Sept - Oct 2001: International News
International
DuPont aids Mitsubishi paint training
Mitsubishi Motors Europe and DuPont Performance Coatings have entered into cooperative venture to train paint shop technicians in the Japanese car maker's dealer network in Europe. Mitsubishi will receive advice from DuPont on its Refinisher Training Program comprising of paint quality judgement, trouble shooting and repair including smart repair on metal and plastic substrates as well as fast repair of stone chipping and scratches.
Different paint technology comparisons and colour issues will be covered as will environmental protection directives. According to both companies, this cooperation may be the first step in a much wider collaboration in the aftermarket arena.
BASF teams up with DC
Münster
BASF Coatings and DaimlerChrysler have signed a basic agreement for worldwide cooperation relating to automotive refinish coatings of the Glasurit and R-M brands. Based on this cooperation DaimlerChrysler will recommend the two BASF brands for refinishing all brands and models of the DaimlerChrysler group. On signing national agreements with the DaimlerChrysler service regions BASF will supply the DaimlerChrysler-approved automotive refinish products to all countries where these vehicles are sold and provide comprehensive local service there.
The agreement requires BASF to provide training and technical assistance to spray painters working in the DaimlerChrysler dealer organization. In addition, the company will offer a comprehensive service package comprising fast and reliably delivery, meaningful advice, full support, training seminars and general information.
Infomedia goes Latin
Sydney
International automotive industry IT developer, Infomedia has commenced market expansion activities with Daihatsu Motor Company to supply its Microcat electronic parts catalogue to Daihatsu dealers in South America, Central America and the Caribbean. According to Infomedia's Electronic Catalogues Division general manager, Gary Martin, this initiative represents a new milestone in the global distribution of the company's flagship system. "Microcat will soon be used in over 100 countries. Many dealers from countries where Microcat has not previously been used have already placed advanced subscription orders."
RMI wants halt to 'phoenix' growth
London
The UK's Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), through its Bodyshop Services Division, has asked the Association of British Insurers to draft a code of practice to regulate the growing 'phoenix' bodyshop sector. So-called phoenix shops are those that go bankrupt, only to start trading again under a new name. The RMI believes insurers are propping up this sector by continuing to send work to such shops.
RMI Bodyshop Services Division director bob Hood said some phoenix shops help create artificial trading conditions and insurers have a responsibility to deal only with reputable bodyshops.
BASF wins Renault award
Guyancourt
BASF Coatings was appointed 'Fournisseur Optima' of Renault in France. With this title, Renault honored the performance of a small group of only four selected companies from a total of about 5000 suppliers worldwide. According to Renault, the award, which is granted every year, is to honor "Renault's and the supplier's shared intention to get engaged in a demanding partnership based on mutual trust, with the aim of satisfying the final customer as best they can".
CGNU profits jump
London
The UK's largest insurer, CGNU, owner of CGU in Australia, said operating profit for the year rose 44 per cent to £977 million ($A2.8 billion), due in part to increased premiums.
Royal & Sun up
Royal & Sun Alliance, UK owners of AAMI in Australia, reported a 17 per cent increase in first half operating profit to £375 million ($A1.1 billion).
Honda awards BASF
London
BASF Coatings has been named as one of Honda UK's Suppliers of the Year. BASF Coatings has been a global supplier of automotive OEM coatings to Honda for some years, but this is the first time the company received a supplier award from this customer. According to Honda, the award, which is granted every year, is to honor the supplier's performance in the key categories of quality, delivery performance and cost.
Sikkens hosts Euro tour
Melbourne
Sikkens is hosting a group of 20 Australian bodyshop managers and owners on a study tour to Europe from 23-29 September. The tour begins in the Netherlands and continues to Belgium and the UK.
The motivation for the study tour is to gain as much knowledge as possible from overseas market developments. For example:
How do successful bodyshops in Europe operate?
What type of layout configuration do they have?
What are the major issues facing the industry?
What can be learned and implemented in Australia?
Among others, visits have also been scheduled to two of Europe's best state of the art body shops namely Autoschade Charlois (www.botsing.nl) in the Netherlands and Autospray in the UK (www.autospray.co.uk).
A full tour day has been allocated for Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes headquarters in Sassenheim. In the UK, the renowned Thatcham Institute will open its doors for the Sikkens tour team. The tour will conclude at the annual Bodyshop Industry Conference in Cardiff.
It's envisaged that these tours will become yearly events.
BRIC to study market
London
The UK's Body Repair Industry Campaign (BRIC) has appointed market analysts autoPOLIS to conduct a study into the crash repair market. The study will take place over a period of several months, with autoPOLIS working in conjunction with competition law specialists Osbourne Clark to determine the market dynamics of the industry.
The overall aim of the study is to ascertain exactly why the industry is not functioning smoothly and identify areas where different methods of approach might help. "We will use our skills to shape the resulting information into a framework that will clearly explain the structures, trends and disconnects within the industry to those who are in a position to bring about the required change," said autoPOLIS senior analyst Vicky Gardner.