Automotive Repair News Today

Braxton Critcher [00:00:05]:
This is automotive repair news today. I'm Braxton Critcher. Hunter engineering company has announced Hunter University, an online learning management system. Previously, Hunter University was strictly in person. This will be done on an individual basis, not strictly by repair shops, meaning if a technician receives a certificate through Hunter University, that certificate will stay with them wherever they go. Next, Justin Allen with more so we've.

Justin Allen [00:00:35]:
All heard stories about technicians who are.

Justin Allen [00:00:37]:
Staying up late at night watching YouTube videos, you know, finding ways to get.

Justin Allen [00:00:42]:
More and more information. And all of that is valid training. All that's fantastic. Sometimes some of the things that we're learning online, however, aren't necessarily in our best interest. We know that we all see stuff that is bogus on the Internet every day. So Hunter University finding a way to.

Justin Allen [00:00:57]:
Funnel all that good data in presented.

Justin Allen [00:01:00]:
In an appropriate way to help people make good decisions and to further their experiences. It's an exciting thing to get to be a part of.

Braxton Critcher [00:01:07]:
Despite persistent inflation in 2023, the automotive aftermarket sector showed resilience, with sales growing by 8.6% last year to $391 billion. Dealer service centers, auto parts stores and general auto repair sectors all outperformed initial estimates, according to the 2024 joint forecast model by the Autocare association and MiMA Aftermarket suppliers. A Columbia, South Carolina, widow of a military veteran received a life changing gift from the National Autobody Council recycled Rides program with the support of car donor GeIco and repair partner better collision NABC presented Olivia Frost with a refurbished 2019 Nissan Versa. Frost, whose husband served ten years in the US army and National Guard, has struggled without a car for quite a while now, but not anymore. Veterans Bridgeholm, a non profit aiding veterans in the Carolinas, nominated Miss Frost for the donation. Us senators Amy Klobuchar and Mike Lee sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission seeking clarification on the agencys actions against unfair repair restrictions. Lee shared the letter on social media, highlighting the FTCs awareness of the lack of consumer protections for vehicle, smartphone, farm equipment and other repairs. The FTCs 2021 policy statement on repair restrictions outlined plans to address these issues, but they haven't yet.

Braxton Critcher [00:02:46]:
Klubochar and Lee, leaders of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, competition Policy and Consumer Rights, requested details on FTC's steps since the policy statement. They asked about the actions taken for right to repair, the availability of parts and tools for consumers and independent repair shops, and how the FTC plans to hold manufacturers accountable. They also inquired about any support needed from Congress. You'll find updates on this letter via the Automotive Repair news Today Facebook page. And by the way, June is National Automotive Service professionals monthly. So if you're in the automotive repair industry, happy automotive service professionals month. If you'd like more stories like this, check out the automotive repair news today, YouTube channel, Facebook page, TikTok Feed, Instagram, Twitter, things like that. Also, you'll find long form interviews covering stories just like today's podcast on this platform.

Braxton Critcher [00:03:48]:
Just make sure you subscribe to get notifications about those episodes as well. And if you know of news that needs to be shared on this podcast and our social media, let me know via email@braxtonautomotiverepairnews.com. that's Braxton Automotiverepairnews.com. thanks for listening.