March 2024 Southwest Edition

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Farmers Leads Insurers’ Rate Hikes with 17.6% Increase

Farmers Insurance Group of Cos. raised its private auto insurance rates by a weighted average of 17.6% across 43 states in 2023, outpacing the rate hikes of its competitors but part of the broader trend in the industry, where double-digit increases have become the new norm.

states like New Jersey, Vermont and Colorado experiencing increases below 10%.

This pattern of substantial rate hikes was not unique to Farmers Insurance. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., another industry giant, reported a 16.0%

According to S&P Global Market Intelligence’s RateWatch, not only did Farmers Insurance lead this surge, but all 10 of the top auto insurers in the U.S. also imposed double-digit increases throughout the year, a shift from the more moderate rate changes observed between 2018 and 2021.

For Farmers Insurance, the 2023 rise was approximately 3 percentage points higher than its 14.5% rate change in 2022. Nebraska witnessed the company’s highest increase at a weighted average of 30.4%. In contrast, North Carolina had the smallest rate hike at 1.8%, with other

weighted average rate increase in 2023. Similarly, Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s GEICO Corp., despite having the lowest effective rate change among the top insurers at 10.1% in 2023, had experienced the previous year’s highest at 17.2%.

The industry-wide trend of escalating rates was further evidenced by the nationwide effective rate change. In 2023, 43 states and Washington, D.C., reported an effective rate change greater than 10%, leading to a national average increase of 14.0%—a significant jump

Arizona Student is Too Young to Drive Yet Parlaying Love of Cars into Career Dream

Kelsey Knight’s fascination with cars dates to sleepless nights as a toddler when she would awaken her father, curl up in his lap, and the pair would scroll through internet images of all manner of vehicles past and present.

Today, cars fuel the 15-year-old and still-unlicensed driver’s dream of becoming a master mechanic and opening a repair shop catering to women.

Knight achieved the first milestone in her career quest in the fall, earning her first ASE certification in Yavapai College’s ASE-accredited automotive program, for entry-level brakes. She plans to continue progressing in

YC’s automotive program through Mountain Institute Career and Technical Education District. A class in electrical systems is up next this semester.

“I’ve always loved cars. They’re just so cool. I thought it was really cool that they’re so complicated,” she said about her unique and youthful interest sparked over time by first watching then helping her father maintain, repair and upgrade their family vehicles.

On a recent weekend, Knight, who also is a dancer and violinist, invested a couple of hours helping her father replace the steering wheel in their Tesla. “It was really fun,” she said, adding that although electric cars

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Lucid Expands Arizona Plant for Electric SUV Production

Lucid announced a major expansion of its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Plant (AMP-1) in Arizona, in anticipation of the production of its new fully electric SUV, the Lucid Gravity.

“The expansion of our manufacturing footprint in Arizona is a significant milestone for the company, as we prepare for the next phase of Lucid’s growth,” said Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of Lucid. “Our expanded state-

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

of-the-art factory will allow us to continue to deliver our great cars to our customers around the world,

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AZ / AR / CO / LA / NM / OK / TX / UT SOUTHWEST EDITION YEARS 42 AUTOBOD YNEWS.CO M Vol. 42 / Issue 3 / March 2024
REGIONAL NEWS
REGIONAL NEWS
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Columnist Mike Anderson: How to Ensure You – and Your Techs –Have Adequate Business Insurance Coverage 4 Columnist Abby Andrews: Collision Repair Industry to Be Influenced by Supply Chain, Vehicle Complexity in 2024 18 Columnist Stacey Phillips Ronak: CES 2024 Unveils Future of Transportation Technology 8 Columnist John Yoswick: Mitchell Joins CCC, Audatex in Giving Users Flexibility with Blend Formula 16 PRESORTED ARANDST D S.U. AGPOST E AIDP P ERMIT 8#28 ,ANAHEIM CA P.O. BOX 1516, CARLSBAD, CA 92018 Change Service Requested
2 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

COLUMNISTS

autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS MARCH 2024 3 Contents Aims Community College Students Excel in Regional SkillsUSA Competition 33 Arizona Student is Too Young to Drive Yet Parlaying Love of Cars into Career Dream 1 Austin Dealership Accused of Sexual Harassment, Retaliation 36 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction Sets Company Record with $207.6M in Sales 21 Castle Rock Autoplex Donates $150,000+ to Colorado Community in 2023 34 Driver Says Oklahoma Shop’s Repair Car Left Undrivable 30 Foundation Automotive Donates $30K to Wichita Falls, TX, Community 32 indiGO Auto Group Opens Porsche Sugar Land in Texas 20 Lucid Expands Arizona Plant for Electric SUV Production 1 Texas U.S. Army Veteran Receives Keys to Donated Vehicle 28
NEWS Index of Advertisers ADAS Find Joins CIECA 21 ASE Welcomes New Leadership 24 Autel, MOTOR Partner to Share OEM Repair Data 28 BASF Announces Blended Learning Approach 32 BASF Introduces One-Coat Clear 44 Biden Administration Pledges $5 Billion to Boost Semiconductor R&D 51 Farmers Leads Insurers’ Rate Hikes with 17.6% Increase 1 Ford, GM Taking Steps to Build More Affordable EVs 38 GOP Governors Want to Stop Biden’s EV Mandate 40 Hertz Pausing Polestar Purchases in Shift from EVs 33 Lincoln Closes 100 Dealerships, Targets Further Reductions 34 Mitchell 1 Offers Scholarship 48 Opus IVS Is I-CAR Sustaining Partner 42 PPG Introduces PPG ADJUSTRITE Tool 40 Summit Partners Invests in CollisionRight 42 Tesla Fan Drawing Imagines Reported Upcoming $25K EV 46 Toyota Issues ‘Do Not Drive’ Warning for 50,000 Older Vehicles 50 U.S. House Passes Tax Bill That Could Benefit Auto Repair Businesses 44 U.S. New-Vehicle Sales Slow in January Despite Price Drops 36 Vehicle Dependability Declines in 3-Year Ownership 48 NATIONAL NEWS 3M 9 AirPro Diagnostics 12 Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers 38 Auto Data Labels 29 Axalta 20 BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers ��������������� 47 Bob Howard Parts Distribution Center 37 Bob Utter Kia 47 Brent Brown Toyota 30 Car-O-Liner 2 CCC Intelligent Solutions ������������������������� 21 Certified Automotive Parts Association 14 Christopher’s Dodge-Ram 35 Classic Chevrolet 47 Classic Elite Chevrolet Sugar Land 31 Classifieds ����������������������������������������������� 50 Courtesy Chevrolet 34 DeDoes Industries, Inc 24 Emich Chevrolet 35, 40 Fisher Acura 35 Fisher Honda�������������������������������������������� 35 Five Star Subaru 45 Fix Auto 19 Flatirons Subaru 35, 39 Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers 41 Freeman Mazda ��������������������������������������� 47 GM Wholesale Parts Dealers 49 Herkules Equipment Corporation 32 Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers 26-27 Horne Kia 48 Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers ����������� 46 Induction Innovations 15 Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers 43 Larry H Miller Ford Mesa 45 Launch Tech 7 Mac Haik Ford-Lincoln 25 Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers �������������� 46 Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts 51 Mitsubishi Wholesale Parts 48 MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers 33 Nissan North America, Inc 52 NOROO Paint & Coatings, Ltd ������������������ 23 NorthAmerican Bancard 13 North Freeway Hyundai 45 Northside Chevrolet 36 Northwest Hyundai 4 Part of the Club ���������������������������������������� 35 Peak Kia 35 Polyvance 30 Quality Buick-GMC 18 Santa Fe Kia 51 SATA Spray Equipment������������������������������ 5 Schomp Mazda 51 Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center 10-11 Stevinson Lexus Lakewood 35 Stevinson Toyota West 35 Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers ������������� 42 Sunmight USA 17 Toyota of Laredo 28 Toyota Wholesale Parts Dealers 44 Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers 51
REGIONAL
Mike Anderson How to Ensure You—and Your Techs— Have Adequate Business Insurance Coverage 4 Abby Andrews Collision Repair Industry to Be Influenced by Supply Chain, Vehicle Complexity in 2024 18 Stacey Phillips Ronak Caliber Collision Technician Apprentice Program Shows Tremendous Growth 22 California Techs Get a Jumpstart on Tools Thanks to Toby Chess 24 CES 2024 Unveils Future of Transportation Technology 8 CIF Charity Event Raises Awareness, Funds for Collision Repairers in Crisis 6 Spanesi Americas Showcases Products at SEMA 2023, Shares Future Plans 12 John Yoswick Mitchell Joins CCC, Audatex in Giving Users Flexibility with Blend Formula 16 MSOs Use Variety of Models for Handling Scanning, Calibration Work 14 AUTOBODY Don’t Miss the Weekly Industry NEWS Your Shop Needs. Sign Up Free Today! www.autobodynews.com

How to Ensure You—and Your Techs—Have Adequate Business Insurance Coverage

One of my team members unfortunately lost her home to a fire a while back, and to this day, several years later, she’s still going back and forth with the insurance company, partially related to the personal property contents of her home. Put yourself in her situation: Would you be able to list every item in your home and know when you bought it? Do you have the receipts? I know I couldn’t do it.

That made me start thinking about this not just personally, but also for anyone who owns a business. Hopefully this will never happen, but if a fire or other catastrophe struck your shop, would you be able to list all of its contents and know when and what you paid for each item?

One good first step you need to take: Once a year you should absolutely ask your CPA for a copy of your asset list. Look it over for items you’ve added since it was last updated, and for items you no longer have that should be deleted.

Next, you need to have documentation related to all those items. Obviously, keeping your receipts for every asset purchase is the best way to document it all. Another set of copies—paper or digital—of those records should probably be kept off-site as well.

I would also encourage you to once a year to walk through your shop using your phone to create a video, narrating it as you go, as another way to document what you have. Again, keep a copy of that video in a safe, in the cloud or otherwise offsite. It could help remind you visually of all the assets in your shop, so that if the unthinkable happens, you’re not remembering assets you forgot about—a grinder, a torque wrench, air hoses, etc—until months after you’re already settled a claim.

The topic of business insurance is so important that I invited my friend David Willet from Spark Underwriters to come speak to some of my Spartan 300 20-groups. Spark Underwriters specializes in business insurance for our industry nationwide. As its website says, they are more than insurance people: they are ASE certified, I-CAR trained and involved with industry groups like AMi, the Collision Industry Conference (CIC), CIECA and many shop associations. David shared the suggestions I wrote about here regarding documentation of your assets, and

he agreed to review each member’s business insurance policy.

That led to a discussion about coverage for your employees’ tools. Your policy probably includes some

the business already has this.”

He said business owners should understand any co-insurance provisions in their policy. Those are provisions that imposes a penalty on

Shop

type of coverage for this, but as David has found in reviewing many shops’ policies, it’s often for only a small amount of coverage—sometimes as little as $500. We all know technicians who have tens of thousands of dollars invested in their tools. So any technicians reading this article might want to check with their employer about how much coverage the shop has for your tools.

“Getting their tools covered through their own personal insurance will likely be very expensive, and it adds to the challenge of getting good insurance on the rest of their personal lines,” David said. “So having adequate coverage for their tools through the business can be a nice employee benefit at a time when shops are challenged with finding and retaining technicians. Business owners should read their policy carefully when it comes to employee tool coverage. There are usually restrictions, such as a per-tool or per-employee limit. If there’s a $1,000 per-employee limit, that doesn’t go very far. The tool box itself far exceeds that amount.”

Just like a business or home owner, David recommends technicians, too, maintain good documentation of their tools at the shop.

“We recommend that in your policy handbook, you tell them about the insurance as a benefit, but require them to provide a list and video every year of the tools they have,” David said. “That way at the time of any loss,

an insured’s loss recovery if the limit of insurance purchased is not at least equal to a specified percentage of

the value of the insured building or business personal property.

“You need to understand what those provisions are, and if you can get the co-insurance removed, that’s key, because then all of a sudden, all you’re doing is trying to make sure you get paid for what you have,” David said. “Otherwise, you’re having to prove you had enough insurance, or you might get hit with a penalty.”

“Business owners should read their policy carefully when it comes to employee tool coverage.”

My Spartan 300 group members really appreciated receiving David’s insights about their business insurance policies. Now is a great time to take some steps to document your company assets, and to talk with your business insurance advisor about the details of your policy.

4 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
owners should maintain documentation of all of their business’ assets, and encourage their employees who own tools to do the same.
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CIF Charity Event Raises Awareness, Funds For Collision Repairers in Crisis

Over the last two decades, the Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) has relied on contributions from collision repair businesses and individuals to aid hundreds of industry members in times of crisis. On Jan. 16, CIF hosted its 13th annual charity event, “Cocktails for a Cause,” in Palm Springs, CA, the day prior to the Collision Industry Conference (CIC). Nearly 200 attendees were at the function, many of whom were firsttime supporters.

“There were a lot of people who drove this initiative and made the event successful, including co-chairs Kelly Broderick and Cheryl Boswell, as well as Petra Schroeder,” said Dan Risley, president of CIF and vice

colleagues — many of whom have lost their livelihoods and need help from hurricanes, fires, COVID-19, etc.,” she said. “It takes minimal effort for something that means the world to people.”

Boswell, CFO of DCR Systems, served on CIF’s board for nine years and now volunteers for the organization. She and Broderick have co-chaired the annual fundraiser for many years and continue to do so, although they no longer serve on the board.

“It’s our annual fundraiser where we raise funds to assist industry members who have experienced a natural disaster so they can get back to work,” Boswell explained. “Our event includes great networking opportunities, a drawing for prizes and a live auction.”

president of quality repair and market development at CCC Intelligent Solutions.

Broderick, sales director of strategic accounts at The Sherwin-Williams Company, joined CIF’s board in 2013 as a trustee and later served as vice president. Although she retired from the board in 2022, Broderick remains involved in the organization.

“The annual CIF event is simply a great time to connect with others and raise funds for individuals within the industry we all love and belong to,” she noted.

Broderick added the event has grown over the past several years.

“I am happy to have been involved in that progression,” she said. “I appreciate those who come to the event, sponsor it and spread the word. It has been a tremendous way for CIF to give back.”

Broderick said many collision repairers have grown up in the industry, and CIF is a great organization that needs support and praise.

“Over the past 10 years, I’ve been privileged to raise funds for

She said CIF is fortunate to have many sponsor the cause.

“Attending the gala, sponsoring CIF and spreading the word are all ways you can help,” Boswell shared. “We want to make sure everyone knows that CIF exists for them!”

“Interest and support in the event are growing,” said “Collisionista” Petra Schroeder, CIF’s administrator and a member of the organization’s Board of Trustees. “At the same time, it is great to have familiar faces attend.”

Schroeder noted the charity event is an important part of raising money and awareness to further CIF’s mission to provide emergency relief to collision repair professionals who have experienced significant losses due to natural disasters or other catastrophes. At one time, it was planned as the primary fundraiser. In 2021, the CIF Annual Donor program was instituted, allowing individuals and companies to donate throughout the year.

“The awareness that we create by having these events is priceless because more people learn about CIF

and what we do,” said Schroeder. “As a result, we receive commitments for the Annual Donor program.”

In addition to monetary donations, Schroeder said the industry has helped spread awareness about CIF in various ways, such as liking and sharing social media posts. In recent years, birthday fundraisers have been initiated on Facebook, money has been raised through office competitions, and other creative ideas have been developed.

“There are many ways CIF can benefit from these initiatives,” said Schroeder. “It just takes a company to come up and execute ideas.”

CIF Treasurer Jim Ocampo, national strategic accounts sales manager for Axalta Coating Systems, said he always enjoys the evening of the CIF charity event.

“It’s refreshing to see everyone come together and contribute to a worthy cause,” said Ocampo. “While ‘Cocktails for a Cause’ is important to our fundraising efforts, the evening is about bringing awareness to CIF’s mission.”

During the evening, Ocampo handed out auction items and prizes with Paul Hill, vice president of sales and marketing for Headlights.com, which sells through the Original One Parts and Headlights Depot brand. Hill began volunteering for CIF in 2022 and joined the board of trustees the following year.

“The highlight for me is always the opportunity to be the auctioneer,” recalled Hill. “Standing up on the stage and seeing such a great crowd support CIF is an amazing feeling.”

Hill said CIF is the one charity singularly focused on assisting great individuals in the collision industry in their time of need.

“Once I understood the organization’s mission, I knew I needed to help CIF succeed,” he said.

“One of the many things that I love about the collision industry is how we all come together for a cause,” noted Nick Callum, business development

manager and platform manager for Headlights.com. “The CIF gala highlights that perfectly.”

Callum recently joined CIF’s Board of Trustees and he and Hill co-chair a new committee focused on CIF awareness.

“I have always gone out of my way to help people the best I can,” he shared.

“Joining CIF has allowed me to align with other like-minded individuals and contribute in a larger capacity.”

Kurt Lammon, president of Polyvance, is a new CIF Board of Trustees member who has donated to the cause and attended prior events for the past few years. This year, he and Cindy Reeves, vice president of sales at Enterprise Mobility, checked in those who hadn’t pre-registered.

“It feels good to volunteer because you know your efforts are going to aid others,” said Lammon. “It also gives you the feeling of the industry being like a close-knit family.”

Lammon said it’s a pretty small industry and he has noticed several individuals make job changes thanks to the network they built volunteering.

“[CIF] can be good for your career, too!” he added.

Jeff Wildman, BASF’s expert for the automotive aftermarket industry, has been a CIF trustee for seven years and served on several committees.

“With the increasing frequency of weather-related incidents, I’d like to think that people remember our mission and spread the word to collision repair professionals in distress that CIF is available to provide assistance,” he said.

Schroeder encourages people to reach out when they learn about someone in an emergency.

“The organization still does not receive enough applications when there is disastrous flooding, hurricanes and other damage,” she explained. “It’s very rewarding to give back but we need to find victims.”

For more information about CIF, visit www.collisionindustryfoundation.org or email collisionindustryfoundation@ gmail.com.

6 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Pictured, left to right, are Scott Walton, The Sherwin Williams Company; Mandy Wynn, DCR Systems; and “Collisionista” Petra Schroeder. Pictured, left to right, are Chris White, KECO; Michael Bradshaw, K&M Collision; Barry Dorn, Dorn’s Body & Paint; Amber Alley, Barsotti’s Body & Fender; and Aaron Schulenburg, SCRS. Pictured, left to right, are Kurt Lammon, Polyvance; Sabrina Thring, Driven Brands, and Jim Ocampo, Axalta.
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CES 2024 Unveils Future of Transportation Technology

Innovations in connected and autonomous mobility were highlighted this year at the CES 2024 Show, Jan. 9-12 in Las Vegas, NV. Owned by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES showcases consumer technologies in various product categories, including artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, robotics, smart cities and vehicle technology. More than 135,000 attendees had the opportunity to see the latest tech trends on display from more than 4,300 exhibitors.

Show organizers said CES is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing auto mobility and transportation events. With more than 600 mobility exhibits, showgoers could view the future of autonomous and electric vehicles (EVs), micromobility, software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and flying cars, as well as assistive mobility and safety systems.

Automotive exhibitors included BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Magna, Mercedes-Benz, Paccar, Recaro, Sony, Supernal, Togg and VinFast.

Announcements were made by automakers throughout the week.

Honda introduced the “Honda 0 Series,” launching in 2026; Kubota showcased the new fully electric, multi-purpose Agri Concept vehicle; and VinFast unveiled VF WILD, a new electric pickup truck concept vehicle.

Radar Architecture for Autonomous Mobility Systems, which received a CES® 2024 Innovation Award.

“We are honored to be recognized with the prestigious award,” said Steven Hong, vice president and general manager of Radar Technology at Ambarella.

The award recognized the company’s investment and innovation in pioneering centralized 4D imaging radar processing, which Hong said enables significantly higherperformance radar systems through the combination of the company’s Oculii™ artificial intelligence (AI) radar technology and CV3-AD AI domain control system-on-chip (SoC) family.

“For the auto body industry, this innovation will provide a significant benefit to customers with 4D imaging radar sensors in their vehicles, as these radar modules are typically installed behind the bumper in several different locations,” Hong said. “Because Ambarella’s centralized radar technology enables radar heads without any processor inside, the cost of replacing those processor-less radar modules after an accident can be greatly reduced.”

ARaymond

ARaymond shared its fastening, electrical connection and cleaning systems solutions for future vehicle needs. The fastening department displayed wire harness and tube routing fasteners, as well as high strength clipping solutions for various EV applications. The cleaning systems group showcased sensor and camera cleaning system components and assemblies to demonstrate innovations made in that growing field.

“We’ve seen huge growth in the automotive and mobility area at CES, not only what you expect with mobility with cars, but we’re seeing it on land, air and sea,” said Gary Shapiro, CTA’s president and CEO.

Autobody News talked to some CES 2024 exhibitors and participants.

Ambarella

Ambarella demonstrated its developments in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, including its Centrally Processed 4D Imaging

Daniel Marin, business development manager for Mobility/EV Solutions, ARaymond North America, said the automotive market is shifting with the push for EVs or electrification and challenges are becoming apparent with new or different assemblies being added to vehicles.

“As electric vehicles are ramping up in volumes on the market, there is a greater need for simplified assembly techniques and serviceability aspects that are challenging the standard way vehicles are constructed,” said Marin.

He said vehicle designs are going toward lightweight, simple designs that are fast to assemble while keeping in mind the need for service down the road.

OWL Autonomous Imaging

OWL Autonomous Imaging demonstrated its Advanced DriverAssistance Systems (ADAS) safety technology for nighttime pedestrian automatic emergency braking (PAEB). It combines the company’s digital high-definition thermal camera with artificial intelligence software trained to find pedestrians and measure their distances from the car.

“This combination provides ADAS computers with the information

SHM also announced its collaboration with Epic Games and unveiled technology that can simulate external environmental conditions such as information from other vehicles, pedestrians, terrain and weather.

Squad Mobility

Squad Mobility, a Dutch company founded by Robert Hoevers and Chris Klok in 2019, showcased the Squad Solar City Car and the special edition solar buggy.

The two-person car is about 6.5 feet long and automatically charges its batteries with solar energy from the integrated solar panel on the roof. The solar panel can charge up to 19.2 miles in Las Vegas. The vehicle is powered by 48-volt electric motors and batteries, which allows it to be used at night, in winter, or indoors, and can be charged at 220 volts or 110 volts.

they need to avoid collisions day or night, even when the road ahead is obscured by rain or snow, fog or smoke,” said Chuck Gershman, OWL AI CEO.

Gershman said the ideal position for a forward-looking thermal camera is behind the rear-view mirror.

“Since the infrared radiation detected by thermal cameras will not pass through glass, new windshields have been developed that include a small infrared transmitting insert in front of the camera,” he explained. “If the windshield must be replaced after a collision, this specific type must be used.”

Sony Honda Mobility

Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) exhibited its prototype vehicle, AFEELA, introduced last year and currently in the development stage for production.

The four-door sedan is expected to be produced at one of Honda’s 12 plants in the U.S. Its overall styling concept is based on movement, color and sharpness.

According to a company representative, “The AFEELA prototype invokes mobility that people can feel as an intelligent entity through new technology.”

During the show, Representative Director, President and COO Izumi Kawanishi discussed the company’s focus on “AI for ADAS” and “Mobility as a Creative Entertainment Space.”

The four swappable and portable batteries provide a range of 62 miles, excluding solar.

Regarding repairability, Hoevers noted the vehicle’s bodywork is injection-molded plastic. “It can be easily replaced and the solar panel is handled the same as a front windshield,” he explained.

Indy Autonomous Challenge

A CES highlight was the Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC), in which university teams worldwide compete in a series of challenges. The goal is to advance technology that can speed up the commercialization of fully autonomous vehicles and deploy ADAS to increase safety and performance. TUM Autonomous Motorsport from the Technical University of Munich won this year’s challenge, reaching speeds of more than 150 mph.

IAC also announced the launch of its Next Gen Autonomous Vehicle Platform, the IAC AV-24.

“This cutting-edge platform represents a significant leap forward in autonomous hardware and software technology,” said Paul Mitchell, IAC’s president. “After three years and more than 7,000 miles of high-speed racing, the IAC and its industry partners have evolved the robot inside the IAC AV-24 to become smarter and more capable, providing the world’s fastest autonomous racecar with increased functionality that will enable AI drivers to reach new levels of performance.”

8 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Ambarella’s centrally processed 4D imaging radar architecture for autonomous mobility systems received a CES® 2024 Innovation Award During CES, ARaymond team members shared fastening, electrical connection and cleaning systems solutions for future vehicle needs

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Spanesi Americas Showcases Products At SEMA 2023, Shares Future Plans

At Spanesi Americas, COO Tim Morgan said the company is passionate about offering collision repair equipment and training to meet customers’ needs.

During the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, Spanesi showcased various products. These included the company’s 106 EXT Bench,

and painting stations set up to provide attendees the opportunity to rate their skill level.

“Spanesi is always looking for new ways to innovate and always has things in the pipeline,” noted Morgan. “This year will be no different with exciting products to be launched throughout 2024.”

This includes additional process and course offerings that will be available at Spanesi’s research and training center in Naperville, IL, and regional centers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

multibench, Touch Measuring System and a line of MIG/MAG and spot welders.

Spanesi also featured its “Pull Up” Glue Pull system, which has many levels of kits.

New this year were virtual welding

The company’s roots date back to 1958 when Orazio Spanesi, a body technician with a passion for “the tools,” began working in a body shop in Italy when he was 14. After learning the required skills and techniques to repair vehicles, he opened a shop in 1969 to pursue high efficiency and OEM quality repairs. A decade later, Spanesi began developing and manufacturing equipment in Padova, Italy, to ensure it met the performance he strived to achieve.

Since then, the Spanesi leadership

Do you know Bob?

Bob’s a Shop Manager. Age 37.

team has stayed in contact with body techs to meet the needs of the collision industry. In 2019, Spanesi celebrated its 50th year in business by revamping its showroom and training center at the Italy factory that hosts educational events associated with the Spanesi Academy program.

Since Spanesi was founded, Morgan said it has stayed true to its mission of not offering tools that collision repair technicians have to adapt to, but instead, making tools tailored to technicians’ needs and meet OEM requirements. The company is part of 38 certified OEM programs in North America and 46 globally.

The company has a worldwide presence, providing sales, support and consulting. In addition to the U.S. headquarters in Illinois, the company operates offices in Bangkok, China, France, Germany and India, and has a global headquarters in Padova, Italy.

Spanesi also owns and operates a collision repair facility in Italy where products are tested daily.

These include Spanesi products and processes to improve repair efficiency.

Morgan said the company takes pride in continuing to innovate, design and manufacture a range of collision repair equipment, such as the Touch measuring system, multibenches, welders, paint booths and vacuums.

As the company grows, Morgan said they will continue to add staff internally and through distribution to meet customers’ needs.

“Spanesi is beyond an equipment supplier,” said Morgan. “With our many years of vast experience, we serve as coaches, trainers and advisors to our customers for longterm proven results.”

He hasn’t looked in the mirror and seen the ambitious young man he used to be in years. He’s stuck at the shop trying to troubleshoot DTC codes, pulling his hair out and missing target delivery dates.

Don’t be like Bob, switch to AirPro for your total ADAS Calibrations and Diagnostics solution!

12 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
The Spanesi team at SEMA 2023 During SEMA 2023, Spanesi COO Tim Morgan, left, Fred Randazzo, center, and Constantine Uliano, right, demonstrated virtual reality training at the company’s booth
AirProDiagnostics.com

are amazing, she favors gas-powered vehicles, especially Corvettes.

Along with her dad, Erik, Knight’s mom, Hayle, enthusiastically supports her daughter’s career dream and was the catalyst for her enrolling at YC.

“There was an opportunity there and I thought, ‘why not?’” Knight said of taking YC classes while also attending high school online.

“I felt really good about myself,” she said of her first-semester success.

“It’s a very encouraging place,” she said of YC.

Bob Moon, one of Knight’s automotive instructors last semester, said he had no doubt she would pass her first ASE exam because she works extremely hard and is focused.

“She is always eager to learn and shows up with a smile and plenty of energy. She is building a solid foundation for her skills in the automotive industry and I look forward to continuing to work with her through her schooling,” he said.

Not surprisingly, Knight was the youngest student in her fall-semester automotive class at YC’s Career and Technical Education Center. She also was the only female student to complete the basic course and earn her initial ASE. She laments women are under-represented in the auto repair industry and she fears female car owners may not always get a fair shake at the repair shop. Hence the dream to help them.

“I want to own a shop where girls don’t get ripped off because they don’t know anything. That’s the goal,” she said.

A more immediate goal of Knight’s is getting her driver’s license. “I’ve never been behind the wheel before,” she said, aware of the irony of knowing more about what’s under a car’s hood than negotiating a left turn.

However, she said, “it’s a huge relief to know that once I get behind the wheel I’ll know what’s happening.”

For information about YC’s automotive program and other indemand career-training opportunities, visit yc.edu/cte.

including the Lucid Gravity in the near future.”

The expansion includes a new 3 million-square-foot manufacturing facility and warehouse. It is set to integrate multiple functions onto one campus, encompassing a new General Assembly line, quality and semi-knock down (SKD) centers, expanded body and paint shops, a relocated Logistics center, and an enhanced powertrain facility. This facility will also manufacture Lucid’s proprietary powertrain technology.

“In just a few short years, the Lucid team has evolved our manufacturing footprint into one of the few highly integrated electric vehicle manufacturing plants in the U.S.,” said Steven David, SVP of operations at

Lucid. David added the expansion will bring “greater operational efficiency to our manufacturing process” and aid in delivering high-quality electric vehicles to customers.

A key component of the expansion is the introduction of one of the world’s most advanced stamping facilities. This new facility is expected to enhance quality standards, increase flexibility and reduce costs. The stamping operations are slated to commence in 2024.

Beyond manufacturing advancements, Lucid has been pivotal in fostering technological innovation in Pinal County, Arizona. The company’s collaborations with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the City of Casa Grande and Central Arizona College have been instrumental in developing local talent and providing specialized skill development training.

autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS MARCH 2024 13
CONTINUED FROM COVER
Student
l
Arizona
Kelsey Knight is learning to repair cars before she can legally drive them. Image via Yavapai College’s Facebook page
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MSOs Use Variety of Models For Handling Scanning, Calibration Work

As collision repair businesses of all sizes navigate how to best handle the growing amount of scanning and calibration work required on a daily basis, there’s indications there is no one best solution for all.

Among five multiple shop operators (MSOs) represented during a recent panel discussion of the topic, for example, each is handling calibration work in different ways, or combination of ways: mobile providers, their own stand-alone calibration centers, in-house at a subset of their locations, etc.

Moderating the panel at the MSO Symposium held in conjunction with the SEMA Show, Dan Risley of CCC Intelligent Solutions asked the panelists to discuss why they’ve chosen the model they have.

Crash Champions, which operates more than 600 shops in three dozen states, started a separate company, Automotive Technology Experts (ATE), doing mobile calibrations onsite for its shops that have the necessary site conditions, like a level floor, as well as doing some calibration work remotely.

Huggins, national collision director, was asked if those shops sublet their ADAS calibration work to the dealerships’ service departments.

“Absolutely not,” Huggins said. “In a dealer model, we’re all about trying to keep our work in-house, right? Even though we are a dealer, service operates in a different world than we do. And if you ever have to, as a dealer, send it to the service department, they have a tendency to take too long to do it. Even a basic alignment. Our mechanics in our own [collision] shops and our own collision centers are so busy, we don’t even really use our own mechanics for scanning and calibration. We have 19 of our 32 centers that have their own Tru-Point [ADAS calibration system] at this point and do all their own calibrations.”

without mechanical departments to do scanning and basic calibration work.

“All the more difficult, demanding calibrations go to our calibration center,” he said.

The company has invested heavily into calibration work because it’s too big a part of the overall repair not to.

“I remember a few years ago reading an article quoting a representative from one of the vehicle manufacturers who said, in the future,

that didn’t seem like a promising way to approach collision repair long term.”

Having the company’s employees conduct most calibration work has helped production even more than expected, he said.

“One of the things we’ve learned is we can cycle cars quicker than we thought,” Amberson said. “We can do more [calibration work] than what we first thought. We can do most jobs certainly within a day, and many of them same day.”

He said lots of other collision repair businesses tour LaMettry’s calibration center and ask what piece of equipment they should buy.

“I’m thinking to myself: We’ve got five calibration stations representing four different brands,” Amberson said. “This is not for the faint of heart, especially if you’re going to service all the major brands. So keep in mind, while we talk about all these advantages [of doing your own calibration work], it’s not for

“We wanted to keep as much [business] as we can in-house,” said John Panagopoulos of ATE. “But it’s also customer satisfaction and cycle time. It’s quicker.”

ATE was founded as a separate business because it’s a different type of business, he said.

“A lot of times, folks who are running collision repair centers want to try to operate a [calibration] business kind of similar to collision repair, but it’s completely different, especially when you go mobile,” Panagopoulos said. “The technicians aren’t the same. The technology is different. Pricing systems. Everything we do is just a completely different business model.”

Not Using Dealership Service Departments

New-car dealer Berkshire Hathaway Automotive operates 32 collision centers around the country. Darren

14 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Darren Huggins of Berkshire Hathaway Automotive said the company has specialty departments within its 32 collision centers to handle calibration work.
YOUR ASSURANCE OF QUALITY www.capacertified.org
A panel discussion about calibration work included, from left, John Panagopoulos, Darrell Amberson, panel moderator Dan Risley and Darren Huggins.

Do it Better – Do it Faster – Do it Safer – Do it Greener

Induction Innovations has brought the original induction heat technology to the automotive aftermarket industry with the Mini-Ductor® series. Tom Gough, President of Induction Innovations, and the original inventor of the handheld induction heater, forever changed how automotive techs free up rusted, bonded, and corroded components.

Since 2004, we have brought four different generations of the Mini-Ductor® to the automotive aftermarket industry. From our original Mini-Ductor® to our latest cutting-edge model of the Mini-Ductor® Venom® HP, we are firmly established as the trendsetters for removing components without having to risk the use of an open flame or chemicals.

The Evolution of Mini-Ductor®

From the beginning, Induction Innovations has revolutionized induction heating tools for the automotive aftermarket industry. We consistently lead the way in induction heating technology, culminating in our prestigious Mini-Ductor® Series.

1. Mini-Ductor® MD-600 (2004-2012) – Our pioneering model set the pace. Introduced in 2004, it provided techs a taste of the revolution to come.

2. Mini-Ductor® II (2009) – A leap forward with the upgraded Mini-Ductor® II boasted a more robust design, readily available parts, and safety certification.

3. Mini-Ductor® Venom® (2016) – Takes ergonomics to the next level. Weighing in under 3 lbs., this model was the lightest handheld induction heater on the market. With a patented twist lock design, our model is streamlined and functional. The first three generations of the Mini-Ductor® run on 1000 watts, allowing it to heat most applications quickly without worrying about collateral damage.

4. Mini-Ductor® Venom® HP (2020) – Power redefined. Packing a hefty 1800-watt punch, this latest release can quickly heat a bolt in 3-5 seconds, making work more efficient and faster.

Why Mini is Better

Induction Innovations’ Mini-Ductor® series was meant to free up components quickly using induction heat. When applied to ferrous metals such as iron and steel, an eddy current heats them within a mere 3-15 seconds. Our products leverage this by exciting the molecules, harnessing the resistance they emit to rapidly heat applications to free them up.

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The Bottom Line

At Induction Innovations, we’re not just vendors; we’re trailblazers – and give you precision, safety, and heat all without the flame. As the original innovators, we see the handheld induction heater as both a technological marvel and a practical utility. Try any of the superior Mini-Ductor® series for safe, reliable, and precise heat, when and where you need it. You’ll be amazed! Join the evolution and see where we leap forward next.

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autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS MARCH 2024 15
SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Mitchell Joins CCC, Audatex in Giving Users Flexibility With Blend Formula

Mitchell International said the company’s cloud estimating system will now allow users to set up at the profile level their own default settings for clear coat, three-stage, two-tone, blend, finish sand and buff, de-nib and finesse, and refinish adjustments.

“Being at the profile level, you can set up one for walk-ins, and a different one for each insurer, so giving a ton of flexibility to our customers,” Jack Rozint of Mitchell International said in making the announcement at the latest Collision Industry Conference (CIC), held in Palm Springs.

Rozint was asked if any of its formulas for those items will be changed.

a CIC committee presentation about the committee’s study of 26 vehicles—not connected to any particular automaker nor type of shop—for which significant repair problems were found during a postrepair inspection.

“About 50% of them had moderate to severe frame issues that were unaddressed,” said Daniel Rosenberger of BASF, a committee member.

Dent said the committee’s presentation highlighted the cost of bad repairs to everyone— shops, consumers, insurers and automakers—and demonstrates the need for all segments of the industry to work together on the problem.

“I think insurers and the OEMs probably should take this as an opportunity to get engaged to try to solve this,” he said. “I know that I want to have that conversation for sure. If there are insurers who’d like to share in that, I’d love to have it.”

ADAS-Related Refinish Issues

Another reason for the measurement: It can help document what was done to the vehicle since shops cannot rely solely on a successful calibration of the system as an indication that all refinish procedures were followed.

“We’re going to put our money where our mouth is in that sense because it is important.”
DAN DENT NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY

“If I don’t put it back to the condition that’s asked for by the OEM [and paint manufacturer], it can still pass calibration but not actually read correctly,” Brown said. “So we need to make sure we obtain the repair procedures, and we actually get them [applied] to all cars involved.”

The back of the bumper cover needs to be masked or protected during refinish, Wildman said. “You

Make The Industry A Better Place To Work

Also during CIC in Palm Springs, Andrew Batenhorst, manager of Pacific BMW Collision Center in Glendale, CA, said he personally was “extremely embarrassed and disappointed” at what a survey of collision repair technicians found last year. The survey, commissioned by I-CAR and SCRS, found that among more than 800 responding technicians, only about 7 in 10 said they were satisfied with their career, and as a group they have a negative “net promoter score,” meaning the majority would not recommend the career to friends or family. Only about 15% said their benefits included health insurance, paid time off or a retirement plan, and about a similar percentage said compensation plans lead to skipped steps during repairs.

“Our defaults have not changed at this time,” Rozint said.

Mitchell becomes the third of the Big 3 estimating system providers to provide greater flexibility to users on establishing blend times that differ from the default 50% of full refinish. The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has been among those calling on the information providers for a blend formula change since the association conducted a study in 2022 that showed blending takes more time than a complete panel refinish.

OEM To Check On Certified Shops

In another announcement at CIC, a Nissan Motor Company representative said this spring, the OEM will begin doing repair quality audits at its certified body shops.

“In April, we’re going to start doing inspections to make sure that our shops are doing what they’re told to do per our processes,” said Dan Dent, who oversees the certified collision repair network for Nissan. “We’re going to put our money where our mouth is in that sense because it is important.”

Dent’s announcement followed

Another panel discussion at CIC focused on some of the cautions related to refinishing bumper covers or other parts installed over ADAS-related radar sensors. Jeff Wildman of BASF and Ryan Brown of AkzoNobel noted “radar-approved” colors must not be tinted—doing so can impact the ability of the radar to perform as designed through the finish—and therefore more blending around such parts may be required. Film thickness must be consistent over the radar area—so no blending of base or clear coat can occur over these areas—and total film build must be within the range provided by the automaker and paint manufacturer.

“If it says two coats of base coat, it’s two coats of base coat, not a third coat because I have some paint left in the gun,” Wildman said. “It’s two coats because that third coat could make the radar not work.”

Brown and Wildman agreed the total film build should be measured after refinishing.

“Painters have kind of like a fingerprint or a DNA of how they spray,” Brown said. “And so they’re generally fairly consistent. But across a field of different technicians, they’re all going to be vastly different [from one another]. And whether a part is painted lying out flat or standing up can influence the amount of the paint layer that is on there.”

don’t want lot of overspray on the back of that bumper because that’s adding more material between the radar and whatever is out there that it’s bouncing off of,” he said.

Brown said all of this points to the need to make sure the refinish department has easy access in the paint shop to OEM and paint manufacturer refinish procedures related to underlying radar sensors.

“We really haven’t had a time in years past where the responsibility for refinish technicians has been the safety of the people driving the car,” Brown said.

“We have only one group of people, in my opinion, to blame for the technician shortage, and that’s us right here,” said Batenhorst, who serves on the SCRS Board of Directors. “We have not made this an attractive industry to work in. My food for thought would be: As a CIC body, we may want to consider how we develop leaders and the type of skills that are needed for the current influx of people that are getting into managing shops. Because that to me is the lowest-hanging fruit that’s out there. If you want to see people start coming into our industry, we ought to make it a lovely place to work. And that’s not just pay. It’s not just benefits. It’s how we as leaders make ourselves available, to be involved with quality control, with process, with repairs, with all aspects of running a shop. And to me, it was disappointing to see that kind of feedback come through on that survey.”

Batenhorst urged shops—whether at CIC or not—to take the issue seriously.

“The answers are out there. It’s just up to us if we’re going to make a difference or not,” he said, drawing applause from CIC attendees.

16 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Ryan Brown of AkzoNobel, left, and Jeff Wildman of BASF, center, discussed ADAS-related refinish issues during a panel discussion moderated by Aaron Schulenburg, right
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Andrew Batenhorst, manager of a Southern California shop, said the findings of a survey of 800 technicians show the industry could do a lot to improve working conditions for employees
autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS MARCH 2024 17

Collision Repair Industry to Be Influenced by Supply Chain, Vehicle Complexity in 2024

The collision repair industry is poised for another year of change in 2024, according to Ryan Mandell, director of claims performance for Mitchell International.

Mandell was the featured guest for CIECA’s first webinar of the year, “Top Collision Industry Trends to Watch in 2024,” held Jan. 25 and available for viewing on at www.cieca. com/MEETINGS-EVENTS/ciecastwebinars.

Mandell said the four biggest factors affecting the industry this year will be the used vehicle market dynamics, increased vehicle complexity driving up repair costs, supply chain volatility and continued growth of electric vehicles’ share of the car parc. Used Vehicle Market Mandell said the used vehicle market is being affected by inflation, which is predicted to hit 2.4% in 2024, and high interest rates, which show little chance of declining this year. That affects customers’ ability to finance all types of loans, but especially ones to buy vehicles.

In 2023, total loss frequency was 19.2%, Mandell said. As vehicle values rose, repairers had more room to fix crash-damaged vehicles instead of writing them off. As vehicle values stabilize, Mandell said, total loss frequency will start to increase again.

“2024 is most likely going to be less volatile than recent years,” Mandell said, adding there are “so many variables at play here, we could see an increase in volatility if other things change.”

Increased Complexity

The increased complexity of vehicles – including more technology and a shift to lightweight materials to absorb crash energy and improve EV range and ICE fuel efficiency – is the biggest item driving changes.

Mandell said while data from 2023 is not yet complete, it has already shown a 6% increase in average severity in the U.S. and 9% in Canada compared to 2022.

As repairs get more complex, they average more labor hours to complete – while the average labor rate also increases, showing a one-year 6% increase in the U.S. in 2023, after remaining static sometimes for years at a time.

The cost of parts is also going up – in 2022, the cost of aftermarket parts rose 17%, while OEM parts

rose 10% — as is the average number of replacement parts per repair, up almost one full part in a single year as more systems require being brought back to pre-accident condition.

“It’s a perfect storm in terms of cost drivers that are contributing,” Mandell said.

In 2024, the average severity is forecast to be around $5,300 in the U.S. and $5,700 in Canada.

the downstream impacts on parts availability halfway through 2024. End user costs will likely rise as well as the average cost to move a shipping container increases.

“This new wave of supply chain disruption’s overall impact remains to be seen,” Mandell said. “Look at an action plan – repairing more parts, finding different sources. We need to have those conversations.”

EV Growth will Continue

As the number of EVs on the roads grows, so too is the number coming into repair shops.

ICE vehicles – but the likelihood of air bag deployment in an EV higher.

Mandell showed the results of a study conducted by Mitchell to compare repair costs for a 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning and a 2022 Ford F-150 XLT that had each suffered a moderate front end impact.

Both trucks needed a new bumper assembly, grille assembly, headlamps and a hood panel, and the left and right fenders blended.

Lightweight materials like aluminum, carbon fiber and magnesium can be repairable, but are more likely to crack than dent, requiring replacement. Mandell said currently 54% of lightweight metal parts are repaired, compared to 58% of mild steel.

Scanning is also on the rise. In 2023, 76% of vehicles repaired in the U.S. and 85% in Canada required a pre- and post-scan. About 35% of repaired vehicles in 2024 will require calibrations.

“How do you bring this into your business?” Mandell said. “You have to decide to make the investment to do it in house or partner with a third party, considering cost, cycle time and throughput.”

The Supply Chain

After seeing some improvement in supply chain woes in 2022, recent events, including the six-week UAW strike in late 2023 and current geopolitical conflicts in the Red Sea, could “really put a wrench in those trends,” Mandell said.

About 12% of global cargo goes through the Red Sea. Attacks on cargo ships has led some companies to use longer routes to avoid it, or bring in naval ships to escort them through.

“This will affect shipping times and cost,” Mandell said. “The rest of the network is going to be stressed. It has a snowball effect, and I think we will be grappling with it for some time.”

Mandell said he expects to see

Mandell said the average cost of repair of an EV is 37% higher compared to ICE vehicles, but there is a caveat –  the average EV is only 3 years old, compared to 6.5 years for ICE vehicles. The average cost is only 14.5% higher when compared to ICE vehicles that are model year 2020 or newer. A lack of moving parts make EVs less likely to be determined non-drivable after a crash – 10.5% of EVs vs. 14.1% of

The Lightning’s replacement parts were more expensive, and it had an additional grille reinforcement and a bumper isolator, not present on the XLT. The Lightning also required the battery to be removed before the bake cycle in the paint booth, which added 3.5 labor hours. In all, the Lightning cost $3,500 more to repair than the XLT.

“EVs have less moving parts but more crash parts,” Mandell said. “The internal combustion engine in the XLT is integral in crash energy absorption, so they need to find other ways to absorb that in EVs. Adding these parts closer to exterior parts of EVs makes them more susceptible to damage.”

18 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
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As used vehicle values stabilize in 2024, total loss frequency will start to increase again. Image via Shutterstock.
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from the 11.4% national average increase recorded in 2022.

States like Nevada, Minnesota and Washington faced some of the steepest increases, with Nevada topping the list with a 28.3% rate hike. At the other end of the spectrum, Hawaii and North Carolina recorded the lowest weighted average effective increases at 3.8% and 4.3%, respectively.

The continuous climb in rates over the past two years has resulted in substantial cumulative increases. Texas emerged as the state with the highest cumulative rate increase over the two-year period at 45.5%, closely followed by Ohio with a 38.9% rise.

The data was sourced from disposed private passenger auto rate filings collected by S&P Global Market Intelligence and submitted to the Department of Insurance in various states.

IndiGO Auto Group Opens Porsche Sugar Land in Texas

indiGO Auto Group, which owns 26 luxury dealerships throughout Texas, California, Missouri and, soon, Arkansas, has opened its newest location, Porsche Sugar Land, at 13426 Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land, Texas.

The new Porsche Center is adjacent to some of the city’s most popular retail outlets and attractions. Excitement is already building for a community-wide grand opening celebration slated for this coming April.

The 150,000-square-foot Porsche Center was built from the ground up using low-carbon technology. It boasts an array of state-of-the-art, energy efficient design features.

“indiGO Auto Group is committed to building with maximum sustainable features,” said General Manager Bram Zeegers, who previously held the same position at Porsche Palm Springs in Southern California. “Since opening in December, our goal has been to create a fully immersive, experiential ownership journey that exceeds all expectations for our customers.”

Porsche Sugar Land currently employs approximately 50 full-time team members, ranging from sales to service, and is projected to be important economic driver for the City of Sugar Land and the larger

Francisco and will be opening Porsche Little Rock this spring, making it one of the largest franchisees of Porsche Centers in the country.

“We’re thrilled to bring indiGO Auto Group’s concierge style, white-glove service to the Sugar Land community,” said indiGO Auto Group CEO Kelly Wolf, a native Texan who has been profiled in numerous publications. He currently serves on the Board of Regents for Porsche Cars North America and has been a board member since 2020.

Houston metro area. Additional open positions are listed at www. indigoautogroup.com/careers.

indiGO Auto Group acquired its first Texas store, Porsche North Houston, in 2010. The company now boasts 26 franchised stores in six U.S. markets, including the recently added Porsche San

indiGO Auto Group stands for a level of expertise beyond traditional dealerships, combining intimate factory knowledge with an authentic automotive passion displayed by every team member. The company is wholly owned by Netherlands-based Pon Holdings B.V., a global business of mobility products, services and solutions.

20 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Porsche Sugar Land is a 150,000-square-foot Porsche Center that was built from the ground up using lowcarbon technology
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ADAS Find Joins CIECA

CIECA welcomes ADAS Find as a new CIECA corporate member. Founded in 2023 by Owen VanEck and Aiden Foley , the Michigan-based company was established to provide the auto repair industry with a simple and affordable platform for identifying necessary ADAS calibrations and initializations.

VanEck and Foley learned about CIECA through extensive industry research and networking within the automotive repair sector.

VanEck said the company joined CIECA to actively contribute to advancing industry standards and connect with like-minded professionals.

For ADAS Find, adhering to CIECA standards is crucial in delivering high-quality, standardized solutions to theirclients, promoting trust and reliability in the industry.

By becoming a CIECA member, VanEck said they aim to actively participate in shaping and influencing industry standards.

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction Sets Company Record With $207.6M in Sales

Barrett-Jackson’s first auction of 2024, held Jan. 20-28 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, AZ, not only featured the largest auction docket in the company’s history with 2,016 collectible vehicles but also achieved a record $200.9 million in auction sales.

The auction, known for its “no reserve” policy, saw every listed vehicle sold, contributing to a total of $207.6 million in sales when including the 1,180 pieces of authentic automobilia auctioned for $6.7 million. The figure sets a new benchmark for a single auction in Barrett-Jackson’s history, showcasing a 100% sell-through rate and more than 190 worldrecord auction sales.

Top auction sales included a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing for $3.41 million, a 2018 Bugatti Chiron for $2.97 million and a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster for $2.42 million.

“It was a tremendous event this week in Scottsdale with our largest docket in history, a record number of bidders, and an impromptu live performance by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar,” said Craig

Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We continue to set the bar within the hobby with record-breaking sales like the 1956 300SL Gullwing, and our top sales

enforcement officers and offered guests live entertainment, gourmet food and signature cocktails.

reflect both the quality and diversity of our docket with a superb mix of classic sports cars, supercars, prewar classics and Resto-Mods.”

The Scottsdale Auction kicked

“Our Scottsdale Auction showcased the vibrancy of the collector car hobby,” said Steve Davis, president of BarrettJackson. “With over 2,000 vehicles, this was the largest entirely No Reserve public consignment auction for collector cars in history. Jawdropping Resto-Mods, customs, trucks and supercars crossed the block among exceptional concourslevel classics, giving every generation of collectors an opportunity to buy their dream car.

The auction’s success included the sale of four charity vehicles raising $1 million for various

autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS MARCH 2024 21
Top auction sales included a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing for $3.41 million

Stacey Phillips Ronak — Solving the Tech Shortage

Caliber Collision Technician Apprentice Program Shows Tremendous Growth

Like others who want to make a difference in the collision industry, Caliber Collision recognized the critical need to address the technician shortage.

“We’re all affected by it,” said Eddie Hightower, Caliber’s senior vice president of sustainability/social responsibility. “The industry, drivers and policyholders are all impacted by not having enough technicians.”

Hightower said Caliber realized this problem would not get better unless someone took action.

now leads TAP.

The program consists of 16 competencies based on I-CAR training. It typically takes apprentices about 10 months to one year to complete.

About three to four months into the program, apprentices begin helping their mentors work on production vehicles. They must demonstrate they meet the required competencies before graduating.

However, the training doesn’t end there. Apprentices are watched closely for the next six months to ensure

“Given our position in the industry, we felt a special obligation to do our part,” he said.

After much research and discussion, the company created the Technician Apprentice Program (TAP) in 2022. The program was spearheaded by Yohanna Peet, Caliber’s TAP’s senior program manager.

“Scaling TAP across our organization is one of my proudest career moments,” said Peet. “I had the opportunity to engage with teammates across the country to understand what was important to them through their journey in TAP.”

She said the bottom line for all is purpose.

“Our mentors felt a responsibility to develop the next generation of technicians,” she said. “Many of them shared the same sentiment, ‘Someone taught me; now it’s my turn to teach.’ For many of us, TAP is our opportunity to give back to this industry that has given so many of us, so much.”

TAP was formally launched that year to Caliber’s 30,000 teammates at 1,700 locations in 40 states.

Unlike other industry programs, Hightower said TAP is focused on skills development.

“It is a competency-based program that is somewhat different from some of the other time-based programs available that are two to three years in length,” explained Hightower, who

vehicles are repaired to pre-accident condition and are safe to drive.

“We want to make sure that our apprentices know how to do the job of a technician,” said Hightower.

As the program began rolling out, experienced technicians were asked to help train body helpers to become fullfledged technicians.

Hightower said they pass on knowledge and expertise daily but often don’t realize they are doing it. By formalizing the program, supporting mentor techs and incentivizing them with a bonus, Caliber is finding mentors with much success.

After experiencing what it is like to help an apprentice, Hightower said mentors typically look forward to working with their next mentee.

“Our mentor techs benefit from the program because they have a person working on their team who is actually turning a wrench,” he said.

Another difference compared to other industry programs is apprentices are paid more than the typical entrylevel wage. They also receive health benefits and are eligible for a 401(k) retirement program with a company match. Upon graduating, they are provided with a tool allowance as a gift.

“They receive the benefits of being an actual teammate from day one, and when they graduate, their earning potential is around $70,000,” said Hightower.

Apprentices earn I-CAR and welding certifications, as well as the EPA AC certification.

Caliber has found these benefits have helped reduce the turnover rate among technicians.

Hightower said the program has really taken off; the goal is to continue building it out.

In its inaugural year, Caliber graduated more than 250 techs. In 2023, more than three times that number of technicians completed the program. About two-thirds of Caliber’s locations are now participating in TAP, which equates to 2,000 active apprentices teamed up with 2,000 mentors.

With the technician shortage worsening, Caliber’s goal is to continue producing 2,000 technicians a year for the industry.

“The only limiting factor is having enough mentors and technicians to fill the need,” he noted.

Throughout the country, field recruiters visit high schools and trade schools looking for participants.

Although the average age of apprentices is 18 to 21 years old, there are older participants looking to change careers, such as those in the technology sector. Caliber has also found many women interested in careers as technicians.

For students who are looking for a hands-on career focused on art and technology, Hightower said this is a perfect fit.

“We call them artisans because they can look at a crumpled fender on a car and see what they can produce,” he said.

Hightower said this is a big deal to apprentices.

“These are lifelong skills that are fully transferable,” said Hightower. “We’re changing their lives by setting them up with a skill they own.”

Landon learned about TAP while attending the collision repair program

at Tennessee College of Applied Technology. He has been enrolled in Caliber’s program for about a year.

“I have learned many of the nuances and procedures essential for the best outcomes possible while also managing my workflow and time,” he said. “Better time management leaves more room to produce better work.”

Since joining TAP and being paired with a mentor, Landon said he feels as if he can accomplish twice as much in the same amount of time without stress.

Gabriel, who has been at Caliber for nearly six years and currently works at Caliber Milpitas in California, decided to become a mentor to share his knowledge with the younger generation.

“As an apprentice myself in this industry, I understand how hard it is not having a mentor to help me improve,” said Gabriel. “I wanted to make a change by being there for someone like me.”

Gabriel has worked with a few apprentices, demonstrating basic teardowns and repair methods.

“We start with plastic welding and repairing bumpers, then move on to dents and using the correct tools to pull,” he explained. “I teach apprentices how to remove spot welds without damaging panels and allow them to practice.”

Gabriel shows apprentices how to rack up cars correctly on the frame machine when learning how to do sheet metal pulls. He encourages apprentices to keep an open mind when repairing vehicles and stresses the importance of organization and quality.

“I teach each apprentice the seriousness of safety while repairing vehicles, and that includes disconnecting batteries to make sure that we are safe during repairs,” he said.

Gabriel stressed the importance of mentoring the next generation by building their confidence.

“That way, when they go out on their own, they know they can do their work and not question their ability,” he said.

22 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
TAP was formally launched in 2022 to Caliber’s 30,000 teammates at 1,700 locations in 40 states. About two-thirds of Caliber’s locations are now participating in the Caliber Technician Apprentice Program. Caliber’s goal is to produce 2,000 technicians a year for the industry.

Auto Searching & Correction System

The NOROO COLOR-Q system is a high-performance dedicated Multi-Angle Spectrophotometer that makes it easy and simple to find the color most similar to the target color. It also provides cutting-edge color search correction System. Provides a color combination by correcting the closest matching color to the target color. (NR-94 and TOPAZ)

Color Bank System

Selective color matching system for perfect application

Color bank system is a high-tech color matching system which enables technicians to match all types of colors using formula database and 94 toners.

autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS MARCH 2024 23
COLOR-Q System
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California Techs Get a Jumpstart on Tools Thanks To Toby Chess

specifically look for good people. We do not hire for aptitude; we hire for attitude and teach aptitude.”

within 30 days. As a result, the team teaches basic skills and efficiency.

ASE Welcomes New Leadership

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence

He said taking this approach helps extend the careers of their best, most experienced people.

However, Schaffer said it can be challenging to confirm if they are good people and typically has

When Mike Schaffer joined Selman Chevrolet in Orange, CA, as the collision center manager in 2012, he implemented the True2Form Collision Repair apprentice program at the 72-yearold dealership. Since then, he has focused his attention on attracting and retaining technicians.

“There is no shortage of good people,” said Schaffer. “We

employees begin helping in the detail department to ensure they will show up for work and be worth training.

He also finds it challenging to be profitable with an apprentice

“Giving each equal focus allows us to keep training and making money,” noted Schaffer.

Schaffer met Toby Chess when the first I-CAR welding certification class was held at Selman.

In support of Schaffer’s apprentice program, Chess provided tools and training to Schaffer’s apprentices.

“Toby is very supportive and inspirational to the new folks and the team leaders alike,” said Schaffer. “He includes everyone equally and goes out of his way to teach young and old alike.”

To encourage shop owners and managers to develop apprentice programs, Chess supplies a set of tools to the helper and asks shop owners to provide toolboxes. He also shares best practices documents he created that can be used in conjunction with OEM repair procedures and proper personal protective equipment.

Does your facility have an apprenticeship program in place? Autobody News would like to learn more. Email aandrews@ autobodynews.com.

(ASE) announced Dave Johnson, the newly appointed president and CEO, has taken the reins from Tim Zilke, who retired after a commendable 30plus year tenure with ASE.

In addition to Johnson, the ASE team welcomes Donna Wagner as the new vice president of industry and media relations. Wagner previously served as assistant vice president of the ASE Education Foundation. She replaces Trish Serratore, another long-serving member who retired at the end of last year.

The organization’s Board of Directors also sees fresh faces with Tom Trisdale taking on the role of the new chair. He is joined by Jason Rainey, who will serve as vice chair. The board’s new treasurer and secretary are John Wolf and Tom Palermo Homer Hogg, the previous year’s chair, will now serve as the past chair. ASE’s Board of Governors has been expanded with the addition of eight new members.

Mike Schaffer, center, with Alondra Salgado and her mentor Phat Troung, left, and Melissa Perez and her mentor Rod Perez, right.
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26 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com 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 ‹ $0 enrollment fee ‹ Quick access to live inventory* in the Honda and Acura Genuine Parts catalog ‹ Easy streamlined ordering process saves your employees’ time so they can work on repairing cars Benefits for Repair Facilities: GET STARTED! CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT AT: GenuineHondaParts.Honda.com For Account Help, Contact: HondaandAcurapartsportal@ahm.honda.com Click on the “My Account” button and then click “Register”. *Available through most dealers

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

HONDA

COLORADO

Mike Maroone Honda

Colorado Springs

888-431-0294

719-785-5045

Dept� Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-5 rick williams@mikemarooneauto com

Mile High Honda

Denver

800-548-4730

303-369-7800

Dept Hours: M-F 7-6 crehburg@autotree net

LOUISIANA

Honda of Harvey Harvey

800-943-4227

504-368-5687

Dept Hours: M-F 7-5:30; Sat 7:30-12 tmaywalt@millsautogroup com

Walker Honda

Alexandria

318-448-8255

318-445-6677

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 hondaparts@walkerautomotive com

ACURA

COLORADO

Mile High Acura

Denver

800-548-4730

303-369-7800

Dept Hours: M-F 7-6 crehburg@autotree net

Acura of Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge

866-733-2861

225-756-6166

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 dlavigne@acurabr com

Walker Acura

Metairie

800-359-8555

504-465-8555

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-2 parts@walkeracura com

NEW MEXICO

Garcia Honda

Albuquerque

800-677-6632

505-260-5003

Dept� Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8:30-5 Parts206959@garciacars com

AutoNation Honda

Lewisville

800-344-8611

972-219-0021

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

Honda Cars of McKinney McKinney

972-569-4276

972-569-4222

Dept� Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5 Gene chenault@hendrickauto com

Honda of Frisco Frisco

866-442-2711

972-731-3176

Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-5:30 cedgar@mcdavid com

TEXAS

Honda of San Marcos

San Marcos

866-392-1313

512-392-1313

Dept� Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 9-5 csmith@hondasanmarcos com

McDavid Honda Irving

Irving

800-492-4464

972-790-6003

Dept Hours: M-F 8-6 srichardson@mcdavid com

Northside Honda

San Antonio

800-727-8705

210-340-0831

Dept Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-5 hondaparts@mynshonda com

TEXAS

Autonation Acura

League City

800-749-6227

713-371-4700

Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 CarranzaB1@autonation com

Hiley Acura

Fort Worth

888-454-0947

817-809-7762

Dept Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-5 parts@hileyacura com

Sterling McCall Acura

Houston

713-596-2337

713-596-2338

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 7:30-4 jlambert@sterlingmccallacura com

Team Gillman Acura

Houston

833-738-3637

281-209-4200

Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5 anoptsdpt@teamgillman com

Mike Hale Acura

Murray

800-292-4595

801-263-0202

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 7:30-5 pgoold@mikehale com

Rusty Wallis Honda

Dallas

877-466-3272

214-328-3891

Dept� Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 darryldotsy@rustywallis com

autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS MARCH 2024 27
LOUISIANA TEXAS UTAH TEXAS

Autel, MOTOR Partner To Share OEM Repair Data

Autel announced it has partnered with automotive data provider MOTOR Information Systems to provide an improved experience for users and more streamlined access to OEM repair information using MOTOR’s TruSpeed Repair. MOTOR TruSpeed Repair will be available for integration into Autel’s diagnostics software on all North American Ultra series tablets including Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) capable tools.

Autel Ultra series tablet users can access the most up-to-date automotive service and repair content within days of being published by the OEM. The TruSpeed Repair information will include component locations, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), maintenance schedules, repair procedures, specifications, technical service bulletins (TSBs) and wiring diagrams.

The paid subscription service will also provide OEM Position Statements and ADAS-related repair details. The software update and integration is expected to be released in the late first quarter of this year.

Texas U.S. Army Veteran Receives Keys To Donated Vehicle

A U.S. Army veteran who served two tours of duty overseas was recognized for his heroic service and continued commitment to helping local veterans, when he was presented Jan. 24 with keys to a donated vehicle on behalf of Crash Champions and Allstate.

The event took place at Crash Champions Deer Park in Texas, as part of the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program.

Terence King, who served in the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, was nominated for the giveaway by the PTSD Foundation of America, where he currently serves as a logistics coordinator.

“This is a truly wonderful act of generosity that will have a lasting impact on my life, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone involved in today’s giveaway,” King said. “This vehicle is about more than just transportation. It’s a symbol of personal freedom and progress towards a fulfilling life. I’d like to thank Allstate, Crash

Champions and everyone who volunteered their time to make today a reality.”

The vehicle, a fully restored 2018 Toyota Camry, will provide King with a reliable means of personal transportation as he continues his transition to civilian life. The Camry was restored to like-new condition by certified technicians from Crash Champions’ Deer Park

and CEO. “We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his selfless service as a member of the revered 1st Cavalry Division, and their service to our country. It’s our hope that this small token of that gratitude will continue to fuel his pursuit to give back to fellow veterans and heroes.”

repair center and donated for the giveaway by Allstate.

“The Crash Champions team is honored to take part in this special giveaway for Mr. King,” said Matt Ebert, Crash Champions founder

NABC Recycled Rides is a transformative program that unites several areas of the automotive collision repair industry in pursuit of restoring and donating vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the program in 2007, members of the NABC have donated more than 3,200 vehicles valued at $46 million.

Crash Champions has taken part in more than 60 Recycled Rides giveaways across the country in the past two years.

28 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Terence King poses with his new car
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420kPa,60PSI

SEEOWNER’S MANUALFOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TWC/HO2S/WR-HO2S/CAC/TC/DFI

2.3L-Group:GFMXV02.3VJW

Evap:GFMXR0125NBV

Fuel: Gasoline ABZ

Noadjustmentsneeded.

SPR F05

autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS MARCH 2024 29
SAFETYVEHICLE INSTANDARDS ON OFDATETHE
AT
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ANUFACTUREM ABOVE.SHOWN 03/01 00000000000000000 GAWR:FRONT 35LB72
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THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE
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DATA LABELS
CELEBRATING OUR
00000000000000000 KENTUCKY, INC. 02⁄
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ABZ FOURTEENTH Birthday AUTO
IS
Thank you to all our loyal customers for your continued support.
VEHICLESAFETY STANDARDSIN EFFECTON THEDATEOF MANUFACTURE SHOWNABOVE.
DATE: DS0:
01/03
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AT 205 kPa/30 240 kPa/35 1240KG P235/70R16SL 16X7.0J
VIN:
AT
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REARGAWR:
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WITHTIRESRIMS PSI COLD WITH
PSI COLD F0085T0183 13 3U51B TIREANDLOADINGINFORMATION TIRE SIZE COLDTIREPRESSURE 303kpa 44psi 303kpa 44psi 303kpa 44psi Thecombinedweightofoccupantsandcargoshouldneverexceed 505 Kg or 1114Lbs. P265/70R17 P265/70R17 P265/70R17 FRONT REAR SPARE SEEOWNERS MANUALFOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SEATINGCAPACITY FRONT 3 REAR 0 VEHICLEEMISSIONINFORMATION 00000000
MFD .BY: TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING, GVWR 4233LB GAWR FR 2668LB RR 2668LB THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY , BUMPER , AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE . PASS. CAR C⁄ TR : 4Q2 ⁄ LA43 ACV30L--CEPGKA A ⁄TM: --01A ⁄ U241E MADE IN 00000000000000000U.S.A. KENTUCKY, INC. 02⁄ 04 D. BY HONDAOFAMERICA MFG.,
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CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLEFEDEMOTOR VEHICLE SAFETYAND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS IN EFFECTON
SHOWN ABOVE.V.I.N.: 00000000000000000
GVWR: 5880LB/2667KG
VEHICLE
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THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE
TYPE:MPV
A AA5
--A --A
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2200KG(4894LBS) TIRESIZE RIMSIZE
FRONT REAR SPARE
Thecombinedweightofoccupantsandcargoshouldneverexceed352kgor776lbs.
THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE
C⁄ TR
4Q2 ⁄ LA43 ACV30L--CEPGKA A ⁄TM: --01A ⁄ U241E MADE IN U.S.A. 08270 00000000000000000 KENTUCKY, INC.
⁄ 04 AOFAMERICA MFG., INC. 06⁄’10 CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLEFEDEVEHICLE SAFETYAND THEFT PREVENTION EFFECTON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE V.I.N.: 00000000000000000 TYPE:MPV A AA5 --NH737M --A --A 4894LBS) TIRESIZE RIMSIZE 2546LBS)P235/55R18 99V 18X7 1⁄2J 2381LBS)P235/55R18 99V 18X7 1⁄2J TWC/HO2S/WR-HO2S/CAC/TC/DFI 2.3L-Group:GFMXV02.3VJW Evap:GFMXR0125NBVABZ Order Labels From Our Easy To Use App New and Improved ADL App Now Available! Auto Data Labels To Visit Our Website SCAN HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT AUTO DATA LABELS: visit our website at www.AutoDataLabels.com email us at labels@AutoDataLabels.com or call us at (631) 667-2382 4 EASY WAYS TO ORDER LABELS! Contact Us : Contact your LKQ/Keystone Local Sales Rep Upload your photos to the Website: www.AutoDataLabels.com Email your photos: Labels@AutoDataLabels.com Use the App: Download the ADL App And Upload your Photos
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A routine trip to an auto repair shop turned into a nightmare for Cassie Beeson, who told KFOR News 4 her Ford Focus was left undrivable after Five Star Automotive and Exhaust in Shawnee, OK, performed more work than she authorized.

Beeson’s initial visit to the shop, led by owner Roger Channon, was to replace a timing chain, a task she was told would take no more than a week and cost $700.

However, as the days turned into weeks, Beeson’s optimism faded. Despite being told her car was fixed and merely awaiting cleaning, the narrative took a turn when Channon later claimed the entire engine needed replacing, quoting an additional $1,800 to $2,000 for the work. Beeson retrieved her vehicle, only to learn from another mechanic the engine was indeed compromised due to what appeared to be an excessive dismantling and potential misuse of tools by Channon.

Channon’s defense was that

upon discovering oil sludge and various engine codes indicating synchronization issues, he felt compelled to conduct further disassembly and cleaning without intending to charge Beeson extra. Beeson’s new mechanic contested the presence of significant oil sludge and noted a trend of vehicles from Channon’s shop arriving in worsened conditions.

The ordeal culminated in Beeson receiving a partial refund of $400 from the initial $700 payment, with Channon citing expenses on parts, the receipts for which were allegedly lost to theft from his truck---an incident he attributed to his own oversight during adverse weather conditions.

Beeson, now without a reliable vehicle for her medical appointments and wary of further financial strain, shared her experience as a cautionary tale, urging car owners to thoroughly vet their mechanics to avoid similar predicaments.

30 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
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BASF Announces Blended Learning Approach

All BASF customers go through a certification process. Until today, this process involved a twoday mandatory training where attendees completed in person classroom learning and handson training.

To reduce travel expenses and time away from the shop floor, BASF has converted one day of in-class instruction to online training hosted in its Learning University. This blended learning approach allows customers to start training whenever and wherever they are and still benefit from the face-to-face portion.

The online learning portion is comprised of eight to 10 modules, with an assessment after each module instead of a final exam. Once the online portion is complete, customers can schedule their in-person class at the location of their choice, where they will receive face-to-face training and assessment. Participants will have 45 days to finish this process and can access their certificate of completion online.

Foundation Automotive Donates $30K To Wichita Falls, TX, Community

Foundation Automotive of Wichita Falls, TX, made contributions totaling more than $30,000 to various local causes throughout 2023, capping off the year with a $2,320 donation to The Salvation Army in December.

“Our commitment to the Wichita Falls community is at the heart of everything we do,” said Kevin Kutschinski, owner of Foundation Automotive. “Supporting The Salvation Army allows us to help meet human needs in a very direct and meaningful way, especially during the holiday season.”

In November, a similar contribution was made to Hospice of Wichita Falls. “Hospice of Wichita Falls plays a crucial role in our community, and we are honored to support their mission of providing compassionate care,” said Brad Rodgers, general manager.

The dealership also extended its generosity through a toy drive for Faith Refuge for Women and Children, aiming to brighten the holiday season for children in need.

“Every child deserves joy,” said Corey Byrd, president and COO of Foundation Automotive.

Other notable contributions throughout the year included a $3,000 donation to the DAV Golf Tournament in support of veterans, a $2,500 contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association to combat the disease, and a partnership with Child Care Partners for the 2023 Baby Bowl.

Foundation Automotive also has a partnership with Meals on Wheels of Wichita Falls; a portion of the profit from every vehicle sold goes to the organization, and dealership management helps personally deliver meals.

Other significant contributions included donations to the Maskat Shrine, support for the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra, and involvement in the Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration.

The collective efforts of Foundation Automotive have not only provided substantial financial support but have also

raised awareness and fostered community involvement in various causes, from arts and culture to health and welfare. The dealership’s contributions have been instrumental in strengthening the community fabric of Wichita Falls, earning them praise from local organizations such as the United Regional Foundation.

As Foundation Automotive of Wichita Falls looks forward to another year of partnership, philanthropy and positive impact, it invites the community to join in its ongoing efforts to support and enrich the lives of those around it.

32 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
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Aims Community College Students Excel in Regional SkillsUSA Competition

A group of talented students from Aims Community College made a mark at the SkillsUSA Regional Competition, demonstrating exceptional skills in auto body and repair. Hosted at the Aims Automotive & Technology Center on the Colorado-based school’s Windsor Campus, the event saw participation from 22 contenders from Aims and Morgan community colleges.

The competition, held Feb. 8, was divided into three primary areas: collision repair, refinishing and damage appraisal and estimating. Participants were assessed across both high school and college divisions, with their tasks graded on a strict points scale that reflected national standards, competency, safety and professionalism.

Five Aims students earned their place in the upcoming state competition, thanks to their outstanding performances. Mario Saenz clinched first place in the college collision repair category, while in refinishing,

Kayleigh Kerr, Drew Ayres and Jesse Manuel secured the first three positions, respectively. Lucian Simpson topped the high school division in refinishing.

The event, judged by more than 20 industry representatives, shop managers and forepersons from Denver, Cheyenne and Northern Colorado, was not just a competition but also a potential job fair for the participants. Mike Hanscome , an Aims automotive instructor and advisor for the SkillsUSA team, emphasized the importance of the competition as an opportunity for students to stand out to potential employers.

“Every student, whether they place at the top or the bottom on that day, is a prospect for employers,” Hanscome said.

The top finishers will progress to the Colorado State Leadership and Skills Conference scheduled for April 9-11 in Pueblo, with an eye on the national competition in Atlanta later in June.

Rental car company Hertz has halted its plans to purchase EVs from Polestar, on the heels of slowing down its electrification strategy by selling off some of the EVs it already owned.

After a filing in January revealed Hertz decided to cut its EV fleet by around 20,000 vehicles, CEO Stephen Scherr reportedly asked Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath to pause purchases in 2024, according to a report from the Financial Times. Ingenlath said the automaker agreed to waive requirements to purchase a certain number of Polestar EVs this year, so long as Hertz agrees to avoid selling the vehicles early, or for significantly cheaper than they were purchased.

According to Ingenlath, the companies agreed Hertz would “keep the cars longer than a year, we work with them, and we have the right to first refusal whenever

they want to take them out of the fleet.”

Polestar has sold Hertz about 13,000 of the 65,000 units agreed upon in the 2022 deal. Despite the pause on 2024 sales, Ingenlath said the companies have a “clear intention” to reintroduce large-scale Polestar sales in the future, though they’ll “have to review at the time” whether to reboot the company’s EV sales in 2025.

In January, Hertz started selling off some of its Tesla inventory, ahead of the company’s filing stating it was looking to slash its EV fleet.

The news comes just days after reports suggested Polestar’s parent company, Volvo, could be preparing to off-load Polestar, with Volvo owner Geely set to take over. It also comes after Polestar announced plans to cut around 15% of its global workforce, and just months after the automaker entered production of the Polestar 4 crossover SUV.

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Lincoln Closes 100 Dealerships, Targets

Further Reductions

In an effort to refine its brand presence and keep pace with luxury market dynamics, Lincoln announced Jan. 25 it closed approximately 100 U.S. dealerships last year, a record number for the company, as it aims to realign its retail footprint with that of other premium brands. Lincoln, the luxury arm of the Ford Motor Co., is undergoing this transformation through individual negotiations with dealers, said Anika SalcedaWycoco, a spokesperson for Lincoln. However, details of these buyouts remain undisclosed. The decision follows a period where Lincoln’s U.S. sales dipped by 2% in 2023, reaching nearly 82,000 vehicles, contrasting with a 9% increase in Cadillac sales and a near 24% surge for Lexus.

“Our priority is to be where the luxury clients are and where the luxury market is,” said SalcedaWycoco. The reduction in dealership count is part of a broader, multi-year consolidation strategy. Lincoln ended 2023 with about 500 dealerships, a significant decrease

from 685 in 2021. The brand’s goal is to bring this number down to approximately 400 by the end of this year. This shift is also seen in the brand’s focus on exclusive, luxury experience-oriented dealerships. Currently, Lincoln boasts 164 brand-exclusive locations, including 58 boutique-style “vitrine” stores, with plans to add 23 more this year.

The trend of dealership closures is not unique to Lincoln. Buick, part of General Motors Co., reported a 47% reduction in its dealer count after initiating a buyout program in 2022. This program brought down Buick’s U.S. dealers from 2,000. Cadillac also saw a significant reduction in its dealer count through a similar initiative. Automotive News initially reported these developments in the luxury automobile sector, highlighting the industry’s ongoing adjustments to meet changing consumer preferences and market conditions. Lincoln’s move mirrors a broader trend in the luxury automotive market, focusing on quality and exclusivity over quantity.

Castle Rock Autoplex Donates $150,000+ To Colorado Community in 2023

Castle Rock Autoplex made a substantial contribution to its community of Castle Rock, CO, donating more than $150,000 to various local initiatives in 2023. The dealership’s efforts span from attending and sponsoring local events to making significant financial contributions, particularly to causes that benefit

same way it shows up for us.”

The largest single donation from Castle Rock Autoplex in 2023 was to the Children’s Fund at the Children’s Hospital Colorado, amounting to more than $26,000. This donation was part of a continued initiative where $10 from every vehicle sold was contributed to the fund.

“This is an impactful way for our team to pay it forward and help people in our local community,” said Travis Van Spronsen, managing partner at Castle Rock Chevrolet GMC.

children and local organizations.

“Castle Rock is a fantastic place to live, work and raise our families,” said Jose Medina, managing partner at Castle Rock Ford and Castle Rock CDJR. “We want to show up for the community the

Apart from the Children’s Hospital Colorado, Castle Rock Autoplex’s philanthropic reach extended to a wide array of community projects and organizations in 2023, including Toys For Tots, the Patrick Surtain II Foundation and the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo, among others.

Castle Rock Autoplex looks forward to continuing its philanthropic efforts into 2024.

34 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Castle Rock Autoplex proudly announced its philanthropic efforts from 2023, contributing more than $150,000 to various community initiatives
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Austin Dealership Accused of Sexual Harassment, Retaliation

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged South Austin Nissan, operated by NICPA Central Auto Group, LLC, with subjecting female employees to sexual harassment and retaliating against those who reported it.

The lawsuit, filed by the EEOC, detailed how three managers at the Austin, TX, car dealership engaged in “egregious and persistent” sexual harassment towards female staff. The managers are accused of making unsolicited physical contact, issuing inappropriate comments about the employees’ appearances and personal relationships, and promoting a culture where sexual discussions and videos were commonplace.

Among the allegations is that managers encouraged female sales staff to dress provocatively with the motto “show more, sell more,” linking job performance with sexualized appearance. Several female employees, unable to endure this hostile

environment, were reportedly forced to resign.

The case further alleged employees who reported the harassment faced retaliation. Reports to the company’s human resources director and chief operating officer led to no meaningful investigation or corrective action, the lawsuit said. Instead, those who spoke out, including a male manager, were transferred, faced pay cuts or, in one case, termination.

“It is unacceptable for a manager to suggest to women that their bodies are their best contribution in the workplace,” said Shannon Black, an EEOC trial attorney. Black emphasized the aggravating factor of employer inaction in cases of reported harassment.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, and seeks back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and injunctive remedies. These include stronger oversight for investigating sexual harassment and discrimination.

The U.S. new-vehicle market experienced a slowdown in sales pace in January, despite a drop in average transaction prices (ATP) and an increase in buyer incentives, per Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive company. The report indicates a significant reduction in new-vehicle ATPs at $47,401, marking a 2.6% decrease from December 2023 and a 3.5% decline compared to January of the previous year. “It is common to see lower transaction prices and sales in January, as December typically is a hot month for luxury vehicle sales,” said Erin Keating, an executive analyst for Cox Automotive. “However, the year-over-year new-vehicle ATP decline of 3.5% is notable.” She added that prices have been on a downward trend for about six months, driven by automakers’ efforts to enhance deals to sustain sales. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), an indicator of sales pace, was 15.0 million in January, a decline from 16.1 million in December 2023 and

below the 15.1 million rate from January 2023. This slowdown occurred despite dealers and manufacturers increasing discounts and incentives, which averaged 5.7% of ATP in January, up from 5.5% in December and significantly higher than the 2.8% average in January 2023 when new-vehicle inventory was considerably lower. Luxury vehicles and full-size pickup trucks saw some of the highest discounts, while incentives for small pickups, full-size SUVs and minivans remained below the industry average, at less than 3% of ATP. The luxury vehicle segment, in particular, witnessed a decrease in prices, with the average price for a luxury brand vehicle dropping to $60,978, the lowest since the summer of 2021, and year-overyear price declines in luxury cars and compact SUVs reaching 9.7% and 11.9%, respectively.

The report also highlighted the revised EV transaction price data, reflecting the ongoing downward pressure on electric vehicle prices.

36 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
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Ford, GM Taking Steps To Build More Affordable EVs

Ford and GM both recently announced moves to help improve affordability – and profitability – of their electric vehicle offerings.

Ford is developing its nextgeneration EVs to “surprise customers and be profitable within a year of launch,” CFO John Lawler said during the company’s recent 2023 earnings presentation, while GM announced the appointment of former Tesla executive Kurt Kelty as the new vice president of batteries.

During Ford’s earnings presentation, CEO Jim Farley disclosed plans to concentrate on EVs in sectors where Ford holds a competitive edge, such as trucks and vans.

“Our next Gen 2 products will be profitable in the first 12 months of their launch,” Farley assured.

Farley said two years ago, Ford formed a “super-talented skunkworks team” tasked with creating a low-cost EV platform, which led to the development of a versatile platform that can underpin a range of vehicle types while supporting a vast ecosystem of software and services.

The push for affordability and

efficiency is not just about staying competitive; it’s a response to the evolving market dynamics and consumer expectations.

customers. “We learned that as you scale EVs to 5,000 to 7,000 units a month and you move into the early majority customer, they are not

“All of our EV teams are ruthlessly focused on cost and efficiency in our EV products because the ultimate competition is going to be the affordable Tesla and … Chinese OEMs,” Farley said.

Farley admitted past missteps, particularly in understanding the price sensitivity of mainstream EV

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At GM, Kelty, known for his role in Tesla’s battery development, will bring more than three decades of experience, with the mission to enhance battery technology and reduce costs.

Kelty, set to begin his role

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The hiring comes at a time when GM is under pressure to make its EV segment profitable, amidst reliance on revenue from its traditional gaspowered vehicles. CEO Mary Barra has projected profitability in the EV sector later this year.

GM President Mark Reuss said Kelty’s background in battery chemistry development, supply chain establishment and system partnerships will be instrumental in achieving GM’s ambitious electrification goals and establishing the company as a frontrunner in EV technology.

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M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 8am-3pm sstallcup@audifortworth.com oreyna@audifortworth.com www.audifortworth.com

Audi Grapevine

Dallas/Fort Worth

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Audi Plano

Dallas/Fort Worth

214.452.3830

214.452.3855 Fax

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GOP Governors Want To Stop Biden’s EV Mandate

A group of Republican governors is calling on President Joe Biden to halt his electric vehicle mandate proposal.

In a letter to the president, the governors said they aren’t opposed to electric vehicles, but rather overreaching federal government mandates that “penalize retailers and do not reflect the will of the consumer” in the U.S.

“Even with deep price cuts, manufacturers’ incentives and generous government funding, federal mandates on electric vehicles are unrealistic,” the governors wrote.

The EPA is pushing for twothirds of vehicles in the U.S. to be battery-powered by 2032 in an effort to help combat manmade climate change and reduce America’s dependency on oil.

The administration has taken steps in recent months to build more charging stations, but lack of infrastructure is an issue for the governors. They add in the letter there’s a concern about “grid

capacity and reliability.”

Thousands of car dealerships have also signed on to a letter asking the Biden administration to “tap the brakes” on the EV mandate proposal, The Center Square previously reported.

are appealing, the reality is that the lack of a strong, domestic marketplace makes electric vehicles prohibitively expensive for the American consumer.”

Republicans who signed on to the letter are Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders, Idaho Gov. Brad

Little, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Louisiana Gov.

Jeff Landry, Missouri

Gov. Mike Parson, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, Nebraska Gov.

Jim Pillen, Nevada Gov.

Joe Lombardo, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, North Dakota

Gov. Doug Burgum, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, South Dakota Gov.

Kristi Noem, Texas Gov.

“There are a number of reasons why consumers are leaving these cars on dealership lots—the cost, the infrastructure required, and the battery content requirements are untenable for today’s car buyers,” the governors’ letter said. “Even if consumers determine over time that battery electric vehicles

Greg Abbott, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon

“Ultimately, we must continue to maintain consumer choice. Your mandates are unrealistic, costly and prescriptive solutions that harm American consumers,” the governors wrote.

PPG announced the launch of the PPG ADJUSTRITE® Repair Management tool, the latest feature of the PPG AdjustRite commercial estimating system, which provides enhanced productivity for commercial vehicle repairs.

The mobile-friendly platform offers technicians a time clock system and automated tracking of work hours per repair order. Shop managers and estimators benefit from a centralized approach to delegate tasks, gain insights from productivity metrics and efficiency data, and use dynamic charts for a thorough overview of repair orders and technician activities.

The PPG AdjustRite system is the first and only commercial estimating tool that considers the overall repair process, including overhaul, overlap, included operations, additional operations and additional parts or materials associated with the repair.

Learn more at www. adjustrite.com.

40 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
The letter said the governors oppose overreaching federal government mandates. Image via Shutterstock.
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CERTIFIED PARTS WHOLESALING DEALERS

The only parts that perform as great as they look. Give your customers the power to drive a vehicle you’re both proud of. These trusted Ford dealers below have the OEM parts you need. Place your order today.

ARIZONA

Earnhardt Ford

CHANDLER

480-763-6233

480-783-4655 Fax www.earnhardtford.com

Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa

MESA

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480-530-9708 Fax

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Peoria Ford

PEORIA

623-977-9612

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Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-5 rmadison@vtaig.com

COLORADO

Larry H. Miller Ford Lakewood

LAKEWOOD

800-332-3722

720-481-2460

303-991-4134 Fax

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Schomp Ford

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303-343-1396

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Bob Howard Parts

OKLAHOMA CITY

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Hours: M-F 8am - 5:30pm sales@bhpdc.com www.bhpdc.com

United Ford PDC

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WHOLESALE DIRECT

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Helfman Ford

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autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS MARCH 2024 41

Summit Partners Invests in CollisionRight

CollisionRight, a collision repair shop consolidator in the U.S., on Jan. 30 announced a majority investment from Summit Partners, a growth equity investment firm.

The new capital will help support CollisionRight’s growth plan, which is focused on acquiring and operating highquality, customer-friendly collision repair shops across the central and Mid-Atlantic regions.

CollisionRight founder and CEO Rich Harrison will retain significant equity ownership in the business by investing alongside Summit, as will several other members of the company’s senior management team.

Founded in 2020, CollisionRight has acquired 89 shops in the past 3.5 years, establishing the company as one of the leading consolidators and providers of collision repair services in the U.S. The company and its skilled repair technicians aim to provide high-quality, reliable repairs for consumers, using modern technology, paint

reliable partner to the company’s insurance carrier partners who pay for the overwhelming majority of repairs undertaken by CollisionRight.

leader in the collision repair industry, and we are excited to help Rich and his team extend this leadership position,” said John Carroll, a managing

“Partnering with Summit will help CollisionRight enter a new and expanded era of growth,” said Harrison. “Summit’s growth focus and commitment to operational excellence align with our desire to continue to partner with the country’s best shop operators and provide the driving public with timely and high-quality repairs. Our goal is to create an industry leader that will set the standard for growth, excellence and customer service. We are confident that partnering with Summit will help us to achieve that goal.”

“CollisionRight has quickly

director at Summit Partners who will join Harrison on the CollisionRight Board of Directors.

“The collision repair industry remains highly fragmented, large and, in our view, very attractive,” said Robert Grady, an advisory partner at Summit who will also join the CollisionRight Board of Directors. “We look forward to working closely with the CollisionRight team to capitalize on this opportunity and enhance the company’s position as a growing, high-quality, customerfocused company.”

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Subaru Superstore of Chandler

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Mon.-Fri. 7-6; Sat. 7-5 WholesaleWest@ShopSubaru.com

Flatirons Subaru Boulder (303) 443-2919 (303) 442-1342 Fax

Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6; Sat. 8-5 parts@flatironsimports.com

Opus IVS Is I-CAR Sustaining Partner

I-CAR announced Opus IVS™ has joined its Sustaining Partner Program.

Opus IVS’s commitment to I-CAR’s Sustaining Partner Program aligns perfectly with the increasing demand for advanced training and support in navigating the complexities of modern vehicle repairs. By investing in education and professional development, Opus IVS and other I-CAR sustaining partners are contributing to a safer and more proficient automotive repair ecosystem. Collaboration across the industry is crucial for relevant educational and technical solutions, particularly in response to the accelerating technological advancements requiring specialized knowledge and skills for proper repairs.

Sustaining partners play an important role in advancing I-CAR’s vision by actively contributing to the funding of I-CAR’s work, which in turn supports repair facilities and schools across the industry.

LOUISIANA

Baldwin Subaru Covington

(888) 310-9605

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Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6; Sat. 8-3 lrose@baldwinmotors.com

TEXAS

Five Star Subaru Grapevine (877) 308-9055

Direct (817) 438-1732 parts@subarugrapevine.com www.subarugrapevine.net

Huffines Subaru

Corinth

(888) 928-2978

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(940) 497-2920 Fax

Mon.-Fri. 7-7; Sat. 8-5 les.hickman@huffines.net

42 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
ARIZONA COLORADO
Think Genuine Subaru Parts. ’re focused on getting you the Genuine Parts you need — fast and competitively priced. Put us to the test on your next Subaru repair or service job. The following dealerships are eager to serve your needs. Call your local Subaru collision parts specialist today!

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Horne Kia

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Houston

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St. George

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U.S. House Passes Tax Bill That Could Benefit Auto Repair Businesses

On Jan. 31, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, by a vote of 357-70. It will now move on to the U.S. Senate.

The bill, introduced by House Ways and Means Committee

Chairman Jason Smith, R-MO, and Senate Finance Committee

Chairman Ron Wyden, D-OR, aims to alleviate financial strains faced by independent repair shops, grappling with rapid technological advancements and an evolving automotive landscape, as they will need to continue to invest in facility and equipment upgrades, some of which may require taking on debt.

This tax proposal would:

Reclassify interest paid on certain business loans as allowable deductions.

Provide for a 100% bonus depreciation allowance for qualified property—such as equipment and vehicles—acquired and placed in service between Dec. 31, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2026.

Raise the maximum amount a business may expense for qualifying property from $1 million (reduced by the amount by which the cost exceeds $2.5 million) to $1.29 million (reduced by the amount by which the cost exceeds $3.22 million), adjusting for inflation for taxable years after 2024.

“Advancing the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act closer to enactment is a huge win for independent automotive repairers.”
BOB REDDING
ASA’S WASHINGTON, D.C., REPRESENTATIVE

One provision in the framework of significant consequence to many repair business’ employees is the expansion to the Child Tax Credit. The bill would:

Change how the maximum refundable credit is calculated by including consideration for the number of children in a household.

Increase the maximum perchild limit from $1,600 to $1,800 for tax year 2023, along with annual increases to the cap adjusted for inflation each ensuing year through 2025.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) applauded and expressed its gratitude to the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 7024.

“Advancing the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act closer to enactment is a huge win for independent automotive repairers. The U.S. House of Representatives sent a strong message, through yesterday’s vote, that small businesses—like those represented by ASA— deserve a chance to thrive,” said Bob Redding, ASA’s Washington, D.C., representative. “H.R. 7024 helps make that vision possible. Many thanks to U.S. House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith for his leadership in putting this package together. ASA eagerly awaits the Senate’s consideration and passage of this bill so that it may ultimately receive the president’s signature.”

RM, a leading brand of BASF, has introduced the RMC1000, a groundbreaking one-coat clear solution in the refinish paint market, offering time savings and potential revenue growth.

Unlike traditional 1.5-coat clears that require a flashoff time and a second coat, RMC1000’s advanced formula enables application in just one wet coat, followed by 30 minutes of drying at 140 F°. This method eliminates the need for a second coat and flash-off time.

The impact of this time efficiency is substantial. With RMC1000, body shop owners can save at least 10 minutes per job, translating to more than $500,000 in additional annual revenue.

Beyond revenue, RMC1000 also offers notable environmental benefits. Swapping a 1.5-coat clear with RMC1000 can result in significant energy saving — about $2,000 annually — and a reduction of 7,000 pounds in CO2 emissions.

44 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
BASF Introduces OneCoat Clear THESE DEALERS ARE GENUINE WHOLESALE PARTS SPECIALISTS. Stevinson Toyota East AURORA 800-332-5877 303-341-2396 303-360-7881 Fax M-F 7-6; Sat 8-5 bhimelstieb@stevinsonauto com Sterling McCall Toyota HOUSTON 800-231-1440 713-270-3942 Fax M-F 7am-7pm; Sat 7am-4pm Toyota of Laredo LAREDO 888-818-5176 956-718-4259 Fax M-F 7:30am-6pm; Sat 8:30am-5pm www�toyotaoflaredo�com Vic ToyotaVaughan of Boerne BOERNE 210-870-1809 210-870-1802 Fax M-F 7am-7pm; Sat 7am-5pm tobparts@toyotaofboerne com Brent Brown Toyota OREM 801-224-4004 801-224-8042 Fax M-F 8am-6pm; Sat 8am-5pm Chrisj@brentbrownauto com www brentbrowntoyota com
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Tesla Fan Drawing Imagines Reported Upcoming $25K EV

Tesla’s rumored Redwood EV is now hitting the news cycle as a new report was released Jan. 24, indicating the car could make its way to market next year.

Naturally, the EV, which could potentially cost roughly $25,000 in hopes of reaching a lower price point to encourage more drivers to switch to a Tesla, has already been imagined in fan renders.

These renders were sent to Teslarati by Tine Rusc, who imagined the Redwood EV as a “Cyberhatch.” As the EV is being looked at as a compact crossover, this hatch-equipped EV seems to fit the bill as what Tesla could bring to market, and it would undoubtedly bring more space and cargo for owners.

Rusc drew inspiration from the Cybertruck, potentially somewhat of a template for this vehicle, according to CEO Elon Musk’s recent biography. Tesla could potentially design more than one vehicle based on the Cybertruck, including the $25,000 EV.

A fan of Musk, Rusc said it was easy to think of a car design that would fit what Tesla wants to bring to market.

The look he desired for this vehicle was an ode to the most brilliant minds in both automotive and science in the past 100 years.

Edison , Enzo Ferrari , Elon and similar, passionately push the limits of what’s deemed possible.”

“The company has always been a tremendous source of inspiration for me. I’ve closely followed Elon Musk’s interviews, learning a great deal and developing immense respect and admiration for him,” Rusc told Teslarati.

“These designs have to be not just special but slightly different, pushing the boundaries of excellence, possibly aiming to be the best in their class, if not the world. It’s a nod of appreciation to those who, like Nikola Tesla ,

A report from Reuters on Jan. 24 said Tesla has already started reaching out to suppliers to prepare for its affordable EV that would be built upon its nextgeneration platform.

Tesla plans to build about 10,000 units per week, according to the report, and production would begin around June 2025.

Tesla reportedly studied some affordable vehicles over the past few years to figure out where manufacturing could be simplified to reach low pricing.

The company is rumored to have torn apart a Honda Civic, a vehicle produced in a conventional way while being highly affordable and extremely popular.

It also could end up being the vehicle that leans into Tesla’s plans for a robotaxi fleet, which the automaker has hoped to develop for years.

46 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
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Tesla fan Tine Rusc drew what he thinks the Tesla Redwood might look like based on what he read in a recent biography on Elon Musk.

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autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS MARCH 2024 47 Bob Utter Kia 903.891.7304 24hr Fax 2433 Texoma Parkway Sherman, TX 75090 903.892.5967 Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm Sat 7:30am-1pm • Dedicated Wholesale Staff • Competitive Prices • Perfect Fit Everytime • Fast Free Delivery • Large Inventory • Extended Warranty www.bobutterkia.com ALL the Genuine Kia Parts You Need Parts M-F 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 1pm Trust only Genuine OEM Parts 1101 Hw y 114 West Grapevine, TX 76051 866-410-6140 817-410-6145 24 Hr. Fax Toll Free Parts Direct 817-410-6140 Huge Inventory of Collision and Mechanical Parts Onsite Updated Daily Dedicated Team of GM Wholesale Parts Professionals Ready to Assist You Fleet of 10 Vehicles Delivering to Northern TX, OK, AR and LA Competitive Discounts and Conquest Price Matching Available Your Source for OEM GM Parts & Powertrains in Texas www.classicchevy texas.com par ts@classicchevrolet.com Se Habla Espanol Mon-Fri 7am-7pm Sat 8am-3pm 972-438-7620 972-815-2834 24 Hour Fax Superior Service Starts with Superior Parts. We are Your Source for Mazda Genuine Parts • Team of friendly wholesale parts specialists • Contact us about next day delivery throughout Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana • Contact us about Collision and Mechanical Price Matching 1800 East Airport Freeway l Irving , TX 75062 FREEMAN MAZDA Wholesale Direct YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE AT THE FIRST REPAIR. Original BMW Parts & Accessories. Texas BMW of Dallas Dallas 800-245-7269
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Vehicle Dependability Declines in 3-Year Ownership

Owners are finding their vehicles less reliable over three years of ownership, a recent study by J.D. Power revealed. The 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) showed an increase in problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), marking a concerning trend in long-term vehicle dependability.

The study, which spans 184 specific problem areas in nine major vehicle categories, found the industry average for problems has risen to 190 PP100, up from 186 PP100 in the previous year. This deterioration in dependability is surprising, given that J.D. Power’s VDS model results typically mirror those of the Initial Quality Study for the same model year.

“This can likely be attributed to the tumultuous time during which these vehicles were built, and owners are keeping their vehicles for much longer,” said Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power.

Infotainment systems have emerged as a significant source

of frustration for vehicle owners, with issues in this category nearly doubling those in the next-highest category, exterior. Connectivity problems with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with built-in voice recognition difficulties, are the most prevalent issues.

Additionally, the study highlights growing annoyance with driver assistance system alerts, which increase over time rather than becoming more familiar to the driver. This includes

alerts from features such as lane departure warning and forward collision warning.

Electrified vehicles, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), are reported to have more problems than their gas-powered and hybrid counterparts. BEVs, in particular, pose the most issues, with a significant number of owners having to replace tires within the first three years of ownership.

Despite the overall downturn in dependability, Toyota Motor Corporation stood out for its high number of segment awards, the most received by any automaker since 2017. Lexus, a Toyota brand, ranked highest overall in vehicle dependability for the second consecutive year.

The most improved brands in terms of reduced problems per 100 vehicles include Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota.

The 2024 study was based on responses from more than 30,000 original owners of 2021 model-year vehicles.

Mitchell 1 Offers Scholarship

Mitchell 1 has opened applications for its annual Automotive Technology Scholarship, which includes a $2,500 award, an additional $500 check and roundtrip airfare and accommodations for the recipient and a guest to attend the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference, July 22-25 in Indianapolis, IN.

Eligibility is limited to U.S. and Canadian citizens who are either high school seniors enrolled in auto shop repair courses or current college students majoring in automotive technology. Applicants must have a nomination from their NACAT instructor, maintain a minimum overall 3.0 grade point average, and plan to attend or be already enrolled in an accredited college or university.

By applying through the Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Central website at www. AutomotiveScholarships.com, students not only apply for the Mitchell 1 scholarship but are also considered for multiple other scholarships for which they may be eligible. The deadline is March 31.

48 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Survey respondents reported nearly twice as many issues with their cars’ infotainment systems as in the nexthighest category, exterior. Image via Shutterstock.
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303-761-5161

303-789-6737 Fax

M-F 7am - 6pm; Sat 8am - 4pm wholesaleparts@elwaydealers.net

New Mexico

Garcia Cadillac GM Parts ALBUQUERQUE

800-432-6944

505-884-9054

505-889-2950 Fax

M-F 7:30am - 5:30pm Sat 9am - 2pm parts288126@garciacars.com

Quality Buick GMC

ALBUQUERQUE

505-348-1234

505-247-7490 Fax

M-F 7am - 5:30pm Parts@qualitydeal.com

Oklahoma

Bob Howard Parts

OKLAHOMA CTY

800-888-3827

800-946-7278 Fax

M-F 8am - 5:30pm sales@bhpdc.com www.bhpdc.com

Marc Miller Buick GMC

TULSA

800-456-4700

918-828-7070 Parts Direct 918-828-7094 24 Hr. Fax M-F 8am - 5:30pm jerad@marcmillertulsa.com www.marcmillerbuickgmc.com

Texas

Classic Chevrolet GRAPEVINE

866-410-6140

817-410-6140 Parts Direct

817-410-6145 Fax

M-F 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 1pm parts@classicchevrolet.com www.classicchevytexas.com

Classic Elite Chevrolet Sugar Land SUGAR LAND

281-494-7273

800-800-7278

M-F 8am - 6pm; Sat 8am – 3pm rbattles@classicchevysugarland.com

Lawrence Hall Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac ABILENE

325-692-3590

325-698-7310 Fax

M-F 7:30am - 6pm dgarner@lawrencehall.com

Texas

Northside Chevrolet SAN ANTONIO

833-691-1440

210-308-8683 Fax

M-F 8am - 6pm Sat 7am - 4pm emartin@mynschevy.com www.mynschevy.com

Utah

Ken Garff Buick GMC RIVERDALE

800-821-8797

801-627-6762

800-390-1317 Fax

M-F 8am - 6pm

autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS MARCH 2024 49 Call Any of These Wholesale Parts Dealers Below Call Any of These Wholesale Parts Dealers Below
ON
GENUINE
INSIST
GM
PARTS
@GMParts.ACDelco GM Genuine Parts & ACDelco @GMParts_ACDelco @gmparts_acdelco

Co-President & Publisher

Nathan Gregory

Co-President & Publisher

Paul Stepanek

Editor

Abby Andrews

Contributing Writers

Mike Anderson, Stacey Phillips, Cole Strandberg, John Yoswick

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Joe Momber, Norman Morano, Steve Sklenar

Office Manager

Kelly Cashman

Digital Marketing Manager

Bryan Malinski

Art Director

Rodolfo Garcia

Senior Designer

Vicki Sitarz

Accounting & HR Manager

Heather Priddy

Permissions Editor

Randi Scholtes

Toyota Issues ‘Do Not Drive’ Warning For 50,000 Older Vehicles

A Toyota Takata airbag recall announcement warns owners of these older models to stop driving their vehicles until they are repaired:

Serving Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, Colorado, Arizona, Utah and adjacent metro areas. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher.

©2024 Autobody News, LLC.

Autobody News

P.O. Box 1516

Carlsbad, CA 92018 (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax

www.autobodynews.com

editor@autobodynews.com

• 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla

• 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix (Toyota Matrix)

• 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4

About 50,000 vehicles are involved in the Toyota Takata airbag recall do not drive warning.

Calling the airbag recall “URGENT,” Toyota said the airbags could explode and shoot metal fragments into vehicle occupants, primarily due to the age of the vehicles.

Toyota Corolla, Matrix and RAV4 owners should stop driving the vehicles and call their dealerships.

A Toyota dealer can visit the location of the vehicle and perform a mobile repair, or an owner can arrange to have the vehicle towed to the dealership for free.

Toyota will cover the cost of vehicle pickup and delivery.

Toyota will repair or replace the airbags, and owners can learn if their vehicles are affected by visiting Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix and Toyota RAV4 owners with questions or concerns may call the automaker at 800-331-4331.

50 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
MARKETPLACE Ditch the mask. Try our new line perfection tape. www.crashwrap.com | 888.264.3770 Our new and unique line perfection tape is abrasiveresistant and allows you to achieve crisp, sharp body lines. Sand directly on the durable tape surface without shredding. As tape wears, orange appears to warn of wear-through. • Works for blocking, sanding body filler and primer • Chemical resistant • Conforms to contours • Helps eliminate the need for constant reapplication of tape • Saves time and material Give it a try! We’ll send you a free roll of Perfect Line with any online purchase. (Expires 12/31/20) SAVES YOU TIME AND MONEY > EASY TO USE < Go to www.forkliftwrecker.com and watch our video. 877.593.6959 When all you need to do is move a vehicle , use: AUTOBODY Don’t Miss the Weekly Industry NEWS Your Shop Needs. Sign Up Free Today! www.autobodynews.com

The Biden-Harris Administration recently announced a more than $5 billion investment in semiconductor research, development and workforce initiatives, aimed at reinforcing U.S. leadership in the critical technology sector. This move, part of the broader CHIPS and Science Act, seeks to revitalize America’s role in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing, addressing both national security concerns and the need for a skilled workforce.

Semiconductors, the cornerstone of modern technology, were once a domain where the U.S. led globally. However, current figures show the U.S. producing less than 10% of the world’s supply, including none of the most advanced chips. This investment aims to reverse the trend of declining government R&D investment, which has fallen below 1% of GDP in recent years, by leveraging the CHIPS and Science Act’s historic funding provisions. The National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) is

the focal point of this initiative, representing a collaborative effort between government, industry, academia and other stakeholders to foster innovation and accelerate the commercialization of new technologies. The NSTC, supported by a public-private consortium, aims to ensure U.S. supremacy in next-generation semiconductor technologies through design, prototyping and piloting initiatives.

In addition to the NSTC, the investment plan includes significant funding for workforce development. The creation of a Workforce Center of Excellence and other programs aims to establish equitable training pathways, connecting Americans to high-quality jobs in this vital sector. These efforts are complemented by investments in other key R&D areas, such as the development of a semiconductor manufacturing digital twin institute and advancements in semiconductor packaging technologies.

autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS MARCH 2024 51
Biden Administration Pledges $5 Billion To Boost Semiconductor R&D Santa Fe Kia n Wide Delivery Area n Competitive Pricing 1701 Saint Michael’s Drive Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-982-1957 M-F 7:30am – 5:00pm Sat 8:00am – 12:00pm The Dealers Below Are Mercedes-Benz Genuine Parts Specialists: Finish It Like a Masterpiece with GENUINE PA RT S The Dealers Below Ar e Mer cedes-Benz GENUINE PA RT S Mercedes-Benz of Oklahoma City Edmond 800-657-2582 405-236-1224 405-272-1700 Fax M-F 7:30am - 6pm tmartin@mbokc.com OKLAHOMA Quarter Page (no bleed) | 4˝ x 5˝ Quality repairs and the possibility for quicker turnarounds—Genuine Volkswagen Collision Parts help provide the work your customers need at the speed of satisfaction. Find an authorized Volkswagen dealership near you at vwwholesaledealers.com “ Volkswagen” and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. ©2023 Volkswagen of America, Inc. Sometimes, “slow and steady” just isn’t an option 58720554-013-23-VW_2023_10Missions_Autobody_News_Wholesale_Assets_hz4.indd 1 7/31/23 5:41 PM LOUISIANA Southpoint Volkswagen Baton Rouge 800-291-0032 Direct 225-236-6194 Fax 225-236-6201 M-F 7:30am-6pm brvwpaulj@bellsouth.net TEXAS Ancira Volkswagen San Antonio 210-681-5050 Fax 210-684-5303 M-F: 7:30am – 6pm jperry@ancira.com SUPERIOR SERVICE STARTS WITH SUPERIOR PARTS. WE ARE YOUR SOURCE FOR MAZDA GENUINE PARTS. matthew.holmes@schomp.com www.schompmazda.com 505 S Havana Street | Denver, CO 80247 Monday-Friday 7:30 - 5:30 303-364-3368 Free Next Day Delivery Extensive Inventory Competitive Rates Friendly Parts Specialists

»

»

CRN shops.

Here is an example of a $2,250 estimate/order:

OEM Parts Share: 89% Total Earnings: $51

Once a shop gets above 90% share, rebates increase quickly. In this example, by purchasing only $150 more OEM parts, the rebate jumps up $50.

OEM Parts Share: 100% Total Earnings: $101

» New enrollments made between February 1 and April 30, 2024 are eligible*.

» After your enrollment date, purchase a minimum of $1,500 of OEM parts from an authorized Nissan and/or INFINITI dealer in 2 of the following 3 months after you enroll.

» Achieve 65-100% OEM market share per order.

» Fulfill all other requirements of Genuine Parts Direct Rebate Program*.

52 MARCH 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com Rev Up the Rebates
Shop earns 5%
on each dollar
Shop earns 10%
on each dollar
85%+ Shop earns 20% Rebate on each dollar remaining on that parts order *To participate in this program, collision centers must submit their entire estimate through the OPS platform. Rebates paid direct via OPSPay with an administrative fee of 5% of total rebate value. Caliber, Crash Champions, Service King, Joe Hudson, and Gerber Collision centers are not eligible for this program.**Shops must complete a minimum of two (2) RepairLogic™ repair plans per month on average over a 3-month period to qualify for the following month’s 1% rebate based on OEM share. The Nissan names, logos and slogans are trademarks owned by or licensed to Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and/or its North American subsidiaries. Always wear your seat belt and please don’t drink and drive. ©2024 Nissan North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Earn Rebates up to 20% when you use OPSTrax™ to order eligible Genuine Nissan Parts*
65-75%
Rebate
from 65-74.99% 75-85%
Rebate
from 75-84.99%
Rebates are based on achieving each level of OEM par ts share*.
an additional
Only
Nissan and INFINITI certified shops are eligible for an additional 2% rebate, 1% for being certified, and
1% with RepairLogic™ enrollment*.
available to active NNA
Add Up
Earn a $100 Sign-Up Bonus! CALL To get started! (877)873-8729 To learn more about the Nissan Direct Rebate Program visit oeconn.info/3w6fprb or scan the code:
Rebates
Fast

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