March 2023 Southeast Edition

Federal ‘Right To Repair’ Legislation Reintroduced in Congress

The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act has been reintroduced by U.S. Reps. Neal Dunn, R-FL, Brendan Boyle, D-PA, Warren Davidson, R-OH, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-WA.

The legislation will ensure the preservation of consumer choice, a fair marketplace and the continued safe operation of the nation’s 292 million registered passenger and commercial motor vehicles, 70% of which are maintained by independent repair facilities.

• Preserving consumer access to high quality and affordable vehicle repair by ensuring vehicle owners and their repairers of choice have access to necessary repair and maintenance tools and data as vehicles continue to become more advanced.

• Ensuring access to critical repair tools and information—all tools and equipment, wireless transmission of repair and diagnostic data and access to on-board diagnostic and telematic systems needed to repair a vehicle must be made available

N.C. Rate Bureau Requests 28.4% Rate Increase For Auto Insurance

Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey on Feb. 2 announced the North Carolina Rate Bureau has submitted a rate filing with the N.C. Department of Insurance, requesting an increase for auto policies.

In the filing, the bureau has requested an overall average statewide increase in private passenger auto insurance rates of 28.4%, which would become effective Oct. 1.

The N.C. Rate Bureau represents the auto insurance companies in the state and is not a part of the N.C.

Department of Insurance. By law, the bureau must submit auto rate filings with the department every year by Feb. 1.

Causey and department staff will thoroughly review the filing and determine whether the requested increase is justified or not based on the data submitted. If the department does not agree with the requested increase, it can negotiate a settlement or call for a hearing.

Source: N.C. Department of Insurance

Virginia House Votes To Repeal Clean Cars Law

By Charlie Paullin Virginia Mercury

Republicans in the Virginia House of Delegates passed legislation

Jan. 25 to repeal a law tying Virginia to California vehicle emissions standards set to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars in 2035.

MEMA Aftermarket, Auto Care Association, CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) all applauded the move.

The REPAIR Act will accomplish this by:

to the independent repair industry.

• Ensuring cybersecurity by allowing vehicle manufacturers to secure vehicle-generated data and requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

l CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Along party lines, the House of Delegates voted 52-48 to pass House Bill 1378, carried by Del. Tony Wilt, R-Rockingham.

Wilt’s bill faces a rocky road in the Senate, where Democrats have killed several Republican bills aimed at the same goal. Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, has said any bill to repeal

the California emissions law that comes over from the House will meet the same fate.

Democrats struck down several Republican efforts to roll back or

l CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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COLUMNISTS

Mike Anderson The Customer Experience and Overworked Admin Staff 5

Abby Andrews

Repairers Should Invest Now in ‘People, Capacity and Innovation’ 22

Index of Advertisers

National News

The Customer Experience and Overworked Admin Staff

I had the privilege and honor of addressing the hundreds of professionals at the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Palm Springs, CA, in January, and I wanted to share some of what I said there.

One of the key messages: the administrative staff at collision repair facilities today are overwhelmed, pulled in so many directions at the same time. They have to do rental car updates, take OEM training and I-CAR classes, they’re receiving OpenShop assignments and getting emails and phone calls. If we don’t fix this, we’re going to lose people.

Why is that? Let’s take a look at estimating or repair planning. We at Collision Advice are fortunate to do factory estimate training for Toyota/ Lexus, Nissan/Infiniti and other automakers. We recently wrote an estimate to replace a quarter panel on a 2022 Toyota Camry. We had 783 pages of OEM documentation we had to review just to write that estimate to replace a quarter panel.

That’s why shops find themselves having to add more admin staff. At some point we’ve got to figure out how to reverse that trend. That means we’ve got to start better using technology.

I also said at CIC that part of the solution is being able to offer the competitive wages and benefits those employees can receive at other companies in other industries, something I’ve written about in this column in the past.

Offering More Flexibility

career path. As I told the attendees at CIC last month—and in The Collision Vision, Autobody News’ new podcast, available at www.autobodynews. com/podcasts—as an industry, we must develop a standard career path.

Taking a New Look at CSI

Lastly, among the messages I delivered at CIC was something else I’ve written about in this column: My view that for all the positive benefits customer satisfaction indexing (CSI) has brought to our industry, I think customers have survey fatigue.

I also think we have been so focused on three CSI questions— were they kept informed, was the delivery on time, and was the vehicle fixed right the first time—that we’ve stifled the creativity of our staff to create an amazing customer service experience. There’s customer service, and then there’s the customer experience. The focus on those CSI questions has handcuffed

the creativity of our staff to create an exceptional customer service experience.

I told CIC I had two simple words about it: Stop it. We need to stop doing things the way we’ve done it. And we need to open up our mind to creating a more modern service experience for our customers. It can start with something simple. When you use Uber, for example, you get a digital receipt. What are we still giving our customers? A paper receipt. Why aren’t we asking: would you like a paper receipt, a digital receipt or both?

Like I did in this column a while back, and in The Collision Vision, I posed this question to those at CIC: are CSI surveys the way we continue, or do we move to focusing on online reviews?

I don’t know the answer to that. It may be both. But I said CIC may be the forum where we as an industry can discuss that and hash it out. Hope to see you at the next CIC, April 12-13 in Richmond, VA.

As my friend Ray Chew of CCC Intelligent Solutions says: We need to figure out how to eliminate human disruption. That means, first, that we have to embrace technology as an industry. We’ve got to quit beating up software companies when they roll out something and it’s not quite perfect. Because you sometimes have to start somewhere. You’ve got to crawl before you walk, before you run.

We do the financials, the profit and loss statements, for more than 400 collision repairers that combined do more than $1 billion a year in revenue. In 2017, the average body shop was spending about 10% of sales on administrative wages. Ladies and gentlemen, we are seeing some shops today where it’s as high as 15.3%. That means at many collision repair facilities, average admin wages have gone up 4 percentage points. Four percent on a million dollars is $40,000. That comes from the bottom line.

But I said this industry also has to do a better job at offering something else many companies in other industries now offer: more flexible work schedules. When I had my body shops in Virginia, all employees got one Friday off each month. I’m now starting to see more shops offering four-day workweeks. However you structure it, you’ve got to start moving toward giving employees more flexible schedules.

That’s part of building the best culture in your market, because the companies with the best cultures win. The goal isn’t just to have people love their job. You want people to love the organization. If your company was a competitive sports team, your company’s jersey has to be the one people want to wear.

Today, that requires showing employees a career path. Take a look at the website of the Chipotle fast food chain. Right on their website, they give a potential employee an idea of what they can earn starting out as a full-time crew member, and how much that could increase if they become a kitchen or service manager, a general manager or a certified training manager.

Ladies and gentlemen, that’s a

If a fast food chain like Chipotle can lay out a career path for potential employees right on its website, our industry needs to do the same

Classic Collision Adds 40th Florida Location

Classic Collision, LLC, announced a new closing Jan. 20—the acquisition of R&R CARSTAR Collision franchise in Apopka, FL.

R&R has been dedicated for the past 35 years to quality and serving its customers’ needs throughout the vehicle repair.

“Our goal has been to provide exceptional customer service, and I know that Classic Collision’s customer service and quality focus will continue to serve my community well,” said John O’Hara, former owner of R&R CARSTAR Collision Center.

“We’re honored to welcome the R&R CARSTAR Collision team to the Classic family,” said Toan Nguyen, CEO of Classic Collision. “We recognize their dedication to customers and look forward to adding our 40th repair center to Florida market.”

Source: Classic Collision, LLC

Hyundai Donates $30,000 To Local Nonprofits in Savannah, GA

Hyundai Motor America announced its partnership with Georgia Southern University and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, donating $15,000 to each organization.

The support highlights Hyundai’s strong commitment to the state of Georgia, where the new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America is currently being built in Bryan County. Ceremonial checks were presented to the two organizations in Georgia.

“With our global vision of progress for humanity, Hyundai is proud to support organizations that are doing good for their community,” said Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility and external relations, Hyundai Motor America. “Innovation opens the door to the future, and access to quality education is a key component to building the leaders of tomorrow. Additionally, community health programs are critical in filling unmet needs of families going through distressful times, such as during illness and disease.”

Improved Inventory Levels, Higher Fleet Sales Expected To Support Improving January Auto Sales

New-vehicle sales in January are expected to show a surprising gain when announced, even though market conditions have not appreciably changed. The January 2023 auto sales pace, or seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), is expected to finish near 15.6 million, a large increase from December’s 13.3 million pace, according to a forecast released Jan. 26 by Cox Automotive. However, some of the gain is due to statistical adjustments that correct for expected fewer sales in January and February. With inventories improving daily, sales in January will benefit, increasing the sales pace. Sales volume for the month is expected to rise nearly 3% over January 2022’s inventoryconstrained market but with the same number of selling days.

January sales are expected to fall almost 20% month over month, largely due to three fewer selling days than December and the usual post-holiday drop in activity.

As we start 2023, high interest rates continue to hold back the new-vehicle market, while some concerns with inventory supply

appear to be falling away.

According to Charlie Chesbrough, Cox Automotive Senior Economist: “After a slow December, a return to ‘normal’ would be welcome. With inventories improving, and more fleet activity likely, we are expecting an increase in January new-vehicle sales activity. Though some dealer lots across the country have ample inventory, some Asian brands continue to have extremely limited availability. One of the key questions for the market this year is whether some brands—particularly American ones—will be forced to increase incentives to keep supply from getting too high.”

January 2023 Sales Forecast Highlights. Light new-vehicle sales are expected to rise 2.7% from January 2022 but fall 19.8% from last month. The SAAR in January 2023 is estimated to be 15.6 million, above last year’s 12.7 million level and up from December’s 13.3 million pace. January 2023 has 24 selling days, equal to 2022 but three fewer than December 2022.

Source: Cox Automotive

The donation to Georgia Southern University will help provide scholarships to undergraduate students in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, as these areas of study are particularly important to innovation.

The donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire is part of Hyundai’s corporate social responsibility initiative, Hyundai Hope, which seeks to uplift children and families by means of supporting various health programs. This donation will help provide housing to young hospital patients and their families.

“Community partnerships play an important role in helping our students reach their full potential in the STEM fields,” said Julie Gerbsch, executive director of development, Georgia Southern University. “We are proud to be community partners with Hyundai Motor America.”

“When a child becomes seriously ill, the entire family suffers, particularly when the child is hospitalized or receives outpatient treatment far from home over an extended period of time,” said Billy Sorochak, CEO of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire. “For the family of a hospitalized child, the Ronald McDonald House will be the most important House they will ever visit. Thanks to the generous support of Hyundai Motor America, through the Hyundai Hope initiative, so many children and families will receive both the care and comfort needed during these difficult times.”

Source: Hyundai Motor America

“Community partnerships play an important role in helping our students reach their full potential in the STEM fields,”

JULIE GERBSCH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITYE

From Tech To TV Spokesperson/Instructor: The Kevin Tetz Story

By Ed Attanasio Autobody News

Kevin Tetz, 59, is a TV host, internet star and creator of Paintucation University, a video training company that has sold nearly 200,000 instructional DVDs worldwide.

Autobody News sat down recently with Tetz and was inspired by his amazing story from painter to trainer/ mentor and TV personality.

Q: How did you get into the collision repair industry?

A: I grew up in Canada around cars in the automotive restoration and collision repair industries. My dad was a career auto body mechanic and painter, so I kind of grew into it through osmosis. We didn’t have much, and when I needed or wanted a car, I had to build one. So out of necessity, I learned how to hone my own skills and create what I needed.

And then I took a detour from collision and decided to become a rock star. I put about 10 years of my life into that, and when it came crashing down, I went back to what I knew, which was auto body repair. My father was also a musician, and he told me that this trade would probably not make me rich, but collision repair always pay the bills. Of course, he was right.

Q: While you were trying to be a rock star, did you take jobs working at shops along the way?

A: When I was touring with the bands, I tried to make side money, or if the band broke up, I would go to work at a local body shop. So that got me cross-trained while I still had my eye on a different career. I got to work at an exclusive restoration shop in in Venice, CA, and at another high production splash shop in Florida. I learned valuable things such as how to block sand, how to do surface correction, by sanding and polishing on really exclusive cars.

Q: Did you progress quickly by embracing certifications and education during that period?

A: Yes. After music didn’t work out, I went from being a “sander gopher” to working my way up to being a body tech. Then I wanted to open my own shop and I did, and I nearly starved because I didn’t have any business savvy. I was a really good technician, but I did not know how to run a business.

So, I did that and then I was recruited by a local auto body shop in southern Tennessee that wanted me to, ironically, manage their body shop under their leadership. I

seasons and over 200 episodes. I have authored two books, and have been an automotive tech writer for different magazines, using that as a subliminal advertising tool

becoming involved as a training consultant for several different public and private companies, which made me so much better as an instructor.

I love helping people solve problems with paint technologies; it keeps me on my toes! I’m currently working with Axalta Coating Systems creating new training tutorials. I host “Hands On Cars TV” on Amazon Prime and co-hosted “CarCraft TV” last year on MotorTrend Plus. I’m also creating new training courses for people who just want to get better at the trade. I am also creating what I call “internal training,” for body shops that need in-house courses or pre-certification training.

I’m continually developing new products that fit into the automotive industry, and will continue to expand my product line to include more training guides, tutorials, as well as hand tools. I’m also available for other companies to utilize as a

NOVA Community College Looking For Collision Repair, Auto Tech Instructors

The future of the industry depends on continued interest in the field of collision repair. That interest can be fueled by strong programs in our schools. Industry impact requires intentional involvement.

Who do you know who might be right to invest in the next generation of collision repair professionals by becoming an instructor?

Two opportunities are available at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA.) NOVA is looking far and wide for the best candidates to train hundreds of new techs and help advance their ability to connect

with the best employers. Please share these postings with anyone who you think would be an excellent instructor and who can work well to develop and enhance industry partnerships.

See the collision repair faculty posting at jobs.vccs. edu/postings/56064, and the automotive technology faculty posting at jobs.vccs.edu/ postings/56063

For more information, contact Laura Garcia, automotive and collision program head, Alexandria Campus, at (703) 919-8040 or lgarciamoreyra1@ nvcc.edu.

Source: WMABA

Clean Cars Law

delay the enactment of climate laws including the more stringent vehicle emissions standards during the last General Assembly session.

In 2021, the General Assembly passed legislation that coupled Virginia vehicle emissions regulations with those set by the California Air Resources Board, a set of rules often called the “Clean Car” standards. Last year, CARB issued a new rule that will require all new cars sold in the state be zero emission beginning in 2035.

The 2021 legislation Virginia enacted was one of two options the state has when it comes to regulating tailpipe emissions: either continue to follow the federal standards set by the EPA or follow more stringent regulations set by California.

The Clean Air Act allows states only two choices on vehicle emissions regulations to limit the number of standards manufacturers must adhere to. California was granted an exception to set its own standards to address smog issues. More than a dozen other states have also chosen to adopt the Golden State’s rule.

Wilt and Republicans argue the California standards place burdensome cost demands on Virginians and say the

2035 target is unrealistic. EVs will also put a strain on the grid, Wilt said in a floor speech Jan. 25.

“The free market is driving this, I would dare say as fast as they can,” Wilt said, noting manufacturers’ plans to electrify their fleets. “I think we’re all on board, there’s just a distinct difference [on] how we want to go about it.”

But Del. Rip Sullivan, D-Arlington, said Virginia’s adoption of the Clean Cars standard positions it as a leader in the “acceleration” toward electric vehicles.

Passing Wilt’s bill sends a message the state doesn’t want to lead “or, worse yet, can’t compete,” Sullivan said.

Del. Alfonso Lopez, D- Arlington, contended data centers, which have proliferated in Northern Virginia, are already putting demands on the grid.

Earlier Jan. 25, a House subcommittee advanced a bill by Sullivan that would set up a $25 million fund for the establishment of charging infrastructure outside of highway corridors. Sen. Dave Marsden, D-Fairfax, has a similar bill in the Senate that was scheduled to be taken up Jan. 26.

“We want every part of Virginia” to be part of the transition, said Sullivan in the subcommittee meeting.

Similar proposals were put forward in 2022 but failed to pass the General Assembly or make it into the budget.

Tesla Recalls 362K Full Self Driving Vehicles, Fault To Be Fixed Through OTA Update

By Simon Alvarez Teslarati

Tesla has initiated a recall for 362,758 vehicles equipped with the company’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta system. The recall was posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) official website.

The FSD Beta recall covers certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with the automaker’s Autosteer on City Streets feature, better known as Full Self-Driving Beta or FSD Beta.

As per the NHTSA, the FSD Beta fault may result in a vehicle exceeding the speed limits of inner city roads. It may also result in vehicles traveling through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner. Such tendencies may increase the cause of crashes.

“The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling

straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution.

and the NHTSA then met several times to discuss the agency’s concerns, as well as the electric vehicle maker’s proposed overthe-air software improvements to address the issue.

On Feb. 7, despite not concurring with the agency’s analysis, Tesla administered a voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution. The NHTSA said as of Feb. 14, Tesla had identified 18 warranty claims received between May 8, 2019, and Sept. 12, 2022, that may be related to the FSD Beta fault. No injuries or deaths have been related to the potential issue.

“In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver’s adjustment of the vehicle’s speed to exceed posted speed limits,” the NHSTA wrote.

Per the NHTSA’s Safety Recall Report, Tesla contacted the agency about a potential issue related to FSD Beta in late January. The company was advised by the NHTSA to file a recall notice. Tesla

Similar to most Tesla recalls, the FSD Beta fault would be fixed through an over-the-air software update.

“Tesla will release an over-theair (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed by April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877798-3752. Tesla’s number for this recall is SB-23-00-001,” the agency said.

MAKE EVERY JOB A JOB WELL DONE.

CIECA Announces 2023 Board Officers

During the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce (CIECA) Board of Trustees meeting in Palm Springs, CA, on Jan. 18, the organization’s Board of Trustees elected the following officers for 2023: Chair Greg Best, senior business analyst, California Casualty; Vice Chair Ashley Denison, chief information officer, Caliber Collision; Treasurer Brady Bonner, vice president of client sales and support, Safelite Solutions; Secretary Kim DeVallance Caron, global product portfolio director, Enterprise Holdings; and Past Chair Phil Martinez, senior technical consultant, Mitchell International, an Enlyte company.

The officers will serve on CIECA’s executive committee, which oversees business matters throughout the year and plans the agenda for CIECA board meetings.

Best encourages all industry partners to engage with CIECA as the organization continues to evolve the standards to meet the changing technology needs of the industry.

Source: CIECA

Critical Nature of ADAS Functionality Could Result in More Vehicle Safety Inspection Programs

By John Yoswick Autobody News

About 15 states currently have some sort of periodic safety inspection for vehicles, but with drivers increasingly reliant on ADAS features, those existing state programs likely need to evolve—and more states are likely to want to find ways to ensure driver assistance features are functioning properly.

That was the consensus among panelists at a discussion during a recent Collision Industry Conference (CIC).

“With the advent of more semiautonomous vehicles, automatic driving features, in my opinion this is going to come to pass at some point,” said Chuck Olsen of AirPro Diagnostics. “This is going to have to be addressed for the safety of the motoring public. In my opinion, we need to be involved as an industry so that we make sure it is done right, not just have legislation coming at us that isn’t correct.”

Olsen said having spent much of his career on the mechanical side of the industry, he thinks “collision shops are better equipped to perform a periodic type of inspection than the classical mechanical shop.”

rate of vehicle fatalities.

“That may not sound like very much, but there’s 30,000 fatal crashes every year in the United States, so that means 1,400 passenger lives per year could be saved,” Dell said. “That’s the equivalent of a few airplane crashes. We’re using this information to try to educate policymakers and legislators around the country. And we’re having some success. I think we’re seeing movement in states taking a new interest for the first time in decades.”

Rather than a patchwork of programs that vary widely by state, Dell said he’d prefer the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration develop national standards or guidelines for the programs, and there are efforts under way to get federal funding and a mandate for NHTSA to at least study the issue.

“Barring that, I think what you will see is leadership from a few states that will help others come along,” Dell said.

hated the program at first because almost every vehicle was failing the safety test.

“But they have gotten smarter about what to look for in the vehicles they are buying to sell,” he said of the dealers. “Fast forward to today, and we don’t see as many safety issues as we did when we first started this. The dealers are now excited about the law. They like what it does for their product and for the consumer. Consumers like it because they know exactly what they’re buying.”

Inspections Could Improve Repairs

Another panelist, Mark Olson of VECO Experts, agreed with others that, given the importance of maintaining the functionality of ADAS, he foresees more states conducting periodic vehicle safety inspections in the future.

“In the next 10 years, annual inspection of safety systems on cars is going to become very real,” Olson said. “In my opinion, we’re not going to escape it.”

Regulators will start to recognize, he said, that less safe vehicles are being brought into states without such programs by those who know

those vehicles will fail the inspection required in their current state.

“If they know it’s not going to pass in New Mexico, they’re going to kick it off to Idaho or Montana where there isn’t an inspection,” Olson said, saying he sees a similar shift in vehicles that can’t pass an emission test into states without such tests.

“That’s why having a nationwide scenario might be a really good idea.

I’m not saying I’m in favor of the government doing anything. But it may take that.”

Regular safety inspections could also help ferret out incomplete or poor quality collision repair work, Olson said.

“If you can’t get the vehicle tags renewed without passing, that would actually bring the level up in our industry,” he said.

New Study Fuels Interest

Bill Dell of Opus Inspections said required vehicle inspections— whether for safety or emissions— can be a challenge to get enacted because they can be viewed as a new tax or a politically unpopular mandate. But a new study released this past fall by Carnegie Mellon University may help change that.

Dell—who disclosed that his company was one of the sponsors of the three-year, peer-reviewed study— said the study looked at 44 years of accident data, comparing states with vehicle safety inspections to those without. It found the states with such programs experienced a 5.5% lower

Bill Dell of Opus Inspections said a new study released this past fall by Carnegie Mellon University found the states with vehicle safety inspections programs had a lower rate of vehicle fatalities.

“In the next 10 years, annual inspection of safety systems on cars is going to become very real. In my opinion, we’re not going to escape it.”

MARK OLSON VECO EXPERTS

Tesla Asks For Support of VA Bill To Streamline Showroom

Opening Process

By Joey Klender Teslarati

Tesla is asking for help in a new fight against dealerships, as the automaker is pushing for a Virginia House bill to be passed through a transportation subcommittee Jan. 31.

House Bill 2468 would allow manufacturers that have already gone through administrative hearings in Virginia for new sales locations to open subsequent locations without additional hearings. Tesla called it a “common sense solution” that would save companies and the state time and money.

Tesla is encouraging owners and fans to reach out to the House Transportation Committee members to encourage them to support the bill, introduced by Del. Rodney Willett of Henrico County and sponsored by Del. David Reed of Loudon County.

“This bill is critically important for Tesla to be able to open new stores to meet public demand

without going through a costly, time-consuming administrative hearing process that it has already gone through multiple times,” the company said in an email to owners.

Various state governments have dealt with what legacy automotive dealers call the “proconsumer franchise system,” which requires cars to be sold through independent dealerships and not directly to customers.

It has affected not only showrooms but also service centers.

Of course, Tesla is facing opposition from the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, which is “actively working to kill it,” the company said. Tesla has already gone through the administrative process of opening several showrooms in Virginia, all of which have found Tesla to be an adequate owner and operator of its own dealerships.

Tesla and other EV makers have faced pushback in several regions in the U.S., as large dealership networks have consistently felt the effects of direct-to-consumer opposition.

In Connecticut, Tesla had permits pulled from a future service center location after a lawsuit from a dealership group in Hartford said the company’s intent to fix vehicles was a smokescreen for the EV maker’s true intent---to sell vehicles directly to consumers, which would be a violation of state laws. At the time of the suit, Tesla already operated two other service center locations in the state.

In Virginia, the House Transportation Committee will hear HB2468 on Jan. 31. Tesla is encouraging residents to call or email the members and encourage them to support the bill.

Dynabrade, Inc. recently completed the asset purchase of one of its strategic suppliers, Global Abrasive Products, Inc., a 50-employee abrasives converter with locations in Lockport, NY, and Alpharetta, GA.

“For Dynabrade, this is a continuation of our strategic initiative to expand the scope of our vertical integration,” said Dynabrade President Michael Buffamonti “This further elevates our value proposition of becoming the leader in surface solutions and innovative process improvements for industries around the world. With over 1,000 abrasive power tool configurations, and now an abrasive offering for most any application, Dynabrade is in the unique position to provide greater value to our manufacturing processes and to continue delivering unprecedented cost savings. Customers of both companies will benefit from the combined industrial tool and abrasive product lines.”

This is Dynabrade’s second acquisition in two years, having acquired high-tech production machine shop Manth Manufacturing in 2021.

Source: Dynabrade

By John McBryde Williamson Herald

Not long after he and his wife opened an auto repair shop in Nolensville, TN, Jay Vivrette greeted a customer who seemed somewhat familiar.

He couldn’t place her right away, but the more they spoke the more he realized why he knew her, even if only vaguely.

“She came in just this morning,” Vivrette said recently at J & Company Auto Repair, the shop he and his wife, Stacy Vivrette, started working on last August and opened Jan. 2. “I didn’t recognize her, but the more I got to talking to her, I started seeing the connection. She was an old Nolensville customer. There have been a few old-time Nolensville customers who have come in, and that’s been pretty cool.”

Specifically, Vivrette was referring to repeat customers of sorts, those who had their cars and trucks serviced in the same building where J & Company is now. That was back in the 1980s and ’90s when Nolensville was still a small, sleepy burg and folks had work done on

their vehicles at Thomas Brothers Auto Repair

The small-world component of the Vivrettes’ story is that Jay operates his business in the same location where he used to work part-time while a student at Page High School in the late 1980s. It was also the spot where Jay would hang out with his best friend, Bill, son of Harry Thomas, who owned and operated Thomas Brothers with his brother, Larry, until an illness slowed Harry down and led to the closing of the business in 1997.

In the meantime, Jay Vivrette had already started a career in auto repair after graduating high school in 1990. He immediately went to work at Crown Ford in Nashville, where he handled basic duties while learning the ropes of automobile maintenance.

“When I went through high school, I had no intention of doing this,” Vivrette said of working as a mechanic. “I was going to go to college and be an engineer. But I got a job at Crown Ford,” and it took off from there.

He carried that early experience to Crutcher’s Auto Repair in Franklin,

and Their Auto Repair Shop

and later put in 15 years at Christian Brothers in Franklin. Vivrette returned to Crutcher in 2013 and served as general manager until fate came calling in the form of Melissa Thomas, widow of Harry Thomas. She wanted to see the Vivrettes bring back the building that once housed Thomas Brothers Auto Repair and operate it going forward.

Melissa and hearing her offer for renting the building] and did some soul searching. We prayed about it and we agreed that we would give it our best shot.

“We began renovating the building in August and set the wheels in motion to move full steam ahead, and from that moment it was just like this was what we were supposed to do all along. Everything has fallen into place.”

As the Vivrettes worked on getting the building ready and doing all the paperwork necessary to launch a business, they also studied on a name for the place. J & Company makes perfect sense, according to Stacy.

“Jay was content at Crutcher’s and had intentions on finishing out his career there, and the idea of having a shop of his own at 50 years old seemed silly,” Stacy said. “He came home [from visiting with

“Jay wouldn’t be where he is today had he not surrounded himself with good people,” she said, pointing out the mentors and bosses he had at auto repair shops, suppliers he came to know through the years, and the opportunity that came from Melissa Thomas. “I’ve told Jay you’re here because of the company you keep. We chose to honor the people that put us in the position by naming it J & Company. We are here because of them.”

Stacy and Jay Vivrette have come full circle after opening their shop in early January. Credit: Photo by John McBryde

Encourage Your Representatives To Join the Vehicle Data Access Caucus

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is asking auto repair shops to send a letter to their U.S. House of Representatives members encouraging them to join the newly established Vehicle Data Access Caucus.

The U.S. House of Representatives Vehicle Data Caucus is a bipartisan group formed by U.S. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter, R-GA, and U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-FL, to address the issue of vehicle data access.

Carter and Soto are members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, which will have jurisdiction for the vehicle data access issue. However, caucus membership is open to all members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Vehicle data access is an important issue for independent repair shops that rely on accessing vehicle data to repair their customers’ vehicles safely and effectively. The Vehicle Data Access Caucus will be essential in addressing critical dataaccess concerns.

In their “Dear Colleague” letter, Carter and Soto stated, “With tremendous advancements in technology over the last several years, vehicles are generating increasing amounts of data that can be accessed by a variety of

With CDK

sources ranging from in-vehicle ports to wireless transmission. As this vehicle data ecosystem evolves, there are growing questions about what data is accessible, to whom and under what circumstances. Policy and practical issues that must be addressed include who ‘owns’ or controls the vehicle data,

who can expand or limit services offered, and who will ensure privacy and cybersecurity.”

“The Vehicle Data Access Caucus represents an opportunity to establish national policy on an issue impacting the daily lives of shops across the U.S.,” said Scott Benavidez, ASA board chairman. “Independent repair shops conduct 70% of post-warranty repairs, and it is critical that independent repair shops continue to have access to the vehicle data they need to service these cars.”

ASA is encouraging shops to send a letter to their representatives urging them to join the Vehicle Data Access Caucus. A national, bipartisan solution for this issue is essential to ensure independent repair shops have the vehicle data necessary for the repair of their customers’ vehicles.

Send a letter to your representative at www. votervoice.net/ASASHOP/ Campaigns/97966/Respond

Source: ASA

CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc., announced Jan. 31 its CCC® ONE Repair Workflow shop management solution is now available to dealerowned collision repairers via an integration with CDK Global’s dealer management system (DMS).

The integration will connect two systems mission-critical to dealer and repair center operations, streamlining repair management and creating visibility from the inception of the repair to billing. CDK Global is a leading automotive retail software provider. The new integration between CCC ONE and CDK’s DMS will allow the synchronizing of information like repair order numbers, customer and vehicle details, repair history and accounting data, creating a smoother process for dealerships and minimizing manual steps to reconcile ledger entries.

“We’re very pleased to create an integration with CCC Intelligent Solutions, giving our dealers the option to seamlessly access their repair management solutions,” said Sandy Orlando, senior vice president, CDK Data Services and Fortellis.

Source: CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc.

“The Vehicle Data Access Caucus represents an opportunity to establish national policy on an issue impacting the daily lives of shops across the U.S.,”

— SCOTT BENAVIDEZ ASA BOARD CHAIRMAN

Go-Parts Thrived During the Pandemic and Kept Rolling

By Ed Attanasio Autobody News

Go-Parts is taking a cutting-edge approach to the distribution of aftermarket parts and it’s working for all the right reasons, as explained by CEO Sean Kennedy.

Q: While many parts suppliers, both OE and aftermarket, were hit hard by the pandemic, your business model exceled. Please explain.

A:The impact the pandemic had on our industry, and many others, cannot be overstated. We experienced similar challenges to many of our partners and peers. However, in a climate of clogged supply chains and sluggish recovery, there is a high likelihood that the substantial growth we experienced

immediate advantage. Go-Parts had only been servicing this segment of the automotive market for a couple of years when the supply chain issues began, making us largely an unknown quantity.

The second question here is probably a bit more difficult to answer—have those factors disappeared after the pandemic passed? From a supply chain standpoint, largely yes, but we can clearly see that our new collision partners value what we bring to their businesses and the industry as a whole.

Q: What are you doing to leverage that position you created during the pandemic?

A: I believe our strategy is fairly simple—continue doing what we promise we will do. We were given an opportunity to show that this model, built from our experience in ecommerce, can work for the collision repair industry. But, if Go-Parts is to maintain this path, we must continue to deliver value across all facets of the part procurement experience.

In other words, we are going to continue leaning into who we are—a tech-forward organization that relies on automation, decentralization, and soon, the power of AI to streamline the supply chain and deliver value to our role in the process. We make consistency our ultimate goal, and I feel the future is bright if we can continue to deliver on that promise.

collision repair segment.

This isn’t to say that we don’t build relationships in our ecommerce vertical, because we certainly do, and I am very proud of our brand’s reputation in that space. Rather, this segment of the market requires

technology to improve the stockchecking and buying experience. By providing data in real-time, our partners can better map out their internal operations and know exactly where those parts are at any given moment.

Q:What does the future hold at Go-Parts?

A:While we have a particularly good sense of who we are as an organization, the future is a blank canvas. Our primary goal has always been to iterate based on the needs expressed to us by our supply chain, repair and insurance partners. So the future is quite uncertain but, we feel, it is for all the right reasons.

an entirely different approach and we have thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue with our insurance and repair partners.

Those insights have allowed us to continue to iterate and provide tools and conveniences, most notably our Live Inventory and Order Tracking Interface, which save users an immense amount of time and showcases how we seek to leverage

Go-Parts relies on its malleability and iterative culture to keep our organization pointed in the right direction, which is why we have no issues navigating the industry via direct dialogue with clients and partners. I am confident we will maintain our current growth trajectory—but it will be based on external industry needs, not internal organizational desires.

Visit order.go-parts.com for more information.

in that period stemmed from our use of a decentralized supply chain and distribution network. This dynamic allowed us to weave our way through those challenges, providing uninterrupted service to our partners with no compromise on part or service quality.

Q: What were the major factors behind that shift, and did they disappear after the pandemic passed?  A: Well, I think the dynamic outlined in the previous question fueled a desire to seek out new methods of part procurement. Part availability became a topic of conversation throughout the industry, so simply having the product was an

Q:How have you changed to meet the needs of the collision repair industry, in terms of quality, availability, prompt delivery, convenience, etc.?

A: We haven’t changed much, in truth. There are nuances to any new market, and the learning curve we experienced several years ago was certainly steep. I could tell you some stories about learning things the hard way, absolutely! But, like most things, if you’re sincere in your efforts and acknowledge mistakes, experiences like that can become incredible strengths moving forward.

If I were to choose an area where we have modified our approach the most, I would say the shift from a more transactional market like ecommerce DIY to a more relationship-based environment like we see in the

CEO Sean Kennedy at Go-Parts is using the latest technology to help his shop customers get parts fast

“We are going to continue leaning into who we are—a tech-forward organization that relies on automation, decentralization and soon, the power of AI to streamline the supply chain and deliver value to our role in the process.”

SEAN KENNEDY GO-PARTS CEO

Showing The Love: Drivers Find Lower

Gas Prices

By Andrew Gross AAA

The national average for a gallon of gas dropped another week, falling six cents to $3.43 as of Feb. 9.

Pump prices have fallen every day since Jan. 28. Fewer people fueling up, and lower costs for oil, are behind the price dip.

“Drivers may have a little more in their wallets as we head toward Valentine’s Day,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson, “and if gas demand and oil costs remain low, drivers will likely see pump prices drop through next week.”

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand dipped slightly from 8.49 million to 8.43 million b/d in the week before Feb. 9. The current gas demand rate is approximately 700,000 b/d lower than the rate during the first week of February 2022, helping to explain why gas prices are declining.

Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased significantly by 5 million bbl to 239.6 million bbl over the same week. If gas demand remains low amid growing total domestic stocks, pump prices will drop further. The Feb. 9 national average of $3.43 is 15 cents more than a month ago, but 3 cents less than a year ago.

Since Feb. 2, these 10 states have seen the largest decreases in their averages: Delaware (-15 cents), Ohio (-11 cents), Maryland (-11 cents), Tennessee (-11 cents), Alabama (-10 cents), South Carolina (-10 cents), Wisconsin (-10 cents), Florida (-10 cents), Virginia (-9 cents) and Texas (-9 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets: Texas ($3.03), Mississippi ($3.09), Missouri ($3.10), Kentucky ($3.11), Arkansas ($3.11), Oklahoma ($3.12), South Carolina ($3.13), Tennessee ($3.14), Louisiana ($3.16) and Kansas ($3.16).

Source: AAA

NC Buyer Sues Dealer For Private Car Sale

By Steven Symes Motorius

A news story out of the Raleigh, NC, area of a woman suing a car dealership for a private party sale at first sounds confusing. However, as you dig through the details, what emerges is a nice warning of some of the shady practices in which used car lots might engage to sell a problem vehicle.

According to the report, a woman found a supposed private party Toyota Solara for sale. When she met up with the seller, that man had her follow him to a car dealership, but insisted she was buying the vehicle from him, not the dealer. That’s a red flag.

What’s more, the Toyota had a salvage title, something the seller explained away as only minor damage. That’s another red flag.

It sounds like the woman was pressured into the sale when she should’ve just walked away. Any time a deal has red flags like confusion over who is selling

the vehicle, a salvage title or unexplained damage, it might be best to find something else.

To be fair, you still need to stay frosty when buying from a private party. Not only are there curbside dealers and car flippers out there, some private parties are deceptive and know how to cover up big problems in a vehicle.

Your best defense is always to ask plenty of questions and don’t let anyone rush you into buying a car. Dealers will try to create urgency by shoving a sales contract in your face, offering a big discount if you buy right then, or saying someone else is coming to see the vehicle shortly. Buy the car at your pace, not the seller’s.

If you do find out the car you’ve purchased has serious problems which weren’t disclosed, you can do what this woman did and talk to an attorney. She was successful in her lawsuit and now has the money to fix all the issues with the Toyota. But it’s better to just avoid these problematic vehicles whenever possible.

(NHTSA) to develop standards for how vehicle-generated data necessary for repair can be accessed securely.

• Providing transparency for consumers by requiring vehicle owners be informed they can choose where and how to get their vehicle repaired.

• Creating a stakeholder advisory committee and providing them with the statutory authority to provide recommendations to the FTC on how to address emerging barriers to vehicle repair and maintenance.

• Providing ongoing enforcement by establishing a process for consumers and independent repair facilities to file complaints with the FTC regarding alleged violations of the requirements in the bill and a requirement that the FTC act within five months of a claim.

As vehicle technology continues to advance, new barriers to a competitive auto repair market are emerging. These barriers limit consumer choice in where to repair their motor vehicles and increase the cost to repair and maintain vehicles. The REPAIR Act will reduce these

barriers, putting consumers’ interests first.

Dunn is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has responsibility for consumer protection matters, among several other topics, and is where the bill has been referred.

“When it comes to repairing their automobiles, consumers deserve options,” said Dunn. “The REPAIR Act would give owners, including the rural communities in my district, secure access to critical data so the service center of their choosing can replace parts and repair their vehicles.

I am proud to support competition in the vehicle repair industry and this important legislation.”

“There are hundreds of neighborhood mechanics in Philadelphia,” said Boyle. “The last thing those small business owners need is to be boxed out of making a living. This legislation would not only protect the business relationships between automobile owners and their mechanics, but it also ensures consumers continue to have more options on where to go for repairs.”

“By prohibiting vehicle owners from accessing and sharing data they generate, manufacturers stop consumers from accessing thirdparty repair shops,” said Davidson.

“American vehicle owners have a

right to control their data, and a right to access third-party repair shops, tools and parts.”

“Working families in rural America can’t afford to take a day off to drive their car to the dealership for a costly repair. The REPAIR Act is a bipartisan solution to improve vehicle data access laws to give working families more choices for repair when their car breaks down,” said Gluesenkamp Perez. “I appreciate Reps. Dunn, Boyle and Davidson for their leadership on this issue, and look forward to working in a bipartisan fashion to improve repair laws for families who work for a living.”

The bill is introduced on significant momentum for choice in repair. In November 2020, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly voiced their support for Ballot Question 1, also known as Right to Repair, with 75% of the vote, which preserves their right as vehicle owners to have access to and control of their vehicle’s mechanical data necessary for service and repair at the shops of their choice.

In May 2021, the FTC released its “Nixing the Fix” report, which highlighted barriers vehicle manufacturers have instituted to squash a consumer’s right to repair. The FTC strongly supports expanding consumer repair options and found “scant evidence” for repair

restrictions imposed by original equipment manufacturers.

In July 2021, President Joe Biden issued the “Promoting Competition in the American Economy” executive order, which encouraged the FTC to address anti-competitive repair restrictions.

In December 2022, the Digital Fair Repair Act was signed into law by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, and in January 2023, John Deere signed an MOU with the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The REPAIR Act is the only bill that addresses vehicle maintenance and repair restrictions, including heavy duty vehicles the U.S. economy depends on for freight transport.   Automotive aftermarket companies can urge legislators in their district to also co-sponsor the bill by visiting repairact.com.

Source: MEMA Aftermarket

southeastern.autobodynews.com

Hunter Engineering Focuses on Developing Strategic Solutions For Collision Repairers

By Stacey Phillips Autobody News

In the 1930s, Lee Hunter Jr., a 23-year-old architectural student in St. Louis, MO, often had a dead car battery in his Packard convertible. He set out to create a device that would reduce battery charge time. In 1936, he introduced the Kwikurent, a battery charger that reduced charging time from 24 hours or more to less than an hour.

After serving in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Ordnance Corps during World War II, Hunter founded Hunter Engineering Company in 1946 and introduced the Tune-In wheel balancer.

“Unlike most other manufacturers, all printed circuit design and assembly is performed in-house and produces over a million boards and cable assemblies every year,” said Settle. “This allows the company to create new products faster and maintain superior quality control.”

Throughout its history, the company has been focused on the automotive repair side of the business.

With the shift to electric vehicles (EVs), Steve Dawson, Hunter’s regional manager in the Washington, D.C. area, said the biggest growth over the next nine years will be in ADAS calibrations. As a result, the company has developed products to meet these needs, such as the ADASLink® diagnostics scan tool powered by Bosch. The equipment allows for dynamic (driving) ADAS calibrations as well as static (fixture) ADAS calibration with the Bosch DAS 3000. The DAS 3000 uses built-in cameras and rear wheel-mounted targets to position the fixture.

“We see tires, electrification and ADAS being critical [in the future],” said Dawson. “ADAS is expected to grow 400% from 2021 to 2030.”

about the Hunter Road Force® Elite wheel balancer. He said the balancer can perform a Road Force® test and balance faster than a traditional balancer and diagnoses vibration issues traditional balancers often can’t identify. It also automatically measures wheels dimensions with its patented vision system.

these critical safety systems,” said Ryan Gerber, Hunter ADAS product specialist.

With ADASLink®, shops can connect the vehicle communication interface (VCI) to the vehicle’s OBD-II port to diagnose and interact with the car. A live camera-guided interface allows technicians to position the fixture properly and an on-screen walkthrough explains how to place the calibration targets. The equipment can calibrate forward-facing radar and camera sensors as well as side and rear sensors, including blind spot and surround view calibrations.

Technicians can also perform dynamic, driving calibrations with ADASLink® plugged into the vehicle.

As the company grew, Hunter developed other innovative equipment. Hunter’s team of engineers has received more than 350 patents and set many industry precedents, including a simplified lightbeam alignment system, a computerized dynamic wheel alignment and the thrust line principle, which many say is the foundation of modern four-wheel alignment.

For his impact on the automotive industry, Hunter was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1992. Today, the company is known for designing, manufacturing and selling a wide range of equipment, including computerized wheel balancers, tire changers, alignment racks, on- and off-car brake lathes, vehicle lifts, autonomous alignment and tire inspection equipment and ADAS calibration tools.

Tom Settle, director of field development and training, said Hunter’s award-winning patented alignment systems are used by independent shops, regional and national chains, dealerships and OEM manufacturing facilities worldwide.

The equipment is manufactured in four plants—three in Mississippi and one in Bridgeton, MO, where a research and training center is located. Also in Bridgeton is Hunter’s 26-acre global headquarters. The company has international offices in Canada, Germany and China.

With these changes, Dawson predicts automotive service will ultimately focus on the undercar.

“Shops that are not prepared for undercar in the EV world are going to be missing the boat,” he said. “Gone are the days of basic services, such as oil changes, that used to be the bread and butter of a repair shop.”

Hunter Products Showcased at SEMA

During the November SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, Hunter showcased its products and equipment.

Hunter’s latest innovation, unveiled during the show, is the Hunter Maverick™ tire changer, which uses some of the same technology as the Revolution™ fully automatic tire changer.

Settle said the machine allows technicians to control the tire-changing process using variable controls.

“What we find in the body shop world is that fully automatic balancers and tire changers make life easier, especially for those who don’t have the knowledge or ability,” he said.

Another tire changer on display was the Hunter Revolution . Using the semi-autonomous WalkAway™ mode, Settle said, the machine does all the heavy lifting. “If I’m in a body shop environment and I’m not a seasoned tire technician, I can go out to this particular tire changer and all I have to know is the diameter of that wheel and tire and then let the machine do the work,” he said.

Settle also shared information

Hunter sales representative Will Cronin said proper alignment is extremely important, especially with ADAS on vehicles today. Visiting shops within his designated territory, Cronin finds repairers aren’t always familiar with how to do a calibration.

“Today, many body shops have generalists who do a little of everything,” said Cronin. “Hunter’s equipment is easy to use and cuts down time dramatically.”

The Hunter HawkEye Elite® is the company’s fully integrated alignment system, which can capture alignment measurements in 70 seconds. Using WinAlign® software, Settle said four precision cameras provide alignment measurements with a high degree of accuracy, providing fast and efficient readings. The equipment can be integrated with other shop systems, providing flexibility.

The equipment includes step-bystep guidance that walks technicians through the entire process. “If you are new to the industry as far as doing alignments, you can follow along, while also utilizing the onboard training information,” he said.

Sales representative Steve Booz said shops often ask how to incorporate the equipment into their business due to space limitations. “The equipment is designed with portability in mind, so it can be moved around the shop as needed.”

By partnering with Bosch, Booz said customers can be assured they have support from both companies.

Hunter exhibited the ADASLink® diagnostic scan tool as part of the SEMA ADAS Showcase.

“With the interest ADAS is generating now and will be in the future, we’re eager to help inform and educate the industry about servicing

The solution integrates with Hunter’s WinAlign® software, providing technicians with access to specific calibration procedures for more than 25 million vehicles.

Jesse Mincer, another Hunter sales representative, said a common concern from shops is not having a level floor. To address this challenge, Mincer said the portable system can change the level of the framing system where the targets are.

By doing calibrations in-house, he said it saves shops time and allows them to control the work. The work done on the vehicle is then documented, archived and saved in the cloud using HunterNet® 2. This online customer portal was developed for undercar service operators with single or multiple rooftops, featuring online service guides, equipment manuals, IoT capabilities and more.

“None of the technology is fruitful without having some training involved,” said Settle. More than 450 representatives across the country are tasked with installing Hunter equipment and conducting operational training.

In addition, Hunter offers a variety of educational opportunities for the industry focused on efficiency and profitability. These include online video tutorials on the YouTube Hunter Learning Channel, free selfdriven e-learning classes through the Hunter University program, tuitionbased onsite training at 47 centers across North America, as well as custom training at the corporate headquarters.

Since its inception, Settle said, Hunter Engineering has focused on creating efficiency and productivity for customers.

“One of our goals in 2023 is developing strategic solutions for collision repairers so shops can get vehicles repaired efficiently and be profitable at doing it,” he said.

The Hunter Engineering team at the 2022 SEMA Show.

Miles Dierker demonstrates Hunter’s ADASLINK and the Bosch DAS 3000 at Hunter’s training facility in Bridgeton, MO.

By Abby Andrews Autobody News

Auto body shop owners and managers must be aware of and ready to face the long-term effects of the COVID pandemic, said Sean Carey, president of SCG Management Consultants, in his Jan. 26 presentation, “The New, New Normal and the Impact to the Claims & Collision Industry,” part of CIECA’s webinar series.

“We are now in the ‘COVID tail,’ starting to see issues cropping up,” Carey said.

The full presentation is available on www.cieca.com.

Macro Market Forces

Carey said he thinks the industry is getting to a point where OEM certification programs are becoming “equally important” as the insurance companies’ DRPs. While he thinks both will have a place in the industry, “we’re witnessing the slow death of the DRP.”

“[OEM certification programs] will become the true North Star for our industry, as repairers want to do the right thing,” Carey added.

Carey said OEM repair information is currently not “terribly usable,” but he predicts new entrants in the market will find better ways to consolidate it, which the automakers will support.

Carey predicted the “big will get bigger,” as MSOs, OEMs and insurers consolidate.

Consequences of COVID 20202022

During the lockdown and subsequent recovery period, 2.3 million vehicles weren’t repaired, representing $7.8 billion revenue that didn’t enter the supply chain. Carey said parts suppliers took the biggest hit—$4.4 billion in lost sales.

Carey predicted about 3,500 shops will close in the next 12 to 24 months.

“The No. 1 reason: not enough people to repair cars,” he said. “Many organizations are trying to recruit, but we’re not going to fill that gap. We’ll simply run out of folks.”

Small shops will lose existing employees to larger ones, Carey said. Within three years, he predicted, the average repair cost will be $6,500, and more than half of a repair order will be parts, as they become more expensive than labor.

Micro Challenges

The biggest near-term challenge is people, Carey said. “We have reached

the point of no return; the aging tech base is far outstripping the number of young people coming in,” he said.

He advised listeners to “focus on the people you have, nurture them; they will be much harder to replace.”

waiting time for parts.

“This is about repair planning based on capacity, where insurers and shops, vendors and shops are talking to each other,” Carey said.

Far Horizon Timeline

Carey said 2022 was “a very different year for most of us; let’s not think for one moment that we’re going back to 2019, because that ship has sailed.”

2023 will bring a new set of challenges, as OEMs double down on safe and proper repairs, insurers introduce new claims solutions, MSOs continue to grow and costs continue to pick up, meaning shops will need to pick vendor partners carefully.

payers. If certified repairs are not yet required by 2026, the industry will be solidly on the path to that, Carey said.

After the presentation, an attendee asked Carey what he would do today if he were a shop owner.

First, Carey said, he’d develop an agreement with current staff making it beneficial for them to stay and challenging to leave.

Another near-term challenge continues to be parts and the supply chain. Production bottlenecks are easing, but shops are still dealing with delays. Carey suggested shops balance their vehicle intake— otherwise cycle time, work in progress (WIP) and costs will soar.

Carey said OEMs will solve the problem in the next few years of how to make seamless claims more capable, thanks to the telematic data resulting from the “onslaught of technology” OEMs are introducing in their vehicles. “Insurers’ AI and mobile models can’t compete,” he said.

Finally, shops will reach an economic breaking point. “There is no longer room for shops to absorb large expenses, repair safely and properly and stay profitable,” he said.

2023 Market Sizing

Looking ahead to 2023, Carey predicted a lower repair count, but more parts and a higher average cost, as the total market will crest $40 billion for the first time.

The average repair cost will increase to $4,750 this year, Carey said, and insurance premium increases may not be enough to cover the cost of losses.

There will be $9.5 billion of work in progress, as shops don’t have the people, parts or space to finish jobs.

Future Market Prevailing Conditions

The industry is at a capacity crunch, Carey said. “We used to try to capture every single job,” he said. “We are entering a market where you’re trying to get the right job.”

Workflow efficiency will become king and intake will be critical, as Carey predicted repairers will have to validate everything to receive fair compensation, from storage time to

Looking ahead to the next three years, Carey said 2024 will be when “the fallout begins,” as staffing reaches critical levels, shops begin closing and new technology speeds up first notice of loss and intake.

In 2025, a “new market emerges,” Carey said, riding a wave of new vehicles with new technologies, and finally, in 2026, vehicle data will dictate repairs and OEM-embedded insurance will lead to a change in bill

Next, he would look at how he brings in vehicles for repairs, and any “key triggers” for not accepting one. And finally, he would be “watching like a hawk for opportunities to work closer with insurers, suppliers and OEMs.”

“Take a good step back every now and then and identify: ‘What should I be doing differently to be more efficient?’” Carey advised. “Without a question, people, capacity and innovation.”

“We used to try to capture every single job. We are entering a market where you’re trying to get the right job.”

SEAN CAREY SCG MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Credit: Shutterstock.

Please contact these dealers for your Honda or Acura Genuine parts needs.

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

ACURA

FLORIDA

Acura of Orange Park Jacksonville

888-941-7278

904-777-1008

Dept� Hours: M-F 7-8; Sat 7-5; Sun 9-3 msweeney@acuraoforangepark com

Duval Acura Jacksonville

800-352-2872

904-725-1149

Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5

Cecil adams@duvalacura 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

FLORIDA

Rick Case Acura Fort Lauderdale

800-876-1150

954-377-7688

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 rubenramos@rickcase com

Jackson Acura Roswell

877-622-2871

678-259-9500

Dept Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7:30-6 kmcmillan@jacksonacura 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

Nalley Acura Marietta

800-899-7278

770-422-3138

Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5 byoung@nalleycars com

Flow Acura

Winston-Salem

800-489-3534

336-761-3682

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-1

www flowacura 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

Karen Radley Acura Woodbridge

800-355-2818

703-550-0205

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-3 coreythompson@radleyautogroup com

SO. CAROLINA

TENNESSEE VIRGINIA

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

VIRGINIA

Honda and Acura Genuine Parts is an online ordering portal for repair facilities to order parts directly from the Honda/Acura Dealer(s) of their choice.

Driven Brands Promotes New COO

Driven Brands Holdings Inc. on Jan. 26 announced the appointment of Danny Rivera to the newly-created role of chief operating officer, effective Feb. 20, reporting to CEO Jonathan Fitzpatrick

Driven Brands is also pleased to welcome back Mo Khalid, who will succeed Rivera in the role of executive vice president and group president of maintenance, leading both Take 5 Quick Lube and Meineke.

Rivera has more than 20 years of experience in the consumer and retail category, most recently serving as EVP and group president, maintenance, and earlier in a number of executive positions, including serving as the company’s chief information officer and president of Meineke.

Prior to joining Driven Brands in 2012, he served in a variety of leadership roles at AutoNation, Burger King, General Electric and Motorola.

Rivera holds two degrees from Florida International University—a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and a Juris Doctorate.

Source: Driven Brands

Kia Donates $100,000 To Georgia Tornado Relief Initiatives

Kia America and Kia Georgia announced a joint $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross of Georgia to help those affected by recent tornadoes across Georgia, which destroyed or caused major damage to more than 500 homes in the state and affected at least a dozen team members from Kia’s U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, GA.

impacted by the tornadoes,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. “As proud members of the community, Kia thanks the American Red Cross of Georgia for its relentless support for those in need, during times of disaster and beyond.”

The donation will support the nonprofit as it works to facilitate temporary shelter and support for tornado victims. In addition to the monetary donation, Kia will also collect supplies for tornado victims and disaster relief workers.

“We are devastated by the tornado destruction across Georgia, which has impacted the lives of many, including Kia team members and families. We are committed to supporting the American Red Cross of Georgia’s disaster relief efforts for those

Kia’s support of the American Red Cross is a further extension of the brand’s “Accelerate The Good” charitable initiative, which has provided nearly $14 million to those in need since 2019. In addition to disaster relief, Kia has also made donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to treat and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases; established scholarships for students in need looking to pursue their dreams of higher education; provided PPE to medical facilities nationwide during the pandemic; and partnered with animal welfare organizations including those that help rescue and preserve the endangered sea turtle population and those that help shelter animals find their forever homes.

“The Red Cross of Georgia is grateful to Kia America and

Kia Georgia for their generous donation to help provide relief to those impacted by disasters here in our state,” said Dee Dixon, regional CEO of the American Red Cross of Georgia. “With this support, our dedicated Red Cross volunteers will continue to deliver safe shelter, food, comfort and hope to those in need.”

Kia will encourage its employees, dealer network and vendor partners to provide additional support via a donation microsite in partnership with the American Red Cross of Georgia and by donating supplies on-site at its West Point, GA, plant. For information on how to donate, visit www.redcross.org.

Source: Kia America

“With this support, our dedicated Red Cross volunteers will continue to deliver safe shelter, food, comfort and hope to those in need.”

DEE DIXON REGIONAL CEO OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OF GEORGIA

Exploding Airbag Warning: Stop Driving 2001-2003 Honda Vehicles

By David A. Wood CarComplaints.com

Honda is warning owners of recalled 2001-2003 Acura and Honda vehicles to park the vehicles and stop driving them if the Takata airbags have not been replaced during previous recalls.

these models that need new airbag inflators:

2001-2002 Honda Accord

2001-2002 Honda Civic

2002 Honda CR-V

2002 Honda Odyssey

2003 Honda Pilot

2002-2003 Acura 3.2 TL

2003 Acura 3.2 CL

However, a customer can verify if their Acura or Honda vehicle is included by using the vehicle identification number (VIN) at www. recalls.acura. com or www. recalls.honda. com.

Years of warning owners to get the free repairs completed by dealers caused Honda to issue this latest warning to stop driving the vehicles if they have not been repaired.

Included in the warning are

After at least 17 deaths and more than 200 injuries blamed on exploding airbags in Honda vehicles, the automaker is still trying to convince owners of the older models to complete the free recall repairs.

Owners can arrange free towing and have access to free loaner or rental vehicles.

Known as Takata “Alpha” airbags, Honda said the airbag inflators suffer a 50% failure rate in the older vehicles. The metal inflators explode and become grenades that shoot metal fragments into vehicle occupants.

According to Honda, its “relentless recall efforts” to owners of vehicles equipped with Alpha inflators include:

• 8.9 million mailed notifications to registered owners

• 5.4 million live and automated phone calls

• 2.3 million emails

• 916,000 text and online messages

• 794,000 in-person visits seeking to locate owners

Honda said even after years of Takata recalls, more than 8,200 owners of the older models still have not responded.

Owners of these vehicles should immediately contact a Honda dealer or call the automaker at 888-234-2138.

WE’RE

CREF Benchmark Grants Applications

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) seeks to alleviate some of the financial burdens on behalf of the instructors educating the industry’s future workforce by filling those gaps through its 2023 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants. Completing CREF’s online application will qualify collision schools to receive up to $25,000 in funding.

In 2022, the industry’s generous support enabled CREF to award $436,000 in Benchmark Grants to nearly 70 collision schools, impacting more than 35,000 students. Additionally, CREF distributed more than $10 million worth of in-kind donations, including parts, products, quarter panels, subscriptions, safety equipment and more.

Applications opened Feb. 7 with a deadline of June 28. Visit www. collisioneducationfoundation. org/collision-repair-educationfoundation-benchmark-grant/

Source: CREF

CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM 800 Gold Hill Road Fort Mill, SC 29745 (800) 533-5844

VIRGINIA

SAFFORD CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM 10671 Patriot Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22408

Phone: (540) 735-1130

Fax: (540) 891-9685

WEST VIRGINIA

WALKER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM 102 Orchard Park Road

Hurricane, WV 25526 (800) 888-8264

By Stacey Phillips Autobody News

With the growing number of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) on new vehicle models, it is becoming increasingly important for collision repairers to understand how they are designed and operate.

This includes features on hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), especially since EVs are expected to account for nearly 33% of

Q: What prompted the creation of the Vehicle Technology and Trends 2023 course?

A: Launched in 2017, I-CAR’s Vehicle Technology and Trends course is an annual course the I-CAR team develops to highlight new or updated vehicle models, new and evolving technologies, and trends we see that are common to one or more vehicle makers. An updated version of the class has been introduced

technology and the requirements to repair these vehicles properly. This begins with researching and understanding vehicle maker repair procedures and requirements, and keeping up with the latest technology and repair techniques. There is no wrong way to learn. You can succeed in this industry as long as you engage with the resources available and continue to push yourself to build upon your knowledge and skills.

Q:Can you share information about the collaboration with OEMs?

A:I-CAR works with all segments of the industry, including OEMs, to help identify changes in vehicle design, repair techniques and technologies. Then we develop the educational programming to help ensure collision repair professionals have the information and training required to perform complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.

new vehicle sales in 2030, according to the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).

“This helps assure that the system is functioning correctly after repairs are completed and before the vehicle is returned to the customer with a complete, safe and quality repair,” said Bud Center, I-CAR’s director of technical products and curriculum.

Center said I-CAR’s Vehicle Technology and Trends 2023 course helps repairers learn about changes in the industry and to prepare for the future. The one-hour, online class includes information about new vehicle features and technology as well as electrical, mechanical and construction trends. Students can preview new and updated vehicle models for domestic, Asian and European imports, as well as some 2024 vehicle offerings.

The course also highlights resources created for technicians, such as the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) webpage and the I-CAR Best Practice HV Disconnect/Initialization Feature document.

Based on OEM procedures, the RTS webpage shares information about the ADAS available on a vehicle, where the inputs are located and what events require calibration.

I-CAR’s best practice document, vetted by the industry, explains how to disable and test a vehicle to ensure it is safe to perform repairs.

Autobody News reached out to Center for insight on the new course.

every year since then to ensure the industry is ready for what’s around the corner.

Q: What makes this course unique and what are some of the highlights?

A: The Vehicle Technology and Trends 2023 course is valuable to all members of the collision repair industry. While many other training options are role- or task-specific, this course provides an overview of new vehicles, trends and technologies relevant to all collision repair professionals. With the Technical Tsunami™ we continue to face, the course offers insight into some developments collision repair professionals need to prepare for in their shops.

It also offers a glimpse of 2024 vehicles, upcoming automotive technology and related repair considerations. Being a onehour online course also makes it convenient and accessible to all learners.

Q: Why is it important for the industry to learn about vehicle technology to repair vehicles correctly?

A: There are no shortcuts when performing complete, safe and quality repairs. Modern vehicles are equipped with a tremendous amount of technology and all segments of the industry need to be aware of this

This collaboration also helps us to understand how we can support their networks and reinforce the importance of seeking and following OEM procedures. We collaborate

with OEMs in many ways, including developing custom training courses or specialized training programs, vehicle-specific training, and

parts@audigwinnett.com

participation in I-CAR repairability summits. It’s a collaborative process from beginning to end.

Q:What would you like the industry to know about I-CAR’s Vehicle and Technology Specific Training™ portfolio of courses?

A:I-CAR offers a robust group of Vehicle and Technology Specific Training (VTST) courses. The Vehicle Technology and Trends course remains one of our most popular, with application to truly anyone in the automotive industry—from the front desk to the shop floor. Whether it’s the first I-CAR course you take or the 200th, you’ll find the information within the course valuable and relevant.

Credit: Photo courtesy of I-CAR

“There are no shortcuts when performing complete, safe and quality repairs.”

BUD CENTER I-CAR

Crash Champions Acquires European Collision

Crash Champions on Jan. 30 announced it is continuing its fast start to 2023 with the acquisition of European Collision.

As one of the most reputable MSOs in the Southern U.S., European Collision operates four repair centers across the Nashville and Atlanta metro areas. The acquisition officially closed Jan. 27.

“Welcoming European Collision to the Crash Champions team is another proud moment as we continue a fast start to the new year,” said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions. “European Collision has served both the Atlanta and Nashville markets with consistent highquality collision repair service for decades. We look forward to the expanded service this acquisition brings to the overall Crash Champions network in these key markets across the Southern U.S.”

Through the acquisition of European Collision, Crash Champions adds a network of four state-of-the-art I-CAR Gold Class repair centers to its growing

national footprint. It also boasts a leading lineup of luxury OEM and EV certifications to better serve today’s advanced vehicles.

“The European Collision team is built on more than four decades of craftsmanship and quality service,” said owner and CEO Andrew Suggs. “As we met with the Crash Champions team, we quickly realized their leadership and culture aligned seamlessly. It’s a team that is operationally centric, and founder-led—traits that are core to European Collision. We are confident that this is a long-term investment in our team, our customers and our business partners as we leverage the unparalleled resources and scale offered by a like-minded organization.”

Independent collision repair centers and owners interested in joining the Crash Champions team are encouraged to visit www.crashchampions.com/sellyour-shop to learn more about the process and opportunities available.

Source: Crash Champions

Mitchell Publishes EV Collision Insights Report

Mitchell, an Enlyte company, on Feb. 15 announced the availability of its latest trends publication: Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights. The new quarterly report provides auto insurance and collision repair executives with up-to-date information on electric vehicle claims and market data.

In 2022, EV sales hit a tipping point, representing 5.6% of all new vehicles sold, according to Kelley Blue Book. As consumer adoption increases, vehicle manufacturers including Audi, GM and Volvo are pledging to go all-electric in the future—putting more of these automobiles on the road and, potentially, in a collision repair shop. “EVs introduce some unique challenges to both insurers and repairers,” said Ryan Mandell, director of claims performance at Mitchell. “Their more complex, interconnected electronic systems and reliance on lightweight materials can complicate the repair process and increase claims costs. With the release of our new report, we hope to provide the industry with the information it needs to prepare for this growing segment

of the car parc and the impact it will have on auto insurance claims.”

Based on data from Q4 2022, the inaugural issue of Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights documents an increase in the:

• Number of EV repairable claims of 1.1% in the U.S. and 2.26% in Canada

• Average percentage of EV parts repaired, suggesting collision facilities may be improving their ability to repair the lighter weight substrates common in these automobiles

• Average number of mechanical hours on EV estimates of 1.7 as compared to labor time listed on collision damage appraisals for vehicles with internal combustion engines

• The report also features current claims data on EV average repairable severity, repairable claims frequency by market, and frequency by vehicle manufacturer and model.

To access the report, visit www. mitchell.com/plugged-in. You can also subscribe to future issues by completing the web form.

Source: Mitchell

SCRS Says Information Providers Taking New Look At Blend Formulas

By John Yoswick Autobody News

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) is having “positive dialogue” with all three estimating system providers regarding refinish blend formulas following an SCRS study last year the association believes demonstrated blending takes more time than a full panel refinish, rather than the 50% less time allocated in the three estimating systems.

At a board meeting earlier this year, Aaron Schulenburg , executive director of SCRS, said CCC Intelligent Solutions and Motor Information Systems, which develops the underlying repair data used by the CCC estimating

research, that was conducted impartially, with a lot of different parties that validated how it occurred, and that it provides enough to get them to do what we’ve asked them to do all along: re-evaluate whether 50% really reflects” what blending requires.

Debate Over Blend Formula Not New

The disagreement over the blend formula stretches back more than a decade; in 2008, for example, the Automotive Service Association issued a position statement arguing blending requires as many procedures as refinishing a new undamaged panel, and calling for the information providers and insurers to acknowledge the additional labor and materials required to facilitate adjacent panel color matching.

Schulenburg said SCRS undertook its blend study because the industry repeatedly asking the information providers to review their formulas—or share details about how they arrived at their formula— over decades didn’t result in any action. The information providers stood by their formulas and said their test results were proprietary, he said at an SCRS open board meeting.

system, have “committed to doing research and replying back to us” by the end of March, and “I think we’re having the same types of positive dialogue with the other two companies.”

He said the companies have said “the amount of pressure they have received since November as a result of this is putting them in a position where they have to look at it, and respond in some way, shape or form,” and the association is “choosing to give them a little latitude to let them go through their processes, because I want to believe that is going to lead to a better outcome.”

“I don’t expect, and I certainly hope that they wouldn’t simply adjust values because any one group said they should,” Schulenburg said. “I would hate to think that any other group might go to them and ask them to lower a value and that they would just do it because they were asked to. What I do think is we provided very meaningful data, very meaningful

“But our members have always said: painting a panel from edge to edge is easier and less time-consuming than it is to create an invisible transition of color to facilitate a color match,” Schulenburg said. “Shops say they can take someone with less skill and teach them how to paint a panel from edge to edge [more easily than] teaching somebody how to create that invisible transition within the panel. That the process takes more time because you’re blending not into a new panel, but an adjacent panel that’s been on the vehicle and collecting road debris and needs to cleaned and masked and prepped in different ways.”

In sharing its blend study findings with the information providers, Schulenburg said, the association also noted changes that have occurred since the information providers’ blend formulas were developed decades ago.

“Colors today are not the same as they were 30 years ago,” he said. “Cars today are not the same as

they were 30 years ago. Consumer expectations today aren’t what they were 30 years ago. It is all so much more complex. The expectations are so much greater. The colors are so much harder, so much richer and

data speaks for itself. They can make their own informed business decisions. Just share the information.”

He said shops can also ask their sales representatives for the estimating systems they use “what their company is doing to address this.”

He said SCRS sees opportunities to address other issues, beyond the blend formula, using a similar process to its blend study.

deeper. Matching them is difficult, and consumers expect more because they spend a whole lot more on their car today than they did 30 years ago. That’s just the reality that we live in.”

Share the Study Findings

He encouraged shops to share the blend study with their colleagues in the industry.

“Don’t encourage them what to do,” Schulenburg cautioned. “The

“There are a lot of issues in the industry where the numbers don’t make sense, where they don’t reflect what our technicians go through, where they don’t reflect the technology changes that have occurred in the equipment or the vehicles,” he said. “I believe we have other studies we can conduct in a similar manner to advance the industry and provide good research and educational material that will inform people.”

Also at the meeting, SCRS said its Blueprint Optimization Tool (BOT), which audits estimates looking for potentially missed operations or line items, now has prompted users within shops to add more than 66,000 operations they are performing to their estimates since the product’s launch in 2020.

SCRS’ Aaron Schulenburg said the association is having “positive dialogue” with all three estimating system providers regarding the association’s blend formula study

“Colors today are not the same as they were 30 years ago. Cars today are not the same as they were 30 years ago. Consumer expectations today aren’t what they were 30 years ago.”

AARON SCHULENBURG SCRS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Save the Date For CONNEX Conference

Join CIECA and the collision industry at the 15th annual CIECA conference—CONNEX 2023.

The event is being held Sept. 12-13 at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Bloomington, IL, and will include insightful and high-profile business and technical speakers, networking opportunities with all industry segments, an NABC Recycled Rides® vehicle gifting, a private factory tour of CIECA member Rivian’s EV plant and CIECA’s Open Annual Meeting and Board Meeting.

The theme of the conference this year is “Connected Car, Connected Industry.” All industry stakeholders, including CIECA members and non-members, are invited to attend. Registration information, hotel details and sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon.

CIECA is looking for thought leaders and industry professionals to present. We invite you to share your knowledge and expertise as we work together to explore emerging issues, forecast for the future, and discuss ways to prepare for the road ahead.

Source: CIECA

Nationwide Catalytic Converter VIN Etching Events Planned To Thwart Theft

Since the start of the pandemic, data trends analyzed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) have indicated a drastic increase in vehicle crime across the U.S. Vehicle thefts, carjackings and catalytic converter thefts are all nearing record highs.

To help reduce current catalytic converter theft trends and protect consumers, NICB is partnering with businesses across the U.S. to hold VIN etching events.

“From supply chain disruptions to the exploding market value of precious metals, catalytic converters have become a prime target for thieves across the country,” said David J. Glawe, president and CEO of the NICB. “By attending a local VIN etching event, drivers can add another layer of protection for their vehicles and proactively help deter these crimes from occurring in the first place. ”

NICB, along with partners at Midas in Richmond, VA, and Shaheen Chevrolet in Lansing, MI, recently held VIN etching events in their respective communities.

“I had zero anticipation of a response like this,” said Mark Smith,

owner of Midas of Richmond. “The events are blowing up at our stores, and I mean that in the best of ways. We’re getting multiple, multiple calls a day.”

Catalytic converter thefts increased 1,215% between 2019 and 2022. The converters contain high value precious metals, specifically rhodium, palladium and platinum. The values of these metals have skyrocketed and currently, according to KITCO.com, are approximately:

Rhodium: $12,300

Palladium: $1,784

Platinum: $940

Hours after Smith and local law enforcement held a press conference to announce the new initiative, which involves spraypainting catalytic converters to deter would-be thieves, the appointmentonly time slots scheduled by Midas were booked.

“The more we can make our customers aware of the problem and offer them a solution, the better we can fight this crime,” said Ralph Shaheen, president of Shaheen Automotive Group. “Etching the converter is a start to prevention. It’s inexpensive, only takes a few minutes and is a great service to our customers.”

Though the value of the metals contained in catalytic converters is high, thieves will often receive $50 to $250 per catalytic converter they turn in to recycling facilities.

If you are interested in a local Catalytic Converter Etching event, visit www.nicb.org/news/regionalnews. If no events are currently scheduled in your area, contact a muffler shop that can etch your vehicle’s VIN  on the converter, and spray it with a highly visible highheat paint. Doing so enables the NICB and law enforcement to track the converters.

Should your catalytic converter be stolen, call law enforcement and your insurer immediately.

Source: NICB

Wins 3 2023 Edison Awards™

Axalta Coating Systems on Feb. 9 announced it has won three prestigious 2023 Edison Awards™

Axalta’s Abcite® 2060 Flame Spray Powder Coating, AquaEC® Flex and Self Priming Kitchen Cabinet Coating have won for the Sustainability, Smart Transportation and Material Science categories, respectively. Named after Thomas Edison, the Edison Awards have recognized and honored some of the most innovative new products, services and business leaders in the world since 1987.

“We are thrilled to be an Edison Awards recipient for a fifth consecutive year,” said Robert Roop, Axalta’s chief technology officer. “Our recognition is testament to how Axalta continues to innovate smarter surface solutions for better living and a sustainable future. We are committed to providing the quality, innovative products and services our customers have come to expect.”

Source: Axalta

Rivian Adventure Network Reaches the East Coast

By William Johnson Teslarati

Rivian has placed its first Adventure Network fast charger on the East Coast, as it works to introduce 600 locations across the country.

The Rivian Adventure Network is the truck maker’s answer to the Tesla Supercharging Network. At Adventure Network charging locations, Rivian drivers have exclusive access to renewable 200kW fast charging, often in locations off the beaten path—hence the name.

While these chargers have already been placed more consistently throughout the West Coast, Rivian will now be installing its first Adventure Network charger on the other side of the country in Blowing Rock, NC.

According to Reddit user AudubonDriver, the upcoming Adventure Network charger was spotted at the Shoppes at the Parkway in Blowing Rock. The Adventure Network fast chargers can be differentiated from Rivian’s less powerful Waypoint chargers thanks to the immense power

station and more prominent charging posts seen in the pictures posted by the user.

Rivian received broad support when it announced the Adventure Network in 2021: 600 locations with 3,500 chargers, placed where adventurous owners will need them, close to adventure. Since

11.5kW chargers typically located near shops, restaurants, parks and more. While retaining the automatic charging feature for R1 owners, these chargers are also open to other EVs.

With this Adventure Network charger placement, Rivian is not only making it easier for customers to charge their vehicles, but it is inching closer to nationwide deliveries.

the company’s announcement, it has made good on that goal. Rivian chargers can be found from the middle of the mountains of Colorado to the deep forests of Washington state, with the exception of much of the Central and all of the Eastern U.S.

Rivian is also working to place 10,000 of its Waypoints, smaller

According to the Rivian support site, one major factor that contributes to a reservation holder receiving their vehicle is the customer’s proximity to the company’s service locations. With the introduction of charging infrastructure in North Carolina, many have wondered if a service station will follow, bringing with it vehicle deliveries to the state.

Rivian has placed 16 of its promised 600 Adventure Network charging locations and 28 service stations across 18 states and provinces, showing the American automaker still has a lot of work to do.

Toyota CEO Steps Down, Opening Up Possibility of New EV Strategy

By William Johnson Teslarati

Akio Toyoda, long-time Toyota CEO and grandson of the company’s founder, announced he will leave his position later this year. Lexus head Koji Sato will replace him.

the Year by AutoCar, following the Japanese brand’s rise to dominance in the early 20-teens. Now, as he departs, the company may again have the opportunity to turn a new leaf and head in a new direction.

The announcement is surrounded by significant fanfare but very few details. Many executives celebrated Toyoda’s dedication to his work and wished him the best as he plans to depart in April, but the brand’s future remains cloudy.

Sato has already hinted at a change in direction. While clearly interested in hydrogen engine and fuel cell technology, Sato has also guided Lexus through the development of its first EV, based on Toyota’s recently relaunched BZ4X.

Another indication of Sato’s potentially different strategy moving forward is his age. At 53, Sato is a spring chick compared to his fellow executives, suggesting he may be here to stay. However, the same was said of Toyoda, now departing at only 66.

Caliber President and CEO Retiring

The Caliber family of brands announced Feb. 9 that after 26 years with the organization, President and CEO Mark Sanders will retire and move into a special advisory role for the next 18 months, effective March 6.

Sanders grew up in the collision repair industry working alongside his father, also an industry veteran. In 1997, Caliber acquired their two collision repair shops, and since then, Sanders has held a variety of operational roles, including Caliber COO and later president and CEO.

Toyoda is known not only for his relation to the founder of the largest automotive company in the world, but also for taking the helm as CEO at Toyota after the market collapse of 2008 and guiding the company to where it is today. In 2012, Toyoda was named Man of

Toyoda’s goals within the auto industry were clear. First, due to his passion for driving and motorsports, he pushed the conservative Japanese brand to reignite its performance offerings. Second, Toyoda was known for his slower approach to electrification, instead opting to sell alternative vehicles before rolling out more serious EV offerings.

The road ahead of Toyota is a difficult one. As more and more consumers move to electric offerings, the clock is certainly ticking for Toyota’s upcoming CEO. The potential change in strategy and leadership could be good for the company, perhaps resulting in a faster EV transition than many would expect.

“I believe that over the past 13 years, I have built a solid foundation for passing the baton forward,” Toyoda said.

Sanders will support David Simmons in his new role as president and CEO of Caliber. Simmons has a diverse background leading large, multinational organizations in the pharmaceutical industry and brings a wealth of experience to Caliber’s next phase of growth. He previously served as CEO of PPD, where he led the company’s global workforce of more than 30,000 employees across 46 countries. Prior to PPD, Simmons spent 15 years at Pfizer as the president of emerging markets and established product business units.

Source: Caliber

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Subaru Recalling Certain 2023 Solterra SUVs For Hub Bolt Repairs

Subaru of America, Inc. on Feb. 13 announced a safety recall on select 2023 Subaru Solterra vehicles.

The issue affects 1,182 model year 2023 Subaru Solterras. These vehicles were the subject of an earlier recall requiring the replacement of original hub bolts. Subaru identified an issue with vehicles repaired at two port locations by one particular team of contractors. The teams did not properly complete the repair procedure, resulting in the potential for significantly under-torqued bolts.

Out of an abundance of caution, Subaru is recalling all vehicles repaired at all port locations supported by the third-party contractor.

Vehicles without the original hub bolt concern and vehicles repaired at other facilities are not affected.

vehicles, Subaru retailers will inspect the hub bolts and, if necessary, retorque to the specification at no cost to the customer. Until the inspection/remedy is completed, do not drive the vehicle. Customers will be instructed not to drive their vehicle and to contact their retailer to have the vehicle towed for inspection. Towing will be offered at no cost to the customer.

Vehicle owners will be contacted by mail. To find out if a vehicle is affected, go to subaru.com/recalls. Vehicle owners can also visit NHTSA. gov/recalls and enter their 17-digit vehicle identification number for more information on this recall. Alternatively, call the Vehicle Safety Hotline 888-327-4236, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET; Hearing Impaired (TTY): 800424-9153.

Auto Glass Now Opens in Tallahassee, FL

Auto Glass Now announced the opening of Auto Glass Now Tallahassee, located at 2242 Capital Circle NE Tallahassee, FL 32308. This state-of-the-art facility is the first Auto Glass Now to open in the Tallahassee market.

Lopez, president, Auto Glass Now. “The team is ready to hit the ground running to deliver the wow to those in the surrounding community!”

Auto Glass Now Tallahassee is a more than 5,400-square foot facility with an experienced team led by the manager, Jerome “Jerry” Sweezy, who has more than 45 years of automotive experience, but recently transitioned to the auto glass repair and replacement field.

The team celebrated the grand opening of the facility Jan. 26. The event welcomed local business owners, members of the community and local insurance agents to take a tour of the newly renovated facility, enjoy food and beverage, and connect with one another. Tallahassee Commissioner Jaqueline Porter and members of the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce were in attendance to welcome the new business to the community. “I’m

“Having been in the automotive industry for most of my career, I was ready to challenge myself in a new segment,” said Sweezy. “I couldn’t be more excited to lead this team and provide our community with our fantastic services.”

Auto Glass Now Tallahassee also welcomed the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to the event, where they donated $1,000 for research, advocacy and care. Since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been working to find a cure for cystic fibrosis and provide those living with CF an opportunity to live a long, fulfilling life by supporting

Ford Announces Major Changes To Improve Profitability, EVs

By William Johnson Teslarati

Ford on Feb. 15 announced a series of changes and design goals it will be implementing to increase profitability and improve its EV offerings.

Ford’s Q4 earnings report highlighted two major weak points for the company: profitability and quality control. Despite a strong demand for many of its vehicles, particularly its electric offerings, the company saw declines in those two key areas.

To battle these shortcomings, Ford CEO Jim Farley and his team of executives announced a series of changes they hope will revitalize the brand.

According to Reuters, the vast majority of efforts will be aimed at achieving an 8% profit margin on Ford’s next generation of electric vehicles. Compared to rivals, Ford believes it is down by roughly $8 billion in costs, easy to imagine considering the company’s massive $50 billion in planned spending

include improving the management of production scheduling, which Ford said could reduce expenses by $2.5 billion alone. Further, thanks to the commodities market finally beginning to cool, Ford is poised to see a decrease in vehicle production costs.

to garner from the company’s new F1 team.

“Why do you think we are doing Formula 1? Because they have the best aero people in the world,” Farley said.

distribution operations.

Ford’s plan of slimming down offerings and improving manufacturing sounds similar to Volkswagen’s initial electrification

More specifically, regarding electric vehicles, Ford aims to produce its new LFP batteries for less than $70 per kWh, a massive leap compared to the NMC batteries Ford currently relies on. The Blue Oval will also be working to reduce battery sizes while maintaining range, thanks to aerodynamics technology it hopes

Ford will also be adopting a technology that has aided Tesla in its efforts to lower costs: large underbody castings. While the company was not specific regarding which vehicles would be receiving these new castings, they could likely be implemented within the next generation of many of its models, and the upcoming SUVs and trucks that Ford said have finalized designs.

Ford executives maintained changes are still coming to its dealership model. Reduced inventories and an increased reliance on online ordering will cut down on costs, further improving profitability. Ford will also be able to implement more changes to manufacturing, supply chain and

strategy put in place by the now departed Herbert Diess. However, unlike Diess, Farley has the backing of his executives and board members, including Bill Ford, who said Farley’s new plan will be “a full court press,” something he believes the company desperately needs.

Ford is at a pivotal point in its history, but unlike the other two Detroit-based brands that constitute “the Big Three,” GM and Stellantis, it has proven time and again it can endure and succeed. Hopefully, that will be the case with electrification, and perhaps, it will lead to faster electrification of the industry overall.

“Why do you think we are doing Formula 1? Because they have the best aero people in the world,”

JIM FARLEY FORD CEO

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Luxury Share of New-Vehicle Market Sets Record in January

The average transaction price (ATP) of a new vehicle in the U.S. declined slightly in January to $49,388, a decrease of 0.6% ($310) from December’s record high and up 5.9% ($2,768) from levels one year earlier.

New-vehicle inventory levels are increasing from historic lows in early 2022, but prices remain elevated, according to data released Feb. 13 by Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive company.

price (MSRP), also known as the sticker price, for more than a year. In January, the average price paid was $310 more than the average sticker, as prices continue to trend downward relative to sticker price. A year ago, in January 2022, the average ATP was more than $900 above the average MSRP.

Sales volumes in January were up year over year by more than 6% but down from December, thanks in part to improved supply and added fleet

January indicates that overall prices are no longer increasing like they were a year ago,” said  Rebecca Rydzewski, research manager of economic and industry insights for Cox Automotive. “Both luxury and non-luxury prices were down month over month, but the mix of luxury vehicle sales last month—at a record high near 20%—helped keep the overall average price elevated.” Incentives remain low compared to pre-pandemic years, but they are trending upwards as inventory improves. The most affordable vehicles—compact cars, compact SUVs and subcompact cars—had incentives between 3% to 4%, which is above industry average. High loan rates and continued inflationary pressures appear to be hurting the lower part of the market, so automakers are more focused on luxury and higher-end models.

Average Prices for Non-Luxury Cars Decline from the Record High in December

sales. Elevated retail prices and high

The average price paid for a new non-luxury vehicle in January was $45,344—a decline of $271 compared to December. The majority of non-luxury brands— including Chevrolet, Chrysler,

Dodge, Ford, Honda, Kia, Mazda and Subaru—all saw ATP declines between 0.3% to 4.9% month over month in January. This correlates with higher incentives helping to push prices down.

Toyota and Ram showed the most price strength in the non-luxury market, transacting between 2% and 5% over sticker price in January.

Luxury Share Hits Record High, While Average Prices Fall in January. Strong luxury vehicle sales have been a primary reason for overall elevated new-vehicle prices. This remained the case in January when luxury vehicle share jumped to a record 19.6% of total sales, up from 18.6% in December. The high share of luxury sales helps to push the overall industry ATP higher, even though luxury ATP declined.

In January, the average luxury buyer paid $65,953 for a new vehicle, down $1,560 from December. Buyers continue to pay over MSRP for new luxury vehicles, but not by much.

Luxury vehicle ATPs were a mixed bag in January, with luxury cars, luxury compact SUVs and luxury mid-size SUVs showing price declines between 0.4% and 1.4%.

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According to Kelley Blue Book

Entry-level luxury cars, high-end luxury cars and luxury full-size SUVs all saw price increases between 1.3% and 4.8%.

Mercedes-Benz and Lexus showed the most price strength in the luxury market, transacting between 1.4% to 4.8% over sticker price last month.

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

Led by Tesla, EV Prices Decreased Notably in January, Continuing a Downward Trend

The average price paid for a new EV decreased in January by $3,363 (down 5.4%) compared to December. The average new EV sold for $58,725, according to Kelley Blue Book estimates, and is still well above the industry average.

The drop in pricing was driven by significant price cuts from Tesla, which commands roughly two-thirds of the EV market.

Tesla’s average transaction prices decreased $5,440, down 8.4% month over month and down 5.5% year over year.

Lower prices likely helped Tesla deliver higher sales volumes.

According to Kelley Blue Book estimates, Tesla sales in January increased year over year by more than 30%.

Auto Incentives Offered by Manufacturers Remain at Historically Low Level but Are Increasing Incentives increased in January 2023 to 2.8% of the average transaction price, compared to 2.7% in December. In January 2021, before the new-vehicle inventory decline, incentives averaged 8.6% of ATP, according to Kelley Blue Book estimates.

Luxury cars had the highest incentives in January at 6.2% of ATP. Meanwhile, vans and minivans had the lowest incentives, with less than 1% of ATP.

Source: Kelley Blue Book

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Hyundai, Kia Launch Anti-Theft Service Campaign

Hyundai and Kia have developed theft deterrent software for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer and will provide it free of charge to vehicle owners.

The software updates the theft alarm software logic to extend the length of the alarm sound from 30 seconds to one minute and requires the key to be in the ignition switch to turn the vehicle on.

333-4542) for information on the free update.

Hyundai will also provide its customers with a window sticker alerting would-be thieves that the vehicle is equipped with anti-theft protection. Hyundai will send the stickers and roll out software updates in a phased approach beginning later in February, with subsequent phases over the next several months.

Kia is also rolling out its free software updates in a phased approach. The company will begin to update vehicles later this month, with ensuing phases throughout the next several months.

The effort is in response to a TikTok social media challenge that has spread nationwide and has resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities. NHTSA urges owners of these vehicles to contact Hyundai (toll-free at 800-6335151) or Kia (toll-free at 800-

Concurrently, the companies have been working with law enforcement agencies to provide more than 26,000 steering wheel locks since November 2022 to 77 law enforcement agencies in 12 states. NHTSA encourages interested vehicle owners to contact local law enforcement to see if a wheel lock is available.

Source: NHTSA

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Ford Uncovers F-150 Lightning Battery Problem, Production To Resume in Weeks

By Steven Loveday InsideEVs

Ford has reportedly figured out what caused a battery issue in the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck that has temporarily halted production and shipping to dealers.

end of the week of Feb. 20, and use what it learns in the battery production process going forward, which could take a few weeks. The automaker doesn’t anticipate any related recalls.

When the production shutdown was first announced Feb. 14, Ford spokesperson Emma Bergg said Ford became aware of the potential issue during a pre-delivery quality inspection and issued the stop shipment order early in the week of Feb. 6. The carmaker hadn’t been apprised of any real-world incidents or problems related to the possible battery concern.

The company doesn’t believe the problem impacts trucks already delivered to dealers, and it says production should resume in a few weeks.

Ford reached out to Electrek and said it hopes to be done with its root-cause investigation by the

The F-150 Lightning is one of only three fully electric trucks currently available on our shores. Available competitors include the Rivian R1T and GMC Hummer EV. The Ford full-size electric truck carries a starting price of around $56,000.

Rivian Celebrates Production Milestones But Will Cut 6% of Workforce As Price War Looms

By Mark Kane, Joey Klender InsideEVs, Teslarati

There is no doubt 2022 was a challenging but fruitful year for Rivian, which, according to a video posted to YouTube, produced 25,051 electric vehicles, 20,332 of which were delivered to customers.

The company’s manufacturing plant in Normal, IL, runs two shifts and achieved a record 200 vehicles produced in a single day, which would equal roughly 70,000+ vehicles annually. The next step is the addition of a night shift to further increase the production of the R1T pickup, R1S SUV and EDV van.

However, Rivian will reportedly layoff 6% of its workforce, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters, following pressure from EV rivals, which have cut prices significantly already in 2023, putting pressure on EV makers attempting to reach profitability.

The cuts are expected to affect

to manufacturing operations at the plant in Normal.

“We must focus our resources on ramp and our path to profitability,” CEO RJ Scaringe said in the memo, before apologizing to the affected employees.

the best risk-adjusted returns on our capital investments.”

“At this point in time, we believe focusing on our consumer business, as well as our existing commercial business, represent the most attractive near-term opportunities to maximize value for Rivian,” Scaringe said at the time.

Rivian had lost $18 billion in cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q3 2022 compared to the same quarter a year earlier.

ABRA VP Announces Retirement

Mark Wahlin, a former ABRA franchisee and current ABRA vice president of franchise services and operations, announced his retirement.

Wahlin has been working in the collision repair industry for almost 50 years, where he has grown into an incredible leader and mentor. In December 1987, Wahlin signed to be the first ABRA franchisee. He sold his locations to ABRA corporate in October 1998. Recognizing Wahlin’s value, ABRA offered him a position with its corporate team, where he has spent the last 25 years.

Rivian has made several strategy moves over the past six months to conserve cash and work toward profitability within its operations. Just three months after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Mercedes-Benz to develop electric vans, Rivian scrapped the deal as it needed to “evaluate growth opportunities” and “pursue

Rivian is also implementing improvements based on what it learned from initial production, as well as in response to some parts supply constraints. The increased production volume should help reduce the order backlog—which in the case of R1T/R1S pre-orders exceeds 100,000—and bring the company a step closer to financial profitability.

Through his tenure with ABRA, he has enhanced the operational processes within the ABRA network, aided in the overall growth and success of this brand, built amazing relationships with owners and much more.

Wayne Kelly, most recently VP of eastern operations for CARSTAR, will assume Wahlin’s role to serve as the VP of operations for ABRA. Kelly has a longstanding history with the ABRA franchise family, starting his career in the automotive industry working as a tech in one of Wahlin’s ABRA facilities.

Source: ABRA

Credit: Rivian/Twitter