January 2023 Southeast Edition

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

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

Hyundai Motor Group and SK

On To Build EV Battery

Facility in Georgia

Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) and SK On have selected a site in Bartow County in Georgia for a new electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility that will supply Hyundai Motor Group’s plants in the U.S. Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp on Dec. 8 announced the deal, one of the largest economic development projects in state history. Stakeholders estimate it will create more than 3,500 new jobs through approximately $4 billion to $5 billion of investment in Bartow County.

Hyundai Motor Group and SK On recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding the partnership for a new EV battery facility in the U.S., with the

details of the partnership still in development.

“Hyundai Motor Group and SK On are valued partners and key players in our state’s ever-growing automotive industry,” said Kemp. “Since day one, my administration has been focused on bringing jobs and opportunity to communities across the state that may have been overlooked in the past. SK and HMG share this goal, and we’re proud they are choosing to invest even further in this No. 1 state for business.”

Established in 2021, SK On is the lithium-ion battery subsidiary branch of SK Innovation and currently employs more than 2,000

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

Regional News

April 2023 Southeast Collision Conference, Collision P.R.E.P. Open for Presentation 1

Car ADAS Opens 18th Location in Decatur, GA 32

Classic Collision Acquires Shamrock Auto Body 22

Crash Champions Acquires Harold’s Auto Body Shop in Savannah, GA, Metro Area 44

Crash Victims Say They’re Waiting Long for Repairs, Insurance Won’t Extend Rental Car 34

Fixing Fenders for 51 Years: Eldridge Auto Sales & Body Shop a Rogersville, TN, Institution 16

Greensboro, NC, Maaco Owner

National News

Americans Will Pay 16% More for Car Insurance by the End of 2023 47

As Luxury Share Grows, New-Vehicle Prices Hit Record High in November 36

Auto Care Alliance Offers HRA Plans to Members 35

Auto Dealers Report Low Market Outlook Due to Economy, High Interest Rates 40

CarMax Reaches Settlement Over Failure to Disclose Vehicle Recalls 36

CIECA Announces Vaultoniq as Member 32

CIECA Welcomes New Member E-Nikio Appraisals 10

Donate to the Jeff Silver Memorial Scholarship 38

Ford CEO Reveals 2 of 3 Ford Dealers Buy into All-Electric Strategy 47

Going in Reverse: Dangerous Driving Behaviors Rise 43

Hertz to Pay $168M to Settle False Rental Car Theft Claims 46

Hunter Engineering Recognized by Vets Group 44

Recognized Nationally for Outstanding Performance 29

Hyundai Motor Group and SK On to Build EV Battery Facility in Georgia 1

Hyundai Reportedly Considering Building Battery Plants with LG 39

Kia America Brings Magic of the North Pole to Patients at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 4

LG to Invest More Than $3 Billion for Battery Cathode Facility in TN 42

Tennessee Officials Approve $40M Incentive for LG Chem’s $3.2B Facility 10

COLUMNISTS

Mike Anderson

Are You Itemizing Vehicle Prep Steps Necessary Prior to ADAS Calibrations? 14

Abby Andrews

Future Technology Presents Liability Concerns for Collision Repairers 30

Ed Attanasio

Autobody Pro Shop in Virginia Celebrates 25-Year Anniversary 27

Stacey Phillips

3M™ RepairStack™ Performance Solutions & Additional 3M Products Introduced to Optimize Shop Efficiency and Performance 18

AirPro Diagnostics Releases Updated Self-Guided Version of Auggie DTS at SEMA 2022 8

Award-Winning Female I-CAR Instructor Teaches How to Manage Quality Vehicle Repairs at SEMA 11

Kaeser Compressors, Inc. Raises $23,000 35

Like the Temperatures, Gas Prices Keep Falling as the Holidays Approach 39

Most Americans Would Still Prefer ICE Over EV, Regardless of Price 4

MotorTrend Shows on Amazon Freevee 45

NABC Drive Out Distraction Program Encourages Safe Driving This Holiday Season 45

NHTSA Announces Another Takata Air Bag Fatality, Urges Owners to Check for Recalls 22

Options for ASE Testing and Recertification 12

Ram Transmission Problems Cause 16 Fires, Recall 42

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

Vale, GM Sign Long-Term Nickel Supply Agreement 44

Zendrive Joins CCC Network 32

Compact WD-40 Precision Pen Debuted at SEMA Show 22

OEConnection’s RepairLogic Platform Helps Auto Body Shops Find Accurate OEM Information 20

Repairify Introduces New Products, Announces Repairify Institute Training Model 6

Cole Strandberg

Is Collision Repair the Gold Rush 2.0? 28 John Yoswick Don’t Look for Short-Term End to Fast Growth in Average Collision Repair Invoices 38

How to Get Entry-Level Collision Repair Techs Productive Quickly 12

More Auto Body Shops Being Paid for Diagnostic Test Drives Before Repairs 26

Index of Advertisers

Audi Gwinnett 20

Audi North Miami 8

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers 42

Auto Data Labels 13

AutoNation Ford-Lincoln 28

Axalta Coating Systems ���������������������������� 7

BendPak 9

Carolina Collision Equipment, LLC 27

Carworx Distribution, Inc 21

City Kia of Greater Orlando 32

Classifieds 46

Dale Earnhardt Jr Chevrolet 14

Dynabrade, Inc 19

Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers 40

GM Wholesale Parts Dealers 43

Gus Machado Ford 34

Harper Volkswagen���������������������������������� 29

Hendrick Automotive Group 33

Hendrick Honda Pompano Beach 30

Hendrick Kia Cary 35

Hendrick Kia Concord 35

Hendrick Volvo Cars of Charleston 32

Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers 23, 24-25

Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers 45

KECO Body Repair Products 17

Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers 41

KSI Auto Parts 4

Malco 15

Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers �������������� 44

Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers 44

Miami Lakes Automall 10

MINI of Charleston 32

MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers 37

North American Bancard 48

Parks Chevrolet 26

Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Naples 11

Rogers-Dabbs Chevrolet 31

SATA Dan-Am Company 5

Spanesi Americas 2

Sport Durst Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram ��� 14

Stivers Decatur Subaru 16

Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers 39

Tameron Hyundai 38

Toyota-Mazda of North Miami 12

Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers 44

Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers 45

Kia America Brings Magic of the North Pole To Patients At St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

Kia America is continuing to “Accelerate The Good” this holiday season by expanding its partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in an effort to bring the joy and magic of the holiday season directly to St. Jude patients and families.

Created by David&Goliath (D&G), Kia’s creative agency of record, the “Season of Giving Back” campaign gives children at St. Jude and their parents the gift of a virtual trip to the North Pole without ever having to leave the comfort and safety of the St. Jude campus.

For the first time in the hospital’s history, the TV spot was filmed onsite at St. Jude in Memphis, TN. In addition to airing on television, the video will be available on the St. Jude in-house television network.

The centerpiece of the campaign is a 60-second broadcast spot titled “Holiday Joyride.” For the commercial, Kia constructed a custom 50- by 100-foot set which included 296 curved LED screens surrounding an all-electric Kia EV6 mounted on a system of hydraulic compressors.

The commercial opens with St. Jude patient Adalyn sitting safely in the backseat of the EV6, which “travels” through a tunnel of red and green star-shaped arches created by the curved screens. The LED screens slowly transition to depict a star-filled night sky as a personalized welcome message appears featuring the patient’s name.

being transported to this mystical winter wonderland shine on Adalyn’s face as the EV6 ascends above the rooftops of the North Pole.

“Helping those in need is at the heart of the Kia brand and we are proud to support St. Jude with our ‘Season of Giving Back,’” said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America. “We hope to provide holiday cheer to those families that are facing the most difficult of circumstances with dignity, bravery and grace. Kia is honored to be a small part of the impact St. Jude has on so many.”

2019.

Previously this year, Kia donated to St. Jude as part of the 10 millionth Kia vehicle sold in the U.S., and again as part of the groundbreaking announcement for a new assembly plant in the state of Georgia.

As the EV6 is gently lifted and lowered to simulate the experience of driving, the virtual landscape reveals a forest filled with majestic snow-covered pine trees, a galloping reindeer, a soaring eagle and a narwhal moving across the sky. The excitement and joy of

In November, Kia America announced the brand will donate a minimum of $1 million to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The donation represents the brand’s third act of giving to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this year as part of Kia’s “Accelerate The Good” charitable initiative, which has donated more than $14 million to various causes since

“With creativity rooted in purpose, Kia America helped put smiles on some St. Jude patients’ faces this holiday season by taking them on a light-filled journey to the North Pole,” said  Richard C. Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “We have such gratitude for our partnership with Kia and its dealer network, whose support helps to ensure that no family will receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food so that they can focus on helping their child live.”

To accelerate progress globally and help kids everywhere, support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® by donating at stjude.org.

Source: Kia America

Most

Would Still Prefer

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.

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

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.

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 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 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.

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

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.

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

“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.

www.autobodynews.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)

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

By Jon Styf The Center Square

Tennessee officials approved a $40 million incentive payment for LG Chem, which is planning to spend $3.2 billion to build a new cathode manufacturing facility in Clarksville.

Cathodes are an essential part of the electric vehicle battery supply chain. The facility will be the largest foreign direct investment in Tennessee’s history.

LG Chem committed to creating 860 net new jobs with an average wage of $33.42 per hour for those jobs with the $3.2 billion investment coming within the next eight years.

The proposal was in front of Tennessee’s State Funding Board on Nov. 28, along with a $4 million incentive for Landmark Recovery Management Company LLC in Franklin and a $1.86 million incentive for Gold Creek Foods LLC in Caryville.

The incentive payments all come with agreements from the companies that they will fulfill promises in terms of investments

and jobs.

In its recent budget request hearing for next fiscal year, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development requested a budget increase of $202.5 million. Of that, $103 million was requested for FastTrack

per charge.

The TNEDC did not announce the public incentive payment when it announced the project the week before.

grants like the one sent to LG Chem. The grants mainly to companies that are moving to Tennessee or expanding in the state.

The LG Chem facility is expected to produce roughly 120,000 tons of cathode material annually by 2027. That material will power batteries in 1.2 million electric vehicles with a range of 310 miles

“This is a big win for Tennessee and Montgomery County,” TNEDC Commissioner Stuart McWhorter said. “LG Chem’s decision to locate its new cathode manufacturing facility in Clarksville underscores Tennessee’s growing profile as a hub for U.S. and global companies. As we continue our efforts to attract companies in the automotive industry, we are focused on supporting companies that boost Tennessee’s presence in the EV space.”

Construction, expected to begin in early 2023, is expected to occur on 420 acres at the Allensworth site in Clarksville. Production is expected to begin at the facility in the second half of 2025.

LG Chem is based in Seoul, South Korea.

Credit: Shutterstock

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.

“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.”

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 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 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.”

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 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.

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

“I learned quickly that I better

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

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

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.

— JAIME SHEWBRIDGE

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

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.

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

“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

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

“We

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.

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.

“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 goes directly to a shop’s ability to retain that individual in the career, or 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.

many people have to do because of whatever education they might be getting inside their school.”

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

“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.

Guthrie’s company is using the Entry-Level Technician Learning and Development Guide developed by I-CAR. Dara Goroff of I-CAR said the 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

“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

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

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 students have current model parts to practice on.

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.

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

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

Brandon Eckenrode of CREF said shops need to communicate to schools what entry-level skills they want in students coming out of the program

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

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

explain what a great living working in this industry can provide,” she said. “It 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.

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?

Mike Anderson — From the Desk of Mike Anderson

I-CAR offers a free online search tool to find OEM calibration requirements by vehicle year, make and model

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.

Georgians at its SK Battery America facility in Commerce. In July, SK Battery America announced it would partner with the Work for Warriors Georgia program to hire veterans, servicemembers and their families at their Georgia operations.

industries focused on creating a sustainable future. Building on the assets that make the automotive industry successful, Georgia is positioned as a hub for the electric transportation industry.

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 the calibration. The customer then asked what type was added. It turned out it wasn’t the type the customer used. He made such a stink about it, the shop had to drain the fuel and replace the fuel filters just to make the customer happy.

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 these vehicle prep steps are done, either by your shop, if practical, before it goes to the sublet vendor, or by that sublet vendor. You may want to ask that sublet vendor to provide photos or other documentation that the necessary vehicle prep was done.

Subject to execution of relevant agreements and HMG and SK On’s final board decisions, the new facility will be located at Bartow Centre, a zoned manufacturing and industrial site located on Highway 411, and is aiming to begin operations in 2025.

Director of Korean Investment Yoonie Kim represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with Georgia EMC, Development Authority of Bartow County, the CartersvilleBartow County Department of Economic Development and Georgia Quick Start.

Georgia’s prime location, major ports system and extensive infrastructure, skilled workforce and pro-business climate have made it an attractive location for a diverse array of rapidly developing

Excluding this announcement, EV-related projects announced in the state since 2020 total approximately $17 billion in investment and more than 22,800 new jobs in Georgia.

In addition to the two companies’ EV battery partnership, Hyundai Motor Group separately announced in May its plans to invest $5.54 billion in Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, an EV manufacturing facility in Bryan County. Hyundai Motor Group broke ground on the facility in October with Kemp, other state leaders and local and federal officials.

Source: Hyundai Motor Group

southeastern.autobodynews.com

“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.”

Fixing Fenders For 51 Years: Eldridge Auto Sales & Body Shop a

By Randy Ball The Rogersville Review

Eldridge Auto Sales & Body Shop

owner Otis Eldridge is wellknown for his classic car collection and the “Memory Lane” village he built beside his business and his home.

But, none of the would have been possible were it not for the fact he earned iconic status as an ace body man over the past five decades.

Otis, who opened his auto body shop May of 1971, started early in auto body work.

He remembered, “I was painting cars when I was in high school. In 1966, I started doing body work and painting with my brother. I worked at Eastman for six months and decided it wasn’t for me. Then I taught school for four years.”

In the late 1970s, he began hiring employees for the body shop.

He said, “I always had great employees and we were blessed with more work than we could do.”

The business grew to 12 employees. Early on, Otis bought

wrecked cars to repair them to resell. He said in the 1980s, they were overwhelmed with insurance work. He began buying property to move the shop to another location, but eventually decided to “tough it out here on Caney Creek.”

The body shop focused on collision repair.

Otis said, “We’re still blessed with all the work we can do; we have many, many repeat customers.” The auto sales has been “always on the side” and Otis has had a dealer’s license since 1977.

Otis remembered going to three auto auctions per week years ago. He and his wife and their daughter, Monica, made an outing out of the trips.

All the time spent around autos had a strong effect on Monica Although she earned a degree in forensic psychology, she left that field to return home and manage the body shop.

Otis said Monica “writes estimates, orders parts and keeps everything going.” Monica said, “I grew up in the body shop, I love it. Some of my best memories are

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

Rogersville, TN, Institution

going to sales and swap meets and the garage finds and barn finds we made.”

Memory Lane was started in the late 1990s. Otis said he needed a break from the business and began work on a general store building over the hill from the shop.

It has grown to include several

music videos. Otis added, “Some of my happiest times have been building Memory Lane.”

While Otis said he’s proud of Monica and she has become very knowledgeable about the automotive work, there may be a third generation in training.

Monica’s young daughter Zella is showing interest. Otis said, “Zella loves to help her mama in the office and she is pretty mechanically minded.” Monica said, “Zella notices damage on cars and she has tried to sell visitors a car.”

The business is still doing well after 51 years. Otis said a lot credit goes to the employees. “Most of our employees have stayed 10-12 years. Some have branched off on their own. Our bookkeeper has been here since 1984.”

buildings, including a diner, drivein theater, car dealership, gas station and church. Otis said when he started building it, “I had no intentions of doing as much as I did, but it has been worth every bit of effort.”

Memory Lane has been used in television shows, commercials and

Otis said, “I’ve had lots of enjoyment here, good family, good friends, good customers. I don’t foresee doing anything different, I love working here.”

Eldridge Auto Sales and Body Shop is located at 459 Caney Creek Road. For more info, call (423) 272-2938.

Monica and Otis with a customer’s car.

Credit: Randy Ball

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

Gear-Driven Sanders

– For quick, aggressive material removal.

– Unique epicycloidal sanding pad motion generates torque and enhanced power for consistent material removal.

– Achieve a swirl-free finish when buffing with optional polishing pads.

– 5", 6" and 8" diameter models available.

Dynorbital® Extreme

Random Orbital Sanders

– Highest power-to-weight ratio and most consistent speed under load in the industry.

– Ergonomic design for increased operator comfort and reduced fatigue.

– 3", 5" and 6" diameter models available with 3/16" or 3/32" dia. orbit.

Dynorbital- Spirit®

Random Orbital Sanders

Dynafile® II Abrasive Belt Tool

– Grind, deburr, blend and polish using contact wheel, platen pad or slack of belt.

– Access hard-to-reach areas.

– Lightweight 7° offset design.

– Grinding head pivots 360°.

Dynabug II® Orbital Sanders

– Feather-edge, finish, sand and blend.

– Lightweight, comfortable sander is ideal for vertical and contoured applications.

– Small grip housing; ideal for operators with smaller hands.

– 3", 5" and 6" diameter models available with 3/8", 3/16" or 3/32" diameter orbit.

– Excellent for use in corners and tight areas.

– Compact, lightweight design reduces operator fatigue, especially during extended use on vertical surfaces.

– Models available with 3/16" or 3/32" orbit.

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.

Over many months, we collected feedback from the industry on 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 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 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.

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 accessible was something that resonated with the people we spoke to.

Q: What sets RepairLogic apart from other products?

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 team are former body shop owners, managers and estimators who understand how a shop utilizes information. They help us categorize and digitize it, so we can bring it to life in the software. They also

OEC team members at the 2022 SEMA Show included, left to right, Pat Blech, Tom Durkin, Austin Bell, Laney Holloway and Farzam Afshar

Compact

By Stacey Phillips Autobody News

Precision Pen Debuted At SEMA Show

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

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

Classic Collision Acquires Shamrock Auto Body

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Nov. 18, the acquisition of Shamrock Auto Body in St. Cloud, FL. Shamrock Auto Body, Inc. is a family owned and operated business, providing customers with exemplary auto body repair service from the same location since 2000. Its highly trained team of technicians perform a complete range of auto body repair services to Central Florida customers from St. Cloud, Kissimmee, Orlando, Celebration and Lake Nona. “We have been committed to delivering only the highest level of quality service, with the emphasis on customer satisfaction and know that Classic Collision is in line with the same mission,” said Mike Reilly, former owner of Shamrock Auto Body. “We are eager to welcome the entire Shamrock Auto Body team to the Classic family. We recognize their high level of quality and service standards and look forward to furthering that in our Florida market,” said Toan Nguyen, CEO of Classic Collision.

Source: Classic Collision

“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.

NHTSA Announces Another Takata

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.

Air

Bag Fatality, Urges Owners To Check For Recalls

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

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

Carlock Honda Birmingham 800-987-0819 205-949-5457

Dept Hours: M-F 8-6 robert thompson@carlockcars com

AutoNation Honda Clearwater Clearwater 888-205-2564 727-530-1173

Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5; Sun 10-3 santosr1@autonation com

AutoNation Honda Hollywood Hollywood 800-542-8121 954-964-8300

Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5; Sun 9-5 hernandeze@autonation�com

Classic Honda Orlando 888-893-4984 407-521-1115

Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-4 parts@classichonda com

Headquarter Honda Clermont 800-497-2294 407-395-7374 Dept Hours: M-F 8-7; Sat 8-5 pepe guevara@headquarterhonda com

Hendrick Honda Pompano Beach Pompano Beach 954-425-8244

Dept Hours: M-Fri 7-6; Sat 7-5; gerardbruno@hendrickauto com

Holler Honda Orlando 407-442-1938 Dept Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-4 parts@hollerhonda com

Rick Case Honda Davie 877-544-2249 Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-4 robbutton@rickcase com

South Motors Honda Miami 888-418-3513 305-256-2240 Dept Hours: M-F 8-7 mfranceschi@southhonda com

Carey Paul Honda Snellville 770-985-1444 Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-6 gperkins@careypaul com

Ed Voyles Honda Marietta 800-334-3719 770-933-5870 Direct Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-6 hondaparts@edvoyles com

Gerald Jones Honda Augusta 800-733-2210 706-228-7040

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 tdunn@geraldjoneshonda com

Honda Mall of Georgia Buford/Gwinnett 678-318-3155 Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5 cdunlap@penskeautomotive com

Milton Martin Honda Gainesville 770-534-0086 678-989-5473

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6 robertthomas@mmhonda com

Honda of Newnan Newnan 678-423-8183 Dept Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-4 samuel trapani@henrickauto com

Nalley Honda Union City 866-362-8034 770-306-4646

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 8-5 hondawp@nalleycars com

Patty Peck Honda Ridgeland 800-748-8676 601-957-3400

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 pmartin@pattypeckhonda com

Apple Tree Honda Asheville 800-476-9411 828-684-4400

Dept Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 appletreeparts@hotmail com

Crown Honda Southpoint Durham 855-893-8866 919-425-4711

Dept Hours: M-Thu 7-11; Fri 7-6 Sat 7-5; Sun 11-5 www southpointhonda com

McKenney-Salinas Honda Gastonia 888-703-7109 704-824-8844 x 624

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 parts@mshonda com

Vann York Automall High Point 336-841-6200

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-3

Breakaway Honda Greenville 800-849-5056 864-234-6481

Dept� Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 fmarshall@breakawayhonda com Piedmont Honda Anderson 800-849-5057 864-375-2082

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 swhite@piedmontcars�com

Leith

Karen Radley Acura Woodbridge 800-355-2818 703-550-0205 Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-3 coreythompson@radleyautogroup com

Airport Honda Alcoa

800-264-4721 865-970-7792

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6:30; Sat 7:30-5 parts@airporthonda com

AutoNation Honda West Knoxville Knoxville 800-824-1301 865-218-5461

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6 rossd1@autonation com

Wolfchase Honda Bartlett 800-982-7290 901-255-3780

Dept Hours: M-F 7-7 ekerr@wolfchasehonda com

Checkered Flag Honda

Norfolk 800-277-2122 757-687-3453

Dept Hours: M-Sat 7:30-6 honda checkeredflag com

Hall Honda Virginia Beach 800-482-9606 757-431-4329

Dept Hours: M-F 8-7; Sat 8-5 fox@hallauto com

Valley Honda Staunton 800-277-0598 540-213-9016

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 9-5 bwimer@myvalleyhonda com

West Broad Honda Richmond 800-446-0160 804-672-8811

Dept Hours: M-Fri 7:30-6:30; Sat 8-5 wbhonda@aol com

TENNESSEE VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA

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.

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

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.

Administrative Fees for Total Losses More Common

The survey also found the percentage of shops regularly being paid an administrative fee to process total losses has increased for seven consecutive years.

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

other items. That’s up from 41% in 2017.

More than half of those shops (53%) said the invoicing system adds at least $50 of additional

conditions as part of the inspection 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.”

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.

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

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.

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 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, 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.

Fewer shops—just 22%—who

“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 teardown, 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.”

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

A “Who Pays” survey found almost one in four shops said they are paid “always” or “most of the time” by the largest national insurers when

By Ed Attanasio Autobody News

Isaac Hall , 30, was told from day one to stay out of the family’s body shop, Autobody Pro Shop in Harrisonburg, VA, but eventually, the plans changed.

Today, he runs the shop established 25 years ago by his

in one bay at another shop out of town before finding its own facility, Kip said.

“I was working as a detailer/ buffer at a large auto auction and I decided I wanted to pursue collision repair, so I started going to school at night,” Kip said. “I was working three jobs at the time, but when I found out that a guy had an available bay out of town, I decided to rent it for $400 monthly.

“We had two kids and no money, but I jumped right in and today we have two buildings and a 11,000 square feet of production space. It has been a great run and we plan on doing this as long as we can.”

proud of him for what he has achieved in a relatively short time.”

Since Isaac is only 30, he still has many years ahead of him to build the business and help the shop flourish.

himself, which he loves.

“We love breathing new life into these rare beauties,” he said. “Currently, we are restoring a 1967 Camaro that is going to get a ton of attention and we love this part of the business.”

Isaac is happy to be a body shop owner and has a great relationship with his valued employees, he said. “We had a fry fish here the other day, and we’re always looking for other ways to reward them for the awesome work.”

father, Kip Hall , 56. On Dec. 22, the shop will celebrate 25 years in business to thank a community that has supported it since 1997.

Autobody Pro Shop performs every aspect of collision repair and also takes on several car restorations annually. It started

Kip is delighted his son decided to join the family shop, but at first, he wasn’t crazy about the idea.

“I tried to deter him, but that did not work,” Kip said. “He really knows how to handle the insurance side of the industry and I can witness him getting better at it every year. He educated himself and has excelled and I am really

“My parents did not want me to work here,” Isaac said. “They didn’t want us to be silver spoon kids, so they told us to go out and find our own careers. But, seven years ago, I realized I like this business and I want to be a part of it. So, I went to school at night and learned everything I could.”

Isaac attended Massanutten Technical School in Harrisonburg, the same technical school his father attended years before.

Today, Isaac is the director of operations at the shop and does some of the restoration work

Twenty-five years is a long time to keep a body shop rolling along through recessions, but by doing what they love and pursuing quality work, this shop’s team looks fondly toward the next quarter century.

“We love what we are doing and we wouldn’t want to be in any other industry than collision repair,” Isaac said.

Isaac and Kip Hall are celebrating Autobody Pro Spot’s 25 years in business in Harrisonburg, VA

“We are built on our people and we realize that, so giving back to them is a pleasure. We are able to retain most of our people by treating them like family.”

ISAAC HALL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

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.

RepairLogic Platform

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!

For more information, visit go.oeconnection.com/repairlogic.

Greensboro, NC, business owner

Phil Collins was recognized by Maaco as the Multi-Shop Owner (MSO) of the Year across the whole North American network. This recognition celebrates the top multishop owner in the Maaco network, who is excelling in all areas of the business sales, quality, operational excellence and leadership. Collins, owner of 19 Maaco locations across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, has been a part of the Maaco family for almost three decades. Throughout this period of time, he has continued to grow, maintaining consistency in his production quality and customer satisfaction year after year.

“I am honored to receive this award on behalf of my team,” said Collins. “When people ask me the key to my success, I tell them this hire good people that have integrity, trust them to do their best, and do your best to retain them. We have created a family atmosphere here, and that attracts people from other businesses who want to be a part of this positive culture.”

Collins became a franchise

owner in 1993 and was integral in establishing the Maaco presence in the Carolinas. He has built a strong reputation for the brand with almost 20 locations in the region. His growth is a testament to the benefit of staying rooted in Maaco’s founding values. “I believe in trusting your people. We also trust the Maaco model,” added Collins. “As we grew from one store to 19, we have never varied from it. We believe in the model that (Maaco founder) Tony Martino began 50 years ago.”

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. “Phil is a great example of the success that is possible as a Maaco owner and serves as an inspiration to his peers,” said Chris Dawson, paint and collision president for Driven Brands. Visit Maaco.com for more information.

Source: Maaco

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.

“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 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.

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 you plug your phone in, it downloads

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.

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.

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

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 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

“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

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

Car ADAS Opens 18th Location in Decatur, GA

Car ADAS Solutions, a leading provider of ADAS calibration technology and services, announced the addition of its 18th location, Georgia ADAS Calibrations in Decatur, GA.

After operating in Conyers, GA, George ADAS Calibrations opened a second location in the Atlanta market, in Decatur.

“We welcome Georgia ADAS Calibrations to the Car ADAS family of best-in-class calibration centers,” said Greg Peeters, founder and CEO of CAR ADAS. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with their team to deliver complete and precise advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) calibrations to all of their valued customers.”

“With all of the vehicle technology that people rely on today, it’s critical to repair and calibrate vehicles properly,” said Jamie Humphries, co-owner of Georgia ADAS Calibrations. “If these systems aren’t working correctly, there’s a chance that something tragic can happen.”

With a background in the collision repair industry, Humphries and his business partner, Brian

Kilgore, learned about Car ADAS while talking to a friend at the SEMA Show and decided to visit the Car ADAS headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT.

“You could tell their business was top-notch,” said Humphries. “What we found after talking to Greg Peeters was that we were going about it the completely wrong way and we were going to spend a lot of money that didn’t need to be spent.”

After learning about the specific needs and requirements from Car ADAS, Humphries and Kilgore opened Georgia ADAS Calibration in Conyers. They are now operating a second location about 15 miles away in Decatur and plans are in place to open a third calibration facility in the near future.

Since opening the locations, Humphries said that customers have been really impressed. “They walk in and don’t except what they see,” he said. “We’re as OEMcentric as you can be without actually being in a dealership.”

From his experience in the industry, Humphries has found that many dealerships don’t have

the tools, equipment or space to calibrate vehicles correctly. With Car ADAS’s assistance, the Georgia locations have perfectly level floors, controlled lighting and everything OEM procedures require to correctly calibrate vehicles.

Humphries and his team take pride in always following the OEM repair procedures to ensure a proper repair.

Their biggest challenge so far is educating service advisors and technicians in the body shops. “We are helping them understand that just because there’s not a light on the dashboard does not mean that it does not need to be calibrated,” he said.

The most recently opened location in Decatur includes a training center to teach technicians, MSOs and insurance companies how to calibrate vehicles properly.

“We want to be deeply engaged in the collision industry from the insurance companies to the technicians,” said Humphries. “Car ADAS’s complete implementation and documentation process is helping us do that.”

Source: Car ADAS Solutions

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

CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc., announced Zendrive is the newest mobility risk intelligence provider to join the CCC network. Insurance customers of the two companies will be able to seamlessly connect smartphone-centric crash detection data with CCC’s claims management solutions, helping to improve and speed claims outcomes.

CCC works with more than 300 U.S. auto insurers, including 18 of the top 20 carriers, powering better claims experiences for millions of drivers annually. CCC will ingest Zendrive’s crash data via its CCC Cloud and derive elements including point of impact, direction of force and other pertinent telematics data that will accelerate and enhance its services. Participating customers can then leverage that data through CCC’s software-driven workflows, creating more straightthrough experiences for drivers and insurers. The CCC Cloud connects a network of 30,000 companies across the P&C insurance economy, including auto insurers, collision repairers, car manufacturers, parts suppliers, lenders, telematics data providers and more.

Source: CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc.

By Jason Stoogenke WSOC-TV

Some crash victims are frustrated after waiting for repairs from auto body shops running behind schedule because of parts shortages. In some cases, insurance won’t pay or keep paying for their rental car.

Amanda DeBrun said she was eight months pregnant when a car crashed into her SUV that she and her other child were in. No one was seriously hurt, but her SUV had extensive damage.

She took it to 3Masters Auto Collision in Charlotte, NC. The owner, David Padilla, told Action 9’s Jason Stoogenke there are still supply chain issues, so he’s had a hard time getting certain parts.

“The longest parts right now seem to be just any safety-related parts, so airbags, seat belts, modules,” he said. “They are the most important components of the vehicle.”

He and DeBrun are frustrated together. “They say (it) comes in threes, but I think it felt like it came in sixes for us,” DeBrun said. “And I have to take my son to half-day day care,

go to doctor appointments. … I was just in a car accident and gave birth so there’s like a lot of appointments that I have to attend.”

Her husband, Cameron, is a lawyer. He told Stoogenke he has many clients in the same situation. Fortunately, insurance covers rental cars in many cases. But he said some insurers aren’t willing to pay long enough to cover the delays.

“I’m getting pushback from a lot of insurance companies saying, ‘Oh, well, it’s not our fault the parts aren’t there on time. It’s not our fault so we’re not going to cover the rental car for the whole time,’” he said.

The Insurance Information Institute, which speaks on behalf of the insurance industry, told Stoogenke:

“In terms of coverage, it usually depends on the level you select. Each insurer is different as to what they offer on daily and maximum limits. Some insurers provide a dollar number, some have a maximum number of days of coverage. Typically, there are ranges from $25 per day with a $750 maximum to $100 per day with a $3,000 maximum. Of course, the greater the dollar limit, the larger the

premium.

“Also, you have to consider the type of car. Is it a small car or an SUV? The size and type of vehicle will have a bearing on the price per day you’ll need to have reimbursed. So work with your insurance professional to determine what’s best for you.

offer a rental reimbursement option. Comprehensive coverage covers losses that occur outside of collisions. Common causes of loss include fire, theft, hail and vandalism. “Each insurer has a relationship with one of the major car rental companies and can usually get a better rate than the average consumer. That said, there is still an issue of supply and demand and if cars are in short supply, the cost is going to be higher for everyone and availability can be an issue. Keep in mind many of the rental car companies sold about 40% to 50% of their fleets with the pandemic. On top of that, it’s harder for rental car companies to get new cars because of supply chain issues.”

CAMERON

LAWYER

“An insurance company may also require that the repairs have to exceed a certain period of time before rental reimbursement applies. For example, the policy might require a vehicle to be out of service for more than 24 hours before the coverage kicks in. Most insurance companies also require you to carry both comprehensive and collision coverage before they

Stoogenke said the DeBruns’ case is a little different. The couple said their insurance doesn’t cover any rental, so Padilla actually gave them a free rental car.

What do you do if the insurance company stops paying? If you were the one at fault in the wreck, there’s not much you can do. But if you’re not the one at fault, complain to your state’s department of insurance. If that doesn’t work, you may need a lawyer.

“I’m getting pushback from a lot of insurance companies saying, ‘Oh, well, it’s not our fault the parts aren’t there on time. It’s not our fault so we’re not going to cover the rental car for the whole time,”

DEBRUN

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.

Auto Care Alliance Offers HRA Plans To Members

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.”

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

Source: Auto Care Alliance

“This IRS-compliant program allows me to be competitive with benefit offerings of large corporations and still stay within budget, while offering flexibility for employees personal needs.“

SHERI HAMILTON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ACA

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

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

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

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 trim levels. In fact, average MSRP

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 to pay more than MSRP for new

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 6% to 8% over sticker price in November. Meanwhile, Buick showed the least price strength, selling 2% or more below MSRP in November.

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 ATP. Meanwhile, vans, minivans and luxury full-size SUVs had the lowest incentives, all less than 1% of ATP.

Source: Kelley Blue Book

Credit: Shutterstock

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Don’t Look For Short-Term End To Fast Growth in Average Collision Repair Invoices

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.”

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 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

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

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.

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 averaged 12.3 DRPs per location in 2020, but that’s fallen two years in

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.”

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.

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

By William Johnson Teslarati

Hyundai is reportedly considering building two massive battery plants in a partnership with LG. Rumors have been circulating over the past week that Hyundai is considering building a battery plant along with its new electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Georgia.

An older report said Hyundai is working with SK Innovation to build a single plant. However, according to an unnamed source cited by a local paper in South Korea and reported by Reuters, Hyundai may also be considering building a pair of battery plants with LG Chem.

Like many other automakers in the U.S., Hyundai is in a race against time to establish both EV manufacturing facilities and accompanying battery manufacturing facilities to take advantage of the new Inflation Reduction Act and its EV tax incentives. The two facilities Hyundai is reportedly considering with LG would undoubtedly address

electric vehicles combined.

Hyundai’s equally massive upcoming EV manufacturing location, also in Georgia, hopes to achieve relatively huge production numbers. One Hyundai executive said the facility will produce half a million electric vehicles annually “if the demand is there.”

Neither Hyundai nor its possible battery manufacturing partners, SK Innovation and LG, have commented on the validity of the proposed plans; however, it makes sense that Hyundai is weighing its options for suppliers for its new manufacturing facility. While neither of these proposed plans may come to fruition, many expect the South Korean auto giant will create some battery production, especially if it genuinely intends to build such a large number of EVs at its new facility. Hyundai’s possible investment also comes at a time of uncertainty regarding the Inflation Reduction Act, which has motivated many manufacturers to quickly establish themselves in

Like the Temperatures, Gas Prices Keep Falling As the Holidays Approach

By Andrew Gross AAA

The national average pump price plunged 14 cents since Dec. 5 to $3.26 as of Dec. 12, six cents less than a year ago. There are now approximately 34 states with averages lower than last year.

“The seasonal pattern of less driving due to shorter days and crummy weather, combined with a lower oil cost, is driving gas prices lower,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “If this trend continues, many states could see their average prices fall below $3 a gallon by early next year.”

According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand remained low at 8.36 million b/d over the same week, approximately 605,000 b/d lower than a year ago. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose

significantly by 5.3 million bbl to 219.1 million bbl. Increasing supply and lower gasoline demand will push pump prices lower.

The Dec. 12 national average of $3.26 is 52 cents less than a month ago and six cents less than a year ago.

The nation’s top 10 largest weekly decreases: Montana (-26 cents), California (-25 cents), Alaska (-24 cents), Nevada (-21 cents), Oregon (-21 cents), Washington (-21 cents), Michigan (-21 cents), Arizona (-20 cents), Wyoming (-20 cents) and Indiana (-19 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets: Texas ($2.69), Oklahoma ($2.70), Arkansas ($2.79), Missouri ($2.81), Louisiana ($2.84), Mississippi ($2.84), Tennessee ($2.84), Wisconsin ($2.85), Georgia ($2.87) and Kansas ($2.89).

Source: AAA

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Hyundai Reportedly Considering Building Battery Plants With LG

U.S. automobile dealer sentiment in the fourth quarter of 2022 dropped to the lowest level since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI).

At 43, the current market index is below the threshold of 50, indicating more dealers view the current auto market as weak than strong. The index is down 6 points quarter over quarter, down 17 points year over year, and well below the prepandemic average of 48.

The current market index peaked at 67 in Q2 2021 and has been losing momentum every quarter since. U.S. auto dealers indicate their negative view of the market is influenced by the economy, higher interest rates and low inventory.

“High interest rates and a generally slowing economy are clearly weighing heavily on U.S. auto dealers right now,” said Jonathan Smoke, Cox Automotive chief economist. “Dealers are normally optimistic, so the drop in the threemonth outlook to a new low in our survey history is particularly noteworthy. As the year began, dealers were telling us about one obvious problem: inventory. Now, as 2022 comes to a close, it’s all about the economy and interest rates.”

The three-month, forwardlooking market outlook index dropped from the previous quarter and, at 41, is now at a record low and well below the 64 at the start of the year, in Q1 2022. Additionally, the economy index decreased for the second consecutive quarter to 43 in Q4, down from 45 in the prior quarter and below the positive threshold, indicating a majority of U.S. auto dealers feel the economy is weak.

Profits Under Pressure, Costs Remain High

The overall profit index saw a decline to 44, down from 50 last quarter and down significantly from 57 a year ago. However, the profit index remains higher than the average recorded in the three years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was 41. The profit index continues to be driven by franchised dealers, who believe profits remain particularly strong, at 67. Independent dealers, conversely, now see profits as weak, with an index score of only 37.

In Q4 2022, the cost index— specifically the cost of running a dealership—dipped 3 points quarter over quarter to 72 and decreased 4 points from the record high level in Q2 2022. After reaching a record

low in Q2 2020 of 51 at the height of the pandemic, the cost index has been steadily increasing.

Overall inflation in the U.S. economy is clearly contributing to this view. The economy is the leading concern right now, with 62% of dealers citing it as a factor holding back business, up from 53% in Q3, with interest rates (49%), limited inventory (47%), market conditions (46%) and political climate (33%) rounding out the top five.

Inventory Is Noticeably Improving, Sales Are Not

While still historically low, the newvehicle inventory index improved for franchised dealers in the fourth quarter and is up significantly from one year ago. The index was at 14 in the fourth quarter last year, after hitting an all-time low of 13 in the prior quarter. Now at 53, the newvehicle inventory index indicates more dealers feel their inventory is growing, not declining. Importantly, the index is above the 50 threshold for the first time since the onset of the pandemic.

The new-vehicle inventory mix index has been increasing for a year as well, but remains historically low at 41, indicating the new-vehicle inventory mix is poor. In Q4 2019, the new-vehicle inventory mix index was 73. Overall, both new-vehicle inventory indexes continue to improve from their nadir one year ago, when inventory levels hit alltime lows at dealerships across the country.

The used-vehicle inventory index increased as well in Q4 2022 to 42, 6 points higher than the previous quarter and up 13 points year over year. Among franchised dealers, the used-vehicle inventory index improved by 14 points year over year in Q4 to reach the threshold of 50. The index for independent dealers saw a 7-point gain to 39. The used-vehicle inventory mix index slightly improved quarter over quarter and year over year at 49.

Overall, franchised dealers continue to be far more positive about inventory compared to independent dealers, but, consistent with last quarter, limited inventory ranks as one of the top three factors holding back business for dealers in Q4.

While new-vehicle inventory sentiment improved significantly in Q4, the view of new-vehicle sales improved only slightly, increasing from 51 to 52, meaning dealers remain marginally more optimistic about the current new-vehicle sales

environment.

One year ago, the index score was 45, meaning more dealers saw the market as poor versus good. The new-vehicle incentives index rose by 3 points quarter over quarter to 25 and has remained relatively stable since Q3 2021. The index reading indicates dealers view OEM incentives as small as opposed to large. For comparison, the incentive index was at 49 in Q4 2019.

On the other hand, the usedvehicle sales index declined to 42. For franchised dealers, the usedvehicle sales index decreased by 8 points to 54 in Q4 and is now 16 points below year-ago levels. For independent dealers, the index fell 3 points from the previous quarter to 38 and is down 10 points from a year ago. Overall, most dealers view used-vehicle sales as poor.

High Interest Rates and a Declining Economy Darken Market Outlook

Notably, the market outlook for the next three months decreased to an all-time low of 41 in Q4 2022, down from 44 in Q3 and 60 one year ago. The lower score indicates that more dealers feel that the outlook for the next three months

is weak, not strong. In fact, the Q4 market outlook index is significantly lower for both franchised and independent dealers year over year and 4 points below the index score from Q2 2020, at the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The quarter-over-quarter decrease in market outlook, however, was driven more by franchised dealers, with an 11-point drop to 48. Independent dealers’ already-gloomy outlook dropped another point quarter over quarter to 39, a year-over-year decrease of 18 points.

Overall, the economy is now the top factor holding back business, according to the Q4 2022 CADSI. The factors saw major changes from last quarter, with the top five shifting more toward economic and financial factors.

In fact, in Q4 2022, interest rates jumped to the secondnd position in the list. Limited inventory was in the third position, but its score dropped 9 points quarter over quarter from 56% to 47%, a sign that inventory is improving but still a concern. Market conditions and political climate rounded out the top five.

Source: Cox Automotive

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Ram Transmission Problems Cause 16 Fires, Recall

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.

LG To Invest More Than $3 Billion For Battery Cathode Facility in TN

By Simon Alvarez Teslarati

On Nov. 22, South Korea-based LG Chem Ltd. announced it will invest more than $3 billion to construct a battery cathode factory in Tennessee. The facility is part of the company’s efforts to meet the growing demand for American electric vehicle battery components. LG’s Tennesseebased cathode plant represents one of the most significant EVrelated investments made by a South Korean company in the U.S. so far. Under the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) rules, automakers and battery manufacturers who rely heavily on China for sourcing their vehicle components face a cost disadvantage, so locallyestablished facilities such as LG’s new plant could become extremely valuable. Mass production in LG Chem’s Tennessee cathode factory is expected to begin sometime in the second half of 2025. The facility is also expected to produce about 850 jobs for the state.

Overall, the upcoming facility

is expected to have the capability to produce 120,000 tonnes of cathode materials annually by 2027. Such a number would be enough to power about 1.2 million electric cars.

In order to support its customers better and comply with the requirements of the IRA, LG Chem said it is also pursuing collaboration with mining companies and recycling businesses. The upcoming LG Chem facility is expected to produce cathodes for batteries with nickel-cobaltmanganese-aluminum (NCMA) chemistry. Considering the NCMA battery is expected to be about 90% nickel, automakers that use them could reduce their reliance on materials such as cobalt, which is linked to controversial labor practices. LG Chem is expected to supply cathode materials to Ultium Cells, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution Ltd (LGES). LGES currently serves as a battery supplier for several key electric vehicle makers, including Tesla, Ford and Hyundai, among others.

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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.

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.

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

Texting While Driving

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

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

“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

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

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

AAA recommends these safety tips to keep in mind.

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

Crash Champions Acquires Harold’s Auto Body Shop in Savannah, GA, Metro Area

Crash Champions, LLC, on Nov. 17 announced it has acquired Harold’s Auto Body Shop in Rincon, GA.

Harold’s serves customers at a high-quality repair center located at 5500 McCall Road in Rincon.

This acquisition continues Crash Champions’ strategic growth across Georgia, as the organization now serves customers at 12 locations across the state. Nationwide, the company operates more than 580 high-quality collision repair centers across 35 states, all providing customers with superior service and a written lifetime warranty. “The highly-trained and experienced technicians and repair center staff at Harold’s have developed a reputation for quality craftsmanship and service, making them ideal additions to Crash Champions’ growing presence in Georgia,” said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions. “In addition to providing an unmatched customer experience, the Harold’s team is clearly dedicated to supporting its community. We look forward to keeping those priorities at the center of everything we do.”

Hunter Engineering Recognized by Vets Group

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. hunter.com.

Source:

Harold’s Auto Body Shop operates a 21,000-square foot facility using state-of-the-art equipment. By joining the Crash Champions team, the repair center will now enjoy the ability to access the latest collision repair technology and cutting-edge innovation, while also leveraging best-in-class support.

“For over 35 years, Harold’s has served Effingham County with the highest level of consistent, quality collision repair, and I know that Crash Champions will maintain that same commitment to customer satisfaction moving forward,” said Mark Arrington, owner of Harold’s Auto Body Shop. “This is a milestone day for our shop, and I am excited for the benefits it will have for both our team members and our customers.” For more information about Crash Champions, visit crashchampions. com. Collision repair companies interested in joining the Crash Champions team are encouraged to visit crashchampions.com/sellyour-shop to learn more.

Vale, GM Sign Long-Term Nickel Supply Agreement

Vale Canada Limited, a subsidiary of Vale S.A., and General Motors Co. announced Nov. 17 they have signed a term sheet for the long-term supply of battery grade nickel sulfate from Vale’s proposed plant at Bécancour, Québec, Canada.

This agreement secures for GM a supply of nickel sulfate from a U.S. free-trade partner to support its fast-growing EV production needs in North America.

Under terms of the agreement, Vale will supply battery grade nickel sulfate, equivalent to 25,000 metric tons per year of contained nickel, for use in GM’s Ultium battery cathodes, which will power a broad portfolio of electric vehicles including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Blazer EV and Equinox EV, the Cadillac LYRIQ, the GMC Sierra EV, and the GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV.

The amount of contained nickel is sufficient to supply

approximately 350,000 EVs annually. Deliveries are targeted to commence in the second half of 2026.

This initiative highlights Vale’s uniquely strategic position to be the supplier of choice to the EV industry, leveraging its lowcarbon footprint and marketleading position as North America’s largest producer of finished nickel. Nickel sulfate is the chemical compound used in the production of pre-cathode active materials for nickel-based lithium-ion batteries.

Vale and GM have also agreed to study collaborative ways to partner on advanced technology development and commercialization pathways to harvest recycled metals.

Source: GM

www.autobodynews.com

Hunter Engineering

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

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

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Hertz

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.

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.”

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.

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

“As I have said since joining Hertz earlier this year, my intention is to lead a

Source: Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.

www.autobodynews.com

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

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

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.

Credit: Shutterstock

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

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

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.

Initially, Ford said its dealers needed to decide whether they wanted to pay an estimated $500,000 to

$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 believed it was true, is that you could be the most valuable franchise in our industry. But you have to pick, just like we’re betting.”

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.