A look ahead. There are a handful of issues that come to mind when looking at the automotive claims and collision repair industries during 2005. They are—in no particular order: a continually changing OEM marketplace; a host of legislative hot points in both the collision repair and claims industries; ever-increasing electronic technology advancements, and; most notably, weather. Remarkable weather. So what is the common thread among these issues? They’re all dynamic outside influences that have—and will continue to have—a significant impact on our industry. If we were to roll back the calendar five years, few of us would have selected privacy laws as an issue affecting the insurance and repair markets. Who would have believed 10 years ago that the average number of electronic microprocessors on each vehicle would double, with more than 70 sensors onboard in 2005? And while knowing that the past may give us some insight into the future, there are no guarantees. We should look ahead. That’s our objective in this issue. We want to look ahead—most notably at our industry’s major outside influences, and see what the future may hold. With a fair amount of certainty, I can state that the next 10 years have the potential for incredible change. Can you imagine pulling up to the pump in 10 years and having to choose from regular, mid- and premium-grade gasoline, hydrogen, compressed natural gas, biodiesel and ethanol? The term ‘gas station’ may become as antiquated as the Five and Dime store. And we will continue to feel the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the loss of nearly 600,000 cars in one region, the single largest loss in recent history, bringing a host of new insurer and repairer challenges. In addition to the material loss, I would also like to convey CCC’s concern and sympathy for those still dealing with the very real human aspects of Katrina. We wish for them a positive and strong future. So read on, enjoy and continue looking forward! Warmly, Githesh Ramamurthy Chairman and CEO |