Criswell Collision Center was recognized by Audi of America as a certified collision repair facility on Nov. 16, 2012.
Like this article? Sign up to receive our weekly news blasts here.After nearly a year of training, in addition to many special tools and equipment acquisitions, Criswell Collision’s 44,000-square-foot shop in Annapolis, Md., is the first and only Audi-certified facility in the state.
Officials from Audi of America, Inc. were on hand to welcome Criswell on board and speak about the dedication that shop owner George Criswell and his team have demonstrated during their pursuit of this certification.
“It has taken a lot of determination to meet the requirements of the Audi program both financially and logistically. We look forward to the opportunity this new partnership brings and the added benefit it provides to Audi clients in our area,” said Criswell, President of Criswell Performance Cars of Annapolis, Inc. and owner of Criswell Collision Center.
Mark Balmer, Audi of America, Inc. sales and service executive director, discussed Audi’s growing footprint in the automotive marketplace and their focus to offer technologically advanced vehicles. He said restoring client vehicles to pre-collision condition and defined manufacturer specifications is important to Audi.
Audi of America, Inc. Southern Region After Sales Manager, Ashlon Smith presented the plaque certifying that the shop meets Audi collision repair tools and training requirements. Smith thanked Criswell for his commitment to Audi.
Mark Allen, Audi collision programs and workshop specialist outlined some of the details surrounding the special training and equipment associated with Audi’s collision repair program. Allen discussed Audi’s use of high-strength steels and aluminum for vehicle construction. He said Audi plans to utilize even more aluminum and other less conventional materials in the future, so repair shops with the capability to repair these types of vehicles properly become more important to the consumer and the manufacturer.
Audi of America, Inc. also was represented by Steve McDonald and Kyle Matthews, both regional after sales managers for the company, and by Shawn Hart, Audi Collision Training Instructor. Hart leads the educational programs at Audi’s new training center in Ashton, Va. Also in attendance were Steve Savageaux, Criswell Audi Service Manager, Joe Price, Criswell Audi Parts Manager and Kevin Marvin, Criswell Collision Center Manager.
Attendees representing the insurance industry included USAA field agent Paul Goodnite and State Farm claims supervisor Chris Lowe. Claims manager Jim Canby and field agent Larry Dye represented Nationwide. Liberty Mutual Claims Manager Sid Balter and Liberty Mutual TLC Administrator Kurt Thompson also attended.
Some insurers have partnered with vehicle manufacturers to offer discounted policies at the vehicle point of sale, giving certified shops the added benefit of capturing a higher volume of claims from those providers.
Criswell and shop manager Kevin Marvin conducted a tour of Criswell Collision Center. With more than 60 production work bays, the shop also boasts central air conditioning, an elevator, second-level accounting offices, break room, conference room and its own parts and materials department managed by Joey Izzo and Kevin Beans.
Audi of America, Inc. provided a catered lunch for attendees and the Criswell Collision Center staff. Audi’s Smith said, “We wanted to thank Criswell Collision Center and its staff in a manner that reflected the excellence of Audi’s brand. They worked tirelessly to achieve this recognition and it is well deserved.”
Now in business for more than four years, Criswell Collision Center considers their recognition by Audi of America, Inc. to be a logical next step in their business development. In addition to Audi’s certification, Criswell Collision Center is a ProFirst Collision repair provider for Acura and Honda and also an active member of the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association. In all, they participate in 20 different insurance direct repair and fleet programs.
