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Tag Archives: glassBYTEs
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
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
Some Shops Say COVID Sanitation Fees Being Denied
Augie DeFeo wants to know why GEICO is suddenly denying the $25 reimbursement for COVID sanitizing even though cases continue to soar. “GEICO has consistently been paying a standard fee of $25 per job for cleaning/sanitizing the vehicle,” says DeFeo, … Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ Announces Educational Program
The educational program, sponsored by XYG, has been announced for Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) 2019, the leading auto glass repair and replacement educational conference and trade show. Auto Glass Week will take place September 4-6 at the Indiana Convention Center … Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, agrrmag, AGW, Auto Glass Week, autoglassweek, Education, glassBYTEs, Indiana Convention Center, Seminars, Speakers 1 Comment
NHTSA Recalls Select Motor Coach Industry Vehicles, Windows May Open Unexpectedly
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall on certain model year 2015-2016 Motor Coach Industries (MCI) vehicles that were manufactured April 14, 2015, to February 22, 2016. NHTSA says the mounting hardware of the non-egress windows … Continue reading
Best Glass Inc. Celebrates 25 Years
Hindsight is 20/20, and looking back, Bob Hittenberger can rest assured that he made the right calls for his business, Best Glass Inc., located in Phoenix, Ariz. With an entrepreneurial background—owning his first business while in his twenties—Bob knew which … Continue reading
Novus® Glass Welcomes New Washington Franchisee
Novus Glass is proud to welcome new franchisee, Aaron Muller. Aaron will be bringing Novus’ automotive glass service to the Seattle, Washington market. A successful entrepreneur since the age of 11, Muller has owned or co-owned more than 20 companies … Continue reading
Auto Windscreens’ Rapid Response Scooter Takes to the Road for Dash-cam Installations
A new Auto Windscreens Rapid Response scooter took to London’s roads this month and is being used to serve customers requiring in-vehicle camera installations – a secondary service offered by the UK windscreen repair and replacement company. The auto windscreens-branded … Continue reading
Most of Shattered Sunroof Lawsuit Against Hyundai Dropped
Billy Glenn, owner of a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, has filed a lawsuit against Hyundai after the car’s panoramic sunroof allegedly shattered without cause, only to experience the same incident with its replacement. The plaintiff claims the panoramic sunroofs … Continue reading
NHTSA Recalls Select Commercial Bus Models Because of Glass Issue
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Micro Bird MBII, G5 and CT Series commercial buses over a potential glass issue. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs, Micro Bird, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, Recall 1 Comment
Gerber Collision & Glass Opens New N.C. Location
The Boyd Group Inc., parent company to Gerber Collision & Glass and Glass America, has acquired collision repair center in Statesville, N.C. The center previously operated as Black’s Collision Repair and served a six-brand dealership group. Continue reading
Belron Partners with Advisia in Brazil
Belron has teamed up with Advisia Investimentos to form a joint venture in Brazil. Under the agreement, the automotive glass repair and replacement unit of D’Ieteren sold 60 percent of its investment in Carglass Brazil to Advisia for $1.08 million USD (€1 million in Euros). Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged Advisia Investimentos, AGRR, Belron, Brazil, D’Ieteren, glassBYTEs Leave a comment
TODAY’S BLOG: New Year’s Resolutions for Automotive Glass Shops
“Are you beginning the New Year with an annual declaration of resolutions you plan to achieve? Many people do, and every year we usually fall short in achieving our goals. From my personal experience, I know that vows to lose weight, quit smoking, eat better or exercise more many times fall short. The problem with resolutions is that we set the bar way too high for our will power to overcome.” —Bob Beranek Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, Auto Glass Journal, Bob Beranek, glassBYTEs, New Year's Resolutions Leave a comment
TODAY’S BLOG: Tesla Autopilot Gets an Overnight Upgrade
“This weekend I read about a new technology from Tesla called Autopilot. This technology is not a fully autonomous vehicle; it is more like an advanced cruise control. It is designed to assist in the act of driving, much like a pilot is assisted when he engages the autopilot once the plane is airborne and at cruising altitude. With this software upgrade, once your Tesla is on a well-marked roadway and cruising at the speed of the traffic, the Autopilot can be set and the driver monitors the trip just like a pilot does during a flight.” —Bob Beranek Continue reading
Court Nixes Porsche’s Motion to Dismiss Class Action
A U.S. District Court judge has denied Porsche’s motion dismiss a class action complaint brought by two owners who allege a “windshield glare” visibility issue. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, Alyce Rubinfeld, glassBYTEs, Porsche, Roy Jones, visibility issue, windshield glare Leave a comment
Nationwide Windscreen Services Signs New Deal with Biffa Waste
United Kingdom-based Nationwide Windscreen Services (NWS) has renewed its deal with Biffa Waste Services, signing a new three-year contract. The deal covers automotive glass and repair services for all waste service vehicles operated by the Biffa group. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, Biffa Waste Services, glassBYTEs, Nationwide Windscreen Services, NWS, William Potter Leave a comment
Boyd Group Shows No Signs of Slowing Growth
Boyd Group Income Fund, parent company to Gerber Collision & Glass, Glass America and others, has increased its existing revolving credit facility to fund future growth. How much credit does the company now have access to? Continue reading
SRP Returns as a Sponsor of Auto Glass Week™ 2015
SRP Adhesives will serve as a Copper Sponsor of Auto Glass Week™ 2015 this fall in Reno, Nev. The three-day international event featuring automotive glass repair and replacement competitions, educational seminars and an exhibition floor, is proud to once again welcome SRP Adhesives, a leading provider of automotive glass adhesives. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, Auto Glass Week™ 2015, David Osland, glassBYTEs, SRP, SRP Adhesives, SRP Totalseal 2 Comments
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Adds Wisconsin Location
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has acquired Reflections Auto Body in Milwaukee, Wis. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged ABRA Auto Body & Glass, AGRR, Duane Rouse, glassBYTEs, Reflections Auto Body Leave a comment
Could WeGoLook Lead to More Business for AGRR Companies?
Could a new crowdfunded economy company change the way you do business? While the potential could be there, some AGRR company owners are scratching their heads. John McAuley, a SuperGlass Windshield Repair franchisee in St. Petersburg, Fla., is not sold. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs, John McAuley, Mike Delaney, WeGoLook Leave a comment
Swiss Financial Authority Confirms Validity of Sika’s Opt-Out Clause
The Swiss Financial Markets Authority (FINMA) has denied an appeal by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust as well as Cascade Investment, which are both shareholders in Swiss specialty chemical company Sika AG. The shareholders were attempting to appeal a decision by the Swiss Takeover Board to uphold Sika’s opt-out clause, which would allow French conglomerate Saint-Gobain to gain the majority of voting rights in the Swiss company without tendering an offer for all shares by purchasing Schenker-Winkler Holding. Continue reading
Hail Leads to Flood of Calls for AGRR Companies in Franklin County, N.C.
Hail from the size of golf balls to billiards caused automotive glass damage in Franklin County, N.C., yesterday evening. Local AGRR companies are being inundated with calls as locals assess the damage to their vehicles. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, Franklin County, glassBYTEs, Hail, N.C. Leave a comment
Insurers Ask Court to Dismiss Amended Complaint by Collision Repair Shops
Dozens of insurers have asked the court to dismiss an amended complaint by a group of Florida collision repair shops that allege the insurers use their direct repair programs to illegally control and depress rates. The complaint alleges that if the shops don’t comply, customers are steered away. The collision repair shops also allege the insurers require the use of aftermarket parts, such as aftermarket replacement windshields. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, Dozens of insurers, Florida collision repair shops, glassBYTEs 1 Comment
Novus Glass Franchisee Hosts Event to Support Feed Spokane
Novus franchisee Matt Anderson of Spokane Valley, Wash., helped to raise $1,000 for Feed Spokane by hosting a Golf Glass Break Fundraiser. Feed Spokane is a local non-profit food rescue agency that works to eliminate waste and hunger. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs, Golf Glass Break Fundraiser, Matt Anderson, NOVUS 1 Comment
Guardian to Close Floreffe, Pa., Plant
Guardian Industries Corp. plans to close its Floreffe, Pa., float glass plant in 2015. The plant currently produces dark tinted privacy float glass (PrivaGuard and MidnightGray II) for automotive and commercial applications, and Guardian intends to shift that production to its Carleton, Mich., float glass plant. The Floreffe plant has about 140 employees. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, Floreffe, glassBYTEs, Guardian Industries Corp., Kevin Baird 1 Comment
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
Central Texas Glass Doctor® Featured in HGTV’s Fixer Upper Program
Glass Doctor of the Heart of Texas, owned by Doug Dotson, former glassBYTEs.com blogger, faced an exciting challenge when he and his company installed 26 large windows in a turn-of-the-century home. Not only was it a complicated project, but the … Continue reading
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
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
NHTSA Upgrades Kia Sorento Investigation over Claims of Sunroof Breakage
The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration has upgraded its investigation into 2011-2013 Kia Sorentos for possible “sunroof implosion” by opening an “engineering analysis.” The NHTSA Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) has now received 26 complaints on sunroof breakage, up from 15 previously reported when the initial investigation was opened in October 2013. 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
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
Florida State Senator to Withdraw Automotive Glass Language from Bill 7005
Florida State Senator Jeremy Ring (D) plans to withdraw his proposed changes to HB 7005, which would have outlined “unlawful acts and practices” for automotive glass companies, according to Joel Ramos, a legislative assistant in the state senator’s Tallahassee office. Continue reading
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
February 2014 Miles Driven Declines
The Federal Highway Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has released the newest numbers for miles driven in February 2014, showing a decrease of -0.8 percent, or 1.7 billion vehicle miles, compared to February 2013. Continue reading
Cars.com Analysts Predict Highest SAAR Since 2006
Cars.com analysts forecast April vehicle sales will hit 1,414,120, up 10 percent year-over-year and down 7.8 percent from March. A seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 16.29 million new-car sales is expected for April, which is an increase of 7.2 percent from this time last year, and decrease of 0.7 percent month-over-month. This would mark the highest April SAAR since 2006, according to officials. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, automotive sales, Cars.com, glassBYTEs, glassBYTEs.com, New vehicle sales, SAAR, Vehicle sales Leave a 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
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
Caliber Opens New California Location
Caliber Collision Centers has opened its 23rd location in the greater Los Angeles region in Oxnard, Calif. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, Caliber Collision, glassBYTEs, glassBYTEs.com, Oxnard Auto Center Leave a comment
2013 Hyundai Veloster Owners Complain to NHTSA about Shattering Sunroofs
Several 2013 Hyundai Veloster owners have complained to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that their sunroofs are shattering. While Hyundai issued a recall in late 2012 on certain model-year 2012 Velosters for the same issue, a recall on the 2013 model has not been announced. NHTSA has not opened an investigation and the vehicles are under warranty. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged 2013 Hyundai Veloster, AGRR, glassBYTEs, Jim Trainor, shattering sunroofs 21 Comments
Auto Glass Week™ Announces New Copper Sponsor: Diatech
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 Diatech, a manufacturer of superior and innovative products for both the dental and windshield repair industry, has become a Sponsor of the event at the Copper level. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, Auto Glass Week, Copper Sponsor, Diatech, glassBYTEs Leave a comment
Chevy Tells NHTSA It Knew of Cobalt Ignition Switch Problem in 2004 on Recall
General Motors officials told the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) they knew of a Chevrolet Cobalt ignition switch problem in 2004, which could shut off the engine leading to the possibility of a crash, but closed the investigation into the situation “after consideration of the lead time required, cost and effectiveness of each of these solutions [suggested by its team].” The company has issued a recall for the Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5 over the ignition switch issue, which has been linked six crashes, “that resulted in eight fatalities,” according to the automaker. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, Cobalt Recall, glassBYTEs, GM Recall, NHTSA Recall 6 Comments
Nissan Frontier Recalled for Electrical Issue that Could Impact Sunroof
Nissan and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are recalling certain model-year 2012-2014 Frontiers for an incorrectly installed circuit breaker that could short circuit causing sunroof to stop working.
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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
Dymax Recognized by Connecticut Economic Resource Center
Dymax Corp. was recently recognized by the Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) for the company’s “outstanding service and commitment to the state.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, CERC, Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Dymax Corp., glassBYTEs, Robert Santy Leave a comment
U.S. Energy Secretary Says Country on Path to Be Top Oil Producer by 2015
The auto industry was a hot topic of discussion for the U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz during his speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., yesterday. In particular, “For the first time in 20 years, we are producing more crude oil at home than we are importing,” he pointed out. Continue reading
Connecticut Anti-Steering Law: A Month Later
glassBYTEs.com™ editors reached out to the parties involved in Connecticut’s new anti-steering law, which went into effect January 1, to see if it has made any difference to the marketplace. We wanted to know if the law was being followed and whether market share was affected. A Safelite spokeswoman declined comment saying that the company’s lawsuit is still pending. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, Auto Glass of Connecticut, Connecticut Insurance Department, Connecticut’s Anti-Steering Law, Donna Tommelleo, East Coast Auto Glass, Ed Fisher, glassBYTEs, glassBYTEs.com, Nikki Maslak, Paul Huot, Plymouth Glass & Mirror, Second Circuit Court, Stuart Zimmerman 5 Comments
NHTSA and Ford Recall Vehicles for Windshield Bubbling
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Ford have recalled several models for impaired windshield visibility. “The presence of bubbles may hinder driver’s visibility thereby increasing the risk of a crash,” according to the recall notice.
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Glass Masters “Rebrands” as Auto Glass Now
Despite rumors and online conjecture that Safelite has acquired Glass Masters and Glass Emporium, Safelite’s public relations manager Melina Metzger says it is not true. “Safelite, nor our parent company Belron, owns or has a minority stake in Glass Emporium, Auto Glass Now, Glass Masters or any of their brand names/affiliates, etc,” Metzger writes in an email statement. Continue reading
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
Fuyao to Purchase Former Ohio GM Plant for First North American Glass Manufacturing Facility ** Updated
Fuyao Glass Industry Group chairman and founder Cao Dewang announced the company plans to purchase the former General Motors Assembly in Moraine, Ohio, to build its first North American automotive glass manufacturing facility.
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Auto Sales Climb in 2013
Strong vehicle sales growth in 2013 is good news for the automotive glass industry. The 21 automakers selling vehicles in the U.S. moved 15.6 million units in 2013, according to sales tracker Autodata, up 9.2 percent from 2012.
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Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, automotive glass, Chrysler, Ford, glassBYTEs, GM, New vehicle sales Leave a comment
GlasWeld Withdraws Motion to Compel in Alleged Patent Infringement Case
Attorneys for GlasWeld withdrew their motion to compel Deschutes Manufacturing & Consulting to produce documents, based a sworn declaration from the company’s owner that he does not have anything of interest in the company’s case against Mike Boyle, doing business as Surface Dynamix, and his son Christopher Boyle over alleged patent infringement. Continue reading
Glass Apps Acquires Entire Smart Film Manufacturing Assets of Citala
Glass Apps LLC, a provider of switchable glass and smart film, which changes from clear and opaque states on demand, has acquired the production assets of Citala, the original inventor of switchable film. A key component of the acquisition includes Citala’s switchable polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film manufacturing line, one of two in North and South America. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, Citala, Glass Apps LLC, glassBYTEs, switchable glass and smart film, Taliq Leave a comment
Frigid Temperatures Close Indianapolis Glass Shops
As temperatures plummeted to 40-below with the wind chill factor in Indiana, many businesses were shuttered Monday, including automotive glass shops. Much of the state is under a red travel emergency level, meaning the only traffic permitted on the roads is emergency vehicles and residents who are seeking shelter. In other parts of the country facing frigid temperatures, such as Minneapolis, Minn., and Detroit, many automotive glass companies opened as usual Monday. 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
Vermont-Based Safelite Burns Down
The Rutland, Vt.-based Safelite location has been declared “a total loss” after a fire destroyed the building Tuesday night, according to Melina Metzger, company spokesperson. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs, Rutland, Safelite, Safelite fire, Vermont Safelite, Vt. Leave a comment
What Were the Top Stories of 2013?
Big companies grabbed big attention in 2013. From Guardian to Safelite to Boyd Group Income Fund, news from these industry giants dominated the top ten list of most clicked on glassBYTEs.com™ articles for the year. Whether shedding assets, being sued or acquiring other companies, the industry wanted to know what these AGRR companies were doing. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, Boyd Group, Giant, Glass America, glassBYTEs, Guardian, John Groenhof, Safelite, Top glassBYTEs Articles of 2013 1 Comment
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
AGRR Industry Supports Connecticut Judge’s Decision in Anti-Steering Case
Several automotive glass repair and replacement company owners are calling the judge’s decision to deny Safelite’s motion for a preliminary injunction in the Connecticut anti-steering case a “victory.” Safelite had asked the Connecticut U.S. District Court to put enforcement of PA 13-67 on hold while it challenges the new anti-steering law in the courts. 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.”
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Boyd Group Added to the S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index
The S&P Dow Jones Canadian Index Services has added the Boyd Group Income Fund to the S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index as part of its annual review. The change is effective after the close of trading on Friday, December 20, 2013. 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.
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Additional Arguments Heard in CT Anti-Steering Case; Decision Imminent
U.S. District Court Judge Janet Bond Arterton heard additional oral arguments in Safelite versus Jepsen on Monday from Safelite’s Attorney Jay Lefkowitz of Kirkland & Ellis and the State of Connecticut’s Assistant Attorney General Joseph Chambers. At issue in the case is the law requiring third-party administrators (TPAs) that own their own glass shops to provide a name of a non-affiliated glass repair shop in the same area to consumers. 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.]”
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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
New DOT Number Awarded to United Kingdom-Based Company
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently awarded a new DOT number to MI Glass Limited, which is based in Birmingham, U.K. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, DOT, glassBYTEs, MI Glass, The U.S. Department of Transportation Leave a comment
Volvo Asks Appellate Court for Leave to Appeal
Volvo is seeking permission to appeal from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals after a New Jersey U.S. District Court judge denied the automaker’s motion to reconsider a six-state class-action certification. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit allege there is a defect in the automaker’s sunroofs, which allegedly allows water to flood their vehicles.
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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.
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Guardian Automotive Launches Custom Glass Solutions
Guardian Automotive announced the launch of Custom Glass Solutions today—a division focused on offering glass for the bus, truck, train and off-highway vehicles markets. Officials say this new company “reinforces” their commitment to serving the automotive glass needs of various transportation segments.
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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
Industry Responds to Guardian Auto Glass Selling Retail Assets to Safelite
“I look at Safelite like the New York Yankees,” says Mark Liston, president of Glass Doctor, describing Safelite’s recent purchase of Guardian’s retail assets. “Who they can buy, they will. Simple as that.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, Auto Glass Menders, glassBYTEs, Guardian, HSG/CodeBlue, Neil Duffy, Paul Gross, Safelite 5 Comments
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
Report: Nation’s Roads Increasingly Deteriorated
The nation’s major urban roads continue to deteriorate costing the average driver more than more $800 a year in some areas, according to TRIP, a national transportation research group based in Washington, D.C. Driving on roads that are increasingly in disrepair can increase consumer costs by “accelerating vehicle deterioration and depreciation and increasing needed maintenance,” such as AGRR services, the group reports. Continue reading
ABRA Auto Body & Glass Acquires Two Wisconsin Repair Centers
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has acquired two Affordable Auto Body Carstar repair centers just south of Milwaukee, Wis. ABRA handles AGRR services via its national call center. Continue reading
LKQ Corp. Agrees to Acquire Keystone Automotive Operations
LKQ Corp. has signed an agreement to acquire Keystone Automotive Operations Inc., a distributor and marketer of specialty aftermarket equipment and accessories in North America, for $450 million. The transaction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2014 and is subject to customary closing conditions and necessary regulatory approvals.
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Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs, Keystone Automotive Operations Inc., LKQ, LKQ Corp., Robert L. Wagman Leave a comment
Diamon-Fusion International Names Sim New Director of Marketing
Diamon-Fusion International Inc. (DFI) has named Syndi Sim as director of marketing. Continue reading
Mervenne Named Vice President of Burco
Elisabeth Mervenne has been promoted to vice president of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Burco Inc. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, Burco Inc., Elisabeth Mervenne, glassBYTEs 1 Comment
South Carolina-Based Glass Express Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
Randy Browning and his wife, Annah, recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of Beaufort, S.C.-based Glass Express. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, Annah Browning, Glass Express, glassBYTEs, Randy Browning Leave a comment
Delta Kits Donates $25,000 to Charity
Eugene, Ore.-based Delta Kits announced that for the month of December, the company will be donating 50 percent of all windshield repair and headlight restoration service profits to the Eugene Mission. For the year, the company has donated more than $25,000 to charity.
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Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, automotive glass, Delta Kits, Eugene Mission, glassBYTEs, windshields Leave a comment
Parties Agree to Court Mediation in Alleged Patent Infringement Case
All parties to the most famous industry lawsuit have agreed to try mediation. Representatives from GlasWeld, Mike Boyle (doing business as Surface Dynamix) and Christopher Boyle (Mike’s son), agreed to participate in court-sponsored mediation before a magistrate judge in the U.S. District of Oregon to try to reach a resolution in the alleged patent infringement case during a teleconference late last month. Continue reading
Eastman to Increase Automotive-Grade PVB Prices
Eastman Chemical Co. announced a global price increase for automotive grade polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers effective January 1, 2014 or as contracts allow. Continue reading
TCH Leasing Selects Auto Windscreens as Preferred Supplier
United Kingdom-based TCH Leasing has selected Auto Windscreens as its preferred glass supplier. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, Auto Windscreens, automotive glass, glassBYTEs, Joy Cooper, Mark Hammond, TCH Leasing Leave a comment
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.
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Guardian Says Closure of Local Distribution Centers to Have Limited Impact on Production, AGRR Divisions
Guardian Automotive management anticipates the company’s exit from the local distribution business will have minimal impact on the production of glass and the automotive glass retail business. Continue reading
A Country Remembers JFK 50 Years Later
Fifty years ago today, President John F. Kennedy took that fateful ride in Dallas past the Texas School Book Depository in an open convertible limousine and his life was cut Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, bubble top, glassBYTEs, JFK, JFK 50th anniversary, John F. Kennedy Leave a comment
Ohio Insurance Agents Penalized for Falsifying Continuing Education Information
The Ohio Department of Insurance issued consent orders to agents Jonathan E. Thornberry of Independence, Ky., and Paul G. Sittenfeld of Cincinnati, Ohio, for “Falsifying continuing education information.” Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs, Ohio Department of Insurance Leave a comment
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
Glass Doctor President Presents Top Gun Award to Franchisee
Glass Doctor president Mark Liston recently presented the Top Gun award to Stephen Beavers, owner of Greers Ferry, Ark.-based Glass Doctor of North Central Arkansas. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, automotive glass, Glass Doctor, glassBYTEs, Mark Liston, Stephen Beavers, Top Gun award 1 Comment
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.
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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
Sika Corp. Automotive Division Names New CAE Engineer
Sika’s Automotive Division has announced the appointment of Xuping Qian as a CAE engineer who will report directly to Randy Stratman, director of automotive engineering. Continue reading
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
Boyd Group Sees 40-Percent Upswing in 3Q U.S. Sales
Boyd Group Income Fund, parent company to U.S.-based Gerber Collision & Glass, Glass America, Hansen Collision and Glass and others, reported that third-quarter sales in the U.S. came in at $129.6 million, up $37.8 million or 41.1 percent, from the same period of 2012. The increase is largely due to acquisitions, including Glass America and Hansen Collision and Glass, according to company officials. Continue reading
Glass Doctor Ranked Among Top Global Franchises Opportunities
Glass Doctor, an affiliate company of The Dwyer Group, was ranked No. 281 on the Next 300 list of global franchises determined by world-wide sales by the Franchise Times. Franchise Times also ranked Glass Doctor on its select list of Top Automotive Services.
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Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, automotive glass, Glass Doctor, glassBYTEs, Mark Liston, The Dwyer Group, windshields 1 Comment
Ogilvie Fleet Names Auto Windscreens Preferred Glass Supplier
United Kingdom-based Auto Windscreens been named as the preferred automotive glass supplier for Ogilvie Fleet. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ 2014 Will be in Baltimore
There has been much speculation surrounding the location of Auto Glass Week 2014 and today, we’re making a big announcement. Baltimore will serve as the location for Auto Glass Week™ 2014. The event will be right across from Camden Yards and the picturesque InnerHarbor. Continue reading
Auto Glass Week™ 2014 to Be Held October 7-9 in Baltimore
Today Auto Glass Week™ (AGW) announced the 2014 dates and location. The event will be held October 7-9, 2014 at the BaltimoreConvention Center and Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Md. 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.
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Speaker of the House Boehner Visits Springfield HSG Call Center
Speaker of the House John Boehner (Republican) visited with Paul Gross, president and CEO of Insurance Claims Management, parent to HSG, at the HSG Springfield, Ohio, call center this week to recognize the company’s expansion. Continue reading
Gerber Collision & Glass Adds Two Maryland Repair Centers
The Boyd Group has opened two new repair centers under the Gerber Collision & Glass name in Maryland. One of the new centers is located in Catonsville, situated just west of the Baltimore, while the other is in Ellicott City.
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Sika Automotive Division Promotes Gray
Sika Corp.’s automotive division has announced the promotion of Cedric Gray to vice president of operations for the Grandview, Mo., manufacturing facility. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, Cedric Gray, glassBYTEs, Sika Automotive Division, Sika Corp. Leave a comment
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
Ohio Supreme Court Rejects Class Certification in Repair-Based Lawsuit
The Ohio Supreme Court has overturned a lower court’s decision by rejecting the class certification status of a lawsuit that alleges State Farm denied some policyholders full payment on windshield damage claims because instead of paying for replacement of the windshields, it allegedly steered some policyholders toward repair. A lower court upheld the class certification and State Farm appealed the ruling to the Ohio Supreme Court. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, automotive glass, glassBYTEs, Michael Cullen, Ohio Supreme Court, State Farm, windshields Leave a comment
SuperGlass Windshield Repair Gains New Franchisee
SuperGlass Windshield Repair has named Jon Lutz as a new franchisee in Summerville, S.C. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, auto repair, automotive glass, David Casey, glassBYTEs, Jon Lutz, SuperGlass Windshield Repair, windshields 1 Comment
Audi Issues Recall Over Possible “Sunroof Shattering”
Audi has issued a recall through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for certain model-year 2013 to 2014 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles due to possible sunroof shattering. The defect was traced back to the production of the glass.
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ABRA Auto Body & Glass Adds New Wisconsin Franchise
ABRA Auto Body & Glass has opened a new franchise at 105 Commerce Drive in New Lisbon, Wis., that offers AGRR services. Continue reading
J.D. Power Names Top Insurers Based on Claims Satisfaction
The top three auto insurers based on claims satisfaction are Auto Club of Southern California Insurance Group, Auto-Owners Insurance and The Hartford, according to recent analysis by J.D. Power and Associates. 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.
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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
The Dwyer Group Reports Growth
The Dwyer Group, which owns the Glass Doctor franchise brand, has completed 144 new franchise contracts year-to-date. This includes 11 new Glass Doctor franchise agreements. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, auto glass, automotive glass, Glass Doctor, glassBYTEs, The Dwyer Group, windshields 1 Comment
Glass Industry Veteran Jake Hall Passes Away
Glass industry veteran Jake Hall of Whiteright, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, October 23. He was 79. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, flat glass, glassBYTEs, Jake Hall, VVP in Mexico Leave a comment
Report: Citizen’s Insurance Offers Zero Deductible for Customers Who Use Preferred Auto Glass Companies
Citizen’s Insurance of Michigan is launching a new platinum program, effective November 1, that features full automotive glass coverage at a zero deductible for customers who agree to use its preferred auto glass companies, including Safelite AutoGlass, according to a company spokesperson. If a customer with this same policy decides to go to an independent auto glass shop for a replacement outside the preferred network, the deductible increases to $100, according to reports from glassBYTEs readers. Continue reading
New DOT Number Awarded to Italian Company
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently awarded a new DOT number to an auto-glass-related product manufacturer based in Italy. Continue reading
State Auto CEO Elected Chair of Industry Trade Association
Columbus, Ohio-based State Auto Insurance Companies’ president, chairman and CEO Bob Restrepo has been elected chair of the Board of Governors of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). Continue reading
AGRR Business Reflects Latest Unemployment Statistics
August unemployment rates were lower in 311 of the 372 metropolitan areas than at the same time in 2012, but higher in 47 areas, and unchanged in 14 others, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And many auto glass companies, such as B-Rite Glass Co. in an Atlanta suburb, say business demand is increasing as unemployment rates decline. Continue reading
Honda’s Attorneys Respond to Second-Amended Complaint Over Alleged Window Regulator Defect
Honda has filed a motion in the U.S. Central District Court of California, western division, denying plaintiffs’ claims in a master class action complaint which alleges some of the automaker’s vehicles have defective window regulators. In the case, Grodzitsky versus American Honda Motor Co., the plaintiffs argue the window regular defect results in the sidelite falling into the door frame or becoming stuck in the fully-open position. Continue reading
GlasWeld Asks Court to Deny Rescheduling Motion in Alleged Patent Infringement Lawsuit
GlasWeld attorneys claim in court documents filed with the U.S. District Court of Oregon, Eugene division, that Christopher Boyle’s motion to reset the scheduling order in the alleged patent infringement case “should be denied because Christopher Boyle has not shown good cause” and the request appears to be “intended solely for the purpose of delay.” Continue reading
Mainstreet Computers Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Key Employee
Mainstreet Computers recently recognized the 25th anniversary of one of its key employees—Bill Oeftering, product development programmer. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, auto glass, automotive glass, Bill Oeftering, David Carnahan, Glas-Avenue, glassBYTEs, Mainstreet Computers, windshields 2 Comments
Government Shutdown is Over But Economic Uncertainty Continues for the AGRR Industry
While the government shutdown is officially over for now, Mark Liston, president of Glass Doctor, looks at Washington, D.C.’s antics with a skeptical eye, saying it is not helping business. Continue reading
BRAZIL – AGC’s Brazil Plant Starts Glass Production
AGC’s new glass plant in Brazil has started production of glass at the industrial glass complex in Guaratinguetá, São Paulo State, Brazil. AGC Glass Brazil will now produce architectural glass, mirrors and automotive glass, according to company officials. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGC, AGC Brazil, AGC Glass Brazil, AGRR, auto glass, automotive glass, Davide Cappellino, glassBYTEs Leave a comment
YH America’s Sealant Division Expands
In addition to recognizing its 15th year in business, YH America Inc.’s Sealant Division, a subsidiary of the Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced it is doubling the size of its Kentucky manufacturing facility. The division manufactures an array of urethane adhesives and primers used for bonding auto glass windshields, back lites and side lites to vehicles, buses and military vehicles. Continue reading
New Jersey Judge Upholds Six-State Class-Action Lawsuit over Alleged Volvo Sunroof Defect
A New Jersey U.S. District Court judge has denied Volvo’s motion to reconsider the six-state class-action status of a lawsuit filed over an alleged defect in the automaker’s sunroofs, which plaintiffs claim allows water to flood their vehicles. Continue reading
Christopher Boyle Asks Court to Reset Scheduling in Alleged Patent Infringement Case
Christopher Boyle has asked the U.S. District Court of Oregon to reset the scheduling order in the alleged patent infringement case GlasWeld has filed against him and his father Mike Boyle, doing business as Surface Dynamix. In response, GlasWeld attorneys filed a notice with the court that they intend to oppose the rescheduling motion. 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
BMW Owners Oppose Automaker’s Motion to Dismiss Class Action Status of Alleged Sunroof Defect Case
Attorneys representing two BMW owners have opposed the automaker’s motion for the court to dismiss the class action status in a lawsuit over an alleged sunroof defect in the U.S. Northern District Court of California, San Francisco division. The owners allege their vehicles suffered water damage after the drainage tubes installed to pull water away from the sunroofs did not properly work. Continue reading
BMW Asks Court to Strike Class Action Status in Alleged Sunroof Defect Case
BMW has asked the U.S. Northern California District Court to strike the proposed state class action status of a lawsuit filed against the company by two BMW owners who claim that drainage tubes installed to pull water away from vehicles’ sunroofs do not properly work, leading to water damage. Continue reading
CHINA – AGC to Build Third Chinese Auto Glass Plant
China-based Asashi Glass Co. announced it is establishing an auto glass plant at its subsidiary AGC Flat Glass Co. (AFS) in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. The new auto glass plant will have the capacity to equip about 1.2 million vehicles a year, increasing the company’s overall capacity to about 3.6 million vehicles. Continue reading
Safelite Group Acquires Auto Glass Division of Detroit-Based Michigan Mobile
Safelite Group has acquired the auto glass division assets of Michigan Mobile Glass & Trim Inc., which includes three locations in the Detroit metro area and one location in Traverse City, Mich. The deal excludes the glazing-related business. Continue reading
Gerber Collision & Glass Adds New Georgia Repair Center
The Boyd Group Inc. has added repair center in Douglasville, Ga., under the Gerber Collision & Glass brand. The location offers auto glass repair and replacement services. Continue reading
Miles Driven Climb in July
The Federal Highway Administration (FHA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has released the newest numbers for miles driven in July 2013, showing an overall increase of 1.6 percent, or 4.2 billion vehicle miles, from July 2012. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, auto glass, glassBYTEs, Miles Driven, Miles Driven Increases for July 1 Comment
TODAY’S BLOG: A Report on the Auto Glass Show
If you attended Auto Glass Week in Tampa then you know how great it was. If you did not attend, you should consider attending next year because, I believe there is a resurgence in our industry and you missed a great show in Tampa, Fla. Continue reading
Continued Government Shutdown Could Impact the Auto Glass Industry
Though the government shutdown has yet to have a big impact on consumer spending, if the closure continues to drag on, this could change, according to Ford’s chief economist. The shutdown could impact AGRR if consumers lose confidence that an end to the political stalemate is near and curtail their spending on these services. Continue reading
Organizations Consolidate Auto Glass Technician Certification Programs into One
The Auto Glass Safety Council, the Independent Glass Association and the National Windshield Repair Association have signed an agreement consolidating the industry’s technician certification program into one each for repair and one for replacement. Continue reading
Majestic Auto Glass Opens St. Louis Distribution Center
Chicago-based Majestic Auto Glass has opened a distribution center in St. Charles, Mo. This is Majestic’s first distribution center located outside of Chicago. Continue reading
Connecticut Officials File Opposition to Safelite’s Request for Preliminary Injunction in Anti-Steering Case
The Connecticut public act designed help prevent steering by third-party insurance claims administrators to affiliated auto glass companies should remain intact to “protect consumer choice,” attorneys representing the state Attorney General and insurance commissioner claim in court documents filed with the U.S. District Court of Connecticut Monday in opposition to Safelite’s motion for a preliminary injunction to half enforcement of Public Act 13-67. Continue reading
Todd Velding of Burco Passes Away
Todd Robert Velding, age 43, vice president of operations for Burco Inc. in Grand Rapids, Mich., passed away unexpectedly September 12, 2013. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, Burco, glassBYTEs, Todd Robert Velding, Todd Velding, Todd Velding Passes Away 1 Comment
Caliber Acquires Golden State Collision Centers
Caliber Collision Centers announced that it has acquired Golden State Collision Repair Centers. Golden State Collision Repair Centers has 12 locations in and near the Sacramento market and owns an auto glass repair and replacement company to service customers. Continue reading
Safelite AutoGlass Opens New Shop in Gorham, N.H.
Safelite AutoGlass has opened a new store located at 299 Main Street, #3 in Gorham, N.H. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged #3 in Gorham, 299 Main Street, AGRR, auto glass, glassBYTEs, N.H., Safelite, Safelite AutoGlass Leave a comment
UNITED KINGDOM – Auto Windscreens Recruits 100 Technicians
U.K.-based Auto Windscreens has recruited 100 new technicians over a sixth-month period. The company now has 500 employees. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, Auto Windscreens, Auto Windscreens Recruiting, glassBYTEs, Nigel Davies 1 Comment
Christopher Boyle Responds to Alleged Patent Infringement Lawsuit
Christopher Boyle recently filed a response with the U.S. District Court of Oregon denying patent infringement allegations as well as ownership in Surface Dynamix in the case involving GlasWeld and his father Mike Boyle. The elder Boyle has also been granted a court-appointed attorney.
Three New DOT Numbers Awarded
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently awarded three new DOT numbers to auto glass-related product manufacturers; one is based in China, another in the U.S. and the third is based in Spain. Continue reading
NOVUS Franchisee to Hold Special MADD Fundraiser This Weekend
In memory of his 16-year-old daughter, Beta Kamran, who lost her life to a drunk driver in 2003, Mark Pixley, the NOVUS franchisee in Sheridan, Wyo., will host a special memorial day this weekend to raise awareness and support for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). This year’s event will be held Saturday, September 14 at his two franchisees in Gillette and Sheridan, Wyo. Continue reading
BMW Asks Court to Dismiss Lawsuit Over Alleged Sunroof Defect
BMW has asked the U.S. Northern California District Court to dismiss a class action lawsuit in which the plaintiffs, two BMW owners, claim that drainage tubes installed to pull water away from vehicles’ sunroofs do not properly work, leading to water damage. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Original Story Tagged AGRR, auto glass, BMW, BMW Alleged Sunroof Defect, Eric Anderson, glassBYTEs, Monita Sharma 27 Comments
Safelite AutoGlass Opens New Shop in Alexandria
Safelite AutoGlass recently opened a new store located at 2080 N. MacArthur Drive, in Alexandria, La. The company first entered the market with mobile service in 2001. Continue reading
Posted in glassBYTEs Headlines Tagged AGRR, glassBYTEs, Safelite, Safelite Alexandria Shop, Safelite AutoGlass Leave a comment
NAGS Fall Calculator Released; 11 of Top 20 Prices Decline
The Fall 2013 National Auto Glass Specifications (NAGS) International Benchmark Calculator, which goes into effect this week, shows a decrease from the Fall 2012 numbers for many parts. glassBYTEs.com/AGRR™ magazine analyzed a list of the current top 20 popular part numbers and found that the benchmark prices for 11 of 20 parts have decreased since the Fall 2012 calculator, while at least 10 of 20 have declined since Spring 2013. Continue reading
TODAY’S BLOG: Is It Really the Same as OE Glass?
“One of the real joys of being both an owner and CSR is the customer contact that I receive. It is an education of how truly gullible people are despite what degrees they may hold or how much research they may conduct when trying to make a buying decision.” —Neil Duffy Continue reading
Posted in Linked Story Tagged Aftermarket glass, AGRR, glassBYTEs, Neil Duffy, OE Auto Glass, OE Glass Leave a comment
Volvo Recalls Trucks Over Potential Windshield Wiper Failure
Volvo Trucks North America has issued a recall through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), affecting 22,824 trucks for possible windshield wiper failure. Continue reading