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helpful.
A huge component of education involves referencing the OEM repair procedures, which are changing all the time. That’s why we are working hard at Mitchell to integrate those in the estimating platform so it’s not so cumbersome for shops to do that research.
Shops also need to set appropriate expectations with customers. This starts with the estimating process. When writing the initial estimate, it’s important to educate owners of newer model vehicles about the types of materials used.
Consumers are unaware of many of these changes and don’t understand the impact of the materials when they are in an accident. Having those types of conversations up-front is an opportunity for collision repair facilities to put themselves in a position where they are the experts and demonstrate they are looking out for their customers’ best interests.
We’ve also seen interest from insurance clients wanting to understand more about how vehicles are constructed and the decisions that need to be made.
Q: What are some of the opportunities available for repairers?
A: In the future, I think there will be more specialization in the market. By training employees to repair vehicles with these types of materials, shops can create a healthy profit center. It’s not going to be for every shop but depending on the market and the customers you serve, there could be some opportunities, whether you are an independent repair facility or part of a consolidator.
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by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Apple is reportedly looking to Asia as it lays some groundwork for the Apple Car.
The tech giant reportedly plans to visit Toyota to discuss the Apple Car’s mass production, expected to start by 2024.
Toyota isn’t the first legacy automaker Apple has approached since talk of the Apple Car reemerged in recent months. Earlier this year, reports emerged that Apple was taking preliminary steps in its EV project by talking with South Korean carmaker Hyundai.
Apple seems open to partnering with traditional OEMs on its EV project. However, the company also appears to be exploring other manufacturing options for the Apple Car. For instance, Apple reportedly considered partnering with Magna International, a Canada-based company that offers EV manufacturing services.
According to DigiTimes, Apple’s current efforts to visit Asian carmakers and suppliers are part of its preparations for the development and eventual production of its all-electric vehicle. One of the main focuses of the visits is rumored to be the battery supply chain for the Apple Car.
In August, Apple was rumored to be talking to multiple EV component manufacturers in Korea. The California-based company reportedly talked with Korean battery manufacturers LG Chem and SK Innovation. While in Korea, Apple also talked with Hanwha, a company that offers its expertise in petrochemical technology and advanced materials.
Hanwha also promises to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers, hinting at Apple’s direction with its EV’s supply chain. Apple seems hyper-aware of the type of electric vehicle people want, down to its tiniest components. The fact Hanwha was considered an option for the Apple Car’s supply chain means the tech company knows the significance of sustainability to customers today.
by David A. Wood, CarComplaints�com
More than 800 model year 2021 Subaru Impreza cars should be parked until dealerships can make repairs to the front left lower control arms.
Subaru says the Imprezas may have lower control arms with faulty welds near the connection joints between the arms and the crossmembers.
The front lower control arm can separate from the crossmember and even a partial separation can cause the tire to make contact with the wheel well.
Subaru learned about a partially separated lower control arm in June, causing an investigation to be opened with the supplier, Yorozu Automotive Tennessee.
Another Impreza control arm separated and Subaru found it was similar to the first report, the LOT number stamped on the arms were the same and the production dates were two days apart.
The automaker found equipment on the control arm assembly line was damaged, resulting in contact between the part ejector rod and the welding torch. This welding torch was unable to trace the proper welding path and resulted in an incomplete weld at the joint.
The joint investigation determined 75 left front lower control arms had weld problems, enough to convince Subaru to recall the 2021 Impreza cars.
Subaru says no crashes or injuries have occurred, but Subaru dealers will need to inspect the control arms to check the LOT numbers and replace any faulty front lower control arms.
Model year 2021 Subaru Impreza owners should not drive their cars until the lower control arms are inspected and possibly replaced.
Subaru Impreza recall notices are expected to be mailed Sept. 3.
Impreza owners may contact Subaru at 844-373-6614 and refer to recall number WRI-21.
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