Automotive Repair News Today

Braxton Critcher [00:00:05]:
This is Automotive Repair News Today. I'm Braxton Critcher. If you have not subscribed to this podcast platform yet, do that now. And also if you can, leave us a review. Help more people hear about what we're doing to help keep the industry informed. Independent repair shops still rank higher in customer satisfaction over dealerships Dealership numbers are improving from a year ago, however. A recent study surveyed over 2,000 customers about their repair experiences, where dealerships improved their satisfaction score to 59 out of 100, up 14 points from last year. Independent repair shops scored 66 out of 100, and chain service centers logged at just 48.

Braxton Critcher [00:00:48]:
Customers noted that independent repair shops were faster, with 30% saying repairs were completed sooner than they expected, compared to just 24% at dealerships. The happiest dealership customers were those with cars still under warranty. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a $165 million penalty against Ford Motor Co. For failing to comply with federal recall requirements. This is just the second largest civil penalty in the agency's history. An investigation revealed that Ford delayed recalling vehicles with defective rearview cameras and provided incomplete recall information. Ford must improve safety processes, including a new data analytics system and a VIN tracking tool, and review past recalls. An independent third party will oversee compliance.

Braxton Critcher [00:01:43]:
The incoming Trump administration is reportedly planning to end the $7,500 EV tax credit, a key part of President Biden's inflation reduction act. While Tesla's Elon Musk predicted minimal impact on Tesla, he warned it could hurt emerging US EV competitors. The alliance for Automotive Innovation has urged Congress to preserve the credit to maintain the U.S. leadership in automotive innovation, led by Harold Hamm and Governor Doug Burgum. The transition team admits cutting the subsidy may be tough as funds are already being distributed, including in Republican leaning states. Repairify has announced a new integration between its Adost focused platform, Adost Think, and CCC1, the repair management software from CCC Intelligent Solutions. Technicians using the CCC diagnostics workflow can now easily identify ADAS features on vehicles and understand recalibration needs, improving repair accuracy, efficiency and reducing turnaround times. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has filed a lawsuit against Champion Car Warranty and its owners, Jack Yedid and Ralph Anteby.

Braxton Critcher [00:03:00]:
The lawsuit follows an investigation that found the company misrepresented its reputation and affiliations and failed to deliver promised coverage. Champion advertised high ratings and partnerships with organizations like Car Talk and Operation Military Family claims that the investigation revealed were false. Weiser secured a court order to halt Champion's operations while the case moves forward Nastif, in partnership with LaunchTech USA, has launched the Aftermarket Scan Tool Validation Program to provide secure access to key and immobilizer information to repair shops and locksmiths in the US And Canada. Vehicle security professionals will need an ASTIF VSP ID to perform security functions like adding keys or addressing lost key situations using aftermarket scan tools. The program includes multi factor Authentication to prevent scan tool theft, addressing rising concerns about criminals stealing these tools to facilitate vehicle theft. Autotech IQ has launched JobView IQ, a new tool to help auto repair shops boost transparency and approval rates. The software integrates with point of sale systems and uses digital vehicle inspections to provide insights into customer interactions and decline jobs. Shops can track trends, visualize data and improve service performance with real time metrics.

Braxton Critcher [00:04:28]:
For more details or a demo, visit jobviewiq.com or touch the link in the show Notes Rev, an AI driven platform for vehicle repair automation, has secured 20 million in funding. The company has grown rapidly, expanding from 30 to over 2100 repair shop clients in just 16 months. Annual revenue, by the way, is also at upwards of seven figures already. Rev's platform, Revados, uses advanced language models to streamline repairs on complex systems like automatic braking and adaptive cruise control. Recent updates include auto quoting and documentation tools. Snap On's latest diagnostic software update now covers Tesla Model S and X. The update adds detailed diagnostics for systems like abs, adas, High Voltage and more, plus guided component tests for Tesla ABS to simplify the process. It also includes manual procedures for 20, 23 and older Tesla models, enhancing support for Service Mode Alerts and Gateway Unlock features.

Braxton Critcher [00:05:41]:
Parts Tech now serves over 2,500 customers, connecting shops with more than 7,000 brands, 225 suppliers and 30,000 plus locations. The platform handles 9 million monthly parts searches and 4 million orders streamlining parts and tire procurement for repair shops. Fisher Auto Parts joined other businesses at the 2024 Worlds of Work event on October 30th in Fisherville, Virginia, introducing nearly 3,000 seventh graders to the industry. Representatives Jennifer Humphries and Scott Kozak highlighted automotive parts careers while racing legend Kenny Schrader and the Federated Auto Parts no. 9 dirt modified car stole the spotlight. Schrader's presence and student engagement brought excitement to the event, inspiring curiosity about automotive repair and racing careers. Autel is offering a free one year subscription to its motor TrueSpeed repair data, a $650 value for Ultra Series tablets purchased between November 1 and December 31. Tablets bought from June 1 to November 1 are eligible for a free 30 day trial.

Braxton Critcher [00:06:58]:
The offer applies to select Ultra models purchased from authorized dealers and provides VIN specific OEM data integrated with Autel's diagnostic system. To claim, users must submit proof of purchase online. That's it for today's episode. Again, subscribe to the podcast YouTube channel, and if you haven't submitted a rating yet, we'd appreciate that as well. If you have news to share, as always, you can email me@braxtontomotiverepairnews.com thanks for listening.

Braxton Critcher [00:07:32]:
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