| What You Need to Know
To Elevate and Unite Automotive Professionals, and Give Them Voice
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Like ASCCA on Our New Facebook Page
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Please visit us on our new Facebook page. We look forward to your comments and shared experiences. We will be posting information, links and events as a way to continue supporting our community and advancing our industry. Please encourage your friends and colleagues to "Like" us as well! We look forward to hearing from you soon! |
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Repair Only Station License Fills Marketplace Need
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Those ASCCA members who participate on TeamTalk have received frequent updates from Government Affairs Committee Chair Craig Johnson regarding increased opportunities for repairing your customers' failed Smog Checks by becoming licensed as a Repair-Only station. The following is a synopsis of an article from the recent BAR newsletter; it also includes information Craig provided to TeamTalk.
According to a recent edition of Consumer Reports, most car owners hold on to their vehicles for more than six years, and prefer to have their vehicles serviced by a repair facility that specializes in their make and model cars.
Often, the consumer and shop develop a relationship based upon successful service and repair. Over time, the shop becomes familiar with the service history of the vehicle and the consumer trusts the shop with needed service and repairs. The new Smog Check Repair-Only license provides a method for these shops to maintain their relationship with their customers for Smog Check-related repairs. The Repair-Only license also provides new opportunities for shops providing specialty repairs related to Smog Check (such as automatic transmission repairs or diesel engine repairs) to become licensed Smog Check repair facilities, as well.
What are the market needs for consumers and Repair-Only Stations? Advancements in technology have made vehicles more reliable and efficient while at the same time more complex. Repairs now require more in-depth knowledge and more sophisticated equipment than before. This advancement in technology has led the industry toward a more specialized repair market. . .As a result, many shops now specialize in a particular vehicle manufacturer or, in some cases, certain types of vehicles (e.g., diesel-powered vehicles). For the most part, these shops focus on repair, and the Test-and-Repair station license does not fit their business model so they are not Smog Check licensed. . .
How does BAR's Licensing Restructure help resolve these market needs? BAR's licensing restructure makes it easier for specialty repair facilities that are currently not affiliated with the Smog Check program to become licensed to perform Smog Check repairs. Not only does this give consumers more choices when seeking Smog Check repairs for their vehicles, but it also provides qualified repair technicians a clear and reasonable path toward becoming a licensed Smog Check technician.
An important factor to note is that Repair-Only stations are required to have the same engine diagnostic equipment and repair tools that are required for Test-and-Repair stations, including ignition systems, fuel systems, emission control systems, computer engine controls systems and other related components for each type of vehicle that they diagnose and repair. Repair-Only stations must also employ at least one Smog Check Repair Technician.
Per Craig Johnson:
Later you can choose to get the "Inspector" license when the new OBD tester is released later this year and test 2000-newer vehicles, if that is what you want to do.
Here's how to become licensed:
Go to www.bar.ca.gov , click on the Industry Tab right above the Governor's head, Click on Licensing on left, go down to" SMOG CHECK INSPECTOR AND TECHNICIAN LICENSES" and then read how.
Click here for the Smog Check Inspector and Repair Technician Information.
Click here for the Smog Check Technician Licensing Exam Guide.
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BAR Eliminates Printed Issue of Automotive Repair and Smog Check News
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In order to reduce costs and save resources, the Bureau of Automotive Repair has announced that future editions of its Automotive Repair and Smog Check News will not be printed and mailed to ARD's. The publication will be a digital only newsletter posted on its website, www.autorepair.ca.gov, or www.bar.ca.gov. Special edition newsletters and other information may be printed and distributed on a case-by-case basis. Those who are licensed Smog Check technicians or a registered ARD will automatically be placed on BAR's mailing list to receive an e-mail notification when each subsequent newsletter is posted.
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January Member of the Month John Camara
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John Camara, Camara Auto Service, Inc., Tulare, CA
In his own words:
"I became inspired to get involved in automotive repair from always being curious as to how toys and other objects worked. When my personal objects would eventually break I would naturally try to fix them. When I entered high school I enrolled in auto shop classes and eventually an opportunity came along for me to work part time at a full service station assisting in the repairs. That began my automotive repair career.
In 1972 the owner of the facility I grew to manage unfortunately experienced serious medical complications and he could no longer work full time and looked for a buyer to take over his business. At that time I decided this would be my opportunity to own my own repair shop. I then was able to start my own business on January 01, 1973.
From the very first ASCCA meeting I attended in my chapter we sat at a round table with five shop owners and tried to help one of the shop owners solve a problem with a car they were working on. At that point I knew I wanted to belong. Afterwards, staying in ASCCA was easy, there is a quote I believe is from Henry Ford and says "If you want to be successful surround yourself with successful people." That is what I have done in ASCCA.
To my fellow shop owners who are new in ASCCA the first thing that I would recommend is to ATTEND a meeting, PARTICIPATE in a chapter or the state meetings and don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions; everyone there is your friend."
ASCCA members like John are shining examples of how One Member CAN Make a Difference!
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Calendar of Events
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Team Weekend Saturday, Febrary 8-10, 2013 Fairmont Newport Beach Hotel Reservation: 1-800-441-1414 Room Rate: 129 Agenda and meeting registration information will be available soon. 2013 Industry Summit Saturday, February 9, 2013 8:00 am - 11:00 am Fairmont Newport Beach Click here for agenda. . |
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California Department of Insurance Announces Approval of Auto Body Repair Regulations
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Regulations strengthen insurer accountability in auto body repair and use of aftermarket parts
SACRAMENTO - Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announced that the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) approved amended regulations submitted by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) regarding the use of non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement crash parts.
After investigating complaints from consumers and automobile repair shops and evaluating the law, CDI drew the conclusion that defective or otherwise non-compliant aftermarket parts continued to infiltrate the repair process due to insurers' failure to perform the necessary steps to ensure public safety. CDI had been made aware of defective aftermarket bumper reinforcements, hood latches, and other safety related parts being required by insurers that otherwise were not compliant with current repair standards. CDI had also been made aware of substantial costs borne by automobile repair shops and their customers associated with installing defective or poorly fitting parts required by insurers. Performing repairs that do not comply with current repair standards or placing an inferior aftermarket part in a vehicle may cause the vehicle's value to depreciate. Defective parts may cause injury or even death if they malfunction.
Prior to beginning the formal rulemaking, CDI listened to stakeholders representing consumers, insurers, automobile repair shops, distributors, and automobile manufacturers. CDI also held a pre-rulemaking workshop in November 2011, which included strong representation of many stakeholders involved in the process.
Specifically, this rulemaking will strengthen and enhance current law by:
- Requiring an insurer to pay for the costs associated with returning a defective part and the cost to remove and replace the defective part with a compliant non-OEM part or an OEM part;
- Requiring the current insurer's warranty be expressly stated in the estimate of repair generated by the insurer;
- Requiring an insurer to cease use of a part known to be non-compliant, and to notify the part distributer within thirty (30) days;
Requiring an insurer to pay for an amount to repair the damaged vehicle to its pre-loss condition in a good and workmanlike manner, based upon the repair standards required by auto body repair shops licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair.
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Get Your ASCCA
The Sign You Can Trust! Sign and WIN!!
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The ASCCA Public Relations slogan is designed with the purpose of ensuring that the ASCCA sign is synonymous with quality automotive shops. The slogan, The Sign You Can Trust! is directed at your potential and existing customers.
This exciting new campaign started by incorporating our new slogan The Sign You Can Trust! with our existing logo, creating public awareness that will translate into consumers looking for shops displaying the ASCCA sign. The goal of our campaign is to increase your business with new customers and help you retain existing clients.
Participation in The Sign You Can Trust! campaign will strengthen the public's awareness that ASCCA shops are the shops they can trust to meet their automotive needs.
NOW you can participate in the campaign AND win great prizes at the same time! For a limited time, members displaying the new sign along with their existing sign can be entered into a drawing to WIN! All you have to do is 1) purchase The Sign You Can Trust! sign for $20; 2) attach it to your shop with your ASCCA sign; and 3) take a photo and submit it to staff at calvidrez@amgroup.us. Each photo will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win one of our great prizes, which include:
- Beautiful limited addition print by wildlife artist Sandra Jordan
- Three cases of synthetic motor oil from Kendall Oil
- $100 gift card
- Made to order ASCCA jacket from G & K Services, Inc.
In addition, the Chapter with the highest percentage of photos sent in from individuals will win (1) free admission to the 2013 ASCCA Summer Education Conference and 2 nights hotel accommodations!
To submit photos for entry into the lottery, please send your photo to ASCCA staff at calvidrez@amgroup.us - please include your name, shop name, city, and Chapter number.
For more information on getting the ASCCA logo with the new slogan and for purchasing an adjunct sign, contact ASCCA staff at (800) 810-4272 or email Heather Vigil at hvigil@amgroup.us.
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Nominate an ASCCA Member for Member of the Month! | |
The ASCCA Member of the Month is a new program developed by ASCCA leadership to recognize our members who go above and beyond to support our core purpose: To Elevate and Unite Automotive Professionals and Give Them Voice.
Each Member of the Month will receive a certificate and a $50 Visa gift card. Additionally, the member will be recognized on the ASCCA website homepage for one month, announced on Team Talk, featured in the WYNTK and in the California Independent.
YOU can nominate a Member of the Month by sending your recommendation to Heather Vigil at hvigil@amgroup.us. All nominations should include a summary of why your nominee should be considered for ASCCA's Member of the Month.
When making a recommendation, please use the following criteria:
- Faithfully adheres to ASCCA code of ethics
- Active proponent of ASCCA (both State and Chapter); talks up ASCCA to non-members
- Actively helps oter shops succeed (both member and non-member shops)
- Utilizes member benefits (ASCCA Advantage) and mentors new members utilizing benefits
- Active in local Chapter (where applicable) and state events
- Adds his/her voice to legislative issues; contacting representatives on key issues
- Pays dues on time
- Participates in/monitors Team Talk
Each nomination will be carefully reviewed and considered by the ASCCA Membership Committee. The pool of Members of the Month winners will be voted on by the Chapter Representatives Committee for Member of the Year to be honored at ASCCA's Summer Conference, June 21-23, 2013 at the Hilton Irvine Orange County.
For more information on the Member of the Month program, please contact Heather Vigil at hvigil@amgroup.us.
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| Special Thank You to ASCCA's Diamond Sponsors! | 
www.iatn.net
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One Capitol Mall, Suite 320
Sacramento, CA 95814
(800) 810-4272
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