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Tag Archives: windshields
Sunshine State’s New Law Goes into Effect July 1st
Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed an assignment of benefits (AOB) reform bill into law. The legislation, also referred to as H7065, originally included auto glass but after going through several revisions both the Senate and the House excluded the … Continue reading
25% Tariffs Set to Impact Auto Glass
The Trump administration increased tariffs from 10% to 25% on $200 billion worth of Chinese products Friday, including auto glass and related materials. Days before the announcement, the administration made tweets suggesting that increases would occur prior to scheduled negotiations … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged 25% tariff, administration, China, Fuyao, import, KMR, windshields
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Belron Canada Releases Results of Calibration Testing
Belron Canada has released the results of a study it commissioned from a Canadian testing firm to determine the influence of different windshields with calibration cameras on how certain ADAS systems perform. The research, performed by PMG Testing of Quebec, … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AEB, Belron Canada, Honda CR-V, OE, OEE, windshields
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HLDI Research Shows Differences Between ADAS Results Based On the Auto Glass Used
With Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) rising in consumer popularity, several tests have been performed to prove its value over the years. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), has been conducting its own studies and has recently published its results. … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged ADAS, AEB, Aftermarket glass, HLDI, LDW, OE, Sean O'Malley, windshields
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Prius Owners Bring Lawsuit against Toyota – Claiming Defective Windshields
Several Toyota Prius owners filed a lawsuit against the car company claiming to have defective windshields. According to the vehicle owners’ complaint, Prius windshields from 2016 and 2017 randomly crack and break without being in hazardous conditions. According to the … Continue reading
Auto Glass Shops Seek Class Certification Against Geico
VIP Auto Glass Inc. (VIP) and Class members are seeking class certification in a Florida lawsuit against Geico General Insurance Company for allegedly violating the state’s law by underpaying auto glass shops not affiliated with Safelite Retail facilities or participants … Continue reading
Nissan Recommends OEM Glass, Says Some Mirrors Cannot Be Reused
Nissan says OEM glass should be used for windshield replacements and points to the relationship between glass and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as a reason. Company officials also say some mirrors cannot be reused and address ADAS recalibration, among other topics, in a bevy of position statements released this month.
Report Identifies Top Challenges for Auto Parts Exports
The auto parts industry, which includes windshields, has nearly doubled over the last five years and “growth in the sector is expected to accelerate globally,” according to a Top Markets Report released by the International Trade Administration. But certain challenges exist that could impede this growth. The report analyzes export trends for both original equipment and aftermarket parts, identifying which countries show the most growth potential.
Baseball-Sized Hail Hits West Texas
Residents of Crane, Texas, are used to hearing about booms—the city is located in the oil fields of west Texas. But about midday on May 7, they heard literal booms as lime-to-baseball-sized hail slammed into their windshields. “This is probably … Continue reading
Auto Glass Safety Council E-Newsletter Now Available
The Auto Glass Safety Council has published its latest e-newsletter.
Ford Recalls Certain 2015 Lincoln MKC Vehicles for Possible Windshield Air Bubbles
Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are recalling certain model year 2015 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured August 20, 2013 to June 6, 2014, which could have visible air bubbles in the windshield. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, “Glazing Materials,” according to Ford.
Guardian Sells Two Automotive Glass Subsidiaries; Retains Custom Glass Solutions
The deal by Guardian Industries Corp. to sell Guardian Automotive Products (GAPI) and Guardian Automotive –E S.A. (GA ESA) to Central Glass Co. Ltd., parent company of Carlex Glass Co., is just the latest move by the company to reduce its automotive glass footprint. Guardian retains a foothold in the marketplace with Custom Glass Solutions and the RV automotive glass claims administration business.
Safelite Glass Corp. Names Mike Bradsher Director of Manufacturing Operations
Safelite Glass Corp. has promoted Mike Bradsher to director of manufacturing operations for its Enfield, N.C.-based windshield plant, which employs 210 people. In this role, he will lead production, quality, product development, engineering and accounting, according to officials.
Belron’s First-Quarter Sales Up 1 Percent
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, reported that first quarter automotive glass repair and replacement sales were one percent higher over the same period of 2013 largely due to a 3.1 percent organic increase and 2.2 percent growth from acquisitions. Sales were negatively impacted by “unexpected unfavorable weather conditions in Northern Europe, which resulted in temporary overcapacity in those geographies,” officials wrote in the company’s report.
Chris Thornton New Managing Director at Auto Windscreens
United Kingdom-based Auto Windscreens’ management team has announced Chris Thornton as their new manager director.
Florida Repair Shops File Antitrust Lawsuit Against State Farm, Other Insurers
A group of Florida collision repair shops have banded together to file an antitrust lawsuit against State Farm and dozens of other insurers, alleging the insurers use their direct repair programs to “illegally control and depress” repair rates and if the shops don’t comply, customers are steered away. This case has potential implications for the AGRR industry, as independent automotive glass repair shops allege similar issues with third-party administrators (TPAs), which handle automotive glass claims for insurers.
Safelite AutoGlass Recycled More Than 1 Million Windshields in 2013
Safelite AutoGlass announced it has recycled more than 1 million windshields in 2013.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite AutoGlass Recycles, Tom Feeney, windshields
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Government is Not Doing Enough, According to glassBYTEs.com™ Readers
In response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address this week, the majority of automotive glass technicians and company owners say the President needs to do more to strengthen the economy, according to a glassBYTEs.com™ poll.
Third Shift Cut at Safelite Glass Corp.’s N.C. Manufacturing Plant
Safelite Glass Corp. has shut down third-shift operations at its Enfield, N.C., windshield manufacturing plant, affecting approximately 61 of the company’s 277 employees at the plant.
Safelite AutoGlass Foundation Awards $300,000 to Columbus Area Nonprofits
Safelite AutoGlass Foundation has awarded $300,000 in Impact Grants to 12 separate Columbus, Ohio-area, nonprofit groups. Each received $25,000.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, auto glass, automotive glass, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite, Safelite AutoGlass Foundation, windshields
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New DOT Number Awarded to Poland-based Company
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently awarded a new DOT number to Glaspo, which is based in Wroclaw, Poland.
AGRR Industry Expects Business to Grow as 2014 Unfolds
Almost 70 percent of automotive glass technicians and company owners believe their business will grow in the new year, according to a glassBYTEs.com™ poll. And a big focus for 2014 will be ramping up technology usage.
Alan Resnick Leaves Glass America
Alan Resnick—who has been with Glass America since 1999, most recently as vice president of sales and operations—left the company at the end of December to pursue new opportunities.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, Alan Resnick, automotive glass, Boyd Group, Brock Bulbuck, glass, Glass America, glassBYTEs.com, windshields
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Washington-Based Andrews Auto Glass Owners Charged with Tax Fraud
The Washington Attorney General’s office has charged Andrew and Vita Onufreychuk, owners of Andrews Auto Glass, for alleged theft and fraud, accusing them of “falsifying their business tax returns in order to cheat the state out of at least $13,000 in sales tax,” according to the State Department of Revenue.
AGRR Industry Gives Back This Holiday Season
Though our stomachs are full, Santa has come and presents have been opened, the time for holiday giving continues through the New Year. Many companies in the AGRR industry make the effort to give back whether by supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities, collecting canned food for food banks, supporting local sports teams and more.
Boyd Group Added to the S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index
The S&P Dow Jones Canadian Index Services has added the Boyd Group Income Fund to the S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index as part of its annual review. The change is effective after the close of trading on Friday, December 20, 2013.
Several Ford F-150 Owners Report Shattering Backlites to NHTSA
More than 20 F-150 Ford owners of the 2010 model year have complained to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that an alleged glitch in their rear defrosters has caused their backlites to shatter or spiderweb in cracks.
Staten Island Automotive Glass Shop Owner Faces Drug Charges
Charles Castrovinci, 38, owner of ABC Auto Glass in Charleston on Staten Island, is facing several drug charges after New York Gang Squad detectives searched his business, home and car, according to court papers from New York’s Richmond Criminal Court.
Guardian Automotive Launches Custom Glass Solutions
Guardian Automotive announced the launch of Custom Glass Solutions today—a division focused on offering glass for the bus, truck, train and off-highway vehicles markets. Officials say this new company “reinforces” their commitment to serving the automotive glass needs of various transportation segments.
Sika Corp. Names Regional Human Resources Manager
Sika Industry and Automotive USA has named David Brukoff regional human resources manager for the industry target market, North American automotive business unit and R&D center in Madison Heights, Mich.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, automotive glass, David Brukoff, glassBYTEs, Sika Automotive, Sika Industry, Susan Cece, windshields
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Report: Nation’s Roads Increasingly Deteriorated
The nation’s major urban roads continue to deteriorate costing the average driver more than more $800 a year in some areas, according to TRIP, a national transportation research group based in Washington, D.C. Driving on roads that are increasingly in disrepair can increase consumer costs by “accelerating vehicle deterioration and depreciation and increasing needed maintenance,” such as AGRR services, the group reports.
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Acquires Two Wisconsin Repair Centers
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has acquired two Affordable Auto Body Carstar repair centers just south of Milwaukee, Wis. ABRA handles AGRR services via its national call center.
Delta Kits Donates $25,000 to Charity
Eugene, Ore.-based Delta Kits announced that for the month of December, the company will be donating 50 percent of all windshield repair and headlight restoration service profits to the Eugene Mission. For the year, the company has donated more than $25,000 to charity.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, automotive glass, Delta Kits, Eugene Mission, glassBYTEs, windshields
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Eastman to Increase Automotive-Grade PVB Prices
Eastman Chemical Co. announced a global price increase for automotive grade polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers effective January 1, 2014 or as contracts allow.
Guardian Says Closure of Local Distribution Centers to Have Limited Impact on Production, AGRR Divisions
Guardian Automotive management anticipates the company’s exit from the local distribution business will have minimal impact on the production of glass and the automotive glass retail business.
Caliber Collision Centers Acquired by OMERS Private Equity
Caliber Collision Centers has been acquired by Toronto, Canada-based OMERS Private Equity along with existing management, from ONCAP private equity. The company’s locations offer AGRR services throughout the Southwest.
Glass Doctor Ranked Among Top Global Franchises Opportunities
Glass Doctor, an affiliate company of The Dwyer Group, was ranked No. 281 on the Next 300 list of global franchises determined by world-wide sales by the Franchise Times. Franchise Times also ranked Glass Doctor on its select list of Top Automotive Services.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, automotive glass, Glass Doctor, glassBYTEs, Mark Liston, The Dwyer Group, windshields
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Gerber Collision & Glass Acquires Three Arizona Repair Centers
The Boyd Group, parent company to Gerber Collision & Glass, has acquired three new Arizona repair centers located in Gilbert, Scottsdale and Tempe. The locations now operate under the Gerber Collision & Glass trade name and offer AGRR services.
Auto Glass Week™ 2014 Will be in Baltimore
There has been much speculation surrounding the location of Auto Glass Week 2014 and today, we’re making a big announcement. Baltimore will serve as the location for Auto Glass Week™ 2014. The event will be right across from Camden Yards and the picturesque InnerHarbor.
Auto Glass Week™ 2014 to Be Held October 7-9 in Baltimore
Today Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) announced the 2014 dates and location. The event will be held October 7-9, 2014 at the BaltimoreConvention Center and Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Md.
Caliber Collision Centers Acquires Denver Repair Group
Caliber Collision Centers has acquired nine Denver-based Global Collision locations, which offer AGRR services, including mobile work.
AGC to Open Mexico-Based Laminated Glass Facility
AGC announced it is establishing a new laminated automotive glass plant in Mexico, which is scheduled to start operations in early 2016. The new plant will be located in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and will produce glass for approximately 750,000 vehicles a year.
Speaker of the House Boehner Visits Springfield HSG Call Center
Speaker of the House John Boehner (Republican) visited with Paul Gross, president and CEO of Insurance Claims Management, parent to HSG, at the HSG Springfield, Ohio, call center this week to recognize the company’s expansion.
Gerber Collision & Glass Adds Two Maryland Repair Centers
The Boyd Group has opened two new repair centers under the Gerber Collision & Glass name in Maryland. One of the new centers is located in Catonsville, situated just west of the Baltimore, while the other is in Ellicott City.
Ohio Supreme Court Rejects Class Certification in Repair-Based Lawsuit
The Ohio Supreme Court has overturned a lower court’s decision by rejecting the class certification status of a lawsuit that alleges State Farm denied some policyholders full payment on windshield damage claims because instead of paying for replacement of the windshields, it allegedly steered some policyholders toward repair. A lower court upheld the class certification and State Farm appealed the ruling to the Ohio Supreme Court.
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story
Tagged AGRR, automotive glass, glassBYTEs, Michael Cullen, Ohio Supreme Court, State Farm, windshields
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SuperGlass Windshield Repair Gains New Franchisee
SuperGlass Windshield Repair has named Jon Lutz as a new franchisee in Summerville, S.C.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, auto repair, automotive glass, David Casey, glassBYTEs, Jon Lutz, SuperGlass Windshield Repair, windshields
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Audi Issues Recall Over Possible “Sunroof Shattering”
Audi has issued a recall through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for certain model-year 2013 to 2014 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles due to possible sunroof shattering. The defect was traced back to the production of the glass.
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Adds New Wisconsin Franchise
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has opened a new franchise at 105 Commerce Drive in New Lisbon, Wis., that offers AGRR services.
National Windscreens’ Announces Rebranding of European Group
United-Kingdom-based National Windscreens announced that The Automotive Glass Professionals has been rebranded as Automotive Glass Europe.
Techna Glass Supports Local Children’s Hospital with Fundraiser
Techna Glass’ Utah auto glass shops recently raised money by inviting consumers to come out and get their windshields repaired with all proceeds going to Primary Children’s Hospital.
The Dwyer Group Reports Growth
The Dwyer Group, which owns the Glass Doctor franchise brand, has completed 144 new franchise contracts year-to-date. This includes 11 new Glass Doctor franchise agreements.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, auto glass, automotive glass, Glass Doctor, glassBYTEs, The Dwyer Group, windshields
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Report: Citizen’s Insurance Offers Zero Deductible for Customers Who Use Preferred Auto Glass Companies
Citizen’s Insurance of Michigan is launching a new platinum program, effective November 1, that features full automotive glass coverage at a zero deductible for customers who agree to use its preferred auto glass companies, including Safelite AutoGlass, according to a company spokesperson. If a customer with this same policy decides to go to an independent auto glass shop for a replacement outside the preferred network, the deductible increases to $100, according to reports from glassBYTEs readers.
Happy Halloween from the Key Communications Team
Key Communications, parent company to AGRR™ magazine/glassBYTEs.com, celebrated Halloween last Friday with many of the team members dressing up in creative costumes. From a zombie to a male tooth fairy to Princess Leia and the Mad Hatter, our office was filled with color and spooky characters.
New DOT Number Awarded to Italian Company
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently awarded a new DOT number to an auto-glass-related product manufacturer based in Italy.
AGRR Business Reflects Latest Unemployment Statistics
August unemployment rates were lower in 311 of the 372 metropolitan areas than at the same time in 2012, but higher in 47 areas, and unchanged in 14 others, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And many auto glass companies, such as B-Rite Glass Co. in an Atlanta suburb, say business demand is increasing as unemployment rates decline.
GlasWeld Asks Court to Deny Rescheduling Motion in Alleged Patent Infringement Lawsuit
GlasWeld attorneys claim in court documents filed with the U.S. District Court of Oregon, Eugene division, that Christopher Boyle’s motion to reset the scheduling order in the alleged patent infringement case “should be denied because Christopher Boyle has not shown good cause” and the request appears to be “intended solely for the purpose of delay.”
Mainstreet Computers Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Key Employee
Mainstreet Computers recently recognized the 25th anniversary of one of its key employees—Bill Oeftering, product development programmer.
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines
Tagged AGRR, auto glass, automotive glass, Bill Oeftering, David Carnahan, Glas-Avenue, glassBYTEs, Mainstreet Computers, windshields
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