A cybersecurity breach at Mygrant Glass, numerous lawsuits and legislative initiatives, and Ford’s unveiling of its Ford Certified Glass Network (FCGN) dominated the glassBYTEs news cycle in 2022. With 2023 right around the corner, here are some of the stories that made the past year one of importance for the auto glass repair and replacement industry.
- PGW Auto Glass Sold to One Firm Equity Partners (March 15, 2022)
PGW Glass was sold by its owner, LKQ Corporation, to One Firm Equity Partners (OEP) in 2022. Closure of the transaction was expected in the second quarter of 2022. Its annual revenue is believed to be approximately $400 million USD with approximately 900 employees. OEP is “excited to partner with Todd and his team for the next chapter of the PGW story,” said OEP managing director Steve Lunau.
- Ford Launches ‘Certified Glass Network’ (May 3, 2022)
In 2022, Ford introduced its own “Ford Certified Glass Network” (FCGN) for auto glass businesses that work on Ford vehicles. The automaker says the program helps prepare technicians “to meet the highest quality standards for every Ford and Lincoln vehicle glass installation, utilizing equipment procedures and parts.”
- Cyber Pain: Mygrant Glass Website Down (January 27, 2022)
Officials at some auto glass shops that do business with Mygrant Glass have noticed the glass company’s online absence. “We’re going through some challenges. We’ve got a great team and we’re going to get through,” says Paul Anaya, Mygrant’s vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re aware of everything.”
- Mygrant Targeted in Cybersecurity Breach (January 28, 2022)
The official word from Mygrant Glass about its website troubles is that the company’s inventory and ordering systems were hacked. The company expected to be ready for web orders on Monday, January 31. “We were targeted in a cybersecurity breach focused on disabling our inventory and ordering systems this week,” says Paul Anaya, Mygrant’s vice president of sales and marketing.
The Arizona Senate unanimously passed SB 1410 as introduced by State Commerce Committee Chair J.D. Mesnard. SB 1410 specifies requirements for an auto glass repair or replacement facility that conducts glass repair, replacement or recalibration on a vehicle that is equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
- Campfield Sues Safelite in California (on Behalf of its Citizens) (October 3, 2022)
Documents recently unsealed by a California court reveal that Ultra Bond owner and president Richard Campfield is suing Safelite on behalf of the people of California for alleged violations of California’s insurance code. Prayers for relief include, namely, $10,000 civil penalties for each alleged false and fraudulent claim Safelite submitted to insurance companies insuring California drivers. The company is also asked to pay damages “sufficient to disgorge its unlawful profit and provide restitution for its fraudulent conduct.”
- Safelite Sued for Sex Discrimination (September 3, 2022)
Safelite AutoGlass, the largest auto glass repair and replacement business in the United States, violated federal law by refusing to hire a qualified applicant because she is a woman, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed. EEOC alleges that the conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on sex. The EEOC filed suit after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process.
- Volvo Issues New Position Statement on Windshield Replacement (February 15, 2022)
Volvo Car USA LLC has issued a statement that all windshield replacements on Volvo vehicles must be performed “according to Volvo standards at an authorized facility, using only Volvo Genuine Windshields and adhesives.” “The Volvo windshield is an integral part of our vehicles. Not only does it provide an undistorted view, it serves as a critical structure component on the vehicle,” the company states.
- Calibration Legislation Under Review in Several States (February 17, 2022)
Several state legislatures are currently reviewing legislative proposals regarding Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and calibration that are very similar to a law that Utah enacted over 2021 and 2022. The bills require auto glass service companies to perform calibrations that meet or exceed manufacturer’s specifications; provide written estimates, insurance costs, and information regarding calibrations to customers in conjunction with an auto glass replacement or repair; limit insurance company payments to not more than a “fair and competitive price for the local market area,” and impose a $500 civil fine on glass companies for infractions.
- Insurers Argue Over More than $3M for Safelite Defense Costs in Ultra Bond Inc. Suit (August 23, 2022)
Defendants Zurich American Insurance Company, and Discover Property & Casualty Company have until the end of August to file replies in support of their cross-motion for summary judgment in a case where Safelite’s insurer, plaintiff ACE American Insurance Company, seeks more than $3 million. According to court documents, ACE seeks $1.65 million from each defendant in relation to costs it incurred while defending mutual insureds Safelite Group Inc., Safelite Solutions LLC and Safelite Fulfillment Inc. in a 2015 lawsuit.
