aasp-mn news september 2015

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September 2015

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AASP-MN News2 September 2015


AASP-MN News September 2015 3


CONTENTSVol. 23 No. 9

AASP of Minnesota is an association ofindependently-owned automo-tive service businesses and industry suppliers dedicated toimproving the state’s automo-tive service industry and thesuccess of its members.

AASP-MN News is the official publication of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota, Inc. 1970 Oakcrest Ave., Suite 102 • Roseville, MN 55113 Phone:612-623-1110 • Fax: 612-623-1122 email: [email protected] • website: aaspmn.org. All rights reserved. To keep its readers better informed, AASP-MN News allowsits columnists to fully express their opinions. All views expressed are not necessarily those of the publication. AASP-MN News is published by Thomas Greco Publishing,Inc. Cover image © www.istockphoto.com.

AASP-MN BOARD MEMBERS 2015 - 2016

PRESIDENTTom Gleason

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTJerald Stiele

SECRETARY-TREASURER Greg Kasel, AAM

COLLISION DIVISION DIRECTORJim Siegfried, AAM

MECHANICAL DIVISION DIRECTORWayne Watson

ASSOCIATE DIVISION DIRECTORKevin Martin

COLLISION SEATSJoyce WeinhandlWill Latuff

MECHANICAL SEATMars Overlee

STAFFEXECUTIVE DIRECTORJudell Anderson, CAE, AAM

OFFICE ADMINISTRATORJodi Pillsbury

MEMBERSHIP COORDINATORTom Kluver

PUBLISHED BY: Thomas Greco Publishing, Inc.

244 Chestnut St., Suite 202 Nutley, NJ 07110PHONE: 973-667-6922 • FAX: 973-235-1963

PUBLISHER: Thomas Greco ([email protected])DIRECTOR OF SALES: Alicia Figurelli ([email protected])MANAGING EDITOR: Jacquelyn Bauman ([email protected])EDITOR: Joel Gausten ([email protected])ART DIRECTOR: Lea Velocci ([email protected])OFFICE MANAGER: Donna Greco ([email protected])

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE....................................................................6Tried to Hire Lately?by Tom Gleason, AASP-MN President

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ......................................................................7AASP-MN Continues Dialogue with MPCA on Air Permitsby Kevin Walli, AASP-MN Lobbyist

LOCAL NEWS ................................................................................8

NATIONAL NEWS ............................................................................10

INSURANCE I.Q. ............................................................................12Fire Extinguishers: When Was the Last Time You Paid Them Any Attention?by Coleman P. Brown III

D.E.G. ESTIMATING TIPS ..................................................................19

AASP-MN TWO-DAY R.O. WRITER™ USER TRAINING CAMP ......................20

PARTNERS IN PREVENTION................................................................23About the New Air Permit

F.Y.I. ..........................................................................................25

CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!........................................................26AASP-MN/Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick Legal Services Program


September 30 & October 1, 2015R.O. Writer™ User Training Camp

Ramada Plaza, Minneapolis

April 14, 20162016 Leadership ConferenceRamada Plaza, Minneapolis

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

aaa Auto Parts ............................................................24AmeriPride ................................................................13Assessment Associates Internatonal ..........................7Axalta Coating Systems..............................................OBCBuerkle Hyundai ........................................................16CBIZ ..........................................................................IFCChoice Auto Rentals ..................................................16Dentsmart ..................................................................6Inver Grove Honda / Inver Grove Toyota ............................3Jack McClard ............................................................3Keystone ....................................................................4Lowell’s PCE ..............................................................23Maplewood Toyota ....................................................22Meadowbrook Insurance ............................................IFC

Mercedes Benz of Maplewood....................................25Mills Parts Center ......................................................18Morrie’s ....................................................................9Motorwerks BMW ......................................................IBCMotorwerks Mini........................................................IBCMPA..................................................................................................14-15Pam’s Auto ................................................................20Proven Force..............................................................22Rosedale Chevrolet ....................................................18Roseville Chrysler ......................................................18Straight & Square ......................................................4Thexton Manufacturing ..............................................20Toyota Group..............................................................11UFG............................................................................IFC

UPCOMING EVENTS

For more information, contact the AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110or visit the Association’s website, www.aaspmn.org.


I hope summer has been going well for you and that you havebeen able to get away for a vacation, or are planning to. We allneed a break to take a breath of fresh air from time to time. I have been struggling trying to hire a new tech. I haven’t hadto hire one in 13 years and I found out that it’s a new world outthere. Those of you that have been hiring (or have been trying to)already know this. It’s not just our industry, but all of the trades.Some construction companies have invited their retirees back forthe summer and fall with no pension penalties and all the hoursthey want. People are not looking at the trades as a careeranymore. Do we just shrug our shoulders, say, “That’sjust the way it is,” and tell our children to take a dif-ferent path? To do something else and stay out of thefamily business? I hope not. We better think about thisseriously and do something. It won’t get better on itsown. At the last Association strategic planning sessionheld in 2014, we identified this as an area that we needed to ad-dress. Late last year, AASP-MN facilitated the formation of an in-dustry task force dubbed MNCARS – Minnesota Careers in AutoRepair & Service. This group is made up of a cross section of theindustry, including educators, shop owners, suppliers, insurers,dealers and other industry groups. MNCARS is working to de-velop a marketing campaign to make people aware of the careeropportunities available in our industry. But we all must get in-volved at whatever level we can to encourage young people toconsider our industry as a career.

I feel strongly that the starting wage is a factor that will causepeople to look elsewhere when considering our industry as a ca-reer. In talking with an electrician friend, he told me about theirunion apprenticeship program. It entails working four days aweek and going to school one day a week. After you complete thefive-year program, the starting wage is $38.50 an hour, plus bene-fits. Most electricians can carry the tools they need in a five-gal-lon bucket. Contrast that with the automotive industry. Information from

several surveys I found show the average automotivetechnician wage to be $16 to $19 across the country.And if an auto technician made a starting investmentof $10,000 in tools, it would only be a good start. Thattotal, in a very short time, can easily reach $40,000 to$50,000. Makes you think, doesn’t it? I know techs can, and do, make good money in thisindustry, but it’s hard to gain interest if the entry-levelpay is low. Once hired, we spend considerable money

training and keeping techs up-to-date on new technology, only tolose them to the greener grass across the fence. A higher wagewill go a long way to help retain employees. There are many career opportunities for young people today.If we can, first of all, get people to look at the trades as a career,which ones are they most apt to consider? Money is not every-thing, but as a whole, our industry has a low starting wage. If wedon’t change it, no one will.

6 September 2015

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

AASP-MN News

by Tom GleasonAASP-MN President

Tried to Hire Lately?


AASP-MN Continues Dialogue with MPCA on Air Permits

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

by Kevin Walli,AASP-MN Lobbyist

Last month, AASP-MN ExecutiveDirector Judell Anderson and Environ-mental Consultants Carol Keyes and JanetKeyes met with MN Pollution ControlAgency (MPCA) officials to discuss theever-changing background against whichrepair shops need to secure and maintainair permits. The biggest concern exists for autorepair shops that don’t hold a current per-mit. Shops which currently hold a registra-tion permit should continue those prac-tices prescribed under their current permit. The concern exists for shops that donot have permits but are now required toobtain one. The MPCA is administeringfederal EPA air permit standards that arebecoming more stringent. Among the issues that were explored

in our recent meeting at the MPCA are thefollowing: • What level of emissions constitutes “insignificant activity?” • What assumptions will be built into the “worst case scenario” potential-to-emit calculations used to determine air permitting requirements? An important issue which emergedfrom the discussion was the benefit ofswitching to products with low levels ofhazardous air pollutants (HAPs) so that“as sprayed” material used in calculatingthe worst case scenario for emissions pro-duces a lower-quantity result for permit-ting purposes. Another issue to be addressed is theextent to which enforcement actions might

be pursued against shops that are currentlywithout a permit – and are therefore out ofcompliance. AASP-MN made the pointthat aggressive enforcement action willserve as a deterrent to compliance forthose who need to obtain a permit. MPCA officials indicated that en-forcement would only be pursued on acase-by-case basis on the merits of eachsituation. There is considerable work that re-mains to be done to clarify the air permit-ting process for repair shops that do notcurrently hold permits. While this workcontinues, all shops are advised to main-tain their current permits and stay tunedfor more information from the AASP-MN/MPCA meetings.

September 2015 7AASP-MN News


AASP-MN’S NIGHT OUT WITH THE ST. PAUL SAINTS A HIT – LITERALLY!

One hundred and forty seven people represented AASP-MNat the St. Paul Saints game, Wednesday, August 5 at CHS Field inSt. Paul. The group cheered the Saints on to a 6-0 victory overthe Lincoln Salt Dogs. AASP-MN members nearly witnessedhistory as Pitcher Robert Coe carried a perfect game into the sev-enth inning and a no-hitter into the eighth. Coe finished the night

with a complete game, one-hit shutout as the Saints improved to53-16 for the season. AASP-MN member, Carl Thomas, of Lancer Service AutoCare, St. Paul, hosted a tailgate party prior to the game and provided free parking for those that attended. “The event was agreat way to get fellow AASP-MN members and their familiestogether for a night of fun and relaxation,” said Executive Direc-tor, Judell Anderson. “It was a hit!”

ON-THE-AIR AND ONLINE, PROMOTING OUR PARTICIPATING MEMBER SHOPS AND INDUSTRY!

AASP-MN’s Get to Know YourNeighborhood Auto Repair Pro is anindustry marketing campaign thatpromotes the benefits of doing busi-ness with independent repair shops. The primary message is thatindependents can perform virtually any repair or service whilealso maintaining closer, more lasting relationships with cus-tomers and community. The program, now in its seventh year,has reached millions of people. This year’s campaign kicked off in April with commercialsrunning on-air and streaming online on KQRS-FM, 92.5 FM.The ads can be heard Friday-Monday through August. Beginning in July through mid-October, the commercials runon-air and streaming on KTCZ 97.1 FM and KQQL 107.9 FM.Those ads can be heard on weekday evenings and weekends. The campaign also includes Pandora Internet Radio formembers in Greater Minnesota. The six-month campaign will reach over a million adults,ages 25-54. Each participating shop and location is mentionedover 175 times during the course of the campaign. Shops participating in the Neighborhood Auto Repair Proadvertising campaign can be found on its website, www.autorepairpro.net. For more information about the Get to Know Your Neighbor-hood Auto Repair Pro advertising campaign, contact the AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110 or visit www.aaspmn.org.

WINNERS’ CIRCLE: A MEMBER SUPPORT RECOGNITION PROGRAM

The “Winners’ Circle” program was designedto recognize members who actively participate inAASP-MN programs and activities. Members whoearn 100 participation points during 2015 will be re-warded with a free AASP-MN-sponsored seminarfor their efforts.

Start earning points today! 25 Points

• Serve on an Advisory Committee • Each new member recruited

20 Points • Participate in an AASP-MN preferred provider benefit program (each) • Attend and/or sponsor the AASP-MN Annual Meeting & Convention, April 15-17 • Participate in the Get to Know Your Neighborhood Auto Repair Pro campaign • Participate in the Race For Automotive Education, January 13 & 14 • Advertise in AASP-MN News10 Points • Attend the 21st Annual AASP-MN Golf Outing, June 16. • Attend any AASP-MN training seminar, meeting, Body Shop Session or Mech XChange (convention seminars not included)


LOCAL NEWS

Fans from Wipers and Wipes, (l to r) Dennis Julson,Ann Seargant and Robin and Mark Beckman were inattendance to cheer on the Saints.

Association members in attendence watched RobertCoe pitch a no-hitter into the eighth inning.



In 2014, 33 member companies achievedWinners’ Circle status. Take advantage of all thatthe Association has to offer and join their rankstoday!

THANK YOU TO OUR 2015 SPONSORS

In 2015, AASP-MN received sponsorshipsupport from its Associate members and otherindustry vendors to help support the Associa-tion’s educational programming and other activi-ties. Sponsorships help AASP-MN deliver thequality programs members expect and keep reg-istration fees affordable. The following compa-nies have made sponsorship commitments:

Gold SponsorsAutoshop Solutions

Auto Value Parts Stores & APHAxalta Coating Systems

PPG Automotive Finishes

Silver Sponsorsaaa Auto Parts

CBIZ AIAInver Grove FordLKQ/Keystone

Lowell’s Performance CoatingsMeadowbrook InsuranceMidwest Parts Advantage

Mitchell InternationalO’Reilly Auto PartsPAM’s Auto, Inc.

Suburban ChevroletUnited Fire Group

Program Sponsors3M

AASP NationalCARQUESTCBIZ AIA

CBIZ PayrollDent Impressions

IDENTIFIXRobert Bosch, LLC

Hospitality SponsorsAmeriPride Services

BASF Automotive RefinishCCC Information Services

Choice Auto RentalDentsmart PDR

Enterprise Rent-a-CarNet Driven

Norton AbrasivesPro Paint Metro

Sherwin-Williams



NATIONAL NEWS

CREDIT CARD FRAUD LIABILITY SHIFTING FROMBANKS TO RETAILERS

Credit card companies like Visa and MasterCard, along withthe banking industry, are poised to shift credit card fraud liabilityfrom card-issuing banks to retailers who choose not to make theshift to Europay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV) chip technology byOctober 1. According to the Electronic Transactions Association(ETA), the chip technology is meant to provide greater securityfor consumers as it cannot be duplicated by criminals like a mag-netic stripe card can, and it creates a unique code for each indi-vidual transaction. In order to incentivize the switchover, retailerswho have not made the transition to the more secure systems byOctober will be liable for all fraudulent credit card transactionscarried out at their place of business. The new liability rules may vary by credit card issuer, buteven with the fraudulent use of lost and stolen chip cards that re-quire entering a personal identification number (PIN), the retailerwill be responsible if the transaction is processed on a card readerthat only takes magnetic strip cards or on a chip reader that doesnot take PINs. If you are unsure how this affects you, you are invited tocontact Mac Hardin at 952-933-2026 or [email protected]. Mac oversees AASP-MN’s bankcard program andbrings a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping membersadminister this part of their business.

SENATORS INTRODUCE VEHICLE CYBERSECURITYAND DATA PRIVACY BILL

On July 21, Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass) and RichardBlumenthal (D-Conn) introduced the Security and Privacy inYour Car Act of 2015, or the SPY Car Act of 2015 (S. 1806). Thebill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to work intandem to develop standards for data privacy and communicatingdata collection to con-sumers. Additionally, au-tomakers would berequired to meet any cy-bersecurity standards cre-ated by the agencies toprotect against hackingand limit the access todrivers’ personal informa-tion. The SPY Car Actwould require automakers to adhere to new data security stan-dards by putting in place “reasonable measures” to keep data se-cure when being stored on the vehicle, in off-board storage, or inthe transition of data communication from one location to an-other. These measures would also be communicated to vehicleowners or lessees through a new “cyber dashboard” included onthe information labels for all new motor vehicles.When it comes to data collection and use, the legislation outlinesthat consumers would have ultimate control over their data andmust be provided with clear and transparent notifications of alldata collection. Consumers must also be allowed to deny datacollection without the loss of functionality of things like naviga-tion tools; plus, the data collected cannot be used for marketing

or advertising unless the owner or lessee gives expressed permis-sion to do so. Automakers are opposed to the bill, saying that they shouldoffer any standards for data collection, use, privacy and securityvoluntarily. In 2014, the vehicle manufacturers developed volun-tary data guidelines, but many legislators believe that these measures do not go far enough to protect consumers. Currently, the SPY Car Act has only the two cosponsors andno companion bill in the House of Representatives. The Senate islooking to act soon on broader cybersecurity issues, and this maybe discussed as part that legislative effort.

I-CAR LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT ROLE

I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto CollisionRepair, announced the launch of its new Production Managementcurriculum that provides end-to-end instruction designed to drivebottom-line improvements in productivity and profitabilitythroughout the collision-repair process. Available beginning inAugust of this year, Production Management will be part of I-CAR’s Professional Development Program (PDP), filling animportant curriculum placeholder that was planned when the PDPwas launched in 2010. The new role and curriculum, which goes beyond technicaltraining, was developed using direct industry input, collaboratingwith production managers, shop owners and experts from the col-lision repair industry. It provides insight into critical issues andmultiple areas of the shop floor, while enhancing critical-thinkingand problem-solving skills, enabling participants to quickly ad-dress complex problems shop personnel face in collision-repairproduction. Courses launching in August mark the debut of the ProLevel1 pathway for the role within I-CAR’s industry-recognized PDP.Additional courses are under development for subsequent Pro-Levels as students progress through the curriculum. This role in-troduces the idea of pre-requisites to the PDP, as each course inthe Production Management role must be taken sequentially,thereby minimizing course-to-course redundancy and maximiz-ing learning effectiveness. Production Management Role courses include: • Learning Culture Overview (PM101E01) • Before the Repair Starts (PM105E01) • Matching the Repair to the Team (PM110V01) • Workflow Essentials (PM115E01) • Synchronizing Workflow through Team Communication (PM120L01) • Problem Solving for Workflow Changes (PM125V01) • Quality Is Your Business (PM130E01) • Optimizing Processes, Equipment and Compliance (PM135E01) • Developing the Team and the Business (PM140V01) • Refining the Team and the Business (PM145L01) Students will be able to review detailed information, registerfor classes and track their training progress for the ProductionManagement curriculum online at www.I-CAR.com.


12 September 2015

INSURANCE I.Q.

When it comes to fire extinguishers in the United States,there are two major standards that are used. The first is from the Occupational Safety and Health Admin-istration (OSHA) 1910.157 – Portable Fire Extinguishers – andapplies to the placement, use, maintenance and testing of portablefire extinguishers provided for the use of employees. This stan-dard goes along with OSHA Standard 1910.38 Emergency ActionPlans and 1910.39 Fire Prevention Plans. These standards can befound on the OSHA website (www.OSHA.gov). The second is from the National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) 10 and covers the installation as well as the selection, in-spection, maintenance, recharging and testing of portable fire ex-tinguishing equipment, including a list of obsolete fireextinguishers that should be removed from service. This article will cover obsolete fire extinguishers, classes offire extinguisher, requirements of placement, testing/inspectingand use.

Obsolete Fire Extinguishers: To ensure the fire extinguishers are reliable, it is important toensure they are inspected and that obsolete extinguishers are re-placed. The following fire extinguishers are considered obsoleteand should be removed from service. The manufacturing, use andtesting of inverted type fire extinguishers were discontinued. The“upside-down” or inverted method of actuation extinguishers aredifficult to use, and after 10 to 12 years in service, many failedthe required pressure test and were considered unsafe to use.These failures have seriously injured the operator.

These obsolete extinguishers are: • Soda Acid • Vaporizing liquid (e.g., carbon tetrachloride) • Cartridge-operated water • Chemical foam (excluding film-forming agents) • Cartridge-operated loaded stream • Carbon dioxide extinguishers with metal horns • Copper or brass shell (excluding pump tanks) joined by soft solder or rivets • Pressurized water fire extinguishers manufactured prior to 1971 • Any fire extinguisher that needs to be inverted to operate • Any stored pressure extinguisher manufactured prior to 1955 • Solid charge-type AFFF extinguishers (paper cartridge)

Some disadvantages include: • They are good conductors of electricity • They cannot be turned off once actuated • The extinguishing agent is more corrosive than plain water • Inspection, maintenance and recharging is more costly • They are potentially dangerous to the operator during use

Local authorities, as well as National Fire Protection Codes,

no longer provide credit or recognize fire extinguishers of thesetypes. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed and/or approved fireextinguishers are currently available for replacement of all obso-lete type extinguishers. NFPA also states under NFPA 10 that, “Any fire extinguisherthat can no longer be serviced in accordance with the manufac-turer’s maintenance manual is considered obsolete and shall beremoved from service.” General Fire Extinguisher brand name,Amerex, in 2001, their Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listing waspulled and is now considered obsolete.

Classifications of Fire Extinguishers: There are five common types of fires and associated classesof extinguishers.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:When Was the Last Time

You Paid Them Any Attention?

by Coleman P. Brown III

AASP-MN News



LET US TURN THEMAROUND!

Contact AASP-MN NewsSales DirectorAlicia Figurelli

973.667.6922 /

[email protected]

Class A – Combustible MaterialsClass B – Flammable and Combustible Liquids Class C – Energized Electrical Equipment Class D – Combustible MetalsClass K – Combustible cooking media (oils)

The most common type of fire extinguisher is the dry chemi-cal 40lb class ABC fire extinguishers which cover A, B and Ctype hazard fires.

Requirement for Placement: According to OSHA1910.157 (Class A-type haz-ards), a fire extinguishershall be placed within atravel distance of 75 feet.Class B hazards fire extin-guishers shall be placedwithin a travel distance of50 feet. Class C and D haz-ards fire extinguishers shallbe within 75 feet of the haz-ard area. Since most fire ex-tinguishers are a Class ABCextinguisher, most areplaced at least 75 feet apartand are normally locatednear an exit. In kitchens ormetal shops, the fire extin-guisher shall be located inthe immediate area of thehazard.

continued on page 17


14 September 2015 AASP-MN News



INSURANCE I.Q.continued from pg. 13

Service and Inspection: All fire extinguishers should be tested and inspected by anauthorized fire extinguisher servicing company annually. Theywill conduct the test and inspection and place a tag on the extinguisher. On the back of the tag there are 12 check boxes forthe monthly inspection that should be conducted by the facility’smaintenance or designated person to ensure the extinguisher is ingood condition.

The monthly inspection includes the following: • properly placed

and hung in designated area;

• not blocked and is accessible;

• operating instructions are legible;

• any seals or tamper indicators are not broken, missing or in need of replacement;

• pressure gauge or indicating device, if provided, are in the operable range or position; and

• there is no evidenceof corrosion or physical damage.

If there are any deficiencies, the fire extinguisher should be re-moved from service and replaced immediately. Once the inspection iscompleted, the tag should be marked with the date of inspection andthe initials of the person completing the inspection.

Use of a Fire Extinguisher:Once a fire is

identified, the mostimportant step is toevacuate all occu-pants immediatelyby sounding thealarm. Then, notifythe fire departmentby calling 911. Con-tain the fire by shut-ting doors or puttinga lid on the fire. If the fire is still in the incipient stage or small,then you can extinguish it with the fire extinguisher. Rememberthe term RACE.

To operate an extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS:

Pull the Pin Aim nozzle to the bottom of the fire Squeeze the handle and test to ensure agent Squeeze and Sweep from side to side

SAVE THE DATE!AASP-MN Annual Meeting &

Leadership Conference

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Ramada Plaza1330 Industrial Blvd.

Minneapolis, MN



• Labor Prompts in CCC – Labor prompts need to be setup for Edging, Underside, Inside, BumperRefinish, Aim Lamps and Evacuate/Recharge in CCC ONE. These prompts can be displayed whenwriting an estimate and you set the “default” in the profile section. Go to Configure, Profiles, Selectyour profile and then click Labor Prompts. This must be done for each profile in your system.

• Mixing Paint – It is important to know which processes are included (and more importantly, not-included) in your specific esti-mating system.

The Audatex refinish allowance accounts for mixing the color for the factory paint code and one tint cycle to match the paint on thevehicle. See inquiry 8089.

Mitchell includes “mix materials” in their refinish procedure, but “color match or tinting” is not included. See inquiry 8092.

CCC includes retrieving accurate color information, including paint chip, and the mixing of additives (ex: thinner/reducer/hardeneretc.) to the premixed color; this is referred to as “mix paint.” Test spray-out panel and tinting to achieve color match is not includedin Motor Crash Estimating Data refinish allowance. Mixing Systems enable refinishers to mix the desired color by combiningpaint toners; this formulation of color is not included. See inquiry 4486.

• P-pages – Estimate guides or P-pages are a critical part of the estimate process. Each guide shows included and not included itemsbut also key information for refinishing and common labor options like color sand and buff. A current copy of all three estimatingsystem’s P-Pages can be found on the DEG website. It’s important to know the P-Pages for your system but it’s just as important toknow the P-pages for a system you do not have. CCC has new additions or changes in blue text and Audatex creates a strikethroughfor changed text. Remember to utilize the RACE guide for used parts in CCC and the Recycled column in Audatex.

• When replacing an LKQ quarter panel in CCC the labor time is for more than just the outer skin unless noted with a footnote. Asseen in DEG inquiry 4817.

“Please note that replacing the OEM quarter panel and replacing a LKQ quarter assembly are “apples and oranges” compar-isons. According to the MOTOR Recycled Assemblies Guide To Estimating, page G29, “Assembly is serviced with quarter outerpanel, quarter inner structure, wheelhouse, lock pillar and extensions.” According to the OEM GTE, Page G22, “Quarter panelR&R times are generally based upon replacement at the factory seams.”

If replacing an LKQ part in CCC the RACE Guide from Motor should be utilized. This guide can be found on the DEG website.

• The labor for “bagging” or “car cover” is an included operation with Audatex refinish but, as seen on page 180 of the Audatex P-Pages, the estimate preparer decides what is, or is not included with the paint materials. Having a paint materials list displayed inyour facility could be a useful tool when negotiating what is or is not included.

View these and other estimate tips at www.degweb.org/estimate-tips.

ESTIMATING TIPS



$295 member/$395 non-member + $150 for each additional person from same company


You may have received or heard about a letter the Min-nesota Pollution Control Agency sent out in April about anew type of air permit. First and foremost, you do not needthe new air permit if your shop already has an air permitfrom the MPCA. Shops that got the letter don’t necessarilyneed an air permit, but they were the MPCA’s best guessabout who would want to know that the new air permit isavailable – shops with hazardous waste licenses that don’thave an air permit.

State and federal regulations require most shops to getair permits because regulated pollutants are released into theair during painting. The new air permit was needed becauseof policy changes at the MPCA and EPA in recent years.

If you don’t have an air permit, you will have to eval-uate your painting operations to figure out which permit toget. First, gather records of the amount of paint, thinners andreducers your shop has purchased. Your suppliers should beable to provide purchase records.

If you purchase less than 100 gallons of coatings eachyear, then your shop might be eligible for a registration airpermit. The MPCA’s Small Business Assistance Program cananswer questions about registration air permits at 651-282-6143 or 800-657-3938.

If you purchase more than 100 gallons of coatingseach year, then your shop will probably need the new air per-mit. Because the new air permit is more complicated than theregistration air permit, most shops applying for it will needto work with a consultant. Environmental regulations varyfrom state to state, so hire a consultant who is knowledgeableabout Minnesota air permits. A consultant can help you fig-ure out which permit to get, put together permit applicationmaterials, and work out a plan for implementing the permitrequirements at your shop.

Regardless of which air permit your shop applies for,you will have to gather additional information from yourequipment and paint vendors such as spray gun capacity andMSDSs. You will need information on other sources of airpollution at your shop, too, such as the BTU/hour rating ofspace heaters, boilers and ovens and the amount of heatingfuel used.

The MPCA’s goal is to make sure facilities follow therules that keep air clean. For that reason, the MPCA is givingshops that need the new air permit about a year to apply forit. The MPCA will not fine shops that submit a complete ap-plication for the new air permit before April 30, 2016. If you

have any questions about this, you can contact Sarah Kilgriffat the MPCA at 651-757-2492.

An important thing to remember: If you are thinkingabout opening a new location, you can almost always qualifyfor a registration air permit if you make sure to apply beforeopening. After you open for business, the new type of airpermit will most likely be required. When you buy an exist-ing body shop, work with the owner to have their air permittransferred to you. Otherwise the new type of air permit willbe required.

You can find answers to common questions about thenew air permit, how to apply, and which forms to use on theMPCA website at http://www.pca.state.mn.us/qr994ur.

Again, if your shop already has an air permit, all youneed to do is continue to comply with the permit you have.

About That New Air Permit

PARTNERS IN PREVENTION



F.Y.I.Courtesy of the Lang Aftermarket iReport www.langmarketing.com

Average Age of US Light Vehicles Has Risen to 11.5 Years IHS Automotive announced that the combined averageage of all light vehicles on the road in the US has climbedslightly to 11.5 years, based on a snapshot of vehicles in op-eration (VIO) taken on January 1 of this year. Registrations for light VIO in the US also reached arecord level of 257,900,000. That’s an increase of more than5.3 million (2.1 percent) since last year and the highest an-nual increase the auto industry has seen in the US since IHS

began tracking VIO growth. New vehicle registrations alsooutpaced scrappage by more than 42 percent – the highestrate seen since the statistic has been tracked, according to theanalysis. Scrappage is defined by a vehicle being taken outof the fleet and no longer in use. Average age for both passenger cars and light trucks in-creased just slightly in 2015, and both now stand at 11.5years.

Electric Vehicle Sales BeatdownHigh mpg internal combustion en-

gine (gas and diesel) car and light trucksales in the US are climbing at a fasterpace than sales of new electric light ve-hicles (hybrids and electrics). Dieseland high mpg gas engine car and lighttruck 2014 sales soared more than 22percent. In sharp contrast, electric lightvehicle (HEV and PEV) US 2014 com-bined sales fell five percent. Fuel-efficient internal combustionengines (diesel and gas) are settingsales growth curves greatly exceedingthose of hybrids and electrics, many ofwhich do not offer significantly greateroperating efficiency and often havemuch higher price tags than diesel andgas high mpg cars and light trucks.

Domestic Aftermarket Smaller ButHotter

Domestic nameplate car and lighttruck aftermarket competition is gettinghotter, despite the shrinking share andsize of the domestic nameplate after-market in the US.

With foreign nameplates generatingvirtually all light vehicle aftermarketproduct growth over the next fiveyears, domestic car and light truckproduct share and volume will continueto diminish. Nevertheless, competitionin the shrinking domestic market sectoris intensifying at the installer, whole-sale, retail and brand levels.

• Installer market competition is increasing in the domestic name-plate sector as dealers that lost their



AASP News September 2015 25

franchises convert to used car operations with bays. Most of these converting dealers are domestic car and light truck dealers that will continue to primarily repair domestic nameplates. • Growing commercial sales of retail auto parts stores are increasing wholesale product competition in the domestic nameplate DIFM market, even as that segment of the aftermarket declines in product share and volume. • Growing Internet sales are expanding most rapidly in the DIY

market, which has nearly three- quarters of its volume represented by domestic nameplate cars and light trucks. This will increase domestic nameplate DIY competition. • Growing Private Label volume is intensifying domestic nameplate brand competition, since Private Labels disproportionately are used, especially by DIFM outlets, in the repair and maintenance of domestic nameplate cars and light trucks.

WelcomeNew Members:

AUGUST 2015

Check out the new & improved AASP-MN website at

www.aaspmn.org!

Blue Net, Inc.Eagan

Honest-1 Auto CareRoseville & Falcon Heights

Jon’s Auto RepairSt. Louis Park

Winter RepairHoldingford



CASH IN ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

WORKERS’ COMP INSURANCEMeadowbrook Insurance GroupContact: Dennis Spindler763-549-2238 / [email protected] scheduled credit makes Meadowbrook one ofthe most competitive programs around for Worker‘sCompensation insurance. In addition, members areeligible to receive an annual dividend based on thegroup’s loss ratio. For more information, log on towww.wcpolicy.com/aaspmn.

PROPERTY/LIABILITY INSURANCECBIZ AIAContact: Dennis Spindler763-549-2238 / [email protected] AIA will present AASP-MN members with quotesfrom multiple carriers for property/liability insurance andmembers can choose the program that best fits their situa-tion. As an added bonus, CBIZ AIA will offer members anexclusive 10% discount on their property/liability insur-ance premiums.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITSCBIZ AIAContact: Dennis Begley763-549-2260 / [email protected] AIA will provide AASP-MN member with quotesfrom multiple carriers for life insurance, health insur-ance, long-term care and disability insurance.

UNIFORM & LINEN SUPPLIESAmeriPride ServicesContact: Jim Dillon651-955-1398 / [email protected] pricing to members on rental of uniforms,entrance mats, shop rags, etc. Purchases are also dis-counted. Members receive annual rebate equal to10% of their business with AmeriPride each year.

CREDIT CARD PROCESSINGAssociation BankCard ServicesContact: Mac Hardin952-933-2026 / [email protected] rates for AASP-MN members. Terminalsand printers sold at cost. Monthly rental of equipmentis also available.

INDUSTRIAL & PAPER PRODUCTSWipers & Wipes, Inc.Contact: Dennis Julson651-486-4866Discounts on industrial supplies and paper products.Free, next-day delivery is available in the metro area.Shipping free to outstate members with $100 pur-chase.

WEBSITE AND INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTIONSNet DrivenContact: Jon Napoli877-860-2005, ext. 400 / [email protected] Driven is a market leader in website and internetmarketing solutions designed exclusively for the auto-motive industry. AASP-MN members who choose NetDriven are eligible for a $500 discount off their 1st yearsetup fees. For more information, contact Jon Napoli.

StormlogixContact: Paul Switzer732-364-1156 / [email protected] extends a discount on its website pack-ages to AASP members. Costs can be spread outover 6 months.

AUTO EMPLOYEE ASSESSMENTAssessment Associates InternationalContact: Ron Page (952) 854-6551 / [email protected] to help facilitate and enhance hiring decisions. AASP-MN members receive 50 percent off retail price and starts as low as $15 per assessment.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION HOTLINEIDENTIFIX800-288-6220Members enjoy discounted prices on the industry’s #1technical information hotline. One free call is extendedto all first-time AASP-MN member callers.

BUSINESS FORMS/CALENDARSAASP-MNContact: Jodi Pillsbury612-623-1110 / [email protected] rate on printed business forms and calendars.

SHOP SERVICESSummit eMarketing SherpasContact: Frank Terlep888-377-2661 / [email protected] members receive a 5% discount on all SummiteMarketing Sherpas’ services, including: websitedesign and development, search engine optimization,email marketing and communication, online reviewand reputation management and social mediamarketing.

INFORMATION PROVIDERSMitchell1Contact: Mitchell1 Representative888-724-6742 x 6986AASP members are eligible for special Mitchell 1 in-formation and management programs at significantdiscounts. For more information, log ontowww.mitchell1.com or contact the Mitchell 1 representa-tive at 888-724-6742, X6986.

Mitchell International Contact: Mitchell International Representative 800-238-9111

AASP members receive a 15% discount on anyMitchell RepairCenter TechAdvisor package. Visithttp://repaircenter.mitchell.com/Catalog/OEMRepair.aspx for more information.

PAYROLL PROCESSINGCBIZ PayrollContact: Carrie Hobrough612-436-4620 / [email protected] receive 20% discount off standard payrollproducts and services (excluding 401k). Memberswho switch prior to June 30 will receive first month ofpayroll processing free.

CHECK GUARANTEE SERVICESCertegy Check ServicesContact: Heather Ellis952-240-5017 / [email protected] rate of .75% to AASP-MN members. Use existing credit card terminal. Fast claim payments.

BUSINESS COACHING180BIZ540-833-2014 / [email protected] offers BUSINESS COACHING to AASP membersat a steep 20% discount! One Eighty Business SolutionsLLC (180BIZ) has been helping shop owners increaseprofits and car count while decreasing stress since 2003.AASP members receive a discount on very affordable one-on-one coaching plans without long-term commitmentsand complicated contracts. 180BIZ offiers a risk-free trialof their services. To learn more, please call or email us, orvisit our website.

REPLACEMENT PARTSDorman ProductsPhone: 800-868-5777, ext. 5329AASP members receive insider information, specialaccess and other perks from Dorman Products, aleading supplier of dealer “exclusive” automotive re-placement parts.

LEGAL CONSULTATIONFryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick800-496-6789Members receive free, over-the-phone legal assess-ment and consultation (some restrictions apply) withan attorney who specializes in the area of law that isthe subject of the call.

AASP-MN MEMBER BENEFIT PROGRAMS

The Fryberger law firm provides a full range of legal serv-ices, with 24 attorneys practicing in areas of specialization. Thefirm’s home office is in Duluth, MN, and it also has satellite of-fices in St. Paul and Superior, WI. Here’s how the program works… • Calls can be placed via the firm’s toll-free number at 800-496-6789. • AASP-MN members must identify themselves as such and indicate that they are calling for a consultation under the AASP-MN Legal Services Program. Members should be prepared to articulate the facts underlying their legal question. • The call will be referred to an attorney or paralegal that specializes in the area of law that is the subject of the call. • Initial consultation and advice (not to exceed a half hour of legal services) will be provided at no charge. • If the issue cannot be resolved in the initial

consultation and additional research or legal action is required, the member may elect to engage the services of Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith and Frederick. The firm will charge reasonable fees for such services.

AASP-MN is pleased to offer this valuable benefit to itsmembers. During thecourse of a day’s business,members come across rela-tively simple legal ques-tions that, with access toaffordable and appropriateexpertise, are easily re-solved. This program is de-signed to facilitate thatprocess. For more information, contact the AASP-MN office at 612-623-1110 or 800-852-9071 or email [email protected].

AASP-MN/Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith &Frederick Law Firm Legal Services Program


aasp-mn news september 2015

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