National Press Release

CENTENNIAL, Colo., July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Recyclers Group (URG) has announced support for the 'Recycled Rides' program, a community service initiative of the National Auto Body Council (NABC). In Recycled Rides (http://www.recycledrides.org/), all segments of the auto salvage and collision repair industries come together to fix up and donate working automobiles to selected families in need in cities across the nation. The goal for the 2009 program will be to refurbish 140 vehicles, all simultaneously donated to deserving families selected by local human service agencies, on November 23, 2009, the Monday before Thanksgiving.

"The United Recyclers Group is proud to join forces with NABC to support the Recycled Rides program," says Michelle Alexander, URG Executive Director. "What Recycled Rides does by providing restored vehicles for less fortunate families across the nation is outstanding. With this new partnership, URG members will now have the opportunity to get involved in an important way, by donating parts for vehicles being repaired and prepped for donation in their area. We look forward to helping this great program grow."

Now in its third year, Recycled Rides began with just seven vehicles repaired and donated in the first year. But the program has experienced twenty-fold growth in just two years, a sure sign that the concept behind it is good and fills a need. According to Recycled Rides chair Michael Quinn, the long-term goal for the program is 500 vehicles donated per year, and he thinks this is doable sooner rather than later. Quinn is the co-founder and president of 911 Collision Centers (Tucson, AZ).

"As this program grows, stakeholders like URG and their members will see the value of getting involved," says Michael Quinn. "We are excited to see a leading organization like URG join our Recycled Rides partnership. It formalizes the participation of the automotive salvage industry in what we are doing. Recycled Rides is a 'green' program too, because we show the world our commitment to recycling as a group. It also shows what is possible when all facets of the auto salvage, collision repair, and insurance industries come together with a common vision to make a difference in our communities. Even though a few families actually get new rides, we all come out ahead."

"It was very emotional and I couldn't stop the tears the first time I witnessed a vehicle being given away to a deserving family at the annual NACE Conference in Las Vegas," says Dwight Howard, URG member and Business Development Representative for Greenleaf Auto Recyclers. "It was a privilege to be there and see how our industry can make a difference in people's lives."

Now a member of the Recycled Rides vendor parts committee, Howard says that, "We're not trying to get parts donated from every single URG member. Not yet, anyway! But getting URG on board is extremely important, because each year the communities we work in will vary, and the number of cars being repaired is growing dramatically. Reaching out across the URG network, we know that many fine people will step up if given the opportunity, and do the right thing."

Howard continues: "We are all the better for it. Plus, who knows? A URG member who participates might find themselves in a new relationship with a repair or collision facility they hadn't worked with before. Taking part in recycled rides could result in new business opportunities for all involved."

The preferred vehicle for Recycled Rides is a minivan less than eight years old with no more than 100,000 miles, and either a theft recovery or economic total. Families in need of reliable transportation are identified in partnership with local charitable organizations. Insurance companies, paint and parts vendors, and the auto salvage industry donate their resources to assist collision repair facilities in making this program possible.

The NABC slogan says it all: "Changing the image of our industry, one consumer at a time." NABC is a non-profit organization, dedicated to enhancing the image of the collision industry through various programs. Their ongoing and continued success is a direct result of the efforts and support of sponsoring companies and membership. For more information, please contact NABC at 888-667-7433, or check out their website at www.autobodycouncil.org..

United Recyclers Group, LLC is a partnership of over 330 industry leading auto recyclers that work together to improve and modernize the automotive recycling industry. Changes they have made include developing their own inventory management system, Pinnacle and Pinnacle Pro; creating a buying cooperative; and offering group marketing options. For more information, go to the United Recyclers Group website at www.u-r-g.com or call 303-367-4391.

    Contact: Michelle Alexander
    Phone: 303-367-4391
    Fax: 303-367-4409
    E-mail: michelle@u-r-g.com
    Website: www.u-r-g.com

SOURCE United Recyclers Group, LLC