January 2023 Northeast Edition

U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, and Ron Wyden, D-OR, introduced legislation to combat the rise in catalytic converter theft.

The Preventing Auto Recycling Theft (PART) Act would ensure law enforcement can more effectively address these thefts by marking each converter with a traceable identification number and establishing converter theft as a criminal offense.

locate stolen car parts, we will be one step closer in the fight to end catalytic converter theft.”

Catalytic converters are used to reduce the potency of toxic emissions from an internal combustion engine and required for vehicle compliance with the Clean Air Act. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts rose by more than 325% from 2019 to 2020.

Replacing these parts imposes significant financial costs to vehicle owners, often between $500 to $2,300, and can even result in a total loss to the vehicle.

The PART Act would:

“Throughout the country, we’ve seen an alarming increase in catalytic converter theft. These converters can be easily taken from unattended cars but are difficult and expensive for car owners to replace,” said Klobuchar. “By making catalytic converter theft a criminal offense and ensuring each converter can be easily tracked, our legislation would provide law enforcement officers with the tools and resources they need to crack down on these crimes.”

“The theft of catalytic converters hurts the pocketbooks of working families and small business owners already struggling with rising costs,” said Wyden. “By strengthening local law enforcement’s ability to

Require new vehicles to have a Vehicle Identification number (VIN) stamped onto the converter to allow law enforcement officers to link stolen parts to the vehicle from which they originate

Create a grant program through which entities can stamp VIN numbers onto catalytic converters of existing vehicles

Improve record keeping standards for purchasers of used catalytic converters

Establish enforceability of laws around catalytic converter theft by codifying these crimes as a criminal offense

The bill has received the endorsement of the National Automobile Dealers Association, the American Truck

The countdown has begun! With just a few weeks left of 2022, it’s time to prepare for the most anticipated weekend in the automotive and collision world as the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey’s (AASP/ NJ) flagship event, the annual NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show, returns March 17-19, 2023, to the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ. Attendees can now visit the event’s website, aaspnjnortheast.com, to preregister for free admission to the show. NORTHEAST, which typically draws more than 6,000 industry professionals every March, is the largest and fastest growing show of its kind. Now in its 46th year, the show supplies automotive repair industry professionals with an unmatched

experience offering the latest tools, products, equipment and services, as well as a premium educational slate with some of the industry’s most knowledgeable minds scheduled to appear including Mike Anderson of Collision Advice, Timothy Ronak of AkzoNobel and David Luehr of Elite Body Shop

Solutions who will speak to current industry trends and how to combat the latest challenges. Attendees can once again expect to visit with more than 150 exhibitors, interact with celebrity guests and have the chance to win some fantastic prizes. “It’s time yet again for the industry to return to the Meadowlands for the largest automotive services trade show of its kind, and we are very excited to see everyone on

By Dave LaChance Repairer Driven News

Although a bill that would have forced insurers to raise Massachusetts’ lowest-in-the-nation auto body labor rate failed to make it into law this year, supporters are expecting the issue to be brought up again in the 2023 legislative session.

The labor rate bill was one of more than 100 outside sections that had been attached to the $3.76 billion economic

REGIONAL NEWS

30 Individuals, 21 Businesses

Charged in Pennsylvania Title Washing Scheme 60

April 2023 Southeast Collision Conference, Collision P.R.E.P. Open for Presentation Submissions 24

Connecticut Lawmakers Approve Gas Tax Holiday Extension 6

Crash Champions Acquires 3 Collision Repair Facilities in Maryland 18

East Brunswick, NJ, Maaco Owner Recognized for Top Sales Growth 8

Labor Rate Bill Fails in MA, but Supporters Hope for Passage in New Session 1

Massachusetts Using Federal Funding to Support Small Business Sector 10

NY Auto Business Owner Convicted of Filing False Tax Returns, Hiding Cash Income 4

Precision Auto Works of LIC™ Adds Lucid Collision Repair Center Certification 23

Pre-Registration for NORTHEAST 2023 Now Open 1

Report: New York Power Grid at Risk 20

COLUMNISTS

Mike Anderson

Are You Itemizing Vehicle Prep Steps Necessary Prior to ADAS Calibrations? 12

Abby Andrews

Future Technology Presents Liability Concerns for Collision Repairers 28

Stacey Phillips

3M™ RepairStack™ Performance Solutions & Additional 3M Products Introduced to Optimize Shop Efficiency and Performance 34

AirPro Diagnostics Releases Updated Self-Guided Version of Auggie DTS at SEMA 2022 44

Award-Winning Female I-CAR Instructor Teaches How to Manage Quality Vehicle Repairs at SEMA 26

Compact WD-40 Precision Pen Debuted at SEMA Show 50

OEConnection’s RepairLogic Platform Helps Auto Body Shops Find Accurate OEM Information 38

Repairify Introduces New Products, Announces Repairify Institute Training Model 14

Cole Strandberg

Is Collision Repair the Gold Rush 2.0? 48

John Yoswick

Don’t Look for Short-Term End to Fast Growth in Average Collision Repair Invoices 32

How to Get Entry-Level Collision Repair Techs Productive Quickly 16

More Auto Body Shops Being Paid for Diagnostic Test Drives Before Repairs 22

NATIONAL NEWS

Americans Will Pay 16% More for Car Insurance by the End of 2023 66

As Luxury Share Grows, New-Vehicle Prices Hit Record High in November 68

Autel Selects Qmerit for Home Chargers 46

Auto Care Alliance Offers HRA Plans to Members 57

AutoNation Expands After-Sales Business with Acquisition of RepairSmith 46

CarMax Reaches Settlement Over Failure to Disclose Vehicle Recalls 62

CIECA Announces Vaultoniq as Member 62

CIECA Welcomes New Member E-Nikio Appraisals 6

Donate to the Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship 54

F-150 Lightning Wins MotorTrend Truck of the Year for 2023 30

Ford CEO Reveals 2 of 3 Ford Dealers Buy into All-Electric Strategy 69

Gas Prices Plunge as Drivers Hit the Road for the Holiday 8

GM Says Its Dealers Have Fixed Over 11,000 Tesla EVs Since 2021 49

Going in Reverse: Dangerous Driving Behaviors Rise 64

Hertz to Pay $168M to Settle False Rental Car Theft Claims 70

Hunter Engineering Recognized by Vets Group 39

Kaeser Compressors, Inc. Raises $23,000 10

Most Americans Would Still Prefer ICE Over EV, Regardless of Price 30

MotorTrend Shows on Amazon Freevee 24

NABC Drive Out Distraction Program Encourages Safe Driving This Holiday Season 65

NHTSA Announces Another Takata Air Bag Fatality, Urges Owners to Check for Recalls 54

November Auto Sales Forecasted to Continue Previous 3-Month Trend 42 November New-Car Sales Improve YearOver-Year 58

Options for ASE Testing and Recertification 20

Ram Transmission Problems Cause 16 Fires, Recall 33

Register Now for 2023 WIN Conference 4

Tru-Point Offers 360-View Calibrations 65

U.S. Senators Introduce Bill to Combat Catalytic Converter Theft Nationwide 1

Index of Advertisers

Acme Nissan 27

Acura of Westchester 26

Audi Devon 20

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers ������������������� 63

Auto Data Labels 11

Axalta Coating Systems 2 BendPak 9

Biener Audi 24 Biener Ford 24

BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers 52-53

BRAM Auto Group 29

Brown-Daub Kia 58

Cadillac of Mahwah ����������������������������������� 56

Carworx Distribution, Inc 25

Central Avenue CJDR 21

Circle BMW 16

Classifieds 70

Colonial Automotive Group 45

Courtesy Mitsubishi 50

DePaula Chevrolet-Ford 48

Dynabrade, Inc 72

Eastchester Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge ������������� 30

Empire Auto Parts 4

Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers 55

Franklin Sussex Automall 50

GM Wholesale Parts Dealers 59

Grieco Toyota 66

GUNIWHEEL 13

Hoffman Auto Group 47

Honda-Acura Parts Dealers 35, 36-37

Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers ������������� 66

Infiniti of Norwood 38

Island Clean Air 17

Jaguar Land Rover Cherry Hill 44

KECO Body Repair Products 19

Kelly Jeep-Chrysler 28

Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers 61

Kia of Attleboro 50

Kia of Coatesville 65

Kundert Volvo��������������������������������������������� 32

Lexus Wholesale Parts Dealers 68

Liberty Kia 10

Long Automotive Group 22

Malco 18

Marking Pen Depot �������������������������������������� 6

Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers 62

Mercedes-Benz of Fort Washington 43

Mercedes-Benz of Goldens Bridge 46

Mercedes-Benz of Paramus 49

Mercedes-Benz of West Chester 23

Mercedes-Benz of Wilmington 23

Mercedes-Benz Parts Dealers 71

MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers 54

MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers ��������� 40-41

New Holland Ford 57

New Holland Toyota 58

Nielsen Ford 42

Nissan/Infiniti Parts Dealers 62

North American Bancard 15

Northstar Kia 16

Open Road Acura of East Brunswick 46

Open Road Chevrolet 39

Ourisman Chevrolet ����������������������������������� 42

Ourisman Chevrolet-VW-Mazda of Rockville 31

Packer Norris Parts 51

Park Ave Acura 8

Polestar Princeton 4

Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers 64

Prestige Lexus 12

Rafferty Subaru 58

Rockland Nissan ���������������������������������������� 10

SATA Dan-Am Company 7

Schultz Ford 33

Sheehy Lexus of Annapolis 8

Spanesi Americas 5

Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers 69

Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers 60

Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers 67

Volvo Wholesale Parts Dealers 68

White Plains Volkswagen �������������������������� 58

Yonkers Kia 20

WIN (The Women’s Industry Network) opened registration for its 2023 Annual Educational Conference, May 1 -3, 2023, to be held at the WESTIN San Antonio Riverwalk, in San Antonio, TX. Themed “Reimaging Tomorrow,” attendees will see this reflected throughout the agenda of the threeday event that brings education, connection and celebration to collision industry professionals each year. The 2023 Virtual Annual Conference will feature speakers, panel discussions, networking and mentoring, interactive features, celebrating new scholarship recipients, induction of the 2023 Class of Most Influential Women winners, community events and more. The conference cost for in-person member attendees is: $525 by March 1, 2023; $625 for members until April 24, 2023; $650 for non-members, and $175 for virtual attendees. Interested attendees can join WIN as a member anytime for just $95. More details are coming soon, but save the date and register now at thewomensindustrynetwork. site-ym.com/page/Conference For more information on WIN, visit thewomensindustrynetwork.site-ym. com/page/About

Source: WIN

NY Auto Business Owner Convicted of Filing False Tax Returns, Hiding Cash Income

A federal jury in Central Islip, NY, on Nov. 9 returned a guilty verdict on all five counts of superseding indictment charging Lorraine Pilitz also known as “Lorraine Christie” and “Lorraine Storms” with illegally structuring financial transactions, corruptly obstructing the IRS and filing false tax returns.

The verdict followed a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert. Pilitz owned and operated several automobile-related businesses on Long Island.

Financial institutions are required to file a currency transaction report (CTR) with the IRS for each transaction in excess of $10,000. As proven at trial, between 2011 and 2013, Pilitz routinely structured cash deposits to avoid the required CTR filings depositing cash amounts just under $10,000. As a result of Pilitz’s scheme, hundreds of thousands of dollars were concealed from the IRS.

As part of the same scheme to conceal her income, Pilitz also diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars of business checks into her and her family’s personal bank

accounts, maintained “off-thebooks” payrolls, failed to file personal and corporate tax returns, and filed false tax returns that severely underreported her income.

for her actions,” said Peace. “Business owners who place greed above following the rule of law will face the consequences.”

Peace thanked the Suffolk County Police Department’s Treasury Enhanced Prosecution Program for their assistance with the case.

Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Thomas Fattorusso, acting special agent-in-charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI), announced the verdict.

“For years the defendant thought she could get away with hiding substantial amounts of cash and income, impeding the Internal Revenue Service, and cheating her employees, but the jury saw through the lies and has held her responsible

“Lorraine Pilitz set up a complicated scheme to hide hundreds of thousands of dollars from the IRS by grossly underreporting her income and having an ‘off-the-books’ payroll. As the investigative arm of the IRS, IRS Criminal Investigation is strategically positioned to track down all those who look to steal from the U.S. Treasury and the American public to line their own pockets,” said Fattorusso.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Burton T. Ryan Jr., Adam R. Toporovsky, Madeline O’Connor and Diane Leonardo are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Michael Compitello.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice

“Lorraine Pilitz set up a complicated scheme to hide hundreds of thousands of dollars from the IRS by grossly underreporting her income and having an ‘off-the-books’ payroll.”

THOMAS FATTORUSSO ACTING SPECIAL AGENT-IN-CHARGE, IRS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

CIECA Welcomes New Member E-Nikio Appraisals

E-Nikio Appraisals, LLC has joined CIECA as a corporate member. Established in 2022, the company employs 19 appraisers and specializes in collision repair operations/repair plans, insurance claims, diminished value, fair market valuations and prepurchase inspections.

Bill Vallely, founder and CEO of E-Nikio Appraisals, said the company is forward thinking and prides itself on providing services that address current industry challenges. Most staff are based in New York; however, there is representation across the U.S. All appraisers are licensed in states requiring a license to practice negotiation. Vallely and his partners, Steve Baktidy and Nelson Baez, have extensive collision repair and insurance experience that spans more than 50 years combined and hold certifications in Tesla, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Land Rover and many other OEMs.

Vallely learned about CIECA through industry colleagues. “Being active in the industry, you tend to align with organizations that have the same objectives,” said Vallely, who is also the CEO of the Collision Training Institute and an I-CAR Platinum instructor.

Source: CIECA

Connecticut Lawmakers Approve Gas Tax Holiday Extension

By Christian Wade The Center Square

Connecticut motorists will continue to see relief at the pumps after the state Legislature approved an extension of the gas tax holiday until next year.

Meeting in a special session Nov. 28, the Democrat controlled House and Senate approved a proposal to waive the 25 cents per gallon retail tax on gasoline until Dec. 31. The gas tax holiday, which was initially approved in April, was set to expire Nov. 30.

Under the plan, which is backed by Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, the state will begin to reinstate the tax by five cents a month beginning in January, until it reaches the full 25 cents per gallon tax on May 1, according to the proposal. Lamont must still sign the legislation.

Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate pushed to amend the legislation to waive the retail gasoline tax through June 30, but Democratic leaders rejected the plan.

Democratic leaders pledged

to revisit the issue in the spring, to determine whether the gas tax holiday could be extended beyond May 1.

A perfect storm of supply chain disruptions, record high inflation levels and the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine on global oil markets are behind higher gas prices, experts say.

Overall, Connecticut drivers pay 54.14 cents per gallon in gas taxes, including state and federal charges, according to the American Petroleum Institute.

While the respite from the state gas tax will keep prices at the pumps under $4 per gallon, it will come at a cost to the state, which estimates it will forfeit about $30 million a month.

Lawmakers also approved a proposal to provide up to $35 million in state funds for the LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps low-income families pay winter heating bills and other energy costs.

Gas prices in Connecticut were averaging about $3.61 per gallon in the week before the special session, compared to $3.55 a year ago, according to the AAA of the Northeast’s weekly survey of gas stations. It’s about 10 cents higher than the national average for the previous week, AAA said.

To date, Connecticut has received $94 million from the federally funded program but advocates say more money is needed to help lowincome energy consumers with electricity prices expected to spike this winter.

On Nov. 28, Republican lawmakers successfully amended the bill to increase LIHEAP funding by more than $90 million.

Gas Prices Plunge As Drivers Hit the Road For the Holiday

By Andrew Gross, AAA

Drivers fueling up ahead of Thanksgiving will benefit from falling pump prices, as the national average for a gallon of gasoline dropped 11 cents over the previous week to $3.66 as of Nov. 21.

That’s the good news. Unfortunately, while lower, this week will see the highest Thanksgiving national average price since AAA started keeping records in 2000.

“The national average has fallen sharply since the June peak of nearly $5.02,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “But this Thanksgiving will be about 20 cents higher than a year ago, and a dollar more per gallon than a pre-pandemic 2019. However, we can be thankful that gas prices are moving in the right direction for now.”

According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand fell from 9.01 million to 8.74 million b/d in the week before Nov.

21. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose by nearly 2.2 million bbl to 207.9 million bbl. Increasing supply and fewer drivers fueling up have pushed pump prices lower. As demand remains low and stocks grow, drivers will likely see pump prices dip through the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Nov. 21 national average of $3.66 is 16 cents less than a month ago and 26 cents more than a year ago.

The nation’s top 10 largest weekly decreases: Wisconsin (-23 cents), Michigan (-23 cents), Indiana (-19 cents), California (-18 cents), Ohio (-17 cents), Illinois (-16 cents), Delaware (-16 cents), Oregon (-16 cents), Washington (-13 cents) and Nevada (-13 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets: Texas ($2.99), Georgia ($3.10), Mississippi ($3.12), Arkansas ($3.13), Louisiana ($3.17), Oklahoma ($3.18), Tennessee ($3.20), Alabama ($3.22), South Carolina ($3.22) and Missouri ($3.24).

Source: AAA

East Brunswick, NJ, Maaco Owner Recognized For Top Sales Growth

best year ever in its nearly 30-year history, thanks to his keen focus on operational performance and ensuring he employs a dedicated team focused on satisfying the customer. “Since taking ownership, we have been hyper-focused on quality and customer satisfaction,” said Vahdat. “I treat every car that leaves our shop as if it was my own car. As a result, our customer reviews and ratings continue to improve, up 120 basis points from when we started.”

A former IT executive, Vahdat always wanted to own his own business. His dream became a reality when a broker presented a turnkey opportunity for him to purchase an existing Maaco facility, and he knew it was the right decision. Vahdat has been with Maaco for less than five years, and since taking over in 2018, he is on track to have the shop’s

“As one of our newer Maaco owners, Michael is a great example of the success that is possible when you focus on the customer and follow the Maaco model,” said Chris Dawson, paint and collision president for Driven Brands.

Maaco, North America’s body shop, and its network of franchise owners recently gathered for the four-day 2022 Maaco Convention in Carlsbad, CA, to celebrate Maaco’s 50th anniversary and the outstanding achievements of its owners. Visit Maaco.com for more information.

Source: Maaco

East Brunswick, NJ, business owner Michael Vahdat was recently recognized as the Maaco franchise owner with the top sales growth among the more than 400 independently owned and operated franchises in the whole North American network.

Award winner Michael Vahdat, center, with the Maaco leadership team, pictured left to right: Daryl Hurst, Chris Porcelli, Bryan Jones, Chris Dawson and Dave Gross.

Kaeser Compressors, Inc.’s Compressor for a Cure raised more than $20,000 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Kaeser auctioned off a oneof-a-kind M59PE portable unit, calling it the “Compressor for a Cure.” The auction began on National Mammogram Day, Oct. 21, and concluded Oct. 31 with 25 bids raising $21,700, which will be added to individual employee donations for a total of $23,120. Kaeser will donate 100% of the proceeds.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with approximately 2.3 million women diagnosed in 2021. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women, and tragically, incidence rates are on the rise.

For more information on how to contribute to breast cancer research, visit bcrf.org. For more information on Kaeser’s efforts, visit us.kaeser.com/ goyellowbegreen.

Source: Kaeser Compressors, Inc.

Massachusetts Using Federal Funding To Support Small Business Sector

By Brent Addleman The Center Square

Making investments in the future of small businesses is the focus of a new investment in Massachusetts.

Nearly $169 million will be redirected from the U.S. Department of Treasury to promote small business growth and entrepreneurship in the Bay State. The funds are from the state’s allocation of State Small Business Credit Initiative Funding, Gov. Charlie Baker said.

“Since taking office, we have been committed to supporting small businesses in communities across Massachusetts,” Baker said in a release. “This federal funding will allow us to increase access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them create jobs and expand their footprint here in the commonwealth.”

The funding totaling $168,591,178, according to the release, will create and expand capital funding offerings from MassDevelopment, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp., and

MassVentures. The funding was established for the small business credit by Congress as part of the Jobs Act of 2010 and was reauthorized with the American Rescue Plan part of $10 billion allocated nationwide.

the release. “MassDevelopment, Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, and MassVentures already play a critical role advancing equitable business growth in the commonwealth, and this funding will allow these agencies to expand their loan offerings to reach more companies.”

Funding for MassDevelopment will be used, according to the release, for the Enhanced Economic Development Loans for real estate, equipment and leasehold improvement loans, and the Enhanced Loan guarantees program will partner with banks to provide up to 50% of loan amounts. The Commercial Lending program will make direct loans for no more than 50% of total funding.

“This major federal investment will directly benefit our economy by empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs in Massachusetts especially our smallest and underserved businesses with the capital they need to grow,” Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy said in

The Community Loan Fund will guarantee up to 50% of principal loan amounts up to an average of $250,000.

MassVentures, according to the release, will use funding for the Deep Tech Diversity Venture Fund, which supplies money to capital equity investments in the tech sector.

“This federal funding will allow us to increase access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them create jobs and expand their footprint here in the commonwealth.”

CHARLIE BAKER GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS

Collision repair shops are obviously seeing more and more vehicles coming in for repairs that include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and that means more and more vehicles are requiring calibrations of those systems as part of the repair.

There are a lot of great resources out there for determining which vehicles have systems that will need to be calibrated. I-CAR, for example, offers a free online search tool to find OEM calibration requirements, available at rts.i-car.com/oemcalibration-requirements-search. html.

Pull up the requirements for 2022 Acura MDX, for example, and the site shows what’s required related to the adaptive cruise control, collision warning, blind spot detection and about 10 other vehicle systems— there’s also a link at the top of the search results to a detailed page explaining how to use the requirements search.

But what I want to focus on here

are some of the things often required by the automaker to be done—by your shop or by whatever sublet vendor you are using—to the vehicle prior to the calibration. There’s also “stall prep” work that must be done, but I’m focusing here on steps related to the vehicle itself.

This vehicle prep required for accurate calibration may include such items as verifying the fuel level in the vehicle, and adding fuel if necessary to meet the necessary conditions. It can include verifying the tire pressure, and the levels of other vehicle fluids in the vehicle like coolant or oil or washer fluid. It can include verifying the trunk doesn’t have any excess contents adding weight or “ballast.” You may have to check the back of the front seats to make sure there’s nothing in the seat pocket. An alignment is often a required step prior to calibrations.

When I’m working with estimators or repair planners, I always teach them to itemize these operations aside from the calibration line entry itself. Why?

Desk

Mike Anderson

Because there are variables. You may have two similar vehicles each requiring the same calibration, but one has the full fuel tank needed, while the other has only a half tank of gas, requiring an added step.

Speaking of which, let me tell you about an experience one collision repairer recently told me about when

I think it’s going to become more important that shops ask vehicle owners to bring their vehicle in full of fuel whenever possible, explaining it’s necessary for proper calibrations. This is something that always should have been done in order to do a proper suspension alignment, but now it’s just as critical—or perhaps more so— for calibrations. And if you do need to add fuel, contact the customer ahead of time to avoid the type of situation this shop found itself in.

MIKE ANDERSON COLLISION ADVICE

I was visiting the shop. The shop had added fuel to a vehicle because the calibration required a full tank of gas, but the vehicle had come into the shop with only a half-full tank.

After the customer picked up the repaired vehicle, he asked if the shop had added gas. The shop explained it was required as part of

So the bottom line is estimates and invoices that include a calibration should also include lines items for whatever vehicle prep was required. Make sure you’re researching those requirements in the OEM information, and then make sure it’s being done properly. Don’t try to cheat it.

There are some OEMs that may say if you have a half-tank of gas, you can offset it by adding a set amount of weight added to the vehicle. But if the OEM doesn’t call that out, you need to make sure it has a full tank of gas.

The other thing: If you sublet your calibrations, you want to make sure

Dealers (ATD), the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA), the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the National RV Dealers Association (RVDA), the National Salvage Vehicle Reporting Program (NSVRP), NTEA — The Association for the Work Truck Industry, the American Car Rental Association (ACRA), the NAFA Fleet Management Association, the National Consumers League (NCL), the National Private Truck Council and the Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA).

U.S. Rep. Jim Baird, R-IN, leads companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

“Dealers across Minnesota thank

Sen. Klobuchar for introducing this common-sense bill to curb catalytic converter theft. The current patchwork of state laws combined with the lack of traceability has made catalytic converter theft an easy way for criminals to make quick cash,” said Scott Lambert, president of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association. “The PART Act will give teeth to law enforcement by making converters traceable to their original vehicle and by establishing federal criminal penalties for this theft.”

As a former prosecutor, Klobuchar has led efforts to prevent automobilerelated crimes. In April, she convened a roundtable with Minnesota law enforcement leaders to discuss ways to crack down on violent carjacking crimes. The same month, she urged the U.S. Department of Justice  to prioritize resources for state and local law enforcement to address increases in carjackings.

Source: Office of U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar

“So when I’m working with estimators or repair planners, I always teach them to itemize these operations aside from the calibration line entry itself.”

By Stacey Phillips Autobody News

As automotive technology advances, Repairify, a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC, says no collision repairer needs to be left behind. As a result, the Repairify team is working to develop products and services that simplify automotive maintenance and repair for customers.

During the SEMA and AAPEX shows held in November in Las Vegas, NV, Repairify showcased its offerings, including the asTech Mini, the asTech Connect, the asTech Duo All-In-One diagnostic solution, and the asTech Rules Engine.

85% to 86% of the car parc because it uses J2534 protocol.”

J2534 is an interface standard designed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Paired with the asTech mobile app, Hollingsworth said the asTech Mini delivers the functionality of thousands of OEM scan tools in a pocket-sized device.

“It’s like having hundreds of certified technicians and over 1,000 OEM tools right in the palm of your hand,” said Maurice Tuff, chief marketing officer and global head of tools for Repairify.

With the asTech Mini, users can access asTech’s patented remote OEM diagnostics and 400+ certified technicians, perform local OEMcompatible quick scans, read and clear codes, access all scan reports in the asTech mobile app and know that Repairify’s certified warranty backs the scans.

Hollingsworth said with the addition of the asTech Mini, the company now has “…a tool offering that we can truly call a good, better and best” referring to the asTech Mini, the asTech Connect and the asTech All-In-One, respectively.

sublet repair professionals, providing more control over how quickly the repairs can be completed, and automating invoicing and payment processes, according to a company press release.

The Repairify Institute

On Nov. 3, Repairify unveiled its plan to launch the Repairify Institute in 2023. The training institute is a comprehensive technical training program for automotive professionals to ensure service readiness.

The company said it is the automotive service industry’s first education organization to use a revolutionary course development process called adaptive learning, which focuses on understanding each individual’s knowledge level to adjust its teaching based on the learner’s strengths and opportunities for improvement. Through the institute, students can work at their own pace via several planned academies to achieve certifications or to expand their learning on several automotive topics.

known as Centers of Excellence, will serve as examination and certification hubs for students, featuring a variety of spaces to optimize learning, including classrooms, spaces to proctor oral examinations and a shop space where students will demonstrate their abilities to perform their learned skills. These facilities will be strategically located so students can easily travel to a regional location. The first Center of Excellence is slated to open near Dallas in early 2023.

Repairify Institute will create multiple certification opportunities with specific academies and curriculums based on various automotive service segments. Automotive Training Group, a technical training company recently acquired by Repairify, will add advanced mechanical training to the program. The Repairify Institute is partnering with many leading product and service providers across the mechanical and collision industries to further expand training and curriculum offerings in the future.

Patented Rules Engine

The company also announced the creation of a technical training program offered by the newly created Repairify Institute.

The Repairify booth at the SEMA Show was set up to demonstrate the lifecycle of a vehicle and showcase the company’s solutions during every step of the repair process. Repairify also demonstrated its ADAS identification and calibration capabilities at the ADAS Showcase section at the SEMA Show and exhibited at the AAPEX Show as part of Joe’s Garage.

asTech® Mini

The week before the SEMA Show, Repairify announced a new tool available for order in 2023, the asTech® Mini device. The compact, comprehensive Bluetoothenabled OBD2 scanning solution was built for OEM and OEMcompatible diagnostics. asTech, part of the Repairify family of companies, classifies OEM-compatible tools as those that the company has tested and found to perform equally as well as OEM tools.

“The asTech Mini is a lighter scan tool, which can remotely connect with an OE tool or one of our OEM-compatible tools,” said Cris Hollingsworth, president of Repairify Global Holdings, Inc. “It covers about

Repair OnDemand

Repairify also introduced a twosided sublet repair marketplace called Repair OnDemand, which connects sublet repair professionals with companies that have vehicles in need of repair, such as fleet owners, auction operators, dealerships and independent repair facilities.

Repair OnDemand combines the software, technology and people from AutoMobile Technologies (AMT), Mobile Tech RX, One Guard Inspections and BlueDriver, all part of the Repairify family, to bring clients together with its network of more than 16,000 sublet repair professionals.

“Our clients are companies that typically have hundreds or thousands of vehicles in need of inspection, cosmetic body work, minor mechanical repairs and maintenance, or key replacement,” said Tony Rimas, president of Repairify’s Repair OnDemand business. “Our marketplace already has become an invaluable resource in a relatively short amount of time.”

Repair OnDemand was created to help automotive fleet owners, auction operators, dealerships and independent repairers improve repair and reconditioning operations before, during and after the repair. It does this by speeding the time required to find

Additional program features will include a mentorship support program that tracks the progress of learned new skills and a Proof of Skill concept that ensures every student can demonstrate mastery of the skills they’ve learned to perform safe and proper repairs.

“The Repairify Institute is the embodiment of the Repairify mission to help automotive repair professionals in their quest to simplify complex repairs,” explained Hollingsworth. “Not only are we enabling this mission with our patented technology, but we also are building curriculum and courses that help technicians achieve and maintain certification in their desired areas of expertise.”

Hollingsworth said the institute will help repairers gain additional competencies, fine-tune their existing competencies and become certified.

The institute’s physical locations,

Another recent addition is asTech’s patented diagnostic Rules Engine, which identifies vehicles based on the VIN and recommends the best scan tool for the job.

“It is an AI technician helper,” said Hollingsworth. “That means every single vehicle gets scanned the exact same way.”

He said technicians are critical in the process but must work off of OEM diagnostic data and service information to perform safe and accurate repairs.

“This creates a consistent process every single time with customization and optionality as to which tool to use,” he added.

The enhanced asTech solution reduces key-to-key times, consolidates work in one place by enabling calibrations and OEM-level programming and helps keep shops in compliance with their direct repair insurance partners to achieve higher reimbursement rates, according to a company press release.

“Every single time, you now have a record of the documentation,” said Hollingsworth. “We’re trying to help shops cross the credibility gap between documenting the work they did and the carrier feeling comfortable paying for it. We’re getting great feedback from both sides.”

For more information, visit www. repairify.com.

Repairify team members at SEMA 2022 included, left to right, Dan Young, Elizabeth Gonzales, Nikki Vanderschaaff, Phil Peace, Jonathan Chatagnier, Cris Hollingsworth and Michael Severyn

The asTech Duo All-In-One diagnostic solution

By John Yoswick Autobody News

At the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Las Vegas in November, Jim Guthrie of the Car Crafters chain of collision shops in New Mexico discussed the success his company was having with quickly getting entrylevel apprentices basic skills they put to use working within the shop while their training continues.

“It’s a way they can earn while they learn,” Guthrie said.

curriculum was created after talking to the industry about what would help someone entering the trade “feel immediately of value in your shop.”

It focuses on five core skills: assembly, disassembly, small dent repair, plastic repair and prep for refinishing.

Goroff said it is the start of a broader I-CAR initiative to provide a solution for those looking to attract, mentor, train and retain technicians, and will include both mentorship and apprenticeship guides that take into account how younger potential technicians want to learn.

“A lot of the folks who thrive in collision repair really are not book learners,” Goroff said during the discussion at CIC. “They’re not video learners. They want to do, as well as either read or watch something, before they’ve learned it.

a school’s ability to ensure that once a student shows up in a shop, their transition from learning to working is much, much smoother.”

When Guthrie, current chairman of I-CAR’s board of directors, was asked how a shop could get started training entry-level technicians as he’s doing in his business, he suggested calling Goroff.

Another panelist, Brandon Eckenrode of the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), said just as I-CAR’s program to help shops get entry-level employees quickly trained in five skills, the value of that approach needs to reach the high school and college collision repair training programs as well.

CREF can help shops get on the advisory board of a local school, Eckenrode said, to talk to instructors and students so they know “what skillsets they’re looking for as an employer that will make [students] more productive as an entry-level employee, as opposed to the detrain and retrain that we’ve heard many people have to do because of whatever education they might be getting inside their school.”

Guthrie’s company is using the Entry-Level Technician Learning and

“The mentorship and apprenticeship guides will truly help somebody learn something and put hands to wrench, put hands to metal, and actually do something,” Goroff continued. “Which builds the skill of the learner, builds their confidence in what they’re doing, and makes them feel a sense of pride, which

“Her program is awesome,” Guthrie said. “It will teach you a very simple theoretical skill, and then you can go right into the shop and become productive.”

School Involvement Key for Collision Repair Industry

While schools are often required as part of accreditation to provide students with at least an introduction to a wide variety of skills, they also need to understand “when you come in on day one to work in my company, here are the things that we would love for you to be able to do, as opposed to that mile-wide, inch-deep learning philosophy,” Eckenrode said.

He said CREF is also helping connect schools with shops willing to save their parts so

Dara Goroff of I-CAR said its curriculum for entry-level technicians focusses on five key skills

Brandon Eckenrode of CREF said shops need

schools what

they want in students coming out of the program

students have current model parts to practice on.

“We also hear time and time again that [shops] need to go talk with the administration, the deans, the principals, so that they know there’s this industry out there that’s waiting for their students [and] there’s great earning potential there,” Eckenrode said.

CREF represented the industry at the American School Counselor Conference this past summer, he said, and counselors told him, “We get it. We need to embrace technical education more.” So CREF is working to create resources those counselors can use “when they’re talking with a student, so they can showcase this as a viable option for them, and what the different opportunities are.”

Preview of Next CIC

CIC will next meet—as its newlyadopted slogan states, to “Connect. Influence. Collaborate.”—on Jan. 19 in Palm Springs, CA.

Among the speakers will be an attorney discussing what shops need to understand about protecting customers’ personal data. It’s a topic that’s been a focus of a CIC committee for some time as it digs into the issue of a shop’s estimate data somehow resulting in an entry on vehicle history reports.

Crash Champions Acquires 3 Collision Repair Facilities in Maryland

Crash Champions, LLC, on Dec. 12 announced it expanded its Maryland footprint through the strategic acquisition of three highquality collision repair facilities: Advanced Auto Body, located at 500 Frederick St. in Hagerstown; Classic Collision Works, located at 423 E. Diamond Ave. in Gaithersburg; and Advanced Collision, located at 12200 Baltimore Ave. in Beltsville.

centers across the state. Local customers also benefit from a lifetime warranty backing all repair work valid at any of Crash Champions’ more than 590 repair centers in 36 states across the U.S.

Crash Champions now provides Maryland motorists with high-quality collision repair service at 17 repair

“All three of these facilities align with our strategy for expanding the Crash Champions team to provide local motorists with high-quality collision repair service,” said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions. “This includes employing highly trained technicians that deliver industry leading repair services while simultaneously providing a customer experience that is second to none. Moreover, and just like the Crash Champions team, the professionals on these teams take great pride in their craft and supporting their local communities, something that will certainly continue under the Crash Champions banner.”

Source: Crash Champions, LLC

the show floor this coming March!” said AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant. “Last year’s show felt a lot closer to ‘normal,’ and as the hardships of the pandemic appear more and more in the rearview mirror, NORTHEAST 2023 promises to deliver the industry’s best training, exhibitors and networking to help shops elevate their businesses.

“When shops take the time to make this type of investment in their business, our industry can achieve everything we’ve ever dreamed and more. The sky is truly the limit!”

For news and announcements regarding NORTHEAST 2023, visit aaspnjnortheast.com. To learn more about AASP/NJ, visit aaspnj.org.

Source: AASP/NJ

“All three of these facilities align with our strategy for expanding the Crash Champions team to provide local motorists with highquality collision repair service,”

MATT EBERT CEO OF CRASH CHAMPIONS

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) now offers three ways for service professionals to take certification or recertification tests.

ASE in-person testing is available throughout the year and is conducted days, nights and weekends at more than 450 secured, proctored Prometric test centers.

Those with unexpired automobile certifications (A1-A9) can use the ASE renewal app for recertification, making it easy to extend the expiration date of their ASE certifications without having to take time off or go to a secure test center for testing.

ASE now offers ProProctor remote testing as an online recertification solution for all ASE recertifications tests, excluding L1 and L2 tests.

To learn more, visit ASE.com, click on register and sign in. Once logged in, users can next click on “orders” and then “store” where they can find the tests they want to take, add those tests to the cart, check out and registration is complete.

Source: ASE

Report: New York Power Grid At Risk

By Steve Bittenbender The Center Square

A nonpartisan advocacy organization for upstate New York is raising concerns about the state’s future power grid after a report found demands could stress the system, especially during extreme weather.

Upstate United said in a statement Dec. 2 the state’s future seems “problematic” after the New York Independent System Operator released its 2022 Reliability Needs Assessment the week before. The coalition of business and trade groups cited a push by New York officials to implement a zero-emissions policy by 2040.

The assessment found New York will transition from being a peak summer usage grid, to a peak winter grid by 2034, which is consistent with previous NYISO forecasts.

“This is where things become very problematic for upstate consumers,” Upstate United said in its statement. “On average, winter temperatures for upstate counties

reach approximately 20 degrees, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NYISO’s winter margins fall into

Hydro Quebec in Canada.

Construction of the nearly 340-mile transmission line began at the end of November. When finished, the project will provide enough power to cover more than 1 million homes and reduce the state’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric tons.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the new power line will create billions of dollars in economic benefits for the state while fueling a cleaner future.

negative territory in just six years under a scenario with extreme cold and a gas shortage. That scenario becomes even more disastrous in the following decade.”

The assessment also raises concerns about New York City’s grid in the coming years. However, the metropolis is expected to have more power availability starting in 2026, as the Champlain Hudson Power Express comes online and starts providing power from

However, Upstate United said if construction on the power line is delayed by more than two years, New York City would not have enough power to meet its future demands.

“Residents across the state have every right to be concerned about the future of the grid and the state’s energy policies,” the group said. “Millions of New Yorkers rely on the grid every day to power their lives. Without a reliable and resilient grid, the security of New York’s residents and economy are at risk.”

High-voltage power lines transport electricity from power stations to customers. Credit: Brent Addleman, The Center Square

By John Yoswick Autobody News

While test driving a vehicle after repairs has long been a fairly standard practice—even before some ADAS calibrations made it a requirement—more auto body shops are billing for the time spent on this procedure, and the number of shops recognizing the need to perform a diagnostic test drive some vehicle prior to repairs is also growing.

and testing of the seat belt,” said industry trainer and consultant Mike Anderson of Collision Advice, who conducts the “Who Pays” surveys in conjunction with CRASH Network. “This should be done in advance of the repair plan to avoid supplements and delays.”

A pre-repair test drive, Anderson said, can help a shop spot potential suspension or drivability problems; check the function of autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control and other ADAS features; and ensure

a “not-included” labor operation. That’s nearly tripled since 2015, when just 13% of shops said they were regularly paid for the labor time the test drive required.

Administrative Fees for Total Losses More Common

The survey also found the percentage of shops regularly being paid an administrative fee to process

Those were among the findings of one of the quarterly “Who Pays for What?” surveys in 2022.

“We have found some OEMs require you to perform a test drive at certain speeds and braking conditions as part of the inspection

set conditions on the vehicle are met prior to pre-repair scanning.

A “Who Pays” survey this past year found about 34% of shops said they are paid “always” or “most of the time” by the eight largest insurers when they bill for the post-repair test drive,

Fewer shops—just 22%—who bill for a pre-repair “test drive for diagnostics” procedure currently are paid “always” or “most of the time,” but that’s twice the percentage that said that was true back in 2017.

Despite that change, and the increasing importance of performing a test drive prior to repairs, about seven in 10 shops acknowledge they have never billed for the procedure, a percentage virtually unchanged from five years ago.

total losses has increased for seven consecutive years.

When the “Who Pays” surveys began in 2015, only 46% of shops said they were paid “always” or “most of the time” when they billed insurers a fee for processing total loss vehicles, and nearly one in three (30%) never negotiated with an insurer for such a fee. In 2022, the survey found 74% of shops that negotiate for administrative fees say they are regularly reimbursed by the

eight largest insurers. Only 14% have still never attempted to charge a fee.

“The steps involved in processing a total loss are more involved today than they were years ago,” Anderson said. “We now see shops itemizing for procedures such as a thorough tear-down, OEM research time, parts cart storage and other expenses that are absolutely something shops should be reimbursed for, unless they negotiated to perform these services for free as part of a direct repair agreement.”

regarding the best way to be reimbursed for these expenses from a legal perspective,” Anderson said.

He also said insurers are increasingly determining if a vehicle is likely a total loss at the first notice of loss, meaning fewer of those vehicles even make it into a shop.

Use of Invoicing Systems

The “Who Pays” surveys ask about more than just labor procedures. Nearly two-thirds of shops (64%), for example, now say they use some kind of invoicing system to track and bill for shop supplies used during a repair, such as clips and fasteners, seam-sealer, weld-through primer or other items. That’s up from 41% in 2017.

The difference in reimbursement frequency among the top eight insurers is not major. State Farm, now the most frequent payer, is regularly reimbursing 78% of the shops that negotiate to be paid for it—up from 37% in 2015—while 69% of shops say GEICO, the least likely to pay the administrative fee, does so, up from just 49% in 2015.

“Charging an ‘administrative fee’ is not legal in every state, so there has been some industry discussion

More than half of those shops (53%) said the invoicing system adds at least $50 of additional revenue per repair, and more than one in five (22%) said their invoice is boosted by $100 or more thanks to accurately tracking and billing for shop supplies with these systems.

Shops can visit www. crashnetwork.com/whopays to take the January “Who Pays” survey, which focuses on not-included refinish labor procedures, or to download results of prior surveys.

Precision Auto Works of Long Island City is proud to announce collision certification by luxury electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors.

“2022 has been a big year for Precision Auto Works of LIC,” said founder George Anastasopoulos “We’re well known for our experience with electric vehicles going back to our original factory training and certification with Tesla. Earlier this year we added collision certification from Rivian, and now we’re proud to announce we have been selected as the first and only factory-trained Lucid certified collision center in New York City.”

Partner Eric Ross recently completed Lucid training at a Lucid Motors facility in Millbrae,

CA, which he described as “an exceptional experience.”

“Lucid is a unique platform and the Lucid Air is almost exclusively aluminum,” Ross added. “The training was very hands on, with an emphasis on heavy structural repair, which is our expertise and the work we love to do.”

Precision Auto Works of Long Island City is a full service I-CAR Gold Class® collision repair center located in New York City, with more than a decade of experience in EV collision repair. The shop provides complimentary collision towing for Tesla, Rivian and Lucid vehicles in New York City and all of Long Island.

Source: Precision Auto Works of LIC

“The steps involved in processing a total loss are more involved today than they were years ago.”

MIKE ANDERSON COLLISION ADVICE

MotorTrend Shows on Amazon Freevee

MotorTrend Group announced Dec. 13 expanded distribution of the brand’s robust automotive TV programming with new availability on Amazon Freevee. This will allow millions of new viewers access to MotorTrend’s premium TV content without a paid subscription.

Fans are able to access the allnew MotorTrend FAST TV channel on Freevee starting Dec. 13. Simply download the Freevee app to start watching.

Amazon Freevee, formerly known as IMDb TV, is a streaming video service with thousands of premium movies and TV shows, including Originals and FAST channels, available anytime, for free. The free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel, MotorTrend FAST TV, streams MotorTrend’s most popular shows in the U.S and Canada, such as “Roadkill,” “Bitchin’ Rides” and “Texas Metal,” online without a subscription.

MotorTrend FAST TV is currently also available on platforms including Samsung TV Plus and Xumo. More FAST providers will be announced soon.

Visit www.MotorTrend.com/FASTTV for more information.

Source: MotorTrend Group

April 2023 Southeast Collision Conference, Collision P.R.E.P. Open For Presentation Submissions

The Southeast Collision Conference, hosted by the Carolinas Collision Association (CCA) and the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body Association (WMABA), is featuring WMABA’s Collision P.R.E.P. education at the event, serving the East Coast collision repair industry April 14-15, 2023, at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA.

The event is now announcing the open window for speakers to submit their presentations for consideration in the educational line-up.

In its former iterations, the Collision P.R.E.P short for Professional Repairer Education Program blew all expectations out of the water by having a full slate of nationally recognized speakers, which led to the fantastic turnout by repairers. Hoping to continue to grow and bring leading edge topics that are relevant to repair industry advancements, the event is asking for submissions by leaders in the industry.

Collision P.R.E.P. will follow the format of seminar presentations, as well as organized panel discussions. The focus will be on relevant and timely information that addresses issues that collision repairers are currently facing. Special consideration will be given for unique or even hands-on opportunities.

The deadline for submitting a presentation is Jan. 13. Submissions received after that may not be considered for this event.

To submit a proposal, email the following information to WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler at jordanhendler@ wmaba.com. The email should contain the information in either the email body or an editable document:

1.  Presentation title

2. List of all presenters involved (include name, title, company, email address)

3. The presentation description

4. Name at least three takeaways for the attendee

Note: there is no speaker compensation for participation as a presenter in Collision P.R.E.P.

WMABA and CCA encourage companies to support the conference through participation as a vendor sponsor. You do not have to have a booth to support, be present and visible to the industry. Go to southeastcollisionconference. com for more information.

If you have any questions or would like more information on Collision P.R.E.P., contact Hendler directly at jordanhendler@wmaba.com or (804) 789-9649.

For questions regarding the Southeast Collision Conference, contact Hendler or Josh Kent , CCA executive director, at info@ carolinascollisionassociation. com or (704) 998-8553.

More information about the event can be found at southeastcollisionconference. com

Source: WMABA, CCA

By Stacey Phillips Autobody News

Jaime Shewbridge, an instructor for the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), recently shared her industry knowledge at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV.

Over three days, she taught technicians how to best manage quality vehicle repairs as part of the I-CAR credited course, “Coordinate the Repair Process.”

Shewbridge is the first woman to receive three of I-CAR’s highest honors, including the Founder’s Ring Award in 2003, the Lon Baudoux Instructor of the Year Award in 2020 for the Northwest Region and the Johnny Dickerson Welding Award the following year.

“My fiancé, Patrick, and I share a blended family of eight daughters,” said Shewbridge. “To be able to tell them that I am the first female to win these awards was one of my proudest moments.”

Growing up in Maryland, Shewbridge always planned to work in the computer science field. Instead, she was hired to assist at a collision repair shop office while in high school and found she really enjoyed it. Over the next five years, she was promoted to customer service representative (CSR), parts person, assistant body shop manager and then general manager.

years. Meanwhile, she attended every training class she could.

She became an I-CAR instructor in 1999 and, after a break, returned in 2013. The following year, she was named I-CAR Maryland state chairman. Currently, Shewbridge teaches welding and hands-on skills development in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Delaware.

“The best part of being an instructor for me is seeing that the student noticed something different

workforce, Shewbridge has been the SkillsUSA Baltimore regional chairperson for collision repair and automotive refinishing since 2014 and the Maryland SkillsUSA chairperson for collision repair since 2015.

Her daughter, Caite, is a two-time gold award recipient for Maryland in automotive refinishing and estimating and assists with the competition.

“Without industry involvement, the competition can’t work,” she noted. “Our state collision repair, automotive refinishing, and estimating competitions are completely selffunded.”

In addition to the core base of people who support SkillsUSA each year, Shewbridge is looking for additional donors to supply paint, tools, measuring systems, pulse welders, computer estimating systems and vehicles.

She is also demonstrating her support of vocational school training by working with the Maryland Department of Education chair this year to coordinate an in-service day for collision repair instructors.

can reach out to when it is time to place their students.

“We hope to bring in new technology and equipment, as well as what training is out there they can use in their daily classes.”

Shewbridge encourages the industry to find ways to get involved and help it grow.

JAIME SHEWBRIDGE

“It was amazing to me how the techs could take something that was destroyed and put it back together,” said Shewbridge. “Even at 46, I am still amazed at the unbelievable talent body techs and painters have.”

While working at the shop, Shewbridge realized there was a lot of information she didn’t know.

“I learned quickly that I better understand what I am looking at when I go into a shop, especially being female,” she recalled. “In the late ‘90s and early 2000s, there were not as many females in our industry.”

In 1998, she was recruited by an insurance company and worked as an appraiser, inspector, supervisor and team manager over the next 24

or learned something new,” said Shewbridge. “Helping technicians elevate the quality of repairs allows them to provide for their families and create a safer repair. Even if just one person survives a subsequent loss, it makes it all worth it.”

In addition to her role at I-CAR, Shewbridge is a post-secondary adjunct faculty instructor for Prince George’s Community College’s collision repair program in Maryland. She also serves as an equipment trainer for Capital Collision Equipment, a Chief distributor based out of that same state.

Early on, Shewbridge said she realized the importance of continuous learning. “It’s easy to think you have an adequate knowledge base and become satisfied,” said Shewbridge. “I learned that if I was comfortable, I wasn’t learning.”

She attributes her success to having a very supportive family, as well as those she has met and encouraged her to keep learning and being uncomfortable.

“I am grateful to this industry, which has provided for my family and me for over 30 years now,” she said. “So many people have taken time to encourage me, challenge me, teach me, and in the beginning, take a chance that a young female could make it in this industry. This industry needs people, and if you want to be successful in any area of this industry, you can. Just stay uncomfortable.”

As a proponent for a skilled

The event allows educators to meet area recruiters for MSOs and local shop owners. It also helps increase the number of contacts they

“We have schools that need equipment, materials, vehicles to work on, industry people to help with mock interviews or just come in to talk to students and give new perspectives on the industry and explain what a great living working in this industry can provide,” she said. “It

Jaime Shewbrige is the first woman to have received three of I-CAR’s highest honors

Over three days at SEMA, Jaime Shewbridge taught technicians how to best manage quality vehicle repairs

By Abby Andrews Autobody News

As technology increases in new vehicles, so too does the risk of liability for collision repairers, but steps can be taken to mitigate it.

That was the focal point of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ Repairer Driven Education session, “Protecting Your Business Against Liability Exposure from Evolving Technology,” held Nov. 1 during the 2022 SEMA Show.

The panel featured David Willett, co-founder and chief underwriting officer for SPARK Underwriters; Shaughn Kennedy, co-founder and senior underwriter for SPARK; Tracy Lewis, owner of Richie’s Collision Center in Mississippi and president of the Gulf States Collision Association; and Jason Mundy, owner of Mundy’s Collision Center near Atlanta, GA.

When Mundy and Lewis were asked separately about their top concerns as a body shop owner, Kennedy said, there was a lot of overlap.

ADAS and Personal Identifying Information

One of their shared concerns was

possibly being liable for damages caused by a sublet vendor performing recalibration services on a car’s ADAS features—either because the work was not done properly, causing an accident, or a customer’s personal identifying information was extracted from the infotainment center.

to mitigate your risk, make sure they have liability insurance. If they don’t, it’s gonna go on your insurance. Your liability insurance is the primary when you sublet work out.”

Willett said it is becoming important for repairers to track vendors’ insurance.

“It can run out, or their policy can change, be lowered or altered,” he said.

Lewis said it is worth considering doing ADAS recalibrations in house, which can both protect a shop from liability issues if a third party does not perform them correctly and save money.

Mundy pointed out collision repairers need to at least know recalibration procedures, even if they’re not performing them themselves, so they can ask third parties if they did it correctly.

you plug your phone in, it downloads information and stores it—even in rental cars.”

Lewis said repairers can charge an hour of labor to delete data, following the vehicle’s particular OEM procedure.

OEM Procedures

The panel recommended shops research every repair, as OEM procedures can change so frequently—even within the same model year.

Mundy suggested time-stamping pre-repair research, in case the procedure changes after the repair is complete.

“I’ve had to examine shops’ work on a lot of claims,” Kennedy said.

“ALLDATA can change from five years ago. There’s no way to prove [it was the correct procedure when you performed it] if you don’t document every repair procedure.”

EVs

“You always have to worry about did they do it right, and how do I know,” Kennedy said.

“We put a lot of trust in people we send cars out to,” he continued. “From an insurer standpoint: qualify vendors

Kennedy said it is important for shops to delete customers’ information from total loss vehicles.

“Total losses used to mean just getting remotes and paperwork out of the car,” Lewis said. “Now, when

Mundy said every manufacturer his shop repairs has an EV platform. To get ready, he said his shop is set up to mitigate fire in the paint booth and office, and will purchase new equipment as needed.

“I don’t really have any fears,” he

Pictured, left to right, are David Willett of SPARK Underwriters, Jason Mundy of Mundy’s Collision Center in Georgia, Tracy Lewis of Richie’s Collision Center in Mississippi and president of the Gulf States Collision Association, and Shaughn Kennedy of SPARK Underwriters

said. “We will just have to be prepared for them as they come our direction.”

Willett said EV manufacturers have individualized requirements on how to move their vehicles.

“I recommend if you have towing [services], stay away from EVs at this point, unless you’ve really got it nailed,” Willett said. “The exposure is too great for what you’re going to earn on that job.”

Kennedy said he has handled claims in which an EV caught fire on a rollback because it wasn’t in a safe state.

Willett added batteries are still one of the top three sources of fire in the collision repair industry---even with an ICE car.

Throughput

Lewis said her shop has enjoyed a lot of success with its mobile estimating service, which it only advertises on the side of the van it brings to customers.

“Elderly customers don’t know how to download their insurance company app [to submit claim pictures], so we go to them,” she said. “If nothing else, we capture that customer.”

Mundy said AI-generated estimates still have their issues.

“A $1,200 estimate through the app can turn into a $12,000 job [after teardown],” Mundy said. “That makes

it take longer. You gotta reconcile it, wait on that to come back.”

Mundy also said delays for more advanced parts, like anything with a microchip or sensor, are making the cycle time take longer.

Lewis said one of her customers had a 2022 Toyota Camry that needed a rear distance sensor. The part was delayed indefinitely; the customer ran out of rental coverage and wound up trading the car as-is to a local dealer. It was another six months before the sensor arrived.

Willett said an insurance company not paying a shop to do something doesn’t mean it doesn’t have to do it to properly repair a vehicle.

“The agent insuring you should be able to help you explain that to the bill payer,” Willett said. “You’re on the hook for your work.”

Mundy said as a non-DRP shop owner, he explains to the customer up front when they might have to pay a little more to cover something the insurance company refuses to pay for.

Most Americans Would Still Prefer ICE Over EV, Regardless of Price

By Brad Anderson CarScoops

A study from Australian insurance comparison site Compare the Market has revealed Americans still favor ICE-powered vehicles over electric vehicles, while consumers in Australia and Canada prefer EVs.

The study started by asking consumers whether they’d prefer to own an ICE vehicle or an electric vehicle at the same price. No less than 53% of Americans said they would prefer a traditional vehicle compared to 34% who would prefer an EV. The rest had no preference either way.

This contrasts with Australia, where 50.8% said they would prefer an EV, and Canada, where 51.4% of respondents said they would prefer an EV.

people aged between 55 and 64 would prefer an ICE.

There are a few key reasons why many consumers in the U.S. are not yet convinced by electric vehicles, the study reveals. For example, 56.4% of respondents said the main barrier to entry was battery life and replacement costs. The purchase price was also an issue for 54.4%, driving range was a concern for 50.9% and charging times concerned 50.5%.

Interestingly, Americans are more likely to favor an EV if they are spending big. Compare the Market found there are twice as many people who would spend more than $65,000 on an EV than those who would spend the same amount on a traditional vehicle.

AUTOBODY

www.autobodynews.com

F-150 Lightning Wins MotorTrend Truck of the Year For 2023

The new F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck has added the prestigious 2023 MotorTrend Truck of the Year award to its trophy case.

The win sets a precedent—the F-150 Lightning is the first electric truck to win by a unanimous vote among the judges. It’s also only the second time an electric vehicle has won unanimously in the history of MotorTrend’s Of The Year competitions.

“It’s really brilliant for the team that Lightning is the first EV truck to win by unanimous vote,” said Darren Palmer, vice president, electric vehicle programs. “This truck is full of firsts, and this one is really special to add to Lightning’s historic launch.”

The F-150 Lightning earned the title of America’s best-selling electric truck in November, with sales totaling 2,062. Since the truck was introduced in May, sales have totaled 13,258. The success

of Lightning has contributed to Ford being the No. 2 EV brand in the U.S. year to date.

“The F-150 Lightning and its nearly instant torque with ride and handling make it without a doubt the best truck Ford has ever made. If that feels like a bold statement, consider that amongst our judges, the F-150 Lightning won Truck of the Year by unanimous decision—the first EV truck to convince all judges across the board,” said Ed Loh, MotorTrend group head of editorial. “The Ford F-150 Lightning is no less than a milestone achievement in the history of American mobility.”  Ford is ramping up quickly to deliver 150,000 Lightning trucks per year by the end of next year. Ford’s electric vehicle business is growing with a conquest rate of over 60%.

Source: Ford

Of those Americans who would prefer to own an EV, 18to 24-years-olds were the most likely to opt for an EV, with 43% preferring them over ICEs. By comparison, upwards of 70% of

Importantly, 32.5% of Americans would only be willing to spend a maximum of $25,000 on an electric vehicle, meaning there is not a single EV currently accessible to them within their budget. A further 20.9% also wouldn’t be willing to spend more than $34,999 on an EV.

By John Yoswick Autobody News

One trend not expected to end in 2023: the rapid rise in average repair costs.

That was among the messages Bart Mazurek of CCC Intelligent Solutions shared during the MSO Symposium in November in Las Vegas.

“If we look at 2018, the average repair cost was about $3,000,” said Mazurek, vice president of consulting services for CCC. “Now we’re looking at just north of $4,000. And given inflationary trends, I anticipate that number being around $4,400 or $4,500 [in 2023].”

He cited among the causes the rise in the average number of parts being replaced per repair job.

“In just a two-year span, we’ve gone from 10.5 parts to almost 12.5 parts,” he said. “And those two additional parts are driving four additional hours of labor.”

He noted a bumper for a 1996 Honda Accord consisted of about 11 components, but the current model Accord bumper includes more than 20. More of those parts, such as ADAS sensors, are not repairable

and are available only through the automakers.

He said the OEM share of average parts costs had been “rather steady for years,” but in 2022, it “really jumped up because the OEMs are the only ones that can supply those additional two parts per job.”

insurer direct repair programs (DRPs). “It’s continuing to rise, but it’s a slow process.”

He shared a graph indicating the growth in the national average labor rate has lagged below the consumer price index (CPI) for “motor vehicle maintenance and repair in U.S. cities” since late 2018, but the difference has become increasingly stark in 2022, with that CPI growth far outpacing increases in labor rates.

Shops Have Fewer DRPs

The slow growth in DRP labor rates could be contributing to another trend Mazurek reported: Shops have fewer DRP agreements on average than they have in the past. Across all business models—singlelocation, dealership and MSOs— shops averaged 4.6 DRPs in 2022, according to CCC data, down from an average of 5.2 in 2021, more than an 11% decline.

averaged 12.3 DRPs per location in 2020, but that’s fallen two years in a row to reach an average of 10.2 in 2022, down 17% over two years.

“I think that has to do with repair facilities reevaluating DRPs based on the current market and their goals,”

CCC’s data seems to indicate the increase in the average repair order isn’t being dramatically impacted by a significant increase in shop labor rates.

“Labor rates have only gone up $1 this year compared to last year,” Mazurek said, noting he was speaking only of work processed through

Breaking it down by shop type, dealership collision shops fell from 6.3 DRPs to 5.8; regional MSOs fell more than 6% to an average of 5.6 per shop; and independent shops dropped from 3.1 to 2.8 DRPs on average—more than a 9% decline.

But the trend among the national MSOs is even more stark. They

Mazurek said. “And they decided to reduce the number of DRP programs to better align with their goals.”

Continued Decline in

‘Hours

Per Day’

The downward trend in labor hours produced per repair day that has been occurring since 2017 also continued in 2022, Mazurek said. Looking at second quarter data over six years, shops were producing about 3.5 labor hours per day on drivable vehicles until 2020; that fell to 2.8 hours per day in 2020, and fell

Bart Mazurek of CCC Intelligent Solutions said collision repairs are requiring two more parts on average, adding four hours of labor on average

“In just a two-year span, we’ve gone from 10.5 parts to almost 12.5 parts. And those two additional parts are driving four additional hours of labor.”

BART MAZUREK VICE PRESIDENT OF CONSULTING SERVICES, CCC INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS

again, to 2.3 hours per day in 2022. That’s a 34% decline.

There was even a bit steeper decline—about 38%—for nondrivable vehicles, down to 1.8 hours per day in 2022 from between 2.8 and 3 hours per day in 2017 through 2020.

Mazurek said some of that decline could be because of overloaded shops having to spend more time shuffling cars around, because of backlogs and part delays, rather than a technician working steadily on one or two cars start to finish. He doesn’t expect those factors to diminish before mid-2023 at the earliest.

Mazurek also said he has “a hypothesis that I can’t prove yet” that when shop backlogs of work were two weeks or less, “the competitive nature of technicians, working next to his or her peer, wants the next car,” seeing the potential end of the line of that work.

“But if you have five or six or seven weeks of vehicles stacked endlessly, it’s effectively guaranteed work forever,” Mazurek said. “So there’s no real rush. I’d love to be able to prove that, but I feel strongly that there’s this lack of urgency overall amongst technicians.”

Award-Winning

will take all of us to help train and keep the next generation of technicians— the future of our industry.”

With the great need for technicians, Shewbridge said most people don’t consider women when they think of the collision repair process.

“We need to change that,” she said. “If we truly want to bring new people into this industry, we need to start calling elementary and middle schools and asking them to participate in career days.”

She recommends shops get the word out early and often that the automotive industry is a great career.

“We need to encourage them earlier to look at a skilled trade as a viable career path where they can thrive and create a life they are proud of,” she added.

By David A. Wood CarComplaints.com

Ram transmission problems have caused a recall of more than 265,000 trucks following 16 reports of fires caused by leaking transmission fluid.

The recalled 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 2020-2022 Ram 3500 trucks are equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines and 68RFE transmissions.

Fiat Chrysler says the transmission can have a problem with pressure and heat that builds up inside the 68RFE transmission, causing transmission fluid to leak from the dipstick tube.

The Ram truck fires occurred once transmission fluid leaked onto hot ignition sources in the engine compartments.

FCA opened an internal investigation in June due to a trend of engine compartment fires in 2020-2023 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. Engineers checked witness statements, fire patterns and other information to confirm the fire trend.

Chrysler determined the affected Ram trucks were built between September 2019 and November 2022.

In addition to the 16 Ram truck fires, FCA has received several warranty claims and one report of a minor injury.

However, Chrysler asserts there are no reports of fatalities related to the transmission problems or fires.

Chrysler says the only prior warning of a problem a Ram owner may have is an illuminated warning light.

The Ram transmission fluid leak and fire recall also includes more than 17,000 trucks in Canada.

To date, Chrysler doesn’t know how dealers will repair the Ram transmission problems, but the automaker will mail Ram transmission fluid leak recall letters Dec. 30.

Ram truck owners with questions should call FCA at 800-853-1403 and ask about transmission fluid leak recall number ZA3.

Optimize Shop Efficiency and Performance

By Stacey Phillips Autobody News

From teardown to refinishing, 3M has touchpoints across the collision repair process. During the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, the company took attendees on a journey through its products and solutions, created to help enable a profitable body shop of the future.

Part of this journey included the launch of 3M™ RepairStack™ Performance Solutions in the U.S. following 18 months of beta testing. The new connected platform was created to assist shop owners and collision repair general managers with information relating to shop performance, invoicing and material usage.

“Combining hardware and software to optimize shop efficiency and performance for shop owners and collision repair general managers, 3M™ RepairStack™ Performance Solutions is 3M’s digital backbone for the automotive aftermarket,” according to a 3M press release.

Many collision repair shops are facing challenges, including a reduction in gross profits due to labor shortages, increased complexity of repairs, decreasing parts discounts and increased replacement work. As a result, 3M explained, shop owners must grapple with a lack of visibility and a clear understanding of shop performance while experiencing increasingly tight margins in a complex repair environment.

By introducing 3M™ RepairStack™ Performance Solutions, 3M said it is pioneering an era of connected body shops to help businesses unlock opportunities for profit, efficiency and growth.

“Operational efficiency inside a shop is critical for long-term business and customer success,” said Dave Gunderson, president, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “That operational efficiency is what we’re striving to simplify with 3M™ RepairStack™ Performance Solutions. In an increasingly digital landscape, this customized, connected solution provides the fast clarity and transparency needed to drive optimal value from materials and labor.”

3M™ RepairStack™ Performance Solutions features hardware that houses all 3M allied materials. As an integrated and automated platform, 3M shared its three key benefits: an inventory management system ensuring materials needed for

safe and reliable repairs are always available, a streamlined blueprinting and billing process, and real-time insight into business performance.

The software tracks material usage by technician, shop, repair order and more, while enabling automated re-ordering of products based on inventory stock levels and direct connection to preferred distributors. 3M explained shop owners can easily manage their materials by maintaining a consistent inventory while at the same time reducing waste and emergency orders.

“Better managed inventories empower technician training and increased technician performance and satisfaction, allowing hands-on work to remain with the vehicles,” according to a 3M press release.

“Since the beginning of this project, it has been fun working hand-in-hand with the customer to build this tool,” said 3M Automotive Aftermarket Specialist  Ryan Fuller during the SEMA Show. “The feedback we’ve received is overwhelming, including runner up in the SEMA Best New Product Awards for collision repair and refinish product.”

and polishes from 3M was created to help technicians achieve sleek, consistent results.

Typically associated with detailing, but redesigned for the collision repair industry, 3M™ Perfect-It™ Random Orbital Polishing System can help eliminate swirl marks and other defects common with traditional rotary tools.

“It’s very easy to use… and is safe for a body shop,” said Rafael LedesmaRivera, 3M senior application expertregional and country AAD, during the SEMA Show. “Everything stays cleaner and swirl marks are a thing of the past.”

“Every technician wants their final finish to look as if the car had never been touched,” said Jenny Thill, global marketing manager at 3M. “The polishing tool is easy to use along with our liquids and pads that make up the complete system.”

3M™ Performance Spray Gun

As paint prices increase and body shops experience continued cost pressure, 3M said material savings are key to successful business operations. Introduced in 2021, the lightweight 3M™ Performance Spray Gun allows painters to mix less paint and receive the same or better coverage. 3M said the spray gun’s transfer efficiency offers up to 26% less material waste than leading metal spray guns.

3M engineers spent more than 10 years designing and developing the product to ensure it would deliver superior performance in paint application and process improvements. It was created to deliver top-of-the-line performance with revolutionary technology for faster cleanup, changeovers and cycle times.

market, according to a company press release. Since then, 3M said customers reported this transfer efficiency presented paint material cost savings with less paint needed to produce the same or better results.

“Paint is nearly as expensive as the painter, and shop owners can’t afford to waste either one,” said Corey Munn, global paint applications segment director, 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division. “We’ve worked with leading shops, paint companies and painters around the world to develop a solution that achieves comparable or better results with less material.”

3M Cubitron II net abrasives

The 3M booth also showcased 3M Cubitron II net abrasives, introduced in 2021. The net abrasives use 3M’s patented precision-shaped grain material, which the company said allows the solution to cut twice as fast and last twice as long as other net abrasives families. In addition,

He noted participating shops have shared the software is helping them keep a good hold on their materials, reducing the on-hand quantity and ensuring they always have the products needed to keep production going.

3M™ Perfect-It™ Random Orbital Polishing System

3M announced it is launching a new paint refinishing system in early 2023, the 3M™ Perfect-It™ Random Orbital Polishing System, which won a SEMA Global Media Award at this year’s show. 3M said the goal of any paint finishing process is to restore panels to their proper state—free of defects with a high-quality finish. The professional grade set of tools, pads

“The first thing that anyone notices is how lightweight it is,” said Brady Haislet, a 3M application engineer who was a product developer for the gun. “Having a lightweight spray gun is the key to usability, ease of maintenance, clean up and cycle time; with replaceable itemizing heads, it delivers on productivity.”

Before it launched, the 3M™ Performance Spray Gun was tested for transfer efficiency compared to other leading HVLP traditional metal spray guns at the Fraunhofer Institute of Technology, a third-party research organization. The 3M™ Performance Spray Gun was measured to have the highest transfer efficiency of 78% versus any other leading HVLP traditional metal spray gun in the

capture more than 97% of the dust created when sanding in a shop

it has been shown to capture more than 97% of the dust created when sanding in a shop.

“In the United States, we’re really starting to see a shift in people wanting a cleaner environment,” said David Woods, 3M global business development manager for commercial vehicle and marine, during SEMA. “With the technician shortage, it’s hard to keep good employees, and if you are putting them in a dirty environment, they typically find somewhere cleaner to go.”

For more information, visit www.3m.com/3M/en_US/collisionrepair-us.

David Woods, 3M global business development manager for commercial vehicle and marine, said 3M Cubitron II net abrasives, introduced in 2021, have been shown to

Brady Haislet, a 3M application engineer, said the lightweight 3M™ Performance Spray Gun’s transfer efficiency offers up to 26% less material waste than leading metal spray guns

Please

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Curtiss-Ryan Honda

Shelton 800-523-4190 203-929-0635

Dept Hours: M-F 7-5; Sat 7-4 callen@curtissryan com

Lia Honda of Enfield Enfield 800-221-3131 860-741-3401

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518-482-2598

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Brighton 800-254-1169 617-254-5400

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By Stacey Phillips Autobody News

About four years ago, a small group at OEConnection (OEC) set out to drive safety, trust and transparency into vehicle repair. The result was the creation of RepairLogic, a repair planning platform designed to help shops find accurate OEM repair information quickly and efficiently.

During a Guild 21 webinar this past fall, Tanya Sweetland, general manager, Advanced Repair Technologies Division, and Pat Blech, director of Collision Products, shared information about RepairLogic, a new product that formally launched in September.

Blech also discussed OEC’s new product for the collision repair industry at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV.

Q:Why was RepairLogic created for the collision industry?

Sweetland: While vehicles are becoming more complex, there is more to do and fewer skilled professionals to do it. According to information from Collision Advice, only 20% of vehicles are

fixed according to the OEM repair procedures. Our goal was to create a tool to raise that percentage to 80% or more.

We recognized that you can’t tell a shop how to do business. At the same time, we want customers to get what they expect and know their car is safe to drive.

documenting and defining key terms in collision repair. We talk about a “documented safe and proper repair” but what do those words mean? We set out to define them.

A documented safe and proper repair is the action of fixing a vehicle in accordance with the OEM’s expected standard of safety and delivered at the repairer’s stated level of quality, scope, timeline, expense and efficiency.

We gathered information to find the common reasons why OEM research isn’t performed and why it takes so long. Technicians shared various reasons, such as they already know the repair, it’s a hassle to learn the sites, they can’t remember the password, someone else locked the record or they are too busy to spend the time they don’t get paid for.

We stepped back to determine how we could make a difference and remove some obstacles to help shops better access and utilize OEM repair information. The team wanted to design a digital planning tool with direct data from the OEM that had open collaboration and could be documented and shared.

Q: What type of field studies were conducted?

Blech: We tested and measured key components from our initial hypothesis to help better understand and validate the problems we were solving.

Over many months, we collected feedback from the industry on

We also found that repair teams were missing about 40% of one-timeuse parts because of the enormous number of notations in millions of pages. Many types of repairs are skipped because of the perception that it will take a long time to check the OEM procedures. It’s like searching for a needle in a haystack. If shops must go to two or three resources for a typical repair, they spend a lot of time just navigating different tools.

We utilized information from three OEMs, covered 50+ locations and worked with more than 100 participating users and on hundreds of different types of repairs.

To ensure we understood the needs and challenges of all shop segments, we reached out to MSOs, certified repair networks, independent facilities and franchise and dealer body shops.

Q: What were the learnings?

Blech: We saw first-hand the time

and complexity it takes to research vehicle repairs. For facilities with mature repair planning processes in place, it could take well over an hour to pull information and create an initial blueprint. On average, there were over 30 different documents or procedures being pulled. If you assume three to four pages per procedure, that equals more than 100 pages of information that need to be researched.

Once you pull information, whether it’s 20 pages or 100, what do you do with it? How do you share documentation with those who need it? We found shops were printing it and putting it on the windshield for the technician; some were emailing it to insurance carriers. Sometimes, the information wasn’t shared at all with the key stakeholder simply due to the large file sizes. It seemed like there were a lot of challenges that came with sharing information, and we saw an opportunity to help.

Two themes that came out of this were efficiency and collaboration. We wanted to remove barriers and create transparency for all the individuals who need the information to support the repair. Being more transparent and making collaboration more

Blech: RepairLogic is a digital repair planning platform that hits three areas: discovering critical information directly from the OEM, sharing it and maintaining a digital record of the information used on the repair. We don’t compare ourselves to other products, but rather speak with the industry to identify and solve unmet needs.

A good example is when our user base indicated the importance and challenge of maintaining a copy of the exact version of a procedure as it existed when the repair was completed. This was necessary so that the shop manager can prove that the repair was completed based on the information that was available at the time of repair. This feedback directly informed the implementation of our versioning feature in RepairLogic.

Overall, the response has been very favorable. Repairers are excited about the attention directed at their shops’ needs. Everything in the product is directly based on a shop problem.

Many of the individuals on our

information. They help us categorize and digitize it, so we can bring it to life in the software. They also provide personalized training to ensure success.

Sweetland: Our goal is to get the information into the hands of the person and team fixing the car. We need to meet body shops where they are and help them perform safe and proper repairs according to their standard operating procedures so they can get people back in their cars safely.

Q: What are the company’s plans?

Blech: We currently have several different manufacturers’ repair information included in RepairLogic, totaling about half of the vehicles on the road. In 2023, we plan to expand our coverage to over 80% of makes and models.

We are also partnering directly with manufacturers to help leverage RepairLogic to benefit their certified repair network programs. We are very excited to continue working with the industry to help vehicle owners get the high-quality repair they deserve!

On Nov. 22, Hunter Engineering was certified as a Veteran-Owned Business by the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC).

NVBDC is the original veteranowned business certification organization formed to identify and certify veteran-owned companies of all sizes. The council ensures valid and complete documentation exists for veteran status, ownership and operational control.

Beginning in 1946 with World War II veteran and founder Lee Hunter Jr. and continuing through today with Vietnam War veteran and chairman Stephen F. Brauer, Hunter Engineering has been veteran-owned for its entire 76-year history.

Hunter Engineering is among the largest veteran-owned businesses in St. Louis, MO. More than 1,000 Hunter employees design and build equipment in the U.S. at four manufacturing facilities in Missouri and Mississippi. Hunter products are sold worldwide in 130 countries.

For more information, visit www.

Q: What sets RepairLogic apart from other products?

customers’ vehicles. They protect your customers and your

cycle time. For hassle-free installation and higher turn rates, use Authentic Mopar Collision

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With volume for the month projected at 1.122 million units, November U.S. auto sales are estimated to translate to an estimated sales pace of 14.1 million units (seasonally adjusted annual rate: SAAR).

This would represent a sustained improvement from the May through September period but will reflect a decline from October’s 14.9 millionunit pace, according to S&P Global Mobility analysis.

The daily selling rate metric in November—approximately 44,0000 to 45,000 per day—would be inline with levels since September. Translation: From a non-seasonally adjusted volume standpoint, auto sales continue to plug along at a steady pace.

“Sales should continue to improve, given the expected sustained, but mild, advancement in overall production and inventory levels,” said Chris Hopson, principal analyst at S&P Global Mobility. “However, we also continue to monitor for signals of faster-thanexpected growth in inventory. Currently, there are no clear signs; inventories have advanced as anticipated. But any indication of

faster than projected growth in the overall stock of new vehicles could mean that auto consumers are feeling the pressure of the current economic headwinds and retreating from the market.”

As a result, October’s SAAR boost is likely to be an anomaly compared

The top eight EV markets in the U.S. are all in coastal states and represent 50.5% of total EV registrations so far in 2022, through August. The greater Los Angeles and San Francisco metropolitan areas alone account for nearly onethird of total share of the U.S. EV market. Meanwhile the Heartland states’ market share of EV sales is barely half of what they contribute to overall vehicle registrations.

Los Angeles Auto Show in midNovember continue to reflect the OEM focus.

to the remainder of the year, Hopson said, adding there are expectations of volatility in the monthly results starting in early 2023.

Market share of battery-electric vehicles is expected to reach 5.9% in November. However, outside of the large coastal cities, retail registrations of EVs have yet to take hold, according to analysis from S&P Global Mobility.

“BEV market share control on the two coasts is attributed to their higher mix of early adopters compared to buyers in middle America,” said Tom Libby, associate director of Loyalty Solutions and Industry Analysis at S&P Global Mobility. “Their demographic profile is more in sync with the traditional BEV buyer than the middleAmerican profile.”

But Libby sees potential for EV acceptance in top heartland markets: “More acceptance and much broader consumer awareness is resulting in a natural progression of adoption from the coasts to the Heartland.”

Supporting the EV advancement, product reveals surrounding the

According to Stephanie Brinley, associate director of AutoIntelligence at S&P Global Mobility, “As auto shows at their best highlight what people will be driving in coming years, the reveals during the Los Angeles Auto Show reflect the continuing push toward electric and electrified vehicles.”

Of note, Fiat announced it will bring a version of the European 500 EV to the U.S. starting in early 2024, reviving the 500e nameplate.

Toyota’s reveal of the 2023 Prius hybrid included a Prime trim that will double the hatchback’s EVonly range, while the automaker also showed a rendering of the bZ (“Beyond Zero”) electric-vehicle concept, previewing a forthcoming compact SUV.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese entrant VinFast showed U.S.-trim versions of two EV crossover additions to its lineup, bringing its potential U.S. offerings to four.

Source: S&P Global Mobility

By Stacey Phillips Autobody News

After launching Auggie at last year’s SEMA Show, AirPro Diagnostics introduced an updated version of their ADAS calibration tool at SEMA 2022, the Self-Guided Auggie DTS (Digital Target System).

The Auggie is a patented, fully autonomous wireless digital targeting tool that uses machine vision to present static Forward-Facing Camera (FFC) targets for customers to perform calibrations according to OEM specifications.

“The Self-Guided Auggie DTS takes the place of having to do all of the setup with physical targets,” explained Lonnie Margol, CEO of AirPro Diagnostics. “The new release is basically the same device, but users can now control Auggie on their own and use any ADAS calibration capable scan tool.”

The previous version of the device required shops to use an AirPro Diagnostics scan tool and remote technicians. The updated version allows the device to be operated by the user and will work with any ADAS-capable scan tool and a free smartphone interface. All setup

specifications and instructions are displayed on the Auggie, allowing users complete control of their static FFC calibrations.

“The calibration game has now changed,” said Josh McFarlin, executive vice president of AirPro Diagnostics. “We listened to our customers and now they can use their

“It takes all of the environmental conditions out of the equation,” he said. “Shops don’t need a 30-by-60[foot] footprint, controlled lighting and other complex requirements.”

Margol said the Auggie also enables body shops to keep calibrations in-house rather than having to sublet the work.

“The worst thing is to send a vehicle out and then you’ve lost control of the process,” he noted.

“It’s remarkable to me how many collision repair shops aren’t doing calibrations when the OEMs now require them after any structural repairs,” said McFarlin. “They are either sending it to a dealer, or worse, they aren’t doing it.”

By not doing a calibration inhouse, McFarlin said shops are losing control of their cycle time and the associated revenue.

About four years ago, AirPro envisioned developing a solution for static calibrations.

“The manual method seemed so archaic,” said Margol. “Not a shop in the world is built with a level floor and has non-reflective paint on it.”

As a result, they set out to look for a better solution. A calibration bay was built at one of their customer’s collision repair shops and the team began experimenting with how to best digitize the targets.

When the Auggie was invented, the main goal was to ensure it was mobile so calibrations could be performed virtually anywhere. Margol said this was especially helpful for the glass industry to be able to calibrate vehicles in the field.

own scan tool, fully independent of AirPro, to perform FFC calibrations.”

With ADAS FFC calibrations becoming increasingly more complex over the last decade, McFarlin said the Auggie can save technicians time, increase efficiency in the shop and help perform a safe repair.

“It helps reduce cycle time incredibly because the whole process takes less than eight minutes,” said Margol.

The company provides step-bystep directions to operate the Auggie and a help button connects to AirPro brand specialists for immediate support.

Since then, the tool has evolved to meet the needs of the industry. There have been multiple updates and two impactful releases of the software. “It’s such a thrill that this project has really come to life,” said Margol.

“A lot of shops already have a solution for a diagnostic tool and weren’t looking to make a change,” said McFarlin. “The Auggie is now an option for them.”

For more information, visit airprodiagnostics.com.

At the SEMA Show, Lonnie Margol, left, and Josh McFarlin, right, shared information about AirPro Diagnostics’ updated version of the company’s ADAS calibration tool, the Self-Guided Auggie DTS (Digital Target System)

AutoNation Expands After-Sales Business With Acquisition of RepairSmith

AutoNation, Inc., America’s largest automotive retailer, on Dec. 12 announced it entered into an agreement to acquire RepairSmith for $190 million.

RepairSmith is a full-service mobile solution for automotive repair and maintenance, headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, with a significant operational footprint in the southern and western U.S.

“AutoNation has embarked on a strategy to be the nation’s most comprehensive provider of transportation solutions, meeting the mobility needs of today’s and tomorrow’s customer through a broad, connected range of products and services that are clearly focused on providing our Customers and their households a comprehensive, unique suite of transportation solutions,” said Mike Manley, AutoNation’s CEO.

“AutoNation already has more than 12 million customers who

have shopped with us, a number that grows every day, and by providing an expansion of our group’s capabilities, we not only begin to truly leverage our scale, but most importantly offer an expanded range of products and services that will increase both customer loyalty and deepen our share of our customers’ household related mobility spend,” Manley said.

“Earlier this year, we added captive financing capabilities and initiated the development of mobility solutions to expand our customer offerings. RepairSmith is the next step in our plan,” Manley said. “It expands AutoNation’s ability to penetrate the extensive after-sales service market and conveniently respond to our customers’ needs by broadening the reach of our existing after-sales network.”

The acquisition of RepairSmith will provide AutoNation’s aftersales business with another channel to provide service to

its existing customer base and introduce additional vehicle owners who have purchased vehicles outside the AutoNation dealer network.

“Although roughly 80% of vehicles sold by AutoNation receive annual service at franchised dealerships during the first three years of ownership, the percentage falls off dramatically in subsequent years,” Manley said. “RepairSmith offers customers the convenience of services and repairs at their home, workplace or on-site for fleet vehicles. AutoNation will also utilize RepairSmith as a resource for reconditioning and internal services to increase our speed to frontline readiness and expedite vehicle delivery to customers.”

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Source: AutoNation, Inc.

Autel Energy, a leading developer of residential and commercial EV charging solutions, has partnered with Qmerit, a nationwide network of certified EV charger installers, to provide customers with a seamless, stress-free home charger installation.

Qmerit offers a network of company-owned contractors, independent certified solutions partners and certified installers skilled in system implementation and integration.

Via Autel’s website Autelenergy. com, MaxiCharger customers can initiate the installation process with questions directed to gauge a customer’s home electrical status and installation needs. Qmerit uses that information to match the customer with the best installer. Qmerit’s network of certified electricians have installed more than 260,000 EV home chargers and covers more than 2,600 locations in North America.

The MaxiCharger can charge EVs up to nine times faster than a standard outlet.

Source: Autel Energy

I recently had a friend in the collision industry describe today’s collision repair marketplace as a “gold rush.” I think that is a brilliant analogy—leaving aside the mid-1800’s California Gold Rush’s famous lack of gold.

Make no mistake: this gold rush in collision repair has plenty of treasure, but you’ll have to be aggressive in getting your share. Smart, institutional money continues to pour into the industry, furthering the trend of consolidation at a rapid pace. New, well-financed entrants to the marketplace are popping up seemingly every day, each with a slightly different spin on their visions.

One thing that is evolving, however, is the investment required to be a player in the future of collision repair. As automotive technology evolves, equipment and training requirements for collision repairers are increasing at a rapid pace. The days of the “mom-and-pop” collision repair shops are dwindling.

The multi-shop operators (MSOs), both national and regional, have

discovered the magic of scale that smaller operations just won’t be able to achieve. While the mom-andpop collision centers are declining in number and the MSOs continue to flourish, where is the biggest opportunity for those less funded?

In the immediate collision arena, it seems specialists—specifically, specialists who operate within particularly profitable niches—are set up for success in the short, mid and long term. Collision repair providers within the heavy-duty trucking, agricultural equipment and exotic vehicle spaces, for example, seem to represent an opportunity for unusually high profit margins and long-term sustainability.

While these businesses typically differ from the profile of those sought after by the current consolidators, their profit potential opens the investor pool significantly. In particularly profitable cases, even one-store niche operations could be of interest to private equity and other investors.

One must wonder when consolidation within that world will begin on a larger scale and who will be the ones to take advantage. The niche collision world is one space I’m keeping a close watch over.

Stepping slightly outside the immediate collision repair industry, here’s another thought. In the California Gold Rush, it wasn’t the gold diggers who hit the jackpot; it was the suppliers. If you sold shovels or gold pans or lumber or food in that day, you likely struck it rich.

Using the example of the California Gold Rush, could businesses that sell products and services to collision centers end up being significant beneficiaries? Consider me bullish.

Money, from an institutional investment standpoint, tends to trickle down. In the case of the collision industry, consolidation and institutional investment began pouring into collision centers first. Second, the money came to the paint jobbers. More recently, private equity has made its way into the equipment

world. Where will it go next?

In terms of market opportunity, collision repair equipment and service providers seem to have significant runway available to them, especially if they can break in with some of the national MSOs. There are pain points throughout the shop, and offering a solution to alleviate just one or two of those pain points can create quite the opportunity at scale.

Loop in other service providers such as Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibrators, collisionspecific alignment providers, automotive glass companies, paintless dent repair (PDR) services and many others, there is a whole ecosystem living—and thriving—on the “scraps” of the collision repair industry.

Will consolidation hit these markets as hard as it has hit those upstream?

Time will tell, but my educated guess is that yes, massive consolidation is coming. And it is coming soon.

Take a look at M&A activity in other “non-sexy” service businesses, such

as landscaping, electricians, HVAC companies and others, and you’ll see these companies are highly sought after by investors.

So how can you take advantage of the rapidly evolving opportunities within the greater collision repair landscape? If you’re in the game already, it comes down to this: grow or go. If you’re not willing to make the investment to grow your business, the M&A market remains hot and exit opportunities abound.

If you are determined to stay the course, find your niche and double down. Approach what you do with the aggressiveness of an operator, the mind of an investor and an eye toward the future.

If you’re on the sidelines or have additional capacity, put some thought into it. Where is the market being underserved? Can I do it better than it’s currently being done?

If that answer is yes, taking the leap could be the key to striking gold.

By Stephen Rivers CarScoops

General Motors has a “new business”—servicing Tesla electric vehicles at its dealerships.

Since 2021, GM claimed, its dealers have fixed more than

fixing Teslas.

GM President Mark Reuss dropped that bombshell while talking to investors and analysts. “That’s a growing business for us,” he said before adding, “I gotta say it’s a new business.”

Servicing Tesla vehicles is unexpected but it’s easy to see the benefit for both sides.

General Motors gets a stream of revenue it wasn’t planning on, while customers are not having to wait on what can be lengthy turnaround times for service through Tesla itself.

go into detail about exactly what services GM dealers are performing on Tesla vehicles. CarScoops reached out to GM for more information.

It is also unknown how many vehicles are no longer under warranty with Tesla. In addition, many deeper functions are things only Tesla service centers can affect. But that doesn’t mean this revenue stream isn’t a big win for both sides.

11,000 Tesla EVs across the nation. The business is a growing one, GM said, at a time when Tesla is still fine-tuning its own service model.

During the Detroit carmaker’s Investor Day on Nov. 17 in New York City, General Motors revealed a new source of income:

As Barrons rightly pointed out, Tesla doesn’t have a network of dealers. While it does have its own service centers, they aren’t as numerous as GM dealers across the nation. That, in part, may be one reason many Tesla customers have reported long wait times for service appointments.

It’s worth noting Reuss didn’t

Having the ability to get service completed in a single day impacts customer satisfaction in a large way. Surely, that’s why Tesla CEO  Elon Musk made a large push towards improving the service experience for customers earlier this year.

Now, with his attention split even further by Twitter, it’ll be interesting to track how much Tesla’s service improves in 2023. Either way, the gap between the two automakers might be shrinking.

www.autobodynews.com

By Stacey Phillips Autobody News

When most people think of the WD40 Brand, what typically comes to mind is the company’s iconic blue and yellow can with a red top that contains the Original WD-40 Formula, a staple in most body shops across the country.

During the 2022 SEMA Show, the company debuted the WD-40 Precision Pen, which contains the same multi-use formula but in a compact size. The new product is expected to be released in early 2023.

“This is an innovation on our Original WD-40 Formula,” said Dan Anderson, director of innovation at WD-40 Company. “What makes it unique is that it allows for a lot of control and precision wherever you need the product.”

“We’re proud to equip technicians and builders with what they need to get the job done right and take things to the next level,” added Greg Kershaw, director of brand engagement and experience at WD40 Company.

The company said the product is a result of feedback from end users and reflects the same spirit

of perseverance, innovation and tenacity for solving tough challenges that led the brand to introduce the original formula nearly 70 years ago.

“There’s a good amount of product in there and it’s great for all the things that the Original WD-40 Formula is known for, such as getting squeaks out, lubricating moving parts, protecting against rust and corrosion,

you only get the formula where you need it and the amount you need.”

Another benefit is the pen’s portability. Due to its small size, Anderson said it can be stored in a toolbox, glove compartment, pocket and/or toolbelt.

The new product will be available in all the same places WD-40 Brand products are sold.

During the SEMA Show, WD-40 Brand gave away 2,000 limitededition prototypes of the WD-40 Precision Pen with seven-time Pro4 champion Kyle LeDuc’s signature and a photo of his custom race truck. Those who received a pen with a golden cap were given a special edition Carhartt hat featuring LeDuc.

SEMA Show attendees also had the opportunity to view the WD40 Specialist line, which includes lubricants, penetrants, greases, contact cleaners and degreasers and rust-management solutions.

“The Original WD-40 Formula does most everything,” said Anderson. “However, when you have serious problems and need a specific solution, we have the WD-40 Specialist line.”

This includes a Silicone option for surfaces such as rubber, plastic and vinyl, White Lithium Grease for metalto-metal applications, and Contact Cleaner for electric parts. “Especially with the rise of electric vehicles, there are a lot more uses for that,” said Anderson.

loosening rust and displacing moisture,” said Anderson.

He said the pen is easy to use and store, ideal for tight spaces and small projects.

“The compact size is meant for times when technicians want to get the product exactly in a certain area,” he explained. “This is great because

The WD-40 Brand team said they were thrilled to showcase their partnership with LeDuc at this year’s SEMA Show. “Partnerships with pros like LeDuc and others in the motorsport and bike world exemplify the brand’s longstanding mission of helping pros take things to the next level,” the company said.

LeDuc’s custom-built 4-wheel drive, 900-horsepower race truck was displayed at the WD-40 Brand booth. It featured a new look for the SEMA Show that included a custom chrome livery.

In total, WD-40 Brand offers more than 30 products and each is designed to solve a specific problem.

Many of the new products are shared with WD-40 Company’s PRO Board for evaluation. “When we need feedback on something we can reach out to them,” said Anderson. “We’ll send them samples and they will try things out and provide feedback.”

For more information about WD40 products, visit www.wd40.com.

For more information on the Specialist line, visit www.wd40.com/ specialist.

Dan Anderson and Zeb Brown showcased the WD-40 Specialist Line of products

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Donate To the Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship

As the collision industry mourned the passing of Jeff Silver, who was instrumental in creating both I-CAR and the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), his family immediately recognized the best way to honor his memory and continue his long-lasting legacy on the industry he loved: by creating the Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship. “Jeff was passionate about helping collision school programs and their students, which is why he had an active role in establishing the Collision Repair Education Foundation back in 1991,” said Jeanne Silver, his wife and soulmate of 36 years.

Anyone considering a year-end, tax-deductible charitable gift is invited to consider helping to honor Jeff’s memory by contributing to his memorial scholarship fund. Simply visit CREF’s online donation page, and select the “Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship” designation for your donation. Scholarship applications will open in January, and the inaugural Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship will be awarded in 2023.

Source: CREF

NHTSA Announces Another Takata Air Bag Fatality, Urges Owners To Check For Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urgently calling on all vehicle owners to check now for open Takata recalls on their vehicles, after confirming another Takata rupture fatality.

If it does, make an appointment to get your free repair as soon as possible,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson. “If this air bag ruptures in a crash, it could kill you or someone you love, or leave them with critical, life-altering injuries. Every day that passes when you don’t get a recalled air bag replaced puts you and your family at greater risk of injury or death.”

at higher risk, as the age of the air bag is one of the contributing factors.

How to Check for Recalls

Use NHTSA’s Recalls Lookup Tool at www.nhtsa.gov/ recalls to check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for any open safety recalls, including the urgent Takata recall.

If your vehicle does have a safety recall, call your automaker’s local dealer to schedule the free recall repair.

One person died in a crash in a 2002 Honda Accord where the Takata driver’s side air bag inflator ruptured.

This brings the total number of confirmed fatalities due to Takata inflator rupture to 23, with four fatalities confirmed in 2022.

“Whatever you’re doing, stop now and check to see if your vehicle has a Takata air bag recall.

NHTSA is urging all vehicle owners to immediately check to see if their vehicle has an open Takata air bag recall.

If it does, owners need to contact their dealership to schedule a free repair as soon as possible and follow any warnings from the vehicle manufacturer.

Even minor crashes can result in exploding air bags that can kill or produce life-altering, gruesome injuries. Older model year vehicles put their occupants

Sign up at NHTSA.gov/ Alerts to be notified by email if your vehicle is affected by a future recall.

If you think your vehicle may have a safety defect that isn’t part of a current recall, contact NHTSA. Contact NHTSA online or by calling the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. For more information, visit NHTSA.gov/ Recalls.

Source: NHTSA

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development bill, all of which were stripped from the final legislation by a House-Senate conference committee.

“This was not an indictment against the language in section 110 or our original bill,” Evangelos “Lucky” Papageorg, executive director of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts (AASP-MA), told Repairer Driven News. According to legislators, “the conference committee felt that in order to move the ball in a timely fashion, they could not address all of the outside sections,” he said.

Papageorg said he has been assured by legislators that the need to address the labor rate “is still primary in their concern. There is definitely a willingness to address the suppressed labor rate.” Several bills had been introduced in the Legislature this year to address the issue. One of those bills, House 1111, had been attached to the Senate’s version of the economic development bill. Under H.1111, minimum adjustment rates paid by carriers to their insureds would be raised to account for nearly 30 years of inflation with the new rates phased in over two years. It would then be adjusted each year based on

the consumer price index (CPI) for the Northeast Region.

H.1111 would have set a minimum hourly labor rate of $55, the first significant increase in more than three decades. The labor reimbursement rate paid by the state’s auto insurers has only risen from $30 to the current average of $40 over that 30-plusyear period. The bill would also have created an “auto body labor rate advisory board” within the state’s Division of Insurance, which would have make annual recommendations to the insurance commissioner. The commissioner would have been required to set a “minimum hourly rate that insurers shall pay” within 30 days of the advisory board’s report.

H.1111 and several similar bills had been endorsed by the Special Commission on Auto Body Labor Rates in its final report to the Legislature. The commission was formed in late 2021 to address the state’s stagnant labor rate, and examine its effect on consumers, and on the collision repair and insurance industries.

The commission found auto body labor rates “must be addressed,” and maintaining the status quo is “not a viable option.”

Papageorg said because the labor rate reimbursement bill “had garnered so much traction and so much attention,” supporters are

hopeful it will not have to go through the entire legislative process again. “It could be attached to some other piece of legislation that is going to be addressed early in 2023,” he said. Although supporters are disappointed the bill failed to pass this year, the discussion of the issue “invigorated the thought process,” Papageorg said, with repairers recognizing the labor rate issue needs to be addressed on a shop-by-shop basis. Rather than “waiting for the Legislature to do something,” he said, “the right way to do it is to take the bull by the horns and do it ourselves. We have to stop protecting the consumer financially at our expense. We need to be able to charge what we are worth, have them have the discussion with the insurance company that they chose to protect them.

“‘Why am I having to cough up an extra X number of dollars per hour? Why am I going to have to pay for this particular procedure when the accident wasn’t my fault?’ Those types of things have to be something that the insured is going to take up with their insurer. We as collision repairers need to charge what we need to charge to do the work properly, be properly trained and accept the liability for what it is that we do. And right now the rate that we’re being paid does not meet any of those criteria.”

Papageorg noted the $55 labor reimbursement rate proposed in Section 110 has already been made obsolete by inflation. Between January 2021, when the bill was originally drafted, and December 2022, the calculated figure would have been just shy of $68 per hour; now it would be approximately $75 if adjusted for the rise in the CPI, he said.

When faced with inflationary pressures, “Any other retail business can just raise their rates and people pay it,” he said. “It’s the insurers that are artificially suppressing the rate by saying we only pay X, and not taking into account the increase in CPI. They take into account the increase in CPI for themselves---their rates continually go up. All you have to do is look at your auto insurance bill from last year to this year, or the year before.

“Their attitude is, ‘well here’s your bill, pay it.’ That’s the attitude we need to take as collision repairers. ‘Here’s the bill; pay it.’ More and more collision repairs are tired of subsidizing the insurance industry, tired of the restraints that are put on them if they’re part of any kind of a referral or program contract. They’re saying, ‘enough is enough, I’m done. I’m breaking free. I need to not just survive, I need to thrive. I’ve got people that I’m responsible to, not just the vehicle owners but my family, the people who work for me,

and their families.’”

Papageorg said the discussions around the labor rate legislation and the work done by the labor rate commission have created an opportunity for shops to press “the reset button.”

“I know as a good businessman, that collision repairers who are not performing proper procedures, who are not being paid properly, who do not have the proper equipment, are going to be in for a world of hurt very soon because the liability factor will put them out of business,” he said. “All we need is another John Eagle case because the vehicle wasn’t properly pre-scanned, post-scanned and calibrated, and you’ll see somebody go out of business.

“Your insurance doesn’t cover negligence. If you’ve done something from a negligent standpoint, because the insurance company isn’t going to pay you and you don’t have the chutzpah to charge the customer, you’re the one that’s going to be on the hook,” he said. “Your liability policy insurance carrier is not going to stand by you, or even hand you an umbrella. They are all looking for any way to deny your claim, and if you are not following the proper repair procedures, documenting them and getting paid to do the work. You are not only loading the gun, you are pointing it at yourself,

The Auto Care Alliance has partnered with health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) provider Take Command Health to offer unique HRAs that enable small employers to reimburse their employees tax-free for health insurance premiums and medical expenses.

Arrangement (QSEHRA) and an Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA). In contrast to a group plan, HRAs provide employers the benefit of not worrying about annual premium increases, participation rate concerns and management of underlying health risks of employees. HRAs also ensure employers are not privy to the private medical information of their employees.

As an added bonus, Auto Care Alliance members who set up an ICRA or QSEHRA plan by Dec. 2 will receive an additional $50 off their first month.

of a child. The program is easy to access online and the process couldn’t be smoother.”

SHERI HAMILTON EXECUTIVE

Employers can set an allowance and employees choose the plan that fits their needs.

Take Command offers two types of programs, a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement

Chad Snider, an employee covered by this unique HRA, said, “I couldn’t be more pleased with how my employer utilizes Take Command. I upload my proof of insurance each quarter and my reimbursements are included in my paycheck at the beginning of each month. If you don’t use the full amount of your stipend in a given month it rolls over monthto-month until the end of the calendar year, which would allow a larger fund to work with for an emergency room visit or the birth

Sheri Hamilton, executive director of ACA and its Midwest alliance, said, “This IRScompliant program allows me to be competitive with benefit offerings of large corporations and still stay within budget, while offering flexibility for employees personal needs. It is much simpler offering employees a monthly medical expense stipend through Take Command Health and not having to worry about calculating reimbursements or searching for health insurance programs and pricing that would fit all our employees’ needs.”

Getting your HRA set up early gives your employees who need health insurance in 2023 enough time to shop for a plan before open enrollment ends Dec. 15. Set up your HRA by Dec. 2 to take advantage of this special $50 offer.  More information on the program can be found at autocarealliance. org/takecommand

Auto Care Alliance

Source:

Automakers on Dec. 1 began releasing sales data from November, reporting strong performances compared to November 2021.

Kia

Kia America announced best-ever November sales of 56,703 units, an 8% increase over the previous November sales record set in 2016, and a 25.1% improvement yearover-year.

For the second consecutive month, sales were led by the Sportage family of SUVs, which were up 144% over the same period a year ago. Sales of Kia’s electrified models---which have posted double or triple-digit gains in the past five months---also contributed to the record-breaking performance with a 133% year-over-year increase.

Hyundai

Hyundai Motor America reported total November sales of 63,305 units, a 43% increase compared with November 2021.

Hyundai set total records in November for Elantra HEV, Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Tucson, Tucson HEV,

Kona EV and Santa Cruz. Hyundai fleet sales remained at 1.4% of total volume for the year.

Hyundai’s retail sales of 56,592 units represented a 28% year-overyear increase from November 2021. This was a record November retail sales month led by Elantra HEV (+733%), Kona EV (+113%), Venue (+57%), Santa Cruz (+44%), Santa Fe HEV (+43%), Tucson (+33%) and Tucson HEV (+18%). Hyundai eco-friendly vehicle sales of 7,550 represented 13% of retail and a 39% year-over-year increase.

Mazda

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) reported total November sales of 26,906 vehicles, an increase of 30.6% compared to November 2021.

Year-to-date sales totaled 267,616 vehicles; a decrease of 14.6% compared to the same time last year.

With 25 selling days in November, compared to 24 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 25.4% on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

CPO sales totaled 4,344 vehicles

in November, an increase of 13% compared to November 2021.

Sales Highlights

* Second best-ever November total sales with 26,906 vehicles sold.

* Best-ever November sales of CX-30 with 4,457 vehicles sold.

* Best-ever November sales of CX-9 with 4,025 vehicles sold.

Honda

American Honda November sales totaled nearly 80,000 units.

Honda crossovers led the way with all-new CR-V sales of almost 20,000 units and all-new HR-V over 9,000 units, logging its best month since June.

The all-new Pilot goes on sale in December and is already generating strong pre-sale activity.

Accord topped 13,700 units and Accord Hybrid posted its eighth monthly record in 2022, topping 3,300 units.

The North American Car of the Year finalist Acura Integra again topped 2,200 units and led the premium gateway segment in 2022 sales after just six months on the market.

Acura sales were led by MDX, which overcame inventory issues to reach sales of more than 4,000 units.

Subaru

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) reported 50,138 vehicle sales for November 2022, a 51.7% increase compared with November 2021 (33,045). The automaker also reported year-to-date sales of 499,821, a 6.2% decrease compared with the same period in 2021.

In November, Outback was the top performer by volume with 15,069 sales and a 44.2% increase compared with the same period in 2021. The Forester saw a 147.7% increase compared to November 2021, while the Crosstrek increased by 101% and the Legacy posted a 110.9% increase.

Year to date, the Ascent posted a 5.3% increase, while the BRZ posted an increase of 141.4%. SOA also reported the first sales of the all-electric SUV, the Subaru Solterra, totaling 94 vehicles for the month.

Source: Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Honda, Subaru

Maryland

Ourisman Chevrolet

MARLOW HEIGHTS

800-358-7788 301-899-6990 Direct 301-899-9375 Fax M-F 7:30 am - 6 pm Sat 8 am - 4 pm wholesale@ourisman.com www.ourismanchevrolet.com

Ourisman Chevrolet of Rockville

ROCKVILLE

800-345-4640 301-424-5332 Local 301-294-6381 Fax M-F 7 - 5:30

Massachusetts

Balise Chevrolet Buick GMC Business Elite

SPRINGFIELD

413-233-2185 413-733-8617 Fax M-F 8 - 5 lvazquez@baliseauto.com

Boch Chevrolet NORWOOD

800-559-9210 781-762-9210 800-991-1009 Fax M-F 7:30 - 5 bchwholesale@boch.com

Long Cadillac

SOUTHBOROUGH

508-820-9322 800-982-2258 508-879-1212 Fax M-F 7:30 - 5 tschube@longauto.com

Marty’s Buick GMC

KINGSTON

800-870-7573 781-585-7570 781-585-2966 Fax M-F 7:30 - 5:30; Sat 8 - 4 brucem@martysbuickgmc.com

Massachusetts

Mastria Buick

Cadillac GMC RAYNHAM

888-572-1045 508-822-4074 Fax M-Th 7:30 - 7:30; F 7:30 - 6 Sat 7:30 - 5 wholesale@mastria.com

New Jersey

Barlow Chevrolet DELRAN

800-220-1452 856-461-8417 856-764-1498 Fax M-F 7 - 6; Sat 8 - 4 pseay@barlowautogroup.com

Cadillac of Mahwah MAHWAH 201-579-6497 201-579-6506 Fax M-F 7 - 5

Malouf Buick GMC NORTH BRUNSWICK 800-669-6256 732-821-5410 732-821-7549 Fax M-F 8 - 4:30; Sat 8 - 1 bsnyder@malouf.com

Malouf Chevrolet Cadillac NORTH BRUNSWICK 800-769-6256 732-821-1517 Fax M-F 7:30 - 5 kdiperi@malouf.com

Nielsen Chevrolet DOVER 973-366-1730 973-366-5867 Fax M-F 7 - 4:30; Sat 8 - 4:30 parts@nielsenchevy.com

New Jersey

Open Road

Cadillac

FLORHAM PARK

973-845-3014 973-538-6978 Fax M-F 7 - 5 Christopher.salgado@openroad.com

Open Road Chevrolet UNION 800-981-9451 908-686-2727 908-687-4267 Fax M-F 8 - 5; Sat 8 - 4 Christopher.salgado@openroad.com

New York

Cadillac of Manhattan NEW YORK CITY 212-765-0909 718-392-6570 Fax M-F 8 am - 5 pm Sat 8 am - 4 pm vdeliso@bramautogroup.com www.cadillacofmanhattan.com

DePaula Chevrolet ALBANY 800-727-8357 518-489-0184 Fax M-F 7:30 - 6; Sat 8 - 5 parts@depaula.com

York West

ACDelco @GMParts_ACDelco

New

Criminal charges were announced Dec. 9 in Pennsylvania against 30 individuals and 21 businesses for “title washing” and for re-titling stolen vehicles in Lebanon, Lehigh and Philadelphia counties.

The title washing fraud was designed to bypass rigid requirements for reconstructed titles in states such as New Jersey and New York. The re-titling of these stolen vehicles was intended to make those vehicles look legitimate for resale or export.

totaled vehicle road worthy again and instead only completed the paperwork required. Many vehicles that they claimed to have been inspected at their shops never actually entered Pennsylvania. Under further investigation, it was found that several of the vehicles had been stolen from other states.

“I congratulate Attorney General Shapiro and his staff on this investigation and the resulting arrests,” said Lehigh County District Attorney James Martin . “I commend and thank Chief Deputy District Attorney David Mussel , and all of the Lehigh County Auto Theft Task Force, for the roles that they played in this successful investigation in Lehigh County.”

•

•

•

David Morrison

Oleg Zelenko

Igor A. Dratch

The 21 businesses charged are as follows:

• Mendoza Auto Sale, Inc.

• G & G Auto Body and Auto Salvage

• Carla Matia, LLC

• Abby Auto

• Saldivar Group, Inc.

• JM Auto Sales, Inc.

• Jessica Auto and Multiservices

• Wilfredo Auto Repair

• Emma Auto Tags and Multiservices, Inc.

• Docuservices

• A2Z Auto Sales

• Charo Auto Sales

• AMCO Motor Sales

• MP Notary and Tags, Inc.

• J & J Car and Truck Sales, LLC

Captain James Cuttitta, Special Investigations Division, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. “These crimes victimize unsuspecting, law-abiding citizens of Pennsylvania and beyond when they purchase these vehicles, only to learn later the vehicles have significant defects. The Pennsylvania State Police will continue to work with all District Attorney’s Offices, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and other partners to conduct additional investigations and hold those responsible accountable.”

The participants in these criminal networks are alleged to have purchased totaled vehicles that they then falsified inspection information for and submitted fraudulent title applications to PennDOT as well as removing and changing the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) attached to each vehicle to bypass police detection of stolen vehicles. These arrests are following sweeping arrests earlier this year as tied to related criminal rings in northeastern Pennsylvania.

The charges were announced by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro

“The defendants used their positions and knowledge of PennDOT requirements to defraud state and federal authorities and put unsuspecting drivers at risk,” said Shapiro. “Vehicles that have been totaled must not only be repaired but also undergo an enhanced safety inspection to ensure they are safe. The defendants instead allowed hundreds of heavilydamaged vehicles onto the roadways in Pennsylvania, and around the country without even looking at them. They gamed the system and put consumers at risk to rack up millions of dollars in illegal profits. This was widespread criminal conduct and today we brought a halt to it.”

As part of this scheme, the enhanced vehicle safety inspectors listed did not complete the necessary inspections that were required in order to make a

The 30 individual defendants were charged, in varying degrees, with: Corrupt Organizations, Forgery, Washing Vehicle Titles, Deceptive Business Practices, Tampering with Public Records, False Application for Certificate of Title, Altered, Forged, or Counterfeit Documents, and Insurance Fraud, among other charges. Charges against the 21 businesses include, in varying degrees, Washing Vehicle Titles, Deceptive Business Practices, Tampering with Public Records, Altered, Forged, or Counterfeit Documents, and False Application for Certificate of Title.

The defendants are as follows:

• Roberto Gomez-Gomez

• Nora D. Rodriguez

• Jimmy Rodriguez-Cosme

• Jessica L. Engelke

• Ahmed Lopez-Roman

• Aristeds Aquino

• Jean C. Aquino-Belen

• Rafael Santiago-Pacheco

• Juana Belen-Valdez

• Juana Belen-De Evangelista

• Osiris M. Fernandez-Gonzalez

• Edgar Collado

• Mohammad Alkurdi

• Mohamed Kerdi

• Albert Luciano-Rodriguez

• Edward Saldivar

• Adelaida Mirelis Mendoza

• Eulid Urena-Recio

• Linda M. Sandoval MartinezHerrera

• Margarete Rose Almashaqbeh

• Charlie Jiminan

• Beaki Antonia Perez

• Somary Ibeth Otanez-DeLoor

• Indalecia Vazquez

• Maria Pineda

• Jefferson Loor-Valet

• Angel Mendez

• PA Tag and Title

• Perfect Touch Auto Repair & Sales

• Santos Auto Gallery

• Grig LLC

• Newroad Motors LLC

• Amatti Auto Sales LLC

“The arrests effectuated today emphasize our commitment to investigate any type of fraud associated with motor vehicles, titling, and affiliated records,” said Pennsylvania State Police

This case is being prosecuted by Chief Deputy Attorney General Robert LaBar, Deputy Attorney General Richard Bradbury, and Lehigh County’s Chief Deputy District Attorney David Mussel. All charges discussed are accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Consumers who believe that they may have been a victim of the practices of any of the above dealerships, vehicle inspectors, or tag agents, or have information about this or other forms of vehicle or title fraud should reach out to the Office of Attorney General by emailing the Insurance Fraud Section at titlefraud@attorneygeneral.gov.

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CONNECTICUT

Napoli Indoor Kia Milford 203-876-3331 (203) 876-3325 Fax 8am-6pm Mon-Fri paulc@napolimotors.com

Gary Rome Kia Enfield 860-253-5095 (860) 265-2674 Fax 8am-7pm Mon-Thu 8am-5pm Fri; 8am-4pm Sat parts@garyromekia.com

MASSACHUSETTS

Kia of Attleboro

South Attleboro 508-761-9300 (508) 761-0768 Fax 8am-8pm Mon, Wed; 8am-5pm Tue, Thu, Fri 8am-4pm Sat frank@courtesyma.com www.courtesyma.com

Lev Kia of Framingham Framingham 800-462-1014 (508) 626-1585 Fax 7:30am-6pm Mon-Fri parts@levkia.com

MARYLAND

Bob Bell Kia Baltimore 800-638-4967 (410) 285-1376 Fax 7am-7pm Mon-Fri 7am-5pm Sat smelson@bobbell.com

NEW JERSEY

Liberty Kia Ramsey 201-818-8995 (201) 783-8848 Fax 8am-5pm Mon-Sat joel@libertykiaofnj.com www.libertykiaofnj.com

NEW YORK

Kia of Middletown

New Hampton 845-374-6575 (845) 374-4718 Fax 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-3pm Sat nissankiaofmiddletownparts@yahoo.com www.kiaofmiddletown.com

Find your local Kia dealership today at www.kia.com

Northstar Kia

Long Island City (718) 683-5300 (718) 489-9889 Fax M-F 7:30am-5pm; Sat 8am-2pm www.northstarkiany.com

Yonkers Kia

Yonkers 914-268-0279 (914) 652-7665 Fax 7:30am-8pm Mon-Thu 7:30am-7pm Fri; 8am-5pm Sat

PENNSYLVANIA

Brown Daub Kia Easton 610-829-3020 (484) 546-0292 Fax 7am-5pm Mon-Fri 7am-3pm Sat parts@browndaubkia.com www.browndaubkia.com

Kia of Coatesville

Coatesville 610-384-7700 (610) 384-2171 Fax 7:30am-5pm Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm Sat jkiernan@jimsipalakia.com www.kiaofcoatesville.com

Kia of West Chester

West Chester 610-429-3500 (610) 429-0164 Fax 7:30am-5pm Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm Sat jkiernan@jimsipalakia.com www.kiaofwestchester.com

Outten Kia Hamburg 610-562-4166 (610) 562-9436 Fax 7:30am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12pm Sat jhenne@outtencars.com www.outtenkia.com

VERMONT

Berlin City Kia

Williston 800-684-5779 (303) 928-6905 Fax 6am-6pm Mon, Wed, Fri 6am-7pm Tue, Thu 7am-3pm Sat ableau@berlincity.com

*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.

CarMax Reaches Settlement Over Failure To Disclose Vehicle Recalls

A multistate coalition of 35 attorneys general on Dec. 1 secured $1 million from CarMax for failing to disclose open safety recalls on their used vehicles to consumers before sales.

CarMax did not provide consumers with information about safety recalls on critical vehicle

make a purchase.

A multistate investigation found CarMax, a nationwide used car dealer, misled consumers by failing to disclose needed repairs on vehicles with open safety recalls. CarMax classified those vehicles as “safe” despite there being open

to protect consumers. Customers of used car dealerships will now be able to access information about any open safety recalls for any vehicles available for purchase.

Under the agreement, CarMax is required to provide digital links for vehicles advertised online and QR codes for vehicles available on their lots which will allow consumers to access this information as they shop.

In addition, CarMax will present customers with documentation on any open safety recalls and obtain their signature to confirm proper disclosure before presenting the with any sales paperwork.

The company will pay $1 million in penalties, of which about $54,000 will go to New York.

New Yorkers and ensure that consumers are aware of any safety recall before they start driving. As attorney general, I will continue to ensure that companies that bypass the law are held to account and that New Yorkers are protected.”

CarMax will continue to use the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s vehicle identification number tool to provide important safety information, including open recalls, to consumers.

parts, such as brakes and fuel pumps, before selling vehicles.

The agreement will set a new industry standard for used car dealers to disclose open safety recalls to customers before they

CIECA Announces Vaultoniq As Member

Vaultoniq has joined CIECA as a corporate member. Founded by Tom Zoebelein in 2022, Vaultoniq is a sister company to Stratosphere Studio and Capture the Keys. “Vaultoniq software is a management system built for body shops to help eliminate the communication breakdown between customers, insurers and employees,” explained Zoebelein. “It centralizes all customer and insurer communication and stores data, estimates, photos, invoices, OEM procedures, measurements, scans, authorizations and more in each customer record.” The software also uses an AI-powered Siri or Google function. Zoebelein has been involved with additional businesses in the collision repair industry since 2011, including the National Auto Body Council (NABC). He worked with CIECA over a decade ago and helped coordinate videos for the organization. With the launch of his new company, Zoebelein said he is looking forward to being involved with CIECA and having Vaultoniq software communicate with the industry management systems.

Source: CIECA

recalls for parts, including airbags and other critical safety features.

The agreement requires CarMax to stop these improper practices and changes overall industry standards in the used car market

“When someone buys a car, they need to know that it will keep them safe,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James, part of the multistate coalition. “CarMax put New Yorkers at risk by allowing drivers to get on the road without warning them that their newly purchased vehicles had open safety recalls. This agreement will protect

Joining New York’s attorney general in the agreement are the attorneys general of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Source: Office of New York Attorney General Letitia James

Credit: Shutterstock

MARYLAND

Audi Silver Spring Silver Spring 301.890.3015 800.288.6982 301.890.3748 Fax M-F 7:30am-5pm wholesaless@mileone.com www.audisilverspring.com

MASSACHUSETTS

Audi Shrewsbury Shrewsbury 888.751.7214 508.581.5880 508.845.1642 Fax M-F 7:30am-5pm audiwholesaleparts@mcgovernauto.com

NEW JERSEY

Audi Meadowlands North Bergen 201.408.2085 201.223.7842 Fax M-F 7am-6pm Sat 8am-2pm jpooler@bbmcc.com

Bell Audi Edison 732.396.9630 732.396.9090 Fax M-F 8am-5pm Sat 8am-4pm dmcsorley@bellaudi.com

DCH Millburn Audi Maplewood 800.553.9250 973.762.2381 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 7:30am-4pm ddipalma@dchusa.com www.dchmillburnaudi.com

Ciocca Parts Warehouse Audi Flemington 800.221.1256 908.782.1795 Fax M-F 7:30am-5pm Sat 8am-12pm www.njparts.com

Paul Miller Audi Parsippany 862.277.0009 973.575.5911 Fax M-F 8am-6pm Sat 8am-5pm www.paulmilleraudi.com Audiparts@paulmiller.com

NEW YORK

Audi Southampton Southampton 631.204.2565 Tue-Sat 8am-5pm parts@audisouthampton.com www.audisouthampton.com

Biener Audi Great Neck 516.487.0127 516.829.4821 Fax M-F 8am-4:30pm Sat 8am-4pm www.bieneraudi.com alutchman@biener.com rfeyjoo@biener.com parts@biener.com

PENNSYLVANIA

Audi Devon Devon 610.263.7026 610.263.7027 610.688.1742 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 9am-4pm www.audidevon.com bnawn@audidevon.com wmohler@audidevon.com

Order Audi Genuine Parts from these select dealers.

Audi Part Professionals are exper ts on collision par ts, replacement components and mechanical items

Going in Reverse: Dangerous Driving Behaviors Rise

By Andrew Gross AAA

A new report finds unsafe driving behaviors, including speeding, redlight running, drowsy driving and driving impaired on cannabis or alcohol, rose from 2020 to 2021.

pandemic in 2020, traffic fatalities have risen. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year, a 10.5% increase from the 38,824 fatalities in 2020.

risky behaviors that they know are dangerous and would meet with disapproval from friends or family.

For example:

Texting While Driving

them how it’s done safely. Together we can move closer to zero traffic deaths.”

AAA recommends these safety tips to keep in mind.

DR.

The most alarming increase was among drivers admitting to getting behind the wheel after drinking enough that they felt they were over the legal limit—an increase of nearly 24%.

According to new survey data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, this is a reversal in the steady declines in these dangerous driving behaviors in the three years from 2018 through 2020.

Since the start of the COVID-19

According to NHTSA, dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, alcohol impairment and non-use of seatbelts account for a considerable proportion of the increased fatalities. Accordingly, AAA urges drivers to keep everyone safe on the roads and warns motorists against falling back into dangerous driving habits.

“The reversal in the frequency of U.S. drivers engaging in risky driving behavior is disturbing. While drivers acknowledge that certain activities behind the wheel—like speeding and driving impaired—are not safe, many still engage in these activities anyway,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “We must be aware of the serious consequences of dangerous driving behaviors and change course.”

As in previous years, drivers reported too often engaging in

92% think it’s very or extremely dangerous 96% think someone important to them would disapprove 26% admitted to doing it in the last 30 days

Aggressive Driving

88% think it’s very or extremely dangerous 96% think someone important to them would disapprove 23% admitted to doing it in the last 30 days

“The privilege of driving comes with great responsibility, which some motorists are not taking seriously,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “Fortunately, we know that reinforcing safe behavior with someone we know can influence them to change, so on our next ride with a passenger, let’s show

Out of sight, out of mind. Stow your smartphone away, turn it to airplane mode, or activate call/text blocking features like Apple’s Do Not Disturb.

Slow down. Drivers tend to overestimate the time saved by speeding. Speed kills and isn’t worth the cost.

Stay alert. Stop driving if you become sleepy because you can fall asleep anytime. Fatigue impacts reaction time, judgment and vision.

Drive sober. If you consume marijuana or alcohol, then don’t drive. If you are taking potentially impairing prescription medications, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist how best to stay safe AND healthy behind the wheel.

Buckle your seat belt for every ride. It does not matter where in the vehicle you are seated. A properly worn seatbelt is the most effective way to survive a traffic crash.

Source: AAA

Porsche Genuine Parts and Service, only at your local authorized Porsche dealer.

MARYLAND

Porsche Silver Spring Silver Spring, MD 800-288-6982 301-890-3748 Fax wholesales@mileone.com

MASSACHUSETTS

Porsche Norwell Norwell, MA 781-261-5230 781-261-5274 Fax porschenorwell.com

NEW JERSEY

Ciocca Parts Warehouse

Porsche Flemington, NJ 800-221-1256 908-782-9397 Fax rmuir@flemington.com

Porsche Monmouth West Long Branch, NJ 732-483-8560 M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4:30 avacchiano@penskeautomotive.com

NEW YORK

Porsche Huntington Huntington Station, NY 631-424-1310 631-272-1805 Fax M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 parts@porschehuntington.com

Porsche Manhattan New York, NY 347-226-3913 212-208-0916 Fax parts@manhattanmotorcars.com

Porsche of Southampton Southampton, NY 631-204-2565 631-204-2559 Fax gspano@porscheofsouthampton.com

Porsche South Shore Freeport, NY 516-277-0542 516-277-0543 M-Sat 8-5:30 mtotaram@mcgovernauto.com

“The reversal in the frequency of U.S. drivers engaging in risky driving behavior is disturbing.“

DAVID YANG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AAA FOUNDATION FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY

With new 360-view camera calibrations now available for the John Bean® Tru-Point™ ADAS Calibration System, vehicle calibrations can be completed more quickly and easily.

John Bean customers can use the TGT-05 kit to easily calibrate the 360 cameras for a variety of manufacturers. The kit attaches to opposing corners of the 360 mats on either side of the vehicle and serves as a reference point for the Tru-Point cameras to ensure the actual mats are straight, square and properly aligned to the vehicle’s cameras before beginning calibrations.

The TGT-05 kit contains four BKT15 brackets and corner reflectors to attach to the corners of one pair of 360 mats. These brackets can be moved from mat to mat. Customers can purchase additional BKT-15 brackets to permanently attach to any additional mats they may have for other manufacturers.

A one-stop solution for ADAS calibration, Tru-Point uses highly accurate advanced camera technology, targets and top-of-the-line software to quickly uncover any vehicle alignment issues so users can perform an accurate ADAS calibration.

Source: John Bean

NABC Drive Out Distraction Program Encourages Safe Driving This Holiday Season

NABC members have the opportunity to save lives by driving public awareness about one of the leading causes of traffic collisions today—distracted driving.

more than 2,800 people were killed and an estimated 400,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.

Those of us in the collision industry know all too well the physical and emotional impact from car accidents. That is why NABC members are in the unique position of taking the leadership role in local communities across the country to educate and urge drivers of all ages eliminate distracted driving.

vehicle controls

Reducing cell phone distractions by setting devices to “do not disturb”

Eliminating in-car interruptions by securing pets, buckling in children and reminding passengers not to distract the driver with inappropriate behavior

NABC members can share the NABC Drive Out Distraction program with their customers and local audiences with a robust tool kit that includes:

From GPS to cell phones, entertainment screens, rowdy passengers and more, just one quick glance from the road can results in a dented fender, a damaged bumper or worse.

The National Safety Council reports cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. One out of every four car accidents in the U.S. is caused by texting and driving. According to the NHTSA, in the U.S. in 2018,

How the NABC is Helping

The new NABC Drive Out Distraction program is helping educate drivers and their passengers about reducing the dangers of distracted driving with a national campaign that focuses on:

Preparing for the road trip by downloading directions, checking weather and traffic conditions, setting the radio station and familiarizing yourself with the

Custom-branded counter card with tips for setting devices to “do not disturb” and call to action to take the NABC® “Drive Out Distraction” challenge

Custom-branded web page on NationalAutoBodyCouncil. org with tips for eliminating distracted driving to share via social media, shop web site and email

Digital graphics to use on social media and shop lobby televisions

Source: NABC

The average American driver will pay nearly $1,900 for car insurance in 2023, as insurance rates continue to rise across the country, according to the Insurify 2022 Auto Insurance Trends Report: 2022 in Review and What’s Ahead for 2023.

By the end of 2023, Americans will pay 16% more for car insurance than they did at the beginning of this year. Auto insurance rates increased by 9% throughout 2022 and will likely rise another 7% in 2023, with the average American spending $1,895 on auto insurance by year’s end.

Insurify’s report leverages more than 69 million car insurance rates from car insurance applications across the U.S. The final installment of a two-part series on car insurance trends in America, it forecasts insurance prices for 2023, details where costs rose the most in 2022, and surveys drivers on how their rates are changing and how they’re trying to save.

Coverage in 2022 cost the average driver $1,777 per year, a 9% increase from 2021 and a

whopping 21% increase from 2020. Oregon, Maryland and Virginia saw the greatest price increases, with premiums rising by more than 25% in all three states.

California, meanwhile, saw car insurance prices fall 15% in 2022, in part due to an ongoing moratorium on rate increases

contributed to rate increases in 2022 will continue to be in play for American drivers in 2023,” said  Snejina Zacharia, Insurify’s CEO and founder. “Our annual data reflects the state of the insurance industry, and our new report projects that higher driving rates, more severe accidents, inflation’s impact on vehicle repairs and medical costs, and the potentially increased frequency of wildfires and hurricanes will continue to be the key factors contributing to rate increases next year.”

Key Findings from the Report

since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some insurance providers and experts, however, argue that the moratorium is also limiting insurance availability in the state, according to Insurance Journal.

“Many of the factors that

The rising costs of vehicle repair and medical expenses, higher driving and accident rates, and the potential for more frequent natural disasters due to climate change are the biggest reasons costs will rise throughout 2023, according to Insurify’s panel of insurance experts.

Nearly half (47%) of drivers reported at least one increase

in their auto insurance rates in 2022, and 19%—nearly one in five drivers—even reported their rates increasing multiple times this year.

Drivers were half as likely to consider purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle in November as they were in July. However, in November, more drivers considered switching their insurance provider and even dropping their coverage altogether than in July, despite the serious legal and financial risks of driving without insurance.

With prices potentially rising throughout 2023, Insurify’s panel of insurance experts offered advice for drivers looking to save on their car insurance premiums.

Finding a vehicle that matches your budget is key for  Dan Roccato, MBA, clinical professor of finance at the University of San Diego School of Business.

“Boring is better when it comes to saving money on auto insurance,” Roccato said. “Your heart wants a new convertible, but your wallet is happier with an older sedan.”

Source: Insurify

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“Volkswagen” and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. ©2023 Volkswagen of America, Inc.

New-vehicle inventory levels are improving, but prices remain elevated. According to data released Dec. 12 by Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive company, the average transaction price (ATP) for a new vehicle in the U.S. in November hit a new record high of $48,681.

November prices rose 0.9% ($422) month over month from October and were up 4.4% ($2,250) from year-earlier levels.

According to Kelley Blue Book calculations, new-vehicle ATPs have been higher than the average manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), also known as the sticker price, since July 2021. Sales volumes in November were up year over year by more than 11%, but down from October. The elevated prices and high loan rates are likely putting downward pressure on sales.

“The transaction data from November clearly indicates that prices are showing no signs of coming down as we head into the holiday season,” said Rebecca Rydzewski, research manager of economic and industry insights for Cox Automotive. “The mix of available vehicles still favors more expensive models and higher

has increased more than average ATP year over year, indicating automakers are still building a richer mix of expensive models and fewer value vehicles.”

According to Cox Automotive estimates, new-vehicle inventory is steadily improving, though some brands have a noticeably larger supply than others.

“Incentives overall are still very low, but consumers who are flexible on make and model may be able to find a good deal at year-end sales events,” added Rydzewski.

Average Prices for Luxury Cars Increase More than $400 in November, Hit Record

Strong luxury vehicle sales have been a primary reason for overall elevated new-vehicle prices. Luxury vehicle share remains historically high, increasing to 18.2% of total sales in November from 17.8% in October. The high share of luxury sales helps to push the overall industry ATP higher. In November 2019, the luxury share of the U.S. market was 16.1%.

In November 2022, the average luxury buyer paid $67,050 for a new vehicle---a record high and up $405 from October. Buyers continue

luxury vehicles, although prices are trending closer to or below sticker prices in some luxury segments.

Porsche and Land Rover showed the most price strength in the luxury market, transacting between 2% to 6.4% over sticker price last month.

Luxury brands Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lincoln and Volvo showed the least price strength, selling 1% or more below MSRP in November.

Average Non-Luxury Car Prices Increase to Record High

The average price paid for a new non-luxury vehicle in November was $44,584—also a record and higher by $330 month over month. The previous record high was recorded in August. On average, car shoppers in the non-luxury segment paid $410 above sticker price, a slight increase from October.

Most non-luxury brands had stable pricing or declines in November. Honda and Kia showed the most price strength in the nonluxury market, transacting between

Electric Vehicle Prices Increased in November and Remained Up Compared to One Year Ago

The average price paid for a new EV increased in November by $1,172 (up 2%) compared to October and was up by 9% compared to a year ago in November 2021. The average new EV price was $65,041, according to Kelley Blue Book estimates, well above the industry average and aligning more with luxury prices versus mainstream prices.

Auto Incentives Offered by Manufacturers Remain at Historically Low Level

Incentives remained stable in November 2022 at 2.2% of the average transaction price. In November 2021, incentives averaged 4.1% of ATP. In November 2019, before the pandemic and when inventory was plentiful, the average incentive package was 10.6% of ATP, according to Kelley Blue Book estimates.

Luxury cars had the highest incentives in November at 4.8% of

Ford CEO Reveals 2 of 3 Ford Dealers Buy Into All-Electric Strategy

By Phoebe Wall Howard Detroit Free Press

Ford Motor Co. has secured commitments from two of every three dealers who plan to go all-in on selling electric vehicles, CEO Jim Farley revealed during an interview Dec. 5.

Of the estimated 3,000 Ford dealers in the U.S., 1,920 have enrolled in the voluntary Model e Program for the initial 2024 to 2026 period, the company confirmed to the Free Press.

Customers shopping for electric vehicles will soon see signage that identifies dealers as Model e Certified Elite or Model e Certified. This is significant because it also tells the public the location of fast chargers needed to “fuel up” electric vehicles.

Of those that enrolled:

• 1,659 chose to be Certified Elite with full sales and service capability

• 261 chose to be Certified with full service capability, limited sales and a lower investment cost.

$1.2 million to install the charging infrastructure to achieve the special certification status. If dealers don’t have charging stations, they can’t service the electric vehicles. A second period of certification will take place in 2027, after Ford has begun releasing its new electric vehicle lineup.

The dollar figures provided were exceptionally conservative, the company has said.

The Model e Certified dealer will have one DC fast-charger starting Jan. 1, 2024, for public use, with two plugs. These dealerships will provide repair and get a limited supply of electric vehicles to sell. The Model e Certified Elite dealer will have two DC fast-chargers for public use and provide full service with access to a full inventory for customer purchase.

“We’re betting on the dealers,” Farley told reporters in September. “We’re not going to direct (them). But we need to specialize. … The main message I have for the dealers, which I’ve never said before, because I never

He and members of his executive team met with reporters between dealer meetings at The Bellagio in Las Vegas, immediately after breaking the news to many of its dealers in the U.S.

Dealers who declined to enroll for 2024 to 2026 will have another opportunity to enroll in 2025.

Super Duty trucks, which have internal combustion engines (ICE), continue to be a key revenue source for Ford. The ICE Age will remain for years to come, even as the industry evolves, Farley has said.

Alabama Goes Electric

Eddie Stivers, president of Stivers Ford, AL, told the Free Press on Dec. 5 that both his dealerships in Birmingham and Montgomery have committed to Certified Elite status because the state is enthusiastically embracing electric vehicles.

“Birmingham is one of the fastest growing EV registration cities,” he said, and the company is building an enormous new dealership facility. In Montgomery, the company primarily serves government and other fleet clients.

When asked about dealers in New York and Illinois that have filed lawsuits challenging the way the

company is unrolling its electric strategy, Stivers said he couldn’t speak to specifics.

“I didn’t find the Ford process to have any pressure associated with it,” he said, as someone who sells 10 different brands.

No other company has worked with its dealers as intensely as Ford, Stivers said. “Communication was second to none. They even went around and engaged, I think, 400 dealers. That’s 15% of the dealer body. I’m just really pleased Ford has been so deliberate about how they’re going to market ... It’s going to be a direct benefit to our consumers.”

He said his third-generation business has more than 400 employees, and being on “this journey” is a time of change for all. He said the investment is well above Ford’s minimum infrastructure requirements, which still fall below Ford’s cost estimate and come in below $500,000.

“We are very excited about electrification. We’ve decided to build out our infrastructure at an exponentially higher level than Ford has requested of us,” Stivers said, still waiting to learn electric utility costs.

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Liberty Subaru

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Serving New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont 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.

©2023 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

Hertz To Pay $168M To Settle False Rental Car Theft Claims

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. on Dec. 5 announced the settlement of 364 pending claims brought against the company by customers falsely accused of stealing their rented cars.

The company will pay approximately $168 million by year-end to resolve these disputes, bringing resolution to more than 95% of its pending theft reporting claims.

“As I have said since joining Hertz earlier this year, my intention is to lead a company that puts the customer first. In resolving these claims, we are holding ourselves to that objective,” said Stephen Scherr, CEO of Hertz. “While we will not always be perfect, the professionals at Hertz will continue to work every day to provide best-in-class service to the tens of millions of people we serve each year.

“Moving forward, it is our intention to reshape the future of our company through electrification, shared mobility and a great digital-first customer experience.”

The company believes it will recover a meaningful portion of the settlement amount from its insurance carriers.

Hertz does not expect the resolution of these claims to have a material impact on its capital allocation plans for the balance of 2022 and 2023.

Source: Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.

UPDATED DAILY www.autobodynews.com

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