April 2022 Southeast Edition

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Southeast Collision Conference Scheduled for June 24-25 The Carolinas Collision Association (CCA), in partnership with the Tennessee Collision Repairers Association (TCRA) and Gulf States Collision Association (GSCA), will hold its first combined annual Southeast Collision Conference June 24-25 at the Gateway Conference Center in Richburg, SC. Before the conference kicks off, on June 23, Collision Hub’s Kristen Felder and Larry Montanez, of P&L Consultants, will do a full day’s event on total loss processes and employee pay plans. This event will also feature Rachel James of Northwestern Mutual.

There will also be an industry mixer on the evening of June 23 and awards show, to celebrate area industry professionals, that will be exclusive to participating members and vendors.

At the event, a vehicle will be donated by K&M Collision of Hickory, NC, through the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program. North Carolina Farm Bureau provided the vehicle, which will be donated to a deserving person, found

by Safe Harbor.

Safe Harbor is a Christ-centered community for rebuilding, renewing See Collision Conference, Page 8

GM and Some Other Automakers Suspend Business to Russia

by Jamie L. LaReau, Detroit Free Press

General Motors is suspending its business in Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

GM spokesman George Svigos said Feb. 28 the reason for the suspension was “due to a number of external factors, including supply chain issues and other matters beyond the company’s control.”

The week before, the Russian military invaded Ukraine in what is the biggest attack in Europe between two states since World War II. Many Western nations have institut-

ed sanctions against Russia prompting many companies to idle operations there.

GM’s presence in Russia is small. It sells about 3,000 Cadillac and Chevrolet vehicles a year in the country and it has limited supply chain exposure, Svigos said.

In a statement, GM said: “We are working in real time through the implications for our operations of the sanctions announced this week. We continue to monitor developments and take action to implement mitigation strategies as appropriate.”

See Suspend Business, Page 14

Vol. 13 / Issue 2 /April 2022

Rivian’s Planned Georgia Factory Becomes Point of Controversy in Governor Race

by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati

Rivian’s planned electric vehicle plant in Georgia is becoming a target in the state’s Republican gubernatorial primary.

According to former U.S. Sen. David Perdue, who is battling for the state’s gubernatorial seat against incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp, Rivian’s planned Georgia factory is a way for the current administration to “sell out” the state to benefit billionaire investor George Soros.

“Brian Kemp is selling us out to George Soros,” Perdue said. “He’s

pledged our tax dollars to lure a California company funded by George Soros to Georgia and is calling it ‘economic development.’ This bad deal is

nothing more than a scheme by Kemp to promote himself in an election year at Georgians’ expense. Kemp thought he could get away with this under the See Point of Controversy, Page 10

Auto Dealer Service Departments Trying to Navigate Parts and Staffing Challenges: J.D. Power The combination of vehicle owners needing service more often due to accumulating mileage at pre-pandemic levels along with the disruption of the auto parts supply chain and significant staffing shortages is causing auto dealership service departments to navigate unique capacity challenges, according to the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, released March 9.

Wait times to schedule service appointments for one- to three-yearold vehicles have increased by nearly one full day among owners of premium and mass market vehicles (to 4.5 and 4.3 days, respectively).

Overall customer service satisfaction is 848 (on a 1,000-point scale.)

“Dealer service departments are in a pivotal position to improve customer satisfaction and provide greater customer convenience, even though many challenges—including the parts supply chain disruption and the availability of new-vehicle loaners—are out of their control,” said Chris Sutton, vice president

of automotive retail at J.D. Power. “Proactive communication with customers is one solution for dealerships to mitigate a disruptively tough situation.

“Simply implementing text or email alerts can greatly improve customer satisfaction,” Sutton said. “Additionally, letting customers know what is happening at each step along the way, including why it is taking longer to book an appointment or providing any updates in parts delays, can help improve satisfaction.”

The study, now in its 42nd year, has been redesigned this year to include emerging features such as valet service, remote vehicle servicing and online/smartphone app payment options to gauge the effect these processes have on the service experience.

The study measures satisfaction with service at franchised dealer or aftermarket service facilities for maintenance or repair work among owners and lessees of one- to threeyear-old vehicles.

See Staffing Challenges, Page 12

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Business to Russia ���������������������������������������� 1

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Tesla Model 3, Model Y Receive Latest Round

AirPro Diagnostics, 1Collision Partner ������������� 12

Navigate Parts and Staffing Challenges:

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GM and Some Other Automakers Suspend

Russia Accused of Toyota Cyberattack ����������� 46

with Collision Techs Making Repair

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Chips Due to Global Shortage ���������������������� 39

Check Policies Related to Drugs/Alcohol,

Yoswick - Examples Demonstrate Problems

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

Ford to Collaborate with Universal Technical

GM Names Global Purchasing Lead ���������������� 14 COLUMNISTS

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

CONTENTS

autobodynews.com / APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 3

GM, Lucid Motors & Rivian Share EV Collision Repair Considerations

by Stacey Phillips

Sales of alternative power vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), currently represent about 5% of all U.S. light-vehicle sales—but that share is expected to reach 45% by 2035, according to research by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

Goforth shared information about GM’s steps to help transform the automotive industry and some of the technologies being used to maximize power, range and flexibility.

“We’re looking at technologies we need today and in decades to come and we’re investing heavily in those new technologies to bring them to market,” she said. “We can’t go

Representatives from GM, Lucid Motors and Rivian spoke at the SCRS OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit. Pictured, left to right, are Kye Yeung, European Motor Car Works; Ron Reichen, Precision Body & Paint; Dan Black and Kelly Logan, Rivian; Andrew Hall and Andy MacDonald, Lucid Motors; and Jennifer Goforth and John Eck, GM.

GM, Lucid Motors and Rivian representatives discussed the unique platforms they have developed and how their offerings differ from traditional vehicles during the OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit at the 2021 SEMA Show. The session was part of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education Series.

Following their presentations, Kye Yeung, president of European Motor Car Works, and Ron Reichen, owner of Precision Body & Paint, moderated a panel discussion.

The session explored construction and repair considerations, and how the collision repair industry must adapt.

“The inevitable growth of this market makes the perfect fit for a summit that has always had an eye on the developing landscape of modern vehicles, with a focus on emerging trends that influence repairability and collision industry preparation,” said Aaron Schulenburg, SCRS executive director.

GM

Jennifer Goforth and John Eck, collision manager for GM, discussed the OEM’s EV strategy and the GM Collision Repair Network.

forward alone.”

She said GM is passionate about its zero crashes, zero emissions, zero congestion strategy.

“The key to this vision is electrification,” said Goforth.

The electric architecture powering the OEM’s newest technologies, such as Ultifi and Periscope, is GM’s Vehicle Intelligence Platform.

Goforth also discussed GM’s research and development regarding safety.

“At GM, safety is in our DNA. There is nothing more important than ensuring the safety of our loved ones,” she said. “Most of all of our crashes that happen are due to driver error, so we’re focused on bringing new technologies that can reduce human error such as automated rear braking, forward and side collision alerts.”

The company is looking at technologies that reduce distractions while driving, such as hands-free communications and touch-free navigation.

GM plans to launch 30 new electric vehicles by 2025.

“That doesn’t mean that we are giving up on combustion engines,” noted Goforth. “Those are going to

4 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

be an important part of our portfolio for the next 10 or more years.”

Goforth explained that repairing vehicles with internal combustion engines will be essential for the next 20-30 years because they will be on the road for many years.

With a tremendous amount of technology coming out, Goforth said there will be many repairable parts.

However, right now, some will not be serviceable, such as critical structural components and batteries.

Eck shared information about the GM Collision Repair Network, which will continue to focus on recognizing facilities that invest in tools and training to ensure an excellent customer experience.

“Our focus is on a safe and proper repair that utilizes all of our service information,” said Eck. This includes a heavy emphasis on diagnostics and inspections.

GM’s 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST.

With the technology integrated into vehicles, Eck stressed the importance of scanning, calibration and checking diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

“Making sure things are working as designed is critical to us,” he said.

“We’re going to continue to create and add more support to the industry and make ourselves accessible.”

GM’s OnStar Insurance, expected to launch in all 50 states this year, will be an important component.

“We’ve been learning over the last few years post-collision how we can help customers navigate, but with OnStar Insurance expected to be national in 2022, they are going to be expecting a network that is fully supportive of driving safe and proper repairs for customers’ needs,” said Eck. Eck said GM ensures that repairers have the most current information.

“Working with the industry, we’ve learned how to be hardware agnos-

tic,” he explained. “That has helped us add flexibility to the marketplace and understand what is going on from a cost structure and not making [repairers] buy OEM tools specific to GM.” GM offers technical documents for repairers to use during estimating/blueprinting. Examples include service bulletins, safety protocols, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) documents, position statements and post-repair inspections.

For certified inspections, virtual and in-house audits are offered to shops.

Over the last year, GM worked with SCRS to create a post-inspection form to help repairers negotiate with insurance carriers.

“We want to continue to work with SCRS to find solutions like that to help you as the repairer make safe and proper repairs,” he said.

Lucid Motors With global headquarters in Silicon Valley, CA, and an assembly plant in Casa Grande, AZ, Lucid Motors began delivery of the company’s first customer vehicle—the Lucid Air—in late 2021.

Andy MacDonald, senior manager of Lucid’s global body repair program, and Andrew Hall, head of vehicle safety, provided an overview of the Lucid Body Repair Program.

Currently, 50 shops in the U.S. and Canada are going through the certified program approval process, which they joined by invitation only.

“As we ramp up production and vehicle parts grow, we will add to that number of shops,” said MacDonald.

“We are interested in working with shops that can deliver high-quality repair capability and excellent customer service. That’s the cornerstone of what SCRS believes in and it’s a privilege to work with you.”

MacDonald estimated there will be about 100 shops in the program in 2022 and that number will continually increase. Approved body shops will be trained and equipped to complete repairs, including all mechanical work.

“Lucid’s program will restrict structural repair parts, such as aluminum safety systems parts and high voltage parts, to the approved network—those who are technical-

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ly trained and we know are capable of repairing the vehicle,” explained MacDonald.

Lucid’s repair methodology is developed in close partnership with the OEM’s crash testing program.

After working with 11 different OEMs over his career, Hall’s philosophy is to bring the Engineering, Serviceability and Body Repair teams together to be as effective as possible.

The Lucid Air on display at Lucid Motors’ studio in Short Hills, NJ.

As a start-up company with limited resources and an aggressive schedule, Hall noted Lucid Motors doesn’t have an unlimited number of crash cars for testing. As a result, vehicles are crashed more than once after being rebuilt by the service teams.

For example, a car that has been front crash-tested at 35 mph is rebuilt to do a side crash test.

Through this experience, Hall said Lucid Motors has demonstrated the capabilities of rework. This allows the OEM to bring in the service team a lot earlier and offer cost efficiencies for the business.

“We’re also a lot further ahead with repair procedures than we would normally be,” he said.

In terms of training, Lucid plans to offer online education to deliver fundamental system knowledge requirements to shops. This includes approximately 10 days of structural repair training and 15 days of mechanical. The instructor-led courses will cover structural aluminum repair, cosmetic repair, visual damage assessment, high voltage systems, mechanical, diagnostics and ADAS. One of the biggest challenges for shops, according to MacDonald, is the mechanical side of the business.

“There is no simple repair anymore,” he said. “The days of doing a quick spot repair on a front-end bumper or rear-end are gone now because you have to align the vehicle

and then calibrate it for ADAS.” As a result, Lucid is building measurement processes to determine how well vehicles are repaired.

“With so much technology in vehicles, it’s of paramount importance that when accidents happen and we’re required to repair the vehicles, you have the right level of equipment and training in place to bring that car back to a pre-accident condition,” said MacDonald.

“Safety is important for the lifecycle of the vehicle and it is for every OEM moving forward to meet the challenges we are going to face as we move into the ADAS world and safe driving,” added Hall.

“For us, it’s about providing education and transparency… so insurers, repairers and customers all understand what we need to do to deliver the best possible service,” said MacDonald. “A safe and proper repair goes without saying.”

Rivian Rivian representatives included Kelly Logan, global body repair program senior manager, and Dan Black, manager for service engineering in collision repair.

The 2022 Rivian R1.

Logan helped create Rivian’s Certified Collision Program with Frank Phillips, collision program manager, and now manages the program.

“Having the opportunity to create an OEM collision repair program from scratch is a great honor,” he said. “We want a highly trained network that can repair our cars and that aligns to what SCRS represents.”

Logan and Phillips devised two networks that fall under the umbrella of Rivian’s Certified Collision Program. The Rivian Certified Collision Center network focuses on passenger cars, the R1T electric truck and the R1S SUV. The Rivian Certified Fleet Center network includes commercial vehicles such as the 100,000 electric

6 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

delivery vans Rivian is building for Amazon.

The program’s mission is: “Revolutionizing the collision repair customer experience with an efficient and highly trained collision repair network.”

“It used to be easy to fix cars,” said Logan.

That has changed with mixed materials and light-weighting in the auto industry, with efforts focused on removing mass and increasing efficiency to extend range and increase miles per gallon.

“Some of the equipment and joint accessibility does not exist in the aftermarket so we’re always developing new solutions that we can provide to repair the vehicle correctly and restore the strength of the vehicle to ultimately perform correctly the second time around.”

With cameras and sensors being used in automobiles, Black said preand post-scans are required on every vehicle and calibration is paramount.

“That’s the only way to restore our vehicles correctly,” he said.

He recommends shops analyze

“It’s something you have to have training and tooling for to be able to repair vehicles properly,” he said.

The Rivian team has been connecting with great collision centers over the last year.

“We want everyone to know that just because you didn’t get chosen for the Rivian collision network today doesn’t mean it’s forever,” said Logan. “As our vehicle population grows, we are going to continue to need more highly-skilled collision centers.”

Black heads the service engineering side of the business and works with technical specialists and service engineers to create collision repair procedures. They perform hands-on validation of the repair procedures, tooling and equipment through their R&D Workshop team at their flagship location in El Segundo, CA. As part of the repair procedures, Rivian will include information about different substrates used. The goal is to assist shops in understanding what can and cannot be executed to restore a car to its pre-accident state.

“At the assembly plant, we can execute a variety of controlled vehicle construction processes with advanced equipment,” said Black.

the diagnostic systems and document the results before beginning repairs to determine the work required.

“From my experience at a manufacturer that is developing advanced technology, Driver + systems (Rivian’s suite of advanced driver-assist features) are becoming more sensitive,” said Black. “As we move forward, frequencies are greater and the sensitivity of systems are higher so repair procedures are very critical to follow because you can easily introduce an issue into the vehicle without knowing it.”

Logan said the Driver + system will be standard on all Rivians, and ADAS calibrations will be required.

“When you look at collision repair and what it takes to repair a car properly today, the lines between service repair and collision repair are now blurred,” he said. “A collision center needs to know just as much as a service center.”

To keep cycle times low and fix cars, Logan said it is necessary to have the correct tools, training and knowledge.

“We’re just at the forefront of it,” he said. “It’s something that isn’t going to go away anytime soon.”

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autobodynews.com / APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY 3/4/22 NEWS 8:52 AM7

Rivian Hires COO

CARSTAR Alan Conner Collision Mechanicsville Opens New Location in Virginia

Rivian Automotive, Inc. announced the hiring of Frank Klein as chief operations officer, effective June 1.

Klein was most recently president of Austria-based automotive contract manufacturer Magna Steyr, a subsidiary of Canadian-based Magna International. He will be based in Normal, IL, and will report directly to Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe. Klein succeeds Rod Copes, who retired from the position last year.

During his time at Magna Steyr, Klein oversaw the company’s shift to the electric mobility manufacturing space, including the production of the first electric vehicle made by a contract manufacturer.

At Rivian, Klein will lead the buildout of robust and stable operations processes as well as scaling vehicle production across several new programs. He will reinforce Rivian’s ongoing effort to achieve greater vertical integration in logistics, manufacturing and operations.

Source: Rivian

CARSTAR, North America’s largest multi-store network of independently owned collision repair facilities, announced the opening of CARSTAR Alan Conner Collision Mechanicsville, located at 8061 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

Alan Conner, owner of three CARSTAR Alan Conner Collision Center locations, is a long-time industry expert. Jumping into the industry right out of high school, Conner got his start working in his parents’ facility, where the foundation for all his future skills were honed. Since then, his operations have boomed, while he was still able to maintain his longstanding values.

“Growing up in a family-owned business, you learn how to treat employees and customers as an extension of your family,” said Conner. “We work hard to provide the highest level of service and repair quality to our customers, because we want the community to be able to count on us. We’re blessed to be opening this newest facility and have exciting plans to enhance

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Collision Conference and recovery. The nonprofit supports the community through long-term recovery programs for women, transitional housing and facilitating charitable giving through programs like “Hope on Wheels.” This provides reliable transportation to women and families in their faith-based “Whole Woman” program.

June 24 and 25 will feature several workshops. Assured Performance will kick off the conference with a workshop featuring Mike Anderson, followed by classes with James, David Luehr of Elite Body Shop Solutions, Felder, Montanez, Bruce Schronce of StrongLead, Michael Bradshaw of K&M Collision, David Willett of Spark Underwriters, Richard and Sam Valenzuela of NABR, Alex Whittit of Intrepid Direct and Mark Olson of Veco Experts. There will be more than $1,000 in prizes for winning attendees that participate in diverse skills challenges, judged by special guests and other industry professionals, that will only be avail-

able for members of CCA, TCRA and GSCA. There will also be an “open mic” with industry leaders Anderson, Olson, Bradshaw and Felder, who will answer all questions from the audience. No question is off limits unless it violates antitrust. There will be live demonstrations on equipment from Lombard Equipment, Pro Spot, Autotality, Keco and Betag, and training classes for every skill level. Finally, the John Eagle vehicle will be on site thanks to Intrepid Direct Insurance.

We would like to thank our Platinum and Gold Level sponsors for helping to make this possible. Platinum Level: Lombard Equipment, Calibrators of the Carolinas and Shop Fix. Gold Level: Betag North America, Assured Performance, AkzoNobel and Keco.

For more information email info@southeastcollisionconference. com or visit www.carolinascollisionassociation.com For more information about how you can support Safe Harbor, visit https://safeharbornc.org/ Source: CCA, TCRA and GSCA

8 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

this repair center’s capabilities while maintaining the highest level of customer experience.”

CARSTAR Alan Conner Collision Mechanicsville is a 9,650-square foot facility on an acre of property. The team recently renovated the customer lobby to

create a welcoming environment and is making significant updates in its shop equipment and capabilities.

The team is working towards earning its I-CAR Gold certification and has plans to earn OEM accreditations soon.

“Alan is a deeply engaged franchise owner, and like many within our CARSTAR family, wants to be at the forefront of operational excellence within our industry,” said Dean Fisher, collision group president, Driven Brands. “Our network provides the resources that motivated owners need to take their business to the next level and grow their

operations, in the right way. We are thrilled to see Alan expand his operations to support new communities in Virginia, congratulations to the entire CARSTAR Alan Conner Collision Center team!”

Actively involved in giving back to his communities, Conner and his team prioritize giving back to causes close to the regions he serves, as well as raising valuable funds and awareness for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Having raised thousands of dollars for this cause, the team looks forward to continuing their charitable initiatives in the Mechanicsville region.

Please join us in celebrating the opening of CARSTAR Alan Conner Collision Mechanicsville.

CARSTAR Alan Conner Collision Mechanicsville 8061 Mechanicsville Turnpike Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (804) 746- 2590 Monday to Friday: 8a.m.–5 p.m.

For more information on CARSTAR, visit CARSTAR.com.

Source: CARSTAR

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BMW Investing More Than $200 Million to Add New Press Shop at SC Plant

by David Dykes, Greenville Business Magazine

BMW announced March 2 it will invest more than $200 million to build a 219,000-square foot press shop at its South Carolina plant.

The investment includes more than 200 new jobs, BMW officials said.

The announcement was made

by BMW Manufacturing President and CEO Robert Engelhorn at the South Carolina Automotive Summit in Greenville, SC. The new press shop, which will start production in the summer of 2024, will take raw coils of steel, cut them into blanks and stamp sheet metal parts for future BMW models.

Those components include hang-on parts such as the vehicle’s four doors, fenders, exterior body sides and lift gate.

“The BMW Group is known worldwide for the outstanding quality produced by its press shops. We are excited to add this technology to Plant Spartanburg,” Engelhorn said.

“This investment reinforces BMW’s commitment in the United States and South Carolina. We continue to play

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Point of Controversy guise of ‘economic development,’ but all he is doing here is selling us out and lining George Soros’s pockets.

“Real economic development is straightforward,” Perdue continued. “Growth should be organic, and the local community and its leaders should be involved in the process.

Obviously, that is not the case here.

Many members of the local community have expressed major concerns with having California-based, Soros-funded Rivian in their backyards.

Like a typical 20-year career politician, Kemp is ignoring locals’ concerns and trying to cut them out of the process. When I’m governor, we’ll prioritize growing Georgia jobs without lining George Soros’s pockets.”

Rivian’s connection to the 91-year-old billionaire and investor comes from the company’s high-profile backers. While Rivian is a fairly new automaker still looking to hit its stride with its electric vehicle production, the company has attracted the interest of numerous institutional in-

a major role in the region’s economic strength as well as workforce development and job training.”

“BMW’s presence in South Carolina for nearly three decades has driven the dramatic growth of our automotive industry and paved the way to our state’s global reputation as an automotive powerhouse,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.

BMW officials said a state-ofthe-art press shop requires manufacturing jobs with advanced-level training. Those jobs include tool and die technicians, electrical and mechanical maintenance for automated machinery and specialized line operators.

More than 45 Plant Spartanburg associates are training at BMW Group press shops in Leipzig, Germany, and Swindon, England, the officials said.

Those associates also train with partners from the Schuler Group, a globally recognized company that manufactures automated servo press lines for all BMW Group plants.

The press shop marks the beginning of the automotive production process. Large steel coils arrive at the press shop, where they are unloaded from trucks using 55-ton overhead

vestors and Wall Street veterans.

These include Soros Fund Management, which is estimated to hold about 2% of Rivian’s shares outstanding. This means Soros Fund Management is likely the 10th largest Rivian shareholder, with investors like Amazon and BlackRock holding significantly larger holdings.

A spokesperson for Kemp said the campaign is looking to hold a press conference March 1 to respond to Purdue’s accusations.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams’s campaign referred to her previous statements about Rivian last December, which were supportive of the planned facility.

Plans previously shared with Teslarati revealed Rivian’s planned Georgia facility would be a massive 19.6 million-square foot complex on a 1,978-acre parcel of land. The complex would not only include facilities designed to produce vehicles; it would also feature an onsite vehicle delivery center and EV charging station with 144 stalls.

A training facility and event center, as well as a dedicated “Adventure Trail,” are also planned for the site.

10 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

cranes. The steel coils are then fed into the Blanking Line, where the steel is cut into individual “blanks” (rectangular cutoffs or special shapes). The blanks are then ready to be fed into the Press Line.

Plant Spartanburg’s Press Line will consist of five press (stamping) stations. The line will be equipped with servo technology, which BMW said enables it to significantly increase the output performance of the presses.

Using an overhead crane, each station is loaded with the correct press tool (die). The blank is fed into the first press station and transferred from one station to the next by a crossbar feeder robot for additional forming and trimming operations.

The press line is capable of running up to 18 strokes per minute. After the parts are stamped, they go to quality control for inspection and then are stacked into racks ready for delivery to the body shop production line.

“Having a press shop onsite is part of BMW’s localization strategy where we produce our major parts at the location where we need them,” Engelhorn said. “This ensures the highest quality, efficiency and consis-

tency in body shop parts for our customers.”

While Schuler will manufacture the automated press line, all tooling for Plant Spartanburg’s press shop will come from BMW tool shops in Eisenach, Munich and Dingolfing, company officials said.

Since 1992, the BMW Group has invested nearly $12 billion in its South Carolina operations. BMW Manufacturing is the largest BMW Group plant in the world, producing more than 1,500 vehicles a day and 433,810 vehicles in 2021, a record.

The plant exports nearly 60% of its vehicles to about 120 global markets. For eight consecutive years, it has been the largest exporter by value in the U.S. The portfolio includes five top-selling BMW X models, four Motorsport X models and two plug-in hybrid electric vehicle X models. The all-new BMW XM, the first electrified high-performance hybrid model in the BMW M portfolio, will begin production in late 2022.

The factory has an annual production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles and employs more than 11,000 people.

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Staffing Challenges It also provides a numerical index ranking of the highest-performing automotive brands sold in the U.S., based on the combined scores of five measures that comprise the vehicle owner service experience.

These measures are (in order of importance): service quality (32%), service advisor (19%), vehicle pickup (19%), service facility (15%) and service initiation (15%).

Following are key findings of the 2022 study: Customers trust dealer service departments: The redesigned study also measures factors relating to trust between a customer and the dealership. On a rating scale of 1 to 7 points, the most important trust attribute is, “I trust the dealership to perform complex repairs on my vehicle,” with an average rating of 6.16. However, the second-most important attribute, “Takes responsibility when a mistake is made and resolves it effectively,” has the lowest average rating (5.91).

Your vehicle is ready: The service department sending simple text messages to remind of upcoming appointment dates or to provide a status for in-process work are preferred by 42% of customers. Additionally, owners today gravitate toward other technology channels to communicate with the service department, including making appointments online

(27%) and via mobile app (7%), and paying online (17%).

“Dealers who meet customers on their preferred communication channels are gaining an advantage,” Sutton said. “Service departments need to jump on the technology train now or risk being left behind.”

Seeing is believing: New to the redesigned study is a metric that measures satisfaction when the service department provides a recommended photo or video of repair work with the customer after a multi-point inspection and before needed work is approved. This additional communication feature is having a positive effect on business and trust, as well as on customer satisfaction.

When customers receive a photo or video communication regarding their needed maintenance work, they are three times more likely to have advisor-recommended work done. Additionally, on a seven-point rating scale, dealerships are building a higher level of trust with customers (.39 point higher) than are their counterparts who do not provide a photo or video.

If you go to them, satisfaction will improve: New to the study in 2022 is a measurement of satisfaction among customers who select to have their vehicle serviced either by valet (when a dealership picks up the vehicle) or mobile (when the dealership sends a technician to the customer’s location). Overall customer satisfaction among owners

using valet or mobile service is 866 compared to 847 among those who had an in-person dealership visit.

Next frontier is battery electric vehicle (BEV) service experience: With BEV sales expected to increase in the coming years, dealers have a significant service quality satisfaction gap to close. Overall service satisfaction among BEV owners (784) is 68 points lower than among owners of gas- or diesel-powered vehicles (852).

Additionally, the average number of service visits a BEV owner makes in a year is 1.9 compared with 2.4 among owners of gas- and diesel-powered vehicles.

“BEV service is the next frontier for dealerships,” Sutton said.

“The automotive industry has to get ready now and get the service experience right with BEV owners or they risk losing them to aftermarket service providers. This includes fully understanding BEV customer pain points like range anxiety, unique maintenance requirements and support for related services such as availability of charging stations.”

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Study Rankings Lexus ranks highest in satisfaction with dealer service among premium brands with a score of 897. Cadillac (880) ranks second, followed

by Porsche (879), Acura (871) and BMW (866).

MINI ranks highest in satisfaction with dealer service among mass market brands for a second consecutive year, with a score of 873. Buick (872) ranks second, followed by Mazda (856), Mitsubishi (854) and GMC (853).

The 2022 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study is based on responses from 67,185 verified registered owners and lessees of 2019 to 2021 model-year vehicles. J.D. Power goes to great lengths to ensure that survey respondents are true owners of the brand they are representing. The study was fielded from July through December 2021.

For more information about the U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, visit https://www.jdpower. com/business/automotive/us-customer-service-index-csi-study.

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GM Names Global Purchasing Lead General Motors announced the appointment of Jeffrey Morrison as vice president of global purchasing and supply chain, effective April 1.

Morrison replaces Shilpan Amin, who was recently appointed GM senior vice president and president, GM International, following the announcement of Steve Kiefer’s decision to retire after almost 40 years in the auto industry.

In his current role, Morrison is responsible for GM’s global electrified vehicle hardware development, which includes overall electric vehicle propulsion calibration and driving performance.

Morrison has more than 25 years of experience in the global automotive industry and has worked for GM since 2006. He has led global engineering, procurement and logistics organizations for GM in the U.S. and Germany.

His previous assignments include executive roles in electrical systems and advanced technology, strategic planning, chassis systems and global logistics.

Source: GM

Continued from Cover

Suspend Business GM no longer has any manufacturing plants in Russia, Svigos said. It has only a national sales company that sells to Russia and other Eastern European markets. It is based in Moscow and employs 67 people, Svigos said.

The portfolio of vehicles sold come from North America and South Korea. GM is in contact with the team in Moscow to safeguard “our people and our business,” Svigos said.

“At this stage, we’re in constant contact with them, multiple times a day and working through the ramifications,” Svigos told the Free Press on Feb. 25.

GM put out a statement saying, “Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine at this time. The loss of life is a tragedy and our overriding concern is for the safety of people in the region.”

Morningstar Auto Analyst David Whiston said GM’s reasons for suspending its business in Russia is

“about war.” But with GM exiting Europe and Russia years ago, except for iconic vehicles, it’s probably a nonissue for the automaker’s stock.

“Many firms want to cut ties with Russia given what’s happened, like BP is doing with its nearly 20% stake in a Russian oil firm,” Whiston said. “So GM probably wants to show its disapproval with Russia’s actions too.”

Energy giant BP Plc is Russia’s biggest foreign investor. It said it was abandoning its 20% stake in state-controlled Rosneft at a cost of up to $25 billion.

Detroit’s other automaker, Stellantis, did not immediately offer a comment on their plans for business in Russia.

But Ford Motor Co. spokesman Ian Thibodeau said the company “will provide updates as warranted” on its plans for its operations in Russia.

Ford has a 50% stake in three Russian plants, Reuters reported. Thibodeau previously told the Free Press Ford would monitor and manage any impacts on its operations, but was mostly concerned for

the safety of people in the region.

On Feb. 28, Swedish automaker Volvo Cars was the first international carmaker to say it will suspend car shipments to the Russian market until further notice, Reuters reported. Daimler Truck also said it would freeze its business activities in Russia with immediate effect, including its cooperation with Russian truck maker Kamaz.

Volkswagen in Russia temporarily suspended deliveries of cars to dealers until further notice on Feb. 28, Reuters reported. Mercedes-Benz Group was studying legal options to quickly divest its 15% stake in Kamaz, Reuters wrote, citing the Handelsblatt newspaper.

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The Boring Company Submits Plans for 6.2-Mile Loop System in Miami

by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati

It appears Elon Musk’s tunneling startup, The Boring Company, is looking to secure its next big project.

As per a recent report, The Boring Company has submitted a proposal to build the North Miami Beach Loop, a 6.2-mile transport tunnel system in Miami, FL. The proposed system would feature seven stations along State Road 826, between the Golden Glades Transit Center and Sunny Isles Beach.

The project was initially reported by Insider, which was able to view the tunneling startup’s proposal. The Boring Company seems to be aiming for a larger scale Loop system this time around, noting the proposed tunnels should be able to transport more than 7,500 passengers per hour. When scaled, the North Miami Beach Loop could be scaled to accomodate more than 15,000 commuters per hour.

Similar to The Boring Company’s other projects like the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop, the cost of the Miami tunnels is at-

tractive. The tunneling startup estimated the proposed project would cost around $185 million to $220 million. The Boring Company also expects the construction of the 6.2mile system to take less than three years if the project’s permitting process does not get held up in red tape.

The North Miami Beach Loop is open for expansion, just like the Vegas Loop, currently under construction. Among these potential extensions is a 3-mile connection to Hard Rock Stadium, as well as a 1.8mile link to the Florida International University Biscayne Campus.

The system’s cost and its potential to help reduce traffic congestion in the area are among the reasons why Miami Beach is considering The Boring Company’s proposal.

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Michael Joseph said in a statement to the publication both commuters and visitors to the area would likely benefit from the North Miami Beach Loop since it connects the city center to the beach.

“We have a lot of traffic congestion, and this would be a way of alleviating a great deal of that traffic,” he said, adding The Boring Company’s estimated cost per mile of the North Miami Beach Loop will be a “fraction of what is seen in other types of mass transit projects proposed in South Florida, while the construction would not be as disruptive to the local economy.”

Joseph said efforts are under way to secure funding for the proposed project. The city is currently seeking funding from regional, state and federal governments.

Considering the relatively low cost of the North Miami Beach Loop, however, there seems to be a fair chance the project may see some notable interest. Traditional solutions that span 6.2 miles, after all, typically cost significantly more than The Boring Company’s estimate.

Sherwin-Williams Donates to CIF The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) is delighted to announce Sherwin-Williams will participate in the CIF Annual Donor Program, at the Urgent Care tier with a $5,000 pledge.

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.

“As a longtime supporter of CIF, we are proud to participate in the 2022 Annual Donor Program,” said Rob Mowson, vice president of marketing, Automotive Finishes Division of Sherwin-Williams. “We understand that disasters are unpredictable and this donation allows us to give back to the collision industry in a meaningful and effective way.”

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Questions Surround Logistics, Infrastructure for Ford’s $5.6B Tennessee Megasite Project

by Jon Styf, The Center Square

Construction on Ford’s Blue Oval City is set to begin in March on 3,600 acres of the West Tennessee Regional Megasite and logistics are now a large question.

Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Bob Rolfe said Walbridge, the Michigan contractor hired to build the $5.6 billion Ford F-Series electric truck plant, has left subcontractors in charge of the logistics of getting workers to the site.

Rolfe said he believes that will mean a lot of commuters coming from Memphis and Jackson as the site is built.

Rolfe gave an update Feb. 28 on the project, expected to ultimately bring 5,760 jobs to Tennessee, at a budget hearing in the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee.

Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, said he has asked the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation about RV parking on the site and is worried there have not been a lot of requests from contractors related to the project yet.

“They really haven’t had any inquiries of what the local capacity is for wastewater,” Todd said.

“I would have thought there would be work done five to six months ago. They’re going to have to park somewhere. There’s no hotels.”

Brooxie Carlton, assistant commissioner of Community and Rural Development for the TNECD, said “there honestly isn’t a great solution for where those folks can go because there is not a lot of RV parking or temporary spaces.

I think that is one of those things keeping the mayors up at night.”

Rolfe said infrastructure needs ultimately will come along with the permanent workers in the area,

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comparing it with General Motors’ factory in Spring Hill, south of Nashville, that has seen the area grow from 1,500 residents in 1990 to 50,000 in the 2020 U.S. census.

Carlton said the department is in the process of spending $4.5 million on a consultant to help plan out the local communities and their future infrastructure needs, including land use planning, water and sewer planning and schools.

Rolfe said Ford and SK Innovations, a South Korean company that has signed on to be a partner to build battery packs for the trucks on the site, are projected to make $265 million in payments over the next 30 years that will be collected by Tennessee and sent to the surrounding communities for those infrastructure improvements.

Rolfe acknowledged some in Tennessee are not pleased a Michigan company was hired to build the project and hire the many subcontractors that will build the campus. There have been two job fairs already in Memphis related to the project.

“We don’t dictate to companies who they contract with, wages, union or non-union,” Rolfe said.

“In other states that assert themselves, they are quickly moved down the list (for future projects).”

Rolfe said another opportunity will come when 10 to 12 new suppliers arrive in Tennessee related to the Ford facility. He said he could

not name the companies yet, but some will be building separately from the megasite.

Those companies would be eligible for the TNECD FastTrack grant program if they are independent suppliers. FastTrack grants are state grants sent to local governments for specific infrastructure improvements or to companies to help offset the costs of expanding or moving into the state with the goal of increasing the number of full-time jobs and the average wages of jobs available in an area.

Gov. Bill Lee has $100 million in additional funding for FastTrack grants in his proposed budget for next year. TNECD has a $467 million balance in the FastTrack account with $170 million of that contracted but not-yet-paid-for announced projects, $103 million for committed but not-yet-announced projects and $192 million worth of offers to companies that have not commit-

16 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

“If companies with offers out decline, that goes back into the bucket,” said Paul Vandermeer, assistant commissioner of administration for the TNECD. Rolfe also was asked Feb. 28 about child care for workers, something he said was Ford’s responsibility on the site and would be something found in local communities as workers move to the megasite area.

Rolfe also said the usual incentive approach, or giving an average of $6,000 in incentives for every net new job that meets the standard of paying at least the median wage in a community, didn’t apply to Ford.

Ford received $884 million in incentives from Tennessee’s General Assembly in an October special session.

“Blue Oval is a different world just because the GDP (gross domestic product) we think will develop about $3.5 billion a year on an annual basis,” Rolfe said. “That one is an outlier.”

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autobodynews.com / APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 17

West Virginia Proposes Law That Would Hurt Consumers, Help Dealers

by Justin Fischer, YAA

A bipartisan bill, HB 4560, was introduced Feb. 7 in West Virginia by nine lawmakers. The language in the proposed law is a wish list for car dealers.

Car dealerships are terrified of losing their grip on the cash cow that is vehicle maintenance, repairs, service and recall work. Over-theair (OTA) updates change the way vehicles are modified, and that’s a concern for car dealers.

A simple Wi-Fi connection is all Tesla—and a growing list of automakers—needs to send car owners the latest updates to infotainment, battery health or even performance.

Automakers have even fixed several recalls using remotely-administered OTA updates.

Maintenance, recall work and service and repairs make up a substantial portion of dealership revenue, and they’re not willing to let go without a fight.

CleanTechnica reported the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI), which represents automakers, sent a letter to the West Virginia Legislature stating its concerns about the anti-consumer nature of House Bill 4560. The bill alludes to just how messy things can get as automakers wield more control over the vehicle ownership experience.

HB 4560 Limits OTA Updates in West Virginia The bipartisan bill was introduced Feb. 7 by nine lawmakers in the West Virginia House of Delegates.

It’s a lengthy bill, and reads like a wish list for dealerships. The overall language in HB 4560 seeks to specify the automaker-dealer relationship in the state.

The language concerning overthe-air updates is in the “prohibited practices” section, specifically §17A-6A-10-2-r: “A manufacturer or distributor may not do any of the following: Except for experimental low-volume not-for-retail sale vehicles, cause warranty and recall repair work to be performed by any entity other than a new motor vehicle dealer, including post-sale software and hardware upgrades or changes to vehicle

function and features, and accessories for new motor vehicles sold by a licensed new motor vehicle dealer. Provided however, this language shall not include any post-sale software upgrades to the motor vehicle’s navigation or entertainment system.”

Clearly, the bill’s sponsors are doing their best to preserve the ritual of dreaded service center visits even if innovation offers a more convenient alternative.

Follow the Money: Dealership Interests Tied to the Bill’s Sponsor A quick look at primary sponsor Del. Vernon Adrian Criss’ track record reveals financial ties to West Virginia dealerships. Criss’ most recent campaign donor information on Ballotpedia shows the West Virginia Automobile & Truck Dealers Association was among the top five donors to his 2016 campaign. His top donor in the same election cycle was none other than Bill Cole, former lawmaker and dealership franchise owner.

It’s certainly no surprise lawmakers are in the pockets of dealer interests. Still, it’s a sad reminder many lawmakers are vehemently opposed to “government overreach” unless it serves their personal interests.

How Do West Virginia’s Car Owners Feel About HB 4560 and OTA Updates?

It just so happens I’m a West Virginia resident. I love calling The Mountain State home. Go Mountaineers! West Virginia often gets a bad rap in the national media. In my opinion, this state has so many redeeming qualities that make it a great, beautiful place to live.

Personally, I feel the language regarding OTA updates in HB 4560 would be a big step in the wrong

18 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

direction if West Virginia aims to continue diversifying its economy.

West Virginia is now the new home to GreenPower, an electric school bus manufacturer bringing hundreds of jobs. Toyota recently announced the expansion of the West Virginia plant that builds hybrid powertrain components. Renewable energy is finally starting to take off in the state after centuries of powering the nation with its rich natural resources.

West Virginia is full of hope and diverse opinions. I decided to reach out to members of the West Virginia Electric Auto Association (WVEAA) to see how electric vehicle owners feel about the proposed language in HB 4560.

Member Terry Cox noted the parallels between today’s evolving vehicle sales models and transitions of the past.

“I understand the dealers are feeling threatened by direct sales from the manufacturer, which cuts them out of the sales process and provides little to no maintenance for

their repair shops,” Cox said. “But it’s just like Amazon and Walmart threatening the small, local businesses. Auto dealers will need to adapt to survive.”

Thornton Cooper thinks the uproar could be a misguided interpretation of a lackluster bill. He doesn’t get what all the fuss is about.

“The bill would apply to upgrades of hardware and software on motor vehicles sold at dealerships in West Virginia,” Cooper said. “I figure that the intent is to have manufacturers, rather than dealers, bear more of the costs of the upgrades.”

Cooper also emphasized the bill’s text must be interpreted through the lens of the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

WVEAA Vice President Marty Weirick sees the broader implications of HB 4560.

“The fact that a bill to ban OTA was introduced and then changed should make us realize just how vulnerable EV drivers are to political skullduggery,” Weirick said.

See Hurt Consumers, Page 24

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autobodynews.com / APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 19

Platform Measures Auto Body Damage A new company is launching a software platform that measures auto body damage, providing reporting repairers can share with their insurance partners to assist in negotiating repair times.

The product, Dents.co, officially launched Feb. 22 and is available for download on Apple’s AppStore.

Dents.co, the first-of-itskind app, is designed to revolutionize collision repair by bringing existing LiDAR technology into the automotive physical damage industry.

The app pairs the laser-driven tech already present in iPhones and iPads with cutting-edge artificial intelligence to seamlessly capture damages, allowing repairers to share the information with insurance adjusters for assessment. This groundbreaking technology opens the door to a standardized quoting process for body shops and insurers and promises to uncomplicate the estimating process.

Source: Dents.co

Carvana Growth Drives Major Expansion in Atlanta Carvana on Feb. 22 announced the official opening of its new campus in Atlanta, GA, reinforcing its position as the fastest organic growth used auto retailer in U.S. history.

The new Atlanta facility becomes one of Carvana’s largest locations, currently employing more than 1,500 team members in Georgia. Carvana plans to bring an additional 3,500 jobs to the area in the next several years as the company continues scaling its operations.

Carvana launched in Atlanta in January 2013 at the High Museum of Art and sold its first car in Georgia. Now, within the state, Carvana operates several logistics hubs, an inspection center that employs more than 400 team members and last year, launched one of its tallest patented Car Vending Machines in the U.S., measuring 12 stories high.

Carvana’s people-first values and the company’s unwavering pursuit of customer dedication and innovation continues to grow, now serving customers in more than 300 markets across the country.

20 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

“When we sold our first vehicle online in 2013, we were a scrappy group on a mission to change the way people buy cars by re-imagining the business from

wide inventory to more than 80% of the U.S. population. Powered by a community of more than 20,000 team members, Carvana has improved the way people buy—and

“When we sold our first vehicle online in 2013, we were a scrappy group on a mission to change the way people buy cars by re-imagining the business from the ground up with the north star of delivering the best customer experiences available,” — Ernie Garcia the ground up with the north star of delivering the best customer experiences available,” said Ernie Garcia, Carvana founder and CEO. “Atlanta was the first market where we sold 1,000 cars in one month and is still our largest, even though we’ve sold more than 1 million vehicles to date. Now more than ever, we remain committed to our continued expansion within the region.”

Carvana believes everyone deserves straightforward access to car ownership and offers as-soonas-next-day delivery of its nation-

sell—cars, demonstrated by its industry-leading Net Promoter Score (NPS) and 4.7 out of five star customer experience rating average.

Its intuitive and convenient online car buying, selling and financing experience enables customers to quickly and easily shop more than 55,000 vehicles, finance, trade in or sell their current vehicle to Carvana, sign contracts and schedule delivery or pickup at one of its 30 patented, automated Car Vending Machines.

Source: Carvana

autobodynews.com / APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 21

CIF Urges Support for Tech Burned in Shop Accident

By Joel Gausten, for CIF

The Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) is urging members of the auto body field to do all they can to help Bryan Miller, an Ohio-based technician and painter who is recovering from a devastating in-shop accident that burned more than 70% of his body and nearly ended his life.

Last September, Miller was working on a motorcycle at Elite Auto Body, Cycle and Sales in Bethel, OH when it backfired and triggered a chain reaction that resulted in the shop going up in flames. Trapped inside his work area for several minutes, he caught on fire before forcing his way through a window. Once outside, he watched the building burn as his body was overcome by the agonizing trauma.

“The only way I could keep myself from passing out was to scream,” he recalls.

Thankfully, a man and woman on a motorcycle soon spotted him and stopped to offer assistance. As Miller remembers, it took 30 minutes for medical personnel to arrive on the scene and another 30 minutes for a helicopter to arrive to transport him to the hospital. He remained conscious the entire time.

Miller’s experience caught the attention of CIF, which has been working hard to bring him a sense of hope and encouragement during this difficult time. At a recent Collision Industry Conference (CIC) in Phoenix, the 150-plus industry leaders in attendance did a virtual shout-out to Miller to show him their support. (A video of this virtual shout-out can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/25hrcck2.)

Although he survived the event, Miller was left with mostly third-degree burns covering the majority of his body. He also endured a near-fatal case of pneumonia while in the hospital. Six months ? and multiple surgeries and skin grafts ? later, he lives in constant pain that he describes as “background noise that’s normal.”

Lotion needs to be applied to his body on a constant basis to keep his scars moist.

“I have to wake up and basically stretch myself back to some kind of normal mobility. I get tight again every night; it’s like wearing a shirt

that’s too small for you.”

After leaving the hospital, Miller received constant care by his fiancée, Kassi Nellet, who spent five hours a day changing his dressings. Unfortunately, an infection in his wounds prompted his transfer to the Daniel Drake Center for Post-Acute Care in Cincinnati, where he still resides.

Shortly after the holidays, he contracted COVID-19. Thankfully now recovered from the virus, he hopes to leave the Daniel Drake Center within the next few weeks and move in with his father in Batavia, Ohio. He expects it will take at least another year for him to regain full mobility and for his scars to settle down.

Originally a mover, Miller began his auto industry career in 2016 when a friend asked if he’d be interested in picking up some side work at a highend restoration shop. A self-described “artist at heart” who had tried his hand at tattooing prior to working at the shop, he instantly fell in love with the artistry of pinstriping and painting cars and took things from there.

“I found that everything came quite naturally to me – from simple bodywork all the way to framework and painting.”

After further developing his skills as a combination collision technician/painter at two other facilities, he moved on to his most recent job at Elite.

“I love doing what I do for a living and could not imagine doing anything else. It is the most satisfying thing in the world when someone brings in something broken so I can transform it into something beautiful.

And to me, ‘painter’ is a prestigious title.”

Despite his recent harrowing ordeal, he hopes to someday return to the profession he loves.

“I want to go back to work right now! It’s my passion; I feel blessed to have found a career that’s given me a sense of pride to be able to tell people what I do for a living. I just love everything about my job.”

Michael Quinn, CIF Board president and president of AirPro Diagnostics, urges his collision industry peers to support Miller in his recovery and hopeful return to the automotive world.

“Bryan’s incredible story is one

22 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

of survival and fighting back. We as an industry have an obligation to help our own, and we ask you to dig deep to aid CIF in helping Bryan and his fiancée to start again. This is not a onetime donation or effort; CIF is committed to following Bryan through rehab and getting him the training and tooling necessary to work his way back to a shop. On a recent call with CIF, Bryan called us his new best friends. We are honored to know him, and we are committed to helping him rebuild his career in this industry.”

Jim Ocampo, CIF trustee and strategic accounts sales manager for Axalta Coating Systems, echoes Quinn’s sentiments.

“CIF’s core value is to help people in need. I don’t think there’s anything that better defines our mission than Bryan’s story. His spirits are high, and he really has a desire to get back into the industry. We don’t want to lose someone like him. There are so many things he can do within the automotive field. We would like to raise as much money as we can for him, so we’re calling on everyone in

the industry to help this young man rebuild his life.”

“Before the folks at CIF had reached out to me, I was very depressed and had no idea how I would move forward,” Miller adds. “Jim and Mike encouraged me to keep fighting and to know that I had some unrealized purpose. It was like a storybook getting connected with these guys.

And the video shout-out from CIC in January really helped motivate me and to know my industry cares.“ Miller’s many needs include (but are not limited to) funds to aid him in securing permanent housing, tools to replace the ones he lost in the fire and education/direction in regard to new professional opportunities (estimating, parts, etc.) that could accommodate his physical condition as he works towards his desired return to painting and bodywork.

Miller, who recently celebrated his 32nd birthday, is quick to express his deep gratitude to his industry friends for everything they have done for him thus far.

See Shop Accident, Page 24

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autobodynews.com / APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 23

Why America Isn’t Getting the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo

by Ben O’Hare, InsideEVs

After years of anticipation and hype, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is finally here in production form. Several variants will be available, but initially a short wheelbase five-seater passenger version will launch alongside the Cargo model.

Both will go on sale in Europe later this year. However, those in the U.S. chasing after a Buzz will have to wait a little longer. Why? Because neither version will reach American shores.

The short wheelbase passengerBuzz has been ignored in favor of a long wheelbase seven- or eight-seater model for the American market. It won’t go on sale until 2024 however. Meanwhile a California version, which should be the production Buzz closest to the 2017 Concept, will arrive in 2025.

VW has no plans to sell the ID. Buzz Cargo in the U.S., either in short or long wheelbase guise. The reason behind this decision is the Chicken Tax. Simply put, it’s a 25% tariff on

light trucks made outside of America.

As a commercial van, the Cargo falls into that category. All Buzz models will be produced in Hannover, Germany. Hence the Cargo would be very expensive if sold in the U.S., making it an unviable option for VW. The Cargo offers 137.7 cubic feet of space, enough for two European-sized pallets. The version revealed March 9 features a 77 kWh, 204 bhp battery pack. A smaller 58 kWh battery can be found on the five-seater ID. Buzz Pure. Both batteries are shared with other ID. models.

Although not confirmed, numerous reports are suggesting the long wheelbase Buzz destined for the U.S. will feature a much larger battery, around 100 kWh in size.

Exact range figures for the Buzz are yet to be given, but the 58 kWh pack should be good for up to 200 miles per charge. Buzzes equipped with the 77 kWh battery could potentially manage around 250 miles per charge. A larger pack for the long wheelbase Buzz could see that figure pushed to more than 300 miles, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Continued from Page 18

Hurt Consumers Revisions Likely, But Tesla Owners Are On Alert The bill is still in the very early phases of the legislative process. A hearing was held for the bill Feb. 22, and a revised draft is due for release.

It’s possible the concerns voiced by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation affect the final language of the bill. Toyota has a major parts assembly plant outside of Charleston, WV, so automakers have some sway in The Mountain State.

What Does It Mean For Consumers?

Over-the-air updates bring much-needed convenience to vehicle ownership. Downloading an update can remedy recall concerns and

improve vehicle safety within hours, without ever needing to schedule an appointment. Dealers know this, but they don’t want to lose your business.

Tesla pioneered OTA updates, and its success brought legacy automakers to see the value of remote software updates. Now, the likes of Ford, General Motors, VW Group and Stellantis are all rolling out OTA update capability.

Although House Bill 4560 is likely to undergo revisions, the simple fact that this language was introduced at all is a troubling sign of what could come to legislatures around the nation. If lawmakers succeed at restricting the use of OTA updates to please powerful dealers, new car ownership will take a big step backwards after years of promising, exciting innovation.

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Continued from Page 22

Shop Accident “I would really like to thank everyone who is and will be involved in making all these amazing things happen for me in such a dark time. It is truly a blessing, and I don’t know if I would even be able to get back in the industry without your assistance.”

Tax Deductible donations can be made at www.collisionindustryfoundation.org/donate , use ‘general donation’ and specify that your donation is for Bryan Miller. For more information, please call (855) 4CIFAID (toll free) or (804) 427-6982 (direct).

Joel Gausten has been covering the national collision repair/automotive service industry since 2000. He can be reached at gaustenbooks@ gmail.com.

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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

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-F 7:30-5 greg_thomas@freewayhondaal.com

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

Rick Case Honda

FLORIDA

Davie

877-544-2249

AutoNation Honda Clearwater

Milton Martin Honda Gainesville

770-534-0086 678-989-5473

Asheville

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

Crown Honda Southpoint Durham

855-893-8866 919-425-4711

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

South Motors Honda

Honda of Newnan

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

Miami

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

AutoNation Honda Hollywood

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

Hollywood

800-542-8121 954-964-8300

Buford/Gwinnett

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

Clearwater

888-205-2564 727-530-1173

NO. CAROLINA

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

GEORGIA

Carey Paul Honda

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

Newnan

Snellville

770-985-1444

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

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

Marietta

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

Headquarter Honda

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

Clermont

800-497-2294 407-395-7374

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

Gastonia

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

Classic Honda Orlando

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

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

Fort Lauderdale

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

Duval Acura Jacksonville

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

800-352-2872 904-725-1149

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

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

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

Roswell

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

26 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.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 / APRIL 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.

Destructive Weld Testing a Crucial Step You Should Be Paid to Perform One of the few discouraging statistics for me from the “Who Pays for What?” surveys we’ve been conducting since 2015 involves destructive testing of welds.

Last year, more than 40% of collision repair shops acknowledged they had never sought to be paid for the labor to create test welds and perform destructive testing on them prior to welding on a vehicle to ensure the welder was set-up properly.

Let me be clear: I’m less concerned with whether shops are being paid for this work, though I believe they should be, and I hope this article will help you negotiate to get paid for it.

What I’m really discouraged and concerned about is that I believe many technicians and shops are skipping this absolutely essential step in the repair process.

Ladies and gentlemen, unless

you perform destructive testing of welds prior to any welding on a vehicle, you cannot know whether the welds you are doing on the vehicle are proper and will perform as necessary. It would be like an automak-

Mike Anderson says shops failing to follow OEM procedures for destructive weld testing would be like an automaker failing to crashtest a new model of vehicle

er not doing vehicle crash testing before selling a new model of vehicle.

It’s a serious liability for your business. If you don’t do this—every

time—you run the risk of someone who is in another accident in a vehicle you repaired being seriously injured or even killed because of a faulty weld.

I cannot emphasize this enough: We have a moral and ethical responsibility to make sure our technicians are doing this. It’s not about whether you get paid for it. It’s the right thing to do. If we don’t do it, somebody could get hurt.

A real-world example of the importance of destructive weld testing came up during an online meeting.

At Collision Advice, we facilitate 20 Groups called The Spartans, which includes virtual estimating training sessions once a month.

During one of these recent discussions, member Dean Massimini of Autotech Collision Service---one of the most committed shops that I know of in terms of following OEM repair procedures---shared with our

members that they make sure their technicians are performing and documenting weld testing every time it is needed. He told us they recently were performing a destructive test weld that failed.

“We had a malfunction on our welder that we would not have found if we weren’t doing destructive tests,” Massimini said.

This is what every shop should be doing.

Another recent cautionary example: I was onsite at another shop in South Carolina, and one of the technicians told me how they had been having issues with a welder, and another industry consultant told them to use a different wire. Fortunately, I knew someone at the manufacturer of the vehicle involved. His first question: Has the shop had the software update done on their weldSee Destructive Weld, Page 44

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GUNIWHEEL™ Makes the Collision Repair World Go Round One Wheel at a Time

by Ed Attanasio

An auto body shop manager in San Francisco, CA, told me he spends more time moving cars than fixing them.

With limited space on the shop floor and literally zero parking in the lot, staging vehicles is a full-time job for an apprentice whose title is “porter.” He wants to train to be a technician, but in the end he’s nothing more than a valet.

Fixing cars back to their pre-accident condition is tough enough and, in many cases, moving vehicles safely around the shop is a separate job all on its own.

Director of Marketing Mike Dunlap has seen the market for GUNIWHEEL™ explode. Here he is with Ghetto Bob from Count’s Kustoms and the TV show, “Counting Cars.”

With a mission to safely mount and move vehicles with its universal bolt pattern shop wheels, GUNIWHEEL™ is popular with body shops, car restoration companies, towing companies, wheel repair companies and car dealerships.

Its universal four- or five-bolt pattern designs for cars and light SUVs are made of thicker steel for more durability needed in heavy-use shop environments. Easy to mount and safe to install on all hub locations, their skinny compact design frees up work space around the hub, stacks up neatly on racks and stands and eliminates the need for multiple spares laying around.

Drivable up to 5 mph, GUNIWHEEL™ rolls easily over hoses, grates, humps and ramps. It can also be used in the paint booth to avoid overspray on expensive wheels and tires.

It comes in three sizes based on the vehicle’s bolt pattern and the size of the center bore: the GUNIWHEEL™ 45S, 56 and 80.

Made from polyurethane injection molding, the solid black tire on every GUNIWHEEL™ won’t go flat and features a unique safety feature to prevent over speeding. Evenly-spaced ribs are molded across the width of the tire and will begin to vibrate once speeds reach the speed limit rating of 5 mph. The carbon steel rim has a durable design and is painted orange for quick and easy identification. Each wheel weighs just 34 pounds.

Director of Marketing Mike Dunlap has seen the market for GUNIWHEEL™ explode and has been integral to the company’s success. The first big distribution agreement it signed was with LKQ/ Keystone, and shortly thereafter, car rebuilders and many top names in the industry started lining up to try GUNIWHEEL™.

“We were at SEMA setting up a small booth for their Ignited event in [2019], and we ran into some of Chip Foose’s builders,” Dunlap said.

“They saw the GUNIWHEEL™ and said ‘we love it,’ and two weeks later Chip called us. When a major player like Foose starts recommending a product, people listen, and that’s how we found a whole new group of people who became believers.”

Alex Rodriguez owns Dynamic Collision, a mini-MSO with three shops in New York, New Jersey and Florida. He has been using GUNIWHEEL™ products for the past three years and has been an enthusiastic brand ambassador for the company since the first day he tried one. He owns a total of 60 GUNIWHEEL™ products of all different sizes to accommodate every vehicle that comes through his doors.

“When I find products that provide solutions for my business, I am never afraid to recommend them and that’s why we often post photos and reviews about GUNIWHEEL™,” Rodriguez said. “Our shops are busy all the time, so we can’t afford to stop or slow down our production.

We need to keep the vehicles driveable and moving through the body repair process. They make us more efficient and we’re able to get rid of multiple spare tire racks or digging through the customers’ trunk for spares. Our insurance partners are

30 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

always looking at our cycle time, so efficiency is paramount and GUNIWHEEL™ helps us to keep the ball rolling without stopping or waiting.”

to’s indirectly led to the invention of the GUNIWHEEL™, Dunlap said.

“We had a high-end body shop in Arizona that we were repairing wheels for and one particular Bentley gave us some trouble. We were having difficulty matching the color on the wheels, so the Bentley sat in the shop as we went back and forth,” he said. “They told us they needed the wheel back so they could finish the repair and get the vehicle out of the shop. So, Sergio thought of a solution, and that’s the genesis of GUNIBody shops use GUNIWHEEL™ to avoid starts and stops WHEEL™.” and keep their production rolling uninterrupted When he came up with Great inventions often start the initial design, Rovito was going as simple solutions for potentially to name it the Uniwheel, but to make complex problems. In 2018, the in- it more unique and personalized, ventor, GUNIWHEEL™ President Rovito added the “G” in honor of and CEO Sergio Rovito, had a com- his daughter, Gabriella. Many peopany that repaired and reconditioned ple call them “Gunis” and the comwheels for body shops and car deal- pany’s motto is “Get your Guni on!” erships.

The true genius behind the See GUNIWHEEL™, Page 41 One particular customer of Rovi-

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autobodynews.com / APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 31 6/30/21 1:37 PM

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.

Examples Demonstrate Problems with Collision Techs Making Repair ‘Presumptions’

Shop Showcase

As A presentation at the Collision one part that came from the factory Industry Conference (CIC) earlier with two attachment methods. So this year included a number of ex- making an assumption that you know with Ed Attanasio amples of vehicle repairs that could what you’re doing because you’ve easily be done incorrectly if a tech- been doing it for a long time is a very nician makes presumptions about dangerous assumption to make.” the process based on past experience VanHulle also shared slides rerather than carefully following the lated to a sectioning procedures for a OEM procedures. front lower rail on a Ford Explorer.

Scott VanHulle, manager of with Ed Attanasio One slide of the procedure he shared I-CAR’s Repairability Technical calls for MIG welding.

Support and OEM Technical RelaBut in addition, he said, dependtions, cited a Silverado box side in- ing on which of two zones is being stalled at the factory with 10 welds. repaired, “you actually have to make “In the repair, you’re only these panels out of the service part putting seven in,” VanHulle said. that you have to rivet bond over the “Where those three extra welds were, top of the area you just welded. So with Ed Attanasio they want you to put crash-toughened when you’re doing the repair planadhesive in there. If you were to get ning, if you just quickly go through to this point and only then realize that procedure, you might think, ‘Oh you need to have crash-toughened we just need to weld it.’ Well, no, you adhesive, you’re going to have to re- have to make these parts. You have move that part that youEd already have to do the rivets. So if you’re not truwith Attanasio partially installed because there’s no ly understanding the procedure, and way to get the adhesive in there.” have those rivets in-stock, there’s no Jason Bartanen of Collision way the technician is going to know Hub pointed to something simi- what to do, and he’s going to make a lar with the lower outer rail on the mistake or only do part of it.”

Chevrolet Bolt.

VanHulle said another example “It’s attached [at theStacey factory] with of the increased use of adhesives by with Phillips spot welds and MIG-brazed joints, automakers can be seen in I-CAR’s essentially,” Bartanen said. “But free 51-minute “Repairers Realm” when you do the replacement proce- video on the roof replacement produre, there’s adhesive, spot-welding, cedure for the 2022 Honda Civic. weld-bonding, rivets, rivet-bonding, “The procedure is interesting, but plug welds and with MIG-brazing.

Seven if you Stacey Phillips don’t do the proper planning, different attachment methods on that and have the proper pieces in place,

Social Media for Shops

SEMA Show Goes On

there’s no way you’re going to put that roof on correctly, especially if you’re assuming it was like the last Honda you did,” VanHulle said. “And this is not just happening with one automaker. All of them are having adhesives show up pretty much everywhere.”

The presentation at CIC was similar to a message from American Honda last fall about making repair presumption. Scott Kaboos, assistant manager of collision repair training and technology for American Honda, said students at Honda’s hands-on training facility in Illinois are often surprised the ADAS cameras on one model year Accord will require different targets and processes than those on another.

“Even within Honda and Acura, we have so many different systems, so many different calibrations,” Kaboos said. “There is no one standard way [across models] even within our

Media and Publicity for Shops Shop Strategies

Body Shops Giving Back

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SEMA Announces VP of Marketing

The Specialtywith Equipment Market Stacey Phillips Prior to 3M/Meguiar’s, de Vera Association (SEMA) has announced worked with OEMs including HonRJ de Vera as its vice president of da, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Mazda and marketing. De Vera comes to SEMA Scion to build corporate image vehiafter 12 years at 3M, a Fortune 100 cles. He also helped American Raccompany, including the last seven ing, Veilside Japan and Vorsteiner deas global leader of digital marketing sign and market aftermarket parts and and public relations for the Meguiar’s accessories, while also consulting on Car Care brand.

He will be developautomotive-related marketing initiawith Stacey Phillips ing and implementing a modernized tives with numerous brands, including multi-channel marketing strategy for Pepsi Co., Valvoline, Boost Mobile, SEMA with a digital-first focus to Michelin/BF Goodrich and Microsoft/ expand brand awareness and build XBOX. customer affinity for SEMA and its members.

Source: SEMA

My SEMA

Shop Strategies with Victoria Antonelli

32 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

own company.”

It highlights the need to always check the automaker’s repair procedures for each particular vehicle.

Kaboos said a student in one of his classes last fall told him he’d used an aftermarket scan tool on a 2017 Honda Odyssey, and followed that software’s recommendation to use a certain target and to put the camera into calibration mode.

“He did that, and fried the camera,” Kaboos said, acknowledging he had to look up the reason why.

“It turned out it was a dynamic-only camera. So it allowed it to go into [calibration mode], but then it went into a spiral loop, and would never come out of that function because it wasn’t designed to do a static calibration. He ended up having to buy an $800 camera and get it dynamically calibrated [to get the vehicle] back to the customer.”

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autobodynews.com / APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 33

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

Painter/Technical Director Creates Amazing Art, Island-Style I have been telling people for deca- ning. des that car refinishers are truly arHe joined the company as its tists, and every time I see a beautiful technical director back in 2012, Gary Wickert car at SEMA orwith on YouTube or so- where he helps collision repairers cial media, it reinforces my beliefs. with things such as product inventoGreat painters continually refi- ry control, technical support, KPIs, ne their skills and techniques, and work in progress (WIP) and training many of them display their creati- focused on OEM procedures. vity and passion through other meIsland Concepts recently estadiums that often shine brighter than blished a training room as well as painting vehicles. a storage area to house the products with Stacey Phillips In this story, a talented car pain- they provide to collision repair faciter created a side business that car- lities. In addition, there is a separate ves and paints tiki statues, as well area where the company has plans as masks, furniture and skateboard to set up a spray booth and/or prep decks, just to name a few. station for hands-on training.

Painter and Technical Director In the past, much of the instStacey Phillips Todd Stogdell, with 52, entered the colruction on the island was conducted lision repair industry three decades by Honolulu Community College as ago, when he was hired at an auto part of its auto body repair and painting program. However, the program closed in the summer of 2021 due to a lack of enrollment because of the pandemic and travel restrictions in with Stacey Phillips Hawaii.

With the addition of the new training center, Stogdell said Hawaiian technicians won’t have to necessarily go to the mainland to learn new skills anymore. with Stacey Phillips “Our new facility will enable us to hold classes and offer hands-on skills training,” Stogdell said. “Two years ago, I traveled to New York to be certified as an I-CAR instructor in Fusor’s product line, teaching metal panel bonding, structural adwith Stacey Phillips hesives, seam sealing, plastic repair, fiberglass and composite repairs, so Painter and Technical Director Todd Stogdell we can feature I-CAR classes now, poses with one of his tikis and several of which is great.” his skateboard decks, displayed at Island To get started in the world of Concepts, a paint jobber with a training center tiki figures, Stogdell put out a call in Oahu, HI for tikis on Craigslist and through with Victoria Antonelli body shop in California as a helper. the Hawaiian grapevine, and got luWithin 10 years, he had moved up cky with a few beauties almost imthe ladder to become a production mediately.

“I’ve always liked tikis and inimanager, and then decided to relocate to Hawaii. tially I got existing ones to paint and Today, Stogdell works for Is- recondition,” he said. “I am always with Victoria Antonelli land Concepts, a paint jobber in looking for ones that are a little weOahu that is the exclusive paint dis- athered. I could see early on I can tributor for AkzoNobel in Hawaii. get really creative with these and The company serves many of the use my painting skills to make them 200-plus shops on the island, with look awesome. In some cases, I even product support and ongoing trai- surprise myself when I see the finis-

The Legal View

hed product.”

As his interest in tikis grew, Stogdell yearned to learn more about the process and reached out to some of the finest carvers on Oahu.

Product and Process Industry Training

Stogdell uses his painting skills to make each of his tiki statues vibrant and highly unique

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for them and of course, I said yes.

When it was finished, they wanted to pay me and I said just teach me how to carve and that will be my payment.”

The history of tiki culture dates back to ancient Polynesia. Such carvings were first discovered in Polynesia, and tiki carvings are said to represent a Polynesian god. They’re an integral part of South Pacific mythology, culture and history.

Tiki statues were carved to represent the image of four gods as an embodiment of each of their mana, or power. With well-formed tikis in their possession, people could attain protection from harm, strengthen their power in times of war and be blessed with successful crops.

Kane is the god of sunlight and natural life; Ku is the god of war; Lono is the god of peace, winds, See Island-Style, Page 44

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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.

‘Who Pays for What?’ Survey Looks at Billing Practices Related to EVs, Accessing OEM Info

Shop Showcase

As new automaker electric vehicle charging was asked for the first time models—or pledges of new EVs on as part of the “Who Pays for What?” the horizon—get announced almost survey in the fall of 2021. with Ed Attanasio weekly, a recent industry survey “I expect to see the percentage found three out of four auto body billing and being paid for this to shops nationally have never includ- grow in the future as electric vehied a fee on their estimates or invoic- cles become increasingly common,” es for recharging an electric vehicle. said Mike Anderson of Collision Advice, who co-produces the surwith Ed Attanasio veys with CRASH Network.

None of the three major estimating systems provide a standard calculation for electric vehicle recharge, so the only way to be reimbursed for it is to include a line-item charge.

Among those that have billed Audatex says, “We do not inwith Ed Attanasio for vehicle recharging, 31% say they clude any operation, labor alloware reimbursed “always” or “most of ance or costs regarding charging the time” by the eight largest insur- hybrid or electric vehicles.” The ers, though about half say the large company that produces the CCC dainsurers “never” pay for recharging. tabase acknowledges, “Charging of The question related to billwith Ed Attanasio the HV/EV vehicles is not included ing and payment practices for EV in MOTOR estimated work times.”

Mitchell similarly says, “Charging the high voltage system has not been accounted for in any labor operation.”

ing.”

Another factor shops will need to consider is how to determine a fee for the electricity consumed by the

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SEMA Show Goes On

A “Who Pays for What?” survey last fall found about 20% of shops (up from 15% a year earlier) are paid regularly when billing for labor required to conduct OEM repair procedure research

Anderson also pointed out, “Another labor operation that may be needed is driving a vehicle sufficiently to reduce the battery charge prior to painting given that some OEMs say the battery cannot be above a 20% charge during refinish-

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recharge.

“There are several companies that sell charging stations that have the ability to produce a receipt similar to a gas pump,” Anderson noted.

The survey was one of four “Who Pays for What?” surveys con-

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ducted each year.

The latest one, focused on not-included body labor operations, is being conducted throughout April.

Shops can visit https://www.crash network.com/collisionadvice to take the survey.

tion. But as of last fall, the majority of shops reported they have at least sometimes passed those fees along on their estimates or invoices.

Only 42% of shops said they have never sought to be reimbursed for these fees, and nearly one in four

survey found shops are most likely to report having subscribed to the OEM information from high-volume automakers like Nissan, Toyota, Honda, GM and Ford; for each of those OEM information services, more than 60% of shops said they have subscribed.

Interestingly, the survey found some differences among types of shops as to how regularly they say

OEM procedures at the time they write an estimate compared to single-location facilities, franchise locations or even dealer-owned shops.

The survey found 79% of MSO facilities responding to the survey said they research OEM procedures on “most” or “all” jobs. That compares to 60% of independents, 54% of franchise locations and just 40% of dealer-owned facilities.

“Who Pays for What?” surveys have found 42% of shops say they have never charged for OEM information subscription fees, but that’s down from 57% in 2019

Last fall’s survey also found the cost to access OEM repair information is one for which more shops are billing and getting reimbursed.

The surveys since 2019 have asked specifically about the OEM subscription fees themselves, aside from the labor time shops spent actually researching the OEM procedures. In 2019, the majority of shops (57%) said they had never sought to be reimbursed for any charges they incur to access OEM repair informa-

(23%) said they always, or almost always, include a subscription fee charge.

“Most shops are incurring fees for OEM repair information, so it makes sense for them to pass along those charges,” Anderson said. “This is not overhead. A shop would not be paying to access OEM procedures for Nissan, for example, if the shop did not have a Nissan vehicle in the shop that needed to be repaired.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, the

A “Who Pays for What?” survey last fall found 85% or more of shops conduct pre- and post-repair scans on all or most vehicles

they research OEM repair procedures. Repair facilities that are part of a multi-shop operation (MSO) appear to be more likely to research

Only 7% of MSO facilities admitted OEM procedures are only occasionally researched, and none See ‘Who Pays for What?’, Page 39

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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.

Collision Repair Shops Should Check Policies Related to Drugs/Alcohol, Animals in Workplace

Shop Showcase

California-based employment law law or your policy because they’re attorney Corey King discussed a not under the influence by the legal variety of topics during the Col- standard for alcohol.” with Ed Attanasio King also said more employlision Industry Conference (CIC) held earlier this year: company drug ers are getting employee requests and alcohol policies, stocking up on to bring a “service animal” to the COVID tests and “service animals” work place. In order to qualify as a in the workplace. “service animal” under the federal As more states legalize marijua- Americans with Disabilities Act, it na, King said, use of Ed cannabis and has to be a dog or, oddly, a miniawith Attanasio related products grows. It’s a good ture horse individually trained to reminder, he said, for businesses to perform tasks for a person with a ensure their drug and alcohol policy disability. does not include the phrase “under “The ADA does not recognize the influence.” If it does, King said, emotional support, comfort, com“that policy is completely untenable panionship or guarding as a recogand, I would argue, completely un- nized task,” King said. “So your with Ed Attanasio enforceable.” emotional support animal isn’t proIn a state where the alcohol tected under the ADA. This applies DUI limit is .08, King said, “Do even if that person brings you a docyou really want somebody jumping tor’s note that says [they] need this behind the wheel of that car to test emotional support animal.” drive it when they blow a If asked about bringing an aniwithwould Ed Attanasio .07? They’re not in violation of the mal to work, the ADA requires em-

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ployers to “engage in an interactive process… and provide reasonable accommodations that will allow disabled employees to perform the essential functions of their job,” King said.

Ask what kind of animal it is, he said. If the employee’s disability is obvious, the inquiry is over and the dog or horse must be allowed.

If it’s not obvious, ask if the animal is required because of a disability— but do not ask for documentation of the disability. If it is, ask what tasks the animal is trained to perform; do not ask for documentation of training nor for a demonstration of the animal’s ability.

Common tasks include guiding the visually impaired, pulling a wheelchair, alerting people who are deaf, calming individuals with PTSD during anxiety attacks, alerting and protecting a person having

Media and Publicity for Shops

a seizure or reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed meds.

If all those requirements are met, the animal must be allowed unless it becomes disruptive or a danger.

“Now, if someone tries to make an issue of this with you, don’t go this alone,” King said. “Get hold of me, of someone you trust, who knows this stuff, to help you navigate through.”

As COVID-related restrictions continue to be dropped around the country, King still suggested businesses encourage their employees to order the at-home rapid COVID tests being offered for free by the federal government.

“Check your politics at the door: I guarantee you your state law says something about whether an employee can come back into See Animals in Workplace, Page 42

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Continued from Page 37

‘Who Pays for What?’ said they “never” did the research.

However, 4% of dealer and franchise locations admitted to never researching procedures at the time they write the estimate, and 2% of independents said the same.

“The only way to write a complete and accurate estimate is to know what procedures will be required to repair that vehicle,” Anderson said. “I do like to see that, compared to five or six years ago, many more shops are making use of the OEM websites directly. I know they all have their own system for locating the right information, but many automakers offer online or

in-person training classes on how to efficiently navigate their websites.”

Last fall’s survey showed a continued increase in the percentage of shops regularly performing vehicle scans. In 2019, according to the “Who Pays for What?” surveys, about 88% of shops said they performed a post-repair scan on all or most vehicles they repaired. In 2021, that figure rose to 93%. The percentage of shops that said they performed pre-repair scans was also higher, improving to 85% in 2021 from 78% in 2019.

“It appears we’re trending in the right direction, but still not fast enough,” Anderson said, noting he believes 100% of repairs should be completed with both a pre- and post-repair scan.

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Ford Will Sell Explorer SUVs with Missing Chips Due to Global Shortage

by Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering

Amidst the ongoing ship shortage, Ford has decided to ship and sell its Explorer SUVs without the chips that control non-safety features such as heating and cooling for the rear seats, Automotive News reported.

The global chip shortage came into the limelight during the pandemic as global supply chains were disrupted. From smartphones to cars, the production of a wide range of goods was affected.

Last year, more than 70,000 Ford vehicles were waiting in storage for chips. Ford was to ship cars in undrivable conditions to its dealers last year, where the chips would be installed on availability. However, the company seems to have found a solution around this, and according to recent reports, the cars will be missing a few non-critical non-safety features.

Ford’s new strategy will result in its vehicles being sold without a few features. These include the controls of heating and cooling for the rear seats, although these features

can be controlled from the front seats. It is likely the company expects the shortage will end later this year since it is promising the customers the dealerships will install the chips within a year from purchase.

Customers willing to still purchase Ford Explorers without these features can expect a reduction in the final price for this small inconvenience. Last year, Ford shipped its popular F-150 without the automatic start-stop feature and gave a $50 credit to customers who opted to purchase without it.

Ford isn’t the only carmaker working around chip shortages in such a fashion. While electric vehicle maker Tesla shipped cars without some USBs, General Motors dropped features like wireless charging and HD radios.

Chip makers such as Intel are also investing heavily in manufacturing facilities in the U.S. but it will be a while until one sees the benefits from the move. For now, the chip shortage is here to stay and might even be exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.

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WIN ‘Voice of the Body Shop’ Webinar Features Women Who Own, Manage Shops

by Abby Andrews

The Women’s Industry Network (WIN) on Feb. 23 hosted a webinar, “Voice of the Body Shop,” to find out about the experiences, challenges and lessons learned from women who have forged a career in the collision repair industry.

The four featured panelists included Kathy Mello, owner of TGIF Body Shop in Fremont, CA; Tiffany Silva, owner of Accurate Auto Body in Richmond, CA; Madison Alexander, owner of Riveting Rides in Milan, TN; and Tammy Trew, owner of Trew Auto Body in Bremerton, WA. WIN Chair Jenny Anderson said the hour-long broadcast was well-attended and provided a lot of engagement.

“We hope other women heard these stories and realize they can do anything in the collision space,” Anderson said.

Madison Alexander with the Chevy Montage she and the rest of an all-female team built for Bogi’s Garage for SEMA 2017.

The broadcast opened with each panelist’s brief description of how she got into the industry.

Mello said her husband, Richard, started TGIF Body Shop about the time they met and needed help running it as it grew. When he decided to step away to work in another industry, Mello continued running the body shop.

Alexander said she grew up in the industry, as both her dad and grandfather worked in it. She started pursuing her own career while in high school, winning the SkillsUSA competition at the Tennessee state level and competing at the national level.

She was attracted to the creative side of refinishing, and got a job in a hot rod shop. After the shop’s staff were all let go unexpectedly, she and three other people opened their own shop, Riveting Rides, in 2018.

Trew owns two shops in Bremerton and Olympia, WA. The original location, in Bremerton, was opened by her parents in 1984. Trew said she was 14 at that time and spent summers detailing cars and learning how to run the office.

When Trew’s dad died in 2020, she became sole owner of the Bremerton shop, which now encompasses 17,500 feet. She bought the second location in Olympia in 2021.

Silva said her company was also founded by her dad in 1984. After she attended college, she went to work in the family business alongside her dad and her husband, Dan. Silva learned every facet of the business and found out she was talented at writing estimates and communicating with customers. Now she and Dan own the business, which has grown into a 27,000-square foot building and employs 22 people, five of whom are women.

The panelists then answered questions.

Alexander was asked if she has experienced resistance as a woman working in a male-dominated industry.

“The short answer is yes,” Alexander said, explaining she has been brushed off by instructors at college, denied jobs and put through various tests to see if she really knows what she’s talking about.

When she was younger, Alexander said, she didn’t handle that resistance well.

“I took a lot of offense,” she said. “I had a chip on my shoulder, felt like I had to prove myself. I had to go above and beyond to say I know what I’m talking about.”

She has since changed her approach.

“Now hardly anything ever bothers me,” she said.

As an example, Alexander said, when she and her business partners first opened Riveting Rides, someone was leaving “weird, untrue comments” on their shop’s social media pages.

“I didn’t let it bother me,” she said. “When people say mean things to you, it’s coming from a place of fear, jealousy and lack of self confidence.

“I chose to not be offended by

40 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

the things he didn’t know about,” she said. “I didn’t have to explain myself, especially to someone I don’t know on the internet.”

Alexander said eventually the commenter reached out via private

small stuff she can’t.

“Put yourself in the moment, learning to say no and being OK with that,” she said. “I tried to make everybody happy in the beginning and was running myself ragged.

Tiffany Silva, front row, fifth from right, with the crew at Accurate Auto Body.

message to apologize, and admitted he was making the comments because he was jealous.

“If I’d gotten ugly right back, it would’ve made it worse,” Alexander said. “I forgave him not because he deserved it, but because I had to. I wasn’t going to carry that around anymore.”

Alexander credited growing her faith in God with helping her to choose to see others’ points of view.

“Unforgiveness will hinder me from growing as the person, business owner and follower of Jesus I strive to be,” she said.

Mello said she also encountered obstacles as a woman owning an auto body shop.

She said there was an adjustment phase for the shop’s employees when her husband left to work in another industry, putting her in charge.

After trying to give a presentation to employees about implementing processes, she got a government-funded grant to bring in a third party to do that training, which went over better and led to positive changes in the overall shop culture.

“I think they had to hear it from somebody other than me,” she said.

Trew was asked how she handles the pressure to be great at everything, from running her business to being a mother.

“I’m not going to lie, I was not always good at it,” Trew said. “If I had the tools I have now, it would be easier.”

Trew said she learned to control the things she can and not sweat the

That’s not good for anybody because I was so worn out.”

Trew said she got into working out and playing golf.

“You have to find that balance,” she said.

Silva was asked about mentors who have helped in her career.

She said she has had a few—including Mello—she has met through association meetings and other networking opportunities.

“It’s so amazing to be around other women,” Silva said. “Be around other people, absorb and learn everything you can.”

Alexander was asked about building resiliency.

She said that trait is built by handling things when they are going bad.

“Every moment you mess up, you have to look at it as a chance for positive change,” she said. “Learn to adapt and grow in your knowledge.”

Trew was asked how she has promoted women in her company.

She said she encourages all of her female employees—currently in parts, detailing, repair planning, alignment and the office—to grow in the business and attend Discover Leadership Training, which she said “changed me for the better.”

Trew said the biggest hurdle for women in the industry is gaining the respect of coworkers and customers.

“They’re intelligent and want respect, but they have to earn it,” Trew said of the women who work for her. “Invest in them as a person.”

Mello recommended joining an See Voice of the Body Shop, Page 43

Continued from Page 30

GUNIWHEEL™ product is a universal vehicle bolt pattern Rovito conceptualized and then patented.

The company’s road to success has been random and wonderful, Dunlap said, with a string of amazing victories along the way.

“We have been nominated for the SEMA New Product Awards every year, and we have always been a bridesmaid,” he said. “But, just to be associated with SEMA has given us a ton of credibility. Then, Kristen Felder at Collision Hub did a video about us as part of her ‘Cool Tools’ series, and that was huge.”

Some of the country’s top vehicle restorers praise GUNIWHEEL™.

Chip Foose called them “Great rollers for around the shop!” Dave Kindig said, “GUNIWHEEL™ is awesome for us! Perfect for moving our many projects around the shop.”

Ryan Evans from Count’s Kustoms said, “These are a staple in our shop.”

Goolsby Customs said, “GUNIWHEEL™ is the perfect option for

transporting or just to move things around the shop.”

Every year, GUNIWHEEL™ comes up with new products for new applications, with each one gaining industry acceptance and garnering five-star reviews. One of these is the GUNIHUB™ 45, a universal rotating hub used when brakes are disengaged or when a car is stuck in the parked gear.

“This product is perfect for cars like Teslas and other electric cars where if the battery is dead, the wheels won’t rotate,” Dunlap said.

Another product GUNIWHEEL™ will be releasing in mid-2022 is the new GuniSpare, designed for cars without spare tires.

It’s a universal emergency spare wheel that will come with one year of roadside assistance and all the accessories needed to change the spare, including a safety vest and a hydraulic jack.

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Car Repossessions on the Rise

by Steven Symes, Motorious

The auto industry is in huge upheaval at the moment, thanks in no small part to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage.

As new car supplies remain tight, people are holding onto the old cars, impacting dealers negatively as they need product to move. For them there’s a light at the end of the tunnel: car repossessions are on the rise.

That sounds horrible but it’s all detailed out in a recent article from The Economic Times.

While that article talks specifically about the Indian market, things aren’t much better here in the U.S. A recent earnings call for America’s CAR-MART detailed the growing rate of vehicle repossessions in this country.

Per CFO Vickie D. Judy, government stimulus money has helped shrink car loan charge-offs, even when consumers are financing greater amounts thanks to increased used vehicle prices. Higher car repossession rates also kept charge-offs lower, with the company achieving 28.5% for the past

quarter versus 27.1% a year ago and 26.6% two years ago.

Judy also noted the company’s frequency of losses increased in the last quarter. She attributed that to “normalization after the unsustainable historic lows resulting from stimulus payments.”

After cars are repossessed and borrowers can’t bring the loan back into good standing, those vehicles go to auction. From there they filter to dealerships, where other consumers can either finance them or pay cash.

It looks like this repossession problem may become worse before it gets better. After all, Americans are facing inflation like they haven’t seen in decades. That means vehicle payments can be much higher than before.

For those who were barely making ends meet before, it might come down to paying utilities, buying enough groceries, purchasing gas or making the car payment.

Having your car repossessed is no fun, especially if it’s your only vehicle, but it’s a situation more people are facing.

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Animals in Workplace your workplace after being exposed or testing positive,” King said. “I would almost guarantee you that it’s going to have a requirement that, before they return, they provide you with a negative test. You want to have those tests around.”

King said his daughter had COVID early this year, putting the whole family in quarantine.

“The four of us could not go back to school or work without having negative COVID tests, and finding a testing facility is a challenge,” particularly if you want immediate results and don’t want to stand in line with people who think they have COVID,” King said. “You and your employees are [likely] going to have to prove at times they have a negative test in many circumstances. Encourage your employees to get those free tests, and be judicious about when they use them. Those are gold. Save them. They are literally going to set you free and allow you to re-enter the world.”

Ford Autonomously Operating 3D Printers to Increase Efficiency, Reduce Cost At Ford’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, Javier is tasked with operating the 3D printers completely on his own. He is always on time, very precise in his movements, and he works most of the day—taking only a short break to charge up.

This innovative robot on wheels from supplier KUKA, called Javier

by Ford’s additive manufacturing operators, is integral to the company’s development of an industry-first process to operate 3D Carbon printers with an autonomous mobile robot rather than a fixed, stationary unit.

“This new process has the ability to change the way we use robotics in our manufacturing facilities,” said Jason Ryska, director, global manufacturing technology development. “Not only does it enable Ford to scale its 3D printer operations, it extends into other aspects of our manufacturing processes—this technology will allow us to simplify equipment and be even more flexible on the assembly line.”

Ford has achieved great accuracy with Javier, using his feedback to significantly reduce margins of error. In addition to 3D printers, the

method can be applied to a vast array of robots already working at the company to increase efficiency and reduce cost.

uct will be finished, then the robot lets the printer know the robot has arrived and is ready for pick-up. This innovative communication is what

“Not only does it enable Ford to scale its 3D printer operations, it extends into other aspects of our manufacturing processes—this technology will allow us to simplify equipment and be even more flexible on the assembly line.” — Jason Ryska In its drive to innovate, Ford has filed several patents related to the overall process, communication interfaces and precise positioning of the robot, which does not require use of a camera vision system to “see.”

Typically, different pieces of equipment from various suppliers are unable to interact because they do not run the same communication interface. Ford developed an application interface program that allows different pieces of equipment to “speak the same language,” and send constant feedback to each other.

For example, the Carbon 3D printer tells the KUKA autonomous mobile robot when the printed prod-

makes the whole process possible.

Javier enables Ford to operate its 3D printers all night long, even after employees have left for the day. Not only does this increase throughput, it reduces the cost of custom-printed products. Ford has used the printer to make low-volume, custom parts, such as a brake line bracket for the Performance Package-equipped Mustang Shelby® GT500.

While the process itself is autonomous, Ford operators are responsible for uploading 3D designs to the printer and maintaining the machinery, and for engineering new ways to use the technology.

Source: Ford

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42 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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Continued from Page 40

Voice of the Body Shop association like WIN for women trying to network, get more involved in the industry and look for mentors.

“When we started WIN, we knew there were really a lot of neat women across industry, but had no idea of the caliber of women we would meet up with,” she said.

She also said she visits local vocational schools to meet women in the automotive repair classes to let them know they have a place to go.

Silva said she is always looking for strong, confident women who will fit into the team at her shop.

She said she is currently coaching her next production manager, a woman who started 11 years ago as an office assistant who was “too timid to answer phone.”

“I know she’s learned from me and other women on my team,” Silva said. “New female team members coming in need to be able to see if they can do it, I can do it too.”

The panelists then took questions from the audience, which cov-

ered a lot of the day-to-day aspects of running a shop—dealing with parts supply chain issues, working with insurance companies and using LEAN processes.

The audience also asked how the panelists actively recruit other women to work in their shops.

Silva said she is working with nearby Contra Costa College to figure out how to attract more women to its automotive collision repair program.

“I’m anxious to have a female technician,” she said.

Trew said her shop hires young people—men and women—as detailers, and if they show an aptitude for working hard and showing up, she puts them in their choice of the body or paint shop. She said she currently has three former detailers working in those parts of the shop.

“We had a female detailer but she wound up pursuing a different path,” Trew said. “Our current female detailer is interested in alignment. She’s quiet and timid now but she’s interested in getting started in that process.”

Another audience member asked

for tips on tactics to earn respect from male coworkers.

“There wasn’t one thing in particular, but how I earned their trust was by getting involved, not being a dictator or not listening to their point of view,” Trew said. “Now, if I make a change, they may not agree with me but they trust me. I tell them just try it, if it doesn’t work we can always go back, and I follow through.

“It doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time,” she added.

“Setting boundaries for yourself is important, particularly if there’s intimidation going on,” Mello said.

“We have to communicate to people how we wish to be treated.”

AUTOBODY Don’t Miss the Weekly Industry NEWS Your Shop Needs.

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TrueCar, Inc., is debuting TrueCar+, its online car buying platform.

Using TrueCar+, consumers will be able to explore, confirm and complete their car purchase with a dealer, and arrange financing and delivery from the convenience of home. They will also have the option of completing any portion of the transaction at a TrueCar Certified Dealer.

TrueCar+ will allow dealers to extend their sales reach well beyond their local area and will provide instant access to a turnkey digital marketplace, reducing the need for investment in infrastructure, tools and technical expertise. Dealers will be able to quickly offer digital capabilities that consumers have come to expect in other segments of retail.

TrueCar+ was launched as a pilot in September in Tampa, FL. The pilot has since expanded in Florida. Later, TrueCar+ will scale across the entire country, eventually spanning all 50 states.

Source: TrueCar

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autobodynews.com / APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 43

EV Manufacturer Mullen Announces Progress on Solid-State Polymer Battery Pack Development Mullen Automotive, Inc., an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer, announced an update on its next-generation solid-state polymer battery technology, which is a significant advancement over today’s current lithium-Ion batteries.

Mullen’s testing of solid-state polymer cells reveals the potential for a 150-kilowatt-hour battery pack that delivers more than 600 miles of range and highlights an 18-minute DC fast charge which can yield more than 300 miles of range.

Mullen is working towards using solid-state polymer battery packs in its second generation Mullen FIVE EV Crossovers, with in-vehicle prototype testing set for 2025. Mullen’s first-generation FIVE EV Crossover, due in late 2024, is planned to launch with traditional lithium-ion cell chemistry.

Mullen is also conducting extensive research and development into other advanced battery technologies, including lithium-sulfur and lithium-iron-phosphate.

Mullen’s ultimate goal is to

Continued from Page 34

Island-Style rain, sports and fertility; Kanaloa is the god of the ocean. Stogdell appreciates their role on the islands and loves finding out as much as he can about the history behind them and their cultural significance.

“Tikis are special here and people look at them as their protectors,” he said. “I love the tradition and the heritage behind every tiki and enjoy the stories behind them. I have quite a collection now and feel connected to them in many ways.”

Once Tonu at Ohana Island Creations showed Stogdell how to carve a tiki, he was on his way and excited to create his own from scratch.

“Tonu is a fourth-generation wood carver and is a teaching artist of fine art at BYU-Hawaii, so I couldn’t have had a better teacher,”Stogdell said. “The first thing I do when I get a piece of wood is use the chainsaw to do the basic shaping and create a rough version. Then I use a chisel and smaller knives to do

deliver EV batteries that will surpass today’s existing lithium-Ion technology and offer a host of benefits such as increased efficiency, energy density and range while also lowering the cost, weight and thermal and environmental risks.

“We’ve conducted successful testing and will begin pack level

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

development next,” said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive. “The test data collected shows an impressive outcome and future for solid-state batteries. To sum up, we tested our 300 Ah (ampere hour) cell which yielded 343 Ah at 4.3 volts, and the results surpassed all expectations.

the fine work, followed by sanding.

And then finally I paint them and hit them with the clearcoat.”

Stogdell is now using monkeypod wood for many of his creations and is enamored with the results.

“Carvers want to use Albesia wood or palm, but I really like monkeypod wood,” he said. “You can find monkeypod everywhere here and it’s perfect for tikis. It’s dark inside and lighter on the outside, so if you can integrate that into the design, it gives the piece more depth and definition.”

Creating a buzz and garnering great reviews for his tikis and other items, Stogdell has enjoyed every step of his journey and is always looking for more challenges.

“When people say nice things on Instagram (@island_kustom_ concepts) about my tikis, it’s so satisfying,” he said. “Doing the pieces is fun and the accolades are really fulfilling.”

We can say with almost certainty that this technology, once implemented on the Mullen FIVE, will deliver over 600 miles of range on a full charge. The future is bright for Mullen Automotive.”

Mullen recently announced a string of key partnerships with hofer powertrain, Comau, ARRK, Dürr and DSA Systems for EV powertrain, engineering, manufacturing, vehicle production systems and over-the-air (OTA) and vehicle system diagnostics, respectively.

The company expects these strategic developments to play a crucial role in bringing the FIVE to market with the latest technology and in the shortest amount of time.

Mullen FIVE was also named “Top Zero Emission SUV” as part of the ZEVA® Awards at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2021, where the vehicle made its debut.

Learn more about the Mullen FIVE at MullenUSA.com.

Source: Mullen Automotive, Inc.

UPDATED DAILY

44 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

Destructive Weld er? Sure enough, the welder had not had the most recent update.

My friends, performing destructive test welds is not a once-ina-while labor operation. It must be done on every single vehicle.

Recently I had the opportunity to speak with some OEMs considering providing weld coupons with replacement panels. That would be huge.

But again, shops must know how to perform this destructive test, and the OEM procedures spell it out for us.

I only know of two OEMs that don’t have this in their procedures, and they defer to I-CAR, which provides information on how to perform this test.

Roughly 30% of shops across the industry tell us in our “Who Pays” surveys that they are being paid all or most of the time for destructive weld testing when it is necessary and they are doing it.

In my next column, I’ll discuss how you, once you ensure your technicians are doing this important step, can join those getting paid for it.

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Continued from Page 28

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

autobodynews.com / APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 45

Russia Accused of Toyota Cyberattack

by Steven Symes, Motorious

At 7 p.m. local time in Japan on Feb. 28, the largest automaker in the world, Toyota, announced it was the victim of a cyberattack.

As a result, the company had to shut down all plant operations March 1, as its supply management system and subsidiaries were affected.The production suspension affects 28 assembly lines in 14 factories located in Japan. Toyota estimates the stoppage will affect about 13,000 vehicles at a time when shortages are common.

Toyota issued an official press release saying it will resume all operations starting with the first shift March 2. The plan is to access a backup network between it and suppliers. Restoring the original system is estimated to take a week or two.

Both Daihatsu and Hino Motors, subsidiaries of Toyota, have halted operations at some of their plants as well.

Also targeted in the cyberattack was Kojima Industries, a plastic components manufacturer and supplier for Toyota. The company is still assessing the extent of the damage done by the attack.

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While nobody has been able to pinpoint the origin of the cyberattack, the timing is suspicious. Japan just joined other countries in putting into place financial and economic sanctions against Russia, thanks to the Ukraine invasion. Sensing potential problems, the Japanese government warned domestic companies to be on guard for possible cyberattacks, only for one of its largest corporations to be targeted hours later. Russian Ambassador to Japan Mikhail Yurlevich Galuzin said in an interview on Japanese TV the week before there would be “consequences” if Japan were to impose sanctions on Russia.

He didn’t elaborate what exactly that meant, but many considered it to be a threat. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his government is investigating the cyberattack. They hope to establish whether or not Russia was involved and why Toyota was specifically targeted.

For now, no other automakers have reported cyberattacks. However, everyone is anxiously awaiting news the already struggling industry could be knocked back on its heels again.

Tesla Model 3, Model Y Receive Latest Round of Price Increases in U.S. and China

by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati

The long range variants of the Tesla Model 3 sedan and Model Y crossover have received a $1,000 price adjustment in the U.S. In China, select variants of the Model 3 and Model Y also received a price increase of about $1,500.

With the latest round of price adjustments, the cost of the Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor in the U.S. has increased from $50,990 to $51,990 before options and incentives. The Model Y Long Range Dual Motor now starts at $59,990.

The Model Y Performance now starts at $64,990 before options and incentives as well.

While Tesla did not specify the reasons behind its latest round of price increases, it is believed the recent adjustments were due to the rising price of nickel, which is used in the Long Range Model 3 and Model Y’s battery packs.

This is hinted at by the fact the base Model 3 RWD did not see a price increase. The base Model 3 RWD is equipped with a lithi-

um-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, which uses no nickel.

While the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y remain strong contenders in both the U.S. and Chinese markets, the vehicles have received a number of key price adjustments over the past year. The price of the Model Y Long Range, for example, has jumped about 20% from January 2021. The Model 3 Long Range saw a 10.6% price hike in the same period.

Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas warned the rising cost of nickel would likely result in electric vehicles like Teslas seeing a price increase. Just recently, nickel surged above $100,000 per metric ton on the London Metal Exchange, prompting a trading halt.

Several reasons are behind nickel’s price increase, though it is believed a driving factor is Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With potential sanctions being placed on Russian nickel, the supply of the material to Western countries might be constrained in the near future.

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46 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

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Mitchell Diagnostics Platform Surpasses 30,000 ADAS Calibrations Mitchell, an Enlyte company, on March 17 announced its Mitchell Diagnostics platform has been used to perform more than 30,000 dynamic and static calibrations.

This milestone—achieved in just over a year since the introduction of the MD-TS21 ADAS target calibration system—demonstrates how advancements in vehicle technology

sold in North America and must be precisely calibrated to OEM specifications following an accident to ensure they continue to function properly. Even sensors and cameras not directly damaged in the accident may require calibration.

Bringing the work in-house gives facilities greater control over the repair. It can also assist them in

“The Mitchell Diagnostics product suite has had a huge impact on our business and our repair cycle times,” — Matt Jackson are driving repairers to bring calibration work in-house using Mitchell’s patented diagnostic solutions.

The Mitchell MD-500 scan tool can perform dynamic calibrations on more than 1,000 popular vehicle models. When combined with the MD-TS21, the integrated diagnostic system allows technicians to complete static calibrations on hundreds of ADAS-equipped vehicles.

ADAS sensors and cameras are featured on most new automobiles

reducing cycle time, enhancing customer satisfaction and generating additional revenue by not relying on sublet services.

“With the rapid increase in vehicle complexity, demand has never been greater for a comprehensive diagnostic solution that supports scanning, static and dynamic calibration, and repair blueprinting,” said Jack Rozint, senior vice president of repair sales at Mitchell. “This latest milestone reinforces our position as a

leader in collision repair diagnostics and demonstrates how we’re helping customers return drivers to the road, both safely and efficiently.”

The Mitchell Diagnostics product suite features the MD-500, MDTS21 and the recently released MDOE22 remote OEM scanning service, providing repairers with a complete solution for diagnostic scanning as well as dynamic and static calibrations.

The MD-500 and MD-TS21 are powered by Tier 1 supplier Bosch and based on Bosch’s diagnostic licensing agreements with all major OEMs. Using the tools, technicians can perform simple, quick and precise calibrations on front-facing cameras, blind-spot monitors and radar sensors.

With the 2020 launch of the MD-500, Mitchell introduced the industry’s first DaaS solution. The allin-one solution lets facilities receive assignments, perform scans, access more than 1,000 dynamic calibration routines, take photos, write estimates, link diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) directly to OEM repair pro-

cedures, order parts, manage a production list of open repair orders and transfer sales activity to QuickBooks Online.

Repairers can also upload standardized scan reports, calibration reports and invoices to share with insurance carriers.

“The Mitchell Diagnostics product suite has had a huge impact on our business and our repair cycle times,” said Matt Jackson, CEO of Prime Collision Repair in Marietta, GA. “Because of our ability to calibrate and scan in-house, we are able to both generate more income and continue to meet our customers’ needs, providing them with timely repairs.”

For more information about the Mitchell Diagnostics platform—including the MD-500, MD-TS21 and MD-OE22—visit the company at NORTHEAST (Booth #200) on March 18-20 or complete the web form.

Follow Mitchell on Twitter @MitchellRepair and @Mitchell Claims for collision repair and property casualty updates.

Source: Mitchell

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autobodynews.com / APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS 47

Ford’s EV and ICE Reorganization Will Have Huge Impact on Dealers

by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs

As was recently reported, Ford officially announced plans to separate its electric vehicle and internal combustion vehicle business models.

Ford CEO Jim Farley made it clear on a number of occasions he’s learning a lot from Tesla, so the fact Ford wants to bank on the growing interest in EVs comes as no surprise.

In order for automakers to sell EVs, dealerships will have to be on board. Otherwise, the brand could try to sell online, direct-to-consumer—much in the same way Tesla and Rivian are operating—but it would most certainly cause contention with dealers since it’s against the rules. Ford will, instead, work alongside dealerships to help them adopt a hybrid version of the model.

Ford said in its announcement it would handle EV sales differently, combining some sort of direct sales model, along with dealers involved providing expertise, service and support. Plans haven’t yet been finalized.

According to Automotive News, Ford’s goals include eliminating inventory, operating with set prices and working out of fewer locations.

“It’s going to be much more efficient, a lot more online,” Farley told the publication. “It’s going to be a really different model.”

Farley also said having dealerships involved could give Ford an advantage over Tesla. He noted lack of physical support for customers can be problematic and some fixes simply can’t be handled remotely.

“We can do things Tesla can’t do,” Farley added.

Farley made comparisons to stores like Target and Home Depot that have a huge online presence and sell products on the internet,

but also have a multitude of physical stores across the country.

Dealerships would certainly raise concerns if Ford just attempted to abandon them and sell its cars directly, so the hybrid plan is a compelling option. However, it’s likely some aspects of the automaker’s potential future plan will be a disruption to dealers’ policies and operations. However, Automotive News noted, thus far, it seems dealers are “cautiously optimistic” about what the future may hold.

Ford will allow its dealers to decide if they want to sell EVs in addition to gas cars. There are not yet details about whether a dealer could choose to become “EV-only,” though Farley said Ford is “betting on” its dealerships, and they should “get ready to specialize.”

Ford National Dealer Council Chairman Tim Hovik made it clear he’s happy Ford is working to cooperate with dealerships. He also said dealers are already learning to deal with a lack of inventory, so having no EV inventory on hand wouldn’t be that different.

Another dealership execu-

Tesla Model Y $24,000 Repair: Everything You Need to Know

by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs

Not long ago, we shared a story about a Tesla Model Y that was rear-ended for the second time. It wasn’t drivable after the accident, thanks to a blown “pyro fuse.”

The whole situation turned out quite messy.

The Model Y’s owner, Ryan Shaw, had previously rented out the electric crossover on Turo, which resulted in it being rear-ended the first time. The Tesla, which Shaw hadn’t yet owned very long, needed a $10,000 collision repair.

Fortunately, the Model Y’s repair was covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance, and Shaw also received loss of income and other monetary compensation. However, he was without his new Model Y for a very long period of time, only to have it heading right back into the shop following the second accident.

Shaw noted in the previous video the second Model Y collision repair was going to cost around $20,000, though it ended

up costing more. While he wasn’t responsible for paying the tab, he knew the repair was likely to take forever. Shaw promised a follow-up video breaking down the cost and length of the repair, along with other details.

Shaw said he learned a lot after two Tesla collision repairs over a short time, and there are details he knows now he wishes he knew before the mess. For this reason, the follow-up video should prove very helpful to other Tesla owners, since it will provide you with a solid idea of what to expect if your car ends up in a collision and needs repair.

48 APRIL 2022 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com

If you’re without your car for months like Shaw, you’ll still be responsible for insuring it during that time. Rental cars are much more expensive than they once were, and in some areas, they’re much harder to come by. You may be stuck with a rental you don’t necessarily want, and it may cost more than the insurance company is willing to reimburse for.

Shaw went into extensive detail about the whole situation and all the processes involved. He filled us in on the specifics related to diminished value, which we found very helpful and informative.

Despite all of the concerns, Tesla Insurance coordinated everything with the collision center, the repair turned out excellent, the car’s paint looks better than it did prior and the Model Y’s rear hatch now works more smoothly than it did in the past. The only real issue here would be if Shaw decided he wanted to sell the car, since it has lost a significant amount of value.

tive, Vadim Makhlis, shared his support of Farley, though making it clear he’s anxious.

“I love the concept but am anxious to see how it plays out,” Makhlis said. “Given Mr. Farley’s leadership the past few years, I do believe if they’re going in this direction, it must be what the consumer wants.”

Despite any apprehension from dealers, which is to be expected, NADA spokesperson Jared Allen claimed franchised dealers are “allin on EVs.” He said dealers will be integral in increasing EV adoption.

In the end, Ford doesn’t really have another viable option. It can’t abandon its dealerships, and it needs their support in order to succeed. It’s motivating to see the automaker is making every attempt to move into the future while also continuing to support its dealers in the process.

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CCC Appoints Chief HR Officer CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc. announced the appointment of Christy Harris as senior vice president and chief human resources officer. Harris will lead CCC’s company-wide people strategy, including talent acquisition, employee experience and the continued advancement of the company’s inclusion and diversity initiatives.

Harris succeeds Gary Newman, who is retiring after 15 years with the company.

Harris will focus on continuing to advance CCC’s award-winning culture. Named a 2022 Best Places Work by Built In Chicago, Austin and Los Angeles, CCC continues to attract and engage top technology and product talent.

“CCC has an outstanding reputation as a leading technology company and employer,” said Harris. “I look forward to having a positive impact on the employee experience while building on the company’s commitment to inclusion and engagement.”

Source: CCC

Rivian Electric Truck Maker Sued by Shareholder for Recent Price Shifts

by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs

According to a recent story published by Automotive News, a Rivian shareholder has filed a lawsuit against the company due to the recent confusing and misleading price increases, which were followed by a complete turnaround by the automaker.

Essentially, Rivian upped its prices significantly, though it was still able to keep its starting prices listed as they were during its IPO. This is because the company will eventually launch dual-motor options that fit the earlier price point.

Meanwhile, the EVs currently available saw a big increase.

Many Rivian reservation holders were either threatening to cancel their orders or did it.

The electric pickup truck maker quickly changed plans and decided people who currently have an R1T or R1S on order will still enjoy the previously agreed-upon prices. People who canceled their order were welcomed to reinstate them at the original prices.

If the company’s stock wasn’t

already suffering for a variety of reasons, you can imagine what a huge shift in prices, new product announcements and then a shift back could do to the share price.

Moves like this cause investors to become confused and skeptical, not to mention lose faith in a company even if it eventually changes direction and does what’s seen by most as the right thing.

Charles Larry Crews filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court in San Francisco suggesting Rivian “concealed how its R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck were so underpriced that it needed to raise prices not long after its November 2021 IPO.” Crews said the price increases will make people lose trust in Rivian and cause a multitude of potential cancellations. He also said

Rivian’s quick change of direction—along with the apology from CEO RJ Scaringe—was a “futile attempt at damage control.” In a case like this, it can be argued that no matter how the story ends, the damage was already done.

Ahead of the lawsuit filing, Scaringe had already made it clear he shares some of the same views that Crews eventually brought forward.

While Scaringe’s apology is respectable, Crews can try to use the CEO’s admission about breaking the trust of its customers to support his case against Rivian.

In an email to Rivian customers dated March 3, the CEO wrote, “It was wrong and we broke your trust in Rivian.”

For those interested in following the case, Automotive News lists it as Crews v Rivian Automotive Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 22-01433.

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CREF Opens Grant Applications The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) offers a solution for instructors seeking to fill gaps in funding, tools, equipment and suppliesby opening its 2022 Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants, which allow schools to receive up to $25,000 in funding. Available at https://www. collisioneducationfoundation. org/collision-school-career-readiness-benchmark/, applications are now open with a deadline of June 1. CREF updated this year’s application to make it more impact-driven, goal-oriented and measurable, breaking it down into five sections: Recruitment, Program Maintenance, Program Additions, Employment and Fueling Innovations.

The Benchmark Grant application allows instructors to request specific items needed to help them advance their curriculum, and applying schools that are not selected for grant funds are still eligible to receive a variety of tools, equipment and supplies donated by industry sponsors and supporters.

Source: CREF

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Tesla Raises Prices Across Entire Vehicle Lineup, Model X Plaid Sees $12.5K Rise Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently noted Tesla and SpaceX are seeing significant inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics.

This is understandable, considering the ongoing war in Ukraine and the sanctions being imposed on

ed the company’s entire vehicle lineup, from the base Model 3 RWD to the top-tier Model X Plaid.

The price increases range from $2,000 to $12,500.

As can be seen in the company’s online configurator, the Model 3 RWD now costs $46,990—$2,000 more than its previous price. The

Russian commodities. The price of Tesla’s current vehicle lineup appears to have been adjusted accordingly to correspond to these pressures.

Fresh off a recent price adjustment for the Model 3 and Model Y in the U.S. and China, Tesla has now implemented an even more substantial round of price increases for its vehicle offerings. But this time around, the adjustments affect-

midrange Model 3 Long Range now costs $54,490, up $3,500. The topof-the-line Model 3 Performance has been adjusted to start at $61,990, up $2,000.

On the Model Y’s side, the Model Y Long Range now starts at $62,990, which is $3,000 more.

The Model Y Performance now starts at $67,990, also up $3,000.

Being Tesla’s flagship vehicles, the price adjustments for the

by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati

ACA Announces Membership Head

Model S and Model X line were much more substantial. The Model S Long Range now starts at $99,990, $5,000 more than its previous price.

The Model S Plaid, Tesla’s fastest car as of writing, now starts at $135,990, $6,000 more than its previous price.

Tesla’s largest vehicle in its current lineup, the new Model X, received the most notable price adjustments. The Model X Long Range now starts at $114,990, up $10,000 from its previous price. The Model X Plaid now starts at $138,990, up $12,500.

While the price adjustments recently implemented by Tesla are some of the company’s most significant yet, demand for the Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X still seems fairly strong. A look at Tesla’s U.S. configurator hints the company is still backlogged for several months, with deliveries for some vehicles like the Model X Long Range being estimated as late as January 2023. More affordable cars like the Model Y Long Range are listed with an estimated delivery date of September 2022.

The Auto Care Association announced Todd Finnerty as the director of membership engagement, where he will be responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for member engagement and retention efforts by developing strong relationships with member companies in the automotive aftermarket industry.

In this role, Finnerty will leverage his experience as a former industry participant to more deeply connect and engage with members. He will lead a membership team dedicated to understanding member challenges, presenting solutions and fine-tuning the member experience to ensure seamless, end-to-end service.

Having served nearly six years with the association’s membership department, Finnerty is already well-respected and connected with the entire supply chain: manufacturers, warehouse distributors, retailers and shops.

Source: Auto Care Association

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Ford to Collaborate with Universal Technical Institute on EV Training Curriculum

by Joey Klender, Teslarati

Ford Motor Company and Universal Technical Insititute (UTI) are collaborating to roll out a new curriculum responsible for training students to maintain and work on electric vehicles.

UTI is rolling out a new curriculum in its Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) program.

With substantial increases in electric vehicle purchases and ownership in 2021 and forecasts for plenty of additional growth over the next several decades, the need for EVtrained automotive technicians will only increase over the coming years.

Ford’s FACT program and UTI plan to train students in the art of servicing high voltage batteries and electric vehicles, as they will become essential to Ford’s business model in the coming years.

The Ford EV curriculum will feature blended learning courses on high voltage systems safety, hybrid vehicle components and operation,

All SCRS RDE Sessions Online During the 2021 SEMA Show, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) captured every classroom delivery of Repairer Driven Education (RDE) on video and the content is now fully uploaded and available to watch online at https://rde.scrs.com.

The 2021 Repairer Driven Education (RDE) full series product contains both the general sessions plus the OEM Summit sessions. Participants will have access to more than 35 hours of educational programs designed for collision repair businesses and delivered by the nations’ leading subject matter experts. These sessions can be shared with an auto body shop’s entire staff with one subscription, all from the comfort of the business. Current SCRS members are entitled to an online coupon code which will provide them a 20% discount on purchases at https:// rde.scrs.com. For members who have misplaced their coupon code, contact the office at info@scrs.com to receive a new one.

Source: SCRS

battery electric vehicle (BEV) components and operation and an introduction to high voltage battery service, as well as a Ford instructor-led class on hybrid and electric vehicle operation and diagnosis, UTI said in a statement.

“Ford has been working with UTI for more than 20 years to ensure our students receive state-of-the-industry training to prepare them for a rewarding, lifelong career in the transportation industry,” UTI CEO Jerome Grant said about the program’s new additions. “Demand for our graduates remains strong, and

by staying at the forefront of new technologies like EV, we are building the workforce of tomorrow and supplying automakers like Ford with the skilled technicians they need to adapt to consumer demand.”

Ford will send a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to every campus the curriculum, currently available at nine of the 14 UTI campuses. The PHEV will be a necessity in students receiving hands-on training, which will eventually lead to the acquisition of a certification in high voltage systems.

There will be 11 other required certifications to pass the curriculum, with three additional certification pathways that will require attendance at Ford’s Training Center.

The nine campuses are: Avondale, AZ Bloomfield, NJ Exton, PA Houston, TX Lisle, IL

Mooresville, NC Orlando, FL Rancho Cucamonga, CA Sacramento, CA The course will take 15 weeks to complete and students are immediately eligible to enroll in the FACT program after completing UTI’s core automotive or diesel programs. More than 25,000 students have graduated since the program launched in 1999.

“Ford has been investing in building a pipeline of qualified technicians for years now, and our alliance with Universal Technical Institute allows us to do that through the Ford FACT program,” said Ford Manager of Technical Support Operations Elizabeth Tarquinto. “The enhancements we’re making to the program ensure that Ford and Lincoln dealers across the country will be able to find certified technicians ready to work on the vehicles of the future, and help them keep up with consumer demand for hybrid and electric vehicle service.”

CCC Report Reveals Accelerated Innovation in P&C Insurance Economy Amid Disruption CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc., a leading SaaS platform for the P&C insurance economy, announced March 15 it has released CCC Crash Course 2022, a data-driven report covering the business, consumer and technology trends shaping the automotive, claims, repair and collision industries.

The report offers insights on today’s economic, social and technology trends impacting and reshaping the P&C insurance economy, including shifts in driving behavior, advances in vehicle technology and the record pace of growth in digitization across the insurance economy.

CCC Crash Course 2022 marks the 27th year for the industry-leading report, which this year explores the future of digital journeys in the wake of disruption: supply versus demand, labor shortages, inflation, increasing vehicle technology and more complex repairs.

The extensive report draws insights based on decades of experience from solutions offered by CCC and its affiliates, including 260 million claims-related transactions,

50 billion miles of driving data, and millions of auto bodily injury and personal injury protection (PIP)/ medical payments (MedPay) casualty claims.

“After tracking key trends for so many years, we can confidently say the P&C insurance and automotive industry landscape has been forever changed,” said Susanna Gotsch, senior director and industry analyst, CCC. “The disruption experienced over the last two years has accelerated the pace of innovation driven by everything from supply chain and labor to climate change.

There is more urgency than ever for the industry to adapt and evolve with an increased focus on the advancement of digital technologies, user experiences and connected networks foundational to change and growth.”

Gotsch continued, “Today’s customer expects a business to provide an always-on user experience. This coupled with managing growing complexities presents both challenges and opportunities for the P&C economy.”

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Course 2022 include: • Supply versus demand imbalances and the impact on U.S. inflation.

• Labor shortages and the role its playing in driving up wages and altering experiences across nearly all industries.

• The operational future of automakers, insurers, repairers and other providers.

• The role of vehicle technology (ADAS, EVs) and complexity in increasing repair costs.

• Technologies such as AI, mobile, cloud and the Internet of Things, and their role in user experiences.

• Changes in driving behaviors and the impact to frequency and severity of auto accidents and auto casualty claims.

In addition to macro trends and topics, CCC Crash Course 2022 also includes industry-level detail on claims frequency and severity, parts costs and use, total loss trends and more.

Download the full report here: https://cccis.com/crash-course-2022/ Source: CCC Intelligent Solutions

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