Automotive Repair News Today

Braxton Critcher [00:00:05]:
You're listening to Automotive Repair News Today. I'm Braxton Critcher. President Donald Trump has begun rolling back electric vehicle policies. He has revoked a 2021 executive order targeting 50% EV sales by 2030 and is planning to end state level Zero Emission Vehicle rules and EV tax credits. However, these changes will face hurdles. Congress must approve any adjustments to the Inflation Reduction act and nine states are already set up to ban gas powered car sales by 2035. The US EV market has been growing though, with 1 in 12 new cars sold was an EV last year. Industry leaders warn that cutting EV subsidies could hinder US Automakers ability to compete with China, which dominates the global EV market.

Braxton Critcher [00:01:02]:
Automakers have already invested $33 billion in EV production, relying on subsidies to make EVs more accessible to Americans. We'll keep you posted on this. The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence has launched its Partnership Program, a program that will connect automotive professionals with top tier vendors through validation. This initiative ensures every vendor recommendation is thoroughly vetted for client satisfaction and oper excellence. Our mission is to support our clients with industry leading vendors that deliver measurable success, said COO Kent Bullard. With 21 partners so far, including autovitals, shopware and parts Tech, the program offers clients streamlined access to innovative solutions. Partnerships are reviewed bi annually to maintain the highest standards. Explore the full vendor list and learn more at the Institute's website or touch the link in the show notes.

Braxton Critcher [00:02:02]:
Cybersecurity researcher Sam Curry revealed a major vulnerability in Subaru's starlink system, allowing hackers to access owner data and control vehicle functions remotely. In a January 23 blog post, Curry detailed how he gained administrative access to nearly all Starlink equipped vehicles in the U.S. canada and Japan. Using just a license plate or VIN, Curry tracked vehicle locations and controlled features like locking and engine startup. The flaw was discovered in November of last year and was quickly patched after Curry alerted Subaru. A Subaru representative confirmed that no actual customer accounts were compromised. Currie also warned in his blog post that similar vulnerabilities exist in systems from other automakers, including Honda and Toyota. Sonic Tools USA has announced the Sonic Impact Scholarship program, offering 10 scholarships to aspiring technicians in automotive, aviation and manufacturing fields.

Braxton Critcher [00:03:08]:
Winners will receive professional toolkits and toolboxes. Five scholarships will be awarded in June of this year and five more in November. Applicants must submit proof of trade school enrollment, a recommendation letter, a short video and an essay on how they embody Sonic's pace values. Touch the link in the show notes for more repair PAL has partnered with Autolink to bring its Car Genius platform to Autolo customers. Cargenius connects vehicle owners with expert guidance from former technicians and access to Repair Pal's network of 3,800 certified repair shops. This partnership ensures Auto Link users have trusted support for all of their automotive repair needs. Tekmetric has named Lauren Langston as its new president and coo. Langston has experience in firms Cantata and mavenlink.

Braxton Critcher [00:04:07]:
At techmetric, she'll partner with CEO Sunny Patel to shore up operations and drive growth. Patel praised Langston's ability to turn ideas into results, saying her expertise will help Tekmetric provide auto repair shops with cutting edge solutions in an increasingly complex industry. At the 2025 Natashow in New Orleans, outgoing NADA chairman Gary Gilchrist called on new car dealers to go on the offensive against regulatory overreach in the OEM sales models. Reflecting on a shift in leadership under the Trump administration, Gilchrist expressed optimism about achieving sensible, workable and achievable emissions regulations and halting the FTC's controversial vehicle shopping rule. Gilchrist said that strengthening NADA's ties with state associations started the record high dealership Satisfaction scores in 2024. He wants that to continue in 2025, but stressed his opinion to work now on emissions regulations before the government forces its hand. The 12th annual California Tire Dealers association and 1-800-every rim New Year's luncheon will take place Thursday, January 30th at Stevens Steak and Seafood House in Commerce, California. Despite the ongoing regional tragedies and wildfires, CTDA leadership decided to move forward with the event, viewing it as an opportunity to come together and support fire victims, particularly those in the tire business.

Braxton Critcher [00:05:46]:
Donations of both financial support and essential goods will be accepted at the luncheon. The event will also feature a panel discussion on Right to Repair, moderated by Greg Smith of Modern Tire Dealer. The luncheon is free for CTDA members, with limited spots available for non members. Link in the show notes below for more Dominic Groat, president and CEO of Groat Industries, has been inducted into the Heavy Duty Aftermarket hall of Fame. He was awarded during the opening of Heavy Duty Aftermarket week in Grapevine, Texas on January 21st. Groat, also chairman of Memeid Aftermarket Suppliers, was recognized for his leadership and innovation in the heavy duty aftermarket industry. That's gonna do it for this week's episode of Automotive Repair News Today. Reach out for news that you think should be on next week's show when you email me@braxtonttomotiverepairnews.com I'm also looking for good news in auto repair stories.

Braxton Critcher [00:06:48]:
So if you know of someone making a difference in the automotive repair industry doing something outstanding for their community, I also want to know about that. So email me braxtontomotiverepairnews.com thanks for listening.

Braxton Critcher [00:07:07]:
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