Chris Weiss

Having access to OEM repair information at your finger tips is easy. If your shops not using RTS, let today be the day your shop starts. The I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) Portal team is committed to maintaining RTS as a crucial online resource for collision repairers. RTS focus is on bridging technical information knowledge gaps with timely and documented information. Learn more at rts.i-car.com.

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Here's a "back to the future" moment - look at where we all are in Electrification - with most/many full line OEM's able to work in this space. Volt was the first production range extended plug-in EV - essentially series hybrid. Called E-flex at the time , there was a fuel cell version in the original architecture as well as the possibility of other generators - SI ICE was the clear path to production. Definitely a large disrupter during a tough time for the industry. This program took EV-1 and the 2 mode hybrid beginnings to a new level. It brought to GM mainstream things like Li-ion battery and vertical full battery team & facilities, "modern" plug in /charging hardware, propulsion & RESS conditioning , CS/CD modes , umbrella curves , RESS durability , and other advances in the electrification space. Interesting read for sure.

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I got one rejection letter. In college I wanted to work in automotive aftermarket SO bad that I would spend hours pouring over photo galleries of race cars and modified cars noting every company and then looking them up to see if they might have an engineering group. I wrote letters to over a hundred of them looking for an internship. K&N Engineering was the only company to respond, saying they didn't have any internship positions. thank you, K&N. I started going door to door, shirt, tie, and resume in hand on days when I didn't have too much homework. at one company they told me they didn't need me but another company might. I went and knocked and I did a mini two week internship there. I was unpaid, but was authorized to keep all the CAD drawings I made in that time for a portfolio. I used that effectively to land the job after getting an interview with a man I met at a car show. One spring break we were staying with my in-laws in southern California and I spent a day driving all over Orange county knocking on doors. I had a great interview JE Pistons , and was tentatively offered a summer position by Chuck Johnson, PMP, CSM , though he left before I could capitalize. there's no replacement for hustle, but there's also no replacement for applying your brain to a smart search. College students, get yourselves out there. Make a plan, when that one doesn't work, adjust it or make a new one. Keep going. You aren't owed a job upon graduation, so be thoughtful, smart, and hunt for those opportunities.

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ICYMI: Our industry analysts and experts Kyle Krumlauf, Erik Bahnsen, and Tim Christ dissected the data from CCC's Q1 Crash Course report, answering audience questions on everything from ADAS impacts on total loss to technician training and complex vehicles, and offering insight into the biggest and most surprising trends. Watch the replay here: https://lnkd.in/e9fGqK-a #CrashCourse2024 #insurance #collisionrepair

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Addressing Lead Diversion by OEM Contracted SEM Companies Context: Taylor Automotive Group operates several dealerships, including Taylor Hyundai of Perrysburg, Taylor Hyundai of Toledo, Taylor Hyundai of Findlay, Taylor Kia of Lima, and Taylor Cadillac. The group has noticed issues with lead generation and conversion, where potential customers searching for their dealerships online are redirected to OEM-contracted SEM companies. Problem Taylor Automotive Group identified that basic keywords such as "KIA TOLEDO" or "KIA FINDLAY" were being hijacked by OEMs and their SEM companies, diverting leads away from the dealerships. The OEMs did not use negative keywords, benefiting financially from the diverted leads. While Hyundai OEM agreed to implement negative keywords, Kia OEM insisted they had no control over iMotors, despite evidence showing otherwise. Approach 1. Direct Negotiation with OEMs: Engaged with Hyundai OEM to successfully implement negative keywords, reducing lead diversion and associated costs. 2. Evidence Gathering: Compiled data demonstrating iMotors' control by Kia OEM, including lead flow patterns and financial reports. 3. Internal SEM Strategy Enhancement: • Keyword Optimization: Enhanced SEM campaigns with long-tail keywords and unique identifiers. • Negative Keyword Lists: Developed comprehensive negative keyword lists. • Geo-Targeting Adjustments: Fine-tuned geo-targeting settings. 4. Collaborative Dealer Network: Established a network with other dealerships to share best practices and strategies. Results Reduction in Lead Diversion: Decreased the number of leads diverted to OEM-contracted SEM companies. The implementation of negative keywords by Hyundai and optimized SEM strategies significantly improved lead acquisition for Taylor Hyundai dealerships. Cost Savings: Reduced lead acquisition costs, with savings reinvested into further optimizing digital marketing efforts. Increased Transparency and Control: Gained greater control over SEM campaigns and increased transparency in interactions with OEMs, leading to improved ROI on marketing spend. Strengthened Dealer Network: Fostered a collaborative network of dealerships, sharing knowledge and strategies to better navigate OEM-dealer relationships and digital marketing challenges. Conclusion Taylor Automotive Group’s proactive approach to addressing lead diversion through strategic negotiations, enhanced SEM tactics, and industry collaboration successfully mitigated the impact of OEM-contracted SEM companies. This optimization of their lead generation strategy underscores the importance of vigilance, negotiation, and innovation in overcoming industry challenges and achieving sustainable business growth. It is crucial for dealerships to take similar steps by asking their OEM digital teams to negate geo-oriented and basic keywords that customers use to search for their specific locations.

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An interesting perspective on the transition back to gas vehicles! 🚗⚡ This satirical post reminds us just how much EVs have shifted the standard for convenience, efficiency, and sustainability. It’s worth reflecting on how these advantages can shape future innovations in mobility. What’s your take on the journey between traditional and electric vehicles?

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MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers and Jason Stein sat down with Ambrose Conroy the CEO of Seraph. to talk about key operational issues facing automotive suppliers. One of the key takeaways I got from this is that no matter how transparent you think your supply chain is, you need to understand how even higher tariffs would impact your cost structure. Uncertainty is certain, and you must prepare for the uncertain. Great insights! https://lnkd.in/gZ8KycVY

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I think it is great that Honda has been able to get a fuel cell/Plug in vehicle into production, and welcome the continued exploration of this technology. This allows majority commuting miles to be wall charge electric only, while relying on Hydrogen's faster than battery fill capabilities for longer range driving. Hydrogen fuel availability is still a major challenge here and I was a little surprised that adding the fuel cell system while removing the ICE engine still resulted in a roughly 500lb increase compared to a comparable hybrid. The fuel itself is pretty light, but the systems around it still need some improvements to help weight/range. But overall great to see progress on this technology. #BEV #hydrogen https://lnkd.in/garawu3E

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Service Managers & Fixed Ops Directors - when you look at your projections for 2025, how many more technicians do you need to achieve your goals? What level of training do you need them to start at? Our current programs at Auto Diesel Institute of Michigan are ASE MAST & MTST accredited. I am considering adding an ASE MLR accredited program on both sides. (likely a 6 month program & still financial aide eligible) My thought process is - we get them trained on the basics and shop safety - we can get them into the dealerships faster and you can layer on your OEM training and certifications. What do you think?

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For all those automotive gearheads out there….this one is for you!! There are very few people that can say that they’ve designed and built their own V-12 engine without an automaker behind them. FEWER yet can say that they’ve used that engine to power a land-speed-record-holding car. #automotive #roadandtrack #landspeed

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In the shop today: Metal debris from internal engine parts collecting on this timing solenoid indicates significant engine damage is likely. Regular oil changes (in some cases, more often than the owner's manual recommends) help to prevent this kind of failure. :)

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Excited to share this Automotive News featured article! Some highlights: 🌟 TruVideo's origin story, and how Joe Shaker learned that video was the key to transparency and building trust with his customer base. 📖 How Warner Jones wrote a guide to help dealerships master shooting videos, improving utilization and quality. ⬆ Brands and dealerships that have implemented TruVideo have seen their customer satisfaction scores rise significantly. "When the techs are speaking directly to the customers, it builds a level of trust by the customer," Karl Schmidt said. "It goes back to the old principle of 'trusting my mechanic' because that mechanic explained in detail to the customer the condition of the vehicle. [Having the video plus the opportunity to talk to a service technician] is the Holy Grail of trust." Check out the article for yourself: https://lnkd.in/eeNaQsTT #automotivetech #autotech #trustandtransparency

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Check out my latest article on The Auto Committee below! I anticipate that my take on the future of V12 engines will be seen as controversial, but I remain bullish on the continued innovations and implementation of V12 engines in the performance vehicle market. Enthusiasts have been claiming the death of the V12 for over ten years now, but OEMs continue to invest, no matter how expensive or exclusive their products may be. What do you think? #V12 #Hybrids #TheAutoCommittee

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NEW ON THE BLOG: Behind every iconic vehicle lies a story rich with fascinating trivia. Before you step on the gas heading for work today, add something new to your treasure trove of random information with these ten exciting tidbits about historic cars that have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. Read more: https://buff.ly/3Yp0QLA #crashbay #automotive #marketplace #digitalmarketplace #carrepair

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Michigan's Senate Bill (SB) 867 can change the game for local auto repair shops. This bipartisan effort aims to simplify burdensome regulations, saving small businesses time and money. By allowing multi-facility registrations under a single number and extending registration renewals to every four years, SB 867 would reduce administrative headaches and financial strain. Read more: #ADAS #Calibrations

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Don't have time to read the article "Mounting auto industry layoffs in Michigan underscore rocky EV transition" from Crain's Detroit Business? Here's everything you should know summarized. - Despite significant automotive-related layoffs and shift cuts in Michigan, the state's economy remains robust, reflecting a curious dynamic amid industry upheaval. - Layoffs within Detroit's automotive sector are influenced by costly UAW contracts and sluggish electric vehicle (EV) sales, amidst a global EV competition led by China. - General Motors Co. and Stellantis NV have issued layoff notices affecting thousands of employees, citing delays in electric vehicle production and the need for workforce adjustments. - Ford Motor Co. has reduced shifts at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, impacting around 1,400 workers, despite overall growth in light vehicle sales. - Industry volatility is evident as automakers adjust staffing based on evolving demand signals, including transitioning to leaner operations and investing in hybrid facilities. - Michigan's labor market remains strong with historically low unemployment rates, yet layoffs occur due to skill mismatches and evolving workforce demands. - Despite a rise in light vehicle sales, EV adoption has slowed, leading to production adjustments and delays in EV assembly plants. - Auto parts manufacturers face challenges due to production delays and volume cuts, resulting in layoffs across the supply chain, although recent jobless claims have decreased. - Auto supplier layoffs, not fully reflected in unemployment data, indicate a trend of workers leaving the industry for opportunities with better wages and benefits, such as those offered by Amazon. - Overall, economic indicators such as increased light vehicle sales and job growth suggest stability, with layoffs driven more by workforce adjustments than financial difficulties.

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ATI AE 364 ⭐ CLEARPATH TMS: MEET THE TEAM Robust Auto Transport Business Platform Architects IF YOU MISSED IT: https://lnkd.in/gHDdMB3Z 4:50 Tesla EV Semi Crash requires 50,000 gallons of water. 6:55 Care by Volvo, vehicle subscriptions, are ending. 8:50 Volkswagen captive finance plans to refer auto loans to Wells Fargo. 9:37 German digital price tag tech maker eyes U.S. auto retail dealers. 11:30 MOSOLF EV emission-free auto transporters. 12:10 Zūm deploys nation's first electric school bus fleet in Oakland. 13:00 USPS launches new fleet of redesigned mail trucks. 15:30 Strawberry AI, level-2 reasoning, the next big breakthrough. 20:40 Aaron Korff, President, ClearPath TMS . 27:50 Building software for different types of users. 33:50 Keshia H., Ashley May, and Customer Success. 39:45 Collins Morley, Chief Software Architect. 44:57 Tearing Down Walls Between Engineering and Customers. 53:20 What does logistics AI in auto transport software look like? 1:04:25 Does anybody want to talk about Brokering? #automotive #autotransport #OEM #broker #carrier #software

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