Government Invests $100M in EV Part Manufacturers, Montana Inmates Graduate from Auto Tech Program, Honda's Bold Move into Electric Vehicles, and more!
Braxton Critcher [00:00:05]:
Thanks so much for downloading and listening to this episode of Automotive Repair News today. I'm Braxton Kricher. The White House announced a $100 million investment to help part manufacturers transition to electric vehicle production, reports CB's news. Half of the funds will come from the Department of Energy's Automotive Conversion grants program to aid small and medium sized suppliers in shifting to EV parts. The other half, from the industrial assessment center, will help facilities improve energy efficiency, cybersecurity, productivity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Motor and Equipment Manufacturers association has been working on this with the us government for quite some time, and Ann Wilson and Paul McCarthy from Mima sharers what this means for the repair industry.
Ann Wilson [00:00:59]:
This is just another example of how much more complicated vehicles are going to get, how much more we're going to be dependent on telematics, over the air updates this is a great opportunity for repair shop and aftermarket to sort of look at the trends that are happening and decide where you're going to put your next major step.
Paul McCarthy [00:01:20]:
I think this news says it's great that the government cares that we have a strong aftermarket supplier community, but government's not going to solve this problem. What is going to solve the problem is the aftermarket and your manufacturers, the suppliers, investing in the training, making sure that we have those parts that we need for these vehicles.
Braxton Critcher [00:01:38]:
Six Montana State prison inmates have graduated from Helena College's automotive technology program. In partnership with the Montana Department of Corrections, Helena College offers a one year program where inmates receive both classroom and hands on instruction, earning a certificate upon completion. This marks the second year of the program that saw nine inmates graduate last year, several of whom now work in the auto repair industry. At the graduation ceremony, Scott Eichner of the Department of Corrections praised the auto repair industry for supporting these students despite their incarceration. Hunter engineering Company has updated its win align software alignment specifications. The latest updates were released May 1. These updates include over 1000 revisions and more than 550 new records covering new vehicles and changes to existing models from oems. Here's Justin Allen from Hunter on the importance of these updates reasonable approach to.
Justin Allen [00:02:44]:
Keeping those specifications updated more frequently is to help prevent you having some chaos. We don't want you to do more work than you had to do, but we also don't want you to miss out on something that you definitely were supposed to do, but you just didn't know any better.
Braxton Critcher [00:03:02]:
Motor Age magazine is accepting nominations for its fourth annual Best Young Tech award, honoring the industry's professionals aged 35 and younger. Eligible technicians must have at least two years of industry experience, demonstrated career or academic growth, community involvement, and notable contributions to their shop. The grand prize winner receives a feature in Motor Age's October issue, a trip to the 2024 Apex SeMA show, tools and equipment from sponsors, an award plaque, and a uniform patch. Nominations, which can be self submitted or made by others, are open through June 5 online. A link to the nomination form is in the podcast description. Honda is doubling its EV investments over the next decade. The company expects to increase to 65 billion, according to a report. Honda hopes to focus on EV battery improvement, cutting costs and enhancing performance in their ev models.
Braxton Critcher [00:04:10]:
A software upgrade is also in the works to keep pace with the evolving industry. Also announced is Honda's new battery powered vehicle series, set to release in 2026. It will feature ultra thin battery packs and a compact e axle targeting a cruising range of over 300 miles. Honda has some ground to make up in the EV market, and this push will be its second attempt to shorten the margins. By 2030, Honda expects to launch seven new EV models and will invest in the new EV and battery production facilities. Ontario, Canada want more news? Be sure to follow automotive repair news today on your favorite podcast platform, social media platform as well. And if you know of news that needs to be shared, please email those to me@braxtontomotiverepairnews.com. that's braxton@automotiverepairnews.com.
Braxton Critcher [00:05:10]:
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