Breaking Boundaries: BMW’s CCRC Conference of the Americas sets vision for the future; expands parts restrictions to Canada
By Darryl Simmons Palm Springs, California — BMW Certified Collision Repair Centres (CCRC) conference, titled “Breaking Boundaries” recently wrapped up in Palm Springs, highlighting the network’s ongoing advancements and the collective drive towards excellence in automotive repair. The event was marked by insightful contributions from industry experts, including a notable presentation by renowned industry expert […]
OEM NEWS
TOYOTA MAKES A ‘MANAGEABLE’ MATTE Toyota has announced a special edition run of the Crown Crossover with a “Matte Metal” finish that the automaker claims is easier to maintain than other matte paints. The vehicle model originally debuted in Japan featuring an extra layer of protective coating aimed at making the matte finish more durable. […]
EV/AV Report: Kia, Hyundai EVs could get an airy new skirt; BMW adds eye-controlled lane changes in autonomous cars
Toronto, Ontario — In this weekly electric and autonomous vehicle report, Hyundai patents active air skirt technology to improve electric vehicle range and stability; while BMW tests eye-activated lane-changing technology in its Level 2 driver assistance systems. Dusting off drag Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have announced a patent application for Active Air Skirt […]
Bittersweet: Goodbyes: Six models that won’t be back in 2024
Toronto, Ontario — All things come to an end, whether we like it or not. This is no different when it comes to some of the most beloved car models on the roads. But—let us remember—that when one door closes, another one opens. Automakers may have scrapped some models from their lineup as the calendar […]
OEM NEWS
GETTING TECHNICAL asTech, has announced asTech Insights, a generative-AI product designed to enhance OEM compatible scans. According to Repairify’s media release: “through the power of AI, asTech Insights uses the results from an asTech OEM-Compatible pre-scan to automatically generate custom collision repair recommendations that are specific to the vehicle and identified DTC codes. All within […]
OEM NEWS
TOYOTA TOPS TESLA Overall customer satisfaction has grown among American car buyers, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). The ACSI Study—highlighting the overall satisfaction based on interviews with 8,941 customers, chosen at random between July 2022 and June 2023—noted that overall customer satisfaction with the automobile industry has improved following last year’s decline […]
OEM NEWS
CROSSED WIRES According to Plante Moran’s OEM-Supplier Working Relations Index (WRI) Study, there is “rising tension” between OEMs and suppliers, largely due to increased risk to short-term cost recovery issues, production scheduling and supply chain disruptions as the industry transitions to electric vehicles. “These are compounded by long-term strategic issues suppliers have, related to adequate […]
OEM NEWS
MIX ‘N’ MATCH Ford’s engineering department is working towards what could be a significant cost-cutting measure for the automaker, as a recent patent filing dug up by Ford Authority shows a design for a one-size-fits-all configurable frame for use on future vehicles. The patent design, which was filed in November 2022 and published in March, […]
OEM NEWS
GONE TOO SOON Tesla has been talking big about its in-house insurance platform recently, but some recent reporting from Reuters has found that far too many of the electric automaker’s vehicles are turning up as salvage prematurely. In a compilation of 120 Model Y vehicles found on salvage auction listings, Reuters found that a “vast […]
OEM NEWS
CRISIS COORDINATION Ford released an emergency response guide (ERG) in its recent OnTarget newsletter. The free document was distributed with the aim of equipping technicians with a deeper knowledge of the locations of various safety features, including airbags and sensors, as well as detailed procedures on how to safely approach and deactivate a damaged EV. […]
