What’s new: In brief (April 11, 2005)

Former AIG chairman and CEO Maurice Greenberg will refuse to testify to an investigation into his level of involvement in certain accounting practices, according to a statement from Greenberg’s lawyer David Boies. Boies says that because they were unable to have authorities agree to any limits on the scope of questioning, specifically on how far back it may stretch, Greenberg would assert his right not to incriminate himself.

California legislators are looking at a bill that would declare certified aftermarket crash parts to be equivalent to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts. Assembly Bill 1163 would require the use of “non-criminal” parts, and that such parts to carry a warranty from the manufacturer or distributor and the insurer certifying them to be of like kind and quality to OEM parts. And while current legislation says aftermarket parts cannot be used without first notifying the consumer, the new legislation simply says consumers must be made aware of identify all parts used in a repair.

PPG Refinish Canada has named Michael Butler as national insurance and services manager. Butler has 18 years experience in the collision repair market, most recently as vice president of Fix Auto in Ontario. He will be responsible for new business development, developing current customers and managing compliance activities.