Automotive Repair News Today

Braxton Critcher [00:00:05]:
This is automotive repair news today. I'm Braxton Critcher. Coming up, hear about a new feature from auto ops that could greatly improve your customer satisfaction ratings? General Motors is walking back a previous commitment about electric vehicles. With an original plan to produce 1 million electric vehicles by 2025, GM is now headed in a different direction. At a recent CNBC event, GM CEO Mary Barra said the company will adjust production to match consumer demand, citing a current slowdown in the market. A GM spokesperson confirmed that the company will stop advertising its 2025 ev production, opting for a flexible approach instead. It's worth noting that this comes after GM received a federal grant to revamp facilities for electric vehicle production. Chris Jones is moving up endeavor business media and their various brands have promoted Chris Jones from editor of Ratchet and wrench to editorial director of vehicle Repair Group.

Braxton Critcher [00:01:10]:
Jones has worked in the automotive industry for a little over two years now as a journalist and has spoken with numerous industry professionals and says right now when he looks at the industry, the future is bright.

Chris Jones [00:01:22]:
I spent a week at ASC and just the, the passion and conviction of some of these instructors like just what they're seeing with these students. You know, these, they said. These kids are hungry. They're eager to learn. They're embracing technology. They want to get their hands into it.

Braxton Critcher [00:01:38]:
A recent study shows that most automotive repairs require Oe diagnostic tools. For most repair shops, though, that raises expenses to uncomfortable levels. Repairfi and Napa have partnered to launch Aztec Mechanical to help with this. It's a single device that actually accesses most original equipment. OE tools for shop owners aztec mechanical allows shops to remotely connect to OE tools operated by certified technicians on a pay per use basis. This helps shops to keep more repairs in house and provides a seamless customer experience. For more on aztec mechanical, touch the link in the show notes women in Autocare, part of the Autocare association, set a new record by awarding 81 scholarships and toolkits worth $425,000 to female students pursuing automotive repair careers. The organization has launched monthly virtual connection circles for winners to connect with peers and receive mentorship from experienced female technicians and instructors.

Braxton Critcher [00:02:48]:
In 2023, women in Autocare was honored as a gold lifetime trustee for the University of the aftermarket, reinforcing its commitment to education and advancement in the industry. The Tire industry association has elected a new secretary. Gary McCausland of VIP Tires and service will serve on the executive committee to start on November 4. McAusland has been a TIA board member for two years. He has more than 35 years in the tire industry and has played a major role in TIA's online university technician program. Results are in from the latest ASE gasoline engine survey. Over 8400 automotive service professionals participated in the study that aimed to identify the most common ways that technicians receive training. Today, most technicians train on the job, 79%, the second most from oems, 69%, colleges at 57%, high schools, 53% and the aftermarket at 47%.

Braxton Critcher [00:03:56]:
For context, 82% of the respondents have ten plus years of experience and 57% reported that ASE certifications affect their pay. Auto Ops is launching a new feature. Auto Ops voice enables customers to schedule appointments online after hours. When customers call outside business hours or during busy times, they can receive a text link to schedule an appointment by pressing a number on the keypad. Shops can also add automated greetings, personalized voicemail messages, and redirect calls as needed for things like towing providers. For more information on auto ops voice and how it can affect your repair shop, click the link in the show notes Napa Tech Force foundation and WD 40 are offering $50,000 in scholarships to automotive students. Over the next year, 40 individual awards will be available to students in post secondary automotive, collision or diesel programs. Applications for this scholarship can be submitted through tech force's website.

Braxton Critcher [00:05:06]:
Virtual reality training in automotive repair Yes 365 foundation in Lancedale, Pennsylvania, is using VR to train incarcerated women for automotive repair jobs. 365 Foundation Incorporated is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in the community. The automotive technical training program, created in partnership with vehicles for Change and HTX labs, will provide women coming home from prison, jails and reentry facilities with virtual reality training in automotive repair and maintenance. Through learning in a virtual interactive garage. Women will earn a minimum of two ASE certifications. National employment partners such as Napa Auto Care centers ensure trainees will have job opportunities upon completion of the program. Now that's how to use tech for good. If you have a news story that needs to be shared about the automotive repair industry, email me@braxtontomotiverepairnews.com.

Braxton Critcher [00:06:08]:
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Braxton Critcher [00:06:44]:
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