Automotive Repair News Today

Braxton Critcher [00:00:05]:
This is Automotive Repair News Today. I'm Braxton Critcher, here to cover the top stories from around the industry this week. Carlos Tavares has stepped down as CEO of Stellantis. This is more than a year before his planned 2026 retirement. The company has not disclosed an official reason, although sources are suggesting that internal disagreements over handling declining sales in the business, a key factor. Tavares favored cost cutting, but some board members pushed for long term strategies. John Elkin will lead an interim executive committee. As to Lantus searches for its new CEO, aiming to fill the position by mid-2025.

Braxton Critcher [00:00:49]:
Amazon is showing major growth in the auto parts market A new report from Lang Marketing highlights the fact that Millennials, who will generate the largest share of aftermarket sales through 2030, rank Amazon as their top brand, outpacing Apple and Google for auto parts. Lang predicts that Amazon's expansion into auto repair through online to offline services could reshape the repair industry. We'll keep tabs on that for you. In a direct appeal to President Elect Trump, SEMA asked for the incoming administration to reject electric vehicle mandates. The letter follows reports that major automakers are urging Trump to retain Biden era tailpipe emission rules, which effectively mandate electric vehicles. SEMA argues that these policies will limit consumer choice and stifle innovation, stating mandates destroy consumers freedom to choose and harm small businesses. SEMA supports Trump's campaign to pledge to end such mandates on day one and emphasizes the need for flexible solutions that balance emission goals without economic harm. Bosch is cutting up to 5,550 jobs across its global operations amid rising costs and overcapacity.

Braxton Critcher [00:02:15]:
The largest reductions will impact its computing solutions and electric motor divisions. Volkswagen, Ford and Mercedes Benz also plan to scale back operations leading to this decision from Bosch. US auto sales are projected to hit 1.31 million units in November, up from 6% last year, with a seasonably adjusted rate of 15.9 million units close to October's pace. Analysts at S and P Global Mobility credit rising inventories, year end promotions and easing interest rates for the boost. New vehicle inventory remains Strong, marking the second consecutive month above 3 million units since the pandemic. Discount Tire has unveiled upgrades to its Treadwell Research park in Pearsall, Texas. A state of the art tire testing and R and D center. Treadwell is an online tool providing tire recommendations based on vehicle type, driving habits and conditions.

Braxton Critcher [00:03:18]:
Recent enhancements include upgraded testing services, EV charging solutions and advanced equipment to simulate tire wear. Discount Tire tests hundreds of tires annually, offering independent insights to customers at its 1,200 stores nationwide. The National Auto Body Council held its 2024 board elections, re electing four members and welcoming three new leaders. Newly elected members include Ryan Downs of Crash Champions, Steve Fardellos of Saint Gobain and April Losch from Faulkner Collision. The NABC board will be in place for the next three years. Mako has named Frank Petrain as its new brand president. Petrain brings over 18 years of experience with driven brands, starting as a national account manager at Mako in 2006 and most recently serving as senior vice president of fleet programs. California governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state would fund EV rebates through its Greenhouse gas Reduction Fund to support clean air and green jobs.

Braxton Critcher [00:04:30]:
California's previous rebate program, which ended in 2023, helped fund nearly 600,000 vehicles and cut 4 million metric tons of emissions. Notably, the new state credits will exclude Tesla, aiming to boost competition among other automakers. SEMA is calling on its members to nominate industry leaders for the upcoming Board of Directors election. Open positions include Chair elect, three manufacturer seats and one manufacturer representative seat. Members are encouraged to submit nominations by January 6, 2025. That's January 6, and members should include details on their experience and achievements for each nomination. Learn more and nominate now by visiting the link in the podcast description. As always, if you have news to share or news that I need to know for an upcoming episode, we'd love to hear that from you when you email braxtonautomotiverepairnews.com that's braxton@autotiverepair news.com thanks for listening.

Braxton Critcher [00:05:45]:
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