Archive for July 2024
IIHS-HLDI research finds little evidence that partial automation prevents crashes
A new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) has cast doubt on the safety benefits of partial automation systems. Despite increasing popularity, these systems have shown little evidence of preventing collisions in older BMW and Nissan models. While crash avoidance features like automatic emergency braking…
Read MoreCollision Repair Industry Production Sets New Record in May
Collision repair production surged in May, surpassing previous records. Employment and hours worked both increased compared to April and May 2023. Total production hours reached a new high, though they have declined from peak levels seen in late 2022 and early 2023. While average weekly hours worked dipped slightly, wages for production employees rose compared…
Read MoreRepairify Announces Partnership with NAPA to Launch asTech Mechanical
Repairify, a leader in remote diagnostics for collision repair, and NAPA, a significant player in the aftermarket repair industry, have joined forces to launch asTech Mechanical. This new device allows repair shops to remotely connect to certified technicians’ original equipment (OE) tools. These technicians can then perform programming, calibrations, and vehicle health checks on a…
Read MoreElectric cars cost less than similar gas cars over 5 years
Are you thinking of going electric but worried about the cost? A recent J.D. Power study brings good news for potential EV buyers. Despite higher upfront prices, electric vehicles save money in the long run compared to gas-powered cars in nearly every U.S. state. Over five years, EV owners in 48 states come out ahead…
Read MoreUnderstanding ADAS Scanning Tools in Automotive Repair Shops
Summary Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become a cornerstone in modern vehicle safety and functionality. As the prevalence of ADAS in vehicles increases, the tools and technologies used to scan these systems pre- and post-repair are critical for ensuring safety and effectiveness. At CmySkills, we surveyed over 450,000 Instagram followers to understand the preferences…
Read MoreRepairify and Claim Genius Announce Strategic Partnership
Claim Genius and Repairify have joined forces to revolutionize the automotive claims process. By combining AI-powered photo estimating with diagnostic scanning and repair recommendations, the partnership offers a comprehensive, AI-driven solution for assessing vehicle damage and planning repairs. This integration drastically reduces the time needed for estimating and claims processing, from hours to minutes. Additionally,…
Read MoreFord abandons dealership EV program after months of indecisiveness
Ford’s electric vehicle (EV) dealership certification program has had a short and winding road. Introduced in December 2022 amidst a surge in EV demand, the program mandated dealerships to invest in training and charging infrastructure to qualify for selling EVs. This included requiring a certain number of charging stations, with an “elite” tier demanding even…
Read MoreTo understand where we’re at in the inflation cycle, consider the shortage of motor collision technicians.
By one estimate, there are about 100,000 open car repair positions right now. That means if you ding your vehicle, whether it’s a fender-bender or something worse, you’ll wait longer to get it fixed as the technician shortage chokes the ability of garages to accept new work. That in turn contributes to higher prices—and if the job is covered by…
Read MoreASA Urges Passage of Pro-Auto Repairer Bill in Michigan
The Automotive Service Association® (ASA) urges Michigan residents to contact their state legislators to support Senate Bill 867 to reduce regulatory burdens on independent automotive repair businesses. The bill would allow repair businesses with multiple facilities to operate under a single registration, provided the additional facilities meet specific criteria, such as being near the main…
Read MoreFederal review to focus on whether vehicle design changes could improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety
The Center for Audit Excellence (U.S. Government Accountability Office) (GAO) will conduct a review of U.S. vehicle safety design standards and their effects on the safety of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists, according to a press release from Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland). This decision follows a letter Raskin sent to the agency…
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