Though economic growth is projected to slow overall for Japan, Europe, and particularly the U.S. through 2009, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), exports from the U.S. are predicted to increase significantly - possibly leading to rising freight volumes in the year ahead.
In an AutoBodyOnline commentary, Dennis Liphardt offers his view of new programs being offered by auto insurance companies to attract customers and streamline their operations. Many of these programs are bypassing traditional body shops. To compete, body shops are forced to offer rebates and discounts, practices Mr. Liphardt finds distasteful.