cylinder's efficiency. Each engine choice is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission featuring Sportmatic™ clutchless shifting.

In addition to impressive perfor-mance, both engines also offer com-petitive fuel economy. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder posts 24/35 miles per gallon (mpg)9 (city/highway), while the 2.0-liter turbo GDI offers 22/34 mpg8.

Standard Kia Safety FeaturesThe 2013 Optima is equipped with

a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. All trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front air-bags, front seat-mounted side airbags, first and second row side curtain air-bags, side-impact door beams, height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-ten-sioners, three-point seatbelts for all seat-ing positions, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). A four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), a Traction Control System (TCS), a Brake Assist System (BAS)

and Hill Assist Control (HAC) also are standard.

Industry-Leading WarrantyThe 2013 Optima is covered by Kia's

comprehensive warranty program10, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this pro-gram are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation war-ranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the compre-hensive vehicle coverage.n

Kia Optima From Page 32

AUTOINC Magazine From Page 30

tion and let us know what they’d like to see in future issues,” said Angie Wilson, ASA’s vice president of marketing and communications.

AutoInc. is one of the many ben-efits members receive when they join ASA. Subscriptions to the print version of AutoInc. are also available by email-

ing [email protected] or calling (800) 272-7467, ext. 119.

The mission of AutoInc. is to be the informational authority for ASA and industry members nationwide. Its pur-pose is to enhance the professionalism of these members through manage-ment, technical and legislative articles, researched and written with the highest regard for accuracy, quality and integ-

rity.Readers of ASA’s free monthly

e-newsletter, the ASA News-Network, will conveniently receive each month the link to the latest digital edition of AutoInc. To learn more about ASA’s member benefits, its dedication to ser-vice and repair professionals, or how to join, visit www.ASAshop.org or call (800) 272-7467, ext. 361.n

Southern Automotive Journal November 201335 www.IneedOEMparts.comSouthern Automotive JournalAugust 2012 35www.IneedOEMparts.com

Southern Automotive Journal August 201235 www.IneedOEMparts.com

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Southern Automotive Journal November 2013 Issue