Published in New Jersey Automotive – Thomas Greco Publishing It may be scary to think about an economic downturn, but as discussed in last month’s New Jersey Automotive (at grecopublishing.com/new-jersey-automotive-august-2023), auto body shops often encounter these uncertainties in a different way than other industries, and experts even suggest this industry may be “recession-resistant!” One of the factors that supports this thinking is the average American’s continued reliance on their personal transportation. At the same time, consumers are less apt to take on more debt by making large purchases like new cars. Inflation and increasing interest rates have collaboratively created a situation where buying a new car is incredibly prohibitive: by the end of…

Published in New England Automotive Report – Thomas Greco Publishing Not much happened during the July 12 meeting of the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (ADALB). The Board was scheduled for a hearing to review the potential revocation of Justin Forkuo’s (290 Auto Body; Worcester) appraiser license, but since Forkuo’s attorney was unable to attend the meeting, the hearing has been postponed until the next ADALB meeting.  Moving on to “other business,” Board member Peter Smith (MAPFRE) broached the topic of out-of-state appraiser licensing, explaining that there’s an issue with the system used; the system will not allow an automated renewal for appraisers who do not have a residence in…