December 2019 Issue

Volkswagen Arteon

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Increased Standard Equipment and Enhanced Exterior Design

COLLISION NEWS

I-CARÂŽ Launches Enhancements to Its Core Education and Recognition Programs

December 2019

Sporting a Sleek Gran Turismo Design

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS: A trailblazer for the entire Mercedes-Benz EQ family

ASA Launches New Weekly Podcast Series Owner Manuals Can Help Auto Body Shops Educate Consumers, Themselves

DEALER NEWS OEConnection: Body Shop Data Not Shared with CARFAX, Other History Services Mazda Expands U.S. MX-5 Miata Restoration Parts Program Southeast Toyota Distributors Selects CCC for Collision Parts Marketing

The study provides an outlook on a new dimension in sustainable luxury.

The Vision EQS show car points the way to the future of Mercedes-Benz. Because two things are timeless: the need for transportation and the desire for the exceptional.

It presents a thrilling, futuristic design for EQ models from Mercedes-Benz. Its "one bow" proportion and dramatic fluidity are stylistic heralds of a new generation of elec-

tric Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

The generous spaciousness and new control concept of the Vision EQS show car provides a physical preview of the intuitive and digital interior along with the Advanced MBUX for future luxury sedans. A clear, flowing design idiom makes the individual parts of the entire Vision EQS Please Turn to Page 4

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The VISION EQS draws its inspiration from the world of luxury yachts.

For the first time the entire dashboard blends with the body of the front trim to form an interior sculpture.

Vision EQS From Front Cover dashboard blend into an integrated interior sculpture.

In a sustainable future, our customers will want a sedan that fits their needs in regards to comfort, design and technology. The VISION EQS combines these in a concept for a fully-electric vehicle in the luxury segment.

The Vision EQS, a milestone on the way to the future of MercedesBenz. At the International Motor Show 4

Southern Automotive Journal

in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz will address the challenges of the future with a focus on sustainability, in relation to it becoming a central component of the brand philosophy, and a major aspect of our corporate strategy. The show car is able to meet these aspirations today while providing a new outlook for future large, electric luxury sedans, and illustrating a vision of purpose-built electro-design.

With the Vision EQS, Mercedes-Benz is making a clear statement for the continued future of high- quality vehicles and self-determined driving. Supreme December 2019

craftsmanship, emotive design, luxurious materials and individual driving pleasure will continue to be sought after.

Now and in the future, luxury above all stands for personal freedom.

Seamless, digital and electric – the design With its innovative, stretched "one bow" proportion, the VISION EQS takes the Progressive Luxury design philosophy of the EQ models by Mercedes-Benz into a new dimension. The flowing yet powerful sculptured effect of the exterior design gives the show car its majestic appearance – luxurious generosity and www.IneedOEMparts.com

aerodynamic elegance working together in harmony.

The prominent "lightbelt" structures the exterior in a new way. The resulting color division at shoulder level creates the impression of a "black panel" glass landscape floating on the silver vehicle body – resulting in a seamlessly connected vehicle surface from the striking EQ front grille to the rear.

In an innovative way, the VISION EQS appears both sensuously elegant and dramatically charged with this design.

Technologically, futuristic features include the DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps, each with two holographic lens modules, integrated into the continuous 360-degree exterior lightbelt. These not only lend the vehicle its serene gaze, but also allow an almost unlimited number of light variations that provide a preview for future light configurations by MercedesBenz.

229 illuminated, individual stars form the seamlessly integrated lightbelt at the rear, allowing the brand's logo to shine in a new way.

Interaction between the vehicle and its environment is not limited to the lights on the VISION EQS. The world first digital front grille, contains a light matrix consisting of 188 individual LEDs that provides a new level in precise signaling.

Once the black panel comes to life, the seemingly free-floating stars and pixels create a fascinating, three- dimensional effect.

For the interior, the VISION EQS draws its inspiration from the world of luxury yachts. The clear, flowing design idiom creates a new level of serenity – and with it the vision of modern luxury is interpreted into the future.

For the first time the entire dashboard blends with the body of the front trim to form an interior sculpture. With its deep and open spatial architecture, the cockpit of the VISION EQS envelops the occupants, similar to the deck of a boat.

The fully integrated overall sculpture consists of the combined dashboard, center console and armrests that float above the generous interior. The VISION EQS interior design provides a glimpse into the interiors of future luxury sedans by the brand.

The choice of materials for the interior of the show car ensures a special ambience. Mercedes-Benz has systematically developed the use of sustainable materials, using both traditional and technologically advanced materials.

High-quality DINAMICA microfiber in crystal white made from recycled PET bottles is used alongside native figured maple trim. Additionally, the interior utilizes artificial leather with a finely structured surface similar to nappa leather.

The material used for the roof liner comes from a special project: a high-quality textile that was created by adding a quantity of recycled "ocean waste" plastic, taking the use of sustainable materials to a whole new level.

The VISION EQS presents a large interior sculpture as a stage for the future: digital content can be experienced by immersion over the entire surface, creating an all- embracing atmosphere. The blending of materials and information illustrates a possible intuitive interaction in the future.

The organically emerging displays and projection surfaces provide display space, along with the intelligent CONNECTED LIGHT that surrounds the occupants. Haptic highlights such as the air vents integrated into the trim element like inlays, the sophisticated speaker covers in rosé gold and the fragrance flask encased in a decorative holder like a jewel showcase exquisite craftsmanship and round out the trendsetting interior of the VISION EQS. With electric motors at the front and rear axles and the battery integrated into the vehicle floor, the VISION EQS represents a very well-balanced vehicle concept. The basis for dynamic high-level performance and safety comes courtesy of the electric all- wheel drive with axle-variable torque distribution and a battery installed deep in the vehicle floor between the axles. Thanks to more than 469 hp of output and immediately available torque of around 560 lb-ft, the VISION EQS accelerates from 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds.

Assuming a charging performance of 350 kW, the show car recharges the battery to 80% in less than 20 minutes.n

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Troncalli Parts Professionals Starting Line-Up

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Nissan Teaches Robots to Make Replacement Parts for Cars

Breakthrough Could Make Parts for Discontinued Models More Widely Available for Customers Nissan has developed a new way to use robots to make car parts out of sheet steel, a breakthrough that could make replacement parts for discontinued models more widely available for customers.

Nissan hopes to commercialize the proprietary technique, known as dual-sided dieless forming. The technique involves two synchronized robots working from opposite sides of a steel sheet, using diamondcoated tools to gradually shape the steel.

Thanks to its flexible production, short lead times and minimal upfront costs, the new technique could make it commercially viable to produce and sell a wide variety of after-service and replacement parts in small volumes for cars that Nissan no longer makes. This was previously not possible due to the high upfront costs and long lead times to develop and make dies for stamped parts.

Until now, dual-sided dieless forming had been considered too difficult to commercialize. This was due to the complexity of programming two robots to operate synchronously while ensuring consistent quality. Existing techniques have primarily relied on single-sided forming, which limits the complexity of shapes that can be created. By placing robots and tools on opposite sides of a steel sheet, they can create more difficult and detailed shapes.

The new technique was made possible thanks to the production engineering expertise at Nissan’s Production Engineering Research and Development Center, along with advancements in materials technology by Nissan’s Research Division. It represents three major breakthroughs: The development of advanced programs capable of controlling both robots

with a high degree of dimensional accuracy, enabling the formation of detailed convex and concave shapes.

The application of a mirrored diamond coating to tools, reducing friction while eliminating the need for lubrication.

This has numerous benefits, including consistency of surface quality and low-cost, environmentally friendly operation.

The generation of optimized pathfinding logic for robots, drawing on the ample expertise and press-forming simulation techniques ordinarily used by Nissan’s production engineering teams. This enabled Nissan to achieve high quality results early in the development process.

Nissan plans to continue pursuing advancements in mass production while also dedicating R&D resources to honing its flexible low-volume production techniques.n

Parts Managers - We Buy Obsolete NISSAN Parts - Call Jon www.IneedOEMparts.com

December 2019

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CALL THE HAYES PARTS PROFESSIONALS 770.963.6263 800.241.8124 OEM • QUALITY AFTERMARKET • COLLISION • MECHANICAL

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Louisiana High School Opens Paint & Body Shop to Help Train, I-CAR Certify Student A Livingston Parish high school is giving its students an opportunity to train in automotive repair and maintenance before they graduate.

Walker High School announced the opening of its new 1,200-square-foot paint and body shop. The new on-campus facility houses two bays, one for holding the painting booth and the other for body work lessons.

Gerry Lane Enterprises donated the facility, while PPG Paints has given much of the paint needed for the work.

The school says 22 students in grades 10-12 are currently enrolled in the careerbased paint and body shop class, which is led by Chris Ledoux, a former special education teacher.

Students who complete the class will be eligible to earn the Inter-Industry

Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) certification, which is the collision repair industry’s leading standard for measuring skill, training and professional excellence.

Prinicipal Jason St. Pierre said the school will provide students with district vehicles that need repairs and painting as their “class projects,” although he said “donated” projects will be considered as well.n

Ford Makeovers: Quick, Seamless Over-The-Air Software Updates Help Keep Vehicle Tech Current Have you ever been envious when a new technology arrives just after you buy a new vehicle, or wish that vehicle could be repaired in your driveway?

Ford has an answer to delight Ford vehicle owner’s and reduce repair trips.

In 2020, Ford will begin equipping most redesigned vehicles in the U.S. with advanced over-the-air update (OTA) technology, making it easy to wirelessly upgrade vehicles with quality, capability and convenience updates that can help improve vehicles over time and reduce dealer trips. Ford quickly becomes a leader in launching bumper-to-bumper OTAs for nearly all vehicle computer modules, including in conventional gas-engine vehicles.

“Nobody wants to feel like they’re missing out on great features right after spending their hard-earned money on a new vehicle – that’s where our over-theair updates can help,” said Don Butler, executive director, Connected Vehicle

and Services, Ford Motor Company. “We can now help improve your vehicle’s capability, quality and overall driving experience while you’re sleeping.”

Ford expects to deliver its first updates about six months after launching the first vehicles with the capability in 2020. Other updates could add new features to your vehicle, just as when Ford added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to SYNC 3 through USB and WiFi updates several years ago.

Some updates will be virtually invisible to customers, enabled by an innovative platform that installs much of the new software in the background.

This new platform keeps current software running until the new version is ready for activation – something that no other vehicle, or even some popular smartphones, can do today.

“Computer updates that require reboots seem to come at the most inconvenient times, which is why we

wanted to make our updates as invisible to customers as possible,” says Butler.

Customers can select a regular time they are not using the vehicle – such as the middle of the night for many – to schedule updates their vehicle is off, meaning they may not even notice the installation occurred once they start their car. Most other updates can be activated in under two minutes, while any updates that may require the vehicle to be parked can be scheduled to take place when customers find it most convenient.

Customers can receive notifications detailing the software updates when they are available and can even opt in to have the updates applied automatically over Wi-Fi or cellular connections. In-vehicle alerts will then tell customers what updates were installed when they start the vehicle the next time.n

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FCA: Revised Scan Position Statement Doesn’t Exclude asTech, ‘J-Box’ Use for Certified Auto Body Shops FCA recently altered its position statement to remove a longstanding reference to the asTech device, but the OEM confirmed this week the popular tool may still be used by its certified shops.

Scan tools using the “Right to Repair” SAE standard J-2534 to run FCA’s official scanning software are also acceptable, FCA head of international communications Arial Galivan confirmed.

FCA’s recommendation is still for shops to use its official WiTECH scan tool.

It’s the only thing the OEM can truly be sure is working right.

“They are acceptable substitutes, as long as they can connect to all modules to ensure that the system is fully connected and functional,” Galivan wrote in an email Tuesday. “However, as do with our parts portfolio, we recommend technicians to utilize our wiTECH tool to ensure all modules and Diagnostic Trouble Codes are captured in the scanning process and are up to date and operating at optimal performance.”

Other aftermarket scan tools license OEM scan tool software. However, they might modify it, and their version might

also lag behind the OEM original. An automaker can’t be sure the scan will work the way it’s supposed to.

“Use of the Mopar® *wiTECH vehicle diagnostic tester (“Mopar Scan Tool”) is an important part of FCA vehicle service and maintenance,” FCA wrote in the revised position statement. “This tool contains software that aftermarket tools may not contain and can assess whether any of an FCA’s vehicle’s safety and security systems contain active or stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).”

The J-2534 standard, however, lets a repairer subscribe to FCA’s official software and run it as-is through a scan tool or even a laptop “J-Box.” Under the “right to repair” agreement, most OEMs promised to make their official diagnostic software available in this manner or under the ISO 22900 standard by a 2018 model-year deadline.

(Which is why you might not be able to use a J-Box on some older vehicles.)

AsTech also has been deemed an acceptable scan tool substitute for some automakers’ certified networks, for it connects remotely to an official OEM scan tool

held at an asTech facility.

FCA mentioned the device specifically as OK for determining the status of airbag squibs in its original 2016 scanning position statement. Its exclusion in the new statement prompted us to check that certified shops who’d been using it for three years didn’t need to buy a new scan tool.

While we looked at the position statement primarily from the perspective of certified shops, FCA’s guidance and equipment requirements matter to the entire industry.

Learn about scanning and insurers, FCA procedures at Repairer Driven Education As Collision Hub director of industry relations Jason Bartanen pointed out Thursday, an automaker requiring a piece of equipment for its certified shops doesn’t remove the responsibility on uncertified shops to meet that standard. The OEM is still saying that set of specifications (or specific model, in some cases) is what’s necessary to fix the vehicle correctly.

You also can’t do a proper repair with a position statement alone. You must

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consult FCA’s repair procedures — the paid ones, not the free ones.

“Any repairs performed without using Mopar Parts, and not following published repair guidelines and procedures may expose current or future vehicle owners and occupants to unnecessary risk,” FCA wrote in the news release. “If faults were stored in the DTC memory for any safety or security systems, then these systems MUST be serviced according to the repair procedures in Service Information. After performing repairs, re-check the system to determine if any active or stored DTCs remain; if so, take appropriate service action to ensure proper function.” (Emphasis FCA’s.)

FCA reiterates: Scan before and after repair The meat of the FCA position statement remains unchanged from the document released in 2016. (And emailed at the time to Allstate, Amica, Erie, Esurance, Farmers, GEICO, Kemper, Liberty Mutual, Metlife, Nationwide, Progressive, Safeco, Shelter, State Farm, Travelers and USAA.) FCA wants you to scan everything before and after a repair — particularly airbags. Even “minor” damage, “battery disconnects,” removing parts like bumpers, glass or interior trim can trigger a diagnostic trouble code.n

Owner Manuals Can Help Auto Body Shops Educate Consumers, Themselves An owner’s manual can help an auto body shop overcome resistance to a repair procedure by reinforcing the need for the work and the role of the shop as a repair professional, Database Enhancement Gateway Administrator Danny Gredinberg said Friday.

And for extremely new vehicles, the consumer-facing documents can also provide an education for a shop as well — acquainting the repairer with technology that might be just as new to them as the consumer, according to Gredinberg.

“We need these manuals just as much” as the consumer sometimes, he said.

Gredinberg and Collision Advice CEO Mike Anderson will highlight the value of those glove compartment staples at SEMA next month with “Educate consumers on safe repairs with owner’s manuals.” (Even if the customer doesn’t have a manual in the car, OEMs tend to make the documents readily available online for free.) Gredinberg, a former estimator and luxury technician, called the manual “just a clear-cut tool” that explains exactly what the consumer purchased. It can describe what is necessary following a collision and who should work on a car, according to Gredinberg.

The manual might recommend to an owner what should be done by a qualified technician, according to Gredinberg. The qualified shop can then support the repair with the full OEM repair procedures, he said.

“It’s a domino effect,” Gredinberg said.

He offered us an example of 2019 Honda Accord manual language which might be useful.

“Even if the airbags did not inflate, have your dealer inspect the following: the driver’s seat position sensor, weight Manuals Please Turn to Page 31 www.IneedOEMparts.com

December 2019

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Southeast Toyota Distributors Selects CCC for Collision Parts Marketing

To l l Fr e e

provides cross-industry solutions to support the vehicle lifecycle. Founded in 1980, CCC's solutions and big data insights are delivered through the CCC ONE™ platform to a vibrant network of 350+ insurance companies, 25,000+ repair facilities, OEMs, hundreds of parts suppliers, and dozens of third-party data and service providers. Annually, over 24 million estimates and 16 million repairs are processed on CCC's products and services, and CCC also provides access to car-related services for millions of consumers via Carwise (www. carwise.com). Additionally, Auto Injury Solutions Inc. – a CCC company – provides customizable, end-to-end, casualty solutions for the handling of first and third-party claims. The collective set of CCC's solutions inform decisionmaking, enhance productivity, and help customers deliver faster and better experiences for end consumers. Learn more about CCC at www.cccis.com.n

Prices can be customized by vehicle make, model, year, or part type. CCC Promote is an integral component of CCC® Parts, the company's parts e-commerce platform. The two work together to automate and streamline the parts sourcing workflow from upfront promotional pricing to electronic price quotes, ordering, invoicing, and the rebate settlement process with the manufacturer.

CCC processes more than $13 billion in parts annually.

"CCC is proud to support Southeast Toyota Distributors," said Jim Kinsherf, Vice President, OEM Group for CCC. "During an initial test, CCC Promote helped Southeast Toyota's dealers increase sales and realize meaningful process improvements. We're excited to bring our parts technology to their dealers throughout the Southeast region and to support their PartsEdge program."

CCC, together with its affiliates,

CCC Information Services Inc. (CCC) announced that Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC will leverage the CCC® Promote technology to provide its dealers with a powerful new marketing solution to price and promote parts to thousands of collision repair facilities while estimates are being written. CCC Promote is powered by the CCC ONE® platform, the industry's premier estimating platform used by 25,000 repairers and processing 24 million estimates annually. The real-time integration will provide participating Southeast Toyota franchised dealers with an efficient new channel to expand sales of Toyota parts.

Southeast Toyota serves 177 independent Toyota dealerships in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

CCC Promote offers OEMs a way to present promotional pricing early in the estimating process when replacement part decisions are being made.

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OEConnection: Body Shop Data Not Shared with CARFAX, Other History Services OEConnection on Tuesday delivered a message to CollisionLink users declaring the company’s commitment to protecting collision repairer customer information.

“Estimate data received from collision shops is shared with dealerships and OEMs for the purposes of accurately filling part orders and facilitating OEM part programs,” the OEConnection software stated, according to a screenshot provided to Repairer Driven News. “OEC does not and has never provided or sold data to CarFax, AutoCheck or any other vehicle history reporting company.”

(Emphasis OEConnection’s.)

Society of Collision Repair Specialists Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg in July said repairers seem to be experiencing more issues with customer vehicles mysteriously flagged by

vehicle history companies.

In the past, such incidents have been “one-off” and infrequent, but lately, the concerns and questions from SCRS members seem to have come in at a “very increasing pace,” he told an SCRS open board meeting in the summer. The volume suggests it’s no longer an anomalous issue, according to Schulenburg.

OEConnection made a similar point in its message.

“It has come to our attention that collision shops have increasingly expressed concerns regarding the data sharing practices of collision industry technology providers, particularly regarding private customer information from collision repair estimates,” the company wrote. “OEC understands these concerns, and we would like to highlight our data sharing and privacy practices for data

received from collision shops. …

“OEC wants you, a trusted CollisionLink and OEC customer, to know we value your business and are committed to protecting your data.”

OEConnection said its ISO 27001 compliance “means we meet strict information security standards in all aspects of our business operations including the security of data.”

It said repairers with any questions on the topic could should call it at 888776-5792 and choose Option 2 when prompted.

The company declined to comment further on the communique.

Know what happens to your data Most repairers would say no if asked if they share data, but “the reality OEConnection Please Turn To Page 19

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December 2019

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Volkswagen Arteon Sporting a Sleek Gran Turismo Design

The side profile of the all-new Arteon is

elegantly coupe-like, with a fast sloping rear roofline.

The Volkswagen Arteon has a sporting a sleek gran turismo design, upscale interior, innovative technology, and available 4Motion® all-wheel drive.

Balancing efficient, yet powerful performance, the Arteon combines styling and technology in a manner rarely seen outside of high-end luxury sedans.

The side profile of the all-new Arteon is elegantly coupe-like, with a fast sloping rear roofline. A bold character line flows from the grille and runs uninterrupted through the side panels and into the rear of the car. The tail end of the Arteon again borrows from classic sports car styling with its high, broad shoulders, accented by standard LED taillights.

Chrome details also flow from front to back, with lower-door and trunk accent pieces.

Thanks to its fastback shaping, Arteon offers an SUV-like 27.2 cubic feet of trunk storage; with the standard 60:40 rear seats folded down, that number increases to 55 cubic feet.

The cabin experience is further refined with modern design and premium materials. The dashboard is organized along a clean, straight line, and features an innovative air vent that extends across the entire width of the interior. Dash panels flow directly into the front door trim panels, wrapping around front passengers like a cocoon.

The all-new Arteon is powered

by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and directinjection TSI® engine, making 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The power is taken to the front wheels via a standard eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® shifting The TSI engine features innovative solutions such as water-cooled exhaust gas routing through the cylinder head to the turbocharger (to help reduce full-load fuel consumption) and a dual injection system with direct and multi-port injection. Thanks to its fully electronic coolant control system, the four-cylinder engine also offers efficient

Southern Automotive Journal

December 2019

14

The cabin is a modern design with premium materials. The dashboard is organized along a clean, straight line, and features an innovative air vent that extends across the entire width of the interior. thermal management with a short warmup phase; this helps reduce friction and helps to decrease fuel consumption.

The Arteon provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features eight airbags as standard along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

A standard feature on the 2019 Arteon models is Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds Arteon Please Turn to Page 28 www.IneedOEMparts.com

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Hyundai Veloster Turbo Increases Standard Equipment and Enhances Exterior Design For 2020, Blind-Spot Collision Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Warning is now standard on Turbo R-Spec.

Veloster includes standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which uses the car’s front-facing camera to help detect an imminent collision and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking autonomously. Three additional systems also utilize the front-view camera to boost safety and convenience: Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA) for the available LED headlights, and Driver Attention Warning (DAW). Lane Keeping Assist is a standard safety feature for Veloster.

By sensing road markings, LKA helps to prevent accidental lane departure by helping to steer the vehicle as required. HBA automatically controls the high beam headlights by dimming and illuminating them automatically as needed with approaching traffic, while the Driver Attention Warning system monitors a spectrum of driver-related characteristics to detect driver fatigue or careless driving.

Veloster radar systems also assist with the available Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) to help detect approaching vehicles from the rear that may be obscured from view and alert the driver of their presence during lane changes. The Rear Cross-Traffic Collison Warning (RCCW) helps detect when another vehicle may have entered the car’s rearward path, such as when backing out of a parking spot, and provides a driver alert. Veloster Turbo also offers available Smart Cruise Control for additional driver convenience.

All Velosters feature a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines fitted to all models for superior parking visibility. Velosters have an exceptional level of standard safety features for the sporty coupe segment highlighted by a Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS).

VSM works to control two effects.

The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in

one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist to counter this force. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides counter-steering.

VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering.

All Velosters feature six airbags—including dual front, front seatmounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags. The Veloster braking package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based

Southern Automotive Journal

December 2019

16

The available floating-design eightinch touchscreen navigation display includes next-generation Blue Link, traffic flow and incident data via HD radio, and Infinity® premium audio with eight speakers, including a subwoofer and Clari-Fi ™ music-restoration on vehicle loading conditions.

Veloster Turbo is paired a sevenspeed dual clutch transmission (DCT).

For R-Spec manual transmission models, a B&M Racing® sport shifter is available.

Both transmissions were developed inhouse by Hyundai. The Veloster Turbo seven-speed dual-clutch transmission features steering wheel-mounted paddle-shifters and SHIFTRONIC® transmission gear control. In addition, all Veloster Turbo models feature Active Engine Sound, which enhances intake and exhaust powertrain sound character inside the cabin for a visceral driving experience, especially during spirited driving. All A/T and DCT modVeloster Please Turn to Page 20 www.IneedOEMparts.com

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Mazda Expands U.S. MX-5 Miata Restoration Parts Program Mazda MX-5 Miata holds the Guinness World Record for the bestselling two-seat sports car. This is not a feat that is taken lightly as the brand appreciates all of its long-term, loyal enthusiasts for helping the Miata reach amazing heights over the past 30 years.

Mazda North American Operations is introducing select reproduction parts for first-generation Miatas, helping extend the life of each roadster sold in North America. There are now over 1,100 new and legacy parts available to support any fan’s restoration project and continue to enjoy their Miata.

As a fan-first brand, Mazda consulted specialty shops and Miata clubs to better understand which restoration parts were needed most. With the help of many suppliers, all parts will be remanufactured in Japan using modern methods and materials, while maintaining the look and feel of that era.

An extensive list should provide fans with more confidence in the restoration of their Miata using genuine quality parts. Mazda is excited to be able to offer parts that many fans have been seeking, including a newly developed fabric soft top that uses the same rear screen material from the original version. Enkei Wheels is reproducing aluminum wheels designed like the original, but through current technologies so that it will be lighter and with a more protected finish. Essential in

Mazda MX-5 Miata Iconic Roadster. Mazda is expanding the number of reproduction parts for the first-generation MX-5 Miata. the maintenance of almost any classic Miata, many moving parts – from the roller for the side windows to the brake piston caliper – that are likely in need of replacement will now be offered.

“There is a pure feeling of joy when it comes to driving a Miata, of any generation,” said Masahiro Moro, Chairman and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. “Our unique Jinba-Ittai – ‘horse and rider as one’ – engineering philosophy has allowed for the engaging and exhilarating driving dynamic that has remained constant over the years, helping make the Miata an important vehicle for the brand and our fans. By helping prolong the life of

MX-5 Miata NA models, Mazda is committed to supporting the roadster culture and looks forward to seeing these historic vehicles on the road – and on the track – for years to come.”

The expansion of the Miata restoration parts arrives as the brand is celebrating 30 years of the Miata following the debut of the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary last February at the Chicago Auto Show.

This announcement also coincides with Miata Reunion at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca that was held on October 11-13. Hundreds of fans attendance with their own Miatas to honor the iconic roadster. n

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December 2019

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New Director Hired to Oversee ASA Member Services The Automotive Service Association is proud to announce the hiring of Blair Calvo as its new director of membership.

Calvo will be responsible for overseeing member services, including addressing the needs of current members and leading efforts to recruit new members.

She comes to ASA with extensive association management experience.

“There were a field of candidates who applied for this position. I knew that OEConnection From Page 13 is: The answer is yes,” Schulenburg said in July.

Shops might not realize the business partner’s access to EMS data files leads to more customer information shared than they expect, he said. EMS files are created when the estimate is, he said.

“Data pumps” installed by various

when I interviewed Blair she was ‘the one,’” said Ray Fisher, ASA’s executive director. “Blair’s resume was impressive, her references commending, but it was her interview that sold me. She had a clear understanding about member services and affiliate relationships. Having Blair on our team just raised the value of our staffing asset account!”

During her first couple of weeks, Calvo will be immersed in ASA’s database management system, benefit provider portfolios and reviewing existing depart-

mental policies.

Her association management experience includes her most recent member service role at the Dallas County Dental Society. Prior to that, she served as director of membership for the Dallas Builders Association.

“I am thrilled to be part of the ASA team,” Calvo said. “My entire career has been spent in the association industry, and I look forward to continuing that tradition by providing member solutions to ASA’s current and future members.”n

business partners to facilitate software B2B communication can also capture EMS data on estimates for which they have no role.

A shop might be secure in the companies with which they do business; the issue might be who those companies do business with, Schulenburg said.

See some more discussion of the issue and how to manage data pumps here and here.

Repairers might wish to read software terms of use and check what various companies say they’ll do with your data; not all might be as committed to protection as OEConnection. It might also behoove a shop to require vendors and other business partners to agree to the repairer’s own set of conditions and confirm they’ll act as the shop desires regarding data.n

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December 2019

Stivers Subaru 1950 Orion Dr. Decatur, GA 30033

Southern Automotive Journal

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Veloster From Page 16 els also offer three selectable driving modes, including Normal, Sport and Smart (Normal and Sport on M/T models), according to driver preferences for engine, transmission and steering feel.

The Smart mode varies within the range of settings according to how the vehicle is currently being driven (such as in an economical or a spirited manner).

Powetrain All Veloster models offer Torque Vectoring Control (TVC). This active cornering feature utilizing capabilities from the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and powertrain control systems, allows Veloster to improve dynamic cornering during enthusiastic driving. TVC uses wheel-speed sensors coupled with ESC algorithms to apply precise braking force to the inside front wheel during spirited cornering. This active braking redirects power to the outside front wheel in the turn, reducing wheelspin for enhanced cornering grip and corner-exit acceleration. Overall, this provides Veloster drivers with an incremental margin of cornering precision during enthusiastic driving. Further, Veloster Turbo features a quicker-ratio steering rack and a revised steering calibration to match, which gives drivers improved cornering, feedback and control.

The 1.6-liter turbocharged, directinjected four-cylinder engine produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500-4,500 rpm.

Turbo models generate 201 horsepower on regular fuel, which represents a best-in-class specific output of 125.6 horsepower per liter. Engine tuning maximizes low- and mid-range torque, for optimum acceleration under daily driving conditions.

Hyundai’s EcoShift DCT takes the benefits of a manual transmission, such as low fuel consumption, and blends these with automatic transmission benefits, such as high comfort levels and driving ease. In addition, the DCT enables direct connection for high efficiency and uninterrupted torque transfer during shifts. The DCT also incorporates Hyundai’s Hillstart Assist Control (HAC), designed to minimize rolling backwards on steep ascents.

Sport-Tuned Dynamics Veloster Turbos are fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a 24-mm diameter front stabilizer bar.

The rear suspension is a lightweight independent multi-link design with a 19-mm stabilizer bar to further control body roll. The rear suspension uses gaspressurized shock absorbers for ride comfort with excellent control. Veloster features electric power steering that adjusts assistance to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. When equipped with the sixspeed manual transmission, available 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin® Pilot Sport 4 summer tires.

Advanced Infotainment Veloster offers a full suite of sophisticated technologies paired with user-friendly functionality to keep passengers informed and entertained. The premium infotainment system offers various advanced connectivity features, including standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™.

Also available are SiriusXM® Radio, HD Radio and next-generation Blue Link® LTE-powered connectivity. The standard seven-inch color LCD display includes AM/FM/MP3 touchscreen audio, auxiliary inputs, and Rear View

Southern Automotive Journal

December 2019

20

The unconventional, threedoor layout opens to reveal the leather seating surfaces, with a slick racing stripe down the middle.

Monitor. The available floating-design eight-inch touchscreen navigation display includes next-generation Please Blue Link, traffic flow and incident data via HD radio, and Infinity® premium audio with eight speakers, including a subwoofer and Clari-Fi ™ music-restoration technology.

The Heads-Up Display system projects a virtual image onto the transparent panel mounted behind the instrument panel and helping the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. With an 8.0-inch projected-image size and an outstanding 10,000 nits of luminance, the Heads-Up Display provides both excellent day- and night-time visibility.

Information projected includes speed, navigation instructions, cruise control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and audio system information. When in Sport mode, the system projects more driver-focused information including RPM, MPH and transmission gear. Deployed vertically by a simple touch of a button beside the steering wheel, the display disappears into the dashboard when not in use.

Veloster Turbo Ultimate features standard Infinity Premium audio with eight speakers, including a subwoofer, passive radiator and external amplifier.n www.IneedOEMparts.com

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I-CAR® Launches Enhancements to Its Core Education and Recognition Programs I-CAR® is excited to announce the launch of the enhancements to its core education and recognition programs following an extensive multiyear journey to evaluate, update and augment its existing curriculum and recognition offerings. The result is an “Even Better I-CAR,” featuring enhanced courses and programs, an improved student experience, plus better and more flexible pricing options, and a series of program updates that will help ensure that repair technicians possess the right knowledge and skill level to repair cars right. These changes reflect I-CAR’s ongoing commitment to providing relevant and state-of-the-art training solutions for the collision repair industry, an industry that is adapting to rapid changes in both automotive and repair method technologies.

Changes to I-CAR’s core course offerings have been implemented based on extensive feedback and recommendations from customers and other Inter-Industry subject matter experts, including collision repairers, OEMs and insurers, all of whom have embraced the program enhancements.

I-CAR’s new courses are designed to address the increasing complexity of vehicle repairs resulting from the ongoing introduction of new structural materials and in-vehicle technologies.

“Our enhanced core education and recognition programs are designed to equip collision shop owners and technicians with the most advanced knowledge and tools they need to conduct complete, safe and quality repairs in the face of the ‘Technical Tsunami™’,” said Van Alstyne.

“The use of new technologies, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and highly engineered structural materials, is quickly changing the approach to collision repair from the way technicians work with materials to the equipment and methods they must now apply. With our new course offerings, we’re utilizing technology to our advantage by incorporating significant upgrades to the myI-CAR®learning portal to streamline the training experience and enable

technicians to access web-based course content on demand.”

I-CAR’s technology updates extend to its new website and myICAR portal interface, which launched simultaneously with all of the program enhancements. They offer visitors a more effective and efficient user experience to deliver content faster. The functionality is designed to streamline the user experience and track progress for Gold Class®planning and Platinum™ progress, as well as complete finan-

Southern Automotive Journal

December 2019

22

Some of the most notable core education and recognition program enhancements include: • More than 275 courses are now offered by I-CAR, including a portfolio of Vehicle and Technology Specific Training™ courses, new Hands-On Skills Development™ courses, Welding courses and 128 new and updated Core Curriculum™ courses delivered live (in classroom), online and virtually (instructor-led, web-based) • Gold Class and Platinum requirements that raise the knowledge and skills training bar • New training subscription that provides unlimited live, online and virtual training for technicians and all employees at Gold Class shops • The recertification period for welding moves from five to three years to help maintain technicians’ welding skills, and no longer requires full course completion; rather, just skill reverification; thus recertification will now feature a lower price • With the launch of the Even Better I-CAR, all processing fees to redeem I-CAR credit for approved Industry Training Alliance®courses have been eliminated, thanks to the Sustaining Partner™ program in which Alliance partners now participate. In addition, training record credit is automatically applied via direct data feeds from Alliance partners

cial transactions more quickly and efficiently.

“All of these enhancements and technology upgrades to our learning management system make our courses even more accessible for the collision repair community,” said Van Alstyne.

“We are proud to continue elevating the training experience for our customers as we continue to address the everI-CAR Please Turn to Page 25 www.IneedOEMparts.com

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Porsche Pilots U.S. Online Car Sales experiences Porsche is have to work launching online hand in hand, car sales in the U.S. yet stay typifor the first time. cally Porsche.

The joint pilot projOffering our ect with 25 particicustomers an pating dealers comenhanced digibines convenient tal option for shopping from acquiring a browsers or mobile Porsche makes devices with the this experience ease of completeven more accesing the paperwork sible and more on-screen – shortconvenient," ening and easing said Detlev von the process from The service features new and pre-owned vehicles that are in a participating dealerPlaten, Member selection to conship's inventory. It covers all aspects of buying, financing or leasing a selected vehicle, of the Executive tract. Featured will including payment and trade-in calculators, credit approval, and financing and insurance Board for Sales be new and preoptions through Porsche Financial Services. All of this is from the comfort of wherever a and Marketing at owned vehicles that customer chooses to shop.

Porsche AG. are in-stock.

"Porsche is Once an online order is submitand operated U.S. Porsche dealers are always looking for new ways to meet ted, customers can visit the dealership taking part. A wider national rollout is customer expectations," said Klaus just once for final signatures and to possible, depending on the results of Zellmer, President and CEO of Porsche collect their dream Porsche. At launch, the pilot.

Cars North America, Inc. "For our deal25 of the 191 independently owned "Physical and digital retail

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December 2019

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erships, who are at the core of our strategic initiatives, we think this blend of digital and physical interaction with customers will only strengthen their business."

The service features new and preowned vehicles that are in a participating dealership's inventory. It covers all aspects of buying, financing or leasing a selected vehicle, including payment I-CAR From Page 22 changing collision repair landscape with relevant training.�

For organizations that achieved Gold Class recognition and for individuals who achieved Platinum recognition by October 1, I-CAR is grandfathering their current recogni-

and trade-in calculators, credit approval, and financing and insurance options through Porsche Financial Services. All of this is from the comfort of wherever a customer chooses to shop.

Customers can upload photos of their personal documents for ID verification and car pictures for trade-in valuation. With the information completed, the dealer can prepare the nec-

essary paperwork for signing when the customer arrives.

The new process is integrated into the websites of participating dealers, who are distributed from coast to coast. At the same time, Porsche in Germany is launching a similar program as the sports car brand looks to expand its overall digital business. n

tion status and outlining a path to transition to the enhanced requirements over the next few years. Details are available at I-CARTrainToGain.com.

I-CAR recognizes the magnitude of the impact that these enhancements are having upon customers.

Consequently, the organization is prepared to help all of its shops and tech-

nicians navigate the new requirements.

I-CAR has also developed a wide variety of useful resources to guide and assist customers through the transition as the Inter-Industry navigates the road ahead.

Customers can visit I-CARTrainToGain. com, contact their assigned I-CAR Customer Care representative or call 800.ICAR.USA (422.7872).n

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December 2019

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INFINITI QX50: Adds Standard Safety Technologies and new Sensory Grade Levels The INFINITI QX50 was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year, becoming arguably the most compelling INFINITI to date with world-first technologies, standout design, enhanced interior space and an entirely new platform. For 2020, the QX50 continues to provide the highest level of versatility, efficiency and performance in luxury mid-size crossovers.

Safety, security and driver-assistance updates include a wide range of advanced technologies that are now standard on all grade levels: Rear Automatic Braking (replaces previous Backup Collision Intervention), Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and rear parking sensors. Traffic Sign Recognition has been added to the ProACTIVE Package.

The bold exterior styling brings a fresh interpretation of INFINITI's distinctive "Powerful Elegance" design language to the crossover segment. The unrivalled interior space, artistic application of high quality materials and advanced craftsmanship make the cabin as welcoming and comfortable as it is flexible.

The VC-Turbo engine, the world's first production variable compression ratio engine, delivers driving pleasure and efficiency in equal measure, while INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and ProPILOT Assist technologies react discreetly to certain driving situations, supporting the driver with a range of empowering driverassist features.

The QX50's striking visual character is enhanced by a clamshell hood, presenting a strong degree of muscularity while retaining balanced body proportions.

The unique hood shape facilitates the enhanced cabin proportions. A four-link hinge system has been created especially for the QX50, allowing deep, sharp-edged character lines to flow from the hood along the body. Integrating the A-pillar into this shape also makes the hood appear longer.

The QX50's sophisticated rear aspect is characterized by clean, simple lines and curves that release the visual energy built up from character lines flowing along the vehicle's sides. INFINITI's signature

crescent-cut D-pillar extends the visual length of the roofline, and the rear pillar arcs forward, emphasizing motion even when the car is stationary. The design of the LED taillights matches the shape of the front headlamps. The rear light design connects visually to the chrome tailgate strip and runs into the sides of the QX50, creating an uninterrupted visual line flowing from the front to the rear of the car. Chrome dual exhaust tips, within the rear lower bumper, complete the rear appearance.

As with the exterior, the design

Southern Automotive Journal

December 2019

26

The QX50 offers two adaptive steering systems: rack-electric power steering and the fourth-generation version of INFINITI's Direct Adaptive Steering - a steer-by-wire system of the QX50 interior deliberately articulates a sense of advanced human artistry.

There is also a strong focus on space and functionality, with innovative packaging that creates ideal roominess and flexibility.

The panoramic moonroof stretches from the front row through to the cargo area, providing a dramatic view of the sky for all passengers. The moonroof visually enhances interior space, flooding the INFINITI QX50 Please Turn to Page 34 www.IneedOEMparts.com

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Arteon Please From Page 14 on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.

The Arteon also features a standard rearview camera, and includes the Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.

In the event of a collision with a pedestrian at speeds between 15-34 mph, the reactive hood on the Arteon is raised via its hinges using pyrotechnic technology, helping to reduce the severity of injuries. Triggering of the reactive hood is targeted toward helping to reduce head trauma by increasing the gap between the engine and the more flexible hood.

Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), standard across the Arteon range, is intended to help warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking).

Side Assist is standard on every Arteon. Side Assist uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and is intended to warn drivers of potential danger in adjacent lanes. If combined with Lane Assist (SEL Premium models, see below) the system not only warns the driver Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, standard on SEL and SEL Premium models. When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Arteon models fitted with ACC can match a vehicle in front and come to a stop if the vehicle in front does. If the car in front moves within three seconds, ACC will resume automatically to the set speed. If the car stands

longer than three seconds, the driver can resume ACC control by pressing the accelerator pedal or the “resume� button on the steering wheel.

Included with Park Assist is front and rear Park Distance Control, which uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to approximately five feet in front or behind the vehicle.

Southern Automotive Journal

December 2019

28

The tail end of the Arteon again borrows from classic sports car styling with its high, broad shoulders, accented by standard LED taillights.

Maneuver Braking, a part of the Park Distance Control system, is intended to mitigate or help prevent collisions with static obstacles to the front and rear while the vehicle is maneuvered. The system is active when reverse gear is selected. If the system detects a stationary object while the vehicle is in reverse and moving between 1-6 mph, it can apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate a collision.n www.IneedOEMparts.com

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ASA Launches New Weekly Podcast Series ASA announced the launch of a new weekly podcast series hosted by industry veteran Tony Molla, ASA’s vice president of Industry Relations.

The tagline of the new ASA Podcast defines the content as keeping ASA members and the industry at large abreast of “What’s Now, What’s New and What’s Next” in the business of automotive service and collision repair.

“We’ve been listening to our members and asked for their feedback on what they liked and felt would improve their association,” said Ray Fisher, ASA’s executive director. “One message that came through loud and clear was a desire to hear more about what ASA is doing to advance the service and repair industry.

“The podcast format was quickly identified as the way many liked to receive this type of information quickly, easily and cost-effectively to complement our current ASA app, social media and online information resources.”

The ASA Podcast series premieres with an interview of Jeff Buckley of My Father’s Shop Certified Auto Repair in Midlothian, Texas, and Frank Leutz, of Desert Car Care in Chandler, Ariz., two ASA member-shops owners who have embraced some of the latest communication technology to engage the industry and consumers. Their thoughts and comments not only explain the value of this

type of outreach, they offer listeners a blueprint for getting involved themselves.

“I’ve heard podcasting is the new blogging,” Molla said. “I have been a communicator my entire career. Having worked with both print and electronic media, the ASA Podcast is the natural evolution of what’s next in our outreach efforts.

“Jeff and Frank represent what’s next in using the capabilities of all types of social media to drive business and improve engagement with their customers and colleagues. They represent the many ASA members who don’t just make a living, they make a difference!”

The ASA Podcast series will serve a variety of uses, Fisher said.

“Beyond the primary purpose of delivering information in a convenient, audio format that can be enjoyed while driving or accessed 24/7/365 through a smartphone,” Fisher said,“we see this podcast capability as something our Affiliates can use as a cost-effective way to promote their events, record panel discussions, and spotlight ASA members in their local areas, just to name a few possible applications.”

Fisher said Molla is already coordinating with ASA’s Washington, D.C. representative Bob Redding about using the ASA Podcast to deliver timely, legislative news and information to ASA members

and aid our advocacy efforts at the state and national levels.

“With cybersecurity and data access being two large concerns, I believe this will enhance our way to keep the industry informed, and with Tony’s skillset in this area, we’re taking ASA to a new level,” Fisher said.

The weekly ASA Podcast is available on Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, Google and Amazon Alexa, or wherever you access your podcasts.

“Our first podcast with Jeff and Frank is longer than what future ones will be, but we had two individuals sharing their wisdom and I didn’t stop them!”

Molla said. “The typical ASA Podcast will be about 10-15 minutes long. We plan on offering a variety of content that will vary in length.

“The ability to listen and learn, hear what others are doing to meet challenges, or just stay informed was high on the want list in the feedback we received.

We believe the ASA Podcast will help drive better engagement with our existing members – and those who are thinking about joining ASA – to become more involved in their industry. At the end of the day, ASA is all about serving its members, and our new ASA Podcast series is designed to check all the boxes. It really is what’s now, what’s new and what’s next in itself.”n

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Manuals From Page 11 sensors in the passenger’s seat, front seat belt tensioners, and each seat belt that was worn during the crash,” the document states.

Collision repairers invoicing such inspections after following the full OEM repair procedures might see resistance from insurers on reimbursing the consumer, but the concept is right there in black and white.

The knowledge can empower customers to fight for themselves, said Gredinberg, who called the tire situation a “huge one” in this regard. He recalled that the OEM guidance to replace in repairs led to a third-party consumer able to demand to be made whole.

The manual also can remind a consumer that an operation isn’t the “shop’s opinion,” Grendinberg said. The document came out of their glove compartment and is the language of the

he said.

OEM. “‘This is what you bought,'” he put it.

Asked if a shop should always go over the manual with a consumer, Gredinberg said the shop should evaluate the customer up front and not bother one who doesn’t want the information.

He suggested repairers who know a certain procedure can meet with resistance might want to address it up front by educating the consumer with the manual. Waiting until things fell apart with the insurer meant the shop “already failed.”

Sometimes, the owner’s manual can even solve puzzles not answered in the OEM repair procedures. Gredinberg said he once found himself unable to locate in manufacturer instructions whether Audi tires needed to be replaced in pairs or in all fours. He ultimately turned to the owner”s manual, which “gave me the answer I needed,”

Items like tire details, torque specs, fuse locations and fluid capacity might be present in the owner’s manual, according to Gredinberg.

Asked about a situation in which the owner’s manual contradicts the repair procedures, Gredinberg said “I personally have” seen such a scenario.

He said that as a collision repairer, he would follow the formal repair procedures. However, he would also carry the responsibility of knowing when to be “escalating the issue,” asking a party such as I-CAR or the automaker to offer clarity. (I-CAR funnels repairers’ questions to OEMs through its “Ask I-CAR” feature.)

“There’s resources out there,” Gredinberg said. The DEG, which handles inquiries regarding estimating system nuances, even has gotten such inquiries and routed them to the appropriate party, he said.n

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SCRS: Interactive Version of ‘Guide to Repair Planning’ Allows Automated Auto Body Estimate Audits SCRS announced a software version of its “Guide to Complete Repair Planning” able to automatically audit and optimize body shops’ estimates.

The Society of Collision Repair Specialists’ “Guide to Complete Repair Planning” is a free document listing more than 1,000 operations body shops might miss in preparing an estimate.

Much of the work necessary to restore a vehicle back to pre-accident condition isn’t included within estimating system labor times and must be added manually — and as such might be overlooked or forgotten by an estimator.

The guide offers a handy way to address this problem, and the new “Blueprint Optimization Tool” software should make it even easier to produce an accurate estimate.

“The new product has taken the once-static PDF document and evolved it into an intelligent, dynamic and customizable estimate analysis and optimization tool,” SCRS wrote in a news release Thursday.“SCRS has identified the advantages it can provide as a training mechanism for businesses seeking to grow their estimating department and

as a solution for the auditing of estimates for thoroughness both before repairs commence and before final billing. It can also be used as a safeguard to ensure everyone within the business is meeting the expected goals of capturing necessary repair operations that have a high degree of impact on estimate accuracy.”

The software-as-a-service product will appear at SEMA next week as an entry in the New Products Showcase.

SCRS said it intends to let shops download it from the SCRS.com website in the first quarter of 2020.

The initial version will be com-

patible with CCC estimates but “will soon be expanded to additional estimating platforms,” according to SCRS. The entire industry will still be able to access and use the PDF version of the Guide for free. The new Blueprint Optimization Tool software will carry a monthly subscription charge that SCRS plans to discount for members.

“We are beyond excited about the product we are going to share with our members and the industry at large during the SEMA Show next week,” SCRS Chairman Brett Bailey (A&B) said in a statement. “There has been a ton of design

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and development put into this software resource over the last year and a half, and we are all excited about the potential we believe it will deliver to collision repair shops. There are numerous legitimate repair operations and services our technicians provide that have the potential to go unrecognized on the estimate and final repair order; and we believe this tool is going to make a significant difference in helping to enhance estimate accuracy and ensure collision businesses are not

missing line items and operations that are a part of the repair process.”

Auto body shops will be able to set line items, estimate rules and business practices for their chosen estimating system, the trade group said.

“We’ve worked with a top-notch development team with a history of designing products intended to interact with and analyze estimate output,” SCRS board member Michael Bradshaw (K&M Collision) said in a statement. “I think it’s

fair to say we’ve all been really impressed in the way this program has evolved from design to implementation. We worked to collect feedback from a broad focus group of estimators that communicated ways they could see the product addressing day to day challenges in estimate consistency and thoroughness, and the development team really outdid themselves with functional responses. I personally cannot wait to put this in use in my own facility.”n

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Infiniti from Page 26 interior with natural light to accentuate the sense of space.

The QX50 is powered by INFINITI's 2.0-liter VC-Turbo, the world's first production variable compression ratio engine – one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created.

This unique variable compression technology represents a breakthrough in combustion engine design. The engine continually transforms, adjusting its compression ratio to optimize power and fuel efficiency. As a result, it combines the power of a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced four-cylinder diesel engine.

The VC-Turbo changes its compression ratio seamlessly with an advanced multi-link system, continuously raising or lowering the pistons' reach to transform compression ratio – offering both power and efficiency on demand. A high compression ratio gives greater efficiency, but in certain applications poses the risk of premature combustion (knocking). A low compression ratio allows for greater power and torque, and it avoids knocking.

In operation, the VC-Turbo engine offers any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The engine delivers 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. The VC-Turbo's specific power output is higher than many competing turbocharged gasoline engines, and comes close to the performance of some V6 gasoline engines. The unit's single-scroll turbo ensures immediate accelerator responses on demand.

The QX50's 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine also employs the world's first active engine mount vibration damping system, called an Active Torque Rod, to reduce engine noise even further. The QX50 is the only vehicle in its class to offer this kind of technology.

The 2020 QX50 offers available ProPILOT Assist, as well as the first crossover and first front-wheel drive application of Direct Adaptive Steering, which is now in its fourth-generation. Both technologies are key elements in INFINITI's vision for driver assistance technologies that allow

drivers to retain ultimate control over their vehicles.

ProPILOT is the umbrella term under which all future INFINITI driver assist technologies will be based and represents the first step in their development. These technologies are designed to support the driver in identifying and responding to other road users and potential hazards.

Drawing on inputs from radar and camera to read the road ahead and monitor the position of vehicles in front, the system allows the car to react accordingly. The framework that underpins ProPILOT will be developed in the future with a series of new functionalities.

As the first in a potential suite of driver-assist technologies, ProPILOT Assist is designed to help the driver control acceleration, braking and steering during single-lane highway driving. ProPILOT Assist takes over single-lane driving operation at the push of a button, and the driver can choose to let the car operate on his or her behalf in stop-and-go traffic. The technologies that make up the ProPILOT Assist system include Direct Adaptive Steering and Intelligent Cruise Control.

The QX50 offers two adaptive steering systems: rack-electric power steering and the fourth-generation version of INFINITI's Direct Adaptive Steering - a steer-by-wire system that supports driver assist technologies by providing smooth operation, allowing for more direct steering responses and easy maneuverability.

The Direct Adaptive Steering system

Southern Automotive Journal

December 2019

34

has been tuned to provide greater customizability in the QX50, with less negative steering and road surface feedback.

The electronic connection gives the driver instantaneous steering responses, for a linear and secure driving experience.

Direct Adaptive Steering works with ProPILOT Assist to enable a range of single-lane driver assistance functions. The steer-by-wire system links with the driver assistance function to provide intelligent lane-keeping when driving in a straight line and through curves, while offering drivers precise, high-feedback steering with ProPILOT Assist turned off.

The QX50's all-new platform provides ideal underpinnings with superior levels of space, flexibility, ride sophistication and structural integrity.

This new generation QX50 also represents the first automotive use of SHF (Super High Formability) 980 MPa hightensile steel, further strengthening the all-new platform. The high-tensile material can be molded into unprecedented shapes, saving weight and representing a torsional rigidity improvement of 23 percent over the previous QX50. This rigidity allows the car to resist flex and vibrations, while also reducing the noise transmitted to the cabin.

In addition to reducing flex and body vibrations, the high rigidity body provides a stable base for the QX50's front and rear suspension systems, steering and brakes to perform optimally and provide the driver with greater control.n www.IneedOEMparts.com

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