Automotive Repair News Today

Braxton Critcher [00:00:06]:
You're listening to automotive repair news today. I'm your host, Braxton Critcher. This is a weekly podcast designed to help you stay informed, and we're going to hit the highlights across the automotive repair industry. If you like what you hear, leave a positive review for us. Appreciate that. Let's get into today's news. The alliance of Automotive Service providers, AASP has announced it will dissolve its national association by the end of the year. The organization's 25 year legacy of supporting local affiliates will continue their work even after the national board's disillusion.

Braxton Critcher [00:00:40]:
As a part of the wrap up, they plan to distribute their remaining assets, including a notable $100,000 contribution to the database enhancement gateway. Their final meeting will be in November during the SEMA and apex shows in Las Vegas, Nevada. We've been closely following the Repair act and the proposed bill's progress in Congress. The House of Representatives stated that it was not critical for a vote this week, and now Congress is going on recess. When the House of Representatives reconvenes in November, it will be reconsidered then. Many representatives continue to urge supporters of the bill to write and work to let their representatives know of their desire to see it passed. All this in hopes of a vote November. Keep you posted on that.

Braxton Critcher [00:01:32]:
The SEMA professional Restylers organization is excited to announce the return of the Pro cup challenge for 2024 at the SEMA show, coming up November 5 8th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Now in its fifth year, this competition encourages restylers to create affordable and easily installed accessory packages for new vehicles. Pro chair Colby McLaughlin stated, this initiative not only helps dealers enhance stripped down factory models, but also showcases the creativity of restylers. Attendees can check out six custom vehicles at booth 5203 and vote for the People's Choice Award until 02:00 p.m. on November 6, winners announced later that day during the pro Happy Hour. In sustainability news, a new report from guide House insights predicts that nearly 7% of long haul trucks in the US will be electric by 2033. This transition, while challenged by high costs and limited charging infrastructure, is expected to be led by the Midwest and the west of the United States. Many states mandates, like California's advanced clean trucks regulation, are key factors in why the west and the midwest will lead in this charge.

Braxton Critcher [00:02:50]:
Interestingly enough, most charging around 70% is predicted to take place at highway corridor ports rather than depots. The Institute for Automotive Excellence will hold a hands on training for service advisors in Ogden, Utah, from November 8 through the 12th of this year. This intensive program will enhance service advisor skills over five days, focusing on value building, communication, and conflict resolution. Again, this is hosted by the Institute for Automotive Excellence in Ogden, Utah. Coming up October 8 through the 12th, Francis Energy is making waves in the electric vehicle charging sector in Florida. Since Tesla's supercharger team layoffs in April, Francis has claimed 16% of Navi sites in Florida, securing 49 charging sites compared to Tesla's 19. However, Lauren Macdonald from EV adoption reminds us that Tesla is reportedly back in the game, aggressively pursuing more navy grants in the state, promising to make up ground quickly there. A recent survey from market force information gave insights on where people prefer to shop for replacement auto parts.

Braxton Critcher [00:04:07]:
Autozone leads with 32.3%, followed by O'Reilly auto parts at 18.3 and advanced auto parts at 18%. 21.5% of customers purchase parts online. The majority still prefer to shop in store, though, citing convenience as the primary factor. Hunter Engineering has launched an ADOS coverage guide to assist service advisors with static and dynamic calibration information for hundreds of vehicle models. This guide, updated twice a year, is designed to help advisors identify necessary calibrations before writing work orders, reducing surprises later on. Visit Hunter Engineering's website for more. The ASE Training Managers Council will hold its annual awards ceremony on November 6 during Apex in Las Vegas, aimed to celebrate innovative training programs with the industry. Expect networking opportunities at the event as well, with a chance to highlight the great work happening around the industry at the awards ceremony.

Braxton Critcher [00:05:10]:
In recognition of educational excellence, the Autocare association recently announced its 2024 award winners. Gillian Weishard from parts Authority received the Mort Schwartz Excellence in Education Award, while Robertson Automotive, Mevotech and Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc. Were honored for their commitment to education across various company sizes. Congrats, Jillian, for your hard work and much deserved award. The us government is proposing a ban on automotive parts and software from China, citing national security concerns this phased approach could affect software as early as 2027 and hardware by 2030, raising concerns among some industry groups about the potential broad impact of these rules. We'll keep you updated as we learn more about that. A potential strike by east coast dock workers could disrupt the automotive parts supply chain. The International Longshoresmen's association that represents over 85,000 dock workers, operates many major ports like New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston.

Braxton Critcher [00:06:19]:
With their contract with the United States Maritime alliance expiring at the end of September, the International Longshoresmen association is seeking higher wages, citing substantial profits for ocean carriers. Negotiations stalled a few months ago in June and without an agreement by September 30 a strike will commence. Most ILA operated ports handle automotive parts, so a strike could severely impact logistics. The situation is exacerbated by the earlier collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge, placing additional pressure on nearby ports. September is typically a peak month for us container imports, which rose 13% last month. In August, industry leaders fear that even a brief strike could lead to significant backlogs for automotive repair parts. We'll keep you posted on this. Before we wrap up, want to highlight some great industry news? Ivan Ryoja Scott is the new editor in chief of Ratchet Wrench.

Braxton Critcher [00:07:20]:
He has a background in automotive journalism and hopes to encourage and challenge readers all across the automotive industry. Congrats to Ivan and to Ratchet and wrench. Alright, that's all for today's episode of Automotive Repair news today. Don't forget I'm going to be hanging out at the ASTa Expo this weekend in Raleigh, and if you're going to be there, I'd love to meet you, shake your hand, hear your take on what's happening across the automotive industry. And if you know of any good news stories happening across the industry as well, I'd love to hear about those and potentially highlight you or the story on an upcoming episode of good news in auto repair until ASTa or next week. Thanks for listening. Hey, if you're still here, thank you so much for listening to this episode of Automotive Repair News today. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment.

Braxton Critcher [00:08:16]:
Like share, subscribe to the podcast. It'll help us out a big deal and help grow the show. And you know what? While you're at it, slap on a review too. If you feel like this content is helpful for the industry. Don't forget to follow us on all your favorite social media platforms. We're on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn. Stay connected and be the first to know about new episodes, behind the scenes content, and more. And until next time, let's make the industry better together.