March 2022 Southeast Edition by Autobody News

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Unpaid Bill Triggers Shooting at West Palm Beach, FL, Auto Repair Shop, Mechanic Charged by Gary Detman, CBS 12 News

A mechanic is accused of opening fire on a customer following a dispute over an unpaid bill at an auto repair shop near West Palm Beach, FL. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office arrested 66-year-old Thomas Scorza on two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. According to investigators, a man went to pick up his car Feb. 12 at GT Auto Repair on Forest Hill Boulevard. Scorza told deputies the customer tried to drive away in the

car without paying the $477 bill. Scorza said he confronted the driver and fired at his direction out of fear

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office arrested 66-year-old Thomas Scorza on two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Credit: PBSO See Mechanic Charged, Page 16

EV Chargers Will Soon Outnumber Gas Stations in U.S. by Andrei Nedelea, InsideEVs

The charging station infrastructure in the U.S. will soon catch up to and surpass traditional fuel stations for the number of individual pumps, or charging stalls. There are currently between 110,000 and 150,000 fuel pumps, while the number of individual chargers is around 110,000, according to Jerry Insurance. The number of gas stations has been going down for the last two decades, while increasing sales of electric vehicles has spurred constant and

sometimes rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure. There are now more than 2 million EVs on U.S. roads compared to just 16,000 a decade ago.

One major challenge ahead will be for the charging infrastructure to See EV Chargers, Page 22

Vol. 13 / Issue 1 / March 2022

Nissan to Build 2 New All-Electric Models at Mississippi Assembly Plant Nissan on Feb. 17 shared details on how its Canton, MS, Vehicle Assembly Plant will become a center for U.S. EV production. The company is transforming Nissan Canton with the latest in EV manufacturing technology to support production of two all-new, all-electric vehicles. The investment for EV production will total $500 million, preserving and upskilling nearly 2,000 jobs, with production expected to begin in 2025. “Today’s announcement is the first of several new investments that

will drive the EV revolution in the United States,” said Ashwani Gupta, chief operating officer, Nissan Motor Corporation, Ltd. “Nissan is making a strong investment in Canton’s future, bringing the latest technology, train-

See New All-Electric, Page 18

A Review of Collision Repair Acquisitions in 2021 by David Roberts and Chris Lane, Focus Advisors Automotive

With 2021 now in the rearview mirror, the industry is catching its breath after a year of sprinting that saw extraordinary acquisition activity. In one of the busiest years since 2019, the most mature consolidators—Caliber and Gerber—have gotten much bigger, while the third largest, Service King, has continued to shrink modestly. And the adolescents of 2020, Classic Collision and Crash Champions, have dramatically grown into impressive, fully realized competitors seeking their own national footprint, each more than tripling their number of shops over the last 12 months. Newer private equity backed MSOs also found fertile ground in 2021 with Quality Collision, Kaizen Collision and Collision Right more than doubling their shop counts during the year. The franchisors and networks continued to find both growth challenges and opportunities as Driven

Brands, Certified Collision Group and 1 Collision continued to expand in every direction. Based on Focus Advisors’ proprietary data, a total of 62 MSOs were acquired in 2021 with a transfer of 327 locations that formerly belonged to independent MSOs. What happened with the largest consolidators? Caliber just kept doing what Caliber does at the same relentless and effectively measured pace—buying, converting and developing. We estimate Caliber added about 201 shops; nearly 25% were brown and greenfield location. In addition, it continued to grow its initiatives in ADAS, glass and retail service locations. Caliber only acquired one large MSO during the year, Main Auto Body in Oregon, as well as several three and four shop MSOs. However, its most notable acquisition was the acquisition of 17 AutoNation shops in 15 different markets. Caliber continues to densify its footprint, market-by-market, both through acquisitions of single shops See Acquisitions in 2021, Page 22

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Adelmann Donates $500,000 to CREF �� 28

Cayce, SC, Scrapyard Operator Charged Again

AirPro Diagnostics Announces New Hire �� 50

with Illegally Dealing Car Parts �� 8 Crash Champions Acquires Tampa, FL, Auto Body Shop �� 14 EOS Linx EV Charging Stations to Be Installed at Select Choice Hotels Properties �� 8 EV Infrastructure Taking Shape in NC on Local, State Level �� 12 Gerber Collision Donates $2,500 to Florida Collision Repair School Through CREF �� 14 Miami Bomnin Dealerships are Top 2 GM Sellers Worldwide, No. 1 Volvo in U.S. �� 6 Mullen, Comau to Build Full-Scale Automotive Body Assembly at Mississippi Facility �� 10 Nissan to Build 2 New All-Electric Models at Mississippi Assembly Plant �� 1 North Carolina Woman Charged for Stealing Her Own Camaro �� 14 Service King Donates Car to Ocoee, FL, Resident Through NABC™ Recycled Rides® Program �� 11 St. Petersburg, FL, Man Sentenced to Prison for COVID-19 Program Fraud �� 18 Unpaid Bill Triggers Shooting at West Palm Beach, FL, Auto Repair Shop, Mechanic Charged �� 1 Wreck Check Appraisal Now Serving North Carolina �� 16

ASA Podcast Focuses on EV Repair Safety �� 16 ASE Education Foundation Partners with Industry Leaders to Provide Innovative Programs �� 43 Auto Dealers Look to Use Tech to Reduce Sales Process Friction �� 19 Author/Teacher Trains and Mentors the Insurance Adjusters of the Future �� 26 Automakers Report January Sales �� 50 Axalta Commits to Sustainability Goals �� 35 Bill to Ensure Consumer Choice in Auto

Anderson - Resources to Combat Collision Parts Supply Chain Challenges �� 28

CCC Acquires Insurtech Safekeep �� 24 ADAS Radar Systems, PPG Expert Says �� 40 CIECA Announces 2022 Board Officers �� 11 CIF Announces 2022 Annual Donors �� 10 DOT Issues National Roadway Safety Strategy with Focus on Safer Vehicles �� 48 Driven Brands Holdings Inc. Reports Big Emporia Energy, BREK Electronics to Develop

Options Until After Purchase: Study �� 51 EV Chargers Will Soon Outnumber Gas Stations in U.S. �� 1 Cobalt, Nickel Prices �� 39 Hertz Partnering with UFODRIVE to Improve

J.D. Power Announces New Hires, Promotions �� 8 Labor Rate, Tech Shortage, ADAS Panels Highlight Updated Educational Slate at Registration Open for WIAC Conference �� 19

Are Followed �� 34

Some Auto Parts Cheaper at Walmart, Fixed Ops Director Shocked to Find �� 44

They Are Coping with Parts Supply Chain

State Farm, Ford Introduce UBI �� 41

Issues �� 42

Tesla’s Most Important Product in Development

Yoswick - Remote Scanning Companies Foresee More ADAS Calibrations for Auto Body Shops in the Future �� 46

Jim Cogdill Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram �� 18

Audi Gwinnett �� 24

John Heister Automotive �� 38

Audi Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 44

Kia Motors Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 45

AutoNation Ford-Lincoln �� 28

Landers Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep �� 22

Axalta Coating Systems �� 11

Mazda Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 49

Beaman CDJR Wholesale Parts �� 31

Mercedes-Benz Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 49

Certified Automotive Parts Association �� 16

Miami Lakes Automall �� 19

City Kia of Greater Orlando �� 41

MINI of Charleston �� 24

Classifieds �� 50

MOPAR Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 33

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet �� 32

NOROO Paint & Coatings �� 15

Dominion Sure Seal, Ltd. �� 10

Parks Chevrolet �� 30

Eagle Abrasives �� 52

PPG �� 9

Equalizer Auto Glass Tools �� 6

Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Naples �� 41

Ford Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 46

Riverside Ford-Lincoln �� 39

GM Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 43

SATA Dan-Am Company �� 5

Gus Machado Ford �� 34

SCA Claim Services �� 17

Harper Volkswagen �� 35

Spanesi Americas �� 7

Hendrick Automotive Group �� 37

Steck Manufacturing Company �� 8

Hendrick Honda Pompano Beach �� 38

Subaru Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 47

Hendrick Kia Cary �� 29

Sunmight USA �� 20-21

Hendrick Kia Concord �� 29

Tameron Hyundai �� 40

Hendrick Volvo Cars of Charleston �� 41

Valspar Refinish �� 2

Honda-Acura Wholesale Parts Dealers � 25, 26-27

Volkswagen Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 42

Hyundai Wholesale Parts Dealers �� 46

Wrenchers �� 13

NORTHEAST 2022 �� 38

Must Ensure ADAS Calibration Procedures Yoswick - Collision Repairers Discuss How

asTech/Driven by Repairify �� 14

GM Doubles its Climate Equity Fund �� 24

Hyundai ABS Module Fire Recall Announced �� 29

Grow and Retain Employees �� 30

Industrial Finishes and Systems �� 23

First Home Bi-Directional EV Charger �� 4 EV Buyers Not Researching Charging

Repair Taps Into His Artistic Side �� 36

Yoswick - Automakers: Collision Repairers

American Icon Automotive Finishes �� 12

Autobody News P.O. Box 1516 Carlsbad, CA 92018 (800) 699-8251 (760) 603-3229 Fax www.autobodynews.com editor@autobodynews.com

Revenue Gains in 4Q, Full Year 2021 �� 47

Attanasio - The ‘California Godfather’ of Collision

Bootcamps Help Collision Repair Industry

Serving Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and adjacent metro areas. Autobody News is a monthly publication for the autobody industry. Permission to reproduce in any form the material published in Autobody News must be obtained in writing from the publisher. ©2022 Adamantine Media LLC.

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EV Rental Experience �� 49

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Publisher & Editor: Jeremy Hayhurst General Manager: Barbara Davies Contributing Writers: John Yoswick, Janet Chaney, Toby Chess, Ed Attanasio, Stacey Phillips Advertising Sales: Joe Momber, Norman Morano, (800) 699-8251 Office Manager: Louise Tedesco Digital Marketing Manager: Bryan Malinski Art Director: Rodolfo Garcia Graphic Designer: Vicki Sitarz Online and Web Content Editor: Abby Andrews Accounting Manager: Heather Priddy Permissions Editor: Randi Scholtes Office Assistant: Dianne Pray

Repair Introduced in U.S. House �� 48

EV Sector Growth Driving up Lithium, COLUMNISTS

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CONTENTS

is Optimus Humanoid Robot �� 49 Toyota Research Institute Programs Car to Autonomously Drift Around On-Track Obstacles �� 4

NATIONAL A Review of Collision Repair Acquisitions in 2021 �� 1

U.S. Crude Oil Production Fell by 8% in 2020, Largest Decrease on Record �� 51

autobodynews.com / MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

Emporia Energy, BREK Electronics to Develop First Home Bi-Directional EV Charger Emporia Energy and BREK Electronics announced a new partnership to develop a bi-directional electric vehicle charger that will not only transfer power from the grid and home to the vehicle, but also from the vehicle back to the home and grid. This product will be the first of its kind available in North America and is predicted to hit the market in 2023 at less than $1,500. The collaboration brings together the specialties of both companies, with BREK developing the power electronics core and hardware and Emporia developing the connector strategy and smart home integration system. BREK and Emporia share an overarching mission of providing accessible and affordable products. Emporia, led by founder and CEO Shawn McLaughlin, already offers a line of energy management technology products that can be combined to create the Emporia Smart Home Energy Management System. These products include level 2 EV chargers, customizable whole-home batteries with capacity from 8.2kWh to 49.2 kWh, smart plugs and real-time energy monitors that allow

users to assess and control their total home energy usage in real-time via the Emporia app. The partnership’s bi-directional EV Charger will be the newest addition to this system and give customers new options for power management. Consumers will now be able to power their home through their EV,

applications, including solar string inverters that can provide significantly higher power at lower cost with longer life, in a more compact design than existing commercial string inverters. BREK’s and Emporia’s collaboration will develop and adapt this hardware specifically for bi-directional EV charging.

“Emporia has mastered energy management technology and smart home integration with their system of products and is the perfect match for the power electronics development we do here at BREK. Our hardware expertise combined with Emporia’s experience in energy management will drive the creation of a truly groundbreaking product in the EV charging space.” — Dr. Kala Majeti insulating them from costly utility bills and protecting them from power outages. BREK is reimagining silicon-carbide based power electronics technologies. BREK’s silicon-carbide based platform has a variety of

As explained by McLaughlin, “80 to 85% of electric vehicle charging currently takes place at the vehicle owner’s home, so the EV should really be seen as an extension of the home energy system. This is critical to why we want to make a

bi-directional EV charger readily available—being able to transfer energy from the vehicle back into the home or grid will enable widespread adoption of distributed renewable energy without taxing the grid, while generating substantial savings for the homeowner, but there isn’t a cost effective option on the market yet. Our collaboration with BREK will create that option.” “This is an ideal partnership for us,” said Dr. Kala Majeti, president and co-founder of BREK Electronics. “Emporia has mastered energy management technology and smart home integration with their system of products and is the perfect match for the power electronics development we do here at BREK. Our hardware expertise combined with Emporia’s experience in energy management will drive the creation of a truly groundbreaking product in the EV charging space.” For more information about Emporia, visit www.emporiaenergy.com. To learn more about BREK Electronics, visit www.brekelectronics.com. Source: Emporia Energy, BREK Electronics

Toyota Research Institute Programs Car to Autonomously Drift Around On-Track Obstacles On Feb. 2, Toyota Research Institute (TRI) demonstrated a new research milestone in autonomy, providing a glimpse into the future of safer mobility for all.

TRI researchers successfully programmed a vehicle to autonomously drift around obstacles on a closed track—a world first. Combining a deep knowledge of both vehicle dynamics and control design, TRI’s Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) approach extends the vehicle’s operational domain to the very limits of its performance. The idea behind this research is to use controlled, autonomous drifting to avoid accidents by navigating sudden obstacles or hazardous road conditions like black ice.

“At TRI, our goal is to use advanced technologies that augment and amplify humans, not replace them,” said Avinash Balachandran, senior manager of TRI’s Human Centric Driving Research. “Through this project, we are expanding the region in which a car is controllable, with the goal of giving regular drivers the instinctual reflexes of a professional race car driver to be able to handle the most challenging emergencies and keep people safer on the road.” Every year, car crashes result in nearly 40,000 fatalities in the U.S and about 1.35 million fatalities worldwide. While most crashes occur in mundane situations, in some extreme situations, drivers may need to make maneuvers that take their vehicle close to and, at times, beyond normal limits of handling. One year ago, TRI and the Dynamic Design Lab at Stanford University set out to design a new level of active safety to help avoid crashes and prevent injuries and fatalities. With the support of automotive performance specialist GReddy and drift legend Ken Gushi, this achievement is another step in that journey.

4 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

By building skills comparable to an expert driver, this technology can amplify and augment a regular driver’s ability to respond to dangerous and extreme situations, helping keep people safe on the road.

This achievement brings TRI researchers closer to understanding the full spectrum of vehicle performance. The software advances announced Feb. 2 calculate a whole new trajectory every 20th of a sec-

“When faced with wet or slippery roads, professional drivers may choose to ‘drift’ the car through a turn, but most of us are not professional drivers,” said Jonathan Goh, TRI research scientist. “That’s why TRI is programming vehicles that can identify obstacles and autonomously drift around obstacles on a closed track.” — Jonathan Goh “When faced with wet or slippery roads, professional drivers may choose to ‘drift’ the car through a turn, but most of us are not professional drivers,” said Jonathan Goh, TRI research scientist. “That’s why TRI is programming vehicles that can identify obstacles and autonomously drift around obstacles on a closed track.”

ond to balance the car gracefully as it goes around the track. Looking ahead, Toyota will continue to push the limits of vehicle safety technology by researching ever more effective ways for emerging safety technologies to amplify human capabilities on the road. Source: Toyota Research Institute

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Miami Bomnin Dealerships are Top 2 GM Sellers Worldwide, No. 1 Volvo in U.S. Bomnin Automotive Group, one of the largest and fastest-growing auto groups in South Florida, once again lived up to its slogan “Committed to Excellence” as three Bomnin dealerships were named the largest in the country in 2021. Bomnin Automotive Group proudly announced the following: Bomnin Chevrolet West Kendall is officially the largest new Chevrolet dealer in the world with 4,741 new Chevrolets sold in 2021 Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland is the second largest new Chevrolet dealer in the world with 4,667 new Chevrolets sold in 2021 Bomnin Volvo is the largest new Volvo dealer in America with 1,760 new Volvos sold in 2021 Bomnin Chevrolet West Kendall and Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland sit only eight miles apart, but were able to become the two highest volume Chevrolet stores in the world during 2021, an outstanding achievement considering South Florida had previously been a predominantly import and luxury market. In Bomnin Volvo’s first full year in business, the team delivered 1,760

new Volvos during 2021, ranking as the No. 1 Volvo dealer in the nation nearly every month. Bomnin Volvo sold more than 17% more new Volvos during 2021 than the nation’s second leading Volvo dealer.

Arnaldo Bomnin, Bomnin Automotive Group’s founder and CEO.

“This was truly a team achievement. Our team’s hard work, dedication, conviction and ‘Commitment to Excellence’ culminated in these remarkable accomplishments,” said Arnaldo Bomnin, Bomnin Automotive Group’s founder and CEO. “I cannot think of a better way to express my gratitude than to thank my team from the bottom of my heart and say, ‘All the glory to God.’

6 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

I am humbled and grateful for what we were able to accomplish during a year of supply chain and pandemic-related uncertainty and am looking forward to what the future has in store for the Bomnin Auto Team.” In addition to being known as one of the top vehicle retailers in America, Bomnin Automotive Group is also known locally in south Florida for giving back to the community, recently hosting a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, as well as partnering with Miami-Dade County Police for a Christmas toy giveaway. “While we are overjoyed to announce these incredible accomplishments, we would like to thank you, the community, for choosing us as your preferred Chevrolet and Volvo dealerships,” said Bomnin. “We sell cars, but our passion is giving back to the community.” Bomnin, who fled Cuba to immigrate to America in 1996 with nothing but a gold watch and three gold rings to his name, now owns and operates seven franchises under six rooftops, which include Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland, Bomnin Chev-

rolet West Kendall, Bomnin Cadillac Chevrolet Homestead, Bomnin Mitsubishi, Bomnin Volvo Cars Dadeland and Bomnin Chevrolet Manassas. Upon moving to the U.S., Bomnin began landscaping and selling avocados and lobster on the streets of Miami. One day, while selling lobster at a Miami dealership, the general manager observed his extraordinary sales skills and offered him the opportunity to become a sales associate. Bomnin continued exemplifying his incredible work ethic until he acquired his first dealership in 2010, turning it from a dealership selling about 70 vehicles a month to the No. 1 Chevrolet dealership in the Southeast for five consecutive years from 2016-2020. In 2021, that dealership ranked second place, only behind its sister dealership, Bomnin Chevrolet West Kendall. For more information on Bomnin and his many award-winning dealerships, visit www.bomninchevrolet.com. Source: Bomnin Automotive Group

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J.D. Power Announces New Hires, Promotions J.D. Power, a global leader in data analytics and consumer intelligence, on Jan. 31 announced staffing changes within its automotive division. Those changes include the hiring of Elizabeth Krear as vice president of the new EV practice and Jack Dolan as vice president of product quality performance improvement. Long-time J.D. Power executive Dave Sargent is becoming vice president and head of the newly-created connected vehicle practice and Kristin Kolodge is being promoted to fill the role vacated by Sargent as vice president and head of auto benchmarking and mobility development. “The automotive industry is undergoing massive disruptions, and our customers are counting on us to help them make critical business decisions and seize opportunities,” said Doug Betts, president of the automotive division at J.D. Power. All four executives will report to Betts in this new structure. Source: J.D. Power

Cayce, SC, Scrapyard Operator Charged Again with Illegally Dealing Car Parts by David Travis Bland, The State

A Midlands scrapyard operator has been charged a second time with illegally buying and selling cars, including possessing a stolen vehicle. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department charged 44-yearold Timothy Eron Dickensheets, operator of American Scrap Iron and Metal on the Charleston Highway in Cayce, SC, on Feb. 8 with eight counts of improper disposal of a vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle and malicious injury to property. Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said his department worked with state and local agencies during the investigation that led to Dickensheets’ arrest. “Because of strong relationships between state and local law enforcement, we’ve made an arrest and addressed an issue affecting members of our community,” Koon said. Dickensheets bought eight cars and didn’t wait a required three days before selling, damaging or disposing of the cars, police

EOS Linx EV Charging Stations to Be Installed at Select Choice Hotels Properties EOS Linx, a provider of solar-supported stations with electric vehicle (EV) chargers and digital advertising displays, on Feb. 2 announced a collaboration with Choice Hotels International to install EOS Charge Stations at select properties. The first set of EOS Charge Stations will be installed at select Choice Hotels franchised properties in Atlanta, GA, and Chattanooga and Nashville, TN, during the first quarter of this year, with a goal to later scale deployments at additional locations across the U.S. following a successful pilot program. “We’re thrilled to bring EOS Charge Stations to select Choice Hotels properties and help fulfill the EV charging needs of drivers,” said Blake Snider, president of EOS Linx. “Choice Hotels properties are often located close to highways, making them ideal locations for EV chargers, and this collaboration brings us one step closer to creating a robust EV charging infrastructure that will help support our nation’s EV growth targets.” “This is an exciting collaboration that will provide drivers with access to EV chargers while traveling and in the future, potentially uncover

new customer engagement opportunities for our 6,000-plus domestic franchised hotels,” said Rick Summa, vice president of partner services at Choice Hotels International. “The ability to provide drivers with this added convenience while also promoting environmentally sustainable practices in the cities our franchisees serve makes this an impactful relationship we are excited to grow.” Powered by robust data analytics tools, EOS Charge Stations include 75-inch digital out-of-home (OOH) advertising displays designed to maximize brand exposure and engagement of consumers. Research from Nielsen and the Outdoor Advertising Association of America found 70% of consumers who notice a digital place-based OOH ad immediately visit a business after exposure and 89% make a purchase after visiting the business. The digital display also includes the ability to broadcast urgent public service announcements regarding missing children via EOS Linx’s partnership with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Source: EOS Linx, Choice Hotels

8 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

said. He also purchased a truck that didn’t have a title or completed affidavit, prompting the possession of a stolen vehicle charge. Deputies jailed Dickensheets at the Lexington County Detention Center. He was out on bond by Feb. 9. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the state’s Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Cayce Police Department helped in the investigation. Dickensheets was also charged with similar offenses in Richland County in September. Dickensheets could not show ownership documents for 47 catalytic converters purchased from June 1 to July 1 at his scrapyard on Fairfield Road, deputies said. Those charges are still pending. Catalytic converters are part of a vehicle’s exhaust system. The converters contain valuable metals. Catalytic converters theft significantly rose in South Carolina during the last two years. In February 2021, The State reported on the rise in thefts during the first months

of the year. After a Lexington County heist, a man was caught with 83 catalytic converters, investigators said. In another case, state agents charged a Barnwell police officer with illegally buying and selling metal, including catalytic converters, which made him $20,000. Scrupulous metal dealers will purchase the stolen converters and cars. In May, South Carolina passed a law to crack down on catalytic converter theft. The law requires ownership of a catalytic converter to be proven with certain documents. Controversy has loomed over Dickensheets’ scrap metal business. In March, the city of Columbia sued its own zoning board after the board made way for Dickensheets to open another scrap metal yard on Shop Road. Two environmental groups also sued the zoning board over its decision. Prior to that, the Columbia Fire Department battled several fires at Dickensheets’ scrapyard on Fairfield Road, Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said.

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CIF Announces 2022 Annual Donors The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) announced several companies committed to participate in the CIF Annual Donor Program. AirPro Diagnostics signed up for a second year, at the Urgent Care tier with a $5,000 pledge; CCC Intelligent Solutions committed to its second time in a row, as a First Responder with a $10,000 pledge; Enterprise Holdings committed to participate a second year at the Urgent Care tier with a $5,000 pledge; and LKQ Corporation committed to pledge $10,000, achieving the highest support tier, First Responder. The Annual Donor Program was designed to bring needed, recurring resources to CIF, so it can deliver on its mission to Answer the Call when those in the industry have been impacted by unforeseen catastrophic events. To become a CIF annual donor, visit www.collisionindustryfoundation.org and or reach out via email to collisionindustryfoundation@gmail.com. All donations are tax-deductible. Source: CIF

Mullen, Comau to Build Full-Scale Automotive Body Assembly at Mississippi Facility Mullen Automotive, Inc., an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer, announced Jan. 31 a strategic alliance with Comau, a leading Italian systems integrator and solutions provider with longstanding experience in the automotive sector, for the build-out of a vehicle body shop at Mullen’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center (AMEC) in Tunica, MS. Mullen Automotive and Comau are joining forces to develop a state-of-the-art body shop for the new and upcoming Mullen FIVE EV Crossover. Comau has been a leader in the industry of automotive manufacturing, along with other sectors, since the early 1970s and is reputed for combining innovative engineering solutions with easy-to-use open automation and enabling technologies. Comau’s competency stems from more than 45 years of field-proven experience and a strong presence within every major industrial country. Mullen and Comau will work

to deliver the most accurate and quality body shops to enhance the overall production of the FIVE.

The Mullen FIVE EV crossover on display at the LA Auto Show.

Comau is supporting Mullen’s plans in designing the processes and equipment for the AMEC facility in Tunica, where the FIVE will be produced. Comau’s vast experience in designing body shops for the automotive industry gives Mullen a leading edge in efficiency and quality for the BIW (Body in White). “Comau is an international leader in developing world-class

automation technology and vehicle body shops for the automotive industry. We are excited to have them working on developing our body shop plan for Tunica AMEC,” said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive. “Comau continues to focus its advanced competencies and longstanding experience toward the development of strategic markets such as electrification,” said Laerte Scarpitta, Comau’s leader of the Americas. “As such, it is always a pleasure to work with a new electric vehicle manufacturer to support the widespread deployment of e-mobility solutions. This project confirms our commitment to progressing the mobility of the future.” The Mullen FIVE is built on an EV crossover skateboard platform that offers multiple powertrain configurations and trim levels. Learn more about the Mullen FIVE at MullenUSA.com. Source: Mullen Automotive, Inc.

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Service King Donates Car to Ocoee, FL, Resident Through NABC™ Recycled Rides® Program Service King recently repaired and donated a 2018 Nissan Altima to Illeah, a local Ocoee, FL, resident, through the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC™) Recycled Rides® program.

Recycled Rides is a unique community action initiative through which members of the NABC and others in the auto body repair industry unite with local nonprofit organizations to provide deserving individuals and families with the gift of a fully restored vehicle. Service King has consistently donated vehicles through the Re-

cycled Rides program for several years. For this donation, GEICO Insurance provided the car Service King repaired. Illeah, a single mother of four, was nominated by the Boys and Girls Club of Ocoee, a nonprofit organization that provides academic support, extracurricular opportunities and positive adult role models to help break the cycle of poverty for future generations. Illeah spends her time helping others as a customer service representative and was unable to replace the transmission in her 18-year-old Buick, making it undrivable. She relied on friends and family to help transport her children to and from school and the Boys and Girls Club afterschool program. Service King’s donation will provide necessary independence to Illeah’s family. “Service King is honored to have repaired and donated this

vehicle to Illeah and her family,” said Jeff McFadden, president of Service King. “Our company is committed to giving back to the communities we serve and it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to live out our commitment though the Recycled Rides program. We’re excited for Illeah and her family to regain their independence through reliable transportation. Our passion to help others through the act of service will remain steadfast throughout 2022 and beyond as we continue to transform the lives of deserving individuals and families by providing them with dependable vehicles.” This is the first vehicle Service King has restored in collaboration with the NABC this year, with additional donations planned for the remainder of 2022. To learn more about Service King, visit serviceking.com. Source: Service King

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CIECA Announces 2022 Board Officers During the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce (CIECA) Board of Trustees meeting in Phoenix, AZ, on Jan. 19, the organization’s Board of Trustees elected the following officers for 2022. Chairman Phil Martinez, Mitchell International, an Enlyte Company; Vice Chair Greg Best, California Casualty Management Company; Treasurer Ashley Denison, Caliber Collision; Secretary Brady Bonner, Safelite Solutions; and Past Chair Jeff Schroder, Car-Part.com. The officers will serve on CIECA’s executive committee, which oversees business matters throughout the year and plans the agenda for CIECA board meetings. CIECA also named a new Board of Trustees member, Dave Braun, owner of Nexsyis Collision. Source: CIECA

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EV Infrastructure Taking Shape in NC on Local, State Level by Joe Overby, Auto Remarketing

Much of the national automotive conversation of late has involved automakers’ plans for electric vehicles, including the advertising lineup in store for Super Bowl LVI. But two separate announcements coming out of the Raleigh, NC, area exemplify the boots-on-theground and diverse array of moving parts involved in making widespread EV adoption a reality. And whether it’s the technology behind charging stations or the car dealers selling and servicing EVs, those things often happen on a state or local level. During the same month and in the same city where the state’s franchise dealer association launched an EV advisory committee and promotional campaign, Vontier—a Raleigh-based global industrial tech company specializing in transportation and mobility—announced Feb. 8 it has acquired Driivz, which provides EV charging and energy management software. Driivz, based in Tel Aviv, is a cloud-based subscription software platform that works with electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) providers. It provides them with operations management, energy optimization, billing and roaming capabilities and driver self-service apps. Driivz’s customers would include entities involved in EVCI rollout, like utilities, charge point operators, fleets, automakers, e-mobility service provides and oil/gas companies. “The acquisition of Driivz accelerates our portfolio diversification and e-mobility strategies toward long-term secular growth drivers and positions us well to capitalize on the global EVCI market opportunities,” Vontier President and CEO Mark Morelli said in a news

roads. NCADA has formed a statewide advisory group of dealers to around EVs and plug-in hybrids. It has also purchased an all-electric Volkswagen ID4 to promote EVs in the Raleigh area. The dealer association teamed up with NC Clean Energy Group recently to promote EVs at Carolina Hurricanes hockey games in Raleigh. (Side note: The Hurricanes are owned by Tom Dundon, who made some of his fortune via auto financing and is still involved with finance companies such as Exeter Finance.) And their commitment to EVs goes even deeper. NCADA said in a release the state’s franchise dealer body have spent millions Gov. Roy Cooper, first from left in center, gathers with franchise dealon facility and infraers in North Carolina. Credit: Photo courtesy of NCADA structure upgrades in preparation for what they said will be more than 45 new modour vision and mission to transform els arriving over the next two years. the EV charging energy challenge “The advisory committee is focusinto a solution to a bigger problem— creating a greener world for future ing on efforts that can be undertaken generations. Together we can drive to accelerate the implementation of broader and deeper impact at a global scale and decarbonize our customers’ energy footprint.” Moving to the retail side of the market, the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association announced the launch of its “All In For EVs” campaign to promote the sale and distribution of electric vehicles throughout the state. Several North Carolina franchise dealers met with Gov. Roy Cooper and Department of Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette at the governor’s Executive Mansion to discuss plans for how the state can prepare for more vehicles on its release. “Driivz provides us with market leading technologies within the highest growth, most profitable network management software market segment. We are excited to offer our customers with best-in-class software that is hardware agnostic and the ability to continue to own the consumer experience.” Doron Frenkel, CEO of Driivz, added: “We are delighted to become part of the Vontier family of companies. This acquisition will advance

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chargers in and around dealerships as well as working with dealerships to educate salespersons and technicians on the sales and maintenance of EVs,” NCADA said in a news release. The advisory committee will also launch an extensive training program to help dealers prepare for EV questions from consumers, and aims to partner with industry stakeholders to inform North Carolina consumers on where they can charge EVs and how long it will take. “North Carolina’s nearly 600 new car and truck dealers stand poised and ready to assist consumers across the state making the shift to electric,” NCADA said. “Local franchised car and truck dealers are and will always be the best source to buy and service your next EV or plug in hybrid.” Auto Remarketing will have more on these efforts in the upcoming NADA Show edition of the magazine, as North Carolina dealer Mike Alford is set to become the 2022 chair of the National Automobile Dealers Association at the group’s convention next month. NCADA will have a presence at Cherokee Media Group’s upcoming Auto Intel Summit, where electric vehicles will be a major focus.

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Gerber Collision Donates $2,500 to Florida Collision Repair School Through CREF Gerber Collision & Glass, a division of the Boyd Group, Inc., continued to support the collision industry’s future generation by funding a $2,500 Benchmark Grant, which will be used to better educate students and help ensure that they are prepared to successfully begin a career in the collision repair industry after graduation. “We at Gerber Collision & Glass are honored to award the $2,500 grant to Hillsborough Community College [in Tampa, FL],” said Luke Martin, technician development program school liaison at Gerber Collision & Glass. “The continued growth and support of this industry is a huge priority at Gerber, and we are proud to continue working with CREF to establish said growth. “Hillsborough Community College has demonstrated the continued pursuit towards better education for students while assisting them in establishing a strong and lasting career,” Martin continued. “We would like to thank everyone who has been involved with this incredible initiative, and we look forward to seeing these students continue to flourish. We hope that this grant will be used to enable

and inspire students to pursue a lucrative career in the automotive industry.” The Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants recognize schools that excel at educating students in collision repair, but due to strained school budgets, the programs require additional financial assistance. Recipient schools use these funds to provide the tools, equipment and supplies necessary to enhance their students’ learning experience and elevate the caliber of their graduates, ensuring graduates are prepared to successfully enter the workforce upon graduation. Applications for the 2022 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants will be available online in January. Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting CREF’s efforts to assist secondary and post-secondary collision repair training programs should contact Brandon Eckenrode, director of development, at 312-231-0258 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org. Monetary donations can be made online. Source: CREF

Crash Champions Acquires Tampa, FL, Auto Body Shop Crash Champions, LLC, one of the nation’s fastest growing independent collision repair companies, announced Jan. 25 it has grown its presence in Florida with the acquisition of Salemi’s Body Shop, a single shop located at 1602 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL 33607. With this acquisition, Crash Champions now has 29 conveniently located collision repair centers across the Sunshine State. This transaction strategically supplements the company’s six acquisitions in December that added 13 locations to the company’s Florida footprint. “Crash Champions has been inFlorida for less than a year, but the state has quickly grown to become our second largest market in the country,” said Matt Ebert, founder and CEO of Crash Champions. “I am proud to welcome Salemi’s to the Crash Champions family. The shop has a history of exceptional service and high-quality repairs that dates to 1966, and we are eager to carry on this long-

standing tradition under the Crash Champions banner.” “At Salemi’s, we have always prioritized high-quality service and customer satisfaction, and in Crash Champions, we have found a like-minded organization that shares this commitment,” said Sam Salemi, owner of Salemi’s Body Shop. “I am excited to have the resources and scale of a national MSO to enhance the offerings we can provide our community.” For more information about Crash Champions, visit crashchampions.com. For those collision repair companies interested in selling their business, Crash has made it easy. Visit crashchampions.com/ sell-your-shop to learn more.

North Carolina Woman Charged for Stealing Her Own Camaro by Steven Symes, Motorious

Normal people who are struggling to make their car payment consider options like selling their ride for something more affordable. Others would get a second job, sell some items, eliminate needless spending or something of that nature. One woman in North Carolina decided the better idea was to steal her own Camaro, then have the insurance company pay off the loan. According to an official release from North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, Tiffany Ann Littlejohn, 29, of Winston-Salem came up with what she no doubt thought was a brilliant scheme. However, she’s hardly the first person to think up such an idea, so investigators were able to sniff out the truth. Per the release, this scheme took place between Nov. 10, 2020 and Oct. 1, 2021. Surely Littlejohn decid-

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ed at some point she had gotten away with the perfect crime and was feeling pretty smug. However, the gears of justice might turn slowly at times, but eventually when they do make their way around they can be crushing. Now Littlejohn is facing one charge of insurance fraud and one charge of obtaining property by false pretense. Those are both felonies, so if she’s convicted she won’t be having a great time. Remember everyone, insurance fraud is not only wrong, it can come with some stiff penalties. Considering insurance fraud can lead to increased premiums for those of us who carry insurance, it certainly isn’t a victimless crime. The N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division used this case to remind everyone to report fraud, which can be done anonymously. That should be true no matter where you live.

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Mechanic Charged of being run over. Once the man drove away, Scorza called 911. The man drove himself to JFK Medical Center to be treated for a gunshot wound to his leg. According to the arrest report, the shooting victim told deputies he felt the proper repairs were not made on his car so he grabbed the car keys and began to back out of the garage. The man said Scorza started chasing after him with a gun in his hand. The shooting victim said he pulled forward in the direc-

tion of Scorza, which caused Scorza to end up on the side of the victim’s car at the time of the shooting. According to the sheriff’s office, surveillance video contradicted Scorza’s story. The video showed the victim’s black Nissan leaving the garage with Scorza chasing after him with a gun. The vehicle stopped briefly as Scorza passed from the front of the vehicle to the driver’s side. The car made a turn when Scorza extended his arm and fired into the car. Investigators said Scorza was not in the path of the vehicle when it made that turn. Scorza is free on bond.

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ASA Podcast Focuses on EV Repair Safety The second episode of the Technology and Telematics (TTF) podcast series, “A Changing Fleet,” is now live on the Automotive Service Association (ASA) podcast channel and the “Taking the Hill” page of the ASA website. This episode features a presentation by Mark Allen, collision programs and workshop equipment manager for Audi of America. During the podcast, Allen discusses best practices for both mechanical and collision shops safely and effectively perform repair and maintenance for electric vehicles (EVs) including: • Necessary education and training for service repair professionals working on EVs in shops • Safety precautions and protocols for de-energizing high voltage systems, and recommended uniform and tools to be used while repairing EVs • Recommendations for safe layout and architecture of shops repairing EVs, and necessary equipment for the repair, transport and disposal of EV batteries

• The availability and accessibility of OEM repair procedures to all shop owners, including repair procedures for electric vehicles “We really appreciate Mark’s participation in the Technology and Telematics podcast series,” said Fred Hules II, ASA chairman. “Mark is a respected name in the automotive industry and this presentation gives unique insight into the safety precautions that we as shop owners need to be adhering to as we work on electric vehicles.” The Technology and Telematics Forum podcast, hosted by ASA in partnership with the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, features a variety of industry experts discussing the transition to an “all-electric” automotive future. Register here to receive future Technology and Telematics podcast news and episode releases. Source: ASA

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Wreck Check Appraisal Now Serving North Carolina With Wreck Check Appraisal licensed and serving the state of North Carolina, consumers now have a dedicated team of hard-working collision and diminished value experts in their corner. Diminished value is the loss of a vehicle’s market value after an accident or other damage. Wreck Check Appraisal is known for excellence in providing diminished value assessments and post-repair inspections to detect improper and unsafe repairs, making the entire experience hassle-free for consumers. As reliable and responsive specialists, Wreck Check Appraisal can help individuals living in North Carolina get the most money for their diminished value claim. Wreck Check Appraisal has helped a countless number of satisfied customers with their comprehensive and methodical evaluation process. Diminished value to vehicles can occur due to repair-related diminished value, claim-related diminished value, inherent diminished value or any combination of the three. It is important to understand consumer rights when dealing with

auto body shops, dealerships and insurance companies, and the Wreck Check Appraisal team is able to assist those needing guidance in North Carolina. They can identify improper repairs to vehicles that will affect the safety, functionality, appearance and value, help with auto dealer fraudulent activity and unlawful practices and also tackle insurance bad faith law claims, as insurance companies owe a duty of good faith and fair dealing to the persons they insure. By taking advantage of the company’s 100% back money guarantee and prompt service, consumers in North Carolina have nothing to lose by contacting Wreck Check Appraisal. “We are looking forward to helping residents of North Carolina utilize our helpful service so their vehicle appraisals get handled quickly and fairly,” said a Wreck Check Appraisal representative. For more information or to schedule a free estimate, visit www. wreckcheckappraisal.com or call 770-675-1828. Source: Wreck Check Appraisal

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Body Shop Professionals Seizing New Career Opportunities with SCA Claim Services SCA Claim Services has firmly staked its claim as a leader in the claim servicing industry. For more than 40 years, the company has expanded its nationwide capabilities, providing a broad menu of services to insurance companies, most notably adjusting and appraisal services in the auto, specialty, and property verticals. Now a well-known and highly respected name among insurance professionals everywhere, SCA has become a prime destination for people possessed with the entrepreneurial spirit and seeking new opportunities to apply their skills and expertise. That includes many auto body professionals.

Taking Ownership of Your Future Erik Clayton was once a body shop estimator. In 2009 however he made the career decision to become a contract auto damage appraiser for SCA. After just a few months, recognizing an even greater opportunity, he became an SCA franchise owner in Dallas County. Just six months later, he added North Dallas County too. “I saw the opportunity to make more money,” says Clayton. Another major draw was being his own boss. “You work for yourself and make your own schedule. You get out of the building and the monotony of it all. Every day in the field is different.” What makes the Franchise Ownership Program at SCA special is the company’s commitment to its franchisees’ success. “At SCA we say, ‘As a franchise owner, you are in business for yourself, but not by yourself,’” says Chief Operating Officer Jon Gironda. “SCA gives you all the tools you need to be successful,” agrees Clayton. “And they are always adding new clients.” SCA offers franchise owners not just initial training but ongoing partnership and support. That includes file reviews by its fully licensed, centralized Quality Control team, dedicated Customer Care teams, and technology to help provide industry-leading

accuracy and cycle time. For more details on becoming a SCA franchise owner, visit SCAClaims.com/franchise-opportunities/

Being Your Own Boss Franchise ownership isn’t for everyone with the itch to pursue a career change. Many auto body professionals have instead decided to put down their tools and pick up a phone or tablet to become a contract auto appraiser. Skills acquired in the shop easily translate into insurance auto damage appraisal, and when it comes to the necessary education and certification, SCA offers guidance and support. In select markets, SCA will even pay a signing bonus to contract auto damage appraisers. Contract auto damage appraisers can set their own hours and decide how much they want to work, and therefore how much they can earn. The workforce in the auto claims industry is aging out of the business, creating a need to infuse it with fresh blood. Auto body professionals eager to be their own boss and chart their own course are recognizing this and the opportunity SCA provides. Ambitious appraisers can pursue additional training in specialty or housing claims to truly stretch their earning potential or, like Clayton, purchase their own SCA franchise. Additional details about becoming an auto appraiser for SCA can be found at SCAClaims.com/appraiser-opportunities/

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New All-Electric ing and process to create a truly bestin-class EV manufacturing team.” Nissan’s investment is supported by strong partnerships with state, county and local governments. “For nearly two decades, Mississippians have kept our state at the forefront of the world’s automotive industry,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. “The announcement that Nissan Canton is shifting some production to EVs further positions Mississippi as a leader in this crucial economic sector. We are a top state for automotive leaders, and this significant investment by Nissan in the Canton facility lets the world know that we are open for business and our workforce is ready to take on these in-demand jobs of the future.” The announcement supports Nissan Ambition 2030, calling for 23 electrified models for the Nissan and Infiniti brands globally, including 15 all-electric vehicles, by 2030. Ambition 2030 will deliver exciting, electrified vehicles and

technological innovations. Taking account of critical environmental, societal and customer needs, Ambition 2030 underpins the company’s aim to empower mobility and beyond for a cleaner, safer and more inclusive world. Nissan has set the goal to achieve carbon neutrality across the company’s global operations and the life cycle of its products by 20501 by pursuing further innovations in electrification and manufacturing technology. As part of this effort, Nissan is targeting 40% of its U.S. vehicle sales volume to be fully electric by 2030, with even more to be electrified. Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant is celebrating 19 years of manufacturing operations in 2022. The plant employs approximately 5,000 people and has built nearly 5 million vehicles since opening in 2003. The plant currently builds four models: Altima, Frontier, TITAN and TITAN XD. With this announcement, Nissan now has invested $4 billion in the facility. The company has invested more than $13 billion in its U.S. manufacturing operations collectively. Source: Nissan

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St. Petersburg, FL, Man Sentenced to Prison for COVID-19 Program Fraud U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Louis Thornton III, 63, of St. Petersburg, FL, to three years and six months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining money through various COVID-19 relief programs, including the Small Business Administration’s PPP and EIDL programs. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $814,632.50, the proceeds of the wire fraud scheme. Thornton pleaded guilty Sept. 13, 2021. According to court documents, from April through July 2020, Thornton submitted fraudulent applications for EIDL and PPP loans through the SBA’s online EIDL portal on behalf of several defunct companies. Thornton’s applications fraudulently claimed, among other material misrepresentations, that these companies were operational and had suffered economic injury due to the COVID-19

pandemic. Based on the false and fraudulent representations Thornton made, he obtained a total of $814,632.50 in EIDL and PPP loans to which he was not entitled. Thornton used the money obtained through the SBA’s EIDL and PPP programs to invest in stocks, futures and commodities. This case was investigated by FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel K. Jones. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https:// www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ ncdf-disaster-complaint-form Source: U.S. Department of Justice

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Auto Dealers Look to Use Tech to Reduce Sales Process Friction As technology advances and retail experiences increase in simplicity and convenience, 94% of auto dealerships are evaluating their sales process with recognition it requires further enhancements to keep pace, according to a study by CDK Global, Inc., a leading automotive retail technology company. In fact, nearly a third of consumers surveyed said one of the most important aspects of their purchase is that it is low effort. “As consumer demand for more modern retail experiences grows, so does the desire of dealerships to evolve beyond traditional, outdated sales processes,” said Andy Moss, senior vice president of modern retail, CDK Global. “If there is anything we learned over the past two years, it’s that if we want to make a vehicle easy to buy, we must make it easier to sell. Dealership employees are tired of using multiple systems that don’t talk to one another and often require paperwork to be printed and physically moved from one department to the next.” While 85% of dealers report having a digital retailing solution to simplify the online buying experience, they still see process bottlenecks once

the deal enters their physical dealership. Dealers use multiple applications to take a deal from start to finish— many of which do not seamlessly transfer data across systems. The lack of integration requires staff to rekey information to keep a deal moving and, at times, to ask consumers for redundant information at various points in the process. This creates longer, more complicated transactions and feeds into the largest pain point reported by 41% of consumers, which is waiting at the dealership—whether it is waiting on a salesperson, waiting to speak with the finance and insurance (F&I) manager or just waiting alone. To reduce wait times, dealers are looking to minimize administrative tasks and inefficiencies, while focusing their staff on the high-value work of connecting with customers and moving deals forward. Dealers in the study identified three areas where they see opportunities for improvement: Sales—The top frustrations in the sales department are the need to rekey information (41%), lack of system integrations (39%), and lack of time

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available to coach their sales teams (38%). Internet and Business Development Centers—Here, time is wasted on working duplicate leads (47%), lack of empowerment (39%), and waiting on desk managers (25%). F&I—Document retrieval is the biggest area for improvement within F&I (53%), followed by important documents not being available for electronic signatures (34%). “With integrated digital selling, desking and F&I workflows, dealerships can become more efficient—enabling them to deliver the low-effort transaction that car-buyers are coming to expect with less waiting,” said Moss. The CDK Global Automotive Retail Friction Point Report survey was conducted in December 2021 in conjunction with NADA Academy among a national sample of 303 dealership department heads and executives and more than 1,000 consumers. The interviews were conducted online across a representative mix of dealership roles, location, departments and sales volume. Source: CDK Global, Inc.

Registration Open for WIAC Conference Women in Auto Care, a community of the Auto Care Association, announced the opening of registration and the keynote speaker for its upcoming Women in Auto Care Leadership Conference, taking place March 23-25 in Indianapolis, IN, at the Marriott Indianapolis Downtown. The 2022 conference theme is “Reconnect and Revitalize” and will feature a range of sessions and activities focused on personal and professional development, including roundtable discussions and leadership stories. The conference will feature keynote speaker Sherron Washington, founder and CEO, P3 Solution, a full-service marketing and communications firm located in the Washington, D.C., area that specializes in providing easy marketing strategy, messaging, design and social media solutions for businesses. For more information and to register, visit www.autocare.org or contact womeninautocare@autocare.org. Source: Auto Care Association

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Acquisitions in 2021 and opening new shops. Responding to the constant demands of its insurance “partners” for performance across multiple markets, Caliber now operates in more than 40 states and in 80 of the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the U.S. Gerber/Boyd Group really stepped up to the plate with two significant transactions: the acquisition of Oklahoma-based Collision Works and South Carolina-based John Harris Body Shop for a total of 51 shops out of the 97 additional shops they acquired or developed in the U.S. during the year. Gerber also acquired a large, four-shop MSO in Wisconsin and a plethora of single shops and smaller MSOs, ending the year with an estimated 684 shops in the U.S. Service King continued to shrink its footprint but only modestly, ending the year with seven fewer shops for a total of 336. While much has been written and speculated about Service King’s financial situation, they celebrated the new year by opening a brownfield in Illinois. 2022 should bring more clarity to their situation. The new kids on the block grew into robust adults. The next two largest consolidators accelerated

Continued from Cover

EV Chargers keep up with the rapidly increasing number of EVs in the U.S. Projections say by 2030, the country will have 30 million EVs on its roads, which, according to the source, would require the construction of 478 charger stalls per day for eight years in order to meet the need. The Biden administration is aiming for 500,000 stations by decade’s end. The study also notes which states are best when it comes to the ratio of charging stalls to EVs. North Dakota, Wyoming and West Virginia are the three states where you are most likely to find an empty charging stall, while the worst are New Jersey, Hawaii and Arizona. In the last three there is a higher chance you may find all local

their acquisitions at an incredible pace. Chicago-based Crash Champions grew by more than 300% during the year to a total of 175 shops after beginning the year at 53. Crash’s appetite included the 24-shop Signature Collision MSO based out of Annapolis, MD, but covering multiple markets in the east and southeast. They acquired MSOs from the Pacific Northwest to Florida and many places in between from Montana to Nebraska, New Mexico and Ohio, acquiring dozens of single shops and MSOs. Equaling Crash’s dramatic expansion was Classic Collision, which grew to 174 shops from a base of 54 at the year’s inception. Classic entered Texas with a blockbuster transaction, acquiring 45 shops that previously operated under the Procare and Austin Motor MileEllis & Salazar brands. Procare was owned by private equity firm Kinderhook, which had been invested in the company for approximately five years. The rest of the Classic story included some large MSOs, such as Central Collision with 13 shops in Oregon, Platinum Collision Center’s eight shops in Southern California, and Fender Mender’s eight shops in South Carolina. Classic also entered Alaska in dominant fashion by acquiring two MSOs, Able Body Shop and Fix Auto Alaska, for a total of public chargers are taken and you may have to wait or find a way to charge the EV at home. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy, the ideal ratio of EVs to charging stations is 40 Level 2 charging ports and 3.4 DC fast chargers (DCFC) per 1,000 EVs. A DCFC charger usually has three ports. Currently, there are 41 Level 2 charging ports and 5.7 DCFC charging ports per 1,000 EVs, respectively, or about 21 EVs for every charging port. There are 2,514 internal combustion engine (ICE) cars per gas station. EVs are currently at a disadvantage compared to ICE vehicles when it comes to their average range—259 miles versus 360 miles. And the time it takes to charge an EV is longer than simply filling up a gas tank, so vehicles will be occupying more of the available charging stalls for longer.

nine shops in the state. With more than 300% growth in 12 months and backed by $15 billion private equity firm, New Mountain Capital, Classic is also on its way to becoming a billion-dollar company. Joe Hudson’s three years into its ownership under new sponsor, TSG Consumer, grew by 23 shops, which seems modest compared to Crash and Classic but still increased store count by 20%. Up and comers went on an acquisition spree as well. Seemingly from out of nowhere, private equity-backed Collision Right, formed in 2020, added 39 shops to its base of 19. So far, Collision Right’s model has retained the local branding of its acquisitions rather than rebranding as most of its competitors do. Another up and comer has a similar branding strategy: Quality Collision Centers added 10 locations during the year including B&S Hacienda Auto Body, a large sixshop MSO in Northern California. Kaizen Collision, a new private equity-backed MSO based in Southern California, more than doubled

its size to a total of 19 shops in California, Arizona and Colorado. Franchisors and Affiliate Groups continued their expansion. Premier franchisor Driven Brands grew both its franchise footprint with CARSTAR, Fix Auto, Maaco and ABRA as well as its corporate portfolio. By acquiring another 10 shops in the Pacific Northwest, Driven now operates a total of 18 corporate CARSTAR and Fix Auto locations. Even after the sale of a number of CARSTAR MSOs and single shops, the total number of franchisees continues to expand. Final numbers for 2021 are not yet available. Affiliate networks Certified Collision Group and 1Collision continued to expand, with CCG claiming more than 707 affiliates by year end and 1Collision claiming 50 locations in the U.S. Fix Network World acquired ProColor, a 172-unit franchise in Canada. It began signing its first franchises in the U.S. in February and by year-end claimed a total of nine locations. Source: Focus Advisors

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GM Doubles its Climate Equity Fund General Motors on Feb. 14 announced it will expand on its philanthropic commitment to equitable climate action by doubling its Climate Equity Fund, dedicating a total of $50 million to help close equity gaps in the transition to electric vehicles and other sustainable technology.

This is in addition to the company’s commitment to invest $35 billion globally in EV and AV programs, research, technology, manufacturing and charging infrastructure. The news comes as General Motors builds awareness and excitement for EVs as a key part of tack-

ling climate change. “As the effects of climate change take hold across the globe, it has never been more urgent to ensure inclusion and equity guide our sustainable solutions,” said Kristen Siemen, GM chief sustainability officer. “Doubling our Climate Equity Fund will help meet this urgency with deepened engagement at the community level, where we believe our support will have the greatest impact in accelerating the transition to an inclusive zero-emissions future.” Since creating the Climate Equity Fund eight months ago, GM has supported 21 nonprofit organizations helping to implement inclusive solutions for a zero-emissions, carbon-neutral future. These solutions, led in part by the following grantees, align with GM’s three climate equity social outcomes and prioritize impact at the community level: Clean Energy Jobs: Supporting the current and future workforce through

education, training and hands-on experience. Valley Clean Air Now The Greening of Detroit Sustainable Transportation: Increasing EV accessibility and adoption so more consumers can enjoy the benefits of affordable EV ownership while helping to develop ubiquitous charging solutions. EVHybridNoire Clean Fuels Ohio Forth Mobility Fund GRID Alternatives Community Climate Action: Community-level action that helps residents mitigate, build resilience toward and adapt to the effects of climate change. Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice WE ACT for Environmental Justice GM encourages nonprofits focused on implementing community-based solutions for a zero-emissions future to apply for grant funding. Organizations must be a U.S.based 501c3 organization in good

standing. GM prioritizes programs that benefit underserved populations and community-based organizations. Projects are evaluated based on three social outcomes: Increasing the number of adults prepared for clean energy jobs. Increasing access to more sustainable transportation, including but not limited to, EVs and EV infrastructure. Community-level programs aimed at mitigating local climate effects, adaptation and community resilience. In early 2021, GM announced it plans to become carbon neutral in its global products and operations by 2040 and is working toward a transition to 100% zero tailpipe emissions for new light-duty vehicles by 2035. The company plans to introduce more than 30 electric vehicle models globally by 2025. Source: GM

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CCC Acquires Insurtech Safekeep CCC Intelligent Solutions announced it acquired Safekeep, an AI leader in subrogation claims management technology. Safekeep is an enterprise platform that leverages AI to speed and improve subrogation management across auto, property, workers’ comp and other insurance lines of business. The acquisition of Safekeep is a natural next step in CCC’s vision to deliver end-to-end straight-through claims processing. The acquisition of Safekeep extends CCC’s AI-powered claims software to include subrogation management, a critical function in achieving claims resolution, and now part of CCC’s completely digital, AI-enabled, end-to-end claims solutions. Safekeep solutions are available to any insurer. Subrogation protects consumers and insurers from paying for losses where the insured is deemed not at fault or only partially at fault. Source: CCC Intelligent Solutions

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

FLORIDA

Freeway Honda Birmingham

800-987-0819 205-949-5460

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5 greg_thomas@freewayhondaal.com

GEORGIA

Hendrick Honda Pompano Beach

Honda Mall of Georgia

Apple Tree Honda

954-425-8244

678-318-3155

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5 cdunlap@penskeautomotive.com

800-476-9411 828-684-4400

Pompano Beach

Dept. Hours: M-Fri 7-6; Sat 7-5; gerardbruno@hendrickauto.com

Rick Case Honda

FLORIDA

Davie

AutoNation Honda Clearwater Clearwater

888-205-2564 727-530-1173

877-544-2249

Milton Martin Honda Gainesville

770-534-0086 678-989-5473

Durham

855-893-8866 919-425-4711

888-418-3513 305-256-2240

678-423-8183

McKenney-Salinas Honda

Nalley Honda

888-703-7109 704-824-8844 x 624

866-362-8034 770-306-4646

Vann York Automall

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7 mfranceschi@southhonda.com

Newnan

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7-4 samuel.trapani@henrickauto.com Union City

GEORGIA

Carey Paul Honda Snellville

770-985-1444

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-7; Sat 8-5 hondawp@nalleycars.com

888-893-4984 407-521-1115

Ed Voyles Honda

Patty Peck Honda

800-334-3719 770-933-5870 Direct

800-748-8676 601-957-3400

Orlando

Marietta

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-6 hondaparts@edvoyles.com

Clermont

Gastonia

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30 parts@mshonda.com High Point

336-841-6200

MISSISSIPPI

Ridgeland

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 pmartin@pattypeckhonda.com

Gerald Jones Honda

SO. CAROLINA

Breakaway Honda Greenville

800-849-5056 864-234-6481

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-6; Sat 8-5 fmarshall@breakawayhonda.com

Piedmont Honda

Augusta

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7; Sat 8-5 pepe.guevara@headquarterhonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-Thu 7-11; Fri 7-6 Sat 7-5; Sun 11-5 www.southpointhonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-3

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-6 gperkins@careypaul.com

800-497-2294 407-395-7374

Crown Honda Southpoint

Honda of Newnan

Miami

Classic Honda

Headquarter Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-5; Sat 8-4 appletreeparts@hotmail.com

South Motors Honda

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5; Sun 9-5 hernandeze@autonation.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-4 parts@classichonda.com

Asheville

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6 robertthomas@mmhonda.com

Hollywood

800-542-8121 954-964-8300

Buford/Gwinnett

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7:30-4 robbutton@rickcase.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5; Sun 10-3 santosr1@autonation.com

AutoNation Honda Hollywood

NO. CAROLINA

800-733-2210 706-228-7040

Anderson

800-849-5057 864-375-2082

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 tdunn@geraldjoneshonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 swhite@piedmontcars.com

ACURA FLORIDA

FLORIDA

GEORGIA

NO. CAROLINA

Acura of Orange Park

Rick Case Acura

Nalley Acura

Leith Acura

888-941-7278 904-777-1008

800-876-1150 954-377-7688

800-899-7278 770-422-3138

800-868-0082 919-657-0460

Jacksonville

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-8; Sat 7-5; Sun 9-3 msweeney@acuraoforangepark.com

Duval Acura Jacksonville

Fort Lauderdale

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-5 rubenramos@rickcase.com GEORGIA

800-352-2872 904-725-1149

Cary

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 8-4:30 Jason.Mangels@leithcars.com VIRGINIA

Jackson Acura

Flow Acura

Karen Radley Acura

877-622-2871 678-259-9500

800-489-3534 336-761-3682

800-355-2818 703-550-0205

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-6; Sat 7:30-6 kmcmillan@jacksonacura.com

26 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 7-5 byoung@nalleycars.com NO. CAROLINA

Roswell

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7; Sat 8-5 Cecil.adams@duvalacura.com

Marietta

Winston-Salem

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6; Sat 8-1 www.flowacura.com

Woodbridge

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-3 coreythompson@radleyautogroup.com

TENNESSEE

VIRGINIA

Airport Honda

Hall Honda

800-264-4721 865-970-7792

800-482-9606 757-431-4329

Alcoa

Virginia Beach

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6:30; Sat 7:30-5 parts@airporthonda.com

Dept. Hours: M-F 8-7; Sat 8-5 fox@hallauto.com

AutoNation Honda West Knoxville

Valley Honda

Knoxville

800-824-1301 865-218-5461

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-6 rossd1@autonation.com

Bill Gatton Honda Bristol

800-868-4118 423-652-9545

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 8-1 hondaparts@billgattonhonda.com

Staunton

800-277-0598 540-213-9016

Dept. Hours: M-F 7:30-5:30; Sat 9-5 bwimer@myvalleyhonda.com

West Broad Honda Richmond

800-446-0160 804-672-8811

Dept. Hours: M-Fri 7:30-6:30; Sat 8-5 wbhonda@aol.com

Wolfchase Honda Bartlett

800-982-7290 901-255-3780

Dept. Hours: M-F 7-7 ekerr@wolfchasehonda.com VIRGINIA

Checkered Flag Honda Norfolk

800-277-2122 757-687-3453

Dept. Hours: M-Sat 7:30-6 honda.checkeredflag.com

autobodynews.com / MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 27

From the Desk of Mike Anderson with Mike Anderson

Mike Anderson is the president and owner of Collision Advice, a consulting company for the auto body/collision repair industry. For nearly 25 years, he was the owner of Wagonwork Collision Center, an OEM-certified, full-service auto body repair facility in Alexandria, VA.

Resources to Combat Collision Parts Supply Chain Challenges I can’t speak with auto body shop owners, managers or estimators for long these days without the subject of parts supply challenges being raised. The fact there’s a lot of parts backorders is just the reality we’re living with, and I can’t offer you any magic wand to change that. What I can do, however, is point you toward some parts-related resources out there I think many people in the industry may not be using. Let me start by saying long before any of our current challenges arose, I firmly believe every shop should be using some type of electronic parts ordering solution. When incorporated into good parts processes within your shop, these systems will improve the speed, accuracy and completeness of your parts ordering. Many will help identify

availability of the parts you need. But I also recognize even with these systems, you may still come up short identifying or locating the parts you need. So here are some

You enter the vehicle information, the part number or numbers, and your ZIP code. Up pops a list of the dealers around the country who have that part in stock, showing you the number they have and when that inventory was last updated. Another great website is www.partseye.net. When you enter that web address, it takes you to SmartCo, whose “smart inventory program” is called PartsEye. Click on the “Parts Locator” tab at the top of the The “free forms, links and tools” section of the Collision page, and you’ll be able to Advice website includes a list of parts-related websites search the country for parts separated by automaker for Kia, Mazda, Subaru and additional resources you may not be several other lines of vehicles. familiar with in regard to locating Want to find more websites parts. like these? Go to my company’s One great website is www. website (www.collisionadvice.com) partsvoice.com. It’s a free resource. and click on the link to “free forms,

FORD

links and tools.” Click on the “links” section, and scroll down to “parts.” In the OEM section, for example, you’ll find a long list of parts-related websites separated by automaker. We’ve tried to catalog all the websites we can find that can be used either to search for parts for a specific OEM, or to allow you to view detailed parts diagrams. One of the first ones on the list, for example, is www.partslink24. com. It requires a paid subscription—on a daily, monthly or yearly basis—but enables you to see the exact same part diagrams the dealers have access to for any model of Audi, Porsche or Volkswagen. That can really help you identify needed parts when you’re writing an estimate. As an aside, sites like these are why I’m a big proponent of using dual monitors when writing repair

Parts Direct

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22 Trucks Delivering to Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina Over 3 Million in Parts Inventory 8 Wholesale Reps with Over 150 Years of Experience to Take Your Calls 28 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

plans. You can have the estimating system on one screen, while looking at parts diagrams on the other. The list of parts related sites includes www.fordparts.com, www. estore.honda.com, www.mazdausa.com, www.volvopartswebstore. com and many others—just a lot of resources I believe most people are not familiar with. As I’ve said, these sites may not resolve all of your parts challenges. But they can be another tool in your toolbox. Have you found other websites helpful in identifying and locating needed parts? Go to collisionadvice. com/contact and let me know. We’ll check it out to see if we should add it to our list. And hang in there. It sounds like parts supply chain issues won’t be fully resolved soon. But things should start to get better this year.

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Hyundai ABS Module Fire Recall Announced by David A. Wood, CarComplaints.com

A Hyundai ABS module fire recall includes more than 425,000 vehicles that should be parked outside and away from anything flammable. Recalled are 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, 2019 Santa Fe XL and 2014-2015 Tucson vehicles with anti-lock brake system modules that could suffer from electrical short circuits. The ABS module malfunction could cause an engine fire, something that has already occurred to a few owners. Hyundai Canada learned about an overheated ABS module on a 2014 Tucson in September 2020 which caused the automaker to open an investigation. While the investigation was going on, Hyundai learned about a lawsuit concerning a U.S. incident in July 2020. By June 2021, Hyundai engineers still had not found a root cause for the thermal damage on returned ABS modules, then in July a 2018 Santa Fe Sport in the

U.S. had the same problem that caused a recall of 203,500 model year 2013-2015 Santa Fe Sport SUVs. At that time Hyundai knew of at least 18 fires caused by ABS modules, but the recall didn’t include 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sports. Engineers tested the ABS module recovered from the Santa Fe Sport and found signs of an internal micro-leak likely caused by foreign contaminants in the valve body. Hyundai and a third-party company then found foreign contaminants in more ABS modules. Hyundai engineers were confused because some of the modules were manufactured in Korea while other ABS modules were manufactured in the U.S. Hyundai said the electrical short-circuit can cause a large overcurrent in the ABS module which can cause an engine fire whether the vehicle is parked or on the road. Even though the ABS module recall has been issued, “Hyundai is actively investigating and will continue efforts recovering inci-

dent parts to determine the root cause(s).” A Hyundai driver should be aware of burning or melting odors, illuminated warning lights and any smoke from the engine compartment. However, Hyundai claims owners can continue to drive the vehicles. Just park outside and away from anything that could catch fire. More than 67,000 of the Hyundai vehicles are recalled in Canada. Hyundai ABS module recall notices are expected to be mailed April 5, but owners should park outside and away from anything that could burn, at least until dealers replace the ABS fuses and possibly replace the ABS modules. The replacement ABS multifuse is rated at a lower amperage to limit the operating current of the ABS module. Hyundai Santa Fe, Santa Fe Sport, Santa Fe XL and Tucson owners may contact Hyundai at 855-371-9460 and ask about Hyundai ABS module recall 218.

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autobodynews.com / MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 29

Techs of the Future with Stacey Phillips

Stacey Phillips is an award-winning writer for the automotive industry based in Southern California. She has more than 25 years of experience as an editor and writer and has assisted a wide range of businesses and fields. In addition, Stacey has co-authored two books. She can be reached at stacey@radiantwriting.com.

Matrix Trade Institute’s Efficiency Bootcamps Help Collision Repair Industry Grow and Retain Employees Many say one of the most alarming issues in the collision industry right now and in the foreseeable future is the desperate need for technicians. The industry is losing techs to retirement, and competition for tradespeople is at an all-time high. While the need to recruit thousands of techs into the industry isn’t going away anytime soon, the need for a disruptive retention model is even more important, according to Dustin Peugeot, CEO of the Matrix Trade Institute (MTI) located in Beachwood, OH. “We need thousands and thousands of them over the next 10 years, but the current model shows that over two-thirds of people who

MTI instructor Jim Schnitz teaches proper mapping in MTI’s Blueprint/Technical Estimating Bootcamp. Participants included Kelly Henry from Classic/DCR Systems, Christopher Lutz from Rutherford Autobody and Mitchell Rife from CollisionRight’s Rife’s Autobody (with pen)

graduate from a post-secondary school defect from the industry in less than a year,” said Peugeot. “If the industry can’t find better ways to retain and grow technicians, then worrying about recruiting them is wasted energy.” Peugeot said retention is where MTI is making a difference by offering four-day, 30-hour, 80% handson Efficiency Bootcamps to employers so they can provide employees with specific skills and efficiencies to accelerate their growth. “MTI’s Efficiency Bootcamps

are a core part of our program and what makes us truly unique from any other school,” said Peugeot. “This business-to-business offering was designed to help shops upskill and retain employees efficiently and cost effectively.” Employers provide their technicians with MTI’s self-assessment, which allows workers to feel valued and play a role in their own career development. “When the technician’s goals and desire for growth meets the shop’s need to increase capacity and retain valuable employees, then MTI is the connection point,” he said. “Matrix bootcamps provide an experience that shops can’t offer in addition to a return on investment (ROI) that pays short- and long-term dividends.” Over the years, Peugeot has found more and more shops are recognizing retention must be prioritized over recruiting to ensure the next generation stays in the industry and with the companies who hire them. “This industry doesn’t just have a recruiting problem; it has a retention problem,” said Peugeot. “Retention is different today than it used to be… you have to have a better offering with a better path and execution, and it has to be fulfilling and meaningful for employees. There’s too much competition to be able to afford not getting it right.” With people defecting from the industry for jobs with companies like Amazon or Walmart that promise career paths filled with attractive promises and benefits, or competing trades that are paying more and more for services every day, Peugeot said the industry is missing a vital connection point between the skills needed to succeed and the industry’s ability to provide ongoing career development that allows new hires to see the vision and grow as fast as they’d like to. “Employees need real, tangible career education so they can learn and earn simultaneously and have

30 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

confidence that it’s going to connect to real development,” he said. “I think that’s what the traditional model is missing right now and that’s what we offer.” To help address the growing concern of recruiting, developing and retaining the next generation of technicians, Peugeot established MTI in 2019 with Rick Blum, COO. When the institute first opened, its primary focus was to offer automotive efficiency training for auto technicians and mechanics. Peugeot and Blum soon recognized the vital need for collision technicians and expanded the program to include a collision repair technical efficiency program. The training encompasses a 20week, employer-centric, 80% handson repetition-based curriculum with an eight-to-one teacher-student ratio. The goal is to prepare gradu-

ates to work in dealerships, collision centers and franchised and/or independent repair facilities. Students attend class in the mornings throughout the week and are encouraged to intern with a repair facility in the afternoons. This allows them to apply the hands-on training they learn at school. With tradespeople in such high demand, MTI aims to provide jobready automotive and collision technicians who don’t necessarily have industry experience. Peugeot said MTI differs from the traditional model where students attend a couple of years of school and receive a broad certification. Instead, the institute teaches skills that provide students with a good foundation. This includes hands-on repetitions and relevant skills so they can be productive, confident and efficient. “We try to make sure that we

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are preparing them mentally for how they can contribute,” Peugeot noted. “We are giving them a dose of what life is like in a shop as they grow their skillset.” Peugeot and Blum both have 25 years of experience in the industry. While Peugeot’s career has focused on dealer operations and collision centers, Blum is a master technician who successfully transitioned into a service director before embarking on the Matrix journey. “We are industry people who went about creating a new type of school, not education people who added automotive and collision programs,” said Peugeot. “We think there is a large differentiator there.” Since the program started, more than 250 students have graduated from MTI. That number is expected to increase substantially since adding the collision focus. Future plans include adding ASE and federal accreditation in 2022 and then expanding to other locations across the country. Three of the initial supporters of the automotive program, Conrad’s Tire Express & Total Car Care, Penske Automotive Cleveland and Serpentini Chevrolet, have become foundation level sponsors of MTI’s auto program. “These are some of the early adopters who recognized that this is a different model focused on real efficiency and the skills employers are looking for,” said Peugeot. After adding collision repair training to the program, Peugeot said MTI connected with DCR Systems, located 15 minutes away in Mentor, OH, almost instantly. “DCR was quick to identify itself as a company that recognizes that their future was all about their ability to train their own,” he said. The company became MTI’s first corporate sponsor of collision repair. “Forward-thinking companies like DCR challenge the norm and help keep Matrix at the forefront of what’s new and meaningful in this constantly evolving industry,” said Peugeot. “The alignment of DCR’s lean philosophy and the way Matrix teaches skill-specific hands-on efficiency makes for a natural alignment between the two companies.” Michael Giarrizzo, president and CEO of DCR Systems, said

MTI is a forward-thinking school that isn’t focused on teaching students to repair vehicles the old and traditional way. “They are teaching students the baseline skills needed in a repeatable, process-centered environment,” said Giarrizzo. “We’re proud to partner with an organization that is looking for our feedback to grow the technicians of tomorrow.” Since sponsoring MTI, DCR Systems has offered input on the school’s curriculum, provided information about its repair processes and supplied tooling. Giarrizzo and Dave Martin, director of operations at DCR Systems, regularly visit MTI to talk to students about the industry and invite technicians to tour DCR. In addition, several MTI students have been hired by DCR and attend boot camps to continue career development. “Schools like Matrix are looking at technology and the industry as it is today and trying to prepare them for the increasing challenges of the industry,” said Cheryl Boswell, CFO and managing partner at DCR Systems. “The industry has changed so much that it’s important to find those tech schools where they are grooming the students for today’s world.” Adrian, an operations support technician from DCR Systems, attended an MTI Blueprint/Technical writing boot camp focused on becoming an effective blueprinter. “I’m learning to be as accurate as I can be, make the process work and slow down to achieve first time quality—a savings for everyone,” he said. “The DCR Systems family cares for me. They want me to improve and build a career and I want to improve for the company.” Rife’s Autobody, a three-shop MSO in Ohio now owned by CollisionRight, has had success with the MTI Collision Bootcamps for its employees. Don Rife, former owner and current operator of the business, learned about MTI about a year ago and sent Tyler, a metal tech apprentice with no prior industry knowledge, to one of the boot camps. “The experience seemed to work out really well and we have other technicians that we are planning to send in the future,” said Rife. After attending a blueprinting

32 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Efficiency Bootcamp at MTI, Tyler said he learned how to be more accurate in his job. “MTI made the environment so it’s not stressful,” he said. “It’s going to help everyone in the shop; not just me, but our estimators, the parts department and the people I work with, making things quicker, faster and more efficient.” Rife has initiated internal training programs in the past but found that partnering with others who are experienced at training technicians, such as MTI, results in better success. “Unless you are some amazing operator and have unlimited resources, you are better to partner with somebody who has already done this and understands what’s necessary than trying to recreate the wheel,” he said. Since Rife’s initial success with Tyler, CollisionRight has become the second foundation level partner of MTI’s Collison Program, and is in the process of providing employee assessments to its young technicians to take advantage of the growth and retention the bootcamps provide

to CollisionRight’s growing list of shops. Peugeot said businesses like DCR Systems and CollisionRight, that invest in their people and provide a great career experience, will be the ones that are ultimately successful. “There are too many employers who want to hire people the old-fashioned way and pay them a little and not do progressive things to develop them or provide onboarding experiences that are positive and culturally right for this generation,” noted Peugeot. He said shops that want to pay ransom and steal technicians from other shops aren’t fixing the industry. “They are hurting the industry… but in a world where they don’t have a better option, it’s all that they can do,” he observed. Peugeot stressed the importance of recognizing young technicians are an asset and recommends employers offer competitively paid internships and tuition reimbursement, as well as devote the time and resources to See Efficiency Bootcamps, Page 49

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Industry Insight with John Yoswick

—John Yoswick is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon who has been writing about the automotive industry since 1988. He is the editor of the weekly CRASH Network (for a free 4-week trial subscription, visit www.CrashNetwork.com). Contact him by email at jyoswick@SpiritOne.com.

Automakers: Collision Repairers Must Ensure ADAS Calibration Procedures Are Followed

Shop Showcase

The importance of proper ADAS cal- mental?” Kaboos said the Honda training ibrations was a key focus as the Society of Collision Repair Specialists center in Illinois drove a new Civic at with Ed Attanasio (SCRS) brought collision repairers the NHTSA target used to test emerand automakers together at an event gency auto-braking, and the system in Las Vegas during the SEMA Show. worked 10 times in a row, stopping Scott Kaboos, assistant man- the vehicle three or four feet from the ager of collision repair training and target as designed. technology for American Honda, told those attending with the OEM Collision Ed Attanasio Repair Technology Summit that automakers call for many calibrations to be done on a level floor with good reason. “We did a little test,” Kaboos said, noting Honda’s service information says there can be no more with Ed Attanasio than 1 degree of pitch or slope to the Scott Kaboos of American Honda said testing floor when performing calibrations. at the automaker’s training center demonstrat“Traveling around to a lot of our dealed the need to perform ADAS calibrations on a erships, we found that most of their level floor when called for in the procedures floors do not meet that requirement. So we started asking How “So then we took that same car withourselves: Ed Attanasio important is this? Is this really detri- and put the rear wheels in our drain

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in our wash bay at our training center,” Kaboos said. “We calculated the slope on that, and found that the car was sitting at a 1.6 degree incline. We re-aimed the radar, using the factory specifications and tools. When we were done, the scan tool said aiming was complete. There were no codes. We test drove the car around the block. It gave us no indication there was anything wrong with the car. There were no lights on the dash.” But then the vehicle was driven at the same NHTSA target. “We had very different results,” Kaboos said. “It honestly blew through that target at 20 miles an hour like it wasn’t even there. The light on the dash didn’t blink. It didn’t beep at us. It just punted that target. That was a big eye-opener to us on the training side as to how important that one little line in the service information is: do this on a flat floor.”

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Kaboos said the other noted requirements—proper air in the tires, a full tank of gas—are also important. “Anything that changes the ride height or ride angle of the car is going to throw off all the geometry,” he said. “You’ve got to pay attention to all of that.” Subaru of America’s Ted Hicks said during the same SCRS session that complete repair of the underlying metal where an ADAS camera or radar is attached is also critical. “I asked a panel of technicians in Dallas: what’s the single biggest problem you’re having with calibrations of blind-spot monitoring radar units and the EyeSight cameras that come from body shops after a repair,” said Hicks, a regional technical training manager for the automaker. “They said that the panel that the camera or unit mounts to has got to be exactly correct. If the sheet metal behind it is bent, the radar

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unit or camera will never point in the right direction.” One problem: that metal is often behind trim or covered by the bumper cover, so some shops may not repair it. “Nobody cares what the sheet metal looks like, right,” Hicks said. “It can be wrinkly as all get-out and nobody’s going to care because the bumper cover is going to cover it or the EyeSight camera is going to cover it. I’m here to tell you: It matters. Please find the reference points in the service information.” Kaboos said he also has some concerns that shops often aren’t doing needed calibrations. He estimated between 5% and 10% of Honda’s certified collision centers are doing their own ADAS calibrations in-house, while some use a mobile service or a stand-alone calibration center in their market. “But still, the majority are subletting to the dealers,” Kaboos said. “I’m not going to make a judgment either way, as long as you’re getting it done properly.” He said CCC Intelligent Solutions pulled final repair appraisals for Honda vehicles over the course of

a year that “had an event that would have required a calibration of one of these systems.” Of those, only 20% listed a calibration. “Eighty percent of the cars that were in accidents that needed to have a calibration did not get one,” Kaboos said. “At least it wasn’t on the estimate. So unless they did it for free, and they didn’t put it on the estimate—highly unlikely, right—it didn’t get done. That scares me.” Also during the session, Taylor Jozwiak, collision R&D workshop manager for Rivian, talked about how that new company produces collision repair procedures for its vehicles. Jozwiak said his “internal body shop” in California, which includes body and paint technicians and an “estimating specialist,” works closely with the Rivian service engineering team, “which creates our repair procedures in CAD.” “As we all know, CAD is great from an engineering standpoint, but some things get lost in translation when transferred over into reality,” Jozwiak said. “So that’s where my team comes in. We take the repair procedures and validate them on bodies

in white, looking for accuracy, quality of repair and ultimately safety. If we find any discrepancies or things that should change, we provide that feedback to our engineering team, and they make the necessary adjustments to repair procedures. At the end of the day, we want to make sure the people out in the field, the people in your shops, are getting high quality repair information.” The process also involves tracking repair times. “We try to replicate what the technicians are using in shops—the tooling, the equipment,” Jozwiak said. “We use all the same stuff as a traditional body shop would. We collect those times, and that helps us publish times in the estimating systems.”

Your leading source for SOUTHEASTERN Collision Repair News! southeastern.autobodynews.com

Axalta Commits to Sustainability Goals Axalta, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, announced its commitment to an absolute reduction of 50% of certain greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, on its way to becoming carbon neutral in its operations by 2040— one decade ahead of the deadline set by the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. In addition, the company has made 10 new sustainability commitments for 2030. Key among these is the commitment to produce sustainability benefits from 80% of Axalta’s new product developments.To set these goals, Axalta conducted a comprehensive environmental, social and governance (ESG) materiality assessment with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, investors, board members, community and local government leaders, and company executives. Axalta also worked to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in developing its ESG framework. Source: Axalta

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Day Job/Night Job

Ed Attanasio is an automotive journalist based in San Francisco, California. He can be reached at era39@aol.com.

with Ed Attanasio

The ‘California Godfather’ of Collision Repair Taps Into His Artistic Side Charlie Vigiani owns Vigiani’s he was a fixture there. The painter/ Auto Body & Paint in Yuba City, owner of the shop was a guy named CA, where people call him “The Cheo. with Gary Wickert “He gave me three pairs of nice Godfather of Collision Repair.” He’s well-known for perfor- shoes to shine, so I was thinking I’m ming quality work for all of his cus- rich. He gave me $5 and I figured I tomers—an offer they can’t refuse. can retire now,” Vigiani said. “I starHe has also received a lot of praise ted observing what was going on in for his wire sculptures from his cus- the shop, and pretty soon, I started tomers, employees and even other meeting the customers, mostly Itaartists. with Stacey Phillips Viagini has 50 years of experience in collision repair from several different perspectives, as a former technician, manager, independent appraiser and finally as an auto body shop owner. with Stacey Vigiani believes fixing a Phillips car correctly is an art form, and techs and painters are truly artisans whose work should be in museums and art galleries. A pristine panel or a stellar paint job displayed alongside a Warhol or a Van Gogh? It could happen. with Stacey Phillips Vigiani gets rave reviews for his creations, As an artist himself, Vigiani has including a saxophone player and a bull made been creating wire sculptures for the out of wire past 30-plus years, receiving accolalian, and saw what a perfectionist des from people worldwide. Even when things get hectic at Cheo really was. It was a great learthe shop, Vigiani finds the time to ning experience.” create something unique using simwith Stacey Phillips Vigiani broke into the indusply wire and his creative zeal. It’s try the old school way—by starting art therapy and a great way for him at the bottom sweeping floors and to unwind when things get stressful dumping the trash. In the Bronx, after a long day returning vehicles to working on wise guys’ Lincolns their pre-accident condition, he said. and Cadillacs, Vigiani must have Vigiani’s story begins in the thought Martin Scorsese was direcwith Phillips ting the movie of his life. Bronx, where his first Stacey job was shi“I worked at that shop for three ning shoes for local businessmen. After running out of local custo- years and Cheo taught me everytmers, Vigiani ventured outside of hing,” he said. “The man stressed his neighborhood looking for more things like precision and quality and I absorbed it all.” people and more shoes to shine. One day, Cheo died—of natural One day, a beautiful red Corvetwith Victoria Antonelli te came backing out of an alley and causes—which left Vigiani without nearly hit him. The man pushing the a job or a mentor. “I missed the day-to-day and vehicle was a car painter who owned a small shop and he had a few the interaction that happens in a pairs of shoes that needed shining. busy shop,” he said. “I also missed «Bonanza,» Vigiani thought, but he the money that I was making there, with Victoria Antonelli was also intrigued about what was so I got a job as a dishwasher at a restaurant and figured my days fihappening inside the shop. Living a life that looked like xing cars were over.” A few weeks later, Vigiani ran something out of the movie «Goodfellas,» Vigiani started hanging out into a gentleman in his neighborhood at the body shop, and pretty soon who said, “Hey kid, how much do

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you charge to fix a quarter panel?” I heard changed my life. I thought Vigiani saw dollar signs instantly and I knew everything, but I learned so knew all the right answers. much that night,” he said. “They “I told the guy $50 and he said introduced me to the BAR, I-CAR, do it,” he said. “I borrowed my OE certifications—things that are dad’s toolbox without telling him vital for any shop. I needed to beand eventually bought some new come a student and pretty quickly, I tools once I had a little cash in my stopped destroying vehicles and bepockets. I started getting a ton of re- gan fixing them the right way.” ferrals and doing two to three cars Vigiani has been the president every week. Now I look back at it of the Santa Clara chapter of CAA and realize my work was terrible, several times and encourages his but they loved it anyway! technicians, estimators and front “This body stuff is cool, I office people to take I-CAR classes thought, and the money was great. and continually enrich themselves. I could earn $50 washing plates for “I’ve worked for a lot of different eight hours, or take home $100 to shops over the years, including as a $200 every day fixing cars. I did the senior manager for an MSO and as an body work and these people were independent insurance appraiser for thrilled.” two years. Each time I gained a lot of Was Vigiani making more mo- knowledge that I still use today.” ney than all of his classmates? FugTwelve years ago, Vigiani gedaboutit! bought an existing shop in Yuba City After selling cars for and put his name on the sign a short time and pursuing out front. other job opportunities in “We had zero cars, no tools and no employees New York, California beat first, but things steadily gan calling Vigiani’s name, came together and pretty so he made the big move soon we had seven people from NYC to Silicon Valley, home of Apple and lots When the time to working here.” Viagini learned how to of expensive vehicles with retire finally arrives, Vigiani will be able do wire sculptures in the accident-prone drivers. “I opened my first body to dedicate more 1970s when he was living time to his artistic in Puerto Rico after reloshop in San Jose, and I naendeavors med it Dent City,” he said. cating there from NYC. He “I was only 21, but I had been in- was looking for a way to make some volved in the industry for 10 years money, and repairing cars was not by then. Forty-three years later, I am an option at that time. still using a lot of the things I lear“I saw these guys on the beach ned during those years.” selling these wire sculptures and As a young entrepreneur who I thought—wow, I can do this!” was fearless but a little over confi- Vigiani said. “So, I began making dent, Vigiani experienced a reality sculptures of bows and arrows, check that changed his life both per- boats, fishermen, birds—you name sonally and professionally. it. I sold them for $10 to $15 each “I found out about a meeting and on some days, I could sell three of the Santa Clara chapter of the to four of them. Each one takes me California Autobody Association two to three hours to complete, and (CAA), so I thought I’m going to I love doing them. I actually made a check it out. When I walked into the living doing it for a while at age 18 room, I saw a packed room full of to 19, and the experience also helped people in suits. I thought, I must be me with my sales techniques.” in the wrong room,” he said. Haggling with tourists who “An old body shop owner told wanted to buy his creations is part me to sit down next to him and what of the game, and Vigiani wasn’t af-

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raid to negotiate his prices in order to make a sale. Being bilingual was definitely a plus too, he said. “People just assumed that I spoke only Spanish, so I would go with it,” he said. “But it gave me an advantage because I knew what they were saying. ‘See if he will take less,’ they would say, but once I started talking in English, they were a little surprised and I usually got my asking price.” With several of his sculptures displayed in his shop’s reception area, Vigiani is proud of his art and has no plans to stop doing it. “I have an abstract sculpture of a man reading a newspaper that our customers see when they walk in, and they always go right to it—they love it!” Although he does not have any plans to retire from the collision repair industry any time soon, Vigiani, 64, can envision a future involving his sculptures. “I love fishing and I love doing these sculptures, so both of those things will be on my to-do list when I finally step away from the business.”

Labor Rate, Tech Shortage, ADAS Panels Highlight Updated Educational Slate at NORTHEAST 2022 The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) is excited to share its updated slate of educational programming for its flagship event, the NORTHEAST® Automotive Services Show, which will return live March 18-20 to the Meadowlands Exposition Center (MEC) in Secaucus, NJ. AASP/NJ is proud to announce the inclusion of several exclusive panel discussions, beginning with “The Continuing Tech Shortage: How Do We Fix It?”, which will be moderated by Michael Bonsanto of Passaic County Technical Institute and I-CAR and will include a number of subject matter experts: Brandon Eckenrode of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, Keith Egan of Betag North America, Josh Laurent of Automotive Business Management, Bart Mazurek of CCC Intelligent Solutions and Greg Settle of Techforce. A panel discussion on “Mastering the Appraisal Clause” provides NORTHEAST attendees with insights into this complex topic, shared by AASP/NJ Executive Director Charles Bryant, Robert McDorman of Auto Claim

Specialists, Barrett Smith of Auto Damage Experts, Inc. and John Walczuk of ZB Negotiations. This conversation, as well as the following two panels, will be moderated by industry veteran journalist Joel Gausten. “Labor Rate 2022 and Beyond: How to Get What You’re Worth” will feature panelists AASP/NJ President Jerry McNee, Lucky Papageorg of AASP/MA, Burl Richards of ABAT, Smith, and Sam and Richard Valenzuela of National AutoBody Research. Anyone curious about “The Future of ADAS” won’t want to miss the opportunity to listen to Nick Barbera of ADAS Diagnostics/Union Collision, George Lesniak of Autel, Eric Newell of AirPro Diagnostics and Frank Terlep of Auto Techcelerators, LLC, dive into the nuances of this complex, ever-changing topic. Timothy Morgan of Spanesi Americas, Inc. joins forces with BASF’s John Shoemaker to present “Beyond Blueprinting to Guiding the Repair Process.” Later on, Morgan will partner with Chuck Olsen of AirPro Diagnostics to educate attendees on how they can “Get it Straight to Calibrate.”

Gerry Bonanni of Ford Motor Company will discuss “Accessing Ford Repair Information, Collision Sectioning Procedures for Aluminum,” while Lee Rush of Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes will offer advice on “Managing the Customer’s Experience.” New Jersey shops also have the opportunity to qualify for their auto body license renewal certificate by attending “OEM Certification Success: Dos and Don’ts,” taught by Dave Gruskos of Reliable Automotive Equipment. “None of us know it all, but NORTHEAST gives attendees a great chance to learn something new that they can immediately implement to improve their businesses,” McNee said. “All classes are designed to educate attendees and give back to the industry. If you attend one class that helps your shop generate additional income or improve your business practices, it’s a win-win! We’re excited to see everyone at NORTHEAST in March!” To register and to keep up with the latest information and announcements related to NORTHEAST 2022, visit aaspnjnortheast.com. Source: AASP/NJ

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EV Sector Growth Driving up Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel Prices by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati

The electric vehicle revolution is fully underway. Led by successful vehicles like the Tesla Model 3, EV sales are taking off. The momentum of EVs as a whole may hit some challenges soon, however, partly due to the rising prices of raw materials critical to the production of batteries. The prices of lithium-ion batteries have seen a 90% decline to just about $130 per kWh. That’s very close to the widely targeted $100 per kWh level, estimated to be the point where EVs could become fully competitive with ICE cars in terms of cost. Expectations were high the battery industry would hit $100 per kWh in 2024, but recent trends in the market suggest this may not necessarily be the case. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a company that tracks the worldwide battery supply chain, noted lower costs helped boost EV sales by 112% in 2021 to more than 6.3 million units globally from the previous year. And sales are only poised to increase.

EV leader Tesla, which sold nearly 1 million pure electric cars on its own in 2021, is looking to grow its deliveries by 50% this year, and estimates among TSLA bulls suggest the company’s growth might be even more impressive. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence said battery-grade cobalt prices are up 119% from Jan. 1, 2020, through mid-January 2022. Nickel sulfate prices saw a 55% rise in price, and lithium carbonate saw a whopping 569% increase. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence Chief Data Officer Caspar Rawles, in a statement to The Wall Street Journal, said some battery cell makers that typically offered long-term fixed-price contracts have ended up shifting to a variable price model instead. This allowed them to pass on some of the costs of rising material prices to consumers. Battery materials may remain in short supply for some time. China, which dominates the battery supply chain, is also aggressively increasing its electric vehicle production. And considering it generally takes about seven to 10 years

to deploy a new mine, a lot of key battery components may end up being supply-constrained in the coming years.

The rising prices of battery raw materials do not mean the EV revolution would likely be slowed down, however. The battery recycling industry is now gaining some momentum, with companies like Redwood Materials—led by Tesla co-founder and former CTO JB Straubel—already preparing to sell recycled battery components to Panasonic for the production of battery cells at Tesla’s Gigafactory Nevada later this year. This helps foster a closed-loop system since Redwood also receives Panasonic’s battery scrap from Tesla’s Nevada facility.

Other initiatives that may help the auto sector weather the rising costs of battery materials involve a focus on batteries that use less expensive, more abundant components. Tesla China is among the companies at the forefront of this movement, with Giga Shanghai using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for the Model 3 and Model Y. LFP batteries use iron in their cathodes instead of nickel and cobalt, making them less controversial and far more affordable. And while LFP batteries typically result in vehicles with shorter range than cars equipped with nickel-based cells, tests from veteran electric vehicle owners in countries such as Norway are starting to reveal iron-based cells are nothing to scoff at. Longtime EV advocate Bjorn Nyland, for example, recently conducted one of his 1,000-km tests in a base Model 3 equipped with an LFP battery produced in Gigafactory Shanghai. The vehicle performed amazingly despite the cold conditions and its relatively small 60 kWh battery pack.

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Certain Metallic Finishes May Interfere with ADAS Radar Systems, PPG Expert Says by Ed Attanasio

A decade ago, ADAS was an acronym very few people in the collision repair industry were familiar with. But now every collision repair professional on the planet knows what it means and how it affects them every day. More and more auto body shops are taking their diagnostics in-house and hiring techs who have the proper training to do the job right. If ADAS does not work correctly or one of the systems is misaligned, people’s lives could be in jeopardy. Within the last two years, paint manufacturers have discovered certain metallic finishes interact with the electromagnetic radiation used by radar. It may interfere with radar transmission and if it goes above a threshold set by the vehicle, it can potentially present a serious safety issue. Paint and coatings suppliers such as PPG have evaluated swapping the aluminum pigments in the metallic finish with alternatives to significantly enhance radar transmission. These reformulated colors will maintain a good match to the car’s original finish while reducing the radar transmission loss, so safety systems can function as designed. PPG’s Global Products and Segments Director Nick Tullett has been working with carmakers to develop refinishing products that won’t interfere with ADAS. One of his top deliverables is to help the OEs to fully understand the impact of certain metallic finishes on ADAS. Even a low-speed fender bender can damage these advanced systems, reducing driver safety—a concern for every stakeholder involved. “ADAS technology is actually located in areas of the car that are easily and frequently damaged,” Tullett said. “Carmakers have been installing ADAS such as forward collision, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings and adaptive cruise control in peripheral, easy-to-damage vehicle parts like windshields and bumpers. These parts often house radar, a system that uses radio waves to detect people, autos and other objects close to it, to enable many of these safety

features. “ADAS is presenting new challenges for collision centers and for the repair industry in general,” Tullett said. “There are so many stakeholders involved, from the vehicle makers to the collision repair shops to the paint companies. Our main concern at PPG is how do we repaint and repair certain metallic

PPG’s Global Products and Segments Director Nick Tullett has been working with carmakers to develop refinishing products that won’t interfere with ADAS

colors without impeding their performance? We believe there’s not yet enough leadership and direction out there to navigate through this, so our goal is to help all of the different stakeholders to make the right choices when it comes to ADAS. “We have some numbers that indicate that about 50% of all new cars were equipped with at least one radar system and by 2025 we’re expecting it to be more like 85%. So, being able to effectively repair these cars is really important for our collision center customers.” One of the main challenges associated with ADAS is the fact many of these safety systems can be hard to detect visually. “Collision repair shops now rely on customer discussions, visual indicators and automaker data to pinpoint ADAS,” he said. “Training to spot these various systems more precisely may be necessary for techs to determine the repair process more carefully. For example, body shops could simply repair minor bumper damage by filling scratches and then spot painting before the advent of ADAS. However, body filler compounds and new paint can impair today’s vehicle sensors. “In addition to considering the ADAS automobile’s technical safety and functionality components, techs

40 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

will need education on how certain colors and particular finishes can impact the sensors of these safety components.” Acquiring the right devices to perform repairs and calibrations is key, but training is also a big piece of the picture. “Techs will also need training on recalibrating sensors using specific equipment and software for diagnostics, services, replacements and repairs to meet automaker specifications,” Tullett said. “However, it may be some time before most shops are equipped to offer in-house calibrations because most independent collision centers don’t have the proper calibration equipment inhouse. Right now, many body shops use outside diagnostic companies or take the vehicles to their local dealerships, but soon that may become impractical with ADAS in literally every new car built.” Shops will also have to consider investing in more sophisticated estimation tools, along with technician training, in order to assess the costs

of damage to driver safety technology installed in areas such as bumpers. Using historical data, predictive analytics and VIN integration, the estimation software can build a more accurate estimate for collision repair professionals. “Until recently, automakers opted to replace instead of repair the damaged bumper, which proved expensive and with significant pushback from car insurance companies,” Tullett said. “As such, automakers have turned to paint and coatings suppliers to identify a better solution. “PPG has partnered with many OEs to calculate the impact of all their colors,” he said. “These include metallic finishes on repainted bumpers to better understand the transmission loss of radar signals. Data shows that while the vast majority of colors do not impact the functionality of ADAS, a handful of metallic finishes do pose an issue. At certain concentrations, the aluminum pigments used in metallic paints reduced the transmission of radar signals and interfered with the

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operation of the ADAS. “It’s a concern for paint companies because one fourth of all new cars produced every year are painted with metallic colors,” Tullett said. “It’s a very popular color space, and we don’t think that car makers are going to abandon that color space. They’re looking for us to come up with solutions so that they can maintain that color space. “We’ve identified a number of existing materials that we can use, so that they won’t impede with radar performance, and still give us a good color match,” he said. “In the paint business, color accuracy is everything. Everybody wants their car back looking like it was never in an accident, right? The most visual thing they see is the color. So, we’ve identified alternative materials, and some of them are already present in our paint systems. We’ve identified that small number of colors which are affected and developed alternatives.” Collision repairers will need to consider the repair guidelines and technical and service bulletins provided by automakers to keep safety

intact. PPG plans to issue a technical bulletin relating to radar and the impact of certain metallic finishes for collision repair professionals. In addition, the company recently launched the PPG KNOWLEDGE COLLEGE™ online learning management system that provides the refinish industry with the most comprehensive online training programs available. Over the last couple of years, PPG has done a lot of joint work with carmakers, looking at their color palettes and measuring the radar transmission of the colors in their color ranges. “We have identified any potential problem colors where the interference in the radar with the radar signal is enough to actually impair the correct functioning of the radar,” Tullett said. “It’s worth pointing out that the very vast majority of colors in your own cars today are absolutely fine. They don’t interfere with the radar transmission, and they won’t affect the safe working of the ADAS. “Now one of the ways that carmakers have dealt with this up until

now is to make a blanket recommendation that says, when you have a car that’s equipped with radar if the bumper is damaged, you may not repair that, you must simply replace it,” he said. “And by doing that what they’re saying is when you replace it, it’s going to have one layer of paint applied to it. And they’re OK with that. What they’re concerned about is if you have a repair using body filler, multiple layers of paint might interact with a radar to an extent where the performance of the radar is degraded.” PPG is currently researching and developing a wide range of novel materials to devise solutions that won’t compromise radar in some vehicles. “We want to retain our capability to stay within that coveted silver metallic color space that is much more transparent to radar than aluminum or other existing pigments,” Tullett said. As ADAS evolves, companies such as PPG will be working hard to develop products that will complement rather than impede ADAS, especially radar.

State Farm, Ford Introduce UBI State Farm® and Ford announced the launch of Drive Safe & Save™ Connected Car for customers with eligible connected Ford or Lincoln vehicles, to benefit from usage-based insurance (UBI). State Farm customers with eligible connected vehicles can opt into the State Farm UBI program, Drive Safe & Save, which adjusts premiums to an individual vehicle’s mileage and customer driving behavior. State Farm will debut Drive Safe & Save Connected Car in Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Oregon, for policies effective on or after Feb. 27, followed by a rollout across more states, excluding California, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Eligible 2020 Model Year and newer connected Ford vehicles, with the consent of the vehicle owner, can share information directly with State Farm to enable Drive Safe & Save. Source: Ford Motor Company

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Industry Insight

with John Yoswick

Collision Repairers Discuss How They Are Coping with Parts Supply Chain Issues

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A Collison Industry Conference and March of last year. (CIC) committee presentation earliHe said if some relief from the er this year confirmed parts supply microchip shortage enables autowith Ed Attanasio chain issues continue to plague col- makers to ramp up production this lision repairers. year, that should reduce used vehiA poll of repairers in the room cle values, putting more of those veat CIC in Phoenix found about one- hicles into the recycled parts supply third said parts-related issues lead chain. them to delay scheduling about 40% “It is probably the latter half of of jobs. Another one in four said this year when we start to see some with Ed Attanasio parts issues lead to delayed schedul- relief on both OEM and the recycled ing 60% of the time, and almost an parts side,” Horn said. equal number said it was 80% of the Still-elevated transportation costs, time. however, have non-OEM parts manGreg Horn of PartsTrader said ufacturers in Taiwan rethinking what his company’s data indicates the me- they ship. dian number of days for parts deliv“Should I put in one bumper with Ed Attanasio eries was fairly stable over 2021. cover that would take up the space of “What’s changed is the number 10 headlight units, or do I ship those of outliers, the number of delays for 10 headlights at a bigger margin,” individual components, which has Horn said. “So in the short term, I increased pretty radically,” Horn think we’re going to see [shortages said, reaching 14.7 days Decem- or] price increases on larger afterwith EdinAttanasio ber, up from 7.4 days in February market components.”

The committee asked repairers at the meeting what they are doing to address parts issues. A majority (70%) said one response has been to return more vehicles to customers with cosmetic parts still on order. Nearly two in five said that’s happening with 30% or more of the cars they repair. But Matt Radman of Coach Works Auto Body in Mesa, AZ, noted that solution is not without its own challenges. “We had a [Hyundai] Sonata that we couldn’t get the side garnish that goes from the bottom of the door and across the wheel well,” Radman said. “Right behind that is an exposed hole and unless you seal it somehow, moisture is getting behind there. So you have to address this on a case-by-case basis.” Something as simple as a missing window moulding could allow

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moisture to get into the door, he said, noting that returning unfinished vehicles requires thinking through these issues and making sure everyone involved, including the customer and insurer, is on the same page. Ben Clymer Jr. of Ben Clymer’s The Body Shop in Southern California said he’s experienced parts supply chain issues firsthand: he’s driving his own vehicle with damage from an accident because five of the needed parts are on backorder. He said, like Radman, his company is returning more otherwise repaired vehicles to customers missing cosmetic parts, though he said that requires letting customers know well in advance that’s a real possibility, and also “triggers having an additional tracking system for all those vehicles.”

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“We’re also triple-checking what can actually be repaired. Our repair percentages are going up,” Clymer said. Rich O’Leary, manager of Fix Auto Sierra Vista in Arizona, said another challenge of releasing vehicles with a cosmetic part that hasn’t arrived is the customer satisfaction survey question related to whether they had to bring their vehicle back to the shop. He said his shop has “invested in some steel and aluminum pulling equipment, and we do find ourselves repairing a lot more than we used to,” though he noted that entails understanding when that can be done as part of a safe repair, and what should not be repaired. O’Leary said they also use the PartsVoice website to locate needed OEM parts beyond the local market. “Often you’ll find a dealership around the country that has the part sitting on their shelf collecting dust,” he said. “It costs more to have them package and send it, but that’s an alternative.” But some at the meeting said searching for parts at dealerships

out of your shop’s market doesn’t always resolve the issue. Some suppliers, for example, may not be willing to sell a part to ensure they have it for those in their market. “There’s a natural inclination when supply is short to take care of your best customers,” said Ken Weiss, who moderated the CIC discussion. “One of my other concerns is that all of the parts platforms that I’m aware of on the shop or insurer retail side expect the supplier to pay for shipping. Because of that, I know there’s a lot of parts that are probably not put into the search network because the supplier is not going to absorb the shipping when it’s a low-cost part. “Or if it’s what we refer to as dimensionally-challenged; shipping a sheet metal quarter panel could cost more than the quarter panel is worth,” Weiss said. “But to me it’s better, especially if you’re the insurance company, to get the quarter panel and pay the shipping rather than have the car sitting in limbo for two months.” www.autobodynews.com

ASE Education Foundation Partners with Industry Leaders to Provide Innovative Programs By partnering with leading industry organizations, the ASE Education Foundation continues to provide innovative programs that help increase the number and diversity of service professionals entering the industry. “We want to thank all of our industry partners who step up year in and year out to provide much appreciated support for the ASE Education Foundation,” said Mike Coley, president, ASE Education Foundation. “Our partners are the backbone of the foundation and continue to provide us with their expertise and needed resources to implement our programs. They will be instrumental as we expand our new Adopt-A-School program, implement new registered apprenticeships and increase diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the coming year.” New partners ALLDATA, Auto Care Alliance, Automotive Lift Institute, Collision Repair Education Foundation, Goodheart Willcox, Hertz, ExxonMobil, Noregon and Permatex will join the following list of returning partners who support

the ASE Education Foundation: ACDelco, Acura, ASA, ATech Training, Audi, BMW, Bridgestone, CarMax, CARQUEST, CCAR, CDK Global, CDX, Cengage, Electude, Federated/ Pronto, FedEx, Ford, Garage Gurus, Gates, General Motors, HDA Truck Pride, Honda, Isuzu Truck, Lexus, Mack Truck, Mercedes-Benz, Motor Age, NADA, NAPA, Navistar, Nissan, NTB, PepsiCo, Porsche, Ryder, S/P2, SkillsUSA, Snap-on, Stellantis, Subaru, TA Petro, TechForce Foundation, Tire Kingdom, Toyota, UPS, Volvo Truck, Volkswagen and WD-40. “We are proud to join forces with these fine organizations and leverage their vast experience in order to recruit, nurture and inspire the next generation of service professionals,” said Coley. To learn more about supporting the ASE Education Foundation and its mission to improve the quality of automobile, collision repair/refinish and medium/heavy truck training programs, visit www.ASEeducation Foundation.org/partners. Source: ASE

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Some Auto Parts Cheaper at Walmart, Fixed Ops Director Shocked to Find by Ed Attanasio

After giving his wholesale parts customers deep discounts through price-matching programs and taking a miniscule profit, Charlie Monteleone, corporate fixed operations director for the Ancira Automotive Group, recently discovered he can buy some of his parts cheaper at Walmart than through his own jobber. It was an eye opener and surely not a warm and fuzzy moment for Monteleone. “I am a Walmart shopper and the type of guy who will walk down every aisle when I’m there, whether I need something or not,” he said. “If you’re in the business and you see a Mopar or an AC Delco filter, for example, it catches your eye. I compared their prices to our dealer net prices on the exact same filters and 50% of all the parts that Walmart has on their shelves is [12-14%] less than what we can purchase them for.” Monteleone started his career as a Ford master technician. Today, he is the top guy at Ancira, headquartered in San Antonio, TX. The company, which has 11 locations in Texas, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. Ancira offers both mechanical and collision repair services for Chevy, Nissan, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Kia, VW, Ford, GMC, Buick and RVs, and has the largest collision center in San Antonio—45,000 square feet—that employs 55 people and stocks more than $1 million in crash parts. The Ford Motor Company played a major role in Monteleone’s household during his formative years. “My father started out as a Ford tech and then worked his way up to become a parts and service director,” Monteleone said. “I’ve followed in his footsteps and became a Ford master technician, and my journey has been very similar to my dad’s career.” The journey now in 2022 is a little different and Monteleone is facing issues Dad never had to deal with. Competing in the dealership world is already tough with tight margins, but throw in the pandemic and the fact people are keeping their vehicles longer—it’s a whole new

ballgame. The dealers that are succeeding are thinking outside of the box and adapting on the fly, so when the industry throws Monteleone a curve, he must respond quickly and definitively. On pace to do $31 million in wholesale parts sales this year, Monteleone admitted problems within the supply chain have impacted his business tremendously. “We’re feeling it and the shops are definitely feeling it even more,” he said. “Right now, my repair fill rate off-the-shelf is 70%, which is not horrible. Our pre-pandemic numbers were around 85% with our same-day at 94%. We’re doing a lot more major repairs because people are not buying new vehicles during the pandemic, and the availability of parts has been an ongoing concern.” To get the parts they need for their in-house repairs as well as for their wholesale clients, Monteleone’s parts managers have had to hustle and leverage relationships to succeed. “My parts people are very active, going dealer-to-dealer or getting the manufacturers to approve the use of aftermarket parts on warrantied repairs,” Monteleone said. “We’re winning doing it that way, but I always tell my parts managers that they have to be on their toes and be really, really focused on their work in process.” With his OEs’ warehouses located in Dallas—4.5 hours away by car—Monteleone obviously can’t rely on them to complete his parts orders. But luckily there are several competing dealerships selling the same brands in close proximity, he said. “We source them for anything we don’t have on-hand and when we recondition used cars, we always now opt mainly for aftermarket parts on those jobs.” Acquiring parts from the competition means Monteleone is paying premium prices, which impacts his bottom line. “From our neighboring dealerships, the going rate charge is cost plus 15%, which is a premium price and a little steep,” he said. “If you’re selling the part to one of our wholesale shop customers, we’re already

44 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

giving them a deep discount. So, we are taking a real beating on those orders and selling those parts at a loss. Serving the customer is our priority here, and this is one of the realities we have to deal with.” In today’s wholesale parts world, the contenders are separating themselves from the pretenders, a trend that will continue, Monteleone said. “The differences between a parts manager who is a strong retailer and focusing on profitability versus someone who is slinging a lot of paper to sell at a high volume are becoming more and more evident,” he said. “We definitely want to be on the right side of this and that’s why we work so hard to be keep our wholesale customers happy while being profitable overall.” What’s the solution? “I can buy the parts from Walmart and make more money, so that’s what I did,” he said. “I made a big purchase and when my factory rep came in for a visit, she was surprised and a little perplexed to see

a wall of parts I bought at Walmart. I told her I won’t be buying certain parts from you anymore because I can get them cheaper at Walmart. She didn’t know what to say! I originally discovered this a few years back in Florida and the same thing is happening now in Texas.” Right now, Walmart isn’t retailing crash parts and is focusing on marketing DIY types of parts. But no one would be surprised if this trend could gain momentum in some states to the point where certain collision parts and products could be undercut by large retailers. “The OE wants to cut out the middle man and eliminate the jobbers, to be honest,” Monteleone said. “They all want to go direct and that’s why they’ve done things like cutting their return allowances in half, for example. Why are we selling our parts at a deep discount while the manufacturers have decided to work with Walmart? It makes no sense.” www.autobodynews.com

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Industry Insight with John Yoswick

Remote Scanning Companies Foresee More ADAS Calibrations for Auto Body Shops in the Future

Shop Showcase

Nick Dominato, a senior vice presi- collision.” Honda in 2017 called for caldent at asTech, said he believes collision repairers should be prepared ibration of camera or radar units with Ed Attanasio for automakers to broaden their when they had been removed or ADAS calibration requirements. replaced, after a front-end collision “Because the automakers un- or when doors were adjusted or derstand that vehicles are being mar- replaced. By 2021, those requireketed, sold, driven and experienced ments had been broadened to call via those advanced driver assistance for calibrations after a windshield is features, and it’swith important for safe- removed or replaced, and after any Ed Attanasio ty and the customer experience that structural body repair. those things work after a collision,” “Again, moving from a narrowDominato said during a CIECA er calibration requirement of only webcast in January. when you touch the sensors, to these He said OEM service informa- broader calibration requirements tion that may have initially called that reflect the concern that a sensor for calibration only after a sensor might have been jolted or shifted or with Ed Attanasio is removed or replaced, for exam- moved,” Dominato said. ple, now may say—as in the case of He was asked if he foresees Nissan—that radar sensors must be automakers shifting toward more calibrated “after any repair situation self-calibrating systems. He said to the front of the vehicle that would most sensors have some self-calicause the radar with sensor Ed to beAttanasio shifted, bration capability, but that post-colremoved, reinstalled or jolted in the lision calibrations are not likely to

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go away. “A sensor may be able to compensate for mechanical wear and tear, settling of the suspension, or some bumper warping as a result of cold winters or hot summers, things of that nature,” he said. “But when we’re talking about a quarter panel that’s being replaced, or an impact bar that’s smashed as a result of a front-end collision, I don’t think the technology is ever going to get to a place where it can completely self-calibrate.” During another industry event, Eric Newell, vice president of business development at AirPro Diagnostics, said he believes how calibrations are performed may change. “I’m from Chicago. Dynamic calibrations are very difficult come this time of year because of snow, inclement weather,” Newell said at

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an SCRS Repairer Driven Education session during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. “And the OEMs are seeing it. We’ve had discussions with Tier 1 vendors and OEMs. So we’re predicting that there’s going to be a shift toward more static calibrations as time goes on.” Newell also discussed what to consider before a collision repair business equips to perform calibrations. If you expect to do retail work for other shops in addition to internal work, Newell said, it may be preferable to set up a calibration center off-site, with a different name, potentially as an LLC or separate business structure, to avoid other shops not wanting to send work to a “competitor.” “If you’re Newell’s Autobody, I probably wouldn’t name it Newell’s Calibration,” he said. An off-site facility also gives

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you some flexibility in terms of location—the back of an office park with little traffic, or a high-traffic street corner with good visibility— and what you will therefore have to spend for rent, signage, building improvements, etc. For MSOs, he said, a location convenient to all of your shops allows for a hub-and-spoke model. Alternatively, find a location with a lot of other independent shops within a reasonable radius, Newell suggested. An off-site location and separate business entity makes it easier to get paid when subletting the work to yourself, including transport of the vehicle from your shop and back. “If it’s your existing business and in your own building, that becomes more difficult,” Newell said.

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Driven Brands Holdings Inc. Reports Big Revenue Gains in 4Q, Full Year 2021 Driven Brands Holdings Inc. on Feb. 16 reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended Dec. 25, 2021. For the fourth quarter, revenue was $391.9 million, an increase of 36% versus the prior year. System-wide sales were $1.2 billion, an increase of 26% versus the prior year, with 6% net store growth and an increase in consolidated samestore sales of 16.4%. The $0.23 loss per diluted share in the fourth quarter was driven by a $56 million one-time transaction expense associated with the acquisition of Auto Glass Now, which closed Dec. 30, 2021. Adjusted earnings per diluted share was $0.18 for the fourth quarter. For fiscal year 2021, revenue was $1.5 billion, an increase of 62% versus the prior year. System-wide sales were $4.5 billion, an increase of 35% versus the prior year, with 6% net store growth and an increase in consolidated samestore sales of 17.1%. Earnings per diluted share was $0.06 for the fiscal year. Adjusted earnings per diluted

share was $0.88 for the fiscal year. “Our results are a testament to the strength and diversity of the Driven Brands portfolio and the hard work the team has demonstrated throughout 2021,” said Jonathan Fitzpatrick, president and CEO. “Our employees and fran-

“Our results are a testament to the strength and diversity of the Driven Brands portfolio and the hard work the team has demonstrated throughout 2021,” — Jonathan Fitzpatrick chisees continued to adapt to an ever-changing landscape, exceeding our expectations and delivering industry-leading results. “We are pleased to release our fiscal 2022 guidance of approximately $465 million of Adjusted EBITDA. With our scale, the significant whitespace in this fragmented and needs-based industry, and our robust cash generation, we are well positioned to maximize long-term value for all of our stakeholders.”

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autobodynews.com / MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 47

Bill to Ensure Consumer Choice in Auto Repair Introduced in U.S. House U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) introduced the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, to ensure the preservation of consumer choice, a fair marketplace and the continued safe operation of the nation’s 288 million registered passenger and commercial motor vehicles, 70% of which are maintained by independent repair facilities. The move is applauded by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Auto Care Association, CAR (Consumer Access to Repair) Coalition and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). The REPAIR Act will accomplish this by: Preserving consumer access to high quality and affordable vehicle repair by ensuring vehicle owners and their repairers of choice have access to necessary repair and maintenance tools and data as vehicles continue to become more advanced. Ensuring access to critical repair tools and information. All tools and equipment, wireless transmission of repair and diagnostic data, and access to on-board diagnostic and telematic systems needed to repair a vehicle must be made available to the independent repair industry. Ensuring cybersecurity by allowing vehicle manufacturers to secure vehicle-generated data and requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop standards for how vehicle generated data necessary for repair can be accessed securely. Providing transparency for consumers by requiring vehicle owners be informed that they can choose where and how to get their vehicle repaired.

Creating a stakeholder advisory committee and providing them with the statutory authority to provide recommendations to the FTC on how to address emerging barriers to vehicle repair and maintenance. Providing ongoing enforcement by establishing a process for consumers and independent repair facilities to file complaints with the FTC regarding alleged violations of the requirements in the bill and a requirement that the FTC act within five months of a claim. As vehicle technology continues to advance, new barriers to a competitive auto repair market are emerging. These barriers limit consumer choice in where to repair their motor vehicles and increase the cost to repair and maintain vehicles. The REPAIR Act will reduce these barriers, putting consumers’ interests first. “Today is one of the most memorable and important days in the history of the aftermarket. The REPAIR Act will help guarantee consumers’ rights and the ability of the industry to ensure their vehicles operate safely,” said Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of AASA. “From the repair shop to the board room, this effort has been fueled by the people of the aftermarket, and we couldn’t be prouder of that alignment behind this important legislation. This effort supports principles of competition, consumer choice, and safety that we believe will benefit the whole automotive industry in the long run. We look forward to working with Rep. Rush and our industry colleagues towards passage of this critical legislation.” “Ensuring consumer choice while retaining a free and competitive market across the vehicle lifecycle is at

the heart of this legislation,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “As personal transportation has become more essential than ever, we need to make sure that 288 million American motorists have access to affordable, safe and secure repairs for their vehicles. The tenets of this bill are principles-based, balanced, and address concerns shared across the automotive industry. Passage of this bill will keep consumers at the wheel while preserving an industry that contributes 4.4 million U.S. jobs and 2% GDP.” “The CAR Coalition is proud to support the REPAIR Act,” said Executive Director Justin Rzepka. “According to a recent YouGov poll, 93% of respondents agreed that they should have the right to choose where and by whom their vehicle is repaired. The REPAIR Act will ensure consumers will have more, not fewer choices, when they need a repair shop. They will also have access to the data they need to make sure the repair is done safely. This is important, consumer-first legislation and we look forward to working with lawmakers and industry partners to pass it.” “Free and fair competition is a core value in the United States,” said Daniel Ingber, vice president of government and legal affairs, SEMA. “Protecting a consumer’s personal choice when purchasing, servicing, repairing or modifying a motor vehicle is what the REPAIR Act will deliver. As technology continues to reshape the automotive landscape for vehicle safety, convenience and comfort, Congress needs to enact this important legislation. The REPAIR Act is essential to protecting access to vehicle systems,

tools and information necessary for independent repair and modification services for millions of consumers.” “Americans should not be forced to bring their cars to more costly and inconvenient dealerships for repairs when independent auto repair shops are often cheaper and far more accessible,” said Rep. Rush. “But as cars become more advanced, manufacturers are getting sole access to important vehicle data while independent repair shops are increasingly locked out. The status quo for auto repair is not tenable, and it is getting worse. If the monopoly on vehicle repair data continues, it would affect nearly 860,000 blue-collar workers and 274,000 service facilities.” The bill is introduced on the heels of three pivotal moments for consumer choice in repair. In November 2020, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly voiced their support for Ballot Question 1—also known as Right to Repair—with 75% of the vote, which preserves their right as vehicle owners to have access to and control of their vehicle’s mechanical data necessary for service and repair at the shops of their choice. In May 2021, the FTC released its “Nixing the Fix” report, which highlighted barriers that vehicle manufacturers have instituted to squash a consumer’s right to repair. The FTC strongly supports expanding consumer repair options and found “scant evidence” for repair restrictions imposed by original equipment manufacturers. And in July 2021, President Joe Biden issued the “Promoting Competition in the American Economy” executive order, which encouraged the FTC to address anti-competitive repair restrictions. Source: Auto Care Association

DOT Issues National Roadway Safety Strategy with Focus on Safer Vehicles by SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a new national strategy for addressing roadway safety, saying it has an “ambitious longterm goal of zero roadway fatalities.” The National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) is a five-pronged approach to safety focused on safer people, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speeds and post-crash care. Sec. of Transportation Pete Buttigieg maintains the NRSS is a first, noting it is a “comprehensive

plan to significantly reduce injuries and deaths on America’s roadways.” In the first half of 2021, roadway deaths were up 18.4% compared to the first six months of 2020, which was likely integral in DOT’s creation of the NRSS. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency within the DOT, will play a vital role in ensuring the NRSS is successful. To address vehicle safety, the NRSS incorporates safety provisions already required by the infrastructure law passed in 2021. This includes a direc-

48 MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

tive that NHTSA update the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) to include newer safety technologies within the five-star rating program such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. These advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) help prevent or mitigate the impact of crashes. SEMA will continue to monitor these updates and promote consumers’ ability to modify their vehicles that have ADAS equipment installed. The agency is also scheduled to begin a rulemaking by 2024 to require instal-

lation of automatic emergency braking systems as standard equipment on new vehicles to avoid collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. NHTSA will also consider ways in which alcohol-detection systems and systems to detect distracted driving may be installed on new motor vehicles. As NHTSA moves forward with these regulatory actions, SEMA will closely participate in the rulemaking process. For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org. Source: SEMA

Continued from Page 32

Hertz Partnering with UFODRIVE to Improve EV Rental Experience Hertz on Feb. 15 announced an investment in UFODRIVE---the leading self-service electric vehicle rental company and eMobility service provider in Europe---as part of Hertz’s commitment to lead the future of mobility. UFODRIVE is the first all-digital, all-electric car rental service controlled from an app. Its advanced eMobility SaaS Platform makes transitioning to electric easy for both customers and fleet providers---delivering lean operations, lower energy costs, better charging and optimal fleet utilization using advanced AI tools. UFODRIVE’s technology delivers a two-minute “arrive and drive” entirely digital EV customer experience. The partnership builds on Hertz’s announcement in October 2021 that it is investing in EVs, with a commitment to offer the largest electric vehicle rental fleet in North America and to grow its EV fleet globally. Hertz also committed to providing the best rental and recharging experience for leisure and business customers around the

world. Also in October, the company announced an exclusive partnership with Uber to make Tesla electric vehicles available for drivers to rent when using the Uber network. UFODRIVE’s Series A financing round was co-led by Hertz and Certares, in partnership with Knighthead Capital Management, and included participation from existing investors. Hertz Senior Vice President of Strategy Jayesh Patel and Venture Lead at Certares Chantal Noble Haldorsen will join the UFODRIVE board. “Our partnership with UFODRIVE is yet another major step in Hertz becoming an essential component of the modern mobility ecosystem,” said Mark Fields, Hertz interim CEO. “Together, we will pilot ways to make renting an EV even easier using UFODRIVE’s digital platforms for both the rental experience and fleet management. For customers, this partnership will help us create the future rental car experience that is all-digital and EV-centric.” “Born from a vision to deliver what we call ‘Radically Better Car

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Rental,’ this investment is a major validation of that dream,” said Aidan McClean, UFODRIVE CEO. “We are proud that we are helping to accelerate the transition to zero-emissions mobility, and our investors see the opportunity ahead.” McClean added: “We pioneered and are now the premier operating system for electric fleets and already service a growing list of high-profile mobility companies.” Following successful live testing in 2021, Hertz aims to deploy UFODRIVE’S market-leading digital rental and fleet management technology to enhance its global EV fleet operations. Starting with Hertz’s key partners in the U.S. and Europe, this will offer a fully digital rental experience, charge point wayfinding, touchless smartphone access and online customer support with live telematics using UFODRIVE’s SaaS platform. UFODRIVE will use the additional capital to accelerate product development and to expand globally, with a focus on the U.S. market. Source: Hertz

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ensure there is a good onboarding experience. This includes providing a career path and letting technicians know management cares about their growth. “They want to feel like they are connected to the goals of the employer and feel part of something larger,” said Peugeot. Peugeot’s advice to shops is to take time to understand their next technicians are already in their market. “They just don’t understand how to get into the collision industry and learn what they need to learn fast enough in an organized fashion to make the leap,” he said. “Shops willing to take that seriously and provide the training they’ll need to have confidence to make the leap find this magical thing that occurs over time—they no longer have a recruiting problem.”

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Tesla’s Most Important Product in Development is Optimus Humanoid Robot by Maria Merano, Teslarati

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During Tesla’s Q4 2021 and full-year earnings call, CEO Elon Musk talked about the company’s product goals. He said the production of Tesla’s humanoid robot, internally dubbed Optimus, is one of the most important products in development at the moment. At the latest earnings call, Musk announced Tesla will not be introducing new vehicle models in 2022. He explained Tesla was still experiencing some part constraints, undoubtedly affecting production on several exciting projects, including the Cybertruck, Semi and Roadster. However, Musk said Tesla would continue to do “a lot of engineering and tooling” on products it has already launched, such as the Optimus humanoid robot. “So, in terms of priority of products, I think actually the most important product development we’re doing this year is actually the Optimus humanoid robot. This, I think has the potential to be more significant than the vehicle business over time,” Musk said. “If you think about the economy, it is—the foundation of the economy is labor. Capital equipment is distilled la-

bor. So, what happens if you don’t actually have a labor shortage? I’m not sure what an economy even means at that point. That’s what Optimus is about. So, very important,” he elaborated.At the Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council Summit, Musk also said the Tesla Bot could address labor shortage issues. He further explained rapidly declining birthrates were a risk for civilization. At the Q4 2021 earnings call, Musk said Optimus (or Optimus Sub-prime’s) first job would most likely be at Tesla factories. Thus far, Tesla’s work on its humanoid robot seems to be moving along as scheduled. After revealing its venture into humanoid robots during AI Day last year, Tesla announced a prototype of Optimus would be unveiled by 2022. Tesla certainly didn’t seem to waste time forming a team to work on the humanoid robot. In the same month the Tesla Bot was announced, the head of Tesla’s Mobile Robotics, Chris Walti, started looking for engineers and technicians to add to the humanoid robot program. By November 2021, Tesla posted even more job openings for the initiative. Photo: Tesla robot

autobodynews.com / MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 49

AirPro Diagnostics Announces New Hire

Automakers Report January Sales Automakers on Feb. 1 began releasing sales results from January. Mazda Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) reported total January sales of 21,079 vehicles, a decrease of 16.5% compared to January 2021. With 24 selling days in January, compared to the same number the year prior, the company posted a decrease of 16.5% on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis. CPO sales totaled 3,119 vehicles in January, a decrease of 41% compared to January 2021. Kia

Kia America announced January sales of 42,488 units. Highlights include best-ever January perfor-

mance by the Niro family of electrified SUVs, which bested their previous record set in January 2018 by 26%. Kia also set a new January record for overall electrified vehicle sales, exceeding the previous mark by 36%.

were up 35%, representing 79% of retail volume. Venue, Tucson, Palisade, Kona and Ioniq set new January retail records.

AirPro Diagnostics, the leader in remote diagnostics, scanning, programming and ADAS calibration solutions, is proud to announce Ted McClintic has joined AirPro Diagnostics as director of field support. McClintic started his career at Church Brothers Auto Body in Indianapolis, IN, in 1998 and went on to hold executive positions with large MSOs in operations, OEM certification and quality control. The AirPro tool and calibration devices meet rigorous vehicle manufacturer requirements by having OEM licensed software and multi brand diagnostic applications resident and directly connected to the vehicle. ORION, AirPro’s cloud-based diagnostic management system, is the hub by which all services are delivered within the company’s 10-Minute Response Pledge. Contact AirPro Diagnostics at (904) 717-1711 to sign up or visit at www.airprodiagnostics. com Source: AirPro Diagnostics

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Hyundai Motor America reported total January sales of 47,872 units, a 10% increase compared with January 2021 and the highest January sales total in company history. Venue (+70%), Tucson (+64%), Palisade (+12%) and the Ioniq (+51%) also established new January total sales records. Hyundai did not have any fleet sales during the month. Hyundai achieved its best January retail sales ever, increasing 18% year-over-year. Hyundai eco-friendly vehicle retail sales grew 312%, while SUV retail sales

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) reported 44,158 vehicle sales for January, a 4.8% decrease compared to January 2021 (46,400). Like much of the automotive industry, SOA continues to face production challenges because of the semiconductor shortage and supply chain issues. In January, Forester was the top performer by volume and achieved its best January ever with 13,531 vehicle sales. Ascent sales for January increased 15.3%, while Impreza sales increased 6.1% compared to January 2021. BRZ sales for January 2022 increased 103.1% compared to the same month in 2021. Source: Mazda, Kia, Hyundai, Subaru

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U.S. Crude Oil Production Fell by 8% in 2020, Largest Decrease on Record by Bethany Blankley, The Center Square

U.S. crude oil production fell by 8% in 2020, the largest annual decrease on record, the U.S. Energy Information Agency reported. This plunge occurred one year after the U.S. reached a record annual average high of 12.2 million barrels a day in production in 2019. In January 2020, U.S. crude oil production reached a peak of 12.8 million b/d. But with federal and state lockdowns halting travel over coronavirus fears, demand for oil dropped and production became too expensive to maintain. By March 2020, the oil and gas industry experienced a “bloodbath,” and by April, the WTI was negative $40 a barrel for the first time in history. Prices at the pump also reached historic lows. To stop the hemorrhaging, crude oil operators shut in wells and limited the number of wells brought online, laying off large numbers of workers, all of which resulted in significantly lower output. By May 2020, U.S. crude oil production reached its lowest average monthly volume for the

eraging 4.87 million b/d. Its production still represented a 4% decrease of 205,000 b/d from the record high of 5.07 million b/d set in 2019. After the state shut down in mid-March last year, wells closed, rigs stopped operating and tens of thousands of workers were immediately laid off. Texas’ oil output fell in March by an estimated 235,000 b/d, the largest monthly decline ever recorded, according to the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers. The Alliance’s benchmark Texas Petro Index fell to 172 in April from 181.9 in March, the second largest monthly decline on record (the September to October Oil well and storage tanks in the Texas Panhandle. 2015 11-point drop is the Credit: Jim Parkin/Shutterstock.com largest on record). By June 2020, Texas led the naIf there was a silver lining to be found, it was in Texas and New Mex- tion in oil and gas bankruptcies. New Mexico also reached a ico fueled by drilling in the Permian Basin. In Texas, more crude oil was new record. In 2020, it saw the largproduced than in any other state or est statewide increase in crude oil region of the U.S. in 2020. production in its history. It increased Texas produced 43% of the na- production by 15%, or 133,000 b/d, tional total of crude oil in 2020, av- reaching a record annual average year at 10 million b/d, EIA reported. Overall, U.S. crude oil production dropped 935,000 b/d to an average of 11.3 million b/d in 2020. The 2020 decrease in production was the largest annual decline in the EIA’s records, the agency said. It’s been tracking U.S. annual crude production since 1940.

high of 1.04 million b/d. New Mexico also became the second-largest oil producer in the U.S. in fiscal year 2021, behind Texas. Its oil and natural gas industry contributed $5.3 billion to state and local governments in tax revenue in FY21, the highest figure recorded in state history. By contrast, decreases in production were seen in the Gulf of Mexico, Oklahoma, and North Dakota. The Federal Offshore Gulf of Mexico saw the largest decrease in crude oil production in 2020, dropping 245,000 b/d, or 13%, to an annual average of 1.65 million b/d. Much of this was due to weather related events such as hurricanes and tropical storms in the Gulf that forced operators to evacuate platforms and shut-in production. Oklahoma had the largest percentage decrease of production of 19%, with an annual average of 469,000 b/d. North Dakota saw the second-largest decrease of crude oil production of 242,000 b/d, or 17%, dropping to an annual average of 1.18 million b/d.

EV Buyers Not Researching Charging Options Until After Purchase: Study Most electric vehicle (EVs) owners conduct little to no research on charging infrastructure before purchasing new vehicles until they bring their electric vehicles home, according to a study released Jan. 31 by clean energy software leader Uplight and See Change Institute. Added to this, most did not consider their utility when looking for any information around EVs, despite an abundance of utility EV-related resources. The majority of those surveyed qualify as “reactive chargers,” only pursuing in-depth charging research after encountering a charger-related issue with their electric vehicles, such as high electricity bills after charging at home. For these participants, the extent of their charging research before purchasing the vehicle is limited to checking for an outlet in the garage. Many participants admit to “figuring it out as they go,” rather than researching charging options, capabilities and cost before the major purchase of the vehicle itself. While participants acknowledged the importance of conducting research on charging options, few

were familiar with the guidance offered by their utilities. The findings also convey a hesitancy to purchase Level 2 chargers proactively, with participants most often considering Level 2 chargers only after experiencing slow charging times with Level 1.

their utility when they typically look to dealers and gas stations when it comes to fueling their car. “Many of the EV owners we talked to cited busy lifestyles or lack of time for doing their own research on charging cost, tools and options,”

“Many of the EV owners we talked to cited busy lifestyles or lack of time for doing their own research on charging cost, tools and options,”— Devren Hobbs Participants in the focus group overwhelmingly preferred charging their vehicles at home rather than at community chargers, but they are largely unaware of the tools readily available to guide them in doing so efficiently. Those participants who did conduct in-depth research failed to take advantage of the utility offerings and primarily relied upon social media and YouTube for information, rather than seeking information specific to their home or lifestyle or by contacting qualified professionals. The ongoing switch to EVs requires a paradigm shift for consumers to look to

said Devren Hobbs, vice president of product of emerging technology at Uplight. “The research on recent EV owners echoed my personal experience purchasing an EV this fall, the lack of education and engagement and the decision to charge at home. We believe these insights show an excellent opportunity for utilities to become a trusted energy advisor and create a one-stop customer experience that helps walk customers through all available options, help them identify rebates and better understand how owning an EV will affect their electric bill. “Uplight’s EV Solutions help

utilities get ahead of the EV curve and their decarbonization goals while helping customers proactively understand and optimize charging while creating a deeper utility-customer relationship that extends beyond electric vehicles.” Other research highlights: While participants hadn’t previously used their utility’s EV resources, they were open to doing so in the future, and preferred a single EV resource on cars, chargers, rebates and related costs. Participants said had they known about the offering, they would have taken advantage of it. Most participants charge their EVs at home and overnight. This is driven by convenience and a perception that public chargers are a hassle, risky and/or time-consuming. Participants were hesitant to install Level 2 chargers even after research because of the need to find an electrician for installation and electric panel upgrade. Most participants are unaware of EV specific rates or other EV and charging-related offerings from their utility. Source: Uplight

autobodynews.com / MARCH 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 51

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1/31/2022 2:38:33 PM

March 2022 Southeast Edition

Articles inside

Auto Body Shops in the Future

Cobalt, Nickel Prices

State Farm, Ford Introduce UBI

Revenue Gains in 4Q, Full Year 2021

Fixed Ops Director Shocked to Find

Programs

NORTHEAST 2022

Local, State Level

Are Followed

for COVID-19 Program Fraud

Repair Taps Into His Artistic Side

Sellers Worldwide, No. 1 Volvo in U.S

Axalta Commits to Sustainability Goals

Hyundai ABS Module Fire Recall Announced

Grow and Retain Employees