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Auto Recycling eNewsletter

For immediate release -August 2006

Written and published by Mike Gibson and Ron Sturgeon, autosalvageconsultant.com, email to email Mike Gibson

To register for future free issues, visit http://www.autosalvageconsultant.com. Don’t forget to watch for our management articles monthly in Recyclers Power Source Magazine, or posted at our web site.

This Month’s News

Massive Mason City junkyard fire ruled arson, by Jesse Gavin, KRIB, Mason City

Investigators now say last week's massive fire that consumed thousands of cars at the Behr Mason City scrap yard was -not- an accident. Pals says they've concluded the fire is of suspicious origin, first of all, given "the unusual circumstance involving of a stack of cars starting on fire by themselves, which is highly unusual." Pals says investigators have ruled out the possibility of the fire being accidental. The sheriff says it was an intentionally set fire and they intend to find the people responsible and hold them accountable. The fire broke out last Wednesday morning and consumed between six-thousand and eight-thousand crushed cars.

Truthful titles By U.S. Senator Trent Lott, Leaders Call, July 25, 2006

When buying a used car, unless you know the previous owner well, you take a chance on what you’re getting. If you can’t check the car’s history, you may not be able to determine whether it has been seriously wrecked or damaged. That’s particularly true today because an estimated half-million once flooded “storm cars” are circulating following Hurricane Katrina. I’ve introduced a bill to protect consumers from folks deceitfully selling these damaged cars to unsuspecting buyers. The “Consumer Access to Total Loss Vehicle Data Act” will make available to consumers information about automobiles declared a “total loss” by insurance companies. The legislation directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make all insurers disclose information pertaining to total loss vehicles. The insurance company specifically must disclose the serial number or vehicle identification number (VIN), the date of the total loss declaration and a statement of the primary reason for declaring the vehicle totaled, such as water, collision, fire or theft.

Insurance Auto Auctions to Market Assurant Solutions' Web-Based Auto Lien Payoff System, The Auto Channel, Westchester, Il. & Atlanta--Aug. 16, 2006

Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc., a leader in automotive total loss and specialty salvage services in the United States, today announced an agreement to market an auto lien payoff system developed by Assurant Solutions to U.S. insurance companies. Assurant Solutions is a leading provider of title administration services, service contracts and debt protection programs to auto lenders and dealers. Its recently introduced Web-based Auto Lien Payoff System, known as ALPS(TM), can reduce by as much as two-thirds the amount of time that it takes auto insurers and lenders to process and settle claims on totaled vehicles. Through ALPS, insurers and lenders communicate through a dedicated Website. They can exchange information and move funds electronically, and title delivery is guaranteed. Assurant Solutions said that ALPS was designed for insurance companies with the needs of the auto insurance, auto salvage and auto lender markets in mind.

Abandoned vehicles on highway new target for thieves, News-Record.com.,By Eric J.S. Townsend Greensboro, July 2006

A blue Toyota Corolla overheats on the interstate. A white Honda Accord slows to a stop on U.S. 29 from alternator problems. A green Nissan Sentra in need of repair gets parked on Winston Street. When the owners return days later, their cars have vanished. Not to auto shops. Not to impound lots. To salvage yards. In the past two years, dozens of disabled cars have been stolen off Triad roads, sometimes to be scrapped for a return of as much as $150 per car. The thefts are expected to continue as metal prices continue to rise. If anything, authorities said, the thefts appear to be multiplying. "There's a market for these old junk cars," If you break down, get them towed out as soon as you can. ... It is at least a regional problem, and probably more." Thieves may be targeting older vehicles for their weight and material. Newer cars built of fiberglass and composite materials offer less money.

“People are definitely a company’s greatest asset. It doesn't make any difference whether the product is cars or cosmetics. A company is only as good as the people it keeps.” Mary Kay Ash

AutoSalvageconsultant.com was formed in 2001 to help recyclers improve their businesses. With over 50 years of experience in 3 staff members, the group is THE definitive source for recyclers’ management and training needs. Mike Gibson and Tammy Sturgeon joined the team in 2003, and bring a wealth of experience to the team, plus more resources, as there have been more requests for help than Ron could meet. The founder, Ron Sturgeon is past owner of AAA Small Car World. In 1999, he sold his six Texas locations, with 140 employees, to Greenleaf. In 2001, he founded North Texas Insurance Auction, which he sold to Copart in 2002. In 2002, his book “Salvaging Millions” was published to help small business owners achieve significant success, and was recently reprinted and published in Chinese. In June 2003, he joined the new ownership and management team of GreenLeaf. He also manages his real estate holdings and investments. You can learn more about how to help your business at www.autosalvageconsultant.com. Mike can be reached at 628 SW Rand Drive, Burleson, TX 76028, (preferably) email Mike Gibson, or 817-925-8430.