ASG acquires BMW Melbourne

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[column width=”80″ last=”true”]ASG Melbourne Pty Ltd (ASG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Autosports Group Limited, has entered into an agreement with BMW Melbourne Pty Limited to purchase the businesses operating as BMW Melbourne, MINI Garage Melbourne, Southbank Motorcycles and BMW Bodyshop (BMW Melbourne Businesses).  [/column]

ASG has guaranteed ASG Melbourne Pty Ltd’s payment obligations under the agreement. The transaction is subject to a number of conditions prior to completion, including approval of bailment facilities. Subject to the conditions being met, it is expected to complete in the final quarter of the calendar year.
BMW Melbourne achieved revenues of approximately $236M for the 12 months ending 31 December 2016. It operates from fully brand compliant leasehold premises in City Road, Southbank and Kings Way, South Melbourne. We are currently expecting to pay for the BMW Melbourne Businesses a consideration of approximately $22M plus fixed assets at valuation plus or minus industry standard adjustments. The acquisition will be funded by a combination of cash drawn from reserves and new debt facilities.

This acquisition provides the opportunity for ASG to consolidate its representation with the luxury brands of BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI and ALPINA. Furthermore, it consolidates ASG’s move into the Victorian market, which commenced in August 2016 with the acquisition of Volvo Cars Brighton and in April 2017 the acquisition of BMW Doncaster and BMW Bundoora (TIMG Business).

ASG CEO Nick Pagent said: “This acquisition is a perfect strategic and geographic fit for Autosports Group. We are looking forward to deepening our relationship with the BMW Group in the important market of Melbourne. We thank BMW Group Australia CEO Marc-Heinrich Werner for his collaborative approach to the acquisition.”

PPG Industries MVP business solutions seminars

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[column width=”70″ last=”true”] PPG recently announced that it will run a series of seminars across NSW that have been created to deliver a range of very specific objectives in the ongoing initiative to contribute to the development of the collision repair industry. Everyone is invited, from the body shop owner who wants to develop the business to the technician with a focus on process improvement.  [/column]

This is a great opportunity to network with regional like-minded collision industry professionals to discuss the unique and diverse challenges faced in our industry.

The key topics include:

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  • What’s needed to drive your business
  • Measuring your business and what you need to measure
  • How to lead your business through change
  • Process development procedures
  • Managing the industry challenges

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Each seminar will run from 6:00pm until 9:00pm at the following locations. Bookings can be made with your local PPG MVP Consultant.

[column width=”25″ first=”true”]Date
14th September
19th September
20th September [/column] [column width=”25″]Location
Castle Hill
Coffs Harbour
Port Macquarie [/column] [column width=”25″]Contact
Phil Taylor
Joal Butcher
Joal Butcher[/column] [column width=”25″ last=”true”]Mobile
0427297817
0415496708
0415496708 [/column]PPG has a passion for and commitment to continuous improvement and the training and development program is key part of this ongoing initiative.

Capital S.M.A.R.T Acquires Honda NZ Operation

Jim Vais

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[column width=”70″ last=”true”] Capital S.M.A.R.T announced that it has acquired the East Auckland Body and Paint facility from Honda New Zealand.  Capital S.M.A.R.T Founder and Group Operations Director Jim Vais said it was a significant opportunity for the company as it marked the beginning of a new customer stream, working with car manufacturers. “This is another major milestone for our business as it is the first ever S.M.A.R.T Body and Paint Shop to work alongside a major manufacturer. It means that there is international recognition for the best customer service, quality of repair work and the innovation within our operation,” Mr Vais said.

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Under the partnership, Honda NZ has the ability to offer their customers a quality repair from a customer focused repairer. It also provides another option for repair work to AAI and Vero customers in New Zealand. General Manager for Honda Auckland Steve Corkery says: “We are excited to be working alongside such a progressive company as Capital S.M.A.R.T. Importantly, this venture will enable us to focus on the expansion of our sales and service networks in the greater Auckland area.”  Capital S.M.A.R.T provides a significantly faster turnaround and quality repair to manufacturers’ standards, which will mean customers getting their vehicle back on the road quickly and safely.

“We are confident that we can deliver an enhanced experience for all Honda customers and we are excited about the new venture and working with the Honda team. We are also hopeful that there may be opportunities to form similar partnerships with other manufacturers in the future,” Mr Vais said.

S.M.A.R.T currently has more than 42 centres across Australia and New Zealand and the Honda acquisition means it will have 4 centres in New Zealand, with the existing two Auckland sites at Penrose and Albany, and another at Hornby in Christchurch.

The acquisition will be completed by the end of September.

Collision repairers should treat OEM procedures as ‘requirement’

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An attorney specializing in collision repair warned shops that the idea that an OEM “recommendation” is merely a suggestion is incorrect. “Consider it a requirement whether they’ve used that word or not,” Erica Eversman (Vehicle Information Services) said during last week’s Repair University Live.

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“If there’s anyone who knows how to correctly fix the vehicle, it’d be the automaker. If you don’t follow what the OEM tells you to do, you’re going to end up in a lot of trouble should another collision occur. That’s just not the place you ever want to be,” Eversman said. OEMs call it a recommendation for “legal reasons,” Eversman said. In a May interview with Repairer Driven News, she explained that it has to do with the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act; calling them requirements would force the OEMs into various warranty obligations under the law. But for a shop’s purposes, “you can pretty well equate that with a standard,” she said then. “When you read ‘recommendation…’ you should read that as ‘requirement’” she said last week.

Host Kristen Felder (Collision Hub) asked Eversman’s fellow guests Mark Olson (Vehicle Collision Experts) and Larry Montanez (P&L Consultants) if either had encountered a time when something was found to trump OEM repair procedures in court. Both men serve as expert witnesses in collision repair-related cases.

“No,” Olson said. Montanez said judges want to hear what the OEM states on a particular matter. Olson pointed out that the only permitted repair in California is one that follows OEM procedures, per the state Bureau of Automotive Repair. “I think some shops need to review that,” Felder joked.

All three major collision repair trade organizations and I-CAR also have declared OEM repair procedures to be the standard of care.

To read the complete article go to: http://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2017/08/23/attorney-collision-repairers-should-treat-oem-procedures-as-requirement/

This article is courtesy of John Huetter and Repairer Driven News. Check out their website at http://www.repairerdrivennews.com where you will find so much more information.

Ten shops in ten months

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Jack Parkinson

[/column][column width=”50″ last=”true”] With Fix Auto coming up for its first birthday in Australia, it is a great time to reflect on just how far Fix Auto Australia has come since October 2016. Having acquired our first ten pioneers, Fix Auto Australia is seeking more independent repairers who are committed to their future, are looking to embrace change and become a part of the world’s fastest growing franchise bodyshop network. The announcement that Fix Auto globally has acquired NOVUS Glass has certainly created interest in the Australian market. Last month, Fix Auto Australia welcomed its latest franchisee, Fix Auto Welshpool in WA, into the family. Like many others, Mark Zeyad Damer from Welshpool can see that Fix Auto is providing another option to repairers across Australia and the rest of the world whilst still retaining his ownership.
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Mark states, “Fix Auto is leading the world of collision repair by developing new ideas with suppliers and customers and assisting franchisees in creating a more successful environment within their own business but further, providing them a vision for the future in an industry that is consolidating and changing rapidly.” By delivering operational support and consistency, brand unity and an aligned goal of working together efficiently and fairly, Fix Auto franchisees are paving the way as the repairers of the future. With the aim to be constantly driving forward, Fix Auto Australia is leading the Fix Auto nations around the globe by constantly innovating within the network and providing marketing and advertising to the repairer network like they have never had before.

The recently introduced Youth Initiative Program was launched earlier in the year and had a great reception from key industry stakeholders. Jack Parkinson, Youth Program Leader for Fix Auto said: “We didn’t expect such an instant response from our franchisees, but then again, they joined Fix Auto for change and we are delivering on that. I see our franchisees as industry leaders.”

With so much activity in the network, things aren’t slowing down. As the network gets bigger and better, so do the network’s capabilities. Head of Business, Terry Feehan, says: “Fix Auto has certainly sparked a lot of interest in the Australian industry in less than one year and I know we are being ‘watched’ by interested repairers, potential suppliers, work providers and competitors. All I ask of the Australian collision repairers is, stop peeking at us and come forward and ask some questions of us. That is the only way you will discover if you suit Fix Auto and if Fix Auto suits you. I can guarantee you that you will get facts and no fiction.”

For more information on Fix Auto Australia, contact Terry Feehan 0455 345 055 or tfeehan@fixauto.com

Volkswagen dealer conference an opportunity to strengthen partnership

[column width=”50″ first=”true”] [/column] [column width=”50″ last=”true”] The partnership between PPG and the Volkswagen Group sees the two organisations work closely together at a variety of levels, both internationally and locally. Recently, the local PPG team was asked to participate in the Volkswagen Aftersales Dealer Conference 2017 on the Gold Coast. A special onsite PPG display gave Volkswagen staff the opportunity to learn all the different ways in which PPG can support their operations, says Darryle Browne, Industry Relations Manager Refinish ANZ.  [/column]

“As a preferred partner, Volkswagen invited PPG along to talk to the staff who were attending the conference. In particular, we had a lot of interest from the large number of dealership service managers and parts managers who were there. They kept us busy dropping by our stand to chat about all the things PPG can do to support their service department people. For example, there are a variety of PPG training programs in place for Volkswagen, such as specific training for pre-delivery inspection staff.

“With the help of a special video presentation on a large screen TV, we explained the OEM paint process [PPG is a major supplier to Volkswagen production facilities across the globe] and how PPG can help their staff to identify paint-related issues early. We were also able to show them products and processes they can use in their own pre-delivery department to treat those issues to minimise the need for refinishing. It was a rewarding couple of days that helped to further strengthen the links between the two companies. At the end of the day, PPG’s aim is to help Volkswagen and its dealer network further improve the experience for their customers!”

For more information about PPG’s industry-wide training programs go to: www.ppgrefinish.com.au/Training

HAVE YOUR SAY ABOUT CAPRICORN AT “THE WORKSHOP”

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[column width=”50″ last=”true”] Capricorn, Australasia’s largest automotive parts cooperative, has always placed a great deal of emphasis on the opinions and ideas of its Members. This philosophy has always made perfect sense, given that the whole reason why Capricorn exists is for the benefit of its Members, who also are the owners of this incredibly successful cooperative.

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To regularly gain the opinions of its Members, Capricorn has launched a new online Member community platform called The Workshop, a place where Members can come together to share thoughts and ideas on anything and everything to do with Capricorn. As a Member, by spending just 5 minutes per month in The Workshop, they can help shape the future of the cooperative.

The Workshop enables Capricorn Members across Australia and New Zealand to have a say in how the other business they own, Capricorn, is run to make it even easier for them to do business.
According to Capricorn Group CEO, Greg Wall, The Workshop provides a real time, fast and easy method for Members to voice their valued opinions directly to Capricorn.

“Our Members are the whole reason why we exist and everything that we do at Capricorn is designed to make business easier for them. In order to further improve our services and to gain new ideas from our Members, we have established this easy to use Capricorn Member online community platform. The Workshop provides us with direct Member feedback to shape an even more exciting, efficient and rewarding future ahead.”

The Workshop will feature different Capricorn topics each month, topics in which Capricorn Members can vote, express opinions and submit their own ideas about.
“I am sure that our Members will be very surprised with the differences that can be made by spending five minutes a month to make their thoughts known at The Workshop. We look forward to our Members making the most of this important online information and feedback platform now and well into the future,” Wall added.

Members can access the Workshop via the Capricorn website, www.capricorn.coop or to join Capricorn, Australasia’s largest automotive and general products buying group, email join@capricorn.coop.

Oh what a night!

[column width=”50″ first=”true”] [/column] [column width=”50″ last=”true”]S &S Industries celebrated their 50 years of business in grand style with more than 180 employees, suppliers, customers and family members enjoying a wonderful night at Burswood on Swan in Perth on 19th August. MC Trevor Salamon did a great job of welcoming guests from all around Australia to the event and introducing the many speakers; all more than happy to share their stories and congratulations with the audience.[/column]

The speakers included Rob O’Neill of Septone (supplier), Wayne Phipps and Mike Wilkinson (long time customers and body shop owners) as well as Tony Siroen, Director and son of the founder Willie Siroen who quietly took a back seat to enjoy the evening. Tony shared his parents, Willie and Greta’s, story of arriving into Australia in the early 50s from Holland, meeting and marrying in Perth and setting up various businesses including a used car yard before becoming a supplier of thinners to the industry. The many stories were funny and informative but at all times keeping to the theme that Willie has employed all of his working days and in life of “always look ahead, never behind”.

It is a testimony to Willie and his business principles that more than 70 percent of the staff have been with the company for more than 10 years and many with more than 20 years of service. Guest suppliers from interstate included Colin Edwards (GPI-Melbourne), Nick and Ron (Mipa Australia-Melbourne), Paul McMartin (SAPE-Sydney), Joe Kaltoum (Concept Paints-Sydney), Damian Cappelluti (U-POL Australia-Sydney), Corey Smith (Chemspec USA-Qld) and Rob O’Neill from Septone in Queensland who came out of retirement to attend! Suppliers from Perth included Tony Hubycki from Oz-Gel.

There are not too many businesses, especially family businesses, that have served the industry for 50 years – congratulations to Willie and his family on this milestone. With sons Tony, Jeff and Ron all involved in the business along with grandsons Brent and Daniel another 50 years is not out of the question.

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The National Collision Repairer congratulates S&S Industries and thanks them for their service to the industry.
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Ducker: Almost 25% of doors, 71% hoods, 54% bumper beams will be aluminium in three years

Ducker Worldwide estimated last week that aluminium doors will have gone from virtually non-existent in 2014 to 25 percent of the North American fleet in 2020 – just three years from now.
Aluminium doors were on fewer than five percent of vehicles in 2015. In 2014, only the Tesla Model S had them, according to Ducker.
The consulting firm, whose projections seem to be held in high regard by those tracking light-weighting, also estimated 71 percent of hoods would be aluminium by 2020, up from 50 percent in 2015 and seemingly well on track to meet an earlier projection of 80 percent aluminium hoods by 2025.
And if that weren’t enough to complicate auto body repair, Ducker predicted that bumper beams would grow from 33 percent aluminium in 2015 to 54 percent in 2020.
Ducker automotive and materials director Abey Abraham, who presented the findings recently at the Centre for Automotive Research’s Management Briefing Sessions, noted then that one OEM plans to make all future bumper beams out of aluminium extrusions. (Abraham didn’t say which one. If this was a reference to a luxury or exotic OEM, this isn’t as exciting. However, there’s the intriguing possibility that it’s Honda, whose next-generation Civic, Ridgeline and Odyssey all have unrepairable aluminium beams.)
It will be imperative for a shop to have dedicated aluminium tools, space and equipment as well as aluminium-trained techs by 2020. All these will be needed if the shop wants to fix both those latest-model cars – and also repair the smaller concentration of aluminium on the 2015 vehicles, which will make up a large percentage of repair orders that year. The average repairable vehicle is 6–7 years old.
“You need that [dedicated area] when you’re fixing a door ding on an aluminium panel,” Vehicle Collision Experts CEO Mark Olson said on June’s “Repair University Live,” echoing what OEMs have told us.

To read the complete article go to: http://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2017/08/09/ducker-nearly-25-of-doors-71-hoods-54-bumper-beams-aluminum-in-three-years/

This article is courtesy of John Huetter and Repairer Driven News. Check out their website at http://www.repairerdrivennews.com where you will find so much more information.

Axalta Coating Systems to acquire Plascoat Systems Limited

Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, has announced that it has acquired Plascoat Systems Limited, a leading supplier of thermoplastic powder coatings, from its parent company, International Process Technologies (IPT) Ltd. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Established in 1952, Plascoat has pioneered the science behind the formulation, manufacture and application of thermoplastic polyolefin coatings. Plascoat’s industry-leading product portfolio includes Plascoat PPA 571, a flexible, tough and highly durable plastic coating used for a wide variety of outdoor applications, Talisman, a hard wearing, tough plastic coating used extensively in the dishwasher basket coating market, and Plascoat PPA 571 Aqua, a unique plastic coating for potable water pipes, in addition to many other high performing coatings designed to meet the highest industry standards.
“Over the last 65 years, Plascoat has led the way in developing innovative, environmentally responsible coatings that meet the high corrosion resistance demands of customers around the globe,” said Michael Cash, Axalta Senior Vice President and President, Industrial Coatings. “We look forward to bringing this knowledge and expertise into Axalta to augment our existing thermoplastic powder coatings business and provide even more innovative products and solutions to our customers.”
“This is a great opportunity for Plascoat to grow as a business and advance our offerings while joining a company that places great value on their customers, new product development and impact on the environment,” said Jeremy Stoke, Chairman, IPT Ltd. “We look forward to our future with Axalta.”
As part of the transaction, Axalta will acquire both Plascoat manufacturing facilities in Farnham, England and Zuidland, Netherlands. For more information about the Plascoat Systems Limited product portfolio, visit www.plascoat.com.