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TORONTO, ON -- July 14, 2008 -- The collision repair industry continues to make news around the world, with BASF remodeling its training centre in Germany, and some industry groups criticizing the availability of electronic stability control systems in Europe. In England, RSA has joined forces with Audatex UK to improve its claims settlement and parts sourcing operations, while PPG in the US has sold a controlling stake in its automotive glass business. Finally, both Solera and I-CAR Australia make some changes with new appointees to high-ranking positions.
BASF Coatings Builds State-of-the-Art Training Centre
BASF Coatings has recently embarked on a program of complete rebuilding and refurbishment. The Glasurit training center, located on the site of BASF Coatings in Munster, Germany, has been considered one of the most modern training facilities for spray painter training since its inauguration 24 years ago. Since the content and methods of spray painter training have changed since then, so too must the features of the training center.
Jürgen Book, head of Customer Service at BASF coatings, explained that, "Extensive modernization is necessary, in order to stimulate efficient workshop processes and so help the customers consistently improve the efficiency of their businesses."
The company will invest three million euros to produce a state-of-the-art training centre that will see the interior of the building gutted to prepare for new training areas. The building's exterior will see large areas of glass installed in the facade to let in lots of daylight and create a bright, open atmosphere.
The project is expected to last until July 2009 with new courses in the building beginning early next year.
Euro NCAP Disappointed with Availability of ESC
The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has criticized the disparities in the availability of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in vehichles across the European Union.
ESC is a computerized technology that automatically applies braking to individual wheels when it detects a loss of steering control or the beginning of a skid.
The NCAP is disappointed in the low level of standard fit available to European consumers since the technology can avoid approximately 4,000 deaths and 100,000 injuries annually. They worry the price of having one fittied optionally deters consumers away from choosing the life-saving technology.
Reflecting on the results of the NCAP?s ESC availability survey released in early July, the Secretary General of Euro NCAP, Michiel van Ratingen, said, ?Considering that ESC is the most effective safety device since the seat belt, no car buyer should have to bargain over it. A greater effort to make ESC fitment standard across the board is required?.
Audatex UK and RSA Join Forces
In order to drive efficiency and performance in the parts sourcing and claims settlement areas of its business, RSA announced that it is launching a new technology initiative with claims solutions provider Audatex UK.
RSA?s approved repairer network will use Audatex?s automated parts procurement service AudaSource as a means for sourcing parts from the insurer?s non-OE parts supplier, SEL. The rules-based system has been configured to cater to the individual requirements of RSA?s various lines of business, integrating Audatex estimating while also allowing users to locate and check parts immediately.
Paul Tucker, Managing Director, Audatex UK, said, ?With RSA we have a truly integrated claims solution in place which provides process improvements every step of the way?.
PPG Sells Auto Glass Business PPG Industries Inc have sold a controlling stake in its automotive glass business for $345 million to a new company formed by investment firm Kohlberg & Co. LLC.
PPG will keep a 40 per cent interest in the new company.According to PPG's chairman and chief executive Charles E. Bunch, the transaction will allow the to company focuses more on coatings and specialty products, while simultaneously reducing its exposure to the US automotive market.
The auto glass business supplies and distributes aftermarket replacement auto glass in addition to supplying auto and truck manufacturers with windshields and windows. The business employs roughly 4,400 people at facilities in the US and Canada.
PPG has significantly extended its global reach in recent months, acquiring Dutch coatings manufacturer SigmaKalon Group, Europe's second-largest coatings maker for $3.2 billion. The company hopes to expand further, specifically in Asia, by acquiring small and midsize paint and industrial-coating manufacturers.
Solera Appoints Dave Shepherd Global Account Manager
Dave Shepherd has been appointed to the newly created role of Global Account Manager at Solera. The new role will see him co-ordinate programs from partnership agreements, as well as provide a link between Solera and its insurer partners.
Shepherd has nearly 40 years of experience in the body repair industry, having run his own chain of bodyshops. During those years he has also played an active role in developing innovative repair schemes, and has forged strong relationships with insurer partners.
John Zulian New Chairman of I-CAR Australia
The recent meeting of the I-CAR Australia Trust and the Board of Management in Sydney endorsed the election of John Zulian as its new Chairman. Zulian is a leading collision repairer in the Adelaide market, having had a significant influence on the industry through the Motor Trade Association. He is also a member of the Master Collision Repair Specialists and the Australian Accident Repair Network. Zulian replaces David Weatherall who served as the Inaugural Chairman since 2006.
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