Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association

06/05/2026

🎨💰 Are paint and material costs eating into your profits?

During a recent Collision P.R.E.P. session at the Southeast Collision Conference, industry veteran John Shoemaker shared practical strategies to help shops better manage paint and material (P&M) expenses—not by simply cutting costs, but by improving how materials are measured, tracked, and reimbursed. Key takeaways included accurate damage assessments, monitoring paint usage metrics, inventory management, and ensuring shops are properly compensated for the materials they use.

As margins continue to tighten, understanding where dollars are gained—or lost—can make a significant difference in a shop’s bottom line.

👉 Read more:

John Shoemaker, an industry speaker, retired business consultant, and former BASF Refinish business development manager, shared in April how, over the years, he has helped shops temper paint and ma…

06/01/2026

Estimating Tip – CCC – Print Preview Workfile

CCCOne Web users can now “Print Preview” the CCCONE Web workfile by clicking on the “print” and selecting the document you want to view. A new popup window will appear in .pdf to save or print.

05/29/2026

📣🔧 Support for skilled trades education continues to grow nationwide.

A recent survey found strong demand from voters, parents, and high school students for expanded access to career and technical education programs — including skilled trades like collision repair, automotive technology, welding, and more.

As the collision repair industry faces an ongoing workforce shortage, investing in hands-on education and training programs is more important than ever. These programs create real opportunities for students to enter rewarding, high-demand careers without the burden of significant college debt.

The future of our industry depends on developing the next generation of skilled professionals — and it’s encouraging to see growing recognition of that need.

👉 Read more:

A new national survey commissioned by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools has found strong demand for the expansion of skilled trades education in U.S. public high schools. More than 6,000 U.S. voters…

05/28/2026

💡🚘 Vehicle technology continues to evolve — and adaptive lighting is the latest advancement making its way to U.S. roads.

Audi has announced that its adaptive beam headlight technology is expected to debut in the United States later this year, bringing enhanced visibility and safety features already seen in other global markets.

As modern vehicles incorporate increasingly sophisticated systems, it’s another reminder of how important proper diagnostics, calibration, and OEM repair procedures have become in today’s collision repair environment.

👉 Read more:

Audi’s adaptive beam headlights will debut in the U.S. on the 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9 flagship SUV models later this year, after years of regulatory delay. The adaptive driving beam (ADB) Digital Mat…

05/28/2026

🚗✨ From disco balls to German luxury repairs — Tysons Corner Collision Center’s story is a reminder of how far the collision repair industry continues to evolve.

This feature highlights the transformation of a once-unlikely space into a modern collision repair facility focused on advanced vehicle technology, OEM standards, and high-end repairs. It’s also a great example of the passion, adaptability, and investment happening throughout our industry every day.

As vehicles become more complex, shops like this continue raising the bar for safe, proper repairs and customer experience.

👉 Read more: https://www.chasidyraesisk.com/from-disco-ball-to-german-luxury-a-new-era-at-tysons-corner-collision-center/

If you look closely at the ceiling of Tysons Corner Collision Center (Vienna, VA), you might spot a relic from a different era: a disco ball.
Long before it was a state-of-the-art repair facility, the building served as the local ice skating rink. Today, the ice skates and Zamboni are gone, the disco lights are replaced by high-efficiency LEDs, and the only things gliding across the floor are some of the most expensive German-engineered machines in the world.

For General Manager Ian Martin, the transition from a place of leisure to a place of precision is a metaphor for the shop’s evolution. “It’s a beautiful place to work – heated, air-conditioned and packed with top-tier equipment, but what truly makes it special is the culture we’re building within these walls.”

https://www.chasidyraesisk.com/from-disco-ball-to-german-luxury-a-new-era-at-tysons-corner-collision-center/

Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association Thomas Greco Publishing Inc.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Freedom is never free. It is built upon the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who gave everything to protect the liberties we enjoy.

As we spend time with family and friends this holiday, may we also reflect with gratitude on the heroes whose service made these moments possible.

From all of us at WMABA, we remember, we honor, and we thank those who gave their lives for our freedom.

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

Estimating Tip – CCC – High Voltage Monitoring & Voltage Verification

DEG Inquiry 41155 (https://degweb.org/inquiries/41155/) provides MOTOR feedback regarding high voltage monitoring and high voltage verification:

“After review, "isolate High Voltage Battery" should not be assumed to be the same operation as "Deactivate/Activate High Voltage System" unless supported by the applicable OEM procedure. MOTOR's Guide to Estimating advises following OEM safety precautions and OEM service repair information when disabling the high voltage electrical system before repairs. Any additional OEM required isolation checks, voltage verification, or repeated monitoring during repairs should be considered through an on-the-spot evaluation.”

Additional DEG Note: Always reference OEM procedures for high voltage instructions & requirements.

05/21/2026

🚗💭 Why do so many consumers avoid filing insurance claims—even after an accident?

Fear of premium increases. Uncertainty about the process. Concerns over delays, disputes, or being pressured into decisions they don’t fully understand.

This article explores the growing “fear factor” influencing consumer behavior around claims—and what it means for vehicle owners navigating repairs in today’s environment.

Understanding your rights, asking questions, and choosing a repair facility committed to safe, proper repairs matters more than ever.

👉 Read more:

Feature stories,  Thomas Greco Publishing Fear Factor: Why Consumers Choose Not to Claim May 6, 2026 / Published in New England Automotive Report – Thomas Greco Publishing Something disconcerting is happening in collision repair right now. Drivers are still distracted, cars are still crashing, a...