An APN Clinic was hosted on April 15th in Seattle, WA and was an overwhelming success, attracting both local collision centers as well as MSO, association, and industry representatives from across the country. This exciting event was the first in-person APN event since covid.  Supported by APN’s OEM partners (FCA, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan) all APN shops were invited to attend the event at no cost. Attendees enjoyed a free (and delicious) lunch buffet, heard presentations from both OEC and OEM partners and had the opportunity to meet, ask questions, and interact directly with our OEM partners and OEC’s APN team. During the event, attendees had the opportunity to hear from OEC staff, including Leanne Jefferies, Dennis Hamilton and Adam Tolowitzki, on the value of Certification, Repair Planning and Parts Acquisition and Platforms. Attendees also learned more about new OEC programs including Electric Vehicle Handling Qualified (EVHQ), RepairLogic and Quality Coaching.

(Pictured: Leanne Jefferies (OEC) and Dennis Hamilton (OEC) presenting to clinic attendees)

OEM representatives presented on current industry trends and details on their programs including:

• Nissan: Update on the successful Collision Direct Rebate Program, updates on the Nissan Collision Training Center, and the upcoming launch of new Nissan EV Ready for electric vehicle certification.
• FCA: Upcoming Q2 launch of their new of their new FCA EV Capable certification program, upcoming release of new FCA brand logos, and upcoming technical webinars.
• Hyundai: Updated the group on their growing certified program numbers and introduced the new member of the HMA Certified Collision Team, Deb Kendall.
• Genesis: Introduced as the newest program to the APN program, launched just this past November, with updates on certification numbers and retailer sponsorship updates.
• The entire OEM team announced that they will be participating as a joint effort, along with Kia, in the new Repair Quality Coaching program which will provide benchmark quality repair scoring for shops across the entire certified network.

(Pictured L-R): Stephanie Schleicher (FCA), Erica Schaefer (FCA), Chad Gough (NNA), Deb Kendall (HMA), Debbie Janadi (HMA), Kristina Beacham (GMA)

The event concluded with a fun raffle for our shops, with prizes including a $100 Amazon gift card and some Yeti merchandise! The clinic was a huge success, with notable interactions and conversations among all attendees. Participating OEMs actively sought feedback from our shops during presentations and during the open Q&A session at the end of the event. A special thank you to our OEM partners for hosting this event and to our 2024 Shop Focus Group who assisted in creating topics and content for our first clinic. Stay tuned for more information on our next clinic currently being planned for this fall!

Join us for this month’s Guild 21 Webinar Presentation

Do you know how to build credibility for your business with your clients and bill payers? What about the importance of writing an accurate sheet (and the potential liability and legal ramifications if you don’t?) These questions and more will be answered during May’s Guild 21 webinar presentation: Ensuring the Future of your Collision Repair Business.

Join speakers Liz Stein (OEC), Jeff Butler (Haury’s Collison & Vintage), Erin Solis (Certified Collision Group) & Ron Reichen (Precision Body & Paint) for our Guild 21 webinar session on Tuesday, May 14th at 2:00 PM EST.