Author Archives: Phillip Thompson
Glas-Weld Moves to Dismiss All Claims Against the Boyles
Glas-Weld filed a request in U.S. District Court January 30 to dismiss the well-known, multi-year case against a former employee it accused of patent infringement.
Fuyao Glass Investing $1 Billion in U.S. Factories
Chinese auto supplier Fuyao Glass Industry Group will complete a total of $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing investments by the end 2017, including about $500 million it has put into an automotive glass plant in Ohio, the company’s chairman told Reuters.
Tesla Plans “Right to Repair” for its Customers
Tesla Motors, Inc., keeps on opening up its service centers to facilitate its customers so that they can get their electric cars fixed in case of any issues.
Lawsuit Says Auto Collision Employees Menaced Geico Claims Adjusters
One of the nation’s largest car insurance companies wants to sever all ties with Tigard-based repair chain Leif’s Auto Collision Centers—because it says Leif’s employees physically threatened its claims adjusters.
Bills Re-Emerge to Eliminate No-Fault Insurance
Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system could be nearing the end of its road.
Angry Passenger Shoots at Mom’s Car Window
A woman says one of her car windows was shot out by an angry passenger on Highway 22 on Friday.
KC Man Dies After Wheel Hits Windshield
A man was killed driving on a highway Thursday when a wheel from a trailer being towed broke loose and struck his windshield, causing him to crash into a concrete barrier.
Police See More Vehicle Break-Ins For One Neighborhood
Katherine Holmgrem had never had any issues in the Riverside neighborhood until about a week and a half ago when she found her vehicle window broken.
Audi Recalls 500,000+ Vehicles
Audi is recalling nearly a quarter million vehicles due to a sunroof drainage defect, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report.
TODAY’S BLOG: Leadership Lessons – Getting Better?
“Can you believe it? One month of 2017 is already gone. So what have you done to get better this year?”
–Mark Liston
NASCAR: Cup Series Removing Driver Names From Windshields
The 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series is going to come with a handful of changes or enhancements that are sure to play a major role on the outcome of the season.
Elon Musk: Refugees ‘Don’t Deserve to be Rejected’
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has joined the tech chorus opposing President Donald Trump’s seven-country ban on immigration.
Audi: Dealers Should Embrace EV Movement
Audi of America is set to make a bigger push into electrification and wants its dealer body to get onboard with the movement.
Driver Cheats Death When Gas Hose Adapter Smashes Windshield
A motorist in New Mexico got the shock of his life when a huge gas hose adapter fell off a truck and smashed into his windshield on the Interstate.
Potential Thieves Smash 20+ Car Windows
Over 20 cars around Jakes Way had their windows smashed in early Saturday morning for the second time this month.
Arizona Legislator Draws Fire for Proposed Zero Deductible Repeal
The sponsor of a bill that would effectively repeal Arizona’s “zero-deductible law” spoke publicly about the bill’s provisions January 25 on a Phoenix radio station, and her comments drew swift reactions from some in the auto glass industry.
Tesla Lawsuit Alleges Former Autopilot Director Stole Data
Tesla Motors has accused former Autopilot director Sterling Anderson of taking company information and using it for a competing venture, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday at the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara.
Did Illinois Supreme Court Election Involve Racketeering?
Plots don’t get much thicker than the federal civil racketeering lawsuit that a group of trial lawyers has filed against Bloomington-based State Farm Insurance.
Yankee (Candle) Ingenuity: This Seems Like a Bad Idea
File this one in the, “Don’t try this at home” category. During a recent traffic stop in a rural part of Waldo County, Maine, Deputy Jon Shaw found the driver was engaged in a creative but very unsafe method of defrosting the windshield.
Ice Flies Off Car, Shatters Another Driver’s Windshield
It was a scary moment for a woman driving on Interstate 84 when ice that blew off a vehicle in front of her smashed into her windshield and shattered it, state police said.
Thieves Smash Car Windows, Steal Purses in Parking Lot
Four thieves were captured on surveillance video smashing car windows and stealing purses last month in a parking lot in Weston, authorities said.
Next in ADAS? FHWA Announces Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Guidance
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced January 19 new Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) guidance that can improve safety and mobility by accelerating the deployment of V2I communication systems.
Century Glass Signs on as Glass.com® Affiliate
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Century Glass of South Carolina is the newest glass company to become an affiliate of Glass.com®.
Pak Suzuki to Invest in Automobile Glass Manufacturing Company
Pak Suzuki Motor Company – the largest carmaker in Pakistan with over 50 percent market share – on Wednesday announced that it intends to invest in a joint venture company that will manufacture automobile glass, according to a company notice sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Inside View: Belron Enters Collision Sector with Speedy Acquisition
The president of Belron Canada, Ralph Hosker, says the deal is a major step for the company.
Volkswagen Put Silver in Windshields to Melt Away Snow
It’s impossible not to look at a new feature from Volkswagen with a skeptical eye after Dieselgate, but we’re hoping the company’s new climate windshield, that can melt snow and ice without the need for distracting wires, delivers as promised—because the winter sucks if you own a car.
18M Americans Can’t Afford Auto Insurance
Auto insurance is usually managed on a state-by-state basis, but there is one issue that the federal government officials agree on, and that’s the trend of insurance becoming more “unaffordable” on a local basis.
Pole Shoots Through Pickup Windshield
A pole flew through the driver’s-side windshield of a pickup being driven by 64-year-old man Wednesday morning near Pendleton High School.
Toddler Injured When Object Shatters Windshield
A McKeesport toddler is recovering after someone threw an object at the car he was riding in, shattering the windshield and causing glass to become embedded in his head.
Minn. Court Rules in Favor of Safelite in Balance-Billing Lawsuit
Safelite is entitled to use scripts telling customer they “may” be balance-billed under the First Amendment, a Minnesota federal court has ruled.
Elon Musk: Tesla’s ‘Fully Self-Driving’ Feature Ready in 6 months
Tesla this week announced plans for an update for its Enhanced Autopilot program, but if the company’s founder has his way the feature could be obsolete sooner than anticipated.
Carlex Design Giving 2017 Mustang a Whole New Attitude
Regardless if Ford got it right with the refreshed 2018 Mustang, the original 6th generation model still remains in the cross-hairs of plenty of tuning companies, including Carlex Design that’s teasing a new custom build.
Owner of Limo Torched in DC Says Insurance Unlikely to Pay
Insurance likely won’t cover the damage to a limousine set on fire during an Inauguration Day protest in Washington, the limo company president says.
Driver Survives After Log Smashes Through Windshield on Highway
One man was hurt after a log smashed through the windshield of the car he was driving on a South Carolina highway.
Man Fined for Smashing Car Windshield
An Atherton man has been fined for damaging a car windscreen.
New Poll
Do you think the United States’ retraction of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will help or hurt the U.S. auto glass industry? Vote in the poll on the right of this page.
Arizona Introduces Legislation to Eliminate ‘Zero Deductible’
Two Republican state legislators in Arizona are co-sponsoring legislation that would eliminate the state’s “zero-deductible” law with respect to auto glass repair and replacement.
Age Bias Claims Revived In Pittsburgh Glass Works Suit
The Third Circuit in a precedential ruling on Tuesday revived some claims in an age bias suit against Pittsburgh Glass Works, ruling that disparate impact claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act are not limited to 40 and older comparisons, and a policy that favors younger members of a protected class can still be illegal.
Safelite AutoGlass Tries Innovative Approach to Natural Gas Compression
Safelite Auto Glass announced today it has selected Simple-Fill to fuel its fleet vehicles at the Safelite facility in Worthington, Ohio.
NYPD to Install Bullet-Resistant Windows in All Patrol Cars
The de Blasio administration is planning to spend $10.4 million to outfit all NYPD patrol cars with bullet-resistant window inserts, according to City Hall officials. While there’s no such thing as “bulletproof,” the window panels to be installed are built to be resistant to bullets.
Laminated Glass May Have Made Breaking Glass Difficult for SPD Officer
After seeing the incredible rescue efforts of Spokane Police Officer Tim Schwering as he saved a woman from a burning car on Friday, many people wondered Monday why it was so difficult for him to break the glass.
Tesla’s Autopilot Investigation Could Change Nature of Auto Recalls
Just a few months after the federal government opened up its investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot system, the electric carmaker released a software update that could have prevented the whole ordeal in the first place.
Owl Crashes into Car’s Windshield in Thomaston
A driver in Thomaston had a run-in with an owl Saturday.
Windshield of Vehicle Heading North on I-87 Takes Direct Hit
The windshield of a vehicle heading north on Interstate 87 was smashed early Sunday morning when someone threw an object off the Butler Road overpass in the Saratoga County town of Moreau.
Glass Shops Busy After Violent Weekend Storms
Communities in Mississippi and Georgia were reeling from weekend storms that ripped through the Deep South, leaving widespread damage that was still being assessed Monday.
TODAY’S BLOG: Leadership Lessons – Your Network
“One of my favorite events every year is our Leadership Summit.”
–Mark Liston
Bilateral Investments Bring U.S., China Closer
Fuyao Glass Industry Group’s investment is an epitome of rapidly increasing Chinese investments in the United States.
Elon Musk: ‘Tesla Will Not Stop Innovating’
Tesla doesn’t use the same annual model cycle as most automakers and it can result in some difficulties for customers trying to time their order in an attempt to get the latest features.
Michigan Car Insurance Third Highest in U.S.
If you think what you’re paying for car insurance is too high, you’re right, it is.
Larry King’s Car Windows Smashed During Inauguration Protest
Unlike some of the quirky, inane observations longtime talk show host Larry King makes in his #KingsThings Twitter feature, things just got real.
Metal Post Crashes Through Car Windshield, Nearly Impales Driver
A woman in Johor came within a hair’s breadth of getting impaled by a large metal post that crashed into her car’s windscreen.
Man Arrested for breaking Windshield, Making Threats With Pocketknife
Rexburg police responded to a call shortly after midnight Monday where they found a man who had apparently broken the rear windshield of a car with his fist.
AG Business Owners Looking to New Administration to Help
It’s unofficial, of course, but a glassBYTEs.com poll this week indicates that most respondents think the new administration of Republican Donald Trump will help the auto glass business.
DOT Designates 10 Automated Vehicle Proving Grounds For New Technologies
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has designated 10 proving ground pilot sites to encourage testing and information sharing around automated vehicle technologies, according to a DOT January 19 release.
NHTSA to Close Tesla Autopilot Investigation Without Recall Request
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will close the investigation it began six months ago into a driver death that occurred while using Tesla’s Autopilot highway semi-autonomous driving feature, Reuters reports.
Missouri Farmer Admits Smashing Windshield With Hay-Fork Loader
A southwest Missouri farmer who was charged in a fork loader assault has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.
Driver OK After Concrete Falls On Windshield While Driving
Steven Rausch’s grandmother said he was driving last Sunday when a chuck on concrete crashed into his windshield.
Teens Arrested for Shooting Out Car Windows
Five teens were arrested by Braidwood police on Jan. 13 after two of them were seen shooting out the windows of two cars in the 900 block of Annadon Lane.
Briefly …
Do you offer side-view mirror replacements or repair as part of your retail operation? If you do, our editors want to hear from you. Contact us at pthompson@glass.com.
Some Car Dealers Refuse to Recalibrate Aftermarket Glass
Is OE glass now a requirement for recalibration after a windshield replacement?
Carlex Glass American Names New President/COO
Nashville, Tenn.-based Carlex Glass America LLC announced January 18 the appointment of Don Michelotti as president and chief operating officer.
Faraday Future Said to be in Shambles as Cash Runs Low
Faraday Future, the electric-car startup once hyped as a “Tesla-killer,” was getting a second chance.
Audi Hopes to Beat Tesla in Chinese Electric Car Market
Audi is planning a major push into the Chinese electric car market in an effort to gain an advantage over Tesla.
Bus Driver Flung Through Windshield After Collision
A 28-year-old bus driver who was flung through the windscreen after a collision with a truck on the N12 in Westonaria, west of Johannesburg, died on the scene.
Man Could be Responsible for Dozens of Smashed Car Windows
A Madison man arrested for allegedly smashing a window of a parked car and taking items could be responsible for dozens of similar crimes since late November in the downtown area.
Briefly …
Do you offer side-view mirror replacements or repair as part of your retail operation? If you do, our editors want to hear from you. Contact us at pthompson@glass.com.
U.S. Travel Continues Upward Trend
Based on preliminary reports from state highway agencies, travel during November 2016 on all U.S. roads and streets in the nation changed by 4.3 percent (10.8 billion vehicle miles) resulting in estimated travel for the month at 262.2 billion vehicle-miles.
National Windscreens Makes New Board Appointment
National Windscreens has appointed John Smallman to its board of directors as it looks to drive further growth.
Australian Windshield Company Fined $85,000
An Adelaide car windscreens company and its director have been penalized almost $85,000 after exploiting seven employees, including one who was paid a flat hourly rate of just $12.50 for a period of 10 years.
2018 Mustang Gets 10 Gears, More Power
Ford just revealed updates for one of America’s most famous cars.
Damaged Windshield Leads to Pot Bust
A cannabis user was caught with the class B drug after he was approached in his car by police who had been concerned about his damaged windscreen.
Wrench Flies off Truck, Smashes Through Windshield
It was shocking and sudden: A wrench came flying at a car on Interstate 79 and smashed into the windshield.
Car Windows Broken With Boulders in Dayton
Police find cars with boulders thrown through car windows in Dayton.
New Poll
Do You Think the New Administration Will Help or Hurt Your Business Over the Next Four Years? Go to glassbytes.com to take our poll.
Briefly …
Do you offer side-view mirror replacements or repair as part of your retail operation? If you do, our editors want to hear from you. Contact us at pthompson@glass.com.
More Time Needed in Safelite Federal Labor Law Suit
A California judge has vacated a filing deadline in a class-action case in which a former Safelite technician claims the auto glass company violated federal labor law.
Tiny & Sons Glass Company Signs on as Glass.com® Affiliate
Glass.com®, an information portal specifically designed to provide accurate information about glass to consumers, today announced the addition of Tiny & Sons Glass Company of Pembroke, Mass., to its growing list of affiliate companies.
Gerber Collision & Glass Opens Four Centers in Arizona
The Boyd Group Inc. today announced the January 13 opening of three collision repair centers and an active intake center in the Phoenix area
Boyd Group Income Fund Announces January 2017 Cash Distribution
Boyd Group Income Fund announced January 17 a cash distribution this month of $0.043 per trust unit.
ABRA Centers Achieve NSF Certification
More than 200 ABRA (Auto Body Repair of America) Auto Body & Glass repair centers received certifications via the NSF Collision Repair Shop Certification Program, NSF announced January 11.
CO2 Emissions Increasing in Priority for Autoglass Customers
New research from Autoglass has identified several areas of increased concern among British fleet managers for the new year.
Mississippi House Passes Bill Enforcing Mandatory Auto Insurance
House members are approving a bill that would require county tax collectors to check whether Mississippians have auto insurance before renewing their license tags.
Hero Bus Driver Killed by Debris Ripping Through Windshield
A bus driver in China has been hailed as a hero for saving the lives of 24 passengers after being fatally injured by a piece of iron debris that smashed through the windshield.
NYPD Patrol Car Windows Blasted in Attack
An assailant used what cops believe was a BB gun to blast out the windows of an NYPD patrol car while two officers sat inside early on Monday, police sources said.
Briefly …
Do you offer side-view mirror replacements or repair as part of your retail operation? If you do, our editors want to hear from you. Contact us at pthompson@glass.com.
Georgia Supreme Court Rules Against ‘Prevailing Prices’
A Georgia woman recently won a $40,000 award from State Farm when the Georgia Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal by the insurance carrier.
AG Companies Make Personnel Moves
The new year is less than a month old, and some auto glass companies have already begun making personnel moves.
TODAY’S BLOG: Leadership Lessons – Call to Duty
“On January 11, 400 soldiers in the 148th Infantry Division met with their families for the soldier’s Call to Duty – an event that joins families, friends, employers and politicians together as these soldiers head to Jordan for deployment until December.”
–Mark Liston
Porsche Building a Tesla Rival
Porsche is working on a stunning, all-electric car that could rival Tesla down the line.
Wyoming Proposes Bill to Allow Direct Auto Sales
Wyoming is one among several states that doesn’t allow Tesla to sell its cars to consumers, due to the company’s direct sales model.
Tree Crashes Through Driver’s Windshield – While Driving
It was a crash he just couldn’t see coming.
Residents Cleaning up After Car Glass Shattered
People in Pueblo County are dealing with the aftermath of finding car glass shattered and things missing from their cars.
Briefly …
Do you offer side-view mirror replacements or repair as part of your retail operation? If you do, our editors want to hear from you. Contact us at pthompson@glass.com.
Major Ice Storm Expected to Disrupt AG business in Midwest
Winter Storm Jupiter has emerged as a major ice storm, sweeping across the middle of the country with the potential for widespread damage – and disrupting auto glass businesses in the Midwest.
Combat Vet Warns of ‘Exploding’ Sunroofs
It’s not something any driver expects, but it has happened to hundreds of people. Drivers are reporting that for no apparent reason, their sunroofs are suddenly shattering — causing glass to rain down on them.
Tesla Motors Poaches Apple Mac Designer to Build Cars
Tesla Motors Inc. hired Apple Inc.’s veteran, Chris Lattner, to take charge of the Autopilot software as the vice president.
Michigan Legislature Driving to Drop Auto Insurance Costs
Many drivers will agree auto insurance in Michigan is high, but the state legislature hasn’t been able to find a way to get a reform for lower costs through. But members of the state house are starting to think now is the time.
Bill Could Enforce Mandatory Auto Insurance in Mississippi
House members are approving a bill that would require county tax collectors to check whether Mississippians have auto insurance before renewing their license tags.
Tree Falls on Taxi, Smashes Rear Windshield
A tree fell on a taxi in a rainstorm on January 10, denting the vehicle and shattering its rear windscreen.
Brick Thrown off Bridge Smashes Couple’s Windshield
A couple’s car was damaged Tuesday night when they said someone threw a brick off the Interstate 77 overpass onto Interstate 85.
Briefly …
Do you offer side-view mirror replacements as part of your retail operation? If you do, our editors want to hear from you. Contact us at pthompson@glass.com.
Wet, Snowy Weather in West Slowing Down Some Businesses
The winter weather hitting the western United States this week has wreaked havoc on roads, bridge and communities in California and Nevada – and on the automotive glass businesses there.
National Windscreens Inks Contract with Hoyer
National Windscreens signed a three-year sole supplier contract with Hoyer Petrolog UK, a United Kingdom-based supplier of transportation and logistics to the petroleum industry, National Windscreens announced January 12. National Windcreens will provide Hoyer’s fleet of petroleum and bitumen tankers … Continue reading
NHTSA Proposes New V2V Standard
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed the establishment of a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) to mandate vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications for new light vehicles, according the Federal Register.
Cold Calgary Weather may Cause Rear Windows to Break
All the snow on Calgary roads this winter means more sand and salt, which can lead to more cracked windshields. But the many temperature changes your car is exposed to may cause other window damage.
Metal Beams Crash Through Windshield, Driver Injured
Steven McCourtm, 60, was on I-4 near Altamonte Springs when a pickup truck hauling two metal beams in front of him slowed because of traffic.
Dozens of Vandalized Vehicles Reported in Lafayette
Lafayette police received nearly two dozen reports of vandalism Monday morning. Investigators said several vehicle and building windows have been broken.
Briefly …
Do you offer side-view mirror replacements as part of your retail operation? If you do, our editors want to hear from you. Contact us at pthompson@glass.com.
AG Shops React to NAGS Pricing Revocation
In the two weeks since Mitchell International issued a statement announcing a re-issuance of the January NAGS benchmark and a reversion to September 2016 pricing, some shops are taking the news in stride.
TODAY’S BLOG: Missed it by that much …
“There’s always something exciting – and, I’ll admit, a little nerve-wracking – about learning something new.”
–Phillip Thompson
Sika Acquires Austrian Waterproofing Systems Maker
Sika will acquire an Austrian waterproofing system manufacturer, Sika said in a press release January 11.
Safelite AutoGlass Reaches Windshield Recycling Milestone
Safelite AutoGlass® recycled 1.76 million windshields in 2016, according to a company press release.
Speedy Collision Deploys Mitchell RepairCenter™ Premier Nationwide
Mitchell International, a technology, connectivity and information solutions provider, announced January 10 a partnership agreement with Speedy Collision to add Mitchell’s RepairCenter™ Premier solution across the network, according to a Mitchell press release.
Year in Sports: Minor Leaguer Shatters Own Windshield With Blast
Gateway Grizzlies center fielder Brandon Thomas couldn’t understand why his teammates were laughing uproariously after he belted a grand slam in a Frontier League game against Joliet on Aug. 21.
Errant Ice Shatters Windshield
Here’s a good reminder to motorists about cleaning snow and ice off their vehicles before hitting the road.
Possible Arizona Legislation Could Affect AG Shops, Consumers
A potential action by the Arizona legislature has become a concern for the automotive glass industry there.
Glass.com® Receives Design Award
Glass.com® has won the prestigious the American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA for the design of its new website, according to a Glass.com press release dated January 10.
Sika AG Reports Record Sales
Sika AG on January 10 reported a 5.6 percent increase in sales, equivalent to 5.75 billion Swiss francs ($5.67 billion USD).
Tesla Rolls out New Autopilot System
A few lucky Tesla owners will get to try out new Autopilot features this week.
Automakers, Suppliers Team up on Self-Driving Cars
Automotive suppliers and automakers are expanding alliances to develop self-driving car technology that can serve multiple automakers, as the race to put such vehicles on the road separates companies that can go it alone from those that need help sharing the financial and technical burdens.
VIDEO: Falcon Hitches Ride on Windshield
VIDEO: Falcon Hitches Ride on Windshield
Car Windows Shot Out, Madison Police Say
Several vehicles in a Far East Side neighborhood were damaged by gunfire early Monday morning, but police had no reports of injuries.
Michigan Company Pushes Back Against Third Party “Steering”
When a new staffer at a Michigan automotive glass shop recently became concerned at what she thought were efforts by insurance companies to “steer” customers, she decided to do something about it.
TODAY’S BLOG: Leadership Lessons – Getting Advice
“One of my favorite events of the year is our leadership retreat – where our corporate executives from several departments meet with the presidents of 12 of our U.S. and European brands for three days of sharing and learning.”
–Mark Liston
Gerber Collision & Glass Opens Repair Location in North Carolina
The Boyd Group Inc. announced January 9 the opening of a collision repair location in Monroe, North Carolina.
Nippon Sheet Glass Company Stock Plunged -0.92 Percent Jan. 6
Shares of Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Limited (TYO:5202) last traded at 866JPY ($7.61 USD), representing a move of -0.92 percent, or -8JPY ($0.07 USD)per share, on volume of 326,400 shares.
Toyota Claims Self-Driving Cars “Not Even Close” to Launch
If you’ve been following Tesla’s latest developments, you’re probably aware the company wants to achieve cross-country driverless car trips by the end of 2017.
Tesla Skips Detroit Auto Show for Second Year in a Row
Tesla will be absent from this year’s Detroit auto show, again, having pulled the plug on last year’s show amid an ongoing feud with Michigan officials over the right to sell its vehicles direct to consumers.
Auto Insurance Market May Plunge in Developed Countries, Study Shows
The auto insurance market in developed countries may decline by 70 percent due to improved technology and alternative transport, a study shows.
New Jersey Driver Hurt When Dumbbell Smashes Windshield
Police say a 50-pound dumbbell crashed through a vehicle’s windshield on the New Jersey Turnpike, injuring a motorist.
Four Break-ins Reported in Lakeview Heights
A string of break-ins to vehicles in a small Rowan County city have residents concerned.
CES 2017 Showcases Latest Auto Glass Concepts
The four-day CES 2017 convention is taking place in Las Vegas with a massive array of consumer electronics – and a few innovative ideas for the automotive glass industry.
Ohio Fuyao Workers Fight for a Union
Forklift operator Timi Jernigan hopes President-elect Donald Trump fulfills his campaign promise to bring more manufacturing jobs to the United States.
Faraday Future Reveals Electric Car to Rival Tesla
Start-up tech company Faraday Future (FF) has unveiled its first vehicle that will go into production, the FF 91, which is set to rival other electric car manufacturers like Tesla.
Smart Windshields Seen as New Billboards
The next frontier in digital advertising may be your car’s windshield.
Allstate to Discuss Fourth Quarter 2016 Earnings With Investors
The Allstate Corporation will conduct an Earnings Conference Call and webcast at 9 a.m. Eastern Time February 2 to discuss fourth quarter 2016 earnings.
Snake Shocks Driver by Slithering From Under Hood Mid-Journey
As Sally Grundy drove back to her home, Mundoo Island Station near the Coorong, the red-bellied black snake reared its head, prompting a moment of panic before Ms Grundy immediately but carefully slowed down.
Seniors Say Teens Vandalizing Cars With Rocks
Some senior citizens at a local apartment complex say they’re being terrorized by teenagers. The residents say the teens are smashing out their car windows.
SIKA Receives Appeal of Swiss Court Decision in Takeover Attempt
SIKA AG has received an appeal filed by Schenker-Winkler Holding AG against a Swiss court that favored SIKA in a years-long dispute.
TODAY’S BLOG: Adhesion Promoters
“I hope everyone is having a happy and profitable 2017.”
–Bob Beranek
Tim O’Day Named President/COO of Boyd Group Income Fund
Boyd Group Income Fund announced January 4 the appointment of Tim O’Day to the position of president and chief operating officer.
TechnaGlass Signs on as Glass.com Affiliate
Glass.com®, a web-based lead generation and information portal specifically designed to advance glass shops, has announced the addition of TechnaGlass to its growing list of affiliate companies.
Allstate Reveals Five Years of Losses at Recently Acquired Unit
Allstate Corp. said that the mobile-device insurer that it acquired for $1.4 billion had posted five years of losses before the deal.
Fur Seal Chills Out, Smashes Windshield of Parked Car
There is nothing like the aftermath of Christmas Day to chill out and have fun. Apparently, it was the same mantra for a large fur seal who picked Boxing Day on December 26 to wander up a suburban street and roam around in Newstead in Tasmania, Australia.
Video: Vandal Smashes Car Windows in Brooklyn
The NYPD wants your help identifying a man caught on video smashing windows and mirrors of a parked SUV in Brooklyn.
Glass Shops Look to Grow, Train in 2017
New Year’s resolutions can be tricky – easy to say, hard to do – but that doesn’t stop automotive glass shop owners and managers from making them.
Safelite Begins Hiring in Rio Rancho
Safelite AutoGlass has begun hiring for its new contact center in Rio Rancho. The company has announced it was hiring 400 phone representatives, including customer service and inbound sales positions.
New 2017 Driving Laws in California
When you get behind the wheel there will be some new California laws you’ll need to know about – or be prepared to pay a ticket.
Tesla: 64 Percent Surge in Vehicle Production in 2016
Total production of Tesla vehicles rose 64 percent in 2016 compared to the year prior, though the company missed its delivery target for the final three months, the electric carmaker announced on Tuesday.
Allstate, State Farm to Raise Auto Insurance Rates in S.C.
Two of the nation’s top insurers plan to raise auto insurance rates in South Carolina.
Aussie Town so Hot Windshield Shatters
After an uncomfortably hot night, Perth is again sweltering, with the mercury already peaking at 41 degrees Celsius at lunchtime on Wednesday.
Bullet Fired Through Windshield in Road Rage Incident
“It was gorgeous, the sun was shining, the sky was clear, we were getting excited for the celebration that night,” said a woman who Pasco County investigators say was in a road rage incident New Year’s Eve. We aren’t revealing her name to protect her identity.
A Look at 2016’s Top Stories
From lawsuits to changes in the automotive glass industry, 2016 proved to be an unpredictable one.
Porsche Windshield Glare Lawsuit Settled
Porsche beige interior glare lawsuits will be settled after owners sued over cars with beige interiors that allegedly reflect a dangerous glare off the windshields.
Saint-Gobain May Deny Blame for Pollution
The president of Saint-Gobain said his company might not be responsible for the water contamination in Bennington County.
Nicholson Promoted to President, COO of Tucson-Based Brakemax
Michael P. Nicholson was named president and chief operating officer of Brakemax Car Care Centers and Max Auto Glass, a Tucson-based retail auto service chain.
Reveler Belly-Flops Onto Police Car, Smashes Windshield
A New Year’s Eve reveler was arrested after belly-flopping onto a Menasha Police Department squad car shortly after midnight Sunday, smashing the vehicle’s windshield, police said.
Residents Asking “Why?” After Vandals Break Car Windows
Residents on the far west side of Indianapolis are cleaning up after vandals broke into more than a dozen cars overnight.
BREAKING NEWS: Methodology Review is “Necessary,” says Mitchell VP
The news yesterday that NAGS would be pulling back its January 2017 Benchmark pricing and reverting the pricing provided in the September 2016 update left many auto glass companies evaluating how such pricing changes would affect their businesses.
Mitchell Re-Issues January NAGS Benchmark, Will Undergo Methodology Review
Mitchell has issued a statement announcing its decision to re-issue the January benchmark and restore it to September 2016 parts and pricing as well as conduct a review of its NAGS pricing methodology.
Speedy Collision Now Part of Belron Canada
Belron Canada announced December 23 the acquisition of Speedy Collision, a network of 24 franchise collision centers located across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
Tesla’s Autopilot Predicts, Prevents Serious Accident
Over the past few months, Tesla’s Autopilot feature has been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism. And with good reason, the company’s futuristic self-driving car technology has been involved in a number of accidents over the past year.
AZ Welcomes Uber Self-Driving Cars After CA Negotiations Stall
A fleet of self-driving Uber cars left for Arizona last week after they were banned from California roads over safety concerns.
Safelite AutoGlass Foundation Donates $525,000 to Charities
From children’s summer camps to opening an Autism Diagnostic Clinic, funding from the Safelite AutoGlass® Foundation 2016 Impact Grants will lead to benefits for the central Ohio community.
OSHA: Recordkeeping Violations Continue for 5 Years
As a parting gift, OSHA has issued one of its last final rules for this administration, “Clarification of Employer’s Continuing Obligation to Make and Maintain Accurate Records of Each Recordable Injury and Illness.”
Hippo, Meteor Shower Among Wackiest Things to Damage Windshields in 2016
Autoglass has revealed its top 10 list of wackiest things to damage car windscreens in 2016, including hippos and a rare meteorite shower.
Driver Injured When Suspect Fires Through Windshield
A 31-year-old man from Sacramento suffered injuries to his face early in the morning on Christmas Eve when a suspect shot through his windshield in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley, according to police.
Holiday Driving? Check Out the Safest Cities
Millions of Americans have already begun to head for the highways to reach a holiday destination, and cities and interstates across country will provide their share of bad weather, traffic jams and unsafe conditions. But which cities are the safest … Continue reading
Automotive Glass Shops Prep for the Holidays
The Christmas season may be a time of giving and receiving, but there’s also business to take care of. Some auto glass shops will take some time off in the next week or so, but most expect the week between Christmas and New Year’s to be business as usual.
TODAY’S BLOG: Wire-out Techniques
“Modern day wire-out tools are becoming more necessary with every new vehicle introduction.”
–Bob Beranek
Independent Glass Association Responds to Altree Press Release
Dec. 22 – The Independent Glass Association (IGA) responded today to a December 20, 2016, press release made by Rex Altree and/or the Arizona Auto Glass Association (AAGA) in which the IGA and its executive director, Gary Hart, were quoted.
China Opens Doors for Tesla, Other Electric Car Automakers
China has strong protectionism laws in place that require any automaker wanting to establish production capacity in the country to partner and share its technology with a local manufacturer – something several automakers have decided to do in order to tap into what is now the largest auto market in the world.
Allstate Wins $11.5 Million Judgment Against Phony Law Firms
Allstate went before a judge and jury to put an end to the illegal ownership, kickbacks and fraudulent operation of multiple law offices in the Los Angeles area that were owned, operated and controlled by unlicensed people posing as lawyers.
State Auto Financial Corporation Hits New 52-Week High
Shares of State Auto Financial Corporation broke into a new 52-week high yesterday, hitting a peak of $27.09.
Vehicle Strikes Deer, Hits Windshield of Student Driver
A vehicle struck a deer and caused it to go through the windshield of another in Central, the city’s fire department reported.
All I Want for Christmas …
Christmas is almost here, and everyone has a list – even folks in the automotive glass industry.
Why China’s Top Auto Glass Maker Prefers U.S. Investments
Chinese glass tycoon Cao Dewang, founder of Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., recently grabbed headlines for his comments about the firm’s investments in the United States.
Longtime D’Iteren Board Chairman to Step Down
After almost half a century of loyal service to the company, including 30 years as managing director and 42 as chairman of the board, Roland D’Ieteren will retire 1 June 2017, according to a December 19 D’Iteren press release.
SafePro Auto Glass CEO Speaks Out on Bill That Would Cost AZ Thousands of Jobs
Rex P. Altree, is the Founder and CEO of Arizona’s largest, family-owned Auto Glass company, SafePro Auto Glass, and President of the Arizona Auto Glass Association (AAGA).
Michigan Says Tesla Sales Ban Not Unconstitutional
Tesla Motors continues to fight for the ability to sell its electric cars directly to customers in Michigan, home of the rest of the U.S. auto industry.
Court Denies Review of Certification of $7.6B Case Against State Farm
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has denied State Farm’s petition for review of a class certification order over its role in the election of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier more than 12 years ago.
Driver Killed After Lumber Flies Through Windshield
Tulsa police say a 53-year-old man died after a piece of lumber flew off the back of a truck and smashed through his pickup’s windshield in midtown Tuesday morning.
MPD: Vehicle windows smashed
Five people said they awoke to find one their vehicle windows was broken out Friday morning.
D’Ieteren Trading Update Reports Belron Impairments
The owner of the world’s largest auto glass company released its trading update, which included an announcement of a $139 million USD (134 million Euro) impairment charge against that auto glass provider, Belron.
TODAY’S BLOG: How Much Does NOT Marketing Cost?
“This is a tough piece to write because it probably won’t have a happy ending.”
–Chuck Bankoff
Boyd Group Income Fund Announces December Cash Distribution
The Boyd Group Income Fund announced December 16 a cash distribution for the month of December of $0.043 per trust unit, according to a company press release.
Nick St. Denis Wins Award for Extraordinary Service
Nick St. Denis, editor of USGNN.com™, sister site of glassBYTEs.com, has been recognized by parent company, Key Communications Inc., through its presentation of the Award for Extraordinary Service.
IndyCar Considers Driver-Protecting Windscreens
Following the 2015 death of racer Justin Wilson, there’s been much talk about implementing cockpit protection in IndyCar.
Allstate Financial Fined $1 million
Citing a broad breakdown with the firm’s failures to supervise client and adviser information, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. on December 15 slapped a $1 million fine on Allstate Financial Services, the broker-dealer arm of insurance giant Allstate Insurance Co.
Car Speeds With Woman’s Body On Windshield For 2 KM in Hit-And-Run
After hitting a couple on a road in Telangana on Sunday, a man kept driving for around two km with the body of the woman on the windshield.
Ice Chunk Shatters Windshield
A large chunk of ice flew off of a semitrailer and shattered another driver’s windshield on Monday morning on Interstate 694 near Highway 36, according to state patrol.
Car Windows Smashed Along Tower Streets
At least four car windows were smashed just overnight in Fresno’s Tower District near Floradora and College.
New Poll
Check out the new poll on the right-hand side of this page and cast your vote today!
Vitro, LKQ Reach Agreement on Pittsburgh Glass Works
Mexico’s Vitro, S.A.B. de C.V. North American glass producer, announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC (“PGW”) automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) glass business from LKQ Corporation for a total consideration of about $310 million USD.
TODAY’S BLOG: Leadership Lessons – Being an Inspiration
“I got a call from my son, Marcus, last week. As you’ve read in the past, he is a soldier on the Army honor guard.”
–Mark Liston
Sunroof Supplier Webasto Donates 100 Turkeys to Pontiac’s Grace Centers of Hope
Webasto North America, part of the Webasto Group, a global automotive supplier and the world market leader for sunroofs/moonroofs, has donated 100 (20-lb.) holiday turkeys to the Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac, Michigan. This can provide up to 1,000 meals for its residents.
Michigan Officials Deny Allegations That State Treats Tesla Unfairly
After many efforts to try to convince Michigan officials to allow Tesla to sell ITS cars in the state, Tesla finally had to file a lawsuit against Michigan.
Uber Won’t Back Down From Fight With DMV
Uber is holding its ground two days after the California DMV ordered it to pull its self-driving vehicles off San Francisco streets.
Woman Wins $40K in State Farm Bad-Faith Dispute
Collision repairers and policyholders might have an easier time collecting and being made whole for necessary repair procedures following court actions this year against State Farm in a bad-faith contract case.
Driver Ejected Through Sunroof
A St. Joseph man was seriously injured when he was ejected through the sunroof of his SUV.
Counterfeit $100 Bill, Smashed-Out Windshield Lead to Charges
A man gave a cab driver a counterfeit $100 bill early Monday morning for his fare in the 4000 block of Chain Bridge Road and then decided he wanted it back.
Ex-Employee Files Suit Alleging Racial Discrimination
A 21-year-old Detroit man has accused Gerber Collision and Glass of racial discrimination in a Federal Civil Rights lawsuit filed in August.
GM Expands Autonomous Car Program
General Motors announced Thursday it is expanding testing and manufacturing of autonomous vehicle technology tied to its Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle, in a move challenging younger upstart Tesla.
Lucid Reveals Design for Luxury Air Sedan
Lucid Motors—the California automotive startup formerly known as Atieva—had previously announced its intention to build a long-range electric luxury sedan, putting it in competition with Tesla Motors.
Racketeering Case Against State Farm Headed to Trial
The policyholders who sued State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. and its in-house counsel for racketeering have cleared a major hurdle after a federal appeals court denied State Farm’s petition to block the class action.
Rock Thrown at Off-Duty Officer’s Car on I-20
An off-duty Red Oak police officer driving his personal vehicle says someone threw a rock into traffic on the interstate and hit his windshield.
U.S. DOT Advances Deployment of Connected Vehicle Technology
The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a proposed rule December 14 that would advance the deployment of connected vehicle technologies throughout the U.S. light vehicle fleet, according to a DOT release.
TODAY’S BLOG: Some Considerations for Winter Installs
“It seems that every year about this time I write about cold weather installations.”
–Bob Beranek
Asahi Establishes China Glass Substrates Base
Asahi Glass is to establish a new production base for TFT-LCD glass substrates in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, to meet expanding demand.
Auto Glass Week™ Host Hotel Room Block Is Open
No time like the present! The room block for the Auto Glass Week™ 2017 host hotel is now open. The hotel is the beautiful, AAA Four-Diamond rated Hilton West Palm Beach in Florida.
Lawmaker Seeks to Repeal ‘PIP’ Auto Insurance
Renewing a long-running debate on the issue, a Senate Republican on Tuesday filed a proposal that would repeal the state’s no-fault auto insurance laws.
State Farm, Allstate Blame Smart Cars for Rate Hikes
State Farm’s recent 5.9 percent increase in Illinois auto insurance rates was driven in part by smart car technology, the company said Wednesday.
Michigan Auto Insurance Legislation a Lame Duck Surprise
With only two days left on the schedule, Republican leaders have added a surprise piece of legislation to their to-do list.
Uber Rolls Out Beacon – A Color-Coded Windshield Pickup Signal
Uber announced Thursday it will be deploying new hardware called Uber Beacon in select cities, starting in Miami, Denver, Nashville and Newcastle in the UK.
Suspected Prowler Shatters Back Windshield of Police Car
A man landed in jail Wednesday night after smashing out the back windshield of a Tehama County Sheriff Deputy’s marked patrol car.
Michigan Governor Legalizes Autonomous Vehicles on State Roadways
Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation this week that allows operation of autonomous vehicles on Michigan roads where before only testing of these vehicles by manufacturers was permitted.
National Windscreens Appoints Technical Manager
U.K.-based National Windscreens announced December 14 the appointment of Alistair Carlton as technical manager.
First Chevy Bolt Delivered in Tesla’s Backyard
The first Chevy Bolt was delivered to a customer yesterday and, perhaps coincidentally, it’s going to a customer who lives in Tesla’s backyard.
Allstate, Stanford University Partner on Autonomous Vehicle Research
Allstate Insurance Company recently announced a multi-year research agreement with Stanford University’s Intelligent Systems Laboratory to learn more about connected cars and autonomous vehicles.
Law Office Wins Case Against State Farm
A Georgia attorney has announced the Georgia Supreme Court has refused to hear State Farm’s appeal of a 2014 verdict in a breach of contract and insurance bad faith case against State Farm.
Police Smash Car Window after Woman Refuses to Hand Over License
A Henry County woman is facing charges of obstruction of a police officer and driving without brake lights after a dramatic traffic stop.
Frosty Windshield Leads to Three-Car Crash
Three cars were damaged and at least one person was injured Friday morning in Augusta when a man who couldn’t see clearly out his frosted windshield attempted to turn his 2010 Toyota Corolla left off Riverside Drive, said Sgt. Christian Behr, of the Augusta Police Department.
Driver’s Windshield Smashed in Suspected Hate Crime
A driver’s window was smashed in a suspected hate crime attack after he tried to overtake a group of motorbikes.
Midwest Glass Shops Brace for Arctic Blast
Automotive glass shops across the Midwest are taking the first major Arctic blast of the season in stride – and mostly indoors.
North Country Auto Glass Expanding
North Country Auto Glass and Trim is launching a new line of service.
California Worst State for Drivers
It’s got beautiful roads that hug the Pacific coastline, but don’t be fooled. It turns out California is actually the worst state for drivers, according to a new study.
Former Insurance Agent Charged with Embezzling More Than $64,000
A former Tulsa insurance agent has been charged with embezzling more than $64,000.
Coolest Car Technology for 2017
The future is here! At least it is in some of the newest cars to hit the showroom. Even if you’re not in the market for a new car, you’ll want to see this cool, new car technology.
Road Debris Contributes to More than 50K Crashes a Year
Between 2011 and 2014, road debris caused more than 50,000 car accidents in the United States each year, according to a report released this summer by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Teen Injured After Metal Debris Strikes Car
A 17-year-old girl was critically injured Friday when the car she was driving hit metal debris on the 5 Freeway in Mission Hills, sending it through the windshield and hitting her, causing her to lose control of the car and strike three other vehicles, authorities said.
Rear Windshield Struck by Gunfire at McDonald’s
Gunfire struck the rear window of a vehicle on Charleston’s East End and a house in the 900 block of Hazelwood Avenue, also in Charleston, overnight Sunday, according to authorities.
Hyundai Denied Motion to Dismiss Sunroof Suit
A California judge has denied Hyundai’s motion to dismiss a class-action lawsuit brought against the car company for allegedly defective sunroofs.
TODAY’S BLOG: Leadership Lessons – Forgetting the Pain
“Last week I wrote about walking a half-marathon in the Grand Caymans to raise money to fight cancer.” –Mark Liston
Gerber Collision & Glass Opens Repair Locations in Florida
The Boyd Group Inc. announced December 9 the opening of three collision repair centers in Florida, the company said in a press release.
Elon Musk Will be ‘Too Happy’ to Meet the President in Tech Summit
President-elect Donald Trump believes that it’s high time to address the tech industry, as he has rolled out invites to the top leadership of tech companies for Wednesday’s Tech summit.
BMW Working on Autonomous Vehicle for 2021
BMW will introduce a fully autonomous vehicle in 2021, building on the technologies of the current 7 and 5 Series vehicles that now offer semi-autonomous driving features.
Tesla, Ferrari Added to Takata Air Bags Recall
The US Department of Transportation has said it will press the car industry to accelerate the pace of replacements for defective Takata air bag inflators and signaled a likely widening of the industry’s largest ever recall.
Geico to Hike Illinois Auto Insurance Rates
Geico plans to raise its car insurance rates for 192,698 Illinois policyholders next year by an average of 3.5 percent, according to state records.
Driver OK After Oar Flies Through Windshield
A paddle turned into a projectile when it went flying into an SUV’s front windshield along Alligator Alley, narrowly missing the driver Friday.
Stoning Attack Smashes Israeli Bus Windshield
A skillful Israeli driver managed to weave his wave through a hail of rocks but was unable to avoid them all late Thursday night while driving on the southern outskirts of Jerusalem.
AGRR Nov-Dec Newscast Unveils 2017 Auto Glass Week Dates
Check out the latest AGGR newscast for November-December for the dates and location of Auto Glass Week 2017 as well as an annual tradition.
Europe’s Nastiest Takeover Battle Reaches 2nd anniversary
The life of a predator can be fraught. Expend too much energy on hunting your prey and even success can be costly. Saint-Gobain, a French maker of glass and other building materials, might be learning that lesson.
Tesla Jobs in Nevada Only One-Fifth of Projected So Far
The number of workers at Tesla’s giant battery factory in northern Nevada has only reached about one-fifth the level the electric car company had projected would be in place by the end of this year.
Dates and Location Announced for Auto Glass Week™ 2017
Hot on the heels of the success of Auto Glass Week™ 2016 in San Antonio, show organizers have released the dates and location of the 2017 event.
Autoglass Appoints New Technical Training Manager
Autoglass has appointed Tim Camm as technical training manager.
Minn. High Court Halts Out-of-State Auto Insurance Company That Refused to Pay
The Minnesota Supreme Court today overturned a state’s Court of Appeals decision that had left some people who moved here without auto insurance coverage.
Metal Rod Smashes Car Windshield in Malaysia
Barely four months after a crane hook fell on a car killing its driver along Jalan Raja Chulan, a 21cm-long metal rod smashed the rear windshield of a car on the same stretch of road.
Car Windows Smashed in Break-In Spree
Columbia police are investigating five reports of cars being broken into at three gyms across town.
State Farm, Bloomberg Government Publish Survey on Autonomous Vehicles
State Farm Insurance and Bloomberg Government have released the results of a survey
designed to gauge public attitudes about driverless cars.
TODAY’S BLOG: Is Mobile Service Becoming Obsolete?
“When I started in the auto glass replacement business, 90 percent of our work was completed through mobile installations.”
–Bob Beranek
SPONSORED LINK: Precision launches a new website
Precision’s relaunched website is now live, allowing users to order online, view past order history and check price and availability in real-time. The site is now optimized for mobile devices and features a new Tech Center with links to tech-tips and DIY videos.
Tesla to Design Own Glass In-House
Tesla has decided that it can make its own glass. Will it be safe?
Asahi Glass to Buy Thai PVC Maker
Asahi Glass is moving forward with the acquisition of a Thai plastics maker owned by Belgian chemical giant Solvay, as the Japanese company eyes stronger demand fueled by Asian infrastructure spending.
UK Company Cuts Drive-Away Time to 30 Minutes With New Adhesive
National Windscreens has cut its drive away time after windscreen replacement to 30 minutes with the help of a Thatcham-approved adhesive.
State Auto Names Suzanne Sinclair Chief People Officer
State Auto President announced December 7 the appointment of Suzanne M. Sinclair as Senior Vice President/Chief People Officer, effective January 3, 2017.
State Farm Accused of Breaching Contract
Lois A. Wholey filed a complaint October 27 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, alleging that the insurer improperly failed to pay her enough for injuries.
Concept Car Has a Garden Behind Windshield
If your ideal car of the future is one that lets you enjoy a spot of gardening while on the move, this is a concept you’ll like.
Debris Crashes into Woman’s Sunroof
Kiersta Hazlett was driving her young daughter to school along Highway 400 when something came crashing into her sunroof.
Neighborhood Wakes up to Shattered Car Windows
Homeowners in the Gatlinburg neighborhood of Pflugerville are busy calling window repair companies after someone shot out their car windows overnight.
Energi Launches eGlass Program with Safelite Solutions
Energi Inc. announced December 6 the launch of the eGlass Program, which will be administered by Safelite Solutions, according to an Energi press release.
Tesla Receives $8M in Tax Credit for Gigafactory
While it was widely reported that Tesla received $1.3 billion in incentives from the state of Nevada to build its factory east of Reno, the automaker has only received a fraction of that amount so far and it is gradually unlocking portions of it as it reaches job and investment requirements under the agreement.
Glassdoor Names Saint-Gobain as One of “Best Employers”
The job search website Glassdoor named Saint-Gobain as one of the “Best Employers in France,” Saint-Gobain announced December 6 in a press release.
Allstate Names Chief Investment Officer
The Allstate Corporation announced December 6 John Dugenske will join Allstate as executive vice president and chief investment officer in early 2017.
Silicon Valley’s Hot New Car Display Brought to Masses
Navdy, the Silicon Valley startup that began selling its $799 futuristic heads-up digital display for cars less than two months ago, has been propelled into the automotive big leagues.
Tesla Model X Windshield Connects driver with Nature & Tech
Tesla’s Model X “Big Sky” windshield continues to grab media and consumer attention due to its unique design and gorgeous aesthetics. But beyond having world-class engineering, Model X’s panoramic windshield provides an intimate experience allowing driver and passengers to intersect with nature like never-before-seen.
Woman Bewildered After Road Rage Attack
A Johannesburg woman is still in shock after a taxi driver broke her car’s windscreen and mirror in a road rage attack on Monday.
Travel Trends Continue Upward Through September
Road travel in the United States continued a four-year upward trend in miles driven, according to the latest traffic volume report released by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
TODAY’S BLOG: The Worst Marketing Advice I Ever Got
“I wasn’t always a marketing genius, and I’ve been known to seek out the advice of others. Generally I’ve found that to be a good policy.”
–Chuck Bankoff
Saint-Gobain Buys Glass Plant in Romania
Saint-Gobain announced December 6 its acquisition of Romanian company Pietta Glass Working, which has operations in glass processing, insulating glazing systems and automotive glass, according to a company press release.
Small Business Owner Finally Paid After Work Done for City of Petersburg
It’s been a tough five months for David Walwer. The owner of Virginia Auto Glass in Petersburg was excited back in July when he won a bid to do work for the Petersburg Courts.
Elon Musk Most Admired Leader in Technology
In a new survey of hundreds of startup founders, 23 percent said they admired Tesla and SpaceX head Elon Musk more than any other tech leader.
The 5 Best-Selling Electric Cars of 2016
Electric-vehicle sales have jumped in 2016, with InsideEVs reporting that U.S. sales were up 30.7 percent through October to 120,517 units, and worldwide sales were up 30.1 percent to 518,440 units.
DOT Proposes Guidelines to Address Driver Distraction Caused by Mobile Devices
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released proposed guidelines November 23 to address driver distraction caused by mobile and other electronic devices in vehicles.
SPONSORED LINK: Date Set for Lead Generation Webinar
The first webinar dedicated specifically to lead generation for the glass industries has been set for Tuesday, December 13, 12:00 PM Eastern. This sponsored webinar is open to all glass professionals; however, spots are limited.
Lucid Motors to Build Electric Car Manufacturing Plant in Arizona
Electric car maker Lucid Motors said Nov. 29 it will build a manufacturing plant in Arizona that will begin production in 2018 as it looks to compete in the fast-growing market for luxury electric vehicles.
Cops Slap Tickets On Windshield of Car With Dead Guy Inside
A Miami man was issued multiple expired parking meter tickets over a four-day period without any of the parking officers noticing that he was sitting in the driver’s seat–also expired.
New Brunswick Driver Shares Video of Snow Smashing His Windshield
On a chilly winter day, it can feel painstakingly slow taking the time to scrape all the ice and snow off your car before heading to work.
Auto Glass Company Hit With 6-Year Ban on Telemarketing Calls
The Arizona Attorney General has imposed a six-year ban from telephone solicitations on an Arizona automotive glass company for making illegal telemarketing calls.
TODAY’S BLOG: Leadership Lessons – Teamwork … Cayman Style!
“I completed a half-marathon in Grand Cayman on Sunday.”
–Mark Liston
Safelite AutoGlass Named to Victory Media’s 2017 Military Friendly® Employers List
Safelite AutoGlass® has earned the 2017 Military Friendly® Employer designation by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM JobsSM, and Military Spouse.
After Google & Tesla, Apple Reveals it is Working on Self-Driving Cars
Apple has revealed it is investing heavily in autonomous vehicles in a letter asking the government to make it easier to develop self-driving cars.
GM to Lose $9,000 on Every Chevy Bolt it Makes
Chevrolet’s Australian-designed pure-electric hatchback will see General Motors lose up to $9,000 on every car it builds, according to a new report.
Tesla Model X Massive Windshield Means Magnificent Views Await
The Tesla Model X has a massive windshield. That windshield, which has often been criticized for distorting vision and for allowing too much sunshine (heat) in, has some significant upsides when you tour a national park such as Yosemite.
Lawmaker Wants Crackdown on Uninsured Motorists
The Legislature in 2017 is expected to again tackle an age-old problem: uninsured motorists on Mississippi roads.
High-tech Windshields are More Than a Piece of Glass
Nearly every day, most drivers look past something that protects us and makes life better — the automotive windshield.
Driver Blames Foggy Windshield for Crash Into Sheriff’s Office
Police are investigating after a driver said he crashed into a barrier in front of the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office because his windows were fogged up.
Judge Dismisses One Claim in Suit Against Safelite
A U.S. District Court judge has dismissed former Safelite technician’s claim of federal labor law violations in a class-action suit filed last year.
Nippon Sheet Glass Issues Shareholder Report
Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd., known as the NSG Group, released December 1 its interim report to shareholders for the period ending September 30.
UK Automotive Glass Company Adds ADAS Sites
Nationwide Windscreen Services announced December 1 that it will expand its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) fixed-site capability.
A ‘Glass’ Act in Lynn
When Harold “Hesh” Giller and Herbie Chandler were growing up in West Lynn during the 1930s it’s hard to imagine either of them knew their lifelong friendship and business acumen would become their legacy of New Angle Glass Co., opened in 1946 and still flourishing after 70 years.
Here’s How Ridiculously Expensive it is to Replace a Windshield on an Aston Martin
Exotic car ownership is a bit of an experiential mixed bag.
Allstate Corporation Moves Higher on Volume Spike for Nov. 30
Allstate Corporation traded on unusually high volume on Nov. 30, as the stock gained 0.42 percent to close at $69.92.
Large Metal Object Crashes Through Car’s Windshield in St. John’s
A female driver had a lucky escape after a bizarre incident in St. John’s Thursday afternoon.
Teens Charged With Throwing Rocks Through Windshields From Overpass
Two teenagers from Peterborough, Ont., have been charged after rocks thrown from a highway overpass smashed through windshields in the same area where police say a local boy was fatally struck while throwing snowballs in a similar incident a decade ago.
Mercedes Calls for OEM Glass in Windshield Replacement
Mercedes Benz USA “strongly recommends” using its glass for windshield replacements in a new position statement.
TODAY’S BLOG: Pinchweld Prep During Collision Repair
“While conducting a training course recently, I covered the proper steps for prepping a pinchweld after a collision repair.”
–Bob Beranek
Ohio Enacts Registration Rules for Auto Glass Businesses
The Ohio Board of Motor Vehicle Repair recently enacted two rules affecting automotive glass businesses in the state.
Tesla Gets Green Light for Second Virginia Store
Electric carmaker Tesla on Wednesday won permission to open a second retail store in Virginia, a decision that the state’s auto dealers are expected to contest in court.
Allstate, San Diego County Settle Consumer Protection Lawsuit
Allstate Insurance has agreed to pay $600,000 to settle a consumer protection lawsuit alleging that its car insurance television ads failed to properly disclose that the “Accident Forgiveness” benefit featured prominently in the ads isn’t available in California.
Tenacious Lizard Hangs onto Windshield of Speeding Car
This lizard is not letting go. The creature hung on to this windshield as the car belonging to it sped down a highway at more than 80 miles per hour.
Bridge Debris Shatters Sunroof in Lively
A trip to a hardware store nearly ended up being a trip to a hospital for a Lively family this week, when debris from a highway overpass spanning Main Street smashed the sunroof of their vehicle.
Deadlines Extended in Geico Class Action Suit
Attorneys for Geico and a Florida automotive glass company have requested extensions to allow for more discovery in a class-action suit that alleges the insurance company underpaid VIP Auto Glass.
NLRB Goes to Court for Fuyao Documents
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is asking the federal court in Dayton to order Fuyao Glass America Inc. to provide documents in a case against the company.
Sika Founders Appeal Ruling in Voting Rights Case
The founding family of Swiss specialty chemicals group Sika has filed an appeal against a court ruling last month that upheld the tactics of Sika management to halt the planned sale of the clan’s stake to Saint-Gobain.
Tesla to Begin Enhanced Autopilot Rollout
Elon Musk has said that Tesla will begin to roll out its ‘Enhanced Autopilot’ updates before Christmas, making vehicles with the latest hardware ready for full automation.
NHTSA to Hold Public Meeting on Automated Vehicles Policy
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a public meeting to seek input on sections of the recently released Federal Automated Vehicles Policy (the Policy).
This Car Gadget Can Help You Keep Your Eyes On the Road
Certain childhood cautionary tales stick with us all our lives.
Eagle Drops Snake Onto Car Windshield
What would you do if you were driving down the motorway and a passing bird swooped down and dropped a snake on your windshield?
Vandals Leave Streets of Tacoma Strewn With Broken Glass
“We’re booked, and we’ve got bookings on top of those bookings,” said Dan Teach, manager of Safelite AutoGlass on South Tacoma Way.
Briefly … NEW POLL
Be sure and check out the new poll on glassBYTES.com (see right-hand column) and let your vote count!
Federal Court Blocks Overtime Rule
A federal judge recently issued a preliminary injunction stopping the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Overtime Rule from taking effect nationwide on December 1.
Saint-Gobain Creates New Director Position
Saint-Gobain’s board of directors recently created the position of lead independent director.
Tesla Officially Acquires SolarCity
Tesla’s acquisition of SolarCity officially closed Monday morning, bringing together Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company with the solar energy company founded by his cousins Lyndon and Peter Rive.
Allstate Expands Consumer Protection Offerings with Acquisition of SquareTrade
The Allstate Corporation has agreed to acquire SquareTrade, a consumer protection plan provider that distributes through many of America’s major retailers.
What I’ve Learned – Nick Cleary, Autoglass
Change is the only constant. That’s the reality of today and I find it hugely exciting.
YouTube ‘Star’ Stops NYC Traffic for Photoshoot, Gets Windshield Smashed
Ah justice, you are sweet.
Driver Hurled Through Windshield After Hitting Tree
A driver was critically injured Friday when he was hurled through the windshield after losing control of his car while speeding in the South Bay area.
LKQ Corp. to Acquire Equity Interest in Mekonomen Group
LKQ Corp. announced November 28 that it has entered into an agreement to acquire an equity interest in Mekonomen AB from Axel Johnson AB.
TODAY’S BLOG: Leadership Lessons – Inspire or Perspire?
“I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. MK and I had a chance to spend time with grandkids. It just doesn’t get better.”
–Mark Liston
SPONSORED LINK: Date Set for Lead-Generation Webinar
The first webinar dedicated specifically to lead generation for the glass industries has been set for Tuesday, December 13, 12:00 PM Eastern.
Safelite AutoGlass Selects Horizon Media as Media AOR
Safelite AutoGlass has selected Horizon Media, the largest and fastest growing media services agency in the world, to lead media planning and activation across all channels for the brand in the U.S., including online and offline media, search engine optimization, and search engine marketing.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Sets ‘Blindfolded’ Silverstone Record
The all-new Alfa Romeo Giulia has set a lap record of the Silverstone circuit with an epic twist – the car’s windows were completely blacked out.
Is Justice for Sale in Illinois?
It started as an everyday lawsuit by some policyholders unhappy with their insurance company for choosing cheap repair parts.
Black Friday Auto Insurance Claims Expected to Spike
Consumers are being warned to take extra care not to draw attention to their vehicles from thieves.
State Farm Ordered to Refund California Policyholders
A court has ordered insurance company State Farm to repay California policyholders millions of dollars in a case that stems from a petition filed by the Consumer Federation of California (CFC) questioning the company’s decision to raise rates in July 2015.
Auto Glass Shops Busy Replacing Holiday Shoppers’ Broken Windows
Car break-ins happen year-round, but during the holidays, there can be more to lose.
Porsche Settles in ‘Windshield Glare’ Lawsuit
Auto maker Porsche has reached a settlement for an undisclosed sum with plaintiffs in a case that accused the company of a “windshield glare” defect in some of its vehicles. In court documents dated September 15, plaintiffs Alyce Rubinfeld and … Continue reading
ADAS Conference Stresses Need for Recalibration
Third-party recalibration solutions could leave drivers with unsafe vehicles after a windshield replacement – that was the message delivered at a conference in the United Kingdom November 17.
New Leader: Job Cuts Not Part of Fuyao Plan
Fuyao Glass America’s new president has been hired to “stop the bleeding” at the auto glass manufacturer, but the company’s top executive said he won’t include job cuts in his plans to reach profitability.
TODAY’S BLOG: If They Don’t Hate You … Brag About It
“We do the online marketing for a lot of businesses so we get an unusual view of what’s actually going on.”
–Chuck Bankoff
UK Glass Company Names New Business Development Manager
The United Kingdom’s largest independent windshield repair and replacement company added a business development manager November 21.
Study: Lack of Transparency in Auto Insurance Market Cost U.S. Consumers Billions
U.S. consumers effectively overpaid for auto insurance coverage by a stunning $101 billion in the last five years, a new study by insurance analytics company ValChoice has found.
Allstate Corp. Hits 52-Week High After Dividend Announcement
Allstate Corp. hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday following a dividend announcement from the company.
Chinese Drivers Try to Deter Nighttime High-Beam Use With Scary Decals
Sick of getting temporarily blinded by drivers using their high-beam headlights at night, more and more Chinese are equipping the rear windows of their cars with scary reflective decals featuring ghosts, vampires or monsters.
Police: BB Gun Used to Shoot Out Car Windows
Police on Sunday responded to six incidents in which people reported their car windows had been vandalized.
Nissan Given Deadline to Respond to Class Action Suit
Nissan has until next month to respond to a class-action suit accusing the company of manufacturing defective sunroofs, a judge has ordered.
Allstate Third Quarter Dividends Nearly $390M
The Allstate Corporation has posted its common and preferred dividends for the 2016 third quarter.
TODAY’S BLOG: Leadership Lessons – Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks
“My daughter, Jae’s, birthday is this week – Thanksgiving week.”
–Mark Liston
Tesla Releases Self-Driving Demonstration Video
Late Friday night, Tesla released a second video demonstration of its new self-driving platform and this time, it included real-time feeds of what ‘Tesla Vision’, the automaker’s end-to-end image processing system, can see from the cameras.
2 Seriously Injured After Branch Crashes Through Windshield
Albion and Carlton firefighters are at the scene of car that was badly damaged when a branch snapped and fell on the vehicle while it was moving on Kenyonville Rd.
Police: Teens in Stolen Vehicle Fled, Struck Bus
A group of teens in a stolen vehicle in Halifax fled a traffic stop Friday night and threw fire extinguishers as they tried to get away from police minutes before colliding with a bus.
Major Shakeup in Fuyao’s Executive Ranks
Fuyao Glass America Inc. has parted ways with its senior management team.
Tesla, SolarCity Merger Gets Shareholder Approval
Shareholders of Tesla Motors Inc. and SolarCity Corp. approved Tesla’s $2.1 billion all-stock offer to merge and create one company headed by Elon Musk that would sell emissions-free cars and solar panels that help power them.
New Autonomous-Vehicle Law Aims to Keep State at Heart of Auto Industry
Legislation, or the lack thereof, can often deter innovation—but Michigan’s newest package of legislation is designed to roll requirements along with the speed of innovation, reflecting the importance of the auto industry to the state.
“Windshield Poet” Leaves Behind Positivity and Encouragement
A Colorado Springs man has earned the nickname “Windshield Poet” for going from car to car, leaving behind a simple message.
Man Fined after Taking Anger out on Police Car Windows
A combination of intoxication and frustration led to Daryl Bradbury smashing the windows of a police car before he was found hiding in a bush, a court has heard.
Recalibration Reimbursement a Murky Issue
As the issue of recalibration of automotive glass following replacement moves to the forefront of the automotive glass industry, so does one central question: who pays for it?
Korea Auto Glass Wins Bid for Sambu Construction Industrial
South Korea’s building materials maker KCC will be able to strengthen its presence in the housing construction market after adding Sambu Construction Industrial Co., profit-making subsidiary of Sambu Construction Co. under court reorganization program.
VMware: Next up for Safelite AutoGlass -The Digital Workspace
If you’ve ever had a problem with your car’s windshield, chances are that someone from Safelite AutoGlass repaired or replaced it.
Saint-Gobain Group Names New Financial Head
Vivien Dardel has been appointed Head of Financial Communication and Investor Relations of Saint-Gobain Group, effective March 1, 2017, according to a November 15 press release.
Chevy Bolt Named Car of the Year
Every year, Motor Trend gives the Car of the Year award to different vehicles.
Tesla Once Again Wins “Most Loved” Car in America
Despite some well-publicized mishaps this year, the Tesla Model S has snagged the coveted distinction of being the “Most Loved Model” in the United States for a second time in three years.
Woman’s Windshield Hit by Brick
As she drove on South Alex Road in West Carrollton with her 2-year-old daughter, Sara Holtzman of Centerville was given a dangerous scare when a brick hit the front of her car.
Car Windows Smashed with Stones in UK Town
Stones were reportedly used to smash car windows in Dartford. Police are appealing for information to find out how many cars were targeted and who was behind the vandalism.
Schedule Set in Campfield v. Safelite Case
A judge has established the timeline for the discovery phase of the suit filed against Safelite Group, Inc. by Richard Campfield and Ultrabond.
Pilkington Set to Save $2.5M With Siemens Contract
A new contract with Siemens means that glassmaker Pilkington are set to save approximately £2 million (USD $2.48 milliion) at two of their manufacturing sites in St Helens over the next five years.
Fuyao Continues to Expand, Hire New Workers
Robert Heaton is hoping to land a job with Fuyao. To say he’d be excited if he got a position is an understatement.
Jaguar Takes on Tesla With First Electric Car
Jaguar has unveiled its first fully electric vehicle, marking a “revolutionary” step forward for the luxury car maker.
NJ Law Prohibits GPS on Windshields
Tickets for it are rare, but it’s technically against New Jersey law to attach a GPS device to a car’s windshield.
Insurance Companies Dealing With Storm Claims
It’s been a relatively mild fall, but it’s been a busy time for insurance claims adjusters following some recent storms in Central Illinois and along the East Coast.
Suit Accuses Allstate CEO of Insider Trading
Allstate concealed that the expansion of its car insurance business significantly reduced its profit margin, keeping its share price artificially high while its CEO sold $33 million in stock, a securities class action claims.
EEK! Spider on Windshield Causes Car Crash
A near head on, along Nimbin Rd at Koonorigan on Sunday was caused by a spider running along the windscreen.
Crowbar Slams Through Florida Woman’s Windshield
A Florida woman’s peaceful drive home Friday nearly turned into a harrowing ordeal when her windshield shattered and she was covered in broken glass.
Residents Awaken to Car Windows Shot Out
Sunday residents in north and south St. Louis, Northwoods, Ferguson, and Pine Lawn awoke to find car windows were shot out overnight.
Hearing Date Set for BMW Sunroof Class Action Case
A California judge has set a schedule for hearings on a class-action lawsuit against BMW that accuses the car maker of manufacturing defective sunroofs.
Swiss Firms Keen on Trump’s Infrastructure Promises
Companies like Sika and LafargeHolcim want to be a part of US President Elect Donald Trump’s plans to rebuild crumbling roads, bridges, tunnels and airports infrastructure.
Windshields Among Top Six Vehicle Defects
With winter creeping closer, police will be paying closer attention to vehicle defects.
TODAY’S BLOG: Leadership Lessons – Appreciating Freedom
“In just a few short days we go from leadership at its best (the World Series) to some very questionable leadership at all levels following the presidential election.”
–Mark Liston
Snake Slithers Onto Woman’s Windshield During Traffic Jam
Jessica Matkin still squirms when she thinks of the moment a snake slithered from under the hood of her truck while driving to work.
Driver Hospitalized After Rock Shatters Windshield
A woman was taken to the hospital to be treated after a passing vehicle threw a rock at her car that caused glass to shatter into her eye.
Police Receive Calls About Car Windows Shot Out in Glendale
Neighbors are working with Glendale police to solve the case.
OSHA Slaps Fuyao Glass America With $227K in Fines
Six complaint inspections by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have resulted in nearly $227,000 in fines for the Fuyao Glass America Inc. facility in Moraine, Ohio.
Asahi Glass Company Reorganizes for 2017
The AGC Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., announced November 10 a reorganization that will result in the abolition of one of its companies and the creation of two new ones.
25 Million Euro Injection at Luxembourg Windshield Plant
Automotive glass manufacturer Carlex is investing 25 million euros ($27.2 million USD) in a new production line at its Grevenmacher plant.
Hartford Tops Satisfaction Survey
In J.D. Power’s latest U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, The Hartford ranks highest, with Erie Insurance second, followed by Auto-Owners Insurance, American Family, Amica Mutual and Nationwide.
State Farm Catastrophe Site Set Up After Devastating Hail Storm
It’s been almost a week since a devastating hail storm hit the Borderland and many people are still dealing with the damage left behind.
Law Firm Files Class Action Suit Against Allstate
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announced November 10 a class action has been commenced by an institutional investor on behalf of purchasers of The Allstate Corporation common stock during the period between October 30, 2014 and August 3, 2015.
Denver Driver Experienced Exploding Sunroof
A Colorado driver says the sunroof on her SUV exploded unexpectedly while she was driving last month.
Police: Self-Described ‘Gang Banger’ Admits to Shooting
A local man charged with attempted murder in a car shooting last week will remain in jail on $100,000 cash bail.
Briefly … Thank You to Our Veterans
Key Communications, publisher of AGRR™ magazine, would like to thank all readers and others who have served in the Armed Forces. We wish them all a happy Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Canada for their service.
U.S. DOT Proposes Cybersecurity Guidance to Automotive Industry
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will look for public feedback on proposed guidance to protect vehicles from malicious cyber-attacks and unauthorized access.
TODAY’S BLOG: Wiring Connectors on Mercedes Benz E350 Convertible
“A friend in the industry recently sent me an email concerning a 2011 Mercedes Benz E350 convertible (FW03303GTY).”
–Bob Beranek
Tesla’s Own Numbers Show Higher Autopilot Crash Rate Than Human Drivers
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about Tesla’s claim that its Autopilot driver-assistance software is safer than a human driver.
State Farm Raises Position for W.W. Grainger Inc.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. raised its position in W.W. Grainger Inc. by 41 percent during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC.
Wild Commute in Michigan City: Man Hits Owl, Saves Woman
Michael French’s drive to work was a hoot in more ways than one. He was heading to work about sunrise Sunday in Michigan City when an owl shattered his windshield on Interstate 94. Then, just a few miles farther, he quite possibly saved the life of a woman from a burning car.
‘Mindless’ Vandals Smash Car Windows With Catapults
Vandals smashed the windows of at least 10 cars and houses at the weekend.