News Archive Search 
Search news from August '13 to present.
Search for news prior to August '13.
Monthly News Archives
CLICK HERE to sign up to be notified when the DOT number database is updated.
Tag Archives: AGRR magazine
Check Your Email Filters for GlassBYTE’s Updated Sending System
Key Media & Research (KMR) has some exciting news to share. To enhance your experience and ensure you receive AGRR without hiccups, the leading provider of information about the North American architectural glass industry has updated its sending system. As … Continue reading
Windshield Repair Offers Earth-Friendly Replacement Alternative
Saturday, April 22 was Earth Day 2023, and the efforts and initiatives it champions remain relevant for the auto glass industry and its customers throughout the year. Linda Rollinson, owner of Superior Auto Glass of Tampa Bay in New Port … Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Welcomes GlasWeld as the Windshield Repair Competition Sponsor
GlasWeld has once again reserved exclusive naming rights to the Windshield Repair Competition as part of 2023 Auto Glass Week™. As a longtime Auto Glass Week sponsor, GlasWeld knows the importance of being at the event and its role in … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, GlasWeld, virginia beach Leave a comment
Safelite’s Website Reportedly Back Online Following Weekend Maintenance
The auto glass repair and replacement industry has been looking for answers this past week as reported issues with Safelite’s website were seemingly gumming up the works for companies and their day-to-day operations. According to the owner of one company, … Continue reading
Holly X. Biller Named President of Key Media and Research (KMR)
Key Media & Research, publisher of AGRR magazine, today announced the promotion of Holly X. Biller to the position of president. Biller has previously served as vice president of the company and has spent her career in positions of increasing … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR magazine, Debra Levy, DWM, Key Media & Research, USGlass, Window Film 4 Comments
Driven Brands Acquires Tennessee’s Jack Morris Auto Glass
Driven Brands, a North American automotive services company, announced the expansion of its auto glass offering in the U.S. with the acquisition of Tennessee-based Jack Morris Auto Glass. Family-owned and operated since 1951, Jack Morris Auto Glass grew from one … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR magazine, Driven Brands, Jack Morris Auto Glass, Tennessee Leave a comment
AGRR Magazine Visits Equalizer
Auto Glass Week™ is just 57 days away, and top industry suppliers are eager to connect with attendees live and in person. AGRR magazine’s Chris Collier traveled to Equalizer to highlight its event goals, its Sentinel Setting Device and its … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Academy, Auto Glass Week, Chris Collier, Equalizer Leave a comment
Chris Collier Visits San Antonio Auto Glass Shop
Auto Glass Week™ is just 62 days away, and local San Antonio dealer Tommy’s Auto Glass and Windshield Repair is preparing to attend its first show. AGRR magazine’s Chris Collier chatted with its team to discover their event goals.
XYG North America Assesses Market Conditions, Excitement about Auto Glass Week and More
In a market challenged by price increases, inflation and labor shortages, representatives at XYG North America discussed their future strategies and goals with glassBYTEs.com/AGRR magazine. “Everyone knows inflation is hitting its highest point,” says Brilli Huen, XYG North America marketing … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Mike Rowe, XYG North America Leave a comment
AGRR™ Magazine Offers FREE Trade Show Pass to Auto Glass Week™
AGRR™ magazine offers a FREE Trade Show Pass to attend Auto Glass Week™ (AGW). This year’s event will be held June 7-9 in Orlando, Fla. in the Orange County Convention Center. Attendees can attend in person in Orlando or online … Continue reading
AGRR Magazine Receives Design Award
Key Media & Research (KMR), parent company to AGRR magazine, received five awards this week from the American Society of Business Publication Editors’ (ASBPE) Azbee Awards of Excellence. Tara Taffera, editorial director, and Dawn Campbell, art director, received Bronze in … Continue reading
Global Study Shows How Major Cities are Crafting their Mobility Future
In a recent issue of Auto Glass Repair and Replacement (AGRR) magazine, we looked at how auto glass companies should start preparing today for the mobility changes of tomorrow. That topic of how transportation is changing in the world’s biggest … Continue reading
Glass Mechanix Solutions Upgrades to Bronze Sponsor at Auto Glass Week™ 2019
Glass Mechanix Solutions has upgraded its sponsorship from a Cobalt to Bronze-level for Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) 2019. Glass Mechanix Solutions is a world-leading manufacturer of windshield repair tools and supplies in addition to providing VIN lookup and point of … Continue reading
AGRR, USGlass Magazines Named Jesse H. Neal Award Finalists
Auto Glass Repair and Replacement (AGRR) and USGlass Metal and Glazing (USGlass) magazines have been named as finalists in the annual Jesse H. Neal Awards competition for editorial excellence. The winners will be announced on March 29 during the annual Neal … Continue reading
Time to Sharpen Up Your Game!
4th Annual Industry Golf Tournament Deadline Approaching
The greens of TPC San Antonio await. Be sure to get your registrations in for your team to claim your spot on a course we have never played before. It all kicks off Wednesday, September 26 with a 1:00 p.m. … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR magazine, AGW, Auto Glass Week, TPC San Antonio Leave a comment
Fuyao Reports on 2017 Successes and Challenges for Future
Fuyao Glass Industry Group released its 2017 annual report recently, which unveiled some interesting insights into the efficiencies of this global glass maker. In the report, the company identified its core competitiveness, successes and challenges for the future. When analyzing … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Fuyao Glass Industry Group Leave a comment
Key Media & Research Receives Eleven ASBPE Nominations: One for AGRR™ Magazine
AGRR™ magazine was named a finalist for one American Society of Business Publication Editors’ (ASBPE) award on Thursday, showcasing the staff’s outstanding work in print. AGRR™ is up for the regional ASBPE award for best impact/investigative category for contributing editor … Continue reading
Register Online Now for Auto Glass Week™ 2018
Online registration for Auto Glass Week™ 2018 is now open. The international original equipment (OE) and aftermarket auto glass repair and replacement event will be held September 27-29, 2018, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines, glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR magazine, AGSC, AGW, Auto Glass Week, IGA, NWRA Leave a comment
Guest Blog: A Season of Change
Happy New Year! I’m taking over the AGRR™/glassBYTEs.com blog today for a few reasons. First, I want to wish you and your company a very happy, healthy, profitable and peaceful year. And, as with most new years, comes some change. … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR magazine, glass.com, Key Media and Research Leave a comment
What Auto Glass Shops Say about TPAs in Recent Survey
Third-party administrators (TPAs), direct billing, etc.—pretty much anything related to insurance is always a hot topic, and this was the case when AGRR magazine surveyed its readers to see how the large TPAs and insurers stack up. Participants were asked … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR magazine, auto glass insurance, direct billing, TPAs 1 Comment
What’s the Cost of Doing Business?
Not getting paid in full for parts, time and labor is easily one of auto glass shops’ biggest grievances when it comes to working with insurers and Third Party Administrators (TPAs). This, at least, is according to a recent survey … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR magazine, auto insurers, State Farm, TPAs Leave a comment
Fuyao Workers Vote No to Union
After months of news reports and guessing of “will they” or “won’t they?” employees at Fuyao Glass America Inc. voted against joining the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. According to the UAW website, the vote was 444 in favor to 868 … Continue reading
AGRR’s Sister Publications Named Jesse H. Neal Award Finalists
AGRR magazine’s sister publications, Door and Window Market (DWM) and USGlass magazines, have been named as finalists in the 63rd Annual Jesse H. Neal Awards competition for editorial excellence. The winners will be announced in March during the annual Neal Awards … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR magazine, DWM Magazine, Neal Awards, USGlass Magazine Leave a comment
SPONSORED LINK: Date Set for Lead-Generation Webinar
The first webinar dedicated specifically to lead generation for the glass industries has been set for Tuesday, December 13, 12:00 PM Eastern. Continue reading
Study: Headlights on Small SUVs Aren’t Up To Standards
According to a test performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), most small SUVs aren’t earning acceptable ratings when it comes to headlight evaluations. Out of 21 small SUVs tested, none earned a good a rating, and only four are offered with acceptable-rated headlights. There are 47 headlight combinations available for this group of vehicles, but more than two-thirds of them received a poor rating. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, headlights, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, SUV Leave a comment
TODAY’S BLOG: Yelp Helps
“I learned in a recent roundtable discussion with a group of retailers that they don’t like the online service Yelp. They don’t like that you can pay people to write good reviews for your company to get a higher ranking. They don’t like that the competitor down the street can pose as a customer, write a bad review in a matter of seconds and potentially tarnish your reputation. But as I learned the day before this seminar, people do Yelp for help, so don’t write off this service just yet.” —Tara Taffera Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR magazine, DWM Magazine, Fenestration Day, glassBYTEs.com, Tara Taffera, Yelp 2 Comments
Autoglass U.K. Eyes Mobile AGRR Business Model
Autoglass U.K., which is owned by Belron, appears to be transitioning to an all mobile service model. Approximately 180 employees may be let go as a part of this change, according to a company spokesperson. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Autoglass U.K., automotive glass, Belron, glassBYTEs.com, Mobile 1 Comment
Report: AGRR Shops Account for $3.6 Billion in 2013 Collision Repair Receipts
Total sales in the collision repair industry were estimated at $40.1 billion in 2013, with automotive glass repair and replacement companies accounting for $3.6 billion of that total, according to the Auto Care Association’s Digital Collision Repair Trends Report. Continue reading
Glass Doctor Announces Addition of Vice President
Glass Doctor has added Mike Gai to its corporate staff as vice president. Due to the company’s growth, the creation of a second vice president position was needed and Gai will rejoin Glass Doctor to fill that role, according to officials. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Brad Voreis, Glass Doctor, glassBYTEs.com, Mark Liston, Mike Gai 1 Comment
Judge Allows Safelite to Amend Connecticut Lawsuit to Seek Attorneys’ Fees
Judge Joan Margolis has granted Safelite Group’s request to amend its Connecticut complaint over an Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work (Public Act 13-67) to seek reimbursement of attorneys’ fees. She has also set a schedule for the dispute to play out in the U.S. District Court of Connecticut. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Anti-Steering Law, Connecticut, glassBYTEs.com, Judge Joan Margolis, Safelite 1 Comment
Brian Offenberger to Deliver Thursday’s Keynote at Auto Glass Week™ 2014
Brian Offenberger, one of America’s leading marketing and sales keynote speakers, will deliver Thursday’s keynote speech at Auto Glass Week™ 2014, which will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center. He is scheduled to speak Thursday afternoon, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and will be presenting “How to Get Top Search Engine Rankings for Your Local Market.” Continue reading
AGRR Industry Helps Denver Community Recover from Hailstorm
Up to golf-ball sized hail pummeled parts of the Denver, Co., community this week leading to damaged vehicle windows, houses and more. “One of our company trucks got damaged,” according to John Novak, owner of Cornerstone Auto Glass in Conifer, Co. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Cornerstone Auto Glass, Denver Hailstorm, glassBYTEs.com, Hailstorm, John Novak 1 Comment
Auto Glass Week™ Opens in Less Than One Week
Auto Glass Week™ 2014 is now less than a week away! The three-day automotive glass event will run October 7-9 at the Baltimore Convention Center and Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Md. The event offers both educational and networking opportunities to all those attending. The educational sessions kick-off Tuesday, October 7, at 1:30 p.m., and the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor opens at 3:00 p.m. A welcoming cocktail party also will be held that night from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on the show floor. If you still need to reserve a hotel room, you can find more details about our discounted room blocks by clicking here. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, AGW, Auto Glass Week, glassBYTEs.com, Registration Hours Leave a comment
Miles Driven Up 1.5 Percent for July 2014
The Federal Highway Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has released the newest numbers for miles driven in July 2014, showing an increase of 1.5 percent or 4 billion vehicle miles, compared with July 2013. Continue reading
NWRA Publishes September E-Newsletter
The National Windshield Repair Association’s September e-newsletter is now available. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, National Windshield Repair Association, NWRA Leave a comment
Auto Glass Week™ Adds Glass Doctor as a Sponsor
Auto Glass Week™, the three-day international event featuring automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza, is proud to announce that Glass Doctor is sponsoring the event. For more than 30 years, Glass Doctor has been working with entrepreneurs and existing glass professional to build strong and successful glass businesses. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week 2014, Glass Doctor 2 Comments
Robocom Systems: Safelite AutoGlass Launches Labor Management System
Robocom Systems International says that Safelite AutoGlass has launched the company’s labor management system in its Braselton, Ga., distribution center. Continue reading
Safelite’s Subpoenas Sent to Six AGRR Companies Over Anti-Steering Law on Hold
Six AGRR companies have withdrawn their motions to quash Safelite Group’s subpoenas over Connecticut’s Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work (Public Act 13-67) in the U.S. District Court of Connecticut after the companies have agreed to place the subpoenas “on hold.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Action Glass, AGRR, AGRR magazine, an Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work, Auto Glass of New England Hamden, automotive glass, Binswanger Glass, Connecticut Anti Steering Law, glassBYTEs.com, Goulet Glass Inc., LYNX Services, Payless Auto Glass, Plymouth Glass & Mirror, Public Act 13-67, Safelite Group, Safelite Solutions, Sullivan Glass 1 Comment
Classic Cars on Display During Auto Glass Week™ 2014
Six classic cars from the “Lost in the 50s” Maryland car club will be on display during Auto Glass Week™ on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor October 7-9, 2014 at the Baltimore Convention Center. The three-day international event features automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza to network and learn about new products and services. Continue reading
Boyd Group Income Fund Completes Bought Deal Financing
Boyd Group Income Fund, parent company to Glass America, Gerber Collision & Glass and others, has closed its previously announced $100 million CAD bought deal financing consisting of 1,181,000 trust units at a price of $42.35 CAD per unit and $50 million CAD aggregate principal amount of 5.25 percent convertible unsecured subordinated debentures due October 31, 2021. Continue reading
Automechanika Frankfurt Had “Quality Leads, But Lower Automotive Glass Attendance”
More than 4,600 companies from 71 countries showed off their products and services to approximately 140,000 international trade visitors during this year’s Automechanika Frankfurt held September 16-20, 2014. While attendance for the AGRR sector appeared down, the “quality of leads was better,” according to Henri Goudsmit of Ameritech. Continue reading
Sunroof Express Announced as Sponsor of Auto Glass Week™ 2014
Sunroof Express, a leading supplier of new and remanufactured replacement sunroofs, T-tops and roof panel glass (1970s to the current model year) with same or next day shipment, has signed on to join the ever growing list of 2014 Auto Glass Week™ sponsors. The three-day international event features automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza where sponsoring companies will be seen. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged 2014 Auto Glass Week, AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Sunroof Express 1 Comment
Earn AGSC CEUs by Attending Auto Glass Week™ 2014
The Auto Glass Safety Council™ (AGSC) has announced that participants at this year’s Auto Glass Week™ can earn up to six (6) AGSC continuing education units (CEUs) good for use in recertification and other educational efforts. Continue reading
BMW Renews Motion to Dismiss Over Alleged Sunroof Defect
BMW has asked the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to dismiss vehicle owners’ third-amended complaint and strike class action allegations which allege their vehicles suffered water damage after the drainage tubes installed to pull water away from the sunroofs did not properly work. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Adds Meritool as a Sponsor
Auto Glass Week™, the three-day international event featuring automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza, is proud to announce that Meritool, a company that specializes in the design, development and manufacture of customized hand and power tools, is sponsoring the event. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, Auto Glass Week 2014, glassBYTEs.com 1 Comment
Service King Collision Repair Centers to Acquire Car West Auto Body
Service King Collision Repair Centers has reached an agreement to acquire Car West Auto Body, a multi-shop operator in Northern California. Car West Auto Body offers automotive glass replacement services, according to the company’s site. Continue reading
ABRA Auto Body and Glass Helps to Raise More Than $100,000 for People with Disabilities
Courage Kenny Foundation and ABRA Auto Body and Glass recently raised more than $100,000 to support people with disabilities. Continue reading
Judge Denies Mike Boyle’s Motion to Bifurcate, But Says He Can Renew it Later
In her latest decision, Judge Ann Aiken says Mike Boyle’s motion to bifurcate, or split the alleged patent infringement trial into two parts, is “premature,” but she gave leave for him to renew the motion at a later date. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™: Plan Now for Parking
With Auto Glass Week™ 2014 less than two weeks away, now’s the time to make sure all those last minute details are taken care of before the show opens on October 7 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Announces New Sponsor: Mainstreet Computers Inc.
Mainstreet Computers Inc., a leading provider of business management software including point of sale, ecommerce, accounting, scheduling and more, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Auto Glass Week™ 2014. The three-day international event features automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an Exhibition/Extravaganza where sponsoring companies will be seen. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, Auto Glass Week 2014, glassBYTEs.com, Mainstreet Computers 1 Comment
Auto Glass Safety Council E-Newsletter Now Available
The Auto Glass Safety Council has published its latest e-newsletter. Continue reading
LYNX Services, Safelite Put Subpoena on Hold Over Connecticut Anti-Steering Law
LYNX Services has informed the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania that it and Safelite Group have reached an agreement to put the subpoena regarding Connecticut’s Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work (Public Act 13-67) on hold. The company filed a consent motion to withdraw its motion to quash the subpoena without prejudice and the judge agreed. Continue reading
Carl Tompkins Named National Sales Manager of Flat Glass for Sika
Sika Corp. has promoted Carl Tompkins to national sales manager of flat glass, effective January 2, 2015. He previously served as global automotive glass replacement strategic marketing manager and western region manager for aftermarket. In his new role, Tompkins will manage the U.S. strategy, execution and growth targets of Sika Target Market Industry in the flat glass segment, according to officials. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Carl Tompkins, Dan Hilliard, glassBYTEs.com, Sika Corp., Sika Target Market Industry 1 Comment
Lil Buddy Announced as Sponsor of Auto Glass Week™ 2014
Lil Buddy, a company that specializes in creating innovative tools for the automotive glass repair industry, has signed on to join the ever growing list of 2014 Auto Glass Week™ Sponsors. The three-day international event features automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza where sponsoring companies will be seen. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, Auto Glass Week 2014, glassBYTEs.com, Lil Buddy Leave a comment
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. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Adds GlassBiller as a Sponsor
Auto Glass Week™, the three-day international event featuring automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza, is proud to announce that GlassBiller, a provider of automotive glass software for automated billing, communications and mobile technologies for automotive glass shops, is sponsoring the event. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, Auto Glass Week 2014, GlassBiller, glassBYTEs.com 1 Comment
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Purchases Consolidate Auto Service Center
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has acquired Consolidated Auto Service Center in Forest Park, Ill.—just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Continue reading
3-D Printed Car Features Custom Windshield
Local Motors showed off its 3-D printed car, named the Strati, during a luncheon this week at the Reagan International Building in Washington, D.C. Just about the entire body of the vehicle was created on a 3-D printer with about 60 components added on later, such as wheels, engine and seats. The windshield was also custom made for the car. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Announces New Sponsor: Glass Mechanix Solutions
Glass Mechanix Solutions, a provider of innovative windshield repair hardware, chemical resins and technology solutions, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Auto Glass Week™ 2014. The three-day international event features automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an Exhibition/Extravaganza where sponsoring companies will be seen. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, Glass Mechanix Solutions, glassBYTEs.com 2 Comments
Glass Doctor Names Franchisee of the Year
Glass Doctor of Cleveland owner, Matt Kelly, took home the Glass Doctor Franchisee of the Year Award at The Dwyer Group International Conference September 7-10 in Orlando, Fla. Continue reading
Appellate Court: Yelp’s “Manipulation of User Reviews Not Harmful” to Small Businesses
Several small business owners, including an auto repair shop, filed a lawsuit against Yelp claiming the company “extorted or attempted to extort advertising payments from them by manipulating user reviews and penning negative reviews of their businesses in violation of California state law.” After the lower court dismissed the complaint, the business owners appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit Court. The appellate panel of judges agreed with the lower court’s decision. Three automotive glass company owners, meanwhile, disagree with the court’s decision. Continue reading
Former Michigan Employee, Safelite Reach Settlement
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, has dismissed a case between former Michigan employee Ernest Bishop and Safelite Group. The two parties involved in the case, which alleged violations to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reached an undisclosed settlement, according to the court. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged ADA, AGRR, AGRR magazine, Ernest Bishop, FMLA, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite Leave a comment
Boyd Group Announces Cash Distribution
Boyd Group Income Fund, parent company to Glass America, Gerber Collision & Glass and others, announced a cash distribution for the month of September 2014 of $0.04 per trust unit. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
PGW Opens Distribution Center in Las Vegas
Pittsburgh Glass Works (PGW) has opened a distribution center in Las Vegas. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Las Vegas Distribution Center, PGW, Pittsburgh Glass Works 2 Comments
Sika Announces Promotion
Sika Corp. has promoted Scott Glaza to senior product engineer, reporting to George Sivy, director of product engineering. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, George Sivy, glassBYTEs.com, Scott Glaza, Sika Corp. Leave a comment
Central Glass Group to Expand Carlex Business by Purchasing Two Guardian Subsidiaries
Central Glass Co. Ltd., a parent company of Carlex Glass Co., has resolved to conclude a share transfer agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of two subsidiaries of Guardian Industries Corp.—Guardian Automotive Products, Inc. (GAPI), headquartered in Sterling Heights, Mich., and Guardian Automotive-E S.A. (GA ESA), headquartered in Luxembourg. Continue reading
Safelite Opposes LYNX’s Motion to Quash Subpoena
Though the Second Circuit Court has ordered a preliminary injunction temporarily halting enforcement of Public Act 13-67—An Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work—the dispute over the subpoenas sent by Safelite continues to play out as the Connecticut Attorney General could decide to appeal the Circuit Court’s decision to the State Supreme Court. LYNX Services was served by Safelite and responded by asking the U.S. District Court for Western Pennsylvania to quash the subpoena. Safelite has responded in opposition. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Pre-Registration Discounts End Today!
Pre-registration for Auto Glass Week™ 2014 closes today. Those who wish to attend but who have not done so by the end of the day can register onsite. The event is set to take place October 7-9 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md. Once again sponsored by the Auto Glass Safety Council, Independent Glass Association, National Glass Association, National Windshield Repair Association and AGRR™ magazine, the event offers attendees the chance to save big on their registration fees if they register by close of business today. The event includes an educational seminar line-up and an extensive trade show floor. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, Auto Glass Week 2014, glassBYTEs.com Leave a comment
Boyd Acquires Seven Collision Repair Centers
The Boyd Group, parent company to Glass America, Gerber Collision & Glass and others, has signed a definitive agreement and concurrently closed the acquisition of Champ’s Holding Co. Champ’s owns and operates seven collision repair centers in Southeast Louisiana. Continue reading
Legal Battle Over Alleged Patent Infringement Continues
Christopher Boyle has joined his father, Mike Boyle (doing business as Surface Dynamix) in responding to GlasWeld’s motion for a default judgment in the alleged patent infringement lawsuit playing out in the Federal Court System in Oregon. GlasWeld, in turn, replied in support of its motion for default judgment. And Mike Boyle then asked the court to bifurcate the trial, or split it into two parts. Continue reading
PGW Opens New Distribution Center
Pittsburgh Glass Works has opened a new distribution facility in Laredo, Texas. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Distribution Center, glassBYTEs.com, Laredo, PGW, Pittsburgh Glass Works, Texas Leave a comment
Report: Detroit Has Most Expensive Insurance
Detroit has the most expensive car insurance and Charlotte, N.C., has the cheapest, according to a an Insurancequotes.com survey of average premiums in the 25 largest U.S. metropolitan areas. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Insurance Rates, Insurancequotes.com Leave a comment
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Helps Raise $40,000 for Helping Paws
ABRA Auto Body & Glass helped to raise more than $40,000 during the second annual Bent Creek Charity Golf Tournament to benefit Helping Paws Inc. Continue reading
Suspects in Alleged California Automotive Glass Fraud Have Been Sentenced
Following their no contest pleas to felony charges of insurance fraud and identification theft, four suspects accused of filing false insurance claims for windshield repairs have been sentenced, according to the Sacramento District Attorney. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Aaron Bonner, AGRR, AGRR magazine, Atlakea Scott, Bonita Clayborn, David Ludd, glassBYTEs.com, Sacramento Leave a comment
Boyd Group Announces a Bought Deal Financing for Gross Proceeds of Approximately $100 Million CAD
Boyd Group Income Fund, parent company to Glass America, Gerber Collision & Glass and others, has entered into an agreement to raise about $100 million CAD through an offering of units at $42.35 CAD each and the sale of convertible debentures. The Fund intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to repay bank indebtedness under its revolving credit facility as well as to fund acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. Continue reading
Dow Singles Out Betamate Adhesives for Helping with Industry Transition to More Aluminum-Bodied Vehicles
Betamate Structural Adhesives have been named Dow’s third “Breakthrough to World Challenges” winner, meeting a milestone set by the company as a part of its 2015 sustainability goals. With heavy steel structures in vehicles being replaced with lighter weight materials, such as aluminum and composites, Dow’s structural adhesives are designed to serve as a bond where traditional joining techniques such as welding and riveting are limited in their applicability, according to officials. Continue reading
CT Glass Companies and Attorney General Take Stock After Preliminary Injunction Decision
The Connecticut Attorney General and automotive glass companies who supported the state’s Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work (Public Act 13-67) are now analyzing what their next step will be after the Second Circuit Court handed down a decision to temporarily halt enforcement of the statute. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Pre-Registration Discounts End Monday!
Pre-registration for Auto Glass Week™ 2014 closes Monday, September 15. Those who wish to attend but who have not done so by the end of the day can register onsite. The event is set to take place October 7-9 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md. Once again sponsored by the Auto Glass Safety Council, Independent Glass Association, National Glass Association, National Windshield Repair Association and AGRR™ magazine, the event offers attendees the chance to save big on their registration fees if they register by close of business September 15. The event includes an educational seminar line-up and an extensive trade show floor. Continue reading
Gerber Collision & Glass Opens Two New Repair Locations
The Boyd Group has opened two new collision repair locations, which will operate under the Gerber Collision & Glass name. They are located in Atlanta and Naples, Fla. Continue reading
HOT NEWS: Circuit Court Orders a Preliminary Injunction Against Connecticut Anti-Steering Law
The Second Circuit Court ordered a preliminary injunction on First Amendment grounds that temporary halts enforcement of Public Act 13-67—An Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work. Continue reading
Dealer Auto Glass AZ Broadens Footprint
Dealer Auto Glass AZ, a company that offers windshield replacement to Phoenix residents, is expanding. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Dealer Auto Glass AZ, glassBYTEs.com Leave a comment
Sika Region NA Automotive Announces Two Promotions
Sika Region NA Automotive has made several promotions, including naming Jonathan Hatch as EHS engineer for its Grandview Operations and Jonathan Watson as director of manufacturing. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Jonathan Hatch, Jonathan Watson, Sika Region NA Automotive 1 Comment
Boyle Responds to Motion for Default Judgment in GlasWeld Suit
Mike Boyle, doing business as Surface Dynamix, has responded to a recent motion by GlasWeld for a default judgment against him and his son, Christopher Boyle. The response is the latest in the suit, filed by GlasWeld in December 2012, alleging patent infringement. Continue reading
Ohio State University Stadium Now Features Safelite AutoGlass Logo on Goal Net
Columbus, Ohio-based Safelite AutoGlass has reached a five-year partnership agreement with the Ohio State Athletics for a sponsored logo on the Buckeye’s field goal net along with signage and co-branded advertisements. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ 2014: Record Registration Numbers
Pre-registration for Auto Glass Week™ 2014 is coming to a close in two weeks, and upon review and cross referencing, our 2014 numbers have already surpassed our 2013 totals, reaching an all-time record! Continue reading
Saint-Gobain and Central Glass Set Up a Joint Venture in Indonesia for Automotive Glass
Saint-Gobain and Central Glass Co. Ltd. have just signed an agreement to create a joint venture in Indonesia that will specialize in automotive glass. Each group will have a 50-percent stake in the new company. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Central Glass Co. Ltd., glassBYTEs.com, Indonesia, Jakarta, Saint-Gobain Leave a comment
Belron’s Six-Month Sales Down 0.5 Percent
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, reports that six-month sales for the automotive glass repair and replacement division are down 0.5 percent. The “extreme winter weather in the U.S. and market share gains in a majority of countries,” bolstered results. However, an “exceptionally mild winter weather in Northern Europe” had a negative impact. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Belron, Belron Six-Month Sales, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite 1 Comment
ABRA Deal Closes
ABRA Auto Body & Glass and its principal owner, Palladium Equity Partners LLC, have closed the deal for ABRA to be acquired by affiliates of Hellman & Friedman LLC and the senior management team. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Continue reading
Solera’s CEO Talks Glass During Quarterly Report
The addition of the automotive glass claims business has not yet had much of an impact on business, according to Tony Aquila, CEO of Solera Holdings. But he expects this to change soon. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, automotive glass claims, glassBYTEs.com, GLAXIS, GTS, LYNX Services, Solera, Solera Holdings, Tony Aquila Leave a comment
NHTSA, Ford Recall Certain Ford Escapes Over Potential Sunroof Urethane Issue
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Ford have recalled select 2014 model-year Ford Escapes due to a potential issue with the urethane bond between the panorama sunroof and the attaching bracket. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Ford, Ford Recall, glassBYTEs.com, Inalfa Roof System, NHTSA, panorama sunroof, sunroof Leave a comment
Auto Glass Week™ Announces New Sponsor: Trico Products Corporation
Trico Products Corporation, a global OEM and aftermarket supplier offering the most complete line of innovative driver visibility products under a trusted brand providing creative solutions for the light, commercial and recreational vehicle markets, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Auto Glass Week™ 2014. The three-day international event features automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an Exhibition/Extravaganza where sponsoring companies will be seen. Continue reading
Safelite Amends Connecticut Complaint to Seek Attorney Costs
Safelite Group Inc. and Safelite Solutions LLC have moved for leave to file a first-amended complaint over Connecticut’s anti-steering law in the U.S. District Court of Connecticut. The changes in the amended complaint include switching much of the phrasing to past tense since the law, Public Act 13-67 (a Connecticut Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work), has gone into effect. However, Safelite is also now seeking reimbursement of attorneys’ fees. Continue reading
ABRA Expands Glass Operations in North Carolina
ABRA Auto Body & Glass is acquiring Deals Auto Glass Service and Kimble Glass Services in Charlotte, N.C. Terms of the transactions were not disclosed. Continue reading
Judge Issues New Decisions in Alleged Patent Infringement Case
Judge Ann Aiken has denied motions by Mike Boyle and Christopher Boyle (Mike’s son) to compel inspection of products and compel a former Intellectual Patent Insurance Corp. (IPISC) employee to attend depositions over the alleged patent infringement case pending the court’s ruling on claim construction. The judge also finds it “reasonable and approves of plaintiff’s (GlasWeld’s) preference to confer with defendants only through written communications.” Continue reading
Gerber Collision & Glass Announces New Washington Center
The Boyd Group has opened a new Gerber Collision & Glass Repair Center in Spokane, Wash. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Gerber Collision & Glass, glassBYTEs.com, The Boyd Group, Tim O'Day Leave a comment
AGC Automotive Americas Asks NHTSA for Exemption of FMVSS Compliance on Certain Backlites
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received a petition from AGC Flat Glass North America, doing business as AGC Automotive Americas Co., asking for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance over certain glazing the company manufactured as replacement automotive backlites for model-year 2003-2008 Toyota Matrix vehicles. AGC officials say the backlites do not fully comply with S5.1 and S5.7 of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205, Glazing Materials. Continue reading
IGA Latest Served with Safelite Subpoena, Responds with Objection
Safelite and Safelite Solutions served a subpoena on the Independent Glass Association (IGA) requesting all documents relating to Public Act 13-67 (a Connecticut Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work), all documents relating to plaintiffs’ communications with policyholders and how they refer policyholders to automotive glass repair shops and all documents concerning any automotive glass claims administrator. The IGA responded by sending Safelite a letter objecting to the subpoena, writing “The IGA presently has no members in the State of Connecticut and has had none for the entire time period identified in the document demand accompanying the subpoena.” Continue reading
Sika Corp. Regional NA Automotive Adds New Team Member
Nicolae Bordeanu has joined Sika Automotive USA at Madison Heights, Mich., as a research scientist with a focus on Sika Reinforcer and SikaBaffle technologies. Continue reading
Pre-Registration for Auto Glass Week™ Ends Soon—Reserve Your Seat Today!
With less than two months to go until Auto Glass Week™ 2014 begins, now is the time to book your trip and secure your spot before discounts end on September 15! Continue reading
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Enters Washington with Franchisee
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has opened a franchise repair center in Ellensburg, Wash. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged ABRA, ABRA Auto Body & Glass, AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Mark Wahlin, Sandy Morris, Tom Morris Leave a comment
Louisiana Attorney General Files “Steering” Lawsuit Against State Farm
Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell filed a lawsuit today against State Farm in East Baton Rouge Parish judicial court alleging the insurer has “engaged in a pattern of unfair and fraudulent business practices aimed at controlling the auto repair industry” and uses “scare tactics to steer Louisiana consumers to State Farm’s preferred repair shops.” Similar allegations have surfaced over the years from independent automotive glass repair shops in regards to third-party administrators (TPAs), which handle automotive glass claims for insurers, so this case has potential implications for the AGRR industry. Continue reading
Connecticut Responds to Safelite’s Letter to the Appellate Court
An attorney representing Connecticut’s Attorney General and state insurance commissioner has sent a letter to the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals notifying the court that a recent decision Safelite’s attorneys have cited as relative to their pending appeal to halt enforcement of Connecticut’s anti-steering law can also be sourced in support the state’s case. Continue reading
Auto Windscreens Announces New Location
United Kingdom-based Peterborough is the latest city to become home to an Auto Windscreens AGRR center. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Windscreens, glassBYTEs.com, Paul Jordan, Peterborough, U.K. Leave a comment
Lynx Services Files Amended Motion to Quash Safelite Subpoena
At the judge’s request, Lynx Services has filed an amended motion to quash Safelite and Safelite Solutions’ subpoena in the Western U.S. District Court of Pennsylvania, explaining why this court is the “proper jurisdiction” and why attorneys feel the Columbus, Ohio-based company’s subpoena is “unduly burdensome” and seeks proprietary information. The subpoenas are related to the Connecticut lawsuit over the state’s new anti-steering law. Continue reading
The Dwyer Group Acquired by The Riverside Co.
The Dwyer Group, parent company to Glass Doctor, has been acquired for the second time by The Riverside Co., a private equity fund with locations in North America, Europe and Asia. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Continue reading
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Continues Tennessee Expansion
Minneapolis, Minn.-based ABRA Auto Body & Glass has purchased Tennessee Collision Repair. The new center is located in Alcoa, Tenn., about 20 minutes south of Knoxville. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Continue reading
Gerber Collision & Glass Refurbishes Car to Donate
Gerber Collision & Glass, a member of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) has restored a vehicle as part of a nationwide vehicle donation program called Recycled Rides. Recycled Rides is a community awareness project whereby members of NABC repair and donate recycled vehicles to people in need. Gerber Collision & Glass refurbished a 2005 Ford Explorer, donated by Farmers Insurance. Continue reading
Seven Charged with Utah Automotive Glass Repair Fraud
The Utah Insurance Department’s Fraud Division has charged the owners of Pleasant Grove-based Quick Fix Auto Glass and T&R Auto Services, as well as several employees, with various forms of fraud. Continue reading
August Newscast Highlights Training
Learn about the technician training opportunities available through companies such as Dow, Sika and Glass Doctor, as well as the Auto Glass Safety Council™ in the August edition of the glassBYTEs.com™ newscast, sponsored by AGRR™ magazine. Continue reading
Posted in Video Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Automotive Glass Training, Dow, Glass Doctor, glassBYTEs.com, Installation Training, Sika Leave a comment
Boyd Group 2Q Sales Up 48 Percent
Sales for Boyd Group Income Fund, parent company to Glass America, Gerber Collision & Glass and others, has increased by 48.2 percent to $202.8 million for the second quarter, compared with sales of $136.9 million for the same period last year. Sales were up thanks to the glass business, recent acquisitions and a rise in same-store sales, according to officials. Continue reading
Updated: Attorney Representing a Connecticut AGRR Company Responds to Safelite Subpoena
Attorney Stephen Wright of Goldman Gruder & Woods is representing three AGRR companies in Connecticut that have been subpoenaed for records and communications by Columbus, Ohio-based Safelite over the state’s anti-steering law. “It’s my belief that Safelite subpoened every glass shop that supported the legislation [Public Act 13-67—an Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work],” says Andre Santamaria, owner of Auto Glass of New England, whose Hamden, Conn., location was served. Continue reading
Act Now! Contestant Registration Closes This Friday and Spots are Limited!
Interested in competing in one of Auto Glass Week™’s fierce competitions? If you are a bona fide repair or replacement technician, showcase your talent and vie for the title of “World’s Greatest” at this year’s event in Baltimore, Md. Continue reading
Italy—Vetrocar Opens 125th Network Shop
Vetrocar, an Italian partner of AutomotiveGlassEurope, announced it has opened its 125th AGRR network location, which is one of 15 new shops recently added to the network. Continue reading
Boyle Asks Court to Compel Witness, GlasWeld Refutes Motion to Compel Inspection
Mike Boyle, doing business as Surface Dynamix, has moved that the court compel a former Intellectual Patent Insurance Corp. (IPISC) employee to attend depositions over the alleged patent infringement case. Meanwhile, GlasWeld’s attorney responded to an earlier motion by Mike Boyle, claiming his “motion [to inspect the products in question] is nothing more than an effort to waste time, effort and resources.” Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ 2014 Adds GTS Services to the Returning Sponsors’ List
Auto Glass Week™, the three-day international event featuring automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza, is proud to announce that GTS Services, a leading integrated software provider to the retail and wholesale glass industry, is once again sponsoring the event. Continue reading
Lynx Services Files Motion to Quash Subpoena from Safelite in Connecticut Anti-Steering Case
Lynx Services has filed a motion in the U.S. Western District Court of Pennsylvania to quash a subpoena served on the company by Safelite Group and Safelite Solutions involving the Connecticut lawsuit over the state’s new anti-steering law. “The subpoena demands the production of documents that go to the very heart of Lynx’s business operations,” according to court documents filed by Lynx. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Anti-Steering Law, glassBYTEs.com, LYNX Services, Safelite 4 Comments
ABRA Continues Expansion
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has purchased White Auto Body repair centers in Florissant and O’Fallon, Mo. and Fayetteville Collision in Fayetteville, N.C. Terms of the deals were not disclosed. Continue reading
Report: California Judge Orders Automotive Glass Replacement Company Owner to Pay $1.4 Million to Allstate
A California Sonoma County Superior Court judge has entered a judgment against automotive glass replacement company owner Reshat Alkayisi for more than $1.4 million in favor of Allstate Insurance Co. The owner was accused of fraudulently inflating windshield replacement claims, according to a local report. Continue reading
GM Tells Dealers to Stop Delivering Certain Chevy Models Due to Potential Visibility Issue
General Motors has ordered its dealers to stop delivering certain 2013-2014 model-year Chevrolet Caprice PPV and 2014 Chevrolet SS vehicles in new or used vehicle inventory, saying the wipers may become inoperative causing a visibility issue. The automaker has also issued a recall on this models. Continue reading
C.R. Laurence Automotive Inducted into Sprinter Preferred Upfitter Program
C.R. Laurence Automotive has been named to the Sprinter Preferred Upfitter Program, which was established in 2002 in association with Mercedes-Benz USA. It’s an exclusive network of upfitters that adhere to strict standards in producing products for the Sprinter commercial van. Continue reading
How Could Connected Car Technology Impact You?
The affect evolving technology such as “connected-cars” could have on the auto insurance and collision repair industry are “profound,” writes Sunil Nayak, Mitchell’s senior director of product management in the company’s Third Quarter Industry Trends Report. “Certainly connected car technology may mean fewer or less severe accidents, but it will also revolutionize the way our industries handle accidents when they do occur,” Nayak says. Continue reading
Website Publishes Report that Questions Consumers about Safelite Experience
A website that bills itself as “Consumereagle.com” has published an interesting scenario that teases of potential legal action against Safelite. The website appears to be connected with the legal industry although glassBYTEs.com™ editors were unable to confirm its actual ownership. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Consumereagle.com, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite, Sergei Lemberg 2 Comments
Mike Boyle Requests More Time for Response in Alleged Patent Infringement Case
Mike Boyle, doing business as Surface Dynamix, has asked the court for an extension to file a response to GlasWeld’s motion for a default judgment, writing “the defendant is unable to gather all documentation and clarification of any and all deficiencies of requested discovery to present a response within the time allotted.” Continue reading
eDirectGlass and Universal Data Interchange Announce Strategic Partnership
eDirectGlass and Universal Data Interchange (UDI) announced a strategic partnership to offer new automotive glass claims services and technologies to insurance companies. Continue reading
NHTSA Receives More Complaints of Shattering F-150 Back Lites
More than 30 owners of the 2010 Ford F-150 model have complained to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that an alleged glitch in their rear defrosters has caused their back lites to shatter or spiderweb in cracks. Continue reading
Safelite’s Attorneys File Letter with Appellate Court in Support of Halting Enforcement of Anti-Steering Law
Attorneys representing Safelite have sent a letter to the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals notifying that court of “a recent decision relevant to [their] pending appeal” to halt enforcement of Connecticut’s anti-steering law. “In American Meat Institute versus U.S. Department of Agriculture, the D.C. Circuit held that the test articulated in Zauderer versus Office of Disciplinary Counsel, applies to compelled commercial disclosures that serve government interests besides preventing consumer deception. In doing so, the court adopted the approach already followed in this Circuit. Yet, the court also addressed issues related to Zauderer’s scope that are relevant to this appeal,” the company’s attorneys claim. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Connecticut, Connecticut Anti Steering Law, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite 8 Comments
Trico Products Corp. Partners with Crowne Group LLC
Trico Products Corp. has signed an agreement under which Crowne Group LLC will acquire the company from funds managed by Kohlberg & Company LLC. Trico is a global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of windshield wiper blades, systems and components. Continue reading
Solera Completes Acquisition of PGW’s Insurance and Services Division
Solera Holdings Inc. has completed the acquisition of the Insurance and Services Division of Pittsburgh Glass Works (I&S), which includes LYNX Services, GTS Services and GLAXIS. Continue reading
The Boyles Ask the Court to Disqualify GlasWeld’s Attorney, Plaintiff Opposes Motion
Mike Boyle, doing business as Surface Dynamix, and Christopher Boyle, his son, have asked the U.S. District Court of Oregon, Eugene division, to disqualify GlasWeld’s counsel Javier Sobrado and his firm, Feldman Gale LLP, from serving as GlasWeld’s counsel. The Boyles claim that, “[the attorney] has knowingly and purposefully violated a fundamental precept of legal practice: the rule that an attorney for a litigant shall not also serve as a witness in the same litigation.” In response, GlasWeld gave notice that it opposes the Boyles’ motion in the alleged patent infringement case. Continue reading
Check Out These Attractions While Visiting Baltimore for Auto Glass Week™ 2014
The 2014 Auto Glass Week™ set to be held October 7-9 at the Baltimore Convention Center and Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, has something for everyone! While the event will offer educational seminars, an exhibition hall and the attendee-favorite, annual competitions, the city delivers an experience like no other. Continue reading
Boyle Files Motion to Compel, GlasWeld Seeks Default Judgment in Alleged Patent Infringement Case
Mike Boyle, doing business as Surface Dynamix, has asked the U.S. District Court of Oregon, Eugene division, to issue an order “compelling the plaintiffs to allow the defendants the ability to inspect the alleged infringing products that are in the possession of the plaintiffs.” On the other side of the court, GlasWeld has asked for a default judgment against Mike Boyle and Christopher Boyle, his son, “because of their complete, consistent and unapologetic disregard of this court’s clear orders compelling them to comply with their discovery obligations.” Continue reading
Two Key Communications Publications Named as National ASBPE Winners
Door and Window Market Magazine (DWM) took home the gold for best news video in the national American Society of Business Publication Editors’ (ASBPE) awards, affectionately known as the Azbee awards. The FILM’d video newscast, produced by WINDOW FILM magazine, took home the silver for best webcast. The awards were received during an Awards Banquet and Ceremony July 25 in Chicago. Continue reading
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Enters Missouri, Expands in Washington
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has purchased three TEAM1 Auto Body and Glass collision centers in St. Louis, Mo., and one Auto Hound Collision Center in Seattle, Wash. Continue reading
Three New DOT Numbers Awarded
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently awarded three new DOT numbers to companies based in China, the United Kingdom and the United States. Continue reading
Marshals Serve Subpoenas on Connecticut Automotive Glass Companies over Anti-Steering Law Dispute
U.S. marshals served subpoenas from Safelite on many automotive glass company owners in Connecticut this week for information related to its legal effort to halt enforcement of PA 13-67 (An Act Concerning Automotive Glass Work), according to the Connecticut Attorney General’s office and glassBYTEs.com™ reader reports. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Anti-Steering Law, Connecticut, CT, glassBYTEs.com, Jaclyn Falkowski, Jim Amann, Safelite, Subpoenas 4 Comments
BMW Owners Seek Permission to File Third-Amended Complaint Over Alleged Sunroof Defect
BMW owners have outlined what would be included in their third-amended class action complaint over an alleged sunroof defect. Maxine Chesney of the U.S. District Court of Northern California has granted permission for the petition to be filed later this month. Continue reading
National Windscreens Re-Invests in Company Due to Higher Demand
A 20-percent increase in AGRR demand in the Midlands region of the United Kingdom over the past two years has driven National Windscreens to invest in new vans and upgrade its Nottingham repair and replacement center. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged Adrian Miller, AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, National Windscreens, Nottingham Leave a comment
U.S. Transportation Secretary Foxx Calls for Long-Term Highway Funding
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx continued pushing for more funding from U.S. Congress, saying the short-term 10-month $10.9 billion transportation “patch” passed by the House of Representatives and now being considered in the Senate is only a temporary fix for a “crumbling” highway system that shows a growing number of potholes and other damage. The fix means that “at current spending levels, we will fall almost $850 billion short of transportation needs nationally by 2020,” he said during a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Monday. Continue reading
Safelite AutoGlass Offers Frebreze Car Vent Clip Give-Away
Safelite AutoGlass has partnered with Procter & Gamble to provide customers with Febreze car vent clips (Linen & Sky Scented), as well as a $.50 off coupon for their next Febreze car vent clip purchase upon completing an automotive glass repair or replacement service. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Febreze, glassBYTEs.com, Procter & Gamble, Safelite AutoGlass 4 Comments
Auto Glass Week™ Announces Seminar Line-Up
Auto Glass Week™, the three-day international event, has announced its 2014 seminar line-up. The event will be held October 7-9 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md., and is co-sponsored by the Auto Glass Safety Council, Independent Glass Association, National Glass Association, National Windshield Repair Association and AGRR™ magazine. Continue reading
Sika Names New Procurement Manager, Promotes Shah
Sika Corp. has named Sandra DeRoso as procurement manager region NA automotive. In her new role, she will lead local strategic purchasing initiatives and report to Cedric Gray, vice president of operations in Grandview, Mo. DeRoso has more than 20 … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Cedric Gray, glassBYTEs.com, Rohit Shah, Sandra DeRoso, Sika Corp. Leave a comment
Fuyao to Expand U.S. Footprint by Purchasing PPG Glass Plant
PPG Industries announced today that it will sell all the assets of its Mt. Zion, Ill., glass manufacturing facility to automotive glass manufacturer Fuyao Glass America Inc. Fuyao will rebuild and retrofit the facility’s two production lines to manufacture automotive glass. Continue reading
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Opens New Minnesota Center
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has opened a new franchise center in Princeton, Minn. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged ABRA Auto Body & Glass, AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Kedrick Johnson, Mark Wahlin Leave a comment
Sika Industry Target Market Names Business Development Manager
Jeremy Cooler has joined Sika Corp. as business manager for target market industry—transportation/A&C group. He is responsible for the introduction of new product technology, penetrating new markets, developing business opportunities as well as expanding the company’s reach in long-term strategic growth markets. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Fabrico, glassBYTEs.com, Jeremy Cooler, Sika, Tony Martin Leave a comment
AGRR Company Owners Call NBC Connecticut Report Fair, Alleging Safelite Steers
“They [Safelite] still try to take the job and steal the work,” says East Coast Auto Glass owner Paul Huot, though a new law anti-steering law has passed in the state. Continue reading
Seattle-based All-Star Glass Acquires Eastside Mobile Auto Glass
All-Star Glass has purchased the assets of Eastside Mobile Auto Glass in Issaquah, Wash., according to All-Star Glass general manager Tom Grim. The company will continue to operate under the Eastside Mobile Auto Glass brand. Continue reading
Court Grants Chrysler’s Motion to Dismiss Allegations over Sunroofs in Part and Denies in Part
A New Jersey U.S. District Court has denied in part and upheld in part Chrysler’s motion to dismiss a case in which vehicle owners allege the “drain tubes” and “other manufacturing flaws” in their sunroofs allowed water and moisture into the vehicle’s cabin, damaging the upholstery, electronics and other components. The judge gave the vehicle owners, who are seeking a nation-wide class action lawsuit, permission to file a third-amended complaint. Continue reading
Solera Announces Australia & New Zealand Cooperation Agreement with Suncorp Group
Solera Holdings is now the preferred provider of automobile insurance claims processing software and services for Suncorp Group, which includes a portfolio of leading general insurance brands in Australia and New Zealand. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Leigh Bryan, LYNX Services, Solera Holdings, Suncorp Group, Tony Aquila Leave a comment
Abilene, Texas, AGRR Demand Remains High in Wake of Huge June Storm
“I’ve never seen cars destroyed like this,” says Leroy Perkins of the Perkins Insurance Agency in Abilene, Texas. “This is the worst damage I’ve seen in my 41 years in the insurance business.” The insurance losses from the damaged cars and trucks are expected to exceed $100 million from a storm that unleashed softball-sized hail in the area in the middle of June, according to the Insurance Council of Texas. Continue reading
Charity Q & A: Safelite Exec Chat Rescheduled for July 31
Safelite CEO Tom Feeney’s fundraiser video question-and-answer program for the Ronald McDonald House charities has been rescheduled for July 31 at 8 p.m. The cost to participate is $5 per ticket. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Ronald McDonald House charities, Safelite, Tom Feeney Leave a comment
Sika Region NA Automotive Names New Key Account Manager
Sika Corp. Region NA Automotive has named Paul Gross as key account manager, original equipment suppliers (OES). In his new role, he will be responsible for all sales activities for multiple OES accounts. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Paul Gross, Sika, Sika Corp. Region NA Automotive Leave a comment
Join Us on the Show Floor for Not One … But Two Cocktail Parties!
Let us welcome you! Join Auto Glass Week™ Sponsors and supporters Tuesday, October 7, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor for the Welcoming Cocktail Party. It’s our way of saying welcome and is an excellent opportunity to mingle with other attendees. Having a chance to relax and network is paramount for building lasting relationships—so let us buy the first round and get those conversations started. Continue reading
Suspects in Alleged California Automotive Glass Fraud Have Pled No Contest
Six suspects arrested for alleged automotive glass fraud in Sacramento, Calif., have pled no contest to felony charges of insurance fraud and personal identification theft this week. They were accused of filing false insurance claims for windshield repairs totaling almost $100,000 back in December 2013. Continue reading
Safelite AutoGlass Opens New California Location
Safelite AutoGlass has opened a new shop located at 210 S. Cain Street, Suite P, in Visalia, Calif. The company already had three shops in the San Joaquin Valley and has plans to add two more in the next year. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, John Rhine, Safelite AutoGlass Leave a comment
Some Ford Escapes Recalled for Panorama Roof Glass Urethane Issue
Ford has issued a safety recall for select 2014 model-year Escapes for a “potential issue with panorama roof glass that may have an improperly cured urethane bond between the glass and the attaching bracket.” Continue reading
Auto Windscreens Takes Home Two British Insurance Awards
United Kingdom-based Auto Windscreens grabbed two British Insurance Awards at the Royal Albert Hall on July 9, 2014. Continue reading
BMW Owners File Third-Amended Class Action Complaint Over Alleged Sunroof Defect
BMW owners Monita Sharma and Eric Anderson have filed an amended third class action complaint in the U.S. Northern District Court of California, San Francisco division, alleging their vehicles suffered water damage after the drainage tubes installed to pull water away from the sunroofs did not properly work. “[The court] determined that plaintiffs’ Consumer Legal Remedies Act and the Unfair Competition Law claims could not stand because there were insufficient allegations in the complaint to establish that BMW was aware of the safety defect at issue before the plaintiffs purchased their vehicles. However, the court granted plaintiffs the right to amend their complaint to remedy this deficiency,” according to court documents. Continue reading
Now Accepting Donations for the Auto Glass Week™ Silent Charity Auction
The Auto Glass Safety Council™ (AGSC) Silent Charity Auction will once again be held at this year’s Auto Glass Week™. The auction will take place on Wednesday, October 8, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor. Continue reading
Sika Corp. Promotes Luescher to Head of Global Automotive Financing and Controlling
Sika Corp. has named Peter Luescher as head of global automotive finance and controlling, responsible for all finance and controlling activities for Region Automotive, which includes activities in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Dave Jones, glassBYTEs.com, Peter Luescher, Sika Corp. Leave a comment
AGRR Industry Reacts to NBC Connecticut’s Investigative Report on Anti-Steering Law
An investigative report aired late last night that covers the state’s new anti-steering law for automotive glass claims on NBC Connecticut. The report centered on a Connecticut resident who alleges he was steered to Safelite AutoGlass by Safelite Solutions (a third-party automotive glass claims administrator) and AGRR company owners in the state allege this situation is not new. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Anti-Steering Law, CT, George Colli, glassBYTEs.com, NBC Connecticut, Safelite 1 Comment
Auto Glass Week™ 2014 Adds eDirectGlass to the Returning Sponsors List
eDirectGlass, the worldwide leading provider of Internet-based AGRR enterprise resource management, point-of-sale and mobile related technologies for small to large retailers, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Auto Glass Week™. The three-day international event features automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an Exhibition/Extravaganza where sponsoring companies will be seen. Continue reading
NBC 30 Connecticut to Air Report on State’s Anti-Steering Law
“We will be doing an investigate report tonight focusing on the ‘anti-steering’ law in Connecticut,” says George Colli, an investigative reporter at NBC Connecticut WVIT-TV. The report will air at about 10 minutes into the 11 p.m. broadcast. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Anti Steering Report, George Colli, NBC Connecticut, Safelite 3 Comments
Caliber Collision Centers Opens New Texas Location
Caliber Collision Centers has opened a brand new 13,000-square-foot facility in Frisco, Texas. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Caliber Collision Centers, glassBYTEs.com, Steve Grimshaw Leave a comment
National Windscreens Signs New Contract with Northgate Vehicle for Hire
United Kingdom-based National Windscreens has secured a new two-year contract with Northgate Vehicle Hire for automotive glass repair and replacement services. Continue reading
Many AGRR Companies Anticipate Business Upswing When Holiday Travelers Return
It appears a large number of AGRR companies will be closed Friday and Saturday in celebration of Independence Day in the United States, but shop owners expect business demand to climb early next week as Fourth of July travelers return home. And one shop owner in Wilmington, N.C., says Tropical Storm Arthur will ramp up business even more. He is already seeing hail and strong winds today. Continue reading
Judge Denies GlasWeld’s Motion to Make Ex Parte Communication Public or for Attorneys’ Eyes
GlasWeld’s attorney has asked the court to make public or for “attorneys’ eyes only” certain communications Mike Boyle has had with the court regarding the withdrawal of his counsel in the alleged patent infringement case and the judge has denied the request. Continue reading
Gerber Collision & Glass Gains New Chicago Location
The Boyd Group has acquired a new location in Chicago that will operate under the Gerber Collision & Glass named. Continue reading
State Farm Asks Court to Dismiss Mississippi Antitrust Lawsuit Brought by Collision Repair Companies
State Farm and other insurers have asked the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Northern division, to dismiss allegations of antitrust and steering by more than a dozen collision repair shops in the state. This move comes soon after a Florida judge found an initial complaint in a similar case suffered from a “host of problems” and told those companies to re-plead their case. Continue reading
Caliber Collision Centers Purchases California Body Shop
Caliber Collision Centers has acquired “L” Monty Body Shop in South El Monte, Calif. Continue reading
Florida Collision Repair Shops File Amended Complaint Against Insurers
Dozens of Florida collision repair companies have filed an amended-complaint against State Farm and dozens of other insurers, which alleges the insurers use their direct repair programs to “illegally control and depress rates and if the shops don’t comply, customers are steered away. The action comes after U.S. District Judge Gregory Presenell ruled their earlier complaint “suffers from a host of problems” and gave them permission to re-plead their case. Continue reading
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Acquires 12 True Quality Collision Centers
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has purchased 12 True Quality Collision Centers in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, and Bloomington, Ind. The company offers windshield repair and replacements services. Continue reading
Sika Appoints Julie Griffin as Customer Service Representative
Sika Industry Target Market USA appointed Juile Griffin as a customer service representative, reporting to Monica Gapczynski, customer service manager. Continue reading
April Miles Driven Increases
The Federal Highway Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has released the newest numbers for miles driven in April 2014, showing an increase of 1.8 percent, or 4.6 billion vehicle miles, compared with April 2013. Continue reading
Judge Gives Mike Boyle’s Counsel Permission to Withdraw
The judge has granted attorney David Madden permission to withdraw as Mike Boyle’s pro bono counsel in the alleged patent infringement lawsuit filed by GlasWeld. “Clearly, irreconcilable conflicts exist between Mike Boyle and David Madden regarding the proper defense in … Continue reading
Key Communications Wins Azbee Awards
AGRR™ magazine and glassBYTEs.com™ editor Jenna Reed and vice president of media services Holly Biller recently accepted several regional American Society of Business Publication Editors’ (ASBPE) awards, affectionately known as the Azbee awards, on behalf of Key Communication, parent company to AGRR. The awards are for AGRR’s sister publications, DWM magazine, USGlass Magazine and Window Film. Continue reading
Auto Windscreens’ Tech Vans Get SmartWitness Cameras
United Kingdom-based Auto Windscreens technician vans now have SmartWitness accident cameras which capture traffic accident information, as well as monitor driving styles and speeds. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Windscreens, Chris Thornton, glassBYTEs, glassBYTEs.com, SmartWitness Leave a comment
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Seeks New Owner
ABRA Auto Body & Glass is in the market for a new private equity owner. “It is a good time to capitalize,” says Duane Rouse, ABRA’s president and CEO. And the company’s management sees automotive glass repair and replacement services playing a big role in the company’s ongoing expansion. Continue reading
Court Dismisses Case Against BMW over Alleged Sunroof Defect
The case against BMW by owners alleging their vehicles suffered water damage after the drainage tubes installed to pull water away from the sunroofs did not properly work has been dismissed by judge Maxine Chesney; however, plaintiffs have until July 3, 2014 to file a third-amended complaint that corrects the claim “deficiencies” found by the court. Continue reading
Charity Q & A: Safelite Exec Raises Money for Ronald McDonald House
Tom Feeney, CEO of Safelite, is fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House charities in a unique way. Feeney will be participating in a video question-and-answer program on July 2 at 8 p.m. in which ticket purchasers will be able to ask Feeney questions and chat with him about anything. The cost to participate is $5 per ticket and Feeney invites all ticket holders to ask him “anything.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Ronald McDonald House, Safelite, Tom Feeney 1 Comment
Binswanger Glass Names Flowers Director of Automotive Glass Business Development
Buddy Flowers has been named as Binswanger Glass’ new director of national automotive glass business development. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Binswanger Glass, Buddy Flowers, glassBYTEs.com, Norm Plotkin Leave a comment
Volvo Owners Tell Appellate Court That Lawsuit Over Alleged Sunroof Defect Should Continue
The owners of Volvos involved in a six-state class action lawsuit against the automaker have filed a “Brief of Appellees” in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, arguing that the case should go forward despite Volvo’s objections. … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Alleged Sunroof Defect, glassBYTEs.com, Joanne Neale, Sunroof Defect, Volvo Leave a comment
Medal of Honor Recipient and New York Times Best-Selling Author, Sergeant Dakota Meyer, to Deliver Tuesday Keynote at Auto Glass Week™ 2014
Sergeant Dakota Meyer, Medal of Honor recipient and best-selling author, will deliver the Tuesday keynote address at Auto Glass Week™ 2014 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md., on October 7. He is scheduled to speak Tuesday afternoon from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. about taking advantage of the opportunities life gives you, holding each other accountable to achieve our potential, striving constantly for the best possible outcome and creating a support network during his presentation. Continue reading
Judge Dismisses Florida Repair Shops’ Antitrust Lawsuit Against Insurers
U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell has dismissed the antitrust lawsuit filed by group of Florida collision repair shops against State Farm and dozens of other insurers, which alleged 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. “The complaint is more than 30 pages long and suffers from a host of problems,” the judge for the U.S. Middle U.S. District of Florida, Orlando division, writes in his decision to dismiss. Continue reading
Massachusetts AGRR Technician Charged with Murder
Richard Langley, a technician for Ace Auto Plate Glass in West Roxbury, Mass., was arraigned late last week on one count of murder, according to the Plymouth Assistant District Attorney Bridget Norton Middleton. Langley is accused of allegedly stabbing his wife to death and was ordered held without bail. Continue reading
Caliber Collision Centers Purchases New Location
Caliber Collision Centers has acquired Fenders Collision Center Inc. in the Silicon Valley region. The company lists windshield repair as one of its services on its website. Windshield replacements are outsourced. Continue reading
AGRR Companies Rally to Help Customers after Softball-Sized Hail Slams Abilene, Texas
The Binswanger Glass team in Abilene, Texas, is working overtime to keep up with demand after the area was pummeled with softball-sized hail late last week. The shop, which isn’t normally open weekends, will be open this weekend to try to take care of all the customers with automotive glass damage. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week ™ Attendees Treated to New Attraction
Shhhh, we’ve heard a rumor! A little birdie (an Oriole to be precise) mentioned that Baltimore, Md., has something special that’s coming. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, glassBYTEs.com, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore Leave a comment
Mike Boyle’s Counsel Asks to Withdraw, GlasWeld Concerned This Will Further Delay Case
Mike Boyle’s pro-bono counsel, David H. Madden, has asked the court for an order allowing him to withdraw as counsel because “circumstances have arisen which comprise a current conflict of interest between Madden and defendant Boyle.” In their response to the request, GlasWeld’s attorneys write, “[I]f the court is inclined to grant Madden’s motion, GlasWeld requests that regardless of whether Mike Boyle obtains new counsel or proceeds pro se [representing himself], the court hold defendants to the same rules that apply to all other litigant and enforce its order compelling complete responses to GlasWeld’s discovery by July 2, 2014.” Continue reading
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. Continue reading
GM’s Director of Advanced Technology Discusses Innovations in the Pipeline
Sensors and connected vehicles are leading the way toward autonomous driving, says Frankie James, General Motors managing director of advanced technology during a podcast series hosted by FutureThink. “My background is in human machine interaction but I’ve talked with the team that does window glass and know more things about window glass than I ever thought I would before I got this job,” she adds. Continue reading
AGC Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony at Mexico Automotive Glass Plant
AGC recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new automotive glass plant in Villa de Reyes, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGC, AGC Automotive Mexico, AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com Leave a comment
Safelite AutoGlass Partners with SkillsUSA for Recruitment
Safelite AutoGlass has teamed up with SkillsUSA, a leading national career and technical education association. Originally known as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, SkillsUSA serves more than 300,000 students enrolled in technical, skilled and service occupation training programs each year. Continue reading
Founder of Burco Passes Away
Jim Mervenne of Burco Inc. passed away on April 30, 2014 in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Mich. Continue reading
Rod Watson of Carlex Announces Retirement
Rod Watson, technical services manager for Carlex, is retiring. He got his start in the industry in 1974 as a float production engineer for PPG. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Carlex, glassBYTEs.com, Rod Watson, Rod Watson Retires, Tim Siterlet 1 Comment
What to Expect at This Year’s Auto Glass Week™ Competitions
With Auto Glass Week™ right around the corner, news surrounding our annual competitions is really starting to heat up! We hope to see past contestants at this year’s event, as well as several new faces. If you are considering competing in any of the 2014 Auto Glass Week competitions for the first time, we wanted to give you a good overview of what you can expect. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, glassBYTEs.com, Walt Gorman Leave a comment
Cheskis Anticipates Changes with Acquisition of Netcost
Gerber National Glass Services (GNGS), a third-party automotive glass claims administrator (TPA), might soon move away from its partnership with LYNX Services, which provides call center services. Boyd Group Income Fund is purchasing Netcost Claims Services (NCS)—and bringing with it, a call center—to combine with GNGS, according to Eddie Cheskis, CEO of Glass America, a Boyd Group subsidiary. Continue reading
Solera Holdings Announces Closing of Private Offering
Solera Holdings’ indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Audatex North America has closed a private offering of $150 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.000 percent senior notes due 2021. The New 2021 Notes were offered at an issue price of 106.50 percent of their principal amount, plus accrued interest from December 15, 2013. The New 2021 Notes were issued as additional notes under the indenture governing the outstanding $1.36 billion in aggregate principal amount of the Issuer’s 6.000 percent Senior Notes due 2021 that were issued on July 2, 2013 and November 5, 2013. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged 2021 Notes, AGRR, AGRR magazine, Audatex, glassBYTEs.com, Private Offering, Solera Holdings Leave a comment
Caliber Acquires Classic Collision Center and Haddock Collision Centers
Caliber Collision Centers has acquired Classic Collision Center, which includes four locations in and around the Los Angeles market, and Haddock Collision Centers, which has five locations in and around the Raleigh, N.C. market. Continue reading
AGRR Industry Reacts to Boyd Acquiring NCS
The industry showed a mixed response to the news over the weekend that Boyd Group Income Fund, parent company to U.S.-based Gerber Collision & Glass, Glass America and others, is acquiring Schaumburg, Ill.-based Netcost Claims Services (NCS), an automotive glass claims administrator for insurance companies. “Seems to me that companies are doing all they can do grab some market share,” says Mark Liston, president of Glass Doctor. Continue reading
Boyd Group to Acquire NCS
Boyd Group Income Fund, parent company to U.S.-based Gerber Collision & Glass, Glass America, Hansen Collision and Glass among others, is acquiring Schaumburg, Ill.-based Netcost Claims Services (NCS), an automotive glass claims administrator for insurer companies. Continue reading
March Miles Driven Increases
The Federal Highway Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has released the newest numbers for miles driven in March 2014, showing an increase of 0.2 percent, or 0.5 billion vehicle miles, compared to March 2013. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, March 2014 Miles Driven, March Miles Driven Leave a comment
Former Employee, Glass America Reach Settlement over Allegations of Fair Labor Standards’ Violations
Theresa Troutman, a former customer service representative for Glass America in Allegheny County, Pa., and Glass America have entered into “a confidential settlement agreement,” and the judge has dismissed her lawsuit alleging that she often worked through her lunch break and was not compensated for it. Continue reading
Solera Holdings to Acquire sachcontrol AG
Solera Holdings, which recently acquired the Insurance and Services Division of Pittsburgh Glass Works, including LYNX Services, GTS Services and Glaxis, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire sachcontrol AG, a property claims business based in Dresden, Germany. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, GLAXIS, GTS Services, LYNX Services, sachcontrol AG, Solera Holdings, Tony Aquila Leave a comment
Highest Performing ABRA Repair Center in 2013 Awarded to ABRA-Coon Rapids
ABRA Auto Body & Glass’ Coon Rapids, Minn., repair center has received the Farmers Insurance Circle of Dependability “Highest Performing ABRA Repair Center of the Year” award. Continue reading
Repair Shops Respond to Hartford’s Request for Dismissal of Florida Antitrust Case
Attorneys for Florida collision repair shops that sued dozens of insurers recently responded to Hartford Accident and Indemnity Co.’s request for the U.S. Middle District of Florida Court, Orlando division, to dismiss their antitrust and steering lawsuit, writing, that, “The defendants misrepresents both the contents of the complaint and quite often the holdings of authority to which it cites.” The Florida repair shops sued Hartford, State Farm and dozens of other insurers. The case has potential implications for the AGRR industry, as some automotive glass repair companies allege similar issues with third-party administrators (TPAs), which handle automotive glass claims for insurers. Continue reading
ICM Adds Mark Walsh as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Mark Walsh has joined Insurance Claims Management Inc. (ICM), parent company to HSG and CodeBlue, as senior vice president of sales and marketing. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, CodeBlue, glassBYTEs.com, HSG, ICM, Insurance Claims Management, Mark Walsh Leave a comment
Host Hotel Discounts are Now Available for Auto Glass Week™ Attendees
Auto Glass Week™ 2014 is set to take place October 7-9 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md. Once again sponsored by the Auto Glass Safety Council, Independent Glass Association, National Glass Association, National Windshield Repair Association and AGRR™ magazine, the event offers attendees the chance to save big on their hotel stay. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, AGW Hotel Discount, Auto Glass Week, glassBYTEs.com Leave a comment
Kiplinger Names Novus Glass as a Top Low-Cost Franchise with Great Growth Potential
Kiplinger recently named six “Low-Cost Franchises with Great Growth Potential” and reaching the top of the list is Novus Glass. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, franchise, franchisees, Gillian B. White, glassBYTEs.com, Kiplinger, Novus Glass Leave a comment
UNITED KINGDOM—Auto Windscreens Opens Two New Shops
Preston, Lancashire, and Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom, gained two new Auto Windscreens’ glass shops. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Windscreens, Chris Thornton, glassBYTEs, glassBYTEs.com Leave a comment
AAA: 36.1 Million Memorial Day Travelers to Go 50 Miles or More from Home
AAA Travel estimates 36.1 million Americans will travel 50 or more miles from home this Memorial Day holiday weekend, a 1.5-percent increase from the 35.5 million people who traveled in 2013. More than eight in 10 of these travelers are expected to drive to their destination, according to AAA. Continue reading
Superior Auto Glass of Tampa Bay Opens Shop
After focusing on mobile automotive glass windshield repair and replacement work for years, Superior Auto Glass of Tampa Bay celebrated the grand opening of a shop Wednesday evening. The new facility is located at 4710 Rowan Road in New Port Richey, Fla., and can house three vehicles. Continue reading
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Honored by Farmers Insurance
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has been awarded the 2013 Farmers Insurance National MSO Group of the Year. Continue reading
GlasWeld Submits, and Mike Boyle Opposes, Motion for Summary Judgment
GlasWeld’s attorneys have asked the U.S. District Court of Oregon, Eugene division, to allow it to supplement the evidentiary record in support of a partial summary judgment of infringement. The defendant, Mike Boyle (doing business as Surface Dynamix), has opposed this motion. Continue reading
Caliber Collision Adds New California Center
Caliber Collision Centers has opened a new location in the San Diego, Calif., region. Continue reading
Test of Connecticut Anti-Steering Law Heard by Court of Appeals
A three-judge panel, including Judges Ralph K. Winter, John M. Walker Jr. and José A. Cabranes, met in New Haven, Conn., at the U.S. District Court to hear a number of cases, including Safelite versus Jepsen. Safelite is seeking to enjoin the enforcement of the Connecticut law requiring third-party administrators (TPAs) who own glass shops to list a second glass shop when recommending repair at their own shop. The questioning lasted less than 30 minutes. Continue reading
Majestic Auto Glass Opens New Distribution Center
Chicago-based Majestic Auto Glass has opened a distribution center in St. Charles, Mo. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Angel Zamudio, glassBYTEs.com, Majestic Auto Glass 1 Comment
Auto Glass Safety Council™ E-Newsletter Now Available
The Auto Glass Safety Council’s latest e-newsletter is now available and can be found here. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, AGSC, AGSC E-Newsletter, Auto Glass Safety Council, glassBYTEs.com Leave a comment
Safelite AutoGlass Takes Home Award for Technician App
Safelite AutoGlass has earned a 2014 CX Innovation Award from the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA) for its mobile technician application. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged 2014 CX Innovation Award, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, MRM3, Safelite AutoGlass 1 Comment
Hearing Held in Appellate Court Today over Connecticut Anti-Steering Law
Safelite’s attorneys told the panel of three judges for the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit Court that the company is following the new Connecticut law, PA 13-67, and that it hasn’t changed the amount of referrals. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
Pennsylvania Repair Center Files RICO Class Action Against Multiple Insurers
Crawford Auto Center of Downington, Pa., has asked the U.S Northern District Court of Illinois, Eastern division, to approve a national class action under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) against State Farm, Allstate, Geico and dozens of other insurers for allegedly “long-running unlawful conduct to suppress compensation to repair facilities for automotive collision repairs covered by insurance.” Like the cases filed in Florida and Indiana, this lawsuit has potential implications for the AGRR industry, as glass repair companies allege similar issues with third-party administrators (TPAs), which handle glass claims for insurers. Continue reading
Boyd Group Reports 41-Percent Growth in Quarterly Sales
Boyd Group Income Fund, parent company to U.S.-based Gerber Collision & Glass, Glass America, Hansen Collision and Glass among others, has reported a 41-percent increase in sales to $183.6 million for the first quarter, compared to sales of $130.6 million in the same quarter of the prior year. The glass business contributed incremental sales of $11.5 million, primarily attributable to the acquisition of Glass America, according to officials. Continue reading
Become a Part of Auto Glass Week™
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for Auto Glass Week™ 2014 but are filling up fast. So, if you’re considering exhibiting at this year’s event, don’t waste any more time! Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, AGW, Auto Glass Week, Auto Glass Week 2014, glassBYTEs, Sponsorships Leave a comment
Industry Takes Wait and See Attitude with LYNX, Solera Holdings’ Deal
“I’m hoping that with Solera Holdings, [LYNX Services] can compete with Safelite Solutions’ dominance in the third-party administrator (TPA) [of automotive glass claims’] arena,” says Henry Peralta, sales manager for Stockton Auto Glass in Stockton, Calif. Westlake, Texas-based Solera Holdings is in the process of purchasing Pittsburgh Glass Works’ (PGW) Insurance and Services Division, which includes LYNX Services, GTS and Glaxis, along with other information technology services. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Garen Staglin, glassBYTEs.com, GLAXIS, GTS, Henry Peralta, John McAuley, Kerry Soat, LYNX, LYNX Services, Solera Holdings, Tony Aquila Leave a comment
PGW Sells LYNX Services
Pittsburgh Glass Works (PGW) plans to sell its Insurance and Services Division (I&S), which includes LYNX Services, GTS and Glaxis, along with other information technology services to Solera Holdings (NYSE SLH) of Westlake, TX. Solera will purchase 100% of the … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, auto glass, auto glass repair, GLAXIS, GTS Services, LYNX Services, PGW, Solera 6 Comments
Ohio House Representatives Introduce Bill to Eliminate Preferred Repair Shop Network
Representatives Matt Lynch (R) and Robert Hagan (D) have introduced HB 526 that would “prohibit auto insurers from requiring, recommending or suggesting that a claimant on a policy have the claimant’s vehicle repaired at a particular repair shop or by a particular person unless the claimant requests a recommendation or suggestion.” While automotive glass companies are not identified in this bill, third-party administrators (TPAs) of automotive glass claims generally offer a recommendation to a related automotive glass company or an affiliated independent glass shop, meaning this bill could have implications for the AGRR industry if passed. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, HB 526, Matt Lynch, Ohio HB 526, Preferred Repair Network, Robert Hagan 3 Comments
Auto Glass Week™ Announces New Cobalt Sponsor: C.R. Laurence Co., Inc.
Auto Glass Week™, the three-day international event featuring automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza, is proud to announce that C.R. Laurence Co., Inc. has signed on as a Cobalt sponsor. C.R. Laurence Co., Inc. is an ISO 9001:2008 certified premier manufacturer that has built innovative truck and van windows, sliders, sunroofs and accessories for more than 40 years. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, C.R. Laurence Co., Cobalt Sponsor, CRL, glassBYTEs.com, Inc. Leave a comment
Saint-Gobain Credits Automotive Glass Demand for Bolstering Flat Glass Recovery
Saint-Gobain reports that its flat glass division sales are up 4.5 percent “like-for-like” (constant exchange rates and group structure) for the first quarter, “driven by brisk automotive markets in all regions,” according to company officials. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Saint-Gobain Leave a comment
Safelite AutoGlass Opens New Shop in West Springfield, Mass.
Safelite AutoGlass has opened a new shop at 57 Norman Street, West Springfield, Mass. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite AutoGlass Leave a comment
Auto Glass Week™ 2014: Three Full Days Dedicated to the Industry
The benefits are endless for those who choose to join us at Auto Glass Week™ on October 7-9, 2014, at the Baltimore Convention Center and Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Md. Not only will you be able to network … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, glassBYTEs, glassBYTEs.com, Sponsors, Three-day event Leave a comment
Auto Glass Week™ Announces Returning Gold Sponsor: Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC
Auto Glass Week™, the three-day international event featuring automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza, is proud to announce that Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC (PGW), a leading product and service provider in the automotive glass industry marketplace, has become a Sponsor of the event at the Gold level once again. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, glassBYTEs.com, Gold Sponsor, PGW, Pittsburgh Glass Works Leave a comment
Auto Glass Week™ Very Early Bird Registration Discounts End Tomorrow!
Very early bird registration for Auto Glass Week™ 2014 ends tomorrow. The event is set to take place October 7-9 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md. Once again sponsored by the Auto Glass Safety Council, Independent Glass Association, National Glass Association, National Windshield Repair Association and AGRR™ magazine, the event offers attendees the chance to save big on their registration fees if they register by close of business tomorrow, April 30. The event includes an educational seminar line-up and an extensive trade show floor. Continue reading
D’Ieteren Outlines Belron’s Business in General Presentation
In a presentation earlier this year available on the web, D’Ieteren’s management delved into how Belron contributes to the parent company. The company has two main divisions—Belron and D’Ieteren Auto. Belron, its vehicle glass repair and replacement business, which includes Safelite, contributes 52 percent of sales to the parent company, while its operating result represents 79 percent of business. Ninety-four percent of the company’s staff falls into the Belron category—25,645 individuals. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, automotive glass, Belron, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com Leave a comment
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Acquires 24 Collision Centers
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has purchased all 24 Collision Centers of America in Chicago, the surrounding communities and Northwest Indiana. Continue reading
Dow Automotive Systems Returns as an Auto Glass Week™ Sponsor
Dow Automotive Systems, a technology-driven solutions provider offering a broad range of innovative, technician friendly and price-competitive, advanced glass replacement adhesive technologies, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Auto Glass Week™ at the Bronze level. The three-day international event features automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza where sponsoring companies will be seen. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, Bronze, Chris Swart, Dow Automotive Systems, glassBYTEs.com 1 Comment
Norway Automotive Glass Supplier Gains New Cloud Supply Planning Program
Blue Ridge announced Bilglassgruppen AS, a Hvam, Norway-based automotive glass supplier, has selected the company’s cloud supply chain planning program. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Bilglassgruppen, Blue Ridge, glassBYTEs Leave a comment
Patent Infringement Dispute Between GlasWeld and the Boyles Continues
GlasWeld’s attorneys have responded to Christopher Boyle’s request that the court compel company officials to appear for depositions, writing, “his motion should be denied in its entirety as unfounded.” GlasWeld filed the alleged patent infringement lawsuit against Mike Boyle, doing business as Surface Dynamix, in late 2012. The company later added Christopher Boyle, Mike’s son, as a defendant. Continue reading
Register Early for Auto Glass Week™ for the Most Savings!
Early bird registration for Auto Glass Week™ 2014 closes at the end of the month, so now is the time to book your trip and secure your spot before the highest discounts end! Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, AGW, Auto Glass Week, Early Registration, glassBYTEs.com Leave a comment
Indiana Repair Shops File Antitrust Lawsuit Against State Farm, Other Insurers
Following in the footsteps of repair companies in Florida, a group of repair shops in Indiana have filed a lawsuit against State Farm and dozens of other insurers, alleging the insurers use their direct repair programs to “artificially depress” repair rates and if shops don’t agree, customers are “improperly steered” away. Like the case in Florida, this lawsuit has potential implications for the AGRR industry, as automotive glass repair companies allege similar issues with third-party administrators (TPAs), which handle glass claims for insurers. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Competitions Return for 2014
AGRR™ magazine’s competitions return for their ninth year. The Pilkington Clear Advantage Auto Glass Technician Olympics (AGTO) and the GlasWeld Windshield Repair Olympics in Honor of Walt Gorman (WRO) are back for Auto Glass Week™ 2014. The Exhibition/Extravaganza is set to be held October 7-9, 2014, at the Baltimore Convention Center and Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel and will include educational seminars, an exhibition hall, as well as the attendee-favorite competitions. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, AGTO, Auto Glass Week, glassBYTEs.com, WRO Leave a comment
Auto Glass Perfection Moves Office in Phoenix
Auto Glass Perfection announced it has moved its office in Phoenix to 11811 N Tatum Blvd., Suite 3031. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Perfection, automotive glass, glassBYTEs.com Leave a comment
Connecticut Officials File Brief in Support of Anti-Steering Law in Appellate Court
Connecticut officials have responded in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in support of the state’s anti-steering law, claiming, “Safelite Solutions has been extraordinarily effective at steering consumers to Safelite AutoGlass.” Safelite appealed a lower court’s decision to the Appellate Court, seeking to halt enforcement of Connecticut’s anti-steering law—PA 13-67. Continue reading
Sika Corp. Promotes Gaultney
Sika Region NA Automotive has promoted Zack Gaultney to launch and planning manager for the Grandview, Mo., facility. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Cedric Gray, glassBYTEs.com, Sika, Sika Region NA Automotive, Zack Gaultney Leave a comment
Safelite Group Announces Three Promotions
Safelite Group has promoted three long-time employees within its supply chain group. Rich Glover has been named vice president of manufacturing and distribution; Paul Groves has been promoted from director of materials management to assistant vice president, supply chain; and Reuben Lo has been promoted from a senior analyst in the finance department to general manager of Service AutoGlass. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Dino Lanno, glassBYTEs.com, Paul Groves, Reuben Lo, Rich Glover, Safelite Group 1 Comment
Early Bird Registration Discounts End in One Week for Auto Glass Week™
The very early bird registration deadline with the deepest discounts for Auto Glass Week™ 2014 is Wednesday, April 30. This year’s event will be held October 7-9 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md. Continue reading
Technicians Vote on Hardest Installations
As part of our March/April AGRR™ magazine, we asked automotive glass technicians to vote on the hardest installation via our “A Hard Day’s Lite” feature and the early tally is in. The 1982 Fiat Strada windshield, part No. FW391, has been voted the most difficult. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Adds as a Sponsor: Quest Software Inc.
Quest Software Inc., an experienced claims solutions leader and customized software developer, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Auto Glass Week™ at the Cobalt level. The three-day international event features automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza where sponsoring companies will be seen. Continue reading
Allstate Announces Sale of Sterling Collision Centers
Allstate has entered into an agreement to sell Sterling Collision Centers Inc. to Service King Collision Repair Centers. Continue reading
Court Refers Case over Alleged Violations of Family Medical Leave Act to Mediation
The Eastern U.S. District Court of Michigan, Northern division, has referred a case against Safelite Group by a former employee to mediation. The case alleges violations to the Family Medial Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The parties involved, a former employee based in Livonia, Mich., and Safelite Group told the court “it may be helpful if this court refers the case to mediation,” according to court documents. The judge agreed. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged ADA, AGRR, AGRR magazine, Ernest Bishop, FMLA, glassBYTEs.com, Judge Patrick Duggan, Safelite Group 1 Comment
Auto Glass Week™ Announces New Silver Sponsor: Sika Corp.
Auto Glass Week™, the three-day international event featuring automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza, is proud to announce that Sika Corp., the leading supplier of adhesives and sealants in the U.S. Auto Glass Replacement (AGR) market, has become a Sponsor of the event at the Silver level. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, glassBYTEs.com, Sika Corp., Sika Corporation Leave a comment
Progressive Relaunches Claims App
Progressive Insurance recently updated its insurance claims app for iPhones, which now includes a feature allowing customers to report automotive glass damage and upload photos, according to Jeff Sibel, the company’s public relations manager.
Continue reading
Boyd Group Acquires 25 Collision Centers
Boyd Group Income Fund has signed an agreement to acquire 25 collision repair centers in Illinois, Indiana and Florida under the trade name Collision Revision. The collision centers outsource AGRR services.
Continue reading
BMW Continues to Argue for Dismissal of Sunroof Case
BMW’s attorneys continue to argue that the alleged sunroof defect case should be dismissed, claiming in their latest filing “their [plaintiffs’] warranty-based claims are not covered by the terms of those warranties, and because their fraud-based claims are implausible, conclusory and speculative.” The plaintiffs allege their vehicles suffered water damage after the drainage tubes installed to pull water away from the sunroofs did not properly work. Continue reading
Tax Time: Is Your AGRR Company Ready?
Hopefully, you’ve already filed your AGRR company’s taxes, but if not, Dominique Molina of CertifiedTaxCoach.com, said some businesses are saving “a few thousand dollars each year in deductions, and in some cases, they save millions.” What can you do to trim down what you owe the Internal Revenue Service? Continue reading
AGC to Restart Upgraded Czech Republic Float Line to Produce Automotive Glass
Due to an increasing demand for automotive glass, AGC Glass Europe is restarting one of its three Teplice, Czech Republic-based float lines after an extensive upgrade that lasted two years. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGC Glass Europe, AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com 2 Comments
Glass Doctor Sues Former Franchisee for Alleged Trademark Infringement
Synergistic International LLC (which does business as Glass Doctor) has filed a lawsuit against Mike Compell of Oswego, Ill., in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois for “continuing to conduct a glass repair business under the Glass Doctor name and mark,” including usage of Glass Doctor’s official website and phone number. The company’s attorneys claim Compell is a former franchisee whose franchise agreement was terminated “by mutual agreement” on March 28, 2008. Continue reading
AGSC Testing Available in Texas Today
Automotive glass technicians who seek to become Auto Glass Safety Council™ (AGSC) Accredited Automotive Glass Technicians can still register onsite for today’s training and accreditation program being offered in San Antonio, Texas.
Continue reading
Holly Biller Named to Women’s Leadership and Networking Council
Holly Biller, vice president of digital media services for Key Communications Inc., publisher of AGRR™ magazine, has been named to the prestigious American Business Media’s (ABM) Women’s Leadership and Networking Council.
Continue reading
Christopher Boyle Asks Court to Compel GlasWeld to Depositions, Sever Count
Christopher Boyle, son of Mike Boyle (doing business as Surface Dynamix), has filed two new motions in the alleged patent infringement case asking the court to compel GlasWeld officials to appear for depositions and “sever” him from one count of the lawsuit.
Continue reading
Safelite Solutions Details Debut of “Immediate Pay” Option; Discusses Licensing at Novus Session
Safelite Solutions plans to introduce a new “immediate pay” program that will allow shops to receive payment faster than in the past, according to Tom Reid, director of network management for the company.
Continue reading
Carolina Windshield Centers Opens Charlotte Location
Woburn, Mass.-based Windshield Centers LLC has opened a third store in the North Carolina market. Continue reading
Plaintiffs File Motions Opposing BMW’s Request to Dismiss Sunroof Case
Plaintiffs’ Monita Sharma and Eric Anderson have filed court documents opposing BMW’s motions to dismiss and strike the class action status in an alleged sunroof defect lawsuit. “Despite well-settled case law disfavoring motions to strike class allegations at the pleading stage and discussing the premature nature of such motions, BMW of North America LLC has nevertheless again decided to bring its motion to entice the court into an unnecessary examination of class certification issues,” plaintiffs’ attorneys claim in court documents. Continue reading
Novus Franchisees “Blaze New Trails” at Biennial Super Session
The Novus biennial Super Session came to a close Saturday with doses of both enthusiasm and realism. The Saturday morning session began with the enthusiasm—in the form of two presentations by Gary Michaels of Southwestern Consulting, who challenged to group to be more enthusiastic about their work. “Enthusiasm is contagious,” he said, “it makes other people want to help you and makes people better than they are.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Safety Council, Ben Jarrard, Bill Gibbons, Debra Levy, Gary Michaels, glassBYTEs.com, Mygrant Glass, Novus biennial Super Session, Novus Super Session, Paul Anaya, PGW, Safelite Solutions, Southwestern Consulting, Tim and Jamie Kochakian, Tim Glover, Tom Reid Leave a comment
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Expands into Knoxville
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has acquired the Knoxville Collision Center in Knoxville, Tenn. This is the company’s first center in the city. Continue reading
State Farm Denies Allegations in Florida Repair Shops’ Antitrust Lawsuit
State Farm’s attorneys deny the company has violated antitrust laws in their court response to a group of Florida collision shops which filed a lawsuit alleging State Farm (and dozens of other insurers) use a direct repair program 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. Continue reading
Novus Flexes Its Muscle
“We are the second largest network in this country,” said Garry Skidmore, president and CEO of TCG International, in welcoming franchisees to the Novus biennial Super Session being held in Tucson, Ariz., this week, “and we have an amazing reputation for quality and value.”
Continue reading
Gerber Collision & Glass Gains New North Carolina Location
The Boyd Group has opened a new Gerber Collision & Glass location in Fayetteville, N.C. Continue reading
Safelite AutoGlass Moves Tucson Shop to Larger Location
Safelite AutoGlass recently relocated its east side Tucson, Ariz., shop from 7381 E Broadway to 1402 S. Kolb. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, automotive glass, glassBYTEs.com, Jesus Vega, John Grimaldi, Safelite AutoGlass Leave a comment
Belron Selects Coprocess’ for Netting Software
Belron recently chose multilateral netting software hosted by Coprocess. The system will encompass Belron Group’s treasury operations, including Autoglass and Carglass. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, automotive glass, Belron, Coprocess, glassBYTEs.com, netting software Leave a comment
Boyd Group Strikes Agreement with Paint Supplier
Boyd Group Income Fund announced that it has finalized and executed a new definitive agreement with an existing paint supplier. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Boyd Group, Boyd Group Income Fund, glassBYTEs.com 1 Comment
Delta Sonic Adds AGRR Services
Delta Sonic, which has 30 locations throughout Western and Central New York, Chicago and Erie, Pa., is adding automotive glass repair and replacement to its services. The company, which specializes in big gas islands that feature a car wash, convenience store, fast food and detail shop, is in the process of rolling out automotive glass replacement services throughout the country. Continue reading
NSF International Develops Flat Glass Product Category Rule
NSF International, in collaboration with the Glass Association of North America’s (GANA) Flat Glass Manufacturing Division, has developed a product category rule (PCR) for flat and float glass. Continue reading
GGG – Gold Glass Group Returns as a Copper Sponsor of Auto Glass Week™ 2014
Auto Glass Week™, the three-day international event featuring automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza, is proud to announce that Gold Glass Group (GGG®), a company who specializes in parts and universal moldings for the automotive glass … Continue reading
Two New DOT Numbers Awarded to Italian Companies
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently awarded two new DOT numbers to companies based in Italy. Continue reading
NSG Announces Board Changes
The Nippon Sheet Glass Co. Ltd. (NSG), parent company to Pilkington, announced that George Olcott is retiring from its board of directors. He has served as an external director of the board since June 2008 and is retiring after completing a six-year term. The NSG board has nominated Günter Zorn as his successor. Continue reading
European General Court Reduces Saint-Gobain Fine for Antitrust Violations
The General Court of the European Union has reduced the fine imposed on Saint-Gobain for illegal market sharing and exchange of commercially sensitive information regarding deliveries of automotive glass in the European Economic Area (EEA) from $1.2 billion in U.S. dollars (€880 million Euros) to $984 million in U.S. dollars (€715 million Euros). The fine was imposed in 2008 and Saint-Gobain had asked the court for an annulment of the decision. Continue reading
Mack Trucks, NHTSA Issue Recall Saying Potential Windshield Leak Could Impact Electronics
Mack Trucks and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are recalling certain model-year 2010-2012 CHU, CXU, GU and TD vehicles, reporting that the electronic power distribution module (EPDM) “may be contaminated from water leaks in and around the windshield.” Many automotive glass companies offer AGRR services for truck fleets, such as Mack Trucks. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Mack Truck Recall, Mack Trucks, Tim LaFon 1 Comment
Early Bird Registration for Auto Glass Week™ Ends in Just One Month!
Early bird registration for Automotive glass Week™ 2014 closes in just one month, so now is the time to book your trip and secure your spot before the highest discounts end! Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, glassBYTEs.com Leave a comment
BMW Files Motions to Dismiss, Strike Class Action Status in Sunroof Case
Though the judge in the U.S. Northern District Court of California recently gave plaintiffs the opportunity to file a second-amended complaint, in two new filings, BMW’s attorneys claim the case should be dismissed for “lack of standing” and have asked the judge to strike the class allegations. The plaintiffs allege their vehicles suffered water damage after the drainage tubes installed to pull water away from the sunroofs did not properly work. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, automotive glass, BMW, BMW 5 series, BMW Alleged Sunroof Defect, BMW Sunroof Case, BMW X3 series, BMW X5, Eric Anderson, glass, glassBYTEs.com, Monita Sharma, sunroof, Sunroof Drains, U.S. Northern District Court of California 1 Comment
Boyd Group Reports 33-Percent Upswing in Annual Sales
Boyd Group Income Fund, parent company to U.S.-based Gerber Collision & Glass, Glass America, Hansen Collision and Glass and others, has reported a 33.1-percent increase in annual sales to $578.3 million from $434.4 million in 2012. Same-store sales grew by 4.1 percent.
Continue reading
Sharrah Joins Insurance Claims Management’s Board of Directors
Insurance Claims Management Inc. (ICM), parent company to HSG and CodeBlue, has appointed Wayne Sharrah, retired managing director and chief claims officer at Esurance, to the company’s board of directors.
Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, CodeBlue, glassBYTEs.com, HSG, ICM, Insurance Claims Management Inc., Paul Gross, Wayne Sharrah Leave a comment
Christopher Boyle Submits Markman Brief in Alleged Patent Infringement Case
Christopher Boyle, one of the parties involved in GlasWeld-Mike Boyle lawsuit, filed a Markman brief Thursday. In the brief, Christopher Boyle laid out his interpretations of the terminology involved with the alleged patent infringement case. GlasWeld and Mike Boyle (Chris’ father, doing business as Surface Dynamix) submitted their briefs late last week. Continue reading
Chris Thornton New Managing Director at Auto Windscreens
United Kingdom-based Auto Windscreens’ management team has announced Chris Thornton as their new manager director. Continue reading
Volvo Granted Leave to Appeal Class Action Status of Sunroof Case to Third Circuit Court
At Volvo’s request, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed to review the six-state class action status of a lawsuit which alleges defects to the automaker’s sunroofs. Volvo made the appellate request after a New Jersey District Court judge declined to reconsider the class certification.
Continue reading
Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest Auto Glass Week™ News by Following Us Online!
As Auto Glass Week™ 2014 approaches, make sure you stay on top of the latest information by following us online. The 2014 event is set to be held October 7-9, 2014, at the Baltimore Convention Center and Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel and will feature automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an Exhibition/Extravaganza. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Glass Week, Auto Glass Week 2014, glassBYTEs.com Leave a comment
Free AGSC Accreditation Training and Testing in Texas
Are you an automotive glass technician looking to become an accredited professional? If so, automotive glass technicians who seek to become Auto Glass Safety Council™ (AGSC) Accredited Automotive Glass Technicians can now sign-up for a training and accreditation program being offered in San Antonio, Texas. Continue reading
WGA Announces New Officers, Board of Directors
The Washington Glass Association (WGA) has announced its new officers and board of directors for 2014, effective March 1. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Amy Anderson, Bernie Thueringer, Bill Coady, Bud Henson, Ed Howell, Gary Towndrow, glassBYTEs.com, Jon Larson, Maryanne Howell, Mike Reydell, Norm Stow, Rick Wakefield, Washington Glass Association, Washington Glass Association 2014 Officers, WGA’s officers 1 Comment
Safelite Solutions to Administer Claims for QBE Insurance North America
QBE Insurance North America has named Safelite Solutions as its third-party administrator (TPA) for automotive glass claims, according to glassBYTEs.com™ reader reports. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, QBE Insurance, Safelite Solutions Leave a comment
Judge Dismisses BMW Owners’ Claim for Injunctive Relief Over Sunroof Defect
A judge for the U.S. Northern District Court of California ruled that plaintiffs Monita Sharma and Eric Anderson “have failed to establish their standing to seek injunctive relief,” which would have required BMW to notify owners of the alleged sunroof defect and offer repairs at no cost. The judge also granted the plaintiffs the opportunity to file a second-amended complaint to strengthen their case. Continue reading
Xinyi Glass and PGW Celebrate 10-Year Anniversary, Strike New Agreement
Xinyi Glass Holdings Limited is celebrating its 10th anniversary of a successful supply relationship with Pittsburgh Glass Works (PGW). The two companies have worked in partnership in the North American automobile glass replacement market since 2004.
Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Announces New Sponsor: Creative Extruded Products
Creative Extruded Products, a manufacturer of OEM mouldings since 1979, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Auto Glass Week™. The three-day international event features automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza where sponsoring companies are showcased. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Announces New Sponsor: DINOL
DINOL, a leading, worldwide operating supplier of systems for bonding, sealing, noise reduction, abrasion protection, corrosion prevention, other coatings and application equipment, is proud to announce its sponsorship of Auto Glass Week™ at the Cobalt level. The three-day international event features automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza where sponsoring companies will be seen. Continue reading
AGRR-Related Companies Make Fortune’s Most Admired List
Several AGRR-related companies, including insurers and automakers, are named to this year’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list by Fortune, which is expected to hit newsstands later this month. On the insurance side, Berkshire Hathaway, parent company to Geico, is ranked at No. 4 out of the top 50 companies. Automakers to make the top 50 include BMW at No. 14, Toyota at No. 25 and Volkswagen at No. 36. Additional insurance companies and automakers were scored but did not make it into the top 50. Continue reading
Pilkington North America Returns as Platinum Sponsor of Auto Glass Week™ 2014
Auto Glass Week™ (AGW), the three-day international event featuring automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition/extravaganza, is proud to announce that Pilkington North America, a manufacturer of glass and glazing products for the automotive markets and architectural, is once again a Platinum Sponsor. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, AGW, Auto Glass Safety Council, Auto Glass Week, glassBYTEs.com, Holly Biller, Independent Glass Association, Jon Sheets, National Glass Association, National Windshield Repair Association, NSG Pilkington, Pilkington, Pilkington North America Leave a comment
December 2013 Miles Driven Climb
The Federal Highway Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has released the newest numbers for miles driven in December 2013, showing an increase of 1.1 percent, or 2.7 billion vehicle miles, compared to December 2012.
Continue reading
Techna Glass Donates $4,600 to Children’s Hospital
Techna Glass recently presented Children’s Primary Hospital with a check for $4,602. Continue reading
Belron Says Full-Year AGRR Jobs Grew
D’Ieteren, parent company to Belron and Safelite, reported today that full-year 2013 automotive glass repair and replacement jobs are up by 4.6 percent to 10.8 million. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Belron, Belron Annual Results, D-Ieteren, glassBYTEs.com, Safelite 1 Comment
United Kingdom – Auto Windscreens Introduces Online Booking Site for Ogilvie Fleet
United Kingdom-based Auto Windscreens has launched a new microsite for Ogilvie Fleet, which offers direct web-based automotive glazing repair bookings. Continue reading
Safelite Dismissed from Nevada Rollover Lawsuit
Safelite Group has been dismissed from the lawsuit by a woman who says she lost both her husband and young daughter in a rollover crash, according to documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Clark County, Nev. Iwona Patnaude initially alleged that the windshield separated from the vehicle in a North Dakota crash and listed Safelite as a defendant in her suit, claiming the company had replaced the windshield. Continue reading
glassBYTEs.com™ Poll: Winter Weather Drives Up AGRR Demand
Almost 60 percent of AGRR companies have seen an upswing in business due to the harsh winter weather that has battered the East Coast and other states, according to glassBYTEs.com™ readers who participated in a poll.
Continue reading
Safelite Creates New Position: Vice President, Customer and Brand Strategy
Safelite Group has named Renee Cacchillo to the newly created position of vice president, customer and brand strategy. Cacchillo was formerly vice president of service delivery. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, glassBYTEs.com, Renee Cacchillo, Safelite, Safelite Group, Tom Feeney Leave a comment
USAA Reports Safelite Solutions Error Over Glass Repair Quotes
An error occurred in the Safelite Solutions (SGC) system from December 26, 2013 to January 9, 2014 in which USAA automotive glass repairs were quoted at a rate of $60. The rate should have been quoted at $50, according to a USAA spokesperson.
Continue reading
Baltimore is the Place to be in 2014!
The 2014 Auto Glass Week™ (AGW), set to be held October 7-9, 2014, at the Baltimore Convention Center and Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, has something for everyone, including the whole family. While the event will offer educational seminars, an exhibition hall and the attendee-favorite, annual competitions, the city delivers an experience like no other. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, AGW, automotive glass, glassBYTEs.com, windshield replacement Leave a comment
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Acquires Illinois-Based X2 Collision
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has purchased X2 Collision in Southern Illinois, just outside St. Louis, Mo. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged ABRA, ABRA Auto Body & Glass, AGRR, AGRR magazine, Duane Rouse, glassBYTEs, glassBYTEs.com, Scott Jennings, X2 Collision Leave a comment
Contestant Registration Available for Auto Glass Week™
Contestant registration and sponsorship opportunities have opened for Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) 2014. The Exhibition/Extravaganza is set to be held October 7-9, 2014, at the Baltimore Convention Center and Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel and will include educational seminars, an exhibition hall and AGRR™ magazine’s Auto Glass Technician Olympics (AGTO) and Windshield Repair Olympics (WRO) in Honor of Walt Gorman. Continue reading
Cracked Windshield, Window Film Violation Leads to Capture of FBI Most Wanted Fugitive
Aubrey Lee Price, a wanted man by the FBI, has been resurrected from the dead, all thanks to a cracked windshield and some dark window film. During a routine traffic stop in Brunswick, Ga., the 47-year-old fugitive, who was declared dead about a year ago following an apparently faked suicide, was brought into custody after being pulled over for a cracked windshield and illegal levels of window tint New Year’s Eve on Interstate 95. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
Connecticut Judge Denies Safelite’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction in Anti-Steering Case
U.S. District Court Judge Janet Bond Arterton issued a ruling denying Safelite’s motion for a preliminary injunction, writing in her ruling, “because the court concludes that PA 13-67(c)(2) is rationally related to the state’s goal of protecting consumer choice and preventing steering, plaintiffs have not demonstrated that they are likely to succeed on the merits of their First Amendment claim.”
Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
Judge Issues Brief Decisions in Alleged Patent Infringement Case
Judge Ann Aiken has stayed GlasWeld’s motion to compel Deschutes Manufacturing & Consulting to produce documents in response to a subpoena in the company’s case against Mike Boyle, doing business as Surface Dynamix, and his son Christopher Boyle over alleged patent infringement. In her brief decision issued Monday, the judge also referred the case to Magistrate Judge Thomas Coffin for mediation and settlement. Continue reading
BMW Attorneys Cite Recent Ninth Circuit Opinion as Support to Dismiss
Attorneys for BMW of North America (NA) claim a recent decision by the Ninth Circuit Court supports their motion to dismiss a case brought by BMW owners in the U.S. Northern District Court of California, San Francisco division, over an alleged sunroof defect. BMW’s attorneys filed a statement with the court claiming, “The arguments made by BMW NA to dismiss plaintiffs’ warranty claims are the exact holdings of the Ninth Circuit in [Troup versus Toyota Motor Corp.]”
Continue reading
Registration is Now Open for Auto Glass Week™ 2014!
It’s official! Registration for Auto Glass Week™ 2014 is now available online. This year’s event will be held October 7-9, 2014, at the Baltimore Convention Center and Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Md. Auto Glass Week is once again sponsored by the Auto Glass Safety Council, Independent Glass Association, National Glass Association, National Windshield Repair Association and AGRR™ magazine. Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
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. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, automotive glass, David Brukoff, glassBYTEs, Sika Automotive, Sika Industry, Susan Cece, windshields Leave a comment
Caliber Acquires Temple Collision in Arizona
Caliber Collision Centers has acquired TempleCollision and reopened the location under the Caliber brand. The location offers AGRR services through an outside company. Continue reading
Miles Driven Climbs in September 2013
The Federal Highway Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has released the newest numbers for miles driven in September, showing an overall increase of 1.5 percent, or 3.7 billion vehicle miles, compared with September 2012.
Continue reading
AGRR™ magazine/glassBYTEs.com™ Newscast Goes to SEMA
This month’s newscast takes at look at some of the wares on display in Las Vegas during SEMA. While the show is more for detailers, some automotive glass companies sell into this market. Contributing editor Jamie Browning also caught up … Continue reading
Posted in Video Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Chip Foose, glassBYTEs, Jamie Browning, newscast, SEMA Leave a comment
Safelite AutoGlass Opens Elizabethtown Location
Safelite AutoGlass has opened a new store located at 2408 Ring Road, Suite 100, in Elizabethtown, Ky. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, automotive glass, glassBYTEs, Jeff McIntyre, Safelite AutoGlass Leave a comment
Allstate and Sterling Autobody Donate Vehicles to Families and Charities in Need
Allstate Insurance Co. and Sterling Autobody Centers has donated more than 160 cars over the last six years to families and nonprofit organizations in need of reliable transportation. The companies will donate 18 newly refurbished vehicles this year.
Continue reading
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. Continue reading
Questionable Insurance Claim Referrals for Automotive Glass Fraud Plummet
Referrals for questionable claims on automotive glass fraud have been progressively decreasing over the last three years. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported a 49-percent drop for these referrals over the prior year when looking at the first three quarters of the year.
Continue reading
Gerber Collision & Glass Opens North Carolina Center
The Boyd Group announced the opening of a Gerber Collision & Glass repair center in Jacksonville, N.C. Gerber offers AGRR services. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Gerber Collision & Glass, glassBYTEs, The Boyd Group, Tim O'Day Leave a comment
GlasWeld Asks Court to Compel Deschutes Manufacturing to Produce Documents
GlasWeld’s attorneys have filed a motion asking the U.S. District Court of Oregon, Eugene division, to compel Deschutes Manufacturing & Consulting to produce documents in response to a subpoena in the company’s case against Mike Boyle, doing business as Surface Dynamix, and his son Christopher Boyle over alleged patent infringement. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
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.
Continue reading
NSG Pilkington Reports Improved Automotive Revenue
NSG, parent company to Pilkington, has reported that its automotive revenue improved to $1.54 billion U.S. dollars (152.1 billion Yen), compared to $1.23 billion U.S. dollars (121.1 billion Yen) in the same period of last year. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
AGRR Industry Debate Over NAGS Pricing Continues
“It’s death by a thousand cuts,” says Bryan Yarborough of Glass Doctor of Tampa Bay, discussing the latest National Auto Glass Specifications International Benchmark Fall Calculator. In the most recent calculator, 11 of the top 20 prices showed a decline.
Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Bryan Yarborough, Glass Doctor of Tampa Bay, Glass Doctor St. Louis & Kansas City, glassBYTEs, Gregg Johnson, Michael Eby, NAGS, National Auto Glass Specifications International Benchmark Fall Calculator, Novus Glass & Truck Accessories in Platteville, Wis. 2 Comments
Auto Windscreens’ Adopts Screen Check
United Kingdom-based Auto Windscreens has adopted a new vehicle glass identification solution, Screen Check launched by HPI, to help improve accuracy when ordering replacement parts. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, AGRR magazine, Auto Windscreens, Bobby Chopra, glassBYTEs, Screen Check Leave a comment
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. Continue reading
Carlex Notifies Customers of Non-Safety Related Quality Issue on DW001529 GTY/GBY Product
Carlex has alerted its customers about a non-safety related quality issue on some Carlite DW001529 GTY/GBY product, which might show an increased rate of cracking during installation. Continue reading
Christopher Boyle Asks Court to Strike Patent Infringement Claims
Christopher Boyle has asked the U.S. District Court of Oregon to strike several patent infringement claims GlasWeld has filed against him with the court and GlasWeld has responded in opposition to the motions. Christopher Boyle was recently added to the alleged patent infringement lawsuit between his father Mike Boyle, doing business as Surface Dynamix, and GlasWeld. Continue reading
Alpine Glass Wins Eighth Arbitration Award for Short Pays
Alpine Glass of Minneapolis, Minn., has been awarded an arbitration award against AAA Insurance Co. for $149,500.57. The award represents 100 percent of the amount sought through arbitration for short pays from the insurer. Mike Reid, president of Alpine Glass, … Continue reading
Auto Glass Fitters Hires Nik Frye
Scranton, Pa.-based Auto Glass Fitters announced the hiring of Nik Frye as its new vice president of sales. Frye brings many years of industry experience in retail sales, national sales, field sales, marketing and operations to the auto glass repair … Continue reading