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INFINITI QX Inspiration Concept

Miss. Insurance Commissioner: State Farm, Other Auto Carriers Should Follow OEM Procedures Nissan Position: Measure Vehicles Before, After Structural Repairs

CCC Introduces World’s First End-to-End Connected Safety Experience

DEALER NEWS Hyundai Motor Group Introduces World's First Multi-Collision Airbag System FCA US Expands Technician Training Program, Launches "Assemble Your Future" Campaign

The INFINITI QX Inspiration is a midsize SUV concept previewing the brand’s first fully electric vehicle. As a company with technological and powertrain innovation at its core, electrification is a natural next step for INFINITI. This design study previews the brand’s plan to launch a range of high-performance electrified vehicles that promise an engaging drive and deliver range confidence. The INFINITI lineup of the future will consist of a range of elec-

tric, e-POWER and performance hybrid vehicles.

The QX Inspiration concept signals a new era for INFINITI design enabled by technology, with a form language hinting at the potency and character of electrified powertrains. The new concept sets a direct precedent for the company’s first QX Inspiration Please to Turn Page 4

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The dashboard is a wide-screen monitor flowing from pillar to pillar, finished in polarized gold-tinted glass.

The rear of the cabin is devoid of all technology, except for the QX Inspiration’s lighting, a deliberate move by INFINITI’s designers to create a relaxing, screen-free space.

QX Inspiration From Front Cover fully electric production car, illustrating how new architectures and technologies are influencing modern INFINITI design.

It also draws on the Japanese spatial concept of ‘Ma,’ demonstrating how open spaces between lines create tension and build anticipation.

This Japanese DNA continues into the cabin. The interior of QX Inspiration is hand-crafted using traditional techniques and a choice of materials inspired by a subtle Japanese sensuality. The development of new electrified vehicle platforms enables the creation of spacious, loungelike interiors influenced by omotenashi, the Japanese approach to hospitality. The cabin incorporates technologies to create a welcoming environment while assisting drivers and connecting occupants to the world around them.

The QX Inspiration concept sets a direct precedent for the brand’s first fully electric car: a high-performance SUV offering range confidence. Electrification is a natural next step for the company, and, as a member of the Renault-NissanMitsubishi Alliance, the industry leader in low- and zero-emission vehicles, a range of ultra-low emissions technology is available to INFINITI. INFINITI’s future models will offer drivers a mixture of fully electric, e-POWER and performance hybrid vehicles. These powertrains will be matched with dedicated platforms and vehicle architectures, delivering the high performance, range confidence and low environmental impact that buyers are coming to expect from luxury car manufacturers.

“For INFINITI, our powertrain electrification strategy focuses on offering both high performance and range confidence.

As the luxury brand within the RenaultNissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, INFINITI can draw on a wide range of ultra-low emissions powertrain technologies to deliver driving pleasure and thrilling performance.

We have previously explored this with the 4

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The QX Inspiration concept uses technologies to create a welcoming environment – one that assists drivers and connects occupants.

Prototype 9 and Prototype 10, and QX Inspiration shows how this philosophy will manifest itself in production: as a powerful electric SUV with a versatile character and luxurious interior.” said François Bancon, Vice President, INFINITI With the planned electrification of INFINITI’s future product portfolio, the QX Inspiration concept signals the brand’s intention to produce a fully electric midsize SUV, based on an all-new vehicle platform, which could accommodate a powerful electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD) system. The concept’s SUV packaging means the high-capacity battery pack can be located below the vehicle floor, feeding power to a pair of electric motors (one on each axle).

Future INFINITI products promise a power delivery which is instantaneous, with the e-AWD system enabling blistering off-the-line acceleration. Power is distributed intelligently between all four wheels, and the battery’s location ensures a low center of gravity, meaning the QX Inspiration concept inspires confidence in all situations – from high-speed corners to long-distance cruises – and weather conditions.

March 2019

“Global demand for SUVs continues to grow, as does the number of drivers eager to make the shift to an electrified powertrain. QX Inspiration meets at the intersection of these trends and sets a direct precedent for the launch of a powerful all-electric SUV. INFINITI is a brand built on the idea of technological innovation, and the electrification of our product line-up is a natural next step for us. The QX Inspiration concept signals the direction we plan to take.” said Christian Meunier, President and Chairman, INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. Balanced silhouette with a cab-forward stance and aerodynamic lines “The INFINITI design aesthetic has always been linked to the powertrain.

Where a V8 engine might move the interior rearward, electrification has allowed us to the move the interior forward and provides for a balanced profile. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t express a new kind of performance. The power of the electric engine is expressed through the robustness and fullness of the body.”

Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President for Global Design, Nissan Motor Co. The design of the QX Inspiration www.IneedOEMparts.com

concept, from its dimensions to its details, hint at the potenThe smooth surfaces cy and character of INFINITI’s future electrified powertrains. replacing the grille Locating the powfeature an ertrain low down in the body and between the axles (2,850 illuminated mm apart) enabled INFINITI’s INFINITI designers to create a bold and powerful lower body, blending logo, its smooth, expansive surfaces book-ended with fascinating new proportions. The sleek, long roofline by channels peaks at 1,630 mm in height, at that divert air over a point directly above the front row of seats, then flows downand around the body. wards into the car’s aerodynamically efficient Kammback rear.

Without the need for a concept of Ma, which has meant a close large front grille to cool an engine, the QX consideration of the surfaces and open Inspiration concept nonetheless retains spaces as much the layout and design of shapes that define what would have been seats, dashboard and driver controls. an air intake. The smooth surfaces replacDominating the dashboard is a wideing the grille feature an illuminated INFINITI screen monitor flowing from pillar to pillar, logo, book-ended by channels that divert finished in polarized gold-tinted glass. The air over and around the body. A closer rectangular steering wheel, trimmed in look at the thin headlamp strips reveal soft brown and white leather, also features laser-like etchings, with a highly technical its own monitor. In place of a transmission pattern echoed throughout the interior tunnel, graceful arches, trimmed in brown and exterior. The pattern is also featured leather, rise out of the floor beneath the in the wing-shaped light strip that spreads dashboard, flowing into a Bianco Carrara across the tailgate, adding a clean trailing marble center console which extends to edge to the rear of the car. Housed within the rear seats. wheelarches clad in contrasting black proThe instrument panel is trimmed tective material are 22-inch wheels that in a luxurious grey cloth normally used feature a similar louvered pattern and an to upholster furniture and finished with aerodynamic design to divert air along the INFINITI’s patented dot-quilting effect. flanks of the car.

Inspired by classic buttoned leather sofas, The interior of the QX Inspiration dot quilting produces a more informal concept shows the potential for new elecinterpretation of the diamond lozenge tric vehicle platforms. Powered by a batshape that gives classic Chesterfield tery pack stored beneath the floor, with lounge chairs their distinctive appearelectric motors on each axle, there is no ance. The idiosyncratic cloth extends from intrusion from driveshafts or transmission the front of the cabin and transitions into tunnels. The result is a spacious, loungerelaxing sofa-style rear seating area, genlike space, with flat floors and greater erously proportioned for two passengers. room for occupants and luggage.

The most open surface of all, the The spaciousness enables the vehiflat floor receives its own unique treatcle’s human-centered ergonomics and crement. Upholstered in white suede panels ates a welcoming, open atmosphere that in a variety of rhomboid shapes, it features invites occupants to relax in comfort. The kintsugi gold inlays, adding an additional cabin has a level of architectural moderelement of lounge design to the cabin. nity to it, with a highly structural layout QX Inspiration’s cabin fuses techthat diverges from conventional automonology with a warm, minimalist design bile design. Like the exterior, the interior and typical Japanese hospitality, creating of the QX Inspiration concept draws upon a seamlessly enabling, instinctive experiINFINITI’s devotion to the Japanese spatial www.IneedOEMparts.com

March 2019

ence Pillar-to-pillar widescreen displays information to driver and front passenger – a signature feature destined for future INFINITI models The QX Inspiration concept uses technologies to create a welcoming environment – one that assists drivers and connects occupants. INFINITI’s designers were influenced by the natural coalescence of technology, hospitality and warm minimalism that is unique to Japan. They focused on developing a vehicle which seamlessly and intuitively enables occupants, both through the application of its technologies and by creating a comfortable, relaxing and natural atmosphere.

Where the electric vehicle architecture is a macro-enabler for the overall structure and design, the pillar-to-pillar widescreen serves as a micro-enabler for the minimalist interior. A signature theme that will eventually be reflected in future INFINITI vehicles, the widescreen system has facilitated a dramatic reduction in the number of buttons in the interior and a clearer dashboard-wide display of information for driver and front passenger. The customizable screens enable the front passenger to see and control a range of functions, from infotainment to cabin lighting, as well as heating and ventilation.

The proliferation of displays, including the center of the widescreen rectangular steering wheel, gives the driver easy access to important information. There are digital displays linked to the rear-facing doormounted cameras, to navigation and traffic systems and vehicle diagnostics.n Southern Automotive Journal

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The One and Only Hybrid Minivan’s Innovative, Advanced and Class-exclusive Powertrain Builds on Pacifica’s Reinvention of the Minivan Segment The Chrysler Pacifica reinvents the minivan segment with unparalleled levels of functionality, versatility, technology and bold styling – and the Pacifica Hybrid takes this revolutionary vehicle a step further with its class-exclusive, innovative hybrid powertrain.

As the original creator of the minivan more than 30 years ago, FCA US LLC has transformed the segment with firsts – notching 78 innovations through the first five minivan generations. With the introduction of the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid, FCA US adds 37 minivan firsts to its portfolio for an unprecedented total of 115 innovations in the segment, including the industry’s first minivan available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, the industry’s first electrified minivan, will deliver an estimated range of 33 miles solely on zero-emissions electric power from a 16-kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery.

In electric-only mode, it achieved an efficiency rating of 84 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

When the battery’s energy is depleted to a certain threshold, the Pacifica Hybrid becomes a part-time electric vehicle, like a conventional hybrid.

Power to the wheels is supplied by the electric drive system or supplemented by a specially adapted new version of the award-winning FCA US Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 engine.

The battery pack – neatly packaged under the second-row floor in a unique battery case – may be fully recharged in as little as two hours using a 240-volt plug-in system.

The pivotal technology behind the all-new Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is its innovative eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT). Designed by FCA US, the device features two electric motors – both of which are capable of driving the vehicle’s wheels.

Conventional electrification schemes dedicate one motor to serve as a generator and a second motor – usually much larger – to deliver torque to the wheels. But the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid uses a one-way clutch that allows the www.IneedOEMparts.com

Chrysler Pacifica innovative hybrid powertrain system, includes Cluster display – customizable 7-inch color thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display provides important information, including battery and fuel levels, total driving range, and an “efficiency coach” to promote efficient driving. motor typically used only as a generator to deliver torque to the wheels, depending on driving conditions. The result is increased efficiency, refinement and improved component packaging.

Taking advantage whenever the driver slows, the Pacifica Hybrid’s regenerative braking system converts kinetic energy to electricity, helping to provide additional range by charging the lithiumion battery. As the Pacifica Hybrid decelerMarch 2019

ates from a higher speed, the high-voltage motor becomes a generator and charges the battery to extend the electric range.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was reengineered from the ground up on an allnew platform, delivering class-leading ride and handling and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Its body structure is the lightest and stiffest in its class, making Pacifica Please to Turn Page 32 Southern Automotive Journal

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Miss. Insurance Commissioner: State Farm, Other Auto Carriers Should Follow OEM Procedures

By John Huetter Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney on Wednesday supported for OEM repair procedures and indicated State Farm and other insurers should comply with them, according to correspondence provided to us by a collision repairer.

Clinton Body Shop owner John Mosley had shared with Chaney on Wednesday comments from the repair facility’s insurer State Auto in which the carrier advised following repair procedures.

“We recognize failure to follow auto manufacturing recommendations regarding procedures for repair can increase the likelihood of failed repair,” State Auto wrote. “For this reason we

strongly recommend all our insureds follow manufacturer suggested as well as required procedures when completing repairs. Failure to do so can result in underwriting action by the company including increased cost of insurance up to and including termination of coverage.”

Mosley asked Chaney, his rival in the 2015 Republican insurance commissioner primary, via email Wednesday when Chaney would “take a stand on this for consumers and the industry that repairs their vehicle ?

“Please investigate this with other carriers,” Mosley wrote. “If there are carriers who say they don’t expect OE procedures to be followed, I would like to know who they are.”

Chaney replied Wednesday his agency would continue to support automaker procedures.

“Thanks for the heads up,” Chaney wrote in another email shared by Mosley.

“It is our position that OEM repair procedures be followed. I think that our office and the AG’s office understand this and will continue to support this position.”

This position is consistent with what the state has advised dating back to at least 2017. Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood’s office released a “Consumer Guide to Insurance and Auto Body Repair” after working with a task force including his agency, the DOI and various stakeholders.

It notably declared OEM procedures to be the proper way to fix a car:

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Ask the shop about the repair process for your vehicle and how those compare to manufacturer guidelines for those procedures. …

A proper repair is performed pursuant to the original equipment manufacturers’ (“OEM”) repair procedures and using OEM or OEM equivalent parts that have been properly tested pursuant to or meet the manufacturers’ specifications.

Both Chaney and Mosley served on the task force.

“I sincerely appreciate your support, but State Farm and some of the other largest insurers are continuing to deny repairs complying with OE procedures,” Mosley replied to Chaney on Wednesday. “We need some help.”

“If there are compliance problems

let Andy know, we can probably help,” Chaney replied. “If there are problems with State Farm, let us know the specifics.

They are suppose to be complying to OE procedures.”

“Their only explanation is they feel like they’re paying per the policy language,” Mosley replied after thanking Chaney. “I don’t believe there exists any language that enables them to save money by not paying for a proper repair.”

Contacted for comment regarding the Wednesday email exchange, State Farm Mississippi spokesman Roszell Gadson wrote Thursday: “We have nothing to share with RDN.” Just citing “the policy” in a vacuum might not fly with the DOI. The agency already had told State Farm in 2016

that vague reasons for denying a scan wouldn’t be sufficient: “Moving forward, I’ve asked them whenever there is a disagreement as to the need for a vehicle scan (or any other related expense), that they be more specific in defending their position as opposed to simply stating that ‘each claim is handled on (its own) merits’,” Mississippi DOI Consumer Services Director wrote in July 2016 to Clinton Body Shop, which had contacted the agency regarding a controversy over a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan SE. “I simply explained that we’d expect some detail from them as to what those ‘merits’ are and why they wouldn’t feel they would owe the charge. Hopefully that will help facilitate better communication in the future.”n

CAPA Reaches 100 Million Certified Parts Milestone

The Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA), an independent non- profit standard-setting and certification organization for automotive crash parts, announces that it has certified over 100 million aftermarket parts since 1990. Samples of the 100 million parts were all tested and certified to CAPA standards by Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, and who operates the CAPA certification program around the world.

The standards include those for metal, plastic, nonwoven fabric, lighting, radiator and bumper parts.

Kerry Tapio, the Director of CAPA

Program at Intertek, stated: “CAPA’s priority has always been to ensure that high-quality, certified aftermarket parts are an option for insurers, repairers, and consumers. We’re thrilled to have reached this major milestone as we continue to work with dedicated manufacturers who choose to obtain CAPA certification for their parts in an effort to bring high-quality products to people around the world.”

Aftermarket (AM) auto parts are made by manufacturers and used for post-sale repairs or enhancements in place of service parts produced by or for the original equipment manufacturers

(OEMs). As the global leader in aftermarket part certification for more than 30 years, CAPA standards have been used worldwide to identify high-quality aftermarket auto parts based on their design, materials, construction and comparability to car company brand parts.

For more than 27 years, Intertek has served as the testing and validation partner to CAPA, accumulating years of expertise in performance, quality and reliability standards for the AM parts industry. In 2018, Intertek entered into an exclusive services appointment and license agreement with CAPA to operate the program globally. n

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ASA Appoints Ray Fisher to Serve as Executive Director

ASA has a new leader. Ray Fisher, executive director of ASA’s Michigan affiliate, has been selected to head the Automotive Service Association as its executive director/president, beginning Jan. 2, 2019.

Fisher, AMAM, replaces Dan Risley, who left to pursue an opportunity in his home state of Illinois in July. Beth Risch has served as ASA’s interim chief operating officer while ASA’s Board of Directors conducted an extensive search.

“I appreciate the opportunity that the ASA Board of Directors has afforded me, and I look forward to serving the independent automotive repair industry,” Fisher said about his new role leading the 67-year-old organization.

“We are at a critical time in our

industry where involvement plays an important role. Education and training are no longer an elective but required.

Trade schools were forgotten, technology can be overwhelming, and we have an aging workforce that is faced with some difficult decisions. ASA can help lead the industry in addressing those challenges.”

ASA Board Chairman Roy Schnepper, AAM, said the board felt Fisher distinguished himself in several categories that led to his selection.

“The ASA National Board considered many variables in choosing our next executive director,” said Schnepper. “After reviewing approximately 80 resumes, the search committee of Bryan Kelly, Jim Keller, Robert Redding, Darrell Amberson and myself narrowed it down to three well-quali-

fied candidates and presented this to the board of directors at the November board meeting in Las Vegas. Ray’s broad industry background and long association experience as executive director of the ASA-Michigan affiliate made him the best candidate. We welcome Ray to his new role and look forward to working with him to grow the association through his knowledge and dedication to serving our members.”

Fisher, who has served the industry in varied roles, has been president and executive director of ASAMichigan since 2010. In addition, he served as a body shop manager for more than 20 years, assistant parts manager, and an expert witness for ASA Please Turn Page 22

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Subaru Certified Collision Network to Open Enrollment to Independent Collision Centers Nationwide OEC has been certified as a Center of Excellence by BenchmarkPortal for the eleventh year in a row. The Center of Excellence Award recognizes quality and cost-efficiency measures of customer care centers.

OEConnection LLC (OEC), a leading technology employer in Northeast Ohio, has been certified as a Center of Excellence by BenchmarkPortal for a remarkable eleventh year in a row.

The Center of Excellence Award recognizes quality and cost-efficiency of contact centers throughout North America by evaluating their key metrics against industry peers.

Based on objective and quantitative metrics which are audited and validated by researchers from BenchmarkPortal, the Center of Excellence designation is awarded to customer service call centers that

rank in the top ten percent of call centers surveyed. It is a unique certification because it is attained strictly "by the numbers."

"Our Customer Success functions continue to differentiate OEC from other software providers in the automotive technology space," said Ron Coill, OEC President and Chief Operating Officer, North America. "For eleven years, we have been able to proudly say that our customer support team is among the best in the nation."

"I could not be more proud of the customer support team," said John Haluch, OEC Director, Customer Success. "The fact that we have been a Center of Excellence for over a decade is a true testament to the dedication of the team, and proves our commitment to providing our customers with an excellent experience, no matter if

they reach us through phone, email, chat or access our Support Center."

"Contact centers that achieve certification are remarkable in their ability to balance a commitment to service excellence with cost-effective service strategies," noted Bruce Belfiore, CEO of BenchmarkPortal. "We applaud their commitment to superior customer service."

BenchmarkPortal is a global leader in the contact center industry, providing benchmarking, certification, training, consulting, research and industry reports. Contact centers wishing to obtain the Center of Excellence certification are held to a rigorous process that measures their data against a database of performance metrics from thousands of companies throughout North America.n

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MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 Plug-in Hybrid Every MINI Countryman will come standard with: • An expansive Panorama Sunroof • Sensatec Leatherette Upholstery • Comfort Access keyless entry • MINI Connected infotainment system with 6.5-inch high-resolution display • Rear View Camera with guidelines • Rear Park Distance Control (parking sensors) • Bluetooth supporting Telephone, Audio Streaming, and Siri Eyes Free • Automatic Headlights and Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers • Fore-and-Aft Sliding Rear Seats with Reclining and 40:20:40 Split-Folding Backrests

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4. Under the hood is a 3-cylinder gasoline engine works in tandem with a powerful electric motor to produce a combined peak output of 221 hp, with the e-rear axle enabling all-season ALL4 traction – but for drivers, Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 simply means high-tech Motoring fun.

The biggest, most adventurous MINI ever, the MINI Countryman. A MINI model will be offered as a plug-in hybrid, combining the best of both worlds. The MINI Countryman ALL4 is powered by both a three-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology gasoline engine and an electric hybrid synchronous motor..

The MINI Countryman was been completely redesigned and reengineered from the ground up, yet still is instantly identifiable as a MINI. Now incorporating BMW Group engine technology and vehicle architecture, the all-new MINI Countryman offers an all-turbocharged engine lineup with outstanding accelera14

Southern Automotive Journal

tion and the go-kart driving dynamics that MINI owners have come to know and love – especially when experienced with the added traction that comes from the latest generation of ALL4 all-wheel drive.

“The new MINI Countryman is not only the largest MINI we’ve ever built, but it’s also the most technologically advanced and most versatile MINI of our product line up,” said Thomas Felbermair, Vice President MINI of the Americas.

As the most adventurous MINI ever built, traction and performance in all kinds of conditions, wet or dry, rugged or smooth, straight or curvy, the new MINI Countryman benefits from the allnew ALL4 all-wheel drive system. The fully automatic system seamlessly delivers power to the wheels that grip and reacts to road conditions in as little as .25 seconds, with no action required by the driver or passenger.

The biggest MINI ever means more space for cargo, people and anything else March 2019

needed for your next big adventure. The all-new MINI Countryman offer cavernous cargo space with sliding, folding rear seats, a high roofline, and an adjustable trunk floor. The new MINI Countryman now has more front and rear legroom, front and rear headroom and rear seat shoulder room than many of the major competitors in its class.

Pre-Outfitted with Premium Features Although the new MINI Countryman continues the MINI tradition of offering an incredible array of possibilities for custom configuration, some customers may find that the car is already loaded before they’ve added any options. • Models with ALL4 all-wheel drive also come standard with heated seats.

Cooper S models (with and without ALL4) come with standard LED headlights and daytime running lights, bolstered sport seats, and 18-inch light alloy wheels.

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NADA Foundation Launches Workforce Initiative Interactive Website for Aspiring Service Techs The National Automobile Dealers er for interested students to find out about community colleges, military separation Association (NADA) Foundation has the training and scholarship opportunities officers at bases, and at major conferences announced the next phase of its Workforce available to them where they live is vital to like SEMA. Initiative, which includes the launch of addressing the service technician shortage Actionable economic research to a new consumer-facing website – www. that every dealer is facing.” determine how to best recruit and retain nadafoundation.org – to promote the “We need an initiative the entire auto techs. value of service technician jobs and proindustry can get behind, so I’m extremely The possible creation of a nationvide the first and wide network of only centralized career fair events In addition to the website and interactive map of training and source of all OEM to bring students, training and scholarship opportunities, the Workforce Initiative includes: and industry traincareer centers and ing programs and • New video stories where real technicians talk about both their work and the lifestyle provided by dealers together their career. scholarship opporfor employment in tunities for aspiring • An integrated digital marketing effort to increase enrollments in automotive tech training pro- their communities. grams – especially at OEM-sponsored programs, which place thousands of students each year into technicians.

One of dealership careers.

The NADA the immediate Foundation has also • A robust presence at national train-the-trainer conferences and events, to promote the benefits of the goals of the announced an initial technician careers with high school guidance counselors, community colleges, military separation Workforce Initiative round of donations is to fill OEM trainofficers at bases, and at major conferences like SEMA. for its multi-faceted ing programs to Workforce Initiative, • Actionable economic research to determine how to best recruit and retain techs. capacity. To date, including: $50,000 • The possible creation of a nationwide network of career fair events to bring students, career centers many seats in from the National those OEM trainand dealers together for employment in their communities.

Auto Auction ing programs go Association (NAAA); unfilled each year $50,000 from PACCAR; and $25,000 from proud of this effort,” Gilchrist added. “Our even though full-time employment is virPorsche. NADA Foundation has donated workforce is our absolute best asset as tually guaranteed upon graduation. an additional $250,000 to the effort. dealers, but we have to recruit, train and The National Auto Auction The auto retail industry is facing a retain the best people if we want to conAssociation, which represents America’s critical shortage of service technicians, tinue providing our customers with the used-car auctions and faces a similar techwhich will only get worse in the coming best experience possible.” nician shortage, supports the initiative. years if not addressed. America’s technical The average dealership technician in “Our focus is on identifying ways to recruit colleges and training programs graduate the United States today makes $61,067 in and retain the best employees. We are approximately 37,000 new service technisalary, plus benefits, and has great opporencouraged by the NADA Foundation who cians annually. Yet the industry needs to tunities for personal growth and career has invested time and resources in an replace roughly 76,000 technicians every advancement. Experienced technicians online platform that will give us the tools year just to keep pace with retirements at franchised dealerships can make more we need to be effective in connecting with and new jobs in the sector – leaving an than $100,000 annually and service manthe education and training institutions,” annual shortage of 39,000 trained techniagers can make even more. said Frank Hackett, CEO of NAAA. cians In addition to the website and inter“Until the launch of nadafoundation.

To close this gap, the NADA active map of training and training and org, there was nowhere for a prospective Foundation’s Workforce Initiative aims to scholarship opportunities, the Workforce technician to find out where their closest promote the benefits of these jobs and Initiative includes: training program was located. For exammake it far easier for interested individuals New video stories where real techniple, Toyota’s T-10 website shows where to learn about the training opportunities cians talk about both their work and the the Toyota programs are, and GM’s ASEP that are available to them locally. lifestyle provided by their career. website shows where the GM programs “Before today, there was no coordiAn integrated digital marketing are. But each ignore the other, leaving nated, industry-wide, brand-neutral effort effort to increase enrollments in automoprospective students confused,” explained to increase the number of trained techtive tech training programs – especially at NADA President and CEO Peter Welch. nicians we’re integrating into our workOEM-sponsored programs, which place “Our new website brings together all OEM force. But thanks to the NADA Foundation thousands of students each year into dealtraining programs onto the same map, Workforce Initiative and the launch of ership careers. through data provided by our friends at nadafoundation.org, there finally is,” said A robust presence at national trainAuto Service Excellence (ASE). Now any2019 NADA Chairman Charlie Gilchrist. the-trainer conferences and events, to proone can now find out where the closest “Promoting the tremendous benefits of mote the benefits of technician careers ASE training program is located, public or service technician jobs and making it easiwith high school guidance counselors, private, regardless of manufacturer.”n 16

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Nissan Position: Measure Vehicles Before, After Structural Repairs Nissan directed auto body shops to measure a vehicle before and after a structural repair, a critical element of collision work one expert has noted repairers might be neglecting.

Astech industry relations director Jake Rodenroth noted in August that 30 percent of ostensibly repaired vehicles sent to his company for calibration failed because they weren’t straight enough, he said.

“Nissan vehicles, whether constructed on a framed or unibody platform, require different techniques to correct body alignment issues after a collision, incident, or loss,” Nissan wrote Dec. 12, 2018, in one of nine recent new or updated position statements.

“Repairs requiring any structural or alignment corrections are the first step in the restoration process and the basis of a safe and quality repair.

“To ensure that a vehicle is repaired and restored to factory specifications, measurements should be taken both before

and after a frame or structural repair. This ensures proper body alignment that could affect safety or mechanical systems.”

Infiniti issued a virtually identical position statement six days later.

Nissan also cautioned shops against relying on any measurements outside of its official data, bringing to mind a 2017 warning from Audi against measurements on unapproved benches.

“Measurements can be found in the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) taken from a variety of control points during production,” Nissan wrote. “Nissan North America has not validated any alternative measurements provided by a third party vendor and refers all collision repair professionals to the ESM measurements. … Initial damage measurements will also be helpful in repairversus-replace scenarios. “… Proper anchoring techniques should be used during body alignments and may vary depending on the alignment

system being used. Recommended anchoring techniques can also be found in the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for each model. Corrective push/pull methods will be outlined there as well and should be used in conjunction with machine manufacturer’s guidelines.”

Nissan also reminded shops that the measurement process could add extra R&Rs or R&Is. “Removal of vehicle components, panels, or exterior trim may be necessary to perform accurate measuring during the repair process,” Nissan wrote. “… Any protective coating (seam sealer, stone guard, undercoating, corrosion protection, etc.) removed for initial setup or damaged in the repair process should be restored accordingly.”

Estimators and technicians are going to want to consider these factors — some of which might be not-included operations — when developing a repair plan and delivery date.n

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CCC Introduces World’s First End-to-End Connected Safety Experience them through one of the most emotional There are more than 13 million auto USA as it looks to incorporate mobile events of vehicle ownership, while ensuraccidents every year in the U.S., most in new ways and with the goal of proing cars are repaired to the safety stanleaving drivers feeling confused and tecting the well-being of their drivers,” dards that Volvo is known for.” uncertain of what to do in the minutes said Andreas Hecht, GM and SVP, CCC’s How CCC Accident Advisor Works following the collision. At the Consumer OEM Services Group. “From a consumer For participating telematicsElectronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, CCC standpoint, we’re in an era of ‘digitalenabled vehicles, crash data is transInformation Services Inc. (CCC), introfirsts’ where consumers use their smartmitted to automakers in real-time. CCC, duced a mobile solution that provides phones to direct their experiences. The original equipment manuAccident Advisor technolfacturers (OEMs) and other ogy is a natural extenconnected service providers Accident Advisor will prompt drivers to capture facts and photos of sion of our core, which a way to protect and guide the accident and offer them the option to digitally notify their insurer of has always been about their customers at this critical making it easier for autotime, offering vehicle owners the accident. Drivers will be able to search for collision repair shops and in makers, insurers, collision the world’s first end-to-end conjunction with other CCC offerings can in many instances even get text repairers, and parts dealconnected safety experience. ers to deliver important Volvo Car USA will be the first message status updates as their vehicle moves through the repair process. services when their cusautomaker to leverage CCC® tomers need them most.” through its CCC XTM data exchange, will Accident Advisor, which combines emerPowered by artificial intelligence convert that data into actionable insights gency services and checklists, guided (AI), Accident Advisor will prompt drivers so automakers can proactively connect accident documentation, and digital to capture facts and photos of the acciwith their vehicle owners via their smartclaims and repair services to keep drivers dent and offer them the option to digiphones. CCC Accident Advisor will allow safe, informed, and in control in the mintally notify their insurer of the accident. automakers to guide their customers utes following an auto accident. CCC is a Drivers will be able to search for collithrough the steps following an accident leading Software as a Service provider to sion repair shops and in conjunction with and digitally connect them with parthe automotive, insurance, and collision other CCC offerings can in many instances ticipating insurers and collision repairers. repair industries. even get text message status updates as Over time, CCC plans to add other ecosys“Working with CCC to bring their vehicle moves through the repair tem participants as well as its proprietary Accident Advisor to Volvo owners is process. Participating insurers will be able injury detection technologies to Accident another way we can make life less complito receive accident documentation from Advisor, further improving the overall cated for customers,” said Scott Doering, their policyholders with unprecedented post-collision experience for participatVice President, Customer Service, Volvo immediacy and insight, which can help ing drivers.

Car USA. “By guiding customers through the insurer improve claim handling time “CCC is proud to support Volvo Car the post-accident process we can support and the policyholder experience.n

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19

‘Who Pays?’: Nonstructural certified Ford aluminum rates slide to $75 for 50th percentile

By John Huetter Data from more than 100 responding Ford-certified shops in 2016, 2017 and 2018 — by The appearance of far the highest turnout of the OEMs examined — found the median Ford nonstructural aluexterior aluminum over a minum rate declining slightly, from $80 in 2016 to $77 in 2017 and $75 in 2018. largely steel structure on a variety of new vehicles — perhaps most notably on the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and 2019 Ram 1500 — means collision repairers might need to invest in dedicated aluminium tooling and equipment as well as training to remain competitive.

Just because an OEM doesn’t deem exterior aluminum structural (a designation which could vary by part and OEM; don’t assume anything without checking That rate represents the 50th percentile, in which half of all suveyed procedures and posishops charge more and half charge less than the amount. tions) doesn’t mean the metal magically behaves ate corrosion and potentially even pose a hazard to erly manage the properties of either kind of autolike steel. The laws of shop personnel. Hence, you need to arm your shop motive aluminum could demand higher labor rates chemistry and physics accordingly. for the nonferrous metal, and the most recent “Who will still apply to generRecouping the investment necessary to propPays for What?” data from October 2018 does show

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shops charging more for aluminum. n (Help the industry by taking the current “Who Pays for What?” survey on “notincluded refinish operations through Jan. 31. All answers are kept confidential — data is published only in the aggregate — and participants receive a copy of the report.)

Ford was the most mainstream automaker for which three consistent years of data was provided to us in “Who Pays?” excerpts. If other popular OEMs continue to adopt exterior/closure aluminum over steel

bodies — a likely trend, though the steel industry argues it can still compete — then the reported Ford rates might reflect how repairers will handle it.

Data from more than 100 responding Ford-certified shops in 2016, 2017 and 2018 — by far the highest turnout of the OEMs examined — found the median Ford nonstructural aluminum rate declining slightly, from $80 in 2016 to $77 in 2017 and $75 in 2018.

That rate represents the 50th per-

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centile, in which half of all surveyed shops charge more and half charge less than the amount.

As this implies, shops in any given market or nationwide are going to obviously have a range of rates. The 25th percentile reflects an rate exceeded by 75 percent of responding shops. Conversely, the 75th percentile figure still finds 25 percent of shops billing more than that amount.

What’s fascinating here is that the 25th and 75th percentile are also remarkably consistent. The 25th percentile for Ford was $55.75 in 2016, $56 in 2017 (which might have just reflected a decision by the survey authors to use round numbers), and $55 in 2018.

The 75th percentile rose from $95.75 in 2016 to $100 in 2017 and then fell back to $95 for 2018.

It seems as though the market is accepting these rates; whether they’re enough to appropriately recoup the individual shop’s costs is unclear, considering inflation was 4.62 percent between 2016 and 2018.

Ford’s structural 25th and 50th percentiles held consistent at $75 and $90 all three years, respectively, while its structural 75th percentile rose from $110 in 2016 to $111 in 2017 before dropping to $108 in 2018.

More than mainstream OEMs might opt for aluminum over steel rather than completely aluminum vehicles. Audi, for example, notably changed its A8 from its historic all-aluminum format to a mixedmaterial design.

Audi’s 50th percentile nonstructural rate rose from $85 in 2016 to $105 in 2018 for Audi-certified shops, though far fewer shops responded last year. Its structural aluminum rate rose from $95 in 2016 before holding steady at $125 in 2017 and 2018.

Tesla is an interesting wild card, as it is trying to make the Model 3 a mass-market vehicle with $35,000 base models while continuing to sell higher-end vehicles like the Models S and X. It also closed out 2018 ahead of all luxury OEMs except BMW, Mercedes, Lexus and Audi, according to GoodCarBadCar. The Model 3 uses more structural steel than its counterparts but retains some aluminum, based upon first responder guides.

Tesla-certified shops’ 50th percentile nonstructural rates rose from $85 to $105 between 2016 and 2018, while their structural aluminum rates were $95 in 2016 before sticking at $125 in 2017 and 2018.n Southern Automotive Journal

21

FCA US Expands Technician Training Program, Launches "Assemble Your Future" Campaign program. there before and found success," said The Mopar Career Automotive There are an estimated 750,000 Steve Beahm, Head of Parts and Service Program (CAP), an FCA US LLC initiative auto technicians working nationally, (Mopar) and Passenger Car Brands, FCA aimed at developing the next-generation according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor North America.

"These are very good jobs of service technicians, launched a new Statistics.

Another 46,000 will need to be that offer a solid income and the chance and innovative networking campaign hired between 2019 and designed to link stu2026 to meet increased dents with potential demand. career opportunities.

"Assemble Your The "Assemble Future" will focus on Your Future" camMopar CAP prepares students to begin their automotive techniNHRA national events paign gives students scheduled for Houston the opportunity to cian careers upon graduation from a certified, two-year training in April, Denver in July, meet with dealer repinstitution, such as a university, college, community a September stop near resentatives, FCA techReading, Pennsylvania, nicians and Dodge// college or technical center. and a final race in Las SRT and MoparVegas in the fall. sponsored profesThe races will cover sional racing teams. about 15 schools operatAbout 40 Mopar CAP ing in those areas.

The goal is to continto work on some of the hottest brands students, instructors and dealers locatue expanding the campaign by adding with some of the coolest technology in ed near four different National Hot Rod more racing venues over the coming the market."

Association (NHRA) national events will years.

Mopar CAP prepares students be invited to the track for a day of net"We want to start slow and then to begin their automotive technician working. continue to build," said Keith Yancy, direccareers upon graduation from a certified, "We want our students to not only tor of the FCA Performance Institute. two-year training institution, such as a see the entire spectrum of a service "Our hope is to expand this campaign so university, college, community college or technician career, but also take steps to we can reach all of our 99 schools now technical center.

Currently, FCA has 9,000 make it happen by talking to potential teaching our CAP curriculum."n active students enrolled in its Mopar CAP employers or someone who has been ASA From Page 10 a local law firm regarding collision repair and processes.

With formal education in business administration, Fisher is an Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) and an Accredited Master Automotive Manager (AMAM). He has extensive legislative

experience, driving key issues for ASAMichigan members on sales tax issues and shop licensing. His recognition and contributions to the organizations he served have resulted in numerous awards, including the ASA Affiliate of the Year Award in 2018, ASA Legislative Award in 2015 and 2016, as well as the

I-CAR Founder’s Award.

Fisher can be reached at rayf@ asashop.org.

Schnepper added, “I’d also like to thank Beth Risch for her service as interim COO during our search process and look forward to continuing our relationship in her consulting capacity.”n

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SAAR in Canada Becomes Newest Association to Affiliate with SCRS

The Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers (SAAR) , closed out 2018 as the most recent collision repair association to affiliate with the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS), and the third such association in Canada.

The Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers is a non-profit organization of automotive repairers and associated firms whose concerns are the promotion and development of their industry in all its aspects. The association also represents the collision repair industry to the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and the public, while also providing programs, training and membership meetings and conferences.

“Our industry is going through disruptive changes,” shared Tom Bissonnette, SAAR Executive Director, "and SAAR is

looking to provide its members with as much information & training as we possibly can to help them make the necessary changes in their business in order to survive and thrive.”

“After being associated with SCRS through events like CIC and SEMA,” Bissonette continued, “we have concluded that connecting with our counterparts in the States, and Affiliating with SCRS will give our members a great conduit to information that will help them meet the demands of the fast changing collision industry. It is our hope that the relationship will promote a collaborative exchange of ideas and solutions to our mutual challenges in both countries, and that we can use some of the really spectacular work SCRS has put together, with resources like Repairer Driven News, to share with our

membership.”

“It’s always a tremendous honor to have the ability to formally grow our network of groups interested in advancing the collision repair profession,” added Kye Yeung, SCRS Chairman. “The fact that the work developed by our organization has international appeal, to associations and across our borders, further reinforces the global challenges that face our industry and the hope that lies in addressing those challenges through collaboration and communication.

As that network of communication grows, both through added Affiliate Associations and through the addition of individual locations, the stronger the industry becomes as a result. On behalf of the SCRS Board of Directors, we welcome our colleagues in Saskatchewan, and look forward to the good work we can do with one another. n

MINI Turn to Page 14 In addition to the standard features, the new MINI Countryman features a number of options to improve the overall experience for the driver and passenger using a completely new generation of technology. A Technology Package

includes a new 8.8-inch touchscreen navigation system, driven by MINI Connected 5.0, a redesigned and new-generation user interface and operating system, as well as Qi wireless device charging capability and MINI Find Mate Bluetooth tags.

The new MINI Cooper S E

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Automaker Trade Associations Release Policy Statement Calling for All Collision Repairs to Follow OEM Repair Procedures cles that come into a shop. That time has passed.” said Wayne Weikel, Senior Director of Government Affairs for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. “If a collision shop is going to fix the cars of today, they cannot use the repair procedures of yesterday. The only way to repair today’s vehicle is by following the OEM recommended repair procedures on every repair.”

Automakers also emphasized that the auto repair procedures are readily available to auto shops though numerous online outlets.

“Automakers have gone to great lengths to make repair procedures available to the public,” said Steve Gehring, Vice President, Vehicle Safety and Connected Automation, for the Association of Global Automakers. “These procedures were developed to ensure the vehicle is safely returned to pre-crash condition, with a confidence that advanced driver safety systems are calibrated correctly to help avoid the next crash.”

Auto industry trade groups representing virtually all automakers selling cars and light duty trucks in the United States released a policy position statement today underscoring the importance of all postcollision vehicle repairs being conducted in accordance with the repair procedures issued by the vehicle’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM).The statement, released by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of Global Automakers, said that OEM repair procedures follow service and structural engineering practices that have been tested by the manufacturer through crash simulation, actual crash testing, and real-world validation of the repair methodology. They also say that following such procedures is even more important now that cars have become so technologically advanced.

“There was a time when a basic understanding of autobody repair would allow a repairer to fix 9 out of 10 vehi-

“ASA has made the use of OEM repair procedures by collision shops a top policy priority. All parties in the collision repair process have a stake in repairs being made correctly by following OEM repair procedures which includes vehicle scans. Following these recommended procedures should be a practice that is performed on every vehicle and all parties to the repair, consumers, insurers and shops assume that it will be done. We look forward to working with our team members to move OEM repair procedure policy forward across the U.S.”, stated Roy Schnepper, ASA Chairman of the Board.

Previously, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Automotive Service Association had announced plans to actively push state legislation to mandate the use of recommended OEM repair procedures in all post-accident, insurance-funded vehicle repairs, as a result of the $42 million verdict in the Seebachan v. John Eagle Collision handed down in Texas in 2017.n

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Subarus Can Require Many Inspections After ‘Slight Collision’ A Collision Advice webinar last month highlighted a lengthy list of inspections necessary on a Subaru Impreza or Crosstrek following a collision — “even if it is a slight collision,” as a service manual states.

The webinar gave repairers a look at the various key category tabs on the service manual shared by what appeared to be both the 2018 Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek.

While presenting a slide featuring the work necessary after a driver airbag module assembly experiences a crash, Collision Advice CEO Mike Anderson noted that Subaru gave shops “a pretty comprehensive list” of checks that must be made. (You’ll want to verify this information on Subaru’s actual repair procedure site, ideally by a VIN lookup, before starting work on a real Impreza or Crosstrek from 2018 or any other model

year.)

These could include multiple part replacements, Anderson pointed out on the webinar, which was co-hosted by two Subaru collision representatives.

According to the Crosstrek/Impreza directions displayed in the slide, any time a driver’s airbag module activates, a repairer must always replace the modules for airbag control, the driver’s airbag and the knee airbag. Other must-replaces include the steering wheel, roll connector, steering column assembly, right and left front sub sensors, right and left seat belt pretensioners, right and left locking tongues of the front seat and the passenger’s-side lap pretensioners.

The right and left curtain airbag modules and passenger’s airbag module also must be replaced if deployed. If the passenger’s airbag module is deployed, the instrument panel assembly must also

be swapped out.

Even if the crash doesn’t activate a driver’s airbag module, a shop needs to visually inspect a variety of items and replace anything damaged on the Crosstrek/Impreza. An occupant detection procedure is also required.

“I want to restate: I’m just the messenger here,” Anderson said.

Even if the collision isn’t frontal, a repairer must still inspect airbag modules and check the passenger’s seat occupant detection system (a diagnostic procedure), according to the repair instructions.

The webinar demonstrated that list of things Subaru wants inspected or even replaced after a “slight collision” involving the Crosstrek/Impreza goes on much longer, encompassing items like the passenger’s seat and roll connector, as the webinar demonstrated. n

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Volvo Position Describes Necessary Inspections After Airbags Blow, Says Steering Wheel Must Go

By John Huetter Volvo recently told collision repairers that the steering wheel must be replaced if its airbag blows, and many other parts might also need to be swapped out following various airbag deployments.

“When the steering wheel airbag deploys, the steering wheel must always be replaced,” Volvo wrote in one of what appears to be a few new position statements. “Damage can occur which is not externally visible.”

A body shop must also inspect the clockspring and steering column any time the steering wheel airbag blows, according to Volvo. “When in

doubt, replace,” it wrote for each part.

(And speaking of steering-related checks, don’t miss Volvo’s position on steering racks.)

Any airbag deployment at all triggers the need to inspect occupied seats (“When in doubt, replace,” Volvo writes) and automatically demands the shop replace all pretensioners and seatbelt buckles on those occupied seats, according to Volvo.

However, you also must inspect “Seat belts, buckles, car seat anchors and other components” related to all unoccupied seats too, Volvo wrote.

“When in doubt, replace,” the OEM stated.

There are two other safety systems whose deployment automatically triggers at least an inspection, if not a replacement.

Volvo’s whiplash protection feature can automatically shift headrests forward if the car is rear-ended.

“These components must be inspected and/or replaced if deployment occurs,” Volvo wrote. “When in doubt, replace.”

Knee airbags can fire after a crash, and if it does, the shop must inspect the dash, according to Volvo.

Reprinted Contented: Copyright © 2018. DRIVEN COMMUNICATIONS INC. All Rights Reserved. n

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Genesis G70: Designed To Perform, Tailored To Be Driven, Engineered To Care Key features of the 3.3L TT-GDI V6 engine include:

• 365 HP and 376 lb. ft. of torque

• Single scroll twin turbo system

• Mid Position Lock (MPL) Continuously Variable Valve Train (CVVT)

• Dual-stage variable oil pump for improved fuel efficiency

• Integrated exhaust manifold cylinder head

“The quilted patterns The 2019 Genesis G70 luxury sport sedan resets benchmarks and expectations in its class for the holistic integration of performance body strength, refined luxury and aerodynamic style.

Designed to Perform “The foundation for any kind of car that performs well dynamically is an incredibly rigid platform,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of Vehicle Performance Division of Hyundai Motor Group. “That translates not only to performance, but how it feels down the road as well as safety achievement levels.”

Through the extensive application of hot-stamped parts and reinforced connecting structures, G70 has among the strongest body structures in its segment.

Strategic use of lightweight aluminum for the hood and strut tower reinforcement bars helped the G70 reduce weight and lower its center of gravity. An integrated frame reduces the number of physical parts needed to strengthen G70.

Fundamentally, the robust, reinforced structure is part of an effort to provide class-leading occupant safety, just like other Genesis models. The additional benefit of such a rigid body structure is the ability to finely tune the suspension 28

Southern Automotive Journal

throughout the interior, which were inspired by bespoke fashion and furniture, exceed expectations for individuality and brand identity.”

Bozhena Lalova, Head of Genesis Color and Trim for both excellent ride quality as well as superb handling dynamics.

“We used high-strength steel, aerospace-grade adhesives and strategic lightening with aluminum to create the ideal balance of stiffness, light weight and competitiveness,” Biermann said. “The proof is in how G70 handles on a spirited drive, whether that’s early on a Sunday morning on a hilly, country road or on a daily commute to the office.”

No matter the driving situation, G70 raises the bar for the luxury sport sedan segment, with a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds (3.3T RWD, using Launch Control) and a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD), standard on 3.3T RWD and optional on 2.0T RWD. A multi-plate mechanical LSD is utilized in the G70 to enable a) higher torque capacity, b) better handling March 2019

control, and c) lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) than other types of LSD. The G70s combination of mechanical LSD with available all-wheel drive (AWD) is unique and provides sharper handling performance than competitive vehicles in the segment.

G70 is available with either an uplevel 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged gasoline direct-injected V6 engine or a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct-injected 4-cylinder engine.

The standard, 8-speed automatic transmission offers rev-matching technology and gear-holding technology for tight corners. As an increasingly rare treat these days, a 6-speed manual transmission is available as an option on the 2.0L Genesis Please Turn to Page 35 www.IneedOEMparts.com

Gwinnett Place Ford (770) 813-6825 (866) 665-9318 (770) 662-6156 3230 Satellite Blvd.

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Hyundai Motor Group Introduces World's First Multi-Collision Airbag System Hyundai Motor Group announced the development and future commercialization of the world’s first multi-collision airbag system that significantly improves airbag performance in multicollision accidents. Multi-collision accidents are those in which the primary impact is followed by collisions with secondary objects, such as trees, electrical posts or other vehicles, which occurs in three out of every 10 accidents.

Current airbag systems do not offer secondary protection when the initial impact is insufficient to cause them to deploy. However, the multi-collision airbag system allows airbags to deploy effectively upon a secondary impact by calibrating the status of the vehicle and the occupants.

Hyundai’s new technology detects occupant position in the cabin following an initial collision. When occupants are forced into unusual positions, the effectiveness of existing safety technology may be compromised. Multi-collision airbag systems are designed to deploy even faster when initial safety systems may not be effective, providing additional safety when drivers and passengers are most vulnerable. By recalibrating the collision intensity required for deployment, the airbag system responds more promptly during the secondary impact, thereby improving the safety of multicollision vehicle occupants.

“By improving airbag performance

Hyundai’s new technology detects occupant position in the cabin following an initial collision. When occupants are forced into unusual positions, the effectiveness of existing safety technology may be compromised. in multi-collision scenarios, we expect to significantly improve the safety of our drivers and passengers,” said Taesoo Chi, head of Chassis Technology Center at Hyundai Motor Group. “We will continue our research on more diverse crash situations as part of our commitment to producing even safer vehicles that protect occupants and prevent injuries.”

According to statistics by the National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System (NASSCDS), an office of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in U.S., about 30 percent of 56,000 vehicle accidents from 2000 to 2012 in the North American region involved multi-

collisions*.

The leading type of multi-collision accidents involved cars crossing over the center line (30.8 percent), followed by collisions caused by a sudden stop at highway tollgates (13.5 percent), highway median strip collisions (8.0 percent), and sideswiping and collision with trees and electric poles (4.0 percent).

Hyundai Motor Group analyzed multi-collision scenarios in multilateral ways to improve airbag performance and precision in secondary collisions.

Hyundai Motor Group will implement the system in new Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the future. n

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Pacifica Please From Page 7 it more responsive with lower levels of body roll and enhanced agility to absorb and distribute road inputs. Class-leading aerodynamics contribute to the Pacifica Hybrid’s efficiency rating of 84 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The all-new Pacifica is engineered and executed to deliver a “vault-like” interior environment with low levels of wind noise, road noise and related vibration/ harshness characteristics. Standard Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) further heightens the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid’s refinement factor during a comfortable daily commute or an extended road trip with family and friends.

Featuring the face of the Chrysler brand, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a sculpted exterior with athletic proportions. A fast silhouette and sophisticated, fluid-like surfacing deliver a level of style not found in the minivan segment. The Pacifica’s sliding door track lines are hidden under the rear-quarter side glass, making them virtually indistinguishable. With its long wheelbase, wide track and low ground clearance, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid appears planted, with a capable stance.

The thoughtfully designed and beautifully crafted interior mixes hightech elements with a sculpted, muscular feel. With horizontally drawn features, the interior’s spaciousness is amplified and the linear elements keep the eye moving throughout the cabin. The available

After creating the minivan segment more than 30 years ago, FCA US now boasts an unmatched 115 minivan innovations tri-pane panoramic sunroof, with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof over the first two rows and a fixed glass pane over the third row, adds to the feeling of spaciousness.

Other standard features include Blind-spot Monitoring, ParkSense rear park assist with stop, ParkView rear backup camera, electronic stability control and electric park brake. As part of the FCA US ongoing efforts to proliferate advanced safety and technology, the Pacifica’s all-new body structure is made up of 72 percent high-strength steel.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid offers a variety of exclusive features to make it easy for customers to take full advantage of the vehicle’s innovative hybrid powertrain system, including: Hybrid Electric Pages – provide customers with helpful information and access to charging schedules via the Uconnect 8.4 system’s 8.4-inch touchscreen

Jim Ellis KIA of Kennesaw

Uconnect Access smartphone app – provides customers with remote access to information like the vehicle’s state of charge and charge status updates, the ability to schedule charging, and locations of charging stations.n

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Genesis From Page 28 T 4-cylinder engines equipped with RWD. Manual transmission equipped G70s are offered in a comprehensive performance package that includes a more powerful engine with unique sport exhaust, high-performance Brembo brakes with enhanced performance pads and additional weight reduction measures.

With either engine, G70 is available with standard RWD or optional AWD, which actively distributes optimal traction forces between the rear and front wheels dependent upon the current driving circumstances and drive modes selected.

Enhancing the driving appeal of G70 is Active Sound Design, which offers drivers the ability to enhance the interior ambiance with a throatier engine sound. Sound settings were created based on the science of harmony, to produce bright, euphonious tones that pair well with all types of roads and driving conditions. Five available drive modes—Sport, Comfort, Smart, Eco and Custom—synchronize with the Active Sound Design profiles.

The all-new G70 showcases the future direction of the Genesis brand’s design identity.

Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice President and Head of Genesis Design, said, “At Genesis, we shape fascination and desire with the passion, dedication and talent from our designers. We modulated all parameters from the Genesis DNA to tailor a sports sedan. The G70

Strategic use of lightweight aluminum for the hood and strut tower reinforcment bars helped the G70 reduce weight and lower its center of gravity. An integrated frame reduces the number of physical parts needed to strengthen G70. is designed to captivate all the senses with tensioned muscular volumes.”

The long hood and short front overhang, elegant roofline and assertive multi-spoke alloy wheels combine to form a sleek, dynamic profile, subtly highlighted by dark chrome aero trim (on the Sport and Dynamic Special Edition models).

“When designing the cabin of G70, we focused on delivering maximum comfort, using a variety of genuine materials, and fit and finish,” said Donckerwolke. “These are the enhanced details that contribute a feeling of opulence to the overall interior feel.”

Soft-touch, high-quality materials line the cabin of G70. Genuine stitching adorns the top of the dashboard, and is woven along the edge of the front console.

“It was important to create harmony between the exterior and interior design that corresponds to the characteristics and logically reflects the Athletic Elegance design theme of the vehicle,” said Bozhena Lalova, Head of Genesis Color and Trim. “The quilted patterns throughout the interior, which were inspired by bespoke fashion and furniture, exceed expectations for individuality and brand identity.”

G70 also offers an unprecedented level of standard and optional interior features designed to enhance the in-car experience without taking focus away from the pleasure of driving. G70 comes standard with a 7-inch color LCD multiinformation display located between the speedometer and tachometer, and a floating, 8-inch, wide-view display audio touchscreen is positioned atop the center stack. n

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