Automotive Repair News Today

Braxton Critcher [00:00:05]:
This is Automotive Repair News Today. I'm Braxton Critcher. Yelp has acquired Repair Pal for $80 million. The deal is set to close by year end, reports TechCrunch. Yelp stated that this is part of a greater strategy to expand its services, including automotive needs alongside home services like plumbing and repairs. In its latest quarter, Yelp saw an 11% rise in service related ad revenue, reaching 228 million. More news to come on this after a conversation with Kathleen Long from Repair Pal, soon to release on this podcast platform. Apex 2024 wrapped up last week and Lisa Fauche, the senior VP of government affairs for the Auto Cure association, shared an update on the Repair Act.

Lisa Foshee [00:00:54]:
You know, the great news is that because of the commitment of the industry and all of the hard work that was done by our members to talk to their congresspeople and their representatives and come to dc, we're going to be able to hit the ground running.

Braxton Critcher [00:01:11]:
She confirmed that although the bill made significant progress last year, it was ultimately postponed and will need to be reintroduced in the next congressional session. The Repair act, aimed at ensuring independent repair shops have access to critical vehicle data, was nearly brought to a vote before political hurdles delayed it. With new lawmakers taking office, Lisa and her team will work to rebuild momentum and push it through in early 2025. AAA's latest research reveals that new 2024 vehicles equipped with automatic emergency braking successfully avoided 100% of forward collisions at speeds up to 35 mil. 2017 through 2018 models managed a 51% success rate. While most new vehicles already included AEB. A recent federal rule requires all automakers to standardize this technology by 2029, extending its effectiveness to speeds up to 62 miles an hour. The Women in Autocare, a sector of the AutoCare association, has announced its 2024 award winners.

Braxton Critcher [00:02:23]:
The awards were presented at Apex in Las Vegas. Top honorees include Tina Hubbard, CEO of HDA Truck Pride, who received the Lifetime Achievement award, and Sheila Sarkozy of Repair Pal for outstanding achievement. Julie Holmes, co CEO of Virginia Tire and Auto, was named Female Shop Owner of the Year. Multiple Women of Excellence were also recognized along with Parts Authority as Company Ally of the Year. For more details, touch the link in the show. Notes the Texas Department of Public Safety is cracking down on fraudulent vehicle emissions inspections. Since February of 2023, DPS has issued 88 arrest warrants for clean scanning while inspections were fraudulently passed. Recent surveillance led to 19 warrants and five arrests in Houston.

Braxton Critcher [00:03:13]:
While Texas will end statewide safety inspections in 2025 emissions testing will continue in 17 counties under strict oversight. MEMA Aftermarket Supp and the Auto Care association have released their 2024 joint EV Trends and Outlook forecast, shedding light on the evolving electric vehicle landscape. Unveiled at the Apex Event center in Las Vegas, the report offers critical insights to help the aftermarket industry navigate the shift toward electrification. While last year's forecast anticipated a rapid rise in EV adoption, this year's analysis projects more cautious short term growth due to concerns over battery charging cost service needs. Despite the gradual transition, the report highlights opportunities in the aftermarket, especially in warranty and post warranty EV components, while noting that internal combustion engine related sales will still dominate for now. Members of mema and the AutoCare association can access the full report for free, while non members can purchase it@mema.org or digital autocare. Link in the show notes for more on that too. Last week we touched on Google's new verification process for local service ads set to roll out on November 21st.

Braxton Critcher [00:04:33]:
This change is part of Google's effort to combat business fraud and ensure that only verified companies can run local service ads. To qualify, businesses must validate their profiles with documents like licenses and insurance. These ads operate on a pay per lead basis, making them an attractive option for established companies with strong reviews. Here's Brian Walker from Shop Marketing Pros.

Brian Walker [00:04:58]:
With more they're also known as Google guarantee ads and it's because Google will actually guarantee they will put a guarantee on the service that you are providing with an actual financial component to it. Like if somebody comes to you and they don't get what they expect, it is possible for Google to reimburse them or to give them some kind of.

Braxton Critcher [00:05:20]:
A financial yeah, I didn't know that.

Brian Walker [00:05:22]:
Like when they say Google guarantee, Google is literally guaranteeing the service that you are offering.

Braxton Critcher [00:05:30]:
New product and new packaging showcase winners were announced at Apex 2024 in Las Vegas this year. Attendees used the new Apex Scan program with QR codes to vote on entries directly on top. Winners included SBI Smart Brands International for their pet travel kit and Accessories, an Autel US incorporated for both the Autel Maxis AI 700 in safety and Maxis Ms. 906 Max diagnostic tablet in tools in packaging, car keys express one for environmental impact and Rust. Oleum took the Innovation category with its 2x automotive enamel domestic car and light truck products. Sales will remain below their 2005 levels. That's after a 50% overall increase in aftermarket sales over the last 19 years. Domestic vehicles once dominating US roads have seen their share steadily decline, now falling below foreign cars.

Braxton Critcher [00:06:35]:
While domestic trucks have shown growth, it's not enough to offset a sharp 70% drop in domestic car products since 2005. Bosch has awarded Maximilian Motorsports its first ever Bosch Modular Shop of the Year at Apex for their forward thinking approach in the automotive repair industry. The shop, led by owner Maximilian MacDonald, was recognized for its investments in EV and hybrid training, sustainable practices and strong community engagement. He has donated vehicles to local schools and hosted charity events. Sonic Tools USA has launched its Sonic Pathway program, helping dealerships and service centers equip technicians with tools at specialty pricing. The program covers tool costs from higher to master technician level, starting with a 255 piece set and a toolbox for $4,500. And as skills grow, employers can upgrade to larger tool sets at reduced rates. This initiative lowers entry barriers for new trade school grads by eliminating upfront tool investments.

Braxton Critcher [00:07:41]:
SEMA is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors to guide the association's future. Open positions include chair elect, three manufacturer seats and one manufacturer's representative seat. Members can nominate industry leaders until January 6, 2025. Submissions should include details on the nominee's qualifications, experience and achievements. Nominate someone today by clicking the link in the show Notes that's going to do it for this episode of Automotive Repair News Today. Thank you so much for checking us out. If you know of news that needs to be shared, I'd love to hear about it. Let me know@braxtonautomotiverepairnews.com that's braxtonautomotiverepairnews.Com Please subscribe to the show, let folks know about it too.

Braxton Critcher [00:08:27]:
And we'll see you next time on Automotive Repair News today.

Braxton Critcher [00:08:34]:
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Braxton Critcher [00:09:07]:
And until next time, let's make the industry better together.