June 2023 West Edition

Parents Sue Kia After Teens Killed in Stolen Crashed SUV

By David A. Wood CarComplaints.com

A New York Kia Sportage crash that killed four teens and injured two others was allegedly caused by Kia even though the 2021 Kia Sportage was stolen and traveling 100 mph when it crashed into a wall.

California Hits 1.5 Million EV Sales

column and using a USB cable to bypass the security system.

It’s believed the first class action lawsuit was filed in 2021 for Wisconsin customers where the problem allegedly first began.

The online videos show exactly how to steal the Hyundai or Kia vehicle, and then to make the theft a “challenge,”

Milestone 2 Years Ahead of Schedule

By Steven Loveday InsideEVs

The California Energy Commission said the Golden State hit its previously designated target of 1.5 million electric vehicle sales two years ahead of its goal of 2025.

This may come as no surprise to people who follow the space, thanks to the huge popularity of EVs in California. It’s not the only U.S. state with booming EV sales, as the list is growing.

According to Electrek, former California  Gov. Jerry Brown set the 2025 EV sales target in 2012. The only fully electric car for sale in the state at that time was the Nissan Leaf. The Tesla Model S came out later

REGIONAL NEWS

that year. Tesla had sold the original Roadster in years prior.

There were just thousands of EVs sold in California by 2012, but the progress since has been exponential. California had more than 1.5 million EV sales on the books at the end of the third quarter 2023, though the number of fully electric models was at just over 1 million. The rest were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which, despite being “EVs,” many people don’t see as electric cars since they still have gas engines. In 2023, 21% of cars sold thus far in California have been EVs. No other state can claim such high numbers. In fact, 40% of all zero-emission cars sold so far in the U.S. in 2023 have

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The wrongful death lawsuit was filed by two mothers of two of the deceased teens who claim the crash would not have occurred if Kia would have installed engine immobilizers in the Sportage.

According to the lawsuit: “An engine immobilizer is a critical piece of electronic security technology that serves as a crucial tool in minimizing the risk of vehicle theft. Immobilizers prevent vehicles from being started unless a unique code is transmitted from the vehicle’s key.”

In 2021, criminals began posting videos online about how to steal Hyundai and Kia vehicles by breaking into the vehicle, removing the steering

criminals are encouraged to post their own videos showing how they stole the vehicles. The lawsuit said, “numerous countries have adopted legislation requiring immobilizers as standard equipment for new automobiles.”

But what the lawsuit doesn’t mention is the U.S. isn’t one of those countries, as engine immobilizers are not required by U.S. laws.

The Kia Sportage Crash

The New York Kia Sportage crash occurred Oct. 24, 2022, after a 16-yearold boy drove the stolen Kia into a wall at 100 mph, killing four teens: Marcus Webster, 19, Swazine Swindle, 17,

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NWACA Holds Successful Inaugural Collision Training Expo

By Abby Andrews Autobody News

The Northwest Auto Care Alliance (NWACA) held its first Collision Training Expo (CTE) on May 6 at Clover Park Technical School in Lakewood, WA.

Forty people attended the allday training and exhibition event designed for collision shops, by collision shops. The classes—several of which were hands-on—consisted

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Columnist Mike Anderson: Calculating the ROI in ‘Growing’ Your Own New Body Techs 18

Columnist Abby Andrews: WIN Hosts Annual Educational Conference 30

Columnist Ed Attanasio: Karleigh Johnson Has Her Eyes on SkillsUSA National Gold

Columnist John Yoswick: Shifting Customer Preferences, Tech, Staffing Issues Inspire Changes in Shops

Among the hands-on classes offered at the inaugural CTE was this welding class led by Wesco

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Lean, Green Facility Delivers Bottom-Line Impact For Maaco of Hayward, CA

David Co, owner of Maaco in Hayward, CA, didn’t set out to own a paint and body shop, but when he visited a Maaco to get a dent

knew something had to be done.

“This cannot happen in a quality repair shop,” Co said. “I knew I needed to do something for our team members, our shop cleanliness and our efficiency.”

Co, a member of the Maaco Advisory Board, had upgraded his lighting five years ago to switch to more efficient LED fixtures throughout the facility. This lighting delivers bright work areas for his technicians, but draws only 100 watts instead of 400 watts, cutting his electricity costs dramatically.

the Total Automotive Sanding System from 3M.

“We bought five units and put them to work in our facility, and it reduced 95% of the dust,” said Co. “It is amazing. Our facility is cleaner and we don’t waste countless hours cleaning each day, our team members are happier because they don’t go home covered in dust, and we see better quality in our paint jobs because there are fewer airborne particles floating around.”

He combined that with the 3M Accuspray paint system and low VOC paint to meet California’s stringent environmental emissions standards.

The TechForce Foundation opened nominations for its annual Techs Rock Awards.

Winners in five categories will receive a prize package valued at $1,975 from TechForce partners Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Cengage Learning, CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Nissan, Snapon Industrial and WD-40 Company.

repair estimate about 17 years ago, it changed his path.

He also didn’t plan to overhaul his facility to be environmentally friendly, but when he got a face full of sanding dust while walking through his Maaco location, he

Collision Training Expo

of training for managers, owners, estimators and technicians, with trainers from leading industry names like CCC, Wesco, ATI, Elitek, 3M and LDC Equipment teaching everything from performing calibrations on ADAS features and writing estimates to measuring and welding on a variety of materials used in modern vehicles.

Micah Strom, collision chair for the NWACA and a body shop owner, said show organizers got a lot of excellent feedback, which will be used to make next year’s second annual CTE even better.

“Just like the first time with anything, there will be things we’ll learn from,” Strom said. “But we had an instructor from a tech school in Bellingham, WA, and he said he will tell everyone they need to attend next year.”

Strom said show organizers are already trying to think of a way to offer a hands-on painting class in 2024.

“We want to provide a training event for the whole shop,” Strom said. “We prefer hands-on training, not just a classroom setting, because technicians learn better that way.”

Strom thanked everyone who

He is now finishing the installation of solar roof panels, which will further reduce his electricity use. By working with his accountant and the state of California, he expects to receive a 30% rebate on his investment.

But the sanding dust was the last straw. He immediately began researching solutions and found

made the first CTE a success, including NWACA office staff, CTE committee members, vendors and sponsors.

Strom said the NWACA has hosted a training expo for mechanical shops for 20 years and felt it was time to offer the same to its collision shop members.

“We started the CTE for our members and for the industry in general, to get some good training out there,” Strom said. “There’s not a lot [of collision training] here in the Northwest, and that’s why we put this together.”

The success of the inaugural event concreted the vision of CTE and the need for a training event like it.

Anyone interested in participating in the 2024 CTE as an attendee, trainer or sponsor can contact Brenda Wolslegel at 253-653-2334 or by email at brenda@nwautocare. org.

Source: NWACA

“I’m not a painter or a technician, but I understand the importance of creating a clean, hospitable workplace that helps improve team members’ work experience,” said Co. “And, I understand the bottom line—making improvements that keep our facility cleaner, brighter and efficient also drive cost-savings and profitability for our business.”

Visit Maaco.com for more information.

Source: Maaco

A grand prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to STX 2024 in Nashville, TN, valued at $3,000 courtesy of Advance Auto Parts, along with additional prizes valued at $6,000 from TechForce partners AutoZone, CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Nissan, Snapon Industrial and WD-40 Company.

For more information, and to nominate a tech, visit techforce.org/our-work/techsrock-awards/

Source: TechForce Foundation

Estimating Systems Expected To Make Changes Based on Paint Blend Study

By John Yoswick Autobody News

During an open board meeting of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) in mid-April, the association’s leaders discussed what changes might occur within the estimating systems based on the blend study SCRS conducted last year.

“The research, the work, resulted in positive movement for the industry, and we’re excited to identify what the end result looks like,” said Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the association.

Less than three weeks later, users of CCC Intelligent Solutions’ estimating system learned that by the end of the year, they will have the option to input their own refinish blend time or set their own default blend value. MOTOR Information Systems, developer of the underlying

Autatex, he said during April’s meeting, is “still looking at how they are going to address it,” but in the interim has showed how its system allows a user to make changes to the blend calculation.

“That’s great to have those tools, but the question still needs to be addressed because it is still our belief that the formulas aren’t representative of the tasks that are actually being performed today,” Schulenburg said.

He said the blending process also may be different than it was 30 years ago when the blend formulas were established. He said Mitchell noted two of the five paint companies in the SCRS study applied sealer on the blend edge—something called for in those companies’ training materials.

“There’s nothing in [Mitchell’s Complete Estimating Guide] that says applying sealer on the blend edge isn’t considered a blend,” Schulenburg said. “If [Mitchell] is not considering it a blend operation [when that step is done], that means they haven’t factored that operation into the times they’ve applied for blend. So it’s either not a blend, or the times need to be adjusted.”

User Agreement Opens Scan Tool Data to China

are subject to, particularly in light of privacy agreements they may have with other entities, including insurance companies.

“Think of a USAA, that insures [four]-star generals. Think of a GEICO that insures government employees,” Schulenburg said. “What are their expectations of shops within their network to maintain the privacy of those individuals? Would they want that information shared in this manner under the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China? I don’t know. But it seems like it’s worth talking about as an industry.”

Insurance Commissioners Address the Industry

Issues related to “prevailing rate” were among the topics two state insurance commissioners discussed in their presentation at the SCRS meeting. Michael Bradshaw, vice chairman of the SCRS board and operations manager for his family’s North Carolina body shop, told them most insurers in his state don’t conduct labor rate surveys, and when asked, insurance company representatives tend to say they are told the prevailing rate by their supervisor, or say, “We go into shops, and that’s the rate they will take.”

Bradshaw pointed to what he sees as a key difference.

“The only thing I would say about the medical industry is that they are licensed professionals,” he said. “Even bad doctors have had a lot of education, a lot of ongoing training. In our industry, in [most] states, there’s no licensure requirement. There’s no equipment or training requirements. So the difference among body shops is vast,” yet they are all told there’s one “prevailing rate.”

One reason White may not be familiar with the issue came out in his opening comments.

“A question I framed to my team was: Do we get a lot of complaints that involve collision repair shops either directly or indirectly,” White said. “The answer I got was ‘No, not really.’ Not as many as you might expect.”

database used by CCC, said it “reviewed information from multiple sources and has concluded that the current formula reflects an estimate for one particular scenario but does not necessarily reflect the many variations encountered with modern vehicle finishes and design.”

Blend times, the company’s statement about the change reads, should be based on “the judgment of an estimator or appraiser following an on-the-spot evaluation of the specific vehicle and refinish requirements in question.”

“This is a great example of an action that we had previously requested prior to the study, that is now only taking place because of the study results and the industry support that followed,” Schulenburg said in response to MOTOR’s announced change.

SCRS believes its study last year demonstrated blending takes more time than a full panel refinish, rather than the 50% less time allocated in the three estimating systems. Schulenburg said SCRS is having “similar conversations” with the other estimating system providers as well.

Also during the SCRS meeting, held in April in Richmond, VA, Schulenburg showed under the terms of the licensing agreement of at least one aftermarket scan tool, the user is agreeing to allow the data collected through the tool to be transferred to the company in China, “subject to China laws, including those governing the privacy and security of your information.”

The shop user is also agreeing to notify and acquire consent for such

“It’s not a survey. There’s no statistical data,” Bradshaw said. “That’s the biggest frustration within this industry.”

Scott White, commissioner of insurance for Virginia since 2018, acknowledged it was a topic he discussed with his staff prior to speaking at the SCRS meeting.

He said that was true both in absolute terms—the actual number received—and as a trend, with the department receiving “a lot more” complaints five or 10 years ago.

“Which kind of surprised me,” White said. “It may not be an accurate reflection of what’s going on out there. The caveat is we aren’t seeing all the problems that are probably out there.”

North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey, on the other hand, said his department gets “a large volume of complaints, all kinds, and I’d say auto insurance [complaints] are a majority over homeowners’.”

Causey said he, like shops, sees differences among insurance companies as well.

collection and transfer of vehicle data “from each customer or prospective customer,” and to the use of the information by the scan tool company “and third parties.”

Schulenburg said he’s turned the issue over to the Collision Industry Conference committee on data privacy and security. He said shops need to be aware of such enduser licensing agreements they

“I did ask this question because I didn’t know, and I was told the prevailing rate is the [DRP] network rate,” White said. “That seems pretty easy to find out. But maybe there’s a difference in how we’re looking at it.”

He pointed to what he sees as a similar situation in the health care industry, where providers and insurers may disagree on what is the “commercial reasonable rate.” But

“Some do a really good job of handling claims, paying claims quickly. Others are terrible,” Causey said. “The consumer certainly has to shop around. But again, anything you bring to the attention of regulators, if you give it to our office and say, ‘We’ve noticed this, this is the documentation we have,” we’ll get our folks on it and investigate it and try to get to the bottom of it.”

SCRS’ Aaron Schulenburg, right, introduces state insurance commissioners Mike Causey, left, and Scott White, center, before their presentations at the association’s open board meeting

Scott White, Virginia’s insurance commissioner, said his department gets few complaints related to collision repair claims

North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey said some insurers pay claims quickly while others are “terrible.”

“The research, the work, resulted in positive movement for the industry, and we’re excited to identify what the end result looks like.”

AARON SCHULENBURG AEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SCRS

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Karleigh Johnson Has Her Eyes on SkillsUSA National Gold

By Ed Attanasio Autobody News

High school senior Karleigh Johnson at Ratteree Career Development Center (RCDC) in Irving, TX, is a SkillsUSA star. She took the gold medal at the SkillsUSA district competition in February, held in Waco, TX, and then captured first place at the state finals in Corpus Christi, TX.

entered SkillsUSA and performed admirably, though he wasn’t able to get past the state level. He told himself one day he would get a student to take the whole thing. One of his students, Hector Martinez, won the state competition his first year, but a technicality kept him from going to nationals. The next year, Martinez finished second in the state, just like Cano.

And then in 2000, Cano finally found his collision star, a student named Geronimo Medrano, who won nationals under Cano’s tutelage. “He was a special kid and now he is doing well out in the industry, which is so satisfying,” Cano said.

For the past 23 years, Cano has been looking for his second champion, and Johnson may be the answer. SkillsUSA is a national membership association serving high school, college and middle school students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including collision repair. It’s is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps each student excel.

week of the class,” Cano said. “She asked ‘Could I be in your class?’ and I asked why. She said, ‘I know how to do mechanical already, and I want to learn collision repair now.’ She was direct and very respectful and I had a sense that she would be a good student. She is smart and wants to

SkillsUSA competition, because she is a competitor and comes prepared.”

Cano always trains his students to compete, on top of the knowledge and skills he shares with every student about fixing and painting cars.

“Karleigh is already doing the same things professionally at Toyota of Irving, so it’s not going to be that much different,” he said. “I always tell all of my SkillsUSA students to focus carefully on every detail; get everything done right the first time and take what I have taught you into practice.”

There will be a bigger crowd at nationals, but Johnson does not seem to be nervous when she thinks about her upcoming trip to Atlanta.

Johnson was the sole female participant in the collision repair technician competition at state and now is headed for SkillsUSA Nationals, June 19-23 in Atlanta, GA. Johnson’s instructor at RCDC, Felix Cano, is proud of his prize pupil. She is his only student to reach the national competition this year, of five who competed at the district level. Cano has 52 students in his collision repair program at RCDC, five of whom are young women.

The SkillsUSA Nationals are like the Super Bowl of high school collision repair, and Cano is a wellknown top teacher and coach. He is competitive himself, so whenever Cano has a contender like Johnson, he’s thrilled. He is delighted with Johnson’s presentation to date, and anticipates a strong performance in the nationals.

When she isn’t in class, Johnson works at Toyota of Irving as a technician, where they are also enamored with her work.

When he was a tech student, Cano

More than 340,000 students and advisors join SkillsUSA each year, organized into more than 19,000 local chapters and 52 state and territorial associations. In 201718, 19,500 teachers served as professional members and SkillsUSA advisors. Combining alumni membership, the total number reached annually is more than 421,000. SkillsUSA has served more than 13.5 million members since its founding in 1965.

More than 600 business, industry and labor organizations actively support SkillsUSA at the national level through financial aid, in-kind contributions and involvement of their people in SkillsUSA activities. Many more work directly with state associations and local chapters. Commitment by industry to the annual national SkillsUSA Championships is valued at more than $36 million.

The initial meeting between Cano and Johnson was random and wonderful.

“She was watching us weld and doing body work during the third

learn—everything you could want in a student.”

Cano sensed something with Johnson that intrigued him immediately, he said.

“Some students don’t want to compete, but Karleigh has those killer eyes,” Cano said. “When she decides to solve a problem or take on a challenge, she will succeed. That’s why I thought she would do well in the

“When I get up there, I have the ability to stay calm,” she said. “I don’t get hyped up and I go with the flow. Mr. Cano tells me to stay cool and do my best.”

Hopefully her best will bring her the gold, she said.

“I have been training for this for so long and learned so much along the way,” Johnson said. “Winning the SkillsUSA Nationals would help me in college and lead to other opportunities—so I am definitely excited!”

Karleigh Johnson, left, a student at Rateree Career Development Center, with her teacher, Felix Cano, at SkillsUSA Regionals

“I have been training for this for so long and learned so much along the way. Winning the SkillsUSA Nationals would help me in college and lead to other opportunities—so I am definitely excited!”

— KARLEIGH JOHNSON COLLISION REPAIR TECH STUDENT

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Shifting Customer Preferences, Technology, Staffing Issues Inspire Changes in Collision Repair Shops

By John Yoswick Autobody News

A Greek philosopher once said the only constant in life is change, and that certainly applies to the life of a collision repair business owner. Six shop owners shared what changes they’ve recently made within their business.

Tom Ricci, owner of Body & Paint Center in Hudson, MA, pointed to two such changes at his 21-employee business.

“I have had multiple problems with our last four or five bookkeepers. They just never seem to work out,” he said. “So I outsourced bookkeeping. It’s been almost a year now and it’s worked out, between cleaning up the last two or three years that other people made a mess of, and really making it simple moving forward. I don’t need an in-house bookkeeper anymore. It’s been a breath of fresh hair having this outsourced help.”

Ricci said he also began doing more ADAS work in-house as of last December.

“I got quite comfortable with the training and utilizing it the way we should have been utilizing it earlier,” he said. “We’re doing it now for any cars that need it, in-house. I was surprised by how much space it really does take, but we do have the space for it. We have 15,000 square feet, and not all of it was being 100% used all of the time. We started out with two managers learning how to do it. Now the production manager is training a lower-level tech that has been with us for about three years. We had moved him a couple different places in the shop, but this really struck a chord with him. He got real excited about learning how to do it.”

Changing Customer Communication

Rosann Kramer of Runway Auto in South Burlington, VT, spent 16 years working for one of the automotive paint companies before buying the shop in 2014. She said a three-month backlog of work and continued challenges with getting parts has led to some changes in customer communications.

“We are spending way more time talking to customers, explaining how long they are waiting to get their car fixed, the parts issues that everybody has, explaining rental car coverage,” Kramer said. “Previously we always told customers, ‘If possible, go through your own insurance because they’re advocating for you.’ Now it’s

the opposite. If they’re a claimant, we tell them, ‘File with the other [party’s] insurer because you could be in a rental car for three to six months.’

“Another change: I used to call customers and leave them a voicemail. But a lot of people never answer their phone, don’t have voicemail set up or it’s full,” Kramer continued. “So now we do email. I let them know when they drop off their vehicle that unless something

and more. I probably use the word ‘empathy’ about 10 times a day right now. Just listen to them, understand, tell them you’re on their side and that we’re doing everything we can.”

Technology-Focused Changes

Frank Rinaudo of Frank’s Accurate Body Shop in Slidell, LA, said his shop repairs 20 to 25 EVs a month, about a third of the company’s overall monthly car count.

doesn’t feel like we have enough to accomplish all the tasks we need to do daily.” Silva said she’s trying to bring in new technology to help.

“We’re using RepairLogic now to source [repair] procedures a little more efficiently,” she said. “All our technicians have a Gmail account, and we can send the link [from RepairLogic] to them and they can click on that and all the procedures are right there on their laptop. And we can attach that link into CCC. We’re no longer printing out 100 pages and rescanning those into CCC.”

Another change: “We’re also doing a lot of paint invoicing now because those paint material rates just do not cover what we’re spending,” Silva said.

Recruiting Changes

Mark Probst, owner of two Probst Auto Body shops in rural towns in Illinois, said he’s changed how he hires new technicians.

“We haven’t hired an experienced technician in, gosh, seven or eight years,” Probst said. “We decided we were going to grow them ourselves, in-house. We’ve been fairly successful at it. Right now between the two locations I think I have four full-time techs in their 20s. I’ve got two kids still in school working here part-time.”

changes, I will email them once a week with an update. That does seem to be working. But it’s just a lot more time spent on the education process.”

On the opposite side of the country, Melanie Allan of Craftsman Collision in Long Beach, CA, also pointed to changes in customer communication.

“I told a customer yesterday that we left them a detailed voicemail, and got back, ‘Oh, I don’t listen to those,’” Allan said. “So we are texting everybody everything. It seems to work.”

Allan learned the business working at her father’s collision repair shop in Vancouver, Canada, first as a bookkeeper, then moving into operations, marketing and management. She now oversees a shop that employs 22 people.

She said she also is working to address other changes she’s seeing in customers.

“As much as you try to educate them, tell them that parts are often a question mark, some customers are unreasonable, even when we try to set their expectations,” she said. “We tell them there are variables. They just hit the roof. We’re seeing that more

“Our processes on intaking those vehicles has changed, and is still changing,” he said. “We got some photos and information from other shops about electric cars that arrived and looked fine one day but by the next day they were a burnt mess because of thermal runaway. Even cars that didn’t look damaged that

Probst has also been able to regularly hire students from a community college about 40 miles from his shops.

badly. So it’s really important that we protect ourselves. We bought a thermal imaging camera so we can detect heat in the battery and monitor that in a quarantine to validate if we’re seeing an increase.”

Second-generation shop owner Tiffany Silva of Accurate Auto Body in Richmond, CA, said they have increased staffing the past three years to keep up with demand, but even with 25 employees, “it still

“I’ve been real happy, and at this point, there would be a lot of considerations before I would hire an experienced tech anymore,” he said. “We’ve had really good luck growing our own.”

He said he believes in getting the idea of working in the collision repair industry into students’ minds early on.

“We have kindergarteners come to our shop for field trips every year,” he said. “Last year, I talked to a class of fourth-graders. Last week, one of my managers went to talk to junior high students. I don’t think we can plant those seeds early enough. I have three teenagers at home, and so I know that many kids don’t know what they want to do. I don’t think there’s any time too early to plant those seeds.”

Melanie Allan of Craftsman Collision in Long Beach, CA, said her shop no longer leaves voicemails because customers don’t listen to them. They send texts instead

“We’re also doing a lot of paint invoicing now because those paint material rates just do not cover what we’re spending.”

TIFFANY SILVA OWNER, ACCURATE AUTO BODY, RICHMOND, CA

been sold in California. The country as a whole saw 5.6% of vehicle sales as electric in 2022, which is still a huge jump from the 1% to 2% of recent years.

Incentives helped California hit the EV sales milestone more quickly than it may have without them. Electrek said $2 billion in incentives have helped the state through the years. However, few people may realize the U.S. subsidizes fossil fuels to the tune of about $650 billion annually.

In 2020, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state aims to ban new gas car sales by 2035. The EPA also brought forth new plans recently that may lead to two-thirds of all car sales in the U.S. being electric by 2032. While California and a few other states have impressed with EV adoption, there have been greater successes abroad. Norway is often considered the EV capital of the world, with few gas car sales remaining.

Meanwhile, China, home to the largest automotive market in the world, is seeing a spike in EV sales that tops most other countries. In fact, some gas cars are becoming exceedingly difficult to sell in areas of the country.

Rove To Build Full-Service EV Charging Centers in Southern California

Rove, a developer of full-service electric vehicle charging centers, confirms plans to build six locations in Southern California starting in 2023.

Rove will set a new standard in EV charging with a premium, customer-centric experience.

that includes onsite amenities. Centers will feature a market with all-natural and organic meals and grocery options, car wash, pristine restrooms, free Wi-Fi, lounge and patio.

“Fast. Safe. Reliable. These are all things EV charging should be

charging centers are designed to enable the use of renewable energy. By integrating onsite solar panels and battery storage, sites will supplement the use of electricity from the grid during peak times and support more sustainable energy use.

“Nathan and his team have re-imagined the electric vehicle charging experience,” said Mark Longstreth, partner at Newlight Partners, a private investment firm that made an initial investment in Rove in 2021. “We are proud to support Rove’s continued momentum to expand charging access and accelerate the transition of our vehicle fleet to clean and renewable energy.”

Focused on fast, smart and reliable charging, each Rove will host 40 ultra-fast, direct-current fast chargers (DCFC), capable of reaching speeds up to 350 kW— making a full charge possible in as little as 15 minutes.

Unlike other stations, Rove will offer a full-service experience

but isn’t. We plan to change that,” said Rove CEO and long-time EV owner Nathan McDonnell. “Our goal is to raise the bar by providing fast charging, clean amenities and onsite support. At Rove, we’re putting the customer first.”

Committed to environmental sustainability, Rove’s full-service

Rove plans to open 20 locations by 2026, starting with centers in Corona, Santa Ana and Costa Mesa, CA. For more information about Rove and its upcoming centers, visit RoveCharging.com.

Source: Rove

U.S. Seeing Historic 1-Year Drop in Gas Prices

By Tom Gantert The Center Square

The U.S. is witnessing a historic drop in the price of gas at the pump due to the war in Ukraine, according to an industry analyst.

AAA had the price per gallon dropping from $4.48 a gallon a year ago to $3.53 as of May 16.

Patrick De Haan, an energy analysis with GasBuddy, said on Twitter there have only been only four times in history, including now, when the U.S. experienced such a dramatic drop in gas prices.

He said the other times were the 2008-2009 recession ($3.04 Jan. 2008 to $1.79 Jan. 2009); when OPEC increased its production of oil in 2015 ($3.31 Jan. 2014 to $2.12 Jan. 2015); during the COVID pandemic in 2020 ($2.86 May 2019 to $1.87 May 2020). Gas prices listed are from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

De Haan posted on Twitter: “ ... the entire reason for the $1/gal drop is basically the worst fears after Russia’s

invasion didn’t play out, plus economic headwinds limiting consumption.”

Andrew Gross, energy analyst for AAA, said the oil market took an “overly negative” view of how the war would impact the oil market and that’s why gas prices were so high a year ago.

“Now, they are, ‘Oh. Wait. Russian oil is still getting out,’” Gross said.

The trend of lower gas prices should continue, barring unforeseen circumstances, De Haan told The Center Square.

“That’s typical for summer,” he said. “A peak in price before the summer starts due to the transition to summer gasoline and refinery maintenance, but once the transition is done and refineries are back, supply builds and prices ease.”

The next challenge will be the hurricane season, which starts in the middle of June and lasts until the end of September. Gross said that could have a big impact on the cost of gas going forward.

Jason Caldwell Appointed To CAWA’s Board

of Directors

Jason Caldwell of RPS Marketing has been appointed to CAWA’s Board of Directors.

“I am pleased to announce that Jason Caldwell is joining the CAWA Board of Directors,” said Young Suhr Jr., chair of the Board of Directors. “He has participated in the association’s Manufacturers Advisory Council for some time and now the board. I look forward to Jason’s continued participation and contributions to CAWA in assisting the association in achieving its goals as an effective and valuable automotive care industry organization.”

Caldwell is starting his 20th year with RPS Marketing, where he has been working with key automotive distributors throughout California for the last eight years to help grow their business with key suppliers and pull through sales out in the field. Prior to that, he spent 12 years with RPS in the Northwest covering Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Western Montana, working with key automotive

and hardware customers in that territory.

Caldwell works hard not only at the WD level but also at the service dealer and jobber level, meeting with them to talk about their business, what they are seeing from a customer standpoint, and what they see their needs are from their suppliers/WD partners. In 2020, Caldwell moved into the director of sales role with RPS and also became a partner in the company.

Caldwell volunteers nationally with the Auto Care Association as a member of the Manufactures Rep Council and in March, he completed the Leadership 2.0 course through Northwood University.

In his free time, Caldwell is busy with his wife of 25 years, Lori, and their two boys. Along with that, he enjoys working and restoring classic cars, spending time outdoors and playing and watching sports.

Source: CAWA

Rivian Expands its Certified Collision Network as Production Increases on Adventure EVs

By Stacey Phillips Autobody News

Since the first collision repair facility joined Rivian’s Certified Collision Network (RCCN) in Oregon in July 2020, more than 30,000 Rivian electric adventure vehicles have been manufactured and 135 shops are part of the RCCN program.

Frank Phillips, senior manager, certified collision North America at Rivian, discussed the OEM’s certified collision network program during the AkzoNobel ACOAT Selected North American Performance Group (NAPG) event in Florida earlier this year.

and more.

Phillips said the OEM has created a unique culture with a personalized customer experience.

“We have loyal customers who have stood in line for four years in some cases—when the Rivian was launched in 2018—to get their vehicle,” said Phillips. “We still have several others patiently waiting to get theirs. It’s important to us to create an experience that returns that loyalty.”

Rivian has established a similar experience and culture with its certified network program.

“We believe it is really going to disrupt what many of the OEM programs around the country have done traditionally when it comes to certification,” said Phillips. “We want to make sure that shops are properly trained, educated and equipped to fix the Rivian safely and properly.”

He said Rivian’s approach is to revolutionize the industry by creating an efficient and highly trained collision repair network.

“That’s our focus every day,” he said. “When we wake up and come to work, we start thinking about how we are going to help our collision certified network become better and continue to improve.”

and then develops clear, effective and efficient repair and calibration procedures, ensuring compliance.

The procedures are then sent to the collision research and development workshop, where a hands-on validation of the repair procedures, tools and equipment is performed at the OEM’s collision center to ensure accuracy and quality.

with its certified network and facilities have with customers.

“It’s about ascertaining that are you committed to working with a customer who is in a bad situation and you’re going to deliver the same type of experience Rivian provides its customers,” explained Phillips. “I’ve got to know without a shadow of a doubt that you’re going to stand beside me shoulder to shoulder as we venture into this new car business.”

Those interested in being part of the network must go through a credit check and sign a participation agreement.

After getting set up with the required tooling and equipment, collision repairers are provided training. Once the equipment is onsite and training is complete, a facility goes through a final validation before working on Rivian EVs.

Rivian was founded in 2009 as Mainstream Motors by Robert “RJ” Scaringe and later renamed Rivian, a wordplay on the Indian River in Florida, where Scaringe grew up. The company, headquartered in Irvine, CA, began focusing on autonomous and electric vehicles (EVs) to create products and services that help the planet transition to carbon-neutral energy and transportation.

Today, Rivians are built in the U.S. at the company’s approximate 4 millionsquare-foot manufacturing facility in Normal, IL, a former Mitsubishi factory.

Currently, three products are being produced. The OEM’s flagship R1T, introduced in September 2021, was ranked “Best EV Ownership Experience among premium Battery Electric Vehicles” by J.D. Power in 2023.

The company also manufactures a seven-passenger SUV, the R1S, which received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+ for the 2023 model year. In addition, Rivian has been contracted to develop and manufacture 100,000 electric delivery vans (EDVs) for Amazon.

Currently, Rivians can be purchased online. As part of owning one, the auto manufacturer offers insurance policies to customers in 48 states through Rivian Insurance Services, LLC. The agency provides auto, homeowners, renters, umbrella

The certified network consists of four programs, one for its passenger vehicle line, another for the OEM’s commercial line, which allows facilities to repair Amazon EDVs, and a third for the business-to-business segment. In addition, a new program is being introduced this year for diagnostic certification focused on calibration.

In addition to Phillips’ counterpart in Amsterdam, Hank Berkhof, the team is led by Kelly Logan, senior manager of collision repair, and his engineering team, which includes Dan Black, manager of service engineering; David Sosa, manager of the R&D workshop; Brandon Chittenden, manager of service vehicle data; and Taylor Jozwiak, technical collision repair operations manager.

Phillips said they are all experienced technicians who have worked in body shops in different capacities. “They’ve all been boots on the ground in that difficult situation that you guys find yourselves in every day, and that’s fixing the car that has been wrecked,” he said.

The team regularly visits its network shops to offer support and ensure their success. In addition, Rivian has a vendor program geared toward business-to-business relationships.

Rivian’s service engineering department uses CAD to determine how to repair cars safely and properly

“We do everything from paint to structural repairs,” explained Phillips. “It’s important that we make sure our paint color matches the availability of formulas.”

Collision centers that are part of Rivian’s certified repair network are then provided with the vehicles’ repair methods and procedures.

“Independent collision centers have made the commitment to partner with Rivian and we want to provide the tools and information needed to deliver an excellent customer experience,” he said.

The company’s data is housed at CCI Global Technologies, Rivian’s data aggregation partner, along with ITAS, the management tool used by network members.

“It allows shop owners to manage all of the things required for the program in a very interactive way,” Phillips explained.

Since joining the company in 2020, Phillips has visited more than 1,000 body shops, evaluating locations to qualify them for certification. Rivian is actively seeking additional facilities to take part in the program.

“To become certified, centers must meet specific requirements such as being up to date on training, having the specialty tools necessary to perform repairs and being conveniently located,” he explained.

Phillips said the OEM has high standards for those interested in joining.

“If you’re a well-equipped shop and you’re currently working on modern vehicles, you’re going to have the majority of the things required to be on the program,” noted Phillips.

A key element of the program is based on relationships. These include the relationships Rivian has

Shops can also expect postcertification actions where team members conduct a quality assessment to ensure the proper equipment is used and OEM procedures are followed.

“It’s really focused on the customer and repair quality is how we deliver the best outcomes,” said Phillips.

Rivian manufactures its batteries and drive units in-house, as well as many of the components. Currently, only certified collision centers have access to Rivian parts. In the future, the auto manufacturer expects to offer unrestricted parts to non-certified collision centers for structural components, such as fenders and bumpers.

However, with the car’s sensors and cameras, Phillips said almost every repair on a Rivian EV will require calibration. As a result, facilities must have access to a diagnostic capability. This can be an in-house operation or as of 2023, a partnership with a Rivian Certified Diagnostic Center (RCDC), a new certification added to the certified network to better support this repair requirement.

“We want to ensure the vehicles are fixed safely and properly, but also deliver that customer experience that we all expect,” he said.

Rivian’s flagship R1T was ranked “Best EV Ownership Experience among premium Battery Electric Vehicles” by J.D. Power in 2023.

Rivian has been contracted to develop and manufacture 100,000 electric delivery vans (EDVs) for Amazon

Frank Phillips, manager, certified collision North America at Rivian.

NABC Announces 2 New Team Members

The National Auto Body Council announced April 19 it has welcomed two new team members to the organization, Alison Ilg and Katy Schaan, to support the its growing membership, national programs and operations. Ilg will handle public relations and marketing for the NABC, its premiere programs and its members. Ilg has spent her career helping businesses create and implement results-oriented national and trade media relations, internal communications and social media programs. From mid-sized companies to Fortune 500 corporations, her expertise focuses on B2B and B2C initiatives, as well as internal communications. Schaan joins NABC as the executive administrator, bringing years of experience in bookkeeping, payroll, administrative support and business operations through her company, Haven Street Consulting. She has served as the VP of operations for a small Midwest-based real estate investment company, overseen payroll integrations with external vendors, and led multiple functional areas for a technology company.

Source: NABC

Tesla Planning Upgrades, Freeing Up Space At Fremont Due To Growth

By Steven Loveday InsideEVs

Even after opening several new factories, it seems Tesla’s goal is still to upgrade its original facility in Fremont, CA, and make more space.

There’s very little room for expansion at the Fremont factory. Perhaps it could be built up, by adding more floors or freeing up the upper floor space for better use. Tesla has also acquired some other nearby buildings and properties, but it’s clearly out of space, as it has resorted to putting up tents over the years.

There have been a number of recent filings that suggest the upgrade process at the Tesla factory is ongoing, and probably more substantial than many folks might expect.

According to Teslarati, several new filings point to Tesla continuing with improvements at the California factory and also opening up more space for manufacturing. While the automaker has plans to move forward with upgrades and tool installations on the first floor, it’s

also freeing up second-floor space, near the areas where its new battery production lines are being installed.

Two filings from April 21 reveal new electrical receptacles and tools going in on the first floor. The filings also have listings for “Equipment Space Moves,” which pertain to moving things like chargers and industrial vehicles to different locations to open up more space on the factory’s second floor.

It’s not clear whether the newly available space will be used to expand the battery production operations on the second floor or add additional areas for EV production. Tesla’s Fremont factory is the company’s only factory that produces all four of its current models, the Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X.

Tesla’s other factories are heavily focused on the Model Y, though the Model 3 is also built in China.

Tesla’s battery production plans on Fremont’s second floor apply to a new battery line project underway we’ve known about for some time, in addition to a more recently revealed Cybertruck battery pack

line. It’s been clear in filings that these two lines are located on the second floor, but they’re not the same.

After adding the tents (sprung structures) years ago, Tesla did talk about trying to expand the Fremont factory, but there isn’t enough space to grow much. As shared by Teslarati, Morgan Stanley analyst  Adam Jonas noted after a Tesla factory tour last year:

“The plant was never designed to produce 450k units (at its peak produced ~300k units before Tesla took it over from Toyota) which was immediately apparent at the tour. Tesla does not shy away from the fact the plant is inefficiently designed with 4 assembly buildings, one of which is a tent that cars are assembled in.”

Nonetheless, Tesla appears to be doing everything it can to upgrade the space and make it workable as it continues to grow exponentially.

Ford Super Duty Roof-Crush Lawsuits Consolidated

By David A. Wood CarComplaints.com

Ford truck roof class action lawsuits are being consolidated in a Michigan federal court under the case name, In re Ford Super Duty Roof-Crush Litigation.

The jury was told the Ford Super Duty roofs were too weak, and the jury decided about 5 million 1999-2016 Ford Super Duty trucks were sold with defective roofs.

The first Ford roof class action lawsuit was filed weeks after the $1.7 billion jury verdict in the Hill case, and now those class actions will be consolidated into one.

In October 2022, Judge Paul Borman consolidated Beck v. Ford with a related case called Rhodes v. Ford.

Auto Repair Shop Opens in The Dalles, OR, With a Little Help from a Friend

Jamie Parke said he first started working on vehicles with his dad Jerry at his shop in Vancouver, WA. Parke was 4 years old.

“I’ve been doing this forever,” he said on April 12, noting he and Tammerack Knopf just replaced a transmission on a Scion at his new shop.

Vancouver but eventually ended up laying down roots here to be close to family.

In the past several years, he has worked at The Dalles Auto Sales and Point S Tires, he said.

You can typically get a car in for a check up or diagnosis within a day or two currently, he said.

Class action attorneys began filing Ford truck roof lawsuits following a $1.7 billion jury verdict against Ford in the wrongful deaths of Melvin Hill, 74, and his wife, Voncile Hill, 62.

The deaths occurred in a 2014 Georgia rollover crash of a 2002 Ford F-250 Super Duty truck.

The crash was allegedly caused by a blown tire installed by a Pep Boys service center, which installed the wrong size tire.

The latest action saw Judge F. Kay Behm consolidate Ryan Scott v. Ford, Steven Beck v. Ford, and Curtis Bright v. Ford into the single class action lawsuit, In re Ford Super Duty Roof-Crush Litigation.

The plaintiffs will file a consolidated Ford truck roof class action lawsuit in the Eastern District of Michigan.

A separate wrongful death Ford truck roof lawsuit was recently dismissed in the death of 2001 Ford F-350 driver Mikyley

Rae Reitz

The 38-year-old opened Parke Auto Repair LLC at 2937 E. Second St. in The Dalles, OR, earlier this year, striking out on his own after friend Rod Huante helped him out with some capital. It’s across the street from Big Jim’s.

Parke said they work on all makes and models and are able to diagnose problems and make repairs. Some of his services include tune-ups, brakes, clutch replacements engine swaps and transmission replacements.

“We work on just about everything,” he said.

Parke, who moved to The Dalles when he was 9, said he had jumped between The Dalles and

And how do you find the problem with a vehicle?

“Scanners and listening,” Parke said.

You have a stethoscope?

“I do have one hanging right over there,” he said, noting a stethoscope pressed to the engine block can reveal all sorts of things such as a bad piston rod or valve.

Parke Auto Repair is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 541-980-7560.

Calculating the ROI in ‘Growing’ Your Own New Body Techs

More collision repair shops are recognizing they’ll never be able to find all the experienced body technicians they will need, and they instead will need to develop one—or more—themselves. So they are hiring an apprentice, and either training them in-house or sending them to training while they work part-time in the shop.

period at the school. The student also finishes the program with a starter tool box and I-CAR credits.

How long will it take the shop to recoup its investment in that student and start generating a return? Let’s work through the math.

Prior to the pandemic, we were seeing the average body technician generating about $53,000 to $63,000 a month in gross sales. That number has risen in the last few years as the average number of parts per job— as well as ADAS-related steps—have increased overall repair costs. And I’ve seen technicians at shops with great estimators, particularly if

of health insurance you provide, uniforms, vacation pay, workers’ compensation insurance premiums, etc. But even if you calculate it will take twice that long, 20 weeks, that’s still not a particularly long period for your investment to start providing a return.

technicians to OEM or other ongoing training. But if that training improves their productivity or efficiency, the exercise we just walked through can show you the potential return on that investment.

It’s also a good calculation to perform when you think of anything that pulls that technician away from working steadily on vehicles. Every time that technician has to go look for a part or a tool, every time that technician is writing their own supplement notes or having to walk to the office for something, that’s costing your shop the equivalent of $100+ per hour in gross profit. That’s one of the reasons I’m a huge proponent of having an estimator/ repair planner working out in the

It’s that model of schooling coupled with work experience that makes me a huge supporter of the Collision Engineering Program (www. beacollisionengineer.com). Now in place at seven post-secondary schools—and growing—around the country, the Collision Engineering Program puts students through a two-year training regimen in which they rotate eight weeks at school, then eight weeks working within a shop.

I see many of my client shops doing the math and realizing they can receive a good return on their investment in helping a student complete a training program at a school that’s part of the Collision Engineering Program, or at one of the other quality collision repair training programs around the country.

In some cases, these shops are telling these prospective apprentices: If you successfully complete the program, in addition to your other pay and benefits, we’ll pay your monthly student loan payments as long as you’re working within our business.

So how does that pencil out? Obviously, the cost of a student’s training can vary based on the school’s tuition, and on whether the student is attending a local school or needing room and board to attend a program elsewhere. But just for the purpose of this article, let’s say the cost the shop is committing to is $40,000. In this example, that covers two years of tuition and room and board while the student is spending each eight-week

account a lot of things, like the cost

“How long will it take the shop to recoup its investment in that student and start generating a return? Let’s work through the math.”

MIKE ANDERSON

Sponsored by:

A few of our Featured Guests:

Mike Anderson

David Leuhr

Brandon Eckenrode

Ryan Evans

Rivian

& many more

Tesla Accused of Race-Based Discrimination, Retaliation by Former HR Manager

By Simon Alvarez Teslarati

Tesla is currently facing a new race-based discrimination lawsuit, this time from a former human resources manager at the Fremont Factory in California. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco.

The plaintiff in the case, Karen Draper, 47, is claiming she was terminated for refusing to unlawfully fire a Latina employee who was targeted by a White supervisor. Draper, an AfricanAmerican, was hired in February 2022 to manage a team of HR personnel at Tesla’s Fremont factory.

Per the complaint, Draper faced issues seven months into her tenure when a Latina production supervisor was granted medical leave. A White manager, who allegedly harbored a bias against the supervisor due to her ethnicity and gender, wanted the production supervisor terminated during her leave.

The lawsuit noted Draper’s efforts to stop the illegal

termination of the production supervisor put her in direct conflict with the manager. Both the manager pushing for the firing and the production supervisor involved reportedly worked in the Fremont Factory’s Model Y line, per a report from The Mercury News.

“The Model Y production managers wielded a lot of institutional power within the company and frequently held face-to-face meetings with Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk. Musk frequently traveled to Tesla’s Fremont production facility to walk the Model Y manufacturing line and interact directly with production floor employees and production managers. There was, and remains, constant pressure to keep the Model Y’s sales trajectory high,” the complaint noted.

Draper further alleged when HR staff working under her direction attempted to inform the manager that firing the supervisor without due cause would expose Tesla to legal action, the manager reportedly reacted in a loud and aggressive manner. The plaintiff later met with the manager, and

he proved “loud, rude, rabid and intransigent.” The lawsuit claimed after Draper brought the matter to her direct manager, Tesla opened an investigation against her instead.

Draper also claimed her managers, during discussions about the dispute, used racial stereotypes against her, dubbing her an “angry Black woman” and accusing her of “playing the race card.” She noted two months after she refused to terminate the production supervisor, she was ousted from her post at the company. The reason behind Draper’s termination was reportedly listed as “performance issues,” even though Musk reportedly promoted her personally in June of the previous year.

Draper’s lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages, accuses Tesla of retaliation, race-based discrimination and wrongful termination.

The upcoming ASE Instructor Training Conference will feature speakers from leading transportation industry organizations. Hosted by the ASE Education Foundation, the premier training event will be held July 17-20 in Concord, NC, and will be attended by high school and college instructors from auto, truck and collision repair programs nationwide.

The 2023 ASE Instructor Training Conference will include presentations on changes in brake service; heavy duty lubricants, fuels and coolants; digital multi meter features and training; combining testing techniques, diagnostic tooling and service information to solve dilemmas; unlocking the power of discussion; TPMS system types and how they operate; and parts needed to do an engine swap.

For more information and to register, visit www.eventsquid. com/event.cfm?id=19408

Source: ASE Education Foundation

By Iulian Dnistran InsideEVs

A Rivian R1T owner from Ohio was involved in a fender bender that ended up costing about half the price of the truck to repair.

Chris Apfelstadt posted his story on the Rivian Electric Vehicle Discussion page on Facebook, where he said he was rear-ended in his red R1T in early February, but the airbags didn’t deploy and the collision happened at a relatively low speed. He exchanged insurance information with the driver who hit his truck and got a check for $1,600 from the other driver’s insurance company for the repairs to his pickup. But as he later found out, it was nowhere near enough.

Apfelstadt contacted Rivian, which instructed him to go to one of the three certified body shops in Ohio. He chose K-Ceps which, according to him, has a 70,000-square-foot facility dedicated to EV repairs.

The shop mechanics were and meticulously thorough with the repair process, documenting each step with photographs, but

for some undisclosed reason, they disassembled most of the R1T’s rear section, including removing the rear window. In the end, the repair bill was more than $42,000.

This led some commenters to say something fishy was going on.

“This is 100% insurance fraud on behalf of this authorized repair facility,” one commenter said. “Clearly they are taking advantage of the fact this is an extremely new platform to justify egregious costs. Unless it takes 300 hours to remove the bed and rear glass (for no reason at all it would seem) and reassemble how in the world is this a 42k dollar repair? I’ve seen [Lamborghini] Aventadors have entire rear carbon sections repaired and repainted for less than that…” The owner of the damaged Rivian said the body shop did “an incredible job” and his R1T “looks as nice as the day it was shipped.”

He concluded his post by saying he’ll try to fight the other driver’s insurance company to cover his losses, adding the insurance policy maxes out at $50,000, which is very close to the final expense sheet, considering he also had a rental car during the repair.

Rivian R1T Fender Bender Lands Owner $42,000 Repair Bill

The ‘Anti-Steer’ Educates Consumers About Insurance Company Steering

By Ed Attanasio

Dennis Douglas has a statue of a steer in front of his auto body shop, Finish Line Collision and Customs in Redding, CA. He calls it his “antisteer.”

Douglas, 60, is in the same spot many body shop owners are in currently. He hopes his son Dillan will take over the business within the next few years. He has had a strong business in a small town since 1998, when he bought the shop from his father.

“When I first started, I was at the bottom, changing booth filters and detailing cars. But I learned as much as I possibly could and eventually took over the operation,” he said. “Dillan will hopefully do the same. He is doing a great job and pretty much running the front office with me at this point.

But, by being in the same location and avoiding the bull, he has been able to do well in a very competitive market.

“Steering is always going to be around as long as there are DRP relationships,” he said. “I would say half of the shops around here are DRP shops, which means that they are getting a lot of work from

put a paint scheme on it with some flames and then I made a sign to put on its back. I don’t leave it out there and people often ask about it. If I left it out there, it would be full of gunshots! The poor ‘anti-steer’ has faded a little over the years, just like all of us, but the message is the same.”

It features a series of messages, all of which say basically the same— steering is wrong. The main one puts it in simple terms: “Is Your Insurance Company Full of Bull? Don’t Let Their Referral Get You a Bum Steer!”

“I’ve been married to this business for a long time,” he said. “I’m ready to step aside and let my son take over. The industry has changed so much; we work off of photo estimates mostly now. We have to rewrite the estimates in many cases, but that’s how things work now.”

One thing Douglas will not miss when he eventually retires is steering by the insurance companies. As a non-DRP shop, he has seen it hundreds of times over the years.

the insurance companies. In many cases, it likely involves some form of steering. I wonder how much work I have lost over the years. It has undoubtedly hurt us over the years and when the MSOs get a lot of the work anyway, it makes it even tougher to make a buck.”

Douglas had his bull custom made, he said.

“I knew a man who would go to Mexico and bring back horse statues. He is still one of my best customers to this day. I told him I need a steer. We

The “anti-steer” gets a lot of attention and starts a few conversations from time to time.

“A lot of people don’t even realize that they’re being steered,” Douglas said. “In the end, the insurance companies still pretty much run the show, but if the ‘anti-steer’ can help to avoid steering, why not let him help?”

The “anti-steer” is a piece of art and an educational tool at Finish Line Collision and Customs in Redding, CA

“The poor ‘Anti-Steer’ has faded a little over the years, just like all of us, but the message is the same.”

DENNIS DOUGLAS

OWNER OF FINISH LINE COLLISION AND CUSTOMS IN REDDING, CA

Shop owner Dennis Douglas had the “antisteer” custom made in Mexico

Cole Strandberg

EVs: Opportunities Outweigh Challenges for Collision Repair Shops

As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), collision repair businesses have a significant opportunity to stand out by investing in the training and equipment necessary to repair EVs properly.

While EVs offer many benefits, including reduced emissions and lower operating costs, they do

EVs also have unique structural components that require specialized knowledge and training to repair. For example, many EVs have aluminum or carbon fiber bodies that require specialized welding techniques. Repair businesses must have the necessary training and certification to perform these repairs properly. Failure to do so can result in additional damage to the vehicle or even compromise its safety.

This, among other reasons, will likely force collision repairers to specialize. While this evolution toward specialization among collision repairers is already underway, this process will likely only continue to speed up as cars continue to become more advanced and parts become even more difficult to obtain.

of the benefits of EVs, many will be looking for repair businesses that have the skills and expertise to repair their vehicles properly. By investing in training and equipment, repair businesses can position themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving

to stand out by investing in the training and equipment necessary to repair EVs properly. While this investment can be challenging, it can also pay off in the long run by positioning businesses as experts in the field, attracting new customers and benefiting from the growing demand for skilled technicians to repair EVs.

With the right investment in training and equipment, collision repair businesses can remain competitive and grow their business in an increasingly electrified transportation sector.

present unique challenges when it comes to collision repair.

One of the main differences between repairing an EV and an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle is the safety considerations. In an ICE vehicle, the primary safety concern is fuel, while in an EV, it’s the high-voltage battery system. Highvoltage batteries require specialized knowledge and equipment to disconnect and remove them safely from the vehicle during repair. Collision repair businesses must invest in safety equipment and ensure their technicians are properly trained in handling and disposing damaged batteries.

Another challenge for collision repair businesses is the need for specialized diagnostic equipment to identify and repair faults in the electrical system. EVs have complex electrical systems that require specialized diagnostic equipment to interface with the car’s computer systems and determine the extent of the damage. This diagnostic equipment can be expensive, and not all repair businesses may have the resources to invest in it.

However, this investment can pay off in the long run, as it allows technicians to accurately identify the damage and ensure the vehicle is fully repaired to its original standards. Additionally, this investment serves as a moat, of sorts, against the competition. For shops willing to invest, the growth opportunities provided by EVs are immense.

Investing in the training and equipment required to repair EVs properly can also represent a significant opportunity for collision repair businesses. As more consumers choose EVs over ICE vehicles, the demand for skilled technicians to repair these vehicles is only going to increase. By positioning themselves as experts in the field, collision repair businesses can set themselves apart from their competitors and capitalize on this growing demand.

Moreover, manufacturers are now providing more support to collision repair businesses that wish to invest in training and equipment to repair EVs properly. For example, Tesla has developed a collision repair program that provides collision repair businesses with access to specialized training and equipment to repair its vehicles. Rivian offers a helpline for shops within their collision program, providing real-time assistance from a real person for any technical questions or issues shops might have.

In addition, some manufacturers are also providing repair businesses with access to online resources and support to help them repair EVs properly. These resources can include technical manuals, repair procedures and diagnostic tools, all of which can help repair businesses accurately diagnose and repair damage to EVs.

Finally, investing in the training and equipment necessary to repair EVs properly can also help repair businesses attract new customers. As more consumers become aware

industry and attract new customers who are looking for quality repair services.

In conclusion, as the automotive industry shifts towards electric vehicles, collision repair businesses have a significant opportunity

If you’re interested in the world of EVs and their impact on the collision repair industry, be sure to check out The Collision Vision, Autobody News’ collision business-focused podcast. In Episode 6, we feature Kelly Logan, senior manager for Rivian’s collision repair program. We’ll have more EV-focused content coming soon. You can find information about The Collision Vision at www. autobodynews.com/podcasts.

“As the automotive industry shifts towards EVs, collision repair businesses have an opportunity to stand out by investing in the training and equipment necessary to repair them properly.”

COLE STRANDBERG

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

Barber Honda Bakersfield

661-396-4235

Dept Hours: M-F 8-5:30 bestchoice@barberhonda com

Capitol Honda San Jose

408-445-4412

Dept Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30-6; Sun 8-5 sbettencourt@penskeautomotive com

Concord Honda Concord

925-825-8016

Dept Hours: M-F 8-6 kevin valenzuela@concordhonda com

Galpin Honda Mission Hills

800-GO GALPIN

818-778-2005

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-2 mteeman@galpin com

Honda of El Cajon

El Cajon

619-440-5851

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

Honda of Hollywood Hollywood

800-371-3719

323-466-3205

Dept Hours: M-F 8-6 parts@hondaofhollywood com

ACURA

CALIFORNIA

Acura of Concord Concord

925-680-4233

Dept Hours: Mon-Sat 7-6 keith�whisten@cacargroup�com

Acura of Fremont Fremont

888-435-0504

510-431-2560

Dept Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 mike ohare@acuraoffremont com

Acura of Pleasanton

Pleasanton

888-985-6342

925-251-7126

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-6 mitch cash@hendrickauto com

Honda of Pasadena Pasadena

800-433-0676

626-683-5880

Dept Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-4

Honda of the Desert Cathedral City

760-770-0828

Dept Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-5 mpartridge@honda111 com

Keyes Honda Van Nuys

818-756-6549

Dept Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 malvarez@keyeshonda com

Larry Hopkins Honda

Sunnyvale

408-720-0221

408-736-2608

Dept� Hours: M-Sat 8-5 parts1@hopkinsdirect com

Metro Honda Montclair

800-446-5697

909-625-8960

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 7:30-4 wholesaleparts@metrohonda�com

Pacific Honda San Diego

858-565-9402

jgardiner@pacifichonda com

San Francisco Honda San Francisco

415-913-5125

Dept Hours: M-F 8-5 partsws@sfhonda com

Scott Robinson Honda Torrance

310-371-8320

Dept Hours: M-F 7-6:30; Sat 7-5 mluna@scottrobinson com

Selma Honda Selma

800-717-3562

559-891-5111

Dept Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7:30-4:30 hondapartsmgr@selmaautomall com

Larry H. Miller Honda Boise

888-941-2218

208-947-6060

Dept Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-5

Hinshaw’s Honda Auburn

253-288-1069

Dept Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7:30-4:30 rickb@hinshaws com

McCurley Integrity Honda Richland

800-456-6257

509-547-7924

Dept Hours: M-F 8-5:30; Sat 8-4 hondaparts@mccurley net

South Tacoma Honda Tacoma

888-497-2410

253-474-7541

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 bgregory@southtacomahonda com

AutoNation Acura Torrance

310-784-8664

310-539-3636

Dept Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 alvaradow1@autonation com

Bakersfield Acura

Bakersfield

661-381-2600

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 bakersfieldacuraservice@yahoo com

Marin Acura

Corte Madera

800-77-Acura

415-927-5350

Dept Hours: M-F 8-5:30; Sat 8-4 parts@marinacura com

Metro Acura Montclair

800-446-5697

909-625-8960

Dept Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 wholesaleparts@metrohonda com

Acura of Honolulu Honolulu

866-931-9086

808-942-4557

Dept Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4

Johara@lithia com

Tokuda@lithia com

RayleenGarcia@lithia�com

Hinshaw’s Acura

Fife

253-926-3331

Dept Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-5 johnny@hinshaws�com

Fully Restored Porsche 914/6 Stays in Family for More than 50 Years

By Ed Attanasio Autobody News

Brent Maxwell, 37, manager of the national accounts team for TRANSTAR, shared a story about a classic Porsche 914/6 in his family since 1970. His father, Jack, bought it while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany and it has been in the family ever since.

Q:Why is this vehicle considered so rare and coveted by collectors?

A: Basically, the difference is the six cylinders. 118,978 914s were made, and only 3,332 had six cylinders. The Porsche 914 was a joint development between Porsche and Volkswagen and was the new Porsche entrylevel model in 1970. The two-seater, also known as the “VW Porsche,” was a mid-engine sports car. Striking design features included the very long wheelbase for the vehicle length, short overhangs, the removable roof center panel made from glass fiber-reinforced plastic as well as the wide safety bar. The 914 also featured pop-up headlights.

ordered it before he left the U.S. without seeing a picture, but knew it was a mid-engine two-seater. When he first got to Germany, he was driving a little Volkswagen Bug until it was ready. He had it delivered to Belgium because there was no sales tax, and then rode the train down and picked it up and drove it back into Germany.

disassembled for a long time. I mean, it was at that time the cars weren’t as valuable as they are now. The shop that ended up doing some of the restoration work was Huber Restorations in Tulsa, OK. They are known for their work on Porsche, Mercedes, German cars, etc. and do amazing work.

The 914/6 obviously is the rarest of the 914s. It’s a first year but then it’s also a U.S. spec Euro delivery car. He knew he was going to bring it back to the States, so he ordered the U.S. version. But they actually delivered it in Europe, which is pretty uncommon.

I think he’s probably the longest original owner of a 914/6. He has all the original paperwork and title. We are trying to find out if he is surely the longest original owner.

Q:You were able to paint the vehicle while in tech school?

A:In 2005, I was in the Tulsa Technology Collision Repair Program with Mr. Brian Buford and we brought the car in and it was my first paint job that I’d ever done outside of what we learned in class on a few panels. So that was whenever we got it painted and finished what had been done

by the previous restoration shop. I had some friends of mine that were students who helped me paint it.

In 2016, I repainted the exterior at Straightline Auto Restoration, after my dad rebuilt the motor, and it was finally roadworthy and what it looks like now, as far as having the interior done and everything else like that completed on the vehicle.

Q:Does the car get used on a regular basis?

A:Yes, it’s fun to drive. It’s been in a few different shows. My dad takes it out to the cruise nights that are here in Tulsa. I’ve already threatened my 8-year-old son Jack that he’s not allowed to sell the car and it’s going to stay in the family!

At the time of its launch, the 914 was available with two engines. 914 had a 1.7-liter flat-four engine with 80 hp from Volkswagen. The 914/6 had a 2.0-liter flat-six engine with 110 hp from the Porsche 911 T. In the six-cylinder models, the ignition lock was located to the left of the steering wheel, where it is typically found in Porsche vehicles. The wheels of the 914/6 are 14-inch Fuchs mounted with five wheel nuts, and the car was built by Porsche at the main plant in StuttgartZuffenhausen.

Q: How did your father Jack acquire the car?

A: Yes, he was an Army captain at that time and ran a motor pool over in Germany. He special

Q:Did he drive the car a lot in Europe before bringing it home?

A: Yes, he was really into Formula 1. He drove the car all over Holland, England, Germany, Belgium and went to many of the different Formula 1 races back then. So, the first original 40,000 miles of the car is all in Europe, a lot of that on the Autobahn and just going around to different races.

He brought it back here in 1973 and had it delivered by boat to Florida. He drove it straight from there to New Mexico where he lived at that time. And then he packed up everything in New Mexico and moved to Tulsa, OK, where we live now.

I think the car was originally taken apart sometime in the 1980s. It sat

The 914/6 has been in the family since 1970.

“In 2005…it was my first paint job that I’d ever done outside of what we learned in class on a few panels.”

BRENT MAXWELL

This two-seater, also known as the “VW Porsche,” was a mid-engine sports car.

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NO. CALIFORNIA

Concord Kia

Concord

(888) 811-3058

(925) 685-2952 Fax

M-F 8am - 5:30pm

Sat 9am - 1pm

Rosesville Kia

Roseville

(916) 783-8129

(916) 783-1005 Fax

M- F 7am-6pm Sat 8am-4pm

parts@rosevillekia.com

www.rosevillekia.com

SO. CALIFORNIA

AllStar Kia

San Bernardino

(909) 763-4755

(909) 763-4744 Fax

M-F 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 2pm

parts@allstarkia.net www.allstarkia.net

Car Pros Kia Glendale

Glendale

(818) 745-1103

(818) 244-0017 Fax

M-F 7am - 6pm

duncan@carpros.com

Car Pros Kia Huntington Beach Huntington Beach

(714) 274-6178

(714) 847-4410 Fax

M-F 7am - 6pm Sat 8am - 4pm

jasonr@carpros.com

Citrus Kia Ontario

(800) 583-7042

(909) 390-0948

(909) 390-0982 Fax

scunningham@citrusmotors.com www.citrusmotors.com

M-Sat 7am - 6pm

Free Local Delivery

Ask for Ike, Jimbo, Chris, Juan, Sean, Jeff Se Habla Español

Kearny Mesa Kia

San Diego

(800) 635-6669

(858) 560-5033

(858) 560-9648 Fax

Largest wholesaler in San Diego with 17 delivery trucks

Kia of Alhambra

Alhambra

(626) 289-7803

(626) 289-8807 Fax

kip@kiaofalhambra.com

Kia of Carson Carson

(310) 221-9101

(310) 507-8595 Fax

M-Sat 7am - 7pm Sun 8am - 5pm

www.KiaofCarson.com

Kia of Downtown LA Los Angeles

(213) 342-0923

(213) 342-0980 Fax

M-F 7am - 7pm

www.kiaofdtla.com

Kia of Irvine Irvine

(855) 847-3592

(949) 777-2342 Fax

North County Kia Escondido

(760) 945-9939

(866) 888-3074 Fax

parts@autogrp.com www.northcountykia.com

M-F 7am - 6pm

In San Diego Over 10 Years

NEVADA

Jim Marsh Kia

Las Vegas (877) 274-3820

(702) 946-6084 Fax

M-F 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 2pm

johnd@jimmarshauto.com

Towbin Kia

Henderson

(702) 868-1234

(702) 567-0037 Fax

M-F 7am - 6pm Sat 7am - 4pm

jmoore@towbinkia.com

www.tkwholesale.com

WASHINGTON

Car Pros Kia Renton Renton

(425) 204-6635

(425) 793-3889 Fax

M-F 7am - 6pm

Sat 8am - 5pm jgaeir@carpros.com

Lee Johnson Kia Kirkland

(425) 823-0188

(425) 284-1790 Fax

M-F 7am - 5:30pm

Sat 7am - 5pm

tthompson@leejohnson.com

*Kia Genuine replacement parts sold but not installed by an Authorized Kia Dealer are covered for 12 months from purchase date, regardless of mileage, for the part only, and any labor charge is the consumer’s responsibility.

Genuine Kia Parts* are specifically manufactured from original engineering specs to ensure the same exceptional quality, performance and safety as when you first drove your Kia off the lot. Plus, they’re covered by our 12-month Replacement Parts Limited Warranty.

Standards, Certification

The National Institute for Automotive Service (ASE) announced the creation of EV technician/shop personnel electrical safety standards.

The purpose of the standards is to provide guidance, document and establish electrical safety requirements, standards, procedures and safe work practices relating to the development of an electrically safe working area for service professionals in North America working on or around electrified vehicles (xEVs). The intent is to minimize exposure to these hazards and their associated impacts.

In addition to the EV Standards, ASE has developed a new testing and certification program for all xEV vehicles including light duty and medium/heavy duty hybrid/ electric vehicles (EV) based on the standards.

To learn more about the new standards and program, visit www.ase.com/ev.

Source: ASE

Tesla Wins Autopilot Trial Related To Car Crash

By Steven Loveday InsideEVs

A jury in California determined Tesla wasn’t at fault for a crash that involved Autopilot. The jury concluded the safety system didn’t fail, and the car’s airbags also worked properly. Essentially, the message here was drivers can’t blame the car if there’s an issue they should have handled.

Tesla has offered Autopilot as a free feature for many years, though it has evolved via different hardware and over-the-air software updates. While its name suggests it may drive the car for you, it’s really a suite of advanced driver-assist systems like you’ll find in many of today’s cars.

Tesla Autopilot pairs trafficaware cruise control with lanecentering technologies and other safety features to help take the strain off of highway driving. However, the driver must remain alert and aware so they can immediately take control if a situation is beyond the control of the assistance system’s capabilities.

Justine Hsu of Los Angeles sued Tesla a few years ago. She claimed her Model S drove itself into a curb and the airbag opened “so violently” it broke her jaw, knocked out teeth and caused nerve damage to her face. She blamed Autopilot and the car’s airbag, aiming to get $3 million from the U.S. EV maker.

case on purpose.

According to Automotive News, the jurors shared with Reuters that Tesla provided a clear warning that its Autopilot system isn’t meant to drive the car on its own and the distracted driver was the issue.

A Georgetown Law professor who teaches a class about autonomous vehicles noted this verdict marks a big win for Tesla. He explained:

“This case should be a wakeup call to Tesla owners: they can’t overrely on Autopilot, and they really need to be ready to take control and Tesla is not a self-driving system.”

Tesla said its features weren’t at fault, and Hsu shouldn’t have been using Autopilot on city streets. It’s for highway use, as clearly explained in the user manual.

The jury agreed, offering Hsu nothing for damages. It also determined the airbag worked as it was supposed to. Moreover, the jury found Tesla didn’t fail to disclose any facts related to the

Despite the uniqueness of the trial and verdict, the decision isn’t considered legally binding for other cases. Different juries may make different decisions based on the facts of the case. For example, if a driver was using the feature correctly on the highway and there was a fatality, there might be different considerations involved.

Toyota Announces New Certified Collision Center in California

Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) is pleased to announce Alioto’s Garage of San Francisco, CA, is its newest independent Toyota Certified Collision Center (TCCC).

Qualified collision centers can be classified as Toyotacertified only upon meeting specific criteria, including advanced collision repair training and evaluation of the collision center’s operations, including facility, employee certifications and equipment benchmark requirements.

Scott Henderson, TMNA senior manager of collision operations, congratulated Alioto’s Garage of San Francisco, which, through its enrollment in the TCCC program and completion of Toyota’s certification criteria, has demonstrated its commitment to customer satisfaction and highquality factory-recommended repairs with the goal of surpassing customers’ expectations.

Today’s increasingly

sophisticated vehicles feature an ever-growing number of components, parts and advanced materials, resulting in rapidly changing collision repair techniques and processes that require frequent and ongoing training of collision technicians. Toyota certified body shops are committed to state-of-theart collision repairs by repairing Toyota vehicles in accordance with Toyota’s specified repair procedures for the benefit of Toyota customers.

TMNA applauds Alioto’s Garage and the other qualified collision centers that meet Toyota’s rigorous training requirements for collision center managers, estimators and repair and refinish technicians needed to achieve designation as a Toyota Certified Collision Center.

Source: Toyota Motor North America

Researchers Discover Electrolyte For EV Batteries That Performs Well in Frigid Conditions

Many owners of EVs worry about how effective their battery will be in very cold weather. A new battery chemistry may have solved that problem.

In current lithium-ion batteries, the main problem is the electrolyte is a liquid that begins to freeze at sub-zero temperatures. This condition severely limits the effectiveness of charging electric vehicles in cold regions and seasons.

To address that problem, a team of scientists from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne and Lawrence Berkeley national laboratories developed a fluorinecontaining electrolyte for subzero temperatures. This antifreeze electrolyte shows promise of working for not only batteries in EVs, but also in energy storage for electric grids and consumer electronics like computers and phones.

In testing with laboratory cells, the team’s fluorinated electrolyte retained stable energy storage capacity for 400 chargedischarge cycles at -4 degrees

Fahrenheit. Even at that sub-zero temperature, the capacity was equivalent to that of a cell with a conventional carbonate-based electrolyte at room temperature.

The team also determined at the atomic scale why their electrolyte composition worked so well. It depended on the position of the fluorine atoms within the molecules in the electrolyte transporting lithium ions and the number of those atoms.

“Our research thus demonstrated how to tailor the atomic structure of electrolyte solvents to design new electrolytes for sub-zero temperatures,” said Zhengcheng (John) Zhang, a senior chemist and group leader in Argonne’s Chemical Sciences and Engineering division.

The antifreeze electrolyte has a bonus property. It is much safer than the conventional electrolyte, since it will not catch fire.

Source: Argonne National Laboratory

WIN Hosts Annual Educational Conference

By Abby Andrews Autobody News

The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) held its annual Educational Conference, May 1-3 in San Antonio, TX, themed “Reimagining Tomorrow,” offering a three-day chance for women in the collision repair industry to connect, learn and celebrate.

This was the second year the conference offered attendees the choice to attend in person or virtually.

Hiring and Retaining Employees Panel Discussion

On the second day, Jamie Shackleford of Caliber moderated a panel discussion on “Hiring and Retaining Good People,” joined by Jennifer Mayer of the TechForce Foundation, Keith Schaefer of Universal Technical Institute, Sullivan of GM, Mica Carawan of USAA, Olivia Peterson of Gerber Collision and Glass, and Yohanna Peet of Caliber.

top of their game when repairing these extremely sophisticated vehicles rolling out today.”

Schaefer said the industry has to “stop using economics to repair cars” and pay employees more.

“We have to compensate them if we’re going to keep young people in the industry,” he said. “They have to buy tools to build more skills, to buy more tools, etc. That is something that’s aggravated me forever. They don’t see an end.”

prototype development, augment the aftermarket repair supply chain and allow for the customization of parts, providing the “ultimate personalization opportunity.”

In her opening remarks May 1, WIN Board Chair Tanya Sweetland thanked everyone for taking the time out of their schedules to invest in themselves and their futures. She said WIN recently hit a new record number of members—800, more than half of whom represent sponsor organizations.

The three-day event featured many inspiring speakers, including Gina Schaefer, founder and CEO of a chain of Ace Hardware stores in Washington, D.C.; Patricia Walsh, an engineer, Paralympian and world record holder in the 140-mile paratriathlon distance; Shayla Rivera, a NASA aerospace engineer who is now a corporate trainer, speaker, comedian, writer and professor; Maysoon Zayid, a comedian, actress, writer and disability advocate; and Megan Sullivan, collision program manager for GM.

Also packed into the event were an NABC Recycled Rides presentation to two U.S. military veterans, a recognition of WIN scholarship winners and a gala awards ceremony, to recognize this year’s Most Influential Women winners.

Attendees also had two opportunities to give back, making no-sew blankets and writing cards for the troops via the nonprofit Soldier’s Angels, and participating in a walk to raise money for WIN’s scholarship fund.

The panelists talked about how to market the industry to Gen Z’ers aging into the workforce, cast a wider net when “fishing” for talent and retain good employees. Petersen said the industry should be looking for people with any hands-on skills, to “find ways to translate skills that may seem completely unrelated into something they can do in collision repair.”

“Anyone is a [job] candidate,” Peet said.

“The pond is pretty darn dry,” Mayer said. “We need to talk about how to stock the pond and bring people into the industry. Less than 3% of techs are women, so if you want to solve the tech shortage, welcome women.”

Mayer also said Gen Z is socially conscious and wants to have a positive impact, so it’s important the collision industry tells them why what they’d be doing matters.

Gen Z also wants to know why they should learn a skill, how they will be able to put it to use even if they change careers, what pay and career advancements they can expect and how they can achieve an acceptable work-life balance.

“People fall into the insurance and collision industries,” Carawan added. “We don’t do enough to talk about how exciting this career is.”

To retain employees, Sullivan said, help them see their path forward.

“A college grad is not just looking at the data analyst job [GM] is offering them, but looking at the lifelong career they could have with your company,” she said.

Petersen said when an employee has the drive to improve, employers should do whatever they can to help them. She suggested compensating for training, to keep employees “at the

Embracing New Technology

On the third day, Charlotte Creech, executive director for innovation for USAA, presented “The Future is Now,” in which she discussed how embracing advancing technology— rather than fearing it—can create unlimited opportunities amidst the unprecedented headwinds currently faced by the collision repair industry.

“There are real opportunities for us to serve our customers well while running our businesses more efficiently, by reducing friction and pain points during the repair cycle,” Creech said.

Creech gave examples of technology USAA is working with, “to help spark some interest to see what the future might look like.”

3D printing could speed up

Connected data—telemetry—is already transforming how USAA and its customers do business, as it can be used to write usage-based policies and get the repair process started immediately after sensing a collision. That same data could help collision repairers by enabling virtual estimations and streamline parts ordering.

USAA is using digital learning modules, which offer more flexibility and immersive, hands-on training for new claims adjusters. The same can work for collision repairers, Creech said. Porsche dealership technicians are already using smart glasses to link to the OEM’s tech support, allowing them to see in real time what the technician is seeing and help them troubleshoot issues.

“We can’t implement everything overnight; we have to plan for the long term,” Creech said.

WIN Conference Committee cochairs Yolanda Sandor and Blair Womble announced next year’s conference is set for May 6-8, 2024, in Newport Beach, CA. Registration will open in late 2023.

Jamie Shackleford, far right, of Caliber moderated a panel discussion on hiring and retaining employees, which included panelists, far left to right, Jennifer Mayer of the TechForce Foundation, Keith Schaefer of UTI, Megan Sullivan of GM, Mica Carawan of USAA, Olivia Peterson of Gerber Collision and Glass and Yohanna Peet of Caliber.

Now Has 2,200+ World Class Technicians

With the addition of 44 individuals, there are now 2,224 automotive service professionals who are recognized as World Class Technicians by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

A joint program of ASE and the Auto Care Association, the ASE World Class Technicians’ program recognizes an exclusive group of highly skilled professional technicians. ASE has added a special section to its website at www.ase. com/worldclass with a roster dating back to the start of the program in 1986. To receive world-class recognition, an automotive service professional must attain 22 specific ASE certifications.

Among the estimated 887,000 technicians in the U.S., only 2,224 have earned world class recognition in more than 30 years.

Recognition includes a certificate signed by the presidents of ASE and the Auto Care Association, an embroidered shoulder insignia, a personalized plaque and a medallion kit.

Source: ASE

Fix Auto San Marcos Opens in California

Fix Auto USA announced the opening of Fix Auto San Marcos, located at 917 Rancheros Drive, San Marcos CA 92069.

Francisco Cid Del Prado, coowner of Fix Auto San Marcos, has spent more than 32 years in the automotive industry as an employee of multiple shops, and now a business owner for the last decade. One of his first jobs was a DuPont paint mixer at his father’s paint mixing warehouse.

After many years, Francisco and his wife, Ivonne, co-owner of Fix Auto San Marcos, entered the automotive collision industry. This industry passion and relevant work experience served as a natural segue for Francisco and Ivonne to join the Fix Auto USA family.

“We have been waiting for an opportunity like this for more than 10 years,” said Ivonne Cid Del Prado. “We believe in this path, and we are ready to meet and exceed all expectations! By partnering with Fix Auto USA, it feels like our potential is unlimited. We believe in the brand and that’s why we chose to join the network. Give us any goal and we are ready to meet and

exceed it!”

The new facility measures 7,300 square feet and a total lot size of 17,000 square feet. The shop is supported by 16 dedicated team members. The Fix Auto San Marcos team holds numerous OEM certifications including Ford, Lincoln, Cadillac, General Motors, Kia, Hyundai, Dodge and a hybrid electric vehicle certification. The center also holds an aluminum certification as well as an I-CAR Platinum certification, only granted to individuals capable of achieving and maintaining the highest level of service and repair.

“Family is a huge motivator for us,” said Francisco Cid Del Prado. “I am proud to be doing this work with my wife and children and I look forward to growing alongside them as we support the San Marcos community. This country welcomed us with open arms as Mexican immigrants, and we want the community to trust in us so we can all achieve success together.”

The Cid Del Prado family is passionate about giving back to their local community and they assist with the operation and

volunteer efforts at a local Seventh Day Adventist church.

“It brings me great pride to see the Fix Auto USA family continue to grow, quite literally,” said Damien Reyna, COO, U.S. collision, Driven Brands. “The best part about our franchise system is that it directly empowers individuals who show up ready to work. With an industrious effort and the support of our system and specialized training, I have no doubt Fix Auto San Marcos will reach new heights in the southern California community.”

Please join the network in welcoming Fix Auto San Marcos to the Fix Auto USA family.

For more information, visit FixAutoUSA.com.

Source: Fix Auto USA

Parents Sue Kia

Kevin Payne Jr., 16, and Ahjanae Harper, 14.

The teens who died were ejected from the Sportage.

The 16-year-old driver suffered minor injuries and was released from the hospital. At the time he was charged with criminal possession of stolen property and unauthorized use of a vehicle, then released to later appear in court.

Currently he is facing much more serious charges, including four counts of second-degree manslaughter.

Another occupant of the stolen Sportage was a 14-year-old girl who was hospitalized and later released.

The Kia theft lawsuit was filed by the mothers of Kevin Payne Jr. and Swazine Swindle, and both mothers claim the only reason their children are dead is because the Kia Sportage was not equipped with an immobilizer.

The lawsuit alleges the teens lost their lives “because of the reckless and negligent behavior of Kia” which “caused their beloved sons’ premature deaths.”

Hyundai and Kia Theft Lawsuits

Since the Hyundai and Kia theft videos began appearing online in 2021,

more than 200 lawsuits, mostly class actions, have been filed against the automakers blaming them for the thefts and resulting damage, injuries and deaths. Those lawsuits allege all 2011-2021 Hyundai and Kia models are defective, and at least 17 state attorneys general have joined the bruhaha and told Hyundai and Kia to recall all the vehicles. In addition, multiple insurance companies have also sued the automakers.

However, federal safety defect recalls are issued for safety defects, not because criminals break into vehicles and steal them.

Furthermore, numerous cities have filed lawsuits against the automakers by alleging it isn’t the fault of teenage criminals in their cities that have caused the thefts. Those cities claim Hyundai and Kia caused the problem because non-mandated engine immobilizers were not included on the stolen vehicles. One of those cities that sued is Buffalo, where the four New York teens died in the stolen Kia Sportage. Although multiple cities and states blame Hyundai and Kia for the thefts, some of the teens involved in the thefts have been arrested, but they were immediately released from custody.

In one incident which occurred in New York, two boys, ages 15 and 16, stole a Kia, crashed the vehicle then fled the scene. Police later found the

two teens and took them into custody. However, they were only issued appearance tickets and released.

This was after the 16-year-old had already been issued an earlier appearance ticket and released after stealing a Hyundai vehicle two weeks before. And days ago, Chicago teens stole a Hyundai which crashed into a vehicle carrying a family in a Ford truck. Chicago police said two boys, ages 17 and 14, face one misdemeanor count of criminal trespassing. The crash killed a 6-month old child.

Most Stolen Vehicles in 2021

More than 200 lawsuits and other actions claim the thefts and crashes were caused by a lack of engine immobilizers in all 2011-2021 Hyundai and Kia models. If the problem is due to a lack of engine immobilizers, then it follows model year 2011-2021 Hyundai and Kia vehicles would be on the top of the list for most stolen models.

However, in 2021 before teenage criminals were being influenced by online videos, no Hyundai or Kia model made the top 10 most-stolen vehicle list in 2021 based on data from the National

3. Honda Civic

4. Honda Accord

5. Toyota Camry

6. GMC Pick-Up (Full Size)

7. Nissan Altima

8. Honda CR-V

9. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

10. Toyota Corolla

The research doesn’t track how many of those stolen vehicles were equipped with engine immobilizers. Additionally, lawyers haven’t announced if the above automakers will be sued because criminals broke into and stole the vehicles.

Hyundai and Kia have always insisted teenagers are causing the problems, not a lack of immobilizers. The automakers say all the vehicles meet federal safety standards, but because of all the heat poured on them, Hyundai and Kia are taking action to make it more difficult to steal the vehicles.

The Kia theft lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York: Sherisse Payne, Individually, and as the Proposed Administrator of the Estate of Kevin Payne, Jr., and Tysheen Daniels, Individually, and as the Proposed Administrator of the Estate of Swazine

The plaintiffs are represented by MLG Attorneys At Law, APLC, and

Car ADAS Solutions Announces 3 New California Licensees

Car ADAS Solutions, a leading ADAS calibration technology and services provider, announced the addition of three new licensees in California. They include Accelerated ADAS in Riverside, owned by Jim Perod; APEX Calibrations in Fresno, owned by Tony Morgan; and Quantum ADAS Calibrations LLC in San Diego, owned by Preston Eherenfeldt

“We are excited to begin our California calibration center build-out with the Car ADAS model,” said Greg Peeters, founder and CEO of CAR ADAS. “These are forward-thinking industry leaders understanding the importance of delivering precisely calibrated advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to ensure a proper repair.”

Accelerated ADAS, Riverside, CA Jim, Tammy and Stephanie Perod opened Accelerated ADAS on Jan. 1. With more than 65 years combined experience in the automotive industry, the Perod family started their careers in the paintless dent repair (PDR) industry, branched into auto body painting and operate Smart Prep Automotive Reconditioning Inc. in Riverside.

Jim Perod learned about Car ADAS in the fall of 2022 and added a 5,200-square-foot calibration facility as part of his existing business.

“We can reach out to their technicians if we run into problems and they and they have been very responsive,” Perod said. “The people they have on hand are long-term techs with extensive experience, which really helps.”

As Perod builds his family’s business, he said Car ADAS’s assistance has been beneficial.

“Car ADAS offered us a well-oiled structured machine that would provide us with what is needed as we grow,” he said.

Apex Calibrations, Fresno, CA

Apex Calibrations, owned by Tony Morgan, also opened at the beginning of the year. For more than 22 years, Morgan focused his career on the insurance claims and collision repair industries.

any of their team members and they will do their best to walk us through that calibration and so we can get the vehicle back to the customer.”

These services are part of Car ADAS’s 12-step process for setting up a successful calibration center.

“Whether it’s a standalone like mine or a body shop that wants to utilize their space to keep their calibrations in-house, there isn’t a better way to do it,” said Morgan.

Quantum ADAS Calibrations, San Diego, CA

With a passion for cars and a background in the automotive industry, Preston Eherenfeldt recognized the need for calibration. He opened Quantum ADAS Calibrations in San Diego on Jan. 15 with the assistance of Car ADAS.

Previously, Eherenfeldt ran Preston’s Tire and Wheel, established in 1986. Over the years as the business grew, he eventually moved into a 25,000-square-foot facility in San Diego, which was later sold.

When Eherenfeldt was looking to get back into the industry, he learned about the Car ADAS opportunity and was interested in opening a calibration facility.

“This is a new portion of the

automotive repair industry that the dealerships can’t compete in,” he said. “Fortunately, I could open any kind of shop I wanted, but this is unique and interesting so that’s what attracted me.”

Eherenfeldt said the Car ADAS team has been very helpful with training and support. “That’s definitely something they have a handle on,” he said. “They know everything about every piece of equipment and training and they’ve done a great job with that.”

Since opening Quantum ADAS Calibrations, Eherenfeldt has focused on building his business. Part of this is educating service writers, managers and owners to realize the need to do calibrations as part of the repair.

“Body shops must understand the liability of not calibrating repaired cars,” he said. “It’s also a new profit center for them; it doesn’t cost them anything except a phone call to make more profit per repair order (RO) and deliver safe completed vehicles to their customers.”

Quantum picks up the car, performs the calibration and then returns it to the shop, leaving the customer with a properly repaired vehicle.

Once his business is established, Eherenfeldt’s goal is to open additional centers across the county.

Source: Car ADAS

“To me, calibration seems like the next evolution of the car business,” he said. “Calibrations are going to be the future of how all cars will need to be repaired.”

Perod worked closely with the Car ADAS team to ensure his facility was equipped to calibrate vehicles properly.

“We provided them the rough parameters of our building and they gave us a layout of everything that needed to be set up and where it should go,” he said.

This included adding additional space, leveling the floor, pouring new concrete, ensuring the lighting was correct and electrical outlets were in place.

Car ADAS provides in-depth training for all licensees’ technicians and is available for ongoing support.

In early 2020, Morgan began researching new technologies and calibrations. He came across the Car ADAS blog in 2022 and was impressed with the content shared.

“It was really well written and included a wealth of information,” he said. After learning Car ADAS offers a turnkey solution for opening calibration centers, Morgan connected with Peeters to discuss the steps involved.

“It just makes sense, given where the industry is going,” said Morgan. “It’s something that’s needed and not yet fully recognized by collision repair centers and insurance companies.”

After securing funding, Car ADAS helped Morgan find a suitable building, guided the renovation process and assisted in hiring and training staff.

“One of the many areas where they shine is talent recruitment,” said Morgan. “They helped craft the advertisement for the job, looked through dozens of resumes, flagged the ones with the most potential and set up initial interviews.”

Car ADAS also conducted market research and helped bring awareness to the new facility.

Since opening, Morgan and his team have been impressed with the training and support received. “If we have questions any time, we can call

The Perod family opened Accelerated ADAS on

Since opening Apex Calibrations, Tony Morgan and his team have been impressed with the training and support received from Car ADAS Solutions

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1Collision Offers SCRS Membership

1Collision has aligned with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) to make membership available to all businesses in the network.

1Collision’s focus on corporatelevel support to affiliated collision repair centers spans all business areas—business planning, operations and office management, training, purchasing power, industry relations, human resources and recruiting support, marketing, web presence and more—making SCRS a logical partner in delivering resources to network members.

The network locations span Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin in the U.S., and in 2020, 1Collision merged with CSN Collision Centres in Canada, expanding the North American footprint.

Companies looking to support SCRS through membership can email info@scrs.com or visit www. scrs.com/join-scrs.

Source: SCRS

Refined Tesla Cybertruck Sighted Testing on Fremont Roads

By Simon Alvarez Teslarati

Tesla critics may continue to argue the Cybertruck does not exist, but such points will likely be moot in the coming months. If sightings of the upcoming all-electric truck are

the company’s pilot 4680 battery cell production line at Kato Road. The vehicle in the photos looked refined with its clean exterior, side mirrors and “mega wiper.”

The recent images of the Tesla Cybertruck were received well online, though some members in the subreddit noted the vehicle’s seemingly more rounded front makes it look less aggressive than before. Others, however, were simply excited about the Cybertruck’s eventual start of production.

assembly line at Gigafactory Texas, including a closeup of Tesla workers assembling a unit of the all-electric pickup truck.

Teardown expert  Sandy Munro, who is well-versed in Tesla’s inner workings thanks to several in-depth analyses of vehicles like the Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover, was impressed with the Cybertruck photos.

any indication, it appears the Tesla Cybertruck is steadily getting more refined, and it is closing in on its initial production.

Recent photos shared on the r/ TeslaMotors subreddit showed a Tesla Cybertruck prototype driving near the Fremont, CA, factory and

During the Q1 2023 earnings call, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the Cybertruck will likely have a dedicated delivery event sometime in the third quarter. Previous estimates suggested the Cybertruck would enter initial production in summer, and summer ends in late September, so there seems to be a good chance the Cybertruck’s handover event may indeed happen before Q4 2023.

The Cybertruck’s impending arrival was highlighted in Tesla’s Q1 Update Letter, which featured several photos of the Cybertruck’s

As noted by Munro on Twitter, the Cybertruck production line photos showed a perfect build. Munro noted there was no mismatch in the vehicle being assembled, and he also observed the Cybertruck looks very strong.

“I love the structure; the structure is wicked strong, and it looks like it is battleship strong,” Munro wrote.

This photo posted April 25 to the teslamotors subreddit by user ajaysns shows a Tesla Cybertruck on a public road near Fremont, CA

Roadway Fatalities Appear To Remain Flat in 2022 After 2 Years of Dramatic Increases

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released its latest projections for traffic fatalities in 2022, estimating 42,795 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes. This represents a small decrease of about 0.3% as compared to 42,939 fatalities reported for 2021.

The estimated fatality rate decreased to 1.35 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2022, down from 1.37 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2021. Americans are driving more than they did during the height of the pandemic, almost a 1% increase over 2021.

NHTSA also projects fatalities declined in the fourth quarter of 2022. This is the third straight quarterly decline in fatalities after seven consecutive quarters of increases that started in the third quarter of 2020.

“We continue to face a national crisis of traffic deaths on our roadways, and everyone has a role to play in reversing the rise that we experienced in recent years,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Through our National Roadway Safety Strategy, we’re strengthening traffic safety across

the country, and working toward a day when these preventable tragedies are a thing of the past.”

NHTSA estimates 27 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are projected to have had decreases in fatalities in 2022 as compared to 2021, while 23 states are projected to have experienced increases.

people, safer vehicles, safer speeds and better post-crash care.

The NRSS is complemented by unprecedented safety funding included in President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and in February, the department announced more than $800 million in grants to help communities carry out projects that can address high-crash areas. DOT also launched the next phase of the NRSS, its Call to Action campaign, and released a one-year progress report and accompanying data visualizations that highlight the extent and magnitude of the U.S. roadway safety problem.

• Issued the Complete Streets Report to Congress: Moving to a Complete Streets Design Model.

• Issued a final rule on rear impact guards.

• Advanced the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices rulemaking effort, analyzing and resolving the more than 25,000 public comments.

• Published a Supplemental Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning speed limiters with a motor carrierbased approach.

• Released proposals for upgrades and a “road map” for the New Car Assessment Program—including developing a proposal to add a pedestrian protection program to NCAP.

In January 2022, DOT released the comprehensive National Roadway Safety Strategy, a roadmap to address the national crisis in traffic fatalities and serious injuries. It adopts the Safe System Approach and builds multiple layers of protection with safer roads, safer

The department’s other roadway safety actions include:

• Produced the Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment to guide states on required 2023 assessments.

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• Made significant progress to advance pedestrian automatic emergency braking rulemaking.

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Source: NHTSA

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42.3 Million Americans Expected To Travel For Memorial Day Weekend

By Aixa Diaz, AAA

AAA projects 42.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend, a 7% increase over 2022. This year, 2.7 million more people will travel for the unofficial start of summer compared to last year, a sign of what’s to come in the months ahead.

“This is expected to be the third busiest Memorial Day weekend since 2000, when AAA started tracking holiday travel,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “More Americans are planning trips and booking them earlier, despite inflation. This summer travel season could be one for the record books, especially at airports.”

Nearly 3.4 million travelers are expected to fly to their destinations this Memorial Day, an increase of 11% over last year. Air travel over the holiday weekend is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, with 170,000 more passengers—or 5.4% more—than in 2019. Despite high ticket prices, demand for flights is skyrocketing. This Memorial Day

weekend could be the busiest at airports since 2005.

Memorial Day road trips are up 6% over last year. 37.1 million Americans will drive to their destinations, an increase of more than 2 million. Gas prices are lower this holiday compared to last year, when the national average was more than $4 a gallon. Despite the lower prices at the pump, car travel this holiday will be shy of pre-pandemic numbers by about 500,000 travelers.

More people this holiday are taking other modes of transportation, like buses and trains. These travelers are expected to total 1.85 million, an increase of 20.6% over 2022.

Best/Worst Times to Travel and Peak Congestion by Metro  INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Friday, May 26, to be the busiest day on the roads during the long Memorial Day weekend. The best times to travel by car are in the morning or evening after 6 p.m. The lightest traffic days will be Saturday and Sunday. Major metro areas like Boston, New York, Seattle, and Tampa will likely see

Uzzardo Appointed To CAWA’s Manufacturers’ Advisory Council

Vinni Uzzardo of Standard Motor Products (SMP) has been appointed to CAWA’s Manufacturers’ Advisory Council.

“We are pleased to have Vinni join our leadership team and contribute to our discussions of current and future industry issues,” said Young Suhr Jr., chair of the Board of Directors. “We look forward to his participation and contributions which will assist the association in achieving its goals as an effective and valuable automotive aftermarket industry organization.”

Uzzardo has 38 years of automotive aftermarket experience. He started his career working at his family’s jobber store in the south suburbs of Chicago. After graduating from Northern Illinois University in 1992, he went to work for All Products Automotive, an Auto Value Warehouse, in Chicago. He was the marketing manager for six years and served on the Auto Value Marketing Board for

two years. In 1998, Uzzardo went back to the family business. They expanded to three stores while his main focus was on controlling inventories and managing store personnel.

In 2004, he had an opportunity to join the Standard Motor Products sales team. He spent the first 10 years of his SMP career as a territory manager covering Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. In 2014, he moved to Las Vegas and became a division manager responsible for Advance/CARQUEST. The team he managed covered Nashville to Hawaii. Since 2022, he has been the western regional sales manager responsible for traditional sales. The team he manages covers Colorado to Hawaii.

Source: CAWA

travel times double compared to normal.

“With lower fuel prices and more travelers on the road compared to last year, drivers should expect long delays this holiday weekend, especially in and around major metros as commuters mix with Memorial Day travelers,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Knowing when and where congestion will build can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic. Our advice is to avoid driving during peak hours or use alternative routes.”

Top Destinations

AAA booking data for the Memorial Day weekend shows tourist hotspots like Orlando, New York City and Las Vegas are top domestic destinations. Cruise port cities in Florida and Alaska, as well as Seattle, are high on the list given the 50% increase in domestic cruise bookings compared to last year. Other popular U.S. cities this Memorial Day include Denver, Boston, Anaheim and Canton, OH— home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“We are seeing a demand for iconic cities, international vacation packages and cruises with included amenities that provide more value for the price,” Twidale added.

Travelers are paying more for Memorial Day trips this year, in large part due to the rising cost of airline tickets. AAA booking data shows a 40% increase in airfare to this year’s Top Destinations.

But that’s not stopping travelers from booking flights abroad. International travel is surging with bookings 250% higher this holiday weekend compared to 2022. European cities are the most popular, including Rome, Paris, Dublin, London, Barcelona and Athens.

International car rentals are up more than 80% over 2022. AAA reports strong sales for International Driving Permits this year, almost double what they were last year.

The passport courier service RushMyPassport is also seeing an unprecedented number of applications for expedited passport and visa services this year.

Source: AAA

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Avis Sued For Reporting LA Woman’s Rental Car As Stolen

By Steven Symes Motorious

Ramona Gutierrez, a single mother and full-time Uber driver in Los Angeles, said Avis erroneously reported the car she’d rented as stolen, leading to her getting pulled over and detained by the Los Angles County Sheriff’s Department, so she’s suing the rental car company.

According to Gutierrez, on March 22, she was driving on the freeway in a vehicle she rented from Avis because her personal vehicle was in the shop, when she was pulled over by six sheriff’s department vehicles. She claimed deputies held her at gunpoint, slamming her to the ground and roughly handcuffing her, causing injuries to her wrists.

Gutierrez said she tried explaining to deputies the car had been legally rented that day, but they put her in the back of a police vehicle. Her lawyer explained, “This experience has left her shaken and traumatized, and she is now

seeking compensation for her injuries and emotional distress.”

At the time, Gutierrez claimed, no one explained why she was pulled over and detained, leaving her confused and scared. It was only later she learned someone at Avis had reported the rental car had been stolen. After the incident, Gutierrez claims, Avis hasn’t so much as apologized.

Gutierrez said she is so traumatized by the incident, she hasn’t been back to work. She had been working as an Uber driver for six years.

Motorious reached out to Avis Budget Group, which owns Avis, Budget Rent A Car, Budget Truck Rental, Payless Car Rental and Zipcar, and received the following statement: “We have comprehensive safeguards in place to prevent erroneous police notifications. Unfortunately, in this isolated incident, a customer was stopped by the police and detained because of an error on Avis’s part. Due to ongoing legal action, we cannot comment beyond that.”

By Steven Loveday InsideEVs

According to a recent study by iSeeCars, Tesla is the most recalled car brand. In fact, the publication said, the Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X secure four out of the top five spots for most recalled models. Porsche also has four of the most recalled models. Brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota show up the least on the list of recalls.

iSeeCars consulted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) list of recalls from 2014 to 2023 to put together its list. The goal was to learn which of today’s cars are expected to have the most and least recalls over the course of a 30-year lifespan.  “Looking through NHTSA’s recall data confirmed a wide spectrum of recall activity between the most and least recalled models,” said iSeeCars’ Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. “A car like the Lexus NX 300h or Nissan 370Z is projected to have less than one recall over a 30-year lifespan. Conversely, the most recalled cars, including all

four Tesla models, a Porsche and two Volkswagens, are projected to have between 20 and 62 recalls.”

The study showed cars with the fewest recalls have “one or fewer predicted recalls” over a 30-year lifespan, while the most recalled models are predicted have at least 10 during the same lifespan—something new car buyers should consider as they shop for a vehicle.

iSeeCars noted the average car is recalled four times over its projected 30-year lifespan. However, a car like the Tesla Model Y is expected to accumulate 62 recalls.

iSeeCars pointed out Tesla has the ability to address many recalls via over-the-air software updates. Tesla has a handful of recalls right now that do require a service visit, but an onslaught of recalls over the last year or so have been software updates, which are still considered recalls.

Just because the car doesn’t have to go into the shop doesn’t mean there’s not a problem that could pose a safety issue. The fix may just happen to be easier on the customer.

Tesla Most Recalled Car Brand; Mercedes, Toyota Least

BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

Fix Auto Kearny Mesa Honored As Top Shop by Automobile Club of Southern California

Fix Auto Kearny Mesa has been recognized for its outstanding performance in 2022, earning the Top Shop by the Automobile Club of Southern California award.

Having joined the Fix Auto USA network of owners just over three years ago, the facility, owned by Bryan Wendt, has been making strides to grow its operations and provide an exceptional level of repair quality and service to its valued community. In addition to receiving the Top Shop recognition, Fix Auto Kearny Mesa was also recognized in the top three out of all member-preferred repairs (MPR) shops in Southern California.

“We were honored to receive these recognitions,” said Wendt. “Our team works day in and day out to provide exceptional collision repair quality to our community. We are committed to our craft and look forward to continuing our growth to serve more in our area.”

The Automobile Club of

Southern California, an AAAaffiliated club, recognizes topperforming facilities every year. AAA is committed to providing its customers with stellar recommendations to achieve all their vehicle repair needs. Fix Auto Kearny Mesa has been an MPR shop since 2019 and looks forward to the many years ahead.

“I can’t thank my team enough for their dedication and determination,” continued Wendt. “This group exceeds my expectations every day. We are ready to keep elevating the bar to reach new heights in collision repair excellence.”

Visit FixAutoUSA.com to learn more.

Source: Fix Auto USA

Gas Prices Fall Again

By Andrews Gross AAA

The fear of a global economic recession leading to falling pump prices. The price for oil has dropped nearly $20 per barrel recently to the upper $60s, which has spurred the retreat for gas prices.

The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline fell six cents since the previous week to hit $3.57 as of May 4.

“The oil market volatility is leading to lower prices,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “And we are also in a pre-summer driving season lull regarding domestic demand. These two factors should keep pump prices drifting lower for now.”

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand decreased significantly from 9.51 to 8.62 million b/d over the same week. The drop in demand is more in line with what market observers expected. The estimate could be revised when EIA releases

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final demand measurements for May. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 1.8 million bbl to 222.9 million bbl.

Lower demand, alongside an increase in stocks, has contributed to pushing pump prices lower. If demand remains low, drivers will likely continue to see pump prices decline.

The May 4 national average of $3.57 is seven cents more than a month ago but 65 cents less than a year ago.

Since April 27, these 10 states have seen the largest decreases in their averages: Texas (-12 cents), Ohio (-11 cents), Michigan (-11 cents), Delaware (-11 cents), Tennessee (-10 cents), Indiana (-10 cents), Maryland (-9 cents), Iowa (-8 cents), Florida (-8 cents) and North Carolina (-8 cents).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets: Mississippi ($3.05), Texas ($3.11), Louisiana ($3.15), Alabama ($3.16), Arkansas ($3.16), Tennessee ($3.17), South Carolina ($3.21), Oklahoma ($3.26), Georgia ($3.28) and Missouri ($3.29).

Source: AAA

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Auto Insurance Shopping, Switch Rates Reach New Highs As Premiums Surge

The nation’s auto insurers are locked in a vicious cycle of inflation, rising premiums and steadily increasing customer defection rates. The result, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study, released April 27, is a sharper focus on saving money as large numbers of auto insurance customers shop for new policies and switch to new carriers, largely based on price.

“Auto insurance customers are starting to shop for insurance like they shop for gas,” said  Stephen Crewdson, senior director, insurance business intelligence at J.D. Power. “They are taking a much more active stance in seeking out plans that fit their needs and their budgets, which could have a serious longterm effect on carriers that have been working for years to build lifetime value through bundling and other initiatives. In the near term, this shopping trend manifests itself in increased customer interest in usage-based insurance (UBI) plans and some reshuffling of market share among the top carriers.”

Following are some key findings of the 2023 study:

Auto insurance shopping increases while customer satisfaction stagnates: Average overall satisfaction among auto insurance shoppers is 861 (on a 1,000-point scale), which is flat from a year ago, even though shopping and switching rates have increased in the same period. The 30-day average shopping rate reached 13.1% in March 2023, the highest rate since June 2021 and well above the 2021 average of 11.4%. The 30-day average switch rate hit 4.1% in March 2023, which compares to an average of 3.4% for all of 2021.

Price hikes spur new-policy shopping rates: Auto insurance costs rose 14.5% in February 2023, more than twice the rate of inflation (6%), making auto insurance account for a steadily increasing share of consumer discretionary spending. Accordingly, among those shopping for reasons of price, 44% say they are price checking and 42% say they are being spurred by a rate increase. Similarly, 41% of those shopping because of a rate increase say that their rate increased 20% or more.

UBI starts to go mainstream: UBI programs, which use telematics

software to monitor a customer’s driving style and assign rates based on safety and mileage metrics, are now offered to 22% of insurance shoppers and are purchased 18% of the time. Those numbers are up from a 16% offer rate and a 12% purchase rate in 2020. When carriers offer a UBI option, customer satisfaction increases 6 points.

Progressive gains market share as GEICO slows: GEICO raised its rates significantly above industry average throughout much of the second half of 2022 while Progressive raised rates in the first quarter of 2022 and then registered lower-than-average increases during the second half of the year. During the same period, Progressive posted a notable gain in market share, becoming the secondlargest auto insurer in the United States, ahead of GEICO and behind State Farm.

Study Rankings

State Farm ranks highest among large auto insurers in providing a satisfying purchase experience for a third consecutive year, with a score of 877. Liberty Mutual (865) ranks second and Nationwide (861) ranks

third. The segment average is 861.

The Hartford ranks highest among midsize auto insurers for a second consecutive year, with a score of 887. Erie Insurance (878) ranks second and Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) (870) ranks third. The segment average is 863.

Large insurers have direct premiums written of $4.5 billion or more in personal lines auto, while midsize insurers have direct premiums written of $1 billion-$4.499 billion in personal lines auto.

Now in its 17th year, the U.S. Insurance Shopping Study captures advanced insight into each stage of the shopping funnel and is based on responses from 10,845 insurance customers who requested an auto insurance price quote from at least one competitive insurer in the previous nine months. The study was fielded from March 2022 through January 2023.

For more information about the U.S. Insurance Shopping Study, visit https://www.jdpower. com/business/resource/jd-powerus-insurance-shopping-study

Source: J.D. Power

By David A. Wood CarComplaints.com

Tesla sudden unintended acceleration events have caused a Greek resident to file a petition with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the petition, the automaker should recall more than 1.6 million vehicles built since 2013.

The Tesla petition was submitted by Greek resident Costas Lakafossis, who describes himself as a mechanical and aeronautical engineer as well as an accident investigator.

The petitioner alleged all Tesla vehicles should be equipped with an “interlock that requires a brake application by the driver in order to shift from DRIVE to REVERSE to reduce the number of sudden unintended acceleration events.”

Tesla Sudden Unintended Acceleration

The typical description of “sudden unintended acceleration” is a problem caused not by the driver but by electrical or mechanical

malfunctions of the Tesla vehicle.

In cases of investigations and lawsuits regarding alleged Tesla sudden unintended acceleration incidents, acceleration problems may be caused by defects in the vehicles or by software errors that take control away from drivers.

A recent Tesla lawsuit dismissal is a good example of what is usually meant by “sudden unintended acceleration.”

However, the Tesla petition seems to use the phrase to mean sudden acceleration caused by mistakes made by a driver when the accelerator pedal is applied instead of the brake pedal.

Known as “pedal misapplication,” a driver believes they are pressing the brake pedal when they are in fact pressing the accelerator pedal.

According to the Tesla petition, pedal misapplication is due to a missing interlock feature and by specific “Autopilot features that contribute to increased likelihood of driver errors.”

“Even when driven manually (not in Full Self-Driving mode), all Tesla cars using the Autopilot

software implement various strategies of automatic braking, not only as a safety feature (i.e. to avoid an accident) but also as a feature that takes over some of the workload of the driver e.g. in stop-and-go traffic or when about to park,” the petition said.

The petition said one feature provides the ability of the Tesla to stop and shift into reverse gear when the driver is ready to park, all without touching the brake pedal.

The petitioner alleged this is a “potentially dangerous ‘party trick’ used for testing related to moving toward full self-driving vehicles.”

In other words, the petition alleged, Tesla drivers press the accelerator pedals instead of the brake pedals because the vehicle and automatic braking “encourages drivers to remove their feet from the pedals and enjoy a technologically advanced self-braking car.”

In addition, the petitioner said automatic braking (not to be confused with automatic

be used as a safety feature, not as a courtesy to drivers as Tesla allegedly does.

NHTSA has investigated more than 200 Tesla sudden unintended acceleration events in the past and found the incidents were caused by drivers pressing the wrong pedals (pedal misapplications).

But NHTSA safety regulators also said this about pedal misapplication: “There is also no evidence of a design factor contributing to increased likelihood of pedal misapplication.”

The petitioner clearly disagreed and argued Tesla vehicles could be made safer in a way that will prevent or mitigate pedal misapplications.

Although the petitioner seeks a Tesla recall, that’s not how NHTSA works. The petition is a “safety defect” petition to determine if the government should open a formal safety defect investigation into the alleged problem.

NHTSA will investigate the claims made by the petitioner and either grant or deny the petition to

Former GM President,

By Jamie L. LaReau Detroit Free Press

Lloyd Reuss, a former president of General Motors and father of the current GM president, died April 21.

Published reports say Reuss was 86. He served as GM’s president in the early 1990s and was the father of GM’s current President Mark Reuss, who is also head of regional and international operations, global product development, quality and design. Mark Reuss has been president since January 2019.

GM confirmed Lloyd Reuss’ passing and issued the following statement on April 22 from CEO Mary Barra , “Lloyd Reuss was a talented executive and leader of GM and was also a strong force for good in the community with his service, dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of others.” A cause of death was not released.

Corvette collector, GM dealer and NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick also released a statement April 22 calling Lloyd Reuss a pillar of the auto industry.

To Champion

“A true ‘car guy’ and optimist, he was always there to support dealers and stood tall as a champion of General Motors’ auto racing programs,” said Hendrick, CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group and owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “His passion for GM was exceeded only by his love for family and community. I see many of his greatest qualities reflected in Mark.”

On Aug. 1, 1990, GM named Lloyd Reuss president. He was an early supporter of the GM Impact, a concept car that debuted at the 1990 Los Angeles Auto Show. It became the GM EV1, the predecessor to today’s electric vehicles, according to GM’s biography on Lloyd Reuss.

Reuss began his career at GM in 1957 after a two-year stint in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers. A mechanical engineer by trade, Reuss worked his way up to jobs such as chief engineer at both Buick and Chevrolet in the 1970s. He also served as the general manager of Buick starting in 1980, leading the division to an

all-time sales record in 1983. He later became the head of GM’s North American passenger car groups. That followed by leading North American operations and worldwide automotive components.

top job since the 1950s, were forced out when GM’s board and its director, John Smale , purged the executive ranks.

GM’s bio called Reuss “a true GM man” whose family had four generations with ties to the company. His father ran a Chevrolet dealership in Illinois, where Reuss was born. His son, Mark , until recently had occupied his father’s former office as president. Lloyd Reuss’ daughter, Charlene Reuss Grandelius , worked in GM purchasing from 1982 to 1995. His granddaughter, Amanda , has held various positions in GM Communications and Marketing.

Reuss was demoted from president in 1992 and retired in 1993 at age 56. According to Automotive News, Reuss and then CEO Robert Stempel , who was the first engineer to hold GM’s

After retiring, Reuss joined Focus: HOPE, the Detroit nonprofit that fights racism by providing education and training to minority communities. At Focus: HOPE, he helped establish the Center for Advanced Technologies, which led to more than 300 underserved students earning associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in engineering, GM’s bio said.

Former GM President Lloyd Reuss, left, his son, GM North America President Mark Reuss, center, and Penske Corp. Chairman Roger Penske, right, at a news conference Oct. 12, 2011. Photo by John F. Martin, Chevrolet. Credit: John F. Martin, Chevrolet

Hyundai, Kia Resolve Class Action Lawsuit Brought in Response To Vehicle Thefts

Hyundai Motor America and Kia America, Inc. on May 18 announced they have entered into an agreement to resolve class action litigation with owners of certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices.

The agreement, which could be valued at approximately $200 million depending on how many customers elect to participate, will provide cash compensation for customers who incurred theftrelated vehicle losses or damage not covered by insurance, in addition to reimbursement for insurance deductibles, increased insurance premiums and other theft-related losses.

As part of this settlement, the software upgrade will be automatically installed in conjunction with any service or maintenance appointment that brings the owner of an eligible vehicle into the dealership.

For the subset of customers whose vehicles cannot accommodate the software upgrade, the agreement will provide reimbursement up to $300

for the purchase of various antitheft devices. Hyundai and Kia have also provided consumers with tens of thousands of free steering wheel locks, either through local law enforcement or through direct shipment to impacted owners.

The settlement includes approximately 9 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

The court is expected to review the proposed settlement of the matter for preliminary approval in July. Notices will be sent to individual class members following final approval and pursuant to the terms of the settlement.

Background

Thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles spiked in the summer of 2022 in response to videos posted by car thieves on TikTok and other social media channels in what became known as the “Kia Challenge.” In these videos, thieves documented and promoted a specific method by which to bypass the vehicles’ security features, dismantle their steering columns and create direct access to their ignitions and challenged others to copycat

their crimes. Hyundai and Kia have urged TikTok and others to have the illicit content removed in accordance with the platforms’ terms of service and community standards.

Approximately 9 million 20112022 model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles on the road in the U.S. today—primarily “base trim” or entry-level models, which are not equipped with pushbutton ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices—are or were susceptible to these social mediapromoted thefts. While Hyundai and Kia believe these vehicles are fully compliant with federal antitheft requirements, Hyundai and Kia have taken action to support the security of customers, and this agreement represents the latest step.

Earlier this year, Hyundai and Kia introduced a free anti-theft software upgrade for affected customers. To date, Kia has notified more than 3 million owners and lessees of these vehicle models— covering more than 96% of eligible vehicles—that they are eligible to receive the software upgrade

and expects to notify all upgradeeligible customers by the end of May. Kia owners can find more information at ksupport.kiausa. com/ConsumerAffairs/SWLD.

All affected Hyundai vehicles are eligible for the upgrade as of April. Hyundai has notified the majority of these customers, with the remainder to be completed by month-end and is leveraging targeted paid digital media to drive affected customers to HyundaiAntiTheft.com for scheduling and more information.

The free anti-theft software upgrade modifies certain vehicle control modules on Hyundai and Kia vehicles equipped with standard “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems to include an “ignition kill” feature so the vehicles cannot be started when subjected to the method of theft popularized on TikTok and other social media channels. All Hyundai and Kia vehicles produced since November 2021 are equipped with an engine immobilizer as standard equipment.

Source: Hyundai Motor America

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Chevrolet Bolt EV To Be Discontinued by End of 2023

By Mark Kane InsideEVs

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Production of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV electric cars at the plant in Orion Township, MI, will come to an end in late 2023, General Motors CEO Mary Barra announced during the company’s first-quarter earnings call.

According to the plan, through an investment of around $4 billion, the site will be prepared for all-new Ultium models— specifically the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra, all-electric pickups. Those new models are expected to enter production at the plant in 2024.

The good news for the plant is the overall EV production will increase. Employment is promised to triple next year. With another plant engaged in the Ultium platform, GM would like to increase its manufacturing output to 600,000 units annually—all BEV models.

On the other hand, in the short-term, consumers might

lose access to a really affordable all-electric car. The starting price for the Bolt EV was just $26,500, and effectively less than $20,000 when deducting the federal tax credit.

This year, Chevrolet will launch two new Ultium-based electric cars, the Blazer EV this summer and the Equinox EV this fall, which will be the new entry-level BEVs from the brand. Those nextgeneration electric models are expected to be better in every way—bigger, with more range, power and features as well as faster charging—but probably also a slightly higher price point of around $30,000 for the base version.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV, later joined by the Bolt EUV version, was introduced in the U.S. in 2016. Since then, more than 161,000 have been sold. The Bolt EV/EUV achieved a huge sales record of 19,700 units in the first quarter of 2023. The target production and sales rate is 70,000 units per year globally, mostly in the U.S.

Nearly 15% of Consumers Allow Auto Insurance Coverage To Lapse

Auto and property insurance shopping rates continued to rise in Q1 2023, up 7% and 10%, respectively, compared to Q1 2022. However, as shopping has increased, the number of consumers switching carriers is beginning to decrease, indicating premiums are rising among virtually all insurers. 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 industries, as well as survey data about consumers’ behaviors and attitudes. The survey found nearly 15% of consumers owned or used a vehicle without valid coverage or had allowed their coverage to lapse within the past six months. This was likely among higher-risk consumers (with a credit-based insurance score between 300 and 500), as that segment’s yearover-year percent change in shopping dropped into negative territory, despite the overall increase in auto insurance shopping.

“Insurers have shifted their focus from customer acquisition to profitability and are generally raising their rates,” said Mark McElroy, executive vice president and head of

TransUnion’s insurance business. “As consumers have found it more difficult to find a lower premium through online shopping, they are changing behaviors in response.”

An Opportunity for Agents

Digitalization has made online shopping for insurance far easier; however, consumers are finding their price options are not very different at the moment. As a result, there was a 25% increase in the number of consumers who say they have reached out to an agent to assist with their insurance shopping. The report noted consumers are seeking out agents for guidance on how to find opportunities for savings through bundling, as well as how to get the most value out of their policies. With the right marketing intelligence support for identifying the consumers most likely to be shopping, insurers can increase proactive outreach with the value proposition of a more comprehensive assessment of a consumer’s insurance needs.

More Consumers Pass on Telematics

Despite a strong desire to find lower premiums, fewer consumers are

opting for telematics programs. According to the report, the number of consumers who accepted a telematics offer was 12 percentage points lower than a year ago, dropping from 65% to 53%.

The report posits a couple possible explanations for the decrease; one being consumers are driving more this year as more employees return to working in the office. Some may be nervous about the increased risk of being penalized for driving mistakes. In addition, the telematics programs have changed, becoming more complex and often delaying discounts until after a trial period has been completed. “Until recently, most telematics programs offered upfront discounts simply for opting in,” said Michelle Jackson, senior director of personal property and casualty insurance in TransUnion’s insurance business. “Many of these programs now require consumers to download an app that tracks their driving behavior and to keep it installed for several months before they are eligible to earn the discount. Given that consumers might still see an increased rate due to their driving behavior, it seems that fewer are willing to risk

an even higher premium.”

Homeowners Also Looking to Save

Similar to the auto insurance market, property insurance shopping increased in Q1 2023. However, with high mortgage rates and home prices, shopping activity was driven by homeowners looking for lower rates rather than coverage for a new home.

The report identifies this trend as a red flag for carriers, as homeowners are likely investing in renovations in lieu of a new home purchase. This can result in a mismatch of coverage, as additions and other significant changes may not be covered in the homeowners’ existing policies.

“With consumers increasingly looking to their agents for guidance on savings, right now is an ideal time for outreach,” said Jackson. “Agents can use the conversation to offer insights on how bundling policies may help lower premiums, while finding out if there have been any material changes to insured properties.”

For additional insights into the personal lines insurance marketplace, the full report can be accessed here.

Source: TransUnion