March 2022 Midwest Edition by Autobody News

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Carvana Continues Expansion with Addition of Missouri Market by Auto Remarketing Staff

Carvana has added its 312th market, announcing Jan. 26 that its home delivery is now available in the Cape Girardeau area of Missouri. The company launched in Joplin and Springfield in September, bringing its market count in the state to six, at that time. “Today’s launch in Cape Girardeau offers even more residents in Missouri an unbeatable selection of cars, at great prices, in their driveways as soon as the next day,” Carvana founder and CEO Ernie Garcia

said in a news release. “We’re confident area residents will embrace the ease, convenience and great customer service we’ve become known for.” The week before, Carvana staked claim to two milestones: the fastest used-car retailer to organically sell more than 400,000 units in a year and the fastest online auto retailer to have reached 1 million sales since founding (nine years). The company said it reached each of these landmarks in the fourth quarter. See Continues Expansion, Page 12

EV Chargers Will Soon Outnumber Gas Stations in U.S. by Andrei Nedelea, InsideEVs

The charging station infrastructure in the U.S. will soon catch up to and surpass traditional fuel stations for the number of individual pumps, or charging stalls. There are currently between 110,000 and 150,000 fuel pumps, while the number of individual chargers is around 110,000, according to Jerry Insurance. The number of gas stations has been going down for the last two decades, while increasing sales of electric vehicles has spurred constant and

sometimes rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure. There are now more than 2 million EVs on U.S. roads compared to just 16,000 a decade ago.

One major challenge ahead will be for the charging infrastructure to See EV Chargers, Page 22

Vol. 11 / Issue 6 /March 2022

Caliber Enters 40th State with Nebraska Location The Caliber family of brands—including Caliber Collision, Caliber Auto Care and Caliber Auto Glass— has hit another growth milestone with its 1,400th collision center, located in Omaha, NE. As one of the nation’s leading automotive service providers, Caliber now operates in 40 states, with continued expansion planned throughout 2022. “When Caliber grows, so do the opportunities for our teammates to grow their careers and reach their full potential. Each new Caliber location provides another chance to live our purpose of Restoring the Rhythm of

Your Life® and serve new communities,” said Caliber CEO and President Mark Sanders. “Caliber’s continued growth also allows our dedicated teammates to deliver exceptional auto service experiences that we stand behind and puts our customers safely back on the road and back to what matters most in their lives.” In existing and new markets alike, Caliber invests in Restoring You™ initiatives that support the communities where they operate, addressing local needs. For example, Caliber is deeply involved in programs that support active-duty and transitioning See 40th State, Page 16

A Review of Collision Repair Acquisitions in 2021 by David Roberts and Chris Lane, Focus Advisors Automotive

With 2021 now in the rearview mirror, the industry is catching its breath after a year of sprinting that saw extraordinary acquisition activity. In one of the busiest years since 2019, the most mature consolidators—Caliber and Gerber—have gotten much bigger, while the third largest, Service King, has continued to shrink modestly. And the adolescents of 2020, Classic Collision and Crash Champions, have dramatically grown into impressive, fully realized competitors seeking their own national footprint, each more than tripling their number of shops over the last 12 months. Newer private equity backed MSOs also found fertile ground in 2021 with Quality Collision, Kaizen Collision and Collision Right more than doubling their shop counts during the year. The franchisors and networks continued to find both growth challenges and opportunities as Driven

Brands, Certified Collision Group and 1 Collision continued to expand in every direction. Based on Focus Advisors’ proprietary data, a total of 62 MSOs were acquired in 2021 with a transfer of 327 locations that formerly belonged to independent MSOs. What happened with the largest consolidators? Caliber just kept doing what Caliber does at the same relentless and effectively measured pace—buying, converting and developing. We estimate Caliber added about 201 shops; nearly 25% were brown and greenfield location. In addition, it continued to grow its initiatives in ADAS, glass and retail service locations. Caliber only acquired one large MSO during the year, Main Auto Body in Oregon, as well as several three and four shop MSOs. However, its most notable acquisition was the acquisition of 17 AutoNation shops in 15 different markets. Caliber continues to densify its footprint, market-by-market, both through acquisitions of single shops See Acquisitions in 2021, Page 22

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Foresee More ADAS Calibrations for Auto

1 Mile of Detroit’s Wireless EV Charging Road

Body Shops in the Future �� 46

to Cost at Least $1.9 Million �� 10 AASP-MN’s Automotive Scholarships Up for Grabs �� 8 Allstate Awards $10,000 to Illinois High School Focused on Collision Repair Education �� 6 Caliber Enters 40th State with Nebraska Location �� 1 Carvana Continues Expansion with Addition of Missouri Market �� 1

NATIONAL A Review of Collision Repair Acquisitions in 2021 �� 1 AirPro Diagnostics Announces New Hire �� 50 ASE Education Foundation Partners with Industry Leaders to Provide Innovative

Automakers Report January Sales �� 50 Axalta Commits to Sustainability Goals �� 20

Five States Collaborate to Host Midwest

Axalta’s Radar Transmission Simulator

Ford, Google, Join New Michigan Central Innovation Announcement �� 18 GM to Invest $6.5B in EV and Battery Production Facilities in Michigan �� 12 Michigan Issues Order to Tekonsha Repair Facility �� 11 Michigan Woman Sentenced for Auto Insurance Fraud �� 11 Missouri Man Indicted for Conspiracy to Sell Stolen Catalytic Converters �� 16 Nationwide Supports Ohio Collision Repair School Through CREF �� 16 Sherwin-Williams Celebrates Official Start of New Global Headquarters Construction in Cleveland �� 6 Volkswagen Settles Lawsuit with Ohio Over Environmental Claims �� 12

Receives 2022 BIG Innovation Award �� 24 Bill to Ensure Consumer Choice in Auto Repair Introduced in U.S. House �� 48 Certain Metallic Finishes May Interfere with ADAS Radar Systems, PPG Expert Says �� 38 DOT Issues National Roadway Safety Strategy with Focus on Safer Vehicles �� 48

Anderson - Resources to Combat Collision Parts Supply Chain Challenges �� 28 Phillips - Matrix Trade Institute’s Efficiency Bootcamps Help Collision Repair Industry Grow and Retain Employees �� 32 Yoswick - Automakers: Collision Repairers Must Ensure ADAS Calibration Procedures Are Followed �� 36 Yoswick - Collision Repairers Discuss How They Are Coping with Parts Supply Chain Issues �� 42 Yoswick - Remote Scanning Companies

Serving Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin and adjacent metro areas. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2022 Adamantine Media LLC. Autobody News P.O. Box 1516 Carlsbad, CA 92018 (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com editor@autobodynews.com

ABRA �� 5

Kia Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 47

American Icon Automotive Finishes �� 8

LaFontaine Buick-GMC-Cadillac �� 18

asTech/Driven by Repairify �� 6

Laurel Auto Group of Westmont �� 39

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 49

Luther Bloomington Acura-Subaru �� 41

Axalta Coating Systems. �� 11

Luther Kia of Bloomington �� 40

BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 44

McGrath City Hyundai �� 38

Car-Part.com �� 20

MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 44

Certified Automotive Parts Association �� 16

MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 30-31

Classic BMW MINI �� 22

Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 46

Classic Chevrolet �� 35

Patrick Hyundai �� 40

Classifieds �� 50

PPG �� 9

Columbia Hyundai �� 32

SATA Dan-Am Company �� 7

Dominion Sure Seal, Ltd �� 10

SCA Claim Services �� 13

Eagle Abrasives �� 52

Sears Imported Autos, Inc �� 36

Equalizer Auto Glass Tools �� 21

Shaheen Chevrolet Parts Warehouse �� 37

Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 42

Spanesi Americas �� 17

Gandrud Parts Center �� 25

Steck Manufacturing Company �� 12

Ganley Westside Subaru �� 28

Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 49

GM Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 43

Sunmight USA �� 14-15

Hawkinson Kia �� 24

The Sharpe Collection of Automobiles �� 33

Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers ��26-27

Valspar Refinish �� 2

Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 45

Varsity Ford �� 40

Industrial Finishes and Systems �� 23

Wedge Clamp Systems �� 29

Kelly BMW �� 36

Willis Volvo �� 38

Kia of Lansing �� 34

Wrenchers �� 19

Driven Brands Holdings Inc. Reports Big Revenue Gains in 4Q, Full Year 2021 �� 20 Emporia Energy, BREK Electronics to Develop First Home Bi-Directional EV Charger �� 4 EV Buyers Not Researching Charging Options Until After Purchase: Study �� 51 EV Chargers Will Soon Outnumber Gas Stations in U.S. �� 1 EV Sector Growth Driving up Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel Prices �� 24 Hertz Partnering with UFODRIVE to Improve EV Rental Experience �� 49

COLUMNISTS

Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Contributing Writers: John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Ed Attanasio, Stacey Phillips, Eric Murphy, Ron Liesch Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Norman Morano, (800) 699-8251 Office Manager: Louise Tedesco Digital Marketing Manager: Bryan Malinski Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia Graphic Designer: Vicki Sitarz Online and Web Content Editor: Abby Andrews Accounting Manager: Heather Priddy Permissions Editor: Randi Scholtes Office Assistant: Dianne Pray

Programs �� 21

Cause of Fire Under Investigation �� 8

Collision Repair Tradeshow and Conference �� 8

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

CONTENTS

Labor Rate, Tech Shortage, ADAS Panels Highlight Updated Educational Slate at NORTHEAST 2022 �� 29 Some Auto Parts Cheaper at Walmart, Fixed Ops Director Shocked to Find �� 44 State Farm, Ford Introduce UBI �� 37 Tesla’s Most Important Product in Development is Optimus Humanoid Robot �� 45 Toyota Research Institute Programs Car to Autonomously Drift Around On-Track Obstacles �� 4 U.S. Crude Oil Production Fell by 8% in 2020, Largest Decrease on Record �� 51

autobodynews.com / MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

Emporia Energy, BREK Electronics to Develop First Home Bi-Directional EV Charger Emporia Energy and BREK Electronics announced a new partnership to develop a bi-directional electric vehicle charger that will not only transfer power from the grid and home to the vehicle, but also from the vehicle back to the home and grid. This product will be the first of its kind available in North America and is predicted to hit the market in 2023 at less than $1,500. The collaboration brings together the specialties of both companies, with BREK developing the power electronics core and hardware and Emporia developing the connector strategy and smart home integration system. BREK and Emporia share an overarching mission of providing accessible and affordable products. Emporia, led by founder and CEO Shawn McLaughlin, already offers a line of energy management technology products that can be combined to create the Emporia Smart Home Energy Management System. These products include level 2 EV chargers, customizable whole-home batteries with capacity from 8.2kWh to 49.2 kWh, smart plugs and real-time energy monitors that allow

users to assess and control their total home energy usage in real-time via the Emporia app. The partnership’s bi-directional EV Charger will be the newest addition to this system and give customers new options for power management. Consumers will now be able to power their home through their EV,

applications, including solar string inverters that can provide significantly higher power at lower cost with longer life, in a more compact design than existing commercial string inverters. BREK’s and Emporia’s collaboration will develop and adapt this hardware specifically for bi-directional EV charging.

“Emporia has mastered energy management technology and smart home integration with their system of products and is the perfect match for the power electronics development we do here at BREK. Our hardware expertise combined with Emporia’s experience in energy management will drive the creation of a truly groundbreaking product in the EV charging space.” — Dr. Kala Majeti insulating them from costly utility bills and protecting them from power outages. BREK is reimagining silicon-carbide based power electronics technologies. BREK’s silicon-carbide based platform has a variety of

As explained by McLaughlin, “80 to 85% of electric vehicle charging currently takes place at the vehicle owner’s home, so the EV should really be seen as an extension of the home energy system. This is critical to why we want to make a

bi-directional EV charger readily available—being able to transfer energy from the vehicle back into the home or grid will enable widespread adoption of distributed renewable energy without taxing the grid, while generating substantial savings for the homeowner, but there isn’t a cost effective option on the market yet. Our collaboration with BREK will create that option.” “This is an ideal partnership for us,” said Dr. Kala Majeti, president and co-founder of BREK Electronics. “Emporia has mastered energy management technology and smart home integration with their system of products and is the perfect match for the power electronics development we do here at BREK. Our hardware expertise combined with Emporia’s experience in energy management will drive the creation of a truly groundbreaking product in the EV charging space.” For more information about Emporia, visit www.emporiaenergy.com. To learn more about BREK Electronics, visit www.brekelectronics.com. Source: Emporia Energy, BREK Electronics

Toyota Research Institute Programs Car to Autonomously Drift Around On-Track Obstacles On Feb. 2, Toyota Research Institute (TRI) demonstrated a new research milestone in autonomy, providing a glimpse into the future of safer mobility for all.

TRI researchers successfully programmed a vehicle to autonomously drift around obstacles on a closed track—a world first. Combining a deep knowledge of both vehicle dynamics and control design, TRI’s Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) approach extends the vehicle’s operational domain to the very limits of its performance. The idea behind this research is to use controlled, autonomous drifting to avoid accidents by navigating sudden obstacles or hazardous road conditions like black ice.

“At TRI, our goal is to use advanced technologies that augment and amplify humans, not replace them,” said Avinash Balachandran, senior manager of TRI’s Human Centric Driving Research. “Through this project, we are expanding the region in which a car is controllable, with the goal of giving regular drivers the instinctual reflexes of a professional race car driver to be able to handle the most challenging emergencies and keep people safer on the road.” Every year, car crashes result in nearly 40,000 fatalities in the U.S and about 1.35 million fatalities worldwide. While most crashes occur in mundane situations, in some extreme situations, drivers may need to make maneuvers that take their vehicle close to and, at times, beyond normal limits of handling. One year ago, TRI and the Dynamic Design Lab at Stanford University set out to design a new level of active safety to help avoid crashes and prevent injuries and fatalities. With the support of automotive performance specialist GReddy and drift legend Ken Gushi, this achievement is another step in that journey.

4 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

By building skills comparable to an expert driver, this technology can amplify and augment a regular driver’s ability to respond to dangerous and extreme situations, helping keep people safe on the road.

This achievement brings TRI researchers closer to understanding the full spectrum of vehicle performance. The software advances announced Feb. 2 calculate a whole new trajectory every 20th of a sec-

“When faced with wet or slippery roads, professional drivers may choose to ‘drift’ the car through a turn, but most of us are not professional drivers,” said Jonathan Goh, TRI research scientist. “That’s why TRI is programming vehicles that can identify obstacles and autonomously drift around obstacles on a closed track.” — Jonathan Goh “When faced with wet or slippery roads, professional drivers may choose to ‘drift’ the car through a turn, but most of us are not professional drivers,” said Jonathan Goh, TRI research scientist. “That’s why TRI is programming vehicles that can identify obstacles and autonomously drift around obstacles on a closed track.”

ond to balance the car gracefully as it goes around the track. Looking ahead, Toyota will continue to push the limits of vehicle safety technology by researching ever more effective ways for emerging safety technologies to amplify human capabilities on the road. Source: Toyota Research Institute

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Sherwin-Williams Celebrates Official Start of New Global Headquarters Construction in Cleveland The Sherwin-Williams Company held a virtual celebration Jan. 28 to mark the official start of construction for the company’s new global headquarters. The 1 million-square foot facility will be located in downtown Cleveland, OH, and will include a two-story pavilion acting as the front porch to Public Square, a 36-floor office tower and an attached multi-level parking garage. “Today’s event represents a significant milestone in this transformational project,” said John G. Morikis, Sherwin-Williams chairman, president and CEO. “As construction workers, equipment and materials have been arriving at our building site in the heart of the city, we could not be more excited about the investment we are making in the future of our company and the future of Cleveland. We are creating a next-generation workplace to serve our customers, retain and attract employees, as well as offer opportunities to celebrate the Sherwin-Williams brand and act as a catalyst for future development in and around our new campus.” The new headquarters is part of the company’s comprehensive Building Our Future project, which also includes construction of a new 600,000-square

foot Research & Development (R&D) Center in Brecksville, OH, which officially broke ground in October. Sherwin-Williams plans to invest a minimum of $600 million to build both the headquarters and R&D facility. “Attracting and retaining organizations like Sherwin-Williams is critical to the short- and long-term success of our city, region and our surrounding communities,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “We applaud the decision Sherwin-Williams made to further invest in Cleveland and in Northeast Ohio by building world class facilities for the workforce of the future. Their steadfast commitment to the area is an example of how the City of Cleveland will further establish itself as a destination for investment, job creation and top talent recruitment.” Together, the two facilities will house more than 3,500 employees with room to accommodate future growth. Sherwin-Williams estimates it will add a minimum of 400 jobs at these facilities over time, an increase of 11% to the company’s current local workforce. Many of these jobs will include professional staff, engineers and chemists. “The positive economic impact

Allstate Awards $10,000 to Illinois High School Focused on Collision Repair Education Allstate continued its support of future collision repair professionals by funding a 2021 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grant in partnership with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). The $10,000 grant will be awarded to Thornton Fractional High School Center for Academics and Technology, in Calumet City, IL, to improve its collision repair education program. The grant is a part of Allstate’s $55,000 donation to CREF in 2021. “The collision repair industry is in a talent crisis,” said Sandee Lindorfer, outside auto director for Allstate. “We need to make sure young people learning these trades have the right tools to advance their careers. One way of doing that is funding schools to help them get access to the right tools and technology to teach students.” Allstate has supported the efforts of CREF since 1991. “On behalf of the collision school programs we are able to support through our industry partners, I thank Allstate for their continued

support of our efforts,” said Managing Director Brandon Eckenrode. “Their generosity extends beyond this monetary donation, which allows us to help collision instructors with their program budget needs, to include providing vehicle donations and volunteering on our Board of Trustees.” The Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants recognize schools that excel at educating students in collision repair, but due to strained school budgets, require additional financial assistance to provide supplies necessary to teach students. For those interested in applying, applications for the 2022 grants will be available online in January. Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting CREF’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs should contact Eckenrode at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org. Source: CREF

6 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

generated from Sherwin-Williams over these past many decades is unprecedented,” said Cleveland Council President Blaine Griffin. “Sherwin-Williams continues to be an important part of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio through their ability to provide good jobs, strong community support and robust economic activity for years to come.” “We have been incredibly fortunate to have Sherwin-Williams be part of our community for more than 155 years,” added Ohio State Sen. Sandra Williams. “Together, the new headquarters and R&D Center will have significant and long-lasting impact on our region. This project represents a successful public/private partnership whereby the State of Ohio, JobsOhio, Cuyahoga County, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, the City of Cleveland and the City of Brecksville all worked together with Sherwin-Williams to provide support in the way of economic development packages which, in part, reflect the retention and addition of a significant number of jobs.” In addition to Bibb and Griffin, Sherwin-Williams was honored to

have additional public and private dignitaries provide remarks at the ceremony. They included U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown, Ohio State Rep. Terrence Upchurch, Cleveland City Councilman Kerry McCormack and architect Bill Chilton of Pickard Chilton. Williams was unable to attend due to a last-minute scheduling conflict. The new global headquarters is expected to open by the end of 2024 and is projected to generate 4,000 construction jobs. Sherwin-Williams has extended its corporate inclusion, diversity and equity commitment to the construction of the two facilities. The company has developed and is executing a strategic, intentional and fair process to include minority-owned, female-owned and small businesses that has already resulted in the awarding of multiple contracts totaling in the millions of dollars. Sherwin-Williams continues to work proactively with community, city, county and state leaders, local organizations and trade partners to identify further opportunities for involvement and also expects to provide considerable diverse workforce opportunities on the project over the next three years. Source: Sherwin-Williams

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Cause of Fire Under Investigation by Steve Brandy, Vermillion County First

The Danville, IL, Fire Department continues to investigate the cause of a fire the morning of Feb. 6 at Rucker’s Auto Body Shop at 7 E. 2nd St. in Danville. The alarm was received at 1:06 a.m., and all units had returned by 6 a.m. No one was at the business at the time, and there were no firefighter injuries. Firefighters observed heavy fire coming from the structure upon arrival. Damage estimates are $50,000 to the building and $7,500 to contents.

Five States Collaborate to Host Midwest Collision Repair Tradeshow and Conference The auto body associations of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota and the Iowa Collision Repair Association have joined forces to create and host the Midwest Collision Repair Tradeshow and Conference. The event will be held April 1-2 in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, KS. The host venue will be the Overland Park Convention Center. The Midwest Collision Repair Tradeshow and Conference will feature top industry speakers and workshop presenters, including Mike Anderson of CollisionAdvice and Mark Claypool from Optima Automotive. The tradeshow floor will include industry leading companies like Solidus, Axalta, Car-O-Liner, AsTech, Optima Automotive and others. Exhibit space, at press time, was still available but is expected to sell out fast. Each of the state association presidents chimed in about their excitement centered around this, the Midwest’s largest tradeshow for collision repairers. “We’re very excited to be a part of this inaugural multi-state trade show presented by five state associations. What better way to show how this industry can unite and be much stronger together?” said Brody Simp-

AASP-MN’s Automotive Scholarships Up for Grabs The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASPMN) will be awarding scholarships to select students enrolled in post-secondary auto service or collision repair programs. Scholarship awards will be $1,500 per student and can be applied towards tuition or tool purchases. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in a Minnesota-based ASE-accredited automotive program in the fall of 2022. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of industry representatives, with consideration given to scholastic achievement, education and career goals, financial need and written recommendations. Applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked no later than March 31. Applications can be downloaded from the alliance’s website, https://aaspmn.org/ scholarships/ or submitted online at https://automotivescholarships. com/scholarships/alliance Online submissions give students the opportunity to compete for several different awards, including those offered by the University of

the Aftermarket Foundation Scholarship Committee and more than 40 other automotive aftermarket organizations and companies. Specific requirements for each organization’s awards can be found at www. automotivescholarships.com. The Education Fund was established in 2002 to provide financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs and raise awareness of career opportunities in the independent automotive service industry. Since that time, nearly $290,000 has been invested in student scholarships, SkillsUSA and automotive education programs throughout the state. In 2016, AASP-MN’s efforts to attract a future workforce expanded significantly with the creation of Minnesota Careers in Automotive Repair and Service (MNCARS), a statewide marketing and outreach initiative to encourage high school students to pursue an education and career in the automotive service and collision repair industry. Visit www.carcareers.org to learn more. Source: AASP-MN

8 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

son, president of the Kansas Auto Body Association. James Rodis, president of the Nebraska Auto Body Association, spoke on behalf of his state members: “We are proud to bring the five-state Midwest Collision Industry Tradeshow and Conference to our region. The excitement is building to make this show THE important industry event.” Rodis challenged association members and others to “Show up!” The president of the South Dakota Auto Body Association, Pete Stemper, said: “This five-state event is going to bring all of us together to get the relevant information to help our shops face the future. South Dakota is proud to be part of this!” Dick Merron, president of the Iowa Collision Repair Association, added his thoughts on this inaugural event: “This is a great message for our industry. Five states working together, world class educational speakers and a huge tradeshow bringing all the new tools, equipment and technology we need to face our future.” And Jared Nicholson, president of the Missouri Auto Body Association added, “It is an honor to represent Missouri for the inaugural Midwest

Tradeshow and Conference. Seeing five states come together for this show is a big step for our industry. It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we work together!” “This will be a high energy, relevant event focusing on the future of our industry. We are embracing the changes and bringing shop owners, managers and technicians the information and tools needed to be in charge of next steps. This is a must-attend event,” said Janet Chaney, co-coordinator of the Midwest Tradeshow. To register as an attendee, or to reserve exhibit space at the tradeshow, see the event’s website at www.midwesttradeshow.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact Chaney at 480-720-2565 or Gina Cotton at 402-304-2140. Hotel host hotel is the Sheraton Overland Park At The Convention Center. Arrangements can be made online at https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations or by phone at 913-234-2100. Mention “Midwest Collision Repair Tradeshow and Conference” to get the special tradeshow block rate. Source: Midwest Collision Repair Tradeshow and Conference

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1 Mile of Detroit’s Wireless EV Charging Road to Cost at Least $1.9 Million by Scott McClallen, The Center Square

The state of Michigan will spend $1.9 million to build a one-mile stretch of the nation’s first public wireless in-road charging system for electric vehicles (EV) in Detroit. The system is expected to be running in 2023.“As we aim to lead the future of mobility and electrification by boosting electric vehicle production and lowering consumer costs, a wireless in-road charging system is the next piece to the puzzle for sustainability,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “I am happy to see Michigan lead and keep building on these ground-breaking initiatives creating new business opportunities and high-tech jobs.” Israel-based Electreon will partner with NextEnergy and Jacobs Engineering Group to build a one-mile electric road system (ERS) to charge moving and parked EVs in a pilot program. Michigan Central, a Corktown-based mobility innovation district, will host the project with help from partners Ford Motor Co., DTE Energy and Detroit. Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will provide $1.9 million for the pilot project, with Electreon contributing the rest. A spokesper-

son didn’t directly respond to an inquiry by The Center Square how much money “the rest” was. MDOT Director of Communications Jeff Cranson hasn’t responded to multiple email and phone questions from The Center Square about the program, including whether the money for

A depiction of an electrified roadway that charges electric vehicles whether moving or parked. Credit: Courtesy of Electreon

the project came from the state or federal government or whether the money was fungible. Electric roadways could accelerate EV adoption by charging vehicles while moving or parked, but at a high cost to taxpayers—most of whom don’t drive EVs. Statewide, there are 5.8 million gas vehicles, 13,545 EVs and 105,651 hybrid vehicles registered. The $1.9 million spent to build one mile of EV road could have repaired

792 miles of road, assuming the money is fungible and the 2020 statewide average per lane, per mile road repair cost of $2,398. The cost of building out electrified roads would compound as Michigan boasts more than 122,000 miles of public roadway that would cost roughly $231 billion to electrify, assuming a cost of $1.9 million per mile. Jason Hayes, director of environmental policy at the free-market Mackinac Center for Public Policy, pointed to the state’s “dismal” history of dumping millions of dollars into tech companies. “Contrary to the ebullient fanfare that typically accompanies these announcements, our state has a dismal history when it comes to government trying to pick technology winners and losers,” Hayes wrote in an email. “Gov. Whitmer and her predecessors have spent millions of our tax dollars over the past several decades propping up the wind and solar industry, the battery industry and electric vehicles. Now they plan to spend even more promoting EV charging infrastructure. The real test of these technologies would come if they were allowed to compete without tax dollars pushing them forward.” One concern of the state spending millions

on EV road technology is uncertain ongoing repair costs, which are currently unclear. The project aims to calm “range anxiety”—one common EV drawback since batteries provide less range in cold weather and fewer “refueling” options than gas engines. “Michigan is aggressively rolling out various charging solutions and we need to continue to stay ahead of the technology curve,” State Transportation Director Paul C. Ajegba said in a statement. “A wireless in-road charging system will be revolutionary for electric vehicles, potentially extending their charge without having to stop.” Michigan offers nearly 600 miles of roadway equipped for connected vehicle testing and is exploring building a new 40-mile corridor project. Electreon Vice President Stefan Tongur welcomed the deal. “We’re excited to be transferring our success in wireless charging for a variety of electric fleets—from cars to buses and heavy-duty trucks—to this innovative project,” Tongur said in a statement. “There’s important work ahead with our partners in Detroit to develop scalable, ‘plug-free’ charging that will future-proof the city’s EV infrastructure.”

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Michigan Woman Sentenced for Auto Insurance Fraud Amelia Zea-Behnke, of Delta Township, MI, who pled guilty to auto insurance fraud, has been sentenced to pay restitution and fines of more than $15,000. Over the course of several months in 2016, Zea-Behnke submitted fraudulent automobile insurance claims seeking reimbursement for providing attendant care services to her son, who had previously been injured in an auto accident. A joint investigation by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Fraud Investigation Unit (FIU) and the Michigan Department of Attorney General proved Zea-Behnke did not provide those attendant care services during the claimed time period and was therefore not entitled to the payments she had received. Zea-Behnke was charged with four counts each of insurance fraud and false pretenses $1,000-$20,000. Zea-Behnke pled guilty to one count of false pretenses on Oct. 27, 2021. Her plea bargain included the payment of $15,498.75 in restitution to the defrauded insurance company and the dismissal of the other pend-

ing charges. On Jan. 12, Zea-Behnke was officially sentenced to pay that restitution as well as fines and costs by Judge Rosemarie Aquilina in 30th Circuit Court, bringing the case to a close.

Anita Fox. “Every Michigander can support DIFS in fighting this type of fraud, which leads to higher insurance premiums for all of us, by reporting suspected insurance fraud online at Michigan.gov/ReportFraud2DIFS or by calling DIFS at

“Our FIU works hard to protect Michiganders from insurance fraud and ensure that the system Ms. Zea-Behnke took advantage of can continue to protect auto accident survivors,” — Anita Fox “We appreciate that our partnership with DIFS led to securing this plea and that restitution has been paid in full,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “We will continue to work with them to ensure accountability against anyone who commits insurance fraud.” “Our FIU works hard to protect Michiganders from insurance fraud and ensure that the system Ms. Zea-Behnke took advantage of can continue to protect auto accident survivors,” said DIFS Director

877-999-6442 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “ The FIU investigates criminal and fraudulent activity related to the insurance and financial markets and works with the attorney general and other law enforcement to prosecute these crimes. Suspected insurance fraud can be reported to DIFS safely, easily and, in most cases, anonymously by calling 877-999-6442 or online by visiting DIFS’ website. Source: DIFS

Michigan Issues Order to Tekonsha Repair Facility The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) has issued a cease-and-desist order to an auto repair shop for failure to be registered as a repair facility under the Michigan Service and Repair Act. S&S Automotive, owned by Cody Lee Suhonen and located at 945 N. Main Street in Tekonsha, MI, has been found to be performing repairs with an expired facility registration. After an inspection by MDOS on Dec. 9, 2021, the owner was found to be performing motor vehicle maintenance, diagnosis and repair service on a motor vehicle with an expired repair facility registration. The registration has been expired since April 16, 2020, and the facility has failed to renew its registration. Consumers who have a complaint against S&S Automotive are encouraged to call the Office of Investigative Services automotive complaint line at 517-335-1410. Source: Michigan.gov

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Continues Expansion

GM to Invest $6.5B in EV and Battery Production Facilities in Michigan by Joey Klender, Teslarati

“Our engine of growth is fueled by amazing and ambitious people who all share the same values and commitment to our customers, who bring boundless energy and discipline, who feel like they’re part of something, who have chosen to care a little more than most, who learn and get a little better every day, and who have fun along the way,” Garcia said in a news release. “While there’s so much to look forward to and we’re just getting started, I’m incredibly proud of our team that has helped refine, simplify, and improve the car buying experience for a million people and counting across the U.S.,” he said.

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General Motors is set to invest $6.5 billion to develop two facilities in Michigan responsible for electric vehicle and EV battery production, said a new report from Detroit News. According to a meeting agenda and two sources, GM will pump a massive $6.5 billion investment into the two facilities. The two new plants will produce 4,000 new jobs in Michigan. On Jan. 25, GM is expected to announce the massive investment at an event in Lansing, MI. On Jan. 26, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her State of the State address and could shed additional details on Michigan automakers, such as GM and Ford, and how their transition to electrification is benefiting the workforce. GM has numerous plans for EV development facilities, including the Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center, an all-new facility that will significantly expand the company’s battery technology operations and accelerate the development and commercialization of longer-range, more affordable electric vehicle batteries.

Volkswagen Settles Lawsuit with Ohio Over Environmental Claims by J.D. Davidson, The Center Square

Volkswagen will pay the state of Ohio $3.5 million in a lawsuit settlement over claims the company violated state environmental laws by manipulating computer software in its cars to hide carbon dioxide emissions, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced. The settlement ends a lawsuit filed in 2016 by the attorney general’s office. It is separate from a lawsuit filed the same year by the attorney general’s office on behalf of consumers who claim they were misled by Volkswagen’s assertions of vehicle performance. The attorney general’s office and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will split the settlement money. “The damage to the environment and consumer trust required us to hold Volkswagen accountable and this settlement does that,” Yost said. “These funds will go toward protecting Ohio from other environmental hazards.” The lawsuit claimed that after the sale of the vehicles, Volkswagen would manipulate the vehicle’s

software when consumers would have them serviced or repaired at the dealership. This allowed the vehicle to be put into “test” mode, which suspended normal driving operations and reduced emissions only during testing. In normal driving mode, the vehicles emitted higher levels of carbon dioxide, Yost said. That suit claimed Volkswagen sold more than 570,000 vehicles in model years 2009 to 2015 in the U.S. equipped with the illegal software and its advertisements falsely represented to consumers the vehicles were environmentally friendly. “These dollars will be put directly toward fighting other environmental cases now and in the future that protect Ohio and its residents,” Yost said. The lawsuit included a Yost petition to the 10th District Court of Appeals to allow the lawsuit to move forward. Both the 10th District and the Ohio Supreme Court upheld that Ohio had legal grounds to sue. The U.S. Supreme Court refused in June to accept Volkswagen’s appeal so Ohio’s lawsuit could move forward.

12 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

GM also recently a $1.3 billion tax rebate on investments in the Orion Assembly Plant, where the Chevrolet Bolt EV is made. The total investment is expected to reach $4 billion, according to the report from Detroit News.

sembly Plant, which received the $1.3 billion tax rebate, will be the location of some of these new models’ production. It is also the production plant responsible for the Bolt EV’s production.

“GM appreciates the support it has received from the governor, the State Legislature, Orion Township, the City of Lansing and Delta Township related to two prospective projects that GM is considering in Orion Township and Lansing,” — Dan Flores “GM appreciates the support it has received from the governor, the State Legislature, Orion Township, the City of Lansing and Delta Township related to two prospective projects that GM is considering in Orion Township and Lansing,” said Dan Flores, GM spokesperson. “Until these projects receive final approval, we have no comment on potential announcement timing.” In terms of GM’s electrification efforts, the automaker has unveiled plans to roll out 30 new electric cars to the market by 2025. The Orion As-

However, GM’s overall EV program has struggled in recent months, especially with the production stoppage of the Bolt due to battery issues. The automaker did release a new EV under its GMC brand, the HUMMER EV, which started production Dec. 1. GM also recently unveiled the all-electric Silverado EV, an electric version of one of its popular pickups. GM will manufacture that at its Factory ZERO facility in Detroit, MI, which is inspired by the automaker’s goal of “zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.”

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Body Shop Professionals Seizing New Career Opportunities with SCA Claim Services SCA Claim Services has firmly staked its claim as a leader in the claim servicing industry. For more than 40 years, the company has expanded its nationwide capabilities, providing a broad menu of services to insurance companies, most notably adjusting and appraisal services in the auto, specialty, and property verticals. Now a well-known and highly respected name among insurance professionals everywhere, SCA has become a prime destination for people possessed with the entrepreneurial spirit and seeking new opportunities to apply their skills and expertise. That includes many auto body professionals.

Taking Ownership of Your Future Erik Clayton was once a body shop estimator. In 2009 however he made the career decision to become a contract auto damage appraiser for SCA. After just a few months, recognizing an even greater opportunity, he became an SCA franchise owner in Dallas County. Just six months later, he added North Dallas County too. “I saw the opportunity to make more money,” says Clayton. Another major draw was being his own boss. “You work for yourself and make your own schedule. You get out of the building and the monotony of it all. Every day in the field is different.” What makes the Franchise Ownership Program at SCA special is the company’s commitment to its franchisees’ success. “At SCA we say, ‘As a franchise owner, you are in business for yourself, but not by yourself,’” says Chief Operating Officer Jon Gironda. “SCA gives you all the tools you need to be successful,” agrees Clayton. “And they are always adding new clients.” SCA offers franchise owners not just initial training but ongoing partnership and support. That includes file reviews by its fully licensed, centralized Quality Control team, dedicated Customer Care teams, and technology to help provide industry-leading

accuracy and cycle time. For more details on becoming a SCA franchise owner, visit SCAClaims.com/franchise-opportunities/

Being Your Own Boss Franchise ownership isn’t for everyone with the itch to pursue a career change. Many auto body professionals have instead decided to put down their tools and pick up a phone or tablet to become a contract auto appraiser. Skills acquired in the shop easily translate into insurance auto damage appraisal, and when it comes to the necessary education and certification, SCA offers guidance and support. In select markets, SCA will even pay a signing bonus to contract auto damage appraisers. Contract auto damage appraisers can set their own hours and decide how much they want to work, and therefore how much they can earn. The workforce in the auto claims industry is aging out of the business, creating a need to infuse it with fresh blood. Auto body professionals eager to be their own boss and chart their own course are recognizing this and the opportunity SCA provides. Ambitious appraisers can pursue additional training in specialty or housing claims to truly stretch their earning potential or, like Clayton, purchase their own SCA franchise. Additional details about becoming an auto appraiser for SCA can be found at SCAClaims.com/appraiser-opportunities/

autobodynews.com / MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 13

14 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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40th State military members, veterans, first responders, children facing food insecurity and more. Caliber invests significantly in its teammates with ongoing skills training and leadership development resources. There is Caliber’s proprietary training series focused on personal growth, industry-leading training such as I-CAR and ASE certifications, a safe work environment, state-of-the-art equipment and career path opportunities. Additionally, Caliber provides a robust, comprehensive benefits package with health care benefits, paid time off, a company-sponsored 401(k), free mental and financial wellness programs and more. Caliber is always seeking qualified technician, service advisor and assistant candidates to join the exciting growth at Caliber Collision, Caliber Auto Glass and Caliber Auto Care centers. To learn more about open positions and to apply, visit jobsatcaliber.com. Source: Caliber

Missouri Man Indicted for Conspiracy to Sell Stolen Catalytic Converters An Independence, MO, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for selling millions of dollars in stolen catalytic converters to companies in Missouri, Texas and Louisiana. James Spick, 56, was charged in a 26-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Feb. 8. The indictment was unsealed and made public Feb. 10 upon Spick’s arrest and initial court appearance. Spick, the owner of J&J Recycling in Independence, is charged with one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines since Jan. 1, 2018, and 25 counts of transporting stolen property across state lines. In his salvage business, Spick primarily buys and resells catalytic converters rather than other automotive parts or recyclable items. Catalytic converters convert toxic gases and pollutants from internal combustion engines into less-toxic pollutants. Catalytic converters contain precious metals such as platinum, rhodium and palladium. Stolen catalytic

converters have value because of the precious metals, which can be extracted from the converters. Beginning in at least 2014, Spick bought catalytic converters at his business from individuals he paid in cash. The cash payments attracted thieves, the indictment said, particularly drug addicts.

Spick resold the catalytic converters to companies in Missouri, Texas and Louisiana. The Texas and Louisiana companies processed the catalytic converters to extract the precious metals. Over a four-year period from Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2021, the indictment said, Spick received more than $11 million from the sale of catalytic converters. According to the indictment,

Spick withdrew almost $2.5 million in cash from his bank accounts to buy catalytic converters from 2018 to 2021. From Jan. 1, 2018, through Dec. 31, 2021, Spick allegedly sold catalytic converters, including stolen catalytic converters, to a Kansas City, MO, scrap company for an approximate total of $3,621,791, and to a Lee’s Summit, MO, scrap company for an approximate total of $206,084. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by assistant U.S. attorneys Kate Mahoney and Nicholas Heberle. It was investigated by the Lee’s Summit Police Department, the Kansas City Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Missouri

Nationwide Supports Ohio Collision Repair School Through CREF Nationwide partnered with the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) to fund a $5,000 Benchmark Grant, designed to help underfunded collision education programs elevate the caliber of training offered to ensure graduates are prepared to successfully begin their careers in the industry. “Nationwide continues to be honored with the opportunity to support the development of tomorrow’s repair professionals,” said Scott Dunfee, Nationwide’s associate vice president of personal lines technical claims. “Considering the rapid advancement of vehicle technology and the current labor shortage, the availability of highly trained technicians has never been more important than today.” Nationwide awarded its $5,000 Benchmark Grant to Fort Hayes Career Center in Columbus, OH. The Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants recognize schools that excel at

educating students in collision repair, but due to strained school budgets, the programs require additional financial assistance. Recipient schools use these funds to provide the tools, equipment and supplies necessary to enhance their students’ learning experience and elevate the caliber of their graduates, ensuring that graduates are prepared to successfully enter the workforce upon graduation. Applications for the 2022 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants will be available online in January. Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting CREF’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs should contact Brandon Eckenrode, managing director, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org. Monetary donations can be made online. Source: CREF

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Ford, Google, Join New Michigan Central Innovation Announcement Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Feb. 4 joined Ford Motor Co. Executive Chairman Bill Ford, Google Senior Vice President and CFO Ruth Porat and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan to announce a new partnership to activate the Michigan Central Innovation District in an effort to attract and retain highly skilled talent and highgrowth companies while supporting the development of neighboring neighborhoods. This new district, anchored by the iconic Michigan Central Train Station, will serve as a globally recognized hub for talent, mobility innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, affordable housing, small business opportunities and community engagement.“Ford is an American icon that has left its mark on Michigan—and the world—for over 100 years, and we are proud to partner with Ford and other founding members at Michigan Central to shape the next century of transportation solutions while reducing emissions and accelerating electrification,” said Whitmer. “By embracing a whole-of-government approach in our collaboration with Michigan Central and the city of Detroit, we are writing the playbook for a new kind of partnership that keeps Michigan at the forefront of mobility for generations to come. Together, we can continue growing Michigan’s economy, putting Michiganders first, and win the next century of auto manufacturing and technology development.” As part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ford, the State of Michigan and the City of Detroit, the state plans to align more than $126 million in new and existing investments, programming and resources to support the goals of the district. This pledge involves the cross-departmental collaboration between the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). The City of Detroit and its administration will provide resources for

a new real-world testing site within the district, called the “transportation innovation zone.” This site will make it possible for mobility-focused companies to fast-track the safe piloting and deployment of new transportation solutions. Since 2018, Ford has invested $740 million in the 30-acre campus in Corktown that is expected to hold 5,000 workers, with at least 2,500 of those jobs being non-Ford employees. “Only a few short years ago, I announced Ford’s investment in Detroit because I believed in a vision that reimagined the iconic Michigan Central train station and surrounding area as a place of possibility again,” said Ford. “Today’s announcements reflect our commitment to that vision, attracting the best and the brightest to come together to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges. The arrival of Google as a founding partner is exactly the kind of investment and progress I knew was possible to revitalize our hometown. And I could not be more pleased that the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan are also joining us in this ambitious effort. I know it is only the beginning of what we can achieve together.” Under the MOU, the partnership will focus on four key pillars: Economic Development: The state of Michigan, coordinated by the OFME, will support the launch and growth of programs in the district that create conditions for high-skill job creation, startup company growth, risk capital, technology commercialization and other economic opportunities. Workforce Development: LEO will provide world-class training, post-secondary adult education and career readiness resources in the district, including a potential physical space to host apprentice programs, employer-led collaboratives, the Going Pro Talent Fund and more, to prepare local workers for high-tech jobs in mobility and other emerging fields. Community Development: MSHDA will promote housing and community development and civic engagement in a way that ties industry growth and innovation with neighborhood vitality and inclusiveness both in and around the Innovation District. MDOT will also assist in making roadways near the district more accessible and usable

18 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

by all modes of transportation. Transportation Innovation Zone: The Michigan Central Innovation District will be designated as an Innovation Zone by the city of Detroit for the development, pilot, and deployment of mobility technologies and solutions in real-world environments to support surrounding neighborhoods. “Just a few years ago, this train station was our city’s international symbol of abandonment,” said Duggan. “Now, it’s the symbol of our city’s resurgence and soon will anchor this new innovation district, developed by Ford, where innovators from around the world will create the future of mobility. For more than a century, Detroit has been the leader in automotive innovation and today marks a major step forward in keeping Detroit at the forefront of mobility innovation for the next century.” Google will also be joining Ford as a founding member of the Innovation District, where it will leverage the assets of the district to collaborate on new products and services that will define the future of mobility. As

founding members, Google and Ford will also help mentor entrepreneurs and local businesses, as well as develop the workforce in Detroit. “We’re proud to join Ford as a founding member at Michigan Central,” said Porat. “This partnership will expand our work in Michigan and help a substantial number of people gain the skills and tools they need to succeed. By offering digital skills training, mentoring to high schoolers learning to code, and Google Cloud technology for Michigan Central projects and research on the future of mobility, we look forward to contributing to Michigan Central’s mission and all it will accomplish.” The announcement builds on years of investment from Ford within southeast Michigan, cementing its commitment to testing, developing and deploying future mobility solutions from the state. Ford has remained committed to electrifying the future of mobility in Michigan, having announced Ford Ion Park, its new global battery center of excellence, in See Michigan Central Innovation, Page 21

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Axalta Commits to Sustainability Goals Axalta, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, announced its commitment to an absolute reduction of 50% of certain greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, on its way to becoming carbon neutral in its operations by 2040— one decade ahead of the deadline set by the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. In addition, the company has made 10 new sustainability commitments for 2030. Key among these is the commitment to produce sustainability benefits from 80% of Axalta’s new product developments.To set these goals, Axalta conducted a comprehensive environmental, social and governance (ESG) materiality assessment with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, investors, board members, community and local government leaders, and company executives. Axalta also worked to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in developing its ESG framework. Source: Axalta

Driven Brands Holdings Inc. Reports Big Revenue Gains in 4Q, Full Year 2021 Driven Brands Holdings Inc. on Feb. 16 reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Dec. 25, 2021. For the fourth quarter, revenue was $391.9 million, an increase of 36% versus the prior year. System-wide sales were $1.2 billion, an increase of 26% versus the prior year, with 6% net store growth and an increase in consolidated samestore sales of 16.4%. The $0.23 loss per diluted share in the fourth quarter was driven by a $56 million one-time transaction expense associated with the acquisition of Auto Glass Now, which closed Dec. 30, 2021. Adjusted earnings per diluted share was $0.18 for the fourth quarter. For fiscal year 2021, revenue was $1.5 billion, an increase of 62% versus the prior year. System-wide sales were $4.5 billion, an increase of 35% versus the prior year, with 6% net store growth and an increase in consolidated samestore sales of 17.1%. Earnings per diluted share was $0.06 for the fiscal year. Adjusted earnings per diluted

20 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

share was $0.88 for the fiscal year. “Our results are a testament to the strength and diversity of the Driven Brands portfolio and the hard work the team has demonstrated throughout 2021,” said Jonathan Fitzpatrick, president and CEO. “Our employees and fran-

Fourth Quarter Highlights Revenue increased 36% versus the prior year, driven by same-store sales growth and net store growth. Consolidated same-store sales increased 16.4% for the quarter and all segments posted positive same-store sales.

“Our results are a testament to the strength and diversity of the Driven Brands portfolio and the hard work the team has demonstrated throughout 2021,” — Jonathan Fitzpatrick chisees continued to adapt to an ever-changing landscape, exceeding our expectations and delivering industry-leading results. “We are pleased to release our fiscal 2022 guidance of approximately $465 million of Adjusted EBITDA. With our scale, the significant whitespace in this fragmented and needs-based industry, and our robust cash generation, we are well positioned to maximize long-term value for all of our stakeholders.”

The company added 102 net new stores during the quarter. The company recorded a net loss in the fourth quarter of $38.8 million, driven by a $56 million onetime transaction expense associated with the acquisition of AGN. Adjusted Net Income was $31.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $85 million. Source: Driven Brands

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Michigan Central Innovation Romulus, as well as its plans to invest $250 million and create 450 more jobs across three of its Michigan facilities over the past year alone. The Michigan Central Innovation District is also a key partner in a new study with MDOT, OFME, Michigan Aeronautics Commission, the Province of Ontario and others to explore the feasibility of creating commercial drone testing corridors. And the district recently partnered with Electreon, Next Energy and Jacobs Engineering Group to win MDOT and OFME’s request for proposal to make Michigan the first state in the U.S. to implement a public wireless EV charging system. The

project will include dynamic and stationary wireless EV charging along a one-mile corridor, which will be hosted by and live within the district. “I, like many, had relatives that first entered Michigan through Detroit and Michigan Central Train Station. They were looking for a better life and a more inclusive community. By activating Michigan Central Innovation District, we are honoring the inspiring history of this place, which so many Michiganders share,” said Trevor Pawl, chief mobility officer for the State of Michigan. “And by investing in new mobility solutions and entrepreneurial resources within this district, we are creating a global platform that can drive high-tech job creation and community empowerment.” Source: MEDC

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ASE Education Foundation Partners with Industry Leaders to Provide Innovative Programs By partnering with leading industry organizations, the ASE Education Foundation continues to provide innovative programs that help increase the number and diversity of service professionals entering the industry. “We want to thank all of our industry partners who step up year in and year out to provide much appreciated support for the ASE Education Foundation,” said Mike Coley, president, ASE Education Foundation. “Our partners are the backbone of the foundation and continue to provide us with their expertise and needed resources to implement our programs. They will be instrumental as we expand our new Adopt-A-School program, implement new registered apprenticeships and increase diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the coming year.” New partners ALLDATA, Auto Care Alliance, Automotive Lift Institute, Collision Repair Education Foundation, Goodheart Willcox, Hertz, ExxonMobil, Noregon and Permatex will join the following list of returning partners who support

the ASE Education Foundation: ACDelco, Acura, ASA, ATech Training, Audi, BMW, Bridgestone, CarMax, CARQUEST, CCAR, CDK Global, CDX, Cengage, Electude, Federated/ Pronto, FedEx, Ford, Garage Gurus, Gates, General Motors, HDA Truck Pride, Honda, Isuzu Truck, Lexus, Mack Truck, Mercedes-Benz, Motor Age, NADA, NAPA, Navistar, Nissan, NTB, PepsiCo, Porsche, Ryder, S/P2, SkillsUSA, Snap-on, Stellantis, Subaru, TA Petro, TechForce Foundation, Tire Kingdom, Toyota, UPS, Volvo Truck, Volkswagen and WD-40. “We are proud to join forces with these fine organizations and leverage their vast experience in order to recruit, nurture and inspire the next generation of service professionals,” said Coley. To learn more about supporting the ASE Education Foundation and its mission to improve the quality of automobile, collision repair/refinish and medium/heavy truck training programs, visit www.ASEeducation Foundation.org/partners. Source: ASE

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Acquisitions in 2021 and opening new shops. Responding to the constant demands of its insurance “partners” for performance across multiple markets, Caliber now operates in more than 40 states and in 80 of the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the U.S. Gerber/Boyd Group really stepped up to the plate with two significant transactions: the acquisition of Oklahoma-based Collision Works and South Carolina-based John Harris Body Shop for a total of 51 shops out of the 97 additional shops they acquired or developed in the U.S. during the year. Gerber also acquired a large, four-shop MSO in Wisconsin and a plethora of single shops and smaller MSOs, ending the year with an estimated 684 shops in the U.S. Service King continued to shrink its footprint but only modestly, ending the year with seven fewer shops for a total of 336. While much has been written and speculated about Service King’s financial situation, they celebrated the new year by opening a brownfield in Illinois. 2022 should bring more clarity to their situation. The new kids on the block grew into robust adults. The next two largest consolidators accelerated

Continued from Cover

EV Chargers keep up with the rapidly increasing number of EVs in the U.S. Projections say by 2030, the country will have 30 million EVs on its roads, which, according to the source, would require the construction of 478 charger stalls per day for eight years in order to meet the need. The Biden administration is aiming for 500,000 stations by decade’s end. The study also notes which states are best when it comes to the ratio of charging stalls to EVs. North Dakota, Wyoming and West Virginia are the three states where you are most likely to find an empty charging stall, while the worst are New Jersey, Hawaii and Arizona. In the last three there is a higher chance you may find all local

their acquisitions at an incredible pace. Chicago-based Crash Champions grew by more than 300% during the year to a total of 175 shops after beginning the year at 53. Crash’s appetite included the 24-shop Signature Collision MSO based out of Annapolis, MD, but covering multiple markets in the east and southeast. They acquired MSOs from the Pacific Northwest to Florida and many places in between from Montana to Nebraska, New Mexico and Ohio, acquiring dozens of single shops and MSOs. Equaling Crash’s dramatic expansion was Classic Collision, which grew to 174 shops from a base of 54 at the year’s inception. Classic entered Texas with a blockbuster transaction, acquiring 45 shops that previously operated under the Procare and Austin Motor MileEllis & Salazar brands. Procare was owned by private equity firm Kinderhook, which had been invested in the company for approximately five years. The rest of the Classic story included some large MSOs, such as Central Collision with 13 shops in Oregon, Platinum Collision Center’s eight shops in Southern California, and Fender Mender’s eight shops in South Carolina. Classic also entered Alaska in dominant fashion by acquiring two MSOs, Able Body Shop and Fix Auto Alaska, for a total of public chargers are taken and you may have to wait or find a way to charge the EV at home. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal ratio of EVs to charging stations is 40 Level 2 charging ports and 3.4 DC fast chargers (DCFC) per 1,000 EVs. A DCFC charger usually has three ports. Currently, there are 41 Level 2 charging ports and 5.7 DCFC charging ports per 1,000 EVs, respectively, or about 21 EVs for every charging port. There are 2,514 internal combustion engine (ICE) cars per gas station. EVs are currently at a disadvantage compared to ICE vehicles when it comes to their average range—259 miles versus 360 miles. And the time it takes to charge an EV is longer than simply filling up a gas tank, so vehicles will be occupying more of the available charging stalls for longer.

22 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

its size to a total of 19 shops in California, Arizona and Colorado. Franchisors and Affiliate Groups continued their expansion. Premier franchisor Driven Brands grew both its franchise footprint with CARSTAR, Fix Auto, Maaco and ABRA as well as its corporate portfolio. By acquiring another 10 shops in the Pacific Northwest, Driven now operates a total of 18 corporate CARSTAR and Fix Auto locations. Even after the sale of a number of CARSTAR MSOs and single shops, the total number of franchisees continues to expand. Final numbers for 2021 are not yet available. Affiliate networks Certified Collision Group and 1Collision continued to expand, with CCG claiming more than 707 affiliates by year end and 1Collision claiming 50 locations in the U.S. Fix Network World acquired ProColor, a 172-unit franchise in Canada. It began signing its first franchises in the U.S. in February and by year-end claimed a total of nine locations.

nine shops in the state. With more than 300% growth in 12 months and backed by $15 billion private equity firm, New Mountain Capital, Classic is also on its way to becoming a billion-dollar company. Joe Hudson’s three years into its ownership under new sponsor, TSG Consumer, grew by 23 shops, which seems modest compared to Crash and Classic but still increased store count by 20%. Up and comers went on an acquisition spree as well. Seemingly from out of nowhere, private equity-backed Collision Right, formed in 2020, added 39 shops to its base of 19. So far, Collision Right’s model has retained the local branding of its acquisitions rather than rebranding as most of its competitors do. Another up and comer has a similar branding strategy: Quality Collision Centers added 10 locations during the year including B&S Hacienda Auto Body, a large sixshop MSO in Northern California. Kaizen Collision, a new private equity-backed MSO based in Southern California, more than doubled

Source: Focus Advisors

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EV Sector Growth Driving up Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel Prices by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati

The electric vehicle revolution is fully underway. Led by successful vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, EV sales are taking off. The momentum of EVs as a whole may hit some challenges soon, however, partly due to the rising prices of raw materials critical to the production of batteries. The prices of lithium-ion batteries have seen a 90% decline to just about $130 per kWh. That’s very close to the widely targeted $100 per kWh level, estimated to be the point where EVs could become fully competitive with ICE cars in terms of cost. Expectations were high the battery industry would hit $100 per kWh in 2024, but recent trends in the market suggest this may not necessarily be the case. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a company that tracks the worldwide battery supply chain, noted lower costs helped boost EV sales by 112% in 2021 to more than 6.3 million units globally from the previous year. And sales are only poised to increase.

EV leader Tesla, which sold nearly 1 million pure electric cars on its own in 2021, is looking to grow its deliveries by 50% this year, and estimates among TSLA bulls suggest the company’s growth might be even more impressive. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence said battery-grade cobalt prices are up 119% from Jan. 1, 2020, through mid-January 2022. Nickel sulfate prices saw a 55% rise in price, and lithium carbonate saw a whopping 569% increase. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence Chief Data Officer Caspar Rawles, in a statement to The Wall Street Journal, said some battery cell makers that typically offered long-term fixed-price contracts have ended up shifting to a variable price model instead. This allowed them to pass on some of the costs of rising material prices to consumers. Battery materials may remain in short supply for some time. China, which dominates the battery supply chain, is also aggressively increasing its electric vehicle production. And considering it generally takes about seven to 10 years

to deploy a new mine, a lot of key battery components may end up being supply-constrained in the coming years.

The rising prices of battery raw materials do not mean the EV revolution would likely be slowed down, however. The battery recycling industry is now gaining some momentum, with companies like Redwood Materials—led by Tesla co-founder and former CTO JB Straubel—already preparing to sell recycled battery components to Panasonic for the production of battery cells at Tesla’s Gigafactory Nevada later this year. This helps foster a closed-loop system since Redwood also receives Panasonic’s battery scrap from Tesla’s Nevada facility.

Other initiatives that may help the auto sector weather the rising costs of battery materials involve a focus on batteries that use less expensive, more abundant components. Tesla China is among the companies at the forefront of this movement, with Giga Shanghai using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for the Model 3 and Model Y. LFP batteries use iron in their cathodes instead of nickel and cobalt, making them less controversial and far more affordable. And while LFP batteries typically result in vehicles with shorter range than cars equipped with nickel-based cells, tests from veteran electric vehicle owners in countries such as Norway are starting to reveal iron-based cells are nothing to scoff at. Longtime EV advocate Bjorn Nyland, for example, recently conducted one of his 1,000-km tests in a base Model 3 equipped with an LFP battery produced in Gigafactory Shanghai. The vehicle performed amazingly despite the cold conditions and its relatively small 60 kWh battery pack.

Axalta’s Radar Transmission Simulator Receives 2022 BIG Innovation Award Axalta, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, announced its Radar Transmission Simulator (ARTS) with Color Palette Optimizer for Autonomous Vehicles was named a winner in the 2022 BIG Innovation Awards presented by the Business Intelligence Group (BIG). The annual business awards program recognizes organizations, products and people that bring new ideas to life in innovative ways. “We are proud to receive a 2022 BIG Innovation Award for our ARTS technology,” said Robert Roop, Axalta’s chief technology officer. “The award affirms Axalta’s ongoing commitment to innovation and to developing advanced technologies that better serve our customers.” ARTS with Color Palette Optimizer for Autonomous Vehicles is a patented technology breakthrough that uses Axalta’s color-modeling expertise to optimize coating formulations that maximize the color palette and match an existing color, while ensuring

compatibility with radar sensors. Radar is an enabling technology used in advanced driver assistance system (ADAS)-equipped vehicles. Precision color matching and coatings formulation allows for radar-compatible coatings without compromising aesthetics. “Innovation is driving growth in the global economy,” said Maria Jimenez, chief operating officer of the Business Intelligence Group. “We are thrilled to be honoring Axalta as they are one of the organizations leading this charge and helping humanity progress.” Organizations from across the globe submitted their recent innovations for consideration in the BIG Innovation Awards. Nominations were then judged by a select group of business leaders and executives who volunteer their time and expertise to score submissions. Source: Axalta

www.autobodynews.com

24 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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From the Desk of Mike Anderson with Mike Anderson

Mike Anderson is the president and owner of Collision Advice, a consulting company for the auto body/collision repair industry. For nearly 25 years, he was the owner of Wagonwork Collision Center, an OEM-certified, full-service auto body repair facility in Alexandria, VA.

Resources to Combat Collision Parts Supply Chain Challenges I can’t speak with auto body shop owners, managers or estimators for long these days without the subject of parts supply challenges being raised. The fact there’s a lot of parts backorders is just the reality we’re living with, and I can’t offer you any magic wand to change that. What I can do, however, is point you toward some parts-related resources out there I think many people in the industry may not be using. Let me start by saying long before any of our current challenges arose, I firmly believe every shop should be using some type of electronic parts ordering solution. When incorporated into good parts processes within your shop, these systems will improve the speed, accuracy and completeness of your parts ordering. Many will help identify

availability of the parts you need. But I also recognize even with these systems, you may still come up short identifying or locating the parts you need. So here are some

You enter the vehicle information, the part number or numbers, and your ZIP code. Up pops a list of the dealers around the country who have that part in stock, showing you the number they have and when that inventory was last updated. Another great website is www.partseye.net. When you enter that web address, it takes you to SmartCo, whose “smart inventory program” is called PartsEye. Click on the “Parts Locator” tab at the top of the The “free forms, links and tools” section of the Collision page, and you’ll be able to Advice website includes a list of parts-related websites search the country for parts separated by automaker for Kia, Mazda, Subaru and additional resources you may not be several other lines of vehicles. familiar with in regard to locating Want to find more websites parts. like these? Go to my company’s One great website is www. website (www.collisionadvice.com) partsvoice.com. It’s a free resource. and click on the link to “free forms,

links and tools.” Click on the “links” section, and scroll down to “parts.” In the OEM section, for example, you’ll find a long list of parts-related websites separated by automaker. We’ve tried to catalog all the websites we can find that can be used either to search for parts for a specific OEM, or to allow you to view detailed parts diagrams. One of the first ones on the list, for example, is www.partslink24. com. It requires a paid subscription— on a daily, monthly or yearly basis— but enables you to see the exact same part diagrams the dealers have access to for any model of Audi, Porsche or Volkswagen. That can really help you identify needed parts when you’re writing an estimate. As an aside, sites like these are why I’m a big proponent of using dual monitors when writing repair plans. You can have the estimating

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system on one screen, while looking at parts diagrams on the other. The list of parts related sites includes www.fordparts.com, www. estore.honda.com, www.mazdausa.com, www.volvopartswebstore. com and many others—just a lot of resources I believe most people are not familiar with. As I’ve said, these sites may not resolve all of your parts challenges. But they can be another tool in your toolbox. Have you found other websites helpful in identifying and locating needed parts? Go to collisionadvice. com/contact and let me know. We’ll check it out to see if we should add it to our list. And hang in there. It sounds like parts supply chain issues won’t be fully resolved soon. But things should start to get better this year.

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Labor Rate, Tech Shortage, ADAS Panels Highlight Updated Educational Slate at NORTHEAST 2022 The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) is excited to share its updated slate of educational programming for its flagship event, the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show, which will return live March 18-20 to the Meadowlands Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus, NJ. AASP/NJ is proud to announce the inclusion of several exclusive panel discussions, beginning with “The Continuing Tech Shortage: How Do We Fix It?”, which will be moderated by Michael Bonsanto of Passaic County Technical Institute and I-CAR and will include a number of subject matter experts: Brandon Eckenrode of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, Keith Egan of Betag North America, Josh Laurent of Automotive Business Management, Bart Mazurek of CCC Intelligent Solutions and Greg Settle of Techforce. A panel discussion on “Mastering the Appraisal Clause” provides NORTHEAST attendees with insights into this complex topic, shared by AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant, Robert McDorman of Auto Claim

Specialists, Barrett Smith of Auto Damage Experts, Inc. and John Walczuk of ZB Negotiations. This conversation, as well as the following two panels, will be moderated by industry veteran journalist Joel Gausten. “Labor Rate 2022 and Beyond: How to Get What You’re Worth” will feature panelists AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee, Lucky Papageorg of AASP/MA, Burl Richards of ABAT, Smith, and Sam and Richard Valenzuela of National AutoBody Research. Anyone curious about “The Future of ADAS” won’t want to miss the opportunity to listen to Nick Barbera of ADAS Diagnostics/Union Collision, George Lesniak of Autel, Eric Newell of AirPro Diagnostics and Frank Terlep of Auto Techcelerators, LLC, dive into the nuances of this complex, ever-changing topic. Timothy Morgan of Spanesi Americas, Inc. joins forces with BASF’s John Shoemaker to present “Beyond Blueprinting to Guiding the Repair Process.” Later on, Morgan will partner with Chuck Olsen of AirPro Diagnostics to educate attendees on how they can “Get it Straight to Calibrate.”

Gerry Bonanni of Ford Motor Company will discuss “Accessing Ford Repair Information, Collision Sectioning Procedures for Aluminum,” while Lee Rush of Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes will offer advice on “Managing the Customer’s Experience.” New Jersey shops also have the opportunity to qualify for their auto body license renewal certificate by attending “OEM Certification Success: Dos and Don’ts,” taught by Dave Gruskos of Reliable Automotive Equipment. “None of us know it all, but NORTHEAST gives attendees a great chance to learn something new that they can immediately implement to improve their businesses,” McNee said. “All classes are designed to educate attendees and give back to the industry. If you attend one class that helps your shop generate additional income or improve your business practices, it’s a win-win! We’re excited to see everyone at NORTHEAST in March!” To register and to keep up with the latest information and announcements related to NORTHEAST 2022, visit aaspnjnortheast.com. Source: AASP/NJ

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Techs of the Future with Stacey Phillips

Stacey Phillips is an award-winning writer for the automotive industry based in Southern California. She has more than 25 years of experience as an editor and writer and has assisted a wide range of businesses and fields. In addition, Stacey has co-authored two books. She can be reached at stacey@radiantwriting.com.

Matrix Trade Institute’s Efficiency Bootcamps Help Collision Repair Industry Grow and Retain Employees Many say one of the most alarming issues in the collision industry right now and in the foreseeable future is the desperate need for technicians. The industry is losing techs to retirement, and competition for tradespeople is at an all-time high. While the need to recruit thousands of techs into the industry isn’t going away anytime soon, the need for a disruptive retention model is even more important, according to Dustin Peugeot, CEO of the Matrix Trade Institute (MTI) located in Beachwood, OH. “We need thousands and thousands of them over the next 10 years, but the current model shows that over two-thirds of people who

MTI instructor Jim Schnitz teaches proper mapping in MTI’s Blueprint/Technical Estimating Bootcamp. Participants included Kelly Henry from Classic/DCR Systems, Christopher Lutz from Rutherford Autobody and Mitchell Rife from CollisionRight’s Rife’s Autobody (with pen)

graduate from a post-secondary school defect from the industry in less than a year,” said Peugeot. “If the industry can’t find better ways to retain and grow technicians, then worrying about recruiting them is wasted energy.” Peugeot said retention is where MTI is making a difference by offering four-day, 30-hour, 80% handson Efficiency Bootcamps to employers so they can provide employees with specific skills and efficiencies to accelerate their growth. “MTI’s Efficiency Bootcamps

are a core part of our program and what makes us truly unique from any other school,” said Peugeot. “This business-to-business offering was designed to help shops upskill and retain employees efficiently and cost effectively.” Employers provide their technicians with MTI’s self-assessment, which allows workers to feel valued and play a role in their own career development. “When the technician’s goals and desire for growth meets the shop’s need to increase capacity and retain valuable employees, then MTI is the connection point,” he said. “Matrix bootcamps provide an experience that shops can’t offer in addition to a return on investment (ROI) that pays short- and long-term dividends.” Over the years, Peugeot has found more and more shops are recognizing retention must be prioritized over recruiting to ensure the next generation stays in the industry and with the companies who hire them. “This industry doesn’t just have a recruiting problem; it has a retention problem,” said Peugeot. “Retention is different today than it used to be… you have to have a better offering with a better path and execution, and it has to be fulfilling and meaningful for employees. There’s too much competition to be able to afford not getting it right.” With people defecting from the industry for jobs with companies like Amazon or Walmart that promise career paths filled with attractive promises and benefits, or competing trades that are paying more and more for services every day, Peugeot said the industry is missing a vital connection point between the skills needed to succeed and the industry’s ability to provide ongoing career development that allows new hires to see the vision and grow as fast as they’d like to. “Employees need real, tangible career education so they can learn and earn simultaneously and have

32 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

confidence that it’s going to connect to real development,” he said. “I think that’s what the traditional model is missing right now and that’s what we offer.” To help address the growing concern of recruiting, developing and retaining the next generation of technicians, Peugeot established MTI in 2019 with Rick Blum, COO. When the institute first opened, its primary focus was to offer automotive efficiency training for auto technicians and mechanics. Peugeot and Blum soon recognized the vital need for collision technicians and expanded the program to include a collision repair technical efficiency program. The training encompasses a 20week, employer-centric, 80% handson repetition-based curriculum with an eight-to-one teacher-student ratio. The goal is to prepare gradu-

ates to work in dealerships, collision centers and franchised and/or independent repair facilities. Students attend class in the mornings throughout the week and are encouraged to intern with a repair facility in the afternoons. This allows them to apply the hands-on training they learn at school. With tradespeople in such high demand, MTI aims to provide jobready automotive and collision technicians who don’t necessarily have industry experience. Peugeot said MTI differs from the traditional model where students attend a couple of years of school and receive a broad certification. Instead, the institute teaches skills that provide students with a good foundation. This includes hands-on repetitions and relevant skills so they can be productive, confident and efficient. “We try to make sure that we

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are preparing them mentally for how they can contribute,” Peugeot noted. “We are giving them a dose of what life is like in a shop as they grow their skillset.” Peugeot and Blum both have 25 years of experience in the industry. While Peugeot’s career has focused on dealer operations and collision centers, Blum is a master technician who successfully transitioned into a service director before embarking on the Matrix journey. “We are industry people who went about creating a new type of school, not education people who added automotive and collision programs,” said Peugeot. “We think there is a large differentiator there.” Since the program started, more than 250 students have graduated from MTI. That number is expected to increase substantially since adding the collision focus. Future plans include adding ASE and federal accreditation in 2022 and then expanding to other locations across the country. Three of the initial supporters of the automotive program, Conrad’s Tire Express & Total Car Care, Penske Automotive Cleveland and Serpentini Chevrolet, have become foundation level sponsors of MTI’s auto program. “These are some of the early adopters who recognized that this is a different model focused on real efficiency and the skills employers are looking for,” said Peugeot. After adding collision repair training to the program, Peugeot said MTI connected with DCR Systems, located 15 minutes away in Mentor, OH, almost instantly. “DCR was quick to identify itself as a company that recognizes that their future was all about their ability to train their own,” he said. The company became MTI’s first corporate sponsor of collision repair. “Forward-thinking companies like DCR challenge the norm and help keep Matrix at the forefront of what’s new and meaningful in this constantly evolving industry,” said Peugeot. “The alignment of DCR’s lean philosophy and the way Matrix teaches skill-specific hands-on efficiency makes for a natural alignment between the two companies.” Michael Giarrizzo, president and CEO of DCR Systems, said

MTI is a forward-thinking school that isn’t focused on teaching students to repair vehicles the old and traditional way. “They are teaching students the baseline skills needed in a repeatable, process-centered environment,” said Giarrizzo. “We’re proud to partner with an organization that is looking for our feedback to grow the technicians of tomorrow.” Since sponsoring MTI, DCR Systems has offered input on the school’s curriculum, provided information about its repair processes and supplied tooling. Giarrizzo and Dave Martin, director of operations at DCR Systems, regularly visit MTI to talk to students about the industry and invite technicians to tour DCR. In addition, several MTI students have been hired by DCR and attend boot camps to continue career development. “Schools like Matrix are looking at technology and the industry as it is today and trying to prepare them for the increasing challenges of the industry,” said Cheryl Boswell, CFO and managing partner at DCR Systems. “The industry has changed so much that it’s important to find those tech schools where they are grooming the students for today’s world.” Adrian, an operations support technician from DCR Systems, attended an MTI Blueprint/Technical writing boot camp focused on becoming an effective blueprinter. “I’m learning to be as accurate as I can be, make the process work and slow down to achieve first time quality—a savings for everyone,” he said. “The DCR Systems family cares for me. They want me to improve and build a career and I want to improve for the company.” Rife’s Autobody, a three-shop MSO in Ohio now owned by CollisionRight, has had success with the MTI Collision Bootcamps for its employees. Don Rife, former owner and current operator of the business, learned about MTI about a year ago and sent Tyler, a metal tech apprentice with no prior industry knowledge, to one of the boot camps. “The experience seemed to work out really well and we have other technicians that we are planning to send in the future,” said Rife. After attending a blueprinting

34 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Efficiency Bootcamp at MTI, Tyler said he learned how to be more accurate in his job. “MTI made the environment so it’s not stressful,” he said. “It’s going to help everyone in the shop; not just me, but our estimators, the parts department and the people I work with, making things quicker, faster and more efficient.” Rife has initiated internal training programs in the past but found that partnering with others who are experienced at training technicians, such as MTI, results in better success. “Unless you are some amazing operator and have unlimited resources, you are better to partner with somebody who has already done this and understands what’s necessary than trying to recreate the wheel,” he said. Since Rife’s initial success with Tyler, CollisionRight has become the second foundation level partner of MTI’s Collison Program, and is in the process of providing employee assessments to its young technicians to take advantage of the growth and retention the bootcamps provide

to CollisionRight’s growing list of shops. Peugeot said businesses like DCR Systems and CollisionRight, that invest in their people and provide a great career experience, will be the ones that are ultimately successful. “There are too many employers who want to hire people the old-fashioned way and pay them a little and not do progressive things to develop them or provide onboarding experiences that are positive and culturally right for this generation,” noted Peugeot. He said shops that want to pay ransom and steal technicians from other shops aren’t fixing the industry. “They are hurting the industry… but in a world where they don’t have a better option, it’s all that they can do,” he observed. Peugeot stressed the importance of recognizing young technicians are an asset and recommends employers offer competitively paid internships and tuition reimbursement, as well as devote the time and resources to See Efficiency Bootcamps, Page 49

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Industry Insight with John Yoswick

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon who has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988. He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

Automakers: Collision Repairers Must Ensure ADAS Calibration Procedures Are Followed

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The importance of proper ADAS cal- mental?” Kaboos said the Honda training ibrations was a key focus as the Society of Collision Repair Specialists center in Illinois drove a new Civic at with Ed Attanasio (SCRS) brought collision repairers the NHTSA target used to test emerand automakers together at an event gency auto-braking, and the system in Las Vegas during the SEMA Show. worked 10 times in a row, stopping Scott Kaboos, assistant man- the vehicle three or four feet from the ager of collision repair training and target as designed. technology for American Honda, told those attending with the OEM Collision Ed Attanasio Repair Technology Summit that automakers call for many calibrations to be done on a level floor with good reason. “We did a little test,” Kaboos said, noting Honda’s service information says there can be no more with Ed Attanasio than 1 degree of pitch or slope to the Scott Kaboos of American Honda said testing floor when performing calibrations. at the automaker’s training center demonstrat“Traveling around to a lot of our dealed the need to perform ADAS calibrations on a erships, we found that most of their level floor when called for in the procedures floors do not meet that requirement. So we started asking How “So then we took that same car withourselves: Ed Attanasio important is this? Is this really detri- and put the rear wheels in our drain

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in our wash bay at our training center,” Kaboos said. “We calculated the slope on that, and found that the car was sitting at a 1.6 degree incline. We re-aimed the radar, using the factory specifications and tools. When we were done, the scan tool said aiming was complete. There were no codes. We test drove the car around the block. It gave us no indication there was anything wrong with the car. There were no lights on the dash.” But then the vehicle was driven at the same NHTSA target. “We had very different results,” Kaboos said. “It honestly blew through that target at 20 miles an hour like it wasn’t even there. The light on the dash didn’t blink. It didn’t beep at us. It just punted that target. That was a big eye-opener to us on the training side as to how important that one little line in the service information is: do this on a flat floor.”

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Kaboos said the other noted requirements—proper air in the tires, a full tank of gas—are also important. “Anything that changes the ride height or ride angle of the car is going to throw off all the geometry,” he said. “You’ve got to pay attention to all of that.” Subaru of America’s Ted Hicks said during the same SCRS session that complete repair of the underlying metal where an ADAS camera or radar is attached is also critical. “I asked a panel of technicians in Dallas: what’s the single biggest problem you’re having with calibrations of blind-spot monitoring radar units and the EyeSight cameras that come from body shops after a repair,” said Hicks, a regional technical training manager for the automaker. “They said that the panel that the camera or unit mounts to has got to be exactly correct. If the sheet metal behind it is bent, the radar

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unit or camera will never point in the right direction.” One problem: that metal is often behind trim or covered by the bumper cover, so some shops may not repair it. “Nobody cares what the sheet metal looks like, right,” Hicks said. “It can be wrinkly as all get-out and nobody’s going to care because the bumper cover is going to cover it or the EyeSight camera is going to cover it. I’m here to tell you: It matters. Please find the reference points in the service information.” Kaboos said he also has some concerns that shops often aren’t doing needed calibrations. He estimated between 5% and 10% of Honda’s certified collision centers are doing their own ADAS calibrations in-house, while some use a mobile service or a stand-alone calibration center in their market. “But still, the majority are subletting to the dealers,” Kaboos said. “I’m not going to make a judgment either way, as long as you’re getting it done properly.” He said CCC Intelligent Solutions pulled final repair appraisals for Honda vehicles over the course of

a year that “had an event that would have required a calibration of one of these systems.” Of those, only 20% listed a calibration. “Eighty percent of the cars that were in accidents that needed to have a calibration did not get one,” Kaboos said. “At least it wasn’t on the estimate. So unless they did it for free, and they didn’t put it on the estimate—highly unlikely, right—it didn’t get done. That scares me.” Also during the session, Taylor Jozwiak, collision R&D workshop manager for Rivian, talked about how that new company produces collision repair procedures for its vehicles. Jozwiak said his “internal body shop” in California, which includes body and paint technicians and an “estimating specialist,” works closely with the Rivian service engineering team, “which creates our repair procedures in CAD.” “As we all know, CAD is great from an engineering standpoint, but some things get lost in translation when transferred over into reality,” Jozwiak said. “So that’s where my team comes in. We take the repair procedures and validate them on bodies

in white, looking for accuracy, quality of repair and ultimately safety. If we find any discrepancies or things that should change, we provide that feedback to our engineering team, and they make the necessary adjustments to repair procedures. At the end of the day, we want to make sure the people out in the field, the people in your shops, are getting high quality repair information.” The process also involves tracking repair times. “We try to replicate what the technicians are using in shops—the tooling, the equipment,” Jozwiak said. “We use all the same stuff as a traditional body shop would. We collect those times, and that helps us publish times in the estimating systems.”

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Certain Metallic Finishes May Interfere with ADAS Radar Systems, PPG Expert Says by Ed Attanasio

A decade ago, ADAS was an acronym very few people in the collision repair industry were familiar with. But now every collision repair professional on the planet knows what it means and how it affects them every day. More and more auto body shops are taking their diagnostics in-house and hiring techs who have the proper training to do the job right. If ADAS does not work correctly or one of the systems is misaligned, people’s lives could be in jeopardy. Within the last two years, paint manufacturers have discovered certain metallic finishes interact with the electromagnetic radiation used by radar. It may interfere with radar transmission and if it goes above a threshold set by the vehicle, it can potentially present a serious safety issue. Paint and coatings suppliers such as PPG have evaluated swapping the aluminum pigments in the metallic finish with alternatives to significantly enhance radar transmission. These reformulated colors will maintain a good match to the car’s original finish while reducing the radar transmission loss, so safety systems can function as designed. PPG’s Global Products and Segments Director Nick Tullett has been working with carmakers to develop refinishing products that won’t interfere with ADAS. One of his top deliverables is to help the OEs to fully understand the impact of certain metallic finishes on ADAS. Even a low-speed fender bender can damage these advanced systems, reducing driver safety—a concern for every stakeholder involved. “ADAS technology is actually located in areas of the car that are easily and frequently damaged,” Tullett said. “Carmakers have been installing ADAS such as forward collision, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control in peripheral, easy-to-damage vehicle parts like windshields and bumpers. These parts often house radar, a system that uses radio waves to detect people, autos and other objects close to it, to enable many of these safety

features. “ADAS is presenting new challenges for collision centers and for the repair industry in general,” Tullett said. “There are so many stakeholders involved, from the vehicle makers to the collision repair shops to the paint companies. Our main concern at PPG is how do we repaint and repair certain metallic

PPG’s Global Products and Segments Director Nick Tullett has been working with carmakers to develop refinishing products that won’t interfere with ADAS

colors without impeding their performance? We believe there’s not yet enough leadership and direction out there to navigate through this, so

our goal is to help all of the different stakeholders to make the right choices when it comes to ADAS. “We have some numbers that indicate that about 50% of all new cars were equipped with at least one radar system and by 2025 we’re expecting it to be more like 85%. So, being able to effectively repair these cars is really important for our collision center customers.” One of the main challenges associated with ADAS is the fact many of these safety systems can be hard to detect visually. “Collision repair shops now rely on customer discussions, visual indicators and automaker data to pinpoint ADAS,” he said. “Training to spot these various systems more precisely may be necessary for techs to determine the repair process more carefully. For example, body shops could simply repair minor bumper damage by filling scratches and then spot painting before the advent of ADAS. However, body filler compounds and new paint can impair today’s vehicle sensors.

“In addition to considering the ADAS automobile’s technical safety and functionality components, techs will need education on how certain colors and particular finishes can impact the sensors of these safety components.” Acquiring the right devices to perform repairs and calibrations is key, but training is also a big piece of the picture. “Techs will also need training on recalibrating sensors using specific equipment and software for diagnostics, services, replacements and repairs to meet automaker specifications,” Tullett said. “However, it may be some time before most shops are equipped to offer in-house calibrations because most independent collision centers don’t have the proper calibration equipment inhouse. Right now, many body shops use outside diagnostic companies or take the vehicles to their local dealerships, but soon that may become impractical with ADAS in literally every new car built.” Shops will also have to consider

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investing in more sophisticated estimation tools, along with technician training, in order to assess the costs of damage to driver safety technology installed in areas such as bumpers. Using historical data, predictive analytics and VIN integration, the estimation software can build a more accurate estimate for collision repair professionals. “Until recently, automakers opted to replace instead of repair the damaged bumper, which proved expensive and with significant pushback from car insurance companies,” Tullett said. “As such, automakers have turned to paint and coatings suppliers to identify a better solution. “PPG has partnered with many OEs to calculate the impact of all their colors,” he said. “These include metallic finishes on repainted bumpers to better understand the transmission loss of radar signals. Data shows that while the vast majority of colors do not impact the functionality of ADAS, a handful of metallic finishes do pose an issue. At certain concentrations, the aluminum pigments used in metallic paints reduced the transmission of

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radar signals and interfered with the operation of the ADAS. “It’s a concern for paint companies because one fourth of all new cars produced every year are painted with metallic colors,” Tullett said. “It’s a very popular color space, and we don’t think that car makers are going to abandon that color space. They’re looking for us to come up with solutions so that they can maintain that color space. “We’ve identified a number of existing materials that we can use, so that they won’t impede with radar performance, and still give us a good color match,” he said. “In the paint business, color accuracy is everything. Everybody wants their car back looking like it was never in an accident, right? The most visual thing they see is the color. So, we’ve identified alternative materials, and some of them are already present in our paint systems. We’ve identified that small number of colors which are affected and developed alternatives.” Collision repairers will need to consider the repair guidelines and technical and service bulletins provided by automakers to keep safety

intact. PPG plans to issue a technical bulletin relating to radar and the impact of certain metallic finishes for collision repair professionals. In addition, the company recently launched the PPG KNOWLEDGE COLLEGE™ online learning management system that provides the refinish industry with the most comprehensive online training programs available. Over the last couple of years, PPG has done a lot of joint work with carmakers, looking at their color palettes and measuring the radar transmission of the colors in their color ranges. “We have identified any potential problem colors where the interference in the radar with the radar signal is enough to actually impair the correct functioning of the radar,” Tullett said. “It’s worth pointing out that the very vast majority of colors in your own cars today are absolutely fine. They don’t interfere with the radar transmission, and they won’t affect the safe working of the ADAS. “Now one of the ways that carmakers have dealt with this up until

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now is to make a blanket recommendation that says, when you have a car that’s equipped with radar if the bumper is damaged, you may not repair that, you must simply replace it,” he said. “And by doing that what they’re saying is when you replace it, it’s going to have one layer of paint applied to it. And they’re OK with that. What they’re concerned about is if you have a repair using body filler, multiple layers of paint might interact with a radar to an extent where the performance of the radar is degraded.” PPG is currently researching and developing a wide range of novel materials to devise solutions that won’t compromise radar in some vehicles. “We want to retain our capability to stay within that coveted silver metallic color space that is much more transparent to radar than aluminum or other existing pigments,” Tullett said. As ADAS evolves, companies such as PPG will be working hard to develop products that will complement rather than impede ADAS, especially radar.

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Industry Insight with John Yoswick

Collision Repairers Discuss How They Are Coping with Parts Supply Chain Issues

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A Collison Industry Conference they repair. (CIC) committee presentation earliBut Matt Radman of Coach er this year confirmed parts supply Works Auto Body in Mesa, AZ, notwith Ed Attanasio chain issues continue to plague col- ed that solution is not without its lision repairers. own challenges. A poll of repairers in the room “We had a [Hyundai] Sonata at CIC in Phoenix found about one- that we couldn’t get the side garthird said parts-related issues lead nish that goes from the bottom of them to delay scheduling about 40% the door and across the wheel well,” of jobs. Another one Ed in four said Radman said. “Right behind that is with Attanasio parts issues lead to delayed schedul- an exposed hole and unless you seal ing 60% of the time, and almost an it somehow, moisture is getting beequal number said it was 80% of the hind there. So you have to address time. this on a case-by-case basis.” Greg Horn of PartsTrader said Something as simple as a misshis company’s data indicates the me- ing window moulding could allow dian number of days for parts deliv- moisture to get into the door, he with Ed Attanasio eries was fairly stable over 2021. said, noting that returning unfin“What’s changed is the number ished vehicles requires thinking of outliers, the number of delays for through these issues and making individual components, which has sure everyone involved, including increased pretty radically,” Horn the customer and insurer, is on the said, reaching 14.7 days Decem- same page. with EdinAttanasio ber, up from 7.4 days in February Ben Clymer Jr. of Ben Clyand March of last year. mer’s The Body Shop in Southern He said if some relief from the California said he’s experienced microchip shortage enables auto- parts supply chain issues firsthand: makers to ramp up production this he’s driving his own vehicle with year, that should reduce used vehi- damage from an accident because cle values, putting moreStacey of those Phillips ve- five of the needed parts are on backwith hicles into the recycled parts supply order. chain. He said, like Radman, his com“It is probably the latter half of pany is returning more otherwise this year when we start to see some repaired vehicles to customers missrelief on both OEM and the recycled ing cosmetic parts, though he said that requires letting customers know parts side,” Hornwith said. Stacey Phillips Still-elevated transportation costs, well in advance that’s a real possihowever, have non-OEM parts man- bility, and also “triggers having an ufacturers in Taiwan rethinking what additional tracking system for all they ship. those vehicles.” “We’re also triple-checking “Should I put in one bumper cover that would take up the space of what can actually be repaired. Our with Stacey Phillips 10 headlight units, or do I ship those repair percentages are going up,” 10 headlights at a bigger margin,” Clymer said. Horn said. “So in the short term, I Rich O’Leary, manager of Fix think we’re going to see [shortages Auto Sierra Vista in Arizona, said or] price increases on larger after- another challenge of releasing vehimarket components.” cles with a cosmetic part that hasn’t The committee repairers arrived is the customer satisfaction withasked Stacey Phillips at the meeting what they are doing survey question related to whether to address parts issues. A majority they had to bring their vehicle back (70%) said one response has been to the shop. to return more vehicles to customers He said his shop has “invested with cosmetic parts still on order. in some steel and aluminum pulling Nearly two in five said that’s hap- equipment, and we do find ourselves pening with 30% or more of the cars repairing a lot more than we used

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to,” though he noted that entails understanding when that can be done as part of a safe repair, and what should not be repaired. O’Leary said they also use the PartsVoice website to locate needed OEM parts beyond the local market. “Often you’ll find a dealership around the country that has the part sitting on their shelf collecting dust,” he said. “It costs more to have them package and send it, but that’s an alternative.” But some at the meeting said searching for parts at dealerships out of your shop’s market doesn’t always resolve the issue. Some suppliers, for example, may not be willing to sell a part to ensure they have it for those in their market. “There’s a natural inclination when supply is short to take care of your best customers,” said Ken Weiss, who moderated the CIC dis-

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cussion. “One of my other concerns is that all of the parts platforms that I’m aware of on the shop or insurer retail side expect the supplier to pay for shipping. Because of that, I know there’s a lot of parts that are probably not put into the search network because the supplier is not going to absorb the shipping when it’s a low-cost part. “Or if it’s what we refer to as dimensionally-challenged; shipping a sheet metal quarter panel could cost more than the quarter panel is worth,” Weiss said. “But to me it’s better, especially if you’re the insurance company, to get the quarter panel and pay the shipping rather than have the car sitting in limbo for two months.”

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42 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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autobodynews.com / MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 43

Some Auto Parts Cheaper at Walmart, Fixed Ops Director Shocked to Find by Ed Attanasio

After giving his wholesale parts customers deep discounts through price-matching programs and taking a miniscule profit, Charlie Monteleone, corporate fixed operations director for the Ancira Automotive Group, recently discovered he can buy some of his parts cheaper at Walmart than through his own jobber. It was an eye opener and surely not a warm and fuzzy moment for Monteleone. “I am a Walmart shopper and the type of guy who will walk down every aisle when I’m there, whether I need something or not,” he said. “If you’re in the business and you see a Mopar or an AC Delco filter, for example, it catches your eye. I compared their prices to our dealer net prices on the exact same filters and 50% of all the parts that Walmart has on their shelves is [12-14%] less than what we can purchase them for.” Monteleone started his career as a Ford master technician. Today, he is the top guy at Ancira, head-

quartered in San Antonio, TX. The company, which has 11 locations in Texas, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. Ancira offers both mechanical and collision repair services for Chevy, Nissan, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Kia, VW, Ford, GMC, Buick and RVs, and has the largest collision center in San Antonio—45,000 square feet—that employs 55 people and stocks more than $1 million in crash parts. The Ford Motor Company played a major role in Monteleone’s household during his formative years. “My father started out as a Ford tech and then worked his way up to become a parts and service director,” Monteleone said. “I’ve followed in his footsteps and became a Ford master technician, and my journey has been very similar to my dad’s career.” The journey now in 2022 is a little different and Monteleone is facing issues Dad never had to deal with. Competing in the dealership world is already tough with tight

margins, but throw in the pandemic and the fact people are keeping their vehicles longer—it’s a whole new ballgame. The dealers that are succeeding are thinking outside of the box and adapting on the fly, so when the industry throws Monteleone a curve, he must respond quickly and definitively. On pace to do $31 million in wholesale parts sales this year, Monteleone admitted problems within the supply chain have impacted his business tremendously. “We’re feeling it and the shops are definitely feeling it even more,” he said. “Right now, my repair fill rate off-the-shelf is 70%, which is not horrible. Our pre-pandemic numbers were around 85% with our same-day at 94%. We’re doing a lot more major repairs because people are not buying new vehicles during the pandemic, and the availability of parts has been an ongoing concern.” To get the parts they need for their in-house repairs as well as for their wholesale clients, Monteleone’s parts managers have had to

hustle and leverage relationships to succeed. “My parts people are very active, going dealer-to-dealer or getting the manufacturers to approve the use of aftermarket parts on warrantied repairs,” Monteleone said. “We’re winning doing it that way, but I always tell my parts managers that they have to be on their toes and be really, really focused on their work in process.” With his OEs’ warehouses located in Dallas—4.5 hours away by car—Monteleone obviously can’t rely on them to complete his parts orders. But luckily there are several competing dealerships selling the same brands in close proximity, he said. “We source them for anything we don’t have on-hand and when we recondition used cars, we always now opt mainly for aftermarket parts on those jobs.” Acquiring parts from the competition means Monteleone is paying premium prices, which impacts his bottom line.

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44 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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“From our neighboring dealerships, the going rate charge is cost plus 15%, which is a premium price and a little steep,” he said. “If you’re selling the part to one of our wholesale shop customers, we’re already giving them a deep discount. So, we are taking a real beating on those orders and selling those parts at a loss. Serving the customer is our priority here, and this is one of the realities we have to deal with.” In today’s wholesale parts world, the contenders are separating themselves from the pretenders, a trend that will continue, Monteleone said. “The differences between a parts manager who is a strong retailer and focusing on profitability versus someone who is slinging a lot of paper to sell at a high volume are becoming more and more evident,” he said. “We definitely want to be on the right side of this and that’s why we work so hard to be keep our wholesale customers happy while being profitable overall.” What’s the solution? “I can buy the parts from Walmart and make more money, so

that’s what I did,” he said. “I made a big purchase and when my factory rep came in for a visit, she was surprised and a little perplexed to see a wall of parts I bought at Walmart. I told her I won’t be buying certain parts from you anymore because I can get them cheaper at Walmart. She didn’t know what to say! I originally discovered this a few years back in Florida and the same thing is happening now in Texas.” Right now, Walmart isn’t retailing crash parts and is focusing on marketing DIY types of parts. But no one would be surprised if this trend could gain momentum in some states to the point where certain collision parts and products could be undercut by large retailers. “The OE wants to cut out the middle man and eliminate the jobbers, to be honest,” Monteleone said. “They all want to go direct and that’s why they’ve done things like cutting their return allowances in half, for example. Why are we selling our parts at a deep discount while the manufacturers have decided to work with Walmart? It makes no sense.”

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by Maria Merano, Teslarati

During Tesla’s Q4 2021 and full-year earnings call, CEO Elon Musk talked about the company’s product goals. He said the production of Tesla’s humanoid robot, internally dubbed Optimus, is one of the most important products in development at the moment. At the latest earnings call, Musk announced Tesla will not be introducing new vehicle models in 2022. He explained Tesla was still experiencing some part constraints, undoubtedly affecting production on several exciting projects, including the Cybertruck, Semi and Roadster. However, Musk said Tesla would continue to do “a lot of engineering and tooling” on products it has already launched, such as the Optimus humanoid robot. “So, in terms of priority of products, I think actually the most important product development we’re doing this year is actually the Optimus humanoid robot. This, I think has the potential to be more significant than the vehicle business over time,” Musk said. “If you think about the economy, it is—the foundation of the economy is labor. Capital equipment is distilled la-

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bor. So, what happens if you don’t actually have a labor shortage? I’m not sure what an economy even means at that point. That’s what Optimus is about. So, very important,” he elaborated.At the Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council Summit, Musk also said the Tesla Bot could address labor shortage issues. He further explained rapidly declining birthrates were a risk for civilization. At the Q4 2021 earnings call, Musk said Optimus (or Optimus Sub-prime’s) first job would most likely be at Tesla factories. Thus far, Tesla’s work on its humanoid robot seems to be moving along as scheduled. After revealing its venture into humanoid robots during AI Day last year, Tesla announced a prototype of Optimus would be unveiled by 2022. Tesla certainly didn’t seem to waste time forming a team to work on the humanoid robot. In the same month the Tesla Bot was announced, the head of Tesla’s Mobile Robotics, Chris Walti, started looking for engineers and technicians to add to the humanoid robot program. By November 2021, Tesla posted even more job openings for the initiative. Photo: Tesla robot

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FOR YOUR COLLISION JOB. autobodynews.com / MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 45

Industry Insight with John Yoswick

Remote Scanning Companies Foresee More ADAS Calibrations for Auto Body Shops in the Future

Shop Showcase

Nick Dominato, a senior vice presi- replaced. By 2021, those requiredent at asTech, said he believes col- ments had been broadened to call lision repairers should be prepared for calibrations after a windshield is with Ed Attanasio for automakers to broaden their removed or replaced, and after any ADAS calibration requirements. structural body repair. “Because the automakers un“Again, moving from a narrowderstand that vehicles are being mar- er calibration requirement of only keted, sold, driven and experienced when you touch the sensors, to these via those advanced driver assistance broader calibration requirements features, and it’swith important for safe- that reflect the concern that a sensor Ed Attanasio ty and the customer experience that might have been jolted or shifted or those things work after a collision,” moved,” Dominato said. Dominato said during a CIECA He was asked if he foresees webcast in January. automakers shifting toward more self-calibrating systems. He said most sensors have some self-calibration cawith Ed Attanasio pability, but that post-collision calibrations are not likely to go away. “A sensor may be able to compensate for mechanical wear and tear, settling with Ed Attanasio of the suspension, or some bumper warping as a result of cold winters or hot He said OEM service informa- summers, things of that nature,” he tion that may have initially called said. “But when we’re talking about for calibration only after a sensor a quarter panel that’s being replaced, is removed or replaced, for examor an impact bar that’s smashed as with Stacey Phillips ple, now may say—as in the case of a result of a front-end collision, I Nissan—that radar sensors must be don’t think the technology is ever calibrated “after any repair situation going to get to a place where it can to the front of the vehicle that would completely self-calibrate.” During another industry event, cause the radar sensor to be shifted, Eric removed, reinstalled or jolted in the with Stacey Phillips Newell, vice president of business development at AirPro collision.” Honda in 2017 called for cal- Diagnostics, said he believes how ibration of camera or radar units calibrations are performed may when they had been removed or change. replaced, after a front-end collision “I’m from Chicago. Dynamic or when doors were adjusted or calibrations are very difficult come

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SEMA Show Goes On

this time of year because of snow, inclement weather,” Newell said at an SCRS Repairer Driven Education session during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. “And the OEMs are seeing it. We’ve had discussions with Tier 1 vendors and OEMs. So we’re predicting that there’s going to be a shift toward more static calibrations as time goes on.” Newell also discussed what to consider before a collision repair business equips to perform calibrations. If you expect to do retail work for other shops in addition to internal work, Newell said, it may be preferable to set up a calibration center off-site, with a different name, potentially as an LLC or separate business structure, to avoid other shops not wanting to send work to a “competitor.” “If you’re Newell’s Autobody, I probably wouldn’t name it Newell’s

Media and Publicity for Shops

Calibration,” he said. An off-site facility also gives you some flexibility in terms of location—the back of an office park with little traffic, or a high-traffic street corner with good visibility— and what you will therefore have to spend for rent, signage, building improvements, etc. For MSOs, he said, a location convenient to all of your shops allows for a hub-and-spoke model. Alternatively, find a location with a lot of other independent shops within a reasonable radius, Newell suggested. An off-site location and separate business entity makes it easier to get paid when subletting the work to yourself, including transport of the vehicle from your shop and back. “If it’s your existing business and in your own building, that becomes more difficult,” Newell said.

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46 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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*Kia Genuine replacement parts sold but not installed by an Authorized Kia Dealer are covered for 12 months from purchase date, regardless of mileage, for the part only, and any labor charge is the consumer’s responsibility. autobodynews.com / MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 47

Bill to Ensure Consumer Choice in Auto Repair Introduced in U.S. House U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, to ensure the preservation of consumer choice, a fair marketplace and the continued safe operation of the nation’s 288 million registered passenger and commercial motor vehicles, 70% of which are maintained by independent repair facilities. The move is applauded by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Auto Care Association, CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). The REPAIR Act will accomplish this by: Preserving consumer access to high quality and affordable vehicle repair by ensuring vehicle owners and their repairers of choice have access to necessary repair and maintenance tools and data as vehicles continue to become more advanced. Ensuring access to critical repair tools and information. All tools and equipment, wireless transmission of repair and diagnostic data, and access to on-board diagnostic and telematic systems needed to repair a vehicle must be made available to the independent repair industry. Ensuring cybersecurity by allowing vehicle manufacturers to secure vehicle-generated data and requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop standards for how vehicle generated data necessary for repair can be accessed securely. Providing transparency for consumers by requiring vehicle owners be informed that they can choose where and how to get their vehicle repaired.

Creating a stakeholder advisory committee and providing them with the statutory authority to provide recommendations to the FTC on how to address emerging barriers to vehicle repair and maintenance. Providing ongoing enforcement by establishing a process for consumers and independent repair facilities to file complaints with the FTC regarding alleged violations of the requirements in the bill and a requirement that the FTC act within five months of a claim. As vehicle technology continues to advance, new barriers to a competitive auto repair market are emerging. These barriers limit consumer choice in where to repair their motor vehicles and increase the cost to repair and maintain vehicles. The REPAIR Act will reduce these barriers, putting consumers’ interests first. “Today is one of the most memorable and important days in the history of the aftermarket. The REPAIR Act will help guarantee consumers’ rights and the ability of the industry to ensure their vehicles operate safely,” said Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of AASA. “From the repair shop to the board room, this effort has been fueled by the people of the aftermarket, and we couldn’t be prouder of that alignment behind this important legislation. This effort supports principles of competition, consumer choice, and safety that we believe will benefit the whole automotive industry in the long run. We look forward to working with Rep. Rush and our industry colleagues towards passage of this critical legislation.” “Ensuring consumer choice while retaining a free and competitive market across the vehicle lifecycle is at

the heart of this legislation,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “As personal transportation has become more essential than ever, we need to make sure that 288 million American motorists have access to affordable, safe and secure repairs for their vehicles. The tenets of this bill are principles-based, balanced, and address concerns shared across the automotive industry. Passage of this bill will keep consumers at the wheel while preserving an industry that contributes 4.4 million U.S. jobs and 2% GDP.” “The CAR Coalition is proud to support the REPAIR Act,” said Executive Director Justin Rzepka. “According to a recent YouGov poll, 93% of respondents agreed that they should have the right to choose where and by whom their vehicle is repaired. The REPAIR Act will ensure consumers will have more, not fewer choices, when they need a repair shop. They will also have access to the data they need to make sure the repair is done safely. This is important, consumer-first legislation and we look forward to working with lawmakers and industry partners to pass it.” “Free and fair competition is a core value in the United States,” said Daniel Ingber, vice president of government and legal affairs, SEMA. “Protecting a consumer’s personal choice when purchasing, servicing, repairing or modifying a motor vehicle is what the REPAIR Act will deliver. As technology continues to reshape the automotive landscape for vehicle safety, convenience and comfort, Congress needs to enact this important legislation. The REPAIR Act is essential to protecting access to vehicle systems,

tools and information necessary for independent repair and modification services for millions of consumers.” “Americans should not be forced to bring their cars to more costly and inconvenient dealerships for repairs when independent auto repair shops are often cheaper and far more accessible,” said Rep. Rush. “But as cars become more advanced, manufacturers are getting sole access to important vehicle data while independent repair shops are increasingly locked out. The status quo for auto repair is not tenable, and it is getting worse. If the monopoly on vehicle repair data continues, it would affect nearly 860,000 blue-collar workers and 274,000 service facilities.” The bill is introduced on the heels of three pivotal moments for consumer choice in repair. In November 2020, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly voiced their support for Ballot Question 1—also known as Right to Repair—with 75% of the vote, which preserves their right as vehicle owners to have access to and control of their vehicle’s mechanical data necessary for service and repair at the shops of their choice. In May 2021, the FTC released its “Nixing the Fix” report, which highlighted barriers that vehicle manufacturers have instituted to squash a consumer’s right to repair. The FTC strongly supports expanding consumer repair options and found “scant evidence” for repair restrictions imposed by original equipment manufacturers. And in July 2021, President Joe Biden issued the “Promoting Competition in the American Economy” executive order, which encouraged the FTC to address anti-competitive repair restrictions. Source: Auto Care Association

DOT Issues National Roadway Safety Strategy with Focus on Safer Vehicles by SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a new national strategy for addressing roadway safety, saying it has an “ambitious longterm goal of zero roadway fatalities.” The National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) is a five-pronged approach to safety focused on safer people, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speeds and post-crash care. Sec. of Transportation Pete Buttigieg maintains the NRSS is a first, noting it is a “comprehensive

plan to significantly reduce injuries and deaths on America’s roadways.” In the first half of 2021, roadway deaths were up 18.4% compared to the first six months of 2020, which was likely integral in DOT’s creation of the NRSS. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency within the DOT, will play a vital role in ensuring the NRSS is successful. To address vehicle safety, the NRSS incorporates safety provisions already required by the infrastructure law passed in 2021. This includes a direc-

48 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

tive that NHTSA update the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) to include newer safety technologies within the five-star rating program such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. These advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) help prevent or mitigate the impact of crashes. SEMA will continue to monitor these updates and promote consumers’ ability to modify their vehicles that have ADAS equipment installed. The agency is also scheduled to begin a rulemaking by 2024 to require instal-

lation of automatic emergency braking systems as standard equipment on new vehicles to avoid collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. NHTSA will also consider ways in which alcohol-detection systems and systems to detect distracted driving may be installed on new motor vehicles. As NHTSA moves forward with these regulatory actions, SEMA will closely participate in the rulemaking process. For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org. Source: SEMA

Continued from Page 34

Hertz Partnering with UFODRIVE to Improve EV Rental Experience Hertz on Feb. 15 announced an investment in UFODRIVE---the leading self-service electric vehicle rental company and eMobility service provider in Europe---as part of Hertz’s commitment to lead the future of mobility. UFODRIVE is the first all-digital, all-electric car rental service controlled from an app. Its advanced eMobility SaaS Platform makes transitioning to electric easy for both customers and fleet providers---delivering lean operations, lower energy costs, better charging and optimal fleet utilization using advanced AI tools. UFODRIVE’s technology delivers a two-minute “arrive and drive” entirely digital EV customer experience. The partnership builds on Hertz’s announcement in October 2021 that it is investing in EVs, with a commitment to offer the largest electric vehicle rental fleet in North America and to grow its EV fleet globally. Hertz also committed to providing the best rental and recharging experience for leisure and business customers around the

world. Also in October, the company announced an exclusive partnership with Uber to make Tesla electric vehicles available for drivers to rent when using the Uber network. UFODRIVE’s Series A financing round was co-led by Hertz and Certares, in partnership with Knighthead Capital Management, and included participation from existing investors. Hertz Senior Vice President of Strategy Jayesh Patel and Venture Lead at Certares Chantal Noble Haldorsen will join the UFODRIVE board. “Our partnership with UFODRIVE is yet another major step in Hertz becoming an essential component of the modern mobility ecosystem,” said Mark Fields, Hertz interim CEO. “Together, we will pilot ways to make renting an EV even easier using UFODRIVE’s digital platforms for both the rental experience and fleet management. For customers, this partnership will help us create the future rental car experience that is all-digital and EV-centric.” “Born from a vision to deliver what we call ‘Radically Better Car

Rental,’ this investment is a major validation of that dream,” said Aidan McClean, UFODRIVE CEO. “We are proud that we are helping to accelerate the transition to zero-emissions mobility, and our investors see the opportunity ahead.” McClean added: “We pioneered and are now the premier operating system for electric fleets and already service a growing list of high-profile mobility companies.” Following successful live testing in 2021, Hertz aims to deploy UFODRIVE’S market-leading digital rental and fleet management technology to enhance its global EV fleet operations. Starting with Hertz’s key partners in the U.S. and Europe, this will offer a fully digital rental experience, charge point wayfinding, touchless smartphone access and online customer support with live telematics using UFODRIVE’s SaaS platform. UFODRIVE will use the additional capital to accelerate product development and to expand globally, with a focus on the U.S. market. Source: Hertz

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AirPro Diagnostics Announces New Hire

Automakers Report January Sales Automakers on Feb. 1 began releasing sales results from January. Mazda Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) reported total January sales of 21,079 vehicles, a decrease of 16.5% compared to January 2021. With 24 selling days in January, compared to the same number the year prior, the company posted a decrease of 16.5% on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis. CPO sales totaled 3,119 vehicles in January, a decrease of 41% compared to January 2021. Kia

Kia America announced January sales of 42,488 units. Highlights include best-ever January perfor-

mance by the Niro family of electrified SUVs, which bested their previous record set in January 2018 by 26%. Kia also set a new January record for overall electrified vehicle sales, exceeding the previous mark by 36%.

were up 35%, representing 79% of retail volume. Venue, Tucson, Palisade, Kona and Ioniq set new January retail records.

AirPro Diagnostics, the leader in remote diagnostics, scanning, programming and ADAS calibration solutions, is proud to announce Ted McClintic has joined AirPro Diagnostics as director of field support. McClintic started his career at Church Brothers Auto Body in Indianapolis, IN, in 1998 and went on to hold executive positions with large MSOs in operations, OEM certification and quality control. The AirPro tool and calibration devices meet rigorous vehicle manufacturer requirements by having OEM licensed software and multi brand diagnostic applications resident and directly connected to the vehicle. ORION, AirPro’s cloud-based diagnostic management system, is the hub by which all services are delivered within the company’s 10-Minute Response Pledge. Contact AirPro Diagnostics at (904) 717-1711 to sign up or visit at www.airprodiagnostics. com Source: AirPro Diagnostics

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Hyundai Motor America reported total January sales of 47,872 units, a 10% increase compared with January 2021 and the highest January sales total in company history. Venue (+70%), Tucson (+64%), Palisade (+12%) and the Ioniq (+51%) also established new January total sales records. Hyundai did not have any fleet sales during the month. Hyundai achieved its best January retail sales ever, increasing 18% year-over-year. Hyundai eco-friendly vehicle retail sales grew 312%, while SUV retail sales

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) reported 44,158 vehicle sales for January, a 4.8% decrease compared to January 2021 (46,400). Like much of the automotive industry, SOA continues to face production challenges because of the semiconductor shortage and supply chain issues. In January, Forester was the top performer by volume and achieved its best January ever with 13,531 vehicle sales. Ascent sales for January increased 15.3%, while Impreza sales increased 6.1% compared to January 2021. BRZ sales for January 2022 increased 103.1% compared to the same month in 2021. Source: Mazda, Kia, Hyundai, Subaru

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U.S. Crude Oil Production Fell by 8% in 2020, Largest Decrease on Record by Bethany Blankley, The Center Square

U.S. crude oil production fell by 8% in 2020, the largest annual decrease on record, the U.S. Energy Information Agency reported. This plunge occurred one year after the U.S. reached a record annual average high of 12.2 million barrels a day in production in 2019. In January 2020, U.S. crude oil production reached a peak of 12.8 million b/d. But with federal and state lockdowns halting travel over coronavirus fears, demand for oil dropped and production became too expensive to maintain. By March 2020, the oil and gas industry experienced a “bloodbath,” and by April, the WTI was negative $40 a barrel for the first time in history. Prices at the pump also reached historic lows. To stop the hemorrhaging, crude oil operators shut in wells and limited the number of wells brought online, laying off large numbers of workers, all of which resulted in significantly lower output. By May 2020, U.S. crude oil production reached its lowest average monthly volume for the

eraging 4.87 million b/d. Its production still represented a 4% decrease of 205,000 b/d from the record high of 5.07 million b/d set in 2019. After the state shut down in mid-March last year, wells closed, rigs stopped operating and tens of thousands of workers were immediately laid off. Texas’ oil output fell in March by an estimated 235,000 b/d, the largest monthly decline ever recorded, according to the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. The Alliance’s benchmark Texas Petro Index fell to 172 in April from 181.9 in March, the second largest monthly decline on record (the September to October Oil well and storage tanks in the Texas Panhandle. 2015 11-point drop is the Credit: Jim Parkin/Shutterstock.com largest on record). By June 2020, Texas led the naIf there was a silver lining to be found, it was in Texas and New Mex- tion in oil and gas bankruptcies. New Mexico also reached a ico fueled by drilling in the Permian Basin. In Texas, more crude oil was new record. In 2020, it saw the largproduced than in any other state or est statewide increase in crude oil region of the U.S. in 2020. production in its history. It increased Texas produced 43% of the na- production by 15%, or 133,000 b/d, tional total of crude oil in 2020, av- reaching a record annual average year at 10 million b/d, EIA reported. Overall, U.S. crude oil production dropped 935,000 b/d to an average of 11.3 million b/d in 2020. The 2020 decrease in production was the largest annual decline in the EIA’s records, the agency said. It’s been tracking U.S. annual crude production since 1940.

high of 1.04 million b/d. New Mexico also became the second-largest oil producer in the U.S. in fiscal year 2021, behind Texas. Its oil and natural gas industry contributed $5.3 billion to state and local governments in tax revenue in FY21, the highest figure recorded in state history. By contrast, decreases in production were seen in the Gulf of Mexico, Oklahoma, and North Dakota. The Federal Offshore Gulf of Mexico saw the largest decrease in crude oil production in 2020, dropping 245,000 b/d, or 13%, to an annual average of 1.65 million b/d. Much of this was due to weather related events such as hurricanes and tropical storms in the Gulf that forced operators to evacuate platforms and shut-in production. Oklahoma had the largest percentage decrease of production of 19%, with an annual average of 469,000 b/d. North Dakota saw the second-largest decrease of crude oil production of 242,000 b/d, or 17%, dropping to an annual average of 1.18 million b/d.

EV Buyers Not Researching Charging Options Until After Purchase: Study Most electric vehicle (EVs) owners conduct little to no research on charging infrastructure before purchasing new vehicles until they bring their electric vehicles home, according to a study released Jan. 31 by clean energy software leader Uplight and See Change Institute. Added to this, most did not consider their utility when looking for any information around EVs, despite an abundance of utility EV-related resources. The majority of those surveyed qualify as “reactive chargers,” only pursuing in-depth charging research after encountering a charger-related issue with their electric vehicles, such as high electricity bills after charging at home. For these participants, the extent of their charging research before purchasing the vehicle is limited to checking for an outlet in the garage. Many participants admit to “figuring it out as they go,” rather than researching charging options, capabilities and cost before the major purchase of the vehicle itself. While participants acknowledged the importance of conducting research on charging options, few

were familiar with the guidance offered by their utilities. The findings also convey a hesitancy to purchase Level 2 chargers proactively, with participants most often considering Level 2 chargers only after experiencing slow charging times with Level 1.

their utility when they typically look to dealers and gas stations when it comes to fueling their car. “Many of the EV owners we talked to cited busy lifestyles or lack of time for doing their own research on charging cost, tools and options,”

“Many of the EV owners we talked to cited busy lifestyles or lack of time for doing their own research on charging cost, tools and options,”— Devren Hobbs Participants in the focus group overwhelmingly preferred charging their vehicles at home rather than at community chargers, but they are largely unaware of the tools readily available to guide them in doing so efficiently. Those participants who did conduct in-depth research failed to take advantage of the utility offerings and primarily relied upon social media and YouTube for information, rather than seeking information specific to their home or lifestyle or by contacting qualified professionals. The ongoing switch to EVs requires a paradigm shift for consumers to look to

said Devren Hobbs, vice president of product of emerging technology at Uplight. “The research on recent EV owners echoed my personal experience purchasing an EV this fall, the lack of education and engagement and the decision to charge at home. We believe these insights show an excellent opportunity for utilities to become a trusted energy advisor and create a one-stop customer experience that helps walk customers through all available options, help them identify rebates and better understand how owning an EV will affect their electric bill. “Uplight’s EV Solutions help

utilities get ahead of the EV curve and their decarbonization goals while helping customers proactively understand and optimize charging while creating a deeper utility-customer relationship that extends beyond electric vehicles.” Other research highlights: While participants hadn’t previously used their utility’s EV resources, they were open to doing so in the future, and preferred a single EV resource on cars, chargers, rebates and related costs. Participants said had they known about the offering, they would have taken advantage of it. Most participants charge their EVs at home and overnight. This is driven by convenience and a perception that public chargers are a hassle, risky and/or time-consuming. Participants were hesitant to install Level 2 chargers even after research because of the need to find an electrician for installation and electric panel upgrade. Most participants are unaware of EV specific rates or other EV and charging-related offerings from their utility. Source: Uplight

autobodynews.com / MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 51

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March 2022 Midwest Edition

Articles inside

Body Shops in the Future

EV Rental Experience

Ops Director Shocked to Find

NORTHEAST 2022

to Cost at Least $1.9 Million

Innovation Announcement

State Farm, Ford Introduce UBI

Issues

Grow and Retain Employees

Parts Supply Chain Challenges

Programs