Episodes

  • MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers on 2025 and Why Shops Need to Prioritize ADAS
    Jan 31 2025

    Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE

    If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!


    Braxton Critcher, Chris Gardner, Jim Fish, Scott Brown, Drew Jablonowski, and Ryan Kooiman discuss 2025 technology training in the automotive repair aftermarket. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers has a new tech training hub, Jim says it's like an "Expedia for automotive training," making it easier for technicians to find and access the training they need. Scott talks about how many shops don't understand how to properly use their ADAS systems and that it's a hindrance to industry growth.

    00:00 ADAS Impact on Service Markets

    05:06 Navigating Training and ADAS Trends

    09:35 Auto Shops Unprepared for Modern Tech

    13:50 Training Essential for Service Awareness

    17:25 Importance of Proper Calibration Skills

    18:44 ADAS Training Challenges for Auto Shops

    22:03 Automotive Control Systems Focus

    26:59 Training Quality and Best Practices

    30:07 ADAS Training: Bridging Tech Gaps

    35:00 Salvage Cars and Safety Inspections

    39:20 Automotive Repair News Engagement

    40:29 "Share, Subscribe, Support"

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    43 mins
  • Trump Rolls Back EV Policies, and Subaru Starlink Hacked!
    Jan 29 2025

    Do you use a DVI at your shop? Is it certified? If not, get a free DVI certification today and take your shop to the next level! CLICK HERE!


    Here are a few of the top stories covered on today's show: President Donald Trump is rolling back electric vehicle policies, which could impact US automakers' ability to compete globally. Cybersecurity researcher Sam Curry discovered a major vulnerability in Subaru's Starlink system, allowing hackers to control vehicle functions remotely. Additionally, Sonic Tools USA announced the Sonic Impact Scholarship program, offering aspiring technicians professional toolkits and toolboxes through a competitive application process.

    See The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence's Partnership Program

    Apply for the Sonic Tools Scholarship Program

    Email mconnerly@connerlyandassociates.com to register for the CTDA Luncheon

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    9 mins
  • The Federal Trade Commission Punishes General Motors and more!
    Jan 22 2025

    Do you use a DVI at your shop? Is it certified? If not, get a free DVI certification today and take your shop to the next level! CLICK HERE!


    This episode of Automotive Repair News Today addresses the Federal Trade Commission's action against General Motors and OnStar for misleading data collection practices, resulting in a proposed settlement to protect consumer privacy. We also highlight the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation's call for nominations for its 2025 Humanitarian Award, aiming to honor significant community contributions.

    Want to request a story to be covered? email braxton@automotiverepairnews.com

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    8 mins
  • Will Trump's Second Term Hurt or Help the Automotive Industry?
    Jan 20 2025

    Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE

    If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE!


    Michael Smith is from The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence

    Today, there is a shift in leadership in the United States. But what other shifts may we see because of that one? How may it affect the automotive industry? Michael talks about the Trump administration and what he expects to see. He emphasizes that the long-standing "mom and pop" shop model may be coming to an end. Is that a good thing? Michael says that repair shop owners must adapt by either aligning with consolidation trends or stepping up their involvement in reshaping the automotive industry.

    00:00 Transitioning to New Industry

    05:04 Generational Shift in Industry Improvements

    08:37 "Value Lacking in Firms for Investment"

    11:52 Online Shift and Corporate Consolidation

    13:52 Automotive Market Shift to Free Market

    17:30 Adapting Mom-and-Pop Auto Shops

    20:06 Shifting Auto Industry Dynamics

    22:31 Return to Free Market Focus

    28:21 "Automotive Industry Perspectives"

    29:48 Tesla's Influence and Automotive Conflict

    33:30 Hope for Bipartisan Collaboration

    37:24 Branding for Community Service Providers

    38:46 Empowering Local Business Leadership

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    44 mins
  • Tesla's Smart Summon Feature Under Federal Investigation, LA Wildfires and more
    Jan 15 2025

    Do you use a DVI at your shop? Is it certified? If not, get a free DVI certification today and take your shop to the next level! CLICK HERE!


    Help those in need after the LA fires - CLICK HERE
    TOUCH HERE for more on Snap-On's 2025 lineup
    Nominate someone for the SEMA Hall of Fame HERE

    This episode covers significant updates in the automotive aftermarket industry. Key points include the surge in vehicle thefts facilitated by stolen aftermarket scan tools and the efforts by NASTIF to curb this trend with a new validation program. The upcoming Women in Auto Care conference is highlighted, focusing on networking, education, and raising scholarship funds. Additionally, Bosch's relaunch of its premium battery offerings with the S5 and S6 lines is discussed, promising longer lifespans and enhanced power for modern vehicles.

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    9 mins
  • Good News in Auto Repair - The Impact of Women in the Auto Repair Industry
    Jan 10 2025

    Thanks to AutoFix AutoShop Coaching for their support of this podcast. Get one-on-one personalized coaching with a free strategy call HERE

    Braxton Critcher and Elle Lawhead, from Women in Auto Care, discuss how women impact the automotive industry. Elle highlights the success of Women in Auto Care's scholarship program, which has awarded $425,000 to 81 women in the past year to attend trade school. Braxton emphasizes how increasing female participation brings diverse perspectives and improves the industry.

    00:00 Sharing positive stories to uplift the industry.

    04:57 Empowering women enhances the auto care industry.

    07:34 Pandemic impacted women's careers, but leadership increasing.

    10:49 Women in auto care offer scholarships and retain talent.

    16:44 Most didn't choose the auto industry but loved it.

    18:03 Supporting lifesavers through automotive pandemic efforts.

    23:39 Advice for uncertain career changers in the industry.

    26:56 Passion, learning, preparation, automotive industry opportunities available.

    30:03 Women in Auto Care conference, Atlanta: education, networking.

    34:05 Women in Auto Care: Social media and events presence.

    35:10 Women gaining influence in the automotive repair industry.

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    36 mins
  • Advance Auto Parts Closures and Robots Running a Distribution Center? The Latest Auto Repair Industry Headlines
    Jan 8 2025

    Do you use a DVI at your shop? Is it certified? If not, get a free DVI certification today and take your shop to the next level! CLICK HERE!


    Register for The Auto Care Associations Webinar of the Trump Administration's Tariffs and Trades

    Take the "Who Pays For What?" Survey

    Right to Repair - Report Your Issue Form

    Apply for the Federated Car Care Scholarship

    Advance Auto Parts plans to close over 700 stores by mid-2025 due to declining car part demand and miscalculated earnings. A survey reveals that over 60% of repair shops still don't bill for radar power tests. Finally, there's news about O'Reilly Auto Parts' new distribution center, which features advanced automation technology that has created more jobs.

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    10 mins
  • Tesla Cybertruck Sales Drop and Honda-Nissan Merger Delayed Until 2026
    Jan 1 2025

    File your Beneficial Ownership Report here

    In this episode of Automotive Repair News Today, key stories include the reinstatement of the January 13 deadline for small businesses to file beneficial ownership information reports, highlighting compliance criteria and detailed reporting requirements. Additionally, there's a focus on the waning interest in Tesla's Cybertruck, with resale times increasing and prices dropping. The episode also updates listeners on the potential merger between Honda and Nissan, aiming for a stronger electrification strategy amidst recent challenges.

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    7 mins