southern automotive journal december 2012
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Southern Automotive Journal provides news trends and perspectives to professionals in the automotive collision industry including, independent repair shops, collision shops and new car dealers. Circulation area includes the southeast United States.TRANSCRIPT
ASA Requests DOJ Review Most Favored Nation Clauses
I-CAR Helps OEMs Build Stronger Collision Repair Network
Programs
PartsTrader Releases Efficiency Study
ASA Discusses State Farm Pilot with Connecticut Repairers
Automakers Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts
Nissan Creates More Than 800
New Tennessee Manufacturing Jobs
December 2012
P1 Please Turn to Page 4
COLLISION NEWS
www.southernautomotivejournal.com
Nissan Quest
DEALER NEWS
Ford Escape Supplier Spotlight
Crown Mercedes-Benz
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IN-HOME: Dec. 1, 2008
McLaren Automotive's next genera-tion ultimate supercar – the McLaren P1 – which takes much of its technological and spiritual inspiration from the company’s Racing division has one simple goal: to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track.
The P1 - McLaren Automotive's Next GenerationUltimate Supercar
At the Paris Motor Show, Mondial de l'Automobile 2012, the McLaren P1 previewed as a design study. Next year a production version, which the company aims to put on sale within 12 months,
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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 Allan Vigil Ford 770.960.1208 800.324.3814 770.960.6268 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 678.957.5310
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Nissan Jim Burke Nissan 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Nalley Nissan 404.292.4774 800.647.7278 404.297.6962 Lexus Nalley Lexus Marietta 770.514.7408 800.966.5398 770.590.4132 Nalley Lexus Roswell 678.795.2050 877.495.3987 678.795.9606 Porsche Nalley Porsche 864.281.1115 877.724.3030 864.478.1438
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P1 From Front Cover
will be revealed.‘The McLaren P1 will be the
result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage,’ says McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis. ‘Twenty years ago we raised the super-car performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with the McLaren P1 is to redefine it once again.’
‘Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit’, says McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff. ‘It is the true test of a supercar’s all round ability and a much more important technical state-ment. Our goal is to make the McLaren P1 the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.’
The McLaren P1 leverages five decades of McLaren’s motorsport skills. It was designed from the outset to pri-oritise aerodynamic performance and spent many hours in a wind tunnel and using CFD (computational fluid dynam-ics) aerodynamic modelling – just like a Formula One car.
The new McLaren P1 has much higher levels of downforce than any cur-rent road car – 600kg is achieved well below maximum speed. That is approxi-mately five times as much downforce as a McLaren 12C. Its margin over most other high performance supercars is even greater. The McLaren P1’s down-force is similar to current sports racing cars, including the 12C GT3 racer.
Despite the huge performance, the McLaren P1 is also a refined and comfortable high speed supercar. ‘It is designed to be driven to the racing circuit, with great levels of comfort and refinement,’ says Sheriff. ‘And then to be used on the rac-ing circuit, where it will offer an experi-ence matched only
by purpose-built race cars.’
Racecar track performance, from a road car
‘Of course, the McLaren P1 will have an immensely powerful engine, superb brakes and state of the art suspension controls,’ says Programme Director Paul Mackenzie. Power to weight ratio will be more than 600PS per tonne. ‘But a major reason for its extraordinary per-formance is its high level of downforce and its all round aerodynamic excel-lence. They do not just improve stability, handling, roadholding and braking at high speed. They also improve agility and driver confidence at much lower speeds. Our goal was to get great levels of downforce at lower speeds, and we have achieved that. It is a major boost to driving enjoyment, and to a driver’s feeling of being in total control.
‘Like all McLarens, the car is built around the driver. Our aim is to deliver the very best driver’s car on the road, one focused on the elite enthusiast driv-er, but you certainly don’t have to be a racing driver or a professional to enjoy it. Like all McLarens, the McLaren P1 is also technologically at the absolute cut-ting edge.’
This goal – racecar-like track per-formance from a road car – was one of the primary targets for McLaren P1. ‘It reflects the fact that many buyers of today’s fastest supercars do use them increasingly on the race track, at spe-cial owner events,’ says Mackenzie. ‘We wanted a car that would feel like a prop-er racing car. And then could be driven home in great comfort and refinement. In other words, a real McLaren but with
Southern Automotive JournalDecember 2012 5www.IneedOEMparts.com
an even broader breadth of ability.’The astonishing track perfor-
mance also makes for a better road car. ‘It improves cornering composure at any speed,’ says Mackenzie. ‘It also means no nasty surprises.’
Aerodynamic led designThe McLaren P1 prioritizes func-
tion over pure style, notes Chief Design Engineer Dan Parry-Williams. That is very much part of the McLaren ethos. ‘It is engineering design led. Yet it is a striking and handsome car. The P1 reflects McLaren’s core values. It cel-ebrates aerodynamics, great packaging and light weight. It is all about inno-vative technology. At the very begin-ning, we sought to develop a car that you could drive to a racing circuit, then press a button and race it. Maximum speed was never a priority. It’s much more technically challenging, and more meaningful, to develop a car that seeks to be the fastest-ever series production car on a racing circuit. That also makes it much more road relevant than just sheer top speed.
‘The priority was high speed per-formance matched with tremendous composure, which would come mostly from the state-of-the-art aerodynamics. We wanted a car that was benign and
predictable at any speed.
Lightweight carbon ‘multi-purpose’ body panels
As with the legendary McLaren F1 road car of 1992, the McLaren P1 is a mid-engine design that uses a car-bon fibre monocoque and roof structure safety cage concept called MonoCage which is a development of the MonoCell used in the current 12C and 12C Spider. The structure of the MonoCage, unlike the 12C’s MonoCell, also serves to guide air into the engine through an integral roof snorkel and air intake ducts, saving further weight. All the body panels are carbon fibre to reduce weight. This car-ries on a McLaren innovation: it was the first company to offer a full carbon body Grand Prix car (in 1981) and the first to offer a full carbon body road car (the F1).
There are also very few body pan-els. The McLaren P1 has large clamshell single-moulded front and rear panels, which are attached to the central carbon MonoCage, and that’s it, apart from two small access flaps in the rear, a front bonnet and the two doors. This reduces weight and the number of shutlines, cre-ating a cleaner appearance..
The large carbon panels are also multi-functional, with integrated scoops and ducts to boost aero performance
and cooling. The panels are extraordi-narily thin and light whilst being very strong. Lightness, as with all McLaren road cars, was a priority for the McLaren P1. If one component can do the work of two, or more, it replaces the need for separate components. ‘This approach is more weight efficient, but it does require more complex structures, with fewer parts but more design time,’ notes Chief Design Engineer Parry-Williams.
‘Everything is there for a reason – true form improves function. Every duct, every surface, does a job, either in aero or in cooling.’
‘Genuinely beautiful and at the forefront of automotive design’
Working closely with Parry-Williams, Design Director Frank Stephenson wanted a car that was ‘strik-ing but also functional, a real statement of intent. I wanted a genuinely beautiful and dramatically honest “supersports” car, in keeping with McLaren’s heritage but also at the forefront of automotive design’.
He further developed the surfaces, making everything as small, light and
P1 Please Turn to Page 34
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Southern Automotive Journal,Inc.
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Volume 16 Issue No. 12
Jim TuckerPublisher
Michele TuckerEditor
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 responsibility for the opin-ions, views statements of the authors or for claims made by advertisers. Views expressed by writers are not necessarily those of the publica-tion. Subscription: $12.00 per year. No representation is made as to the accuracy or the completeness of the information provided by this publication. Entire contents copyright 2011. All rights reserved.
Contributors
Nick PalermoDennis MartinAmi VoneshRuss Heaps
Michael Winters
Mercedes-Benz USA Donates $1,000,000 To The American Red Cross For Hurricane Sandy Relief Effort
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announced that it will be donating one million dollars to the American Red Cross in support toward disaster relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
"The devastation that Hurricane Sandy left behind will be felt for a long time in the communities in which we live and work," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO, MBUSA. "It's our hope that this donation can provide some small measure of relief for the families and businesses affected as the recovery and rebuilding begins."
The company has a strong pres-ence in the Northeastern United States with its headquarters in Montvale, New Jersey, a regional office in Parsippany, New Jersey, Parts Distribution Center in Robbinsville, New Jersey, Vehicle Preparation Center in Baltimore, Maryland and 83 dealerships through-out the Northeastern corridor.
In addition to monetary support, the company is encouraging its employ-ees to volunteer in their local communi-
Automakers Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts ties (for which the company offers time off from work for qualifying employ-ees) and to donate individually, taking advantage of the company's matching gifts program.
Toyota Donates $1 Million to Support Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts
Toyota announced a $1 million contribution to the American Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy in the regions worst-hit by the storm. In addition, Toyota will match employee contributions to the American Red Cross and other non-profits doing relief and recovery work in affected communities.
Commenting on the donation, Shigeki Terashi, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America, Inc., said, "On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to the families affected by Hurricane Sandy. Since we have operations and many dealerships in the affected regions, we felt a special responsibility to lend a hand. In addition to this contribution, many Toyota employees are already
Hurricane Relief Please Turn to Page 19
involved in volunteer activities to sup-port those in need. We very much appre-ciate their support."
Beginning Nov. 1st, Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and Lexus Financial Services (LFS) launched a "Customer Outreach" calling campaign to lease and retail customers who are delinquent, or become delinquent, due to circumstanc-es related to the storm and who reside in the 13 states directly impacted by the hurricane (CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT and WV) and in the District of Columbia. This campaign will determine if these customers may be eli-gible to take advantage of payment relief options, some of which include:
-- extensions and lease deferred payments;
-- redirecting billing statements;-- and arranging phone or on-line
payments.Qualified residents residing in
FEMA-designated areas (of the above-mentioned states and the District) need-ing to purchase a vehicle may also take advantage of a 90 Day Deferred First Payment Program designed to assist cus-tomers with their transportation needs as they work through the recovery pro-cess.
Volkswagen Group of America dedicated to helping those devastated by Hurricane Sandy
The Volkswagen of America Foundation, on behalf of the Volkswagen Group of America, announced that it will make an immediate donation of $500,000 to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief to provide support for affected areas across the Northeast.
"Given the scale of the storm and its severity in several states through-out the Northeast, the Volkswagen of America Foundation has decided to pro-vide resources to the American Red Cross, who can then allocate the resources where needed," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "It is our hope that this donation will provide some relief to those affected and help them rebuild
Conversation centering around the State Farm electronic parts procure-ment application took place Oct. 18 among members of a collision repair group in Connecticut and Denise Caspersen, ASA collision division man-ager. The meeting was held at Ray’s CARSTAR in Bristol, Conn., and conduct-ed by the Connecticut Collision Repair Specialist (CCRS) association. Caspersen was on hand to present the facts to date and share in a question-and-answer discussion with repairers and suppli-ers about State Farm’s electronic parts ordering pilot currently underway in four states, with pilot expansion set for December 2012.
“The largest point of contention continues to center around potential profit reductions within the collision repair shop,” said Caspersen. “This is
ASA Discusses State Farm Pilot with Connecticut Repairersnow being followed by concerned repairers questioning ‘if State Farm does this, then what are others going to do next that makes this worse?’ Even with the MSRP discount column removed, the ‘what ifs’ around profits are still heavy on the minds of repairers. Greater clarity is needed from both State Farm and PartsTrader on this important issue, and ASA will continue to advocate for this.”
Lisa Siembab, CCRS association executive director, said, “One of our objectives within CCRS is to make sure that our members are informed of industry issues and trends. Obviously, PartsTrader has been a controversial issue and we thought it was important to hear an objective perspective, which is why we invited ASA to present the information it has obtained from inter-
views and meetings with both State Farm and PartsTrader.”
A team of ASA collision repair leaders met with State Farm in late September to share repairers’ concerns about the electronic parts application. ASA will continue to provide the indus-try with detailed information about the pilot, and regularly engages with State Farm and other parties to address con-cerns on behalf of ASA members.
Collision repairers may share their comments regarding the pilot by con-tacting Caspersen at [email protected], or by phone at (800) ASA-SHOP, ext. 106, or (817) 514-2906 (direct). ASA announcements addressing the State Farm pilot are conveniently located at www.ASAshop.org. Click on “Tools & Resources,” then “State Farm Pilot Program.”n
Southern Automotive JournalDecember 2012 7www.IneedOEMparts.com
Even the most attentive driver has to blink, and by the time they have opened their eyes Ford’s Active City Stop low-speed collision avoidance technolo-gy that is being introduced to new Fiesta in Europe will have captured and pro-cessed 15 images of the road ahead in its search for potential hazards.
Active City Stop uses a sophisti-cated light detecting and ranging sensor to scan the road ahead 50 times every second – more than twice the speed of the movie industry standard frame rate – to help prevent collisions at speeds up to 15 km/h, and help reduce the severity of impacts at speeds of up to 30 km/h.
“Urban areas are breeding grounds for low-speed accidents caused by driv-ers failing to notice the car in front has stopped,” said Florian Schweter, new Fiesta Active City Stop development engineer, Ford of Europe. “High traffic volumes, lots of potential distractions and slow-moving, stop-start traffic mean Active City Stop can provide a much-needed extra eye on the road.”
Each year more than half-a-million people are injured in car crashes in cit-ies in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain alone. Of these, approximately one-in-eight are hurt in rear-end shunts,
New Ford Fiesta Safety Technology ‘Active City Stop’ Captures and Processes 15 Images in the Blink of an Eye
the type that Active City Stop can reduce in severity or avoid altogether.
Active City Stop constantly moni-tors the gap to vehicles in front, calculates the risk of hitting a stationary or slow-moving object and pre-charges the new Fiesta’s brake system to deliver maximum braking response. If the driver does not respond, either by braking or evasive steering, the sys-tem simultane-ously applies the brakes, reduces engine torque, and activates the rear hazard lights.
F i r s t launched on new Focus and ordered by more than 70,000 European cus-tomers to date, Active City Stop is already available on C-MAX, Grand C-MAX and the new B-MAX.
"Active City Stop is designed to offer additional
security for Ford drivers” said Schweter. “Automatic application of the brakes is a last-ditch response and the system is care-fully designed to minimise the potential for inappropriate application. We hope our customers will never need this fea-ture but we believe it gives city drivers in particular peace of mind to know it is there.”n
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The Ford Escape, America’s best-selling SUV, will raise the bar even higher with the debut of an all-new model that features 11 new exclusive features and fuel economy pro-jected to top any vehicle of its kind on the market today.
“We call our all-new Ford Escape the ‘Smarter Utility Vehicle’ because it offers the strengths that customers today really value – fuel economy, versatility and new technology that makes driving and liv-ing with the vehicle easier and more fun – all wrapped in a sleek, more modern design,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford understands that more people every year are looking at vehicles like Escape, and we want to give them even more reasons to buy.”
“Escape is America’s best-selling utility vehicle, and the Ford team has worked hard to make sure we deliver even more of what small SUV owners really want,” Kuzak said.
In addition to more cargo volume behind the first and second rows, the new Escape delivers clever tech-nologies that make Escape even more versatile, including an avail-able hands-free power liftgate that allows quick and easy access to cargo with the kick of a foot, driving dynamics that make the drive experience more engaging on-road and a new Ford Intelligent 4WD System that provides even better traction off-road, and a sleek new design, with better inte-rior materials and more finishing touches.
Escape technology makes life betterAn array of clever technolo-
gies adds to the new Escape’s versatility,
All-New Ford Escape Offers New Technologies to Make Owners’ Lives Easier
helping make life easier for its owners. Key features include:
• An available hands-free power liftgate brings new technology to the SUV market and is enabled by motion technology used in today’s video game systems. A gentle kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the liftgate when the driver has the Escape key fob. This allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to set down packages or dig out keys. The same process closes the hatch
• SYNC with MyFord Touch, offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control information through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs. Upgraded sys-
tem includes new look, making phone, navigation, entertainment and climate
controls even easier to use
• Parallel parking the Escape is virtu-ally stress-free with active park assist. With the press of a but-ton, the sys-tem detects an available parallel parking space and auto-matically steers the vehicle into the space. Drivers control
only the gas and brake pedals• Maneuvering parking lots and
traveling open roadways becomes even safer and less stressful with Escape’s sen-sor-based BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert. BLIS dis-plays an alert in the side mirror when a vehicle is detected entering a blind spot. Cross-traffic alert warns if traffic is detected approaching from the sides, such as when Escape is leaving a parking space in reverse
• The all-new Ford Escape is the first Ford SUV to combine class-exclusive technology to automatically slow the vehicle when it’s cornering too fast (Curve Control) or help accelerate through a turn (Torque Vectoring Control); a new Intelligent 4WD System helps deliver outstanding handling on pristine pave-ment and in adverse conditions as well, along with excellent traction off-road.
Spirited performance with outstanding fuel economy
Escape offers Ford’s broadest nameplate range of EcoBoost engine choices yet. Strong fuel economy comes from either the available 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine or 1.6-liter EcoBoost
engine, which makes its American debut in the new Escape.
Both new engines combine EcoBoost’s core technologies of direct fuel injection and turbocharging and
Escape Please Turn to Page 18
2013 Escape offers clever features designed to make life easier including hands-free power lift-gate.
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The National Automobile Dealers Association has pledged $1 million to jump-start a national fund-raising cam-paign for the Emergency Relief Fund of the association’s charitable foundation.
“This is the time for dealers across the country to step up and help those in the Northeast most affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said Bill Underriner, NADA chair-man and a dealer from Montana.
The fund provides finan-cial assistance to dealership employees that are affected by natural disasters.
“It’s wonderful that NADA is leading by example,” said Bob Mallon, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation. “We want to be in a strong position to provide timely assistance to dealership employees as they work through the long process of recovery. We now need to reach out to dealers everywhere to join in the relief campaign,” Mallon added.
Damages are still being assessed in the parts of New York and New Jersey hit hard-est by Hurricane Sandy.
“Widespread power outages and downed phone lines are hampering commu-nications between dealers and their employees,” said David Hyatt, NADA vice president of public affairs. “It will be a long time before we know the extent of the damages but from what we’re hearing the impact on dealerships and their employees is expected to be severe.”
The NADA Foundation is working closely with Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, and Jim Appleton, president of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers.
“This is the most dev-astating storm ever to hit the
NADA Donates $1 Million to Jump-Start Fundraising for Emergency Relief Following Hurricane Sandy
Northeast,” said Neale Kuperman, NADA director for Metropolitan New York. “Mark Schienberg and his staff are work-ing around the clock, reaching out to their dealer members. They are doing an unbelievable job. The staff is on the ground visiting dealerships, helping in any way they can, communicating face to face where there is no access to phones or the Internet,” Kuperman added.
In New Jersey, there is exten-sive damage from Atlantic City to the Meadowlands.
“We’re serving as a point of con-tact and a clearinghouse for informa-tion to assist dealers at the state and local levels,” said NJCAR’s Jim Appleton. “We’re grateful to NADA and the chari-table foundation and dealers across the country for their assistance.”n
Southern Automotive Journal December 201212 www.IneedOEMparts.com
Insurance mandated parts procure-ment programs - such as State Farm's controversial pilot with PartsTrader, found in select cities around the United States - have occupied much of the colli-sion repair industry's discussion over the course of 2012. Despite public criticism from multiple affected industry seg-ments, the industry continues to wait for any well constructed explanation of how these mandated intrusions into internal business processes will avoid long term harm to collision repair businesses and suppliers; let alone explanation of how the programs provide benefit to industry participants.
John Norris, Canada, said "Providing information about the result-ing impact of these types of programs is critical for collision repair business owners," states SCRS Executive Director, Aaron Schulenburg. "The industry is hun-gry for information that will help them understand the potential ramifications these programs can have, so that they can effectively strategize how their busi-nesses will react if and when the require-ments become effective in their market areas. It is our opinion that learning from
Insurer Mandated Parts Procurement Affecting other International Markets Outside of the U. S.
RDE Session at SEMA highlights the impacts these programs have had on global marketsothers who have experienced the impact first hand is critical in understanding the likely outcome of the programs in our own country."
As part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series at the SEMA Show, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) had previously announced an interactive presentation with interna-tional guests from both New Zealand and Australia who will present, "Bidding Wars: A Global View on the Possible Economic Impact of Insurer Involvement in Parts Procurement." As an added ben-efit, SCRS has announced today that the session will also include an additional guest, John Norris, who will present on how insurer mandated parts procure-ment has impacted the Canadian mar-ketplace. John is the Collision Chair of the National Automotive Trades Association of Canada (NATA) and Executive Director of Ontario-based Collision Industry Information Assistance (CIIA), the second largest collision repair trade association in the country.
"Insurance industry parts procure-ment is being aggressively pursued in Canada with one major insurer involved
and more waiting to go," added Norris. "In insurer-dominant marketplaces, shops fear that saying 'no' to an insurer's program means the blacklisting of their business. Shops that agree to partici-pate in insurer parts procurement pro-grams in Canada have found their labor rates lowered, discounts taken and parts orders taking extra days to arrive from distant and unknown suppliers, as the program restricts their supplier options to only those suppliers that agree to pay a fee to the insurer when parts are sold. Shops can not deliver on-time estimates, repair times and rental costs increase, while production efficiency suffers."
For collision repairers interested in learning from your global colleagues about the impacts these programs have had internationally, make sure to reg-ister for the RDE session being held at 12:30pm on Thursday, November 1st in the upper level of North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. To register for this RDE seminar, or to find other semi-nars being offered, please visit www.semashow.com/scrs. Onsite registration will also be available if attendance is not at capacity.n
During a luncheon recently, along-side Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Nissan Americas Vice Chairman Bill Krueger announced the addition of 810 new Nissan manufacturing jobs in Tennessee in support of the company's aggressive growth and demand for its products in the marketplace. The new workforce will support a recently added third shift at the Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant: the first time the plant has had a third vehicle assembly shift in its nearly 30-year history.
To remain competitive in the global economy, the State of Tennessee part-nered with Nissan to identify and develop a workforce to meet the company's grow-ing manufacturing needs. Nissan has now added over 2,000 manufacturing jobs in Tennessee since mid-2011.
"Our investment in creating hun-
Nissan Creates More Than 800 New Tennessee Manufacturing Jobsdreds of new jobs demonstrates Nissan's long-time commitment to our employees, Smyrna and the State of Tennessee," said Vice Chairman Bill Krueger. "The dedicat-ed workforce in Tennessee continues to build high-quality vehicles that compete and win globally, and we're committed to ensuring this doesn't change."
The recent addition of a third vehi-cle assembly shift at the Smyrna plant is part of Nissan's strategy to localize core-model production. By 2015, Nissan aims to have 85 percent of all Nissan and Infiniti products that are sold in the United States produced in North America.
"Nissan and Tennessee have enjoyed a long and successful partner-ship for more than 30 years, and this announcement shows the strength of the company and the market demand for its
products," Haslam said. "Nissan and our existing industries are very important to the state's economy and the citizens they employ, and I want to congratulate and thank Nissan on today's announcement and the new jobs it means for Tennessee."
Production at Nissan's Smyrna Plant began in June 1983. The vehicle assembly plant has an annual production capacity of 550,000 vehicles and represents a capi-tal investment of $2.5 billion. The plant produces the Nissan Altima, Maxima, Pathfinder and Infiniti JX. In late 2012, Nissan will welcome production of the 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF and the batteries that power it, as well as the next-generation Nissan Rogue in 2013. With recent growth, employment at Nissan's Smyrna manufacturing facility exceeds 6,000 employees.n
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PartsTrader LLC, a Web-based parts sourcing, quoting, and order-ing platform supporting the automo-bile collision repair industry, today announced the release of an efficiency study which explores the role of its online parts ordering system.
In the spirit of transparency, PartsTrader continues to listen to indus-try requests for data by releasing an ini-tial report tracking one shop’s efficiency when utilizing PartsTrader versions1.4 and 1.5. This report, while by no means comprehensive, is intended to act as an early benchmark in PartsTrader’s ongoing communication efforts with repairers and other industry stakehold-ers. As PartsTrader continues to track efficiency data, it will look to disclose further information on the effects of PartsTrader.
“Our commitment to transpar-ency, continuous process improvement and advancing our relationships with repairers is at the heart of this study and our organization as a whole,” said Rob Cooper, PartsTrader Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to expand-ing on this baseline of information dis-closure as we continue to track and improve our product in the collision repair marketplace.”
The PartsTrader system has been built to meet the specific needs of the collision replacement parts market, has been tested and guided by input from repairers and suppliers, and is being refined continuously to ensure it runs
PartsTrader Releases Efficiency Studysmoothly. It is designed for integration with estimatics software using CIECA industry standards for integration. PartsTrader is working with all industry stakeholders to use the more secure
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To learn more about PartsTrader and to download the efficiency study visit: www.partstrader.us.com.n
The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) has called on California Commissioner of Insurance, Dave Jones’s, to reconsider the complete elimination of certified aftermarket parts from insurer requirements for the use of aftermarket parts.
At a public hearing in Sacramento on August 9, 2012, CAPA’s Executive
Director, Jack Gillis, strongly sup-ported the Department’s proposed rule recognizing that alternative parts, certi-fied by a legitimate crash replacement part certifying entity, represent a unique and specific part type available to con-
CAPA Challenges California Dept. of Insurance ToReconsider Aftermarket Parts Use Policy
sumers along with car company brand, non-certified aftermarket, and salvage parts. In spite of the wide
spread recognition that indepen-dently produced parts Certified to the CAPA standard are unique and different, the Department has chosen to elimi-nate even the mention of such parts. Putting the desires of body shops, car dealers and auto manufacturers ahead of California consumers, the Department of Insurance has chosen to ignore the only established procedure to protct consum-ers from the overpriced parts that body shops like to use and parts not certi-
fied for comparability that they use the majority of time when installing after-market parts.
Over the past several years, CAPA has specifically demonstrated the conse-quences of using parts that meet no stan-dards. 80% of the time, when using alter-native parts, California collision repairers use parts that meet no standards. “The Department has joined with body shops, not only to maintain the status quo, but to ignore the only effort designed to protect California consumers from both
CAPA Please Turn to Page 25
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Date of Submission: Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:15:40 -0500First Name: JoshuaLast Name: Wa. TANTON JP208QBYears in Service: 10Number of Deployments: 2Injury Background: In 2003 I deployed with the First Infantry Division
(1-16 Infantry) to Iraq. That November while driving in a convoy through Ramadi I was injured by a roadside bomb. I was temporarily knocked uncon-scious from the blast, but soon woke up. I remember the medics cleaning the blood out of my left ear and sending me on my way. That day I sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury, but it was unknown at the time what was going on even though I suffered with gradually worsening migraines (which now hit me at least 3 to 4 times a week) and memory loss over the next few years. I met my wife the month I returned from Iraq and we were married 2 months later. I deployed again to Afghanistan with 1-4 Infantry from Germany in 2007. That was a bad deployment. After I came home, I started noticing changes within myself. By that time I had full blown PTSD, but I didn't want to admit to it. It encompassed my life and controlled everything (my thoughts, actions, words, dreams...everything). I even had to stop going to college due to the memory problems and migraines. The sucky part was I had over half of my credits for a Bachelors degree. I finally sought help in late 2009 after freez-ing at a weapons qualification range and was medically retired in July 2009. Since then my life has been one huge roller coaster with ups and downs...well mostly downs. I have been hospitalized due to attempted suicide and just plain putting too much stress on myself trying to deal with the migraines and forgetfulness and PTSD. Currently I am completely disabled and unable to work. But even with all that has gone on I hang on to a bit of hope that I can make my life better, for me and my family.
Josh and Jammie Tanton from Joint Base Lewis McChord, Tacoma, WA, recently were the winning recipients of a newly recycled 2008 Honda Odyssey minivan through a JBLM support char-ity Soldier’s Angels of Washington and a local program called Recycled Rides. The National Auto Body Council helps body shops like Precision Collision Auto Body around the country restore and donate much needed vehicles back to those families in our communities who have transportation challenges. With over 150 vehicles destined to be gifted by the end of this year all around the United States, charity organizations like Soldier’s Angels will be able to help those in need. Mark Lovell, Director of Marketing Precision Collision Auto Body states “with almost 200 entries in our recent promotion via Entercom Radio KKWF 100.7 The Wolf, the Tanton’s were selected as our recipi-ent family. Our stakeholders who really made this possible were LKQ Keystone in Kent, PPG Industries in Kent and USAA Insurance.” More pictures of this and pre-vious Ride-Away-Day events can be seen via Facebook.n
The National Auto Body Council Helps Wounded Warrior Family Receive Charity Vehicle
add twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver even better miles per gallon and save customers money on fuel.
In Escape, EcoBoost engines are mated to specially calibrated, six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmissions, which are standard and allow drivers who want more hands-on experiences to manually control gear selection from a switch on the left-hand side of the shifter.
The gearbox features a new torque converter for improved driving feel, silky smooth shifts and even better fuel econ-omy. Engineers also installed revised gear ratios for a balanced driving feel in all situations.
The standard engine in North America is an updated 2.5-liter, giving the new Escape a comprehensive lineup of four-cylinder offerings. It also is matched
to a SelectShift Automatic six-speed.Also aiding fuel economy is
Escape’s sleeker design. The new model is nearly 10 percent more aerodynamic than the outgoing model.
Plus, the new Escape’s active grille shutter system, which is on all mod-els with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines, reduces wind resistance. Grille slats stay open when extra engine cooling air is required, such as low-speed stop-and-go driving. When cruising on the highway at steady speeds, the grille slats automatically close to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Versatility and capability come standard Stowing and towing are even easier
in the new five-passenger Escape, thanks to a low liftover height of 27 inches, more innovations and cargo volume that sur-passes the outgoing Escape – with 68.1 cubic feet of space behind the first row
and 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row.
The new Escape’s rear seats have been designed to fold flat easily. With the touch of a button, the head restraint folds down and with the lift of a handle on the seat, the seat-back folds and dives as the seat folds flat and clicks into posi-tion
E s c a p e also features an available two-position load floor, which can be configured to allow the cus-tomer to choose among maxi-mum luggage volume or flat load floor.
W h e n
Escape From Page 8
properly equipped, the all-new Escape maintains a trailer tow rating of 3,500 pounds.
Engaging driving performance through seamless system
Using new advanced software and sensors, the new Intelligent 4WD System analyzes data from 25 external signals, including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle, assess-ing road conditions and driver input 20 times faster than the blink of an eye.
The system uses all the sensor inputs to turn the vehicle in the direction the driver wants it to go. Intelligent 4WD builds on the pre-emptive actions by adding and subtracting torque as need-ed through an electromagnetic clutch.
“This all-new Ford model opens a new chapter in the world of SUVs,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development. “By being smart-er, this utility vehicle will help customers around the globe find better, easier ways to connect with technology, maximize fuel efficiency and find the versatility and capability they need and want.”n
Southern Automotive Journal December 201218 www.IneedOEMparts.com
Hurricane Relief From Page 6
Southern Automotive JournalDecember 2012 19www.IneedOEMparts.com
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their communities and their lives."The donation will help cover costs
of shelter, food, recovery and other assistance to families affected by the storm. Volkswagen would like to express their thoughts and concern for all of its customers, dealers, employees and their families who have been affected by the storm. Additionally, Volkswagen will provide matching funds to any employ-ee donations made to the American Red Cross or the organization of their choosing.
The Volkswagen of America Foundation was formed by the Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. to make grants to organizations that pro-vide disaster relief.
Ford Motor Company provides $50,000 for hurricane Sandy relief efforts
Ford employees and Ford Motor Company Fund are donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross and its chapters to assist with disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
"Hurricane Sandy has had a devas-tating impact on many states," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "We know that the need for assistance is great, and we are pleased to partner with American Red Cross to help pro-vide relief."
This donation is part of Ford's involvement in the 2012 Red Cross Disaster Responder Program. Under this program, a select group of com-panies pledge donations on an ongo-ing basis in advance of major disasters, which helps the Red Cross ensure an immediate response to meet the needs of those affected by disasters. Ford Motor Company has partnered with the American Red Cross for more than 30 years.
"The impact of Hurricane Sandy is widespread and the road to recovery will be long for many families in its path," said Roger Lowe, senior vice president of Communications for the American Red Cross. "We appreciate Ford Motor Company for its partnership with the Red Cross that helps us to respond immediately to the most critical needs."
In the days and weeks to come, the Red Cross will work with emergency offi-cials and other partners to help individu-als and families get the help they need. Red Cross disaster relief workers already are operating shelters and feeding oper-ations and organizing distribution of clean-up and other supplies. Damage assessment teams are helping determine the full scope of the damage and Red Cross health services and mental health workers are helping people cope with what they've seen and experienced.
Nissan North America Offers Employee
Pricing and Financing to Replace Vehicles Damaged by Hurricane Sandy
Nissan North America will offer employee pricing and discounted financ-ing on Nissan and Infiniti vehicles to eligible individuals in FEMA-designated disaster and emergency areas who need to replace vehicles lost to Hurricane Sandy.
"Nissan is a major player in the Northeast region with more than 225 dealers in the affected areas and is eager to lend a hand to neighbors who have been left without a means of personal transportation," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, NNA. "Nissan is offering both employee pricing and employee financing rates to eligible storm victims as one way to help them return to normal."
Customers may work with area dealers to apply this offer, which is effec-tive Nov. 1, 2012, through Jan. 2, 2013. More information can be found by fol-lowing a special "disaster relief" link at www.InsideNissan.com that should be posted by Friday. Any additional incen-tives on vehicles are stackable on top of the Nissan employee discounts.
Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. (NMAC) will provide assistance to help eligible customers get back on their feet without the added burden of an immedi-ate vehicle payment. NMAC's deferred
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The Automotive Service Association (ASA) recently sent a letter to the Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, asking for a review of the Most Favored Nation (MFN) clauses used in many direct repair agreements. ASA col-lision members brought this issue to the attention of the ASA Collision Division Operations Committee expressing con-cern that many of these direct repair agreements, offered by insurance com-panies, included MFN or “Most Favored Customer” clauses.
The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have previously made the following com-
ASA Requests DOJ Review Most Favored Nation Clausesments regarding MFNs:
“The most commonly used MFN provisions guarantee a customer that it will receive prices that are at least as favorable as those provided to other buyers of the same seller, for the same products or services. Although at times employed for benign purposes, MFNs can, under certain circumstances, pres-ent competitive concerns. This is because they may, especially when used by a dominant buyer of intermediate goods, raise other buyers’ costs or foreclose would-be competitors from accessing the market. Additionally, MFNs can facili-tate collusion and stabilize coordinated pricing among sellers.”
MFN clauses appear in a number of agreements offered by major national insurance companies and some insur-ance companies that are only well known in particular states. ASA noted the potential harmful, anti-competitive impact of these clauses on consumers and collision shops. The Department of Justice has already expressed interest in MFN clauses in recent litigation and on Capitol Hill. ASA participated in a work-shop on MFN clauses earlier this year hosted by the Justice Department and the FTC. ASA maintains that the anti-competitive nature of the clauses puts both consumers and collision shops at a disadvantage.n
Southern Automotive Journal December 201220 www.IneedOEMparts.com
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Southern Automotive Journal December 201222 www.IneedOEMparts.com
Quest Please Turn to Page 26
From its bold styling with full surround glass to its extensive list of family-friendly features and innova-tions, the 2013 Nissan Quest "gets" parenting better than any other min-ivan. Designed with purpose inside and out, Quest offers functionality, unique styling and comfort for all occupants. Key features include one-touch power sliding doors, fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, Advanced Climate Control System and an always-available rear storage.
"Nissan sees the minivan as a celebration of family life – not only for parents on weekdays, but for fun times with the entire family on weekends," said Al Castignetti, vice
president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "We view Quest as a reward to parents for doing just that – parenting."
Enhancements for 2013 include the addition of standard Around View Monitor on LE models and an available DVD Entertainment System on SV and SL models (it remains standard on Quest LE and was previously offered on SL).
Among the 2013 Quest’s available “Innovation for Family” design features include one-touch power-sliding side
2013 Nissan Quest Continues to Celebrate Family Life With Wide Range of User-Friendly Innovations
doors t h a t easily unlock a n d o p e n with a single touch, even with arms and hands full of gro-ceries, 2nd row power windows, standard Fold-Flat 2nd and 3rd row seats to make a flat load floor, Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) intelli-gent HVAC system with Plasmacluster air
purifier, Grape Polyphenol Filter and auto recirculation, Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system and RearView Monitor and front triangle windows for enhanced visibility.
The Quest exterior styling com-bines fluid sculptural elements with craft-ed details to provide a fresh approach to minivan design. In front, the bold bum-per and horizontal grille and headlights blend into the dramatic side character line and distinctive wheel forms filled with standard 16-inch or 18-inch wheels. The bold door sections and surfaces flow seamlessly into the rear "boomerang"
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poor quality and overpriced parts,” said Gillis.
In testimony before the Department, Gillis expressed concern about requiring insurers to specify parts that are equal to car company service parts and to warrant that they are of like kind and quality, safe-ty, fit and performance as car company parts without providing a reputable test to make that determination. “It is simply impossible for a repairer, insurer or consumer to look at a part to deter-mine whether it is the correct material,
has the right welds, has adequate cor-rosion protection, complies with safety standards or has the same structure as the part sold by a car company. Without legitimate, independent certification of comparability, it is virtually impossible for the insurance industry to comply with
one of the major tenants of the proposed regulation – requiring insurers to warrant that aftermarket parts are at least equal to the car company brand parts in terms
of kind, quality, safety, fit and perfor-mance,” said Gillis.
In CAPA’s October 23rd letter to Commissioner Jones, Gillis urged the Commissioner to reconsider the Department’s position. CAPA stands ready to work with the Department to
provide meaningful pro-tections for California consumers engaged in the collision repair pro-cess. “There is a legiti-mate middle ground on the aftermarket parts issue, and parts certified
to meet CAPA’s rigorous standards for comparability offer California consumers protection from both poor quality and overpriced parts,” said Gillis.n
CAPA from Page 15
“It is simply impossible for a repairer, insurer or con-sumer to look at a part to determine whether it is the cor-rect material, has the right welds, has adequate corrosion protection, complies with safety standards...."
Jack Gillis CAPA Director
Southern Automotive Journal December 201226 www.IneedOEMparts.com
cular front end to give Quest the most dynamic and distinctive appearance in class. The Quest exterior design is also one of the most wind efficient, with a 0.32 Cd for the Quest S model.
Quest is offered with power-sliding side doors with selective unlock func-tion and one-touch open/unlock feature and power-opening windows. The sys-tem works in conjunction with the stan-dard Nissan Intelligent Key. Also, due to the way the Quest's door rail system is designed, the sliding door step-in height is lower than competitive minivans. This is especially helpful for small children or older adults getting into the 2nd or 3rd rows. In addition, a one-touch unlock/open power rear liftgate is standard on Quest SL and LE models.
The easy-to-use convenience also carries over into the interior design with the quick release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats. The 60/40-split 3rd row seat can be switched from upright to fold-flat position with the simple pull of one strap (Quest S, SV, SL) or push of a button (Quest LE). The LE model also includes 3rd row power return seatback. A spring assist aids the manual fold and return operation. The 2nd row buck-et seats also feature easy-fold/return operation, and there is a standard 2nd row walk-in device for easier access to the 3rd row. Quest's permanent rear storage well provides a large, flexible space behind the 3rd row seat, offering a hidden, additional cargo area for bulky items. The storage area is independent of the fold flat 3rd row seat – so it's always there when you need it – and is covered by a lightweight but sturdy 60/40-split multi-position removable cover.
Quest's theater-style interior lay-out with raised 2nd and 3rd rows pro-vides occupants with excellent visibility and a good view of the available 11-inch WVGA family entertainment system dis-play monitor. The comfortable 2nd row Captain's Chair style seats include dual armrests, recline, and fore/aft adjustabil-ity, while the 3rd row 60/40-split bench includes recline and 3-way adjustable
Quest From Page 22headrests.
Quest's wide instrument panel includes a 4.3-inch color audio display on SV and SL models, with an 8-inch touch screen display for LE models with the standard Nissan Navigation System. The hard drive-based navigation system
includes a user-friendly graphic inter-face, menu structure and intelligent search capabilities, NavTraffic Real-Time
Traffic Information, NavWeather (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide.
One other Quest item, the Conversation Mirror, helps parents make a connection with passengers in the rear seats. Available on SV, SL and LE models, the wide yet compact mirror folds down from the area above the rearview mirror (replacing the sunglass holder), providing the driver with added
visibility and convenient communication with children in the 2nd and 3rd rows, without having to turn their head or constantly adjust the rearview mirror. A RearView Monitor, which provides a view of objects behind the Quest when the gear selector is in reverse, is standard on SV, SL and LE models.
For 2013, Quest LE models add Nissan's unique Around View Monitor feature as standard equipment – which utilizes four small superwide-angle cam-eras mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle to provide a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, help-ing to maneuver it into tight spots.
Dynamic performance is a hall-mark of Nissan vehicles and the 2013 Quest is no exception. Quest's top-level quality and reliability starts with use of a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 with 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, part of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series. The engine incorporates a twin Nissan Variable Induction Control System (NICS), microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, reduced internal friction, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digi-tal knock control system, high capacity muffler and lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads.
Backing the engine is Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), which provides a responsive driving experience and the smoothness that only a CVT offers. Fuel economy is estimated at 19 mpg City/25 mpg Highway.
As part of Nissan's "Safety Shield" concept, Quest is designed to incorpo-
rate a number of advanced safety sys-tems. Standard on the Quest LE model is the advanced Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, which helps alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot by illuminating an indicator light in the appropriate outside mirror. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sounds.n
Quest's theater-style interior layout provides occupants with excellent visibility and a good view of the available 11-inch WVGA family enter-tainment system display monitor.
Southern Automotive JournalDecember 2012 27www.IneedOEMparts.com
Hurricane Relief From Page 19
1595 Montgomery Highway / Hoover, Alabama 35216
800.467.0699 205.443.7656
David Bonnett(205) 443-7655
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payment plan will allow qualifying new customers purchasing a vehicle to delay payment up to three months, where allowed by law, to provide extra assis-tance to those in need.
For existing customers in FEMA disaster areas, payment extensions will be offered to both qualifying lease and retail customers for up to three pay-ments without extension fees. Nissan's financial services division has been a leader in providing payment assistance to its customers in times of crisis.
Chevrolet donates 50 trucks to Red Cross for storm relief
Chevrolet has donated 50 Silverado full-size pickup trucks and Express cargo vans to the American Red Cross for use in relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy and other storms buf-feting the Eastern seaboard and nearby states.
"It is during disasters like this that we all need to pull together as a country and Chevrolet has a role in that," said General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson. "Making these vehicles avail-able quickly where they can do the most good is something we can do right now."
GM's OnStar subsidiary is also sup-porting the initiative by providing each of the donated vehicles with 300 OnStar
Hands-Free Calling minutes and three months of its Directions and Connections plan which includes turn-by-turn naviga-tion services. The trucks are being pulled from existing inventory at dealerships closest to where they are needed.
In addition to the vehicle dona-tion, the GM Foundation earlier donat-ed $250,000 to the Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, which enables the agency to be ready to provide immedi-ate disaster relief anywhere in the coun-try. The money is used to shelter, feed and meet emotional needs of disaster victims. The money also helps feed emer-gency workers, handle inquiries from concerned family members outside the disaster area, provide blood and blood products and help disaster victims access other available resources.
"The impact of Hurricane Sandy is being assessed up and down the East Coast and even further west, and the road to recovery will be long for many families," said Neal Litvack, Chief Development Officer of the American Red Cross. "GM's generous donation of vehicles and the GM Foundation's dona-tion of finances will help the American Red Cross to respond with shelter, food and care, aiding affected residents now and after the storm, as they move toward recovery,"
Ram Truck Brand Donates 20 Ram Trucks
and $100,000 to the American Red CrossChrysler Group LLC's Ram Truck
brand donated 20 Ram 1500 Tradesman trucks and $100,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with relief efforts in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
The Ram Truck brand's donation will support the massive effort by the American Red Cross to help families and entire communities get back on their feet. On the ground, the Ram Tradesman trucks will help mobilize people and supplies for the Sandy relief efforts and will continue to benefit the organization as permanent members of the American Red Cross’ fleet of vehicles. Large relief operations are underway in New York and New Jersey, where residents felt Sandy’s biggest impact. Shelters and feeding sites are open and emergency vehicles are distributing food, water and relief supplies in these states.
“Our hearts go out to those impact-ed by Superstorm Sandy," said Fred Diaz, Ram Truck President and CEO Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico – Chrysler Group LLC. "We are inspired by their unwavering spirit in this time of adver-sity, and Ram is proud to support relief and recovery efforts by providing the Red Cross with a team of Ram trucks to support this critical mission.”
Hurricane Relief Please Turn to Page 34
Crown Mercedes-Benz
SUPPLIER
SPOTLIGHT
Southern Automotive Journal December 201228 www.IneedOEMparts.com
Experience and long-standing relationships trump just about everything else when it comes to maintaining a customer's comfort zone. Of course quick, accurate service is critical as well; but when you need the right part right now, nothing beats picking up the phone and hearing the same voice you've heard for 15 or 20 years -- that voice that when it says, "You'll have it first thing tomorrow," you know that you don't need give it another thought or lose any sleep. It will be there.
That's the sort of "old blue jeans" comfort level many customers have with the voice on the other end of the phone at Crown Automobile Mercedes-Benz on Montgomery Highway in Hoover, Alabama.
Mike Ricketts started in the parts business 30 years ago, twenty-one of those years with Crown
Mercedes-Benz parts department, the last seven as Parts Manager. But he's just a newbie when compared to Crown 30-year veteran Michael Tramell, one of those steady familiar voices on the wholesale-parts phone.
"I think they built this place around him," Ricketts said of Tramell.
That's an exaggeration, of course, but not by much. Crown Automobile Mercedes-Benz has been around for 40 years.
Manning the phone next to Tramell is Marc Hooks with more than 16 years under his belt at Crown.
"Marc is probably the most detail-oriented person I know," Ricketts said. "He just pays attention to every-thing."
Nearly half a century of total experience between these two sales people at Crown translates into a lot of
www.crownautomobile.com 1800 Montgomery Hwy • Birmingham, AL 35244
205-985-4200Direct
205-402-2243
800-476-4669FAX
Toll Free Mike Ricketts Crown Mercedes-Benz
Parts Manager
by: Russ Heaps
www.IneedOEMparts.com Southern Automotive JournalDecember 2012 29www.IneedOEMparts.com
Crown Mercedes-Benz
stability. "Customers know when they call, they are going to get someone who really knows what he's doing and is usu-ally familiar with that customer's particu-lar needs."
These are just two of the seven-member parts team that worked togeth-er to move $6.8 million in parts through the end of October -- $2.7 million of that in wholesale parts.
This isn't quite where Ricketts would like to be. "I'm not happy with those numbers," he confided, "$300,000 a month in wholesale is our goal."
Ricketts did admit, though, sales volume is one of the big changes he's observed in his 21 years at Crown; it's much higher today than when he started. "Our parts business has grown quite a bit," he stated.
Ricketts listed several reasons for the growth. The single most important factor, he said, was the decision to elimi-nate dickering over the price of body parts and just sell them for the suggested retail price issued by Mercedes-Benz.
"We were wasting too much time and energy setting prices just to negoti-ate them down," he explained. "When we started quoting the manufacturer's sug-gested retail price about 10 or 15 years
ago, it made everyone's life easier -- ours and the customer's."
At the same time Crown changed its pricing structure, it also stopped charg-ing to ship the parts (with the exception of special direct drop ship- ments from the manufacturer.)
"We simply stopped charging freight and still don't charge for it," he said. "When we changed the way we priced and ended freight charges, we saw sales volume increase. When you service customers outside of your city, you really need to do something special for them."
With customers located from Mississippi to the Carolinas and from Indiana to the Florida panhandle, Crown is doing plenty of business outside its city.
Ricketts also pointed to the depart-ment's better than 90% fill rate as anoth-er reason sales are strong. Maintaining a parts inventory of nearly $1 million, most orders are filled right off the shelf.
"Time is of the essence when you run a body shop," Ricketts said. You order a part and you've got to have it immedi-ately. When you are quick and accurate like we are, you generate a lot of word of mouth advertising. Customers like doing business with us and talk us up."
Crown Automotive Wholesale TeamOver 40 Years Experience
Shane McCormick
205.402.2261Michael Tramell
205.402.2266Marc Hooks
mhooks@ crownautomobile.com
205.402.2262
Not leaving marketing strictly to word of mouth, Crown uses Huntsville-based NAPCO to market its parts depart-ment around the Southeast. Ricketts uses a network of delivery companies including NAPCO and Advantage Delivery System to get parts to the far reaches of its sales area.
Because Crown Infiniti is adjacent to Crown Mercedes-Benz, management streamlined their wholesale parts depart-ments by integrating their sales efforts. The same three sales people service both Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz customers. "It helps increase sales when NAPCO is sell-ing our business to let customers know they can get both Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti parts with one phone call," Ricketts said.
Crown Infiniti averages close to $400,000 in inventory with monthly sales of about $250,000 -- roughly half of that is wholesale.
The parts department at Crown Automobile Mercedes-Benz is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
You can reach them by phone at 205-985-4200 or toll free at 800-476-4669. Or, e-mail them at [email protected]
Southern Automotive Journal December 201230 www.IneedOEMparts.com
Mechanical and Collision Parts In Stock
Toll Free 800-633-4304 Toll Free FAX 888-815-5238Local Collision 205-823-5237
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Insurance mandated parts procurement programs - such as State Farm’s controversial pilot with PartsTrader, found in select cities around the United States – have occupied much of the collision repair industry’s discus-sion over the course of 2012. Despite public criticism from multiple affected industry segments, the industry con-tinues to wait for any well constructed explanation of how these mandated intrusions into internal business pro-cesses will avoid long term harm to colli-sion repair businesses and suppliers; let alone explanation of how the programs provide benefit to industry participants.
“Providing information about the resulting impact of these types of programs is critical for collision repair business owners,” states SCRS Executive Director, Aaron Schulenburg. “The industry is hungry for information that will help them understand the potential ramifications these programs can have, so that they can effectively strategize how their businesses will react if and when the requirements become effec-
Insurer Mandated Parts Procurement Affecting Other International MarketsRDE Session At SEMA Highlights The Impacts These Programs Have Had On Global Markets
tive in their market areas. It is our opin-ion that learning from others who have experienced the impact first hand is criti-cal in understanding the likely outcome of the programs in our own country.”
As part of the Repairer Driven Education (RDE) series at the SEMA Show, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) had previously announced an interactive presentation with interna-tional guests from both New Zealand and Australia who presented, “Bidding Wars: A Global View on the Possible Economic Impact of Insurer Involvement in Parts Procurement.” As an added ben-efit, the session also included an addi-tional guest, John Norris, presented on how insurer mandated parts procure-ment has impacted the Canadian mar-ketplace. John is the Collision Chair of the National Automotive Trades Association of Canada (NATA) and Executive Director of Ontario-based Collision Industry Information Assistance (CIIA), the second largest collision repair trade association in the country.
“Insurance industry parts procure-
ment is being aggressively pursued in Canada with one major insurer involved and more waiting to go,” added Norris. “In insurer-dominant marketplaces, shops fear that saying ‘no’ to an insurer’s program means the blacklisting of their business. Shops that agree to partici-pate in insurer parts procurement pro-grams in Canada have found their labor rates lowered, discounts taken and parts orders taking extra days to arrive from distant and unknown suppliers, as the program restricts their supplier options to only those suppliers that agree to pay a fee to the insurer when parts are sold. Shops can not deliver on-time estimates, repair times and rental costs increase, while production efficiency suffers.”
The 2012 Repairer Driven Education program is sponsored by sup-portive industry organizations such as SEMA, PPG, GM Genuine Parts, BASF, Ford Motor Company, OEM Roundtable, DuPont Performance Coatings, LKQ, Spanesi Americas, American Innovative Manufacturing, Sherwin Williams, AASP, PBES, AkzoNobel and CollisionHub.n
Southern Automotive JournalDecember 2012 31www.IneedOEMparts.com
The National Automobile Dealers Association has elected Forrest McConnell, III, as vice chairman for 2013.
McConnell, owner of McConnell Honda and Acura in Montgomery, Ala., represents Alabama's new-car dealers on NADA's board.
"I'm honored to be selected to lead a group of entre-preneurs that drive the American economy," McConnell said. "It's a privilege to serve the nation's new-car dealers who are civic leaders and pillars of their communities across the country."
David W. Westcott, owner of David Westcott Buick GMC Suzuki in Burlington, N.C., was elected NADA chairman for 2013. He currently represents North Carolina's new-car dealers on NADA's board.
"To be elected chairman of NADA is the highest honor I have ever achieved professionally," Westcott said. "I'm excited about representing the new car and truck dealers in America next year."
The election took place at a meeting of NADA's board of directors in Chicago.
McConnell and Westcott will take office at the 2013 NADA Convention and Expo in Orlando, Fla., which runs Feb. 8-11. For more information, visit www.nadaconvention-andexpo.org.n
NADA Elects Alabama Auto Dealer Forrest McConnell as
Vice Chairman for 2013
I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, has launched a new Live Demo course, Blueprinting Process and Damage Discovery (BLU01). With the new course, I-CAR will provide an enhanced learning experience to the Inter-Industry. I-CAR is focused on continuously enhancing the student classroom experience, and thus learning effectiveness. Live Demo courses are designed to provide a more interactive training experience, achiev-ing increased student engagement and learning.
Blueprinting Process and Damage Discovery is an interactive course that defines the blueprinting process. Blueprinting is a process that helps improve repair quality while streamlin-ing efficiencies, by using a standardized approach to collision repair planning. The course goes beyond the disassembly of damaged parts and writing damage reports to help students uncover hidden
I-CAR Officially Launches New Live Demo Course:Blueprinting Process And Damage Discovery
damage that impacts the repair process. Demonstrations include a number of quick checks and other techniques that support the process. Implementation tips are also reviewed. During this Live Demo course, the instructor uses an actual vehicle to demonstrate technique and engage students in the learning process.
I-CAR offered two sold-out Blueprinting Process and Damage Discovery sessions on the show floor at October's NACE Expo, and attend-ees provided glowing reviews. Rich Southerland of ALLDATA said, “the best I-CAR course I’ve attended,” while Pat Dowling of Auto-Owners Insurance added the course is “more like the real-life situation.” Garnet Young of Young’s Auto Body feels, “this is a great course, and is really needed.”
Jason Bartanen, I-CAR Technical Director said, “Students will be able to witness firsthand how the blueprinting
process can minimize supplements and increase productivity in a collision repair facility,” Bartanen continued, “We are also thrilled to add “Blueprinting” to the Live Demo course category. With the addition of this course, I-CAR is further demonstrating its commitment to devel-oping courses that are not only relevant, but also engaging for the student.”
Blueprinting Process and Damage Discovery will satisfy Gold Class require-ments for Non-Structural Technicians, Estimators and Auto Physical Damage Appraisers looking to fulfill New Technology requirements and ProLevel 3 training requirements for Estimators and Auto Physical Damage Appraisers. This course has an estimated dura-tion of five hours and is valued at four credit hours. To register for Blueprinting Process and Damage Discovery (BLU01), visit the I-CAR website at I-CAR web-site or contact I-CAR Customer Care at 800.422.7872.n
Southern Automotive Journal December 201232 www.IneedOEMparts.com
I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, held a press conference at the SEMA Show, concentrating on its relationship with an increasing number of leading vehicle manufacturers. Nissan/Infiniti, Chrysler, and Honda were recognized for recently introducing collision repair network programs that require the industry-recognized I-CAR Gold Class Professionals designation, while fifteen (15) vehicle manufacturers include the I-CAR Welding Qualification Series or limited other I-CAR training as a require-ment for their network programs.
I-CAR CEO & President, John Van Alstyne, stated, “The I-CAR Professional Development Program (PDP) has become the industry standard for knowledge. The PDP was designed to provide the technicians responsible for various and critical phases of the collision repair process the education and knowledge required to perform complete and safe repairs. Additionally, the industry has also discovered the
I-CAR Helps OEMs Build Stronger Collision Repair Network ProgramsPDP helps businesses improve perfor-mance and reduce risk,” he continued, “According to a recent I-CAR study on repair facility Key Performance Indicators (KPI), there is clear link-age between I-CAR training and KPI improvement in areas such as cycle time, touch time, rework, CSI, and even revenue.”
James Roach, Senior Vice President – Parts and Service Division of American Honda Motor Company, Inc. joined Van Alstyne and discussed Gold Class as an element of the recent-ly launched Honda ProFirst program. Roach stated, “Honda has a firm com-mitment to quality, and customer sat-isfaction is always top of mind. I-CAR’s PDP and the Gold Class recognition program are the industry standards for knowledge, helping form the founda-tion for business and technician success through training that provides repair-ers with knowledge and skills needed to achieve complete repairs and safe repairs.”
The press conference concluded as Elise Quadrozzi, I-CAR Board Chair, summarized progress made on the PDP since its 2010 launch. She also acknowl-edged I-CAR’s commitment to assist-ing the industry as it works toward achieving the first of three ascending PDP knowledge levels, ProLevel 1 being required in 2012.
Quadrozzi also commented on I-CAR’s plan to expand its service to the Inter-Industry by taking on the pro-posed “Industry Repair Procedures” initiative, stating, “I-CAR is committed to expanding its relevance to the col-lision repair Inter-Industry. The indus-try expressed a need for help and the I-CAR Board agreed that we were well positioned to respond. This initiative is a great example of how we are work-ing to move I-CAR into the future from its historical role as a training provid-er, with increasing focus on building an education, knowledge, and solu-tions platform of services for the Inter-Industry.”n
Southern Automotive JournalDecember 2012 33www.IneedOEMparts.com
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After a period of uncertainty fol-lowing Saab's bankruptcy, eEuroparts.com is currently filling genuine Saab parts at the highest rate in company history.
When Saab declared bankruptcy in December of 2011, there was under-standably a lot of confusion and anxi-ety surrounding the availability of Saab parts. For a while, Swedish factories stopped producing genuine Saab parts, and the global supply was reduced to what was already in warehouses and on shelves. Throughout the lean months, eEuroparts.com worked tirelessly to
eEuroparts.com Filling Genuine Saab Parts at Highest Rate Eversecure the most genuine Saab parts still available while increasing their aftermar-ket Saab parts supply to make up the difference.
Thankfully, factories in Sweden are once again pumping out genuine Saab parts, and eEuroparts.com is stocking their warehouse at an unprecedented rate. Very few genuine Saab parts are no longer available, and eEuroparts.com has replaced those that are no longer available with high quality aftermarket Saab parts. No one has more of the genuine Saab parts Saab owners need, from genuine Direct Ignition Cassettes
to Genuine Saab Hood Emblems. eEuroparts.com was founded in
2000 as a Saab parts company, and although they've expanded into other Swedish and German autos since then, they will always have a special place for Saab in their hearts. That's why it was so important for them to maintain a high level of genuine Saab parts supply throughout the bankruptcy saga. That's also why they are so happy to report that their genuine Saab parts supply has never been better, and their qual-ity aftermarket part supply is equally robust.n
Former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, who will discuss global politics and U.S. foreign policy, joins a lineup of industry and inspirational keynote speak-ers at the 2013 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention and Expo in Orlando, Fla., next February.
Gates served as the 22(nd) Secretary of Defense from 2006-2011 under both President Barack Obama and former President George W. Bush. The only sec-retary of defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly-elected president, Gates has served eight U.S. presidents.
Industry keynote speakers at the
Former Sec. of Defense Robert M. Gates, Hyundai's John Krafcik and Astronaut Mark Kelly to Headline 2013 NADA Convention
NADA convention include John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America; NADA Chairman Bill Underriner, a new-car dealer in Billings, Mont.; and incoming NADA Chairman David Westcott, a new-car dealer in Burlington, N.C.
Captain Mark Kelly, former NASA astronaut, space shuttle commander of Endeavour's final mission and husband of former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, will deliver an inspirational address.
The 96(th) annual NADA conven-tion runs from Feb. 8-11, 2013, at the Orange County Convention Center.
New-car dealers will meet face-to-face with top automaker executives at 26 franchise meetings to discuss their marketing plans, sales outlook and new product launches.
NADA University is offering 58 dif-ferent workshops for new-car and new-truck dealers and their managers, includ-ing 27 new speakers and 20 new work-shop topics.
More than 500 companies are expected to exhibit on the expo floor.
The American Truck Dealers (ATD) Convention and Expo will once again run concurrently with the NADA convention.n
Southern Automotive Journal December 201234 www.IneedOEMparts.com
P1 From Page 5
dynamic as possible. This helped give the car a natural, almost organic, qual-ity. The design intent was to expose the carbon structure beneath, not only showing exactly where the air was going – through the door ducts into the main radiators – but also to break up the visual mass of the body side and accen-tuate the cab-forward stance, giving the car a real look of lightness and agility. All the ducts were developed with the aero team, giving a direct link to McLaren’s motorsport heritage.
‘I wanted it to look like a Le Mans racer with that low body, long rear deck and open mesh rear styling to put the
mechanicals on view and to help cool-ing,’ says Stephenson. ‘Plus there is the most aggressive rear diffuser ever seen on a road car. Like everything on the McLaren P1, it’s there for a good reason.’
The glasshouse was inspired by the canopies of fighter jets, giving the occu-pants similar sensations to a pilot. The windscreen is deeper than it is wide, cre-ating a feeling of lightness and airiness inside. Good visibility has always been a McLaren mantra.
The lights are a signature part of the car. The LED headlights, with their speed marque DRL, are extremely small in size meaning more frontal area can be devoted to cooling. Whilst at the back, the low rear deck and pronounced
wheelarches, give the evocatively simple rear end a powerful graphic. The con-cept being that the rear lamps are liter-ally the trailing edge of the bodywork, framing the diffuser and allowing more heat to exit from the engine bay. ‘Again, beautiful, organic forms framing and enhancing the technical features,’ says Stephenson
The McLaren P1 makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show on the first press day, September 27. Further details – including its powertrain and other tech-nical information – will be announced early in 2013, shortly before sales begin. Deliveries are expected to commence in late 2013, the year of McLaren’s 50th anniversary.n
BMW Group Contributes $1 Million for Hurricane Relief
"This donation will help the Red Cross give aid to the many who are in need in the affected areas," said Ludwig Willisch, CEO and President, BMW of North America. "We support those who are working so hard on the recov-ery effort and we are encouraging our employees across North America to vol-unteer their time and money to the work underway. Our dealers already are active in their communities and we thank them for stepping up to meet the
needs in their local areas."BMW of North America is head-
quartered in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, one of the areas hit hard by the hur-ricane. The company's presence in the United States supports thousands of jobs with a large number being in the Northeast - at our headquarters, dealer-ships, seaports and distribution facilities.
Mazda donates $100,000 to American Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced a $100,000 contribution to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Sandy. Additionally, The Mazda
Foundation (USA), Inc., Board of Trustees approved grants to the Flemington Area Food Pantry and The Food Bank Network of Somerset County for $5,000 each. These two area food banks serve the communities immediately surround-ing Mazda's Northeast Region Office, an area devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
"Hurricane Sandy has had a dev-astating impact on many people in the Northeast, including our own employ-ees, dealers and customers, so we're pleased to work with the American Red Cross and local food banks to help those who have been affected by the disaster," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO.n
Hurricane Relief From Page 27
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