Auto Glass Week™ 2024 has commenced, and the show floor is bustling with visitors and sponsors alike. Before the floor opened on the afternoon of September 19, attendees had the chance to learn more about the industry at six educational sessions. Jacques Navant, the president of the Auto Glass Safety Council (AGSC), lead the opening session. He introduced himself and his hopes for the future of AGSC. “I am probably the strangest choice for [AGSC’s] president,” Navant said. “I am not a politician, I am not a public speaker … I think I was chosen as president because I am still in the field and I understand what a technician deals with.”
AGSC’s vice president Peter Brown, AGSC’s Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standard (ROLAGS) 2 Committee chair Linda Rollinson and AGSC’s Chair Deb Levy joined Navant on stage to discuss the future of the AGSC. They talked about some of the AGSC’s upcoming initiatives, including regional auto glass events to be held next year as well as multiple certification programs in the works. “With the AGSC, you’ll always have someone in your corner,” Navant said. “We’re really going to expand this year and get some forward momentum going.” In the next session, “Auto Glass Now – What Are They Thinking?” Michael Macaluso sat down with Levy to answer industry questions about the national auto glass services brand. Macaluso is the executive vice president and group president of paint, collision & glass at Auto Glass Now’s (AGN) parent company, Driven Brands.
Macaluso responded to one common concern in the auto glass industry: AGN’s acquisitions. “Looking back, we haven’t made an acquisition since 2022 because we want to do the absolute best job with what we have,” he said. “We have opened shops organically, so that’s an option [we also pursue].” “When we look to acquire businesses, the big question is, can we make the business better, and can the business make us better,” he added later. Macaluso touched on new third-party administrator (TPA) Driven Claims, saying the company has had a successful TPA in Canada for years, so it has experience in the sector.
The presentation focused on the collision repair industry’s role in ADAS calibration and the challenges it faces. Mason highlighted the need for specialized training and certification for technicians to ensure proper ADAS calibration. He emphasized that the collision repair industry is not just about fixing cars; it’s about ensuring the safety and functionality of ADAS systems.
This statement highlights the growing demand for larger vehicles and the increasing popularity of sunroofs in the American market. It also emphasizes the desire for innovative solutions that cater to these specific preferences. Pilkington, a leading glass manufacturer, is actively involved in developing auto glass technology.
AGW 2024 continues through Sept. 21. Look to glassBYTES.com™ for more news and updates from the event.