Automotive Repair News Today

Braxton Critcher [00:00:05]:
Thanks so much for listening to this episode of Automotive Repair News today. Stick around to the end of the episode as I'll cover major changes expected in the do it for me market. Also, if you haven't subscribed to this podcast on your favorite listening platform, then do that now and subscribe to the YouTube channel. Help grow the network and help others know how we're trying to affect change across the industry. First up, Stellantis is making major organizational changes. The world's fourth largest automaker cites weak global demand and rising competition in China that have led to Stellantis cutting prices on its jeeps and trucks. Last week, the company lowered its 2024 profit forecast. Because of this, according to reports.

Braxton Critcher [00:00:50]:
CEO Carlos Tavares is set to present a management shakeup at a board meeting this week with potential changes affecting finance teams, regional heads and brand executives. The National Automotive Service Task Force board of directors elections are coming up. You can vote online at the Nastiff website through November 2. Here's Nastif's executive director, Donny Seyfer.

Donny Seyfer [00:01:13]:
So he said, okay, let's just build a little component inside of SDRM or nasdaq.org comma where you can log in and we pull a notification up that says, hey, here. You know, go here. Click and click your vote, which, you know, it's simple. It's a yes or a no.

Braxton Critcher [00:01:27]:
Listen to the full interview with Donnie covering the Nastif election, AI and automotive, and more on this podcast platform or by touching the link in the show notes remember, Nastiff members can vote for the board of directors from now through November 2. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is partnering with convertible AI to develop an accreditation process for working with AI powered tools and auto repair. ASC president Dave Johnson says the increasing complexity of automotive tools is driving demand for technicians trained in AI technology. The collaboration will evaluate AI systems for accuracy, bias, mitigation, and consistency across different vehicles. ASE will also ensure that AI decision making is transparent and verifiable by technicians. The partnership will also offer privacy, data, governance, and industry standards for AI use in auto repair. Toyota may soon end production of gas powered vehicles in the US, according to a report. The company is actively discussing when to make the shift.

Braxton Critcher [00:02:38]:
Toyota's EV sales are climbing, with nearly 48% of its us sales last month coming from ev's and hybrids, up from less than 20% just two years ago. Toyota is also investing nearly $14 billion in a battery factory near Greensboro, North Carolina. Eric Merchant and merchant Automotive in Michigan dropped off a tractor trailer full of relief supplies for affected families in spruce Pine, North Carolina. At Harris Middle School last week, Eric and two other Michigan repair shops gathered supplies from their communities for two weeks before the drop off. People from outside their communities even would ship goods to their location for trusted and safe delivery. Here's Eric Merchant with more.

Eric Merchant [00:03:24]:
You know, and I'm not saying that everybody has to go out and give everything away or but philanthropy is one of the most rewarding things people can do. And I'll be the first to say that I forget that frequently. As a business owner, we think, oh, we work hard for this, we deserve this, we do all that. But something like this comes along and it really makes you check your ego a little bit, too.

Braxton Critcher [00:03:45]:
You can listen to the latest episode of Good News and Auto Repair covering this story in detail on this podcast platform, or hit the link in the show notes Strickland brothers ten minute oil change opened six new locations last quarter. The company expanded in Illinois, West Virginia and North Carolina. Strickland Brothers plans to have seven more grand openings by the end of the year. 501 Tech Slack, a digital solutions provider for nonprofits, has partnered with Operation mechanic Hurricane Helene to assist those needing help and auto repair volunteers. Launched by mechanic on wheels in Kingsport, Tennessee, the initiative focuses on repairing storm damaged vehicles for displaced residents and east Tennessee and western North Carolina. 501 tech Stack is donating services to truck repair requests and coordinating volunteers. Operation Mechanic is calling on auto repair shops and technicians to contribute parts, supplies, financial help or volunteer time. Visit the link in the show notes for more and to help.

Braxton Critcher [00:04:53]:
Honda is recalling about 1.7 million 2022 through 2025 Acura and Honda vehicles in the US due to a potential steering wheel issue. The recall affects models, including the Acura, Integra, Honda Civic CR V and HRV. Honda reports that a defect in the steering gearbox could cause friction, leading to abnormal noises, difficulty steering or a stuck steering wheel, especially in hot and humid conditions. Owners will be notified starting in November, and dealers will add grease or replace the worm gear spring to fix the issue. Fines, legal action and ransomware attacks are on the rise in auto repair shops. Technicians working on connected cars need to prioritize cybersecurity and follow guidelines to prevent more of these from happening. To protect customer data, technicians should secure networks, use advanced security software and isolate car systems during repairs. In addition to privacy laws like the California Consumer Privacy act, new insurance models based on on telematics data are also reshaping the landscape.

Braxton Critcher [00:06:08]:
Telematics, now in millions of vehicles, tracks driving habits which can affect insurance premiums. So technicians need to understand telematics to help educate clients on how driving data impacts performance and insurance. They must also navigate legal requirements, including obtaining client consent for data use. Collaboration with manufacturers is key, as modern vehicles like Tesla have strict warranty warranty policies. Unauthorized modifications, such as battery changes could void warranties, making it crucial for repair shops and technicians to follow manufacturer guidelines closely. A few months ago, we covered the story of Christopher Kaufman, a shop owner in Lane County, Oregon, caught intentionally violating the Clean Air act. He was sentenced last month for tampering with pollution monitoring devices on at least 184 vehicles. Diesel and off Road Authority LLC and owner Christopher Paul Kaufman were each given three years probation and fined $150,000.

Braxton Critcher [00:07:14]:
Kaufman must also post a disclaimer on the company's website stating that it no longer provides illegal delete and tuned services. From 2018 to 2022, the shop tampered with emissions control systems, earning over $378,000 from these modifications. And finally, as promised, an update on the do it for me sector. By the end of the decade, research expects it to change drastically. Three major consumer generations make up most of those in this sector, baby boomers, Gen Xers, and millennials. According to the latest Lang aftermarket I report, Generation Z will also start to make a considerable impact in the do it for me market beginning in 2026. Currently, baby boomers ages 60 to 78 account for around 23% of the do it for me market, down from 33% in 2013. Gen Xers ages 44 to 59 have increased their share from 32 to 35, and millennials ages 25 to 43 have recorded the most significant growth, rising from 28% to 33%.

Braxton Critcher [00:08:28]:
Looking ahead to 2030, projections suggest that baby boomers in the do it for me market share could fall below 12%, while Gen Xers will hold about 36. Millennials are set to dominate the do it for me market, generating the largest portion of volume, with Gen Z accounting for nearly 14. Generational preferences for purchasing auto repair services also reveal some pretty stark differences. While about one third of consumers across all generations preferred buying auto repair online, nearly half of millennials favor this method, compared to just one fifth of baby boomers. When it comes to calling repair outlets, Gen Xers lead, with over 35% preferring this approach, while nearly half of baby boomers still prefer visiting repair outlets. That's going to do it for this episode of Automotive Repair News today. Thank you so much for listening. If you would, please tell your friends about this podcast as we hope to educate the industry on what's happening.

Braxton Critcher [00:09:32]:
Hoping to improve and change the industry by staying informed and updated on upcoming trainings. So sharing this episode on social media or word of mouth will be greatly appreciated. And also, if you have news to share that you'd like to see in an upcoming episode, I'd love to hear about it, maybe even interview on an upcoming podcast when you reach out to me. Braxton automotiverepairnews.com dot that's braxton@automotiverepairnews.com. dot 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. Like share subscribe to the podcast. It'll help us out a big deal and help grow the show.

Braxton Critcher [00:10:19]:
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