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core of why this is important.

The chief engineer of the Ford Explorer, Bill Gubing, said that weight was a factor in every decision they made on the 2020 Explorer, according to FordAuthority.com. The engineering team looked at every part and how they could achieve weight savings and still achieve the

A McLaren using carbon fiber� Credit: Tim Ronak

same type of performance or better in a crash test. Ford uses aluminum in the 2020 Explorer, but it also uses steel, magnesium and plastic.

This is a great example of how automakers are looking at all the components in the vehicle to determine how it can be made lighter. For repairers, this means the opportunities for fixing the components in a collision repair setting are reduced. You don’t have as much decision-making capability due to the materials being used. Subsequently, your potential profit margins are reduced and cycle times will likely increase.

Q: How do you recommend collision repairers educate themselves and prepare for these changes?

A: As we see the use of these mixed materials increase, understanding the materials and the makeup of vehicles is key. In addition to having the proper tooling and equipment, training is critical. Although it can often be challenging to do in a shop environment, over the last 18 months during the pandemic, many shops have had more time to educate technicians. It’s also important to include customer service representatives, estimators and managers.

I-CAR is going through a revamping of its content, which will be very valuable for the industry.

Apple Car Production Gets Potential 2024 Target Amid Talks with Toyota: Report

by Maria Merano, Teslarati

Apple is reportedly looking to Asia as it lays some groundwork for the Apple Car.

The tech giant reportedly plans to visit Toyota to discuss the Apple Car’s mass production, expected to start by 2024.

Toyota isn’t the first legacy automaker Apple has approached since talk of the Apple Car reemerged in recent months. Earlier this year, reports emerged that Apple was taking preliminary steps in its EV project by talking with South Korean carmaker Hyundai.

Apple seems open to partnering with traditional OEMs on its EV project. However, the company also appears to be exploring other manufacturing options for the Apple Car. For instance, Apple reportedly considered partnering with Magna International, a Canada-based company that offers EV manufacturing services.

According to DigiTimes, Apple’s current efforts to visit Asian carmakers and suppliers are part of its preparations for the development and eventual production of its all-electric vehicle. One of the main focuses of the visits is rumored to be the battery supply chain for the Apple Car.

In August, Apple was rumored to be talking to multiple EV component manufacturers in Korea. The California-based company reportedly talked with Korean battery manufacturers LG Chem and SK Innovation. While in Korea, Apple also talked with Hanwha, a company that offers its expertise in petrochemical technology and advanced materials.

Hanwha also promises to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers, hinting at Apple’s direction with its EV’s supply chain. Apple seems hyper-aware of the type of electric vehicle people want, down to its tiniest components. The fact Hanwha was considered an option for the Apple Car’s supply chain means the tech company knows the significance of sustainability to customers today. There are also a variety of webinars and classes available that can be helpful.

A huge component of education involves referencing the OEM repair procedures, which are changing all the time. That’s why we are working hard at Mitchell to integrate those in the estimating platform so it’s not so cumbersome for shops to do that research.

Shops also need to set appropriate expectations with customers. This starts with the estimating process. When writing the initial estimate, it’s important to educate owners of newer model vehicles about the types of materials used.

Consumers are unaware of many of these changes and don’t understand the impact of the materials when they are in an accident. Having those types of conversations up-front is an opportunity for collision repair facilities to put themselves in a position where they are the experts and demonstrate they are looking out for their customers’ best interests.

We’ve also seen interest from insurance clients wanting to underQ: What are some of the opportunities available for repairers?

A: In the future, I think there will be more specialization in the market. By training employees to repair vehicles with these types of materials, shops can create a healthy profit center. It’s not going to be for every shop but depending on the market and the customers you serve, there could be some opportunities, whether you are an independent repair facility or part of a consolidator.

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MINNESOTA Luther Bloomington Subaru

Bloomington (800) 451-5078 Direct (952) 887-0600 (952) 881-1787 Fax Mon 6:30-6; Tue-Fri 6:30-9; Sat 8-4 parts@bloomingtonsubaru.com www.bloomingtonsubaru.com

OHIO Ganley Westside Subaru

North Olmsted Toll Free (888) 850-0633 Direct (440) 788-7060 (440) 788-7085 Fax Mon-Fri 8-7 Tue-Fri 8-6 Sat 8-5 jtjoyce@ganleywestside.com

Morrie’s Brooklyn Park Subaru

Brooklyn Park (800) 343-6999 (763) 765-1462 (763) 765-1487 Fax Mon-Fri 7-6; Sat 8-4 bpsubaruparts@morries.com