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CCC Names Top 3 Auto Industry Trends of 2023 2023 saw a continuation of the multiyear state of industry challenges and changes for the collision repair and insurance markets—one that requires both shops and carriers to explore new ways of operating and delivering on customer expectations. In its year-end report, CCC took a broader look at three key trends that defined the industry in 2023, from the alarming rise in vehicle thefts and vandalism to the intricate impact of labor strikes and the changing dynamics of total cost of repairs.

Crime Bureau (NICB), vehicle thefts remained on the rise in the first half of 2023—up 2% as compared to the first half of 2022. The U.S. saw more than 1 million vehicles stolen in 2022—the most since 2008—and a year over year increase of 7%. Of those vehicles stolen, more than 85% were recovered, including 34% on the same day of the theft. According to CCC data, total losses as a result of theft have exceeded 3% of all total losses since the fourth quarter of 2021, peaking at more than 4% in

42 YEARS

Vol. 42 / Issue 1 / January 2024 REGIONAL NEWS

Alliance United Insurance To Pay $1.1 Million Settlement For Delayed Claims Investigations Alliance United Insurance, a Los Angeles-based auto and casualty insurance provider, agreed to a $1.1 million settlement following allegations of inadequate and delayed investigations into auto accident claims, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced. While Alliance United did not admit wrongdoing, the company cooperated with prosecutors and is now taking steps to correct the identified violations, including implementing improved training for employees responsible for handling claims. The settlement stems from a civil lawsuit, led by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office with help

from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, as it pertained to Alliance United’s operations in both counties. Alliance United specializes in providing non-standard, high-risk auto policies, catering to a clientele that often includes individuals from lower-income and underrepresented communities. The civil lawsuit alleged Alliance United frequently failed to respond promptly to consumers making auto insurance claims and make its coverage decisions within the legal timeframe. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Armen Tamzarian signed the stipulated final judgment between prosecutors and Alliance l CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

REGIONAL NEWS

As CCC continues to monitor this data, it’s clear the auto repair and insurance sectors are navigating a complex terrain marked by significant shifts in consumer behavior, supply chain resilience, and market demands. 1. The Rise in Theft One concerning trend CCC observed this year is the escalating U.S. vehicle theft rates. Despite a high recovery rate, the sheer volume of stolen vehicles poses a challenge for the insurance industry, with domestic pickups being particularly vulnerable. According to the National Insurance

Q4 2022. While many media outlets have focused on thefts associated with Hyundai and Kia, which have contributed to the rise, the data says theft has been widespread regardless of vehicle type and origin. Based on CCC data through Q3 2023, domestic pickups have the highest rates of total loss due to theft—over 6% for each of the past eight quarters. Similarly, NICB reported full-size pickups represented 25% of the over one million vehicles stolen in 2022 (down from 33% in 2021). Despite the high recovery rates for stolen vehicles, claims resulting from

First Production Tesla Model S Donated To Petersen Auto Museum By Zachary Visconti Teslarati

The first-ever Tesla Model S to roll off the production line has been donated to an automotive museum in Los Angeles by its owner. Entrepreneur and early Tesla investor Steve Jurvetson donated his Tesla Model S P85 to the Petersen Automotive Museum, he shared on X on Nov. 29, along with photos of the vehicle.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 16

Columnist Mike Anderson: Adding for the Necessary Repair of

Adjacent Panels

Columnist Abby Andrews: How Collision Repairers Can Help Ensure We Have Technicians in 5 Years

Columnist Stacey Phillips: SUN Collision Introduces New Repair Package Designed to Simplify Blueprinting Process

Columnist John Yoswick: What You Need to Consider Before Selling Your Collision Repair Business

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Contents

COLUMNISTS Mike Anderson Adding for the Necessary Repair of Adjacent Panels �� 16

REGIONAL NEWS Alliance United Insurance to Pay $1.1 Million Settlement for Delayed Claims Investigations �� 1 Crash Champions Acquires Queen City Auto Rebuild in Redmond, WA � 17 First Production Tesla Model S Donated to Petersen Auto Museum � 1

Vista, CA �� 23 Orange County, CA, Auto Body Shop Owner Pleads Guilty to $1M Tax Evasion �� 13 Premium Auto Paint in Ontario, CA, Joins ProColor Collision �� 9

J & R Auto Body and Paint Unveils New State-of-the-Art Repair Shop in

Ex-GM Manager Convicted in $5M Bribery Scheme �� 32

AirPro Approved for Ford Programs 24

Fixing ADAS Systems Makes Up Over a Third of Collision Repair Costs �� 30

Bosch Joins CAPA’s Verification Program �� 28 CCC Names Top 3 Auto Industry Trends of 2023 ��1 CIECA Reactivates VDI/Estimating Committee �� 36 CIF to Host Annual Charity Gala for Crisis Relief �� 38 Consumer Reports: New Tech in EVs Still Working Out the Bugs �� 36 Crash Champions Donates $70K to Susan G. Komen �� 37 Dealerships Losing Ground to Independent Auto Repair Shops, Study Finds �� 28 Employers Benefit from ASE EntryLevel Certification �� 17

John Yoswick A Look Inside the Collision Repair Industry in the UK �� 18 Survey Examines How Frequently Auto Body Shops Bill, Get Paid for Procedures, Expenses ��6 What You Need to Consider Before Selling Your Collision Repair Business �� 10

Index of Advertisers

2023 SEMA Show Exceeds Attendees’ Expectations �� 26

Biden Administration Mulls Over EV Tax Credit Reprieve for Automakers 39

Stacey Phillips KECO Body Repair Products Introduces New Glue Pull Repair (GPR) Tools and Systems ��8 SUN Collision Introduces New

NATIONAL NEWS

Average Auto Loan Amount Declines in Q3 �� 37

Abby Andrews How Collision Repairers Can Help Ensure We Have Technicians in 5 Years �� 14

Repair Package Designed to Simplify Blueprinting Process �� 22

Ford Cuts Dealer EV Requirements Again �� 25 Insurers’ Efforts to Improve Profitability Drive Auto Policy Shopping �� 34 Northwood University Announces Master’s Degree �� 33 Repairify Now ASE Accredited for Training �� 32 Snap-on Showcases John Bean Tru-Point, More Award-Winning TSS Products at SEMA �� 12 Tesla to Address NHTSA’s 2 MillionVehicle Autopilot Recall with OTA Update �� 24 U.S. House of Representatives Passes Bill to Stop EPA Emissions Mandate 29 U.S. Invests $3.5 Billion in Domestic Battery Production �� 33 Wieländer+Schill Joins SCRS �� 29

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ADAS Calibration �� 13

Kia Downtown Los Angeles �� 39

American Chevrolet �� 25

Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 31

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 28

Kia of Carson �� 4

BMW Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 33

Kia of Irvine �� 23

Camp Chevrolet �� 26

Lithia Honda of Medford �� 30

Car-Part.com �� 17

Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 29

Car Pros Kia �� 36

Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers � 29

Car Pros Kia Renton �� 34

Michael Hohl Motor Company �� 16

Certified Automotive Parts Association �� 12

MINI Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 33

Chase Chevrolet �� 29

MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 27

Citrus Kia-Ford �� 16

Niello Audi �� 14

Classifieds �� 38

Nissan/Infiniti Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 19

Colortone Automotive Paints �� 22

NorthAmerican Bancard �� 9

Corwin Buick-GMC �� 30

Porsche Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 24

Courtesy Chevrolet San Diego �� 15

RelyOn Technologies �� 40

Dublin Chevrolet �� 18

Roseville Kia �� 32

FH Dailey Chevrolet �� 25

Sandberg Volvo Cars �� 10

Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 37

Santa Margarita Ford �� 34

Future Nissan of Roseville �� 12

Santa Monica Audi �� 32

Galpin Motors �� 11

Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 39

Garden Grove Kia �� 23

The Bay Area Automotive Group �� 7

GM Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 35

Vin Label Shop �� 8

Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers 20-21

Volkswagen Pasadena �� 36

Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 33

Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 24

Kendall Subaru of Marysville �� 8

Volvo Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 22

autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS JANUARY 2024 3

l CONTINUED FROM COVER

Industry Trends Of 2023 6 attempted thefts and other forms of vandalism are also on the rise. CCC repairable claims volume for vandalized vehicles was up almost 22% year-overyear in 2022 and is on pace to increase 10% in 2023. Total losses as a result of vandalism increased by 10% in 2022 and are on pace to see an increase of over 25% year-over-year. Vehicles produced in Asia accounted for 48% of all repairable vandalism claims in 2020; that share increased to over 60% in 2022 and is over 68% through Q3 2023. Asian autos 4 years or older have shown the greatest propensity for vandalism, which can be attributed to commonality and social media triggers which have prompted and perpetuated auto thefts. Theft of catalytic converters also surged this year, leading to widespread concern and preventive measures. NICB reported 64,701 catalytic converter thefts took place in 2022; this is almost 4X the count in 2020. Per their report, catalytic converters contain valuable rare earth metals (platinum, rhodium and palladium) and can fetch $50-250 or, for one from a hybrid, up to $800. CARFAX reported as many as 153,000 catalytic converter thefts might have occurred in 2022—almost 90,000 more events occurring than claims reported (likely due to vehicles not having applicable insurance coverage for the loss or insureds electing against filing a claim). Based on CCC’s data, more than 70% of catalytic converter claims in 2022 were for vehicles 7 or more years old; of those, 8.6% were total losses. Through the first half of 2023, 69.9% of catalytic converter claims were for vehicles 7 years or older, with 11.8% being deemed total losses. The average repairable catalytic converter claim had an average total cost of $1,415, made up primarily of replacement parts. Numerous actions are being taken to prevent catalytic converter theft in legislatures and law enforcement across the county. Vehicle owners can prevent catalytic converter theft by being more aware of where they park, including well-lit areas and garages, and having VIN numbers etched onto their vehicle’s catalytic converter which can also be painted with bright high-heat paint. A large national insurance carrier recently reported that catalytic converter thefts were down about 38% in 2023. However, it is unclear how much of that decline is related to an actual decrease in catalytic converter thefts, as this is based on filed claims. 2. The Impact of Strikes on Suppliers The repercussions of the recent UAW strikes also rippled through the industry,

underlining the critical role of suppliers and emphasizing the need for a more resilient supply chain. Based on historical experience, the strikes could result in increased cycle times over the next few months and potential nonOEM part price increases. Beyond the short-term impacts, the recent strikes highlighted the importance of suppliers. Suppliers account for 900,000 jobs in the automotive industry—six times the number of UAW workers at Ford, GM and Stellantis combined—and represent 2.5% of GDP. At the onset of the strike, concerns about the impact to suppliers and long-term effects on the supply chain were voiced. Gone are the days of raw material being transported into Michigan auto plants and seeing thousands of automobiles come out each day. More efficient, distributed operating models opened the door to the modern, global supply chain and the merits of on-time delivery. However, as we saw during the pandemic, this model is not immune to market pressures. Of the over 11,000 workers laid-off because of the UAW strikes, more than 3,400 were from suppliers. In context, the strikes resulted in $10.4 billion in economic losses and underscored uncertainty in the automotive industry. Suppliers accounted for almost a third of the economic losses from the strike; current estimates put the impact of strikes on suppliers of $3.3 billion. At the time of this writing, UAW workers have ratified contracts with Ford, GM and Stellantis. Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen have all increased wages for their U.S. plant workers on the heels of the aforementioned agreements. 3. The Vehicle Repair Cost Bubble In the auto collision segment, total cost of repairs (TCOR) experienced subtle fluctuations this year, influenced by factors like vehicle age mix and economic variables. CCC’s average TCOR has exhibited a modest increase in 2023, +4.6% through Q2, following the double-digit increases in 2021 and 2022 (+10.2% and 12.4% respectively). Only one of the key drivers of TCOR—labor—has had a major impact on TCOR thus far in 2023, while parts costs have remained relatively flat. Beneath the surface of these highly aggregated numbers lurks a possible cause for concern for the coming years—increases in new vehicle sales and a shift in vehicle age mix. S&P Global Mobility reported the average age for light vehicles was 12.5 years. This comes following a year that saw the lowest volume of new vehicle sales since the Financial Crisis (2007-2011), per the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Since 2018, CCC has seen vehicles seven

4 JANUARY 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

years or older account for an increasing share of overall repairable claims: from 35.5% in 2018 to 44.8% in 2023. Across all loss categories, the average TCOR is $4,451 through Q2 2023. Vehicles seven years or older have an average TCOR of $3,516 while the average TCOR for vehicles six years or newer is $5,211—almost $1,700 more than vehicles seven years or older. In other words, the aging vehicle pool is temporarily containing the average TCOR from ballooning even further. Had the vehicle age mix remained consistent with 2018, the average TCOR would currently stand at $4,657, an additional +4.6% greater than current. A few factors that exacerbated vehicle maturity over the past few years are decreased miles driven, new vehicle production, new vehicle costs and auto financing costs. Miles driven continue to recover and are +2.4% year-over-year through August. While work arrangements are still in flux, companies continue to reconsider return-to-office protocols. Average new vehicle prices remain around $48,000 with average APRs currently ranging from 7.4% to over 9%. 2022 new vehicle sales were at their lowest since the financial crisis, bottoming out in 2009 when 10.4 million new cars and light trucks were sold. New vehicle sales did not return to prerecession levels, until 2014. An average of 17.1 million new cars and light trucks

sold were annually between 2014 and 2019. As new vehicle sales volume continues to increase, the mix of older vehicles should begin to recede in favor of newer vehicles, though this could take 5-7 years to be reflected in the vehicle mix. At a modest 5% year-overyear increase in new vehicle sales, we might not expect to see pre-pandemic sales volumes until 2026. As we enter 2024, pay close attention to vehicle age mix shifts to stay ahead of the curve. Preparing for 2024 As we approach 2024, these interconnected industry themes paint a vivid picture of the current state, urging stakeholders to adapt and innovate in the face of change. The insights gleaned from these year-end trends can help shops, carriers and even policymakers toward more informed decisions. Acknowledging the challenges posed by theft, supply chain disruptions and shifting market dynamics is the first step toward devising proactive strategies. By staying vigilant and agile, the industry can harness insights to fortify its foundations, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future. In the coming years, vigilance, adaptability and a keen understanding of emerging trends will be paramount, enabling shops, carriers and even policymakers to navigate the everchanging landscape with confidence.

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Survey Examines How Frequently Auto Body Shops Bill, Get Paid For Procedures, Expenses By John Yoswick Autobody News

With used car values falling much of the past year, the percentage of collision-damaged vehicles being declared total losses is on the rise— and so too is the percentage of shops being reimbursed for the steps involved in processing total losses. That’s among the findings of a “Who Pays for What?” survey over the summer. “Because the process has continued to become more complex and time-consuming, shops are increasingly billing for the time they spend processing total losses, and rightly so,” said shop consultant Mike Anderson of Collision Advice, who

are seeing shops itemizing the steps involved, such as a repair plan fee, disassembly fee or OEM research time,” Anderson said. “With 93% of shops regularly billing for this added work, it will be interesting to watch how AI impacts total loss processing, identifying total loss vehicles earlier in the process, possibly avoiding many of these fees at the shop, as well as storage charges.”

Removing Coatings from Pinch Welds

State Farm direct repair shops say they are regularly paid for this operation, for example. That compares to just 61% of Progressive DRP shops that say that. Less than 2% of State Farm DRPs say the insurer “never” pays for this procedure, but more than 12% of Progressive DRP shops say Progressive “never” pays for it.

set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that you can’t check for without doing a post-repair scan in conjunction with reconnecting the battery.” On the reimbursement side of the equation, more than half of shops (57%) that bill for the battery reconnect procedures say they are regularly paid to perform them— even while about 1 in 4 shops have never sought to be paid for these OEMspecified procedures.

Just under 61% of shops taking the More on OEM Procedure Research “Who Pays” survey this past summer said they are paid “always” or “most of In terms of OEM procedure the time” for removing coatings from research more generally, More than half (56%) of shops say they research the pinch welds prior to mounting the three out of five shops OEM procedures involved in reconnecting a battery vehicle on a frame machine—virtually now say they research the all or most of the time, according to a “Who Pays for the same percentage that procedures “always” or What?” survey have said that was the case “most of the time” when for the past eight years. they write an estimate or “We have seen a lot of Anderson said he is concerned repair plan, according to the survey positive change over the about the number of photos he sees findings. That percentage has inched years in many of the noton shops’ social media showing up slowly year after year since 2017, included labor procedures vehicles being anchored in ways when 53% said they were conducting asked about in the ‘Who not approved by the vehicle’s such research regularly. Pays’ surveys, so results manufacturer. About half the shops said an like this one baffle me,” “I have not found any vehicle estimator or repair planner was Anderson said. “I would manufacturer or any frame primarily responsible for conducting encourage anyone who equipment company that says it’s that research, while about 1 in 3 is not being paid for this OK to secure a fixture clamp to shops (34%) said the work was More shops are getting reimbursed for the steps taken to research it through the pinch welds without first removing done jointly by technicians and to process total losses. Credit: Shutterstock OEMs, I-CAR or any frame all undercoating and seam sealer,” estimators. equipment companies. Ask he said. “But also keep in mind, not The survey asked whether shops conducts the quarterly “Who Pays” if it is okay to mount a fixture clamp all vehicles may be anchored on the include a separate line item charge surveys. “Of course, some insurers over a pinch weld covered with pinch welds. It is critical that shops do for the subscription fees associated are pushing back. In some cases, undercoating or seam sealer. You will the research to determine what is and with accessing OEM repair insurers have turned to using bill find that the answer is a clear: No, it is not permitted by the OEM for a safe procedures. (Administrative fees are collection agencies in an attempt to isn’t.” and proper repair on each vehicle.” prohibited under California Bureau go after shops after the fact to recoup Failure to remove the coatings of Automotive Repair regulations.) Added Steps When Reconnecting amounts paid. While the industry increases the likelihood the vehicle About 3 in 10 shops (29%) nationally Battery continues to discuss the best way to can slip when the technician is say they always or almost always Unlike the pinch weld procedure, bill for this, from a legal perspective pulling it, Anderson said, and that can include such a fee. About one-third other items asked about in the shops should have an attorney review cause further damage or adversely charge a fee when needing to access surveys have seen big changes in just their authorization forms to ensure impacting the accuracy of the an information source for which a year or two. When asked how often they are protected.” measurements. the shop doesn’t have an annual repairers are researching The survey, completed by more subscription. the OEM procedures than 500 shops around the country, More than 1 in 3 shops (37%) say required after reconnecting found only 7% of shops said they they never pass along a charge for a battery in 2023, 34% said never seek to be paid for total loss repair information subscription fees, they do it “all the time”—up processing. That’s down from 14% in but that’s down significantly from from just 20% in 2022—and the same survey a year earlier, and far 42% in 2021 and 57% back in 2019. another 22% said they do it below the 30% of shops that never Anderson said he will resume most of the time. billed total loss processing fees in hosting webinars in 2024 that show These procedures, 2015. how to navigate the automakers’ depending on the The “Who Pays” surveys ask shops repair information websites, but automaker, can include how regularly they are paid by the several such webinars, related initializing sensors or eight largest national insurers for to the VW, Nissan and Subaru clearing trouble codes. various procedures they perform. information portals, are available on A growing percentage of shops say they are paid regularly by the eight largest national insurers when “I was analyzing the The percentage regularly being paid the Collision Advice YouTube channel billing for processing total loss vehicles procedures called for by for total loss processing has been at www.youtube.com/channel/ one Asian OEM recently increasing. Eight years ago, just 46% UC1021mCCCR_qxOJoVtjNEbg. and found 11 procedures required of shops said they were paid “always” “Shops need to understand that Shops can visit www.crashnetwork. after reconnecting the battery,” or “most of the time” when billing for their technicians must be doing this,” com/whopays to take the January Anderson said. “Researching total losses, but today 75% of shops he said. “Who Pays” survey, which focuses procedures needs to happen every say they are. Segmenting the data by insurance on not-included refinish labor single time on every single vehicle. “Rather than simply billing an company does show some striking procedures, or to download results of Disconnecting the battery often will ‘administrative fee’ for this work, we differences, however. Nearly 91% of prior surveys. 6 JANUARY 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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KECO Body Repair Products Introduces New Glue Pull Repair (GPR) Tools and Systems by Stacey Phillips Autobody News

With Glue Pull Repair (GPR) increasingly being used in body shops today, KECO launched a variety of new GPR tools and systems during the 2023 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, in November. In addition to the company’s flagship L2E GPR Collision System, which received SEMA’s 2021 New Product of the Year award in the Collision Repair and Refinish category, the company showcased five new systems to help technicians make clean and efficient repairs, from roughout to a flat finish. This included the GPR+ Collision System, a runnerup in this year’s New Product of the Year awards in the same category. “With the introduction of our new GPR Systems and many other products at SEMA, KECO Body Repair Products continues our passion to bring innovative solutions to the automotive repair industry,” said Chris White, president of KECO. “Our commitment to developing tools that enhance the capabilities of technicians and improve overall repair quality is evident in these new systems.” KECO was established as a

plastics injection molding company in 1963. In 2010, the company began manufacturing GPR tools for the automotive repair industry under the name KECO Body Repair Products. Today, KECO primarily focuses on GPR tools and systems for technicians and repair professionals worldwide.

The company also developed KECO’s Mother of All Beams (MOAB) specifically for Rivian electric delivery vans. The 60-inch MOAB provides the length and strength to move difficult damage or structures found on electric delivery vehicles, tractortrailers, RVs and other fleet vehicles. “We went from those vans being literally unrepairable and needing to be replaced to being able to repair them,” noted White. The company prides itself on being problem solvers for the industry and creating custom solutions to offer a method for repairability. However, when deciding whether to repair or replace, White stresses the importance of always following OEM procedures. “The KECO team is passionate about advancing auto collision repair methods and ensuring they are the least invasive and most efficient,” he said. For more information, visit www. kecotabs.com.

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a filler for finishing. * The GPR Finish System, focused on smaller flat finish repairs and detail dents, provides the tools, tabs and modularity to work toward a flat refinish.

* The L2E (Compact) GPR Collision System is a compact version of the flagship system, with all the tools, tabs and modularity of the L2E, but it sits on a smaller 18” cart. White said this allows for ease of movement throughout the shop. * The GPR+ Collision System supplements the L2E Collision System and assists technicians looking to correct sharper and more complex damage with precision and efficiency. * The GPR Technician Companion System works in Scott Stayton, left, KECO’s director of marketing unison with the central L2E and portfolio management, and Chris White, right, for larger tools and allows president, at the KECO booth during the SEMA Show technicians to address a smaller percentage of The L2E product has the capability damage. to do repairs from roughout to finish, * The GPR RoughOut System including paintless dent repair (PDR). provides half of the full system. It was Over the last year, the company designed for technicians to repair focused on enhancing the L2E with medium to large damage, ensuring additional tabs and designing new a faster and more efficient repair systems to meet the needs of the process. It contains the items needed industry. to achieve basic pulls to roughout “We think of repairs that are done in damage, which will ultimately require

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terms of a continuum, from roughout to finish and the new systems reflect this,” explained White.

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Premium Auto Paint in Ontario, CA, Joins ProColor Collision Owner Alonso Martin transitioned his independent auto body shop to the ProColor Collision brand to advance his commitment to topquality auto repair and restoration services for personal and

commercial customers in western San Bernardino County. For 20 years, Martin has owned auto body repair shops in Southern California. As the demand for auto repair and collision services continues to rise, Martin recognized the need to expand his reach and provide exceptional services. The Ontario location, formerly Premium Auto Paint,

located at 1152 W. Holt Blvd., recently completed extensive renovations in the front and the back of the shop, a visual representation of the location’s transition to the look, feel and operational structure of ProColor Collision. Customers are welcomed into a comfortable lobby. Vehicle work is completed by qualified technicians using state-of-theart equipment, including aluminum spot welders, a Victor frame machine, AC machines for new and older vehicles, and a new paint booth to deliver a smooth paint job and create a longlasting finish. “Working on cars has been my life’s work and a family endeavor,” said Martin. “We have a strong team that is committed to pleasing our customers. We know that with the training and resources provided by ProColor Collision, we will take our business and customer support

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to the next level. We are already seeing positive results and know those will continue.” ProColor Collision Ontario is I-CAR Gold certified. The shop’s technicians also hold certifications in welding, mechanical and electrical work. This commitment to growth and learning was a deciding factor in joining ProColor Collision. “The commitment to excellence and customer service was immediately evident with Alonso and the entire team at ProColor Collision Ontario,” said Scott Bridges, senior vice president of FIX Network USA, ProColor Collison. “We take pride in listening to the vision of each ProColor Collision prospective franchisee and giving them the resources and support to reach and ultimately exceed their goals. We are confident that ProColor Collision Ontario will be a successful and long-term part of the Ontario, California community and the ProColor Collision brand.”

United on Oct. 23. The settlement payment covers penalties and costs associated with the investigation. The case was jointly handled by the Consumer Protection Divisions of both the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, with the support of investigators from the California Department of Insurance. “Insurance companies are quick to collect premiums but also must be swift in investigating and processing claims,” Gascón said. “Timely investigations are not just a courtesy; they are a legal and ethical duty. Delayed or inadequate investigations can have serious consequences, leaving victims without the support they need to recover from auto accidents.”

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What You Need To Consider Before Selling Your Collision Repair Business By John Yoswick Autobody News

said Laura Gay of Consolidation Coach. “They can get a box anywhere. They can’t get the people.” Cole Strandberg of Focus Investment Banking agreed. “They care about where the business is today, certainly, but they care even more about where the business can go, and that

said almost without exception, sellers want to do what’s best for their employers. “But just be careful what you’re promising people, because you can’t guarantee your employees what’s going to happen afterwards,” he said. “There’s some things you can’t control. But what you can do is incent

It Can Be Emotional Strandberg pointed to another aspect of the process. “Selling your business is emotional too,” Strandberg said. “Going through that process is very much like dating. If you have a team that has a strong culture, you care about their future, and you’re going to want to make sure your values are shared with your next partner or buyer. I think that’s something to keep in mind. The numbers are very, very important, but so is that aspect.” Terlep, who said he has sold multiple businesses through his career, agreed. “It’s your baby, right,” Terlep said. “But at the same time, you go into business, in my opinion, to sell a business over time. Hopefully you don’t plan on dying in your business.” “And that’s a very logical way of looking at it,” Strandberg responded. “But the truth is, especially in industries like collision repair, many owners started without an end in mind. In my instance, my family sold their business. I grew up around the business, viewed it as my big brother. So when you talk about it in those terms, you realize the level of emotion that goes into that.”

John Walcher of Veritas Advisors has a question he usually asks first when a collision repair business owner approaches him about helping them sell their business: “Can you take a vacation?” “Not just a weekend or a long weekend, not even one week,” Walcher said. “Can you take two or three weeks? You’ve got to be able to go at least a full payroll cycle, hopefully two, separated from your business. If you can, you might be ready to sell.” Walcher was one of a panel of consultants involved in mergers and acquisitions within the industry A panel of merger and acquisition consultants talked about industry consolidation during the most recent Collision Industry Conference. discussing consolidation during the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Las Vegas during SEMA week. management team is the engine that’s your employees to give it a shot. You Walcher said the shop’s corporate going to get them there,” he said. “A can have retention bonuses. You structure is another thing owners big part of selling your business is the can say, look, I know this may not need to consider well ahead of a sale. story, and the management team is be what you want, but there will be “Some people have C corps, and the focal point of that story.” more opportunities within a larger with C corps, if you sell, there’s going Panel moderator Frank Terlep entity that owns [the company]. So to be double taxation,” asked if there was any truth whether 50% leave or whether a very Walcher said. “So you might to what he sometimes hears small percentage leave, a lot of it is want to convert to an S corp, in the industry: that within individual decisions. But if you’re a but if you do, it’s got to bake months of a collision repair seller, you can actually influence that for 10 years to get the full tax business being sold, as before you do a transaction.” benefit. So one of the key much as 50% of the staff messages that I’m sure we have left the company. all have to our clients is: plan “It really depends on the ahead. It’s not something buyer,” Gay said, saying that you want to find out 50% of her staff were gone John Walcher said if about just months before a shop owner can’t within four months after you want to close a deal. get away from the she sold her shops in 2015. Sometimes it takes years business for several “The harsh truth is that it before you’re really ready to weeks at a time, it does happen. But there are may be an indication hit the market.” also some consolidators the business isn’t Walcher said while out there that really are ready to be sold. purchase prices are very much focused on sometimes referenced retention. They’re using in terms of multiples of retention bonuses and EBITDA (earnings before other strategies to try to interest, taxes, depreciation keep the staff, because they and amortization), looking at realize how important it is. If multiples of annual revenues they don’t have the people, offers “a little better applesthey can’t turn the revenue.” to-apples type comparison.” Walcher of Veritas “So watch out when Advisors said he, too, has those multiples of EBITDA seen large turnover of staff Cole Strandberg said conversations come up,” there’s an emotional after a company is sold. Walcher said. “They’re aspect of selling “Sometimes it’s because negotiating tools, but I your business that the buyer is overwhelmed,” assure you nobody who shop owners should he said. “They’ve got too values and does a lot of deals expect. many deals going, and on the buy side is buying integration doesn’t go as based on multiples of EBITDA.” 17025 Highway 99, Lynnwood, WA 98037 smoothly as it could. Sometimes it’s a cultural shift. If you are a fiercely Retaining Your Team independent shop…and now you sell steve.dunlap@sandbergvolvocars.com Several panelists spoke of the to a company that’s DRP focused, Parts@sandbergvolvocars.com importance of building and retaining there’s going to be a cultural change not just a good management team in that shop. It’s going to affect your but the production team as well. valuation, and it’s going to affect how “The consolidators, or the private many people stick around.” equity firm, are buying the people,” David Roberts of Focus Advisors

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Snap-on Showcases John Bean Tru-Point, More Award-Winning TSS Products At SEMA by Autobody News Staff In 1920, an engineer from Milwaukee named Joseph Johnson and his co-worker, William Seidemann, designed a ratcheting attachment to help make work easier for professional mechanics. That development led to the creation of the Snap-on Wrench Company. Over the years, the business’s name was shortened to Snap-on and the product line grew. Today, the brand includes a variety of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions. During the 2023 SEMA Show in November in Las Vegas, Snap-on showcased its new, advanced version of the award-winning John Bean® TruPoint™ Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibration tool, as well as additional Snap-on Total Shop Solutions (TSS™) products. These included equipment from Car-OLiner®, Challenger Lifts, Ecotechnics, Hofmann®, Mitchell 1®, Sun®, Pro-Cut and JOSAM®. “We work closely with our customers to show them how TSS can help them improve and grow their businesses,” said Mariana Montovaneli, director of marketing for Snap-on Equipment. “From

wheel balancers, wheel aligners and diagnostics, to brake lathes, automotive lifts and collision repair, Total Shop Solutions brands offer a unique breadth of solutions to outfit any shop from floor to ceiling.” As a company that prides itself on being one of the top solutions for target placement, Montovaneli said Tru-Point was designed to guarantee targets are placed in the exact

Pictured, left to right, are Kamden Darney, Alex Givens and Lee Hernandez at the Snap-on booth during SEMA

position they need to be to perform a correct ADAS calibration. Over the past year, the company incorporated advancements to the John Bean Tru-Point tool, including up to 360-degree increased coverage. Montovaneli said the Tru-

Point unique camera technology compensates for having an unlevel floor. With OEM specifications requiring the calibration target be perfectly aligned with the vehicle’s camera, Snap-on Product Manager Jordan Krebs said this is critical. “If the floor is not level, the vehicle’s position and orientation can be affected, resulting in errors in the calibration process,” said Krebs. “Tru-Point cameras automatically calculate target height requirements and inform the user when to adjust the height of the target to be in the perfect field of view of the camera while moving the equipment and target stands around the vehicle.” Other John Bean equipment displayed during the event included the V3300 diagnostic wheel alignment system, B2000P wheel balancer, T7800 PROspeed™ tire changer and the 14k short locked and lighted scissor alignment lift. This is the first year Snap-on has introduced a heavy-duty section with products designed for wheel alignment and calibrations. Hofmann displayed its service equipment, which included the 2400P Armored Series wheel balancer, a new product release at

SEMA, as well as the geoliner® 609 and 678 wheel alignment systems, monty® 8200 smartSpeed™ and 3850 tire changers, geodyna® 980L wheel balancer, TreadReader™ and 15k four-post alignment lift. JOSAM wheel alignment and collision repair products were launched during the show for shops that perform heavy-duty repair work. The JOSAM Cam-aligner, designed to be robust and flexible, allows users to measure heavy-duty trucks in any environment. With the ability to compensate for road inclination, it can be used on non-flat surfaces. The JOSAM Frame Press was created to straighten heavy and light trailers and buses. It anchors or attaches to existing floor systems, enabling horizontal and vertical repairs. Snap-on also participated in Joe’s Garage, a real-world shop set up, at the AAPEX Show the same week as SEMA. In addition to Joe’s Garage, Tru-Point was one of several products featured at the TSS and SEMA garage booths, South Hall Upper and the SEMA FutureTech Studio in Central Hall. To learn more about Snap-on and the Total Shop Solutions family of brands, call 800-225-5786.

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Orange County, CA, Auto Body Shop Owner Pleads Guilty To $1M Tax Evasion Chung Ku Sin, 68, owner of three auto repair businesses in Orange County in California, pleaded guilty to a charge of filing a false tax return, admitting to a near $1 million tax loss to the U.S. According to the plea agreement, Sin, who operates Golden Auto Body, Tops Auto Body and Victory Auto Body, deliberately failed to report approximately $2.93 million in income from 2015 through 2021, resulting in a tax loss to the U.S. Treasury of $977,807. Sin’s method of evasion involved using a check-cashing business in Garden Grove to cash checks made payable to his auto repair businesses. By not disclosing these transactions to his tax preparer and only reporting income deposited into his business bank accounts, Sin significantly understated his actual income. For instance, in October 2017, Sin filed a false federal individual income tax return for

2016, reporting a total income of $180,124, while in reality, he had earned an additional $580,351 that year. This pattern of underreporting was consistent across multiple years, as Sin admitted to willfully making and subscribing to materially false federal individual income tax returns for the years 2015 through 2021. In his plea agreement, Sin agreed to repay the IRS the total tax loss, including penalties and interest. U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 10, 2024. Sin faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in federal prison. The case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Sagel of the Corporate and Securities Fraud Strike Force is leading the prosecution.

Tesla Model S Donated Jurvetson also posted quotes from articles covering the Model S upon its 2012 release, and he said reading them gives him goosebumps as he thinks back on that time. “The Model S isn’t just the most important car of the year. It’s the most important car America has made in an entire lifetime,” Road & Track said. “The Model S feels and drives like the future. It’s a rolling testament to the potential of automotive innovation, and a massive leap forward,” according to WIRED. “The Model S could become

the Model T of an approaching petroleum-free era,” the New York Times wrote. “What is the bottom line on the Tesla Model S? It’s an eye-opener like the automotive world has never seen in its entire history,” said The Street. Jurvetson managed to acquire the first production Model S by spotting pricing for the vehicle on an internal Tesla document and writing a check for that amount, despite the fact CEO Elon Musk had already stopped taking reservations for the highly anticipated electric vehicle. The entrepreneur also donated his Tesla Roadster and Model X to the museum, and he has been outspoken about the vehicles’ place in history over the years.

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How Collision Repairers Can Help Ensure We Have Technicians in 5 Years By Abby Andrews Autobody News

A panel of experts—along with several current students—came together during the 2023 SEMA Show to talk about what the collision repair industry needs to do to attract and retain the new technicians it will need over the next several years. The panel was part of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ Repairer Driven Education series. Jeff Wildman, manager of the talent attraction program for BASF, moderated the discussion, while the panelists included Jennifer Maher, CEO of the TechForce Foundation; Donna Wagner, vice president of industry and media relations for ASE; Laura Lazano, professor of collision repair and automotive department cochair at Contra Costa College in San Pablo, CA; and Brandon Eckenrode, executive director of the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). “We need almost 1 million techs in the automotive industry by 2026, and 113,000 in collision repair,” Wildman said. Before the discussion began, Wildman introduced five students who attended the SEMA Show as winners of a contest administered by BASF and the TechForce Foundation’s Techs for Tomorrow scholarship program. The students also each received a $2,500 scholarship toward their continued education. The students shared a bit about their reasons for pursuing a career in collision repair, and what they hope to accomplish. Victoria Callowhill, of Frisco, TX, is a student at Collin College, aiming for a career in restoration and collision repair. She said she wants to create generational wealth for her daughter, as well as reach younger girls to let them know there are so many places they can go in the industry. Antonio Diaz, of Chicago, IL, a student at Kennedy-King College, wants to be a refinisher. He said he wants to work somewhere where he is “able to love what I do, which is painting, and feel like my work is appreciated.” Wendy Vicente, Greeley, CO, a student at Aims Community College, is focusing on becoming a painter, and wants to “stay in a shop that appreciates my work.” Jesse Manuel, of Greeley, CO, is also a student at Aims Community College. “I want to make a name for myself, and I’m just starting my foundation,” he said. Abraham Martinez, of Houston, TX, is a student at Universal Technical Institute in Houston. “I want to work somewhere management isn’t just focused on

getting another car in or out, but they truly care for technicians,” he said. Wildman then turned to the panelists to talk about how the industry can make sure those students — and their peers — find what they’re looking for in a career.

what they do matters.” “They’re really after the experience,” Lozano said. “Money is important, but students don’t have mortgages—they have options. They leave employers because they don’t feel valued or challenged.”

Five students who attended the 2023 SEMA Show spoke during a panel discussion on the technician shortage. Jeff Wildman of BASF, far left, moderated the panel. The experts included, seated left to right, Jennifer Maher of the TechForce Foundation, Donna Wagner of ASE, Laura Lazano of Contra Costa College in San Pablo, CA, and Brandon Eckenrode of CREF. The students included, standing left to right, Victoria Callowhill, Antonio Diaz, Wendy Vicente, Jesse Manuel and Abraham Martinez.

Engaging with Schools Eckenrode said when he talks to schools with successful collision repair programs, a lot of it comes down to how involved local repairers are, which can include volunteering on the school’s advisory board— a great way to help direct what gets taught in the program—hosting students at their shop and participating in career fairs. Lozano agreed: “My school has a very strong relationship with the advisory committee and local businesses, as well as support from CREF,” she said. “It’s a multi-faceted circle of collaboration.” Wagner said ASEeducationfoundation. org has resources for collision repairers who want to get involved with local schools. Eckenrode also recommended connecting with school counselors, “because they play gatekeeper in giving students direction,” he said. Laying Out a Career Path Lozano said the students who spoke at the beginning of the session made it very clear they all “have a passion for working with their hands, and they want a career to foster that passion, and be treated and paid fairly.” Young people want a career path that shows the steps they need to complete—like training, certifications and skills demonstrations—to “level up” at work. “A lot of employers don’t have that information for them; they say, ‘Here’s the job, when I think you’re ready I’ll move you up,’” Maher said. “Show you care about their future. That’s huge.” What New Technicians Look For Maher said Gen Z is “going to look at pay; that’s always important. But they want to wake up every day and feel like

14 JANUARY 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Wagner said it’s also important to let the younger generation know it’s OK to fail—even expected, because no one has ever not failed along the way. Mentoring New Technicians Mentorship is important, Lozano said, so students and new technicians have someone to help them achieve technical skills and work through failures.

“Being mentored by a technician was one of the best times, not being shamed for mistakes I made,” Lozano said of her own experience as a student. Wagner said shop owners need to “make sure it’s the right mentor”---not a cynic who might turn off the student to continuing as a technician. Students should also get help gaining certifications and building skills, not just given a broom to push around the shop floor. Final Thoughts “This is a technician-based industry,” Lozano said. “We all can do a better job empowering them. They’re the ones who will ensure we have techs in the next five years, because they will share info and transfer skills on the shop floor.” Maher recommended nominating a technician for a Techs Rock Award to show they’re valued. Nominations are open through Jan. 14 at TechForce.org/ TechsRock. “Connect with your local school; that’s the first step,” Wagner said. “There’s ownership in participating in what we’ve talked about today to address the shortage, Eckenrode said. “Get involved locally—it’s a national problem with a local solution.” “Reach out to your local partners, vendors; everyone is willing to help,” Wildman added.

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Mike Anderson — From the Desk of Mike Anderson

Adding for the Necessary Repair of Adjacent Panels An often overlooked estimating item is the repair of adjacent, or “mating,” panels after the removal of a damaged panel. For example, once a rear body panel is removed, the trunk floor will have to be repaired in order to fit the new panel. It’s also not uncommon for taillight pockets, rain gutters, troughs and sometimes even the frame rails to require some repair. Yet our “Who Pays for What?” survey earlier this year found more than 1 in 10 shops acknowledge never having sought to be paid for this work—despite the fact about twothirds of shops report being paid for this “always” or “most of the time” by the eight largest national insurers when it is necessary and performed. I always suggest a four-question process when negotiating for this or any non-included operation. 1. Is it required to fully and properly repair the vehicle? It’s obvious when looking at the condition of these adjacent panels

that it is. It’s virtually impossible to remove a welded panel without causing damage to the adjacent panels or attaching components. 2. Is adjacent panel damage included in any other labor operation? All three of the major estimating system providers agree that it is not. The “labor exclusions” portion of the Audatex/Solera Database Reference Manual, for example, clearly states “repair labor does not include additional labor to repair the replaced panel and/or adjacent panels which may become distorted, burned or damaged by welding, drilling, grinding and straightening.” Similarly, the Motor Information Systems’ Guide to Estimating—the basis for the CCC Intelligent Solutions estimating system—includes a special notation about welding zones and adjacent panels. It says labor operation times do not include time for repair of adjacent panels resulting from normal cutting, welding and

grinding procedures. And Mitchell International’s Procedure Pages lists under “additions to labor times” the repair of “parts adjacent to parts being replaced.” If you don’t have copies of any of these documents from the Big Three estimating systems, you can download them at no charge from the “Estimator’s Toolbox” section of the Database Enhancement Gateway (DEG) website, www.DEGweb.org. 3. Do the estimating system providers provide a pre-determined time or calculation method for this procedure? Again, the answer is no. “The amount of damage can vary considerably depending upon process and technique used by the servicing technician,” the note in the Motor Guide to Estimating states, for example. “Motor recommends these factors be considered before finalizing any repair cost estimates.”

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4. If it’s necessary and nonincluded, what is it worth? Though repair of adjacent panel damage is clearly necessary, it is a judgment item. Your experience will help you know how much time the process is likely to take, but you also can help justify your judgment times through some videotaped time studies within your shop. Although I’ve focused here on the repair of the adjacent panels, there may be other non-included procedures and items as well. Refinishing may require blending into these adjacent panels—top and undersides. Time may be needed to match the look of factory seam sealers. Sound deadening pads are often included on these panels, and if damaged during removal of a panel, they will need to be repaired or replaced. In short, damage to adjacent panels can add significant time to a repair, and these steps should be documented on your estimates.

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Crash Champions Acquires Queen City Auto Rebuild in Redmond, WA Crash Champions on Nov. 13 announced continued expansion across the state of Washington with the acquisition of Queen City Auto Rebuild in Redmond, WA. With more than four decades of experience, Queen City Auto Rebuild has earned a reputation as a leading premium and luxury certified collision repair operator serving the Pacific Northwest. Crash Champions officially finalized the acquisition Nov. 10. “The Queen City Auto Rebuild team has earned a reputation for best-in-class repair quality and service,” said Crash Champions founder and CEO Matt Ebert. “Quite simply, we’re thrilled to welcome them to Crash Champions as we continue to strategically expand our network of trusted, high-quality collision repair service across the greater Seattle and Pacific Northwest market.” Crash Champions now offers motorists a leading lineup of 30 automotive collision repair centers

across the state of Washington, complementing a national lineup of more than 610 locations in 37 states and Washington, D.C. “The Queen City Auto Rebuild team has a proud legacy of serving the Pacific Northwest for more than 40 years with a hardearned reputation as the region’s premier certified luxury and European repair team,” said Steve Bourgeois, Queen City Auto Rebuild owner. “When entrusting an MSO with the next chapter of our story, Crash Champions, a founder-led organization focused on quality operations, was the right fit. Their leadership and culture will provide unparalleled opportunities for our team members, customers and business partners.”

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Employers Benefit from ASE EntryLevel Certification Businesses looking to hire entrylevel service professionals should inquire if potential candidates have attained ASE Entry Level certification. This credential provides a pathway for students embarking on a career as a service professional by demonstrating they have a significant level of practical and knowledge-based readiness. “ASE Entry Level certification gives employers confidence that they are hiring individuals with the knowledge and the ability to succeed in entry-level roles and the potential to become high-performing employees,” said Mike Coley, president, ASE Education Foundation. “Employing ASE Entry Level certified candidates also communicates a commitment to service excellence to customers and provides repair facilities with a competitive edge in the marketplace.” ASE Entry Level certification tests are available for the automobile, collision repair/

refinish and medium/heavy duty truck segments and are the first step in building career credentials as a service professional. The tests are intended for students in career and technical programs and are a predictable gauge for future success with ASE professional-level certifications. Over 50,000 students have taken the ASE Entry-Level certification test. “Students who have earned an ASE Entry-Level certification are signaling to prospective employers their commitment to a career in the industry,” said Coley. “Many states now require industry credentials for students so employers should be able to find students in their community with ASE Entry-Level certifications. These individuals are also inclined to pursue additional ASE certification tests, broadening their expertise and enhancing their value as employees.” For more information about ASE Entry-Level certifications, visit www.ase.com/entry-level.

autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS JANUARY 2024 17

A Look Inside the Collision Repair Industry in the UK By John Yoswick Autobody News

The challenges faced by shop owner Martin Shiels of ECS Accident Repair in Edinburgh, Scotland, will sound familiar to U.S. shops. A body technician— one of two employed at the shop for more than 14 years—recently left, and Shiels was struggling to replace him while also getting an apprentice from the local college started within the shop. He is still working to get set up to repair electric vehicles, and still must sublet most ADAS work. Prior to Brexit, Shiels said, he could receive Volkswagen parts, for example, from Germany overnight; post-Brexit, truck drivers might sit for days to get through customs, or shippers wait until they had a full container, so parts delays have become common.

“It’s how we deal with people—staff and customers—that’s very important, to have an ethical standard,” Shiels said. Not far from Shiels’ shop is QA Vehicle Solutions, where between the shop and massive back lot, nearly 700 vehicles are in some stage of the collision repair process. It’s a big change from the early days of the pandemic, when the shop was completely shut down, with all of its 54 employees sent home for two months.

QA Vehicle Solutions employs 54 people. About 60% of its business is fleet work.

Shop owner Martin Shiels said the ethical standard guiding his business applies to his employees and his customers.

The shop handles insurance claims on a “non-approved basis,” which means Shiels can charge higher labor rates, about $67 (USD) per hour compared to about $48 paid to insurer-approved shop. “We can demand that because of our [customer] reviews and so forth, people want to come to us, but the insurers will try to steer them, as they will do in the States as well,” Shiels said. He’s baffled by other shops’ willingness to offer the steep parts, labor and materials discounts required for insurance approval or to join one of the collision repair franchise operations. But there also are some key differences from the U.S. in day-to-day operations at ECS. Paying for Audatex estimating—which dominates the market there—and access to “the pipe” to communicate with insurers “isn’t viable for us,” Shiels said. “So what we do is we hire a contractor. When we have a damaged car, we’ll strip it, we’ll image it all up, and we’ll send that on through an app. They will compile the Audatex estimate and send it down the pipe to the insurer. And they’re given parameters to do the negotiations for us.” But differences aside, like most small business owners, Shiels said what’s most important to him is something listed prominently on a sign in the shop’s office: “Honesty, integrity and fairness.”

The company is the largest singlesite repairer for Enterprise Rent-A-Car in all of Europe—fleet work accounts for about 60% of the shop’s business— and that type of work “went right off the edge of a cliff” at the start of the pandemic, shop owner Alan Arthur said. It was an abrupt shut down for a business in just its third year at that time. But the shop eventually brought all of its employees back. Today, tourism in Scotland is beyond pre-pandemic levels, and Arthur’s shop’s car count is as well. “It’s a market we prefer compared with insurance,” he said of fleet work. “We don’t have to get involved in courtesy cars”—the replacement vehicles UK shops doing insurance work must provide for customers, often without compensation from the insurer—“and we don’t have individual clients with individual needs on individual vehicles. We deal with one fleet company.” Cash flow is more challenging on insurance work as well, Arthur said, because invoices go through accident management companies that assign the work and process payments on behalf of the insurance companies. Another key difference in the industry in Scotland compared to the U.S. is calculations for paint materials are most often determined through an Audatex system based on the size of the panels. Aside from such differences, Arthur and his wife Elaine, who founded the company together in 2017, say the biggest challenge they have is the one most often cited by U.S. shop owners as well: staffing. Elaine Arthur said Thatcham, an insurer-funded vehicle research organization in the UK, has an academy the shop uses to help locate and train apprentices. “They’re looking at how they can improve that apprenticeship program,

18 JANUARY 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

to make it quicker to actually get kids through,” she said. “In this country, it’s a four-year apprenticeship. Whether you want to be a painter or a panel beater, the first two years you have to do both disciplines. Now if you’ve got a painter who’s really not interested in being a panel beater, you’re lucky to keep them two years.” She said the academy may put an assessment in place to allow students, once they get that certificate after 12 months, to specialize in either paint or body work.

Alan and Elaine Arthur operate QA Vehicle Solutions, the largest single-site repairer for Enterprise Rent-A-Car in all of Europe.

Steven Frampton’s experience as an autobody instructor at Edinburgh College in Scotland also sounds quite similar to the challenges his counterparts in the U.S. face. The program has about 28 students enrolled, ages 16 to 31, as well as some apprentices sent into the

program by shops that employ them. But the school, like many in the U.S., struggles to get qualified students into the program, those who understand that body and paint work differs from mechanical, and aren’t just signing up

Steven Frampton, an auto body instructor at Edinburgh College in Scotland, said he’s surprised there are not more students interested in the program.

because there aren’t other courses available or because they’ve been sent over by parents or career or social care workers who don’t understand the basic aptitudes needed. Framptom said he can’t understand why the pool of students coming into the program is so small. “It is bizarre, because it’s probably the highest paid and most in-demand job [among the trades],” he said. “Still, the biggest drive for me is taking one of these kids from an entry-level course, getting them into the full program and then getting him into [a shop],” Frampton said.

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autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS JANUARY 2024 21

SUN Collision Introduces New Repair Package Designed To Simplify Blueprinting Process By Stacey Phillips Autobody News

To help collision repair facilities streamline the blueprinting process and prepare fast and accurate estimates, SUN Collison has introduced a new software feature, Repair Package. The company, a brand of Snap-on, launched the new feature during the 2023 SEMA Show in November in Las Vegas, NV. Chris Bonneau, SUN Collision’s business manager, said the Repair Package provides comprehensive documentation to support estimates and insurance claims. “It is a huge time-saver for service writers/estimators, allowing them to produce a foolproof repair plan in seconds, and eliminates the need for manual data entry,” explained Bonneau. “It’s the first comprehensive solution of its kind.” SUN Collision software, introduced to the collision industry in 2019, provides complete and current OEM repair information and procedures for body and frame, paint and finish, and materials for all vehicle makes and models. With the new feature, users can create a comprehensive repair package that incorporates all OEM

procedures, illustrations, interactive wiring diagrams and required OEM parts and part numbers. It integrates with shops’ estimating systems, centralizing repair information and estimating data. Bonneau said the product was designed to be user-friendly and create more efficiencies for body shops.

displayed. Bonneau said the result is a complete work package, including 100 to 1,000 pages available in printed and PDF formats. “Everyone is spending time looking for the OEM procedures and SUN Collision’s Repair Package makes it so much easier,” he said. Time-saving tools include a hyperlinked table of contents to find information quickly, and the 1Search Plus search engine, which simplifies search-and-navigation for a specific vehicle and presents the relevant information in a card-based graphical layout. Bonneau said the Repair Package also consolidates Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) information in a single location, making it easier for shops to diagnose, Chris Bonneau, left, SUN Collision’s business manager, calibrate and repair vehicles and Ross Whiteley, right, product manager, at the company’s booth during the 2023 SEMA Show. equipped with ADAS. The Repair Package “Everybody wants to do more leverages industry standards business and get more cars out faster,” established by the Collision Industry said Bonneau. “When shops can find Electronic Commerce Association the information they need, they can (CIECA). Bonneau said these standards repair vehicles quicker.” provide a common language and When users click on an estimate framework that facilitate the exchange line item, the information for known of data between collision estimating part numbers and other details are systems, insurance companies and

other stakeholders involved in the repair process. Prior to being launched, the Repair Package was beta-tested with body shops. Bonneau said they received valuable feedback that was incorporated into the product to ensure it was user-friendly and met their requirements. The software’s database is kept current throughout the year with ongoing updates and repair information. SEMA Show attendees had the opportunity to take part in a Repair Package product demo during the event. Show attendees who participated in the demo were entered into a raffle. Andrea Berczel of Heritage Collision in Ann Harbor, MI, won a Samsung Galaxy Tablet S9 with a military-grade cover. Overall, Bonneau said the response was very positive to the new software package. “It’s really going to reduce stress by helping technicians find what they need quickly,” said Bonneau. “A detailed repair plan and documentation leads to less supplements, helps shops get paid for the work being done and reduces liability.” For more information, call 877-8401973 or visit suncollision.com.

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22 JANUARY 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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J & R Auto Body and Paint Unveils New State-of-the-Art Repair Shop in Vista, CA J & R Auto Body and Paint, Inc., a family-owned and locally operated collision repair center, is excited to announce its recent relocation to a larger and more advanced facility at 2509 S. Santa Fe Ave. in Vista. This move is a testament to their commitment to providing top-tier collision repair services and insurance claim support to the community of Vista and all of North County San Diego. For more than 16 years, J & R Auto Body and Paint has been a trusted destination for drivers seeking professional assistance in navigating the auto insurance claim process with ease and efficiency, ultimately saving valuable time and alleviating the hassles associated with claims. “For us, it’s more than just cars; it’s about people,” said Denisse Barragan, owner of J & R Auto Body and Paint. “We are grateful for the support our community has shown us over the years. We would not have achieved this level of success without it. And, of course, we owe a debt of gratitude to our exceptional staff, some of whom have been with

us for over a decade.” Barragan said they are also grateful for 1Collision’s help. “We’ve been able to grow our business with the assistance of the 1Collision team and appreciate their assistance,” said Barragan. “Kelly Cooper and Joyce Schuenke recently came to our facility for a visit and provided great support and advice.” From humble beginnings when they first opened their doors on the corner of Hannalei and Woodland, they have undergone two successful shop expansions, demonstrating their adaptability and commitment to growth. J & R Auto Body and Paint now occupies a spacious 13,000-squarefoot building, the former location of Window World. This new facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and resources to ensure they continue to deliver high-quality collision repair services with even greater efficiency. The shop holds certifications from various leading auto manufacturers, including Acura, Honda, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep and

Dodge, and are in the process of certification with Ford. Additionally, they are working towards becoming Tesla Approved, taking full advantage of the increased capacity of their new location. “In a world where vehicle technology is advancing rapidly, it is more important than ever for us to have the tools and training to get vehicles safely back on the road,” Barragan said. “We’re forwardthinkers, not just focused on what’s happening in the industry today, but also looking ahead to the vehicles of tomorrow with our new facility.” Community involvement is a cornerstone of J & R Auto Body and Paint’s philosophy. They

actively sponsor various events and organizations throughout Vista, including the Strawberry Festival, scholarship programs and various nonprofits. Barragan’s dedication to the community has been recognized with the 2023 Vista Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year award and the 1Collision Community Involvement Award. The team at J & R Auto Body and Paint looks forward to welcoming their valued customers and the community to their new location, where they will continue to provide exceptional auto body and collision repair services and support, all while remaining deeply rooted in the community they cherish.

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autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS JANUARY 2024 23

Tesla To Address NHTSA’s 2 Million-Vehicle Autopilot Recall With OTA Update

AirPro Approved For Ford Programs

fail to recognize when the feature is operating in situations where its functionality may be limited, there may be an increased risk of a Tesla is recalling more than 2 collision,” the NHTSA’s report said. million vehicles over a fault in The recall is the culmination Autopilot. The issue, per the of a two-year probe into Tesla’s National Highway Traffic Safety Autopilot system, which has Administration’s (NHTSA) Safety become one of the most robust Recall Report, will be fully and most polarizing driver-assist addressed through a free oversystems deployed in the market the-air software update. today. The NHTSA opened a The Autopilot issue potentially preliminary investigation on 11 involves 2,031,220 vehicles, incidents involving Autopilotincluding legacy Model S vehicles equipped Teslas and first from the 2012 model year. Such responder vehicles in August vehicles are equipped with 2021, and over the next two Autosteer, and Tesla’s default years, Tesla and the agency safety checks in the driver-assist worked closely together to system may prove inadequate at determine a fix for Autopilot’s times, which could result in drivers potential issues. not paying enough attention to To address the Autopilot issue, the road, the NHTSA’s report said. Tesla will be rolling out software “In certain circumstances when version 2023.44.30 on affected Autosteer is engaged, if a driver vehicles. The update includes misuses the SAE Level 2 advanced more notable safety checks for driver-assistance feature such that Autosteer, such as additional they fail to maintain continuous controls and alerts that remind and sustained responsibility the driver to use the system for vehicle operation and are properly. It should be noted that unprepared to intervene, fail to Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X recognize when the feature is Quarter Page (no bleed) | 4˝ x Y5˝vehicles produced and Model canceled or not engaged, and/or

AirPro Diagnostics announced Ford’s approval of AirPro for diagnostics and calibrations provider to ensure a complete and safe repair. AirPro Diagnostics provides cost effective scanning and ADAS calibrations products to the collision repair and auto glass industries, including its “game changing” AUGGIE. AirPro tools meet rigorous vehicle manufacturer requirements by having OEM licensed software and multi-brand diagnostic applications resident and directly connected to the vehicle. In recent independent testing the AUGGIE forward-facing camera recalibration device met IIHS and NHTSA standards. As the pioneers in remote diagnostics and calibrations, AirPro’s uniquely skilled, brand specialists service vehicle gateways as well as provide mobile calibrations at a 97.7% success rate. ORION is the hub by which all services are delivered within the company’s 10-Minute Response Pledge (current YTD acceptance time of 1 minute, 26 seconds).

Written by Simon Alvarez Teslarati

from midday Dec. 7 are not part of the recall since they are already loaded with the newest software version. The NHTSA said the affected vehicles will begin receiving the over-the-air software update shortly after Dec. 12. The update will incorporate additional controls and alerts to further encourage the driver to adhere to their continuous driving responsibility whenever Autosteer is engaged, which includes keeping their hands on the steering wheel and paying attention to the roadway. Depending on the vehicle’s hardware, the update will include increasing the prominence of visual alerts on the user interface, simplifying engagement and disengagement of Autosteer, additional checks upon engaging Autosteer and while using it outside controlled access highways and when approaching traffic controls, and eventual suspension from Autosteer use if the driver repeatedly fails to demonstrate they are paying attention to the road while the feature is engaged.

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24 JANUARY 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com 58720554-013-23-VW_2023_10Missions_Autobody_News_Wholesale_Assets_hz4.indd 1

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Ford Cuts Dealer EV Requirements Again By Dan Mihalascu InsideEVs

Ford Motor Company has backed down on requirements imposed on its EV dealers and is again making changes to its voluntary EV certification program.

The move comes just as the automaker has lost a legal battle to Ford dealers in Illinois, where the state motor vehicle board ruled the automaker broke the law by requiring its dealers to invest hefty sums if they want to continue selling EVs. The company said its decision to cut training costs by half and reduce the number of chargers that retailers are required to install at their premises is not related to the Illinois ruling. “We made changes to the voluntary Model e EV Program as

we continue to adapt our overall EV strategy to the market. We also continue to listen to dealer feedback. These changes are not a result of the Illinois outcome,” Ford spokesperson Marty Günsberg told InsideEVs, adding Ford made the latest changes to adjust to market demand. As part of the new requirements, Ford’s upper-tier “Certified Elite” dealers now have to install three Level 2 chargers instead of five, while the lower-tier “Certified” dealers are now required to install two Level 2 chargers instead of five. Furthermore, the additional Level 3 fast-charger for 2026 for Certified Elite dealers has been removed altogether. For both tiers, Ford also pushed back the deadline to have the chargers in place by six months to June 30, 2024, because of charger supply chain and infrastructure delays. In addition, Ford said it is cutting the cost of dealer training by up to $20,000—about half—for the 2024 calendar year. Charging requirements was a key point of contention in the Illinois case. Twenty-six dealers

argued Ford’s program violated state franchise laws, adding the more expensive Level 3 chargers were unnecessary.

“We made changes to the voluntary Model e EV Program as we continue to adapt our overall EV strategy to the market. We also continue to listen to dealer feedback. These changes are not a result of the Illinois outcome,” — MARTY GÜNSBERG FORD SPOKESPERSON

Ford said it would appeal the decision. “Ford stands by its voluntary Model e EV program,” the company said in a statement. “It is designed to make sure that Ford and its dealers provide Illinois Ford EV customers with a segment-leading experience throughout their purchase, service and ownership journey.” The Illinois dispute is just one of several battles Ford is carrying out nationwide over its EV

program. The program has been opposed by most state dealer associations since it was unveiled in September 2022. Initially, about 60% of Ford and Lincoln dealers opted in---approximately 1,920 of the company’s nearly 3,000 U.S. dealers. In January, Ford made some concessions to dealers, including scaling back the amount of charging a dealer would be required to offer public charging every day and removing a cap that limited lower-tier dealers to selling a maximum of 25 EVs per year. After the changes, Ford gave dealers the option to drop out of the program or change tiers. The automaker’s total enrollment fell 1.5% to 1,891 of its dealers. Since then, EV enrollment has fallen to approximately 1,550 dealers, or about 53% of the total network, Ford said Nov. 20, according to Automotive News. Still, due to the size of Ford’s network, the company claims 86% of the population lives within 20 miles of a Ford dealership capable of selling and servicing a Ford EV.

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2023 SEMA Show Exceeds Attendees’ Expectations The SEMA Show returned to Las Vegas Oct. 31-Nov. 3, bringing together more than 150,000 automotive aftermarket industry professionals looking to transform four days of relationshipbuilding, networking, sales and marketing into business success and dreams realized. The proof the SEMA Show was poised to return to historic levels was found in the packed Las Vegas Convention Center exhibit halls, teeming with more than 2,200 exhibitors, boundary-pushing builds, innovative new products, thought-provoking educational opportunities and more than 150,000 attendees connecting throughout the aftermarket community. The Show creates connections via dedicated product communities, outdoor activations, education and training, award programs, reveals, unique experiences and celebrations. “The SEMA Show is one of the largest trade shows in the country, but it’s actually comprised of several smaller, distinct communities,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA VP of events. “The networking that takes place within those groups is where you see the transformative power the Show has to positively impact participants and chart the course of the aftermarket industry.” Perhaps nowhere else is that transformative power felt more strongly than amongst the companies exhibiting at the Show for the first time. More than 20% of the exhibitors were new participants, driving innovation, including Caross USA, manufacturers of portable jump starters and air compressors, based in San Mateo, CA. The start-up has had products on sale for a mere three months and SEMA was its first trade show. Not only did they meet prospective partners from Canada to Australia, but their networking also gained them exposure via social media and led to a relationship with the television show “Two Guys Garage” and a potential on-air appearance in February. They also won two Global Media Awards (GMA), given by judges comprised of members of the international media to products they feel will be well-received in their respective countries. “You don’t see a lot of ‘tire kickers’ at SEMA, the buyers are much more serious,” said Global Sales Director Steve Stambaugh. “I can’t say enough about SEMA. Being at this Show has done more for our company in two days than other industries do in 10 years.” For returning exhibitors, the SEMA Show was an opportunity to

continue building on the year-overyear growth that participation creates. For CIC Powerbox of Pittsburg, KS, a manufacturer of AC-powered truck boxes that first exhibited at the Show in 2018, their participation has led to several partnerships.

the opportunity to showcase the knowledge of our representatives, talk engineering and support our product with assurances that all accessories are fully reviewed for safety, ergonomics and longevity,” said Natalie Simon, marketing and

The 2023 SEMA Show brought together more than 150,000 automotive aftermarket industry professionals to Las Vegas Oct. 31-Nov. 3, transforming four days of relationshipbuilding, networking, sales and marketing into business success and dreams realized.

“Every time we come to SEMA we come away with new business,” said CEO Mike Windsor, listing the Department of Transportation, the U.S. Air Force, Goodyear and several OEMs as just a few of the relationships forged at the SEMA Show. “We’ve also made connections for opportunities we either weren’t aware of or didn’t know how to get into,” he added, including sponsorship of professional drift racer Faruk Kugay and growth of CIC’s social media marketing as examples. “We’ve had exponential growth year over year and if all goes well, this year we’ll go international thanks to the relationships we’ve made at SEMA,” said Windsor. The Show remains a popular place for OEMs to connect with the aftermarket industry. For Toyota, 2023 was a year to push boundaries. “Toyota has always seen SEMA as a place to let our imagination run wild. This past show was no exception, as we tapped into thrills on the track ... and the trail,” said Mike Tripp, group vice president, Toyota Marketing. “The amount of interest in the allnew 2024 Tacoma and Land Cruiser didn’t disappoint. And based on the coverage we’ve received, it’s safe to say that builds like our X-Runner Concept and FJ Bruiser were true stars of the show.” For Ford Performance Parts & Accessories, the Show allows them to forge relationships with attendees and share the benefits of their products. “The SEMA Show gives us

26 JANUARY 2024 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

events manager, Ford Performance Parts & Accessories. For others, Show participation is a step towards achieving the dream of a career in the automotive aftermarket.

Masen Schneider, a freshman studying mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota, received a SEMA Scholarship, awarded annually to students interested in careers in the automotive industry. “It means a lot to receive a scholarship from an organization like SEMA because as big and impactful as they are, they see your story and experience and want to help propel you towards your dream,” he said. Schneider hopes to one day be an automotive parts designer. The SEMA Show also remains a center of innovation fueled by passion, as evidenced by the Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition. The aftermarket industry’s ultimate vehicle competition, the program celebrated 10 years of providing builders the ultimate platform to showcase their craftsmanship and skills to a worldwide audience. For Andy Leach, winning builder of the 1960 Buick Invicta Custom, the victory was the culmination of nine years of work. “It’s a dream come true,” said Leach. “I’ve been chasing this award for nearly a decade. The Buick was a labor of love.” The SEMA Show returns to Las Vegas Nov. 5-8, 2024. To learn more, visit www.semashow.com.

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Bosch Joins CAPA’s Verification Program Bosch is now part of the Certified Automotive Parts Association’s (CAPA) Tier 1 Replacement Parts Verification Program. CAPA, a nonprofit standardsetting and certification organization, has long been instrumental in ensuring highquality automotive crash parts. Historically, the distinction between Tier 1 replacement parts and aftermarket parts has been blurred, posing challenges in identifying parts comparable to original car company (CCO) or car company service (CCS) parts. CAPA’s Tier 1 Verification Program addresses this issue by ensuring Tier 1 Verified replacement parts are manufactured using the same factory, tooling, materials and processes as the CCO or CCS parts. Bosch’s approval to join the program allows it to begin submitting its ultrasonic parking sensors for verification. These verified parts will be distinguished by the CAPA Tier1 Verified label and announced in CAPA’s weekly updates.

Dealerships Losing Ground To Independent Auto Repair Shops, Study Finds New Cox Automotive research revealed franchised dealerships in the U.S. are losing service market share to general repair shops, despite remaining the top service provider. The detailed report, “Under the Hood: Opportunities and Challenges in the Service Industry,” showed dealerships, while still leading, have seen their share of service visits drop from 35% in 2021 to 30% in 2023. This trend emerges as the auto care industry in the U.S. market is expected to surpass $400 billion in consumer spending. Post-pandemic, vehicle owners are reportedly driving more and prolonging their existing vehicles’ usage, influenced by high prices and loan rates for new vehicles. Consequently, service centers are witnessing more frequent visits, with the average vehicle owner bringing in their car 2.5 times in 2023, up from 2.3 in 2021. Vanessa Ton, senior manager of market and customer research

at Cox Automotive, emphasized the service business’s crucial role in dealership operations. Despite the challenges outlined in the report, she noted the industry’s growth and increased customer service visits, boosting most providers’ service revenue.

The Cox Automotive service study, conducted in the latter half of 2023, involved surveying 2,493 vehicle owners, including 182 EV owners, who had at least one service in the past year, accounting for more than 5,500 service visits. Additionally, 525 franchised dealers with decisionmaking authority over fixed operations were interviewed.

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A shift in consumer preference was observed, with 33% of owners favoring general repair shops over dealers for the first time, up from 32% in 2021. Trust in franchised dealer service has waned, with only 54% citing trust as a reason to return, down from 62% in 2021. Cost concerns, exacerbated by inflation, have impacted service decisions. The study reported a 45% increase in the average price per service visit since 2021. However, dealership service costs, averaging $258 per visit, are largely comparable to non-dealer providers at $249, challenging the perception of dealerships being more expensive. Dealerships are also preparing for a surge in electric vehicle services, with 71% adding technicians with high-voltage training and certifications. Despite this, many dealers feel the need for more trained staff and infrastructure to adequately service EVs.

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Wieländer+Schill Joins SCRS

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Bill To Stop EPA Emissions Mandate

Wieländer+Schill (W+S) has joined the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) as a corporate member. For more than four decades, W+S has focused on delivering new, inventive solutions tailored for the collision industry. Their products, designed and distributed by WSEngineering, are renowned for their flexibility and high quality, earning the approval and reliance of various automobile manufacturers globally. This expertise now aligns with the SCRS’s mission to support leading repair centers with top-tier resources and knowledge. Maured Bauer, managing director of Wieländer+Schill, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the company’s longstanding relationship with Reliable Automotive Engineering (RAE), another SCRS corporate member. “For over 20 years, we have been the key OEM supplier in the USA through RAE,” Bauer said. “Joining SCRS, an organization known for its impactful support and initiatives in the industry, aligns perfectly with our vision and commitment to serving our customers worldwide.”

The U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 6 passed the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act (H.R. 4468) with bipartisan support, 221-197, as five Democrats and each Republican member voted for the bill. If passed into law, the SEMA-supported bill would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing the agency’s proposed federal emissions standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles model years 2027 to 2032, which intends for electric vehicles to make up 67% of all new vehicles sales by 2032. The CARS Act also prevents future EPA motorvehicle emissions regulations that would mandate certain technologies or limit the availability of vehicles based on engine type. The passage of the CARS Act comes just days after American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers

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(AFPM) released the results of a national survey that found 60% of likely voters oppose the EPA’s proposed EV mandates. A further breakdown of likely voters found the majority of Republicans (87%) and Independents (61%) oppose the EPA’s de facto internal combustion engine (ICE) ban, while Democrats are split on the matter (41% support, 32% oppose, 27% undecided). U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-MI, introduced and championed the CARS Act to ensure the EPA’s push to decarbonize transportation remains technology-neutral and does not favor one vehicle technology over another. The specialty automotive aftermarket has a forward-looking vision that embraces new technology to make vehicles cleaner and more efficient, which includes hydrogen, electric, alternative fuels and continuing to improve the internal combustion engine. If the CARS Act becomes

law, it would block the most aggressive tailpipe emissions ever proposed. SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola and member companies have been vocal in opposing the EPA’s proposed rule. If the rule is finalized, the EPA estimates 67% of new sedans, crossovers, SUVs and light-truck purchases would be electric by 2032, while EVs would make up 50% of bus and garbage trucks, 35% of shorthaul freight tractors and 25% of long-haul freight tractors. U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo, R-ID, and Pete Ricketts, R-NE, introduced a bipartisan companion version of the CARS Act in the Senate, S. 3094. The bill has 33 co-sponsors and awaits consideration in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. For more information, visit s e m a . o r g / E PA - P r o p o s e d Greenhouse-Gas-Rules or contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.

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Fixing ADAS Systems Makes Up Over a Third of Collision Repair Costs By Brittany Moy AAA

A recent study by AAA found advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), like automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning, can add up to 37.6% to the total repair cost after a crash. This is due to the high cost of replacing and calibrating the sensors that operate these systems. Even minor damage to systems such as front radar or distance sensors can result in additional repair expenses of up to $1,540. AAA advises consumers to be aware of the repair costs associated with these vehicle systems, and prioritize repairing them when necessary to ensure they work as intended. “Vehicles equipped with more sophisticated safety systems are much more common now, especially since NHTSA proposed its rule requiring automatic emergency braking earlier this year,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering. “Consumers should know about the repair costs associated with these technologies. But they must also understand the

importance of fixing them since improperly functioning systems could result in a deadly crash.” Many variables can affect the cost of repairing ADAS, including vehicle make and model, the type and location of the sensor and the type of facility where the repair work is performed. Consumers may not realize it, but

the sensors that help ADAS “see” the world around the vehicle are located at the front, side and back. AAA looked at four repair scenarios—front-end collision, side mirror replacement, rear collision and windshield replacement— to understand the costs of repairing these sensors. The highest repair cost for ADAS components is attributed to radar sensors and cameras damaged in a front-end collision. However, the replacement of a side mirror

represented the largest proportion of repair costs of the three scenarios. For the three vehicles (model year 2023) evaluated in this report, AAA found: • The average cost of replacing ADAS components in a minor front collision repair was $1,540, or 13.2% of the average total repair. • An average of 70.8% of the repair cost ($1,067) was attributable to the ADAS camera included in the side mirror assembly. • The average cost of replacing ADAS components in a minor rear collision repair was $684, or 40.9% of the average total repair estimate of $1,698. • The cost of windshield glass replacement attributable to ADAS components averaged 25.4% ($360.00) of the total repair cost. • Individual ADAS component costs (part and specific labor/ calibration) over the four repair scenarios range from a low of $290 to a high of $1,596. AAA’s research determined the ranges listed below for typical ADAS repair expenses. Note that these numbers are for costs over and

•

above the normal body work required following a collision. Front radar sensors used with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control systems: $500 to $1,300. Front camera sensors used with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance (does not include the cost of a replacement windshield): $600 to $800. Mirror mount, side mirror used with around-view systems: $740 to $1,600. Windshield camera sensor used with lane keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition and pedestrian detection: $900 to $1,200. Front or rear ultrasonic sensors used with parking assist systems: $300 to $1,000. A driver is alerted by a warning light or icon on the instrument panel and/or a message display if an ADAS component is failing and causing the system to be inoperable. Once this occurs, it’s crucial for drivers to take their vehicle to a reputable repair facility for repair.

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Repairify Now ASE Accredited For Training

Ex-GM Manager Convicted in $5M Bribery Scheme

Repairify, Inc., has achieved ASE accreditation for both online and in-person training, and is now recognized by ASE as a provider of “Continuing Automotive Service Education” to help train the future technicians of the automotive repair industry. Repairify sought this accreditation to ensure its training content aligns with I-CAR objectives. With this accreditation, students who complete Repairify courses will receive credit towards their I-CAR certifications in the same way they would if they took the I-CAR course at the technical center in Chicago. Repairify’s curriculum design, processes and methods for training were rigorously tested by ASE over several months. Every aspect of Repairify’s program was examined to validate that its training materials met ASE’s high standards and the needs of automotive students and the industry. Now, Repairify has joined this exclusive club of fewer than 50 institutions that have received ASE accreditation.

Former General Motors manager Hyoung Nam So, 48, of Irvine, CA, also known as “Brian So,” was found guilty by a jury for his role in a multimilliondollar bribery scheme. So was convicted of conspiracy to commit bribery, a charge stemming from his promise to deliver a $100 million contract to a South Korean company, Wookyung MIT, in exchange for $5 million. During a seven-day trial, evidence revealed in 2015, So, who managed the supply of parts for GM automobiles in North America, received $3.45 million in cash from Wookyung MIT. In a detailed bribery arrangement, So agreed to award the lucrative contract, initially set to be decided through a competitive bidding process, to Wookyung MIT. The South Korean company’s owner facilitated a $1 million cash transfer from South Korea to Los Angeles, later personally delivering the cash to So in Troy, MI.

So learned Wookyung MIT was not the lowest bidder for the contract. To secure the deal, So provided insider information to Wookyung MIT, enabling it to revise its bid. On Dec. 8, 2015,

In 2017, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized $3.19 million linked to the bribery from a private vault in Los Altos, CA, funds that were eventually returned to South Korean authorities. Meanwhile, the owner of Wookyung MIT faced legal consequences in South Korea related to the bribery scheme. U.S. District Judge Andre Birotte Jr. scheduled So’s sentencing for May 24, 2024. So faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. The case was a result of a collaborative effort by HSI’s Los Angeles El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, with significant support from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeff Mitchell and David Y. Pi of the Major Frauds Section are leading the prosecution.

the same day So recommended Wookyung MIT for the contract, GM awarded it to the company. However, So withheld the contract’s confirmation from Wookyung MIT until the remaining bribe was paid. This final payment, amounting to $2.45 million in cash, was made at a Detroit restaurant.

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Northwood University Announces Master’s Degree Northwood University is launching a pioneering master of science in organizational leadership (MSOL) program tailored for automotive professionals. Enrollment is now open, with classes beginning Jan. 15, 2024. The MSOL for Automotive Professionals program exemplifies Northwood’s continued dedication to providing specialized education for individuals deeply entrenched in the automotive field. It welcomes participants with diverse automotive industry experiences. It offers a seamless pathway for graduates of Northwood’s prestigious Automotive Marketing Management and Automotive Aftermarket Management programs, ensuring a unified and comprehensive educational journey. For more information, including course names and descriptions, visit devos. northwood.edu/organizationalleadership-automotive

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U.S. Invests $3.5 Billion in Domestic Battery Production The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled a $3.5 billion initiative, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to advance domestic production of advanced batteries and related materials. This move is a crucial part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aimed at bolstering the nation’s competitiveness in the burgeoning clean energy market. “Positioning the United States front and center to meet the growing demand for advanced batteries is how we boost our global competitiveness, maintain and create good-paying jobs, and strengthen our clean energy economy,” said Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. At the core of this initiative is the development of new and expanded facilities for processing critical minerals, manufacturing battery components, and producing battery cells and packs. These steps are vital for supporting future-oriented industries like renewable energy and EVs. The funding also aligns with the administration’s broader goals of achieving a net-zero emissions

economy by 2050 and ensuring EVs constitute half of all new lightduty vehicle sales by 2030. Batteries play a pivotal role in transitioning to a clean energy economy, not only in reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions for American families and businesses but also in enhancing national security and resilience. The demand for EVs and stationary storage is expected to exponentially increase the lithium battery market by the end of this decade, highlighting the necessity for the U.S. to invest in a robust, resilient battery supply chain. This initiative represents the second phase of a broader $6 billion investment outlined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In the first phase, the DOE awarded 15 projects, catalyzing more than $5.8 billion in combined public and private investment. The current phase aims to further strengthen domestic battery manufacturing and supply chains, focusing on: • Developing a competitive battery materials processing industry in the U.S. • Expanding advanced battery

manufacturing capabilities. • Reducing dependency on foreign entities for critical minerals and battery materials. • Enhancing domestic processing capacity for battery materials. • Supporting underserved communities in line with the Justice40 Initiative. • Creating workforce opportunities in low- and moderate-income communities. The DOE is prioritizing not only lithium-based technologies but also next-generation technologies and battery chemistries. This includes expanding facilities for critical material processing and battery component manufacturing, which are expected to attract additional investments. The program will update its focus areas every six months to keep pace with market and technology advancements. Concept papers for this funding opportunity are due by Jan. 9, 2024, with full applications required by March 19, 2024. The Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) is responsible for overseeing the initiative.

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autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS JANUARY 2024 33

Insurers’ Efforts To Improve Profitability Drive Auto Policy Shopping Macroeconomic trends affecting insurance shopping in the first half of 2023 continued throughout Q3. Auto and property insurance shopping rates were flat compared to Q2 2023 but elevated 12% and 6%, respectively, compared to Q3 2022. The findings are part of TransUnion’s latest quarterly Insurance Personal Lines Trends and Perspectives Report, which includes trends in the auto and property insurance markets, as well as survey data about consumers’ behaviors and attitudes. The search for lower insurance premiums remains a primary driver of auto insurance shopping. The Insurance Information Institute forecasted auto insurance premium growth of 10.4% in 2023—double the 5% premium growth from the previous year. “In addition to raising rates, insurers are employing other measures to improve their profitability, like suspending distribution and toughening underwriting standards,” said Stothard Deal, vice president of strategic planning for TransUnion’s insurance business. “These efforts have likely motivated consumers to

expand their shopping activity with new insurers.” New vehicle sales were also a contributing factor. A healthy labor market and the increase in employers’ return to work policies are likely motivating consumers to purchase new vehicles. According to J.D. Power, the U.S. new automobile market remains resilient, with the outlook for sales in 2023 increasing to 7% over 2022. How Bundling Can Attract and Retain Policyholders Conversely, home sales and refinancing—two important triggers for property insurance shopping— remain depressed. Homeowners locked into low interest rates are reluctant to sell and purchase new properties at current rates. However, property insurance shopping remains elevated over 2022. One factor pushing this trend is the hunt for lower insurance premiums. Another is the increased number of insurers requiring bundling or multiline policies. As consumers shop for auto insurance, they may be forced to consider switching their home insurance as well, even if they

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VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR TRANSUNION’S INSURANCE BUSINESS

The report noted cyber security threats are evolving and insurers should broaden their offerings. Social engineering scams, in which bad actors trick consumers into clicking a malicious link or sharing personal information, are now one of the most prevalent threats. Many insurers are exploring

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ways to assist policyholders due to different types of fraud and cyber risks, including social engineering scams, ransomware attacks and cyberbullying events. Going further, the report recommended adopting preventative solutions that complement existing restorative measures. One such solution is TransUnion’s TruEmpower™ Scam Blocker, which helps protect individuals, families and small businesses from harmful cyber incidents by blocking fraudulent websites, phishing attempts and other cyber threats on mobile devices and laptops. Delivered through insurers, Scam Blocker adds value and can give peace of mind to policyholders while assisting to reduce claims costs to insurers. “TransUnion research has found consumers look to their insurers for guidance and protection in the aftermath of a cyber-attack,” said Matt Cullina, head of TransUnion’s global cyber insurance business. “Providing a robust, preventative measure can help policyholders feel safer online and more secure in their coverage policy.”

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CIECA Reactivates VDI/ Estimating Committee

Consumer Reports: New Tech in EVs Still Working Out the Bugs

CIECA announced the reactivation of the Standards Development Committee focused on Vehicle Damage and Imaging (VDI)/ Estimating. The committee will be chaired by CIECA Past Chair Phil Martinez, principal technical consultant at Mitchell International, an Enlyte company. The VDI committee will first focus on a JSON standard for existing Assignment messages. Next, committee members will evaluate the type of messages needed for the data generated by estimating systems and consumers of that data. All industry stakeholders, including CIECA and non-CIECA members, are invited to join. The VDI Committee was originally created in the early 2000s as a merger of two former CIECA Committees: Estimate Management Standard (EMS) and Repair Facility. The goal was to develop and maintain messaging standards and codes focused on the appraisal and/or restoration of a collision-damaged vehicle that incurred an insurance loss.

Consumer Reports recently released its annual reliability survey, showing electric vehicles experience significantly more issues than their ICE counterparts, largely due to new technology that automakers haven’t quite ironed out yet. “The problems with internal combustion engines are mostly sorted,” Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports senior director of testing, told the Detroit Free Press. “The new problems are mostly associated with electronics: Electric vehicles that use brand new platforms and power trains.” The survey looked at 70,000 vehicles produced in model years 2021-2024, and found EVs had about 79% more problems than ICE vehicles. Hybrids, however, reported an average of 26% fewer problems than ICE vehicles, though plug-in hybrids did even worse than EVs—they reported 146% more problems than ICE vehicles.

Consumer Reports Reliability Ratings 1. Lexus 2. Toyota 3. Mini 4. Acura 5. Honda 6. Subaru 7. Mazda 8. Porsche 9. BMW 10. Kia 11. Hyundai 12. Buick 13. Infiniti 14. Tesla 15. Ram 16. Cadillac 17. Nissan 18. Genesis 19. Audi 20. Chevrolet 21. Dodge 22. Ford 23. Lincoln 24. GMC 25. Volvo 26. Jeep 27. Volkswagen 28. Rivian 29. Mercedes-Benz 30. Chrysler

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Crash Champions Donates $70K To Susan G. Komen The Crash Champions Collision Repair Team recently presented a gift in the amount of $70,000 to Susan G. Komen on the heels of its Champions for a Cause campaign. The campaign, which took place throughout the month of October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, rallied the company’s 10,000plus team members in support of Susan G. Komen’s mission to fight breast cancer. The presentation was made Nov. 15 at Crash Champions’ Westmont, IL, home office. Funds were raised through sales of special edition Crash Champions T-shirts and polos featuring the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon. Proceeds from the sales, supplemented by a matching contribution from Crash Champions, were donated to Susan G. Komen. Crash Champions team members also participated in several Race for the Cure events and MORE THAN PINK Walks throughout the month of October, raising additional funds also matched by Crash Champions.

Average Auto Loan Amount Declines in Q3 The average new vehicle loan amount in Q3 2023 fell to $40,184, a drop from the previous year’s $41,543, according to Experian’s State of the Automotive Finance Market Report, a welcome change after a period of steady increases. Similarly, the average loan amount for used vehicles was $27,167, a reduction of $1,517 from the same quarter the year before.

The report also indicated only modest increases in the average monthly payments for new and used vehicle loans, despite a rise in interest rates. New vehicle loans saw an average monthly payment increase of $25, reaching $726, while used vehicle loans increased by $4 to $533. The average

interest rates for new and used vehicles have risen to 7.03% and 11.35%, respectively. “While we’ve seen the average loan amount for new and used vehicles rise over the last three years, it’s a welcome sight to see average vehicle loan amounts decrease,” said Melinda Zabritski, Experian’s head of automotive financial insights. “With monthly payments remaining relatively stable despite rising interest rates, the industry seems to be heading in a positive direction, especially with consumers having more options available to them during the financing process.” The report also revealed a trend towards shorter-term loans for new vehicle shoppers. In Q3 2023, 13.4% of new vehicle loans had terms in the 1- to 48-month category, an increase from 9.99% the previous year. The report attributes much of this shift to the lower interest rates available for shorter-term loans. In the captive market, significant growth was observed. Captives comprised the majority of the total

financing market share at 30.43%, a considerable rise from 21.55% in Q3 2022. This growth is also reflected in new vehicle financing, where captives accounted for 59.18% of the market share.

“While we’ve seen the average loan amount for new and used vehicles rise over the last three years, it’s a welcome sight to see average vehicle loan amounts decrease,” — MELINDA ZABRITSK

EXPERIAN’S HEAD OF AUTOMOTIVE FINANCIAL INSIGHTS

Additional findings from the report include the dominance of credit unions in the used vehicle market, the slight decrease in average loan terms for both new and used vehicles, and a growing market in prime and super prime financing sectors. Delinquency rates were also reported, with 30-day delinquencies reaching 2.33% and 60-day delinquencies at 0.91%.

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autobodynews.com / AUTOBODY NEWS JANUARY 2024 37

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Editor Abby Andrews Contributing Writers Mike Anderson, Stacey Phillips, Cole Strandberg, John Yoswick Advertising Sales Joe Momber, Norman Morano, Steve Sklenar Office Manager Kelly Cashman Digital Marketing Manager Bryan Malinski Art Director Rodolfo Garcia Senior Designer Vicki Sitarz

Serving Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. 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

CIF To Host Annual Charity Gala For Crisis Relief The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) is set to host its 13th annual charity event, “Cocktails for a Cause,” Jan. 16, 2024, in Palm Springs, CA. The event aligns with the much-anticipated Industry Week, promising an evening of networking, entertainment and philanthropy at the Agua Caliente Casino’s CASCADE Lounge. This year’s event aims to raise substantial funds for emergency relief for collision repair industry professionals facing crises. CIF provides disaster relief assistance to hundreds of industry professionals affected by natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires and floods. In addition to the live drawing for prizes, attendees can look forward to enjoying great food and beverages, engaging in industry networking, and participating in the CIF Live Auction, a highlight of the event. “Cocktails for a Cause”

is more than just a social gathering; it represents the CIF’s dedication to its mission of supporting industry professionals in their most challenging times. The success of this event is credited to the generous support of industry donors and individuals committed to this cause. The evening stars at 6:30 p.m. PT, on the eve of the CIC meeting. The CIF trustees extend an open invitation to all interested parties, encouraging early registration at cifgala.org. CIF’s ongoing efforts and the annual charity event have become a cornerstone in providing much-needed support and solidarity within the collision repair community. As the foundation prepares for another successful event, the anticipation and commitment from the industry partners continue to grow, underscoring the collective spirit of giving back and supporting each other in times of need.

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Biden Administration Mulls Over EV Tax Credit Reprieve For Automakers The Biden administration is discussing a temporary reprieve for automakers from stipulations in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) regarding materials from foreign adversaries, and how they affect EVs’ eligibility for tax incentives In March, the U.S. Department of Treasury published battery sourcing guidance, which automakers must comply with to reap the tax credits from the IRA. One of the biggest concerns about the eligibility requirements regards battery packs, cells and the materials used to manufacture them. The treasury’s guidance limits the materials automakers can use to produce EVs if they want to qualify for consumer tax credits. Most materials used to produce EVs must be sourced within the U.S. or a country with free trade agreements with the U.S. Automakers have expressed concerns over the guidance, considering the current landscape of the EV industry.

North America and some countries with a free trade agreement are still building their EV battery supply chain. While the IRA has boosted investments in EVs within the U.S., it will still take time for those investments to bear fruit. “We are going to have lots of battery capacity in the United States. It’s just not right this second,” said Scott Sklar, president of The Stella Group Ltd. Demand for EVs has been a big question in the minds of companies investing in the domestic supply chain. Recently, U.S. auto dealers wrote to President Joe Biden saying enthusiasm for EVs has stalled. Battery suppliers already establishing facilities in the country have also shown concerns about demand. A common concern amongst most companies building the supply chain is the affordability of EVs. The treasury’s guidance would effectively slash the amount of new EVs eligible for the IRA’s tax incentives and, therefore, their prices.

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