Category Archives: glassBYTEs Original Story
Auto Glass Safety Bills Introduced in Virginia and Massachusetts
Auto glass safety bills have been introduced in the legislatures in Virginia and Massachusetts. Both bills refer to the present Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) as a basis for proposed new state regulations, much like legislation enacted in 2021 … Continue reading
Early Bird Gets the Worm! Be sure to get Auto Glass Week™ 2022 Discounted Registration!
Online registration for Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) 2022 has been extended until January 31. With the end of the month fast-approaching, those planning to attend, but have yet to register, are being advised to take advantage of early-bird registration prices … Continue reading
Friendly Business: NuVision Purchases Auto Glass America
NuVision Auto Glass has acquired Auto Glass America, which consists of two mobile glass territories in Phoenix and Orlando. NuVision CEO Jim Kieffer says NuVision purchased the auto glass company, including name and assets. Auto Glass America was recently involved … Continue reading
AGSC Committees, Board Meet, ADAS at Forefront
The board of directors of the Auto Glass Safety Council, along with its committees, met last week for its winter meetings. Among the committees meeting were the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) and Repair of Laminated Auto Glass 2 … Continue reading
What are the Best—and Worst—States to Drive in?
A study by Dolman Law ranks the 50 states from best to worst in which to drive. The biggest loser? Louisiana. Insurance costs are high in Louisiana, which leads to a large number of uninsured drivers (22%) on the road. … Continue reading
Hyundai Recalls Certain Sante Fe, Sonata and Elantra Models for Improperly Bonded Windshields
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall in late December for certain 2020-2021 Hyundai Sante Fe, 2021 Sonata and Elantra vehicles for improperly bonded windshields. During manufacturing, the windshields may not have been bonded properly because of faulty … Continue reading
Autoglass and Bosch Partner on ADAS Recalibration Services in UK
Autoglass, a provider of auto glass repair, replacement and recalibration in the United Kingdom, announced a partnership with Bosch, a global technology provider, which will further the auto glass company’s ADAS recalibration services. Bosch Connected Recalibration tools will be standard … Continue reading
AGRR Material Prices Experience Ups and Downs in December
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed increases and decreases in December 2021, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased … Continue reading
Auto Glass Repair Co. Raises More Than $18,000 for Breast Cancer Foundation
Docteur du Pare-Brise, an automotive glass repair and replacement company in Quebec, is doing its part in the fight against cancer. The company raised $18,870 for the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation (QBCF) to support its My Active HealthTM program. The … Continue reading
NAIC: Auto Insurers Earned Big Bucks in 2020 During Worst Economic Year of Pandemic
Private passenger auto insurers earned $250.6 billion in 2020 a report by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) determines. The NAIC Report on Profitability by Line by State notes that findings are not determinations of “whether current rates are … Continue reading
Ford Develops Job Aids for ADAS with Glass and Without
Ford has developed three new job aids, two of which are for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. The job aids are intended to assist in ADAS repairs of Ford and Lincoln models. On Target states that information about the new job … Continue reading
The Road to Recovery: Infrastructure Act to Rebuild U.S. Roadways
America’s roads are about to get an upgrade. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 2021 that became law late last year will create a road construction activity in all 50 states. AGRR reported in its May/June issue of 2021 that … Continue reading
Miles Driven: October Numbers Show Americans Continue Mileage Increase Over 2020
Americans traveled 7.1% more on roads in October 2021 than in October 2020, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) most recent numbers. October 2021 saw 18.4 billion more vehicle miles logged than October 2020. Travel for October 2021 was … Continue reading
UniglassPlus Carbonear Opens in Newfoundland and Labrador
Uniban celebrates the opening of UniglassPlus Carbonear at 64 Columbus Drive, Carbonear Newfoundland and Labrador, A1Y 1A6. Jordan Garland, owner of UniglassPlus Carbonear, started in the automotive industry with detailing and window tinting. He decided to open this facility after … Continue reading
AmeriPro Auto Glass™’s Bill Kolb dies
A man known in the auto glass industry as always willing to help anyone has died. William “Bill” V. Kolb Jr. of Gainesville, Fla., was 57 years old and co-owned AmeriPro Auto Glass™. Kolb, born in Bay Shore, Long Island, … Continue reading
Boyd Group Announces Completion of CEO Succession Plan
Boyd Group Services Inc. announced the completion of its CEO Succession Plan, which was first announced in August 2019. Effective January 2, 2020, Brock Bulbuck became executive chair, and Tim O’Day succeeded Bulbuck as president and CEO. Bulbuck remained as … Continue reading
Driven Brands Acquires Auto Glass Now for $170 Million
Driven Brands Holdings Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., acquired Auto Glass Now’s more than 75 company-operated locations in the U.S. on Dec. 30. Auto Glass Now joins Driven Brands with more than 20 years of auto glass repair, replacement and … Continue reading
Belron: New Shareholders, CD&R Changes Name in Partnership
Belron, which operates Safelite® AutoGlass and Autoglass®, welcomed new shareholders on December 17. As previously reported, Hellman & Friedman, BlackRock Private Equity Partners and GIC joined the company’s list of shareholders with the completion of the acquisition of a combined … Continue reading
Auto Glass Industry Loses Longtime Owner/Operator Houle, 84
Richard Donald Houle, 84, of Belmont, N.H. died Dec. 25, 2021, following a brief illness. Houle owned and operated several glass and mirror businesses, starting with Dick’s Auto Glass and then Central Glass. With his brothers, George and Hubert, Houle … Continue reading
Auto Windscreens Sets Goal to Grow in New Year
After opening seven service centres in 2021, Auto Windscreens, which provides windscreen repair and replacement services in the United Kingdom, is ready to further expand in 2022. The company just celebrated 50 years in business, and added services in Horsham, … Continue reading
Not in Kansas Anymore: Auto Glass Technician Shares Tornado Experience
Koty Crook lives and works in Hopkins County, ground zero for the tornado that swept through Kentucky on December 10. “It was a normal day,” Crook, 27, says of that Friday, which was also payday. Crook is a technician for … Continue reading
This Holiday Season Give Yourself the Gift of Learning—Sign Up Today for Auto Glass Week™ 2022
The New Year presents new opportunities to expand your learning, and if you’re in the automotive glass repair and replacement industry, the prime opportunity awaits. Auto Glass Week™ returns to San Antonio Sept. 14-16, 2022. It is the only event … Continue reading
AGRR Material Prices Continue to Increase in November
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed increases in November 2021, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased slightly by … Continue reading
Boyd Group Services Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2021 Cash Dividend
Boyd Group Services Inc. announced Friday a cash dividend of $0.144 per common share for the fourth quarter of 2021. According to a company statement, the dividend is payable on Jan. 27, 2022 to common shareholders of record on Dec. … Continue reading
Southern Expansion: Tire Discounters Growth Continues with Virginia and Georgia Stores
Tire Discounters’ goal is to open 60 locations in 2022 through acquisitions and bring the company’s total number of U.S. stores to more than 200. “Glass is a strategic focus area for Tire Discounters as we expand,” Tire Discounters managing … Continue reading
Overtime Pay Over Due: Paul’s Discount Glass Did Not Pay Proper Overtime Rate
A U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigation recovered more than $90,000 in back wages for 33 employees at two Mississippi glass companies. The department’s investigation determined that Paul’s Discount Glass Inc. failed to pay overtime as required … Continue reading
Through the Glass: Competition Turns into Friendship
Aaron Bradford and James Chapman met at Auto Glass Week 2021 in June as competitors in the Auto Glass Technician Olympics. Chapman, from Zanesville, Ohio, won third place, while Bradford placed fourth. “He beat me by one point,” Bradford says. … Continue reading
Dawn Campbell Receives Award for Extraordinary Service to Key Media & Research
Dawn Campbell, art director and managing editor for Key Media & Research (KMR), the parent company of AGRR magazine and the glassBYTEs newsletter, received the company’s 2021 Award for Extraordinary Service. The honor is presented annually and was named after vice president … Continue reading
Cybersecurity: Is Your Business Protected?
If you wonder whether you should be worried about the cybersecurity of your auto glass shop’s information, the answer is yes. As chief operating officer of Don’s Mobile Glass in California, Dave Leach says he was concerned about cybersecurity and … Continue reading
Lawsuit Alleging Kia Telluride Windshields ‘Defective’ Continues in California Court
In September 2020, glassBYTEs.com reported on the class action lawsuit filed by Yandery Sanchez against Kia Motors America Inc. The suit continues in court after a second complaint was filed against Kia in August 2021. Sanchez, who lives in Houston, … Continue reading
California Court to Judge Honda Sunroof Class Action Case
A class action lawsuit against Honda alleges a manufacturing defect in sunroofs and moonroofs of the 2015 to 2020 Honda and Acura vehicles. Mary Tappana of Webb City, Mo., Darryl Roberts of Tacoma, Wash., and Dustin Fulcomer of Riverview, Fla., … Continue reading
New Safelite President Assumes Role Today
Renee Cacchillo assumes the duties of president and CEO of Safelite today. She joined Safelite in 2011 after serving as vice president of operations services with Bob Evans Inc. Prior to Bob Evans; she spent eight years with Limited Brands … Continue reading
Big Money: Toyota Tops Research of Highest Earning and Most Vehicles Sold in 2020
Uswitch research is available on the highest-earning car brands in the world, and Toyota, Volkswagen and Daimler top the list. Toyota made $275 billion in 2020, which breaks down to $31.34 million per hour and more than $523,889 per minute. … Continue reading
VINs in NAGS: Mitchell Shares Its Side of the Glass
A week ago, glassBYTEs.com spoke to several auto glass technicians about the prevalence of vehicle identification numbers and parts numbers not matching up in National Auto Glass Specifications (NAGS), a database created and maintained by Mitchell. This week, we have … Continue reading
Miles Driven: September Numbers Show Americans Continue Mileage Increase Over 2020
Americans traveled 7.9% more on roads in September 2021 than in September 2020, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) most recent numbers. September 2021 saw 19.5 billion more vehicle miles logged than September 2020. Travel for September 2021 was … Continue reading
Auto Glass Industry Loses Two More
Lee Essman Sasscer, 87, died Nov. 17, 2021, in White Plains, Maryland. Born in Washington, DC, Sasscer co-owned A-1 Auto Glass Co. in La Plata, Md. with his oldest son. He is survived by children, Robin Sasscer Maude of La … Continue reading
Black Friday: To Open or Not to Open?
Black Friday means the first day of Christmas shopping for consumers. But do auto glass shops follow the trend of being open the day after Thanksgiving? “For 28 years, we have always been open,” says Rick Valentine, who owns Intermountain … Continue reading
By the Numbers: VINs and Parts Do Not Always Match
In early 2020, AGRR magazine explored the disconnect between vehicle identification numbers (VIN) and the NAGS numbers they identify. These issues have persisted into 2021. “I think our software probably doesn’t have all the correct information that the dealers have,” … Continue reading
AGRR Material Prices Rose in October
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed increases in October 2021, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased slightly by … Continue reading
Not a Small Job: Tackling Repairs in Large Windshields
When it comes to large windshields, replacement is more expensive, but repair is not impossible. Steven Maples, owner of Fix-A-Crack Windshield Repair & Replacement in McAllen, Texas, says that whether replacing is better than repairing depends on the situation. “Repairs … Continue reading
Size Does Matter, Windshield Size That Is
When it comes to windshields, size does matter. A windshield that is 71 inches tall and 104 inches wide will require more than one technician to complete the replacement process safely. “I’ve been doing RV glass for the past 35 … Continue reading
Talk About AGW Tuesday: Discover Auto Glass Week’s Giveaway
We will be giving away FREE FULL Registrations if you participate and your video is selected! An extra bonus drawing will be held of those selected, and one winner will receive free airfare and hotel accommodations. Get creative and post … Continue reading
Boyd Group: Demand Grows Amid Labor Shortage and Supply Concerns
The Boyd Group, which encompasses Gerber Collision & Glass, Boyd Autobody & Glass and Glass America, announced third quarter 2021 results on Wednesday, which reveal good and bad news. Perhaps representative of companies across the U.S., the Boyd Group’s results … Continue reading
Ford Recalls Bronco Models for Faulty Moonroofs
Ford issued a fifth recall this year on the Bronco Sport. This time the recall is for faulty sunroofs. Ford has had a heck of a time with the vehicle, starting with recalls in January on inadequate lube in the … Continue reading
Veterans Carry Commitment to Service into Auto Glass Industry
Heroes are among us. They served in times of war and in times of peace. They kept the nation safe from enemies, foreign and domestic, and upheld the values of the oaths they swore to the U.S. They are our … Continue reading
Two in Hospital After Explosion at Auto Glass Shop
“The Speedy Auto Glass blew up,” says Joe Hurdle. “And there were flames through the roof about 15-20 feet.” Hurdle owns the Midas shop next door to Speedy Glass in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. He and his staff saw black smoke … Continue reading
Prizes at Auto Glass Week Heat Up for 2022
Repair and replacement technicians start sharpening your skills! Everything is bigger and hotter in Texas, and now the competition prize money for Auto Glass Week™ 2022 (AGW), Sept. 14-16 in San Antonio, is smokin’. More than $6,000 in cash and … Continue reading
Companies Still Searching for Calibration Solutions and Information
The search is still on for calibration solutions according to exhibitors at last week’s Special Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and aftermarket event AAPEX, both held in Las Vegas. And companies continue to unveil new products to help with growing demand. … Continue reading
Keep America Moving: Infrastructure Bill on Way to President’s Desk
Better late than never. Late on Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a $1.2 trillion bill to rebuild the country’s aging infrastructure, including roads and bridges. After a 228-206 vote, the bill, with $550 billion specified for highways, roads, … Continue reading
Miles Driven: Report Shows Americans Continue Mileage Increase Over 2020
Americans traveled 8.3% more on roads in August 2021 than in August 2020, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) most recent numbers. August 2021 saw 21 billion more vehicle miles logged than August 2020. Travel for August 2021 was … Continue reading
Sunroof Lawsuit Against Mercedes-Benz Dismissed
An Illinois judge has dismissed with prejudice a class action lawsuit against Mercedes-Benz for the unexpected shattering of sunroofs. On June 14, 2020, Bruce Pickens filed suit against Mercedes-Benz, Daimler AG, Saint-Gobain Sekurit and Napleton Autowerks of Indiana Inc. on … Continue reading
Repair or Replace: Will Robots Decide? Glass Industry has Its Own Solution
Neural Claim System “NCS” is excited to announce the release of our AI based glass damage verification platform. Our AI platform is designed to revolutionize the glass claims process by seamlessly automating damage analysis, part selection and calibration requirements at … Continue reading
Is Safelite No Longer Servicing Tesla Vehicles?
On the Tesla Motors Club community page, Tesla vehicle owners shared stories last week of challenges getting repairs done. A Tesla Model Y owner in Marietta, Ga., posted about a spider crack in the glass roof that Tesla would not … Continue reading
Safety Recall Issued for Several Mercedes-Benz 2020 and 2021 Models
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a safety recall for glass in some Mercedes-Benz models. The features in these models may create a safety risk for your customers and their passengers if they are not corrected. Safety recalls … Continue reading
Thank You, COVID-19 Pandemic: Wacky Traffic Patterns Persist Amid Increasing Repair Costs
Distinctly different traffic patterns on U.S. roads and continued supply chain disruptions, as well as the rising costs of collision repairs are highlights of CCC Intelligent Solutions’ October 2021 the Continued and Forecasted Impact of the Pandemic on the P&C … Continue reading
PPI: Automotive-Related Products Pricing Continues to Creep Up in September
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed increases in September 2021, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased slightly by … Continue reading
IIHS Study Reveals ‘Good’ Headlights Reduce Accident Risk
A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety [IIHS] shows that the condition of the headlights on a vehicle can affect safety. According to IIHS’s study, crashes at night are nearly 20% lower for vehicles with headlights that … Continue reading
Allstate v. Auto Glass America Dismissed in Florida
The case of Allstate v. Auto Glass America was dismissed Friday in Florida. A settlement hearing with Judge Daniel C. Irick was held Sept. 28. Allstate v. Auto Glass America was a two-year battle in court that began with Allstate … Continue reading
Windshields Are About to Change Significantly
Eastman announced Thursday the launch of the Saflex® Horizon LVID PVB, the next generation of head-up displays (HUD). According to the company’s announcement, Saflex will provide “a more immersive and safer driving experience” with a wedge HUD interlayer for automotive … Continue reading
Biden Nominates Steven Cliff to Steer NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s deputy administrator since February is expected to be President Joe Biden’s pick to head the auto safety group. The nomination was confirmed Tuesday for Steven Cliff, who has played a vital role in … Continue reading
Auto Glass Shortage Requires Creativity to Persevere
The hits keep right on coming for the U.S. economy thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment benefits were provided for those whose jobs the pandemic eliminated, but now restaurants cannot find enough staff to stay open for customers. Prices went … Continue reading
Georgia Man Files Suit Against Progressive Insurance, Mitchell for Car Payouts
Keddrick Brown filed suit in Georgia federal court October 12 against an affiliate of Progressive Casualty Insurance and Mitchell Intelligence. In Brown v. Progressive Mountain Insurance Co. et al., Brown alleges in proposed class allegations that Progressive arbitrarily lowers vehicle … Continue reading
Custom Glass Acquires Oklahoma-based Cameron Glass
In early October, Custom Glass Solutions, LLC of Worthington, Ohio, acquired Cameron Glass Inc. of Broken Arrow, Ok. Cameron Glass, also known as CamGlass, was founded in 1978 by Jim Cameron and his father, Ray Cameron. The company employs 125 … Continue reading
Report Reveals Americans Continue to Drive Up Mileage on Roads
Americans traveled 11.5% more on roads in July 2021 than in July 2020, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) most recent numbers. July 2021 saw 30 billion more vehicle miles logged than July 2020. Travel for July 2021 was … Continue reading
The Gecko Will Pay Up: GEICO Settles in California Short Pay Case for $19.5 Million
GEICO reached a settlement deal of $19.5 million in a class-action lawsuit by California policyholders over sales tax and regulatory fees of insured vehicles and insured leased vehicles when total loss was declared. The legal battle began when Cindy Ventrice-Pearson … Continue reading
AGRR Magazine/glassBYTEs.com Newscast Covers Auto Glass Week™ 2009
Auto Glass Week™ 2022 is under a year away, and AGRR magazine/glassBYTEs’ team is preparing for its largest show yet. In anticipation of the San Antonio, Texas, event, rewind 11 years and catch vintage footage from 2009’s Las Vegas rendition.
David Newell, Formerly of ADCO, SIKA, Passes Away
David Anthony Newell, 70, of Bowie, Md., died Oct. 11, 2021. Newell was with First Transit Co. for eight years, most recently in the role of inventory control. He battled multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells, which humans … Continue reading
Spending on Auto Parts and Autos Speeds Ahead of other Retail Sales
U.S. consumers spent more than $1.2 trillion on automobiles and automobile parts in 2020. According to the Special Equipment Market Association Market Research’s new Retail Trends Report, this spending makes for the largest retail segment in the country. Retail spending … Continue reading
Lifelong Auto Glass Technician Brent Boggs Dies
Brent Boggs of Queen Creek, Ariz., a popular auto glass technician with Specialized Auto Glass in Chandler, Ariz., has passed away. Boggs was 61 years old. Specialized Auto Glass owner Clint Hudlin grew up with Boggs and their parents were … Continue reading
Oh, My Aching Back! Look Who Else Deals with Short pays
The glass industry isn’t the only one to deal with insurance short pays. Chiropractors do, too. On September 22, a Florida federal judge certified a class of health care providers to pursue claims that GEICO has engaged in a practice … Continue reading
WV Court Upholds Denial of Claim by Safelite Tech
An auto glass technician’s failure to notify his employer in a timely manner about a shoulder injury contributed to the West Virginia Supreme Court’s denial for benefits in his case against Safelite. According to court documents, Robert Wilson was an … Continue reading
Auto Glass Companies Remain in Franchise Top 400
Several auto glass companies rose in ranks on the Franchise Times Top 400 for 2021 list. Rankings are based on sales in 2020 by companies with franchised locations. Glass Doctor is ranked at number 238 with 191 locations, including 179 … Continue reading
Gerber Collision & Glass Acquires Repair Center in New York
The Boyd Group Inc. announced its acquisition of a collision repair center in Clarence, N.Y. This repair center has operated as Stevens Collision since 1958. Clarence is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Buffalo, the second largest city in the … Continue reading
Auto Windscreens Awarded Institute of Customer Service ‘ServiceMark’
Auto Windscreens, a United Kingdom-based windshield repair and replacement company, has been awarded a ‘ServiceMark’ by The Institute of Customer Service. It joins 62 companies nationwide with the accreditation and is one of four in the automotive sector. ServiceMark is … Continue reading
Ford Offers Helpful Tips with LKS
Throughout the past year, in its On Target newsletter, Ford has conducted a series on its SRS system, Blind Spot Information System and Lane Keep Assist, all of which include helpful information for auto glass technicians when it comes to … Continue reading
An Afternoon Without Facebook
All Facebook users were in Facebook jail for six hours Monday while the social media site experienced an outage. Instagram and WhatsApp were also down for six hours from just before noon and into the evening. On Tuesday, Facebook reported … Continue reading
S&P Report Forecasts Increasing Insurance Premiums, But Also Good News
A return to pre-COVID-19 pandemic travel on U.S. roads and the increasing costs of repairs and replacements is about to trickle down to automobile insurance companies. And then to insured drivers. The U.S. Auto Insurance Market Report, an annual report … Continue reading
Custom Glass Solutions Recognizes First Wave of Certificate Recipients in New Job Mastery Program
Custom Glass Solutions (CGS) recently held its first ceremony to deliver Certificates of Job Mastery and Task Mastery to its employees completing their job-based, structured, on-the-job training program. 156 total employees received certificate portfolios at the company’s facilities in Upper … Continue reading
Allstate v. Auto Glass America to Settle Lawsuit
It’s all going away. More than two years of litigation ended Sept. 29 with the signature of a Florida judge in the case of Allstate v. Auto Glass America and its owner Charles Isaly. The case was dismissed with prejudice, … Continue reading
Safelite Group Acquires Fremont’s Unique Payless Auto Glass
Safelite Group has acquired assets of Unique Payless Auto Glass of Fremont, Calif. The deal closed Friday, September 24, 2021. Unique Payless Auto has served the Bay Area since 2017 and, according to a statement from the company, “enjoys a … Continue reading
Artificial Intelligence in Automotive Claims on Fast Track During Pandemic
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives was predicted in Hollywood movies decades ago and began to come true with Siri, Alexa and Smartphones. According to a white paper released recently by Mitchell International (the parent company … Continue reading
PGW Auto Glass Installs Transfer Fee
PGW Auto Glass LLC has notified auto glass shops that the company is implementing a transfer fee for products shipped to a customer’s primary branch from another branch location. According to the email sent to customers, the fee is necessary … Continue reading
Mustang Mach-E 2021 Recalled for Improperly Bonded Windshields
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a recall Sept. 14 for the inadequate front windshield bonding in the Ford Mustang Mach-E 2021. Ford specifically recalled the electric SUV in Canada because the glass roof can fall off and the … Continue reading
Illinois Homeowners Win in State Farm Loss Value Case
A case concerning State Farm’s coverage of residential property may have implications for the auto glass industry in the future. The Supreme Court of Illinois supported a proposed class of homeowners in Jarret Sproull v. State Farm Fire and Casualty … Continue reading
Safelite Acquires Glass.net
Safelite Group, which operates Safelite AutoGlass and Safelite Solutions, issued an email notification that it has acquired Glass.net and AutoGlassGuru.com as part of its purchase of Honex Interactive Industries. Glass.net, headquartered in Walla Walla, Wash., operates Mondays through Fridays providing … Continue reading
METRYX Updated with Recalibration Services Information
LYNX sent an email to participants requesting they update recalibration services information in METRYX. Participants are asked to respond “yes or no” to whether they are certified to perform recalibrations and “yes or no” to whether or not they will … Continue reading
Century Glass Celebrates Three Decades of Growth in South Carolina
A focus on customer service, a team of quality employees and dedicated customers are ingredients in the recipe for success in the auto glass industry. “Really, it’s having a great team and having a fantastic customer base,” says Randy Wright … Continue reading
Federal Decision on “Right to Repair” Case Delayed in MA
A Massachusetts federal judge has delayed a ruling in Alliance for Automotive Innovation v. Healey to Nov. 2, 2021. U.S. Massachusetts District Court Judge Douglas Woodlock scheduled a ruling by Sept. 20 in the case of automakers suing over an … Continue reading
PPI: Automotive-Related Products Pricing Continues Positive Trend in August
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed a slight increase in August 2021, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased … Continue reading
D’Ieteren Group Outlook is Continued Growth
D’Ieteren Group, which owns 50.01% of Belron, showed a strong recovery in the first half of 2021 compared to 2020. Belron operates Safelite AutoGlass and Safelite Solutions. According to a statement, all businesses owned by the Group contributed to its … Continue reading
Class Action Lawsuit Against Allstate Dropped
A Texas law firm has dropped a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing Allstate of regularly calling unqualified expert witnesses. The Estes Law Firm, based in Richmond, Texas, filed the suit in January 2021 and represented nearly 10,000 Texas lawyers and law … Continue reading
Before and After: Three Industry Groups Support Multi-brand Scanning Tools
The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and the Auto Care Association (ACA) are unified in their position to support use of multi-brand scanning tools in aftermarket, not just original equipment manufacturer (OEM) scan tools. The … Continue reading
Mopar Launches Certification Program for Auto Glass Installers
Mopar has introduced what it calls a new certification program for installers who want to work on Mopar/FCA vehicles. Mopar says proper glass replacement and repair has never been more important and complex. “Today’s windshields contain ever-changing technologies, and are … Continue reading
Belron Shares Repurchased and Disposed in Contract
D’Ieteren Group, which owns Belron, the parent company of Safelite AutoGlass and Safelite Solutions, announced the purchase and disposal of treasury shares between Sept. 3 and Sept. 7, 2021. D’Ieteren Group signed a liquidity contract on Sept. 3 with Kepler … Continue reading
Guess Who Profited Most in the Pandemic?
The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and the Center for Economic Justice (CEJ) have estimated that auto insurance companies made a nearly $30 billion profit in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both say state insurance regulators have failed to … Continue reading
Ohio Court of Appeals Rules Against Safelite
Shonda Hicks, a licensed insurance surveyor with the Safelite Group, won her appeal in Ohio court Sept. 2 in a workers’ compensation case involving her falling in a parking lot. On the morning of Feb. 8, 2018, Hicks, who was … Continue reading
Auto Glass Technician Takes Us Through Slider Replacement in Sierra/Silverados
glassBYTEs welcomes back Aaron Bradford of Driftwood Auto Glass LLC to show us how to replace sliders on the Sierra and Silverados. According to Bradford, the late model Sierra/Silverados have seen some changes that make replacement of the sliders a … Continue reading
Allstate and AGA Ordered to Schedule Settlement Conference in Windshield Lawsuit
U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel C. Irick issued an order in Orlando District Court Wednesday for the scheduling of a settlement conference in Allstate* vs. Auto Glass America and Charles Isaly. Just a couple weeks ago, both sides argued over inclusion … Continue reading
New Orleans Without Electricity After Hurricane Ida
The hurricane season hit the auto glass industry in New Orleans on Sunday with the second most intense hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana. Reminiscent of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the state in August 2005, auto glass shops and other … Continue reading
Former Auto Glass Exec Arrested for Sexual Assault, Sheriff Declines to File Charges
“Which office do I go to [to] get my reputation back?” First uttered by former Labor Secretary Raymond J. Donovan upon the dropping of larceny charges against him in 1987, those words ring true to Mike Boyle of Bend, Oregon. … Continue reading
Miles Driven Report Continues to Show Travel Increase
Americans traveled 14.5% more on roads in June 2021 than in June 2020, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) most recent numbers. June 2021 saw 35.7 billion more vehicle miles logged than June 2020. Travel for June 2021 was … Continue reading
Allstate vs. AGA: The Battle Over Expert Testimony
An Orlando judge has ordered that expert witnesses provided on both sides in the case of Allstate* vs. Auto Glass America and its owner Charles Isaly (AGA) will be permitted to testify in the case. The August 19 order follows … Continue reading
A New Type of Glass Rail
Paris designer Thierry Gaugain has designed a train for the 21st Century traveler to see the world in luxury—and it’s the first all glass train ever made. “We tend to think about rail transportation only in terms of speed, moving … Continue reading
Industry Mourns Untimely Deaths
This week started on a sad note for the AGRR industry. Just this morning brought the passing of long-time industry expert Frank Levesque. Levesque, 72, retired in June 2015 after more than five decades in the industry, most recently serving … Continue reading
Cost of AG Goods Continued to Rise Year Over Year
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed a very slight decrease in July 2021, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto … Continue reading
Remembering Diane Reister
Diane Reister, an auto glass repair and replacement industry veteran, passed away at 63 years old on Aug. 16, 2021. The staff at AGRR magazine and glassBYTEs sends its condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. Reister … Continue reading
Woman Up: Glass Installer Overcomes Gender Bias
After five years as a mobile glass installer for a major auto glass retailer, Jaymie Percival says she was considered the company’s best installer in Texas. “They knew it, but they didn’t treat me that way,” Percival, 53, said. She … Continue reading
NSG Group Shows Significant Rebound in Auto Glass
NSG Group, parent company to Pilkington, saw an 83% increase in automotive glass revenues in the most recent quarter compared to the same period last year, according to its latest financial report. NSG reports sales in this segment totaled $645.5 … Continue reading
Next Victim: Rohlfing Follows First Mystery Novel with Prequel
A young woman is the victim this time in the second book of the Detective Sasha Frank Mysteries. “Cold Consequences” was released in late July and follows the death of a young woman who sustained an injury playing soccer in … Continue reading
Investors Consider Cash-Out of Belron Shares
A single-asset secondary transaction is on the table for consideration by Clayton Dubilier & Rice that could garner $4 billion for the Belron Group. Clayton Dubilier’s United Kingdom-based glass repair company, Belron, operates in 40 countries with 27,000 employees working … Continue reading
Leaky Times: Readers Respond to Class Action Lawsuit Against Chrysler
A class action lawsuit between David Cox and Chrysler that settled in September 2020 garnered various responses from car owners who read glassBYTEs.com and continues to do so. According to a judge’s order, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) agreed to pay … Continue reading
Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Holds Potential Funding for U.S. Transportation Updates
Poor road and surface conditions are one major cause of broken auto glass, and a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill under debate on the United States Senate floor this week could improve conditions. The bill may delay the legislation’s August … Continue reading
Safelite Group Acquires Advanced Glass and Trim
Safelite® Group, a vehicle glass services and recalibration company and owner of Safelite AutoGlass®, announced an agreement to acquire the assets of Advanced Glass and Trim in Jackson, Wyo. The transaction was completed on Friday, July 30, 2021. Advanced Glass … Continue reading
Is It a Secret? Florida Court Decides Confidentiality Issues
After more than two years in litigation, the case of Allstate* v. Auto Glass America and its owner Charles Isaly continues in court. “Having waded through page upon page of ad hominem attacks and accusations of lies, “contumacious” and “perfidious” … Continue reading
Say It Isn’t So, Flo: Lawsuit Alleges Progressive Underpays
Two New Yorkers filed suit against Progressive Corp. on July 22, alleging the car insurer is underpaying and arbitrarily undervaluing claims by New York policyholders for totaled vehicles by deceptively adjusting the claims process. Plaintiffs Dominick Volino of Duchess County … Continue reading
No Myth About it: Calibration is Important
For Barry Lintner, owner and partner of Lloyd’s Glass & Correct Calibration Services in Pensacola, Fla., calibration has always been important “but none of us knew it,” he says. Lintner’s company, which he owns with his son, performs 100 calibrations … Continue reading
To Calibrate or Not to Calibrate? There Is No Question
The importance of calibration was highlighted in a panel discussion in early June at Auto Glass Week 2021, and audience members heard it straight from the source in “Learning from Auto Glass Shops that Offer Calibration Services.” “So we’ve heard … Continue reading
A Pole Dance You Never Want: Windshield Slows Projectile
A Phoenix, Ariz., woman escaped impalement by a metal pole Thursday while driving on Arizona State Route 51 in Phoenix. As reported by KPNX Action News on Monday, Mandy Poff was preparing to exit Route 51 about 11:53 a.m. on … Continue reading
Part 2: To Retarget or Not to Retarget?
Marketing makes the business world turn round the sun every day. How else can you get information out about your business in an age when digital is king? Email services are available so that when customers simply click on your … Continue reading
ADAS: Here to Stay, Not Driving Away
“One of the most important things we try to convey [about calibration training] is the best practice, knowing your environment, and really what the manufacturer needs or what that system needs to calibrate,” said Emily Jackson, marketing director of Mygrant … Continue reading
Marketing Strategy Targets—and Retargets — Potential Customers
Visit Safelite’s website and you just might become a target, or rather a retarget, of the auto glass giant. Visitors to Safelite AutoGlass’ website may have noticed they may receive automatic emails for glass services within a few days of … Continue reading
Safety First: Glass Recalls Announced in Several Vehicle Models
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration alerted consumers Monday about safety recalls on windshields and windows in certain vehicle models which require repair as soon as possible. Inform your customers of the recall, and encourage them to call the NHTSA … Continue reading
What do the Numbers Mean? Label Date Creates Confusion
A label from Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. confused at least one auto glass technician when he installed a windshield in early July and the glass was dated 9/04/2021. Or was it? A representative with Fuyao Glass America, the company … Continue reading
Where is It? Delays Prompt Online Search for Answers from Tool Supplier
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the operations of businesses across the country. Not only are businesses experiencing staffing issues, but also shipping and supplies are a concern. The auto glass industry is not excluded from supply and shipping issues … Continue reading
Lucky 13? D’Ieteren Group Sells 13% to New Shareholders
D’Ieteren Group announced Sunday July 11 that Hellman & Friedman, BlackRock-Managed Funds and GIC are joining the company’s list of shareholders and will acquire up to a total of 13 percent of Belron. This ownership change will give Belron at … Continue reading
Meet Chip—Marketer—and Mascot—Extraordinaire
Once John Perkins, president of Genuine Auto Glass in Seattle, Wash., decided he wanted to create a company mascot, he shared his idea with vice president/general manager Jeff Crane. Crane pulled out a napkin, drew an original draft and sent … Continue reading
Fight Over Documents in AGA vs. Allstate Case Spills Over into Allstate vs. AGA Case
It’s gotten even more complicated. If the defendants in the Allstate vs. Auto Glass America and Charles Isaly (AGA) have their way, a recent decision by a state district court in Broward, Florida will be a factor in their case … Continue reading
The Big Easy is Working Hard on Rental Fleet Repairs
Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s Quarter One 2021 report tracking the average length of car rentals reveals that Louisiana saw the largest drivable increase and also the largest increase in non-drivable claims. Drivable claims refer to claims in which a vehicle is operable … Continue reading
New Car Prices at Record High—If You Can Find One
J.D. Power forecasts the average cost of a new vehicle at $38,088 for the first half of 2021, a new record high and a 10.1 percent increase from 2020 (14.1 percent up from 2019). Sales of new vehicles for June … Continue reading
PPI: Automotive-Related Products Pricing Generally Positive in May
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed mostly increases in May 2021, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased both … Continue reading
Rookie and Veteran Competitors Make Mark at AGW
This year’s Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) competitions were fierce. From June 7-9, the country’s finest repair and replacement technicians, calibrators and customer service representatives battled inside the walls of the Orange County Convention Center. When the dust settled and the … Continue reading
Is State Farm’s New Offer One the Industry Can’t Refuse?
A new offer is on the table from State Farm to auto glass providers in its National Glass Program. Effective Monday, July 5, State Farm will be offering a labor rate of $42 per NAGS labor hour in Zones 1, … Continue reading
One Shop Owner’s Action: Smart Business—or Just Plain Evil?
A woman came into Auto Glass Experts on Saturday, June 19, crying. She said someone had thrown an object through the back window of her Nissan Sentra, smashing the backlite, and glass had gotten on her and her dog. “A … Continue reading
2021 Fortune 500 List Sees Insurance Companies Shift
Fortune’s 67th edition of its Fortune 500 list ranked America’s largest companies, detailing the pandemic’s ‘winners and losers.’ The insurance industry (property and casualty (mutual) featured several. The top five companies in this segment were: State Farm Insurance (39), Nationwide … Continue reading
And Tree Breaks Three: Tesla Model 3 Gets Just That
A1 Custom Auto Glass and Electronics in Manalapan Township, N.J., does routine repair and replacement work for customers daily. But a glass replacement job on a 2019 Tesla Model 3 this month proved to be more extensive than usual. “We … Continue reading
Mygrant Glass Increases Surcharge Rate Due to Ongoing Supply Chain Challenges
Rising industry surcharge rates are the latest indication of an uncertain economic recovery in the auto glass industry. Effective Monday, June 21, Mygrant Glass increased its fuel surcharge to $8 per delivery: “As we continue to navigate a very challenging … Continue reading
Adhesive Manufacturers Talk Adhesive Supply Chain
Last week, glassBYTEs reported that suppliers have begun notifying their customers of anticipated shortages of some adhesives. Courtny Squibb, director of national product sales and distribution at NOVUS Glass, weighed in on SRP’s supply-chain management during COVID-19. “Given that our … Continue reading
Auto Glass Techs Take on Western Heat Waves
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Thursday, addressing power grid concerns spurred by scorching temperatures that have climbed as high as 118 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. It’s the latest in the heat-wave crisis that … Continue reading
Mitchell Analyzes Evolving Auto Industry
Every facet of society is being re-worked and reimagined—no industry is immune to the ever-evolving ‘normal,’ which seems to shift by the quarter. Mitchell, parent company of NAGS and a provider of technology, connectivity and information solutions to the collision … Continue reading
Committees Meet in Orlando
The Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) and its National Windshield Repair Division (NWRD) met Wednesday and Thursday June 9 and 10 in Orlando as Auto Glass Week ’21 was winding down. The Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) Committee met, … Continue reading
Auto Glass Week Ends on a High, Celebratory Note
Auto Glass Week concluded on Wednesday with the announcement of the winners in the windshield repair and auto glass replacement competitions. The successful event proved the industry was ready to come back together, learn how to further their business, and … Continue reading
Industry Supply Chain Challenges Continue
Suppliers are beginning to notify their customers of anticipated shortages of some adhesives. Pam Oliver, sales representative at Mygrant Glass Company, recently addressed raw material supply chain challenges in an email to the company’s U428+ users: “Dow is having difficulty … Continue reading
2021 Auto Glass Week Competition Winners Announced
The winners of the Pilkington Clear Advantage Automotive Glass Technician Competition (AGTO), Delta Kits Windshield Repair Competition (WRO) and the grand champions of the Calibration and Customer Service (CSR) competitions were announced Wednesday night at Auto Glass Week™ 2021 in … Continue reading
Tech Change is the Theme at Auto Glass Week Close
“The car is a computer on wheels, and you need to be educated on its software and technology,” was the ominous warning issued by the closing speaker as the Auto Glass Week education program concluded in Orlando. Frank Terlep is … Continue reading
Auto Glass Week: Calibration Takes the Stage
A staple of Auto Glass Week is the annual ADAS Summit, and this year was no different–show attendees were eager to hear of the latest on calibration. Two special panels took place, where experts in the field shared best practices, … Continue reading
AGTO, WRO Narrow Down Finalists
It wouldn’t be Auto Glass Week without the Auto Glass Technician Competition (AGTO) and Windshield Repair Competition (WRO). Preliminaries have been held over the last two days and now both fields have been narrowed down to four finalists. Vying for … Continue reading
Auto Glass Week Kicks Off in Orlando
Auto Glass Week, the industry’s annual gathering kicked off today in Orlando before a large audience, and still more participating virtually. Opening day, complete with exhibitors, competitors and seminars, was a welcome attraction for so many who had not been … Continue reading
AGW Competitors Gear up and Share Strategies
The Auto Glass Week™ competitions, to be held June 7-9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., are fast approaching. How are competitors prepping for the showdowns? TJ Tirado, owner of Windshield Fitters Inc. and Rock Chip USA, … Continue reading
Apple’s New Patent Focuses on Windshield Area Intrusion Control
In what could be a revolutionary development for the auto industry, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has officially granted Apple a patent related to windshield area intrusion control. Apple’s granted patent (11,021,126), which has been covered and analyzed by … Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Welcomes ALLDATA as a Cobalt Sponsor
Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) is pleased to welcome ALLDATA as a Cobalt sponsor to the world-class event starting next week in Orlando. ALLDATA provides unedited OEM automotive repair and collision information. Its more than 115,000 subscribers worldwide rely on ALLDATA … Continue reading
Auto Glass Week Announces Updated Health Protocols
Organizers of the upcoming Auto Glass Week™ have announced new safety and health protocols for the event. In accordance with CDC guidelines, AGW now has its final health safety protocols in place. These include: 1. Not attending if you are … Continue reading
Auto Glass Safety Becomes Law in Maryland
Auto glass safety legislation requiring the state to adopt regulations that “meet or exceed” the ANSI/AGSC/Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) has been enacted by the State of Maryland. The bill was passed by the state legislature in April and … Continue reading
Attending Auto Glass Week™? Show Your Badge, Save Money and Have Fun
Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) and Visit Orlando have teamed up to provide attendees with even more great ways to enjoy their stay in the Sunshine State and even save a few dollars. AGW, June 7-9 at the Orange County Convention … Continue reading
Allstate Seeks to Keep Safelite Documents Under Wraps
The flurry of motions in preparation for a November trial has continued in insurance giant Allstate’s federal litigation against Auto Glass America and its owner Charles Isaly (AGA). The most recent back and forth involved Allstate’s filing of a Motion … Continue reading
AGRR™ Magazine Offers FREE Trade Show Pass to Auto Glass Week™
AGRR™ magazine offers a FREE Trade Show Pass to attend Auto Glass Week™ (AGW). This year’s event will be held June 7-9 in Orlando, Fla. in the Orange County Convention Center. Attendees can attend in person in Orlando or online … Continue reading
MA Right to Repair Law Headed to Trial
The issue of a consumer’s “right to repair” was in the news last week with the release of the Federal Trade Commission’s “Nixing the Fix” Report to Congress. Massachusetts has been “ground zero” on the issue with passage of voter … Continue reading
First-Time Attendees Take Note: These 3 Tips Can Improve the AGW Experience
Event planners know that the customer experience is the top priority. The Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) team is proud that, in post-event surveys, more than 87 percent of attendees say they would return the following year. Value creation is key: … Continue reading
AsTech Gears Up for Auto Glass Week
In anticipation of Auto Glass Week™, asTech’s Jake Rodenroth, Director of OEM and Industry Technical Relations, is gearing up for Calibrations: “Are You Calibrating Correctly?”—his live demo at the Orange County Convention Center on Monday, June 7 from 3 p.m. … Continue reading
In COVID-19’s Aftermath, U.S. Auto Glass Shops Begin Anew
On May 13, exactly 14 months or 426 days after the U.S declared a national emergency due to COVID-19, the CDC announced that fully-vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks or practice social distancing indoors or outdoors, except under … Continue reading
AGW Welcomes Protech Automotive Solutions as a Cobalt Sponsor
Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) is excited to announce that Protech Automotive Solutions has signed on as a cobalt sponsor. Protech’s certified technicians restore vehicle-safe driving technology systems to manufacturer specifications—such as blind-spot monitoring and collision avoidance. AGW is created and … Continue reading
Allstate vs. AGA Lawsuit Continues
Thousands of pages of documents have been filed with the U.S. District Court of the Middle District of Florida concerning more than 3,000 windshield damage claims in the case of the Allstate Insurance and its related entities (Allstate) vs. Auto … Continue reading
FTC Highlights Burdens Placed by Repair Restrictions
“Furthermore, the burden of repair restrictions may fall more heavily on communities of color and lower-income communities.” That sentence, which was prominently placed by the Federal Trade Commission in the Executive Summary of their report submitted to Congress last week, … Continue reading
Busy Season is No Reason to Skip AGW—Attend Virtually!
Your book of business is booming. COVID-19 restrictions are waning, and more people are ready for repair and replacement services. How could you possibly take time for Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) 2021? Here’s how. The AGW team understands that June … Continue reading
FTC Report Cites Safelite Comments
Safelite, LKQ and others were among the companies highlighted by the Federal Trade Commission in its report to Congress last week as being critical of certain OEM practices of automobile manufacturers. The FTC report listed several ways in which manufacturers … Continue reading
Take it from Anderson Cooper: 90 Minutes Could Lead to a Lifetime of Results—Register for Auto Glass Week™ to Learn More
“I’ve always been pretty skeptical of the whole body language thing I’ve seen on TV, but I like Janine Driver a lot. I think she’s got really good concrete advice. And she’s changed the way I’ve noticed things in conversations … Continue reading
NSG Feels Impact of COVID Economy, Forecasts Stronger 2022
NSG Group, a global glass manufacturer and parent company of Pilkington, saw a decline in revenues in fiscal year 2021 compared to 2020 yet still exceeded its expectations, according to a recently released financial report. The company totaled $4.57 billion … Continue reading
Allstate Employees Press Retirement Plan Fight
A group of present and former employees of Allstate Corp. continued their legal fight over alleged mismanagement of retirement funds in an Illinois federal court last week. Employee plaintiffs in an Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) suit against the … Continue reading
BidClips Joins Auto Glass Week™ as Copper Sponsor
Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) is pleased to welcome BidClips as a Copper-level event sponsor. BidClips is the premier sales platform for the glass industry. They created BidClips to help you take your leads from propose to close faster with automated … Continue reading
DuPont Invests in R&D and Manufacturing Resources in Europe
DuPont Mobility and Materials announced it is investing $5 million in capital and operating resources at its manufacturing facilities in Germany and Switzerland to increase capacity for its high-performance automotive adhesives. The investment will expand capacity to support growing demand … Continue reading
AGW Attendee Benefit No. 741: Certification Training and Testing─Compliments of Auto Glass Week
Still not convinced of the value of attending Auto Glass Week™? Here’s one more reason: All attendees at Auto Glass Week (AGW) will have access to the AGSC certification training and testing program, as well as the NWRD windshield repair … Continue reading
Boyd Group Has Slower Start to 2021
A major player in the North American auto glass replacement and collision market saw a near-10% decline in sales through the first part of 2021. Company officials attribute the slump to lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Boyd Group, … Continue reading
Colonial Pipeline Restarted as Shops Assess Damage
The 5,500-mile Colonial Pipeline began restarting its operations Wednesday evening after a ransomware attack that crippled the system for six days and led to gas shortages across the Southeast, according to CNN. Pipeline operators have cautioned that it could take … Continue reading
Massachusetts Shop Owners Allege Losing Work: Allege Safelite Solutions Told Customers Shops Weren’t Properly Licensed
Three Massachusetts glass shop owners allege to glassBYTEs that they started noticing an alarming trend in mid-April—customers who called their insurance carriers to get windshields replaced by their shops were told those companies weren’t properly licensed, when in fact they … Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ is Just Four Weeks Away; Registration Still Open
We are heading into the final laps for Auto Glass Week™ and what may just be the best event yet in AGW’s long history. “We are definitely sensing the industry’s excitement for our first event since 2019,” said Tricia Lopez, … Continue reading
AGW Welcomes Agile Truck Tools as Cobalt Sponsor
Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) is pleased to welcome Agile Truck Tools as a Cobalt sponsor to the world-class event in June. Agile is a master distributor of Autel ADAS equipment, diagnostic scan tools, battery testers and TPMS tools. It offers … Continue reading
Shop Alleges Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices, Seeks Injunction
A Massachusetts auto glass company has sued Safelite Solutions and five insurance companies accusing the glass claims administrator of making false statements about it in an alleged attempt to steer business away. The company asks the court for a preliminary … Continue reading
Ford Recall Brings Remediation Work to Glass Shops Throughout North America
The Ford F series trucks are some of the best-selling vehicles in the United States. So, the Ford recall earlier this year of over 87,000 F-150 and Super Duty trucks across North America due to windshield issues is now resulting … Continue reading
Is Inaction Action? Florida Legislature Addresses AOB Legislation
The 2021 Florida Legislative Session concluded last week and quiet settled over the auto glass services industry with the recognition that the much-ballyhooed legislative fight over Assignment of Benefit legislation never materialized and the bill finally died with the end … Continue reading
7 Easy Things to do Before Heading to Auto Glass Week
If you are making your way to Auto Glass Week™(AGW), here are 7 steps to help ensure you have the best possible experience. 1. Review the agenda and plan your days. 2. Check out the show floor online to see … Continue reading
Bad Roads Mean Higher Car Repair Costs–a Comparison by State
The state of U.S. infrastructure has been in the news lately, but just how much does that infrastructure affect the amount of car repairs (including auto glass repair and replacement)? Plenty, as it turns out. A state-by-state fact sheet produced … Continue reading
Allstate Strikes at Defendant’s Business Practices
A trial brief filed by Allstate Insurance last month in its litigation against Auto Glass America and its owner, Charles Isaly, (AGA) gave an indication of how contentious the litigation has been. The case was filed in December 2018, and … Continue reading
Geico Data Breach Leads to Class-Action Lawsuit
Plaintiffs Alexander Mirvis, Betty Butler and Lainie Froehlich filed a class action complaint against defendant Geico over a recent data breach that compromised the Social Security numbers, addresses, credit card numbers and driver’s license numbers of current and former customers. … Continue reading
Fuyao Revenues Edge Down in 2020; Company ‘Overcame Impact’ of Pandemic
China-based auto glass manufacturer Fuyao saw a near 6% decrease in sales in a pandemic-ridden 2020, though the company still remained profitable, according to a recently released annual report. Fuyao recorded overall revenues of $3.07 billion*, down 5.7% from the … Continue reading
Hotel Discounts for AGW Ending Soon – Reserve Your Rooms Today!
Still deciding where to stay for Auto Glass Week™? Your options are plenty but if you are considering a room at one of our partner hotels, discounts expire on May 14. The Rosen Centre Hotel and the Rosen Plaza Hotel … Continue reading
Arizona Defendants Plead the Fifth in GEICO Case
Arizona defendants Sean Alexander, Terry Godfrey and Anthon Godfrey, in the auto glass services business as A&G Auto Glass and sued by GEICO in federal court for alleged fraudulent insurance claims, have pleaded their Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination. In … Continue reading
Strategic Materials Joins Auto Glass Week™ as Cobalt Sponsor
Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) is pleased to welcome Strategic Materials as a Cobalt-level event sponsor. With over a 100-year history, Strategic Materials is North America’s largest and most comprehensive glass recycler, with nearly 50 locations in the United States, Canada, … Continue reading
Safety Council Looks Toward Building Crash Data
The Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC) is working to improve the collection of data regarding windshield failures in automobile crashes. There is, unfortunately, a history of anecdotal evidence of windshield failure as a cause or exacerbation of crashes and as … Continue reading
Bruce McDonald Loses Battle with Cancer
Delta Kits has announced the passing of William Bruce McDonald, who died on April 9, 2021 after being diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. McDonald was a sales representative and lead trainer at Delta Kits for more than 12 … Continue reading
Safelite Imposes New Documentation Requirements
Safelite Solutions, a leading third-party administrator to the auto glass industry, has issued new policies and procedures for auto glass services companies to submit documentation for reimbursement for recalibration services. Safelite’s new rules, to become effective as of April 23, … Continue reading
GEICO Files Another Arizona Lawsuit
GEICO has filed a $300,000 federal lawsuit in Arizona against A&G Auto Glass for alleged fraudulent or non-reimbursable claims for windshield replacement services. GEICO claims that A&G Auto Glass did not actually provide the claimed replacement services and did not … Continue reading
Custom Glass Solutions Works One Million Hours Without a Lost-Time Injury
On March 17, Custom Glass Solutions reported that its windshield manufacturing plant in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, had achieved 1 million hours of work without a lost time injury. Employee health and safety manager Victor Foss, is pleased but is focused … Continue reading
PRO Act Passes the House but Fate in Senate Remains Unknown
The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives (HR 482) March 9, seeking to redefine what constitutes an independent contractor. That move has everyone from union leaders, to small businesses trying to figure out … Continue reading
Calls on Calls Extraordinary Answering Service Joins Auto Glass Week™ as Cobalt Sponsor
Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) is pleased to welcome Calls on Calls as a Cobalt-level event sponsor. If you are ready to improve your business, enhance your skills and meet other industry leaders, you need to attend AGW. This year’s event … Continue reading
AGRR Magazine Receives Design Award
Key Media & Research (KMR), parent company to AGRR magazine, received five awards this week from the American Society of Business Publication Editors’ (ASBPE) Azbee Awards of Excellence. Tara Taffera, editorial director, and Dawn Campbell, art director, received Bronze in … Continue reading
Trial by Jury Set for Allstate v. Auto Glass America Case
A November 1, 2021 trial date has been set by the U.S. District Court in Orlando, Fla., in the long running Allstate v. Auto Glass America litigation. At a Status Conference held last month with the parties District Judge Carlos … Continue reading
PPI: Automotive-Related Products Pricing Generally Positive in March
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed mostly increases in March 2021, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased by … Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Recognizes Six Sponsors That Help Make It All Happen
It takes a village to put together a conference and Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) is no exception. “It’s very important that AGW attendees are aware of the important contributions our sponsors make to the overall success of this event,” says … Continue reading
Belron Allocates New Term Loans
Global auto glass company Belron, parent company of Safelite AutoGlass in the U.S., has launched a syndication in the institutional loan market for new term loans on a best effort basis. According to the company, the new loans of $2.6 … Continue reading
NSG Begins Laurinburg, N.C. Furnace Rebuild
NSG Group is rebuilding one of its furnaces at its float glass plant in Laurinburg, N.C. The project started on March 10, 2021 and is expected to be completed in late June 2021. “The investment is part of our ongoing … Continue reading
Response Filed in Sunroof Class Action Suit
Another amended complaint has been filed by Bruce Pickens against Mercedes-Benz USA (Mercedes-Benz) for spontaneous sunroof breakage. Originally the class action lawsuit included Saint-Gobain Sekurit (Saint Gobain), and Napleton Autowerks of Indiana, Inc. (Napleton Autowerks) as defendants. The amended complaint … Continue reading
Bonding Issues Center of Several Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued three recalls – two from Mercedes-Benz USA LLC (Mercedes-Benz) and one from Hino Motors Sales U.S.A., Inc. (Hino). Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz recently issued a safety recall for the following vehicle models that … Continue reading
Safety Insurance Now Under Safelite Solutions
Safelite says it’s all part of its usual routine, but some New England auto glass shop owners say it’s anything but. The “it” is a move to Safelite Solution’s claims processing platform by Safety Insurance. Network auto glass shops are … Continue reading
From Windshields to Decorative: Norman Foxworth Looks Back on 50+ Years
Today’s glass industry isn’t the same as it was in 1968 when Norman Foxworth founded Dependable Glass in Covington, La. “Back then, he says, “we didn’t have the diversity [of products] that we do today.” Over the past 50-plus years, … Continue reading
Miles Driven Shows All Regions Decline in Latest Report
All road and street travel in the U.S. decreased by 11.3%, or 28.4 billion vehicle miles, for January 2021, compared to January 2020, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) most recent numbers. Overall travel for the month is estimated … Continue reading
Sales Decrease by 8.5% in Boyd Group Financial Report
Boyd Group Services Inc. (The Boyd Group) released its 2020 fourth quarter and full year financial report recently and noted COVID-19 impacted its financial results. According to the report, sales decreased by 8.5% to $2.1 billion from $2.3 billion when … Continue reading
Postal Vehicles Get Glassy Thanks to Multi-Billion Dollar Contract
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) announced it awarded a 10-year contract to Oshkosh, Wis., based Oshkosh Defense, to manufacture a new generation of U.S.-built postal delivery vehicles that will incorporate more auto glass. The investment is a part of a … Continue reading
State Farm Seeks Trial in $1.4 Million Suit Against Auto Glass Company
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and State Farm Fire and Casualty Company (collectively State Farm) has filed a federal lawsuit in Florida’s Middle District Court against At Home Auto Glass LLC, William Camp and Nicholas Alexander (collectively defendants). The … Continue reading
Latest PPI Report Shows Slight Increase in Industry Material Pricing
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed mostly increases in February 2021, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased by … Continue reading
Webinar Gives an Inside Look into Crash Testing
A recent webinar highlighted the importance of crash testing and how minimum drive-away time (MDAT) relates to calibration. The webinar featured Mike Rea, a senior product engineer for SIKA Corporation (Sika), the webinar’s sponsor. Rea began the Crash Testing in … Continue reading
Belron Profits Rise Despite Pandemic and Decreased Sales
D’Ieteren Group presented its full-year 2020 results, including those of Belron (which owns Safelite Autoglass in the United States). Belron’s organic sales declined by 7.5%, though the Group’s profit before tax improved significantly by 44.6% due in part to what … Continue reading
Organizations Want Your Support with International Year of Glass
The International Commission on Glass (ICG), the Community of Glass Associations (CGA) and ICOMGlass are promoting a United Nations International Year of Glass for 2022. Its aim is to underline the scientific and economic importance of all glass, which includes … Continue reading
AAA Survey Finds Drivers Aren’t Fully Comfortable with Autonomy
The American Automobile Association (AAA), headquartered in Heathrow, Fla., found that drivers aren’t fully sold on autonomous vehicles and that COVID had very little impact, in its annual automated vehicle survey. The survey concluded that most drivers are interested in … Continue reading
Illinois Bill Would Forbid Deviations from OEM Procedures
Illinois has a new piece of legislation. The bill, also known as HB 3133, would amend the state’s current Insurance Code to expressly forbid insurers from requesting deviations from OEM repair procedures, except for parts or ADAS calibration tools. “No … Continue reading
The Auto Glass Industry Highlights Women for International Holiday
Women have many countless contributions to every segment of society, including the auto glass industry. In fact, the first windshield wiper was invented by Mary Anderson in the early 1900s. Today glassBYTEs is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting a … Continue reading
Is OE Glass Really Necessary, or Are Aftermarket Products a Solid Alternative?
When it comes to original equipment (OE) and aftermarket glass, car makers are clear: When performing replacements, OE glass should be used. Even if the aftermarket version is manufactured to the same tolerances, it doesn’t matter: their position statements set … Continue reading
Mercedes Gets Hit With Lawsuit for Alleged Panoramic Sunroof Defect
A class action complaint has filed in Northern Georgia against Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC and Daimler Aktiengesellschaft (collectively Mercedes) for alleged spontaneous breakage found in the auto manufacturer’s panoramic sunroofs. The plaintiff is seeking a trial by jury, monetary relief, and … Continue reading
Allstate Auto Glass Acquires A&R Auto Glass and Expands Service
Jon Shellington, owner of Allstate Glass Company, headquartered in Holbrook, Mass., has purchased A&R Auto Glass, headquartered in Southwick, Mass. The acquisition included the current A&R Auto Glass location, which will provide space in Western Massachusetts for Allstate to have … Continue reading
Case Closed – Parties Agree to Settle Out of Court on Defective Windshield Suit
The ongoing class action lawsuit, originally filed by Hakeem Hasan in Illinois Federal Court, against American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is over, as the judge has dismissed the case. The 2019 suit centered on Hasan’s allegations that Honda was … Continue reading
Recalls to Keep an Eye On
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued three recalls from Ford Motor Company (Ford), BMW, Newmar Corporation (Newmar), and Daimler Vans USA, LLC (Daimler). Ford Ford recently issued a safety recall for select truck models. According to the … Continue reading
Miles Driven Shows Less Drivers are Getting Behind The Wheel
All road and street travel in the U.S. decreased by 10.3%, or 28.1 billion vehicle miles, for December 2020, compared to December 2019, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) most recent numbers. Overall travel for the month is estimated … Continue reading
Only 100 Days Until the Industry’s Most Popular Event.
Are YOU registered for Auto Glass Week™? Auto Glass Week™ (AGW), June 7-9, 2021 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., is the only event that offers the original equipment (OE) and aftermarket auto glass repair and replacement … Continue reading
Utah Legislature Passes Bill, Awaits Governor’s Action
A Utah bill to amend provisions related to advanced driver assistance features and enact provisions related to auto glass repair recently passed in the Senate and the House. The bill, also known as S78 also seeks to amend provisions related … Continue reading
A Snowstorm Didn’t Stop These Businesses
“Mother Nature is going to do what Mother Nature wants to do,” said Jim Ricci, Vitro business development manager, US ARG, of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas area, as he recalled last week’s snowstorm. “Until it happens you can’t anticipate … Continue reading
Do Better Tools Mean Less Injuries?
Setting devices and wire cut-out tools are often touted as devices that make installations safer for technicians but are they actually delivering on the promise? The possibility of an auto glass technician getting hurt on the job is not a … Continue reading
PPI: January 2021 Shows Rise in Industry Material Pricing
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed mostly increases in January 2021, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased by … Continue reading
AGRR Editorial Director Delivers First Novel
AGRR editorial director Tara Taffera isn’t all about auto glass. Taffera recently completed her first novel, Love Ordained, which has been published by Winged Publications. The book is available in print and on Kindle at Amazon.com. Completed in March 2020, … Continue reading
LKQ Posts Positive Financials for Fourth Quarter and Full Year; Poised for Growth
LKQ Corp. reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2020 results today showing some revenue decreases, but the company is still positive despite the “headwinds faced throughout 2020.” In fact, some of the gains posted were company records. LKQ reports that it was … Continue reading
What COVID Has Taught the Industry
The onset of COVID-19 quickly impacted the auto glass repair and replacement industry and businesses had to adapt to new safety regulations early on. Now some are saying they’ll keep some of last year’s lessons and changes throughout 2021. AGRR … Continue reading
Xinyi Canada Glass Suspends Proposed Float Facility in Stratford
Xinyi Canada Glass Ltd. has released a statement updating the public about its proposed float glass facility in Stratford, Ontario. This comes two months after company president Tommy Wong released a statement addressing local pushback and defending the proposal. The … Continue reading
Breaking Down the Government’s Latest Aid Efforts
As businesses continue to struggle from the effects of COVID-19, there are Government funding options available, as the Economic Aid Act was signed into law on December 27th, 2020. It includes an expanded employee retention tax credit, and round 2 … Continue reading
Maryland Senate Discusses Auto Glass Safety in Committee Meeting
Maryland’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee meeting had an in-depth auto glass discussion as several industry members weighed in on SB 445, which would require those installing auto glass in the state to follow the AGRSS Standard. A similar bill, HB … Continue reading
Volvo Tries to Stop Defect Lawsuit
Volvo Cars of North America LLC and Volvo Car Corporation (collectively Volvo) fought back in Federal Court against a renewed motion for class certification in its ongoing legal battle centered on alleged defective sunroofs for select models that has gone … Continue reading
Insurance Group Helps Auto Glass Businesses Prepare and Stay Protected
“Cyber liability is a major concern and there are two major factors – a data breach and the cyber risk associated with an outside hack with some of the vehicles,” said Ken Deason, of Federated Insurance, as he gave an … Continue reading
Gerber Collision & Glass Acquires Repair Center in Florida
The Boyd Group Inc. (the Boyd Group) recently announced the acquisition of a collision repair center in Longwood, Fla. This location has operated as a collision repair center for 20 years, according to the company. “We look forward to continuing … Continue reading
Auto Glass Technician Outlines Tips for 2020 Civic Back Glass Replacement
Thanks so much to Aaron Bradford, of Driftwood Auto Glass for writing an article for glassBYTEs on how to install the Civic back glass on the 2020 model. Bradford told us that the back glass was a particularly difficult install, … Continue reading
More Issues Surface With Right To Repair Law – Does it Pose Cybersecurity Threats?
“I said I was going to rule from the bench,” said U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Woodlock at the end of a video conference hearing about Massachusetts’ Right to Repair legislation. “And I have ruled from my chair, so you … Continue reading
Steep Decline for all Regions in Latest Miles Driven Report
All road and street travel in the U.S. decreased by 11.1%, or 28.9 billion vehicle miles, for November 2020, compared to November 2019, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) most recent numbers. Overall travel for the month is estimated … Continue reading
Some Shops Say COVID Sanitation Fees Being Denied
Augie DeFeo wants to know why GEICO is suddenly denying the $25 reimbursement for COVID sanitizing even though cases continue to soar. “GEICO has consistently been paying a standard fee of $25 per job for cleaning/sanitizing the vehicle,” says DeFeo, … Continue reading
Midwest Company Expands In Florida
City Auto Glass (CAG) has a strong reputation spanning across several states, including Minnesota, western Wisconsin, northern Iowa, and most recently, mobile locations in central and southern Florida. Two of the company’s representatives share insight on future company expansion, mobile … Continue reading
What You Need to Know Before You Compete
“My first time being at Auto Glass Week was awesome and it completely blew me away,” said Macenzie Curbow of Novus Auto Glass, during an online session. Curbow was joined by Alfredo Calva of Alfredo’s Auto Glass and Rose Williams … Continue reading
PPI: December 2020 Shows Solid Rise in Auto Glass Material Pricing
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed mostly increases in December 2020, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased by … Continue reading
Industry Members Share Their Predictions for the Year
FY 2021 is in full swing and auto glass senior leadership and business owners have shared why they think this year is filled with optimism. “Forecasting for 2021 was quite difficult, but we were fortunate enough to open up a … Continue reading
Industry Members Share Their Thoughts on The Vaccine
The coronavirus changed how people live and do business, and now as vaccines are becoming more available, the auto glass industry could find itself adapting yet again. A few auto glass members weigh in on the vaccine, and if they … Continue reading
Learn How Auto Glass Companies Fared Through COVID-19 and Their Expectations for the Future
Auto Glass Week Preview Day held Tuesday January 12, gave attendees the opportunity to get a sneak peek of what to expect during the live show in June. During the event a COVID session dominated discussions, as a panel of … Continue reading
Safelite Takes Over Country Financial’s Auto Glass Services
Safelite has begun administering claims for Country Financial’s auto glass program. LYNX Services (LYNX) was the previous claims administrator. The change was effective January 1, 2021. “We’re excited to enhance our partnership with Country Financial and to have them join … Continue reading
Auto Glass Executive’s Second Act Includes Murder
After a long career in business and auto glass that gave David Rohlfing the opportunity to travel the continent, he decided to write his first novel, Deliberate Duplicity. Rohlfing’s debut novel, published on January 5, 2021, explores the twisted, vengeful … Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Preview Day Offers $100 Gift Card to Top Leaderboard Winner
Plan to be a part of the Auto Glass Week™ AGW Preview Day on January 12. Get a preview of what you will see in Orlando in June—free and online by attending AGW Preview Day. When attendees login to the … Continue reading
LYNX Services Adds Recalibration Services and More to Participant Profiles
LYNX Services (LYNX) has made some updates to its auto glass program participants’ profiles, which include whether or not the shop has recalibration services, with the aim of enhancing its policyholder experience. LYNX sent communication out to its auto glass … Continue reading
Final Rule to Provide Clarification for Employee Versus Independent Contractor
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule Wednesday, clarifying the standard for what constitutes an employee versus an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia said the rule brings … Continue reading
Attorney General Fights to Dismiss the Alliance’s Right To Repair Suit
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation (the Alliance), a trade association for the automotive industry, recently filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts’ federal court. The Alliance aims to block enforcement of the Right to Repair ballot initiative, which was passed by state … Continue reading
What’s Essential Nowadays?
Throughout the pandemic through which we are living, there has been a lot of confusion and ignorance around who or what is considered “essential.” For companies, being considered essential has meant the difference between being able to stay open or … Continue reading
Safelite to Close Business Unit
Safelite Autoglass is notifying employees and key customers today that it intends to end its wholesale operation, Service Auto Glass, this week. Safelite Group will officially sunset the Service Auto Glass brand and the wholesale side of its business on … Continue reading
Lawyers Address Employer-Required Vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccinations are beginning to be administered to frontline health workers and those in long-term care facilities in the U.S. It’s not yet known to whom the vaccines will be made available in the second round, but the Washington Post … Continue reading
Xinyi Canada President Addresses Claims About Proposed Ontario Float Plant
Since news about Xinyi Canada Glass Ltd.’s proposed $400 million float glass facility in Stratford, Ontario, became public knowledge, there has been some pushback from citizens and opposition groups. Company president Tommy Wong released a statement addressing several recent claims … Continue reading
Bryan Hovey Receives Award for Extraordinary Service to KMR
Bryan Hovey, Key Media & Research (KMR) web developer, received the company’s 2020 Award for Extraordinary Service. KMR is the parent company of AGRR magazine and glassBYTEs™. The honor is presented annually and was named after vice president of media … Continue reading
PPI: November 2020 Shows Steady Rise in Auto Glass Material Pricing
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed mostly increases in November 2020, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased by … Continue reading
Mitchell International Sees Three Trends Stemming From COVID
Mitchell International, the parent company of National Auto Glass Specifications (NAGS), highlighted key data trends and its impact on the industry in its 2020 Fourth Quarter Industry Trends Report. “One thing most of these digital transformations have in common is … Continue reading
Neighborly Named to Inc.’s Inaugural Best in Business List in Enduring Impact
Neighborly has recently been named to Inc.’s inaugural Best in Business list in the Enduring Impact category. The Best in Business Awards, created by Inc., honor companies that have gone above and beyond to make a positive difference, according to … Continue reading
Gerber Collision & Glass Acquires Repair Center in Georgia
The Boyd Group Inc. (the Boyd Group) recently announced it acquired a collision repair center in Morrow, Ga. This location previously operated under the name Heritage Cadillac Collision Center. This is Gerber’s second repair center in Morrow, Ga. “We are … Continue reading
A Closer Look at Calibration Documentation and Technical Changes
“There are various steps involved when you discuss calibration and it’s important to understand and document,” said Darrell Amberson, Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA) calibration committee member, as he began describing the business review related to calibration in an … Continue reading
What COVID Did to NSG
NSG Group reported a decline in revenue in fiscal year 2020, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the NSG Group Integrated Report 2020, the company’s 2020 revenue was nearly $5.4 billion USD*, down from approximately $5.9 billion in … Continue reading
Automotive Experts Explore Smart Cities, Electrification and COVID’s Impact
The automotive industry has evolved within the last few decades and some experts have taken a look at how COVID-19 has taken a toll on the industry. Many have agreed that the virus has not only changed the way business … Continue reading
New Technology Keeps Safety First With Larger Displays
“If you’re going 30 miles an hour it takes you a little less than a second to look down at your speedometer and come back up and at that speed you go 46 feet in that time frame, which is … Continue reading
The Future of ADAS and Proper Vehicle Calibration
“You need to take this [factors to consider for ADAS calibrations] seriously and perfect your CRAFFT,” said David DeBoer, Burke Porter Group president and CEO, during an industry meeting. DeBoer defined CRAFFT as: Calibrated gage – ensuring the gage is … Continue reading
Gerber Collision & Glass Acquires 11 Locations in California
The Boyd Group Inc. (the Boyd Group) announced it recently acquired 11 locations in California. The acquisitions include 10 repair centers and one intake center in the counties of Riverside and San Bernardino in southern California, east of Los Angeles. … Continue reading
Research Highlights Elements of Disruption in Collision and Auto Glass Markets
With so much disruption taking place in 2020 due to COVID-19, the industry may be wondering about the affect all of this has had on the overall market—taking a look at the collision repair market sheds some light on the … Continue reading
How to Get a Windshield for Any Car – Even Those Not Made Anymore
Did you ever think reverse engineering and 3D could work together to create a windshield? Well it can and it has. Exact Metrology (EM) personnel from the company’s Brookfield, Wis., office used reverse engineering to help a vintage vehicle owner … Continue reading
Latest Miles Driven Report Shows Sharp Decline for All Regions
All road and street travel in the U.S. decreased by 8.6%, or 23.4 billion vehicle miles, for September 2020, compared to September 2019, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) most recent numbers. Overall travel for the month is estimated … Continue reading
Is Winter Still the Slow Season?
December is here, and although the first official day of winter is still a few weeks away some auto glass businesses are preparing for what some find as the “slow season.” AGRR magazine/glassBYTEs.com reached out to a number of U.S. … Continue reading
Windshield and Sensor Patents May Impact the Industry
Apple says its application for a patent for technology that detects when a windshield is cracked has been approved. According to the patent, the proposed system would monitor the resistance of a conductive film that would be located within a … Continue reading
November Brings Avalanche of Court Filings in Insurance Case
The case of Allstate vs. Auto Glass America and its owner, Charles Isaly (AGA) produced more than 30 separate legal filings in the month of November—an average of more than one per business day. The filings appear to coalesce around … Continue reading
Adhesion and Visibility Issues Cause Recalls for Two Manufacturers
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued two recalls from Tesla Inc. (Tesla) and Toyota. Tesla Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model X vehicles. According to NHTSA, the front and spine cosmetic roof trim may have … Continue reading
AGRR Businesses Reflect on Everything from Holiday Promotions to Why They are Thankful
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate what we are thankful for while surrounded by family and friends. This year the holiday might look a little different as many are preparing to travel, while also trying to adhere to updated safety … Continue reading
Pandemic’s Tie to Miles Driven – Is It More or Less?
“Americans have gotten comfortable [with] working from home and buying online,” said Gary Silberg, KPMG International Limited (KPMG) partner and automotive sector global head. Do the changes in lifestyle and increased reliance on travel in motor vehicles mean we are … Continue reading
North Carolina Auto Glass Shop Files for Reorganization
A-1 Auto Glass Inc. (A-1) filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in North Carolina’s Middle District Court earlier this month. The company is headquartered in Yadkinville, N.C., according to the bankruptcy protection form. According to A-1’s filed voluntary Chapter … Continue reading
PPI: October 2020 Shows Overall Continued Rise in Auto Glass Material Pricing
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed mostly increases in October 2020, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased by … Continue reading
Of Consequence or Not? DOT to Consider Petitions
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), are preparing to look into compliance issues—or more specifically, an inconsequential noncompliance issues—regarding two batches of laminated glass as far back as November 2017. Since the two … Continue reading
Big Guns Line Up in AOB Fight
In another sign that the State of Florida is gearing up for major battles concerning the assignment of benefits (AOB) in auto glass cases, a former state insurance regulator has joined a firm involved in lobbying the legislature regarding benefit … Continue reading
Former TruRoad Exec Forms Collision Repair Company
Rich Harrison has a new job. The co-founder and senior manager of TruRoad, and prior to that COO for Safelite, has announced the formation of CollisionRight, a regional multi-shop operator of auto body services in the Central United States. Harrison will … Continue reading
Massachusetts Voters Vote Yes on Right to Repair Bill
Massachusetts residents spoke out and voted “yes” on the Right to Repair Bill. According to the results, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly voiced their support at the ballot box for Ballot Question 1, which will preserve vehicle owners’ rights to have access … Continue reading
How Has Boyd Group Fared Through the Pandemic?
Boyd Group Services Inc. (The Boyd Group) released its 2020 third quarter financial report recently and noted its financial results were impacted significantly by the pandemic. According to the report, sales decreased by 10.3% to $508.3 million from $567.0 million … Continue reading
Calibration Service Launched by Pilkington
NSG Group’s Pilkington North America Aftermarket Glass Replacement business unit recently announced the launch of The Calibration People™. It’s a new service that is designed to provide additional access to remote and local calibration and for auto glass installers. “As … Continue reading
Digital Honor Wall Highlights Veterans
The men and women who have served or are serving in the military are recognized for their sacrifice and hard work. This year, K&K Glass, which has several locations in Florida, tried something new and has put up a Veterans’ … Continue reading
Safelite Buys the Assets of Lee & Cates Auto Glass
The auto glass division of the 94-year old Lee & Cates Glass has been sold to Safelite Auto Glass. The third generation family-owned business is based in Jacksonville, Fla., and has ten locations. Safelite has purchased the auto glass portion … Continue reading
He’s The Real Election Night Winner
Auto glass businesses have done just about everything to gain potential customer’s attention, and in Kerry Soat’s case wearing his company’s tee shirt was all it took to propel him into national television news. Soat is the CEO of Fas-Break … Continue reading
All Regions Show Decreases in Latest Miles Driven Report
All road and street travel in the U.S. decreased by 12.3%, or 35.3 billion vehicle miles, for August 2020, compared to August 2019, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) most recent numbers. Overall travel for the month is estimated … Continue reading
The Claims Bridge International Launches Cloud-Based Technology for Industry Claims
The Claims Bridge International (TCBI) recently announced the U.S. launch of EziClaims Suite, its cloud-based technology. According to TCBI, the technology will assist the collision industry and deliver contactless hail claims for customers. As part of the launch, TCBI is … Continue reading
Study Says Need for Re-Calibration is Overlooked
adasThink, a Toronto-based software company has released a study showing that Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) re-calibrations are routinely missed. Its study focused on Canadian collision repair shops and included the following OEM vehicle models: Acura, Audi, Buick, Dodge, Ford, GMC, … Continue reading
Potential Windows Falling Out and Driver Visibility Issues Spark Latest Recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued two recalls from Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo) and Ford Motor Company (Ford). Volvo The recall, according to NHTSA, states that windows may become detached from the impacted vehicles, which would … Continue reading
Where’s Xinyi? Company Close to Choosing Canadian Location
Officials in Stratford, Ontario, say Xinyi Canada Glass could be coming to town. According to Stratford’s economic development corporation, investStratford, potential development for Xinyi’s first Canadian facility is being considered on lands at the southwest corner of Stratford near the … Continue reading
Judge Rules Against Release of Documents
The judge in the case of Allstate* vs Auto Glass America and its owner, Charles Isaly (AGA), has ruled that certain documents provided in the case will remain confidential and not be made public. AGA had asked U.S. District Court … Continue reading
LKQ Corporation Third Quarter Financials Out
LKQ Corporation (LKQ), parent company of PGW Auto Glass, reported a decrease in its revenue in the third quarter, which ended September 30, 2020. According to the financial report, which was released today, the company’s revenue is $3.0 billion; a … Continue reading
A Country–and an Industry–in Transition
AGRR columnist Lyle Hill shares Part Four of his historical review of the auto glass industry. After World War II, many auto glass business owners were eager to expand into a bigger facility or perhaps add a second, maybe even … Continue reading
Visibility Issues Cause Recalls for Two Manufacturers
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued two visibility recalls from Chrysler (FCA) and Ferrari North America, Inc. (Ferrari). FCA The recall, according to NHTSA, states that missing driver side mirror glass reduces driver visibility, which would increase … Continue reading
J.D. Power Reports Auto Insurance Claims Satisfaction Climb to Record High
One silver lining to the COVID-19 pandemic: a 22% decline in frequency of auto insurance repairable claims, translates into a record high level of customer satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Why the transformation? … Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ 2021 Welcomes Back Auto Glass Safety Council™ as Co-Sponsoring Organization
Auto Glass Week™ 2021 (AGW) is excited to welcome back the Auto Glass Safety Council™ as a Co-Sponsoring organization of the event. The show offers three days packed with live demonstrations, competitions, exhibitions and quality educational seminars. The event will … Continue reading
NSG Group and University of Cambridge Sowing Seeds for Future Glass Applications
The NSG Group and University of Cambridge are collaborating on new glass applications, while using the latest technology to realize the future of manufacturing. The group, which owns Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, is currently working with the University’s Fluids in … Continue reading
PPI: September 2020 Shows Continued Rise in Auto Glass Material Pricing
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed mostly increases in September 2020, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased by … Continue reading
Sunroof Express Inc. Joins Auto Glass Week™ 2021 as a Cobalt Sponsor
Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) is pleased to welcome Sunroof Express Inc. as a Cobalt sponsor to the power-packed live event in June. AGW is created and designed specifically for the original equipment (OE) and aftermarket auto glass repair and replacement … Continue reading
Judge Denies Request to Conceal Testimony
In a month of contentious legal wrangling that has seen 24 documents (motions, responses, orders etc.) filed this far, the judge in the Allstate vs Auto Glass America (AGA)* lawsuit and its counter suit ruled today upon an item both … Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ 2021 Gets New Sponsors
Auto Glass Week™ 2021 announces new sponsors. It will take place on January 12-14 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Register to attend in person or from home at autoglassweek.com.
Several Industry Companies Make List of Largest Franchise Systems
Companies in the auto glass industry and related sectors have made the Franchise Times Top 200+ list, an annual ranking of the 500 largest franchise systems in the U.S. based on the previous years system-wide sales. To qualify, franchisees must … Continue reading
Gain Auto Glass Market Insights at Auto Glass Week 2021
The Auto Glass Week™ 2021 educational program kicks off with Nick St. Denis, director of research for Key Media & Research, with a discussion on the auto glass replacement market. St. Denis will cover key indicators of auto glass demand … Continue reading
Collision Course: Can the AGRR and Collision Repair Industries Co-Exist?
If you have been in the business for a few decades you know it has changed a lot. While auto glass companies and collision companies, for example, used to stay in their own lane, today there is a great deal … Continue reading
Vitro Wants Claims Dismissed in Ongoing Boycott Lawsuit
Vitro lawyers have filed a request for an order of dismissal in the ongoing boycott civil lawsuit between O.E.M. Glass Network Inc. and Brooklyn Wholesale Glass Inc. (known together as OEMGN). The stipulation for dismissal would only apply to the … Continue reading
Training Time: Performing a Replacement and Calibration on the 2020 BMW X5
Working on the BMWs are always interesting and the BMW X5 is no different–the unique design makes it easy but at the same time very technical, says Alfredo Calva, president of Alfredo’s Auto Glass, and a trainer for Auto Glass … Continue reading
Service King Donates Car to San Antonio Resident Through Recycled Rides Program
Service King Collision (Service King) recently repaired and donated a 2016 Ford Focus to Brittney Jones, a San Antonio resident, through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program. Recycled Rides is a community action initiative where NABC members … Continue reading
Celebrating 30 Years in the Industry
Although this year may have been filled with twists and turns many auto glass shops, including City Auto Glass (CAG), have celebrated milestones. Mike Schenian, CAG president and Jon Laski, CEO, shared some of the business’ strengths leading up to … Continue reading
Secrets to a Successful Calibration
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recently hosted a webinar for service technicians titled, ADAS Calibration – Do It Right and Document What You Do! The webinar was presented by Brent Johnson, Vehicle Service Group global product management … Continue reading
Glass Evidence: Was A Second Shooter Involved in President Kennedy’s Assassination?
Conspiracy theories about what happened on the day of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination have been in abundance for decades, but an encounter at the Smithsonian led glass consultant Chris Barry to analyze whether a second shooter could have been … Continue reading
Another Technology Earthquake for Windshields
Holographic windshields may become the next big thing in vehicle glass. Though they have been around for a number of years, investors are looking more seriously at bringing the technology to market, and are backing up the look with an … Continue reading
Former Employees Fight For Wages in Class Action Complaint
Elizabeth Longoria and Melissa Gomez have become the lead plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit against defendant American Automobile Association (AAA). The class action complaint alleges the association violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Arizona Wage Act. … Continue reading
Wildfires and Their Impacts on the Industry
Wildfires have severely impacted businesses, homes and more on the West Coast, and according to news reports, California recorded its first gigafire in modern history this week. A gigafire is a term for a blaze that burns at least one … Continue reading
Owner Retires from Fas-Break Glass
Fas-Break Glass took to its social media page to congratulate Kevin Massick, Fas-Break owner, located in Billings, Mont., on his retirement. Massick bought a distributorship and joined the Fas-Break Corporation in 1994, according to the company. “Kevin is a rock … Continue reading
Case Closed: Final Verdict Issued in Defective Sunroof Suit
The defective sunroof lawsuit between plaintiff Tom Kondash and defendant Kia Motors America, Inc. (Kia) has come to an end. According to the final judgement, several motions were denied that included excluding expert testimonies. It is ordered and adjudged that … Continue reading
Pilkington Releases New Automotive Glazing Option
Pilkington recently launched Pilkington Sundym™ Select, which the company states is the latest glazing innovation from its automotive division. According to Bill George, Pilkington’s business planning director, there was an industry need for this type of technology. By using suspended … Continue reading
You Can’t Look Out the Back of These Cars, Recalls Issued
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued two visibility recalls from Nissan North America Inc. (Nissan), and Ford Motor Company (Ford). Nissan The recall, according to NHTSA, states that the rear window glass may separate from the vehicle, … Continue reading
Latest Miles Driven Report Shows Drivers Stayed Off of the Roads
All road and street travel in the U.S. decreased by 11.2%, or 33.2 billion vehicle miles, for July 2020, compared to July 2019, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) most recent numbers. Overall travel for the month is estimated … Continue reading
Fix Auto Saint John East Upgrades Facility
Fix Auto Saint John East announced the expansion of its operations following an upgrade of its facility. The company says the new facelift will boost its current repair capabilities by three times and will include high-performance technologies and systems designed … Continue reading
Judge Rules Against Class Certification in Lawsuit
U.S. District Court Judge Matthew W. McFarland, recently issued an order denying class certification the alleged defective sunroof lawsuit between plaintiff Tom Kondash and defendant Kia Motors America, Inc. (Kia). According to the order, Kondash’s class action request was denied … Continue reading
COVID Boosts Digital Age for Auto Claims
Some auto glass members say having digital options for customers is needed and COVID-19 increased demand. The insurance claims side of the industry has offered customers options to file and check claim status reports online, and experts agree on its … Continue reading
Mercedes-Benz Requests Class Action Complaint to be Removed or Dismissed
A recent motion in the class action lawsuit between Bruce Pickens and defendants Mercedes-Benz, Daimler AG, Saint-Gobain Sekurit (Saint Gobain), and Napleton Autowerks of Indiana, Inc. (Napleton Autowerks) seeks to put this case to rest. Defendants Napleton Autowerks recently filed … Continue reading
Update: Auto Glass Shops Continue Moving Forward During COVID
Auto glass businesses, like many other companies were impacted by the onset of COVID-19. glassBYTES reached out to a few auto glass businesses to see how they’ve faired with safety changes, stay-at-home orders and more. “We actually got shut down … Continue reading
Allstate vs. AGA Lawsuit and Countersuit Continues
The lawsuit filed by Allstate Insurance* against Auto Glass America and its owner Charles Isaly (AGA) and AGA’s countersuit continue to work their way through the U.S. District Court in Orlando. The past two weeks have seen motions concerning witnesses, … Continue reading
Part Two: Mitchell International Highlights Augmented Reality in the Industry
Mitchell International, the parent company of National Auto Glass Specifications (NAGS), highlighted new industry trends that include augmented reality impacting the industry in its 2020 Third Quarter Industry Trends Report. glassBYTEs previously highlighted the view of Ryan Mandell, the company’s … Continue reading
Number of Calibrations Doubles from Last Year
Mitchell International recently published its 2020 Third Quarter Industry Trends Report. It highlights several items including an increase in calibrations, vehicle scanning and data-driven trends that impact the property and casualty industry. According to Ryan Mandell, Mitchell International claims performance … Continue reading
What It Takes to Be a First Place Winner—Twice
Ace Auto Glass, the Hawaiian based auto glass repair and replacement (AGRR) company, recently won two awards for top AGRR services on the island. Company president, Calvin Tamaye, believes the awards coincide with the way Ace handles the jobs that … Continue reading
Artificial Intelligence Gains Traction Among Insurers
Autonomous, vehicles will increase auto glass and visibility services as well as the length in vehicle ownership, says Frank Terlep, CEO of Autotechcelerators. Terlep spoke during a webinar entitled Industry Disruptions: What They Are & How They Will Disrupt the … Continue reading
Chrysler’s Leaky Sunroof Class Action Lawsuit Ends
The ongoing class action lawsuit between David Cox and Chrysler has been settled. According to U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni’s order, Fiat Chrysler automobiles (FCA) has agreed to pay attorney’s fees, costs and an incentive reward separately from the … Continue reading
Class Action Suits Hits Kia Over Alleged Defective Windshields
Yandery Sanchez has become the lead plaintiff in a class action complaint, filed in Central California, against Kia Motors America Inc. (Kia). Sanchez alleges Kia is responsible for knowingly selling defective windshields. Sanchez states the allegedly defective windshields crack, chip … Continue reading
PPI: August Shows Upswing in Auto Glass Material Pricing
Prices for materials used in the auto glass industry showed mostly increases in August 2020, according to recently released Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly PPI, which includes auto glass*, increased by … Continue reading
Auto Glass Productivity Ideas Debunked in 20 Minute Webinar
Ongoing improvement and growth are two common goals for industry business owners, and a driving force to several discussions and focus groups. Today two industry experts highlighted several ways shop owners can see progress in their business’ productivity in just … Continue reading
Potential Witness Fights Subpoena
Activity continues in the lawsuit and counterclaim between Allstate Insurance* against Auto Glass America and its owner Charles Isaly (AGA). On September 1, attorneys for William Melton filed an objection regarding Allstate’s subpoena of Melton. The objection says the requests … Continue reading
Auto Insurance Fraud Halted By California Insurance Department
Three Californians have been charged with multiple felony counts of auto insurance fraud and forgery, according to the California Department of Insurance. Luis Manuel Burgos self-surrendered to the Fresno County Jail shortly after being charged for allegedly filing fraudulent auto … Continue reading
FCA Adds to Safety and Security Technology Glossary
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has expanded its safety and security glossary with terms auto glass professionals should be aware of. The listing defines commonly used industry terms related to auto glass repair and replacement. Two of the most common include … Continue reading
CIECA Holds Semi-Annual Meetings
The Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA) recently held its semi-annual member meetings virtually and covered topics including: scanning and calibration, repair order and status, vehicle damage and imaging, as well as first notice of loss and glass. Each topic … Continue reading
New Guidance Suggests Making Autonomous Vehicles Pandemic Proof
Zenzic (formerly Meridian), a company created by the UK government and automotive industry to focus on key areas in the global connected and self-driving sector, teamed up with Aurrigo, an autonomous company, to develop an industry-wide set of guidelines in … Continue reading
Auto Glass Companies Left Picking Up the Pieces Following Hurricane Laura
Auto glass businesses in Lake Charles, La., along with many other areas were impacted by Hurricane Laura. The Category 4 storm swept through many of the Southern States causing structural damage to industry shops and homes, leaving several without power, … Continue reading
Loose Windshield Wipers Result in Visibility Recall
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a visibility recall on select Volvo Car of N.A., LLC (Volvo) models. The recall impacts 2018-2020 Volvo XC60 vehicle owners. “The nuts that secure the front wipers may not have been … Continue reading
Judge Seals Information in Case
The two sides in the Allstate vs. Auto Glass America and Charles Isaly (AGA) lawsuit and its counter claim have finally found common ground and the judge in the case agreed. Magistrate Judge Leslie Hoffman ordered that much of the … Continue reading
Latest Miles Driven Report Shows Drivers Aren’t Taking to the Roads
All road and street travel in the U.S. decreased by 13%, or 36.5 billion vehicle miles, for June 2020, compared to June 2019, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHA) most recent numbers. Month-over-month miles driven went up by 15.6% … Continue reading
Mercedes-Benz Recalls More Than 30,000 Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz Australia (MB) has recalled 30,105 vehicles, citing issues with its sunroof glass panel and its sliding roof frame as the cause. The vehicle models impacted include the company’s: C, CLK, CLS and E Class models that were manufactured between … Continue reading