southern automotive journal march 2014
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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. Featured this month Limbaugh Toyota, KIA GT 4 Stinger concept, Subaru BRZ, Mississippi parts trader injunction. GCIA January meetingTRANSCRIPT
Automakers And Aftermarket Move To Preserve Consumer
Choice In Auto Repair
I-CAR Expands Leadership Team, New Insurance Director
States Kick Off Legislative Season ASA Encourages State
Farm PartsTrader Action
McConnell Ready to Lead NADA in 2014
Bill to Reduce Auto Dealership Paperwork Passes
House
March 2014
GT4 Stinger Please Turn to Page 4
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2014 Chevrolet Impala
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Hearkening back to the glory days of purebred, affordable sports cars, Kia Motors America (KMA) recently unveiled the brand’s most aggressive concept car ever when wraps came off the GT4 Stinger at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Kia’s eye-catching design language moves in a bold new direction with the introduction of the GT4 Stinger. The concept pushes the boundaries of performance with a rear-drive 2+2 sports car that places man and machine in harmony on the road or track. It comes
Kia Shocks The Motor City with Rear-Drive GT4 Stinger Concept
as no surprise that the GT4 Stinger is the wild style child of Kia’s California design team, home to its 2012 predeces-sor, the Track’ster concept. And like the Track’ster, the GT4 Stinger’s racy appeal is more than skin deep.
“Driving enjoyment was the num-ber one priority in designing the GT4 Stinger,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer,
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GT4 Stinger From Cover
Kia Design Center America (KDCA). “It’s an authentic 2+2 sports car that can turn heads as a daily driver while also being right at home on the track. It’s about purity, simplicity and timelessness. The GT4 Stinger is a throwback to days when driving a car was a visceral experience that wasn’t muted by electronic gim-mickry.”
Emboldened by the brand’s on-track success in the Pirelli World Challenge racing series with a pair of turbocharged, GTS-class Optimas, Kia’s U.S. design team approached the GT4 Stinger project with an eye toward weight reduction, func-tionality and pure driving enjoyment. The concept shuns the luxury trappings of a traditional Grand Touring car and embraces the elemental experience of truly engaging with the vehicle. “If any-one were to ask if Kia has the credibility to build a car like the GT4 Stinger,” noted Kearns. “I would simply point out that Kia races – and wins – against some of the world’s most legendary performance brands.”
Kia Racing and partner Kinetic Motorsports captured the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Drivers and Team Championships in 2012 with the Forte Koup and are currently preparing the turbocharged Optimas for their third season of duty in the Pirelli World Challenge in 2014 following a sec-ond-place finish in the Manufacturer’s Championship last year.
Power, Poise and Proven Performance Beneath the low wedge of the GT4
Stinger’s hood resides a tuned version of Kia’s proven 2.0-liter turbocharged gaso-line direct injected (T-GDI) four-cylinder engine putting out an impressive 315 horsepower. “Our Optima racecars use the same engine and can produce more than 400 horsepower,” said Kearns. “So why not infuse our concept with the kind of power that will make people take notice?”
That power is put to the ground via a close-ratio six-speed manual trans-mission driving the rear wheels, which are wrapped in 275/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zero performance tires. Staggered 235/35R-20 Pirelli P-Zeros nestle beneath the front
fenders, ensuring loads of corner-carving grip. Custom 20-inch aluminum center-lock wheels feature carbon fiber inserts for strength and weight reduction. Tucked inside the massive wheels are Brembo Gran Turismo two-piece 15-inch cross-drilled rotors and four-piston cali-pers with plenty of stopping power.
Underpinning the GT4 Stinger’s sculpted “Ignition Yellow” body is a cus-tom chassis with independent double wishbone suspension. With a shorter wheelbase (103.1 inches) and overall
length (169.7 inches) than a Forte sedan, a width (74.4 inches) greater than a Cadenza, and a swooping roofline nearly nine inches lower (49.2 inches) than a Rio subcompact, the GT4 Stinger cuts a men-acing figure. It tips the scales at a scant 2,874 pounds, and weight distribution is spread nearly perfectly at 52 percent up front and 48 percent at the rear. The GT4 Stinger also features a quick-ratio steer-ing rack for direct feedback and uncom-promised control.
GT4 Stinger was conceived by the “gearheads” in Kia’s Irvine, Calif., design studio, birthplace of iconic con-cept vehicles such as the Track’ster and Cross GT
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Simplicity By DesignFans of Kia’s design language, set
by Kia Motors Corporation president and chief design officer Peter Schreyer, will immediately recognize key styling ele-ments of the GT4 Stinger. “We gave the car a shrink-wrapped appearance,” says Kearns. “It’s as if the body panels were formed around the chassis instead of merely welded to it.” In silhouette, the GT4 Stinger is simple yet powerful. The latest iteration of the signature Kia grille rests low to the ground for maxi-
mum engine cooling and cold-air induc-tion. The grille surround glows white and features a multi-layered, satin-black border, a theme found throughout the car. Flanking the grille on both sides are vertical LED headlamps, and front-brake cooling vents intricately molded into the bumper provide a clean, smooth appear-ance. A carbon fiber front splitter mount-ed below the bumper provides added down force for the car at high speed to keep the GT4 Stinger’s front tires firmly planted to the tarmac.
The long hood gently rises to meet the cowl. Two chrome accent pieces add visual interest to the otherwise ripple-less pond of Ignition Yellow sheet metal. The hood closely embraces the front wheel arches, creating two protruding muscular fenders above the front tires. The result is a pronounced edge at the vehicle’s shoulders that eventually becomes the belt line.
Continuing around the car, the transparent A-pillars provide a more than 270-degree view from the driver’s seat. The layered slots cut into the pillars reduce weight while improving outward visibility. Paying homage to the iconic Soul, the greenhouse design provides an aggressive side profile. “It’s as if the GT4 Stinger is wearing wrap-around sunglass-es,” notes Kearns. Similar to the Soul, the roof of the GT4 Stinger appears to “float” from the C-pillars. Along the rocker pan-els are satin black accent pieces with integrated functional cooling ducts to enhance air flow to the rear brakes.
Around back, the body widens to cover the large 275-series Pirelli rubber. The glass hatch opens to reveal a built-in storage compartment and rear strut-tower brace. The LED taillights illuminate from inside the outer edge of a blacked-out panel just above the dual exhaust ports in the rear bumper.
The interior is purposeful in design and practical in nature. A pull of the billet-aluminum door handles reveals incred-ibly lightweight doors, but their generous width makes dropping into the mold-ed leather race-inspired bucket seats a breeze. There is no carpet, only a rubber floor mat underneath the billet-aluminum pedals. Front and center to the driver is a thick D-shaped steering wheel and red LED-illuminated instrument panel with large tachometer and gear indicator. In keeping with the track theme and taking inspiration from sports and competition cars of the past, interior door handles have been replaced by red-stitched pull straps. In fact, the GT4 Stinger makes due without the luxury of a stereo. “The audio system starts under the hood and the speakers are the exhaust pipes,” said Kearns. Underway, the GT4 Stinger’s free-flow exhaust burbles and blurts unabash-edly and is music to the ears of driving enthusiasts everywhere.n
2+2 seating configuration, 315 turbocharged horse-power and six-speed manual transmission make GT4 Stinger a true enthusiast’s machine
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I-CAR CEO & President, John Van Alstyne, addressed I-CAR’s leading initia-tives for 2014 and reviewed 2013 mile-stones during a speech at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting in Palm Springs recently.
The 2014 ini-tiatives highlighted by Van Alstyne will have a signifi-cant impact on the industry and will deliver on I-CAR’s commitment to education, knowl-edge and collision-repair solutions. Van Alstyne honed in on enhancements to I-CAR’s industry-recognized Welding Training & Certification™ program and the Repairability Technical Support ini-tiative in 2014.
Van Alstyne stated, “Today, as the major provider of welding training to the collision repair industry, I-CAR estimates that at least two-thirds of technicians who weld lack formal welding training.” He continued, “I-CAR has beefed up its welding programs and significantly reduced pricing to encourage repair-ers to more broadly invest in the train-ing that makes perhaps the biggest dif-ference in complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the
I-CAR CEO Addresses Key 2014 Initiatives At CIC Meetingconsumer. To effectively navigate the vehicle technology tsunami our industry is facing, repairers today need techni-cians that are trained and certified with up-to-date welding skills in order to per-form the complex structural repairs that
are now required.”Major insurers, such as State Farm,
and OEMs, including GM, have already committed to partnering with I-CAR in 2014, encouraging or requiring their net-works to participate in I-CAR’s Welding Training & Certification.
Van Alstyne also provided an update on the Repairability Technical Support initiative. Van Alstyne shared details on the launch of the dedicated “technical knowledge” website, upcom-ing plans and key milestones that have been achieved. This initiative launched in 2013 and is designed to provide tech-nical repair knowledge, address gaps in repair procedures and enhance industry
technical communication with OEMs.“I-CAR thanks the industry for its
support in 2013. Through your com-mitment, I-CAR is well positioned to deliver on its vision in 2014 and beyond,” explained Van Alstyne.
Key 2013 a c c o m p l i s h -ments that Van Alstyne shared were the milestone $200,000 dona-tion to the Collision Repair Education Foundation on behalf of the indus-try, no price increas-
es for the third consecutive year, the introduction of Gold Class™ program enhancements, a $2.6 million invest-ment in a new learning content man-agement system (LCMS), the expansion of network partner programs and new Professional Development Program™ training.
Van Alstyne further renewed I-CAR’s commitment to hold all pric-ing flat again in 2014, except the Welding reductions mentioned. He also announced that an estimated $165,000 donation will be made by I-CAR to the Collision Repair Education Foundation in 2014, representing $1 for every class the industry took with I-CAR in 2013.n
The 2014 initiatives will have a significant impact on the industry and willdeliver on I-CAR’s commitment to education, knowledge and collision-repair solutions.
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Impala Please Turn to Page 16
Chevrolet has com-pletely redesigned the 2014 Impala – its iconic flagship sedan – with head-turning styling, greater interior spacious-ness and advanced tech-nologies never before available in an Impala.
The 2014 Impala is new from the ground up, with muscular design ele-ments that provide a nod to the past while embrac-ing Chevy’s modern styl-ing. It represents the 10th generation of one of the industry’s most enduring and popular nameplates.
True to its legacy, the 2014 Impala delivers advanced technologies at a com-petitive price. It incorporates 10 stan-dard air bags as well as available safety technologies such as full-speed-range adaptive cruise control, crash imminent braking, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear camera and rear-park assist.
“Impala has a heritage of push-ing the segment with bold designs, new technologies and premium features not typically found at its price point,” said Chris Perry, vice president, Chevrolet marketing. “The 2014 Impala’s combina-tion of efficiency, refinement, infotain-ment choices and driving confidence will re-set the benchmark in its segment and affirm its position as Chevrolet’s flagship sedan.”
Impala’s V-6 engine is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in the segment. The car also receives a new, responsive electric power steering system and enhanced suspension that provide customers with a confident driv-ing experience.
Inside, an all-new passenger envi-ronment offers more front and rear legroom, generous storage and smart-phone-influenced connectivity with next-generation MyLink. It’s also a qui-eter environment with a greater empha-sis on comfort – including BOSE ® active noise cancelation technology on four-cylinder models.
All-New 2014 Chevrolet Impala Re-Energizes Iconic Nameplate
To appeal to a wide array of customer needs, the 2014 Impala is offered with three engine choices, including two four-cylinder pow-ertrains and a 3.6L V-6 engine avail-able exclusively at launch. An Ecotec 2.4L engine with eAssist provides an estimated 35 mpg of highway driving.
Design details The 2014 Impala introduces a new
aesthetic for Chevrolet’s flagship sedan, but one that honors the cues that helped distinguish the classic nameplate for decades.
“Our design team was challenged to create a new classic, but that didn’t mean relying on nostalgia,” said John Cafaro, director of North America passenger car exterior design. “This is very much a contemporary car, with design elements, craftsmanship and attention to detail that complement its advanced technol-ogy and performance.”The Impala’s long, low proportion has a wind-swept profile that suggests motion, while the range of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels is tailored to the body to provide that “just right” stance. At the front, low-profile projector-beam headlamps – or HID headlamps and LED daytime running lamps on LTZ
– sweep around the cor-ners and frame a wide grille, while a power dome hood conveys per-formance. The LTZ’s LED daytime running lamps provide a contemporary visual statement, along with great visibility.
Sculpted coves in the body sides add to the Impala’s design drama, with a sweeping signa-ture cue in the rear fend-ers that acknowledges
classic Impala designs. The “greenhouse” area is long, enhancing the sleek look of the car while maintaining excellent visibility. The deck lid appears short to complement the overall proportion, but opens to reveal a trunk with 18.8 cubic-feet (532 liters) of cargo space. Diagonal dual-signature taillamps and – on LTZ – chrome-outlined exhaust outlets com-plete the rear-end appearance.
The 2014 Impala builds on Chevrolet’s signature dual-cockpit inte-rior with greater attention to detail and upscale features – seen in everything from the wraparound flow of the bold instrument panel into the door panels and the available ambient lighting, to the soft feel of the materials and the premium appearance of the seats’ stitch-ing. The instrument panel integrates a dynamic instrument cluster with a stan-
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Consumer Choice Turn to Page 30
Southern Automotive Journal,Inc.
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Volume 18 Issue No. 3
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 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 complete-ness of the information provided by this publication. Entire con-tents copyright 2013. All rights reserved.
ContributorsNick Palermo Ami Vonesh
Russ Heaps Michael Winters
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance), the Association of Global Automakers (Global), the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), and the Coalition for Automotive Repair Equality (CARE) today announced their collective accep-tance of a national agreement to ensure consumer choice in post-warranty auto repair, decisively ending the longstand-
Automakers And Aftermarket Move To Preserve Consumer Choice In Auto Repair
ing "Right to Repair" debate within the industry.
The national agreement is based on a recent law finalized in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Chapter 165 of the Acts of 2013). The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) extends the essential provi-sions for all light vehicles negotiated in the Massachusetts law nationwide; it
impacts all companies and organizations that are currently members of the signa-tory associations.
This national agreement ensures the Alliance, Global, AAIA, and CARE will stand down in their fight on "Right to Repair" and work collectively to actively oppose individual state legislation while
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Prolonged 'Right to Repair' Debate Concludes with Powerful National Agreement
I-CAR recently introduced new enhancements to its industry-recog-nized Welding Training & Certification™ program, including significant price cuts that will save shops money, encourag-ing them to more broadly invest in the training that perhaps most directly con-tributes to complete, safe and quality repairs.
“As vehicle structures change in response to CAFE standards, the approaching ‘technical tsunami’ will pose considerable challenges to colli-sion repair professionals as they strive to keep pace for the ultimate benefit of the consumer,” said John Van Alstyne, CEO & President of I-CAR. “To meet these chal-lenges successfully, it will be absolutely critical for every technician who welds to be trained and certified with up-to-date welding skills. This is a key I-CAR priority for 2014 and we’ve updated our program to help the industry accomplish this goal.”
Today, as the major provider of welding training to the collision repair industry, I-CAR estimates that at least two-thirds of technicians who weld lack
I-CAR Makes Welding Training & Certification More Affordableformal welding training. I-CAR’s welding program enhancements are designed to change that. These changes include:
New lower pricing that saves shops between 10 and 40% or more. Savings increase with each additional technician a shop trains, encouraging shops to train all technicians who weld.
A new program name — Welding Training & Certification — which more accurately reflects the attributes of the product. These include assessment of the facility’s readiness and capabil-ity for proper welding, intensive theory instruction, hands-on training of stu-dents tailored to their pre-training skill level, opportunities to practice new skills with instructor coaching, and finally I-CAR’s standardized certification test that confirms technician skill level.
A newly streamlined registration process that will see continued improve-ments in 2014.
Ongoing course updates that will include proper welding techniques for the latest materials, keeping the train-ing experience and skill development relevant to the work required of welding
technicians not just today, but also in the future.
I-CAR continues to offer three Welding Training & Certification pro-grams: Aluminum GMA (MIG) Welding - WCA03, Steel GMA (MIG) Welding - WCS03, and Steel Sectioning - SPS05. For all courses, the certification resulting from successfully completing the train-ing will be valid for five years, after which the training and certification will need to be retaken to ensure the student main-tains current welding skills.
I-CAR is already gaining broad industry support in its effort to train more welding technicians. Today, I-CAR announced a new initiative with State Farm through which the insurer will encourage its Select Service network shops to participate in I-CAR welding training. I-CAR is working on other weld-ing-related initiatives across the industry that are expected to be announced later this year.
For more information on I-CAR’s Welding Training & Certification program, please visit www.i-car.com > Training > Welding Training & Certification.n
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www.IneedOEMparts.com Southern Automotive JournalMarch 2014 13www.IneedOEMparts.com
Although new-car dealers con-tinue to face a host of challenges from the government and industry, Forrest McConnell, III, 2014 chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, said dealers are risk-takers and they can rely on NADA just as he and his family have done for generations.
"NADA is working through some of the toughest regulatory and legislative challenges that Washington throws at us," said McConnell, in keynote remarks recently at the NADA Convention & Expo in New Orleans.
"Many of you know that the gov-ernment has been trying to impose more regulations over our $783 billion finance market. Why? Because they don't under-stand our business," he said. Eighty per-cent of customers come to us because our financing system is convenient and competitive. We provide credit avenues that they didn't even know existed. NADA will keep hammering Washington that
McConnell Ready to Lead NADA in 2014dealers don't add to customers' credit costs. We save our customer's money. Period."
McConnell, who began serving on NADA's board in 2008, outlined some of
association's industry efforts, including meeting with 30 manufacturers at least twice a year and analyzing the responses from NADA's Dealer Attitude Survey.
"It's important that our manufac-turers understand and respect what we do. We buy their products. We invest billions in capital. We absorb many of their costs," he said. "We build expen-sive facilities, but it's important we build true partnerships with our manufactur-ers, too. Manufacturers who have good relationships with dealers have a strong advantage over others who don't."
McConnell highlighted how the family business in auto retailing began in 1919 when his grandfather and father opened dealerships in Montgomery, Ala. They joined NADA in 1940. Today,
McConnell runs McConnell Honda/Acura with his brother, William.
"As a dealer, I can tell you that in the years I've been with NADA, they've really helped me succeed,"
he said.Although there have been an
array of challenges, NADA has always supported dealers' efforts as they strive for success. He encouraged attendees to continue to take risks, as he and countless others have done.
"NADA will always be here to take care of the things that sidetrack you from your life," he said. "So push back the fear. Take the leap. We got your back."
The four-day NADA convention ran Jan. 24-27 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.n
"NADA will always be here to take care of the things that sidetrack you from your life. So push back the fear. Take the leap. We got your back."
Southern Automotive Journal March 201414 www.IneedOEMparts.com
• Your order will be accurate• We only ship quality parts• Competent and helpful sales people• We deliver the next day• Dedicated professional delivery drivers• Expedient return policies• Special orders • Knowledgeable wholesale specialists
The only Lexus dealership with the OPA Promise
Brad [email protected].
855-528-0487 • 256-824-8075 fax 256-824-8019
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Lexus of Huntsville • 6580 University Dr • Huntsville, AL 35806
Diversified automotive company JM Family Enterprises, Inc., has been ranked No. 37 on FORTUNE magazine's 2014 list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America. This is JM Family’s 16th consecutive year on the list.
The annual ranking is one of the most credible workplace satisfaction studies in the nation because of the emphasis placed on the employee experience. Two-thirds of a company’s score is determined by an anonymous survey and the remainder is based on a thorough evaluation by the Great
JM Family Enterprises Ranks No. 37 on FORTUNE’s“100 Best Companies to Work For” List
Place to Work® Institute, a global human resources consulting, research and training firm specializing in organiza-tional trust.
“The culture created by our late founder Jim Moran and the dedication of our 3,800 associates sets us apart as an employer of choice,” said Colin Brown, president and CEO, JM Family. “Our success is driven by the people who work here, and this achievement represents the passion and dedication that they bring to JM Family every day. They truly are our greatest asset and
competitive advantage.” JM Family has been on the list
every year since first applying in 1999. The privately held company is often recognized for its associate-focused cul-ture, which includes nine onsite Health & Wellness Centers for associates and their families, exceptional healthcare benefits, profit sharing and 401(k) retirement plans, programs promot-ing work/life balance, and opportuni-ties to give back to the communities where the company has major business operations.n
I-CAR has announced that struc-tural technicians can benefit from updates to its instructor-led Structural Straightening Steel (SSS01) course that addresses how to correctly approach structural straightening repairs. The increased use of high-strength steels and other new materials are changing the way to correctly approach these repairs, which means technicians need to rethink what was once believed to be true.
This course covers key repair top-ics and provides technicians with infor-mation that will help keep the repair and equipment safe. Proper stress-
I-CAR Re-Aligns Straightening Courserelieving techniques, positioning of pulling attachments and how to locate anchoring points are just a few of the key topics covered in this course for Steel Structural Technicians.
Josh McFarlin, I-CAR Director of Curriculum & Product Development stat-ed, “Updates in this course will prepare repairers to think like Steel Structural Technicians. Gone are the days when most structural parts can be repaired with straightening. New vehicles and new materials create the need to shift thinking and approach repairs differ-ently.”
Updates to the course also include
increased classroom activities, new HD-quality videos, improved graphics and methods for straightening common types of full-frame damage. Anyone who has previously taken the course will automatically have online access to the updated course materials today.
This 3-credit hour course meets training requirements for Steel Structural Technicians in I-CAR’s Professional Development Program™ (PDP).
To register for Structural Straightening Steel (SSS01), visit the I-CAR website at www.i-car.com or contact I-CAR Customer Care at 1-800-I-CAR-USA (800-422-7872).n
Southern Automotive JournalMarch 2014 15www.IneedOEMparts.com
Subaru of America, Inc. last year introduced its rear-drive BRZ as a return to the purist-performance sports car. For 2014, the BRZ adds Aha® Infotainment smartphone integration to its standard navigation system.
Subaru developed the rear-wheel drive BRZ with the fundamentals of sports car design in mind: low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity and precision steering. As a result, the low-slung BRZ delivers pinpoint han-dling precision and an unmatched driving experience for sports car enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Powered by Subaru’s new-genera-tion, naturally aspirated 200-horsepower BOXER engine, the BRZ is a sports car that does not sacrifice everyday com-fort and practicality, including up to EPA-estimated 34-mpg highway fuel econ-omy (with 6-speed automatic transmis-sion). Combined with the Subaru brand’s renowned safety and quality, the BRZ is a sports car with practicality as well as performance.
Subaru BRZ The Return to The Pure Sports Car Fun
Key to Sports Car Handling: Low Weight and Ultra-Low Center of Gravity
Using a large proportion of high-ten-sile steel, with aluminum for the hood, the Subaru BRZ weighs 2,762 pounds. Critical to its agile handling, the Subaru BRZ has its center of gravity at just 18.1 inches – among the lowest of any production car in the world.
The Subaru BOXER engine, with its inherently low height and its mass con-centrated low in the package, contributes to a low center of gravity in all Subaru models. For the BRZ, Subaru took maxi-mum advantage of this characteristic. A rear-wheel drive configuration allows
placement of the engine lower and farther back in the BRZ than in any other Subaru model in order to attain the best possible center of gravity and polar moment of iner-tia. Moving the engine closer to the center of the chassis also helped make the BRZ itself quite compact, at just 166.7 inches long on a 101.2-inch wheelbase.
The Subaru FA-Series 2.0-liter BOXER engine was engineered to help achieve the car’s ultra-low cen-
ter of gravity. The engine was made more compact than the FB 2.0-liter engine used in other Subaru models by such means as developing a shorter intake manifold and a shallower oil pan. Compared to the FB Impreza engine, the BRZ engine is mounted about 2.4 inches lower, but due to the engine's lower overall height it sits 5 inches lower overall. In addition, under-hood components were located to optimize the car's balance, including tilting back the radiator 17 degrees and moving the battery to the rear of the engine compartment.
Subaru BRX Please Turn to Page 34
Don't miss the second annual regional industry event. Attend, listen, and learn. You can help change our industry for the better. Attend and network with industry members and leaders.
At the Beautiful Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, MS.
make your reservations today by call-ing 888-567-6667 and ask for the Southern Automotive Repair Conference group rate.
Rate is $159 +tax & resort fee (per night)
April 11th and 12th
http://www.southernautomotiverepairconference.com
Executive Director,SCRSTo educate, inform and represent the collision repair profes-sional in all aspects of the industry.
Attorney,Eaves Law FirmFiled a complaint on Jan. 7, 2014 against various insurance com-panies on behalf of 21 Mississippi collision repair facilities for a lita-ny of alleged offenses.
Founder,Gunder's Auto CenterHas sued insurers on behalf of his custom-ers for intentional short pays and a variety of other alleged misdoings.
Owner,Clinton Body Shop, Inc.Working in MS to stop illegal business practices by State Farm and other insur-ers, including but not limited to online parts procurement service.
Aaron Schulenburg
John Eaves, Jr.
Ray Gunder
John Mosley
Featured Speakers
dard 4.2-inch color display with recon-figurable features for the driver informa-tion center. An eight-inch touch screen with con-cealed storage behind it is matched with the avail-able Chevy MyLink sys-tem on LT and LTZ mod-els.
Quiet and refined The 2014 Impala’s
comfort and refinement are rooted in a stronger body structure, enabling a quieter passenger envi-ronment and a greater overall feeling of quality. The stiffer archi-tecture also enabled engineers to tune the ride and handling more precisely, for a greater feeling of control and comfort.
With active noise cancelation, ceiling-mounted microphones detect engine noise, the frequencies of which are processed by a computer that directs counteracting sound waves through the
audio system’s speakers and subwoofer. This technology helps eliminate noise levels associated with torque converter
lockup at low speeds, which provides better fuel economy.
The new Impala also has a roomier, airier ambience. Thin A-pillars and a low instrument panel enhance outward vis-ibility, while the car’s six-window “greenhouse” surrounds pas-sengers with natural light. The seats are bolstered for greater sup-port and the seat cushions deliver a firm, premium feel that’s equally c o m f o r t a b l e on a 500-mile journey or a five-minute trip to the store. Standard on LT and LTZ mod-els, the rear-seat headrests fold
to improve rear visibility when there are no back-seat passengers.
A prominent “center stack” is inte-grated in the instrument panel and hous-es the climate controls and Chevrolet MyLink, which includes navigation and Bluetooth audio streaming among many other features – and is controlled via a touch screen on an available eight-inch display. A standard audio amplifier is a feature not typical for the segment and a Bose surround-sound audio system is available – the first in a Chevrolet car.
Driving experience Impala offers three powertrains,
each featuring fuel-saving direct injec-tion and lightweight components. They include the 3.6L V-6, the new Ecotec 2.5L four-cylinder and the Ecotec 2.4L with eAssist. All of Impala’s engines are matched with six-speed automatic transmissions.
All models feature an electric variable-assist steering system (EPS) that helps save fuel by drawing energy only when the steering wheel is turned. Designed to complement Impala’s bal-ance of responsiveness and comfort, the EPS’s feel is light and direct, with great-er assistance at low speeds and higher effort at highway speeds. It also incor-porates Pull Drift Compensation, which automatically adjusts the steering effort to account for factors such as crowned roads or high crosswinds – factors that typically cause the driver to turn the steering wheel slightly to maintain a straight path.
Sensors detect the steering correc-tion and adjust the torque applied to the steering system to relieve the effort on the driver, helping to maintain smooth, straight driving with less input. Pull Drift Compensation is an integrated feature of the EPS system and engages seam-lessly, without the driver’s knowledge.n
Repairing A Maserati?We Can Help
Maserati of Atlanta
email: [email protected] Alpharetta Highway • Roswell, GA
Repairing A Maserati?We Can Help.
Toll Free
Fax
Toll Free
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678.802.5000
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Maserati of Atlanta678.802.5000
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Impala From Page 8
Southern Automotive Journal March 201416 www.IneedOEMparts.com
Southern Automotive JournalMarch 2014 17www.IneedOEMparts.com
Attorney Kent Eichelzer discusses his firm’s efforts to stop what he says are illegal business practices by State Farm and other insur-ers, including but not limited to online parts procurement service PartsTrader.
GCIA Please Turn to Page 23
Mississippi PartsTrader Injunction Leads at January GCIA Meeting
Steve Plier with Consumer Auto Repair Excellence, Inc. (CARE) explains how shops can correctly prepare for legal actions through careful record keeping.
Mississippi body shop owner John Mosley and John Eaves, his attorney, explained the injunction against State Farm that seeks to stop Parts Trader.
The topic of the latest Georgia Collision Industry Association (GCIA) meet-ing once again focused on State Farm's Select Service DRP and its PartsTrader electronic parts ordering system. John Eaves, attorney in a Mississippi injunction that seeks to stop State Farm from imple-menting PartsTrader in that state, joined the meeting in a live video conference.
Plaintiffs John Mosley of Clinton Body Shop in Clinton, Mississippi and Doug White of Capitol Body Shop in Jackson, Mississippi were also on the call. The group discussed the injunction, a sec-ond lawsuit aimed at recovering short pays and how others could join their efforts.
Atlanta Attorney Kent Eichelzer also presented at the January 16 meet-
ing, offering to go after short pays for local shops on a contingency. Steve Plier of CARE was the final speaker.
Mississippi LawsuitsEaves began his presentation by
asserting that collision shops have suffered "decades of pressure from the insurance industry." The objective of the injunction against State Farm and PartsTrader, he said,
By Nick Palermo
Moose [email protected]
Rhonda [email protected]
Mike [email protected]
Fred [email protected]
Terry [email protected]
Brad [email protected]
[email protected] Cole
[email protected] Ashe
[email protected] Garner
Parts Manager
Asst. Parts Manager
C a l l t h e L i m b a u g h Toyo t a W h o l e s a l e Pa r t s Te a m
TOYOTA
Chris [email protected]
Charlie [email protected]
The Only Place to Get Genuine Toyota Parts With The OPA Promise
800-239-5050 205-788-9390 205-780-5215To l l F r e e D i r e c t FA X
Southern Automotive Journal March 201418 www.IneedOEMparts.com
Direct 678-957-5300
FAX 678-957-5310
Toll Free877-339-7278
®
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Atlanta Sales Team
Jeff678-957-5457
David678-957-5453
Columbus Sales Team
Stofer866-963-5145
Mike866-963-5144
Dan770-904-7400
Benny866-963-5143
Rob678-957-5460
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Aaron678-714-9000
3546 Highway 20 Buford, GA 30519
• 2 Daily Deliveries to Most Shops• Next Day Delivery in 7 States• Improve Your Cycle Time Late Model Inventory In Stock• Part of Hendrick Wholesale Divison
• 2 Daily Deliveries to Most Shops• Next Day Delivery in 7 States• Improve Your Cycle Time Late Model Inventory In Stock• Part of Hendrick Wholesale Divison
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is pleased to announce its associate members that joined during the fourth quarter of 2013. The decision to become an associate member displays a strong com-mitment to ASA and its efforts to serve the automotive service and repair industry – including its many dedi-cated independent repair professionals. ASA’s newest associate members include:
• The Colonial Label Co.• OE Connection• Performance Gateway• Streamericas Inc.
ASA is also pleased to announce its associate members that renewed their commitment to ASA dur-ing the fourth quarter:
• 1-800-Radiator• Alldata• Automotive Test Solutions Inc.• Cornerstone Auto Parts• Disco Automotive Hardware• GE Capital• I-CAR• Identifix• Interstate Battery System/America• Meadowbrook Insurance Group• Motor Information Systems• Motor Trade Association of South Australia• National Pronto Association• Performance Radiator• Sherwin-Williams Co.• Sonsio• Ten Point Complete• TopTech Finder Inc.• Warrantech• WORLDPAC
The associate category of ASA membership is designed for companies or groups that supply goods, services or equipment to the automotive repair indus-try. Of the associate members listed above, Alldata, GE Capital, Identifix, Meadowbrook Insurance Group and Motor Information Systems are also sponsored benefit providers offering special discounted pricing to ASA members. ASA’s complete benefits portfolio is located in the ASA Marketplace at http://ASA.bizunite.com.
To learn more about ASA’s dedication to service and repair professionals, the value of ASA membership and how to join, visit www.ASAshop.org or call (800) 272-7467, ext. 361.n
ASA Announces New, Renewing Associate Members for Fourth
Quarter 2013
dthomason@
opaparts.com
Doug ThomasonWholesale Sales
866.909.2128205.909.2128
Kevin SellersWholesale Sales
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Tommy Parker Wholesale Sales 866-854-6639334-514-7640
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Robert Robinson Wholesale Sales
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Mark RunyanWholesale Sales
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Toll Free 800-633-4304 Toll Free FAX 888-815-5238Local collision 205-823-5237 Local mechanical 205-957-1314
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David FlaggAsst. Parts Manager
800.263.0141 205.458.4619
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Ken Price Wholesale Sales
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Mike McCoolWholesale Sales
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Marvin WindhamParts Manager
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Nikki MyersMechanicalSpecialist
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Raymond BarnettWholesale Sales
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Southern Automotive Journal March 201420 www.IneedOEMparts.com
State Farm announced recently that it is teaming with I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, and exclusively inviting all of its Select Service® repairers to participate in I-CAR’s Welding Training & Certification program through-out 2014. This initiative supports State Farm’s commitment to a remarkable customer experience through training that will enable its repairers to perform proper welds that yield quality repairs.
The program offers Select Service businesses the opportunity to easily register for welding train-ing directly through a provided link on their websites, at newly reduced price levels. Russ Hoffbauer, P&C Claims Director from State Farm explained, “We believe welding proficiency benefits State Farm policyholders by providing quality repairs to policyholder vehicles. While participating in the I-CAR Welding Certification is not mandatory for Select
State Farm and I-CAR Partner on Welding InitiativeService repairers, we anticipate that repairers will be eager to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”
Repairers who participate in I-CAR’s Welding Training & Certification program
will find they benefit from an assessment of shop infrastructure and equipment that includes coaching and trouble-shooting, ensuring readiness for a successful train-ing event. Once a shop passes the assess-ment, each student in class will receive personal instruction, have the ability to practice on the equipment that they use
in-shop every day, then apply their skills and demonstrate through a certification test that they have a confirmed level of welding skills.
“I commend State Farm for work-ing with I-CAR to develop this ini-tiative that supports the industry’s need to better prepare repairers for the welding required today and in the future,” stated I-CAR CEO & President, John Van Alstyne.
“I-CAR is committed to train-ing more of the industry on this criti-cal skill and providing increasingly accessible and affordable weld-ing training. The increased level of
industry welding training encouraged by State Farm’s initiative was a major catalyst behind the industry-wide reduced weld-ing course pricing that I-CAR is announc-ing.”
I-CAR’s vision is that “every” per-son in the collision repair industry has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform a complete, safe and quality repair, and to that end I-CAR announced welding program changes, including a new pricing structure that will encourage training participation by every technician who welds. The more technicians a shop has participate in a class, the greater the savings for the business. Key program changes include:
Simplified registration and schedul-ing process
A separate per-event fee for a stan-dardized pre-event shop welding capabil-ity and readiness assessment
Lower per-student pricingRebranding from Qualification to
CertificationFull Certification required every 5
years due to rapidly changing technolo-gies
I-CAR currently offers three Welding Training & Certification cours-es: Aluminum GMA (MIG) Welding, Steel GMA (MIG) Welding and Steel Sectioning. These industry-recognized Welding courses, which are designed specifically for the type of advanced and technically challenging welding the collision repair industry performs, have been developed in partnership with the collision repair industry and numerous professional welding experts.n
“I commend State Farm for working with I-CAR to develop this initiative that supports the industry’s need to better prepare repairers for the welding required today and in the future,” stated I-CAR CEO & President, John Van Alstyne.
* Base on parts purchase from MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN. As of October 2012Southern Automotive Journal March 201421 www.IneedOEMparts.comSouthern Automotive JournalMarch 2014 21www.IneedOEMparts.com
FAX
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Southern Automotive Journal March 201422 www.IneedOEMparts.com
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Parts Managers - We Buy Obsolete NISSAN Parts - Call Jon
I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, welcomes Elise Quadrozzi, CPCU, AIC, AIM, AU, ARP to I-CAR as Director, Segment Development – Insurance.
Quadrozzi joins I-CAR after serving two terms as Board Chair on the I-CAR International Board of Directors and was previously Director of Claims for Houston International Insurance Group (HIIG). In her new role with I-CAR, Quadrozzi will focus on development of broader train-ing options for the insurance segment, introduction of additional insurance spe-cific roles in I-CAR’s flagship Professional Development Program™ and engaging new insurers beyond the “Top Ten.”
John Van Alstyne, I-CAR CEO & President stated, “To strategically focus on each of the key industry segments we serve, I-CAR uses a segment-based
I-CAR Expands Leadership Team, New Insurance Directorapproach to managing and expanding support in the Collision Repair, Insurance, OEM and Education segments.” Van Alstyne continued, “Our success with this strategy since 2011 has confirmed its effectiveness and we are thrilled to welcome Elise to the team leading our insurance segment initiatives.”
With over 20 years of industry experience, Quadrozzi has held several senior executive and management posi-tions and has extensive experience in claims and operations management. Prior to her role at Houston International Insurance Group, Quadrozzi worked at Crawford & Co. as Director of Channel Management where she focused on Crawford’s education business. She has also served as Senior Vice President - Claims and Operations for Assurance America and previously led develop-
ment of an Accident Management busi-ness unit for Akzo Nobel Coatings.
“Elise’s extensive industry knowl-edge and experience, as well as her understanding of the critical roles that safety and training play in the collision repair industry, supports I-CAR’s vision and organizational goals. Elise will cer-tainly be a valuable asset to our leader-ship team and the industry,” explained Van Alstyne.
Quadrozzi holds a BSBA and MBA degree from Shorter College in Atlanta and has several professional des-ignations from The Institutes, includ-ing Certified Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Research and Planning (ARP), Associate in Management (AIM), Associate in Underwriting (AU) and Associate in Claims (AIC).n
ers'] costs."But the agreements,
he says, are not contracts. Insurers provide no consid-eration to shops for joining a DRP. Instead, insurers use DRPs to avoid paying whol-ly for work that a shop has performed. That, he argues, constitutes unjust enrich-ment.
Eaves suggested that his efforts on behalf of body shops are bigger than one lawsuit. The Mississippi Attorney General is being advised about safety and the quality of repairs. Industry players are roll-ing out a legislative cam-
paign in several states regarding man-datory parts purchasing programs like PartsTrader. Eaves said he'll pursue a strate-gy of consolidating legal actions in several districts in New Orleans. "After Hurricane Katrina and the BP spill in the Gulf," he said, "judges there understand what insurance companies do."
L o c a l Lawsuit to Collect Short Pays
Atlanta attorney Kent Eichelzer also wants to help body shops recover the costs of short pays by insur-ance compa-nies, and he's now willing to cover upfront e x p e n s e s to do it. At a meeting last year, Eichelzer said plaintiffs would need to cover those costs. Now, he'll represent shops on a contingency, although he needs 30-40
www.IneedOEMparts.com Southern Automotive JournalMarch 2014 23www.IneedOEMparts.com
GCIA From Page 17
Capitol Body Shop owner Doug White, Attorney John Eaves Jr., John Mosley owner of Clinton Body Shop use Skype to discuss their progress.
is to help shop owners regain control of their businesses. Eaves explained that the injunction argues that a requirement to use PartsTrader represents tortious inter-ference of a business relationship; it pre-vents shops from doing further business with those whom it has already done busi-ness.
It also creates a "race to the bot-tom," Eaves alleged, because it will force repairs – and parts suppliers – to prioritize price above consumer safety. Body shops have a fiduciary legal duty to ensure a safe repair, Eaves explained. That duty could be compromised if, for example, repairers are forced to choose a used or repaired part instead of a new one to minimize costs.
Eaves characterized PartsTrader as the Achilles heel of State Farm. He believes it offers no benefit to consumers and cre-ates no additional efficiencies in the colli-sion industry. He intends to demonstrate to the court that repairers and other key industry players – including dealerships, wholesale parts vendors and OEM manu-facturers – all oppose PartsTrader.
Eaves also discussed a complaint filed January 7 against State Farm and other insurers in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Northern Division-Jackson. The complaint charges that insurers have systematically engaged in short pays, steering and suppression of labor and material rates in an attempt to control costs. Eaves called DRP agree-ments "a masterful strategy to cut [insur-
individual cases to get started.Eichelzer expressed dismay with
insurers' treatment of collision repair shops. He recommended that shops have customers sign power of attorney docu-ments to ensure that the money is avail-able to cover a correct repair. He also provided a way for shops to pitch signing to customers: "Help me make sure you don't have to pay what your insurance company won't."
The January GCIA meeting wrapped up with a quick presentation by Steve Plier of Consumer Automotive Repair Excellence (CARE). He explained how shops can correctly prepare for legal actions like these through careful record-keeping. Maintaining a note pad for each insurer, for example, helps in building a master list of issues. Carefully document-ing these issues, he says, is an important part of making your case.
According to Plier, the Golden Rule of collision repair is still most important goal shops should keep in mind: repair the car for safety, appearance and function. And be honest. If you bid it, do the work. n
Mazda recenlty announced the introduction of its new Racing Accelerates Creative Education (R.A.C.E.) program. This national program, designed to motivate and engage the next generation of STEM superstars, launched on Wednesday, January 15, 2014, in DeLand, Florida.
The engineering based automo-tive company developed the R.A.C.E. educational program to demonstrate real-world, exciting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) applica-tions in the many facets of the automo-tive industry. The turn-key, interactive learning forum, designed for middle and high school students, debuted to more than 600 students at DeLand High School in DeLand, FL. This debut was just 10 days before the world famous Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance race, 25 minutes away from the school.
The company's racing arm, Mazda Motorsports, is taking the lead with the R.A.C.E. program. The goal is to reach at least a dozen schools across North America, as the Motorsports team travels to events on the 2014 race circuit. As a part of its curriculum, Mazda will make the following teaching aids available to schools:
Mazda's TUDOR United SportsCar Championship SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel Prototype show car;
Mazda Kicks Off National Education Program To Rev Up The Intellectual Engines Of Future S.T.E.M. Thought Leaders And Auto Enthusiasts
A powerful, fully illustrated presen-tation that shows the importance of each one of the disciplines of science, technol-ogy, engineering and math and the role that they play in motorsports;
Select professional race drivers and engineers from Mazda Motorsports on hand to provide real life examples of what it takes to race at the highest level of the sport; and
A Mazda racing transporter similar to the kind used to haul its racecars and serve as the race team's operations center during races.
"DeLand High School is absolutely thrilled and honored to be chosen by Mazda Motorsports to host their cutting edge presentation and learning experi-ence connected to the exciting world of the Rolex 24 Hour Race," said Mitch Moyer, Principal of DeLand High School. "Anytime motorsports can be linked to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, it proves to be an attention getting combination."
John Doonan, Director, Mazda Motorsports, added, "We are convinced that our R.A.C.E. program will demon-strate to students in an interesting, fun and engaging way how science, technol-ogy, engineering and mathematics are central to the success of Mazda on the race track and in the marketplace. Our
goal is to show students just one example of how exciting problem solving can be in the STEM arena and motivate them to always be curious and open to the pos-sibilities."
Mazda is focusing on middle school and high school students for their R.A.C.E. program as they are armed with enough learning to be able to explore the STEM potential around them. Cars are the most technologically sophisticated products owned by the average consumer and there are numerous applications within the STEM arena. According to a new study by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor, MI, the integration of technology into the motor vehicle is creat-ing an unprecedented demand for work-ers with high-tech skills, making this one of the most exciting industries in which to be employed.
To that end, Amy Monahan, teacher on assignment for STEM, Volusia County Schools, said, "STEM in Volusia County is about opportunities for students to spark their imagination and drive to learn and do more. Mazda Motorsports provides that opportunity so students can learn about and create their career paths. To experience what racing truly is from a STEM perspective, the R.A.C.E. program helps students understand the many choices they have for a solid future."n
Southern Automotive Journal March 201424 www.IneedOEMparts.com
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In Loving Memoryof
THOMAS McCLURG ACHESON
ACHESON, THOMAS McCLURG “Tom”, age 73, an automobile dealer principal in the Birmingham market for over forty-five (45) years passed away January, 14, 2014. Mr. Acheson graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Harvard University with a Masters in Business Administration. He was a Reserve Commissioned Officer grade of Second Lieuten-ant in the Army of the United States. He was the majority owner and Chairman of the Board of Tameron Honda (Hoover and Daphne, AL), Acura of Memphis (Memphis, TN) and Tameron Hyundai (Hoover, AL) and enjoyed developing operating partners and retail automotive real estate. His dealerships consis-tently achieved awards from their manufacturer, including many Honda President’s Awards and Acura Precision Team Awards, a source of much pride for him. During his career he served on the Dealer Coun-cil of both American Honda Motor Company and the Lincoln-Mercury Division of Ford Motor Company and was an active member in the NCM Associates 20 Groups where he made many life-long friends. His other interests included boating, snow skiing, tennis, golf and his faithful dog Ruggles. He was preceded in death by his parents James McClurg Acheson and Mary Petrov Acheson, brother Richard David Ache-son and daughter Dawn Marie Acheson. He is survived by his wife of 17 years Sheree Netherton Ache-son, brothers James Michael Acheson (Anne), Robert Bruce Acheson and William John Acheson (Peggy), children David James Acheson and Cameron Elizabeth Acheson, grandchild Paige Ashley Acheson and many beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation was held at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Fri-day January 17, 2014, immediately followed by a funeral mass celebrated by Reverend Robert Sullivan and inurnment in the columbarium. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church Columbarium Memorial Gardens or the Birmingham Humane Society. - Published in The Birmingham News
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Limbaugh Toyota of Birmingham
SUPPLIER
SPOTLIGHT
Limbaugh Toyota of Birmingham2200 Avenue TBirmingham, Alabama 35218
Phone: 205-780-0500 205-788-9390E mail: [email protected]
Hours: Mon. - Fri 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Sat.: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Dealership Slogan: “The Right People, Prices and Products!”
SUPPLIER
SPOTLIGHT
by Russ Heaps
“Rome wasn't built in a day,” is the over-worked saw heard over and over again as a long-term mission fades in and out of focus or appears impossible to complete. But just because a say-ing shows some wear and tear doesn't mean it doesn't ring true. Just ask Roger Garner, the parts manager at Birmingham, Alabama's Limbaugh Toyota.
After 31 years of moving parts for GM dealer-ships, Garner joined a three-person parts depart-ment at Limbaugh Toyota in 1992. Through the following 21 years, Garner relentlessly increased sales, expanded sales reach and built an experi-enced 12-person parts team, making Limbaugh Toyota the number one Toyota parts depart-ment in Alabama and among the top five Toyota parts departments in the Southeast. It didn't hap-pen overnight. It was a long, hard-fought slog. “Ranking among the top Toyota parts depart-ments in the Southeast isn't easy,” Garner admit-ted. “We're up against some really big stores, especially in the Miami area.”
Garner oversees an average inventory of roughly $500,000. With that, his team generates close to $8 million in annual sales with a wholesale fill rate hovering around 90 percent.
Garner recognizes a number of factors and influences that contribute to his department's
success, but none more so than the people surround-ing him.
“The team we've put together here is second to none!” Garner enthused. “Any other dealership in the country would give its eyeteeth to have this group. What sets us apart from the others isn't only the product we sell, Toyota exclusively, but our people. We know that those red-and-white boxes could come from any other Toyota dealer anywhere. The product would be the same, but the service wouldn't. Honestly, what makes us successful is our people.”
Tallying the accumulated years of service of just the management team, including assistant manager Tim Beasley, as well as the three-person wholesale staff of Terry Knight, Brad Stripling and Charlie Roberts, totals more than 120 years.
Retaining quality, experienced people relies on more than the amount of their paycheck each week; it requires a positive working environment and a certain comfort level. According to Garner and Beasley, that's exactly what Limbaugh Toyota provides. “People want to work here,” Garner said, “because they know we have strong dealer support in our parts operation. Also, they know that, as a local, family-owned com-pany, there is stability and a very different atmosphere from that of a national corporation.”
“Members of the Limbaugh family still work here,” Beasley added. “They make a big deal about people who have worked here a long time and recog-nize them for their achievements. We're all like family
www.IneedOEMparts.com Southern Automotive JournalMarch 2014 29www.IneedOEMparts.com
Limbaugh Toyota of Birmingham
here.”Opportunities for education
and training increase the longer people stick with you. This is true for management and staff alike. Both Garner and Beasley have com-pleted Southeast Toyota University, a comprehensive course of studies of all things Toyota. It's operated by Florida-based Southeast Toyota, Toyota's distributor for the southern states.
Keeping the rest of the parts team up to date is a critical element in the parts department's success. “We make sure our people stay edu-cated,” Garner stressed. “This means that they maintain strict certification levels by taking online and other classes with Toyota. All of this educa-tion requires time. Our team does a lot of additional educational work after the phones are shut off for the day.”
Getting the correct part to the customer, of course, is a key reason for the nonstop training. However, making things right when that rare mistake occurs is just as important.
“We've seen about every sit-uation you can imagine,” Garner explained. “In the end, though, our mission is always to get it right the
first time. But, we also know that when a mistake does happen, the only thing to do is own up to it, and then make it right for the customer. Our number one goal is building trust relationships with our custom-ers.”
In a move that Garner is con-vinced did as much as anything to bolster sales and boost customer service, Limbaugh Toyota became one of the six founding members of the Overnight Parts Alliance (OPA) nearly 14 years ago. Today it's a con-federation of nearly 20 dealerships representing almost 30 brands that share delivery and customer service resources. Serving Alabama and por-tions of the five surrounding states, OPA allows participating dealers to more effectively serve their custom-ers.
“We decided that we were run-ning all over each other making deliv-eries,” Garner explained. “We figured out that we could share the workload of delivery and sales, thereby offer-ing better service to our customers. I had known the other five manag-ers for years. We all shared com-mon values of honesty and growing our businesses through service. I am convinced another plus is that all
the dealerships involved are inde-pendently owned franchises, with owners who are fully supportive of our efforts.”
At its start, OPA had one deliv-ery route. Today, it has multiple deliv-ery routes that give Garner the con-fidence to assure, “Orders submitted before 5 p.m. will, in almost every case, be delivered before noon the next day within OPA's delivery area. It can't happen 100 percent of the time, but almost always does.”
With his retirement looming on the horizon, Garner has slain most of the dragons required to succeed, but he isn't finished yet. “I want to keep moving forward, growing the busi-ness,” he said. “That effort never stops. As the business changes, we need to adapt and stay ahead of that change. And, I want to make sure Tim (Beasley) is fully prepared to take over the reins when I step down, however long that takes.”
In the meantime, Garner and his team will stay the course fulfilling what he states is the Limbaugh ethic: “The right people, the right prices and the right products!”
Limbaugh Toyota is located at 2200 is Avenue T in Birmingham, Ala 35218 . To reach by phone, call 1-800-239-5050. n
L i m b a u g h Toyo t a W h o l e s a l e Pa r t s Te a m
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oppose individual state legislation while our respective groups work to implement this MOU. In the meantime, the parties agree that further state legislation is not needed and could serve to weaken the effectiveness and clarity of the MOU.
"Automakers manufacture high quality, innovative vehicles that provide strong value, safety, and convenience to our customers," said Mitch Bainwol, President and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "Accessible, efficient, accurate, and competitively-priced repair and service are paramount, and franchised dealers and the aftermar-ket play unique and important roles in the repair process."
"We are excited that consumers
and independent repair facilities around the Nation will have the same access to the information, tools and software needed to service late model computer controlled vehicles as is required under the Massachusetts right to repair stat-ute," said Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. "We believe that the resulting competitive repair market is a win-win for car companies, the inde-pendent repair industry and most impor-tantly consumers."
"Much like with fuel efficiency economy and greenhouse gases, a sin-gle national standard regarding vehi-cle repair protocols is imperative," said Mike Stanton, President and CEO of the Association of Global Automakers. "A patchwork of fifty differing state bills,
each with its own interpretations and compliance parameters doesn't make sense. This agreement provides the uni-form clarity our industry needs and a nationwide platform to move on."
"Since the first Right to Repair Act was introduced in Congress in 2001, CARE and the automotive aftermarket have worked to ensure our customers continue to have the right to choose where they buy their parts and have their vehicles serviced," said Ray Pohlman, President of CARE. "This agreement will ensure vehicle owners will have compet-itive and quality choices in their repairs while strengthening the auto repair industry nationwide. This agreement illustrates what can happen when orga-nizations focus on putting customers and consumers first," Pohlman said.n
Consumer Choice From Page 9
The I-CAR regional Conference is coming to beautiful Atlanta April 25th - 27th. Come join us at the elegant Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in gorgeous Braselton Georgia. Please sign up at the I-CAR website. Also look for the Atlanta I-CAR 5th Annual Golf Tournament to sup-port the Collision Repair Education Foundation being held nearby the resort on April 24th.
Stay tuned!! More to come shortly!!!!!!
Gerald PoirierNational APD Manager-Farmers Insurance
I-CAR Southeast Regional Conference coming to Atlanta! Mark your calendars!
Southern Automotive Journal March 201430 www.IneedOEMparts.com
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The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and Silverado were named the 2014 North American Car and Truck of the Year recent-ly at a news conference at the North American International Auto Show.
The winners were chosen by a jury of 49 automotive jour-nalists from the United States and Canada.
The awards - now in their 21st year - are unique in the United States because instead of being given by a single media outlet they are awarded by a group of automotive journal-ists from the United States and Canada who represent maga-zines, television, radio, newspa-pers and web sites.
The awards are designed to recognize the most outstand-ing new vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments based on fac-tors including innovation, com-fort, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.
The jurors gave the Stingray 211 points; the Mazda3 got 185 and the Cadillac CTS 94.
It was the sixth car win for General Motors. The Corvette also won in 1998.
The jurors gave the Silverado 219 points; the Jeep Cherokee 174 and the
General Motors Sweeps 2014 North American Car/Truck of the Year
Acura MDX 97.It was the fourth truck win for
General Motors. The Silverado also won in 2007.
Domestic automakers have won North American Car of the Year 12 times. Japanese automakers have won three
times. European automakers have won four times. A Korean auto-maker (Hyundai) has won twice.
Domestic automakers have won North American Truck of the Year 14 times. Japanese automakers have won four times. European automakers have won three times.
To be eligible a vehicle must be all new or substantially changed. The jurors considered dozens of new vehicles before sending their ballots to Michelle Collins, a partner at Deloitte & Touche early in December.
On December 10, 2013 the three car and truck finalists were announced. But only Ms. Collins knew the winners until she hand-ed over envelopes in January to Tony Swan, a freelance journal-ist and member of the organiz-ing committee, who made the announcements.
The awards are adminis-tered by an organizing commit-tee and are funded with dues paid by the jurors. There are no paid positions. Automakers do
not pay to have their vehicles considered or to mention the awards in ads.
The "2013 North American Car of the Year" was the Cadillac ATS.
Last year's "2013 North American Truck of the Year" was the Ram 1500 pickup.n
Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Southern Automotive Journal March 201432 www.IneedOEMparts.com
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Kia Motors America (KMA) is proud to announce that Road & Travel Magazine (RTM) has named the 2014 Kia Cadenza as the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) at the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The all-new 2014 Cadenza's stunning design combined with premium amenities and impressive value propelled the Kia brand into the premium sedan segment, and the ICOTY award adds to the growing list of accolades the Cadenza has earned since its launch in early 2013. The award marks back-to-back victories for Kia as the 2013 Optima mid-size sedan was hon-ored by RTM with the ICOTY award last year.
"This year marks Kia's 20(th) anni-versary in the U.S. market, and in that time, we have become known for taking bold steps. The 2014 Cadenza is anoth-er leap forward for the brand and has brought new and affluent customers into our retail showrooms, people who
2014 Kia Cadenza Named 'International Car Of The Year'
had never considered Kia before," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. "To win the prestigious ICOTY award two years running is a clear indication that our products continue to offer a world-class balance of design, amenities and value for today's discerning car buyers."
RTM presents two "Of the Year" awards annually, one for car of the year and one for truck. In addition to product attributes such as style, comfort and per-formance, the awards also consider how well the brand connects emotionally with
the consumer through its mar-keting efforts. The winners are chosen by the ICOTY jury, which consists of nationally renowned automotive jour-nalists from respected pub-lications such as Consumer Guide(®) Automotive, MSN Autos, New Car News Syndicate and RTM.
"The Kia Cadenza wins in this category for a variety of reasons, including Kia's remarkable effort to emerge in the entry-lux category," said
Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Road & Travel Magazine. "Overall, the car is beautiful and affordable, making upscale style and performance attainable to mid-America. We applaud Kia's rapid rise from underdog to unbelievable!"
The ICOTY award is the most recent in a string of accolades the 2014 Cadenza has received. Just a few months ago, the Cadenza took top honors in Motor Trend Magazine's full-size sedan comparison test and was named to the 2014 North American Car of the Year short list.n
www.IneedOEMparts.com Southern Automotive JournalMarch 2014 33www.IneedOEMparts.com
200-Horsepower BOXER Engine Fundamental to true sports car
character, the 2.0-liter BOXER engine com-bines low weight with high compression and high-revving responsiveness. The cyl-inder block and heads are aluminum. Dual overhead camshafts per cylinder bank are chain-driven. The 4-2-1 exhaust features dual tailpipe outlets, and the system was tuned for a throaty sound. Directing some of the intake sound into the cabin under-scores the car’s performance-tuned feel.
The Subaru BRZ engine uses a “square” architecture, meaning that its bore and stroke dimensions are identi-cal at 3.38 inches (86mm). That geom-etry gives the BRZ engine a quick-revving nature, with a 7,400-rpm redline. The engine delivers 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 6,400 rpm, with a high specific output of 100 hp/liter. The Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System (D-AVCS) is instrumental in helping the engine produce a broad torque curve to help make the BRZ feel responsive in daily driving. In contrast, some previous high-revving sports cars have been lacking in low-end and mid-range torque.
The Subaru BRZ engine fuel injec-tion system uniquely combines direct injection and port injection technology. A direct-type fuel-injection system, which sprays fuel directly into the combustion chambers rather than upstream into the ports, provides a cooling effect in the cylinders. That enables use of a very high 12.5:1 compression ratio to extract maxi-mum energy from the fuel. In light- and medium-load conditions, the port fuel injectors help produce precise combus-tion, increasing performance and effi-ciency.
Choice of Six-Speed Transmissions The BRZ offers the choice between
a 6-speed manual and optional 6-speed automatic transmission. Both have been engineered and tuned to maximize per-formance and sporty driving feel. The 6-speed manual features a short-throw shift lever. Triple-cone synchronizers on first through third gears help ensure dura-bility. Clutch effort and pedal rake, as well, have been tuned to make this an
ideal sports car manual shift. Of spe-cial note for driving enthusiasts, the 6-speed manual employs close gear ratios, with a direct drive fifth gear and sixth gear the only overdrive ratio.
The optional paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission offers no-compromise performance in the Subaru BRZ. The driver can select Sport mode from a switch on the center console for quicker, firmer automatic shifts. Or, the driver can move the console mounted shifter from “D” to “M” and then shift manually using the shifter handle or the steering wheel paddle shifters. Downshift blipping control enhances the more direct sports car experience.
All-New Subaru Platform The BRZ is built on an entirely new
platform and shares just a few parts with other Subaru models, including rear sus-pension architecture from the Subaru WRX STI. Effective use of high-tensile steel in the car's upper structure contributes to its low center of gravity. Chassis tun-ing takes maximum advantage of the BRZ's ultra-low center of gravity and high-strength body structure, allowing Subaru to tune the suspension for both agility and compliant ride quality. That tuning, along with the car’s low weight, allowed Subaru to specify 215/45R17 summer performance tires that reduce wheel/tire weight and therefore unsprung weight.
The quick 13:1 steering ratio and 14.4-inch diameter 3-spoke steering wheel endow the Subaru BRZ with very quick steering response.
A standard Torsen® limited-slip dif-ferential helps the inside wheel maintain traction during cornering. For track driv-
ing, the standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) stability and traction control system (TCS) offers the driver five different set-tings, including a Sport mode and a TCS Off switch for track driving activities.
Design: Thoroughly Modern Sports Car Meets Classic GT
The Subaru engineering that yields the ultra-low center of gravity in the BRZ also made it easy for designers to craft a very low-slung coupe body. A low roof height of just 50.6 inches, combined with a swept-back roofline, bulging front fend-ers, short overhangs and pronounced rear haunches give the BRZ the lean, athletic stance of a classic GT coupe. The car’s hawk eye high intensity discharge (HID) headlights, hexagonal lower grille and six-star ornament instantly convey Subaru identity. The BRZ Limited model adds a body-color trunk spoiler and standard fog lights.
The simple, elegant approach to interior design puts the focus on driver involvement through easy-to-use con-trols. The bolstered front sport seats were designed specifically for this car. The driver faces an easy-to-see instrument panel fea-turing a large, center-mounted tachom-eter with an analog speedometer to its left. The tachometer integrates a digital speedometer, and the fuel and tempera-ture gauges are positioned to the right of the tachometer.n
Aha® Infotainment smartphone integration now included with the standard navigation system.
Subaru BRZ From Page 15
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Gwinnett Place Ford(770) 813-6825(866) 665-9318 (770) 662-6156
3230 Satellite Blvd.Duluth GA 30096
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