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Length of Rental Decreases Year-Over-Year For First Time Since Start of Pandemic Enterprise released Length of Rental (LOR) data for the second quarter of 2023, showing a 0.3-day decrease— from 17.7 days to 17.4—compared to the same quarter last year, the first dip in LOR year-over-year since the initial stages of the pandemic.
It was also a 1.5-day decrease from the first quarter of this year, when LOR was 18.7 days, which fits historical seasonal trending of a decrease from the first quarter to the second quarter. While positive, these results continue to reflect the new normal, as the LOR for the second quarter in 2021 was 13.2 days. Alaska recorded the highest overall LOR in Q2 at 22.7 days, followed by Georgia (20.5), Colorado (20.2) and Louisiana (20.1). Hawaii had the lowest LOR with 13.1 days. North Dakota and Iowa were next-lowest at 13.3 days each, with DC (13.5) and Nebraska (13.9) completing the states under 14 days. Interestingly, the gap between the highest—Alaska—and lowest—Hawaii—
LORs was 9.6 days, compared to a gap of 9.0 days in Q2 2022. In the contiguous 48, the gap was 7.2 days between Georgia (20.5) and Iowa and North Dakota (both 13.1). In Q2 2022, this gap was 8.9 days between Louisiana and North Dakota.
Only three states saw a yearover-year increase of a day or more: Minnesota (+1.4), New Mexico (+1.2), and Montana (+1.0). Eighteen additional states saw increases while five other states were flat. Notably, 24 states, plus Washington, D.C., saw decreases. Rhode Island (-2.0), DC (-1.9) and Louisiana (-1.8) had the largest decreases. John Yoswick, editor of the weekly CRASH Network newsletter, said: “We’re seeing a number of trends that could account for some—though not a lot—of decline in LOR, at least for now. Shops’ backlog of work tends to drop in the spring, and this year was no exception. The national
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Vol. 41 / Issue 9 / September 2023 REGIONAL NEWS
AACF Assisting Aftermarket Industry Families Affected by Hawaii Fires The devastating Lahaina fires have left a trail of destruction, impacting not only properties but also the lives of countless families in the automotive aftermarket industry. In these trying times, the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is stepping forward to provide much-needed support to the affected families. The Lahaina fires have been an unprecedented disaster, displacing families, disrupting businesses and causing distress to industry partners. In light of these circumstances, the AACF has rallied its resources and expertise to extend a helping hand to the aftermarket industry families who have been hit hardest. The AACF’s commitment to
supporting aftermarket industry companies and their teammates welfare is evident in their swift response to crises. With a focus on collaboration, the organization has established a dedicated relief fund to provide financial assistance to the families grappling with the aftermath of the fires. This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of these families but also underscores the AACF’s dedication to recovery efforts. “During times of crisis, it is essential for the aftermarket industry to come together and support one another,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF. “We understand the challenges that these families are facing, and our l CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
REGIONAL NEWS
Cruise Explains Driverless Robotaxi Traffic Fiasco in San Francisco By Simon Alvarez Teslarati
The evening of Aug. 11, as many as 10 Cruise driverless robotaxis stopped in San Francisco’s North Beach. The incident caused traffic to back up, and it left skeptics questioning the city’s recent decision to allow driverless robotaxis to operate 24/7. Social media posts about the incident depicted multiple Cruise robotaxis stopped in the middle of
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 6
Columnist Mike Anderson: Technical and Financial Considerations Related to Your Paint Department
18
Columnist Abby Andrews: SCRS Executive Director Responds to Criticism of Right to Repair Pact Signed with Automakers
14
Columnist Stacey Phillips: Body Shop Owners Discuss Mentorship Programs Initiated with Support from Toby Chess, Part 2
32
Columnist John Yoswick: SCRS Airs Collision Shops’ Concerns About Insurers to Washington State Regulators
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