southern automotive journal - june 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. The Southern Automotive Repair Conference.Collision Shops and Parts Suppliers Align Against PartsTraderTRANSCRIPT
Collision Shops and Parts Suppliers Align Against
PartsTrader
Southern Automotive Repair Conference B rings Together Industry Professionals From
Across the Southeast
SCRS Examines Repairer Ability to Control Data Flow
GAAMA Names Best New Vehicles for Families
Ford Collision Parts Program Reduces List Prices 11 Percent
On 38 New Part Additions
The Toyota Corolla: Now Exported from Mississippi to
the World
Jim Ellis Volkswagen Moved to Kennesaw
770-370-4865
June 2014
Q50 Eau Rouge Please Turn to Page 4
COLLISION NEWS
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2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
Lexus IS Sport SedanSouthern Automotive JournalP.O. Box 675097Marietta, Ga 30006-0009(770) 321-9920
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IN-HOME: Dec. 1, 2008
DEALER NEWS Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge: Muscular, Purposeful, RefinedThe Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge, revealed
at the 2014 NAIAS Detroit Motor Show, is a concept car that expresses Infiniti's design vision of a high-performance Q50 premium sports sedan.
The Q50 Eau Rouge embodies the arresting design features of the Q50 premi-um sports sedan - infused with the enticing spirit of Formula One.
Featuring bespoke aerodynamic car-bon fiber bodywork, Q50 Eau Rouge is lower
and wider, possessing genuine road presence. This striking design is inspired by muscularity, aerodynamics, refine-ment, and understated power.
"If we built this car I would expect it to feature over 500hp and 600lb/ft of torque. Through our various alliance partners we have access to a range of
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Audi Jim Ellis Audi 770.955.2580 800.253.8242 770.952.6199 Audi of North Atlanta (Nalley Auto Group) 678.795.3500 877.625.5393 678.352.3450
BMW Century BMW 256.532.4570 800.236.8456 256.536.0361 Nalley BMW 404.296.8644 800.622.2021 404.297.9134
Chrysler Jim Burke 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Benchmark 205.823.5237 800.633.4304 888.815.5238 Hayes 770.963.6263 800.241.8124 770.237.8174Ferrari Ferrari Maserati of Atlanta 678.802.5000 800.522.2345 678.802.5018FIAT FIAT of Birmingham 205.823.5237 800.633.4304 888.815.5238Ford Gwinnett Place Ford 770.813.6825 866.665.9318 770.622.6156General Motors/Saturn Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover, AL 205.823.5428 800.239.5100 205.979.3048 Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Gwinnett Place, GA 678.957.5300 888.339.7278 678.957.5310Honda Gwinnett Place Honda 678.957.5151 800.277.8836 678.957.5156 Nalley Honda 770.306.4646 800.367.9834 770.306.4640 Tameron Honda 205.433.7651 800-467-0699 205-443-7656Hyundai Jim Burke Hyundai 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Nalley Hyundai 678.487.1839 855.639.9027 678.210.2320 Tameron Hyundai 205.433.7652 800-467-0699 205-443-7656 Serra Hyundai 205-856-6600 800-426-4351 205-853-7530Infi nti Crown Infinti 205.985.4200 800.476.4669 205.402.2243 Nalley Infinti - Marietta 770.281.8645 877.625.5392 770.281.8646 Nalley Infinti - Decatur 404.292.0831 800.522.3324 404.296.8701Izuzu Jim Burke 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Jaguar Jaguar Huntsville 256.532.4570 800.236.8456 256.536.0361 Nalley 864.281.1115 877.724.3030 864.478.1438 KIA Serra Hyundai 205-856-6600 800-426-4351 205-853-7530 Nalley KIA 678.323.4629 855.651.0006 678.750.1355
Maserati Ferrari Maserati of Atlanta 678.802.5000 800.522.2345 678.802.5018Mazda Jim Ellis Mazda of Marietta 770.590.4468 800.543.4647 770.795.0645 Mall of Georgia Mazda 678-957-5300 877-339-7278 678-957-5310Merecdes-Benz Atlanta Classic Cars 678-924-4249 800-241-6086 678-924-4257 Crown Merecdes-Benz 205.985.4200 800.476.4669 205.402.2243Mitsubishi Serra 205-856-6600 800-426-4351 205-853-7530Nissan Jim Burke Nissan 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Nalley Nissan 404.292.4774 800.647.7278 404.297.6962 Land Rover Century Land Rover 256.532.4570 800.236.8456 256.536.0361Lexus Lexus of Huntsville 256.824.8075 855.528.0487 256.824.8019 Nalley Lexus Marietta 770.514.7408 800.966.5398 770.590.4132 Nalley Lexus Roswell 678.795.2050 877.495.3987 678.795.9606Porsche Century Porsche 256.532.4570 800.236.8456 256.536.0361 Nalley Porsche 864.281.1115 877.724.3030 864.478.1438SAAB Jim Ellis SAAB of Marietta 770.590.4468 800.543.4647 770.795.0645
Subaru Jim Burke Subaru 205.320.7320 866.320.7320 205.458.4452 Troncalli Subaru 770.889.8951 800.646.9438 770.889.2545 Subaru of Gwinnett 678.584.7245 800.584.8727 678.584.7246Suzuki Suzuki of Memphis 901.347.4208 800.338.5481 901.347.4207 Toyota/ Scion Limbaugh Toyota 205.788.9390 800.239.5050 205.780.5215 Nalley Toyota of Roswell 678.832.4300 877.594.8696 770.552.2365 Stone Crest Nalley Toyota 678.708.4899 855.646.6526 678.708.4850 Volvo Century Volvo 256.532.4570 800.236.8456 256.536.0361 Jim Ellis Volvo 770.590.4468 800.543.4647 770.795.0645 Nalley Volvo 864.281.1115 877.724.3030 864.478.1438 Volvo of Memphis 901.347.4208 800.338.5481 901.347.4207 Volkswagen Jim Ellis 770-370-4865 888-798-4131 678-581-9859 Nalley Volkswagen 678.795.3472 866.204.9106 678.795.2941
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Southern Automotive Journal June 20144 www.IneedOEMparts.com
Q50 Eau Rouge From Cover
engines featuring this performance capability which, with a fair amount of engineering effort, can be developed to exhibit Infiniti character and accom-modated within the Q50 engine bay. The engine we are evaluating for the Q50 Eau Rouge is a big personality, V-cylinder engine with forced induction. I think our engineers have been wait-ing for a project like this," said Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Limited.
Hints at powerful intent The Q50 Eau Rouge was born out
of competition at the very pinnacle of motorsport, mirroring components from the successful RB9 race car.
Almost every exterior panel is bespoke to the Q50 Eau Rouge, with only the front doors and the arch of the roof pillars retained as standard compo-nents.
Q50 Eau Rouge visibly hunkers down with menace and intent. New front and rear fenders extend the cur-rent Q50's already broad-shouldered stance by 20mm, while a larger deck lid spoiler creates air-pressure downforce. All of this dynamic width is wrapped in a tailored coat of customized red paint.
Framing the paintwork across the Q50 Eau Rouge's athletic physique is dark-chrome detailing to replace the chrome bright work of the production Q50, darkening the concept's demeanor dramatically.
Q50's signature double-arch front grille too takes the dark-chrome's matte finish, as do the glasshouse surrounds, door handles and deck lid accents. The curving hood is double air-vented as a further suggestion of the capability and purpose of the Q50 Eau Rouge.
"From our shared passion for per-formance with Infiniti Red Bull Racing grew a collective desire to produce an ambitious and powerful Infiniti Q50 design study. The overall design cre-ates a feeling of refined muscularity," said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti's Executive Design Director.
"The design has a number of dis-tinctive Formula-One inspired touches. In particular, the sculpted front wing assembly and the rear aerodynamic
The Q50 Eau Rouge embodies the
arresting design features of the Q50 premium
sports sedan - infused with
the enticing spirit of
Formula One
Southern Automotive JournalJune 2014 5www.IneedOEMparts.com
packaging take their cues from the RB9 race car. The rear fog light packaging is unmistakably Formula One.
"The Q50 Eau Rouge is a combina-tion of the seductive lines of the Q50 but with a fiercer design urge in keeping with a high-performance vehicle. The Q50 Eau Rouge is Infiniti to the power of four; like a bull with its shoulder muscles flexed, a bull in Infiniti clothing."
Part of the concept's exterior treatments include lightweight 20-inch forged alloy wheels which fill the wider arches.
Premium interior. Sporting inspiration Further underlining the sporty
character of the design study, the inte-rior was designed to offer command and comfort.
Further precision control is afford-ed by a high-grip sports steering wheel and Formula One-style paddle-shifters.
Red-infused carbon fiber detail-ing to the doors and center console complement the exterior style, and dark-chrome again replaces silver-chrome in the red cockpit.
The breadth and depth of capabil-ity is self-evident; the Q50 Eau Rouge is a design concept that clearly indicates what Infiniti could achieve if it was to build a performance version of the Q50 sports sedan.
"Performance is a key ingredient of Infiniti vehicles such as the Q50 sports sedan. Our involvement in Formula One provides inspiration and excellence to our designers and engineers. Q50 Eau Rouge provides not only a glimpse of the design language, but also the per-formance capability of a future special series," de Nysschen added.n
Q50 Eau Rouge concept pro-
vides a glimpse of Infiniti's
design prowess for high-perfor-mance vehicles
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Southern Automotive JournalJune 21047www.IneedOEMparts.com
by Nick PalermoCollision repair shops and whole-
sale parts suppliers continue to align in opposition to mandated electronic parts procurement systems and other practices they say are unfairly harming their businesses.
PartsTrader, the system imple-mented by insurer State Farm, is fueling growing complaints from both repair-ers and parts suppliers. Steering of cus-tomers and short pays by insurers also remain top concerns for collision shops. Coordinating through local professional associations, shops are asking courts to consider their disputes. Parts suppliers are considering legal actions, too.
In some parts of the country, law-suits have already been filed. About 30 Mississippi body shops filed an injunc-tion last year requesting that State Farm be prohibited from requiring shops to use PartsTrader in the state. The Mississippi Collision Repair Association is also among the plaintiffs. Attorney John Eaves Jr. is representing the group while also leading national efforts seek-ing compensation and improved prac-tices by insurers.
Earlier this year, 21 Florida repair-ers filed a similar lawsuit in Florida. Plaintiffs include Ray Gunder of Gunder's Auto Center in Lakeland, Florida, a shop owner that has become a de facto spokesperson against insurance com-pany interference with collision repair businesses. Representing plaintiffs is Brent Geohagan, the attorney that has also helped Gunder to recover short pays from insurers.
Other states have seen legal actions, too, with some moving in a direction that favors plaintiffs. In 2011, Price's Collision Center in Brentwood, Tennessee, filed a lawsuit against Progressive to address short pays and steering. More recently, a judge denied Progressive's motion to dismiss the law-suit, paving the way for a trial.
In Indiana, 14 collision repair shops and the Indiana Auto Body Association filed suit against a list of insurers, com-plaining of steering, short pays and, at direct repair program (DRP) shops, coer-cion and further interference in business
Collision Shops and Parts Suppliers Align Against PartsTrader
practices.With the help of Eaves, collision
industry players including repairers and parts suppliers are considering multi-district litigation to stop PartsTrader and address short pays and steering. During a conference call to discuss possible liti-gation, Marvin Windham explained the effect of PartsTrader on the wholesale parts business at Benchmark Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Birmingham, Alabama. Windham is parts manager for Benchmark.
"We see a lot of quotes that we don't get a parts sale to justify it," Windham said. "We're having a harder time keeping our calls answered."
That's because shops required to use PartsTrader are requesting esti-mates from six or seven parts vendors instead of one or two. While that may result in some cost savings for repairers, it can also slow repair times as shops
wait for responses from parts suppli-ers swamped with quote requests. Jason Dunn of Leith Automotive Group in Raleigh, North Carolina echoed Windham's sentiments.
"We have 23 stores that are on PartsTrader right now," Dunn said. "I get reports from PartsTrader for all the stores. We're at less than 50% of the quotes we're sending out that we get any kind of order on. We're spending a lot of time with little in the way of return."
Before PartsTrader was imple-mented, Dunn said, he had a much bet-ter closing percentage.
No specific details of any multi-district litigation have been announced, but Steve Plier of Consumer Auto Repair Excellence updated conference call par-ticipants on other actions. He reported
Marvin
Windham
with the
Overnight Parts
Alliance pres-
ents $5000.00 to
John Eaves , Jr.
with Eaves Law
Firm in financial
support of
the PartsTrader
lawsuit.
Parts Trader Please Turn to Page 24
Southern Automotive Journal June 20148 www.IneedOEMparts.com
Louisiana Collision Industry Association, with Randy Ishee State of Louisana, Office of AG
Lynn LeJenune, LeJeune's Body Works, Alysia Hanks- Executive Director- Louisiana Collision
Industry Association, Randy Ishee State of Louisana, Office of AG, Kenneth Allen, Allen's
Body Shop, Boyd Adams, Adam's Collision
(Left to Right) Mike Tuggle with Athens Paint and Body Inc., Vicki Cason, and Ron Perretta - Global Business Coaching and Consulting
Attorney John Arthur Eves, Jr. (center) spent time with body shop owners
BY: Michael Winters The Southern Automotive Repair Conference
returned for its second year to the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino April 11-12. The event brought togeth-er industry professionals from across the Southeast, including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, to connect and discuss the current trends and issues facing the automotive collision industry. During the two days of guest speak-ers and exhibitions, which took up most of the Beau's upstairs convention area, participants had the oppor-tunity to meet and discuss solutions to some of these pressing problems.
The Southern Automotive Repair Conference's goals, from its website, are for participants “to attend, listen, and learn.” Ultimately, the hope is to help change the industry for the better, and the conference, where attendees can network with other industry members and leaders is the environment to help foster that change. In addition to speakers and vendor/product exhibitions, breakout classrooms sessions also helped to ensure the conference's learning objectives.
Industry speaker Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), who was also present last year, closed out that event with a series of promises intended to be a run-ning start at tackling some of those issues throughout the year. Steve Plier, president of Consumer Auto Repair Excellence, Inc. (CARE) and one of the event's organiz-ers, said that while progress has been made from last year, work still remains to be finished to realize the goals set in motion last year.
“The works in progress continue to be fun ways for each association to work closer and closer together,” said Plier. “From last year, we've now got six state asso-ciations versus two so I can say we definitely met that situation.” Plier also said that he had recently spoken to a group that are looking to start an association repre-senting East Texas, which he said would be included in next year's function. This is the point of these gather-ings anyway: to assemble a solid base spanning many states to represent the interests of the collision industry and to maintain its ongoing autonomy and indepen-dence from insurance companies like State Farm its implementations including the PartsTrader program in the region and nation.
Evolving technology was the hot issue at the conference this year, with many of the industry speak-ers and exhibition vendors acknowledging the chang-ing landscape of the industry at large in a variety of ways. Attendees were tasked with the responsibility of how to change their business practices, if they haven't already, to ensure that they are not left behind by com-petition more adept to these changes.
The Southern Automotive Repair Conference Brought Together Industry Professionals From Across the Southeast
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Two specific changes, brought up throughout the conference, are the effects felt by the Internet's gain-ing influence in everyday life on their business model and the advancing technology used to build—and there-fore take apart—the vehicles them-selves. The latter mainly speaks to the increasing trend of body construc-tion with aluminum components that some automakers like Ford and Tesla are making commonplace in the
industry. In a social media workshop spon-
sored by PPG Industries, Ron Perretta spoke of the importance of embracing social media, which he sees as inevitable. He suggests that while Internet does not play a huge role specific to the collision industry—yet—it offers many benefits
others may be skipping over. Perretta also found that mobile apps are useful in certain areas of business and day-to-day operations.
Later in his presentation, Perretta weighed the benefits of using various popular social media sites like Yelp, Facebook, etc and paid vs. natural search engine optimization (SEO). Regarding Facebook, Perretta said: “If they can't have fun on your Facebook, they're gonna go to another Facebook to have fun on.” From experi-ence, he also said that giveaways are what customers respond to the most through his Facebook page and suggested for others to give it a try to see how it affects their businesses too.
Richard Valenzuela, owner of National AutoBody Research, also cited the power of the Internet in aiding business. He presented the Variable Rate System, a col-lection of online tools that help auto body shops charge the right labor rates for their shop based on market, training, certifications, and equipment and helps them raise their rates to a profitable and sustainable. This is one of the many examples to ensure the fairness that many in the industry see for themselves and their cus-tomers.
Tony Nethery, in a presentation titled “IMS: Future Equipment, Training & Cost,” declared that tech-nology has changed, and in turn, cycle time has changed. He noted that evolving technology has perhaps led unintentionally to missed opportunities. Nethery felt that industry has by and large left measuring technolo-gies—one topic of his presentation—behind. Only one hand was raised in the ballroom when Nethery asked who already had a laser-measuring machine. Despite this, Nethery said that to keep up with technology, 3D laser-measuring was required. He noted that with elec-tronic balance sensors being federally-mandated since
Southern Automotive JournalJune 2014 9www.IneedOEMparts.com
Attorney John Arthur Eves, Jr. addressed the details of the lawsuit and how they could make a change in the industry.
Ray Gunder of Gunder's Auto Center talked about his sucesses in getting paid for the work he does.
Richard Valenzuela, owner of National AutoBody Research, cited the power of the internet in aiding and sustaining business.
Clayton Dark demonstrates the CTR12000 to Gregg Bills of Bill's Body Shop in Ruleville, MS.
Repair Conference Please Turn to Page 22
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Southern Automotive Journal June 201410 www.IneedOEMparts.com
Lexus debuts the third-genera-tion 2014 IS sport sedan, with a bold design highlighted by the new dynam-ic signature spindle grille and for the first time separated LED Daytime Running Lights. A combina-tion of “aggressive elegance,” a more powerful road pres-ence and a stronger brand identity help make the new IS models more allur-ing than ever.
Thanks in large part to substantially increased overall body rigidity, the 2014 Lexus IS provides a more dynamic driving experi-ence with enhanced stability and body control while delivering improved ride comfort. New, laser-screw welding and adhesive body-bonding techniques, along with additional spot welding, have made the higher rigidity possible. An all-new multilink rear suspension, revised front suspension and steering derived from the well-received GS sedan are adopted in the smaller IS package. Two IS models are available for 2014. The IS 250 is powered by a smooth 2.5- liter V6 providing 204 hp @ 6,400rpm and 185 lb.-ft. torque @ 4,800rpm. The engine is matched to a six-speed Electronically
Lexus Introduces All-New Third-Generation IS Sport Sedan for 2014
Controlled Transmission (ECT) that fea-tures a sequential manual-shifting mode with rev matched downshifts in SPORT mode.
The even more exciting IS 350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 with D4-S direct and port fuel injection. The 3.5 engine produces 306 hp @ 6,400rpm, 277 lb.-ft. torque @ 4,800rpm. The IS 350 inherits the eight-speed, Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automat-ic transmission from the IS F high-perfor-mance model. This transmission features paddle shifters and the G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system, which auto-matically selects the optimum gear and downshift pattern in response to G force. Available for both IS models, an electron-ically controlled all-weather drive system
is designed to help enhance traction and grip under all driving conditions by automatically varying front-to-rear torque balance from 50:50 to as much as 30:70.
A new Drive Mode Select system features up to five driving modes. The IS 250 and IS 350 fea-ture ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT modes. The IS 350 F SPORT features four drive modes: ECO, NORMAL, SPORT S, and SPORT S+. These
drive modes are tailored to meet the driver’s preferred combination of econo-my, comfort, performance and handling characteristics. In addition, AWD models also feature a SNOW mode.
Exclusive for all IS 350 models and IS 250 F SPORT, is an intake sound gener-ator that creates a more sporting engine note.
The Lexus LFA supercar provided design inspiration for the driver-focused Lexus IS cockpit.
The driver can appreciate improved seating position and head-room, while the rear seat offers signifi-cantly improved roominess, ingress , and
Lexus Please Turn to Page 32
Southern Automotive Journal June 201411 www.IneedOEMparts.comSouthern Automotive JournalJune 2014 11www.IneedOEMparts.com
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In a growing vehi-cle service market, auto dealerships are at risk of losing a substantial por-tion of their fixed opera-tions revenue to national chains and local repair shops, according to an independent study com-missioned by Cars.com. In the 2014 Service and Repair Report, leading market research firm GfK found that consumer perceptions about cost of repairs, lack of price transparency and unde-rutilization of effective digital marketing strate-gies has called dealership profitability, specific to service, into question.
"With the aver-age age of vehicles on the road increasing, and inevitably going off-war-ranty, dealers are being challenged to acquire and retain service customers," said Barbara Mousigian, vice president of product at Cars.com, a com-prehensive digital marketing resource for dealerships and manufacturers. "Since consumers do not have a good
Study Finds National Repair Chains, Independent Shops Put Dealership Profits in Jeopardy
sense of repair costs, they are suspicious of pricing and tend to look elsewhere for a trusted service provider. By promot-ing price transparency and highlight-ing dealership quality and convenience online, dealers have the opportunity to build trust with shoppers and ultimately
win their business."The study examined
survey responses from more than 800 vehicle owners throughout the United States.
"We know that con-sumers visit Cars.com for far more than just brows-ing dealer inventory," said Mousigian. "They are increasingly researching information about service and repair providers, and they're paying close atten-tion to service reviews as a way to make an informed decision about vehicle maintenance. In an effort to provide our dealer cus-tomers with an opportu-nity to market to this grow-ing number of shoppers, we are excited to roll out service features on the site this week."
The new service fea-tures on Cars.com will include a Service Tab on the Dealer Profile Page, top place-ment for dealers' service listings in the new Service Directory, and promotion of dealers when consumers use the service and repair Price Estimator Tool.n
Key findings include:
• Price Perception: According to the report, over half of consumers believe dealership service departments are the most expensive service option, regardless of repair type. Consumers position independent repairshops as the least expensive option.
• Strength of Reputation: Online Consumer Reviews rank behind only Technician Certification Level and Price Guarantee/Warranty in importance to consumers when selecting a vehicle service provider. Dealerships have the potential to attract consumers by promoting their online reputations, specific to service, in addition to new and used car sales online.
• Initial Preferences: All things being equal, and when little is known about the repair facilities, 27 percent of consum-ers prefer to have their vehicle serviced at a dealership, while 43 percent of shoppers report no preference. National chains and independent shops are initially less-desired - 13 percent and 18 percent, respectively - though showcasing benefits through effective digital marketing tactics helps shift consumer prefer-ence.
Dale Nall(205) [email protected]
www.IneedOEMparts.com Southern Automotive JournalJune 2014 13www.IneedOEMparts.com
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Volume 18 Issue No. 6
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 completeness of the information provided by this publication. Entire contents copy-right 2013. All rights reserved.
ContributorsNick Palermo Ami Vonesh
Russ Heaps Michael Winters
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Thirty-eight new parts were added to Ford Customer Service Division’s (FCSD) Collision Parts Truckload Program, including parts for the popu-lar Fusion, Mustang and F-series vehicle lines. Reducing the list price on these parts an average of 11 percent allows the program to be instrumental in helping collision repairers deliver high-quality, cost-effective repairs to their customers.
By offering Ford and Lincoln whole-saling dealers—the exclusive distribu-tors of genuine Ford collision replace-ment parts—competitive prices on bulk purchases of high-volume collision parts, the truckload program allows them to compete more effectively against non-OEM copy parts and other parts speci-fied by insurance customers. This allows for a win-win-win situation for insurance companies, body shops and consumers.
Ford Collision Parts Truckload Program Reduces List Prices 11 Percenton 38 New Part Additions
Program provis a
“The Truckload Program has sub-stantially grown and continues to be successful in providing customers with genuine Ford original equipment col-lision replacement parts,” said George Gilbert, Truckload Program manager for FCSD. “We offer almost 500 of the most high-demand parts that are currently available in the program for repairers for insurers to provide their customers while maintaining competitive prices.”
The 38 part additions include two wheels, one radiator, five grilles, 12 exte-rior lights, two fender shields, two mir-rors, four step pads, and 10 fascias.
The Truckload Program currently covers over a dozen replacement part types, including bumper fascias, steel bumpers, bumper bars, step bumpers, fender shields, exterior lighting, mirrors, car and truck radiators, wheels, header
panels, grilles/GORs/GOPs, isolators/impact pads/shafts and valances.
For more information on FCSD’s Collision Parts Truckload Program, or for a list of the parts currently available, contact your local Ford or Lincoln col-lision parts wholesaling dealer or the Ford Collision Parts Hotline at [email protected]
Program provides a
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consumers, body shops
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Impala Please Turn to Page 16
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At a ceremony with team mem-bers, elected officials and community and business leaders, Toyota Mississippi’s first Corolla for export to customers in Central and South America and the Caribbean rolled off the assembly line.
“Now our loyal customers in Central and South America and the Caribbean will experience Toyota Mississippi’s commitment to safety and high-quality,” Masafumi Hamaguchi, president of Toyota Mississippi said. “The export of Mississippi-built Corollas directly supports 2,000 Toyota jobs, keeps our plant running at optimal capacity and increases opportunities for our suppliers and partners while serving our customers’ needs.”
“Since 2011, Mississippians have been successfully producing Toyota’s
The Toyota Corolla: Now Exported from Mississippi to the Worldbest-selling model globally, the Corolla, for the U.S. market. Today, Toyota once again puts Mississippi on the world’s stage with the rollout of the first export vehicle manufactured at the Blue Springs facility,” Miss. Gov. Phil Bryant said. “This new export opportunity fur-ther strengthens Mississippi’s growing automotive industry and position in the Southern Automotive Corridor, while also demonstrating to the world that Mississippi has the talented workforce needed to build top-quality vehicles.”
“Toyota is to be commended for its long history of investing in U.S. facilities such as this assembly plant in Mississippi, and the resulting creation of tens of thousands of quality jobs. Toyota’s growing success in exporting U.S.-made vehicles is further evidence of its commitment to the U.S. manu-facturing sector,” said Chandra Brown, deputy assistant secretary for manufac-turing, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration. “Expanding exports and foreign invest-ment are two of the primary priorities of the Department of Commerce. We are extremely pleased to have Toyota as a
valued ally in these efforts.” More than 7,500 Mississippi-built
Corollas will be exported this year to 18 countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Nine U.S.-assembled Toyota models from all four of the com-pany’s U.S. vehicle assembly plants are now exported to 32 countries around the world.
Toyota’s exports in 2013 totaled more than 130,000 units – a 5 percent increase from the previous year and an all-time high for the company. Toyota, which began exporting U.S.-assembled vehicles in 1988, expects that its vol-ume of exports will grow as the com-pany capitalizes on the improving North American and global automotive market.
The Corolla, now in its 11th gen-eration, is the world’s most popular com-pact sedan. The 40 millionth unit sold worldwide last summer.
Toyota Mississippi directly employs 2,000 and represents an $800 million investment. Since November 2011, Toyota has announced 11 new invest-ments in North America manufacturing facilities, totaling $2.1 billion and increas-ing employment by 4,000.n
Nine U.S.-Assembled
Toyota Models Are
Now Exported To
32 Countries
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Since 1994, the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA) has been working with the collision repair industry to provide open stan-dards that enable systems to communi-cate with each other. The use of Estimate Management Standard (EMS) has pro-liferated throughout the industry, and while the use of these standards have created value for participants within the collision industry framework, there have been some downsides as more and more application providers have created and installed “data sweepers” or “data pumps” that indiscriminately extract data. Many repairers are unaware of the breadth of data being extracted, where it is being extracted from, settings that would allow them to control the flow of information, or even how that information may be used beyond its intended purpose.
For years now the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has
alerted its members about the poten-tial risk and liability associated with inadequate control over vehicle owner data, and even data generated through participation in Direct Repair Program (DRP) agreements which may specifically include data security or privacy claus-es. Until now, there have been limited mechanisms for repairers to mitigate the risk of sharing unintended information with data-sweeping programs installed on their servers, because many of these programs anonymously extract EMS files in their entirety as a background function.
There are a variety of “data pumps” collision repairers may find installed on their server, used to collect information to support a variety of programs associated with managing their business, relation-ships or programs. As one example, SCRS has fielded an increasing quantity of calls relative to data protection lately as the PartsTrader program has been rolled out
across the country. As part of the setup to use PartsTrader, the collision shop must install a PI Client. As described by the company, “the PI Client is a small windows tray application and windows service which run on a repair shop PC or server. This little set of apps makes sure that esti-mates from your estimatic software are exported to PartsTrader, and once you’ve selected or ordered your parts, import the part prices and changes back into your estimate. This saves you the trouble of doing any importing or exporting of this information by hand. The PI Client takes care of this importing and export-ing for you.” End-users of the system have noticed that on estimates where PartsTrader is required by the carrier (cur-rently, just State Farm) the PI Client auto-matically exports parts information from your estimate into PartsTrader. The data files are exported from the estimating sys-tem into an EMS/BMS export directory on the file system, the PI Client reads the files from the export directory and then sends Business Message Specification (BMS) file data to PartsTrader.
The repairers who have agreed to use PartsTrader as a condition of their rela-tionship with one carrier understood that there was a necessary means for com-municating parts data with the company for it to function. Where the question began to arise is when end-users started noticing additional information on non- required estimates files populating in their PartsTrader dashboard. Depending on the estimating system being used, and how the settings are established within that system, on other estimates where the car-rier did not require the use of PartsTrader (non-State Farm claims) PartsTrader has been extracting the following key identi-fying information: Insurance company ID, last 4 digits of the claim number, vehicle year, make and model.
SCRS was informed that the pur-pose of this information on non-required claims is necessary if the user chooses to voluntarily upload parts data on these repair orders, and that the user chooses if and when to import the parts data related to these estimates into PartsTrader. We were also advised that PartsTrader only maintains this information for two weeks,
SCRS Examines Repairer Ability to Control Data FlowRepairers may be able to manage how “data pumps” access file information
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and that the part data is not imported into PartsTrader unless the user explicitly clicks the ”Import” link.
This all makes sense for users who may be interested in voluntarily using the system, but for those who don’t, it has raised concerns surrounding the amount of non-voluntary information being pro-vided through this data pump that could give valuable information surrounding market volume and shop volume. It has also raised concerns over if this could be a violation of agreements with some carriers by sharing such information with an unrelated third-party. SCRS inquired with PartsTrader if a repair facility could establish settings that could restrict the non-required data from being shared, and they replied that there is some vari-ability amongst estimating companies who ultimately are responsible for the configuration of that functionality, but the general answer is “yes”, the shop does have control over that.
SCRS sent a request to each of the estimating system providers (CCC, AudaExplore and Mitchell) inquiring if their system provided functionality that would allow end-users to modify set-tings to restrict any additional exchange of information, above and beyond that required by State Farm as a condition of their program.
CCCCCC Information Services respond-
ed with an explanation that they have been aware this issue has been a long-standing concern of SCRS and our mem-bership, and that their newly launched solution has a broad application and was not developed specific to any one data source or program. They were clear that the functionality was developed in response to the industry’s communicated desire for better control over all data. As such, the company advised they have implemented a feature within the CCC
ONE Estimating application that allows repairers to take more control over their EMS export.
CCC ONE users have always been able to configure multiple EMS paths that can be used for different systems. But now repairers can gain more control over their data by defining insurance company specific export paths that will allow them to export only EMS files for a specific insurance company’s estimate. For exam-ple, if a repairer is using a shop manage-ment system they could define one path to export all EMS files to (which is most likely already configured.) And if the same shop was part of a direct repair program that required the use of a third party application when processing their claims, they could configure a second path just for that application. In this example, only the data for that insurance company’s estimates would be exported. Once the
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With the first models rolling off the Marysville, Ohio assembly line late last year, the all-new 2014 Accord Hybrid will carry an EPA fuel economy rating of 50 mpg in city driving, making it the new leader in gasoline fuel-econ-omy ratings among 4-door sedans. The 2014 Accord Hybrid's city fuel-economy rating is three miles per gallon higher than the closest segment competitor and its calculated driving range of 673 miles is more than 46 miles3 farther than any vehicle in its segment.
"For customers looking for a
Meet the 50 MPG Rated Honda Accord Hybrid
www.IneedOEMparts.com Southern Automotive JournalJune 2014 21www.IneedOEMparts.com
50 mpg rated 4-door sedan, there is no other choice than the 2014 Accord Hybrid." said Mike Accavitti, senior vice president of auto operations at American Honda.
With EPA fuel-economy ratings1 of 50 mpg city / 45 mpg highway / 47 mpg combined, the 2014 Accord Hybrid combines the sophisticated exterior styling and spacious interior packaging Accord Please Turn to Page 26
of the Accord Sedan with a highly effi-cient two-motor hybrid system from Honda's Earth Dreams™ Technology advanced powertrain series. The Accord Hybrid joins an already fuel-efficient Accord lineup that includes the EPA-rated 36 mpg highway1 4-cyl-
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Gene Sweeney with Cherokee Collision Center chats with Mike Davis at the uniCure Spray booth.
Repair Conference From Page 9
Freda Thompson of Ace Body Shop in Hartselle, Alabama.
Freda Thompson of Ace Body Shop in Hartselle, Alabama had questions for attorney John Eaves, Jr. about the short pay lawsuit.
2012, has led to all new cars having a yaw-rate sensor.
The Ford F-150 aluminum body project is just one of the more notable examples of the changing ways in which vehicles are constructed. Therefore, it is important that repair specialists are empowered by the appropriate training and equipment of their shop to be able to work on types of vehicles construct-ed with materials they might not often come across.
To add to this, since OEM owns repair data, that data is not released unless that dealer is OEM-certified to perform repairs on that particular vehi-cle. This Assured Performance “OEM Certification-Recognition” Program enables, according to program litera-ture, for the first time shops with the right tools, equipment, training, and facilities have the ability to distinguish themselves from those who do not have what it takes. This is just one of the program's benefits, along with creating a database of technologically and per-formance-superior shops, and with one certification process, a qualified body shop will be recognized by many of the major automakers, including Ford, Nissan, and Dodge among others.
Closing out the weekend, attorney John Eaves, Jr. appeared
onstage with Ray Gunder of Gunder's Auto Center, to update the audience of attended on a complained filed earlier in the year against various insurance companies on behalf of 21 Mississippi collision repair facilities for a litany of alleged offenses. Gunder, for this part, has sued insurers on behalf of his cus-tomers for a variety of alleged misdo-ings himself, facing criticism in the pro-cess. But along with the technological hurdlers that this industry faces in the upcoming years, the role of the insur-ance company in their affairs seems to be a problem that will not be going away soon. This time next year will tell if any of the speakers and their presenta-tions will lead to an industry better off than it is today.n
www.IneedOEMparts.com Southern Automotive JournalJune 2014 23www.IneedOEMparts.com
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The Automotive Service Association (ASA) and Identifix Inc.® recently renewed an agreement that allows ASA members to access Direct-Hit® at a reduced cost. The web-based automotive repair information service is available to ASA members for only $144 per month. In addition, new subscribers under the ASA program are eligible for a $30-per-month discount for the first three months of their sub-scription to Identifix Direct-Hit.
“Identifix has the privi-lege of continuing our long-standing relationship with the Automotive Service Association, providing ASA members with technical infor-mation, both online and hot-line, that delivers high return-on-investment at an excep-tional value,” said Richard Gunderson, vice president of business development for Identifix. “As more ASA mem-ber repair shops subscribe to our online tool, Direct-Hit, the entire network of shops will benefit through access to more fix information, as well as an even deeper discount.”
ASA has had strong ties to Identifix for many years and is honored to have them as an associate member and ben-efit provider. “The complexity of today’s vehicle demands having the right information to properly diagnose and repair the vehicle. The ASA/Identifix agreement not only saves shops $180 a year com-pared to standard pricing, but the time and money saved through using their product and service could be signifi-cantly greater. I encourage our members to take advan-tage of this special discount,” said Dan Risley, ASA president and executive director.
In addition to offering Direct-Hit to ASA members at
a reduced price, Identifix is also a regular exhibitor at ASA’s annual NACE/CARS event. Be sure to visit Identifix at booth 30003 at NACE/CARS 2014 in Detroit July 31-Aug. 1, with additional indus-try events taking place throughout the week.
Identifix delivers information that helps automotive repair professionals diagnose and repair vehicles efficiently,
accurately and profitably. With more than 600,000 hotline archives, Direct-Hit is the industry’s largest source of continually updated, experience-based information for what breaks on vehicles, when the issue commonly occurs and how to fix it. Direct-Hit also includes genuine OEM service and repair infor-mation for unedited factory data shops rely on.n
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Parts Trader From Page 7
additional filings by collision repairers in Utah and Tennessee, and said he expects action soon in Louisiana and Alabama.
Plier also invited industry pro-fessionals to visit safecars.us to learn more about the Safe Cars for Everyone Educational Symposium being held late this month in Schaumburg, Illinois. Among attendees will be Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood. The event will include seminars on key topics like how to respond to media requests, how to lobby representatives and how to document safe repairs to limit liability.
The groundswell of vocal criticism of insurance company practices has gained significant momentum as colli-sion repairers and wholesale parts sup-pliers have sought legal action against insurers. Once afraid to upset the sta-tus quo, both parties are speaking out against unfair – and possibly illegal – interference in their business practices.n
by: Nick Palermo
Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association (GAAMA) named winners at its second-annual Family Choice Challenge event held last week at Lake Lanier Islands Resort north of Atlanta. Automotive and lifestyle journalists chose the 2015 Hyundai Genesis as Top Family Choice, while five other family-friendly models earned catego-ry awards.
Hyundai's impressive Genesis sedan is completely redesigned for the 2015 model year. The Genesis earned high marks from judges thanks to its handsome styling, comfortable and spacious cabin, technol-ogy-rich features and strong overall value. An average score of 31.2 (out of a possible 35 points) outpaced nineteen competitors to earn top honors.
"A sport sedan like the 2015 Hyundai Genesis is attractive to drivers that want a family car but don't want to sacrifice on style and performance," said Nick Palermo, GAAMA president. "The Genesis earned its place as 2014 Top Family Choice by exceeding expecta-tions. Although the previous-generation Genesis sedan is an impressive car, this new model again raises the bar for both Hyundai and its competitors. Families looking for accessible luxury should add the 2015 Genesis to their short lists."
Adventure Choice: 2014 Honda Odyssey When minivans first arrived
decades ago, these spacious and efficient
dynamics are excellent, both at high-way speeds and when steering through a parking lot. Simply put, the Honda Odyssey makes family adventures simple and fun.
Value Choice: 2014 Volkswagen Jetta With so many excellent
new vehicles available today, finding a great family car is easy. But finding one that meets a family's needs while remaining affordable can be more chal-lenging. Fortunately, the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta is attractive and capable, with a refreshingly affordable price tag.
While the Jetta is an eco-nomical choice, the compact sedan neither looks nor feels cheap. That helped it earn an average score of 28.0, narrowly
edging out the larger but pricier Nissan Altima. A starting price under $20,000 and commendable fuel economy from a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine make the Volkswagen Jetta a smart choice for budget-minded families.
Technology Choice: 2015 Mazda6 Families will have to wait for cars
that can fully drive themselves, leaving driver and passengers alike to relax and enjoy the ride. But the technology that will someday power such innovations is already available, even in affordable cars like the 2015 Mazda6. The striking mid-size sedan offers such high-tech features
Southern Automotive JournalJune 2014 25www.IneedOEMparts.com
GAAMA Names Best New Vehicles for Families
vehicles quickly became the go-to choice for families on the move. Although many drivers now choose SUVs and crossovers instead, minivans are still tough to beat for hauling your crew and its gear, wheth-er around town or across the country. These capabilities helped the 2014 Honda Odyssey to victory in a category consisit-ing mostly of SUVs and crossovers.
The Adventure Choice category was the events most competitive, with seven entries. The Odyssey earned an average of 30.0 points to top the catego-ry. Indeed, Honda's van has everything families need to make their next trip an adventure. A low floor makes climbing in and out easy for passengers young and old. Comfortable and flexible seating accommodates up to eight. And driving Family Choice Please Turn to Page 33
Top Family Choice Award2015 Hyundai Genesis
Southern Automotive Journal June 201426 www.IneedOEMparts.com
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Accord Hybrid From Page 21
inder Accord Sedan and the Accord Plug-in Hybrid, EPA-rated at 115 MPGe combined1 in electric-only mode.
The 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid is the first Honda hybrid vehicle produced in Ohio, at the company's Marysville Auto Plant, and joins the Greensburg, Indiana-built Civic Hybrid as the second Honda hybrid model built in the U.S. Honda invested $18.8 million in a 94,000-square-foot expan-sion of the Marysville Auto Plant, along with the addition of 50 new full-time jobs to handle the special processes specific to the production of this advanced hybrid model.
"With more than 30 years of experience producing the Accord in Marysville, our associates have contin-ued to advance our capabilities, and
the new 50-mpg rated Accord Hybrid is a very special milestone in our his-tory of innovation in Ohio," said Rob May, Plant Manager of the Marysville Auto Plant. "Production of this class-
leading hybrid represents an important achievement by our associates as they create new value for Honda customers using advanced manufacturing skills and new, cutting-edge technologies."n
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[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
800-426-4351
205-856-6600
205-853-7530
Toll Free
Direct
FAX
DELIVERY
No-Hassle Returns
1170 Center Point Pkwy. Birmingham, AL 35215
205-314-8152205-380-9271205-314-8151
Largest Mitsubishi Wholesaler
in the Southeast
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• 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
OF HUNTSVILLE
Lexus of Huntsville • 6580 University Dr • Huntsville, AL 35806
SCRS From Page 19
new path is created, the third party appli-cation would also need to be configured to import EMS from that directory.
SCRS sees this solution from CCC as a tremendous advancement for the industry, and applauds solutions enabling repairers with the ability to control what data is shared with whom. We encourage all of our members to take the oppor-tunity to inventory which applications currently residing on their desktops and servers that are using the CCC ONE EMS files, and make any necessary configura-tion changes.
AudaExplore, a Solera companyAudaExplore responded, confirm-
ing the variance in how the different sys-tems manage user-control over the data, but providing equal protection over the end-user data as it relates to non-required data being accessed by PartsTrader. The company representatives advised that as a rule, AudaExplore has only enabled custom export to PartsTrader on the required State Farm profiles, and further only export data on an estimate-by- esti-mate basis from the damage page. Data relative to non-required estimate files would only be sent for the estimates the end-user electively sends to PartsTrader for quotes and that data is sent using CIECA BMS protocol in the export process to protect the user’s data to the greatest
extent possible. SCRS was informed that there is EMS interaction from the work list where data for claims not sent for quotes would be available to PartsTrader if sent by the user, and that AudaExplore does not have any other direct interaction with PartsTrader where this data would be sent to them.
Some shops have voluntarily requested that PartsTrader be enabled for other profiles besides State Farm, and AudaExplore plans to implement that capability. The process would be the same, and AudaExplore would still restrict information sent to PartsTrader to the estimate data the user chooses to send for quotes from the damage page. This functionality would be the only way PartsTrader would have access to non-State Farm claim data, and this permis-sion would only enabled for shops who specifically request it, and only relative to estimates they select to export for quotes.
SCRS believes this too serves as a beneficial approach. Establishing proto-col that an explicate request must be made from the end-user to increase flow of data provides for greater likelihood that the end-user will understand who is receiving the information, and how it is being used. This type of transparency serves the industry well.
Mitchell InternationalRepresentatives from Mitchell
responded to SCRS’ inquiries confirm-
ing our understanding of the data being made available to PartsTrader on non-State Farm claims, and the process in which they are able to extract it. When asked about end-user configuration to restrict access to non-required claims (currently anything not designated as State Farm) Mitchell responded, “that functionality is set for a future build.” They were unable to provide a target date in which such capabilities were expected to be implemented.
The conclusion is that there are advancements being made, or already in place, from some providers that allow collision repair facilities to maintain some semblance of control over how to man-age the data files being exported from the estimating systems to other data col-lection sources. It is important that colli-sion repair facilities be cognizant of what data collection programs are operating in the background on their systems, and further cognizant of system settings that can help them mitigate the amount of any undesired data transfer.
SCRS encourages all collision repair end-users to regularly monitor your pro-grams, compare capabilities of the soft-ware providers relative to features that allow greater control over unwanted data transfer, and to continue to urge your software providers to adopt new stan-dards such as BMS and other functional-ities that allow you to protect your cus-tomer and business data.n
Shane McCormick Marc Hooks Michael Tramell
mhooks@ crownautomobile.com
Providing Professional Service to The Automotive Collision Professional for
Over 40 Years
www.crownautomobile.com1800 Montgomery Hwy • Birmingham, AL 35244
205-985-4200Direct
We Deliver!Alabama • Georgia • Florida • Tennessee
DELIVERY
205.402.2261 205.402.2266205.402.2262
205-402-2243800-476-4669FAXToll Free
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Local Toll Free800.543.4647
Fax770.795.0645
Mike [email protected]
• daily service throughout the southeast
• dedicated wholesale parts sales staff
• unmatched inventory
Call the Volvo Expert
Volvo of Marietta
Hendrick Automotive Group has purchased Ivan Leonard Chevrolet from owner Ivan J. Leonard Jr. and today re-opened as Hendrick Chevrolet of Hoover. The dealership, which remains located at 1620 Montgomery Highway in Hoover, Ala., becomes the most recent addition to the Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall.
Based in Charlotte, Hendrick Automotive Group now operates 89 dealerships throughout the United States including two in the Birmingham area. The Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall adds Hendrick Chevrolet to its already successful Hendrick Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM operation, which opened in April 2011. The dealerships are adja-cent to one another on Montgomery Highway.
“We couldn’t be more excited about expanding the Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall,” said Ryan Regnier, Hendrick Automotive Group market area vice president. “The Birmingham area is such a terrific market, especially for
Hendrick Automotive Group Expands Hendrick Hoover Auto Malltrucks, and Hendrick Chevrolet of Hoover features a brand new show-room to spotlight Chevy’s full lineup of attractively designed and innovative new vehicles. The dealership also show-cases Chevrolet’s next-generation C7 Corvette, the Stingray convertible and the incredible 2015 Z06.”
Joel Smith is the executive gen-eral manager of the Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall, while Matthew Gettys, most recently the general sales manager at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford, Ga., is the dealership’s general manager.
“Our team looks forward to pro-viding the people of Birmingham and Hoover with world class service,” Smith said. “Ivan Leonard developed a strong and loyal customer base over the past 40 years. It’s our goal to build on that foundation with a friendly and welcom-ing environment including extended hours for both the showroom and ser-vice areas. We appreciate the chance to serve this great community.”
Hendrick Chevrolet of Hoover
features 300 new and 100 pre-owned vehicles on site with access to more than 6,000 pre-owned vehicles at HendrickCars.com. The 60,000-square-foot dealership, which recently under-went renovations, sits on a 7.5-acre property; hosting 38 service bays and offering numerous customer amenities including free Wi-Fi and shuttle service to area attractions and locales.
Open seven days a week for sales and Monday through Saturday for service, Hendrick Chevrolet of Hoover will employ more than 80 people. For information on employment oppor-tunities, please visit www.hendrickca-reers.com. The dealership currently is hiring sales professionals, finance con-sultants, guest services representatives and other positions.
Customers also can like the deal-ership on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HendrickChevroletHoover and follow on Twitter @HendrickChevyAL. Customers can also visit www.hoover-automall.com.n
Check out our Website for - Association Information • OEM Repair Information • News and Trends • Back Issues
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Gwinnett Place Ford(770) 813-6825(866) 665-9318 (770) 662-6156
3230 Satellite Blvd.Duluth GA 30096
Southern Automotive Journal June 201432 www.IneedOEMparts.com
(800) 633-4304TOLL FREE TOLL FREE FAX
(888) 815-5238
WWW.OPAPARTS.COM
Quality Aftermarket Collision Replacement Parts
Mike McCool 205-909-2196888-399-2196
Aftermarket [email protected]
OVERNIGHT PARTS ALLIANCE, LLC
RadiatorsHoodsHead LampsTail LampsFendersGrilles
BumpersAC CondensersSignal LampsReinforcementsAbsorbersDoor Handles
Park LampsFan AssembliesMirrorsStep BumpersSpoilers
The Only Aftermarket Parts That Comes With The OPA Promise
Mike Copeland 205-380-3106 x 3106
800-633-4304Aftermarket Manager
egress. Separating the shocks from the springs results in a larger trunk, as well.
New luxuries abound in the 2014 Lexus IS. A high-efficiency dual-zone cli-mate control system uses new, touch-sensitive electrostatic temperature switches. The IS offers two multime-dia systems. A standard high-resolution Lexus Display Audio (LDA) with controller or the optional Lexus navigation system.
The navigation system is operated via a second-gener-ation Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) multi-function con-trol device, which also allows control of the climate, audio, phone controls and more.
Ten Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags are standard. The IS models employ the innovative Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which integrates Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) active safety sys-tems with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) or, where fitted (for IS 350 F SPORT), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS).
The new IS may also be equipped with the available pre-emptive Pre-Collision System (PCS), which incorpo-
rates Adaptive Cruise Control. The model range adds sev-eral advanced new active safety features, including an A u t o m a t i c High Beam
(AHB) headlamp system, a Lane Departure Alert (LDA) system, a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system and a standard Auto Location Tire Pressure Warning System (AL-TPWS).n
Lexus From Page 10
The navigation system is operated via a second-
generation Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) multi-
function control device, which also allows con-
trol of the climate, audio, phone controls and more.
to offer superior functionality. Despite its affordable price, the A3 comes stan-dard with leather seats, a turbocharged engine with a 6-speed automatic trans-mission and Audi's exceptional interior build quality.n
as adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, both of which can improve comfort and safety for families.
In addition to driver assistance sys-tems, the Mazda6 i Grand Touring includ-ed in our challenge came equipped with Mazda's i-ELOOP technology. The regen-erative engine braking feature improves fuel economy by 2 mpg in both city and highway driving, helping the Mazda6 to earn an impressive overall average score of 28.1.
Green Choice: 2015 Ford Fusion Energi Driving a vehicle powered by elec-
tricity rather than gasoline or diesel has both advantages and drawbacks. Electric vehicles (EVs) produce no tailpipe emis-sions. Plus, they are exceptionally quiet, and low fuel costs make them extraor-dinarily inexpensive to operate. But rel-atively short range and long charging times make EVs impractical for some drivers. For families, practicality is essen-tial.
That's why a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) like the 2015 Ford Fusion Energi is such a sensible choice for green-minded families on the go. Using electricity only, the Fusion Energi can travel 21 zero-emissions miles. When plug-in power is depleted, the sporty looking sedan operates like a gasoline-hybrid vehicle, achieving a still-commendable 43 mpg combined city/highway fuel economy rating. Long-range drives are no prob-lem for the Fusion Energi: with a full tank of gas and a full charge, it can travel 620 miles before refueling. Those stats helped the midsize sedan earn an overall average score of 27.1.
Luxury Choice: 2015 Audi A3 Audi makes posh appoint-
ments and its upscale brand name accessible to more drivers with its new-for-2015 A3 sedan. Previously offered only as a wagon, the new Audi model squeezed past pricier players to score an average of 28.0 points. That's an impressive feat, consider-ing its price. The 2015 Audi A3 starts under $30,000, and the example Audi brought to the compe-tition came in at just $32,395.
In fact, that's half the price of the 2013 Luxury Choice winner, Audi's flagship A8L sedan. But the A3 offers many of the same features, including an o u t s t an din g navigation sys-tem that uses Google Earth and Google Street View
Family Choice From Page 25
www.IneedOEMparts.com Southern Automotive JournalJune 2014 33www.IneedOEMparts.com
Technology Choice Award WinnerMazda 6
Luxury Choice Award WinnerAudi A3
Green Choice Award WinnerFord Fusion Energi
Adventure Choice Award WinnerHonda Odyssey
Value Choice Award WinnerVolkswagen Jetta
Southern Automotive Journal June 201434 www.IneedOEMparts.com
Mazda Selects OEConnection Online Collision Parts Ordering
& Fulfillment Technology
Direct 678-957-5300
FAX 678-957-5310
Toll Free877-339-7278
®
NOW Delivering in theSoutheast
®
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
Ronnie678-957-5451
Mazda Specialist
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
OEConnection LLC, the parts e-commerce technol-ogy leader for original equipment manufacturers (OEM) distribution networks, announced recently that Mazda North American Operations has selected OEConnection’s CollisionLink®, an internet-based parts ordering and fulfillment solution, for the automaker’s network of U.S. wholesale parts dealerships and their colli-sion repair facility custom-ers. As part of the agree-ment, Mazda’s nationwide parts program will inte-grate with CollisionLink, enabling dealers to more effectively compete with non-OEM parts suppliers for the sale of Genuine Mazda Parts. CollisionLink offers a rules-based pric-ing engine and other tech-nology capable of automating and managing an OEM’s wholesale parts marketing program − from identifying eligible parts and presenting discount opportunities at the transactional level to instantly validating the sale and compiling real-time data program-wide.
Mazda represents the sixteenth automotive OEM dealer network in the United States and Canada to utilize CollisionLink to facilitate its parts ordering workflow and manage a nationwide parts marketing program.
“We are excited and pleased to be working with Mazda North American Operations to provide their U.S. dealerships and body shop customers with a better parts ordering and fulfillment experience,” said Chuck Rotuno, president & CEO, OEConnection. “As a result of our exclu-sive technology, which is designed to help both buyers and sellers increase efficiencies and improve margins, CollisionLink is the most widely-used parts procurement solution in the collision repair industry today.”
Nicole Geenen, group manager of Parts Sales and Marketing at Mazda North American Operations, said, “We look forward to utilizing OEConnection’s e-commerce solution to enhance our wholesale program and increase incremental sales of Genuine Mazda Parts. Our dealers are looking forward to offering a streamlined, easy to use online ordering system to their collision customers.”
Nationwide implementation of CollisionLink will begin on April 28, 2014. At that time, enrolled dealers in the Mazda North American Operations network will have an opportunity to earn reimbursements when selling select Genuine Mazda Parts to body shops as an alternative to originally-specified non-OEM collision parts.n
Collisionlink® is
chosen to stream-
line procurement
process and improve
sales of genuine
Mazda parts in US.
OEM • MECHANICAL • COLLISION
LEE
Local770.274.1130
Toll Free1.800.344.9017
kelismith@
hayeschrysler.com
KELI
Local 478.405.0312
Toll Free1.866.399.4245
FAX478.405.0313
FRANKLIN
franklintowler@
hayeschrysler.com
Local770.274.1128
Toll Free1.800.727.5912
philmcguire@
hayeschrysler.com
Local 770.274.1125
Toll Free 800.727.5962
PHIL
chrismoore@
hayeschrysler.com
Local770.274.1123
Toll Free1.800.727.5641
CHRIS
Has it ALL !
• We Stock all Makes and Models• A/C and Cooling Parts• Full Line of Premium Mechanical Parts• Starter and Alternators in Stock No Core!• New Compressor Kits• CAPA Certified Parts
Outside Sales Rep.
josecamacho@
hayeschrysler.com
Local770.274.1124
Toll Free1.800.727.5936
WILLIAM
william
Call The Hayes Parts Professionals
Cell770.294.3602
Toll Free800.241.8124
JOEY
Cell 770-616-9835
Toll Free800.241.8124
KEITH
Local770.274.1131
Toll Free1.800.727.5920
STEVE
Local770.274.1121
Toll Free1.800.727.4702
ANDY
• Knowledgable wholesale staff
• Accurate orders
• Same day shipping
• Professional delivery drivers
• We next day deliver*
• Excellent return policies
mattw
Local770.274.1122
Toll Free1.800.727.5593
MATT
Local770.274.1126
Toll Free1.800.727.5015
JEFF JOSE
Local770.274.1127
Toll Free1.800.727.5611
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