Briefs

Attention all smash repairers

Funny time funny money is no laughing matter for the MTA NSW, which says it fully endorses the realistic times methodology.

The Motor Traders Association of NSW has reminded repairers that the organisation fully endorses the move away from funny time funny money, in favour of what it describes as a fairer and more transparent way of doing business using realistic times.

In a statement, the MTA said the National Times Committee reviewed and monitored these times to ensure that they are realistic, saying that means they are also achievable.
Modern car design is affecting the way repairers “use to know” how a vehicle was put together.

“We are finding that bolt-on operations are becoming simpler and welded and bonded operations are becoming more complex,” the MTA said.

“The Australian smash repair industry ‘individually itemises’ line items which assists all stakeholders in determining what work is actually being carried out.

“We pro-actively encourage the Australian repair industry’s involvement to ensure that realistic times remain achievable.

“MTA recognises that from time to time there maybe issues with some times and the National Times Committee works to ensure any anomalies are reviewed and where needed re-tested to ensure that the times are achievable.

“We seek and encourage repairers to submit field reports which MTA deems to be ‘their insurance policy for the future’.

“Realistic times methodology is a fairer, more transparent and sustainable way of doing business, in MTA’s view.”



Fitzgerald departs Hella

Hella Australia has announced that independent aftermarket director Terry Fitzgerald has left the company after 10 years.

Hella Australia acknowledged Fitzgerald’s contribution, dedication and the milestone achievements made during his 10-year tenure with the company.

A company spokesperson said its independent aftermarket division and the entire company wished Fitzgerald and his family all of the very best for the future.

Hella Australia operations manager Graeme Richings and national sales manager Stuart Ellacott will jointly cover the responsibilities of managing Hella Australia’s independent aftermarket business until a replacement is chosen.

A new appointment will be announced by the company in due course, the spokesperson said.

Hella Australia customer service can be reached by calling 1800 061 729.



Year for reform

The NSW MTA sees 2010 as being the year for industry reform.

MTA said it was continuing critical discussions with insurers on recent developments that affect the industry, meeting with Allianz, Suncorp and NRMA to review issues in a number of different areas.

These include the management of written-off vehicles and code disputes, with the MTA’s electronic service due to begin soon.

A review of the Motor Vehicle Repair Act Review is underway and the MVIRI Code of Conduct is being finalised.

New schedules for realistic times are soon to be released and the eMTA Times Guide is nearing completion for all popular vehicles.

REAL network repairer agreements are being created, the GIO network repairer agreements are still under review and the Allianz recommend repairer network agreements are now under review, the MTA said.

IAG’s new partnerships

Australian insurer IAG has formed two partnerships which it believes will assist the smash repair industry.

IAG has a tailored smash repair training program and I-CAR certification for its 400 assessors nationally.

I-CAR – a not-for-profit training provider operated by the repair industry for the industry – will provide internationally recognised training in repair methods (panel) and new technology.

The training program will also include a paint methods and new technology course provided by PPG, one of the world’s leading automotive paint suppliers.

These courses complement training already available to IAG’s motor assessors and will help the organisation consistently deliver the highest quality repairs and great customer service, IAG said.



AARN to exhibit at CRE

The Australian Accident Repair Network (AARN) will have a booth at the Collision Repair Expo 2011 for the very first time.

The AARN board and AARN management team said they were extremely excited about this opportunity for AARN. The AARN stand will be AA35.

AARN is also planning to have a national meeting in conjunction with the Crash Repair Expo 2011, as well as a dinner, and will make final arrangements after discussions with corporate members, sponsors and industry friends to ensure the AARN plans do not conflict with other planned events.