Automotive Repair News Today

Braxton Critcher [00:00:05]:
This is automotive repair news today. I'm your host, Braxton Critcher. Thanks for listening. And if you and I got to meet last week at ASTa in Raleigh, thanks so much for coming by to say hey, I really appreciate your support. If you didn't get the chance to the next event that I'll be hanging out at recording podcasts, is SEMA and apex in Las Vegas next month. Hope to see you then. For now, let's get to today's news. First up, the devastation from Hurricane Helene.

Braxton Critcher [00:00:36]:
It's been heartbreaking, really heartbreaking, to see how many automotive repair shops have been damaged or destroyed.

Braxton Critcher [00:00:42]:
Many members of the automotive service and.

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Tire alliance, along with their families and employees, are facing some significant loss. In fact, some who attended the ASTa Expo in Raleigh found themselves away from.

Braxton Critcher [00:00:57]:
Their families, unable to return home safely during the storm.

Braxton Critcher [00:01:01]:
So to support those affected from Hurricane Helene, ASTA has launched a GoFundMe campaign where every donation goes directly to support members and employees who are in need at automotive repair shops. This is a critical moment for our industry, and it's time to come together to support one another. If you'd like to donate or apply for assistance, check out the link in the show notes. Remember, application for assistance are due by October 11. Now, shifting gears to safety, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination center has rolled out a new campaign called put the Brakes on fakes. This initiative aims to educate consumers and auto professionals about the dangers of counterfeit airbags and auto parts. With backing from Homeland Security and the US Customs, this campaign highlights the alarming rise in counterfeit parts. So far this year, 2024, Customs has seized over 211,000 counterfeit auto parts, including nearly 500 airbags.

Braxton Critcher [00:02:10]:
Currently, there are 40 active investigations into these counterfeit parts, and authorities are ramping up their efforts. If you suspect a product isn't legitimate, you can report it at iprcenter dot Gov. That's iPrcenter. More young people are considering trades as a viable career path, according to a new study by IMR Inc. The findings show that 52.4% of families view College as an option, which is actually an increase from last year. However, interest in entering the workforce immediately has dropped, but 87.4% of those choosing the work now option are focusing on the traits. The top three industries young people are interested in are aircraft maintenance and repair at 59%, automotive repair at 46%, and brick masonry at 40%. The White House has selected Monroe Capital to develop an innovative investment strategy to bolster the us automotive supply chain.

Braxton Critcher [00:03:21]:
This initiative is supported by the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers association and the alliance for Automotive Innovation. Monroe's drive forward fund aims to raise $1 billion to invest in suppliers and manufacturers, particularly focusing on electric vehicle production and battery technology, even clean vehicle supply chains. This investment will help modernize the industry and preserve jobs across the country. A new partnership has formed between Walsler Automotive Group and WSU Tech in Wichita to tackle the technician shortage in the US. Last week, Walsler celebrated the opening of the Walsler Automotive Service lab, part of a $3 million renovation, this upgraded 30,000 square foot facility will train the next generation of automotive technicians. Bendpak Incorporated has broken ground on a new industrial complex in Mobile County, Alabama. This facility is set to be used for light manufacturing, product development, and distribution, all on a 33 acre site. This project will be completed in phases, with the first phase expected to wrap up by fall of 2025.

Braxton Critcher [00:04:39]:
Following the decision to dissolve the alliance of Automotive Service providers National Board, the AASP Massachusetts branch is reassuring that the auto body repair community that their work will continue without interruption. They're committed to advocating for customers, educating repairs, and promoting their fair labor rates. Recently, they hosted a successful golf fundraiser and are gearing up for their fall general membership meeting on October 19. Plus, by the way, the AASP national will continue to support the database enhancement gateway with a substantial investment of $100,000. SEMA show management is addressing a technical glitch in preventing registration for this year's event. They're collaborating with the vendor to resolve the issue and will be extending the registration price deadline to accommodate everybody affected by the hiccup. Good news for attendees, the domestic badge mailing process will not be impacted by this outage. If you have questions or want to be notified when the registration portal reopens, you can reach out to regmanagercema.org dot.

Braxton Critcher [00:05:55]:
That's R E G. Mgrema.org dot. R E G M G r.org Dot Autovitals has announced Scott Thorley as their new senior vice president of clients and partners. With over a decade of experience, he'll be focusing on increasing product adoption and enhancing partnerships. Auto Vitals offers essential solutions like digital vehicle inspections and workflow automation for auto repair shops. Continental is investing in its first fully owned tire distribution center in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Construction on this 753,000 square foot facility begins this month. The center will store over 800,000 tires and will include advanced automation and sustainability technologies.

Braxton Critcher [00:06:48]:
Operations are slated to start in 2026 with plans for future expansion. The Ase Investigation Foundation Good Guys, Rod and Custom association and Wyo Tech hosted the careers in hot rodding event in Loveland, Colorado in September. Over 125 students had the chance to explore various automotive career paths, meet industry experts, and tour the Good guys show. This ongoing program is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of technicians, designers, and engineers in the automotive field, something we really need today that's going to do it for this episode of automotive repair news today. If you found this episode's content informative, let us know by leaving a positive review. Also, share the episode with your colleagues that'll get more people informed about what's happening across the industry. And if you know of news that needs to be covered on this podcast next week or in an upcoming interview, let me know via email@braxtonautomotiverepairnews.com. that's braxtontomotiverepairnews.com.

Braxton Critcher [00:08:06]:
Hey, if you're still here, thank you so much for listening to this episode.

Braxton Critcher [00:08:10]:
Of Automotive Repair news today.

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