8 minute read

Toyota Introduces Data Privacy Portal

that are needed, and press for some level of standardization among the automakers.

To do this, VanHulle said, “We need more data on what’s being found in the real world. Right now we have a lot of anecdotal examples of strange things that were found during inspections,” such as when a shop discovers a “bad actor” has installed resistors on a vehicle to mask that an airbag module is missing or inoperable.

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“We need a lot more than just those anecdotal examples,” VanHulle said.

I-CAR has posted a brief form (https://rts.i-car.com/srs-inspection-feedback-form) shops can use to submit information on the SRS inspections they perform, what triggered the inspections and what was found.

“And pictures, pictures, pictures,” VanHulle said. “I’m sure any of the people who deal with estimating have seen not very good pictures from the industry. If you give us a picture that is so extremely close I have no idea what part that is even on, it’s not a great picture. I need ones with geography. I need to be able to see what the part looks like

and where it’s located, and have it as clear as it can be.”

By providing real-world findings to the OEMs, he said, the automakers may be able to include common things to look for during inspections, and it could be incorporated into I-CAR training. Vague references to “inspect for damage” could be replaced by step-by-step processes.

“The more data we can get, the more accurate information we can then have to work with,” VanHulle said. “This is not something we’re going to do for a week. This is a long-term data gathering.”

I-CAR’s effort was welcomed by Jason Bartanen, vice chairman of the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) Emerging Technologies Committee. He points to one automaker whose procedures call for removing an undeployed airbag to inspect it, then reinstall it using new fasteners.

“But they only service the fasteners with the airbag,” Bartanen said. “That presents huge obstacles. You’re essentially replacing an undeployed airbag because we had to take it out and inspect it. That’s where I think we can do a lot of good with this.

“The OEMs have shown that they are responsive. The more information we can get them, the ideas for solutions…They are open to it and they’ve shown a willingness to change.”

I-CAR has posted a brief form they are asking shops to use to submit information on the SRS inspections they perform

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Focus on Electric Cars

tiple options, such as hybrids and fuel-cell cars. He also said these vehicle types need to compete with one another to offer people the best options.

While Ford, GM and Volkswagen have made it clear they’re going “all in” related to a future of EVs, Toyota argues battery-powered cars aren’t necessarily the way of the future. Moreover, it believes “non-electric cars” will continue to thrive in markets across the globe.

“Some people love battery-electric vehicles but others don’t see the current technologies as convenient,” Toyota’s Chief Technology Officer Masahiko Maeda explained. “In the end what matters is what customers choose.”

As we previously reported, Toyota is saying publically it will leave the decision to car shoppers. However, Toyota isn’t just citing a lack of demand for EVs as the only concern.

Rather, according to Automotive News, it also suggests the materials needed to make EV batteries “could account for a larger share of total emissions than those from tailpipes.”

Nonetheless, Toyota did say it will make an effort to reduce production costs associated with EVs, though it will do so by producing them alongside other vehicles that don’t use battery-electric powertrains.

Toyota says to truly reduce carbon emissions, automakers must look at a vehicle’s entire lifecycle, not just its tailpipe emissions.

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Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) is proud to announce the creation of the Toyota Data Privacy Portal to increase data transparency, accessibility and control for Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners.

Toyota created Data Privacy Portal to give consumers a clear understanding and control over how their personal data is used— including providing options to share data where it benefits them, while making it easy to de-enroll should they choose.

Data Privacy Portal informs users when an impactful change has been made to their privacy settings.

Data Portal can be accessed for Connected Services-capable vehicles, starting from model year 2013, through the “account settings” section of the Toyota and Lexus apps. If the user owns multiple Toyota or Lexus vehicles, they can select custom privacy and data sharing settings for each individual vehicle.

Source: Toyota

2017 Franchisee of the Year for his market-leading performance, forward-thinking vision and leadership throughout the franchise system.

“It was probably one of the best decisions I made,” said Reszczynski. “I strongly believe body shop owners who join together within a common platform can provide a higher value to consumers and insurance providers. By being a part of something bigger than themselves, operators have better growth opportunities to succeed long-term.”

Fix Auto Chicago is a VerifFacts VQ medallion shop, a designation provided by VeriFacts Automotive to top-tier body shops that demonstrate high-quality service and repairs.

In 2019, VeriFacts Automotive distinguished Reszczynski with the March Taylor Award for Outstanding Leadership as a Shop Manager.

Autobody News talked to Reszczynski about the practices his collision repair facility has focused on over the last year to ensure the business’s future success.

Q: Were there any new practices you implemented due to COVID-19?

A: Many of the practices that may have seemed unique for shops during the pandemic we have been doing for quite some time. They just happened to fit into the reality of what things have been like. One example is photo estimating, which we had been doing before COVID-19, but it has escalated over the last 15 months. We use photo estimating during the intake process to triage the vehicle, often before it arrives, to help determine the level of damage, prepare the repair order and potentially pre-order parts.

This helps maximize efficiency and lower cycle time. It also helps clients decide if they want to file a claim. Many try to pay out-of-pocket and it helps give them a general idea of the costs and processes involved.

Our employees love it. It has helped us align production much better and our staff is very pleased with that.

Another example is the concierge service we provide for our Chicago clients. This was common practice before the pandemic, but more shops are doing it now. For us, it has taken on a different proportion.

During the pandemic, Fix Auto USA owners worked together to develop a process for transferring customer vehicles without having them travel to the facility, so it is a little safer and easier for them.

It involves customer service representatives (CSRs) traveling to the potential client and providing them with a rental car on the spot and then returning with their vehicle after it is repaired. Depending on their comfort level, clients can come in and pick up the car at the shop or take delivery of it at their home or place of business.

There are quite a few who have taken advantage of the program and they are very appreciative, but it is not for everybody. Many still prefer physical interaction with the facility.

Q: What were some of the other ways Fix Auto USA supported franchises during the pandemic?

A: Fix Auto USA provided many tips with us through the company’s website. Not only have we been able to share those tips with staff, but we’ve also communicated to clients through our social media platforms. We’re part of Driven Brands now, and the entire Driven Brands’ communication was COVID-19-sensitive and customer-centric.

Fix Auto Chicago has always prided itself on having strong cleaning and detailing practices. As a result of the tips shared, we added a disinfection step, which our customers appreciated.

Physically, we provided spaced seating arrangements and additional safety protocols were implemented in the office and for employees.

We found it much easier to ramp up our current practices rather than implement them from scratch. If we had not prepared for that, our sales would have potentially suffered a little more than they have.

Kazimierz Rodak disassembles a car for repair planning. Joanna Najdala, CSR-estimator, at Fix Auto Chicago.

Q: How did COVID-19 affect your business financially?

A: In 2020, we ended the year 19% under what our numbers were in 2019. We had expected a 30% drop due to COVID-19, so we felt we closed the year stronger than anticipated.

Although we had to furlough some employees, we have since recovered and are operating with a full staff. Traffic patterns have picked up over the last several months and people are traveling again; that will likely provide additional claims.

Q: To what do you attribute your company’s success?

A: From the beginning, we strategically set up our shop as a higher-end facility that was forward-thinking. Training has always been our priority.

Through my involvement in performance groups, we implemented lean production solutions and improved cycle times. At a very early stage, we also earned OEM certifications and have adhered to those standards for quite some time.

As a result, we have built a sterling reputation. We are known for offering high-quality repairs, that are done efficiently, at a very cost-effective rate and in compliance with OEM standards—a win-win for the consumer.

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